[WRC] News & Rumours 2020 [Archive] - Page 3

Rally Hokkaido

15th March 2020, 23:54

Even more than for the F1 one, deciding the annual WRC calendar is very challenging. Forget the politics involved, seasonal and climatic conditions play a big role, then there is the biggie.....logistics. It trumps all other factors. So, while everyone waits for firstly the revised F1 calendar, then the WRC one, the WRC logistics pros are now busily developing plans for several possible scenarios. At the same time they have the immediate problem of what to do with the sea containers now in Mexico!

EstWRC

16th March 2020, 10:43

Loubet livery

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ETOfT-PX0AIgqXL?format=jpg

dimviii

16th March 2020, 17:46

PH Sport
@PH__Sport
·
14m
As many motorsport actors, we have just opted to temporarily close our workshop as a precautionary measure. Take care, stay safe and follow the instructions so we can all meet again on the service parks and special stages as soon as possible!

flat_right

19th March 2020, 06:50

Does anyone know, is there some line in the WRC rule book about how many WRC events has to happen from the original calendar that we can crown a new world champion? I can imagine that they would cancel the season if it stays like this and we have driven only 3 events. But hopefully everything gets better and we can continue somewhere around summer. But what happens then, when the situation stays like this longer?

Tauri_J

19th March 2020, 08:51

Didnt find it in rules.
https://www.fia.com/regulation/category/119

But F1 needs 8 events to crown a champion. So 8 out of 22.

Rallyper

19th March 2020, 09:59

Anyway, if the season is over, or struck for almost six months or so, FIA have to postpone WRC rulechanges as well, don´t they?

skarderud

19th March 2020, 10:15

Could rallies like spain have 2 rallies in one? 1 gravel and 1 tarmac, with separeted points, maybe also a total points, so we get 3in1?:)

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

dodge33cymru

19th March 2020, 10:30

Anyway, if the season is over, or struck for almost six months or so, FIA have to postpone WRC rulechanges as well, don´t they?

I'd suggest a counter point, that digesting and planning for new regulations are one of the things that is easier for them to work on with the current break.

AnttiL

19th March 2020, 10:57

I'd say the biggest reason for rule changes to be postponed is the global economical situation.

Rallyper

19th March 2020, 12:22

I'd suggest a counter point, that digesting and planning for new regulations are one of the things that is easier for them to work on with the current break.

For sure that is. But not what I meant. I´m talking about the realization of new rules. Should be at least one year later. If not more for reasons below.

I'd say the biggest reason for rule changes to be postponed is the global economical situation.

Sure that is. Regardless of any reason, the situation should mean a break...

EstWRC

19th March 2020, 12:29

cant this guy catch a break already https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/latest-paddon-wrc-return-attempt-falls-through/?fbclid=IwAR0u66rqf-qPcnqdg0Va38uS-6TZ3CJFA59OLiCFKmcQQvsX2TI0oIJ51Fg

AnttiL

19th March 2020, 14:11

cant this guy catch a break already https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/latest-paddon-wrc-return-attempt-falls-through/?fbclid=IwAR0u66rqf-qPcnqdg0Va38uS-6TZ3CJFA59OLiCFKmcQQvsX2TI0oIJ51Fg

Four rallies would have been logically Portugal, Sardegna, Finland and NZ. All good rallies for Paddon. So sad for him once again.

cali

19th March 2020, 14:31

It not even funny anymore...

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

EstWRC

19th March 2020, 17:06

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/next-decision-on-wrc-calendar-in-early-april/

Decision about next rounds in April.

AnttiL

20th March 2020, 07:10

Miikka Anttila starts working as a deputy clerk of the course for Rally Finland

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/info/uutiset/rally-finland-strengthens-organisation/

Sub_Skoda

21st March 2020, 11:09

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/next-decision-on-wrc-calendar-in-early-april/

Decision about next rounds in April.

Why so early? May will be better. We can have a lot of change in 1 or 2 weeks...

krissucool

21st March 2020, 12:08

The problem is, we cant. Everyone is starting to realize that it wont be any better before summer and even that is looking more and more like late summer.

Fast Eddie WRC

21st March 2020, 13:16

All this re-starting idea is so unlikey and just wishful-thinking. The situation is far more serious and will take a long time to resolve.

Rallyper

21st March 2020, 14:12

deephouse

22nd March 2020, 06:53

However, things could be back to "normal" having elders and multiple seek people aside.

How did society react back in the 70´s when we had Hong Kong flu? In late 50´s we had Asia flu. Nothing what I remember.

Thousands dies from smoking, and ordinary flu, not talking about traffic fatalities...

It´s all about doing the statistic maths, and society can start working again within weeks...

The problem is the media! You know now that there is only one topic right now on the whole world when there is storms, fires and eartquakes around the world. Many deaths, murders and crashes... I think that back then the media exposure wasn't that powerful so people wasn't that scared or maybe on the other hand people didn't spread it so much by travelling around the whole world.

Franky

22nd March 2020, 07:30

Deephouse, I think it's the combination of everything. Cheap travel, media needing to produce loads of click bait and social media.

But this should be in the pub or the corona thread.

EstWRC

24th March 2020, 15:46

PORTUGAL AND ITALY WRC ROUNDS POSTPONED

MORE EVENTS POSTPONED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK, MEANING NEXT WRC EVENT IS SAFARI RALLY IN JULY

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/portugal-and-italy-wrc-rounds-postponed/?fbclid=IwAR3HyVfpvBTq2E6MFHYORQim1o8R8pC1tnwRysWw gQspin0jaVt-e4G2IPc

i just cant see where they would slot those in second half of the season, Argentina too. im quite sure they wont go ahead at all

Tauri_J

24th March 2020, 15:54

Cant see it either. WRC isnt like F1 where we can have double/triple headers.

HKSjbg

24th March 2020, 16:44

My opinion on all this has completely changed - I doubt any more motorsport will go ahead this year at all

doubled1978

24th March 2020, 16:50

GigiGalliNo1

25th March 2020, 01:54

The WRC gear is still in containers at the port in Mexico ready to leave... but don't know where they'll get sent to!

EstWRC

26th March 2020, 08:33

Adamo about the current situation https://motorsport.hyundai.com/staying-at-home/?fbclid=IwAR1hmoeoxj1z0UrTUJFnz7Zifh9YQKjdaZwYURki tt-2tV41MJ3ZILO9X70

AnttiL

26th March 2020, 08:46

Contrary to the postponings of Argentina, Portugal and Sardegna, the organizers of Rally Finland are quite confident they either drive the rally or cancel it, postponing will not happen https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-11276238

EstWRC

27th March 2020, 06:43

Didnt find it in rules.
https://www.fia.com/regulation/category/119

But F1 needs 8 events to crown a champion. So 8 out of 22.

so thats under 50% then. if we put this model into WRC then like 4-5 rallies only needed? and we have had 3 already.

since there is huge pause now, i looked what the standings were last year after 3 rounds.

2019
1. Ogier 61
2. Evans 28
3. Neuville 55
4. Tänak 55
5. Suninen 1
6. Lappi 20

2020

1. Ogier 62 / + 1
2. Evans 54 / + 26
3. Neuville 42 / - 13
4. Tänak 38 / - 17
5. Suninen 26 / + 25
6. Lappi 24 / + 4

as you can see the biggest gainers are one former and curren M-sport drivers Evans and Suninen. Ogier and Lappi basically the same as they were doing with Citroen, Lappi would have more without the fire of course. Biggest losses for Neuville and Tänak who both have had one zero point rally compared to last year at the same time.

if, by some miracle, the season will resume at some point, its very difficult for Tänak to defend his title. It all depends if the season resumes at all and how many rallies there will be, if only 1-3 rallies then its very difficult.

AnttiL

27th March 2020, 07:57

Also there has been one power stage less this year.

EstWRC

31st March 2020, 13:15

something to watch during COVID https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-launches-stay-home-think-motorsport-campaign/

AnttiL

2nd April 2020, 15:53

https://www.rallit.fi/toteutuuko-tommi-makisen-iso-unelma-multimestari-miettii-sittenkin-uran-jatkoa/

Ogier says he might still do one more season if this becomes a stub, but he's not interested at all in the new 2022 spec cars, and he thinks no one is.

Originally from rallye-magazin.de

Katvala

2nd April 2020, 16:10

I find it fascinating that a environmental friendly person such as he (considering his other work and statement) is against the idea of hybrid racing.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

AnttiL

2nd April 2020, 17:50

I find it fascinating that a environmental friendly person such as he (considering his other work and statement) is against the idea of hybrid racing.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

I don't think it's about the hybrid technology, more about the suspension and transmission restrictions coming for 2022 which have been criticized by many drivers.

steve.mandzij

2nd April 2020, 18:57

I don't think it's about the hybrid technology, more about the suspension and transmission restrictions coming for 2022 which have been criticized by many drivers.And even so, I don't understand why they'd be against it. Of course I have no authority on the matter but in theory the cars sound like they will be harder to drive and require more from the drivers than the current cars, which while fast and capable are apparently relatively stable and easy to drive fast (especially over jumps). I think from a spectator standpoint the show will be quite spectacular.

