[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[alleskids]

Can this discussion be moved to a sepperated treath? This has nothing to do with news or rumours. Except the rumour that Loeb is supposed to be the better rally driver, but that rumour is not news, it is old news :)

[Barreis]

:)

[danon]

Can this discussion be moved to a sepperated treath? This has nothing to do with news or rumours. Except the rumour that Loeb is supposed to be the better rally driver, but that rumour is not news, it is old news :)

QUOTE=alleskids... This has nothing to do with news or rumours. Except the rumour (rumour?!) that Loeb is supposed to be the better rally driver, but that rumour (make your mind - rumour or news?!) is not news, it is old news (it's not news at all, it is eyes-popping fact!)

[Hartusvuori]

Ford and Citroën teams and WRC top drivers have sent a letter to FIA rally commission to show their concern towards proposed one minute interval. All top drivers are opposed to the new rule.

Letter was written by Jarmo Lehtinen who represents drivers in the safety commision. Lehtinen and Mikko Hirvonen pointed out several things that have been discussed in this forum as well about the one minute running interval: dust issue, competetive issue if car behind caught the car in front and also the safety issue in cases of going off.

Lehtinen, interviewed by Finnish news agency STT, said that after the heavy crash in Finland this year, his first recollections after the crash starts around the time Petter Solberg passed them - which was four minutes after the crash. In case of car stopping upside down in a stage in a place with only few or no spactators, one minute interval can prove unnecessarily dangerous.

STT also interviewed Rally Finland's clerk of the course Kai Tarkiainen who didn't want to take a stand to one way or another at this time. The new rule would leave it to organizers whether to run cars with one or two minute intervals. Tarkiainen said that the dust won't be an issue in Finland, but caughting the car in front could be, when the stage is long and fast and if drivers starting one after another compete in different experience levels.

STT's story here on MTV3's site. Google translate (http://translate.google.fi/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2Farkistot%2Fralli%2F2010%2F09%2F119154 3).

[DonJippo]

Ford and Citroën teams and WRC top drivers have sent a letter to FIA rally commission to show their concern towards proposed one minute interval. All top drivers are opposed to the new rule.

Letter was written by Jarmo Lehtinen who represents drivers in the safety commision. Lehtinen and Mikko Hirvonen pointed out several things that have been discussed in this forum as well about the one minute running interval: dust issue, competetive issue if car behind caught the car in front and also the safety issue in cases of going off.

Lehtinen, interviewed by Finnish news agency STT, said that after the heavy crash in Finland this year, his first recollections after the crash starts around the time Petter Solberg passed them - which was four minutes after the crash. In case of car stopping upside down in a stage in a place with only few or no spactators, one minute interval can prove unnecessarily dangerous.

STT also interviewed Rally Finland's clerk of the course Kai Tarkiainen who didn't want to take a stand to one way or another at this time. The new rule would leave it to organizers whether to run cars with one or two minute intervals. Tarkiainen said that the dust won't be an issue in Finland, but caughting the car in front could be, when the stage is long and fast and if drivers starting one after another compete in different experience levels.

STT's story here on MTV3's site. Google translate (http://translate.google.fi/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2Farkistot%2Fralli%2F2010%2F09%2F119154 3).

Why hasn't Lehtinen and others been concerned about this earlier? Two minutes interval has been only for top drivers, rest have had one minute intervals and I don't remember Lehtinen or any other top driver been vocal about the issue before....

[Barreis]

Excuses..

[COD]

Why hasn't Lehtinen and others been concerned about this earlier? Two minutes interval has been only for top drivers, rest have had one minute intervals and I don't remember Lehtinen or any other top driver been vocal about the issue before....

It is the same with gravel crews and many more things. They were so concerned how dangerous it would be without them, but the FIA asked how can all the non factory drivers survive without them and then the drivers accepted (only in tarmac rallies now gravel crews still allowed)

[Barreis]

In national championships there's no 2 minutes gap so that's not dangerous?!

[MJW]

In autosport printed magazine (dont know if its on the .com version)published in UK today there is a story that Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's driver consultant considers the Kimi / Rallying experiment a failure. All the publicity is negative from the crashes and Kimi's public attitude. David Evans' editorial comment is against this and says that you only need to see the crowd around the Kimi service area to disprove this theory. Kimi linked to Monster Ford with Ken Block in the same story.

[ProRally]

......Kimi linked to Monster Ford with Ken Block in the same story.

Also rumors that Monster wants Kimi in a Mini.... sounds nice Kimi Mini :D

[AndyRAC]

In autosport printed magazine (dont know if its on the .com version)published in UK today there is a story that Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's driver consultant considers the Kimi / Rallying experiment a failure. All the publicity is negative from the crashes and Kimi's public attitude. David Evans' editorial comment is against this and says that you only need to see the crowd around the Kimi service area to disprove this theory. Kimi linked to Monster Ford with Ken Block in the same story.

I heard about that last week - they haven't got the publicity they were expecting. Not really a surprise to me. I wouldn't take too much notice of David Evans, he blows the trumpet of the WRC far too much for supposed 'neutral' journalist. Kimi may attract fans to his service area - but how many newspaper columns, magazine articles are reporting on him? Not that many I'd say. He makes news whenever he is linked to a return to F1, not his mishaps in WRC.

[Barreis]

WRC has bad attitude in last five years.. And from this year only MotorsTV and not Eurosport for free.. At least next year will be live stages..

[rallyfiend]

In autosport printed magazine (dont know if its on the .com version)published in UK today there is a story that Dr Helmut Marko, Red Bull's driver consultant considers the Kimi / Rallying experiment a failure. All the publicity is negative from the crashes and Kimi's public attitude. David Evans' editorial comment is against this and says that you only need to see the crowd around the Kimi service area to disprove this theory. Kimi linked to Monster Ford with Ken Block in the same story.

Gee, what a surprise that the one of the key parties in any possible contract negotiation would make a statement like this....

C'mon. Negotiation 101

[Pinto]

my oppinion on the monster Kimi tie up may be down to PR and wind up to red bull on monsters behalf,even do maybe Kimi going to mini and getting out of the public glare for a few months and concentrating on learning rallying even further would be no harm,

[jbmarcus21]

This week, Mikko Hirvonen has tested Rally de France with his Ford Focus Wrc .. Here my video : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/testdayshirvonenfrance10.htm

[Bobcat]

Also rumors that Monster wants Kimi in a Mini...It's rubbish.

[GigiGalliNo1]

It's rubbish.

Of course it's rubbish! It would be like Loeb would completely change teams because he is asked by a sponsor like Monster to change. It's Red Bull all the way! Clowns.

[ProRally]

Of course it's rubbish! It would be like Loeb would completely change teams because he is asked by a sponsor like Monster to change. It's Red Bull all the way! Clowns.

THIS TREAD IS News AND RUMORS.....

Red Bull is not amused with Kimi result this year.... time will tell.

Same rubbish then Gigi Galli making it back to WRC :D :D :D

[Simmi]

This week, Mikko Hirvonen has tested Rally de France with his Ford Focus Wrc .. Here my video : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/testdayshirvonenfrance10.htm

I'm amazed Ford are still bothering to be honest.

[Karukera]

I'm amazed Ford are still bothering to be honest.

For the sake of Latvala's 3rd position in the standings. :s tare:

There is going to be a fantastic fight between the citroën drivers for the win. Sordo, Ogier, Loeb and Solberg all have a realistic chance for victory. VERY EXCITING.

:D

[Karukera]

There is going to be a fantastic fight between the citroën drivers for the win. Sordo, Ogier, Loeb and Solberg all have a realistic chance for victory. VERY EXCITING.

:D

Don't think so :)

There's going to be team orders so ol' soon retired Seb can clinch the crown.

Want a battle down to the wire ? wait for Spain.

[Bobcat]

http://wrc.com/news/raikkonen-weighs-up-2011-options/?fid=13678

[alexlake]

Don't think so :)

There's going to be team orders so ol' soon retired Seb can clinch the crown.

