[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[tolis]

Yes, I´m sure. 1 Msport team with 2 cars, just like FORD WRT or CITROEN total WRT
Here it says that there are 2 M-Sport Ford teams...
2012 FIA World Rally Championship - Entrants (http://fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2012/Pages/2012-wrc-entrants.aspx)

[Barreis]

It can be two more but they are not good.

[MikeD]

Here it says that there are 2 M-Sport Ford teams...
2012 FIA World Rally Championship - Entrants (http://fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2012/Pages/2012-wrc-entrants.aspx)

Dude, it's two cars (Tänak & Novikov) - not two teams

[tolis]

OK ,I understood! Thanks pantealex, MikeD!

[Tom206wrc]

When is entrylist of Rally Mexico available :confused:

[Andre Oliveira]

Day 16

[pucky54]

Block is making an announcement on his 2012 program on Wed 15th

[tfp]

Block is making an announcement on his 2012 program on Wed 15th

Dont mention his name in here! People will shout at you! :burnout:

[Barreis]

Why not?! He's good guy.

[tfp]

Why not?! He's good guy.

Thats exactly what I think, but some other members dont seem to think so....

Hopefuly he will appear on some tarmac rounds or NORF, just to see him on the jumps :D

[Hartusvuori]

Hopefuly he will appear on some tarmac rounds or NORF, just to see him on the jumps :D

He has talked about NORF, because now with later date it doesn't clash with X Games. And this goes as a warning to all planning to spectate the event live...

[tfp]

He has talked about NORF, because now with later date it doesn't clash with X Games. And this goes as a warning to all planning to spectate the event live...

Hahaha!

[Plan9]

He has talked about NORF, because now with later date it doesn't clash with X Games. And this goes as a warning to all planning to spectate the event live...

LMFAO!!!!!

He is also doing NZ apparently. I recall he was pretty average when he did it in a Production car a few years ago. Of course he had a mean livery!

[WRCfan]

Do we have a source saying Ken is coming to NZ? I know his team manager but have not been given a straight answer about participation in the NZ round. Would be great to see Ken in NZ!

[Plan9]

I read a release from Ken after UK 2011 saying he really wanted to. What does you mate tell you about being part of Ken's team?

[WRCfan]

He will tell me anything I want to know, except things he is not able to talk publicly about.
Great for finding out exactly rather than relying on possible rumours. I know Ken does enjoy NZ so fingers crossed budget allows for it.

[smokin'joe]

He will tell me anything I want to know, except things he is not able to talk publicly about.
Great for finding out exactly rather than relying on possible rumours. I know Ken does enjoy NZ so fingers crossed budget allows for it. if he does turn up for Rally NZ
, Tell him there'll be free beers at the Studholme Hotel for him : )

[Sulland]

Nice looking Rally Car; Peugeot RCZ im Rallyesport*:: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/int/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/02/08/peugeot-rcz-im-rallyesport/index.html)

[N.O.T]

Nice looking Rally Car; Peugeot RCZ im Rallyesport :: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/int/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/02/08/peugeot-rcz-im-rallyesport/index.html)

the return of the whale....

on a diet though.

[Brother John]

The Sweden-two victory was celebrated only briefly because it this morning began for the Volkswagen Motorsport team, the next chapter in the development of the Polo R WRC.

VW testet auf Schweden-WP*:: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/02/13/vw-testet-auf-schweden-wp/index.html)

[Plan9]

if he does turn up for Rally NZ
, Tell him there'll be free beers at the Studholme Hotel for him : )

Park ferme at Quay Street in Auckland will be packed if he comes down. Never see anything like it. If Ken says he will do something he usually seems to get his way....

[Rallyper]

The Sweden-two victory was celebrated only briefly because it this morning began for the Volkswagen Motorsport team, the next chapter in the development of the Polo R WRC.

VW testet auf Schweden-WP :: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/02/13/vw-testet-auf-schweden-wp/index.html)

Anyone attending the test of VW??

[Red bull]

FIA confident of agreeing new international TV deal for WRC this week - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97514?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[EightGear]

Finally some good news.

[Hartusvuori]

Last week Mahanen was talking completely different, saying that they are aiming a deal for 2013, letting this season go event-to-event basis as it have started. Oh well..

[Miika]

FIA last week: "Make your own TV deals this year"
FIA this week: "Stop making your own TV deals"
FIA next week: "What TV deal?"

..

[rallyfiend]

They really do seem to be lacking in any kind of real direction. Lurching from one disaster to the next.

Poor Sweden having to cobble together something themselves having been dumped in it be the FIA, and now they say they'll have it sorted by the end of this week.

Pick a horse FIA!

[A FONDO]

For me it seems like another marketing trick to calm down the masses. Coupla weeks ago FIA has announced a deadline for applications for promoter.

[A.F.F.]

FIA last week: "Make your own TV deals this year"
FIA this week: "Stop making your own TV deals"
FIA next week: "What TV deal?"

..

Reminds me of Spitting Image when they made fun about the Grenada incident, except the following statements within five weeks of time Ronald Reagan gave weren't made up.
Week one: It wasn't a mistake!!
Week two: There weren't any mistakes!
Week three: Mistakes were made.
Week four: Serious mistakes were made.
Week five: It was a mistake!

:)

I just for some tv footage.......

[Barreis]

It's bad that Eurosport didn' take it.

[Red bull]

Peugeot to replace 207 S2000 with new 208 model for 2013 Intercontinental Rally Challenge - IRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97515?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

[Mise]

FIA last week: "Make your own TV deals this year"
FIA this week: "Stop making your own TV deals"
FIA next week: "What TV deal?"

This is FIA's new plan to attract Manus.

This way no new Manu has nothing to lose or be a shame of bad results
since nobody can't see nor follow any rallies. :D :D

Peugeot already took the bite. :rolleyes:

[Motorsportfun]

EXCLUSIVE from RallyEmotion.it, Rally d'Italia will be held in Sardinia and not in Sicily: Rally Emotion - WRC / È (quasi) ufficiale: il Rally d (http://www.rallyemotion.it/news/1311-wrc-e-quasi-ufficiale-il-rally-ditalia-in-sardegna)

[tolis]

Any news about Pede's programme? He said he might do some WRC rounds this year.

[Motorsportfun]

Any news about Pede's programme? He said he might do some WRC rounds this year.

No news until the Promoter/TV issue will be ok. They want good exposure...

[tolis]

Thanks Motorsportfun!
Guy Wilks tested the new Honda Jazz...
Test on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/36772278)

[focus206]

Guy Wilks tested the new Honda Jazz...
Test on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/36772278)

What kind of car is the Jazz? I thought it was made for the Australian Championship...

[tfp]

Thanks Motorsportfun!
Guy Wilks tested the new Honda Jazz...
Test on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/36772278)

Haha! :D That has to be one of the wierdest, and most un-natural things I have seen in rallying!
How can a Jazz sound like that??

Old man people carrier, with a dog 'box on a rally stage....I have seen it all now :p :

[tfp]

What kind of car is the Jazz? I thought it was made for the Australian Championship...

A Honda Jazz is a people carrier made for old people, with about a 900cc engine or something....The least likely thing you would ever expect to see on a rally stage :p

[sollitt]

Really? You didn't see the Suzuki SX4 or the Mini Traveller?

[tfp]

What kind of car is the Jazz? I thought it was made for the Australian Championship...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qLZMKpWsjk

:D

[tfp]

Really? You didn't see the Suzuki SX4 or the Mini Traveller?

Ah, I forgot about the SX4 ;)

[Rallyper]

Haha! :D That has to be one of the wierdest, and most un-natural things I have seen in rallying!
How can a Jazz sound like that??

