[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[Fly_Half]

Oooft that Hyundai is a fabulous looking Rally / Rallycross car, looks like the lovechild of an Accent WRC and a DS3 WRC.

[Barreis]

Prodrive to skip Argentina and Greece rounds - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98911)

[dimviii]

Prodrive to skip Argentina and Greece rounds - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98911)

While they will not come to Greece,but they will go to NZ....They are skint and they try to earn some time to find money seems.

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - Prodrive confirms next three WRC runs (http://www.wrc.com/news/prodrive-confirms-next-three-wrc-runs/?fid=16511)

[Rallyper]

It´s a shame they don´t come to NORF! :mad:

[EightGear]

It´s a shame they don´t come to NORF! :mad:

The whole situation Mini/Prodrive is in is a huge shame.

[Barreis]

It's not sport anymore, it's business.

[N.O.T]

It's not sport anymore, it's business.

it wasn't a sport to begin with...but that extends in every aspect where money is involved.

[Plan9]

No sing of resolution here yet. BMW has got to do something!

[garais22]

Video interview (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijs/879-ostbergs-bus-jaaizvada-perfektas-sacensibas-lai-talsos-cinitos-par-uzvaru/) with Mads Ostbergs before Talsi Rally
At present in entry list already six N4 champions (http://www.autorally.lv/?m=2) from six different nations

[skarderud]

Read in a swedish rallymagazine, in an article about Volvos wtccengine, that they mentioned a smaller Volvo model, and that the engine was still under developing because of future mission's. They raced wtcc with c30 last year, but not this year. Anyone heard about an smaller volvomodel in testing? I haven't, but things can happens still :)

[ToughMac]

Read in a swedish rallymagazine, in an article about Volvos wtccengine, that they mentioned a smaller Volvo model, and that the engine was still under developing because of future mission's. They raced wtcc with c30 last year, but not this year. Anyone heard about an smaller volvomodel in testing? I haven't, but things can happens still :)

Here is a picture of a Volvo C20, probably a photoshop but it least it shows there is somebody out there having the same brain waves :)

Volvo C20, apuntando al futuro cercano (http://www.mundoautomotor.com.ar/web/2010/04/06/volvo-c20-apuntando-al-futu/)

Thats better :D

[noel157]

Here is a picture of a Volvo C20, probably a photoshop but it least it shows there is somebody out there having the same brain waves :)

Find looking car. :)

[Allyc85]

Find looking car. :)

http://www.specsavers.co.uk/

[Juha_Koo]

It´s a shame they don´t come to NORF! :mad:

So true... One of my best rallymemories ever was to travel to see Sordo testing for NORF last year after the previous day I had driven for three hours to see Meeke's test but I saw the car three times and then he crashed. The second testday started with torrential rain, it was actually so bad that we were concerned that we would get stuck in the mud or be hit with lightning. :D But it got better along the day and later there was sun shining. When I woke up for the day, I also received information that I had been admitted into university after six months of sh*tloads of studying. I remember the day forever. :)

[Kielder]

Here is a picture of a Volvo C20, probably a photoshop but it least it shows there is somebody out there having the same brain waves :)

Volvo C20, apuntando al futuro cercano (http://www.mundoautomotor.com.ar/web/2010/04/06/volvo-c20-apuntando-al-futu/)

Thats better :D

"Virtual recreations made ​​by a German spy agency information". :batman:

[Barreis]

World Rally Championship - News - Loeb in Le Mans return (http://www.wrc.com/news/loeb-in-le-mans-return/?fid=16516)

[Kielder]

It is said that there was a previous negotiation between Prodrive and Ford for "lending" them Sordo for the tarmac rallies (Germany, France and Spain). This negotiation is previous to Latvala's accident and, of course, the press release were Prodrive said that the team will be in Germany. So if Prodrive won't get the budget for France and Spain, it would be possible to see him again with the Fiesta. Of course, if Latvala doesn't recover for Greece, Dani will be the first option again. It's obvious that the more Rallyes he'll run with Ford the more options he'll have to join the team next year. At the same time, it would feed the rumours about Latvala going to VW.

[Plan9]

I am amazed that Prodrive is going to NZ and not somewhere else in Europe (with 2 cars no less!).

[Ralph-Mario]

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401651_438156916200831_155581457791713_87921337_19 67567654_n.jpg

[Kielder]

Sordo has spoken about his first impressions of the Fiesta in comparison to the Mini and the DS3: "The Ford is very different to the Mini, because it moves more. In this sense, it's more like the Citroën. It is softer and in some ways the Mini is better, the Ford is better in others. I also noticed that the engine has a bit more power".

[rallyfiend]

Sordo has spoken about his first impressions of the Fiesta in comparison to the Mini and the DS3: "The Ford is very different to the Mini, because it moves more. In this sense, it's more like the Citroën. It is softer and in some ways the Mini is better, the Ford is better in others. I also noticed that the engine has a bit more power".

I wouldn't expect him to tell the truth about either car to honest - he's about to drive for one, while contracted to the other. He has to b very considered in his comments.

[MJW]

Sordo has spoken about his first impressions of the Fiesta in comparison to the Mini and the DS3: "The Ford is very different to the Mini, because it moves more. In this sense, it's more like the Citroën. It is softer and in some ways the Mini is better, the Ford is better in others. I also noticed that the engine has a bit more power".
I am not too surprised, both Citroen and Ford use the motocross philosophy for damping. long travel and weight transfer, with good traction on gravel. Mini looks more like a touring car philosophy on the damping travel, and probaly stiffer. Works good on tarmac :-). From watching (live not tv) and hearing the engine note I dont think the Mini engine was far behind the Citroen, but I admit I havent seen any rally this year yet, but I beleive the Ford engine mapping and characteristics are different from last year.

[dimviii]

World Rally Championship - News - Q&A: Jari-Matti Latvala (part one) (http://www.wrc.com/news/qa-jari-matti-latvala-%28part-one%29/?fid=16527)

[Maxi]

Speed TV to broadcast Argentina highlights in USA:

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000792&11)

[Red bull]

2938

[Red bull]

2939

[Mirek]

Photoshop

[Red bull]

Photoshop
GRID Designs Next-Generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi - Mobile Magazine (http://www.mobilemag.com/2009/05/28/grid-designs-next-generation-subaru-impreza-wrx-sti/)

[tfp]

World Rally Championship - News - Injured Latvala recovering well (http://www.wrc.com/news/injured-latvala-recovering-well/?fid=16598)

Good to see JML recovering ahead of schedule, also good that he has respect and admiration for his team mate.

[Plan9]

Interesting link below, suggests that a certain MINI JCW Rally team is coming to NZ :rolleyes:

The MINI JCW Rally team is coming for Rally of NZ | Trade Me (http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-parts-accessories/bmw/accessories/auction-470148270.htm)

[Allyc85]

Gigi maybe returning to the WRC!

Gigi Galli potrebbe tornare con una Ford Fiesta WRC! (http://www.omnicorse.it/magazine/7832/Gigi-Galli-potrebbe-Tornare-con-una-Ford-Fiesta-WRC)

[Andre Oliveira]

Date: 6 April 2011

[Francis44]

Ricardo Moura posted a pic on his facebook page saying "WRC test"

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574442_417104604980763_145515332139693_1533331_161 519269_n.jpg

Im trying to figure it out, IDK if it's Fiesta or DS3.

[Andre Oliveira]

The window looks like Fiesta.

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2011/wrc/de/pe_a_26_hirvonen_1.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

1st of May - Gigi Galli News... I will get it translated sooon properly...

Galli szykuje powrót - Wiadomo?ci - Rajdy - autoklub.pl (http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/galli-szykuje-powrot,42402)

[GigiGalliNo1]

States Gigi Galli should be back in WRC this year (2012) in Italy.

[Kielder]

1st of May - Gigi Galli News... I will get it translated sooon properly...

Galli szykuje powrót - Wiadomo?ci - Rajdy - autoklub.pl (http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/galli-szykuje-powrot,42402)

They only translate last year news.

On the other hand, Petter Solberg is going to start at Castle Combe Circuit: Petter Solberg to star at Rallyday 2012 | WRC News | May 2012 | Crash.Net (http://www.crash.net/world+rally/news/179203/1/petter_solberg_to_star_at_rallyday_2012.html?utm_s ource=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss)

[Kielder]

It is said the car Moura has tested is the Impreza R4 of ARC Sport. He might be thinking in any WRC start with that car after not continuing his IRC program.
If you test a WRC car you show it from the very first time.

[Red bull]

HYUNDAI WANT TO USE BMW STRATEGY IN 2013 Fanautos: Hyundai WRC 2013. (http://fanautosjopek.blogspot.com/2011/07/hyundai-wrc-2013.html)

[Viking]

HYUNDAI WANT TO USE BMW STRATEGY IN 2013

I thought it was BMW who used the old Hyundai strategy... But for sure, success is inevitable...

[dimviii]

the guy has really problem...
Ogier: "On verra qui de Hirvonen ou de moi avait raison" - Auto Moto - Sports.fr (http://www.sports.fr/cmc/scanner/auto-moto/201218/ogier-on-verra-qui-de-hirvonen-ou-de-moi-avait-raison_453714.html)

its better to explain why Mikkelsen was so slow suddenly at last day in Sweden,or why he choosed to start without priority at last rallies.

