[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[EightGear]

And a **** car (Motorsport Italia).

[Frostmourne]

And a **** car (Motorsport Italia).

I dont think the Mini is a bad ride, it has the potential with a good/talented driver! unless you mean the team is ****

[EightGear]

MI's Mini is not the best...

[Bartek]

Kosciuszko will do all 13 rounds in the Lotos-Mini!

To be honest, Lotos must be blind...

First problem is car and second not the best driver in my mind

http://www.autoklub.pl/media/201301/58043-carbig.jpg

[PLuto]

And third problem is the design

[PLuto]

Test Days Sordo
http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/7147/2856l.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/705/2856l.jpg/)

Lights are faster than Dani Sordo :)

[pucky54]

And third problem is the design

Which design? :D :D

[Mintexmemory]

Sorry, which Polish driver should Lotos have sponsored? because that is all they would sponsor. The Mini must be a fraction of the cost of an M-Sport Fiesta because that's what MK said he wanted when we spoke in Spain.

[dimviii]

David Evans ‏@davidevansrally (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally)
Have a look at http://autosport.com (http://t.co/n0wKN0wL) tomorrow morning for an interesting Petter Solberg story. He might be busy sooner than we think...

[tfp]

David Evans ‏@davidevansrally (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally)
Have a look at http://autosport.com (http://t.co/n0wKN0wL)tomorrow morning for an interesting Petter Solberg story. He might be busy sooner than we think...

They will make us pay for membership, boo!

[Barreis]

It would be cool to see P.Solberg in 2nd MI car.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

It would be cool to see P.Solberg in 2nd MI car.
It's my understanding that Motorsport Italia don't have the budget for a second car (though that was before they announced they would do all 13 rounds).

Of course, even if they did, Solberg has already announced that he won't be competing this season. Why don't people understnad that?

[tolis]

It's my understanding that Motorsport Italia don't have the budget for a second car (though that was before they announced they would do all 13 rounds).

Of course, even if they did, Solberg has already announced that he won't be competing this season. Why don't people understnad that?
Guerra may drive a second Mini.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Autosport release Qatar MSport livery early

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/01/10/yteja3ah.jpg

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I'm not keen on it, primarily because I have problems distinguishing reds and greens.

Also, red, green, black, blue and white in (relatively) equal measure is just too much.

[alleskids]

I'm not keen on it, primarily because I have problems distinguishing reds and greens.

Also, red, green, black, blue and white in (relatively) equal measure is just too much.

it is not a beauty, but still better then the Citroen Qatar livery

[rallyfiend]

Still a lot of Ford.......

[Prisoner Monkeys]

it is not a beauty, but still better then the Citroen Qatar livery
I like the Citroen Abu Dhabi design, because I think the gold, red and white work well togther. But upon seeing the Qatar Ford design, the first thing I thought of was the Renault R28 Formula 1 car, with the ING livery that was notorious for having too many colours mashed together:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Fernando_Alonso_2008_Valencia_test.jpg

[Kielder]

Everyone has the right clothes for the season (mainly Mr Wilson):

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/385302_10151188136255754_409232065_n.jpg

[Prisoner Monkeys]

So who, exactly, is going to be using that livery - Qatar M-Sport, Qatar WRT, or both teams?

[jbmarcus21]

Gallery [PHOTOS] New Ford Fiesta Wrc 2013
La Ford Fiesta Wrc 2013 !!! (http://planetemarcus.com/la-ford-fiesta-wrc-2013/)

[Kielder]

About the weather, Sordo wrote yesterday on Facebook that a lot of snow it's expected, so the tyre choice will be a mess :D .
Besides, after his last day of testing on ice and some snow, he added that the car is amazing (he compared it implicitly with the Mini).

[oyunbozan]

Gallery [PHOTOS] New Ford Fiesta Wrc 2013
La Ford Fiesta Wrc 2013 !!! (http://planetemarcus.com/la-ford-fiesta-wrc-2013/)

terrible branding. even worse than citroen abudhabi. :(
they should have consider abstraxi's desgn.

[WRC1]

So who, exactly, is going to be using that livery - Qatar M-Sport, Qatar WRT, or both teams?

The new-look design will adorn the competition cars of Mads Østberg, Evgeny Novikov, Thierry Neuville and Juho Hänninen as the team makes its competitive debut at Rallye Monte-Carlo next week. Also running the new livery will be the Fiesta RS WRC of Nasser Al-Attiyah who begins his 2013 campaign on the snow-covered stages of Rally Sweden in February.

taken from official pressrelease

reg

wrc1

[6789]

Kinda looks like a cluster fcuk.. I'm sure it'll grow on me as the season continues.

[Barreis]

Feel sick every time I see Mr.Wilson. :P

[Psycho!]

The simpler the better!!!Best livery for Polo R!!!

[wrc1600]

And a **** car (Motorsport Italia).

According to Autosport they will use Prodrive's Mini in Monte Carlo.

[jbmarcus21]

http://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8154/wrc132.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/233/wrc132.jpg/)

[Kielder]

Not that bad...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299010_10151223964462057_1664439659_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/580498_10200376366158591_1035174807_n.jpg

[bluuford]

It would be nice if you can add LOTOS mini as well :-)

[oyunbozan]

Not that bad...

side is bad.front is ok

[MAXLD]

Ford continues with that horrible front piece low "spoiler"... kind of looks like a snow plow... :(

[Frostmourne]

According to Autosport they will use Prodrive's Mini in Monte Carlo.

You sure, I read the article couple of times did not see anything supporting what you wrote

[alleskids]

side is bad.front is ok

maybe Robby Gordon's 4 year old son has started practicing on drawing a rally car, starting with this Qatar M-Sport livery :)

(for those who do not follow the Dakar tread:Gordon is burning down Al Attiyahs buggy, by saying his 4 year old son could make a better buggy)

[A.F.F.]

Everyone has the right clothes for the season (mainly Mr Wilson):

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/385302_10151188136255754_409232065_n.jpg

If only they had a winning driver.... That would be so cool.

[pucky54]

Not that bad...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/299010_10151223964462057_1664439659_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/580498_10200376366158591_1035174807_n.jpg

they changed livery even before first event? :D :D

[alleskids]

they saved budget on the gold, it was pure gold on the presentation in Abu Dhabi. now it is sort of goldisch paint, almost brown

[pucky54]

they saved budget on the gold, it was pure gold on the presentation in Abu Dhabi. now it is sort of goldisch paint, almost brown

no, I mean the Abu Dhabi logo was bigger at the presentation and there was more gold on the side of the car. Now the logo is smaller and there is just a stripe of gold on the side of the car. I would say thats matte gold ;)

[makinen_fan]

I think it looked better in the presentation than now. But Abu Dhabi is more clearly seen now (black letters on white) than before.

[dimviii]

the new livery of Citroen is sympathetic.The first one was sh@#$.

[oyunbozan]

i see no good in any brandings of main teams.
citroen main color has to be red, m-sport is a mess. VW has no personality at all, very immature. i cant say tidy because scales of stripes and logos is not fine. i think the best part of all is the front bumper of DS3.

[Plan9]

why did Citroen lose Red Bull? they have enough money for VW and Citroen.

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298973_452674634799487_29700276_n.jpg

[jbmarcus21]

more photos DS3 Wrc 2013 at Gallery
Citroën DS3 Wrc 2013 ! (http://planetemarcus.com/citroen-ds3-wrc-2013/)

[alleskids]

why did Citroen lose Red Bull? they have enough money for VW and Citroen.

i think it was because Abu Dhabi was promised the whole car for their sponsorship

[EightGear]

why did Citroen lose Red Bull? they have enough money for VW and Citroen.

Having money to spend is not the only reason to sponsor a team/driver.

[ProRally]

David Evans ‏@davidevansrally (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally)
Have a look at http://autosport.com (http://t.co/n0wKN0wL) tomorrow morning for an interesting Petter Solberg story. He might be busy sooner than we think...

So whats the news ?

[tolis]

So whats the news ?
He will do Finnskogvalen Rally in a Ford Escort MkII

[dimviii]

nothing serious yet..

