[WRC] News & Rumours 2018

[AnttiL]

I repeat myself but I don’t think either that Kalle is ready for WRC next year. He should and could do at least two good years of WRC2 first and still be ahead of anyone else at his age

[AnttiL]

You can find those unnamed drivers from your homeland for instance. I`m comparing his results compared to others in national events. He has been beaten fair and square by hobby-drivers in equal machinery, atleast one has been an Academy driver, almost won the title and then didn`t find the resources.

Who hobbyist was faster than Kalle and where?

[cali]

Please go back to ERC section and stay there. I just keep ignoring your comments from now on, even N.O.T makes more sense.

So you are forum king who decides who can post in which forum sections? Please get a grip man. And calling someone stupid just because he has a different point of view. Quite lame and you're not the first finn recently who has "lost their heads" in the arguement. You're not in a position to demand here anything, quite clearly are you mistaken about your role here.

[cali]

With enough money and training/rallies everybody can get to a certain level. But those last 1 or 2 percentages are the most difficult to find.
For sure Rovanpera has talent, no doubt about it. But people are blinded by his age, which means nothing. It's experience that counts.
We have seen a lot of young guys in the past, storming trough cups, JWRC and even wrc2 but never got to a decent WRC level.
So, he has to prove in the next year(s) he has what it takes to get to WRC level.
I'm not saying he is not going to make it, but imo it's still too early to tell

Spot on!

[AnttiL]

If you really want to hear at least one name, so for example I think Juuso Nordgren has bigger potential... And I am not alone with this opinion ;)

I’m personally a bit amazed that they hired Nordgren so quickly, to me he hasn’t really shown anything or been quick on even national level, whereas Kalle blew all the Finnish champions out of the water right away.

Well, the Sumava Klatovy result was good for his little tarmac experience.

[Tarmop]

Who hobbyist was faster than Kalle and where?

For example:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28735-rally-talsi-rally-of-champions-2016/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/39303-louna-eesti-ralli-2017/ +40 sec. for considerably shortening a stage.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28734-rally-kurzeme-2016/ A bit old and can`t exactly remember, if it was an issue-free rally or not.

Then there are other youngsters, a bit higher level than hobby-drivers, who have beaten him or been more or less equal.


Like said, from the age of seven he has had the best available equipment, even quit school for rallying. Logical, but yet to show if he is not just young and "stupid", not afraid of crashes and he can develop into a title contender. And people already want him to be replace Latvala in a team with a goal to get the manu. title.

[AnttiL]

To me it looks like Kalle was always fastest in his class. WRC, Proto and custom built cars can’t compare against R5 and S2000

[Allez Andruet]

For example:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28735-rally-talsi-rally-of-champions-2016/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/39303-louna-eesti-ralli-2017/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28734-rally-kurzeme-2016/ A bit old and can`t exactly remember, if it was an issue-free rally or not.

Jesus Christ... he was fifteen at the time of two of those and would've won the third one without 40 sec time penalty.

[Allez Andruet]

Then there are other youngsters, a bit higher level than hobby-drivers, who have beaten him or been more or less equal.
Now all we need are names.

[Hartusvuori]

For example:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28735-rally-talsi-rally-of-champions-2016/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/39303-louna-eesti-ralli-2017/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28734-rally-kurzeme-2016/ A bit old and can`t exactly remember, if it was an issue-free rally or not.

Talsi-ralli 2016 - Kalle lead the event before the final stage, but lost 16s there for a reason I can't remember. Plus Samsonas' strong BMW suits well for those roads.
Louna-Eesti ralli 2017 - Kalle finished 3rd, 15 seconds behind a WRC driver, + Kalle had 40s worth of time penalties.
Kurzeme 2016 - Kalle drove part of the rally with only front wheel drive.

He was 15 and 16 years old at the time.

You can get annoyed by the hype and you can look at some of the results critically, but to downtalk his current talent is something I won't buy. No matter that he is brought up to be a rallying professional one day, he still is one of the most potential drivers out there. Same with OC Veiby, he has the backing but he sure as ever has the talent as well.

For sure Kalle is not WRC-ready yet, but he's well on the path.

[Oliverk]

LOl @ people thinking Kalle is talentless. It sure is easy to be stupid and voice out your stupidness in 21-st century.

[AnttiL]

Louna-Eesti ralli 2017 - Kalle finished 3rd, 15 seconds behind a WRC driver, + Kalle had 40s worth of time penalties.

Also first rally with new co-driver

[Essaj]

For example:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28735-rally-talsi-rally-of-champions-2016/
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/39303-louna-eesti-ralli-2017/ +40 sec. for considerably shortening a stage.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/28734-rally-kurzeme-2016/ A bit old and can`t exactly remember, if it was an issue-free rally or not.

Then there are other youngsters, a bit higher level than hobby-drivers, who have beaten him or been more or less equal.


Like said, from the age of seven he has had the best available equipment, even quit school for rallying. Logical, but yet to show if he is not just young and "stupid", not afraid of crashes and he can develop into a title contender. And people already want him to be replace Latvala in a team with a goal to get the manu. title.

No, most people who want Kalle to replace Latvala have no idea how these things works.
For Kalle it's way better to stay in WRC2 for atleast the next season, he is no hurry to hop into a WRC car, that article about a possible change was written by Spanish media and if you know them they write that crap from every sport all the time.

Hartusvuori nicely explained these already, but if you seriously don't know what that Martynas BMW can do you better check out the videos like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn5Z2Kly5rU or this before the car breaks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P3ALeoVpc0 there is absolutely no change to beat that with an R5 car and you really need to push with a WRC to match that.

This whole battle here started because people said that Kalle aint a talent but is like any driver who has a lot of money behind him, who hasn't proven anything or won anything bla bla bla.
If we keep talking about this subject more give us names, Juuso Nordgren could be one but what has he shown? Nothing yet.

And what comes to Pluto and his comment "Kalle is with Skoda because of his money" just makes no sense from a guy who is "respected" forum poster, I'm just surprised he mentioned Juuso before picking someone from ERC.

[Tarmop]

Also first rally with new co-driver

He got that penalty for considerably shortening a stage+ 10 for a false start, when reading the protocol.

[pantealex]

To me Monte Carlo 2018 has been best rally for Kalle. Maybe that was just pure luck... (no talent)

[cali]

Rich daddy or not, Kalle has shown some promise. Time will tell if he will make it or break it. Meanwhile we can follow his progress/regress. Enjoy it!

[N.O.T]

Hartusvuori nicely explained these already, but if you seriously don't know what that Martynas BMW can do you better check out the videos like this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mn5Z2Kly5rU or this before the car breaks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P3ALeoVpc0 there is absolutely no change to beat that with an R5 car and you really need to push with a WRC to match that.


a proper driver would run circles around that overpowered geometric atrocity with an r5... emphasis on proper....

[Rallyper]

a proper driver would run circles around that overpowered geometric atrocity with an r5... emphasis on proper....

Of course if it it´s standing still on a place with lots of space around.
However on fast roads/stages no circles around that monster.

[AnttiL]

Talsi and Kurzeme were Kalle’s first ever 4WD gravel rallies. And on an S2000, not R5, although it shouldn’t make a difference

[Mirek]

Talsi and Kurzeme were Kalle’s first ever 4WD gravel rallies. And on an S2000, not R5, although it shouldn’t make a difference

S2000 are much slower than R5 on Latvian or Estonian roads because they spend plenty of time in RPM limiter.

[AnttiL]

S2000 are much slower than R5 on Latvian or Estonian roads because they spend plenty of time in RPM limiter.

I meant comparing either to WRC/custom cars is wrong.

[Mirek]

I meant comparing either to WRC/custom cars is wrong.

I don't think so. Modern R5 cars are already faster than many older WRC cars. This is always tricky and never possible to say with certainty how much a car plays a role. Safe to say is only that the guys were with different cars and it's not fully comparable therefore.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport has its appeal against Sebastien Ogier's WRC Rally Mexico penalty rejected. :(

[mousti]

M-Sport has its appeal against Sebastien Ogier's WRC Rally Mexico penalty rejected. :(Good news

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[focus206]

M-Sport has its appeal against Sebastien Ogier's WRC Rally Mexico penalty rejected. :(

Good. Would have been ridicolous if not.

[rp]

As we already know Timo Jouhki confirmed that Kalle has 2+1 year contract with the SKODA. So at least 2019 in WRC2 and if he is able to drive works World Rally Car in 2020, he is free to go. But maybe then it could be SKODA WRC :)

This and next year is all about to get more experience from the different WRC events. Jouhki said also that he is sure that Kalle would be ready already now to drive the top 6 behind the wheel of the World Rally Car. Source: yle.fi

[mknight]

Bits that Julian Porter said during Portugal SS1:

- Skoda is now attending manu meetings in WRC
- Østberg to do Germany in C3 R5, two other drivers in talks for the 3rd car (Loeb + someone else)

[er88]

Wonder who the other driver in talks could be?

[KiwiWRCfan]

Wonder who the other driver in talks could be?
Has it been announced what other events Sheikh Khalid Al-Qassimi will be doing in 2018 ? Could the Sheikh be driving the 3rd car for Germany ?

[AnttiL]

There was some talk earlier that Didier Auriol would want to do a 60th anniversary rally this year :D

[mknight]

Wonder who the other driver in talks could be?

Seeing how Citroen are all about most PR for least money this year it's quite likely someone who will give a lot of PR and not much chance for good result. At best it will be someone like Auriol as AnttiL says or even K. Raikonen or some other motorsport person at worst just someone paying money with no chance of any fast times.

Totally don't expect any "young gun".

[RS]

Wonder who the other driver in talks could be?

I think Julian said it was a local driver, so I guess Kremer or outside bet Marijan Griebel.

