The WRC 2012 Thread
Discussion
PSBuckshot said:
Allyc85 said:
Dani Sordo has confirmed that he is leaving Prodrive, who in turn according to twitter are meant to be offering Jarkko Nikara a constract for next year!
Didn't see that coming...
While it would appear that Prokop is getting in with Hyundai!
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=...
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/photo.php?fbid=...
Well good luck to him, if it is Hyundai. I’m actually not sure about Prokop – he looked quite good in the JWRC, but doesn’t seem to have absolute flat out pace. Or is that because of the customer car? However, the WRC needs a good shake up – and new drivers coming in.
I do wonder what’s happening to Kris Meeke....another year sitting on the sidelines? I hope not.
I do wonder what’s happening to Kris Meeke....another year sitting on the sidelines? I hope not.
ArnageWRC said:
Well good luck to him, if it is Hyundai. I’m actually not sure about Prokop – he looked quite good in the JWRC, but doesn’t seem to have absolute flat out pace. Or is that because of the customer car? However, the WRC needs a good shake up – and new drivers coming in.
I do wonder what’s happening to Kris Meeke....another year sitting on the sidelines? I hope not.
Maybe have a season in the IRC, better than a year not doing much. I do wonder what’s happening to Kris Meeke....another year sitting on the sidelines? I hope not.
as i understand Kris is currently on the books of a few Manufacturers as a test driver, most recently with Peugeot R5 208.
he also recently tweeted that he's heading over to the US to compete in a Baja1000 on a Honda450 CRF.
Mads Ostberg hasnt done such a bad job with his Customer car this seaon
i think Prokop just had a iffy season, if Hyundai have indeed picked him up i say best of luck to him! better to have a paid drive than pay like he has this season.
Perhaps he didnt have such a wage bill others available to Hyundai might have come with.
Still keen to hear the news from M-Sport on their 2013 line up, as sloberg facebook page almost hinted that he's a free agent, or at least hand had anything confirmed with Malcolm Wilson.
Yesterday marked the last day of the 2012 WRC season, and the last day of competition for the Ford WRC Team as we've known it. It's a great family here with heaps of history, passion and respect. It's an honor to fight for Malcolm Wilson and M-Sport. The first half of the season went pretty well for Chris and I, but it didn't end the way we had hoped. It was unfortunate that we were taken out of contention on Day1 here in Spain but as they say, that's rally, and all we can do now is look forward.
We're already hungry for 2013, with Monte Carlo just over 8weeks away.. It will be interesting to see what kind of opportunities either continue or present themselves, especially for an upcoming season that is already serving up plenty of changes and progression within our sport. Thanks to all of our fans that feed us with drive and confidence year after year. You have our respect and gratitude.Very keen also to hear the new Promoters plans for next season 
he also recently tweeted that he's heading over to the US to compete in a Baja1000 on a Honda450 CRF.
Mads Ostberg hasnt done such a bad job with his Customer car this seaon
i think Prokop just had a iffy season, if Hyundai have indeed picked him up i say best of luck to him! better to have a paid drive than pay like he has this season.
Perhaps he didnt have such a wage bill others available to Hyundai might have come with.
Still keen to hear the news from M-Sport on their 2013 line up, as sloberg facebook page almost hinted that he's a free agent, or at least hand had anything confirmed with Malcolm Wilson.
Petter Solberg Facebook said:
Yesterday marked the last day of the 2012 WRC season, and the last day of competition for the Ford WRC Team as we've known it. It's a great family here with heaps of history, passion and respect. It's an honor to fight for Malcolm Wilson and M-Sport. The first half of the season went pretty well for Chris and I, but it didn't end the way we had hoped. It was unfortunate that we were taken out of contention on Day1 here in Spain but as they say, that's rally, and all we can do now is look forward.
We're already hungry for 2013, with Monte Carlo just over 8weeks away.. It will be interesting to see what kind of opportunities either continue or present themselves, especially for an upcoming season that is already serving up plenty of changes and progression within our sport. Thanks to all of our fans that feed us with drive and confidence year after year. You have our respect and gratitude.
Sordo has signed for Citroen again.
I wasn't really expecting that.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/wrc-sordo-retur...
I wasn't really expecting that.
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/wrc-sordo-retur...
Article said:
The Spaniard will return to the manufacturer for which he drove from 2005-10, having spent the past two seasons with Prodrive's Mini operation.
