Silly Season 2019

[seb_sh]

I was reading the news and rumors thread and this silly season is getting quite silly. I haven't closely followed who is contracted where but from what i know the only confirmed contracts are Mikkelsen with Hyundai and Tanak with Toyota. So that means it's quite open.

Apart from that, from what remember reading Neuville is negotiating with Hyundai which makes sense. Other than that the permutations are so many I won't even bother listing them all but it seems every member from here has a different idea of who will go where and why. I thought we might have some fun and try to predict the contracts. Anyway, i'll just put my predictions here:

Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo/Suninen
Toyota: Tanak, Lappi, Latvala
Ford: Paddon, Evans
Citroen: Ogier, Breen, Ostberg/Loeb

What are your predictions for the 2019 lineups?

[Tarmop]

Toyota is rumoured for 1 change, Hyundai has enough of average drivers, so a learner would not make much sense. Paddon has a close relationship with Hyundai NZ and has other reasons why his only option should be Hyundai.

And season 2019 rumours thread actually exists and covers it all pretty much.

[ESTR]

Hyundai: Neuville, Paddon, Mikkelsen
M-Sport: Meeke, Evans, Suninen
Toyota: Tanak, Lappi, Latvala
Citroen: Ogier, Sordo, Breen/Ostberg

[pantealex]

No changes for 2019.

[Hartusvuori]

No changes for 2019.

Except Ogier and what that leads to.

[pantealex]

Except Ogier and what that leads to.

Yes, if he decides to change or quit

[dupanton]

Hyundai: Neuville - Mikkelsen - Paddon
Toyota: Tanak - Lappi - Latvala
Ford: Sordo - Evans - Suninen
Citroën: Breen - Ostberg - Loeb/Al Qasimmi rotation

Ogier to DTM or something

[rp]

Hyundai: Neuville , Mikkelsen, Paddon, Sordo
Toyota: Tänak, Lappi, Meeke
Ford: Ogier, Evans, Suninen
Citroën: Latvala, Breen, Ostberg

[spiderem]

M-Sport: Latvala, Mikkelsen, Suninen
Hyundai: Ogier, Neuville, Paddon
Citroen: Sordo, Breen, Ostberg
Toyota: Tanak, Lappi, Meeke

[Allez Andruet]

No changes for 2019.

One would guess it's beginning to look more and more likely. Quite lame though, if it goes that way. That would make it three seasons with the new cars with Tänak switching from M-Sport to TGR being the only major move (ok, maybe free-agent Mikkelsen joining Hyundai could be considered as one as well).

[Marcco]

M-Sport: Latvala, Mikkelsen, Suninen
Hyundai: Ogier, Neuville, Paddon
Citroen: Sordo, Breen, Ostberg
Toyota: Tanak, Lappi, Meeke

Mikkelsen has contract at Hyunday for next year ;)

[racerx1979]

He does, but Paddon and Sordo were also under contract for 2018 and they shared a car. Mikkelsen could be sharing a car next year...

[ESTR]

He does, but Paddon and Sordo were also under contract for 2018 and they shared a car. Mikkelsen could be sharing a car next year...

True it can happen this year already. They said it to publicity at the start of the season that no one is safe from sharing a seat, even Neuville (but that won't happen because he is in great fight for title).

[spiderem]

Mikkelsen has contract at Hyunday for next year ;)

tell this to Meeke :) contracts can be broken

[Toyoda]

Heart:
Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo
Toyota: Tänak, Paddon, Latvala
Ford: Ogier, Suninen, Meeke, Evans
Citroën: Lappi, Breen, Ostberg


Head:
Hyundai: Neuville , Mikkelsen, Sordo
Toyota: Tänak, Latvala, Ogier
Ford: Evans, Suninen, Paddon
Citroën: Lappi, Breen, Ostberg, Loeb

[Rallyper]

Head:

Huyndai: Neuville, Paddon, Sordo
Toyota: Tanak, Lappi, Latvala
Citroen: Ogier, Breen, Ostberg
Ford: Suninen, Tidemand, (Meeke)

[Marcco]

Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo
Toyota: Tänak, Lappi, Latvala
Ford: Paddon, Evans, Suninen
Citroën: Ogier, Breen, Ostberg

[BobJones]

M-Sport Ford: Ogier, Evans, Suninen
Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Sordo/Paddon
Toyota: Tanak, Latvala, Lappi
Citroen: Breen, Ostberg, Al Qassimi

Yup, same as 2017 could well happen if everyone snubs Citroen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

tell this to Meeke :) contracts can be broken

Meeke is still under contract, he just isnt driving.

[AnttiL]

I wouldn't make it a single prediction, more like scenarios.

1. Ogier stays at M-Sport

Pretty much everyone will stay where they are. Citroen will be left without a number one driver and Abu Dhabi will take their money off. Unless they manage to get someone like Lappi or Sordo.

2. Ogier goes to Citroen

In this case M-Sport would now be left without a number one driver. As Colin Clark suggests, maybe Kris Meeke could be an option for them, but can the old burnt bridges be rebuilt? Would M-Sport try to get Lappi or Sordo as well?

3. Ogier goes to Toyota

This would be quite bad for the sport, but we must accept that it could be realistic. In this case Lappi would go to Citroen, but M-Sport would again be short of a winning driver, would they again try Meeke?

Citroen and Toyota might want Neuville as well, but I have a feeling he's going nowhere. We could also speculate about Hyundai's future. If Sordo goes, Paddon could just be put in the car for a full season, but they would need a tarmac specialist. Maybe Kopecky?

I would like to see Tidemand in a WRC car. At the same time, futures of Evans, Østberg and Breen might be uncertain with the pace and results they've shown this season, so there could be a chance for him? His manager has said it's not sensible to rent a WRC car for pace showing, but I think he should just try out with the possibility of showing pace like Suninen in 2017.

[ESTR]

You completely forgot about Latvala. He could go to M-Sport or even Citroen. Just asside of him that he is too much obsessed with being number 1 driver and have huge pressure on his shoulders, instead he could just drive, have fun and show what he is capable of.

Then Meeke he is fast but unreliable but what do you know if he would be the same in another car.. I would like to see him somewhere else just to find out.

Ogier probably will stay where he is or go to Shittyroen. Hyundai and Toyota have each big names written on side windows already. They don't need him.

The real threat have Paddon, Breen and Evans (but I think he will stay at M-Sport). Especially for Paddon if Sordo now wants full programme and will stay at Hyundai, Pad will be cut off. Hmm Breen is unlucky I think. My guess is that Citroen people will be agin only with two cars and retired old fella will step in just for fun and steal him seat again (let's not forget about Ostberg is trying to get a seat for next year too and have shown better speed than him). But all three could lost a seat and don't go anywhere else.

[pantealex]

1. Ogier stays at M-Sport

Unless they manage to get someone like Lappi or Sordo.

2. Ogier goes to Citroen

Would M-Sport try to get Lappi or Sordo as well?

3. Ogier goes to Toyota

This would be quite bad for the sport, but we must accept that it could be realistic. In this case Lappi would go to Citroen

Why do you think that Lappi/Sordo are moving compared to JML/Paddon ? Both have been driving better than their team mate.

[AnttiL]

Based on the rumors that Citroen has been talking with Lappi and Sordo, that Japanese people at Toyota like Latvala and Paddon is tied to Hyundai NZ.

[dnb]

Would you stop calling Citroen a Shitroen, it's not respectful nor funny anymore. We've also seen them being fast

[Tauri_J]

Why do you think that Lappi/Sordo are moving compared to JML/Paddon ? Both have been driving better than their team mate.
You just answered your question yourself

[racerx1979]

I do find it interesting that nobody is talking about Breen and Ostberg. I would not be surprised if they are booted for better drivers. There is no way Citroen would keep them for a repeat mediocre season.

In fact I can see Ostberg driving an R5 in place of Lefebvre. Poor Citroen is riddled with average drivers.

[AnttiL]

I do find it interesting that nobody is talking about Breen and Ostberg. I would not be surprised if they are booted for better drivers. There is no way Citroen would keep them for a repeat mediocre season.


I just said the same ;)

[SubaruNorway]

I do find it interesting that nobody is talking about Breen and Ostberg. I would not be surprised if they are booted for better drivers. There is no way Citroen would keep them for a repeat mediocre season.

In fact I can see Ostberg driving an R5 in place of Lefebvre. Poor Citroen is riddled with average drivers.

Mads and Torstein picked up brand new Citroen's the other day, probably a sign of good chances for a new contract i guess. Holding off Latvala in Finland finishing closer to Tänak than Neuville did in Germany. Does that make Neuville, Latvala and Lappi mediocre also then...?

[dimviii]

In fact I can see Ostberg driving an R5 in place of Lefebvre.

how you will demonstrate your new r5 capabilities at asphalt with Ostberg?
wrong solution.
the right solution is Meeke,but they prefere to hold him.

[AnttiL]

I agree that Citroen needs more capable drivers for the R5. And M-Sport should upgrade Fiesta R5. The Skodomination in WRC2 needs some change.

[racerx1979]

Get over it man. Meeke will never go to Citroen. He wrecked 1/2 of their budget.. literally.

Ostberg brings sponsors and money. They could care less about his average Tarmac pace. He's already said he was interested in purchasing an R5 C3

[racerx1979]

Mads and Torstein picked up brand new Citroen's the other day, probably a sign of good chances for a new contract i guess. Holding off Latvala in Finland finishing closer to Tänak than Neuville did in Germany. Does that make Neuville, Latvala and Lappi mediocre also then...?

He is fast, you're Norwegian and have every right to hang off of Mad's nut sack. I was actually cheering for Mads before Finland and was happy he did well, but lets not get ahead of ourselves. He is not going to win any championships. I would actually take Mads over Breen, but they will get rid of both drivers if they found better replacements. I don't think Citroen is giving any of those guys a raise to stay on the team like Hyundai with Nueville and M-Sport with Ogier.

You cannot base everything off of one event. Breen was third in Finland 2016 and Meeke won. Both did horrible afterwards.

I think it would be awesome to see both Mad's and Citroen do well in Turkey. I will be there watching :)

[dimviii]

Get over it man. Meeke will never go to Citroen. He wrecked 1/2 of their budget.. literally.

ok give me a better solution to demonstrate the abilities of the new c3 r5.


