Silly-Season 09

[Sulland]

Who will be part of WRC in 09 and in which teams, both M1 and M2 ?

[urabus-denoS2000]

New M2 teams,Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Drivers:
Peter Van Merksteijn
Peter Van Merksteijn Jr.
Substitution will probably be Francois Duval


Adapta AS Subaru
Mads Ostberg
?

If they dont find a second driver,Mads will be the 3rd Subaru WRT driver

[J.Lindstroem]

Red Bull Citroen World Rally Team
Sebastien Loeb
Daniel Sordo
Urmo Aava?

Abu Dhabi Ford World Rally Team
Mikko Hirvonen
Jari-Matti Latvala
Khalid Al Quassimi
Francois Duval?

Subaru World Rally Team
Petter Solberg
Chris Atkinson
Mads Östberg?
Markko Märtin?

Suzuki World Rally Team?
Toni Gardemeister
Per Gunnar Andersson?

Stobart World Rally Team
Matthew Wilson
Henning Solberg
Gigi Galli?
Francois Duval?

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr.
Francois Duval?

Adapta Subaru Team
Mads Östberg
?

Private Citroen Team?
Urmo Aava?
Andreas Mikkelsen?
Conrad Rautenbach?
Andreas Aigner?

Others??
Matti Rantanen? Barry Klark? Sebastien Ogier? Martin Prokop?

I suppose the second adapta seat is the most exiting at the moment! Maybe it is Anders Gröndal?

[alleskids]

I though there would be an Austrian rally team with Manfred Stohl and Andy Wimmer. And what about Gareth MacHale ? He was supposed to be on a learning curve to a complete WRC season.

[M5]

I think this team will consist og Seb Ogier and Mikkelsen or Aava.

[Jaanus]

Urmo Aava team has said in Estonian press today that they will continue next year in a wrc car and they hope it will be Citroen or Ford but they are also talking to Subaru and even Suzuki. It all depends on how good deal they get. They also say that the budget will be much smaller, but they hope to do as many rallys as this year.

[c4]

I though there would be an Austrian rally team with Manfred Stohl and Andy Wimmer. And what about Gareth MacHale ? He was supposed to be on a learning curve to a complete WRC season.

Manfred Stohl seems to be distancing himself from that Austrian rally team concept.
http://66.102.9.104/translate_c?hl=en&sl=cs&u=http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php%3Fid%3D9506&prev=/search%3Fq%3DEWRC%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG%26ie%3DUTF-8&usg=ALkJrhh-orLV7qjrPKs0REX_kchdwfQA5Q

Gareth MacHale may be in the IRC next year in an Opel Corsa S2000 though nothing confirmed. The MacHale's are believed to have been involved with MSD and the development of the car.

[Brother John]

like to see it like this. ;)
Citroën, factory team
S. Loeb + S. Ogier
M2-Team
D. Sordo + A. Mikkelsen
Ford, factory team
M. Hirvonen + F. Duval
Stobart-Team
J-M. Latvalla + H. Solberg
Munchi´s
F. Villagra + M. Wilson
Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr
Subaru, Factory team
C. Atkinson + U. Avaa
M2 Team
P. Solberg + M. Ostberg
Suzuki, factory team ???
J. Hänninen + P-G. Andersson
M2-Team ??? :D
All the other drivers with new teams, private wrc cars or a S2000 or a group N. :s mokin:

[Sulland]

Will more teams go for S2000 in PWRC next year ?

[urabus-denoS2000]

like to see it like this. ;)
Citroën, factory team
S. Loeb + S. Ogier
M2-Team
D. Sordo + A. Mikkelsen
Ford, factory team
M. Hirvonen + F. Duval
Stobart-Team
J-M. Latvalla + H. Solberg
Munchi´s
F. Villagra + M. Wilson
Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr
Subaru, Factory team
C. Atkinson + U. Avaa
M2 Team
P. Solberg + M. Ostberg
Suzuki, factory team ???
J. Hänninen + P-G. Andersson
M2-Team ??? :D
All the other drivers with new teams, private wrc cars or a S2000 or a group N. :s mokin:



I like that ;)

[Roy]

My view:

Red Bull Total Citroen World Rally Team
01 Sebastien Loeb
02 Daniel Sordo

Abu Dhabi BP Ford World Rally Team
03 Mikko Hirvonen
04 Jari-Matti Latvala (gravel)
04 Francois Duval (tarmac)
Khalid Al Quassimi

Subaru World Rally Team
05 Petter Solberg
06 Chris Atkinson

Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team
07 Matthew Wilson
08 Henning Solberg
08 Francois Duval (gravel)
08 Jari-Matti Latvala (tarmac)

Munchi's World Rally Team
09 Frederico Villagra
10 Andreas Mikkelsen
Barry Clark?

Suzuki World Rally Team
Toni Gardemeister
Per Gunnar Andersson?

Adapta SRT
Mads Östberg
??

