Who do you want to win the 2009 drivers title?

[bretddog]

Hope you like this poll... I thought it would be interesting to see.

Who do you want to win the 2009 drivers title?

I'm not asking who you think deserve it most, or who you think is the better driver. Simply, in your gut, who do you want to win (Assuming a straight competitive fight in GB)?

Mikko Hirvonen
Sebastien Loeb

If you feel like, please comment why. And also, who do you want to win rally GB?

:)

(If a moderator could please consider making this a poll?)

[tmx]

I want Petter to win GB and Mikko to win the driver title.

This thread will self destruct in the next 3 posts with trolls flame war.

[Francis44]

I want Sebastien Loeb to win.


I want Petter to win GB and Mikko to win the driver title.

This thread will self destruct in the next 3 posts with trolls flame war.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_m2qKabRzNLg/SooH01jaUoI/AAAAAAAAAIU/h8ay22KIWrQ/s640/FlameShield.jpg

This thread is now protected :) .

[serial jeff]

I want to win. I realize its unlikely, since I don't have a car and I'm on a different continent.

[AlfaWRC]

Miiiiiikkkkkkoooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Juha_Koo]

Mikko will win the championship, JM will win the rally.

1. Latvala
2. Hirvonen
3. P. Solberg

Loeb suffers a minor off on day two while correcting a pacenote. Most cars would have been destroyed but Loeb's miracle luck prevents bad damage and he can continue.

[noel157]

Another great thread, not. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

[Juha_Koo]

Another great thread, not. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....

Yet you find this thread interesting enough to comment. Can you say paradox? ;)

[Francis44]

Yet you find this thread interesting enough to comment. Can you say paradox? ;)

I think he's right. Besides there was a similar thread not that long ago so why make another.

[MartijnS]

Miko obvious. Why not Loeb? Just because he's Loeb ;)

[jens]

Answered for that question already in another thread. :p :

[Helstar]

Oh no this must be the third or fourth...

Win the best anyway.

[MR666]

I want Petter to win GB and Mikko to win the driver title.


This would be a great out come.

[bretddog]

Another great thread, not. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....
Well, I understand some people will feel this is boring. But not everyone has time or desire to live on this forum and read every post in every thread. I think this actually is a required and fun vote, if we could just have it as a proper poll. The main purpose is not to have the discussion, but to see the poll result.

I think you should pay more respect to any poster who makes and honest effort, or has different interests than yourself.

[jimakos]

I believe Mikko will win G.B. and the championship!!
Can't wait for the rally...

[jbmarcus21]

Mikko ! Mikko ! Mikko !

[Ghostwalker]

Seb!!!

[N.O.T]

I want mikko to win the championship because Loeb is very lucky all these years and driving the best car.

I want Loeb to win the championshipp because Mikko never showed that he can beat Loeb fair apart from his back yard

good enough...???

[Sladden]

Im devidied on this one. I want both to win for different reasons. Mikko really start to impress this year. Finland was exellent drive!
But still the best team, car and driver is Citroen+Loeb combo and should win simply because of that fact. It would feel wrong otherwise.

Stage wins:
Seb= 79
Mikko= 44

Twice as many almost....

I hope Seb win the last round in GB.. Not sure he will thou. Mikko have more to prove and is likely hungrier.

[jimakos]

I want mikko to win the championship because Loeb is very lucky all these years and driving the best car.

I want Loeb to win the championshipp because Mikko never showed that he can beat Loeb fair apart from his back yard

good enough...???

It's the first time you say asomething good about Mikko!!!
That's a miracle :)
Although,I'm happy you admit that Loeb runs with the best car...

[Francis44]

It's the first time you say asomething good about Mikko!!!
That's a miracle :)
Although,I'm happy you admit that Loeb runs with the best car...

Yeah but Loeb beated Gronholm with a super old xsara, and the Finn had a new and way more competitive car!!!!

[muscrae]

Sébastien will write the History for the Sixth Time in a Row.

[jimakos]

Sébastien will write the History for the Sixth Time in a Row.

Don't be so sure mate!!
Mikko can make the surprise and take this championship ;)

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen, of course!!! :)

[muscrae]

Don't be so sure mate!!
Mikko can make the surprise and take this championship ;)

Ok, There're always possibilities unless mathematically the chance is gone. But, I was sure even when Loeb was sitting with a broken arm, and winning against the Bosse. He is used to these kind of situations, and I think He's even more hemctocryal in doing his profession than those Finnish guys who have a well-accepted reputation at this field.

