s e k a r b d Han s n i p r i a H & ld of rallying r o w e h t o t in t h ig your ins
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Rallying readies for 2011
Issue 163 • 16 December 2010 http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com
Features
MINI to Dakar for 2011, P8 LLoix oix i ready d ffor IRC 2011, P7 Rally Sweden news, P8
News
Events
BRC and Irish rally news USA rallying news BBMR, MR, P13 and updates MR M FFIA, IA P10
WRC and IRC W nnews updates
Contents / Issue 163 04
Editorial Information Editor Evan Rothman Photojournalist Eva Kovkova Contributors RallyBuzz, Motorpics, Liga Stirna, Newspress. All content copyrighted property of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, 200710. This publication is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the editor. While reasonable precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information from sources and given to readers, the editor cannot accept responsibility for any inconvenience or damage that may arise therefrom.
Contact E-mail us evan.hhmag@gmail.com Call us +27 83 452 6892 Surf us http://wp.me/pkXc
News
04 05 05
Daily Online Updates Ninth title for Villagra in Argentina Fan Foto Framed
06
Features
06 06 07 07 08 08 09 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 13
Race Retro readies for 2011 New spec R4 cars debuted South Africans at fore on Dakar 2011 Loix ready for 2011 IRC MINI heads to Dakar for 2011 Rally Sweden westbound New Renault rally car launched FIA 2010 Awards Gala WMSC new rulings for WRC 2011 Jordan Rally reveals ‘Power Stage’ More night stages for Otago 2011 Van Merksteijn Motorsport in WRC 2011 Rally New Zealand news update Prodrive to run six MINIs in WRC 2011 Bettega Memorial RallySprint
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Welcome to issue 163 of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS, your FREE weekly insight into the world of rallying. As always, I hope you enjoy this week’s exciting edition. Yours in Rallying, Evan Rothman
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RALLYING
RallyBuzz.com features European rally championships, British rallying, RallyCar events, international rally results and videos, as well as S2000 and WRC news.
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Team & Event News WRC IRC South African Rallying DAILY ONLINE UPDATES For your convenience, here are the news items in this easy-toclick menu page: WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP Subaru and Mitsubishi’s R4s: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2iu
In-Car with Tommi Makinen: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2iA Tribute video: This is Rallying: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2iw NLP’s tribute to Citroen C4 WRC: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2is
EUROPEAN AND INTERCONTINENTAL RALLY CHALLENGE Loix prepares for Monte-Carlo: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2i9 Andersson and Proton: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2ic Revised IRC calendar for 2011: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2ii Star-studded entry Monte-Carlo: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2i6 BRITISH AND IRISH RALLYING INTERNATIONAL RALLYING AND OFF-ROAD RACING The Dakar TV presence: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2ie South Africans on Dakar Rally: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2iy Paddon looks for budget: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2gH New rules for Dakar navigators: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2ig USA AND RALLYCAR RALLY NEWS AND EVENTS RECOMMENDED YOUTUBE RALLY VIDEOS: FIA’s WRC 2010 Season Review: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2iJ NLP’s tribute to Ford Focus WRC: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2fm Heikki Kovalainen at the ROC: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2il Best of Rallye by Rallye-Mad.com: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2io
THIS WEEK’S BEST VIDEO << The end of the 2010 World Rally Championship season is here, with the Wales Rally GB completed this past weekend. Here is a great video for your viewing pleasure: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bk7xitr2TgU At the top of each page, a tabbed section contains video clicks we recommend viewing. In other tabbed sections, we have linked articles posted on our website that will add more perspective and insight into the article it accompanies. Together with the videos, HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS aims to offer readers a fully-interactive reading experience. Send evanrothman@gmail.com your favourite rally-related videos to to be featured in this section. Or, send us a twitter to @Evan_Rothman or a message on Facebook.
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE WORLD OF RALLYING
RallyBuzz.com features European rally championships, British rallying, RallyCar events, international rally results and videos, as well as S2000 and WRC news.
www.RallyBuzz.com
NEWS
Features
Issue 163 • 16 December 2010
Events
Tommi Makinen - Rallye Catalunya 1999: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_LlifczeSA
NINTH TITLE FOR VILLAGRA IN ARGENTINA
Tribute video: This is Rallying: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqSGhWfkxxk
FAN FOTO FRAMED
Got a great shot from a rally? Send your favourite rally photograph to evan.hhmag@gmail.com to be featured here! Picture by Katarina Durecova.
