Official 2006 wrc thread!

[redbaron]

The new 2006 impreza WRC will be revealed at the Frankfurt motorshow. Subaru will rally this new car next year.

http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~696179,00.html

first pic :arrow: http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/2331/wrc20067uk.th.jpg (http://img353.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wrc20067uk.jpg)

[dutchmasterflex]

man thats ugly.

it will be interesting to see the 2006 WRC with out electronic differentials.. will probably make it a bit more dangerous?

i wonder why they made that a new rule anyway...

[HeilSvenska]

I have photos of new Focus WRC '06. I'll try to post them later today, if I just find the time.

no need http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=19210&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=20

...right, the Impreza. I don't think it looks bad either, although the new "horseshoe" grill doesn't fit the old-design body shape. As for the "dumbing down" campaign led by FiA, i'm split on the issue. Why is it doing that when it's trying to promote the "cheaper" Super 2000 Rally Championship?

not big, but high resolution
http://img324.imageshack.us/img324/7392/wrc20069wq.th.jpg (http://img324.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wrc20069wq.jpg)

Damn, Imageshack resized the picture. It's supposed to be 2126 x 1524 Oh well, I'll just give you guys the link.

56k warning ca. 1.3MB
http://www.subaru-presse.de/news2005/WRC2006.jpg

[abbor]

I really hope Solberg will have a chanse the next year with this car, after all the troubles he have had this year...

But Loeb is still a great driver though...

[redbaron]

Damn, 2004 already. Well, I took the photos myself :wink: and posted them in my Report from Neste Rally. I heard in the scene that the car was viewable for public for the first time in Jyväskylä?

I heard that car was the new Impreza Group N

[Ziploc]

Looks like a saturn ion quad coupe

http://www.enquirer.com/columns/wheels/img/071004_saturn.jpg

[redbaron]

more pics:
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798315.jpg http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798293.jpg

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798277.jpg http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798262.jpg

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798244.jpg http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798229.jpg

[taygunho]

i like it :drool: IMO it is better than current wrx

[Erez]

:shock: my oh my... untill now i actually kinda liked the Scoobys.. but now.. now it UGLY.. my god a 5 y\o could have made it look better.. good news for mitsu i guess :) the now not so ugly EVO will sell much better then the new STI... :lol:

[HeilSvenska]

I really like it as well. Much better than the 2004 Evo WRC or the new Mitsu concept.

[ae86_16v]

Yeah, the WRC version definitely looks better. But still the "fuselage grill" is still nasty.

[leo_26782]

Some more pics here: http://www.swrt.com/798146.html

The back is not that different from the old one, but the front, I guess we will have to get used to it :|

But they will have to use that car right from the beginning of the season: no delay are possible for the exit of elctronic diffs (you shoud read what you're posting redbaron :wink: )

[redbaron]

But they will have to use that car right from the beginning of the season: no delay are possible for the exit of elctronic diffs (you shoud read what you're posting redbaron )


They must have changed the story, the story still contains the part: Subaru tends to start the year with previous season's car for the specialized events etc. This part was followed by a story about why they wanted to use the old car first (more competitive because of all electronics etc) and they could not use the old car with new body because of the one-evolution-a-year-rule. So I really have read it before I posted, I didn't made this up.

B.T.W anyone already found High res pics?

[leo_26782]

New rules for 2006, which ban sophisticated electronic differentials and engine water-injection systems, mean that all works teams will have to start the season with a brand-new car.

:wink:

[redbaron]

^^^
you're right, thats what the later added part says. As I said they have changed the story. I think the FIA made the rules more clear during the last month.

[Ian_yamaue]

Man! This car is gorgeous!!
The front grid looks a bit SEAT but it's cool...
Can't wait to see what it can do...

[leo_26782]

I just realised something: on the pics from the front, there seems to be a radiator for the air going under the car! Can anyone confirm this? Does anyone have picture of the car from below (even this year car), to see how they manage the airflow under the car?

[Erez]

now i know where that ugly ass front is from... :lol:
http://business.indian-network.de/grafiken/artikel-grafiken/chevyoptra.jpg

well.. i guess plany ot kits will be out in no time to make it look as good as it can...

[enks]

I think it is a good looking car but lets see what it is going to do in the WRC :fadein:

[nthfinity]

http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798154.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798169.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798184.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798199.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798214.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798229.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798244.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798262.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798277.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798293.jpg
http://www.swrt.com/cpimages/798315.jpg
SUBARU IMPREZA WRC 2006 Prototype exhibited
at Frankfurt International Motor Show


General News
13 September 2005

Copyright © STI


Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) will exhibit its SUBARU IMPREZA WRC 2006 Prototype, an experimental model of a World Rally Car based on new SUBARU IMPREZA, at Frankfurt International Motor show held in Frankfurt from September 15 to 25.

IMPREZA WRC 2006 Prototype is the experimental model of the Subaru World Rally Car developed simultaneously with a new production IMPREZA. Advanced Design Team at FHI was responsible for the design of the 2006 model including its bodywork and "MSi"(Subaru Motorsport Innovation) involved in the development of engine and chassis with Subaru World Rally Team(SWRT) in the same way as the predecessor IMPREZA WRC 2005. MSi is a motorsport development team which is composed of members from FHI and Subaru Tecnica International Inc.(STI). The image of the body design was strongly affcetd by that of the production car and aerodynamics and cooling ability were further enhanced. Additionaly new improvements according to the updated 2006 regulations were made on engine and propulsion.
FHI enforced its support for SWRT taking part in WRC from 2003. Performance of rally cars thus improved and their connection has been strengthened by applying the accumulated feedback know-how from the real rallying field to the development of production IMPREZA from which the rally model derived.


Copyright © STI Copyright © STI


IMPREZA WRC 2006 is now under further development in order to be ready for 2006 FIA World Rally Championship. It is going to make its competitive debut in Monte Carlo Rally (January 2006), opening round of the 2006 WRC season after its FIA homologation is validated.

2006 WRC flash preview (http://www.subaru-global.com/lineup/impreza/wrc2006prototype)

[redbaron]

Sorry its a repost

http://www.motorworld.net/forum/showthread.php?t=29756

[nthfinity]

ahahaha
im 2 months old :lol:
at least i got some more of the story after the frankfurt show in

[redbaron]

source: http://www.autosport-atlas.com/news.aspx?id=47580&s=8

Ford have surprised the rallying world by signing Marcus Gronholm to lead their World Rally Championship assault for the next two seasons.

With Gronholm's current team Peugeot quitting the sport at the end of this season, it had been thought that the Finn would sign for a privateer effort next season in readiness for a possible return of a works Citroen team in 2007. However, the double World Champion will drive the blue oval's new Focus RS WRC in 2006.

