[WRC] News & Rumours (part V) 2017

[Eli]

As the new season's approaching, I thought it's time for a new thread for the new year. May we have a great year (& without VW & new regulations) even more interesting than the last.

[pantealex]

2016 we had 6 different event winners, if number stays same I´m happy.

It´s possible that we could see over 10 different WRC cars in same rally.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Part V: M-Sport Strikes Back.
Part VI: Return of the Ford.

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[Duvel]

2016 we had 6 different event winners, if number stays same I´m happy.

It´s possible that we could see over 10 different WRC cars in same rally.

If the cars are all at the same level, there are 4 or 5 drivers capable of winning i think (whitout a big portion of luck) At Hyundai that's Paddon and Neuville, Citroen has Meeke, M-sport Ogier and Possible Tanak.
Mikkelsen would also be in that list, but for now thats it i think. I hope Latvalla has a boost and the Yaris goes better than expected.

[EstWRC]

I agree that if there are 5-6 different winners then it would be a good season. Dont know what to expect because everything is new but i expect Ogier not to be so dominant in the beginning of the season. He has had very little time in the car and everything is new for him and i think it will take couple of rallies for him to settle in.

I think Meeke and Neuville (if he continues like that) will give him hard time in the beginning of the season, especially in Monte, these three will fight for the win there in my eyes....In Sweden i also expect Paddon and Tänak to join for the fight.

and Happy New Year everyone!

[AL14]

I have high expectations from Tanak this year. He has no more the tyre excuse and has built the car around him. Given the progress he has made last year I think he will do very good. I will not believe to bad luck one more year.

Also Meeke will have no more "I have no experience" excuse. He has developed the car and Citroen seems to be competitive. as long as he stays in the road we will have fun.

Another guy who will impress us in my opinion is Breen but let's see. The new cars are a question mark now.

Ogier is no more in the best machinery and in a car built around him. Of course he will not be the same of recent years but at the end I think he will dominate the championship in a way or another.

[Barreis]

Ogier and M-Sport...
http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127605

[Lousada]

I agree that if there are 5-6 different winners then it would be a good season. Dont know what to expect because everything is new but i expect Ogier not to be so dominant in the beginning of the season. He has had very little time in the car and everything is new for him and i think it will take couple of rallies for him to settle in.

I think Meeke and Neuville (if he continues like that) will give him hard time in the beginning of the season, especially in Monte, these three will fight for the win there in my eyes....In Sweden i also expect Paddon and Tänak to join for the fight.

and Happy New Year everyone!

I expect actually the opposite of you ;) Neuville has always been very bad at Monte Carlo and Sweden, I do not see that changing this year. The other Hyundai drivers are also never that good in the opening rallies. I expect the Korean cars to cruise for points these two rallies before challenging Ogier later in the season. I expect Ogier to dominate the first rallies to give him some breathing space in the rest of the year.

[tommeke_B]

Neuville always bad in Sweden? Did you forget 2015 where he was fighting for the win until the very last stage? Last year he had bad luck with the car (transmission problems),

[Ricardo Filipe Matos]

In addition to the 4 WRCs and the 124 R-GT, are there more cars launching this year?

[dimviii]

http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/qatar-volkswagen-wrc-project-delayed-to-2018-862446/

[Andre Oliveira]

For sure not competitive like in begin of 2017 season. All the others will develop and will have thousands of KM.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No news or rumours, just people guessing the new season ?

So anyone know when the final M-Sport / DMack Fiesta seats will be announced.... Autosport Show 12-15 January perhaps.

[pantealex]

No news or rumours, just people guessing the new season ?

So anyone know when the final M-Sport / DMack Fiesta seats will be announced.... Autosport Show 12-15 January perhaps.

Monte entry list is out this friday (6.1), that should give some clues...

[Simmi]

In addition to the 4 WRCs and the 124 R-GT, are there more cars launching this year?

We should see the Polo R5, and maybe the Yaris R5? later in the year.

[Gregor-y]

Part V: M-Sport Strikes Back.
Part VI: Return of the Ford.

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

More like Revenge of the Sith-troen depending on how the C3 comes together.

[Ricardo Filipe Matos]

And news R1, R2, R3T?
And news of the R4 Kits?

[markpcym]

Qatar running "new"polo delayed till 2018, shame...

[sete]

So now we knows that Mikkelsen wont drive POLO WRC at Sweden.
Quessing what he will do now - D-mack or season with Skoda?

[rallyfiend]

So now we knows that Mikkelsen wont drive POLO WRC at Sweden.
Quessing what he will do now - D-mack or season with Skoda?

The 2016 VW Polo's are still an option for anyone who wants one.

[Simmi]

So now we knows that Mikkelsen wont drive POLO WRC at Sweden.
Quessing what he will do now - D-mack or season with Skoda?

Didn't the rumour shift to money from Ostberg/Mikkelsen for this programme. I think it was pretty obvious that Qatar weren't stumping up the cash without Ogier.

Can't see it happening to be honest - not even next year :(

[dimviii]

John Kennard looks to the future of his racing career

http://www.velocitynews.co.nz/features.php?id=1101

[Nelly]

Is there any more on the story of Rally Germany leaving Trier. I'm just looking at booking accommodation. Cheers

[pucky54]

Is there any more on the story of Rally Germany leaving Trier. I'm just looking at booking accommodation. Cheers

Yes, HQ will be at the Bostalsee again, no Trier anymore

[Duvel]

Yes, HQ will be at the Bostalsee again, no Trier anymore

Personaly i think thats a good thing, Always liked the Botalsee area and its stage's.
Still the vineyeards arent that far away, so good call.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Monte entry list is out this friday (6.1), that should give some clues...

Entry out today confirming Evans in 3rd M-Sport car.

[dupanton]

AutoHebdo (French Magazine) says that Camilli will do all 13 rallies this year. First 4 with the R5 car and then later with a 2017 WRC (depending on results and number of cars available).

[EstWRC]

Good for him, i want to see if he develops or not but i doubt it. I think putting him into a WRC car in 16 has been Wilson's one of the biggest mistakes but he makes it good with getting Ogier for this year.

[tomhlord]

AutoHebdo (French Magazine) says that Camilli will do all 13 rallies this year. First 4 with the R5 car and then later with a 2017 WRC (depending on results and number of cars available).

Nice, thank you for the update.

I do find it odd that there is no official PR about Evans and Camilli at this point.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice, thank you for the update.

I do find it odd that there is no official PR about Evans and Camilli at this point.

Re Evans - perhaps waiting for the official reveal at the Autosport Show at the end of next week...

[rallyfiend]

I wonder if maybe there are problems with the financing of the DMACK deal.

