2012 IRC: Rallies, teams, drivers

[PLuto]

Florian Gonon is also planning a go in a Saintéloc Peugeot


The Swiss will contest the GEKO Ypres Rally, Barum Czech Rally Zlín and Rallye Sanremo in a Peugeot 207 Super 2000 that he will share with co-driver Sandra Arlettaz. Gonon’s latest-specification Peugeot will be run under the Annie Spiers Rallye Team banner in conjunction with the French preparation specialist. It will mark the end of Gonon’s four-year stint driving Subaru Imprezas.


I was writing about it here few days ago... (Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=13427))

[EightGear]

Hermen Kobus jr. wants to contest some IRC round too this season in a Fiesta. His first rally with it will be the Tank S Rally in 2 weeks.

[mousti]

Ypres he'll do, other program is also depending on his studies.

Btw Sainteloc seems to see it big this year in Rallying. Renting out 3 207 Evo 2012 in French championship plus 4 DS3. Some DS3 will be seen in Belgium and they're also searching UK pilots who want to rent DS3 for for British championship.

[Bartek]

No Mecsek Rally from what i heard....

[mousti]

Autosport.cz was reporting something about Megane cup and doing Targa Florio rally instead of Mecsek. Anyone who understands Czech confirm it? :p

[Tom206wrc]

Ypres he'll do, other program is also depending on his studies.

Btw Sainteloc seems to see it big this year in Rallying. Renting out 3 207 Evo 2012 in French championship plus 4 DS3. Some DS3 will be seen in Belgium and they're also searching UK pilots who want to rent DS3 for for British championship.


Mmmmh the Belgium and UK info you give is quite interesting ;)

[PLuto]

Autosport.cz was reporting something about Megane cup and doing Targa Florio rally instead of Mecsek. Anyone who understands Czech confirm it? :p

Yes, I understands czech and I can confirm your translation. Only info about Targa isn't confirmed, but actually still only rumour.

[mousti]

Thanks Pluto. If Targa gets confirmed then the program is 5 IRC rallies + Targa normally..

Yes indeed Tom, but I don't think a full season in Belgium, but only Cherain who's doing 2 or 3 (can't remember 100%) Belgian rallies and Berton maybe also but also not sure.

[PLuto]

Aha, I wasnt reading correctly your message. It is reporting that Mecsek should be replace by Targa Florio (one info) and that Megane N4 Challenge is cancelled (second info).

[mousti]

I confused the messages alltogether then :D . With my knowledge of the language and translator that can happen.

Megane challenge cancelled, don't think it's even a big loss because probably not much interest in it.

And maybe a 2nd Italian IRC rally then if it's true about Mecsek.

[PLuto]

Patrik Flodin on 7 IRC events with Fiesta - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=13449)

[andre93]

Hi,does someone know the chassis' number or the old registration plate of Saliuk's Fiesta S2000??
Thank's

[alleskids]

I was writing about it here few days ago... (Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=13427))

my point was, that Sainteloc is becoming the main Peugeot team. do they have links with Peugeot Sport. Nice of them to attrack youngster Breen from Ford

[alleskids]

Patrik Flodin on 7 IRC events with Fiesta - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=13449)

nice :) hopefully the Ford will challange the Skoda brigade

[Aquagen]

Hi,does someone know the chassis' number or the old registration plate of Saliuk's Fiesta S2000??
Thank'sI think this photo can be helpful

http://www.reporters.com.ua/gall_img/8f1568105de33ce750ac22ab3ed86e03.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

300 BCT is chassis 33, now registered SP 054.

[bluuford]

300 BCT is chassis 33, now registered SP 054.

True, all rally and sports cars in Estonia are getting new numbers, starting with the letters SP since mid year of 2011. These cars do not need to go to regular technical control as they are controlled before each rally anyway.

[andre93]

300 BCT is chassis 33, now registered SP 054.

Yes,SP 0054 (old 300 BCT) is the car of Tamrazov, do you know the chassis number of Saliuk's AA 0513 KI??
thank'you

[Andre Oliveira]

Unfortunately... No :)

[Aquagen]

Tamrazov started in Ukraine on both Yalta 2010 and 2011 with 300 BCT. THX for the answers.

[Tom206wrc]

nice :) hopefully the Ford will challange the Skoda brigade


Maybe...but also depends of Hankook vs Michelin :mark:

[Sulland]

Maybe...but also depends of Hankook vs Michelin :mark:

How far behind per km ss are the Hankooks now?
They were quite far off when Mikkelsen drove for them, but they have improved a lot.

[Mirek]

How far behind per km ss are the Hankooks now?

Sulland, You are still asking the same question which can't be answered. On every stage, in every conditions, in every car, with every setup and with every driver it's different. Quotes like "we are now 0,5 s/km faster than before" is mostly a PR stuff and not much more.

[Sulland]

Sulland, You are still asking the same question which can't be answered. On every stage, in every conditions, in every car, with every setup and with every driver it's different. Quotes like "we are now 0,5 s/km faster than before" is mostly a PR stuff and not much more.

