[WRC] News & rumours (part IV) 2016 [Archive]

seb_sh

4th January 2016, 20:13

If Kris drives as well as he did in Wales 2015, and the Citroën is on par with the VW, Ogier will feel pressure, and he can have different ways to react to that - so Kris as a title contender in 2017 can actually happen. For sure he will fight for victories.

It depends, to me it seems Ogier drives well (or even faster) under pressure. What he has to do to have a chance is unsettle Ogier, beat him directly on some stages and rallies then maybe Ogier will show his weakness. If Ogier keeps winning, especially starting first on the road, his confidence will not be shaken.

smsgrafica

5th January 2016, 13:19

Loeb wanted to make a couple of rallies in 2016 and develop the 2017 car, but Citroen closed the door:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122385

omer yetis

5th January 2016, 13:33

It seems like this time Meeke wants to develop the car according to himself and maybe the reason he doesn't want any Loeb involvement?

Eli

5th January 2016, 13:36

Loeb wanted to make a couple of rallies in 2016 and develop the 2017 car, but Citroen closed the door:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122385

shame, would have been nice to see the master in action...

EightGear

5th January 2016, 13:54

It makes some kind of sense for Citroen though.

Back in '13 and '14 they weren't sure they would continue in WRC so they needed a driver who they knew would perform well, so they tried to get Loeb for some rallies.
Now, Loeb isn't going to be their future star in their full-time WRC commitments so I understand their decision to get other drivers get as much experience as possible.

Franky

5th January 2016, 13:56

To be honest, I'd prefer if he stayed out of WRC. Comebacks are rarely good.

liposh

5th January 2016, 14:01

It seems like this time Meeke wants to develop the car according to himself and maybe the reason he doesn't want any Loeb involvement?

I heard rumour (and I am nearly sure) the DS3 WRC was more powerful and with better suspensions than Fiesta WRC but needs only one style of driving- the Loeb style. On the other hand Fiesta WRC is good for variety of customizing of setup. That´s why Loeb in development of C3 WRC would be counterproductive.

GigiGalliNo1

5th January 2016, 14:22

As Loeb said in interview, he will not have anything to do with the new C3 WRC... He wasn't approached and dropped before the development idea.... Oh well.

tommeke_B

5th January 2016, 15:05

http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=44241&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook Al-Rahji with a Fiesta WRC from MY Racing in Sweden, Portugal, Sardinia, Poland, Finland and Wales.

Lundefaret

5th January 2016, 16:41

I heard rumour (and I am nearly sure) the DS3 WRC was more powerful and with better suspensions than Fiesta WRC but needs only one style of driving- the Loeb style. On the other hand Fiesta WRC is good for variety of customizing of setup. That´s why Loeb in development of C3 WRC would be counterproductive.

This is not correct.
With Reiger, M-Sport has been in the forefront of suspension development in the WRC, and still is - tough surpassed by the enormous budget and engineering capabilities of VW.
The suspension in the current DS3 WRC is seen up on as being a little old fashioned compared to the competitors. But the car is still a very effective tool You can win rallies with (as proven by Loebs speed in Monte, and by the speed of the inexperienced Meeke).
Also in the engine departement there is room for improvement, which will come with the 2017 car and the "WTCC-engine."
The DS3 WRC is built around the Loeb-style, or Nose End First or what ever You want to call it, as modern rally cars should be. And by that its faster in the right hands than a car not built for this type of driving (Ford is the car that is furthest from the DS3).

Loeb would be a great asset in developing the DS3 WRC, but I think Citroën wants to prove that they can have a life whit out Loeb, and that they can manage by them self.
They got a huge confidence boost by the WTCC, and the way they dominated the whole series, and off course have high hopes for what they can do in rallying. But they have done to big mistakes in the fight to be future world champions, and thats to close the door on both Loeb and Ogier.
In hindsight Ogier should have taken Loebs place when they had the chance. But everything is easier in hindsight.

To realise how similar the WRC cars really are, and how important the driver is, if we take away Ogier from the 2015 championship, this would have been the winners:

Monte: Latvala, VW
Sweden: Neuville, Hyundai
Mexico: Østberg, Citroën
Argentina: Meeke, Citroën
Portugal: Latvala, VW
Sardina: Paddon, Hyundai
Poland: Mikkelsen, VW
Finland: Latvala, VW
Germany: Latvala, VW
Australia: Latvala, VW
Corsica: Latvala, VW
Catalunya: Mikkelsen, VW
Wales: Meeke, Citroën

This both shows that with out Ogier, there would have been better chances for the other drivers and teams to win, and also how good a season Latvala really has had (but doesn't help when You are competing against a master).

Fast Eddie WRC

5th January 2016, 18:24

Talking of Mon. Loeb... he's now won his first two stages on the Dakar 2016... :cool:

gorganl2000

5th January 2016, 18:57

Talking of Mon. Loeb... he's now won his first two stages on the Dakar 2016... :cool:

i realised, it seems there is nothing this guy can't drive. he's just a great competitor across a wide range of motorsports.
dakar is such a long and brutal race that anything can happen, but he's done quite well on his first outing against more experienced drivers.

imo, wrc could do with a few drivers of this calibre coming up in the ranks.... and maybe sooner rather than later

and i believe he would have been a real asset to citroen in developing the 2017 wrc car....there is no doubt in my mind that a guy with his driving and developmental knowledge is an asset to the planned C3 wrc programme. Even if they dont want him as a driver (in which he doesn't want to be a full time driver anyways) they should have considered a "consultancy" contract within the PSA group to allow his input......i do believe Kris is a valuable asset too, but loeb would have a lot to bring to the C3

as i see it, these past great drivers are sought after by these manufacturers for their input---vw/marcus/carlos,,, toyota/tommi

makinen_fan

5th January 2016, 20:07

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CX-cDmUWQAAZ2Bu.png:large

itix

5th January 2016, 20:19

Ok Pug... now that you have Loeb under contract and he will win the Dakar for you, why not take him and that budget and come back to WRC? ... that'd be so awesome. A proper brand and driver battle in the WRC. Although I doubt they could put anything together before -18. Maybe Loeb can give the old 208 T16 a go like Ogier did when he joined KDF-wagen.

Sorry for silly daydreaming in an otherwise serious thread.

Fast Eddie WRC

5th January 2016, 23:16

Wish there was better coverage of the Dakar... would be great to be able to properly watch Loeb smashing the experienced opposition...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CX_DO4VUMAAaUHb.jpg:large

All I've seen so far are some cars getting stuck in the mud and Sainz going thru a watersplash and losing his bonnet .. :rolleyes:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CXyfSHLWwAEHm7S.jpg:large

Mirek

5th January 2016, 23:19

Can't speak for other countries but Dakar has pretty good coverage in CZ, a lot better than WRC. It's every day in main news both on TV and internet and the state TV has a daily review available also as online stream.

Fast Eddie WRC

5th January 2016, 23:29

Seem to be growing Twitter rumours of Loeb entering WorldRX in a Peugeot ...

EightGear

5th January 2016, 23:31

Argentinian public TV has a YouTube page where they upload daily highlights of every category. Obviously in Spanish.

Edit: in the Netherlands it's quite strange but there's a lot of coverage. All privateer/gentlemen drivers pay money to the TV station to show them though, not very much attention to the overall classification. WRC? Absolutely nothing.

Fast Eddie WRC

5th January 2016, 23:34

All I can watch in the UK is Eurosport and they have more interviews than action... and only 1/4 of the action is of the Cars (rest is the Trucks, Quads & Bikes). :(

itix

5th January 2016, 23:43

The Eurosport coverage (which is what I get as well) really sucks... The commenter sounds about as coherent and interested in the subject as I would sound commenting a fashion show (but with less cynicism)

Andre Oliveira

5th January 2016, 23:57

We have great comentators on Eurosport PT

AL14

6th January 2016, 00:12

What a smart move by Hyundai. Are they convinced that such decisions will make Neuville improve his performances? How can this kind of environment help him?

itix

6th January 2016, 02:08

I think they kind of did that because it didn't really help having a number one last year... As the number one quickly changed mid year...

Also I guess the team politics is difficult now

stefanvv

6th January 2016, 03:05

To me it seems like a diplomatic solution. It's kind of difficult to raise Neuville or Paddon as N1 driver, so Sordo is the safest bet.

EstWRC

6th January 2016, 10:46

What a smart move by Hyundai. Are they convinced that such decisions will make Neuville improve his performances? How can this kind of environment help him?

Exactly. im gonna say that Neuville wont be with Hyundai in 17.

seb_sh

6th January 2016, 10:49

To me it seems like a diplomatic solution. It's kind of difficult to raise Neuville or Paddon as N1 driver, so Sordo is the safest bet.

It's not only diplomatic it's the logical choice to have most flexibility and most points considering the drivers form in the 2nd half of last year. I think they see Sordo as a safe driver who finishes rallies, so they are more confident he can consistently bring points in. The other two are unknown quantities for next year.

