[WRC] News & rumours (part III)

[rallyfiend]

Hi, Any news somewhere about 2015 calendar? Changes to this year?

Usually announced at the September World Motor Sport Council meeting.

[AndyRAC]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115299

Have to say, I think he's right.

[SubaruNorway]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115299

Have to say, I think he's right.

Forget the promotor us amateurs will handle it ;)
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/rally-save-citroen-wrc-finland-2014-08-06

They removed it from Facebook now though, maybe the promotor didn't like the promoting...

[dimviii]

Breen out of hospital
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115284

[Hartusvuori]

Breen out of hospital
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115284

Since Monday, yes.

[MartijnS]

Yes, he was checking in at the airport at the same time we did :)

[makinen_fan]

And now RBMH propose their version of shootout... this is getting more and more silly
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115311

[EightGear]

And now RBMH propose their version of shootout... this is getting more and more silly
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115311

That's just ridiculous...

[Mirek]

Just OMFG...

[Franky]

And now RBMH propose their version of shootout... this is getting more and more silly
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115311

I also propose to start the three cars all at once. You know, people want to see sparks and parts flying. More action, more danger, more unpredictability and not complex at all. Plus, not a big change ;)

Idiots.

[focus206]

I don't see any difference between this and the one proposed before, it's just as stupid, doesn't matter if the shootout is made of 2, 3 or 10 cars... "not a big change"

[Hartusvuori]

Gundersen method must be mentioned :-)

How on Earth can we rally fans make this not happen?

[AndyRAC]

Did they happen to watch the past weekend? Rally Finland didn't need any gimmicks. Just a battle between drivers going to the final stage. There is nothing essentially wrong with the format of WRC events; they just need their own signature, rather than 10-13 identikit events.

What does need improving is the Promotion by RBMH..... It's still average.

[Allyc85]

And now RBMH propose their version of shootout... this is getting more and more silly
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115311

Well as long as the stakeholders are happy, then who cares about the fans eh?!

[N.O.T]

Well as long as the stakeholders are happy, then who cares about the fans eh?!

they do have a point... the fans all they do is nag about everything before they even see how the changes affect the sport... the stakeholders have their money on the line.

As long as Red Bull have a team in F1 forget about proper coverage.

[Eli]

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/subaru/88149/subaru-rules-out-juke-style-crossover-but-eyes-motorsport-return
please let Subaru return to the WRC!!!!

[Allyc85]

they do have a point... the fans all they do is nag about everything before they even see how the changes affect the sport... the stakeholders have their money on the line.

As long as Red Bull have a team in F1 forget about proper coverage.

Maybe so, but you need the fans that have watched through the decline to still be watching to make some money ;)

[Jack4688`]

That Ciesla has no idea.

"...don't increase the complexity and keep it simple."

HE. HAS. NO. IDEA.

"Ciesla admitted the original discussions had brought confusion and disharmony, but said he was happy with what has emerged."

OK so you don't like that idea, what if we made it worse still would that help?

I hope Jean Todt as a possionate WRC fan, having been a former competitor, steps in to get rid of these half-whits that clearly don't know what they're doing and have some vendetta against the very sport they're "promoting".

[BDunnell]

I hope Jean Todt as a possionate WRC fan, having been a former competitor, steps in to get rid of these half-whits that clearly don't know what they're doing and have some vendetta against the very sport they're "promoting".

Todt, during his time in office, has done nothing about anything. I don't expect this to change.

[BDunnell]

What does need improving is the Promotion by RBMH..... It's still average.

I wouldn't say it's even that good.

[BDunnell]

they do have a point... the fans all they do is nag about everything before they even see how the changes affect the sport... the stakeholders have their money on the line.

'Stakeholders' (I hate the word) who seem clueless about what to do with the sport. It is right to criticise when necessary.

[rallyfiend]

http://digital.motorsportmonday.com//launch.aspx?eid=6d2cb48b-0445-42c1-a601-e434ac0343c3

Interesting article here about WRC Promoter and what seems to be remarkable harmony and acceptance of their work by 'stakeholders'.

[mousti]

Thierry Neuville will start in our East Belgian Rally with the i20 WRC!

Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

[nafpaktos]

http://digital.motorsportmonday.com//launch.aspx?eid=6d2cb48b-0445-42c1-a601-e434ac0343c3

Interesting article here about WRC Promoter and what seems to be remarkable harmony and acceptance of their work by 'stakeholders'.i agree with that but i didn't get any substantial informations about the future,it was a little fogy.

[Mintexmemory]

Thierry Neuville will start in our East Belgian Rally with the i20 WRC!

Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

Tarmac, I presume as Bouffier did in France to get the feel for the set up before the 3 European tarmac rounds.

[Eli]

http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00007330&10
No Mikkelsen on entry list, thats weird...

[306 Cosworth]

Been hearing rumours that next years cars will be allowed a maximum power output of 400bhp.

[tommeke_B]

Been hearing rumours that next years cars will be allowed a maximum power output of 400bhp.

I don't see that happen... How will you check "400bhp"? What I could believe in is that FIA allows a bigger restrictor size (let's say 1-2mm bigger). :) The question is if all currently homologated parts can keep up with the extra power/torque it could generate.

[N.O.T]

Been hearing rumours that next years cars will be allowed a maximum power output of 400bhp.

WRCs do not go on a dyno by the FIA.... they just impose the rules on turbo restrictions and other stuff.

[stefanvv]

Been hearing rumours that next years cars will be allowed a maximum power output of 400bhp.

I think this is already a fact with current wrc cars. They'll just make it official.

[306 Cosworth]

I think this is already a fact with current wrc cars. They'll just make it official.

There's no way they're currently running 400bhp.

[stefanvv]

There's no way they're currently running 400bhp.

May be not above, but close to it

[SubaruNorway]

Been hearing rumours that next years cars will be allowed a maximum power output of 400bhp.

I heard there will be more power next year in Finland from a reliable source, not far from being decided anyway.

[Eli]

I heard there will be more power next year in Finland from a reliable source, not far from being decided anyway.

what does that suppose to mean?

[SubaruNorway]

what does that suppose to mean?

POWER! Didn't someone do a dyno test on the Fiesta a while back and that came out with 321hp.

[Lundefaret]

Kris Meeke for Ford next year? Ref. Becks interview with Malcom Wilson.
Also mentions Ott Tannak.

[Rallyper]

Kris Meeke for Ford next year? Ref. Becks interview with Malcom Wilson.
Also mentions Ott Tannak.

What about Tidemand? Should be good choice as well comparing to tanak.

[EightGear]

What about Tidemand? Should be good choice as well comparing to tanak.

The way I see it, Tidemand and Tanak are part of a group of young drivers looking to get into WRC with quite similar speed. There's also Lappi, Abbring, maybe Breen etc.

Tanak could be a real possibility at M-Sport next year I think.

[Andre Oliveira]

It is time of Sweden have a top driver again :) Could be Tidemand?

Btw, Sweden World Rally Team project are over?

[Sulland]

It is time of Sweden have a top driver again :) Could be Tidemand?

Btw, Sweden World Rally Team project are over?


The Mini one, yes I think that ran out of money, maybe the swedes her have more info!

[skarderud]

It is time of Sweden have a top driver again :) Could be Tidemand?

Btw, Sweden World Rally Team project are over?

Probably, even the website is down.

[Lundefaret]

The way I see it, Tidemand and Tanak are part of a group of young drivers looking to get into WRC with quite similar speed. There's also Lappi, Abbring, maybe Breen etc.

Tanak could be a real possibility at M-Sport next year I think.

If Hirvonen cant find any new inspiration, and decides to quit, then M-Sport is short of one lead driver.
If Meeke contioues his show of form, Citroën will want to keep him, and Wilson could be very interested in aquiring him.
That could result in a low scale bidding war (neither Citroën or M-Sport has a lot of money to shell out on one driver), and this could be decided by the eventuality of a long term agreement.
Now the problem is that Citroën is very unsure about a future in the WRC after 2015, and M-Sport is also unsure. Hmmm....
One thing You can say tough is that Mr Wilson is very lojal to his favorite drivers (Hirvonen, Latvala etc), and this could be a plus for Meeke.
Tough he is certainly high risk, Meeke brings in excitment in the championship, and would be the kind of driver M-Sport needs, also to atract heavy sponsors.

Tideman, is at aprox the same level as Evans, both in speed and experience (tough faster in some rallies), and would be to inexperienced to take on a lead role.
The same goes for Lappi, and the other talents. Tough very good, it is a long way up to fighting for podiums in the WRC as a lead driver should.

[Eli]

what about Jan Kopecky, do any of you think he deserves a chance in the WRC?

[Wim_Impreza]

Yes, I think that already for more than 5 years that Kopecky deserves a chance in the WRC. He is for sure as good as Mikkelsen which he proved in the IRC and he dominated the ERC last year.

[Franky]

Can't really remember any major flashes from his Fabia WRC years and I doubt he'd be a podium contender now.

[Lundefaret]

Yes, I think that already for more than 5 years that Kopecky deserves a chance in the WRC. He is for sure as good as Mikkelsen which he proved in the IRC and he dominated the ERC last year.

