[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[Rallyper]

Yeah, but as far as I know the German or Czezch drivers named together with VW are only tarmac specialists. Anyway they haven´t done any gravel or snow impressions on more people than maybe local fans.
I have´nt heard of them and I consider myself as more expert than average rallyfan.

[Barreis]

It was 20 years ago when Schwarz won Catalunya. Don't know any Chech driver that was on the WRC podium.

[Mirek]

Yeah, but as far as I know the German or Czezch drivers named together with VW are only tarmac specialists. Anyway they haven´t done any gravel or snow impressions on more people than maybe local fans.
I have´nt heard of them and I consider myself as more expert than average rallyfan.

Who speaks about Czech drivers? No Czech driver is among VW candidates and never has been.

With German the situation is different. VW is German company and Germany is the largest automobile market in Europe so it's natural they want to find German driver. The problem is there is no-one now, so they have to make some German star themselves. For this driver the junior third seat will be created.

[Rallyper]

Who speaks about Czech drivers? No Czech driver is among VW candidates and never has been.

With German the situation is different. VW is German company and Germany is the largest automobile market in Europe so it's natural they want to find German driver. The problem is there is no-one now, so they have to make some German star themselves. For this driver the junior third seat will be created.

Why create a seat for a tourist? I named one of the best swedish coming driver at the moment Pontus Tidemand. And he was turned don. No proffessional businessman ca turn down winner. If so they will not have payvck.

That´s what I mean.

[Barreis]

It's really shame you can't find average speed in results anywhere after rally-live.com was closed.

[cali]

Why create a seat for a tourist? I named one of the best swedish coming driver at the moment Pontus Tidemand. And he was turned don. No proffessional businessman ca turn down winner. If so they will not have payvck.

That´s what I mean.
Not a proven winner on international level (no discredit to Pontus whatsoever), but Mirek has some very valuable points as you are just .... a bit stubborn. There's more proven drivers out there, like Hänninen, Ketomaa, Neuville, Paddon to just name few out there. We can give some evaluation of Pontus's speed after some many different WRC events. Like I said before, no discredit to Pontus, he is good driver, but to succeed you need luck and speed :)

[Mirek]

Why create a seat for a tourist?

Again, who speaks about tourists? Remember the names coming from Citroën junior seats? Loeb, Meeke, Sordo, Ogier, Neuville...

[Plan9]

I'm afraid you're right with this - it was, and is meant to be second only to F1 in terms of prestige. Sadly, it's nowhere near......and with the new FiA WEC next year, it will likely fall even more. Unless, some more Manufacturers can be tempted - and when are they going to join???

In an article I posted earlier suggested that KIA may join with the Rio. So they may be our saving grace, maybe if they are serious they will make an announcement next year. I can't imagine how if KIA did enter how they would be significantly better than their earlier Hyundai effort (keep in mind KIA/Hyundai is 1 of the top 10 car companies now in terms of worldwide sales).

[Plan9]

I'm afraid you're right with this - it was, and is meant to be second only to F1 in terms of prestige. Sadly, it's nowhere near......and with the new FiA WEC next year, it will likely fall even more. Unless, some more Manufacturers can be tempted - and when are they going to join???

I posted an article earlier about KIA possibly entering with the Rio. I think it would be likely they would announce something about it next year if they are actually serious about being in the WRC.

[Plan9]

I like Australia, but I prefer NZ... if it was for me, I would have them both in the calendar, instead of Jordan or Mexico, but well... just a personal opinion.

I think they should continue as they are and do it bi-annually. I personally do not understand why if Monte Carlo is back, we need to have France as well (I know they are different entities but it doesn't seem WORLD enough and it can't be cost effective to start in 1 point then return to another quite close geographically speaking a few months later). I also feel this is the case for having Mexico, Portugal and Argentina in a row, I am sure that this is not the most cost effective order for these events to be in. This is only my opinion however.

[focus206]

I think they should continue as they are and do it bi-annually. I personally do not understand why if Monte Carlo is back, we need to have France as well (I know they are different entities but it doesn't seem WORLD enough and it can't be cost effective to start in 1 point then return to another quite close geographically speaking a few months later). I also feel this is the case for having Mexico, Portugal and Argentina in a row, I am sure that this is not the most cost effective order for these events to be in. This is only my opinion however.

I see your point. But more than Monaco/France (Alasce) I'd say Deutschland/France (Alsace), they are even nearer and more simillar.

[Barreis]

It's not so difficult to calculate it yourself ;)

It's not but what kind of service is that when you have to calculate those IMPORTANT things by yourself?! At least now we have live tv.

[Rallyper]

Not a proven winner on international level (no discredit to Pontus whatsoever), but Mirek has some very valuable points as you are just .... a bit stubborn. There's more proven drivers out there, like Hänninen, Ketomaa, Neuville, Paddon to just name few out there. We can give some evaluation of Pontus's speed after some many different WRC events. Like I said before, no discredit to Pontus, he is good driver, but to succeed you need luck and speed :)

Other names unknown for me and also (I guess) unproven in WRC) has been named as possible drivers. Especially the fourth one, a youngster. Pontus shouild be named beside all those. That´s what I mean.

What´s very important for the young drivers is that they can translate pacenotes on recce to real speed.

[Franky]

Other names unknown for me and also (I guess) unproven in WRC) has been named as possible drivers. Especially the fourth one, a youngster. Pontus shouild be named beside all those. That´s what I mean.

What´s very important for the young drivers is that they can translate pacenotes on recce to real speed.

Sorry but comparing the 2011 PWRC champion with a local young gun is a bit extreme, don't you think.

[tfp]

Sorry but comparing the 2011 PWRC champion with a local young gun is a bit extreme, don't you think.

Isn't Paddon being outpaced by Atko in APRC?

[Franky]

Isn't Paddon being outpaced by Atko in APRC?

Don't know about that, but I checked the APRC results and didn't find Paddon to be in the standings at all. So I guess he isn't doing APRC.

Atko won the Rally of Whangarei by 12,4s, Paddon was second. (Proton vs Subaru)

[Mirek]

Isn't Paddon being outpaced by Atko in APRC?

Outpaced is a strong word for just one event where each of them was in different machinery and where they finished just couple of seconds from each other. Anyway Atkinson used to be one of the fastest guys in the world...

[tfp]

Don't know about that, but I checked the APRC results and didn't find Paddon to be in the standings at all. So I guess he isn't doing APRC.

Atko won the Rally of Whangarei by 12,4s, Paddon was second. (Proton vs Subaru)

Yeah Ive just looked at it, wonder why he isnt scoring any points in there? I dont usually follow APRC so dont really know how it works!


Outpaced is a strong word for just one event where each of them was in different machinery and where they finished just couple of seconds from each other. Anyway Atkinson used to be one of the fastest guys in the world...

I wonder if he still is one of the fastest....

[Mirek]

Yeah Ive just looked at it, wonder why he isnt scoring any points in there? I dont usually follow APRC so dont really know how it works!

You have to be registered.

[darkstar]

I wonder if he still is one of the fastest....

me too, the proton is not really the car to prove this.

[Barreis]

Updates abot Atko.
Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/ChrisAtko)

[Rallyper]

Sorry but comparing the 2011 PWRC champion with a local young gun is a bit extreme, don't you think.

If Paddon is ranked as low as among those named as fourth driver in a VW B-team, yes. But I didn´t do any comparison to any other driver just mentioned a very talented and fast driver who would deserved to be thought of from VW: s point of view.

[tfp]

me too, the proton is not really the car to prove this.

Exactly, he needs to be in a WRC car :D

[darkstar]

or at least in a competitive s2000 :)

[sollitt]

Isn't Paddon being outpaced by Atko in APRC? Anything but! In Whangarei Paddon had built a lead of 30 seconds after 2 stages before clipping a rock damaged some suspension/steering and saw him drop right back. Over the remainder of the event he & Atkinson swapped stage wins between them with nothing in it. At the end of the event Paddon had pulled the deficit back to 12 sec.

[Barreis]

Atko is testing tommorrow for SanRemo.
Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/ChrisAtko)

[jbmarcus21]

Sebastien Loeb testing Rallye de France-Alsace with DS3 WRC - My HD Video Image (http://bit.ly/nBZDCq)

and Youtube version

Test Days Sébastien Loeb France 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3pWIRs06lQ)

[cali]

He should then do something and not just stay at home. Those other names have done that, gained some experience and left their mark. If I wouldn't been spectating Swedish rally in last couple of years then I wouldn't know anything about Tidemand. That's what I'm trying to say, no team is going to be in contact with him if he is not participating some international rallyes.

PS! Mats Jonsson these days is hardly a benchmark for ultimate speed :)

[tfp]

Anything but! In Whangarei Paddon had built a lead of 30 seconds after 2 stages before clipping a rock damaged some suspension/steering and saw him drop right back. Over the remainder of the event he & Atkinson swapped stage wins between them with nothing in it. At the end of the event Paddon had pulled the deficit back to 12 sec.

I stand corrected :)

[Mitch555]

Not wanting to ruin the party a little bit, but Whangarei is a very fast rally, and the Proton S2000 has no where near the top speed of a Group N car, there is 10 to 20 kph difference, which is where Paddon would be making time as looking through onboards and TV the Proton spent a lot of time on the rev limiter whilst the Group N guys still had a bit of acceleration left. So Atkinson had the 'dud' car for that event. Faster rallies are where Group N cars get there advantage back over the S2000 cars.