[ESTR]

What's with Ph-sport's car?

[mknight]

In 2017 right before Argentina in April there was this interview saying how Meeke will focus on single rally wins and not on championship. 3 next rallies were crashes.
( http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/129181/ )

In 2018 exactly 1 year (-1 day) later there was similar interview with Latvala. I quoted those two together here for déjà vu.
( https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/135608/latvala-ditches-title-challenge-aims-for-wins )

Now we are 2 rallies later and it's 2/3 exactly the same. (or you might say that since it's Latvala's 3rd crash in a row it's already fullfilled).

Lesson learned:

Don't talk about focusing on single wins in april !!!

[Tarmop]

I think Julian said it was a local driver, so I guess Kremer or outside bet Marijan Griebel.

Kremer was told to be in a Yaris i believe.

[pantealex]

Kremer was told to be in a Yaris i believe.

and Nasser before him...

and Grönholm and Petter Solberg before that...

Lesson: Don´t believe all Toyota rumours ;)

ps.It´s possible that Kremer starts with Yaris.

[spiderem]

so was Portugal 18' the turning point that will see a non french driver be World Champion after 14 years?

[N.O.T]

so was Portugal 18' the turning point that will see a non french driver be World Champion after 14 years?

no leaf, still a lot of work to be done....

[ESTR]

Yeah it will be french talking belgian. What a difference.

[EstWRC]

there will be a big difference, it will be a estonian talking estonian.

[Integrale]

Yeah it will be french talking belgian. What a difference.

German

[PLuto]

There was some talk earlier that Didier Auriol would want to do a 60th anniversary rally this year :D

This was for Corse, but didnt happened.

[PLuto]

Yeah it will be french talking belgian. What a difference.

And to say the truth, Thierry is the last successful product of PSA Rally school (Seb1, Seb2, Thierry).

[Mirek]

Yeah it will be french talking belgian. What a difference.

His native language is not French.


German

This.

[AnttiL]

This was for Corse, but didnt happened.

https://www.lexpressmada.com/09/02/2018/rallye-didier%E2%80%88auriol%E2%80%88de%E2%80%88retour%E2 %80%88en%E2%80%88wrc/

In here he said Portugal or Argentina or any tarmac event, but you have more info on that?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Ogier PS penalty row returns...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136254/the-penalty-row-that-could-decide-the-wrc-title

You can see from the article why M-Sport and Ogier are so disappointed, as there are so many inconsistancies...

[ESTR]

Rules are rules. If he doesn't like them no one is forcing him to stay in championship.

[mArvAlcao17]

Rules are rules. If he doesn't like them no one is forcing him to stay in championship.

He was one of SIX drivers which hit the chicane yet he was the only one penalised

[focus206]

The Ogier PS penalty row returns...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136254/the-penalty-row-that-could-decide-the-wrc-title

You can see from the article why M-Sport and Ogier are so disappointed, as there are so many inconsistancies...

The fact that Neuville didn't get the penalty as well for hitting the barriers on SS21 is simply explained: it wasn't the power stage. If in circuit racing you exceed track limits during the race, you get a warning. After a number of warnings, you get the penalty. But if you exceed track limits and gain tenths of seconds during your qualifying lap, you're not going to keep your great lap time and start from the front of the grid while receiving just a warning: your lap time will be invalidated. So yes, same crime, but the penalty in the qualifying lap is more severe. Same works for a normal SS and a PS.
If we want to talk in absolute fairness, the stewards maybe didn't bother giving a penalty to Thierry, considering that it wasn't the PS and that +10 seconds to his time wouldn't have changed a thing.
About the other drivers who hit the chicane during the PS, I could guess the stewards didn't find that any of them gained time by hitting it? A video of the various drivers through the chicane on the PS would be helpful to judge.

[pantealex]

He was one of SIX drivers which hit the chicane yet he was the only one penalised

6 drivers hit the chicane after the warning ?

Ogier + 5. Could you please name those other 5 ?

I did watch that stage and I´m pretty sure that none other WRC-car driver did hit that chicane. Do you want some privateers to get penalty?

[EstWRC]

Tänaks onboard from that stage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0B3LSBrBpw&t=

but you cant really see if he hits them or not, maybe he hits the last one

[Allez Andruet]

If we want to talk in absolute fairness, the stewards maybe didn't bother giving a penalty to Thierry, considering that it wasn't the PS and that +10 seconds to his time wouldn't have changed a thing.
It's not about "bothering" or whether it changes things or not. Rules must be 1) clear, 2) same for all stages and 3) same for all drivers. And this, obviously, has not been the case here. I would agree with mr. Wilson that they have a strong case if they want to take it further.

[focus206]

It's not about "bothering" or whether it changes things or not. Rules must be 1) clear, 2) same for all stages and 3) same for all drivers. And this, obviously, has not been the case here. I would agree with mr. Wilson that they have a strong case if they want to take it further.

I'm not saying the stewards shouldn't bother, I'm saying they didn't bother and I explained probably why.
Also 1) I agree, 2) I don't agree: rules are already different for the PS, since it gives extra points. It seems normal to me that small time gain in the PS requires a bigger punishment, 3) I agree, of course.

[janvanvurpa]

Yeah it will be french talking belgian. What a difference.

It is..You ever try speak normal French to a Walloon? Amd if they know your name..mine is van Landingham (originally back in Belgium it was van Landeghem) and suddenly they not only don't understand normal French but they suddenly are outraged..about something:rolleyes:

[tommeke_B]

Funny how they call him "French talking Belgian" while little more than 10 years ago he almost didn't speak French at all. He quickly learnt French very well, which was important for his career as a rally-driver. Anyway, the language he speaks and the region he comes from is unimportant. Among rally enthusiasts he's just as popular in all parts/communities of Belgium.

[Rallyper]

Funny how they call him "French talking Belgian" while little more than 10 years ago he almost didn't speak French at all. He quickly learnt French very well, which was important for his career as a rally-driver. Anyway, the language he speaks and the region he comes from is unimportant. Among rally enthusiasts he's just as popular in all parts/communities of Belgium.

I´d like to add, that as an international rallyfan, to me it doesn´t matter from where you come, as long as it is a competent, naturally talented, humble and nice guy, the driver will be popular anyway.
Having said that, I mean it can be said about all the guys in the circus.

[mknight]

The Ogier PS penalty row returns...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136254/the-penalty-row-that-could-decide-the-wrc-title

You can see from the article why M-Sport and Ogier are so disappointed, as there are so many inconsistancies...

Well...

talking about details in the appeal:

- M-Sport uses stage time differences between SS21 and SS22 to argue that Ogier did not improve more than other drivers. They specifically point out that Meeke (who got worse time) should not be counted. At the same time they don't mention that Mikkelsen (the only driver with more improvement than Ogier) had a spin in first run. if you leave him out Ogier actually did improve most of all . This is selective picking of circumstantial evidence.

- Ogier improves his time by some 0.6s after the chicane, part of which obviously could be due to slightly different (more direct) line out of it and into the next corner (last corner of stage). They also show how he has some 10 km/h faster speed in this section trough finish. They play this down by saying it's because he had 3 x Hard tires vs 2x Hard 2x Soft in first run which should help in this tarmac section. Clearly there are other people with more data on this, but taking Portugal as example Neuville and Sordo on soft worn gravel tires were much faster on tarmac than others on hards, so from my view this is not a clear argument to use.

- The parts about different placement and others hitting it a bit are true but don't change the fact that Ogier was the only one hitting the first part.

----------------------------------
Clearly it's not 100% clear case for giving the penalty, but neither is there one for removing it. He did hit it, and did hit it most out of all competitors.
But then there is the circumstances and "sending a message" part

a) Ogier and M-Sport opened a can of worms with the Sweden powerstage stunt. (as is clear to everyone except Eddie, they exploited the rules. More precisely: exploited that fact that the penalty for deliberately breaking the rules did not hurt given PS points). This exploit (which FIA should have thought about immediatelly when they started giving PS points) might also decide the title in the end.

=> If Ogier/M-Sport want to exploit the rules to the max there certainly is a payback element involved here.

b) They (Ogier + M-Sport) asked after SS21 and Neuville's issue. so clearly they had to be punished when they hit most of the chicane out of all competitors on second run.

---------------------------

As to the chicane issues I agree with David Evans that there needs to be consistency and clearly defined penalties (i.e. 5s for touching/moving a chicane written in rulebook).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Colin Clark repeating my view re the use of lightweight chicanes...

My view, @SebOgier’s been shafted! If organisers don’t want objects that they place on the route to be moved, make them from concrete. Or do what the Finns did, and put tractors as chicanes. I also think Lappi and Sordo were shafted in Portugal. Bad precedent. https://t.co/2bffPDoPve

[mknight]

Tractor chicanes were unanimously hated by competitors and not used again.

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/richmillener/status/999329794801184768

look at Neuvilles reply, i dont get what is he tryin to say?

[stefanvv]

Someone to remind me which drivers were running PS in Mexico after Ogier in what order, up to the last WRC driver?

[mknight]

Someone to remind me which drivers were running PS in Mexico after Ogier in what order, up to the last WRC driver?

Only Neuville and Tanak and I believe it was in this order.

[danon]

https://media.giphy.com/media/fxO8SmKEccIqgtUhCS/giphy.gif
https://s5.postimg.cc/g36tf1ivb/deb.jpg

[stefanvv]

Only Neuville and Tanak and I believe it was in this order.

Interesting. Thank You very much.

[danon]

The Ogier PS penalty row returns...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136254/the-penalty-row-that-could-decide-the-wrc-title

You can see from the article why M-Sport and Ogier are so disappointed, as there are so many inconsistancies...

AnttiK7 = David Evans?