He, he - yes I am a bit slow you see (on Barums) ;)

But i am not looking for a 100% answer, but an aprox one. Even I understand thet there are many variables here.
But lets say that they started off by being 1,5 sec pr km off the pace, and now they have closed the gap to 0,5. - that is quite an achievement.

On one side I like that more tyre manufacturers are offering, on the other hand I hated it when Petter was on Pirellis, and Michelin was so much better on most surfaces. Pros and cons for having a control tyre regime or not!

But some national drivers have for sure evaluated different tyres before choosing to buy one, and would have a pretty good idea on differences in speed.

[RS]

I like it that different tyre manufacturers are allowed, otherwise Flodin might not have an IRC programme at all.

Not sure how much effort Hankook really put in to the development? It's not like we heard about Gardemeister doing days of testing with new compounds e.t.c. last season. Maybe just having a presence is enough for them.

I expect Flodin with a Fiesta might make more of an impact than Toni did last year but I think that generally he'll struggle, especially on asphalt events.

[RS]

.... It is for sure nice to have Flodin in IRC but if I were Hankook I probably would have gone with Basso in a Fiesta as I think that combination could have gone a long way to closing the performance gap of the tyres on asphalt. Or even Bouffier with a 2012 207.

[Hartusvuori]

Not sure how much effort Hankook really put in to the development? It's not like we heard about Gardemeister doing days of testing with new compounds e.t.c. last season. Maybe just having a presence is enough for them.

There were at least few test days on Ahvenisto circuit in Hämeenlinna, Finland in last August. There saw report on one car tv magazine with Hankook people explaining how excited they were about the tests and the data they gained. So it's not only presence.

[mousti]

.... It is for sure nice to have Flodin in IRC but if I were Hankook I probably would have gone with Basso in a Fiesta as I think that combination could have gone a long way to closing the performance gap of the tyres on asphalt. Or even Bouffier with a 2012 207.
Almost sure that Hankook doesn't sponsor the full program alone, Flodin will have backing from other sponsors. And I think Basso and Bouffier don't have certainty for a 7 rally program, I guess. That Fiesta of Flodin was that btw including when he bought a part of PSWRT structure the Fiesta that Henning used? Don't even know if that car was owned by Solberg?

[Tom206wrc]

Swiss Laurent Reuche in small IRC campaign program too :confused:
On Inforallye(swiss website)they seem to say he looks for an international program this season(thus won't run swiss championship)...

[PLuto]

Swiss Laurent Reuche in small IRC campaign program too :confused:
On Inforallye(swiss website)they seem to say he looks for an international program this season(thus won't run swiss championship)...

San Marino in IRC, Wales in WRC and Valais at home with Peugeot 207 S2000, maybe also Corse in IRC and Deutschland in WRC with 207 R3T.

[Hartusvuori]

Toni Gardemeister gives his side on his absence from IRC 2012 in the latest Vauhdin Maailma magazine. He says that he had a verbal agreement with Hankook for 2012 and they should've signed the deal by the end of November. After delays just before Christmas he was told that there wouldn't be no deal for him, and apparently Hankook at the time negotiated with some Peugeot dealer team. That waiting for Hankook deal left him little chances to built the budget for 2012. However after the setback he won't rule down one-off appearances - in IRC, NORF or FRC. His Skoda was completely rebuilt after last season.

In the interview he also mentions that they drove huge mileage of tyre tests for Hankook last season.

Another interesting Skoda-related newspiece was the reason for Jukka Hiltunen's cancelled entry for FRC Mikkeli few weeks ago: his Fabia's engine was lost by DHL somewhere in Germany while on its way from Oreca, France, to Finland.

[Tom206wrc]

San Marino in IRC, Wales in WRC and Valais at home with Peugeot 207 S2000, maybe also Corse in IRC and Deutschland in WRC with 207 R3T.

Thanks Pluto ;)

[PLuto]

Toni Gardemeister gives his side on his absence from IRC 2012 in the latest Vauhdin Maailma magazine. He says that he had a verbal agreement with Hankook for 2012 and they should've signed the deal by the end of November. After delays just before Christmas he was told that there wouldn't be no deal for him, and apparently Hankook at the time negotiated with some Peugeot dealer team. That waiting for Hankook deal left him little chances to built the budget for 2012. However after the setback he won't rule down one-off appearances - in IRC, NORF or FRC. His Skoda was completely rebuilt after last season.

In the interview he also mentions that they drove huge mileage of tyre tests for Hankook last season.

Another interesting Skoda-related newspiece was the reason for Jukka Hiltunen's cancelled entry for FRC Mikkeli few weeks ago: his Fabia's engine was lost by DHL somewhere in Germany while on its way from Oreca, France, to Finland.

With Toni it isnt nothing new, I was writing the same in December (here (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=13176) - it is only in czech, but with translator translation it is easy to understand).