Old man people carrier, with a dog 'box on a rally stage....I have seen it all now :p :

It´s a ladycup car...

[focus206]

A Honda Jazz is a people carrier made for old people, with about a 900cc engine or something....The least likely thing you would ever expect to see on a rally stage :p

No, I mean if it's going to be a R1, R2 or something else, for example, because I thought it was made just for the Australian Championship... sorry, I can't explain myself in English better than this :D

[tfp]

No, I mean if it's going to be a R1, R2 or something else, for example, because I thought it was made just for the Australian Championship... sorry, I can't explain myself in English better than this :D

My mistake, sorry! I think your English is much better than my Swiss ;)

Not sure of the class, but I hope its an R2 :)

[Dug83]

That is the Jazz thats has been built for the Australia Championship with the 2 litre engine from the civic R3. Think they just had Guy there to help with the testing and development and if I'm not mistaken that is Glen Weston on the notes who is Eli Even's co driver. Don't think they have any plans to make a R1 or R2 versions but the class that it runs in the Australian Championship is G2 so that could cause a bit of confusion.

[Plan9]

Haha! :D That has to be one of the wierdest, and most un-natural things I have seen in rallying!
How can a Jazz sound like that??

Old man people carrier, with a dog 'box on a rally stage....I have seen it all now :p :

Yuck! How has Guy been reduced to this...

[A FONDO]

He found something to drive at least. Тhese asian championships are like rehabilitation clinics for reprobate drivers :laugh:

[Iskald]

That is the Jazz thats has been built for the Australia Championship with the 2 litre engine from the civic R3. Think they just had Guy there to help with the testing and development and if I'm not mistaken that is Glen Weston on the notes who is Eli Even's co driver. Don't think they have any plans to make a R1 or R2 versions but the class that it runs in the Australian Championship is G2 so that could cause a bit of confusion.

It does really look and sound like a proper rally car, so I don`t understand some of the comments here...

[Mirek]

It´s a ladycup car...

It's a car for Australian championship built under Australian national G2-class rules. Nothing to do with ladycup.

[Mirek]

Haha! :D That has to be one of the wierdest, and most un-natural things I have seen in rallying!
How can a Jazz sound like that??

Old man people carrier, with a dog 'box on a rally stage....I have seen it all now :p :

Do You remember this? :D

http://nd01.jxs.cz/467/622/333c94c825_2946_o2.jpg

[RICARDO75]

Suzuki Baleno Kit Car :)

Very ugly car, one of the few station wagon on rally

[RICARDO75]

and Subaru in 1994

http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/440499/1994%20Subaru%20Forrester%20estate%20n%2015%20Azar %20Anwar.jpg

[A FONDO]

I dont think the old Suzuki wagon is much uglier than most of todays hatchback top rally cars. Neither wagons in general, there are some wonderful sport models like Audi RS4/6, Subary Legacy, old Mitsubishi Galant

[Doon]

I dont think the old Suzuki wagon is much uglier than most of todays hatchback top rally cars. Neither wagons in general, there are some wonderful sport models like Audi RS4/6, Subary Legacy, old Mitsubishi Galant

Galant, Legacy.....Really? You have some style issues! They say beauty is in the eye of the beholded, so you must be Stevie Wonder!

[A FONDO]

sorry my taste doesnt match yours :( but this

http://motorv8me.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/The-Legnum-Vr-4-one-fine-looking-wagon.jpg

is hundred times nicer than this

http://www.essexcorinthianyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2011-Ford-Fiesta1.jpg

and a friend of mine had a Legacy wagon in gold paint with 17" alloys sry I dont have a pic but its magnificent!

[A FONDO]

ONtopic: so this afternoon we are expecting: Rally Mexico entry list; Ken Block's old livery + his 2012 WRC programme; and some presentation from Armindo Araujo

[Dug83]

It does really look and sound like a proper rally car, so I don`t understand some of the comments here...

What don't you understand? I just explained what the car was built for and why Guy was there, never said it wasn't a rally car.

[cali]

What don't you understand? I just explained what the car was built for and why Guy was there, never said it wasn't a rally car.
I think Iskald meant other posts, not yours. For me he sounded quite supportive to your arguements. Read it through one more time ;)

[Dug83]

I think Iskald meant other posts, not yours. For me he sounded quite supportive to your arguements. Read it through one more time ;)

Your right. The time has finally come to go and get those glasses!!!

[Doon]

sorry my taste doesnt match yours :( but this

http://motorv8me.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/The-Legnum-Vr-4-one-fine-looking-wagon.jpg

is hundred times nicer than this

http://www.essexcorinthianyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2011-Ford-Fiesta1.jpg

and a friend of mine had a Legacy wagon in gold paint with 17" alloys sry I dont have a pic but its magnificent!

Chaving a car up with a few body skirts and big alloys doesn't make it stylish.

[Rallyper]

It's a car for Australian championship built under Australian national G2-class rules. Nothing to do with ladycup.

Just joking the N.O.T. way.... :D

The car looks great and sounds nice. Would be good for European cups as well. I think more cup-cars is needed to make the rallysport more cost effective for the drivers (I know rallying never can be - but more cup cars will make more drivers afford driving).

[Mirek]

Just joking the N.O.T. way.... :D

The car looks great and sounds nice. Would be good for European cups as well. I think more cup-cars is needed to make the rallysport more cost effective for the drivers (I know rallying never can be - but more cup cars will make more drivers afford driving).

Aha, sorry ;)

[stepunk]

After a long, political battle, now it seems confirmed that the Italian round of WRC will be run in Sardinia also this year (few months ago it looked like it will move to Sicily)

[PLuto]

Yes, offer from Sardegna was much more... ...generous :) (link (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=13372))

[dimviii]

After a long, political battle, now it seems confirmed that the Italian round of WRC will be run in Sardinia also this year (few months ago it looked like it will move to Sicily)

Sardinia more money than Sicily probably

[tfp]

Yuck! How has Guy been reduced to this...

My mate spoke to his brother a couple of months ago, apparently he's bought a go-kart track now, maybe he spends all of his time playing there and not rallying :p

[Kielder]

Would it be possible VW go their Polo WRC in Mexico? More strange things we've seen this year...
Periódico Correo | Tu Periódico y de todo el Estado - Competirá VW con su Polo en el Rally (http://www.periodicocorreo.com.mx/deportes/20656-competira-vw-con-su-polo-en-el-rally.html)

[EightGear]

From the last part, google translate: "but the Mexican public must wait until 2013 to see it roll down the roads of Guanajuato.''

[Kielder]

Maybe they will run with it in any kind of exhibition...

[Allyc85]

Maybe they will do some high altitude testing after the event to see how the car compares ;)

[pucky54]

Block is only doing three WRCs this year: MEX, NZE, FIN

[Roy]

Block does Mexico, New Zealand and Finland

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32Op8mUVJvc

[Plan9]

I knew he would do NZ!! I think that will be awesome for the sport down here as he has a huge following for his videos.

[Plan9]

My mate spoke to his brother a couple of months ago, apparently he's bought a go-kart track now, maybe he spends all of his time playing there and not rallying :p

OMG!!!! I take it he lost Peugeot UK for 2012 then? Maybe he should spend less time on the Go-Karts and Honda Pish and more about getting his name back out there.

[tfp]

OMG!!!! I take it he lost Peugeot UK for 2012 then? Maybe he should spend less time on the Go-Karts and Honda Pish and more about getting his name back out there.

Warden Law, Karting North east, thats it. Although they get some of the text wrong!

