Suzuki SX4 WRC in the flesh!

[Simon Speichert]

This weekend Suzuki is showing the SX4 WRC at the Edmonton Motorshow (in Alberta, Canada for all the Europeans). They ran a full-page ad in the local paper with the same promo shot of the car they've been using for months. Hopefully they bring the real car, not just a mock-up!

Suzuki has a strong presence in Canadian rally, with the Sprongl brothers being multiple champions in their Swift+.

I should have pictures to post sometime Saturday afternoon.

[Donney]

Please do it would be nice to see them.

[Exhausted]

Do post away!

[White Sauron]

Great news! Looking forward to seeing the photos!



(in Canada for all the Europeans)

Hm... How come Canada became Europe??

[Simon Speichert]

Hm... How come Canada became Europe??

It's my Canadian humility - I generally assume most people have no clue where Edmonton is.

[raybak]

They had the mock up at the Sydney motor show last year.

Ray

[GigiGalliNo1]

The Sydney show car had card board disc brakes!

[jparker]

Suzuki has a strong presence in Canadian rally, with the Sprongl brothers being multiple champions in their Swift+

Strong presence? I didn't see any presence at all during the first round of CRC, but that's out of scope here I guess.

[Simon Speichert]

Strong presence? I didn't see any presence at all during the first round of CRC, but that's out of scope here I guess.

Maybe I should have said Suzuki has had a strong presence. The Sprongl brothers and the Suzuki team seem to have taken some time off. I don't think there's much 2wd competition for them. I don't blame them, I'd rather watch Antoine L'Estage!

[L5->R5/CR]

Maybe I should have said Suzuki has had a strong presence. The Sprongl brothers and the Suzuki team seem to have taken some time off. I don't think there's much 2wd competition for them. I don't blame them, I'd rather watch Antoine L'Estage!



The deal had shifted from the Swift + to running a SX4 in the appropriate P class. Then it appears as though the deal didn't materialize for 2007, perhaps they are going to wait for 2008 to play oof of WRC hype. Hopefully the Cannuckistany championship will still be L'Estage, Erickson, Iorio, and Comrie-Picard for the whole season. I am surprised though that L'Estage isn't running in the US for a piece of the X-Games hooplah and loot...

[Doug Woods]

I am surprised though that L'Estage isn't running in the US for a piece of the X-Games hooplah and loot...

Perhaps he will get an invitation and will not have to bother with the qualification process.

[L5->R5/CR]

Perhaps he will get an invitation and will not have to bother with the qualification process.


Perhaps...

But there are a lot of drivers that have just as good of a reason to hope for/expect one of those so unless it has been offered already, in which case all the invites should be made public to the rally community. Until that point I'll go back to giving him 4 in 15 odds of getting one and hope that if he has a formal invite it will be made public because there are some people spending a lot of time and money to try to build their case for an invite, which if they are already made, they can save themselves.

I'm not trying to bag on Antoine, but there are drivers putting a lot into it in RA (and isn't RA participation supposed to be an invite factor) and I'd hate to see them doing it in vain/false impressions.

[Doug Woods]

Perhaps...

But there are a lot of drivers that have just as good of a reason to hope for/expect one of those so unless it has been offered already, in which case all the invites should be made public to the rally community. Until that point I'll go back to giving him 4 in 15 odds of getting one and hope that if he has a formal invite it will be made public because there are some people spending a lot of time and money to try to build their case for an invite, which if they are already made, they can save themselves.

I'm not trying to bag on Antoine, but there are drivers putting a lot into it in RA (and isn't RA participation supposed to be an invite factor) and I'd hate to see them doing it in vain/false impressions.

Kevin:

This would be a good discussion to start up on SpecialStage.com. This is the wrong place.

I generally agree with you. But, I have stong opinions that some of last year's invitees do not deserve a repeat invitation as they have shown no support for the sport in the last year.

For example, I think that Antoine deserves an invitation. He is Canadian champion and his priority is to win that championship again. He just cannot compete in the first five RA events in 2007. He is certainly more deserving of an invitation than say Millen or Richard. They got their 2006 invitiations and they were well deserved. But in my mind, they were a one time thing.