Citroen PH sport
Urmo Aava
Conrad Rautenbach?
Andreas Aigner?
Sebastien Ogier?

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr.
NO MT team (I think)

[alleskids]

Red Bull wants to concentrate their effort on the Total Citroen team, so no sponsoring for a MT2, so no Aigner for Citroens MT2.

[alleskids]

Is it already known how much rallies is minumum required to register for MT2?

[Viking]

My view:

Red Bull Total Citroen World Rally Team
01 Sebastien Loeb
02 Daniel Sordo

Abu Dhabi BP Ford World Rally Team
03 Mikko Hirvonen
04 Jari-Matti Latvala (gravel)
04 Francois Duval (tarmac)
Khalid Al Quassimi

Subaru World Rally Team
05 Petter Solberg
06 Chris Atkinson

Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team
07 Matthew Wilson
08 Henning Solberg
08 Francois Duval (gravel)
08 Jari-Matti Latvala (tarmac)

Munchi's World Rally Team
09 Frederico Villagra
10 Andreas Mikkelsen
Barry Clark?

Suzuki World Rally Team
Toni Gardemeister
Per Gunnar Andersson?

Adapta SRT
Mads Östberg
??

Citroen PH sport
Urmo Aava
Conrad Rautenbach?
Andreas Aigner?
Sebastien Ogier?

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr.
NO MT team (I think)

I think you are close, but Mikkelsen says he want to do the full championship next year, I guess Ford can do a Stobart/Munchi's mix.

But he could also go to Citroen PH sport who has said they are looking for someone who can do the full championship, he also praise the car after the test.

Adapta WRT is talking to 6 drivers, I am hoping for Anders Grøndal :up:

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=2608&desc=Q&A%20with%20Morten%20Ostberg

[Catiocha7]

What kind of WRCar will Van Merksteijn Motorsport use ?
Is it Ford ?

[alleskids]

The tarmac rounds for 2009 are only Ireland and Catalunya ? Or is Poland also tarmac?

[alleskids]

What kind of WRCar will Van Merksteijn Motorsport use ?
Is it Ford ?

Focus WRC2007. Dad has already one, and they will buy 1 (or 2 ) for junior.

[stmoto]

Red Bull Total Citroen World Rally Team
01 Sebastien Loeb
02 Daniel Sordo

Abu Dhabi BP Ford World Rally Team
03 Mikko Hirvonen
04 Jari-Matti Latvala (gravel)
Khalid Al Quassimi

Subaru World Rally Team
05 Petter Solberg
06 Chris Atkinson

Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team
07 Matthew Wilson
08 Henning Solberg
08 Francois Duval (gravel)

Munchi's World Rally Team
09 Frederico Villagra
10 Barry Clark?

Suzuki World Rally Team
Toni Gardemeister
Per Gunnar Andersson

Adapta SRT
Mads Östberg
Anders Gröndal

Citroen PH sport
Urmo Aava
Sebastien Ogier
Conrad Rautenbach

Ramsport Ford/Citroen
Mikkelsen
Rantanen
K.Sohlberg

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr.
NO MT team (I think)

Just a Wild guess, but according to some media facts K.Sohlberg and Rantanen are looking for a drive in the WRC. I hope to see Sohlberg Back... ;) !!

[Buzz Lightyear]

a Stobart/Munchi's mix

is that a new flavour of ice-cream?

[Brother John]

I like that ;)

The most here do not see the fun and are frightened for resolute changes, the teams see that apparently also not. :p :s mokin:

[MikeD]

I think we will only see one more M2 team next year. Malcom Wilson said in NZ that they were in talks about another Ford M2 team and that is expected to be the Van Merkstein team.

I doubt the Adapta M2 team will ever materialise, because I doubt they will find a driver for the second seat. Subaru is a crap car so why throw your money after it.

I also doubt the PH-Sport team will become an M2 team, because Aava will have less sponsor money next year and therefor also less rallies. They need some sort of combo between Mikkelsen, Aava and Rautenbach to make it happen.

Ramsport has given up on the M2 team, so thats not gonna happen.

And the Austrian team isn't gonna happen either.

And with Suzuki out we will have 6 teams again. 1 Citroën team, 1 Subaru team and 4 Ford teams.

At least that's my guess.

[alleskids]

Rautenbach will do the whole season I think, also Mikkelsen wants to do the whole season. Aava could share the thid C4 with Ogier. And a MT2 does not have to do the whole season but only 8? or 9? or 10?
There could have been a Citroen MT2 already this year, if one of the drivers had not pissed off Citroen with anouncing the details too soon.

[[WRCRR]]

My take:

Red Bull Citroën Total: Loeb, Sordo
BP Ford Abu Dhabi: Hirvonen, Latvala, Al Qassimi
Subaru: Atkinson, P Solberg, Östberg (Adapta car)
Stobart: Wilson, Duval/Galli
Munchi's: Villagra, H Solberg (Expert car)
Citroën M2: Mikkelsen, Rautenbach/Aava
Ford VM: van Merksteijn, van Merksteijn Jr.