And with the engine, this is the reason why we are transporting engine to Oreca personally. It is little bit more expensive, but more safer. I remember, that last year we had similar big problems with transport of steering to rebuild (another company, not DHL) and were very lucky that we received it back before next race...

[RS]

Julien Maurin on Tour de Corse with Fiesta S2000.

[mousti]

For now that's he's only outing in IRC this year, Deutschland and Alsace on his program too probably with the Fiesta WRC.

[dimviii]

207 s2000 evo 2012

Peugeot 207 S2000 Evo 2012 HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Brvq_6VW4&feature=player_embedded)

[RS]

207 s2000 evo 2012

Peugeot 207 S2000 Evo 2012 HD - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_Brvq_6VW4&feature=player_embedded)

They make poor Bryan test the car but they don't give him one!

I guess we can expect to see him on Corsica at least though? I'm pretty sure Peugeot will want to win that one again.

Good video btw, you can visually see these cars developing all the time. I wonder how many s/km the latest 207s/Fabias are now compared to the first Puntos?

[RS]

Abarth and Proton now registered for IRC again?

[mousti]

Yeah indeed... Abarth maybe for some clients who still drive with a Punto and maybe Proton going to do additional IRC rounds after the good results of MC and Sweden ?? Who knows :D . I didn't care much about Abarth and Proton although PG and Basso are great drivers but now with the good results I want to see them back in IRC!

[Hartusvuori]

If Proton's registered, that for sure is something I'd like to know about more. Abarth's for 2WD, perhaps?

[Mirek]

It may be just a mistake...

[mousti]

If it is they better have should deleted those images from the first day they knew wouldn't register, kinda stupid mistake it is :-/

[wildboar]

If it is they better have should deleted those images from the first day they knew wouldn't register, kinda stupid mistake it is :-/
I think they have been added very recently.

[mousti]

Yes but I meant if it is a mistake somehow they did something wrong to get it on the site so they should have deleted it from their directory so they avoid such mistakes..

[Hartusvuori]

It may be just a mistake...

This could very well be it too. If you look at the drivers' gallery on IRC website, there's still quite a few names there that have no fixed plans yet to compete in IRC this year.

[Sulland]

The IRC webteam need to make the registered brand badges bigger on their site, they are hardly readable !

[tolis]

Website is down?
Homepage - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/)

[mousti]

Removed again, mistake from the webteam.. sadly

[wildboar]

Removed again, mistake from the webteam.. sadly

and Ralliart is also gone?

[PLuto]

Ralliart doesnt want to be registered as manufacturer, but paid registration to make their drivers available into championship.

[RS]

Ralliart doesnt want to be registered as manufacturer, but paid registration to make their drivers available into championship.

Makes sense. I guess so they don't look bad against Subaru who are fielding a semi-official team.

[focus206]

Can someone make the point of the situation of the 2WD Cup? Which drivers confirmed a program in this cup?
I heard about Harry Hunt (DS3 R3T), Michael Kogler (Clio R3), there should be Davide Catania (DS3 R3T) and Laszlo Vizin (Fabia R2) with small programs...
someone else? Maybe Robert Consani?

[mousti]

Consani indeed, Stratieva too

[Luis Pacheco]

Few moments ago Carlos Barros said at Radio Las Palmas that Opel is developing a R4T.

[Tom206wrc]

IRC program for Giandomenico Basso and A-Style team(Fiesta S2000) :)

[noel157]

A-STYLE TEAM TOGETHER IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND LOW GIANDOMENICO IRC
March 17, 2012 | by Luca Del Vitto |
Agreement signed between the pilot and the leaders of the Venetian hotel in Como for intercontinental range.


Porlezza (Co) - The A-Team Style and Giandomenico Basso have reached an agreement for a few matches into the season IRC Championship, the Intercontinental Rally Challenge from Tour de Corse the next 11 and 12 May: l ' Italy is well represented in the international scene by a driver who can aim high.
Bass, along with the "faithful" co Mitia Dotta, will debut the car bringing the blue oval brand Ford in the IRC series, thanks to the Fiesta of ' A-Style .
" I think we can talk about a major deal- Butti said Fabio, the owner of the team Lombard - because it will raise the hopes of Italian in an international context as the IRC, a series that although young already boasts great visibility and coat of arms . "
The pilot Cavaso the Tomb was not happy with comments made ​​to miss the first: " I am happy for this opportunity and thank the team of A-Style trust given to me, I always preferred programs and am very motivated to confront this new fascinating challenge. The Fiesta is all to discover for myself and I hope to try soon. I want to work with the team A-Style for the chance to confront adversaries on equal terms with the highest level. "

[wwbroe]

That is just great news, it will be awesome to see Giandomenico back in action in IRC. I think he is one of the fastest tarmac drivers, so maybe he can make something against the Skoda's. :D

[mousti]

Just read it on a Italian site and indeed he has got a new deal! And awesome news!