However Ford have lured Gronholm and co-driver Timo Rautiainen to leave Peugeot after driving with the team for seven seasons. Both Peugeot and Citroen are withdrawing at the end of the year.

They will make their Ford debut in January's Monte Carlo Rally, the opening round of the 2006 series.

Ford World Rally team director Malcolm Wilson said the agreement with Gronholm was a major boost in the build-up to the 2006 season.

He said: "My priority was to sign a driver of the highest calibre, and clearly Marcus Gronholm is that driver. His experience of the sport at its highest level will prove invaluable as we continue to develop the new Focus RS WRC. He is one of the sport's very fastest and most reliable drivers and his appetite for success remains as large now as it was at the beginning of his distinguished career.

"A signing of this calibre proves how seriously Ford is taking its commitment to the WRC. And for a driver like Marcus, whose world title ambitions are clear for all to see, to commit to the team for two seasons is a huge confidence boost for all of us."

Gronholm, 37, made his world rally debut in 1989 and has started 115 full world rallies. He has won 18 events, winning the world title in 2000 and 2002. Rautiainen has partnered him in all his successes.

An announcement on Ford's full line-up for next season will be made in due course.

[nthfinity]

this is great news!
i just hope that the ford is reliable for him, at times past, the ford has been known to break, catch fire... etc.

i hope hes just as, if not more competitive next year.

i havent kept up with WRC so much this year, anybody know why Peugeot and Citreon are quitting rally? dwindling sales? its not as if they arent successful teams?

[redbaron]

this is great news!
i just hope that the ford is reliable for him, at times past, the ford has been known to break, catch fire... etc.

i hope hes just as, if not more competitive next year.
arent successful teams?

The Ford Focus is the most reliable car ever. They finished the last 50+ rallys within the points. The new car will compete in the rally of Australia this year to get some competition kilometers, so the new-car-troubles will be gone by the first rally of the new season. I.M.O the reliability will not be such an issue.


i havent kept up with WRC so much this year, anybody know why Peugeot and Citreon are quitting rally? dwindling sales? its not as if they arent successful teams?

Peugeot and Citroen will quit rallying at the end of this season, but at the end of this month Citroen will announce if they will return in 2007 or not. If Citroen returns in 2007, the french ORECA team will service a couple of Xsara WRCs in 2006 with a lot of factory support. Peugeot will return to Le Mans with a diesel powered car and will not return to rallying.

[dutchmasterflex]

wow.. awesome for Ford to sign Gronholm.. i hope the WRC focus is a good match for him

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

For example I think that Marcus is going to be the only candidate capable of keeping up the Loebs performance although Loeb will be compiting with a 2005 model in the next year; however, i think that its going to be a difficult task for Marcus since the focus has to be set up, and it doesnt seem that it had a good debut in Australia a few days ago

In addition, i think that Hirvonnen is a good contraction since he has demostrated that he is very fast in every road condition, and it seems that he doesnt spin as much as he did in the past

[nthfinity]

^^^^
i wouldn't take Solberg out of the equasion just yet :wink:

[SFDMALEX]

Blah, this years looks much better......this is way too round at the front.......I hate it :(

[racer_f50]

ya, it's a tad on the ugly side, but i sure hope it's good enough to get Gronholm some wins 8)

[redbaron]

I hated the look a lot, but is is growing on me. I hope it goes better than it looks.

I agree with SFDMALEX, this years look much much better.

[Toronto]

this is the best car ford has put out in years, look amazing, to bad they aren't making a street version.... or are they :wink: :P

[racer_f50]

Loeb sure looks stressed out recently, like at the Race of Champions he had to force smiles, and now in these pics it seems more of the same.

I guess I haven't followed the latest WRC news, but is this car going to compete in 2006 or are Citroen still taking a break from rallying?

[Schwalbe]

Very great Citroen C4 WRC gallery, those videos are cool too ! 8)

Thanks for these stuffs Ronin. :D

[leo_26782]

Great stuff :D

What's wrong with the exhaust? Just a tiny exist going like would a diesel :? I hope they will change it before the car starts racing (I know, they have time :wink: )

[Pehtren]

the car really looks very cool, thanks for pics and vids :D

[TT]

Ok, it's for sure a little messy, but always like this when you merge several topics :bah:

[redbaron]

Finally an official WRC topic!!

Let's start with the latest news, the entry list of the 2006 world championship:
1) Kronos Total Citroen WRT
2) Kronos Total Citroen WRT
3) BP-Ford World Rally Team
4) BP-Ford World Rally Team
5) Subaru World rally Team
6) Subaru World rally Team
7) OMV-Peugeot Norway
8 ) OMV-Peugeot Norway
9) Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team
10) Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team
11) Red Bull Skoda Team
12) Red Bull Skoda Team

Just 2 Factory teams -> Ford and Subaru
Citroen, Peugeot, Skoda cancelled their official WRC teams and are presented by private teams
Mitubishi also cancelled their WRC programme for 2006 and 2007. Mitsubishi driver Galli hopes to secure the Mitsubishi test car to start the 2006 season in a private structure. This car was adapted to the new 2006 rules.

The FIA wanted to attract more car manufacturers with their cost saving 2006 rules, It can be concluded it did not the opposing...

[redbaron]

Anyway, rumour has it Duval will be driving a Skoda Fabia WRC in the upcoming Rally of Monte Carlo.

He is also linked to a third Kronos Xsara and the ORECA Xsara. Since his personal sponsor is Red Bull I think he will be one of the Red Bull Skoda drivers.

[redbaron]

Dani Sordo will drive the third Kronos Citroen in the Monte Carlo Rally. I.M.O This is the sign that Duval will drive for Red Bull Skoda, like already presumed before in this topic.

@ Ronin thanx for those testing movies I really did enjoy them. I really start to like the Focus WRC 06, it looks much better when it is trown around corners.

[redbaron]

Sordo drives a 2005 spec Xsara runned by Kronos
:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~758424,00.html

[redbaron]

Panizzi and Eckstrom will drive the second Red Bull Skoda. The first car will be driven by the unknown Andreas Aiger. Panizzi drives the car in the Monte and Eckstrom in the rally of Sweden. This makes an end to the speculations about Duval taking the second Red Bull seat.
:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~758857,00.html


Matthew Wilson will drive the first Stobard Focus.
:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~758909,00.html

[redbaron]

Duval will drive the Monte in a Skoda Fabia WRC runned by the Belgian First Motorsport. Gigi Galli will run a Lancer WRC 05 privately. Gardemeister will drive another Peugeot 307 WRC runned by the Italian Astra Racing.