However, this does not diminish the need for Paddon to be moved up to S2000 or WRC. The transition to S2000 by himself will be costly I fear, as having driven Group N for so long, it might be harder for him to adapt to an S2000, especially if he has to pay for all the testing. Hopefully VW gives him a chance somewhere.

My understanding from an iRally interview is that VW will probably run four cars, as they hinted at a Junior team. Would probably see two established drivers in the 'A' team, whilst the 'B' team would have a German and either a paid driver, another junior or rotation like 2006 Stobart.

[Rallyper]

He should then do something and not just stay at home. Those other names have done that, gained some experience and left their mark. If I wouldn't been spectating Swedish rally in last couple of years then I wouldn't know anything about Tidemand. That's what I'm trying to say, no team is going to be in contact with him if he is not participating some international rallyes.

PS! Mats Jonsson these days is hardly a benchmark for ultimate speed :)

No, he isnt as you say. And Pontus outpaced him by maybe one minute. But Jonsson Swedish Champion in WRC-class. And Tidemand champion in GrN/S2000-class.

[OldF]

Exciting Norwegian/Swedish World Championship cooperation - Rally Norway (http://www.rallynorway.com/en/news/2011-nor-swe-wrc-coop.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rallynorway-en+%28Rally+Norway%29)

[fastboy]

Rally France to have most stages live on internet for free , after £500,000 investment !!! Good news all round lets hope its as good as it sounds and is the future.

[logic]

Who will carry it online?

[wildsir]

The real story: Raikkonen, Williams and Sutil (http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/09/17/the-real-story-raikkonen-williams-and-sutil/)

[fastboy]

who will carry it online?

wrc.com

[Mitch555]

Rally France to have most stages live on internet for free , after £500,000 investment !!! Good news all round lets hope its as good as it sounds and is the future.

This will be like the old 'Eye in the Sky' from Australia, or more Eurosport IRC style footage? Only downer is wrc.com hosting it...

[Mintexmemory]

wrc.com Oh great, hours of uninterrupted joy with no technical foul-ups in prospect (Sarcasm detector blows a fuse).

[mousti]

Problem of Tidemand is almost no international and asphalt experience. Driving fast on home soil is one thing, driving fast elsewhere is the other and it takes time to learn that. I'm sure that for the long term "junior" seat they want German or at least German speaking guy.
Neuville's motherlanguage is German so why not him, he showed he can win under big pressure and win a event like Corsica is always superb. We'll see in Scotland and Cyprus how it goes for him now on Gravel. But also in handling and marketing a great guy so humble, he's very accessable for everyone. He has definately not the caracter of Duval :D

[N.O.T]

i never understand what you find in neuville...since when losing to Loix/Kopecky is a sign of good driving skills ??

he is a good addition to IRC but thats that.

[mousti]

i never understand what you find in neuville...since when losing to Loix/Kopecky is a sign of good driving skills ??

he is a good addition to IRC but thats that.

I quoted Mirek for the option to take a German driver or German talking driver, do u know faster guys? Gassner? Burkart? Herbold? I think no one is faster than Thierry, Gassner seems to have maybe some potential though. But otherwise there's nobody and I think u wouldn't like Riedemann either in that seat, or do u?

[N.O.T]

I think VW will do the proper thing and find 2 worthy drivers for their manufacturer team... they can rent some cars to the German tourists and make a profit because i do not see any German rally driver at the moment.

Neuville carries the belgian flag... the fact that he speaks german means S*** and has no value to them.

[mousti]

Who says I'm talking about being first or second driver. Would be too early anyways but a VW development deal would be good for him.

[Mirek]

I think VW will do the proper thing and find 2 worthy drivers for their manufacturer team... they can rent some cars to the German tourists and make a profit because i do not see any German rally driver at the moment.

Neuville carries the belgian flag... the fact that he speaks german means S*** and has no value to them.

Who knew Ogier before he drove works C2 S1600? I'm sure You didn't. The fact we don't know suitable German driver doesn't mean they can't make some themselves. German junior programs work very well on circuit, motorbikes etc. There are 80 millions of them, so there must be someone to choose from.

[N.O.T]

you provide the answer within your post...

To find a talent you need time and also you need a period to test him in lesser classes....there is no german who is tested yet so if VW needs one they need to wait and have a program for youngsters which works and that is something that needs more than 2 years...

[Bobcat]

Add fuel to the fire: Finnish newspaper Turun Sanomat is quoting Italian Auto Sprint magazine (http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ts.fi%2Fmoottoriurheilu%2Fralli %2F257548.html), saying M-Sport would be having deals ready for Latvala and Tänak for 2012 - and drumroll - Malcolm's offering Hirvonen a pay seat at Stobart!
Mikko Hirvosesta hurja huhu - manageri kiistää - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/09/1393936/mikko-hirvosesta-hurja-huhu---manageri-kiistaa)

[Gregor-y]

Eurosport's live coverage was excellent, but whoever was responsible for putting it on their website needs a smack. I'm interested to see if this expanded WRC coverage can do any better in either area.

[skarderud]

Mikko Hirvosesta hurja huhu - manageri kiistää - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/09/1393936/mikko-hirvosesta-hurja-huhu---manageri-kiistaa)


in googlish:

Mikko Hirvonen has not been superseded by getting into a Ford plant in the garage, to convince the manager Timo Jouhki.
Italian Car-Sprint-Journal published last week's assertion that the Estonian driver Ott Tänak would be taking the place of Hirvonen's Ford factory team.
Hirvonen drove the Ford factory team since the year 2003. The Finnish manager Timo Jouhki, however, denies the Italian data.
- And why until the Car-Sprint did not know these things? Pikkaisen I suspect that the thing would go about it, says Jouhki MTV3.
So, do you say directly, that the news is not true?
- Here's how it is, in principle, Jouhki says.
23-year-old Tänak is a double World Rally Champion in Estonia. He has toured the World Cup series, Ford's Super 2000 car, and SWRC-class, he is on the second. In early Tänak Ford did with the five-year contract, but he also denies rumors of fresh plant in the transition from the garage.
- I have not heard anything about it, says Tänak Estonian Postimees newspaper.

[darkstar]

i never understand what you find in neuville...

dont forget how long he´s around in rallyeing, its only his 4th season overall. the other guys have mutch more experience. and look what the other peugeot drivers show compared to neuville.

and in my opinion there´s a young german talent rising up at the moment, but none of those who where named here yet. i hope he can really show some good speed in france.

[Francis44]

Big news.....

Carlos Sainz told Autosport VW is interested in Ogier, Apparently they already made an offer to him. Carlos also says he knows Ogier is still contracted to Citroen but they hope to have him in the future because he is "fast and young".

[Mirek]

I don't know if that is big news. For me it's... natural to make him an offer.

[Hartusvuori]

I don't know if that is big news. For me it's... natural to make him an offer.

Exactly. It would be unnatural if VW wouldn't be interested (that's hard to define) in Sebs or Ford Finns. We'll know it by Christmas 2012.

[tolis]

Craig Breen in a social network:
"Got a very hectic month ahead. Starting with Rally de France in the WRC Academy next week, then straight to IRC Rally of Scotland, then a (very) small break before heading to Salou for RACC Rally Spain! Some exciting news coming soon too!"

[N.O.T]

Hurray !! 1 more wrc car on the entry for the last 3 rounds.....

World Rally Championship - News - Wilson closing in on full programme (http://www.wrc.com/news/wilson-closing-in-on-full-programme/?fid=15420)

[Daniel]

Hurray !! 1 more wrc car on the entry for the last 3 rounds.....

World Rally Championship - News - Wilson closing in on full programme (http://www.wrc.com/news/wilson-closing-in-on-full-programme/?fid=15420)

Fantastic. The WRC would suck if it had one less also ran. It really would

[Mirek]

Martin Prokop will do all European rounds of WRC 2012 in his own Fiesta WRC. I think he will start already in Wales this year.

[focus206]

Martin Prokop will do all European rounds of WRC 2012 in his own Fiesta WRC. I think he will start already in Wales this year.

So 10 rounds for him in 2012? Great program!

[tolis]

Martin Prokop will do all European rounds of WRC 2012 in his own Fiesta WRC. I think he will start already in Wales this year.
Great news!!!!
When did he buy a WRC car?

[Mirek]

Great news!!!!
When did he buy a WRC car?

I don't know. He showed only some parts few weeks a go. Anyway he already sold one S2000 to Latvia (SRT).

[Hartusvuori]

Good for Prokop. If Ketomaa's plans for selected WRC rounds happens + perhaps some other drivers too, there should be more worthy drivers behind the top guns next year.

[tfp]

Great news!!!!
When did he buy a WRC car?

Prokop V Ostberg...Any bets who would win? It will be close I think :)

[gtimad73]

Rally France to have most stages live on internet for free , after £500,000 investment !!! Good news all round lets hope its as good as it sounds and is the future.

why is there no news of this on wrc.com. or am i missing something? or is it not posted on wrc.com?

[Barreis]

That's a good joke... Ostberg is muuuuuch faster and should beat him on any surface...

Hardly. Ostberg is 100% quicker only on snow.

[Barreis]

Let we see next season.

[tfp]

Let we see next season.

+1 I'm expecting a good fight.

[Plan9]

I hope so too. Isn't Prokop on a 5 year deal like Tanak? I am a bit disappointed that Prokop has not made a bigger impression.

[Mirek]

I hope so too. Isn't Prokop on a 5 year deal like Tanak? I am a bit disappointed that Prokop has not made a bigger impression.

