[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016

[AL14]

Italian website reports that Sven Smeets is the replacement of Jost Capito at VW
He joins Yves Matton as a team principal from Belgium https://carlocanovarallye.org/2016/08/28/sven-smeets-da-ds-a-boss-sostituisce-jost-capito-in-vw-motorsport/

That website is not reliable. Maybe is right on this one but I would not give credit to it until I read it somewhere else.

[KiwiWRCfan]

That website is not reliable. Maybe is right on this one but I would not give credit to it until I read it somewhere else.
Thanks AL14. Like everyone else I will await credible information to come out

[Francis44]

That website is not reliable. Maybe is right on this one but I would not give credit to it until I read it somewhere else.

I thought this was already decided for some time, If I remember correctly even Jost pointed Smeets in the media months and months ago.

[dimviii]

VolkswagenMotorsport ‏@VolkswagenRally

#SvenSmeets will be the #Volkswagen Motorsport Director effective 1 Sept., replacing #JostCapito. #WRC @OfficialWRC


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrB_K-5WIAAgjoJ.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

From VW:

"Management undergoes restructuring: Sven Smeets named Volkswagen Motorsport Director

Wolfsburg (29. August 2016). Volkswagen Motorsport has undergone a restructuring at management level: Sven Smeets (44) will take over as Volkswagen Motorsport Director on 01 September 2016. He succeeds Jost Capito (57), who is leaving the company to pursue a new professional challenge. Lukasz Urban (34) also takes over as Commercial Managing Director from Kirsten Zimmermann (44), who moves into a new management role at Volkswagen AG on 01 September 2016. At the same time, François-Xavier Demaison (47) as Technical Director and Dr. Donatus Wichelhaus (54) as Director of Engine Development move up into the Management Board of Volkswagen Motorsport."

[nafpaktos]

Who will replace Demaison and Wichelhaus?Also i can't understand what kind of jurisdictions-role they will have on the management board of vw motorsport .Maybe they don't trust Smeets enough and put those two close to him for help?????????

[Hartusvuori]

Who will replace Demaison and Wichelhaus?Also i can't understand what kind of jurisdictions-role they will have on the management board of vw motorsport .Maybe they don't trust Smeets enough and put those two close to him for help?????????

I don't think being a member of board releases them from their daily duties. More power over decisions, but they should continue to work as normal. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[jacko]

Östberg will drive in the German (tarmac) rally Niedersachsen (9 & 10 september) with his own Ford Fiesta R5.

[COD]

I don't think being a member of board releases them from their daily duties. More power over decisions, but they should continue to work as normal. Correct me if I'm wrong.

That would be my guess also

[AL14]

Rumors keep going on about an Andolfi debut in an R5 with the Hyundai i20 in Corsica.
My finger are crossed. Let's hope he gets the seat.

[jbmarcus21]

i dont find Rally Legend items... but big news ... after Marcus & Hayden... Gilles Panizzi will drive there 306Maxi => http://goo.gl/PEH63j

[BleAivano]

So the teams and the promoter have accepted RS's plan to move service area to Torsby.
There are still some work required with some accommodation before the move can officially be executed.

Glenn says that they have to have a super year if they want to avoid being forced to move the rally from Värmland.

http://www.vf.se/sport/bilsport/maste-se-till-att-det-blir-ett-superar

[AL14]

Rumors about Citroen announcing Neuville at Paris Motor Show 2016.
The event will be held from 1 to 19 October and Citroen will annouce the lineup.

If this will happen Hyundai will need a new driver and we could see some interesting movement.
If I were them I would go for Suninen. I think it is a better choice than Tanak or others available.

[EstWRC]

i think that exactly this will happen...Tänak seems to continue with m-sport, Neuville seems to me isnt interested at all continuing with Hyundai. So Suninen to Hyundai then and Neuville to Citroen. The question now is who will Toyota take? i wonder why it fell apart between Tänak and Toyota (it seemed like a done deal but i should get the info in upcoming weeks).

Lappi and Häninen to Toyota?

[BleAivano]

So the teams and the promoter have accepted RS's plan to move service area to Torsby.
There are still some work required with some accommodation before the move can officially be executed.

Glenn says that they have to have a super year if they want to avoid being forced to move the rally from Värmland.

http://www.vf.se/sport/bilsport/maste-se-till-att-det-blir-ett-superar


Also about 60% of the rally will be held on new roads/stages. Could be interesting.

[AL14]

i think that exactly this will happen...Tänak seems to continue with m-sport, Neuville seems to me isnt interested at all continuing with Hyundai. So Suninen to Hyundai then and Neuville to Citroen. The question now is who will Toyota take? i wonder why it fell apart between Tänak and Toyota (it seemed like a done deal but i should get the info in upcoming weeks).

Lappi and Häninen to Toyota?

If I were Toyota I would have already taken Tanak and if I were Tanak I would have accepted but it seems that things are not that simple on this issue unfortunately for both of them.

[BleAivano]

Some more info about Torsby as new hosts, http://www.vf.se/sport/bilsport/jarasen-vi-ar-mogna-ett-storre-ansvar%E2%80%9D
Rally date is also confirmed for feb 9-12th. Two stages will be held in Torsby, one of the stages will be held at Knappåsen which
is between Torsby and Ekshärad. That is north of Vargåsen.

[bearclaw]

Some more info about Torsby as new hosts, http://www.vf.se/sport/bilsport/jarasen-vi-ar-mogna-ett-storre-ansvar%E2%80%9D
Rally date is also confirmed for feb 9-12th. Two stages will be held in Torsby, one of the stages will be held at Knappåsen which
is between Torsby and Ekshärad. That is north of Vargåsen.

I just took a short look at booking.com and ebookers. There are no more rooms available in a closer circle to the rally region. At least one hour drive to Torsby and the rally is in 6 months. Is that normal for rally sweden? I never had a problem to find accommodation 3 month in advance for a wrc event close to the rally or servicepark. I'am a bit too late - next try 2018...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Östberg will drive in the German (tarmac) rally Niedersachsen (9 & 10 september) with his own Ford Fiesta R5.

He was going to do the Rally Isle of Man in the BRC (15-17th Sept)... must've decided to change to do this minor German rally instead. :(

[tc10a]

I just took a short look at booking.com and ebookers. There are no more rooms available in a closer circle to the rally region. At least one hour drive to Torsby and the rally is in 6 months. Is that normal for rally sweden? I never had a problem to find accommodation 3 month in advance for a wrc event close to the rally or servicepark. I'am a bit too late - next try 2018...

Theres is no problem if you stay anywhere between Torsby and Karlstad, or also in Karlstad. Was in Karlstad for several years now and even to Norway Stages it was never a problem by driving at all. Problem around Torsby will be that there are just not so many accomodation and that it is blocked by organisers for teams etc. Torsby itself is a very small town, just about 4000 people living there. Booked already again in Karlstad, there is plenty of accomodation.

[BleAivano]

I just took a short look at booking.com and ebookers. There are no more rooms available in a closer circle to the rally region.
At least one hour drive to Torsby and the rally is in 6 months. Is that normal for rally sweden? I never had a problem to find accommodation 3 month in
advance for a wrc event close to the rally or servicepark. I'am a bit too late - next try 2018...

It is as expected since Rally Sweden have already contracted these rooms to full fill the accommodation guarantee to the teams, FIA delegates,
the promoter, Rally sponsors and team VIP guests and etc. It is what I have written about in my previous couple of posts.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Could the possibility be that at this point in time Neuville has not yet had a contract offered to him by any team. Maybe it is the teams holding out on him rather than the other way around

[WUff1]

He was going to do the Rally Isle of Man in the BRC (15-17th Sept)... must've decided to change to do this minor German rally instead. :(

Your statement sounds a bit national.

[jbmarcus21]

**SPECIAL Neuville-Gilsoul 2017 Team POLL** Click & answer here ➡ http://goo.gl/5LXbMg

[JUF]

Your statement sounds a bit national.
Well, the Rally Isle of Man is a LOT more challenging than Rallye Niedersachsen which is one of the worst events existing in Germany. Mads will wonder how less the rally will help him for Corsica... PLUS: Rally Isle of Man has concurrents and a nice landscape to offer while Niedersachsen is really, really boring.

[Eli]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125981/china-troubles-derail-2017-wrc-calendar
and it says they want Corsica in april to split the huge gap between argentina & portugal and to split between the gravel events

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Your statement sounds a bit national.

Just stating a fact. Some people are far too touchy here.

[CWJ]

Well, the Rally Isle of Man is a LOT more challenging than Rallye Niedersachsen which is one of the worst events existing in Germany. Mads will wonder how less the rally will help him for Corsica... PLUS: Rally Isle of Man has concurrents and a nice landscape to offer while Niedersachsen is really, really boring.