Ostberg brings sponsors and money. They could care less about his average Tarmac pace. He's already said he was interested in purchasing an R5 C3

they could care less? why they build a new r5 car? to give it to whom he will get sponsors?lololololol
thats not the way to do bussiness

Hyundai tries to demonstrate it with Neuville and Sordo
Skoda has Kopecky the man who dont loose.
Ford when that mattered used Hirvonen
Peugeot used Ogier

[racerx1979]

ok give me a better solution to demonstrate the abilities of the new c3 r5.

they could care less? why they build a new r5 car? to give it to whom he will get sponsors?lololololol
thats not the way to do bussiness:

Hyundai tries to demonstrate it with Neuville and Sordo
Skoda has Kopecky the man who dont loose.
Ford when that mattered used Hirvonen
Peugeot used Ogier

1. Get rid of Lefebvre.
2. Use a better driver (Mads)
3. Even better use a better driver with funding of his own (Mads).
4. Good for business :).
5. Hire you to run the business and make millions and win rallies.
6. Call Meeke and ask him if he is willing to destroy 3-4 R5's and win one rally

[ESTR]

And M-Sport should upgrade Fiesta R5.

I think they mentioned some time ago that they are working on new one, but was quiet now. Still better package then all other (even new ones) R5's. The only better is Fabia.

[dimviii]

1. Get rid of Lefebvre.
2. Use a better driver (Mads)
3. Even better use a better driver with funding of his own (Mads).
4. Good for business :).
5. Hire you to run the business and make millions and win rallies.

you dont give me solutions,just irony and stupid bla bla.

[racerx1979]

you dont give me solutions,just irony and stupid bla bla.

Because you have all the answers. I already said they do not need Meeke. Do you honestly think Meeke wants to drive an R5 car? He would hang the phone up if you called him with such an idea.

They need to replace their current line up with better drivers. Does not take a genius to see that.

[racerx1979]

I think they mentioned some time ago that they are working on new one, but was quiet now. Still better package then all other (even new ones) R5's. The only better is Fabia.

Yeah, they will release with the updated model. The new Fiesta/Focus lineup is out now.

I wonder if they will also release a new R2 with the updated facelift.

[tomhlord]

I agree that Citroen needs more capable drivers for the R5. And M-Sport should upgrade Fiesta R5. The Skodomination in WRC2 needs some change.

The VW will help change that ;)

[dimviii]

Because you have all the answers. I already said they do not need Meeke. Do you honestly think Meeke wants to drive an R5 car? He would hang the phone up if you called him with such an idea.

They need to replace their current line up with better drivers. Does not take a genius to see that.

still no solutions,just bring a ''better driver''

Who? Give me a name of driver who can demonstrate better this car abilities.

[AnttiL]

The VW will help change that ;)

I thought they won’t run a factory team

[eib1]

1. Get rid of Lefebvre.
2. Use a better driver (Mads)

It`s like replace VS cognac to VS "Special Edition" cognac
There are still VSOP, XO etc...

[steve.mandzij]

I think Breen is a quite good driver. Bear in mind he's still never done a full season.

[er88]

@Racerx1979, why would you want to keep Mads over Breen if you were running things at Citroen?

Breen at least still has potential and his whole career ahead of him. Mads is already a known quantity and will never do anything except show podium pace on a few events per season. Then a bunch of 5/6/7th place finishes.

Breen is still developing at least.

[racerx1979]

@Racerx1979, why would you want to keep Mads over Breen if you were running things at Citroen?

Breen at least still has potential and his whole career ahead of him. Mads is already a known quantity and will never do anything except show podium pace on a few events per season. Then a bunch of 5/6/7th place finishes.

Breen is still developing at least.

It all depends on who you can get. If you can get Lappi and Sordo I would keep Breen. If you can get Lappi, Sordo and Ogier well then Breen can drive an R5 car unless he gets signed elsewhere. Lappi is a lot better in my opinion and based on purely on results.

If Mads does better than Breen for the rest of the season do you keep Mads or Breen if you had a choice?

[racerx1979]

The VW will help change that ;)

Several teams already have orders for the VW. Even a gentlemen driver which I am good friends with is selling his Skoda and has placed an order for an R5.

[GravelBen]

If Sordo goes, Paddon could just be put in the car for a full season, but they would need a tarmac specialist.

I don't think they would need an extra tarmac driver. Sure its not his preferred surface, but he isn't that bad on tarmac (most often 5th or 6th which is useful points) and I think its mostly just lack of experience holding him back there which will keep improving with more time in the car. People on here talk like he's not even winning points, but I guess they used to say Latvala and Tanak couldn't drive on tarmac either.

[seb_sh]

Nice discussions, it's always fun for me to speculate on driver movements and also learned some things i didn't know before. i'm adjusting my prediction (since i started the thread i can make the rules for this prediction stuff - anything goes! :D):

Hyundai: Neuville, Mikkelsen, Paddon/Sordo
Toyota: Tanak, Lappi, Latvala
Ford: Suninen, Evans
Citroen: Ogier, Breen, Ostberg

I think Ogier has seen enough of MSport/Ford and might be lured to Citroen, especially as the car is getting better. Otherwise Citroen can be happy with Breen and Ostberg, with this line up they could fight for both titles.

Neuville is leading the championship with Hyundai and he has no reason to change so I expect an announcement soon, Mikkelsen has a contract already, Paddon apparently has strong ties to Hyundai so I guess he'll stay put while Sordo has already said he is happy with a partial programme and Hyundai can use him to showcase the R5 and he generally seems happy so I also think he stays.

Toyota will most likely stay the same, the finns are making a bit of noise but i suspect it's mostly to get a better offer. Latvala might have to accept he is not the fastest driver in the team but i'm sure he is appreciated for what he did to develop the car so most likely he will get another contract. Lappi has a good environment to grow in so i don't think he'll leave just yet, I think he realises he has a lot to learn still.

Ford is the tough one if Ogier goes but somehow there are few alternatives, they might do another rebuilding year and put pay drivers in the 3rd car. They might get Meeke in for a rally or two but not more, I think the amount of crashes Meeke has had and his age and experience means he will not get a full season drive again, unless a manufacturer with big budget comes in and needs a fast driver to attract attention. Tidemand is the elephant in the room but with Skoda's rumored return he may not be available.

[ESTR]

First thing. Sordo want to do a full season again. Paddon probably too so he will look other teams as well if he gets the chance. Ford without drivers, yeah right. And what can Suninen and Evans do. Just the same as Ostberg and Breen at Citroen right now. Maybe a podium or two and few 5th or 6th places and nothing more. Ogier I suppose isn't that stupid to risk going to Citroen. And with saying that this will be his last contract it make no sense at all to go. But contract can be 2 years or 3 so he could be in sport for a few years...

[GravelBen]

I know that Paddon would prefer to stay loyal to Hyundai if he has the option (and he helps their image in the NZ market a lot, dominating NZRC rallies in the Hyundai NZ AP4 car too) but if they only offer a half season and another team offer a full season I suspect he would take it to avoid his career stagnating.

[tr4m]

I've felt for a while now that Tommi is fed up with Latvala's mental capabilities and I just read the latest Motorsport Monday issue, where he said following:


"Asked for his thoughts on a line-up for 2019, Mäkinen said:
The Japanese are here, we will talk for the future. We make the decision together, they have their opinion. Personally, I would like to do something on the driver market, but let's see. The Japanese would like very much for Jari-Matti to continue - he has a good image in Japan. On a good day, Jari-Matti can win, but he needs to concentrate to his own work and forget others. That's the way for him to continue. I know Esapekka is still a young driver and for sure he will improve. He has some experience, but I don't know what we should do to wake him up on Friday. OK, here there was some trouble at the start of the rally, but there's no question about his speed."
Full article (http://mmuk.realviewdigital.com/?iid=161021#folio=52)

That only seems like a confirmation to me, that he'd kick Latvala out, if he could, but the Japanese won't let him.
If Japanese are really that keen to keep Latvala, no matter his results, it raises a question how interested they are in the titles? On some thread, someone told me that after their unsuccessful en-devours in f1 and struggle in WEC(?), they'd do anything to come out on top, including hiring Ogier to the team but that would be in direct conflict with keeping Latvala and his representative image.

In another note, I think what Tommi "would like to do in the driver market" is exactly kicking out Latvala and bringing in Ogier. Mostly because I haven't heard nor seen him discuss with any other driver and because looking at the results, there have not been any outstanding performances from others (for more than 1 event).

[AL14]

I know that Paddon would prefer to stay loyal to Hyundai if he has the option (and he helps their image in the NZ market a lot, dominating NZRC rallies in the Hyundai NZ AP4 car too) but if they only offer a half season and another team offer a full season I suspect he would take it to avoid his career stagnating.

I'm not a fan of half seasons, unless they are given to rookies.
If I were Hyundai I would take a definitive decision between:
1) Giving Paddon another chance with a full season
2) Giving full season to Sordo to get solid points
3) Giving a full season car to a young gun or two half season to two young guns.

[Zeakiwi]

What are the chances of 'Tommi gets what Tommi wants'? i.e Ogier to Toyota - new toyota car coming that ogier realises could be tough to win against with fiesta.
Latvala with a few contacts at VW Group - goes to Skoda gets R5 WRC2 drive on selected rounds and does the testing/ development of skoda wrc. Becomes the old hand when skoda wrc team starts competition. One of the reasons Latvala could stay at Toyota is to prevent other teams getting the yaris set up etc know how. i.e Latvala kept at toyota to develop toyota r5 and makinen brings in lowest cost fastest young finn with the strongest sisu he can find.


Joukhi pays for the empty seat at M-Sport for the next annointed flying finn back on d-mack's.

[er88]

I reckon we could get a surprise at Toyota. I know Meeke has spoken to Tommi a few times since he was "sacked", but then again he's also spoken to Hyundai about possibilities for next year. And with him being a driver without a drive that's understandable that he'd have talks with teams.

I think by the sounds of that article Tommi will want to replace Jari. But if he can't it sounds like he wouldn't be against losing Esapekka either, if he can bring in the driver he wants.

So who is that driver? I can't see it being Meeke because why would you let go of Esapekka for Meeke when one has their whole career ahead of him. So it must be Ogier that Tommi wants, but maybe the Japanese aren't keen on Seb and his apparent arrogance (although what WC doesn't come with that?).

Ogier going to Toyota wouldn't unsettle Ott either. I think he feels after last season he can beat Seb in the same machinery, and Seb would also be a year behind Tanak in knowing the Yaris and being comfortable in it.

