[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

[skarderud]

Tanak could be a interesting comeback, but i have a slight remember that it was his personality that was the biggest problem, in combination of money.
Lets hope he matured and have a better aproch this time, and good sponsors:)

Maybe a erc/wrc2 programme with some apperances in wrc is a good way for a potential young gun.

[adr17]

a shame but there is no way we will see Tanak in a wrc car next year , unless he wins the euro millions

Meeke has already been a world champion ! when the irc was better than wrc for amount of capable drivers ,

He needs a proper chance , correct me if i am wrong but i think the only qualifying stage winners are Ogier , Loeb and Meeke in 2013

[Plan9]

I would love Meeke to be in Citroen as a full time driver. However I think it will depend if Matton has forgiven him for the Australian disaster. Meeke was silly to give away points like he did and not follow the Boss' instructions.

[MJW]

Mikko re launched his website earlier today. If he was about /bto be announced as an MSport driver in the next few days that newly re-launched website may need a re do to remove all references to another manufacturer.

[Allar]

a shame but there is no way we will see Tanak in a wrc car next year , unless he wins the euro millions


As i know WRC2(RC2) program is already covered by sponsor money. I´m not sure why there is no official news yet, but i hope they are still hoping for a WRC seat.

[RS]

Mikko re launched his website earlier today. If he was about /bto be announced as an MSport driver in the next few days that newly re-launched website may need a re do to remove all references to another manufacturer.

Interesting.

Maybe they decided to keep Mikko in the end if Sordo said no to a full campaign?

I rather got the impression Mikko thought he would have got on better with the Fiesta again though. Maybe Malcolm needs pay drivers? :(

[N.O.T]

Citroen cannot decide anything anymore...these days are over for them

[er88]

Mikko re launched his website earlier today. If he was about /bto be announced as an MSport driver in the next few days that newly re-launched website may need a re do to remove all references to another manufacturer.

Interesting.

Maybe they decided to keep Mikko in the end if Sordo said no to a full campaign?

I rather got the impression Mikko thought he would have got on better with the Fiesta again though. Maybe Malcolm needs pay drivers? :(

Was Thierry a pay driver last year or did he have some sponsors etc? Really be surprised to see Mikko remaining at citroen

[danon]

Abu Dhabi Young Drivers Selections 2014 - Citroën Racing - http://www.citroen-wrc.com/en/

[miniwintz]

Was Thierry a pay driver last year or did he have some sponsors etc? Really be surprised to see Mikko remaining at citroen
Nasser paid Citroën for Thierry's car in 2012. The same happened for this season except that they both moved to M-Sport.

Thierry made his money from personal sponsors (clothing, watches, glasses...)

[er88]

Aaah yes i remember now. Thanks :)

[litifeta]

For a laugh, go back 1 year on this forum and check out the rumours.

[thuGG]

According to this, Robert will drive privateer Polo WRC next year:
http://www.sportti.com/uutinen.asp?CAT=1-2&ID=254168
I don't know how reliable is that.

[noel157]

Mikko re launched his website earlier today. If he was about /bto be announced as an MSport driver in the next few days that newly re-launched website may need a re do to remove all references to another manufacturer.

A red herring perhaps?

[Rallyper]

Pontus Tidemand on a hunt for money to make a WRC start in Rally Sweden. Half the budget already cleared and no worry about the rest, Pontus said today in swedish newspaper.

[Andre Oliveira]

The best of WRC 2013 by André Lavadinho here: http://ewrc-results.com/foto.php?e=1429 ... f-WRC-2013 (http://ewrc-results.com/foto.php?e=14295&t=The-best-of-WRC-2013) :eek:

244 photos

[danon]

Rajdu Polski '14: first special stage in Lithuania - http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... D0%B0.html (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=bg&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fbgnrc.info%2Foshte-na-saita%2Fwrc%2Fitem%2F%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%B4-%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BB%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8-14-%D0%BF%D1%8A%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%B8-%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%BE%D1%81%D1%82%D0%B5%D 0%BD-%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BF-%D0%B2-%D0%BB%D0%B8%D1%82%D0%B2%D0%B0.html)

http://bgnrc.info/cache/com_zoo/images/1973-POL-Warmbolt&Todt_2a2e374c806ff475946795ead976e77c.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

Great times with many Swedish drivers, Sweden WRT project failled, and now the site are out. What a mess. Why they choose MINI? Other car can help the young talented swedish drivers.


http://ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=143 ... Rally-1972 (http://ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=14312&t=Daily-Mirror-RAC-Rally-1972)
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1499486_428569370605644_1493512018_n.png

[Kielder]

Well, it seems that Kubica has already signed with Ford.

[Andre Oliveira]

Really? Great news :lips:

[WUff1]

Well, it seems that Kubica has already signed with Ford.

At least it´s said he starts at Jänner Rallye with Fiesta R5.

[RS]

Kubica and Ostberg at Ford, Mikko to stay at Citroen then?

Maybe Lotos offered to sponsor M-Sport in return for a full season for Robert, which Citroen could not accept because of Total?

[Eli]

maybe kubica will share his fiesta next year?

[rallyfiend]

Kubica and Ostberg at Ford, Mikko to stay at Citroen then?

Maybe Lotos offered to sponsor M-Sport in return for a full season for Robert, which Citroen could not accept because of Total?

M-Sport and Ford have had a very longstanding (and very deep) relationship with BP / Castrol. It's a huge business-to-business deal between Ford and BP.

This would mean that would have to disappear.

And probably any chance of Ford coming back.

[Tom206wrc]

Kubica and Ostberg at Ford, Mikko to stay at Citroen then?

Maybe Lotos offered to sponsor M-Sport in return for a full season for Robert, which Citroen could not accept because of Total?


How come Östberg at M-Sport ??? I thought he was going to Citroën :confused:

[RS]

Kubica and Ostberg at Ford, Mikko to stay at Citroen then?

Maybe Lotos offered to sponsor M-Sport in return for a full season for Robert, which Citroen could not accept because of Total?

M-Sport and Ford have had a very longstanding (and very deep) relationship with BP / Castrol. It's a huge business-to-business deal between Ford and BP.

This would mean that would have to disappear.

And probably any chance of Ford coming back.

But do Ford have much say in how things are run in Cumbria any more, and do BP actually contribute any cash or is it just free oil? :laugh:

[RS]

How come Östberg at M-Sport ??? I thought he was going to Citroën :confused:

There is no confirmation either way, we will know more a week tomorrow. But I am surprised that Citroen don't seem to have started testing for Monte yet?

[MJW]

How come Östberg at M-Sport ??? I thought he was going to Citroën :confused:

There is no confirmation either way, we will know more a week tomorrow. But I am surprised that Citroen don't seem to have started testing for Monte yet?
Citroen's testing budget has already been severely reduced this year. I am sure they will do a day or so each for each driver in January.

[bluuford]

I guess tit is stil Hirvonen/Ostberg for M-Sport 1 and Kubica for M-Sport 2 team. They can have different sponosr there.
Citroen does not know 100% who is going to drive for them next year yet.. so.. it is hard to start testing..

[Roy]

Well, it seems that Kubica has already signed with Ford.

At least it´s said he starts at Jänner Rallye with Fiesta R5.
Do you have a link of this news / rumour?

[Kielder]

I guess tit is stil Hirvonen/Ostberg for M-Sport 1 and Kubica for M-Sport 2 team. They can have different sponosr there.


I believe that Robert could be the center of the team :D .

http://i1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee510/OAnibal/DSC04590_zps22ecd268.jpg (http://s1231.photobucket.com/user/OAnibal/media/DSC04590_zps22ecd268.jpg.html)

AFAIK, Evans will have his opportunity too.

[er88]

So if kubica is at msport is this maybe what we are looking at atm
VW: Ogier,Latvala, Mikklesen
Msport:Hirvonen, Ostberg??, Kubica, Nasser/ Evans
Citroen: Meeke, no idea...Ostberg??
Hyundai: Neuville, Hanninen/ Sordo

[WUff1]

https://www.facebook.com/jaennerrallye?fref=ts

Posting by Motorsport Island - should start with Fiesta R5 at Jänner Rallye.

http://ereader.autotouring.at/reader/au ... 2013/12#44 (http://ereader.autotouring.at/reader/autotouring/W/2013/12#44) top right article - translation: Kubica will start at Jänner Rallye (no word of car).

[Sulland]

Hope Østberg has a deal with Citroen, the season in MSport did not work for him. He showed the speed in 12, so that is proven.
I have lost faith in MSport for a World Title.

[er88]

Hope Østberg has a deal with Citroen, the season in MSport did not work for him. He showed the speed in 12, so that is proven.
I have lost faith in MSport for a World Title.

Depends, this year has hampered his chances big time- disastrous year for him. Lucky he still has money though, and yes he maybe just had a bad year and will be back nearer the top next year but i doubt he has that raw pace. Citroen would be the best solution for him imo if he finds a drive. But with Citroen having seeminly signed meeke already, that suggests that they might not be keen on Mads despite his money- or maybe he could be #2 :confused:

[Doon]

Ostberg failed not MSport. Neuville did far better in the same car. You should have lost faith in Ostberg winning a title, not MSport. Mads is still overall a 2nd tier driver, and always will be. I hope Citroen dont pick someone like Ostberg who doesnt have much scope for improvement.

[Andre Oliveira]

I disagree. Mads shows consistence and some speed. The car have many issues early this season and affect his confidence. Hope see him next year with "new" faith.

[Jack4688`]

I can't believe how people on this forum are bashing Ostberg so much. It's this football culture of one bad season and kick him out. Coming into this year I felt he deserved his place at M-Sport and that Novikov hadn't really done much to deserve his (all sponsorship factors aside), but come the end of the year neither had really done badly enough to be cast out of the team.