Comparing Kopecky to Mikkelsen is not fair to any of them.
Mikkelsen, at his best, is on a completly different level than Kopecky.
Remember rally Poland in 2009? If I remember correctly, this was the first rally for Andreas Mikkelsen in a WRC car since he - due to the financial crisis of 2008 - had to put his WRC efforts on a hold. He was driving a Skoda Fabia WRC, not by any means the fastest car in the field. And he started right of the bat setting fourth and fifht times.
A truly incerdible drive, wich says something about Mikkelsens ultimate potential.
Unfortunatly the team around Andreas has not been able to work in such a way that they have been able to let him fulfill his potential as fast as expected, and they have made some strange desissions regarding codriver etc, something that has lead to more inexperienced drivers like Neuville, Meeke etc being able to steal the limelight some what. But in the end - in my mind - he has a lot greater ultimate potential than Kopecky.
But its a "little" frustrating seeing that a talent of Mikkelsens calibre is adjusting both his driving style and other things to go slower with higher risk, in stead of faster with lower risk, but that is anoter story all togheter.

[Mirek]

Kopecký is strongly connected with Škoda and will stay there. Anyway he is an asphalt specialist who isn't that fast on gravel (and even sometimes on wet or very dirty asphalt). His problem is also that he doesn't drive WRC events so he doesn't know them. He is too old for any team to buy him a learning season or two. On the other hand it's not true that Mikkelsen is clearly better. When both had absolutely same cars Mikkelsen beat Kopecký in IRC 2011 only due to special IRC rules. With WRC point-scoring system Kopecký would clearly win (only 8 of 12 events counted plus double points from the last rally). 2012 Kopecký did only half of the events Mikkelsen did.

Here their battles...

2012 (both same works cars)

Canarias - Kopecký 1., Mikkelsen 2.
Circuit of Ireland - Kopecký 3., Mikklesen 2.
Corsica - Kopecký 2., Mikkelsen 5.
Targa Florio - Kopecký 1., Mikkelsen 2.
Barum - Kopecký retired from 1st place (engine failure), Mikklesen 8.

2011 (both same works cars)

Monte Carlo - Kopecký 8. (epic Škoda tyre fail), Mikkelsen crash
Canarias - Kopecký 2., Mikkelsen 6.
Corsica - Kopecký 2., Mikklesen 6.
Yalta - Kopecký 3., Mikkesen 4.
Ypres - crash for both
Acores - Kopecký 3., Mikkelsen 2.
Barum - Kopecký 1., Mikklesen 5.
Mecsek - Kopecký 1., Mikklesen crash
Sanremo - Kopecký 4., Mikkelsen 2.
Scotland - Kopecký 5., Mikkelsen 1.
Cyprus - Kopecký 2., Mikkelsen 1.

Anyway Hänninen usually beat them both...


Regarding the record of Kopecký he was twice fifth overall and won three stages overall. Take into account that he was driving private Fabia WRC (in that time his car had circa 100 Nm less torque than contemporary opposition - Fabia had approximately 640 Nm and 340 Hp). Anyway it's all a history, too much time passed.

Catalunya 2006 5. (between Bengue and Duval), Deutschland 2007 5. (between Grönholm and Solberg)

[Lundefaret]

Kopecký is strongly connected with Škoda and will stay there. Anyway he is an asphalt specialist who isn't that fast on gravel (and even sometimes on wet or very dirty asphalt). His problem is also that he doesn't drive WRC events so he doesn't know them. He is too old for any team to buy him a learning season or two. On the other hand it's not true that Mikkelsen is clearly better. When both had absolutely same cars Mikkelsen beat Kopecký in IRC 2011 only due to special IRC rules. With WRC point-scoring system Kopecký would clearly win (only 8 of 12 events counted plus double points from the last rally). 2012 Kopecký did only half of the events Mikkelsen did.

Here their battles...

2012 (both same works cars)

Canarias - Kopecký 1., Mikkelsen 2.
Circuit of Ireland - Kopecký 3., Mikklesen 2.
Corsica - Kopecký 2., Mikkelsen 5.
Targa Florio - Kopecký 1., Mikkelsen 2.
Barum - Kopecký retired from 1st place (engine failure), Mikklesen 8.

2011 (both same works cars)

Monte Carlo - Kopecký 8. (epic Škoda tyre fail), Mikkelsen crash
Canarias - Kopecký 2., Mikkelsen 6.
Corsica - Kopecký 2., Mikklesen 6.
Yalta - Kopecký 3., Mikkesen 4.
Ypres - crash for both
Acores - Kopecký 3., Mikkelsen 2.
Barum - Kopecký 1., Mikklesen 5.
Mecsek - Kopecký 1., Mikklesen crash
Sanremo - Kopecký 4., Mikkelsen 2.
Scotland - Kopecký 5., Mikkelsen 1.
Cyprus - Kopecký 2., Mikkelsen 1.

Anyway Hänninen usually beat them both...


Regarding the record of Kopecký he was twice fifth overall and won three stages overall. Take into account that he was driving private Fabia WRC (in that time his car had circa 100 Nm less torque than contemporary opposition - Fabia had approximately 640 Nm and 340 Hp). Anyway it's all a history, too much time passed.

Catalunya 2006 5. (between Bengue and Duval), Deutschland 2007 5. (between Grönholm and Solberg)

The negative trend of Andreas actually started in 2011.
To understand what Andreas is capable of You really should look at what he was capable of in a Subaru Group N car, and what he managed in the wake of this (his WRC drive in Poland in 2009, his S2000 Hankook etc).
But I agree that Kopecky can be very good at tarmac.

[Eli]

last time out I was in finland and i got a chance to speak to Henning Solberg (in the hotel) and he told me his brother will be comming to the WRC next year, now today I've heard in World Rally Radio Colin Clark said that there was a rumour that Petter might be back next year, do any of you think it can happen?

[skarderud]

last time out I was in finland and i got a chance to speak to Henning Solberg (in the hotel) and he told me his brother will be comming to the WRC next year, now today I've heard in World Rally Radio Colin Clark said that there was a rumour that Petter might be back next year, do any of you think it can happen?

That would be a big surprice, he has his own team, leading worldrx and is the biggest favourit to win the first worlchamp ever. Witch team and new codriver, but maybe.
it will be a hard one for him i think:)

[miniwintz]

one off outings with Citroën maybe?

[skarderud]

Have to be GB in that case, with phil mills in the other seat:)

[Rallyper]

Petter will be highly satisfied with one RX championship win. Then he can go back to WRC a couple of yrs just to cultivate his connections for his son Oliver who wants to be a future rally star.

[Eli]

Petter will be highly satisfied with one RX championship win. Then he can go back to WRC a couple of yrs just to cultivate his connections for his son Oliver who wants to be a future rally star.

and to get a win- since he hasn't won for what would be 10 years!!!!

[skarderud]

Is it possible to do a comeback after 2 yrs and win? With vw and ogier/latvala in the game?

[pettersolberg29]

Is it possible to do a comeback after 2 yrs and win? With vw and ogier/latvala in the game?

In normal situations, no, but could he have won in Germany with the 2 VWs and Meeke retiring? Maybe!

[Eli]

In normal situations, no, but could he have won in Germany with the 2 VWs and Meeke retiring? Maybe!

+1

[Wim_Impreza]

Kopecký is strongly connected with Škoda and will stay there. Anyway he is an asphalt specialist who isn't that fast on gravel (and even sometimes on wet or very dirty asphalt). His problem is also that he doesn't drive WRC events so he doesn't know them. He is too old for any team to buy him a learning season or two. On the other hand it's not true that Mikkelsen is clearly better. When both had absolutely same cars Mikkelsen beat Kopecký in IRC 2011 only due to special IRC rules. With WRC point-scoring system Kopecký would clearly win (only 8 of 12 events counted plus double points from the last rally). 2012 Kopecký did only half of the events Mikkelsen did.

It isn't bad that he is staying with Škoda, but I really hope he can do than a good ERC programme with the Fabia R5 in the next years. Not only the Barum Rally, but a fight for the ERC championship. This year he is doing the Asia Pacific championship, but only a few people are following this championship. I know that this market is very important for Škoda, but maybe they can give more support to Gaurav Gill and than let Kopecký drive in the ERC 2015. :)

I don't think that Kopecký is too old for WRC. Meeke and Bouffier are 3 years older and gets a chance this year and Hänninen is a bit older than Kopecký too. All this drivers had little experience in the WRC in world rally cars before this year.

[Sulland]

It is time of Sweden have a top driver again :) Could be Tidemand?

Btw, Sweden World Rally Team project are over?

Facebookpage is still up, but not much info.
Car is sold to Turkey: http://www.ewrc-results.com/carinfo.php?cid=14&car=931

[WUff1]

It isn't bad that he is staying with Škoda, but I really hope he can do than a good ERC programme with the Fabia R5 in the next years. Not only the Barum Rally, but a fight for the ERC championship. This year he is doing the Asia Pacific championship, but only a few people are following this championship. I know that this market is very important for Škoda, but maybe they can give more support to Gaurav Gill and than let Kopecký drive in the ERC 2015. :)

I don't think that Kopecký is too old for WRC. Meeke and Bouffier are 3 years older and gets a chance this year and Hänninen is a bit older than Kopecký too. All this drivers had little experience in the WRC in world rally cars before this year.