Want a battle down to the wire ? wait for Spain.

cool, cause im going to spain. but do agree, loeb will win, with a little help of orders

[morganmilan]

Hänninen is 2010 IRC champion. Kopecky has no chances because it looks like Skoda won´t run neither Scotland nor Cyprus

[Motorsportfun]

Hänninen is 2010 IRC champion. Kopecky has no chances because it looks like Skoda won´t run neither Scotland nor Cyprus

Maybe they'll go to Cyprus, because there is also the Golden Stage Rally with big prizes. :D

[garais22]

Last round or Latvia rally championship
Rally winner - Ivars Vasaraudzis (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC)
3rd place - Tony Gardemeister http://www.rallyemotions.lv/wp-content/gallery/rally-latvija-2010/img_4165.jpg who in the last two stages struggle with technical problems
18th place - Tom Cave /Craig Parry (Mitsubishi EVO X)
hhttp://www.autosports.lv/autosports.lv/Rallijs/Pages/Rallijs_%22Latvija_2010%22.html#27 (http://www.autosports.lv/autosports.lv/Rallijs/Pages/Rallijs_%22Latvija_2010%22.html#26) (technical problems too)

Rally results here: http://autorally.lv/2010/?pid=7&lng=lv&id=10&comp=1&ss=9

Pictures and video can be found here: http://www.4rati.lv/forums/viewtopic.php?t=871

[morganmilan]

Last round or Latvia rally championship
Rally winner - Ivars Vasaraudzis (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC)
3rd place - Tony Gardemeister http://www.rallyemotions.lv/wp-content/gallery/rally-latvija-2010/img_4165.jpg who in the last two stages struggle with technical problems
18th place - Tom Cave /Craig Parry (Mitsubishi EVO X)
hhttp://www.autosports.lv/autosports.lv/Rallijs/Pages/Rallijs_%22Latvija_2010%22.html#27 (http://www.autosports.lv/autosports.lv/Rallijs/Pages/Rallijs_%22Latvija_2010%22.html#26) (technical problems too)

Rally results here: http://autorally.lv/2010/?pid=7&lng=lv&id=10&comp=1&ss=9

Pictures and video can be found here: http://www.4rati.lv/forums/viewtopic.php?t=871
Who is then latvian champion this year?

[garais22]

Who is then latvian champion this year?
A+ class - Vasaraudzis/Spredzis (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC)
N4 class - first time in career - Last year PWRC competitor Andis Neiksans / Peteris Dzirkals (Mitsubishi Evo IX). http://neiksans.lv/files/%5Bf78f3942ab698ce70b9781df8232b04e%5D16.jpg
This ir brothers Neiksans team web site http://www.neiksans.lv/?galerijas&id=159 (http://www.neiksans.lv/?galerijas)

[morganmilan]

A+ class - Vasaraudzis/Spredzis (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC)
N4 class - first time in career - Last year PWRC competitor Andis Neiksans / Peteris Dzirkals (Mitsubishi Evo IX). http://neiksans.lv/files/%5Bf78f3942ab698ce70b9781df8232b04e%5D16.jpg
This ir brothers Neiksans team web site http://www.neiksans.lv/?galerijas&id=159 (http://www.neiksans.lv/?galerijas)
Ok, thnx a lot :)

[6789]

My Dad saw on Australian news that the location for Rally Australia may be changed to Coffs Harbour. Which would be an awesome location!

[Motorsportfun]

^^

Source?

[PLuto]

I think that source is his dad :D

[dimviii]

:dozey:

[MJW]

Check Gerard Quinn's Twitter....some tantalising info almost leaked there.

[br21]

mobile servicing next year in wrc?

[MJW]

Also says things like minimum of 400kms max 800kms. Dont know when this is planned for. Gerard concerned over costs, any gains made by cheaper wrc cars will be lost. I am wondering if this is all linked to the much rumoured R classes?

[AndyRAC]

Also says things like minimum of 400kms max 800kms. Dont know when this is planned for. Gerard concerned over costs, any gains made by cheaper wrc cars will be lost. I am wondering if this is all linked to the much rumoured R classes?

Still not that cheap though - £340,000 for a SuperProduction Mini is not cheap! The most expensive cost is still the cars!! When will they learn?
We have a chance here for a new start for the WRC, regarding more expansive routes, night stages, etc Don't let the opportunity go.

[Mirek]

The most expensive is development, testing and logistics. To build let's say 4 cars isn't that much in team season budget.

[Julle69]

Finnish media is telling today that Marcus Grönholm is seriously considering to make come back to WRC. He was happy and positively surprised the performance of mini in tests he drove last week. Now he should make a decision whether to come back or not. Prodrive has made several options from fully season to just a test driver.

"If I make a come back it's not a question of money. It's because I love rallying and because I want be part of the new and interesting project" says Grönholm

[grugsticles]

Finnish media is telling today that Marcus Grönholm is seriously considering to make come back to WRC. He was happy and positively surprised the performance of mini in tests he drove last week. Now he should make a decision whether to come back or not. Prodrive has made several options from fully season to just a test driver.

"If I make a come back it's not a question of money. It's because I love rallying and because I want be part of the new and interesting project" says Grönholm
I love the attitude more than the news itself!
C'mon Bosse, come home :)

[Barreis]

It will be the same with Loeb after two years if he will retire next year..

[N.O.T]

Gronholm is going to be a nice addition to the championship and for sure a good standard for other mini drivers to compare with.

[noel157]

Bosse was supposed to have made a decision with DR last Thursday. I expect we shall hear at the Paris Salon at the weekend or early next week.

[Hartusvuori]

Finnish media is telling today that Marcus Grönholm is seriously considering to make come back to WRC. He was happy and positively surprised the performance of mini in tests he drove last week. Now he should make a decision whether to come back or not. Prodrive has made several options from fully season to just a test driver.

"If I make a come back it's not a question of money. It's because I love rallying and because I want be part of the new and interesting project" says Grönholm

They are quoting this Autosport article from last Friday.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/86904

It'd be nice to have Marcus back. He always brings some extra to the rallies with his presence, especially now after his "official" retirement. Nothing wrong with that. I hope Loeb will do same kind of one-offs once he retire, though highly doubt it. Like Marcus says, it's for the love of the sport, so hard to fight against it.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Chris Meeke official MINI WRC Driver...

http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/09/paris-show-mini-unveils-countryman-wrc.html

unless someone else has posted the news I haven't seen.

[Mirek]

Renault Mégane R.S. N4: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xf08io_megane-r-s-n4_auto

[Sulland]

]Renault Mégane R.S. N4: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xf08io_megane-r-s-n4_auto

Has the master of front wheel drive been part of developing this one ?

[Leon]

Did anyone notice the new Audi Quattro at the recent Paris Motoshow?

This new car reminds me of the Group S quattro that was supposed to be used before the group B ban.

Anybody knows if there is more to it than just a new model?

[Sulland]

Here we go again: http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/todt_looks_to_spread_wrc_wings/

[DonJippo]

Here we go again: http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/todt_looks_to_spread_wrc_wings/

Looks like Mr Todt has started his campaign for the next FIA presidential election ... :dozey:

[Zico]

Is it just me.. or is the Mini clubman, the wrong model of car for the job? It's hideous! What are the aero or torsional rigidity benefits vs marketing that make it the model of choice for the group?

[Josti]

Here we go again: http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/todt_looks_to_spread_wrc_wings/

I like his idea of a 12 event calender with longer rallies (13 or 14 would be fine too), but a rally like Finland should always be a sprint event so the current format works fine imo.

A world championship rally in China again makes most sense to me.

[Zeakiwi]

Todt endorses adventure. I think that the longer rallies are best left to the Baja, Cross Country and Transworld Events people.

A Safari wrc car was engineering project additional to the standard wrc car.

Perhaps longer stages or events that did not repeat loop stages would be better for some WRC events ? The cars would only need a larger fuel tank.

[AndyRAC]

I like his idea of a 12 event calender with longer rallies (13 or 14 would be fine too), but a rally like Finland should always be a sprint event so the current format works fine imo.

A world championship rally in China again makes most sense to me.

I too think that 12 events is about right. Yes, WRC needs new markets, but it needs to walk before it can run. I would imagine that rotation would be needed, have no problem with that, provided that certain events always run, I;e Finland. A mix of sprint, endurance events is what is needed. So we have a mix of 2, 3, 4 day events – all different. At the moment they’re all the same – not good!!

[Barreis]

They're bull****ing all the time.. I don't know what is the function of Morrie Chandler?! And WRC is not popular as F1 so no need for more WRC rallies.. Then new manufacturers will maybe come..

[Motorsportfun]

I too think that 12 events is about right. Yes, WRC needs new markets, but it needs to walk before it can run. I would imagine that rotation would be needed, have no problem with that, provided that certain events always run, I;e Finland. A mix of sprint, endurance events is what is needed. So we have a mix of 2, 3, 4 day events – all different. At the moment they’re all the same – not good!!

Finland was a 2-day event.

IMHO the WRC is going in the right direction, mixed events like Spain or Turkey with huge crowds (Turkey in Istanbul, 5th biggest city in the world) was awesome. Also Alsace was a big (positive) surprise. I expected much Loeb-fans, but didn't expect that amount of people in all the stages.

My ideal season would be based on 14 events (12 are not enough for a proper world calendar, but 16 like some years ago were too much):

SWEDEN (with stages in Norway)
MEXICO (or USA, like Simon Long told me... they're under negotiations)
ARGENTINA
PORTUGAL
TURKEY
ITALY (start in Rome, stages all over Sardinia, like IRC 2010)
GREECE
FINLAND
GERMANY
JAPAN
CHINA or INDIA (no both)
FRANCE-ALSACE
SPAIN
WALES GB

[6789]

Finland was a 2-day event.

IMHO the WRC is going in the right direction, mixed events like Spain or Turkey with huge crowds (Turkey in Istanbul, 5th biggest city in the world) was awesome. Also Alsace was a big (positive) surprise. I expected much Loeb-fans, but didn't expect that amount of people in all the stages.

