Rantbox

[AdrianSutil]

Britain itself has hundreds of categories. Look a tin-tops: Ginetta Junior. Ginetta G50's and G55's. Renault Clio Cup. Porsche Supercup. BTCC. Maybe a driver could do a 'Di Resta' come from tin-top into formula 1. Although it would have to be a pretty special talent to do so, BTCC is nowhere near the DTM in terms of coverage, so the chances are minimal.

Agree with JJMonty on this one: 7 solid hours of coverage each race Sunday albeit on ITV4 is a bit more than minimal coverage. ITV4 is available via a Freeview box... which can cost as little as £10....& is possibly the most widely used digital platform if you don't shell out for SKY, Virgin, cable, BT etc.

Maybe I shouldve rephrased it a bit better. DTM is raced In Germany, Holland and I believe Belgium, whilst BTCC is only in England and... Scotland. DTM is available on Sky and ESPN, Whilst BTCC is only on ITV4. So I assume more motorsport fans know about DTM over BTCC.

[eagleash]

Britain itself has hundreds of categories. Look a tin-tops: Ginetta Junior. Ginetta G50's and G55's. Renault Clio Cup. Porsche Supercup. BTCC. Maybe a driver could do a 'Di Resta' come from tin-top into formula 1. Although it would have to be a pretty special talent to do so, BTCC is nowhere near the DTM in terms of coverage, so the chances are minimal.

Agree with JJMonty on this one: 7 solid hours of coverage each race Sunday albeit on ITV4 is a bit more than minimal coverage. ITV4 is available via a Freeview box... which can cost as little as £10....& is possibly the most widely used digital platform if you don't shell out for SKY, Virgin, cable, BT etc.

Maybe I shouldve rephrased it a bit better. DTM is raced In Germany, Holland and I believe Belgium, whilst BTCC is only in England and... Scotland. DTM is available on Sky and ESPN, Whilst BTCC is only on ITV4. So I assume more motorsport fans know about DTM over BTCC.

Quite possibly but DTM also comes to England & no-one cares in the slightest about it, so many not be well followed anywhere, apart from Germany. (& judging by comments from our German contributors, perhaps not even there either). Still DTM is probably known by or at least available to, more people than BTCC as you say.

[JJMonty]

No Freeview in your area yet? Will it have arrived by the time the analogue signal is switched off?

& nope the main ITV channels would never show 7 straight hours of any sport.

VIz; C4 showing F3 & GT racing at 7AM (& a pretty poor effort to boot in my view too).

Apparently there is as we have been digital since last xmas, though trying to get it on a regular basis is rare! - For a tax haven Island, technology is not our strong point... they have only just introduced 12 MB broadband Need I say anymore?

Agree with JJMonty on this one: 7 solid hours of coverage each race Sunday albeit on ITV4 is a bit more than minimal coverage. ITV4 is available via a Freeview box... which can cost as little as £10....& is possibly the most widely used digital platform if you don't shell out for SKY, Virgin, cable, BT etc.

Maybe I shouldve rephrased it a bit better. DTM is raced In Germany, Holland and I believe Belgium, whilst BTCC is only in England and... Scotland. DTM is available on Sky and ESPN, Whilst BTCC is only on ITV4. So I assume more motorsport fans know about DTM over BTCC.

Quite possibly but DTM also comes to England & no-one cares in the slightest about it, so many not be well followed anywhere, apart from Germany. (& judging by comments from our German contributors, perhaps not even there either). Still DTM is probably known by or at least available to, more people than BTCC as you say.

Germany, Holand, Belgium, Austria, GB and Spain I think is the format for 2012..... I think the only DTM race that Brits were interested in was at Brands-Hatch.... but having said that, I think anyone would like to see racing at Brands!

DTM isn't really popular in GB - I agree, they are more like sophisticated Touring cars with V8s in them... on paper, this looks fantastic! But every time I tune in, there is less over taking than in F1 during Schuy's dominating era! It is one of those events that if I had tickets to go see it live, I would (just because you don't really go to a racing venue to keep track of the racing as you would on a TV, you are there to be a part of the atmosphere), but I just couldn't hack a whole season of the racing


Which brings me to my next rant..... why are there so many racing series for F1 Rejects/Failures/not so succesful drivers to go to now?!? We run the risk of seeing next year R.Schumacher, Coulthard, Trulli and Heidfeld in DTM! All the drivers that you want to slap for failing to making the most out of their opportunities!

