Duval is in for Rally Catalunya

[Mihai]

Just read it on rallye-magazin.de. It appears that Gronholm's win over Loeb in NZ helped Duval's chances of getting some cash from Citroen for his OMV Kronos drive in Spain.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2007/09/02/francois-duval-startet-in-spanien/index.html

[Langdale Forest]

If Duval is in Spain, he might be on the podium again as he was in 2005, but I still think Loeb will win the rally.

[jacko]

Duval will be there, he posted the news on his own website yesterday, main sponsor this time Citroën :)
Also for Corsica it's 99% sure he will be there too.

[MikeD]

It's great news! Then Citroen will have two drivers who can take points of Gronholm in both Catalunya and at Corsica.

But It might not be as "easy" as it was in Germany. But it's Citroen's only chance of taking the drivers' title for Loeb.... especially after yesterday.

Does anybody know if Duval will drive in the same beautifull livery?

[rus]

It's great news! Then Citroen will have two drivers who can take points of Gronholm in both Catalunya and at Corsica.

But It might not be as "easy" as it was in Germany. But it's Citroen's only chance of taking the drivers' title for Loeb.... especially after yesterday.

Does anybody know if Duval will drive in the same beautifull livery?

Don't think so. The RACB (Royal Automobile Club Belgium) isn't involded this time so I suppose no Belgian flag livery.

[Timole]

So Citroen did find that cash easily, as Marcus gained those valuable 10 points in NZ. Interesting move and for sure they hope that Duval would get some points of Marcus and Mikko for obivous reasons. The thing is that it isn´t that easy and Marcus and Mikko will fight very hard in Catalunia.

[MikeD]

If, let's say, Gronholm leads Loeb by 4-5 points before going into rally Ireland, do you think that Citroen might cough up some cash for both Duval and Kris Meeke?

That would give Citroen 4 tarmac specialists for that event.

[HaCo]

Fords led over Citroen last year before they were having problems with their turbos, so don't think all citroens will be so easy in front of the Fords!

[Elgin Man]

With the right car Meeke could easily win rally Ireland

[Daniel]

I doubt Meeke could win Ireland with his limited amount of experience at the top level.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I doubt Meeke could win Ireland with his limited amount of experience at the top level.

Dont think 'easily' is a word you would use to win a WRC event :)

if this is the same E.Donnelly that was beating Marcus early in the year, you may have a point!

http://www.flyingfinish.co.uk/2007/events/000017/internet/cls01gb.php

Interesting how duval has come back in favor. interesting to see what Citroen they do with sordo next year, as I dont think he is progressing as fast as they would like.

[A.F.F.]

If, let's say, Gronholm leads Loeb by 4-5 points before going into rally Ireland, do you think that Citroen might cough up some cash for both Duval and Kris Meeke?

That would give Citroen 4 tarmac specialists for that event.


Ask Tanya Harding more advice since you wish Marcus to fail that much.

[Elgin Man]

Yeh maybe 'easily' should be 'probably.

Looking at the results in Galway when Eugene was beating Marcus and when you look at the results at the Ulster Rally where Kris walked away with the win from Eugene you can't help but think that Meeke has a good chance. Hopefully he will get enough funding.

[L5->R5/CR]

Yeh maybe 'easily' should be 'probably.

Looking at the results in Galway when Eugene was beating Marcus and when you look at the results at the Ulster Rally where Kris walked away with the win from Eugene you can't help but think that Meeke has a good chance. Hopefully he will get enough funding.



Beating a driver that is there to learn and get maximum miles and knowledge is not the say as beating a driver that is racing for a championship...

[Daniel]

Yeh maybe 'easily' should be 'probably.