Prokop is driving for money of his family and his own sponsors as a customer of Ford. Until he has money and Malcolm something to offer, the deal continues. Simple as that ;)

[N.O.T]

another tourist in a wrc car...lets see if he manages to be faster than Slowson.

[Mirek]

4 Fabia S2000 to be used in RoC.

[Juha_Koo]

Ford will use the all-black colour scheme on their cars in Rallye de France. :s mokin:

[wildboar]

The FIA World Council decided on 2012 calendar and rules today:
The latest decisions for the WRC 2012 | Best of Rally Live (http://www.best-of-rallylive.com/en/2011/09/23/wrc-2012-the-latest-decisions/)

Interesting points:
- 13 event calendar confirmed
- shakedown will be "qualifying" for gravel rallies
- event organizers can permit SupeRally or not

[N.O.T]

very interesting especially, about the superally.....

Shakedown also has a meaning now...and it will have a "superpole" format....i like it

the calendar is nice...the acropolis is a bit early and it might resemble GB a lot more than Acropolis.

Nz is back so i am happy.

[Daniel]

very interesting especially, about the superally.....

Shakedown also has a meaning now...and it will have a "superpole" format....i like it

the calendar is nice...the acropolis is a bit early and it might resemble GB a lot more than Acropolis.

Nz is back so i am happy.

Now that I like. I REALLY like the idea of a superpole shakedown sort of format.

[AndyRAC]

very interesting especially, about the superally.....

Shakedown also has a meaning now...and it will have a "superpole" format....i like it

the calendar is nice...the acropolis is a bit early and it might resemble GB a lot more than Acropolis.

Nz is back so i am happy.


NZ should always be in the WRC...

Acropolis is slightly earlier, and GB is ridiculously early - have it in late Nov/early Dec and keep it there! Stop chopping and changing events...

[N.O.T]

NZ should always be in the WRC...



Agree, best event after Finland.

[focus206]

I like the calendar except for Rally GB so early... I would prefer it in the classic position of final round.
Acropolis earlier means more chance of rain?

[N.O.T]

let me put it this way

If the event was held this year at such date some of the stages would have to be cancelled/shortened due to rain.

[turves]

Ford will use the all-black colour scheme on their cars in Rallye de France. :s mokin:

It won't make them any faster though

[DonJippo]

Interesting points:
- event organizers can permit SupeRally or not

Not sure if this is a good idea, either there is no Superally at all or every event have it. I can see it already title decided with points collected by Superally in an event where it's possible where as runner up was unlucky and DNF in an event where Superally was not allowed...

[dimviii]

Not sure if this is a good idea, either there is no Superally at all or every event have it. I can see it already title decided with points collected by Superally in an event where it's possible where as runner up was unlucky and DNF in an event where Superally was not allowed...
matter of luck comes very strong with this rule.But i doubt if will be a organizer that he dont like superally..

[Mirek]

We could see this happening in previous seasons of IRC where it's also up to organizer if they allow SR or not. I think that it was very very rare when some allowed it (Rally Russia comes to my mind) and it caused quite a confusion how it is possible that one time a retired crew can take points...

[Daniel]

Not sure if this is a good idea, either there is no Superally at all or every event have it. I can see it already title decided with points collected by Superally in an event where it's possible where as runner up was unlucky and DNF in an event where Superally was not allowed...

Completely agree. It's nice to see the WRC moving in the right direction, but this sort of thing can never be good. Superally was a bad idea in the first place, but now to have the possibility of inconsistency in the rules is not a good idea at all.

[tolis]

When can we expect the WRC Academy calendar?

[6789]

Does this mean crews can only do 3 passes on shakedown and nothing more?

[Franky]

Completely agree. It's nice to see the WRC moving in the right direction, but this sort of thing can never be good. Superally was a bad idea in the first place, but now to have the possibility of inconsistency in the rules is not a good idea at all.

Wasn't Superally meant as a testing opportunity at first? (You can do the stages but not collect points)

[N.O.T]

Wasn't Superally meant as a testing opportunity at first? (You can do the stages but not collect points)

no.

[Hartusvuori]

Does this mean crews can only do 3 passes on shakedown and nothing more?

So I understand it. Less to spectate live, but perhaps the third timed run makes up. But the idea is good to test how it works.

Other than that, I agree with most points already pointed: GB should be the final round, SuperRally to be or not to be and NZ is warmly welcomed.

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - WRC calendar for 2012 confirmed (http://www.wrc.com/news/wrc-calendar-for-2012-confirmed/?fid=15427)

[Barreis]

Sebastien Ogier says he will drive to support Citroen team in France - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94739)

[AndyRAC]

Wasn't Superally meant as a testing opportunity at first? (You can do the stages but not collect points)

In a word, NO!! It was the FiA's remedy for falling entries when Mitsubishi, Skoda & Peugeot all pulled out at the end of 2005. So instead of doing something positive, like discussing new regs, they decided SupeRally would be the answer. Hmmm, marvellous......

[Barreis]

WRC is for 6 years in bad shape.

[bluuford]

In a word, NO!! It was the FiA's remedy for falling entries when Mitsubishi, Skoda & Peugeot all pulled out at the end of 2005. So instead of doing something positive, like discussing new regs, they decided SupeRally would be the answer. Hmmm, marvellous......

Franky is right, initially car in superally did not get points.It was just for testing and publicity. Penalties and possibilities to get points were added later. It was and is reasonable.We can still see the car, driver can test but no fooling with penalties.

[tfp]

Franky is right, initially car in superally did not get points.It was just for testing and publicity. Penalties and possibilities to get points were added later. It was and is reasonable.We can still see the car, driver can test but no fooling with penalties.

:up: This is the way it should be. Without Superally, if you travel long distances to watch a rally and you hardly get to see your favourite driver 'cos they crashed early on the first leg, its a big kick in the nuts!

I can see why it was brought in, with less manufacturers means less cars, and less still if they crash. On the other hand, a crash should really be punished(with no points) IMO. Imagine if in F1 you were given a grid penalty for qualifying 1st etc...
Diddn't Petter retire because he lost a lot of time through having punctures on one event this year? It was better for him to retire than making it to the end of the stage. Thats just plain daft! :mad:

[Rally Hokkaido]

In a local newspaper interview, Chairman of Rally Japan vowed to get the event back on the WRC calendar for 2013. He also confirmed what I heard at last year's RJ, that any future event would be based in the much more popular City of Obihiro.

[ProRally]

In a local newspaper interview, Chairman of Rally Japan vowed to get the event back on the WRC calendar for 2013. He also confirmed what I heard at last year's RJ, that any future event would be based in the much more popular City of Obihiro.

Yipee, back to Obihiro !! Last year in Sapporo was not so good as the ones in Obihiro....

[Mirek]

:up: This is the way it should be. Without Superally, if you travel long distances to watch a rally and you hardly get to see your favourite driver 'cos they crashed early on the first leg, its a big kick in the nuts!

I think that this is the way how it works in European Championship (and also in our national one). Crew can restart but is out of general classification. The only difference is that there are bonus points for legs and those are still available for them.

[raybak]

In a word, NO!! It was the FiA's remedy for falling entries when Mitsubishi, Skoda & Peugeot all pulled out at the end of 2005. So instead of doing something positive, like discussing new regs, they decided SupeRally would be the answer. Hmmm, marvellous......

Super Rally came out in 2005, we were the first to ever use it at Rally NZ. We actually had to teach the Ford team how to Super Rally as we were the experts after DNF's on day 1 and 2. Oh and we did DNF on day 3 as well so we were the 1st WRC crew to ever dnf 3 times in the one rally :(

Ray

[Mirek]

Ray, head up. It's nice story for Your children, isn't it? :D


By the way all ROC 2012 cars:

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/b_07280ad050003c11428d17a4b0cbe3f9.jpg

[Barreis]

What about WRC cars in Roc?!

[JRodrigues]

VW doesn't have a WRC yet.

[HaCo]

Great with a Chevrolet Camaro! :D

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - Solberg confirmed for final three rounds (http://www.wrc.com/news/solberg-confirmed-for-final-three-rounds/?fid=15424)

[tfp]

World Rally Championship - News - Solberg confirmed for final three rounds (http://www.wrc.com/news/solberg-confirmed-for-final-three-rounds/?fid=15424)

:up: Great news, I hope he can take a win in GB this year, hes a definite peoples favourite over here :)

[Plan9]

Ray, head up. It's nice story for Your children, isn't it? :D


By the way all ROC 2012 cars:

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/b_07280ad050003c11428d17a4b0cbe3f9.jpg

I was wondering why Dirt 3 had a DLC for a Camaro; I can now put this query to bed!

[Gregor-y]

Great with a Chevrolet Camaro! :D
From that angle the Camaro looks pretty nice. Just don't try sitting in a normal one; I can't believe how a car so big has an interior so small.

[tfp]

Is that an X-bow I see there?

[Barreis]

I like MC and Australia also. Where will be Italian round? Hope for SanRemo.

[focus206]

I like MC and Australia also. Where will be Italian round? Hope for SanRemo.

No, it will be in Sardinia.

[6789]

iRally is reporting that the FIA is allowing 25% less tyres for events next year. Michelin and Dmack are the tyre suppliers as well. Less tyres probably wouldn't help Latvala who is quite rough on them?

[mousti]

Is that an X-bow I see there?

Yep a KTM Xbow indeed :)

[traxx]

Certainly a swap between Ogier and Hirvonen for next year
http://bit.ly/nVVK6j

[wildsir]

Certainly a swap between Ogier and Hirvonen for next year
Ogier se rassure sur ses terres (http://bit.ly/nVVK6j)
I notable absentee commenting on this is Tomi.. He always has the Finn inside line.