If Neuville gets his brain back on track and stops overdriving and crashing, which I think may happen if the new car is fast, then they will just nominate him on all rallies. If he continues like he ended last year and Paddon finishes rallies then they can nominate Paddon for the main team. I think they are looking at these two scenarios as most likely. They only have a problem in scenarios where Sordo scores less points than the other two but even then they have some flexibility.

GigiGalliNo1

6th January 2016, 11:20

Sordo as number 1!

He must be happy.... first time in a long time? Career first?

AL14

6th January 2016, 11:31

It's not only diplomatic it's the logical choice to have most flexibility and most points considering the drivers form in the 2nd half of last year. I think they see Sordo as a safe driver who finishes rallies, so they are more confident he can consistently bring points in. The other two are unknown quantities for next year.

If Neuville gets his brain back on track and stops overdriving and crashing, which I think may happen if the new car is fast, then they will just nominate him on all rallies. If he continues like he ended last year and Paddon finishes rallies then they can nominate Paddon for the main team. I think they are looking at these two scenarios as most likely. They only have a problem in scenarios where Sordo scores less points than the other two but even then they have some flexibility.
All true but how can you expect from Neuville to "put his mind on track" if you keep treating him like a newcomer? It's not about what he deserves and what is right, it's about make your drivers being faster and collect more points. Sordo will be the same as he has been in the last years. Paddon has a 3 years contract and is very much hungry for victories. Neuville needs confidence and support, no matter how bad he behavied in the past. And don't forget he can be good on all surfaces unlike Sordo and Paddon. He should have been the nominated driver in my opinion.

EstWRC

6th January 2016, 11:46

Evans will do 7 rounds with Ford Fiesta WRC http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=44240

EstWRC

6th January 2016, 12:11

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYB1h7KWwAE043Z.jpg

N.O.T

6th January 2016, 13:46

What a smart move by Hyundai. Are they convinced that such decisions will make Neuville improve his performances? How can this kind of environment help him?

Neuville will probably be history from he hyundai team after his contract and there is a high probability from the sport all together which is not a bad thing if he continues this kind of performace.

Fast Eddie WRC

6th January 2016, 18:48

Evans will do 7 rounds with Ford Fiesta WRC http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=44240

7 rounds in WRC and 7 in WRC-2 is a pretty good deal for him from M-Sport. He should be happy with that as it keeps him well in the mix for future opportunities.

AL14

6th January 2016, 21:11

Neuville will probably be history from he hyundai team after his contract and there is a high probability from the sport all together which is not a bad thing if he continues this kind of performace.

I think instead that despite Neuville will leave Hyundai he is still their driver and they should work on him if they want points. Sordo's points will not be enough.
As for his perfomances, I've criticized Neuville last year but it is very very easy, at that level to destabilize a driver. And feeling your team is no more at your back does not help. Neither you or that team.

itix

6th January 2016, 21:40

The Evans cover is top level humor... everyone else apart from some die hard fans can see he does not belong in the peak of the series...

tommeke_B

6th January 2016, 21:53

focus206

6th January 2016, 22:54

everyone else apart from some die hard fans can see he does not belong in the peak of the series...

I do not agree. Will he be a champion? No. Does he belong in the series? Yes, still. If he doesn't belong, so does not Tanak, Kubica, Ostberg after 10 years in WRCs and others. I'm glad he got at least a program for next year, I would have given another chance to him and Tanak in the "works" M-Sport Fiestas for this year, but Malcolm musy have had his reasons. I honestly didn't expect much more from them in 2015 in semi-private Fiestas.

PS: I'm not British, not know him personally and not a die-hard fan :D

Lundefaret

6th January 2016, 23:07

With some good tactics from M-Sport I give Evans the biggest chance to win the WRC2 title. If they let him drive events like Mexico, Argentina, China and Australia with an R5, he's not going to have a lot of competition and can take a lot of points there, with (most likely) almost all others absent in those expensive oversea events.

I think actually its the best thing to happen for Evans.
In WRC he can always blame bad results on inexperience and so on, but in WRC2 he is expected to perform.
He will meet some pretty stiff competition in WRC2, and I hope this and the expectations leads him to take every trick up from the hat in a real effort to win everything in WRC2.
A season like the one he is going to have now, is one of the best things that can happen to an up and coming WRC pilot.
Dont forget that Ogier had a season in S2000, and he was on a far higher level than Evans when that happened.
But I can promise You that that was very fruitful for Ogier.

Likewise Meekes testing process in 2016 can be very helpful for him, because he then really can focus on driving and pace notes whit out having the stress of competition hanging over his head.

Alpine skiing is very similar to rallying in several ways. Downhill is the ultimate speed event. Axel Lund Svindal is the Norwegian ace at this. He was so badly injured that he needed to drop the whole 2014 season, and be away for a year. Many "experts" said that it would be impossible for him to return to the top after staying away for so long, and that it would take a long time for him to get back to even closely where he was when he left.
Well? What happened?
He came back this season and started winning World Cup downhills from the first race, and he is in his life form. :)

Mk2 RS2000

6th January 2016, 23:30

Perhaps Hyundai took the Manufacturers view which in Asia means long term goals, loyalty and putting the company first. With Asian teams, should you put your employer first and yourself second then they will do everything possible to assist you achieve your goals. If however you reverse the order of priorities and put yourself in the prime order of importance then it is quickly game over.
From what one has been reading of the speculation around the traps Neuville has been endeavouring to connect with other teams from about mid-way through last season with a view to exercising the out clause in his contract and in that endeavour he has failed. Plus his public bagging of the then current car and the pace of development of the new one did not assist his cause and to me does little to inspire confidence in the man.
Contrast that with Sordo when the news broke that Paddon was to take his place in the #1 team for Australia, Sordo was very quick to come out with a statement that supported the move saying that Paddon had more experience in that event and would be better placed to score points for the manufacturer than he was. That is the measure of the man and his loyalty to the team has been rewarded.
Becoming the Manufactures champion is an important goal for the Korean company who have fast established themselves as one of the biggest vehicle manufacturing companies in the world. It is a goal for all of South Korea, whereas I don’t believe that VW winning last year was a goal for all of Germany.
This year I think that we will see Sordo and Paddon in the #1 team so as to endeavour to win the Manufacturers championship whilst Neuville will be free to chase the Driver’s championship in the #2 team. If he pulls it off, great for all concerned for both he and Hyundai will gain recognition but if he continues to crash and have DNF’s then it is only he who loses.

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

6th January 2016, 23:51

The Evans cover is top level humor... everyone else apart from some die hard fans can see he does not belong in the peak of the series...
As expected from British media.. :p

Rally Power

7th January 2016, 03:15

As expected from British media.. :p

Yep, MN cover reminds Brits tabloids...and reports on Loeb's departing Citro will probably became a soap opera script!

Anyway, it's nice to see Evans getting another chance. So 2nd Fiesta will be slipt between him ans Camilli?

itix

7th January 2016, 08:47

I do not agree. Will he be a champion? No. Does he belong in the series? Yes, still. If he doesn't belong, so does not Tanak, Kubica, Ostberg after 10 years in WRCs and others. I'm glad he got at least a program for next year, I would have given another chance to him and Tanak in the "works" M-Sport Fiestas for this year, but Malcolm musy have had his reasons. I honestly didn't expect much more from them in 2015 in semi-private Fiestas.

PS: I'm not British, not know him personally and not a die-hard fan :D
All right, "does not belong" are maybe too harsh words but really, his only effort worth mentioning was Tour de Corse, and that was achieved on one stage where the result was anything but what we are used to seeing.

Even Mads drove well the entire rally to achieve his 2nd place in Mexico and many other good positions.

Tänak and Kubica deserve to be there on pure pace although I understand that they are debatable.

Evans has had slow results AND crashes so he can't even cut it as a safe driver.

He is for me the least deserving of last year's crop of drivers, and it is fully understandable that he is the only one who is half dropped.

The cover is comical because it looks like Msport just dropped Ogier's greatest challenger (which is hilarious).

EstWRC

7th January 2016, 10:51

Yep, MN cover reminds Brits tabloids...and reports on Loeb's departing Citro will probably became a soap opera script!

Anyway, it's nice to see Evans getting another chance. So 2nd Fiesta will be slipt between him ans Camilli?

I think Evans will use the third car which will be used by Bouffier in Monaco, no way they will be switching with Camilli, Malcolm ruled this out when there were rumors that Tänak and Evans may switch seats.

Although im not a huge fan of Evans im still happy that he got this deal. Its a very good deal for him, in the end he is doing the whole season.

The more drivers we have the more excitement we will have and its better for WRC :)

Eli

7th January 2016, 11:32

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/crucial-new-ds-3-set-geneva-debut ,now if that would have been the base for the next rally car....that would have been nice...