Others will disagree.

[m.lowe]

Now that would be nice to see the Sprongl's in a WR car in the Canadian championship

Is Tom McGeer still competing, reason I ask is that I havent seen any footage over here in the UK od the Canadian championship

[Doug Woods]

Is Tom McGeer still competing, reason I ask is that I havent seen any footage over here in the UK od the Canadian championship

Tom is no longer competing. Not to say that he won't drive again.

The last two years, he has put a lot back into the sport by helping prepare the stage notes for all competitors and driving the "0" car on the Tall Pines Rally.

[L5->R5/CR]

Kevin:

This would be a good discussion to start up on SpecialStage.com. This is the wrong place.

I generally agree with you. But, I have stong opinions that some of last year's invitees do not deserve a repeat invitation as they have shown no support for the sport in the last year.

For example, I think that Antoine deserves an invitation. He is Canadian champion and his priority is to win that championship again. He just cannot compete in the first five RA events in 2007. He is certainly more deserving of an invitation than say Millen or Richard. They got their 2006 invitiations and they were well deserved. But in my mind, they were a one time thing.

Others will disagree.



Let's just say generally speaking I agree with just about everything you said (can't make up my mind if a CARS championship or NARC title should be an automatic qualifier for an invitation though).

As for this not being the place for this discussion, you're right, but it is a can of worms that I am not in a position to open on SS.com either so...

[WRCfan]

Im pretty sure they had the real one at the Tokyo Auto Salon as well.
I managed to get up very close and the whole car seemed very authentic. Brakes, suspension, inside cockpit, and looking through the vents in the grill there was definately no standard engine.
Managed to shoot this photo on Saturday (when the car wasnt swamped with people) http://img406.imageshack.us/img406/234/dscf2830nr0.th.jpg (http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2830nr0.jpg) http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/3456/dscf2831bk6.th.jpg (http://img517.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf2831bk6.jpg)

[jonas_mcrae]

seems "real", dont know about the breaks, maybe the pic is not that detailed but thanks for posting, anyway the real car is gonna look almost the same as a replica isnt it?

[klm-607]

I hope their Rally Cars are better than their Road Cars... those are crap! Always break down, no power, cheap garbage carts. A god friend of mine worked as a Tech. for a Suzuki dealer for about 5-6years, & said STAY AWAY from any Car/SUV made by Suzuki. I was a KIA Tech. for about the same amount of time & told him they must be related. In my experience (& his) Suzuki, KIA & Hyundai are ALL throw away vehicles.

[Simon Speichert]

Well I set myself up for disappointment, as the "car" that showed up was the same mockup as in the pictures above. I should have known better - this motorshow was set up by dealers rather than manufacturers, and dealers don't have the influence to bring in anything special.

It's a good thing I didn't think to ask anyone at the Suzuki stand about the Gardemeister rumors, as I think they would have had no clue what I was talking about!

[Koppomsbo]

well i think it have the look but wounder if it has the speed

[JJMundt]

But at least Hyundai is due back any day now with its world-beater WRC car!!

Oh, wait...

Regards,
Joel

[teufel]

But at least Hyundai is due back any day now with its world-beater WRC car!!

Oh, wait...

Regards,
Joel

Joking? ;)

[Daniel]

But at least Hyundai is due back any day now with its world-beater WRC car!!

Oh, wait...

Regards,
Joel
:rotflmao:

It makes me laugh when every year someone comes out and says that one and unlike you they actually believe it :mark:

[milly]

Hyundai has to say it is coming back because it has the threat of multi-million dollar FIA hanging over it from a few years ago, when it pulled out of WRC and broke WRC entry regulations - hence the threat of a fine.

Hyundai said then that it was stopping in order to prepare for a return - however, it put David Whitehead and MSD virutally out of business by stopping so soon.

Hyundai is stringing FIA along until Max Mosley leaves - and hope it is all forgotten....

[WRCfan]

Better to do that then line that old zimmerframe wielding moron's pockets!!!