[tolis]

Thierry Neuville: "Back in the hotel after a great test with the Fiesta WRC. Conditions were perfect for a Monte test with ice, rain and fog . Feeling is good so far. Now concentration to the recce."

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/307691_480496601991884_1750906731_n.jpg

[oyunbozan]

Thierry Neuville: "Back in the hotel after a great test with the Fiesta WRC. Conditions were perfect for a Monte test with ice, rain and fog . Feeling is good so far. Now concentration to the recce."

very nice picture. do you know about the original one?

[Plan9]

I like M-Sport and Citroen's new liveries more than what they carried in the two previous seasons.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

The Ford livery is growing on me. If I stop concentrating and let my colour-blindness do its thing, the red, green and black kind of merge together to be one dark colour that is predominantly red, which counters my initial problems with the livery quite nicely. So instead of red, green, black, white and blue in equal measure, the car is now dark red with blue and white. The red colour dominates, while the white and blue compliment it, and white the overall effect is not perfect, it's nowhere near as messy as it once was.

[Frostmourne]

Apprently Qatar pumped alot of money to M-sport, 75% of the car livery is Qatar only, 25% for the rest of the sponsors.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

That much is obvious - last year, they sponsored one car. This year, they're sponsoring five.

[Mintexmemory]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298973_452674634799487_29700276_n.jpg
Bit of a stretch for two short guys, they'd never have made it across the Focus !

[Koppomsbo]

How involved is Ford acctualy, quite big Ford branding on car..

[Mintexmemory]

Matthew Wilson to contest WRC2 with a new R5-spec Ford Fiesta - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105069?source=mostpopular)


Well this will be interesting (hope that hasn't overloaded anyone's sarcasm detector!)

[EightGear]

Je-sus.

[oyunbozan]

oh god.. why?

i tried to insert the well known meme, but images are very resticted

[Rallyper]

I think it´s wise to do the initial test/competing in-house with a driver just under the top WRC drivers and familiar in litterally and lojalty. Not a bad choice at this moment whatever you sarcastic guys think.

[Mintexmemory]

I think it´s wise to do the initial test/competing in-house with a driver just under the top WRC drivers and familiar in litterally and lojalty. Not a bad choice at this moment whatever you sarcastic guys think.

That was what most of us Brits (yes even the English, so starved of a rally hero, are getting behind EE) thought Evans would be doing (who actually looks like someone who will develop the pace to challenge at WRC level in much less than 5 years)!

[makinen_fan]

That will be good for Matt, hopefully a step back wakes him up a bit and bring his confidence back. But I am sure he will never be a top contestant for wins or podiums in WRC. In WRC-2 he will probably fair a bit better.

Whatever we all say about him, he certainly is an exciting driver to watch live, more sideways than anyone!! Although not the fastest way around a stage

[Rallyper]

Well, that one I can agree on. Maybe the time comes. It should have been even wiser doing so.

[Wasted Talent]

Matthew Wilson to contest WRC2 with a new R5-spec Ford Fiesta - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105069?source=mostpopular)


Well this will be interesting (hope that hasn't overloaded anyone's sarcasm detector!)

Great news!

Okay he might not be the absolute fastest but he will still be entertaining to watch - and it's another WRC2 car doing a good programme

WT

[rallyfiend]

Everyone has complained for years that he's been flattered by having a good car.

Lets see what happens when he's on a more equal footing with some of the Young Guns of the sport. Will be a defining moment.

[RS]

He may do well in WRC2 as he has a lot of experience of the rallies and is quite reliable, but I still don't see him ever using it as a springboard to a works drive. You've either got it or you haven't.

Still, nice to have another car around.

[Mintexmemory]

Everyone has complained for years that he's been flattered by having a good car.

Lets see what happens when he's on a more equal footing with some of the Young Guns of the sport. Will be a defining moment.

If I were a cynical person I'd be thinking that M-Sport will hope that EE will act as a spoiler in the first half of the season and take points away from the other top contenders so that Matt will have a relatively lesser opposition in the last 6 events and clean up. However as I am not at all cynical :s tare:, it will be really interesting to see how the M-Sport WRC2 dynamics develop this season.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

That will be good for Matt, hopefully a step back wakes him up a bit and bring his confidence back.
And also take some of the pressure off a bit. He did, after all, spend most of the 2012 season on the sidelines with an ankle injury. I doubt most drivers would be able to jump straight back into a WRC car and perform at their best after that.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

How involved is Ford acctualy, quite big Ford branding on car..
There's obviously some money involved. Not so much that the team qualifies as a full-blown wors team, but nor have they been cut off entirely.

It's not the first time Ford have done this. They tend to spend as little as possible on their motorsport programmes, and try and get as much out of it as they can. A few years ago, they were supporting four V8 Supercar teams: Ford Performance Racing, Triple Eight Race Engineering, Stone Brothers Racing and Dick Johnson Racing. They decided to cut back their factory support so that only FPR and SBR received any money, reasoning that as the oldest team in the country, Dick Johnson Racing would have no difficulty securing sponsors. Likewise, as the reigning champions and the team that had been the class act, Triple Eight would have no trouble getting sponsors. And that was probably the stupidest mistake that they made: DJR lost their star driver to the leading Holden team (who really only bought him for the right to use the #1 on their cars), whilst Triple Eight revolted and removed all Ford branding from their cars before crossing over to Holden the next season, where they get all the resources they want and continue to dominate the series. That's the problem with entrusting your motorsport programme to your accountants: motorsport is very expensive, and if accountants weren't prepated to take a hatchet to a budget, then they wouldn't be accountants. The decision to pull funding from DJR and Triple Eight no doubt made perfect sense on paper: by backing two teams that needed the funding, and letting the other two support themselves (which they were and still are capable of doing), they'd get maximum exposure for minimal success. But nobody thought to ask Triple Eight how they felt about losing support, and nobody could have seen the falling-out between DJR's partners that led to their star driver losing faith in their ability to dliver (and rightfully so; the team has imploded).

I'd say that Ford's presence in the WRC this year is largely symbolic. I've heard that Citroen were spending more on Sebastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen than Ford spent on their entire WRC programme last year. If they wanted to compete with Citroen, they would have had to have met them dollar-for-dollar, and even then, there would be no guarantee of success. It would be impossible to maintain that level of expenditure with no certainty of results. With Sebastien Loeb kicking around the idea of retiring - I believe he was originally going to do it at the end of 2011, but decided on one more season - Ford are probably going to be biding their time in 2013, seeing what the running order looks like before either re-committing or maintaining a reduced investment in 2014. It's what I'd do, and I'm not an accountant.

[Kielder]

Yesterday, Sordo was commentating the Dakar on Spanish TV. Obviously, he talked about WRC and said that he believes that he'll do France this year. It's a fact that he'll do it because Matton, according to the Spaniard, even promised him that if there were no other option, he'd pay Sweden's entry at his own expense.
Sordo even said that he'd be determined to pay his own entry in France if it's needed and helps him to fight for the Championship.

[Barreis]

Mikko Hirvonen escapes big Monte Carlo Rally testing crash - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/105076)

[EightGear]

Still no news about Abbring and Paddon...

[Kielder]

About Paddon, days ago I found this article (http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/8114479/Paddon-working-through-the-options-for-2013) published last month. His current situation is still the same because on 4 of January being asked about it he wrote this on Facebook: "2013 plans still uncertain".

[mousti]

Oleksii Tamrazov announced his program..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=407050052707475&set=a.181134701965679.47661.181112608634555&type=1&theater

[Tom206wrc]

Is Benito Guerra and Citroën a one-shot deal for Sweden, or a more complete program to come :confused:

[jbmarcus21]

Gallery [PHOTO] Polo Wrc in the famous stage "Clue d'aiglun" Rallye Wrc Monte Carlo
Séance photo chez VW aux Clue d (http://planetemarcus.com/seance-photo-chez-vw-aux-clue-d-aiglun/)

[Kielder]

Oleksii Tamrazov announced his program..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=407050052707475&set=a.181134701965679.47661.181112608634555&type=1&theater

Good advice, although it will be kinda weird to run with several skulls and that strapline in the livery of a rally car :confused: :


http://abstraxi.com/images/original/ac791e2747536ffb7f8117478c46feab.jpg
http://abstraxi.com/images/original/c6c64e805d63220448d603bd5819e35e.jpg
http://abstraxi.com/images/original/89f7177958c7f4a2bab8f7009f0bf9d7.jpg

[Prisoner Monkeys]

That is the most bizarre livery I've seen since the "Pink Pig" Porsche 917 Le Mans car, which showed all the different cuts of pork:

http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01436/pork3_1436210i.jpg

When is Tamrazov entering the Creeping Death (my name for it) Fiesta?

