Official Young Guns (updated)

[eestlane]

If you are 18 and your racing againts the worlds best drivers than how is that not a talent?

[noel157]

I don't see much difference between Kruuda and Mickelsen when he was 18. Guy has talent. Time will tell.

[Nornbugger]

I don't see much difference between Kruuda and Mickelsen when he was 18. Guy has talent. Time will tell.

thainking the same myself, Mikkelsen was a rough diamond at 18, Latvala and Ostberg were too

[johunn]

In my opinion 18 is such a young age that anything can happen. Either a driver can take a calm approach and learn rally by rally and get better or go flat out, show some promising speed, crash a lot and lose confidence. The former can be said about Kruuda who has improved a lot. Is he as fast as Tänak? Maybe not, but considering his recent improvement I expect pretty great stuff from him next year. And about crashing and burning. Novikov was amazingly fast at times. However he lost a lot of confidence after all of these crashes. He's still very young though and if he can keep working towards better consistency then he can surprise us as well.

[Tomi]

Can not understand how it can be so difficult in Finland to get the necessary backing if you are not in the Timo Jouhki´s team. Rallying is still like a national sport in Finland, but if you do not have a rich manager it is almost impossible rise to the top.

I would not be too pessimistic, now when Jouhki has stopped looking for new drivers it leaves space for others.
Kimi Vatanen for instance seem to have what it takes, it just take some time to build a good network of sponsors that are ready to give the cash when needed, Ogier I dont think bring much money yet.

[leighton323]

Hello first time post guys
Their are four drivers that are destined for stardom
Ott Tanak, Craig Breen, Thierry Neuville and Hayden Paddon.

Tanak is easily the quickest there with Paddon being the most consistent.
Paddon I reckon would fit well being the number two driver at VW (not being a bias kiwi!) as he is a very consistent and reliable driver and has proven to be able to test and develop a car given time. Not sure whether he has been able to prove himself though. Breen and Neuville are still developing but should be at the pointy end of the WRC field I a few years (I hope!) Any thoughts??

[Hartusvuori]

^ Welcome! Or welcome as a contributing member as I see you've joined quite a while ago already.

Even if Paddon is PWRC champ and proofed quick in trad. N4 car, I'd hope and need to see him S2000 before talk about him fitting for VW number 2. VW seat should go for someone with reasonably more experience on all surfaces. Paddon for sure needs more experience, but I surely hope he would get chances to pull through a proper career.

Tänak has been discussed elsewhere. Stunnigly fast. Breen needs more time to gripe, but 2011 was as it should've been, a good progress for him. Perhaps next season we'll see some results too. Neuville is few years ahead of Breen, actually so far ahead they shouldn't be compared yet. Neuville is progressing in giant steps, and should get more WRC runs though I would hate to see him leave IRC.

But you forgot one certain Norwegian...

[rp]

That certain Norwegian is Volkswagen´s second or third driver and there is already one French and maybe also one Finn and one German, so no places anymore...

[mm1]

+1 about the Norvegian

[leighton323]

Yes of course mikkelsen, I first remember him as a 18 year old (correct me if I'm wrong) at wales GB in the Ford Focus after that spectaular crash. Also are Neuville's gravel skills up to scratch? Sorry being from NZ we don't hear much about the IRC other than the Internet and iRally, seems to be why I forgot about Mikkelson as well.