2012 World Rally Championship

EVANS CROWNED 2012 FST INTERNATIONAL SHOOTOUT WINNER

Posted: December 25, 2012 9:41 PM

After two gruelling days of competition in which some of the most impressive young rally drivers from around the world did battle for the ultimate prize, Elfyn Evans emerged victorious – adding victory in the FST International Shootout to his already decorated 2012 season. But with this year’s Shootout providing some closely-fought competition, a second prize was awarded for the first time in the event’s six-year history – an M-Sport funded drive in a round of next year’s European Rally Championship for FST Belgium’s ‘wildcard’ entry, Hugo Arellano.

Competing for a year’s contract with M-Sport, the most aspiring and talented youngsters from across the global Ford Fiesta SportTrophy series descended on the team’s headquarters at Dovenby Hall. Assessing the drivers’ physical, psychological and media abilities, Day 1 consisted of a timed wheel-change competition, psychological test devised by Edinburgh University’s Sport Science faculty and a press conference in which each competitor was scrutinised by some of the industry’s most respected journalists.

Taking an early lead, Arellano and Evans impressed throughout all completed disciplines* – topping the score sheets with just three per cent to separate the battling duo. Evans claimed the top spot in both the physical and media tests, with Arellano excelling in the psychological assessment. Also rising to the challenge, 18-year-old Latvian Ralfs Sirmacis scored highly across all three tests to secure a strong position going into the final driving assessment.

Further down the field, competition was tight and the ultimate prize remained up for the taking. As wintry showers began to fall on a frosty Carlisle Airport, Day 2’s driving assessment was a tough one as the competitors looked to impress M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, with their speed and flare behind the wheel of the Ford Fiesta R2. Each crew completed two recce runs of the stage – in the same recce cars used by Ford World Rally Team’s Jari-Matti Latvala and Petter Solberg in this year’s FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) – before taking to the Fiesta for three timed passes over the broken-asphalt stage.

Arellano and Sirmacis claimed the fastest times through each pass – Arellano fastest on the first and third pass with Sirmacis claiming the fastest time through the second. But it was Evans’ consistency that paid dividends. With two second and a third fastest time, the Welshman secured the best overall time, albeit just 0.1 seconds clear of Belgium’s ‘wildcard’ entry.

With the assessments complete, Wilson selected the five drivers who had impressed him most over the two-day competition. As the lucky five candidates, Arellano, Evans, Marcis Kenvas (Latvia), Sirmacis and Radoslaw Typa (Poland), then had the opportunity to convince M-Sport’s Managing Director that they were deserving of the opportunity to work for one of history’s most successful WRC teams.

After a lengthy and difficult decision process, Evans concluded what has been a sensational season by winning the sought-after position at M-Sport. In one of the closest competitions in Shootout history, Wilson saw it only fit to award a second prize – offering Arellano an M-Sport supported drive in the Fiesta R2 for a round of next season’s European Rally Championship – thus highlighting and commending the high standard of training provided by the FST Belgium series.

Complimenting his FIA WRC Academy prize of either a 13-round season in the WRC with the Fiesta R2 or a five-round WRC programme with one of M-Sport’s super 2000 specification Fiestas, Evans will begin the next phase of his rallying career in January when he joins the two-time WRC Manufacturer champions for a residential employment contract in 2013.

Elfyn Evans (GBR, 23) said:
“I am very happy to have won the [FST International] Shootout. Alongside the prize from the [FIA WRC] Academy, I think the two will compliment each other perfectly. It will give me a fantastic opportunity – to move away from home and meet and work with a lot of new people, and I am sure I’ll learn a lot along the way.

“The competition was tough and the conditions were tough. It was very difficult to find the balance between going quickly and not making any mistakes. We tried to ensure that we had a clean run on each of the passes, and in the end it all paid off. This was the perfect end to what has been an unbelievable season!”

Hugo Arellano (LUX, 25) said:
“It was a close competition this year and I had a really good battle with Elfyn [Evans]. I am really happy with my performance this year – to see that I could compete at the same level as the [FIA] WRC Academy champion [Evans] is something I can be very proud of.

“I am really excited for next year now, and the chance that Malcolm [Wilson] has given me to run the [Ford Fiesta] R2 on a round of the European Championship. It is a great opportunity for me. I come from a very small country where rallying is not so famous. I have to work hard to get a programme together, so for me, this is a little dream come true and I would like to thank Malcolm and M-Sport for the opportunity.”

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:
“The level of competition was very good this year – so much so that I thought it only right to award two prizes. This is the first time we have done this as part of the Shootout, but I was so impressed with the level of this year’s competitors.

“Elfyn [Evans] and Hugo [Arellano] are two exceptionally talented young drivers. They are both great ambassadors for the sport and I expect that we will see a lot more from them as their careers progress.”

*Arellano was unable to participate in the physical assessment having undergone surgery the previous week.

MICHAEL PARK 'BEEF' TROPHY

Posted: September 13, 2012 8:09 PM

The Michael Park 'Beef' Trophy is awarded annually in memory of Michael Park, who died in a tragic accident during Wales Rally GB in 2005 while co-driving for his long-term partner Markko Märtin.

Michael is much missed by the entire World Rally Championship (WRC) community. To perpetuate his memory a group of friends and colleagues - inspired by Vincent Laverne - commissioned the trophy.

The bronze bust was created by French artist François Chevalier and was donated to Michael’s wife, Marie, and children, William and Victoria.

Each season a smaller replica trophy is awarded to a co-driver who has best demonstrated the qualities associated with Michael during his career, taking into account overall performances, attitude, commitment and other actions or achievements.

In 2006 the trophy was presented to Daniel Elena from Monaco. In 2007 it was awarded to Finland’s Timo Rautiainen, in 2008 to Denis Giraudet of France, in 2009 to Jarmo Lehtinen from Finland, in 2010 to Phil Mills from Wales and in 2011 to Ilka Minor from Austria.

The recipient is decided by a jury selected from the WRC community. For 2012 the jury comprised Paul Turner (Michael Park’s manager), Robert Reid, Mark Wilford and Vincent Laverne. They had four nominations from which to choose: Jonas Andersson (Norway), Daniel Elena (Monaco), John Kennard (New Zealand) and Stéphane Prévot (Belgium).

We are pleased to announce that in 2012 Stéphane Prévot has been chosen as the seventh winner of the Michael Park ‘Beef’ Trophy.

He made his FIA World Rally Championship debut in 1989 at Rally GB. He teamed up with Bruno Thiry for Opel in 1991 and has been a regular competitor ever since, first with Thiry, then François Duval and since 2007 with Chris Atkinson. Stéphane has also partnered other drivers including Stephane Sarrazin, Evgeny Novikov and Henning Solberg.

During his long career, he has worked with many top teams, including Opel, Ford, Toyota, Škoda, Peugeot, Citroën, Subaru and, in 2012, MINI.

August’s Rally Finland was Stéphane's 150th WRC start and this week in Britain he faces his 152nd event. He has yet to reach the top of the podium but has secured five second places, including the Ivory Coast Rally in 1992 and Mexico and Argentina with Atkinson in 2008.

The first 10 years of Stéphane's career were spent with fellow Belgian Thiry and they played a vital part in General Motors Europe winning the 1993 2WD World Championship. They joined Ford in 1994 and competed regularly in WRC for the team until switching to Subaru in 1999 and Skoda in 2001.

Stéphane teamed up with Duval in 2003 and joined Ford as team-mates to Markko and Michael. They achieved success together and in 2005 joined Citroen, but Stéphane later chose to leave the partnership. He co-drove with Sarrazin in 2006 at Subaru and teamed up there with Atkinson in 2007.

He showed great loyalty to Thiry and more recently to Atkinson, staying with him when Subaru departed the WRC and travelling to Asia Pacific regularly for three years to compete alongside the Australian for Proton and Škoda.

They currently lead the 2012 FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and although they are missing Rally Japan this weekend to compete for WRC Team MINI Portugal in Rally GB, they plan to start in China in November and try to secure the title.

During the past four years, Stéphane has also competed in a variety of rallies around the world to support his family. He has also provided advice and guidance to many younger co- drivers and when not competing reverts back to his original status of rally fan and can be found on the stages of Belgian rallies with friends, family and supporters.

Paul Turner, Michael and Markko’s manager, has worked closely with Stéphane and described him as a ‘great guy’.
“He is a hugely experienced but, at the same time, modest and unassuming co-driver who goes about his business in a low profile but utterly professional way, traits which were, of course, true of Michael as well.

“Michael always had a lot of time for Stéphane and I know he would absolutely approve of the decision to present him with this prestigious award today in Wales,” added Turner.

Stéphane was presented with the trophy by Ford World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson in front of invited media, guests and friends of Ford at its Happy Hour reception in the Wales Rally GB service park in Cardiff on Wednesday 12 September.

Chris Atkinson to contest remaining World Rally Championship rounds with MINI

Posted: August 16, 2012 12:27 PM

Australian Chris ‘Atko’ Atkinson will contest the remaining five rounds of the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship as the number one driver for MINI.

Atkinson will compete for the factory-supported WRC Team MINI Portugal and jet set straight from his Gold Coast base to Europe today with the WRC heading to Germany for the ADAC Rallye Deutschland next weekend.

“MINI has provided me with an awesome opportunity to return to the World Championship and I’m stoked to be back as a lead driver for a great manufacturer and for the remainder of the 2012 season,” commented an enthusiastic Atkinson.

“I love the tarmac so it’s great to know that three of the remaining five events are on the sealed surface and I hope to take full advantage of my past experiences of the remaining rallies this year.”

Atkinson becomes the team’s number one driver, replacing Armindo Araujo who departs the team for sporting reasons.

Germany is by no means foreign to the Gold Coast-based driver with Atkinson contesting the event on four occasions prior, with a 100% completion rate and a top result of sixth overall in 2008.

It will be the first time the 32-year-old has driven the MINI John Cooper Works WRC but the Australian is relishing the chance to explore the possibilities of the competitive machinery.

“This will be my first time driving for WRC Team MINI Portugal and the MINI John Cooper Works WRC but from the information I have gathered I’m really looking forward to seeing what the MINI is made of in Germany.”

“The car looks great and the MINI brand is all about one big, fun-loving family which is just how I like to roll back on the Gold Coast.” Atko added.

Atkinson will be looking to continue his impressive form this year which sees him lead the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship and more recently, set blistering stage times on the Neste Oil Rally Finland despite an absence of four years, from the event.

