WRC 2015 : All Chat Here

[davecoupe]

Awesome pics as usual @Reno_LV

 

[Cess]

The continued VW domination of world ralkying (like Citroen before hand) is bad for the sport. Ogier has wrapped up the title with 3 rounds to go. It's all become incredibly predictable. There is no obvious challenge to Ogier from anywhere.

The new regulations from 2017 are all well and good, but the FIA should give more consideration to levelling the playing field, otherwise its just turning into a procession.

 

[KevM]

Like F1, foregone conclusions do nothing to attract viewers or participants.

Manufacturers get demoralised and pull out rather than continually invest money in development that isnt yielding results & without viewing figures, sponsors loose interest in funding also. Ze Germans could kill the sport!

Maybe its time for BTCC ballast rules or the like? The 'power-stage' hasn't even worked to even things out

 

[Cess]

Agree again @KevM

Without Meeke, my interest would be minimal. This has to go down as one of the least exciting seasons ever.

 

[svensktoppen]

Ze Germans could kill the sport!

Tongue in cheek, I know, but there is a trend.

F1 - Mercedes
LMP - Audi
WRC - VW

They do seem to go in with the view of setting things up on the politics and rule front to make sure they will dominate ("to get a return on investment").

And then they do, and everybody else pack up and leave.

BTCC with ballast is still the most exciting racing around. Yes, arbitrary and artificial, but it does ensure nobody is allowed to run away with it, and keeps things interesting all the way.

It also both allows and encourages flat out racing. No "coasting" in BTCC, no playing tactical games with road sweeping or whatever. Just go for the win.

 

[davecoupe]

10 years ago yesterday Michael beef park was killed. Sometimes, rallying is about more than the sport and there is nothing rally fans are better at than remembering those who passed away on the stages.

RIP beef.

 

[KevM]

#Ahem#
VW are cheats

Polo WRC has a designated 'Scrutineer Map' lol

 

[Sam.]

14 round calendar approved by the FIA for next year.

China set for 2016 WRC return - wrc.com

Interestingly, France is still there (Albeit subject to contract finalisation). Tour De Corse back again next year?

 

[PaulYDP]

So Tour de Corse on this weekend.

3 stages today - SS2 was cancelled due to overnight rain making the road inpassable.

SS3 is on at the minute, Ogier was blowing the field away, 10 seconds up at the first 5km split but now reported as stopped in stage with a puncture.

 

[DC.]

Ogier lost over 1 minute with a tyre change.

Evans flying at the minute.

 

[Sam.]

Molly Taylor doing gravel notes for Abbring

SS2/4

 

[weeloaney]

Holy crap

 

[DC.]

Ogier retired for the day on the road section back to parc ferme with a gear selection problem. Will rejoin tomorrow under rally2 regs.

 

[PaulYDP]

Now down to a 7 stage rally which is a shame. SS4 is cancelled in the morning which isn't a surprise going by the picture above.

 

[Sam.]

Powerstage live on BTSport 1 now.

 

[DC.]

Kind of a nothing rally in the end, only Evans will likely remember it.

Meeke would need to short out his plans for next year.

 

[Crow555]

Molly Taylor doing gravel notes for Abbring

SS2/4

Bah. 20 years ago that would've been the Kenya Safari rally.

 

[Sam.]

Interesting feature by David Evans on Autosport.

Was the Tour of Corsica too soft? - AUTOSPORT

The event seems to have caused a bit of controversy from all sides, particularly this:

 

[svensktoppen]

Just caught the highlights again, I thought that looked like a great wee rally. Tortuous might be a good word. Mixed conditions, tight rough roads, etc.

Brilliant by Evans, solid by Kris. VW untouchable, obviously, but no news there.

Kris needs to get sorted for next year, no good fighting it out in the press...

 

[Cess]

I'm not sure what more you guys expect Kris Meeke to do.

He's one of only three drivers to win a rally this year.

He's led more times that any other drivers, with the exception of Ogier and Latvala

He's got the most stage wins, outside of Ogier and Latvala.

Do you want him to storm Wolfsburg and demand a Polo R?

 

[Sam.]

I think Citroen would be mad to let him go next year. For the criticism they get, their current team isn't that bad. Kris has the speed and Mads is reasonably consistent in bringing some points back for the team.

 

[svensktoppen]

Storming Wolfsburg sounds like a plan

 

[Graham]

Storming Wolfsburg sounds like a plan

i will arrange a mini bus and some flegs !!!

 

[FM155]

Aye but what songs would be sung on the way....?

MLAs fall out over Dublin bus run

*Based in truth, shamefully.. Allegedly.

More to the point, I'd be shocked if Kris doesn't get a seat next year but it has happened before unfortunately. He's the only other driver on a proper pace against the VW's though which should make him a valuable asset..

 

[KevM]

Hyundai might fancy him, I don't think they need the money that other drivers bring