[jimakos]

I absolutely understand what you mean and respect it but a little disagree!
Before the end noone knows the result so let's wait for the best rally of the last years... :)

[mdesign]

I hope that Mikko take the championship! He totally deserves it.

[muscrae]

I absolutely understand what you mean and respect it but a little disagree!
Before the end noone knows the result so let's wait for the best rally of the last years... :)

Ok Mate, that's my wish then :)

[euskalteam]

I want Mikko to win, because de maFIA penalysed in Australia to Loeb only with one minute, and to he Ford's in Portugal with 5 mins.

And Citroën ordered to slow to Rautenbach, Novikov, etc... and Loeb got some points, I don't remember in which rallye.

Miko deserves it!!

[Corny]

As a person, Mikko.. But the world champion should be the best driver, which is Loeb.

Doesn't matter to me really :p

[Brother John]

As a person, Mikko.. But the world champion should be the best driver, which is Loeb.

Doesn't matter to me really :p

Why is Loeb the best driver?
Because he has the best car?

Let the driver without technical problems win the championship this year.
I hope that it will be Mikko Hirvonen. ;)

[Josti]

For variety, would be good to see Mikko win it. But I think he deserves it too, based on this year.

[Francis44]

Mikko dosen't deserve it, a driver with 3 wins champion????

No.

[Josti]

Mikko dosen't deserve it, a driver with 3 wins champion????

No.

Well, 4 wins actually (could make it 5 in GB), and there have been several drivers who took a championship with less.

Mikko Hirvonen has been very solid this year, only one retirement which wasn't on him to blame, plus he always finished on a podium position. Loeb on the other hand, did take 6 wins, but he made avoidable mistakes.

[bretddog]

I have a slight difficulty with Mikko myself, but not so much for the points.
1 retirement due to overheating
2 3rds
4 2nds
5 1sts
(if he can make GB)
That's a pretty respectful season, even if you flip the Australia result either way. I believe also Loeb has got a few more "assisted" points this season than Mikko, although I haven't counted. The problem I have with accepting Mikko though is his lack of fighting spirit when he faces resistance. He doesn't seem to enjoy to drive at the very edge, unless he is within very few seconds of the lead. Seems to lack braveness and confidence and gives up too easily. So it's not really the personality I want to see in a champion. But ok, I accept that he is on a progressive curve, and I think most will agree he has not reached his potential yet. And it's not a plan that is failing so far. It's a bit boring to approach it so carefully, but perhaps that's the best way for him. So if he pulls off GB with a full-speed performance, I will have no problem with it. Even though it will be a victory more on Loebs mistakes, than on his own speed. Ok, he may get the gold, but that's how it will be remembered, so no problem for me. Loeb himself was well known to settle for 8 pointers early on, instead of going for a crazy all or nothing approach. So now he get perhaps a taste of his own medicine.

I think also it will be interesting to see how Mikko progress in 2010 if he has the support of the title behind him. So also for sake of next year, I want more competition at the top, and Mikko's win should pull him another notch up.

And Mikko does seem to have the ability to throw his brain out sometimes, if there is a clear goal in his reach. So I really hope he will surprise us this weekend.

[Tomi]

I voted Mikko for champion, he has been competitive on gravel this season, but i dont think Loeb or Mikko will win rally GB, both will drive fast but safe and Latvala is the likely winner, Sordo might do a good rally as well.

[Corny]

Why is Loeb the best driver?
Because he has the best car?

I think it's difficult to prove who has the better car (no not difficult: impossible)

It is my opinion that Loeb is the better driver (specially on tarmac, they are quit equal on gravel IMO). You can have yours ;)

[serial jeff]

Well, 4 wins actually (could make it 5 in GB), and there have been several drivers who took a championship with less.

Mikko Hirvonen has been very solid this year, only one retirement which wasn't on him to blame, plus he always finished on a podium position. Loeb on the other hand, did take 6 wins, but he made avoidable mistakes.

It's not quite fair to compare the number of wins to previous seasons, since there used to be a lot more drivers who could win rallies... in 2003 there were like eight drivers who could have won, and six who did.