Bartek

7th January 2016, 11:53

RK confirmed that in this moment Monte is his only round in 2016 season

thuGG

7th January 2016, 12:16

Not exactly, "as for today".

paba

7th January 2016, 12:22

Kubica for Monte 2016 with BRC Racing Team
http://rally.brc.it/dettaglio-news.asp?id=50249

NoFear85

7th January 2016, 12:23

Kubica in MC with the support of the team BRC Italy

AL14

7th January 2016, 12:51

Didn't know that Kubica was racing with italian team BRC. Is it right? I knew he was under M-Sport.

paba

7th January 2016, 13:01

Didn't know that Kubica was racing with italian team BRC. Is it right? I knew he was under M-Sport.
it was A-Style, another Italian rally team but they broke up :D

lets hope BRC won't install Kubica LPG for Monte ;)

AL14

7th January 2016, 13:12

it was A-Style, another Italian rally team but they broke up :D

lets hope BRC won't install Kubica LPG for Monte ;)

A-Style was last year till Argentina. I meant I knew he was with M-Sport this year at Monte. But it seems he has chosen BRC.
Let's see if it is just a one off. My bet is that he will do more rounds. He is too much committed with WRC and it's pretty clear he doesn't want to leave.

focus206

7th January 2016, 13:55

All right, "does not belong" are maybe too harsh words but really, his only effort worth mentioning was Tour de Corse, and that was achieved on one stage where the result was anything but what we are used to seeing.

Even Mads drove well the entire rally to achieve his 2nd place in Mexico and many other good positions.

Tänak and Kubica deserve to be there on pure pace although I understand that they are debatable.

Evans has had slow results AND crashes so he can't even cut it as a safe driver.

He is for me the least deserving of last year's crop of drivers, and it is fully understandable that he is the only one who is half dropped.

The cover is comical because it looks like Msport just dropped Ogier's greatest challenger (which is hilarious).

Hmm crashes? I don't recall Evans doing many mistakes in 2015, he had quite some reliability issues at the beginning of the season, often in the very early stages. I also don't agree about pace alone, for example I see Evans and Tanak complementary on the same level (slower-more consistent / faster-more mistake prone)...
I really don't see how he is least deserving when he finished 1 point behind Neuville and ahead of Sordo, Paddon (1 round less, to be fair), Tanak, Kubica... how is it possible if he was so slow and accident-prone as you say?
But you're right about the cover, you know how much tabloids make things bigger...

Fast Eddie WRC

7th January 2016, 17:54

Any know when the 2016 WRC team liveries will be revealed ?

Simmi

7th January 2016, 18:17

Evans will do 7 rounds with Ford Fiesta WRC http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=44240

I'm hoping this is true but it's the only place I've seen this reported. I'd assumed they had got their information from the Motorsport News interview - but in that Elfyn states he doesn't know his programme.

14 rounds would be a great bounce-back season, even if he has to drop down to WRC2 at half the events. So let's see if it happens.

markf8691

7th January 2016, 19:32

itix

7th January 2016, 22:30

Hmm crashes? I don't recall Evans doing many mistakes in 2015, he had quite some reliability issues at the beginning of the season, often in the very early stages. I also don't agree about pace alone, for example I see Evans and Tanak complementary on the same level (slower-more consistent / faster-more mistake prone)...
I really don't see how he is least deserving when he finished 1 point behind Neuville and ahead of Sordo, Paddon (1 round less, to be fair), Tanak, Kubica... how is it possible if he was so slow and accident-prone as you say?
But you're right about the cover, you know how much tabloids make things bigger...
I remember Monte, Portugal, Finland, Australia, Spain and I think there were more times when he hit rocks and stuff and caused punctures. There was the famous Evans fix with the spanner and the the hose clamps also... Don't remember which rally that was.

Correct me if I'm wrong (very likely) but I think he crashed or had incidents quite a lot also. Maybe not compared to Tänak and Kubica but... Still a lot.

wia5958

7th January 2016, 23:46

Believe the other event was sweden. Think he got caught in snow bank for a few minutes

Simmi

7th January 2016, 23:54

I guess there's going off and then there's really going off. Elfyn wasn't exactly destroying cars. Not a lot of high profile accidents. Don't think he did anything in Australia apart from a high speed spin at one point?

Not that it really matters. Even as a Brit I couldn't justify saying Elfyn categorically deserved a top drive. Glad he and Ott are still in the WRC mix - but I think it's fair enough that M-Sport moved on from them.

What stood out to me in the Motorsport News article was Elfyn talking about his personality and effectively saying he's going to be a lot more aggressive and hard-nosed this year in his approach. He feels he's been misunderstood during his time in the WRC - maybe as a bit of a soft touch.

bluuford

8th January 2016, 00:17

I remember Monte, Portugal, Finland, Australia, Spain and I think there were more times when he hit rocks and stuff and caused punctures. There was the famous Evans fix with the spanner and the the hose clamps also... Don't remember which rally that was.
.
I think it was Finland, he crashed heavily into a huge boulder, but car somehow survived it and he managed to fix it temporarily.
In Monte he also made some kind of strange fix that hepled him to reach service and collect a few points.
In Sweden he had an off into the snowbank in rather slow junction, only damage was 2 minutes loss, which is huge in Sweden.
In Portugal , I think it was the place where he managed to crash twice in one rally.
In Poland he had little off and later retired with technical problem
In Australia he had a huge spin in sixt gear. Just a little cosmetical damage and +20 seconds was the result.
In Spain, he had rather simple off, cutting too much and going strait into the ditch.

So, he had a few crashes, three of them caused Rally 2, one caused him huge time loss (Finland) and one caused major time loss (Sweden).

Tänak had two calssical crashes, Spain and Monte (There he managed to continue).
Then he had two very unlucky moments GB and Argentina where he managed to hit small stones and broke suspension. and this strange crash in Mexico where he hit depression that broke steering and created the most viewed videos in 2015 WRC ;)

So, I would say that their season was rather similar, only difference was that Ott had mostly more speed.

wia5958

8th January 2016, 00:23

Did he not damage the rear suspension in argentina aswell if i remember correctly? But managed to limp home for third

itix

8th January 2016, 00:37

I think it was Finland, he crashed heavily into a huge boulder, but car somehow survived it and he managed to fix it temporarily.
In Monte he also made some kind of strange fix that hepled him to reach service and collect a few points.
In Sweden he had an off into the snowbank in rather slow junction, only damage was 2 minutes loss, which is huge in Sweden.
In Portugal , I think it was the place where he managed to crash twice in one rally.
In Poland he had little off and later retired with technical problem
In Australia he had a huge spin in sixt gear. Just a little cosmetical damage and +20 seconds was the result.
In Spain, he had rather simple off, cutting too much and going strait into the ditch.

So, he had a few crashes, three of them caused Rally 2, one caused him huge time loss (Finland) and one caused major time loss (Sweden).

Tänak had two calssical crashes, Spain and Monte (There he managed to continue).
Then he had two very unlucky moments GB and Argentina where he managed to hit small stones and broke suspension. and this strange crash in Mexico where he hit depression that broke steering and created the most viewed videos in 2015 WRC ;)

So, I would say that their season was rather similar, only difference was that Ott had mostly more speed.
My point exactly

Jack4688`

8th January 2016, 03:24

Any know when the 2016 WRC team liveries will be revealed ?

I would expect M-Sport to reveal their at Autosport international this month

jbmarcus21

8th January 2016, 13:22

Kubica debuts this morning testing for Monte-Carlo 2016 with BRC Italia and Ford Fiesta Wrc
Photos and video here http://planetemarcus.com/kubica-prepare-le-monte-carlo-2016-avec-brc-italia/

omer yetis

8th January 2016, 15:31

he was testing... until he decided to test the depth of the ditches

RAS007

8th January 2016, 22:54

he was testing... until he decided to test the depth of the ditches

At least he is able to recreate realistic situations (for him) in testing...

RAS007

8th January 2016, 22:55

I would expect M-Sport to reveal their at Autosport international this month

Can we expect any sponsors this year?

Fast Eddie WRC

8th January 2016, 23:24

Can we expect any sponsors this year?

No clues from the Camilli press pic:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYNX6EtWQAAyGpn.jpg

Duvel

9th January 2016, 08:22

No clues from the Camilli press pic:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYNX6EtWQAAyGpn.jpg

What is Azione?

GigiGalliNo1

9th January 2016, 08:38

They're on twitter and have sponsors M-Sport cars for I think two years.

Electronics.

PLuto

9th January 2016, 14:43

Eurolamp WRT was thinking about registration to WRC as a team. But as Mini is not manufacturer, they are not able to register...

focus206

9th January 2016, 14:47

Eurolamp WRT was thinking about registration to WRC as a team. But as Mini is not manufacturer, they are not able to register...

What is the purpose of this rule, anyway? Why would a team need a manufacturer to register?

Roy

9th January 2016, 15:21

What is Azione?

