[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[Francis44]

See previous page. Actualy I spoke about this allready on Tuesday.

Sorry did not see that.

[Koppomsbo]

PG will again start in Prague Rallysprint. This time with Fabia WRC.

When is that?

[dimviii]

interesting interview from Loeb and Quesnel..
also don t forget page 20-21
GP Week (http://mag.gpweek.com/)

[Mirek]

When is that?

Saturday 3rd December

[oph]

Petter and Henning in ford? (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%2Fipad.dagbladet.no%2F2011%2F11%2F24% 2Fsport%2Fmotorsport%2Fpetter_solberg%2Fhenning_so lberg%2F19151841%2F)

[pettersolberg29]

That would be a dream - although surely Henning will struggle to find 5-10 million to get the third seat instead of Al-Qassimi?

[tolis]

Without Abu Dhabi next year, why are you so sure that Al Qassimi will continue?

[tfp]

Without Abu Dhabi next year, why are you so sure that Al Qassimi will continue?

I wonder if we will see him in a citroen?

[tolis]

Don't think so...

[spiderem]

Any more pics of the army world rally cars of the solberg's? They look awesome!

[pettersolberg29]

Without Abu Dhabi next year, why are you so sure that Al Qassimi will continue?

If not Al-Qassimi, which as you rightly say is unlikely, then surely there are still dozens of drivers like him who would find 10 million easily. Where would Henning get such money to even compete with such people?

[janvanvurpa]

Jepp, I mean Ford=M-sport (if you didnt catch that) :s mokin:

If they have ett par norsk gutter does that make it "Fem-sport" (inte siffor 5 heller, mer som "Hi sailor, looking for a good time?"

[jbmarcus21]

Team Volkswagen Motorsport testing this week in South of France. During 4 days, Dieter Depping & Juho Hänninen testing tarmac and today in Gravel Sebastien Ogier testing for the first time new Polo Wrc .. First photos Image (http://bit.ly/uqpDRn) - More photos soon ;)

[dimviii]

Hanninen with skoda overall lol
keep us informed jbmarcus!

[makinen_fan]

WRC Mikko Hirvonen ES Celin Dalias PRUEBAS video 2011 11 24 16 14 07 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBYygDrvNRA&feature=channel_video_title)

first videos of Mikko testing the DS3.

[Barreis]

WRC horror - more of the same.
WRC's commercial boss Vladimir Antonov arrested in London - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96447)

[Arwel Davies]

Team Volkswagen Motorsport testing this week in South of France. During 4 days, Dieter Depping & Juho Hänninen testing tarmac and today in Gravel Sebastien Ogier testing for the first time new Polo Wrc .. First photos Image (http://bit.ly/uqpDRn) - More photos soon ;)

They seem to be doing a fair bit of testing with this Polo and after Seb Ogier's comments after he signed for them it wouldnt suprise me if we do see the Polo out at some point next year.

[Barreis]

Nasser in Mercedes for Dakar.

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - EXCLUSIVE Q&A: Ken Block (http://www.wrc.com/news/exclusive-qa-ken-block/?fid=15840)

[Plan9]

Nasser in Mercedes for Dakar.
Source?

[jbmarcus21]

New Update with full gallery Juho Hänninen testing Polo WRC Image (http://bit.ly/uqpDRn)

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/5139papapapa.jpg

[JHvP]

I do not think Nasser will do Dakar as entry is closed, but he will do Qatar rally with Mercedes (http://www.marathonrally.com/news/baja_qatar_al_attiyah_fighting_for_third_qatar_win _first_time_with_lucas_cruz.19562.0.html).

[Barreis]

That's it.

[spiderem]

WRC Mikko Hirvonen ES Celin Dalias PRUEBAS video 2011 11 24 16 55 48 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSpaZMQqEaM&feature=related)

Does anybody know what the front left light is for? (illuminating the ground) i guess it is a kind of sensor for testing.
I noticed that as well when they were doing testing last year on snow before rally sweden / norway...

[Mirek]

Correvit optical sensor which measures various speed and acceleration parameters.

[Bobcat]

iRally - talks to Jari-Matti Latvala. He also talks about life in the team after Mikko.| Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC/posts/117488871699500)

[spiderem]

Correvit optical sensor which measures various speed and acceleration parameters.

thanks

[tfp]

iRally - talks to Jari-Matti Latvala. He also talks about life in the team after Mikko.| Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC/posts/117488871699500)

Cant see the interview?

[Plan9]

I do not think Nasser will do Dakar as entry is closed, but he will do Qatar rally with Mercedes (http://www.marathonrally.com/news/baja_qatar_al_attiyah_fighting_for_third_qatar_win _first_time_with_lucas_cruz.19562.0.html).

Thank you. Keen to see how this compares with the Minis that will be entered (all 3000 of them lol!!!). We know one thing, a VW will not be the winner of the upcoming dakar.

[grugsticles]

WRC Mikko Hirvonen ES Celin Dalias PRUEBAS video 2011 11 24 16 55 48 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSpaZMQqEaM&feature=related)

Does anybody know what the front left light is for? (illuminating the ground) i guess it is a kind of sensor for testing.
I noticed that as well when they were doing testing last year on snow before rally sweden / norway...

I was under the impression that it is a camera where the basic idea was to get real time look at road conditions and suspension handling.

[Allyc85]

Delecour to do the Monte in a Fiesta WRC!

François Delecour en Fiesta RS WRC pour le Monte-Carlo 2012 | le blog auto (http://www.leblogauto.com/2011/11/francois-delecour-en-fiesta-rs-wrc-pour-le-monte-carlo-2012.html)

[Viking]

Any more pics of the army world rally cars of the solberg's? They look awesome!

Stemningsrapport fra Solberg Extreme Show m/Bilder (http://www.norsk-rally.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8060:bilder)

[dimviii]

iRally - talks to Jari-Matti Latvala. He also talks about life in the team after Mikko.| Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FordWRC/posts/117488871699500)

can t see any interview.Can you copy paste it here?

[pucky54]

can t see any interview.Can you copy paste it here?

http://tbcpods.radica.com/iRally_Radio/iRally_Current/2011_Audios/2011LatvalaVar.mp3

[dimviii]

http://tbcpods.radica.com/iRally_Radio/iRally_Current/2011_Audios/2011LatvalaVar.mp3

thanks pucky!

[Barreis]

Delecour to do the Monte in a Fiesta WRC!

François Delecour en Fiesta RS WRC pour le Monte-Carlo 2012 | le blog auto (http://www.leblogauto.com/2011/11/francois-delecour-en-fiesta-rs-wrc-pour-le-monte-carlo-2012.html)

Cool.

[Hartusvuori]

Finnish autosport association AKK-Motorsport will have a new chairman from January 1st 2012. In today's election Juhani Pakari won Kari O. Sohlberg. Sohlberg has been chairman for past 30 years, and this change is voicing out the dissatisfaction of the field. We'll see what happens.

[Juha_Koo]

Finnish autosport association AKK-Motorsport will have a new chairman from January 1st 2012. In today's election Juhani Pakari won Kari O. Sohlberg. Sohlberg has been chairman for past 30 years, and this change is voicing out the dissatisfaction of the field. We'll see what happens.

I'm very interested to see what Pakari can do. I know his name from aviation circles, he has built a commuter airline from scratch - and did it very successfully. Finncomm Airlines was basically number one in Finland's commuter air traffic. Last summer Pakari sold Finncomm (or actually the part of it called "Finnish Commuter Airlines, FCA") to Finnair and Flybe making good profit. Back in the 90s Pakari was heavily involved in airline called Air Botnia, later sold to SAS. He is also an ATPL-pilot, has flown for Golden Air and Finncomm.

I wish him the best of luck and hope to see him succeed in AKK as well as he has succeeded in aviation business. :up:

[Bobcat]

Cant see the interview?
Only the iRally app... http://bit.ly/vVDnt3

[Allyc85]

Cool.

Very, I cant wait to see how high up he gets! Not that I realistically expect him in the top few :)

And how much do we need live streaming for the Monte? Last year IRC was some of the best ive ever seen!

[MJW]

Very, I cant wait to see how high up he gets! Not that I realistically expect him in the top few :)

And how much do we need live streaming for the Monte? Last year IRC was some of the best ive ever seen!
I doubt we will get live streaming on Monte 2012, Vladimir Antonov is busy right now :-)

[Barreis]

Horror.

[tfp]

Only the iRally app... http://bit.ly/vVDnt3

Ah, thanks bobcat:-)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Whats the thinking then - Tanak to take Mikko's place at Ford for 2012 ?

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4665/img9017copie.jpg

[tfp]

Whats the thinking then - Tanak to take Mikko's place at Ford for 2012 ?

http://img846.imageshack.us/img846/4665/img9017copie.jpg

I kinda hope not, I dont think hes ready to go into WRC cars yet. If anything, surely the seat should go to ostberg? He has more experience and has already done a full year with the car, not to mention almost winning a rally.

[Plan9]

I kinda hope not, I dont think hes ready to go into WRC cars yet. If anything, surely the seat should go to ostberg? He has more experience and has already done a full year with the car, not to mention almost winning a rally.