I.M.O this year will be a great WRC year, which lots of competative WRC teams even with only two works teams

Complete RMC entry list:
http://www.acm.mc/ramc/2006/pdf/liste_engages_2006.pdf

[gucom]

Thanks for the Xsara pics Ronin - it still looks better than the C4 IMO :? I'd like to see the 2006 livery for that car, now that the 'official red-blue-white Citroën livery' is gone (in theory). Do you think that this car is still the one to beat?? Let's see what Xevi Pons can do as Loeb's teammate!! :D

... and thanks for the videos insane as well!! :D
nooooo the C4 looks amazing :D
and sorry to hear about markko märtin quitting...but i expected him to...

[redbaron]

Gauloises will the Kronos rally team:
After two seasons crowned by two world championship titles in MotoGP, Gauloises will participate in the FIA 2006 World Rally Championship besides the Kronos team and his two drivers, Sébastien Loeb, the reigning world champion, and his team mate Xavier Pons.

Delighted to be able to take up this new challenge for the conquest of a new world title, the French brand of the Altadis group will be present on the two Citroen Xsara of the Kronos team from the Monte Carlo rally, first round of the FIA 2006 WRC championship, which will be held from the 20 to the 22 of January.

Press Release
Gauloises

Red Bull Skoda officially unveiled their new look:
http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~766438,00.html

[leo_26782]

Great news Dani. Take a lot of pics, vids, and enjoy our time :D If you sleep in the car, make sure to take some warm clothes, it might be snowing :?:

[redbaron]

Anyway - what happens with the Kronos Xsara?? when will it be released? or will it look the same as the old official one?? :?

The Kronos Xsaras will be sponsored by Gauloises, so I think they will be blue and white

:arrow: http://www.gauloisesracing.com/en/index.asp -> announced on the moving news bar

The Red Bull Skoda looks pretty good :D

... but what about the wheels on Solberg's 307?? :?



Looking at the front bumpepr of that 307 it seems like it's just a standard model with the livery just for show.

you're right, It is a standard model, the '04 307 WRC has a gap where the licence plate is on the standard model.

http://www.totalmotorsport.co.za/images/peugeot_06_big.jpg
'04 307 WRC

Wheras at the '05 307 WRC has one big gap
http://img.mysan.de/mycars/peugeot_307_wrc_01.jpg
'05 307 WRC

[redbaron]

Does anyone know if Eurosport will broadcast the Monte this weekend? I checked their scedule, but no monte yet :(

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

If nobody has seen here we go the first pics of the 2006 spec Xsara WRC´s one;

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6042/11375276356662pckronos12dl.th.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11375276356662pckronos12dl.jpg)

It doesnt look too bad; however, for me the great surprise of the year in terms of decoration has been the red bull

On the other hand the big dissappointment for me its the 2006 ford focus, the 2006 WRC looks much worse than the previous ford model

[gucom]

wow that's 1 uninspired livery for the Xsara...the red bull Skoda is indeed a very nice looking car :D but then again i've always thought the Skoda Fabia rallycar looks tough as hell, i like it 8)

[redbaron]

If nobody has seen here we go the first pics of the 2006 spec Xsara WRC´s one;

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/6042/11375276356662pckronos12dl.th.jpg (http://img40.imageshack.us/my.php?image=11375276356662pckronos12dl.jpg)

It doesnt look too bad; however, for me the great surprise of the year in terms of decoration has been the red bull

On the other hand the big dissappointment for me its the 2006 ford focus, the 2006 WRC looks much worse than the previous ford model

It looks allright, but not spectacular. Somehow it reminds me of the 3rd works Peugeot of 2002, runned by Bozian racing
http://www.bozian-racing.com/images/206/corse5.jpg

[gucom]

Go panizzi :D and yes the red bull skoda's are the best looking WRC cars out there IMO...i wish i had a chance to go there like you dani...im VERY jealous :P

[Schwalbe]

Thank you so much Ronin for all these pictures and videos of the 2006 WRC Monte Carlo rallye. With all this great materials we have now a complete coverage. http://www.rs6.com/smilies/thumbsup.gif

[redbaron]

The official entry list of the Swedish rally:
http://www.swedishrally.com/resources/documents/entry_list_update_approved_by_fia.pdf

I.M.O The most remarkable entry is the Citroen Xsara entered by Harri Rovanpera, which will be driven by Janne Tuohino. A few weeks ago, Rovanpera was registered in a Lancer WRC and the driver was Rovanpera himself.

According to www.wrc.com, Calsson (#63 on list) will drive a Lancer WRC instead of an Ignis JWRC. This same article says Rovanpera will drive the Xsara. I think we just have to wait and see what will happen this weekend.
http://www.wrc.com/page/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~774959,00.html

[TNT]

looks to be a good race i have always loved the colder races. can't wait for pics.

[gucom]

yeah cant wait for the next rounds, since now the dry road rounds are coming up... it'll be interesting to see if there'll suddenly be a power shift, or if the grönholm-ford combo is really a championship winner :)

[redbaron]

I really enjoyed the fight for the third place between Galli and Carlsson last weekend.

Second win for Ford - this season promises to be GREAT!! :P

:arrow: http://rally.racing-live.com/wrc/en/headlines/news/detail/06020515018.shtml

It is already great!!!

The new Focus is fast but not completely bulletproof yet. I think that when Hirvonens car hadn't broken down he would have been pretty close to Loeb. Grönholm was fast but had a lot of small problems, that costed him a lot of time.

About the Grönholm-Ford combo, Marcus is an allrounder wit his speciality at gravel. The Focus always was a good allrounder and was the fastest car on gravel. The disadvantage of Grölholm is that he is driving a new car for a new team. Loeb, who is I.M.O his main competitor thinks Xsara WRC and that car has proven that it is fast and reliable.


Breaking news:
Suzuki will announce their WRC plans on the Geneva Motorshow. They will enter the 2007 championship with a WRC based on the SX4.

[redbaron]

^^^
just as weird as the Ignis JWRC

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

Im a bit concerned that the 2006 Rallying title fight would be boring since thoroughout the year, the ford will be more and more efficient and faster, and there is no much room for developing the xsara....see what happens; anyway, it seems that the Loeb is making progress more and more (in terms of his driving skills) and it seems that he has no limit

[fsandys]

Sorry if I am reposting this question but I've been all through this topic and a quick search of rest of forum.

The new Subaru is a 2.5l instead of 2.0l, have the WRC rules changed? Whenever I've seen a review of rally cars before the reviewer has often stated 'this is all from a 2.0l engine to conform to the rules of rallying'.

Or is this just for the road version, or what? :?

