Who's driving for Suzuki [Archive]

duff

30th May 2007, 06:39

So whos it going to be?
Its only a few months until they enter their first rally in Corsica and we have heard a fair few rumors but nothing solid yet.
Some say Atko is going there, some say Gardemeister, Suzuki has said themselves that they want a young driver and P.G Andersons name was top of that list.

Does anyone have any real idea?

pino

30th May 2007, 09:54

The best pair available is Garde-Gigi, I would go for them :D

jonkka

30th May 2007, 10:40

It's not a common practice any longer but who says that team boss Tajima-san won't be one of the drivers? He's been driving the car in tests and at any rate, their first outing is unlikely to be as succesful (speedwise) as 206WRC's was eight years ago. Whoever they will be, Suzuki got plenty of drivers to choose from, it's buyers market at the moment.

Note that Atko is contracted to Subaru so he's out (unless for some reason Subie wants to release him).

Buzz Lightyear

30th May 2007, 11:03

Note that Atko is contracted to Subaru so he's out (unless for some reason Subie wants to release him).

interesting thinking..that could that be a possibility! especially with pons in place, atko could be pushed before he jumps.

Tomi

30th May 2007, 11:07

interesting thinking..that could that be a possibility! especially with pons in place, atko could be pushed before he jumps.

Now why would the money greedy subaru try to get rid of a guy who is willing to pay to sit in a piece of sh!t??

Buzz Lightyear

30th May 2007, 11:36

Now why would the money greedy subaru try to get rid of a guy who is willing to pay to sit in a piece of sh!t??

who said he is willing?

maybe he could get paid to drive a suzuki

turves

30th May 2007, 12:45

Slightly off thread but still Suzuki, and not sure if these have been posted already or not but Suzuki have released another promo video of the SX4 WRC.

http://www.suzuki-wrc.com/movie/e/index.html

Mihai

30th May 2007, 13:52

It's not a common practice any longer but who says that team boss Tajima-san won't be one of the drivers?

There aren't many 56-year-old drivers in the WRC anymore, especially in a works team. 'Monster' Tajima is directing Suzuki Motor Sport, I guess it's enough for him.

jonkka

30th May 2007, 14:36

There aren't many 56-year-old drivers in the WRC anymore, especially in a works team. 'Monster' Tajima is directing Suzuki Motor Sport, I guess it's enough for him.

Thought just occured to me, I wasn't really serious about it. Then again, Stig Blomqvist was 56 when he drove for Skoda in 2002 though he is a driver of different caliber.

swordsman

30th May 2007, 14:56

I know what Tajima wants..... Money :) The one who can pay will drive, at least in the 2nd seat!

Also, Atko is rumoured to be dropped from Subaru from Finland. That may indicate a move!?!?

jonas_mcrae

30th May 2007, 15:59

I think if Suzuki get atko they are making a mistake, no ofence to any atkos fan but lets face it, there are better drivers out there! the only possibility for atko its to pay for his seat, but a seat in a new car? well dont know

DonJippo

30th May 2007, 16:20

So whos it going to be?
Its only a few months until they enter their first rally in Corsica and we have heard a fair few rumors but nothing solid yet.

In Corsica most propably only one car, driven by Panizzi.

Josti

30th May 2007, 18:02

Did I miss something? Aren't the Suzuki's supposed to make their debut in Finland?

And DJ, Panizzi for sure? Thought he was happy with his place at Peugeot at the moment.

FrankenSchwinn

30th May 2007, 18:11

In Corsica most propably only one car, driven by Panizzi.

AMEN!

DonJippo

30th May 2007, 18:38

Did I miss something? Aren't the Suzuki's supposed to make their debut in Finland?

http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~4~id~144256.htm

And DJ, Panizzi for sure? Thought he was happy with his place at Peugeot at the moment.

http://calientestolanu.wordpress.com/2007/04/12/el-suzuki-wrc-sx4-debutara-en-corcega-con-panizzi-al-volante/

Not 100% sure though...

COD

30th May 2007, 20:53

It would make sense for Suzuki to use experienced freenlance drivers for their "test events" this year. This would probably give them best feedback. Panizzi would be a good choise for tarmac, specially Corsica.