From the website of M-sport:

Azione provide the team with the clothing that allows them to perform on all rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship - from the sub-zero temperatures of Rally Sweden to the blistering heat of Rally Mexico. www.azionedirect.com

They are from the start in 2015 on the car. Very small at the bottom of the bumper.
http://www.m-sport.co.uk/images/igallery/resized/401-500/131492_Evans01MC15cm412-487-944-944-80-c.jpg

tommeke_B

9th January 2016, 16:39

http://planetemarcus.com/une-mini-de-retour-en-wrc-avec-eurolamp-wrt/ Extraordinary programme for Gorban. N.O.T. can hate them all he wants, but it's good to have some more privateers with WRC cars.

PLuto

9th January 2016, 17:52

What is the purpose of this rule, anyway? Why would a team need a manufacturer to register?

To be registered as WRC Team, you must use a car of registered manufacturer. Thats why this year there is nobody registered with Citroen and why FIA is so much pushing to M-Sport to be registered. Because without it, there will be only four registered teams this year - Hyundai, VW and their B teams...

EstWRC

9th January 2016, 19:12

found this from autosport forum

Esa-Pekka Lappi said Savon-Sanomat morning broadsheet newspaper that his Skoda contract ends season end and welcome the fact that Toyota is interested in him.

Mariusz

9th January 2016, 20:12

To be registered as WRC Team, you must use a car of registered manufacturer. Thats why this year there is nobody registered with Citroen and why FIA is so much pushing to M-Sport to be registered. Because without it, there will be only four registered teams this year - Hyundai, VW and their B teams...
FIA is also pushing because the registration is not free. Is it around 300k-350k Euro, right?

jonkka

10th January 2016, 15:39

To be registered as WRC Team, you must use a car of registered manufacturer.

I must have missed that one. Do you have a source?

Karukera

10th January 2016, 18:22

WRC Sporting Regulations and Appendices.
4.1 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORLD RALLY CARS AND S2000-RALLY (1.6L TURBO) CARS
4.1.1 The homologation of a World Rally Car will be completed only after a Manufacturer has registered for the current Championship for Manufacturers.

http://www.fia.com/Regulations/regulation/fia-world-rally-championship-119?search_api_views_fulltext=&page=1

jonkka

10th January 2016, 23:19

Um, there might be a misunderstanding. If Pluto meant, as I re-read it now, that you have to have a homologated car (and only manufacturer can homologate a car which is a fact), then it is so and I agree, that's how I've understood it to be.

My point was that WRC team can use car from manufacturer not CURRENTLY registered as registered manufacturer (if they have previously homologated car). Meaning, you could run WRC team with Citroen, which has a homologated car but not registered as a manufacturer team for 2016. And thus, so should Mini, which was the question originally.

Agree? If not, point out the relevant ruling. Karukera's quote has "current" in it but in my interpretation it does not mean that manufacturer needs to re-homologate every year. Once it's been done, homologation is valid for some time. So, either Mini's homologation has expired (haven't checked, could be and probably is) or someone has misunderstood something somewhere sometime.

jonkka

10th January 2016, 23:21

And sorry if I point out the obvious... :D Cheers

EightGear

10th January 2016, 23:30

MikeD

10th January 2016, 23:45

No they really do need to have a car entered for manufacturers. There was talk about D-Mack not being able to register as a team if M-Sport didn't register as a manufacturer.

I have no idea where in the regulations that can be found.

I don't think that is true. Bozian did an M2/MT team in 2006 with two Peugeot 307 (Stohl & HSolberg) without Peugeot being entered as a manufacturer.

EightGear

10th January 2016, 23:53

Well ok but that was 10 years ago.

MikeD

10th January 2016, 23:58

Well ok but that was 10 years ago.

But the rules haven't changed as far as I know. And furthermore two MINI teams ran as private M2 teams some 3-4 ago before BMW stopped the whole Prodrive MINI project. (I think it was Araujo and that Brazilian nutcase).

Barreis

11th January 2016, 00:00

Also RedBull škoda in 2006 with Panizzi/Aigner/Rovanpera...

MikeD

11th January 2016, 00:05

Also RedBull škoda in 2006 with Panizzi/Aigner/Rovanpera...

Yep, and that BBR running that team as an MT/M2 entry for Manu points.

samWRC

11th January 2016, 00:17

dodge33cymru

11th January 2016, 02:36

What is the purpose of this rule, anyway? Why would a team need a manufacturer to register?
I suspect the current circumstances don't quite justify it, but the rule probably exists to force the manufacturers to pay in order to sell customer cars.

IMSA (sportscar racing in the US) now requires the manufacturer to pay the series to allow entrants of their cars, seeing as they can sell more customer cars if they are eligible.

Bit of a horrible rule, up there with the 'not all R5s score for WRC2' horror, but it's the way of the world these days.

dodge33cymru

11th January 2016, 02:39

found this from autosport forum

Esa-Pekka Lappi said Savon-Sanomat morning broadsheet newspaper that his Skoda contract ends season end and welcome the fact that Toyota is interested in him.
For once, it's a good year as a rally drivers to have your contract ending at the end of it. Potentially a lot of top seats and not much experienced talent to go around. For the first time in a while there'll actually be competition for drivers, I imagine.

MikeD

11th January 2016, 09:05

From FIA Regulations:

7.3 PARTICIPATION – WRC TEAM
A WRC Team:
7.3.1 Will be eligible to score Manufacturers’ points only if cars of the same homologation number (homologation extension 100/01 KSR and its WR extension or homologation extension 200/01 WRC or homologation extension 300/01 WRC) are used as those of a Manufacturer under Art. 7.2 or as a new Manufacturer under Art. 4.1.2.

And yet they let Motorsport Italia enter as an MT/M2 team with Kosciuszko in 2013 despite MINI and Prodrive was out of the WRC the year before. I remember we had that same debate back then, and I think FIA are more in favour of more M2/MT teams than this rule. Or maybe the rule is supposed to be understood a bit different, like that you can enter as an MT/M2 team with a car that has been entered as a Manufacturer (but not nessesary in the same year). That could be why the Lotos Mini was allowed to enter as an M2/MT team 2 season ago.

Franky

11th January 2016, 09:27

Didn't the Motorsport Italia team become M1 after Prodrive stopped their Mini WRC programme?

EightGear

11th January 2016, 09:28

Looking very good. Reminds a lot of the Falcon V8 Supercar in Australia.

852

tommeke_B

11th January 2016, 10:05

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xla1/v/t1.0-9/12508809_1015624158499017_7040096682618962629_n.jp g?oh=f89fc7f22dc738e4353a524760e60172&oe=570E6254

From a different angle it looks less spectacular. Still not a bad livery. Anyone knows if VW sticks with their design from last year?

Karukera

11th January 2016, 11:43

Best looking WRC of the moment. Hands down.

focus206

11th January 2016, 12:53

Nice, I really like the last 3 M-Sport liveries. I guess you need not many sponsors to have nice liveries :D

MikeD

11th January 2016, 13:05

Didn't the Motorsport Italia team become M1 after Prodrive stopped their Mini WRC programme?

Yes in 2012, but in 2013 there was just 1 MINI team and car and that was Kosciuszko in the "Lotos Team WRC" M2/MT and scored 20 Manufacturer Points.

See wiki and the bottom for verification:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013_World_Rally_Championship_season

So there might be a rule, but I think people mis-read it or misunderstand it. So you can enter a MINI MT/M2 team this year, and you can enter the DMACK MT/M2 team no matter if M-Sport is registered as a Manufacturer or not, because the M-Sport and MINI factories have been entered as Manufacturer entries before.

dimviii

11th January 2016, 16:43

Elfyn Evans shocked to be demoted from M-Sport WRC team
By David Evans Monday, January 11th 2016, 12:16 GMT

Elfyn Evans, 2015

Elfyn Evans has declared himself "shocked" by his demotion from M-Sport's top-class World Rally Championship team for 2016.

Instead of competing alongside Mads Ostberg in the frontline team, Evans will drive the Cumbrian squad's WRC2 spec Ford Fiesta R5 on a part programme through 2016.

He has been replaced by former Toyota protege Eric Camilli.

Evans and 2015 team-mate Ott Tanak were both made aware their positions were in jeopardy during inconsistent campaigns last season, but the Welshman believes he was judged unfairly.

"I felt I did everything in my power and to the best of my ability and to get judged on something which didn't actually make that much difference was tough," Evans told Autosport.

"I was shocked by the decision, to be honest.

"I'm confident I can do the job on all surfaces and I think Rally GB proved that. People's perception wasn't 100 per cent correct about that event."

Team principal Malcolm Wilson has already made clear that Evans could return to the World Rally Car for some events this season.

Evans is adamant his career in the WRC's top flight is not over and that he can change the way he is perceived in the service park this season.

"This is a bump in the road," he said.

"Everybody has tough times in their career - unless your name is Sebastien and you're French - and this is my tough time. I'll deal with it and be back.

"For sure, people are going to see a change in me this year.

"I don't agree with the decision and my only priority right now is to get myself back in the World Rally Car as soon as possible.

"I don't think I have always been perceived in the best or right way in how I come across.