My ideal season would be based on 14 events (12 are not enough for a proper world calendar, but 16 like some years ago were too much):

SWEDEN (with stages in Norway)
MEXICO (or USA, like Simon Long told me... they're under negotiations)
ARGENTINA
PORTUGAL
TURKEY
ITALY (start in Rome, stages all over Sardinia, like IRC 2010)
GREECE
FINLAND
GERMANY
JAPAN
CHINA or INDIA (no both)
FRANCE-ALSACE
SPAIN
WALES GB

No Aus or NZ :(

[mm1]

AUS or NZ is a must (especialy the later one)

[sal]

Citroen are apparantley refusing to sell Solberg a DS3 unless he signs a long term deal as they think he will bugger off and tell another manufacturer all their secrets! Ford are just as bad however as they wont sell any Fiesta WRCs until 2012 at the earliest as they think their secrets will get out...

[DonJippo]

Citroen are apparantley refusing to sell Solberg a DS3 unless he signs a long term deal as they think he will bugger off and tell another manufacturer all their secrets! Ford are just as bad however as they wont sell any Fiesta WRCs until 2012 at the earliest as they think their secrets will get out...

He can always call Prodrive, they are selling Mini's ...

[sal]

DR will sell anything to anybody!

[Motorsportfun]

AUS or NZ is a must (especialy the later one)

In global terms NZ hasn't a huge interest by sponsors... :(

[Roy]

Duval in a subaru WRC at rally catalunya

http://www.rallyracc.com/2010/descargas/inscritos.pdf

[PLuto]

He will not start there

[L5->R5/CR]

My perfect schedule for the WRC:

Sweden/Norway (I want Swedish history but if they can't find a way to make it a proper snow rally Norway has been fantastic)
Ireland (winter tarmac!)
North America
Portugal
Italy
Argentina
Turkey

Break

New Zealand/Australia
Finland
Germany/France
Japan
Spain
China/Indonesia
Wales

Start the last weekend in January and finish the first weekend in December.

I would rotate in Greece, Bulgaria, France and possibly a fourth at some point.

[muscrae]

Finland was a 2-day event.

IMHO the WRC is going in the right direction, mixed events like Spain or Turkey with huge crowds (Turkey in Istanbul, 5th biggest city in the world) was awesome. Also Alsace was a big (positive) surprise. I expected much Loeb-fans, but didn't expect that amount of people in all the stages.

My ideal season would be based on 14 events (12 are not enough for a proper world calendar, but 16 like some years ago were too much):

SWEDEN (with stages in Norway)
MEXICO (or USA, like Simon Long told me... they're under negotiations)
ARGENTINA
PORTUGAL
TURKEY
ITALY (start in Rome, stages all over Sardinia, like IRC 2010)
GREECE
FINLAND
GERMANY
JAPAN
CHINA or INDIA (no both)
FRANCE-ALSACE
SPAIN
WALES GB

Nice to read that... :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Indonesia probably not as a 'world' scale event and terrorism threats

China would be good but a good African event would be nice to go to!!!

[6789]

Indonesia probably not as a 'world' scale event and terrorism threats

China would be good but a good African event would be nice to go to!!!
Yeah there's not much pint of Indonesian round, risk of terrorism is pretty high and there isn;t much of a car market. So that argument is muted too.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Proton but yes that's true. They do have their share of APRC.

[alleskids]

Marcus Gronholm will make his rally raid debut in the Oilibya Rally of Morocco, (17-22 october) with a BMW X3cc of team X-Raid. His navigtor will be the very experienced Frenchman Michel Perin. Perin was the navigator of Carlos Sainz in 2009, when they were the verge of winning Dakar rally, before crashing a few days before the finish.
I hope Bosse likes sand.. a lot of sand :)

[Barreis]

Amateurs..
http://dlvr.it/6pMjc

[bowler]

Amateurs..
http://dlvr.it/6pMjc

can you explain your comment?

I don't know either of these guys, but they appear to have been paid for their work, so they are not amateur by definition.

What do you know that makes you suggest that they are not good at their job, which is what I assume you mean?

[Barreis]

It's about NorthOne.. They don't promote WRC good enough..

[Motorsportfun]

They signed lots of contracts (One HD, HD Theatre, Viasat, Rai Sport here in Italy, etc.), they'll broadcast ALL 2011 EVENTS LIVE, probably in Native HD (for HD we have to wait Sportel 2010 in Monaco), and it's not enough?

They worked with the FIA to come to clear regulations. They called for a stability of the various rallies on the calendar, and they signed various contracts with organizers. They are arranging a better junior series, with WRC Academy, they put various sponsors into the series...

What can they do to convince you?

[Barreis]

Compare it with F1.. They're trash.. No more Eurosport and I have to download every wrc event from web.. The only good thing is live show from 2011 and only after they saw how much audience attract Eurosport IRC show.. Otherwise we should wait for that another 20 years.. Ugly NorthOne..

[Tomi]

Compare it with F1.. They're trash.. No more Eurosport and I have to download every wrc event from web.. The only good thing is live show from 2011 and only after they saw how much audience attract Eurosport IRC show.. Otherwise we should wait for that another 20 years.. Ugly NorthOne..

dont you think its the brodcasting companies from your own country that are to blame, if they dont show WRC ?

[Barreis]

They're not intersted in wrc sport and who's guilty? PROMOTORS. We had Eurosport until last year and now-music over. Tomi, you should only for once be on my side! :D

[Tomi]

They're not intersted in wrc sport and who's guilty? PROMOTORS. We had Eurosport until last year and now-music over. Tomi, you should only for once be on my side! :D

The reason Eurosport dont show is because they are broke nothing else, they have lost many other motorsport series as well, not only WRC, I think its up to your national tv companies to show, no one else.

[Barreis]

Well, then I'll still have to download it.. For live show only on web if it'll be some link..

[Allar]

Mads Ostberg will do full season in WRC next year. Atleast this what he said after Saaremaa rally this weekend. Maybe it was SWRC idk.
Ott Tänak fill drive Fiesta s2000 next year in SWRC. He will fight for the title!

[jbmarcus21]

Mads Ostberg will do full season in WRC next year. Atleast this what he said after Saaremaa rally this weekend.
Ott Tänak fill drive Fiesta s2000 next year in SWRC. He will fight for the title!

which car he will drive ?

I think, he will drive Mini Wrc ? .. Mini Adapta Team not ?

[ProRally]

which car he will drive ?

I think, he will drive Mini Wrc ? .. Mini Adapta Team not ?

Don't think so, Mini won't be ready at start of season.... but maybe they bring homologation forward.

[Bobcat]

which car he will drive ?

I think, he will drive Mini Wrc ? .. Mini Adapta Team not ?
Try a Fiesta!?

[Mirek]

Don't think so, Mini won't be ready at start of season.... but maybe they bring homologation forward.

David Richards said on Totalrally radio that planned date for homologation is 1st March but some delay is possible. I don't think it will be sooner.

[Barreis]

Where's Mirek Fritz?

[jbmarcus21]

Don't think so, Mini won't be ready at start of season.... but maybe they bring homologation forward.

oh yes ;) .. i forgot this ;) ...

[Mirek]

Organizers of Rally Bohemia officially introduced their aim to run WRC event in 2015. Current leadership, same with people who run Rallycross European Championship race in Sosnová, is very ambitious and I believe that they will get there, especially if their main sponsor Škoda enters WRC in 2012...

[dimviii]

Organizers of Rally Bohemia officially introduced their aim to run WRC event in 2015. Current leadership, same with people who run Rallycross European Championship race in Sosnová, is very ambitious and I believe that they will get there, especially if their main sponsor Škoda enters WRC in 2012...

Czechs deserves to be in wrc calendar for many reasons. ;)

[morganmilan]

Organizers of Rally Bohemia officially introduced their aim to run WRC event in 2015. Current leadership, same with people who run Rallycross European Championship race in Sosnová, is very ambitious and I believe that they will get there, especially if their main sponsor Škoda enters WRC in 2012...
Interesting news...but, why Bohemia and not Barum? I thought Barum has more experience at high level international rallying

[Josti]

While Czech Republic would be a fair addition, it might get a bit too central European on the calender (Alsace, Deutschland, maybe Poland again). But they have Skoda, so could be a good argument.

[Mirek]

Interesting news...but, why Bohemia and not Barum? I thought Barum has more experience at high level international rallying

Those are completely different teams of people ;) While Barum has perfect organization which in the moment is for sure the best in Czech Republic, Bohemia has other advantages like Škoda as main sponsor, more money, better infrastructure around (especially motorway Prague-Liberec as traffic axis of the event) or much more possible stages (different character, less bumpy, more twisty).