[White Sauron]

Monster:
Speech excerpt
"In the JWRC, our Swift Super 1600 has an excellent record. It has also won the first round of the Junior Rally Championship in Norway this year.

Now, with the SX4, we are going to step up to the World Rally Championship on a test basis this year. The SX4 WRC rally car is developing nicely.
Last month, we finished testing in Japan. We will begin tests in Europe from April, then enter two World Rally Championships;
the Rallye de France in October, and the Rally GB in November.

From 2008, we will make full entry into the World Rally Championship."


No rally Finland for Suzuki??????

[WRCfan]

Appears not...I think they must be playing on the 1 gravel and 1 tarmac testing round. Do we know who will drive the car on the 2 events this year?
Whats the deal with Toni in their 1st full season???

[teufel]

Hyundai has to say it is coming back because it has the threat of multi-million dollar FIA hanging over it from a few years ago, when it pulled out of WRC and broke WRC entry regulations - hence the threat of a fine.


They missed the last 4 rounds of 2003, so they have to pay 1M dollar. I think developing a car costs much more, so i highly doubt that the fine will be the reason for coming back...
Sorry for being offtopic!

[jparker]

Monster:
Speech excerpt
"In the JWRC, our Swift Super 1600 has an excellent record. It has also won the first round of the Junior Rally Championship in Norway this year.

Now, with the SX4, we are going to step up to the World Rally Championship on a test basis this year. The SX4 WRC rally car is developing nicely.
Last month, we finished testing in Japan. We will begin tests in Europe from April, then enter two World Rally Championships;
the Rallye de France in October, and the Rally GB in November.

From 2008, we will make full entry into the World Rally Championship."


No rally Finland for Suzuki??????

That's strange, changing plans means no plans at all, or at lease something doesn't go as planed. Now I'm starting to believe in the rumors that Suzuki are considering S2000 instead.

[Simon Speichert]

Why would you think they'd switch to S2000 when they have already tested the WRC car?

How many events does Toni have a sure ride in this season? Maybe they want him to debut the car and are willing to wait until he can devote all of his attention to the Suzuki.

[L5->R5/CR]

Why would you think they'd switch to S2000 when they have already tested the WRC car?

How many events does Toni have a sure ride in this season? Maybe they want him to debut the car and are willing to wait until he can devote all of his attention to the Suzuki.



Or maybe the development and testing is going slower and they'd rather not go to Finland (a very fast event where a slight lack in pace will be hugely obvious) and rush a car together and not be where they want to be in terms of pace.

I'd rather see Suzuki cancel Finland and get the car closer for its debut then to rush a car they know isn't going to be fast enough into a debut that was always going to be a very difficult event.

[Simon Speichert]

I'd rather see Suzuki cancel Finland and get the car closer for its debut then to rush a car they know isn't going to be fast enough into a debut that was always going to be a very difficult event.

Agreed! Finland is tough enough on established teams and cars. The Japanese manufacturers understand the importance of saving face - Monster Tajima wouldn't like his baby to flop on its debut!

[jparker]

Why would you think they'd switch to S2000 when they have already tested the WRC car?

It's not what I think, it's what http://www.rallye-magazin.de thinks.
Also, how do you know they tested WRC car?

[DonJippo]

Also, how do you know they tested WRC car?

http://www.suzuki-wrc.com/e/gallery.html

[SubaruNorway]

It sounds pretty god actualy http://www.suzuki-wrc.com/e/pv.html

[jparker]

http://www.suzuki-wrc.com/e/gallery.html

Yep, good looking S2000 car. How do you tell it's WRC car?
I didn't see and pictures of the engine. Does anyone have one?
Heve you seen the car yourself (live) DonJippo? The real thing I mean, not the cardboard one.

[koko0703]

If they are testing in Japan and canceling Finland debut, why not enter Rally Japan??? The debut in home ground will be good publicity, and considering Rally Japan usually has small entry from top drivers, they may even be able to score some points.

Only downside I can see with Rally Japan debut is that they may look worse to public than they actually are when compared to Subaru, but that's all depends on how new Impreza will perform.....

