Your Nation's Top 5

[Maui J.]

OK, so we have some time to kill before the next round in Finland.

I’m starting this thread to find out who members think are the top 5 drivers from their own countries.
There seems to be a lot of drivers getting very high profiles by competing in the WRC, but are the best your country has, or are the ones with the most money?
Are the father & son combos from The Netherlands the best you have? Or just the ones with the most cash?

The only rules are they must be currently active in WRC, IRC, regional championships or national championships (either yours or in another country). Which means ‘retired’ drivers can’t be listed even though some would easily make the top 5. An example of this would be Gronholm I guess.

I want to create a bit of debate from forum members ranking their own drivers.
Very interested in how the Norwegians rank their top 5. Also other high profile rallying countries… Finland, Sweden, France, Italy, Britain, Belgium, etc.

I will start by ranking what I believe are currently New Zealand’s top 5.

1. Hayden Paddon PWRC
2. Richard Mason NZRC
3. Emma Gilmour NZRC
4. Dean Sumner NZRC
5. Chris West NZRC

Other NZ forum members may argue. I hope so, that’s what this thread is about.
Let the debate begin!

Regards, Maui

[pettersolberg29]

My top 5 will be British rally drivers as there simply aren't enough good English ones! - there's been loads of debate about this but my top 5 will be based on current ability as well as potential on an international scale.

1) Kris Meeke - undoubtedly fast, and maybe an outside chance of an IRC podium this season. Don't think many will argue about this one.
2) Guy Wilks - in my opinion he could compete at WRC level and is as good as Kris Meeke and Henning Solberg, which in WRC's current state is good enough for top 5 finishes. Still got a few years in him and the IRC title is a possibility if he can reach his potential on gravel in Cyprus and Scotland.
3) Matty Wilson - yes he's slow on the WRC stage, but he's still one of the best England have got at the moment. The only driver to have any success in the WRC since Richard Burns.
4) Craig Breen - really like Craig and think he could become a WRC regular if he gets the backing. Potentially better than Wilson, but maybe not as good as Meeke.
5) Harry Hunt - showing good development and still very young. International experience should help him long term.

David Bogie is in the top 5 most talented, but I never see him challenging on the world stage so he's not included, whereas Breen and Hunt could both grow into bigger, better things and seemingly have good budgets for the future.

[rp]

Here is my opinion. Finland´s top 5:

1. Jari-Matti Latvala
2. Juho Hänninen
3. Mikko Hirvonen
4. Jari Ketomaa
5. Jarkko Nikara

[cali]

Here's mine:

1. Ott Tänak SWRC
2. Kaspar Koitla
3. Egon Kaur WRC ACADEMY
4. Siim Plangi BRC, IRC, Estonian RC
5. Sander Pärn

[Hartusvuori]

Here is my opinion. Finland´s top 5:

1. Jari-Matti Latvala
2. Juho Hänninen
3. Mikko Hirvonen
4. Jari Ketomaa
5. Jarkko Nikara

I can agree with top 4, but 5th could be also Matti Rantanen. After that it's harder to compare different drivers because different stages of career, different machinery, etc.

[Tomi]

My Finnish top 5,

1 Latvala
2 Hirvonen
3 Ketomaa
4 Hänninen
5 Nikara

[N.O.T]

In Greece we only have part time rally drivers unfortunately....

[AndyRAC]

Top British:

Kris Meeke
Guy Wilks
Alister McRae
Mark Higgins
David Bogie

Top Irish:

Keith Cronin
Craig Breen
Alistair Fisher
Marty McCormack

[focus206]

Here's mine:

1. Ott Tänak SWRC
2. Kaspar Koitla
3. Egon Kaur
4. Siim Plangi
5. Sander Pärn

no Kruuda?

[cali]

no Kruuda?
There's a lot of drivers who are faster (Kangur, Aus, even Gross IMHO is faster), but the boy has some money (father). Though I must say he has developed a lot during this season.

[AP-Racing]

My top 5

Novikov
Griazine Jr.
Zhidkov
Luk'yanyuk
Kovalchuk

[Francis44]

My top Portuguese drivers, and of course, this is my personal opinion:

1. Bruno Magalhães (IRC)
2. Bernardo Sousa (SWRC)
3. Armindo Araújo (WRC)
4. Ricardo Moura (CPR)
5. Ivo Nogueira (CPR)

I think Nogueira might have a good future if he gets things right, he sure is fast.

[rp]

I can agree with top 4, but 5th could be also Matti Rantanen. After that it's harder to compare different drivers because different stages of career, different machinery, etc.

Rantanen would be 6th on my list. Yes. It´s very difficult to compare. After top 5 we have drivers like Rantanen, Salo, Lindroos, Gardemeister, Räikkönen, Alén, Lappi, Korhonen, Mänty, Pinomäki, Pajunen, Amberg, Kinnunen, Sohlberg, Tuohino etc...