There is indeed no reason to go there, I guess some yellow angels just offered more lets say "support"...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rallye Niedersachsen entry...

http://znts.de/zeitnahme/nennliste_open.php?rallye_id=300

[WUff1]

This sound a bit like my d**k is bigger than yours and therefore at its best childish, if not jingoistic. Both are runs of their national championships. And normally rally drivers don´t care about beautiful landscapes or how many R5 cars have entered when driving a special stage, don´t you think?

I´m not defending Rally Niedersachsen, which I don´t care about, too. But this is not Wembley 1966/1986 or even worse Krauts vs. Tommys.

[N.O.T]

Both rallies are useless village events so they fit perfectly for a nobody like Ostberg, that way he can come to terms with his future.

[itix]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/125981/china-troubles-derail-2017-wrc-calendar
and it says they want Corsica in april to split the huge gap between argentina & portugal and to split between the gravel events

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That would actually be a nice change instead of having more than half the year on gravel and then finish on Tarmac!

[Eli]

That would actually be a nice change instead of having more than half the year on gravel and then finish on Tarmac!
yep almost like in 2006 and even more similar to 2002 (minus safari & NZ & Sanremo)...

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

Craig Breen enters International Rally Isle of Man for asphalt experience.


'As history will confirm many of rallying’s true greats have honed their asphalt skills on the fast asphalt stages of the Isle of Man. For Craig Breen this was the reason he went there and won while a junior contender in 2009, seven years later Craig will go there as a World Rally Championship driver on a different level and holding the number one seed but with the same goal of gaining as much sealed surface experience as he can ahead of future events. This time out the Abu Dhabi Total World Rally Team driver and his co-driver Scott Martin will use their Circuit of Ireland winning Citroen DS3 R5 run by David Greer Motorsport and supported by Irish American businessman John Campion. The 54th running of the Rally Isle of Man takes place from the 15th to the 17th of September and will consist of twenty all asphalt stages over three days. Valuable seat time for Craig as the year end draws closer but it will be far from a relaxing drive around the island as the rally hosts the final round of the British Rally Championship and its host of highly competitive season regulars.


Delighted to be able to confirm his entry for the rally Craig said “I’m really looking forward to going back to the Isle of Man and being back on tarmac, it’s been a while since the Circuit of Ireland and I need to get the sensation of it back so we’re in the best possible shape when we get back into a World Rally Car.” Craig also said being able to take part in the event was all thanks to John Campion and his support was making it possible to be at the start of the rally.'

[GravelBen]

Both rallies are useless village events...

Remind us again of your own extensive rallying achievements?

[N.O.T]

Remind us again of your own extensive rallying achievements?

That is an easy one, i put rallying nobodies to their places being organisers, drivers, teams, media dogs... you name it kid.

[BigWorm]

Rumors about Citroen announcing Neuville at Paris Motor Show 2016.
The event will be held from 1 to 19 October and Citroen will annouce the lineup.
I would love that and I think it's the best choice for him, rather than signing for a newly entered team with Toyota. Hyundai isn't good enough as a team and he should leave them ASAP, they have managed him poorly.

[6789]

Hyundai have managed Neuville badly?

[Karukera]

The other way around.

[BigWorm]

Hyundai have managed Neuville badly?
I think so, yes. The delay of the 2015 car being the best sign of that.

[Simmi]

I think so, yes. The delay of the 2015 car being the best sign of that.

Delaying of a car isn't anything to do with managing a driver. It was the reactions that came after that which seemed to cause all the problems.

People gave Matton a lot of crap for how he managed Meeke. He never said close to what Penasse said about Neuville last year.


Penasse said: “Since he [Neuville] crashed in Argentina, he is no longer within the pace of the pack and the most annoying thing is that neither he, his co-driver or his entourage has any form of explanation. We are happy to have Hayden, because with him driving we are making progress.

“We spoke a lot after Finland in order to try to help him or see if there were any problems, we brought to him certain elements to show that he wasn’t really going anywhere. Even though he disagrees, people who saw him on the stages tell us: “He’s not as quick as he was.” And these are not just any old spectators, these are former drivers; people who know rallying.

“We were frank with him and we told him we no longer see the Thierry from the past. Now, to finish fifth, he needs two punctures and two people going off in front of him.”

http://www.maxrally.com/2015/08/26/neuville-ive-got-nothing-to-prove

I'm not sure how much the driver rotation with the 20 car really helped - especially with last year's very public "benching" of Neuville at the end of the season to 'give him his confidence back'. I think Hyundai also struggled with tensions between Neuville and Paddon. You can see their reluctance to favour drivers, and the fact they did the 10-round paperwork for Sordo this year, rather than being forced to pick between Hayden and Thierry, speaks volumes.

Ultimately I think Neuville was probably extremely difficult behind the scenes, and Hyundai's top brass reacted to it quite badly. No one is blameless. Probably the best thing is to go their separate ways.

[dimviii]

Fabio Andolfi will step up from his two-wheel-drive Peugeot 208 to pilot Hyundai's brand-new i20 R5 on the championship's next round, the Tour de Corse - Rallye de France (29 Sept - 2 Oct).

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-3/news/2016/september/andolfi-r5-hyundai/page/3861--36-36-.html

[tomhlord]

Delaying of a car isn't anything to do with managing a driver. It was the reactions that came after that which seemed to cause all the problems.

People gave Matton a lot of crap for how he managed Meeke. He never said close to what Penasse said about Neuville last year.



http://www.maxrally.com/2015/08/26/neuville-ive-got-nothing-to-prove

I'm not sure how much the driver rotation with the 20 car really helped - especially with last year's very public "benching" of Neuville at the end of the season to 'give him his confidence back'. I think Hyundai also struggled with tensions between Neuville and Paddon. You can see their reluctance to favour drivers, and the fact they did the 10-round paperwork for Sordo this year, rather than being forced to pick between Hayden and Thierry, speaks volumes.

Ultimately I think Neuville was probably extremely difficult behind the scenes, and Hyundai's top brass reacted to it quite badly. No one is blameless. Probably the best thing is to go their separate ways.

Nice summary, well said.

[Rally Power]

Ultimately I think Neuville was probably extremely difficult behind the scenes, and Hyundai's top brass reacted to it quite badly. No one is blameless. Probably the best thing is to go their separate ways.

You’re right, but since Portugal Rally Neuville’s got his form back and delivered some good results. Apparently his relationship with the team has improved and he still is their most complete driver. If Koreans really want to fight for the WRC title they should keep him, as neither Suninen nor Tanak can be a more effective choice.

On the other hand, Citroen with Meeke and Neuville will be a hell of a team and, probably, VW’s main competitor.

[Eli]

You’re right, but since Portugal Rally Neuville’s got his form back and delivered some good results. Apparently his relationship with the team has improved and he still is their most complete driver. If Koreans really want to fight for the WRC title they should keep him, as neither Suninen nor Tanak can be a more effective choice.

On the other hand, Citroen with Meeke and Neuville will be a hell of a team and, probably, VW’s main competitor.
although if you look for the long term run, choosing Breen now and helping him develop now before Meeke retires will (if Breen continues to impress) make him a good replacement for Meeke in the future...depends how quickly they want the title.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[Mad cat jnr]

Fabio Andolfi will step up from his two-wheel-drive Peugeot 208 to pilot Hyundai's brand-new i20 R5 on the championship's next round, the Tour de Corse - Rallye de France (29 Sept - 2 Oct).

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc-3/news/2016/september/andolfi-r5-hyundai/page/3861--36-36-.html

Surely it would of made more sense to put some one with 4wd experience and experience of R5's in it? Like Abbring?

[dupanton]

Surely it would of made more sense to put some one with 4wd experience and experience of R5's in it? Like Abbring?

Abbring, Sarrazin and Andolfi will drive an I20 R5 in Corse ;)

[Simmi]

Abbring, Sarrazin and Andolfi will drive an I20 R5 in Corse ;)

Nice. Between them we should get a nice gauge of its pace. Hope to see the car out in Spain and GB too this year.

[AL14]

Abbring, Sarrazin and Andolfi will drive an I20 R5 in Corse ;)

Andolfi will drive the car of HMI (Hyundai Motorsport Italia). They have a car, I think the same that Rossetti tested a while ago.
I think this "lineup" is a perfect choice: Abbring will bring the speed, Sarrazin the experience for testing and further development, Andolfi is the investment for the future.

[tomhlord]

You’re right, but since Portugal Rally Neuville’s got his form back and delivered some good results. Apparently his relationship with the team has improved and he still is their most complete driver.

I absolutely agree Neuville is back on point. It's great to see.

Maybe a Citroen contract has inspiried him to be happy too...

[AL14]

I think both Neuville and Hyundai have their faults. I also think we don't know enough since it seems they kept something private. Anyway, from what we know I would blame Neuvile for his lack of team spirit but I think that Penasse should be renamed "Painintheass" and his behaviour towards Neuville has not been good nor for Thierry nor for Hyundai.