[WRCfan]

Mr JParker the Suzuki is NOT a s2000 car. the fact that it is 4WD means it's their WRC car. Come on man, get a grip. And I have seen the car too so we know it is not s2000. Have you not been reading the releases about Suzuki and the WRC championship for the last year or so??

[jparker]

Mr JParker the Suzuki is NOT a s2000 car. the fact that it is 4WD means it's their WRC car. Come on man, get a grip. And I have seen the car too so we know it is not s2000. Have you not been reading the releases about Suzuki and the WRC championship for the last year or so??

Well, I'm not that good informed as one may think. That's why I'm asking questions, often stupid once.

[WRCfan]

Sorry, i read the post the wrong way. My sincere apologies :)

[jparker]

Sorry, i read the post the wrong way. My sincere apologies :)

Are you as mean as I'm, or you are genetically polite person?
Relax man, no need for apologies

[DonJippo]

Yep, good looking S2000 car. How do you tell it's WRC car?
I didn't see and pictures of the engine. Does anyone have one?
Heve you seen the car yourself (live) DonJippo? The real thing I mean, not the cardboard one.

Surely Suzuki has gone through all the trouble of applying special permit from FIA for limited entries on 2007 in WRC and the publicity of their WRC project just to keep it top secret that they will in fact develope a S2000 car... :rolleyes:

[jparker]

Surely Suzuki has gone through all the trouble of applying special permit from FIA for limited entries on 2007 in WRC and the publicity of their WRC project just to keep it top secret that they will in fact develope a S2000 car... :rolleyes:

Yes, I get your point, but strange things happen in this world you know :)
At the same time why not? They got our attention, the more we talk, the better for them. It's all free promotion.
Lets put it this way, what makes more sence for Suzuki at the moment?
1. Spend tons of money and possibly get nothing back in terms of results.
2. Spend a lot less money and possibly get very good results and publicity

I think Suzuki knows it, and we know it, they are not going to succeed in the WRC against "the big boys" teams with years of experience. So why do it?

[JAM]

Yes, I get your point, but strange things happen in this world you know :)
At the same time why not? They got our attention, the more we talk, the better for them. It's all free promotion.
Lets put it this way, what makes more sence for Suzuki at the moment?
1. Spend tons of money and possibly get nothing back in terms of results.
2. Spend a lot less money and possibly get very good results and publicity

I think Suzuki knows it, and we know it, they are not going to succeed in the WRC against "the big boys" teams with years of experience. So why do it?

In WRC world the manufacturers are still seen as serious people in overall. I think you should learn that no one would make a big announceemnt like this, negociate it with FIA, and after all these mounths to come here and say "well, we decided to give a step behind. This is not a WRC car, is a S2000. Our excuses if we missundersstod you ha ha ha ha"

[L5->R5/CR]

Yes, I get your point, but strange things happen in this world you know :)
At the same time why not? They got our attention, the more we talk, the better for them. It's all free promotion.
Lets put it this way, what makes more sence for Suzuki at the moment?
1. Spend tons of money and possibly get nothing back in terms of results.

I don't think they will get nothing back. There are plenty of slow teams they can beat up on in WRCars. Heck, Stobart Ford is ahead of Subaru in points. Hasn't stopped Subaru from funding a team...



2. Spend a lot less money and possibly get very good results and publicity

No matter what they did. Half of the new stories for atleast the first year, and over half of the internet discussions would be about how Suzuki was afraid of the WRC and how they lacked the quality and engineering to put together a car. They might get results but it would still be seen as running from the big fight.



I think Suzuki knows it, and we know it, they are not going to succeed in the WRC against "the big boys" teams with years of experience. So why do it?

Why can't Suzuki be competitive. There isn't some super secret magic formula to building a WRCar. You need a lot of money, good engineers, good drivers, and a lot of testing. Mitsubishi did it from scratch in a couple of years (and the technological progression from when they left made their previous experience obsolete). Citroen did it with the Xsara. Why can't Suzuki do it?