Words: Staff Writer In the final round of the Argentine Rally Championship, Federico Villagra (Mitsubishi) beat down Gabriel Pozzo (Subaru) in the last match of a thrilling face to face, to seal his ninth title and fifth consecutive, proving once again he is a step forward of his opponents. After an amazing comeback “Coyote” claimed the championship lead in the last round to face the final showdown with just one point over Pozzo. The expectations prior the weekend for watching a head to head fight for the title where really huge, however, the former FIA Production Cup winner wasn’t lucky enough. On SS3 Pozzo gave up to all his chances to clinch his first national championship after the gear stick of his Subaru broke down, and after being obliged to drive in such a condition for three stages, the Baratec’s driver lost one and a half precious minutes to drop down to ninth position. Pozzo finally bounced back in an incredible way to finish the first day of action in third place, though the gap was difficult to shave. On Sunday Pozzo tried for all means to get as closest as he could from Villagra who cleverly managed the difference with his main contender. Pozzo drove as a really champion to win four stages but he couldn’t surpass “Coyote” who finally beat him by 14,6s. in the race and two points in the championship standings. This final battle for the title between Mitsubishi and Subaru could have been one of the last, since most of the drivers will jump to the new Maxi Rally class. Villagra will be driving a Ford Fiesta, whereas Pozzo will do it at the wheel of a VW Gol Trend. Marcos Ligato will lead the Chevrolet Agile crew whilst Claudio Menzi will change to a Fiat Punto. Alejandro Cancio is up to now the unique representative for the Peugeot 207 and Nicolás Madero is close to seal a deal with Honda to compete with the City Model. H&H
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Features
Interviews Exclusive columnists In-depth articles SUBARU AND MITSUBISHI DEBUT NEW R4 SPEC CARS TO TAKE ON S2000 CLASS FOR 2011 P-WRC CLASS Words: http;//www.wrc.com
RACE RETRO 2011 READIES Words: Staff Writer Picture: Poppyseed Media Think rallying, think Lancia! That’s why it will be the celebrated Rally marque at next year’s Race Retro when it returns to Stoneleigh Park, Coventry in the earlier slot of 25 27 February. For decades the Italian carmaker, famous for its Fulvia, Stratos and 037 models, has been associated with one of the toughest – if not THE toughest – form of motorsport, which tests a car’s strength and durability to the max over many gruelling miles and hours. There will be a magnificent static Lancia display in the Rally Hall (Hall 1) but it’s on the Live Rally Stage, sponsored by Hero, where the magic will come to life. The newly designed course proved a hit in 2010 with the drivers and visitors alike and the organisers are hoping to ‘up the ante’ once again with more modifications. Few car-makers have enjoyed a strong rallying pedigree across several decades, but one that does is Lancia. The record books speak for themselves: the Stratos model took the
World Rally Championship constructors’ championship crown three times (1974, 1975 and 1967) while the 037 did the same in 1983 and the Delta went on to win the six consecutive titles, from 1987 to 1992. But it wasn’t just the cars that scored well – both Juha Kankkunen and Miki Biasion won drivers’ titles piloting a Lancia. And today Lancias are a dominant force in historic rallying, recreating their illustrious past for a new generation of fans. So whether it’s a 1960s Fulvia HF, the muchloved ‘70s Stratos or the later 037, S4 and Integrale, Race Retro is bringing together numerous examples of the marque for a highly-deserved tribute. Adult ticket prices start from just £20 for Friday and Saturday, £15 for Sunday when booking in advance. Children’s tickets are £5 on Friday or H&H Saturday and free on Sunday. Parking is also free throughout. The show is open from 9.30am each day and closes at 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 4.30pm on Sunday. To book tickets and for the latest updates, visit http://www.raceretro.com
Japanese manufacturers Subaru and Mitsubishi are both developing high performance versions of their existing Group N cars to enable them to compete on level terms with their Super 2000 rivals next year, reported http://www.wrc.com. Work on the cars, based on the firms Impreza and Lancer models, began earlier this month after the FIA World Motor Sport Council gave the green light to a new ‘R4’ specification. An R4 kit, homologated by the current Group N manufacturers, should enhance the performance of the two-litre turbo cars, bringing them in line with the normally aspirated Super 2000s. The R4 class could lead to Imprezas and Lancers competing alongside Super 2000 cars in the 2011 SWRC, and should also give the turbo cars a boost in national rallies where they already compete in the same category as the S2000s. Details of the kit are yet to be finalised by the FIA, but next year’s R4s are expected to be stronger and lighter than the existing N4 models, with longer suspension travel and modifications to steering columns, dashboards and windows. Further power could be unlocked by widening the mandatory 33mm turbo restrictor. Production car World Rally Champion Armindo Araujo gave a glimpse of the R4s potential when he drove a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4 prototype at last week’s Monza Rally Show in Italy. His times were consistently in the top two or three of the S2000 class and he rounded off the event by beating all the S2000 cars to win the final stage of the event. H&H
News
FEATURES
Issue 163 • 16 December 2010
Events
Citroen C4 WRC tribute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rs8PlGtBKeg
Ford Focus RS WRC tribute video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3ZPk1kVfaA