He has an impressive WRC record which consists of 69 events, six podiums, 41 stage wins and 32 points finishes.
The history of Rally Germany is quite similar to Catalunya in that it was originally formed through the amalgamation of three smaller events ? the Deutschland, Hunsbruck and Saarland rallies. One of the highlights of ADAC Rallye Deutschland in recent seasons is the inclusion of the Circus Maximus superspecial stage, which runs through the centre of Trier - Germany’s oldest city.

Stages are a delight for competitors and spectators alike, with stages running through the beautiful regions along the banks of the Mosel River as well as taking crews into the Baumholder military complex with its massive, car-destroying, hinkelsteins.

PROTON Motorsports to focus on twin 2012 title tilt

Posted: August 15, 2012 12:09 PM

Current FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship leader and defending FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Champion PROTON Motorsports has shifted the focus of its programme in an effort to land two major FIA titles in 2012.

Recent SWRC Rally Finland winner and series leader P-G Andersson (Sweden) will contest the remaining SWRC rounds in a PROTON Satria-Neo S2000, aiming to add the Super 2000 title to the two FIA Junior World Rally Championship crowns he took in 2006 and 2007. And reigning FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Champion Alister McRae (Great Britain) will spearhead the Malaysian manufacturer’s attack on the final two rounds of the FIA APRC, aiming to become the first Briton to take back-to-back APRC titles.

Joining McRae on the next APRC round (Rally Hokkaido, September 15/16) will be seven-time Finnish Champion Juha Salo with British driver Tom Cave partnering Andersson in the team for Rally GB (September 12-16).

Salo made his PROTON Motorsports debut on his native Rally Finland earlier this month and was immediately on the SWRC pace. The Finn delivered the podium result which PROTON had been hoping for on the Jyvaskyla-based event. And beyond that, Salo impressed the team with the swift adjustment of his driving style to a Super 2000 car, having spent his career in more standard Group N machinery.

Cave is no stranger to PROTON, having competed in the Satria-Neo S2000 on numerous occasions in 2010. He returned to the squad in June this year to dominate the Rally of Thailand, winning 11 of 13 stages on his way to a commanding victory on his first event in Asia.

MEM team principal Chris Mellors said:
“The way the season has progressed, we now have very strong chances to win in both the FIA SWRC and APRC series and we have to maximise those opportunities – and that’s what this reshuffle is all about. When we started this season, we knew there would be decisions to make for the clash of Rally Hokkaido and Rally GB and we’re fortunate to have P-G in the lead of SWRC and Alister second in the APRC, so the choice of which driver went where really made itself.

“We’re doubly fortunate to have a driver of Juha’s ability to call on in Japan. Juha settled into the team brilliantly when he was at home in Finland and showed real pace on the faster roads. The stages in Japan are also really quick and we’re confident he’ll be able to go out there and deliver another very strong result for PROTON Motorsports. And British rally fans need no introduction to Tom Cave. He’s leading the British Rally Championship at the moment and is one of the sport’s brightest young stars. He showed tremendous maturity in the way he won in Thailand earlier this year and his home SWRC round next month will provide him with a genuine chance to showcase his talent on rallying’s highest possible stage.”

FULL AND EXCITING SEASON OF TRAINING REVEALED FOR FIA WRC ACADEMY

Posted: July 27, 2012 11:39 AM

The FIA WRC Academy crews' extensive training sessions will continue over the season's remaining four events as the drivers and co-drivers receive expert tuition in a range of areas from some of motorsport's most talented and respected individuals.

In a new approach from the more theoretical training of the WRC Academy's inaugural season, this year's series ' supported by Ford Racing in Europe and with control tyres from Pirelli ' will see crews participate in more practical, hands-on training as M-Sport endeavours to provide the stars of tomorrow with the broad range of skills required to become a future WRC world champion.

Having participated in a number of training sessions already this year, the WRC Academy crews are well prepared for the challenges ahead, but with further sessions in the pipeline, the crews will look to master the skills required to make it to the top of the sport.

At the season opener in Portugal, the WRC Academy drivers and co-drivers were put through their paces with fitness training from European gold medal winning triathlete, Barry Johnson, essential First Aid training from FIA Medical Delegate, Jean Duby, and given a lesson in writing effective pacenotes from Ford World Rally Team's Chris Patterson.

Embarking on what is renowned as the toughest event of the season at the Acropolis Rally of Greece, crews completed a training session in 'bush mechanics' ' the art of fixing an ailing rally car using only the tools to hand ' from Ford World Rally Team technician, Darren Mason, and a Q&A session with Citroën Total World Rally Team's Mikko Hirvonen.

In preparation for the third round of the season at what is known to many as rallying's spiritual home in Finland, the WRC Academy crews will have the opportunity to learn about tyres from Pirelli Motorsport Racing Engineer, Matteo Braga; as well as putting their questions to the hoonigan himself, and master of PR and social media, Ken Block. The Pirelli workshop will offer the drivers and co-drivers a fuller understanding of the design, tread pattern and compound of both Pirelli's gravel and Tarmac tyres as well as learning how to use the tyres to their maximum potential, set pressures and decide race strategy.

An exciting opportunity awaits the WRC Academy crews in the lead-up to the first closed-surface event of the season in Germany as the drivers and co-drivers learn the skills of asphalt driving before watching the experts in action and putting their training into practice.

With special access to Ford's testing ground at Lommel in Belgium, the WRC Academy crews will receive a lesson in Tarmac driving from professional instructor and former Le Mans and FIA GT driver, Fabio Babini; Italian rally driver and professional instructor, Tobia Cavallini; and F1 driving tutor, Rob Wilson, who has taught the likes of Pastor Maldonado, Bruno Senna, Kimi Räikkönen, Pedro de la Rosa, as well as Mikko Hirvonen, Jari-Matti Latvala and Petter Solberg. The crews will then make the journey to the legendary Nürburgring where they will have the opportunity to watch the weekend's DTM action at the invitation of DTM promoters ITR ' thus learning the art of asphalt driving before watching the experts and putting all they have learnt to good use on the German stages.

On location in Trier, competitors will be offered training from renowned shock absorber manufacturers, Reiger. Sharing their knowledge of damper set-up and mechanics, representatives from Reiger will strip a Ford Fiesta R2 damper to give the WRC Academy crews a fuller understanding of the car's suspension and how adjusting the damper 'clicks' can improve the performance of the car.

Rallye de France hosts the penultimate round of the season with WRC Academy crews emulating the Tour de France stages in a cycling tour of the Strasbourg region from M-Sport trainer, Barry Johnson. In addition, the crews have also been invited to attend a workshop hosted by Think!Sponsorship ' the leading provider of training to the sponsorship industry ' in which they will hone their sales skills, develop effective and realistic sponsorship proposals and channel their understanding of the current market in which their ideas will sit.

The season finale in Spain will offer the most exciting training initiative yet as crews receive a lesson in 'stunt driving' from the longest serving member of the Top Gear Live stunt driving team, Gordon Clendinning. Teaching the crews improved clutch control, confidence with the handbrake and spatial awareness, the session will also teach the WRC Academy drivers skills that can be replicated to provide sponsors with an added extra at corporate events ' high-speed parallel parking, stunt driving against the clock and an array of other fun tricks!

Throughout the season, crews will also have the opportunity to meet with some of the most successful drivers in the sport as they gain expert tips and advice from some of the WRC's biggest stars.

Providing the highest level of training both on and off the stage, M-Sport aim to provide the stars of tomorrow with the vital skills required to make the next big step in their respective rallying careers.

João Silva said:
'The training has been very good. When I entered the [WRC] Academy I had a small idea about everything, but nothing very detailed. Here I have the chance to learn from the best and I am making the most of all the information ' trying to put it into practice during the rally and during our day-to-day routines.

'The scheduled training [at future events] looks very exciting and I'm eager to participate in them. The training from Reiger is the one I am most excited about because, for me, the suspension is the most complex component on the car as it varies from driver to driver. Also the stunt driving experience and the Tarmac driving tuition should be amazing.

'The training is all very useful. For example in Portugal, I had to start making my own pacenotes with only two passes. As I was not used to this, I tried to sort all my doubts with Chris [Patterson] and hear all his tips and advice. Now, after two rallies, I feel better prepared. Also physically I have been following the training plan that Barry [Johnson] gave me. This way I feel better prepared, more agile and much faster.'

VIDEO: Stage One Technology - 10 years of the World Rally Championship

Posted: July 4, 2012 3:31 PM

FIA WRC ACADEMY Q&A WITH ALASTAIR FISHER

Posted: July 1, 2012 1:15 PM

In the lead-up to the third round of the season at the 2012 Neste Oil Rally Finland next month, we caught up with FIA WRC Academy leader, Alastair Fisher, as he gave us an insight into his career and revealed something you wouldn't expect.

Q: How long have you been rallying for?
A: Since 2006 so that is six years now.

Q: What was your first rally car?
A: It was a 1300cc black Suzuki Swift.
Q: Which rally would you most like to win and why?
A: Rally Finland, if you can be fast there it means a lot, it is such a prestigious rally.

Q: Which driver, past or present, would you most like to compete against and why?
A: It would obviously be nice to compete against [Sébastien] Loeb because he has won so many events and championships. It would be a great experience to compare yourself to someone like him.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
A: Just to believe in your own ability and be confident.

Q: Who is your rally idol?
A: My uncle, Bertie Fisher, he was a legend in Irish motorsport.

Q: What is your most memorable rally moment?
A: I have a few! When we came second in the Donegal Rally last year in the Ford Fiesta S2000 – that was very special. Also to have been leading Rally Finland in the WRC Academy last year and then winning the WRC Academy round in France were also two very special moments for me.

Q: What is the most important thing you hope to get out of the WRC Academy this year?
A: We hope to win the series and take the prize to progress next year. But the WRC Academy is also about building up confidence and gaining good knowledge of each WRC event.

Q: With a win in Portugal and second place in Greece, you are currently leading the WRC Academy, how does it feel?
A: I have to be happy with my performance this year. The win in Portugal was a great feeling. The rally was a real challenge and a lot tougher than last year but to an extent we were a lot better prepared this time round – both physically and mentally. We managed to get a good rhythm in the wet conditions and had good control throughout the rally – I think that was what won us the event. Then we secured a good second place in Greece which was good as every good result helps towards the final result at the end of the year.