I don't think their drivers this year are any indications about who drives for them in 2008

DonJippo

30th May 2007, 21:39

I don't think their drivers this year are any indications about who drives for them in 2008

You are right they are not.

ST205GT4

31st May 2007, 03:00

Also, Atko is rumoured to be dropped from Subaru from Finland. That may indicate a move!?!?

Where did you hear that rumour?

grugsticles

31st May 2007, 05:41

Ditto the abovo. Please state your source

koko0703

31st May 2007, 06:16

Hummm... never thought of Panizzi but it is in fact a good choice espcially for Corsica. Gilles has driven 206, Lancer, and Fabia in recent years, so he can give some indication of where the development of Suzuki stands. Other obvious chice is Gardemeister who also have lots of experience with other cars.

Up until now, I was assuming one of the Suzuki JWRC driver would get one of the seats, but Garde-Panizzi line up sounds better for this year especially considering this year's entry is just testing.

Gard

31st May 2007, 07:55

Ditto the abovo. Please state your source

He stated only a rumour and that started the second Pons signed for Subaru.

Fang

31st May 2007, 12:22

He stated only a rumour and that started the second Pons signed for Subaru.

Rumour or speculation?

ST205GT4

31st May 2007, 12:41

That would be pure speculation then. A rumour would be info passed along from some sort of source.

Semantics yes.

Gard

31st May 2007, 12:46

Rumour or speculation?
same same

jonkka

31st May 2007, 14:15

That would be pure speculation then. A rumour would be info passed along from some sort of source.

Semantics yes.

I speculate. Then I tell you about my speculation and you pass it on, it becomes a rumor. :eek: I'll keep my mouth shut or else I'll become a source of unreliable and speculative rumors. :eek:

WRC2006

31st May 2007, 15:02

For me I don't see Subaru with 3 drivers next season. For sure someone gonna be pushed out. I am wondering it may be Chris.

I heard (maybe another rumour) that even Pons should have started the championship with Sardinia rally but it was a little bit late to comply with the FIA rules about the nomination of second driver.

jonkka

31st May 2007, 16:10

I heard (maybe another rumour) that even Pons should have started the championship with Sardinia rally but it was a little bit late to comply with the FIA rules about the nomination of second driver.

Definitely a rumor. Otherwise he'd be at Greece at the moment instead of starting after two month summer break.

Aoddy

31st May 2007, 16:57

SUZUKI seem to have high intention to take on their WRC project. Hopefully, they aren' t gonna turn out to be like SEAT, SKODA or MITSUBISHI WRC projects.

jonkka

31st May 2007, 17:18

Bear in mind that before their problems, Mitsubishi had several very successful years. Even mighty Lancia was toppled and withdrew, given enough time. Ford has lasted longest and even they've had several years away from the sport.

jonkka

31st May 2007, 17:19

But yes, I do hope Suzuki will come to stay. And be top-line team, sport needs one now.

Fischer

31st May 2007, 18:32

SUZUKI seem to have high intention to take on their WRC project. Hopefully, they aren' t gonna turn out to be like SEAT, SKODA or MITSUBISHI WRC projects.

Considering the serious approach of Suzuki to the WRC, I think it's unlikely that Suzuki is going to be another Skoda-like team. Ofcourse the choice of their driver and having good luck will be just as important.

COD

31st May 2007, 20:45

Considering the serious approach of Suzuki to the WRC, I think it's unlikely that Suzuki is going to be another Skoda-like team. Ofcourse the choice of their driver and having good luck will be just as important.

As long as they don't get any Germans to f**k it up like Skoda did, they are fine

grugsticles

31st May 2007, 21:01

I have high aspirations for Suzuki.

They have showed great speed, strength, reliability, manufacturer support, direction, financial backing and a desire to win in their APRC and JWRC outings to date.
There is absolutly NO reason that they wont be the top team in a year or two time.

The secret to their sucess is that I believe that took a leaf out of Citroen's book and they havent biten off more then they can chew by starting small (APRC, and then JWRC), getting a good deal of success under their belt, and then making the move to WRC.

Peugeot206WRC

31st May 2007, 21:06

As long as they don't get any Germans to f**k it up like Skoda did, they are fine

I doubt the Fabia got so poor only because they where Germans, thats a little racism.

