The 2014 WRC Thread
Discussion
the difficulty with side impact safety on the world rally cars compared to race cars is track cars only have crash barriers and tyre walls to work with. whereas when a rally car leaves the road it has to deal with impact from trees/rocks/hinkelsein's etc etc, any number of these can pierce the cars door and safety cell. Most teams already have a carbon door card that encompasses the roll cage and acts as a barrier to impact.
how easy is it going to be for a driver and co driver to get out of the car needing to climb over the wide sills of the cell?
Upside down cars don't factor into this as they just drop from the seat
how easy is it going to be for a driver and co driver to get out of the car needing to climb over the wide sills of the cell?
Upside down cars don't factor into this as they just drop from the seat
Mikko would have been WRC champion if we hadn't had these sprint rallies and low powered car with high tech grippy 4WD systems that suited Loebs very precise accurate driving style.
See how the Finnish/Nordic drivers have not exactly flourished in these recent times yet the tarmac biased Frenchies have dominated - it seems the tarmac guys adapter better to gravel with their modern cars than the gravel guys adapter to tarmac - Jari Matti is catching up though!
See how the Finnish/Nordic drivers have not exactly flourished in these recent times yet the tarmac biased Frenchies have dominated - it seems the tarmac guys adapter better to gravel with their modern cars than the gravel guys adapter to tarmac - Jari Matti is catching up though!
I wonder how others felt seeing Mikko end his WRC career today ?
Hearing his achievements being listed made me appreciate just how successful he's been without actually winning a championship. I've never been been a fan of his per se, he just seemed "part of the furniture", and even at the height of his battle with Loeb, Mikko remained as unassuming as ever, but his achievements show what a talent he was behind the wheel of a WRC car,
At work :
A young, chilled, baby-faced Mikko in the office.
I wish him all the best in his endeavours after the WRC. Thanks Mikko. I suspect the WRC will be poorer for his retirement. He'll be missed.
Hearing his achievements being listed made me appreciate just how successful he's been without actually winning a championship. I've never been been a fan of his per se, he just seemed "part of the furniture", and even at the height of his battle with Loeb, Mikko remained as unassuming as ever, but his achievements show what a talent he was behind the wheel of a WRC car,
At work :
A young, chilled, baby-faced Mikko in the office.
I wish him all the best in his endeavours after the WRC. Thanks Mikko. I suspect the WRC will be poorer for his retirement. He'll be missed.
Here's my highlights from the best Wales Rally GB i've ever done
http://youtu.be/VHNV-IbFk8E
So pleased Mikko ended his career with probably his best performance in 2 years! Still quite sad watching him disappear sideways out of sight one last time though.
http://youtu.be/VHNV-IbFk8E
So pleased Mikko ended his career with probably his best performance in 2 years! Still quite sad watching him disappear sideways out of sight one last time though.
So will Meeke keep his drive ? Ditto his team mate ?
I have to say Meeke has impressed a lot this year, I didn't really rate him, but there's no doubting his pace. If he can learn from his mistakes (something JML seems to have struggled to do) he could be right up at the sharp end next year.
I read about Bob the Kube before Rally GB, he says he's considering staying in the WRC, but to get to the top will take several years. I still struggle to understand how a ex-F1 race driver manages to get it wrong so often.
Take a look at Tarmac footage of RK and his braking points are waaay later than the other established WRC drivers. He may carry more speed into any one corner, but his exit speed (and line) is always compromised by going into a corner too deep as a result of the excess speed he's carried into it. Not a problem on most modern F1 circuits with their massive runoff areas, but the average tree, bank, wall, post or car eating ditch lining your average stage aren't as forgiving.
He's clearly an intelligent bloke and to have risen to the higher echelons of F1 he must be hugely talented (not to mention the owner of a large pair of cajones) so how come he hasn't adjusted his driving style ? Or maybe he has, as his GB result looked impressive on what was clearly a tough rally with massively changing grip levels.
I have to say Meeke has impressed a lot this year, I didn't really rate him, but there's no doubting his pace. If he can learn from his mistakes (something JML seems to have struggled to do) he could be right up at the sharp end next year.
I read about Bob the Kube before Rally GB, he says he's considering staying in the WRC, but to get to the top will take several years. I still struggle to understand how a ex-F1 race driver manages to get it wrong so often.
Take a look at Tarmac footage of RK and his braking points are waaay later than the other established WRC drivers. He may carry more speed into any one corner, but his exit speed (and line) is always compromised by going into a corner too deep as a result of the excess speed he's carried into it. Not a problem on most modern F1 circuits with their massive runoff areas, but the average tree, bank, wall, post or car eating ditch lining your average stage aren't as forgiving.
He's clearly an intelligent bloke and to have risen to the higher echelons of F1 he must be hugely talented (not to mention the owner of a large pair of cajones) so how come he hasn't adjusted his driving style ? Or maybe he has, as his GB result looked impressive on what was clearly a tough rally with massively changing grip levels.
massive fan of Mikko. and will miss him dearly from the championship. Got to say a personal thanks to him as he sat on my start line of Maesnant on Friday, got a smile and thumbs up off him 
His career and lack of championships lie solely in the fact that he entered the WRC at the wrong era, he was coming into full form as Loeb was and with Loeb having a Citroen designed around him and with his obvious talent he was simply unstoppable. Mikko did have him on a quite a few rallies, but Loeb never made it a secret he hated one or two, Snow ones especially.