[Kielder]

Ford & M-Sport: Then, now and the future (nice to read Quinn's words :) ): Infos Rallyes WRC - Ford restera dans l (http://motorsport.nextgen-auto.com/Ford-restera-dans-l-ombre-de-M-Sport,54682.html)

[oyunbozan]

now that is a bad-ass anti-smoking campagn :)

[sollitt]

It's a shame that the sport should be used for 'political' gain, especially given the level of funding rallying has historically received from the tobacco industry.
I suppose though, drivers need to grab their funding wherever they can.

[oyunbozan]

It's a shame that the sport should be used for 'political' gain, especially given the level of funding rallying has historically received from the tobacco industry.
I suppose though, drivers need to grab their funding wherever they can.

that is what ferrari fans and smokers say.
i hate cigarette. i love how the ferrari runs the team and the manufacturing road cars.
it is a bit like, oil companies supporting the sport. it is gonna end when hydrogen kicks in. then you gonna feel bad about it, but don't be afraid and against of change that will make the world a better place.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I don't see a problem with it myself.

[bluuford]

Tamrazov is funding his campain on his own and he writes on his car whatever he likes:-) You never know which is his next livery :-) No War!, Stop AIDS, etc. are his previous slogans :-)

[Plan9]

He must be one rich mother to do that

[Mirek]

It's a shame that the sport should be used for 'political' gain, especially given the level of funding rallying has historically received from the tobacco industry.
I suppose though, drivers need to grab their funding wherever they can.

What has smoking to do with politics? In Europe it became a habit to make it political theme but it's fundamentally a health problem not a political thing.

[pantealex]

2013 FIA World Rally Championship For Manufacturers | Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (http://www.fia.com/news/2013-fia-world-rally-championship-manufacturers)

-Qatar is manufacturer without Ford name

-Qatar B-team is 2 car team but they can drive different program with each car

-Lotos can use MINI, but they must drive all event and they van only count 8 best scores

[dimviii]

Tanak not at all races run this year: "All options are possible" (2) (http://sport.err.ee/autoralli/dc62565e-b4f7-4245-82d8-881ce06cf663#comments)Editor: Simon Boikov | Published: Today at 22:04Estonia's best rally driver Ott Tänaku still a question mark hangs over the future. Last year, the M-Sport WRC series in rows Estonians traveled do not rule out that this season is not even sit behind the wheel.
"We're trying to put together some teams to do anything at all. Moment But not even then," said Tanak Television interview broadcast sports and believes that it will not happen until spring to do something about. problem is the budget together, and more work needs to be done to its own advantage. "Old days, some of Saaremaa supporters and trying to also Markko (martini) together. Too optimistic is not," said Tanak. rally athlete says will depend on its future much also what do the competitors, which teams emerge, who come to you and will leave. "Perfect, a step that could well drive. Would always be present in the market, but we'll see." Tänaku recognizes that there is definitely a difficult situation and the pain in my head more often than in the past. "Every thing grows and gives something to the future," he is still optimistic. "Hopelessly certainly is not. Age is still small enough. Council if it can not, then next year." Tanak does not rule out that he is not competing this year at all races. "All options are possible. Currently there is nothing definite."

Tänak ei pruugi tänavu üldse rallidel sõita: "Kõik variandid on võimalikud" | Sport | ERR (http://sport.err.ee/autoralli/dc62565e-b4f7-4245-82d8-881ce06cf663)

[dimviii]

veeeeeryyyyyyy interesting interview between Yves Matton,Christian Loriaux,Sven Smeets :D worth the reading!!!

Christian Loriaux :vader:

"If we had managed to get Ogier in the car, I would say that we are the favorites of the championship. With the withdrawal of Ford, I guess we lost a little budget but apart from a few redundancies in the team, I do not see much difference compared to last year. We always support the plant and I have a development budget. Ford loss was offset by the arrival of new partners like Qatar and the fact that we no longer owe Latvala, a big budget. When I see the collection of balls that we made last year, I'm not sure that the investment was very profitable. Now we have three new youth. They are not even the likes of Loeb, Sordo, Ogier and Latvala but they still have room for improvement. It is an investment in the future. I intend that we gain one or the other. "


DH.be - WRC 2013, toujours un Belge qui gagne (http://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/article/421094/wrc-2013-toujours-un-belge-qui-gagne.html)

[spiderem]

veeeeeryyyyyyy interesting interview between Yves Matton,Christian Loriaux,Sven Smeets :D worth the reading!!!

Christian Loriaux :vader:

"If we had managed to get Ogier in the car, I would say that we are the favorites of the championship. With the withdrawal of Ford, I guess we lost a little budget but apart from a few redundancies in the team, I do not see much difference compared to last year. We always support the plant and I have a development budget. Ford loss was offset by the arrival of new partners like Qatar and the fact that we no longer owe Latvala, a big budget. When I see the collection of balls that we made last year, I'm not sure that the investment was very profitable. Now we have three new youth. They are not even the likes of Loeb, Sordo, Ogier and Latvala but they still have room for improvement. It is an investment in the future. I intend that we gain one or the other. "


DH.be - WRC 2013, toujours un Belge qui gagne (http://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/article/421094/wrc-2013-toujours-un-belge-qui-gagne.html)

Lol. looks like Christian Loriaux is not a big fan of Latvala "Mais Thierry est devenu un espoir et a montré de très belles choses l’an dernier. Certes de temps en temps il va bien nous faire une petite Jarimatit (sic) mais je crois en lui."
hard to translate in english, but very funny.

[Mintexmemory]

Lol. looks like Christian Loriaux is not a big fan of Latvala "Mais Thierry est devenu un espoir et a montré de très belles choses l’an dernier. Certes de temps en temps il va bien nous faire une petite Jarimatit (sic) mais je crois en lui."
hard to translate in english, but very funny.

Loriaux rigole, non? Il n'ya qu'un seule Jari-Matti. Le gosse n'est pas pret pour pincer les podiums. Loriaux ne dit que des conneries!

Sour grapes at Ford mmm?

[oyunbozan]

guys, please, in english.

[Mintexmemory]

guys, please, in english.

Loriaux is joking - There is only one Jari-Matti. The kid isn't ready to nick a podium. Loriaux is talking nothing but stupidity. (Polite version)

It loses a little in translation. Just that the original quote in French from Loriaux is risible

[stefanvv]

Lol. looks like Christian Loriaux is not a big fan of Latvala "Mais Thierry est devenu un espoir et a montré de très belles choses l’an dernier. Certes de temps en temps il va bien nous faire une petite Jarimatit (sic) mais je crois en lui."
hard to translate in english, but very funny.

Reading between the lines looks like the dream team of Loriaux is Ogier + Latvala. OMG

[Mintexmemory]

Reading between the lines looks like the dream team of Loriaux is Ogier + Latvala. OMG
Let me translate
But Thierry is becoming a hope and showed some very lovely things last year. Certainly from time to time he'll perform well enough to be our 'little Jari-Matti' (Sarcastically meaning, he'll crash sometimes) but I believe in him.

So Neuville and Ogier is the Loriaux dream-team. I hope JML proves him wrong !!

[stefanvv]

Let me translate
But Thierry is becoming a hope and showed some very lovely things last year. Certainly from time to time he'll perform well enough to be our 'little Jari-Matti' (Sarcastically meaning, he'll crash sometimes) but I believe in him.

So Neuville and Ogier is the Loriaux dream-team. I hope JML proves him wrong !!

