[WRC] News & Rumours 2021

[Sulland]

WRC News on 2021 should go here.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Calendar chat here too!

[AMSS]

Interesting.. Especially the Hyundai part :(
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/delay-on-wrc-hybrid-deliveries-as-entry-deadline-moves/

[Andre Oliveira]

No Rally Mexico in 2021

https://rallymexico.com/2020/10/08/el-rally-guanajuato-corona-se-ausenta-en-2021-y-asegura-su-presencia-en-el-wrc-para-2022-y-2023/

WRC 2021 without rounds from outside of Europe in first months
Rally Mexico with contract to 2022 and 2023
Rally del Bajío 2021 will be held in middle of 2021 to national competitors

[Ethan1965]

There are rumors Opel and Subaru will return to WRC. Just as I miss Subaru, I'd love to see Opel coming back with their rally car. More manufacturers mean more drivers and excitement.

By the way does anyone know anything about Rally of Poland coming back to WRC?

[Jarek Z]

There are rumors Opel and Subaru will return to WRC. Just as I miss Subaru, I'd love to see Opel coming back with their rally car. More manufacturers mean more drivers and excitement.

Yes, that would be great. Everybody knows about Subaru victories in WRC and ERC, but very few know that Opel also has a great hisory in rallying:
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?33487-Opel-s-Rally-Comeback


By the way does anyone know anything about Rally of Poland coming back to WRC?

No talks about it here in Poland, so very unlikely.

[Eli]

Without further ado, the WRC Calendar for 2021:
http://planetemarcus.com/le-nouveau-calendrier-de-la-saison-wrc-2021/
Say hello to Chile & Estonia (once again), and welcome....Croatia(.....) and Japan...

[T16]

Without further ado, the WRC Calendar for 2021:
http://planetemarcus.com/le-nouveau-calendrier-de-la-saison-wrc-2021/
Say hello to Chile & Estonia (once again), and welcome....Croatia(.....) and Japan...

Is GB Ireland, or Wales then?

[Eli]

Is GB Ireland, or Wales then?

It just says GB.....this FIA is something else.....

[T16]

It just says GB.....this FIA is something else.....

Pick a destination and you might get lucky.

[Eli]

Pick a destination and you might get lucky.

Exactly....the level's of incompetence from the FIA this year (and the promoter) is beyond anything...I'm not for a minute suggesting they have an easy job to do, but there's a reason why they're sitting there and it's not just to keep their seats warm...

[Fredouye]

I’d bet on a tarmac event in Ireland, otherwise we’d have too many gravel events.

[Eli]

At long last they've announced it officially FIA World Rally Championship: https://www.fia.com/news/fia-announces-world-motor-sport-council-decisions-19

The 2021 FIA World Rally Championship calendar has been approved with 12 events including nine in Europe and three long-haul rallies. The calendar has been created against the backdrop of the unprecedented challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

24 January 2021 Monte Carlo
14 February 2021 Sweden
25 April 2021 Croatia
23 May 2021 Portugal
6 June 2021 Italy
27 June 2021 Kenya
18 July 2021 Estonia
1 August 2021 Finland
22 August 2021 United Kingdom
12 September 2021 Chile
17 October 2021 Spain
14 November 2021 Japan


Additionally, events in Turkey, Latvia, Belgium, Argentina, the Acropolis in Greece and Monza in Italy will offer alternatives as “contingency events” in the perspective of on-going COVID-19 related issues.

Amendments to the FIA WRC Sporting Regulations include the possibility for competitors entered with a Rally2 car to use previously homologated parts after applying a joker with the view to reduce costs, as it is practice in the Regional Rally Championships.

[Eli]

As for GB (from WRC.COM):
'WRC Promoter is in discussion with the UK governing body, Motorsport UK, which is working to confirm the required government funding. An announcement is expected to be forthcoming.'

[EstWRC]

i like this calendar, now we have finally at least 3 fast events. i suppose croatia is tarmac, no? i remember when the rumours begin then it was meant to be tarmac and then we would also have 3 tarmac ones.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/2021-world-rally-championship-calendar-confirmed/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I read this exact calendar a few days ago on a website, except it said Rally Ireland for Rally GB.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re the prospect of Rally GB in N.Ireland - when Lappi drove there in the ERC a few years ago he raved about the roads there:

"The stages are fast but technical and difficult, too. I really love them."

[AnttiL]

i suppose croatia is tarmac.

yes. If UK is in Northern Ireland, there's five tarmac rallies! (Monte, Croatia, NI, Spain, Japan)

I also like this calendar.

[Simmi]

NI are going to have a major job on making this cash appear during the height of a pandemic.

Hope to be proven wrong but I wouldn't hold much hope for that event. It's a perfect storm of contracts winding down, changing sensibilities and priorities in government (sustainability/environmental factors). Coupled with poor and unengaging leadership at Motorsport UK and COVID as the big t*rd on top. As far as I can see rallying in the UK is in real trouble.

I also think unless a vaccine appears over the winter the entire calendar is going to be a moving target once more in 2021.

[tommeke_B]

yes. If UK is in Northern Ireland, there's five tarmac rallies! (Monte, Croatia, NI, Spain, Japan)

I also like this calendar.

Are we still certain Japan is going to be a tarmac round?

[pantealex]

Are we still certain Japan is going to be a tarmac round?

I believe they are planning to use same route than "2020" so YES.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/152693/motorsport-uk-grateful-for-rally-gb-wrc-calendar-slot/

[Portimao]

Guys, what's going on with GR Yaris WRC?

[AnttiL]

Guys, what's going on with GR Yaris WRC?

Some months ago it was announced that they won't make that 2021 model. They continue with the current Yaris next year and in 2022 is time for new regulations

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Unless Covid is beaten very soon I think you can kiss goodbye to a UK round for 2021.

Funding issues aside the lack of appetite for the potential of large numbers of spectators being allowed to travel from wherever will put a stop to any plans. Apart from a couple of events held on private airfields or land there have been no rallies in the UK and Ireland for months unlike it would seem in the rest of the world. The road ahead is going to be bumpy at best.

I'm a bit more optimistic. Once a vaccine is resdy things could improve quite quickly and Rally GB is slated for Aug 2021. N.Ireland is also very keen to take it's chance to get on the WRC at last.

[dodge33cymru]

Amendments to the FIA WRC Sporting Regulations include the possibility for competitors entered with a Rally2 car to use previously homologated parts after applying a joker with the view to reduce costs, as it is practice in the Regional Rally Championships.

Hang on, what? They can't do that already?! They're forced to buy the newer parts just to enter?

[Co-driven]

Hang on, what? They can't do that already?! They're forced to buy the newer parts just to enter?

When they put the new homologated parts, they can't go back to previous "version".

For example, you put the new upgraded engine on your car. After that, you can't go back to the old engine.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/152793/rally-gb-edges-closer-to-northern-ireland-move

Those who have backed moving Rally GB from Wales to Northern Ireland include current WRC points leader Elfyn Evans, nine-time world champion Sebastien Loeb and Irishman Craig Breen.

"I really think that it needs to be here," said Breen.

"We definitely have so much to offer: the fans, the environment and more importantly we have the stages - the roads are out of this world."

[dimviii]

Evans + Ogier at the Hemicuda Rally to prepare for Ypres


The Ypres Rally Belgium, which won its place in the world rally championship this year, to overcome the many cancellations following the Coronavirus health crisis, has special stages which are still unknown for many WRC drivers. To overcome this lack of driving and knowledge of the terrain, Toyota Gazoo Racing has decided to send two of these drivers at the end of the month to the Hemicuda Rally in Koekelare.

On the weekend of 24-25 October, current WRC driver championship leader Elfyn Evans will be there accompanied by Sébastien Ogier both at the wheel of their respective Toyota Yaris WRCs.

http://planetemarcus.com/evans-ogier-au-hemicuda-rally-pour-preparer-ypres/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I hope Dirtfish and the other naysayers are proved wrong and N.Ireland can rescue Rally GB and British rallying from the abyss.

As those great N.Irishmen the Undertones once sang, "I need excitement and I need it bad - and it's the best I ever had."...

[dimviii]

Evans + Ogier at the Hemicuda Rally to prepare for Ypres


The Ypres Rally Belgium, which won its place in the world rally championship this year, to overcome the many cancellations following the Coronavirus health crisis, has special stages which are still unknown for many WRC drivers. To overcome this lack of driving and knowledge of the terrain, Toyota Gazoo Racing has decided to send two of these drivers at the end of the month to the Hemicuda Rally in Koekelare.

On the weekend of 24-25 October, current WRC driver championship leader Elfyn Evans will be there accompanied by Sébastien Ogier both at the wheel of their respective Toyota Yaris WRCs.

http://planetemarcus.com/evans-ogier-au-hemicuda-rally-pour-preparer-ypres/


Along with the two factory Toyota Yaris WRC’s, Hyundai’s WRC2 drivers Ole Christian Veiby and Nikolay Gryazin will both also contest the Hermicuda Rally next weekend (October 24-25), as will Hyundai junior Greégoire Munster.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ogier-evans-enter-belgian-rally-as-ypres-warm-up/

[AndyRAC]

I don't have a problem with Norn Iron having a WRC round; in fact I'm sure they'll put on a great show - but it ain't Rally of GB.....

My problem is that Rally GB (and many other WRC events) have been run for the last 10+ years exclusively for the benefit of the WRC......when most of it's history is before/outside the WRC. In a perfect world, the event would take place whether in the WRC, or not.

[doubled1978]

While it would be great to see NI get a round, it will be a loss to the WRC not have Wales and the challenge it presents. There are no other rallies like it in the championship.

[AnttiL]

While it would be great to see NI get a round, it will be a loss to the WRC not have Wales and the challenge it presents. There are no other rallies like it in the championship.

I also like Wales very much. At least there's Chile again in 2021

[doubled1978]

I also like Wales very much. At least there's Chile again in 2021

True it is similar terrain....shame it isn’t a two hour drive for me ☹️

[AnttiL]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/info/uutiset/neste-cooperation-ends/

Neste won't be the main sponsor of Finland's WRC event anymore, after 26 years of co-operation.

[Pršljen]

Not much tal about Croatia, it is said that the contract will be for 10 years which is incredible to believe in these times. What is known is that the rally will be based around Zagreb, the capital, and it will be an asphalt event. I reccon that roads used will be the ones used for INA Delta rally, the most famous Croatian rally.

The roads are combination of Corsica, Alzace and Monte Carlo. Howeever, that can be adjusted in the recent months so I'm eager to find out about the itinerary and hoping for a bright future of the event.

[Rallyper]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/info/uutiset/neste-cooperation-ends/

Neste won't be the main sponsor of Finland's WRC event anymore, after 26 years of co-operation.