[Sulland]

Cool that IRC gets a top dog in a Fiesta!!

We deserve that!

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/986/986_rally_islas_canarias_el_corte_ingles_2012_9fdd 070cba.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/986/986_rally_islas_canarias_el_corte_ingles_2012_8781 6f173b.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/986/986_rally_islas_canarias_el_corte_ingles_2012_c444 7e999f.jpg

More photos HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=986&fseason=2012)

[RS]

Basso in a Fiesta is brilliant news. Any news how many (and which) rounds? He can be a real threat to the Skodas IMO and even better he is in a Fiesta for more variety.

[Fly]

http://www.alastairfisher.com/news.asp

[mousti]

Great news, last year he said he would do his best to do some outings along with Breen and Barrable with a S2000 :)

[rallye-sport]

Test Day : Craig Breen with 207 S2000 : Breen et Arzeno en essais pour l'Irlande (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-essais-breenarzeno-irlande-2012/)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/523858_10150599135200754_243641655753_9550256_1895 746243_n.jpg

[pettersolberg29]

What are people on here generally expecting from Breen? One level down from Mikkelsen/Hanninen/Kopecky but one level up from Gassner/Wiegand etc?

[Mirek]

At least at home soil he shall have higher targets. But I can see that he is on Pirelli. That is interesting factor which can play against him but also for him. Let's wait and see but definitely he should pray for rain and cold.

[Plan9]

What are people on here generally expecting from Breen? One level down from Mikkelsen/Hanninen/Kopecky but one level up from Gassner/Wiegand etc?

Yeah about that area. I think it will be interesting to see how he compares to Paddon in SWRC this year and if he can get any funding in addition to the prize money he won last year.

[noel157]

At least at home soil he shall have higher targets. But I can see that he is on Pirelli. That is interesting factor which can play against him but also for him. Let's wait and see but definitely he should pray for rain and cold.

Don't know if he's running Pirelli on the Circuit (he may be). The test was in the car Jean-Mathieu Leandri used and, I presume, still stickered from the Touquet rally.
Having said that Pirelli have had a good history in Ireland.

[RS]

What are people on here generally expecting from Breen? One level down from Mikkelsen/Hanninen/Kopecky but one level up from Gassner/Wiegand etc?

Podium in Ireland, points elsewhere.

[stepunk]

Basso in a Fiesta is brilliant news. Any news how many (and which) rounds?

I heard Tour de Corse, San Marino and Sanremo... but I can't find an official source.

[mousti]

I heard Tour de Corse, San Marino and Sanremo... but I can't find an official source.
That's right he's searching for more budget to do more rounds :-/

[Hartusvuori]

That's right he's searching for more budget to do more rounds :-/

And let's hope he succeeds in doing so!

[RS]

Hopefully Basso can get a strong result on Corsica which should help with budget. Would be awesome if he could find enough money to do 8 rounds in total and mount a championship challenge but I don't hold out much hope of that.

Will be interesting to see how he does on gravel in San Marino. He is for sure better on asphalt but I think not bad on gravel.

[mousti]

I hope the car holds it, Scandola often retired with mechanical problems.

[dimviii]

Bouffier testing at gravel
Peugeot Sport | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/peugeot.sport)

[wildboar]

Is it already known, which events will have live TV coverage?

[PLuto]

Is it already known, which events will have live TV coverage?

Not yet...

[shaperzrally]

The first live coverage is from the Tour de Corse in 2012. From CoI there's only the usual highlight stuff and Inside IRC on the following tuesday.

[Plan9]

Looks like Skoda are going to enter both Juho and Jan in Ireland, according to this article:

MaxRally | News | Skoda in IRC driver policy rethink (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/skoda_in_irc_driver_policy_rethink/)

Perhaps they do not want Andreas to have it all his own way after all.

[Bartek]

Looks like Mecsek Rally out from IRC is confirmed...

[Salist]

Yes it's official and this is a bad news for hungarian rally fans! :(

[Adler]

Andi Aigner presenting his Stohl Impreza R4

Rallye: News - Rallye-News - Rallye - motorline.cc (http://www.motorline.cc/rallye/index.php/Rallye-News---Ungew%C3%B6hnliche-Teampr%C3%A4sentation/article=168797)

goal is the production car title + to proove the car is faster on tarmac than so far expected.....personally i think he could maybe make the best result in romania, he is fast on gravel + he can really drive according notes, and the rally is new for all others as well

[dimviii]

Andi Aigner presenting his Stohl Impreza R4

Rallye: News - Rallye-News - Rallye - motorline.cc (http://www.motorline.cc/rallye/index.php/Rallye-News---Ungew%C3%B6hnliche-Teampr%C3%A4sentation/article=168797)

goal is the production car title + to proove the car is faster on tarmac than so far expected.....personally i think he could maybe make the best result in romania, he is fast on gravel + he can really drive according notes, and the rally is new for all others as well

to proove against who?...