Looking at the results in Galway when Eugene was beating Marcus and when you look at the results at the Ulster Rally where Kris walked away with the win from Eugene you can't help but think that Meeke has a good chance. Hopefully he will get enough funding.
That's like saying my dad beat your dad up and your dad beat AFF's dad up and AFF's dad beat up Mike Tyson so my dad should be able to beat Mike Tyson up :mark:

[N.O.T]

Meeke is my favourite driver...but lets be real...i think he could challenge easily for podium and apply pressure to the top runners by winning stages....but to go flat out for 3 days as the 2 top guys do without putting a foot wrong i think its a bit optimistic ....

[N.O.T]

As for Duval i don't think he can challenge Gronholm in Spain.....he could put pressure on him for 2-3 stages but thats it...

[Roy]

Smart choise. I hope it doesn't work :D

[pino]

I am happy for Duval but Spain isn't Germany, so I think Marcus will easily stay ahead of him.

[Maui J.]

Ask Tanya Harding more advice since you wish Marcus to fail that much.

LOL. Maybe she could spike his tyres with her shakes!

[LeonBrooke]

If I were Citroen I'd put Duval in a factory C4 and kick Sordo into the No. 3 car.

[Daniel]

Yes but that's too obvious ;) All of us know Citroen has paid for Duval to return but the coverage just says that he's back so the general public will not think anything of it :)

[jacko]

Yes but that's too obvious ;) All of us know Citroen has paid for Duval to return but the coverage just says that he's back so the general public will not think anything of it :)

please dude, go find another sport where you don't find this situations..
If i remember right Fords hired Andreucci back in San Remo 2001 to help Colin, i can go on for examples but why so affraid for Duval, Gronholm will win in Spain :) and do not forget Duval (in some rare situation) could steel points from Loeb aswell.. Most of all, it's good to have a competitive driver/ car extra in the entry-list!

[Daniel]

I'm not saying it's against the rules. Just that I've liked this very even season between Loeb and Gronholm where they've been so even and I think it's a little sad that Citroen are having to bring in a 3rd driver to squeeze some points out of Marcus.

[LeonBrooke]

I like this situation because I am, and always have been, a Duval fan. He's finally getting the recognition he deserves. I think it was a mistake not to have signed him to the factory effort from the start. Sure, he's made mistakes but I think it's quite evident that he's matured.

[RallyCat909]

Duval has always struck me as one of those drivers that if he makes it to the final stage finish he will be in the top three. ......if he gets there though.

[pino]

If I were Citroen I'd put Duval in a factory C4 and kick Sordo into the No. 3 car.

Not for Spain, it will be difficult to stay ahead of Sordo there ;)

[LeonBrooke]

Hmm, maybe not in Spain, but I think François would be a better bet for the bulk of the season. And the beauty of the WRC is that there's room for two talented number-two drivers in the team :)

[AndyRAC]

I've always felt that specialists add to the Championship; Tarmac Specialists - Liatti, Panizzi,Jean Joseph; Snow Specialists- Eriksson, Radstrom, Jonsson.
Though I remember somebody high up saying it wasn't good that people come in for limited rounds and take points off the regulars, and that it doesn't happen in F1, so it shouldn't happen in WRC.

[LeonBrooke]

Yes but the WRC isn't F1. I'm hardly one for rose-tinted glasses, but I think it was better when everyone knew that. I think people should be able to show their skill and the WRC is more specialised than F1. There is room for the specialists, and I think that the points structure should be reviewed as well.

[AndyRAC]

Yes but the WRC isn't F1. I'm hardly one for rose-tinted glasses, but I think it was better when everyone knew that. I think people should be able to show their skill and the WRC is more specialised than F1. There is room for the specialists, and I think that the points structure should be reviewed as well.

Agree, too many people in WRC have a fixation with F1, if it works there it must work in WRC. Nonsense, completely different, and hope it always will be.

[MikeD]

Ask Tanya Harding more advice since you wish Marcus to fail that much.

Please don't put words in my mouth!

I have nothing against Marcus Gronholm or Ford. Before Citroen entered the WRC I was a Ford fan and will always have a weak spot for that manufacturer.

