Markko to testdrive Subaru

[teufel]

Has he retired or not?

http://www.swrt.com/news/viewarticle.html?id=1398

[turves]

according to Crash.net he has been signed as test driver

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/158415-0/official:_subaru_signs_martin.html

[MJW]

This is very good news. Markko will certainly help Subaru develop the new car S14. It's also good for Markko as he gets the chance to drive WRC cars without the pressures of competition.

[koko0703]

It's very good news!!! Markko will definitely be a big plus for the struggling team. Also I hope getting back into the driver's seat will motivate Markko to maybe a comeback. Even as a test driver, welcome back, Markko :)

[pino]

Great Great news, and I would love to see him in action (Finland) once again :D

[MrJan]

Always liked Markko both as a bloke and driver so is good to hear he will be getting behind the wheel again, could this be the beginnings of a return to competition?

[J4MIE]

This is good news, will mean that when he is driving it will be out of the public eye also.

[Vilius]

Marko said , that he will be only test driver, he didint like nowdays WRC situation, because only drivers who have milions can fight for victory's..
Sorry for bad english..

[WRXedUSA]

So, Pasi Hagstrom is out then?

Or, has he been out for a while now, and I just didnt know?

[N.O.T]

What a waste of talent....Its his choice though so no problems.

[cut the b.s.]

Good move for both Markko and Subaru

[Magnus]

Martin is a very good driver with killer instinct. The strange thing with Loeb is that he has no killer instinct, he is just plain good and doesn´t need it. The good thing with not having a k.i. is that you will not crash out as much as some others tend to do...
the man behind the killer instinct is of course Colin.
Then we have Bosse. And Latvala I think, and Galli and a few others.
So what does it mean to have a killer instinct? It means that sometimes you have the possibility of doing things that first hand seem impossible.
Loeb does the impossible all the time so he doesn´t count :)

[ste898]

Excellent news and the best man for the job......hopefully Subaru will return to winning now!!

[A.F.F.]

the man behind the killer instinct is of course Colin.
Then we have Bosse. And Latvala I think, and Galli and a few others.


+ Paasonen :hot:

[ste898]

I see subaru have seen sense and got rid of that useless waste of space Pons!!!!

[car1279]

Great news,
this is the first step to his comeback...

[J4MIE]

Martin is a very good driver with killer instinct. The strange thing with Loeb is that he has no killer instinct, he is just plain good and doesn´t need it. The good thing with not having a k.i. is that you will not crash out as much as some others tend to do...
the man behind the killer instinct is of course Colin.
Then we have Bosse. And Latvala I think, and Galli and a few others.
So what does it mean to have a killer instinct? It means that sometimes you have the possibility of doing things that first hand seem impossible.
Loeb does the impossible all the time so he doesn´t count :)

I think Loeb is so good that he waits for someone to start challenging him before he needs to think about really pushing. I think he still has a huge amount of talent kept in reserve.

[ste898]

I think Loeb is so good that he waits for someone to start challenging him before he needs to think about really pushing. I think he still has a huge amount of talent kept in reserve.

I laughed a lot at that statement

[A.F.F.]

Why would you do that Steven?

I haven't seen Loeb even near the edge but one time and one time only. That was in NORF last year.

[J4MIE]

Don't forget Monte 2006, his charge back to 2nd was stunning.

[ShiftingGears]

Great news,
this is the first step to his comeback...

I hope so.

[cosmicpanda]

Why would you do that Steven?

I haven't seen Loeb even near the edge but one time and one time only. That was in NORF last year.

What about Rally NZ when he lost to Marcus by .3 s? On the Whaanga Coast I even saw him clip the rear of his car on a bank after sliding too much around a hairpin. Perhaps that's how he lost the rally...

[gloomyDAY]

Xevi Pons got the boot?

If it's true then I'm glad the Xevi's are gone. They were like 2 monkey's in a rally car and not a hope in hell for helping Subaru.

Anyway, Markko can also help/lead the SWRT to a comeback.

[WRXedUSA]

Xevi Pons got the boot?

If it's true then I'm glad the Xevi's are gone. They were like 2 monkey's in a rally car and not a hope in hell for helping Subaru.

Anyway, Markko can also help/lead the SWRT to a comeback.