If Suzuki continues, I guess they will keep both Gardemeister and Andersson. Other drivers trying to raise WRCar budget for a part time season include Wilks and Sohlberg. Ogier and Clark will probably also run some events in WRCars. If Gröndal or some other Subaru-rooted driver will manage to get the money for M2-season in Adapta S14, then we will have one more team.

Aigner will run with the Fabia S2000 most likely.

[noel157]

The tarmac rounds for 2009 are only Ireland and Catalunya ? Or is Poland also tarmac?

Poland is gravel.

[Saabaru]

Isn't Xavier Pons going to be in a Subaru for a few more rallies in 09?

[[WRCRR]]

Isn't Xavier Pons going to be in a Subaru for a few more rallies in 09?

Well, considering that he hasn't done any rounds this season I wouldn't bet on that happening next year either...

[Tomi]

]Well, considering that he hasn't done any rounds this season I wouldn't bet on that happening next year either...

Or maybe he waited to see how competitive the new Subaru will be, and is now looking for some other car to drive.

[Koppomsbo]

in todays coverage from the swedish rallycross championship, Grönholm said that " i have some intresteing things going on for next year"

[Koppomsbo]

in todays coverage from the swedish rallycross championship, Grönholm said that " i have some intresteing things going on for next year"

[DonJippo]

BP Ford Abu Dhabi to continue with Hirvonen, Latvala and Al Qassimi on 2009.

http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/ralli/2008/10/723831http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/ralli/2008/10/723831

[Sulland]

Bringing in new talent, and moving talent from where it is waisted !!

Red Bull Total Citroen World Rally Team
01 Sebastien Loeb
02 Petter Solberg

Abu Dhabi BP Ford World Rally Team
03 Mikko Hirvonen
04 Jari-Matti Latvala (gravel)
04 Francois Duval (tarmac)
Khalid Al Quassimi

Subaru World Rally Team
05 Chris Atkinson
06 Mads Østberg (If Adapta will not get driver number 2)
06 Basso


Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team
07 Matthew Wilson
08 Henning Solberg
08 Francois Duval (gravel)
08 Jari-Matti Latvala (tarmac)

Munchi's World Rally Team
09 Frederico Villagra
10 Adam Gould

Suzuki World Rally Team
Per Gunnar Andersson
Seb Grønholm

Adapta SRT
Mads Östberg
Chris Meeke
Patrick Sandell

Citroen PH sport
Sebastien Ogier
Andreas Mikkelsen

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr.

[Tom206wrc]

What about Nicolas Vouilloz??? :confused:


If he tests a C4 I believe he wants to go back in WRC possibly in a B team...

[cut the b.s.]

Bringing in new talent, and moving talent from where it is waisted !!

Red Bull Total Citroen World Rally Team
01 Sebastien Loeb
02 Petter Solberg

Abu Dhabi BP Ford World Rally Team
03 Mikko Hirvonen
04 Jari-Matti Latvala (gravel)
04 Francois Duval (tarmac)
Khalid Al Quassimi

Subaru World Rally Team
05 Chris Atkinson
06 Mads Østberg (If Adapta will not get driver number 2)
06 Basso


Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team
07 Matthew Wilson
08 Henning Solberg
08 Francois Duval (gravel)
08 Jari-Matti Latvala (tarmac)

Munchi's World Rally Team
09 Frederico Villagra
10 Adam Gould

Suzuki World Rally Team
Per Gunnar Andersson
Seb Grønholm

Adapta SRT
Mads Östberg
Chris Meeke
Patrick Sandell

Citroen PH sport
Sebastien Ogier
Andreas Mikkelsen

Van Merksteijn Motorsport
Peter van Markensteijn
Peter van Markensteijn Jr.

its nice to dream, but you keep Wilson and have no room for Aava! Also you drop the current best 2nd driver Sordo?

[alleskids]

What about Nicolas Vouilloz??? :confused:


If he tests a C4 I believe he wants to go back in WRC possibly in a B team...


Vouilloz was the second of 4 drivers that tested the C4 WRC? Then who were the other 2 ?

[Viking]

Petter ending rumours: "I am staying in Subaru”

http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=527372

[N.O.T]

Petter ending rumours: "I am staying in Subaru”

http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=527372

nice career ending move there.....

[Viking]

Andreas Mikkelsen will test a Subaru this week if I did not get it wrong.
He seems to have 3 offers for next year, Ford M2, Citroen M2 or a 3`rd car in Subaru M1 team. All teams want money, but one of the teams is offering it “at a very reduced price”.

[bluuford]

Andreas Mikkelsen will test a Subaru this week if I did not get it wrong.
He seems to have 3 offers for next year, Ford M2, Citroen M2 or a 3`rd car in Subaru M1 team. All teams want money, but one of the teams is offering it “at a very reduced price”.

