M-Sport Fiesta S2000

[Sulland]

I find it strange that French Pipo Moteurs is developing the Fiesta s2000 engines, and also the engines to the Focus is done by Pipo, in addition to 206, 307 and the Focus WRC.
http://www.pipo-moteurs.com/pipo-moteurs/fr/services/default.html

Is UK loosing their grip as the motorsport leading country ?


When are they starting to test the Fiesta, and will someone be there to film it so we can see ?

[Mirek]

Pipo made also one of the best naturaly aspirated rally engine for 306 Maxi ;)

[Barreis]

:)

[Francis44]

There engines are good from what we can see!!!!

[HaCo]

Is UK loosing their grip as the motorsport leading country ?

For a long time I guess, how many times have they been beaten by the french cars? Also look at Subaru Prodrive!

[OldF]

]Pipo made also one of the best naturaly aspirated rally engine for 306 Maxi ;)

The evo 2 must have had an almost F1 sound with 11000 rpm and 308 hp. :up: http://www.rallye-info.com/carmodels.asp?type=5

Not a very big company, only 19 people at the moment and 25 when they started to develop the 206 WRC engine.

[ste898]

Any pics of The Fiesta yet.........someone must have some?

[Tom206wrc]

Rumour of the week: Mikko Hirvonen in the Fiesta S2000 for last IRC09 event: Rally Scotland :confused: :confused:

[Priorat]

]Pipo made also one of the best naturaly aspirated rally engine for 306 Maxi ;)

So, they are also musicians then

[sal]

Hirvonen will debut the Fusty when he runs as course car on the Scottish.

[noel157]

Hirvonen will debut the Fusty when he runs as course car on the Scottish.

Don't suppose any times will be made public but good news to see it's debut.

[Tom206wrc]

Oh nooo it'll be as "00 car" ???? :(

[sal]

Oh nooo it'll be as "00 car" ???? :(

Same as when Panizzi ran with the 207 on the Condroz a few years back.

[Mirek]

It was Bouffier in Condroz 2006 ;) Panizzi ran another rally as zero with 207 that year, maybe Antibes or Sanremo?

[Tom206wrc]

It was Antibes for Panizzi ;)

I hate when I can't see the times of the drivers on public live results service page :(

[sal]

It was Antibes for Panizzi ;)

I hate when I can't see the times of the drivers on public live results service page :(


Thanks for correcting me!

You may hate it but I guess M Sport would rather it was kept out of the public domain as much as possible!

[Mirek]

Yes, that's understandable but You know there is always some way to get their times :)

[Buzz Lightyear]

MSport seemed to have developed the car very quickly.. no? I hope they dont underestimate what it will take to beat Skoda and Peugeot. I doubt it, but it seems to be rushed to get out for the 2010 season. If its sucessfull then it has to be an endorsment of the formula, that a competitive car can be produced very quickly.

[Mirek]

You know when the developpment actualy started?

[ste898]

I cant believe there is no pics yet?

[PLuto]

Me too. Official presentation should be next week.

[Sulland]

A Swedish site writes that in addition to Hirvonen in the Scottish in 2009, they are planning to come with 4 cars in Monte, with Hirvonen, Latvala, Grønholm and Marko Martin !!!

A private team also have plans to run Fiesta S2000 in the new S2000 WC in 2010. Who can that be ?

[Mirek]

That four cars in Monte are nice dream but only dream. Let's get back to Earth ;)

[Gordini]

Why, I like being on a pink cload !

Would settle for 2 out of 4!

[cali]

]That four cars in Monte are nice dream but only dream. Let's get back to Earth ;)
:p : hilarious, but i would like to have this dream. It anyway sounds nice, even for a dream :p :

[ste898]

Is this car invisible? it must be as nobody can get pcs very strange......

[Mirek]

Ford has large private testing areas in Belgium which are inaccessible for public. They used to test prototypes of stock cars there as well.

[wwbroe]

]Ford has large private testing areas in Belgium which are inaccessible for public. They used to test prototypes of stock cars there as well.

You are right Mirek, they are situated in Lommel. But it is strange however that not one single pictures has come out yet. :D

[ste898]

You are right Mirek, they are situated in Lommel. But it is strange however that not one single pictures has come out yet. :D

They are testing the car in England this week , nothing to do with Begium

[Mirek]

They have already tested it in Belgium for a long time...

[c4]

First photos:

http://www.rallybuzz.com/m-sport-ford-fiesta-s2000-test/

[Francis44]

First photos:

http://www.rallybuzz.com/m-sport-ford-fiesta-s2000-test/

OMG WOoT!!!!

Oh wait no ailleron??!!

[wwbroe]

This livery of the brand new Fiesta is realy uggly if you ask me. Hope is performs better than his livery looks like. :D

[Mirek]

It's common to use this type of livery for testing prototypes of road cars, Walter. The white-black contrast destroyes shape. It's been known in military for almost a century ;)

And that's also why I don't believe this was first test. There is no need to use such camouflage just for public testing.

[Francis44]

Why is the car missing rear spoiler????

[sal]

Think they will be more interested in geting some miles on the car rather than worrying about the full aero package at this stage...

[Sulland]

It is also easier to gain data on the aero package if you introduce it step by step, as it reads all they do now is to see if the tech part of the car works.

[noel157]

]It's common to use this type of livery for testing prototypes of road cars, Walter. The white-black contrast destroyes shape. It's been known in military for almost a century ;)

And that's also why I don't believe this was first test. There is no need to use such camouflage just for public testing.

As you say Mirek, not the first test. A leak here and a leak there just to get the PR machine rolling and build up interest as teams consider what to use/buy for next season.

[ste898]

That is one pig ugly car......

[urabus-denoS2000]

I think it looks great ;)

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Nice Car...

but would have preferred a focus s2000 why not?

[Mirek]

It's big and heavy (I mean stock car, not WRC)...

[Rallyper]

Does anyone know exactly where the testing is about to go in europe? Any testing on snow in sweden later on? :confused:

[Sulland]

]They have already tested it in Belgium for a long time...

Ford or MSport have something in Belgium, but not sure where in Belgium, but read that it is a closed facility.