Anyway though, I totally agree that Mikko has shown better performance so far this year. As has been mentioned before, Loeb's been given a couple points by team orders and has had a flawless car, whereas Mikko's engine failure in Argentina cost him at least 8 points. Without that, he'd have the championship in the bag already.

Still, rallying is all about 'what if's, so I say whoever wins will fully deserve it.

[Doon]

I just want it to go to the last stage...... with Loeb and Hirvonen on the same second!...

...i'll be watching the big screen in the Walters Arena (Rheola) in anticipation! (for Mikko to take it! ;) )

Who's with me? It will be a special place in the Walters if it goes down to the last stage because its the only place on the stages where we'll know what happens, as it happens!

Can't wait for Thursday evening when I pick my mate up from Wrexham and head to Myherin with food, beer and so much excitment!

[J4MIE]

Personally I would like to see Loeb winning, though agree that both may not necessarily fight for the win as it is too much of a risk, so gives others a chance to go for it and take as many risks as they want in order to win. But whatever happens, I will congratulate the winner and it's a fantastic climax to the season :up:

[gloomyDAY]

73% of the people on this board are going to be disappointed.

[muscrae]

73% of the people on this board are going to be disappointed.

Totally Agree :)

[Xsara-WRC]

73% of the people on this board are going to be disappointed.

No , only 68.75% going to be disappointed . :p :

[JFL]

I don't really care who wins it.. It been a 2-3 people challenge all year.. Maybe next year it will be a 4-6 people challenge.. And 10+ people challenging in 2011??
But it's going to be exiting... No doubt!!

[Brother John]

No , only 68.75% going to be disappointed . :p :

Or 30% will be dissatisfied and dissappointed? :D

[Allyc85]

Mikko Hirvonen for me being a Ford fan, plus the WRC needs a change of champion!

[urabus-denoS2000]

Super Seb of course.... ;)

[gloomyDAY]

I'd like Mikko to win, but that's not going to happen.

Loeb is going to take the title and I'll yawn with boredom.


I don't really care who wins it.. It been a 2-3 people challenge all year.. Maybe next year it will be a 4-6 people challenge.. And 10+ people challenging in 2011??
But it's going to be exiting... No doubt!!What kind of hallucinogenics do you guys have in Norway?

[Helstar]

I think it's difficult to prove who has the better car (no not difficult: impossible)

It's not impossible. Just ask to those who have tried both cars. Until now, everybody (Aava, Galli, Mikkelsen, Solberg...) have said the same thing: the C4 is the better.

[Psycho!]

I WANT DESPERATELY TO SEE No1 ON FOCUS' WINDOW!!!

[Mintexmemory]

Mikko as Champ leader is 1st on the road during Friday, on the 2nd run through Hafren he unaccountably slows at the approach to a hairpin and as Loeb is shaping to pass Mikko veers into his path putting them both out of the running! It worked in F1, why not WRC :D

[gloomyDAY]

Mikko as Champ leader is 1st on the road during Friday, on the 2nd run through Hafren he unaccountably slows at the approach to a hairpin and as Loeb is shaping to pass Mikko veers into his path putting them both out of the running! It worked in F1, why not WRC :D I like your style...hehehe

[A.F.F.]

I'd like Mikko to win, but that's not going to happen.

Loeb is going to take the title and I'll yawn with boredom.



Are you stuck on spanish timezone or something ?? They're rallying on gravel. Surely Mikko have a slightest chance of winning. Even a tiny one. No?

I find it amusing folks here think Mikko doesn't have a chance against Sebastien in a rally they both have won.

[gloomyDAY]

Ok, so 69% of forum-goers stand to be disappointed.
That's down from a high of almost 75%. Good work people!


Are you stuck on spanish timezone or something ?? They're rallying on gravel. Surely Mikko have a slightest chance of winning. Even a tiny one. No?

I find it amusing folks here think Mikko doesn't have a chance against Sebastien in a rally they both have won.I'm trying my best to be pessimistic. In actuality I am just bursting at the seams with excitement. I just don't want Mikko to pull a Duval and careen off the road at the first turn. Just trying to downplay all of the emotion for the time being.

[A.F.F.]

:laugh: ok.

Mikko has already proved to be from another planet than Duval. I wouldn't mind Mikko making off due his pushing too hard at all. My biggest fear is he would take it too easy. This is the time to maximum attack.

But I feel confident Mikko feels confident in a way he felt in Finland. I truly hope we can celebrate a new world champion after this weekend.