But in the fight between Gronholm and Loeb, then yes, I do hope Loeb wins the title. I my book Loeb is the superiour rally driver of the two and is most worthy of the title.

And my question regarding Meeke and Duval - it was only to hear other peoples opinion of how far they think Citroen will go to win the drivers title (which is the only title they can win this year).

So please don't jump to conclusions.

[LotusElise]

I don't mind a bit of skulduggery as it makes things more interesting. Marcus is a good enough driver to hold his own against the likes of Duval.
I was pleasantly surprised at Duval's pace in Germany as I had written him off as a one-win wonder with a bad car-wrecking habit.

[rus]

Not for Spain, it will be difficult to stay ahead of Sordo there ;)

I agree. It would be half a miracle to stay before the official Fords and Citroens. He can aim on a little mistake from his opponents which could give hopes for the podium but don't forget his car isn't a C4 or Focus. Even with active diffs the difference is too big. Maybe Corse and Ireland, but not in Spain.
Anyway, his presence gives more action so :up:

[JAM]

IMO Duval will be in Spain only to steal Hirvonen points. Loeb will be 1st and Sordo will challanege gronholm. Let's hope that Sordo and Duval don't make mistakes, otherwise Citroen will be in a very dificult situation on manufacturers championship.

I Think Ford will take the tahe manu title, but we still have some rallyes that could invert the situation. The drivers title will be in fight until the end.

[MikeD]

IMO Duval will be in Spain only to steal Hirvonen points. Loeb will be 1st and Sordo will challanege gronholm. Let's hope that Sordo and Duval don't make mistakes, otherwise Citroen will be in a very dificult situation on manufacturers championship.

Citroen admitted that the Manu title was lost after Finland. Frequelin said that all focus will be on the drivers' title. So Duval is hired to try and steal points from Gronholm.

[cut the b.s.]

IMO Duval will be in Spain only to steal Hirvonen points. Loeb will be 1st and Sordo will challanege gronholm. Let's hope that Sordo and Duval don't make mistakes, otherwise Citroen will be in a very dificult situation on manufacturers championship.

I Think Ford will take the tahe manu title, but we still have some rallyes that could invert the situation. The drivers title will be in fight until the end.

Citroen cannot win the manus now, Ford can loose it but Citroen cannot win it unless AFF gives them Tonyas number and she does a job on Marcus and Mikko

[White Sauron]

Strange... WRC.com shows that next rally is France... as if Spain has already been...=)

[Buzz Lightyear]

Citroen admitted that the Manu title was lost after Finland. Frequelin said that all focus will be on the drivers' title. So Duval is hired to try and steal points from Gronholm.


then give him a C4

unless citroen know that the actie xsara is actually quicker.

[cut the b.s.]

then give him a C4

unless citroen know that the actie xsara is actually quicker.


Was Duvals Xsara fully active in Germany?

[alleskids]

What is al the fuss about Duval being hired as 3rd Citroen Sport/taking- points-away-from-Gronholm driver? Ford Motorsport already has al year a 3rd and 4th taking-points-away-from-Loeb drivers: Latvalla and Henning. Only things is they do not succeed, were Duval succeeded in Germany.
Adding some specialist make's the championship atractive. Makes me thing of the good old days with (local) specialists on every round.

[MikeD]

then give him a C4

unless citroen know that the actie xsara is actually quicker.

Hehe the Xsara is problably quicker - plus Duval knows that car, so I don't think he will get a C4.

[MikeD]

Was Duvals Xsara fully active in Germany?


Yes.

[MikeD]

Was Duvals Xsara fully active in Germany?


What is al the fuss about Duval being hired as 3rd Citroen Sport/taking- points-away-from-Gronholm driver? Ford Motorsport already has al year a 3rd and 4th taking-points-away-from-Loeb drivers: Latvalla and Henning. Only things is they do not succeed, were Duval succeeded in Germany.
Adding some specialist make's the championship atractive. Makes me thing of the good old days with (local) specialists on every round.