[TheFlyingTuga]

My Top

1º Armindo Araujo (WRC)
2º Bernardo Sousa (SWRC)
3º Miguel Campos (currently stopped)
4º António Rodrigues (Portuguese Open)
5º Bruno Magalhães (IRC)

I'm waiting too see the progress of too young driver, Rui Garcia and Diogo Gago that are currently runing on the Fastbravo Trophee (with little seat marbellas)

[Josti]

Are the father & son combos from The Netherlands the best you have? Or just the ones with the most cash?


No and yes.

Kevin Abbring is a natural talent. Hans Weijs Jr. would come second to him.

[Gregor-y]

Pass.

[Mirek]

My Top

1º Armindo Araujo (WRC)
2º Bernardo Sousa (SWRC)
3º Miguel Campos (currently stopped)
4º António Rodrigues (Portuguese Open)
5º Bruno Magalhães (IRC)

I don't remember a single rally where Sousa defeated Magalhaes in last couple of years. Can You help me find some?

[wrc1600]

I don't remember a single rally where Sousa defeated Magalhaes in last couple of years. Can You help me find some?
1 Bryan Bouffier :)
and then nothing :) just kidding
1 Kosciuszko
2 Oleksowicz
3 Solowow
4 Kajetanowicz
5 Ruta

[bluuford]

My top 5

Novikov
Griazine Jr.
Zhidkov
Luk'yanyuk
Kovalchuk

I would change Tagirov with Zhidkov, at least what I have seen in Estonia (he has developed a lot in last year) and also Merisdanov might fit there. But Novikov is far in front of them all.

[stepunk]

Italy's top 5 in my opinion:
1 Andreucci
2 Rossetti
3 Basso
4 Scandola
5 Chentre

[Doon]

If we are including all 'National Championships', and none 'retired' drivers;

1. Mark Higgins
2. Kris Meeke
3. Andy Burton
4. Neil Weaver
5. David Higgins

[N.O.T]

Mark higgins above kris Meeke ?????????

[Donalduck]

Top 5 in Norway:
1 Petter Solberg
2 Andreas Mikkelsen
3 Mads Østberg
4 Henning Solberg
5 Eivind Brynildsen

[J.Lindstroem]

Top 5 in Sweden in my opinion.
1. PG Andersson
2. Patrik Flodin
3. Patrik Sandell
4. Mattias Ekström
5. Victor Henriksson

[Plan9]

OK, so we have some time to kill before the next round in Finland.

I’m starting this thread to find out who members think are the top 5 drivers from their own countries.
There seems to be a lot of drivers getting very high profiles by competing in the WRC, but are the best your country has, or are the ones with the most money?
Are the father & son combos from The Netherlands the best you have? Or just the ones with the most cash?

The only rules are they must be currently active in WRC, IRC, regional championships or national championships (either yours or in another country). Which means ‘retired’ drivers can’t be listed even though some would easily make the top 5. An example of this would be Gronholm I guess.

I want to create a bit of debate from forum members ranking their own drivers.
Very interested in how the Norwegians rank their top 5. Also other high profile rallying countries… Finland, Sweden, France, Italy, Britain, Belgium, etc.

I will start by ranking what I believe are currently New Zealand’s top 5.

1. Hayden Paddon PWRC
2. Richard Mason NZRC
3. Emma Gilmour NZRC
4. Dean Sumner NZRC
5. Chris West NZRC

Other NZ forum members may argue. I hope so, that’s what this thread is about.
Let the debate begin!

Regards, Maui

Hey mate, can we use the Millen's? I think that Rod and Reese would have to be my numbers 3,4 with Gilmour at 5. But I am not sure if you would allow occasional rally-x, rally america and hillclimbs as strictly rally according to your rules....

[TheFlyingTuga]

I don't remember a single rally where Sousa defeated Magalhaes in last couple of years. Can You help me find some?

Hi Mirek!

That's only my humble opinion off course!
Sousa and Magalhães were never in competition with each other for a championship! When Bruno run in the Portuguese Champ with the Peugeot Bernardo drove a Gr.N car. I know they had Azores and Madeira rally's both in S2000 cars, but Bernardo was thinking in the Portuguese Champ, and Bruno was running for the IRC. Also, Bernardo did better time's last year in the rallies that had equal roads of the one Bruno made the year before!

Bruno it's a good driver, but not the best from his generation. At least I don't think so... António Rodrigues (that had some bad carreer management back in 2007) and Mex Machado (retired to fallow is professional carrer)where better! Bruno just had... better godfathers!!

But, as I said, that my two cents and my humble opinion! Francis considered Bruno the best, and a lot of portuguese people would put Miguel Campos or Adruzilo Lopes on top of the list!

Greatings my friend

[mousti]

1 Bryan Bouffier :)
and then nothing :) just kidding
1 Kosciuszko
2 Oleksowicz
3 Solowow
4 Kajetanowicz
5 Ruta

Kajetanowicz needs more credit I think what he did with a Gr N against S2000's is fantastic..

