Despite the fact that Jari-Matti Latvala was 1 minute and 16 seconds behind Mikko Hirvonen ahead of the longest stage of the rally, Ford’s strategists had no second thoughts about what would be the best course of action for Latvala at this point in the rally. Somehow they’ve missed the “secure third spot” bit and...
Three very long special stages of 2012 Rally Mexico were pretty unique to this event, although it is not that uncommon for WRC rallies to feature extremely long timed tests. If FIA wants to bring back endurance element to the World Rally Championship, perhaps long stages are the way to go instead of opting for...
Spirit of Rally award might be gone with it’s former backer Abu Dhabi, but that does not mean rallying community does not recognize special efforts and sportsmanship of everyone involved. My personal choice for Spirit of the Rally award, or whatever you wish to call it, recipients includes one monstrous driver and one dedicated fan...
As someone said, it went from bad to worse for Jari-Matti Latvala on third day of 2012 Rally Mexico. Ford driver was in his own universe ever since trouble on earlier legs denied him the chance to fight for the victory. He would have none of that. Despite saying he will not try the impossible...
NOTE: Just noticed these links to do not work anymore. I am working on finding these files on my old computer so I can attach theme here! Recently my trusty Logitech Driving Force Pro (DFP) wheel developed a strange problem, and making changes and adjustments in profiler software did not help. The problem was in...
Yet another “what the hell Mini” moment just happened in Geneva during the presentation of performance version of Mini’s Countryman. Tagged “John Cooper Works” (JCW), factory tuned Countryman offers impressive package and joins already established JCW models, Roadster and Coupe. Featuring 1.6 litre turbocharged engine with 211 HP combined with all-wheel drive, latest member of...
Recently several high profile companies (Fiat, Toyota, Hyundai…) ended up on the pages of specialized WRC and motorsport media with suggestions about their possible future involvement in the World Rally Championship. Of course, in most cases stories are based on rumors or fan fiction, but it’s not that hard to imagine successful brands being interested...
Not surprisingly Subaru still enjoys huge popularity among rally fans and according to World Rally Blog’s poll, fans would love to see Japanese brand back in the World Rally Championship. Well, when I say “huge” I don’t really mean it based on the still-modest turnout to this poll, but the overall feeling and emotions of...