I believe Meeke will still have the seat at Citroen next year, he clearly has the pace and has upset many long standing drivers in the championship in this his first full year. I think Citreon will keep their line up also. M-Sport will keep Elfyn, he's done really well this year getting good results in his first season in a full WRCar. I think Tanak will get mikko's empty seat, he is still a youngster, but has a mature head on him and will only get better. Markko Martin saw bright things in him and heavily invested time teaching him. Malcolm still has a close relationship with Martin so this may help Tanak.
I've no idea who is going to get the full no2 seat at Hyundai, as neither Paddon or Hanninen have really outshone each other during their permited stints.
I've not gone through all the weekends coverage yet, but from the Ralio stuff I saw it was superb! Have yet to sort my videos from my camera from the weekend, but will put a link up when its sorted!
Only 9 weeks till the start of the new season!
His career and lack of championships lie solely in the fact that he entered the WRC at the wrong era, he was coming into full form as Loeb was and with Loeb having a Citroen designed around him and with his obvious talent he was simply unstoppable. Mikko did have him on a quite a few rallies, but Loeb never made it a secret he hated one or two, Snow ones especially.
I believe Meeke will still have the seat at Citroen next year, he clearly has the pace and has upset many long standing drivers in the championship in this his first full year. I think Citreon will keep their line up also. M-Sport will keep Elfyn, he's done really well this year getting good results in his first season in a full WRCar. I think Tanak will get mikko's empty seat, he is still a youngster, but has a mature head on him and will only get better. Markko Martin saw bright things in him and heavily invested time teaching him. Malcolm still has a close relationship with Martin so this may help Tanak.
I've no idea who is going to get the full no2 seat at Hyundai, as neither Paddon or Hanninen have really outshone each other during their permited stints.
I've not gone through all the weekends coverage yet, but from the Ralio stuff I saw it was superb! Have yet to sort my videos from my camera from the weekend, but will put a link up when its sorted!
Only 9 weeks till the start of the new season!
Rallycameraman said:
Here's my highlights from the best Wales Rally GB i've ever done
http://youtu.be/VHNV-IbFk8E
So pleased Mikko ended his career with probably his best performance in 2 years! Still quite sad watching him disappear sideways out of sight one last time though.
Loved the vid, thanks for postinghttp://youtu.be/VHNV-IbFk8E
So pleased Mikko ended his career with probably his best performance in 2 years! Still quite sad watching him disappear sideways out of sight one last time though.
Well, after a near ten year break, this was the year I started watching world rallying again. Only online/TV mind due to family and work commitments, but it is the first time in ages it has held my interest for a full season.
There weren't any more manufacturers, and the rounds were still short. Perhaps the footage quality has improved, or perhaps this is the first year in a long time with some competitive Brits running. I'm not sure why, but I enjoyed it this year.
Anyway I'm glad, and I will make a big effort to get to a round next year - probably Alsace looking at my work schedule.
There weren't any more manufacturers, and the rounds were still short. Perhaps the footage quality has improved, or perhaps this is the first year in a long time with some competitive Brits running. I'm not sure why, but I enjoyed it this year.
Anyway I'm glad, and I will make a big effort to get to a round next year - probably Alsace looking at my work schedule.
Gutted Mikko is leaving - as I said, I think these current cars don't suit the Finnish slippy, throw it around style as much as they suit the French Tarmac precision driving style - even thought they are pretty short cars.
I was a real Meeke and Evans skeptic - Meeke has proven himself worthy and exciting and passionate. Evans I will give him another year but I still think he could end up like his dad or Malcolm or Matthew Wilson - good, but with not quite the edge to mix is right at the top with the big-boys - his driving style may suit longer old skool type events - would be happy if he became the new Richard Burns though.....
I still don't like driving to the splits - even though, very interestingly I thought, Ogier says driving to a pace rather than flat out is harder as the car is set up to work at full pelt and doesn't feel right when going slower.
I really hope the promoters don't choose any of these stupid f
king false ideas to make the event more "exciting" and "television friendly" - DRS and double points don't do F1 any favours, same as silly ideas don't help WRC.
I wish Kubica could come back to F1 - he would have mixed it up nicely over the years - I still think he has a place in WRC, but as Kimi proved, F1 to WRC doesn't always work - at least Kubica has a personality.
I'd like to see Ken Block on more events - purely as it adds interest - I wonder what his take on the modern format it?
Anyways, whens the next race and have the promotors or FIA confirmed any stupid "false jepardy" decisions yet?
I was a real Meeke and Evans skeptic - Meeke has proven himself worthy and exciting and passionate. Evans I will give him another year but I still think he could end up like his dad or Malcolm or Matthew Wilson - good, but with not quite the edge to mix is right at the top with the big-boys - his driving style may suit longer old skool type events - would be happy if he became the new Richard Burns though.....