1. F. Duval
2. T. Neuville (Because of the potential in the future)
3. F. Loix
4. M. Boon
5. I would almost say Tsjoen and Snijers, one is a gentlemen driver but maybe one of the best in the world and the other one is a legend who's still fast

We have alot of talent but my top 5 consist more on people who have been driving with really fast cars and getting very nice results.

[rage82]

1.Dimitar Iliev {ERC, BGRC} - multiple bulgarian rally champion, won the Rally Bulgaria in 2007, the first bulgarian driver to win it after ILia Chubrikov in 1971.
2. Petar Gyoshev {ERC, BGRC} - the most talented driver nowdays, everybody is expecting a lot more to come from him.
3. Yasen Popov {BGRC} - maybe near the end of his career, still very fast but unfornately hasn't enough funds to drive a s2000 car.
4. Krum Donchev {BGRC} - four times bulgarian rally champion, vise champion in ERC in 2006.
5. Todor Slavov {ERC, BGRC} - third in JWRC last year, the biggest success of bulgarian in WRC.

[Viking]

1 Petter Solberg : 36, WRC, More than 400 stage wins (most of them not in the best car/seat) shows no signs of ageing (well maybe his hair is a little thinner).
2 Andreas Mikkelsen 21, IRC, Huge potencial, can (and will) go all the way.
3 Mads Østberg 23, WRC, Norways next WRC champ says Martin Holmes.
4 Henning Solberg 38, WRC, Got to admire Hennings efforts in getting money so Wilson can put together cars from M-Sports trashbin (has lost some motivasion).
5 Anders Grøndal 27, PWRC, Too small backing to show his real potencial i am afraid.

[Mise]

Finland top 5 as I see it.

1 Hirvonen
2 Latvala
3 Hänninen
4 Ketomaa
5 Gardemeister

[Francis44]

In Finland there is abundance of good drivers so I see Finns do not have problems making a list.

[megadrive]

Ukraine Top 5 (IMHO)

1. Saliuk jn.
2. Protasov
3. Gorban
4. Shapovalov
5. Kochmar

[GigiGalliNo1]

Pass.

Classic answer.

[Wim_Impreza]

In my opinion:
1 Thierry Neuville
2 Freddy Loix
3 Patrick Snijers
4 Jonas Langenakens
5 Chris van Woensel

François Duval and Bruno Thiry aren't doing that much rallies anymore, so they aren't in my list.

[Sulland]

1 Petter Solberg : 36, WRC, More than 400 stage wins (most of them not in the best car/seat) shows no signs of ageing (well maybe his hair is a little thinner).
2 Andreas Mikkelsen 21, IRC, Huge potencial, can (and will) go all the way.
3 Mads Østberg 23, WRC, Norways next WRC champ says Martin Holmes.
4 Henning Solberg 38, WRC, Got to admire Hennings efforts in getting money so Wilson can put together cars from M-Sports trashbin (has lost some motivasion).
5 Anders Grøndal 27, PWRC, Too small backing to show his real potencial i am afraid.

Would swap Mads and Andreas for the time being, but lets see in the future...

[PLuto]

Hi Mirek!

That's only my humble opinion off course!
Sousa and Magalhães were never in competition with each other for a championship! When Bruno run in the Portuguese Champ with the Peugeot Bernardo drove a Gr.N car. I know they had Azores and Madeira rally's both in S2000 cars, but Bernardo was thinking in the Portuguese Champ, and Bruno was running for the IRC. Also, Bernardo did better time's last year in the rallies that had equal roads of the one Bruno made the year before!

Bruno it's a good driver, but not the best from his generation. At least I don't think so... António Rodrigues (that had some bad carreer management back in 2007) and Mex Machado (retired to fallow is professional carrer)where better! Bruno just had... better godfathers!!

But, as I said, that my two cents and my humble opinion! Francis considered Bruno the best, and a lot of portuguese people would put Miguel Campos or Adruzilo Lopes on top of the list!

Greatings my friend

I dont agree with you. I have seen few rallies with Bruno and Bernardo. And I must say, Bernardo is only shadow of Burno. Everywhere...

[Fly_Half]

It's clear from this thread the Scandinavian countries have an embarrassment of riches!

I'd put the UK&I picture like this:

1. Kris Meeke
2. Guy Wilks
3. Mat Wilson
4. Keith Cronin
5. Mark Higgins

Whoever put Higgins above Meeke and Wilks is a bit mental IMO. Higgins is still quick, but not as quick as those two.

Rhod

[donlorean]

In Finland there is abundance of good drivers so I see Finns do not have problems making a list.

