Volkswagen WRC
Discussion
http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/motorsport-wrc/v...
Now Volkswagen are looking to leave the WRC.
Funny as they have been testing a 2017 spec car over the last few Months.
Now Volkswagen are looking to leave the WRC.
Funny as they have been testing a 2017 spec car over the last few Months.
Edited by anonymous-user on Monday 31st October 19:03
Hopefully this is 1+1=4 situation, with Audi's WEC withdrawl people are jumping to conclusions, but doesn't look promising. That would suddenly leave 3 key drivers including 4 times world champion looking for a seat for 2017. That could be bad news for Evans hopes if true 
Hopefully it's not - 5 works teams would have been ace.
I'd be surprised if that many people on PH care.
Sadly WRC has been largely rubbish for years anyway, I'm not blaming Mr Loeb for being an outstanding driver, more that whichever teams signs him up and puts the most £££ & resources into their program will dominate hence Citroen cleaned up for years when Ford weren't as interested and VW have dominated since being more commited than Citreon.
It's a real shame as the TV coverage that is now available with the use of drones and the ability to upload/send data live from the field has given arm chair spectators a far better opportunity to see what rallying is all about.
Sadly WRC has been largely rubbish for years anyway, I'm not blaming Mr Loeb for being an outstanding driver, more that whichever teams signs him up and puts the most £££ & resources into their program will dominate hence Citroen cleaned up for years when Ford weren't as interested and VW have dominated since being more commited than Citreon.
It's a real shame as the TV coverage that is now available with the use of drones and the ability to upload/send data live from the field has given arm chair spectators a far better opportunity to see what rallying is all about.
As someone who used to stand in the mud at Chatsworth or Sutton Park on a cold 1980s November morning to watch the RAC Rally, the VW story prompted me to look when this year's RallyGB was to be held.
Apparently, it was last week. I hadn't seen a single piece of media coverage.
I'm not in the target audience for a VW Polo, but it helps me understand why VAG think hey could spend the money better elsewhere.
Apparently, it was last week. I hadn't seen a single piece of media coverage.
I'm not in the target audience for a VW Polo, but it helps me understand why VAG think hey could spend the money better elsewhere.
with Porsche in WEC and Audi going to F.E as well as its GT3 programmes, compounded by Bentleys and Lamborghinis GT3 programs does Volkswagen really need to be represented in motorsport? I guess its also symptomatic of the emissions scandal no? that and Motorsports are increasingly less relevant
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126936...
Out! No customer/ Privateer programme - as that is not how VW work.
Out! No customer/ Privateer programme - as that is not how VW work.
I seriously doubt that they would, however I could see an argument for changing the badge on the front of the 2017 car they've already developed.
I think if they do announce it, they'll quietly announce later that Skoda will enter the WRC in 2017, I just can't see them throwing away the number 1 team (team being driver and co-driver) and all the 2017 car/development work they've already done.
As has been said previously, 5 works teams next year would be ace.
I don't believe the negativity, I really enjoyed this years WRGB, partly thanks to PH for the free Friday tickets, but it was published on here, BBC, it was even live (on Channel 5 I grant you) but it's been a long time since the WRC was on terrestrial, let alone live. The cars might not entice you but the fact that Tanak, effectively a privateer, took the fight to Ogier all weekend (and there was 10 secs in it at the end) meant it was a thrilling weekend, and would be no matter what they're driving.
I agree it needs some more changes but I do really think they're going the right way... See 2017 cars for a start.
I think if they do announce it, they'll quietly announce later that Skoda will enter the WRC in 2017, I just can't see them throwing away the number 1 team (team being driver and co-driver) and all the 2017 car/development work they've already done.
As has been said previously, 5 works teams next year would be ace.
I don't believe the negativity, I really enjoyed this years WRGB, partly thanks to PH for the free Friday tickets, but it was published on here, BBC, it was even live (on Channel 5 I grant you) but it's been a long time since the WRC was on terrestrial, let alone live. The cars might not entice you but the fact that Tanak, effectively a privateer, took the fight to Ogier all weekend (and there was 10 secs in it at the end) meant it was a thrilling weekend, and would be no matter what they're driving.
I agree it needs some more changes but I do really think they're going the right way... See 2017 cars for a start.
Redlake27 said:
Apparently, it was last week. I hadn't seen a single piece of media coverage.