[N.O.T]

LOL...

Amusing...

[MJW]

Change of co-driver for Eyvind Brynildsen in France, Timo Alanne is co-driver. Timo is ex Anton Alen co-driver and has in past few years on tarmac rallies been co-driving Simon Jean Joseph as Petter's gravel crew.

[wildsir]

LOL...

Amusing...

Tongue in cheek of course.....

[MR666]

iRally is reporting that the FIA is allowing 25% less tyres for events next year. Michelin and Dmack are the tyre suppliers as well. Less tyres probably wouldn't help Latvala who is quite rough on them?

This sounds like an unsafe thing to do.

[bluuford]

This sounds like an unsafe thing to do.
Currently it is allowed to use 6 tyres per tyre change and 6 additional tyres for shakedown. That is approximately 42 tyres per rally. -25% means approximately 10.5 tyres less.
If you wont give extra tyres for shakedown, you get -6 tyres (you can use your shakedown tyres later as a spare tyres). if you give two spares only for the first tyre change (so that you can use those spares later as well), then you get another -5 tyres and we have saved -11 tyres. That is around 31 tyres per rally in total.
So, no safety issues, only less tactics with tires and probably less traction due to their longer durability. Cost saving is pretty big for privateer. I do not know the latest price of Michelin control tyre, but Pirelly was around 200-230 EUR if I am not mistaken? So, it should be between 2000 and 3000 EUR less per one rally.

[6789]

Currently it is allowed to use 6 tyres per tyre change and 6 additional tyres for shakedown. That is approximately 42 tyres per rally. -25% means approximately 10.5 tyres less.
If you wont give extra tyres for shakedown, you get -6 tyres (you can use your shakedown tyres later as a spare tyres). if you give two spares only for the first tyre change (so that you can use those spares later as well), then you get another -5 tyres and we have saved -11 tyres. That is around 31 tyres per rally in total.
So, no safety issues, only less tactics with tires and probably less traction due to their longer durability. Cost saving is pretty big for privateer. I do not know the latest price of Michelin control tyre, but Pirelly was around 200-230 EUR if I am not mistaken? So, it should be between 2000 and 3000 EUR less per one rally.

The article says "reduction from 48 - 35 and a restricition to a limit of 5 tyres per change, with 7 changes allowed during a WRC event" "The FIA is also warning teams to expect a further 15-20% cut in 2013 and 2014"

Sorry I can't post the article, iphone doesn't allow it

[Mirek]

I agree that it's no safety issue. There are crews who don't use a single new tyre for a whole championship...

I'm just a bit worried that new more durable tyres will cost more and the total cost will not change at all :)

[Brother John]

I agree that it's no safety issue. There are crews who don't use a single new tyre for a whole championship...

I'm just a bit worried that new more durable tyres will cost more and the total cost will not change at all :)

What will happen now? Another stupid decision by the FIA.

[AP-Racing]

Novikov on Citroen in Spain (official)

Google (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=ru&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http://www.almrally.ru/)

[N.O.T]

Very nice decision !!!

[N.O.T]

but on the other hand its sad to see one less sponsor for slowson...

[bluuford]

I agree that it's no safety issue. There are crews who don't use a single new tyre for a whole championship...

I'm just a bit worried that new more durable tyres will cost more and the total cost will not change at all :)

Well, I am hoping that stronger tyres loose even some more grip and driving will be even more spectacular (you just posted Juho testing with control tyres - and it looked much, much more spectacular than with normal tyres). At the same time it is bit more safer also.. cornering speed is going to decrease.

[Mitch555]

Usually they run a hard compound anyhow, so the wear is minimal anyhow in comparison to softs. Each gravel rally has had one choice of tyre each rally I think.

If you have 3 legs, with one service break in each to change tyres that is 5 x 6 = 30. Add on Shakedown, its 35. ARC itself only allows 16 tyres maximum for a rally of 2 days, so it isn't that restrictive. They can still get away with running 50 odd kilometres on each set of tyres, and even rotate further with spares to get better wear. It's just going to make drivers a little more strategic and encourage tyre manufacturers to think about the build strength of the tyre to minimise punctures.

[Plan9]

At least we will get to see how the Citroen's safety features with the Ford now

[Plan9]

According to the article copied below; Haydon Paddon will be working with Ken Block as part of his gravel crew. I am not sure if this mean he gets to drive the Fiesta at all but its nice to see he is getting some interest from the big boys.

Q & A with Ken Block - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94895)

[tfp]

According to the article copied below; Haydon Paddon will be working with Ken Block as part of his gravel crew. I am not sure if this mean he gets to drive the Fiesta at all but its nice to see he is getting some interest from the big boys.

Q & A with Ken Block - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94895)

Good to see, I expect a bright future for Paddon!

[rallyfiend]

According to the article copied below; Haydon Paddon will be working with Ken Block as part of his gravel crew. I am not sure if this mean he gets to drive the Fiesta at all but its nice to see he is getting some interest from the big boys.

Q & A with Ken Block - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94895)

Atkinson is busy at Rally Hokkaido.

[grugsticles]

The lads got talent and he seems to have a fair bit of support from New Zealand.
Maybe he would be a good candidate for a seat at VW? Possibly have an experienced team leader and a series of guest divers suited to specific events for VW's first year.
Paddon would be goon in events like Rally Oz, NZ and Wales.

[Rallisauna]

According to the Finnish media, Ogier will be one of the Wilson's men next season and Hirvonen will join Citroen: Siirtopommi: Ogier syrjäyttämässä Hirvosen Fordilla! - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/10/1400750/siirtopommi-ogier-syrjayttaa-hirvosen-fordilla)

[User]

Sounds logical .. Hirvonen is the type of second driver Citroen needs (consistent, I'm sure he doesn't even mind being a the second guy), whilst Ogier wants to be number one.

[MJW]

But with the way the Ford is compared to Citroen I wonder if that is a sensible thing for Ogier.

[AndyRAC]

According to the Finnish media, Ogier will be one of the Wilson's men next season and Hirvonen will join Citroen: Siirtopommi: Ogier syrjäyttämässä Hirvosen Fordilla! - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2011/10/1400750/siirtopommi-ogier-syrjayttaa-hirvosen-fordilla)

Mikko is getting the best of that deal....I think...

[Barreis]

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/ChrisAtko)

[Barreis]

Yvan Muller wants World Rally Car for next WRC appearance as S2000 too slow - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94989)

[urabus-denoS2000]

He should first master the S2000 , he's not extremely good in it ;)

[N.O.T]

Yvan Muller wants World Rally Car for next WRC appearance as S2000 too slow - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94989)


LOL...

he is setting times almst identical with the academy R2s

[SubaruNorway]

Henning was talking a bit much on Norwegian TV just now saying Mikko told him he might have to do Solberg Show all next year because he has no drive hehe.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Muller

Hahahahahahah.

[Plan9]

Henning was talking a bit much on Norwegian TV just now saying Mikko told him he might have to do Solberg Show all next year because he has no drive hehe.

That sucks. Mikko is still a useful driver!

[Bobcat]

Solberg, cerca de Citroën | www.silenciodemotores.com.ar (http://www.silenciodemotores.com.ar/node/2704)

Maybe Petter Solberg will join Loeb at the factory Citroen team for the 2012 season.

[N.O.T]

then citroen will look more like old peoples home....nice.

[MJW]

Well, if Ogier and Latvala are at Ford and Citroen are Loeb and Hirvonen, Citroen will have more of a job of retaining the manufacturers championship. Sure thing Loeb will be top 3 on but Mikko will be 5th. I think that a Loeb / Solberg combination will score more manufacturer points than a Loeb / Hirvonen combination.

[Gard]

If Mikko is running citroen for 2012, it's probably with PSWRT

[bluuford]

Well, if Ogier and Latvala are at Ford and Citroen are Loeb and Hirvonen, Citroen will have more of a job of retaining the manufacturers championship. Sure thing Loeb will be top 3 on but Mikko will be 5th. I think that a Loeb / Solberg combination will score more manufacturer points than a Loeb / Hirvonen combination.

If Citroen can use combination Loeb +Solberg/Hirvonen, then it would be pretty good.

[N.O.T]

You underestimate Hirvonen way too much.... of course he is to blame for it but if you take a look at the points he has gathered the last few years its almost a guarantee for any team aiming for the manufacturers title.

Ogier has to leave of course for the rest of the speculations to materialise...

[dimviii]

Maybe the Solberg->Citroen speculation has chances to be truth after the Ogiers move to Ford.
Solbergs talks at France about how good was the car and far better than Germany..maybe an agreement is done,cause they know the move of ogier?
We will see in Spain how fast Petter will be,and what is going to say about the car.
Maybe is not a rumor specially if Citroen is going to end at 2013.

[cali]

Cannot agree with you more N.O.T.
Sometimes your posts make sense :p

[PLuto]

Bernardo Sousa sold his Fiesta S2000 (article - Google PYeklada (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=cs&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=12840))

[Mise]

Well, if Ogier and Latvala are at Ford and Citroen are Loeb and Hirvonen, Citroen will have more of a job of retaining the manufacturers championship. Sure thing Loeb will be top 3 on but Mikko will be 5th. I think that a Loeb / Solberg combination will score more manufacturer points than a Loeb / Hirvonen combination.

WTF?