Well, sad we wont see it in Finland, would love that, with Garde as first driver and Aava or Andersson as second.

jonas_mcrae

31st May 2007, 21:58

I was watching the las of the vids from suzuki, and the development seem to be going very well, nice noise from the sx4, and you can tell that loads of money are going into that project, well done suzuki!

WRCfan

5th June 2007, 07:31

The Japanese motto is not to give up even when things are rocky. I feel the Suzuki will be a competitive car and that the Japanese manufacturer will make a REALLY good go of the top level of rallying.

I see Gardemeister and Galli driving. Monster knows who is good and what his choices are and he is a smart man. I can see him selecting Gardemeister and if he does then it is a smart move for their first year in WRC.

Atkinson might end up there because of previous ties to the team although when you have drivers like Galli sitting without drives I would think they woudl select him over the likes of Atkinson, he has proved time and time again he has the speed to mix it up amongst the top drivers. Just needs some time and security to bed into a team and give them results. Gardemeister would deliever solid results from the offset. We have seen this time and time again...

Will have to wait and see who they sign...until then it's nothing but speculation....

WRCfan

Finni

5th June 2007, 15:24

Gardemaister & Galli would be good combination: Gardemaister is solid and galli is fast.

kleisj

5th June 2007, 15:33

Kopecky also!

koko0703

5th June 2007, 22:18

I don't really see Gardemeister-Galli line up for Suzuki. Garde-Gigi may work for one-off line up in Wales GB this year, but not for long term. Gigi definitely got speed, and I love to see him back in works team on regular basis. However he is already 34 years old, and his only works experience is with falling apart Mitsubishi. On the other hand, Garde is 2 years younger than Gigi and has alot more experience. I am sure Suzuki is not looking at instant results and afraid that Gigi's age may be against him.

My vote is for Garde-Panizzi for Corsica, Garde-Gigi for GB, and Garde-PG, Wilks, or Aava for 2008.

Sulland

5th June 2007, 22:27

Atkinson and PG will drive !

(but just as a reminder; Petter has a clause in his latest contract that he can leave with imediate effect, if the car is not at the level of him being able to fight for victories !
I bet he has been thinking long and hard about that for a while....., but now the Sub looks better, but lets wait one more rally....

Zico

5th June 2007, 22:43

Im not sure the suzuki will go so well... comments from the chief engineer that the turbo is giving it 3 times more torque over its N/A figure does not bode well unless of course it has an exceptionaly high torque figure in N/A form..

I hope my fears are unfounded..

René

6th June 2007, 06:12

Few days ago we can read this news on the French sport news paper.

02.06.07 L’Equipe

OFFICIAL Nicolas BERNARDI SUZUKI IN CORSICA? - Information remains still semi-official, but it seems increasingly probable that Nicolas Bernardi was finally preferred in Gilles Panizzi for driving one of the two news Suzuki SR WRC engaged for next Tour de Corse (from the 11 to October 14). In addition, of the persistent rumors make to state of the arrival of Australian Chris Atkinson, current second pilot at Subaru, within the Japanese Team for 2008.

A.F.F.

6th June 2007, 09:07

The Japanese motto is not to give up even when things are rocky.

I wish Nissan would have knew this back in the 90's.

grugsticles

6th June 2007, 21:31

René

9th June 2007, 06:58

Yesterday Suzuki WRC team was in south of France (Ales) for test, and the driver was François Duval ! :p

User

9th June 2007, 08:12

Serious :o ?

Mickey T

9th June 2007, 08:40

To reiterate one last time... chris is paid by subaru and does not bring money.

and if he were pushed out of subaru and didn't have to serve the final year of his contract, i doubt he'd be that upset.

I keep hearing two things about suzuki that i find hard to credit:

1. that is really, really doesn't have enough engine right now and,

2. there is a really, really big name linked to it that nobody here has come up with yet. hint: he is at Ford right now...

Tomi

9th June 2007, 09:21

2. there is a really, really big name linked to it that nobody here has come up with yet. hint: he is at Ford right now...

Bosse is old rumour, but i think its only because suzuki has collected the peugeot bunch to work for them.

René

9th June 2007, 11:39

Serious :o ?