[Adler]

to proove against who?...
thats what the press release says...i think that means Subaru/Stohl racing want to show that the car can do better than Arai was able to show last season...that is only my personal understanding of course

[PLuto]

Patrik Flodin revealed 7 events where he will start with Fiesta: www.AutoSport.CZ (http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=648&p=60346#p60346)

[HaCo]

Patrik Flodin revealed 7 events where he will start with Fiesta: www.AutoSport.CZ (http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=648&p=60346#p60346)

Great we will see him in Ypres too!

Verstuurd van mijn MT15i met Tapatalk

[gtimad73]

Sorry if this has been covered before, but what has happened the juho hanninen this season. It seem like he's being over looked? As he's not doing swrc and not doing full irc where's he gone wrong? maybe I've miss something but it looks like other driver's have moved up the pecking order. :rolleyes:

[pucky54]

Sorry if this has been covered before, but what has happened the juho hanninen this season. It seem like he's being over looked? As he's not doing swrc and not doing full irc where's he gone wrong? maybe I've miss something but it looks like other driver's have moved up the pecking order. :rolleyes:

Hänninen: ERC & IRC
Kopecký: Czech champ & IRC

[gtimad73]

forgot about the ERC, do you know how many round of each he will be doing?

[PLuto]

forgot about the ERC, do you know how many round of each he will be doing?

Number of events isnt sure, plans can change according to actual situation in championship. I think that actually 100% sure are only 1000 Miglia and Barum.

[mousti]

News about a few drivers doing Rally Sliven

More competitors taking part in Rally Sliven 2012 (http://rallysliven.com/en/news/item/185-%D0%BE%D1%89%D0%B5-%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D 0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8-%E2%80%9E%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD-2012%E2%80%9D/185-%D0%BE%D1%89%D0%B5-%D1%83%D1%87%D0%B0%D1%81%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%86%D 0%B8-%D0%B2-%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B8-%E2%80%9E%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B2%D0%B5%D0%BD-2012%E2%80%9D.html)

[Tom206wrc]

New rumour of Kris Meeke could go back to Peugeot in IRC ???? :confused:

[RS]

New rumour of Kris Meeke could go back to Peugeot in IRC ???? :confused:

Any more details?

Doesn't look too likely he will be competing for Mini this year, so why not?

[Plan9]

Does anyone know if Eurosport has DVD season reviews for IRC?

[Mirek]

New rumour of Kris Meeke could go back to Peugeot in IRC ???? :confused:

I pray for that.

[sete]

i will pray it tooo
Union jack back on 207 please

[mousti]

Sadly it's 1 april today, I got no hope :o

[Mirek]

Sadly it's 1 april today, I got no hope :o

It has nothing to do with todays date.

[mousti]

I'll have hope tomorrow :D

[HaCo]

Fingers crossed here as well!

[Viking]

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s480x480/544711_395197647166161_185806838105244_1493573_903 297167_n.jpg

New co driver........ Nah, only stepping in for flu stricken Fløene in pre-Circuit of Ireland test. :)

[Viking]

Mikko steps in | Andreas Mikkelsen (http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/mikko-steps-in/)

[Pinto]

New rumour of Kris Meeke could go back to Peugeot in IRC ???? :confused:

could be truth in that all right

[Nornbugger]

New rumour of Kris Meeke could go back to Peugeot in IRC ???? :confused:


the Irc needs this, Skoda need credible opposition

[Plan9]

Im afraid the 207 is not as credible as once it was I'm afraid. If Kris does go to Peugeot would Dave rip up his contract? As far as we know 2013 is Kris' last WRC lifeline...

[Diegotest]

Robert Kubica come back to drive a rally-car... saturday 7 april, in Italy Robert has driven a Renault Clio S1600... more details and pictures on TestRally.com (http://www.testrally.com)

[Mirek]

Robert Kubica come back to drive a rally-car... saturday 7 april, in Italy Robert has driven a Renault Clio S1600... more details and pictures on TestRally.com (http://www.testrally.com)

That is nice but how does it relate to the IRC topic?

[tolis]

Tour de Corse will have Live Coverage from Eurosport:

Eurosport confirms exciting live coverage of Tour de Corse - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/273)

[liposh]

Thank you, good to know. I am looking forward to watch Tour de Corse live :) What is that "Via Stella LIVE"? Would there be any livestream Of SS12 on the net?

[RS]

Thank you, good to know. I am looking forward to watch Tour de Corse live :) What is that "Via Stella LIVE"? Would there be any livestream Of SS12 on the net?

Via Stella is the local Corsican tv channel, hopefully it might be available online for the rest of us too.

Source: Eurosport live coverage of Tour de Corse : Rallye-Info.com (http://irc.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=11&stid=10042)

[RS]

Kristian Sohlberg will drive two IRC events (San Marino and Sibiu) with Petter's team in a Fiesta.