No I meant that "budget" part. I understood what he meant here, but this is not entirely Latvala's fault. Ford just needed victories, unfortunately against Loeb.

[Mintexmemory]

Loriaux is doing the politician thing. 'If the driver hadn't crashed so much we would have been in contention' I believe the reverse but then I am a big fan of JML. Nearly time to see how Loriaux's choices perform

[stefanvv]

I'm sure he can surprise lot of people, just doesn't need to put too much pressure on himself.

[Kielder]

Is Benito Guerra and Citroën a one-shot deal for Sweden, or a more complete program to come :confused:

It's a deal done that he will be in Mexico as third car of Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT (Mestelan-Pinon dixit).

[br21]

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and FIA are now working on homologating sequential gearboxes for Evo R4 cars... few first steps to achieve it are already done, so I hope they will be able to make it public soon.

[Mirek]

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and FIA are now working on homologating sequential gearboxes for Evo R4 cars... few first steps to achieve it are already done, so I hope they will be able to make it public soon.

We've been hearing that since the start of talks about R4... Last time they the news from FIA looked like no more R4 after 2015. What will become truth?

[br21]

We've been hearing that since the start of talks about R4... Last time they the news from FIA looked like no more R4 after 2015. What will become truth?

Yep, you're right, but it was never so advanced, only talks until now, and currently it looks really promising, but of course we will see...

[A FONDO]

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation and FIA are now working on homologating sequential gearboxes for Evo R4 cars... few first steps to achieve it are already done, so I hope they will be able to make it public soon.

If the supplier is SADEV it would be an easy job. :D

But the idea is bad. The purpose of these cars is to be cheap & reliable. With such gearbox they still can't be competitive with the upper classes. It only gives slight advantage for the richest customers against other Lancers.

[vkangas]

If the supplier is SADEV it would be an easy job. :D

But the idea is bad. The purpose of these cars is to be cheap & reliable. With such gearbox they still can't be competitive with the upper classes. It only gives slight advantage for the richest customers against other Lancers.
In my opinion - and IF this sequential gearbox thing is official - the biggest problem is the lack of clear car classes strategy...again. IF R4 is a dying class why would you want to do such thing. It's another confusing thing for even the most hardcore fans. Fans want simple names and rules to be able to follow the sport. The R1-R5 thing is definately a move to the right direction. Although R1 would be logical top class. :)

[Kielder]

They're absolutely right: VW questions FIA rule waiver on Ford and MINI names (http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00002787)

[AndyRAC]

I agree with them. M-Sport is NOT a Manufacturer, neither is Motorsport Italia. And I never agreed with Munchi's, etc being named as Manufacturers in the recent past. Have a Title for Manufacturers, and one for Constructors/Teams.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

If you're going to have a championship for manufacturers and a separate championship for teams, then the only way it will really work is if every team who scores points can score points for their manufacturer. And then they score points on their own in the teams' championship. So in the manufacturers; champions, Qatar M-Sport and Qatar WRT would work together to score points for Ford. But in the teams' championship, they are two different entities competing against one another.

Of course, that would open up the door for someone to simply flood the field with their cars and dominate the teams' championship. However, in 2014 there is a very real prospect of five manufacturers on the grid: Citroen, Ford, Hyundai, Mini and Volkswagen. Given that the numbering system used among the cars this year gives the first WRC-2 entry the number 31, that means there is a provision for 30 WRC cars. With five manufacturers, that means the FIA could limit the nubmer of cars that can score points for a manufacturer to six per marque at each event. Maybe that would encourage manufacturers to support more teams and we would have a bigger field.

[sollitt]

It's ridiculous to suggest M-Sport is not a manufacturer. Sure they're not Ford Motor company. But they never have been. They've been the chosen representative and flown the flag for Ford for many years, and that's qualification enough. What's different this year? A few less pennies from Ford. They still have factory technical support and you can be sure, when they win, Ford'll be claiming the kudos as much as they ever have.
Same with Team Portugal. Sure, it'd make more sense if it were Prodrive, but the Germans have given the branding rights to the Portugese.
Storm in a teacup, get over it.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Same with Team Portugal. Sure, it'd make more sense if it were Prodrive, but the Germans have given the branding rights to the Portugese.
I'm not so sure about that. My understanding is that Mini - as a whole - decided to terminate their manufacturer support for teams. Seeing an opportunity, Mini's Portuguese arm decided to fund the Armindo Araujo-Palmeirinha Rally teams, merging them together under the Mini Portugal banner. That has since been disbanded.

[TyPat107]

It's ridiculous to suggest M-Sport is not a manufacturer. Sure they're not Ford Motor company. But they never have been. They've been the chosen representative and flown the flag for Ford for many years, and that's qualification enough. What's different this year? A few less pennies from Ford. They still have factory technical support and you can be sure, when they win, Ford'll be claiming the kudos as much as they ever have.
Same with Team Portugal. Sure, it'd make more sense if it were Prodrive, but the Germans have given the branding rights to the Portugese.
Storm in a teacup, get over it.

What you said is perfectly logical to rally fans like everyone here. I think what vw wants is for your average consumer to feel that the polo they drive to work just beat that Citroen or ford in a world rally. The consumer could care less who m-sport or Prodrive are. It's all about brand recognition and selling cars.

[rallyfiend]

They're absolutely right: VW questions FIA rule waiver on Ford and MINI names (http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00002787)

I found his last comment the most interesting.

Start of a new season, with a new Promoter and there's no representative of the FIA in attendance?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ford has been removed from WRC.com as a Manufacturer on the wesbite!!

[Prisoner Monkeys]

What are you going to believe - the FIA making an annoucement about the status of certain teams as manufacturers ... or a website that once called St. Gwynno the definitive Rally GB stage and one of the most difficult in the world without mentioning Clocaenog or Resolfen?

[Mihai]

Romanian car maker Oltcit on the verge of building a World Rally Car :

http://www.motorsportnews.ro/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Oltcit-WRC-640x426.jpg

Fake but funny news here:
http://www.motorsportnews.ro/bloguri/gicu-zice/soc-oltcit-intra-oficial-in-wrc/

[tmx]

How do you pronounce Oltcit? Oh sh*t?

[Frostmourne]

However, in 2014 there is a very real prospect of five manufacturers on the grid: Citroen, Ford, Hyundai, Mini and Volkswagen.

Wow.... I hope you are right.

[PLuto]

I dont think there will be Mini...

[ilsit]

Any news on Subaru something was supposed to be announced back in November wasn't it?

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I dont think there will be Mini...
Sorry, I meant Toyota instead of Mini:

Toyota looks at World Rally return in 2014 - Speedcafe (http://www.speedcafe.com/2012/06/21/toyota-looks-world-rally-return-2014/)

[AndyRAC]

Hmm, I think Toyota could be possible. Especially as they are entering only 1 car for the WEC season, with 2 for Le Mans. It seems the top brass only care about Le Mans.

And, why is Rallye Deutschland starting from Koln......???

[Mintexmemory]

And, why is Rallye Deutschland starting from Koln......???

Taking it to the people, same way (almost) that Catalunya 'started' in Barca - Opportunity for Thursday evening stages (second of the 2 appearing to be the shakedown stage, extra use for the cost of set-up)

Edit: Oh I see, meant to be a rhetorical conspiracy theory question! Sorry it was getting late when I posted etc.

[MJW]

About Toyota and Andy's comment about Rally Germany starting in Koln, I hadnt thought to make a connection but to me it looks like Germany is THE rally team base now with VW and Hyundai set up there, if Toyota come in, happy days :-)

[EightGear]

What about the stories of the new Rally GB service park location: a Toyota power plant?

[bjalverud]

The Peugeot Rally Academy
New rally programmes for talented drivers
peugeot-media.com/index.php?nav=771&action=view&communique_id=252&langue=en

[EightGear]

Breen on 8 ERC events as official Peugeot works driver. :)

Peugeot mdia - NEWS - Press Releases (http://peugeot-media.com/index.php?nav=771&action=view&communique_id=252&langue=en)

[noel157]

Good news for Breen and great to see him in a proper, competitive championship, well the "meat" of the championship should be competitive.