[urabus-denoS2000]

It will be funny to when the WRC Czech Republic will actually be the 2nd best Czech Rally of 2015 ;)

[Hartusvuori]

Czech definitely deserves a round of WRC, though five years is a long time to wait. And though I know only little about Bohemia Rally, I know that it still is a characteristic Czech event and would give real challenge to WRC drivers, and if Barum stays the way it is, it'd leave Czech fans with two high profile events. It'd be a win-win situation, right? But in five years a lot of things change. Thumbs up!

[WRCfan]

Agree that Czech deserves a round of WRC. Such a large fanbase, good roads, and let's face it, most of the ex-WRC machines are within the Czech championship. They have my vote for sure!

[Tomi]

Organizers of Rally Bohemia officially introduced their aim to run WRC event in 2015. Current leadership, same with people who run Rallycross European Championship race in Sosnová, is very ambitious and I believe that they will get there, especially if their main sponsor Škoda enters WRC in 2012...

Sounds good, especially when a rally has a strong sponsor its possible to build something that last longer than a fart in the wind, such some of the newer rallies has been. If Škoda enters maybe some Czech gets a driver seat as well.
Personally I would not mind if they would drop some of the North African rallies in favor for the Bohemian round, the fan base is such big there in Czech.

[morganmilan]

Sounds good, especially when a rally has a strong sponsor its possible to build something that last longer than a fart in the wind, such some of the newer rallies has been. If Škoda enters maybe some Czech gets a driver seat as well.
Personally I would not mind if they would drop some of the North African rallies in favor for the Bohemian round, the fan base is such big there in Czech.
"the north african rallyes"?? :confused:

[Tomi]

"the north african rallyes"?? :confused:

Sorry, Mediterranean area I mean, that area has too many events.

[Barreis]

No RedBull for Kimi in 2011..
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/raikkonen-red-bull-2011/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[GigiGalliNo1]

Monster!

[Barreis]

Kimi, go to F1 and be a champ..

[Motorsportfun]

No RedBull for Kimi in 2011..
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/raikkonen-red-bull-2011/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Of course...

...he's going to Monster, while Red Bull to Mini. ;)

[Barreis]

Look at this..
http://twitter.com/#!/paddocknews/status/27468048084

[urabus-denoS2000]

Agree that Czech deserves a round of WRC. Such a large fanbase, good roads, and let's face it, most of the ex-WRC machines are within the Czech championship. They have my vote for sure!


Actually there are no ex-works cars other than Škoda in Czech Republic ;)

But I agree , the Czechs are alongside Finns the craziest rally nation in the world ;)

[Barreis]

Megane N4..
http://bit.ly/bbos07

[Mirek]

It's interesting that besides Manu Guigou, also 2009 French champion Guillaume Canivenq was driving during the test.

[jbmarcus21]

Marcus Gronholm will make his rally raid debut in the Oilibya Rally of Morocco, (17-22 october) with a BMW X3cc of team X-Raid. His navigtor will be the very experienced Frenchman Michel Perin. Perin was the navigator of Carlos Sainz in 2009, when they were the verge of winning Dakar rally, before crashing a few days before the finish.
I hope Bosse likes sand.. a lot of sand :)

Marcus will not participate to Oilibya ;) .. And Perrin codrive Guerlain Chicherit ;)

[Barreis]

THE BEST thing that can happen to Mini WRC project is great Gronholm behind a wheel in first season..

[SubaruNorway]

Marcus will not participate to Oilibya ;) .. And Perrin codrive Guerlain Chicherit ;)

I heard he's doing a Impreza show at the "Broom festival" with Østberg in Norway this weekend.

[jbmarcus21]

i dont know...... ;)

[Barreis]

Can somebody say why is thread about fiesta wrc closed?! Unbelieveble.. This kinda democracy is not seen even in Croatia..

[Juha_Koo]

Can somebody say why is thread about fiesta wrc closed?! Unbelieveble.. This kinda democracy is not seen even in Croatia..

I was very surprised too. Daniel said there that he had reported the thread to the moderators. They have seen it appropriate to lock it (for reasons I really don't know, the discussion was IMHO good quality without any dirty stuff...).

I'd like to quote Voltaire here for you Barreis. "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." ;)

(This was not an attack towards the moderators, I've been around several guys who moderate different kinds of forums and I can totally understand the problematics involved. So far this is one of the best forums moderatingwise where I've been around. :up: )

[Barreis]

Thanks Juha_Koo.. ;)

I was surprised too. I guess the moderator was afraid it would get out of hand. Pity because conversation was nice. :(

[noel157]

Conversation was very good but the best thing was that we, or at least I, was learning about another aspect of the sport - how some managers work. Sad really, did not see anything too controversial about it.

[Barreis]

Please, moderator, open again that thread.. :)

[Josti]

Yes, it's not the F1 forum overhere! We're actually all loving people. :p

Maybe it got a bit too off-topic like we're doing right now. In any case, it was a harmless discussion.

[mm1]

I saw nothing offending there, maybe it should have been moved, but surely not closed.

[Frozzy]

probably because the conversation was way off topic instead of talking about the new fiesta we ended up having a debate about paying drivers and managers and things

[bluuford]

Maybe they closed the thread because it was quite far from Fiesta WRC :-)
Hopefully this topic is not going have the same fate ;-)

[PLuto]

Photos from test of Skoda Fabia R2 on gravel - http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=46&p=43152#p43151

[PLuto]

And also two small videos on same address - http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=46&p=43154#p43153

[Juha_Koo]

Petter Solberg's 20-year-old long-time friend and son of his mechanic has been stabbed to death in Norway.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/motor/rally/article7987884.ab

[OldF]

From Jarmo’s corner

Maybe finally changes in FIA?

“The FIA has a very complex organization. Even newly elected President, Jean Todt put the blocks of the new order, and I think has done a good job. Already taustansakin (background) rally on behalf of a friend has brought the World Rally Championship revitalize one primääritavoitteistaan (primary goal).

International union is intended to be more transparent and more efficient body. In early November decided to get organizations and about who they are included. Today's employment situation is like politics in our country approaching parliamentary elections, all things tend to shift the post-election decision intervals, and existing organizations involved in the people are wary of doing anything special, because elections are so close.”

http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/sisapiirinews/2010/sisapiirinuutiskirje1210/jarmoscorner/default.html

[Tom206wrc]

Petter Solberg's 20-year-old long-time friend and son of his mechanic has been stabbed to death in Norway.

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/motor/rally/article7987884.ab


:eek:

R.I.P. ;(

Death to the killer :mad:

[millbrook]

Does anyone know which events will be on the calendar of SWRC, PWRC, Rally Academy?

[Hartusvuori]

One of Mikko Hirvonen's personal sponsors' Ponsse's chairman of the board and former CEO, Einari Vidgren, 67, died suddenly last night. He was no longer in operative charge of the company so I don't know will this effect anyhow sponsorship with Mikko, but for your information anyway.

[ProRally]

Does anyone know which events will be on the calendar of SWRC, PWRC, Rally Academy?

3 Nov is confirmed FIA meeting

[HaCo]

VW will enter from 2012 on in WRC, Skoda will have a 1.6T facelifted Fabia for customers only:
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/automobil/volkswagen-2012-mit-vw-in-die-rallye-wm-2928055.html
2011 will be last Rally Raid campaign.

[mm1]

Yes! Superb news!

[Hartusvuori]

Turun Sanomat quotes Italian Auto Sprint magazine stating that Kimi Räikkönen is still negoating with Red Bull to run full season next year in Citroen Junior Team.

On a darker note, it also says that Sordo wouldn't run a full season next year. Official annoucements - of course - later.

Here's the Turun Sanomat (http://www.ts.fi/f1/uutiset/169416.html) article (Finnish), but I can't find the original Auto Sprint article nor understand Italian.

[ProRally]

VW will enter from 2012 on in WRC, Skoda will have a 1.6T facelifted Fabia for customers only:
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/automobil/volkswagen-2012-mit-vw-in-die-rallye-wm-2928055.html
2011 will be last Rally Raid campaign.

Perfect, now we need 1 Japanese manufacturer to join or even 2 .... WRC is looking better again

[Moriarty]

Juha Hanninen will participate in SWRC 2011 (8 rounds) with Fabia S2000. Also he will start in Monte and Barum in IRC. Kopecky are expected only IRC campaign.

[Hartusvuori]

Juha Hanninen will participate in SWRC 2011 (8 rounds) with Fabia S2000. Also he will start in Monte and Barum in IRC. Kopecky are expected only IRC campaign.

Hell yeah!

[uranium]

VW will enter from 2012 on in WRC, Skoda will have a 1.6T facelifted Fabia for customers only:
http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/automobil/volkswagen-2012-mit-vw-in-die-rallye-wm-2928055.html
2011 will be last Rally Raid campaign.

So, what does it mean for Skoda in respect of rally (WRC, IRC etc)?

[morganmilan]

So, what does it mean for Skoda in respect of rally (WRC, IRC etc)?
Not really sure, but I guess it´ll mean the end of works team Skoda, although we can see only privateers Fabias rallying since 2012. I assume VW don´t want to spend so much money in two parallel rally programs with both makes. Most logical it´s to concentrate efforts only under VW official team at WRC.