I think that it's easy to make top 3. Rest two is more difficult because here is few good and talented young drivers growing up in few years... Ketomaa is ok but he need a good car this year. Next year is too late for him, he is getting older all the time. Nikara is fast but crashes too much. Garde is too old for now... Juha Salo is also too old for worldwide breakup... At the moment my top 5 is:

1: JM
2: Mikko
3: Hänninen
4: Joonas Lindroos
5: Matti Rantanen

[Wasted Talent]

1. Kris Meeke
2. Guy Wilks
3. David Higgins
4. Mark Higgins
5. Matt Wilson

WT

[sollitt]

Hey mate, can we use the Millen's? I think that Rod and Reese would have to be my numbers 3,4 with Gilmour at 5. But I am not sure if you would allow occasional rally-x, rally america and hillclimbs as strictly rally according to your rules....

Should the Millens fit Maui's criteria, which they clearly don't, I'd be interested to know under what criteria they'd possibly slot into NZ's top 5.
Our top competitors have demonstrated that they are/would be competitive in any rally competition in the world and that is not restricted to just 2 or 3.
I agree with Maui's selection although you'd have to think 47 Year old Argyle would be knocking on that door also and anytime that Hawkeswood enters the NZRC he'd have to slot in right behind Mason.

[FAlonso]

My Top 5 for Portugal:

1. Bruno Magalhães (IRC) - currently underperforming but hoping he will get his confidence sooner rather than later.
2. Armindo Araujo (WRC) - pitty he started abroad so late. Let's hope not to late. Too many years driving GrN machienery. The WRC a very different animal.
3. Miguel Campos (stopped) - what might have been had he been given the right opportunities.
4. Bernardo Sousa (SWRC) - our best bet in the long term. Needs to keep his feet on the ground.
5. Antonio Rodigues (Portuguese Open Rally Cup) / Ivo Nogueira (CPR) - Two of the best from the new genaration. Still, like others before them, time will soon be running out. Great support will be needed for them to make the jump.

[TheFlyingTuga]

My Top 5 for Portugal:

1. Bruno Magalhães (IRC) - currently underperforming but hoping he will get his confidence sooner rather than later.
2. Armindo Araujo (WRC) - pitty he started abroad so late. Let's hope not to late. Too many years driving GrN machienery. The WRC a very different animal.
3. Miguel Campos (stopped) - what might have been had he been given the right opportunities.
4. Bernardo Sousa (SWRC) - our best bet in the long term. Needs to keep his feet on the ground.
5. Antonio Rodigues (Portuguese Open Rally Cup) / Ivo Nogueira (CPR) - Two of the best from the new genaration. Still, like others before them, time will soon be running out. Great support will be needed for them to make the jump.

Antonio Rodrigues is from the same generation of Bruno Magalhaes!

The generation of Ivo is him, Rui Garcia, Diogo Gago... and I can think of talented new drivers beside those three!

[Allar]

My top 5 for Estonia:

1. Ott Tänak (SWRC)
2. Markko Märtin (ex WRC)
3. Kaspar Koitla
4. Egon Kaur (WRCA)
5. Rainer Aus

[vino_93]

My top 5 from France :
1 Sébastien Loeb (what a surprise !)
2 Sébastien Ogier ( :s hock :)
3 Bryan Bouffier
4 here it's very difficult ... maybe Pierre Campana
5 don't know ... Dany Snobeck is a good gentleman driver, like Eric Brunson. Cédric Robert and Alex Bengué are two very good ex professional drivers. Jean Sébastien Vigion and Mathieu Arzeno two youg rising stars ... So I say Alex Bengué, but it's difficult to choose.

[FAlonso]

Antonio Rodrigues is from the same generation of Bruno Magalhaes!

The generation of Ivo is him, Rui Garcia, Diogo Gago... and I can think of talented new drivers beside those three!

First of all my opinion is MY OPINION! So you could think of a thousand young exciting drivers, for all I care.

The reason I put Antonio in the "new generation" category is because he has had an on and off career and he is still under 30 Years old.

Bruno has been doing "proper" rallying since 1999 almost without interruption. I believe Antonio started in promotion back in 2001 and did, at least one rally (maybe one or two more) in the CPR's Yaris Trophy in 2002 (Dão Lafões, I was there). Since 2003 he spent 3 or 4 in 206 Trophy and by 2007, when things were starting to look up, the famed "My RoadMotorsport" project of running the Australia-based Toyota Auris S2000 fell apart. Since then he pretty much stopped competing at the highest level (CPR). A couple of regional events, the tryout for the Pirelli Star Driver (witch didn´t go well for many reasons) and now the Open (2nd Division of Portuguese rallying) in a 206 trophy/cup car.

My point is that this CV undermines his potencial and still, at 28 years old, I think he should be given a proper chance.