Would make sense for Toyota to have a stunning line-up of Ogier, Tanak and Lappi (or Jari). But it'd be bad for the championship. Two of the best 3 drivers in the same team, with the best younger driver as well. As I see Lappi having more chance of becoming a world champion than Mikkelsen, Evans, Paddon, Breen and Suninen etc. It'd be a hell of team that would leave Citroen and Ford fucked in terms of a championship battle

[Rally Power]

So it must be Ogier that Tommi wants, but maybe the Japanese aren't keen on Seb (...)


Or maybe it’s the other way around: Tommi isn’t keen on Ogier but Mr. Toyoda wants him in the team. Sometimes we tend to forget that manus main aim is to become WMC and they need to get a stronger driver line up than competition in order to do it.

In 2014 VW didn’t care about Latvala personal chances to become WDC; they took him to guarantee no other manu would have a chance against them. Most likely, that’s the reason why Toyota may sign Ogier.

[sollitt]

IAs I see Lappi having more chance of becoming a world champion than Mikkelsen, Evans, Paddon, Breen and Suninen etc. It'd be a hell of team that would leave Citroen and Ford fucked in terms of a championship battleYou're really from another planet aren't you?

[er88]

You're really from another planet aren't you?If you think Lappi doesn't have more potential than the drivers I've mentioned I think you're the one with their head in the clouds.

[jbmarcus21]

Tänak & Mikkelsen under contract for 2019 but the others ?
#sillyseason ► http://bit.ly/2NtXZcR

[AnttiL]

Tänak & Mikkelsen under contract for 2019 but the others ?
#sillyseason ► http://bit.ly/2NtXZcR

What are the rumors that say Latvala and Suninen would swap seats?

[jbmarcus21]

What are the rumors that say Latvala and Suninen would swap seats?

french newspaper speak about it .... but still rumour as always ... we will see

[mknight]

If you think Lappi doesn't have more potential than the drivers I've mentioned I think you're the one with their head in the clouds.

Potential is a nice word. Fabia WRC had so much of it people were told :)
So far Lappi has shown speed, he has not shown speed combined with consistency, he might in the future, but its far from certain.
Also Tänak looked worse than just about all the drivers you mentioned until 2016.

[Oliverk]

Potential is a nice word. Fabia WRC had so much of it people were told :)
So far Lappi has shown speed, he has not shown speed combined with consistency, he might in the future, but its far from certain.
Also Tänak looked worse than just about all the drivers you mentioned until 2016.
No he didn't.

[AnttiL]

Potential is a nice word. Fabia WRC had so much of it people were told :)
So far Lappi has shown speed, he has not shown speed combined with consistency, he might in the future, but its far from certain.

It's his second WRC season, first full one. How many drivers were fourth overall in their first full season?

I have said it a number of times, he just needs to gain experience to get rid of the little mistakes and find his pace earlier in the rallies. So far he has shown he is fast on every surface and can win power stages, what it takes to be a champion.

[mknight]

It's his second WRC season, first full one. How many drivers were fourth overall in their first full season?

I have said it a number of times, he just needs to gain experience to get rid of the little mistakes and find his pace earlier in the rallies. So far he has shown he is fast on every surface and can win power stages, what it takes to be a champion.

This season is not over yet. Recently Mikkelsen was 3rd in his first full season (yes VW was dominating, but isn't Toyota the fastest car ATM ?)
Also Meeke is fast on every surface and can win power stages.

Sorry for the trolling but there are quite a lot of drivers who seemingly have it all, but somehow don't win championships. Likewise there are a few that don't look impressive and then things fall into place (like Tänak). Just a bit early to crown Lappi champion. Remember people did that with Paddon after argentina 2016 as well as Meeke before 2017 season.

[AnttiL]

I’m not crowning anyone a champion. I would just sign Lappi over Meeke who rarely made it to power stages or Paddon who can’t drive on tarmac or win power stages.

[Allez Andruet]

Recently Mikkelsen was 3rd in his first full season
Except that Mikkelsen had 26 starts with WRC car before his first full season. Lappi had 8.

[AnttiL]

Except that Mikkelsen had 26 starts with WRC car before his first full season. Lappi had 8.

And VW's dominance was on a completely different level than Toyota this year. VW won all rallies except Deutschland, which went for Hyundai. Even 2nd places were almost all VW's, with Ford getting three runner-up positions, Hyundai and Citroen one each.

[jparker]

No he didn't.
Yes he did. Tanak was almost "written off" but somehow he managed to put good performance in Sweden, after which Malcolm decided to put his faith on him.

[Grutz]

It's his second WRC season, first full one. How many drivers were fourth overall in their first full season?

I have said it a number of times, he just needs to gain experience to get rid of the little mistakes and find his pace earlier in the rallies. So far he has shown he is fast on every surface and can win power stages, what it takes to be a champion.

Well Paddon has only actually done 1 full season which was 2016 in which he came 4th. 2014 was only partial season and 2015 he did not do Monte Carlo. I just think 2017 was such a bad year because of the accident in Monte and he also had personal issues as well as a lot of bad luck. I think he will prove in the next few rallies that he does deserve another shot at a full season in 2019.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Well Paddon has only actually done 1 full season which was 2016 in which he came 4th. 2014 was only partial season and 2015 he did not do Monte Carlo. I just think 2017 was such a bad year because of the accident in Monte and he also had personal issues as well as a lot of bad luck. I think he will prove in the next few rallies that he does deserve another shot at a full season in 2019.

Exactly.

By the way has anyone stopped to think why Hyundai made the decision quite early in the year to develop and homologate new transmission components for Hayden's use in the later half of this season. I for one don't think that they have done it as a one off just for the remainder of this season.

[mknight]

I’m not crowning anyone a champion. I would just sign Lappi over Meeke who rarely made it to power stages or Paddon who can’t drive on tarmac or win power stages.

Sure, I would aswell and agree with that. Just don't like when people crown drivers next champions after 1-2 won rallies.

Btw. this made me recall how Colin Clark claimed after GB last year that Evans will fight for the title this year (2018) no matter what team he drives for.

[AnttiL]

Sure, I would aswell and agree with that. Just don't like when people crown drivers next champions after 1-2 won rallies.

Btw. this made me recall how Colin Clark claimed after GB last year that Evans will fight for the title this year (2018) no matter what team he drives for.

And I put in my crystal ball predictions that Evans won't win anything this year ;) Well, let's see how he does in GB.

[wrc2017]

latest
Neuville will go to Citroen.
Ogier go DTM.
Lappi to Hyundai

[Barreis]

lots of drugs here lately :D

[stefanvv]

lots of drugs here lately :D


Not quite. I think there should be a round on Mars after 5 years.

[WRCfan]

Not quite. I think there should be a round on Mars after 5 years.

If Mars put up more $$ than Monte then opening round of the championship would be held there no questions asked. Doesn't matter whether the event is feasible, worthy, or wanted.

[stefanvv]

If Mars put up more $$ than Monte then opening round of the championship would be held there no questions asked. Doesn't matter whether the event is feasible, worthy, or wanted.

I don't think they have any colored papers, but digging some gold might be feasible. Despite it'd have some advantages for spectators - no little green man to disturb you, pictures without flowers and lakes, but just a rally car and a vast horizon.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Since it is silly season Elon Musk announcement of Tesla entry into WRC is scheduled for March 28th 2019 when Starman crosses Mars orbit in Tesla Roadster
2 links to monitor for updates
https://where-is-tesla-roadster.space/live
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCKRGfqeaBg

[AnttiL]

The WRC+ Turkey preview has a short silly season section. Of course no announcements, but if you want to read into something
- Latvala says he knows Suninen will drive for Ford (but Suninen doesn't say which team he drives for)
- Latvala says again there will be changes, like he knows it
- Lappi says he wants to stay at Toyota...if he can choose
- Ogier says he will remain in WRC

[MentalParadox]

Ogier said his next contract will be his last. But does he mean 'contract', which could mean one, two or even three years; or does he mean 'season'?

[er88]

Ogier said his next contract will be his last. But does he mean 'contract', which could mean one, two or even three years; or does he mean 'season'?He meant contract. He clarifies that on the WRC Turkey preview show, and says that he didn't mean it would be his last season.

A two or three year deal at Citroen would be my guess.

[Allez Andruet]

Whichever scenario of teams and drivers will come into fruition, it seems like we'll anyway end up having three strong teams and one not-so-strong. And the weak one could be either M-Sport, Citroen or even Hyundai. Toyota it won't be, thanks to the Superman.

If Ogier leaves M-Sport, they will clearly be the fourth best team. No offence, but any squad lead by Suninen and/or Evans is not particularly strong for a title bid (in 2019 that is). And if Neuville decides to jump ship (presumably to Citroen), that would leave Hyundai with no credible championship contender(s) on hand. Citroen we all know, and I think even in case of Lappi as their #1, they're unable to match the others. Atleast on paper.

[AnttiL]

We could even end up in a situation with two strong teams and two less strong teams, if two of Ogier, Neuville and Tänak are in the same team.

[Allez Andruet]

We could even end up in a situation with two strong teams and two less strong teams, if two of Ogier, Neuville and Tänak are in the same team.

Fair point. Let's hope it doesn't turn out to be that way.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm getting a feeling Ogier to Citroen is a genuine possibility. They really need a proper no.1 and must therefore be putting together a serious financial package. If Ogier wasnt interested I think we'd know by now and discussions would be over...

[AnttiL]

Carlo Canova's thoughts on silly season, I think it's machine translated from Italian http://www.racerviews.com/2018/09/11/wrc-seats-in-2019-everything-revolves-around-seb-ogier/

Apparently Lappi is driving Toyota on a quite low salary

[EstWRC]

"At the same time it seems that Ott Tanak has become the owner of the management of the will of Ogier to move, he is the Estonian who is so close to Seb and hopes to be able to have him again as a team mate, from which he can continue to learn, but above all to have a very high salary on which to base his revaluation at the end of the year. It should be noted that Ott has a contract at the end of 2019."


what A BULLSHIT!

[mknight]

Carlo Canova's thoughts on silly season, I think it's machine translated from Italian http://www.racerviews.com/2018/09/11/wrc-seats-in-2019-everything-revolves-around-seb-ogier/

Apparently Lappi is driving Toyota on a quite low salary

I get that Lappi started with low salary in 2017, but after the rally win in Finland one would think he got a bit more money in 2018. Still not suprising if he doesn't have that much.