Come along to Karting North East this Sunday afternoon - Other News (http://www.bikewise.org.uk/news/newspagemain.php?subaction=showfull&id=1308810805&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1)&

"Karting North East has recently come under the ownership of World Rally Car driver Guy Wilks"

I think mistakes were made here :D

[6789]

I knew he would do NZ!! I think that will be awesome for the sport down here as he has a huge following for his videos.
Lets hope that he keeps it on the road for longer than the first loop on Friday, will be good to see him in NZ but, the livery is really nice!

[WRCfan]

Looking forward to seeing Ken in NZ. On his site he is getting bashed to pieces by UK fans for not going to GB and Goodwood. It's quite astonishing how upset the fans are. "No Wales GB!?!?!? My brother was right you are just an American sellout!". Going a bit far because he decided to opt out of an event due to other commitments...

[Plan9]

Lets hope that he keeps it on the road for longer than the first loop on Friday, will be good to see him in NZ but, the livery is really nice!
Yeah I live near where they have the park ferme on Quay Street so I can get photos for you guys or whatever. I expect I will have to wait for ages as the kind of fans he has are quite rabid. I hope he will take the livery he has just released as his offical livery for this (3 event) season.

[Plan9]

Looking forward to seeing Ken in NZ. On his site he is getting bashed to pieces by UK fans for not going to GB and Goodwood. It's quite astonishing how upset the fans are. "No Wales GB!?!?!? My brother was right you are just an American sellout!". Going a bit far because he decided to opt out of an event due to other commitments...
Yes that is too far. I like to think of "those" people as Hoonigan fans rather than rally fans. I'm sure he would have liked to do more events but he has not done well recently and I'm sure Monster and Ford are cracking the whip!

[Plan9]

Warden Law, Karting North east, thats it. Although they get some of the text wrong!

Come along to Karting North East this Sunday afternoon - Other News (http://www.bikewise.org.uk/news/newspagemain.php?subaction=showfull&id=1308810805&archive=&start_from=&ucat=1)&

"Karting North East has recently come under the ownership of World Rally Car driver Guy Wilks"

I think mistakes were made here :D

Maybe mistakes have been made but maybe he can get a podium or two out of this venture. I hope he will not whine when something goes wrong with the kart.
BTW, I thought he did drive a "World Rally Car" at some point?

[6789]

Yeah I live near where they have the park ferme on Quay Street so I can get photos for you guys or whatever. I expect I will have to wait for ages as the kind of fans he has are quite rabid. I hope he will take the livery he has just released as his offical livery for this (3 event) season.
Park Ferme is at the Casino like last time? We're staying at SkyCity, so will be able to see them check in. Let me know if you find out where the PWRC testing is.

Yeah hopefully he uses that livery, have to give it to Ken, he gets the livery right!

[Plan9]

Yes I think they will have something at SkyCity. What I was refering to was the "service park" where the cars are prepped for the event. Many people loiter there hoping to catch drivers. The was on the port last time. As long as the ports are not closed due to strike action I do not think it will be anyehere else. Not sure where PWRC is testing atm but will post when I find out.

Always a pleasure to look at Ken's cars. He had better not bin it this time, literally hundreds of black and green t-shirts hang in the balance here =p

[stepunk]

Sardinia more money than Sicily probably

And isn't politics all about money? ;) At least here in Italy...

[dimviii]

And isn't politics all about money? ;) At least here in Italy...

In Greece we dont know about these things.

[Bartolbia84]

There are news programs Dennis Kuipers (FERM WRT) and Daniel Olivera? Why 'Dennis was rumored to depart from Mexico, while the Brazilian said he would be away on a Fiesta WRC.

Meanwhile, on some sites and forums Italians, the news circulated that the young Bresolin, class '90, should run 4-5 rounds of the WRC with a Fiesta WRC, but at the moment are rumors, there being no official statement.

[EightGear]

Kuipers' sponsors are waiting for more information about the TV deals if I'm not mistaken. He would like to do 8 rounds this year. That, or the Dutch national championship.

[tolis]

Kuipers' sponsors are waiting for more information about the TV deals if I'm not mistaken. He would like to do 8 rounds this year. That, or the Dutch national championship.
Which sponsor? FERM Tools are his own business. :D

[gerardwrm]

Kuipers' sponsors are waiting for more information about the TV deals if I'm not mistaken. He would like to do 8 rounds this year. That, or the Dutch national championship.

spoke to Dennis yesterday ,,,,,, no decision over program in 2012 yet ,,,,,,,,

[EightGear]

spoke to Dennis yesterday ,,,,,, no decision over program in 2012 yet ,,,,,,,,

Ah ok. What I posted was all I knew. :) I hope he gets a decent program in WRC this year, he made good progress last year.


Which sponsor? FERM Tools are his own business. :D

Good one, I don't know.

[EightGear]

Sorry for double post, but Fred Miclotte is saying Kuipers will NOT do WRC this year.... :/

[focus206]

Sorry for double post, but Fred Miclotte is saying Kuipers will NOT do WRC this year.... :/

He told it to you? Too bad, he made nice performance last year on asphalt :(

[EightGear]

He told it to you? Too bad, he made nice performance last year on asphalt :(

No, I'm way too unimportant for that unfortunately. :D

He told it on a Belgian rally podcast/radioshow. There he also said Abbring will do at least Mexico and Portugal, after that it is still unclear which rallies Mikkelsen will do and which Abbring.

[Plan9]

Anything about Atko doing Mexico? Could be another red herring.

[Barreis]

Tell them N.O.T about Kuipers.

[Plan9]

And isn't politics all about money? ;) At least here in Italy...

+1 I agree. I wish Italy could be a bit more political and bring back the San Remo Rally!

[Negaiss]

Atko back in game Q&A: Chris Atkinson on WRC return with Ken Block - Speedcafe (http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/02/18/qa-chris-atkinson-on-wrc-return-with-ken-block/)

[rallyfiend]

Atko back in game Q&A: Chris Atkinson on WRC return with Ken Block - Speedcafe (http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/02/18/qa-chris-atkinson-on-wrc-return-with-ken-block/)

Great to hear that he's been able to get some good miles in the car to get used to it.

[mousti]

Twitter / Mads Østberg: Second overall after 3 sta ... (http://twitter.com/MadsOstberg/status/170896691778682880/photo/1/large)

Ostberg doing a regional rally with an M3, must be fun.

[N.O.T]

Twitter / Mads Østberg: Second overall after 3 sta ... (http://twitter.com/MadsOstberg/status/170896691778682880/photo/1/large)

Ostberg doing a regional rally with an M3, must be fun.

from now on everything he does should be just for fun...

[vkangas]

Great to hear that he's been able to get some good miles in the car to get used to it.
Funny thing how many miles he got compared to normal Msport's customer package.

[DonJippo]

Funny thing how many miles he got compared to normal Msport's customer package.

Money talks.

[TyPat107]

Funny thing how many miles he got compared to normal Msport's customer package.

I dont really see a problem. I am just glad that he is back in a wrc car.

[Plan9]

I dont really see a problem. I am just glad that he is back in a wrc car.

+1 me too. It's funny they don't say in the article that Chris is now a official MWRT Driver. Difficult to speculate on his partnership with the team.

[mousti]

I don't see a problem too, the sponsors will have paid for it.

Every pilot who rent a car at Msport can do those KM's if they pay for it.

Maybe less criticism on Block now that he gave a drive to a (bit) talented driver like Atko. I can't imagine Atko made this deal on his own, Block has for sure something to do with it.

[Plan9]

I think so too. Chris would not have the influence to talk to Monster and DC to get this. Perhaps a duel Gymkhana in in the offing?

[WRCfan]

Great news, and so happy to see a deserving driver back in a WRC machine. Let's hope this turns out to be a long term thing...