I hope for a full ERC program for Kopecky next year too.

[Motorsportfun]

Sorry for this message, but I think you'll appreciate it. Today has been released (both on the App Store and Google Play) the brand-new interactive edition of Rally Emotion magazine, after many months of behind-the-scenes work and efforts.

The maiden English-written edition has interesting views about WRC and rallying in general, with a long interview also to Oliver Ciesla about WRC future and, alongside all the old editors, is now enriched by new international contributors like Juha Piironen (Finland), Becs Williams (UK... well, Wales!), Keiko Ito (Japan) and Hans Erik Naess (Norway)!

It's available both in English and Italian, hope you'll enjoy!

http://www.rallyemotion.it/la-rivista/

[Frostmourne]

A silly innocent question, what is the size of the wheels of the current WRC cars?

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/en/i20/main?goSec=2

If you scroll down to "The Two Faces of i20" heading, and if you press on the side view of the car, you will notice the difference between the WRC and the production wheel size? I wonder what is that size?

[Zeakiwi]

The rim size is listed as 8 x 18 for asphalt, 7 x 15 for gravel.
http://www.pirelli.com/tyre/ww/en/news/2014/01/09/pirelli-renews-rally-tyre-range-for-its-return-to-the-wrc/

Pirelli tyre size - asphalt 235/40/18 and gravel 205/ 65/ 15 - the tyres look bigger than in the past because the cars are smaller than the focus, xsara, 307 etc

road car i20 likely 175/70/14 etc

[bluuford]

What about Tidemand? Should be good choice as well comparing to tanak.
Too early for him. If you want to ruin his career. He should do full season in R5 car or smt similar and learn all the events. I belive he has never driven Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Poland, Monte Carlo, GB, Sardegna.. that is more than half of the events. He surprised me a littel bit positively in Germany, but it was his third start in Germany as well.

Edit: and someone mentioned Lappi as potential future.. I have seen him twice live now (last time in Rally Estonia).. and I was very dissapointed. He is very far from the top drivers.

[Zeakiwi]

What are Msport's options for 2015 - keep Hirvonen on for another year, see if they can get Hanninen or Ostberg, take a chance on Tanak or some-one else?

[N.O.T]

What are Msport's options for 2015 - keep Hirvonen on for another year, see if they can get Hanninen or Ostberg, take a chance on Tanak or some-one else?

Msport does not have any options, it is a business, whoever pays... drives.

[rallyfiend]

What are Msport's options for 2015 - keep Hirvonen on for another year, see if they can get Hanninen or Ostberg, take a chance on Tanak or some-one else?

Apparently Malcolm told journo's in Germany that Tanak is the man to replace Mikko.

[thuGG]

Twitter:


Colin Clark @voiceofrally
And here's something else to think about for 2015. What is the chance of a second Citroen team with Kubica & Chardonnet? Reasonable i think!

[skarderud]

No point of kubica sadly, he is fun and spectacular, but he should test dtm or something.

Mr clark hinting about petter and kris in Citroën next year?

[Allyc85]

Pretty sure it was just him thinking out loud about possible line ups, rather than actual fact :)

[sindroms]

Colin Clark @voiceofrally:
Nearly end of August, so here's my 1st 2015 prediction. M-sport Elfyn & Ott, Citroen Petter & Kris, Hyundai Thierry, Hayden, Dani. VW as is.

[bassist]

Interesting prediction Colin.

[bennizw]

So no Mads or Mikko anywhere?

[padWRC]

Citroen Petter & Kris,
Wo is Petter?

[N.O.T]

are you going to miss them ?

[Rallyper]

Not a bad prediction at all. Mikko to RX and Mads realizes he can´t reach the very top.

How about Pontus Tidemand? At M-sport?

[Eli]

Colin Clark @voiceofrally:
Nearly end of August, so here's my 1st 2015 prediction. M-sport Elfyn & Ott, Citroen Petter & Kris, Hyundai Thierry, Hayden, Dani. VW as is.
according to what i heard from brother Henning, it sounds true in Citroen

[HaCo]

Petter should be better than Hirvonen these days. I hope Sordo with a full drive!


It's time they allow the teams to score with the best 2 cars instead of the nominated cars. It would allow more drivers in the teams and also more local specialists.

[Eli]

Petter should be better than Hirvonen these days. I hope Sordo with a full drive!


It's time they allow the teams to score with the best 2 cars instead of the nominated cars. It would allow more drivers in the teams and also more local specialists.
yes how about you let them have 3 driver nominated for scoring points-like it was back in 2003,too much money needed!

[N.O.T]

Petter should be better than Hirvonen these days. I hope Sordo with a full drive!


It's time they allow the teams to score with the best 2 cars instead of the nominated cars. It would allow more drivers in the teams and also more local specialists.

No, what will happen is that they will dress one of the tourist/customer cars in official colours and use that...

[EightGear]

As much as I like Petter, I'd prefer if that seat would go to a talented young driver instead..

[N.O.T]

None will pay a has been with no wins since 1900s... if Solberg pays he will drive.

[Andre Oliveira]

I still prefer Loix :) Rally is not football, the drivers will not selled to other.

[Plan9]

Its good to read that Kris is being kept around at Citroen.

[rage82]

Petter should be better than Hirvonen these days. I hope Sordo with a full drive!


It's time they allow the teams to score with the best 2 cars instead of the nominated cars. It would allow more drivers in the teams and also more local specialists.
Why do you want to see Dani with a full drive? Last full year in Citroen he didn't show that he deserves his place that's why they let him go. He's pretty slow on gravel against the other top drivers and even on tarmac he' s not so fast anymore. Last year in Germany he won because of the others mistakes and not because of pure speed. This year it was the same except that he was beaten by his less experienced teammate. I want to see Juho with a full drive as I think he has a lot of potential to develop. In Poland and Finland he has shown a great stage times and he's also quick on tarmac. Yes he makes mistakes but Dani has some 6-7 full seasons in WRC knowing very well all the rallies compared to Juho who has only 6-7 starts with modern 1.6l WRC cars.

[N.O.T]

Why do you want to see Dani with a full drive? Last full year in Citroen he didn't show that he deserves his place that's why they let him go. He's pretty slow on gravel against the other top drivers and even on tarmac he' s not so fast anymore. Last year in Germany he won because of the others mistakes and not because of pure speed. This year it was the same except that he was beaten by his less experienced teammate. I want to see Juho with a full drive as I think he has a lot of potential to develop. In Poland and Finland he has shown a great stage times and he's also quick on tarmac. Yes he makes mistakes but Dani has some 6-7 full seasons in WRC knowing very well all the rallies compared to Juho who has only 6-7 starts with modern 1.6l WRC cars.

Hanninen is alre.dy 33... his speed is questionable in a WRC car and his experience on WRC events is minimal. I think Citroen will just stay with Meeke and pray he can get his mentality right, and then go for a pay driver as it did this year. Both Ford and Citroen teams are just in the WRC with very limited resources so they need money.

[AP-Racing]

Loeb probably start in Alsace and Condroz on 208 T16

[rallyfiend]

Loeb probably start in Alsace and Condroz on 208 T16

And miss a WTCC race in China?

No chance.

[Motorsportfun]

^^

Yeah, agree. Don't think he will miss any of WTCC events for some spot-events with a Peugeot.

[AP-Racing]

^^

Yeah, agree. Don't think he will miss any of WTCC events for some spot-events with a Peugeot.

five minutes ago:

Sébastien faisait ses adieux au WRC en octobre dernier, c’est à titre exceptionnel qu’il reviendra pour l’ouverture des spéciales du Rallye de France-Alsace 2014.

[OldF]

Maybe Loeb is making a return to rallying because he’s behind two of his team mates in standings at the moment.

[jbmarcus21]

Chris Atkinson testing today i20Wrc to prepare Rally Australia..
Full album photo http://planetemarcus.com/atkinson-en-preparation-pour-le-wrc-australie-2014/

[Eli]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/august/yves-backs-meeke/page/1710--12-12-.html good to know Yves won't kick Kris

[rage82]

Hanninen is alre.dy 33... his speed is questionable in a WRC car and his experience on WRC events is minimal. I think Citroen will just stay with Meeke and pray he can get his mentality right, and then go for a pay driver as it did this year. Both Ford and Citroen teams are just in the WRC with very limited resources so they need money.
You are right about Citroen and Ford but I mean Juho to be at Hyundai for next season;)

[HaCo]

five minutes ago:

Sébastien faisait ses adieux au WRC en octobre dernier, c’est à titre exceptionnel qu’il reviendra pour l’ouverture des spéciales du Rallye de France-Alsace 2014.
Last year I was in France, I was hoping Peugeot would showcase their Pikes Peak car on one of the ' mountain ' stages. Let's just hope it isn't the dakar car!

[AMSS]

You are right about Citroen and Ford but I mean Juho to be at Hyundai for next season;)

Does anyone have a link to the Becsy interview with MW regarding M-sport for 2015, or a short summary of what was said there.. I missed it..

[pantealex]

Sébastien faisait ses adieux au WRC en octobre dernier, c’est à titre exceptionnel qu’il reviendra pour l’ouverture des spéciales du Rallye de France-Alsace 2014.

english, please!