[Mirek]

It's already mentioned on previous page ;)

http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showpost.php?p=694359&postcount=28

[Sulland]

Info on Lommel here: https://www.fordlpg.eu/en/indexjs.htm?page=main_faq_btb.htm

[alterdaxter]

Info on Lommel here: https://www.fordlpg.eu/en/indexjs.htm?page=main_faq_btb.htm

In 2007 I've been there for a week to perform some tests and I can say that different types of automotive companies frequently use the proving ground. Even an F1 was there on the VD platform.

It's not unusual to see new cars over there in camouflage-livery and with strange bumpers to cover the real layout.

Next to the proving ground you have Flanders' DRIVE (http://www.flandersdrive.be/), an automotive support company financed by different automotive companies located in the flanders part of Belgium.


korneel

[jonas_mcrae]

First photos:

http://www.rallybuzz.com/m-sport-ford-fiesta-s2000-test/

wrong test driver... get Kresta please

[WRC1]

wrong test driver... get Kresta please

AGREE!! Kresta or somebody else with a driving licens is for sure better than the "SON"

[bluuford]

AGREE!! Kresta or somebody else with a driving licens is for sure better than the "SON"
Well the first tests are just system check and it is not useful to use someone with skill ;-)

[Mirek]

Having driving skills doesn't automaticly mean understanding the car. There are fast drivers who doesn't even make their own setups and there are also slower drivers who make setups for them. I don't know how good Mathew is, maybe he realy is. Who of us realy knows?

[Psycho!]

Matthew had also done the first test with the new Focus,so I don't see a problem...Nevertheless,Markko Martin and the two official drivers will be involved(and possibly Marcus) in the evolution process,so let Matthew take a little bit of advertisement...!!!

[sal]

wrong test driver... get Kresta please

Why not? Kresta was so succesful with the Fiesta S1600 after all!

Several teams such as Prodrive employ national level drivers in the UK to shakedown their cars and run the data logging tests. I appreciate that Matthew is the target for a lot of venom from forum members who think that their National hero should be in his seat but face it he's an employee of the company that his dad runs and has current WRC car experience so get over yourselves!

[Pinto]

yu'd get sick of this anti matt vibe hes there and thats it so would every body get over themselves you get sick of the moaning

[Mirek]

Why not? Kresta was so succesful with the Fiesta S1600 after all!

There was no real development on Fiesta in 2006 and even no interest in it from M-Sport. He said he was frustrated by useless cruising with slow and unreliable car over national rallys...

[Mise]

wrong test driver... get Kresta please


from the article
Matthew Wilson was at the wheel for the first shakedown and he will be among a number of drivers who will be tasked with testing the vehicle during the condensed development programme scheduled for the rest of 2009.

a number of drivers beeing the key words

[Sulland]

Who is the best development driver in the world ?

[cali]

Who is the best development driver in the world ?

Being estonian, i can think of one guy - Markko Märtin. But honestly, i do not know :D

[urabus-denoS2000]

Honestly...Roman Kresta


This man knows more about cars more than any top driver,he makes set ups for Ford WRT,he developed the current Focus,...

He has huge mechanical knowledge

[Cloverleaf]

Who is the best development driver in the world ?
Used to be Didier Auriol and Carlos Sainz. But now?

[Barreis]

Seb.Loeb..

[Juha_Koo]

Kresta wrecked one Focus in shakedown, I wonder what he could do in tests with the Fiesta... :D

Just kidding. ;)

[cali]

Kresta wrecked one Focus in shakedown, I wonder what he could do in tests with the Fiesta... :D

Just kidding. ;)

Name one top rally driver who has not wrecked a car :D

[Francis44]

Pics of Gravel test....

http://rallyehq.com/photos/M-Sport-Fiesta-s2000/M-Sport%20Ford%20Fiesta%20S2000%201.jpg
http://rallyehq.com/photos/M-Sport-Fiesta-s2000/M-Sport%20Ford%20Fiesta%20S2000%202.jpg
http://rallyehq.com/photos/M-Sport-Fiesta-s2000/M-Sport%20Ford%20Fiesta%20S2000%203.jpg

and article http://www.rallybuzz.com/ford-fiesta-s2000-test-pics/ .

[Juha_Koo]

Awesome, they still seem to use Focus gravel rims. The best looking gravel rims ever. :) Hopefully it would be the same in the final car.

[HaCo]

There is a wing on the car... :)

[Barreis]

Video?

[Mirek]

Those are official photos from private testing area. I don't expect any video...

[Gordini]

There is a lot of inspiration to be taken from this one i guess:

http://www.autofiends.com/wp-content/gallery/2010-ford-fiesta-rally-car/800_x1204200912419.jpg

[Sulland]

Anyone: Did Mikkelsen meet with M-Sport last week ?

[pettersolberg29]

Yes

[Sulland]

Did he drive the thing, and do you happen to know if they will meet again ?

[pettersolberg29]

I don't thin he drove the Fiesta. Mr Wilson is very interested in his development so I assume they will meet again soon, yes.

[witto6]

Conrad rautnbach drove it early last week.

[Micke_VOC]

Conrad rautnbach drove it early last week.

Crash test ?? (=

[ARF]

The tests in Spain should begin this week.

[Psycho!]

Crash test ?? (=
Very nice!!! :)

[Gordini]

The tests in Spain should begin this week.

Spain, was it not Belgium?

[Sulland]

Must say I enjoyed the Fabia development much more. They did things in the open and the rally-cracy Czechs took pictures and movies the whole time.

Why all the secrecy ?

[J.Lindstroem]

Must say I enjoyed the Fabia development much more. They did things in the open and the rally-cracy Czechs took pictures and movies the whole time.

Why all the secrecy ?

Skoda was also in bigger need of publicity in rallying media before the big entrence of the Fabia S2000... Ford already has it so for them it does'nt matter right now i think.

Also Ford.. hasn'nt they been like this always? i was remember in australia 2005 when they was hiding everything in some sort of tent... quite silly behaviour i think...

[TheFlyingTuga]

Asphalt test! What a beautifull f*****g car!


http://img8.hostingpics.net/pics/518659essai_fiesta_S2000_corbieres_161.jpg
http://img8.hostingpics.net/pics/448088essai_fiesta_S2000_corbieres_185.jpg
http://img8.hostingpics.net/pics/12200essai_fiesta_S2000_corbieres_033.jpga.jpg
http://img8.hostingpics.net/pics/391223essai_fiesta_S2000_corbieres_006.jpg
http://img8.hostingpics.net/pics/546674essai_fiesta_S2000_corbieres_083.jpg

[noel157]

Car looks very well. Apparently Wilson has done most of the testing, is that him in the photographs or somebody else?