[Tomi]

Juha Hanninen will participate in SWRC 2011 (8 rounds) with Fabia S2000.

About time, hopefully he gets a chance in the VW project too.

[Rallyper]

Not really sure, but I guess it´ll mean the end of works team Skoda, although we can see only privateers Fabias rallying since 2012. I assume VW don´t want to spend so much money in two parallel rally programs with both makes. Most logical it´s to concentrate efforts only under VW official team at WRC.

As for business it´s perfect for VW-brand to be competing at the highest level and keeping Skoda as the brand for the lower classes and making money on Skoda.

[noel157]

I suppose VW are in a good position for this. Skoda have been doing all the development work and succeeding at IRC level this year and with Hanninen going to the SWRC next season all that knowledge accumulated will be very useful to VW. Perhaps this was the plan all along, if it failed, no damage to VW but as it was success then VW can only benefit.

[Hartusvuori]

Any source for the Hänninen/SWRC thing, btw?

[alleskids]

It could be a good thing for Sordo, doing only half the 2011 WRC (and gathering experience on the DS3 1.6t). In the spare time he can help developping the VW Polo/Golf/Sirocoo 1.6t.

[Brother John]

Perfect, now we need 1 Japanese manufacturer to join or even 2 .... WRC is looking better again

Here already hopeful reported from a Belgian newspaper!
Suzuki Swift R preamble of Swift sport
26-10-2010 Suzuki next year on the car fair of Beijing the Swift will present R to the general public. This concept car will form eventually the basis for the more sport-loving Swift sport. For the style it was looked at to the engine department of.....

http://www.autokanaal.be/imgpath/assets_img_am/2010/10/26/1650689/suzuki-swift-r-voorbode-van-swift-sport_20_310x170.jpg

http://www.autokanaal.be/auto/suzuki/swift/aid984708/suzuki-swift-r-voorbode-van-swift-sport.aspx

[morganmilan]

Here already hopeful reported from a Belgian newspaper!
Suzuki Swift R preamble of Swift sport
26-10-2010 Suzuki next year on the car fair of Beijing the Swift will present R to the general public. This concept car will form eventually the basis for the more sport-loving Swift sport. For the style it was looked at to the engine department of.....

http://www.autokanaal.be/imgpath/assets_img_am/2010/10/26/1650689/suzuki-swift-r-voorbode-van-swift-sport_20_310x170.jpg

http://www.autokanaal.be/auto/suzuki/swift/aid984708/suzuki-swift-r-voorbode-van-swift-sport.aspx
Are we talking about a R4 car, a S1.6T or properly a new WRC car?

[Brother John]

Are we talking about a R4 car, a S1.6T or properly a new WRC car?

This concept car will form eventually the basis for the more sport-loving Swift sport. ;)

[Ghostwalker]

here is an article about PG-Andersson not so much news. Basically it says that Ford is getting colder and Mini is getting hotter for PG.
PG says that he knows that Mini are interested in him but that they haven't managed to secure it financially yet and that to him (PG) Malcom
seems to be a bit gloomier then Mini because Ford is supposed to have have some problems with financing their budget for 2011.

Whether its true or not i don't know but that is what PG told the reporter.

Link in Google english (http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=sv&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=sv&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nwt.se%2Fsport%2Fmotorsport%2Fa rticle786295.ece)

[Barreis]

They want money.. Unfortunately for 2 times JWRC champ..

[AndyRAC]

They want money.. Unfortunately for 2 times JWRC champ..

I'm afraid that is common - maybe if he was Finnish, Spanish or French he may be able to get a 'paid drive'.
I know a lot of us on here give Ford/M-Sport a hard time, but maybe they really do struggle to finance their WRC campaign. If it wasn't for AbuDhabi/BP-Castrol; they probably wouldn't be in the sport. It would appear that Ford Motor Company/Ford of Europe aren't putting a lot of cash in. Hence why all driver deals are commercial.

[Tomi]

I'm afraid that is common - maybe if he was Finnish, Spanish or French he may be able to get a 'paid drive'.

Or maybe he should do like the Finnish drivers and get their sponsors from GB.

[DonJippo]

Or maybe he should do like the Finnish drivers and get their sponsors from GB.

Or Turkey.

[Barreis]

I'm afraid that is common - maybe if he was Finnish, Spanish or French he may be able to get a 'paid drive'.
I know a lot of us on here give Ford/M-Sport a hard time, but maybe they really do struggle to finance their WRC campaign. If it wasn't for AbuDhabi/BP-Castrol; they probably wouldn't be in the sport. It would appear that Ford Motor Company/Ford of Europe aren't putting a lot of cash in. Hence why all driver deals are commercial.

This technology doesn't worth that much.. They want to be as F1 guys but F1 guys are watched by 150 millions people every GP..

[Moriarty]

Any source for the Hänninen/SWRC thing, btw?
Juha Hanninen himself

[Mirek]

Juha Hanninen himself

Yes, should be BRR RedBull car.

[MartijnS]

I saw him in Spain at the servicepark around that team :)

By the way, we saw Toni Gardemeister about 4 times, he was really spectating, had to walk quite some distances to reach the points where we saw him :)

[Hartusvuori]

By the way, we saw Toni Gardemeister about 4 times, he was really spectating, had to walk quite some distances to reach the points where we saw him :)

If you see Toni on the stage, stay near since he's always there where the action is.

[alleskids]

If you see Toni on the stage, stay near since he's always there where the action is.

... he knows from own experience were a driver is expecting more road then there is available? :) .

[Juha_Koo]

... he knows from own experience were a driver is expecting more road then there is available? :) .

Yes. He's a real "professional spectator", always finding places which have action. The people who were spectating in 2008 Wales at that icy deceptive corner where e.g. Ogier rolled were Toni's friends - because of Toni's recommendation.

In Finland we have this thing called "tiesilmä". ;)

[MartijnS]

Haha, nice :D

He was at this spot: http://www.rallymedia.nl/images/2010/rallydeespana/Latvala%203.jpg
and near this one, http://www.rallymedia.nl/images/2010/rallydeespana/Sordo%2011.jpg

So he found some good ones ;)

[julkki]

Yes, Toni is a real "ammattikatsoja" = "professional spectator". In NORF 2008 the corner where Galli, Andersson and Salo went off was also Toni's recommendation but also known by many other Finnish "ammattikatsoja" 's ;)

http://www.tonigardemeister.com/gardemeister-kotka2007.flv

Here's a short clip of him as a spectator from Toni's website. It's a Finnish Junior Rally Championship event.

[kakus]

Sordo probably out for 2011.
Quesnel called him thursday to tell him. No budget

source : lequipe.fr

[Rallyper]

My speculation then:

Opens for Kimi in Citroen. Sordo in Ford.

How about Novikov and Rautenbach next year? Anyone?

[Tomi]

My speculation then:

Opens for Kimi in Citroen. Sordo in Ford.

How about Novikov and Rautenbach next year? Anyone?

What makes you think Sordo has easier to find budget to drive a Ford?
I think Prodrive acted a bit hasty, if Sordo cant find money they could have signed a proper tarmac driver for cheap price, together with PG it would have been best solution.

[Moriarty]

My speculation then:

Opens for Kimi in Citroen. Sordo in Ford.

How about Novikov and Rautenbach next year? Anyone?

Novikov is looking for a WRC place. Budget will be the key factor for choosing the team

[alleskids]

Prodrive still has a second (or maybe even a third) seat vacent. Sordo would be a perfect man for the job, with all his experience of Citroen, and his (tarmac) skills. David Richard should immediatly call Dani.

[Rallyblog]

How about Novikov and Rautenbach next year? Anyone?

In August there was news about Novikov negotiating with Citroën and Ford about a Citroën DS3 WRC and Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Source article in English (http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/3831/)

[serial jeff]

In August there was news about Novikov negotiating with Citroën and Ford about a Citroën DS3 WRC and Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Source article in English (http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/3831/)

Oh dear :( There are already few enough cars available, it'd be unfortunate if one has to get wrecked every rally.

It's a shame that Sordo won't be in a Citroen, but it's not entirely surprising... even on tarmac he's no match for Loeb and apparently no quicker than Petter. With Ogier's incredible improvement this year, Dani doesn't have much to offer Citroen.

As for Ford, I think they'll see how Mikko and JML perform on the first tarmac rally before thinking about giving Dani a try.

[Brother John]

Oh dear :( There are already few enough cars available, it'd be unfortunate if one has to get wrecked every rally.

It's a shame that Sordo won't be in a Citroen, but it's not entirely surprising... even on tarmac he's no match for Loeb and apparently no quicker than Petter. With Ogier's incredible improvement this year, Dani doesn't have much to offer Citroen.

As for Ford, I think they'll see how Mikko and JML perform on the first tarmac rally before thinking about giving Dani a try.

So you want to see still a lot of Citroën cars in WRC?

