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2015 World Rally Championship

Posted: December 19, 2015 6:06 PM - 15604 Hits

Jon Armstrong (left) is congratulated by DMACK managing director Dick Cormack.

Jon Armstrong Comes Top In DMACK Vatanen Touch Award

Posted: December 17, 2015 11:14 AM

Northern Irish driver Jon Armstrong beat off challenges from nine other finalists to win the Vatanen Touch award at the Drive DMACK Fiesta shoot-out today. The 21-year-old is rewarded with a funded prize drive in next year's Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy which takes place over five FIA World Rally Championship rallies. He will drive an M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta R2T.

The Vatanen Touch was created to allow private drivers to compete alongside the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy regulars on individual events ? providing an opportunity to gain experience of world rallies and assess their pace against the Trophy contenders.

One driver was nominated from each round along with competitors from the main Trophy who contested all five events.

Armstrong was selected as a finalist after a stunning performance on Rally Spain, where he set a series of solid times on his world rally debut. He beat off competition today from Australia's Brendan Reeves, who finished a close second, UK drivers John MacCrone and Gus Greensmith and Finns Max Vatanen and Eerik Pietarinen.

The two-day assessment at M-Sport's headquarters included physical and media tests before 2015 M-Sport World Rally Team driver Elfyn Evans scrutinised driving skills behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta R2.

The competition was intense but after a series of interviews with DMACK and M-Sport representatives, who quizzed drivers on their personal development and competition plans for the future, Armstrong edged through to become the winner of the inaugural Vatanen Touch award.

Finalists

Jon Armstrong said: "Winning this prize means the world to me. It?s a great opportunity for me to step up to the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy next season and really make the most of it. Competing on Spain this year was fantastic and I?m really looking forward to more WRC events and proving to DMACK and M-Sport that they made the right choice."

Malcolm Wilson OBE, M-Sport managing director, said: "I was really impressed with the quality and dedication of all the finalists and it demonstrates how eager our Fiesta drivers are to progress their careers. However, Jon shone through and I'm confident he will make the most of this excellent opportunity in next season's Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy."

Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said: "The success of the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy has surpassed our expectations again this year and the Vatanen Touch is another way for us to reward private drivers and competitors who have supported our series. Jon has really impressed us today and we are looking forward to giving him our full support as he steps up to WRC action next season."

Andreas Mikkelsen commits long-term future to Volkswagen in the World Rally Championship

Posted: June 26, 2015 7:02 AM

Andreas Mikkelsen will continue to drive for Volkswagen in the World Rally Championship. The Wolfsburg-based automobile manufacturer, works driver Andreas Mikkelsen and co-driver Ola Floene have agreed to extend their contract for several years beyond 2015. The Norwegian duo has been driving the third Polo R WRC in the WRC since 2014, alongside S'bastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia (F/F) and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila (FIN/FIN), who also possess long-term contracts with Volkswagen. Mikkelsen/Floene are currently third in the driver and co-driver competitions within the pinnacle of rallying.

'Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Floene's contract extension is very good news for the Volkswagen rally family,' said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. 'We have enjoyed a lot of success together in the last two years, and this season, and are confident that it is only a matter of time until Andreas and Ola claim their first win. We are impressed by Andreas' talent and the analytical and tactical way he goes about things. We are delighted to have wrapped up this contract extension. With two-time world champion S'bastien Ogier, last year's runner-up Jari-Matti Latvala and the third-placed driver in last year's World Championship, Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen has the best driver line-up you could imagine on the rally scene.'

Andreas Mikkelsen, who turns 26 today: 'I am incredibly happy to have extended my contract with Volkswagen. It is a great feeling to know that the team is happy with me and my performance, and that they want to continue working with me. I am thankful for this opportunity to continue to develop in this great team. It confirms that we are on the right track and gives us an extra boost for the future.'

Mikkelsen remains part of the Volkswagen family after five years

Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Floene have been part of the Volkswagen family since 2011. Their first contract to drive with a works team came courtesy of 'koda, which is part of the Volkswagen group. Mikkelsen and Floene won the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in 2011 and 2012, and were also involved in Volkswagen's preparations for the World Rally Championship at the same time. In 2013, Mikkelsen switched to the Polo R WRC and has contested all but one round of the WRC since the Rally Portugal of that year. In 2014 ' still with co-driver Mikko Markkula at that time ' Mikkelsen claimed his first podium in Sweden. A further eight podium finishes were to follow after Mikkelsen and Floene were reunited one year ago, and the pair ended the 2014 Drivers' Championship in third place. In 2015, Mikkelsen/Floene have finished on the podium at four of the season's six rounds so far.

AN AVALANCHE OF ENTRANTS FOR THE 2015 FIA JUNIOR WRC!

Posted: May 4, 2015 7:39 AM

The FIA has currently received 18 registrations from 11 different na tionalities for the 2015 FIA Junior WRC / WRC 3 Championship for two-wheel drive cars.

Driving DS 3 R3-MAXs, the fifteen drivers under 28 years of age will fight it out over seven rounds to try to add their name to the list of winners inaugurated by S?bastien Loeb, who won the title in 2001 in a Citro?n Saxo Super 1600.

As St?phane Lefebvre this year, the FIA Junior WRC champion will win a WRC2 programme for 2016 in a DS 3 R5.

Since it first entered the World Rally Championship, Citro?n Racing has always been on the lookout for talented young drivers. In 2001, the Brand played a key role in finding and developing S?bastien Loeb, who claimed the Junior World Championship in a Citro?n Saxo Super 1600.

Marek Nawarecki (Citro?n Racing Customer Competition Director):
?Over the years, Citro?n has enabled several drivers to cut their teeth on the WRC stages. S?bastien Loeb, Dani Sordo, S?bastien Ogier and Martin Prokop all won the Junior title in a Citro?n Racing car. We are really happy of the popularity of this promotion formula that is suitable for young people as it is reasonable in price. It is ideal for all young drivers who wish to be identified and who want to reach higher levels of the pyramid of talent. Just before the second round at Rally Portugal, this is the most popular promotional formula of the WRC?

