The 2018 Rallying thread..(WRC, ERC, etc)
Discussion
Allyc85 said:
Ogier, Breen, Lappi would be a great team! Or maybe Breen could end up at M-Sport along with Suninen and Evans? The driver market should start falling into place pretty quickly now the champ is sorted.
Suninen's management tweeted today that he'd be with M-Sport in 2019.
All very interesting, with some not so surprising news; Ogier leaving M-Sport for Citroen. I think it's been obvious for a while that Ogier has been wanting to see more commitment from the big bosses at Ford in the US; and it's become apparent that they're not willing to throw much £$£$£$£ at a WRC effort. In the end, despite him enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere of M-Sport, he's made the decision to join Citroen. And who can blame him?
Feel for Malcolm, Gerard Quinn and the team, but what can he do? Ford's priority is mainly in the US....
As far as the driver merry go round is concerned, the worst case scenario is that none of the 'home' drivers (Evans, Breen & Meeke) get a full time seat. Hopefully that doesn't happen.
Feel for Malcolm, Gerard Quinn and the team, but what can he do? Ford's priority is mainly in the US....
As far as the driver merry go round is concerned, the worst case scenario is that none of the 'home' drivers (Evans, Breen & Meeke) get a full time seat. Hopefully that doesn't happen.
Pericoloso said:
Jarri Matti is staying put isn't he ?
Nothing has been announced yet that I've seen, but it seems likely - not only is he still among the fastest drivers and apparently one of the very best for car development and setup, but he's also very popular with Toyota and their customers in Japan.ArnageWRC said:
All very interesting, with some not so surprising news; Ogier leaving M-Sport for Citroen. I think it's been obvious for a while that Ogier has been wanting to see more commitment from the big bosses at Ford in the US; and it's become apparent that they're not willing to throw much £$£$£$£ at a WRC effort. In the end, despite him enjoying the more relaxed atmosphere of M-Sport, he's made the decision to join Citroen. And who can blame him?
Feel for Malcolm, Gerard Quinn and the team, but what can he do? Ford's priority is mainly in the US....
As far as the driver merry go round is concerned, the worst case scenario is that none of the 'home' drivers (Evans, Breen & Meeke) get a full time seat. Hopefully that doesn't happen.
That would be a crying shame. I think I'd place my bets that Meeke will have a drive next year for sure. Evans, well I don't think he will be at MSport given the rumblings from Malcolm et al but where could he end up? As for Breen.... I'd like to see him at M Sport but don't know if he has the required funds. Maybe the best hope is he stays put and can benefit from being around Seb.Feel for Malcolm, Gerard Quinn and the team, but what can he do? Ford's priority is mainly in the US....
As far as the driver merry go round is concerned, the worst case scenario is that none of the 'home' drivers (Evans, Breen & Meeke) get a full time seat. Hopefully that doesn't happen.
I wouldn't be surprised if Evans is out of a drive or back to WRC2 next year to be honest, he hasn't done much this season to show he belongs at the top level.
Breen is still showing potential though, and if Citroen keep him as a No.2 to Ogier then it would be valuable experience to help him keep improving.
And Meeke... who knows? We all know how fast he is, but also how inconsistent he can be at times. There are rumours he has been talking to Toyota, and I guess if they lose Lappi to Citroen they will need someone to replace him. But if M-Sport want a driver in the team who has the speed to win rallies, they don't have too many options left either.
Breen is still showing potential though, and if Citroen keep him as a No.2 to Ogier then it would be valuable experience to help him keep improving.
And Meeke... who knows? We all know how fast he is, but also how inconsistent he can be at times. There are rumours he has been talking to Toyota, and I guess if they lose Lappi to Citroen they will need someone to replace him. But if M-Sport want a driver in the team who has the speed to win rallies, they don't have too many options left either.
Edited by GravelBen on Saturday 29th September 11:43
Allyc85 said:
Wyedean stages cancelled, with too many reasons to list apparently. Gutted as it's one of the closer events for me, and always an entertaining day out.
Saw this on Twitter on Friday; not good, and yet another event cancelled - and too many reasons to mention, which is not good. It's not looking good for the sport at the moment.
I dare say I'll be following on WRC+Brean Stages cancelled now too. 
WRGB for me this year is just Myherin due to work commitments. Looks like I've got a nice post on the climb up to the windmills so looking forward to that!
Drivers market related I have it on good authority that Meeke to Toyota is already done. Lappi has been meeting with M-Sport extremely frequently in the last few weeks. Hyundai is staying as is and other than Ogier nothing else is confirmed at Citroen.
GB results wise I think Ogier could favour from being 3rd on the road this week, Neuville and Tanak running ahead of him have to push hard regardless of the road sweeping effect to minimise the time loss meaning the roads should be better getting to peak conditions by the time Ogier comes through. Jari-Matti, Lappi and Mikkelsen could benefit the most however and will be very interesting to see who does what.
WRC2 should be an awesome watch and looking at its quality the last few rounds is only good for the future of the series!
WRGB for me this year is just Myherin due to work commitments. Looks like I've got a nice post on the climb up to the windmills so looking forward to that!
Drivers market related I have it on good authority that Meeke to Toyota is already done. Lappi has been meeting with M-Sport extremely frequently in the last few weeks. Hyundai is staying as is and other than Ogier nothing else is confirmed at Citroen.
GB results wise I think Ogier could favour from being 3rd on the road this week, Neuville and Tanak running ahead of him have to push hard regardless of the road sweeping effect to minimise the time loss meaning the roads should be better getting to peak conditions by the time Ogier comes through. Jari-Matti, Lappi and Mikkelsen could benefit the most however and will be very interesting to see who does what.
WRC2 should be an awesome watch and looking at its quality the last few rounds is only good for the future of the series!
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