Well said!

[Buzz Lightyear]

And my question regarding Meeke and Duval - it was only to hear other peoples opinion of how far they think Citroen will go to win the drivers title (which is the only title they can win this year).



Ford could always put Meeke in an 06 Focus?!

[A.F.F.]

Please don't put words in my mouth!

I have nothing against Marcus Gronholm or Ford. Before Citroen entered the WRC I was a Ford fan and will always have a weak spot for that manufacturer.

But in the fight between Gronholm and Loeb, then yes, I do hope Loeb wins the title. I my book Loeb is the superiour rally driver of the two and is most worthy of the title.

And my question regarding Meeke and Duval - it was only to hear other peoples opinion of how far they think Citroen will go to win the drivers title (which is the only title they can win this year).

So please don't jump to conclusions.

Fair enough, if you say so.

With all due respect MikeD, I've spent some time here on the forum, seen different drivers supported, heck, seen them be called as can openers etc. But never ever before, I haven't had that nasty feeling from anyone's writings that they were wishing success for their favourite driver at some other driver's cost. Not before I've read some of your posts during the rally.

So, sorry about the conclusions or putting words in to your mouth but that was exactly what your posts made me feel. :rolleyes:

regards
AFF

[Lalo]

Damn strategy from Citroën to take points away from Marcus!

Gronhölm can beat him I guess, but it's not gonna be easy..

[Lalo]

Damn strategy from Citroën to take points away from Marcus!

Gronhölm can beat him I guess, but it's not gonna be easy..

[ste898]

Ford should join in the dirty tricks and put a tarmac expert in a Stobart Focus......but who?

[Camelopard]

People are saying that Duval took points away from Marcus in Germany, wasn't Marcus comfortably ahead of Duval untill the 'cow' incident? Marcus himself said he lost concentration after being distracted. So imo it was a case of Marcus making a mistake and losing second and not Duval out driving him to take 8 points.

[jacko]

Ford should join in the dirty tricks and put a tarmac expert in a Stobart Focus......but who?
Sola for Spain is too late but Benque or Sarrazin for Corsica or Meeke for Ireland...
Or the best idea is too hire Duval for the rest of the year :p

[Buzz Lightyear]

People are saying that Duval took points away from Marcus in Germany, wasn't Marcus comfortably ahead of Duval untill the 'cow' incident? Marcus himself said he lost concentration after being distracted. So imo it was a case of Marcus making a mistake and losing second and not Duval out driving him to take 8 points.

eitherway, he was still beating hirvonen. mission accomplished.

[jacko]

People are saying that Duval took points away from Marcus in Germany, wasn't Marcus comfortably ahead of Duval untill the 'cow' incident? Marcus himself said he lost concentration after being distracted. So imo it was a case of Marcus making a mistake and losing second and not Duval out driving him to take 8 points.

Duval was catching the whole last day Marcus and the pressure was there for sure, the gap was only a 5 seconds i think, Duval was really good there and it was a shame he made 2 mistakes on day 2, i think he could have finished for sure before Marcus without this mistakes and even could challenge for the win...

Duval in Spain is a bit different case, the roads are less technical than Germany, so Gronholm must normally take more seconds to Duval, even Loeb was behind last year on day1 compare to the Fords and that was not for fun..
Corsica will be more technical and Ireland.. it will for all new playground..

[jacko]

[quote="alleskids"]What is al the fuss about Duval being hired as 3rd Citroen Sport/taking- points-away-from-Gronholm driver? Ford Motorsport already has al year a 3rd and 4th taking-points-away-from-Loeb drivers: Latvalla and Henning. Only things is they do not succeed, were Duval succeeded in Germany.
QUOTE]
yes indeed, for the manufacturers title they are perfect to beat Sordo/ Citroën on rounds wich he hadn't much xperience, but on those rounds he already crashed or had some engine problems.. Ford was before the season started with all their drivers the big favourite for the title..
If Citroen had more (beginning the season) money for sure they would hire a xperience driver like Gardemeister next to Loeb and let Sordo another year to drive in the Kronos team to learn..
Now with a bit extra cash Citroen put Duval back in a Xsara, it's good for the marketing as we already noticed and yes he could taken some points from Ford, good move yes :)

[jso1985]

Ford should join in the dirty tricks and put a tarmac expert in a Stobart Focus......but who?

funny and ironic... a Ford fan talking about "dirty" tricks...