He didn't get booted, rather his daddy's construction company stopped funding his adventures in rallying.

He was basically renting a SWRT car, he wasn't there for competitive purposes.

[koko0703]

Xevi Pons got the boot?

If it's true then I'm glad the Xevi's are gone. They were like 2 monkey's in a rally car and not a hope in hell for helping Subaru.

Anyway, Markko can also help/lead the SWRT to a comeback.

I was totally fine with Pons in Subaru 'cuz he wasn't taking anything away from anyone. He brought money to SWRT, so I didn't care how slow he drives.

[ste898]

I haven't seen Loeb even near the edge but one time and one time only. That was in NORF last year.[/QUOTE]

You dont watch the WRC now then as as far as I saw he was on the edge or over it most of the time to beat Marcus!!!!!

[A.F.F.]

I have the greatest respect to Marcus, as he is one of the Flying Finns and the most Alen-like driver.

Still I have to admit that Loeb is one of his kind. I just don't see why argue with that? Because he is not your favourite?

[Josti]

Still I have to admit that Loeb is one of his kind. I just don't see why argue with that? Because he is not your favourite?

I agree, but I think it's also the combination Loeb-Citroën which works so well (for like 10 years now). The C4 is a perfect car for Loeb´s driving style. I think he would have had more trouble with a Focus or an Impreza. But I have no doubt in mind he would be fast with those cars either.

About Märtin. I seem to remember this news drifting along already a couple of months ago. I´m glad he carefully makes a return to the WRC scene, though I doubt w´ll ever see him make a comeback. But he´s the right guy for Subaru at the moment, that´s for sure.

[Meeke Fan]

Its a pity Markko Martins has been appointed. Kris Meeke seems the better option of the 2. What do you think??

[Meeke Fan]

Its a pity Markko Martins has been appointed. Kris Meeke seems the better option of the 2. What do you think??

[Josti]

Its a pity Markko Martins has been appointed. Kris Meeke seems the better option of the 2. What do you think??

I don't remember that there was only a choise between these two drivers. But I prefer Märtin, he's got a lot more experience than Meeke. Sorry, but I think Meeke is a bit overrated.

[MrJan]

I don't remember that there was only a choise between these two drivers. But I prefer Märtin, he's got a lot more experience than Meeke. Sorry, but I think Meeke is a bit overrated.


Yup. I know McRae thought he had something but it was never really demonstrated and I think Wilks is better.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I don't remember that there was only a choise between these two drivers. But I prefer Märtin, he's got a lot more experience than Meeke. Sorry, but I think Meeke is a bit overrated. He obviously was in competition with Martin for the seat, so I might suggest Subaru know a bit more about his capabilites than you do.

[koko0703]

Its a pity Markko Martins has been appointed. Kris Meeke seems the better option of the 2. What do you think??

I'd say it is debatable who's better driver. Meeke got talent and is still young but Markko is proven as a rally driver. But as a test driver, I think Markko is better because he has more experience than Meeke. Yes, Meeke has tested for Citroen but Markko's experience of being a winner in WRC top model is more valuable than Meeke's youth when it comes to testing.

[Josti]

He obviously was in competition with Martin for the seat, so I might suggest Subaru know a bit more about his capabilites than you do.

I do not underestimate his capabilities. I just think he's a bit overrated (at the moment). So far, what have we really seen from him. And I was not aware that Subaru had to make a choise between these two drivers only. I'm even a bit surprised Markko is up for this job.

Then again, I was just replying to "Meeke Fan"'s post that he thought Meeke would be better for the job then Märtin, in which I disagree.

[tmx]

I thought Markko was old, but actaully he's one 32-33 as of now, so he still have time. Maybe take over when Chris or Petter leave. I doubt it will be anymore than some testing though.


Don't forget Monte 2006, his charge back to 2nd was stunning.
Superally at that point was ridiculous. He only got 5minutes penalty. I think it is 15minutes now.

[MrJan]

Okay so making up 5 minutes on the whole field except Bosse isn't acheivment? Come on, give the guy SOME credit.

[Meeke Fan]

Meeke and Martins had test days with Subaru and were the only choices for the test drive. Meeke might be younger and less experienced in WRC but he has shown how fast he can drive. With his techical brain and engineering qualifications, he would bring more than just driving ability to the team.

