¿Who is the most proper driver to remplace Gronholm?

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

Thats the point

Once Marcus has dediced publicly to retire, which driver do you think is the most proper one to complete the ford team?

My opinion is very clear; Mr Latvala, very fast indeed in every surface, very young, and it seems that he´s started to finish the races

Although there have been many rumours that Solberg is clearly the best candidate to remplace Gronholm, I dont agree at all; of course he is a very fast driver, but IMO he is overrated, and I havent seen him making any progress thoroughout the last 5 years, I even see that his progress has been going backwards little a little

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

Its not a bad idea at all to contract mr Galli since he is very fast whatever the surface is, in addition I see Jan Kopecky another good choice

However, I dont see other popular drivers for many reasons such as Henning or Petter Solberg, Toni Gardemeister, and so on

[dutchmasterflex]

Hirvonen has really surprised me. He's pretty much able to run with the 2 top guys, so it's just a matter of time(experience).b

[HeilSvenska]

I think Hirvonen's pretty good, but I don't know if he can be the #1 man material. If BP-Ford team focuses (no pun intended) on him more, I think he can do it.

And I'd say no to Solberg. I don't want him to bring his damning curse to Ford and ruin their championships.

[nthfinity]

I wonder if Solberg will go.... I also wonder at the rate of improvement that Pastrona is making these days...

[gangajas]

I wonder if Solberg will go.... I also wonder at the rate of improvement that Pastrona is making these days...

Pastrana will never be at the level of these gyus, even rolling over a retired McRae is as fast as him.

[Mattk]

Latvala is looking to be a prospect for the future. Ford would do well to sign him up and groom him alongside Hirvonen.

[nthfinity]

As for Pastrana, I don't see him in WRC. That would be a good option for Subaru for example, since the american market is very important for them, but on the other hand, there's almost no interest in rallying in the US... plus I don't see him at the level of the WRC guys, no matter how fast he is in Red Bull X-Games or Race of Champions superstages... :bah:

I guess you guys haven't been reading or hearing about him actually competing in WRC events this year? making some decent finishes. the x-games competition was good to bring rally to some new fans.. but hardly something worthy of calling WRC competitive...

He's made TREMENDOUS improvement this year alone! I wouldn't count im out of competing on the top of world stage just yet.

[79TA]

Don't think they sign Kopecky, he's just in the WRC because he's czech and Skoda Czech supports his car :wink:

Solberg would be a good "safer" option, and I think he would be a great complement to the already experienced Hirvonen :D that would be a good team, and a serious candidate to the championship, if the Focus keeps improving :D

Latvala is a too young IMO, but that could be a very good "risky" move that I'm sure nobody would regret at Ford :wink: if someone in WRC has potential that's him.

As for Pastrana, I don't see him in WRC. That would be a good option for Subaru for example, since the american market is very important for them, but on the other hand, there's almost no interest in rallying in the US... plus I don't see him at the level of the WRC guys, no matter how fast he is in Red Bull X-Games or Race of Champions superstages... :bah:

Solberg and safe do not go together, not with his luck or lack thereof. Henning already drives a Focus though. How about Gardemeister? He can even make the lowly Evo place in the top 8 every now and then.

[HeilSvenska]

As for Pastrana, I don't see him in WRC.


Hahaha. Who brought him up? That's just laughable.

[V12_for_ever]

François Duval :twisted:

look what he's doing with the old xsara... and a very little budget from kronos!

[gangajas]

François Duval :twisted:

look what he's doing with the old xsara... and a very little budget from kronos!

Duval is very inconsistent and only performs well on tarmac.

[jakaracman]

Galli or Pastrana ...

[sameerrao]

So Gronholm is retiring this year! Sad - he was always fun to watch.

I am totally out of touch with WRC for the last two years mostly because of the lack of coverage on US TV.

[dannyroz]

I think they'll move Hirvonen into number 1 spot and pick up Latvala...Ford loves taken risks on young drivers and it would be perfect...

Hirvonen had time in the car, is very quick and consistent

Latvala is new and quite fast but not reliable yet, and he will learn that at Ford.

Why wouldnt they do this?

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

+1

[dannyroz]

^ ur just bias to Norwegians :P

[redbaron]

+2, I think Hirvonen and Latvala as well.

I am however surprised by the comeback of Duval. He drives more consistent than ever and drives very mature. The problem of a Hirvonen-Latvala combo at Ford is the lack of competitive tarmac pace. Hirvonen is this year not really able to match the pace of Loeb and Sordo. Maybe Ford orders him to finish and score points instead of driving as fast as possible.

So if Latvala starts making big mistakes at the last rallies of this season, maybe Ford will consider hiring Duval instead.

[redbaron]

^ not sure about Duval. Now he drives without the pressure of being an official driver. While he was in Citroën, he used to commit lots of stupid mistakes, so many that his co-driver decided to quit LOL! some how now he has nothing to lose and so much to win - but may be being an official Ford driver we would have the old Duval once again :? :bah:

I do think Duval experiences still a lot of pressure. He now needs to drive fast and reliable to change his image of the guy who makes stupid mistakes. This is probably his last chance.

The main problem I see with Latvala is his lack of pace on tarmac and his relatively unexperience, with Hirvonen not being actually a veteran either. May be they should sign Gardemeister or Rovanpera, with contrasted experience and good either in tarmac or gravel... and sign Latvala for 2009 :wink:

I am glad you see the the same problem as me, so I am not the only one who sees it. The problem of Gardemeister and Rovanpera are the lack of starts at recent competative WRC events. Those guys are experienced and fast, but are they fast enough to help Hirvonen?

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

After reading your opinion; i got the following conclusions

IMO the best combination is the same as I said in the beginning; although the Duval option for tarmac rallys is a good option because for me he is the third fastest on tarmac in a similar level to Daniel Sordo, and slighly worse than Sebastien Loeb

[dannyroz]

Duval is not an option at all. I forgot which rally he made his comeback in but he was leading and as soon as he felt the pressure, he cracked.

Petter aint going anywhere and Henning is good but for some reason I dont think he will get his shot.

As for tarmac, I dont believe it is as important now to be a tarmac specialist then in previous championships. Marcus is def. not a tarmac specialist but he still proves to be damn good, and so does Hirvonen. And Hirvie has shown he could win rallies when his teammate is out and he needs to step up.