[Hartusvuori]

McKlein Photography ‏ @McKlein_Rally (https://twitter.com/#%21/McKlein_Rally) Henri Toivonen will be the subject of McKlein's next book, to be published in August 2012.

-

[Kielder]

He's chosen the day for the announcement...

[Red bull]

WILSON NOT HAPPY WITH TANAK Wilson disappointed with Tanak's performance on Rally Argentina - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99298?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[dimviii]

WILSON NOT HAPPY WITH TANAK Wilson disappointed with Tanak's performance on Rally Argentina - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99298?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

not happy with Tanak in his first wrc rallies,but happy with Jari?

[amilk]

WILSON NOT HAPPY WITH TANAK Wilson disappointed with Tanak's performance on Rally Argentina - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99298?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

MW not happy (ok, he is right Tanak can not stay on the road) -

But more generally, who would be the dream driver for him (out of Loeb)? The works team drivers doing the same than Tanak with 5-10 year experience,
The consistency drivers like Hirvonen just left the team, Sordo not signed 2 years ago.....
Ogier not signed but talked with them.

My feeling a bit that he would like to have top driversd but in the same time a driver who is cheap maybe pay for a seat.

[janvanvurpa]

not happy with Tanak in his first wrc rallies,but happy with Jari?

The article says he spoke with him and made it clear his job is to finish...

I believe we can all expect a "New 5 Year Plan" to be announced.....because if Tanak had a 5 Year Plan, then finishing in 15th or 12 for 5-7 years would never draw a comment..

Or maybe Tanak could make some jerk-kanha videos and be a You-tube hero, then finishing 12th is OK.

[HaCo]

HYUNDAI WANT TO USE BMW STRATEGY IN 2013 Fanautos: Hyundai WRC 2013. (http://fanautosjopek.blogspot.com/2011/07/hyundai-wrc-2013.html)

I know I'm dreaming out loud, but why not with ProDrive? :)

[dimviii]

The article says he spoke with him and made it clear his job is to finish...

Do you know if he had said the same to Jari and Petter?
Ok was his fault,and he had to finish,as nobody asked him to push and win,but at his 4th rally at wrc you can t ask to much.Neuville is at same situation, but Yves didnt make such an interview.To put extra stress this time in not going to help imho.
Malcolm have to be more sensible about his interviews and more fair.Jari according to Malcolm was the man who will beat Loeb,but after the 4exits from 5 rallies while he has 100 wrc starts didn t see such a comment...

[Kielder]

WILSON NOT HAPPY WITH TANAK Wilson disappointed with Tanak's performance on Rally Argentina - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99298?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

If he's disappointed with Tanak, I don't know what he would say about Matthew if he weren't his son...

[A FONDO]

If he's disappointed with Tanak, I don't know what he would say about Matthew if he weren't his son...

If he wasnt his son he wouldnt have driven anything bigger than a wheelbarrow.

But Malcolm is right to be furious about Tanak in whom he invests lots of money. He doesnt have pressure for results and still crashes several times a day.

[janvanvurpa]

Do you know if he had said the same to Jari and Petter?
Ok was his fault,and he had to finish,as nobody asked him to push and win,but at his 4th rally at wrc you can t ask to much.Neuville is at same situation, but Yves didnt make such an interview.To put extra stress this time in not going to help imho.
Malcolm have to be more sensible about his interviews and more fair.Jari according to Malcolm was the man who will beat Loeb,but after the 4exits from 5 rallies while he has 100 wrc starts didn t see such a comment...


I was making more a joke on Wilson than anything.... specifically the "gifting' of a WRC car and years of support to his son, which while the norm in motorsports, the combination of the publicised "5 Year Plan" and the often embarrassing reults never propted a public scolding from Papa-son.

[nafpaktos]

Malcolm's management all these years sucks.Why do you expect something better in his interviews???The same brain desides and for the management and for the interviews!!!

[dimviii]

I was making more a joke on Wilson than anything.... specifically the "gifting' of a WRC car and years of support to his son, which while the norm in motorsports, the combination of the publicised "5 Year Plan" and the often embarrassing reults never propted a public scolding from Papa-son.

aha didnt get the irony at your first post. ;)

[Barreis]

Tanak is another Wilson jr.

[amilk]

Tanak is another Wilson jr.

No. Tanak has the speed , maybe not like Latvala but definitelly better than slowson. reliability to be improved. Time will tell

[Xsara Fan]

Estonian guys, plz tells us - who pay for Tanak? Whose money he use?

[Coach 2]

The fact that Tanaka has speed, he proved in Finland, ask Hänninen. But maybe he has the same problem as JML, the only way he knows how to run is flat out.

[cali]

Estonian guys, plz tells us - who pay for Tanak? Whose money he use?
He's contracted with M-Sport, so I guess it's Malcolm's money :)

[A FONDO]

The fact that Tanaka has speed, he proved in Finland, ask Hänninen. But maybe he has the same problem as JML, the only way he knows how to run is flat out.

Yes but he is a novice and at least there's a hope that he can change himself. JML and PS are lost cause, still driving like teenagers.

[Barreis]

SWRC is different from WRC. Once when they face Loeb, hands start to shake... :D

[cali]

The fact that Tanaka has speed, he proved in Finland, ask Hänninen. But maybe he has the same problem as JML, the only way he knows how to run is flat out.
Oh he has the speed but me thinks he is just plain stupid. If he continues to crashin' habits, then for sure he's not going to be in M-Sport for long

[Xsara Fan]

He's contracted with M-Sport, so I guess it's Malcolm's money :)

Wow! And he still in team? After loosing title in 2011 (because of crashes) and crashcrashcrash in 2012?

[WRCS14]

I think Malcolm is stupid in the way he acts. He should say anything he wants to Ott in private but I really fail to see how giving interviews to big established magazine like auto sport saying the driver did crap is going to help things. He is a very fast driver and anyone who was competed on a gravel rally at even three quarter the speed he goes can tell it will be risky.

Is there any confirmation on when matthew wilson is back, I think there is maybe a slight chance the injury has now turned out to be a convenient money saver even though that wasnt the original intention.

[N.O.T]

It is early for tanak... but here you can see the difference between teams..

Citroen has Neuville doing a crap year with crash after crash yet they do not say anything...they let the guy drive and after the season ends the evaluation comes....

in ford the team manager lost his patience with a driver who at least has potential speedwise, while he never said anything about his useless son...

maybe that is why Citroen are stomping all over ford with the manufacturer title year after year, and Loeb has 9 titles while the ford kids struggle all these years and invent stupid things to celebrate like most consecutive finishes, best motorhome of service and best looking service tent...

[Coach 2]

Oh he has the speed but me thinks he is just plain stupid. If he continues to crashin' habits, then for sure he's not going to be in M-Sport for long

I do not think you should underestimate how hard it is dealing with different types of gravel in different continents. Not to mention under different weather conditions. That's the reason why M.W. ask him to get to the finish, first and foremost.
But as I wrote earlier, you've just learned to handle a rally car driving flat out, to learn new surfaces in combination to be more consistent, yes it can be very difficult.
What happens to Tanaka, is similar to the first year to PS at Ford.

[Barreis]

We're glad that Ogier didn't have different types of gravel problems. First WRC event and immediately in the lead. :D

[Coach 2]

We're glad that Ogier didn't have different types of gravel problems. First WRC event and immediately in the lead. :D

As I have mentioned Previously, drivers like Ogier, one in a million. But others can learn too, so do not be too sure that no one catch up.

[Barreis]

It's all the same for Ogier-gravel/tarmac. Great driver, less motivated when not in WRC machinery but next year will be great.

[bluuford]

We're glad that Ogier didn't have different types of gravel problems. First WRC event and immediately in the lead. :D

Do you remember that he was off the road a few stages later? Do you remember who was second behind him? It was Ostberg :-)
Do you remember what happened next? 5 points in next 6 rallies. There were 12 events in 2009 and Ogier finished only 6 of them in the points.
Every beginning is difficult.

[EightGear]

HYUNDAI WANT TO USE BMW STRATEGY IN 2013 Fanautos: Hyundai WRC 2013. (http://fanautosjopek.blogspot.com/2011/07/hyundai-wrc-2013.html)

It says July 14th 2011.....

[janvanvurpa]

aha didnt get the irony at your first post. ;)


One of the Finns here said I am honorary Finn because like them, Nothing I say is ever 100% serious, and nothing is ever 100% joking...
Most everything I write here is mostly joking..

But not fully.
Nafpaktos hit the nail on the head

[WRCS14]

Yes I think did Ogier not go bit mad in first wrc car outing in rac rally with some ice but then roll out. He was maybe leading but not for long.

Ok argentina is expensive rally long way from UK and tanak told to go medium speed but people must understand his medium speed would probably win a national rally quite easily maybe? If you want slow speed yes sure you will 100% finish the rally but maybe 10 or 12 minutes back. Do I read it correct that maybe Malcolm even blames him for puncture which he attains on a pretty rough rally. That could happen to any person. I still believe this is a bad way for Malcolm to gain column space in a big motorsport news site / magazine. I agree with NOT in how Citroen are progressing there matters.

