WRC (World Rally)

2023 and we go again (one week away) on the infamous Monte (again with little snow)

Big moves in the off - season, with Ott Tanak going to M - Sport - where it all began for him - once more! Interesting to see if he can bring the kind of impetus with him that Ogier did when winning back - to - back championships. Sad for Craig Breen that it didn't work out for him, but he will be back!

Thierry Neuville (so often the bridesmaid) may never have a greater opportunity than this year to bring the big prize home - maybe Elfyn Evans can put in another challenge this year, and this time - see it through??

True hornball hopefully be a more competitive season ahead felt a little flat last year
Yet still would like more manufacturers to be involved

(18-01-2023 20:54 )Geriisgreat Wrote:  True hornball hopefully be a more competitive season ahead felt a little flat last year
Yet still would like more manufacturers to be involved

Yes that is an essential ingredient we have to get too. The championship owners/promoters have for some time now said that is not only the goal, but is close, with 2 manufacturers apparently ready to sign on. May be waiting for full electric which again, is the only way forward! It is uncomfortable as a life long fan who remembers the halcyon days of Vauxhall, Audi (hail the quattro king) Lancia etc, to see only 3 teams in the main championship. Actually, if it wasn't for Malcolm Wilson and M-Sport (Knighthood for business and services to motorsport??) I reckon that at least one of the other two works teams would have walked away, hastening the championships demise.

You are right to suggest that last season appeared to be a procession for Rovenpera. Having said all that, he did face a blip or two (in this sport it is almost impossible to have a clean season) in the second half of the campaign, and when it looked like he may seal the deal with as many as 6 rounds remaining, in the end it was 3. Still comfortable!!

Day One complete, and the old adage holds true 'class is permanent'. Ogier out front by a healthy 30 plus seconds margin. Day one showed that while - yes he will take time to become fully accustomed to the Puma - Ott Tanak is way off the pace. Defending Champion Kalle Rovenpera has begun the defece of his title with a solid first day in 2nd place with his major title rival (I think anyway) Thierry Neuville in 3rd.

Early days overall, but one major question??....Where TF has all the snow gone - although this has been happening before our very eyes for a sustained period?? Another glaring glimpse into our (and those thereafter) future(s)

Class is permanent!! Seb Ogier wins the Monte again. He was even able to take his foot 'off the throttle' and 'coast' home! Whether he should be given the points that go with it as a part time participant who isn't fighting for the championship is another question. Personally, I say no!

Ott Tanak wins in Sweden to give M - Sport their first win since the Monte last season! At the Monte a few weeks ago, people were asking whether Ott was wise to make the move back to where it all started for him, but this just shows how much potential the Puma has, and Tanaks overall ability to get the most from it!

Fabulous result for Craig Breen in finishing 2nd (was actually trying to promote T Neuville to the runner up spot by incurring penalties but Neuville stuffed it up on the final stage) - a great advert for the decision some years ago to ban in - car communications - F1 take note!! Breen always wears his heart on his sleeve, and is clear with his emotions/reactions in how he reacts to his successes, always making clear how lucky he feels to do what he does! Maybe M - Sport acted in haste in releasing him?? A #2 to Tanak may have been handy for them??

After my final comment after the previous rally ^ I really cannot believe that I am having to follow up with this one!

I had fully intended to just give a heads up about Rally Croatia coming up but instead, I am having to write another set of comments entirely! It was announced a few short hours ago, that Craig Breen - subject of my last comment above - had been killed while preparing for the latest round in the championship! Still seems unreal to be putting this on to the forum as I type, but after the loss of Ken Block, we have to now be here again!

Craig was one of those guys who you just had to like and admire for his enthusiasm and heart on his sleeve emotions which he put on clear display after virtually every stage - one of the good/decent guys. Like a kid in a sweet shop being able to do what he did! His talents were seemingly being rewarded too, with regular podium places, and a return to Hyundai where he had those successes, seeing him at the front - or near too - of the field, competing for honours after a short and unhappy time at M Sport!

It sucks to think that - at 33 years of age - it has been taken away so suddenly from him!!

Summed that up very well hornball when I heard the news earlier I was shocked as much as he didn't get much luck in the wrc he gave everything and aimed to finish as high as possible in every rally he did rip

I've caught countless Rally Crashes on camera, helped pull crews out of wrecked cars and helped put them back on their wheels when they've finished upside down in a flooded ditch or 2 but thankfully I've never been present at a serious injury or fatality. News like this always reminds me that it's a fine line between walking away from a crash and being carried away.

Thierry Neuville posted this on Facebook. I think it says everything that needs to be said right now...

"It’s with a very heavy heart that I post this message. Today I’ve lost a team mate but more than anything, I’ve lost a friend.
Craig, your passion for rallying was immeasurable, your joy behind the steering wheel was beyond any of ours, your emotional stage end comments on a league of it’s own,….
You were the first to bring English tea to Hyundai Motorsport, you made last our debriefs for 3h and more, we had endless conversations about our private rally cars,….
All this will stay deep in my memories.
I will miss you!
Rest easy my friend."

(13-04-2023 20:32 )Tumble_Drier Wrote:  I've caught countless Rally Crashes on camera, helped pull crews out of wrecked cars and helped put them back on their wheels when they've finished upside down in a flooded ditch or 2 but thankfully I've never been present at a serious injury or fatality. News like this always reminds me that it's a fine line between walking away from a crash and being carried away.

Thierry Neuville posted this on Facebook. I think it says everything that needs to be said right now...

"It’s with a very heavy heart that I post this message. Today I’ve lost a team mate but more than anything, I’ve lost a friend.
Craig, your passion for rallying was immeasurable, your joy behind the steering wheel was beyond any of ours, your emotional stage end comments on a league of it’s own,….
You were the first to bring English tea to Hyundai Motorsport, you made last our debriefs for 3h and more, we had endless conversations about our private rally cars,….
All this will stay deep in my memories.
I will miss you!
Rest easy my friend."

So true!! Very well worded from Thierry!! Any news about the next rally going ahead?? I guess they will, and I am pretty sure Craig would want that too!!