Motorsport just isn't on the agenda for most broadcasters* - BBC don't seem to cover anything now, ITV have dumped BTCC onto ITV-4 and only show MotoGP highlights, F1 has been 'demoted' to C4, Le Mans is only shown on Eurosport, Rallycross (& MotoGP full race) are on MotorsTV. Otherwise it's subscription through BT TV.Meanwhile you've got 20 different channels showing football...
(Actually - just seen C5 are covering WRC - clearly not publicising it though...)
* And by that I mean package providers as well - where are the motorsport channels on Freeview / how few are there on Sky / Freesat?
Alex Langheck said:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/126936...
Out! No customer/ Privateer programme - as that is not how VW work.
Gutted to see it confirmed, but can't blame them after all that has gone on. Massive shame we won't see the beast of a 2017 Polo that they have created in action Out! No customer/ Privateer programme - as that is not how VW work.
Shame if they do pull out, with Toyota joining and Citroen and Hyundai's new cars there was a great challenge coming from other manufacturers.
Although Ogier is completely dominant, I am not sure how much of that is down to the car, it does seem very reliable,but he is so consistent and so rarely runs into aggro around the stages, rarely does his car break down.
I saw the Aberhinant stage on Saturday and it was completely engaging seeing the cars tear about the place, Tanak , Meeke and Neuville looking the most aggressive on that particular stage. There is nothing better than watching rallying in wales.
I don't buy into the idea that rallying is now somehow boring now, compared to the old days( yawn yawn), you have the international stage which runs everything from the WRC machines to privatered EVO's and then the national rally stage where you see anything from a MK1 mexico to a Nissan micra, to a mk1 1302 beetle. Great entertainment!
Rally events are on all the time, you just have to look for them. Football gets mass coverage because the premiership brainwashes people into thinking that it really matters, which is nonsense.
Although Ogier is completely dominant, I am not sure how much of that is down to the car, it does seem very reliable,but he is so consistent and so rarely runs into aggro around the stages, rarely does his car break down.
I saw the Aberhinant stage on Saturday and it was completely engaging seeing the cars tear about the place, Tanak , Meeke and Neuville looking the most aggressive on that particular stage. There is nothing better than watching rallying in wales.
I don't buy into the idea that rallying is now somehow boring now, compared to the old days( yawn yawn), you have the international stage which runs everything from the WRC machines to privatered EVO's and then the national rally stage where you see anything from a MK1 mexico to a Nissan micra, to a mk1 1302 beetle. Great entertainment!
Rally events are on all the time, you just have to look for them. Football gets mass coverage because the premiership brainwashes people into thinking that it really matters, which is nonsense.
havoc said:
Motorsport just isn't on the agenda for most broadcasters* - BBC don't seem to cover anything now, ITV have dumped BTCC onto ITV-4 and only show MotoGP highlights, F1 has been 'demoted' to C4, Le Mans is only shown on Eurosport, Rallycross (& MotoGP full race) are on MotorsTV. Otherwise it's subscription through BT TV.
Meanwhile you've got 20 different channels showing football...
(Actually - just seen C5 are covering WRC - clearly not publicising it though...)
* And by that I mean package providers as well - where are the motorsport channels on Freeview / how few are there on Sky / Freesat?
I agree accept for the bit in bold.Meanwhile you've got 20 different channels showing football...
(Actually - just seen C5 are covering WRC - clearly not publicising it though...)
* And by that I mean package providers as well - where are the motorsport channels on Freeview / how few are there on Sky / Freesat?
I wonder how much the BBC spend on sport compared to Britains got talent baking a cake on ice featuring Poldark
Oliver-2optb said:
I saw the Aberhinant stage on Saturday and it was completely engaging seeing the cars tear about the place, Tanak , Meeke and Neuville looking the most aggressive on that particular stage. There is nothing better than watching rallying in wales.
I don't buy into the idea that rallying is now somehow boring now, compared to the old days( yawn yawn), you have the international stage which runs everything from the WRC machines to privatered EVO's and then the national rally stage where you see anything from a MK1 mexico to a Nissan micra, to a mk1 1302 beetle. Great entertainment!
It's a pleasure to read such enthusiasm. I only wish the TV coverage conveyed just how good/exciting the sport is.I don't buy into the idea that rallying is now somehow boring now, compared to the old days( yawn yawn), you have the international stage which runs everything from the WRC machines to privatered EVO's and then the national rally stage where you see anything from a MK1 mexico to a Nissan micra, to a mk1 1302 beetle. Great entertainment!