There have been whispers about this for a while.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@davidevansrally just tweeted:
Very interesting chat with @DMACK_Tyres this morning. Stay tuned to @MNRally and @Autosport_Show next week...

[sete]

expecting two cars team of D-mack as was rumoured already before,with Evans and Mikkelsen.

[rallyfiend]

expecting two cars team of D-mack as was rumoured already before,with Evans and Mikkelsen.

No chance.

[tobbe3]

Emil Bergkvist will drive WRC2 this season + he will be official test driver for Citroen Racing according to his Facebook page

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Monte entry confirms Evans' WRC return - https://t.co/D0IX26xi6I https://t.co/Z7UOlKk5n8 :D

[Gregor-y]

It's nice to see him get another chance but on DMACKs I don't know how much of an impact he could make. Then again maybe it's designed to be an intermediate step between R5 and WRC.

Mikklesen on the other hand needs WRC, not WRC-D. ;)

That said I really do want DMACK to become an equal of Michelin for competition and admire their effort. At the moment they are not at that level.

[dimviii]

Marcus ‏@Meikkki

U never know, what u can find in a snowy Jyväskylä. #wrc #rallymc #

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1QPxzZW8AAIzaQ.jpg

[Ross99]

Any news on Ostberg/Suninen?

[TWRC]

Emil Bergkvist will drive WRC2 this season + he will be official test driver for Citroen Racing according to his Facebook page
Happy for him, stays close to the fire and no offence to Bengué, but Bergkvist is a bit more up to date than he was so to speak.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any news on Ostberg?

He confirmed a 2017 WRC drive a few weeks ago. Expect him in Sweden.

[dimviii]

Any news on Ostberg/Suninen?

Mads Østberg ‏@MadsOstberg 3m
3 minutes ago

My first @OfficialWRC event will be @RallySweden in a -17 car. But first Rally Sigdal and Finnskog! 2 winterrallies in the Norwegian Cship

[Andre Oliveira]

Mads Østberg
11 min ·

A little update; No need to worry friends. I will drive the WRC in a -17 spec car. My first rally in the Championship will be Rally Sweden.
Until then I will drive Rally Sigdal and Rally Finnskog, two winterrallies in the Norwegian Championship, in the Adapta Motorsport Fiesta R5.
I will get back to you with further info regarding my WRC programme when all details are in place.
#WRC #2motor

[Fast Eddie WRC]

MartinH ‏@WRC46 19m19 minutes ago
@MadsOstberg What manufacturer Mads?

Mads Østberg ‏@MadsOstberg 17m17 minutes ago
@WRC46 ... to be continued. ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

Only M-Sport can provide Private cars. Expect more privateers soon. As i said in WRC Trophy, that trophy is a farce. Prokop, Bertelli,...

[EstWRC]

Can M-sport change the third driver rally to rally?

[mousti]

Can M-sport change the third driver rally to rally?

Yes even second driver can be changed. Only first driver is nominated for 10 or all 13 events?

[BigWorm]

AutoHebdo (French Magazine) says that Camilli will do all 13 rallies this year. First 4 with the R5 car and then later with a 2017 WRC (depending on results and number of cars available).
That's nice to hear. It would be harsh to not let him compete in a car he has tested and helped develop.

[Simmi]

Ostberg/Prokop to form two-car privateer team with M-Sport from Sweden -

https://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127630/ostberg-secures-independent-wrc-deal-for-2017

[EstWRC]

i dont even know what to say about it, i really doubt he will be on the podium this year.

[dupanton]

i dont even know what to say about it, i really doubt he will be on the podium this year.

I hope he doesn't get beaten by Prokop :p

[BigWorm]

Only surprise here for me is that he forms a team with Prokop, Fiesta surely was the only option.

A pay driver-team?

[Andre Oliveira]

As i said, WRC Trophy is a farse ;)

[dimviii]

why not? he will be wrc trophy CHAMPION.

[rallyfiend]

You've all missed the point that they'll be in '17 cars.

They're not in the WRC Trophy.

[EstWRC]

i got it right away and he still wont be on the podium.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Change the record re Ostberg... just be glad there'll be another 2017 WRC car running.

[EstWRC]

yes but i would prefer good drivers instead of them in those cars, like Mikkelsen for example.


JUST MY OPINION.

[EightGear]

Well Ostberg isn't occupying a seat which could have gone to someone else so I'm fine with this, good news.

[Andre Oliveira]

You've all missed the point that they'll be in '17 cars.

They're not in the WRC Trophy.


Thats why i say, WRC Trophy is a farse ;)

[SubaruNorway]

According to Mads himself dad Morten has been a bit of a loose canon regarding this, nothing is 100% ready. http://www.parcferme.no/nyheter/stberg-nei-nei-nei-ingenting-er-bekreftet

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well Ostberg isn't occupying a seat which could have gone to someone else so I'm fine with this, good news.

Exactly. Ostberg is entitled to drive privately.

Mikkelsen must sort himself a 2017 car, its not Mads fault.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

just my opinion.

repeated ad nauseum.

[EstWRC]

According to Manager Timo Jouhki @TeemuSuninenRac will drive R5 car in #RallySweden & it´s still possible that #WRC car during the #WRC2017

[Rallyper]

yes but i would prefer good drivers instead of them in those cars, like Mikkelsen for example.


JUST MY OPINION.

You could name more drivers then. Better than Ostberg. Not having seats. Just tell me. That´s all. Mads is a good driver.

[cali]

You could name more drivers then. Better than Ostberg. Not having seats. Just tell me. That´s all. Mads is a good driver.
Yeah, he is OK. Consistent.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[pantealex]

According to Manager Timo Jouhki @TeemuSuninenRac will drive R5 car in #RallySweden & it´s still possible that #WRC car during the #WRC2017

Story:
http://www.iltasanomat.fi/ralli/art-2000005032888.html (in Finnish)

Jouhki didn´t say he will drive R5 in Sweden, he only said not WRC. But yes, it will probably be R5...

They will probably have press conference next week about rest of the season, it could be 2016 or 2017, depends of "3rd party", so probably they have financial packing sorted but don´t know about car...

[Baig2507]

I expect actually the opposite of you ;) Neuville has always been very bad at Monte Carlo and Sweden, I do not see that changing this year. The other Hyundai drivers are also never that good in the opening rallies. I expect the Korean cars to cruise for points these two rallies before challenging Ogier later in the season. I expect Ogier to dominate the first rallies to give him some breathing space in the rest of the year.

Not sure on your logic there. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Paddon has finished 3rd in 2015 & 2nd in 2016 in Sweden, so to suggest the Hyundai drivers don't do well in Sweden just seems illogical to me.