Q: There are a lot of quick drivers in the WRC Academy this year, who do you see as your biggest competition?
A: Everyone! Everyone seems to have upped their game from last year and the new guys are already setting a good pace so the championship is wide open!

Q: How has your involvement in the WRC Academy been received at home?
A: There has been a lot of interest in the [WRC] Academy at home. What with Craig [Breen] winning last year, everyone has realised how good it is to win the series and the opportunities for further progress it can generate. I have had a lot of support from fans and friends with lots of emails and phone calls and texts.

Q: Have you found the WRC Academy training useful?
A: It was rally nice to sit down with Chris [Patterson, co-driver to factory Ford driver Petter Solberg, who gave the WRC Academy crews advise on pacenotes training] in Portugal. Of course everyone has their own technique when it comes to making pacenotes, but we picked up a few tips that we will integrate to make our own notes even stronger.
Then in Greece, the ‘bush mechanics’ was really useful and it was great to get an insight into something we had never covered before. Darren [Mason, technician for the Ford World Rally Team] told us a lot of useful tips. Hopefully we will never have to use them, but it was fantastic to have the opportunity to increase our knowledge!

Q: How are you preparing for Finland?
A: We are just trying to get as much seat time as possible before Finland. We hope to have a couple of tests at home and I’ll keeping up my fitness programme. The competition in Finland is definitely going to be tough!

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS….
Gravel or asphalt?
A: Gravel.

Twitter or Facebook?
A: Twitter.
Q: Tea or Coffee?
A: Tea.

Q: Book or Film?
A: Film.

Q: Where do you live?
A: Trillick in County Tyrone (Northern Ireland).

Q: What is your favourite food?
A: Ham and cheese sandwich.

Q: What’s your favourite music?
A: Dance music.

Q: What is your degree in?
A: Construction engineering and management.

Q: What are you scared of?
A: Not winning the WRC Academy.

Q: If you were an animal, what animal would you be?
A: I would be a fly on the wall.

Q: Tell us something about your co-driver.
A: He is a big Burnley Football Club fan.

Q: Tell us something most people don’t know about you.
A: I used to represent my county in the sport of lawn bowls!

Q: If you were stuck on a desert island, which three items would you take with you?
A: Sunscreen, a bottle of water and a pair of shorts.

"World Rally series blasted as ‘shambles’ " - Dr Beatty Crawford

Posted: June 21, 2012 2:28 PM

Recent article in "The Sun"

www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/motorsport/4320203/World-Rally-series-is-a-shambles-blasts-renowned-Brit-expert.html

Salo signs for PROTON

Posted: June 21, 2012 2:16 PM

Seven-time Finnish Rally Champion Juha Salo will join the PROTON Motorsports team for this year’s Neste Oil Rally Finland and Wales Rally GB.

The news that Salo, 36, will partner two-time Junior World Rally Champion P-G Andersson on each round of the Super 2000 World Rally Championship was confirmed at a press conference in Helsinki this morning. Salo’s two-rally PROTON programme is supported by principal backers Gulf Oil and Teknos, as well as a collection of 15 other sponsors.

The Finn, a two-time Group N winner on his home round of the World Rally Championship, drove the PROTON Satria-Neo S2000 for the first time in Wales on Monday, completing 160 kilometres at the wheel of the factory test car. The Jyvaskyla-based event will be his first SWRC outing in a Super 2000 car.

August’s Neste Oil Rally Finland will be the reigning Finnish Champion’s eighth start on one of world rallying’s most iconic events.

Salo said:
“In the spring time I was talking with my management group about the different possibilities for Rally Finland. We saw last year it was not possible to fight with S2000 cars unless you had the same equipment. So, we contacted PROTON Motorsport and then visited them in England.

“I believe that we can get the best possible service and support from PROTON Motorsports and I have to thank them and, of course, Gulf Oil, Teknos and all my other sponsors for helping me to achieve this biggest step yet in my driving career. I believe that if I do everything right then it is possible to continue this co-operation into the future. I wouldn’t be a rally driver if I didn’t think about victory and I know that I have all the right tools to make this result. Everything is in my hands.

“It is fantastic to drive the PROTON Satria-Neo S2000. This is a top-level car and quite different to what I have been driving before. It is much more physical to drive; you need to concentrate, to keep the revs up and you have to be more aggressive. This is a real competition car, pure and simple. Everything is fantastic with the car – especially the brakes, it’s like hitting the wall when you are stopping!

“I need to use my long experience for the team in Finland, I don’t need to push myself over the limit. The experience of the car and giving PROTON a good result is more important than anything.”

PROTON Motorsports team principal Chris Mellors is equally pleased to be running a Finn in Finland.

Mellors said:
“Juha was very comfortable very quickly in the car during the test. He was very good to work with and has a great attitude. I’m sure he’s going to fit into the team perfectly. He’s got some incredible experience of Rally Finland and the roads we’re going to be competing on this year; you don’t win seven Finnish titles without knowing how to drive those stages! We’re looking forward to putting that experience to good use. With Juha and P-G we’ll have a very strong line-up in Finland.”

Salo will test the Satria-Neo S2000 in Finland ahead of the start of the SWRC round.

Neste Oil Rally Finland (SWRC round five) runs from August 1-4 and Wales Rally GB (SWRC round six) is September 13-16.

Ford rally star Latvala sets world speed records in France*

Posted: June 14, 2012 3:57 PM

Ford World Rally Team driver Jari-Matti Latvala set four world speed records* in a Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost road car during a two-day event in France, during which 16 new records* were created.

The 27-year-old Finn, who spearheads Ford’s challenge in the FIA World Rally Championship, was part of a 12-man team which set 16 Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) speed world records* over distances ranging from 1km (0.6 miles) to 4104.7km (2550.5 miles).

Latvala joined 11 drivers, including eight journalists from France and the United States, for the record attempt at the CERAM test circuit in Mortefontaine, France. They drove three 125PS Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost cars, identical to those sold in Ford dealerships throughout Europe.

Latvala set the ‘sub-1.0-litre class’ world records* for times recorded covering 1km and 1 mile from both a standing start and a flying start. He also drove the opening leg of a 24-hour timed session, during which new records* were set for the highest average speed over six, 12 and 24 hours and 500 miles, 1000km and 1000 miles.

“This little engine punches way above its weight when it comes to performance,” said Latvala, whose regular ride is a 304PS Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car. “The records prove the Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost can be lots of fun – as well as a very frugal car.”

To be eligible, each car was required to be run-in under the supervision of an official FFSA (Fédération Française du Sport Automobile) steward, after being selected from the Ford manufacturing facility in Saarlouis, Germany.

The highest average speed recorded was 191.056 km/h (118.716 mph) during the setting of the world record for the highest average speed over one hour*.

The 125 PS Focus 1.0-litre EcoBoost is capable of 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration in 11.3 seconds and a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph). It delivers fuel efficiency of 5.0 l/100 km (56.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 114 g/km**.

The full list of Latvala’s records is as follows*:

RECORD - AVERAGE SPEED Standing start 1 kilometre 113.522km/h
Standing start 1 mile 79.402mph
Flying start 1 kilometre 176.168km/h
Flying start 1 mile 108.548mph
Highest average speed over 1000 km (joint) 164.361km/h
Highest average speed over 500 miles (joint) 102.656mph
Highest average speed over 1000 miles (joint) 103.357mph
Highest average speed over 6 hours (joint) 165.555km/h (102.871mph)
Highest average speed over 12 hours (joint) 166.784km/h (103.634mph)
Highest average speed over 24 hours (joint) 171.029km/h (106.272mph)

INTRODUCING THE FIA WRC ACADEMY CREWS OF 2012

Posted: March 9, 2012 2:32 PM

Old friends and new join the Pirelli supported FIA WRC Academy this year as M-Sport can today confirm the first batch of competitors that could be named WRC Academy Champion in 2012. With a host of national champions in the mix, this year’s candidates are of an exceptionally high calibre and entries are on a par with 2011 when the Pirelli Star Driver (PSD) programme ran six candidates in the series' inaugural season.

Introducing the drivers in alphabetical order:

Returning for 2012, Sweden’s Fredrik Åhlin (20) will be joined by Norwegian Morten Erik Abrahamsen as the Scandinavian pairing look to utilise their past experience in pursuit of the Cup victory. As the youngest ever overall winner in Sweden, and member of the Swedish National Rally Team, 20-year-old Åhlin secured a podium finish at the notoriously challenging stages of Rally d’Italia Sardegna last year and will be looking to secure his first win on the world stage as the Academy embarks on its second consecutive season.

Having contested the final round of the WRC Academy in its inaugural season, American Chris Duplessis (24) returns for an assault on the one-make series in 2012. Rallying since 2005, the American will be joined by co-driver Karl Atkinson (Ireland)
Despite being a newcomer to the world stage, Duplessis has an impressive track record in the USA, becoming 2WD champion in 2007, 2008 and 2010 and has already claimed 2WD victory on the opening two rounds of the Rally America series.

New to the WRC Academy, but with an extensive knowledge of the Ford Fiesta R2, Welshman Elfyn Evans (23) and co-driver Andrew Edwards will be real contenders for a strong result on the season opener at the end of the month. Having piloted the Fiesta to victory in the Fiesta SportTrophy UK and Ireland Championships in 2008, Evans went on to win the UK series with an unprecedented clean sweep – winning all seven rounds – in 2010. In the same year, the 23-year-old secured the BRC (British Rally Championship) Junior Championship and claimed victory in the UK’s Pirelli Star Driver Programme and in 2011, recorded the best-ever result for the Ford Fiesta R2 when he secured first in class and 16th place overall at Rally de France, Alsace.

After securing third place overall in the inaugural season of the WRC Academy, Briton Alastair Fisher (23) and regular co-driver Daniel Barritt return to the series eager to put their 2011 experience towards securing the ultimate prize. Despite misfortune early in the season, the Northern Irish driver claimed victory at the 2011 Rallye de France, Alsace and a podium finish on home soil at Wales Rally GB. Proving he is more than ready for the step-up to the Ford Fiesta S2000, 2011 also saw the 23-year-old compete behind the wheel of the Fiesta S2000 on the Donegal International Rally to claim second place overall.