[cali]

My top 5 for Estonia:

1. Ott Tänak (SWRC)
2. Markko Märtin (ex WRC)
3. Kaspar Koitla
4. Egon Kaur (WRCA)
5. Rainer Aus

Markko isn't active anymore, so he should be removed from the list ;)

[J.Lindstroem]

My top 5 from France :
1 Sébastien Loeb (what a surprise !)
2 Sébastien Ogier ( :s hock :)
3 Bryan Bouffier
4 here it's very difficult ... maybe Pierre Campana
5 don't know ... Dany Snobeck is a good gentleman driver, like Eric Brunson. Cédric Robert and Alex Bengué are two very good ex professional drivers. Jean Sébastien Vigion and Mathieu Arzeno two youg rising stars ... So I say Alex Bengué, but it's difficult to choose.

What about Sarrazin and Voulioz? :)

[pantealex]

I still think that Alister McRae is faster than ie.Wilson, but none of Brits agree.

[AndyRAC]

I still think that Alister McRae is faster than ie.Wilson, but none of Brits agree.

I don't think there's any doubt about that. Just because Wilson is the only regular Brit in the WRC doesn't mean he is the fastest. Meeke, Wilks, Miggins, Diggins, G Evans and Alister are all quicker. And they all won the BRC - Wilson never managed that.

[Andre Oliveira]

My top 5 for Estonia:

1. Ott Tänak (SWRC)
2. Markko Märtin (ex WRC)
3. Kaspar Koitla
4. Egon Kaur (WRCA)
5. Rainer Aus

Urmo Aava???

[Andre Oliveira]

Portugal:

1. Armindo Araújo (4x Portuguese Champion(2003-2006), 2 with Citroen Saxo Kit Car against a couple of Gr. N(2003/2004)) (2x PWRC Champion(2009/2010)
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Lue28sGAO9Y/SuMslqB62LI/AAAAAAAABqM/RluPQQL59Bo/s400/Armindo+Araujo+car.jpghttp://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q277/otoxiep/2003-ArmindoArajo-CitronSaxoKit-Car.jpghttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTD6YFNN6Vl1SDw7jEomZK6Pd-NCzB3XX3rI36ihusk8k20Hgb_vQ&t=1http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_FXW5QFqpiio/SqQO9ao-V5I/AAAAAAAAAec/sBHuFsAOMLI/s320/armindo+araujo+Rally+Casinos+da+Povoa+2005.JPGhttp ://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q277/otoxiep/2006-ArmindoArajo-MitsubishiLancerI.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

2. Bruno Magalhães (3x Portuguese Champion (2007-2009))
http://i.olhares.com/data/big/138/1383379.jpghttp://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQvQtLp8atHPE0r4ZtOIV1TLa_ojLfKR USCLNt9YI_dh6W9g8v3Tg&t=1http://formularali.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/bruno-magalhaes-mortagua-2009-jb.jpg?w=300&h=204

[Andre Oliveira]

3. Adruzilo Lopes (3x Portuguese Champion (1997/1998/2001) (Runner-up European Championship (2001))
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_cKZp_Byv0uM/SBBok6LMMCI/AAAAAAAAABc/ngcS-q7b40U/s320/alopes1997cu9.jpghttp://autosport.aeiou.pt/iv/0/143/252/b6ad831f.jpghttp://www.josepfornell.com/img/catalunya01/cat01_55.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

4. Miguel Campos (Portuguese Champion (2002)) (Runner-up European Championship with same points of Champion Bruno Thiry (2003))
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_G4SUUJigS-c/THA7UG5oYmI/AAAAAAAADoU/U07hbJaTrXw/s1600/2002+CASINO+DA+POVOA++MIGUEL+CAMPOS++%23%23%23%23% 23.jpghttp://www.dnoticias.pt/sites/default/files/imagecache/body_640_slide/2003_3.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

5. Ricardo Moura (3x Azorian Regional Champion (2008-2010)
http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrn4qmosP0JWTKsDnZPn8k-L3NCK9hkFoTdCyJQIOElHChD9q6&t=1http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8BpA_39tkEg/Sc0roMFYZYI/AAAAAAAAEPU/Ec4NrshiRmg/s400/ARC_Sport_-_Ricardo_Moura_Torrie__022.jpghttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pXBDn0HTOZo/TMWjO3hUMFI/AAAAAAAAAAM/Ldrsa5QXI4s/s1600/Ricardo+Moura+01.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

All of them with multiple championships in lower divisions. Fernando Peres (3x time Portuguese Champion and multiple Azorian Champion is out of my top 5 but is one of greatest Portuguese drivers)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q277/otoxiep/1994-FernandoPeres-FordEscortRSCosw.jpghttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/_-SIswZZhY3c/SAM__XUh2vI/AAAAAAAAAE8/Z5AmyA2QNvc/s320/1995-FernandoPeres-FordEscortRSC-2.jpghttp://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q277/otoxiep/1996-FernandoPeres-FordEscortRSCosw.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

I dont agree with you. I have seen few rallies with Bruno and Bernardo. And I must say, Bernardo is only shadow of Burno. Everywhere...