Hirvonen/ Loeb 196+196=392

Latvala/ Ogier 193+131=324

[N.O.T]

Well, if Ogier and Latvala are at Ford and Citroen are Loeb and Hirvonen, Citroen will have more of a job of retaining the manufacturers championship. Sure thing Loeb will be top 3 on but Mikko will be 5th. I think that a Loeb / Solberg combination will score more manufacturer points than a Loeb / Hirvonen combination.

quite simplistic thought....

If you take into account the times Latvala cause problems to himself and the times Ogier cause trouble to himself and compare it with those times Loeb and Hirvonen hit trouble because of mistakes then Citroen might not even sweat to win the manufacturer tilte.....

If of course all that Blah Blah Blah from the journalists are true.

[SubaruNorway]

WTF?

Hirvonen/ Loeb 196+196=392

Latvala/ Ogier 193+131=324

And then if you take away all the "fake" points Loeb and Hirvonen has?

[N.O.T]

And then if you take away all the "fake" points Loeb and Hirvonen has?

Loeb got 1 fake point and Hirvonen 9 fake so -10 points for Hirvonen/Loeb and +10 for Ogier/Latvala

not much difference at the end....

...LOL

[Mintexmemory]

Bernardo Sousa sold his Fiesta S2000 (article - Google PYeklada (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=cs&sl=cs&tl=en&u=http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=12840))

Thanks for that news Pluto, the google translation from Czech to English is very amusing - Rossetti comes out as Lucy not Luca (Luke in English!!)
So it's not just WRC customers who get second class equipment at first class price - Why would anyone hire a car from M-Sport! However, it would be interesting to see what times Ott could do in Sousa's car without any modifications (the old Ronnie Peterson trick)

[ste898]

That sucks. Mikko is still a useful driver!

Yes useful at driving the team truck maybe?

[tolis]

According to ALM Rally (http://www.almrally.ru), Russian driver Nikita Filipov will drive PWRC. He may drive an Impreza from URT.

[Mirek]

It's utterly annoying to read still the same s*h*i*t about Wilson, Hirvonen, Block and actually about 90% of drivers who ever were so impudent that they drove WRC car.

[Barreis]

Don't write that word with * 'cos I got infraction for word crap and everyday I can read it here again.

[bretddog]

Yes useful at driving the team truck maybe?
Please.. Use instead your time to acquire some knowledge and common sense. Those little girls need someone to look up to. And you're still posting like a 12 year old.

[Langdale Forest]

I don't understand why everyone is so negative about Mikko Hirvonen. He may be not the fastest driver of the field, but he has the (shared) lead of the championship, isn't that good enough?

I would never have said that Hirvonen was a bad driver, untill ste898 said he was no good, and he is gifted all those points by Malcolm Wilson with his useless tactics, and is really just a to-be paper champion. He is good, but probably not suitable for a works team now.

But then the 5 year plan guy is in a works car....





Don't write that word with * 'cos I got infraction for word crap and everyday I can read it here again.


What?

[Barreis]

True.

[Langdale Forest]

True.

How does that answer the question I made about what you said?

That post is almost as pointless as that colonel W.I.G person saying that chopping was a bender and sian lishman is a bitch a few houres ago.

[tfp]

Hirvonen is probably the best number 2 driver in the world, and would maybe stop quesnel from getting even more grey hairs ;)
Its just a shame hes fighting for points nowadays, when he used to be fighting for wins. I hope he proves me wrong in GB though!
Ogier/Latvala would be a very good combination from our point of view :)
I also want to see if ogier can still fight for wins regurlarly in a ford, if he does that then hes achieved something Loeb has never done, win with a different manufacturer!

[Bobcat]

"@specutainment reports on @MidwkMotorsport that Mikko Hirvonen was seen dining with Olivier Quesnel at the Hotel Triannon Palace, Versailles"

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/TheRaceTool/status/121674993061990400)

[Maui J.]

Hayden Paddon will be gravel testing for Dmack tyres this week in Spain in a prototype S2000 car.
Anyone got any idea what this prototype could be?

Here's the link... NZ Racer - Testing in Europe: Paddon Update! (http://www.nzracer.com/testing-in-europe-paddon-update.html)

bender chopping

sam chopping is a gay boy he dresses up like a girl

Go on to You Tube and you will see how much of a gay boy chopping is type in samchopping336

Who will join me we hate sam chopping

[Brother John]

Would be this Nissan a rally car in the future?

Galerij (http://www.autokanaal.be/FixedPages/Popups/Gallery.aspx?objectid=1082540&objectkindid=30&activeImageIndex=1&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=760)

[tfp]

Who will join me we hate sam chopping
Go away and stop wasting our time.

[N.O.T]

Would be this Nissan a rally car in the future?

Galerij (http://www.autokanaal.be/FixedPages/Popups/Gallery.aspx?objectid=1082540&objectkindid=30&activeImageIndex=1&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=760)

no

[Rally Hokkaido]

Hayden Paddon will be gravel testing for Dmack tyres this week in Spain in a prototype S2000 car.
Anyone got any idea what this prototype could be?

Here's the link... NZ Racer - Testing in Europe: Paddon Update! (http://www.nzracer.com/testing-in-europe-paddon-update.html)

Well, I suppose all S2000s are prototypes, i.e. non-production cars. If by prototype he means the first of a yet-to-be homologated S2000 (1.6T) then it could be the Toyota which was tested in Japan by a leading Subaru driver last year, though I'm not sure Toyota management would a) permit its semi-public use and b) have a commercial tie-up with a Chinese tyre maker. Maybe it's the Lada or even a car from a Chinese maker that has been built in total secrecy!

[Viking]

Would be this Nissan a rally car in the future?

Galerij (http://www.autokanaal.be/FixedPages/Popups/Gallery.aspx?objectid=1082540&objectkindid=30&activeImageIndex=1&TB_iframe=true&height=530&width=760)

Nope, at least not with a 3,8l twinturbo engine :)

NISSAN ANNOUNCES THE JUKE-R – THE ULTIMATE COMPACT CROSSOVER - With Video (http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/prne/nissan/52136/)

[Nornbugger]

It's utterly annoying to read still the same s*h*i*t about Wilson, Hirvonen, Block and actually about 90% of drivers who ever were so impudent that they drove WRC car.

so you are human after all! I have been amazed for a while now at your patience with some people on here!

[dimviii]

World Rally Championship - News - Meeke plans new approach (http://www.wrc.com/news/meeke-plans-new-approach/?fid=15544)

[Miika]

The latest printed issue of Autosport suggests that the Ogier-Hirvonen swap is a done deal. But I guess we´ll have to continue the guessing/reading-between-the-lines game until the end of the season before finding out what will happen.

[wrc1600]

The latest printed issue of Autosport suggests that the Ogier-Hirvonen swap is a done deal. But I guess we´ll have to continue the guessing/reading-between-the-lines game until the end of the season before finding out what will happen.
Also they wrote about money problem in Mini, lack of sponsor deal and BWM investing in racing.

[jbmarcus21]

Jari Matti is already sign with Ford 2012 or not ?

[Bobcat]

Yes

[pantealex]

Jari Matti is already sign with Ford 2012 or not ?

No, he has deal with M-sport.

[Allyc85]

Also they wrote about money problem in Mini, lack of sponsor deal and BWM investing in racing.

The BMW DTM project has come at a bad time for the Mini WRC team hasnt it? Lets hope the performance in France and the mainstream news coverage the car got in the Uk last weekend tempts some companies into sponsoring them.

[wrc1600]

It's utterly annoying to read still the same s*h*i*t about Wilson, Hirvonen, Block and actually about 90% of drivers who ever were so impudent that they drove WRC car.
It is funny to see top drivers and Block and Raikonen being cheered up on stages or in the service park and read all that nonsens on this forum about them.

[wrc1600]

The BMW DTM project has come at a bad time for the Mini WRC team hasnt it? Lets hope the performance in France and the mainstream news coverage the car got in the Uk last weekend tempts some companies into sponsoring them.
They shouldn't have any problem with sponsorship deal for next season or maybe Rally GB this season. As they said less money means ess testing at he moment but they concerned about developing car.

[alleskids]

This year the Yamaha motoGP team, with a fresh world title under their belt for Lorenzo, could not get a new sponsor deal to replase FIAT as title sponsor. It is no guarentee even with a great name and PR possibilities to get sponsors. Even a great result in their first year is not enough with the climate of the current WRC.

Chopping is a bender

[Bobcat]

WRC : Sébastien Ogier chez Ford en 2012 ? - News Automoto - TF1 (http://www.tf1.fr/auto-moto/actualite/wrc-sebastien-ogier-chez-ford-en-2012-6751877.html)

[Bobcat]

No, he has deal with M-sport.
Gerücht: Ogier zu Ford, Hirvonen zu Citroen? - Rallye bei Motorsport-Total.com (http://www.motorsport-total.com/rallye/news/2011/10/Geruecht_Ogier_zu_Ford_Hirvonen_zu_Citroen_1110060 4.html)

"Jari-Matti Latvala hat für 2012 einen direkten Vertrag mit Ford, nicht mit M-Sport."

[User]

It is funny to see top drivers and Block and Raikonen being cheered up on stages or in the service park and read all that nonsens on this forum about them.

Exactly. Wilson is maybe slow and boring for us behind the PC, but I'm sure spectators enjoy him driving past on the stages.

[darkstar]

Exactly. Wilson is maybe slow and boring for us behind the PC, but I'm sure spectators enjoy him driving past on the stages.

hm, i must say wilson was really boring most times...but still, one more wrc to watch live, so its ok. block therefore was driving nice often, maybe not fast , but nice ;)

[Allyc85]

Can we have a separate thread just for slagging off drivers and keep this one just for news ;)

[darkstar]

defenetly tom, was really disappointing...