[N.O.T]

https://twitter.com/richmillener/status/999329794801184768

look at Neuvilles reply, i dont get what is he tryin to say?

they probably did something in service that if Hyundai asked for investigation then they would be excluded or get serious penalty.

[dnb]

"We would have made 1-2-3" - how's that?

[mousti]

Meeke is OUT

http://media.citroenracing.com/en/statement?idtok=36489bbb3976

Quite weird, he just posted on his Facebook page that he is looking forward to Sardegna.

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[N.O.T]

Joke of a team... arabs of nothing.

[Eli]

I know we didn't think he would see 2019,but I must admit this is quite a shock.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[ESTR]

Who's next, Paddon & Latvala.

[seb_sh]

This is huge, they are basically giving up their best chance of winning rallies. On the other hand they are probably saving some money. Will be interesting to follow what direction the team will take as I think this is either the beginning of the end or the start of a big shake-up to reorganize the team for next year.

[ESTR]

YOU still Believe that they will compete for the rest of the season or in next years.

[Eli]

Hopefully they'll now let Craig do Spain too. And I guess Ostberg will be there 'till the end of the year. As for next season, if things don't pan out for the Kiwi, maybe Citroën will take him.

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[ESTR]

With that kind of approach, no testing days, don't listening to drivers, stupid decisions, constantly reorganizing inside the team and with resources from cheap arabs who by the way have all the money from the world and still don't want to give any I don't think that there is a place to be, even for drivers who will lose their seats at current teams.

This crash from Portugal for the car number 10 made me realize that these guys out there have huge luck escaping with no serious injuries. How could that car can so easily break roll cage. Sure it's not indestructible but have they not go through safety inspection at all? Citroen is now cowardly axed Meeke out so they don't cause a fatal accident by poor made car together. I said a while ago, they don't care at all... Breen get the f*** out already...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

With that kind of approach, no testing days, don't listening to drivers, stupid decisions, constantly reorganizing inside the team and with resources from cheap arabs who by the way have all the money from the world and still don't want to give any I don't think that there is a place to be, even for drivers who will lose their seats at current teams.

This crash from Portugal for the car number 10 made me realize that these guys out there have huge luck escaping with no serious injuries. How could that car can so easily break roll cage. Sure it's not indestructible but have they not go through safety inspection at all? Citroen is now cowardly axed Meeke out so they don't cause a fatal accident by poor made car together. I said a while ago, they don't care at all... Breen get the f*** out already...

What's with all this anti-Arab talk... there wouldn't be a (Citroen) Team at all without their money.

And that's rubbish about the car - Meeke was the first to say that the car saved their lives and the roll-cage did its job.


KM: "Of course, you’ll have seen the pictures of our C3 WRC after the crash last weekend and the damage didn’t look too pretty. That’s led to a bit of an over-reaction from the wider rallying community, I’d say, because it probably ended up looking more serious than it really was.

It was my mistake, I know, and we went just that little bit too wide and then into the trees. And any accident where a rally car has an impact with trees has the potential to be serious. But in fact, the ‘scale’ of the crash wasn’t really any more than, say, Sebastien Loeb’s off in Corsica.

Citroen Racing builds a strong rally car; I know that and I have total faith in the team. And that trust was proven correct in Portugal because the roll cage did exactly what it was supposed to do - dissipate the energy of the impact, and keep Paul and I safe."

[macebig]

Citroen is done. The car can't be fixed. Solving last year's issues, creates new ones.

[ESTR]

What's with all this anti-Arab talk... there wouldn't be a (Citroen) Team at all without their money.

And that's rubbish about the car - Meeke was the first to say that the car saved their lives and the roll-cage did its job.


KM: "Of course, you’ll have seen the pictures of our C3 WRC after the crash last weekend and the damage didn’t look too pretty. That’s led to a bit of an over-reaction from the wider rallying community, I’d say, because it probably ended up looking more serious than it really was.

It was my mistake, I know, and we went just that little bit too wide and then into the trees. And any accident where a rally car has an impact with trees has the potential to be serious. But in fact, the ‘scale’ of the crash wasn’t really any more than, say, Sebastien Loeb’s off in Corsica.

Citroen Racing builds a strong rally car; I know that and I have total faith in the team. And that trust was proven correct in Portugal because the roll cage did exactly what it was supposed to do - dissipate the energy of the impact, and keep Paul and I safe."

And you would believe that crap. If your bosses would breathe on your neck you would say that too. Marketing man, marketing.

[Tarmop]

This is a vulnerable spot for all rallycars (and other chassis based racing cars) in these kind of crashes. The safety of this car has been tested in competition by Meeke himself several times. So try not to see ghosts where there aren`t any..

[racerx1979]

Wait wasn't Loeb nearly leading at both rallies he contested in this so called piece of $hit (insert a country you hate) car? Let's be honest. If you worked for me and crashed eleventeen chassis worth a million I would gladly can your ass. I will not wait until the end of the year. You all would seriously keep Meeke on the team if that was your money? I mean he's not destroying suspension or minor impacts. He's DeeFugginStroying chassis. I like Meeke and respect his skill, but he has made way too many mistakes. He needs to rethink his approach and come back for another team, but this might be it.

[Tarmop]

Three chassis`s of C3 WRC have been destroyed, 2 of them by Meeke. Eleven have been made in total.
*according to EWRC.

[N.O.T]

Wait wasn't Loeb nearly leading at both rallies he contested in this so called piece of $hit (insert a country you hate) car? Let's be honest. If you worked for me and crashed eleventeen chassis worth a million I would gladly can your ass. I will not wait until the end of the year. You all would seriously keep Meeke on the team if that was your money? I mean he's not destroying suspension or minor impacts. He's DeeFugginStroying chassis. I like Meeke and respect his skill, but he has made way too many mistakes. He needs to rethink his approach and come back for another team, but this might be it.

why resign him then for 2018 ? It isn't like Meeke was consistent in 2017...

But thats what happens when you have arabs controlling your team and you camouflage it as a manufacturer... good riddance to those arab billboards with wheels at the end of the season... nobody is going to miss them.

[Allez Andruet]

why resign him then for 2018 ? It isn't like Meeke was consistent in 2017...

To give him another chance (which he eventually blew)? And technically he wasn't "resigned".

[AL14]

Wow, that's a news. Sorry for Meeke, I liked the guy. It was crashing every rally though, so...

Now what will happen?

Putting anti-arabs talks apart... Citroen is really a mess of a team lately. They have to put things together. but I also I'm afraid they're not going to stay for a longtime in wrc

[janvanvurpa]

Joke of a team... arabs of nothing.


You keep saying this...insulting millions of people who at least have managed to pump some oil out of the ground...

Unlike oh say Greece which has done a grand total of nothing for roughly 2000 years.

or you, who is a mere lab-rat?

dig deep, come up with some new insults.. Look in the mirror if you need some inspiration.

[pantealex]

Wait wasn't Loeb nearly leading at both rallies he contested in this so called piece of $hit (insert a country you hate) car? Let's be honest. If you worked for me and crashed eleventeen chassis worth a million I would gladly can your ass. I will not wait until the end of the year. You all would seriously keep Meeke on the team if that was your money? I mean he's not destroying suspension or minor impacts. He's DeeFugginStroying chassis. I like Meeke and respect his skill, but he has made way too many mistakes. He needs to rethink his approach and come back for another team, but this might be it.

+1

[irish_tiger]

You keep saying this...insulting millions of people who at least have managed to pump some oil out of the ground...

Unlike oh say Greece which has done a grand total of nothing for roughly 2000 years.

or you, who is a mere lab-rat?

dig deep, come up with some new insults.. Look in the mirror if you need some inspiration.

Funny ....

[AnttiL]

https://www.is.fi/formula1/art-2000005694295.html

Räikkönen negotiating with Toyota about 2019

[Allez Andruet]

https://www.is.fi/formula1/art-2000005694295.html

Räikkönen negotiating with Toyota about 2019

Oh please no

[Simmi]

https://www.is.fi/formula1/art-2000005694295.html

Räikkönen negotiating with Toyota about 2019

I'd like this to happen purely for the amount of people it would annoy.

[Tarmop]

Some rallys in a rented-Yaris. Nl harm in that.

[AL14]

You keep saying this...insulting millions of people who at least have managed to pump some oil out of the ground...

Unlike oh say Greece which has done a grand total of nothing for roughly 2000 years.

or you, who is a mere lab-rat?

dig deep, come up with some new insults.. Look in the mirror if you need some inspiration.

No need to insult one nation to defend others. You're not different...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

'Arabs' isnt a nation, its more of a race, so its being even more of an insult.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Didn’t the Greeks create the sun or something?

[N.O.T]

'Arabs' isnt a nation, its more of a race, so its being even more of an insult.

there isn't such thing as race in humans you ignorant simpleton.

[AndyRAC]

https://www.is.fi/formula1/art-2000005694295.html

Räikkönen negotiating with Toyota about 2019

I'd rather Alonso.....now he would bring some interest......

[dodge33cymru]

Knock off the sodding racism please. There's enough of it on the internet without it infiltrating a rallying forum.

[sonnybobiche]

Speaking of F1 drivers switching to rally, a couple of years ago Daniil Kvyat was quoted as saying that he would love to move into WRC at some point. He once tested a Group B car and said it was a bigger adrenaline rush than circuit racing.

[BigWorm]

Speaking of F1 drivers switching to rally, a couple of years ago Daniil Kvyat was quoted as saying that he would love to move into WRC at some point. He once tested a Group B car and said it was a bigger adrenaline rush than circuit racing.