[Evian]

Petter Solberg and his wife Pernilla in Finnskogsvalsen this weekend in a Ford Escort MKII.
Finnskogsvalsen - Petter Solberg - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYjMESqobT4)
Petters Instagram (http://instagram.com/p/Uq9Xs8SfDR/) - "I'm definitely going to need to enter this car in a competitive field at some point. It's very, very good."

[Viking]

http://www.nwt.se/multimedia/dynamic/00767/1351530_jpg_767739img699.jpg

[MTA]

Finnskogsvalsen - Petter Solberg - Kamera 2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lo_XMBQBY0)

[Iskald]

Andreas Mikkelsen, Eyvind Brynildsen and Martin Prokop entered in Rally Finnskog 2. february. Mads Østberg will also drive. Possibly Henning Solberg if he can find some money and a car... Great opportunity as a test on snow with 100 km SS just five days before it starts in Sweden, and with roads quite similar to the sunday run in Rally Sweden.

[RS]

What car for Andreas?

[bluuford]

What car for Andreas?

I think he can choose between Skoda, Skoda and Skoda. So, I expect him to choose Skoda;-)

[stefanvv]

I think he can choose between Skoda, Skoda and Skoda. So, I expect him to choose Škoda;-)

Fixed that for you :D

[pantealex]

What car for Andreas?

He is driving Even Rallys Fabia this week in Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemi Finland.

[OldF]

Björn Waldegård, Andrew Cowan and Tommi Mäkinen newest members in hall of fame.

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2F2013%2F01%2F1695024%2Ftommi-makiselle-hieno-kunnianosoitus)

[Gatzby]

Ari Vatanen is going to be the new president of Estonian Autosport Union. They don't have pen on paper yet, but there will be pressconference later today.
www ohtuleht ee /507307
Sorry, can't post links.

[Iskald]

I think he can choose between Skoda, Skoda and Skoda. So, I expect him to choose Skoda;-)

It may well be that the car models name starts with a P...But don`t tell anyone that I said it. ;-)

[bluuford]

Ari Vatanen is going to be the new president of Estonian Autosport Union. They don't have pen on paper yet, but there will be pressconference later today.
www ohtuleht ee /507307
Sorry, can't post links.

Anyone wnats to listen his interview (at the bottom of article), it is in English:
DELFI VIDEO: Ari Vatanen: minu ülesanne on viia Eesti sõnum rahvusvahelisse autoliitu - Sport (http://sport.delfi.ee/news/auto/eesti/delfi-video-ari-vatanen-minu-ulesanne-on-viia-eesti-sonum-rahvusvahelisse-autoliitu.d?id=65565014)

[dimviii]

The FIA has updated the list of Manufacturer and Team entrants for the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship, to include the Jipocar Czech National Team of Martin Prokop.

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00002912&10)

[pantealex]

The FIA has updated the list of Manufacturer and Team entrants for the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship, to include the Jipocar Czech National Team of Martin Prokop.

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00002912&10)

FIA has Sordo 10.
RallySweden web page has Al-Qassimi 10. and Sordo 14.

[pantealex]

and newest info from FIA (or iRally) says that
10.Al-Qassimi driving for manu points in Sweden (14.Sordo)

[PLuto]

and newest info from FIA (or iRally) says that
10.Al-Qassimi driving for manu points in Sweden (14.Sordo)

This was according to previous plans.

[Mirek]

I think he can choose between Skoda, Skoda and Skoda. So, I expect him to choose Skoda;-)


It may well be that the car models name starts with a P...But don`t tell anyone that I said it. ;-)

Last Škoda rally car starting on P was probably this one :D

http://www.aero-ig.de/images/galerie/galerie12/Skoda_Popular_Sport_Monte_Carlo_Coupe_1936-3.jpg

[Kielder]

Paulo Nobre has been elected president of Palmeiras. I don't if it's good for football, but I'm sure it's the best for rallying.

See you never (http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/esportes,paulo-nobre-supera-perin-e-e-eleito-o-novo-presidente-do-palmeiras,987108,0.htm)

[Viking]

Last Škoda rally car starting on P was probably this one :D

http://www.aero-ig.de/images/galerie/galerie12/Skoda_Popular_Sport_Monte_Carlo_Coupe_1936-3.jpg

You forgot this one

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/Skoda_Praktik_z_boku.jpg/800px-Skoda_Praktik_z_boku.jpg

But I really hope he starts in the other car modell starting with a "P" If so we would have a good old figth with Mads :up:


Edit: ups, guess the Praktik has not been used to much in rally... :)

[Mirek]

No, I didn't because I said "rally car". That old black one is Škoda Popular Monte Carlo which finished 2nd in class under 1500 ccm in 1936 edition of RMC :)

[tolis]

Mexico, Finland and Australia for Ken Block in a Ford Fiesta WRC.

[Gregor-y]

Mexico means he probably won't be at the 100 Acre Wood rally in the US this year again. :(
At least he would have a chance to win down in Missouri, and bring in more spectators.

[TyPat107]

Mexico means he probably won't be at the 100 Acre Wood rally in the US this year again. :(
At least he would have a chance to win down in Missouri, and bring in more spectators.
His press release says he will run the entire RA championship and he HOPES to do similar wrc events as to what he did last year.

[OldF]

I don’t know if this is old news but I can’t recall seeing it earlier.

“Citroen will be in WRC for at least three more years.”

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi%2Fsisap iirinuutiskirje%2F2013%2Fsisapiiri113%2Fnesteoilra llinkuulumisia%2Fdefault.aspx)

[stefanvv]

I don’t know if this is old news but I can’t recall seeing it earlier.

“Citroen will be in WRC for at least three more years.”

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi%2Fsisap iirinuutiskirje%2F2013%2Fsisapiiri113%2Fnesteoilra llinkuulumisia%2Fdefault.aspx)

I haven't read that. Adu Dhabi will sponsor WRC and WTC then?

[EightGear]

I don’t know if this is old news but I can’t recall seeing it earlier.

“Citroen will be in WRC for at least three more years.”

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi%2Fsisap iirinuutiskirje%2F2013%2Fsisapiiri113%2Fnesteoilra llinkuulumisia%2Fdefault.aspx)

I'm not sure if this is confirmation since it is from Rally Finland and not from Citroen themselves. It all depends on how you interpretate 'A new 3-year deal.' It could well be that the writer of this article suggests that means 3 more years in WRC but that certainly doesn't have to be the case. Abu Dhabi can sponsor Citroen in WTCC as well.

[OldF]

The article said three more years in the WRC.

[EightGear]

I know but the article is from Rally Finland and not Citroën.

At the time of the announcement is was announced as a 3 year deal. No words as to in what series.

How can Rally Finland know that it is indeed for WRC? I can't really explain in English what I mean. :p

[tfp]

I know but the article is from Rally Finland and not Citroën.

At the time of the announcement is was announced as a 3 year deal. No words as to in what series.

How can Rally Finland know that it is indeed for WRC? I can't really explain in English what I mean. :p

I understand, NORF organisers say Citroen will stay in the WRC for another 3 years, but nothing official from Citroen themselves?
It did quote -
"French car maker earlier in December confirmed the information will remain under the sign of WRC for at least another three years. "

I cant remember seeing anything on WRC.com about the confirmation of citroen staying (but my interest in motorsport in general isn't as strong in the winter when theres no competition).

Was there an announcement from Citroen early in december that we have missed? Or do the NORF organisers know something we dont?

[OldF]

Well, all I know is what is said in the article, I don’t have any inside information. What’s surprised me is the article says that the news has already been announced in December but I can’t recall seeing any news about it. I’ll try to translate it:

“By the French manufacturer already earlier in December announced news, the manufacturer will stay in the WRC for at least three more years.”

[Rallyper]

Isn´t the fact that Mikko was there and of course the CoC of NORF as well, a kind of garantie for the truth of the message?

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Mexico, Finland and Australia for Ken Block in a Ford Fiesta WRC.
If Block was serious about a WRC campaign, you'd thik he would back a two-car team to race as the Monster WRT or "Hoonigan Race Division", rather than entering events himself.