[WUff1]

Andolfi will drive the car of HMI (Hyundai Motorsport Italia). They have a car, I think the same that Rossetti tested a while ago.
I think this "lineup" is a perfect choice: Abbring will bring the speed, Sarrazin the experience for testing and further development, Andolfi is the investment for the future.

I´d rate Sarrazin faster than Abbring at Tour de Corse. It´s his home rally, and he already won it (when in ERC).

[Simmi]

A list of all the drivers involved in testing the 2017 WRC cars - http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/10738-2017-wrc-who-s-driving-where

Nothing we didn't know, but as Martin Holmes says, when you see everyone listed down it becomes clear that Neuville and Ostberg are very likely to move on next year.

[tomhlord]

A list of all the drivers involved in testing the 2017 WRC cars - http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/10738-2017-wrc-who-s-driving-where

Nothing we didn't know, but as Martin Holmes says, when you see everyone listed down it becomes clear that Neuville and Ostberg are very likely to move on next year.

So where would Ostberg end up? It's difficult for me to see a future inside the WRC.

[Zeakiwi]

So where would Ostberg end up? It's difficult for me to see a future inside the WRC.

Are there too many Norwegians in FIA WOrld Rallycross? Could Mads find enough backing for European Rally Championship campaign or WRC2? A few former WRC have driven in the China Rally Championship. Has Higgins won enough Rally America championships? Mads is 28 seems a bit young to start a Cross Country career - Ford Ranger T1 -European or selected Cross Country events. Join the Norwegian IT sector. Take up Euro Truck Racing. https://youtu.be/7Wh-gtZ3gpI

[Simmi]

So where would Ostberg end up? It's difficult for me to see a future inside the WRC.

It will be very interesting to see. Back to a semi-works drive? It's just that 2017 is the worst season for a while to be in that situation - with regards to car availability. Lots of drives were on the table for 2017 but Ostberg has certainly dipped in form at the wrong time.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Crv9u9hWIAAuYbs.jpg:large

[nafpaktos]

A list of all the drivers involved in testing the 2017 WRC cars - http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/10738-2017-wrc-who-s-driving-where



Prokop tested the new wrc????????????????????????????????why????????????

[tommeke_B]

Prokop tested the new wrc????????????????????????????????why????????????

Why not? Al Qassimi tested the C3 WRC...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Maybe this is why Ostberg went to that German rally instead of the Isle of Man...

Mads Østberg ‏@MadsOstberg
Roadtrip! Team Adapta on our way to Germany. #do-it-yourselfrally :) #rallyeniedersachsen

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cr0cDBlWEAEIrw5.jpg

[N.O.T]

Prokop tested the new wrc????????????????????????????????why????????????

because he has money and can buy things.

[nafpaktos]

The one driver is a big sponsor of citroen and the other is just a customer of m-sport.The difference is huge.We also don't know if prokop will follow the next year's championship and if he do we don't know if fia will allow him to drive the new wrc generation.

[Simmi]

The one driver is a big sponsor of citroen and the other is just a customer of m-sport.The difference is huge.We also don't know if prokop will follow the next year's championship and if he do we don't know if fia will allow him to drive the new wrc generation.

There's no way the FIA won't allow Prokop into a car. I think it's a mix of headline-grabbing reporting and the FIA not having their sh*t together to actually outline the specific rules yet. Biggest problem will likely be car supply with teams like M-Sport going down to the wire on development.

[Zeakiwi]

Prokop has the r5 Fiesta, GT3 mercedes and the T1 Ford truck and has expressed an interest in World Rallycross. He finished 6th in Baja Poland with Ilka Minor. WRC class might not be in his program for 2017.

[sete]

Prokop own Fiesta WRC, not R5.

[pantealex]

Prokop own Fiesta WRC, not R5.

actually atleast 2 Fiesta WRC´s

[rallyfiend]

Prokop tested the new wrc????????????????????????????????why????????????

Why shouldn't they use him? He'd be good for a comparison from the previous car.

Testing at this stage is not about outright speed.

[N.O.T]

Why shouldn't they use him? He'd be good for a comparison from the previous car.

Testing at this stage is not about outright speed.

plus you can test things like how the car behaves under too much weight stress, how much weight you need to bottom out the suspension and other fun stuff.

[Andre Oliveira]

Prokop is very good driver.

[N.O.T]

Prokop is very good driver.

of course he is a very good driver, but not a WRC driver.

[Rally Power]

So where would Ostberg end up? It's difficult for me to see a future inside the WRC.

Maybe he'll start a house cleaning bussiness...

[Zeakiwi]

I missed seeing this at the time - possible joint ventrure between DMACK and Cooper Tires for factory.
http://www.eurosport.com/wrc/dmack-wants-works-team-or-second-car-in-2017_sto5685393/story.shtml

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads Østberg at Rallye Niedersachsen:

9/9 We're quite happy with the first two stages of Rallye Niedersachsen. The rally is much faster than expected, so preferably we should have had a long ratio gearbox. We're on the rev limiter on every straight. Competition wise we're up to speed in 2nd position behind Kreims Skoda R5.

10/9 Good progress today, a stage win on the last stage before service. I have people out on the stages giving me feedback on my driving. Working to improve on corner entries and exits. This is good practice, I'm happy.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cr7Ye4KXYAAOA7w.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ADAC Rallye Niedersachsen: Mads Ostberg finished 2nd in Germany with two stage wins.

[N.O.T]

adac rallye niedersachsen: Mads ostberg finished 2nd in germany with two stage wins.

lol

[stefanvv]

I thought nobody cares for a German village event.

[N.O.T]

I thought nobody cares for a German village event.

village people do.

[stefanvv]

Yeah but not in this metropolis forum, right? Do they have internet?

[cali]

Yeah, great result.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[RS]

I am surprised Kreim was able to beat Ostberg so easily, especially noting Kreim's performance on Barum.

We know Ostberg isn't the quickest driver, especially on asphalt but he is still a WRC driver so Kreim deserves some credit for that.

[AL14]

If cars had not gears Ostberg would have been the best rally driver of the history. :D

[leighton323]

I am surprised Kreim was able to beat Ostberg so easily, especially noting Kreim's performance on Barum.

We know Ostberg isn't the quickest driver, especially on asphalt but he is still a WRC driver so Kreim deserves some credit for that.
Hmmmm. Is it that Kreim is fast.. or Ostberg is slow(in terms of being a wrc driver).. It could be both, but IMHO I think this result proves the latter.

Sent from my SM-G925I using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It was just a tarmac learning exercise for Ostberg. He would also want plenty of seat-time so wouldnt want to risk an early off.

Having the short-ratio box meant too much time on the limiter and this also lead to engine problems

[dimviii]

learning exercise with being slower from Kreim will not help against Ogier Latvala Sordo and co.
engine problems appeared at last 2 stages when difference was already 30,2 sec,and Ostberg won last stage.

[Simmi]

Hmmmm. Is it that Kreim is fast.. or Ostberg is slow(in terms of being a wrc driver).. It could be both, but IMHO I think this result proves the latter.

Don't want to read too much into one rally but regardless it's not great for Ostberg. On the one hand, respect to him for going off and doing these extra rallies in the name of tarmac improvement. But it doesn't help his stock right now to be beaten by a guy like Kreim.

I'm still not buying this talk of 'learning' tarmac. Come on guys. He's been at WRC level for near on a decade.

I can't remember which of the British members said it but I do genuinely think there could be something in the fact he maybe didn't want to go to the Manx rally and face off against some of those guys. I'm very intrigued as to where Ostberg ends up next year.

[EstWRC]

Nothing perosnal against Mads but i just dont see a place in any team for him next year...in the beginning of the season it looked actually quite ok but since his gearbox mysteries and after that his pace has been miserable. i think if Tänak had gone to another team then i think maybe Wilson had kept him but i even doubt that.

Let's say that he didnt do any good for himself when he publicly bashed the car in media in autosport article. At least this is the info i have got. i was told that after that he had no friends anymore in the team and that he is also whining a lot. And i have noticed that he has done quite a few rallies now with R5 this year so maybe he will be in WRC2 next year?

[Mirek]

I'm still not buying this talk of 'learning' tarmac. Come on guys. He's been at WRC level for near on a decade.

Yes, the funny thing is that Kreim is now doing his second 4WD season. Before he only drove R2 cars at best. Considering that it just sounds strange to hear about Mads learning...

[cali]

And wrong gearbox setup and "engine problems". These Fords are fragile, specially in the hands of Ostberg.


Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ostberg: 'Great learning experience @rallyeniedersachsen. We also got a podium 🏆 Lucky me !' #2ndplace #practicemakesperfect

[Simmi]

i think if Tänak had gone to another team then i think maybe Wilson had kept him but i even doubt that.