EstWRC

2nd April 2020, 19:55

i would like to see/hear one current driver who is excited about those new regulations and cars

0 at the moment...still searching

doubled1978

2nd April 2020, 20:01

i would like to see/hear one current driver who is excited about those new regulations and cars

0 at the moment...still searching

I’m sure they will be better to drive than the drivers imagine right now, clever engineers have a funny way of designing round problems placed in front of them.

denkimi

3rd April 2020, 08:45

i would like to see/hear one current driver who is excited about those new regulations and cars

0 at the moment...still searching
Of course they aren't exited. The cars will be a step back in terms of speed.

That doesn't mean its not a good idea to cut costs, or that drivers won't enjoy driving them.

AnttiL

3rd April 2020, 10:20

i would like to see/hear one current driver who is excited about those new regulations and cars

0 at the moment...still searching

How about the count of drivers who would rather go unemployed and see one or two of the current teams pull out, than drive the new Rally1 cars

Sulland

3rd April 2020, 14:09

Hungry drivers will give their right arm to become a factory driver!
Those that are not willing to drive new gen cars, thats fine, bye bye!

The world moves on, as post group B!

dimviii

3rd April 2020, 17:19

https://twitter.com/SebastienLoeb/status/1246118105144836097

cali

3rd April 2020, 18:24

How about the count of drivers who would rather go unemployed and see one or two of the current teams pull out, than drive the new Rally1 carsTry Seb O.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

AnttiL

3rd April 2020, 18:44

Try Seb O.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

You think he's retiring because of the new rules?

EstWRC

4th April 2020, 00:01

Hungry drivers will give their right arm to become a factory driver!
Those that are not willing to drive new gen cars, thats fine, bye bye!

The world moves on, as post group B!

Who are they in 22? The hungry ones I mean.

cali

4th April 2020, 07:43

You think he's retiring because of the new rules?He has stated that he has no interest to drive these new cars.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

Fast Eddie WRC

4th April 2020, 10:54

The new Regs are keeping the GREngines and will have additional hybrid power. OK so here's some reduction in suspension & diffs, but I dont see the new cars being that bad for WRC drivers to give up.

dimviii

4th April 2020, 19:57

Matteo Deriu
Flag of Italy
@Bartolbia84
the world of rallies is in mourning. Roberto Angiolini, the historic patron of the legendary Jolly Club team, died today.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUxmCWnXQAAcQXK?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUxrg7pXQAA95ZN?format=jpg&name=900x900

AnttiL

4th April 2020, 20:27

The new Regs are keeping the GREngines and will have additional hybrid power. OK so here's some reduction in suspension & diffs, but I dont see the new cars being that bad for WRC drivers to give up.

Also the 5-speed gearbox with no paddle shift. Latvala actually said in an interview that he thinks that will cause more mechanical issues because the paddle shift is more careful for the gearbox than manual shift.

Fast Eddie WRC

5th April 2020, 10:31

Also the 5-speed gearbox with no paddle shift. Latvala actually said in an interview that he thinks that will cause more mechanical issues because the paddle shift is more careful for the gearbox than manual shift.

Possible mechanical issues is not the same as affecting the car's speed though.

Driver's, like people, dislike change. Given some time and development I'm sure they would still enjoy driving them.

AnttiL

5th April 2020, 10:50

i would like to see/hear one current driver who is excited about those new regulations and cars

0 at the moment...still searching

Østberg.

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2020/04/05/mads-ostberg-interview-on-the-aero-of-current-and-future-wrc-cars/

I think the changes are going in the good way and I hope that can allow new manufacturers to enter into the Championship.

Other than that, very interesting interview on his opinions and experiences of the aeros of the Fiesta WRC, C3 WRC and C3 R5.

doubled1978

5th April 2020, 11:08

Østberg.

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2020/04/05/mads-ostberg-interview-on-the-aero-of-current-and-future-wrc-cars/

Other than that, very interesting interview on his opinions and experiences of the aeros of the Fiesta WRC, C3 WRC and C3 R5.

Interesting to hear his comments....
I might be over simplifying it, but to me these new regs, Around 400bhp, 5 speed box, less sophisticated aero, less sophisticated suspension, less sophisticated transmission....sounds a bit like a 93 group A car...

AnttiL

5th April 2020, 11:42

Interesting to hear his comments....
I might be over simplifying it, but to me these new regs, Around 400bhp, 5 speed box, less sophisticated aero, less sophisticated suspension, less sophisticated transmission....sounds a bit like a 93 group A car...

Officially Group A cars had only 300 bhp (actually more). All of them had 6 gears, Fords even 7, using still the H pattern, sequential boxes didn't come until 1998 or so. Even the "less sophisticated suspensions" will be miles away from those days.

EstWRC

5th April 2020, 13:09

Very good interview but the most surprising thing for me was the would prefer the C3 to fiesta.

AnttiL

5th April 2020, 13:21

Very good interview but the most surprising thing for me was the would prefer the C3 to fiesta.

First and foremost: he is still a Citroen driver, of course he must still say his employer makes the best car.

Secondly, he only drove his private Fiesta, which was delivered to him at the very beginning of 2017. It was lagging behind in the development already in Sweden. He never got the benefit and results of the team testing, gathering data from rallies and developing the car. Remember how much the cars progressed during the first year especially in terms of aero? Look again at the videos from Rally Finland 2017 and how crazily the cars jump with the nose upwards.

Rally Power

5th April 2020, 15:56

the world of rallies is in mourning. Roberto angiolini, the historic patron of the legendary jolly club team, died today.

r.i.p.

Rally Power

5th April 2020, 15:59

First and foremost: he is still a Citroen driver, of course he must still say his employer makes the best car.

Being a Citroen driver didn't prevent Ostberg to moan loud and clearly about the C3 R5 last year…

Anyway, it seems that drivers already on a WRC seat will keep complaining about the regs changes once they love the current cars, while the others are in favor of the new regs mainly because they hope it will bring more manus, therefore more seats.

skarderud

5th April 2020, 19:53

First and foremost: he is still a Citroen driver, of course he must still say his employer makes the best car.

He has newer been "political correct" in terms of team lojality, always straight forward in his sayings and no filters.

The fiesta adventure showed a lack of information from M-sport, and something happened between Adapta and the other team.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

Fast Eddie WRC

6th April 2020, 09:38

After the current corona virus situation, all WRC driver's should just be glad if they are able to drive anything again at all...

Events and car manufacturers will be in dire straits financially.

dimviii

6th April 2020, 17:10

Loeb at quarantine
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EU2QvlGWoAAd2Ru?format=jpg&name=large

Elena response

https://scontent-cdt1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/91966621_3208487729202088_6655411721936568320_n.jp g?_nc_cat=103&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=8tfo-TGVVS0AX_e334Y&_nc_ht=scontent-cdt1-1.xx&oh=1b315faa7f77fe5cc5b9fb9c6b0bcc2b&oe=5EB1C088

T16

6th April 2020, 18:40

EstWRC

6th April 2020, 20:14

I’m waiting to see how he responds to this https://www.instagram.com/p/B-pFXK0pPdw/?igshid=1v8m4fsmx19be

dimviii

6th April 2020, 20:24

I’m waiting to see how he responds to this https://www.instagram.com/p/B-pFXK0pPdw/?igshid=1v8m4fsmx19be

piece of cake for Elena.

AnttiL

7th April 2020, 09:39

Tauri_J

7th April 2020, 19:11

Two day events should be no problem.

AnttiL

7th April 2020, 21:14

Two day events should be no problem.

Well, the rule book says otherwise. And this is what's Millener's point, FIA should give waivers to the rule book to make the rallies happen.

AndyRAC

7th April 2020, 22:17

Well, the rule book says otherwise. And this is what's Millener's point, FIA should give waivers to the rule book to make the rallies happen.

I don't think most people would have a problem with that; I think there is going to be a need for flexibility in all areas of life going forward.

However, being slightly cynical - I can see suggestions of making events in future all 2 dayers......especially as a lot of Sundays have approx 40km of stages.

skarderud

7th April 2020, 22:36

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-boss-wants-wrc-format-flexibility-amid-crisis/

Millener suggests more flexible event types in these exceptional times, such as two-day rallies or two consecutive rallies on the same location.Post #519, it is quite obvious that this is an solution to discuss.
Now even more than then.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

bluuford

7th April 2020, 23:24

Currently, Portugal and Sardegna were paired rallies and they are postponed. I can see that visiting Kenya is not so good idea and could still save a lot of costs for each team, at the same time, we have still more than 3 months till that time.
So, if the situation gets under control, would it be possible to make these events in the middle of July? Portugal starts on Thursday and maybe ends on Saturday , while Sardegna should start on Friday morning with SD and can end on Sunday. Teams can travel directly from Porto to Sardegna and cars prepared like it was done last year in Argentina. Slightly shorter rally is also maybe less destructive for the car.