And his livery is hideous:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/75073_474717432586540_725212757_n.jpg

[spiderem]

Anybody know if Giraudet will get back alongside Novikov?
I've read in swedish topic that ilka has a full season agreement.

[TyPat107]

3086

must say I think David's livery is a bit classier than kens but I hope this year is a good battle between the two. I think David's skills and experience (particularly recent experience with every round) will be a match for Kens Wrc+ car. If you remember kens car is the fiesta with the focus wrc 2.0 engine.

but I agree with you Prisoner Monkey. I think ken should start building his legacy by helping the sport grow here and getting someone with talent on his team and in a good car to hopefully build an American that would be competitive at the world level.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I think ken should start building his legacy by helping the sport grow here and getting someone with talent on his team and in a good car to hopefully build an American that would be competitive at the world level.
I don't think World Rallying could grow in America without an American round on the calendar.

[grugsticles]

If Block was serious about a WRC campaign, you'd thik he would back a two-car team to race as the Monster WRT or "Hoonigan Race Division", rather than entering events himself.

And his livery is hideous:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/75073_474717432586540_725212757_n.jpg

While im not sure how i like the look of the car, you have to admit, the livery does what its ment to - attract people t look at it and the subsequent sponsors on it.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

The problem is that it's got too many colours and too many little designs, as if the designer had half a dozen different ideas on what to do and decided to combine them all instead of picking one. It's probably going to look better when the car is standing still, as opposed to when it is moving.

[MartijnS]

Really like the livery, his best so far!
The blue looks great imo :)

[bluuford]

The closest to the blue Ford ;-)

[tolis]

To mark the first anniversary of their entry into the Australian Rally Championship, FIA WRC Academy Champion, Elfyn Evans will drive a second Ford Fiesta R2 for Innate Motorsport in the opening round of the Australian Rally Championship (ARC), the National Capital Rally to be held in Canberra from 1 – 3 March.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I hope he's ready for the Mineshaft ...

Subaru Rally of Canberra Mineshaft at 110km/h - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxiyERUauwQ)

(Sorry, there's a bit of swearing - it's the only decent-quality video I could find.)

[EightGear]

I hope he's ready for the Mineshaft ...

Subaru Rally of Canberra Mineshaft at 110km/h - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxiyERUauwQ)

(Sorry, there's a bit of swearing - it's the only decent-quality video I could find.)

RBR Mineshaft Jump - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23QdVfsi9FU) :s mokin:

[RS]

Edit: ups, guess the Praktik has not been used to much in rally... :)

They should, it's an awesome vehicle :)

The Popular Monte Carlo is prettier though.

[Francis44]

Interesting quote from Matton about Sordo on WRC.COM:

"Dani needs to win a rally this year and we make a deal 30 minutes ago and now he has to manage it,” he said. “He showed this weekend he has the pace and he will fight and be in the leaders for the Championship."

[spiderem]

"As well as the new team name, the cars will carry a striking new livery in 2013, as Block explained: “With the name change to Hoonigan Racing Division, we wanted to take the look in a slightly different direction, one that has been inspired by my love of 80s and early 90s skateboarding graphics, as well as Miami Vice-era offshore powerboats and a dash of hair metal and old school hip hop mixed in for good measure.”
that is a lot of work for a car livery! maybe a bit too much???

[Kielder]

Benito Guerra won't participate in Rally Sweden. He'll start the season in Mexico. This is his ambitious two-year plan: to learn with Citroen in 2013 and to fight for the Championship in 2014. Rally of Mexico will be for Guerra a sort of test with the team.

[EightGear]

Fight for the championship? Good luck to him then...

[tolis]

Benito Guerra won't participate in Rally Sweden. He'll start the season in Mexico. This is his ambitious two-year plan: to learn with Citroen in 2013 and to fight for the Championship in 2014. Rally of Mexico will be for Guerra a sort of test with the team.
Any more info on his programme? Will he do full championship, except for the forst 2 rounds?
What about Oliveira? Any news?

[spiderem]

Fight for the championship? Good luck to him then...
Was it not a bit of a joke the PWRC last year?
I mean he is certainly a better driver then me, but targeting to fight for world championship after winning PWRC with nearly no competition, seems to be quite optimistic!

[Kielder]

He's up against the ropes (see at 3:43 :D ):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G77YfTQdRuU&feature=youtu.be

[Kielder]

Any more info on his programme? Will he do full championship, except for the forst 2 rounds?
What about Oliveira? Any news?

There's scant information about the concrete programme. All I wrote on the previous page is the translation of Guerra's words from this video:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOKJbvRD2sA

I don't know anything about Oliveira. Maybe Nobre will offer him a contract to coach Palmeiras :laugh: .

[RAS007]

He's up against the ropes (see at 3:43 :D ):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G77YfTQdRuU&feature=youtu.be

That is completely hilarious....I can't believe the question about M. Wilson Jnr.

[A.F.F.]

He's up against the ropes (see at 3:43 :D ):


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G77YfTQdRuU&feature=youtu.be

She is just adorable :)

[spiderem]

It looks like neuville is doing a bit of arse kissing on tweeter to get more money (future?) from Nasser...

[Kielder]

Breen test session in Riboux:


http://www.ralsys.com/irally_admin/news_images/2013BreentestsR5.jpg
http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/554545_527143343982846_1574539457_n.jpg
http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/14963_527143280649519_559820418_n.jpg
http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/602938_527143383982842_1126953945_n.jpg

[tolis]

Philip Cracco will do Portugal, Finland and Spain in a Peugeot 207 S2000.

[alleskids]

It looks like neuville is doing a bit of arse kissing on tweeter to get more money (future?) from Nasser...

what did he kiss... I mean, what did he say?

[mousti]

Promoting Nasser and updating his status in the Qatar International Rally

[Tom206wrc]

Benito Guerra won't participate in Rally Sweden. He'll start the season in Mexico. This is his ambitious two-year plan: to learn with Citroen in 2013 and to fight for the Championship in 2014. Rally of Mexico will be for Guerra a sort of test with the team.


Very interesting :)
Pitty Citroën don't sell cars in Mexico :mark:

[vino_93]

Chine: Makinen chargé de transformer une ex-Saab en WRC | le blog auto (http://www.leblogauto.com/2013/01/chine-makinen-charge-de-transformer-une-ex-saab-en-wrc.html)

The article says that Mäkinen will develop a rallycar for Shenbao. WRC might be wrong due to the car ...

[Rallyper]

Chine: Makinen chargé de transformer une ex-Saab en WRC | le blog auto (http://www.leblogauto.com/2013/01/chine-makinen-charge-de-transformer-une-ex-saab-en-wrc.html)

The article says that Mäkinen will develop a rallycar for Shenbao. WRC might be wrong due to the car ...

That´ll be the day.... :rolleyes:

[Mirek]

Chine: Makinen chargé de transformer une ex-Saab en WRC | le blog auto (http://www.leblogauto.com/2013/01/chine-makinen-charge-de-transformer-une-ex-saab-en-wrc.html)

The article says that Mäkinen will develop a rallycar for Shenbao. WRC might be wrong due to the car ...

Obviously not from that car on the photo. I can't understand French but I guess they mean same manufacturer but not same car.


That´ll be the day.... :rolleyes:

Can You explain?

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

That car is huge, is that "old" Saab 9-5 by china?!

[alleskids]

Thieery Neuville will be busy on twitter this year, supporting and promoting Nasser Al Attiyah.
Al Attiyah will not only do the entire MERC, beside his WRC program of,do Sweden, Mexico, Greece, Italy, Germany, Spain and Wales GB.
But Nasser will also do some rally raids (the Abu Dhabi Desert Challange, Baja Qatar and Pharao's Rally Egypte) working on the Qatar-buggy

[TheFlyingTuga]

Obviously not from that car on the photo. I can't understand French but I guess they mean same manufacturer but not same car.

Mirek, yes the article says that the car that will be transformed will be the Shenbao D320... the car from the photo. But it's also said in that article that the car as a 2.0L Turbo engine! My guess, it's that they contrated Makinen to do a RallyCar, not a WRC! China Rallys are strange...