"Maybe I have been guilty of being too modest in the public eye, but I will change. Trust me, deep down, I have the confidence I can do this."

Evans will have a new co-driver this season, with Tom Cave's former partner Craig Parry replacing Dan Barritt alongside him.

Barritt remained tight-lipped about his plans for the future, but he is believed to have accepted a job with Toyota's Gazoo-branded works arm.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122438?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

GigiGalliNo1

11th January 2016, 17:03

That article was in print last week - funny how they keep the news for print and then release it online a week or sometimes two days after.

Great to see they're holding bigger news for print then releasing online after!

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

11th January 2016, 17:12

"Everybody has tough times in their career - unless your name is Sebastien and you're French.
Except for Chardonnet..

BTW, is this from Elfyn himself or just another British media BS..?

stefanvv

11th January 2016, 18:08

BTW, is this from Elfyn himself or just another British media BS..?

Evans does not write articles on autosport.com, but he used to have blog on crash.net, I don't know currently though

dupanton

11th January 2016, 19:30

Vincent Dubert will do JWRC next year. Another young and talented Frenchman.

Jack4688`

11th January 2016, 19:35

That article was in print last week - funny how they keep the news for print and then release it online a week or sometimes two days after.

They do that all the time, their sole rally reporter David Evans has so little to do per week they can afford to put his stories up in regular intervals rather than rushing to upload his latest 'scoop' to the website. He is a waste of space and, probably, a waste of a salary.

Jack4688`

11th January 2016, 19:39

Except for Chardonnet..

BTW, is this from Elfyn himself or just another British media BS..?

It was David Evans twiddling his thumbs and wondering what to do for the next week in between bullshit 'feature' or 'news exclusives' he comes up with. It doesn't help that Motosport News and, to a lesser extent, Autosport are enablers of David Evans and his overhyping of anything British-WRC related. They could get anyone from a primary school and get someone better at writing features than him. He loves starting mid-sentence and just generally talking utter bullshit. Instead they give him free reign over what to make this week's front page news. The man is an incompetent hack of the highest order.

jbmarcus21

13th January 2016, 14:56

VW presents his new Polo Wrc 2016 livery.. same as 2015
http://planetemarcus.com/volkswagen-motorsport-presente-sa-polo-wrc-2016

Eli

13th January 2016, 15:16

VW presents his new Polo Wrc 2016 livery.. same as 2015
http://planetemarcus.com/volkswagen-motorsport-presente-sa-polo-wrc-2016

boring...

Mirek

13th January 2016, 15:35

It's not totally same. This is 2015:
http://sportcarlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Volkswagen-Polo-R-WRC-Racecar-2015.jpg

smsgrafica

13th January 2016, 15:58

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/CMP_Newsletter/WRC/_2016/01-2016/2016-01-12_technik_polo/VW-2015-12-WS-BK1-0214-R3.jpg

dimviii

13th January 2016, 16:06

Jason Craig
‏@JournoJason

#WRC bosses have signed an agreement with DJI, the world’s leading aerial imagery company, to provide unique footage of the #WRC.

dimviii

13th January 2016, 16:09

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYmho3MWQAA4LS0.jpg

dimviii

13th January 2016, 16:12

M-Sport ‏@MSportLtd

EVANS AND VATANEN BACK IN BRITISH RALLYING WITH DMACK #BRC #FiestaR5 http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/fiesta-r5/evans-and-vatanen-back-in-british-rallying-with-dmack …

DMACK Tyres ‏@DMACK_Tyres

Both @ElfynEvans and @maxvatanenrally fathers are former @MSA_BRC champions, Gwyndaf Evans 20 years ago and Ari Vatanen 40 years!

Fast Eddie WRC

13th January 2016, 18:44

jbmarcus21

13th January 2016, 18:55

Last preparation this week with all team for Monte event include photos/videos
http://planetemarcus.com/derniers-reglages-pour-le-rallye-wrc-monte-carlo-2016/

RICARDO75

13th January 2016, 18:55

So Evans confirmed as doing the full 7 Rounds of the BRC.. and he was previously supposed to be doing 14 WRC events (7 WRC / 7 WRC-2)...

Does this mean some of the WRC events will have to be missed now surely ?

Mexico and Mid Wales Stages are on the same weekend. Same situation with Ulster Rally and Germany.

rallyfiend

13th January 2016, 18:59

So Evans confirmed as doing the full 7 Rounds of the BRC.. and he was previously supposed to be doing 14 WRC events (7 WRC / 7 WRC-2)...

Does this mean some of the WRC events will have to be missed now surely ?

Did anyone ever really believe the very loose rumour that he would do every event?

There was never any point in dumping him from the team, hiring Camilli and then only giving the new kid a few events...

Simmi

13th January 2016, 19:48

So Evans confirmed as doing the full 7 Rounds of the BRC.. and he was previously supposed to be doing 14 WRC events (7 WRC / 7 WRC-2)...

Does this mean some of the WRC events will have to be missed now surely ?

Agree with rallyfiend. That programme sounded way too good to be true - and was not being reported by any established sources.

itix

14th January 2016, 04:55

They do that all the time, their sole rally reporter David Evans has so little to do per week they can afford to put his stories up in regular intervals rather than rushing to upload his latest 'scoop' to the website. He is a waste of space and, probably, a waste of a salary.
Autosport is a waste of paper and print ink/server space unless you are interested in Formula showbiz down to an almost ridiculous level. They almost analyse the breakfast contents of F1 drivers on autosport :/

There's nothing in autosport to be found for the average rally fan.

smsgrafica

14th January 2016, 14:36

Capito out as VW Boss. He will continue until a new Boss is found.

dodge33cymru

14th January 2016, 14:42

Wow, interesting - hope that doesn't mean anything bad for their involvement long-term, although I guess that means he's moving upwards?

Honestly though, it will be good to see the back of him as I always thought he doesn't seem to understand the sport or what it stands for and the plans he was trying to push in recent years would have been the death of rallying.

EightGear

14th January 2016, 14:54

Quite a surprise!

Edit: He's the McLaren Racing new CEO!

AL14

14th January 2016, 15:22

It comes as an unexpected news. Would be interesting to see how (and if) the VW's internal politics will change now, starting with the "no team orders" policy...

Lundefaret

14th January 2016, 15:28

http://www.gpupdate.net/en/f1-news/334585/mclaren-adds-capito-to-management-team/

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

14th January 2016, 15:49

From F1Fanatic: http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2016/01/14/mclaren-hires-volkswagen-racing-director-capito/

Rallyper

14th January 2016, 18:13

Capito out as VW Boss. He will continue until a new Boss is found.

I´m sitting beside my mobile and waiting. :)

Barreis

14th January 2016, 18:16

Good news... :)

Gregor-y

14th January 2016, 18:35

Capito was responsible for putting together the third generation Focus RS. While he's done a lot for VW's rally program and probably will do the same for McLaren I'll remember him for getting a good road car into production.

makinen_fan

14th January 2016, 18:42

from Autosport:

Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica set to exit WRC after Monte Carlo Rally

The Monte Carlo Rally is currently likely to be Robert Kubica's sole appearance in the 2016 World Rally Championship.

The former Formula 1 driver admitted that he has no funding in place to look beyond the season opener and, if he fails to secure backing, a return to circuit racing could be on the cards by the summer.

Kubica will use his own Ford Fiesta RS WRC - run by Italian firm BRC - on the Monte.

"For now we have no programme for the rest of the year," Kubica told Autosport.

"At the moment, it stops after Monte.

"I am talking to sponsors and some others, but this is the only rally we have planned now."

He tested with BRC for the first time in the French Alps last weekend. The test was cut short after he slid off the road and did not have the necessary spare parts to fix the car. Kubica returns to France to test again on Friday.

The Pole will remain on Pirelli tyres for the Monte Carlo Rally, having extended his agreement with the Italian firm

Kubica admitted his future in motorsport remains up in the air.

"If we continue in rallying, it has to be different to last year - that was crazy," he said.

"It's such a big commitment to do the whole year. I would prefer to not do all the rallies, but really prepare well for the ones we are doing.

"At the same time, it's possible for us to do something else and there are some options for the second half of the season.

"This could mean getting back in a racecar. If I do that then I will dedicate all of my time to this - it would be a longer term project.

"For now though, that's not on my mind. What is on my mind is the Monte Carlo Rally and making sure that I am completely prepared for it."

Kubica has a good record on the Monte, leading the event two years ago and setting fastest times last season.

His priority next week will be a trouble-free run to the finish.

"Monte Carlo is a very unpredictable rally," he said, "and, for sure, the weather will play a very big role in the event.

"With our Pirelli tyres, we have the chance to make an advantage in some of the conditions.

"We will see. Anything can happen but the aim for me is to make a rally without any mistakes."

stefanvv

14th January 2016, 19:14

from Autosport:

Ex-F1 driver Robert Kubica set to exit WRC after Monte Carlo Rally

Good luck to him at Monte!

maciotacio

14th January 2016, 20:37

I think, he''ll shine in Monte as it was in previous years. Hope without costly mistakes. It would be shame for WRC if he withdraw. Just look how attention he brings, not only in Poland (last year the most wrc site views were in Poland) but in other countries too. In front of his little tent, there was always a lot of fans.