We can have almost two full events and with much lower costs.

If the flight industry is not starting immediately, the prices for hiring private planes is not very high right now and possibly it is the same after things start moving again. So, if there will be one private plane travelling between Porto and Sardegna, taking all team members from one place to another, it would be basically the same cost or much less than regular flights initially for all members from their home to Porto and then back home and then to Sardegna.

Well, first we have to see how is the situation developing. Currently, I would say that it looks promising:)

EstWRC

8th April 2020, 06:36

finally something good to hear.

im sure bluuford has monitored the numbers more closely, im no specialist but ive also been following the last weeks, especially Italy, and the numbers have gone down thankfully now...two weeks ago the new case numbers were 5000-6000, last week around 4000 and now two days in a row its been 3000 something (3039 yesterday). Switzerland and Austria have also come down massively compared to some weeks ago.

im not sure if there will be any rallies before Finland, but im pretty confident Finland will go ahead. Theres still 4 months left until that.

dimviii

8th April 2020, 07:47

guys are you sure that borders will be open for tourists/travellers at 15 May for rally Portugal?

dodge33cymru

8th April 2020, 08:45

guys are you sure that borders will be open for tourists/travellers at 15 May for rally Portugal?

I'd be amazed if they are

TheFlyingTuga

8th April 2020, 08:46

guys are you sure that borders will be open for tourists/travellers at 15 May for rally Portugal?

We will see. The situation is not that bad in here as in other South European Countries (350 deaths and 13000 infected as of today), however, Rally Portugal was postponed from the May date to hopefully some date in late September or early October.

AnttiL

8th April 2020, 08:56

Who claimed Portugal would run in May? It's postponed. We were speculating if it would run in July.

dimviii

8th April 2020, 09:59

Who claimed Portugal would run in May? It's postponed. We were speculating if it would run in July.
didnt remember that it was postponed.
imho it would be more safe to be organized at September.
from what i read,borders are the last they will opened,from this gradually opening at each country.
Lets hope also they will not rush this opening,and everything will go well.

rallyfiend

8th April 2020, 10:09

Who claimed Portugal would run in May? It's postponed. We were speculating if it would run in July.

I think it would be too hot and too great a fire risk for either Portugal or Italy to run before late September. They perhaps need to wait to hope that NZ is cancelled early and try to rearrange to some slots after Finland. If Finland runs....

EstWRC

8th April 2020, 11:36

no, no cancellation for NZ please

ill take rather only NZ than Portugal and Sardegna together

AnttiL

8th April 2020, 11:54

During Rally Mexico (one month ago) I said that I'm positively surprised if there's any WRC rallies run this year, and I still think the same. Of course I hope it will get better, but right now it doesn't look good.

masa90

8th April 2020, 11:55

I need Rally Finland. Would rather have it than any other sports event this year.

HKSjbg

8th April 2020, 11:55

no, no cancellation for NZ please

ill take rather only NZ than Portugal and Sardegna together

+1
We may not see another WRC Rally NZ, whereas Portugal and Sardinia will most likely be back for 2021

TheFlyingTuga

8th April 2020, 12:34

I think it would be too hot and too great a fire risk for either Portugal or Italy to run before late September. They perhaps need to wait to hope that NZ is cancelled early and try to rearrange to some slots after Finland. If Finland runs....

At least for us fire season will be over... Kind off, we had the biggest fire of the last 3 decades in late October few years ago. But I don't think it'll be the fire hazard to stop the rally. I don't see it reduced to two days though. ACP, the organizer relays heavily on the money from the regions where it passes. Cutting a day could mean losing money not only this year but in future years as well.

Fast Eddie WRC

8th April 2020, 22:00

Rally GB bid by N.Ireland fails:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/motorsport/52213420

Rally Power

8th April 2020, 23:25

I don't think most people would have a problem with that; I think there is going to be a need for flexibility in all areas of life going forward.

However, being slightly cynical - I can see suggestions of making events in future all 2 dayers......especially as a lot of Sundays have approx 40km of stages.

You’re not being cynical, you’re being realistic. After the radical rule limiting 2 engines per car/season it won’t take long to see 2 days events becoming the future normal routes.

Btw, 2 days seems appropriate for the rest of the season considering the current crisis, but making 2 events in the same country sounds a desperate solution. Hope it won’t be needed.

AnttiL

9th April 2020, 05:43

I can't see any country putting up two rallies anymore for this year. It would take too much effort, and right now it's a gamble whether the rallies are run at all, so they don't want to raise the stakes. At most the second event would be a mini-rally.

However, doing two short events back to back in same or two countries close to each other, are valid ideas for the future.

HKSjbg

9th April 2020, 07:51

However, doing two short events back to back in same or two countries close to each other, are valid ideas for the future.

I have two suggestions for that: Sanremo then Tuscany and Wales then Scotland :D

EstWRC

9th April 2020, 08:13

i have one too, Finland and then Estonia ;)

NielsH

9th April 2020, 09:04

Germany and the Condroz....

SubaruNorway

9th April 2020, 09:30

Story from Norwegian Eurosport that Petter Solberg is working with two new manufactures and the team in the background is already clear and that he just has to "push a button" for things to start rolling.
https://www.eurosport.no/wrc/vil-bli-teamsjef-men-nekter-a-gi-sonnen-garantier-han-far-ordne-seg-selv_sto7722656/story.shtml?fbclid=IwAR0aHk0B9t8vw9dZYHFkjmMPPeAqf eeu74fA5SZsOiuTjailKSbB4mo0MUA

HKSjbg

9th April 2020, 10:07

(New) Rally Japan + (old) Rally Japan (Rally Hokkaidō)

Rally New Zealand + Otago Rally (and some Canterbury stages too maybe)

I think working from home is sending me insane :roll:

AnttiL

9th April 2020, 10:09

(New) Rally Japan + (old) Rally Japan (Rally Hokkaidō)

One is tarmac, one is gravel.

I see that you're all going a bit nuts with these combinations, it's not so easy :)

AnttiL

9th April 2020, 10:10

i have one too, Finland and then Estonia ;)

I was thinking about this as well, but sadly there wouldn't have been Rally Estonia this year in any case.

HKSjbg

9th April 2020, 10:19

One is tarmac, one is gravel.

I see that you're all going a bit nuts with these combinations, it's not so easy :)

Would it be possible to bring all the kit needed for a mixed surface rally to a flyaway? It would just mean 5 days between surface changes not overnight

AndyRAC

9th April 2020, 10:51

Rally GB bid by N.Ireland fails:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/amp/motorsport/52213420

Not really a surprise - personally, it was a long shot. To think it could have as big an impact as The Open is stretching things a bit.

cali

9th April 2020, 11:11

i have one too, Finland and then Estonia ;)We can't even organize a rally and our ASN has been basically shut down

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

AnttiL

9th April 2020, 11:20

Would it be possible to bring all the kit needed for a mixed surface rally to a flyaway? It would just mean 5 days between surface changes not overnight

Well, they did that in Catalunya as well...but it's sure an expense. Anyway, one point in two consecutive rallies would be that the cars don't fly back to the base inbetween, it saves a lot of expenses. Changing the chassis at the service park from gravel to tarmac is a small task compared to that.

Fast Eddie WRC

9th April 2020, 11:45

Not really a surprise - personally, it was a long shot. To think it could have as big an impact as The Open is stretching things a bit.

They're not giving up though.

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/plans-to-bring-world-rally-to-northern-ireland-scuppered-by-coronavirus-but-willis-not-giving-up-hope-39114947.html

Mk2 RS2000

9th April 2020, 23:56

As from Midnight last night NZ time and until further notice all persons arriving into NZ have to undergo a managed 14 day quarantine period in a Government controlled facility.

GigiGalliNo1

10th April 2020, 02:53

That's been in place now in Australia since March 16th. I had to do that once I returned from Rally Mexico!

skarderud

10th April 2020, 16:37

https://www.eurosport.no/wrc/vil-bli-teamsjef-men-nekter-a-gi-sonnen-garantier-han-far-ordne-seg-selv_sto7722656/story.shtml

Petter Solberg aiming to be a teamboss in WRC 2022, discution with 2 manufacturers.
Everything is ready, just press the button, but the virus has put thing on hold.
Who is this 2? I guess Subaru or Peugeot.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

deephouse

11th April 2020, 08:40

He said that he is working a long time with them. I can only see Subaru and VW (So maybe they will put Skoda after all in their shoes). BTW Peugeot is focusing now on WEC and their programme start right in 2022, so high unlikely they will be back any time sokn if they ever will be. Maybe Citroen but not so sure about this.