In my view the first few events of 2017 are just too hard to call. Ogier may marginally be favourite for MC solely on past form and experience but nobody has any idea on how the different new cars compare and there will no doubt be some reliability issues to begin the season with the new cars. Whichever way you look it should be the most exciting WRC campaign in years.

As a kiwi the addition of Rally NZ in 2018 would be the icing on the cake. Us diehards at the other end of the world dream of once again seeing the world's elite competing on our fantastic roads and having a local with a realistic chance of winning our own world class event is mouth watering. We love watching the action in Europe but believe the addition of NZ would add to the championship.

Happy new year.

[dupanton]

Not sure on your logic there. Correct me if I'm wrong but I think Paddon has finished 3rd in 2015 & 2nd in 2016 in Sweden, so to suggest the Hyundai drivers don't do well in Sweden just seems illogical to me.



Paddon was 5th in 2015 ;)
Neuville was 2nd that year, in a 3 drivers battle for the win untill the very last stage. For me, this is still one of his best rallies ever.

He is right about Monte Carlo though, only Sordo had some decent results there.

[Baig2507]

Paddon was 5th in 2015 ;)
Neuville was 2nd that year, in a 3 drivers battle for the win untill the very last stage. For me, this is still one of his best rallies ever.

He is right about Monte Carlo though, only Sordo had some decent results there.

Thanks for the corrected data. I still think the first few events are too difficult to predict with all the unknowns.

Cheer

[Jasper]

Paddon was 5th in 2015 ;)
Neuville was 2nd that year, in a 3 drivers battle for the win untill the very last stage. For me, this is still one of his best rallies ever.

He is right about Monte Carlo though, only Sordo had some decent results there.

No he's not right. Neuville third last year in MC.

[dupanton]

No he's not right. Neuville third last year in MC.

I don't expect much from his this year in MC. Last year was his first result in MC. All editions before, he had a lot of offs.

[BigWorm]

I don't expect much from his this year in MC. Last year was his first result in MC. All editions before, he had a lot of offs.

5th in 2015 and beating Sordo in a proper fight. He's good enough for Monte now, he has the experience now.

[Jasper]

I don't expect much from his this year in MC. Last year was his first result in MC. All editions before, he had a lot of offs.

I don't think he had an off in 2015 (5th, Sordo 6th).
2014 yes, 2013 not really, 2012 yes.
Based on the last two years he should do better than Dani. I hope to see top 3.

As a Belgian you disappoint me Dupanton ;).

[dupanton]

I always have the feeling that he is not confident in MC.

No need to be disappointed Jasper, I'm a big Neuville fan!

[EstWRC]

Opinion: WRC teams made a mistake by overlooking Mikkelsen

http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/opinion-wrc-teams-made-a-mistake-by-overlooking-mikkelsen-862049/

[Marcco]

Opinion: WRC teams made a mistake by overlooking Mikkelsen

http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/opinion-wrc-teams-made-a-mistake-by-overlooking-mikkelsen-862049/

I think this article puts things a bit out of perspective. I think Mikkelsen will get seat as soon one is available. At the mean time he just need to keep his form.

[Andre Oliveira]

THE WRC LOWDOWN:
2017 SPORTING REGULATIONS
EACH NEW WRC SEASON IS ACCOMPANIED BY UPDATES TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS THAT GOVERN THE SPORT. THIS YEAR IS NO EXCEPTION, SO HERE'S OUR SUMMARY OF THE FIA-SANCTIONED CHANGES THAT WILL BE INTRODUCED IN 2017.
ADVERTISING
1) Start order reshuffle

Arguably the most important change concerns the order in which drivers will tackle stages in 2017.

In 2016, leading drivers started in championship order for days one and two before switching to a reverse event classification on day three.

This year, drivers will start in championship order for day one only.

On days two and three, P1 drivers [see below] will start in the reverse order of rally classification at the end of the previous day. This group will be followed by any P1 drivers re-starting under Rally 2 regulations, and then the rest of the field in straight classification order.

The day one start order of the season-opening Rallye Monte-Carlo will be based on the 2016 championship classification.


2) A more valuable Power Stage

First introduced in 2011, the Power Stage offers bonus championship points to the fastest drivers through Sunday lunchtime’s rally-closing live TV stage.

Up to now, the three fastest drivers have been awarded points on a 3-2-1 basis. This year there's more to play for. The stage winner will be rewarded with five points, with the five fastest drivers taking points on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis.


3) Manufacturer nominations

Manufacturers previously nominated two drivers per rally to score points. In 2017 they will instead nominate three, with the top two finishers scoring manufacturer points.

Also, manufacturers are no longer required to nominate one lead driver at the start of the season.

4) New driver definitions

The FIA has changed some of the priority class definitions that apply to championship drivers. You'll see these on every rally entry list. Here's what they mean in 2017:

P1: Drivers of World Rally Cars either entered by a manufacturer [i.e 2017-spec] or entered in the WRC Trophy [for earlier-spec cars]

P2: Drivers entered by a competitor eligible to score points in the WRC 2 Championship

P3: Drivers entered by a competitor eligible to score points in the WRC 3 and/or Junior WRC Championships

WRC.com

[COD]

Thanks for the corrected data. I still think the first few events are too difficult to predict with all the unknowns.

Cheer

Hope we still have pickems, will make it interesting :)

[seb_sh]

I think this article puts things a bit out of perspective. I think Mikkelsen will get seat as soon one is available. At the mean time he just need to keep his form.

Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Also it doesn't look likely for this year, probably just next year. Mikkelsen is one of the drivers that could potentially beat Ogier in the future and he didn't get a drive. In short, Toyota, Ford and Citroen could have maybe fit him in but they didn't, for various reasons. I think it's too bad as he was on a very good form and I think he would have been fighting for wins almost each rally this year.

[Marcco]

Maybe it does, maybe it doesn't. Also it doesn't look likely for this year, probably just next year. Mikkelsen is one of the drivers that could potentially beat Ogier in the future and he didn't get a drive. In short, Toyota, Ford and Citroen could have maybe fit him in but they didn't, for various reasons. I think it's too bad as he was on a very good form and I think he would have been fighting for wins almost each rally this year.

I agree, Mikkelesen is brilliant driver, but he is still young (27), so couple rallies or, in worst case, whole season out of WRC won't hurt him much, as long he stays smart and keeps his form and builds experience (for example with Škoda).
Remember that VW'exit was quick and unexpected and it is naive to think that all VW drivers will find seats right away.

[Simmi]

Yeah realistically which teams actually overlooked Mikkelsen? Toyota and maybe Dmack. But who knows what is going on there with Dmack.