Well.. you don't need to be genius to find out that this reduced price is offered by Subaru:-P

[Mirek]

It looks like another change in Prokop's plans for next season...

He will continue PWRC probably with Mitsubishi.
He probably will continue JWRC but with Citroën only if Citroën will support privaters more than this year when it concentrated on Ogier only. Otherwise he said to change car (probably to Renault).

He also said that Ogier should drive C4 WRC in Walles.

[Tom206wrc]

Petter ending rumours: "I am staying in Subaru”

http://www.vg.no/pub/vgart.hbs?artid=527372



If the S14 don't improve next year it could be sad end of career for him :s

[jonkka]

One has to admire Petter's loyalty to Subaru, bought or not.

[Tomi]

One has to admire Petter's loyalty to Subaru, bought or not.

Not so sure it has to do with loyality, i think he has always been under contract when there has been good places avilable.

[Buzz Lightyear]

One has to admire Petter's loyalty to Subaru, bought or not. He knows he has nowhere else to go. I dont think he would have the balls to go alongside Loeb in Citroen.

[Viking]

He knows he has nowhere else to go. I dont think he would have the balls to go alongside Loeb in Citroen.

I don’t think Petter has a problem with his faith in him self as a driver :D
Guess it is more like Tomi said that good (and paid) seats has not been available at the right time.
I think he now will just stay out his contract (09), what team is the best option for 2010? Peugeot?

[MJW]

He knows he has nowhere else to go. I dont think he would have the balls to go alongside Loeb in Citroen.
I think it is very sensible for any former champion and proven winner not to go into Loeb's team, its a bit like being Schumacher's team mate at Ferrari - I guess the only one who will get parity of treatment at Citroen will be Ogier.
Petter's contract extension signed in 06 was for 07, 08, and 09 seasons.
Its as if everything ends at end of 09 season, Loeb / Sordo/ Red Bull at Citroen, Petter and Atkinson at SWRT, etc. Just in time for that stupid 2010 calendar.........

[Sulland]

According to Autosport we can expect a lot of M2 teams next year. If not the economic situation in the world take the edge of them.

Citroen M1 + 2x M2
Ford M1 + 4 or 5 x M2
Subaru M1 + 1 or 2 x M2
Suzuki ???
Rumours say that Suzuki will do a Skoda, pull out and concentrate on building and testing a new car based on the new regulations that FIA hopefully can agree and publish soooooon !!!

So minimum 6xM1 and 14xM2, max 7 M1 (1 extra Sub) and 18M2.

Can be fun !

[alleskids]

Who are the other teams that Autosport.com is predicting?
Ford: BP + Stobart + Munchi + Van Merksteijn + ?
Citroen: Red Bull + ? + ?
Subaru: SWRT + Adabt + Gronholm/Mikkelsen
Suzuki: Suzuki?

[Jaanus]

It is now more than likely that Citroen M2 team will look like this:
*Mikkelsen
*Rautenbach
*Ogier(6 rallys)

Urmo Aava will drive a different car next year.

[Buzz Lightyear]

It is now more than likely that Citroen M2 team will look like this:
*Mikkelsen
*Rautenbach
*Ogier(6 rallys)

Urmo Aava will drive a different car next year.

i find this strange that aava moves to a different car. The c4 makes him look good. why move to a ford when you just another pay per driver, and the subaru is a crock of *****.

[Roy]

i find this strange that aava moves to a different car. The c4 makes him look good. why move to a ford when you just another pay per driver, and the subaru is a crock of *****.

Maybe Ford is cheaper or he fears to drive in the shadow of Mikkelsen?

[Buzz Lightyear]

Maybe Ford is cheaper or he fears to drive in the shadow of Mikkelsen?
the best car does not come cheap. the question remains, does he want to further his career or be a pay per driver..

[Sulland]

Who are the other teams that Autosport.com is predicting?
Ford: BP + Stobart + Munchi + Van Merksteijn + ?
Citroen: Red Bull + ? + ?
Subaru: SWRT + Adabt + Gronholm/Mikkelsen
Suzuki: Suzuki?

For Ford they were mentioning RAMSport and Dom Buckley Motorsport
Citroen: RB + PH Sport plus one more, that they did not name
Sub: Adapta, plus they also say that SWRT could run two teams themselves

[Tomi]

Maybe Ford is cheaper or he fears to drive in the shadow of Mikkelsen?

What makes you think he would be in the shadow of Mikkelsen?

[Motorsportfun]

So, making a review of the rumours...

CITROEN (WORKS)
Loeb-Sordo

FORD (WORKS)
Hirvonen-Latvala-Al Qassimi

SUBARU (WORKS)
P Solberg-Atkinson

SUZUKI
Gardemeister-Andersson

STOBART
Wilson-H Solberg?-Galli?-Duval?