Ouuschhhh!!

So what´s the discussion going on about new sponsors? Neste drop, their acting, decision etz?

Personally I think Neste also gained very much their brand from the Finnish Jewel of motorsport.. don´t you think?

[AndyRAC]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/info/uutiset/neste-cooperation-ends/

Neste won't be the main sponsor of Finland's WRC event anymore, after 26 years of co-operation.

Funny story; about 20-25 years ago, on 1st January, one of the UK daily newspapers had a calendar of sporting events for the coming year; this was when the WRC still had some mainstream exposure. Anyway the WRC calendar listed; Nestle Rally Finland - I assume the person proofreading thought Neste was a mistake, and added a 'l'.

[Mirek]

Not much tal about Croatia, it is said that the contract will be for 10 years which is incredible to believe in these times. What is known is that the rally will be based around Zagreb, the capital, and it will be an asphalt event. I reccon that roads used will be the ones used for INA Delta rally, the most famous Croatian rally.

The roads are combination of Corsica, Alzace and Monte Carlo. Howeever, that can be adjusted in the recent months so I'm eager to find out about the itinerary and hoping for a bright future of the event.

You have some really funny asphalt when wet... :)

[EstWRC]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/info/uutiset/neste-cooperation-ends/

Neste won't be the main sponsor of Finland's WRC event anymore, after 26 years of co-operation.

Wasn’t this already mentioned some months ago?

Could it also be partly the same reason as rally Estonia lost shell for this year. It contradicted with the fact wolf being wrc supplier

[rallyfiend]

I can't see Wolf being a threat to these large companies.

Indeed, I think in some countries, Wolf products are stocked within the larger company service stations!

[AnttiL]

Wasn’t this already mentioned some months ago?

Could it also be partly the same reason as rally Estonia lost shell for this year. It contradicted with the fact wolf being wrc supplier

It was rumored some months/weeks ago, now it's officially announced.

I think Wolf power stage was run already last year with no problems.

Neste is trying to get a "green" profile with a renewable diesel and other things, motorsports doesn't fit in the picture. Also they had to lay off some staff from Finland just recently.

[Hartusvuori]

It was rumored some months/weeks ago, now it's officially announced.

I think Wolf power stage was run already last year with no problems.

Neste is trying to get a "green" profile with a renewable diesel and other things, motorsports doesn't fit in the picture. Also they had to lay off some staff from Finland just recently.

"Some staff" could be well over 400. Negotiations not finished yet.

[Oraamat]

I think problem with shell was that RE sponsor was Shell Helix - lubricant brand like Wolf not as fuel brand like Neste.

[Franky]

I think problem with shell was that RE sponsor was Shell Helix - lubricant brand like Wolf not as fuel brand like Neste.

if you really want, you can have one stage named Mobil1, another Neste, third Shell Helix, fourth Total ... and finally Wolf Power Stage.

[SubaruNorway]

Can we make anything out of the thing that Mikkelsen is posting in social media for VW again?

[Rallyper]

Can we make anything out of the thing that Mikkelsen is posting in social media for VW again?

2022 Hybrid Polo? They have the stuff...

[Tauri_J]

Nein. VW wants to go full Electric.

[mknight]

If anything I would see Seat ( meant to be the "sporty" brand in VAG) joining.

[pantealex]

If anything I would see Seat ( meant to be the "sporty" brand in VAG) joining.

CUPRA is VAG "sporty" brand nowadays, they just got their 1st "own" model to market.

[Mirek]

Prokop said in an interview in Sardegna that after one and half years back in WRC he found it still to be a great joy and that he would return with a proper program next year. He hinted he was going to test R5 car soon. He said he would keep his old Fiona but only parked at home. This was her last event.

[AnttiL]

Hybrid testing won't begin until Feb 2021

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-2022-hybrid-testing-delayed-until-next-february/

Rally2 cars will go hybrid in 2023

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrcs-second-tier-will-go-hybrid-in-2023/

[T16]

Hybrid testing won't begin until Feb 2022

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-2022-hybrid-testing-delayed-until-next-february/

Rally2 cars will go hybrid in 2023

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrcs-second-tier-will-go-hybrid-in-2023/

You sure? I think it says testing starts 2021?

[TypeR]

Hybrid testing won't begin until Feb 2022

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-2022-hybrid-testing-delayed-until-next-february/

Delayed until 2021* Feb.

But still pointless thing to me..
This gen's cars already being very expensive and now keep using same engines, they add pretty useless hybrid technology to it :D

[AnttiL]

Fixed the year, quite important to get right :D

[T16]

I can't understand why the Rally 2 cars only have a 10bhp increase.

[mknight]

CUPRA is VAG "sporty" brand nowadays, they just got their 1st "own" model to market.

You are right, I forgot they want to make it separate brand, but you get the idea.

[Mirek]

I can't understand why the Rally 2 cars only have a 10bhp increase.

Because they obviously try to make the cost and complexity increase minimal possible and in the same time feed the political need to go hybrid.

[mknight]

I can't understand why the Rally 2 cars only have a 10bhp increase.

This kind of hybrid is becoming standard on just about all cars and sometimes it's basically necessary for the car to work (ex. in latest Ford 1L with big turbos). Should be easy and cheap to use it.

[SubaruNorway]

I can't understand why the Rally 2 cars only have a 10bhp increase.

More reliable with a mild hybrid system for them.
So many problems on some of the road cars these days so hopefully the WRC system will be reliable, seems like they have more than enough keeping alternators running. Will be fun when the road cars have had a few winters running in salt...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No running order change says Matton...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/matton-no-changes-ahead-for-wrc-running-order-rules/

Dirtfish:
Talking to the teams and drivers there seems to be a common interest in a return to a qualifying stage and the potential for reversing the order at lunchtime on day one on all rallies.

[tommeke_B]

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/BlR54w/rally-swedens-nya-plan--for-att-sakra-publikfesten?fbclid=IwAR0P7_cjVTgdSmU_KneMnZIcrVQr CieAJB6-tgAcLyJITe1FzvIBko9d4mM

Anyone who can properly translate the main things in this article for Rally Sweden? I think they talk about having spectators on a few public areas only?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/BlR54w/rally-swedens-nya-plan--for-att-sakra-publikfesten?fbclid=IwAR0P7_cjVTgdSmU_KneMnZIcrVQr CieAJB6-tgAcLyJITe1FzvIBko9d4mM

Anyone who can properly translate the main things in this article for Rally Sweden? I think they talk about having spectators on a few public areas only?

That's pretty much it - several spectator areas holding up to the allowed limit of 300 fans, these spaced several kilometre's apart and with the rally itself covering a huge area.

[SubaruNorway]

300 seated spectators, so i guess you will get a ticket for each seat like in a stadium...
Also very dependant on open borders to Norway since we are 25% of the spectators and a big part of the 15 mill SEK income.

[DocMS]

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/BlR54w/rally-swedens-nya-plan--for-att-sakra-publikfesten?fbclid=IwAR0P7_cjVTgdSmU_KneMnZIcrVQr CieAJB6-tgAcLyJITe1FzvIBko9d4mM

Anyone who can properly translate the main things in this article for Rally Sweden? I think they talk about having spectators on a few public areas only?Each stage normally only has maybe 5/6 viewing points so are we realisticly saying only 1500/1800 spectators at any one stage? At that rate tickets will be like gold dust.

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/BlR54w/rally-swedens-nya-plan--for-att-sakra-publikfesten?fbclid=IwAR0P7_cjVTgdSmU_KneMnZIcrVQr CieAJB6-tgAcLyJITe1FzvIBko9d4mM

Anyone who can properly translate the main things in this article for Rally Sweden? I think they talk about having spectators on a few public areas only?

And each and every place will be counted as a separate event. Else there couldn´t be more than 300 on the whole event as the authorities have decided for now...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Citroen C3 WRC to return in 2021 !?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/upgraded-citroen-c3-could-appear-in-2021-wrc-season

[AnttiL]

Citroen C3 WRC to return in 2021 !?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/upgraded-citroen-c3-could-appear-in-2021-wrc-season

Before anyone gets a heart attack, it's the Sainteloc private team who is looking forward to offering a C3 WRC for a driver in 2021. They also want to get the newest homologations (engine and aero from late 2019) done.

[doubled1978]

Before anyone gets a heart attack, it's the Sainteloc private team who is looking forward to offering a C3 WRC for a driver in 2021. They also want to get the newest homologations (engine and aero from late 2019) done.

Would be great if someone decent (Mikkelsen) can get a reasonably funded programme together to run it next year. Always better to have more good drivers/cars out there competing.

[EstWRC]

next season wont happen....

[PLuto]

Would be great if someone decent (Mikkelsen) can get a reasonably funded programme together to run it next year. Always better to have more good drivers/cars out there competing.

No chance for good results as there is no development on the car during the last year and half...

[cali]

next season wont happen....It's very likely

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[Sulland]

https://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/a/BlR54w/rally-swedens-nya-plan--for-att-sakra-publikfesten?fbclid=IwAR0P7_cjVTgdSmU_KneMnZIcrVQr CieAJB6-tgAcLyJITe1FzvIBko9d4mM

Anyone who can properly translate the main things in this article for Rally Sweden? I think they talk about having spectators on a few public areas only?

https://translate.google.no/translate?sl=sv&tl=en&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.aftonbladet.se%2Fsportbladet%2 Fa%2FBlR54w%2Frally-swedens-nya-plan--for-att-sakra-publikfesten%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0P7_cjVTgdSmU_KneMnZIc rVQrCieAJB6-tgAcLyJITe1FzvIBko9d4mM

[AnttiL]

No chance for good results as there is no development on the car during the last year and half...

They were still running tests 12 months ago and new parts are to be homologated. In addition, the other teams had some months of testing ban this year.

[Rally Power]

Before anyone gets a heart attack, it's the Sainteloc private team who is looking forward to offering a C3 WRC for a driver in 2021. They also want to get the newest homologations (engine and aero from late 2019) done.

It'd be great but it sounds like as the private '17 Polo sequel...at the time the other manus refused a single car entry (homologation can only be valid if a 2 cars entry for the whole season is made on behalf of the manu).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Other Manus shouldnt object as its likely the C3 will still be off the pace.

And given the doubt about Hyundai's future, having any more cars/teams in WRC should be seen as a good thing for eveyone.

[T16]

next season wont happen....

I hate reading stuff that makes me think - Shit! maybe he's right.
Heck - is it really possible? I wonder if the FIA have a plan B to keep the series running in some capacity, or at least the balls to treat whatever happens as a fresh start - i.e. changing the regs before the inevitable happens.

[doubled1978]

They were still running tests 12 months ago and new parts are to be homologated. In addition, the other teams had some months of testing ban this year.