Motorsport News also reports that Targa Florio will replace Meczek. That means 3 Italian rounds, although hopefully that will increase the chance of seeing more of Basso :)

[mousti]

Geko Ypres Rally FB page is reporting that they some entries from Portugal. Firstly u could think that'll be Bruno Magalhaes and secondly would be Miguel Campos who already got mentioned on a list on the official site of the IRC and there was word he wanted to start in Ypres. Though in wanting and doing it is a big difference!

[tolis]

Maybe Ricardo Moura

[Rallytourist]

Geko Ypres Rally FB page is reporting that they some entries from Portugal. Firstly u could think that'll be Bruno Magalhaes and secondly would be Miguel Campos who already got mentioned on a list on the official site of the IRC and there was word he wanted to start in Ypres. Though in wanting and doing it is a big difference!
Sousa with the Lotus + ...

[noel157]

Did they get their homologation? Think it was due earlier this month.

[Mirek]

Did they get their homologation? Think it was due earlier this month.

I think they postponed it.

[garais22]

Latvia is very very close to organize IRC winter rally in 2013 (end of January and start of February). Rally to take place in Kurzeme (Liepāja, Ventspils). Big news!!!
A little work with papers, a little bit money and show can start!
More info here (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijs/864-latvija-tuvu-tam-lai-nakamgad-rikotu-irc-posmu/):

[PLuto]

Motorsport News also reports that Targa Florio will replace Meczek. That means 3 Italian rounds, although hopefully that will increase the chance of seeing more of Basso :)

I am writing about Targa Florio for few weeks... But the biggest problem is that CSAI doesnt want to change a date of the event...

[RS]

I am writing about Targa Florio for few weeks... But the biggest problem is that CSAI doesnt want to change a date of the event...

I heard that Eurosport would organise a boat from there to Ypres?

[Tom206wrc]

I think they postponed it.



Looks like a catastrofic start for Lotus in rallying :s

[tolis]

Why? I think the car will be ready for Croatia.

[RS]

Prodrive's press release for Corsica says the following: "Corsica also sees the launch of Drive-Pro & SMG Motorsport’s MINI drive packages for the IRC and WRC as well as national and regional championships. The factory built cars will also be engineered by Prodrive."

... which I guess means Mini must be registering soon.

Full release: Prodrive confirms Sordo for Corsica : Rallye-Info.com (http://irc.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=11&stid=10044)

[PLuto]

I was talking with people from Eurosport on Canarias and they told me that negotiations between them and Prodrive are "running", so I expect it too.

[mousti]

Me too for sure after that Press Release.. Last year in Ypres IRC did like Snijers and his Mini didn't exist in the event..

[Mirek]

Me too for sure after that Press Release.. Last year in Ypres IRC did like Snijers and his Mini didn't exist in the event..

Which was absolutely correct. If Prodrive wanted to be on Eurosport they could register like other manufacturers. No need for exceptions there.

[Plan9]

Which was absolutely correct. If Prodrive wanted to be on Eurosport they could register like other manufacturers. No need for exceptions there.

If they register with Eurosport do they have to do all the remaining events?

[Plan9]

Looks like a catastrofic start for Lotus in rallying :s

I guess this is the flow on effect of mismanagement and major debt problems following its sale in Malaysia. The IRL and F1 programs have had problems too.

[mousti]

Which was absolutely correct. If Prodrive wanted to be on Eurosport they could register like other manufacturers. No need for exceptions there.

I agree with that, just making the point that they suddenly make a news article around it means it's very close to a signed deal to get registered :)

[RS]

If they register with Eurosport do they have to do all the remaining events?

No. Registering just allows their drivers to score points and for the cars to be shown on tv.

[RS]

I agree with that, just making the point that they suddenly make a news article around it means it's very close to a signed deal to get registered :)

It must be.. I can't see that they would enter this event and specifically mention IRC more than once if they had no intention. Surely the fee would be worth it with the 5 hours of live tv coming up. They wouldn't get that in WRC in a whole year I think, especially not this year!

[RS]

Lifted from the European section; A-Style team presented their programme for Basso with support from Valvoline and Pirelli. I hope the tyres don't limit Basso's chances in IRC too much, on the other hand it would be nice if they became involved more and fund a proper programme :)

Basso will start 1000 Miglia next weekend as a test event in a Fiesta RRC and will then decide whether to use that or the S2000 in IRC.

IL TEAM A-STYLE SVELA I PRINCIPALI PROGRAMMI DELLA STAGIONE | A-Style Team (http://www.a-styleteam.it/il-team-a-style-svela-i-principali-programmi-della-stagione/)

[HaCo]

Good to hear from Basso!

Verstuurd van mijn MT15i met Tapatalk

[WRCKE]

Robert Barrable with skoda s2000 at Ypres rally

[dimviii]

Lifted from the European section; A-Style team presented their programme for Basso with support from Valvoline and Pirelli. I hope the tyres don't limit Basso's chances in IRC too much, on the other hand it would be nice if they became involved more and fund a proper programme :)

Basso will start 1000 Miglia next weekend as a test event in a Fiesta RRC and will then decide whether to use that or the S2000 in IRC.