If Suzuki bosses handcuff the team with budget, and prevent them from really constantly working on the car, developing it, testing it, and getting the staff and drivers they need they'll be the next Skoda. But if the bosses support it, and give them the budget they need, why can't they be competitive?

[jparker]

In WRC world the manufacturers are still seen as serious people in overall. I think you should learn that no one would make a big announceemnt like this, negociate it with FIA, and after all these mounths to come here and say "well, we decided to give a step behind. This is not a WRC car, is a S2000. Our excuses if we missundersstod you ha ha ha ha"

I don't think moving from WRC to S2000 makes Suzuki look bad or not serious.
They didn't know how S2000 will evolve in the future, so what's wrong with changing plans now? Does that makes them NOT serious people? Don't think so.

[jparker]

I don't think they will get nothing back. There are plenty of slow teams they can beat up on in WRCars. Heck, Stobart Ford is ahead of Subaru in points. Hasn't stopped Subaru from funding a team...




No matter what they did. Half of the new stories for atleast the first year, and over half of the internet discussions would be about how Suzuki was afraid of the WRC and how they lacked the quality and engineering to put together a car. They might get results but it would still be seen as running from the big fight.




Why can't Suzuki be competitive. There isn't some super secret magic formula to building a WRCar. You need a lot of money, good engineers, good drivers, and a lot of testing. Mitsubishi did it from scratch in a couple of years (and the technological progression from when they left made their previous experience obsolete). Citroen did it with the Xsara. Why can't Suzuki do it?

If Suzuki bosses handcuff the team with budget, and prevent them from really constantly working on the car, developing it, testing it, and getting the staff and drivers they need they'll be the next Skoda. But if the bosses support it, and give them the budget they need, why can't they be competitive?

Comparing Suzuki with Mitsubishi? No, don't think so. Mitsubish knows what it takes and they know how to do it. They just don't want to spend at the moment.
Comparing Suzuki with Citroen? Yes, but it took Citroen 2-3 years of hard work and big money to get to the top.
Hope Suzuki has the same dedication :)

[L5->R5/CR]

Comparing Suzuki with Mitsubishi? No, don't think so. Mitsubish knows what it takes and they know how to do it. They just don't want to spend at the moment.

Why does mitsubishi know what it takes and how to do it. They pulled out of their first year because of a lack of performance/results, then they were slow and never a contender for a rally wint, then they pulled out again. Not exactly a stellar example of them knowing how to do it (takign examples from the Tommi championship days doesn't really work either, the cars and technology are DRASTICALLY different these days)



Comparing Suzuki with Citroen? Yes, but it took Citroen 2-3 years of hard work and big money to get to the top.
Hope Suzuki has the same dedication :)

That was the whole point of my post. If Suzuki has the commitment and willingness to commit the resources they will be just fine. If not, they will be the next Skoda...

[jparker]

Why does mitsubishi know what it takes and how to do it. They pulled out of their first year because of a lack of performance/results, then they were slow and never a contender for a rally wint, then they pulled out again. Not exactly a stellar example of them knowing how to do it (takign examples from the Tommi championship days doesn't really work either, the cars and technology are DRASTICALLY different these days)...

Look in the past, and you will find the answer ;)

[L5->R5/CR]

Look in the past, and you will find the answer ;)



Past success is never a formula for present or future success unless it is a continious stream of development. Mitsubishi got out of the sport and it took them years to get back to the top because of the technology jump that happened. There are significant technology gaps from year to year, let alone a multiple year period.

Looking at the past I'd expect Audi, Lancia/Fiat, and Opel or even Nissan/renault to just be able to jump in and win. What a silly argument trading on the past is.

[jparker]

Past success is never a formula for present or future success unless it is a continious stream of development. Mitsubishi got out of the sport and it took them years to get back to the top because of the technology jump that happened. There are significant technology gaps from year to year, let alone a multiple year period.

Looking at the past I'd expect Audi, Lancia/Fiat, and Opel or even Nissan/renault to just be able to jump in and win. What a silly argument trading on the past is.