LIST OF ENTRANTS FIA JUNIOR WRC / WRC 3 ? 24 April 2015:

54 Daniel McKenna Andrew Grennan Ireland

67 Dean Raftery John Higgins Ireland

2015 FIA JUNIOR WRC CALENDAR:

M-SPORT CONFIRM NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH STILO

Posted: April 10, 2015 1:19 PM

After using Stilo products on the preliminary rounds of FIA World Rally Championship (WRC), M-Sport are pleased to confirm a new partnership with the Italian company.

M-Sport World Rally Team?s Elfyn Evans, Daniel Barritt, Ott T?nak and Raigo M?lder will thus take to some of the WRC?s most challenging terrain equipped with Stilo?s state-of-the-art technology.

Stilo are renowned as a world leader in the motorsport industry and the new partnership will provide the team with class-leading helmets, intercoms and headsets.

Safety and functionality are paramount, but Stilo?s passion and flare will also mirror that of the team?s exciting young squad.

Elfyn Evans said:

?In rallying the partnership between a driver and co-driver is everything and the quality of Stilo?s products mean that we can be confident that we have the best equipment for the job. Their products are comfortable and safe, but the sound quality of the radio system is also second to none.?

Stilo?s Elena Perini said:

?We are really proud to start our cooperation with M-Sport ? a prestigious team with one of the longest traditions in rally.

?Working with them will be a great pleasure because, from the very beginning, we realised that we work well together and this will add to the development of new products.

?This partnership with M-Sport also makes Stilo the sole helmet and intercoms supplier for the FIA World Rally Championship manufacturer teams. ?

Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

?We are delighted to announce a new partnership between M-Sport and Stilo. The crews tested the products at Rally Sweden and following their comments we were keen to move forward with the collaboration. We all look forward to working together as the season progresses and I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Stilo to the M-Sport family of trade partners.?

Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy Attracts Global Entries

Posted: March 3, 2015 8:04 PM

For the second year in succession, the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy has attracted registrations from drivers spanning all corners of the globe as they bid to contest the popular one-make series and land the biggest prize in rallying.

In addition to a host of European crews, organisers M-Sport and DMACK have received entries from Peru, Chile, New Zealand, South Africa and USA – ensuring the championship will once again be a truly worldwide success.

The overwhelming response demonstrates the popularity of the well-proven format and its affordable platform, which helps career-focused drivers step up to competition in the FIA World Rally Championship. The mammoth prize, a full seven-round season in WRC 2 with M-Sport’s Ford Fiesta R5, was won by Estonian Sander Pärn in 2014 and remains a huge draw to the competitive series.

While M-Sport is currently evaluating the received applications, it’s still able to accept additional competitors as the application period remains open until 17 April 2015.

This year’s Trophy will be fought out over five European WRC rallies starting with Rally de Portugal in May. However, an exciting development is M-Sport’s all-new Ford Fiesta R2 powered by a 1.0 litre, turbocharged Ecoboost engine. The new machine, which Pärn has helped develop over the winter, features a raft of modifications including revised transmission, new braking system, electronics, cooling system and revised suspension, to give the new Fiesta R2 even more adjustability. The identical cars will again be equipped with DMACK’s range of gravel and asphalt tyres.

The new Fiesta R2 will get its first taste of action this weekend as Pärn undertakes course car duties on the 40th anniversary of the Malcolm Wilson Rally in England on Saturday 7 March.

Dick Cormack, DMACK motorsport director, said:
“After the success of last year’s Trophy, which went right down to the very last stage in Spain, we have another strong haul of entries. The geographical spread is hugely encouraging. Not only do we have a competitive and affordable platform for competitors around the world, but it ensures global brand exposure for DMACK and its products.”

Sander Pärn said:
“The new Fiesta R2 feels really nice. The old car has provided a really strong base and M-Sport has made a number of small improvements throughout the car, not just with the engine. As an example the front suspension offers more options for adjustment and that will help younger drivers learn even more during this year’s Trophy.”

DMACK Defends World Title With Two-Car Team

Posted: February 4, 2015 8:04 PM

Current WRC 2 Teams World Champion, and authorised tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship, DMACK will return this season to defend its title in WRC 2. The tyre manufacturer will field a two-car Ford Fiesta R5 team under its familiar Drive DMACK moniker, with Jari Ketomaa kick-starting the action at Rally Sweden next week.

After finishing runner-up in Sweden last year, he and fellow Finn Kaj Lindstrom will be hoping to go one better to open their title defence in style. Ketomaa’s Fiesta R5 will be prepared and maintained by Autotek and he’s set to take on Rally Mexico and Rally Argentina straight after Sweden.

While Ketomaa brings a wealth of experience to the team, it will be the first season in WRC 2 for Estonia’s Sander Pärn and Welsh co-driver James Morgan. The 2014 Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy winners jump into the seat of their M-Sport-run Fiesta R5 as their prize drive reward for winning the young driver series. The seven-round WRC 2 programme awarded by DMACK is currently the biggest prize on offer in world rallying.

Pärn’s campaign will begin with Rally Portugal in May – the rally where his three-event winning streak in the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy began last season.

DMACK will provide a complete range of upgraded tyres this season featuring evolved construction and compound specifications to boost performance across all surfaces.

As the only series within the FIA World Rally Championship where all four tyre manufacturers - DMACK, Hankook, Michelin and Pirelli - consistently do battle, this year’s WRC 2 is set to be one of the highlights of the season. Last season’s championship attracted 40 competitors, seven different car suppliers with the drivers’ title being decided on the very last event.

Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said:
“The WRC is the ultimate platform for DMACK to prove its motorsport products to a world audience and we welcome the fierce competition from the three other tyre manufacturers. After the success of our WRC 2 campaign in 2014 and the hugely-popular launch of the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy, we are all thrilled to field both Jari and Sander this season and wish them all the best.”