After contesting two rounds of the WRC Academy in its inaugural year, Ashleigh Haigh-Smith (19) returns to contest the season in 2012. The South African started his rally career at the age of 14, co-driving for his father and finishing first in class at the Western Province Regional Championship. Attending a Rally School in the UK in 2007, Haigh-Smith secured a 75% pass and was named ‘Driver of the Day.’ With a special dispensation from the MSA, the youngster drove his first event at the age of 15, winning his class despite being unable to drive on the open road sections. With past experience of the series, the South African will be chasing his first overseas victory in 2012.

As one of the most improved drivers in last year’s WRC Academy, Yeray Lemes will be looking to put his experience into practice as he pursues the title in 2012. Finishing fourth overall in last year’s standings, the Canarian Islander’s development was rewarded when he and co-driver Rogelio Peñate secured a VW Motorsport seat for the 2011 RACC Rally de España. Proving he has real potential with five S-WRC stage wins on his first outing behind the wheel of the S2000, Lemes will be a firm favourite for the 2012 WRC Academy title.

Also new to the series for 2012, John MacCrone (22) will be joined by fellow Scot, Stuart Loudon. Despite this being the duo’s first experience of the WRC Academy, the pairing will be ones to watch as the season kick starts in Portugal at the end of the month. MacCrone held the 205 Ecosse Challenge Championship and was the Scottish Junior Champion in 2009. Contesting Rally Scotland as part of the IRC last year, the Scotsman claimed first in class and went on to be the class victor at the 2011 Wales Rally GB, proving his pace against more experienced WRC Academy drivers.

Making a welcome return to the series, Brendan Reeves (23) and his co-driving sister Rhianon Smyth will be looking to add 2012 FIA WRC Academy Cup Champions to their already impressive résumés. In 2012, Reeves was selected to participate in the FIA Institute Young Drivers Excellence Academy and regularly competes for Mazda Australia, driving in Targa events for the manufacturer since 2008. Finishing fifth in last year’s WRC Academy series, the 23-year-old Australian will be looking to apply his extensive experience in pursuit of the Cup victory. As the first Portuguese driver to compete in the WRC Academy, João Silva (24) and co-driver José Janela will be looking to make an impact from the off. Silva began his rally career in 2007 and has since been named two-time Madeiran Junior Champion in 2009 and 2010 and crowned 2WD Portuguese Rally Champion in 2011. The 24-year-old made his WRC debut at the Vodafone Rally de Portugal back in 2010 and in 2011, claimed the class victory.

Jose Antonio Suárez (20) makes a return to the series alongside regular co-driver Candido Carrera Estevez. An expert on asphalt, Suárez claimed the R3 and Junior series in the Spanish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2010. Not to be outdone on gravel, the Spaniard finished second overall in the Spanish Gravel Rally Championship and will be looking to put his experience of the 2011 edition of the WRC Academy to good use as he chases victory in 2012.

Supported by the Dutch Motorsport Federation’s (KNAF) young driver initiative, Timo Van der Marel (22) returns to the feeder series alongside experienced co-driver and fellow Dutchman Erwin Berkhof. Van der Marel’s rallying career began in 2008 and his debut in the World Championship followed in Germany the same year when he took victory in the N3 class. As a member of the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy, the 22-year-old will be keen to put the lessons of 2011 to good use as looks to improve on his podium finish at last year’s Neste Oil Rally Finland.

Supported by Ford Racing in Europe, the WRC Academy crews will once again pilot identical Ford Fiesta R2s with control tyres from Pirelli. Contesting six rounds in Portugal, Greece, Finland, Germany, France and Spain, a new rule for 2012 will see the WRC Academy crews count their best five scores in their overall cup points thus allowing the opportunity for more drivers to appear before the Acropolis Rally of Greece.

With a host of talented youngsters making up the field, this year’s edition is sure to provide some thrilling entertainment with any of the competitors having the potential to be named 2012 FIA WRC Academy Cup Champion.

Further information on competitors will be released in the lead-up to the first round of the season at the end of the month. To keep fully up to date, follow the FIA WRC Academy at: http://www.facebook.com/WRCAcademy

Prodrive boosts performance of MINI WRC

Posted: March 5, 2012 3:15 PM

At Rally Portugal this month the Prodrive WRC Team will introduce more than 100 modifications to improve the performance of the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. The enhancements are being homologated under the FIA regulations and will be available to fit to all MINI WRCs.

Prodrive has been running a development programme on the MINI WRC since October last year, using data it has gathered from running its own cars and a further dozen customer MINIs in championships across Europe and the Middle East.

A major focus has been development of the 1.6 litre turbo engine, with a result that the newly homologated engine has a three per cent increase in peak power. To achieve this, Prodrive has redesigned the induction system with a new restrictor and restrictor feed, while the engine cooling system has been made more efficient, with the introduction of an electrically-operated water pump, which not only reduces parasitic losses, but enables the engine temperature to be more accurately controlled and in turn the knock control optimised. Without a belt-driven water pump the alternator has been moved and the whole area around the drive belt made more robust, with a shorter drive belt which is simpler to change. With all these modifications, the engine management system software and associated electronics have been upgraded with optimised fail safe modes and enhanced driver and co-driver in-car displays.

The only visual change to the MINI WRC is the front bumper, which has been remodelled using CFD to improve engine cooling and the car’s aerodynamic performance. The new front splitter design allows the car to run at lower ride heights on rough gravel surfaces, reducing airflow under the car and increasing front-end downforce.

Prodrive has worked with suspension partner, Ohlins, to improve the performance of its dampers on rough surfaces with the new units giving the car greater stability and traction while running on gravel. The team has also developed a heavy duty suspension package specifically for use on very rough events like Greece.

For the first time, a lithium-ion battery can be run on the MINI. This not only gives a significant weight saving of more than 7 kg over the lead-acid battery it replaces, but has a 20 stage kilometre life in the event of an alternator or drive-belt failure, compared to just 2 km previously. Through further modifications on the car including a new manufacturing process for the construction of the carbon fibre rear wing, Prodrive has managed to reduce the base weight of the MINI WRC by 10kg, which allows more ballast to be strategically placed to improve the balance of the car.

Prodrive W¬RC Team drivers, Kris Meeke and Dani Sordo, shared four days in southern Spain last week testing the new car and according to team principal, Dave Wilcock, the improvements were very noticeable. He said: “Both drivers were really pleased with the developments and could feel the increase in performance both directly from the engine and in the dynamic behaviour of the car over the rough stages. This is a significant step forward for the MINI WRC, but our development work hasn’t stopped and the engineering team are already looking at the next set of improvements for later this year.”

The Prodrive WRC Team will next compete at Rally Portugal on 29 March – 1 April with Dani Sordo and Patrik Sandell.

FIA WRC ACADEMY INTRODUCES ROOKIE AWARD FOR 2012

Posted: February 24, 2012 12:16 PM

M-Sport is pleased to announce an exciting new award for this year's FIA WRC Academy. Following an impressive showing from a number of drivers with limited WRC experience in the feeder series' inaugural season, the 2012 edition will see the best-placed rookie receive a test in a Ford Fiesta S2000 with expert tuition from one of M-Sport's WRC drivers.

One contributing factor to success in the WRC is experience, and M-Sport is keen to reward those with limited familiarity of competition on the world stage. Pre-event preparation, on-event pressures, media know-how ' the WRC Academy is dedicated to equipping the world's most promising young drivers with all of these skills, but they all take time to develop over time.

The award will be eligible to all competitors who did not register for a round of the WRC Academy in 2011; with the highest placed of those drivers in the final standings claiming the sought-after prize.

The recipient will receive a test in M-Sport's second global rally car, and the next step on Ford and M-Sport's 'Ladder of Opportunity' after the Ford Fiesta R2, the Ford Fiesta S2000. Boasting an impressive history ' with victory on its competitive debut at the 2010 Rallye Monte-Carlo and the S-WRC Championship laurels in its inaugural season ' the Ford Fiesta S2000 is currently leading the S-WRC in the hands of the 2011 FIA WRC Academy Champion, Craig Breen.

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE said:
'The [FIA WRC] Academy is a great series with a fantastic prize which attracts a lot of very talented young drivers. But unfortunately, there can be only one winner. Considering the difference experience can make in the WRC, we [M-Sport] wanted to make sure that those drivers who impress with limited experience are also rewarded.

'For those contesting the [WRC] Academy, the [Ford] Fiesta S2000 is the next step on Ford and M-Sport's 'Ladder of Opportunity', and the test we are offering will certainly help the winner develop their driving. Not only will they have the chance to test the car, but they will also receive one-to-one tuition from one of our top WRC drivers.'

FIA APPOINTS M-SPORT AS WRC ACADEMY PROMOTER

Posted: February 21, 2012 10:42 AM

M-Sport is delighted at the FIA's recent announcement to appoint the Cumbrian-based company in the role of promoter for the 2012 edition of the FIA WRC Academy. In a coherent approach to the new season, M-Sport will continue to offer dedicated technical support for the series whilst working alongside motorsport's governing body to co-ordinate and promote the one-make series. With the deadline for entries in just three weeks time, M-Sport has confirmed that there will be 18 places available for the 2012 season.

Making its celebrated debut last year, the WRC Academy has become one of the most prestigious and exciting feeder series in recent years. In a nail-biting fight to the finish, the 2011 Cup Champion was decided over the final split of the very last stage - and M-Sport was privileged to play its part in the spectacle.

Supplying technical support throughout the Cup's inaugural season, M-Sport will continue to provide the one-make series with identical Ford Fiesta R2s for 2012 ' prepared and maintained at the company's Central European base in Poland. Coupled, once again, with control tyres from Pirelli, the WRC Academy will continue to encourage competitive sportsmanship amongst equal competition.

Through its close commercial relationship with Ford, M-Sport has been able to provide a fleet of Fiesta R2 category rally cars. Since it was first homologated by the manufacturer in September 2009, the Fiesta R2 has provided an excellent entry category for participants in rallying.

As in 2011, the series remains accessible and affordable with the cost of participation set at £119,500 GBP. As well as perfecting their skills on the stage, competitors will participate in a comprehensive training and tuition programme - with advice from some of rallying's most successful personalities - to maximise their potential both in and out of the cockpit.