[go mads]

i have recently read that this years rally gb will not feature the great orme stage because the rules state that tarmac cannot be run on gravel rallies.if this is the case what is the difference to rally portugal running a superspecial around lisbon before tackling the gravel stages?

[rallyfiend]

i have recently read that this years rally gb will not feature the great orme stage because the rules state that tarmac cannot be run on gravel rallies.if this is the case what is the difference to rally portugal running a superspecial around lisbon before tackling the gravel stages?

Super Special stages have generally always been treated differently in the rules.

The rules state:

13.1.1 The surfaces of an event may be mixed but must remain the same between two overnight
regroups (minimum 45’ service). Within a special stage the road surfaces must not be mixed.
However for the use of limited sections of asphalt on gravel stages, a waiver may be sent to the FIA.

So, it is possible, you just have to get a waiver.

[Micke_VOC]

Patrik Sandell have confirmed to drive Rally Portugal with Mini John Cooper Works WRC, prepared by prodrive.

http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?hl=sv&ie=UTF8&prev=_t&rurl=translate.google.se&sl=sv&tl=en&twu=1&u=http://www.swedenworldrallyteam.com/20070.nyhetsarkiv.html%3Fpost%3D4394&usg=ALkJrhj-u4pfL-0UlBI--jd65-9b1Vm2lg

[Red bull]

[quote="Micke_VOC"]Patrik Sandell have confirmed to drive Rally Portugal with Mini John Cooper Works WRC, prepared by prodrive.

The M1 Mini team will be humiliated by the Sordo/Sandell Prodrive team :D :D

[mousti]

Stage one Technology will take over the Splits on WRC

(PlaneteMarcus)

[RS]

[quote="Micke_VOC":1pfuaffh]Patrik Sandell have confirmed to drive Rally Portugal with Mini John Cooper Works WRC, prepared by prodrive.

The M1 Mini team will be humiliated by the Sordo/Sandell Prodrive team :D :D[/quote:1pfuaffh]

Arujo should do ok on his home event.

Sandell is not bad; Meeke would do better but Sandell has the money. Can't help feeling that the "Sweden World Rally Team" would be better off investing in a decent IRC or sWRC programme for Pontus Tidemand though.

[Rallyper]

Arujo should do ok on his home event.

Sandell is not bad; Meeke would do better but Sandell has the money. Can't help feeling that the "Sweden World Rally Team" would be better off investing in a decent IRC or sWRC programme for Pontus Tidemand though.

Pontus T is already in an investment programme. EvenRally.

[Plan9]

Pontus T is already in an investment programme. EvenRally.

Probably. Even better why not get P-G? It would be interesting to know how this "team" was funded. I notice Patrik has lost Red Bull from last year...

[Red bull]

Viel Neues bei Rallye Deutschland*:: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/02/21/viel-neues-bei-rallye-deutschland/index.html)

[Hartusvuori]

Viel Neues bei Rallye Deutschland :: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/02/21/viel-neues-bei-rallye-deutschland/index.html)

Cool about the slight and bigger changes, but 15 stages altogether? Is that like the smallest number ever in WRC? When will the timetable be published?

[Miika]

15 stages altogether? Is that like the smallest number ever in WRC? When will the timetable be published?

Nope, 12 stages in Corsica in 2004-2006 for example (6 x 2 stages that is..):
juwra.com**|**Rallies - Corsica 2006 itinerary (http://juwra.com/corsica_2006_itinerary.html)

[Josti]

Nope, 12 stages in Corsica in 2004-2006 for example (6 x 2 stages that is..):
juwra.com**|**Rallies - Corsica 2006 itinerary (http://juwra.com/corsica_2006_itinerary.html)

Nope, Morocco '75, '76. Only 9 stages, yet very long ones. :)

juwra.com**|**Rallies - Morocco 1975 itinerary (http://www.juwra.com/morocco_1975_itinerary.html)
juwra.com**|**Rallies - Morocco 1976 itinerary (http://www.juwra.com/morocco_1976_itinerary.html)

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC Marcus Grönholm returns to Global Rallycross Championship 2012 with OMSE & Best Buy Racing La Saison 2012 de Marcus Grönholm (http://t.co/eZozu2yi)

[Barreis]

!!!
World Rally Championship - News - McRae joins Motor Sport’s Hall of Fame (http://www.wrc.com/news/mcrae-joins-motor-sports-hall-of-fame/?fid=16138)

[Kielder]

@prodrive (http://twitter.com/#%21/prodrive) Great to have @krismeeke (http://twitter.com/krismeeke) back in the MINI WRC Thurs/Fri testing in Southern Spain. Trying out a range of new parts for the car.
Sordo is going to test next Sunday and Monday. Tests are going to take place at Huelva.

[tfp]

!!!
World Rally Championship - News - McRae joins Motor Sport’s Hall of Fame (http://www.wrc.com/news/mcrae-joins-motor-sports-hall-of-fame/?fid=16138)

:up:

[sollitt]

It's good to see, but is absolutely outrageous that he's the first rally driver inducted.

[Jake Stephens]

It's good to see, but is absolutely outrageous that he's the first rally driver inducted.

I agree

[AndyRAC]

Completely agree, but entirely predictable. I did see some comments on Twitter about this fact....
We have to accept that Rallying is circuit racing’s dirty and less glamorous cousin – and the media will show an interest when it suits them.
Saying that, Motorsport is a good magazine....and the idea of a Hall of Fame is to be applauded, just don’t expect too many Rally drivers to pop up.

[gravelman]

Completely agree, but entirely predictable. I did see some comments on Twitter about this fact....
We have to accept that Rallying is circuit racing’s dirty and less glamorous cousin – and the media will show an interest when it suits them.
Saying that, Motorsport is a good magazine....and the idea of a Hall of Fame is to be applauded, just don’t expect too many Rally drivers to pop up.

You only have to take a two second glance at how the race of champions has metamorphesised in recent years to support that theory.

[sollitt]

Nevertheless, Motorsport (the magazine) has covered rallying for as long as the sport has been in existence. So it is a little surprising that they overlook all of the greats in this area.

[Tomi]

Maybe they should call it the Brittish Hall of Fame, then the choose of rally driver makes sence.

[N.O.T]

Lets hope they do not include any other rally drivers...because their criteria are a bit grim.

[dimviii]

Wilks testing Honda Jazz
Test on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/36772278)

[garais22]

Can some one tell me where can I find all Rally Class (World Rally Championship - News - Rally Class is go for 2012 (http://www.wrc.com/news/rally-class-is-go-for-2012/?fid=15838)) drivers this year?

[garais22]

Can some one tell me where can I find all Rally Class (World Rally Championship - News - Rally Class is go for 2012 (http://www.wrc.com/news/rally-class-is-go-for-2012/?fid=15838)) drivers this year?

[garais22]

I now only that Andis Neiksans will participate in this class

[rallyfiend]

Is it still running without NOS?

[COD]

It's good to see, but is absolutely outrageous that he's the first rally driver inducted.

I think it has only been fair, that the old masters have got their recognitions first. Your view is a bit shortsighted

[sollitt]

I think it has only been fair, that the old masters have got their recognitions first. Your view is a bit shortsighted Bull****t, who're the 'old masters' you talk about? How about Hopkirk, Carlsson, Aaltonen, Waldegard, Makinen, Mikkola, Vatenan, Rorhl, Lampinen, Alen etc ... etc ... Doesn't matter how many Nancy boy F1 drivers you want to recognise first, all of these are far more deserving of a hall of fame position than McRae.

[COD]

Bull****t, who're the 'old masters' you talk about? How about Hopkirk, Carlsson, Aaltonen, Waldegard, Makinen, Mikkola, Vatenan, Rorhl, Lampinen, Alen etc ... etc ... Doesn't matter how many Nancy boy F1 drivers you want to recognise first, all of these are far more deserving of a hall of fame position than McRae.