[Tomi]

Meeke and Martins had test days with Subaru and were the only choices for the test drive. Meeke might be younger and less experienced in WRC but he has shown how fast he can drive. With his techical brain and engineering qualifications, he would bring more than just driving ability to the team.

The teams uses experienced drivers as testdrivers because the job is to set up cars that suite other drivers, of theese 2 drivers there actually was only 1 option.

[Buzz Lightyear]

The teams uses experienced drivers as testdrivers because the job is to set up cars that suite other drivers, of theese 2 drivers there actually was only 1 option.


How you do become an experienced test driver then?

I believe Meeke has a 1st Class honours degree in engineering, from one of the top Universities in UK, and spent 3 years designing cars at msport, BEFORE he started rallying. not many drivers can say that.

so I expect your pre-judgment maybe a little off the mark.

[DonJippo]

I believe Meeke has a 1st Class honours degree in engineering, from one of the top Universities in UK, and spent 3 years designing cars at msport, BEFORE he started rallying. not many drivers can say that.

I think there are enough engineers in Subaru/Prodrive...I think out of these two Markko was better candidate.

I just wonder how much they actually are going to use Markko as test driver keeping in mind that test days are limited as per FIA rules or does Prodrive have their own testing site?

[Buzz Lightyear]

I think there are enough engineers in Subaru/Prodrive...I think out of these two Markko was better candidate.

I just wonder how much they actually are going to use Markko as test driver keeping in mind that test days are limited as per FIA rules or does Prodrive have their own testing site?


would the test limit apply to a car thats not homolgated?

[DonJippo]

would the test limit apply to a car thats not homolgated?

To my knowledge yes.

[Tomi]

How you do become an experienced test driver then?

I believe Meeke has a 1st Class honours degree in engineering, from one of the top Universities in UK, and spent 3 years designing cars at msport, BEFORE he started rallying. not many drivers can say that.

so I expect your pre-judgment maybe a little off the mark.

By driving very much and different rallycars, also its good to have a feeling about cars and ideas how to possibly make them better, it's good to remember they did test who was best suitable for the job, even the is about Subaru, I belive they choosed the right guy.

[MrJan]

Yeah but in rallying it's experience that usually counts. Only Loeb has come into the WRC and been quick out the gates (and he'd spent ages in super 1600 being far quicker than anyone else). Most young drivers tend to spend more time in the scenery (see Solberg, Paasonen, Sordo, Duval et al)

[Buzz Lightyear]

By driving very much and different rallycars, also its good to have a feeling about cars and ideas how to possibly make them better, it's good to remember they did test who was best suitable for the job, even the is about Subaru, I belive they choosed the right guy.

ok martin got the subaru job, fair enough. but addressing your points. i believe, reading his website, that meeke has driven in the last 18 months.. xsara, c4, subaru s10, s11, s12, was the leading test driver for c2 s1600, and recently sugessted elsewhere he tested a 2006 ford, and appears mesmerisingly quick in a mk2 escort! :)

Making car better? well 3rd fastest 0.2s behind Loeb on the 3km superspecial, beating the 2 works subarus in a year old customer car, it obviously wasnt setup WRONG.

im unashamably a supporter meeke, and have followed his career closely from seeing him in finland a couple of years ago. im just putting a case forward for british talent. if they cant even be given A CHANCE by a british team on a test role, what hope have they got. there is nobody on the horizon in UK, for next 5-6 years.

[ARF]

How you do become an experienced test driver then?

I believe Meeke has a 1st Class honours degree in engineering, from one of the top Universities in UK, and spent 3 years designing cars at msport, BEFORE he started rallying. not many drivers can say that.

so I expect your pre-judgment maybe a little off the mark.

For example: by building a car, together with Christian Loriaux - which has won many events since 2003. Today's Focus carries basically the same ideas that were brought into rallying with Focus RS WRC 03.

Needless to say, he has experience with almost all the best WRC's.

[J4MIE]

there is nobody on the horizon in UK, for next 5-6 years.

You forget Mr Wilson.

I believe that Prodrive have a test track in Banbury. Not sure about details though. Probably nothing like M-sport!

[Tomi]

Making car better? well 3rd fastest 0.2s behind Loeb on the 3km superspecial, beating the 2 works subarus in a year old customer car, it obviously wasnt setup WRONG.