On a rally stage he has no one to divebomb into though

[Fast Eddie WRC]

JARI-MATTI LATVALA SAYS HE IS WORRIED ABOUT DRIVING FLAT OUT FOLLOWING SUSPENSION FAILURE ON HIS TOYOTA

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/may-2018/latvala-rocks/page/5486--12-12-.html

[steve.mandzij]

jari-matti latvala says he is worried about driving flat out following suspension failure on his toyota

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/may-2018/latvala-rocks/page/5486--12-12-.htmlstop yelling

[Ucci]

Oh please no

IMHO he is always welcome in WRC. He will bring some addition jurnalists on the events & more writting & more publishing...and finally-Kimster will enjoy!
And for a F1 driver he has the balls to drive new era WRC cars. All others (except RK, of course) would simply shit in their pants....

[N.O.T]

stop yelling

oldpeoplediscoveringtheinternet.com

do not bother.

[EstWRC]

The news that every Estonian has waited, Tänak also competing at rally Estonia with Yaris WRC! So we have Paddon, Breen and Tänak, only someone from m-sport now needed. This is unbelievable what Urmo Aava has achieved, they are taking very seriously to get the place in WRC calendar.

Some dreams come true :)

[Watson]

The news that every Estonian has waited, Tänak also competing at rally Estonia with Yaris WRC! So we have Paddon, Breen and Tänak, only someone from m-sport now needed. This is unbelievable what Urmo Aava has achieved, they are taking very seriously to get the place in WRC calendar.

Some dreams come true :)

Nice. M-Sport should send Suninen.

[rp]

Nice. M-Sport should send Suninen.

Autoglym Rally in Finland during the same weekend is much better place to test for Rally Finland. The roads are similar, because there is always some old 1000 Lakes Rally stages...

[AnttiL]

Autoglym Rally in Finland during the same weekend is much better place to test for Rally Finland. The roads are similar, because there is always some old 1000 Lakes Rally stages...

Autoglym stages are a bit wider, firmer and faster than Rally Finland, especially this year with the new smaller roads planned for Rally Finland and supposedly Autoglym being largely the same as last year. But then again, Autoglym probably has more of similar jumps and crests than Estonia, because the whole country is flatter.

[pantealex]

Nice. M-Sport should send Suninen.

They were thinging about it but then Jouhki heard about it and said that it will NOT help for RallyFinland...

If Suninen starts it will probaly be AutoGlym.

Rally Estonia is great event but AutoGlym is much better for RallyFinland testing, most of R5 drivers will choose AutoGlym.

Estonians have offered more than 10.000€ startingmoney to teams with WRC18, AutoGlym can´t compete with that.

[bandit12]

Finland allready has his wrc event, so why should anybody whine, when Estonia has his rallye? Autologülülüm...

[N.O.T]

The news that every Estonian has waited, Tänak also competing at rally Estonia with Yaris WRC! So we have Paddon, Breen and Tänak, only someone from m-sport now needed. This is unbelievable what Urmo Aava has achieved, they are taking very seriously to get the place in WRC calendar.

Some dreams come true :)

Urmo Aava in my opinion is one of the biggest talent losses the WRC suffered due to lack of funds... good to see he contributes to the sport from a different post but i would prefer him in a seat...

I cry for him every night before i sleep....

[mmm]

Estonians have offered more than 10.000€ startingmoney to teams with WRC18, AutoGlym can´t compete with that.

If I am not mistaken the organisers also do local logistics, housing etc. for the WRC teams so they basically just have to show up. Very convenient.

The event looks like a great substitute to Rally Poland, will probably attend.

[Tarmop]

They were thinging about it but then Jouhki heard about it and said that it will NOT help for RallyFinland...

If Suninen starts it will probaly be AutoGlym.

Rally Estonia is great event but AutoGlym is much better for RallyFinland testing, most of R5 drivers will choose AutoGlym.

Estonians have offered more than 10.000€ startingmoney to teams with WRC18, AutoGlym can´t compete with that.

Wilson was more interested in RE on the other hand, but Goodwood FOS is then and Ford Performance wants the whole team there...

[cali]

Testing for Finland....yes, you can do that in Estonia but in general our roads have softer surface and tad bit less jumps. Road characteristics are more closer to Polish gravel roads than Finland's. But hey, I'm not complaining when 3 WRC teams show up on our roads :P

[AnttiL]

I think it just sucks that the events are run on the same weekend. Part of the drivers will still go to Autoglym. Otherwise it's just great for Estonians to have an event with WRC cars, or for anyone to have a non-WRC event with three factory WRC cars

[Tarmop]

Well, RE is part of Estonian-Latvian national cup and a valued competition so a few big names and teams should be more than sufficient.

[AnttiL]

Well, RE is part of Estonian-Latvian national cup and a valued competition so a few big names and teams should be more than sufficient.

I meant for spectators, who can only choose one of the events.

[AL14]

The news that every Estonian has waited, Tänak also competing at rally Estonia with Yaris WRC! So we have Paddon, Breen and Tänak, only someone from m-sport now needed. This is unbelievable what Urmo Aava has achieved, they are taking very seriously to get the place in WRC calendar.

Some dreams come true :)

Estonia would be the "natural" substitute of Poland. On top of that we have an estonian crew in the WRC which is fighting for the championship and rally is popular over there. There are a lot of reasons to include Estonia in the calendar. Unfortunately there are also politics and money that talks, let's see if they will talk estonian next years.

EstWRC how about Tanak winning the championship in his home rally? Would you survive that?

[GravelBen]

There are a lot of reasons to include Estonia in the calendar. Unfortunately there are also politics and money that talks

There were a lot of reasons to include NZ again too, but the money and politics stuffed that one. Maybe Estonia will have more success with that.

[PLuto]

Estonia would be the "natural" substitute of Poland. On top of that we have an estonian crew in the WRC which is fighting for the championship and rally is popular over there. There are a lot of reasons to include Estonia in the calendar. Unfortunately there are also politics and money that talks, let's see if they will talk estonian next years.

EstWRC how about Tanak winning the championship in his home rally? Would you survive that?

I think that Estonia is more like Finland. Especially if they will keep date in July, for me it is nonsense to do in WRC in so short time two so fast (and very similar) gravel events.

[Tarmop]

Umh, no, gravel and relief is more similar to Poland. Finland has more rocky gravel and stronger base, Estonia/Poland clay/sand.

[sindroms]

Estonia would be the "natural" substitute of Poland. On top of that we have an estonian crew in the WRC which is fighting for the championship and rally is popular over there. There are a lot of reasons to include Estonia in the calendar. Unfortunately there are also politics and money that talks, let's see if they will talk estonian next years.

I don't want spoil a party (I am excited to see such line up for Rally Estonia and tickets are in my bag already) but talking about Rally Estonia as possible WRC round in nearest future Jean Todt did it. There was his quote in Estonian internet media about it - "Ambitions are a good thing. But there it's like in school - you have to do things step by step. My suggestion - return back in ERC and if you will succeed there why not to try something more ambitious".

[Tauri_J]

Why would they go back to ERC? They accomplished their targets there. In 2014 Rally Estonia won ERC Rally of the Year award.

[Franky]

I don't want spoil a party (I am excited to see such line up for Rally Estonia and tickets are in my bag already) but talking about Rally Estonia as possible WRC round in nearest future Jean Todt did it. There was his quote in Estonian internet media about it - "Ambitions are a good thing. But there it's like in school - you have to do things step by step. My suggestion - return back in ERC and if you will succeed there why not to try something more ambitious".

So you think they weren't successful enough when being part of the ERC calendar?

[AL14]

I think that Estonia is more like Finland. Especially if they will keep date in July, for me it is nonsense to do in WRC in so short time two so fast (and very similar) gravel events.

Well you can do it in different months...I don't think that makes it impossible.



I don't want spoil a party (I am excited to see such line up for Rally Estonia and tickets are in my bag already) but talking about Rally Estonia as possible WRC round in nearest future Jean Todt did it. There was his quote in Estonian internet media about it - "Ambitions are a good thing. But there it's like in school - you have to do things step by step. My suggestion - return back in ERC and if you will succeed there why not to try something more ambitious".

Nobody is partying, just saying Estonia would be a nice addition to the calendar.
I think that was just politics talking from Todt. If you judge rallys by "success" then Australia should not even host playstation's tournaments.

[AnttiL]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10230643

Mäkinen has trust on Latvala and Räikkönen is not going to do drive for him.

He also comments that Meeke being fired from Citroen was a weird way to handle things and he would think twice before doing the same.

[sindroms]

So you think they weren't successful enough when being part of the ERC calendar?

I didn't say that. Ask it to Jean Todt.
As for me Rally Estonia always have been among my all time favorite rallies. I like it in non-ERC format much better and if one day it will become WRC round I will be there (like I am there every middle of July when it take place).

[EstWRC]

Hyundai, Toyota would be interested in Meeke

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hyundai-toyota-interested-signing-meeke-1043270/


typical Evans, mentions Toyota in the headlines but no word of it in the article.

[N.O.T]

Hyundai, Toyota would be interested in Meeke

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hyundai-toyota-interested-signing-meeke-1043270/


typical Evans, mentions Toyota in the headlines but no word of it in the article.

why you keep mentioning articles from this nobody ? he knows nothing about nothing... Nobody is interested in Meeke, his career is over unless he pays... even trash can dogs know that.

[mknight]

Hyundai, Toyota would be interested in Meeke

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hyundai-toyota-interested-signing-meeke-1043270/


typical Evans, mentions Toyota in the headlines but no word of it in the article.

It is there, just not much:



Prior to news of Meeke's departure last week, Toyota team principal Tommi Makinen said he would be interested in talking to Meeke about a potential future deal.


Else it's mostly similar speculation like people did here. Penasse is basically saying that he expects one of Paddon/Sordo to go to Citroen as it is now more attractive, since C3 was competitive on more rallies.