Sorry, I didn't read properly. I mixed it up with the Rally Hall of Fame rally (http://www.mobilia.fi/rally.html)

[Plan9]

Ken Block has finally won something! Congratulations to him for winning the 100 Acre Wood Rally for the 6th time!

[alleskids]

Dennis Kuiper is aiming for Go Fast Fiesta of Mathew Wilson for the Portugal rally. But first he has to look for more sponsors. And that sponsors hesitate because of the (non) tv drama of the FIA

[Mirek]

Wilks testing Honda Jazz
Test on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/36772278)

First time Reiger dampers on J.A.S. cars?

[dimviii]

First time Reiger dampers on J.A.S. cars?
dont know Mirek.But Reiger last years seems to be the choice in plenty of cars.

[Mirek]

Yes, I know but I thought J.A.S. started with Exe-TC for Civic R3 and later switched for Öhlins. But maybe they started to use Reiger already some time a go and I just didn't notice.

[janvanvurpa]

Ken Block has finally won something! Congratulations to him for winning the 100 Acre Wood Rally for the 6th time!

It might have something to do with the fact there are only a few corners or bends in the whole event......did you happen to see the average speeds on many of the stages? 80 mph or 129.6 km/hr and many were near there....we've seen how it goes when he's confronted with things like turns.

[Red bull]

SORDO TO VW??? "Quiero volver al Dakar, pero está difícil" - Carlos Sainz - AS.com (http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/quiero-volver-dakar-dificil/20120227dasdaimot_4/Tes)

[N.O.T]

SORDO TO VW??? "Quiero volver al Dakar, pero está difícil" - Carlos Sainz - AS.com (http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/quiero-volver-dakar-dificil/20120227dasdaimot_4/Tes)

that would be the perfect choice...

[Pinto]

well he's spanish and hadnt Carlos some involvment with him a few years back.wouldnt it be mad if two ex Citroen second drivers plotted the down fall of the mighty Citroen.


Also is Erik Van Loon to do the dutch championship in a fiesta WRC

[ToughMac]

SORDO TO VW??? "Quiero volver al Dakar, pero está difícil" - Carlos Sainz - AS.com (http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/quiero-volver-dakar-dificil/20120227dasdaimot_4/Tes)

Suddenly the WRC gets interesting again. Can't see it working though would reckon there is still too much tension between Ogier and Sordo. A team of Ogier and Meeke could work very well though.......

[Viking]

My google translate says this..

"We are currently working with Ogier and some junior pilots, but Volkswagen always want the best, and Dani is one of the best. You never know."

So what's the news in this??

[Barreis]

Suddenly the WRC gets interesting again. Can't see it working though would reckon there is still too much tension between Ogier and Sordo. A team of Ogier and Meeke could work very well though.......

Meeke show nothing in WRC.

[Micke_VOC]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

[ToughMac]

Meeke show nothing in WRC.

Just think he needed time to develop. Looking at his counterparts Ogier and Sordo they have a huge amount of experience at WRC level and also big backing which brings a lot of confidence in itself. Meekes reputation on the IRC scene shows he is more than capable of doing the job when given a proper chance.

[Barreis]

In IRC they don't have Seb.Loeb-selfconfidence killer.

[Rallyper]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

And the only one driven an automatic gearbox in rallycar. MonteCarlo in the mid 70´s and in a Ascona A. They said they had to use reverse gear when brakes was overheated....

[Mirek]

If I am not mistaken all Mercedes SLC had automatic gearboxes. Bjorn Waldegard even won a world championship event with it.

[Hartusvuori]

If I am not mistaken all Mercedes SLC had automatic gearboxes. Bjorn Waldegard even won a world championship event with it.

Ivory Coast 1980, it was. There was an article on Waldegard on the latest Vauhdin Maailma.

[focus206]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

R.I.P. :(

[AndyRAC]

Just think he needed time to develop. Looking at his counterparts Ogier and Sordo they have a huge amount of experience at WRC level and also big backing which brings a lot of confidence in itself. Meekes reputation on the IRC scene shows he is more than capable of doing the job when given a proper chance.

How many outings in a WRCar has he had? Less than 10.........and he was learning a lot of the events. I'd make an informed decision on Meeke after a reasonable amount of outings......i;e more than 20...

[Viking]

If I am not mistaken all Mercedes SLC had automatic gearboxes. Bjorn Waldegard even won a world championship event with it.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75ag2nhQnM&NR=1

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC Adac Rallye Deutschland 2012 Program & Itinerary Programme du Rallye Wrc d'Allemagne 2012 (http://t.co/dWUbsmB1)

[Bartolbia84]

Thierry Neuville also disputed the rallies in France and Spain. Currently the only games that will blow will be New Zealand and Italy.

[Wasted Talent]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

Very sad.

I remember him leading the RAC for a while in the Ascona 400, and had some more very good drives....

RIP

[RICARDO75]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ft7TgGoxwak/TTwqfNz-T4I/AAAAAAAANag/d18wv_3IU5w/s1600/%2521B6z%2521zggCWk%257E%2524%2528KGrHqYOKigEy%252 8QmsieiBMycBjU3q%2521%257E%257E_12.JPG

R.I.P.

[Barreis]

How many outings in a WRCar has he had? Less than 10.........and he was learning a lot of the events. I'd make an informed decision on Meeke after a reasonable amount of outings......i;e more than 20...

What about JWRC days?!

[Josti]

Very sad.

I remember him leading the RAC for a while in the Ascona 400, and had some more very good drives....

RIP

Also, he was close to a Safari win in '81.

Sad news indeed. It strikes me that quite a few ex-WRC drivers from Sweden have died in the last few years (Andersson, Källström, Carlsson, now Kulläng).

[dimviii]

http://img393.imageshack.us/img393/1517/kullamglancer82i7toim3.jpgrip Anders...
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wX0eMkV39No/TsvS6F3MP7I/AAAAAAAABHo/p2HqTvHF1QA/s1600/Lancer+Turbo.jpg

[sollitt]

A very talented competitor. Another sad day for rallying. RIP Anders.

[ToughMac]

How many outings in a WRCar has he had? Less than 10.........and he was learning a lot of the events. I'd make an informed decision on Meeke after a reasonable amount of outings......i;e more than 20...

Thats a good point. I still think it would be worth VWs time and effort to give him a chance. Ok he is no spring chicken but his career is still on the way up and he hasn't peaked by any means. Even if they had him on board it opens up the British and Irish markets for a price considerably cheaper than Sordo.

[lucas69]

RIP Anders
Half of the old and famues Opel Team Sweden has died!
Sylvia Osterberg for two weeks ago and Lillebror Nasenius and Bus-Ove Eriksson last year!

[BDunnell]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

What very sad news. He should undoubtedly have had more than one World Championship rally win to his name. A bit of a 'lost talent' in many ways.

[wildsir]

Meeke show nothing in WRC. Who in their first 6 WRC outings set fastest time in tarmac and gravel? Gone on.. I dare you.

[Plan9]

Thats a good point. I still think it would be worth VWs time and effort to give him a chance. Ok he is no spring chicken but his career is still on the way up and he hasn't peaked by any means. Even if they had him on board it opens up the British and Irish markets for a price considerably cheaper than Sordo.


+1 I agree. Kris has not been given a "fair crack of the whip" in terms of the WRC. I think VW should look at hime and Dani but i think in the end they may choose someone who is already in 1 of their Skodas'.
No spring chicken? These days it seems like Citroen is picking its next super star for drivers still in the womb. At 32 he is actually about right for a WRC drive, in the past that is about the time decent professionals have got their shot at glory (in fact Marcus was about 36 or so).
Meeke is a strong personality and could be very attractive to sponsors. I still have hope that VW will encourage BMW to keep in on board when/if Dani goes elsewhere.