(no point that everyone must translate it themself)

[makinen_fan]

Does anyone have a link to the Becsy interview with MW regarding M-sport for 2015, or a short summary of what was said there.. I missed it..

Wilson said basically that there is not pressure to find a good and competitive lineup for next year since they know they are not expected to fight for the championship. He once again said that Mikko is disappointing, praised Evans (he will be with M-sport next year) and he will consider Tanak for his lineup. But above all M-sport must find a sponsor and money to continue, I don't think this is sorted yet from what he said.

[Rallyper]

Same Words like last autumn about economics.

[AMSS]

Wilson said basically that there is not pressure to find a good and competitive lineup for next year since they know they are not expected to fight for the championship. He once again said that Mikko is disappointing, praised Evans (he will be with M-sport next year) and he will consider Tanak for his lineup. But above all M-sport must find a sponsor and money to continue, I don't think this is sorted yet from what he said.

Thanks

[eib1]

lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpdshWMBdWw&feature=youtu.be

[KiwiWRCfan]

Entry list for Australia is now out http://d2t24n70pdbj8s.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Rally-Australia-WRC-Entry-List.pdf
Apologies if this is wrong place to post but I could not see an Australia 2015 thread

[rage82]

Entry list for Australia is now out http://d2t24n70pdbj8s.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Rally-Australia-WRC-Entry-List.pdf
Apologies if this is wrong place to post but I could not see an Australia 2015 thread
You can't see it because it will be 2014 edition;)
PS: Thanks for the 2014 entry list!

[eestlane]

lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpdshWMBdWw&feature=youtu.be
Great Video!

[Vaggelis27]

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/top-gear-goes-rallying-hyundai-i20-2014-08-28

[Rallyper]

http://www.topgear.com/uk/photos/top-gear-goes-rallying-hyundai-i20-2014-08-28

:) :)

[makinen_fan]

Sad news, Bjorn Waldegard has passed away. Rest in peace.

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2966816696/176636532599d5c8844951b5035c4b1a_bigger.jpegDavid Evans ‏@davidevansrally (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally) 25m (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally/status/505386438142488576)
Terribly sad news that our first ever World Rally Champion Björn Waldegård passed away this morning. Great, great man.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115625

[WUff1]

Very sad :-((

[janvanvurpa]

Sad news, Bjorn Waldegard has passed away. Rest in peace.

https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2966816696/176636532599d5c8844951b5035c4b1a_bigger.jpegDavid Evans ‏@davidevansrally (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally) 25m (https://twitter.com/davidevansrally/status/505386438142488576)
Terribly sad news that our first ever World Rally Champion Björn Waldegård passed away this morning. Great, great man.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115625

Sad. He was a pretty friendly guy in person.. Way back in the mid 70s he let us local cross-idiots set up a very fun, very challenging track on a corner of his farm in Rö in a sand pit....Very “sympa“ as the Frenchies say...
At the time I knew he "drove cars in the woods and did "VM".." but you'd never know it...

[A.F.F.]

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-1288731142683.html?pos=ksk-trm-rlli-ostu

Iltasanomat wrote today about a hot rumour Citroen not pleased with Mads Östberg. According to Iltasanomat, Citroen is intetrested to have Petter back. :mark:

[noel157]

http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-1288731142683.html?pos=ksk-trm-rlli-ostu

Iltasanomat wrote today about a hot rumour Citroen not pleased with Mads Östberg. According to Iltasanomat, Citroen is intetrested to have Petter back. :mark:

What does the last line of the article mean? "Kokenut Solberg haluttaisiin hänen maanmiehensä paikalle".
Doesn't make sense when translated: "The experienced Solberg wished his compatriots scene". Petter wishes he was back in WRC?

[stefanvv]

What does the last line of the article mean? "Kokenut Solberg haluttaisiin hänen maanmiehensä paikalle".
Doesn't make sense when translated: "The experienced Solberg wished his compatriots scene". Petter wishes he was back in WRC?

From what I understand from the translation, Solberg wishes Ostberg a seat.

[Miika]

What does the last line of the article mean? "Kokenut Solberg haluttaisiin hänen maanmiehensä paikalle".
Doesn't make sense when translated

Most of their rubbish doesn´t even make sense in Finnish, let alone after using google translator on it.

But the last paragraph claims, "Citroen are not satisfied with Östberg´s efforts. They wish to replace him with the experienced Solberg."

[N.O.T]

Solberg will not bring any difference in Citroen results, but he will bring a lot of publicity and an increase in Citroen merchandise sales since he is a flamboyant character with a solid fan base.

[Rallyper]

Sad. He was a pretty friendly guy in person.. Way back in the mid 70s he let us local cross-idiots set up a very fun, very challenging track on a corner of his farm in Rö in a sand pit....Very “sympa“ as the Frenchies say...
At the time I knew he "drove cars in the woods and did "VM".." but you'd never know it...

You should come here one day. BW was our neighbour (almost) only 70 km away. I´ve been driven many times on his land, stages in local rallies. John, you maybe know his son Mattias also been doing some rallying few years ago.

[Rallyper]

Solberg will not bring any difference in Citroen results, but he will bring a lot of publicity and an increase in Citroen merchandise sales since he is a flamboyant character with a solid fan base.

Well, that´s good isn´t it? Isn´t it what all sports is about?

[pettersolberg29]

Solberg will not bring any difference in Citroen results, but he will bring a lot of publicity and an increase in Citroen merchandise sales since he is a flamboyant character with a solid fan base.

Even as a big fan I tend to agree. However I do think Petter has more outright pace than Mads - more likely to push for stage wins if not better overall results.

[stefanvv]

wrong thread, delete

[OldF]

What does the last line of the article mean? "Kokenut Solberg haluttaisiin hänen maanmiehensä paikalle".
Doesn't make sense when translated: "The experienced Solberg wished his compatriots scene". Petter wishes he was back in WRC?

Maybe not the best translation but some kind of.

They would like to have the experienced Solberg in the seat of his countryman.

[Simmi]

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result."

It applies to the WRC on so many levels - but the driver market really is something else. If guys don't have the pace they don't have the pace. Citroen going back in for Petter and Ford about to settle for Tanak just shows the depressing state of things.

By the time Chardonnet is ready Citroen will be out of the WRC. Not generally seeing many exciting talents coming through WRC2 either.

[KiwiWRCfan]

The WRC logo is instantly recognizable, Quite simple but it paints an image of flowing corners on stages. Can anyone tell me what year the logo was first used ?

[GigiGalliNo1]

1999!!!

[Eli]

http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00007430&10

[semsem]

Check out today's MotorsportMonday.com (Rally News page) for a list of proposed changes to WRC rules for next year.

It seems there is no agreed proposal for the PowerStage shoot-out. Running order on Days 1 and 2 however is to be in championship position order.

[Eli]

Check out today's MotorsportMonday.com (Rally News page) for a list of proposed changes to WRC rules for next year.
.
seems as no major changes for the sport for next year (a part from PS shoot out) and no talk what so ever on 2017 regulations...

[Franky]

... and no talk what so ever on 2017 regulations...

The people who need to know the possible new regs know it. To be honest fans have got absolutely no use for that info 2,5 years in advance.

[Motorsportfun]

But new regs are planned to be revealed in December's WMSC, not in September's one! So it's nothing strange or worrying with it...

[nafpaktos]

Check out today's MotorsportMonday.com (Rally News page) for a list of proposed changes to WRC rules for next year.

It seems there is no agreed proposal for the PowerStage shoot-out. Running order on Days 1 and 2 however is to be in championship position order.

I think all the new proposals are to the right direction ,nevertheless the running order is a bit unfair,of course it will make the whole thing more interesting for us but as i said i think its unfair.this proposal will make ogier really furious.i am looking forward for his comments if the proposals will be implemented,and we all know how good he is in making comments.

[Nornbugger]

I think all the new proposals are to the right direction ,nevertheless the running order is a bit unfair,of course it will make the whole thing more interesting for us but as i said i think its unfair.this proposal will make ogier really furious.i am looking forward for his comments if the proposals will be implemented,and we all know how good he is in making comments.



I dont like the running order proposals, if they want to have a fake championship to tighten things why not be honest and do weight penaltys?

[Rallyper]

The people who need to know the possible new regs know it. To be honest fans have got absolutely no use for that info 2,5 years in advance.

Are you sure? Who decides which people need to know?

And secondly, why couldn´t fans contribute if they know the direction of rules?

[SubaruNorway]

Do we really want a new "Loeb era"? It's going to happen if they don't let them run in championship order on day 1 and 2
If it helps at all...

[stefanvv]

Do we really want a new "Loeb era"? It's going to happen if they don't let them run in championship order on day 1 and 2
If it helps at all...

There shouldn't be new "Loeb" era, now we have more manufacturers and team leaders which could possibly fight for victories.

[Franky]

Are you sure? Who decides which people need to know?

And secondly, why couldn´t fans contribute if they know the direction of rules?

I think it's a modern disease where everything has to arrive immediately when you want it.

I'd write some argument to your case but in reality we'd be standing by the same positions in the end as now and the only thing we would achieve with exchanging arguments or questions is waste our and other's time. Like this post.