[Plan9]

Can we have a separate thread just for slagging off drivers and keep this one just for news ;)

+1 we do seem to have a lot of bile to get out. Especially for Slowson. I just don't get why people are so constantly negative about Mini (maybe I have a rose tinted computer screen). But to me Mini and Meeke have been a great combination and a very brave one at that as we are in the middle of a world wide economic downturn. Also Mini is taking a risk as it is not using the car it is best known for. The Countryman is very expensive for a small (but well built) car and it could have been a risk to enter a vehicle style not traditionally associated with rally.

I only hope for the best for them.

[tfp]

Can we have a separate thread just for slagging off drivers and keep this one just for news ;)


+1 we do seem to have a lot of bile to get out. Especially for Slowson. I just don't get why people are so constantly negative about Mini (maybe I have a rose tinted computer screen). But to me Mini and Meeke have been a great combination and a very brave one at that as we are in the middle of a world wide economic downturn. Also Mini is taking a risk as it is not using the car it is best known for. The Countryman is very expensive for a small (but well built) car and it could have been a risk to enter a vehicle style not traditionally associated with rally.

I only hope for the best for them.

+2 Driver bashing does get repetitive after a while...
One complaint about WRC is that there are not enough manufacturers, and when another manufacturer does come in, the critics turn sour :confused:
Hats off to mini and prodrive, oh, and dont forget about Sordo ;)

[6789]

Exactly. Wilson is maybe slow and boring for us behind the PC, but I'm sure spectators enjoy him driving past on the stages.
Wilson is always sideways when I have seen the WRC cars on an event. You can see why he's slower because he's always using the side windows, but great to watch!!

[Brother John]

No, he has deal with M-sport.

No, he has a deal with Ford, I found it anyway on this site!
Jari-Matti Latvala in 2012 has a direct contract with Ford, not with M-Sport.

Gerücht: Ogier zu Ford, Hirvonen zu Citroen? - Rallye bei Motorsport-Total.com (http://www.motorsport-total.com/rallye/news/2011/10/Geruecht_Ogier_zu_Ford_Hirvonen_zu_Citroen_1110060 4.html)

[Plan9]

+2 Driver bashing does get repetitive after a while...
One complaint about WRC is that there are not enough manufacturers, and when another manufacturer does come in, the critics turn sour :confused:
Hats off to mini and prodrive, oh, and dont forget about Sordo ;)

No I haven't completely forgotten Sordo although it is quite easy to do isn't it? He is not the most sparkling personality in the field.

I am starting to notice in other threads that people are beginning to draw parallels bewteen the Sainz-McRae rivalry with Sordo-Meeke. I'm sure if any BMW-Mini representatives are reading this will be delighted!

[rallyfiend]

No, he has a deal with Ford, I found it anyway on this site!
Jari-Matti Latvala in 2012 has a direct contract with Ford, not with M-Sport.

Gerücht: Ogier zu Ford, Hirvonen zu Citroen? - Rallye bei Motorsport-Total.com (http://www.motorsport-total.com/rallye/news/2011/10/Geruecht_Ogier_zu_Ford_Hirvonen_zu_Citroen_1110060 4.html)

Why would Ford have a contract with a driver when they're not even committed to the sport for next year?
Let's wait and see if Ford continue before we speculate on who will be driving for them!!

[noel157]

Why would Ford have a contract with a driver when they're not even committed to the sport for next year?
Let's wait and see if Ford continue before we speculate on who will be driving for them!!

Looks like Ford will be committed if there's a contract with Latvala. Think they should announce a 3 yr agreement later this month.

[Nornbugger]

Wilson is always sideways when I have seen the WRC cars on an event. You can see why he's slower because he's always using the side windows, but great to watch!!


very true, he and Block are good to watch on the stages, not so good on the splits, maybe not enough here go to events?

[bennizw]

Ogier is very interested in joining Ford according to Latvala. He thinks it´s only a matter of time before they sign him up. However this won´t be done before M-sport have recieved a new commitment for the WRC from Ford. Right now M-sport are expecting an answer in the coming days, but Latvala thinks it´s more or less in the box.

[MR666]

If Ford do pick up Ogier could we see them still hold on to Hirvonen and have him placed in a Stobart car?

[Mintexmemory]

If Ford do pick up Ogier could we see them still hold on to Hirvonen and have him placed in a Stobart car?

Surely that isn't what is specified in his current contract, so why would he stay if the Citroen seat is on offer?
Possibly another Citroen Junior Team might be run next year, depending on the plans that Citroen have for Bouffier.

[Bobcat]

Why would Ford have a contract with a driver when they're not even committed to the sport for next year?
Let's wait and see if Ford continue before we speculate on who will be driving for them!!
I think his contract is 2 years old.

[Bobcat]

Looks like Ford will be committed if there's a contract with Latvala. Think they should announce a 3 yr agreement later this month.

5 years or bust, said Quinn.

[noel157]

5 years or bust, said Quinn.

LOL. I had 5 yrs in original post and edited it to 3 yrs. :)

[N.O.T]

I Think that its far more important for ford to increase their budget than dedicate for another 3-5-10 years....

If the budget is the same then there is no point continuing like this, especially now that the Mini is on the rise and VW enters with a VERY serious plan...no matter who they sign or sack if the car is not up to par with the rest of the serious manufacturers then they will continue losing.

[AndyRAC]

Have Ford ever thought about using a different prep company? Or what about running it themselves? M-Sport have a had a fair crack of the whip.....

[N.O.T]

Have Ford ever thought about using a different prep company? Or what about running it themselves? M-Sport have a had a fair crack of the whip.....

hmmm with all the technical knowledge M sport has over the years i think it would be wrong for them to go somewhere else...i think they should either go in as FORD co. or M-sport is the only logical solution.

[tfp]

Wilson is always sideways when I have seen the WRC cars on an event. You can see why he's slower because he's always using the side windows, but great to watch!!

I notice this aswel whenever I watch onboards of wilson - he always looks fast. The trouble is, when someone looks fast, they are often actually slow!


No I haven't completely forgotten Sordo although it is quite easy to do isn't it? He is not the most sparkling personality in the field.

I am starting to notice in other threads that people are beginning to draw parallels bewteen the Sainz-McRae rivalry with Sordo-Meeke. I'm sure if any BMW-Mini representatives are reading this will be delighted!

Sparkling isn't exactly a word I'd use to describe Sordo either :laugh: He's not exactly Gigi galli is he? Although I wonder if he knew what he looked like while he was getting his photo taken with the michelin man? :D

i a ****ing bitch my name ****ing sam goodier

[Hartusvuori]

Timo Salonen, World Rally Champion 1985, is celebrating his 60th birthday today. He does the celebration behind the wheel at Rally Legend in San Marino. Congratulations to Löysä!

[Josti]

Timo Salonen, World Rally Champion 1985, is celebrating his 60th birthday today. He does the celebration behind the wheel at Rally Legend in San Marino. Congratulations to Löysä!

Nice. In a 205 T16?

[tfp]

Timo Salonen, World Rally Champion 1985, is celebrating his 60th birthday today. He does the celebration behind the wheel at Rally Legend in San Marino. Congratulations to Löysä!

The big 6-:p
I once watched a documentary on TV about group B rally era, I saw Timo Salonen smoking a fag during a press conference :D
Happy birthday Timo!

[Bobcat]

Google Translate / Ogier, Hirvonen y Sordo aparecen en las quinielas de cambio de equipo para el WRC 2012 (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rectademeta.com%2Fogier-hirvonen-sordo-aparecen-quinielas-cambio-equipo-wrc-2012.html)

[Barreis]

Where do you find all this stuff?!

[Hartusvuori]

Nice. In a 205 T16?

So I would've thought but some odd reason he drives a Gr. A Celica ST 185. I don't remember him ever competing in that car. However - he retired.

Salonen is best known for his slack attitude and mind games wording especially against Alén. In the beginning of 1987 season, first Gr. A, he said, to underline the difference in power between Peugeot 205 and his new car Mazada 323, that "he would be embarrassed to drive the car with helmet on".... Something that wouldn't do in 2011. And the smoking was always there. Legend is that in his Nissan years in Argentina, the team had brought a PR photographer at the end of one long straight. Salonen got bored driving in the straight so he asked his co-driver to light him a cigarette. When the team saw the photos, not pleased... That could be just a legend, but for such it's priceless. Nowadays he has managed to get rid of the habit and is said to be in better condition otherwise too than what he was a few years ago.

[tfp]

So I would've thought but some odd reason he drives a Gr. A Celica ST 185. I don't remember him ever competing in that car. However - he retired.

Salonen is best known for his slack attitude and mind games wording especially against Alén. In the beginning of 1987 season, first Gr. A, he said, to underline the difference in power between Peugeot 205 and his new car Mazada 323, that "he would be embarrassed to drive the car with helmet on".... Something that wouldn't do in 2011. And the smoking was always there. Legend is that in his Nissan years in Argentina, the team had brought a PR photographer at the end of one long straight. Salonen got bored driving in the straight so he asked his co-driver to light him a cigarette. When the team saw the photos, not pleased... That could be just a legend, but for such it's priceless. Nowadays he has managed to get rid of the habit and is said to be in better condition otherwise too than what he was a few years ago.