For everyone else it would have been a case of breaking existing driver contracts to get him. And M-Sport were never going to take him over Ogier. He's just a victim of circumstance and hopefully he'll be on the better side of the musical chairs next season.

Fair play to him/his management for keeping him in the show and not throwing toys out of the pram.

[jbmarcus21]

are you ready for next generation of WRC ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Neq_r9BcUTc&feature=youtu.be

[Andre Oliveira]

Bertelli: Missing us on the @rallyemontecarl #EntryList? No worries, you will see us at @RallySweden

Stay tuned...

❄️��❄️

[seb_sh]

aside from contract/money issues Mikkelsen would have been a superior choice to: Evans, Breen, Lefebvre, Tanak, Latvala, Sordo (in my opinion) and could be Meeke or Neuville's equal (again in my opinion). I'm sure there was a possible choice in at least 2-3 of those cases. But yeah this is all hypothethical. I agree he was ultimately a victim of circumstance and probably his lack of contract is one of the biggest drawbacks caused by VW retiring.

[Allez Andruet]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/teemu-suninen-toi-gaalayleisolle-ilouutisen-ruotsissa-aloitetaan/

Teemu Suninen confirmed he'll drive in WRC2, starting from Sweden.

[pantealex]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/teemu-suninen-toi-gaalayleisolle-ilouutisen-ruotsissa-aloitetaan/

Teemu Suninen confirmed he'll drive in WRC2, starting from Sweden.

He has made deal with MSport and will later switch to WRC. Press conference is next week.

[tommeke_B]

Great! For me it's still difficult to understand why Toyota took Lappi over Suninen as their third driver. Time will tell who is the best driver. :)

[EstWRC]

that is nice to hear but i didnt read the m-sport deal out of this article?

[stefanvv]

Great! For me it's still difficult to understand why Toyota took Lappi over Suninen as their third driver. Time will tell who is the best driver. :)

Same here. May be because Lappi is little faster atm and showed some consistency last year. But I think Suninen will develop better, we'll see.

[Mirek]

Lappi failed in taking three second/third tier championships before finally winning the WRC2 in 2016. APRC, ERC and WRC2 where especially in the first two he had very little competition and he lost them purely because of his own mistakes. One can ask if he finally got a consistency or if 2016 was an exception from the rule. We have to wait and see.

[focus206]

Lappi failed in taking three second/third tier championships before finally winning the WRC2 in 2016. APRC, ERC and WRC2 where especially in the first two he had very little competition and he lost them purely because of his own mistakes. One can ask if he finally got a consistency or if 2016 was an exception from the rule. We have to wait and see.

I agree with what you're saying, but he got the ERC. He almost lost it to Wiegand who, as far as I remember, couldn't start the last round.

[Mirek]

True, sorry, it was to be decided on Corsica but Wiegand crashed on shakedown and couldn't start into the rally.

[jbmarcus21]

Citroen in preparation for Sweden with new C3Wrc (photo & video) => http://bit.ly/2iRJiBQ

[PLuto]

True, sorry, it was to be decided on Corsica but Wiegand crashed on shakedown and couldn't start into the rally.

To say the truth, team decided that he will not start...

[EstWRC]

Suninen to m-sport then http://www.m-sport.co.uk/m-sport-news/fiesta-r5/camilli-and-suninen-go-head-to-head-with-fiesta-r5-in-wrc-2



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1zFd1pWIAAnKzO.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

Great great news :) what a talent

[Allez Andruet]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/nyt-pamahti-teemu-suninen-m-sportin-tehdaskuskiksi-ja-myos-wrc-kisoja-luvassa/

I'm not sure if it was said in the M-Sport press release, but Suninen will drive 2017-spec Fiesta WRC in Poland and Finland.

[EstWRC]

Even better news!

[pantealex]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/nyt-pamahti-teemu-suninen-m-sportin-tehdaskuskiksi-ja-myos-wrc-kisoja-luvassa/

I'm not sure if it was said in the M-Sport press release, but Suninen will drive 2017-spec Fiesta WRC in Poland and Finland.

and maybe in Sardinia also with WRC17

[Andre Oliveira]

Joni Pakarinen: @voiceofrally there were already scheduled that he'll drive 2017 wrc in Finland and Poland mby Sardinia also per Finnish media

[RS]

Some real competition for Skoda in WRC2 this year then.

I expect Sunninen will beat Camilli convincingly.

[Andre Oliveira]

Sweden from 9 to 12.2. WRC2

France Corsica 6.-9.4. WRC2

Portugal from 18 to 21.5. WRC2

Italy Sardinia, from 8 to 11.6. WRC or WRC2

Poland 29.6.-2.7. WRC 2017

Finland 27. -30.7. WRC 2017

Germany 17.-20.8. WRC2

Spain 5.-8.10. WRC2 (WRC2 class, depending on the situation of the standings)

United Kingdom Wales from 26 to 29.10. WRC2

[tomhlord]

Joni Pakarinen: @voiceofrally there were already scheduled that he'll drive 2017 wrc in Finland and Poland mby Sardinia also per Finnish media

That would be brilliant to see!

I'm getting a little lost with all these drivers in 2017 spec Fiestas however.

Evans, Ostberg, Prokop and potentially Bertelli, Camili and Suninen.

Either someone is not going to be in 2017 spec cars or there will be a lot of part programmes and chassis sharing.

[EstWRC]

Wilson has said that the plan is to have 6 WRC17spec cars by the middle of the season.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/nyt-pamahti-teemu-suninen-m-sportin-tehdaskuskiksi-ja-myos-wrc-kisoja-luvassa/

I'm not sure if it was said in the M-Sport press release, but Suninen will drive 2017-spec Fiesta WRC in Poland and Finland.

Neste backing... money talks.

[Duvel]

Wilson has said that the plan is to have 6 WRC17spec cars by the middle of the season.

I still find it a shame that the other manufacturers dont rent out cars to privateers.
Citroen could rent to privateers toghether whit ph sport fur instance.

[BigWorm]

Maybe the 3rd M-sport entered Fiesta will be rotated some between drivers. There is no evidence so far that Evans will do the full campaign.