Wilson comes trough as totally uninterested in Meeke. (obviously unless he pays)

Btw. recalling how some people talk about "French team destroying British driver careers" (meaning McRae+Meeke). It's not like the British teams are known to "save" those drivers. McRae wasn't picked by Ford or Subaru/Prodrive after he got kicked from Citroen and Meeke was kicked from Mini/Prodrive before going to Citroen.

[ESTR]

We all know that they are aiming to keep Sordo. And Paddon most probably not having much opportunities he will go to Citroen (if they stays, if not, he is screwed). Wilson will not looking for others unless Ogier retires from sport. Well toyota will stay the same.

[Norm75]

Depends on Evans performance for rest of season. For sure he will say he is "very happy with driver line up" to the press, he isn't like Citroen management and won't want to unsettle his drivers, but Porter kept rattling on about Elfyn being given the hairdryer treatment during rally Portugal footage, so who knows.

[mknight]

Porter kept rattling on about Elfyn being given the hairdryer treatment during rally Portugal footage, so who knows.

I think this was related to some incident where Evans damaged something on the car on one of the last ones in shakedown, not on his general performance. (not that his performance has been good so far)

[ESTR]

He is not Tanak. But at least he keeps fighting and on ocassions keep rivals of ford back.

[AnttiL]

http://www.marca.com/motor/rallies/2018/05/23/5b059a84e5fdea9b0f8b456d.html

In this Spanish interview Sordo states again he is not pushing for a championship title anymore, doesn't see himself doing full seasons anymore, doesn't like Rally Finland. Maybe they could next year have him alternating with Huttunen on the faster events, assuming that one of the other drivers would go elsewhere?

[dimviii]

i dont think Huttunen is ready for wrc.

[pantealex]

i dont think Huttunen is ready for wrc.

Now I agree with you but after Rally Australia maybe not anymore...

He has to develop a lot.

[ESTR]

He constantly crash his R5. Maybe he is just not right for that car. Or the car isn't the right all along.

[lnvs]

He constantly crash his R5. Maybe he is just not right for that car. Or the car isn't the right all along.Are you talking about Huttunen. In Sweden he got stuck in the ditch and in other events he had some spuns. He crashed Sweden PET, but I can't remember any crashes in Rallies yet with R5. :rolleyes:

[Andre Oliveira]

Seriously? With Tidemand "free" they are talk in Jari to climb to WRC car?

[AnttiL]

My idea was just to have Huttunen on maybe Sweden and Finland, the events which Sordo doesn't like. I'd hope Tidemand to get a better program.

I agree that Huttunen has been disappointing this year. The Hyundai isn't the best R5 car out there and quite often it has been a technical fault stopping him, but he's made mistakes at well. It's only his first 4WD season after all.

[Allez Andruet]

Seriously? With Tidemand "free" they are talk in Jari to climb to WRC car?
Frankly it's Huttunen whom Hyundai has invested in, not Tidemand. That ofcourse doesn't mean that Huttunen would be any better than Tidemand at the moment, and if the question (all commitments aside) would be about making maximum result in one rally, the obvious choice would be Pontus.

And as AnttiL pointed out, the WRC programme for Huttunen would most likely consider only 1-3 events - a package which Tidemand probably isn't that interested in.

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/DMACK_Tyres/status/1002501554786766848

[racerx1979]

I guess he would be driving an M-Sport Fiesta in this case.. Would be nice, but talk about pressure. One wrong move and he would be back in the limelight as Krash Meeke all over.

[gorganl2000]

i'd be happy if he got the opportunity...and i'd hope he does well
however, using a different brand tires from the main competition will tend to make some people say he's slower/faster because of the tires regardless of the outcome....if he get on the podium or performs well, then some people will give all praises to ford, dmack and kris/paul....if he crashes out in a major way, then some people will say he always had a win/crash philosophy or he was never any good and that was expected.

it must be rough to be Kris Meeke, but again i wish him success if given the chance...a really fast driver and cool personality he brings to WRC

[Rally Power]

http://www.marca.com/motor/rallies/2018/05/23/5b059a84e5fdea9b0f8b456d.html
In this Spanish interview Sordo states again he is not pushing for a championship title anymore, doesn't see himself doing full seasons anymore

For manus points, having two experienced drivers sharing the 3rd car, like Hyundai is doing, seem a good idea. Sordo said he’s feeling less pressure and more fun in the current way and he wouldn’t bother to repeat it next years.

Eventually, this shared 3rd i20 can also be a nice program for Meeke, like Penasse already suggested.

[AnttiL]

Sordo said he’s feeling less pressure and more fun in the current way and he wouldn’t bother to repeat it next years.


Just checking in case it may be lost in translation: Sordo says it would not be a problem to him to repeat a partial season, right?

[Rally Power]

Yep. He’s quite happy about it: “I can’t see me doing a full championship again. With a program like this year, I could do ten years more…gladly”.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@KiwiWRCfan
Kris Meeke's Citroen contract is to the end of 2018, they are unlikely to let him drive for anyone else in 2018. Team statement is specific to remainder of 2018 - it did not say fired.

"Citroën Racing WRT has decided to terminate the participation of Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle in the 2018 WRC"

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re Sordo - If Citroen Sport are to continue in WRC in 2019> then they could do worse than take on Dani Sordo.

As well as his history with them, his vast experience and his excellent recent form, it would also be good PR for Citroen in Spain, which is a big market for them.

Paddon could then stay at Hyundai as he has strong links with Hyundai NZ and I imagine it is a good market for them down there ...

[Tarmop]

Well, tough luck for Meeke then, when he signed a contract that allows Citroen to make him sit at home and not participate in any other way.

[N.O.T]

Well, tough luck for Meeke then, when he signed a contract that allows Citroen to make him sit at home and not participate in any other way.

and getting paid...

[ESTR]

believe, he is paying them..

[EightGear]

believe, he is paying them..No.

[noel157]

believe, he is paying them..

No

[N.O.T]

believe, he is paying them..

are you serious kid ???

wake up...

[RS]

Re Sordo - If Citroen Sport are to continue in WRC in 2019> then they could do worse than take on Dani Sordo.

As well as his history with them, his vast experience and his excellent recent form, it would also be good PR for Citroen in Spain, which is a big market for them.

Paddon could then stay at Hyundai as he has strong links with Hyundai NZ and I imagine it is a good market for them down there ...

If Citroen stay and want to fight for the title they are going to need an Ogier/Neuville/Tanak. And I can’t see any of them wanting to go there unless they are chasing money or want a big challenge.

[Rally Power]

Maybe the apparent lack of money isn’t the only reason why Citroen can’t get Ogier; inexplicably they refused him a test after VW pull out and last year Loeb resurfaced exactly when the talks were starting; still some antibodies at Versailles preventing Ogier to sign?

[N.O.T]

Maybe the apparent lack of money isn’t the only reason why Citroen can’t get Ogier; inexplicably they refused him a test after VW pull out and last year Loeb resurfaced exactly when the talks were starting; still some antibodies at Versailles preventing Ogier to sign?

LOL...

go away.

[Rally Power]

LOL...

go away.

Please, avoid the forum if you’re skipping medication.

[ESTR]

Maybe the apparent lack of money isn’t the only reason why Citroen can’t get Ogier; inexplicably they refused him a test after VW pull out and last year Loeb resurfaced exactly when the talks were starting; still some antibodies at Versailles preventing Ogier to sign?

From the beggining, they knew that the car sucks.

[Tarmop]

Shut up already, showing your stupidity isn`t good for anyone.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If I were betting I'd go for Citroen pulling the WRC plug at the end of the season and just having the C3 R5 programme.

If the right money hasnt been there from 2017 I dont see it coming now.

[ESTR]

Shut up already, showing your stupidity isn`t good for anyone.

Well I assume you come from family with high IQ and what concerns me most is why you bother with me, while you clearly have something better to do. Well, do you?

[AL14]

Lol I love the way this forum goes into flame. Really, it's not annoying like other communities, it's more creative.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I would've lost my bet... Citroen are planning for 2019 WRC !

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136515/citroen-plans-ogier-return-talks-for-2019

[rallyfiend]

I would've lost my bet... Citroen are planning for 2019 WRC !

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136515/citroen-plans-ogier-return-talks-for-2019

VW was for 2017, too.

I bet Subaru, Suzuki and others were too.

It's called 'management'.

[Tarmop]

Well I assume you come from family with high IQ and what concerns me most is why you bother with me, while you clearly have something better to do. Well, do you?

Because you see ghosts everywhere and post it out to everyone, currently Meeke is supposed to pay Citroen, Citroen isn`t safe (although that current crash would wreck every car similarly and in the end all C3 crashes have a "happy-ending") and is such a bad car that some old bloke with a codriver, most definitely enjoying his cuisine, comes and posts Top 3 times, even leads for a while. They aren`t perfect, like me or you, but this is nonsense.

[mknight]

I would've lost my bet... Citroen are planning for 2019 WRC !

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136515/citroen-plans-ogier-return-talks-for-2019


Well for 2018 they had 1 main goal:

"Widen the operational window" = make the car work in different conditions. I would say that speed/performances in Sweden, Mexico, Argentina and Portugal (looking both at Meeke and other drivers) did seem to confirm that there is an improvement.

This gets them into a better position for getting drivers for 2019 than they were last year. For Ogier I think Matton leaving is also a plus.

That does still not mean they will get any or that they will actually continue. Some of this could be PR stuff to keep interest up before pulling out.

[ESTR]

Because you see ghosts everywhere and post it out to everyone, currently Meeke is supposed to pay Citroen, Citroen isn`t safe (although that current crash would wreck every car similarly and in the end all C3 crashes have a "happy-ending") and is such a bad car that some old bloke with a codriver, most definitely enjoying his cuisine, comes and posts Top 3 times, even leads for a while. They aren`t perfect, like me or you, but this is nonsense.