[DemocalypseNow]

Warning: not F1 related.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96263

My inital reaction was WTF, but I suppose it actually makes sense. He will be a good #2 driver to Loeb. And Ford may actually be able to end Loeb's domination of the driver's championship at last.

[Klon]

Which brings me to my next rant..... why are there so many racing series for F1 Rejects/Failures/not so succesful drivers to go to now?!? We run the risk of seeing next year R.Schumacher, Coulthard, Trulli and Heidfeld in DTM! All the drivers that you want to slap for failing to making the most out of their opportunities!

Trulli to DTM? Where the hell did that come from?

Audi won't take someone who is likely to produce mediocre results - they have Rahel Frey for that. BMW won't either, they want to be successful from the beginning and Trulli cannot help them too much with that. Mercedes does indeed take former F1 drivers, but only if there has been a connection to Mercedes before, so...

About racing in the DTM, it wasn't too exciting in the last two, three years. However, these new cars might just change that a little bit, I am looking forward to it.

[JJMonty]

I did hear some rumours a few weeks back about Trulli to DTM or NASCAR or more likely - wasting time in F1 when he should be wine making! This is word off the grape-vine (excuse the pun!) not a news article so it is probably just an extreme rumour.... though I have heard of weirder stuff to come true!

[DemocalypseNow]

I did hear some rumours a few weeks back about Trulli to DTM or NASCAR or more likely - wasting time in F1 when he should be wine making! This is word off the grape-vine (excuse the pun!) not a news article so it is probably just an extreme rumour.... though I have heard of weirder stuff to come true!

Trulli tested for MWR a few years ago didn't he? NASCAR perhaps not as farfetched as you may think, they can probably squeeze him into their Nationwide campaign somewhere if they wanted/found sponsorship to & also have a couple of Sprint Cup races in the #00 Waltrip/Martin car that have yet to be filled.

[Cynon]

I did hear some rumours a few weeks back about Trulli to DTM or NASCAR or more likely - wasting time in F1 when he should be wine making! This is word off the grape-vine (excuse the pun!) not a news article so it is probably just an extreme rumour.... though I have heard of weirder stuff to come true!

Trulli tested for MWR a few years ago didn't he? NASCAR perhaps not as farfetched as you may think, they can probably squeeze him into their Nationwide campaign somewhere if they wanted/found sponsorship to & also have a couple of Sprint Cup races in the #00 Waltrip/Martin car that have yet to be filled.

Trulli tested for Michael Waltrip Racing, AKA a worthless pit of inanity.

Also, of all places that could represent the United States for F1, WHY did Bernie have to pick TEXAS and NEW JERSEY?!

[DanielPT]

Unless Loeb retires until 2013, Hirvonen just committed career suicide.

[Myrvold]

Well, that might mean that Citroën is pulling out from WRC together with Loeb. I mean, why would they sign Hirvonen instead of Neuville or Bouffier!

[DemocalypseNow]

Well, that might mean that Citroën is pulling out from WRC together with Loeb. I mean, why would they sign Hirvonen instead of Neuville or Bouffier!

Or perhaps the opposite...

The following is a quote from the other 2011 works Ford driver Jari-Matti Latvala;
"The team is preparing for Monte Carlo even though we don’t have a contract with Ford."

Don't you think it's rather odd that a manufacturer would take this long to commit to a contract for the following season, which starts in the middle of January? I'd have taken no notice of this in 90% of cases, but with their #1 driver jumping ship a few days ago it changes the perspective a little. You have to wonder why Ford still haven't commited any backing to M-Sport for next year with only 7-8 weeks until the first rally of the next season...

[Myrvold]

The #1 driver hasn't been much number one in since, well, Sweden. And Ford is trying to get Ogier.