What's the word in Estonia about Ott in 2017? Looking more like staying at M-Sport it seems? Back in the 'works' team?

I guess a lot depends on whether M-Sport main squad switch to Dmacks or not. I kind of hope they don't, as Dick McCormack was talking about Dmack expanding to two cars. Would mean more drives available at the top level.

[EstWRC]

yes, Tänak back in the main team although he had an offer from factory team. And not from the team you all think...

[Simmi]

yes, Tänak back in the main team although he had an offer from factory team. And not from the team you all think...

Very interesting, thanks EstWRC. Could M-Sport actually be paying a driver next season? Makes you wonder why he turned down Citroen (I'm guessing) or Hyundai? Maybe not a full 14 rounds on the table - for instance in the third Citroen...

[jacko]

Ostberg: 'Great learning experience @rallyeniedersachsen. We also got a podium �� Lucky me !' #2ndplace #practicemakesperfect
Well nice words to his sponsors and die-hard fans but indeed, for a driver who drives already ten years with the most of them in a full-season in a factory car (including test, best engineers around him) it's quite pathetic this quote "learning corner entry's and exit. If i had been Malcom (or any other teammanger) i would say this is it, you are out. First of all he did a mistake in preparation because he should had taken also the long ratio gearbox with him to this rally (most German rally's have long straights, if you just google for some minutes you would know that and for sure this rally if you look the stagemaps before). After the recce he should know that this (short) gearbox would give the highest speed. If he really wants to learn corner entry at least he should do it with the most speed available, now he complains about the many times he got on the on the rev limiter on every straight. What a amateur.

Please remember: Mads Ostberg is a very good driver but nothing special in top of the WRC. Mads should drive the ERC next year, there he can celebrate more poduims :)

[jacko]

And about Fabian Kreim: he has the luck Skoda Germany invest a lot in him; he drives the German championship, the Asian-Pacific rounds, already 2 rounds in Czech from one of them was the Barum ERC round and also the German WRC round. And when the competition is strong (WRC & ERC) you can clearly see he has still a long way to go to reach the top.

[nafpaktos]

edit

[nafpaktos]

Ostberg: 'Great learning experience @rallyeniedersachsen. We also got a podium 🏆 Lucky me !' #2ndplace #practicemakesperfect

if he is happy by being 2nd behind kreim then 10th in Corsica against wrc drivers would be GREAT RESULT!!!!

[EightGear]

Ostberg: 'Great learning experience @rallyeniedersachsen. We also got a podium Lucky me !' #2ndplace #practicemakesperfect
Is he being sarcastic?

'Lucky me!'

[er88]

Ostberg: 'Great learning experience @rallyeniedersachsen. We also got a podium Lucky me !' #2ndplace #practicemakesperfect
That's truly pathetic

[Zeakiwi]

That's truly pathetic

Lucky him if he gets to learn to drive the R5 on a variety of surfaces if he does not get a 2017 WRC car.

[liposh]

And about Fabian Kreim: he has the luck Skoda Germany invest a lot in him; he drives the German championship, the Asian-Pacific rounds, already 2 rounds in Czech from one of them was the Barum ERC round and also the German WRC round. And when the competition is strong (WRC & ERC) you can clearly see he has still a long way to go to reach the top.

Kreim is improving, but I am afraid he may (or may not) end up like Wiegand. Very fast but one step under the top. Nobody knows at the moment and it means Skoda Germany could be quite disappointed in next few years with second bad investment. OR He would reach the top and I would be the dummy :D

[Simmi]

Judging by Twitter it looks like there is a Hyundai media event going on for the next two days. Wishful thinking for more 2017 news?

[kiil]

https://www.facebook.com/ADACRallye/videos/954988074611967/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some tarmac test...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsAi3wbWYAAe0li.jpg

[tolx]

Kreim is improving, but I am afraid he may (or may not) end up like Wiegand. Very fast but one step under the top. Nobody knows at the moment and it means Skoda Germany could be quite disappointed in next few years with second bad investment. OR He would reach the top and I would be the dummy :D

What happened to Wiegand? He just dissapeared from news 2 years ago.

[WUff1]

What happened to Wiegand? He just dissapeared from news 2 years ago.

He´s doing some very few (so far only 2 in 2016 - see ewrc-results.com) German rallies, local ones and also championship runs.

Most of his time he seems to be spending with cross biking and amateur street races, but not on a serious level.

[Mirek]

What happened to Wiegand? He just dissapeared from news 2 years ago.

Škoda Deutschland kicked him out after 2014 season (where he was until the very last event in the title battle with Lappi) and took Fabian Kreim instead (from Opel junior team). After that Wiegand hasn't managed to find sponsors for anything worth talking about. He just did several events with Orsák Rallysport team but when You do 1-2 events per year it's over with You. I still think he could have been given one more year as I wrote in German rally news thread though.

Regarding Kreim I think he needs at least one more season to judge him. Still the choice of him was a bit strange as Marian Griebel was faster of the two Opel drivers already back then.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Full info on their training weekend in the German rally championship:

Mads and Ola, this time in the Adapta Motorsport Ford Fiesta R5, were guests in Rally Lower Saxony this weekend. The event, which is a round of the German championship, gave the duo the opportunity to get useful asphalt training for German asphalt specialists before the next World Cup round, the Rally of Corsica.

"We travelled to the course with specific plans to train on several aspects to improve asphalt technology. I think we got very good results in terms. It is mentally much easier to train on new things in races that do not count, than when it be fought on World Ch'ship points. There will always be some trial and error when new things are evolved into, and it's not so easy when the urgency is there fully. we are very happy with what we got out of this over the weekend "

"The race came on short notice, and we did not have more than to put together a small but very talented team, which solved service tasks 100%. We did not have to study the slopes like we usually do, other than that we found out that there was much straight ahead, with many hard braking into the very many angles and weighted formulas. it looked really good for the training program we had set up. it did not, however, looked very good with the exchange we have in our transmission, as has a top speed of 178 km. our German competitors reached over 200 km on their cars. There is a gearbox with higher exchange to our car as well, but we have not available at the moment. In that sense we did not utilize the vehicle's capacity this time, but it had no bearing on what we were there for, he continues.

"We had teams of people around the track as observed and reported, we had close dialogue along the way. We got a lot out of what we worked on. We lost a lot where it went straight ahead. But got made measurements which showed good progress in time for braking area and speed out of turn. we will bring forward when we prepare for Tour de Corse, with the goal of getting a concrete development of pace from the last World Cup round on asphalt, where we finished in 6th place in Rally Germany", concludes Mads.

More http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2016/ostberg-warm-up/page/3875--12-12-.html

[Rallyper]

Škoda Deutschland kicked him out after 2014 season (where he was until the very last event in the title battle with Lappi) and took Fabian Kreim instead (from Opel junior team). After that Wiegand hasn't managed to find sponsors for anything worth talking about. He just did several events with Orsák Rallysport team but when You do 1-2 events per year it's over with You. I still think he could have been given one more year as I wrote in German rally news thread though.

Regarding Kreim I think he needs at least one more season to judge him. Still the choice of him was a bit strange as Marian Griebel was faster of the two Opel drivers already back then.

In 2014 the fastest was Emil B, wasn´t it? Who mentions him? Even though he still struggles.

[Mirek]

In 2014 the fastest was Emil B, wasn´t it? Who mentions him? Even though he still struggles.

Emil obviously isn't German therefore there is no reason to speak about him in relation to Škoda Deutschland.

[Fly]

Škoda Deutschland kicked him out after 2014 season (where he was until the very last event in the title battle with Lappi) and took Fabian Kreim instead (from Opel junior team). After that Wiegand hasn't managed to find sponsors for anything worth talking about. He just did several events with Orsák Rallysport team but when You do 1-2 events per year it's over with You. I still think he could have been given one more year as I wrote in German rally news thread though.

Regarding Kreim I think he needs at least one more season to judge him. Still the choice of him was a bit strange as Marian Griebel was faster of the two Opel drivers already back then.

Kreim is three years younger than Griebel and was less experienced. I think that probably made the difference. A bit late for Griebel. Too bad: Speed and consistency are there.

[tomhlord]

Judging by Twitter it looks like there is a Hyundai media event going on for the next two days. Wishful thinking for more 2017 news?

Maybe. It's more the launch of the 'N' fast road cars, but nice that rallying was the genesis of the sub-brand.

[Mirek]

Kreim is three years younger than Griebel and was less experienced. I think that probably made the difference. A bit late for Griebel. Too bad: Speed and consistency are there.

Thanks for explanation.

[Rallyper]

Emil obviously isn't German therefore there is no reason to speak about him in relation to Škoda Deutschland.

Ok.

[Fly]

Thanks for explanation.