I guess Latvala and H.Solberg are there to... argh why even bother...

[mdesign]

What is al the fuss about Duval being hired as 3rd Citroen Sport/taking- points-away-from-Gronholm driver? Ford Motorsport already has al year a 3rd and 4th taking-points-away-from-Loeb drivers: Latvalla and Henning. Only things is they do not succeed, were Duval succeeded in Germany.
Adding some specialist make's the championship atractive. Makes me thing of the good old days with (local) specialists on every round.

I would not call them "taking-points-away-from-Loeb", (if such thing exist, it is call Gronholm, the great) they are actual more "taking-points-away-from-Sordo". I'd say they do a good job.

About Duval, for me he is very welcome to the championship. WRC must be about the fastest rally drivers in the world competing. If Duval is one of the fastest tarmac drivers I guess he deserves to be there and with the better machine his sponsors cam affort.

[Isthmus]

Fair enough, if you say so.

With all due respect MikeD, I've spent some time here on the forum, seen different drivers supported, heck, seen them be called as can openers etc. But never ever before, I haven't had that nasty feeling from anyone's writings that they were wishing success for their favourite driver at some other driver's cost. Not before I've read some of your posts during the rally.

So, sorry about the conclusions or putting words in to your mouth but that was exactly what your posts made me feel. :rolleyes:

regards
AFF

I don´t know what MikeD said, but what this forum isn´t lacking of, are messages against Loeb/Citroën about everything like those theories of all kind of conspiracy, or in Italie when Loeb got off, i read a lot of messages of pleasure when it happened or, if you want, messages of relief.
I must say that i like this forum because it is an alive forum with a lot of messages, but almost 100% , usually, just want 1 thing: Gronholm and Ford win. I could understand it for Gronholm because it looks that most of the people are nordics, but not that extreme tendency for Ford.

At first,I thought it appened because people wanted a competitive championship. But than, when Ford get plus 40 points in manufacturers and Gronholm 13, even so, all messages are about to squeeze Loeb/Citroën and make greatness to Gronholm/Ford efforts. Its really annoying :dozey:

[Koz]

How is a certian Mr. Painizzi doing these days? Any chance Wilson would hire him for a few evenths? :D

[L5->R5/CR]

I don´t know what MikeD said, but what this forum isn´t lacking of, are messages against Loeb/Citroën about everything like those theories of all kind of conspiracy, or in Italie when Loeb got off, i read a lot of messages of pleasure when it happened or, if you want, messages of relief.
I must say that i like this forum because it is an alive forum with a lot of messages, but almost 100% , usually, just want 1 thing: Gronholm and Ford win. I could understand it for Gronholm because it looks that most of the people are nordics, but not that extreme tendency for Ford.

At first,I thought it appened because people wanted a competitive championship. But than, when Ford get plus 40 points in manufacturers and Gronholm 13, even so, all messages are about to squeeze Loeb/Citroën and make greatness to Gronholm/Ford efforts. Its really annoying :dozey:



Some people were just happy when Loeb made a mistake in Italy that he really was pushing 100%, he was human, and he was on the ragged edge to be at the pace he was. The last couple of years he hasn't looked like he is having to give 110% to win, when a driver can dominate within his limits, not at the very edge of his ability, it is boring. When you have two drivers going 110% at times to win, it is much more exciting.

[jparker]

Ford should join in the dirty tricks and put a tarmac expert in a Stobart Focus......but who?