[mario]

Well, that might mean that Citroën is pulling out from WRC together with Loeb. I mean, why would they sign Hirvonen instead of Neuville or Bouffier!

Or perhaps the opposite...

The following is a quote from the other 2011 works Ford driver Jari-Matti Latvala;
"The team is preparing for Monte Carlo even though we don’t have a contract with Ford."

Don't you think it's rather odd that a manufacturer would take this long to commit to a contract for the following season, which starts in the middle of January? I'd have taken no notice of this in 90% of cases, but with their #1 driver jumping ship a few days ago it changes the perspective a little. You have to wonder why Ford still haven't commited any backing to M-Sport for next year with only 7-8 weeks until the first rally of the next season...

That does remind me of what happened when Toyota wound up their team - the first definite sigh that something was amiss was when they announced that they were releasing Glock and Trulli from their contracts. It may be that Ford has been taken aback by Hirvonen's moves and are frantically trying to reorganise their team (particularly if they're trying to lure Ogier across) but the lack of any firm commitment from them is worrying.

[IdeFan]

Unless Loeb retires until 2013, Hirvonen just committed career suicide.

I am inclined to agree, but put yourself in Hirvonen's shoes; if you ever want to be World Champion you have to beat the best, you have to believe that you can, in the right circumstances, beat anyone in the same car, if you admit that Loeb is better than you, you're never going to beat him. You need self belief to reach the top, but it is often misinterpreted as arrogance.

All evidence suggests that Loeb will destroy Hirvonen, but we all thought the same about Button going to McLaren...

[DanielPT]

All evidence suggests that Loeb will destroy Hirvonen, but we all thought the same about Button going to McLaren...

Anything different than that outcome becomes immediately one of the Rallying biggest upsets of all time.

[Cynon]

All evidence suggests that Loeb will destroy Hirvonen, but we all thought the same about Button going to McLaren...

Anything different than that outcome becomes immediately one of the Rallying biggest upsets of all time.

...and certainly won't make Loeb or the WRC's talent pool look very good.

[DemocalypseNow]

All evidence suggests that Loeb will destroy Hirvonen, but we all thought the same about Button going to McLaren...

Anything different than that outcome becomes immediately one of the Rallying biggest upsets of all time.

...and certainly won't make Loeb or the WRC's talent pool look very good.

I think few people realise WRC is a pay-driver sport. People like Henning Solberg, Matthew Wilson, Evgeny Novikov hog some of the best drives because they've got enough cash on tap to retain their seats regardless of their performances.
Urmo Aava comes to mind. He was starting to show promise, but his bank balance ran out before he could truly prove himself. Jarkko Nikara's career looks like it is starting to stall a little bit, which would be a shame, he looks like one of Finland's most promising young talents right now along with Joonas Lindroos.

Citroen actually have a strange habit of forcing drivers to bring cash with them - Dani Sordo brought Grupo Labaro sponsorship in his debut season at the top level in the 3rd works Citroen, and Seb Two had to retain financial backing from FFSA even once he'd reached the top level. It would've been like Toro Rosso asking Vettel to pay for his drive in 2007 and having DMSB logos plastered all over the car.

But, back to my original point, for the love of god, why give the third works Ford to Khalid al-Qassimi instead of Ott Tänak?

OK, that was rhetorical, we all know why - without al-Qassimi Ford would lose a huge chunk of their budget. I can't fathom how much the UAE are paying Ford but I would presume it's a significant percentage of total income.

Just consider this - there is an unbelieveable talent pool out there if teams are willing to for-go drivers bringing in sponsors. If you look at drivers who aren't currently tied to contracts;

Senior Team
Sebastien Ogier
Petter Solberg
Juho Hanninen (he's been long long overdue a top WRC seat)

Junior Team
Ott Tänak
Jarkko Nikara
Hayden Paddon

If that isn't a WRC powerhouse I don't know what is. Volkswagen - sit up and take notice of this.