It's just my point of view ;)

[jbmarcus21]

Gymkhana 9 by Ken Block is online => http://bit.ly/2cop2Fa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bkX5VkZg8U

[N.O.T]

Gymkhana 9 by Ken Block is online => http://bit.ly/2cop2Fa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bkX5VkZg8U

Are you serious ? Nobody cares about the staged videos that chinless vagabond dog produces.

[WUff1]

Also Kreim has a lot of financial background in his family - maybe another reason why he´s doing so many rallies.

[SubaruNorway]

Did an interview with finish website www.Rallirinki.net , Hortusvuori on the forum, on how i work when making video's and some views on the media side of WRC :)

https://rallirinki.net/2016/09/13/this-guy-shows-how-rallying-videos-should-be-done-tor-andre-borresens-wrc-videos-reach-million-hits/

[EstWRC]

wrc.com speculating about line-ups http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2016/vw-and-citroen/page/3876--12-12-.html
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2016/hyundai-and-msport/page/3877--12-12-.html

[Oppositelock]

"The WRC TV crew has to use a tripod to make the footage steady enough for TV. They also have to have a spot where their advertising banners can be seen and sometimes a place slow enough for sponsors on cars to be seen. Sponsors pay for our and the drivers enjoyment so we can’t forget them."

Very well said. And exactly the reason why the work of professional crews is not comparable to the work of fans.

Plus:
- for timing reasons the pros usually have to go to places not too far away from a parking spot
- to produce TV compatible footage often very good spots are not possible because of light, viewing angle, objects in view etc.
- the pros don't have the time (= are not getting paid) for doing daylong recces already at home
- the big majority of pictures have to be dedicated to teams/cars who pay for the whole thing

But for sure: There is room for improvement.

[Simmi]

Bit of a slow news period at the moment but a couple of bits out of Motorsport News today:

WRC2 regs will be tweaked next year, mandating that all the registered drivers much enter and face off against each other at three selected rounds. So the FIA will pick three rallies which must count towards everyone's championship. They want to stop the idea of competitors avoiding each other and tactically selecting events.


It also appears like we'll have a running order solution sorted by the end of this month.
Most likely candidate - D1: Championship order / D2: Reversed championship order / D3: Reversed rally order
Other rumoured alternative - D1: Championship order / D2: Reversed championship order / D3: Reversed championship order


Neither are my favoured solution but I guess they've done it to try and remove any potential road order tactics. I'm a bit past caring now to be honest.

[dupanton]

I have nothing against running in rally order all weekend and the tactics that go with that.
In every sport you have tactics, and without splits it would be difficult to estimate how much you should lose to avoid opening the next day.
They could even change the road order mid-day if they want.

[Simmi]

Al-Attiyah on that VW deal that never happened - http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/al-attiyah-explains-why-volkswagen-wrc-deal-fell-through-816562/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-WRC&utm_term=News&utm_content=www&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[N.O.T]

Al-Attiyah on that VW deal that never happened - http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/al-attiyah-explains-why-volkswagen-wrc-deal-fell-through-816562/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-WRC&utm_term=News&utm_content=www&utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

so according to him VW wanted him to rally but he refused...

Do all these dogs consider rally fans stupid (won't blame them judging by some in here) and they lie all the time ?

[GigiGalliNo1]

I don't believe it either....

[Franky]

so according to him VW wanted him to rally but he refused...

Do all these dogs consider rally fans stupid (won't blame them judging by some in here) and they lie all the time ?

I hope you find your happiness pill some day

[SubaruNorway]

"The WRC TV crew has to use a tripod to make the footage steady enough for TV. They also have to have a spot where their advertising banners can be seen and sometimes a place slow enough for sponsors on cars to be seen. Sponsors pay for our and the drivers enjoyment so we can’t forget them."

Very well said. And exactly the reason why the work of professional crews is not comparable to the work of fans.

Plus:
- for timing reasons the pros usually have to go to places not too far away from a parking spot
- to produce TV compatible footage often very good spots are not possible because of light, viewing angle, objects in view etc.
- the pros don't have the time (= are not getting paid) for doing daylong recces already at home
- the big majority of pictures have to be dedicated to teams/cars who pay for the whole thing

But for sure: There is room for improvement.

Actually WRC TV have more possibilities than the amateurs, they can have helicopter lift into a stage or drive into it up to an hour before i think it is. They also use the heli to transport the tapes as well as motorcycle couriers.

There are many places we have to skip where there are fencing 50m from the road and lots of marshalls, light is rarely an issue unless you have the sun straight into the lense.

They have one or two guys doing the video recce the week before or sometimes a month advance so no excuse, i think it's the Mexican called Omar doing it now? You can follow him on twitter @OmarWRC.

[tommeke_B]

I've been talking with a Finnish cameraman from WRC TV in Sardinia, at that time he had actually already done recce for Rally China... ;)

[Mirek]

I don't think it's so hard to find spectacular places when You have gazillon amateur videos from catching perfect action and only very few of those guys do some recce. The stages are largely same year by year and it doesn't take weeks to be prepared. Study some stage maps, aerial maps on the internet, sometimes google street view, videos and onboards from previous years and You can very well be successful - without any recce and without being a pro.

[stefanvv]

For the fans it is just a hobby, for the professionals - just a job.

[Mirek]

In that case their employer, i.e. promotor does a pretty bad job.

[stefanvv]

There is no argument against that.

[Hartusvuori]

I don't think it's so hard to find spectacular places when You have gazillon amateur videos from catching perfect action and only very few of those guys do some recce. The stages are largely same year by year and it doesn't take weeks to be prepared. Study some stage maps, aerial maps on the internet, sometimes google street view, videos and onboards from previous years and You can very well be successful - without any recce and without being a pro.

It'd be easier just to recce the stages than to do all the preparation work you mentioned 😀

[Lousada]

"The WRC TV crew has to use a tripod to make the footage steady enough for TV.

Many big bucks hollywood movies use 'shaky' camera footage to convey action. With a handheld camera you get more of a sensation of actually being there. When you are spectating a rally you are not as steady as a tripod, you shiver a bit in anticipation and then gasp when the car passes :o The footage should convey that feeling.


They also have to have a spot where their advertising banners can be seen and sometimes a place slow enough for sponsors on cars to be seen. "

They don't 'have to have' a spot near the advertising banners, thats just what they do because they are lazy and stupid. Plenty of studies in all sorts of sports show that trackside advertising is barely noticed by tv-viewers. This can be deduced even with common sense: you watch a rally program to look at the cars, not to read the advertising.


Sponsors pay for our and the drivers enjoyment so we can’t forget them.

Yes of course, but I can think of 100 more effective ways to bring a sponsors logo to the viewers than roadside advertising banners on lame stretches of a rally stage.

[rallyfiend]

Yes of course, but I can think of 100 more effective ways to bring a sponsors logo to the viewers than roadside advertising banners on lame stretches of a rally stage.[/QUOTE]

100? Impressive.

Name 10.

Keeping in mind the 'undue prominence' laws that exist in many countries that I'm sure you've fully aware of....

[Mirek]

It'd be easier just to recce the stages than to do all the preparation work you mentioned ��

Of course, if You can :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Corsica signs 3 year deal with new title sponsor

[EstWRC]

Bit of a slow news period at the moment but a couple of bits out of Motorsport News today:

WRC2 regs will be tweaked next year, mandating that all the registered drivers much enter and face off against each other at three selected rounds. So the FIA will pick three rallies which must count towards everyone's championship. They want to stop the idea of competitors avoiding each other and tactically selecting events.


It also appears like we'll have a running order solution sorted by the end of this month.
Most likely candidate - D1: Championship order / D2: Reversed championship order / D3: Reversed rally order
Other rumoured alternative - D1: Championship order / D2: Reversed championship order / D3: Reversed championship order


Neither are my favoured solution but I guess they've done it to try and remove any potential road order tactics. I'm a bit past caring now to be honest.

this story is now also in autosport, including some news about M-sport too http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126199/vw-now-testing-full-2017-wrc-spec

[Simmi]

this story is now also in autosport, including some news about M-sport too http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126199/vw-now-testing-full-2017-wrc-spec

Cool. Looking at the car testing in Portugal it does seem to be slightly different. Some small tweaks such as rear wing, bonnet vents - but to say it bears little resemblance to the established test car is wrong. Either that's not the full 2017 spec car testing today, or FXD oversold the changes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen warms-up for Corsica on the Rally Isle of Man...

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2016/breen-manx/page/3879--12-12-.html

[Steve Boyd]

Breen warms-up for Corsica on the Rally Isle of Man...

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/september-2016/breen-manx/page/3879--12-12-.html

It would seem that he's broken it on SS3. No word to the organisers yet whether he will re-start tomorrow.

[Rally Power]

I thought it was a joke… http://www.ffsa.org/Lists/Actualit%C3%A9s/Che-Guevara-Energy-Drink-devient-partenaire-titre-du-Tour-de-Corse-pour-trois-ans.aspx

[GigiGalliNo1]

How is it a joke?