What a legend :D

[dimviii]

I am old enough to have seen him in a lot of rally Acropolis.Always i saw him was with a cigarette in mouth.Like in this photo
http://www.google.gr/imgres?imgurl=http://www.ilkansivu.net/NesteRally2002/EK_09n_jalkeinen_huolto_083_Timo_Salonen_lahdossa_ huollosta.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ilkansivu.net/NesteRally2002/page_04.htm&usg=__PDBXuPQcn_-WxJfbE4ZiY5wq7eo=&h=591&w=860&sz=95&hl=el&start=17&zoom=1&tbnid=2rXUFhALkUiO4M:&tbnh=100&tbnw=145&ei=X6qQTpuRLob0sgbZhpkE&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsalonen%2Btimo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Del%26s a%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GTKR_en%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1
Salonen if he didn t stick with Nissan so many years,i am sure that he could win more championships.


edit was smoking even with a helmet inside the car!
http://www.google.gr/imgres?imgurl=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/autohabit/TimoSalonen85Portugal.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bmwkraftur.is/spjall/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D20%26t%3D39527%26start%3D15&usg=__9tKRKaX9QLMbSMZCNvqm0zHGBpc=&h=507&w=800&sz=105&hl=el&start=20&zoom=1&tbnid=H_s2hKV-ynJHcM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=143&ei=X6qQTpuRLob0sgbZhpkE&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsalonen%2Btimo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Del%26s a%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GTKR_en%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1

[Hartusvuori]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/autohabit/Salonen205.jpg

You've got to love this.

The first picture Dimvii linked was from 2002 Rally Finland when he did he his return run in 206 WRC.

I'm not old enough to know anything detailed about 80's rallying, but was Salonen really "sticking" to Nissan? What exactly could've been the more competetive options? He had no contact with Lancia or Audi, I think, and he signed with Peugeot for their first full season in 1985. As he then later on during Gr. A beginning drove Mazda, it was clear that he couldn't succeed (Mazda was 1,6 litre as opposed to 2,0 litre competition, to start with, right?). Still, he delivers a lot of good nostalgia for Gr. B heyday and in the end of the day, he is a true rallying legend.

[dimviii]

Mates while i was searching in google to find a Salonens photo,i find this link which has a very good summary in Gr B era cars.Some photos i ve never seen,including Bettega in a wrecked 037 trying to move him out.
Worth to take a look,specially the younger ones.
Google (http://www.google.gr/imgres?imgurl=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/autohabit/TimoSalonen85Portugal.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bmwkraftur.is/spjall/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D20%26t%3D39527%26start%3D15&usg=__9tKRKaX9QLMbSMZCNvqm0zHGBpc=&h=507&w=800&sz=105&hl=el&start=20&zoom=1&tbnid=H_s2hKV-ynJHcM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=143&ei=X6qQTpuRLob0sgbZhpkE&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsalonen%2Btimo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Del%26s a%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GTKR_en%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1)

[Mise]

So I would've thought but some odd reason he drives a Gr. A Celica ST 185. I don't remember him ever competing in that car. However - he retired.

Salonen is best known for his slack attitude and mind games wording especially against Alén. In the beginning of 1987 season, first Gr. A, he said, to underline the difference in power between Peugeot 205 and his new car Mazada 323, that "he would be embarrassed to drive the car with helmet on".... Something that wouldn't do in 2011. And the smoking was always there. Legend is that in his Nissan years in Argentina, the team had brought a PR photographer at the end of one long straight. Salonen got bored driving in the straight so he asked his co-driver to light him a cigarette. When the team saw the photos, not pleased... That could be just a legend, but for such it's priceless. Nowadays he has managed to get rid of the habit and is said to be in better condition otherwise too than what he was a few years ago.

I remember reading from this or it may have been on TV. It was the Safari Rally.
It was a planned thing. There were a long straight and he had the cigarette ready. The team manager caught him smoking from the helicopter

[dimviii]

@Hartusvuori
Rumors said that he was very well paided from Nissan.But Nissan at these times had only very reliable cars.Were much slower that Fiat 131,Stratos,Ford escort rs,opel manta/ascona etc.

[Hartusvuori]

@Hartusvuori
Rumors said that he was very well paided from Nissan.But Nissan at these times had only very reliable cars.Were much slower that Fiat 131,Stratos,Ford escort rs,opel manta/ascona etc.

I'm not exactly convinced that Nissan 240 RS was slower than Fiat 131 or Escort MkII, but for sure it was nowhere near the level of Lancia or Audi in the early 80s. You get actually quite a nice comparison between Nissan team and the true pro teams from Castrol Classics' film A Place In The Sun with Tony Pond starring in Corsica 1983. You see from this trailer video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gepEIYVQMU&feature=player_detailpage#t=16s): Q: "All the drivers absolutely, totally exhausted. How are you taking it?" Tony Pond answers: "Well... I'm drinking tea. Seems to be alright." Priceless. Salonen must've learned something from Pond, too.

[dimviii]

I'm not exactly convinced that Nissan 240 RS was slower than Fiat 131 or Escort MkII, but for sure it was nowhere near the level of Lancia or Audi in the early 80s. You get actually quite a nice comparison between Nissan team and the true pro teams from Castrol Classics' film A Place In The Sun with Tony Pond starring in Corsica 1983. You see from this trailer video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gepEIYVQMU&feature=player_detailpage#t=16s): Q: "All the drivers absolutely, totally exhausted. How are you taking it?" Tony Pond answers: "Well... I'm drinking tea. Seems to be alright." Priceless. Salonen must've learned something from Pond, too.

Fiat 131 was rallying from 1976-1981 as works car.Nissan 240 rs was from 1983-1985.It wasn t at the same years competed against.

[Hartusvuori]

Fiat 131 was rallying from 1976-1981 as works car.Nissan 240 rs was from 1983-1985.It wasn t at the same years competed against.

But you brought in the comparison...

[Josti]

Yes, I also heard Salonen was one of the best paid drivers when he was competing with Datsun and later on Nissan. Jean Todt was impressed by his consistency at Nissan (especially '84), that's why they took him.



Castrol Classics' film A Place In The Sun


Great one, recommended. Indeed, Nissan didn't throw with big budgets like Audi or Lancia, at least not in Europe.

[dimviii]

But you brought in the comparison...

Nissan hadn t got only 240 rs.They were previous models(with ''Datsun'' logo) they competing against Fiat 131s,Escorts etc.Nissan violet 160j for example
Nissan violet 160j image by munejapan on Photobucket (http://media.photobucket.com/image/nissan%20violet%20160j/munejapan/A10/DSCN0023.jpg)

[Hartusvuori]

Nissan hadn t got only 240 rs.They were previous models(with ''Datsun'' logo) they competing against Fiat 131s,Escorts etc.Nissan violet 160j for example
Nissan violet 160j image by munejapan on Photobucket (http://media.photobucket.com/image/nissan%20violet%20160j/munejapan/A10/DSCN0023.jpg)

That is for sure, Salonen has also the Datsun history. But then again, at that point of his career, turn of 70s/80s, he really wasn't on the shortlist for Audi, etc., even if he had rallied for a rough decade at that point and made himself some name. I think he had the most logical career he could've had.

[Plan9]

Will Proton enter the Monte Carlo next year? As they do IRC they should be able to right? I was also wondering why Proton doesn't enter SWRC? facetious remarks about their performance aside it might bring more customers for MEM or the road cars.

[Barreis]

Next year MC is only for WRC.

[PLuto]

Will Proton enter the Monte Carlo next year? As they do IRC they should be able to right? I was also wondering why Proton doesn't enter SWRC? facetious remarks about their performance aside it might bring more customers for MEM or the road cars.

SWRC has lack of interest. During WRC events, most of the fans and people are interested in overall classification.

[Formaldehyde]

Mates while i was searching in google to find a Salonens photo,i find this link which has a very good summary in Gr B era cars.Some photos i ve never seen,including Bettega in a wrecked 037 trying to move him out.
Worth to take a look,specially the younger ones.
Google (http://www.google.gr/imgres?imgurl=http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y100/autohabit/TimoSalonen85Portugal.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.bmwkraftur.is/spjall/viewtopic.php%3Ff%3D20%26t%3D39527%26start%3D15&usg=__9tKRKaX9QLMbSMZCNvqm0zHGBpc=&h=507&w=800&sz=105&hl=el&start=20&zoom=1&tbnid=H_s2hKV-ynJHcM:&tbnh=91&tbnw=143&ei=X6qQTpuRLob0sgbZhpkE&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsalonen%2Btimo%26um%3D1%26hl%3Del%26s a%3DN%26rlz%3D1R2GTKR_en%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1)

Thanks for the link. That is indeed a great detailed lesson in rallying history. Very insightful comments.

Actually here's a link for the 1st page in that thread (http://www.bmwkraftur.is/spjall/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=39527).

[Plan9]

I see. Proton does IRC & APRC so I though it would be logical to expand into the WRC umbrella. Why can't IRC drivers do the monte next year I thought it was meant to be open to both???

[Mintexmemory]

I see. Proton does IRC & APRC so I though it would be logical to expand into the WRC umbrella. Why can't IRC drivers do the monte next year I thought it was meant to be open to both???
Nope, no agreement reached between the organisers, so the Monte is a WRC event only - Not yet stated which of the sub-series it will count for but it would make sense for it to be a round of both SWRC and PWRC.

[Hartusvuori]

Nope, no agreement reached between the organisers, so the Monte is a WRC event only - Not yet stated which of the sub-series it will count for but it would make sense for it to be a round of both SWRC and PWRC.