[Plan9]

It might have something to do with the fact there are only a few corners or bends in the whole event......did you happen to see the average speeds on many of the stages? 80 mph or 129.6 km/hr and many were near there....we've seen how it goes when he's confronted with things like turns.

this is a little disingenuous to say the very least.

[Plan9]

SORDO TO VW??? "Quiero volver al Dakar, pero está difícil" - Carlos Sainz - AS.com (http://www.as.com/motor/articulo/quiero-volver-dakar-dificil/20120227dasdaimot_4/Tes)

I hope Dave Richards reads this with particular interest. Especially the part where Carlos says he hope that other car companies (possibly BMW?) are inspired by VW entry into the WRC.

[janvanvurpa]

this is a little disingenuous to say the very least.

Disengenuous?
Bugger me that's a big word to throw around for a little joke. Oi!


Are you familiar with those stages?
Are you familiar with US and Canadian stages in comparison to say Northern European Stages?
Are you a participant?
And: did you happen to see the average speeds on many of the stages? 80 mph or 129.6 km/hr and many were near there.

Remember, never 100% serious, but never 100% joking...

[Camelopard]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

That's sad, my condolences to family and friends..........

[RAS007]

this is a little disingenuous to say the very least.

Rearrange the following words into a sentence:

Block, Ken, rally, driver, is, not, a

[sollitt]

Disengenuous?Must mean "obvious".

[belas]

Anders Kulläng has died in a drowning-accident in Thailand.
Kulläng, 68 years old is a legend in Swedish motorsport and won the Swedish Rally in 1980.

R.I.P Anders....

One of my strongest memories from rallying when I was a kid:
1979 Acropolis Rally at the start of the night stage in Platanaki. Anders Kulläng at the start of the stage. He had rolled in the previous one and the Kadett was battered and the windshield was missing. The marshal starts counting 10,9,8.. while Anders Kulläng was still enjoying a cigarette. When the countdown reached 3, he erases the cigarette in the hood of the car, engages 1st gear and disapears in the darkness ... Different era, different characters

[Bartolbia84]

Neuville will drive France and Spain also in the WRC, so he's only missing New-Zealand.

Deux rallyes mondiaux de plus pour Thierry Neuville - TELEVESDRE Télévision Locale (http://www.televesdre.eu/site/deux_rallyes_mondiaux_de_plus_pour_thierry_neuvill e-891-45-262-fi.html)

Neuville will miss the Rally of Italy, a pity I had ever seen nell'IRC 2010 in Sardinia with the Peugeot 207 ... sorry not to see him on ... but here in October everything can change ..

[6789]

Neuville will drive France and Spain also in the WRC, so he's only missing New-Zealand.

Deux rallyes mondiaux de plus pour Thierry Neuville - TELEVESDRE Télévision Locale (http://www.televesdre.eu/site/deux_rallyes_mondiaux_de_plus_pour_thierry_neuvill e-891-45-262-fi.html)
Dammit would have been awesome to see him in NZ

[GigiGalliNo1]

One of my strongest memories from rallying when I was a kid:
1979 Acropolis Rally at the start of the night stage in Platanaki. Anders Kulläng at the start of the stage. He had rolled in the previous one and the Kadett was battered and the windshield was missing. The marshal starts counting 10,9,8.. while Anders Kulläng was still enjoying a cigarette. When the countdown reached 3, he erases the cigarette in the hood of the car, engages 1st gear and disapears in the darkness ... Different era, different characters

Amazing to hear a story from long ago. Now I know there is a huge diversity of people in this forum! I've only followed the WRC for a little over a decade!! Need to brush up my history of the past :) :)

[Gregor-y]

Disengenuous?
Bugger me that's a big word to throw around for a little joke. Oi!
Are you familiar with those stages?
Are you familiar with US and Canadian stages in comparison to say Northern European Stages?
Are you a participant?
And: did you happen to see the average speeds on many of the stages? 80 mph or 129.6 km/hr and many were near there.
They're getting faster, no doubt, but there are still plenty of pokey cars out there as well. 61 starts and 41 finishes.

And the roads are pretty wide open other than the occasional junction:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ylQ3Y01Hoew
The paved roads in that area are wonderful, however.

[dimviii]

One of my strongest memories from rallying when I was a kid:
1979 Acropolis Rally at the start of the night stage in Platanaki. Anders Kulläng at the start of the stage. He had rolled in the previous one and the Kadett was battered and the windshield was missing. The marshal starts counting 10,9,8.. while Anders Kulläng was still enjoying a cigarette. When the countdown reached 3, he erases the cigarette in the hood of the car, engages 1st gear and disapears in the darkness ... Different era, different characters
belas have you ever co drive in a 309?

[belas]

belas have you ever co drive in a 309?
No I have never competed in rallying, but I have been following this sport since the 1976 Acropolis, when I was 14 and asked my father to drive me to a stage.

[Bartolbia84]

Hayden Paddon to be away this weekend's Ronde Valtiberina in Tuscany with a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X, most likely also run between 2 weekends also Liburna Ronde, but this time with the Skoda Fabia S2000.

[tolis]

Hayden Paddon to be away this weekend's Ronde Valtiberina in Tuscany with a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X, most likely also run between 2 weekends also Liburna Ronde, but this time with the Skoda Fabia S2000.
With Fabrizia Pons as a co-driver!!!

[Humber]

Disengenuous?
Bugger me that's a big word to throw around for a little joke. Oi!


Are you familiar with those stages?
Are you familiar with US and Canadian stages in comparison to say Northern European Stages?
Are you a participant?
And: did you happen to see the average speeds on many of the stages? 80 mph or 129.6 km/hr and many were near there.

Remember, never 100% serious, but never 100% joking...

I think this incar from Block's car on stage 3 , 100 Acre Wood, illustrates the speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkI1yeo1ARA

I understand there are faster roads than this that have been used for rallying in parts of Quebec, Nevada? etc.

[janvanvurpa]

I think this incar from Block's car on stage 3 , 100 Acre Wood, illustrates the speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkI1yeo1ARA

I understand there are faster roads than this that have been used for rallying in parts of Quebec, Nevada? etc.

And in Alberta, (I did a repeat stage 4 time where we were flat in top gear for about 4 minutes in a canadian national Championship events. ) and in Ontario and in Washington and Idaho and Oregon.
North American roads are most of the time extremely wide and fast.
We have wide flat countryside with no reasons for turns and then we have mountains with really REALLY BIG TALL trees as long as semi-trucks, and we use the trees as the trailer.
Like this from here in the Pcific NW where we still have events:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_9fLxATADAyQ/TTjV4ijFQPI/AAAAAAAAB2c/PM5b2zvrby8/s1600/Logging%2BTruck.01.jpg

And those are like 4th or 5th gen trees, not very tall. or long.

Those trucks need big radius turns and BIG junctions. Now as low as the average driving level is when 23 out of 27 cars averages over 80mph in cars barely "warmed up"--like 86 Golf with a cam and maybe a diesel box---if THAT averages over 80mph, you know the roads are blindingly fast...
Block has usually done well in these blindingly fast roads...

And no too well when there are narrow roads with turns on gravel. Look at how many SS1 or SS2 crashes he's done..... and that in cars very easy to drive.

[Rallyper]

I think this incar from Block's car on stage 3 , 100 Acre Wood, illustrates the speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkI1yeo1ARA

I understand there are faster roads than this that have been used for rallying in parts of Quebec, Nevada? etc.