[Tom206wrc]

So you want to see still a lot of Citroën cars in WRC?


At least the same number as Fords, no reason less !!! :p :

[Mise]

Sordo probably out for 2011.
Quesnel called him thursday to tell him. No budget

source : lequipe.fr

How bad can one team treat a driver. :eek: :o :rolleyes:
I wouldn't be suprised if
Sordo would be beaten and Citroen says they did it.
I think that's the only thing they haven't done to Sordo.
He should've been treated better, ocs he helped Loeb quite a lot on tarmac.

[Brother John]

How bad can one team treat a driver. :eek: :o :rolleyes:
I wouldn't be suprised if
Sordo would be beaten and Citroen says they did it.
I think that's the only thing they haven't done to Sordo.
He should've been treated better, ocs he helped Loeb quite a lot on tarmac.

They treadet always foreign drivers this way. ;)

[Brother John]

At least the same number as Fords, no reason less !!! :p :

At least 5 several other marks to proof they are the best. :s mokin:

[serial jeff]

So you want to see still a lot of Citroën cars in WRC?

absolutely, though no more than I want to see a lot of any other car

[Francis44]

It's a shame about Sordo, he is a good driver and a perfect number 2, but I dont see him getting a seat simply because he's a very calm guy. He dosen't really show his face that much and he seems like a guy who is in his spot and does his work and that's it, he usually does not show his face cooking stakes and making funny jokes (like Petter Solberg) and although they may say otherwise teams like a guy who is a bit of show off from time to time.

[COD]

Sordo probably out for 2011.
Quesnel called him thursday to tell him. No budget

source : lequipe.fr

If Prodrive is smart, they take Sordo

[Barreis]

This's not normal: Citroen wants 3 millions euros from Sordo for next season and Ford wants only one million for nine events in 2011.. Is this normal?!
http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/millon-euros-separa-sordo-ford/dasmot/20101101dasdaimot_5/Tes
That can be sigh that P.Solberg is a third Citroen driver..

[Motorsportfun]

This's not normal: Citroen wants 3 millions euros from Sordo for next season and Ford wants only one million for nine events in 2011.. Is this normal?!
http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/millon-euros-separa-sordo-ford/dasmot/20101101dasdaimot_5/Tes
That can be sigh that P.Solberg is a third Citroen driver..

Guess Wilson already found some new sponsors, and just 1 million is left to complete the budget. ;)

[Bobcat]

Guess Wilson already found some new sponsors, and just 1 million is left to complete the budget. ;)
Do you think the Santander Group?

[OldF]

Santander to save Sordos career.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2Farkistot%2Fralli%2F2010%2F11%2F121607 3

[J.Lindstroem]

So Sordo in Fords 3rd car and Petter in Citroens third car? Is that right?

[N.O.T]

Santander to save Sordos career.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2Farkistot%2Fralli%2F2010%2F11%2F121607 3

Hmmm i would not exactly call it a save....i mean he will drive a ford.

[6789]

Dani won't be in Aus next year then, good to see how it goes with Ford

[GigiGalliNo1]

:o

[alleskids]

Citroen is really mad of Sordo. Not only they kick him out of the factory team, but they also want back all the salary they paid him the last 5 years. A drive in the DS3 in 2011 costs Sordo 2.998.465,56 euro and 5 botlles of wine (the same they gave him as a X-mas bonus). Did Sordo sleep with Quesnel's wife? :)

[Barreis]

This's **** and not sport anymore..

[AndyRAC]

Despite what we are told, the sport is still a mess. If Sordo is needing to bring a money for a budget then nothing much has changed. Okay, so he’s not a number 1 driver, but he racks up consistent top 5/6 finishes, plus podiums on Tarmac. He should have a seat – the FiA should never have got rid of 3 car teams, thereby allowing a ‘specialist’ driver – which always added something to the mix in days gone by; Liatti on Tar, Eriksson on gravel/snow for example.
If Ford are serious, they should sign him up pronto – unfortunately, they’re needing money for drives. I would like to know how much money Ford actually put in – seeing as M-Sport rely on AbuDhabi-BPCastrol for sponsorship, and require pay drivers.

[Barreis]

They said cost cutting and they brought 1.6T WRC but increased km's/SS.. Bull****..

[N.O.T]

Despite what we are told, the sport is still a mess. If Sordo is needing to bring a money for a budget then nothing much has changed. Okay, so he’s not a number 1 driver, but he racks up consistent top 5/6 finishes, plus podiums on Tarmac. He should have a seat – the FiA should never have got rid of 3 car teams, thereby allowing a ‘specialist’ driver – which always added something to the mix in days gone by; Liatti on Tar, Eriksson on gravel/snow for example.
If Ford are serious, they should sign him up pronto – unfortunately, they’re needing money for drives. I would like to know how much money Ford actually put in – seeing as M-Sport rely on AbuDhabi-BPCastrol for sponsorship, and require pay drivers.

i think Sordo began his career with the best prospects (beating meeke in identical equipment) but his lack of development on gravel left no choice to citroen i think...On tarmac he was the closest thing to Loeb.

Consistent 4-5 places when the newcommer with far less experience than you scores wins doesn't make you look good either...

for ford is a good choice for tarmac events but what about gravel ??

[Tomi]

its been a long time since a top driver changed team, it will be interesting to see how big the difference between Sordo and Latvala is on tarmac, also it might indicate how good car the Citroen really is or was.

its been a long time since a top driver changed team, it will be interesting to see how big the difference between Sordo and Latvala is on tarmac, also it might indicate how good car the Citroen really is or was.

+1 on that. Funny thought about this: Does M-Sport really want to find out how bad their car is ?

[N.O.T]

indeed...and since the car is a new one the usual excuses of experience which Burns, Mcrae, Makinen used when they went from a top team to another will not have any substance this time around.

of course if the change happens that is...

[N.O.T]

+1 on that. Funny thought about this: Does M-Sport really want to find out how bad their car is ?

i think at the start the cars will not have big differences...at least i hope, but in the end those who aim for the top will make a difference from those that aim for their wallet.

[Francis44]

Citroen is really mad of Sordo. Not only they kick him out of the factory team, but they also want back all the salary they paid him the last 5 years.

Im sorry but this is ridiculous, how come they want the salary back from a job (correctly) done?! Sordo going to Ford is a huge slap in the face of Citroen, they thought Sordo would only compete in WRC with Citroen and if he didn't get a car from them he would leave the series. Guess they were wrong and I salute Sordo for going to Ford.

Im sorry but this is ridiculous, how come they want the salary back from a job (correctly) done?! Sordo going to Ford is a huge slap in the face of Citroen, they thought Sordo would only compete in WRC with Citroen and if he didn't get a car from them he would leave the series. Guess they were wrong and I salute Sordo for going to Ford.

I think this whole thing is a BIG mistake, marketing wise. Let's not forget that Citroën is in WRC because they want to sell cars. Spain is a huge market for them. What they have done by kicking Sordo out is basically alienating a whole nation of young guys away from the Citroën dealerships.
And by the way, WTF do they need 2 french drivers for when you already have one who wins everything ?? And just a thought : what if these 2 french guys start developing a rivalry (knowing the french I'm pretty sure it's already starting) and this team ambiance becomes sour, with the french press in the middle... I think Olivier Quesnel has started something that Guy Frequelin would not have fallen for.
Lets see how long it takes for the Citroën Spain boss to make the call to France headquarters and ask some questions why their sales have suddenly dropped.

[Tomi]

And just a thought : what if these 2 french guys start developing a rivalry (knowing the french I'm pretty sure it's already starting) and this team ambiance becomes sour, with the french press in the middle... I think Olivier Quesnel has started something that Guy Frequelin would not have fallen for.

I was thinking the same, Ogier is no pussy, remember what happend after the team made him give space for petter in Mexico, his manager contacted Ford right away to make pressure on Citroen, after that he has got about everything he want.

[I am evil Homer]

Ogier is there to replace Loeb long-term. If Loeb wins next year he's already said he'd probably retire so it's really a succession model for Citroen...Loeb phased out, Ogier phased in, then another guy to come in beside Super Seb MkII.

Ogier is there to replace Loeb long-term. If Loeb wins next year he's already said he'd probably retire so it's really a succession model for Citroen...Loeb phased out, Ogier phased in, then another guy to come in beside Super Seb MkII.

Although this works only if Loeb decides to leave. What if he suddenly starts having a new goal : not getting beaten by Ogier, and decides to hold on a little more. It is a pretty big gamble from Quesnel all at the cost of the Spannish market.

[GigiGalliNo1]

And by the way, WTF do they need 2 french drivers for when you already have one who wins everything ??

Your answer:


Ogier is there to replace Loeb long-term. If Loeb wins next year he's already said he'd probably retire so it's really a succession model for Citroen...Loeb phased out, Ogier phased in, then another guy to come in beside Super Seb MkII.

Loeb to retire, HOPEFULLY year after next and Ogier becomes French King.