Yeah, I think if they can have the new stuff it’ll be better than people think it will. I am equally sure there will be no championship threat, but occasional good results on certain rallies won’t be out of the question. Also what effect will the switch to Pirelli have? Will it favour one team more than others? Nobody knows...
Will the others object to it being homologated? Not sure, but it’s different from the Polo situation as everyone including the other teams thought that at the beginning of 2017 the Polo would have been the best overall car.

[doubled1978]

I hate reading stuff that makes me think - Shit! maybe he's right.
Heck - is it really possible? I wonder if the FIA have a plan B to keep the series running in some capacity, or at least the balls to treat whatever happens as a fresh start - i.e. changing the regs before the inevitable happens.

He might be right, but I seriously doubt there will be no championship at all. Will it be affected by COVID, of course, especially early season, but as the year goes on I’m sure restrictions will ease again.

[the sniper]

Before anyone gets a heart attack, it's the Sainteloc private team who is looking forward to offering a C3 WRC for a driver in 2021. They also want to get the newest homologations (engine and aero from late 2019) done.

Haven't PH Sport had a C3 WRC for years which nobody has used in the WRC? I shan't hold my breath...

[AnttiL]

Haven't PH Sport had a C3 WRC for years which nobody has used in the WRC? I shan't hold my breath...

It remains a mystery whether they ever had the car or not. Perhaps they were first looking for people renting the car before acquiring it from Citroen Racing, but in the end decided not to?

[Mk2 RS2000]

Well they could run a few events in New Zealand and live stream the footage back to Europe 14 days quarantine and a strong business case for NZ and we could let then in

[dimviii]

i was thinking about NZ ,a country with little covid affect.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Well they could run a few events in New Zealand and live stream the footage back to Europe 14 days quarantine and a strong business case for NZ and we could let then in

Potential to run at least 3 international standard events in NZ and another 2 or 3 in Australia. Travel from NZ to parts of Australia (one-way) is already possible with no quarantine period required.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Potential to run at least 3 international standard events in NZ and another 2 or 3 in Australia. Travel from NZ to parts of Australia (one-way) is already possible with no quarantine period required.

Pretty simple to run four excellent events in NZ. The present WRC event and the Whangarei APRC event in the north island and then the South Island for the Otago APRC rally and then combine the South Canterbury and the Autosport rallies for the fourth event

[the sniper]

Let's start with one! :D

[AnttiL]

Yeah, let's do four events in NZ, we can have the remaining ten in Finland, we also have a good COVID-situation :D

Seriously though, one of the biggest disappointments of the WRC 2020 season for me (in addition to skipping 70th anniversary event of Rally Finland) was not going to NZ

[106 sport]

Although I think it is a little bit utopic...I will share information that comes from the facebook of a journalist from Gran Canaria:


"The gossips tell and say that the Monza Rally may be suspended and that several team leaders of the World Rally Championship have been in direct contact with Germán Morales, organizer of the Rally Islas Canarias

It seems that Germán Morales, president of the organizing committee of the Rally Islas Canarias, has supposedly been called by Hyundai Motorsport team leader Andrea Adamo, and M-Sport team manager Malcom Wilson to be interested in coming to compete in Gran Canaria and that in the He will do so in the next few hours if not the Toyota Gazoo Racing team boss Tommi Makkinen has already done so to come to Gran Canaria.

We are still waiting for official confirmation. And up to here we can write and share information."

[T16]

Although I think it is a little bit utopic...I will share information that comes from the facebook of a journalist from Gran Canaria:


"The gossips tell and say that the Monza Rally may be suspended and that several team leaders of the World Rally Championship have been in direct contact with Germán Morales, organizer of the Rally Islas Canarias

It seems that Germán Morales, president of the organizing committee of the Rally Islas Canarias, has supposedly been called by Hyundai Motorsport team leader Andrea Adamo, and M-Sport team manager Malcom Wilson to be interested in coming to compete in Gran Canaria and that in the He will do so in the next few hours if not the Toyota Gazoo Racing team boss Tommi Makkinen has already done so to come to Gran Canaria.

We are still waiting for official confirmation. And up to here we can write and share information."

Crazy stuff, but nothing surprises me this year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Adamo has it right:
"When people say to me: 'Are you happy with the calendar?' I say which f***ing calendar ?"


https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-boss-adamo-expects-2021-calendar-disruption

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/qa-yves-matton-on-the-2021-wrc-calendar/

Interesting interview with Matton concerning next season.

[Portimao]

Polish media say Robert Kubica is probably back in WRC for 2021 with Hyundai. There was a meeting and both Kubica with his sponsor Orlen and Hyundai and really into it.
https://www.przegladsportowy.pl/motosporty/robert-kubica-wraca-do-rajdow-wrc/xkm79lf

[pantealex]

Polish media say Robert Kubica is probably back in WRC for 2021 with Hyundai. There was a meeting and both Kubica with his sponsor Orlen and Hyundai and really into it.
https://www.przegladsportowy.pl/motosporty/robert-kubica-wraca-do-rajdow-wrc/xkm79lf

Looks like there will be closer to 10 Hyundai drivers 2021 :)

[Eli]

Know it's more for 2022 and for now it's just words but we can always hope: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/australia-and-new-zealand-could-both-get-wrc-2022-slots/

[AnttiL]

Know it's more for 2022 and for now it's just words but we can always hope: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/australia-and-new-zealand-could-both-get-wrc-2022-slots/

Also a reasonable explanation to why Colin Clark's idea of five rallies down under to start the 2021 season wouldn't work out. The organizers cannot commit to anything right now because of tight restrictions.

[Tom K]

Ogier stays for 2021! https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/ogier-signs-new-deal-with-toyota/?fbclid=IwAR31RbcQTaDHtrKjbIgW4O9nsXOHGAGWOppFDqRr CEcVKIS_55rYhsZNXNo

[Andre Oliveira]

Ogier confirmed

https://i.ibb.co/CmgppgR/CE095529-1899-439-E-B43-D-02-B8-C4-B814-C3.jpg

[EstWRC]

im sure he will stay also for 2022, lol

how many years he has talked about retirement now? 3-4?

[Eli]

Ogier stays for 2021! https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/ogier-signs-new-deal-with-toyota/?fbclid=IwAR31RbcQTaDHtrKjbIgW4O9nsXOHGAGWOppFDqRr CEcVKIS_55rYhsZNXNo

Yeah, makes sense considering this year...hopefully we'll get more than six rallies to see them battle it out for the title.

[AnttiL]

im sure he will stay also for 2022, lol

how many years he has talked about retirement now? 3-4?

I think it was strongly rumored first in the end of 2017, and the two-year Citroen deal from 2019 to 2020 was supposed to be his last deal.

I doubt he stays for 2022 because the cars will be new.

[T16]

It’s Evans they need to get signed up!
(Someone’s going to tell me he’s on a multi year deal aren’t they!)

[AnttiL]

It’s Evans they need to get signed up!
(Someone’s going to tell me he’s on a multi year deal aren’t they!)

Two years.

[pantealex]

Two years.

+ option.

[Andre Oliveira]

Something to discuss during 2021.

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/artikel/elektrifizierung-bis-in-die-kleinen-klassen-45462/

Hybridization of Rally2, Rally3, Rally4 and Rally5.

[Andre Oliveira]

Fabrizio Zaldivar in WRC3 2021 with Hyundai i20 R5

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/En3kcLvXIAAASTp?format=jpg&name=large

[pantealex]

Fabrizio Zaldivar in WRC3 2021 with Hyundai i20 R5

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/En3kcLvXIAAASTp?format=jpg&name=large

all year with R5 or later part with new i20 N Rally2 ?

[dimviii]

Volkswagen Motorsport
@volkswagenms
Pooling strengths for the electric offensive: The Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH workforce will be integrated in Volkswagen AG.

https://twitter.com/volkswagenms/status/1333801822448873472

[mknight]

Volkswagen Motorsport
@volkswagenms
Pooling strengths for the electric offensive: The Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH workforce will be integrated in Volkswagen AG.

https://twitter.com/volkswagenms/status/1333801822448873472

They announced that Audi will run on next Dakar with electric car just yesterday. Su dunno what this actually means.

[dimviii]

They announced that Audi will run on next Dakar with electric car just yesterday. Su dunno what this actually means.

Dr. Frank Welsch, a member of the Volkswagen Board of Directors, announced the closure of the brand's racing department and the consequent transfer of 169 employees to the manufacturer's facilities in Wolfsburg to dedicate themselves to the development area. He pointed out that the Volkswagen brand as such is heading to become a reference in regards to the electricity market and hence they made the decision to dispense with their sports activities since there are no strengths that adapt to the new business vision.

This move within the Volkswagen Group means the end of the ID.R project, the electric prototype conceived for the 2018 Pikes Peak. Presumably all the technology involved in the car will be transferred to the brand's commercial cars. In the statement it can be read that the supply of spare parts for the Polo GTI R5 and the Golf GTI TCR will be assured in the long term, although the production of the Polo GTI R5 customer sports for rally will end this year. This announcement from Volkswagen was to be expected after the statement issued by Audi Sport yesterday regarding competing in the Dakar and facing the World Endurance Championship with an LMDh.

Last year, Volkswagen Group indicated that its sports division would focus on electric propulsion and months later they confirm that it will disappear, which suggests that the competition area will be defended by Audi, while the position regarding Porsche is awaited. With the closure of Volkswagen Motorsport a vacuum is created in terms of factory support in the categories of rally, rallycross and touring cars, in these cases we would also have to wait for the reactions of those involved in the programs.

In the words of Dr. Frank Welsch:

We have decided to discontinue our own motorsport activities. The deep technical expertise of the employees as well as the knowledge gained from the ID.R project will remain with the company and help us develop more efficient models. My sincere thanks to all employees for the many victories, titles and records around the world and their personal commitment.

https://www.diariomotor.com/competicion/noticia/volkswagen-motorsport-anuncia-cese-de-operaciones/

[pantealex]

They announced that Audi will run on next Dakar with electric car just yesterday. Su dunno what this actually means.

That Audi is not fully electric, it has TFSI petrol engine also.

[Tarmop]

So they worked hard to build a competitive car, found many buyers, many who wanted to buy one and after two years will finish the project and all the developments probably also? This car will soon fall behind.

[Eli]

So they worked hard to build a competitive car, found many buyers, many who wanted to buy one and after two years will finish the project and all the developments probably also? This car will soon fall behind.

Well...what would you say about it when they closed down their WRC operation after spending probably a large sum of development for a WRC car that never saw the light of day....

[the sniper]

VW officially to fully become the soulless white goods division of VW Group. Thanks for the memories of glory days VW, have fun playing the Tesla game...