Man, what a nice stage. But still he´d been beaten by 15 secs by JML or Seb. But nice performance. He´s learning, doesn´t he? Was this now or last autumn or something?

[tfp]

I think this incar from Block's car on stage 3 , 100 Acre Wood, illustrates the speed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkI1yeo1ARA

I understand there are faster roads than this that have been used for rallying in parts of Quebec, Nevada? etc.

Nice video, but would have preferred to hear some notes from Gelsomino :)



North American roads are most of the time extremely wide and fast.
We have wide flat countryside with no reasons for turns and then we have mountains with really REALLY BIG TALL trees as long as semi-trucks, and we use the trees as the trailer.


And no too well when there are narrow roads with turns on gravel. Look at how many SS1 or SS2 crashes he's done..... and that in cars very easy to drive.

Extremely wide and fast roads, sounds a bit like NORF, brilliant :D Except without jumps, boo! :mad:

[janvanvurpa]

Nice video, but would have preferred to hear some notes from Gelsomino :)



Extremely wide and fast roads, sounds a bit like NORF, brilliant :D Except without jumps, boo! :mad:


Yes, but the difference is it this: it is the WRC guys, a few and a LOT of Finns that average 76-78mph or 110-118 km/hr on those Finnish roads, the best in the world.
Here it is guys who could never do top 10 in a Finnish F-cup Junior event averaging that.

So EITHER our roads ARE crazy fast (and relatively) simple,

OR!!!!

All the WRC team managers are all idiots that they are not waiting at the end of stage with a contract---with a 5 year plan---to sign us up>

I really can't say which it is...

[Gregor-y]

Man, what a nice stage. But still he´d been beaten by 15 secs by JML or Seb. But nice performance. He´s learning, doesn´t he? Was this now or last autumn or something?
That was last Friday. There was no snow this year but the temperature was around freezing when the sun went down.

[Red bull]

OGIER;i dont mind Dani to be my partner Ogier: "No me importaría correr con Sordo" - MARCA.com (http://www.marca.com/2012/02/27/motor/rallies/1330348276.html)

[Rallyper]

Today Rally Sweden says they made some profit out of the rally this year. Howeever the media coverage was a minus result. Now they are counting on FIA to cover the loss.

Who knows what FIA will do and what they think...?

[tolis]

Edoardo Bresolin. Any more news about his programme?

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/427759_153526551435503_100003344784326_215796_5991 29277_n.jpg

[mousti]

Italy , Portugal and ... ...

[N.O.T]

I think we should create a thread about all these nobody tourists with money so all the members with the pervesion to care about them can post in there and not poluting useful threads with such trash.

and to be politically correct name the thread "gentlemen driver news"...because if it was up to me i would name it "useless middle age crisis millionare nobodies who like cars" thread

[tfp]

Today Rally Sweden says they made some profit out of the rally this year. Howeever the media coverage was a minus result. Now they are counting on FIA to cover the loss.

Who knows what FIA will do and what they think...?

Is there an individual person out of pocket? Thats not good!

Nevermind, I hear Jean Todt wipes his ar$e with bundles of £50 notes, he will have to swop it for a couple of days and use bog-roll like the rest of us.

[Rallyper]

Is there an individual person out of pocket? Thats not good!

Nevermind, I hear Jean Todt wipes his ar$e with bundles of £50 notes, he will have to swop it for a couple of days and use bog-roll like the rest of us.

No, RS is a company actually. But did a big loss last year which this year has turned to a plus result. Except for media coverage which I think is in an other book keeping...

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC Thierry Neuville testing today gravel with DS3 Wrc [PHOTO] #WRC Thierry Neuville testing today gravel with DS3 Wrc [PHOTO] on Twitpic (http://t.co/xfRgDwSg)

[rallyfiend]

Is there an individual person out of pocket? Thats not good!

Nevermind, I hear Jean Todt wipes his ar$e with bundles of £50 notes, he will have to swop it for a couple of days and use bog-roll like the rest of us.

Todt could certainly make a good start by ditching the FIA private jet.

[tfp]

Todt could certainly make a good start by ditching the FIA private jet.

Then the FIA could fund a whole WRC season :)

[wrc1600]

From autosport:
VW wish list for 2013:
Latvala
Solberg
Atkinson
Mikkelsen
Abbring
Hanninen
apparently Latvala has signed already, Atkinson's problem is lack of WRC experience recently.

[MJW]

From autosport:
VW wish list for 2013:
Atkinson
apparently Latvala has signed already, Atkinson's problem is lack of WRC experience recently.
That's why Chris is doing Mexico to show what he can do.

[Andre Oliveira]

Hyundai Veloster 1.6 Turbo - future WRC? (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000393&10)

Oliveira in Fiesta WRC (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000392&10)

[tolis]

http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000393&10Oliveira in Fiesta WRC (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000392&10)

Daniel Oliveira's livery

http://www.brazilwrt.com/elementos/equipo_12.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

Great livery.

No Nobre in 2nd registered Mini Portugal. Can Sordo get the seat?

[dimviii]

nice livery Oliveiras fiesta!

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/419205_10150558418982131_711692130_9119488_1633081 771_n.jpg

[Barreis]

Bring back lancia.

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC Full gallery photo Volkswagen Motorsport Test Polo WRC with Ogier & Sainz Image (http://t.co/Yb6BG1Xs)

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC Nasser Al-Attiyah Qatar Wrt testing Gravel with DS3 Wrc to prepare Rally Mexico [PHOTOS] Image (http://bit.ly/w1OUx9)

[alleskids]

Great livery.

No Nobre in 2nd registered Mini Portugal. Can Sordo get the seat?

I see WRC TEAM MINI PORTUGAL : 12 Araujo and 14 Nobre

but no mentioning of Adapta WRT

[Pinto]

i tought all rounds after monte bar NZ for adapta

[Andre Oliveira]

For the rest of the season. Read the Oliveira in Fiesta WRC news.

[Pinto]

im on about adapta in reply to alleskids comment not Oliveria

[Plan9]

I see WRC TEAM MINI PORTUGAL : 12 Araujo and 14 Nobre

but no mentioning of Adapta WRT

The IRally article mentions the possibility of Meeke taking Nobre's seat on occasion if he can't do all the rounds.

[jbmarcus21]

Marcus Grönholm Museum from Inkoo Image (http://bit.ly/wjvcly)

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/5232.jpg

[tfp]

Gronholm, what a legend :D

[focus206]

Bresolin "just" 4 events this year according to ewrc.cz
Question: does the appearence of Brynildsen in Sweden with the Adapta team was a one-off, or there may be a chance to see him again in some other events this year?

[Rallyper]

Bresolin "just" 4 events this year according to ewrc.cz
Question: does the appearence of Brynildsen in Sweden with the Adapta team was a one-off, or there may be a chance to see him again in some other events this year?

What have been written in news he´ll be in for more appearances this year. That´s the intention.

[Andre Oliveira]

Any news about Pedersoli?

[tolis]

Eliseo Salazar will drive Mini WRC in Argentina.

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/64919_10150645492213815_168020983814_9253746_14970 41564_n.jpg

[Plan9]

That's the 1.6ST

[Red bull]

The IRally article mentions the possibility of Meeke taking Nobre's seat on occasion if he can't do all the rounds.

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000398&10) NOBRE FOR ALL ROUNDS.

[Bartolbia84]

Any news about Pedersoli?

The Pede, March 20 will present its program for the 2012 season ... the decision will be among a few rounds of the WRC or even the American Rally Championship.

[Teardrop]

So...Mads Ostberg will participate in the Rally of Portugal?
Thks

[Juha_Koo]

Is it true that Leszek Kuzaj was attacked with knives and he got some injuries in some weird confrontation?