[AndyRAC]

I like very much!! I wonder what it sounds like.

[Mirek]

It looks realy great!

[Sulland]

If it goes as fast as it looks, Fabia and 207 will be in for a challenge !

[Allyc85]

That looks amazing, I love the huuuge arches!

[HaCo]

Yeah, BIG FAT car... :)

And we're about to see in the Scotish! :D

[urabus-denoS2000]

Really sexy little car!

Cant wait to see it live!

[RS]

Well it's much more exciting to look at than the Focus, hopefully it will sound nicer and look a bit more agile on the stages too!

[Barreis]

No space from hand to the door.. Bigger crash and game over..

[Allyc85]

Thats a fair point. O fcourse its very hard to tell from a few pics but it looks like there is very little room for the car to absorb a hard side impact, even with the strong roll cages they have these days.

[bennizw]

To me it looks like it's Märtin who did the tarmac test.

[Mirek]

No space from hand to the door.. Bigger crash and game over..

The body itself without wheel arcs is 1722 mm wide. 206 WRC had 1673 mm, Xsara 1705 mm etc...

[noel157]

To me it looks like it's Märtin who did the tarmac test.

It certainly looks like him.

[J4MIE]

Am I the only one that doesn't like the look of it then? :s Perhaps it will grow on me.

[Juha_Koo]

Damn. What a beauty! :kiss: Can't wait to see it in some "proper" paint scheme.


]The body itself without wheel arcs is 1722 mm wide. 206 WRC had 1673 mm, Xsara 1705 mm etc...

Good point. Still, these S2000s are one size smaller than modern WRCs and I'm worrying that all the hard work done to improve the side impact protection is now back to square one. Is the "new" 200mm safety margin between the seat and the door-side roll cage possible to build on these cars..? It was one of the best, if not the best, safety feature introduced in the WRC lately. You can't beat the laws of physics but it gave the extra 200mm to play for in case the worst case scenario happens. No, I'm not saying that it would save lives in a 160 kph side impact, but the rule brought some leeway to play with. Nowdays that space has been filled with some kind of energy absorbing foam. Does anyone know what that stuff actually is?

I'm not bashing anything here, I'm just bringing up some points that I believe we all should pay attention to. When going fast, there are always going to be risks and minimizing them is a vital part of the engineering process.

I can remember reading from somewhere that there are going to be rules that state that rollcages have to be made stronger (bigger diameter of the tube). It is now 38mm, the new rule requires a use of 50mm tube. Not sure if the steel class is going to be same. I also remember reading that Loriaux used quite amount of time for this car's rollcage. Would be interesting to see interior pics. Can't tell much from the exterior shots but looks like atleast the vertical tube near the B-pillar is significantly larger than in the Focus.

[DonJippo]

Am I the only one that doesn't like the look of it then? :s Perhaps it will grow on me.

No you are not the only one, don't like it either.

[noel157]

Car hopes to debut on RMC in January. Driver/s? Is it going to be a new team or one of Ford's current drivers?

[Mirek]

Damn. What a beauty! :kiss: Can't wait to see it in some "proper" paint scheme.



Good point. Still, these S2000s are one size smaller than modern WRCs and I'm worrying that all the hard work done to improve the side impact protection is now back to square one. Is the "new" 200mm safety margin between the seat and the door-side roll cage possible to build on these cars..? It was one of the best, if not the best, safety feature introduced in the WRC lately. You can't beat the laws of physics but it gave the extra 200mm to play for in case the worst case scenario happens. No, I'm not saying that it would save lives in a 160 kph side impact, but the rule brought some leeway to play with. Nowdays that space has been filled with some kind of energy absorbing foam. Does anyone know what that stuff actually is?

I'm not bashing anything here, I'm just bringing up some points that I believe we all should pay attention to. When going fast, there are always going to be risks and minimizing them is a vital part of the engineering process.

I can remember reading from somewhere that there are going to be rules that state that rollcages have to be made stronger (bigger diameter of the tube). It is now 38mm, the new rule requires a use of 50mm tube. Not sure if the steel class is going to be same. I also remember reading that Loriaux used quite amount of time for this car's rollcage. Would be interesting to see interior pics. Can't tell much from the exterior shots but looks like atleast the vertical tube near the B-pillar is significantly larger than in the Focus.

Maybe it's still possible to have those 200 mm. When I look at SX-4 dimmensions, it has 1730 mm body width which is not that much (of course Focus and C4 are wider) and it was homologated under these new rulles, wasn't it? I'm not sure when they were applied... But yes, generaly S2000 are smaller.

At least I can see in appendix J that for newly homologated S2000 cars those polymer energy absorbing foams in door panels are also mandatory and that they will also use polycarbonate side windows like WRC.

Regarding tubes, there is no given diameter, there are more possible combinations of minimum diameter/thickness. I always wondered how small diameter is used in some Prodrive WRC's compared to others...

[Barreis]

Damn. What a beauty! :kiss: Can't wait to see it in some "proper" paint scheme.



Good point. Still, these S2000s are one size smaller than modern WRCs and I'm worrying that all the hard work done to improve the side impact protection is now back to square one. Is the "new" 200mm safety margin between the seat and the door-side roll cage possible to build on these cars..? It was one of the best, if not the best, safety feature introduced in the WRC lately. You can't beat the laws of physics but it gave the extra 200mm to play for in case the worst case scenario happens. No, I'm not saying that it would save lives in a 160 kph side impact, but the rule brought some leeway to play with. Nowdays that space has been filled with some kind of energy absorbing foam. Does anyone know what that stuff actually is?

I'm not bashing anything here, I'm just bringing up some points that I believe we all should pay attention to. When going fast, there are always going to be risks and minimizing them is a vital part of the engineering process.

I can remember reading from somewhere that there are going to be rules that state that rollcages have to be made stronger (bigger diameter of the tube). It is now 38mm, the new rule requires a use of 50mm tube. Not sure if the steel class is going to be same. I also remember reading that Loriaux used quite amount of time for this car's rollcage. Would be interesting to see interior pics. Can't tell much from the exterior shots but looks like atleast the vertical tube near the B-pillar is significantly larger than in the Focus.

I agree..

[AndyRAC]

Car hopes to debut on RMC in January. Driver/s? Is it going to be a new team or one of Ford's current drivers?