Why after one bad season - where a lot of it was to do with reliability issues and bad luck, at the start of the season at least - has Ostberg 'blown it' at M-Sport. If I were Malcolm Wilson I'd want Ostberg to stay and give him another chance. As for Novikov he should keep his seat there only if no other options are available - he would probably be behind Hirvonen, Ostberg, Evans & Kubica in the pecking order.

People make mistakes and have dips in form and there'll be no driving talent left if anybody finishing lower than 5th in the championship loses their drive!

[Franky]

I guess people wouldn't be saying the things about Ostberg, if T. Neuville wouldn't had achieved such results as he did in the same car.

[Jack4688`]

But perhaps Neuville is just that good. Nobody was expecting a non-Factory Ford to finish 2nd in the championship...

[er88]

But perhaps Neuville is just that good. Nobody was expecting a non-Factory Ford to finish 2nd in the championship...

The cars being hugely different competitive wise is a laughable myth. There really isnt a great big difference between the different cars :laugh:

[Sulland]

Maybe, performancewise the cars are pretty similar, but getting them set up to suit you and get confidence is a chemistry thing. Not always easy to get all issues to fit together!
Østberg were pretty pissed off many times during 2013, and has doubt first snuk up on you, it is hard to kick out again!

[Rallyper]

Ostberg very well deserves a place in any team. However at the same time you´d need to realise that MW doesn´t hire the drivers to pay them salary. He takes the one who pays. 2013 there where three paying drivers at MSport: TN, MO and EN.

Best for MO is to stay at Ford if they come up to a deal. Maybe Ostbergs hope for a paid drive at Citroen, I don´t know. He would deserve that as well, though maybe the Citroen car is a bit more difficult to handle.

My tip: Mikko and Mads at Citroen.

[faateris]

Bad luck for Ostberg is going faster and crashing???? :)
He is like Hirvonen, he has his speed limit....:(, I don't think Citroen take him...

Doon +1

[makinen_fan]

Seems MW don't count on Mads to lead the team, as some may have hoped. Hope that Robert stays in rallying and goes to M-Sport

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111786

[RS]

Seems MW don't count on Mads to lead the team, as some may have hoped. Hope that Robert stays in rallying and goes to M-Sport

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/111786

And Mikko to stay at Citroen sounds more likely now.

I am sure Kubica can have a great future in rallying but team leader is maybe a lot to ask!

[dimviii]

lol Kubica for nr 1....Malcolm desperate for money.

[Doon]

There is no doubt in my mind that Kubica will be quicker than the likes od Novikov and Ostberg after one full season, and obviously Malcolm thinks the same. Kubica has more to offer in that he has far more room for improvement. Tanak and Meeke are another two have this same capacity, although neither have the £££'s. I still think that Kubica and Hirvonen would be the right team for M-Sport right now, one driver to score plenty of points and one to develop, and with Evans on the back burner.

I really have nothing against either of them, but Ostberg and Novikov are not future champions of the sport and will never be able to fight with Ogier/Neuville. I reckon both will continue to pay for their seat, whether it be in a Ford or Citroen.

[er88]

[quote] My tip: Mikko and Mads at Citroen. [quote]

Will only be one of those drivers at most at Citroen next year. Meeke is already signed for full season. Heard this numerous times now ontop of kielder first writing about it here

[Rallyper]

My tip: Mikko and Mads at Citroen. [quote:ng1l8fts]

Will only be one of those drivers at most at Citroen next year. Meeke is already signed for full season. Heard this numerous times now ontop of kielder first writing about it here[/quote:ng1l8fts]

Hehe, Meeke for full season in Citroen without paying? When he was practically out a few week ago, judging from all the quotes on this forum?
No, let´s see tomorrow. Mikko stays and then maybe Ostberg as "semi" paying driver. MAybe Meeke in a few rallies, if he has some money to bring.
I agree with Dimviii. For sure Malcolm want a paying driver and Kubica brings the best market player in Red Bull. No doubt MW sacrifies Novikov or Ostberg for the possibility of making even more Euros.

[thuGG]

World-of-Rally.com ?@WorldofRally 53 s.
News: @MadsOstberg is confirmed for @CitroenRacing next year! @krismeeke and @khalidbinfaisal completes team. Great news! #WRC

[Sulland]

Østberg confirmed for Citroen according to norwegian television sport (NRK). More later!

[RS]

World-of-Rally.com ?@WorldofRally 53 s.
News: @MadsOstberg is confirmed for @CitroenRacing next year! @krismeeke and @khalidbinfaisal completes team. Great news! #WRC


I thought Citroen wouldn't confirm their lineup until the 16th?

If that's true it makes more sense to me than a Mikko-Mads lineup.

With Mads-Meeke they have one "solid" known quantity and one with potential.

[Andre Oliveira]

Great news to Mads, he deserves a top car.

[er88]

Meeke-Mads then. Meeke has been signed for a while Rallyper so accept it. Decent line up. If i was citroen i would have chosen mikko over Mads but if Mads has brought money i can see why he has the 2nd seat too.

[RS]

Great news to Mads, he deserves a top car.

People thought this would be a good move for Mikko too; let's see what happens.

[noel157]

Yep, better get over it Rallyper, Meeke is back!! (with Paul Nagle).

[er88]

Meeke back with Paul Nagle too. Nominated for 10events at least under new regulations. Suspect both drivers get full season anyway :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://planetemarcus.com/officiel-meeke ... en-en-2014 (http://planetemarcus.com/officiel-meeke-ostberg-et-al-qassimi-chez-citroen-en-2014)

Great news... especially for Meeke ! :)

[Andre Oliveira]

Official: http://www.citroen-wrc.com/en/2013/news ... cing-2014/ (http://www.citroen-wrc.com/en/2013/news/wrc-news/6832/kris-meeke-mads-ostberg-khalid-al-qassimi-compete-citroen-racing-2014/)

[RS]

It's a full season for Meeke. Great news that he will be back with Nagle as I think they work really well together.

Meeke/Ostberg and Hirvonen/Kubica at Ford would be two very nicely balanced lineups; 2014 is shaping up very nicely even if we probably know who will be champion already!

[er88]

Watch Meeke do what Thierry did to Mads this year ...And then the ostberg fans can blame the Citroen :laugh:

[RS]

Watch Meeke do what Thierry did to Mads this year ...And then the ostberg fans can blame the Citroen :laugh:

I wouldn't risk being so cocky!... My prediction is that Mads will outscore Meeke but by the end of the season Meeke will be showing more potential. Think about Neuville's year one...

[noel157]

Watch Meeke do what Thierry did to Mads this year ...And then the ostberg fans can blame the Citroen :laugh:

I wouldn't risk being so cocky!... My prediction is that Mads will outscore Meeke but by the end of the season Meeke will be showing more potential. Think about Neuville's year one...

We'll see about that.................:)

[er88]

Watch Meeke do what Thierry did to Mads this year ...And then the ostberg fans can blame the Citroen :laugh:

I wouldn't risk being so cocky!... My prediction is that Mads will outscore Meeke but by the end of the season Meeke will be showing more potential. Think about Neuville's year one...

Meeke is ahead of what Thierry was in his 1st wrc year. If Meeke can learn to finish events he will comfortably outpace Mads more often than not- despite his severe experience deficit to Ostberg. Ostberg will probably only outpace Meeke in Sweden and Finland imo. Look at Australia ...

[Mirek]

Meeke might be ahead of where Neuville was in his first year but Thierry is 9 years younger. Everybody learns better when he is young. Anyway interesting news and I wish Kris all the best!

[noel157]

Very quick editing Mirek :)

[EightGear]

Funny to see how things have changed compared to 2011...

Sordo kept his MINI seat, Meeke was dropped.

Now Sordo left Citroen, to be replaced by Meeke.

[amilk]

Last chance for both the year 2014.

[RS]

Funny to see how things have changed compared to 2011...

Sordo kept his MINI seat, Meeke was dropped.

Now Sordo left Citroen, to be replaced by Meeke.

Not really relevant; I think Meeke would have stayed with Mini if they had any money and Sordo has left for Hyundai so not necessarily "dropped"

[Mirek]

Very quick editing Mirek :)

My hands were faster than my brain :D

[Frostmourne]

Great news for WRC overall :).

Imagine if Mini was still involved in WRC! More seats for talents, better championship. I really hope Seb O. wont dominate next season as well to make it more interesting!!

[er88]

[quote] Hehe, Meeke for full season in Citroen without paying? When he was practically out a few week ago, judging from all the quotes on this forum?
No, let´s see tomorrow. Mikko stays and then maybe Ostberg as "semi" paying driver. MAybe Meeke in a few rallies, if he has some money to bring. [quote]


Rallyper disappeared swiftly after news broke... :laugh:. Thought he wouldve been happy with one of the 'Nordic drivers' getting a great drive but his dislike of meeke runs a little deeper it appears

[EightGear]

Funny to see how things have changed compared to 2011...

Sordo kept his MINI seat, Meeke was dropped.

Now Sordo left Citroen, to be replaced by Meeke.

Not really relevant; I think Meeke would have stayed with Mini if they had any money and Sordo has left for Hyundai so not necessarily "dropped"

That's why I said Sordo 'left' and not 'dropped.'

Still it's a funny situation.

[dimviii]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2013/12/08/latvala-mit-mentalcoach-gegen-ogier/index.html)

[Rallyper]

Meeke-Mads then. Meeke has been signed for a while Rallyper so accept it. Decent line up. If i was citroen i would have chosen mikko over Mads but if Mads has brought money i can see why he has the 2nd seat too.