Cheers

[Rallyper]

I just recconed words from a well known song, sung in the 50´s, or so... I don´t know why, but maybe I thought it´s never gonna be a WRC out from that car.

[Mirek]

From this car definitely not :)

[mikkov]

Esapekka Lappi interview in Finnish Veikkaaja magazine, main points:
- it's a two year deal with Skoda Motorsport
- first test was last April
- it was "blind test" where engineers changed setup and Esapekka had to tell changes only by driving the car
- it was hard because it was Esapekka's first tarmac test with 4wd car
- Skoda Motorsport offered first only ERC program, but eventually agreed to WRC2
- Esapekka doesn't know anything about R5 car, but says there is closed section at Skoda Motorsport where he isn't allowed to enter
- no chance of Esapekka moving to Czech Republic :)

[Ezhik]

Esapekka Lappi interview in Finnish Veikkaaja magazine, main points:
- it's a two year deal with Skoda Motorsport
- first test was last April
- it was "blind test" where engineers changed setup and Esapekka had to tell changes only by driving the car
- it was hard because it was Esapekka's first tarmac test with 4wd car
- Skoda Motorsport offered first only ERC program, but eventually agreed to WRC2
- Esapekka doesn't know anything about R5 car, but says there is closed section at Skoda Motorsport where he isn't allowed to enter
- no chance of Esapekka moving to Czech Republic :)

Can you give a link to this interview, if it's possible?

[mikkov]

Can you give a link to this interview, if it's possible?

Veikkaaja doesn't have articles online, sorry

[tolis]

Al Kuwari's programme for 2013

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398133_477703795623260_1678800626_n.jpg

[dimviii]

this is only one(1) client from the skint Malcolm who can t afford to pay drivers.

[Kielder]

Rumour about Tommi Mäkinen joining forces with Chinese car maker Shenbao to help to prepare a rally car. The chosen car would be shorter than the D320, which we can see in the photo along with BAIC's staff.

http://img01.mundodeportivo.com/2013/01/27/Tomi-Makinen-y-el-sraff-de-BAI_54363158394_54115221155_600_244.jpg

More infor here (http://www.mundodeportivo.com/20130127/rallies/wrc-mundial-de-rallies-tommi-makinen-shabao_54363158370.html)

[Kielder]

The new Fiesta R5 will be homologated in April. The car was tested this week in GB. It will run for the first time in Rally Portugal, driven by Elfyn Evans.

[stefanvv]

The new Fiesta R5 will be homologated in April. The car was tested this week in GB. It will run for the first time in Rally Portugal, driven by Elfyn Evans.

They've said March initially I think, April is not bad

[gravelman]

The new Fiesta R5 will be homologated in April. The car was tested this week in GB. It will run for the first time in Rally Portugal, driven by Elfyn Evans.

Thats great news, is that going to be one of his 5 events for his prize?? Thought baby Wilson was going to be driving the r5??

[ururu]

The new Fiesta R5 will be homologated in April. The car was tested this week in GB. It will run for the first time in Rally Portugal, driven by Elfyn Evans.
Brynildsen take start from Argentina with Fiesta R5
Presumably calendar for 2013 from Brynildsen
Sweden, Argentina, Italy, Deitschland, France, Espana, Wales!
Тomorrow he is testing Fiesta in Latvia, near Liepaja!

[ururu]

Presumably calendar for 2013 from Brynildsen
Sweden, Argentina, Italy, Deitschland, France, Espana, Wales!
Тomorrow he is testing Fiesta in Latvia, near Liepaja!

[ururu]

Brynildsen take start from Argentina with Fiesta R5
Presumably calendar for 2013 from Brynildsen
Sweden, Argentina, Italy, Deitschland, France, Espana, Wales!
Тomorrow he is testing Fiesta in Latvia, near Liepaja!
+ Ketoma

[Maui J.]

Chine: Makinen chargé de transformer une ex-Saab en WRC | le blog auto (http://www.leblogauto.com/2013/01/chine-makinen-charge-de-transformer-une-ex-saab-en-wrc.html)

The article says that Mäkinen will develop a rallycar for Shenbao. WRC might be wrong due to the car ...

Interesting news.
As I have said many times on this forum, Chinese car manufacturers needs to enter International motor sport to give their cars some form of respected brand appeal.
Hopefully this is the beginning of it.
Agreed, this car in the picture is not ideal but I'm sure there's a small hatch on the drawing board.

Also found this, posted last month.
SaabWorld - Former Saab Performance Team to help BAIC with introduction of Shenbao D320 (http://saabworld.net/content/former-saab-performance-team-help-baic-introduction-shenbao-d320-949/)

[Kielder]

This year Rally Sardinia will imitate Portugal and Acropolis, thinking about cutting corners. The rally will start on Thursday evening with a ceremony in Sassari. There will be only two days of stages (Friday and Saturday), though same 300km as in 2012. The end will be Saturday night at 19:30 in Porto Cervo. The island resists.

Edit: I realise now that the Shenbao story was posted in the previous page. I'm sorry, vino_93.

[Bartolbia84]

Photos de Ala'a Rasheed | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=135606899937628&set=a.135606939937624.30564.100004649560509&type=1&theater)

Ala'a Rasheed program 2013

[crossfades]

Sad news, PG will not drive in Sweden. According to VF Proton is focusing on developing a R5 car

[Bartolbia84]

No heavy!! I didn't know that Proton was deploying the R5!

[crossfades]

the* R5 car, sorry

[Bartolbia84]

Heavy absences for Sweden, Sandell, Flodin, PG ... hopefully Tidemand face a beautiful race, and an excellent pilot in my opinion.
You know nothing about her future? Wrc academy or back in the WRC-3?

[Mintexmemory]

Heavy absences for Sweden, Sandell, Flodin, PG ... hopefully Tidemand face a beautiful race, and an excellent pilot in my opinion.
You know nothing about her future? Wrc academy or back in the WRC-3?

Clearly much depends on how HE performs in Sweden ;)

[crossfades]

I read some rumors a while ago that he would do JWRC but I haven't heard much since

[vino_93]

bad news that PGA isn't on start ... but if Proton is developing a R5, that's really good news !

[rayh_mx]

Was it not a bit of a joke the PWRC last year?
I mean he is certainly a better driver then me, but targeting to fight for world championship after winning PWRC with nearly no competition, seems to be quite optimistic!
Optimistic or not, you have to sell the idea to your sponsors to go for it and not be a participant.


Furthermore Benito nobody believed in when it came to Spain and was champion, nobody believed him when he started in PWRC and now no one (including me) believe they can be world champion in the second year.


I hope we cover our mouth

[bluuford]

I think it is only a good thing that we have good and developing driver behind WRCar from the other side of the ocean :-)

[alleskids]

Indeed the WORLD championship needs input from more European drivers. Yankie Block is doing some fine PR stuf with his Hollywood script stunts, but WRC needs also serious input from outside Europe

[Kielder]

Ostberg on Facebook:

"Heading to Sweden for my Qatar M-Sport World Rally Team pre Official Rally Sweden test tomorrow. On Saturday we will be back in Norway for the KNA Rally Finnskog 2013 which we will do in our Adapta Motorsport run Fiesta! Very much looking forward to attend the Norwegian event, stages are amazing!"

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/44725_157508527733382_1722991705_n.jpg

[Kielder]

Rally de France will be broadcasted live in 2013 again. SS1 Strasbourg (5.50km) on Thursday October 3rd will be the Powerstage. Itinerary: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx4rsf (http://t.co/l7dO50t2)

[Hartusvuori]

So, Powerstage can be on first Leg of the event in 2013? It wasn't like that last year, I think.

Sure it's interesting to have serious fight from the first metre, but for last Leg it could be difficult to keep interest. Who knows...

[Kielder]

So, Powerstage can be on first Leg of the event in 2013? It wasn't like that last year, I think.

Sure it's interesting to have serious fight from the first metre, but for last Leg it could be difficult to keep interest. Who knows...

At a minimum, the whole event shown on Sport+ will be interesting for us :) .