[Tarmop]

Well...what would you say about it when they closed down their WRC operation after spending probably a large sum of development for a WRC car that never saw the light of day....
If i remember correctly, techincal solutions someway did, in VW WRX outfit.
Anyway, that is their minus, they opted for customer racing and those customers now have still quite new cars, chassis no. 1 being the oldest, dating back to 10.2018... not to be developed any further, opposition on the otherhand...

[Francis44]

Volkswagen Motorsport
@volkswagenms
Pooling strengths for the electric offensive: The Volkswagen Motorsport GmbH workforce will be integrated in Volkswagen AG.

https://twitter.com/volkswagenms/status/1333801822448873472

Funny that almost on the same day, Audi announces they are leaving FE and commit to two race series, using combustion engines ( WEC and Dakar).

[dimviii]

Why Adamo gave Huttunen a second Hyundai chance

Hyundai Motorsport team principal details Jari Huttunen's current arrangement with the manufacturer

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-adamo-gave-huttunen-a-second-hyundai-chance/

[mknight]

Why Adamo gave Huttunen a second Hyundai chance

Hyundai Motorsport team principal details Jari Huttunen's current arrangement with the manufacturer

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-adamo-gave-huttunen-a-second-hyundai-chance/

"Second" chance? More like first. In 2017 he won the challenge and as a "reward" he got to drive the ( at that time) slowest and least reliable R5 ( on gravel at least, not counting DS3)

After struggling for a year they demoted him to testing and finally started developing it, but he only got to drive very few rallies.

It really seemed that when Adamo came his first actions were to get rid of all drivers signed by Nandan one way or another. (Paddon out and not even asked about Finland, Huttunen out of competition and to testing, Mikkelsen immediately reduced starts).

Following that start it later looked like he changed his mind a bit and started focusing on car changes and development, rather than kicking drivers. Good for Huttunen that he now get his first real chance.

Note that now for new R5, the first tests are by Tanak and Huttunen, rather than Neuville, who developed the WRC so that 3 drivers with 83 WRC wins among them all struggled with it.

[er88]

Note that now for new R5, the first tests are by Tanak and Huttunen, rather than Neuville, who developed the WRC so that 3 drivers with 83 WRC wins among them all struggled with it.

Do you not like Neuville or something? A bit of a skewed way to describe it, when one of those drivers won 79 of those events and is past his best/ retired.

Tanak, Neuville, Sordo and Breen will all take it in turns to test the new R5, as has been reported.

The first tests in 2016 of the 17 spec wrc car, were done by Kevin Abbring. Then Sordo and Paddon started testing it (without Thierry). Neuville was the last Hyundai driver to test that car, as he was out of contract and didn't sign a new deal until later in 2016 (there was talk he was going to Citroen or wanted to leave). Hyundai only let him drive the car after he agreed a new contract for the following two years.

[Co-driven]

Fabrizio Zaldivar in WRC3 2021 with Hyundai i20 R5

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/En3kcLvXIAAASTp?format=jpg&name=large

They just posted another updated photo and the post says that the co-driver ran with Mini and Citroen in WRC.
https://www.facebook.com/fauzaldivarrally/photos/a.573311559773779/1054092625029001/

Apparently, it's Carlos del Barrio...does this means that Sordo won't have a program with Hyundai in 2021? Or he will just change back to Marc Martí?

[mknight]

Loeb just won a rally when he went to Hyundai. If you want to nitpick you could add Tanak to those struggling drivers, this year he is 3/4 in stage wins with half the nummer of the leader (Neuville), last year he had almost double Neuville's number. Breen with his 1 good rally out of 4 starts could also be added.

So no I don't see much skewed there with 4 out of 6 drivers struggling. Certainly not compared with Toyota where basically everyone who drove it was fast out of the box and similar with Fiesta at start.

Neuville's effect at Hyundai has been that the car wasn't changed "cause Neuville is fast with it". In 2017 Neuville even made comments about his teammates on that. For Loeb there were also interviews with Adamo about it. Is that Neuville's fault? Not really, more the team leadership fault, which imo was one of the main reasons they didn't win manu title in 2017 and 2018. First big changes started to appear mid 2019.

Does that meant Neuville is "bad"? No, it might actually mean the opposite, that Neuville is too good to adapt to something that is flawed. But his ability to drive fast anyway couldn't do miracles in places like Finland and certainly couldn't make other drivers in the team perform better for manu champ.

[mknight]

Apparently, it's Carlos del Barrio...does this means that Sordo won't have a program with Hyundai in 2021? Or he will just change back to Marc Martí?

Seems very unlikely to me that Sordo won't drive in 2021. Hyundai don't have anything close to a safe points scorer to replace him. Breen is still unproven (ref. 1 good rally in 4 starts) and hasn't driven with it on WRC tarmac. Huttunen or Loubet are even much bigger risk than that.

Competing with Toyota that keeps Ogier with likely improving Rovanpera would be very hard. For Sordo himself it would seem logical to keep driving this car that he knows and then end after 2021 without learning the new car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/153960/wrc-launches-own-channel-on-motorsporttv

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eog6560XYAEkthW?format=jpg&name=large

So, at least 8 events in WRC3.

Which car? References to Hyundai deleted...

Who will codrive Dani Sordo?

[Portimao]

Marc Martí?

[Andre Oliveira]

Bring it... (2021)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EokTyfEXcAE9gLW?format=jpg&name=medium

[Andre Oliveira]

Marc Martí?

Sara Fernandéz according Marca

https://www.marca.com/motor/rallies/2020/12/06/5fcce289e2704e4c2d8b45a0.html

[dimviii]

Sébastien Ogier: "Regardless of my level next year, 2021 will be my last season"

WRC - In a long interview with our colleagues from L’Équipe, Sébastien Ogier returned to his seventh world champion title. La Gapençais also spoke of the rest of his career.

Sébastien Ogier is logically happy with this new WRC triumph, seventh with a third different manufacturer. The native of Gap does not place this title at the same height as the others, because of the bizarre season linked to the health crisis. The Toyota driver also spoke of the sequel, confirming that 2021 would be his final year in the WRC anyway.

My career was supposed to end this year. It is really because of the Covid and the fact of having spent six months at home that I wanted to do another year, to finish my career on something more interesting on a sporting level and in a more normal. I'm not saying that I will never do a rally again afterwards, I am not ruling out the possibility of doing a rally or two from time to time, but I will not do a full season again. I want to move on. I have no plans to extend at all. Regardless of my level of performance next year, 2021 will be my last season.

https://dicodusport.fr/blog/sebastien-ogier-quel-que-soit-mon-niveau-l-an-prochain-2021-sera-ma-derniere-saison/?Mashupweb-Dicodusport

[denkimi]

I doubt it. If he wins the title again he is only one more away from loebs record.

[dimviii]

I doubt it. If he wins the title again he is only one more away from loebs record.

next year is not going to be normal,but reduced again like this year imho.
So he would like to finish his career with a normal year at 2022

[Jarek Z]

Which car? References to Hyundai deleted...

Who removed all the references to Hyundai?!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

next year is not going to be normal,but reduced again like this year imho.
So he would like to finish his career with a normal year at 2022

He didnt given any indication of interest in continuing until quite late on this season, so I believe he really meant to retire.

And switching to the new 2022 Regs car which will be more basic to drive wont attract him either.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

O.Solberg confirms he'll be staying in an R5 car next year...

https://twitter.com/OliverSolberg01/status/1335999040446672897?s=20

[mknight]

O.Solberg confirms he'll be staying in an R5 car next year...

https://twitter.com/OliverSolberg01/status/1335999040446672897?s=20

Yeah well, wouldn't call that an official confirmation...

Anyway, good decision and he seems to have good idea on how to progress. Better learning events in R5 with little pressure on most of them than risking high-profile and cost learning in WRC.

[pantealex]

O.Solberg confirms he'll be staying in an R5 car next year...

https://twitter.com/OliverSolberg01/status/1335999040446672897?s=20

But he could still have WRC contract, every Team has Rally2/RC2 possibilities
(Printsport is 20km from TGR)

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/belgakinen/status/1336002814305312776

Loubet should continue his Hyundai customer program in 2021

[mknight]

https://twitter.com/belgakinen/status/1336002814305312776

Loubet should continue his Hyundai customer program in 2021

I hope for his sake it will be with 2020 car that can actually turn and not the one from 2019.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like Breen/Sordo in 3rd i20 for 2021..

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/breen-set-for-biggest-hyundai-wrc-program-yet-in-2021

[AnttiL]

I could see them split the events like this:

Monte - Sordo
Sweden - Breen
Croatia - Sordo
Portugal - Breen
Sardegna - Sordo
Safari - Sordo
Estonia - Breen
Finland - Breen
UK - Breen (whether it's Wales or NI)
Chile - Breen
Spain - Sordo
Japan - Sordo

[Andre Oliveira]

Sordo will do Portugal for sure.

[Eli]

Sordo will do Portugal for sure.

More likely, Portugal & Chile (or Argentina, whichever one gets it).

[er88]

Yes, Sordo for Portugal is probably nailed on.

Does Dani even like Monte? I think he would be a better bet than Breen considering his form in Monza, but Dani is quite particular about the events he wants to drive thesedays.

[masa90]

It is weird to see how strong competitor Sordo is these days. Ok, he is taking advantage of the starting order "help" but still impressed about the quality of driver he has become at older age.

[er88]

Yes, he's really found his stride. Have to bare in mind though that he only really does events he is strong at/ likes, AND with road order advantage too on gravel. If he was to do a full season, he wouldn't look nearly as good with having to go to some of the events like Sweden, Estonia, Finland, GB etc.

But great credit to him for making the most of his starts, other drivers would find it a bit more difficult not being in a rhythm driving every month or so. Whereas Sordo seems to revel in not doing a full campaign

[dimviii]

Renaud Jamoul: "We will let Malcolm Wilson debrief this season and consider the rest, continues Renaud. I think the best for us would be to go back to a campaign with the Fiesta R5 MK2, which Adrien knows very well now. know that some people imagine us in the place of Lappi in the World Rally Car, but for me, it is a bit rushed, especially since a new car is expected for 2022. What is certain, or almost, is is that we will be at the start of Monte-Carlo and Sweden. In fact, in an ideal world, this 2021 season should allow us to gain experience on the various courses, with a view to the future ... "

http://speedactiontv.be/10_rallyes_en_4_mois_pour_Renaud_Jamoul_avec_Adrie n_Fourmaux-30654-1.aspx?fbclid=IwAR27OkFIxhttCWHzC1d784e-F5p-TUKSi-5fokhqgR0hUF2oi4z7AndDmyI

[mknight]

Yep, same argument as for Solberg. Why learn this car when next one will be quite different and comes in less than a year.