Tarmop

11th April 2020, 09:43

On the contrary, Peugeot is aiming for a WEC return with similar technologies that would be used in the WRC and they would be responsible for the running-gear department, their partner (Rebellion was it?) would do the chassis. In that case i would say, would be 2in1 as being quite similar in terms of development and also being a joint-venture. Citroen is also PSA, so even if they would use a Citroen or even an Opel chassis instead, there is no big difference. VAG on the otherhand i don`t really think, their joint-venture in WTCC just ended, because they are not interested in anything else but EVs.

But, new times being ahead and nobody knowing, how good or bad they will be, there will deifinitely be many changes, probably not good ones. There are news that automotive industry (production of new cars) is seeing the highest lows at the moment.

skarderud

11th April 2020, 10:54

Subaru is one of them, thats for sure, Petter was there this summer and 5000 workers put out lots of cars of the museum and all the big bosses "hailed the king" solberg.

Škoda is of course a logical one, lots of history and know how, but i don't think VW is ready to do this with any of theire brands these days. Has to be Seat then?:)

Peugeot, or Citröen, some PSA brand at least is probably more logic, i think it's Peugeot's turn this time. Petter has good connections there after the WRC and RX years.(PSA)

Or some totally suprise, like Mazda, Opel (PSA), or one of the chinese brands?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

Humber

12th April 2020, 12:02

Subaru and Solberg is a logical combination.

The current Subaru wrx is not really a compact rally machine. Another wrx is probably not too far away.

If there is any residual link with Prodrive - Renault might be a left field wrc entrant with a scaled down version of an existing production vehicle.

Mitsubishi has seen what Makinen and Toyota have done together, and could be looking for a brand lifter with a hot Mitsubishi Mirage or other vehicle (now the memory of the swedish aprc etc car is fading)
Dytko's mirage
https://youtu.be/8pbjOKgndzM

skarderud

12th April 2020, 13:01

Yes, Mitsubishi is an candidate for sure, is Proton in an economic situation to do something more serious with the R5 project and to accelerate it into WRC?

Its quite clear that atlest 1, potential 2, manufacturers is joining WRC 2022, Mitsubishi is heavily into PHEV these days so they is not a imposible one!

Toyotas boss is interessed in more japanese carmakers joining WRC, he said that he talked to several in an intervju last year, hopefully it works.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

Franky

12th April 2020, 14:04

I doubt there will be any manufacturers interested in joining too soon because of the economical effect this virus has on them

skarderud

12th April 2020, 14:55

I doubt there will be any manufacturers interested in joining too soon because of the economical effect this virus has on themYes, the virus and the economic breakdown is definitly a joker everywhere.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

Fast Eddie WRC

14th April 2020, 13:33

bluuford

14th April 2020, 14:05

dirtfishrally @DirtFishRally

The current WRC test ban is the right decision, but it's causing a particular problem for Toyota....

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-test-shutdown-gives-toyota-a-huge-2021-problem/

There is no way you can use central Finalnd roads for testing before mid-May this year anyway. There is still occasional snow, partly freezing/melting surface, which destroys the road. So, to my view, until mid May, 0-effect.
It is one of the coldest springs in Arctic and in higher latitudes that I can remember. Heat in the ocean from last season is almost finished, but unusually warm and humid winter has resulted in 2-3 meters of very dense snow in Scandinavian mountains (still is near 2.5 m in many places), Spitsbegren etc. and even near half of the Finland (northern part) is still covered by nearly 1 m deep snow, and this is not snowpowder, it is veeeery dense snow. It influences our spring climate for long time this year. A couple of days ago i noticed that there was -30 degrees in north Finland and at least -20 degrees is expected in Sacndinavian mountains during next week and more snow.

Fast Eddie WRC

14th April 2020, 15:22

If Toyota cant do adequate testing of the 2021 GR Yaris is it possible they may pull out of WRC until 2022 ?

It seems Head Office wouldnt allow them continue to use the 2020 car as its based on the previous Yaris.

Tarmop

14th April 2020, 16:06

rallyfiend

14th April 2020, 16:12

I think they'd be allowed to compete with the 2020 car. You can't expect them to allude to anything other than a threat to pull out so that they get what they want....

Toyota will likely have bigger problems than the issue around using a different car for a year in a fringe activity like WRC.

Neither WEC nor Dakar seem to affected by the complete lack of relevance between the road car and race cars. And WRC is higher profile than either of those (Le Mans race excepted).

Tarmop

14th April 2020, 16:19

Umh, WEC is a prototype, though new LMP1 is going to be based on a production car??? Hilux is a different story, though also quite similar to latest spec. Yaris on the other hand would be outdated chassis, clearly visible to the eye with no way to FL it similar to the new one also.

the sniper

14th April 2020, 16:47

If anything is going to be allowed in this world shortly, surely a small group of blokes running a car back and forth in the middle of an empty forest will be one of the first things possible.

Tarmop

14th April 2020, 16:51

At home, maybe yes, but abroad... i think we are several months far away from that.

Fast Eddie WRC

14th April 2020, 17:50

Running without fans seems the best (only) chance to get a WRC event on at the earliest opportunity.

But could it be guaranteed and policed ? Like football games played behind closed doors, will some fans still try to get as close as they can ?

Fast Eddie WRC

14th April 2020, 17:57

If that would be the case, then i am pretty sure, they would run as Tommi Mäkinen Racing in Gazoo colours. With Ogier also hinting, that he wants to have a nice full season to end his career+ having Evans as a tough challenger this year+ Rovanperä and Katsuta learning, the badge would be in picture and taking a break in developing youngsters is also not very good in long terms.

Like Kronos...and other examples from the past.

Or maybe use the 2021 car on the later (gravel) events where it has been well-tested for in Finland, and continue with the 2020 car elsewhere. Thats if a team can run two different cars in a season.

There's also the GR Yaris homologation issue re making and selling thousands of GR4 road cars in a bad economic climate. Tricky !

Rally Power

14th April 2020, 22:58

On the contrary, Peugeot is aiming for a WEC return with similar technologies that would be used in the WRC and they would be responsible for the running-gear department, their partner (Rebellion was it?) would do the chassis. In that case i would say, would be 2in1 as being quite similar in terms of development and also being a joint-venture. Citroen is also PSA, so even if they would use a Citroen or even an Opel chassis instead, there is no big difference.

Rebellion quitted Peugeot WEC project in February, making harder for PSA to spread resources into other series (apart being tech partners, like DS is in FE with a Chinese team). Besides, according to WEC Hypercar rules, Peugeot intends to use a more advanced hybrid system than the WRC commom spec one.

Fast Eddie WRC

17th April 2020, 15:49

FIA ready to trial new formats to fit 2020 rallies in... and not all rallies will make the cut:

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-ready-to-trial-new-formats-to-fit-2020-rallies-in/

Should we settle for just European events ?

the sniper

17th April 2020, 17:53

Rally Power

18th April 2020, 17:47

According to www.revistascratch.com Rally Japan will have 310 competitive kms for 19 stages (including 5 SSS’s). They’re also claiming that 2021 Monte Carlo will keep Gap base.

AndyRAC

19th April 2020, 10:06

Unlike F1 or NASCAR, I don't think the WRC should be seeing a short calendar as a big issue. There's historical precedent for the WRC having 8/9 round calendars by choice, so it's hardly the end of the world being forced into it now.

Agree - and it shouldn't be an issue for any series.....extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If it means many series can continue, then it has to be done. If car regs have to be pushed back, then so be it.

doubled1978

19th April 2020, 14:08

Agree - and it shouldn't be an issue for any series.....extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. If it means many series can continue, then it has to be done. If car regs have to be pushed back, then so be it.

It’s good for WRC that they already have 3 rounds completed....it at least gives a few options towards the end of the year in terms of having enough rounds to make a championship.
I had a thought that the rallies that do run later in the year, might have to do so without super special style stages due to social distancing, the normal stages for want of a better phrase, do at least allow people to spread out unlike stadium sports.

AnttiL

19th April 2020, 17:23

Unlike F1 or NASCAR, I don't think the WRC should be seeing a short calendar as a big issue. There's historical precedent for the WRC having 8/9 round calendars by choice, so it's hardly the end of the world being forced into it now.

Until 1992 you could pick only the seven best results, so even that should be acceptable. It would also be exactly half of what was planned originally. Only four more rallies would be needed.

pantealex

20th April 2020, 06:27

To me even 1 more rally is better than 0

(I´m mentally prepared for Rally Finland cancellation)

I´m so happy that I went to Sweden.

AnttiL

20th April 2020, 06:53

To me even 1 more rally is better than 0

I agree and I said that already at the time of Mexico, I expect that to be the last rally of the season. I'm positively surprised if there's anything driven at the end of the year.