[gucom]

yeah AFAIK the WRC impreza still has a 2.0l engine, you'd have t oask the experts though...

about suzuki joining, yeah not the most spectacular car in WRC but i don't care, the more different cars the merrier eh? now all that needs to happen is to get VW or audi into WRC...but they've already got skoda so its not gonna happen :( (btw i love the fabia WRC)

and about ford and its competition, i think (hope) things wont keep going well forever for Ford...not that i dislike ford or grönholm or anything, i just like some good competition :)

[redbaron]

The concept car of the SX4 WRC doesn't look that bad. They will present this WRC concept together with the normal road version at the Geneva motorshow

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/__IMAGE_DIR__/__CONTENT__/news_0000008359_350.jpg

:arrow: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?PHPSESSID=iq0os17jr9n7vvrmnvjc9caiu2&newsID=8359&view=news_detail

#### edit ####

Comeback of Marko Martin!!!!
babelfished from http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?PHPSESSID=jal9u1g32nb3uesbqn2blu4p53&newsID=8358&view=news_detail
As the estnische newspaper ' Autoleht ' reports, Markko Maertin will already begin group in the coming month with the Rally de Portugal with a n-Subaru. After the WM retreat the Este Markko Maertin new tasks dedicated itself. After the establishment of the ' Subaru - E.O.S. Rally team ' and a successful season prelude at the beginning of January, where Martin Rauam fifth and team colleague Rainer became out ninth, wants to reach the former Peugeot Werksfahrer now again into the steering wheel. Thus the 30-jaehrige with group a n-Subaru will start with the Rally de Portugal from 16-18 March, with a second vehicle is Martin Rauam and its front seat passenger Kristo Kraag to drive, which will celebrate the first international employment. On the passenger seat of Markko Maertin the Britisher David senior place will take, which last among other things denied the Production Car WRC with Alister McRae
Good to see him back at the wheel of a rallycar

Own championship for S2000?
babelfished from http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?PHPSESSID=jal9u1g32nb3uesbqn2blu4p53&newsID=8335&view=news_detail
In order to bring the Super2000-Kategorie in momentum, the FIA plans to bring a new championship into being, which is to take place on three continents. The world union sets not only on the support of the manufacturers, but also on assistance of euro sport. The TV transmitter seems to show interest in the series, which is to take place first in Europe, Africa and Asia. Planned are for the time being only much runs: Into the benefit of the new vehicles the Rallye South Africa, larva Irish Republican Army, San Remo and China is to come. After the failure of the plans to already integrate the Super2000 in this year in the PWRC the FIA seems to want to use now this possibility, in order to make tasty the new vehicle category for interested manufacturers. So far only FIATS and Toyota operated the development of S2000, whose cars are to receive their Homologation on 1 March. On that Geneva autosalon is tested industriously Peugeot a Super2000-Studie new 207 to present, with Renault the Logan in the running trim and even the development of a Polo S2000 advanced so far by a South African private team could take place soon factory-installed. FIAT wants to use the Punto in the Italian championship. To tax Paolo Andreucci and Andrea Navarra the development will advance. Also over the start of Giandomenico Basso in the European championship in Italy loud and persistent keeps themselves the rumor is thought that Colin McRae starts with the Rallye Ireland with the small Flitzer.

The Peugeot S2000 concept will be pretty interesting

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

It doesnt look bad at all, it resembles me the fabia WRC quite a lot actually

[redbaron]

Sorry if I am reposting this question but I've been all through this topic and a quick search of rest of forum.

The new Subaru is a 2.5l instead of 2.0l, have the WRC rules changed? Whenever I've seen a review of rally cars before the reviewer has often stated 'this is all from a 2.0l engine to conform to the rules of rallying'.

Or is this just for the road version, or what? :?

The 2.5l version is only for the road version. The USA-spec Impreza Turbos allready had 2.5l engines for years. You're right about the rules of rallying saying the engine needs to be based on a 2.0l. Subaru still has the 2.0l base version of the Impreza, which probably is the homologation for their WRCengine.

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

Although the topic that Im going to present, I think that its worth commenting about the next car

http://img307.imageshack.us/img307/2682/6erranistilowrc1yx.th.jpg (http://img307.imageshack.us/my.php?image=6erranistilowrc1yx.jpg)

As far as I know its a fiat stilo with the integrale engine, suspensions, brakes.... updated to the WRC rules although the car is not homologated to compete as a WRC cars; however, it competes in the italian regional championship and it seems that its efficiency is not too far from a WRC considering that its a handmade car

[fsandys]

... with the integrale engine, suspensions, brakes....

That's all I need to hear! I want one! :lol:

[redbaron]

Subaru still has the 2.0l base version of the Impreza, which probably is the homologation for their WRCengine.

Well - I don't think they need an engine to homologate the WRC... just take a look at the Skoda Fabia - there's no 2.0 engine in the Skoda line-up... even when the car was designed, the 2.0 FSI from VW was still on the paper! :D

However, one think is clear... while the STi has the 2.5 litre engine, the WRC has the 2.0 :wink:

There is a 2.0l engine in the Fabia line-up, the 2.0l 4 cylinder, 85Kw/170Nm engine since 2000

The WRC rules in a nutshell:
-The basic engine used in competition must come from the same model range of cars. Turbochargers may be obtained from outside the company and fitted even if the manufacturer's model range does not have a turbocharged engine. I thought the standard engine block is used and some components like the waterpump etc.
- At least 25.000 production cars need to be build of the basic model,with a minimum length of 3750mm. (Peugeot 206 for instance)
- At least 2500 production cars need to be build of the specific model of which the WRC is derived. with a minimum length of 4000mm (!) and a minimum wheel base of 2440 mm. (The reaseon why Peugeot builded the 206 2.0 GT)
- The minimum weight of the car 1230kgs without the driver and co- driver on board.

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

Exactly, thats why the 206 GT was built, after the FIA aproved the Pugs request, since SEAT wasnt allowed to produce 2500 units of a 4 meter long Ibiza in order to homologate a Seat Ibiza WRC(that why therefore Seat decided to launch the cordoba WRC instead); however, probably dani does know the my last comment about seat in a more accurate way

[redbaron]

Suzuki confirmed their WRC entry for the 2007-2008 season, which starts in august 2007. I already posted a pic of their WRC concept in this tread.

:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~795500,00.html

[gucom]

im not a member...
but that's good news, not really a surprise after that picture they released...we need more manufacturers in WRC :)

[redbaron]

Panizzi quits from Redbull Skoda

:arrow: http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?

babelfished story:

Gilles Panizzi will not start for Redbull Skoda in Corsica. After the weak result in Spain the Frenchman threw surprisingly the towel.

"I would not like to drive the Redbull Skoda anymore", avowed opposite Panizzi the franzoesichen L'Equipe. "I do not want to deal the risk anymore to land over at the end with place ten."

In Spain the Frenchman came never correctly into his driving and constantly deplored problems with the Setup of the small Fabia. The driven times varied strongly, Panizzi could occasionally the Pace of the point go along, lost a little later however again enormously at soil. On the last examination it lost even still the respected 8th place to Petter Solberg.