[tommeke_B]

Regarding stages and itinerary this year will have the least interesting edition of "Rallye de Alsace" so far. I've been there 3x and enjoyed it, but I don't think I'll go again this year...

[stefanvv]

Rally de France will be broadcasted live in 2013 again. SS1 Strasbourg (5.50km) on Thursday October 3rd will be the Powerstage. Itinerary: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xx4rsf (http://t.co/l7dO50t2)

I thought PS are last leg and 15 km min :confused:

[Bartolbia84]

I thought PS are last leg and 15 km min :confused:

idem...

[rallyfiend]

I thought PS are last leg and 15 km min :confused:

I guess everything can be overcome if it's on live TV.

[noel157]

Martin not happy with Tanak (I think, Google English not so good). He had a winning lottery ticket and lost it and now no money:

Märtin: Tänaku võimaluste kadumises pole süüdi raha, vaid mees ise! | Õhtuleht (http://www.ohtuleht.ee/508255)

Can any of our Estonian friends help with the translation?

[Kielder]

:confused:

In 2013 PS must exceed 15 kms in length & organisers will need to choose a stage that is representative of their event (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Bestofrallylive/News/Power-Stages-to-stay-in-2013)

FIA did it again...

[rallyfiend]

:confused:

In 2013 PS must exceed 15 kms in length & organisers will need to choose a stage that is representative of their event (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Bestofrallylive/News/Power-Stages-to-stay-in-2013)

FIA did it again...

How many things that Michele Mouton has promised have actually come true, or remained true?

[all-rally]

Martin not happy with Tanak (I think, Google English not so good). He had a winning lottery ticket and lost it and now no money:

Can any of our Estonian friends help with the translation?

Markko Märtin says that Ott Tänak has only himself to blame for letting the opportunities he was presented with go to waste. "12 months ago he had the chance to accomplish big things, but he blew it. We signed the deal with M-Sport for 5-years but it only lasted for 2 years. For the 2012 season, Ott had clear objectives that were achievable considering his experience and talent, however those were not met."

Ott did not bring a single euro to the team and others payed for the mess that he created. The main reason was not the mistakes with driving but also that a young driver must be able to receive information or critique, be able to analyse it and use that for his own benefit.
"Had Ott done everything right in 2012, his program would have continued. I have never heard of the experssion: "You are from that small Estonia, that is why you are not taken into a team", that is an excuse of a poor driver"

The co-operation between Märtin and Tänak is not yet over, but something has to change. Also, the chance to get into a works team has not disappeared, but a new start will be difficult and will demand a lot of money.

A translation of the story in Õhtuleht

[noel157]

Thanks AR, much clearer. Markko not happy.

[sindroms]

Markko Märtin says... The main reason was not the mistakes with driving but also that a young driver must be able to receive information or critique, be able to analyse it and use that for his own benefit...

Well, if my memory serves me well, it's not a first time when we hear something like that. About 6 years ago when Ott in very young age was in local "Syrus Rally Team" storie was the same. It was even described in team website...

[bluuford]

Ott comes from Saaremaa Island and there is saying that these people never give up because of their natural stubborness and because of that they often do and learn things in the hard way. I can tell you that he has not given up and work is going on behind the scenes. So, Ott fullfills all of their local traditions ;-)
By the way. If you see Raul Jeets in Latvia, his car is run by OT Racing. You may guess twice what is behind the letters OT :-P

[cali]

The boy has talent, but same thing happens again and again when he lets his personality take over. Good thing that Markko is by his side, but he is running out of patience.

[vino_93]

Any news about Hänninen rallies ? I hope he will do other events.

[tfp]

Markko Märtin says that Ott Tänak has only himself to blame for letting the opportunities he was presented with go to waste. "12 months ago he had the chance to accomplish big things, but he blew it. We signed the deal with M-Sport for 5-years but it only lasted for 2 years. For the 2012 season, Ott had clear objectives that were achievable considering his experience and talent, however those were not met."

Ott did not bring a single euro to the team and others payed for the mess that he created. The main reason was not the mistakes with driving but also that a young driver must be able to receive information or critique, be able to analyse it and use that for his own benefit.
"Had Ott done everything right in 2012, his program would have continued. I have never heard of the experssion: "You are from that small Estonia, that is why you are not taken into a team", that is an excuse of a poor driver"

The co-operation between Märtin and Tänak is not yet over, but something has to change. Also, the chance to get into a works team has not disappeared, but a new start will be difficult and will demand a lot of money.

A translation of the story in Õhtuleht


Cant faultmMarkkos words there. This time last year I was expecting Ott to show at least more talent than Evgeny. At the same time, I hope this isn't the last we see of Tanak.

[ururu]

Ott was born at the wrong time. 21 century. Not enough to have only a talent driver, needs talent search money. Now is normally be a singer and dont have voice. :mad: Unfortunately, not only he.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Podcast (Interview) with Petter Solberg about his change in rallying now on iRally!

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

[Mintexmemory]

Markko Märtin says that Ott Tänak has only himself to blame for letting the opportunities he was presented with go to waste. "12 months ago he had the chance to accomplish big things, but he blew it. We signed the deal with M-Sport for 5-years but it only lasted for 2 years. For the 2012 season, Ott had clear objectives that were achievable considering his experience and talent, however those were not met."

Ott did not bring a single euro to the team and others payed for the mess that he created. The main reason was not the mistakes with driving but also that a young driver must be able to receive information or critique, be able to analyse it and use that for his own benefit.
"Had Ott done everything right in 2012, his program would have continued. I have never heard of the experssion: "You are from that small Estonia, that is why you are not taken into a team", that is an excuse of a poor driver"

The co-operation between Märtin and Tänak is not yet over, but something has to change. Also, the chance to get into a works team has not disappeared, but a new start will be difficult and will demand a lot of money.

A translation of the story in Õhtuleht

The difficulty with the above piece is which bits are actually Martin's words and which are the journo fill in?
I presume that Martin's words are in the quotation marks which would mean that the line Ott did not bring a single euro to the team and others payed for the mess that he created isn't a Martin statement. It would help, now that this has been made public, for an example the specific information / advice that Ott failed to take account of to be given - anyone can say 'drive faster', he'd have been within his rights to say 'Oh like JML and Petter you mean?'
Anyway seems that the current view is 'He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy' (He also doesn't have the surname Wilson and so '5 years' doesn't mean the same for him at M-Sport)

[jbmarcus21]

Hirvo Visa 1000pistes, Matton, Neuville, Duval, Abbring entry to Legend Boucle de Spa Belgium
News Rallyes (http://planetemarcus.com/category/news-rallyes/)

[jbmarcus21]

1st Test with Ford Fiesta R5
Gallery [PHOTOS] 1er Tests avec la Ford Fiesta R5 chez M-Sport ! (http://planetemarcus.com/1er-tests-avec-la-ford-fiesta-r5-chez-m-sport/)

[Hartusvuori]

1st Test with Ford Fiesta R5
Gallery [PHOTOS] 1er Tests avec la Ford Fiesta R5 chez M-Sport ! (http://planetemarcus.com/1er-tests-avec-la-ford-fiesta-r5-chez-m-sport/)

That car does have a demonic stare.

[Kielder]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_fHM5y2sro

[Kielder]

Chris Atkinson will drive Khalid's DS3 WRC in Mexico.

[jbmarcus21]

Good Bye Marcus
Carrière terminée pour Marcus (http://planetemarcus.com/carriere-terminee-pour-marcus/)

[amilk]

Chris Atkinson will drive Khalid's DS3 WRC in Mexico.

It's not an "invest" to the future but let's see. He experienced Mexico last year, the car is the best (not like Mini Italia), time to show something.

[stefanvv]

Like the driver, the co-driver:
"Loeb co driver Daniel Elena 7th overall on historic Monte Carlo. Great result! Twitter / OfficialWRC: Loeb co driver Daniel Elena ... (http://t.co/hHI2kcpK)"

[GigiGalliNo1]

It's not an "insult" to the future but let's see. He experienced Mexico last year, the car is the best (not like Mini Italia), time to show something.

Fixed that for you. ^_^