EstWRC

21st April 2020, 07:54

well Matton sounds quite positive in that interview and so am i.

i think maybe the season resumes in august.

doubled1978

21st April 2020, 14:55

well Matton sounds quite positive in that interview and so am i.

i think maybe the season resumes in august.

I’m positive too, I don’t when and what rallies, or even what the format will be, but I’m sure there will be some rallies this year..

Rallyper

21st April 2020, 15:51

Rally Finland are waiting for Finnish government recommendations, but working on preparations as usual. I think Pantealex already said it some week ago.

Farbar1

21st April 2020, 22:52

I’m positive too, I don’t when and what rallies, or even what the format will be, but I’m sure there will be some rallies this year..

We have already booked and paid for a trip to New Zealand for Rally NZ. I don't see it running even though it is not scheduled until September. I am sure they when they try to squeeze as many events as possible in the latter half of the year, they will all be Europe based.

kirungi okwogera

21st April 2020, 23:45

We have already booked and paid for a trip to New Zealand for Rally NZ. I don't see it running even though it is not scheduled until September. I am sure they when they try to squeeze as many events as possible in the latter half of the year, they will all be Europe based.

The plus side is, a trip to NZ will be really good rally or no rally.

KiwiRallyFan

22nd April 2020, 00:27

Be aware that if you come to NZ in September, you may have to go through a compulsory 2-week quarantine.

Zeakiwi2

22nd April 2020, 02:29

The quarantine may or may not be in a Central Auckland Hotel (NZ) that may or may not be near (a day light hours or longer) high rise/ convention center construction or demolition zone

pantealex

22nd April 2020, 06:52

Rally Finland are waiting for Finnish government recommendations, but working on preparations as usual. I think Pantealex already said it some week ago.

All borders must be open well before that time, otherwise no rally.

Some competitors/teams are from South-America, Asia etc.

Also Rally without spectators is NOT possible in Finland.

EstWRC

22nd April 2020, 07:14

We have already booked and paid for a trip to New Zealand for Rally NZ. I don't see it running even though it is not scheduled until September. I am sure they when they try to squeeze as many events as possible in the latter half of the year, they will all be Europe based.

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rally-nz-denies-2020-cancellation-would-end-wrc-hopes/

Zeakiwi2

22nd April 2020, 11:27

I am unsure about a Bathurst, NSW, Aus based rally. (as mentioned in the Dirtfish article above)
I will have to ask the cuzz who lived near Bathurst for about 20 years, where the good roads are.
The Caves Rally is relatively nearby,(in Aus distance terms, Oberon @50km from Bathurst)) I hope some better roads than what I have seen in the videos can be found. (Some roads appear to be point and squirt after a fast powerslide corner)
Caves Classic 2019 https://youtu.be/lRmUJwzOFIo
Turn off the sound - squeaky co-drivers warning.
caves rally incar - fairly rough stage
https://youtu.be/b_f9yG4cB-4

Batemans Bay in car (Half the distance of what Coffs is from Sydney, but to the south) appears to have interesting roads.
https://youtu.be/pUzoDyiLPlU?t=58 (squeaky co-driver)

Canberra would appear to be a compromise option, 100kms? further from Sydney than Bathurst. Long history of the likes of the Castrol Rally and Asia Pacific and Australian Rally Championship rounds held on the roads around Canberra. Would September work for Canberra? no event clash to pack out the accommodation?
Greenwash the rally for greenies/ politics?, make the cars run on LNG & electric hybrid for the Aus round (Aus has lots of LNG, less emissions than petrol)
Canberra Rally - incar (fairly typical stage for Canberra)
https://youtu.be/KNmXlZX7qJI

Fiesta

22nd April 2020, 12:41

All borders must be open well before that time, otherwise no rally.

Some competitors/teams are from South-America, Asia etc.

Also Rally without spectators is NOT possible in Finland.

Well, Tarkiainen said that if the biggest teams (WRC) are able to come in Finland, they will drive the rally. Also if FIA gives green light, they will drive it. Of course Finnish Goverment can reject the making of the rally, but at least from this interview, I see that the South-American, Asian teams are not the issue. If they have difficulties to attend Neste Rally, it won't be an issue. The only concern is if the biggest teams can attend. Keskisuomalainen Magazine (https://www.ksml.fi/urheilu/mm-ralli/Suomen-MM-juhlarallin-j%C3%A4rjest%C3%A4misen-tiell%C3%A4-on-mutkia-%E2%80%93-Moni-asia-on-auki/1541695?pwbi=0c7e264b4526b914341c4e2a0af39b6d)

There wasn't any mentioning about the quarantine? So if the borders are closed but open for business with two weeks quarantine, then again it could be driven. Or do you know something we dont`about the borders that have to be open?

dimviii

22nd April 2020, 14:52

There wasn't any mentioning about the quarantine? So if the borders are closed but open for business with two weeks quarantine, then again it could be driven.

ι dont thik that drivers/teams will agree to stay for 15 days in quarantine.

Rallyper

22nd April 2020, 16:03

ι dont thik that drivers/teams will agree to stay for 15 days in quarantine.

If that´s the thing. Maybe no quarantine in August. Anyway, what we know is AKK is in the hands of Finnish Government decisions.

MartijnS

22nd April 2020, 17:18

So, no decision till the beginning of June? Will they take the risk with events being banned until the end of July now, to continue preparing the rally 1 week after that date?

Rallyper

22nd April 2020, 17:54

So, no decision till the beginning of June? Will they take the risk with events being banned until the end of July now, to continue preparing the rally 1 week after that date?

My guess, they will stay preparating until decision comes from Finnish authorities. Anything else would be kind of weird.

dimviii

22nd April 2020, 18:11

Rallirinki / Teemu
@HartusvuoriWRC
·
1h
Finland's goverment recommends all mass events will be banned until the end of July. The lawful decisions for banning the events can be made one month at a time. Thus, Rally Finland's final destiny won't be revealed until early June, as far as goverment decisions go. #WRC

dimviii

22nd April 2020, 20:57

why we cant find this interview written? for many its a bit difficult to understand from just listening.

https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/im-a-bit-detached-from-reality-in-conversation-with-adamo/

pantealex

23rd April 2020, 06:39

Well, Tarkiainen said that if the biggest teams (WRC) are able to come in Finland, they will drive the rally. Also if FIA gives green light, they will drive it. Of course Finnish Goverment can reject the making of the rally, but at least from this interview, I see that the South-American, Asian teams are not the issue. If they have difficulties to attend Neste Rally, it won't be an issue. The only concern is if the biggest teams can attend. Keskisuomalainen Magazine (https://www.ksml.fi/urheilu/mm-ralli/Suomen-MM-juhlarallin-j%C3%A4rjest%C3%A4misen-tiell%C3%A4-on-mutkia-%E2%80%93-Moni-asia-on-auki/1541695?pwbi=0c7e264b4526b914341c4e2a0af39b6d)

There wasn't any mentioning about the quarantine? So if the borders are closed but open for business with two weeks quarantine, then again it could be driven. Or do you know something we dont`about the borders that have to be open?

I don´t know more than others.

Many of WRC teams key workers are from "outside EU" but probably teams can survive without those.

Rally Finland without WRC2/3 and JWRC. So, big boys + fast privateers + some rally tourists = better than nothing.

Quarantine in Finland isn´t mandatory, it´s official recommendation from goverment.
but if that 14d recommendation is still on, rally people will do it, otherwise very bad PR for rally sport.

pantealex

23rd April 2020, 07:27

Todays paper said that it´s not only matter of Finland´s situation.

Britain, Spain, Sweden etc. must also be OK.

City of Jyväskylä is OK with rally if goverment allows it.

dimviii

23rd April 2020, 08:01

Quarantine in Finland isn´t mandatory, it´s official recommendation from goverment.
but if that 14d recommendation is still on, rally people will do it, otherwise very bad PR for rally sport.

Pantealex after Finland they have to run other rallies too.Will they stay again 14 days quarantine if its official recommendation for the next rally/ies?