In an extension to the 2011 series, this year will see the WRC Academy Champion further integrated into the Ford 'family' with an opportunity to advance their career within the WRC. In consultation with the FIA and M-Sport, the series victor will be given the opportunity to join the M-Sport team to contest a full 13-round WRC season in an M-Sport prepared Ford Fiesta R2, complete with recce car for long-haul events. Alternatively, depending on their experience, the Champion may opt to contest five rounds of the 2013 season as part of the M-Sport team in the award-winning Ford Fiesta S2000,

2012 will see a more challenging calendar with five out of a total of six rounds counting towards competitors' final Cup points. Following the series curtain-raiser in Portugal, the WRC Academy will travel to the notoriously challenging stages of the Acropolis Rally of Greece and the super-fast stages of Neste Oil Rally Finland, before moving onto asphalt rounds in Germany and France and the mixed-surface season finale at Rally de España.

With just over three weeks before entries close on 26 February, competitors are encouraged to register their interest with the WRC Academy Manager. Considering the success of the WRC Academy in its inaugural season, organisers are expecting a number of registrations over the coming week and competitors are encouraged to get their applications in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

As they become available, regulations and registration documents will be posted at:
http://fiestar2.com/index.php/component/remository/Downloads/2012-FIA-WRC-Academy/

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE said:
'The success of the [FIA WRC] Academy in its inaugural year was phenomenal. We saw some fantastic young drivers come to the fore in what was a great spectacle that I have no doubt we'll see replicated in 2012's offering.

'As such, M-Sport is delighted to increase their involvement in the programme: continuing to supply technical support both on and off the stage as well as a committed team of co-ordinators to oversee the day-to-day running and promotion of the series.

'We [M-Sport] have a long and successful history of fostering young talent. Having launched the Fiesta SportTrophy programme in 2006, we have a dedicated team ready and eager to implement the [WRC] Academy's ideals.

'This year's prize is designed to integrate the winner into the M-Sport team and the 2012 Champion will have the opportunity to develop as a world-class driver alongside the likes of Jari-Matti Latvala, Petter Solberg, Ott Tänak and Ken Block.

'Personally, I cannot wait to see what the class of 2012 has to offer.

MINI Motorsport to follow new path in the FIA WRC.

Posted: February 21, 2012 10:39 AM

After Dani Sordo (ES) and Carlos del Barrio (ES) finished second on the return of the brand to the legendary Monte Carlo Rally, the direction has now been set for a long-term MINI presence in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC): On Thursday 2 February, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) accepted a two-car manufacturer entry by WRC Team MINI Portugal into the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers. As a consequence MINI will complete the homologation for the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. The WRC Team MINI Portugal - consisting of Armindo Araújo (PT) and his co-driver Miguel Ramalho (PT), as well as Paulo Nobre (BR) and co-driver Edu Paula (BR) - will contest the remaining 12 events of the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship.

This long-term homologation ensures that the MINI John Cooper Works WRC can be used in the premier league of rallying, and other series in accordance with FIA regulations, up to and including 2018. The cooperation with Prodrive will be put on a new basis. Prodrive remains responsible for the construction and support of MINI John Cooper Works WRC customer vehicles, and will continue to work with the BMW Group on the further development of the car. The WRC Team, run by Prodrive, will from now on start as a works-supported private team.

“I am delighted that the future of MINI in the WRC has been secured on a long-term basis,” said Dr. Kay Segler, Senior Vice President MINI Business Coordination and Brand Management. “We remain convinced that the sport of rallying is perfectly suited to our brand. The situation we now find ourselves in means the MINI Motorsport family can, and will, continue to grow on the rally scene. With three podiums from just seven starts in the world championship, the MINI John Cooper Works WRC has already emphatically proven its potential. I am confident that our customer teams around the world will continue to thrill MINI fans with this car over the coming years. The FIA was just as interested in the long-term presence of the MINI brand in the WRC as we were, and was actively involved in finding a constructive solution. We are grateful for the good cooperation and the understanding it has shown us.”

Segler added:
“With its great enthusiasm and hard work, the Prodrive team has played a major role in the remarkable sporting success we have achieved on our initial outings with the MINI John Cooper Works WRC. On behalf of MINI Motorsport, I would like to thank everyone at Prodrive for their efforts so far and we look forward to working with them in support of our MINI John Cooper Works WRC customers in the future.”

Stage 1 Technology confirmed for 2012 FIA World Rally Championship

Posted: February 20, 2012 11:16 AM

British firm Stage 1 Technology has agreed terms with the FIA to supply timing, tracking and results systems to the World Rally Championship for the remainder of the 2012 season.

Contracts were signed on Friday afternoon, with the new agreement starting from next month’s Rally Mexico (March 8-11) and maintaining a partnership which has been running since 2001.

“This is great news,” said Stage 1 Technology managing director Simon de Banke. “Everybody’s had quite a stressful start to the season, so to get this deal across the line in what is an exceptionally short space of time is a fair reflection on how much everybody wants it to work. I would like to pay tribute to the speed and ability with which everybody in the FIA has worked to expedite this. And for their foresight and support of the championship in taking the leadership to get our systems back online.”

The agreement has not only guaranteed the supply of the purpose-built WRC timing, results and tracking systems, but it also safeguards the 20 jobs of the dedicated and expert workforce of Stage 1 Technology and associated companies.

That workforce will now travel around the globe to the next 11 rallies ensuring the teams and rally organisers know precisely where every competitor is on the road from a to b and how long they’re taking to get there. Stage 1 Technology’s state-of-the-art systems will beam timing data around the world via repeater planes and satellites arriving live onto the series’ homepage wrc.com and Nokia’s stunning application, ensuring fans across the planet can enjoy the action at home or out on the stages.

After missing the first round of the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship powered by Nokia, Stage 1 Technology returned for Rally Sweden earlier this month, and while the world rallying community breathed a sigh of relief at the return to normality in Karlstad, meetings began to firm up the future.

With the current agreement in place, both the FIA and Stage 1 Technology are keen to begin negotiations to take the partnership forward beyond the end of this year.

“We laid the foundations for this agreement while we were in Sweden,” said de Banke. “And we’re focused on this year and beyond now. The past few months have been a very tough time for everybody involved in the FIA World Rally Championship, but everything is starting to return to normal now, with our reinstatement being a big part of that. The challenges of the last few months will soon be a distant memory, but for now, we’re looking forward to putting the clocks on another stunning year in the most exciting sport on the planet.”

M-SPORT IN FULL SWING PREPARING FIA WRC ACADEMY CARS

Posted: February 15, 2012 4:28 PM

Work at M-Sport’s Central European base in Poland has been in full swing as staff prepare the Ford Fiesta R2’s for use in the 2012 edition of the FIA WRC Academy. With the 2011 fleet returned to Krakow late last year, an intensive rebuild has been on-going to get the Fiestas in tip-top shape ahead of the first round in Portugal next month.

Based on the Ford Fiesta Sport model and built from a standard conversion kit developed by M-Sport, the Ford Fiesta R2 forms the back-bone of the WRC Academy. With a 165hp engine kit to enhance performance, five-speed sequential gearbox with limited slip differential, AP brakes and Reiger suspension, the Ford Fiesta R2 has sold almost 200 cars and secured class victories around the globe.

The Fiesta’s highly competitive yet cost-effective nature makes it the perfect model to represent the WRC Academy for the second consecutive year.

The closing date for FIA WRC Academy entries ahead of the 2012 Vodafone Rally de Portugal is 27 February. Please see www.wrc.com/wrcacademy

ANNOUNCING THE GO FAST ENERGY WORLD RALLY TEAM

Posted: January 18, 2012 8:00 AM

As the legendary Rallye Monte Carlo returns to its rightful place in the WRC calendar, so the Go Fast Energy World Rally Team makes its official debut. With team-mates Henning Solberg and Matthew Wilson at the helm, the Go Fast team will run two Ford Fiesta RS WRCs across all rounds of the 2012 edition of the World Series.

Established in 1996 to support the lifestyle of sports enthusiasts, the multiple taste award-winning Go Fast Energy beverage is not just a company, but a philosophy and a way of life. Based out of Denver, Colorado in the USA and Landsmeer, Amsterdam in The Netherlands, Go Fast has expanded to such countries as England, Scotland, Mexico, New Zealand, Jamaica, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and Hungary with expansion starting soon in the Middle East, South America as well as other countries throughout Europe.

Worldwide, people are coming to realise that Go Fast is not just an organisation, but an attitude, a life-style. Famed for its dare-devil stunts in skydiving, B.A.S.E. jumping, motorcycle racing, snowboarding and, most famously, the Go Fast Jet Pack - which became a worldwide sensation with flights across the Royal Gorge that left spectators in awe - the Go Fast brand is happy to announce its involvement in the WRC; adding Solberg and Wilson to its catalogue of featured athletes.

Notoriously one of the most unpredictable and challenging events of the year, Rallye Monte Carlo is sure to throw some surprises into the mix which the Go Fast team will be keen to capitalise on. Covering more than 433km, it is one of the longest events in recent history. Teamed with its capricious weather conditions and the importance of strategy and tyre choice, the Go Fast Energy World Rally Team will be looking to secure a strong haul of points on a rally where experience and the ability to react are key.

Following his podium finish at the series finale in Wales last year, Solberg will be looking for another strong finish in the Principality. Celebrating his 100th rally start in 2011, the Norwegian’s vast experience places him in a strong position. An acute sense of the grip levels as well as the limits of the car are essential on Rallye Monte Carlo, and with Austria’s Ilka Minor back in the navigator’s seat, the pairing will be aiming for another strong result.

The only all-British pairing of Matthew Wilson and Scott Martin will also be aiming to get their season off to a flying start this weekend. Equalling their best ever WRC finish at Rally Australia in 2011, the duo will be looking to do one better this year. Once again, the young Brit will be looking for a healthy points score to kick start his 2012 campaign.

Speaking after Shakedown today, Henning Solberg said:
“The car is feeling very good but we’ll have to see what pace we have. We’ve had limited pre-season training so we’ll just go at our own speed. Monte Carlo is a very difficult rally; you can have rain, ice and snow but we’ll go out there and do our best.”

Matthew Wilson said:
“It’s great to be at the start of the Monte Carlo Rally again. The event is iconic in the season, but the conditions are so mixed that the approach we’ll take will be to use this rally as a high speed recce to get some good experience of the stages and then, should everything work-out, push from Sweden onwards. The most important thing here for us is to finish, especially with there being no SupeRally!”

On behalf of the Go Fast Energy World Rally Team, Karl Morris said:
“Go Fast Energy is extremely excited to team up with Solberg, Wilson and M-Sport in the World Rally Championship (WRC). Rallying is in many ways connected to our Go Fast motto: ‘Get More Out of Life’, where our drivers can test their ability in the most extreme driving conditions possible. Go Fast Energy aims to set up a long-lasting relationship with the WRC and we wish our drivers and dedicated team the best of luck for the 2012 season.”

