Rally News

[luieluv]

Rally drivers Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo to contest Open GT race


Citroen racing’s drivers in the World Rally Championship, Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo will share the wheel of a Porsche 997 GT3 RS in the last round of the Open GT series in Barcelona.

One week after Rally de Catalunya, both Citroen drivers will stay in Spain to compete in the GT race.

Loeb already has some road racing experience under his belt (Le Mans 24 Hours and in the French Carrera Cup and French GT championship) For Sordo it will be something totally new, although he has raced karts in the past.

They will race for the Almeras Team based in France.

http://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/e ... tid=123552

[luieluv]

Rally drivers Sebastien Loeb and Dani Sordo to contest Open GT race


Citroen racing’s drivers in the World Rally Championship, Sébastien Loeb and Dani Sordo will share the wheel of a Porsche 997 GT3 RS in the last round of the Open GT series in Barcelona.

One week after Rally de Catalunya, both Citroen drivers will stay in Spain to compete in the GT race.

Loeb already has some road racing experience under his belt (Le Mans 24 Hours and in the French Carrera Cup and French GT championship) For Sordo it will be something totally new, although he has raced karts in the past.

They will race for the Almeras Team based in France.

http://www.auto123.com/en/racing-news/e ... tid=123552

Why not kimi ...

[momo]

Rally Finland gets service park hotel

By David Evans Friday, October 8th 2010, 11:21 GMT

Mikko Hirvonen, Ford, Finland 2010Visitors to next year's Rally Finland will have the opportunity to sleep in the service park, with the news that a new hotel will be completed in time for next year's event.

The Sokos Hotel Paviljonki will have 170 rooms across nine floors - and it will link to the main rally headquarters building through a covered passage.

The hotel had been expected to be built and completed in time for this year's event, but the economic downturn forced its postponement. It has been confirmed the building will be in place for the end of July, when the WRC returns to Finland.

Demand for one of the 170 rooms in the £21m hotel is likely to be high, given that 73,000 fans visited the service park in Paviljonki this summer.

"Sokos Hotel Paviljonki is a great addition to the service capacity of our Rally HQ," says Rally Finland event manager Tiina Lehmonen. "The choice of accommodation at the very heart of rally base will involve a visitor in the rally like never before. Surrounded by the Service Park, WRC Street and various sideshows, you'll be able to breathe in the rally atmosphere from your own hotel balcony."

"The expansion of the Paviljonki area is a most positive project, which we keenly support. In particular, the adjacent marina offers interesting possibilities with an eye on expanding the service park and on a more integrated rally base."

The development of the hotel facilities is further proof of Rally Finland's status as the WRC's most commercially forward-thinking event. The Jyvaskyla-based classic was the first to bag a five-year agreement for WRC inclusion with North One Sport. Off the back of that deal, the event secured long-term support from Finnish broadcaster, MTV3.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/87283

[sleenster]

France 2010: Ford vs. Citroen drivers during service playing the 2010 WRC game
http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/vid ... /?vid=1777

[Julia]

Loeb, Ogier and Sordo has been testing the citroen v 2011 this week which indicates quite strongly that Sordo is going to continue in citroen... remember Ogier from summer when Quesnell dumped him from the testing program because he talked to ford guys. So they seem to be waiting to get the budget issues under control for the junior team before any sigments and announcements.

http://66.196.80.202/babelfish/translat ... F&.intl=fi

[Julia]

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/mini ... r_in_2011/

MINI can be a winner in 2011
News
11th October 2010
By Giles Wade

Prodrive technical director David Lapworth says he is confident the MINI Countryman WRC can win in its first season next year, following the car’s first test in Portugal last month.

Lapworth, the man who designed Subaru’s once all-conquering Impreza WRC, is overseeing the development of the MINI and said he is very pleased with the way the car is running after the week-long gravel test. Lapworth drove the car initially in the UK, running systems checks, before handing it over to three key drivers: Marcus Gronholm, Markko Martin and reigning IRC champion Kris Meeke – who is the only driver so far confirmed by MINI for 2011.

Lapworth said: “The car ran really well in the test, there were no problems. Everything is going to plan, the development is on schedule. I expect the car to be competitive when it arrives in the WRC next year. When we go to rallies, we’re not going to make up the numbers, so if you’re asking me if we can win next year, my answer is: why not?”

[sleenster]

Yay Kris Meeke!