[AMSS]

Now there is:
https://madmimi.com/p/5a8949?fe=1&pact=45588-136934617-2354285482-2adeee517e19fb23b0f6917d8690432c47734c75

[BigWorm]

Now there is:
https://madmimi.com/p/5a8949?fe=1&pact=45588-136934617-2354285482-2adeee517e19fb23b0f6917d8690432c47734c75

Speaking of the devil eh

[Fast Eddie WRC]

. @ElfynEvans and @danielbarritt will head the DMACK World Rally Team in a @MSportLtd 2017-spec Ford Fiesta WRC ! :) https://t.co/fBXuC2SXHg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://medium.com/@rallyinguk/evans-joins-dmack-in-2017-wrc-campaign-cfbe4a0b680f#.e4xpusb6k

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1zycDiXcAAhqYj?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

i think it maybe the best looking car of the grid....after Tänak's one of course :p

[EstWRC]

India in talks to host WRC round by 2019

http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/india-in-talks-to-host-wrc-round-by-2019-864300/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Reading Mikkelsen hoped to do Sweden in a Polo but out of time...

VM-trean Andreas Mikkelsen missar Svenska Rallyt #svtsport via @svtsport
https://t.co/5M9ecA4WmW

[Doon]

Can a 2017 Polo be run at all in 2017? I was lead to believe that the car had to be entered on all rounds to get the FIA homologation stamp. So once it had missed the Monte Carlo deadline, that was game over. Or can it now enter selected rounds?

[skarderud]

Can a 2017 Polo be run at all in 2017? I was lead to believe that the car had to be entered on all rounds to get the FIA homologation stamp. So once it had missed the Monte Carlo deadline, that was game over. Or can it now enter selected rounds?
If FIA and the other teams agree, he can do it. FIA is wery interested to see Andreas in a polo -17 this season.

Sent fra min XP7700 via Tapatalk

[giu canbera]

1168 Talking about the 2017 Polo...

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/818832880264769536

this site claiming that Ogier had an off today...i hope not too big and everything is ok and Tänak can test tomorrow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Funny I was only thinking yesterday watching the test vids that no-one has had a proper off in a 2017 car yet...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some on Twitter saying Ogier damaged the rear.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Report of Ogier Fiesta with problems:

https://carlocanovarallye.org/2017/01/10/montecarlo-in-incognito-per-la-fiesta-di-ogier/

[dimviii]

^^interesting..

[rallyfiend]

Funny I was only thinking yesterday watching the test vids that no-one has had a proper off in a 2017 car yet...

Meeke ripped a corner off his car and left it not looking to clever.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C10zBRgXUAAmHEt?format=jpg&name=large

[SubaruNorway]

Rumors that it would take 15 mill euro to homologate the Polo were not surprisingly false according to Veiby.
http://www.parcferme.no/nyheter/gjr-alt-for-sette-andreas-i-en-17-spec-polo-wrc

[FAlonso]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C10zBRgXUAAmHEt?format=jpg&name=large

Substancial damage. Similar to Meeke's incident, maybe a bit worse (as far as one can tell from one picture/angle).

[Andre Oliveira]

Better resolution

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C10wfDGWIAA1iN4?format=jpg&name=large

[SubaruNorway]

Could just be snapped wheel bolts, nothing to worry about

[Andre Oliveira]

I think not much damage.

[FAlonso]

Agreed. Seeing the zoomed picture maybe it's nothing too serious. Looked worse when I first saw it on my mobile.

[Allyc85]

Could just be snapped wheel bolts, nothing to worry about

Wouldn't have thought so given the angle of the suspension strut ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke ripped a corner off his car and left it not looking to clever.

That was very similar to Ogier's, not a big crash.

Of course the drivers will want to push hard but they must be under team advice to look after these new cars...

[dupanton]

Apparently, Ogier's off would have been caused by a broken suspension triangle?

[EstWRC]

ah doesnt seem to be serious, i understand he continued later on?

[Andre Oliveira]

Continued after 3h. Look video that i shared in WRC Testing thread ;)

[EstWRC]

Sebastien Ogier crashes on pre-Monte Carlo M-Sport WRC test

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127700/ogier-crashes-on-premonte-msport-test

[dimviii]

Sebastien Ogier crashes on pre-Monte Carlo M-Sport WRC test

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127700/ogier-crashes-on-premonte-msport-test

from Malcolm words seems they are not yet,at wanted level

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen: Sadly no Rally Sweden for us. Working hard to find a solution for selected rallies in a 2017WRC car, but nothing ready yet. #FightbackToWRC https://t.co/wkkYOvxZIe

[AL14]

Mikkelsen: Sadly no Rally Sweden for us. Working hard to find a solution for selected rallies in a 2017WRC car, but nothing ready yet. #FightbackToWRC https://t.co/wkkYOvxZIe

shame

[Simmi]

MN today has quotes from Sven Smeets saying that they are negotiating with the FIA about an "exceptional waiver for homologation". It hasn't been done before and it would need approval by the other manufacturers to allow it.

Still sounds like they are trying hard, and that both the FIA and WRC Promoter want to see the Polo in the championship. Car is ready to go apparently and all the infrastructure still remains.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Do the other WRC teams really want to be shun by VW again and they wouldn't even be official?! I don't think they'll sign any papers and let VE privately compete to win!

[Barreis]

Do the other WRC teams really want to be shun by VW again and they wouldn't even be official?! I don't think they'll sign any papers and let VE privately compete to win!

i would sign it, more teams-better competetion

[rallyfiend]

If I was a team boss, there's no way I would let a non-registered manufacturer compete with their cars that could potentially beat mine.

There is no upside to the other teams here.

[Rallyper]

If I was a team boss, there's no way I would let a non-registered manufacturer compete with their cars that could potentially beat mine.

There is no upside to the other teams here.

But hey, hey! They don´t have Ogier any more. Remember that.

[macebig]

I don't think VW really wants to see the 17 Polo race.If they were bent on running they could have used Red Bull/Qatar sponsorship theme and get the cars going for less than 10mil for the whole year.Mikkelsen/a slashed salary Ogier and Lappi/Al Attyah would have happily agreed with this.

[Simmi]

I don't think VW really wants to see the 17 Polo race.If they were bent on running they could have used Red Bull/Qatar sponsorship theme and get the cars going for less than 10mil for the whole year.Mikkelsen/a slashed salary Ogier and Lappi/Al Attyah would have happily agreed with this.

Maybe there's some stipulation that they need to make money or at the very least break even from the venture. That way it can be rationalised at board level.

[Barreis]

VW story on autosport...
http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127714

[wia5958]

Theres a homologation deadline for a reason. I was sorry to see vw go but they could of homologated the car without using it. If vw get a special waiver for this season it really shows how much they have the fia/wrc promoter in their pocket. No other team would be allowed it why should vw be any different. This is just my opinion

[PLuto]

Theres a homologation deadline for a reason. I was sorry to see vw go but they could of homologated the car without using it. If vw get a special waiver for this season it really shows how much they have the fia/wrc promoter in their pocket. No other team would be allowed it why should vw be any different. This is just my opinion

To understand correctly, there are more dates for possible homologations. It is not necessary to homologate car only at 1.1.