[Myrvold]

Easy answer on the "why Al-Qassimi instead of Tanak" question. (even though you answer it yourself)

Al-Qassimi brings Abu Dhabi money. Ott Tanak is backed by DMACK, and has a contract that says that he has to drive with those tyres. Ford (M-Sport) have another contract. That means, if Al-Qassimi stops now, Tanak will not be signed up.

But I hope you know that there is not any "third car" anymore. There are three two-car teams, and rest is customers.

You have to pay your way in to the seats outside the factory teams, Henning manages it because of the way he is. Matthew Wilsom because of his dad. Novikov is extremely young, and I do think he has a potential, after all, he is only 21 years old.

You have lots of drivers that doesn't get the money, I figure we do have 2-3 more in Norway as well that have the ability or the potential to be a top 5 driver in WRC. But that's the way it is in all sports.

Petter has already priced himself out of everything aside a Ford-drive, but he is not a good friend of Wilson. Mads (Østberg) have yet to sign a contract for 2012, so he is a possible candidate, the same goes for Ogier (the guy even the French supposedly doesn't like).
Hanninen is under contract with Skoda (and then, maybe VW). Andreas (Mikkelsen) has signed for VW (England) and is going to race IRC again, maybe SWRC , and maybe WRC for VW. You have Bryan Bouffier and Thierry Neuville as well - there are to many drivers for 6 - soon to be 8 seats. (If Ford continues).

[DemocalypseNow]

Ott Tanak is backed by DMACK, and has a contract that says that he has to drive with those tyres. Ford (M-Sport) have another contract. That means, if Al-Qassimi stops now, Tanak will not be signed up.

My understanding was that was a one-off deal. And his entry was registered under M-Sport Stobart Ford instead of a seperate DMACK WRT. So I don't think the first half of that quite sticks. So, in theory, he could (and quite rightly should) drive for the B-Team next season.

Hadn't realised Team Abu Dhabi had split off from the main team, the car still looked identical (they even followed the livery swap in France!!). He was definitely part of the main team before this year however.

Also, there are more than three two-car teams, considering FERM and VM are father-son efforts where on occasion both generations were driving at the same time. And of course Stobart with up to three cars at once. But still, when there are only two true full-time multi-car teams at the top level it goes to show how on-the-edge WRC is right now. At least Mini will have a full 2 car campaign next season. I do wonder if Solberg will try to steal a seat from beneath Sordo or Meeke however.

[mario]

I think few people realise WRC is a pay-driver sport.

To be honest, these days I wonder if there are that many fans who even care enough about rallying to know that - I was for a while interested in rallying but lost interest as the sport has stagnated under Citroen's domination of the series (and that was before the withdrawal of everybody else but Ford).
Mind you, given that the cost of competing these days in a number of series has been rising sharply in recent years, it's not surprising that sponsorship is becoming critical these days. That's not to say that money alone will help you into the upper echelons of motorsport - though there certainly have been examples of that happening in the past - but it can just help tip the scales in favour of a driver as he rises through the ranks.

As an aside, it looks like MotoGP will be losing Suzuki next year - they had been struggling recently (they'd already made some cutbacks to their 2011 program), with only a tentative promise of a return to the sport in 2014. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96315
No wonder, then, that Dorna's CEO recently went on record to say that the sport needed to be reformed, particularly to cut costs much more aggressively for the satellite teams. After all, it looks like in MotoGP the teams are pushing prospective riders for sponsorship cash too - Dorna was citing the example of the Moto2 champion, Stefan Brald, being asked to provide £4-5 million towards the cost of hiring a bike as part of the reason why it wants to reform the sport towards production based bikes. http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/96261

[Cynon]

I think few people realise WRC is a pay-driver sport.

To be honest, these days I wonder if there are that many fans who even care enough about rallying to know that - I was for a while interested in rallying but lost interest as the sport has stagnated under Citroen's domination of the series (and that was before the withdrawal of everybody else but Ford).
Mind you, given that the cost of competing these days in a number of series has been rising sharply in recent years, it's not surprising that sponsorship is becoming critical these days. That's not to say that money alone will help you into the upper echelons of motorsport - though there certainly have been examples of that happening in the past - but it can just help tip the scales in favour of a driver as he rises through the ranks.