Personally I think that fans won't be able to contribute, only discuss.

All I wanted to say with the post you quoted was: Patience

[Rallyper]

I think it's a modern disease where everything has to arrive immediately when you want it.

I'd write some argument to your case but in reality we'd be standing by the same positions in the end as now and the only thing we would achieve with exchanging arguments or questions is waste our and other's time. Like this post.

Personally I think that fans won't be able to contribute, only discuss.

All I wanted to say with the post you quoted was: Patience

Yeah, yeah, no problem. But if there´s trancparancy there is good things coming out as well. That´s my point, because I do believ most of us can contribute if they´d listen. They are not above us. They are alikes.

[AndyRAC]

Do we really want a new "Loeb era"? It's going to happen if they don't let them run in championship order on day 1 and 2
If it helps at all...

It's up up to the other teams/ drivers to 'up' their game. Not rely on hand outs by way of favourable running order rules. Why does Motorsport have a problem with this. Does football, have things like this. If a team is too good - Tough!! Deal with it.

[Nornbugger]

It's up up to the other teams/ drivers to 'up' their game. Not rely on hand outs by way of favourable running order rules. Why does Motorsport have a problem with this. Does football, have things like this. If a team is too good - Tough!! Deal with it.

Spot on, fastest wins, anything else is not a proper world championship

[RallyNZ]

According to WRC.com Paddon's drive in France has been given to Bouffier. So either Paddon's 7 round contract has been reduced, or he will be driving Hyundai in 2015.

[Eli]

According to WRC.com Paddon's drive in France has been given to Bouffier. So either Paddon's 7 round contract has been reduced, or he will be driving Hyundai in 2015.

time will tell

[stefanvv]

It's up up to the other teams/ drivers to 'up' their game. Not rely on hand outs by way of favourable running order rules. Why does Motorsport have a problem with this. Does football, have things like this. If a team is too good - Tough!! Deal with it.

very well said. If You can't cope with the best, WDC is not for You, simple as that.

[Eli]

https://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/wrc-crunch-meeting-radical-wrc-plans-125936850--spt.html

[Loose_Unit]

I would be so glad to see split times gone... I think its one of the biggest killers to be honest. Just get in the car and drive flat out! none of this damn pacing against each other...

[Franky]

I would be so glad to see split times gone... I think its one of the biggest killers to be honest. Just get in the car and drive flat out! none of this damn pacing against each other...

Even if they ban incar splits, there will be someone with a huge cardboard or some other way of communication

[Mirek]

Even if they ban incar splits, there will be someone with a huge cardboard or some other way of communication

Yes but it's still pretty much harder to do so on five places along every stage than to have them automatically in the car and it's even harder in the night, fog, rain, dust or whatever. In the IRC and ERC there are no official split times. Sometimes team use their own splits but often they do not and we've seen there a big number of surprising attacks. For example this year on Jänner rally with Kubica taking a huge gamble on the last stage (actually each of last five editions of Jänner seen a huge attack of one driver over the last stage leading to a major change on the leaderboard). Maybe it's due to the fact that this stage is always held in the dark. Few years back when Bouffier managed to make one minute on just one stage of Cyprus it was also pretty amazing. I strongly believe that with splits it would not happen.

[bluuford]

It's up up to the other teams/ drivers to 'up' their game. Not rely on hand outs by way of favourable running order rules. Why does Motorsport have a problem with this. Does football, have things like this. If a team is too good - Tough!! Deal with it.

You are very wrong here. If you compare kids football with rally. Why the driver who is fastest on the frist rally should be given bigger and bigger advantage before the nex rally even starts?

Do you want to go and play football match against a bit better team but as a better team they are given one goal already? or the football pitch is tilted towards to your goal by 45 degrees all 90 minutes? or their goal is 7 times smaller than yours? Why we punish privateers and beginners? we will never get proper drivers to the sport and we can follow a few rich kids on the stages who are able to drive WRCar slower than medium driver with GrN car?

It is like in normal life that when you want to climb higher on the career ladder then every next tep is harder. Rally should be easier for the beginner and everybody should know that when you are able to lead the championship then you have to be able to drive first on the road as well! THIS IS NOT THE RULE TO TOP OGIER OR ANY OTHER FAST DRIVER!!! This is THE rule that should have been in use always.

I do not care about who is leading the championship, but I do hate when people are making such a stupid conclusions like U did (sorry, but I rarely get angry, now it is that rare occasion). Think about the reason of this rule. It is much better than any kind of weight adding or shootout. It is very clear. You want to lead championship, you have to be ready to drive frist on the road.It is equal for everyone who ever you are. And it is equal to less experienced young drivers and gives them a chanche to show some good reulsts and satisfy their sponsors? Noone wants to see 2fast drivers and then bunch of rich kids who do not care about their speed much. They just care that their car has nice color, cool sound and they can drive fast..

This year rule is quite OK, but the rule with reversed order is like corruption funded by the leader.

Do not get mad, just think about it, I do not want to start any dsicussion here, just make you think about a few simple things in rally.

[Brynmor Pierce]

Personally i'd like to see it like back in the old days, crews were seeded by:
1, If they won the event the previous year
then
2, Their anticipated performance

This whole nonsense about the world champ carries number 1 all year etc...hate it personally

[Lousada]

Strange football analogy. In football better teams are always seeded at draws. The champions league group draw is based on the performance of the last 5 years by that club. Best 8 are group heads, next best 8 are seconds, etc. For the second round all group winners avoid eachother. Everything is aimed at getting the better teams as far into the tournament as possible.

My main problem with the running order in rally is that it is not the same during the rally. Why do only two days by championship order, why not one or three? It makes no logical sense at all and that is probably why they change the system every year. Stick to one system and use that for every day of the rally for every rally. That way people at least know what to expect beforehand.

[stefanvv]

My main problem with the running order in rally is that it is not the same during the rally. Why do only two days by championship order, why not one or three?

Because Ogier must be handicapped little more to be the championship more interesting. In the end it won't make the difference, but I'm sure we'll enjoy colorfull comments from this one.

[AndyRAC]

Simple reason for the football analogy; it's the world biggest and most popular sport. And they keep the rules the same. The same 2,3,4 teams dominate each country's league year on year. Everybody accepts this, and gets on with it.
However, in lots of Motorsports, this is frowned upon. So we get WWE type rules to even things out to stop domination.

When a sport keeps changing it rules/ formats, it obviously has a problem; and/ or those running it are clueless.

[stefanvv]

I think the biggest problem with Rallying is its promotion - regular people just seem to not understand the sport, so the management tries to make it more popular to look like the other sports, when most of the time You have head-to-head competition. Rally is not like that really, and when some driver dominates for a long time, then the obvious conclusion is that something is wrong with the rules. Frankly I find last 2 year's rules (with QS) best fair for the running order, than everything else. So a driver has its own choice to run don the field, depending on his own decision and weather forecast he has. He has no one to blame but himself if this fails.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115795

[focus206]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115795

of course they are against this rule, obviously, but I still haven't heard from any driver commenting about the possible shoot-outs next year...?

[Mirek]

Personally I would use superally crews to sweep the road in second and third day.

[makinen_fan]

The proposed system goes way to far, and to me the view of the drivers are reasonable. If FIA does not want reversed order, it has to be the rally leader the one to open the road in day 2 and 3, not the championship leader...
Also as Mirek said, running before the superally cars doesn't make sense to me

[journeyman racer]

The promoter does realise that by trying to get more money out of TV, it'll just lead to getting less money form TV?

[Franky]

The promoter does realise that by trying to get more money out of TV, it'll just lead to getting less money form TV?

Money might remain, but niche channels have very small viewership.

[Sulland]

Personally I would use superally crews to sweep the road in second and third day.

Totally agree Mirek!
You should have a very hard time getting on the podium if your equipment breaks down, no matter what reason.

[Rallyper]

The proposed system goes way to far, and to me the view of the drivers are reasonable. If FIA does not want reversed order, it has to be the rally leader the one to open the road in day 2 and 3, not the championship leader...
Also as Mirek said, running before the superally cars doesn't make sense to me

I think you guys speak the right things about starting order. However not forgetting that this used to be the way rules were in the beginning of 2000 or late 90´s. Remember those silly stops at the end of stages? That has to be taken care of if starting order should be as above.

[stefanvv]

I think you guys speak the right things about starting order. However not forgetting that this used to be the way rules were in the beginning of 2000 or late 90´s. Remember those silly stops at the end of stages? That has to be taken care of if starting order should be as above.

Totally forgot that farce

[Jack4688`]

How the hell do they write a letter about the running order but just accept the most ridiculous plan for 2015?






....The final day shootout sh*te

[Mirek]

I think you guys speak the right things about starting order. However not forgetting that this used to be the way rules were in the beginning of 2000 or late 90´s. Remember those silly stops at the end of stages? That has to be taken care of if starting order should be as above.

As I said send the superally cars first. They won't create so much "what if" fuzz anymore and there will be no reason for silly tactics. The only tactics to avoid sweeping would be not to crash. That's fair, don't You think?

[Eli]

http://www.maxrally.com/2014/09/10/is-rally-oz-on-the-move

[Franky]

http://www.maxrally.com/2014/09/10/is-rally-oz-on-the-move

Could you also write a few words about the links you're giving?