Other points he has there:
- Paddon supposedly on the way out of Hyundai (looks unlikely to me)
- Evans out after this year (didn't he sign 2 year deal at end of 2017?, prbly not since noboy mentions he has contract for next year)

Btw. with people sending 2-3 drivers "out" (Evans, JML etc.), who is supposed to actually drive the cars... there are still 11-12 factory seats to fill.

[AnttiL]

- Evans out after this year (didn't he sign 2 year deal at end of 2017?, prbly not since noboy mentions he has contract for next year)

I'm pretty sure only Mikkelsen and Tänak had deals for 2019. It's not looking good for Evans indeed.

[Allez Andruet]

"At the same time it seems that Ott Tanak has become the owner of the management of the will of Ogier to move, he is the Estonian who is so close to Seb and hopes to be able to have him again as a team mate, from which he can continue to learn, but above all to have a very high salary on which to base his revaluation at the end of the year. It should be noted that Ott has a contract at the end of 2019."


what A BULLSHIT!

Not buying the story as such either, but it could be true that the minimum level of Tänak's annual base salary is based on some formula which includes the base salaries of other TGR drivers. Ofcourse that's just a guess, but it wouldn't be a surprise.

[EstWRC]

Thierry Neuville
‏
Verified account

@thierryneuville
4m4 minutes ago
More
I’m delighted to tell you that @nicolasgilsoul and I will continue with @HMSGOfficial team for the next 3 years! Building a strong partnership for a long and exciting future. ����
#StrongerTogether #TeamGoals #WRC

https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/1039861170583339008

[Allez Andruet]

Btw. with people sending 2-3 drivers "out" (Evans, JML etc.), who is supposed to actually drive the cars... there are still 11-12 factory seats to fill.
Good point which so often gets overlooked. While it can easily be argued that Evans (for example) could rightfully be sent off from the main class for 2019, who would take his place (assuming the replacement comes outside of current WRC roster)? I.e. how many drivers there are, who are likely to score more points than Evans? This is one of the issues the FIA created by launching these new WRC cars which are practically only available for factory teams and drivers. You can say there's Tidemand, but even him, with all the achievements he's had in WRC2, is completely untested in a current-spec WRC. Quickly counting, outside of the current factory drivers, there are only Meeke, Hänninen and Camilli who have any kind of experience from these new cars (deliberately excluding Kremer, H. Solberg and Serderidis). I bet the number was a bit different in late 2012, but ok, that's probably the price we have to pay for having these new cars. And I, as a fan, am more than willing to pay that :D

[AnttiL]

there are only Meeke, Hänninen and Camilli who have any kind of experience from these new cars

Camilli hasn't driven a 2017 car. But Lefebvre has.

It's a good point, will some new guy be better than a struggling old one?

[Allez Andruet]

Camilli hasn't driven a 2017 car. But Lefebvre has.
Didn't he test the 2017-spec Fiesta sometime back in 2016? Lefebvre I forgot about.

[er88]

That Neuville news is brilliant. Shows Hyundai are effectively commited for another 3yrs.

[AnttiL]

Didn't he test the 2017-spec Fiesta sometime back in 2016? Lefebvre I forgot about.

I think you are right, but there are more to that list then if we count non-competitive action

[Allez Andruet]

I think you are right, but there are more to that list then if we count non-competitive action
That's true... so let's just stop before we have to count Tommi, Malcolm and Bosse in as well.

[AnttiL]

That's true... so let's just stop before we have to count Tommi, Malcolm and Bosse in as well.

and Kalle.

[lluisva555]

and Marcus

[pantealex]

That's true... so let's just stop before we have to count Tommi, Malcolm and Bosse in as well.

About 10 different drivers have tested Yaris... (Nikara, Katsuta, Petter...)

[dimviii]

[Keiko Hogehoge WRC @ Turkey Diary] Neuville's announcement is that Sebastian Ogier has signed a deal #WRCjp #WRC #RallyTurkey #hogeWRC with Citroen

https://twitter.com/rallyplus/status/1039890236019560448

[ToughMac]

Don't forget Kajto had a go in one and he won his event in the process!!

[AnttiL]

and Marcus

Marcus=Bosse :)

[EstWRC]

[Keiko Hogehoge WRC @ Turkey Diary] Neuville's announcement is that Sebastian Ogier has signed a deal #WRCjp #WRC #RallyTurkey #hogeWRC with Citroen

https://twitter.com/rallyplus/status/1039890236019560448

I belive so too. M-sport left with leftovers then.

[er88]

I belive so too. M-sport left with leftovers then.Better that way. Msport will be in the championship regardless you'd assume, whereas Citroen would've had to pack up and go home if they couldn't attract one of Seb or Thierry. They needed a top driver.

Malcolm should just go get Meeke. He'll challenge for wins and wreck a few cars while doing it, but they're not going yo challenge for the championships anyway. Suninen has potential and should keep improving, but it's hard to be sure what Evans actually offers. Just doesn't seem to have the pace of the top guys on any surface.

[Rally Power]

Good point which so often gets overlooked. While it can easily be argued that Evans (for example) could rightfully be sent off from the main class for 2019, who would take his place (assuming the replacement comes outside of current WRC roster)? I.e. how many drivers there are, who are likely to score more points than Evans? This is one of the issues the FIA created by launching these new WRC cars which are practically only available for factory teams and drivers. You can say there's Tidemand, but even him, with all the achievements he's had in WRC2, is completely untested in a current-spec WRC.

That’s not a huge issue; Lappi and Suninen also jumped from R5’s to current WRC cars and they managed to adapt rapidly. Besides, most of young drivers haven’t been able to run WRC cars on a regular basis long before 2017, unless there’s a wealthy manager (or parent) supporting them.

Btw, Bouffier also run MC and Corsica on a new Fiesta.

[Allez Andruet]

That’s not a huge issue; Lappi and Suninen also jumped from R5’s to current WRC cars and they managed to adapt rapidly. Besides, most of young drivers haven’t been able to run WRC cars on a regular basis long before 2017, unless there’s a wealthy manager (or parent) supporting them.

Btw, Bouffier also run MC and Corsica on a new Fiesta.
Ofcourse most of the talents competing in lower classes haven't been able to run WRC car, no matter what WRC-generation it has been. But with these new cars, the opportunity has basically been taken away even from the few who could have done it in the past (or so it seems). I mean cases like Hänninen in 2013, Nikara in 2012/2013, PG Anderson in 2013 or Breen in 2014. I think that is contributing to the current and seemingly static driver-up in the main class.

In a nutshell: no, it's not a big issue - yet. If the trend becomes permanent and we start to get more and more Tidemands, then I'd say it is a big issue.

[mknight]

Better that way. Msport will be in the championship regardless you'd assume, whereas Citroen would've had to pack up and go home if they couldn't attract one of Seb or Thierry. They needed a top driver.

Malcolm should just go get Meeke. He'll challenge for wins and wreck a few cars while doing it, but they're not going yo challenge for the championships anyway. Suninen has potential and should keep improving, but it's hard to be sure what Evans actually offers. Just doesn't seem to have the pace of the top guys on any surface.

Exactly (for the first part).

Don't think Malcolm will go for Meeke though. After winning both titles last year he's more likely going into "money making" mode.

[racerx1979]

C'mon Malcom... #meekeithappen

[Fast Eddie WRC]

[Keiko Hogehoge WRC @ Turkey Diary] Neuville's announcement is that Sebastian Ogier has signed a deal #WRCjp #WRC #RallyTurkey #hogeWRC with Citroen

https://twitter.com/rallyplus/status/1039890236019560448

What is the link where Neuville makes his announcement means Ogier to Citroen confirmed ??

[N.O.T]

What is the link where Neuville makes his announcement means Ogier to Citroen confirmed ??

click on the translate button on the tweet...

wow...

basic.

[Rally Power]

If the trend becomes permanent and we start to get more and more Tidemands, then I'd say it is a big issue.

Most likely Tidemand would be already driving a WRC car if Jouhki was his manager…

[mknight]

Lappi (supposedly) went to WRC car too late. Now he is picking between Toyota and Citroen for best salary.

In the meantime Suninen went in early with Jouhki's money. Doesn't look like he is bathing in money from Msport just yet.

There is more than one approach that can work.

[danon]

Another one of my PS prediction prjcts that's about to come true...

https://s5.postimg.cc/9xzdcs32f/o_C.jpg

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/rallimestari-ogier-lupaili-sopimusuutisia-pikaisesti-asiat-lahenevat-ratkaisua/

Ogier saying he's close to signing the contract. It could be signed already next week. He says he has all required information. He wants a competitive car, a committed team and a good atmosphere in the team. He says it will be the last contract but it could be ten years long!

Regarding that last bit of information, I think he's leaving M-Sport, Wilson most likely can offer him a year at most at once...

Ogier also says he had known for a long time that Thierry is staying with Hyundai...

[EstWRC]

it seems that one thing is sure Ogier, Neuville and Tänak will be in different teams and thats good.

[KKS]

Lappi (supposedly) went to WRC car too late. Now he is picking between Toyota and Citroen for best salary.

In the meantime Suninen went in early with Jouhki's money. Doesn't look like he is bathing in money from Msport just yet.

There is more than one approach that can work.
If he choose salary vs salary - it never ending well. He must chooses between cars. C3 vs Yaris... choice is clear

[dupanton]

If he choose salary vs salary - it never ending well. He must chooses between cars. C3 vs Yaris... choice is clear

It's also being #2 driver behind Tanak VS maybe being #1 driver at Citroën

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier says he now has all the information to make a decision.. but I dont hear of him testing the C3 yet.

[AnttiL]

Ogier says he now has all the information to make a decision.. but I dont hear of him testing the C3 yet.

I bet they can arrange that secretly

[pantealex]

I bet they can arrange that secretly

Maybe, maybe not.

Testing is limited to certain areas...

[AnttiL]

Maybe, maybe not.

Testing is limited to certain areas...

I think Citroen has a private track for testing?

[Allez Andruet]

Not knowing the details of the contract mr. Ogier has with M-Sport, but that (testing the C3 before the season or the year is over) sounds like a breach of contract to me.

[racerx1979]

I bet they can arrange that secretly

Yes, I'm sure it's not hard.

Ogier, Lappi and Breen would be a good squad. I can see Lappi and Breen getting only better with Seb on the same team.