Is Hennings season now finished does anybody know?

[Kielder]

Is Hennings season now finished does anybody know?

He's in the entry list for Acropolis. This time it looks like he'll start the rally.

[pettersolberg29]

It is early for tanak... but here you can see the difference between teams..

Citroen has Neuville doing a crap year with crash after crash yet they do not say anything...they let the guy drive and after the season ends the evaluation comes....

in ford the team manager lost his patience with a driver who at least has potential speedwise, while he never said anything about his useless son...

maybe that is why Citroen are stomping all over ford with the manufacturer title year after year, and Loeb has 9 titles while the ford kids struggle all these years and invent stupid things to celebrate like most consecutive finishes, best motorhome of service and best looking service tent...

That's not the full story though. Neuville has shown great pace in between his crashes, and challenging for stage wins etc. Tanak has been nowhere in regards to pace, and shown much less potential than Thierry in my opinion. Citroen didn't want him to necessarily get great results this year, but wanted to see if he's got the speed to challenge at the top in the future, and so far it looks like he does. Tanak? Not so sure.

[tmx]

No. Tanak has the speed , maybe not like Latvala but definitelly better than slowson. reliability to be improved. Time will tell You joined since 2000, don't feed the troll, you know who they are.

[Plan9]

He's in the entry list for Acropolis. This time it looks like he'll start the rally.

Is it in a Go Fast car? It doesn't specify on the entry list I have seen

[Barreis]

Neuville was good in keeping lead of 10 minutes infront of Solberg, but also slower on almost every stage by at least 10 seconds. :D

[sollitt]

... I am honorary Finn because like them, Nothing I say is ever 100% serious, and nothing is ever 100% joking...
Most everything I write here is mostly joking. But not fully.You must be a Kiwi.

[Red bull]

Ford rules out drafting Dani Sordo in for additional World Rally rounds - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99306)

[MTA]

Patrik Flodin has broken his collarbone a few weeks ago and dosent start in Tour de Course.

http://www.bilsport.se/news.php?id=101917

[A FONDO]

Ford drivers are damned, they break bones one after another :vader: Maybe he shouldnt have changed the car :rolleyes:

[Pinto]

Patrik Flodin has broken his collarbone a few weeks ago and dosent start in Tour de Course.

Skadad Flodin tvingas vila Mste flytta fram IRC-debuten (http://www.bilsport.se/news.php?id=101917)

Marty McCormack has been drafted in for Corsica to replace Flodin

[Allyc85]

Fantastic news, cant wait to see how he gets on!

[EightGear]

South Africa closing on slot on 2013 World Rally Championship calendar - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99321)

[Red bull]

South Africa closing on slot on 2013 World Rally Championship calendar - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99321)
Money talks bull**** walks.

[misiuwolf]

one question to our friends from russia.
is there any rally or motorsport event in the end of may near to moscow?
;-)
thank you

[Kielder]

South Africa closing on slot on 2013 World Rally Championship calendar - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99321)

South Africa will be included in the 2013 calendar instead of NZ or Greece. Both of them will be out if Brazil also joins the WRC. Doubts about Italian event: Rali de Portugal mantém se no calendário do WRC - Autosport.pt (http://autosport.sapo.pt/rali-de-portugal-mantem-se-no-calendario-do-wrc=f105302)

[GigiGalliNo1]

one question to our friends from russia.
is there any rally or motorsport event in the end of may near to moscow?
;-)
thank you

I have spoken to a Russian rally man, and can highly agree with him that the rallies there aren't so well organised. The roads to get to stages aren't very well layed out or safe for spectators.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

That might explain a lot. My best friend is Russian, and I have never been more terrified than when I am in her car while she is driving.

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

South Africa could be absolutely amazing. Looking forward to it.

[Plan9]

South Africa will be included in the 2013 calendar instead of NZ or Greece. Both of them will be out if Brazil also joins the WRC. Doubts about Italian event: Rali de Portugal mantém se no calendário do WRC - Autosport.pt (http://autosport.sapo.pt/rali-de-portugal-mantem-se-no-calendario-do-wrc=f105302)

So if Brazil joins we could have a 10 round calendar? I hope this does not happen.

Isn't the RSA still a bit unstable for a WRC event? Things got pretty hot in Kenya during the 2002 event...

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Money talks bull**** walks.
I'm interpreting this as meaning you're against the idea of South Africa or Brazil joining the calendar.

If so, would you care to explain why you feel that way? I've never understood this aversion to the calendar expanding.


So if Brazil joins we could have a 10 round calendar? I hope this does not happen.
No, it means that the number of events will remain set at 13, and any new event will replace an existing one. South Africa would replace New Zealand or Greece. If South Africa and Brazil both join the calendar, they will replace New Zealand and Greece.

In order for the calendar to be scaled back to 10 rounds, three existing rallies would need to be cut before South Africa or Brazil could join. And as far as I know, there are no plans for this. The manufacturers seem pretty happy with the number of rounds, and the FIA is pushing for longer overall rallies. I think that's the change we're most likely to see in 2013, which I think can only be a good thing. Now they just need to get rid of the practice of repeating stages. A rally should be ~20 unique stages run once, not ten stages run twice.


Isn't the RSA still a bit unstable for a WRC event? Things got pretty hot in Kenya during the 2002 event...
That rally in Kenya was a decade ago, and in a totally different country.

[6789]

Ahh - Can't believe there could be no Aus or NZ round! Sucks big time for us in the Oceania region

[Red bull]

[quote="Prisoner Monkeys"]I'm interpreting this as meaning you're against the idea of South Africa or Brazil joining the calendar.

If so, would you care to explain why you feel that way? I've never understood this aversion to the calendar expanding.
Am not against any country hosting the rally,just what has South africa got to offer the wrc more than kenya apart from lots of money?Most of the rally stages are held in private ranches or farmlands with little or no access to the locals as seen in most South africa championship rallies :D

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Am not against any country hosting the rally,just what has South africa got to offer the wrc more than kenya apart from lots of money?
Interest. I haven't heard anything from anyone in Kenya saying "we need to be a part of the WRC again". The South Africans are interested in being a part of the WRC. The Kenyans aren't.


Ahh - Can't believe there could be no Aus or NZ round! Sucks big time for us in the Oceania region
I'd say Greece is more likely to go. Financially, they're in serious trouble. And the organisers in Coffs Harbour have said that they would be interested in seeing Rally Australia return to a yearly round.

Likewise, Jean Todt has said he doesn't see much differentiating France and Germany. Strasbourg and Trier aren't that far from on another, and both rallies are tarmac events. Sure, there are nuances in the surfaces, but it might be easier to just hold one of them. Unless they can get Rally France back to Corsica.

It's also entirely plausible that the manufacturers might be okay with 14 rounds instead of 13. It would give them one extra round to catch Loeb (if he is still rallying next year) ...

[rallyfiend]

For me there's a big question about events like Brazil or South-Africa also, they have no experience with organizing such big rally-events, will the organisation be on the level that a WRC-organization should have?

I guess that's what the candidate events are for. To test their suitability.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Is it because the economy in the country isn't doing too well that the organisation should be struggling also? Or do you know more than I do? Maybe some Greek forum members can explain? It's the first thing I hear about financial problems for the organisation.
It largely depends on where the money for the rally is coming from. But with Greece needing bail-outs from Germany, there is likely to be a lot of political pressure for fiscal responsibility, which will inevitably lead to the question of "Do we really need the rally?".

[tolis]

It largely depends on where the money for the rally is coming from. But with Greece needing bail-outs from Germany, there is likely to be a lot of political pressure for fiscal responsibility, which will inevitably lead to the question of "Do we really need the rally?".
Off course we need the rally. The economic crisis doesn't mean that we should stop doing historical events like the Acropolis Rally (58 years of history) , the Classic Marathon etc... With these events, we boost our economy (tourism). The problem for us is not the Acropolis Rally.

[N.O.T]

Unfortunatelly it is bound to happen....

one of the major sponsors apart from casino loutraki is also OPAP which are basically money from the state (its our national lottery fund) ...so if the founding is cut completely i think we are out (already this year the money they give are limited and maybe that is one of the reasons the organiser is looking for volunteers apart from the payed marshals).

[Bruce D]

Am not against any country hosting the rally,just what has South africa got to offer the wrc more than kenya apart from lots of money?Most of the rally stages are held in private ranches or farmlands with little or no access to the locals as seen in most South africa championship rallies :D

Mate, you need to be enlightened a bit. For starters, you don't seem to have watched a SA championship event in recent times, otherwise you'd have never said it was not accessible. Unless you are referring to the last bid event in about 2007 in which case you are dead right, that was run in a terrible area never used for our rallies because the FIA demanded a "African" feel to the event, which meant running around mud huts in rural areas. That is not the case this time.