Absolutly sure my brother work on place at mecanic center !
it was Duval behind the weel. ;)

jbmarcus21

9th June 2007, 11:45

Bosse is old rumour, but i think its only because suzuki has collected the peugeot bunch to work for them.

yess sure.. But again a little thing. Because Sebastian Lindholm testing car too, cousin's Marcus... héhé ...

But i think for Marcus is to stay on ford for one more year in 2008, with maybe the number 1 on focus... And after 2008 say goodbye... Big hope not in the end of 2007, it is too early to quit...

Glee

9th June 2007, 13:11

maybe Suzuki wants do make it's debut with a car no 1 (hence Marcus)?

But just one question: Who is Monster (bio)?

Koppomsbo

9th June 2007, 20:05

1. that is really, really doesn't have enough engine right now and,

source??

jonas_mcrae

9th June 2007, 21:48

Absolutly sure my brother work on place at mecanic center !
it was Duval behind the weel. ;)

Well if you think about it, Duval for Corsica is one good option isnt it? faster than gardemeister on tarmarc I would say

alleskids

9th June 2007, 22:40

maybe Suzuki wants do make it's debut with a car no 1 (hence Marcus)?

But just one question: Who is Monster (bio)?

http://www.suzukisport.com/english/index.html

He is the boss of Suzuki Motorsport and quite a good rally driver himself, especially in the Pikes Peak hill climb things of racing

jparker

10th June 2007, 18:01

http://news.caradisiac.com/WRC-Bernardi-avec-Suzuki-438

This article sugests that Nicolas Bernardi will drive in Corsica.
However, it's yet unknown with how many cars Suzuki will enter the French rally. Other names include Duval, Benge, and Panizzi

JAM

11th June 2007, 14:03

Is Suzuki interested only in French speaking drivers?

teufel

11th June 2007, 14:09

Is Suzuki interested only in French speaking drivers?

It's okay for Tour de Corse ;)

StevieWonder

11th June 2007, 16:54

on this austrian page are some pics from latest tests (June 2007) for corsica:
Francois Duval und Nicolas Bernardi driving !!!
place: Ales in France (wherever it might be)

http://www.rallye.at

COD

11th June 2007, 20:37

Duval would not be such a bad choise either. he has experience fith both todays best teams (Ford and Citroen) and also experience of not such great car like Skoda :D

Bernardi would be a bit stranger choise, but to partner Duval OK I guess.

koko0703

12th June 2007, 05:49

I think it is good idea to use "specialists" this year. Whether it is Panizzi, Duval, Bengue, or Bernardi, it will take out the factor of driver's inexperience on the events in Corsica. That will leave the car's competitiveness and give better measurements against other works team.

Schurke

12th June 2007, 08:29

Roy

12th June 2007, 08:40

I can´t believe no-one is talking about McRae. I think he would be the ideal choice for a "new" team who are trying to develop a WRC car. I can´t think of anyone better available at the moment.
I understand he is busy with other projects, but surely Suzuki should approach him. (if they haven´t done so already)

I don't understand you think about mcRae?! Com'on he is old for this soprt. A new generation is born....

COD

12th June 2007, 09:20

I can´t believe no-one is talking about McRae. I think he would be the ideal choice for a "new" team who are trying to develop a WRC car. I can´t think of anyone better available at the moment.
I understand he is busy with other projects, but surely Suzuki should approach him. (if they haven´t done so already)

Allready in his prime years McRae was well known for his lack of interest in testing. This is hardly what a new team would look for, a driver with no interest in testing

Schurke

12th June 2007, 09:23

McRae is the same age as Gronholm, and Gronholm is still performing. I agree what you are saying, let the younger guys have a chance, but my point is I don´t think there is anyone better available to develop and set up and new WRC team/car to be competitive. It´s widely thought that McRae is one of the best at giving feedback to the team to get the most out of a car. Just a wee bit surprised that on-one has mentioned it in this thread.

StevieWonder

12th June 2007, 12:35

on this austrian page are some pics from latest tests (June 2007) for corsica:
Francois Duval und Nicolas Bernardi driving !!!
place: Ales in France (wherever it might be)

http://www.rallye.at

and one more link abour test in france:
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?PHPSESSID=b542176iaqmg9lnsm9tr5tcj36&newsID=10474&view=news_detail

jso1985

13th June 2007, 02:31

I can´t believe no-one is talking about McRae. I think he would be the ideal choice for a "new" team who are trying to develop a WRC car. I can´t think of anyone better available at the moment.
I understand he is busy with other projects, but surely Suzuki should approach him. (if they haven´t done so already)

maybe he wants lots of money in exchange... that's the only thing he's been interested in the last years... great driver he was but I think he's not focused anymore on serious rallying

duff

13th June 2007, 03:36

maybe he wants lots of money in exchange...