I agree. I think Ostberg is a logical choice. Don't forget this is Malcolm we are dealing with so anything is possible. If Abu Dhabi has left as a backer maybe Henning could scrape some cash together and become the next Khalid? Petter is probably a bit much of a stretch. I was wondering if monster energy would talk more of a hand in sponsorship as Ken won't be around as much; or should say even less of a presence than he has now?

But I am with you on Ott, maybe not yet, Novikov would also be a bad choice at this stage

[Plan9]

Cool.
Hopefully he will use the Q8 Oil livery that was on his Sierra! We can only dream

[pete c]

Give the seat to Atko, he'll not ask a lot of money and we know he's fast

[mousti]

If it's not Tanak then it's a pilot who has to have some backing even Petter will have to bring that, it's already good their differences would be gone..

[tfp]

I agree. I think Ostberg is a logical choice. Don't forget this is Malcolm we are dealing with so anything is possible. If Abu Dhabi has left as a backer maybe Henning could scrape some cash together and become the next Khalid? Petter is probably a bit much of a stretch. I was wondering if monster energy would talk more of a hand in sponsorship as Ken won't be around as much; or should say even less of a presence than he has now?

But I am with you on Ott, maybe not yet, Novikov would also be a bad choice at this stage

But if Petter is avaliable...I'd give the number 2 seat to him. Second choice would be Ostberg for me. But the news I have read on the other thread makes good sense - Ostberg and tanak in a new adapta team! That way we will see who is the best :) My moneys on Ostberg.


Give the seat to Atko, he'll not ask a lot of money and we know he's fast

It would be good to see Atko back, but I think if hes to come back he needs to do it soon, theres a lot of competition for the few seats that are avaliable now!

[JTGANG]

I think whoever believes that Ostberg is a better choise than Tanak has not watch them live.....Stop watching rally throught the internet and go see
some events......At my opinion Tanak is a pure raw talent and has nothing to do with Ostberg who is a fast driver but nothing to do against Tanak
talent

[J.Lindstroem]

Yeah we all understand that. But is he ready to take the step to a factory seat? I think it would be better to put someone else in the factory seat and let Tanak drive a full season in the Ford Wrc without all the pressure being a Works driver gives you!

[Allar]

I kinda hope not, I dont think hes ready to go into WRC cars yet. If anything, surely the seat should go to ostberg? He has more experience and has already done a full year with the car, not to mention almost winning a rally.
Ott is ready for WRC car, but not ready for A-team. What Ostberg can do for a Ford manufactures titel hopes? Podium on snow event and a lot of top 10 places, nothing more.

[mousti]

I think that Tanak is faster on than Ostberg. It's indeed too fast as a official 2nd driver with only 2 rallies under his belt with the WRC a Junior team with Ostberg is the best. A year would be enough I think for such a guy.

[Mintexmemory]

The saying goes if you are good enough you're old enough. Ott (OTT is the UK acronym for 'Over the top' ;) ) is good enough. Mads is good but if you've ever watched Ott on max attack you'll already know he's going to be great.

[logic]

Ott is ready for WRC car, but not ready for A-team. What Ostberg can do for a Ford manufactures titel hopes? Podium on snow event and a lot of top 10 places, nothing more.

So basically the same thing Miko was doing then right?

[logic]

I do not think Ott is ready , he should have a full year in the B team in prep for the No2 or No1 seat if he shows tremendous pace this year in the B team.

[darkstar]

he´s defenetly more ready then östberg, but i also agree that he shouldnt be in the factory team yet.

[ridder]

he´s defenetly more ready then östberg, but i also agree that he shouldnt be in the factory team yet.

Tanak has done one season of Pirreli SD finishing 4th and one season of SWRC finishing 2nd (against basically just 1 real competitor)... and one WRC rally in WRC car finishing 6th.

Østberg has been driving in WRCs on WRC rallies since 2006 in much more crowded field and during this season got 2 second places.

The only time they drove same rally in similar car was this last WRC rally, where not surprisingly Tanak was far behind.

How can Tanak be more ready than Ostberg to run as a factory number 2 is beyond me. I don't think Ostberg is ready either, but Tanak? To run most rallies as non-factory driver is best both for him and the team.

[Plan9]

But if Petter is avaliable...I'd give the number 2 seat to him. Second choice would be Ostberg for me. But the news I have read on the other thread makes good sense - Ostberg and tanak in a new adapta team! That way we will see who is the best :) My moneys on Ostberg.



It would be good to see Atko back, but I think if hes to come back he needs to do it soon, theres a lot of competition for the few seats that are avaliable now!

Petter would be a good choice or even Henning if the money is that tight. Don't forget slowson is also in the frame for something. I get the feeling that it will probably come down to Ott or Mads in the end if you consider the money issue, talent, potential to stay at the team long term. But once again my first choice would be one of the Solbergs!!!!!

Would van Merkijstein switch back to ford or maybe Kuipers????

On Atko, I was lead to believe that he is still on good terms with DR and the BWRT; if anything he could take over from Oliveria for a round or 2 but no more than that.

[eestlane]

IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=3312)

Mikkelsen in IRC 2012

[cali]

Tanak has done one season of Pirreli SD finishing 4th and one season of SWRC finishing 2nd (against basically just 1 real competitor)... and one WRC rally in WRC car finishing 6th.

Østberg has been driving in WRCs on WRC rallies since 2006 in much more crowded field and during this season got 2 second places.

The only time they drove same rally in similar car was this last WRC rally, where not surprisingly Tanak was far behind.

How can Tanak be more ready than Ostberg to run as a factory number 2 is beyond me. I don't think Ostberg is ready either, but Tanak? To run most rallies as non-factory driver is best both for him and the team.

You forget the tires as Tänak was running on DMack's, so you cannot really have adequate comparison. But I also think that maybe it's too early for Tänak to run in a A team

[sollitt]

Suggestions Tanak's not "ready" for a full WRC drive are nonsense. The kid's as ready as he's ever going to be. If there weren't such a limit on opportunities we'd all be rooting for him. What's the worst that he could do, crash more cars than McRae? Not possible.

[Plan9]

Speaking for myself I would be very disappointed if he didn't live up to the hype. I think the current kiwi competitor could also be at risk of this.

As an example I would site Bruno Senna in F1. His last name gives everyone (who likes F1)a buzz but his recent results damped it down so much.

[sollitt]

At the end of the day, the likes of Tanak, Paddon, Ostberg and all of the other candidates are where they are presently because they have fought off the competition wherever they have respectively been battling.

In the case of Paddon, his competition which he has ably beaten to 2 national titles and a brace of APRC round wins, not to mention his PWRC crown, is generally vastly more experienced. Yet he has disposed of them at will not only on events and surfaces he knows well but at those which are new to him also.
I do not know much of Tanak's history but would be surpised if it were much different, in this respect.

What's lacking is time in the car, and we do know that the WRC cars of the previous era were reputedly difficult for a novice to step into, but there time to sort this.

[bassist]

Rumours at the moment , but the talk is that Ford have pulled out of the WRC. This apparently leaves `M`Sport on their own to keep the brand alive. There will be lots to discuss at Daventry Hall!!!

[J.Lindstroem]

Se you prefer him as second driver over Petter Solberg?

[J.Lindstroem]

Suggestions Tanak's not "ready" for a full WRC drive are nonsense. The kid's as ready as he's ever going to be. If there weren't such a limit on opportunities we'd all be rooting for him. What's the worst that he could do, crash more cars than McRae? Not possible.

Se you prefer him as second driver over Petter Solberg?

[6789]

Rumours at the moment , but the talk is that Ford have pulled out of the WRC. This apparently leaves `M`Sport on their own to keep the brand alive. There will be lots to discuss at Daventry Hall!!!
So disappointing, just when the championship was starting to get better

[Doon]

Rumours at the moment , but the talk is that Ford have pulled out of the WRC. This apparently leaves `M`Sport on their own to keep the brand alive. There will be lots to discuss at Daventry Hall!!!

Is it not Dovenby Hall?

[bassist]

Is it not Dovenby Hall?
Oops ! My Mistake! Oh well, I was never on Mr Wilsons Christmas Card List!

[focus206]

I hope not, but I fear Ford will really pulls out. A very stupid decision if you ask me...

[Mirek]

Did You make an audit of Ford WRC program that You know it is stupid to leave and go for another sport/marketing tool?

[Bobcat]

Did You make an audit of Ford WRC program that You know it is stupid to leave and go for another sport/marketing tool?
Ford did make, Ford's view of WRC: Ford Motorsport Boss Praises World Rally Championship | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/rally-wrc-and-irc/ford-motorsport-boss-praises-world-rally-championship/177027225723198)

[AndyRAC]

Is that the 'Official' Ford view, or Gerard Quinn's view..??

If, and it's a big if, Ford do pull out - maybe the rest of the stakeholders will finally realise the current set up isn't working. However, I get the feeling they are like Emperor Nero while Rome burns....

[Rallyper]

The history repeat itself.
When Audi made big sucess in World Rally with Quattro after being a nobody in caramaking in the 80`s, they became high nosed and skipped rallying. A big mistake I would say, because the brand isn´t like BMW or Merc and will never be.

Maybe Ford think they are a champagne brand only competing in nice racing with VIP-tents serving champagne and strawberrys...? Neither will Ford become more than the brand everyone knows as the rallybrand!