IL TEAM A-STYLE SVELA I PRINCIPALI PROGRAMMI DELLA STAGIONE | A-Style Team (http://www.a-styleteam.it/il-team-a-style-svela-i-principali-programmi-della-stagione/)

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/427929_3673166878508_1554994869_33034100_822060771 _n.jpg

[Hartusvuori]

Robert Barrable with skoda s2000 at Ypres rally

And Barum Rally :-)


“We’re definitely going to go back to Ypres and [Zlín] and hopefully finish off on another IRC round somewhere,” said Barrable.

Barrable targets expanded IRC programme - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/287)

[Motorsportfun]

Targa Florio rally (16-17 june) set to replace Mecsek Rally, as the teams were informed about that. Due to this time delay, a ship will be arranged to get the teams from Palermo to Genoa in time for their "road-to-Ypres" trip, which is scheduled the next week. So, this year we're heading to three IRC events in Italy! :eek: :)

[Mirek]

Is it already sure the date won't be changed? I know CSAI was against the date change but a double event Targa Florio/Ypres in one week is quite crazy...

[Motorsportfun]

Is it already sure the date won't be changed? I know CSAI was against the date change but a double event Targa Florio/Ypres in one week is quite crazy...

The date will be the same for Targa Florio rally, so it will be a twin-event "Targa Florio-Ypres" in just one week time. That's the reason they rent a ship to send trucks and cars from Palermo to Genoa straight after the rally. ;)

[Mirek]

Still it's crazy. Anyone with some bigger problem on Sicily (crash, engine problem etc.) is out from both events.

[mousti]

Not the smartest decision indeed, don't know why they needed to replace it and why so bad on the calendar.

[Motorsportfun]

Not the smartest decision indeed, don't know why they needed to replace it and why so bad on the calendar.

Because they want an event that attracts about 250/300k spectators, 50k only during the Ceremonial Start :)

[PLuto]

Because they want an event that attracts about 250/300k spectators, 50k only during the Ceremonial Start :)

No. Because they want money from organisers...

[dimviii]

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/580296_399610510059691_100000322360768_1322966_673 792325_n.jpghttp://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/540589_399608933393182_100000322360768_1322960_134 9246878_n.jpg

Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.399608626726546.89808.100000322360768&type=3)

[mousti]

Awesome! Is that only for Tamrazov or for Saliuk too, and the announced livery with Eurosport on it will never come. Seems Ukranians in that team have big money, in Mille Miglia starting with a slogan and now again for the next rally?

[PLuto]

This design was planned for Miglia, but there were no time to make it...

[RS]

Nice design and slogan. Have one of the Ukranians swtiched to the Fabia now?

[Mirek]

Only for Mille Miglia.

[Sulland]

Only for Mille Miglia.

Any comments on differences btw Ford and Skoda from him ?

[vino_93]

Is Alberto Hevia still the driver of Skoda Spain or is he "private" driver now ?

[Ucci]

Still it's crazy. Anyone with some bigger problem on Sicily (crash, engine problem etc.) is out from both events.

That the way it is-the same for everybody. Drivers have to think and not yust ''push the pedal to the metal''. Rally was never about straight pushing, you have to make same tactics and sometimes even go-off the throttle. The scenery in Sicily will be awesome.
But I agree partly with you-if you blow the engine, then you can say by-by to Ypres......

[mousti]

Can we even expect much IRC regulars there? Basso will maybe do this event as extra then?

[PLuto]

Teams know about Targa in IRC more than one month, so they were calculating with it in their plans...

[dimviii]

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/574894_407540679266674_100000322360768_1340263_139 8972693_n.jpg

[RS]

David Lapworth of Prodrive during his interview with World Rally Radio mentioned that they would like to get a decent driver out in the Mini RRC for an IRC gravel event soon. Meeke please? :)

[PLuto]

David Lapworth of Prodrive during his interview with World Rally Radio mentioned that they would like to get a decent driver out in the Mini RRC for an IRC gravel event soon. Meeke please? :)

I dont know why they are doing it, as Prodrive and Mini are not registered in IRC...

[RS]

I dont know why they are doing it, as Prodrive and Mini are not registered in IRC...

Yet... Surely it is just a matter of time?

I would have thought they could have come to a deal that Sordo could be shown on the tv for Corsica, even if it wasn't "full registration" yet.

[Plan9]

Dani appears in the IRC shakedown videos....

[Mirek]

A very beautiful gallery of Škoda Motorsport development testing on famous Rally Bohemia stage Návarov (driver Roman Kresta): eWRC.cz - Fotogalerie Roman Kresta - test Nvarov 2012 (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=4432&fotograf=251)

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/ostatni/krestanavarov/23.jpg

[Bartek]

Kresta testing for Skoda Motorsport?

[RS]

Kresta testing for Skoda Motorsport?