CITROEN M2
Rautenbach-Aava?-Burkart?-Mikkelsen?

CITROEN 2nd M2 TEAM
Ogier?-Aava?-Burkart?-Mikkelsen?

VAN MERKSTEIJN
Peter Jr-Stohl?-Duval?

SUBARU M2
Ostberg-Mikkelsen?-Grondal?-Wilks?-Meeke?

MUNCHIS?
Villagra?-H Solberg?

[MikeD]

Actually before people get all exited, then we only know that one new M2 team is confirmed, and that's the PH-Sport team.

We also know that we will only have 2 Citroën teams next year since it's confirmed that Citroën will not run more than 5 cars (2 for the works team and on some events 3 for the PH-Sport team)

The Adapta team will only happen if they can find a driver for the second seat alongside Østberg - otherwise Østberg will run in the Subaru team.

The van Merkstein team is likely to happen, but is still not confirmed.

For the rest of the socalled new M2 teams, then I just don't believe it.

[Micke_VOC]

I have heard rumours about Citroen M2 team,
Red Bull team with Travis Pastrana.

[Tomi]

I have heard rumours about Citroen M2 team,
Red Bull team with Travis Pastrana.

Yes, and who would will be the drivers?

[Buzz Lightyear]

I have heard rumours about Citroen M2 team,
Red Bull team with Travis Pastrana.

Never happen in a million years... well not next year... anyway. Pastrana.. with all the good will in the world.. would not finish on the same hour as Loeb. Its would be a marketing disaster for Red Bull.

[Micke_VOC]

Yes, and who would will be the drivers?

Travis Pastrana and ??
Maybe just a few rounds

Just a rumour.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Does anyone get the feeling that nobody wants the Otsberg 2nd car....

[Tomi]

Travis Pastrana and ??
Maybe just a few rounds

Just a rumour.

lol, it would be good for Rautenbach to get a guy in wrc he can beat by driving.

[Tomi]

Does anyone get the feeling that nobody wants the Otsberg 2nd car....

Yes but things might change when all the rally cars gets confirmed drivers, if after that there is someone without a car and if he is very desperate he might choose the Subaru.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Yes but things might change when all the rally cars gets confirmed drivers, if after that there is someone without a car and if he is very desperate he might choose the Subaru.

But do Otsberg have the balls to enter an M2 team, without a second driver in place?

[Viking]

Their deal with SWRT is that they will run a car under their flag if they dont find second driver in Adapta team, my guess is several drivers in the second car Grøndal?, Wilks?, Tiribassi?
How many rally must M2 teams compete in next year 8? 10?

[Tomi]

But do Otsberg have the balls to enter an M2 team, without a second driver in place?

Whats the difference in enering in a M2 team or privateer, in my opinion nothing, he would have to drive against the same guys anyway.

[bluuford]

Whats the difference in enering in a M2 team or privateer, in my opinion nothing, he would have to drive against the same guys anyway.

The difference is that then he can score manufacturers points as well and appear in the ranking list as for example Subaru Adapta rally team or if they find another pay driver then for example Subaru Adata Pepsi Rally team :-) That is another possibility to expose sponsors name and possibility to score points even if you are out from top 8. But there are many restrictions as well.. too many

[Tomi]

The difference is that then he can score manufacturers points as well and appear in the ranking list as for example Subaru Adapta rally team or if they find another pay driver then for example Subaru Adata Pepsi Rally team :-) That is another possibility to expose sponsors name and possibility to score points even if you are out from top 8. But there are many restrictions as well.. too many

Yes but all of that is secondary, the only thing a privateer should do is to look how much he has money and with that money try to find as good car a possible because all the other privateers are fighting for the same works seats.

[Jaanus]

There was an article about Urmo Aava few days ago in Estonian media.
Urmo said he tested the Subaru Impreza WRC08 in England for 40 km and said the car was not as bad as he expected. He said that he had a meeting with Subaru team boss, but nothing was signed. He also said there are many rich drivers pushing the prices up for a full season in a good team. Urmo has a budget of 2 million euros for next year, but he thinks it is not enough for all 12 rallys and he hopes to get the best deal possible.

[Tomi]

There was an article about Urmo Aava few days ago in Estonian media.
Urmo said he tested the Subaru Impreza WRC08 in England for 40 km and said the car was not as bad as he expected. He said that he had a meeting with Subaru team boss, but nothing was signed. He also said there are many rich drivers pushing the prices up for a full season in a good team. Urmo has a budget of 2 million euros for next year, but he thinks it is not enough for all 12 rallys and he hopes to get the best deal possible.

Urmo is in my opinion maybe the best of all privateers this year, also I dont think its a big problem if he cant afford to drive a full season, better to drive less in a good car than all in a bad one, for him I think it would be good to choose rallys that requires skill rather than Turkey kind "cruising around stones" events.