+1 on that. Funny thought about this: Does M-Sport really want to find out how bad their car is ?

Don't think it's the car.... drivers - I think.

[Rallyper]

Although this works only if Loeb decides to leave. What if he suddenly starts having a new goal : not getting beaten by Ogier, and decides to hold on a little more. It is a pretty big gamble from Quesnel all at the cost of the Spannish market.

I think overall Quesnel decides the goals, even for Loeb....

[Motorsportfun]

Do you think the Santander Group?

Not only... ;)

[MJW]

Not only... ;)
Telefonica? Repsol?

As for the Citroen situation Spain is a mature market for Citroen and I doubt that Sordo was so well loved by all Spanish car buyers for them to totally abondon a car manufacturer if Sordo doesnt drive for Citroen. Norway on the other hand was a bit of a barren land for Citroen and has now seen an increase in sales.
As for the Loeb / Ogier situation, I reckon Ogier is the future and Citroen know this, Loeb will evolve into a Peugoet Le Mans driver in 2012.

[Roy]

Finally a big change for Ford to have a tarmac driver. Sordo is fast on tarmac, knows a lot of the Citroen car, even the DS3. So he can help M-Sport with prepare the Fiesta WRC for tarmac.

Sordo is no way fast on gravel and don't talk about snow... but on tarmac he is very fast and can develop the Fiesta and maybe even the team.

[AndyRAC]

I remember reading that it is easier to make a Tarmac biased car competitive on Gravel than a Gravel biased car competitve on Tarmac. It seems Citroen make theirs as a Tarmac car, while Ford is set up for Gravel, so having 5 gears and relying on torque is hurting them on Tarmac.

I can recommend the October Motorsport magazine podcast which is a WRC special – an interesting listen.

http://www.motorsportmagazine.co.uk/2010/10/29/octobers-audio-podcast-with-matt-and-malcolm-wilson/

[Sarac330d]

I don`t think that Sordo is slow on gravel that much as you guys presenting in this thread.
2007: Mexico 4-th, Sardegna 3-rd, Japan 2-nd,
2008: Argentina 3-rd, Jordan 2-nd, Sardegna 5-th, Acropolis 5-th, Turkey 4-th, Finland 4-th, New Zealand 2-nd, Wales 3-rd,
2009: Cyprus 4-th, Portugal 3-rd, Argentina 2-nd, Poland 2-nd, Finland 4-th, Australia 3-rd, Wales 3-rd

This driver you can`t call slow on any surface for sure.

[Roy]

Not only... ;)


Telefonica? Repsol?...

So we can expected this nice livery again?

http://rallye-info.com/images/photos/general/2005japan/740/dani_sola.jpg

[JTGANG]

I don`t think that Sordo is slow on gravel that much as you guys presenting in this thread.
2007: Mexico 4-th, Sardegna 3-rd, Japan 2-nd,
2008: Argentina 3-rd, Jordan 2-nd, Sardegna 5-th, Acropolis 5-th, Turkey 4-th, Finland 4-th, New Zealand 2-nd, Wales 3-rd,
2009: Cyprus 4-th, Portugal 3-rd, Argentina 2-nd, Poland 2-nd, Finland 4-th, Australia 3-rd, Wales 3-rd

This driver you can`t call slow on any surface for sure.

I agree with you....Can not understand how suddenly some people are presenting Sordo was slow on gravel....if somebody will look his times at stages the last three years will easily see that for sure nobody can call him slow driver on gravel

[MJW]

Sordo is actually a very good driver on both surfaces, OK tarmac is his best, but the guy has been a victim of the Ogier sensation making him look second rate. Interestingly I think Loeb would have preferred Sordo as team mate, as its all "friends" between Loeb and Sordo and not so much between the two Seb's - Loeb and Sordo shared a race car together last weekend. Personally I think Ogier rocks, I just loved the quote when asked about how he felt that Loeb won his 7th title for Citroen and in France, and Seb 2.0 says "he is glad for Citroen, and now Loeb has won in France he intends to do so as well"
Allez Seb 2.0, one of my favourite drivers of all time. You just watch what this guy does and who will come close to him.

[alleskids]

I was more thinking of Sordo's Fiesta WRCar:
http://www.rallye-info.com/galleryphoto.asp?sid=0&shottypeid=0&eventid=0&driverid=1601&carmodelid=0&page=4&mediaid=3133

[OldF]

IMO even for few tarmac rallies it would worth for Ford to hire him. He’s a real tarmac expert and knows how a car should act on tarmac to be fast and he’s not that bad on gravel even. Maybe he’s had this year little problem with the motivation when dropped to the Junior team and has maybe even been little worried about future.

[N.O.T]

I agree with you....Can not understand how suddenly some people are presenting Sordo was slow on gravel....if somebody will look his times at stages the last three years will easily see that for sure nobody can call him slow driver on gravel

not slow but not very good either to justify his place for a solid 2nd driver in such a competitive sport....

[J.Lindstroem]

not slow but not very good either to justify his place for a solid 2nd driver in such a competitive sport....

Yeah and not only Loeb but Ogier, Latvala, Solberg and Hirvonen are all faster on gravel. Sordo is not slow on gravel, but i dont think he ever will be competing with Hirvonen and Latvala on in the Ford on gravel.

[Barreis]

At the beggining of the season Sainz told it's hard situation for the next season.. But for that money?! I would rather give that to poor children in Africa then to Wilson's or Quesnel's pocket..

[alleskids]

Calendar 2011 SWRC ( 7 out of 8 results count)
6th March Mexico
16th April Jordan
8th May Italy
19th June Greece
31st July Finland
21st August Germany
2nd October France
23rd October Spain

PWRC 2011 Calendar ( 6 out of 7 resuslts count)
13th February Sweden
27th March Portugal
29th May Argentina
31st July Finland
11th September Australia
23rd October Spain
13th November United Kingdom

[Xsara Fan]

Novikov stop his career...

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/3992/

[Tomi]

Novikov stop his career...

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/3992/

good desition

[Daniel]

Novikov stop his career...

http://www.almrally.ru/english/info/3992/
Shares in spare parts businesses just took a tumble!

[N.O.T]

its a wise choice....plus he is still very young so if he does well in bussiness he can always come back and spenf his own money this time...

[6789]

Shares in spare parts businesses just took a tumble!
Panel beaters just lost a lot of business lol. Shame he's not coming back but.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Whats this? Dani posted on his Facebook.

http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/v/20101104/deportes/motor/sordo-busca-desembarco-ford-20101104.html

[pino makinen]

Whats this? Dani posted on his Facebook.

http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/v/20101104/deportes/motor/sordo-busca-desembarco-ford-20101104.html

In short, he doesn’t blame Citroen for his situation, and says he should have already won one rally at least. Says that in case of having to put money to drive, he rather switches team, plus Ford told him to contact them before any other talking with Mini or other team. Also says Mini ain’t his choice for 2011, since they’ll only race in 6 rallyes.
Finally, this week he's looking for a sponsor and apparently this or next week he’ll know which will be his team for next season.

I'll add Banco de Santander may have the answer.

[bluuford]

I think I red is form Finnish media that Malcolm has contacted to Santander Bank with proposal to hire Dani for at leas 9 rallies alongside Jari and Mikko for 2011 as a third driver. Probably good marketing for Ford and also someone who knows something about tarmac driving in Ford team, sounds like win win situation for Malcolm.

[I am evil Homer]

Mini was never an option anyway, they have their drivers for 2011, so it was Ford or nothing. Interesting move though to see him in the Fiesta.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Kimi is to stay in the WRC; wrc.com reports. Question: Mini, Citroen, Ford next year but what is this Monster WRT? What cars will they be based on and any news on Munchi's Team and guessing no Jnr Citroen team right? I think Munchi's might compete half way through the season using older spec Fiesta's or they will return in 2012 with 2011 spec cars. Oh the posibilities... Plus a few privateers in 11' spec cars in 2012 so it's sort of promising :)

[ZequeArgentina]

Munchis is set to continue in 2011 and whith a Fiesta.
It does not exist an "older spec" Fiesta 1,6T, so they will run same spec Fiesta.

Still not signed, but everything in palce for continuity with Villagra.
I do not know about Mosnter, but original idea is to keep relation with Ford.

[GigiGalliNo1]

So Munchi's will get new Fiesta for 2011? :)

[Motorsportfun]

Munchis is set to continue in 2011 and whith a Fiesta.
It does not exist an "older spec" Fiesta 1,6T, so they will run same spec Fiesta.

Still not signed, but everything in palce for continuity with Villagra.
I do not know about Mosnter, but original idea is to keep relation with Ford.

I just don't believe Munchi's will give a Fiesta WRC again to Villagra.

In Argentina there are many good young drivers, why don't give them the opportunity for a world-class exposure?

Miguel Baldoni looked a fast guy... why dont invest in him? :confused: :confused:

[Roy]

I just don't believe Munchi's will give a Fiesta WRC again to Villagra.

In Argentina there are many good young drivers, why don't give them the opportunity for a world-class exposure?