[Hartusvuori]

Not knowing the details of the contract mr. Ogier has with M-Sport, but that (testing the C3 before the season or the year is over) sounds like a breach of contract to me.

Malcolm wouldn't let his driver test another car as long as the contract is on. It would have to be in secured secrecy or wait until January 1st.

[Tarmop]

I thnik it could be really hard, because it wouldn`t be just Ogier and the boss involved...and where there`s people, there is a big possibility that something will leak. Come on, if you look at what materials have leaked ( state sercrets etc).

Other thing is, if Wilson allowed it to happen (because he isn`t able to offer him what he demands) and maybe even gets some money from Citroen.

[tommeke_B]

There are plenty of private testing facilities in France, where people won't get in if they don't want to let anyone in. Michelin is carrying out rally-tests every week, it's quite rare to see some footage from it. At least for gravel it should be very easy to do. Tarmac could be a bit more complicated, but I think also not impossible.

[dimviii]

Before gearing up on the tub he will occupy in 2019: "I can not yet announce something about next year, it's getting closer ... What matters to me is to be competitive. We've made progress at M-Sport, but I'm still a little disappointed with Ford's involvement, we're still a private team, it's hard to fight with big powers in the long run. Ford's camp right now, I'm also having discussions with Citroen, they seem to have potential, and it's in the ability and motivation to keep moving forward that you have to watch. "

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_ogier-l-avance-de-neuville-au-general-n-est-pas-confortable?id=10018258

[jonkka]

Malcolm wouldn't let his driver test another car as long as the contract is on. It would have to be in secured secrecy or wait until January 1st.

Then again, would Ogier sign a contract that would prevent him from sampling what other teams have to offer? With his experience, he is expected to know that when contract is expiring that's exactly what he'd want to do. I am pretty sure that driver of his caliber both knows this and would have it in the contract.

It is entirely different matter when driver switches teams, he usually cannot promote the rival team by being photographed in their apparel before end of the year.

[KKS]

It's also being #2 driver behind Tanak VS maybe being #1 driver at Citroën
it's #2 at Toyota or #2 at Citroen... Ogier will be signed

[Tarmop]

If that was certain, then Citroen probably wouldn`t be / isn`t talking to Lappi. They don`t have so much money...

[AnttiL]

If that was certain, then Citroen probably wouldn`t be / isn`t talking to Lappi. They don`t have so much money...

Of course they need to keep up the negotiations until anyone signs.

[Allez Andruet]

Then again, would Ogier sign a contract that would prevent him from sampling what other teams have to offer? With his experience, he is expected to know that when contract is expiring that's exactly what he'd want to do. I am pretty sure that driver of his caliber both knows this and would have it in the contract.
Not an impossible scenario that one. As things were, Seb probably had the upper hand over M-Sport which might have led to this kind of, usually unthinkable, clause being put into the contract.

[AnttiL]

Julian Porter saying on All Live Ogier is likely to go to Citroen

[deephouse]

If that happens, then I see no other in M-Sport than Meeke or Latvala (if he isn't signed yet).

[racerx1979]

I've heard some funny stories about Toyota wanting Suninen if Lappi or Latvala leave.

I was also told by several people that Latvala has already signed with Toyota, but I wouldn't be surprised if this was confusion of the fact that he already has a deal for 2019 which was told by Jouhki.

[Rally Power]

Then again, would Ogier sign a contract that would prevent him from sampling what other teams have to offer? With his experience, he is expected to know that when contract is expiring that's exactly what he'd want to do. I am pretty sure that driver of his caliber both knows this and would have it in the contract.

Amen. The C3 test it’s only a matter of time; actually on a French forum some are saying it already happened and Ogier got pretty pleased. It can be true, but after last year disappointment I’ll only believe after the official announcement.

[Allez Andruet]

I've heard some funny stories about Toyota wanting Suninen if Lappi or Latvala leave.
Wouldn't be a surprise. Tommi has talked about Suninen in the past in such manner that you wouldn't know whether he's talking about rally or the last porn film he watched if you didn't know the subject.

[Tarmop]

Julian Porter saying on All Live Ogier is likely to go to Citroen

Then again, he also thought that Jari had the new engine in his car, unlike his teammates.

[KKS]

is that the end of Craig WRC career?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DnImt4pXcAEaScw.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Then again, he also thought that Jari had the new engine in his car, unlike his teammates.

He explained that. Latvala needed a new engine so could choose the latest spec.

[Sulland]

Julian Porter saying on All Live Ogier is likely to go to Citroen

They need him to get some wins, and by that support from PSA to continue.
if not maybe they look elsewhere in motorsport, to get publicity, and increased sales.

[racerx1979]

JML is staying for sure. The only question is whether Lappi is leaving for Citroen which I don't think will happen unless Citroen pays him a lot more money. Considering Ogier is said to be leaving (even though a good source told me he is staying) I don't think they can afford both Ogier and Lappi??

I think with Seb we won't find anything out anytime soon.

[MentalParadox]

Ogier said he's going to pick whichever team gives him the best shot at the title. He'd be nuts to pick Citroën over M-Sport.

[mknight]

Ogier said he's going to pick whichever team gives him the best shot at the title. He'd be nuts to pick Citroën over M-Sport.

Nope.

Citroen is seemingly progressing on gravel and still probably has the strongest engine. Historically their record shows they can keep developing the car for very long. DS3 seemed to lack vs Fiesta first then a lot vs Polo in the start but always improved from year to year.

MSport looks like they can't keep up with the development and from mid-season look like they are dropping behind others in pure car performance. This is what historically (last 6? years) has been normal at MSport. When the car first comes it's one of the best if not the best, but then further development does not go as fast as with others. Might have to do with how much money is invested.

[sonnybobiche]

On the Spanish coverage of rally Germany (so, this information is a month old), Fernando Albes said that it was 95% certain that Ogier would go to Citroen.

The host of the show pointed out that Ogier and Citroen had a very bad relationship, so what would make him go back to them?

Answer: The rumor is that Citroen offered him between 3-4x his current salary, which based on previous rumors would mean $30-40 million per year. That's Hamilton/Vettel money. Suddenly, all that stuff that happened in 2011 seems so petty!

[er88]

Don't underestimate what 3 championships with 3 different manufacturers would mean to a man who has nearly done it all. And if he's going to try and do it while earning a massive wedge and being back at the team who gave him his WRC breakthrough, then even better.

[N.O.T]

Don't underestimate what 3 championships with 3 different manufacturers would mean to a man who has nearly done it all. And if he's going to try and do it while earning a massive wedge and being back at the team who gave him his WRC breakthrough, then even better.

neuville and tanak are faster drivers than him... and they are gainning experience as well as years pass (compare neuville last year and this year) the days of mrs kaisers pet at the top of the sport are nearly over... he is no Loeb, never was.

[pantealex]

Don't underestimate what 3 championships with 3 different manufacturers would mean to a man who has nearly done it all.

Kankkunen did that nearly 30 years ago. But nobody has never done at least 2 championships with 2 different manufacturer.

[bearclaw]

Kankkunen did that nearly 30 years ago. But nobody has never done at least 2 championships with 2 different manufacturer.

The first double champion Walter Röhrl did it. He won in 1980 with fiat (fiat 131 abarth) and 1982 with opel (opel ascona 400).

[AnttiL]

The first double champion Walter Röhrl did it. He won in 1980 with fiat (fiat 131 abarth) and 1982 with opel (opel ascona 400).

You got that wrong. Kankkunen won with three manufacturers (1986 Peugeot, 1987/1991 Lancia, 1993 Toyota), but no one has managed multiple championships with two manufacturers. So you would need at least four titles in total, at least two with each manufacturer.

[bearclaw]

You got that wrong. Kankkunen won with three manufacturers (1986 Peugeot, 1987/1991 Lancia, 1993 Toyota), but no one has managed multiple championships with two manufacturers. So you would need at least four titles in total, at least two with each manufacturer.

ah, i got it...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Citroen C3's chassis may be more sorted now but they still seem less reliable than the others.

I would still back the Fiesta for 2019 as the better choice with more upgrades are coming via Ford Performance.

[AnttiL]

I would still back the Fiesta for 2019 as the better choice with more upgrades are coming via Ford Performance.

I think it was mentioned somewhere that a promised engine upgrade was delayed into 2019, and not even to the beginning of the season. Also, the rear aero upgrade didn't really go as planned.

[AndyRAC]

Delayed updates, I think that tells you the priority of the WRC programme for Ford Performance....

[Allez Andruet]

I would still back the Fiesta for 2019 as the better choice with more upgrades are coming via Ford Performance.
Are they really coming...? I think Seb mentioned in some interview that he was somewhat disappointed (not sure if used exactly that word but anyway) in Ford's support to M-Sport, so it might be tempting to switch over to Citroen, where there's direct link between the car manufacturer and the motorsport department.

[racerx1979]

The latest info I have is that Toyota squad remains as is, but Citroen really wants Lappi in addition to Ogier and Breen for next year.

Ogier to Citroen seems like a very strong possibility.

Meekes team has reached out to Ford and Hyundai and not sure why they left out Toyota.

Question is whether Evans and Suninen to remain and Paddon/Sordo situation at Hyundai?

Where does Ostberg go? Does Tidemand move up to WRC or will he just head the VW R5 program in another team?

[macebig]

Looks like Meeke will drive McRae's 99 Focus at RallyLegend, so there is the connection with Ford /M Sport.

[deephouse]

No, someone here at this forum yesterday told me that M-Sport will never hire Meeke. He was talking like that he is Malcolm Wilson itself...

[racerx1979]

If DMACK comes back in with Meeke as a driver, MSRT will probably just look the other way.

[tomhlord]

*If* Lappi moves, then who goes to Toyota? Suninen?

[tomhlord]

If DMACK comes back in with Meeke as a driver, MSRT will probably just look the other way.

DMACK ran out of marketing money, sadly.

[deephouse]

*If* Lappi moves, then who goes to Toyota? Suninen?

Sordo, Paddon, Evans, Meeke, Tidemand, Katsuta, Rovanperra, Breen, Ogier... There is so much to choose from..

[racerx1979]

Sordo, Paddon, Evans, Meeke, Tidemand, Katsuta, Rovanperra, Breen, Ogier... There is so much to choose from..

I would remove Katsuta and Rovanperra from that list...

[deephouse]

I would remove Katsuta and Rovanperra from that list...