Rallyper

23rd April 2020, 08:39

If we have that quarantine thing by the time of NRF there will not be any rally. For sure. :(

EstWRC

23rd April 2020, 18:32

Very good interview with Ott https://www.dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanaks-guide-to-rally-argentina/

PLuto

24th April 2020, 21:53

Rally Portugal cancelled (https://www.autosport.pt/ralis/wrc/rali-de-portugal-2020-vai-ser-cancelado/)

TheFlyingTuga

24th April 2020, 22:28

Rally Portugal cancelled (https://www.autosport.pt/ralis/wrc/rali-de-portugal-2020-vai-ser-cancelado/)

Not yet, nothing official at least.
What the news says is that the City Chambers were advise that the rally would not be organized this year... but on the other hand, that was a facebook rumor

Fast Eddie WRC

25th April 2020, 15:02

ADAMO, MÄKINEN AND MILLENER ARE GRILLED ...

https://www.dirtfish.com/archive/wrc-team-bosses-debate-you-asked-they-answered/

https://youtu.be/-VQc-0bj5SY

the sniper

25th April 2020, 17:58

ADAMO, MÄKINEN AND MILLENER ARE GRILLED ...

https://www.dirtfish.com/archive/wrc-team-bosses-debate-you-asked-they-answered/

https://youtu.be/-VQc-0bj5SY

Andrea Adamo in particular comes across so well in this. Not that it's a surprise, but it feels like he is the least guarded throughout. This was the most amusing bit to me, for anyone not planning to watch the full thing (I don't see why you wouldn't though!): https://youtu.be/-VQc-0bj5SY?t=2378

dimviii

25th April 2020, 18:44

Andrea Adamo in particular comes across so well in this. Not that it's a surprise, but it feels like he is the least guarded throughout. This was the most amusing bit to me, for anyone not planning to watch the full thing (I don't see why you wouldn't though!): https://youtu.be/-VQc-0bj5SY?t=2378
Makinen couldnt answer the question which driver from any other team you would like to have.

Fast Eddie WRC

26th April 2020, 12:27

Makinen couldnt answer the question which driver from any other team you would like to have.

And Adamo wanted Evans.... because he wouldnt have the budget for Ogier !

lluisva555

27th April 2020, 15:30

Our balance of jokers spent per team in 2019, 2020 and since 2017, with special attention to those used for aero modifications. Hope you like it!

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2020/04/26/updated-wrc-homologation-joker-list/

dimviii

30th April 2020, 10:14

2020 WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal cancelled
30 abril 2020

As a result of the global situation regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the 2020 Vodafone Rally de Portugal will not be organised on its initially scheduled date in May. The Automóvel Club de Portugal made significant efforts to run the event this year at the end of October.

After a joint assessment together with our partners, the various municipalities, national authorities and sponsors, all health and safety conditions needed to run the WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal in a safe way are not achievable given the unpredictable situation that we live in these days, and also the uncertainty of opening the national borders or airspace.

Due to this critical situation, the Automóvel Club de Portugal is forced to cancel the Portuguese round of the 2020 FIA World Rally Championship.

The Automóvel Club de Portugal deeply regrets this decision. But it is the responsible decision bearing in mind the thousands of supporters, teams, municipalities, sponsors and all the people involved in the event, that was responsible in 2019 for an economic impact in the national economy of more than 142 million Euros.

ACP has already applied for WRC Rally de Portugal to return to the 2021 FIA World Rally Championship in a May date.
http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/content.aspx?menuid=43&eid=8913

Grutz

1st May 2020, 23:29

I just heard Hayden Paddon talk on Newstalk ZB (NZ Radiostation) say that just prior to the World Covid-19 shutdown he was about to sign a deal with Hyundai Motorsport to drive in 4 WRC rounds this year for a "Hyundai B Team" of whcih 1 round would have been rally NZ. This was an interview with Darcy Waldegrave on his ALLSPORT BREAKFAST show. However obviously everything is on hold for now. INTERESTING!!

Fast Eddie WRC

2nd May 2020, 15:41

just prior to the World Covid-19 shutdown he was about to sign a deal with Hyundai Motorsport to drive in 4 WRC rounds this year for a "Hyundai B Team"

That would just be Paddon's luck.

Farbar1

4th May 2020, 07:02

After being one of the many racing series worldwide to be put on hold in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the New Zealand Rally Championship has confirmed that its 2020 season will be cancelled for the year. - where does this leave Rally NZ I wonder?

tommeke_B

4th May 2020, 07:34

This was the calendar for the NZ Rally championship.

3-5 April Rally Otago (APRC)
8-10 May Rally Whangarei (APRC)
20 June Rally South Canterbury
25 July Rally Hawke’s Bay
3-6 September Rally New Zealand (WRC)

So in best case one or two rounds of the championship are left, not a surprise the championship itself is called off. I'm wondering for Rally New Zealand, at this moment nobody knows how things will turn in the next few months.

rallyfiend

4th May 2020, 12:33

Franky

5th May 2020, 07:11

I'm feeling a bit pessimistic about the whole situation. Not even because of a possible second wave but the political decision making is not very used to having big balls.

So it might end up being the longest wait for Monte Carlo. How I wish, I'd be wrong.

DocMS

5th May 2020, 09:09

Surely a decision has to come very shorty. Its only 10 Weeks away to Safari & 13 Weeks to finland. Organisers, teams, fans will all start losing money if they leave much longer. As much as we all want stages live again best decision right now is to void 2020 altogether and focus coming back bigger and better for 2021.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

masa90

5th May 2020, 09:35

Finland is still possible. Would not count it out. Situation here is good atm. Not sure on the political side though.

Rallyper

5th May 2020, 09:36

No. I could also see season starts with Rally Finland and on (with those rallies not cancelled). The sport isn´t that hazardeous to Covid as football or golf. It´s much more possible to spread out spectators.

So no more waiting than 13 weeks... :) :)

tommeke_B

5th May 2020, 09:52

Good luck spreading spectators on Harju or the Kakaristo junction. ;) Also I don't think there's going to be a discussion about how much each and every event could contribute to the spread of covid or not. It will be about a ban on travel and all sport events, on national levels or on European level. For Finland a final decision should be taken fist week of June. Still a month, a lot can change (for the better or for the worse). All we can do is wait and hope things turn out well.

Tauri_J

5th May 2020, 10:07

Spreading spectators would make it more dangerous. Its much easier to control people in designated spectator areas.

pantealex

5th May 2020, 14:52

Let´s assume that 2020 is cancelled.

How do we know that January 2021 has better situation than August 2020 or October 2020 ?

There is no cure for Corona until vaccines are ready maybe 2022.

We just can´t wait for ever...

I bet no one has right answer when to start.

denkimi

5th May 2020, 15:19

The sport isn´t that hazardeous to Covid as football or golf. It´s much more possible to spread out spectators.

But it's much more difficult to stop people from spectating.
You can easily close a stadium, but you can't close a whole region.

Rallyper

6th May 2020, 10:37

Good luck spreading spectators on Harju or the Kakaristo junction.

I´d say in one way or another IF NRF will be driven, they have to adjust the itinerary anyway. No Harju and no Lajavuori, I´d reccon.

But it's much more difficult to stop people from spectating.
You can easily close a stadium, but you can't close a whole region.

On the rally you don´t have to stop people. Spectators manage this themselves, I´m sure.

AnttiL

6th May 2020, 10:42

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-calendar-update-includes-finland-postponement-option/

Finland could be postponed to September or October (weird, since the organizers have strongly talked against this).

AnttiL

6th May 2020, 10:42

On the rally you don´t have to stop people. Spectators manage this themselves, I´m sure.
But if an accident happens, the organizers are responsible. That's why they want to manage it.

Rallyper

6th May 2020, 10:56

But if an accident happens, the organizers are responsible. That's why they want to manage it.

Well, marshalls have to see there´s not more than 50 people around car then... ;)

AnttiL

6th May 2020, 10:57

Well, marshalls have to see there´s not more than 50 people around car then... ;)

I'm seriously talking about accidents involving spectators. We had this in a Finland national event in 2018. The victim was sitting on the outside of a corner, drunk, when a car crashed over. And the organizers are still in the court for that.

AnttiL

6th May 2020, 12:21

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EXVT3e6UwAMCTV8?format=jpg&name=900x900

T16

6th May 2020, 12:34

Shortened calendar and Elfyn takes the championship in Wales. That'll do me ey.

Rallyper

6th May 2020, 18:23

I'm seriously talking about accidents involving spectators. We had this in a Finland national event in 2018. The victim was sitting on the outside of a corner, drunk, when a car crashed over. And the organizers are still in the court for that.

I would say your example hasn´t anything to do with the Covid-19 regulations. Still marshalls are in charge at any situation.

EstWRC

6th May 2020, 20:27

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EXVT3e6UwAMCTV8?format=jpg&name=900x900

No word about testing? As we know it’s banned until 1st of June.

Even the new testing vids would make me very happy at the moment

Maui J.

6th May 2020, 22:05

Farbar1

6th May 2020, 22:22

I'd be very surprised to see Rally NZ happen unfortunately. Currently we have a mandatory 14 day quarantine in place for new arrivals. Lockdown restrictions are slowly being reduced, but somehow I can't see how a huge travelling circus would be allowed to enter the country even as far away as September. I hope to be proven wrong.
Not sure if the 2021 calendar has been finalised but it would be great to see Rally NZ on it especially if this years event will probably be cancelled.

We've already booked and paid for flights, accommodation in Auckland plus a hire car. We have volunteered as officials (as we do for Rally Australia). I have thought for some time that there is very little chance of it going ahead - the teams will not want to travel that far with a (possible) very restricted finish to the season. I am glad to see that a decision will be made at the end of May as it gives us some time to try to recover our costs or change holiday plans.