[AndyRAC]

The history repeat itself.
When Audi made big sucess in World Rally with Quattro after being a nobody in caramaking in the 80`s, they became high nosed and skipped rallying. A big mistake I would say, because the brand isn´t like BMW or Merc and will never be.

Maybe Ford think they are a champagne brand only competing in nice racing with VIP-tents serving champagne and strawberrys...? Neither will Ford become more than the brand everyone knows as the rallybrand!

Audi have moved on - they view their Greatest Motorsport successes as their LeMans triumphs.....and they view their competitors as Merc & BMW, hence the DTM programme, and also Sportscars. If Audi ever return to Rallying, then I'll eat my hat. It won't happen whilst Dr Ulrich is in charge of AudiMotorsport.

[RS]

I hope not, but I fear Ford will really pulls out. A very stupid decision if you ask me...

It might not be too bad from a business point of view - the way that is rumoured they either have to put in less (or no) money and still get publicity for their car and brand. I imagine Ford will still give the necessary backing to homologate new components e.t.c.

This situation is a little bit different but when Skoda pulled out of WRC Kopecky and Duval achieved better results with their private team than the works boys did.

[Rallyper]

Audi have moved on - they view their Greatest Motorsport successes as their LeMans triumphs.....and they view their competitors as Merc & BMW, hence the DTM programme, and also Sportscars. If Audi ever return to Rallying, then I'll eat my hat. It won't happen whilst Dr Ulrich is in charge of AudiMotorsport.

I never said they´ll come back to rallying. Only they thought they were better and bigger than they were by the times they pulled out.

And maybe Ford is thinking the same.

(if it´s a true fact, then the rallysport itself have to consider its way of performing the sport)

[I am evil Homer]

I think you have to ask what does Ford (or anyone for that matter) get out of WRC right now during the deepest recession since the 1930s? All spends have to be looked at.

Performance cars? Not really...and they could just as easily do so from WTCC with the Focus.

Brand recognition? Maybe but audiences for WRC are low and people will still know Ford exists without WRC.

Sell more Fiestas? Seriously doubt that if it does sell more, it's enough to even come close to the outlay

[Gregor-y]

If Ford was leaving amid raving success - or maybe a year after everyone eclipsed them and they didn't want to design and build a competitive car - then maybe I could see a comparison with Audi. But I don't think this is a case of Ford thinking they're too fancy for rally.

[mousti]

Audi have moved on - they view their Greatest Motorsport successes as their LeMans triumphs.....and they view their competitors as Merc & BMW, hence the DTM programme, and also Sportscars. If Audi ever return to Rallying, then I'll eat my hat. It won't happen whilst Dr Ulrich is in charge of AudiMotorsport.
And they don't have to because VW is now in the WRC.

[sollitt]

Se you prefer him as second driver over Petter Solberg? I wasn't saying that. Rather I was merely countering the suggestions that he's not "ready" to step up.
However since you've asked, yes I do. Tanak is the future and an exciting one at that. Petter is the past and something of a spent force.

[tfp]

Petter is the past and something of a spent force.

:down: There should be a dislike button aswel!

[Nornbugger]

I wasn't saying that. Rather I was merely countering the suggestions that he's not "ready" to step up.
However since you've asked, yes I do. Tanak is the future and an exciting one at that. Petter is the past and something of a spent force.


I wonder if Tanak gets a drive how long it will be till the knives are out for him when he isnt getting results, the lad isnt ready for a works seat yet, he needs a year to mature 1st, he can be a great driver but he deserves time.

[tfp]

I wonder if Tanak gets a drive how long it will be till the knives are out for him when he isnt getting results, the lad isnt ready for a works seat yet, he needs a year to mature 1st, he can be a great driver but he deserves time.

+1 :up: He is definetly on the "one to watch" list. But like you say, he does need a little more time.

[Tomi]

However since you've asked, yes I do. Tanak is the future and an exciting one at that. .

Agree, I hope too that the seat goes to Tänak or to some other who has the future in rally, no point in signing guys from the past.

[pettersolberg29]

I wasn't saying that. Rather I was merely countering the suggestions that he's not "ready" to step up.
However since you've asked, yes I do. Tanak is the future and an exciting one at that. Petter is the past and something of a spent force.

If Ford go with Tanak as the 2nd driver next year then they definitely won't be here in 2013. Yes, Tanak has a lot of potential, but he's nowhere near the real deal yet. Another year in SWRC or in a B-Team would help his career much more than being thrown into the deep end at a factory team.

Ford have to have Petter in the 2nd seat if Sordo is unavailable (which he seems 99% sure to be at Mini) as he is the only driver available who can compete for wins. Tanak, Ostberg etc will be good, but Ostberg on snow apart they will not provide JML enough support for a Championship assault. Even Henning would almost be a better choice than Tanak for 2012 - a bit of experience and someone who is known to be capable of scoring points regularly, while Tanak can drive without pressure alongside Ostberg in Team B.

[sollitt]

If Ford go with Tanak as the 2nd driver next year then they definitely won't be here in 2013. Sorry, there's no evidential basis for this statement. It's purely conjecture as is the rest of the post.

.... but he's nowhere near the real deal yet. Another year in SWRC or in a B-Team would help his career much more than being thrown into the deep end at a factory team. What's another year in the shadows going to do "for his career"? It's nonsense. When you've got a young racehorse with the capacity to win the Grand National or the Melbourne Cup you don't keep it in the stables developing a liking for the hay & shagging the draft horse.

Ford have to have Petter in the 2nd seat .... I get that you're a fan, so am I. But Petter has almost petered out sorry. Time to move on.

Even Henning would almost be a better choice than Tanak for 2012.Almost? You don't sound too sure, and if you're not, why not give Tanak the benefit of the doubt? After all, Henning has hardly set the the world on fire anytime.

[spiderem]

I guess it doesn't change much if its tanak / henning / peter / ostberg...
What we all realize is that Loeb / Hirvonen in the ds3, well it's simply the best team you could imagine at the moment.
And i am not saying that because I am french (i have always been pro ford and pro Hirvo), but the ds3 has proven to be fast and reliable, loeb is still the best driver in the world, and mikko is maybe not the fastest driver out there but he still has been runner up world champion 3 times the past 4 seasons...
Maybe Ogier / loeb was a faster pair, but for me Loeb / Hirvo can smash the constructor title mid season next year...
And for me Latvala is a very talented driver, but it seems that he is only fast and reliable when we tell him before a rally "well, do the best you can, and on the last stage you will drop position to help mikko..."
Lets hope citroen will stay as they are for 2013, this could be an amazing season...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Citroen sold more Citroens in Norway then ever since Solberg started driving the Xsara, C4 and DS4... so he could do the same with Ford?

[Miika]

So, one Citroen less in the championship next year (Kimi that is).

[HarriK]

Yep:
Kimi Räikkönen back in F1 with LRGP in 2012 (http://www.lotusrenaultgp.com/8034-Kimi-Raikkonen-back-in-F1-with.html)

[RS]

Agree, I hope too that the seat goes to Tänak or to some other who has the future in rally, no point in signing guys from the past.

Do you think that Tanak could score more points over a season than Petter already?

If they can find the funding to give Tanak a full season in a b-team first that surely makes more sense unless M-Sport have given up on the title before the season even starts.

[I am evil Homer]

I don't think anyone here has suggested Tanak isn't worthy or ready of a full time WRC drive. He is.

But he's not shown enough to be given the 2nd works seat at Ford, he should be given a junior programme for a full season on WRC events to see what he can do without the pressure of needing to score manu points or support JML in a title push.

[EuroTroll]

I don't think anyone here has suggested Tanak isn't worthy or ready of a full time WRC drive. He is.

But he's not shown enough to be given the 2nd works seat at Ford, he should be given a junior programme for a full season on WRC events to see what he can do without the pressure of needing to score manu points or support JML in a title push.

Exactly. It would be much better for him without that pressure.

[pettersolberg29]

Sorry, there's no evidential basis for this statement. It's purely conjecture as is the rest of the post.
What's another year in the shadows going to do "for his career"? It's nonsense. When you've got a young racehorse with the capacity to win the Grand National or the Melbourne Cup you don't keep it in the stables developing a liking for the hay & shagging the draft horse.
I get that you're a fan, so am I. But Petter has almost petered out sorry. Time to move on.
Almost? You don't sound too sure, and if you're not, why not give Tanak the benefit of the doubt? After all, Henning has hardly set the the world on fire anytime.

I'm not saying there is any evidence for it, but likewise there is no evidence that Tanak has the ability to be in a factory team yet. With only 3 manufacturers in the sport in 2012, that would mean Tanak should be in the top 6 drivers - that is a ridiculous thing to suggest in my opinion. And driving in the B-Team wouldn't be a 'year in the shadows' - Ogier didn't do too badly with Citroen Junior Team. It would give Tanak a chance to prove himself and gain experience without the pressure. I'm willing to bet anything that Tanak will finish minutes behind the winners of rallies next year if he is in the WRC - there is nothing to suggest otherwise.
It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Petter or not - he is the only viable option without a manufacturer seat. He's won rallies, and still challenges for wins and podiums consistently. He is undoubtedly in the top 5 rally drivers in the world, and with Ogier out next year that makes him 4th best option. How anyone could think throwing Tanak in at the deep end when there is a proven podium finisher avalible is crazy. And I mention Henning and 'almost' because even if his talent isn't equal to Tanak's he has got experience, and Tanak does not need the sort of pressure being in a team with JML and needing to fight for wins.
Tanak needs to follow Ogier's development path - get in a B-Team and show everyone what he's got. Then he will get a chance with a manufacturer when he proves his ability and therefore deserves it.