Sordo had been fighting against leading Ford privateer Mads Ostberg for the Citroen nod.
The team had been hunting for a new team-mate for Mikko Hirvonen following Sebastien Loeb's decision to switch to a part-time programme for next season.
Citroen team boss Yves Matton said Sordo's speed in Spain last weekend, where he crashed on day one but took six stage wins under Rally 2 conditions thereafter, had been a key factor in the choice.
"We took our time in assessing the potential of the drivers available to line up alongside Mikko Hirvonen next season," said Matton.
"Obviously, Dani was very high on our shortlist and his performances at the Rally de Espana proved that he can still perform at the very highest level."
Matton added that Citroen's previous familiarity with Sordo and the potential for a nationality balance alongside Scandinavian Hirvonen were also considered.
"Dani is very well liked in the team and it's a pleasure for everyone to see him return to 'the family,'" said Matton.
"His profile complements Mikko's in many aspects and it was important for Citroen to have a Latin driver for the Southern Europe and Latin American markets."
Sordo had also been in contention for Prodrive Mini and M-Sport Ford seats, but said the factory Citroen operation had always been his preference.
"Obviously, I'm very pleased to rejoin a team with which I share so many good memories," said Sordo. "This was my number one choice for 2013."
The 29-year-old Spaniard won the 2005 Junior WRC title with Citroen and was brought into its WRC line-up as Loeb's number two during the following season.
Sordo stayed with Citroen until the end of 2010, when he lost his seat to Sebastien Ogier and switched to Mini. That deal became a partial programme this season when Prodrive lost its factory support, and Sordo was able to drive for Ford at two events after Jari-Matti Latvala was injured.
Although Sordo has yet to win a WRC event, the 25-time podium finisher said he would return to Citroen a stronger driver than before after his experience elsewhere.
"The last few years have been good for me," he said.
"In another team, I got to grips with different working methods and I took on more responsibility in the car development process.
"I see this return to Citroen as a great opportunity. I am still looking for my first win in WRC and I am determined to secure it next season."
It is not yet clear how many rallies Sordo will do, as he is expected to move aside for Loeb when the Frenchman returns to contest selected events.
Citroen's decision means Ostberg will now remain part of the Ford line-up for 2013, possibly with the frontline M-Sport squad.
Sordo had been fighting against leading Ford privateer Mads Ostberg for the Citroen nod.
The team had been hunting for a new team-mate for Mikko Hirvonen following Sebastien Loeb's decision to switch to a part-time programme for next season.
Citroen team boss Yves Matton said Sordo's speed in Spain last weekend, where he crashed on day one but took six stage wins under Rally 2 conditions thereafter, had been a key factor in the choice.
"We took our time in assessing the potential of the drivers available to line up alongside Mikko Hirvonen next season," said Matton.
"Obviously, Dani was very high on our shortlist and his performances at the Rally de Espana proved that he can still perform at the very highest level."
Matton added that Citroen's previous familiarity with Sordo and the potential for a nationality balance alongside Scandinavian Hirvonen were also considered.
"Dani is very well liked in the team and it's a pleasure for everyone to see him return to 'the family,'" said Matton.
"His profile complements Mikko's in many aspects and it was important for Citroen to have a Latin driver for the Southern Europe and Latin American markets."
Sordo had also been in contention for Prodrive Mini and M-Sport Ford seats, but said the factory Citroen operation had always been his preference.
"Obviously, I'm very pleased to rejoin a team with which I share so many good memories," said Sordo. "This was my number one choice for 2013."
The 29-year-old Spaniard won the 2005 Junior WRC title with Citroen and was brought into its WRC line-up as Loeb's number two during the following season.
Sordo stayed with Citroen until the end of 2010, when he lost his seat to Sebastien Ogier and switched to Mini. That deal became a partial programme this season when Prodrive lost its factory support, and Sordo was able to drive for Ford at two events after Jari-Matti Latvala was injured.
Although Sordo has yet to win a WRC event, the 25-time podium finisher said he would return to Citroen a stronger driver than before after his experience elsewhere.
"The last few years have been good for me," he said.
"In another team, I got to grips with different working methods and I took on more responsibility in the car development process.
"I see this return to Citroen as a great opportunity. I am still looking for my first win in WRC and I am determined to secure it next season."
It is not yet clear how many rallies Sordo will do, as he is expected to move aside for Loeb when the Frenchman returns to contest selected events.