It's not going to be an 'Official' entry is it? A 'Privateer' entry....??

[Mirek]

I also think that it won't be M-Sport entry.

[HaCo]

I hope ford will subscribe for the IRC, not only for the S2000, but also for the 2WD R2 customers.

[Juha_Koo]

]Maybe it's still possible to have those 200 mm. When I look at SX-4 dimmensions, it has 1730 mm body width which is not that much (of course Focus and C4 are wider) and it was homologated under these new rulles, wasn't it? I'm not sure when they were applied... But yes, generaly S2000 are smaller.

At least I can see in appendix J that for newly homologated S2000 cars those polymer energy absorbing foams in door panels are also mandatory and that they will also use polycarbonate side windows like WRC.

Regarding tubes, there is no given diameter, there are more possible combinations of minimum diameter/thickness. I always wondered how small diameter is used in some Prodrive WRC's compared to others...

I totally forgot SX4... Yeah, I always wondered how were they able to do that 200mm space. Although I'm not 100% sure did they really have that space, but remembering the thickness of the foam panels, I believe they did. Good to hear that the development goes on to S2000s.

Your thoughts about Prodrive WRC's rollcages are totally correct... No wonder they suffered few rollcage failures during their years and desings were changed. What really surprised me was the door "X" rollcage on the S14 WRC. For some reason, they changed it to "old fashioned" model, the one where the X is made by welding three tubes to create the X-shape and after that add a steel plate structure to the place where tubes connect. They, along other manufacturers, had used the "new" desing, two V-shaped bars connected by a spacer and whole set welded together for many years...

[JAM]

The question of the Fiesta dimensions has to do with the car makers strategy to rallying. They are decreasing the segment wich introduces in rallying. From the high segment of the 80's and 90's (Audi, Mitsubishi Gallent, Ford Sierra, etc ) they started to downgrade to the medium segment (Lancer, Impreza, Cordoba) of the 90's. Now it seems that the future of rallying is only for the low segment with small cars.

It's obvious that WRC and rallying in general is condened to be the low level of motoring.

[Barreis]

http://www.rallybuzz.com/m-sport-fiesta-s2000-video/

[sal]

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

Supposed to be "spy footage" but by M Sport to promote the car!

[Roy]

Nice marketing video.
Good sound!

[RS]

Good sound!

Bah! It's no Fabia.

[dimviii]

The question of the Fiesta dimensions has to do with the car makers strategy to rallying. They are decreasing the segment wich introduces in rallying. From the high segment of the 80's and 90's (Audi, Mitsubishi Gallent, Ford Sierra, etc ) they started to downgrade to the medium segment (Lancer, Impreza, Cordoba) of the 90's. Now it seems that the future of rallying is only for the low segment with small cars.

It's obvious that WRC and rallying in general is condened to be the low level of motoring.

Don t think so JAM.
All the car segments year by year they are heavier-bigger.
Sierra is no bigger-heavier than a today vw golf for example,while they are different segments.
Same segment with galant-sierra is a today passat,which i don t think that is an ideal chassis for making even a wrc.
when you have to build a wrc or s2000 car with a weight @ 1250 kg you can t start with a car that weight 1600 kg.

[Roy]

coming soon:

http://www.fiestas2000.com

[RS]

In Autosport this week they report that M-Sport will indeed send a car to Monte Carlo but they haven't decided who the driver will be yet, Malcolm said "It could be Mikko, Matthew or Markko"

[Buzz Lightyear]

In Autosport this week they report that M-Sport will indeed send a car to Monte Carlo but they haven't decided who the driver will be yet, Malcolm said "It could be Mikko, Matthew or Markko"

or all 3?

[RS]

or all 3?

Wishful thinking :)

No, they have said just one. I hope Mikko.

[noel157]

Motorsport News are reporting that Craig Breen's team have ordered a car for BRC and other events.

It'll be interesting who and how many Fiesta S2Ks turn up for RMC in January.
Pity we won't see times from Scotland next week.

[Sulland]

I guess someone will come up with a analog system to take some times, if the car does not have transponder.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I guess someone will come up with a analog system to take some times, if the car does not have transponder.

Yes, it will be interesting to see how much slower Wilson is than Wilks/Meeke

[Helstar]

We already know that. A LOT.

[Pinto]

look we all no MW is not the quickest but the whole idea of running 00 was to be able to compare times to the 207 and the fabia but to do it under the radar.

[HaCo]

Ford has no plans in IRC next year:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80180

But M-Sport maybe has, cause apparantly there is a difference!

[noel157]

Ford has no plans in IRC next year:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80180

But M-Sport maybe has, cause apparantly there is a difference!

"IRC general manager Marcello Lotti has confirmed he is in negotiation with a private team which will be running a brace of Fiesta S2000s in IRC next season."

Hmmm....

[PLuto]

Ford will be in IRC next year...

[Barreis]

Good market for S2000 fiestas..

[Sulland]

Has to be a hard decision to buy a 250 000+ car without any comparison to the competition. A lot of people will follow Wilsom Jr closely in Scotland I guess......

[noel157]

[quote="Sulland"]Has to be a hard decision to buy a 250 000+ car without any comparison to the competition. A lot of people will follow Wilsom Jr closely in Scotland I guess......[/QUOTE

The whole field since he is doing safety car :)

[J.Lindstroem]

When is the official release for the car?

[Mirek]

Watch here ;)
http://www.fiestas2000.com/

[Rally Power]

Ford has no plans in IRC next year:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80180

But M-Sport maybe has, cause apparantly there is a difference!

Another Kronos/Peugeot scheme. If they win it'll be a Ford win, if they loose it'll be a Msport (or new satelite team) defeat...

Doesn't matter, hopefully more great cars and good drivers into IRC!

[Buzz Lightyear]

Another Kronos/Peugeot scheme. If they win it'll be a Ford win, if they loose it'll be a Msport (or new satelite team) defeat...

Doesn't matter, hopefully more great cars and good drivers into IRC!

They will need to put a decent driver in a car to beat Kopecky, Hanninen, Meeke. It will not be considered a decent car until it can beat these bunch.

Do I feel a drivers market developing?!

[wwbroe]

They will need to put a decent driver in a car to beat Kopecky, Hanninen, Meeke. It will not be considered a decent car until it can beat these bunch.

Do I feel a drivers market developing?!