[AndyRAC]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/nov/29/portsmouth-parent-company-administration

Hmm, owners of NorthOneSport, CSI in administration.......

[makinen_fan]

just read this in facebook

Vladimir Antonov's Convers Sports Initiatives, the owners of North One Sport, the commercial promoters of the World Rally Championship, has gone into administration.

The fact has only just become public: the move came on Friday.

A statement from the Joint Administators reads:

“On the 25th of November 2011 my partner at UHY Hacker Young Andrew Andronikou and I were appointed as Joint Administrators to Convers Sports Initiative plc (CSI).”

“CSI own a number of sports teams, media franchises and entertainment rights businesses.”

“We were appointed as Administrators after uncertainty arose over the future of CSI. CSI has a number of sports related assets and we are very confident of finding interested buyers for these subsidiaries. Our aim is to ensure that the sale process is as smooth as it possibly can be.”

“We will now be undertaking a period of due diligence at CSI and once that has been completed we will be in a better position to answer questions.”

Antonov has resigned.

A statement on the webpage of CSI adds:

"The business and assets of the Company are now managed by the Administrators."

"Please note that the Administrators are agents of the Company and act without personal liability."

"The subsidiaries of Convers Sports Initiatives plc are not subject to an Administration Order."




These are Very bad news for the sport. Hopefully this will be resolved soon, although with such difficult economic climate I doubt someone will buy CSI to continue their work.

[Hartusvuori]

Last weekend Juho Hänninen was selected as the best Finnish autosportsman of the year. In the prize giving evening he was of course asked about his season 2012. For elisa.net (http://elisa.net/uutiset/urheilu/moottoriurheilu/?id=115514), he commented that:
- There's no signed contract yet, but he strongly hinted that he will continue with similar program and same manufacturer in 2012 as he did in 2011.
- He said it's highly unlikely that he will compete in WRC machinery next season, but he hopes for WRC work, namely testing VW.
- He is looking forward to compete in Monte Carlo, New Zealand and Finland next season, his favourite events of the series

[wrc_flipper]

just read this in facebook

Vladimir Antonov's Convers Sports Initiatives, the owners of North One Sport, the commercial promoters of the World Rally Championship, has gone into administration.

The fact has only just become public: the move came on Friday.





A statement from the Joint Administators reads:

“On the 25th of November 2011 my partner at UHY Hacker Young Andrew Andronikou and I were appointed as Joint Administrators to Convers Sports Initiative plc (CSI).”

“CSI own a number of sports teams, media franchises and entertainment rights businesses.”

“We were appointed as Administrators after uncertainty arose over the future of CSI. CSI has a number of sports related assets and we are very confident of finding interested buyers for these subsidiaries. Our aim is to ensure that the sale process is as smooth as it possibly can be.”

“We will now be undertaking a period of due diligence at CSI and once that has been completed we will be in a better position to answer questions.”

Antonov has resigned.

A statement on the webpage of CSI adds:

"The business and assets of the Company are now managed by the Administrators."

"Please note that the Administrators are agents of the Company and act without personal liability."

"The subsidiaries of Convers Sports Initiatives plc are not subject to an Administration Order."




These are Very bad news for the sport. Hopefully this will be resolved soon, although with such difficult economic climate I doubt someone will buy CSI to continue their work.
WRC commercial rights holder CSI goes into Administration - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96585)

Good be a good opportunity for Eurosport to come in at a bargain price!

[RS]

WRC commercial rights holder CSI goes into Administration - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96585)

Good be a good opportunity for Eurosport to come in at a bargain price!

They are in discussions to merge IRC with ERC so must be on reasonably good terms with the FIA....

[AndyRAC]

I know administration can be a little messy - but the sooner something is sorted, the better. I think Eurosport would be the best for the sport at the moment.

[sollitt]

I don't think anyone here has suggested Tanak isn't worthy or ready of a full time WRC drive. He is.

But he's not shown enough to be given the 2nd works seat at Ford, he should be given a junior programme for a full season on WRC events to see what he can do without the pressure of needing to score manu points or support JML in a title push. I absolutely agree Homer, except that my comments were generated by some suggesting that Tanak isn't ready, which he clearly is ... as you say.

I've not advocated him for the seat other than to suggest that he is potentially a better option than Solberg. Astute investors will always back a commodity in the ascendency not on the descent, which is where Petter is presently. Yes he's won rallies, but not for 6 years and he's never likely to again other than by default ... as much as we all might like to see it.

[Tomi]

Do you think that Tanak could score more points over a season than Petter already?

If they can find the funding to give Tanak a full season in a b-team first that surely makes more sense unless M-Sport have given up on the title before the season even starts.

There is not any drivers avilable that could help Ford to win the manu. title, that is gone for sure, thats why I think it would be better for Ford to invest in the future with a young driver with high potential, and yes think Tänak could bring the car in top 4 in most events.

[mousti]

World Rally Championship - News - Pedersoli linked to eight-round WRC bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/pedersoli-linked-to-eight-round-wrc-bid/?fid=15843)

The loss of money in Kimi renting in Citroën is a bit solved :D World Rally Championship - News - Pedersoli linked to eight-round WRC bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/pedersoli-linked-to-eight-round-wrc-bid/?fid=15843)

This is a way more tourist than Kimi although a very friendly guy but fast? No..

[AndyRAC]

World Rally Championship - News - North One Sport statement (http://www.wrc.com/news/north-one-sport-statement/?fid=15846)

Don't panic.......everything is okay!! ;)

[Barreis]

Bring back Eurosport.

[Motorsportfun]

I know administration can be a little messy - but the sooner something is sorted, the better. I think Eurosport would be the best for the sport at the moment.

The best option would be Infront, IMHO. Only with them, the WRC could become the No. 1 of the "League 2".

[Motorsportfun]

World Rally Championship - News - Pedersoli linked to eight-round WRC bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/pedersoli-linked-to-eight-round-wrc-bid/?fid=15843)

The loss of money in Kimi renting in Citroën is a bit solved :D World Rally Championship - News - Pedersoli linked to eight-round WRC bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/pedersoli-linked-to-eight-round-wrc-bid/?fid=15843)

This is a way more tourist than Kimi although a very friendly guy but fast? No..

He won the Italian tarmac championship (winning also in Sanremo back in September) and soon will release its first video "DriftWar1"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0YcQMmKGQY

[mousti]

Still a friendly guy but means nothing. Is already 40+ years old and barely has any experience with a WRC rally. I reckon Kuipers will be faster mostly. Better to do the ERC again like he did some years ago with the 306 Maxi Kit Car or do an IRC program.

Btw North One confirmed they are a stand-alone subsidiary and that it is not in administration. Andyrac was before me

[tolis]

Still a friendly guy but means nothing. Is already 40+ years old and barely has any experience with a WRC rally. I reckon Kuipers will be faster mostly. Better to do the ERC again like he did some years ago with the 306 Maxi Kit Car or do an IRC program.

Btw North One confirmed they are a stand-alone subsidiary and that it is not in administration. Andyrac was before me
It would be great to see an Italian again driving a WRC car in the WRC, after Galli.

[mousti]

I don't say it isn't great, every extra WRC is good, but I'm just realistic about the speed and results he'll have.

[tolis]

Indeed, I don't believe he'll do anything incredible, but it'll be a nice addition.

[Barreis]

Guy has a speed on asphalt but how quick can he be against Loeb, we'll see.

[Sulland]

World Rally Championship - News - Pedersoli linked to eight-round WRC bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/pedersoli-linked-to-eight-round-wrc-bid/?fid=15843)

The loss of money in Kimi renting in Citroën is a bit solved :D World Rally Championship - News - Pedersoli linked to eight-round WRC bid (http://www.wrc.com/news/pedersoli-linked-to-eight-round-wrc-bid/?fid=15843)

This is a way more tourist than Kimi although a very friendly guy but fast? No..

I thought that R-GT was created for guys like him??

[tfp]

I'm not saying there is any evidence for it, but likewise there is no evidence that Tanak has the ability to be in a factory team yet. With only 3 manufacturers in the sport in 2012, that would mean Tanak should be in the top 6 drivers - that is a ridiculous thing to suggest in my opinion. And driving in the B-Team wouldn't be a 'year in the shadows' - Ogier didn't do too badly with Citroen Junior Team. It would give Tanak a chance to prove himself and gain experience without the pressure. I'm willing to bet anything that Tanak will finish minutes behind the winners of rallies next year if he is in the WRC - there is nothing to suggest otherwise.
It doesn't matter if you are a fan of Petter or not - he is the only viable option without a manufacturer seat. He's won rallies, and still challenges for wins and podiums consistently. He is undoubtedly in the top 5 rally drivers in the world, and with Ogier out next year that makes him 4th best option. How anyone could think throwing Tanak in at the deep end when there is a proven podium finisher avalible is crazy. And I mention Henning and 'almost' because even if his talent isn't equal to Tanak's he has got experience, and Tanak does not need the sort of pressure being in a team with JML and needing to fight for wins.
Tanak needs to follow Ogier's development path - get in a B-Team and show everyone what he's got. Then he will get a chance with a manufacturer when he proves his ability and therefore deserves it.

