RACC Rally Catalunya 2018

[mknight]

Even more confused now.

Complete story from the talks around:
1. Ogier got an offer from Citroen after germany 2017 and Matton said he really wanted him
2. Supposedly the offer was not very high + no big commitment announced from manufacturer + Linda Jackson said in some interview that their focus was maximum PR for a given amount of money.
3. Ogier refused the offer, in his interview this year he says it was also about the team leadership (and manu commitment) and that he always had good relations with engineers. I read this as him saying he does not have best relations with Matton (which is perfectly understandable)

If Linda Jackson really wanted Ogier so much then she could have done any of the following:
a) put in more money in his salary
b) promise more resources for the team/development
c) kick Matton (this kind of happened, but seemingly a bit later)

=> Does not look like she really wanted him at that point


This year:
4. Meeke got kicked, in Budar's words as a "joint" decision with the leadership. (sounded very much like they forced him to do it)
5. Ogier joins and Linda Jackson gives massive praise to how important is it to have Ogier and good atmosphere in team in an interview just 50 mins ago.
=> Either Linda is just doing PR and it was mainly Budar's pressure that got Ogier (my opinion) or she changed her mind at some point.

[Rally Power]

Either Linda is just doing PR and it was mainly Budar's pressure that got Ogier (my opinion) or she changed her mind at some point.

We’ll probably never know, but it’s not hard to believe that the changes in Citroen Racing were taken by PSA overall boss, Carlos Tavares, and not by Mrs. Jackson. She always looked quite aligned with Matton and somehow it’s becoming clear that signing Ogier last year wasn’t really a priority, like it was then announced.

Quite a disappointment to see Tanak loosing the lead that way, but with so tricky conditions there’s certainly room for more surprises. Still believing the championship will be decided in Australia Rally last stage!