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Post by tfliprex on Jan 13, 2009 14:45:08 GMT
Prodrive will be leaving about 200 people without a job soon due to the Subaru pull-out. But what is also interesting is that Prodrive appears to have also backed out from rescueing the Honda F1 team. Seems like Prodrive is starting to feel the economic bit as the rest of the world is, but what is odd is that they recently got a major cash influx from an Arab investment group. Am I reading too much into the article that appeared on Yahoo sport, or there actually is something going on in Prodrive?Oh yeah, also there seems to be some "issues" going on in the Aston-Mart. section of Prodrive.
Flip
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Post by tfliprex on Jan 15, 2009 7:04:18 GMT
Petter Solberg has purchased a Citroen Xsara WRC + 2 engines + 2 transmitions; according to rallybuzz.com.
Flip
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 15, 2009 8:19:28 GMT
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Post by Vivski on Jan 15, 2009 8:50:32 GMT
Pettterrr Sooooolbaarrggg!!!!
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Post by Roo on Jan 15, 2009 10:22:57 GMT
The Xsara purchase is not true according to the man himself. Another rumour. ;D Originated from norsk rally, which went to the motorsport forums, and then to rallybuzz. www.pettersolberg.com/html/?lang_pref=en
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Post by tfliprex on Jan 15, 2009 20:20:09 GMT
Another rumor about P. Solberg? Flip
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 15, 2009 20:46:02 GMT
On the pitstop.tv website there is a confirmation that Volkswagen is interested in joining the WRC from 2010 on. Since they already have the VW Polo S2000 driving around, it won't be that much of a step to join. Their plans of joining F1 seem to be cancelled. A definite decision will come after the Dakar rally.
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 16, 2009 11:32:49 GMT
Proton are interested for 2010 as well with their new S2000 Satria. I tihnk I've got the model name right anyway!
Also Subaru maybe entering a team into the BRC next season - puzzled?
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 16, 2009 15:28:55 GMT
Seems like 2010 and 2011 are going to be interesting: Citroën, Ford, Subaru, Peugeot, Abarth (Fiat), Suzuki, Skoda, Volkswagen and Proton all seem interested in joining the WRC.
Let's say at least 6 of these 9 manufacturers will join effectively. If they all roll out 2 cars, that will be 12 manufacturer seats, not even mentioning M2 teams.
Many manufacturers said they're even interested in rolling out 3 cars (let's say 3 of those 6). That will mean 15 manufacturer seats!
There seem to be some good prospects, at least if those manufacturers will effectively join the WRC.
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Post by Will on Jan 16, 2009 17:57:47 GMT
Maybe WRC has just hit a bad patch, as F1 and Touring cars did at the start of the century, and now they're really exciting to watch. Perhaps it will happen to WRC aswell.
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 16, 2009 19:13:42 GMT
I highly doubt Subaru will be back. The VW entry is all dependant on the FIA allowing a few extra mm to the wheelbase width to allow the Scirocco in! Come on FIA, if a company like VW want's 5 mm - give it them!
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Post by Roo on Jan 17, 2009 9:51:49 GMT
Come on FIA, if a company like VW want's 5 mm - give it them! 5mm to the wheelbase is no big deal. I'm sure there'll be no problems. Remember when Peugeot got away with their "extended bumpers" in order to bring the size of the 206 up to size? It's length is 4001mm. As for the number of interested manufacturers that are considering a step up to the WRC (or continuing as the case may be), it is all dependent on the FIA getting the new S2KT regs working effectively, and getting the regs finalised on time, before the start of the new season. If they are finalised by early this year (don't reckon!) then it won't be until 2011 until the WRC fully conforms to the new regs. If the new S2KT regs are affordable and easy to install to a GrpN/S2000 car, like the FIA are aiming for, I think there will be a large number of private "secondary" teams that will enter the WRC. Teams such as Bozian, Grifone, Astra as examples, could outnumber the manufacturer teams, such is the case in the IRC at the moment.
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 17, 2009 14:43:09 GMT
I think there will be a large number of private "secondary" teams that will enter the WRC. Teams such as Bozian, Grifone, Astra as examples, could outnumber the manufacturer teams, such is the case in the IRC at the moment. I don't see a problem there ;D The more cars, the better!
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Post by tfliprex on Jan 17, 2009 15:37:37 GMT
In 2010 there will be a "new" Subaru Impreza. They are planning some engine improvements and there will be some other modifications; but that aside, I am very confident that Subaru will be back in the WRC, but I do not think that Prodrive will be their representative. There was a "rift" between Subaru and Prodrive on certain key issues, including the silver livery. Prodrive didn't want to do certain things to and with the vehicle even when Subaru had requested them; now, all of these details were given to me by a friend whom works for Subaru USA and follows the WRC very close. When Subaru returns, we will see a new team and young up-and-coming drivers. Solberg and Atkinson's time with the Subies are over; from what I was told, Subaru will be picking up drivers that are will to be gutsy and ready to push hard. Under the wings of WRC champs. But the relationship between Subaru and Prodrive is dead and it will be very difficult for it to be resurrected. Subaru was not pleased with Prodrive for atleast 2 years. As I said, all of this was given to me from my friend, so take it all with a grain of salt...
Flip
P.S. As much as I don't like saying this, I believe that P. Solberg's time in the WRC is running short. He has lost his edge and has slowed down. Maybe 2009 is the last year he will be running... and probably 2008 was his last full season.
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 17, 2009 19:32:36 GMT
When Subaru returns, we will see a new team and young up-and-coming drivers; from what I was told, Subaru will be picking up drivers that are will to be gutsy and ready to push hard. That just sounds like an expensive time!
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