Good luck Bobby K at Monte!

WUff1

14th January 2016, 21:10

N.O.T

14th January 2016, 21:35

good news for both robert and the sport, wish him all the best on his next move.

dimviii

14th January 2016, 22:19

Vanuf Art Design

WRC - Citroën AbuDhabi
Yet a week before the Monte Carlo ... and presentation of the new design of the DS3 Meeke, Lefebvre & Al Qassimi ... I hope you enjoy!

https://scontent.fath3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1929893_441272966073836_2126219250631429787_n.jpg? oh=a2838cbdb5821be0e18f37159437c4a2&oe=57371C24

EightGear

14th January 2016, 22:25

Well everything is better than what they've had the past 2 years.

Eli

14th January 2016, 23:53

AL14

14th January 2016, 23:57

when do we get to see it? or is there a link between the lines and I missed it?

It says it: a week before Montecarlo and presentation of new design... ;)

liposh

15th January 2016, 00:06

No, it doesn´t say it. 1 week before Monte Carlo was today at 8:23 P.M. :D

Eli

15th January 2016, 00:09

It says it: a week before Montecarlo and presentation of new design... ;)

sorry, really tired..need to get some rest...before the monte

AL14

15th January 2016, 00:15

sorry, really tired..need to get some rest...before the monte

Know very well that sensation :D

Eli

15th January 2016, 00:20

Know very well that sensation :D

unfortunately I'm not going to the rally itself but I do wish to come there in 2017....if that's what you meant anyhow. But I will be following it obviously, although i would wish WRC+ would have shown us at least half of the rally live..

dimviii

15th January 2016, 15:58

new citroen livery

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

Eli

15th January 2016, 16:02

new citroen livery

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYxDxBAVAAAamUw.jpg:large
Nice!!!!!! Me Like:)) Finally some red is back!!!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk

AL14

15th January 2016, 16:30

Undoubtedly better than before.

MartijnS

15th January 2016, 16:34

Like it too! Much better than the black.

Fast Eddie WRC

15th January 2016, 16:34

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

zoolander36

15th January 2016, 16:53

Awesome!!!

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

Eli

15th January 2016, 17:47

the preview for monte carlo in wrc +, Malcolm said Eric has a minimum of 2 years contract.

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

15th January 2016, 19:52

It's blue vs red all over again.. :D

With this: https://twitter.com/DMACK_Tyres/status/687958454527483904?ref_src=twsrc^google|twcamp^ser p|twgr^tweet

Duvel

15th January 2016, 23:16

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYxLehqWYAInKQq.jpg:large
1, Hyundai
2, Citroen
3, M-sport
4, Vw

jonkka

16th January 2016, 08:54

1, Hyundai
2, Citroen
3, M-sport
4, Vw

If that's list of personal preference of the liveries, I'd comment that Citroen has the best looking one, in my opinion.

jbmarcus21

16th January 2016, 21:10

Citroen testing today NEW EVO 2017 with large front bumper as the same as VW https://www.facebook.com/PLANETEMARCUS/photos/a.212426225732.174439.206160890732/10153728309320733/?type=3&theater

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

16th January 2016, 22:14

No splitter braces, that's good.

Eli

16th January 2016, 22:42

Citroen testing today NEW EVO 2017 with large front bumper as the same as VW https://www.facebook.com/PLANETEMARCUS/photos/a.212426225732.174439.206160890732/10153728309320733/?type=3&theater

looks quite boolish with that black, hope the new car will deliver both by looks & results

itix

17th January 2016, 01:51

new citroen livery

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CYxDxBAVAAAamUw.jpg:large
Such a disappointment. Much preferred last year's black livery.

1) Msport
2) Hyundai
3) shared by VW and Citroën/PH sport/Abu Dhabi WRT.

If privateers are to be counted, Bouffier wins by a mile as usual... Kubica has fallen far down the order with his horrible looking livery.

the sniper

17th January 2016, 05:43

I wasn't a great fan of last year's Citroën livery but I really like this one. I prefer the emphasis being more on Total with all that red, rather than Abu Dhabi.

seb_sh

17th January 2016, 11:26

I like the Citroen, I think the design blends the sponsors nicely and has a distinct character. I also like the Hyundai, to me it seems they are going for a high-tech/futuristic/youngster look, it's different to traditional rally car designs but it's a good design. M-Sport is a nice and clean. VW i'm not sure, can't tell from just that frontal photo, but I hope it has more white so the Ford and VW don't look too similar if they are both mainly blue.

Barreis

17th January 2016, 11:39

Citroen testing today NEW EVO 2017 with large front bumper as the same as VW https://www.facebook.com/PLANETEMARCUS/photos/a.212426225732.174439.206160890732/10153728309320733/?type=3&theater

There're some parts of this video with that car...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXs-RzneKQw

smsgrafica

17th January 2016, 12:30

VW i'm not sure, can't tell from just that frontal photo, but I hope it has more white so the Ford and VW don't look too similar if they are both mainly blue.

It's the same look as last year, with a bit of white added to the front.

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/CMP_Newsletter/WRC/_2016/01-2016/2016-01-15_monte-vorschau/01_2015-01-15_vwms_wrc2016_01monte-carlo_vorschau.jpg

AL14

17th January 2016, 12:56

It's the same look as last year, with a bit of white added to the front.

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/CMP_Newsletter/WRC/_2016/01-2016/2016-01-15_monte-vorschau/01_2015-01-15_vwms_wrc2016_01monte-carlo_vorschau.jpg

It is still my favourite

Eli

18th January 2016, 12:03

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/122513 Loeb thinks Meeke is the man for the job.

MikeD

18th January 2016, 13:19

Such a disappointment. Much preferred last year's black livery.

1) Msport
2) Hyundai
3) shared by VW and Citroën/PH sport/Abu Dhabi WRT.

If privateers are to be counted, Bouffier wins by a mile as usual... Kubica has fallen far down the order with his horrible looking livery.

I love the new Citroën livery. Like Hyundai as well. VW is ok. M-Sport livery is not my thing :)

Simmi

18th January 2016, 14:01

Honestly debating the merits of various liveries is a bit pointless. It's so subjective - as the comments above indicate.

For me I just like to see the liveries changing, at least every couple of years, to keep it fresh. Nice to have something different to watch and photograph.

The results and form list might be fairly static, so anything else that can change is good news to me.

dimviii

18th January 2016, 22:52

Bertelli
https://youtu.be/dZmV4dHKC-w

Fast Eddie WRC

18th January 2016, 22:54

Bertelli

Livery coming soon...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZB-H1TWAAArhYo.jpg:large

Fast Eddie WRC

18th January 2016, 23:25

Loeb on Meeke & Citroen 2017

Loeb said Meeke's engineering skill made him the best choice for Citroen, given that Volkswagen's lead pair Sebastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala are under contract with the champion team.

"Ogier is the strongest driver, but I don't know what is his level to develop a car, but he is blocked by Volkswagen, so you don't speak about Ogier [as an option]. It's a bit the same with Latvala."

"I think it's a good choice [to take Meeke]. He is very clever because he's an engineer as well as a driver."

"Kris understands well how the car is working, so to develop a new car they need him. And to develop the car, I imagine Meeke could be better than a few of these guys [at other teams]. Apart from Kris, today, then I don't see who else."

RAS007

18th January 2016, 23:49

Livery coming soon...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZB-H1TWAAArhYo.jpg:large

The whole world is holding its breath...

AL14

18th January 2016, 23:53

Bertelli
https://youtu.be/dZmV4dHKC-w

Driver is no good but the video is very nice

Mintexmemory

19th January 2016, 02:05

Why so hard on Lorenzo? He has improved in the last 3 years and is fan-friendly. If you were a millionaire wouldn't you like to do the Monte instead of lounging around on a private island in the Adriatic surrounded by super models
Erm let me just reconsider that last bit a moment !!!

N.O.T

19th January 2016, 02:47

Nobody cares about useless nobodies apart from dogs who count WRCs on the entry lists.

Rally Power

19th January 2016, 03:20

If you were a millionaire wouldn't you like to do the Monte instead of lounging around on a private island in the Adriatic surrounded by super models
Erm let me just reconsider that last bit a moment !!!

He probably manage to do both! You're also right on the fan-friendly attitude, as Fuckmatie Team image was noticed by everyone on service areas. Who knows, maybe after living as a driver he will keep FWRT alive and help some new italian drivers.

https://t.co/nFk6cAWSUh

Rally Power

19th January 2016, 04:02

"Ogier is the strongest driver, but I don't know what is his level to develop a car (...)"

If the quote is correct it's sounds a bit sarcastic, as everyboby knows Ogier had a major role at Polo's development!