AnttiL

7th May 2020, 07:55

Matton says we should have four more rounds this year, seven in total, in order to declare the champion. Original source: Motorsport Aktuell

https://www.rallit.fi/fian-rallipomo-linjaa-loppukauden-teesin-maailmanmestaruuteen-vaaditaan-ainakin-seitseman-kisaa/

the sniper

7th May 2020, 18:13

Looking further ahead, they're still trying to talk the NI Government into funding Rally GB in 2021, so it's not dead yet... https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/149333/northern-ireland-was-on-the-cusp-of-wrc-bid

Somewhat interestingly Evans has said this, at some point:

Evans has described Northern Ireland as being a "welcome addition to the WRC".

"The roads are definitely unique and we don't have anything similar to Irish Tarmac stages in the championship at the moment," he said.

"The rallies that I have done over in Ireland were always well attended and they always had a great atmosphere."

Seems odd Evans of all people backing a move from Wales, unless he believes/knows that continued Welsh funding is a lost cause?

HKSjbg

7th May 2020, 18:26

That may be a quote from a piece where some drivers were asked what rally they’d like to add to the calendar. I can’t remember where it was published, otherwise I’d try and find it. Anyway, if I remember correctly he suggested Ireland and prefaced it with ‘not at the expense of Wales of course!’. It was just fantasy so that may be why he suggested something that could only be at the expense of Wales.

AnttiL

7th May 2020, 18:31

HKSjbg

7th May 2020, 18:34

That’s the one, it just sounded like similar sentiments to what he said in thw Red Bull piece

dimviii

8th May 2020, 10:24

Getting to know… the real Adamo

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/getting-to-know-the-real-adamo/

dimviii

8th May 2020, 10:34

unlucky Thiry...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/1995-rewind-auriol-win-thirys-corsican-heatbreaker/

dimviii

10th May 2020, 19:28

https://www.skoda-motorsport.com/en/we-are-not-just-salesmen-we-help-teams-win/

PLuto

10th May 2020, 20:13

https://www.skoda-motorsport.com/en/we-are-not-just-salesmen-we-help-teams-win/

They are lying. They sold only few Fabia Rally2, most of them were Fabia R5 ;)

pantealex

11th May 2020, 13:30

They have sold more Rally2 cars than all others together ;)

and also more than others have sold much cheaper Rally4 cars :)

It´s stll crazy that their biggest customer is Printsport from Finland.

RAS007

12th May 2020, 00:27

unlucky Thiry...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/1995-rewind-auriol-win-thirys-corsican-heatbreaker/

I remember this very well. He drove a perfect rally and was in total command. Rallying can be cruel, and this was a particularly cruel blow to one of the nicest guys in the sport.

AnttiL

13th May 2020, 09:50

https://twitter.com/McKlein_Rally/status/1260493129691643905

The #WRC containers are on their way to Kenya. They can be held in Mombasa until Kenya is ready to host. Safari likely to be in September, instead of NZ.

EstWRC

13th May 2020, 11:22

man no, i dont want that exchange at all, sucks

AnttiL

13th May 2020, 11:46

man no, i dont want that exchange at all, sucks

New Zealand has practically eliminated COVID-19. They will want to keep borders closed for a while...

pantealex

13th May 2020, 15:14

https://twitter.com/McKlein_Rally/status/1260493129691643905

That´s only rumour says McKlein

but I also think that NZ will not open their borders but Teams were not wanting to go to Africa in this situation...

Barreis

13th May 2020, 17:04

Rallyper

14th May 2020, 10:12

Gerard Quinn says
https://twitter.com/WRCgerardquinn/status/1260514303054094336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Eembeddedtimeline%7Ctwterm%5Eprofile%3AeWRCresults&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ewrc-results.com%2F

On the other hand, they are not completely out of money just because profitnumbers falls.

They have loads of money in their barns.

Franky

14th May 2020, 13:23

On the other hand, they are not completely out of money just because profitnumbers falls.

They have loads of money in their barns.

And even bigger load of debt.
Ford's debt 168.69B (total cash 34.29B), Toyota's 100B and if I got it right, Hyundai Motor Corportation debt in 2019 was 88B USD.

Rallyper

14th May 2020, 14:10

And even bigger load of debt.
Ford's debt 168.69B (total cash 34.29B), Toyota's 100B and if I got it right, Hyundai Motor Corportation debt in 2019 was 88B USD.

How come? They are (Toyota) making big profits, selling millions of cars?

cali

14th May 2020, 14:24

How come? They are (Toyota) making big profits, selling millions of cars?Loans, long term commitments?

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

denkimi

15th May 2020, 06:11

How come? They are (Toyota) making big profits, selling millions of cars?
Because loans are cheap nowadays.

As long as they can pay the rent, there's no problem.

dimviii

15th May 2020, 09:42

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/2021-toyota-already-very-close-to-current-cars-pace/

Fast Eddie WRC

15th May 2020, 11:13

Fresh hope for N.Ireland bid...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/149443/fresh-hope-for-northern-ireland-wrc-bid

AnttiL

15th May 2020, 13:56

Safari postponed to 2021

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EYD9dq_WkAA7Lqd?format=jpg&name=900x900

EstWRC

16th May 2020, 15:57

Colin chatting with Ogier, Tänak and Lappi https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOiko7Ibm9c&t=

dimviii

17th May 2020, 12:29

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1261988529002942470

Fast Eddie WRC

17th May 2020, 14:46

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1261988529002942470

https://twitter.com/colmcklein/status/1261983468109598722?s=20

itix

17th May 2020, 21:25

I was friends with one of their media people on facebook for a while. This was when Meeke was still in the team and things seemed really bitter already then.

Still, this is incredibly childish of them. The media team then had a shitstorm to deal with his unwavering fans who simply refused to realize that there was something wrong with him so maybe the deleted them all to avoid bitter fans commenting and take up their time.

Still, that doesn't explain the media library on their official website.

T16

18th May 2020, 09:10

Fast Eddie WRC

18th May 2020, 21:57

AndyRAC

19th May 2020, 09:38

https://www.motorsportuk.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/getting-motorsport-back-on-track-rallying-appendix-v18-may-2020.pdf

At the moment, there won't be any multi stage rallying, although timed Rally time trial/ rallysprints are possible.

Steve Boyd

19th May 2020, 17:31

This is the No.1 consideration regarding re-starting rallying in the UK. This could prevent WRC re-starting in the normal way if other countries keep post-lockdown rules..

1. Vehicle Sharing/ Passengers/ Co-drivers:

It is unlikely that vehicle sharing, passengers, or co-drivers will be permitted while social-distancing is to be respected
If they can make an exception for professional football then surely professional rallying could make a case. With a suitable level of testing and isolation for competing crews before an event the risk may be mitigated to a point where it's acceptable. It isn't the same in club rallying where you're potentially sharing a car with someone who's contact history you have no control over. Maintaining safety for mashals and timekeepers should be possible with the "paperless" proposals in the MUK document. With those precautions WRC events should be possible. It's spectators that will prevent events from happening.

Fast Eddie WRC

20th May 2020, 11:12

It maybe possible for the top WRC1 drivers and co-drivers to be treated like top footballers and kept in isolated hotels and tested every few days. But what about all the other entrants ? And if they cant be treated the same could/should a WRC event run with only the WRC1 crews ?

AndyRAC

20th May 2020, 12:01

To be honest, with the current guidelines, it's not happening. However, they may well change, and there are still 5 months to go. If the 2xBritish GPs at Silverstone get the green light - then maybe it's possible, but rightly, or wrongly, F1, like football has a bigger pull. Rallying is well down the list of sports to return.
I'm also interested to see what some of the domestic motorsport series handle the current guidelines.

dimviii

20th May 2020, 13:40

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006513244.html

Jarek Z

20th May 2020, 16:21

Due to the pandemic the project of Autoklub ČR and ACA Škoda Autoklub Team to support Filip Mares in WRC and ERC is over:
https://pl.motorsport.com/rajdy/news/koniec-projektu-z-maresem/4794473/

Rallyper

20th May 2020, 16:50

To me the big problem isn´t the teams/drivers. If medical testing is doing properly they could just work on like before even on rallies. If proper actions are taken for the stages and people in common stay home if they feel sick, what could possibly go wrong?

AnttiL

20th May 2020, 17:43

https://www.is.fi/ralli/art-2000006513244.html

This article is about the tax problems Latvala is having. He lives officially in Monaco, but Finnish tax authorities think he has spent so much time in Finland he should pay Finnish taxes. There's tax debt from several years and now one of his apartments and a car is being distrained.

doubled1978

20th May 2020, 20:38

This article is about the tax problems Latvala is having. He lives officially in Monaco, but Finnish tax authorities think he has spent so much time in Finland he should pay Finnish taxes. There's tax debt from several years and now one of his apartments and a car is being distrained.