Meeke: Mini drive a dream come true

By David Evans

Outgoing Intercontinental Rally Challenge champion Kris Meeke says he cannot wait to start competing with Mini in next year's World Rally Championship.

The Northern Irishman was announced as part of Prodrive's Mini WRC team at the end of last month - and he admits it's going to be the biggest challenge of his career to date.

"I just can't wait to get on with the job," said Meeke. "To be honest, it's a dream come true, but I haven't really had the time to digest the whole thing yet."

Meeke has driven the Mini WRC in initial testing in Portugal last month and will return to the test Countryman next week.

The 31-year-old has been delighted with the initial running, but he declined to discuss the specifics of the car.

"One of the things I'm so impressed with," said Meeke, "is the way the team is going about whole project. Taking next year as the development year is exactly the right thing to do.

"So many times we would see teams arrive at Monte Carlo or whatever was the opening round of the series still struggling to get their development work done and then forever playing catch up afterwards.

"Doing it this way makes a lot of sense: there's no panic; we do the test, then the event, then the test. It's the best way."

Having spent the last two years competing in the IRC with Peugeot UK, Meeke is match-fit, but he says he knows the World Rally Championship represents another step up.

Meeke continued: "The IRC certainly has it's place and, it's fair to say that Mikko [Hirvonen] on the Monte this year, none of the WRC drivers have come and wiped the floor with the IRC guys.

"But, the WRC is the pinnacle of the sport and I'm going to have a learning curve to flatten next year."

Meeke added that the impending rule changes for the World Rally Championship should help him.

"It's not going to quite as tough as going in there in exactly the same cars and trying to fioght those guys on equal terms," said Meeke. "They're going to have to learn about the new car in the same way that I am - and, with parts of the new car derived from Super 2000, it might be that I have a small advantage in some ways.

"Whatever happens, it's going to be an incredible journey with Mini - and one that I can't wait to get started on."

In the meantime, Meeke will contest the final round of the IRC, this week's Rally of Scotland with Peugeot.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/87429

[Julia]

another WTCC champion (wasn't Muller also?) who wants to someday atleast ones rallying in WRC.

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/autom ... 99292.html

he seems to be driving for BMW so he is hoping for a change in the mini...

[sleenster]

another WTCC champion (wasn't Muller also?) who wants to someday atleast ones rallying in WRC.

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/autom ... 99292.html

he seems to be driving for BMW so he is hoping for a change in the mini...

Now it's fashionable for drivers from other motorsports to go into rallying? Kimi is such a trendsetter

[luieluv]

another WTCC champion (wasn't Muller also?) who wants to someday atleast ones rallying in WRC.

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/autom ... 99292.html

he seems to be driving for BMW so he is hoping for a change in the mini...

Now it's fashionable for drivers from other motorsports to go into rallying? Kimi is such a trendsetter

+1

[luieluv]

A masterstroke for the Citroën DS3 R3

The Citroën DS3 R3 showed itself off to the best of its abilities this weekend, at the 27th Rallye des Cardabelles. Citroën’s new baby shone once more by winning the two-wheel drive category and finishing in the top 10 overall on its first gravel rally.

Thanks to this latest victory, the DS3 R3 has claimed a hat trick of wins, confirming its potential and ability to adapt to all sorts of different terrains and conditions. At Millau, the crews had to face a varied profile of stages, which changed in character as time went on; particularly as the weather conditions were never constant. Day two above all proved to be a huge challenge in terms of weather.

On Saturday the crews were straight into the serious stuff with 20 kilometres of the famous Camp stage, run over the Larzac plateau, which is well-known for being extremely gravelly and tricky. The DS3 R3, crewed by Marc Amourette and Gwenola Marie, had as its key aim to jump into the deep end of gravel competition. While the Frenchman suffered from the notorious road-sweeping effect he was nonetheless straight into the lead group and secured second place in class at the end of the opening loop of stages.

The DS3 R3 took the lead of the two-wheel drive category during the second loop of stages, stringing together a series of fastest times, to the disappointment of its rivals but the delight of Marc Amourette, who felt increasingly confident behind the wheel. The following day, competitors drove around Séverac le Château for two 15-kilometre stages. Once more, the Citroen dominated its class and moved up two more places in the overall classification before setting another fastest time in Vezin 2 and crossing the finish line in heavy rain with another Group R victory under its belt.