Which gives the rise of spec series. Believe it or not, spec racing isn't the incarnation of the devil, and if a particular series is floundering, it might not be a bad route to choose.

[Phoenix]

I think few people realise WRC is a pay-driver sport.

To be honest, these days I wonder if there are that many fans who even care enough about rallying to know that - I was for a while interested in rallying but lost interest as the sport has stagnated under Citroen's domination of the series (and that was before the withdrawal of everybody else but Ford).
Mind you, given that the cost of competing these days in a number of series has been rising sharply in recent years, it's not surprising that sponsorship is becoming critical these days. That's not to say that money alone will help you into the upper echelons of motorsport - though there certainly have been examples of that happening in the past - but it can just help tip the scales in favour of a driver as he rises through the ranks.

Which gives the rise of spec series. Believe it or not, spec racing isn't the incarnation of the devil, and if a particular series is floundering, it might not be a bad route to choose.

Spec series are not inherently bad, but I think a series with different manufactures involved is more productive and certainly interesting. Costs are really the only drawback, especially now that we are in the midst of a GEC.

[mario]

I think few people realise WRC is a pay-driver sport.

To be honest, these days I wonder if there are that many fans who even care enough about rallying to know that - I was for a while interested in rallying but lost interest as the sport has stagnated under Citroen's domination of the series (and that was before the withdrawal of everybody else but Ford).
Mind you, given that the cost of competing these days in a number of series has been rising sharply in recent years, it's not surprising that sponsorship is becoming critical these days. That's not to say that money alone will help you into the upper echelons of motorsport - though there certainly have been examples of that happening in the past - but it can just help tip the scales in favour of a driver as he rises through the ranks.

Which gives the rise of spec series. Believe it or not, spec racing isn't the incarnation of the devil, and if a particular series is floundering, it might not be a bad route to choose.

Spec series can often be quite interesting, as the rise of GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 shows, and as a method of cost control it can be quite effective, though it does depend on how the series is organised. Moreover, given that some motorsport series have something of a tradition of independent manufacturers competing, those that remain are sometimes adverse to their identity being eroded by increasing standardisation - after all, in F1 the engine format was only standardised in the 3.0 litre V10 era (reputedly because Ferrari objected to Toyota's plans for a V12 engine when they wanted to join the sport) and even implementing a standard ECU proved to be a battle.

[Myrvold]

Some new rumours regarding the classes in rally:

These are rumoured to be the classes in rally from 2013:
WRC
R4T or whatever the name on the new 4WD class will be.
R-GT
R3
R1 + R2

In this way, WRC remains the lop level, only for world championship events.

Level 2: R4T, concentrating on regional, national events and the level for developing private teams.

Level 3: R-GT, is being prepared as a basis for
Gentlemen sports car drivers.

Level 4: R3 as a low-cost activity for serious drivers

Level 5: R1 and R2 for entry level to the sport.

[Vepe]

Some new rumours regarding the classes in rally:


In this way, WRC remains the lop level, only for world championship events.

Level 2: R4T, concentrating on regional, national events and the level for developing private teams.

Level 3: R-GT, is being prepared as a basis for
Gentlemen sports car drivers.

Level 4: R3 as a low-cost activity for serious drivers

Level 5: R1 and R2 for entry level to the sport.

So basically it´s

WRC is still WRC
R4T is what used to be Gr.N, Super 2000
R3 is somewhat of S1600 and smaller Gr.N
R2 and R1 are the lower classes
and R-GT is GT cars?

Am I correct?

[Myrvold]

WRC is WRC, but apparently not allowed in national championships (maybe not in European or IRC as well)
R4T is Gr.N/S2000, but it should be the same car as a WRC, but without the "WRC-kit". This is to make it easier for local drivers to get a "WRC-kit" for their home WRC-event. Maybe to try to get much more locals.
R3 is FWD cars as far as I know.
R1 and R2 are like the WRC Academy cars are now, they are Fiesta R2 cars.
R-GT is GT, but it seems like the FIA will limit them to 350HP, which will exclude a lot of the cars. It seems like they are afraid that they will be faster than the WRC cars on asphalt, a bit like the old F2 cars

[DanielPT]

To be honest, these days I wonder if there are that many fans who even care enough about rallying to know that - I was for a while interested in rallying but lost interest as the sport has stagnated under Citroen's domination of the series (and that was before the withdrawal of everybody else but Ford).
Mind you, given that the cost of competing these days in a number of series has been rising sharply in recent years, it's not surprising that sponsorship is becoming critical these days. That's not to say that money alone will help you into the upper echelons of motorsport - though there certainly have been examples of that happening in the past - but it can just help tip the scales in favour of a driver as he rises through the ranks.

