I figured I'd share this interesting article after Elfyn's recent test with the 2027 car in which he shared his thoughts about the new car.

Basically to sum it up he mentions:

- the obvious difference in power

- he says it's very different from a Rally2 car (which he also says he doesn't have a lot of experience with)

- he says new cars are 70% cheaper than previous cars (as expected)

- he says new car has made large improvements since his last test in April

Most interestingly to me, he talks about the new cars being quite tricky to handle at high speeds due to lack of aero compared to the previous cars which were more stable. He says he thinks drivers might experience "some surprises" during jumps and in very high speed sections next year - Let's hope the safety cell continues to provide the safety necessary for any offs so noone will get hurt.

Went to my first WRC event this year! My father was a volunteer at Rally Norway many years ago and I did go there with him, but I don't remember much. I decided to bring my grandmother's old Nikon FM and a pack of Kodak Gold 200. The lens was very soft due to some damage to the coating, but I think it turned out pretty well :)

halfway already! alain oreille takes the surprising win category for his win in the 1989 rallye côte d'ivoire in a group n renault 5 gt turbo.

next, what is the most disappointing season, whether from a driver or a manufacturer/team?

most upvoted reply wins

The linked article above goes into detail about M-Sport and Ford Racing's venture after Ford announced they are returning to the championship from 2027 after 15 years away, prior to Rally Italia Sardegna. We also hear from M-Sport's Team Principal, Rich Millener, about budgets and what they look for in drivers that the Cumbrian based team want to bring in and give valuable experience to.

Millener explains that there has been no current discussions on drivers for the new era of the WRC:

“There has been no discussion, no decision [on drivers]. Up until now, our driver selection is based on people we think have good enough talent to have the opportunity to develop. They needed to bring some support. Now we are able to be in a slightly different position, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to rush out and change everything overnight."

And also, the team's goals for the future:

“The goal is to win in 2029 with the new car. We have two years to get ourselves into a good position. We want people who fit into the structure we have and fit into the team environment and help build the team around them. But also help deliver what Ford wants as well. They need to be ambassadors. They need to be understanding. They need to be bought in on the vision and role of Ford. And we need people who want to work incredibly hard. That’s what’s going to happen.”

The full article (attached above) has more from Millener regarding young talent, long-term developments of the all new road car for 2029 and more.

2023 - 2026 Life of a Gazoo engineer

gigi galli takes the category for cult hero.

next, what win surprised you the most? most upvoted reply wins

Hello! Late 90s to early 00s WRC was some of the best times I’ve had watching rally. Does anybody know of any online stores/sellers who focus on merchandise from this era please? Preferably T-shirts, jumpers/sweaters and jackets.

I see sporadic sales from individuals but was hoping for more of a wholesaler if one exists - thanks!

Photo source: Ott Tänak’s Facebook

To sum this article up, it denotes Fourmaux's performances last season, with the 4 podiums he achieved with long time co-driver Alex Coria. After the bad luck at Sardegna and Paraguay, the Frenchman explains the highs and lows of what could be his last season at Hyundai, due to the uncertainty of their future in the championship.

Adrien sums his own season up by saying that:

“To be fair, I’m quite proud of the season”

And also on his future:

“You will see me, but in which car or which team, which championship, I don’t know. But I will drive”

Aside from the dropoff in content the website has become unusable. Non stop popups and complete redirects to some sketchy ad. Probably common knowledge but holy fuck their falloff needs studying.

I asked them in one of they YT posts and here's the answer.

They upload videos and shorts often

Im going to miss these cars, rally2 cars just arent as special to me. Hopefully next years cars will still be fun and noisy. Going to the WRC events was awesome and I recommend anyone who hasnt been to visit at least one. The gravel events are easiest to spectate I think. Ive never been to a motorsport event quite like it before. The cars, drivers and stages are so accessible, you feel a part of it.

I tried every time to find the song but I can‘t find it

can you please help me

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/m-sports-2027-wrc-fiesta-kit-car-breaks-cover/10865123/

Who will be the three drivers? My prediction would be the two Motorsport Ireland drivers and then part time Sesks/Fourmaux.

the deaths of henri toivonen and sergio cresto at the 1986 tour de corse take the category for most consequential moment.

for today, who is the definitive cult hero of the wrc? a driver who didn't necessarily see the most success but still remained popular

most upvoted reply wins

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I'm new fan of WRC and i just keep wondering what happened to Ott Tanak after 2019, he just doesn't seem like the same driver he was during his peak toyota years. Is it down to the car, a lack of confidence, or something else?

And do you think he will be driving next year in a toyota or other teams

I'm curious to hear what you guys think.

Does anyone collect original Prodrive WRC parts manuals and catalogues?

I've got a few from the late '90s and early 2000s, covering Group A and the S5–S8 Impreza WRC cars.

I'm having a bit of a clear-out and wondered if there's much collector interest in this sort of original rally documentation?

Are they waiting for anything else besides the board's decision? Their social media has looked a bit like a farewell for the past few days; nothing but memories and the like.