Agree... Bruno are MUCH better than Bernardo. Bernardo just had.... Big pocket €€€€€

[Maui J.]

Hey mate, can we use the Millen's? I think that Rod and Reese would have to be my numbers 3,4 with Gilmour at 5. But I am not sure if you would allow occasional rally-x, rally america and hillclimbs as strictly rally according to your rules....

Basically it’s very difficult to judge the Millens, and rank them alongside other NZ drivers.

If this question was asked during the 70s, Rod would have been on top of my list. In the 80s, probably second behind Possum Bourne.
Hats off to Rod Millen though, he left NZ for the US in the late 1970s. His biggest asset was his rally driving skills, and he managed to make a lasting career and business from it, in what is basically a minority sport. He was multiple NZ champ, multiple US champ, APRC champ and his best WRC finish was a 2nd on the 1989 Rally NZ. So yes I agree he was and still is a very talented driver, even at the age of 60.
He hasn’t really been involved in ‘normal’ rallying since the early 90s so it wouldn’t be right to rank him now. Although he still shows incredible speed in all the other disciplines of motorsport his puts his hand to. Including hillclimbs, off-road racing, dirt truck racing etc.
It’s a shame that the 4WD Mazda RX7 he developed in the early-mid 80s was never picked up by Mazda Japan. I’m sure it would have launched Rod in the WRC either as a driver or team manager.

As far as Rhys is concerned, although I believe he has a talent. He didn’t really achieve any success in rallying to my knowledge. He has more success in drifting.

Both Rod and Rhys are competing in this weekend’s Pike Peak Hillclimb for those interested.

[AndyRAC]

Agree... Bruno are MUCH better than Bernardo. Bernardo just had.... Big pocket €€€€€

What about Rui Madeira???

[Tofrallye29]

It's really hard to keep 5 drivers in France

1-Loeb of course
2-Ogier
3-Bouffier

After a lot of drivers don't drive a lot, you have Bengué (Mini S2000 in French championship after 3 years stop), Sarrazin, Bernardi (now Saintéloc's team-manager), Vouilloz,Robert, Guigou... and also young drivers like Arzeno, Vigion, Ancian, Campana... Without battle with the same car it's difficult to say who is the fast.
So it's maybe false :
4- Bengué
5- Robert
but I'm not sure

[Mitch555]

Australia is very hard to measure at the moment due to the current situation we have with our championship, some of the best drivers are not active in your usual rallying discipline, and some are not driving this year. Anyhow, regardless of these circumstances, the top 5 are...

1. Chris Atkinson (IRC, APRC) - speaks for himself, 2x APRC S1600 Champ, WRC podiums

2. Simon Evans (no drive) - 2000 APRC F2 Champ, 4 time ARC champ (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010) in Toyota, Mitsubishi and Subaru. Was talking of IRC drive last year. Early in his career was the most dangerous driver with amazing ability, but now has consistency to match that raw pace. Co-driving wife Sue stepped down at the end of last year, so will need a new one if he returns.

3. Cody Crocker (no drive) - 3 time ARC champ (2003, 2004, 2005), 4 time APRC champ (2006 - 2009). That record speaks for itself. Took over lead driver duties at Subaru Aus after Possum passed away and thrived. Another without a major drive who should have one.

4. Steve Glenney (no gravel rally drive) - ARC Rally winner, Targa Tasmania 2008. Currently drives for the Mazda factory team in Targa events in an RX8. Matches it with the Porsches, Audis, Lambos, GTRs etc. in a much less powered car. His incar is pretty good!

Mazda RX8 SP Targa car.
YouTube - ‪Mazda Motorsport RX8 SP Targa Tasmania 2011‬‏ (http://youtu.be/mTH0M15jD6k)

Eden High incar is the only stuff really of him on gravel. Very fast stage in a Grp N Subaru. Final minute of it is nuts!
YouTube - ‪Rally SA 2007 - Eden High - Steve Glenney & Bernie Webb.mpg‬‏ (http://youtu.be/fIgDYgOGd1M)

5. Brendan Reeves (FIA Academy) - not here because he has an academy drive. Brendo is the real deal. First ARC in 2006, progressed to full season in 2007, has not looked back. No ARC wins to his name, but numerous Targa 2wd showroom wins. In this years Targa Tasmania, his near standard Mazda 3 MPS (2.3L, FWD, 260bhp) was constantly among the top 5 fastest in the final 2 days and included a 2nd fastest time on a 30km stage which is fairly open and fast (yes that is against Lambos, GTRs etc.). I believe he can make it to the top level if he can get the funds together.

Chris's spot as number 1 isn't as clear cut as it seems anymore. The other 4 drivers I have listed have closed the gap. Chris's WRC experience definitely holds him in good stead but never have Atko, Evans and Crocker run the same event in similar cars. To a degree they fought in 2004 with similar cars in the national championship except Evans had no active centre diff.

Chasing these guys are a bunch of established names and relative new comers.