Meeke/Nagle out for 2012?

Posted: January 16, 2012 9:41 AM

Following a decision by the Prodrive run Mini WRC to offer the 2nd "works" seat to paid drivers due to budget issues, its looks like Kris Meeke/Paul Nagle will be sitting out 2012.

A facebook page has been set up in support of Kris & Paul:

www.facebook.com/KrisMeekeMiniWRC

MINI WRC 2012

Posted: January 13, 2012 10:52 AM

FORD UNVEILS 2012 FIESTA RS WORLD RALLY CAR WITH ALL-NEW COLOUR SCHEME

Posted: January 12, 2012 2:37 PM

The all-new Ford Fiesta RS World Rally Car livery was revealed today when the company’s official team unveiled the new colours that will adorn the car in the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship.

Ford World Rally Team director Malcolm Wilson and Ford of Europe motorsport chief Gerard Quinn unveiled the livery for the eye-catching Fiesta RS WRC at the Autosport International Racing Car Show in Birmingham, motorsport’s traditional start-of-season showcase event.

The team will continue to be sponsored by Castrol EDGE. Branding for Castrol’s global range of best-in-class motor oils will feature prominently in the Fiesta RS WRC’s new livery for the upcoming season, as it did in 2011.

The Fiesta RS World Rally Car, with its four wheel-drive transmission and 1.6-litre EcoBoost-inspired engine will once again spearhead Ford’s challenge in the 2012 and 2013 championships. The car, based on the best-selling Fiesta road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in both the first and final rounds of its debut season last year.

Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila, who topped the world rankings for special stage victories in 2011 and won the final round of the championship in Rally GB last season, are confirmed as team leaders for 2012.

They will be partnered by former world champion Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson, who have signed a one-year agreement to drive the team’s second Fiesta RS WRC in all 13 rounds. The experienced Solberg won the world title in 2003 and the 37-year-old Norwegian has 13 world rally wins to his name. It will be his second stint with Ford, having launched his world rally career with the team in 1999.

Donald Smith, sponsorship manager, Castrol Global Marketing Unit
“Both Castrol and Ford have a long standing association with motorsport and have shared great past successes in rallying, a second placed finish in both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ championships in 2011 being the most recent highlight. The WRC is motorsport’s toughest competition for production-based cars, together we will continue to be able to call upon our vast experiences of developing, testing and optimising the combination of car and engine oil technologies in order to push boundaries and maximise performances. “The strength of Castrol EDGE, helps to ensure maximum engine performance, and will help give Jari-Matti and Petter the freedom to demand that performance again and again, hundreds of times in a stage.”

Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s senior manager for motorsport, said:
“We have a great partnership with M-Sport and its leader, Malcolm Wilson, and great technical partners in Castrol. Our strong driver line-up includes Jari-Matti Latvala, recognised as one of motorsport’s rising stars. Already regarded by many as the fastest driver in WRC, during 2011 he showed consistency and expertise on all surfaces. We believe he will flourish in his new role as team leader with the Ford World Rally Team, and look forward to seeing his pace light up the special stages around the world.

“The addition of Petter Solberg to the team brings one of the sport’s most experienced and flamboyant drivers back to the team where he started his top-level career. A drivers’ world title in 2003 and 13 world rally victories are testament to his abilities and his vast experience will be a great asset to our driver line-up.”

Malcolm Wilson, team director and M-Sport managing director, said:
“It’s great to have Ford onboard as manufacturers again this season and you can see from the new livery how important Castrol EDGE will be again in 2012 as a technical partner. After such a strong performance last year we are really excited about where we can be at the end of the season. With the car and driving team we have, alongside the experience and expertise of our employees at Dovenby Hall, and our partners, I am confident we can challenge for world titles.”

Yazeed Al-Rajhi & Michael Orr to contest S-WRC with Ford Fiesta RS RRC

Posted: January 10, 2012 10:36 AM

Simon Jean-Joseph has today confirmed a collaboration with M-Sport Ltd. to support Yazeed Al-Rajhi behind the wheel of a Ford Fiesta RS Regional Rally Car (RRC) in the 2012 edition of the WRC’s official support series, the S-WRC.

Al-Rajhi, who secured victory on every round he entered in the FIA’s Middle East Rally Championship back in 2010, has shown consistent improvement throughout 2011 in various events throughout Europe. Driving an M-Sport run Ford Fiesta S2000, the Saudi Arabian took to the stages of Wales Rally GB in November alongside experienced co-driver, Michael Orr. This year will see the pairing make a welcome return to the world stage together with Simon Jean-Joseph.

With a pedigree of rallying talent and experience behind him, Al Rajhi is in good hands as he embarks upon his 2012 campaign. Double European Rally Champion, Simon Jean-Joseph, brings vast experience to the team including competitive knowledge of the WRC having contested the 1999 Championship as an official driver for the Ford team in a Focus WRC. Elsewhere, M-Sport’s long partnership with Ford continues to provide the very best technical support both on and off the stage.

Commencing in Sweden, Al-Rajhi will contest seven rounds of the S-WRC in Portugal, New Zealand, Finland, Wales, France and Spain with a Ford Fiesta RS RRC. A variant of the Ford Fiesta RS WRC, M-Sport’s RRC shares the same DNA as its WRC counterpart, but with a 30mm engine restrictor and aerodynamic modifications to comply with both regional and S-WRC regulations.

Commenting on the newly announced agreement, Simon Jean-Joseph said:
“I am delighted to return to the team [M-Sport] that prompted my first involvement in the WRC back in the days of the Focus. This is a fantastic opportunity for Yazeed [Al-Rajhi], and I am sure he will take full advantage of the experience.”

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE said:
“It is great to welcome both Simon [Jean-Joseph] and Yazeed [Al-Rajhi] back to the team for 2012. Simon formed an integral part of the team in our first season with the Focus and I am keen to build on the collaboration we made with Yazeed at Rally GB. This will be an exciting year for both of them and I am looking forward to seeing how they progress.”

Yves Matton appointed Citroën Racing Team Principal

Posted: January 5, 2012 4:57 PM

Yves Matton has been appointed Citroën Racing Team Principal with effect from 5th January 2012. He takes over from Olivier Quesnel, who remains Peugeot Sport Director. Xavier Mestelan Pinon has been appointed as Deputy Principal, in addition to his position as technical director.

Reporting directly to Frédéric Banzet, the Citroën General Manager, Yves Matton’s task will be to ensure that Citroën Racing continues its winning ways after an exceptional 2011 season in which the Citroën Total World Rally Team collected ten victories and clinched its seventh Manufacturers’ title, while Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena racked up their eighth consecutive Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ title.

Frédéric Banzet, Citroën General Manager, said:
“I would like to thank Olivier Quesnel for the job he’s done in his four years as Citroën Racing Team Principal. Under his management, Citroën has won the Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ and Co-Drivers’ Championship titles every year with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena. Yves Matton’s task will be to maintain Citroën Racing’s high level of excellence.”

PROTON to Compete in SWRC

Posted: January 1, 2012 8:33 PM

PROTON Motorsports is delighted to announce it will make a full defence of its multiple FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship titles and contest the Super 2000 World Rally Championship in 2012.

Scotsman Alister McRae will lead the APRC attack, defending the drivers’ title he won at the wheel of a Satria Neo S2000 last month. McRae will be joined in the APRC by two-time Junior World Rally Champion P-G Andersson (Sweden).

Both McRae and Andersson will form part of the Malaysian manufacturer’s team for the SWRC, the first time PROTON has entered the Super 2000 world series, where they will be joined by Italian asphalt star and double FIA European Rally Champion Giandomenico Basso. Basso, like McRae and Andersson, is a familiar face in the PROTON team, will also spearhead the asphalt test programme.

Andersson and Basso will start the first Super 2000 WRC round Rally Monte-Carlo early next month.

The balance of PROTON’s SWRC programme will include Rally Sweden, Rally New Zealand, Rally Finland, Rally de France, Catalunya Rally and Rally GB.

PROTON Motorsports team principal Chris Mellors said:
“It’s great news to have the programme sorted out and to have two major championships to look forward to, with two Satria Neo S2000s in each. The defence of our APRC success is obviously of paramount importance to us, but moving to the Super 2000 World Rally Championship is great for us to show the way the Satria Neo S2000 is developing. We have competed in the IRC for the past few years and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Eurosport and the IRC for providing a fantastic series. PROTON is taking a new direction for 2012, but we are still looking at the potential for running customer cars in the IRC.

“But, for now, we’re fully focused on the Monte for P-G and Giandomenico. This is going to be a really exciting start to what we hope will be a year as full of success as 2011 was. We’re very familiar with the main driver line-up, but as the season progresses we will be trying some different drivers in some of the SWRC rounds.”

FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Champion Alister McRae said:
“Winning the Asia-Pacific title was one of the highlights of my career and the chance to come back and defend that success with PROTON is fantastic for me. I’ve been with the team for a while now and I’ve seen first hand the determination and professionalism which goes into the development of this team. I’m really looking forward to being part of the programme again in 2012, when hopefully we’ll enjoy even more success!”

Craig Breen Confirms SWRC 2012 Campaign

Posted: December 30, 2011 5:33 PM

2011 World Academy Champion Craig Breen is delighted to announce news of his 2012 event schedule. After clinching the FIA WRC Academy title on a dramatic final stage on Wales Rally GB, Craig is now set to take the next step in his 'World Rallying' career. The Irish driver will enter a full season in SWRC (Super 2000 World Rally Championship) in his Kel-Tech Engineering Ford Fiesta S2000.

Craig’s programme will also include taking part in the FIA Institute Academy after winning a place in the 2012 Young Driver Excellence Academy. This work has already begun with the first workshop taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland last week. Craig’s next session in the Academy will take him to Chamonix, France in early January.

On the announcement of taking on the 2012 Super 2000 World Championship, Craig said,
"I'm delighted now to be able to officially announce my plans for next year. Three days after claiming the WRC Academy title in November I was in Austria for the FIA Institute Trials and my schedule hasn’t stopped in the intervening time but in the background we’ve been working on putting a package together for next season. I had envisaged moving to S2000 for 2012 with some time as this was always going to be my next step. Winning with WRC Academy has given me more options but I still needed to take time and make the correct choice, not just looking short term but to stand back and take a wider, more long term view of my career. My plan is to stay with my current FORD FIESTA S2000.”