[Andre Oliveira]

Mikkelsen and Solberg in Toksport Škoda Fabia Rally2 WRC2 program?

http://planetemarcus.com/mikkelsen-et-oliver-solberg-equipiers-wrc-2-en-2021/

[the sniper]

If the charade of WRC2(néePro) is to continue, hopefully it's properly supported in 2021...

Hopefully it's correct that Skoda/Toksport will have Mikkelsen and Solberg. It'd be a worthwhile Championship if the other manufacturers actually committed.

I'd love to see:

Skoda/Toksport: Mikkelsen and Solberg
Citreon/PH Sport: Ostberg and Camilli
Hyundai: Huttunen and Tidemand or Breen/Veiby/Loubet (when not in Rally1)
M-Sport: Lappi and Fourmaux

Or if it's not going to be done properly again, don't bother. If WRC2 is going to exist is has to be as a professional category, with the majority of rounds committed, something different from WRC3.

8 WRC full entrants with 8 WRC2 entrants would be a respectable proposition for the top professional level of the sport. WRC Promoter can be pushed to invest in one extra set of onboard camera equipment for live coverage...

[pantealex]

I could see them split the events like this:

Monte - Sordo
Sweden - Breen
Croatia - Sordo
Portugal - Sordo (FIXED)
Sardegna - Sordo
Safari - Sordo
Estonia - Breen
Finland - Breen
UK - Breen (whether it's Wales or NI)
Chile - Breen
Spain - Sordo
Japan - Sordo

We have to consider event pairing also, they have to use same basic setup for those, so car may not suit to other driver.
(I don´t know 2021 pairings)

[the sniper]

I'll be amazed if the UK round happens.

[EstWRC]

why then?

[AnttiL]

We have to consider event pairing also, they have to use same basic setup for those, so car may not suit to other driver.
(I don´t know 2021 pairings)

For example in 2019 Argentina and Chile were paired, as were Sardegna and Portugal. Still the driver lineups changed from event to another with Sordo giving his car to Loeb from Argentina to Chile and Loeb giving his car to Mikkelsen from Portugal to Sardegna.

[meh]

Here comes this WRC2 vs WRC3 (or whatever will be those names in the future) problem - if some "manufacturer" puts their team out, pays more/extra money (compared to WRC3 entry), then they want to have some publicity, then want to have their time in LIVE-coverage, in news etc. Which is all understandable.

... and then comes some without-WRC-seat star or just some other talent driver in WRC3 entry and beat all WRC2 entries... and this is problematic for at least 2 reasons:
* WRC2 entries are a bit embarrassed maybe
* a lot of people (like most of the forum members here) start whining, why they don't show WRC3 entries in LIVE coverage (like Mikkelsen and Solberg in Monza for example)

My logic says - the more publicity WRC2 teams get, the more they want to take part of that. But some need to understand here, what is difference between WRC2 and WRC3 business, before start asking "more WRC2 teams and more live-coverage for WRC3 entries" (which are in conflict a bit).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen and Solberg in Toksport Škoda Fabia Rally2 WRC2 program?

http://planetemarcus.com/mikkelsen-et-oliver-solberg-equipiers-wrc-2-en-2021/

Strange this one. Any confirmation ?

Chris Ingram tells me he had no idea this was happening. He was expecting Toksport to run his WRC2/3 program in 2021...

[mknight]

Here comes this WRC2 vs WRC3 (or whatever will be those names in the future) problem - if some "manufacturer" puts their team out, pays more/extra money (compared to WRC3 entry), then they want to have some publicity, then want to have their time in LIVE-coverage, in news etc. Which is all understandable.

... and then comes some without-WRC-seat star or just some other talent driver in WRC3 entry and beat all WRC2 entries... and this is problematic for at least 2 reasons:
* WRC2 entries are a bit embarrassed maybe
* a lot of people (like most of the forum members here) start whining, why they don't show WRC3 entries in LIVE coverage (like Mikkelsen and Solberg in Monza for example)

My logic says - the more publicity WRC2 teams get, the more they want to take part of that. But some need to understand here, what is difference between WRC2 and WRC3 business, before start asking "more WRC2 teams and more live-coverage for WRC3 entries" (which are in conflict a bit).

In Monza it approached ridiculous levels when they have free TV time (cause there are few WRC cars due to retirements) and you have few WRC2 crews. The TV crews are there at the stopline often with fixed TV cameras around. So they interview some WRC2 then they skip to studio/somewhere else for top WRC3 cars that are all within top 10 overall and finally they switch back to WRC2 running minutes later (Formaux).

When a WRC enters with some "privateer" (Bertelli etc.) they still show him even though he is not entered for manu champ or anything like that, but skipping cars on 6-9th place overall in the rally is ok cause they are not entered in same championship?

Sportwise its off course bad for WRC2 cause they are often not fastest, but have no motivation to actually be faster and risk points due to crash fighting with someone in different category

To sum up:
- WRC2 (drivers) can get embarrassed while forced by teams not to compete with WRC3
- WRC3 get little coverage
- Fans get less competition to watch cause WRC2 generally don't care about WRC3 ahead of them


The whole idea was that "manu" teams with massive budgets were competing with "privateers". This was at a time when Skoda was throwing lot of money and testing more than some WRC teams.
Problem is that there are now "privateer drivers with factory support" (Solberg, maybe partly Huttunen in later part of the season), since there are no rules prohibiting what WRC3 teams can do there is no limit to this, so you just moved the "manu vs privateers" problem one category lower and nothing changed.

To improve that either:
1. introduce strick rules on testing etc for WRC3 crews = pretty impossible to control. Testday limits?, ok we enter some local rally that is similar (see WRC teams), part limits, even less tires?
or
2. merge WRC2/3 to one category again and show the fastest cars in that single category

I am totally for 2.

[mknight]

Strange this one. Any confirmation ?

Chris Ingram tells me he had no idea this was happening. He was expecting Toksport to run his WRC2/3 program in 2021...

Imo it's just speculation.

[AnttiL]

When a WRC enters with some "privateer" (Bertelli etc.) they still show him even though he is not entered for manu champ or anything like that, but skipping cars on 6-9th place overall in the rally is ok cause they are not entered in same championship?


This has already been changed, we didn't see anymore the gentleman WRC drivers in the 2020 broadcasts. Well, a bit of Jocius on the first days but not on Saturday anymore. Already in 2019 Finland there was this Serderidis-level Finnish guy and we only saw him on SS1 (where the organizers can choose who gets on TV). Same goes for Estonia this year, Georg Gross and one Finnish gentleman driver took part with WRC but didn't have onboard cameras or airtime.

I agree with your suggestion about merging WRC2 and WRC3. However, we should still have the team championship where the teams need to nominate drivers and take part in a certain number of events, it just wouldn't affect the drivers championship. Furthermore, like Jonne Halttunen suggested, a privateer cup could be held within WRC2, like ERC has the junior cup.

[Hartusvuori]

Strange this one. Any confirmation ?

Chris Ingram tells me he had no idea this was happening. He was expecting Toksport to run his WRC2/3 program in 2021...

Couldn't Toksport run a third car? I thought they are hiring their services.

[AnttiL]

Couldn't Toksport run a third car? I thought they are hiring their services.

I think WRC2 rules allow only two manufacturer cars per rally, but of course there is always WRC3

[meh]

I agree with mknight comment, that rally overall top10 drivers must coverage even if they are WRC3 drivers.

As a rally-fan, I would like to see a lot of WRC2, WRC3, WRC-X action, but then it's quite complicated to have schedule with nice flow. Often stages are in row and there is not enough time to show all WRC cars sometimes.

To have "manufacturer" championship for WRC2 and by current names WRC2+WRC3 common championship for drivers would be really nice.

Anyway, probably this discussion is a bit offtopic here and should be moved to WRC+ thread or something like that.

[Tom K]

Just short thought. If they do not want to merge WRC 2 and WRC 3 (we have prons and cons) maybe the good idea would be to give and bit promote RC2 title...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Couldn't Toksport run a third car? I thought they are hiring their services.

Maybe they will instead run Ingram in ERC again.

[meh]

Toyota and Hyundai line-ups are clear now and without any changes. Quite boring silly season compared to previous years. Only M-Sport roulette to play.

[AnttiL]

Here's some rumors...Roughly a year ago Miika Wuorela saw "Elf in Central Finland". Now he claims having seen in Central Finland "one of these guys, traveling with Mr. Samsonite outside his native country..."

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eo0Le3oXYAM5Z3b?format=jpg&name=medium

[Andre Oliveira]

Suninen out too?

https://tiegl6gza6jskpysitd4pulqmi-adwhj77lcyoafdy-m-sport-delfi-ee.translate.goog/wrc/article.php?id=91920029&fbclid=IwAR10tdKMoVxlnyvCdvSsfOeNePWIBvj6RtFVMjPfH mBRQSWH8P2VMETK2LE

[AnttiL]

Suninen out too?

https://tiegl6gza6jskpysitd4pulqmi-adwhj77lcyoafdy-m-sport-delfi-ee.translate.goog/wrc/article.php?id=91920029&fbclid=IwAR10tdKMoVxlnyvCdvSsfOeNePWIBvj6RtFVMjPfH mBRQSWH8P2VMETK2LE

I believe the original source for that Delfi article is this

https://www.rallit.fi/kahden-tallin-kuljettajat-selvilla-teemu-suninen-heikoilla-jailla-ovatko-tassa-ensi-kauden-wrc-kokoonpanot/

It surely says "Apparently Jouhki is not interested in paying anymore for Suninen's drives" but there is not a direct quote or citation.

[the sniper]

why then?

I just can't see when the money is going to get agreed, if it's going to be agreed at all. It'd be interesting to know what MSUK's (rally organiser) deadline is for getting the budget and going ahead. I can imagine it'll be a last minute thing as we don't seem to be hearing anything from Northern Ireland and everything will be focused on Brexit and Covid in the near future. MSUK are pretty conservative when it comes to spending their own money...

People outside the UK should remember too that rallying has been almost completely decimated in this country by Covid. Next year's Isle of Man TT in June was cancelled only a week ago. Rally GB this year was cancelled 5 months before it was due to be held. We're only 8 months away from "Rally UK" and there isn't even funding agreed for it yet. MSUK always make a big fuss about how long it takes to plan Rally GB each year in Wales, when it's largely the same year after year. I don't think they'll be doing an Estonia.


Strange this one. Any confirmation ?

Chris Ingram tells me he had no idea this was happening. He was expecting Toksport to run his WRC2/3 program in 2021...

Why would it preclude them running him in WRC3? They've ran three cars. A WRC2 program would seem unlikely for him regardless.

