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Post by Hurricane on Dec 30, 2008 21:48:35 GMT
The Dutch team Van Merksteijn World Rally Team has been confirmed. Father and son Peter Van Merksteijn will both drive Ford Focus RS WRC 07 on 8 rounds of the WRC 2009, starting with Ireland and Norway. I'm not sure about the other rounds, but they will probably stay in Europe.
I added the team to my overview on page 1.
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Post by tfliprex on Dec 31, 2008 16:56:08 GMT
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Post by Hurricane on Dec 31, 2008 18:50:57 GMT
Yea there were rumours that the two Solberg brothers would team up. But nothing has been confirmed, therefore the team name is in italics.
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 3, 2009 14:21:28 GMT
Henning Solberg confirmed a third year in a Ford Focus RS WRC. I'm not sure whether he'll drive for Stobart or not, but I've put him in the team on the first page.
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Post by Vivski on Jan 3, 2009 15:39:09 GMT
Any idea what this guy's doing in 2009?
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 3, 2009 16:00:37 GMT
There's no mention of what Ford team Henning will be in, but I'd imagine he'd be at Stobart until Munchi's come back in? A bit like this season?
Galli was in talks I believe, I did read somewhere that if he can't be with Ford he won' compete in the WRC at all.
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Post by Roo on Jan 4, 2009 1:30:33 GMT
Henning's confirmation shows that he still has his major sponsors on board, which is great for him.
But that probably means that there won't be a Team Solberg, unless Petter can join up with Stobart, and given Petter's previous relations with the Ford Team, that is unlikely.
A drive with Adapta Subaru is probably Petter's best chance.
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Post by tfliprex on Jan 4, 2009 4:17:31 GMT
A drive with Adapta Subaru is probably Petter's best chance. Seems to me that it is his ONLY choice. He is running way out of time to start anything pretty big as starting a team, my guess is that Team Solberg won't be a real deal until 2010 season.
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Post by Roo on Jan 4, 2009 6:00:43 GMT
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Post by Mixa on Jan 4, 2009 17:08:19 GMT
yeah I quess the same with Team Solberg. I think its not possible at the moment. As Petter I would take the Subie anyway and stick with it. Ok when he was released he said he will call to Citroen and Ford right away for possible rides and I quess he was talking about a possible factory car,not a privateer Citroen or Focus as them costs. I think a Ford would be better for his driving style if he decides to go for some of them.
Isnt Ogier a 3rd factory car and not a junior team driver? If I remember right Ogier will do the first 6 rounds in a factory car and after that them looks whats happening. A bit the same as what Citroen done to Sordo years back.
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 4, 2009 21:17:59 GMT
If Solberg is going to create his own team, it maybe worth cutting his losses and preparing that fully for 2010, get himself some S2000's for the long term then maybe do a few rallies end of this season to get warmed up again - no point him trying to cobble together a team with all that effort for a 3/4 season in a WRCar.
Also on the snow tyres, I believe they are cheaper to buy for the teams as well?
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sarah
Chief Marshall
Posts: 79
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Post by sarah on Jan 4, 2009 21:26:50 GMT
The snow tyres would also last longer with the greater 'feet' width. Another cost-cutting measure.
I think Petter is pretty much out of luck to get something sorted for this season. Nick, your suggestion sounds like a winner.
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Post by Vivski on Jan 5, 2009 8:49:28 GMT
It's ironic that Petter practically got Henning his drive, now Petter is out in the cold. I wouldn't surprise me if he did find a drive though. He's still the most marketable driver in the championship.
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Post by Roo on Jan 6, 2009 0:58:04 GMT
The Citroën Junior Team has been confirmed. Drivers will be: - Sebastian Ogier - Conrad Rautenbach - Evgeny Novikov- Chris Atkinson (only Ireland so far)Although I understand Igor isn't a big fan of Novikov, it is great news for us Aussies, as until now, I had completely forgotten who his co-driver is... www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=3342&Itemid=2Two Australians in the Citroen Team for 2009.
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sarah
Chief Marshall
Posts: 79
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Post by sarah on Jan 6, 2009 6:34:14 GMT
Any idea what this guy's doing in 2009? Who Matthew? Plotting along in the Stobart outfit again I assume. No news to the opposite. www.rallystuff.net/uploads/Gallery/1930.jpgIt's not actually Mattew's car is it? The name is Cristina. That would make it Gigi Galli's... I don't think I've heard any news in that regard either...
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