[dodge33cymru]

I don't think VW really wants to see the 17 Polo race.If they were bent on running they could have used Red Bull/Qatar sponsorship theme and get the cars going for less than 10mil for the whole year.Mikkelsen/a slashed salary Ogier and Lappi/Al Attyah would have happily agreed with this.
If VW can get the car to run without the potential negative publicity of being seen spending money on that whilst making cutbacks, you'd better bet they'll take it.

[Rally Power]

Theres a homologation deadline for a reason. I was sorry to see vw go but they could of homologated the car without using it. If vw get a special waiver for this season it really shows how much they have the fia/wrc promoter in their pocket. No other team would be allowed it why should vw be any different. This is just my opinion

Why blame the FIA for being supportive to the most important players of the sport, the manus? Besides, today a rules exception comes handy to VW, tomorrow it can be useful to any other make, like it happened several times in the past.

The Mini WRC case was one of those times. BMW was authorized to homologate the new car in 2011 even if Prodrive only planned to rally a limited number of events during the season. They didn’t score points and were obliged to enter a full season on ’12, otherwise the Mini homologation would be cancelled (eventually after Prodrive pull out a plan B using Araujo’s private team come in rescue of BMW and all Mini’s WRC owners).

It would be great to see the ’17 Polo rallying, but maybe it just won’t happen. For now it’s quite clear that VW’s board decision to pull out WRC was rush and probably not unanimous. Otherwise we wouldn’t be seeing a couple of members of the board alongside VW Motorsport top staff trying to sort out a solution to put the car on stages. Best luck for them!

[Oppositelock]

As I understand, it's not a question of homologation dates. The bureaucratic process concerning the car was finished in time. But there is no homologation without the manufacturer formally entering into WRC. That date has passed an that's the point, VW needs to sort out and needs the agreement from the other manus: How to realise an entry without Volkswagen doing it?

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C19dyszWEAEhSyK?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

Looks good. Didn't like it at first but looks better here. Doesnt look so messy anymore.

[Mirek]

I don't like the livery at all but that's same case for me with nearly all RedBull ones.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C19Py96XEAE63Ir?format=jpg&name=large

[tommeke_B]

Looks like a DTM car now, not just the car but also the livery. These cars could look very strange on gravel or snow setup.

[EstWRC]

More angles of ogier car https://twitter.com/rallyinguk/status/819490598696734721

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C19qVqkXUAEv6F-?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C19qVo7XUAAoOpn?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C19qVnKWEAAnExR?format=jpg&name=large

[spyros]

Dont like it at all.

[Eli]

Shame, it actually looked better beforehand and they managed to ruin it

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shame, it actually looked better beforehand and they managed to ruin it

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

I think it looks better with the silver on the front wings instead of white.

[Eli]

I think it looks better with the silver on the front wings instead of white.
Only the front... But they ruined everything else

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Duvel]

Only the front... But they ruined everything else

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

The silver front bothers me also, if they use silver rims maybe? The Tanak car looked better to me to

[Eli]

The silver front bothers me also, if they use silver rims maybe? The Tanak car looked better to me to
Black rims... Don't know why both them & Citroën dropped that idea.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Franky]

Black rims... Don't know why both them & Citroën dropped that idea.

And I don't understand the fascination with black rims.

[Eli]

And I don't understand the fascination with black rims.
Look at the Polo, didn't it look better with the black rims?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[tc10a]

Look at the Polo, didn't it look better with the black rims?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

Absolutely not.
Black Rims are a no-go!

[Eli]

Absolutely not.
Black Rims are a no go!
Well I guess it's a matter of taste...

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Franky]

Those weren't black.

[Eli]

Grey.. Dark colours

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

its ugly.

edit plain white is way better

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2017/post-1181-0-24047400-1484166520.jpg

[smsgrafica]

They made it worse. I don't like the silver and I don't understand why they took away the fragmentation on the dark blue...

[Allyc85]

Think I prefer the Dmack car, there's too much going on with Ogier's.

[A FONDO]

I think it looks better with the silver on the front wings instead of white.
Absolutely agree mate.

And I don't understand the fascination with black rims.
Me neither, plus they make the whole wheel look like casual 15" with 65 profile tyre.

[Ucci]

Dont like it at all.

Once Fiesta will stand on the highest step at the winning ceremony (accompaniment by the French national anthem), the colour of the front wings & rims Will be the last issue for the fans.....

[Rally Power]

As I understand, it's not a question of homologation dates. The bureaucratic process concerning the car was finished in time. But there is no homologation without the manufacturer formally entering into WRC. That date has passed an that's the point, VW needs to sort out and needs the agreement from the other manus: How to realise an entry without Volkswagen doing it?

More than the rules obstacles, what’s probably making hard to get the Polo WRC project going on is the funding issue. The current approach from VW M seems to be: we’ll enter any form of motorsport, as long you pay for it!

[Barreis]

More than the rules obstacles, what’s probably making hard to get the Polo WRC project going on is the funding issue. The current approach from VW M seems to be: we’ll enter any form of motorsport, as long you pay for it!

with 15 mill.€

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At the Autosport Show - "Sebastien has driven the 2017 Volkswagen, his feedback has been valuable," Wilson says of Ogier's input with M-Sport's Fiesta from his limited testing programme.

It sounded like Ogier thought the new Fiesta compared quite well with the 2017 Polo. I think that's what is giving Wison some confidence until his car can compare with the others for real in Monte.

[Andre Oliveira]

According some sources, Ogier said that Fiesta have some things better than Polo. Some weaker too offcourse ;)

[SubaruNorway]

with 15 mill.€

Not correct, that would be more like the price of running a two car team for a season according to Veiby.
https://www.parcferme.no/nyheter/gjr-alt-for-sette-andreas-i-en-17-spec-polo-wrc

[rallyfiend]

Not correct, that would be more like the price of running a two car team for a season according to Veiby.
https://www.parcferme.no/nyheter/gjr-alt-for-sette-andreas-i-en-17-spec-polo-wrc

Exactly.

Homolgation costs would have to come on top of that.

[Gregor-y]

The best thing I can say is they'll look a lot cooler driving around with a wing torn off. But then rally cars have always looked cool continuing on after taking body damage that would stop a circuit racer.

The Red Bull livery is fairly consistent with all their other competition cars, so ugly or not at least the brand's on message.

[Barreis]

Not correct, that would be more like the price of running a two car team for a season according to Veiby.
https://www.parcferme.no/nyheter/gjr-alt-for-sette-andreas-i-en-17-spec-polo-wrc

question is how many events FIA would ask them to compete to obligate homologation

[macebig]

I think the rule back in the day was at least 4 rallies(thats what Peugeot entered in 1999,Citroen in 2001,Mini in 2011).Don't know if it still applies..

