Kris Meeke

[Rallyper]

Didn't see the need to list it since I believe anyone remotely following WRC remembers. Mediocre to bad results are less remembered.

When he won in 2016 the rules were 2 days of cleaning for Ogier and co. So it is a bit hard to compare to more normal starting order rules.

He won in 2016 and was 3rd in 2014...

[ouvreur]

Considering the shock, I’m not sure replacing Breen is really a priority.

Most logical for me would be to ask Sordo to make the reminder of the season except Estonia and Finland (with no replacement) with some sort of gentlemen’s agreement with Toyota not entering a 3rd manufacturer car in these rallies (probably Katsuta). Would be the most classy way to manage it in my opinion.

If they really decide to find someone for these rallies, well, I would say Paddon who, in spite of being sacked and a very short stint with M-Sport, was always loyal to the brand, was there in these rallies last year and will do some fast gravel events thanks to ERC. But I’m not sure it’s really a gift or a curse for him. At least, it wouldn’t be totally performance-oriented choice.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but HMSG are the multi-million dollar motorsport arm of a multi-billion dollar corporation, whose main aim is beating Toyota to the manufacturers' championship.

There won't be a gentleman's agreement. There will be someone brought in to do the rallies that Sordo doesn't want to do / isn't so good at. There's no logic in asking for more from a driver like Sordo, who's not so motivated to do rallies he doesn't enjoy, when arguably his powers are waning even on ones he likes.

Paddon, Mikkelsen, Meeke, all the same names that were apparently in the frame at the end of 2022 will be in the frame again. I'd like to see someone like Lindholm or Rossel given a go on rallies that suit them (Finland / Estonia and Central Europe / Japan respectively) but it's not so likely I guess.

[becher]

I don't mean to sound harsh, but HMSG are the multi-million dollar motorsport arm of a multi-billion dollar corporation, whose main aim is beating Toyota to the manufacturers' championship.

There won't be a gentleman's agreement. There will be someone brought in to do the rallies that Sordo doesn't want to do / isn't so good at. There's no logic in asking for more from a driver like Sordo, who's not so motivated to do rallies he doesn't enjoy, when arguably his powers are waning even on ones he likes.

Paddon, Mikkelsen, Meeke, all the same names that were apparently in the frame at the end of 2022 will be in the frame again. I'd like to see someone like Lindholm or Rossel given a go on rallies that suit them (Finland / Estonia and Central Europe / Japan respectively) but it's not so likely I guess.

Exactly, it is completely normal to replace a driver in such an unfortunate incidence. Artificial out cry about this like it happened with Lauda in the 1976 F1 season is rather disgusting.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke's i20 with Breen tribute...

[brian013]

Sad to see a tribute had to happen to pull some cool designs.

[Norm75]

Two runs of shakedown stage, Kris just under 4 seconds faster than anyone else (first run quicker than the next best time)

[Jarek Z]

Two runs of shakedown stage, Kris just under 4 seconds faster than anyone else (first run quicker than the next best time)

Not a surprise. I think that if nothing unexpected happens, he shouldn't have problems with winning this rally.

[Jarek Z]

Sad to see a tribute had to happen to pull some cool designs.

This car looks good indeed:
https://ralli.ee/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/meeke2.jpg
https://ralli.ee/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/meeke3.jpg
https://ralli.ee/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/meeke4.jpg
https://images.autosport.pt/2023/04/kris-meeke.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS1 Meeke says he was nervous on his first European rally in 3 years and under
the circumstances but is determined to enjoy himself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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