The twenty-one year old will again be co driven by Welshman, Gareth Roberts and the Waterford driver will continue his successful partnership with Tom Gahan Motorsport, who will prepare and the run his Ford Fiesta S2000. Craig will begin his schedule in Monte Carlo in January.

2012 FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship Event Calendar

1. January 17-22 --- Rallye Monte Carlo
2. February 9-12 --- Rally Sweden
3. March 29-April 1 --- Rally Portugal
4. August 2-5 --- Rally Finland
5. September 13-16 --- Rally Great Britain
6. October 4-7 --- Rallye de France - Alsace
7. November 8-11 --- Rally de Espana

Thierry Neuville to drive DS3 in at least 9 rounds of 2012 WRC

Posted: December 19, 2011 5:10 PM

Thierry Neuville, who is recognized as one of the rising stars in world rallying, will drive a Citroe?n DS3 WRC in the 2012 World Championship. The Belgian will race in a minimum of nine events.

Citroe?n Racing, which is heavily committed to the training and promotion of young drivers, will give Thierry Neuville the opportunity to prove himself at the topmost level in world rallying. The 22-year-old-driver from Saint-Vith in Belgium will be at the wheel of a Citroe?n DS3 WRC prepared by Citroe?n Racing Technologies.

Thierry Neuville, backed up by his fellow-countryman Nicolas Gilsoul, will race in nine of the thirteen rallies in the 2012 World Championship: Monte-Carlo, Sweden, Mexico, Portugal, Greece, Argentina, Finland, Germany and Great Britain. Depending on how the season unfolds, the French and Spanish rallies could be added to this programme.

Neuville made a name for himself by winning the Belgian Citroe?n Racing Trophy in 2009. In 2010, he drove a Citroe?n C2 S1600 in the Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC), and he also raced in his first IRC rallies at the wheel of a Peugeot 207 S2000. In 2011 he won the Tour of Corsica and San Remo rallies and was in contention for the IRC title right up till the last event.

Olivier Quesnel (Citroe?n Racing Team Principal):
“Citroe?n Racing has been keeping a close eye on Thierry Neuville’s career for several years now. We felt that the time had come to give him a chance at the topmost level. Like Se?bastien Loeb, and more recently Se?bastien Ogier, Thierry will find himself in a team that will help him complete his training and consolidate it with results. It’s up to Thierry and Nicolas to seize this opportunity!”

Thierry Neuville:
“Ever since the moment I had the opportunity to drive the Citroe?n DS3 WRC in testing I’ve been dreaming of racing it. It’ll be the case in the Monte Carlo Rally, and I have to admit that I still have difficulty believing it! The 2011 season was a very positive one with two victories in two legendary rallies, the Tour of Corsica and the San Remo. I had to move up another step on the ladder and I’m very proud that Citroe?n Racing has put its trust in me for 2012. I’ll do everything in my power to repay their confidence. My aim for the coming weeks is not to skip any stages, listen to the advice I’m given and understand how the team and the car work.

Nasser Al-Attiyah with Citroen Racing!

Posted: December 16, 2011 10:05 AM

Citroe?n Racing is delighted to announce the arrival of Nasser Al-Attiyah in its team. From Rally Sweden onwards, the driver from Qatar will be at the wheel of a Citroe?n DS3 WRC identical to those of Se?bastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen.

In addition to the two cars entered by the Citroe?n Total World Rally Team for Se?bastien Loeb / Daniel Elena and Mikko Hirvonen / Jarmo Lehtinen, Citroe?n Racing will run another DS3 WRC for Nasser Al- Attiyah / Giovanni Bernacchini. Nasser Al-Attiyah, winner of the 2011 Dakar, is no stranger to the WRC. The Qatari has raced in 46 rounds since 2004, and in 2006 he won the P-WRC title for production cars so he has considerable rallying experience, which he hopes to put to good use with Citroe?n Racing. Nasser Al-Attiyah has just won his seventh FIA Middle East Rally Championship title. Nassar, who is also a distinguished sportsman, will make his debut in Rally Sweden after defending his Dakar title. In addition, he will represent his country in the London Olympic Games in clay pigeon shooting.

Olivier Quesnel, Citroen Racing Team Principal:
“We’re pleased to announce the arrival of Nasser Al- Attiyah at Citroe?n Racing. He’s a complete all-round driver who already has considerable experience as proved by his impressive results. We’re delighted that he’s chosen our team to make his debut in a World Rally Car, and we’re determined to put all our support behind him to help him move up to the top level.”

Nasser Al-Attiyah :
“I’m very happy to fulfill what’s been both a dream and a sporting objective. We’ve done a lot of work on this project in the past few months and I’d like to thank Raouf Menhem for his involvement alongside me. I can’t wait to get to know the team better and to test the DS3 WRC. It’s still a bit early to fix myself objectives as I’m counting on acquiring experience not only with the engineering squad, but also with drivers as talented as Se?bastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen. I think I’ll be able to score good results in the toughest rallies like Greece, for example. I also feel it’s a very positive step that the WRC is being opened up to longer events. The experience I’ve gained in the Dakar will certainly be very useful as endurance skills are of supreme importance in these rallies.”

Video: Ford confirms for 2012

Posted: December 16, 2011 10:01 AM

Ford extends WRC participation with new two-year agreement with M-Sport / Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson join for 2012

Posted: December 15, 2011 2:17 PM

Ford of Europe announced today it is extending its participation in the FIA World Rally Championship into 2012 and 2013.

Long-term partner M-Sport, the British-based preparation company, which has successfully operated Ford’s WRC activities since 1997, will continue to operate the programme from its state-of-the-art facilities at Dovenby Hall in north-west England.

The Fiesta RS World Rally Car will continue as Ford’s WRC flagship in 2012 and 2013. The car, based on the successful Fiesta road car, claimed a clean sweep of the podium in both the first and final rounds of its debut season this year.

Finland’s Jari-Matti Latvala and co-driver Miikka Anttila, who topped the world rankings for special stage victories in 2011 and won the final round of the championship in Britain last month, are confirmed as team leaders for 2012.

They will be partnered by former world champion Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson, who have signed a one-year agreement to drive the team’s second Fiesta RS WRC in all 13 rounds. The experienced Solberg won the world title in 2003 and the 37-year-old Norwegian has 13 world rally wins to his name. It will be his second stint with Ford, having launched his world rally career with the team in 1999.

The squad will be named Ford World Rally Team and will retain support from long-term partner Castrol for both 2012 and 2013.

Ford has a long and successful heritage in rallying. It is second in the all-time wins list with 79 world rally victories and its run of 145 consecutive points finishes, dating back to the opening round of the 2002 championship, is the longest in the sport’s history.

Ford of Europe chairman and CEO Stephen Odell highlighted the strong will of all parties to continue in the WRC.

“Ford has a rich history in world rallying and we’re excited to continue fighting for titles on the world stage with our great partners at M-Sport,” said Odell. “WRC is a great fit with the Ford brand DNA of precise handling, fun-to-drive cars with leading technology and we’ll continue to leverage rallying to inspire innovation in future vehicles and reach new audiences.”

Gerard Quinn, Ford of Europe’s senior manager for motorsport, emphasised what WRC competition means to Ford.
“The WRC is motorsport’s toughest competition for production-based cars,” he said. Through WRC, we can convey the attributes of our road vehicles and send a clear message to our customers and fans about Ford’s passion and expertise.

“We feel that the timing for our announcement is right. We had to be confident about the stability of the championship and to ensure it continues to provide great value and increased exposure globally. We discussed it with our stakeholders and after receiving such assurances we look forward to focusing on competition once again,” said Quinn.

“We have a great team with M-Sport and its leader, Malcolm Wilson, and in Jari-Matti Latvala we have one of motorsport’s rising stars. Already regarded by many as the fastest driver in WRC, this year he showed consistency and expertise on all surfaces. We believe he will flourish in his new role as Ford’s team leader, and look forward to seeing his pace light up the special stages around the world.

“The addition of Petter Solberg to the team brings one of the sport’s most experienced and flamboyant drivers back to the team where he started his top-level career. A drivers’ world title and 13 world rally victories are testament to his abilities and his vast experience will be a great asset to our line-up,” added Quinn.

Wilson, M-Sport managing director and team director, said the new deal was a vote of confidence in his company.
“The performance of the Fiesta RS WRC in 2011 was strong on all surfaces and I’m genuinely excited about what we can achieve in the future,” he said. “We want to challenge for world titles and I have no doubts that our car and driver combination, allied to the infrastructure and expertise of our staff at Dovenby Hall, will allow us to do that.”

M-Sport recently completed its ladder of opportunity, adding a first rung to complete a structured path to take young and talented rally drivers from the grass-roots to the top level in Ford Fiestas. From the entry-level MS1 car, drivers can progress via the increasingly more powerful R2, S2000 and Regional Rally Car models to the top-billing World Rally Car.

“Ford has five different Fiesta models in which drivers with potential can graduate from entry level to the WRC. This ladder is the breeding ground of Ford’s future stars, and in the next seasons we will see drivers with ability climb it and begin to emerge at the top,” he added.

MINI WRC wins Rally Car of the Year Award

Posted: December 7, 2011 2:53 PM

The MINI John Cooper Works World Rally Car has been named Rally Car of the Year at the Autosport awards in London, the most prestigious event in the motorsport industry calendar.

The award follows an exceptional debut year for the new car, which has seen it exceed all expectations, taking podium positions in the World Rally Championship as well as numerous successes in international rallies around the globe.

“This award caps what has been a truly memorable debut year for MINI in the World Rally Championship,” said Prodrive chairman, David Richards. “ we never anticipated that we would be fighting for podiums so soon, let alone leading WRC events, as we did in France. This award is a testament to the dedication of the whole team behind the project in Banbury and the commitment of BMW and MINI who have fully supported the programme.”

Prodrive started development of a new World Rally Car in early 2009, but it wasn’t until 18 months later that the MINI John Cooper Works WRC ran for the first time at Prodrive’s proving ground in Warwickshire on September 1 2010.

In addition to the two Works Team cars, Prodrive has supported as many as four further customer cars in several World Rally Championship events this year. By the end of 2011, 15 MINIs will have been delivered to customers and in 2012 it’s anticipated that there will be as many as 80 car starts for customer MINIs in the World Rally Championship.