[nafpaktos]

How big help is this?i mean for an experienced driver.

https://www.facebook.com/andreasmikkelsenrally/photos/a.191228430896418.45776.185806838105244/1384378774914705/?type=3&hc_ref=NEWSFEED

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C1_7sBIUcAA00fz.jpg:large

[br21]

I saw the Fiesta live today with that livery and it looks really OK

[Andre Oliveira]

It looks amazing for me ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

Mads on Sweden
Prokop on Mexico
Two car team after that

http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/11089-interview-mads-ostberg-on-his-new-wrc-team

[the sniper]

I saw the Fiesta live today with that livery and it looks really OK

Does it look better in person than in the various pictures that have been posted? I'm hoping that it's just the lighting that isn't doing it any favours in the pics posted on here.

Going by pictures alone, I much preferred the livery shown in the initial reveal, due to both the white front and where they stuck the Castrol stickers! :D

[WUff1]

Mads on Sweden
Prokop on Mexico
Two car team after that

http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/11089-interview-mads-ostberg-on-his-new-wrc-team

Ostberg has the best media team of all WRC drivers/teams. So far the most present driver in Media 2017 apart from Ogier, but much more present than all the other works team drivers.

[rayh_mx]

The organization of the Mexico rally plans to start in CDMX

"The main objective is to promote Guanajuato and the event in the anchor city of the country"

LEÓN, Gto.- The Mexico 2017 Rally would not start in Alhóndiga de Granaditas as it has been characterized during the dates of the World Rally Championship, but would move to Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City to tour the first stage of Almost a mile. Contrary to the tradition that has been lived in Guanajuato during the last years, the organizing committee of the date in Aztec territory, commanded by RallyMex, has raised to the Government of Mexico City the idea of taking out in the first kilometers scoring since One of the most legendary avenues in the national territory, confirmed for Correo, the general director of communication of the event, Adrián Molina.
http://periodicocorreo.com.mx/proyectan-arrancar-el-rally-en-cdmx/

Would be nice, but i guess it would be very complicated


More Info:
http://laaficion.milenio.com/automovilismo/rally_mexico-ciudad_de_mexico-leon-milenio-la_aficion_0_883711624.html

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ari Vatanen tells Le Dauphine he urged Malcolm Wilson to give Seb Ogier a test.

"As much as humanly sportingly, Sébastien is a really great man. He is friendly and has easy contact. And sportingly, what more can you ask for? He is gifted." summed up the Finn Ari Vatanen.

He does not skimp in superlatives to talk about the high alpine champion. Gifted, dominant, ultra-fast, ultra-regular. World champion for the fourth time in 2016, Sébastien Ogier has no equal. At least not yet. Recently, Volkswagen withdrew from the circuit and Ogier had to choose a new team.

He turned to M-Sport, run by Malcolm Wilson, a long time friend of Ari Vatanen. "I encouraged him to test Ogier, then take him. It was obviously a risk for the team, especially financially. It is a wise choice on the part of Sébastien. "

http://www.ledauphine.com/hautes-alpes/2017/01/13/ari-vatanen-ogier-c-est-un-surdoue

[itix]

Monte Carlo is soon upon us and I can't remember a year when it was so hard to predict the end of the year as this one.

The new regs and the demise of VW sure shook things up.

I predict unpredictability in this year's rallies given that Msport aren't really known for their durability and Meeke and Neuville aren't really known for their ability to always stay on the road.

Let's hope for another golden era with a lot of manufacturers to come in 2018 and 19.

[dupanton]

I predict unpredictability in this year's rallies given that Msport aren't really known for their durability and Meeke and Neuville aren't really known for their ability to always stay on the road.


Neuville crashed once in 2016, in Mexico. Last 8 rallies he never finished lower then 4th. If that isn't being regular, I don't know who is...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to see BT Sport & MotorsTV now listing their WRC coverage for next week.

I wonder what the "Red Bull TV" coverage will be like on the Saturday...

[itix]

Neuville crashed once in 2016, in Mexico. Last 8 rallies he never finished lower then 4th. If that isn't being regular, I don't know who is...
Well, the year before that he crashed a few times and let's be realistic, Ogier has a neater track record than him.

There were plenty of touches and spins and small mistakes where he was lucky this year.

Compared to Ogier he is less neat for sure.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I wonder what the "Red Bull TV" coverage will be like on the Saturday...

The RB coverage isnt an extra live Saturday stage as I'd thought... the other channels & WRC+ are also showing it.

But it is free on the RB website & app.

[SubaruNorway]

The RB coverage isnt an extra live Saturday stage as I'd thought... the other channels & WRC+ are also showing it.

But it is free on the RB website & app.

It's just the coverage in different wraping and extra insights, like the Dakar stuff on redbull.tv

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC+ http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january-2017/more-live-stages-in-2017/page/4205--12-12-.html

[dimviii]

any news from this video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwD2JZJ5KOU

[dimviii]

http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/wrc/11095-preview-2017-monte-carlo-rally-team-by-team

[Rallyper]

any news from this video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwD2JZJ5KOU

Should be when our finnish friends will translate. Paavo?

[pantealex]

any news from this video?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwD2JZJ5KOU

Video inside Toyota "factory"

Tommi talks a lot, but nothing spectacular.

-10 trucks across the europe
-that 1 where they were inside comes back to Puuppola everytime between rallies with WRC´s + critical parts.
-most of others trucks stays in europe or goes straight to next event

-WRC contains over 2000 parts, most of them they make themselves
-tolerance in measurements is 0,5mm (X,Y,Z system)
-Monte cars have already been tested outside
-those (grey ones) which were under built were Sweden cars (is that possible? They don´t have to use same cars than in Monte?)
-container to Mexico leaves this week

-talked about safety of cars (lot of foam everywhere)

-tenth is over 50m wide
-open also for public, not only for VIP
-both end of tenth is place for audience, race cars are in middle

[N.O.T]

no posters of the mitsubishi days to remind us how fabricated champions are made ??? i am sad....

[tomhlord]

-tent is over 50m wide
-open also for public, not only for VIP
-both end of tent is place for audience, race cars are in middle

I like the sound of that.

[A FONDO]

no posters of the mitsubishi days to remind us how fabricated champions are made ??? i am sad....

There's only one fabricated champion and he ran away from WRC "to be more with his family" only to begin travelling to South America and Silk Way.

[tommeke_B]

-tolerance in measurements is 0,5mm (X,Y,Z system)
Tolerance of what? +-0,5mm is HUGE, unless it's for the rear wing...