That is true. It’s a fact that Colin's own perceived market value is one of the reasons he was left without a drive.
But who wouldn’t want to see Colin back in the WRC? He'd be great for Suzuki's marketing, even if he just threw it into the trees all the time!

But realistically I think Duval and Gardemeister would be the best team for Suzuki’s first year. Though I'd much rather see Galli in there instead of Gardemeister- at least he's got a personality!

AndyRAC

13th June 2007, 08:56

Don't think McRae is interested in WRC anymore, and who can blame him. He's got better things to do than waste his time in the dying embers of the WRC.

DonJippo

13th June 2007, 11:19

Don't think McRae is interested in WRC anymore, and who can blame him. He's got better things to do than waste his time in the dying embers of the WRC.

And yet he was more than happy to step in for Citroen when asked...

spyros

13th June 2007, 13:10

he'll do the same if he asked again,

Tomi

13th June 2007, 14:02

If he is the choice, hopefully they sign carlos too, so they have someone who can set up cars.

Fischer

13th June 2007, 14:05

When are they going to announce the drivers for their team?

Addicted

13th June 2007, 14:43

If they sign up with someone from the past, it should be Armin Schwartz. He is best driver ever in WRC, made so many top cars atleast if you ask him.

14th June 2007, 06:43

Armin? Fabia? hmm, I think he's too old. Suzuki has enough experience to make a proper WRC car, they need a young driver who can stay on for a while and race the car as well.

Priorat

14th June 2007, 08:36

Pykalisto. He could bring lots of information about how a good WRC has to be made

grugsticles

14th June 2007, 09:39

And yet he was more than happy to step in for Citroen when asked...

Citreon... remind me, when was that?
I remember McRae and Skoda teaming up for Rally Oz and Wales in 2005, but I cant remember Citroen.

Personally I think McRae is over WRC. Sort of a 'been there, done that' type of deal.
Id love to see the crazy arse Scot back, but I doubt he will unless the money involved is quite substantial.

JAM

14th June 2007, 09:46

If they sign up with someone from the past, it should be Armin Schwartz. He is best driver ever in WRC, made so many top cars atleast if you ask him.

Since 1999 Schwarz drove the Skoda Octavia WRC, Hyundai Accent WRC and Skoda Fabia WRC. None of them were top cars, indeed very far from the top. There are very better options than Schwarz to be a experient driver in a new car.

White Sauron

14th June 2007, 10:13

Since 1999 Schwarz drove the Skoda Octavia WRC, Hyundai Accent WRC and Skoda Fabia WRC. None of them were top cars, indeed very far from the top. There are very better options than Schwarz to be a experient driver in a new car.

Well, about Schwarz it was a joke I suppose...
And as about Hyundai, it could have been a very good car with more development and better drivers. If I'm not mistaken, Loix was driving as high as 3rd in New Zealand rally 2002...

Corny

14th June 2007, 10:32

and second in Greece 2002 (Loix)

DonJippo

14th June 2007, 10:38

Citreon... remind me, when was that?

Turkey 2006.

jonkka

14th June 2007, 13:55

Suzuki has enough experience to make a proper WRC car,

Pardon me but how could they have the experience, they've never done one and Nandan alone isn't a recipe for success? Nobody knows what the car will be, winner or loser, but there are too many warning examples of 2WD kit car manufacturers stepping up to top level and failing to accomplish the task.

L5->R5/CR

14th June 2007, 18:20

Pardon me but how could they have the experience, they've never done one and Nandan alone isn't a recipe for success? Nobody knows what the car will be, winner or loser, but there are too many warning examples of 2WD kit car manufacturers stepping up to top level and failing to accomplish the task.

There has also been one in recent years that went from 2wd kit car to WRCar with devastating effectiveness...

jonas_mcrae

14th June 2007, 20:18

Citreon... remind me, when was that?
I remember McRae and Skoda teaming up for Rally Oz and Wales in 2005, but I cant remember Citroen.