This time the event will be based on the recent Total Rally held in March this year and I can tell you having spectated there that there were thousands of spectactors. The event will have sugarcane (which has very slippery ball-bearing type roads like in Australia) and forest stages. There is a different organising team involved this time and it's been done right. Seppo Harjanne has already been out to look at the event, as stated in the article, in fact my father spent the day with him as part of the organising team, which pissed me off cos I could have met Seppo myself! Michelle Mouton is due out soon also to look at stuff.

As for others saying experience of WRC events is lacking, true but we all have to start somewhere and a lot of overseas input has been received. Yes the event will be based in Durban again like the last candidate event but the stages used will be nowhere near the same area and massively improved quality and spectator access.

[nafpaktos]

I cannot imagine the wrc without rally acropolis.It will be very bad and for the greek fans and for the foreigner fans(espessially for fans from central europe that they use to combine rally and vacations)

[N.O.T]

I cannot imagine the wrc without rally acropolis.It will be very bad and for the greek fans and for the foreigner fans(espessially for fans from central europe that they use to combine rally and vacations)

2 years ago we were also out... this time looks we are out for good...

Who can blame them if they kick us out ??

History is fine and everything but you cannot base any kind of relationship in romance alone...the romance fades sooner or later and then you have to offer some things to get some back...

[tolis]

2 years ago we were also out... this time looks we are out for good...

Who can blame them if they kick us out ??

History is fine and everything but you cannot base any kind of relationship in romance alone...the romance fades sooner or later and then you have to offer some things to get some back...

Last year we proved that we tried as much as we could. We offered things like night stage, ceremonial start under the Acropolis, very nice stages, no cancellation. The organisation made a big effort. However, if there are no sponsors and we tell FIA that we are not capable to do the rally due to high cost, then it's another story.

[N.O.T]

well when 99% of private companies and businesses all these years were sustained because of public money... it is normal they are not going to be any sponsors... Greece is a scorched earth and we all took part in this.

[Red bull]

Rally Argentina keen to pair with potential Brazilian round in 2013 World Rally Championship - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99347?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[Mirek]

This pairing was already used in IRC but from I heard the Brazilian event was quite an organization disaster.

[Red bull]

OGIER REFUTES MEDIA RUMOURS https://twitter.com/?utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wifFullContent+%28WRC+is+Fre e%29&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#!/Traxx_WiF/statuses/198403405306281987

[OldF]

Here’s a video from Total rally 2012 Total Rally March 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKbtHQMZwmY) and from 2011 (more action compared to 2012 video) Total Tour Natal Rally Overview 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS2Sn51SrHo) and some videos from other South African rally championship 2011.

Sasol Rally
Sasol Rally Mpumalang Nelspruit Overview - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ot9am9FkbDY)

HMC National Rally
Toyota Gauteng Rally 10-11 June 2011 Day .1. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sHXhBwoA2Y)
Toyota Gauteng Rally 10-11 June 2011 - Day 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REqVVwxFq-s&feature=related)

Toyota Dealer Rally Gauteng
Toyota Gauteng Rally 10-11 June 2011 Day .1. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sHXhBwoA2Y&feature=youtu.be)
Toyota Gauteng Rally 10-11 June 2011 - Day 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REqVVwxFq-s&feature=youtu.be)

Garden Route National Rally
Garden Route National Rally - Day .1. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ceTgmGc3ReU&feature=youtu.be)
Garden Route National Rally - George/Knysna Day.2. - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_O0wJoj34Y&feature=youtu.be)

And now I switch to ice hockey.

[Jajá]

This pairing was already used in IRC but from I heard the Brazilian event was quite an organization disaster.

I worked as the timing officer for IRC in Brazil in 2009 and 2010 and I can say the timings were the unique part that worked fine during the whole events. Rain, time delays, section time changes are samples of events that turned the rounds a mess. The Brazilian organizers are not professionals, most (if not all) of them run and organize Rally events as a side-activity. Although, I'm sure that if we "import" organizers from well-established events, Brazil would be able to host a very decent round of the WRC (and I would sure be there to either work/watch).

[tfp]

OGIER REFUTES MEDIA RUMOURS https://twitter.com/?utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wifFullContent+%28WRC+is+Fre e%29&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed#!/Traxx_WiF/statuses/198403405306281987

Rumours about Ogier abandoning VW's wrc programme? Who starts all of these BS rumours?

[Mirek]

I worked as the timing officer for IRC in Brazil in 2009 and 2010 and I can say the timings were the unique part that worked fine during the whole events. Rain, time delays, section time changes are samples of events that turned the rounds a mess. The Brazilian organizers are not professionals, most (if not all) of them run and organize Rally events as a side-activity. Although, I'm sure that if we "import" organizers from well-established events, Brazil would be able to host a very decent round of the WRC (and I would sure be there to either work/watch).

Thank You for insider info.

[WRCfan]

I don't post on the forums much although this topic was something I had to. I have read replies about the love and romance of the acropolis rally and it's so very true. It's a shame and we all know money talks in WRC now, but loosing events like Acropolis is detrimental to the sport I feel.

It's a shame we are no longer in places like SanRemo (on tarmac) and visiting Kenya (even every 2nd year) and if the Acropolis was to go then it's another notch in the coffin. There are some rounds that just shouldn't be bumped out and I really believe Acropolis is one of them, for the sake of the WRC it should remain one way or another.

[Barreis]

France should be in Corsica, San Remo instead of Sardinia and Kenya instead of ADAC Germany.

[Allyc85]

Rumours about Ogier abandoning VW's wrc programme? Who starts all of these BS rumours?

I was told by someone at the Somerset Stages rally that VW are to pull the plug on the programme at the next major board meeting.

I dont believe it myself!

[EightGear]

And what was his source? There was an article on the internet from a French journalist claiming the same.
However, that article was published on april 1st, so I don't believe it either (imagine the horror!).

[AndyRAC]

France should be in Corsica, San Remo instead of Sardinia and Kenya instead of ADAC Germany.

Agree, the Alscace event is very close to Trier and Deutschland - do we need 2 similar Tarmac events? Same with Sardinia - another dry, dusty Mediterranean event. Instead of thinking about the money, think about the bigger picture, i;e the sport Corsica/Sanremo are 'Classic' events, same with the Acropolis...the sport needs these iconic events.

[N.O.T]

Agree, the Alscace event is very close to Trier and Deutschland - do we need 2 similar Tarmac events? Same with Sardinia - another dry, dusty Mediterranean event. Instead of thinking about the money, think about the bigger picture, i;e the sport Corsica/Sanremo are 'Classic' events, same with the Acropolis...the sport needs these iconic events.

the question still remains.. who is going to pay for these iconic events to stay in the sport ??

[tfp]

I was told by someone at the Somerset Stages rally that VW are to pull the plug on the programme at the next major board meeting.

I dont believe it myself!

You can add me to the dont believe list!


And what was his source? There was an article on the internet from a French journalist claiming the same.
However, that article was published on april 1st, so I don't believe it either (imagine the horror!).

Please, dont say that, remember who took their first WRC win on april 1st? :D We all thought that was april fools at first!!

[tfp]

the question still remains.. who is going to pay for these iconic events to stay in the sport ??

I think ferrari should enter a car to this GT class like Lotus, that would bring in the bucks for Sanremo at least :D

[N.O.T]

I think ferrari should enter a car to this GT class like Lotus, that would bring in the bucks for Sanremo at least :D

sigh...

[MJW]

I was told by someone at the Somerset Stages rally that VW are to pull the plug on the programme at the next major board meeting.

I dont believe it myself! With Brazil ans South Africa likely to join WRC soon (these two countries as well as Argentina) are big and important markets for VW) I dont beleive these rumours.

[wrchirek]

Volkswagen should continue their test programme with the Polo R WRC instead of the Skodas in the second half of the season. Rallies would be much more interesting.

[Mirek]

Volkswagen should continue their test programme with the Polo R WRC instead of the Skodas in the second half of the season. Rallies would be much more interesting.

Why should they show their cards to the opposition so early and give them plenty of time to react with new homologations?

[RS]

not happy with Tanak in his first wrc rallies,but happy with Jari?

I think Latvala could accidentally burn down Dovenby Hall and Wilson would forgive him...

[Allyc85]

And what was his source? There was an article on the internet from a French journalist claiming the same.
However, that article was published on april 1st, so I don't believe it either (imagine the horror!).

He didnt give one, which was another reason I didnt believe it! I also didnt agree with his opinion that the WRC didnt need a promotor or at the very least a perminent TV deal!

[DonJippo]

I also didnt agree with his opinion that the WRC didnt need a promotor or at the very least a perminent TV deal!

If VW is to pull the plug on WRC program it's because there is no promoter.

[User]

They let M-Sport built that thing? :D

[Juha_Koo]

Luckily they had helmets on, from the high-speed camera it's clear that both bang their heads rather hard. Bad crash. :-P

[Nornbugger]

I don't know where to put it, so I put it here... Thierry Neuville took part in a soap-box-race sponsored by redbull today, and guess what he did... :D Thierry Neuville au Red Bull Caisses à Savon de Bruxelles - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SjH0NwWmXM&sns=fb)

they used a genuine Fiesta WRC front hub on it...

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

they used a genuine Fiesta WRC front hub on it...