Which gives the rise of spec series. Believe it or not, spec racing isn't the incarnation of the devil, and if a particular series is floundering, it might not be a bad route to choose.

Spec series can often be quite interesting, as the rise of GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 shows, and as a method of cost control it can be quite effective, though it does depend on how the series is organised. Moreover, given that some motorsport series have something of a tradition of independent manufacturers competing, those that remain are sometimes adverse to their identity being eroded by increasing standardisation - after all, in F1 the engine format was only standardised in the 3.0 litre V10 era (reputedly because Ferrari objected to Toyota's plans for a V12 engine when they wanted to join the sport) and even implementing a standard ECU proved to be a battle.

I support spec series to some formulae but not all. The first car races pitted manufacturers pitting their machines against each other. It was a form of engineer competition to publicize which car was better, instead of drivers. That is the true essence of car racing and interest in which driver was best came later during the 1930s. Call me old fashioned but that is the way I see it. I understand that we live in a crisis but there must be a way to control costs without resorting to standardization.

I understand that was the way chosen by the American motor racing scene with IndyCar and NASCAR and that people there like the way those series are sorted. The theatrics and WWE-like show might be appealing to some, but not for all. It worked well but I cannot see it in some FIA series. WRC became boring and anonymous due to being only Citroens and Fords. There is not enough variety. WTCC is a Chevy championship and no one that I know of sees that. And it is certainly not the way for Formula 1, because, let's be honest, we already have two good spec series in FR3.5 and GP2 and that isn't that cheap anyway. Formula 1 would then became an irrelevance with nothing more than faster Dallaras. I imagine the technological appeal would be lost that way and the very own reason for racing would no longer exist. Motorsport would then become 'entertainment' and as every form of entertainment nowadays, when it loses the novelty effect it is pretty much doomed. At least it is the way I think it goes. Time will tell how things evolve.

[Vepe]

WRC is WRC, but apparently not allowed in national championships (maybe not in European or IRC as well)
R4T is Gr.N/S2000, but it should be the same car as a WRC, but without the "WRC-kit". This is to make it easier for local drivers to get a "WRC-kit" for their home WRC-event. Maybe to try to get much more locals.
R3 is FWD cars as far as I know.
R1 and R2 are like the WRC Academy cars are now, they are Fiesta R2 cars.
R-GT is GT, but it seems like the FIA will limit them to 350HP, which will exclude a lot of the cars. It seems like they are afraid that they will be faster than the WRC cars on asphalt, a bit like the old F2 cars

Ok, thanks for clearing this out

About the GT cars, weren´t they supposed to race this year also? I remember reading that Porsche being entered to Swedish Rally, but withdrawn.

[Myrvold]

They were, but something came up, most likely discussions about max HP and engine volume.

Oh well, looking forward to Rally Sweden this year, almost a complete day is supposed to be driven in Norway! Will be amazing to have WRC in Norway for more than one stage, without me working !

[DemocalypseNow]

About the GT cars, weren´t they supposed to race this year also? I remember reading that Porsche being entered to Swedish Rally, but withdrawn.

If my memory serves me right (which it often does not) Romain Dumas did a couple of rounds of the French Rally Championship in an LMS spec Porsche 911 GT3 RSR. But I would imagine regional events are a bit more relaxed on what cars are and are not allowed to score championship points (I believe he came 7th in one event and was awarded the points for it).

[Phoenix]

Which gives the rise of spec series. Believe it or not, spec racing isn't the incarnation of the devil, and if a particular series is floundering, it might not be a bad route to choose.