Maybe we will see return of Markko Martin, who knows. He did a lot of the testing work for the Fiesta. :)

[Barreis]

Where did You find that?

[fdebruyne]

Maybe we will see return of Markko Martin, who knows. He did a lot of the testing work for the Fiesta. :)

Markko Martin has no IRC plans for 2010 incl not The MC

[RS]

Vouilloz could be free next year, and maybe Basso....

[Roy]

http://www.therallysite.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=7060&Itemid=1

[Roy]

Website online:
http://www.fiestas2000.com/media/

[modri dirkac]

Nice, I hope it will be fast too. ;)

[noel157]

Colour scheme disappointing. No great noise too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFsEwVMItpk&feature=player_embedded

[Simmi]

I'm liking the look of the car. I suppose the colour scheme is only temporary until they get it into competitive hands with sponsors. It kind of makes you lose the front of the car a bit. Very nice from the back though.

[Mirek]

I like it a lot. Looking forward to see it live in Monte Carlo :)

[Juha_Koo]

Ddddamn I just love this little sexy machine! :D I can't stop watching that video and those images. Damn, what a beauty. :love:

[Cloverleaf]

The new car's suspension is based on the MacPherson strut system, a simpler system than that currently in use on the Ford Focus RS WRC, but as on the WRC car, the Fiesta uses Reiger shock absorbers. However, new FIA rules which ban ball bearings in the dampers meant that significant research was needed into reducing the friction losses.
http://www.fiestas2000.com/media/index.php/technical-a-parts/technical-information

[ste898]

Colour scheme disappointing. No great noise too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFsEwVMItpk&feature=player_embedded

It looks mint in that livery and the sound of the car is amazing!!!!!

[urabus-denoS2000]

The car is perfect!
Awesome sound,I could say the best from a modern rallycar I have heard in a long time,and the looks are just brutal!

[Sulland]

Chief Designer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0izZG_EJaU&feature=related
Chief Test engineer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5WqZ4sUVOA&feature=related
THE Chief: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwIO6hMS6fM&feature=related

[noel157]

Chief Designer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0izZG_EJaU&feature=related
Chief Test engineer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5WqZ4sUVOA&feature=related
THE Chief: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwIO6hMS6fM&feature=related

You left somebody out.

[Sulland]

Yes did not see them before I searched:
Launch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjq0pNJ7sB0
Motorsport Director: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBqVFeesvyw
M-Sport Boss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IFAbz6I0qk
Tester: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBqVFeesvyw

Was there any more ?

[noel157]

Yes did not see them before I searched:
Launch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjq0pNJ7sB0
Motorsport Director: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBqVFeesvyw
M-Sport Boss: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IFAbz6I0qk
Tester: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBqVFeesvyw

Was there any more ?

No, only joking (the tester video).

[Simmi]

Does anyone know how many of Fiesta's they have used in testing so far?

I've counted two: PX58 AXF and PX59 AHG.

[Roy]

I know there are two (test) cars, Simmi. But I know only the 1st reg. plate.


M-Sport expecting to build 20 cars before March 2010 and a total of 50 cars in the first 12 months.
http://fiestas2000.com/index.php/faqs

[Simmi]

I know there are two (test) cars, Simmi. But I know only the 1st reg. plate.


M-Sport expecting to build 20 cars before March 2010 and a total of 50 cars in the first 12 months.
http://fiestas2000.com/index.php/faqs

Wow they are churning them out at a rate then. Exciting stuff.

I just hope that none of the flood water has got into Dovenby Hall and the M-Sport factory. Cockermouth has been BADLY hit by flooding over the past 24 hours. The streets are being navigated by motorised dinghys at the moment.

[RS]

The Fiesta looks really nice and I'm looking forward to seeing it on Monte. I expect Ford to register, even if they aren't funding a "works" team. Hopefully M-Sport will run a team with two decent drivers, that would be a virtual works team.

The car doesn't quite have the wonderful deep grunty sound of the Fabia to my ears, and I notice the engine has a shorter stroke so I don't expect it to be quite as torquey as the Fabia either.

The Fabia and Fiesta both share excellent Reiger suspension though so the new Ford should be good on the rough stuff :up:

[noel157]

Was talking to a guy who watched the Fiesta in Scotland today. He tells me it was visibly faster than Meeke or Wilk's car, especially on the uphill parts of the stage. Should make things interesting next season.

[Mirek]

If Mathew started 5 minutes before Alister to TV SS3, than he was 31 seconds slower than Alister in that stage. Of course he could have started in different time to make it more difficult to measure it's time (as Skoda did in Barum 08).

[RS]

Was talking to a guy who watched the Fiesta in Scotland today. He tells me it was visibly faster than Meeke or Wilk's car, especially on the uphill parts of the stage. Should make things interesting next season.

I find that quite hard to believe. Prefer to wait for real stage times next year!

[RS]

Here's a new (poor quality) video of the Fiesta:

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

[noel157]

I guess everybody's perception of speed is different and perhaps he only saw the speed of the car on a section that proved little. Hopefully somebody somewhere will have times.

RS, why do you think it would not have the speed (or maybe more of it) than the 207 nor Fabia?

The video gives a better indication of the sound, much better exhaust note can be heard than on the silly Spy Video.

[dimviii]

Here's a new (poor quality) video of the Fiesta:

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

Not so good in sound,but seems very healthy motor.

[Xsara Fan]

Ford guys said that Fiesta was a little slower than Kris Meeke.

[Simmi]

I think people doubting the speed doesn't necessarily come from the car but from the driver.

I mean if the Fiesta was actually faster than the two leaders what would that say about the car! That would be biblical with Matt Wilson behind the wheel. If they really wanted to compare times they would have put someone else in the car.

[dimviii]

Ford guys said that Fiesta was a little slower than Kris Meeke.

Little? :dozey:

[Sulland]

Would Wilson Sr beat Jr in the Fiesta ?
Is he still the better driver ?

[Juha_Koo]

Ford guys said that Fiesta was a little slower than Kris Meeke.

I'd rather say Matthew Wilson was a little slower than Meeke...

[Buzz Lightyear]

]If Mathew started 5 minutes before Alister to TV SS3, than he was 31 seconds slower than Alister in that stage. Of course he could have started in different time to make it more difficult to measure it's time (as Skoda did in Barum 08).