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lu674mVwQC1qzgpx9.gif

[MJW]

I don't know where to put it, so I put it here... Thierry Neuville took part in a soap-box-race sponsored by redbull today, and guess what he did... :D Thierry Neuville au Red Bull Caisses à Savon de Bruxelles - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SjH0NwWmXM&sns=fb)
RedBull must be a good sponsor for his management to allow him todo that what with JML and Flodin breaking collar bones from cross country skiing and running.

[tfp]

I don't know where to put it, so I put it here... Thierry Neuville took part in a soap-box-race sponsored by redbull today, and guess what he did... :D Thierry Neuville au Red Bull Caisses à Savon de Bruxelles - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SjH0NwWmXM&sns=fb)


That was awesome :D
It is lucky however we have helmets and roll cages/bars or that could have been nasty!

[nafpaktos]

2 years ago we were also out... this time looks we are out for good...

Who can blame them if they kick us out ??

History is fine and everything but you cannot base any kind of relationship in romance alone...the romance fades sooner or later and then you have to offer some things to get some back...

I'm not economic specialist, but i think Argentinas economy in the early 00s crashed.Even the default they were able to organise the event.I think our economy even if the next years go worse will not be like argentinas in the early 00s.So i think we will be able to organise this unique rally.If the fia expel acropolis from the wrc this will happen for other reasons and not because we will not be able to organise the event.They will use the bad economics as excuse.I believe corruption is everywhere, maybe the people that choose the events for the wrc will be trusted very easy by some gifts from the organisers of the candidate rallies.

[Barreis]

:PPP
Andreas Mikkelsen surprised he could match Volkswagen team-mate Sebastien Ogier on Rally Argentina - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99372)

[N.O.T]

I'm not economic specialist, but i think Argentinas economy in the early 00s crashed.Even the default they were able to organise the event.I think our economy even if the next years go worse will not be like argentinas in the early 00s.So i think we will be able to organise this unique rally.If the fia expel acropolis from the wrc this will happen for other reasons and not because we will not be able to organise the event.They will use the bad economics as excuse.I believe corruption is everywhere, maybe the people that choose the events for the wrc will be trusted very easy by some gifts from the organisers of the candidate rallies.

the thing you have to ask yourself is why they want acropolis out and not Finland for example since they are a far smaller country ??

In greece nothing works with leeching money from the state... so now we pay the price.

[Red bull]

Citroen World Rally team boss intends Argentina team orders to be a one-off - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99417?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[Barreis]

Another Quesnel. :P

[Red bull]

MaxRally | News | Ford pair ready to come off the bench (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/ford_pair_ready_to_come_off_the_bench/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter)

[Plan9]

Volkswagen should continue their test programme with the Polo R WRC instead of the Skodas in the second half of the season. Rallies would be much more interesting.

There is a chance that the Polo could do Germany. Nissen alluded to this possibility in early press releases on the WRC program. Unclear how likely it is however.

[N.O.T]

There is a chance that the Polo could do Germany. Nissen alluded to this possibility in early press releases on the WRC program. Unclear how likely it is however.

not competitively... maybe as zero car but also not likely.

[J4MIE]

Incredible that the Acropolis is at risk, though I can understand the reason why. But if this happens, I will be very sad indeed :(
Also NZ, it's another iconic event which I desperately want to go to. There have been rumours of a South African event for a while, it will be interesting to see what happens. Are we likely to get a draft calendar after the meeting on 9th May, or will we have to wait until June when it's finalised?

[Mirek]

There is a chance that the Polo could do Germany. Nissen alluded to this possibility in early press releases on the WRC program. Unclear how likely it is however.

Nissen is no more a VW Motorsport boss. Plus I'm sure they won't homologate the car so soon. There is no reason. Maximum they will run as zero.

[J4MIE]

Doesn't the zero car have to be homologated also?

[rallyfiend]

Doesn't the zero car have to be homologated also?

It can be any car I think. Rally Finland just uses unprepared road going cars provided by their sponsor (Ford Kuga last year).

[Barreis]

Zero car can be any car that organiser will accept. But don't believe that VW will run zero polo wrc car on wrc event. Not serious enough for any manufacturer.

[Francis44]

Hearing rumours that Tannak may change codriver, any truth on that?!

[AndyRAC]

Incredible that the Acropolis is at risk, though I can understand the reason why. But if this happens, I will be very sad indeed :(
Also NZ, it's another iconic event which I desperately want to go to. There have been rumours of a South African event for a while, it will be interesting to see what happens. Are we likely to get a draft calendar after the meeting on 9th May, or will we have to wait until June when it's finalised?

Can the sport let their iconic events to be dropped? No Acropolis, NZ, Sanremo, Corsica...replaced by bland nonentities, not what a sport looking to grow needs. However, if they can't afford them, it's sad. It would be nice if the sport was successful that really big sponsors could be found, instead of Regional/Local/Tourist backing.

[Red bull]

Can the sport let their iconic events to be dropped? No Acropolis, NZ, Sanremo, Corsica...replaced by bland nonentities, not what a sport looking to grow needs. However, if they can't afford them, it's sad. It would be nice if the sport was successful that really big sponsors could be found, instead of Regional/Local/Tourist backing.
WRC is soon becoming another F1 where only rich countries can host the rallies.

[Barreis]

Nice interview with Delacour.
GP Week : Issue 152, Page 1 (http://mag.gpweek.com/#folio=34)

[rallye-vid]

WRC is soon becoming another F1 where only rich countries can host the rallies.

Sad but true

[AndyRAC]

WRC is soon becoming another F1 where only rich countries can host the rallies.

That's just madness, the sport simply isn't big enough. Can't people see this?

[eestlane]

Hearing rumours that Tannak may change codriver, any truth on that?!

There was a rumor that Sikk will be changed with an exiperienced German.

[N.O.T]

WRC is soon becoming another F1 where only rich countries can host the rallies.

which countries are considered rich from the current calendar ?? i only count 3-4 as rich countries in the current one...that is not a big percentage.

You prefer countries that do not guarentee a well organised and potentially less safe event because they are iconic ??

[Plan9]

Can the sport let their iconic events to be dropped? No Acropolis, NZ, Sanremo, Corsica...replaced by bland nonentities, not what a sport looking to grow needs. However, if they can't afford them, it's sad. It would be nice if the sport was successful that really big sponsors could be found, instead of Regional/Local/Tourist backing.

Yes it astonishes me too. I thought when Michele and Mr Todt got involved they would want to bring back some of the glory of old (we have the 13 round calendar now). Nostalgia seems to be a big thing now so why couldn't they look back on their own careers and say "hey San Remo and Corsica were popular while we were at Peugeot in the 1980s. Let's see what happens now"

I have seen some footage of the South African rallies and I feel a bit sad as the cars do not have the safari look to them and the roads do not look unique.

I was wondering, did the FIA effectively commercialize F1 for Bernie in the 2000s? If so why can't they do the same with WRC?

[AndyRAC]

No, the FiA can't do that. Bernie got the commercial rights for very little money, and has sole control over everything. He decides we're and when the races are, and how many races there are. Because of this, the FiA keep more control of their other World Championships. Eurosport are the rights holder for the WTCC, SRO - GT1, ASO - WEC. So, the WRC is the odd one out, no Promoter, and it seems to have gone quiet.

[Plan9]

What's a 'bernie' between friends aye? ;)

What I was wondering if; as so the FIA's handling the WRC has been contentious, there is an alternative that does not involve them?

[Red bull]

MaxRally | News | Next year in the spotlight this week (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/next_year_under_the_spotlight_this_week/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

[Kielder]

MaxRally | News | Next year in the spotlight this week (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/next_year_under_the_spotlight_this_week/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

I expect that the "no particular order" will become the real one and Rally GB will close the championship again.

[Plan9]

I think that the last paragraph on this article is silly. The writer questions the morality of having an event in Greece as it is in economic difficulties. It's not like you can't say that about South Africa.

Looks like NZ is ****ed. I don't see how Australia got spared?

I don't think it would be prudent to have 12 rallies. That would be another nail in the coffin.

[6789]

I think that the last paragraph on this article is silly. The writer questions the morality of having an event in Greece as it is in economic difficulties. It's not like you can't say that about South Africa.

Looks like NZ is ****ed. I don't see how Australia got spared?

I don't think it would be prudent to have 12 rallies. That would be another nail in the coffin.

Australia is heavily govt backed, so that might have something to do with it. Aus and NZ could just continue to rotate

[J4MIE]

They may be having "joint" rounds in Argentina and Brazil, so why not Australia and NZ a few weeks apart??

;(

[J4MIE]

Also why not run South Africa in summer time, so beginning or end of year :s

Keen to see what the calendar will be. I'm always keen to go to new events.

[Plan9]

Yes that does not surprise me. Coffs Harbor is trying to get it for 3 years in a row so no more NZ is that comes true. 2 things do surprise me about Australia-NZ WRC event; I thought V8 ruled the roost in Oz so I am surprised they are fighting for the event so hard. The second is why the FIA goes to the Antipodes at all when their are other fish to fry.

[Plan9]

They may be having "joint" rounds in Argentina and Brazil, so why not Australia and NZ a few weeks apart??