Agree - I hope Petter gets the second seat. Some say the manu title next year is a foregone conclusion. (It may be...) But thats just giving up kinda talk.

Tanak will be big, maybe even massive, I am sure. But this is in the future. Future and up and coming drivers need to be in a B-team (Like Ogier) and not have the pressure of being put in a WRC car with very little experience(Like Wilson)
For the 2012 manufacturers title, they need someone who is very good NOW. Not someone who is going to be very good.

That is why I think Petter should have the seat. :)

[Alpha]

Anyone with half a brain would see that Petter is the best choice for Ford now. He's still fast, consistent and probably the most enthusiastic driver in the field. Many drivers have been in and then drifted away in the past years, but Petter has put earth and skies in motion to stay in the WRC and tried his best to stay competitive. He's gotten results even though the factory teams has done their best to make sure their four boys are at the top and let the rest fight it out with no actual chance of even finishing fourth. With B-teams Petter should actually never have finished above eight.


The sport itself has been laughable for the last years and the FIA needs to take control like in F1. Get in charge of every aspect of the cars, and most importantly: The ECU. They control it in F1 and should in the WRC too. They need to end the current situation where the factories can hand out horsepower as they please. When Petter says he's "never felt the DS3 stronger" or when Warmbold talks about the "Yeti-engine" something is seriously wrong.

Rules should be in place to make sure that upgrades trickle down to all the cars under each manufacturer. When a Ford, Citroen or a Porsche Cayman (one can dream) stands at the starting lights it should perform the same no matter if the side of the car reads "M-Sport Abu Dhabi" or "Expert".

You might attack the manufacturers for ruining the sport but they just run a good business. They pull in as much money as they can, and adhere to the rules while they do it. It might not make the sport better but at the end of they day they prefer money over a healthy championship. There are other motorsports out there they can manipulate if the WRC goes down. The responsibility and the only way of making things better lies with the FIA.

The select few hardcore rally fans know how this world works. We know that noone besides the top boys have a chance of winning. How do you expect anyone to watch a _sport_ when there isn't even a slightly level playing field? It's like watching soccer with one team has a bigger goal than the other, or more players on the field, it's silly!


The WRC - Where every season is a silly season...


I'm getting fed up with this ****. Also, the coverage is poor at best. The radio is ok but just for the most hardcore of fans. The extended online coverage at this years Rally France was an improvement, we need more like that.
I've never been a fan of the Formula 1 championship and never bothered to watch seemingly identical cars zip around the same couple of bends for 60 or 70 laps. But the coverage on BBC is just plain epic! They show a complete hour of television before the race even starts which would seem boring but with Jake Humphrey, David Coulthard and Eddie Jordan running the show it's a complete joy to watch! Throw in Martin Brundle as well and BBCs extremely high production values and the end result is breathtaking. They really show how it can be, but first we need to make the championship real. FIA: Make it happen.

[Ucci]

I don't say it isn't great, every extra WRC is good, but I'm just realistic about the speed and results he'll have.
I agree 100% with mousti. The Italian guy is nice, very friendly, but he was never already in Italy at the top of Italian drivers. He is a gentelman driver, he had good fights with Felice Re in TRA for the last two seasons, but that's all. One big plus for him: he is very very spectacular driver, always sideways, uses a handbreake whenever is possible to use it, but he will be beaten also by second league drivers in WRC.......But I'm looking forward to see him in the WRC !

[sollitt]

Anyone with half a brain ...... A bit wayward at the beginning but the rest of the post is spot on!

[Mirek]

Škoda confirmed to continue in rallying. They will do IRC, Czech championship and selected events of ERC to prepare for possible merge with IRC. There was no word about SWRC but I expect them there as well. Kopecký is sure to continue, Hänninen most likely also.

[alleskids]

Abbring's and Neuvilles test with the Citroen DS3 WRC was also a test for the Citroen Sport mecanics/engineers in how to deal with a non-French speaking driver. Both Abbring and Neuville had to speak Englisch to the staf and mecanics, although they both can speak French :)

[Gard]

Škoda confirmed to continue in rallying. They will do IRC, Czech championship and selected events of ERC to prepare for possible merge with IRC. There was no word about SWRC but I expect them there as well. Kopecký is sure to continue, Hänninen most likely also.

Mikkelsen will do SWRC, with Skoda

[Hartusvuori]

Mikkelsen will do SWRC, with Skoda

Could it be that next years SWRC battles are bound to be more thrilling than WRC: Ogier, Mikkelsen, maybe Hänninen. All in Skoda though, but still.

And of course good news on Skoda's plans.

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen will do SWRC, with Skoda

I know but I was referring to the real factory team (although I know Škoda UK is using works cars as well).

Anyway from what was said it seems that Škoda program in IRC will be limited to less events. Still enough for overall classification.

[Mise]

Abbring's and Neuvilles test with the Citroen DS3 WRC was also a test for the Citroen Sport mecanics/engineers in how to deal with a non-French speaking driver. Both Abbring and Neuville had to speak Englisch to the staf and mecanics, although they both can speak French :)

I gotta hand it to Citroen. They don't leave anything unresolved or untested.
This is how you become a winner.

[tolis]

Marcos Ligato may return to PWRC: Ligato: Quiero una revancha (http://mundod.lavoz.com.ar/motores/ligato-quiero-revancha)

[VFTS]

I know but I was referring to the real factory team (although I know Škoda UK is using works cars as well).



Skoda UK did use factory cars, but they didnt have all the same factoryparts as Kopecky and Hänninen did have. But in the last events Mikkelsen got the same as the two others.

[Barreis]

Last two events was farce.

[gtimad73]

Last two events was farce.
in what way?

[Barreis]

Doubled points. In WRC it could never be that way.

[gtimad73]

but the rules were like that all year. And Mikkelsen did have a great run at the end of the season. and could of won at least one other round had it not been for a few seconds. i see what your saying. but i was happy with the way it was..

[Barreis]

I'm not saying that I was fan od Kopecky or Hanninen but to win the championship in two rounds...

[Plan9]

IF Mikkelsen leaves IRC, who will driver the UK Skoda? (someone from the UK?)

Does anyone know what livery the VW Skodas will use? ie will it be like the one Juho used this year?

[Mirek]

More likely those two VW run already this season ;)

[Maui J.]

Could it be that next years SWRC battles are bound to be more thrilling than WRC: Ogier, Mikkelsen, maybe Hänninen. All in Skoda though, but still.

And of course good news on Skoda's plans.

Hopefully we can add Paddon to that list as well.
I spoke very him briefly last week. His 2012 plans are for SWRC and his said he was looking at 3 options, Skoda, Ford and also Impreza R4. Of course it was all money dependent, the R4 being the cheaper option. Let's hope he can find the right funding and do it properly. It will be interesting to see his speed against these others. To be fair I don't feel he was really tested this year in PWRC, although he did drive extremely well, and used his brains to control his lead on most events and made very few mistakes.

Update: Hayden flies to the UK next week for some testing. Hopefully this means a SWRC deal is getting closer.

[Sulland]

Could it be that next years SWRC battles are bound to be more thrilling than WRC: Ogier, Mikkelsen, maybe Hänninen. All in Skoda though, but still.

And of course good news on Skoda's plans.

Worst case maybe you can add Petter, Henning and Mads as well!

[mousti]

Worst case maybe you can add Petter, Henning and Mads as well!
More chance we see Neuville in the SWRC than these 3.

[James Graham]

Hopefully we can add Paddon to that list as well.
I spoke very him briefly last week. His 2012 plans are for SWRC and his said he was looking at 3 options, Skoda, Ford and also Impreza R4. Of course it was all money dependent, the R4 being the cheaper option. Let's hope he can find the right funding and do it properly. It will be interesting to see his speed against these others. To be fair I don't feel he was really tested this year in PWRC, although he did drive extremely well, and used his brains to control his lead on most events and made very few mistakes.

Update: Hayden flies to the UK next week for some testing. Hopefully this means a SWRC deal is getting closer.

I agree with all of this. The SWRC could trump the WRC in terms of hard charging drivers and potential battles. If nothing else Ogier will prove just how quickly an S2000 car can go and it will give the other S2000 drivers a very good benchmark by which to judge themselves.

[Mirek]

Just small news but maybe interesting for Norwegian members. First Fabia R2 is going to Norway before Christmas for Petter Kristiansen. AFAIK there is one more ordered from Norway but I don't know for whom.

[RS]

IF Mikkelsen leaves IRC, who will driver the UK Skoda? (someone from the UK?)

Does anyone know what livery the VW Skodas will use? ie will it be like the one Juho used this year?

Mikkelsen is doing IRC again next year as well as sWRC.

It will be interesting to see who ends up exactly where in sWRC next season. I guess Hanninen will also be there and maybe Neuville too. With VW or Red Bull Skoda?