Dr. Kay Segler, head of MINI, who collected the Autosport award with David Richards, said:
“Wherever MINI has competed this year, it has seemed like all the fans have been cheering us on. It is therefore fitting that it is the fans and readers of Autosport that have voted the MINI WRC as the Rally Car of the Year.”

New Date for Rally Spain

Posted: December 7, 2011 1:50 PM

Following the FIA World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) meeting today, the date for Rally Spain has been pushed out a week to the 8-11 of October.

Video + Press Release: SÉBASTIEN OGIER BECOMES FIRST FACTORY DRIVER AT VOLKSWAGEN

Posted: November 24, 2011 3:49 PM

Sébastien Ogier has been signed as the first official Volkswagen driver for the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC). The 27-year-old Frenchman and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia (31) are joining the Volkswagen Motorsport squad effective immediately. Ogier, who finished the 2011 WRC in third place, will be instrumental in helping to shape the development of the Polo R WRC for Volkswagen’s 2013 entry in the World Rally Championship.

‘Volkswagen is the number one in Europe and will soon be number one in the world,’ said an exuberant Sébastien Ogier on his arrival in Hanover. ‘I’m sure that they’re going to compete with the goal of clinching the WRC title, and I’m happy to be part of this from the outset.’ And co-driver Julien Ingrassia stresses with self-confidence: ‘We’re looking forward to a team with a fighting spirit and the determination to win. Anything’s possible!’

‘I am very happy about Sébastian Ogier and Julien Ingrassia joining us,’ says Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for the Development Division. ‘Both of them are important pieces of the puzzle on our way towards building a successful team in the World Rally Championship. It is also a mark of confidence for our team if such a strong pairing opts for a new team in the WRC that is still in the process of being developed.’ Motorsport Director Kris Nissen adds: “We are proud that such a successful and quick duo as Sébastian Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia have decided to join Volkswagen. The aim of putting a competitive Polo R WRC on the road for them as quickly as possible will additionally drive our team. We look forward to working with them and are hoping for many victories and titles in the future.’

Also involved in the contractual negotiations was rally legend Carlos Sainz, who is instrumental in the successful implementation of the WRC 2013 project as an expert adviser to the Volkswagen team. “For me, Sébastien is one of the world’s three best drivers,’ praises the two-time World Rally Champion (1990, 1992) and 2010 Dakar winner. The Frenchman, who was Junior WRC Champion in 2008 and third in the 2011 WRC, is considered one of the world’s best drivers. Many experts view the rally racer, who is also a licenced ski instructor, as the upcoming World Champion. In the past season, he won five rallies, thus winning the same number of events as the subsequent world champion Sébastien Loeb. In 2010, in Portugal, he mounted the top of the podium for the first time and has been successful at seven WRC rounds so far.

Ogier will perform his first run as a Volkswagen factory driver at the Race Of Champions in Düsseldorf on 3 and 4 December, being pitted against the other “Super Seb” from Formula One.

MIKKO HIRVONEN AND JARMO LEHTINEN JOIN CITROËN

Posted: November 24, 2011 3:47 PM

After an exceptional 2011 season with ten victories, the seventh Manufacturers’ title for the Citroën Total World Rally Team and Sébastien Loeb’s/Daniel Elena’s eighth Drivers’ title*, Citroën Racing is already turning its attention to 2012 with the arrival of a new crew for next season.

Initially contracted until December 2013, Citroën Racing has decided to finish their collaboration with Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia at the end of the 2011 season.

In 2012 and 2013, Sébastien Loeb’s and Daniel Elena’s team-mates will be Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen. The Finns, runners-up in the 2009 and 2011 World Championship, have scored 14 victories and 51 podium finishes in 124 starts in the WRC.

Olivier Quesnel, Citroën Racing Team Principal, comments:
“Seeing Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia leave strikes a particular emotional chord in the whole team. Citroën Racing trained them, first of all in the JWRC and then in the Citroën Junior Team and the Citroën Total World Rally Team. They had a very good season with five victories and third place in the Drivers’ World Championship, and they made a productive contribution to the conquest of the Manufacturers’ title alongside Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena who have claimed their eighth consecutive world crown, a unique achievement in motorsport. Now, we’re very happy to welcome Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen. They’ve been our toughest rivals over the last four seasons and we’re really looking forward to our future collaboration. Mikko is a talented driver and his consistency will be a big help in our fight to retain the Manufacturers’ title.”

Frédéric Banzet, General Manager Citroën Automobiles, said:
“I’d like to take advantage of this occasion to repeat my congratulations to the whole Citroën Racing team for their 2011 titles, as well as Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena for their eighth consecutive crown. I’d also like to thank Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia for their involvement with Citroën over the last four years and the six victories they’ve added to its results. Today, I’d like to welcome Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen who are joining us to continue Citroën Racing’s sporting adventure and its determination to score more victories starting with the 2012 Monte Carlo Rally.”

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

Confirmed Dates (Including PWRC & SWRC)

Posted: October 26, 2011 3:01 PM

1. Monte-Carlo (P,S) - 17-22 Jan 12
2. Sweden (S) - 09-12 Feb 12
3. Mexico (P) - 08-11 Mar 12
4. Portugal (S) - 29 Mar-01 Apr 12
5. Argentina (P) - 27-29 Apr 12
6. Acropolis (Greece) (P) - 25-27 May 12
7. New Zealand (P,S) - 22-24 Jun 12
8. Finland (S) - 02-05 Aug 12
9. Germany (P) - 24-26 Aug 12
10. Great Britain (S) - 13-16 Sep 12
11. France (Alsace) (S) - 04-07 Oct 12
12. Italy (P) - 18-21 Oct 12
13. Spain (P,S) - 08-11 Nov 12(NEW DATE)

Note: The date given is the Sunday of the rally weekend. Itineraries are however subject to final confirmation by event organisers.

More live online coverage of WRC in 2012 following successful streaming trial

Posted: October 19, 2011 9:56 AM

The World Rally Championship's trial of live internet streaming from Rallye de France Alsace earlier this month proved such a hit with fans and teams that it could pave the way for similar coverage of some or all of the WRC's 13 rounds in 2012.

Fourteen hours of live action, captured by two helicopters and onboard cameras, plus service park footage and interviews, was available to view free of charge on a media player on the championship's official website, wrc.com, as part of a pilot project to investigate future digital opportunities for the FIA-governed series.

The exercise was also the first test of a new partnership between WRC promoter North One Sport and end-to-end streaming specialists, Streamworks.

Despite the enormous technical challenge of capturing live footage from cars as they sped through the mountainous Alsace region the experiment ran largely without a hitch, with tens of thousands of WRC fans logging on to watch the action.

A survey of wrc.com users who viewed the streaming found that 82.5 per cent wanted to watch live stage coverage on the internet. The results also underlined the sport's worldwide appeal with online viewers from 66 different countries. The most popular were Finland (23.8 per cent), France (20.8 per cent), Spain (17.1 per cent), Germany (10.2 per cent), Poland (7.0 per cent) and United Kingdom (6.91 per cent).

Eighty-nine per cent of viewers were aged 40 or under, with 38.4 per cent aged between 22 and 30. The next largest age group was 14-21 year olds (27.4 per cent) followed by those aged 31-40 (23.1 per cent). Ninety-seven per cent of viewers were car owners, with most driving Fords (16.5 per cent) followed by Citroens (14.2 per cent) and then Opels (12.1 per cent).

The pilot project also proved a big hit with WRC team bosses.
"It's been fantastic and the quality has been superb," said Ford team principal Malcolm Wilson.
"For a first attempt it's been very good and will take rallying to a different level." David Richards, who oversees the factory MINI team, added: "When it's properly up and running it will be a great product for the future. If it's an indication of what's to come then it's superb."

After a technical review and an analysis of feedback from wrc.com users and industry stakeholders, North One Sport CEO Simon Long said he hoped to offer more live coverage in the future.
"The aim of the trial was to determine the technical feasibility of live WRC streaming and to gauge demand from fans. The results in both areas are extremely encouraging. The challenge now is to provide more live coverage from next year."

SEBASTIEN LOEB CONTINUES HIS CAREER WITH CITROËN

Posted: August 17, 2011 5:30 PM

Citroën and Sébastien Loeb have decided to continue their fantastic sporting adventure together and conquer new victories in the 2012 and 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC).

Seven-time world champion Sébastien Loeb, who has been with Citroën since 2001, has decided to continue his collaboration with the French make for another two seasons, and fight for more victories at the wheel of the DS3 WRC with his faithful co-driver, Daniel Elena. Loeb is already bubbling with enthusiasm about this new challenge:
“With the arrival of other manufacturers in the championship, the competition is going to get tougher in the years to come. All the more so with the rule changes concerning the starting order coming in in 2012 as all the drivers will be fighting on a level playing field. To take the fight to them I’m putting my trust in Citroën, a team I know inside out and the DS3 WRC, the car that I helped set up with Citroën Racing.”

For Frédéric Banzet, the Citroën General Manager,
“Sébastien Loeb is a great ambassador for the make. Today, his image and ours are intimately linked. He incarnates the daring, the sporting spirit and the love of competition, values that are very dear to us. We’re proud of his loyalty to Citroën, and of the fact that’s he’s continuing his career with the team that’s supported him since his debut.”

Calendar / New Start Order Rules

Posted: June 3, 2011 3:14 PM

A meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) took place in Barcelona, Spain, on the 3rd June 2011 and the following decisions were taken:

The dates and venues for the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship are confirmed as follows, with the inclusion of Rallye Monte Carlo and Italy on the calendar.

Calendar updated above Abu Dhabi, previously published on the calendar subject to approval of the Event Business Plan, has been removed from the 2012 calendar. The organiser is invited to submit a proposal to run a candidate event for possible future inclusion in the series.

From 1 January 2012 the shakedown will be used as a qualifying stage for all Priority 1 and 2 drivers to determine the start order for each individual gravel rally.
Taking into account the shakedown times, P1 and P2 crews - in order of fastest to slowest - will be permitted to select their start positions. Subsequent days, all Priority 1 and 2 crews will restart in reverse order.
The start position of all remaining crews will be determined according to the current regulations.

It is clarified that all priority and non-priority drivers competing with Group R4 cars must use the specified tyres produced by the FIA nominated tyre companies.

From 1 January 2012, save dispensation, both crew members must have a valid driving license throughout an event.

www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/2011/Pages/wmsc-030611.aspx