Young Guns:
Ryan Smart: leading the ARC at the moment, beating 400hp evos in his Grp N Corolla
Nathan Quinn: Doing APRC Pacific cup this year, second to Atko after day 1 of New Caledonia, was winning in Australia.
Glen Raymond: Fast, has run out of $$ it seems.

'Established' drivers:
Neal Bates - 4 time ARC champ 93 - 95, 08, ex. TTE contracted driver, built the S2000 Corolla down here
Michael Guest - not so much but still was very quick in the under developed Fiesta S2000 in 07.
Ed Ordynski - I still cannot discount him even though he hasn't done ARC since 04, recently been driving 0 cars for events, needs someone to give him some $$$
Scott Pedder - retired after another big accident last year, who knows, he might be back, would sit in the top 5 if he did.

[Hartusvuori]

I'm still waiting for Czech insights, c'mon guys!

[N.O.T]

Poland, Czech Republic, italy, Sweden should be interesting...

[Crocone]

Romania

1. Bogdan Marisca YouTube - ‪Bogdan Marisca Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 9 Onboard Raliul Clujului Mobil 1 2009‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHOyEFMzcbs) 2005 Romanian Rally Champion. He could have more titles but is a very bad luck driver.
2. Valentin Porcisteanu YouTube - ‪Vali Porcisteanu - Raliul Clujului 2011 - Ps6 Marisel 2 Onboard HD720p (mixat)‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmTtPOUkSGE) A very talented, fast and crazy driver, with a nice future in front of him.
3. Vlad Cosma http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2HsJTlHoqY&feature=channel_vide%20o_title Also a young and talented driver.
4. Dan Gartofan YouTube - ‪On board WRC Dan Gartofan‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ergq5tOQTFk&feature=related) 2 times national champion.
5. Edwin Keleti YouTube - ‪Edwin Keleti-Victor Ponta: raliuri sezonul 2010‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2rQa_tZUBw&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL) two times two wheels drive champion.

I can also include here Constantin Aur (8 times national champion), witch is still competing at his 48 years old and he is on top 6 now in almost every rally.
We have here a guy named Gergo Szabo (2009 and 2010 national champion) YouTube - ‪Gergo Szabo Mitsubish Lancer Evo 9 Onboard Raliul Aradului 2010‬‏ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIVYi2hoSfc) with is better than any driver from Romania, but i didn't put him on the list beacuse he is from Hungary.
Marco Tempestini (East European Rally Champion) witch is Italian but is standing here since 2006 and is competing in our championship.

[J.Lindstroem]

I need to change my list. Top 5 Sweden!

1. PG Andersson
2. Patrik Flodin
3. Patrik Sandell
4. Mats Jonsson
5. Pontus Tidemand

[Mirek]

I'm still waiting for Czech insights, c'mon guys!

Maybe someone wants to make it but I don't. I can't see any criteria objective enough for that.

[N.O.T]

in other words...we do not want a czech rally civil war to errupt.....

[Mirek]

I don't care about that, the war has been raging for years anyway...

Don't get me wrong but I'm used to work with numbers and measurements. Therefore I don't see any sense in making a ladder based more or less on feelings and sympathy.

[Doug Woods]

Here are my top five for the USA and Canada:

USA:

1) Travis Pastrana
2) Chris Duplessis
3) Ramana Lagemann
4) Ken Block
5) Tanner Foust

Canada:

1) Antoine L'Estage
2) Pat Richard
3) Sylvain Erickson
4) Frank Sprongl
5) Andrew Comrie-Picard

[Viking]

Hey... do we need objective criterias??.... Close the tread ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

What about Rui Madeira???

Rua Madeira are retired.

[RS]

Top British:

Kris Meeke
Guy Wilks
Alister McRae
Mark Higgins
David Bogie


Good list. PetterSolberg29 I guess forgot McRae and Higgins. McRae has been fairly competitive with the highly rated Chris Atkinson in APRC. I've no doubt that both McRae and Higgins could have made a better job of the Stobart car than Wilson given that much seat time.

Oh, and you both forgot Andreas Mikkelsen ;)

[vino_93]

What about Sarrazin and Voulioz? :)
oops, I've forgotten them :rolleyes:
Vouilloz for sure is better than Sarrazin. I'm not really convinced by Stéphane ... but the two boys will not do a lot of rally this year ... :(

[Zeakiwi]

NZ As it it is mid-rally season in NZ , I have bracketed places on performances to date.
1) Paddon
2) Mason
3) (Sumner/ West)
4) (Inkster/ Argyle)
5) Gilmour

Young pedallers - Cox, Jagger, Hunt, Campbell

[cali]

Urmo Aava???
Retired drivers do not count

[6789]

I think it's telling of the state of rallying in Australia when 3 of the top 5 have no drive at all. Atkinson is back doing APRC and Reeves needs funds big time for a drive in PWRC or even ARC. I rate Simon Evans right up there.