Oliveira's ditching Mini and Prodrive seem to be in a spot of bother!

Service Park Snoop | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Service-Park-Snoop/317139258302745)

[N.O.T]

all we need now is a reporter from MTV3 and the tabloid rally journalism is complete...go away. g

o advertise your last year news elsewere.

[rallyfiend]

all we need now is a reporter from MTV3 and the tabloid rally journalism is complete...go away. g

o advertise your last year news elsewere.

You really are the most tiresome fool.

Can someone please remind me how to block someone?

[N.O.T]

click my name....view profile...add on igonre list (on the left)

bye bye...next please.

[Hartusvuori]

I'm getting a deja-vu...

[N.O.T]

people forget easily even the simplest of things.....i am here to help, as always.

[noel157]

Oliveira's ditching Mini and Prodrive seem to be in a spot of bother!

Service Park Snoop | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Service-Park-Snoop/317139258302745)

NOT is entirely correct. The Facebook snoop crap is, well, crap, nothing less. And posting here is nothing but spam.

[darkstar]

only for fun or does it mean something?

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380851_303543406333069_100000322360768_1045064_170 0589769_n.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Shortly after GB, Oliveira was seen testing the Fiesta! That is 100% FACT.

[Nornbugger]

Shortly after GB, Oliveira was seen testing the Fiesta! That is 100% FACT.

I tested a lot of ladies, but I only married one ;-)

[Mintexmemory]

I tested a lot of ladies, but I only married one ;-)

And how many of the tests ended in a ditch or up the escape road? ;-)

[Woodeye]

all we need now is a reporter from MTV3 and the tabloid rally journalism is complete...go away. g

o advertise your last year news elsewere.

Every single time when I come to forum to read stuff about WRC there's nothing but crap like this here.

You must think you are clever, wise, respected and fair but at the same time hard. Try ignorant, uncivilized, impolite and boring. That's at least how you make it look.

[Mirek]

Shortly after GB, Oliveira was seen testing the Fiesta! That is 100% FACT.

Several 2011 Ford WRC drivers recently tested Mini ;)

[tfp]

Oliveira's ditching Mini and Prodrive seem to be in a spot of bother!

Service Park Snoop | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Service-Park-Snoop/317139258302745)

Dont listen to NOT, he doesnt mean it really! :D

Oh, and welcome to the site!


all we need now is a reporter from MTV3 and the tabloid rally journalism is complete...go away. go advertise your last year news elsewere.

I corrected your post, you can thank me later ;)

[pucky54]

only for fun or does it mean something?

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380851_303543406333069_100000322360768_1045064_170 0589769_n.

nothing is for fun ;)

[mousti]

Hear another link for Oliveira's move. If he thinks to improve with this..

Oliveira con un Fiesta WRC y Nobre con un Mini WRC (http://latulasport.es/index.php/wrc/2823-oliveira-con-un-fiesta-y-nobre-con-un-mini.html)

[Xsara Fan]

I don`t understand why anybody wants to work with Mini? Mini is expensive (Fiesta is cheaper!) and non-works Mini are absolutely miserable. No one (Flodin, Araujo, Oliveria etc.) show any good results.

[Mirek]

nothing is for fun ;)

Or everything in motorsport is for fun. Depends on the angle of view ;)

[Hartusvuori]

I don`t understand why anybody wants to work with Mini? Mini is expensive (Fiesta is cheaper!) and non-works Mini are absolutely miserable. No one (Flodin, Araujo, Oliveria etc.) show any good results.

Rantanen did one decent stage time in Finland, but then it was over before it had properly began.

[noel157]

Perhaps DR is offering more discount to make the package more attractive than the Fiesta?

[Juha_Koo]

Rantanen did one decent stage time in Finland, but then it was over before it had properly began.

I hope it wasn't the final blow to his career. It's still one of the biggest disappointments of the year for me, if it just would not have started to roll... But - like Tomi Tuominen says - if a lady would have balls, he would be a mister.

[Hartusvuori]

But - like Tomi Tuominen says - if a lady would have balls, he would be a mister.

Don't give credit for Tuominen, it's far older saying.

Other than that, I share your fear. Has anyone heard anything from Rantanen since?

[mm1]

I don`t understand why anybody wants to work with Mini? Mini is expensive (Fiesta is cheaper!) and non-works Mini are absolutely miserable. No one (Flodin, Araujo, Oliveria etc.) show any good results.
And which one of them should set the stages alight, apart from Flodin, I don`t think Olivera or Araujo can do anything good in any car, so maybe miserable is somebody else, not Mini. Also Flodins speed is something to be proved...

[Susiraja]

I hope it wasn't the final blow to his career. It's still one of the biggest disappointments of the year for me, if it just would not have started to roll... But - like Tomi Tuominen says - if a lady would have balls, he would be a mister.

It would have been nice to see a couple of more days of driving from Rantanen. The other Finnish privateer's calendar I'm interested in seeing next year is Ketomaa. Hopefully he gets some program together.

Btw if a lady would have balls she would be a transvestite ;)

[Jr.]

only for fun or does it mean something?

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/380851_303543406333069_100000322360768_1045064_170 0589769_n.





According to Facebook its for Kościuszko/Szczepaniak at Barborka Rally 2011

[Plan9]

Several 2011 Ford WRC drivers recently tested Mini ;)

Interesting, which ones?

[mousti]

Block and Ostberg for sure, maybe even more guys.. Kuipers and Van Merksteijn plans also not being published.

[Juha_Koo]

Don't give credit for Tuominen, it's far older saying.

Funny, I've never heard that one before. But I believe you. :) Not one of the most politically correct phrases.

I haven't heard anything from Rantanen... Last press release is from NORF.


Btw if a lady would have balls she would be a transvestite ;)

:D

Nice to see that you're continuing with AKK's area coaching group in 2012! :up:

[Susiraja]

Nice to see that you're continuing with AKK's area coaching group in 2012! :up:

Thanks! A good size group of people so hopefully equals to a fun year in rallies and training. January-February will for sure be hectic when you combine three Finnish championship rounds with training weekends and own training.

[noel157]

Don't give credit for Tuominen, it's far older saying.



Very old saying- If my auntie had balls she would be my uncle...

[Plan9]

Block and Ostberg for sure, maybe even more guys.. Kuipers and Van Merksteijn plans also not being published.

Wow imagine the expose Mini would get from just 1 viral gymkhana video. Why did these dudes test the mini? Is like some friendly thing they have with prodrive or more serious like a preliminary to a more substantial business relationship???

[Plan9]

BTW has Mini confirmed it will do all events in 2012 yet?

[RS]

Ok, not proper rallying but the Race of Champions is this weekend and Sebastien Ogier, Juho Hanninen and Jan Kopecky will be there representing our sport against F1 and drivers from other disciplines. This event will be televised live on Motors TV.

The rally cars for the weekend:

http://www.rallye-info.com/images/photos/general/ROC.jpg

[bassist]

Ok, not proper rallying but the Race of Champions is this weekend and Sebastien Ogier, Juho Hanninen and Jan Kopecky will be there representing our sport against F1 and drivers from other disciplines. Does anyone know if this is televised live or on the web?

The rally cars for the weekend:

http://www.rallye-info.com/images/photos/general/ROC.jpg

They didnt choose Ford Fiesta WRC`s for the event then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[N.O.T]

No Loeb either... so no point.

[NikoP]

Has anyone heard anything from Rantanen since?

I think Finnish magazine Veikkaaja wrote some weeks ago that Rantanen is trying to get funding to do some rallies with Mini WRC next year. Sweden might be his first rally.

But I don't think Veikkaaja is the most reliable source.

[Hartusvuori]

I think Finnish magazine Veikkaaja wrote some weeks ago that Rantanen is trying to get funding to do some rallies with Mini WRC next year. Sweden might be his first rally.

But I don't think Veikkaaja is the most reliable source.

On the other hand, I don't think they would write about rallying unless there's some action behind the scenes. I hope Rantanen would try out once more.

[N.O.T]

The mistake finnish rally drivers with potential do is that they focus doing rallies they know well so nobody can get them seriously...what is the point of top 3-5 times in Finland and Sweden ?? Sure it helps to find sponsosrs for local village events and makes their life easier but they exclude themselves from a future in the sport...

If you look at both Finish drivers who are in the scene right now they focused on a broad schedule of events not just those that are 100 meters from their door and the organisers let them run through the stages a million times.

[Hartusvuori]

The mistake finnish rally drivers with potential do is that they focus doing rallies they know well so nobody can get them seriously...what is the point of top 3-5 times in Finland and Sweden ?? Sure it helps to find sponsosrs for local village events and makes their life easier but they exclude themselves from a future in the sport...

If you look at both Finish drivers who are in the scene right now they focused on a broad schedule of events not just those that are 100 meters from their door and the organisers let them run through the stages a million times.

This applies to all nations. Only few get a chance to do international rallies. You are right of course, it's logical, but it's difficult to put the ideal theory into practise.

[RS]

The mistake finnish rally drivers with potential do is that they focus doing rallies they know well so nobody can get them seriously...what is the point of top 3-5 times in Finland and Sweden ?? Sure it helps to find sponsosrs for local village events and makes their life easier but they exclude themselves from a future in the sport...