[Zeakiwi]

http://www.maxrally.com/2014/09/10/is-rally-oz-on-the-move

Portugal in June - could that be a dust nightmare?

[makinen_fan]

Portugal in June - could that be a dust nightmare?

why should it be any worst than Sardinia or Acropolis (when it used to exist...)?

[Nornbugger]

As I said send the superally cars first. They won't create so much "what if" fuzz anymore and there will be no reason for silly tactics. The only tactics to avoid sweeping would be not to crash. That's fair, don't You think?

Given that VW are the fastest and also the least often users of Superrally do you really think other teams are going to send their guys out on superrally to sweep the roads to ultimately help the VWs?
I think the Shakedown running order was fine and the best solution to date, otherwise a return to championsip order on the 1st day or seeding entries like the olden days and rally order there after would IMO be acceptable

[Mirek]

Given that VW are the fastest and also the least often users of Superrally do you really think other teams are going to send their guys out on superrally to sweep the roads to ultimately help the VWs

Well... I have to admit I have not expected to see such twisted logic here :rolleyes:

[Nornbugger]

Well... I have to admit I have not expected to see such twisted logic here :rolleyes:

Its called stragegy, get used to it as you will be seeing it.

[pantealex]

Given that VW are the fastest and also the least often users of Superrally do you really think other teams are going to send their guys out on superrally to sweep the roads to ultimately help the VWs?

Yes they will because of manufacturer/team points

[jbmarcus21]

Today Toyota Motorsport testing Yaris Wrc in french tarmac..
i was there and watch my video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMzY-rl1pL8&list=UUepXD8ukuP9kLr-jx-OWz4w

[jbmarcus21]

New 2015 calendar WRC is out
http://planetemarcus.com/la-fia-devoile-le-calendrier-wrc-2015/

[wwbroe]

New 2015 calendar WRC is out
http://planetemarcus.com/la-fia-devoile-le-calendrier-wrc-2015/

So, no major changes in calendar, only Portugal run end of may. Light change in superrally, where there will be a 7 minute penalty for each missed stage, while 10 minutes remains if you miss last stage of the day.

[Eli]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/ds-brand-drop-citroen-badge-europe-2015
does this mean the DS3 WRC won't be promoting Citroen anymore meaning they will leave the WRC after next year?

[vino_93]

Citroën Racing will still be in place for DS, as it is part of PSA.
Maybe it's even better, as DS will do WRC and Citroën WTCC. Two brands, two motorsports. Maybe easiest to understand. Matton said he doesn't know, for the moment, what will be done after 2016 for Citroën and DS (as it's sure Citroën will be in WtCC with C-Elysée up to 2016). Maybe the could switch WRC and WTCC, depending on the model they want to promote.

[Doon]

Citroën Racing will still be in place for DS, as it is part of PSA.
Maybe it's even better, as DS will do WRC and Citroën WTCC. Two brands, two motorsports. Maybe easiest to understand. Matton said he doesn't know, for the moment, what will be done after 2016 for Citroën and DS (as it's sure Citroën will be in WtCC with C-Elysée up to 2016). Maybe the could switch WRC and WTCC, depending on the model they want to promote.

Yes, if the DS brand is meant to compete with Audi, shouldn't the DS racing car be on circuits and the Citroen Racing in rallying with other small cars and less 'exclusive' brands. It may mean that Citroen will no longer use the DS3 in rallying, but possibly the new Citroen branded equivalent?

[Frostmourne]

Today Toyota Motorsport testing Yaris Wrc in french tarmac..
i was there and watch my video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMzY-rl1pL8&list=UUepXD8ukuP9kLr-jx-OWz4w

When the new homologation will be announced? I think I read somewhere the new cars will be segment D or something (larger cars than current WRC cars). Also, I read that Toyota is planning back to WRC around 2017. Isn't that a waste of time and resources for Toyota to develop an obsolete Yaris WRC?

[Eli]

“We've again blended a mix of classic events that date back to the championship's origins with newer, but firmly established, rallies. All will offer a challenging variety of roads and conditions to ensure that WRC will provide the ultimate all-round test of driving ability,” Ciesla added. I'm sorry but apart from Monte-Carlo,Finland and Wales what classics???? San Remo? Corsica? Safari? Acropolis??

[focus206]

When the new homologation will be announced? I think I read somewhere the new cars will be segment D or something (larger cars than current WRC cars).

I've read UP to segment D, so as far as I understand, cars could be segment B, C or D.

[Barreis]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115830

[Motorsportfun]

“We've again blended a mix of classic events that date back to the championship's origins with newer, but firmly established, rallies. All will offer a challenging variety of roads and conditions to ensure that WRC will provide the ultimate all-round test of driving ability,” Ciesla added. I'm sorry but apart from Monte-Carlo,Finland and Wales what classics???? San Remo? Corsica? Safari? Acropolis??

What about Sweden, Portugal back to Fafe and Argentina? :D

[stefanvv]

Yeap, and I would be glad if Monte has it's classic Turini end finally.

[Eli]

What about Sweden, Portugal back to Fafe and Argentina? :D

yes but stil, if you look at the calendar back in 2001 it was better back then.

[RAS007]

Personally I would use superally crews to sweep the road in second and third day.

^This.


Given that VW are the fastest and also the least often users of Superrally do you really think other teams are going to send their guys out on superrally to sweep the roads to ultimately help the VWs?

But not this^. It is up to those teams to make that decision, but if superrally is going to be used on events, then this is the way it should be done. I think superrally is a farce and teams should get no benefit at all from restarting a rally their driver has crashed out of, or suffered mechanical failure etc, other than stage miles/testing/experience for the driver.

[Motorsportfun]

yes but stil, if you look at the calendar back in 2001 it was better back then.

But definitely you can't sell a "2014" product with only traditional elements. You could agree with that. It's a good balance, IMHO. Of course, I'd rather prefer to see maybe Brazil instead of Mexico (so going over the Pond just once, reducing costs) or, for example, Greece back in place of Alsace (we already have Germany, isn't it?). Give the Promoter some times, I think they're working hard on every aspect. Promoting a series is an extremely difficult task. :)

[Zeakiwi]

Hopefully Hyundai will go away from the part time drivers next season. Team 1 with Neuville and Hanninen full time and have a 'dowN uNder team' with Paddon and someone like Eli Evans.
http://youtu.be/4rYy2Za_Ppg Eli Evans- honda g2. Australia is one of Hyundai's largest car markets.
or do the driver rotation in the N team.

[Eli]

But definitely you can't sell a "2014" product with only traditional elements. You could agree with that. It's a good balance, IMHO. Of course, I'd rather prefer to see maybe Brazil instead of Mexico (so going over the Pond just once, reducing costs) or, for example, Greece back in place of Alsace (we already have Germany, isn't it?). Give the Promoter some times, I think they're working hard on every aspect. Promoting a series is an extremely difficult task. :)

yep ok i know what you mean, let's hope it won't take too long.

[AndyRAC]

“We've again blended a mix of classic events that date back to the championship's origins with newer, but firmly established, rallies. All will offer a challenging variety of roads and conditions to ensure that WRC will provide the ultimate all-round test of driving ability,” Ciesla added. I'm sorry but apart from Monte-Carlo,Finland and Wales what classics???? San Remo? Corsica? Safari? Acropolis??


Agree. Only Finland and Monte are classics, RallyGB is no longer one; a tour of North Wales isn't a 'classic'. The FiA should encourage the national federations to use Corsica, Sanremo, etc

Also, the calendar is still heavily biased in favour of gravel, especially dry, dusty gravel - get rid of a couple of them. We have to wait until August for Tarmac. Why? You could have Corsica in May, were it belongs.

[vino_93]

Yes, if the DS brand is meant to compete with Audi, shouldn't the DS racing car be on circuits and the Citroen Racing in rallying with other small cars and less 'exclusive' brands. It may mean that Citroen will no longer use the DS3 in rallying, but possibly the new Citroen branded equivalent?

It's a possibility, but only after 2016, as Citroën will be on track up to 2016. So the new regulation in 2017 is perfect for Citroën.

[RICARDO75]

I Still don't agree with the split times inside the cars and the rally leader should always be the first car on the road.
Whitout split times, there´s no chance to stop at the end of the stage.
That´s my opinion

[N.O.T]

I Still don't agree with the split times inside the cars and the rally leader should always be the first car on the road.
Whitout split times, there´s no chance to stop at the end of the stage.
That´s my opinion

A few years back drivers also stopped and played tactics even without splits.... Carlos sainz was excluded from rally australia for stopping completely between the yellow board and the finish... so your opinion is wrong.

[stefanvv]

I Still don't agree with the split times inside the cars and the rally leader should always be the first car on the road.
Whitout split times, there´s no chance to stop at the end of the stage.
That´s my opinion

For the sake of competition and spirit of Rally nobody wants splits in the cars apart from drivers and teams. I don't agree for the running order though. For me the best option is QS/Shakedown decision.

[HaCo]

So, will we see Toyota in WRC next year? They keep on testing and testing, but no commitment so far.