At Redbull Skoda they must now rapidly find a substitute for Panizzi , which will take the Rallye Corsica (7 until 9 April) in the second Fabia WRC in attack. An appropriate request for driver changes is already submitted with the FIA.

Whether the refusal Panizzis means the end of its career at the same time, is still uncertain. There are offers few for the Frenchman, who deplores the current condition of the world championship. "is you at present in a low. There are too few works, but too many paying drivers in private teams ", thus Panizzi.

[redbaron]

According to Redbull it was something between the two Panizzi brothers that decided them to leave the team
:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~809260,00.html

Rally Family Break-Up
Rallying's most successful brother/brother partnership, Gilles and Herve Panizzi, has ended after over 10 years of professional rallying, in which they together gained seven FIA World Rally Championship rally victories and competed in 71 events. According to a Red Bull Skoda team official, deteriorating in-car relationships have been blamed for the decision, after erratic performances in the recent Catalunya Rally. The decision of the brothers not to compete again together has come at a difficult moment for the team, on account of Gilles' reluctance to start a relationship with another co-driver at short notice before the forthcoming Rally de France - Tour de Corse.
The Panizzi brothers celebrated rally wins three times in Sanremo (a region from which their family originated several generations ago), twice in Corsica and twice in Catalunya, always in Peugeot 206WRC cars. They went on to drive for two years with Mitsubishi. Their recent performances have been inconsistent however, with the exception of Rallye Monte Carlo, where they finished an impressive sixth and third in the Lancer in the last two years.
The Panizzis had a limited world championship programme this year, concentrating on the all-asphalt events. Red Bull Skoda officials are seeking permission to change their nominated driver for Corsica, for which they have been asked to seek consent from the other registered teams before announcing their replacement driver. An announcement is expected later today (Thursday).

[redbaron]

Now Rovanperra will drive the Redbull Skoda:
:arrow: http://www.passion4wheels.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1274&Itemid=285

The Red Bull Skoda Team is delighted to announce the signing of Finland's Harri Rovanpera for the remaining seven WRC events. He will take over from Gilles Panizzi with immediate effect, already going into action in Corsica, where he will be celebrating his 40th birthday in style on Saturday, the second leg of the rally.



"This surely has to be my best birthday present ever. I hope I will be fast not only on the gravel rallies, but also perform well for my new team on tarmac," an always cheerful "Dirty Harri", as he is affectionately known by his fans, explains. In his last rally the previous year, Rovanpera finished second in Australia, the Finn's greatest success came with a win in Sweden 2001.

The early departure of Gilles and Herve Panizzi is down to private family matters. Andreas Aigner, who has driven his first truly flawless rally in Spain, will arrive in Corsica well-prepared on that score: "I've gained a lot of tarmac experience in Spain, now I have to try and continue to put this knowledge into practice in Corsica. I'm already looking forward to working together with my new teammate, I hope we'll cooperate well."

354.18 competitive kilometres over twelve special stages

The 50th Rallye de France Tour de Corse gets under way on Thursday, April 6th, with a ceremonial start in Ajaccio, Place de Austerlitz, at 8 p.m. From Friday through Sunday (April 7th – 9th), twelve special stages over a competitive distance of 354.18 kilometres are scheduled. The overall length of the rally amounts to 1,045.68 kilometres, with the finish on Sunday expected at 1.50 p.m. in Ajaccio.

[dutchmasterflex]

Anyone else feel bad for Gronholm? I feel like he could take the title with ease if he didnt have such bad luck..

WRC really makes me wish I was a Finn so I could have a chance at becoming a Rally hero ;)

[Daggernite]

Yeah I feel bad for Gronholm too, im almost certain that if the turbo's had'nt of blown he would have won catalunya.

[redbaron]

I also feel bad for Gronholm, however this makes the season more interesting. It is clear the Focus is the best car, but has still some small problems. The Xsara is reliable, but there isn't any development on it anymore. So I think Gronholm will catch up very soon.

[Daggernite]

^^^ yeah in regards to what you just said with the cars, I think its basically, will loebs consistant driving be enough to keep him in front, or will Gronholms faster yet more error -matic (a word?) pace be enough?

[redbaron]

Some WRC news to bring this thread back to life:

Subaru have confirmed that Petter Solberg has re-signed with the team for the next three seasons.

The Subaru World Rally Team announced today that an agreement between the team and their number one driver - Petter Solberg - had been inked today. The deal will extend the Norwegian in an Impreza World Rally Car until 2009. Though reports of the deal had been leaked to the media late last week, the final confirmation had not occurred until today.

Solberg and co-driver Phil Mills joined the team in 2000, and since, the duo has captured 13 FIA WRC World Rally Championship rally victories, 30 podium finishes, and the 2003 drivers' championship.

"We're delighted that Petter will remain at Subaru, it is great news for the team," Subaru World Rally Team managing director Richard Taylor said. "Over the past six seasons we've developed a very strong relationship with Petter and he has become a great ambassador for Subaru and the sport in general.

"Well, first of all the aim is to win - that's the main thing," Solberg said after the deal had been reached. "That's what I want and the team wants too. Okay, it's been a difficult situation recently and we haven't won as much as we want, but I've seen the plan and the strategy and how things are going to work out. That's why I'm feeling very positive about signing for Subaru again - I know that they have always been in the top of this sport and they will be back at the top and start to win rallies again very soon. It is a difficult situation at the moment but that's how it is sometimes, there are ups and downs and when things are going badly it's very easy to run away, but that's not me. I want to stay and get back to the top again with the people I was on top with before."


:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~841633,00.html

Mitsubishi to return in M2 category in 2007?

Mitsubishi could once again have a permanent presence in the FIA World Rally Championship in 2007, following news that the Rugby-based operation is in the process of putting together a deal that will see them compete in the Manufacturer 2 category next year.

Although nothing has been confirmed as yet, Crash.net has learnt that an announcement could be made in the next few weeks.

Thus far this season, the Lancer WRC has been seen in only occasional WRC events, with Gigi Galli competing in the car in Monte Carlo and Sweden, and Daniel Carlsson joining the Italian on the latter event. Jussi Valimaki meanwhile was in action most recently with a Lancer, taking in the events in Sardinia and Greece, where he finished fifth and ninth overall respectively. At the weekend the Lancer WRC05's were also out in action on the Donegal International Rally, a round of the Irish Tarmac championship, where Andrew Nesbitt and Mark Higgins dominated proceedings eventually bringing the cars home in first and second places respectively.