;(

That would be ideal for many of us down here but its difficult seeing manufacturers not dragging their knuckles on that. Need more that 12-13 events per year.

[Nornbugger]

That would be ideal for many of us down here but its difficult seeing manufacturers not dragging their knuckles on that. Need more that 12-13 events per year.

I think maybe you are mixing your metaphors?

'Dragging your feet' = implication of being slow to act
'dragging your knuckles' = implication of neanderthalic instincts

[Barreis]

I like Africa idea.

[Barreis]

Nissen went into administration (maybe 'cos of Latvala's contract. :P)
Jost Capito officially confirmed as new head of Volkswagen Motorsport - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99461)

[garais22]

Interview with Mads Ostberg before Talsu rally: VIDEO (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/video/rallijs/394-mads-ostbergs-ierodas-riga/)

[A FONDO]

WRC 2013 calendar decision postponed to 15 July

[tolis]

source?

[br21]

Interview with Mads Ostberg before Talsu rally: VIDEO (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/video/rallijs/394-mads-ostbergs-ierodas-riga/)

Thanx for video.
I'll be there to check his speed :)

[tfp]

They may be having "joint" rounds in Argentina and Brazil, so why not Australia and NZ a few weeks apart??

;(


I have been saying that for ages, I just cant see the sense in the teams having to go all that way to only have one event. It would be nice to see the two events competing with eac other, fastest average speed, biggest jumps, which has the most live televised stages etc etc.

[WRCfan]

Time to stop pandering to useless rallies and idiots with a few extra 'notes' being waved around.

'New rallies can be great for the championship' - Yeah and they can also be disastrous too. Rallying in Jordan? The biggest failure of the WRC in the last 30 years.

All the rallies that are looking to be thrown out have been the backbone of the sport for 2-3 decades and in some cases longer. No one thinks about that, it's entirely about which country can pay the most. It's inevitable and a very sad state of affairs for anyone who is a real 'rally enthusiast'.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I think that Austraia doesn't have a market to sell the cars to the public. Nor does NZ as i've read. But does that really matter? To be honest - I'm not sure which rally I would prefer. NZ is fantastic in many ways and so has Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour! I'm going to NZ again this year, Coffs was last year and will head to that again when it's on. Both amazing rallies and think that rotating will be great. Rally Aus going in for the kill to be permanent for 3 years will kill it... I think rotating is the way to go!

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Rallying in Jordan? The biggest failure of the WRC in the last 30 years.
Really? I think Ogier's victory of 0.2 seconds last year was fantastic, particularly when there had been so much emphasis on road position and team tactics. And Jordan also had a very unique surface, since the roads were graded and then sprayed with water from the Dead Sea, so the high salt content gave the roads a diamond-like finish. I still remember watching on-board videos from the rally where you can't actually tell the difference between the road and the scenery. The rally might not have attracted lots of sponsors, and there might not have been much reason for the teams to be there in the first place, but I think that Rally Jordan was actually a pretty unique event.

If you want an absolute disaster, look not further than Super Rally, the way rally routes were steadily cut down so that television crews could get to them easily, and the introduction of constant spectator-friendly super-special stages. All of them have worked together to dilute the concept of rallying.

[WRCfan]

Agree with you on the super rally to an extent, although the other side of the coin is you get to see as a spectator more rally (and remember if you are watching live it only comes once a year) so that is good.

Smaller compact routes are a fail, agree with you there.

Jordan however just grinds me despite it being 'unique'. Scenery was one tree every 5 or so km, watching on tv it was like someone drove a grader blindfolded around in the desert to make the stages. Horrible rally, and pointless for all the teams being there really. I guess the bottom line for me is that a 'pointless' rally such as Jordan is taking spots of classics and rallies which formed the backbone of the WRC for many years. Maybe I am too old fashioned? haha

[AndyRAC]

I think that Australia doesn't have a market to sell the cars to the public. Nor does NZ as i've read. But does that really matter? To be honest - I'm not sure which rally I would prefer. NZ is fantastic in many ways and so has Rally Australia in Coffs Harbour! I'm going to NZ again this year, Coffs was last year and will head to that again when it's on. Both amazing rallies and think that rotating will be great. Rally Aus going in for the kill to be permanent for 3 years will kill it... I think rotating is the way to go!

Yeah, it has to be rotation. In an ideal world they'd both run every year. But the best compromise is for them to rotate year by year. Rally Australia can't be allowed to ride roughshod over NZ. Look at the bigger picture. Both may not be huge car markets for European Manufacturers, but they have a large spectator numbers, which is important. Brazil/India are big markets, but where is the audience? Too many of the best events are being dropped. Remember, to qualify for a World Championship, a series must visit at least 4 continents.

[Red bull]

VW COMMITTED TO WRC iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00000890)

[Red bull]

Volkswagen rules out Formula 1 move in the near future - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99467)

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Rally GB confirms 2012 route - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99495)

[Kielder]

Rally GB confirms 2012 route - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99495)

I don't want to die without seeing the WRC back to Kielder...

[MJW]

I don't want to die without seeing the WRC back to Kielder...
Next year, I'm sure it will be back in Kielder with a Sunderland start. Unless of course Rally GB is the casualty when manufactureres want 8 European rounds if 4 flyaways are included in the calendar. Apparently the reason for the delay in announcing the calendar this week was that FIA want 13 rounds, 4 flyaways and 9 European rounds and manufacturers insist on cost that if they have to go to 4 flyaways then another European round is dropped to 8 rounds - assuming it's definate that Acropolis is out for next year, I can't see MC, Sweden (only snow round) Finland, Germany (VW year) France (Cit& Loeb) out, maybe Portugal or GB is the "weaker" European round, Portugal because this year's event was disrupted by weather (last time in 2001, they used that as an excuse) and GB if the Welsh funding stops, and as we heared before Yorkshire was supposed to come in, in the end they had no money, and it was back to Wales but with the sponsor getting away with paying less money.

[rallyfiend]

Next year, I'm sure it will be back in Kielder with a Sunderland start. Unless of course Rally GB is the casualty when manufactureres want 8 European rounds if 4 flyaways are included in the calendar. Apparently the reason for the delay in announcing the calendar this week was that FIA want 13 rounds, 4 flyaways and 9 European rounds and manufacturers insist on cost that if they have to go to 4 flyaways then another European round is dropped to 8 rounds - assuming it's definate that Acropolis is out for next year, I can't see MC, Sweden (only snow round) Finland, Germany (VW year) France (Cit& Loeb) out, maybe Portugal or GB is the "weaker" European round, Portugal because this year's event was disrupted by weather (last time in 2001, they used that as an excuse) and GB if the Welsh funding stops, and as we heared before Yorkshire was supposed to come in, in the end they had no money, and it was back to Wales but with the sponsor getting away with paying less money.

I reckon Italy would be dropped before Portugal. That seems to be a very well run event with things like the Lisbon SSS and good support from sponsors like Vodafone.

Wasn't Italy only a last minute inclusion for this year after Abu Dhabi was dumped? Surely an indication that it is very much out of favour anyway?

[Kielder]

Portugal is going to be in the calendar in 2013 & 2014.
We've to wait for the entire new calendar until 15th of June.

[jbmarcus21]

Marcus Grönholm prepares Global Rallycross Championship 2012 with Ford Fiesta RC .. All the photos from MG Tests Image (http://planetemarcus.free.fr/saison2012.htm)

[garais22]

Mads Ostberg 2nd in Talsi Rally Shakedown - Results and Photo here (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijs/964-rally-talsi-testa-atrumposma-atrakais-kisiels-travnikovam-aizdegas-auto-foto/)

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Next year, I'm sure it will be back in Kielder with a Sunderland start.
I think they'll gradually work towards it. Jean Todt has been pushing for extended routes on the rallies, and given the reception that Argentina received, I think we'll see a lot more rallies at least experimenting with it. I think that 2013 will see more rallies expanding their routes, and Wales would be a prime candidate since the cars are already crossing the country from Great Orme to Cardiff just in the liasion routes. If we're looking at rallies that cover 500 or 600 competitive kilometres, a return to Kielder and Sunderland is a definite possibility for the event.

And a concept that goes hand-in-hand with Todt's preference is a more-diverse range of events. He's already pointed out that there isn't a whole lot of difference between France and Germany, least of all because Strasbourg and Trier are so close together geographically. Like I said, as pointless as the Rally of Jordan was, it also had one of the most unique surfaces of any rally on the calendar, and that, I think, merits consideration. Given the challenging surface of many of the Welsh stages, I think the rally fits this definition of a unique surface, and that might be enough for the FIA to protect it.

[rallyfiend]

I think they'll gradually work towards it. Jean Todt has been pushing for extended routes on the rallies, and given the reception that Argentina received, I think we'll see a lot more rallies at least experimenting with it. I think that 2013 will see more rallies expanding their routes, and Wales would be a prime candidate since the cars are already crossing the country from Great Orme to Cardiff just in the liasion routes. If we're looking at rallies that cover 500 or 600 competitive kilometres, a return to Kielder and Sunderland is a definite possibility for the event.

