VW closer than ever to WRC

[Simmi]

I thought this merited a thread all of its own.

There isn't anything on their website yet, but Autosport just dropped through my door and they have what I take to be a promising story about a possible VW entry into the WRC.

The jist is that Kris Nissen is "challenging" the WRC to improve and to convince them to enter. VW are to decide their motorsport future in March 2010 and it seems the options are a WRC assault for 2012 or to build a Race Touareg 3 and commit to the Dakar/Raids for the longterm. The point being they need to decide now what they are doing.

Interestingly Nissen says VW would like to see more manufacturers and a maximum of 12 events - but with a return to classic events. It seems the Monte is a key event for them so that needs to return.

He also says along with the rumoured Scirocco they might also go down the route of a Golf or a Polo for a possible WRC. They basically have 3 options for car choice.

Finally he says that Carlos Sainz is staying with the team and he could be very valuable as a tester and to help the team with his experience of rallying. So reading between the lines perhaps he could be a senior team member.


So VW have basically laid out their stall and said they want to enter the WRC - but certain things need to happen.
Do you think they will? Is there actually any benefit to building another Dakar challenger when you can only beat yourself? Will the FIA/ISC be able to bring back the Monte? etc...

[Josti]

Volkswagen has money and a strong base, they have every oppertunity to join.

They have been in Rally-Raid since 2005 (at least with the Touareg), and are defenitly on their peak at the moment. If they win Dakar next year, I see no valuable reason for them to continue long term. WRC would be a logical step for VW, they have a range of models to choose from and I think VW suits rallying more than any form of racing. Skoda could be the obstacle though, but Volkswagen did have a WRC program (albeit Group A only) when Audi was around (and maybe Skoda for IRC and VW for WRC, who knows).

In any case, I like their attitude towards WRC. 12 events max, including most of the classic events. I bet with their Rally-Raid experience they probably want the Safari Rally to fit in this picture. Monte should be back regardless.

[Tomi]

It seems the Monte is a key event for them so that needs to return.

good, then its up the autoclub to do the needed changes to get back.

[Buzz Lightyear]

good, then its up the autoclub to do the needed changes to get back.

Think you got that mixed up Toni. It's ISC/WRC that needs to change.

[Tomi]

Think you got that mixed up Toni. It's ISC/WRC that needs to change.

not so sure about that Bass, the reasons they are not in the wrc are more than just 1.

[Simmi]

Volkswagen has money and a strong base, they have every oppertunity to join.

They have been in Rally-Raid since 2005 (at least with the Touareg), and are defenitly on their peak at the moment. If they win Dakar next year, I see no valuable reason for them to continue long term.

This is what I think too about the Dakar. Although apparently they are committed to the event through 2011. It would be 2012 where they debut the new car - either WRC or Dakar. I really see no point in continuing to plough money into beating yourself in raids.

I think it is possible for the Monte to return. The ACM have made their point and will be allowed to run the kind of event they want. I'm sure they would prefer to ideally be back in the WRC on their terms.

2011 will have 3 manu's with Cit/Ford plus Prodrive's project. I'd like to see VAG allow Skoda and VW to compete together. That would be 5 manu's and a pretty tasty championship all of a sudden.

[Josti]

not so sure about that Bass, the reasons they are not in the wrc are more than just 1.

In any case, ACM benefited, while WRC did not.

[Tomi]

In any case, ACM benefited, while WRC did not.

thats true off course they did, but to save on drivers security is not so good thing i think.

[Buzz Lightyear]

thats true off course they did, but to save on drivers security is not so good thing i think.

if you are reffering to night stages tomy, then the fact that every stage is to be streamed live, they have alot more 'security' than most. I think ACM is ahead of the game, in that they know what drivers, spectators, sponsors, and its not an homogenized clover leaf format.

[jonkka]

Is this thread about Monte Carlo Rally or Volkswagen?