I don't think so. This is not going to work for Ford. The Duval formula is based on the assumption the Loeb will win, and Duval will finish in front of Gronholm, or at least Hirvonen. In order for Ford to benefit using the same strategy, they have to assume Gronholm will win, otherwise it's pointless.

[duff]

I don´t know what MikeD said, but what this forum isn´t lacking of, are messages against Loeb/Citroën about everything like those theories of all kind of conspiracy, or in Italie when Loeb got off, i read a lot of messages of pleasure when it happened or, if you want, messages of relief.
I must say that i like this forum because it is an alive forum with a lot of messages, but almost 100% , usually, just want 1 thing: Gronholm and Ford win. I could understand it for Gronholm because it looks that most of the people are nordics, but not that extreme tendency for Ford.

At first,I thought it appened because people wanted a competitive championship. But than, when Ford get plus 40 points in manufacturers and Gronholm 13, even so, all messages are about to squeeze Loeb/Citroën and make greatness to Gronholm/Ford efforts. Its really annoying :dozey:

I do want Gronholm to win. But I believe that Loeb is, and will be seen, as the greatest ever. If he retires with less than 5 championship wins I'll be very surprised.
The point is that I think Loeb will take care of himself and win much more in the future. I think almost everyone in this forum will agree with this. Its human nature to go for the under dog not the guy who wins endlessly. I certainly didn't go for Gronholm when he was the man to beat.
For Gronholm this may be his last chance (I hope he wins and then retires).
Gronholm is a character and he adds to the sport. He has also beaten all the top drivers throughout his entire works career and he has always annihilated his teammates. He deserves to be seen as one of the greatest ever.
Lets not forget that he didn't even have a works contract until his early thirties and he had little or no experience on tarmac until then. His scorecard would look a little different if not for those facts.
Sorry got a little off topic there...

[pino]

. So Duval is hired to try and steal points from Gronholm.

And that won't happen, unless Marcus has (hopefully not) an off. Spain is a fast tarmac-event, so it won't be easy to beat him.

[MikeD]

I don´t know what MikeD said, but what this forum

I agree with what you wrote.

I haven't said anything against Gronholm in the way that AFF is writing. And to be honest I am a little annoyed that a respected memeber like AFF is writing that about me, without any links to what I have said.

[MikeD]

And that won't happen, unless Marcus has (hopefully not) an off. Spain is a fast tarmac-event, so it won't be easy to beat him.


And that was exately what I wrote as well. I was just pointing the reason why Duval was hired. Citroen Sport is paying for his entry, to put as much preassure on Gronholm as possible (together with Sordo). It's the name of the game, and it makes the championship more exiting.

It would be great if Ford would hire a tarmac expert aswell but I doubt they can find one who can fight with Sordo and Duval.

[DonJippo]

I guess Latvala and H.Solberg are there to... argh why even bother...

That is like comparing apples to oranges...Henning and JML are paying to drive where as Citroen pays for Duval to drive...

Personally though I have no issues with Citroen using all possibilities to help Seb on his fight for drivers title. Manu title is long gone so drivers title would make the boardmembers happy ;)

[Daniel]

That is like comparing apples to oranges...Henning and JML are paying to drive where as Citroen pays for Duval to drive...

Personally though I have no issues with Citroen using all possibilities to help Seb on his fight for drivers title. Manu title is long gone so drivers title would make the boardmembers happy ;)
More like comparing oranges with pay oranges :p

[jacko]

I do want Gronholm to win. But I believe that Loeb is, and will be seen, as the greatest ever. If he retires with less than 5 championship wins I'll be very surprised.
The point is that I think Loeb will take care of himself and win much more in the future. I think almost everyone in this forum will agree with this. Its human nature to go for the under dog not the guy who wins endlessly. I certainly didn't go for Gronholm when he was the man to beat.
For Gronholm this may be his last chance (I hope he wins and then retires).
Gronholm is a character and he adds to the sport. He has also beaten all the top drivers throughout his entire works career and he has always annihilated his teammates. He deserves to be seen as one of the greatest ever.
Lets not forget that he didn't even have a works contract until his early thirties and he had little or no experience on tarmac until then. His scorecard would look a little different if not for those facts.
Sorry got a little off topic there...