Personally I think McRae is over WRC. Sort of a 'been there, done that' type of deal.
Id love to see the crazy arse Scot back, but I doubt he will unless the money involved is quite substantial.

do some research please...

T60

14th June 2007, 21:09

There has also been one in recent years that went from 2wd kit car to WRCar with devastating effectiveness...

Two actually

L5->R5/CR

15th June 2007, 06:26

Two actually

Although my memory makes me hesitant to say this.

An interestingly enough they are from the same country...

Zes

15th June 2007, 06:42

Two actually

You don't mean Peugeot, or do you? Peugeot had a great 4wd car in 84-86, so they were not like newbies with their 206.

JAM

15th June 2007, 09:31

Although my memory makes me hesitant to say this.

An interestingly enough they are from the same country...

Not only, they are the same from the same group :D

And yes, only could be Peugeot and Citroen. Subaru and Ford aren't as well as Mitsubishi, and is ended the list of sucessful manufacturers on WRC on the recent years.

cut the b.s.

15th June 2007, 10:32

You don't mean Peugeot, or do you? Peugeot had a great 4wd car in 84-86, so they were not like newbies with their 206.

Yes Peugeot came with great history of the GpB days, but a gap of over 10 years meant that in effect they were in the same situation as Citroen were and Suzuki is coming in with their wrc cars.

jonkka

15th June 2007, 10:36

You don't mean Peugeot, or do you? Peugeot had a great 4wd car in 84-86, so they were not like newbies with their 206.

Hardly comparable due to entirely different set of regulations and the only common denominator between 205T16 and 206WRC were team bosses Corrado Provera and Jean-Pierre Nicolas. Provera was Peugeot Talbot Sport PR head in 1980's and Nicolas drove that car, their later roles with 206WRC era you already know. Nandan had nothing to do with 205T16, he began at TTE with ill-fated ST205. But a good car he made out of 206WRC, hopefully he can rework that magic at Suzuki.

Sulland

15th June 2007, 19:02

If you were topboss at Suzuki and could hire who you wanted; who would then be

Team Number 1
Team Number 2
Test driver

Peugeot206WRC

15th June 2007, 19:14

1st Loeb
2nd Bosse (or Garde)
and test driver Panizzi on tarmac Solberg on gravel.
If possible, Loeb as tarmac test driver and Bosse on gravel but they already my team driver.
Also, I would order them to get a 3rd car, so I can put Latvala or Sordo in it for futur using after Bosses retirement ;) .

Tomi

15th June 2007, 19:20

of drivers available now i would put in the Suzuki
1st Gardemeister
2nd Andersson
for testdrivers Lindholm and Aghini.

Roy

15th June 2007, 19:30

If Suzuki had allready a big budget and a sponsor:

Team Number 1 Gardemeister
Team Number 2 Carlsson
Test driver: Andersson

StevieWonder

15th June 2007, 20:00

Team Number 1: Gardemeister
Team Number 2: Stohl
Test drivers: Andersson/Duval

if the car works good, I think, both can arrange a lot of manufacturer points ---> fight with swrt

SubaruNorway

15th June 2007, 20:02

Team Number 1: Gardemeister
Team Number 2: Meeke
Test drivers: Kresta

jonas_mcrae

15th June 2007, 21:45

Team 1 Gardemeister
Team 2 Duval(tarmac and selected gravel)
Test: Andersson (snow and some gravel)

Priorat

15th June 2007, 21:51

L5->R5/CR

16th June 2007, 02:23

Team #1: Gardmeister
Team #2: Meeke
Test driver: M. Higgins and Hanninen (with the idea of developing Hanninen to step in should Meeke not perform).

A balance of youth, maturity, experience and a potential for raw speed. Garmeister should be able score solid points. Meeke gets experience for the future and a chance to show he has got what it takes. Higgins has lots of WRC testing experience and seems to be a very steady driver in terms of being able to provide feedback and Hanninen shows flurishes of speed and seems to be able to find good set ups fast.

Otherwise I'd look for a driver from an important market for the company, drivers like Atko, Xevi, or some lesser known from an interest country.