Miguel Baldoni looked a fast guy... why dont invest in him? :confused: :confused:

That is what I thinking about. Why would Munchi's in WRC, without a young driver who can develop? And can the farmers of Munchi's not better use their money in Argentina economy?
What is the value for Munchi's to have a team?!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Money talks.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Seeing the sponsor/company on the car on world wide coverage brings in money.... Well possibly?

[Mirek]

In Argentina there are many good young drivers, why don't give them the opportunity for a world-class exposure?

How many of them are actually faster than Villagra in Argentinian championship?

[MJW]

That is what I thinking about. Why would Munchi's in WRC, without a young driver who can develop? And can the farmers of Munchi's not better use their money in Argentina economy?
What is the value for Munchi's to have a team?!
I am just wondering whether Dani Sordo could end up in Munchi's Ford, there are some links as Sordo and Munchi's are Spanish speaking. OK Munchi's are Argentinian but you can see the synergy and benefits of a Munchi's Santander, Sordo Ford tie up?

[morganmilan]

I am just wondering whether Dani Sordo could end up in Munchi's Ford, there are some links as Sordo and Munchi's are Spanish speaking. OK Munchi's are Argentinian but you can see the synergy and benefits of a Munchi's Santander, Sordo Ford tie up?
All it depends on the Santander interests in Argentina... :rolleyes:

[Josti]

I always thought Gabriel Pozzo was a very capable driver. Not sure why they never saw any prospect with him.

[Motorsportfun]

How many of them are actually faster than Villagra in Argentinian championship?

Two years ago was following Argentinean championship for another magazine, Claudio Menzi was very fast, and like Josti said Gabriel Pozzo (and Marcos Ligato too, IMHO) too... he did something in the WRC with the Peugeot 206, then nothing!

There's no just Villagra in Argentina... :s mokin:

[Mirek]

I don't say that there is only Villagra in Argentina. For sure not. I consider their championship as very good but the fact is that Villagra still wins rallies in Argentina and his only rival in 2010 season standings is another veteran Gabriel Pozzo. That says quite a lot in terms of possible WRC campaign.

Current standings

Gabriel Pozzo | 134.5 pts
Federico Villagra | 131.5 pts
Diego Domínguez | 64 pts
Marcos Ligato | 62 pts
Nicolás Madero | 58 pts

[OldF]

Jarmo Mahonen selected as chairman for the rally commission.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autourheilu.fi%2F27242.aspx

[GigiGalliNo1]

Chinese rally champion to drive M-Sport Focus in GB along side Solberg and Wilson.

[morganmilan]

Jarmo Mahonen selected as chairman for the rally commission.

http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=fi&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autourheilu.fi%2F27242.aspx
What can we expect from him? Which is his attitude about rallying?

[rallyfiend]

What can we expect from him? Which is his attitude about rallying?

Well, he runs the most successful and commercially viable event in the WRC, so he must know a thing or to....

[AndyRAC]

Well, he runs the most successful and commercially viable event in the WRC, so he must know a thing or to....

True - however Finland is the Home of Rallying, what works in Finland might not work in Deutschland, France, Greece or UK.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Chinese rally champion to drive M-Sport Focus in GB along side Solberg and Wilson.


:D :D :D :D It this serious ????

[Brother John]

That is what I thinking about. Why would Munchi's in WRC, without a young driver who can develop? And can the farmers of Munchi's not better use their money in Argentina economy?
What is the value for Munchi's to have a team?!

What is the problem with Munchi´s rally team in WRC? Of me there can support more farmers from all over the world rallyteams to see more cars with whoever behind the wheel. :p :

[Tomi]

:D :D :D :D It this serious ????

dont you think its good?

[urabus-denoS2000]

Chinese rally champion ... Does he perhaps have a name of somekind , or any info ???

[GigiGalliNo1]

Chinese rally champion ... Does he perhaps have a name of somekind , or any info ???

Like I posted before WRC.com reports.

http://wrc.com/news/wilson-backs-liu-chao-dong-to-succeed/?fid=13876

Next time I'll post link first haha

[Andre Oliveira]

Armindo Araujo 4 times Portuguese champion, one with Saxo kit car against 4wd cars... 1 time PWRC champion e almost this year.

But Portugal don't have the power of chinese economy...

Armindo deserves one oportunity

Money talks.

MUNCHIS is owned by Perez Companc (the driver that was) and his brother is co-driving the Villagra car (they are buddies). So it is just for fun nothing else. :)

[ProRally]

MUNCHIS is owned by Perez Companc (the driver that was) and his brother is co-driving the Villagra car (they are buddies). So it is just for fun nothing else. :)

And Companc family have HUGE bank account, with in euro or usd at least 9 zero's.... :D :D :D

So yes, they both have fun Luis first in WRC then FIA GT and this year LMS series, his brother still co-drives in in WRC and good to see people like that having fun.

They go to the events in their private Boeing 737BBJ or G5 which we see a lot at the airports of the events. That put things in perspective.

[OldF]

Jarmo Mahonen’s first move.

The one decision he has already made is for former World Rally Champion co-driver Robert Reid to become his vice-president.

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/new_president_mahonen_wont_be_rushed/

[NaBUru38]

Calendar 2011 SWRC ( 7 out of 8 results count)
6th March Mexico
16th April Jordan
8th May Italy
19th June Greece
31st July Finland
21st August Germany
2nd October France
23rd October Spain

PWRC 2011 Calendar ( 6 out of 7 resuslts count)
13th February Sweden
27th March Portugal
29th May Argentina
31st July Finland
11th September Australia
23rd October Spain
13th November United Kingdom

In 2010, the SWRC and PWRC raced together 9 times, and the SWRC had an extra 10th race next to the JWRC. Four of them were far from Europe: Mexico, Jordan, New Zealand and Japan. That's a nice number for a world championship

In 2011, they have two races less, and just two far from Europe. It's yet another psudo-European world championship. At least the races were picked right: Mexico and Jordan the SWRC (Ford builds the Fiesta in Mexico), Argentina and Australia the PWRC (as usual). In addition, the PWRC doesn't race in Greece or Jordan, whereas they had two races in the region in 2008 and 2009 and one in 2010. I admit that not making the SWRC start in Sweden and finish in Britain like the WRC and PWRC is a mistake too.

Another issue is the three clashes between the SWRC and the IRC: Mexico / Alerces (both in Latin America!), Canarias / Jordan (not too bad, many would drop them anyway) and the plainly ridiculous Corsica / Sardinia metres within!!!

[Hartusvuori]

Rally Finland's organization AKK Sports is planning to run a super special stage in Lahti next year. Lahti's city goverment will discuss the offer on their meeting next Monday. AKK Sports is waiting for the reply in November. The SSS would run in a horse track.

This is clearly a move to reach more commercial audience from capital Helsinki that doesn't want to travel to Jyväskylä to see WRC. Lahti is a bit over one hour motorway drive away from Helsinki (110 km) and also there's a good train connection between the cities. Lahti is however more than 2 hours drive away (170 km) from Rally HQ Jyväskylä so for the true(er) rally fans this could mean no SSS. Or perhaps they're planning to run Lahti SSS on Thursday evening and Laajavuori SSS on Friday evening, who knows. At least that sounds there won't be any proper stages on Thursday like it have wished now that the rally turned into a 2-day format. There are good roads for stages near Lahti, but - that would be too much to ask, I guess.

But this is only at the planning level right now - no decissions made yet. But these at the ideas the newly named FIA chairman of rally comission Jarmo Mahonen generates.

http://yle.fi/alueet/keski-suomi/2010/11/mm-ralli_hamuaa_erikoiskoetta_lahteen_2125365.html

[6789]

Rally Finland's organization AKK Sports is planning to run a super special stage in Lahti next year. Lahti's city goverment will discuss the offer on their meeting next Monday. AKK Sports is waiting for the reply in November. The SSS would run in a horse track.

This is clearly a move to reach more commercial audience from capital Helsinki that doesn't want to travel to Jyväskylä to see WRC. Lahti is a bit over one hour motorway drive away from Helsinki (110 km) and also there's a good train connection between the cities. Lahti is however more than 2 hours drive away (170 km) from Rally HQ Jyväskylä so for the true(er) rally fans this could mean no SSS. Or perhaps they're planning to run Lahti SSS on Thursday evening and Laajavuori SSS on Friday evening, who knows. At least that sounds there won't be any proper stages on Thursday like it have wished now that the rally turned into a 2-day format. There are good roads for stages near Lahti, but - that would be too much to ask, I guess.

But this is only at the planning level right now - no decissions made yet. But these at the ideas the newly named FIA chairman of rally comission Jarmo Mahonen generates.

http://yle.fi/alueet/keski-suomi/2010/11/mm-ralli_hamuaa_erikoiskoetta_lahteen_2125365.html

Couldn't they run a couple of "night" stages on the Thursday night, just be sunset thats all. We're thinking of going over again next year, so should be interesting too see where they go from here