[EightGear]

Apparently, Hyundai has made an offer to Ogier.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/09/13/pokert-ogier-mit-hyundai/index.html

[Francis44]

Apparently, Hyundai has made an offer to Ogier.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2014/09/13/pokert-ogier-mit-hyundai/index.html

Did something get lost in translation or is he asking for 10 million a year? If so that's quite a huge salary, maybe the most a driver gets paid in the last decade.

[dimviii]

Loeb at his last years was at 10m

[stefanvv]

Did something get lost in translation or is he asking for 10 million a year? If so that's quite a huge salary, maybe the most a driver gets paid in the last decade.

That's right - 10. Now he should have 6 if I remember right, so it's quite an increase

[Andre Oliveira]

Autosport.pt writes that Al-Attyiah are on negociations with Hyundai too.

[A FONDO]

Did something get lost in translation or is he asking for 10 million a year? If so that's quite a huge salary, maybe the most a driver gets paid in the last decade.

How much would you ask for if you were him?

[Jack4688`]

Agree. Only Finland and Monte are classics, RallyGB is no longer one; a tour of North Wales isn't a 'classic'. The FiA should encourage the national federations to use Corsica, Sanremo, etc

Also, the calendar is still heavily biased in favour of gravel, especially dry, dusty gravel - get rid of a couple of them. We have to wait until August for Tarmac. Why? You could have Corsica in May, were it belongs.

+1

[RICARDO75]

A few years back drivers also stopped and played tactics even without splits.... Carlos sainz was excluded from rally australia for stopping completely between the yellow board and the finish... so your opinion is wrong.

You may not agree but don't say it's wrong. The fact that you said that Sainz was excluded in the past, you're telling me I'm right because, if it's not allowed must be punished. With the technology that we have today, it would not be difficult to prove.

[N.O.T]

You may not agree but don't say it's wrong. The fact that you said that Sainz was excluded in the past, you're telling me I'm right because, if it's not allowed must be punished. With the technology that we have today, it would not be difficult to prove.

it is not allowed to stop between the yellow board and the finish... drivers used spotters holding signs with the splits...

[RICARDO75]

For the sake of competition and spirit of Rally nobody wants splits in the cars apart from drivers and teams. I don't agree for the running order though. For me the best option is QS/Shakedown decision.

I agree with the QS decision for the rally running order. But on the other two days, I think it should be de rally leader.
Everyone knows that in recent years there has been a very strong driver/car combination.
Does everyone want to have the same driver to win another 10 Championships in a row?
For many years, was the rally leader to open the road every day and during this time, everything was much more competitive.

[RICARDO75]

it is not allowed to stop between the yellow board and the finish... drivers used spotters holding signs with the splits...

Yes, I know that. But I also explained how could penalize those who purposely stopped. Just an example...
Don't you agree that something might or could be done about it?

[stefanvv]

I agree with the QS decision for the rally running order. But on the other two days, I think it should be de rally leader.
Everyone knows that in recent years there has been a very strong driver/car combination.
Does everyone want to have the same driver to win another 10 Championships in a row?
For many years, was the rally leader to open the road every day and during this time, everything was much more competitive.

And that would lead again to ridicolous tactics from some drivers like stopping before the end of stage. No one wants to clean the road and when You force the fastest drivers for such tactics, there is no real competition, but tactic game. Running order is not necessary condition to have 1 driver to win those titles, but ruining it only makes the competition little fake imo.

[Eli]

http://www.rally.it/ogier-hyundai-contatto/ another rumour suggesting Ogier might leave to Hyundai next year, if he will, will be very intresting...

[MJW]

http://www.rally.it/ogier-hyundai-contatto/ another rumour suggesting Ogier might leave to Hyundai next year, if he will, will be very intresting...
In my opinion Seb will be champion again this year so that should make VW board agree to his salary, after all, would they want the number 1 on a rival manufacturers car at the start of Monte?
Having said that it looks like Seb and Jost are disagreeing on a few fundamental issues now, running order, shootout etc, money, and whether its Seb winning or the Polo.
Personally I would prefer him to go to Toyota ;-)

[Eli]

In my opinion Seb will be champion again this year so that should make VW board agree to his salary, after all, would they want the number 1 on a rival manufacturers car at the start of Monte?
Having said that it looks like Seb and Jost are disagreeing on a few fundamental issues now, running order, shootout etc, money, and whether its Seb winning or the Polo.
Personally I would prefer him to go to Toyota ;-)
no let other drivers get a chance in Toyota-(Paddon-if he doesn't get the seat in Hyundai and also Atkinson which has been very hard for him to commpete 11 events in 6 years, let him have a full season to see if he's up for it, his last was back in 2008 with Subaru and that was a great year for him.)

[AndyRAC]

I agree with the QS decision for the rally running order. But on the other two days, I think it should be de rally leader.
Everyone knows that in recent years there has been a very strong driver/car combination.
Does everyone want to have the same driver to win another 10 Championships in a row?
For many years, was the rally leader to open the road every day and during this time, everything was much more competitive.


If he's the best driver then Tough!! It's a World Championship - the best driver should win, not getting handicapped with rules designed for 'entertainment'. It's up to the others to raise their game.

[N.O.T]

sick dog fans want sick dogs to win rather the best...

[A FONDO]

If he's the best driver then Tough!! It's a World Championship - the best driver should win, not getting handicapped with rules designed for 'entertainment'. It's up to the others to raise their game.
If I may twist it, why should slower drivers get handicapped with rules designed for leaders to become stronger and safer?

It is not actually a handicap. On gravel first drivers are always more disadvantaged than others, it's simply inavoidable so if you provide the better conditions for the faster, this totally kills the competition.

[jbmarcus21]

#WRC Full 2014 standings after @RallyAustralia [driver, manufacturers, special stage winner, power stage] http://www.planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/

[Eli]

http://www.crash.net/wrc/news/208780/1/rally-australia-eyeing-wrc-finale-slot.html
i thought they had an agreement with New-Zealand, and that Rally New-Zealand would be in 2016-2018

[AndyRAC]

Rally Australia have got a nerve. They should be grateful to be in the WRC - Rally NZ which is far superior should be the Oceania round of the WRC. And now they want the final round?
I actually think RallyGB should be moved to December, and after the final F1 race; as the final major FiA event of the season.

[nafpaktos]

If they move the rally(rallygb) so late the brake between the seasons will be too short. Also i really don't find any reason not to take the place of the final rally of the year, in addition the fact that rally nz is superior cannot be used as an argument.

[Barreis]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115913

[journeyman racer]

Rally Australia have got a nerve. They should be grateful to be in the WRC - Rally NZ which is far superior should be the Oceania round of the WRC. And now they want the final round?
.
As an Australian. I cannot argue with this. Taking account the lack of media presence here (Including from specialist motorsport media), we are a disgrace. Unless there's a change in appreciation, we shouldn't have this event. And I'm someone who'd like to participate in it one day!

[GigiGalliNo1]

A disgrace indeed!

I was embarrassed to call my self Australian after that Super Special Stage! SAY WHAT!?

[rallyfiend]

Rally Australia have got a nerve. They should be grateful to be in the WRC - Rally NZ which is far superior should be the Oceania round of the WRC. And now they want the final round?
I actually think RallyGB should be moved to December, and after the final F1 race; as the final major FiA event of the season.

C'mon, up until last year, for many, many years Rally GB had little claim to even be in the WRC, let alone staking a claim to be the last event in the championship.
It still has a lot to do to justify any kind of position of superiority to any other event.
At least in Australia the event is on a major free-to-air channel and has 3 Live TV programmes. When was the last time Rally GB could claim that...?

[rallyfiend]

http://www.crash.net/wrc/news/208780/1/rally-australia-eyeing-wrc-finale-slot.html
i thought they had an agreement with New-Zealand, and that Rally New-Zealand would be in 2016-2018

I think that 'agreement' was just wishful thinking and NZ making a statement to stop everyone from thinking it was game over when they got booted from the calendar.

[AndyRAC]

C'mon, up until last year, for many, many years Rally GB had little claim to even be in the WRC, let alone staking a claim to be the last event in the championship.
It still has a lot to do to justify any kind of position of superiority to any other event.
At least in Australia the event is on a major free-to-air channel and has 3 Live TV programmes. When was the last time Rally GB could claim that...?

Well you’ll know that I’m no cheerleader for RallyGB – it’s still miles away from were it needs to be. Holding it only North Wales is not enough; a major town/ city is needed as it’s base. As is a commercial sponsor. It's still far too parochial for a world event.

[OldF]

This a bit old news but I don’t recall seeing these news.

Driver on the future (page 33)

http://issuu.com/rally-emag/docs/rally-emag_021_august_2014

One wish they have common, more power.:)

[Eli]

This a bit old news but I don’t recall seeing these news.

Driver on the future (page 33)

http://issuu.com/rally-emag/docs/rally-emag_021_august_2014

One wish they have common, more power.:)

I hope their wish comes true :)

[jbmarcus21]

Neuville Test Days for Rallye France Alsace 2014
Photos Video
http://planetemarcus.com/objectif-france-pour-neuville-et-sa-i20wrc/

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115937 why do they keep insisting it's a good idea??? why?

[AndyRAC]

Clueless!!