Captain VXR

16th June 2007, 09:40

1 Gardemeister
2 Duval
Test Driver Hanninen

koko0703

17th June 2007, 02:17

1. Gardemeister
2. Aava or PG Andersson

Test driver: Rovanpera/Panizzi

GigiGalliNo1

17th June 2007, 03:08

There has also been one in recent years that went from 2wd kit car to WRCar with devastating effectiveness...

I know that Citroen went from Kit car xsara to full wrc spec. and that Skoda (which i wasn't following rally back then but read the results or something somewhere) that they use to have a different category they use to win (??) and then did a WRC spec car.. (octavia - beauiful might i add lol) :p

alleskids

17th June 2007, 10:51

Skoda develloped the Octavia WRC out of a Ocatavia Kitcar (Formula 2, same as the Xsara KitCar), which was a evolution of the Felicia Kit car, which was a evolution of the first F2 car, the Favorit Kitcar. Both the Felicia and the Favorit were winning in their classes. Skoda has a long period of winning up to 1600cc I believe.
Peugeot made a succesfull F2 car, the 306 Maxi, and a very succesfull WRCar.
Citroen made a succesfull F2, even overaal winning in Catalunya and Corsica, and a very succesfull WRCar.
Seat could unfortunaly not build on from the F2 conquering Ibiza Kitcar into the Cordoba WRCar. Just as Hunday did not succeed to boost the Coupe Kitcar into a succesful Accent WRCar.
Hopefully Suzuki will follow into the footsteps of Peugeot and Citroen, and not in the Seat-Hyundai-Skoda pad of teams upgrading from the lower class into the big boys class.

17th June 2007, 11:09

it all depends on how much money you throw at it. VAG group wasn't commited enough to put big bucks in their projects, nor was Hyundai. Citroen and Peugeot put big money in development of their cars, and still are doing that to be competetive (Citroen). noone can make a winning combination out of unexperienced drivers and underdeveloped car.

so let's only hope mr. Tajima can convince japanese bosses, that a lot of money is just 3 dollars short of what is needed :)

Sulland

19th June 2007, 18:57

1: Petter Solberg
2: PG
Test: Meeke

Captain VXR

20th June 2007, 17:31

1: Petter Solberg
2: PG
Test: Meeke

Quite a good choice Sulland :)

Micke_VOC

21st June 2007, 14:53

1. Gardemeister
2. PG (in gravel events)
2. Meeke ( in tarmac events)

All my hopes for PG in one car...

Barreis

23rd June 2007, 18:46

2007.:
1.Colin McRae
2.F. Duval
2008.:
1.C. Atkinson
2.Colin McRae

jens

24th June 2007, 11:30

Team Number 1 - Gardemeister
Team Number 2 - Galli
Test driver - Aava :D

Motorsportfun

30th June 2007, 01:26

For the debut I think Duval, he tested for them too...

...http://www.racingworld.it/public/photo/sx4_big.jpg

jparker

30th June 2007, 02:56

For the debut I think Duval, he tested for them too...

:up: You are one funny power poster :)
What makes you beleive we don't know that?
But who is really going to be, it's anyone's guess at the moment.

WRCfan

6th July 2007, 05:05

Hot off the press!

New drivers announced!

Ari Vatanen and Hannu Mikkola!

and then i wake up.....

J.Lindstroem

6th July 2007, 06:29

Anyone who has more pictures of the test?

traxx

6th July 2007, 13:47

Anyone who has more pictures of the test?

http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2007/06/12/353-suzuki-sx4

jonas_mcrae

6th July 2007, 18:44

http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2007/06/12/353-suzuki-sx4

Wow first jump of the SX4 that I have seen!!, looks like the suspension has a long range, the wheels going well down like in the Focus isnt it?

GigiGalliNo1

7th July 2007, 06:47

in real life i really dislike the look of the SX4 too much of a high heighted compact car! Though most are getting like that but still, i hope this thing will be a beast and can't wait to see it in action!

Micke_VOC

8th August 2007, 09:51

For Corsica i have heard Duval its one of the drivers.

Tomi

8th August 2007, 13:05

The testdriver is sure it is Sebastian Lindholm

COD

8th August 2007, 21:47

Somewhere I read that they might only enter 1 car / event this year.

Lalo

9th August 2007, 15:55

For Corsica i have heard Duval its one of the drivers.