PERFECT SAID !!

[Roy]

It is a little poor Citroen set Duval in because he can 'eat' points of Gronholm.
Loeb needs Duval for winning title. :roll: :rolleyes: This year he isn't the robot like he was.

I don't understand what Latvala and H.Solberg must do in this discussion. They are no tarmac drivers. Stobart drivers do a great job to finish in front of Sordo in gravel rallies. Mission Accomplished.

[Brother John]

Many talk here that Duval will take points of Grönholm!?
The rally must be driven firstly and the result must be there.
Nobody know that Citroën will win in Spain.
All drivers can make a mistake when they are under press!
There are here much speculations and here there is still a couple more......

Loeb become father in September!!!!! Will he be still as fast as responsible father??????
All drivers can go off if it will rain in Spain or have technical problems !!!!
Duval had to find still a part of the budged him self for one rally!!!!
Does he have to listen to team orders from Citroën if he have no contract or future by them???????
Maybe it will be his last rally in wrc!! ( i don´t hope he make a mistake )
Are you all future diviners?????????????????????

[J.Lindstroem]

Brother John!

All this questionmarks is making me dissy. Why do you keep raping the ? button...????

[A.F.F.]

I agree with what you wrote.

I haven't said anything against Gronholm in the way that AFF is writing. And to be honest I am a little annoyed that a respected memeber like AFF is writing that about me, without any links to what I have said.

From a respected member to another, MikeD, I'm not going to spend any time to dig for the links. I referred to the official Rally threads, not this particular one. It is up to you to believe whether I'm a kind of person who usually make things like this up or not.

Like I said, many kinds of things has been written on this forum when supporting one driver and putting down on another one. And it's all right, when it is done is good spirit or with a sense of humour. But in this case, I unfortunately couldn't find a mark of either one. More unfortunately, I'm not alone with my opinion. However, I'm as annoyed what I wrote believe me. This is a brilliant forum with brilliant members and there shouldn't be any of this F1-forum like ****e in it ;)

We have a saying in Finland: opinions may argue, men doesn't have to. I'm happy to continue this with PM. If I have understood it all in a wrong way, I owe you a public apology.

[MikeD]

From a respected member to another, MikeD, I'm not going to spend any time to dig for the links. I referred to the official Rally threads, not this particular one. It is up to you to believe whether I'm a kind of person who usually make things like this up or not.

Like I said, many kinds of things has been written on this forum when supporting one driver and putting down on another one. And it's all right, when it is done is good spirit or with a sense of humour. But in this case, I unfortunately couldn't find a mark of either one. More unfortunately, I'm not alone with my opinion. However, I'm as annoyed what I wrote believe me. This is a brilliant forum with brilliant members and there shouldn't be any of this F1-forum like ****e in it ;)

We have a saying in Finland: opinions may argue, men doesn't have to. I'm happy to continue this with PM. If I have understood it all in a wrong way, I owe you a public apology.

Thanks for the kind words :) If I have written anything that have offended you or other memebers - or given the wrong impression, I appologise.

Good luck with Ford and Gronholm.

Kind regards - MikeD

[A.F.F.]

Thanks for the kind words :) If I have written anything that have offended you or other memebers - or given the wrong impression, I appologise.

Good luck with Ford and Gronholm.

Kind regards - MikeD


No apology needed. And let's stop this here, until folks here think the next thing is we jump in shower together ;)

[jparker]

Many talk here that Duval will take points of Grönholm!?
The rally must be driven firstly and the result must be there.
Nobody know that Citroën will win in Spain.
All drivers can make a mistake when they are under press!
There are here much speculations and here there is still a couple more......