Citroen's decision means Ostberg will now remain part of the Ford line-up for 2013, possibly with the frontline M-Sport squad.
Can't say Sordo going back to Citroen is a surprise, the prodrive deal never really came through for him, he clearly still has the winning pace and being in the ds3 next hear he may get that win.
Waiting to see if Ostberg stays at Ford or if Mini are going to tempt him.
Solberg is yet to be confirmed as a WRC driver next year too, saying he's hoping the package with M-Sport comes through, but of not he mentioned an offer or a race car seat next year, but no hint as to what series.
Interesting few weeks to come I think. As usual we should know certainties by Xmas or before the new year.
Waiting to see if Ostberg stays at Ford or if Mini are going to tempt him.
Solberg is yet to be confirmed as a WRC driver next year too, saying he's hoping the package with M-Sport comes through, but of not he mentioned an offer or a race car seat next year, but no hint as to what series.
Interesting few weeks to come I think. As usual we should know certainties by Xmas or before the new year.
Ostberg confirmed as M-Sport lead driver for next season with Qatar M-Sport Rally Team
http://www.m-sport.co.uk/index.php/news/1296-qatar...
I'm chuffed for the guy. Had one hell of a season in the privateer fiesta.
Nasser confirmed for 7 rounds starting in Sweden.
Comfirmation still waiting on the name of the 3rd driver in the team.
http://www.m-sport.co.uk/index.php/news/1296-qatar...
I'm chuffed for the guy. Had one hell of a season in the privateer fiesta.
Nasser confirmed for 7 rounds starting in Sweden.
Comfirmation still waiting on the name of the 3rd driver in the team.
TankRS said:
Comfirmation still waiting on the name of the 3rd driver in the team.
Hopefully Paddon picks up a WRC drive, but I'm not holding my breath - he has the talent no question, but it seems pretty hard for a driver from outside Europe to get the necessary sponsorship/recognition.PSBuckshot said:
Emeye said:
Any news on Petter? Be sad to lose him from the WRC as he is the biggest character and a World Champion! I love his enthusiasm.
None yet, I have a feeling he'll go private again though. He will not want to sit out. SAGTAFF said:
sanf said:
as a solid number 2. .
Really??? He makes far too many mistakes. Blew his chance I think this year - Novikov or Tanak make more sense to me But he and Ostberg could be great team. Tanak or Novikov I think may end up trying to outdo Ostberg and falling off even more. I agree they (Novikov/Tanak) will be some of the lead drivers in the coming seasons but for 2013 I hope Ford stick with Solberg for a little longer.
If not Hyundai could use Solberg/Meeke to help develop their car - although I know there are mummerings that Petter is not a brilliant development driver and failure of the late Impreza to develop seems to be pointed towards him, fairly or not.
It’s a tough one this. He has shown glimpses of pace – which is pretty important. However, as the No2 driver, it’s his job to finish to rack up the points in case the No1 has problems – this he hasn’t done consistently enough. Silly mistakes, and quite often repeated – cutting corners ripping the front corner of cars off. If you could be sure he wasn’t going to make silly mistakes, then he is still fast enough to warrant a No2 seat.
With the dearth of Factory seats, and a lot of youngsters showing promise – does he deserve a seat? As a former World Champion, it is sad to see him having to possibly pay to drive – another reflection on the recent state of the WRC.
Whenever drives are discussed, how much £$£$£ a driver brings is always the first thing brought up – not a good thing. Pay drivers have always existed, but now nearly all the WRC factory seats require this – apart from VW.
With the dearth of Factory seats, and a lot of youngsters showing promise – does he deserve a seat? As a former World Champion, it is sad to see him having to possibly pay to drive – another reflection on the recent state of the WRC.
Whenever drives are discussed, how much £$£$£ a driver brings is always the first thing brought up – not a good thing. Pay drivers have always existed, but now nearly all the WRC factory seats require this – apart from VW.
Great to see Mads confirmed after a great year. I dont think Petter is going to be the number 2 after his really poor season and from what Mads has said.
http://www.wrc.com/news/qa-mads-ostberg/?fid=18008
Would love to see Breen get the 3rd seat when Nasser isnt around, but that might just be hopeful thinking and a lot of bias there!
http://www.wrc.com/news/qa-mads-ostberg/?fid=18008
Would love to see Breen get the 3rd seat when Nasser isnt around, but that might just be hopeful thinking and a lot of bias there!
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