Well, I accept everything until it´s official and I don´t consider Meekes contract official until tonight. There´s nothing wrong with that. But let´s hope he can stay on the road then he´ll be a threat to anyone of the top guys. My comments about Meeke is just depending on looking one or two months in the mirror about this forums evaluation of Meekes performance.

I don´t think Mads pays for this chair, or does he? His comment gives at least me the assumption of him being one out of two paid drivers.

BTW. I just came in after doing carpentry (?) on my new sauna which shall be ready for first bath the day before christmas. That´s why no comments until now.

[noel157]

Somehow I don't think Meeke paid for his seat. Mads? Maybe.

[Allyc85]

I really cant imagine that after all these years Kris Meek suddenly has a load of money to buy himself a drive :laugh:

Can't wait to see how he gets on with a full season in a very good car :D

[RS]

I really cant imagine that after all these years Kris Meek suddenly has a load of money to buy himself a drive :laugh:


It is possible that Citroen UK chucked some money into the pot for example.

But I think it is well known that Matton likes Meeke.

[noel157]

Ironic that Meeke and Jonas Andersson have won together.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Christmas sauna, oh yeah. Jättebra Rallyper!

[Barreis]

2014: 13 rallies, 13 vw wins...

[AndyRAC]

Great news for Kris and Mads, wish them both luck.
I was half expecting Chris Patterson to co drive Kris, after Paul Nagle was co-driving for Breen. So, is Lara Vanneste staying as Breen's co driver?

[Eli]

Paul Nagle used to co-drive Meeke back in peugeot in the IRC.

[COD]

But perhaps Neuville is just that good. Nobody was expecting a non-Factory Ford to finish 2nd in the championship...

Nobody? I even had him as champion on a betting site. Would have nice money.just didn't expect VW to be so fast AND reliable in their first season

[Mirek]

So, is Lara Vanneste staying as Breen's co driver?

Or is she going to co-drive Abbring?

[EightGear]

So, is Lara Vanneste staying as Breen's co driver?

Or is she going to co-drive Abbring?

Abbring has said it depends on his program if Pieter Vyncke will stay with him or not. Vyncke has a full time job so when their program gets very busy he may not co-drive Abbring. I guess it depends on the Hyundai testing being possible or not with a Peugeot deal.

[Kielder]

Finally, Marc Marti will be Sordo's co-driver again.

[adr17]

I disagree. Mads shows consistence and some speed. The car have many issues early this season and affect his confidence. Hope see him next year with "new" faith.


rubbish

mads

most crashes and super rallies than other drivers in 2013 and only one due to the car failure

smashed most wheels , m-sport designed stronger gravel wheel for him on last 2 rallies

thiery sat in with mads on a couple of tests and said could not believe the cuts mads was taking

he just always blamed team

[Mintexmemory]

Finally, Marc Marti will be Sordo's co-driver again.

Strange move - I recall they parted originally because, reportedly, Dani believed they couldn't progress further as a team!

[Rallyper]

2014 will be more exciting than 2013, for sure!

[N.O.T]

2014 will be more exciting than 2013, for sure!

why ?

[rallyfun]

It doesn't require a lot from a driver to get a seat in Citroen, 2 rallies, 3 crashes and 11 rolls, spot on Colin Clark.

[Mintexmemory]

It doesn't require a lot from a driver to get a seat in Citroen, 2 rallies, 3 crashes and 11 rolls, spot on Colin Clark.
You missed out IRC champion and PSV contracted test driver - just why do people have such a down on Meeke? The day Colin Clark is held up as the arbiter of what's what in rallying we are all in big trouble!

[er88]

It doesn't require a lot from a driver to get a seat in Citroen, 2 rallies, 3 crashes and 11 rolls, spot on Colin Clark.

Come on that line from Colin Clark is tongue in cheek, yet the fact you actually believe that is 'all' Meeke has done in his career is worrying..

[er88]

I disagree. Mads shows consistence and some speed. The car have many issues early this season and affect his confidence. Hope see him next year with "new" faith.


rubbish

mads

most crashes and super rallies than other drivers in 2013 and only one due to the car failure

smashed most wheels , m-sport designed stronger gravel wheel for him on last 2 rallies

thiery sat in with mads on a couple of tests and said could not believe the cuts mads was taking

he just always blamed team


Very true ^ :laugh: IMHO Mads is VERY VERY VERY lucky he gets a full season drive with a good team after a truly abysmal season. Not many drivers would get a chance like this after a terrible year- think tanak, duval etc, One bad year and they were out of WRC. Hope Mads repays Citroen in results and him and Kris have a great year to make the championship exciting.

[Carbon]

I disagree. Mads shows consistence and some speed. The car have many issues early this season and affect his confidence. Hope see him next year with "new" faith.


rubbish

mads

most crashes and super rallies than other drivers in 2013 and only one due to the car failure

smashed most wheels , m-sport designed stronger gravel wheel for him on last 2 rallies

thiery sat in with mads on a couple of tests and said could not believe the cuts mads was taking

he just always blamed team


Very true ^ :laugh: IMHO Mads is VERY VERY VERY lucky he gets a full season drive with a good team after a truly abysmal season. Not many drivers would get a chance like this after a terrible year- think Tanak, duval etc, One bad year and they were out of WRC. Hope Mads repays Citroen in results and him and Kris have a great year to make the championship exciting.

He will be back for sure, wait.

[jacko]

It was obvious Citroën Racing really wanted two new fresh drivers, at least for the gravel/snow rally's. What i really don't understand is why Citroën didn't gave Meek the third car in Wales. I understand Meeke was already at that time on the hotseat in the team. Missed opportunity for extra experience for British driver, experience what he really needs. But his speed, specially showing in Finland (the most difficult rally of the season) was very good and i think he will shine this year for sure. But i also think he will have his crashes too, you can't blame him too much for that, it's part of the game.

Ostberg, well, his last chance i asume. It's his final breakthrough or it's more or the less over for him to becoming part of a factory-team. Maybe the DS3 WRC will suit him right from the beginning and he finds that last 10% to fight with the best.

For the tarmac rounds i think Citroën will (and must) take another driver (extra or instead of Ostberg). Sordo was the best option but now the must take Bryan Bouffier (think he lost his place to Sordo at Hyundai) or Duval. Give the, only still 33years young, specialist 6-7 testdays, give him some rally's to drive (in the ERC example, rounds in Ireland and Belgium) with the new R5, a good co-driver and he will be up at the front especially in Germany.

All the forum-members asking for new young drivers; well dear people: it could be Citroën's last real season in the WRC, everything is pointing for that direction. So to build up young drivers is sort of a wasted investment. Think of all the options they had, Citroën have taken two good drivers (i only prefered Solberg instead of Ostberg), solid but the combi Meeke-Ostberg can be fast and fighting for the podium for sure on some rally's and that's what's the aim is of the team this season: daily successes.

[rallyfun]

It doesn't require a lot from a driver to get a seat in Citroen, 2 rallies, 3 crashes and 11 rolls, spot on Colin Clark.

Come on that line from Colin Clark is tongue in cheek, yet the fact you actually believe that is 'all' Meeke has done in his career is worrying..
How do you know what I believe in? I just quoted Colin Clark.

[rallyfun]

It doesn't require a lot from a driver to get a seat in Citroen, 2 rallies, 3 crashes and 11 rolls, spot on Colin Clark.
You missed out IRC champion and PSV contracted test driver - just why do people have such a down on Meeke? The day Colin Clark is held up as the arbiter of what's what in rallying we are all in big trouble!
With all respect Colin is far more better arbiter than you are.

[litifeta]

Well I have been wrong before. According to my calculations Meeke has started 39 WRC events and only finished in 20.

No athlete wants their major statistic to read: Did Not Finish.

[Rallyper]

Very true ^ :laugh: IMHO Mads is VERY VERY VERY lucky he gets a full season drive with a good team after a truly abysmal season. Not many drivers would get a chance like this after a terrible year- think tanak, duval etc, One bad year and they were out of WRC. Hope Mads repays Citroen in results and him and Kris have a great year to make the championship exciting.

I must protest. It´s obvious you have Meeke in the sky. I hope he´ll do a good 2014 but bashing Ostberg without mention Meeke´s 100% retirement in three(?) rallies doesn´t it say something to you?
Ostberg on the other hand was 6th overall in WRD 2013. :kiss:

[Rallyper]

2014 will be more exciting than 2013, for sure!

why ?

Because there´s one more factory team and new interesting drivers making up who´s going to be on the podium besides Ogier... :p

[MTA]

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BbHU8WjIIAA-cSe.jpg

Neuville, Hänninen, Sordo and Atko.

[rage82]

https://twitter.com/HyundaiWRC/status/4 ... 44/photo/1 (https://twitter.com/HyundaiWRC/status/410343174524370944/photo/1)

[Wim_Impreza]

Well I have been wrong before. According to my calculations Meeke has started 39 WRC events and only finished in 20.

No athlete wants their major statistic to read: Did Not Finish.

That is a statistic of 50% DNF and that in years that the cars are more and more reliable. Even Duval finished more...

I really don't understand why Meeke is a full factory driver in 2014. He crashed so much in all his years, even this year, and he is already 34 years old. Citroën could better give this seat to a real young talented driver. This young driver won't crash as much as Meeke will do next year.

I don't see why people are thinking for years that a new WRC season will be very exciting. It is all about to win and Volkswagen and Ogier will be even more dominating in 2014 than they did this year. It is so long ago that we had a real fight for the title between more than 1 or 2 drivers. :(

[Wim_Impreza]

2014 will be more exciting than 2013, for sure!

why ?

Because there´s one more factory team and new interesting drivers making up who´s going to be on the podium besides Ogier... :p

Which new interesting drivers?