"The Mitsubishi team hopes that its impressive performance in Donegal will herald the start of a series of outings for its Lancer WRCs in Ireland, UK and Europe during the remainder of this year," said the team in their Donegal International Rally press release. "It is also in the process of securing a deal which will see Mitsubishi competing as a Manufacturer 2 team in the 2007 World Rally Championship."
:arrow: http://www.crash.net/news_view~t~Mitsubishi-to-return-in-M2-category-in-2007-~cid~4~id~132380.htm

In the competative Irish championship the Mitsubishi Lancer showed to be a winning car. At the 2006 Donegal International Rally in Ireland a privateer team with two Lancer WRC05s finished first and second. Just take a look at the results to see there were enough WRC competators

Results
1 Andrew Nesbitt/James O'Brien (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC) 02:32:12
2 Mark Higgins/Rory Kennedy (Mitsubishi Lancer WRC) 02:32:38
3 Gareth MacHale/Paul Nagle (Ford Focus WRC) 02:33:07
4 Derek McGarrity/Chris Patterson (Subaru Impreza WRC) 02:33:26
5 Eamon Boland/Francis Regan (Ford Focus WRC) 02:35:28
6 Eugene Donnelly/Paul Kiely (Toyota Corolla WRC) 02:36:29
7 Austin MacHale/Brian Murphy (Ford Focus WRC) 02:36:51
8 Paul Harris/Eugene O Donnell (Toyota Corolla WRC) 02:39:19
9 Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman (Subaru Impreza WRC) 02:39:45
10 Stephen Murphy/Michael J Morrissey (Subaru Impreza WRC) 02:42:29

:arrow: http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=051214/172614

[inso]

http://www.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=0&stid=5509 some pics of the new focus rally car

[spanky]

Cool pics thanks Ronin! 8)

[c0wb0y007]

Nice pictures. I saw a coverage of the rally lats night, good action and nice surroundings as well. Unfortunetaly you can't be at two places at the same time. Guess it's worth paying a visit as well, it's not far from where I live.

Do you have any info about the photographer ? There are a few photographers who cover the VLN-races who go there as well. But it looks it has been a while since they updated their website.

Thanks for sharing these Ronin !!! Great work !!!


Cheers

[redbaron]

This is really ridiculous, I still remember the WRC guys driving around in a polo shirt at hot days a couple of years ago....

[redbaron]

:arrow: http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~904069,00.html

Loeb Breaks Arm :

World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb is reported to have fractured an
upper arm in four places following a mountain bike accident near his
home.
This disaster has come at a very bad moment, two weeks before the
start of Rally of Turkey, where he stood a strong chance of being
crowned world champion for the third successive time.
Urgent talks are being held by the Total Kronos Citroen management
team to select a driver to replace Loeb for Rally Turkey, and to
formulate contingency plans thereafter. More news to follow as we
get it.
The championship could become very interesting if Loeb misses a couple of rallies.

[yg60m]

He offer the title to Gronholm on a silver plate IMO ... :|

[redbaron]

http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~906753,00.html

McRae in for Loeb
Former Citroen driver Colin McRae has been confirmed as replacement for Sebastien Loeb at the Kronos Total Citroen team for next week's Rally of Turkey. McRae will assume the role of number one driver as the team aims for the manufacturer's championship.

Team boss Marc Van Dalen and Citroen's Guy Frequelin spent considerable time assessing the best options for the team, targeting both the manufacturers and drivers race. According to a team statement, McRae is in complete understanding regarding his role within the team. He has pledged to put maximum effort behind the team's aims.
He will be partnered by regular co-driver Nicky Grist. McRae drove for Citroen in 2003 and so is familiar with the Xsara WRC, if not the team which will be running it.

Good to see McRae back again

[TopGearNL]

Well never know what to expect for McRae to be honest, Gardemeister is also good though !

[Daggernite]

Well I dont know if this has been mentioned on JW yet, but I firguired if it had then it would have been in this event.

Its become official that valentino Rossi will be competing in this years new zealand Rally. He will be using chris atkinsons old car he used in Germany. He is going into it privatly with Prodrive. What does everybody think?

He had a quick few stages in Rally GB in 2002 before he crashed out, will it be the sam story?

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rally/new-zealand/2006/sport_sto983145.shtml

[TopGearNL]

Its a joke, the man should stick to 2 wheels, thats where he's best!

I reckon he will go out again on the first stage...

[redbaron]

Its a joke, the man should stick to 2 wheels, thats where he's best!

I reckon he will go out again on the first stage...

Rossi also drives the Monza rally every year. I thought he even won it once and he is always competative. The 'out' in the first stage of the rally of GB a couple of years ago was just bad luck...

[Mattk]

Rossi is actually not bad on four-wheels. He's been talking about going to F1 for a long time (not that that's ever going to happen).

McCrae back in rally would be interesting.

[dutchmasterflex]

I still cannot believe Loeb is currently out of the race. Who would of ever thought that he would break his arm towards the end of the championship. I also had no clue this same exact thing happened years ago with Carlos Sainz.. Would be amazing if history repeated itself (like it often does) and Gronholm runs away with the title.

I was expecting McRae to do a bit better, but with the conditions and the fact that he's been out for a year, he seemed to do alright.

[redbaron]

^^
It was a shame Kronos did struggle too much with the tyres, McRae and Sordo lost a lot of time because of that. The uncommonly retirement of Loebs car (driven by McRae) was quite conspicuous. I.M.O. Kronos let Mcrae down. McRae however won't have a second outing in Australia....

www.autosport.com :arrow:

Colin McRae will not get a second outing with the Kronos Citroen team as the squad announced that Xevi Pons will drive Sebastien Loeb's car in Rally Australia.

Loeb's broken arm has not yet healed enough for him to return to action, meaning that Kronos will have to continue their battle for the manufacturers' championship without him at the next event.

WRC teams can only nominate two drivers to be eligible to score points for the manufacturers' championship, and replaced Pons with Sordo from Rally Germany earlier this year.

But while Loeb's replacement McRae struggled on his one-off return to WRC action last weekend in Turkey, Pons showed a return to form and finished fourth.

As rivals Ford took a 1-2 in Turkey, they moved ahead of the Citroen team, who only scored two points with Sordo.

After getting used to the car, McRae had been hoping to get a second outing in the championship-winning Xsara, especially after running so well in Australia last year with Skoda.



Loeb targets to come back in New Zealand:

www.autosport.com :arrow:

Sebastien Loeb is aiming to be back in action at Rally New Zealand after it was confirmed that he won't compete in Australia at the end of the month.

The Frenchman admitted earlier this week that the Australian event would probably too early for his return, and his Kronos Citroen team have confirmed that Xevi Pons will drive the no.1 Xsara in Loeb's place.

"I will do my best to come back to New Zealand to win the championship," said Loeb. "Marcus (Gronholm) has an opportunity, but there is big pressure on him."