[meh]

Suninen out too?

https://tiegl6gza6jskpysitd4pulqmi-adwhj77lcyoafdy-m-sport-delfi-ee.translate.goog/wrc/article.php?id=91920029&fbclid=IwAR10tdKMoVxlnyvCdvSsfOeNePWIBvj6RtFVMjPfH mBRQSWH8P2VMETK2LE

Sidenote - usually delfi.ee does not produce any news theirself. If delfi writes something, then usually I try to find source / original article to read, what was actually said.

[masa90]

Honestly m-sport situation looks really bleak. As does the whole situation of the world rally championship. Sad to say, but if m-sport just field a complete paydriver lineup they will not get any real interest out there. I know the times are tough, but the whole sport will go down the drain soon if there is not any competitors out there on somewhat "close" and competitive cars. Stuff like the Le mans few years ago with only Toyota in that class was awful. Hope it does not go to that.

2021 will desperately need an exciting title battle. Hopefully the racing between Toyota and Hyundai will be tight. Otherwise it will look really bad. For the whole sport. And isnt 2022 cars gonna be even more expensive? I have a really, really bad omen about the future of wrc without quick actions.

[Steve Boyd]

Here's some rumors...Roughly a year ago Miika Wuorela saw "Elf in Central Finland". Now he claims having seen in Central Finland "one of these guys, traveling with Mr. Samsonite outside his native country..."

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eo0Le3oXYAM5Z3b?format=jpg&name=medium

Ah! Malcolm to replace Tommi at TGR :)

[pantealex]

Strange this one. Any confirmation ?

Chris Ingram tells me he had no idea this was happening. He was expecting Toksport to run his WRC2/3 program in 2021...

You were telling year ago that Ingram is doing WRC 2020 and he did 0 events...

Most people will understand if Mikkelsen and Solberg get deals before Ingram

Besides Toksport had 3 cars in Monza, so 2 for WRC2 and some for WRC3 is possible...

With more cars, it´s cheaper for every driver.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You were telling year ago that Ingram is doing WRC 2020 and he did 0 events...

Most people will understand if Mikkelsen and Solberg get deals before Ingram

Besides Toksport had 3 cars in Monza, so 2 for WRC2 and some for WRC3 is possible...

With more cars, it´s cheaper for every driver.

Well Covid put a big spanner in the works for Ingram in 2020, both with the events delayed and sponsorship.

And he stated he was told nothing by Toksport about the deal for Solberg/Mikkelsen. He was very worried by this so he clearly thinks it affects his chance of a drive with them.

[AndyRAC]

I just can't see when the money is going to get agreed, if it's going to be agreed at all. It'd be interesting to know what MSUK's (rally organiser) deadline is for getting the budget and going ahead. I can imagine it'll be a last minute thing as we don't seem to be hearing anything from Northern Ireland and everything will be focused on Brexit and Covid in the near future. MSUK are pretty conservative when it comes to spending their own money...

People outside the UK should remember too that rallying has been almost completely decimated in this country by Covid. Next year's Isle of Man TT in June was cancelled only a week ago. Rally GB this year was cancelled 5 months before it was due to be held. We're only 8 months away from "Rally UK" and there isn't even funding agreed for it yet. MSUK always make a big fuss about how long it takes to plan Rally GB each year in Wales, when it's largely the same year after year. I don't think they'll be doing an Estonia.



A Regional/Tourist board spending public money on a 'niche' sporting event, especially after Covid/Brexit wouldn't be a good look. Unless, a big money benefactor turns up.....

[doubled1978]

A Regional/Tourist board spending public money on a 'niche' sporting event, especially after Covid/Brexit wouldn't be a good look. Unless, a big money benefactor turns up.....

There is a flip side to that tho, if by investing in the event the local tourist board bring a whole load of money into the local service and hospitality sector via the rally it might actually been seen as public money well spent as those industries were some of the hardest hit through the pandemic.

[mknight]

Well Covid put a big spanner in the works for Ingram in 2020, both with the events delayed and sponsorship.

And he stated he was told nothing by Toksport about the deal for Solberg/Mikkelsen. He was very worried by this so he clearly thinks it affects his chance of a drive with them.

At this point a Toksport Solberg/Mikkelsen deal is just pure speculation afaik.

[dimviii]

Ruben Perez
@RubnPerez
Cándido Carrera, one of the candidates to get on the Hyundai i20 WRC next season with Dani Sordo.

In addition to Del Barrio, the Galician co-driver is also climbing to the right of the Cantabrian today in his tests prior to #RallyMonteCarlo. #WRC


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Eo4GInZXIA8jCct?format=jpg&name=small

[dimviii]

Toyota GAZOO Racing WRT
@TGR_WRC
We can confirm that two team members have tested positive for COVID-19 in regular after-travel tests upon returning home from Rally Monza. These cases have been confirmed by a subsequent retest. (1/3)
The team members concerned are self-isolating in line with national guidelines, and the team wishes them a quick recovery. These team members have not been in close contact with anyone outside of our own team members. (2/3)
All other team members that were in Monza have been tested and have so far returned negative results. All team members are also undertaking retests to help confirm that there are no further cases

[Rally Hokkaido]

Tommi stepping down as Team Manager?

[flykas]

Tommi stepping down as Team Manager?

Yes, it was announced about a month ago

[Rally Hokkaido]

Yes, it was announced about a month ago

Thanks. I missed that news.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/131128935_4087811351248261_7945885851639233761_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=2&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=JVylMZ_SvvcAX8Z0ezf&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&tp=7&oh=ed1fa34883b1964dd761a9dca00423d2&oe=5FFBB896

[RS]

If the charade of WRC2(néePro) is to continue, hopefully it's properly supported in 2021...

Hopefully it's correct that Skoda/Toksport will have Mikkelsen and Solberg. It'd be a worthwhile Championship if the other manufacturers actually committed.

I'd love to see:

Skoda/Toksport: Mikkelsen and Solberg
Citreon/PH Sport: Ostberg and Camilli
Hyundai: Huttunen and Tidemand or Breen/Veiby/Loubet (when not in Rally1)
M-Sport: Lappi and Fourmaux

Or if it's not going to be done properly again, don't bother. If WRC2 is going to exist is has to be as a professional category, with the majority of rounds committed, something different from WRC3.

8 WRC full entrants with 8 WRC2 entrants would be a respectable proposition for the top professional level of the sport. WRC Promoter can be pushed to invest in one extra set of onboard camera equipment for live coverage...

This is the dream and a good compromise for those who would have liked Rally2 cars as the top category.

They should provide live tv coverage of maybe the top (12) crews regardless of which category they are in and have starting orders based on that too.

But has there been any word on how WRC2/3 will work in 2021? The season start is only one month away!

[PLuto]

This is the dream and a good compromise for those who would have liked Rally2 cars as the top category.

They should provide live tv coverage of maybe the top (12) crews regardless of which category they are in and have starting orders based on that too.

But has there been any word on how WRC2/3 will work in 2021? The season start is only one month away!

WRC2/3 will be in 2021 in similar format like in 2020. We will see only how it will be with number of counted events and rules for "non-European" events.

[AnttiL]

They should provide live tv coverage of maybe the top (12) crews regardless of which category they are in and have starting orders based on that too.

I've explained this a hundred times, the onboard camera/transmitter kits are expensive and they must choose before the rally which cars they put them in. I don't know what kind of a task it would be to start moving the cameras from car to another during night breaks and what kind of regulations it would need (a camera fitting zone or a permission to break parc ferme for working on the cameras?)

And again, the entry fee in WRC2 is higher and in return the teams get TV coverage. WRC3 teams don't pay for the coverage, so they are not getting it.

[mknight]

I've explained this a hundred times, the onboard camera/transmitter kits are expensive and they must choose before the rally which cars they put them in. I don't know what kind of a task it would be to start moving the cameras from car to another during night breaks and what kind of regulations it would need (a camera fitting zone or a permission to break parc ferme for working on the cameras?)


Onboards are one thing. Deliberately skiping cars on 6 and 7th overall while waiting at stopline for WRC2 crew that is 20 mins behind and not fighting for any championship is something else.

[Franky]

Antti, everything is expensive but All Live is starting it's fourth year and you need to improve and not stagnate.

[AnttiL]

I'm not saying it's a good situation, but I understand why WRC2 is separated from WRC3. I don't have an easy answer. If we have 20 (or 50 like in Monza) RC2 cars on the start line, how do we decide who gets the onboard camera, and gets to be seen on the TV, when the decision has to be made before we've seen their performance?

The situation you're describing from Monza SS13, where WRC3 cars were skipped, is because Fourmaux had started late. Thus Mikkelsen, Lindholm and Solberg had started before him. For a reason or another Mikkelsen's interview was not shown, but Lindholm's and Solberg's were. They didn't have onboard cameras on those cars, and no land cameras (remember the cameramen were out in the mountains that day and it was dark anyway). Even if they had had one or two land cameras, it couldn't have covered the two minute gap between the cars. Hence the only footage they could show was Fourmaux's onboard (and turbo camera...what will they come up with next?)

[Lancia Stratos]

Antti, everything is expensive but All Live is starting it's fourth year and you need to improve and not stagnate.

And, of course, there has been a huge mount of money splashing around this year after the cancellation of half the champion ship and the associated revenue losses.....

[Andre Oliveira]

Stop wasting time and money on start of the stage and the stupid thing of show every start of stage when the crew is allready on middle of that stage.

[AnttiL]

Stop wasting time and money on start of the stage and the stupid thing of show every start of stage when the crew is allready on middle of that stage.

I don't have any confirmation on this but it could well be a part of the team's contract with the WRC promoter, when they pay the entry fee the WRC promoter ensures the car is shown in close up at the start and end of each stage it runs, to get a good view of the sponsor decals on TV (and in turn, the teams use this contract when they are getting sponsors).

Again, I personally agree that these scenes shouldn't be showed so much, but I can understand why they are doing it...

[Franky]

And, of course, there has been a huge mount of money splashing around this year after the cancellation of half the champion ship and the associated revenue losses.....

In Estonia there's a saying that only stupid can't find excuses.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I don't have any confirmation on this but it could well be a part of the team's contract with the WRC promoter, when they pay the entry fee the WRC promoter ensures the car is shown in close up at the start and end of each stage it runs, to get a good view of the sponsor decals on TV (and in turn, the teams use this contract when they are getting sponsors).

Again, I personally agree that these scenes shouldn't be showed so much, but I can understand why they are doing it...

But most of the time is spent showing a close-up of the driver sitting in the car, not the car itself.

(And then my pet-hate, the comms pointlessly saying 'and there goes xxx into the stage...' so you cant hear the car properly.)

[wyler]

But most of the time is spent showing a close-up of the driver sitting in the car, not the car itself.