The fact it's an energy drink or.....

[Simmi]

How is it a joke?

The fact it's an energy drink or.....

You don't find the name of the product slightly bizarre?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen: 'That's the Manx dream over, engine failure on SS3.. Really gutted for all the team and sponsors after working so hard to make it happen.' :(

[Steve Boyd]

Breen: 'That's the Manx dream over, engine failure on SS3.. Really gutted for all the team and sponsors after working so hard to make it happen.' :(
Reported as "Oil pressure SS3" on the event results, here http://results.djames.org.uk/results/index.php?EventID=453

[GigiGalliNo1]

Apologies, had to brush up my history.

[Hartusvuori]

Apologies, had to brush up my history.

Che-sus.

[N.O.T]

Apologies, had to brush up my history.

are you a real person ? like living on this planet ?

http://i.imgur.com/NeDPG4c.jpg

[Zeakiwi]

New motorsport complex for Western Australia? Base for a WA wrc round?
https://en.yahstar.com/today-tonight/video/57db9e7dcebd2e652b8b470d-icymi-the-proposal-to-turn-perth-into-one-of-the-southern-hemisphere-s-biggest-motor-sport-destinations.html

Go back to an alternate system -Western Aus one year and Eastern Aus the following year? NZ and China (or other Asian rounds e.g Japan) rotate WRC rounds?

[dimviii]

Hubert Ptaszek ‏@BIRDMAN_WRC 15 Σεπ Toruń, Polska

Here she is, our fiesta R5����We will use this car in Corsica and Great Britain��‼️Hope U like it⁉️�� #wrc @MSportLtd

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsaS4HlWAAAGcgM.jpg

[EstWRC]

Citroën Racing ‏@CitroenRacing
�� Soon back in the game. This @Citroen C3 #WRC Concept Car will give you a foretaste of 2017! ❤️����

https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing/status/778143893485449217


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsyHPPnWcAAGTXR.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsyHVDeXEAE-4_M.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsyHVDgW8AA5VjX.jpg

[jbmarcus21]

C3Wrc 2017 concept ➡️ http://bit.ly/2czNout

[Simmi]

Look at the side skirts on that thing! Citroen calling it a 'concept'. So I'm not 100% sure what we're looking at in terms of how close it is to the final car?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enI9cnF-FJs

[EstWRC]

i hope it will be with this livery, looks amazing IMO...Actually i cant wait this season already to end and lets begin with 2017!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Look at the side skirts on that thing!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enI9cnF-FJs

Calling them 'pods' for extra side-protection...

[EightGear]

i hope it will be with this livery, looks amazing IMO...Actually i cant wait this season already to end and lets begin with 2017!
I agree, it looks very nice. But honestly everything is better than the horrible livery on the DS3 the past 3 years.

[Mirek]

IMO this is just a showcar, not a real WRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

IMO this is just a showcar, not a real WRC.

Why... if its an exaggerated version it will just make the real WRC look a disappointment.

[N.O.T]

Why... if its an exaggerated version it will just make the real WRC look a disappointment.

which part of the "concept" you have problems comprehending kid ?

[pantealex]

None of next weeks Paris automobile show cars will be real ones, that´s the way show cars are.
and everyone must understand that teams don´t have extra 2017 cars available, they need every single one for racing purpose.

So, you will have same kind of "concepts" from Ford, Hyundai, Toyota and VW.

[Simmi]

None of next weeks Paris automobile show cars will be real ones, that´s the way show cars are.
and everyone must understand that teams don´t have extra 2017 cars available, they need every single one for racing purpose.

So, you will have same kind of "concepts" from Ford, Hyundai, Toyota and VW.

That's a separate issue to me. Doesn't matter whether there's physically a rally car sat there or not. It's just whether this car is visually representative of the final car.

And it sounds like it's not fully representative...


Citroen's statement read: "Very close [to] the finalised car, the C3 WRC concept car hints at the intentions of the Citroen style centre without giving everything away about its final form.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126281/citroen-teases-launch-of-2017-wrc-car

[Mirek]

Why... if its an exaggerated version it will just make the real WRC look a disappointment.

Because it looks sexy for the show but in the same time You can clearly see that it's unrealistic for real use.

[rallyfiend]

Why... if its an exaggerated version it will just make the real WRC look a disappointment.

For a car company, the WRC is a pure marketing platform. This will get a lot of coverage in non-motorsport (automotive) publications for Citroen.

It's a 'teaser'.

Fairly simple, really...

[MM WRC]

I like the new livery as well. But there's no Abu Dhabi markings on it, so I wonder if the sponsorship has ceased. Of course this may be just a show design but my guess is this will be the real livery. It's so carefully-designed I don't think Citroen would waste resources on it if they weren't going to use it.

[EstWRC]

one shot straight from the studio

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14440960_10154338024320733_6221871634849941364_n.j pg?oh=d9117896875bf04f1e724750b83107c2&oe=583C907D

[EightGear]

I really like it.

[rallyfiend]

I like the new livery as well. But there's no Abu Dhabi markings on it, so I wonder if the sponsorship has ceased. Of course this may be just a show design but my guess is this will be the real livery. It's so carefully-designed I don't think Citroen would waste resources on it if they weren't going to use it.

I think is a very carefully chosen corporate livery designed just for the Paris show. It's missing all sponsors that would normally be on the car (and have been for many years) with the exception of very small Total (who is a very clear partner of the road car business).

There's not even the almost obligatory '4 corners' Michelin stickers on the car.

Just like when VW launched the car but with only corporate branding (even though Red Bull and others were well-known to be on-board from the Skoda year.

http://autoforcar2013.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/volkswagen-polo-r-wrc.html

[EstWRC]

I really like it.

same here, concept or not i have liked it since the first testing videos, especially in tarmac spec. although i admit it looks kinda odd from the front.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

one shot straight from the studio

https://scontent-arn2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/14440960_10154338024320733_6221871634849941364_n.j pg?oh=d9117896875bf04f1e724750b83107c2&oe=583C907D

Twin-exhausts wont be there for starters...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Concept / Show cars don't have commercial partners on them!

I am in love with this car, but how much do they have to lift it for Gravel spec? That front lip is sooooooo looooooowwwwww

[N.O.T]

this is just a dummy, probably a normal c3 with body parts.

To run a rally car in the current trim would be inefficient, expensive and plain stupid.

[Mirek]

Concept / Show cars don't have commercial partners on them!

Since when?

[N.O.T]

Concept / Show cars don't have commercial partners on them!

why you bother with this sport special boy ?

http://i.imgur.com/0HKLW5A.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/caCJtzq.jpg

[MM WRC]

I hope that rear wing will be in the real C3, as well!

[N.O.T]

I hope that rear wing will be in the real C3, as well!

it will not.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Video from the photoshoot of the Citroen C3 WRC:

https://youtu.be/du90qROxsmc

Another from Citroen-Racing:

https://youtu.be/enI9cnF-FJs

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Csz6McdXEAAvaz9.jpg:large

http://cdn1.evo.co.uk/sites/evo/files/styles/gallery_adv/public/2016/09/004-citroen-c3-wrc.jpg?itok=k91FoE9g

[Simmi]

I think is a very carefully chosen corporate livery designed just for the Paris show. It's missing all sponsors that would normally be on the car (and have been for many years) with the exception of very small Total (who is a very clear partner of the road car business).

It's basically a copy of this year's WTCC livery which barely has any additional logos in competition. So it wouldn't be a surprise to see something similar next year.

Big question for me is about the Abu Dhabi connection in 2017. For sure it seems Al Qassimi will still be involved but this is finally back in the realms of a true works effort from Citroen. Let's see.

10 points to Citroen for releasing this concept. Getting lots of people talking and excited about 2017.

[Rally Power]

Yep, the role of Abu Dhabi on 2017 Citroen program is yet to be seen.

Paris auto show will give us more info about next season. Besides Citroen and Toyota, probably Hyundai and VW will also display their WRC protos (or concepts) and programs. Btw, Ford won't be there.

[pantealex]

Yes, I checked
There is NO Ford stand at all, weird decision, biggest autoshow in Europe (about 1,5 million visitors)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Costs too much to showcase

[macebig]

Ford people are keeping their stuff for the American autoshows(November in LA and January in Detroit).

[N.O.T]

Ford people are keeping their stuff for the American autoshows(November in LA and January in Detroit).

No.

Ford will present the livery/new car most likely in the autosport show that takes place in January in Birmingham.

[Andre Oliveira]

Exactly, M-Sport choose Autosport Motorshow

[macebig]

No.

Ford will present the livery/new car most likely in the autosport show that takes place in January in Birmingham.

My comment is about Ford in general.Not the WRC team.

[N.O.T]

My comment is about Ford in general.Not the WRC team.