Marc Amourette commented: “This is a fantastic win! It has enabled us to claim the two-wheel drive honours and to seal the provisional runner-up spot in the French Championship. The Citroën DS3 R3 has been reliable, competitive and efficient from start to finish. It’s also an enormous pleasure to drive. This first participation on gravel has also allowed us to work on the car and refine the setup. My only regret is that the rally is already over!”

Jean-François Liénéré, in charge of Citroën Racing’s customer competition department, added: “With this third consecutive success, the Citroën DS3 R3 has proved that it as reliable and fast on gravel as it is on asphalt. It has made yet another step forward and Marc’s experience has been of huge benefit to the progress of this car on a new surface. The objective has clearly been achieved as we finish ninth overall.”

There is no rest for the Citroën DS3 R3 as it will next appear on the popular Criterium des Cevennes from October 22-23, in the hands of the multi-talented Stéphane Sarrazin.
- Credit: Citroen Racing.

http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com ... en-ds3-r3/

[luieluv]

Rally GB gets warm-up event

By David Evans Friday, October 8th 2010, 14:24 GMT

British rally fans will be offered the perfect Rally Great Britain warm-up with a two-day event - Rallyfest North Wales - to be held in Llandudno at the end of October.

The event will be based on the Porto Roadshow, which the organisers of the Rally of Portugal ran a week ahead of the Algarve event in order to raise awareness of the country's World Rally Championship qualifier.

The October 30/31 Rallyfest will offer a static display on Saturday, close to Conwy Castle and a closed-road 'driving display' in the centre of Llandudno.

It has yet to be decided who will be attending, but both the BP Ford World Rally Team and Citroen Total World Rally Team have been contacted and are considering running cars. One of the first drivers to sign up is Tom Cave, the youngest ever class winner on Rally GB. Proton Satria Neo S2000 driver Cave celebrates his 19th birthday just two days after his Rally GB.

A spokesman from Rally GB said: "This is not a timed, competitive stage, it's a driving display. It's going to be a tremendous way for people to get close to the cars and to see them performing powerslides, handbrake turns and undoubtedly a few donuts. It's a great way for people to get a taster of what's going to be happening in south Wales just over a week later."

Councilor Graham Rees, Conwy cabinet member said: "I'm delighted to welcome Wales Rally GB to Conwy County Borough, we're very pleased that Llandudno and Conwy have been selected to host this prestigious two day rally promotional event. Motorsport is very popular and can attract considerable economic benefits to an area, along with a large number of supporters. I'm sure it will be a great success."

Andrew Coe, chief executive of Wales Rally GB, commented: "It's fantastic that we've been able to work with Conwy County Borough Council to bring the excitement and thrill of Wales Rally GB to North Wales for two days this October. Rallyfest North Wales will not only provide motorsport fans with the opportunity to soak up the event, but it will also enable newcomers to the sport, and families, to experience rallying at the top of its game in the heart of two of North Wales' finest towns."

Rally GB takes place this year from November 11-14. The final round of the FIA World Rally Championship offers the perfect mix of forest and city-based action, including a return to Radnor Forest after 11 years and an all-new stage in Cardiff Bay.

Also new for 2010 is the Rallyfest zone which will take over Cardiff Bay for four days and will play host to the Service Park. Here fans will be able to see drivers and their engineers working in the service area, enjoy the trade stands, big screens showing rally action and a packed entertainment schedule.

http://www.autosport.com/news/grapevine.php/id/87285

[Julia]

another WTCC champion (wasn't Muller also?) who wants to someday atleast ones rallying in WRC.

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/autom ... 99292.html

he seems to be driving for BMW so he is hoping for a change in the mini...

Now it's fashionable for drivers from other motorsports to go into rallying? Kimi is such a trendsetter

+1

and the trend just gets more popular...

BBC’s Humphrey ready to rally

BBC Formula 1 reporter Jake Humphrey will swap his microphone and iPad for a map and, possibly, a sick bag as he takes to the co-driver’s seat for the first time on Saturday.

Humphrey will be co-driving fellow F1 broadcaster Tony Jardine in a Ford Fiesta ST on the Cambrian Rally in North Wales. The aim is to highlight the work of the Motor Sport Association’s Go Motorsport initiative, which is designed at getting people into the sport.