[Jack4688`]

They don't understand why their crackpot idea has virtually no support yet they don't grasp that means they should give up and that they have a completely insane plan.

"For me, that is a slap in the face for the people of the Commission. It's a vote of no confidence in the WRC Commission and the promoter - more so the promoter than anybody else."

Yeah. Take the hint.

[lewalcindor]

Perhaps they could have two components for each rally, each standing on its own merits and rules.

The first component would be the traditional "endurance" special stage rally. The drivers will be awarded the same number of points as they do now.

The second component would be an expanded power stage for prize cash and points. It would be sort of like the Golden Stage in the 2011 Cyprus Rally that Thierry Neuville won. Here are my proposals for this power stage:
- Instead of rinky-dink 10 km power stages, make this expanded power stage 30 km or more so that you combine the "endurance" aspect of rallying with the the all-out sprint aspect of the current power stage format.
- Instead of giving out a largely inconsequential 1-2-3 points, make this event worth 1/3 the points of the stage rally (so 5-6-8 points).
- Provide cash prizes to the top 3 finishers of this event.
- Don't bother with the rule that states that the rally car needs to make it back to the service area under its own power in order for it to properly finish the rally. The car only needs to finish the stage, and that's it.

With the points and cash incentives here, I would imagine that the drivers will go all-out. Should time splits be available or not? I'm trying to figure out how to get the drivers to go all-out for this event.


And finally, separate the two events. When the stage rally ends, it will have its award ceremony at the end of the final day. The next day will be dedicated solely to the power stage and its award ceremony. IMO, you can get more spectators and fans to attend the power stage day because (a) they only have to commit to one day for the event, and (b) they only need to stay in one spot to spectate the event, and don't need to move from stage to stage. The organizers can also provide big TV screens at each major viewing point so that the spectators there can watch the broadcast to know what's happening in the other areas of the stage.

[Lundefaret]

Perhaps they could have two components for each rally, each standing on its own merits and rules.

The first component would be the traditional "endurance" special stage rally. The drivers will be awarded the same number of points as they do now.

The second component would be an expanded power stage for prize cash and points. It would be sort of like the Golden Stage in the 2011 Cyprus Rally that Thierry Neuville won. Here are my proposals for this power stage:
- Instead of rinky-dink 10 km power stages, make this expanded power stage 30 km or more so that you combine the "endurance" aspect of rallying with the the all-out sprint aspect of the current power stage format.
- Instead of giving out a largely inconsequential 1-2-3 points, make this event worth 1/3 the points of the stage rally (so 5-6-8 points).
- Provide cash prizes to the top 3 finishers of this event.
- Don't bother with the rule that states that the rally car needs to make it back to the service area under its own power in order for it to properly finish the rally. The car only needs to finish the stage, and that's it.

With the points and cash incentives here, I would imagine that the drivers will go all-out. Should time splits be available or not? I'm trying to figure out how to get the drivers to go all-out for this event.


And finally, separate the two events. When the stage rally ends, it will have its award ceremony at the end of the final day. The next day will be dedicated solely to the power stage and its award ceremony. IMO, you can get more spectators and fans to attend the power stage day because (a) they only have to commit to one day for the event, and (b) they only need to stay in one spot to spectate the event, and don't need to move from stage to stage. The organizers can also provide big TV screens at each major viewing point so that the spectators there can watch the broadcast to know what's happening in the other areas of the stage.
I have described this concept in an earlier post, with the two parts. In Portugal the extended power stage could be Fafe. Could be very god.

[lewalcindor]

I have described this concept in an earlier post, with the two parts. In Portugal the extended power stage could be Fafe. Could be very god.

Great minds think alike, eh? ;)

[Lundefaret]

Great minds think alike, eh? ;)
Yep :cool:

[jbmarcus21]

Monte Carlo15 update !
Timetable + Power Stage Col de Braus + Shakedown Wednesday afternoon
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-monte-carlo-2015/

[Mirek]

IMHO it's pity they run the PS only over the main road from Saint Jean to Saint Laurent. The best road I drove there (and possibly of all RMC roads I drove) was from Col de Braus over Col de l'Ablé to Peira Cava as it was run in IRC 2009 or often in Rallye d'Antibes.

[Doon]

Capito saying the drivers only take money out of the sport therefore shouldn't be listened too, try telling that to any none VW driver! Osberg, Prokop, Mikkelsen etc have spent millions to get to their level I imagine.

[traxx]

IMHO it's pity they run the PS only over the main road from Saint Jean to Saint Laurent. The best road I drove there (and possibly of all RMC roads I drove) was from Col de Braus over Col de l'Ablé to Peira Cava as it was run in IRC 2009 or often in Rallye d'Antibes.

I agree, it's a shame to go trough this Col de Braus, the road is too wide, similar as road used for the PS last year. I also like Col de l'Ablé, they could have done it then trough col St Roch to go to La Bollène for the Turini stage.

[janvanvurpa]

Capito saying the drivers only take money out of the sport therefore shouldn't be listened too, try telling that to any none VW driver! Osberg, Prokop, Mikkelsen etc have spent millions to get to their level I imagine.

Earlier I have said that the management and even the engineers such as Loriaux express, possibly unconsciously, serious contempt for the drivers when they say crap like "should listen to them'...
You know in language we say something simple, let's say, "that grass is green"

That states explicitly (clearly) THAT grass is green..

But at the same time it implicity says a ton of other things we all understand---because its a simple statement.
It states "that grass is green but this grass over there is brown.."
aslo "THAT grass is NOT RED" "That grass is not purple" and on and on..

Loriaux said some years ago---in his Subaru days when discussing car set up---"We really can't pay much attention to the drivers, they can't begin to comprehend the workings of all these OOOOOoooooooOOOOh so complicated systems (and may as well say "because they are little pea brained monkeys and I am a genius and hang out with God in my spare time, that's how smart I am"..His intent was clear, and I was seriously shocked..
I have worked with good motorsport engineers and designers and they used to really grill me with serious series of questions... To the point--since I wasn't that good really---that I asked once "Why do you ask ME, I'm not that fast?" The answer was "Ok but you are OK fast and you are very analytical and you will talk"..
That was a bit surprising cause I was only 25 but in that sport (moto-cross) guys tend to be younger.

That was respect, and I respected his answers to my question--

Loriaux and now this Capito schmuck clearly have contempt for the drivers...

Bugger 'em.

[stefanvv]

Probably Capito said that about the drivers in different context....

Anyway I think this proposition can only be judged good or bad after some practical application. I'm not ready to judge it now. The theory may be sound in some aspects, in others bad, but until applied in practice, it is not very clear what could happen.

[Lousada]

Probably Capito said that about the drivers in different context....

Anyway I think until this proposition can only be judged good or bad after some practical application. I'm not ready to judge it now. The theory may be sound in some aspects, in others bad, but until applied in practice, it is not very clear what could happen.

The WRC is supposed to be the pinnacle of the sport. It is not the place for trial and error about new things. If they are that desperate to advance with this shootout thing, try it first in lower championships and see what happens...

[stefanvv]

The WRC is supposed to be the pinnacle of the sport. It is not the place for trial and error about new things. If they are that desperate to advance with this shootout thing, try it first in lower championships and see what happens...

And what "the pinnacle of the sport" proves for the last 10 years? 1 driver can dominate the others? Make the sport boring for average spectator because of this?

The world crisis hit the sport heavily. No room for 5+ teams with 3 drivers each anymore. Something must be changed to make it more appealing. If that is the so called shout-out, I will accept it. And I'm not really interested in the "shoot-out" part, but the major concept of endurance in Rallying.

[nafpaktos]

Bertelli
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september/bertelli-2015-plans/page/1782--12-12-.html

[N.O.T]

another tourist in a WRC car.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I already knew Bertelli was going WRC car in 2015 :) He said at press conference at Rally Aus :)

[denkimi]

Monte Carlo15 update !
Timetable + Power Stage Col de Braus + Shakedown Wednesday afternoon
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-monte-carlo-2015/

I still don't get why they have to stretch it over 6 days. They could easily do it in 4 or even 3.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115991

[jbmarcus21]

New Toyota Test days with Yaris Wrc in Belgium [Photos, Vidéos] http://planetemarcus.com/toyota-prepare-sa-yaris-wrc-en-belgique/

[bluuford]

Tänak will be driving Fiesta WRC under DMACK in GB.

[jbmarcus21]

DAY2 Toyota Yaris Wrc Test Days in Belgium
full gallery [PHOTOS] http://planetemarcus.com/toyota-prepare-sa-yaris-wrc-en-belgique/

[christy but]

looks like keith Cronin will be doing some wrc2 events http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/other-sports/refocused-cronin-gears-up-for-wrc-comeback-288371.html#.VCK9P_2TfQ9.facebook

[jbmarcus21]

and now Seb Ogier testing today to prepare Rallye France alsace
Full Album => http://planetemarcus.com/volkswagen-en-piste-pour-le-wrc-france-2014/

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/116019 Monte Carlo 2015

[jbmarcus21]

Elfyn Evans now ... Gallery Photos Album http://planetemarcus.com/ford-m-sport-en-preparation-du-wrc-france-2014/ ;)

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/116034 I'm telling you, they want to shoot out the sport....