[br21]

Is it true that Leszek Kuzaj was attacked with knives and he got some injuries in some weird confrontation?

Yes, it's true... fortunately his injuries are not serious, he was released from hospital few hours after the incident.

[mousti]

Was a home/car jacking he went after them after 400 meters he catched them but didn't expect that they would have knifes. Tough dude Leszek!

[N.O.T]

Was a home/car jacking he went after them after 400 meters he catched them but didn't expect that they would have knifes. Tough dude Leszek!

and stupid if i may add...

[Plan9]

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000398&10) NOBRE FOR ALL ROUNDS.
lol can't get a break can he?

[Bartolbia84]

Hayden Paddon with the notes to the great Italian navigator Fabrizia Pons has easily won the Ronde Valtiberina, valid for raceday. The young Kiwi driver, at the start with the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X, Edward has passed Bresolin, according to the latest rumors, will play 4 rounds of the WRC, from Portugal, third Luke Hoelbling (Citroen Xsara WRC).
Most likely Paddon, will be at the start of the Ronde Liburna to be held in Volterra from 2 weeks to figure out if it will be at the start with the Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X or Skoda S2000.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=338591532843309&set=a.186311901404607.35647.184390891596708&type=1&theater

[Plan9]

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000398&10) NOBRE FOR ALL ROUNDS.

By the way, what is there to "like" about this news. Don't people want Meeke in the WRC or something? The Little Green Pig is nothing to be excited about really.

[Red bull]

EBU for wrc coverage???iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000410&10)

[J.Lindstroem]

By the way, what is there to "like" about this news. Don't people want Meeke in the WRC or something? The Little Green Pig is nothing to be excited about really.

This is what the Wrc is all about in 2012. I have been loving this sport for a decade and im sad to say that my interest is starting to fade away with all this crap. The Wrc is in a horrible shape and when there is little for the rally-media to write about they must find something else to build their stories on, probably it is popular my the mainstream public that aren't so into the sport, but for us fans who have been following the sport for so long time it is pathetic. i feel so bad, i need to log out from this forum right now. Blaaah.

[AndyRAC]

Keep the faith!! It will improve......I hope...

[Red bull]

World Rally manufacturers want series to focus on Europe and Americas - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97870?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[rallyfiend]

This should be an interesting battle....

[whosyo]

´ëÇѹα¹ ITÆ÷ÅÐÀÇ Áß½É! ÀÌƼ´º½º (http://rpm9.etnews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=10621)

There's a interesting article written in 2011 July fourth(it's all korean)
The journalit said "Hyundai has been criticizing by consumers which didn't invest any money at all to the motorsport era"
then the Hyundai's official marketing manager said, "We has been seriously considering about entering the W.R.C", "We are adjusting the entering date"

and after that article, sadly ,there're no news yet

[Allyc85]

World Rally manufacturers want series to focus on Europe and Americas - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97870?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

This is bad! While I agree the sport should visit america more it should have a spread of events all around the world, hence it being the "World" Rally Championship!

[BDunnell]

This is bad! While I agree the sport should visit america more it should have a spread of events all around the world, hence it being the "World" Rally Championship!

Well, quite. It is a difficult 'balancing act' — how best to maintain the sport in its traditional markets, something Jean Todt is clearly aware of, while also trying to expand it elsewhere, and at the same time attempting to keep costs down. At a time when there isn't that much for anyone, even the diehard enthusiasts, to get excited about, goodness knows how growth can be achieved. Going back to America is unquestionably a good idea, but how could a World Championship not visit Asia/Australasia at all?

[tfp]

This is what the Wrc is all about in 2012. I have been loving this sport for a decade and im sad to say that my interest is starting to fade away with all this crap. The Wrc is in a horrible shape and when there is little for the rally-media to write about they must find something else to build their stories on, probably it is popular my the mainstream public that aren't so into the sport, but for us fans who have been following the sport for so long time it is pathetic. i feel so bad, i need to log out from this forum right now. Blaaah.

I'm bored of the constant updates the Irally App has on the politics and other BS with north one sport...Its all we ever seem to hear on there now!

[sollitt]

Going back to America is unquestionably a good idea, but how could a World Championship not visit Asia/Australasia at all?I don't see any validity in taking the show to America at all. All this talk about the size of the market is a red herring.
However I wouldn't shed tears if the championship narrowed it's geographic focus. An all Europe WRC is fine as long as in doing so the manufacturers open up more opportunities for top competitors.
In reality the WRC has never taken a foothold in Asia and, in terms of local usefulness, both RNZ and Rally Australia have had their day. There is now such a disconnect between these events and their local scenes & competitors that not only do they not add value but they are actually a burden to the regional sport.

[BDunnell]

I don't see any validity in taking the show to America at all. All this talk about the size of the market is a red herring.

Would you say the same about F1? Everyone involved with F1, including those of more traditional mind regarding the venues it should frequent, seems to be of the view that a return to the USA is vital.



However I wouldn't shed tears if the championship narrowed it's geographic focus. An all Europe WRC is fine as long as in doing so the manufacturers open up more opportunities for top competitors.

In which case, it would cease factually to be a World Championship.



In reality the WRC has never taken a foothold in Asia and, in terms of local usefulness, both RNZ and Rally Australia have had their day. There is now such a disconnect between these events and their local scenes & competitors that not only do they not add value but they are actually a burden to the regional sport.

Surely exactly the same could be said of Rally GB?

[sollitt]

In which case, it would cease factually to be a World Championship. Not at all. In most sports, world championships are played out each year at single venues. The key is to make the championship more accessable to world players, not a thinly contested world travelling circus.

[rallyfiend]

In which case, it would cease factually to be a World Championship.



Surely exactly the same could be said of Rally GB?

Actually, I think under the FIA statutes it only needs to hit 3 continents to be considered for the World Championship status. Hence why, from memory not that long ago, the JWRC was downgraded for a season.

As for Rally GB, well, the less said about that the better.

Going to Wales was, I@m sure, great financially for the MSA, but she's a shadow of her once self,.

[AndyRAC]

As far as I'm aware, to qualify for a World Championship - a series should visit 4/5 continents...but waivers are given in extremis.
As has already been said, it's a difficult balancing act; spreading/ growing the WRC, whole keeping costs down. We keep getting told that China, India, Brazil, Russia, etc are huge markets for the WRC - but are they? Is there the interest in the WRC? Are we going to find 5 men and a dog spectating....?
Personally, I would consolidate and get the WRC back to some kind of strength before expanding, i;e walk before you run. I've said it many times, but it's worth repeating, this isn't F1 - making the WRC a success is a lot harder to do.

As for RallyGB - it is now run purely for the benefit of the WRC. If the FiA dropped it for whatever reason, I seriously doubt it would run. Which wouldn't have been the case with the old RAC Rally. Whereas the Monte & 1000 Lakes would run, as they are almost bigger than the sport, a bit like Le Mans.

[TyPat107]

While I would love to see an event here, I don't see the USA putting on a great event. We have too many lawyers with their hands in everything, we don't have the wrc fan base and to be honest I don't think we have the caliber of roads. The best we have yet to produce is ken block? I can only imagine the heyday N.O.T would have commenting on an event here. Maybe I am being cynical...

[N.O.T]

The best we have yet to produce is ken block? I can only imagine the heyday N.O.T would have commenting on an event here.

that would be the best day in the modern history of the sport... i am a huge fan of a US round in the WRC...

Block wasn't produced by the US... block created himself into an icon to earn money and have a chin transplant... the absence of a WRC round in the US helped Blocks reputation.

Getting treated like a little scared doggy from a polar bear from the true rally drivers in a home round would deflate his fake bubble of him being a rally driver.