Then you should not post general garbage in a WRC news and rumours thread.

[macebig]

I don't think anyone has appointed you modderator here...

[Simmi]

A new day - some new lunacy from the FIA.

Jarmo Mahonen in Motorsport News is saying the FIA are considering making some WRC events SHORTER in a bid to add more rallies to the championship.

So roughly 250km in one and a half days. Welcome to the WRC! The pinnacle of the sport.

I'm hoping/assuming this will be another in the long list of stupid ideas that gets shot down. No idea how cutting 100km off the distance will really save anyone any money once the teams and cars are already there.


He's also broaching the possibility of event rotation in the Asia Pacific region in a bid to get in more of the interested rallies. Although he said it wouldn't be year on year rotation.

[Eli]

A new day - some new lunacy from the FIA.

Jarmo Mahonen in Motorsport News is saying the FIA are considering making some WRC events SHORTER in a bid to add more rallies to the championship.

So roughly 250km in one and a half days. Welcome to the WRC! The pinnacle of the sport.

I'm hoping/assuming this will be another in the long list of stupid ideas that gets shot down. No idea how cutting 100km off the distance will really save anyone any money once the teams and cars are already there.


He's also broaching the possibility of event rotation in the Asia Pacific region in a bid to get in more of the interested rallies. Although he said it wouldn't be year on year rotation.
god why do they persist?, what's the point of cutting the period of the rally if it takes ages to get there, not to mention the budget. I mean if your'e going to Japan then isn't it more practical to have a 3 day event??? it's like 2003-2004 when they switched to 2 cars team for 16 events....instead of 14, again if your'e going to 16 events you might aswell bring 3 cars instead of 2.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

[AndyRAC]

These idiots never learn. They keep repeating the same mistakes time after time - and keep expecting things to improve = Insanity!!

We don't need more shorter events - we need fewer, but iconic events that capture the publics imagination.

It just proves that none of them know what to do with the sport - or what it's supposed to be.

[stefanvv]

Capito is gone, FIA's turn. Are you surprised?

[giu canbera]

just give WRC to FIM instead of FIA haha..
seriously, it'd be a lot better

[er88]

We need longer events not shorter ones. The current format is disgraceful and it's a Sunday wasted. Should be 3 full days of rallying.

However if they persist with 2 and half days, I'd rather they ran Saturday and Sunday as full days and on selected rounds ran evening/ night stages on the friday, with shakedown during the morning/ afternoon. Obviously this wouldn't be possibly on really dusty events, but it would be nice if some events could do this.



Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[RAS007]

A new day - some new lunacy from the FIA.

Jarmo Mahonen in Motorsport News is saying the FIA are considering making some WRC events SHORTER in a bid to add more rallies to the championship.

So roughly 250km in one and a half days. Welcome to the WRC! The pinnacle of the sport.

I'm hoping/assuming this will be another in the long list of stupid ideas that gets shot down. No idea how cutting 100km off the distance will really save anyone any money once the teams and cars are already there.


He's also broaching the possibility of event rotation in the Asia Pacific region in a bid to get in more of the interested rallies. Although he said it wouldn't be year on year rotation.

As usual, they are completely wrong. We need fewer, but longer rallies. As someone said above, the current format is disgraceful, and rallies are way too short. It all started going wrong with the cloverleaf bullshit.

[ZoomanSP206]

I read this in the Monte Carlo Rally Guide 1:


The second passage of [La Bollène-Vésubie – Peira Cava], SS 17, will be a Power Stage, allowing the first 5 finishers to clock up extra points (new in 2017).

Does anyone know more about this rule change?

[Simmi]

I read this in the Monte Carlo Rally Guide 1:

Does anyone know more about this rule change?

Literally heard nothing about that. Another rule change no one wanted or asked for.

[JUF]

As Kevin Abbring will also compete in this year's Wales Rally GB, he might be Hyundai's third driver next year and learns the events now...

[Simmi]

As Kevin Abbring will also compete in this year's Wales Rally GB, he might be Hyundai's third driver next year and learns the events now...

I hope so. Is that news confirmed about GB? WRC or R5?

[COD]

As usual, they are completely wrong. We need fewer, but longer rallies. As someone said above, the current format is disgraceful, and rallies are way too short. It all started going wrong with the cloverleaf bullshit.

He only thinks business, doesn't care about the sport

[EightGear]

I hope so. Is that news confirmed about GB? WRC or R5?
Going by this contest, you would assume he will be there.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1209864825746065&substory_index=0&id=501750213224200

No idea which spec car he will be using though, but its interesting Abbring has now been entered in all of the remaining rounds of this year bar Australia.

[Simmi]

Fingers crossed for a full WRC drive for Kev and Seb. Hope it's a big entry to round out the current era.

[AP-Racing]

Al-Qassimi gooing on rally Maroc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O9qr8qIQeU

[jbmarcus21]

Loeb entry to Rallye Circuit Paul Ricard in December => http://bit.ly/2cFWx4U

[jbmarcus21]

Ogier 4 times World Champion in 2016 if => http://bit.ly/2cKaFfv

[Rally Power]

A new day - some new lunacy from the FIA.
Jarmo Mahonen in Motorsport News is saying the FIA are considering making some WRC events SHORTER in a bid to add more rallies to the championship.

We’re already so far from rally endurance roots that it’s a bit difficult to get shocked by FIA’s proposals…

The rally extension decrease, the clover leaf format and, especially, the 9 to 5 schedule took away the adventurous side of rallying and the need to improve business is always mentioned as an excuse to forget WRC’s rich tradition.

Honestly, I don’t care if they eliminate one of the current Mickey Mouse legs, as far as they come out with a really challenging new scheme: why not have those 250 to 300 SS kms in a line format course, with only a few hours rest? A sort of unique marathon leg, able to reveal drivers and machines resistance and keep spectators entertained all rally long.

Also, if their aim is to have 14 or more rallys per season, I just hope they be clever enough to respect the major events heritage and make a sort of Gran Slam, giving the most iconic WRC rallys a special status (more SS kms, different schedules, etc) inside a hugely uniform WRC.

[Franky]

Honestly, I don’t care if they eliminate one of the current Mickey Mouse legs, as far as they come out with a really challenging new scheme: why not have those 250 to 300 SS kms in a line format course, with only a few hours rest? A sort of unique marathon leg, able to reveal drivers and machines resistance and keep spectators entertained all rally long.

I think you wouldn't want sleep deprived crews driving at the speeds they do.

[Rally Power]

Sleep deprived drivers can do it in Le Mans, at even higher speeds. Besides, in the 70's and 80's, few hours of sleep between long legs was a common practice in WRC.

[Franky]

Sleep deprived drivers can do it in Le Mans, at even higher speeds. Besides, in the 70's and 80's, few hours sleep was a common practice in WRC.

There's a difference if the same two people are in the car for 20 hours or there's three different pilots rotating.

The thing you need to take into account is that if an accident would happen because a drive fell asleep or just lost concentration, then you wouldn't want that kind of press. Circuit racing has all their paved areas, tyre barriers, etc. Rallying has lakes, trees, rocks and spectators.

[stefanvv]

Since when rally is so boring to fall asleep?

[dimviii]

eemu / Rallirinki ‏@HartusvuoriWRC

According to Rallye Monte Carlo Rally Guide 1, Power Stages in 2017 would grant points to first five top finishers. No FIA decision yet.



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cs9cWo6W8AAD7e9.jpg

[AL14]

eemu / Rallirinki ‏@HartusvuoriWRC

According to Rallye Monte Carlo Rally Guide 1, Power Stages in 2017 would grant points to first five top finishers. No FIA decision yet.



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cs9cWo6W8AAD7e9.jpg

Too much points if true.

[Rally Power]

There's a difference if the same two people are in the car for 20 hours or there's three different pilots rotating.

83’ Portugal Rally schedule: Leg 1, from 09.00 to 16.30; leg 2, from 22.00 to 07.45; leg 3, from 14.00 to 24.00; leg 4, from 09.30 to 20.45; leg 5, from 04.00 to 23.20.

2430 kms (675 SS kms) in three and a half days. It was a smooth rally, compared to the previous years and some of the others WRC events of that time. Cars were already powerful (Gr.B first year: 037, Quattro A1, R5T Tdc) but not easy to drive; that didn’t bother Rohrl, Allen, Milkkola, Blomqvist or the amazing Therier.

I’m not a nostalgic guy, but those were fantastic years!

[dimviii]

Hayden Paddon ‏@HaydenPaddon

Leaving for Corsica test today but won't be back at base for another 29 days with 4 rallys and 4 tests over the next 5 weeks. Busy times ������

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads Østberg has yet to finalise his 2017 plans but the 28-year-old admitted talks were progressing well.

“We are in negotiations with a few different teams and I feel it’s going quite well. It’s never easy to know at this point of the year what might happen next year, but I’m very positive that we will find a good solution and that I can be in a good team,” he added.