[Rallyper]

[/quote]

Because there´s one more factory team and new interesting drivers making up who´s going to be on the podium besides Ogier... :p[/quote]

Which new interesting drivers?[/quote]

If you don´t count it out yourself, please you couldn´t even be a WRC-lover.

[Wim_Impreza]

I don't see a new interesting driver in the WRC next year really. Ogier, Latvala, Hirvonen, Novikov, Sordo, Meeke, Ostberg: all have a lot of experience in the World Rally Championship. Neuville isn't new anymore, just as Hänninen and Bouffier. Who do you see than as a new driver in the WRC?

[N.O.T]

2014 will be more exciting than 2013, for sure!

why ?

Because there´s one more factory team and new interesting drivers making up who´s going to be on the podium besides Ogier... :p

maybe for 1-2 rallies then the normal routine will continue.

The only thing that will make the championship interesting is if Hyundai have a great car to challenge the VW, or if Ogier starts retiring which again will not be good for the championship.

[thuGG]

I don't see a new interesting driver in the WRC next year really. Ogier, Latvala, Hirvonen, Novikov, Sordo, Meeke, Ostberg: all have a lot of experience in the World Rally Championship. Neuville isn't new anymore, just as Hänninen and Bouffier. Who do you see than as a new driver in the WRC?

Kubica? But I'm biased TBH.

[BDA Cosworth]

I am assuming that Mikko can only go to Ford now.

Call me an optimist but if that does play out I can see a return to form for Mikko. Mad's will struggle in the Citroen just as Mikko did.
Ford need someone in the other seat who can consistently pull points. Sordo would have been good for that, but no more with him going to Hyundai.

Does anyone have any solid leads on who will end up at Ford?

[kober]

The positive thing about the 2014 season is that at least nine drivers are getting paid for their job: Ogier, Latvala, Mikkelsen, Meeke, Ostberg, Neuville, Hanninen, Sordo, Atkinson. And if Hirvonen signs with M-Sport, he ought to get paid too, thus rounding the number to ten - that's a major improvement over 2013.

[megadrive]

Does anyone know what mean "maybe" in Ari Vatanen peacenotes?

video
http://youtu.be/-R7ws741KpE

[Rallyper]

I don't see a new interesting driver in the WRC next year really. Ogier, Latvala, Hirvonen, Novikov, Sordo, Meeke, Ostberg: all have a lot of experience in the World Rally Championship. Neuville isn't new anymore, just as Hänninen and Bouffier. Who do you see than as a new driver in the WRC?

Kubica as mentioned, Meeke in factory car, Hanninen in factory car. They are all playing on other levels than they ever did before.

[rage82]

From interview in redbull.com - "Mads will have his first test of the Citroen DS3 WRC later this week, ahead of Citroen’s official press conference in Paris on December 16th."

[er88]

I don't see a new interesting driver in the WRC next year really. Ogier, Latvala, Hirvonen, Novikov, Sordo, Meeke, Ostberg: all have a lot of experience in the World Rally Championship. Neuville isn't new anymore, just as Hänninen and Bouffier. Who do you see than as a new driver in the WRC?

You're talking bollix. Hanninen- like 3-4 wrc rallies in wrc car, Meeke 10 wrc rallies in wrc car, Bouffier - very few maybe even just 1 wrc ralliy in wrc car, and Kubica so i fail to see what you're hoping for?? Do you want these teams to pick some random driver in the first year of his rallying career lol? Besides, Novikov and Ostberg should still improve too so the only really deadbeat driver is sordo- but he won't even being doing whole season. You and N.O.T take your doom and gloom elsewhere if WRC is 'soooo boring' for you :laugh:

[er88]

It doesn't require a lot from a driver to get a seat in Citroen, 2 rallies, 3 crashes and 11 rolls, spot on Colin Clark.

Come on that line from Colin Clark is tongue in cheek, yet the fact you actually believe that is 'all' Meeke has done in his career is worrying..
How do you know what I believe in? I just quoted Colin Clark.

You said that CC was "spot on"...like that was all Meeke has done ;)

[N.O.T]

I don't see a new interesting driver in the WRC next year really. Ogier, Latvala, Hirvonen, Novikov, Sordo, Meeke, Ostberg: all have a lot of experience in the World Rally Championship. Neuville isn't new anymore, just as Hänninen and Bouffier. Who do you see than as a new driver in the WRC?

You're talking bollix. Hanninen- like 3-4 wrc rallies in wrc car, Meeke 10 wrc rallies in wrc car, Bouffier - very few maybe even just 1 wrc ralliy in wrc car, and Kubica so i fail to see what you're hoping for?? Do you want these teams to pick some random driver in the first year of his rallying career lol? Besides, Novikov and Ostberg should still improve too so the only really deadbeat driver is sordo- but he won't even being doing whole season. You and N.O.T take your doom and gloom elsewhere if WRC is 'soooo boring' for you :laugh:

i never said it is boring... but you are all acting like we are going to see something different... fast drivers will remain fast and slow ones slow.... I cannot see any of the new names doing something spectacular.

the champion is almost certain under normal conditions. It is good to see some new names getting full time drives but they will only spice up the fight for the podium places which was always exciting no matter what in last few years.

[Mirek]

At least four teams means more competitive crews to follow and spectate. That is definitely good news.

[noel157]

Does anyone know what mean "maybe" in Ari Vatanen peacenotes?

video
http://youtu.be/-R7ws741KpE

As Harryman says, a maybe. Might be a 3 or a 4 or whatever on the road. Hard to know when you are in a 50kph recce doing the notes and then drive at competition speed.

[rage82]

I haven't any idea what Colin means with this tweet - " Hearing a wee whisper that we might still be seeing Bryan Bouffier on the Monte in a competitive car. More news in the next few days".
But it will be nice to see Bryan at Monte 2014

[RS]

I haven't any idea what Colin means with this tweet - " Hearing a wee whisper that we might still be seeing Bryan Bouffier on the Monte in a competitive car. More news in the next few days".
But it will be nice to see Bryan at Monte 2014

Is the third car of Citroen occupied for Monte?

[er88]

I haven't any idea what Colin means with this tweet - " Hearing a wee whisper that we might still be seeing Bryan Bouffier on the Monte in a competitive car. More news in the next few days".
But it will be nice to see Bryan at Monte 2014

Is the third car of Citroen occupied for Monte?

No it is free i think :)

[Andre Oliveira]

Hope Brian gets a DS3 WRC drive and some 208 R5 events or Fiesta WRC season.

[rage82]

I haven't any idea what Colin means with this tweet - " Hearing a wee whisper that we might still be seeing Bryan Bouffier on the Monte in a competitive car. More news in the next few days".
But it will be nice to see Bryan at Monte 2014

Is the third car of Citroen occupied for Monte?
I thought the same but maybe Bryan is Hyundai test driver for their 2015 car or they were able to arrange some kind of deal?

[WUff1]

I haven't any idea what Colin means with this tweet - " Hearing a wee whisper that we might still be seeing Bryan Bouffier on the Monte in a competitive car. More news in the next few days".
But it will be nice to see Bryan at Monte 2014

Is the third car of Citroen occupied for Monte?

No it is free i think :)

Maybe he rents a DS3 WRC like this year. Xavier Panseri writes on his facebook-account something like "no deal with Citroen nor Hyundai"

If he should really stay at Hyundai (which I don´t really believe by now), he´s not forbidden to do rallies with other cars, like this year in ERC. He would be stupid to agree to such a contract.
According to Xavier Panseri they will do selected rallies in 2014, but he doesn´t write anything about in which series.

[Mintexmemory]

Hope Brian gets a DS3 WRC drive and some 208 R5 events or Fiesta WRC season.

I don't think Bouffier figures in Citroen plans any more. If the Al Qasimmi car is available for any events then it will most likely go to assess a younger talent. If he can get the cash together he can hire a Fiesta WRC (which I suspect for MC) or 208 R5 but it looks like he's not going to get a competition salary contract.
Only 4 days to wait for the MC entries to be finalised, getting exciting isn't it!

[RS]

The game of musical chairs is almost over and Mikko doesn't have a seat yet. Should he be worried?

Mikko back at M-Sport makes perfect sense to me, but Wilson was talking like Kubica could be their team leader the other day..

I guess we should expect an announcement from M-Sport very soon!

[er88]

The game of musical chairs is almost over and Mikko doesn't have a seat yet. Should he be worried?

Mikko back at M-Sport makes perfect sense to me, but Wilson was talking like Kubica could be their team leader the other day..

I guess we should expect an announcement from M-Sport very soon!

Malcolm will try everything he can do get Kubica and his sponsors on board :laugh: - albeit Kubica has huge potential aswell. Remember Malcolm saying end of last year that he would welcome Mikko back and doesn't like seeing him walking around the service park unhappy or something like that?- cant remember the exact quotes. But im sure Mikko will drive for Msport next year.

[noel157]

Qassimi is only down for 4 events - Sweden, Portugal, Italy and Spain. So you never know if the car will appear in RMC.

[OnlyRally]

I haven't any idea what Colin means with this tweet - " Hearing a wee whisper that we might still be seeing Bryan Bouffier on the Monte in a competitive car. More news in the next few days".
But it will be nice to see Bryan at Monte 2014

Bryan Bouffier will enter Rallye Monte-Carlo in a Fiesta RS WRC.

[er88]

Anyone think Tanak will share Al Qassimi's Citroen next year?

[euskalteam]

Does anyone know what mean "maybe" in Ari Vatanen peacenotes?

video
http://youtu.be/-R7ws741KpE

I think "maybe" is maybe! perhaps... possibily ;)

[Mintexmemory]

Anyone think Tanak will share Al Qassimi's Citroen next year?
No way - he isn't called Seb Tanak or Olivier Tanak and Citroen sales in Latvia are not likely to be as high a priority as in France and the Benelux

[bluuford]

LOL.. LOL What is it with Latvia? LOL..