I heard that too. Francois is quite a good choice. I hope Suzuki is going to enter two cars in this year's entry. The other car could be driven by Meeke or Gardemeister.

Koz

9th August 2007, 18:31

When do the enteries for Corsica close?

Schurke

10th August 2007, 12:37

looks like we´ll know in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show.......

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2007/08/10/suzuki-praesentiert-fahrer/index.html

LotusElise

10th August 2007, 16:30

Do you think it's even been finalised yet? All kinds of things can happen in a month.
I can see at least one Suzuki driver coming from their S1600/JWRC stable as they already have relationships with the Suzuki Sport setup. I can also see the logic of "nurturing" a younger driver like Citroen did with Loeb, hoping for the same kind of result.

Josti

10th August 2007, 18:47

Who knows...

What about PG Andersson? Many considered him to be one of the drivers, but he lost his drivers license just recently. I know this ain't no excuse for not hiring someone, but it doesn't help either I think.

Anyway, it wouldn't surprise me if Suzuki goes for McRae. Would be great and logical, but I don't know how far the negotiatons were going on between them. Gardemeister would be great too, but I doubt that and Duval could be possible for Corsica, though I don't know his plans with Kronos for the remaining year.

SubaruNorway

11th August 2007, 10:09

In english
http://www.crash.net/news_view~cid~4~id~152714.htm

Addicted

11th August 2007, 10:13

COD

12th August 2007, 21:34

Why McRae`s name is up everytime there is some seat available? Colin is so out of WRC nowadays, because everything has changed since he last time drove all rallies, so why don`t we forget him.

He was great driver but his train has allready gone.

I agree with you 100%. The only reason his name pops up so frequently is that UK has no real rallydriver and to keep their interest in the sport, they need to hype their last proper driver. (Burns was the other,but sadly...)

Lalo

13th August 2007, 04:38

GigiGalliNo1

13th August 2007, 08:08

This is a chance for Rovanperä to make a comeback, for sure.

Thats a thought! I heard that when we were getting news about Suzuki in the WRC - Perhaps a Duval/Rovanperä team?

LotusElise

13th August 2007, 09:39

This is a chance for Rovanperä to make a comeback, for sure.

McRae's name is big, and is appearing every time the word "comeback" appears, but maybe Harri can do something here. But as far as I know, Pletilainen (his usual co-driver) is with another driver, isn't he?

Hasn't he retired? I can't see Suzuki going for Harri at all - he probably costs too much and is at the wrong end of his career to commit to anything long-term. McRae has effectively priced himself out of the market and has now been away from the WRC too long.

PG would have been a logical choice if he wasn't having problems with his driving licence.

leopard

13th August 2007, 10:22

That is good to see more car on the grid, the discourse of possibility Suzuki taking part in the WRC is a step ahead.

Glee

13th August 2007, 12:30

It looks like we wil know for sure 11. sept

http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1090375,00.html?

Suzuki to confirm driver lineup

Suzuki has recently announced that it will confirm its FIA World Rally Championship driver line-up for the two scheduled rallies this year, Rallye de France-Tour de Corse and Wales Rally GB, at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

A press conference has been scheduled for 14:00 hours (local time) on Tuesday, September 11th before the show opens to the public that weekend.

Suzuki will enter its first full WRC season with the SX4 in 2008, however, the driver line-up for next season has not yet been announced.

Woodeye

13th August 2007, 13:29

GigiGalliNo1

13th August 2007, 16:41

I like this photo :)

A.F.F.

13th August 2007, 21:43

Me too. Reminds me of good old Fabia ;)

Eki

13th August 2007, 22:19

Who's driving for Suzuki? I am.

A.F.F.

13th August 2007, 22:30

You must be a wealthy man Eki. Those things eat gas more than Robby Gordon.

Tomi

13th August 2007, 22:55

Who's driving for Suzuki? I am.

change car Eki, diesel Skoda Octavia would be good for you.

Koz

14th August 2007, 03:34

GigiGalliNo1

14th August 2007, 03:41

Will the press conference be televised (in NZ)? I want to find out live :D

More or less on WRC.com Live like the Abu-Dahbi announcement!

Me too. Reminds me of good old Fabia ;)

Aw....... I miss the fabia :p :( :(