[Andre Oliveira]

Rumours about Nasser Al-Attyiah with Hyundai i20 R5 in WRC2 next season: Spain, Mexico, Argentina, Germany, Italy and Australia.

in autohebdosport

[tomhlord]

Mads Østberg has yet to finalise his 2017 plans but the 28-year-old admitted talks were progressing well.

“We are in negotiations with a few different teams and I feel it’s going quite well. It’s never easy to know at this point of the year what might happen next year, but I’m very positive that we will find a good solution and that I can be in a good team,” he added.

I find this a bit odd. Perhaps Mads has decided to enter his name into the ring via PR, rather than by actual negotiations?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I find this a bit odd. Perhaps Mads has decided to enter his name into the ring via PR, rather than by actual negotiations?

Just by PR ??? “We are in negotiations with a few different teams" sounds pretty clear to me.

[Simmi]

Just by PR ??? “We are in negotiations with a few different teams" sounds pretty clear to me.

Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. If you're trying to get a deal with one team it doesn't hurt to imply you're wanted by someone else. Still hoping to see Mads in a car next year, maybe with Adapta.

[stefanvv]

Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. If you're trying to get a deal with one team it doesn't hurt to imply you're wanted by someone else. Still hoping to see Mads in a car next year, maybe with Adapta.

Some members of the forum might disagree with that.

[Motorsportfun]

Maybe he is, maybe he isn't. If you're trying to get a deal with one team it doesn't hurt to imply you're wanted by someone else. Still hoping to see Mads in a car next year, maybe with Adapta.

Actually "talking with different teams" could be intended like M-Sport and DMack team (which are actually the same stuff, but "formally" different) or PH Sport, who knows?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Heard reports that Thierry Neuville has multi-year offers from Citroen & Hyundai but would prefer a one year contract ...

[EstWRC]

i guess you heard it from him right?


‏@KiwiWRCfan
.@MSportMonday reports Thierry Neuville has multiyear offers from Citroen & Hyundai but would prefer a one year contract
#WRC #SillySeason

[dimviii]

citroen 2017 wrc engine
https://youtu.be/FYgh0PV3UFE

[N.O.T]

Why do people think they arel important by not giving the source when they mention something and they prefer to say things like "i heard", "someone told me", "My sources say" and other bullshit like that ?

Are they trying to impress the intrewebs or they are just stupid like that ?

[stefanvv]

i guess you heard it from him right?


‏@KiwiWRCfan
.@MSportMonday reports Thierry Neuville has multiyear offers from Citroen & Hyundai but would prefer a one year contract
#WRC #SillySeason

Hoping to get Polo in 2018?!?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I didnt know the original source of the story...

People making an issue of this on here are the pathetic ones trying to score points

[Simmi]

i guess you heard it from him right?


‏@KiwiWRCfan
.@MSportMonday reports Thierry Neuville has multiyear offers from Citroen & Hyundai but would prefer a one year contract
#WRC #SillySeason

Not the first time I've read this. Saw it last week I think but can't remember where. Thierry clearly thinks he has great leverage and wants to be in position to pick the very best car when everything is up for grabs in 2018. Either way he's the key to the driver market.

[Duvel]

If i was Thierry, i'dd sign whit Citroen. For me still the only team that can be as good as the VW team.

[KiwiWRCfan]

It is my tweet that other people have posted here. In my tweet I noted it was reported in Motorsport Monday. Anyone who took time to go to latest issue of Motorpsort Monday would have found what I was referring to. Here is a link to the relevant page http://mmuk.realviewdigital.com/?iid=146795#folio=32
I agree it is always more credible if media can state their information source.

[EightGear]

Neuville should go to Citroen. It will also help Paddon to step up a bit, he's ready for a permanent #2 seat now.

[RS]

Neuville should go to Citroen. It will also help Paddon to step up a bit, he's ready for a permanent #2 seat now.

I agree.. and Citroen need him too. I don't think Breen is ready to be the number two driver yet and a Meeke - Breen lineup would be a bit too British.

[JUF]

a Meeke - Breen lineup would be a bit too British. Don't let that hear the Irish...;)

[Mintexmemory]

I agree.. and Citroen need him too. I don't think Breen is ready to be the number two driver yet and a Meeke - Breen lineup would be a bit too British.
...and what may I ask is wrong with that?
Neuville /Meeke is not a good combo as the bespectacled one certainly doesn't consider himself to be a number 2 and Citroen really need a 'team leader' to focus on. Breen is ideal number 2 material in my opinion. Fast enough to take points but happy to follow Meeke's lead. It will all become clear soon.

[GravelBen]

...and what may I ask is wrong with that?

Being a French team they'd probably prefer to have a French or at least French-speaking driver to keep French fans happy.

I think you're right that Neuville wouldn't want to be 'No.2 driver', but I guess he isn't really No.1 driver at Hyundai either as they don't run things that way.

[Mintexmemory]

Being a French team they'd probably prefer to have a French or at least French-speaking driver to keep French fans happy.


I would like any of our French forum members to comment on this as I have the feeling that a Francophone may help communication with the team but to the wider French car buying public a Belgian is still a Belgian and not much different to having Brits / Irish. Lefebvre was the great hope, now derailed for the time being.

[Francis44]

I'd think Citroen would prefer someone to step back and take the points if they want to challenge for the manufacture championship, Neuville is still very crash prone and obviously Meeke will go for it if the car is on par. We will see soon anyway.

[GravelBen]

I would like any of our French forum members to comment on this as I have the feeling that a Francophone may help communication with the team but to the wider French car buying public a Belgian is still a Belgian and not much different to having Brits / Irish.

Thats a fair point, it would be interesting to learn. It could be like NZ and Australia! :p

[Mintexmemory]

Thats a fair point, it would be interesting to learn. It could be like NZ and Australia! :p

That's exactly it (from my experience of Les Francais) ;-)!

[Zeakiwi]

I would expect Citroen to have Meeke and Breen (with Lefebvre added for certain Euro events) if Neuville is not signed.

[Simmi]

Here's online version of the story I was referencing last week. The FIA looking at shortening European rallies.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126381/wrc-could-slash-length-of-european-rallies

*sighs*

[EstWRC]

i used to really like Neuville back in the day but since he has joined Hyundai i dont like him that much anymore. No doubt he is a talent but the impression i get from him is that he seems very spoiled and wants everything handed to him on golden spoon.

i mean, you have Hyundai, the second best at the moment and Citroen, the next second best team (maybe the best in 2017?) offering you a multi-year deals and you dont want it ? Most of the drivers are dreaming to get such deals, like Meeke some years ago, Tänak, Breen and the list goes on...

[AL14]

i used to really like Neuville back in the day but since he has joined Hyundai i dont like him that much anymore. No doubt he is a talent but the impression i get from him is that he seems very spoiled and wants everything handled to him on golden spoon.

i mean, you have Hyundai, the second best at the moment and Citroen, the next second best team (maybe the best in 2017?) offering you a multi-year deals and you dont want it ? Most of the drivers are dreaming to get such deals, like Meeke some years ago, Tänak, Breen and the list goes on...

I partially disagree with you. I don't know if he is a spoiled brat, maybe he is, maybe not. we can't know unless some hyundai team member tell us.
Anyway being at the end of a contract makes you negotiate with more teams and of course you try to find the best deal and refuse some offer if you are able to do it. I think it is totally fair and part of the game.

When and if Tanak and Breen will achieve the same success they will be able to do the same.

[GravelBen]

I guess Neuville is wanting to keep his options open for 2018 in case he makes the wrong choice with the relative competitiveness of next years cars being a bit of an unknown.

[Andre Oliveira]

With shorter events i predict no 2nd loop in stages to avoid people over the limit.

[Hartusvuori]

Here's online version of the story I was referencing last week. The FIA looking at shortening European rallies.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126381/wrc-could-slash-length-of-european-rallies

*sighs*

If they want to get rid of all fans travelling from abroad or even longer distances inside the host country, this is a perfect plan to execute. Why not put Capito's Power Stage in the mix as well. Abomination! Nyt Mahonen oikeesti!

[stefanvv]

Well, let's think a little over it, most of the challengers last only 2 days max before rally2 comes in. The major part of them even on 1st day. So, FIA wants to make the rally more thrilling, without any artificial competition as is the starting order. I think it's not such a bad idea.

[MartijnS]

Well, would be the end for people to go to foreign rallies, thats for sure. Definitely not worth travelling for 1.5 days.

[EightGear]

With shorter events i predict no 2nd loop in stages to avoid people over the limit.
That will be the last thing to happen.

[stefanvv]

Well, would be the end for people to go to foreign rallies, thats for sure. Definitely not worth travelling for 1.5 days.

Do You think FIA cares about this? What is 1 day more anyway?