Jari Ketomaa said:
“I’m excited to return to the Drive DMACK team again and we have a strong base to work from with the success off last year. DMACK has been working hard on testing and, from a driver’s perspective, it will be a boost to have some newly developed tyres this year. Personally, I’ve been working hard over the winter to improve the Sweden winter tyre and it feels really good.”

Sander Pärn said:
“I’m really looking forward to the step up from the Ford Fiesta R2 to the Fiesta R5 this year and winning the DMACK Fiesta Trophy prize was such as huge step in my career. I’ve already been testing and I was surprised how easy the car was to drive but obviously we need more experience to be able to drive it near the limit. Moving into WRC 2 and working with M-Sport and DMACK will make it a fantastic year for me.”

WORLD RALLY RETURN FOR TMG

Posted: February 2, 2015 9:47 PM

TOYOTA Motorsport GmbH (TMG) will return to the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) in 2017 with a car developed and built entirely at its Cologne technical centre.

Over the next two years TMG will continue its test programme with the Yaris WRC car to prepare for a full return to the series in which it won four drivers’ and three manufacturers’ World Championships in the 1990s.

Today’s news was announced by TOYOTA Motor Corporation President Akio Toyoda at a news conference in Tokyo, where the Yaris WRC made its public debut, complete with new launch livery.

The Yaris WRC has already completed a preliminary test programme on tarmac and gravel stages throughout Europe, establishing a promising baseline on which to build over the coming months.

The car features a 1.6-litre turbo-charged, direct injection engine, which produces over 300hp, while advanced simulation, testing and production techniques have shaped the Yaris chassis.

With an official WRC programme now confirmed, development will be expanded while the dedicated team of specialists to engineer and operate the car will be increased.

Several young drivers have already tested the car and Frenchman Eric Camilli, 27, has been selected as the first member of a junior driver development scheme designed with the goal of developing TOYOTA rally stars of the future.

Eric will carry out the development programme alongside last year’s Tour de Corse winner Stéphane Sarrazin, also a racer in TOYOTA’s FIA World Endurance Championship team, and Sebastian Lindholm.

That test programme will include several WRC venues around Europe on a variety of surfaces. Experience gained will assist TOYOTA as it prepares a car for the 2017 season, when updated technical regulations are expected to be introduced.

The Yaris WRC follows an illustrious line of TOYOTA cars to carry the brand into WRC and when it makes its competitive debut in 2017, it will mark almost two decades since the company’s final World Championship rally, in 1999.

That 1999 season marked the end of over 25 years continuous rally activity at TMG, which began life as Andersson Motorsport GmbH, named after company founder Ove Andersson, and competed in WRC as TOYOTA Team Europe.

During that time, 43 wins were achieved with iconic cars like the Celica Twincam Turbo and GT-Four variants and the Corolla WRC featuring legendary drivers such as Carlos Sainz, Juha Kankkunen and Didier Auriol.

TMG already stepped back into the rally world last year with the introduction of its GT86 CS-R3 customer rally car, designed to FIA R3 regulations.

Yoshiaki Kinoshita, TMG President:
“It is a great honour to be asked to bring the TOYOTA name back to the World Rally Championship alongside our continued participation in the World Endurance Championship. To run two works motorsport programmes simultaneously is of course a challenge but we believe we have the expertise and determination to succeed. There is much to do as we make the journey back to WRC but to have received the support of TOYOTA Motor Corporation and our President Akio Toyoda is already very encouraging. We are looking forward to taking the next steps with an extensive development plan and a junior driver development programme. It is an exciting time and we are looking forward to this new challenge with great anticipation.”

WRC Promoter welcomes Toyota’s rallying return

Posted: February 2, 2015 9:45 PM

WRC Promoter has welcomed today’s announcement in Japan that Toyota will return to the FIA World Rally Championship in 2017.

Managing director Oliver Ciesla hailed the confirmation that the world’s biggest-selling auto company would be back in WRC after a 17-year absence as ‘marvellous news for the sport’.

“Toyota has a long and distinguished history in motorsport, particularly in world rallying, and we’re delighted to welcome one of the automobile industry’s giants back to WRC,” he said.

Toyota Motor Corporation president Akio Toyoda confirmed that Toyota Motorsport would continue to develop a Yaris World Rally Car at its technical centre in Cologne, Germany, in preparation for its return.

The car appeared in public at Toyota’s Tokyo news conference for the first time.

“Toyota’s announcement brings a fifth manufacturer into WRC, including three of the world’s five biggest-selling auto companies. The last season in which so many manufacturers were represented was 2006,” continued Ciesla.

“It’s exciting to see that in addition to the manufacturers already competing in the championship, others are becoming aware of the benefits that engagement in WRC will bring to their business.

“There is a clear link between World Rally Cars and the vehicles we drive in the street and that’s a powerful marketing tool. WRC is a truly authentic sport and this positively translates to a sympathetic image for the brands involved.

“With a global annual TV audience of 800 million viewers, spread across the year from January to November, the WRC provides an excellent return on a company’s investment and we look forward to seeing Toyota back on the special stages in two years’ time,” he added.

TOYOTA MOTORSPORT FINALISES SPECIFICATIONS FOR GT86 CS-R3 RALLY CAR

Posted: January 27, 2015 10:59 AM

The GT86 CS-R3 moved closer to its full-blooded rally competition debut later this year with Toyota Motorsport confirming final specification details.

The CS-R3 was launched in prototype form last August, since when it has undergone an extensive test programme to fine-tune design and specification of the kit that will be delivered to private competitors and teams.

The development work has improved performance on both gravel and tarmac, together with reliability and durability in order to deliver a car that can be used for low-cost competition for a full season and beyond.