[L5->R5/CR]

Never happen in a million years... well not next year... anyway. Pastrana.. with all the good will in the world.. would not finish on the same hour as Loeb. Its would be a marketing disaster for Red Bull.

Or his fairly strict with Subaru in the USA.

Seems as though Pastrana has accepted he would have to give up many of his other endeavours if he were to pursue the WRC and is unwilling to give those up as of now...

[Buzz Lightyear]

Whats the difference in enering in a M2 team or privateer, in my opinion nothing, he would have to drive against the same guys anyway.

Yes, but have they not signed a deal with Prodrive to run an official M2 team?

[Sulland]

Grøndal did not get together a budget for WRC with Adapta in 09, and will do the Norwegian Championship in his S10.
Who will get the Adapta seat then ?

What do we know of the rest of the field per today, both in M1 and M2 ?

[Tom206wrc]

After having driven the PH Sport C4 WRC this season, not sure Urmo Aava is taking the right decision if he decides to drive a Subaru S14 in 2009... :mark:

[Mirek]

I think it is about money. C4 is sure expensive toy...

[Tom206wrc]

I have heard rumours about Citroen M2 team,
Red Bull team with Travis Pastrana.



Hard to believe an american driver in the C4, as Citroën isn't present as manufacturer in USA :mark:

[Tom206wrc]

By the way, is the austrian team project using whales as cars cancelled(Stohl and another) ??? :confused:

[Roy]

What makes you think he would be in the shadow of Mikkelsen?

Mikkelsen was with less experience and in some rallies with a slower car faster of close by Aava.
Further I think Citroen want to invest in a young(er) driver.


...
The van Merkstein team is likely to happen, but is still not confirmed.

According the website the plan is to do 8 WRC rounds as MT. But is not 100% yet. First 2 rounds are planned: Ireland and Norway.
Drivers are father and son Peter van Merksteijn (Jr.) Duval is not an option because the sponsors, Merksteijn and Structo, do the same. One in steel, the other in concrete.

[Xsara Fan]

Last week Evgeny Novikov has tests with PH-Sport (Citroen C4 WRC) and M-Sport (Ford Focus WRC 2008). Also he`ll have tests with Adapta team (Subaru). For the next year Novikov`s team choose between P-WRC (full season) and M2 (6-8 rally`s).

[M5]

What about Matt Wilson in 09 ?
Will he see the picture ?

[Roy]

What about Matt Wilson in 09 ?
Will he see the picture ?

Stobart give their yes or no. I think yes for 2009.

[tmx]

What about Matt Wilson in 09 ?
Will he see the picture ?
it's a five year plan.

[Tomi]

Grönholm confirms that subaru has made him an offer to drive full season 2009, he also say they are close to contract, but nothing is decided yet, and that he has to decide before christmas.

[Woodeye]

Yes, Bosse seems to be going to Subaru. 12 rounds. It means that Atko is out from there pretty sure. I doubt if they have the balls to kick Petter out.

[Tomi]

Yes, Bosse seems to be going to Subaru. 12 rounds. It means that Atko is out from there pretty sure. I doubt if they have the balls to kick Petter out.

Did you see the interview with Petter a few days back? Seems that Subaru dont have much faith in him when it comes to setup and develope the car.

[Woodeye]

Did you see the interview with Petter a few days back? Seems that Subaru dont have much faith in him when it comes to setup and develope the car.

Nope. But I still doubt it very much. At least I would be really suprised if Petter would've to go and Atko gets to stay. Ok, Bosse is expensive but still...

[Tomi]

Nope. But I still doubt it very much. At least I would be really suprised if Petter would've to go and Atko gets to stay. Ok, Bosse is expensive but still...

I mean in that field Petter expect help, convince the team about how to develope and setting up a car in general, because the team dont listen to him.

[RS]

There's no rule that says they can't have all three, although chosing which to nominate might get tricky.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Did you see the interview with Petter a few days back? Seems that Subaru dont have much faith in him when it comes to setup and develope the car.
Problem is, its taken them 4 years to realise this.

[alleskids]

Subaru engineers have the same ego problem that the Peugeot (307 WRC) engineers had? Their input is sacred and the dumb drivers does not know anything? :(

[Brother John]

Grönholm confirms that subaru has made him an offer to drive full season 2009, he also say they are close to contract, but nothing is decided yet, and that he has to decide before christmas.

Source?

[DonJippo]

Source?

Marcus Grönholm :D

[Buzz Lightyear]

Marcus Grönholm.

OK. Must be right then...