Why the big secret. There are covering up Matt more that the car. It appears from Autosport that there is still some niggle between Meeke and Malcolm Wilson. Its reaching the stage where Wilson would actually like Meeke to drive the Fiesta...

[noel157]

I came across this elsewhere:

Le petit Wilslöw n'a même plus le temps de cueillir ses champignons.

I suppose it's in Wilson's (papa and the boy) interest to put rumours around about the speed of the car.

[noel157]

The boy reckons he would be 3rd this weekend:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80277

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/80276

[RS]

He says "in the mix for third", which means 4th ;)

But given that Matty probably isn't as quick as the first three, and it is the Fiesta's first event I can imagine it would be right up there with the Fabia and 207.

[RS]

Few videos of the Fiesta in action in Scotland:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C69ca96D2ec

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKJA7RvLI6A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRjbre4WwwQ

[Mirek]

Video from Karlozoro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2I5ZBQ8gho

[RS]

]Video from Karlozoro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2I5ZBQ8gho

Very good video and car sounds better than it did in launch videos.

It looks fast, but Matthew is braking early then jabbing the throttle a lot. I am looking forward to seeing a test video with a proper asphalt set up.

[Juha_Koo]

but Matthew is braking early then jabbing the throttle a lot.

You gave the best description about Matthew's driving ever. :)

I consider this onboard as a best example of Matthew's driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZjs051scw

It's like throttle-brake-throttle-brake-throttle-brake and that causes the rear to be super-anxious.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I consider this onboard as a best example of Matthew's driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZjs051scw



OMG

[noel157]

You gave the best description about Matthew's driving ever. :)

I consider this onboard as a best example of Matthew's driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZjs051scw

It's like throttle-brake-throttle-brake-throttle-brake and that causes the rear to be super-anxious.

All too true. I've never really paid much attention to the boy's incar before but he doesn't seem to commit to the notes. Hacking and sawing at the wheel and blipping the throttle until he sees the end of the corner before fully putting the foot down. No way to set decent times.

[noel157]

]Video from Karlozoro: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2I5ZBQ8gho

Superb video Kevin (I know Mirek posted the link). I'm converted, the noise is fantastic.

[RS]

You gave the best description about Matthew's driving ever. :)

I consider this onboard as a best example of Matthew's driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZjs051scw

It's like throttle-brake-throttle-brake-throttle-brake and that causes the rear to be super-anxious.

Thank you :)

I can imagine this has even more disasterous effects in an S2000 car as you really have to keep those engines on the boil for them to work properly.

If they want to promote their car they will have to take a different driver for Monte, especially considering the Monte start list is likely to be a lot stronger than the Scotland one.

[fastboy]

You gave the best description about Matthew's driving ever. :)

I consider this onboard as a best example of Matthew's driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZjs051scw

It's like throttle-brake-throttle-brake-throttle-brake and that causes the rear to be super-anxious.

Don't forget 2008 rally gb conditions were -5 and the stages were very tricky,with ice and snow.The footage is from Rheola where in boards of Loeb show how many near offs he had.

[fdebruyne]

First Fiesta should be sold to Tuohino to use in WRC next year...

[karlzoro]

My video of the Fiesta in action @ Rally of Scotland:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2I5ZBQ8gho

I hope you enjoy,
the other will be online tonight

Greetings,
K

[Macd]

I consider this onboard as a best example of Matthew's driving. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnZjs051scw



Someone should tell him that throttles have more than two positions. There is no commitment either. He seems either very poor at attacking the corners or damnright scared of crashing.

[Juha_Koo]

or damnright scared of crashing.

Good that you brought that up. That makes me ask about his pace back in the BRC days. At the time I didn't follow his performances at all. But I know that Matthew had a big crash there. Was there a sudden drop in his performances after the crash...? Just curious...

[karlzoro]

Very good video and car sounds better than it did in launch videos.

It looks fast, but Matthew is braking early then jabbing the throttle a lot. I am looking forward to seeing a test video with a proper asphalt set up.

thanks for the reaction on my video

[Gordini]

So 3 sold in a couple of weeks, not bad.

If they do well in monte, the number will go up...

I was hoping for a Renault Gordini S2000, but seems they will only do R3. :(

[MJW]

All too true. I've never really paid much attention to the boy's incar before but he doesn't seem to commit to the notes. Hacking and sawing at the wheel and blipping the throttle until he sees the end of the corner before fully putting the foot down. No way to set decent times.
Thats how his dad used to drive as well - the ultimate throtle blipper. When you listened to Ari and Pentti in the Rothmans Escorts you could hear the engine howl for miles before they got to you. With Malcolm it was barp barping along the stage, same in the 6R4 compared to Tony Pond. I blamed it on not recovering from the accident on the Scottish when he broke his ankles, dont think the confidence ever came back, - maybe the same with Matt after Rally Wales and the broke leg. These 2 are British Championship material not World stars, father and son, on the other hand Malcolm has done fantastic things with MSport and the business side of things.

[sal]

http://www.rally-news.fr/gallery/show/7268

None of that foreign muck when the M Sport boys are testing in France HP Sauce it is!

Great looking car!

[RS]

Couple more vids of Hirvonen's tests:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3xHDF3Ly9U

[cali]

Couple more vids of Hirvonen's tests:

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

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3xHDF3Ly9U


Very, very nice! Who said that S2000 cars cannot be spectacular?

[RS]

Very, very nice! Who said that S2000 cars cannot be spectacular?

I would rather watch this than a Focus WRC...

[Simmi]

It is all about the drivers I think. You put a truly great driver in an S2000 pushing maximum attack and you get nice results. I dont think it will be too many rallies before we are used to this new formula in the WRC.

[cali]

I would rather watch this than a Focus WRC...

During the video I came up with the same idea. Even if You can clearly see, that this car is slower than WRC, it still produces more excitement.

Simmi is also right - put a top driver into S2000 and voila! :p

[Helstar]

I totally agree. Imagine also JML, Petter, PJ, Gigi, Atkinson and all the others on these evil little toys, great great... they are constantly improving on performance too so it will be even better as time passes by ...

[Sulland]

Some of us said this a while ago, and to get the 1600T into action in 2013. Would have been better than the current one.

[Simmi]

Yeah the switch could have been made for this year to basic form S2000 and it would have been much more logical. Get all the manu's on board and then go forward and add power. Next year is just really dragging out an extended funeral of the current era.