(And then my pet-hate, the comms pointlessly saying 'and there goes xxx into the stage...' so you cant hear the car properly.)

yes, and usually that close-up of the driver comprises a hat full of patches, a helmet full of stickers, some glasses, and so on...if at the end of every stage they take a hat first thing is because of the big sun... : )

[Tom K]

Willy Weyens, long time WRC photographer just wrote on his FB that shakedown and last Saturday stage of Monte Carlo have been cancelled... And no spectators during rally, of course.

[AnttiL]

It's weird to cancel the shakedown.

[Tom K]

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2020/12/14/rallye-monte-carlo-suppression-shakedown-de-speciale-de-st-appo-parc-d-assistance-speciales-huis-1473028

Some local website

[masa90]

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2020/12/14/rallye-monte-carlo-suppression-shakedown-de-speciale-de-st-appo-parc-d-assistance-speciales-huis-1473028

Some local website

What does it say in English?

[EstWRC]

what already was said here, that no public is allowed and shakedown is cancelled but with the shakedown i understand it that way that the current planned shakedown in Gap is cancelled.

we will see, i doubt they will run it without shakedown.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/covid-threat-to-the-2021-wrc-season/ Nothing new here, now just Dirtfish joining the band wagon.

[abcrally]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/covid-threat-to-the-2021-wrc-season/ Nothing new here, now just Dirtfish joining the band wagon.

😅😷

[mknight]

I'm not saying it's a good situation, but I understand why WRC2 is separated from WRC3. I don't have an easy answer. If we have 20 (or 50 like in Monza) RC2 cars on the start line, how do we decide who gets the onboard camera, and gets to be seen on the TV, when the decision has to be made before we've seen their performance?

The situation you're describing from Monza SS13, where WRC3 cars were skipped, is because Fourmaux had started late. Thus Mikkelsen, Lindholm and Solberg had started before him. For a reason or another Mikkelsen's interview was not shown, but Lindholm's and Solberg's were. They didn't have onboard cameras on those cars, and no land cameras (remember the cameramen were out in the mountains that day and it was dark anyway). Even if they had had one or two land cameras, it couldn't have covered the two minute gap between the cars. Hence the only footage they could show was Fourmaux's onboard (and turbo camera...what will they come up with next?)

SS15 very similar, except they had fixed cameras and actually showed images from those. For interviews:

WRC2 Tidemand interview
WRC2 Kopecky nothing (had a puncture)

WRC3 Mikkelsen nothing
WRC3 Solberg nothing
WRC3 Lindholm interview (he was very surprised they want him to talk English)

WRC2 Fourmaux interview

Here is how many times WRC3 top 3 and Lindholm got interview during 3 days on a track with crew at stopline and not having to go anywhere:
Huttunen 1 (PS end, he was put in front of WRCs), Solberg 1, Mikkelsen 0, Lindholm 2

First 3 WRC3 crews ended 6-8 and ahead of all WRC2.

WRC2 get "priority" running order (which is a disadvantage on gravel as Østberg says), one of the reasons is that they get shown more on TV.... but when there is time for WRC3s why "deliberately" skip them when they are running high in overall?
On top of that in Monza you got the funny situation after many stages where they "end" the allive feed with showing overall standings with WRC2 crews jumping 3-4 places in stage.

[pantealex]

WRC3 Lindholm interview (he was very surprised they want him to talk English)


;)
He, Emil was joking with Molly. (who lives in Norway, speaks also swedish)
They ask on LIVE 1st in english and after that "with your own language"
Emil is swedish speaking finn, so finnish is his 2nd language.
I bet they did those stage end interviews many times for press, that SS15 was for LIVE, usually it wasn´t.

[RS]

I've explained this a hundred times, the onboard camera/transmitter kits are expensive and they must choose before the rally which cars they put them in. I don't know what kind of a task it would be to start moving the cameras from car to another during night breaks and what kind of regulations it would need (a camera fitting zone or a permission to break parc ferme for working on the cameras?)

And again, the entry fee in WRC2 is higher and in return the teams get TV coverage. WRC3 teams don't pay for the coverage, so they are not getting it.

Come on.. they can change a clutch or gearbox in 30mins, how difficult can it be to move a camera?

And don’t entry fees go to the FIA and not the promoter?

There must be some better solutions that can be arrived at instead of just thinking of excuses all the time.

[AnttiL]

Come on.. they can change a clutch or gearbox in 30mins, how difficult can it be to move a camera?

Not just a camera, it's three cameras with the transmitter, and after installing they likely need to do a test to see that the camera angles are correct and the transmitter is working. I don't know how much time it takes, but like I said there should be a time slot for this operation that wouldn't be away from the normal service. Normally the cameras are installed and removed outside the rally schedule. Would the scrutineers need to also check that the cameras are installed safe?


And don’t entry fees go to the FIA and not the promoter?

Well, they are all connected. FIA has a deal with the WRC Promoter.


There must be some better solutions that can be arrived at instead of just thinking of excuses all the time.

You can call it an excuse, I call it understanding the reality. Life is happier when you don't complain about everything :)

It's a bigger problem that WRC2 and WRC3 are separated while the performances are so equal. And like I've said before, if all the drivers would be in the same series, it would be tricky to decide in advance whose car gets the camera (assuming it cannot be moved to another car during the rally).

[Franky]

It's a bigger problem that WRC2 and WRC3 are separated while the performances are so equal. And like I've said before, if all the drivers would be in the same series, it would be tricky to decide in advance whose car gets the camera (assuming it cannot be moved to another car during the rally).

A simple solution, starting order and there's plenty of time between the legs.

[Sulland]

Simplest solution would be to run all Rally2/R5 in WRC2 and Rally3 cars in WRC3.

Also to make a WRC4 championship, for Rally4 and 5 cars, where JWRC is incorporeted, but also gets JWRC points according to internal classification.

[Andre Oliveira]

JWRC will be with Rally4 cars in future?

[Sulland]

JWRC will be with Rally4 cars in future?

In 20 they used the R2t-19, but i will be very surprized if those cup cars are not upgraded with Rally4 kit for 2021.
But JWRC will still run by M-Sport Poland with Fieastas.

But we need a 2wd championship, and the the JWRC crews can fight for 2 championships. If others would like to use another brand, where they get a better deal, they should have a title to fight for!

[er88]

Is this another DirtFish article with a silly mistake on the year? It reads like it could be 22, instead of 21. But the headline says different

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/adelaide-emerges-as-candidate-to-host-wrc-in-2021/

Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

[Andre Oliveira]

Cars allready upgraded to Rally4. I was talking about Rally3 be the next ones.

[AnttiL]

A simple solution, starting order and there's plenty of time between the legs.

I got a confirmation from someone who knows this stuff, that installing the camera requires preparation for the car and thus is not possible to do mid-event.

[Andre Oliveira]

Ypres instead of Safari?

https://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/wrc/wrc-monte-carlo-rabote-suede-remplacee-et-ypres-a-la-place-du-kenya-5fd8e1959978e227df1c60df?fbclid=IwAR3H12dkJ_XSayIV FBwvQG9_eOX0p0kRv-zw4s4ZsYxX6FAOR1d7xwemRE4#.X9jrpEWLyTs.facebook

[Andre Oliveira]

Bottas with i20 Coupe WRC of 2C Competition in Arctic?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/bottas-set-to-drive-hyundai-on-potential-wrc-debut/

[Franky]

I got a confirmation from someone who knows this stuff, that installing the camera requires preparation for the car and thus is not possible to do mid-event.

Of course every change requires preparation, but what's the actual time cost for fitting two cameras inside the car?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rumour from Xlerate @xlerateDOTnet

No Rally GB in 2021. Latest info that we are hearing is that even N.Ireland has been unable to gain Government approval for round of the 2021 WRC in August. It is pos that Monza may be considered as the replacement.

[mknight]

Bottas with i20 Coupe WRC of 2C Competition in Arctic?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/bottas-set-to-drive-hyundai-on-potential-wrc-debut/

As late as 1,5 year ago people like this would go to MSport. Now they go to Hyundai. Is it only because of the performance/results shown lately? Or is it due to a change in Hyundai approach to "customers"?

Sure performance would matter for people like Paddon or Loubet but for Bottas I think it might be about the customer approach too.


Anyway WRC customers going to Hyundai and R5 customers going "anywhere exept Fiesta" (Fabia, Polo, C3, I20....) it does certainly not look good for MSport.




Rumour from Xlerate @xlerateDOTnet

No Rally GB in 2021. Latest info that we are hearing is that even N.Ireland has been unable to gain Government approval for round of the 2021 WRC in August. It is pos that Monza may be considered as the replacement.

I don't think many people are surprised if this is true.

[AnttiL]

Of course every change requires preparation, but what's the actual time cost for fitting two cameras inside the car?

Three cameras and the transmitter for All Live. It's obviously simpler to just slap on a camera and watch the footage from the memory card after the rally.

Let's say it takes 30 minutes to install the camera. Where would this time be taken from? The night service? "Sorry, you can't change your gearbox, you need to use the service time to install the camera". Or would someone be allowed to do this while the car is in parc ferme? What if the crew retires along a stage and the camera is there until midnight? In any case, the camera installation would have be done by the WRC+ crew but team members and scrutineers would have to be present as well, with possibly a some sort of "shakedown" for the camera to ensure the camera angles are right and the transmitter works. All this would for sure need a change for the regulations to break parc ferme, even if it would be possible without the technical limitations.

[pantealex]

Bottas with i20 Coupe WRC of 2C Competition in Arctic?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/bottas-set-to-drive-hyundai-on-potential-wrc-debut/

That must mean that "Tuohino WRC" is already taken ;)

[AnttiL]

That must mean that "Tuohino WRC" is already taken ;)

or he just wants to try a new car every time ;)

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/2021-british-championship-calendar-revealed/

Circuit of Ireland is a round of BRC in April so I doubt it will be a WRC round in August

[the sniper]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/2021-british-championship-calendar-revealed/

Circuit of Ireland is a round of BRC in April so I doubt it will be a WRC round in August

The Circuit of Ireland is organised by a Northern Ireland club, Ulster Automobile Club. The WRC round 'Rally UK' Northern Ireland would be organised by Motorsport UK, like Rally GB. So not mutually exclusive. Personally I'll be surprised if either of them happen, CoI due to Covid restrictions, Rally UK NI due to budget/Covid uncertainty. We'll see.

[er88]

Rumour from Xlerate @xlerateDOTnet

No Rally GB in 2021. Latest info that we are hearing is that even N.Ireland has been unable to gain Government approval for round of the 2021 WRC in August. It is pos that Monza may be considered as the replacement.