[dupanton]

Tolerance of what? +-0,5mm is HUGE, unless it's for the rear wing...

I hope they did not make their engine components with a tolerance of +-0,5mm :p

[itix]

I hope they did not make their engine components with a tolerance of +-0,5mm :p
They don't make the engine. TMG does.

[dupanton]

They don't make the engine. TMG does.

+-0,5mm is huge, also for suspension components etc. Try to fit a bearing when you have a hole with such a tolerance...

[itix]

+-0,5mm is huge, also for suspension components etc. Try to fit a bearing when you have a hole with such a tolerance...

I am an engineer so I am fully aware of that. I don't think he is talking about bearings because the car wouldn't run for the milage it has with those tolerances on suspension mountings, wheel hub bearings recesses, control arm mountings etc (which realistically are the only components they make in house... The suspension is made by external company).

You should not hang all of your perceptions on one comment take out of its context translated by a forum member...

[Mirek]

It was likely just a random number thrown for clueless audience.

[Rallyper]

However if you saw the clip it was about the rollcage mounting in bodyshell, I suppose. You don´t even have to be engineer to understand 0,5 mm is huge in other parts.

[pantealex]

no posters of the mitsubishi days to remind us how fabricated champions are made ??? i am sad....

actually there was still that one hanging...
you did´t see it ???

[pantealex]

Tolerance of what? +-0,5mm is HUGE, unless it's for the rear wing...

Tolerance of bodywork welding, over 1000 different point, each +-0,5mm tolerance only.
You did´t notice that computer with X,Y,Z when they were making bodywork ?

[Mirek]

Bodywork +/-0,5 mm is on the other hand very very strict. I doubt it's feasible to achieve but maybe it is.

[MartinMK]

+-0,5 mm was about that frame he was standing about, there is 25 fixing points for car body with tolerance +-0.5mm.

[Andre Oliveira]

Cohete Suarez, excelent driver and hero

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C2UyMPvXgAEs0ku?format=jpg&name=large

[A FONDO]

he saved them from intoxication, but how?

[KiwiWRCfan]

he saved them from intoxication, but how?
He saw a house that was on fire at night. Rang fire brigade. Broke into house to waken people sleeping inside. Everyone got out of house safely http://www.marca.com/motor/rallies/2017/01/16/587d22d3e5fdea537c8b4652.html

[A FONDO]

Great effort indeed. Most people would not bother, let the neighbours call, let the firemen evacuate etc.

[Mintexmemory]

Great effort indeed. Most people would not bother, let the neighbours call, let the firemen evacuate etc.

I hope his career goes from strength to strength - just so much fun to watch at WRGB last October!

[dimviii]

citroen c3 development

https://youtu.be/c4snrZvtlJo

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seb Ogier:
New season! New team! New helmet! But still very proud and happy to remain in the #redbullfamily 😃👍💪 @MSportLtd @redbullmotors https://t.co/0HHzp4bqxh

[jparker]

Seb Ogier:
New season! New team! New helmet! But still very proud and happy to remain in the #redbullfamily ������ @MSportLtd @redbullmotors https://t.co/0HHzp4bqxh

Why "but"? Bad car just to keep the good sponsor, maybe?

[EightGear]

Why "but"? Bad car just to keep the good sponsor, maybe?
Translation:

'Lots of new things, lots of changes, but still part of the RB family.'

[markpcym]

hes just basically saying that he's another season with "redbull" and that's nothing new...

[jparker]

Translation:

'Lots of new things, lots of changes, but still part of the RB family.'

well, my traslation is:
It all went wrong, except the RedBull, which is more important for me.

[EstWRC]

why the hell are you trying to read something like that out of nowhere?

you have something against him or m-sport?

[jparker]

why the hell are you trying to read something like that out of nowhere?

you have something against him or m-sport?

I have nothing against him, just trying to figure out why in the world he signed with M-Sport? It all looks like he had no other choice to me.
Nothing against M-Sport either, but I just don't like them. Am I not allowed the express that?

[macebig]

#FORDHating is real.Looks like we got ourselves a GM guy...

[EstWRC]

Hirvonen tips M-Sport and Ogier for WRC title attack

http://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hirvonen-tips-m-sport-and-ogier-for-wrc-title-attack-865241/

[er88]

I have nothing against him, just trying to figure out why in the world he signed with M-Sport? It all looks like he had no other choice to me.
Nothing against M-Sport either, but I just don't like them. Am I not allowed the express that?
He didn't have another choice. Unless you count Toyota as a genuine option....

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[stefanvv]

why the hell are you trying to read something like that out of nowhere?

Because his name is Ogier?!?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hirvonen - Toyota not competely ready:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127777/toyota-not-completely-ready-for-wrc-return

[jparker]

Hirvonen - Toyota not competely ready:

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/127777/toyota-not-completely-ready-for-wrc-return

Well, no need to be an expert to conclude the same, but Toyota is a match for Ford as we speak.
But yes, it will take some time to be on par with the rest.

[EstWRC]

Lol, funny man you

[jparker]

Lol, funny man you

So, you really believe your guy and Ogier can change something that has been established for more than 30 years?
Even Hirvonen is not convinced:
""I don't know for sure, but it is possible. I really hope they can get back to winning ways ....."

[EightGear]

Did Malcolm Wilson steal your marbles when you were kids or something?

[A FONDO]

indeed his last 10 posts are quite funny. but time could probably heal.

[jparker]

Well I'm here for the fun of it, so why not be funny?

[Rallyper]

I have nothing against him, just trying to figure out why in the world he signed with M-Sport? It all looks like he had no other choice to me.
Nothing against M-Sport either, but I just don't like them. Am I not allowed the express that?

Why he signed MSport? No other choices, but MSport did have an good option in the car as well.

[AMSS]

Why he signed MSport? No other choices, but MSport did have an good option in the car as well.

We`ll he had Toyota as a choice but chose M-sport over them even though the Toyota deal would probably have been financially a lot better, anyone can speculate freely what the reason for this was... :)

[tomhlord]

Toyota is a match for Ford as we speak.

No one really knows until the actually rallying starts. Keep calm and enjoy the WRC :)

[bassist]

We`ll he had Toyota as a choice but chose M-sport over them even though the Toyota deal would probably have been financially a lot better, anyone can speculate freely what the reason for this was... :)

He`s there, and starts the Monte tomorrow, so lets get over it. This could be one of the most interesting seasons we have had for many years. Thats why we follow the sport isnt it?

[AMSS]

He`s there, and starts the Monte tomorrow, so lets get over it. This could be one of the most interesting seasons we have had for many years. Thats why we follow the sport isnt it?

Agreed 100%