That's you, Toyota heads are different. Ours opinion really doesn0t count who they will choose.

[AnttiL]

*If* Lappi moves, then who goes to Toyota? Suninen?

If it ain’t Ogier or Katsuta (gulp) , I don’t see Lappi going anywhere

[pantealex]

Even management has said that Lappi has offer from Toyota, so it´s 100% sure that nobody is replacing him...

He can stay if he wants.

But does he want ???

About those candidates:
Rovanperä has 2+1 deal with Skoda, so NO to Toyota
Katsuta NO, there are several drivers before him at line.
Tidemand, Toyota will not replace EVEN driver with EVEN driver
Sordo, not hungry enough
Meeke, one Latvala is enough, no need for 2nd
Ogier is not coming
Evans, I don´t think so.
Hänninen is not coming back
I would think Breen, Suninen and Paddon as TOP3 candidates

For Lappi it´s 50/50 staying/going, hard to say, no one knows.

[AnttiL]

That's you, Toyota heads are different. Ours opinion really doesn0t count who they will choose.

Rovanperä they won’t get. Yet. He’s contracted to Skoda for 2019.

[Tarmop]

I recall that Toyota`s policy was also growing developing drivers. Not R5-style, what they are doing with Katsuta and were doing with Arai, but a bit experienced young drivers with big ambitions, so Lappi, Breen, Paddon, Suninen and maybe Tidemand would qualify.

Paddon for sure can`t allow another half season, if he hasn`t given up...which is not the case i believe and Sordo was also keen on doing full seasons again. So probably one of them will move.

[Simmi]

I don't know but I'd assume that EVEN are shopping Lappi around a bit to get him a better deal from Toyota. Classic negotiation tactics, especially if they know Toyota want him to stay. So often in other sports you see people linked with another team right before they sign a new deal and stay put.

[Sulland]

DMACK ran out of marketing money, sadly.

Sad, but maybe another brand will want to give it a go. Even a season in Wrc2 to gain experience.
Hankook, Conti, Kuhmo, Maxxis, Zestino, Yokohama, MRF or maybe Dunlop?

It is a steep learning curve, but development departmemt will also learn a lot that can be transferred to road tyres!!

[RS]

Rovanperä they won’t get. Yet. He’s contracted to Skoda for 2019.

I have little doubt he can be a future champion but some seem too keen to rush him, he’s still a boy and hasn’t won a WRC2 event yet.

Patience.

[AnttiL]

I have little doubt he can be a future champion but some seem too keen to rush him, he’s still a boy and hasn’t won a WRC2 event yet.

Patience.

Exactly. And he hasn't competed in many of the WRC events yet. A couple of years in WRC2 would be good. He would still be younger than any else WRC factory driver.

[mknight]

The thing with young drivers from my view.

Money/sponsors and some talent takes you to the level where Rovanpera is atm quite fast (off course provided there is some talent in the first place). Getting from this level (~national rally champion) to the next level (can get top 3 in wrc) is harder, getting to win WRC rallies is even harder than that and championship is another level entirely.

Take for example Matt Wilson - never got past the first level, even though he looked almost as promising as Rovanpera early on. Likewise you could take Latvala and Mikkelsen who also had similar starts and now are "stuck" on the next best level for 2-4 years.

Which is why I react to people calling "young" drivers future champions. (Lappi, Rovanpera, Huttunen etc.)

[AnttiL]

Take for example Matt Wilson - never got past the first level, even though he looked almost as promising as Rovanpera early on. Likewise you could take Latvala and Mikkelsen who also had similar starts and now are "stuck" on the next best level for 2-4 years.

I wasn't following rallying actively when Wilson was driving, but looking at his results, it seems he only drove British events before stepping up into full WRC Seasons, without any knowledge of the events or road types of different countries. His best result ever was fourth on his second full season. But maybe British media hyped him similarly as Rovanperä now?

[mknight]

Yes, and as you can see you have people suggesting on this forum how Rovanpera should drive WRC in 2019.

[Rally Power]

The rumor is that Citroen offered him between 3-4x his current salary, which based on previous rumors would mean $30-40 million per year. That's Hamilton/Vettel money. Suddenly, all that stuff that happened in 2011 seems so petty!

What were they smoking on the show? 30-40M for the full extent of a 3 or 4 years contract (10M year) can make sense, but per year it's nuts, to Citroen or any other manu.

[Maui J.]

neuville and tanak are faster drivers than him... and they are gainning experience as well as years pass (compare neuville last year and this year) the days of mrs kaisers pet at the top of the sport are nearly over... he is no Loeb, never was.

Once again your comments are so fickle. A driver has a few average rallies and they are has-beens in your eyes. I remember your comments that Loeb and Ogier were the only two real drivers, the rest being second-rate.
Do I remember you saying a season or two ago that Neuville was done, not fast enough and never will be. Do I remember you saying Tommi's Toyota team was a bunch of village idiots that won't achieve anything.
You are so quick to jump to conclusions you can't be taken seriously.
20000 comments in 18 years...that's a lot of diatribe. Could you go to the badminton or skipping rope forums. They make like you.

[Allez Andruet]

The thing with young drivers from my view.

Money/sponsors and some talent takes you to the level where Rovanpera is atm quite fast (off course provided there is some talent in the first place). Getting from this level (~national rally champion) to the next level (can get top 3 in wrc) is harder, getting to win WRC rallies is even harder than that and championship is another level entirely.

Take for example Matt Wilson - never got past the first level, even though he looked almost as promising as Rovanpera early on. Likewise you could take Latvala and Mikkelsen who also had similar starts and now are "stuck" on the next best level for 2-4 years.

Which is why I react to people calling "young" drivers future champions. (Lappi, Rovanpera, Huttunen etc.)

That's quite an unequal bunch of drivers you're comparing there. Like most sports, also rallying is "game of levels" as they say. IMO all the current factory drivers are of the most supreme class. Sure, then there's Neuville, Tänak and Ogier who all are just that tiny bit above everyone else - which makes them the top 3 in the championship - but I'd find it a bit odd to call that different level altogether (referreing to your view on Latvala and Mikkelsen). Lappi, as a WRC rally winner, has nothing to do with either Rovanperä or Huttunen, who haven't even competed at the level Lappi's been for the past two seasons.

I'd also say that Matt Wilson is a poor example in that context, as he never showed speed at any level where it would truly have mattered, unlike Rovanperä for example, who we can already judge vs. proven drivers like Tidemand (hence vs. Lappi and others too). That ofcourse isn't serving as any guarantee that Rovanperä will ever win a WRC event, but we can already be sure he's got the tools to make it to the very top.

[jonkka]

You are so quick to jump to conclusions you can't be taken seriously.
20000 comments in 18 years...that's a lot of diatribe. Could you go to the badminton or skipping rope forums. They make like you.

You might not know but there is handy little setting that will magically turn all of N.O.T's messages to this:

This message is hidden because N.O.T is on your ignore list.

I heartily recommend it, saves one a lot in the headache medication costs.

[mknight]

That's quite an unequal bunch of drivers you're comparing there. Like most sports, also rallying is "game of levels" as they say. IMO all the current factory drivers are of the most supreme class. Sure, then there's Neuville, Tänak and Ogier who all are just that tiny bit above everyone else - which makes them the top 3 in the championship - but I'd find it a bit odd to call that different level altogether (referreing to your view on Latvala and Mikkelsen). Lappi, as a WRC rally winner, has nothing to do with either Rovanperä or Huttunen, who haven't even competed at the level Lappi's been for the past two seasons.

I'd also say that Matt Wilson is a poor example in that context, as he never showed speed at any level where it would truly have mattered, unlike Rovanperä for example, who we can already judge vs. proven drivers like Tidemand (hence vs. Lappi and others too). That ofcourse isn't serving as any guarantee that Rovanperä will ever win a WRC event, but we can already be sure he's got the tools to make it to the very top.

The thing all those drivers have in common is that they were all declared "future champions". It's the last bit (going from multiple rally winner to a champion) which is hardest imo, logarithmic progression. Neuville and Tanak have not made the step yet either, since they obviously are not champions. Nowhere did I wrote that Latvala and Mikkelsen are level below them overall.

Lappi still has to make the step from single rally winner (like for example Sordo, Østberg and Evans) to multiple rally winner. Interestingly this season he has not led for a single stage. I am not saying he is doing bad (look at Ogier's first full WRC seasons), just that he is not going to be a champion just yet ;)

[AMSS]

Sad, but maybe another brand will want to give it a go. Even a season in Wrc2 to gain experience.
Hankook, Conti, Kuhmo, Maxxis, Zestino, Yokohama, MRF or maybe Dunlop?

It is a steep learning curve, but development departmemt will also learn a lot that can be transferred to road tyres!!

I think from these MRF are considering joining for 2019 and Kumho, Hankook and Yokohama already have quit good tires in their portfolio, also Maxxis and Zestino has tires in their portfolio but don`t know anything about their quality. Dunlop to my knowledge does not produce gravel tires anymore

[tomhlord]

It's happening... https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/ogier-set-to-return-to-citroen-for-2019/3178947/

[AnttiL]

Of course it's just a David Evans article. 12 months ago he wrote that Tänak is set to remain at M-Sport. But this year, I believe Ogier goes to Citroen.

However, it will be interesting to see if Red Bull would follow Ogier to Citroen and would Abu Dhabi then be off Citroen, maybe back to M-Sport?

[Eli]

Of course it's just a David Evans article. 12 months ago he wrote that Tänak is set to remain at M-Sport. But this year, I believe Ogier goes to Citroen.

However, it will be interesting to see if Red Bull would follow Ogier to Citroen and would Abu Dhabi then be off Citroen, maybe back to M-Sport?

Maybe, I don't remember if it was here on the forum that someone said Ogier's deal would be revealed this weekend.
Anyhow, should be interesting to watch, a couple of interesting months ahead of us.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

After Ford coming back to support M-Sport which is what Ogier wanted he looks like jumping ship to Citroen. Disappointing.

[Eli]

After Ford coming back to support M-Sport which is what Ogier wanted he looks like jumping ship to Citroen. Disappointing.

Does that mean Ford will reduce their support once more?

[AndyRAC]

After Ford coming back to support M-Sport which is what Ogier wanted he looks like jumping ship to Citroen. Disappointing.

Define support. Ogier probably wanted technical and £$£$£$£ - that obviously hasn't happened. So he's off....(if the rumours are true.)