He has done so before as I think he is renowned for good development skills, and besides Juho & Jan are driving to Worthsee this week.

[Mirek]

Kresta testing for Skoda Motorsport?

At least since Tour de Corse last year ;)

[RS]

Paddon for San Marino?: MaxRally | News | Paddon set for IRC debut in San Marino (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/paddon_set_for_irc_debut_in_san_marino/)

[Mirek]

Škoda Motorsport changed livery for warm sunny days

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/ostatni/kopeckytest/dsc_4752.jpg

[Hartusvuori]

They obviously didn't read my enthusiastic post earlier this year, about the blacker livery. I said I need to see it live. I've done my share and I've been waiting. Now this... is not bad at all ;)

[Hartusvuori]

It prevents the drivers from being cooked... If it's 35°C outside in summer, tempartures are high enough even without huge black spots on the car. :)

True. Winter is always cooler - in terms of rally car livery as well, it seems.

[Plan9]

Is Guy Wilks doing anything this year?

[Mirek]

I thought he would start in Australia with Honda but I think You would know that if I was right.

[Plan9]

I have heard nothing, at least not in APRC. Maybe it would have been better if he had tried to get a seat at something like Proton. He is wasting his time with Honda.

[RS]

On his twitter there is a comment "Ypres looks like a good challenge" but that was quite some time ago.

[dimviii]

Test Skoda Hänninen - Kopecký 2012 [Special Interview Passats de Canto] - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JKHkLJiu9hU)

[Hartusvuori]

Nice video. Funny bit what they did with the SOAD song :-)

[noel157]

Jan is a heavy metal rock fan? Iron Maiden. Didn't expect that.

[atsiotras79]

Super!!! Even greater fan of them now :)
I also liked the SOAD thing with the video!

[Mirek]

Jan is a heavy metal rock fan? Iron Maiden. Didn't expect that.

It may not look like that but metal is really popular here and especially in the Barum rally area with big metal festival in July in Vizovice (at stage Zádveřice). I was there many times :)

[Hartusvuori]

^ See the logos on the background in this photo: Barum Czech Rally Zlin 2011 - rallyphotos.kuvat.fi (http://rallyphotos.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Barum+Czech+Rally+Zlin+2011/IMG_0362.JPG)

[RS]

Test Skoda Hänninen - Kopecký 2012 [Special Interview Passats de Canto] - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JKHkLJiu9hU)

"This video has been removed by the user"? :(

[rp]

Seven times Finnish Champion Juha Salo will make his Super 2000 debut, when he will compete in Rally San Marino. The car will be published 15th June...

[Tom206wrc]

I hope a 207 for Juha Salo :p :

[RS]

Delecour is working on a deal to do Sibiu in a 207 S2000.

[PLuto]

Delecour will do Sibiu...

[vino_93]

Germain Bonnefis will drive San Marino with 207. I don't know if it will be with the car runned by Peugeot Sport for him in French gravel championship...

[mousti]

Could be very interesting !

[RS]

"This video has been removed by the user"? :(

But now returned: Test Skoda Hänninen - Kopecký 2012 [Special interview Passats de Canto] - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OPzvDxVT3A)

[dimviii]

Hanninen testing
Test (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EgK-IfgtZc&feature=player_embedded)

[RS]

The non-inclusion of Kopecky in Ypres seems to make even less sense now he is close to Andreas in the championship but maybe Skoda Motorsport will give Juho & Jan around 8 rounds each to give them a theoretical chance of the title?

My guess for the rest of the year would be:

San Marino: Hanninen
Sibiu: Hanninen
Barum: Kopecky & Hanninen
Yalta: Kopecky
Bulgaria: Kopecky
Sanremo: Kopecky & Hanninen
Cyprus: Kopecky & Hanninen

[dimviii]

Inside IRC 2012 Ypres Rally [Belgium] - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8idceIxPZY&feature=player_embedded) fantastic video.

[Adler]

Ilka Minor will take the seat beside Andreas Aigner in this IRC-season from sibiu rallye on

Google Übersetzer (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=de&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=de&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.motorline.cc%2Frallye%2Findex.p hp%2FIRC-Sibiu-Rallye---Alles-neu-f%25C3%25BCr-Andreas-Aigner-ab-Rum%25C3%25A4nien%2Farticle%3D170763&act=url)

[tolis]

IRC Season Review in HD (52 minutes) : IRC 2012 Season Review - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_XxRdRmQC8)

[RS]

Skoda gang at the IRC awards ceremony, nice to see Jean Todt there

IRC awards ceremony 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMHsCaejYus)

[RS]

Skoda Motorsport quite a big team now:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/470957_398000173611346_1374230157_o.jpg

[mousti]

Their top engineer is not on the photo..

[Mirek]

Their top engineer is not on the photo..

It's hard to have him on photo when he's riding a moped over Asia :D

[mousti]

It's hard to have him on photo when he's riding a moped over Asia :D

Fact! Heard something about that a time ago :D

[Carbon]

Delete please.