Well, I think if Mitsubishi, Audi, Toyota, or Lancia jump in, they will be succeseful (of at lease not fail badly), doesn't matter the "gaps". The others will not :)

[sills]

Mr JParker the Suzuki is NOT a s2000 car. the fact that it is 4WD means it's their WRC car. Come on man, get a grip. And I have seen the car too so we know it is not s2000. Have you not been reading the releases about Suzuki and the WRC championship for the last year or so??

Ah WRC FAN, S2000 cars are 4WD aswell u do know that rite so you can get a grip aswell LOL, but the fact is yes I would have to say it is a WRC aswell and

apart from that they are ment to be scouting drivers for the 2008 season and thats also ment to be a reason why Wilks, is doing some wrc rounds in a wrc car this year.

[WRCfan]

If anyone watched the video's then it's pretty obvious it's a WRC car. I have seen the car in the flesh, and not just at the Auto Salon. It's not that secretive, i have seen the car being hauled through Yokohama on a open trailer behind a small load truck laiden with metal boxes!

[alleskids]

The debut of the SX4 WRCar will not come in Finland, both in/on Coirsica. So Suzuki will only do 2 rallies, Corsica and Wales.

[SubaruNorway]

Suzuki on a charge http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~997625,00.html

Looks to be some interesting years ahead

[Viktory]

The debut of the SX4 WRCar will not come in Finland, both in/on Coirsica. So Suzuki will only do 2 rallies, Corsica and Wales.

nooo!! :( I was so looking forward to seeing the Suzuki live in Finland later this year, and maybe even PG at the wheel... Will see if I maybe get to Wales at the end of the year, if I find I have a lot of money left over (doubt it)

[Captain VXR]

Just thinking maybe we could see Mads Ostberg partner Guy Wilks in 2008

[SubaruNorway]

After seeing Guy Wilks live in Rally Norway i don't think he will get a wrc drive at the first

[jparker]

Here is what he has to say. No single word about Suzuki WRC.

http://www.crash.net/feature_view~cid~4~id~10944.htm

[pino]

Do we know anything about drivers ? :D

[Tomi]

Do we know anything about drivers ? :D

gardemeister, + someone else

[Brother John]

Me and DonJippo!!! :s mokin: :D

[jparker]

So, Guy Wilks complains that is tough for privatiers, and that's why can't get resultst. Is that it, or transition from JWRC is not as easy as one may think. That brings the question, may be Mattew Wilson did the right thing.

[teufel]

That brings the question, may be Mattew Wilson did the right thing.

You mean born in the right family? :D

[Roy]

Please.... Every thread is filled with Wilson.... Please, STOP!

Every joke, comment or praise about him put that in his 'own' thread!

[teufel]

Sorry, you're right!

[subarurx]

I reackon the Suzuki will be on the pace. Anything that Monster has been associated with = a winner. Look at the hillclimb car, F2 Baleno's, S1600/JWRC cars, so why would the SX4 WRC be any different. They have not rushed the car into the WRC and are testing it properly before the end of the year.

As too drivers, I'd personally like to see Galli and Atkinson in the Suzuki.

[jparker]

As too drivers, I'd personally like to see Galli and Atkinson in the Suzuki.
Why Atkinson?
About Galli, may be the following article has something to do with your comment.

http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=4&id=144891

[jso1985]

I reackon the Suzuki will be on the pace. Anything that Monster has been associated with = a winner. Look at the hillclimb car, F2 Baleno's, S1600/JWRC cars, so why would the SX4 WRC be any different. They have not rushed the car into the WRC and are testing it properly before the end of the year.

As too drivers, I'd personally like to see Galli and Atkinson in the Suzuki.


their previous success can't guarantee success in WRC, look at Toyota highly succesful in WRC and other categories yet a big failure in F1.(and they even also tested properly before their first race)

[L5->R5/CR]

their previous success can't guarantee success in WRC, look at Toyota highly succesful in WRC and other categories yet a big failure in F1.(and they even also tested properly before their first race)



Part of Toyota's problems is that the team is based away from the larger talent centers for that type of racing and their team management structure makes decision making a slow process.