The CS-R3 has proved immensely popular with its rear-wheel drive powertrain, featuring a 1,998cc, 235bhp boxer engine and six-speed sequential transmission, producing a great driving experience.

The first cars will be delivered to customers in May, slightly later than originally forecast to allow time for improvements identified during testing to be fully implemented. As a result, Toyota Motorsport has extended its introductory discount, offering the CS-R3 kit, in tarmac or gravel specification, at €79,000 (excluding VAT) for orders placed before 24 April 2015. This represents a €5,000 discount on the standard retail price (excluding VAT).

The kit includes a GT86 body shell, powertrain and all the mechanical components required to build the car. The full specification and kit contents can be found at www.toyota-motorsport.com/motorsport.

The car will be homologated to FIA R3 regulations at the beginning of July, after which all CS-R3 cars will be eligible for national and international rally competitions, up to and including the World Rally Championship.

The GT86 CS-R3 is expected to make its competition debut at the Rally Niedersachsen in Germany on 4 July, with up to 10 cars due to take part. This will be the first round of the new HJS Toyota Motorsport CS-R3 Trophy. The series will be contested over seven rounds, with more than €5,000 in prize money available at each event. The trophy will run for at least the next three seasons.

GT86 CS-R3 Technical Specifications

Improved 2015 TV package for WRC fans in Ireland/UK

Posted: January 24, 2015 9:45 AM

Fans of the FIA World Rally Championship will receive improved television coverage of the series after both ITV4 and BT Sport agreed new deals for 2015.

Both networks will broadcast comprehensive coverage from all 13 rounds of the championship, which begins at Rallye Monte-Carlo (22 - 25 January). Welsh language network S4C will also report on the series.

The WRC has enjoyed increased interest in Britain over the last 12 months as fans focused on the fortunes of Northern Ireland’s Kris Meeke and Welshman Elfyn Evans.

“It’s a huge vote of confidence for our sport that both broadcasters were eager to renew their commitment to WRC for 2015,” said Oliver Ciesla, managing director of commercial rights holder WRC Promoter.

“WRC Promoter has developed new TV programmes during the last two seasons, especially Sunday’s live TV Power Stage, and the feedback we have received from both ITV4 and BT Sport during our negotiations have been extremely positive.

“Britain is a hugely important market for WRC and we’re delighted that fans will continue to see the excitement and extreme action that the championship offers. It’s great news for them,” added Ciesla.

ITV4 will broadcast an hour-long highlights show following each round in a prime-time Tuesday evening slot, with additional daily programmes from the final round at Wales Rally GB (12 - 15 November).

The highlights programme will be repeated the following Saturday and ITV 4 has also committed to increase online coverage at www.itv.com.

BT Sport has renewed its agreement following a successful collaboration in 2014 which peaked with BT Sport presenter and ambassador, the former England test cricketer Graeme Swann, driving at Wales Rally GB for a BT Sport documentary.

BT Sport will broadcast live stages from all 13 rounds, as well as event previews and post-rally highlights shows. Additionally, it will bring fans various programming from Wales Rally GB later this year.

BT Sport will also step up its coverage by screening classic archive programming featuring former British world champions Colin McRae and Richard Burns.

Live TV dates confirmed for opening rounds of 2015 WRC

Posted: January 17, 2015 9:19 AM

A minimum of 26 special stages from the FIA World Rally Championship will be broadcast on live television in 2015.

Details of the one-hour programmes for the first four rounds have been confirmed.

The opening stage of the year at Rallye Monte-Carlo will launch the season’s content on Thursday 22 January. The programme from the 21.31km Alpine test from Entrevaux to Rouaine starts at 20.00 CET.

It will be followed by two shows from the 10.16km Col St Jean - St Laurent test on Sunday 25 January. The first programme starts at 09.30 CET with a second show at 12.00 CET, when the test will be driven for a second time and will form the rally-closing Power Stage.

Three live stages will be broadcast from Rally Sweden (12 - 15 February), starting with Thursday evening’s opening super special stage in Karlstad, where two cars at a time race side-by-side around an ice-bound horse trotting track.

That is followed by Saturday morning’s Vargåsen test, featuring the spectacular Colin’s Crest jump, named in honour of 1995 world champion Colin McRae, where cars fly through the air for many metres.

Sweden’s live coverage ends with the 15.87km Värmullsåsen Power Stage at Sunday lunchtime.

Rally Guanajuato Mexico’s (5 - 8 March) curtain-raising stage in the former mining tunnels of Guanajuato will be screened on Thursday evening. More than 50,000 fans will pack the town to watch the colourful start ceremony, after which competitors will tackle the test.

Both Saturday and Sunday’s El Brinco stages, high in the hot and dusty mountains, will also be broadcast.

Friday night’s fan-favourite super special stage in Villa Carlos Paz will be broadcast at Rally Argentina (23 - 26 April), along with Sunday’s Power Stage through the stunning scenery of El Condor.

Huge crowds, many of whom spend several days camping alongside the rocky tracks to ensure prime viewing points, perch high on El Condor’s roadside rocks to cheer on competitors.

The rally-ending Power Stage, which offers championship bonus points to the fastest three drivers, will be broadcast live at Sunday lunchtime (local time) from all 13 rounds.

All live stages will also be available via the championship’s interactive WRC+ digital service at www.wrcplus.com.

Oliver Ciesla, managing director of rights holder WRC Promoter, said there was an increased appetite for live action from the championship.

“There is a growing demand for live sports in HD quality in general, and our broadcast partners are asking for more live WRC coverage. That’s encouraging, especially for our fans who can see more of the drama and action from the championship on television as it happens.

“The excitement of the Power Stage, featuring the rally’s finale and podium, will be broadcast live from every round on Sunday lunchtime.

“Fans can make an appointment with the WRC at the same time for each round, knowing they can watch and enjoy the final outcome live. It’s the must-see programme of a WRC weekend,” added Ciesla.