[NiekJ]

The Dutch top 5 imo:

1) Hans Weijs Jr ( very fast on tarmac without a lot of mistakes )
2) Kevin Abbring ( maybe on par with Weijs, fast on gravel, but not the most consistent)
3) Jasper vd Heuvel ( very fast on gr-N on tarmac, top gr-N in WRC Germany and Spain )
4) Mark van Eldik ( Very spectacular with a WRC, great car control)
5) Merksteijn Jr ( reasonable fast couple of years ago, close to Weijs and Abbring, has a lot of bad luck this year but I think we can expect much more from him).

[Mintexmemory]

The Dutch top 5 imo:

1) Hans Weijs Jr ( very fast on tarmac without a lot of mistakes )
2) Kevin Abbring ( maybe on par with Weijs, fast on gravel, but not the most consistent)
3) Jasper vd Heuvel ( very fast on gr-N on tarmac, top gr-N in WRC Germany and Spain )
4) Mark van Eldik ( Very spectacular with a WRC, great car control)
5) Merksteijn Jr ( reasonable fast couple of years ago, close to Weijs and Abbring, has a lot of bad luck this year but I think we can expect much more from him).
Weijs and Abbring showed their ability again at Ypres. As an interested Englishman why not Kuipers Jr ahead of Van Eldik and Merkesteijn Jr?

[Mirek]

What is Van Hoof doing now?

[NiekJ]

Weijs and Abbring showed their ability again at Ypres. As an interested Englishman why not Kuipers Jr ahead of Van Eldik and Merkesteijn Jr?

Kuipers never really impressed in the local rallies in the Netherlands. Van Eldik and Merskteijn Jr where, with some exceptions, always (a lot) faster. Of course Kuipers Jr has a lot of experience now in the WRC but I think Eldik and Merksteijn would beat him if they would do some WRC rallies.

[NiekJ]

What is Van Hoof doing now?

He is doing some local rallies mainly in Belgium, still with the good old Evo IV :)

[Mirek]

Bedankt

[Mekola]

Top 5 of Argentina:

1) Federico Villagra (WRC - Arg. Rally Champ)
2) Marcos Ligato (Arg. Rally Champ)
3) Gabriel Pozzo (Arg. Rally Champ)
4) Miguel Baldoni (Arg. Rally Champ)
5) Claudio Menzi (Arg. Rally Champ)

[Mintexmemory]

Kuipers never really impressed in the local rallies in the Netherlands. Van Eldik and Merskteijn Jr where, with some exceptions, always (a lot) faster. Of course Kuipers Jr has a lot of experience now in the WRC but I think Eldik and Merksteijn would beat him if they would do some WRC rallies.
Well the stats would seem to show that Kuipers is better in WRC than Merksteijn Jr. They have been head to head in 4 rallies so far this year. Kuipers has had two 10th places, one 9th place and one DNF. Merksteijn has one 22nd place and three DNFs. Also, Kuipers' stage times are generally faster than VM jr. Bet they also have fun in the catering rooms with 'my Dad's faster than your Dad' arguements ;-)

[darkstar]

for germany its quite hard to make a list!

especially for drivers who are still driving.

we have few talents witch disappeared, two of the biggest was defenetly uwe nittel in the 90´s who still has a good pace and some years ago markus fahrner. in the past it was of course röhrl and after that schwarz who was good, but never very good(but very spectacular therefore as you may know ;) ) best achievement was of course burkart with the jwrc title, but as you all know he won by luck and he never had the big talent. also kahle should be named with his 1000 german rallye championchip titles, but with almost no opponents and internationally he never was fast. and kremer won erc once, as far as i remember...

so, from talents who are rising up at the moment, my favourites are:

1. gassner jr
2. herbold
3. riedemann
4. some young and as it seems talented driver from german national rallye scene, who showed really good speed with shi**y cars, called sepp wiegand.
5. ehm...no one

i´m really expecting something from those 3 germans(i guess wiegand wont be driving there) at rallye deutschland and france. i hope i wont get dissapointed again...

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Top 5 Argentina today...

1) Federico Villagra
2) Gabriel Pozzo
3) Juan Marchetto
4) Claudio Menzi
5) Miguel Baldoni

[Rally Power]

1st -Armindo Araújo
2nds - Bruno Magalhães and Bernardo Sousa

Nowadays only international Portuguese drivers can be judge as high profiled. By his experience Armindo is surely ahead, but it's unfair to rank Bernardo over or below Bruno.

Budget problems led to a very poor field in main Portuguese championship (CPR), leaving 2nd level drivers to domination. Guys like Adruzilo Lopes and Miguel Campos would have a place in a top 5, but they dont get money to compete regulary.

Joao Ruivo, Antonio Rodrigues, Daniel Nunes and a few others contenders of the sprint championship (called Open) are trully fast, but for them it's even more dificult to get a CPR competitive chance.