[Ondra WRC]

Nasser Al-Attiyah in the Fiesta S2000, selected races IRC, S-WRC and MERC

[alleskids]

Great news, S2000 is conquering the MERC. Do you know more details, which rallies?

[Ondra WRC]

yet been determined competition, where he will start ... ;)

[Barreis]

Is it homologated from today?

[alterdaxter]

So no Fiesta's delivered yet?

Did somebody pick up some rumours about homologation issue's or building stress at M-Sport?

[ProRally]

rumors has it 36 ordered !! Can imagine some building stress..... :D :D

[ste898]

Have they got rid of the major starting problem they have with the Fiesta's I heard its a big worry for M-Sport?

As they cant find where the problem is.........

[Sulland]

Starting problem, is that in starting the engine or getting off the startline on the stage ?

[ste898]

Starting problem, is that in starting the engine or getting off the startline on the stage ?


From what I have heard it is starting as they have been needing push stared.....if anyne from m-sport reads this they will be fuming as they dont want ayone to know....

[Mirek]

Every new car have problems which take time to solve. We'll see how they deal with it in their short timetable.

[PLuto]

Ford (M-Sport) is registered in IRC - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9712

[ProRally]

Ford (M-Sport) is registered in IRC - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=9712

Good news, we all knew that it was coming with so many Fiesta's ordered and running in IRC ....

[pettersolberg29]

How many Fiesta's are in IRC though? Only Mikko, Maurin in Monte and only Al-Attiyah and possibly Mikkelsen full-time.

[RS]

Whatever car Mikkelsen runs, he will be strong.

This was a logical decision by Ford to promote their brand and the Fiesta S2000.

[ProRally]

How many Fiesta's are in IRC though? Only Mikko, Maurin in Monte and only Al-Attiyah and possibly Mikkelsen full-time.

Don't think Nasser will do lot of IRC, he registered for S-WRC.....

[PLuto]

You will see...

[ProRally]

You will see...

To do Full time S-WRC+MERC+IRC is not possible....

Monte Carlo is same weekend as MERC Qatar and I believe there are more conflicts.

Already now he has to hurry home from Dakar to start recce for Qatar

[milly]

They've also had 3 engine failures in testing as well.

[ProRally]

They've also had 3 engine failures in testing as well.

True.... but Pipo will sort it out (lets hope so)....

[milly]

Agree - I think it will be a very good car with the knowledge M-Sport has of the WRC Focus.

[ProRally]

Agree - I think it will be a very good car with the knowledge M-Sport has of the WRC Focus.

True, i am not big fan of Christian, but he did make a good car at Subaru and then the Focus, so i believe he will he made a good Fiesta.

We will know in 1 month :D :D :D

[pucky54]

True, i am not big fan of Christian, but he did make a good car at Subaru and then the Focus, so i believe he will he made a good Fiesta.

We will know in 1 month :D :D :D

I would say two weeks

[milly]

One question - how does M-Sport register as a Manufacturer with IRC?

The car is a Ford, it is homologated as a Ford by Ford. There isn't an M-Sport road car base version....

Is IRC making up rules as it goes along just to get teams involved?

[urabus-denoS2000]

Dont forget that Ralliart is registered not Mitsubishi ;)

[bluuford]

To do Full time S-WRC+MERC+IRC is not possible....

Monte Carlo is same weekend as MERC Qatar and I believe there are more conflicts.

Already now he has to hurry home from Dakar to start recce for Qatar

Yeah, definitely he cannot do Monte, as the Dakar ends so late that he should miss all recce and that is not allowed. But the year is long...

[PLuto]

Nasser didnt planned to go to Monte...

[RICARDO75]

Possible rallys for Nasser in swrc and irc (I belive that he will exclude tarmac rallys):

11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC;
05 MAR. Brazil (gravel) IRC or Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC;
06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
28 JUL. Finland (gravel) SWRC;
05 Aug. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 Aug. Germany (tarmac) SWRC;
09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC or Asturias (tarmac) IRC;
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC

[alleskids]

Al Attiyah starts SWRC in Mexico, so no Sweden (SWRC), and no Brasil (IRC). He will defintly do the Qatar rally (MERC) 21-23 januari. He skips rallying in februari. Now that VW is highly going to WRC, he is free of testing and doing rally raids with the Race Touareg.
The Jordan rally (SWRT) and the Cyprus Rally (IRC) are also counting for the MERC, so those will be on his list this year.

[alleskids]

* 21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC; or Brazil (gravel) IRC
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
28 JUL. Finland (gravel) SWRC;
05 Aug. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 Aug. Germany (tarmac) SWRC;
09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC or Asturias (tarmac) IRC;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

* most likeley to compete in

[RICARDO75]

You'r right. I forgot that he will only start the season swrc/ irc in Mexico.
I hope that he will come to Azores.

[RICARDO75]

* 21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC; or Brazil (gravel) IRC
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
28 JUL. Finland (gravel) SWRC;
05 Aug. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 Aug. Germany (tarmac) SWRC;
09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC or Asturias (tarmac) IRC;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

* most likeley to compete in

Mexico and Kuwait are seperated for only one week. He will Probably miss Kuwait, or he has a second Fiesta in the Meadle East?

[Simmi]

Mexico and Kuwait are seperated for only one week. He will Probably miss Kuwait, or he has a second Fiesta in the Meadle East?

Yep he does. He's not playing around this season.

[alleskids]

21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC - skipping;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
05 MAY Brazil (gravel) IRC - skipping;
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
28 MAY. Portugal (gravel) SWRC
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
28 JUL. Finland (gravel) SWRC;
05 Aug. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 Aug. Germany (tarmac) SWRC;
09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC /
09 SEP. Asturias (tarmac) IRC;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

* most likeley to compete in

EDIT:Portugal 28-30 may was left out of the list

[pucky54]

Barum is missing too

[RICARDO75]

21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC - skipping;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
05 MAY Brazil (gravel) IRC - skipping;
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
28 MAY. Portugal (gravel) SWRC
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
28 JUL. Finland (gravel) SWRC;
05 AUG. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 AUG. Germany (tarmac) SWRC;
27 AUG. Barum (tarmac) IRC;
09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC ;
09 SEP. Asturias (tarmac) IRC;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

Thank you both for the missing rallies

[alleskids]

In IRC the best 7 results count? Everybody going to Brasil and/or Argentina will get a big advance, as their will be a minimum starting grid. So far only Meeke (Peugeot) and Vilagra (Ford) will be present. Hopefully Skoda will be present.