Lol, maybe they dont make their desitions on superspecial preformance, actually i dont think anyone rank drivers on how they drive on superspecials.

[cannyboy]

It's funny how markko was complaining how rallying is only a rich kids game, and generally knocking the wrc, and then he goes and takes a seat off a talent with limited funds...nice one..

[Tomi]

It's funny how markko was complaining how rallying is only a rich kids game, and generally knocking the wrc, and then he goes and takes a seat off a talent with limited funds...nice one..

I guess you are wrong here, he has not taken anything from anybody, he is employed by Prodrive, also its only a test seat and has nothing to do with being a competitor.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Lol, maybe they dont make their desitions on superspecial preformance, actually i dont think anyone rank drivers on how they drive on superspecials.


my point is, that the car and driver combo was neither wrong, or wrongly setup. the car didnt drive itself.

[leno]

-so is there limited testing of new(not homologated impreza) or markko has only limited number of days???

[Buzz Lightyear]

You forget Mr Wilson.

no i didnt..

[Meeke Fan]

I agree with Buzz Lightyear. If a British based operation such as Prodrive cannot give the likes of Meeke an opportunity to show his ability, how else would he. Of course he could do what most of the other works drivers do and pay his way in. After all, if you're an average driver and you can bring 1 million pounds to the table then any works team will take you on board. If WRC was based poorly on talent i wonder how many of the current lot would be there??

[Tomi]

Maybe best for Meeke would be to do like the other young drivers, first to do a few reasonable results on WRC events with private cars after that try to gat a seat, i dont think there is room for any favours in current WRC, too few teams at the moment.

[DonJippo]

If WRC was based poorly on talent i wonder how many of the current lot would be there??

So who from the current works team's drivers you think would not be there?

[Buzz Lightyear]

Maybe best for Meeke would be to do like the other young drivers, first to do a few reasonable results on WRC events with private cars after that try to gat a seat, i dont think there is room for any favours in current WRC, too few teams at the moment.
its a test job we are talking about, not 15 rounds.

[Tomi]

its a test job we are talking about, not 15 rounds.

Yes, thats why they propably want an experiensed driver, nothing new with that.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Yes, thats why they propably want an experiensed driver, nothing new with that.

was that experienced or expensive?

[Tomi]

was that experienced or expensive?

yes it was.

[Buzz Lightyear]

yes it was.

was what?

we will see how the subaru perform, and reconvien this thread in Dec'08.

thread closed. :)

[Josti]

we will see how the subaru perform, and reconvien this thread in Dec'08.

thread closed. :)

It's all up to the drivers ultimately, so pretty silly to blame it on a testdriver.

[Buzz Lightyear]

It's all up to the drivers ultimately, so pretty silly to blame it on a testdriver.

the whole team should carry the can, or soon there will be no can to carry.

[A.F.F.]

the whole team should carry the can, or soon there will be no can to carry.

:up:

And it all starts when some dude picks up a pencil and starts engineering.

[jonkka]

And it all starts when some dude picks up a pencil and starts engineering.

A pencil? :eek:

[DonJippo]

Yes a pencil. Think they have tried with laptops long enough...

[A.F.F.]

Exactly. Back to the basics.

[Tomi]

Exactly. Back to the basics.

Yes, like Ford did a few years ago :)

[janneppi]

Yes a pencil. Think they have tried with laptops long enough...
Drawing breasts on the side of the blueprints is yesterday's news, have you ever tried to browse the internet with a pen and paper? At best it's very difficult, or requires good imagination.
In a modern era, a WRC team engineer simply cannot give away any advantage to his competitors, be it watching clips on juutuube or playing flash games. ;)

[jonkka]

I thought pencil was some sort of a tool to clean one's ears but what would I know...

[A.F.F.]

Drawing breasts on the side of the blueprints is yesterday's news, have you ever tried to browse the internet with a pen and paper? At best it's very difficult, or requires good imagination.
In a modern era, a WRC team engineer simply cannot give away any advantage to his competitors, be it watching clips on juutuube or playing flash games. ;)

You mean watching breasts is better than drawing them ?? One could easily imagine these laptop guys have gone to wrong path and can't find a way out anymore.