Gronholm cut Loeb's championship lead down to 25 points with three rounds remaining last weekend in Turkey, while Ford also moved ahead of Citroen in the manufacturers' championship.

New Zealand is the penultimate round of this year's championship in the middle of November, so Loeb still has a month to recover from his injuries if he is to make the event.

[TopGearNL]

I have the idea Kronos let down McRae on purpose :?

[racer_f50]

That's great news that Loeb won't be back until New Zealand, I really want Marcus to pull this off! I'm sure Loeb wont' have to place that well in New Zealand to pull off the title victory, but maybe if Marcus closes the gap further Loeb will make some mistakes for once (wishful thinking there).

I'm willing to bet Loeb won't be mountain biking during rally season next year.

[dutchmasterflex]

That's great news that Loeb won't be back until New Zealand, I really want Marcus to pull this off! I'm sure Loeb wont' have to place that well in New Zealand to pull off the title victory, but maybe if Marcus closes the gap further Loeb will make some mistakes for once (wishful thinking there).

I'm willing to bet Loeb won't be mountain biking during rally season next year.

I'm also hoping Marcus will take the championship.. He finally seems to have some luck of his own during this year, I hope everything goes well for him.

Too bad that Kronos kicked McRae out already.. I couldnt help but think if the alternator would of blown if Loeb was driving.

I wonder how Pons must be feeling now that he's #1 instead of #2 then #3 driver for the team.

[redbaron]

That's great news that Loeb won't be back until New Zealand, I really want Marcus to pull this off! I'm sure Loeb wont' have to place that well in New Zealand to pull off the title victory, but maybe if Marcus closes the gap further Loeb will make some mistakes for once (wishful thinking there).

I'm willing to bet Loeb won't be mountain biking during rally season next year.

I'm also hoping Marcus will take the championship.. He finally seems to have some luck of his own during this year, I hope everything goes well for him.

Too bad that Kronos kicked McRae out already.. I couldn't help but think if the alternator would of blown if Loeb was driving.

I wonder how Pons must be feeling now that he's #1 instead of #2 then #3 driver for the team.

I hope Pons' Navigator could stand the pressure. He was the one who made BIG mistakes at the rally of Germany and Cyprus.

I got the same feeling about the alternator... The big question on my mind is why could Pons do a good tyre choice and Sordo and McRae not? I remember seeing Kronos' teamchef Marc van Dalen on television saying they had made some bad wetter forecasts, which let to a bad tyre choice.
Why had Pons better Wetter information/ tyre choice while he was not running for championship points? Maybe Pons was lucky for once this season, because he is still a good driver who is slowed down by his navigator.

[TopGearNL]

It will promise to be a very spectaculor and interesting Rally in New Zealand :D

[redbaron]

McRae is not driving in Australia because Kronos seems to have budget problems. The main sponsor of the Kronos Citroen team, Gualoises, had only signed for 13 rallys. Kronos has not found another big sponsor for the last 3 rallys yet. To save costs they only took two cars to Australia. Whereas Sordo and Pons have contracts at Kronos, they drive the car instead of McRae. According to some rumours, the Kronos cars will not run the Australian rally in their blue livery, but in the standard Citroen red livery.

[TopGearNL]

McRae is not driving in Australia because Kronos seems to have budget problems. The main sponsor of the Kronos Citroen team, Gualoises, had only signed for 13 rallys. Kronos has not found another big sponsor for the last 3 rallys yet. To save costs they only took two cars to Australia. Whereas Sordo and Pons have contracts at Kronos, they drive the car instead of McRae. According to some rumours, the Kronos cars will not run the Australian rally in their blue livery, but in the standard Citroen red livery.

Thats not good news :(

[redbaron]

So the team of the current world champion - one of the greatest rallye drivers ever - has no sponsor... emmmm - yes.

Definitely - something doesn't work here... :? :? :|
Just found a pic:
:arrow: http://rally.racing-live.com/wrc/en/index.shtml
http://rally.racing-live.com/wrc/photos/imgactu/zoom06/citroen-sordo-aust-z-01_291006.jpg

The rumours seems to be true...

[TopGearNL]

Yep, no blue colours?? :?

So who is the main sponsor now then instead of Gauloises, Citroen :?:

[Daggernite]

austrailia is on of my favourite rallys cant wait to see it. I am too shocked about citerion haivng no sponser and the fact colin mcrae was dropped! seems odd.
Just abit of new for you if anyone is intrested. I watched the mcrae rally forest stages on tv. Its basically colins own rally course. His bro alister and his dad jimmy also took part in the rally along with other drivers. And Colin was the first off, on the first stage dude to blowing his engine. That guy is just having no luck.

[Daggernite]

Well its the rally of wales in a month and I was just wondering if anyone from JW was going to see it. The first few superspecial stages are been held at the milenium stadium and should be a real blast.
Tiff and vicki are hosting some kind of challenge there which plato is taking part in and theres a few stands and presentations there too by the sounds of it. Not to forget the WRC car!! and the entrie list has been increased from 90 to 120 so theres even more to be excited about!
All for £15-£30 depending what seats you want. Im most probably going, would be cool to see some fellow JW mmbers there.

[dutchmasterflex]

Man, I'd love to go to the GB Rally.. or any Rally event for that matter! Way too busy and not enough cash for me to head to London in a few weeks.

:arrow: http://www.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=0&stid=5727

Seven times world motorcycling champion Valentino Rossi will be able to sport his favourite No 46 in this month's Propecia Rally New Zealand.

The Italian ace is swapping two wheels for four in the penultimate round of the World Rally Championships to be held in and around Hamilton from 16-19 November.
Rossi will carry his favoured No 46 on his Subaru Impreza for the event.

The FIA has agreed to let Rossi run the number which English FIA Production Car World Rally Championship contender Nigel Heath has been campaigning with for this season. Heath, also a Subaru driver, will compete in car no 44 instead.

Rossi has always used number 46 whenever he competes, including the MotoGP series and Rally GB which he contested in 2002 in a Peugeot 206WRC. Rossi has used this number throughout his career, despite the usual system where the reigning world champion assumes No 1 for the following season.

He says that he uses 46 because this was the number of a Japanese 'Wild Card' entry he saw in a race on television, who demonstrated incredible skill in a wet race. It was also the number Rossi's father used for the first three GP wins of his career.

Heh, it's amazing how some people get so attached to their numbers ;)

[Daggernite]

Heres the latest on Loeb and Citerion Team in regards to Rally new zealand.

From Eurosport
http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rally/new-zealand/2006/sport_sto1003772.shtml

Sebastien Loeb will miss next weekend’s Rally New Zealand as he continues to recover from the injuries that have kept him out of the last two events.

The 32-year-old Frenchman, who became world champion for the third time when Marcus Gronholm failed to finish on the podium in Australia, has been out since breaking his right arm in a mountain biking crash in Switzerland.