If you look at both Finish drivers who are in the scene right now they focused on a broad schedule of events not just those that are 100 meters from their door and the organisers let them run through the stages a million times.

Sometimes N.O.T. is right.... In fact even Hirvonen still suffers a bit with this.

Can someone tell us what Finnish Championship is like too? Is there much variation or is it all Rally Finland type events?

[N.O.T]

This applies to all nations. Only few get a chance to do international rallies. You are right of course, it's logical, but it's difficult to put the ideal theory into practise.

the thing is that in most other countries conditions are far more neutral when it comes to surfaces since they have both gravel roads and tarmac roads used for rallying, and their gravel roads have a variety.

In Finland they have only gravel roads (i have seen some rallies on tarmac but tehy are just sprint like events) and even them have very little variation between them, sure they make their drivers awesome in controlling high speed corners and tackling the crests and the jumps, but they have problems when they have to drive on normal gravel roads, let alone tarmac ones.

[OldF]

The mistake finnish rally drivers with potential do is that they focus doing rallies they know well so nobody can get them seriously...what is the point of top 3-5 times in Finland and Sweden ?? Sure it helps to find sponsosrs for local village events and makes their life easier but they exclude themselves from a future in the sport...

If you look at both Finish drivers who are in the scene right now they focused on a broad schedule of events not just those that are 100 meters from their door and the organisers let them run through the stages a million times.

IMO Tommi Mäkinen’s breaktrough was when he won NORF in 1994. Next year he started his Mitsubishi “career”.

And as Markko Märtin said when he won NORF.

“If I can win here I can win everywhere”.

[dimviii]

IMO Tommi Mäkinen’s breaktrough was when he won NORF in 1994. Next year he started his Mitsubishi “career”.

And as Markko Märtin said when he won NORF.

“If I can win here I can win everywhere”.

Loeb is opposite,so?

[Rallyper]

IMO Tommi Mäkinen’s breaktrough was when he won NORF in 1994. Next year he started his Mitsubishi “career”.

And as Markko Märtin said when he won NORF.

“If I can win here I can win everywhere”.

Jepp, and first time we noticed Marcus Gronholm was when he lead NORF in a factory Corolla, but had to retire after getting out of petrol. After that he became a full WR Star!

[Mirek]

They didnt choose Ford Fiesta WRC`s for the event then!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's already known for maybe two months that the cars are Škodas. It was also mentioned here on forum ;)

[Mirek]

Block and Ostberg for sure, maybe even more guys.. Kuipers and Van Merksteijn plans also not being published.

Kuipers for sure also tested Mini.

[dimviii]

''
Volkswagen Motorsport director Kris Nissen confirmed his team hadn’t intended to run on all events(!!!!!lololol!!!!!!) next year but added Ogier’s insistence that he continued to learn the rallies swayed his decision.''
World Rally Championship - News - Ogier set for full WRC season in 2012 (http://www.wrc.com/news/ogier-set-for-full-wrc-season-in-2012/?fid=15858)


lololololololol

did he had any more important job to do Ogier? or they thought that there is no reason to run all rallies?

[mousti]

Wow imagine the expose Mini would get from just 1 viral gymkhana video. Why did these dudes test the mini? Is like some friendly thing they have with prodrive or more serious like a preliminary to a more substantial business relationship???
I guess they got invited by Prodrive to test, like they've done the whole year already, and knowing that there program is not confirmed yet It's worth a try to persuade them :) .

[Bobcat]

MaxRally | Features | Top five rallying scandals (http://www.maxrally.com/features/entry/top_five_rallying_scandals/)

[Viking]

Mads Østberg thinks the Manufacturer entry deadline will be postponed to 22/12

Norwegian
22. desember trolig ny frist for rallygutta*|* TV 2 Sporten (http://www.tv2.no/sport/ovrig/22-desember-trolig-ny-frist-for-rallygutta-3651566.html)

Googlish
Google Oversetter (http://translate.google.no/translate?hl=no&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tv2.no%2Fsport%2Fovrig%2F22-desember-trolig-ny-frist-for-rallygutta-3651566.html)

More news on the North One Sport situation. If you're N.O.T interested, don't click the link!

Service Park Snoop | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Service-Park-Snoop/317139258302745)

[N.O.T]

you think your gimmick account with 2 posts both advertising your yesterdays/no news facebook account has a future in here ???

reported and lets see what the mods say....

No news? You're opinion obviously, but what is fact is that you're doing a lovely job of telling people about my page N.O.T.

For anyone who's interested, I'd love to reveal who the snoop is, but I can't!

[N.O.T]

No news? You're opinion obviously, but what is fact is that you're doing a lovely job of telling people about my page N.O.T.

For anyone who's interested, I'd love to reveal who the snoop is, but I can't!

Someone who just steals the news from here and posts them 2 days later in your page ???

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

.
If you look at both Finish drivers who are in the scene right now they focused on a broad schedule of events not just those that are 100 meters from their door and the organisers let them run through the stages a million times.

Latvala was driving in UK when he was learning rallying. And I think there is more distanse than 100 meters, correct me if I am wrong.

[N.O.T]

thats what i am saying also...Latvala and Hirvonen had international experience and they progressed in their careers. All these MTV3-Finish media champions like Ketomaa, Rantanen, Lindroos, Alen ects only do events that know by heart or they know the conditions and have no future in the sport....

[bassist]

Mads Østberg thinks the Manufacturer entry deadline will be postponed to 22/12

Norwegian
22. desember trolig ny frist for rallygutta | TV 2 Sporten (http://www.tv2.no/sport/ovrig/22-desember-trolig-ny-frist-for-rallygutta-3651566.html)

Googlish
Google Oversetter (http://translate.google.no/translate?hl=no&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tv2.no%2Fsport%2Fovrig%2F22-desember-trolig-ny-frist-for-rallygutta-3651566.html)

The fact that there is a delay in the announcement will hopefully bring the right result.

[Barreis]

Sebastien Ogier has 'no regrets' over 2011 season and split with Citroen - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96621)
It would be nice to see real news here.

[dimviii]

Sebastien Ogier has 'no regrets' over 2011 season and split with Citroen - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96621)
It would be nice to see real news here.

classic Ogier....same style in interviews like he f@cked up everything in Citroen at Acropolis and Germany interviews.Seems to dont learn from mistakes.

[Micke_VOC]

Just small news but maybe interesting for Norwegian members. First Fabia R2 is going to Norway before Christmas for Petter Kristiansen. AFAIK there is one more ordered from Norway but I don't know for whom.

Second Fabia R2 for Steve Rökland. (The Fiesta Thropy Shoot-out winner 2011 !! )
Skoda Fabia R2 også til Steve Røkland (http://www.norsk-rally.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8072 :s koda-fabia-r2-ogsa-til-steve-rokland)

[jonkka]

MaxRally | Features | Top five rallying scandals (http://www.maxrally.com/features/entry/top_five_rallying_scandals/)

I think Loeb's "miss" in 2002 Monte Carlo would have qualified on that list...

[Wasted Talent]

IMO Tommi Mäkinen’s breaktrough was when he won NORF in 1994. Next year he started his Mitsubishi “career”.

And as Markko Märtin said when he won NORF.

“If I can win here I can win everywhere”.

Agree 100%, if someone sets top times in Sweden or Finland it means they are a serious driver

WT

[Iskald]

Second Fabia R2 for Steve Rökland. (The Fiesta Thropy Shoot-out winner 2011 !! )
Skoda Fabia R2 også til Steve Røkland (http://www.norsk-rally.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=8072 :s koda-fabia-r2-ogsa-til-steve-rokland)

Actually the two norwegian boys, Steve Røkland and Petter Kristansen, was head above the rest during the Fiesta Trophy Sporting Shoot-out at M-Sport. Steve was fastes overall with a superb time during the second run. Petter was fastest in the third and final run, 1/10th ahead of Steve. I must say I admire Jari Matti Latvala, who together with Malcolm Wilson watched all the runs and evaluated the guys during he competition. After all drivers had completed their three runs Jari Matti announced he was having a go to beat the times. (Possibly a wager between him and Malcolm Wilson!). All in very good spirits, and it shows that Jari Matti is certainly not afraid to lose face, which I suspect a lot of other drivers would have been.
He did two runs, and managed to beat Petter Kristansen by 2/10ths and Steve Røkland by 3/10ths, from their third run times. In the second runs however Steve Røkland had driven 1,5 seconds faster still! From the big grin on Malcolm Wilsons face I think it became clear that he had won the wager against Jari Matti. It shall be said that this was the first time ever for Jari Matti in a Fiesta R2 and that conditions was slightly better with less gravel on the tarmac and somewhat better grip during the second runs, but I still think Jari Matti would have struggled to beat Steve Røklands best time of the day overall...

[dimviii]

Ogier lost from Hanninen at ROC with Scirocco R cars
Team Germany takes fifth straight Race of Champions Nations' Cup win - Other news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96627)

[Mirek]

Ogier demo drive with Polo WRC (some donuts etc.): ROC 2011 Düsseldorf Nations Cup Ogier show with Polo R WRC - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6VczF_GB0I)

[Rallyper]

My dream is that VW will make the debut with the Polo in NORF.