I think Pentti said it best when he said; Aja kovaa Mikko !!!! :up:

[macksrallye]

My heart says Mikko, my head says Seb.

A.F.F, your absolutely right about them both having won & this being Mikko's favoured surface. My problem is with all of the pressure that will be on him (Mikko) this weekend will he be able to do the job, we know Loeb can. Look at it this way, does a driver that has the pace & mental strength required to win a championship settle for second on a rally that he should quite easily win (Australia).

[Tom206wrc]

I have voted, and you easily guess for who... ;)

[Tom206wrc]

I want to win. I realize its unlikely, since I don't have a car and I'm on a different continent.


:laugh:

[N.O.T]

whoever wins i just want him to be by drving and not mechanical or other issues.

[cut the b.s.]

whoever wins i just want him to be by drving and not mechanical or other issues.


Congratulations Mr/Ms NOT, after 10,415 posts you have finally made a sensible post, your punctuation and spelling may still be a bit off, but thats okay. I hope you enjoyed the experience and are able to repeat the feat more often in the future.

[Langdale Forest]

I WANT DESPERATELY TO SEE No1 ON FOCUS' WINDOW!!!

So do I!!!!!!!!! :)

[michpetter]

whoever wins i just want him to be by drving and not mechanical or other issues.

Loeb is going to win the title because:
-Mikkos' engine expired in Argentina
-he was gifted points in Poland by Citroen drivers
-he was gifted a win by Sordo in Spain
-there was no team orders in Ford team (Italy)

And remember that C4 is better car than Focus (every driver who have driven both cars admit that).

And hey, Loeb is already a 5 times world champion - it means something. I expect him to win his 6th title in fight on stages - not thanks to questionable 'tactics'.

I still keep fingers crossed for Mikko. However it seems unlikely now... :(

[Xsara-WRC]

Or 30% will be dissatisfied and dissappointed? :D

Interesting......

No hard feelings Brother John , and give my regards to pitstop forum :p

Congrats to Loeb & Elena for winning another championship !

And congrats for Mikko for making 2009 a nice rally year !

Loeb is the best thats all ;)

[Sladden]

Loeb is going to win the title because:
-Mikkos' engine expired in Argentina
-he was gifted points in Poland by Citroen drivers
-he was gifted a win by Sordo in Spain
-there was no team orders in Ford team (Italy)

And remember that C4 is better car than Focus (every driver who have driven both cars admit that).

And hey, Loeb is already a 5 times world champion - it means something. I expect him to win his 6th title in fight on stages - not thanks to questionable 'tactics'.

I still keep fingers crossed for Mikko. However it seems unlikely now... :(

If the champ is to be decided on the stages, the 2009 verdict look like this:

Loeb 88 stage wins
Mikko 51 stage wins.

:D

The champ is usally on top or close. 2006 was different due to Loebs abscence from the last 4 rallies

[michpetter]

If the champ is to be decided on the stages, the 2009 verdict look like this:

I wrote on stages and not by number of stages won.
Was Loeb faster in Poland and Spain than other Citroen drivers on stages?? They were told to let him past.

If you ensure me that they were going flatout on all this stages and doesn't count sss - it could mean something. But drivers preserve tires, back off, meet wild horses...

Lets look at GB stats:
Loeb - 9
Miko - 7
Based on splits it would be 8 to 8 if not the open bonnet.


And if we taking about stage wins - do you know Markku Alen?

[N.O.T]

ah great the crybabies have started.....move along there is nothing to see here.

[A.F.F.]

As much as I would have wanted Mikko to win the title, I agree with N.O.T.
Mikko had his chances but Sebastien won, that's it. Next year please!

[Tomi]

As much as I would have wanted Mikko to win the title, I agree with N.O.T.
Mikko had his chances but Sebastien won, that's it. Next year please!

exactly, no point to whine, every year comes a new chance to beat Loeb or who ever is the current champ.

[Langdale Forest]

Now is not the time to look back in anger at WRC 2009.

Latvala proved that if he stayed on the road what a good driver he can be. :)
Sordo proved that he could have won a rally if it was not for team orders. :)
Loeb achievd his 50th WRC win in Cyprus. :)
Ogier proved that he is a replacement for Loeb by coming 2nd in Greece. :)
Petter Solberg might be winning next year now that his in a better car. :)