Don't cry, it's just arabian Citroen.

[N.O.T]

I would've lost my bet... Citroen are planning for 2019 WRC !

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136515/citroen-plans-ogier-return-talks-for-2019

by david evans...

lol...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

by david evans...

lol...

Budar actually...
"You can imagine in our situation we are going to consider all of the opportunities to have a new driver.

"If you tell me Ogier is on the market and Ogier can be interested by Citroen then, of course, I would be interested in Sebastien Ogier. That's for sure.

"But we have to consider all the opportunities. We have to define our driver line-up for next year."

[Rally Power]

Budar actually...
"You can imagine in our situation we are going to consider all of the opportunities to have a new driver.
"If you tell me Ogier is on the market and Ogier can be interested by Citroen then, of course, I would be interested in Sebastien Ogier. That's for sure.
"But we have to consider all the opportunities. We have to define our driver line-up for next year."


At least Budar sounds wiser than Matton: they aren’t exclusively betting on Ogier and they’re aware that signing him can only be possible IF he’s interested.

Again, after having a test unreasonably refused and seeing Loeb, the archrival, taking the spotlights while Matton was trying to convince Ogier to become Citroen lead driver, how can he still be interested? Sometimes it’s not only about the car or the money; it’s also about respect, and Citroen failed to show it.

The positive side of the story is really the prospect of Citroen still being there in 2019. Fingers crossed.

[ESTR]

Of course Ogier will not be interested in it. Why would he start all over again. Look where he got M-Sport, they will get upgrades and if he wanted to leave the team he wouldn't bother to improve the car at first.

[mknight]

Of course Ogier will not be interested in it. Why would he start all over again. Look where he got M-Sport, they will get upgrades and if he wanted to leave the team he wouldn't bother to improve the car at first.

How about he's improving the car to win the title this year? Not like he is leading now is he.

[COD]

i dont think Huttunen is ready for wrc.

Not yet. Needs experience on both 4wd car and WRC events. But he has talent. Unfortunately unreliable car not giving him the experiece he needs. Mistakes also, but at that stage of career, they are inevitable

[AMSS]

How about he's improving the car to win the title this year? Not like he is leading now is he.

That was actually one interesting part of the article, that an important engine upgrade will come but not until 2019

[dupanton]

If I was Citroën, I would keep Breen and get Tidemand + an experienced driver. Sordo might be a good one, for feedback on the car, helping the young guns and getting constant good results.

[ESTR]

Two cars are cheaper than three. And third one must be always free for arab

[Franky]

But titles don't come cheap

[AnttiL]

This was an interesting part


Budar will assess Craig Breen and Mads Ostberg as a potential line-up moving forward.

Breen remains under contract and will now likely tackle all remaining 2018 rounds, having originally been due to miss Rally Catalunya for the final part of Sebastien Loeb's three-event comeback.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen admits his first full WRC season with Hyundai has been a "nightmare" so far, but has reason to believe Italy this week will be his turning point:

https://t.co/gOBLIusTbS

[mknight]

Mikkelsen admits his first full WRC season with Hyundai has been a "nightmare" so far, but has reason to believe Italy this week will be his turning point:

https://t.co/gOBLIusTbS

Well the contrast with the 3 rallies in Hyundai last year has been huge. In Spain he led after gravel first day, same in Australia before double-puncture, in GB he was 4th with best saturday leg after Evans.
This year only Sweden was good. On gravel he has only shown speed in short sections here and there.

Really hard to see how the car has changed so much in those 2-3 months of break.


Anyway he has never done well in Italy, so I don't expect much.

[Lead]

Mikkelsen admits his first full WRC season with Hyundai has been a "nightmare" so far, but has reason to believe Italy this week will be his turning point:

https://t.co/gOBLIusTbS

He forgot to mention that his speed on tarmac is even worse than on gravel.
You should be pissed when you see your teammate (who is not doing even full season) and a guy with first full season behind wrc car ahead of you in overall standings midway through the season.
Its the last moment for him to wake up, or he can already write off this season.

[RS]

Much as I like Craig, a Breen/Ostberg lineup for Citroen is pretty underwhelming.

As 2nd and 3rd drivers ok..

[AnttiL]

Much as I like Craig, a Breen/Ostberg lineup for Citroen is pretty underwhelming.

As 2nd and 3rd drivers ok..

Yes, they are good second drivers but not rally winners.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes, they are good second drivers but not rally winners.

Exactly. That's why I dont see any point Citroen continuing in 2019 unless they go all out and sign Ogier.

But if he's happy at M-Sport then ...

[racerx1979]

The weirdest rumor to come out of my circle is that Toyota is interested in Meeke for 2019.

I for one don’t know who he would replace or maybe he will run a 4th car like what Nasser was planning to do?

I’m surprised Toyota is interested...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen admits his first full WRC season with Hyundai has been a "nightmare" so far, but has reason to believe Italy this week will be his turning point:

https://t.co/gOBLIusTbS

Maybe the Polo flattered him, or he was so used to it that he's found it really hard to adapt with the i20.

I think he will get better once he's comfortable.

[mknight]

Maybe the Polo flattered him, or he was so used to it that he's found it really hard to adapt with the i20.

I think he will get better once he's comfortable.

The really weird thing for me is the difference between the 3 rallies in i20 in 2017 and start of 2018.

If you meant only tarmac with your comment then, he also did well on tarmac in C3 in Germany. On the other hand I20 did well on tarmac only in Corsica last year (this year even Neuville struggled).

[mknight]

The weirdest rumor to come out of my circle is that Toyota is interested in Meeke for 2019.

I for one don’t know who he would replace or maybe he will run a 4th car like what Nasser was planning to do?

I’m surprised Toyota is interested...

I'm quite surprised as well. I can't see whom he should replace? Obviously not Tanak. Compared with Latvala they are about the same, so don't see what's to gain. Lappi is not (yet) as fast on some events, but dropping him now when he is just going up would be insane.

4th car? With the current points system and nomination of only 3 cars there is mostly not much to gain from that (ex. Sordo in Portugal didn't really help Hyundai in any of the 2 championships).

[AnttiL]

The weirdest rumor to come out of my circle is that Toyota is interested in Meeke for 2019.

Tommi Mäkinen has denied these rumors here https://www.hs.fi/urheilu/art-2000005701026.html?ref=rss

[Tarmop]

Well, he also denied Tänak-related rumors last year...although that decision was logical, unlike this.

[AnttiL]

Well, he also denied Tänak-related rumors last year...although that decision was logical, unlike this.

Hmm, I would need to check back some old articles but I remember him always giving a politician's answer like "of course we are interested in all fast drivers but we haven't decided anything yet" when asked about Tänak, and it was Tänak himself who denied it just weeks before announcing the deal on his blog. But here Mäkinen is more abruptly straight than usually saying that "Autosport's information is incorrect. Meeke is not coming to the team".

EDIT: Here's an example of that https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000005303339.html
"– Tuollaiset kuljettajat ovat aina meidän ehdokaslistallamme. Kyllä meidän täytyy katsella voittajia, jos haluamme pärjätä, Mäkinen sanoi Tänakista" --> "That kind of drivers are always on our candidate list. We must look into winners if we want to do well, said Mäkinen about Tänak"

EDIT2: David Evans also wrote about Tänak rejecting Toyota, like he now wrote about Toyota being interested in Meeke https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/132060/tanak-set-to-reject-toyota-and-stay-at-msport

[RS]

I'm quite surprised as well. I can't see whom he should replace? Obviously not Tanak. Compared with Latvala they are about the same, so don't see what's to gain.

Well despite 'excessive amount of crashing' Meeke does have more points than Latvala this year in a car which is probably not as good as the Toyota.

But I don't see Tommi dropping a Finn for Meeke either..

[pantealex]

Exactly. That's why I dont see any point Citroen continuing in 2019 unless they go all out and sign Ogier.

But if he's happy at M-Sport then ...

IF (strong if) Ogier is going to Citroen. Do you see any point of M-Sport continuing?
M-Sport would also have only those "good second drivers but not rally winners" ;)

[mknight]

IF (strong if) Ogier is going to Citroen. Do you see any point of M-Sport continuing?
M-Sport would also have only those "good second drivers but not rally winners" ;)

There is a difference though.

M-Sport is there to make money/living. Sure WRC is probably not where they make most, but they use knowledge/advertising from there to get money from other areas (R5 sales++).

Citroen sport is there to get publicity (which usually comes from good results, or from Loeb driving).

[spiderem]

IF (strong if) Ogier is going to Citroen. Do you see any point of M-Sport continuing?
M-Sport would also have only those "good second drivers but not rally winners" ;)

to me it sounds like it is exactly the point of M-Sport continuing. Haven't they always been there season after season despite lower lineup (Ostberg Camilli for exemple wasn't the dream team)?
somehow I don't see them stopping any time soon

[macebig]

M Sport didn't stop during 2014-2015, without sponsors and with minimal support from Ford. Do you really believe they will stop now?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yep, M-Sport is a rally/racing business and WRC is the place to be to promote the other cars they run and SELL (R5, R2's etc).

And anyway I dont see Ogier moving.

[Norm75]

Well despite 'excessive amount of crashing' Meeke does have more points than Latvala this year in a car which is probably not as good as the Toyota.

But I don't see Tommi dropping a Finn for Meeke either..
I don't see Kris going to Toyota either. From what I have read, sordo is not so keen on doing full season anymore.

Paddon might be interested in Citroen, if they are interested in him that would free up a slot at Hyundai for a possible half season. Think that would be Kris' only real opportunity.