I wonder will VW take a sabbatical for a year or two to let the "Dieselgate" furore die down ? Or as someone suggested reshell the 2017 cars into Skoda shells. ? If they do leave (and I can't see any reason why they won't) it would be a shame in so many ways. Alternatively they could do a "Ford" a la MSport, or Citroen (the year they took a sabbatical and got Kronos to run/develop the cars) and outsource the running/development of the project ?
Either way, things don't look brilliant for JML's or AM's future job prospects. I genuinely can't see Ogier being left on the sidelines, though I guess his bridges are burnt at Citroen ?
Edited by Slippydiff on Tuesday 1st November 20:01
[quote=Francy555]Must go to the bookies to put the mortgage on Kris Meeke being 2017 World rally Champion!!
Ogier will be in the WRC next year.
The temptation to drive the new 2017 car will be too much for him to ignore IMO.
Saying that he has been very much against the running orders for the Championship leader during the year so he might just pack it in.
When Citroen left Loeb ran a Citroen without the works team behind him but VW will not entertain private teams so this will be out of the question.
I would be very concerned being a factory team driver after the news of Volkswagen quitting.
Ogier, Latvala and Mikkelsen are all now free agents at the end of the year so do not be surprised to see some contracts ripped up to have these drivers included.
Whatever happened in the past with Ogier and Citroen do not be surprised if they do get back together.
I am sure no one would every have thought Alonso and McLaren would have worked again.
Money talks
Ogier will be in the WRC next year.
The temptation to drive the new 2017 car will be too much for him to ignore IMO.
Saying that he has been very much against the running orders for the Championship leader during the year so he might just pack it in.
When Citroen left Loeb ran a Citroen without the works team behind him but VW will not entertain private teams so this will be out of the question.
I would be very concerned being a factory team driver after the news of Volkswagen quitting.
Ogier, Latvala and Mikkelsen are all now free agents at the end of the year so do not be surprised to see some contracts ripped up to have these drivers included.
Whatever happened in the past with Ogier and Citroen do not be surprised if they do get back together.
I am sure no one would every have thought Alonso and McLaren would have worked again.
Money talks
Slippydiff said:
Oliver-2optb said:
I saw the Aberhinant stage on Saturday and it was completely engaging seeing the cars tear about the place, Tanak , Meeke and Neuville looking the most aggressive on that particular stage. There is nothing better than watching rallying in wales.
I don't buy into the idea that rallying is now somehow boring now, compared to the old days( yawn yawn), you have the international stage which runs everything from the WRC machines to privatered EVO's and then the national rally stage where you see anything from a MK1 mexico to a Nissan micra, to a mk1 1302 beetle. Great entertainment!
It's a pleasure to read such enthusiasm. I only wish the TV coverage conveyed just how good/exciting the sport is.I don't buy into the idea that rallying is now somehow boring now, compared to the old days( yawn yawn), you have the international stage which runs everything from the WRC machines to privatered EVO's and then the national rally stage where you see anything from a MK1 mexico to a Nissan micra, to a mk1 1302 beetle. Great entertainment!
I wonder will VW take a sabbatical for a year or two to let the "Dieselgate" furore die down ? Or as someone suggested reshell the 2017 cars into Skoda shells. ? If they do leave (and I can't see any reason why they won't) it would be a shame in so many ways. Alternatively they could do a "Ford" a la MSport, or Citroen (the year they took a sabbatical and got Kronos to run/develop the cars) and outsource the running/development of the project ?
Either way, things don't look brilliant for JML's or AM's future job prospects. I genuinely can't see Ogier being left on the sidelines, though I guess his bridges are burnt at Citroen ?
Edited by Slippydiff on Tuesday 1st November 20:01
Its a shame with Toyota coming as a full factory team and Citroen back with their new weapon after a year out. It would've been great to see if the new Polo would've maintained VW's dominance. Citroen know what they are doing.
you have to hand it to Jost Capito though. Sure he came up with some comedy gold about what rallying should be, but his career management skills are first class. He must have had an inkling this was on the cards maybe a year ago. He is a decent political animal by all accounts, and when Mclaren came calling he could see his 'out'. But he managed to stay long enough to help find a replacement claim 3.9 titles and negotiates a top dollar job within F1. And poor old Sven Smeets - a bit of a fall guy. Give him a promotion, then 6 weeks later he's the one that tells the team they're fired.
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