And a concept that goes hand-in-hand with Todt's preference is a more-diverse range of events. He's already pointed out that there isn't a whole lot of difference between France and Germany, least of all because Strasbourg and Trier are so close together geographically. Like I said, as pointless as the Rally of Jordan was, it also had one of the most unique surfaces of any rally on the calendar, and that, I think, merits consideration. Given the challenging surface of many of the Welsh stages, I think the rally fits this definition of a unique surface, and that might be enough for the FIA to protect it.

This is all well and good, but who's going to fund it? Rally GB is already suffering from a drop in income from the Welsh Government, so who's going to fund a more expensive version of the event that crosses in to 'enemy' territory?
This is the same with multi-country territory rallies, the costs go up, but the potential return to any one country goes down as the exposure is split across two of more countries.

[Kielder]

Latvala was testing in Sardinia for two days. He ran a total mileage that rounds the one he will have to do in Greece (even he did 30 kms without stopping). His arm is OK, ready for Greece.

[vino_93]

News for a friend from Madagascar : "Joda" will run PWRC 2013, and maybe some rounds with a Subaru R4 from Makinen Racing.

[Bartolbia84]

Latvala was testing in Sardinia for two days. He ran a total mileage that rounds the one he will have to do in Greece (even he did 30 kms without stopping). His arm is OK, ready for Greece.

Latvala tested in Portugal! And in 2013 I think that Italy is in the WRC

[Kielder]

Latvala tested in Portugal!

I read about the Italian test here: Jari Matti Latvala (http://autosport.sapo.pt/jari-matti-latvala--estou-confiante-para-o-rali-da-grecia=f105507)

This year we are having excessive secrecy around the test.

[Riven]

...And in 2013 I think that Italy is in the WRC

I wont be too sure about that...

[Bartolbia84]

I'm sure, because I know the organizers of the tests ... and unfortunately, Ford has nottested here. I know you were in Portugal ... :) There will be definitely towards the month of October to prepare for the race ... ...

[Barreis]

GP Week : Issue 153, Page 1 (http://mag.gpweek.com/#folio=18)

[Riven]

What is your source?
Sorry, that I cannot tell you. Again, I think Italy is out for 2013.

[had_zachau]

Czech rally driver Martin Hudec will drive on Deutschland rally 2012 with evo IX.

[mousti]

Visit Qatar brings Thierry Neuville at the start Rally New Zealand! Neuville at Ypres is now impossible..

[EightGear]

Hmmm mixed feelings...

[6789]

Awesome!!! See how he goes with the roads down there, hopefully he stays on them for three days!

[PLuto]

Despite I think he was going to WRC level too early (at least one year).

[rallye-vid]

Citigo Rally.. Maybe the next rally car from Skoda

http://i1078.photobucket.com/albums/w482/just_me111/e2ec2ad0be3579723bc20a0d9e5947d0.jpg

[Kielder]

Maybe yes, but to get somewhere you must take the best opportunities you have, right? I don't see any reason why he should have stayed in the IRC for one more year when he got this chance, and also I see no reason for him why he should "step back" with a chance of being beaten by other drivers.

The context is very different, but Sordo's step back in Corsica last Friday and Saturday was maybe two steps forward. IMO it would be better for Neuville to have again the feeling of a win than only participate in NZ. It's clear that the team is thinking that someday he'll need this experience to have the chance to win in NZ. You never know what's the right choice.

[Kielder]

Latvala: "It's true that VW is interested in me. Timo Jouhki (his manager) is currently discussing with the leaders of German team. My priority is to have a competitive car in 2013. But before taking a decision, I want to talk with Ford. I feel good about this team and, as the Fiesta is competitive, I can also decide to stay. So nothing is done yet.
AUTOhebdo.fr | WRC - Latvala se dit prt pour la Grce (http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/wrc/article-26-1-10731/150512-wrc-latvala-se-dit-pret-pour-la-grece)

[Barreis]

VW sucks if they sign him.

[tfp]

VW sucks if they sign him.

No, they dont.

I doubt it will ever happen, I reckon MW would rather chain him to the gates of M sport than make the same mistake as Citroen when they got rid of Ogier!
I cant see these two in a team, IMO its asking for trouble...

Hirvonen needs to be at VW, at least he might have the chance to stand at the top of the podium there.

[Kielder]

It would be a joke if VW starts a new era with two drivers who were thought to be the future of Citroen and Ford.

[Kielder]

I’m starting to think that Rally of Spain will be a sure choice for VW this year (regardless an earlier debut of the car). These are some reasons to say it:
- They’ll be able to compare with the other teams gravel and tarmac times.
- There won’t be better publicity for the car than Sainz in it on the Spanish stages. Thousands of Spanish fans would follow the rally and support him (for the same reason they used Lemes only for that rally last year). French border is also near for the Ogier supporters.
- It’s the last rally of the season. The development of the car will reach a level similar to the one they’ll bring to Montecarlo.
- They’re testing now in Catalonia. When they tested out of private roads, it was always after the events where they ran with the Skodas, using their locations, or in Spain (they've also tested there before). It seems that they’re preparing something...

[Plan9]

The context is very different, but Sordo's step back in Corsica last Friday and Saturday was maybe two steps forward. IMO it would be better for Neuville to have again the feeling of a win than only participate in NZ. It's clear that the team is thinking that someday he'll need this experience to have the chance to win in NZ. You never know what's the right choice.

I agree about your comments on Sordo and Corsica and Neuville going to NZ. He is not yet ready for the WRC full time and could end up like Duval.

Unfortunately in Auto Action Magazine this week Yves Matton said that he and PSA did not mind if NZ was permanently dropped as "they have not interest in going there" (I assume for selling cars or doing the event with the WRC team; sorry I cannot post a link as they do not have a online service I can find). I expect then that Neuville's participation could be to help Nasser in the M2 points if nothing else (maxrally.com has something on this angle) NZ is not always kind to first timers so it is not yet prudent to make any claims about his possible results.

[janvanvurpa]

NZ is not always kind to first timers so it is not yet prudent to make any claims about his possible results.

Hey Plan, any broader thoughts on the above observation? I've watched NZ rounds since middle of the 80s since we had a good number of NZ rally guys visiting up here in the NW of USA--doubtless via Rod Millen's good work in US Championship---and from what I can see as a driver myself the roads look real nice and fun, maybe just a bit fast but didn't look particularly difficult..
What do you figure makes it rough for first timers down there?

[Plan9]

Hey Plan, any broader thoughts on the above observation? I've watched NZ rounds since middle of the 80s since we had a good number of NZ rally guys visiting up here in the NW of USA--doubtless via Rod Millen's good work in US Championship---and from what I can see as a driver myself the roads look real nice and fun, maybe just a bit fast but didn't look particularly difficult..
What do you figure makes it rough for first timers down there?

Well, firstly I hope it is as enjoyable to drive as it is to watch. The speed and sometimes the weather were concerns I had.

[Plan9]

5 events so far. He made some mistakes, but his times were always good, regarding it's the first time he's driving these events, while all other drivers are doing these rallies for at least the third time... If you don't make mistakes, you can't learn from them... After this year we can talk more, then we'll see if he made progress or not, and how fast he is on tarmac... ;)

Duval his problem was more than just crashing too much. Let's say he's not the most social person... Pitty, because I still think he was the only driver who could compete against Loeb on tarmac in the last 10 years.

Thanks for the comment. Clearly he has the time to improve. He is young and very well funded. Indeed we can wait as long as you would like but there is no denying he has made his WRC break at a young age and does not have the consistency of some of his peers. Tarmac is probably not so much an issue as gravel is where the championship is set for now. I have not seen to date that he has learned from his mistakes and money does not grow on trees.

Duval also had the problem of being in Ford with someone of similar speed to him to being with Loeb! Could we also say that Ogier was close to Loeb as well on tarmac? Markko also won the odd tarmac event too...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Skoda have created a Rally version of the Citigo car!


Skoda to Debut Citigo Rally and DJ Concepts at the 2012 Wörthersee Tour - Carscoop (http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2012/05/skoda-to-debut-citigo-rally-and-dj.html)

[Mirek]

It's just a show car for Wörthersee tuning festival. I strongly hope the R5 will be based on Fabia III (to come next year) and not on this ugly tiny thing (CitiGo is only 3,5 meters long!).

[Red bull]

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/4320203/World-Rally-series-is-a-shambles-blasts-renowned-Brit-expert.html)

[N.O.T]

my eyes bleed now... thank you.

[rallyfiend]

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/4320203/World-Rally-series-is-a-shambles-blasts-renowned-Brit-expert.html)

For a supposed 'renowned expert' seems a little bit emotional and lacking in actual suggestions or pointing out the problems.

OK, so a top flight rally car costs 400k, but that's hardly aimed at your grass roots competitor. You can still rally a 40k car!

[Barreis]

Two-time WRC champion Marcus Gronholm to compete in Global Rallycross events in America - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99643)

[Rallyper]

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/4320203/World-Rally-series-is-a-shambles-blasts-renowned-Brit-expert.html)

In very much I agree. But paid drivers earned maybe 5 million E back in the 90´s and early 00´s. And the costs I do believe is at same level today as for 10-15 yrs ago.

