Wrc 2013

[Bodella]

The F1 has one, MotoGP has one, even V8 has a thread, so here is a thread for WRC.

I may be talking to myself in here but I'm okay with that. (Nothing new)

My thoughts on the year ahead -

2013 should be a better year. Loeb only doing a partial season gives a chance for others to shine. I was hoping Latvala could give him some competition last year but alas it was more of the same.

The VW Polo is on the pace straight out of the box, I think they are serious contenders for manufacturers title but only if Latvala can get up to speed early in the year ( and keep it on the road) . If the Polo is a quick car on all surfaces, Ogier will be serious title contender.

Ford will struggle to get much in the way results now that they are non-factory team. I'd like to hope Mads Ostberg could get some decent results but as the Fiesta was already struggling next to the DS3, it seems unlikely with less (no?) factory support.

The private Mini teams may as well give up now. Which is a pity I liked the look and sound of them, damn BMW head office not seeing the relevance of WRC.

Media coverage should be greatly improved with Redbull Media house handling the promotion. Maybe some live feeds from Stages? (I dare to dream)

[sav man]

I think this year will be the year of mr consistancy Hirvenin. Ogier and Latvala will spend most of the year in the scenery.

It's a little sad that the only way Loab can be beaten is by him leaving, i'm sure he'll win all 4 rounds he enters

By the looks of it the broadcast is only going to be on speed channel, so i'll just keep downloading the epps.

[FLN75S]

I am also looking forward to this year to see who else can shine with Loeb now not running the full season. I'm not sure Hirvonen can win it this year if he does not at least set the pace a little more but like previously mentioned it will mean Ogier and Latvala will need to keep it on track and no excursions.

Sordo can also show some good pace so it should be a good year, hopefully we can get some different people on the podium and have a close championship.

[Munkvy]

I am hoping we see more of Juho Hanninen, he has the potential to do very well as he is very experienced and has quite an opportunity with M-Sport, as his team mates are all pretty inexperienced and crash prone. So if he can do a couple more rounds and keep it on the road, he could easily become a permanent member of the squad.

And my vote is on Ogier for the title. Hirvonen has the consistency, but there is a enough fast drivers around this year that he will get few podiums, so won't accrue points at the same pace has he has done in previous years. Also hoping to see Andreas Mikkelsen on the podium soon too. Really this is the most exciting WRC season in many years, so many changes and opportunities!

[Bodella]

Rally Sweden this weekend, chance for the Flying Finns to shine...... unless Ogier spoils the party.

I have have to agree with Jason, Hirvonen will only win the title if there is enough offs from the other front runners, sitting in 4th place waiting for others to fail doesn't win championships. Overall I have to agree that there will be alot more faces on the Podium. This is win win!

Have Hyundai confirmed if they will have an outing at all this year ?

First effect of Redbull Media house running the promotions I've notice is they are blocking content on you tube, fair but annoying. At least they have their own content up quickly, no the full length day rap ups, will have to look for it else where.

[Bodella]

and oh yeah this news....

Chris Atkinson has talked of his surprise and delight at Citroen's offer of a factory DS3 World Rally Car for Rally Guanajuato Mexico next month.