Spec series can often be quite interesting, as the rise of GP2 and Formula Renault 3.5 shows, and as a method of cost control it can be quite effective, though it does depend on how the series is organised. Moreover, given that some motorsport series have something of a tradition of independent manufacturers competing, those that remain are sometimes adverse to their identity being eroded by increasing standardisation - after all, in F1 the engine format was only standardised in the 3.0 litre V10 era (reputedly because Ferrari objected to Toyota's plans for a V12 engine when they wanted to join the sport) and even implementing a standard ECU proved to be a battle.

I support spec series to some formulae but not all. The first car races pitted manufacturers pitting their machines against each other. It was a form of engineer competition to publicize which car was better, instead of drivers. That is the true essence of car racing and interest in which driver was best came later during the 1930s. Call me old fashioned but that is the way I see it. I understand that we live in a crisis but there must be a way to control costs without resorting to standardization.

I understand that was the way chosen by the American motor racing scene with IndyCar and NASCAR and that people there like the way those series are sorted. The theatrics and WWE-like show might be appealing to some, but not for all. It worked well but I cannot see it in some FIA series. WRC became boring and anonymous due to being only Citroens and Fords. There is not enough variety. WTCC is a Chevy championship and no one that I know of sees that. And it is certainly not the way for Formula 1, because, let's be honest, we already have two good spec series in FR3.5 and GP2 and that isn't that cheap anyway. Formula 1 would then became an irrelevance with nothing more than faster Dallaras. I imagine the technological appeal would be lost that way and the very own reason for racing would no longer exist. Motorsport would then become 'entertainment' and as every form of entertainment nowadays, when it loses the novelty effect it is pretty much doomed. At least it is the way I think it goes. Time will tell how things evolve.[/quote]

I believe there must be a way to balance both things. F1, being the very highest echelon of motorsport, can't be reduced to a spec series. I say this basically because part of the good thing about F1 is that manufacturers can use some of the innovations in F1 for the road car division, just as LMS does. Manufacturers should be able to take something back from involving in the sport.

[DanielPT]

FIA can already deliver the 2012 WRC Championship trophy to Loeb, because, let's face it, barring a disaster of epic proportions it is a done deal...

Ogier joins VW missing 2012 WRC season.

[AndreaModa]

At least we can expect VW to be competitive for 2013. Considering what Mini have done this year I think VW should be targeting podiums at the very least for when they enter. Speaking of which I hope Mini can mount a more consistent challenge next year and maybe even sneak a win at some point.

[Klon]

I feel tempted to make another GP2 racing series, but I know I shouldn't since our forum market is already flooded with them - feels bad man.

[the Masked Lapwing]

I feel tempted to make another GP2 racing series, but I know I shouldn't since our forum market is already flooded with them - feels bad man.

Pfft, no one cares - just means no one misses out if there's several million of them going around!

[Nessafox]

I feel tempted to make another GP2 racing series, but I know I shouldn't since our forum market is already flooded with them - feels bad man.

Pfft, no one cares - just means no one misses out if there's several million of them going around!

if you ever find a caravan-racing mod or a backwards-racing mod... we don't have these yet...

[AdrianSutil]

Is there one with just reject teams and drivers? I'd love to see a podium consisting of Gachot's Coloni, Giacomelli's Life and Moreno's Forti

[DanielPT]

I feel tempted to make another GP2 racing series, but I know I shouldn't since our forum market is already flooded with them - feels bad man.

Go ahead man. If we have r as an infinite or a large enough (which seems to be the case) number represented by this letter of racing series, then we can deduce that r + 1 = r.

Now that class is over, go make that series!

[dinizintheoven]

Is there one with just reject teams and drivers? I'd love to see a podium consisting of Gachot's Coloni, Giacomelli's Life and Moreno's Forti

Sort of.

Forti are regular winners, as are Super Aguri, HWNSNBM has been champion twice, and Pedro Chaves has had a pole and a win. There's also vastly increased prospects for a nearly-reject in the upcoming season...

[DemocalypseNow]

DROWNING HORSES.