Broadcast hours for WRC have continued to rise and were up 57 per cent in 2014 compared with the previous season. The average TV audience grew to more than 60 million per rally.

Live stage details of the first four rounds can be found below and for programme information, fans should consult their television guides.

Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy Grows With New Car And Six Rounds

Posted: January 12, 2015 8:52 PM

After a hugely successful and oversubscribed inaugural season last year, the new-look Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy has been launched for 2015. The series, driven by tyre manufacturer DMACK and rally preparation experts M-Sport, will once again see emerging drivers from around the world compete for the biggest prize in world rallying over six rounds and five FIA World Rally Championship events.

While the popular series will follow a similar format this season, those competitors lucky enough to be selected will be driving all-new Ford Fiesta R2 cars powered by Ford’s 1.0 litre turbocharged Ecoboost engine – launched today at the Autosport International Show.

The Fiestas will be prepared and run by M-Sport and equipped with the latest DMACK tyres – a package which proved both reliable and extremely competitive during the 2014 season. The five events from last year make up this season’s action with gravel rounds on Rally Portugal, Poland and Finland followed by asphalt in Germany and then a mixed-surface event in Spain.

However, to boost the fiercely competitive series even further, the final showdown at Rally de Espana will run as two separate rounds with two sets of championship points on offer. The best five scores from six rounds will count towards the championship and points will also be awarded for stage victories on all events.

Priced at just £115,000, the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy remains extremely cost-effective and the most affordable way for aspiring drivers to showcase their talent on the world stage. As the Trophy is intended for career-minded and developing drivers, there is no age limit and organisers believe the format will be attractive to a large number of European and overseas crews, opening up access to the top level of the sport.

Drivers will fight for the huge prize of a full seven-round season in WRC 2 in 2016 – the biggest package on offer in world rallying.

Applications are now being accepted with full details and application forms available at www.drivedmack.com. It’s anticipated that around 16 places will be available and the initial selection of competitors will take place on 27 February, however, applications will continue to be accepted until 17 April.

Further details on all aspects of the Trophy are available from M-Sport’s Andrew Wheatley on awheatley@m-sport.co.uk.

Malcolm Wilson OBE, M-Sport managing director, said: “Last year’s Trophy was a great success and the interest that we have received so far indicates that 2015 will be no different. The new evolution, 1.0 litre Ford Fiesta R2 will provide competitors with a fantastic platform to showcase their skills and I’m expecting even more new talent to come to the fore.”

Dick Cormack, DMACK motorsport director, said:
“The format of the Trophy has proven both competitive and popular, and the changes introduced for this year will ensure it remains the most affordable way to compete in the WRC. DMACK has always focused on stimulating cost-effective competition by providing an affordable range of performance motorsport tyres and we’ve seen some great overall results during 2014. The huge prize and low-cost platform will undoubtedly result in even more interest this year.”

M-SPORT’S NEW TRADE PARTNERS

Posted: January 12, 2015 8:29 PM

The M-Sport World Rally Team are pleased to announce a new Partnership with Snap-on for the 2015 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

Snap-on are recognised as a world leader in professional tool brands. Crafted from the highest quality materials, their extensive range includes ratchets, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, advanced diagnostic tool and their legendary toolboxes.

The firm will have a visible presence in the M-Sport World Rally Team service area as they provide the ambitious young team with all the tools they need to realise their potential.

Also joining the M-Sport team in 2015 are Trafalgar and Permashine – world leaders in vehicle cleaning and protection of vehicle exterior paintwork and interiors.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

“It’s fantastic to welcome Snap-on, Trafalgar and Permashine to the M-Sport family. We enjoy a tremendous amount of support from each of our team and trade partners and I am sure that these new connections will yield considerable success as we work to unlock the potential of our young and ambitious team.”

Snap-on Marketing Communications Manager, Paul Krawczyk, said:

“Snap-on is very excited to be partnering with M-Sport in 2015. We appreciate M-Sport’s rich motorsport heritage and ambitions to compete at the highest level in the FIA World Rally Championship. We look forward to equipping them with the finest quality tools to help the team achieve their goals.”

Unfinished business in 2015 for Breen.

Posted: December 22, 2014 1:57 PM

Craig Breen, who has spearheaded the PEUGEOT Rally Academy since its creation, will next year look forward to not only another FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) campaign where his objective will be to secure the 2015 title but also seven WRC-2 outings all behind the wheel of his 208 T16.

Along with co-driver Scott Martin, he earned the 208 T16’s first major international success when he won the 2014 Acropolis Rally in Greece. For 2015, the crew and car have a programme of nine ERC rounds, since only the trip to Cyprus doesn’t figure in the pair’s diary.

“I’m delighted to be continuing with PEUGEOT Sport in 2015 when our priority will be the ERC title, ” says 24-year old Craig. “Last year wasn’t easy. We were down on luck and it was the 208 T16’s debut season but now all the ingredients are in place. The car combines speed and reliability and I know the team well, since this will be my third year as part of the official line-up. It’s going to be an exciting but busy year because my programme also includes, with PEUGEOT Sport support, seven WRC-2 outings in the 208 T16 with the same team.”

The PEUGEOT Rally Academy’s 2015 campaign with the 208 T16 and 208 promises to be particularly busy, beginning with its first competitive appearance on next month’s European Rally Championship opener, the Jännerrallye.

MADS ØSTBERG TO STAY WITH CITROËN RACING IN 2015!

Posted: December 4, 2014 2:04 PM

For the 2014 season, the works DS 3 WRCs were entrusted to two up-and-coming drivers. This approach paid dividends. Between them, Mads Østberg and Kris Meeke racked up eight podium finishes on all surfaces: gravel, tarmac and snow.

Recently confirmed for a second season, the Northern Irishman Kris Meeke will once again team up with the Norwegian Mads Østberg in 2015. Mads will have the chance to add to his one WRC win, as he takes part in all thirteen rounds of the calendar.

Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena will also be competing at Rallye Monte-Carlo in January of next year. The nine-time World Championship-winning crew will be nominated to score points for the Manufacturers’ championship, as will Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle. Mads Østberg and Jonas Andersson will take over from them at Rally Sweden, one of their favourite rounds!

QUOTE, UNQUOTE

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal:
“At 27 years old, Mads Østberg is now one of the most experienced drivers in the World Rally Championship. His first season in the DS 3 WRC allowed us to assess his potential. Mads produced some strong performances, despite being rather unlucky at times during the year. Having scored 108 points, his fifth place in the Drivers’ championship reflects his investment. He’ll be able to build on his first season in the DS 3 WRC and will be beginning 2015 already perfectly familiar with the team and the car… Like with Kris Meeke, the aim will be to reap the rewards of the work we have put in.”

Mads Østberg:
“I’m very happy to be able to keep working with the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team. I have really enjoyed the last few months. I have learned a lot just by being in contact with this fantastic team and I feel that I’m a better driver. With the DS 3 WRC, I had to adjust my driving style. The work I put in has enabled me to discover new techniques, and they have helped me get to grips with certain surfaces and conditions more easily. I’ll be using this experience to go even further in 2015. I’m really looking forward to seeing the upgrades that have been made on the DS 3 WRC. Thanks to the work done last year and the developments we’re testing and confirming this winter, I want to be able to fight to win rallies as often as possible.”

Citroën Racing has been identifying and putting their faith in talented young drivers for many seasons, supporting their progress to the upper echelons of world rallying. With the Citroën Racing Trophy, the FIA Junior WRC and a full range of customer racing products (DS 3 R1, DS 3 R3-MAX and DS 3 R5), many crews have reached the WRC thanks to the driver development programmes created by the French manufacturer.

There will be further news next week about Citroën Racing in 2015! Watch this space…

M-SPORT CONFIRM EVANS AND TÄNAK

Posted: November 21, 2014 10:30 PM

M-Sport is pleased to confirm that Ott Tänak will partner Elfyn Evans next year as the team field one of the FIA World Rally Championship’s (WRC) most exciting young teams.

As two of the WRC’s most gifted youngsters, M-Sport is motivated by the pairing’s potential and look forward to nurturing their talent as they make their mark behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC.

Following what has been one of the championship’s most impressively controlled debuts in a top-specification world rally car, Evans’ continuation with the team has long been known.

The Welshman, who is partnered by fellow Brit Daniel Barritt, secured two career-best fourth place finishes in Mexico and Germany and took his first stage win – the Power Stage no less – on the asphalt roads of Rallye Deutschland.

With a full year of experience under his belt, Evans will be looking to improve his skills further and the team are encouraged by the prospect of additional progress – the 25-year-old aiming to increase his speed and performance on each of the 13 events.

Following Mikko Hirvonen’s retirement, Tänak was the obvious replacement and a clear favourite amongst the media and fans alike.

The Estonian is blisteringly quick and has already built strong relationships with the team. Returning to the world stage with a Fiesta RS WRC in Sweden and Portugal earlier this year, he and co-driver Raigo Mõlder instantly impressed.

After more than a year’s absence from the championship, Tänak proved that he had lost none of his pizzazz – setting fastest times and running as high as second overall at Rally de Portugal. Having combined his speed with a renewed sense of maturity, the 27-year-old will be one to watch as the 2015 season unfolds. Development on an upgraded version of the Fiesta RS WRC began in earnest in the midst of 2014 and the test team will embark on a comprehensive test schedule before the end of the year. A series of evolutions will be launched throughout the course of the 2015 season.

Elfyn Evans said:
“I’m really looking forward to next year. We’ve had a great first season and gained so much knowledge and experience of the events. There’s going to be a lot of hard work next year – analysing all of the data that we’ve collected from all of the rallies – but I’m confident that we can continue to progress and improve our speed and performance on each event.

“We’re really looking forward to working with Ott [Tänak] and Raigo [Mõlder]. We’ve worked together on a few events this year and we all get on really well. They’ll both fit perfectly into the team dynamics and I’m sure we’ll all be able to work together as we strive towards our respective goals.

“Finally I want to say a huge thanks to Malcolm [Wilson] and the team for their continued support and belief. I’m in the best possible place to progress, and none of this would be possible without every single member of the team.”

Ott Tänak said:
“I’m really happy to have been given another chance. I know it’s going to be a big challenge and a big responsibility, but I’m ready for it and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.

“We’ll need to find our rhythm in the first few events, but I’ve been working with M-Sport for a long time and I have a lot of mileage with the Fiesta RS WRC so I hope it won’t take too long to get up to speed. We have some good experience of most of the rallies and I think that there are some events where we could do really well.

“I’ve definitely grown as a driver and I want to thank Malcolm [Wilson] for giving me this second chance. We worked really hard this year and I think we proved that we have the potential; but none of that would have been possible without Malcolm and M-Sport, and for that, I am extremely grateful.

“I’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received in recent years. There are so many people out there who have stayed with us on this long journey; I am really humbled by that and truly thankful for their faith in me.”

Team Principal, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
“I think it’s fair to say that we will be fielding what is one of the most exciting driver pairings in the FIA World Rally Championship next year. There is no doubting the potential of Elfyn [Evans] and Ott [Tänak] and I’m looking forward to seeing what they can do.

“Both drivers have a full season of world rally car experience and the whole team is motivated by the possibility of some break-through performances. I fully believe that both drivers are capable of challenging for the podium on a number of events and we are all looking forward to what looks set to be another thrilling year of rallying.

“We have some exciting developments for the Fiesta RS WRC on the horizon and we plan to implement these upgrades as the season progresses. The signing of Elfyn and Ott has brought a real enthusiasm to the team and we’re all looking forward to fulfilling their potential next year.”