Surely there must be an actual maximum amount of days he can be in Finland before he is liable to pay Finnish taxes? If so it should be relatively clear cut, he either has or hasn’t been in Finland enough to be liable.
In the UK there is a limit (I don’t recall how many days it is), amongst other criteria that would render someone liable to pay UK income tax.
Although I do recall a few years ago that Tennis and Golf were being scrutinised because the players earn from the winnings of the event in which they participate, and the argument was that they should be liable to pay local tax on those earnings, rather than those where they ‘live’.

pantealex

21st May 2020, 11:14

Surely there must be an actual maximum amount of days he can be in Finland before he is liable to pay Finnish taxes? If so it should be relatively clear cut, he either has or hasn’t been in Finland enough to be liable.
In the UK there is a limit (I don’t recall how many days it is), amongst other criteria that would render someone liable to pay UK income tax.

There is a limit and quite clearly JML has spend too much time in Finland.
(if you enter 11.55PM or leave 00.10AM both of those days will be counted, even 1 minute is full day here)

lnvs

21st May 2020, 12:03

There is a limit and quite clearly JML has spend too much time in Finland.
(if you enter 11.55PM or leave 00.10AM both of those days will be counted, even 1 minute is full day here)
There is nothing clear in this. Tax authorities can throw the ball to you out of thin air "prove this". Then you just have to prove it. Gonna take some time, but I'm sure in the end Finnish taxpayers will pay this witch hunt. It's not the first this type of case in Finland.

Fast Eddie WRC

21st May 2020, 15:35

Story of how Rally di Roma is planning to re-start rallying:

COLLABORATION OF FANS CRUCIAL FOR UNPRECEDENTED EDITION OF ERC RALLY DI ROMA CAPITALE
May 21st, 2020|2020

Fans will play a key role in the running of Rally di Roma Capitale, the planned opening round of the 2020 FIA European Rally Championship, which is scheduled to take place from 24-26 July.

Event organiser Motorsport Italia, led by Max Rendina, has worked relentlessly since lockdown measures were implemented to ensure every step possible is being taken to comply with government restrictions and other directives being put in place.

With two months to go before the event is due to take place, the eighth Rally di Roma Capitale looks very different to the previous editions in order to meet the numerous guidelines concerning the running of sporting events in Italy.

According to Motorsport Italia “this will require some technical and logistic changes but, most importantly, great collaboration from everyone”.

In its communication issued today, the Rally di Roma Capitalie organiser stated: “Fans and staff will have to follow the correct behaviours and implement all the needed procedures to make this event a reference on the national and international level, an example of how much the world of rallying loves this sport and is ready to accept important changes to make this discipline restart and excite our enthusiasm again.

“A web platform is being set up to allow registration and control of all the people connected to the event: organisers, teams, drivers, staff, media and fans. Through this platform, that will be made available on Tuesday 26 May at www.rallydiromacapitale.it alongside a detailed user guide, fans will have to register and specify the zones they chose to watch the rally from.

“Motorsport Italia is setting up an important check and prevention structure aiming to provide the great spectacle that the Rally di Roma Capitale is capable of. Such a great spectacle will be possible only thanks to a responsible behaviour of all of us.

“This is a cultural change that will redesign the rally world known before the COVID-19 emergency. This change will rely on all fans and enthusiasts to deliver the due efforts to allow, not only the Rally di Roma, but also the whole sector, to restart in this atypical season.”
l

EstWRC

22nd May 2020, 12:13

https://t.co/7cojweE94M

Such a shame but what can you do

AnttiL

22nd May 2020, 12:20

https://t.co/7cojweE94M

Such a shame but what can you do

The returning World Rally Championship rounds in New Zealand and Japan are set to be axed from the 2020 schedule due to economic and logistical hurdles, Motorsport.com has learned.

it sucks indeed.

EstWRC

22nd May 2020, 17:00

Tänak finally gettin back behind the wheel, testing the R5 in South-Estonia

https://m.sport.delfi.ee/wrc/article.php?id=89945877

flat_right

22nd May 2020, 17:14

Not the greatest quality but Tänak testing R5

https://streamable.com/zwvqt2

Co-driven

22nd May 2020, 18:38

I know we are living a situation absolutely out of normal, but the International Sporting Code, article 2.4.3.b.i says (referring to "World" championships):
"The cup, trophy, challenge or series calendar must include Competitions taking place on at least three continents during the same season."

I do hope that at least the Japanese round can be done, specially as I was planning to go.

Tauri_J

22nd May 2020, 20:27

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFkTBrJ45iI&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR3MMQ19Semiei9pvhhQPnsN2UPIFrGqntNo3vE36 y9szAHvOdr_5PfKu5Y

Markko and Ott testing on a famous stage.

EstWRC

23rd May 2020, 11:13

Dirtfish about yesterday’s Tänak test https://t.co/MU9Lw8LueZ

GigiGalliNo1

24th May 2020, 04:40

So nobody else seen that Japan and NZ will be cancelled?

Tauri_J

24th May 2020, 06:20

Already posted here.

Rally Power

24th May 2020, 19:43

dimviii

25th May 2020, 14:14

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/149603/watch-the-champions-of-rallying-craziest-decade

doubled1978

25th May 2020, 16:33

“So Juha and me, we were pushing like hell. That was the biggest risk ever for us.

“But the S4 in the USA was the best car I ever drove. I was feeling 650 or 700 horsepower on that event. We were making a fantastic rally, but so risky. We were winning and the feeling was coming that we were world champion.”

Always thought that Alen’s car looked suspiciously potent in the footage I’d seen from that rally, engine note was different, angrier. No wonder if it was pushing 700bhp...

Co-driven

26th May 2020, 15:24

We tend to forget that Rally Turkey is run in Asia. Anyway, fingers crossed for NZ and Japan.

Yes, but I think the FIA/Promoter consider it as an European event.

pantealex

27th May 2020, 08:47

Yes, but I think the FIA/Promoter consider it as an European event.

Yes. If driver is doing all EURO events that includes Turkey also.

EstWRC

29th May 2020, 12:47

World Rally Championship drivers and co-drivers will be back in their cars for the first time since March when testing returns in Finland next month.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc-testing-ban-to-be-lifted-next-week/

AnttiL

29th May 2020, 14:07

Loeb interested in a Toyota deal concerning Dakar and some WRC events for 2021

https://worldrally.se/sebastien-loeb-forhandlar-med-toyota/

Fast Eddie WRC

29th May 2020, 14:21

And maybe Meeke is a possible pilot for Prodrive in the 2021 Dakar ...

https://sport.francetvinfo.fr/dakar/dakar-2021-le-rallye-raid-lheure-anglaise

Fast Eddie WRC

29th May 2020, 14:23

Loeb interested in a Toyota deal concerning Dakar and some WRC events for 2021

https://worldrally.se/sebastien-loeb-forhandlar-med-toyota/

Loeb and Ogier back together again if Ogier doesnt retire !?

pantealex

31st May 2020, 11:12

Loeb´s deal is probably same kind as JML/Bosse has/had. Own sponsors and separate paddock than main TGR. so Yaris number 4 or 5 if we count Katsuta also.

Fast Eddie WRC

1st June 2020, 13:58

Codemasters get WRC Licence:

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/codemasters-has-secured-the-official-world-rally-championship-license

BigWorm

1st June 2020, 14:26

Codemasters get WRC Licence:

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/codemasters-has-secured-the-official-world-rally-championship-license

Excellent

AnttiL

1st June 2020, 14:35

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/149726/wrc-will-wait-until-last-minute-to-cancel-rallies

2021 season could have a bit less rallies

EstWRC

3rd June 2020, 13:22

David Evans thoughts about this season after todays announcements https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-now-for-the-wrc-after-latest-cancellations/?fbclid=IwAR0dlqWuI8ZDJ0Lp8PTq1HPP0_OWPQcw7POOLQNL jfZVpID7R-ETSllukSw

GigiGalliNo1

4th June 2020, 03:18

Rally New Zealand officially cancelled.

Fast Eddie WRC

4th June 2020, 14:32

THURSDAY | 04 JUN 2020

WORLD CHAMPIONS HEAD RALLY SWEDEN LOCKDOWN ENTRY

Top-class rally action returns on Sunday (7 June) when a host of world champion drivers compete at the Rally Sweden Lockdown on roads near Torsby made famous by the country’s FIA World Rally Championship fixture.

An impressive line-up of invited drivers, including FIA World Rally Championship regulars Pontus Tidemand (pictured above) and Oliver Solberg, along with former world rallycross champion Mattias Ekström, contest the one-off event on a short gravel special stage.

The event will be closed to spectators but the made-for-TV rally will be screened in Sweden on SVT1 on Sunday afternoon.

WRC Promoter will produce a one-hour highlights programme for global broadcast (check local listings) which will also be available on WRC+ on Monday night (CEST).