Rallyper

19th January 2016, 04:15

If the quote is correct it's sounds a bit sarcastic, as everyboby knows Ogier had a major role at Polo's development!

Are you sure? Major role? Many more experienced men were involved.

Rally Power

19th January 2016, 04:39

Are you sure? Major role? Many more experienced men were involved.

Major, as important or relevant, not as the only one or from scratch. The Polo was developed during '11 and '12, and Ogier was there since the beginning of '12. No doubt his set-up abilities were a huge contribution for the Polo overwhelming competitiveness since the first '13 world rally season.

jacko

19th January 2016, 09:17

Are you sure? Major role? Many more experienced men were involved.
Ogier did develop that car, that's why he came to VW, okay also for the money but also 1 year investment to make your "own car". And with three titles already and still counting it's was for sure the right choice.
Only drivers that played a little role in the period 2011-2012 were Sainz, Depping, Abbring and Hanninen.

The quote of Loeb is a little bit silly. For sure Ogier can do the job, he's already one of the most experienced drivers of the field and VW has now enough experience. So no problems for VW for the WRC2017 rallycar.

Lundefaret

19th January 2016, 13:25

Ogier did develop that car, that's why he came to VW, okay also for the money but also 1 year investment to make your "own car". And with three titles already and still counting it's was for sure the right choice.
Only drivers that played a little role in the period 2011-2012 were Sainz, Depping, Abbring and Hanninen.

The quote of Loeb is a little bit silly. For sure Ogier can do the job, he's already one of the most experienced drivers of the field and VW has now enough experience. So no problems for VW for the WRC2017 rallycar.

When Ogier came to Volkswagen there was a bit of discussion on the direction the development had taken. He did not completely agree. Ogier drives Nose End First/Loeb Style, so he wanted to make some adjustments. There was some reluctant to this at first, but Jari-Matti actually backed Ogier up when he came in to the picture.
Ogier knows very well what set up You need to win the WRC ;)

Jack4688`

19th January 2016, 20:02

Nobody cares about useless nobodies apart from dogs who count WRCs on the entry lists.

From where does this obsession with dogs come?

N.O.T

19th January 2016, 20:24

From where does this obsession with dogs come?

hmmm never thought about it really, maybe because i am a cat person i think less of dogs.

AL14

20th January 2016, 14:00

Rumors: Moya new Boss at VW?

Some finnish friends can confirm? Very hard to understand with google translate.
http://www.mtv.fi/sport/ralli/uutinen/artikkeli/sainzin-legendaarisesta-kartturista-latvalan-uusi-pomo/5697640

cali

20th January 2016, 14:10

Yes, spanish newspaper AS heard rumours that Moya will be appointed.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

zoolander36

20th January 2016, 20:21

Yes, spanish newspaper AS heard rumours that Moya will be appointed.

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Don't believe everything from AS

Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

cali

20th January 2016, 20:22

This was in the finnish site. I just translated as wished

Sent from my ONE E1003 using Tapatalk

Eli

20th January 2016, 21:40

http://www.crash.net/wrc/news/226152/1/solberg-citroen-turned-down-my-wrc-offer.html did you guys see this???

mousti

20th January 2016, 22:13

He's time is done, I thought he accepted that.. Maybe he listens to much to Colin Clark who begs to see him back :p

Verstuurd vanaf mijn Nexus 5 met Tapatalk

AL14

21st January 2016, 17:29

Latvala rules out switch to new Toyota WRC programme

Jari-Matti Latvala says he has no intention of departing Volkswagen for Toyota, despite speculation linking him to the Japanese giant's World Rally Championship return.

Toyota is back next season after an absence of nearly two decades, and Latvala was believed to have been in talks with team principal Tommi Makinen.

Latvala insists any discussions with the four-time world champion were purely social.

He will remain with the VW team until the end of 2018.

"At the moment, my plans are with Volkswagen," Latvala told Autosport.

"It's great that Toyota is coming back to the championship, but for 2016, '17 and '18, I'm not thinking of or considering Toyota.

"When you have the championship-winning car, it would always be very, very risky to jump out from that boat."

Latvala's immediate focus will be on halting the dominant run of rally wins and titles his team-mate Sebastien Ogier is enjoying.

The 30-year-old insists he has a plan to take the Frenchman on.

"In the first half of the season I have never been so successful," Latvala said.

"I have usually had to wait for the second half of the year for the rallies where I go well.

"So now I have to play the tactics. And the tactics are to not try to be winning every rally, sometimes I have to take the podium and wait for the second half where I am more suited."

Simmi

21st January 2016, 17:58

Interesting. So that implies Latvala already has a contract with VW beyond the end of this season.

I've said it before - but he could line up against Ogier for 10 years in identical machinery and the result will be the same. 2nd place. He just has to hope Seb either gets bored and leaves the sport, or falls out with VW and leaves.

Also when Latvala is tactically not trying to win rallies - who exactly does he think will be winning them? Probably going to be Ogier the guy he's trying to beat.

21st January 2016, 17:59

I am surprised Latvala is contracted that long.. what about Mikelssen and Ogier?

Simmi

21st January 2016, 18:36

I am surprised Latvala is contracted that long.. what about Mikelssen and Ogier?

Mikkelsen's is again vague. Clearly this is the way VW convey their contracts. Not the only sporting team to be deliberately vague. I don't really see why VW would feel the need to lock Latvala up for that long? I guess they are very happy to have a permanent number 2 driver.

All we know (publicly) is that last year Andreas signed an extension for 'several years'. So that means he at least has a deal in place for 2016 and 2017 - http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/june/mikkelsen-deal/page/2523--12-12-.html

Ogier I think everyone assumed was out of contract after this season. But who knows?

dodge33cymru

21st January 2016, 18:40

In fairness, having Latvala with them is much better than having him with one of their rivals. We might knock him compared to Ogier, but he's a fine driver and any of the other teams would benefit from having him as a #1, so makes perfect sense for them to want to keep hold of him.

Doon

21st January 2016, 19:18

Hasn't Gronholm been developing the 2017 Polo WRC for a while now? Don't think they have a problem in the development field. The master is getting jealous, because Ogier is making Citroen look like sick dogs.

Simmi

21st January 2016, 19:32

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd January 2016, 18:00

Breen delighted with his Citroen Abu Dhabi chance - only Sweden confirmed so far but he's happy with that ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CZVNvzlXEAAE76z.jpg:large

GigiGalliNo1

23rd January 2016, 04:43

I'm surprised no personal sponsors...

23rd January 2016, 10:26

I'm surprised no personal sponsors...

I think Abu Dhabi is paying for him?

noel157

24th January 2016, 18:22

One event confirmed (Sweden) with one day of testing for Breen. Not going to be easy for him. Has yet to even drive the DS3.

jbmarcus21

25th January 2016, 13:14

#WRC Rally China deals 3 years in Beijing ➡ http://goo.gl/978rBL

jbmarcus21

25th January 2016, 19:43

Kalle Rovanpera makes his full story with 2 rallyes success => http://goo.gl/AhWopX

dimviii

25th January 2016, 20:57

Paddon answers at twitter
https://twitter.com/HaydenPaddon?lang=el

Hayden Paddon ‏@HaydenPaddon

Goes without saying - worse road postion, less testing yet pushing Seb all the way - pity he not doing whole year

Jiří Costa @RuiKosta29
@HaydenPaddon #askpaddon what do you think about @krismeeke pace in Monte Carlo?

b3637853

26th January 2016, 10:40

I think Paddon need to learn the difference between 'defiantly' and 'definitely'. I am not a english native, but this...

noel157

26th January 2016, 10:51

I think Paddon need to learn the difference between 'defiantly' and 'definitely'. I am not a english native, but this...

Certainly an important aspect to being a member of a WRC factory team....not. Is it that important?
Perhaps Nandan should have given him a spelling test before signing him. : )

rallyace

26th January 2016, 11:25

Sébastien Ogier and his wife just announced that they are expecting a baby. :)

https://www.facebook.com/sebastien.ogier/photos/a.186723461372320.45151.181412151903451/1083553268355997/?type=3&theater

Mk2 RS2000

26th January 2016, 11:41

I think Paddon need to learn the difference between 'defiantly' and 'definitely'. I am not a english native, but this...

His replies do look like they were done on a phone and have been hit with predictive text which sometimes does pick up the wrong word as I well know.

noel157

26th January 2016, 12:19

His replies do look like they were done on a phone and have been hit with predictive text which sometimes does pick up the wrong word as I well know.

That's defiantly true, same with me.......

Fast Eddie WRC

26th January 2016, 14:04

UK Ratings: WRC highlights on Channel 5 last averaged 447,000 (2.1%) last night. Great for WRC, but below the slot average...

makinen_fan

26th January 2016, 14:20

UK Ratings: WRC highlights on Channel 5 last averaged 447,000 (2.1%) last night. Great for WRC, but below the slot average...

Is the review any different than the one in WRC+ ?