I still don't like driving to the splits - even though, very interestingly I thought, Ogier says driving to a pace rather than flat out is harder as the car is set up to work at full pelt and doesn't feel right when going slower.
I really hope the promoters don't choose any of these stupid f
king false ideas to make the event more "exciting" and "television friendly" - DRS and double points don't do F1 any favours, same as silly ideas don't help WRC.I wish Kubica could come back to F1 - he would have mixed it up nicely over the years - I still think he has a place in WRC, but as Kimi proved, F1 to WRC doesn't always work - at least Kubica has a personality.
I'd like to see Ken Block on more events - purely as it adds interest - I wonder what his take on the modern format it?
Anyways, whens the next race and have the promotors or FIA confirmed any stupid "false jepardy" decisions yet?
Emeye said:
Gutted Mikko is leaving - as I said, I think these current cars don't suit the Finnish slippy, throw it around style as much as they suit the French Tarmac precision driving style - even thought they are pretty short cars.
Agreed, the WRC will be poorer for the loss of Mikko. I've always been skeptical of JML, but as Finns go, he's made a big effort to hone his Tarmac driving technique, and it shows, ok he may not be quite as precise as Ogier or Neuville, but there's no doubting his speed on Tarmac, plus he says he actually enjoys driving on Tarmac now.Emeye said:
I was a real Meeke and Evans skeptic - Meeke has proven himself worthy and exciting and passionate. Evans I will give him another year but I still think he could end up like his dad or Malcolm or Matthew Wilson - good, but with not quite the edge to mix is right at the top with the big-boys - his driving style may suit longer old skool type events - would be happy if he became the new Richard Burns though.....
Was with you on the Meeke thing, but as I said earlier, he's stepped up to the plate this year in a very impressive manner, he just needs to avoid the silly mistakes that can cost you podiums or even wins at this level. I wonder if Mads Ostberg thought he'd emerge team leader at the end of this year, and perhaps Meeke's speed caught him off balance ? either that or Mads really has struggled with getting to grips with the car ? I think it's early days for Evans, this has been a learning year, with everything to lose and nothing to gain by trying to impress with outright speed.
The next couple of years will show whether he has what it takes to be competitive at the highest level, for what it's worth, I think he has got it (and if he turns out to be a percentages man like Burnsie, so be it).
Some interesting comments from Meeke here :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcAPDKwSUFY
which only serves to confirm that both he and Evans are on a steep learning curve.
Emeye said:
I wish Kubica could come back to F1 - he would have mixed it up nicely over the years - I still think he has a place in WRC, but as Kimi proved, F1 to WRC doesn't always work - at least Kubica has a personality.
There's no doubting his pace, but he's either choosing not to learn from his mistakes, or not understanding why the mistakes occur. I agree with the view that you can slow someone down who has raw speed and talent, but you can't make someone fast if they don't have the basic speed or ability. Unfortunately Kubica doesn't appear to appreciate that driving at 96% rather than his current 101%, would most likely have gained him some Tarmac podiums this year.
I agree, it would be good for the sport if he and Ken Block were competing next year.
Emeye said:
Gutted Mikko is leaving - as I said, I think these current cars don't suit the Finnish slippy, throw it around style as much as they suit the French Tarmac precision driving style - even thought they are pretty short cars.
Agree as - despite the fact that people had have a go - I think non-best VW driver in the championship says he has still got it especially if you consider that in Monte and the other round where the car was burnt out it was the car that stopped him from having a good finish and not in anyway driver error. Bobby K was absolutely stunning on our corner in Alwen on WRGB, by far the most committed of the WRC boys, he launched it at the corner gathered it up and nailed it out the other side. Ver impressive indeed, but on the flip side I can see why he has big accidents! 
What did impress me was just how stable and controlled the VW's looked, no drama, no tail wagging just grip and power. In comparison the Hyundai's looked very twitchy and the Fiesta's were quite sideways.
Shame about Mikko leaving, but he always struck me as a bit of a Barrichello, Dani Pedrosa type of bridesmaid character.
What did impress me was just how stable and controlled the VW's looked, no drama, no tail wagging just grip and power. In comparison the Hyundai's looked very twitchy and the Fiesta's were quite sideways.
Shame about Mikko leaving, but he always struck me as a bit of a Barrichello, Dani Pedrosa type of bridesmaid character.
In Aberhirnant Kubica was about a foot away from dropping his left rear into a deep ditch while in the dark he was mighty into the sweeping, downhill right hander we were at, taking a far bigger cut than anyone else! I hope he stays and can build on this year, else it will have been a complete waste of time.... and many car parts
the rally put skips at certain points throughout stages, for rubbish collection, but I made the joke at Maesnant start that it was paid for by M-Sport for Bobby K's parts bin, to help him recycle and keep the team cost down!
Someone then spray painted "Kibica Parts Only" on it and I believe he saw it on the 2nd run through the stage!
Someone then spray painted "Kibica Parts Only" on it and I believe he saw it on the 2nd run through the stage!
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