As for the whole Meeke excessive amount of crashes statement, given he has scored in 4 out of 6 rallies, crashed because of co driver error, it is only really the Portugal incident this year. Kinda feel Citroen have over reacted. Go to any race track, and there are notices on display, stating that Motorsport is dangerous and death or serious injury can happen. These notices are aimed at spectators, as well as competitors.
If Citroen are really that worried, they could pack in rally and go do the redbull soapbox series instead. May be a little safer :)

[stefanvv]

As for the whole Meeke excessive amount of crashes statement, given he has scored in 4 out of 6 rallies, crashed because of co driver error, it is only really the Portugal incident this year. Kinda feel Citroen have over reacted.

That's just excuse for the public. The real reason we'll never know. But considering his "record" this year isn't impressive is it? Ogier has same amount of crashes and still has 3 1st places

[Rally Power]

I don't see Kris going to Toyota either. From what I have read, sordo is not so keen on doing full season anymore.

Paddon might be interested in Citroen, if they are interested in him that would free up a slot at Hyundai for a possible half season. Think that would be Kris' only real opportunity.

It looks like it, but why can’t Toyota also try a shared 3rd car, between Latvala and Meeke? With Tanak as leading driver and Lappi getting more experienced, Latvala chances to become WDC are weakening, no matter how hard he tries. Maybe a shorter programme, providing less pressure and more time to prepare his favourite rallys (like Sordo is now doing) would be good for him.



Exactly. That's why I dont see any point Citroen continuing in 2019 unless they go all out and sign Ogier.

Without Ogier they still can be competitive if they enter Paddon or Tidemand (or both!) alongside Breen and Ostberg. Above all let’s hope they resist to bring Lefebvre or Camilli…

[Norm75]

That's just excuse for the public. The real reason we'll never know. But considering his "record" this year isn't impressive is it? Ogier has same amount of crashes and still has 3 1st places

Yes, I know it is, pretty much everyone knows it is too which is why it is lame excuse. To be fair to Kris, he's had his share of bad luck, picking up punctures while leading or in podium positions. It's not all his fault, but bad luck does seem to follow him around.

[Norm75]

That's just excuse for the public. The real reason we'll never know. But considering his "record" this year isn't impressive is it? Ogier has same amount of crashes and still has 3 1st places

Yes, I know it is, pretty much everyone knows it is too which is why it is lame excuse. To be fair to Kris, he's had his share of bad luck, picking up punctures while leading or in podium positions. It's not all his fault, but bad luck does seem to follow him around.

[AnttiL]

In Monte Meeke spun and reversed into a ditch and went into a snowbank. In Sweden again into a snowbank. In Mexico clipped a plant pot and put the car on its side in the ditch. Corsica was Paul's mistake, but then again he's a part of the team and they both were sacked. A bit more than Ogier's small mistake in Portugal. And obviously it's not just this year but all of last year's wrecks.

[Norm75]

Yes Monte mistake but still a reasonable result and 17 points in the bag. Plant pot cost him what, half a second?
Pretty much half the field went into a snow bank in Sweden, yes Meeke has made a few mistakes but it's often the case that the punishment didn't fit the crime.

But yes, as a Meeke fan, often watching and waiting for something to happen!

[danon]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2018/06/06/citroen-plant-erneut-mit-sebastien-ogier/
Dream car thread recall...
https://s5.postimg.cc/9xzdcs32f/o_C.jpg

[AnttiL]

It's good to hear that Citroen's program for 2019 and 2020 is confirmed

[ESTR]

That's just excuse for the public. The real reason we'll never know. But considering his "record" this year isn't impressive is it? Ogier has same amount of crashes and still has 3 1st places

Money is their issue. Wrecked cars are costing them too much. Safety is just an excuse for the public so they don't sound like cheapstakes

[stefanvv]

Money is their issue. Wrecked cars are costing them too much. Safety is just an excuse for the public so they don't sound like cheapstakes

Yes could be. But also the Loeb outings has revealed the car has potential which Meeke didn't utilize. I believe they believe Meeke has reached his maximum and there is no more to require from him. Breen still has room for improvement.

[wrc2017]

Yes could be. But also the Loeb outings has revealed the car has potential which Meeke didn't utilize. I believe they believe Meeke has reached his maximum and there is no more to require from him. Breen still has room for improvement.
Loeb had a 50% crash rate on his 2 rallys.
He was on a wing and a prayer to try and win each rally. Meeke was try to keep in championship hunt. 2 different mind sets and they were separted by a handful of seconds.. Both Loeb & Meeke maximum is the potential to win any rally they enter Breen, Otsberg and in reality, the car.. are soooo far off that position.. that the rest of this year is damage limitation..

[wrc2017]

Money is their issue. Wrecked cars are costing them too much. Safety is just an excuse for the public so they don't sound like cheapstakes


If I believe what I heared the pre event test for Citroen, without Meeke was a severe reality check. Confirmed by Breens comments.

Budier is trying to spin the situation with Ogier rumour and 2019/20 wishy washy comments to deflect what was a complete PR disaster.

In reality no-one is going to put the car where Meeke or Loeb between now and end of the year.. so why will Ogier risk his career stepping into a car that is fundamentally flawed, and team that isn't fully commitmented, with a car that will likely only get a fluke of a podium between now and year end. In fact why would any other driver do so?

I wouldnt like to be in Breens shoes... He hasn't exactly had an exemilary damage record that last 3 or 4 events... How will Citroen react is Breen put it on its roof?

[stefanvv]

Loeb had a 50% crash rate on his 2 rallys.

Yes, totally forgot about that. But he is like "100" years old, his reactions are getting slower, and it's not like Meeke is coming to his prime either, soon he'll be as old as Loeb in 2013.

[sollitt]

That's just excuse for the public. The real reason we'll never know. ...There's a lot of talk here about money, image, the cost of repairing cars etc... But there's been no talk of the wider implications of allowing Meeke to continue to compete and to continue to risk lives.
Yes, there is risk inherent in rallying. But it's managed and calculated risk. When you stop managing risk, and allow known dangers to go unchecked, surely you are culpable when things go wrong?
However high the esteem in which we regard Meeke as a sportsman, he is still an employee of a company and they surely have both legal and moral responsibilities to ensure his safety and that of others who may be affected by his actions.
If you had a forklift driver working in your warehouse who had a propensity to run into things, knock things over and endanger life and limb, would you continue to employ them in that role?
If you had a builder who was always dropping their tools and materials or falling off scaffolding, would you keep sending them up the ladder?
It's been suggested already on this forum that the decree to dismiss Meeke came from higher up than team management.
Is it not possible, or even likely, that the parent company management have seen the results of the Portugal crash, which could very easily have involved fatalities, and determined that there is strong evidence of a pattern which is heading for disaster and that the risk is too great ... both to life and the company chequebook?

[stefanvv]

There's a lot of talk here about money, image, the cost of repairing cars etc... But there's been no talk of the wider implications of allowing Meeke to continue to compete and to continue to risk lives.
Yes, there is risk inherent in rallying. But it's managed and calculated risk. When you stop managing risk, and allow known dangers to go unchecked, surely you are culpable when things go wrong?
However high the esteem in which we regard Meeke as a sportsman, he is still an employee of a company and they surely have both legal and moral responsibilities to ensure his safety and that of others who may be affected by his actions.
If you had a forklift driver working in your warehouse who had a propensity to run into things, knock things over and endanger life and limb, would you continue to employ them in that role?
If you had a builder who was always dropping their tools and materials or falling off scaffolding, would you keep sending them up the ladder?
It's been suggested already on this forum that the decree to dismiss Meeke came from higher up than team management.
Is it not possible, or even likely, that the parent company management have seen the results of the Portugal crash, which could very easily have involved fatalities, and determined that there is strong evidence of a pattern which is heading for disaster and that the risk is too great ... both to life and the company chequebook?

As You said there is always risk in Rally, at any point the things can go terribly wrong. We're all aware of that, and it's not like the Group B days will return with those fatalities. As for the image, they already had the maximum of the situation, like "look how strong and safe our cars are, the crew escaped uninjured from this heavy crash". Costly, yes certainly, but no matter the costs and risks, there is no reason to continue like this for what gain - 1-2 victories for the whole season, and that with all the advantage the rally can give like road position, etc. It's simply not worthy.

[Franky]

If I believe what I heared the pre event test for Citroen, without Meeke was a severe reality check. Confirmed by Breens comments.

Seems that I've missed something. Could you elaborate?

[AnttiL]

Seems that I've missed something. Could you elaborate?

That Meeke has the best experience on setuping C3 and without him as a reference it's supposedly difficult. It's a place of growing for Breen.

[racerx1979]

Could be difficult or it can turn out that it may be better when the team is setting up the car based on comments by Breen and Ostberg. Although I remember Loeb saying his set up was not much different than Meeke, so it would seem that Meeke had good knowledge of setting up the C3.

[TWRC]

Could be difficult or it can turn out that it may be better when the team is setting up the car based on comments by Breen and Ostberg. Although I remember Loeb saying his set up was not much different than Meeke, so it would seem that Meeke had good knowledge of setting up the C3.
Meeke's setup for the DS3 was very similar to Loeb's, as supposedly they have similar styles, so this could be the case with the C3 as well. And maybe you are right, in Sweden Breen went by what Ostberg said, and they both were much faster than Meeke. We will see.

[jbmarcus21]

@RallyRACC revealed today 2018 road program include 18 stages (331.78kms) + Barcelona's super special stage return .. Full details ► http://bit.ly/2sLV7z6

[AnttiL]

@RallyRACC revealed today 2018 road program include 18 stages (331.78kms) + Barcelona's super special stage return .. Full details ► http://bit.ly/2sLV7z6

New stage names for gravel stages, but looks like they are using the same roads, reversed with some changes. Pesells and Gandesa were used in 2014. Now there's more weight on gravel than last year.

[MartijnS]

Pesells has been a while.