[Mirek]

Kopecky and Hanninen will be there.

[alleskids]

Nasser Al Attiyah and Barwa World rally Team published their SWRC program, so we can fill in more pieces of his 2010 rally year puzzle.

* 21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC - skipping;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
05 MAY Brazil (gravel) IRC - skipping;
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
* 06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
* 28 MAY. Portugal (gravel) SWRC
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
05 AUG. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 AUG. Germany (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
27 AUG. Barum (tarmac) IRC;
* 09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC;
09 SEP. Asturias (tarmac) IRC - skipping;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC - skipping;
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
* 11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

[wwbroe]

Nasser Al Attiyah and Barwa World rally Team published their SWRC program, so we can fill in more pieces of his 2010 rally year puzzle.

* 21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC - skipping;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
05 MAY Brazil (gravel) IRC - skipping;
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
* 06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
* 28 MAY. Portugal (gravel) SWRC
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
05 AUG. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 AUG. Germany (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
27 AUG. Barum (tarmac) IRC;
* 09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC;
09 SEP. Asturias (tarmac) IRC - skipping;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC - skipping;
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
* 11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

The date of Rally Brazil is not correct in my opinion, but looks like he will skipp that one anyway, so it is not so important. :D

[pantealex]

Nasser Al Attiyah and Barwa World rally Team published their SWRC program, so we can fill in more pieces of his 2010 rally year puzzle.

11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC - skipping;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
* 06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
* 28 MAY. Portugal (gravel) SWRC
19 AUG. Germany (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
* 09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
* 11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC

SWRC you have to drive 7 and there is only 6 in this list and Finland (gravel) is missing from calender

[alleskids]

Thanks Pantealex. How could we have missed the best rally :) ?

* 21 JAN. Qatar MERC;
11 FEB. Sweden (snow) SWRC - skipping;
* 05 MAR. Mexico (gravel) SWRC;
05 MAY Brazil (gravel) IRC - skipping;
11 MAR. Kuwait MERC;
19 MAR. Argentina (gravel) IRC;
* 01 APR. Jordan (gravel) SWRC/MERC;
22 APR. Saudi Arabia MERC
* 06 MAY. New Zealand (gravel) SWRC;
* 28 MAY. Portugal (gravel) SWRC
04 JUN. Sardegna (gravel) IRC;
24 JUN. Ypres (tarmac) IRC;
15 JUL. Azores (gravel) IRC;
* 30 JUL. Finland (gravel) SWRC;
05 AUG. Madeira (tarmac) IRC;
19 AUG. Germany (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
27 AUG. Barum (tarmac) IRC;
* 09 SEP. Japan (gravel) SWRC;
09 SEP. Asturias (tarmac) IRC - skipping;
11 SEP. Libanon (tarmac) MERC - skipping;
23 SEP. Sanremo (gravel/ tarmac) IRC;
01 OCT. France (tarmac) SWRC - skipping;
07 OCT. Syria MERC;
14 OCT. Scotland (gravel) IRC;
* 04 NOV. Cyprus (gravel/ tarmac) IRC/MERC;
* 11 NOV. Wales (gravel) SWRC
02 DEC. Dubai MERC

[ste898]

Is this still the M-Sport fiesta thread?????

[pettersolberg29]

Just been temporarily hijacked by Al-Attiyah I believe!

[ProRally]

Any news on the homologation of the Fiesta.... ?

If they want to use it next week it is getting close

[Barreis]

Don't worry.. Mr Wilson won't let money to go away..

[alleskids]

Nasser Al Attiyah and Khalid Al Qassimi wil make the real rally performance debut of the Ford Fiesta S2000 in the upcoming Qatar rally

[wwbroe]

Still no news about homologation? If they want to start in Monte i guess it is high time? :D

[ProRally]

Still no news about homologation? If they want to start in Monte i guess it is high time? :D

Again rumors, but apparently they will start under appeal as there are some 'issues"....
Looking forward to seeing the homologation document.

[wwbroe]

Again rumors, but apparently they will start under appeal as there are some 'issues"....
Looking forward to seeing the homologation document.

Yes, there are rumours that they have an issue with engine and more particular with the valves. I tought they passes before FIA technical commission last wednesday, that is why i was asking. Personally i think it could be problem if Hirvonen makes good result. :D

[ZequeArgentina]

Nasser himself told he will be present at Argentina rally in IRC (March) with his Fiesta.
That was during Dakar, I heard him myself.

[noel157]

Nasser himself told he will be present at Argentina rally in IRC (March) with his Fiesta.
That was during Dakar, I heard him myself.

Excellent news Zeque. Look forward to seeing him. Nasser seems to have discovered some "grunt" after Dakar. Much more aggressive driving style than anything we saw in the PWRC.

[RS]

Excellent news Zeque. Look forward to seeing him. Nasser seems to have discovered some "grunt" after Dakar. Much more aggressive driving style than anything we saw in the PWRC.

I think that anyone will look more agressive driving a nice agile S2000 car than a big ponderous traditional N4.

[alleskids]

The "administrative problem" by questioning the involvement of the Ford Fiesta Super 2000 Rallye Monte-Carlo is resolved, the cars of Mikko Hirvonen and Julien Maurin are allowed to leave.

Christian Loriaux, technical director at M-Sport, admits still have "felt obliged to return to the factory. Today 17.15

[Simmi]

Are there issues with the front bumper on the cars too?

[Sulland]

Do we have anyone here that know, and not just think what the issues with the Fiesta was ?

[Simmi]

Do we have anyone here that know, and not just think what the issues with the Fiesta was ?

Yeah would be great to have some cold hard facts. Team statement etc. Hopefully they can speak to Mikko after this first stage.

[ProRally]

According to Mr Wilson all is well and no problems at all.....

[Roy]

The "administrative problem" by questioning the involvement of the Ford Fiesta Super 2000 Rallye Monte-Carlo is resolved, the cars of Mikko Hirvonen and Julien Maurin are allowed to leave.

Christian Loriaux, technical director at M-Sport, admits still have "felt obliged to return to the factory. Today 17.15

Where do you have the quotes from? Any link?

[alleskids]

http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/irc/breve-26-2-4925/190110-les-fiesta-s2000-au-depart-