[OnlyRally]

Anyone think Tanak will share Al Qassimi's Citroen next year?
No way - he isn't called Seb Tanak or Olivier Tanak and Citroen sales in Latvia are not likely to be as high a priority as in France and the Benelux
Latvia?

[N.O.T]

guys its mintex... you should refine your standards according tot he poster.

[Mintexmemory]

guys its mintex... you should refine your standards according tot he poster.

Thanks for the kind support.... I think
Today's evidence of impending dementia is an inability to differentiate between the Baltic States :dork:
Apologies to the great nation of Estonia for any insult taken
Apologies to all Latvians etc
Fortunately no Lithuanians were involved in the making of this cock-up!

[OnlyRally]

guys its mintex... you should refine your standards according tot he poster.

Thanks for the kind support.... I think
Today's evidence of impending dementia is an inability to differentiate between the Baltic States :dork:
Apologies to the great nation of Estonia for any insult taken
Apologies to all Latvians etc
Fortunately no Lithuanians were involved in the making of this cock-up!
:rotflmao:

[Doon]

Motorsport News says Kubica will be in a Fiesta if Msport sort the paddle shift out. Now, what happens if he starts winning, will the other teams say the driver is at an advantage? He's obviously at a disadvantage in an equally equiped car, but is there a defined science for the paddle shift delay? I want Kubica to get to the top, but it might get complicated. Has a driver with 'special controls' ever managed to beat the fully able bodied drivers in any other motorsport, and what were the ramifications, if any?

[N.O.T]

Motorsport News says Kubica will be in a Fiesta if Msport sort the paddle shift out. Now, what happens if he starts winning, will the other teams say the driver is at an advantage? He's obviously at a disadvantage in an equally equiped car, but is there a defined science for the paddle shift delay? I want Kubica to get to the top, but it might get complicated. Has a driver with 'special controls' ever managed to beat the fully able bodied drivers in any other motorsport, and what were the ramifications, if any?

wake up...

Alex Zanardi did it but in track racing and the problem was with his legs (Lost them in an accident).

rallying is a different animal and also the hands are far more important in motorsport.

[OnlyRally]

Motorsport News says Kubica will be in a Fiesta if Msport sort the paddle shift out. Now, what happens if he starts winning, will the other teams say the driver is at an advantage? He's obviously at a disadvantage in an equally equiped car, but is there a defined science for the paddle shift delay? I want Kubica to get to the top, but it might get complicated. Has a driver with 'special controls' ever managed to beat the fully able bodied drivers in any other motorsport, and what were the ramifications, if any?
He did get his wrc2 title this year, didn't hear anything about an advantage.

[SubaruNorway]

Motorsport News says Kubica will be in a Fiesta if Msport sort the paddle shift out. Now, what happens if he starts winning, will the other teams say the driver is at an advantage? He's obviously at a disadvantage in an equally equiped car, but is there a defined science for the paddle shift delay? I want Kubica to get to the top, but it might get complicated. Has a driver with 'special controls' ever managed to beat the fully able bodied drivers in any other motorsport, and what were the ramifications, if any?

Just seen his right hand briefly, but it seemed like he had no gripping ability in it?

[litifeta]

There is a fun photo on Bouffier's Facebook page where he appears to be wearing official Hyundai Racing uniform.

[Doon]

WRC2 is a gentleman's championship, so I never doubted that other drivers/teams would complain.

I just couldn't see the likes of Jost Capito and Yves Matton turning a blind eye when a chap in a car using effectively different rules wins events. Remember, this ruling for the paddle shift has been created for Kubica. If the top teams think there is a slight advantage and their driver wins nothing will be said, but once Kubica is winning it will be a different story. Not saying Kubica will win, however if he does consistently?

[dimviii]

Kubica haven t got any advantage with paddle shifter,because FIA have a time limit at softwear at Kubicas ds3 .Probably this time limit for changes is same as the other wrc cars.

[bowie]

It's always surprised me that VW have never campaigned for the reintroduction of paddles to help sell their dsg.


Chris.

[N.O.T]

It's always surprised me that VW have never campaigned for the reintroduction of paddles to help sell their dsg.


Chris.

the dsg comes without paddles as well.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Between Malcolm Wilson's comments regarding Robert Kubica and rumours about Qatar re-evaluating their sponsor portfolio (rumours I heard here, in case you're wondering), I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leading a LOTOS-backed M-Sport WRT.

[Mirek]

It's always surprised me that VW have never campaigned for the reintroduction of paddles to help sell their dsg.


Chris.

the dsg comes without paddles as well.

DSG works completely different than WRC gearbox. A DSG-like gearbox was used in Audi Quattro S1 in some 1986 events and in circuit Porsche 956 of the same era. It's quarter of century a go when it was a hi-tech stuff...

[Mintexmemory]

Between Malcolm Wilson's comments regarding Robert Kubica and rumours about Qatar re-evaluating their sponsor portfolio (rumours I heard here, in case you're wondering), I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leading a LOTOS-backed M-Sport WRT.

Mmm very last minute.com! I wouldn't be surprised if RK is in a 4th Polo. There would appear to be some hard-ball conntract negotiation to be resolved by tomorrow!

[makinen_fan]

A DSG-like gearbox was used in Audi Quattro S1 in some 1986 events

To be exact Rorhl raced it only twice in Semperit Rally 1985 and then RAC 1985.

[Mirek]

A DSG-like gearbox was used in Audi Quattro S1 in some 1986 events

To be exact Rorhl raced it only twice in Semperit Rally 1985 and then RAC 1985.

Thanks! I thought it was in 1986 :)

[N.O.T]

Between Malcolm Wilson's comments regarding Robert Kubica and rumours about Qatar re-evaluating their sponsor portfolio (rumours I heard here, in case you're wondering), I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leading a LOTOS-backed M-Sport WRT.

Mmm very last minute.com! I wouldn't be surprised if RK is in a 4th Polo. There would appear to be some hard-ball conntract negotiation to be resolved by tomorrow!

why you make things up in your head and you feel the need to post them ???

[stefanvv]

A DSG-like gearbox was used in Audi Quattro S1 in some 1986 events

To be exact Rorhl raced it only twice in Semperit Rally 1985 and then RAC 1985.
Yeah, he has had problems with it on RAC, probably AUDI didn't use it '86 for that reason.

[Allar]

Between Malcolm Wilson's comments regarding Robert Kubica and rumours about Qatar re-evaluating their sponsor portfolio (rumours I heard here, in case you're wondering), I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leading a LOTOS-backed M-Sport WRT.
M-sport is allready in a partership with BP and Castrol

[bowie]

It's always surprised me that VW have never campaigned for the reintroduction of paddles to help sell their dsg.


Chris.

the dsg comes without paddles as well.

DSG works completely different than WRC gearbox. A DSG-like gearbox was used in Audi Quattro S1 in some 1986 events and in circuit Porsche 956 of the same era. It's quarter of century a go when it was a hi-tech stuff...

I know its different as I have a DSG Golf R , but to the marketing men of VW its paddle operated gearchange. And yes , dsg is also available without paddles I know.

[Mintexmemory]

[quote="Prisoner Monkeys":1wtolihd]Between Malcolm Wilson's comments regarding Robert Kubica and rumours about Qatar re-evaluating their sponsor portfolio (rumours I heard here, in case you're wondering), I wouldn't be surprised if we see him leading a LOTOS-backed M-Sport WRT.

Mmm very last minute.com! I wouldn't be surprised if RK is in a 4th Polo. There would appear to be some hard-ball conntract negotiation to be resolved by tomorrow!

why you make things up in your head and you feel the need to post them ???[/quote:1wtolihd]
Actually rumoured in a number of other locations although the subsequent Twitter leaks would appear to have squashed it.

However I shan't be at all offended if you put me on your 'ignore' list, indeed I would count it an honour :cheese:

[N.O.T]

However I shan't be at all offended if you put me on your 'ignore' list, indeed I would count it an honour :cheese:

i do not put people into my ignore list... thats like hiding away from the issue.

But seems like you enjoy creating scenarios and imaginary theories in your head...

[rallyfun]

RK in private Lotos team with M-Sport Fiesta

[br21]

They have already Fiesta RRC prepared for Kubica for Janner. Car with paddle shift on the left side.

[Mintexmemory]

However I shan't be at all offended if you put me on your 'ignore' list, indeed I would count it an honour :cheese:

i do not put people into my ignore list... thats like hiding away from the issue.

But seems like you enjoy creating scenarios and imaginary theories in your head...

Isn't postulation one of the legitimate functions of a forum? Or is there some totalitarian view the proscribes allowable views? - Anyway this is off-topic so that's my last word on the matter.

[danon]

don't spoil the fight by hassling, guys... :D

[Bartek]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 1484_o.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1483858_723259801032227_953511484_o.jpg)

Possible look of Kubica's car

[kober]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1483858_723259801032227_953511484_o.jpg

Possible look of Kubica's car
#1 on the door suggest it is a 2015 livery ;)

[OnlyRally]

Rumours about Tänak:
1.) WRC2 is for sure. Co-driven by his old Co-driver Raigo Molder. They sold already old Focus WRC(days ago) to Italy for funding 2014.
2.) they will sign the contract tomorrow 12.12.13 ~12:00 CET. Announce after that.
3.) Ott and Martin may have a contract with R5. They need to decide today if they start in Monte Carlo. MC list will be closed today. After DS3 R5 is finished, he gonna go with this car. Ott visited in Nov / Paris Citroen headquarters. (For what, we don't know yet, maybe R5 discussion)

[Frostmourne]

According to WRB, M-Sport team will feature Hirvonen and Evans for the 13 rounds.
Also, Kubica will drive Ford Fiesta to compete at the WRC championship, backed up by Lotos.