And, according to his Kronos Citroen team-boss Marc van Dalen, the team will run Xavier Pons and Dani Sordo in the cars, as they did in Australia, meaning no place for Loeb.

Kronos team boss Marc van Dalen told Motosport News: “We plan to use the same line-up that we had in Australia.

“Sebastien cannot drive in rally conditions yet – but he will probably do the recce.”

Van Dalen's comments places Loeb's participation in the season-ending Rally GB in doubt, as he could elect to stay away from competitive driving altogether until testing for the Monte Carlo Rally begins in January.

[Daggernite]

Well it seems Loeb will not be taking part in Rally GB. Which is ashame:(. Full info here.

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rally/new-zealand/2006/sport_sto1009394.shtml

[TopGearNL]

Well it seems Loeb will not be taking part in Rally GB. Which is ashame:(. Full info here.

http://www.eurosport.co.uk/rally/new-zealand/2006/sport_sto1009394.shtml

Its a shame :(

[dutchmasterflex]

Loeb will join Citroen's works team next season when they re-enter rallying after a year out.

re-enter rallying after a year out? No Citroen team next year?

[Daggernite]

dutchmasterflex - The citroen works team has been absent this season, sure there has been the xsara but thats been run privatly by team kronos. Next season Citreon will be running there own team again with Loeb and the new C4 which should be intresting.

[TopGearNL]

An Estonian Rally portal posted a news about Markko Märtin returning in 2007. This hasn't been confirmed yet, but the rumor suggests he'll be driving for Mitsubishi on 12 of the 16 rallies.

Mitsubishi recently did do a test in France I think, so at least one part of the story is true. Here's the video: http://wrc.is.free.fr/posts/2006/11/14/218-mitsubishi-en-tests

Interesting, I really hope Markko comes back! :D

[Daggernite]

Yeah I feel bad for markko. Was'nt it the death of parks that made him quit? I would be nice to see him back, especially with mitusbishi since they have been away and are making a come back also.

[Daggernite]

Well now the drivers title and manufactuer title have both been won, rally GB is basically abit of fun I guess. There will be some drivers out there for points to rank higher, but the main intrest for rally fans is over. I cant believe how fast this season has gone by. Again, Loeb is like a god! I was really happy for Malcom wilson and the rest of the ford team, without doubt the focus was the best car this season. I think the Gronholm/Hirvenon duo is an awesome team and they work very well together. Im sure aslong as Loeb can drive the C4 aswell as he can the Xsara next year, the 2007 season will be another ford vs citroen clash, hopefully Solberg, Atkinson and the subaru team will have a better setup and sorted out there mechanical problems.

Im already waiting for the new season before this one ends, Ive just enjoyed this year so much, and thats mostly thanks to Ronin for his coverage which I would have missed, and I think its the fact I've seen every rally which has made me enjoy this season so much. So thanks Ronin I cant thank you enough.

So Rally GB next, Im 80% certain Im going to wales on 2nd of december to spectate stages 13/14 which is at the milenium stadium. Im looking forward to seeing the Fiesta ST,s taking on the stage aswell, of course, the top WRC drivers. I'll try gets some pictures and video.

I dont know what the actually point im trying to make here is... I think im just sad this season is coming to an end, but im excited that next year should be even better with more teams and new stages. Did all other JW rally fans find this year as good as what I did? what was your favourite momments?

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Jep Pirelli has always been the downside for Subaru, not the car itself :D

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Jep Pirelli has always been the downside for Subaru, not the car itself :D

Yeah right. Especially so in recent years. :P :D

You wouldn't say so then?

Ive seen Subaru lose many rallies because of unnecessary punctures, the tyre just isn't competitive enough on some grounds. It was better on one condition, don't know which one though? :?

[TopGearNL]

/\/\ Jep Pirelli has always been the downside for Subaru, not the car itself :D

Yeah right. Especially so in recent years. :P :D

You wouldn't say so then?

Ive seen Subaru lose many rallies because of unnecessary punctures, the tire just isn't competitive enough on some grounds. It was better on one condition, don't know which one though? :?

Come on. You can't blame all their bad luck on the tires. It's been as much Prodrives fault, they haven't been able to build a competitive and reliable car. Even Petter Solbergs own commentaries say so.

And what's an unnecessary puncture? A Michelin/BF Goodrich tire would blow the same if you hit a rock or a sharp edge or something, it's just been bad luck that they seem to stumble upon them.

True, we can't only blame the tire, but it was responsible for many of the bad luck moments. Prodrive is also guilty I agree, but the tires are more!

You call it bad luck, I call it lack of quality. But ok I can respect your opinion so lets see next season if Subaru will have more punctures then the others, since their using the same tire :wink:

[Daggernite]

Remember that next year Subaru will be using BF Goodridge like the rest of teams... and that the tyres have been its weak point over the last years! :wink: :D



Really! I did'nt know this. Personally I think this will benifit subaru. It was only last night I noticed the highest ranking pirreli driver was petter in 8th. 1st-7th was BF goodrich drivers. Also I think petter's aggressive driving style could be the reason to many mechanical faults and mistakes. If you notice in alot of corners where you see cars pass, they all seem to take the same line and so on, but then you see Petter and hes always going a bit faster it seems, with more angle on the car. Anyone else noticed this? is it just me? Its great to watch but I think Petters car gets pretty beat up.

But anyway. Im a subaru Supporter first, always ahve been, I hope Solberg and Phil Mills get a better result next year. Im sure he'll do better with better tires and more testing on the car. Maybe he will be at the top with Loeb and Gronholm?

[Daggernite]

^Grönholm has a more sideways driving style as well. I doubt that a more sideways style is causing problems like that. After all, rally cars have been going sideways for decades. :)

Yeah your probably right :) But if he was alittle bit more smoother and less agressive, maybe his car would last longer? I dunno. I hope the team sort the car out before 2007 anyway. The last car seemed invincable. Why is this one having so many problems?

[redbaron]

The Subaru Impreza WRC 2007 test car on BF Goodrich:

:arrow: http://usuarios.lycos.es/kernel_gdi/test7.html

[redbaron]

^^
Hopefully it will be more of a battle between Ford and Citroen this year. I think Subaru will not match the speed of the Fords and Citroens again.... I do however hope Petter will show something in Norway next weekend, there is nothing better than a big fight at the top of the leaderboard.

BTW Isn't it time for a Official 2007 wrc thread?

[TopGearNL]

Yes, Grönholm has shown some good speed again in Sweden. Going to the last SSS with 49 seconds lead to Loeb. Maybe the Citroen's invincibility in Monte Carlo was not that serious.

Exactly what I was thinking! :shock:

Lets hope the C4 has some problems so that Ford can catch up or is faster.