Seb Ogier to VW

[Jerry Can]

confirmed today

http://www.wrc.com/news/ogier-to-volkswagen/?fid=1...

so who will be at Ford to replace Hirvonen.

As this is mainly an F1 forum does any one care?

First to post this info, so hoping to get it linked to an article on the front page when PH catch up with the news

[Munter]

WRC? Are they still plugging away at that! Who knew.

[Fire99]

Munter said:

WRC? Are they still plugging away at that! Who knew.

Considering I was an avid fan of Group-B and Group-A, back as a kid, it's amazing I have absolutely no idea what does on with it these days. Last time I watched, it looked a bit.....bland.

[P I Staker]

Ogier to bin it at every event VW do in his attempts to prove he's better then Loeb, Loeb to laugh and shrug his shoulders.

[zeb]

more evidence, if any were needed that a rally forum on here would be a darn good idea....


and....petter solberg to ford?...still competitive, experienced and well liked. These days he'd probably come a little cheaper too

[P I Staker]

zeb said:

and....petter solberg to ford?...still competitive, experienced and well liked. These days he'd probably come a little cheaper too

I hope so, i think he could do well back in a works team.

[Munter]

zeb said:

and....petter solberg to ford?...still competitive, experienced and well liked. These days he'd probably come a little cheaper too

Is he not doing well enough on his own. From what little I have followed he does pretty well running his own car. So could he not continue and enjoy it without Ford leaning over his shoulder going "You know we'd like you to go a bit faster..."?

[P I Staker]

Munter said:

Is he not doing well enough on his own. From what little I have followed he does pretty well running his own car. So could he not continue and enjoy it without Ford leaning over his shoulder going "You know we'd like you to go a bit faster..."?

He dosent have his own car for next seasion, im not sure why.

Anyone know if Henning is in the same position? His interviews are always good, he has a great personality.

[Cyder]

I always thought Petter didn't have the best relationship with Ford (MSport) something to do with the terms he left on when he went to Subaru.

I also believe he's fed up with putting his own money into it as it's costing a fortune to run the car. Would be good to see him with a competitive drive again though.

[marcosgt]

Cyder said:

I always thought Petter didn't have the best relationship with Ford (MSport) something to do with the terms he left on when he went to Subaru.

I also believe he's fed up with putting his own money into it as it's costing a fortune to run the car. Would be good to see him with a competitive drive again though.

+1 - He clearly still has the speed, but has probably been running on a shoestring budget next to the works cars.

I was surprised to see Ogier go to VW - Could it be that Ford AREN'T staying in the WRC as a works effort or have they confirmed their entry now?

M.

[P I Staker]

marcosgt said:

+1 - He clearly still has the speed, but has probably been running on a shoestring budget next to the works cars.

I was surprised to see Ogier go to VW - Could it be that Ford AREN'T staying in the WRC as a works effort or have they confirmed their entry now?

M.

Ford where unable to give Ogier enough money to get him this seasion, i imagine he wants even more cash for next.

[Cyder]

marcosgt said:

Cyder said:

I always thought Petter didn't have the best relationship with Ford (MSport) something to do with the terms he left on when he went to Subaru.

I also believe he's fed up with putting his own money into it as it's costing a fortune to run the car. Would be good to see him with a competitive drive again though.

+1 - He clearly still has the speed, but has probably been running on a shoestring budget next to the works cars.

I was surprised to see Ogier go to VW - Could it be that Ford AREN'T staying in the WRC as a works effort or have they confirmed their entry now?

M.

I would imagine his Citroen wasn't quite a 'works' car compared to Loeb/Ogier either...

[Allyc85]

Good move for Seb Ogier!

Looks like a 2012 shoot out for the second seat between Mikelsen and Hannien, with maybe Kevin Abring an outside shot?

As for Ford Malcom Wilson should really get over his thing with Solberg. Petter is still a quality driver and surely would be grateful for a works drive and wouldnt want a huge wage? Thats if Ford stay that is!

[havard01]

I'd like to see Solberg at Ford, but I can't see him going there. I think his compatriot Mads Ostberg stands a better chance of getting a drive and maybe sharing it with Ott Tanak.

Can't remember how long Sordo signed for Mini, but he could be a Ford option too.

[zeb]

Munter said:

zeb said:

and....petter solberg to ford?...still competitive, experienced and well liked. These days he'd probably come a little cheaper too

Is he not doing well enough on his own. From what little I have followed he does pretty well running his own car. So could he not continue and enjoy it without Ford leaning over his shoulder going "You know we'd like you to go a bit faster..."?

yes, doing very well as a privateer but I dont think his budget is too healthy for next season.

[Allyc85]

Petter has no budget, the last few rounds came out of his bank account and if he hadnt retired in Spain, he wouldnt have done Rally GB. Not that I got to see him

[Munter]

Well there's a surprise. With absolutely no TV coverage I'd have thought the sponsors would be queueing up to be on his successful car....</sarcasm>

[Allyc85]

Your two comments in this thread have been good for fk all havnt they?

You obviously dont have a clue how big a star Petter is in his home country, and how much more mainstream coverage there is abroad!

[Munter]

Allyc85 said:

Your two comments in this thread have been good for fk all havnt they?

You obviously dont have a clue how big a star Petter is in his home country, and how much more mainstream coverage there is abroad!

I assume Petter is huge in his home country. Are they particularly big spenders on the sorts of products that have huge advertising budgets?

Oddly I'd assumed if they couldn't get a channel to take coverage in the UK. A country that is motor sports mad, and that sponsor like, that it's not got much coverage abroad either.

The fact Petter who's clearly a great driver, can't get proper sponsors, or a works drive speaks volumes about the mismanagement of WRC and the size of the platform that it provides (or doesn't). Unless you disagree and you know of 100s of sponsors queueing up to pay for Petters drive?

[ArnageWRC]

Munter said:

Allyc85 said:

Your two comments in this thread have been good for fk all havnt they?

You obviously dont have a clue how big a star Petter is in his home country, and how much more mainstream coverage there is abroad!

I assume Petter is huge in his home country. Are they particularly big spenders on the sorts of products that have huge advertising budgets?

Oddly I'd assumed if they couldn't get a channel to take coverage in the UK. A country that is motor sports mad, and that sponsor like, that it's not got much coverage abroad either.

The fact Petter who's clearly a great driver, can't get proper sponsors, or a works drive speaks volumes about the mismanagement of WRC and the size of the platform that it provides (or doesn't). Unless you disagree and you know of 100s of sponsors queueing up to pay for Petters drive?

Sadly, you're quite right regarding the mismanagement of the WRC......and how sponsor friendly the sport is, or isn't........

A shame because the WRC has so much potential.....