[Viking]

"Cigarette Bosse one hundred teacup?" :D

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iltalehti.fi%2Furheil u%2F200812088734074_ur.shtml&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&sl=fi&tl=en

[miksu]

"Cigarette Bosse one hundred teacup?" :D

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.iltalehti.fi%2Furheil u%2F200812088734074_ur.shtml&hl=no&ie=UTF-8&sl=fi&tl=en

"World Rally Champion Series is seeking getting shot in the arm."

i think the translation machine is taking some shots in it's arm :D

[Glee]

Time for an update

Citroen
Sebastien Loeb / Daniel Sordo

Abu Dabi Ford
Mikko Hirvonen / JM Latvala

2. Ford
M Willson

Expert Ford / Peugeot / Citroen ?
Henning Solberg

Adapta
Mads Østberg / +?

Some car? / some rounds?
Petter Solberg?


Any more who will guess what we will see in 2009?

[Motorsportfun]

Ogier will take at least 6 WRC events with PH Sport, Conrad Rautenbach could have the budget for at least 8 rounds, and also Urmo Aava has about 2 mln euros.

So, in the major events we could see a "decent" entry list... waiting 2010 :)

[MikeD]

Time for an update
Any more who will guess what we will see in 2009?

I only expect a maximun of 5 teams. I expect the Adapta team will not run as an M2 team but just with one car.

1. Citroen
Sebastien Loeb / Daniel Sordo

2. Abu Dhabi Ford
Mikko Hirvonen / JM Latvala / Al Quassimi

3. Stobart Munchi's Ford (I expect them to merge)
M Willson
F.Villagra
G.Galli/F.Duval/B.Clark (for some few rounds)

4. PH-Sport Citroën
S.Ogiler
C.Rautenbach
U.Aava

5. VM Motorsport
Van Merjkstein Jr.
Van Merjkstein Sn.

[pucky54]

I expect Adapta as M1 Team to solve the third Manufacturer problem

[Buzz Lightyear]

I only expect a maximun of 5 teams. I expect the Adapta team will not run as an M2 team but just with one car.

1. Citroen
Sebastien Loeb / Daniel Sordo

2. Abu Dhabi Ford
Mikko Hirvonen / JM Latvala / Al Quassimi

3. Stobart Munchi's Ford (I expect them to merge)
M Willson
F.Villagra
G.Galli/F.Duval/B.Clark (for some few rounds)

4. PH-Sport Citroën
S.Ogiler
C.Rautenbach
U.Aava

5. VM Motorsport
Van Merjkstein Jr.
Van Merjkstein Sn.


VM will not be there. Nor Duval or Clark, or Aava.

[MikeD]

VM will not be there. Nor Duval or Clark, or Aava.

I knew I was to optimistic :) There was just one dutch guy at the forum yesterday confirming that VM Motorsport would be there. But I guess that Structo (Duval) and/or VM are hard hit by the financial crisis (because aren't they producing steel and cement?) and since the construction is almost non existing atm in Europe, then there is no need for them to use sponsorships as advertising.

So maybe 4 M1/M2 teams is the most realistic. Why isn't Aava on the grid for '09? I knew he did not have a budget for the whole season, but I did expect him for some WRC rounds.

[Roy]

VM will not be there. Nor Duval or Clark, or Aava.


I knew I was to optimistic :) There was just one dutch guy at the forum yesterday confirming that VM Motorsport would be there. But I guess that Structo (Duval) and/or VM are hard hit by the financial crisis (because aren't they producing steel and cement?) and since the construction is almost non existing atm in Europe, then there is no need for them to use sponsorships as advertising.

So maybe 4 M1/M2 teams is the most realistic. Why isn't Aava on the grid for '09? I knew he did not have a budget for the whole season, but I did expect him for some WRC rounds.

About Van Merksteijn. Plan is/was to do 8 rounds, as MT is unknown.
Start in Ireland and Norway.

What new plans are is not known.

[Tomi]

better to wait and see, its possible that manufacturers might give privateers cars on better conditions after all this mess.

[alleskids]

Why is everybody writing off Van Merksteijn Racing? Because they do not seek publicity, make fancy plans, have big star names in the team ? VM will be present on 8 WRC rounds. Maybe Peter senior will skip some rounds when he does Le Mans series again, but then an other driver will get a change.

[RS]

Why is everybody writing off Van Merksteijn Racing? Because they do not seek publicity, make fancy plans, have big star names in the team ? VM will be present on 8 WRC rounds. Maybe Peter senior will skip some rounds when he does Le Mans series again, but then an other driver will get a change.

Are they actually any good or will they just be another Munchis though? Genuine question, don't know much about them.

[alleskids]

They are both 15-20th place material this year. They were learning, and made some mistakes. They should beat Al Qassima and Rautenbach when they collect more experience.
:) same 5 year plan of Wilson, but then realistic: to be top 10 and maybe regular points.

[Doon]

They are both 15-20th place material this year. They were learning, and made some mistakes. They should beat Al Qassima and Rautenbach when they collect more experience.
:) same 5 year plan of Wilson, but then realistic: to be top 10 and maybe regular points.