Loeb become father in September!!!!! Will he be still as fast as responsible father??????
All drivers can go off if it will rain in Spain or have technical problems !!!!
Duval had to find still a part of the budged him self for one rally!!!!
Does he have to listen to team orders from Citroën if he have no contract or future by them???????
Maybe it will be his last rally in wrc!! ( i don´t hope he make a mistake )
Are you all future diviners?????????????????????

I think most of us understand this, but the talks are about most probable outcome. Theoretically speaking, Sordo could become 2007 champion, right?

[jonkka]

Loeb needs Duval for winning title. :roll: :rolleyes: This year he isn't the robot like he was.

The hindsight makes most men wise.

As the picture is now coming clearer, it's easy to see that Loeb in fact never was that much a superman many might have thought he was in 2004-2006. Before any Loeb-fans inhale beans through their wind splitter, I want to say that I am not dissing Seb here.

Those seasons made it seem so easy for him because Marcus was driving unreliable 307 Evo1, then better Evo2 on Pirelli tyres and finally new and promising but still unproven Focus 06. On top that, Petter suffered from fallen fortunes of Subaru (which too was on Pirelli). Markko Martin tried all he could in 2004 with '04 Focus but...

All in all, it's pretty safe to say that while there was opposition, it was quite weak. All that contributed to Seb the Superman -image. Even if he's not so much superman, I think he's a Robot in that sense that it's very rare for him to make a mistake (which puts this years Sardinia in peculiar light) or his car to go wrong (as highlighted by Sordo's troubles while Seb's car has run faultlessly).

Having said that, it's equally incredible run of finishes from Marcus, 20 straight rally finishes and all in points! It could be that this years title race will be decided by first DNF or major mechanical trouble. I hope not as it's the most interesting championship fight in three years.

A bit beside the topic, sorry for that.

[Leon]

What I´ m thiking when I read this thread is that Malcolm Wilson should feel a bit bitter with what is happening now. First he "discovers" Petter solberg only for him to go to Subaru and get the championship in 2003. Then he groomes Duval from the JWRC to a works Focus and now what? The Belgian drives a Xsara against his team.

I don´ t care/mind if he was at fault for such things, I just state some facts.

[Buzz Lightyear]

What I´ m thiking when I read this thread is that Malcolm Wilson should feel a bit bitter with what is happening now. First he "discovers" Petter solberg only for him to go to Subaru and get the championship in 2003. Then he groomes Duval from the JWRC to a works Focus and now what? The Belgian drives a Xsara against his team.


Are you serious?

[Karbonyl]

It was Duval's decision to go away from Ford. Wilson was offering him "astral" four year-contract in Ford. But it was the Belgian who rather wanted to taste Xsara...

[A.F.F.]

At the time Duval changed a team, to a clear winning team Citroen, he went there with big balls and full of attitude and confidence. He refused the idea of being second-driver or in the shadow of Loeb. Speedwise, there were moments he could actually challenge Loeb, especially on tarmac. Consistentwise, unfortunately he was nowhere near Loeb. He didn't believe the first warning from Frequelin, and not the second, then it was too late. He was replaced by Sainz.

Young potential drivers want to shine, it's very understandable.I've seen very frustrated Mikko over the years when his rally is mainly testing and bringing the car home even with a slightest chance of really pushing.

Mikko used his second chace to the top. Hopefully Duval will manage also :up:

[duff]

Mikko used his second chace to the top. Hopefully Duval will manage also :up:

Hopefully, we will see.
I'm sure he kicks himself everyday over the decision to go to Citroen...

[L5->R5/CR]

Hopefully, we will see.
I'm sure he kicks himself everyday over the decision to go to Citroen...



Maybe he kicks himself for not being a team player at Citroen.

If he followed the team orders and wants he probably would still be a paid driver at Citroen and would have possibly won a couple more rallies by now...