From the lineup for all manufacturer teams, it seems to me VW will have another victory this year as well! I hope I am wrong and it will be a much more competitive season compared to 2013.

[COD]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1483858_723259801032227_953511484_o.jpg

Possible look of Kubica's car

Despite that photo, I have not yet agreed to be his co-driver yet :laugh:

[Rallyper]

I believe next year will be very exciting because of the amount of changes of teams and drivers. If drivers develops and suits into their new teams we might see a bit more competition than in 2013. Also I believe Hyundai will be very strong from the beginning of the year which underscores my prediction of 2014.

[RS]

I believe next year will be very exciting because of the amount of changes of teams and drivers. If drivers develops and suits into their new teams we might see a bit more competition than in 2013. Also I believe Hyundai will be very strong from the beginning of the year which underscores my prediction of 2014.

I believe it will be more interesting and exciting than this year, but I also believe Ogier and VW will be champions again at the end of the year.

[PLuto]

I believe next year will be very exciting because of the amount of changes of teams and drivers. If drivers develops and suits into their new teams we might see a bit more competition than in 2013. Also I believe Hyundai will be very strong from the beginning of the year which underscores my prediction of 2014.

I am afraid Hyundai will not be so strong from the beginning...

[janvanvurpa]

I believe next year will be very exciting because of the amount of changes of teams and drivers. If drivers develops and suits into their new teams we might see a bit more competition than in 2013. Also I believe Hyundai will be very strong from the beginning of the year which underscores my prediction of 2014.
ÄÄÄäääsch tror int'.
Looking back, every time teams from Asia decide to do everything themselves it is a katastrof. Or 'une grand bordell'
Look back at Mazda, then especially Nissan with their GTI-R. wrong wrong wron, heavy, no power more in the Group A than the Group N, complicated...and no results so they quit...
Look how Hyundai themselves did when they were last around....tsk tsk tsk, inte vackert, pojke.
From the propaganda i read, they seemed to be saying "We do everything in house" I guess only thing we can say what they say in California: Like, whatever, dude.

And of course rotsa rucka

[tommeke_B]

Completely disagree with you janvanvurpa. Except for Mazda all you typed is BS imho. How about Mitsubishi and Toyota?
Hyundai WRT in early 2000's was run by MSD and has no relation to the current team. The team is based in Germany, they recruited many talented people who already gained experience in other (factory) teams, so the knowhow is there. Being one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, money can't be an issue either. It reminds me about TTE (Toyota Team Europe) in fact. :)

[dimviii]

Completely disagree with you janvanvurpa. Except for Mazda all you typed is BS imho. How about Mitsubishi and Toyota?
Hyundai WRT in early 2000's was run by MSD and has no relation to the current team. The team is based in Germany, they recruited many talented people who already gained experience in other (factory) teams, so the knowhow is there. Being one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, money can't be an issue either. It reminds me about TTE (Toyota Team Europe) in fact. :)

agree.

[janvanvurpa]

Completely disagree with you janvanvurpa. Except for Mazda all you typed is BS imho. How about Mitsubishi and Toyota?
Hyundai WRT in early 2000's was run by MSD and has no relation to the current team. The team is based in Germany, they recruited many talented people who already gained experience in other (factory) teams, so the knowhow is there. Being one of the biggest manufacturers in the world, money can't be an issue either. It reminds me about TTE (Toyota Team Europe) in fact. :)

Oh for chirst sakes. Ove Anderson TTE operation was Asian ? All the accents I heard were all Swedish and English when talking to them at WRC events. Andrew Cowan from Rugby was Japanese? Dave Richards, I though he was English? Gartrac is in Surrey,

I said "What I have read--propaganda---they said they will do EVERYTHING in house"..
That is the gist the essence of what I have READ..
Don't say BS.. that's rude..
Now what I read MAY be BS...now way of knowing who is going to do engine development for them, who will make suspension for them---I said when JAPANESE/Asians have retained control, it has been......"
I am speaking in the LONG term--all the back in the old days of Group 1/2/4 into the Group B days and the early Group A days.
Until the factories hired experienced English and Swedes, they did very little results and a lot of wrong things.

But what I have SEEN both in this sport and in the sport I did so seriously years ago is what I said...when it comes to that eventually ALL the Japanese motorcycle companies ALL hired Swedes --who were all ex-Husqvarna people--to do development on their MX bikes--only after 3-5 years of this were the Japanese bikes sold to the public any good for the job.
Same thing...The competition at home is simply not intense enough that the engineering staff and the designers have grown up understanding how hard it is...

Thus they hire experienced Europeans, then things happen.

We'll see. No need to call BS

[Rallyper]

I guess it´s not about who´s doing what. It´s about brands and they are one more next year. And drivers swapped between teams. Some newcomers and some who hasn´t had the opportunity to do full season until now. That´s what I call exciting. And you´ll have to agrre many things has changed for next year.

I do think the Japanese/Korean carmakers has understood it´s not just coming and winning. Huyndai for sure has a bit another focus this time. Let´s hopr they´ll succeed.

And John, Mazda did win a lot, only Huyndai did a miserable try last time. This time they have a quite different approach...

BTW, nice to hear from you mate Janvanvurpa. Hur mås det?

[Mirek]

Janvanvurpa, almost all You wrote is soooo much misinformed that it hurts.

First You write about how Asian companies who decided to do all themselves failed and than You name Hyundai first attempt while that one was exact opposite. They did nothing themselves that time!

Than You answer to Tom that what they do now is different to what TTE did. No, it is not different. In fact it is totally same. What they did? They created a European based team (same as TTE), hired all best possible people mostly Europeans (same as TTE) and gave them virtually unlimited resources (same as TTE).

Hyundai team principal is French Michel Nandan (he was co-creator of Peugeot 206, 307 WRC and also underfunded Suzuki SX4 WRC), technical director is French Bertrand Vallat (co-creator of 206, 307 WRC, 207 S2000, 208 R5, and I believe also Citroën cars C4 and DS3 WRC and DS3 R5). Another team manager is Belgian Alain Penasse who is another quite well known person in the rally world. Further as far as I know some dozen of people left Škoda Motorsport for Hyundai (from Škoda alone!), most of them were external guys and the best known one is Belgian Yannick Willocx (car engineer who came with Loix and later worked with Hänninen, Kopecký and Lappi).

Which test drivers they hired at the start? Hänninen and Bouffier. Hänninen worked on Fabia S2000 and Polo WRC development. Bouffier on all PSA cars.

Now let's have a look on what they use...

There was a lot of pressure to use Hankook tyres as the company is global partner for Hyundai but hey, there are Michelins on the WRC. Why? Because they are the best. Which electronics they use? Italian Magnetti-Marelli which is without doubts one of the very best suppliers in the world. Which dampers they chose? Dutch Reiger. Why? Because those are well known as perfectly suiting for rallying. Which transmission they use? British X-Trac. Which brakes? Italian Brembo. Who prepares the engine? I don't know who does it now but at least at the start it was French Pipo Moteurs.

Another example that they know what they are doing... They have stock 1.6 turbo engine, pretty good one I have to say (over 200 Hp in stock variant) but they decided for a purpose built unit made new from scratch. Why? Because it's better for racing use, especially for reliability and for better bore/stroke ratio. VW and Citroën use purpose built short stroke units. M-Sport has engine based on stock two liter I believe (so they could shorten the stroke to something similar to VW and Citroën) while Mini (BMW) based the engine on stock long stroke 1.6T EP6CDT with completely opposite bore/stroke ratio to all others.

[vkangas]

Who prepares the engine? I don't know who does it now but at least at the start it was French Pipo Moteurs.
According to VM the current one should be in-house-built unit right now. Previous versions were by Pipo before they got their own operations running.

Mirek spot on in general - as usual :). Hyundai does the right things to be very successful 2015-->.

[Mirek]

Thanks

[janvanvurpa]

All i said is I read somewhere that they wanted to do "everything in house'...Jeeeezuz. I think we can agree that IF that was true, and i don't recall where I read it, and honestly rally press is notoriously superficial, then that didn't look like a sign of "immediate success" as some are dreaming..

I was mainly thinking back to when the Japanese ran cars in the 70s totally inadequate--a hundred HP less than Escorts, 100+ kg heavier
Or as i said Nissan's GTI-R..

You're connected Mirek, you are virtually in the business and are well informed and interested but I have to say I don't have the time to pay that much attention to Hyundai---I'm busy making parts for our little tiny rally scene in North America....I didn't pay much attention to Mini either---I knew it would be some fiasco, under budgeted, and wrong appoach..

Part of the lack of interest is the enormous difficulty in finding anything like the information we once had for cars when they made 5000 of them and I could go item by item thru homologation papers..Now such a simple thing as "how much suspension travel---a key part of the car----" is, so far impossible to find with certainty... Hard to be interested in people on forum saying "they're soooooooooooooooo cooooool, that just have to have .5 meter suspension travel cause I saw a video blah blah...

I want solid info...in a day when I should be a good consumer and just shut up and buy hats and brullies and energy drinks.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I was mainly thinking back to when the Japanese ran cars in the 70s totally inadequate--a hundred HP less than Escorts, 100+ kg heavier
And you don't see how it might be a problem when you start forming opinions based on forty year-old information?

[janvanvurpa]

I was mainly thinking back to when the Japanese ran cars in the 70s totally inadequate--a hundred HP less than Escorts, 100+ kg heavier
And you don't see how it might be a problem when you start forming opinions based on forty year-old information?