[Barreis]

Nothing until 2013.

[Mirek]

Kopecký also defeated Ogier now while both were in Fabia. But it's easy to see that Kopecký needs a lot of time to adapt to any car. Except in Fabia he is loosing all battles.

[Rallyper]

Nothing until 2013.

Why wouldn´t they start testing the Polo in for example NORF? To be well prepared for the rallies in 2013 it would mean good to the whole organisation to know where they stand in the middle of season 2012.

[Hartusvuori]

Why wouldn´t they start testing the Polo in for example NORF? To be well prepared for the rallies in 2013 it would mean good to the whole organisation to know where they stand in the middle of season 2012.

If I had to bet, I'd put my money on the one after NORF. Rally Germany seems far more obvious choice, if they make their debut in 2012.

[Barreis]

Impossible.

[gtimad73]

Rally Germany would be my bet to. it makes sence

[Gard]

Impossible.

VW has signaled 5-6 starts for 2012.

[Rallyper]

VW has signaled 5-6 starts for 2012.

So NORF would definitely be one of the choices in my opinion. Anything else would look stupid.

[alleskids]

Ogier will do all 13 WRC rallies in 2012 with the Volkswagen/Skoda Fabia S2000, also register for SWRC, so why do you talk of 5-6 starts? VW will be around on all WRC rounds with Ogier and some youngsters in the second car. Maybe they will show off their Polo R WRCar in some of the last rallies, my guess is Rally Deutschland, but noting official because the car will not be homologated before 1-1-2013.

[N.O.T]

i think that they might use the car as Zero car on some events, i do not think they will have an official start.

[MJW]

i think that they might use the car as Zero car on some events, i do not think they will have an official start.

I think I would be surprised if Carlos DIDN'T drive Polo R wrc is Germany as zero car.

[VFTS]

Ogier demo drive with Polo WRC (some donuts etc.): ROC 2011 Düsseldorf Nations Cup Ogier show with Polo R WRC - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6VczF_GB0I)


The Demo/Proto Polo they uses in testing is still a Fabia.

[Gard]

Ogier will do all 13 WRC rallies in 2012 with the Volkswagen/Skoda Fabia S2000, also register for SWRC, so why do you talk of 5-6 starts? VW will be around on all WRC rounds with Ogier and some youngsters in the second car. Maybe they will show off their Polo R WRCar in some of the last rallies, my guess is Rally Deutschland, but noting official because the car will not be homologated before 1-1-2013.

5-6 starts with the Polo, was the signal from VW, when they signed Mikkelsen. But maybe things changed a bit, after signing Ogier.

[noel157]

Sainz to drive in a WRC round (and Vettel doing some PR):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI1HcPb_O3A

[Mirek]

The Demo/Proto Polo they uses in testing is still a Fabia.

I can only comment what I can see in photos or videos but one thing is visible. The car does not have Reiger dampers which are used on Fabia (the shocks have red reservoirs instead of violet).

[jbmarcus21]

First Gravel Test with Sebastien Ogier & Polo WRC [Photo] Image (http://bit.ly/t3oXeT) & [Vidéo] Gravel Test VW Polo R WRC Sebastien OGIER - YouTube (http://bit.ly/t1aZpC)

[dimviii]

The Demo/Proto Polo they uses in testing is still a Fabia.

different rollcage....

[AMSS]

I can only comment what I can see in photos or videos but one thing is visible. The car does not have Reiger dampers which are used on Fabia (the shocks have red reservoirs instead of violet).

VW use Sachs!

[alleskids]

WRC : pas de SupeRally pour le Monte-Carlo (http://www.caradisiac.com/WRC-pas-de-SupeRally-pour-le-Monte-Carlo-74602.htm)
no super-rally anymore for Rallye Monte Carlo. Loeb's amazing comeback to second place after being out of the rally (parlty) caused ACM to depart from WRC. For their return to WRC they asked for no-superrally rule.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Nice and good thing. Can event organizer decide is there SuperRally or not?!

[bluuford]

Nice and good thing. Can event organizer decide is there SuperRally or not?!

Yes, this is one of the regulation changes for 2012. Now it is the same like in IRC. It is up to organizers.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Yes, this is one of the regulation changes for 2012. Now it is the same like in IRC. It is up to organizers.

Okay. Great rule change and starting order rule is changed allso,this make good for sport.

[N.O.T]

WRC : pas de SupeRally pour le Monte-Carlo (http://www.caradisiac.com/WRC-pas-de-SupeRally-pour-le-Monte-Carlo-74602.htm)
no super-rally anymore for Rallye Monte Carlo. Loeb's amazing comeback to second place after being out of the rally (parlty) caused ACM to depart from WRC. For their return to WRC they asked for no-superrally rule.

what ?? I think the rally was banned for safety/organisational reasons.

[alleskids]

what ?? I think the rally was banned for safety/organisational reasons.

Did the FIA/WRC ban Rallye Monte Carlo? I thought Monte Carlo left WRC, not the other way around.

[Mirek]

I thought the split was mostly down to FIA rule which ordered central service park and three days Fri-Sun around it.

[Barreis]

I thought it was 1 million US$ entry fee.

[mousti]

Think the same like Mirek, WRC want every rallies this and this to do, but AMC didn't want to do that I think..

[N.O.T]

But it definately wasn't because a superally driver finished 2nd....

[Josti]

But it definately wasn't because a superally driver finished 2nd....

No, but obviously they never liked this rule.

[alleskids]

My point was, Rallye Monte Carlo escaped from the uniform rules of WRC-FIA and when they did come back, ACM dictated the rules for the new WRC. It takes an important rally organisation to get the FIA taking some action

[Motorsportfun]

ACM has a big power in FIA's decisions. Also about its F1 Grand Prix!

Lucky lucky boys! Anyone recommend a good body shop???

Wall Photos | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=337200069629997&set=a.337200066296664.102573.317139258302745&type=1&ref=nf)

[Loose_Unit]

yes bit of a shame, it was a promo day paddon was running in his old mitsi. apprarently suspension broke and sent the thing down a cliff face. luckily the passenger was not hurt, ride of a lifetime! paddon has a broken collarbone and is on his way to england for talks with an un named wrc team...

[N.O.T]

Lucky lucky boys! Anyone recommend a good body shop???

Wall Photos | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=337200069629997&set=a.337200066296664.102573.317139258302745&type=1&ref=nf)

looks like a huge accident...

reminds me of your facebook page.

[Zeakiwi]

Almost as good as Gilmour's effort with the Subaru.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yoostin/1489455493/

Hayden Paddon survives cliff fall - national | Stuff.co.nz (http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/6090027/Rally-champs-car-saves-his-life)

[Barreis]

Nasser Al-Attiyah to defend Dakar Rally title in Team Robby Gordon Hummer - Other news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96669)

[Motorsportfun]

Rally Emotion - WRC / Rally d (http://www.rallyemotion.it/news/1189-wrc--rally-ditalia-sticchi-damiani-fa-il-punto)

Rally Italy will be held in Sardinia and not in Sicily, according to newly elected ACI (Italian ASN) President, Sticchi Damiani!

[wildboar]

Today's motorsport council's decisions regarding rallying:

FIA WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP

The World Motor Sport Council discussed the recent developments involving the Championship Promoter, North One Sport, and its parent company, CSI, which has gone into administration. The FIA is committed to ensuring the long-term commercial future of the Championship and will make every endeavour to provide for its future stability. The FIA is working on an immediate plan to ensure the fundamental sporting and safety elements will be in place for the start of the 2012 season.

As a consequence, it was also agreed that the registration date for the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers be put back to 19 December.

The WMSC agreed that, for safety reasons, a total of 10 tyres of a different compound may be used in place of the nominated compound, when specified as an option in the Supplementary Regulations of an event. The total quantity of tyres to be used during an event will however not change.

The date for the 2012 Rally de España has been changed to 8-11 November.

RALLYING

From 2013, R4T cars will be eligible in the FIA Regional Rally Championships. This new category of four-wheel-drive cars is designed to be cost-effective and more affordable for competitors. The acceptance of different category cars within the FIA World and Regional Rally Championships will be confirmed during 2012.

World Motor Sport Council (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2011/Pages/wmsc-071211.aspx)

[Hartusvuori]

Rally Emotion - WRC / Rally d (http://www.rallyemotion.it/news/1189-wrc--rally-ditalia-sticchi-damiani-fa-il-punto)

Rally Italy will be held in Sardinia and not in Sicily, according to newly elected ACI (Italian ASN) President, Sticchi Damiani!

And Auto Sprint writes that VW could be interested in making a Polo R WRC debut in Sardegna.

[rallyfiend]

And Auto Sprint writes that VW could be interested in making a Polo R WRC debut in Sardegna.

Is that event happening in Sardinia? I note there was nothing said about that in the WMSC press release.

[J.Lindstroem]

And Auto Sprint writes that VW could be interested in making a Polo R WRC debut in Sardegna.

that early?

[stepunk]

that early?

Next year the italian round of WRC will be run in October!

[Barreis]

Must say that I'm happy.
World Rally Championship - News - Delecour plans Monte Fiesta run (http://www.wrc.com/news/delecour-plans-monte-fiesta-run/?fid=15866)