But - where is the excitement? Is it because only Loeb always winning. Has FIA let down WRC for others? Why is the TV-coverage so bad? FIA don´t do what´s expected from them, that´s what I think...

[tfp]

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/4320203/World-Rally-series-is-a-shambles-blasts-renowned-Brit-expert.html)

He has some very good points, why would any manufacturer want to compete in a motorsport that is insanely expensive and doesnt return much thanks to crappy coverage. He also obviously doesnt like the FIA and the little fat man who could...

[AndyRAC]

He has some very good points, why would any manufacturer want to compete in a motorsport that is insanely expensive and doesn't return much thanks to crappy coverage. He also obviously doesnt like the FIA and the little fat man who could...

The cost of cars are completely unsustainable - it might be good for the Manufacturers, but it's not good for the health of the sport. The sport needs to get real..£300-400,000 for a WRCar is a joke, 10 years ago there were about 15-20 Factory seats. While the article doesn't say anything new for Rallyfans, it's pretty damning for 'Joe Public' and your average Motorsport/F1 fan.

[Mirek]

Do You really believe that the problem for manufacturers is cost of the cars? In my opinion not. It's problem for privateers but not for manufacturers. The problem with manufacturers is that there is very little return - rallying is almost invisible in media. Common people in their everyday talks discuss football, rugby or ice hockey but WRC? Have You ever heard someone discussing WRC in a metro, bus, pub etc.? I don't remember a single one...

[Barreis]

OUCHHHH.THIS ONE HURTS!!!! World Rally series is a (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/4320203/World-Rally-series-is-a-shambles-blasts-renowned-Brit-expert.html)

That's what we are all except Finns talking here. :P

[Francis44]

Do You really believe that the problem for manufacturers is cost of the cars? In my opinion not. It's problem for privateers but not for manufacturers. The problem with manufacturers is that there is very little return - rallying is almost invisible in media. Common people in their everyday talks discuss football, rugby or ice hockey but WRC? Have You ever heard someone discussing WRC in a metro, bus, pub etc.? I don't remember a single one...

The point is that you cannot have any return with how boring the championship is. Ok for manufacteurs the only problem is the invisibility of the sport but you cannot make it visible only with good coverage. You are not seeing the big picture here, in order to have followers we need excitment and a bit of madness ( like Colin's attitude for example).
As much as I like new cars we need cheaper ones, we need privateers making headlines with their achievements.

[A FONDO]

The point is that you cannot have any return with how boring the championship is. Ok for manufacteurs the only problem is the invisibility of the sport but you cannot make it visible only with good coverage. You are not seeing the big picture here, in order to have followers we need excitment and a bit of madness ( like Colin's attitude for example).
WTCC has huge TV coverage and promotion, cheap cars, tight competitive regulations but is still nowhere at popularity, and only one manufacturer. And only one winner despite half the races leaders start in reverse order.

[rallyfiend]

WTCC has huge TV coverage and promotion, cheap cars, tight competitive regulations but is still nowhere at popularity, and only one manufacturer. And only one winner despite half the races leaders start in reverse order.

WTCC only gets the same sort of audience as WRC.
Eurosport claim around 470 million across the season, whereas the WRC claims slightly above 500 million.

It's rubbish racing though. I can see why the manufacturers having been queueing to get out the door.

[Francis44]

WTCC has huge TV coverage and promotion, cheap cars, tight competitive regulations but is still nowhere at popularity, and only one manufacturer. And only one winner despite half the races leaders start in reverse order.

That's the point. As much as we hate F1 drivers with their "ladyboys" attitude, who make covers because they spent the night with hookers and alcohol, they bring the attention to the sport. I think F1 still does a bit well because of the personas they have on the sport. I dont like it but we have to face that some F1 drivers who sleep with wannabe celebrities of pop music and whatever bring lots of attention to the sport from all over the media.

[EightGear]

WTCC has huge TV coverage and promotion, cheap cars, tight competitive regulations but is still nowhere at popularity, and only one manufacturer. And only one winner despite half the races leaders start in reverse order.


One winner? Care to explain.....?

[Francis44]

Plus I think the FIA is just joking around. Todt is the biggest dissapointment for me. It looks like he toke the job not for love but to fill his pockets.

[rallyfiend]

Plus I think the FIA is just joking around. Todt is the biggest dissapointment for me. It looks like he toke the job not for love but to fill his pockets.

He's a very rich man taking on a job for which you don't get paid to fill his pockets? Uh?

I admit he's seemingly not very decisive in what he's doing, but I can't see how it's to gain riches....

[Mirek]

The point is that you cannot have any return with how boring the championship is. Ok for manufacteurs the only problem is the invisibility of the sport but you cannot make it visible only with good coverage. You are not seeing the big picture here, in order to have followers we need excitment and a bit of madness ( like Colin's attitude for example).
As much as I like new cars we need cheaper ones, we need privateers making headlines with their achievements.

You won't get cheap cars under current homologation rules when only original parts are allowed. Sure plenty of companies all over the world are able to sell S2000 driveshaft for less than 2000 Euro...

[RS]

It's just a show car for Wörthersee tuning festival. I strongly hope the R5 will be based on Fabia III (to come next year) and not on this ugly tiny thing (CitiGo is only 3,5 meters long!).

Could they even fit a 1.6T engine and 4x4 drivetrain into the Citgo, if they wanted to? This showcar for Worthsee doesn't look too bad, in a chunky kind of way though!

There are rumours that Skoda UK want to launch a one-make rally series with the Citigo, so maybe an R1 is on the cards?

[Barreis]

Volkswagen hopes WRC presence attracts global commercial interest - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/99657)

[Mirek]

Could they even fit a 1.6T engine and 4x4 drivetrain into the Citgo, if they wanted to? This showcar for Worthsee doesn't look too bad, in a chunky kind of way though!

There are rumours that Skoda UK want to launch a one-make rally series with the Citigo, so maybe an R1 is on the cards?

For me it's fugly...

[Franky]

The cost of cars are completely unsustainable - it might be good for the Manufacturers, but it's not good for the health of the sport. The sport needs to get real..£300-400,000 for a WRCar is a joke

How much did the best rally car cost in the mid-70s?

During those 37 years the inflation has made all the numbers a lot bigger. The US inflation calculators give the change of nearly 400% and UK one 700%. So basically a current WRC worth 400k would had cost 58k in the 1975.

[Mirek]

Just out of curiosity for You that its not only inflation what matters worldwide ;) In 2002 when Czech driver Pech bought Focus WRC from M-Sport 1 GBP was nearly 60 CZK. Today 1 GBP is 31 CZK. USD ten years a go was around 40 CZK, today it's 20 CZK.

[Franky]

But AndyRac and that old man whose name I can't remember now, both claimed that the cost of the cars is too high. And both of them are from the UK, so inflation data from the Bank of England should be enough.

Of course the strength of each currency matters world wide.

[RS]

For me it's fugly...

The real thing: Skoda Citigo Rally revealed at Worthersee | News | Auto Express (http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/283474/skoda_citigo_rally.html)

I would prefer an 'F3' too but maybe VAG don't want Skoda's rally car to be the same size as the Polo?

[Mirek]

In my opinion it has nothing to do with reality and R5.

[Wasted Talent]

How much did the best rally car cost in the mid-70s?

During those 37 years the inflation has made all the numbers a lot bigger. The US inflation calculators give the change of nearly 400% and UK one 700%. So basically a current WRC worth 400k would had cost 58k in the 1975.

I might be wrong but I think a full Group 4 Ford Escort RS cost about £30k in 1975 (so £120k in 2012?), plus you could get a lot of the work done by a range of preparation companies to get this cheaper.....

WT

[Viking]

Ok, maybe they don't get so much news and rumours out of him, but interesting interview with Mikkelsen :up:

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_vid.htm?00000159)

[Franky]

I might be wrong but I think a full Group 4 Ford Escort RS cost about £30k in 1975 (so £120k in 2012?), plus you could get a lot of the work done by a range of preparation companies to get this cheaper.....

WT

Bank of England | Education | Inflation Calculator (http://www.bankofengland.co.uk/education/Pages/inflation/calculator/flash/default.aspx)
£206k according to that.

[FP04]

Hello,

i am new and not english, i am looking for more picture of Prodrive Fire, and if possible pictures of Mini WRC burned inside the workshop.

Thank you





Things get worse at Prodrive. They had a small fire yesterday:

http://www.ncrs.be/imgnieuws/NCRS_news_20120110085728_XL.jpg

http://www.ncrs.be/imgnieuws/NCRS_news_20120110085718_XL.jpg

Mini recce car destroyed and new Mini WRC build damaged.

[Red bull]

Dani Sordo Applauds the IRC | World Rally Sport (http://www.worldrallysport.com/node/10078)

[dimviii]

very aggressive look this tiny Skoda!
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/560734_10150838981208952_334811638951_9819249_2009 578086_n.jpg

[dimviii]

is it like a c2r2 in wheelbase?

[dimviii]

The wheelbase is 2,42m, so bit shorter than C2 (2,45m)...
to short! noway a wrc platform.

[Red bull]

http://www.worldrallyblog.com/2012/05/18/wrc-news/volkswagen-keeps-teasing-with-possible-2012-wrc-debut/