[rp]

After Ford coming back to support M-Sport which is what Ogier wanted he looks like jumping ship to Citroen. Disappointing.


Yes, but Ogier is thinking that it´s not enough and of course Ford could put more resources.

We will see what will happen. If Ogier is going to Citroën surely Red Bull will follow him. Then Abu Dhabi could be back with M-Sport, but I doubt that Ford is interested at all, because they would lost their leading driver and only Seb, Thierry and Ott are able to fight for the WRC title in 2019...

[er88]

After Ford coming back to support M-Sport which is what Ogier wanted he looks like jumping ship to Citroen. Disappointing.Lol, Ford's "support" this year says everything Ogier needs to know about their commitment.

They have one of the best drivers of all time and they've been pissing about with botched up aero jobs, massively delaying engine upgrades and can't even return as a full manufacturer. No wonder Seb is disappointed and is seemingly going to risk it at Citroen instead.

[denkimi]

I still have trouble believing ogier would go to the worst team with the worst car when he has other options.
Unless they offer him a huge cheque.

[rp]

Lol, Ford's "support" this year says everything Ogier needs to know about their commitment.

They have one of the best drivers of all time and they've been pissing about with botched up aero jobs, massively delaying engine upgrades and can't even return as a full manufacturer. No wonder Seb is disappointed and is seemingly going to risk it at Citroen instead.

Seb might do the same as Räikkönen. To stop his career there, where everything started. Citroën is willing to pay what Ogier wants and I doubt that Ford is ready to do the same.

[mknight]

Ogier also has a right to be pissed about Ford's approach.

He talked for like 6 months about wanting to be in manufacturer team. Won drivers title and manu title for MSport and even then Ford didn't come in fully.

[JAM]

Yes, but Ogier is thinking that it´s not enough and of course Ford could put more resources.


M-Sport needs money, not resources from Ford Performance.

People from Ford Performance are not competent enough for the task.

The Wilson familly knows where and how to spend de money developping the car and on schedule.

This is the part that people from Ford still didn't understand.

Ah, and Ford Motor Company is with financial troubles...

[T16]

After Ford coming back to support M-Sport which is what Ogier wanted he looks like jumping ship to Citroen. Disappointing.

Eddie, do you really think ford have provided much support at all? Why is his decision disappointing? Sounds to me like Ford over promised and under delivered.

[Tarmop]

I still have trouble believing ogier would go to the worst team with the worst car when he has other options.
Unless they offer him a huge cheque.

That car, with none of the top 3 drivers behind the wheel, which recently fought, briefly, but still, for rally Finland and Turkey wins, has been quick on tarmac and snow+ has a few victories vs Ford that had to use teammembers assistance once again to get P6? Sounds terrible yes, although more like it needs Ogier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

None of us know what happens behind the scenes, but Ford have provided more assistance than M-Sport had had since they pulled out.

Ogier jumping to a Citroen team which has been in dissaray, with a dodgy car, plus the dropping of Meeke, is a big gamble.

He could show a bit of patience and loyalty to M-Sport.

[tomhlord]

However, it will be interesting to see if Red Bull would follow Ogier to Citroen and would Abu Dhabi then be off Citroen, maybe back to M-Sport?

That would be nice, if so.

[tomhlord]

Lol, Ford's "support," this year says everything Ogier needs to know about their commitment.

They have one of the best drivers of all time and they've been pissing about with botched up aero jobs, massively delaying engine upgrades and can't even return as a full manufacturer. No wonder Seb is disappointed and is seemingly going to risk it at Citroen instead.

If you listen to Ogier in post-stage interviews, my interpretation of certain paraphrases seems to follow these thoughts. "We now that [Hyundai & Neuville] on pure speed it's a challenge" at the end of Turkey poweratage. Or, words to that effect, apologies. To me, I interpreted that as the Hyundai car/team is quick as it's been developed further.

Then, in the David Evans article, the quote (verbatim) "I wanted to know more about the commitment [from the manufacturer] and we're getting that." Smells like Citroen to me, proving that this year they are almost saving the cash to really go for it and not quit.

[N.O.T]

Once again your comments are so fickle. A driver has a few average rallies and they are has-beens in your eyes. I remember your comments that Loeb and Ogier were the only two real drivers, the rest being second-rate.
Do I remember you saying a season or two ago that Neuville was done, not fast enough and never will be. Do I remember you saying Tommi's Toyota team was a bunch of village idiots that won't achieve anything.
You are so quick to jump to conclusions you can't be taken seriously.
20000 comments in 18 years...that's a lot of diatribe. Could you go to the badminton or skipping rope forums. They make like you.

Ogier is average for 2 years now... last year Neuville lost the championship Ogier did not win anything...

A few years back Loeb and Ogier were the only drivers...

Tommis toyota is a village mess and is getting carried by tanak...

I never doubted neuvilles speed (maybe in the citroen days) i doubt his mentality...

shouldn't be bothered with NZ people but i like sheep...

[EstWRC]

That Citroen ain’t that bad, it’s the drivers, for example take ogier away from M-Sport and you could say the Ford isn’t a good car. And Citroen are making progress with the car, whereas M-Sport has gone backwards after getting the support from Ford IMO.

[tomhlord]

None of us know what happens behind the scenes, but Ford have provided more assistance than M-Sport had had since they pulled out.

Ogier jumping to a Citroen team which has been in dissaray, with a dodgy car, plus the dropping of Meeke, is a big gamble.

He could show a bit of patience and loyalty to M-Sport.

Aye, massive gamble. But, pure speculation, if Citroen has said what they are spending over the next three years, layed out an R&D and testing road plan, given clear number one status and allow imput into the big development decisions, then that is perhaps more of a guarantee than another one-year deal with M-Sport with the potential for delayed updates — in the meantime Toyota introduce a new engine and cooling package and Hyundai a new diff and aero set-up.

[deephouse]

Personally I would prefer Ogier going to Citroen. After all M-Sport needs a quick driver too. So Meeke, and then we will surely know if he is the problem or was he C3 itself.

[dnb]

Kankkunen did that nearly 30 years ago. But nobody has never done at least 2 championships with 2 different manufacturer.

What about winning with every WRC team driver has been in? Citroen, VW and M-Sport for Ogier is a perfect set.

[Tarmop]

Wilson said in Turkey, that if Ogier leaves, plan is to do it like they did it before, so customers, among whom are some developing youngsters (Suninen probably one) and some hobby drivers. Basically making profit and not thinking about the championship.

[Zeakiwi]

Wilson said in Turkey, that if Ogier leaves, plan is to do it like they did it before, so customers, among whom are some developing youngsters (Suninen probably one) and some hobby drivers. Basically making profit and not thinking about the championship.

Does that mean Evans gets benched in favour of the 'pay for the car' guys? or a return of D-Mack for a car if Ford lowers the funding with no Ogier?

[Tarmop]

I don`t know, maybe zero salary?

[T16]

None of us know what happens behind the scenes, but Ford have provided more assistance than M-Sport had had since they pulled out.

Ogier jumping to a Citroen team which has been in dissaray, with a dodgy car, plus the dropping of Meeke, is a big gamble.

He could show a bit of patience and loyalty to M-Sport.

Eddie, I think you see the M-Sport / Ford relationship through rose tinted glasses... if they had received anything significant from Ford (that worked well), then they would have shouted about it.

And you also say Ogier should have shown some loyalty to them... I think that's what he did this year, by re-signing for them.

[er88]

I also agree regarding the C3 now. Meeke won with it twice last season and it could've been 3 times if not for the mechanical issue in Corsica. It's also been on the pace this year in Finland and Turkey (at points) recently, while Breen took 2nd in Sweden and Meeke/Loeb could've been challengers for the win in Mexico. Meeke also moved into the lead in Portugal before the punctures. So it's always had the speed in certain conditions.

What they had to work on was widening the performance range of the car and improving driveability across a whole rally and more difficult conditions. They clearly have had issues with the car but after belatedly listening to their drivers feedback and finally making upgrades, I think after two seasons they are in a much better place. Now they just need a top line driver, as that is the missing piece of the puzzle. Ostberg will never be that and Breen has a long way to go.

With Seb on-board he'd drive the team forward and if they back him 100% and implement any changes he pushes for, I believe he can fight for another title as soon as next year with Citroen. It sounds like they've found a lot of extra money for Seb and if they get a long term commitment, it's great for the championship. I don't think they'd have stuck around if they weren't able to attract Seb or Thierry. Whereas Msport will more than likely always be in the WRC even if it's just with paying drivers or very young and upcoming drivers.

[AnttiL]

Does that mean Evans gets benched in favour of the 'pay for the car' guys? or a return of D-Mack for a car if Ford lowers the funding with no Ogier?

You think Evans is on a high salary this year? I think he brings more money to the team. Same with Suninen. Their backers are trying to invest in the future and Red Bull pays something.

DMack is not probably getting back with such big investment.

[AnttiL]

I also agree regarding the C3 now. Meeke won with it twice last season and it could've been 3 times if not for the mechanical issue in Corsica. It's also been on the pace this year in Finland and Turkey (at points) recently, while Breen took 2nd in Sweden and Meeke/Loeb could've been challengers for the win in Mexico. Meeke also moved into the lead in Portugal before the punctures. So it's always had the speed in certain conditions.

Actually, in every kind of conditions. Tarmac, fast gravel, techical gravel...

Especially with an experienced driver like Ogier onboard, they could maybe solve some issues through testing and get the setup right.

[spiderem]

I quite like the idea of Breen having Ogier as a "mentor" in the team. He has been stagnating for a bit now, this could help him to reach the next level up (or break him).

Same as Ott, who for sure benefited in some way being in the same team as Ogier to make the final push and get his first wins last year.

[AnttiL]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10411095

Rumors: Huttunen to replace Lappi at Toyota :D

[Hartusvuori]

I quite like the idea of Breen having Ogier as a "mentor" in the team. He has been stagnating for a bit now, this could help him to reach the next level up (or break him).

As far as I know, Breen isn't contracted yet for 2019. Would love to see him stay at Citroen.

[tomhlord]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10411095

Rumors: Huttunen to replace Lappi at Toyota :D

I love how Google translates it as Esapekka Lapland.

[tomhlord]

Wilson said in Turkey, that if Ogier leaves, plan is to do it like they did it before, so customers, among whom are some developing youngsters (Suninen probably one) and some hobby drivers. Basically making profit and not thinking about the championship.

Ostberg.