Suzuki has all the opportunity in the world to be a quality team IF they take their funding and make the right decisions. They have to do a lot of testing, and development work, but thy also have to attract the right talent and make the right decisions quickly. Suzuki so far has all the fundamental ingredients to have a potential for success. Tajima-san isn't a fool or a new kid on the block, he has a very good idea of what needs to happen. If Suzuki will provide the resources and let them be spent wisely where they need to be they should be competitive by 2009. If Suzuki tightens the finances, or slows down the decision making process, or doesn't provide an environment suitable to attracting the talent and skills they need to be successful, they will struggle.

[Helstar]

Why Atkinson?
About Galli, may be the following article has something to do with your comment.
http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=4&id=144891
I don't know if to be happy or not for that. Doesn't mean he has been contacted by Suzuku either. Well let's see, we will discover it only by living ^^

[subarurx]

Why Atkinson?
About Galli, may be the following article has something to do with your comment.

http://www.crash.net/news_view.asp?cid=4&id=144891

Atkinson I personally think has proven he is good enough to be in WRC, and with the right team [as subaru could prove with the 07] he's in for a good run this year when all the little things go right.

Galli, well he is just good for the sport, fast and furious with a great personality... the WRC could do with more of that.

[subarurx]

their previous success can't guarantee success in WRC, look at Toyota highly succesful in WRC and other categories yet a big failure in F1.(and they even also tested properly before their first race)

I think you got yourself confused about what Suzuki are doing.

Toyota switched to F1 which is completely different to WRC; whereas

Suzuki have been in the WRC in various forms for the last, what 10-15years going back to the swift Tajima used to campaign. So they should have a fairly good idea what is needed to compete at all levels. Plus, as another post said, Tajima is no fool and he knows how to win.

[jparker]

Atkinson I personally think has proven he is good enough to be in WRC, and with the right team [as subaru could prove with the 07] he's in for a good run this year when all the little things go right.

Galli, well he is just good for the sport, fast and furious with a great personality... the WRC could do with more of that.

No, that's not what I meant. Why Atkinson, he has good car in his hands. Why changing it? Yes, I agree with you about his skils.

However, I disagree with you in regards of Galli. I think he has the speed and that's the single most important thing. The rest could be worked out, and he has the chance to prove it in upcoming rallies.

[Woodeye]

Don't know if this is on some another thread already but Suzuki has hired Gilles Panizzi as their test driver...

Not the best choice IMO.

[Tomi]

Don't know if this is on some another thread already but Suzuki has hired Gilles Panizzi as their test driver...

Not the best choice IMO.

I think he did good work on tarmac together with Aghini on the 206, but they need someone who can give feedback on gravel too.

[Helstar]

Don't know if this is on some another thread already but Suzuki has hired Gilles Panizzi as their test driver...

Not the best choice IMO.
He's not that bad I think ? Experienced tester ... Yes of course more on tarmac than gravel, but ... who do you got in mind instead ?

[Woodeye]

Err... got me there Helstar. I dunno.

It's just that I was impressed by Gilles pace in tarmac with Pug, but when he was in Mitsubishi he was a total and utter disappointment.

How about Harri for gravel? :)

[Tomi]

Err... got me there Helstar. I dunno.

It's just that I was impressed by Gilles pace in tarmac with Pug, but when he was in Mitsubishi he was a total and utter disappointment.

How about Harri for gravel? :)

Would be excellent, and testdriver experience he has much too, also they have been working much together with Panizzi.

[MJW]

Michele Nandan, Gilles Panizzi, Harri Rovanpera = the old Peugeot gang.

[jonas_mcrae]

Who is the guy behind the mask? looks old...

[T60]

http://www.suzuki-wrc.com/movie/e/index.html

Video of the car. I think it looks like it will go like a 206 (handling). Got some power too.

[L5->R5/CR]

Who is the guy behind the mask? looks old...



Could be Nubihiro Tajima still doing the testing. I imagine thought that it might be Gilles as well. Hopefully they will sign some more development and testing drivers, or maybe their 2008 drivers.

[jonas_mcrae]

will the driver(s) in 2007 events be the same as in 2008? maybe not...