Humphrey said, “People often look at Formula 1 drivers and think: “I couldn’t do that, so there’s no way I can get into motor sport.” But there are loads of different ways and co-driving is one of them. If, like me, you’ve had a go at racing and you realise your forte isn’t necessarily behind the wheel, who knows, perhaps your skill is in the passenger seat next to the driver. There are loads of rallies happening around the country and if you want to dedicate a bit of time to it and learn about it, there is every chance you could find yourself involved with something quite exciting.”

The footage from final BTRDA round of the season will be shown in the BBC’s coverage of one of the final three grand prix of the season.

Humphrey, who is busy commentating on the Commonwealth Games at the moment, said he had plenty of faith in Jardine’s ability.

He added: “I do feel nervous, but because I’m alongside someone who knows what they are doing I feel better. I know that if I get us in a muddle, Tony will get us out of it.”

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/bbcs ... um=twitter

[Julia]

another WTCC champion (wasn't Muller also?) who wants to someday atleast ones rallying in WRC.

http://www.motorsport-aktuell.com/autom ... 99292.html

he seems to be driving for BMW so he is hoping for a change in the mini...

Now it's fashionable for drivers from other motorsports to go into rallying? Kimi is such a trendsetter

+1

and the trend just gets more popular...

BBC’s Humphrey ready to rally

BBC Formula 1 reporter Jake Humphrey will swap his microphone and iPad for a map and, possibly, a sick bag as he takes to the co-driver’s seat for the first time on Saturday.

Humphrey will be co-driving fellow F1 broadcaster Tony Jardine in a Ford Fiesta ST on the Cambrian Rally in North Wales. The aim is to highlight the work of the Motor Sport Association’s Go Motorsport initiative, which is designed at getting people into the sport.

Humphrey said, “People often look at Formula 1 drivers and think: “I couldn’t do that, so there’s no way I can get into motor sport.” But there are loads of different ways and co-driving is one of them. If, like me, you’ve had a go at racing and you realise your forte isn’t necessarily behind the wheel, who knows, perhaps your skill is in the passenger seat next to the driver. There are loads of rallies happening around the country and if you want to dedicate a bit of time to it and learn about it, there is every chance you could find yourself involved with something quite exciting.”

The footage from final BTRDA round of the season will be shown in the BBC’s coverage of one of the final three grand prix of the season.

Humphrey, who is busy commentating on the Commonwealth Games at the moment, said he had plenty of faith in Jardine’s ability.

He added: “I do feel nervous, but because I’m alongside someone who knows what they are doing I feel better. I know that if I get us in a muddle, Tony will get us out of it.”

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/bbcs ... um=twitter

but what happened to Rossi and his plans to show off Kimi in the rallypaths he was quite cocky in the end of last year... I have lately heard just him flirting with ferrari...

[Kriss]

Quesnel tips Loeb for more success in 2011

Citroen Racing director Olivier Quesnel has backed his lead driver Sebastien Loeb to challenge for an eighth world crown in 2011 and believes achieving the feat would mean more than his seventh title triumph this season.
Loeb became world champion for a seventh time with victory on Rallye de France earlier this month at the wheel of his Citroen C4 WRC. The win also marked his 60th in the global series alongside regular co-driver Daniel Elena.

“Winning a seventh world title is confirmation of all of his career and it means he will be the best driver in rallying we have ever had in the world and after he will be a legend,” said Quesnel. “To get the eighth title will be quite complicated but will be quite special and we know he can do it. It will be a new car, new tyres, a new team-mate and I am sure that Ford will be competitive and Mikko [Hirvonen] will be back at the level we have seen from him before.

“Sebastien stays in the world championship because he knows it will not be easy to win again and I think that is why [winning] the title again [in 2011] will mean more.”

Loeb will also have to be at the top of his game in 2011 to beat his emerging team-mate and countryman Sebastien Ogier, who is set to finish second in the title race having claimed two victories so far this season.

Ogier, 26, will switch to the main Citroen team for all 13 rounds of next year’s WRC and Quesnel has confirmed that no preferential treatment will be handed out to either of his two drivers.

“There is no problem for him to succeed because this is the philosophy of Citroen,” said Quesnel. “At the beginning of the season they will be on the same level and I am pretty sure that next year will be interesting because we were very surprised by what Ogier has done this year, even himself I think. He will be more confident and more experienced next year and knows exactly what he can do.”

http://www.wrc.com/news/quesnel-tips-lo ... ?fid=13784