So they'll have about 10-15 PWRC cars in from of them in 2009 ;)

[Roy]

Munchi's will be back!


http://translate.google.be/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.therallysite.com%2Fjo omla%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dv iew%26id%3D5316%26Itemid%3D1&sl=nl&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

[ugriotti]

Anyone knows about PWRC and JWRC confirmed entries for 2009?

[urabus-denoS2000]

Munchi's will be back!


http://translate.google.be/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.therallysite.com%2Fjo omla%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26task%3Dv iew%26id%3D5316%26Itemid%3D1&sl=nl&tl=en&hl=en&ie=UTF-8

Is that a sarcastical ! or are you really happy? ;)

[Roy]

I am happy after all 'leaving news' Not more, not less.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Is that a sarcastical ! or are you really happy? ;)

I am really happy...

[MikeD]

Guy Wilks actually has secured a budget for 8 events in 2009 but expected to use them for a third SWRT Impreza.

I guess there will be a lot of fighting from the other teams to lure him into one of their cars. A budget for 8 events is enough for one car in an M2 team, so where will he end up? Stobart?, PH-Sport?, Adapta? or a Prodrive Impreza?

My guess would be Stobart or Adapta if they can give him some testing time.

Your guesses?

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/172795-0/subaru_withdrawal_leaves_wilks_waiting.html

[Tomi]

Guy Wilks actually has secured a budget for 8 events in 2009 but expected to use them for a third SWRT Impreza.

I guess there will be a lot of fighting from the other teams to lure him into one of their cars. A budget for 8 events is enough for one car in an M2 team, so where will he end up? Stobart?, PH-Sport?, Adapta? or a Prodrive Impreza?

My guess would be Stobart or Adapta if they can give him some testing time.

Your guesses?

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/172795-0/subaru_withdrawal_leaves_wilks_waiting.html

m2 team or not, it does not matter really, i seems to become a privateers year, many drivers has problem to get a budget, best for him would be to wait and see from where he can get the best car possible, Citroen or Ford, would be good. Subaru i think he should forget, because from there is no future prospect anymore, and its crap car else too.
If he only have money for 8 events, he should drive 6 and use the rest of the money for a good testprogram.

[Buzz Lightyear]

m2 team or not, it does not matter really, i seems to become a privateers year, many drivers has problem to get a budget, best for him would be to wait and see from where he can get the best car possible, Citroen or Ford, would be good. Subaru i think he should forget, because from there is no future prospect anymore, and its crap car else too.
If he only have money for 8 events, he should drive 6 and use the rest of the money for a good testprogram.

or a full program, with testing, in IRC

[Tomi]

or a full program, with testing, in IRC

I understood the sponsor money was for WRC, or is it his own money?

[Buzz Lightyear]

I understood the sponsor money was for WRC, or is it his own money?

Im not aware of the details of the club, but im told its for a % in his earnings. Weather its tied to WRC, or Subaru i dunno. If it is, it could get messy. The problem is can he rely on all the supporters, to switch their allegiance to another championship. Eitherway, as an investor, would you rather chase IRC or WRC for a paid drive, to get some money back?

[Tomi]

Im not aware of the details of the club, but im told its for a % in his earnings. Weather its tied to WRC, or Subaru i dunno. If it is, it could get messy. The problem is can he rely on all the supporters, to switch their allegiance to another championship. Eitherway, as an investor, would you rather chase IRC or WRC for a paid drive, to get some money back?

wrc offcourse, there is the main competitors in the future anyway.

[Ghostwalker]

PG andersson is apparently negotiating with Malaysian Proton team for a driver in one of their s2000 cars in next IRC seasons premiere in MC according to swedish television.

[A.F.F.]

PG andersson is apparently negotiating with Malaysian Proton team for a driver in one of their s2000 cars in next IRC seasons premiere in MC according to swedish television.

Cool :up:

[miksu]

PG andersson is apparently negotiating with Malaysian Proton team for a driver in one of their s2000 cars in next IRC seasons premiere in MC according to swedish television.

there's the rallybuzz story about it
http://www.rallybuzz.com/andersson-proton-monte-carlo/

[RS]

wrc offcourse, there is the main competitors in the future anyway.

In the future, maybe. For 2009 it looks like there will be more paid drivers in IRC than WRC.

Proton might be a good move for PGA. If there is a chance they will become a works team in the future it might be wise to get a foot in the door. If he goes well on Monte he will do his name some good, if it doesn't go so well I don't think it would reflect that badly on him.

[bluuford]

I think you are close, but Mikkelsen says he want to do the full championship next year, I guess Ford can do a Stobart/Munchi's mix.

But he could also go to Citroen PH sport who has said they are looking for someone who can do the full championship, he also praise the car after the test.

Adapta WRT is talking to 6 drivers, I am hoping for Anders Grøndal :up:

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=2608&desc=Q&A%20with%20Morten%20Ostberg

It is interesting to read what we wrote one year ago :-) Read the thread from the beginning when you have nothing to do before the next rally .-)