[ESTR]

Rumours about Paddon in C3 in Finland?

Not a long ago it was said that Hyundai would send four cars in the field for Finlandia but then they said that this is not true.

Quite logical if they want to bring Sordo in. Maybe they want to get rid of Paddon? I don't know

[EstWRC]

Drinking ?

[N.O.T]

Rumours about Paddon in C3 in Finland?

Not a long ago it was said that Hyundai would send four cars in the field for Finlandia but then they said that this is not true.

Quite logical if they want to bring Sordo in. Maybe they want to get rid of Paddon? I don't know

kid... stop posting.

[ESTR]

kid... stop posting.

I'm NOT asking you. I'm asking someone who have more details about it.

[tommeke_B]

@ESTR, not for joking now. Are you in some way related to "Barreis" who used this forum quite frequently some time ago?

[AnttiL]

Hyundai entering four cars to Finland was an admin error. Paddon is entered and Sordo not, like planned.

[Sulland]

Rumours about Paddon in C3 in Finland?

Not a long ago it was said that Hyundai would send four cars in the field for Finlandia but then they said that this is not true.

Quite logical if they want to bring Sordo in. Maybe they want to get rid of Paddon? I don't know

Why C3?
Or do you mean i20 R5?

[ESTR]

It is circling around about Paddon and Citroen. But I don't know how they could allow to drive for different manu while signed for the whole season. Maybe it's just because they start following him and people assume it's something like that.

I'm curious especially because I think that this will not be a good move if it's really happen. Seems that he is start to adapt to this new i20, little late but if he go away he will need to start all over again.

[wrc2017]

It is circling around about Paddon and Citroen. But I don't know how they could allow to drive for different manu while signed for the whole season. Maybe it's just because they start following him and people assume it's something like that.

I'm curious especially because I think that this will not be a good move if it's really happen. Seems that he is start to adapt to this new i20, little late but if he go away he will need to start all over again.

Paddon is most likely bringing money from Hyundai NZ, so he is not getting paid. He might get a free drive with Citroen. He knows his days are most likely numbered at Hyundai, but to be honest, it will be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Also, Finland wouldn't be the place to go to to learn the car... putting it in the trees will end his career.

[rallyfiend]

Paddon is most likely bringing money from Hyundai NZ, so he is not getting paid. He might get a free drive with Citroen. He knows his days are most likely numbered at Hyundai, but to be honest, it will be jumping from the frying pan into the fire. Also, Finland wouldn't be the place to go to to learn the car... putting it in the trees will end his career.

Paddon for sure is getting paid - and well paid - at Hyundai.

To think any other way is naive.

[wrc2017]

Paddon for sure is getting paid - and well paid - at Hyundai.

To think any other way is naive.

by the importer maybe

[rallyfiend]

I'm sure he gets money from them as well, but for sure he's on a nice contract from Hyundai motorsport, too.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Has anyone stopped to think that perhaps Hyundai have developed some more transmission options for their car than were available last year and that they may have recently introduced them which is why Sordo, Mikklesen and Paddon now find the car more drivable and that is why Neuville is more consistent.

[dimviii]

In the last days in the Assistance Park of Alghero, home of the Rally Italia Sardegna 2018, rumors have emerged regarding Citroen's interest in Hayden Paddon. The French team would have identified the New Zealander as the ideal driver to replace the fired Kris Meeke.
The choice of what will become the first pilot of the Satory team will be made in the next two weeks, as stated by Citroen team principal, Pierre Budar. In the last few hours Michel Nandan, Hyundai Motorsport team principal, put a brake on the track that would have brought Paddon to Satory.
Read also:
Citroen looks to the future: replacing Meeke is looking for Hayden Paddon
The Alzenau team has unveiled at Motorsport.com that it has no intention of depriving itself of Paddon during this season. "What I can say is that all our drivers are under the Hyundai contract, so it seems a bit difficult for me to think we can let Paddon go."
Nandan has added to the price, saying that he will not let Hayden go even if he were to ask if he could go away to play all the remaining races of the season: "Other teams may have interest in Paddon, but it's a bit difficult that He could go away, and even if he were to ask him to leave, it would be impossible. "
Uncertainty about the number of pilots for 2019
If Nandan was categorical for 2018, the situation is different for the next season. It is certain that the Korean team will not be able to deploy 4 official cars for all 4 drivers for reasons related to the budget.
"We still have to make a decision about our drivers for the next season, but what we are sure is that we will not be able to field four cars.
It is so interesting to see which direction Nandan and members will take: confirm all 4 drivers (remembering that Andreas Mikkelsen can claim a contract for next season) or choose three for the same number of cars?
"We will not go beyond the 3 cars and we still do not know if we will continue with a management of 4 drivers for three cars or if we will make the conventional 3 cars with as many drivers".

https://ch-it.motorsport.com/wrc/news/hyundai-nandan-blocca-paddon-ha-un-contratto-e-impossibile-che-vada-via/3120965/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-ALL&utm_term=News&utm_content=ch_it

[ESTR]

Thank god..

Now next thing.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/136701/wrc-drivers-want-tupid-artificial-jumps-banned

It says 'drivers' when only two drivers complain and guess, one of those two is Ogier... Ott clearly break the car but that's the part of championship that you need to control jumps, am I right?

[EstWRC]

no, you are wrong again like always


so Paddon to Citroen in 2019 rumours starting already, didnt take a long time, eh?

Like Nandan says they cant afford 4 cars for a full season. So either Sordo retires or Paddon goes to Citroen then.

i think Sordo said somewhere that he isnt interested anymore doing a full season?

[jbmarcus21]

Up and Down ! We are now in 2018 #WRC Mid-Season .. Special review to read here ► http://bit.ly/2MoeeIe

[spiderem]

Hum it will be interesting at the end of the season, to see how Hyundai will manage in terms of championship in case of last rally decider.
What is more important for them, manufacturer or driver? We may see the same situation as Loeb / Citroen in 2003.
Food for thoughts.
The summer break is already too long...

[N.O.T]

Hum it will be interesting at the end of the season, to see how Hyundai will manage in terms of championship in case of last rally decider.
What is more important for them, manufacturer or driver? We may see the same situation as Loeb / Citroen in 2003.
Food for thoughts.
The summer break is already too long...

canada... the drivers is more important, plus Fords lineup is nothing for the manufacturers, they only have Mr kaiser the manufacturers one will be over soon.

[spiderem]

canada... the drivers is more important, plus Fords lineup is nothing for the manufacturers, they only have Mr kaiser the manufacturers one will be over soon.

I know how little you value Toyota, but i wouldn't rule out the manufacturer yet... The hyundai is not the most reliable either (Mikkelsen), and toyota have some strong rallys comming (Finland my guess is on a 1-2 toyota, tarmac they will be strong too).

[mknight]

Yes Toyota could easily go 1-2-3 in Finland with the unlimited testing next to their HQ there. Almost did that least year with Lappi driving there first time in WRC and with Haninen.
Then again they can totally fail like Citroen did this year in Corsica.

For Suninen and Evans Finland was also probably their strongest rally last year (discounting DMACK).
Hyundai didn't had the pace, Paddon's comeback isn't really working well and Mikkelsen has usually been weak in Finland.

If Hyundai drops 30 points there it might be tough for manu title.

Germany depends on whether they sort tarmac car, Spain even more so. I don't expect miracles. GB and Australia were both strong from Hyundai last year. Turkey might end as an interesting joker.

[GigiGalliNo1]

no, you are wrong again like always


so Paddon to Citroen in 2019 rumours starting already, didnt take a long time, eh?

Like Nandan says they cant afford 4 cars for a full season. So either Sordo retires or Paddon goes to Citroen then.

i think Sordo said somewhere that he isnt interested anymore doing a full season?

Not a chance, spoke to both Paddon and Marshall. Not interested.

[wrc2017]

Not a chance, spoke to both Paddon and Marshall. Not interested.

If Paddon is not interested, they are unlikely to get any top line driver.
Ogier could go there, but could end up like Alonso in a McLaren.
At least when Meeke was there, they could say the car was was quick,
Its looking more like it was driver that was quick, and the car not.
What Nevilles current contract status with Hyundai?
Honestly feel Citroen will end up PAYG rally team.

[GravelBen]

Paddon's comeback isn't really working well

He's only had 3 WRC rallies so far this year - 5th in Sweden (just pipped for 4th by Lappi in powerstage IIRC), 4th in Sardinia and was leading in Portugal when he crashed avoiding a rock on the line.

While its not quite the podiums/wins he's wanting, I don't think its bad at all considering the lack of time in the car? I don't think he even got to test before Sardinia.

It will be interesting to see how he goes in Finland, he is usually fast there but was pretty unlucky last year with rocks.

[AnttiL]

I also think Paddon is lacking the pace we would expect. In Sardegna he was taking it easy because of the Portugal injuries?

[GravelBen]

I also think Paddon is lacking the pace we would expect. In Sardegna he was taking it easy because of the Portugal injuries?

He was winning stages and leading the rally at times in Portugal so obviously not lacking pace there.

He did seem to be taking it gently on the jumps and rougher stuff in Sardegna which may be injury related, but also Friday conditions weren't good for his late road position with the mud, and then 3rd on the road when it was dry on Saturday probably wasn't likely to produce top times either - just the way it goes with conditions sometimes. A few different factors, small amounts of time that all add up.

[KiwiWRCfan]

German rally website suggests 14 events likely in 2019 #WRC calendar.
Test days for each team could be reduced from 55 days to 30 days per year https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/d/2018/06/12/deutliche-reduzierung-der-testtage-geplant/

[Franky]

Why are the regulations so anti-testing in the top end of the motorsport? The teams would spend that money anyway trying to find the extra advantage. Be it simulations or whatever ways they'll find