I don't think Ireland will ever be the future for Rally GB. Maybe they'll host for the odd year, but we need the forests.

Monza being held around august (Rally GBs current calendar slot) would be boring. It was the weather that made the event work.
Would have to be stages in the mountains on every day, with maybe only one circuit stage on each day to make it acceptable.

Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

[Andre Oliveira]

Rumour of Oliver Solberg in Hyundai at WRC2 2021

https://www.rallyeslalom.com/wrc2-oliver-solberg-in-hyundai-motorsport-nel-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0i18STchYl11dJowH63QWTQlvy0OGrN0SAKMLF jxqxxvCLW9Umkka_4MY

[Sulland]

Rumour of Oliver Solberg in Hyundai at WRC2 2021

https://www.rallyeslalom.com/wrc2-oliver-solberg-in-hyundai-motorsport-nel-2021/?fbclid=IwAR0i18STchYl11dJowH63QWTQlvy0OGrN0SAKMLF jxqxxvCLW9Umkka_4MY

Did not see that one coming.
If true, lets see what Mikkelsen will do.

[Andre Oliveira]

Will be 2021 THE year to Neuville?

[mknight]

Well I guess at this point it's just a speculation, but surely it has its merits and might happen.

Solberg is in a position where he doesn't necessarily have to pay (trough own sponsors) for most of his drives. Which might be the case if Skoda removes most factory support next year.

Also for 2022 he will definitely want to get some WRC drives.
MSport probably still has the weakest Rally2 car and is certainly not in position to fund much (though Solberg winning with Fiesta would certainly boost sales) or guarantee anything for 2022.
Toyota already has Rovanpera (and Katsuta) so they might not be interested in a new young driver just yet and they would have to get Rally2 from someone - better to let him drive with Skoda like with Kalle.
Hyundai has all the motivation and future prospect for 2022, even though Huttunen is kind of just ahead of Solberg there atm.

That said if Solberg is winning in Rally2 in 2021 it shouldn't be hard to get a drive in 2022 anyway no matter who he drove for in 2021. In that case it's most important to drive a fast (to win) and above all reliable ( to learn rallies) car in 2021. Skoda is the obvious choice for that.

[Andre Oliveira]

FIA World Rally Championship
Amendments to the FIA WRC Sporting Regulations include the awarding of additional Power Stage points to Manufacturers, to be scored by the two best-placed drivers nominated by a team and finishing in the top five of the final stage, with the aim to add an additional dimension to the Manufacturers’ battle.

Following Pirelli’s implementation as a new single supplier in 2021, nine additional test days have been allocated to each WRC manufacturer to adapt to the new tyres to be used through the 2021 season.

A number of changes have been adopted to clarify the requirements for the WRC2 class. Participating teams in the category now have to register no later than the closing date of the fifth round of the 2021 season. To score points, a team must enter two cars in a maximum of seven rallies, including a minimum of one round outside of Europe.

WRC2 Drivers and Teams will be required to nominate to score points as they enter an event and as a result, registered Drivers can enter additional rallies as Priority 2 without scoring points. In regards to points scoring, the highest number of points from six of the seven nominated rallies will count.

Owing to the success of the Power Stage points for the WRC, the same format will now be extended to the WRC2 and WRC3 categories.

In WRC3, with the view to restore pre-COVID regulations, the number of rallies counting for the championship has been reinstated from five to seven, with the best five rounds counting for the championship points. Specific requirements have also been added to restrict the class entry to aspiring drivers developing their skills.

To ensure the value of the WRC championship, at least half of the events scheduled on the initial calendar will have to be held for titles to be awarded. In the support championships, the FIA will have the possibility to adjust the minimum number of participations and number of events taken into account, should the number of qualifying events be less than scheduled initially.

The number of counting rounds for the Junior WRC Championship has been returned to five from four set in this year’s regulations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

[AnttiL]

To ensure the value of the WRC championship, at least half of the events scheduled on the initial calendar will have to be held for titles to be awarded.

Now that's an interesting rule. Sweden's already cancelled, rumors already of Safari and UK not making it. All three could still get replacements well ahead of schedule, but they wouldn't be rounds of the initial calendar...

[mknight]

I like Power Stage points for Manus, so that we avoid the often repeated situations where drivers are told to "just secure points" and don't push in PS. (looking at Adamo here). This in turn degrades the PS concept a bit.

It would be nice if there also was a requirement to finish within top 5 overall to get the manu points and not only within manu-nominated drivers.

[mknight]

Now that's an interesting rule. Sweden's already cancelled, rumors already of Safari and UK not making it. All three could still get replacements well ahead of schedule, but they wouldn't be rounds of the initial calendar...

This requirement actually looks like it comes from manufacturers both from sporting and cost side.

They plan their development and development tests based on the number of rallies of different types in the season. When you suddenly change the ratio og different events a lot it might hurt you.

For example the post Mexico 2020 calendar of rallies driven kind of favored Hyundai (and would have even more with Ypres - something Ogier even commented on).

[AnttiL]

This requirement actually looks like it comes from manufacturers both from sporting and cost side.

They plan their development and development tests based on the number of rallies of different types in the season. When you suddenly change the ratio og different events a lot it might hurt you.

For example the post Mexico 2020 calendar of rallies driven kind of favored Hyundai (and would have even more with Ypres - something Ogier even commented on).

Could be, but also could be that there's less than 6 of the initial rallies run this year, with replacements brought in.


It would be nice if there also was a requirement to finish within top 5 overall to get the manu points and not only within manu-nominated drivers.

Hmm, I thought the manufacturer points for the power stage were only awarded within the top 5 of the final stage.

Example:

Power stage results
1. Toyota
2. Toyota
3. Toyota
4. Hyundai
5. Hyundai
6. M-Sport
7. M-Sport

Power stage manufacturer points
5 Toyota
4 Toyota
3 Hyundai
2 Hyundai

M-Sport gets 0 because they're outside top 5.

[djip]

Hmm, I thought the manufacturer points for the power stage were only awarded within the top 5 of the final stage.


I think the idea there was that if you are well out of top5 (which i would make top10), say because you are running through super-rally, then you cannot score - You can only prevent others from scoring.

[wyler]

Could be, but also could be that there's less than 6 of the initial rallies run this year, with replacements brought in.



Hmm, I thought the manufacturer points for the power stage were only awarded within the top 5 of the final stage.


it says top 5 of last stage, should be like this!

[EstWRC]

that new PS rule is very welcomed.

especially for lower categories.

[rallyfiend]

Now that's an interesting rule. Sweden's already cancelled, rumors already of Safari and UK not making it. All three could still get replacements well ahead of schedule, but they wouldn't be rounds of the initial calendar...

It could also be half the 'number' of events on the initial calendar.

So in the case of 2021: six.

[AnttiL]

It could also be half the 'number' of events on the initial calendar.

So in the case of 2021: six.

that's what it probably means, but says a bit differently

[pantealex]

Will be 2021 THE year to Neuville?

just like
2020
2019
2018
2017
were

[wyler]

just like
2020
2019
2018
2017
were

yeah, but in 2020 we had covid. anything can happen now on! :D

[Andre Oliveira]

You don't get it. THE year refers to the last one, the year of all or nothing. I don't see Hyundai renew if he didn't win.

[er88]

You don't get it. THE year refers to the last one, the year of all or nothing. I don't see Hyundai renew if he didn't win.Why would Hyundai not renew? He's still easily one of the 4 TOP drivers. If they don't renew, Thierry could walk into Toyota for free to replace Ogier when he retires.

Thierry might be the one who won't sign on again at Hyundai, as he might think he has a better chance of a drivers title in a Yaris.

[Andre Oliveira]

Maybe i am too romantic... but i see Neuville back to M-Sport to finish the work.

[mknight]

I could see Hyundai not renewing in case of one or more of the following:

- Neuville starts to crash more trying to keep up with Tanak (Estonia this year..) or Toyotas which causes Toyota to win manu
- Neuville is regularly slowest of the 3 Hyundais (again Estonia this year, but Finland and Sardinia in 2019 also come to mind)
- another driver (Breen, Huttunen or even Solberg) show that they can be a reliable podium fighter for Hyundai

At this moment I would given maybe 20% chance to that happening.

[Andre Oliveira]

With the lastest rumours someone created that calendar. It looks good.

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/131931487_4102532086442854_5691679714281723570_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=2&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=0Ng5LY5fRZ8AX82FNPp&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&tp=6&oh=1d160edfc0b4e1d47dcfe86f0fc04e1c&oe=60001E58

[Essaj]

With the lastest rumours someone created that calendar. It looks good.

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/131931487_4102532086442854_5691679714281723570_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=2&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=0Ng5LY5fRZ8AX82FNPp&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&tp=6&oh=1d160edfc0b4e1d47dcfe86f0fc04e1c&oe=60001E58

How great would this be, lets hope for the best!

[wyler]

With the lastest rumours someone created that calendar. It looks good.

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/p526x296/131931487_4102532086442854_5691679714281723570_o.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=2&_nc_sid=825194&_nc_ohc=0Ng5LY5fRZ8AX82FNPp&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&tp=6&oh=1d160edfc0b4e1d47dcfe86f0fc04e1c&oe=60001E58

don't think Monza will be run in summer. it can be last round in December as 2020, looking for winter condition.

[EstWRC]

Maybe i am too romantic... but i see Neuville back to M-Sport to finish the work.

i dont see it happening. He will be heavily involved with the development of the 2022 machine and it would be weird then to jump into a new team and unknown car (for him).

but then again, like mknight says, if he will be outperformed by other drivers regularly maybe then? but overall i really doubt he will leave Hyundai.

and i have kind of the same "dream" with Tänak. How cool it would be if he would go to M-sport for his final year and bring one of the titles to Malcolm for everything he did for him and believing in him? :)

[pantealex]

i dont see it happening. He will be heavily involved with the development of the 2022 machine and it would be weird then to jump into a new team and unknown car (for him).

but then again, like mknight says, if he will be outperformed by other drivers regularly maybe then? but overall i really doubt he will leave Hyundai.

and i have kind of the same "dream" with Tänak. How cool it would be if he would go to M-sport for his final year and bring one of the titles to Malcolm for everything he did for him and believing in him? :)

Tänak should drive his final year with TGR ;)

[AnttiL]

The game will change in 2022 with the new cars, and it's not guaranteed Neuville will be paired as well to the new car as he is to the current one. I believe everyone considers this.

But then again, Neuville has been in the team since the beginning, the only one to drive full seasons every year. That's also something to be valued.

[mknight]

and i have kind of the same "dream" with Tänak. How cool it would be if he would go to M-sport for his final year and bring one of the titles to Malcolm for everything he did for him and believing in him? :)

What "final year"?

Has he sat a fixed date on retirement?