Arnold Triyudho Wardono

26th January 2016, 14:44

Eli

26th January 2016, 14:48

#WRC Rally China deals 3 years in Beijing ➡ http://goo.gl/978rBL

so China will replace Poland next year, and they'll add Japan instead perhaps?

JUF

26th January 2016, 14:57

so China will replace Poland next year, and they'll add Japan instead perhaps?
That´s a terrible prospect :(. Hopefully Poland will stay. For me it´s one of the most spectacular rallies in the calendar...

Eli

26th January 2016, 15:05

That´s a terrible prospect :(. Hopefully Poland will stay. For me it´s one of the most spectacular rallies in the calendar...

yeah, but do bear in mind Poland's contract of 3 years ends this year...

26th January 2016, 15:13

UK Ratings: WRC highlights on Channel 5 last averaged 447,000 (2.1%) last night. Great for WRC, but below the slot average...

Did WRC move from ITV4? I didn't know that.

GigiGalliNo1

26th January 2016, 15:14

That´s a terrible prospect :(. Hopefully Poland will stay. For me it´s one of the most spectacular rallies in the calendar...

Everything sucked about Rajd Polski 2015

Regarding Defiantly and Definitely, most people spell the latter incorrectly and autocorrect turns it into Defiantly!

Fast Eddie WRC

26th January 2016, 16:15

Did WRC move from ITV4? I didn't know that.

Yes mate. Still the same show just bought up by Ch5 for 2016.

The only other news is that Ch5 will also have daily shows during Rally GB. :)

b3637853

26th January 2016, 16:20

Everything sucked about Rajd Polski 2015

Regarding Defiantly and Definitely, most people spell the latter incorrectly and autocorrect turns it into Defiantly!

I suspected that was the case in Paddon tweets, anyway I see it very often on facebook posts or twitter and it just wakes the grammar-nazi in me ;)

Polski should stay, WRC needs this kind of fast, pure pace event without too many retirements. In 2015 it was ok besides cancelling the stage because of some people spectating like idiots.

dimviii

26th January 2016, 17:55

Traxx - WR is Free ‏@Traxx_WiF

Bryan Bouffier pourrait participer au développement de la nouvelle Yaris WRC en pilotant pour TMR http://bit.ly/1Qpy2qV

pantealex

26th January 2016, 18:09

Traxx - WR is Free ‏@Traxx_WiF

Bryan Bouffier pourrait participer au développement de la nouvelle Yaris WRC en pilotant pour TMR http://bit.ly/1Qpy2qV

Tommi said in Keskisuomalainen (local newspaper in Jyväskylä) that he talked with Bouffier about testing and he was interested. Start day of Yaris test is 10.3 in Finland (Snow)

26th January 2016, 18:49

Polski should stay, WRC needs this kind of fast, pure pace event without too many retirements. In 2015 it was ok besides cancelling the stage because of some people spectating like idiots.

There is very bad spectator control! Not so bad as in Monte Carlo, but the speed in Poland is so high that it was pure luck that nothing serious happened...

It´s also too fast rally (flat out all the time, no crests etc.) and in 2017 cars will be also faster than the current ones...

AL14

26th January 2016, 18:58

There is very bad spectator control! Not so bad as in Monte Carlo, but the speed in Poland is so high that it was pure luck that nothing serious happened...

It´s also too fast rally (flat out all the time, no crests etc.) and in 2017 cars will be also faster than the current ones...
Agree. I do would like Poland to stay in the Championship but they have to change. If safety is managed like last year someone will die for sure in the next events.

26th January 2016, 20:35

Yes mate. Still the same show just bought up by Ch5 for 2016.

The only other news is that Ch5 will also have daily shows during Rally GB. :)

That's good news. Channel5 are probably a slightly more high profile channel than ITV4. I wonder how many viewers the live stages get on BT Sport?

sete

26th January 2016, 22:12

rumours says that M.Prokop will be back at his Fiesta WRC at Rally Mexico.and he will continue at rally Argentina

Fast Eddie WRC

26th January 2016, 23:03

I wonder how many viewers the live stages get on BT Sport?

Pretty tiny viewing figures I imagine. BT are another that has just bought a 'WRC packages' and does little else to promote the sport.

Despite their poor picture quality I still watch Motors TV highlights shows as at least they have decent commentators.

PLuto

27th January 2016, 02:03

rumours says that M.Prokop will be back at his Fiesta WRC at Rally Mexico.and he will continue at rally Argentina

It is not rumours, Martin confirmed it personally.

GigiGalliNo1

27th January 2016, 03:10

Colin Clark on JML

https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/691991165302915072

AL14

27th January 2016, 11:17

Colin Clark on JML

https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/691991165302915072

I think Latvala and others should stop thinking all his problems are mental. He should have focused on his driving more than on his mind. I follow closely the rally since 2014, and till now, if we analize his mistakes, or the rallys he didn't shine, we could find out that they are due more to driving errors or bad driving than mindset in my opinion.

Karukera

27th January 2016, 12:24

I see what you mean but you simply can't separate the two notions mental and driving skills. They are interdependent.

dodge33cymru

27th January 2016, 12:47

Latvala's inability to go up the final rung of the ladder could be mental, driving style or any combination of things.

As I see it though, his biggest problem is living in Seb-land his whole career, but he's still achieved a lot. He also has a far more flamboyant driving style, which is probably less suited to today's cars.

I give him all sorts of credit for being so open, so self-analytical and for trying to do something different. Whether it works or not, he's won plenty enough to be proud of, so what's he got to lose by focusing on something new?

tommeke_B

27th January 2016, 12:52

Which Latvala have you been watching? In my opinion/view on the stages, over the last couple of years, Latvala's driving style became much cleaner, often less sideways than Ogier.

dodge33cymru

27th January 2016, 13:00

Interesting, it might be something drilled in to my memory from a few years ago and I know it's cleaner than his first year with the VW, but I always seem to notice Latvala a lot more sideways than Ogier.

But that may be just because I look for it - I will have to look with a fresh pair of eyes next time :)

AL14

27th January 2016, 13:17

Which Latvala have you been watching? In my opinion/view on the stages, over the last couple of years, Latvala's driving style became much cleaner, often less sideways than Ogier.

It's not too much about sideways...I get what you mean and I think I've been too much synthetic. I agree with Karukera, we can't separate mental and driving skills, but we can put one of them ahead of the other, we can say that one is more important and the other will come afterwards....

I'll make you an example to explain me better: in what Latvala has improved more since his early years? In controlling his mind? No, I think the bigger improvement, amongst others, is his drive on asphalt. He was very far from top guys at the beginning and now he is very very close to a specialist and master like Ogier, sometimes even faster.
He put him under pressure in a lot of asphalt rallys and made him make mistakes like he did not do even on gravel (Germany and France 2014 are very good examples).

Now, how did he accomplished this? With his mental trainer? Doing Yoga? :D Nope! He himself said that he worked hard, looking on Loeb onboards, training himself and so on... That's what I meant. The mental improvement has followed his work on driving and not the contrary!

Now, what I want to say is this: Latvala is a very very emotional guy. I really like him for this, and for everything dodge33cymru said, I am a great fan of him, and I falled in love with rally thanks to him after playing wrc4 with my pc and asking myself who was that guy always second behing Loeb.
But I think he should not fight his emotional side, he should not try to calm himself down. That is his nature and he should try to take advantage from there.
An emotional guy is the worse when something goes wrong but is the best when everything goes well! That's why I said he should work on his driving much more than on his head.
If he makes that further step forward, that means to improve his feeling with the car, to have it under control, to be fast and more safe than he is, he could really achieve his goals. But all this is not something a psycologist can teach you, it's about driving, just like he did with his tarmac skills.

Hope now is more clear.

stefanvv

27th January 2016, 14:35

I think the mental side of what is meant here is exactly what Colin Clark speaks about - pressure. Pressure can be Your worst enemy forcing You to do mistakes, including ones against Your nature. So no matter how emotional he is, he must learn how to handle pressure and probably think little more before reacting emotionally.
As for driving I agree he has improved a lot, but in Monte he seem to lost something about this improvement sometimes, perhaps many times. May be this also had negative effect over his mental state...

Simmi

27th January 2016, 15:39

I'm not sure if the whole thing is being slightly over-analysed. Split second snap decisions during an intense moment.

What pressure is Latvala under now that he hasn't already been under for the last 3 years in a dominant winning car?

VW already have a sure-fire title winner in Ogier. For the last 3 years his points tally alone has been enough to guarantee VW the manufacturers title. I know that's an overly simplistic way of looking at things, but it's quite striking.

The only pressure is simply what Latvala is putting on himself. It even seems like he has a long-term deal with VW. So he's not even fighting for a drive next year. He's not consistent enough to rattle Ogier at all so he's the perfect team-mate in that set-up.

Or am I missing something? Was this going to be the year that Latvala, a guy who already had significantly more experience, was going to get better than Ogier?

In another era he and Hirvonen would have been multiple world champions but they came up against a brick wall.