Here's an opinion based on fresh information:
What a jerk.
The point was that there seems to have BEEN a trend from then to recently.

To you have an inkling of what they did then? Or in the 80s or the early 90s for some?

Or was that too high a reach for a monkey's reasoning capacities? :uhoh:

[Prisoner Monkeys]

I have an excellent idea of what they did next, thank you for asking. After all, I use the Japanese car industry as a case study for my senior Business and Economics classes. It's also worth noting that the Korean car industry in general and Hyundai in particular underwent the same cycle ad the Japanese did twenty years previously.

[tobbe3]

Does anyone know what will happen with Novikov? Is there a chance we will see him in a WRC car next year?

[kolin]

Does anyone know what will happen with Novikov? Is there a chance we will see him in a WRC car next year?

I do not believe it

[BOZIANracing]

The Mini project was a completely different situation. Underfunded and unsure from the start with a manufacturer disinterested in rallying, doomed to fail. A pity as that chassis had massive potential. As Mirek said, the Hyundai approach is far more committed and they have taken the right steps..it took TTE a few years to get going, but when they did..

[Dug83]

From Colin Clark

Rumours this morning that an objection has gone to the FIA against the proposed paddle shift modification for Kubica. Anyone know anymore?

[OnlyRally]

From Colin Clark

Rumours this morning that an objection has gone to the FIA against the proposed paddle shift modification for Kubica. Anyone know anymore?

If this is true, i hope that team who gave in that objection will be so hated that they leave the championship... i hate them already!!!!!!!!!!! F*****g idiotic cowards!!!

[Dug83]

Rumour is VW, wouldn't have thought they would have much to worry about.

[thuGG]

Here's the source:
http://motor.as.com/motor/2013/12/13/ma ... 66307.html (http://motor.as.com/motor/2013/12/13/mas_motor/1386933658_966307.html)

[Ucci]

Nice to read all comments about upcoming season, but I think that Ogier will be even stronger this year. He is by far experienced with his Polo, which gives him even more self-confidence than in 2013. So that winning another world-title will be a piece of cake for him ( for the sake of interest I hope I'm wrong...)
But I agree that we can expect interesting fights for second, third, fourt position......

[Mirek]

From Colin Clark

Rumours this morning that an objection has gone to the FIA against the proposed paddle shift modification for Kubica. Anyone know anymore?

If this is true, i hope that team who gave in that objection will be so hated that they leave the championship... i hate them already!!!!!!!!!!! F*****g idiotic cowards!!!

I would not jump into too quick conclusions unless You know the whole story (I don't).

[OnlyRally]

From Colin Clark

Rumours this morning that an objection has gone to the FIA against the proposed paddle shift modification for Kubica. Anyone know anymore?

If this is true, i hope that team who gave in that objection will be so hated that they leave the championship... i hate them already!!!!!!!!!!! F*****g idiotic cowards!!!

I would not jump into too quick conclusions unless You know the whole story (I don't).

i said: "if this is true"

[Francis44]

Nice to read all comments about upcoming season, but I think that Ogier will be even stronger this year. He is by far experienced with his Polo, which gives him even more self-confidence than in 2013. So that winning another world-title will be a piece of cake for him ( for the sake of interest I hope I'm wrong...)
But I agree that we can expect interesting fights for second, third, fourt position......

A number of factors will change next season, I still think the championship will be Ogier's to loose but we will have to see if Mikko gets back on form. If Mikko's consistency was enough to challenge Loeb occasionally it's more than reasonable to say it can work aswell against Ogier, plus Ogier keeps having the odd mistake here and there. It also remains to see what can Latvala do, if he dosen't match his team mate next season that may be good confirmation that we most probably will never see him as champion.

[pantealex]

I think that Ogier will be champion again.
JML and Mikko will fight for 2nd and 3rd place.
Hyundai is not winner car of every rally, yet.

I´m happy if it turns otherway round!

[MikeD]

A number of factors will change next season, I still think the championship will be Ogier's to loose but we will have to see if Mikko gets back on form. If Mikko's consistency was enough to challenge Loeb occasionally it's more than reasonable to say it can work aswell against Ogier, plus Ogier keeps having the odd mistake here and there. It also remains to see what can Latvala do, if he dosen't match his team mate next season that may be good confirmation that we most probably will never see him as champion.

The only reason Hirvonen got close to Loeb on a couple of occations in the championship fight, was because Loeb was cleaning the road at every rally in FIA's pathetic attempt to make the championship more exciting.

...and I simply cannot see another driver than Ogier winning the title in 2014.

Regarding Latvala, then several of us wronte him off many years ago. He's actually not that good. If he's fast he crashes .. when he doesn't crash, he's often not competetive.

[makinen_fan]

i said: "if this is true"

maybe it is true but you do not know for sure the details. the M-Sport system may provide an advantage, they did not object the one used by Citroen in Wales...

[Mirek]

Exactly. I believe it's true there was an objection but I'm far from blaming anyone for it without knowing EXACTLY what's going on. It's sacred right of any team to appeal and it's up to FIA to decide whether such objection is soundly based.

[janvanvurpa]

I have an excellent idea of what they did next, thank you for asking. After all, I use the Japanese car industry as a case study for my senior Business and Economics classes. It's also worth noting that the Korean car industry in general and Hyundai in particular underwent the same cycle ad the Japanese did twenty years previously.

You know engines? Gearboxes, suspension? You know what they did?

or at 27 you believe you know something about something you read..
I said "I read somewhere......." and get a load of shite on the head.
You come along--a mere child in the context and say you read some stuff somewhere and think you KNOW..
Of course Hyundai and the other Korean manufacturers followed along the same path...we ALL know that, we who were around in the car world then..

Funny but you contemptuously make some snide comments about "40 year old opinions" or whatever, And then come and share something as obvious as the sky is blue :rolleyes: ...a commonplace to anybody who watched them come into the West.

[Rallyper]

Well John, I´ve experienced about the same as you about youngsters believing they know everything, (I´m soon 60 yrs old), but in this case I´d say the truth is somewhere in the midle of what you two guys saying.

[Prisoner Monkeys]

You come along--a mere child in the context and say you read some stuff somewhere and think you KNOW..
As opposed to you, who starts levelling childish and rude attacks on a person's character the moment they question your wisdom. I'm happy to have a spirited debate on any subject, but I find it very disturbing that your first response is to try and discredit me simply because I disagreed with you.

It's very arrogant of you to assume that you are the only one who knows anything, that nobody else is capable of finding out for themselves, and that any attempt to do so will immediately be compromised by the way it was not your experience.

[Rallyper]

I guess John has a view a bit broader in years than most of us. WRC isn´t just last ten or fifteen years, it´s much more than that. For us older chaps rallying began in the 50´s and 60´s.
Though I have to admit John wasn´t very polite having said what he did.

[janvanvurpa]

You come along--a mere child in the context and say you read some stuff somewhere and think you KNOW..
As opposed to you, who starts levelling childish and rude attacks on a person's character the moment they question your wisdom. I'm happy to have a spirited debate on any subject, but I find it very disturbing that your first response is to try and discredit me simply because I disagreed with you.

It's very arrogant of you to assume that you are the only one who knows anything, that nobody else is capable of finding out for themselves, and that any attempt to do so will immediately be compromised by the way it was not your experience.


Actually, monkey you responded with a very stupid, very short sighted comments about which you, being a mere child of 27, knew not what I was referring to.

Don't be the typical forum-slut and pretend you are innocent and offended.
Yoourr first response was answered IN THE EXACT TONE IN WHICH YOU POSTED: PURE CONTEMPT..

I responded nicely to Mirek saying "misinformed, I agreed, and said detailed information on real things happening is hard to find..
But you, pffffft. Your crybaby comments are so typical..
Only reason I even look in here IS TO LEARN from those who are actually involved....and there are some,too
.
But too many fan-bois like you. :rolleyes:

[N.O.T]

old age is a terrible thing... you are forced to look back every day for all the things that "might have been" and all the lost dreams, hopes kick you in the head until you realise your underachieving reality... so show some sympathy and compassion for the granddads of this life.

[janvanvurpa]

I guess John has a view a bit broader in years than most of us. WRC isn´t just last ten or fifteen years, it´s much more than that. For us older chaps rallying began in the 50´s and 60´s.
Though I have to admit John wasn´t very polite having said what he did.

Per, you don't jneed to admit anything, you're innocent!
But!
See directly above. I will respond to insults and snideness in the same tone as it is given...For some the entire point is to "win points".. Screw them. If this was a persons home and the monkey had said that, I'd say the same...

[Rallyper]

old age is a terrible thing... you are forced to look back every day for all the things that "might have been" and all the lost dreams, hopes kick you in the head until you realise your underachieving reality... so show some sympathy and compassion for the granddads of this life.

No, N.O.T. you´re misunderstood one thing. I´m old too. And looking back is seeing things that "happended" and try to learn something out from them. Like I said above when you´re older you´ve learned a lot more which you can relate to.

[Rallyper]

I guess John has a view a bit broader in years than most of us. WRC isn´t just last ten or fifteen years, it´s much more than that. For us older chaps rallying began in the 50´s and 60´s.
Though I have to admit John wasn´t very polite having said what he did.

Per, you don't jneed to admit anything, you're innocent!
But!
See directly above. I will respond to insults and snideness in the same tone as it is given...For some the entire point is to "win points".. Screw them. If this was a persons home and the monkey had said that, I'd say the same...

Thanks, John. We´ll have a beer somewhere sometime... ;)

[janvanvurpa]

old age is a terrible thing... you are forced to look back every day for all the things that "might have been" and all the lost dreams, hopes kick you in the head until you realise your underachieving reality... so show some sympathy and compassion for the granddads of this life.