NEW EVENTS ON THE 2015 JWRC CALENDAR

Posted: November 18, 2014 4:53 PM

Organised in conjunction with the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile, the FIA Junior WRC is set to change in 2015. A seven-event calendar will be offered to the teams, which must choose the six rounds at which they wish to score points.

The calendar will be made up of four rounds on gravel, two on tarmac and one mixed-surface event, to reflect more accurately the character of the World Rally Championship.

The FIA Junior WRC remains restricted to drivers aged under 28, competing in DS3 R3s equipped with the MAX kit that was homologated on 1 January 2014.

With the support of partners Total and Michelin, Citroën Racing will offer the winner a programme of six rallies in Europe in a DS3 R5, competing in the 2016 FIA WRC2 championship.

2015 FIA Junior WRC calendar (subject to approval by the FIA)

CITROËN RACING AND KRIS MEEKE/PAUL NAGLE STAY TOGETHER FOR 2015!

Posted: November 18, 2014 11:42 AM

Third in the Junior WRC with Citroën in 2005 and winner of the IRC in 2009, Kris Meeke competed in his first rallies with the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team in 2013. This season, the Brit play a major part in Citroën securing second place in the Manufacturers’ World Championship.

In 2015, Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle will therefore be joining forces in a works DS3 WRC.

“When we chose Kris Meeke for this season, we took a bit of a gamble,” recalled Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal. “But he has improved with pretty much every race and has now become a complete driver. The real turning point was at Rally Finland. He adopted the right approach. He has managed to acquire experience throughout the season. He has shown that he not only has real pace, but that he can be more patient sometimes as well. Kris is a competitive driver on all surfaces, capable of being quick on tarmac and on gravel. This versatility is a real asset for Citroën Racing. The name of the second works driver for 2015 will be announced shortly, once we have finalised the various discussions that are still ongoing.”

Having secured podium finishes on surfaces as different as Monte-Carlo, Argentina, Finland and France, Kris Meeke and Paul Nagle also led rounds in Germany and Australia. With an identical calendar scheduled for next season, the experience they have acquired this year will help them be even more competitive in 2015.

“It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to continue to work together,” commented Kris Meeke. “Since the end of last year, Citroën Racing has given me the chance to prove my worth. This first full season has been spent learning about the WRC. In the second half of the year, I was able to show part of my potential. There’s room for improvement, but I now have some decent foundations to build on next year, in order to keep progressing. With experience, everything becomes that bit easier. I know the team well and we understand each other. I feel like I’m part of the Citroën family!”

Video: Daniel McKenna Motorsport 2015 Promo

Posted: November 6, 2014 12:42 PM

Daniel Ready To Take On The Best In The World

Posted: November 6, 2014 12:39 PM

Daniel McKenna is in the final stages of preparing for his final outing of 2014, Wales Rally GB. The event is the final round of the World Rally Championship and Daniel gained entry to the rally after winning the British Rally Championship in September.

Competing on the world stage is very important to Daniel as he highlighted earlier, “It’s means a lot to me to be back on a world championship event after a year away. I’ve gained a lot of experience and mileage in the last 12 months as Pirelli Star Driver, be that tyre development or direct competition and I’ve grown to really enjoy driving the Davy Greer Motorsport Citroen DS3 R3T. That’s really important as I aim to keep with Citroen for 2015.”

Daniel’s plans for 2015 aren’t finalised yet but a lot of work is going on behind the scenes and the ultimate goal is tackle the 2015 Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC). “I’m determined to progress in the sport and I see the JWRC as the next logical step for me. I’m working hard to secure the necessary backing but focusing on the present, my goal in Wales is to try and get up to the pace of the current Junior World Rally Championship regulars. It’ll be a stern task but that’s the level that I’m aspiring to and it’s where I need to prove myself.”

There’s also another reason why Daniel wants to give a strong performance on Wales Rally GB. As Daniel alludes; “Wales will more than likely be my final rally with Arthur Kierans for a while as my former co-driver Andrew Grennan plans to partner me for the 2015 season. Arthur has been a fantastic co-driver these past few seasons and has brought so much to the team so I’d love to pull out a good performance in Wales for him.”

Wales Rally GB starts in earnest on Friday the 14th of November before finishing on Sunday the 16th with 23 famously tough stages on the gravel roads of the Welsh woods. You can follow Daniel’s progress as the season draws to close by following him on Twitter @DMKMotorsport and Facebook at Daniel McKenna Rallying or by checking out his website, www.danielmckenna.net

Tuthill Porsche Confirms 911 R-GT Production Run

Posted: October 23, 2014 12:13 PM

Tuthill Porsche confirms a limited production run of its World Rally Championship class-winning Porsche 911 R-GT car, following substantial interest in the groundbreaking project over two WRC outings so far this year. Earliest orders will be completed in time for January’s Rallye Monte-Carlo: opening round of the 2015 FIA R-GT Cup.

Tuthill engineers have worked closely with the sport’s governing body, the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA) to create a highly competitive platform for the 2015 FIA R-GT Cup, a five-round series run in Europe as part of the World Rally Championship. FIA homologation also confirms the Porsche 911 R-GT’s eligibility for national rally championships.

Graham Prew, former Senior Sales Manager at Prodrive, will lead Tuthill’s R-GT sales programme, including test drives for interested parties in the UK and Ireland and across mainland Europe.

“I have known Tuthill Porsche as the best in their market for many years now, in particular given their dominance of the classic Porsche rallying world,” says Graham. “The opportunity to get involved in the Porsche 911 R-GT concept from the outset is too good to miss and I am absolutely confident that rally drivers around the world will love this car. It has been very well put together and its record to date speaks for itself. I can’t wait to see them all out rallying next year!”

“Our Porsche 911 R-GT car has caused a massive stir wherever it goes,” says Richard Tuthill, MD of Tuthill Porsche. “It is a cost-effective and extremely reliable rally car that both drivers and teams can enjoy rallying for years to come. I have always loved the R-GT concept and I am delighted that we are now going to build a few cars for appropriate customers to compete with.”

Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy Returns With New Car

Posted: October 23, 2014 12:01 PM

After a successful inaugural season, where the winner will be awarded the biggest prize in rallying this weekend at Rally de España, the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy is set to return in 2015 with a similar format of five rounds of the FIA World Rally Championship.

The cost-effective series proved its popularity after being massively oversubscribed when announced at the start of this year and organisers have pledged to keep the same popular format.

This season has seen competitors from 11 countries take on the challenge in identical M-Sport-prepared Ford Fiesta R2 cars equipped with DMACK tyres and powered by sustainable GEM Fuel. However, for 2015, M-Sport will provide an all-new, one litre turbocharged engine to ensure the series remains both competitive and environmentally aware.

With a raft of enquires from across the globe, M-Sport expects next season’s series to be every bit as competitive and popular.

The battle for this year’s title goes down to the very last round in Spain this weekend. Estonia’s Sander Pärn and Briton Tom Cave both have a chance to reign in Spain but Pärn benefits from a 29-point advantage ahead of the start in Barcelona tomorrow.

Dick Cormack, DMACK managing director, said:
“It’s been an encouraging and extremely positive first season for us. As a relative newcomer to the FIA World Rally Championship, DMACK’s vision has always been to help and assist the potential stars of the future. The Trophy allows us to unearth the next batch of talent while providing an excellent platform to develop our products for two-wheel-drive competition.”

Malcolm Wilson OBE, M-Sport managing director, said:
“When we launched the Drive DMACK Fiesta Trophy, we received an incredible amount of interest. The format appealed to those looking to progress at rallying’s highest level and as a result the Trophy was heavily oversubscribed. The first season has been a huge success. We’ve seen a number of very talented drivers come to the fore with some very exciting battles throughout the year. I am pleased to say that the championship will continue with a similar format next year – five WRC events in which we hope to find yet more talent.”

Volkswagen sticks with winning combination of Ogier, Latvala and Mikkelsen

Posted: October 23, 2014 11:58 AM

Volkswagen Motorsport, Sébastien Ogier (F), Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) and Andreas Mikkelsen (N) are set to continue their successful cooperation: Volkswagen has renewed its contracts with the men currently first, second and third in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). Given the extremely successful partnership – every World Championship title* on offer in 2013 and 2014, and 38 WRC podiums, including 20 wins from 24 rallies – the contract extension is a logical step for all involved.

“We currently have the three best rally drivers in the world on our books,” said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Jost Capito. “Continuity is an important factor in any success in motorsport, and I am delighted to have been able to extend our cooperation with Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen. Together with their co-drivers, all three are an essential part of Volkswagen’s overwhelming success in the World Rally Championship, and we are sure that we will enjoy much more success in the coming years with this team.”

World Champion Sébastien Ogier has been a member of Volkswagen’s rally team since 2012, when he prepared for the pinnacle of rallying with outings at the wheel of cars from group brand Škoda and intense tests with the Polo R WRC. And with great success: Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia (F) have not only won 15 of the 24 rallies they have started, but also won the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship in their first season with Volkswagen, as well as teaming up with Latvala/Anttila (FIN/FIN) to win the Manufacturers’ title for the Wolfsburg-based manufacturer – a feat they repeated in 2014, when they sealed the earliest title win in the Manufacturers’ Championship for 25 years.

Jari-Matti Latvala has achieved 14 of his 46 podium finishes since switching to Volkswagen in January 2013. These include five wins alongside co-driver Miikka Anttila (FIN), the most recent of which in the form of a historic victory at the Rally France, when he became the first Finn to win on asphalt for over 15 years. With two rounds of the WRC remaining, in Spain (23–26/10) and Great Britain (13–16/11), Ogier/Ingrassia and Latvala/Anttila will battle it out amongst themselves for the Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship.

Andreas Mikkelsen has far exceeded the high expectations many had of him this season. In the eleven rallies so far, the youngster has claimed five podiums, including second places on ice and snow (Sweden), gravel (Poland) and asphalt (France). Mikkelsen, with co-driver Ola Fløene (N) calling the shots, is on the cusp of securing third place in the 2014 World Drivers’ Championship with two rallies still to come.

Drivers' quotes

Sébastien Ogier, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #1
“Renewing the contract with Volkswagen is a completely logical step. The best team with the best car – there was no reason for me and Julien to want anything but what is far and away the best opportunity to battle for wins and World Championship titles. I am very pleased that we will continue to work with this team, in which we feel so comfortable and with whom we have enjoyed our greatest successes.”

Jari-Matti Latvala, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #2
“I am delighted that my co-driver Miikka Anttila and I will continue to line up for Volkswagen in the future. To be able to drive for the best team and in the best car, you cannot ask for more as a rally driver. At Volkswagen I have everything I need to challenge for wins and titles, and I am very happy that the team continues to put its faith in us.”

Andreas Mikkelsen, Volkswagen Polo R WRC #9
“To start alongside Sébastien Ogier and Jari-Matti Latvala for Volkswagen again in 2015, there is no better opportunity out there in rallying. You can learn from the best and, at the same time, compare yourself against them in the same car. I can look back on two extremely exciting years and a steep learning curve with Volkswagen. I am sure we will continue to develop together.”

* Subject to the official publication of the results by the FIA.

Championship Rounds

Posted: October 23, 2014 11:54 AM

Monte-Carlo - 22-25 January 15
Sweden - 12-15 February 15
Mexico - 05-08 March 15
Argentina - 16-19 April 15
Portugal - 21-24 May 15
Italy - 10-14 June 15
Poland - 02-05 July 15
Finland - 30 July-02 August 15
Germany - 20-23 August 15
Australia - 10-13 September 15
France - 01-04 October 15
Spain - 22-25 October 15
Great Britain - 12-15 November 15

Dates shown are Thursday to Sunday.

www.wrc.com

Topics: World Rally Championship

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