World Motor Sport Council (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2011/Pages/wmsc-230911.aspx)

Monte Carlo counts for all WRC, SWRC and PWRC. And of course IRC drivers can enter Monte if they like, it just would be an extra rally for them.

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - Citroen for Novikov in Spain (http://www.wrc.com/news/citroen-for-novikov-in-spain/?fid=15551)

Novikov found how to do it. Crash more cars and you'll get better one. :D

[Mintexmemory]

World Motor Sport Council (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2011/Pages/wmsc-230911.aspx)

Monte Carlo counts for all WRC, SWRC and PWRC. And of course IRC drivers can enter Monte if they like, it just would be an extra rally for them.

Thanks for that, I must have missed the release last month. Let's hope it's a big success as I'm planning to spectate the event in 2013, unfortunately no vacation allowance left for the year ending 31/3/12 :-(

[Plan9]

World Motor Sport Council (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2011/Pages/wmsc-230911.aspx)

Monte Carlo counts for all WRC, SWRC and PWRC. And of course IRC drivers can enter Monte if they like, it just would be an extra rally for them.

Will the IRC drivers be allowed to use the cars they use in the IRC or will they be obliged to make some other arrangements?

[Plan9]

Proton should make a fast and reliable car first, before thinking about the WRC ;) . They finish in only few IRC events, and WRC events are even more demanding for the technique of the car...

@Plan9, I'm wondering what Ken Block is doing in your list (in signature)? :D

That a good point about Proton. But as you may know that Proton is not know for making sound financial decisions when it comes to motorsport. They own Lotus and are entering more formula's of motorsport than I have ever know a company do before!

I though I should include him as I wanted to have at least one amateur on my list. I also think that his videos are neat; but heaven forbid I become like one of the clowns of Youtube who post comment under each video asking him when he will go back to "Sibirooo"!!!!!!!!!!!!! =p

[Mintexmemory]

Will the IRC drivers be allowed to use the cars they use in the IRC or will they be obliged to make some other arrangements?
Hi P9
First we need to see who is in WRC cars next year and who is actually doing the SWRC. SWRC is for S2000 cars so cars used in IRC are legal without modification (except maybe control tyres). What will stop some IRC guys entering the Monte is car preservation as they will have a limited budget to do IRC and doing Monte in addition may prove too expensive. However, if Bouffier and Sarrazin aren't in WRC or SWRC cars (or some other French guys) I could easily see them entering as well as the VW team Fabias who despite being S2000 cars may not be contesting the SWRC series.
The order of the IRC 2012 events has not yet been announced. According to rumors, the new season starts in March and the first race will be the Rally of Scotland so there would be enough time to repair damaged cars. Big questions are where will Hanninen, Tanak and Paddon be in 2012. Neuville may also take a step up but that's about it for IRC competitors going SWRC. I get the feeling it could be the best field of WRC cars yet.

[Plan9]

Hi P9
First we need to see who is in WRC cars next year and who is actually doing the SWRC. SWRC is for S2000 cars so cars used in IRC are legal without modification (except maybe control tyres). What will stop some IRC guys entering the Monte is car preservation as they will have a limited budget to do IRC and doing Monte in addition may prove too expensive. However, if Bouffier and Sarrazin aren't in WRC or SWRC cars (or some other French guys) I could easily see them entering as well as the VW team Fabias who despite being S2000 cars may not be contesting the SWRC series.
The order of the IRC 2012 events has not yet been announced. According to rumors, the new season starts in March and the first race will be the Rally of Scotland so there would be enough time to repair damaged cars. Big questions are where will Hanninen, Tanak and Paddon be in 2012. Neuville may also take a step up but that's about it for IRC competitors going SWRC. I get the feeling it could be the best field of WRC cars yet.

Wow that is really cool. I was unaware that there were major differences between IRC and SWRC specification. I read an interview with Hanninen and he said that the SWRC Fabia was slower than his IRC whip (how is this possible? what are the major differences between IRC and WRC specification? Where did you get this info?)

I didn't know that Bouffier and Sarrazin were in consideration for anything in the WRC!!! I'm sure that we will see a lot more of Hanninen and Tanak in the WRC but I am holding onto the champagne as far as Paddon is concerned. I'm not sure if Wilks and Loix will be under as much scrutiny as the other drivers I have mentioned unfortunately =(

[pettersolberg29]

I didn't know that Bouffier and Sarrazin were in consideration for anything in the WRC!!!

I don't think that's what he meant, just that these 2 love the Monte so may get a one-off drive for someone. I'd love to see Sarrazin in a WRC car in Monte - I'd say he'd be odds-on for a podium as he has shown incredible pace there in the last few years, especially on the Turini if I remember well.

[Mirek]

I read an interview with Hanninen and he said that the SWRC Fabia was slower than his IRC whip (how is this possible? what are the major differences between IRC and WRC specification? Where did you get this info?)

Control tyres and control fuel make it slower. The car is otherwise same.


I don't think that's what he meant, just that these 2 love the Monte so may get a one-off drive for someone. I'd love to see Sarrazin in a WRC car in Monte - I'd say he'd be odds-on for a podium as he has shown incredible pace there in the last few years, especially on the Turini if I remember well.

I guess that Sarrazin or Bouffier may be send by Peugeot as guest SWRC entry.

[Mintexmemory]

Thanks to PS29 and Mirek they clarified what I was trying to say. Bouffier and Sarrazin have shown such good pace over the Monte stages (which as far as I can see will be very similar if not identical to the last few runs) that it's a no-brainer to give them a guest car. Bouffier to see how close he is to WRC pace and Sarrazin for the publicity (they love him as much as Asterix in Gaullish land :) ) I think that the Monte is such a special event that I wouldn't rule out Mini running a guest just for the one rally. We Brits would go apes**t to see a Mini up front on the Monte (German money maybe but built in Oxford and to correct previous misconceptions Kris M IS British (UK passport), from Northern Ireland; which if you describe him with more exact ethnicity makes him an Ulsterman, equivalent to Welsh, Scots and English. Paul Nagle comes from the Republic and is Irish. There are people living in Northern Ireland who don't consider themselves to be British and wouldn't be seen dead driving a car painted with a Union Flag - Kris isn't one of them. Social Geography lesson over ;) )

[mousti]

Hi P9
First we need to see who is in WRC cars next year and who is actually doing the SWRC. SWRC is for S2000 cars so cars used in IRC are legal without modification (except maybe control tyres). What will stop some IRC guys entering the Monte is car preservation as they will have a limited budget to do IRC and doing Monte in addition may prove too expensive. However, if Bouffier and Sarrazin aren't in WRC or SWRC cars (or some other French guys) I could easily see them entering as well as the VW team Fabias who despite being S2000 cars may not be contesting the SWRC series.
The order of the IRC 2012 events has not yet been announced. According to rumors, the new season starts in March and the first race will be the Rally of Scotland so there would be enough time to repair damaged cars. Big questions are where will Hanninen, Tanak and Paddon be in 2012. Neuville may also take a step up but that's about it for IRC competitors going SWRC. I get the feeling it could be the best field of WRC cars yet.
Sarrazin for VW ??? C'mon that's impossible he's one of the best pilots for Peugeot in Monte he's always fast without any rhythm but offcourse he's one of the captains for the LMES and Le Mans program! So he in a Fabia for VW no way :D , will probably never go to the rival team if the program stays like it is now for PSA

[Mitch555]

I read an interview with Hanninen and he said that the SWRC Fabia was slower than his IRC whip (how is this possible? what are the major differences between IRC and WRC specification? Where did you get this info?)

Specifications are the same, S2000 is an international formula. The reason why Hanninen has a better car for IRC is that Skoda as a company are more commited to the IRC, and therefore put their resources to that. Second tier in the WRC isn't really an option, which is why Hanninen only really has a semi-works car in the SWRC.

I would think a few of the IRC boys could make the trip to Monte Carlo, either in their S2000 current machinery, or some of the richer,gentlemen drivers might lease WRC cars. I agree that Bryan Bouffier and Stephane Sarrazin would be highly likely starters. Sarrazin loves the Monte so he could turn up in anything, though more than likely something from PSA (207 S2000 or DS3). Bouffier the same. We might also see some others like Gardemeister who has some money, Mikkelson and Neuville.

I reckon quite a few of the IRC crews would be snapped up for the role of ice-noting for the WRC boys if they will allow this again in the WRC just for this rally.

[Mintexmemory]

Sarrazin for VW ??? C'mon that's impossible he's one of the best pilots for Peugeot in Monte he's always fast without any rhythm but offcourse he's one of the captains for the LMES and Le Mans program! So he in a Fabia for VW no way :D , will probably never go to the rival team if the program stays like it is now for PSA
You've mis-read the post I said "I could easily see them (Bouffier and Sarrazin) entering AS WELL AS (in addition to) the VW team Fabias" not - IN a VW team Fabia. C'mon keep up, this seems like a wilful Benelux attempt to be Hellenic!!!!

[Mirek]

Specifications are the same, S2000 is an international formula. The reason why Hanninen has a better car for IRC is that Skoda as a company are more commited to the IRC, and therefore put their resources to that. Second tier in the WRC isn't really an option, which is why Hanninen only really has a semi-works car in the SWRC.

You're not right. Hänninen's car in SWRC despite being in RedBull colors is a works one. Even his mechanics are works. Only the car of Gassner is a BRR one. The reason why his SWRC car is slower is what I already posted. There is different control fuel plus different control tyres than in IRC. Both the fuel and tyres are worse in performance compared to those they use in IRC and for which Fabia was optimized in development.