Actually my little acedemic failure I look back to lots of good adventures in three brances of motorsport...

Have you in your miserable little life in a hole ever done ONE motorsports event?
(This being a forum supposedly related to motorsport it should be 'the medium of exchange"---start a thread where you tell us about Your first International event you drove in...

You will never know what it is to be a "has been" because you are not even a "never was", not even a "village driver"..

[ChristianArp]

old age is a terrible thing... you are forced to look back every day for all the things that "might have been" and all the lost dreams, hopes kick you in the head until you realise your underachieving reality... so show some sympathy and compassion for the granddads of this life.


Actually my little acedemic failure I look back to lots of good adventures in three brances of motorsport...

Have you in your miserable little life in a hole ever done ONE motorsports event?
(This being a forum supposedly related to motorsport it should be 'the medium of exchange"---start a thread where you tell us about Your first International event you drove in...

You will never know what it is to be a "has been" because you are not even a "never was", not even a "village driver"..

Just being a wee bit curious..
How many people with relevant knowledge would be entitled an opinion on this forum, if the very first requirement is to have started an international event?
This place would certainly be waaaay more quiet than it already is, that's for sure.

To be fair, the people providing sound input here - I'd say very few of them actually are active in the 'vroom-vroom-turn-the-key'-branch of the sport. I'd much rather listen to a clever, well-informed journalist than some guy whose dad had money for 5 years and now lives on a forum!
And to finish of: No, I haven't done an international event personally, just a couple of nationals, so disregard all I've just said.. :laugh:

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Don't be the typical forum-slut and pretend you are innocent and offended.
No, I'm not stupid enough to do that. All I have done is reconsider my opinion of you. After all, the only difference between you and me is that I gave you the benefit of the doubt. You, on the other hand, assumed that I knew nothing and then you assumed that whatever knowledge I had was faulty or insufficient. The least you can do is give me credit for attempting to educate myself on the subject.


Yoourr first response was answered IN THE EXACT TONE IN WHICH YOU POSTED: PURE CONTEMPT..
The funny thing about tone is that it's a spoken component of language. And since this is an internet forum and everything is typed, inflection is impossible. So I am curious as to how you came to the conclusion that I was being contemptuous based on a single post where I pointed out that your argument may be flawed when you are relying on forty year-old information. You were the who then (repeatedly) called me a child, claimed that whatever knowledge I had of the subject was useless, and suggested that any attempt to educate myself would be futile unless I accepted your word as gospel.

[bassist]

I see the Festive season is upon us again, given the amount of `Festive Cheer` in the last batch of posts. Come on people , it`s only `Rallying` lets wish each other a `Happy Christmas`! Go Kris and Elfyn 2014.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Exactly. I believe it's true there was an objection but I'm far from blaming anyone for it without knowing EXACTLY what's going on. It's sacred right of any team to appeal and it's up to FIA to decide whether such objection is soundly based.

I believe it is better that objections are raised now rather than mid season. By having the objection resolved before the 2014 season starts, everyone can then get on with rallying on an agreed criteria. To me it seems objecting pre season is a more professional action than waiting to raise objections once Kubica begins scoring championship points

[big_sw2000]

Wow this thread as fallen apart. Get on with it guys. There are a few of us that want to discuss rallying. Not read a pathetic argument. Maybe call one and other over by pm. Or maybe wonder why this place is getting quieter.

Steve

[Mintexmemory]

Wow this thread as fallen apart. Get on with it guys. There are a few of us that want to discuss rallying. Not read a pathetic argument. Maybe call one and other over by pm. Or maybe wonder why this place is getting quieter.

Steve

Thank you Steve, I expect you are representative of the 'silent majority'. While I have no wish to stifle public debate on issues of general interest, I agree that any further acrimony between parties re. Asian manufacturer capabilities etc is confined to PMs - further posts on the matter will be deleted unless impersonal and adding to the debate.
(Sent from my Sunday morning bathtub!)

[Rallyper]

So back to original quote starting the "Asian-car-manufacturers-successes in recent-times-or-not", that next year will be exciting with Hyundai coming up as new factoryteam and all the changes in drivers seats... :)

[mousti]

VW is protesting against the modification for Kubica??

http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=15292

[Ucci]

VW is protesting against the modification for Kubica??

http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=15292
If that is true-let them be ashamed....

[Doon]

Interesting how I was bashed/mocked last week when I suggested this may happen with regard to the Kubica situation.

[wwbroe]

Despite the protest that VW Motorsport made against the changes made for Kubica, it seems that FIA decided that therer is nothing wrong with these changes and it doesn't give him some advantage. The changed Fiesta WRC will be homologated as planned.

Source: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2013/12/15/aufregung-um-kubica-modifikationen/index.html)

[Jack4688`]

Didn't the whole paddle shift with delay for Kubica thing get approved last year? He tested with Ford/M-Sport and they were rumoured to be interested in having him do the WRC for them, then he ended up in WRC-2 in an RRC. The issue should be dead and buried by now. But then I suppose you are free to protest something in the rules which you feel isn't actually leveling the playfield... not that I agree with the protest

[big_sw2000]

Didn't the whole paddle shift with delay for Kubica thing get approved last year? He tested with Ford/M-Sport and they were rumoured to be interested in having him do the WRC for them, then he ended up in WRC-2 in an RRC. The issue should be dead and buried by now. But then I suppose you are free to protest something in the rules which you feel isn't actually leveling the playfield... not that I agree with the protest
I'm under the impression after reading the link, there is no delay on the paddle shift, as it makes the handbrake to complicated. Or have I read it wrong

Steve

[TyPat107]

[quote="Jack4688`":2yyfg0fm]Didn't the whole paddle shift with delay for Kubica thing get approved last year? He tested with Ford/M-Sport and they were rumoured to be interested in having him do the WRC for them, then he ended up in WRC-2 in an RRC. The issue should be dead and buried by now. But then I suppose you are free to protest something in the rules which you feel isn't actually leveling the playfield... not that I agree with the protest
I'm under the impression after reading the link, there is no delay on the paddle shift, as it makes the handbrake to complicated. Or have I read it wrong

Steve[/quote:2yyfg0fm]

I thought kubica had to push the hand brake instead of pull. Of course I have to read things through a translator often so I could be wrong about that.

[Mirek]

Despite the protest that VW Motorsport made against the changes made for Kubica, it seems that FIA decided that therer is nothing wrong with these changes and it doesn't give him some advantage. The changed Fiesta WRC will be homologated as planned.

Source: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2013/12/15/aufregung-um-kubica-modifikationen/index.html)

So it was just a storm in a teacup...

[stefanvv]

[quote="Jack4688`":gwgzrfh5]Didn't the whole paddle shift with delay for Kubica thing get approved last year? He tested with Ford/M-Sport and they were rumoured to be interested in having him do the WRC for them, then he ended up in WRC-2 in an RRC. The issue should be dead and buried by now. But then I suppose you are free to protest something in the rules which you feel isn't actually leveling the playfield... not that I agree with the protest
I'm under the impression after reading the link, there is no delay on the paddle shift, as it makes the handbrake to complicated. Or have I read it wrong

Steve[/quote:gwgzrfh5]
As I understood it, with paddle shift delay handbraking is more difficult. But I suppose that protest doesn't matter anymore as FIA approved the homologation.

[Mirek]

According to the article of rallye-magazin.de which wwbroe posted two hours back there was no protest at all, only a request for clarification of things.

[Frostmourne]

If it was VW who protest against Kubica's car arrangements, I am sure its Ogier who complained :P. I really don't like his attitude overall.

[makinen_fan]

If it was VW who protest against Kubica's car arrangements, I am sure its Ogier who complained :P. I really don't like his attitude overall.

As Mirek said, the article says (quoting Malcolm Wilson) Josh wanted just clarification of the rules. The protest was just a rumour from yesterday.

[Carlo]

If it was VW who protest against Kubica's car arrangements, I am sure its Ogier who complained :P. I really don't like his attitude overall.

A bit of the pot calling the kettle black ?

[OnlyRally]

If it was VW who protest against Kubica's car arrangements, I am sure its Ogier who complained :P. I really don't like his attitude overall.

As Mirek said, the article says (quoting Malcolm Wilson) Josh wanted just clarification of the rules. The protest was just a rumour from yesterday.
Really happy that it only was a stupid rumour!

[WUff1]

[quote="Jack4688`":27q256ob]Didn't the whole paddle shift with delay for Kubica thing get approved last year? He tested with Ford/M-Sport and they were rumoured to be interested in having him do the WRC for them, then he ended up in WRC-2 in an RRC. The issue should be dead and buried by now. But then I suppose you are free to protest something in the rules which you feel isn't actually leveling the playfield... not that I agree with the protest
I'm under the impression after reading the link, there is no delay on the paddle shift, as it makes the handbrake to complicated. Or have I read it wrong

Steve

I thought kubica had to push the hand brake instead of pull. Of course I have to read things through a translator often so I could be wrong about that.[/quote:27q256ob]

You´re right, he has tu pull it.

Gear shift lever is on the left side of the steering wheel.

[Jack4688`]

I thought kubica had to push the hand brake instead of pull...

You´re right, he has tu pull it...

Um, conflicting statements here. Does he pull or push?

[makinen_fan]

Everyone pulls, he pushes in my understanding

[dimviii]

Everyone pulls, he pushes in my understanding

thats right.

[N.O.T]

just a suggestion... I think it would be nice the news and rumours thread to have an annual restart... now it is hard to read through 700+ pages to find the news/rumours from previous years.

this thread dates from 2008..

[PLuto]

Third part of News & rumours thread has started. Link is HERE (http://www.motorsportforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=160181)