[macebig]

I really like the alternate reality this forum has created right now. The C3 in its current form can't be in contention for a championship with anyone on the wheel. That will not change unless there are major changes in aero and chassis which is highly unlikely. Ogier may be able to bring the car home at 3rd to 5th every other rally and get an odd win here or there.

[tommeke_B]

I really like the alternate reality this forum has created right now. The C3 in its current form can't be in contention for a championship with anyone on the wheel. That will not change unless there are major changes in aero and chassis which is highly unlikely. Ogier may be able to bring the car home at 3rd to 5th every other rally and get an odd win here or there.
The car is fast on every surface. Look at Ostberg in Finland lately, Meeke's wins, how quick Mikkelsen was in the few events he drove it, how fast Loeb was with it this year. Ogier in a C3 WRC would have just as much chance to win the title as in a Fiesta WRC I think... But ok, I'm not an expert, and don't know enough about it to blame the aero and chassis... ;)

[Tarmop]

And your opinion is based on what? Statistics don`t lie if the driver is up to it, then the car performs fine.

[Simmi]

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10411095

Rumors: Huttunen to replace Lappi at Toyota :D

I can't see Citroen paying big for Ogier and then also signing Lappi too?

[T16]

I really like the alternate reality this forum has created right now. The C3 in its current form can't be in contention for a championship with anyone on the wheel. That will not change unless there are major changes in aero and chassis which is highly unlikely. Ogier may be able to bring the car home at 3rd to 5th every other rally and get an odd win here or there.
Highly unlikely? Why? Do you honestly think he has signed a multi year deal (which, let’s face it, is looking likely) without cast iron guarantees that they will turn it into a winner?

[sonnybobiche]

Highly unlikely? Why? Do you honestly think he has signed a multi year deal (which, let’s face it, is looking likely) without cast iron guarantees that they will turn it into a winner?

We're talking about a team that's been unable to even come close to winning either championship since 2012, despite having a heavy hand in making the rules. Those guarantees aren't worth the iron they were cast from.

[AnttiL]

how quick Mikkelsen was in the few events he drove

Slow in Sardinia, a bit better but struggling in Poland, second in Germany

[wrc2017]

Personally I would prefer Ogier going to Citroen. After all M-Sport needs a quick driver too. So Meeke, and then we will surely know if he is the problem or was he C3 itself.

after they totally redesigned the car, and now maybe doubled the budget?

[AnttiL]

I love how Google translates it as Esapekka Lapland.

That’s what his name essentially means

[dimviii]

I can't see Citroen paying big for Ogier and then also signing Lappi too?

Budar at an interview said that they will do everything to sign Ogier,even if this means only 2 cars at championship

[Allez Andruet]

Today's story of Huttunen joining TGR for 2019 is confusing, to say the least. It could easily be judged as complete BS if the story was penned by some Mauri Mopo, but... the story was written by Miika Wuorela, who - in addition to being a freelance journalist - also works for Timo Jouhki (if I'm not mistaken), so he a) should know something and b) is unlikely to wanting to tarnish his own reputation by writing totally ludicrous things and getting them published.

Having said that, it would be really weird if Huttunen doesn't have any contractual obligations towards Hyundai for years to come. The deal he made (to which he was chosen for) definitely wasn't for one year or on a year-by-year basis.

Interesting times we're living... :D

[Tarmop]

Funny, a driver lacking experience from the championship itself, not to mention a WRC car vs young drivers who have both or atleast from the championship. Also quite the opposite to having a Japanese driver in the team, who is said to be lacking experience after several seasons in an R5.

[dnb]

I don't see a reason why Toyota would even consider signing Huttunen. They have the budget to hire better drivers, not develop rookies (unless they are Japanese). Huttunen is currently 9th in WRC-2, only good result in his home rally. There's lots of drivers to consider before Huttunen and probably it's just a tactical hype to lift his value (maybe Hyundai is dissapointed at him?). If Lappi leaves, I wanna see a non-Finnish driver.

[BigWorm]

How easy would it be for Huttunen to join Toyota considering his ties with Hyundai?

[Oliverk]

I sure hope Hyundai is happy for not choosing Kruuda.

[Allez Andruet]

There's lots of drivers to consider before Huttunen and probably it's just a Jouhki's tactical hype to lift his value (maybe Hyundai is dissapointed at him?).

Jouhki has nothing to do with Huttunen.

[Allez Andruet]

How easy would it be for Huttunen to join Toyota considering his ties with Hyundai?

One would imagine it's nowhere near easy.

[Essaj]

Pure speculation.
Kalle already signed a deal with Hyundai for 2020 onwards so they are fine leaving Huttunen for others. Tommi has said that he is interested in Kalle but now that he would not be available he wants the 2nd best option (which i dont think huttunen is) for them.

To be honest I don't believe Huttunen is going to Toyota or that Kalle already has a wrc deal but that explains why Wuorela would know anything (jouhki relationship) and why hyundai could leave Huttunen.

[Rally Power]

He could show a bit of patience and loyalty to M-Sport.

Jesus Eddy, Ogier is a pro; he needs to be loyal during the contract, not for the rest of his life. Like it was already said he continued for one more year, and looking at the results and the way he managed to bring back MSport to the top it seems it's the team that mostly has been profiting from this relationship.

Btw, many have been criticizing Evans, but honestly what has Breen achieved more than him during this season? Maybe Ogier is also asking Citroen for stronger team mates, as he knows Breen and Ostberg can hardly help him to fight for the title.

[Tarmop]

Breen has showed a bit more speed (7 vs 4 stage wins), been out on 2 occasions and is doing his second full season, whereas Evans ended his last season with a win and was hyped to be right up there this year. Other than that, both have had much bad luck and are quite humble.

[AnttiL]

Once again, I don't even remember how many times this has happened this year, Tommi Mäkinen tries to cool down the rumors

https://www.rallit.fi/tommi-makinen-naureskeli-kuljettajahuhulle-lahden-itse-monteen-ja-gronholm-ajaa-ruotsissa/

He jokes about driving Monte Carlo himself and Grönholm in Sweden.

He says they don't know yet whether they want to have an experienced or a young developing driver in case Lappi is out of the team.

[mknight]

Breen has showed a bit more speed (7 vs 4 stage wins), been out on 2 occasions and is doing his second full season, whereas Evans ended his last season with a win and was hyped to be right up there this year. Other than that, both have had much bad luck and are quite humble.

Breen is actually not doing full season. Missed Mexico and Corsica due to Loeb driving.

[AnttiL]

Breen is actually not doing full season. Missed Mexico and Corsica due to Loeb driving.

No full season last year either.

[pantealex]

I have little doubt he can be a future champion but some seem too keen to rush him, he’s still a boy and hasn’t won a WRC2 event yet.

Patience.

Kalle did win WRC2 Australia 2017. (he was only competitor)

you are right, hasn´t won against others, yet.

He is factory driver in Skoda with 2+1 contract, so driving Skoda 2019 and possible 2020 also.

[deephouse]

And I have a feeling if he will be aboard that he will not have a full season (again) next year... For some reason Qassimi (if he stays), or Loeb or even Ostberg will share a car... we will see

[Simmi]

I'd assume all talk of Loeb at Citroen ends the second Ogier walks in the door.

[steve.mandzij]

No full season last year either.Never a full season, if I'm not mistaken.

I'm always rooting for Breen. He reminds me of Latvala in that he lives rallying to the fullest extent. IMO he's far more promising than Evans, especially in quick rallies like Finland and Sweden.

I feel for Evans... After 2015 I was sure he'd be the one to stay in M-Sport against Tanak, seeing as he'd done quite well and had also gotten a podium in TdC, but this year he has shown barely a sliver of pace. Constantly lost, slow and away from the pack, frequent mistakes... After his spectacular Dmack season he had lots to prove on equal rubber. I don't see him staying much longer.

[Got Mail]

Malcolm will want to sell lots of his new shape Fiesta R5.

Evans would be a perfect choice to get the new car some good results in WRC2.

Elfyn won't be delighted with that 'demotion' but I'm not sure he'll have many other options.

[Zeakiwi]

Will Evans relish the chance to compete against the VW R5, any wins in wrc2 2019 could be hard won?

[GigiGalliNo1]

We questioned why Lappi didn’t return for the final day of Rally Turkey to realize that the team did not want to give him the experience of the rest of the rally as he’d be leaving the team...

[the sniper]

Talking of the new R5 Fiesta, I do wonder whether the development efforts to keep the WRC car competitive have distracted M-Sport from developing the new R5? Seems odd that we haven't see anything of it at all. Surely now we won't see it homologated until the end of 2019. If/when the Ogier distraction leaves, the focus will surely shift back towards the customer business.

The only alternative for the delay I can think of is them wanting to see what the new R5 benchmark is once the Polo is out there, so they know what they're aiming for. But, how many customers/orders do they want to lose to VAG in the meantime...?

[AnttiL]

Could actually be a nice spice up to get guys like Breen and Evans showing some measurement of pace in WRC2, in the same way Mikkelsen did last year. Would also be good promotion for their respective teams.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/lahteeko-esapekka-lappi-toyotalta-tallipomo-tommi-makinen-puhelin-on-soinut/

Another news piece about Lappi-Toyota situation. Mäkinen says they have placed an offer to Lappi and won't make further decisions before he has responded to that offer. He also says they could have also experienced drivers coming into the team in case Lappi leaves. Again a lot of Mäkinen's talking but not saying anything.

[Norm75]

Never a full season, if I'm not mistaken.

I'm always rooting for Breen. He reminds me of Latvala in that he lives rallying to the fullest extent. IMO he's far more promising than Evans, especially in quick rallies like Finland and Sweden.

I feel for Evans... After 2015 I was sure he'd be the one to stay in M-Sport against Tanak, seeing as he'd done quite well and had also gotten a podium in TdC, but this year he has shown barely a sliver of pace. Constantly lost, slow and away from the pack, frequent mistakes... After his spectacular Dmack season he had lots to prove on equal rubber. I don't see him staying much longer.

I think you've got it right re Evans and Breen. Onboard footage Elfyn always has his mouth wide open and a heart in mouth expression on his face, whereas Breen usually looks calm and collected. There is some great footage of Breen driving a MK2 escort in Ireland, flat out but chatting away to his co driver like he is on a Sunday afternoon drive. I think Breen is a more naturally talented driver and has another step, whereas I just get the feeling Evans is on his limit.