SOUTH AFRICANS AT FORE OF 2011 DAKAR RALLY SCENE Words: Staff Writer Picture: Volkswagen Motorsport A band of South Africans who cut their off road racing teeth in the Absa Off Road Championship will be looking for more glory on the Argentina – Chile Dakar Rally from 01 - 16 January. Leading the South African charge will be former winner Giniel de Villiers who again teams up with German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz in a factory entered Volkswagen Racing Touareg. De Villiers, a former South African Touring Car and off road champion, made history when he became the first South African to win one of motorsport’s classic events in 2009. De Villiers is joined in the Volkswagen works team by another South African champion Ralph Pitchford who will again link up with American driver Mark Miller. Pitchford and the American will be looking for their third podium finish in a row. South African off road legend Alfie Cox, who won national off road championships on two and four wheels, will also continue his love affair with the Dakar Rally. Cox and German co-driver Jurgen Schroder will again campaign a Nissan Navara built in South Africa. Nissan Navara’s built in South Africa also form the backbone of the Belgian-based Team Overdrive which will again have a strong South African
flavour. Team Castrol Toyota factory driver Anthony Taylor and former South African champion Juan Mohr will drive the support truck for Team Overdrive. The Team Overdrive technical crew will also have strong South African connections and includes a number of technicians and engineers who regularly do duty in the Absa Off Road Championship. Among them will be Rudi Balzer who co-drives for Mark Corbett in the Century Racing team and Regent Racing crew chief Graham Thornton. “The Dakar is one of the world’s great motorsport races and for all the South Africans on this year’s event it is going to be an epic adventure,” said Taylor. “I would love to drive in the main race but until that happens I am more than happy to drive the support truck for a well organised team like Overdrive. “Juan and I are looking forward to what is going to be an unforgettable experience. Hopefully Team Overdrive and the other South Africans will pick up good results.” Taylor will go to South America full of confidence. He and co-driver Robin Houghton won the recent RFS Magalies 400, the final round of the 2010 Absa Off Road Championship, and a week later Taylor wrapped up the Bridgestone Production Car Championship. H&H
LOIX READY FOR 2011 IRC Words: Staff Writer Pictures: Eva Kovkova Freddy Loix has begun his bid to win Rallye Monte-Carlo for the first time after completing a test in the south of France last week. The 40-year-old Belgian ace drove a Skoda Fabia Super 2000 test car as part of his preparations for the opening round of next year’s Intercontinental Rally Challenge. “It was quite difficult because the weather conditions were changing,” said Loix, a six-time IRC event-winner. “We had some ideas of what we wanted to do on dry Tarmac but in the end it rained so we had to change a bit the setup.” Loix, who is planning to enter an expanded programme of IRC events in 2011, said winning Monte-Carlo would represent a major achievement. “I was second two years ago and if I could finish one place better I would be the most happy man in the world,” said Freddy Loix. “Monte-Carlo can be quite an easy rally if it’s dry but when it’s wet or if there is snow then it can be one of the toughest rallies in the world.” H&H
Issue 162 • 09 December
News
FEATURES
Events
Heikki Kovalainen at the ROC: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2il
Best of Rallye by Rallye-Mad.com: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2io
WRC RALLY SWEDEN WESTBOUND TO NORWAY MINI HEADS TO THE DAKAR Words: Staff Writer Picture: X-Raid.de The Monster Energy X-raid Team unveiled the exciting new MINI All4 Racing at its rollout in Trebur, near Frankfurt, last Friday. X-raid’s MINI All4 Racing will take part in the 33rd Personal Dakar Argentina-Chile from January 1st-16th, 2011. The new car has a power output of 315hp and 700Nm of torque and has impressed team driver Guerlain Chicherit from the outset. “The first short test drive was exciting for me and the team and also quite promising,” enthused Chicherit. “I’m really looking forward to the test in France next week now. With the powerful engine and unique handling characteristics of the MINI All4 Racing, we have a good chance in the 2011 Dakar.” X-raid team director Sven Quandt is also delighted after the rollout of the new model: “Our team has succeeded, despite the very short development time. We have a vehicle off the ground, which will be competitive.
The MINI All4 Racing offers exceptional handling, greater ease of service and, thanks to our cooperation with BMW Motoren GmbH on the engine side, we have increased engine performance and efficiency.” After the somewhat unusual unveiling in snowy conditions, the MINI All4 Racing underwent extensive testing in France this past week. Chicherit and French co-driver Michel Périn will then give the new car its competitive debut on the Dakar Rally, starting on New Year’s Day in Buenos Aires. Technical specifications: Maximum Output: 315hp Torque approx.: 700Nm Displacement: 3,000 cc Fuel capacity approx.: 420 litres
H&H
Words: Staff Writer Next year the Norwegian rally fans will not have to leave their country to visit Rally Sweden – unless they want to. The Swedish WRC event has many times been close to the Norwegian border, but this will be the first time the rally takes a step across the border. For the first time there will be a rally stage crossing the border between Sweden and Norway. SS4 is the stage starting in Sweden passing through Norway and then back into Sweden again. The beginning of the stage at the Swedish side runs through a landscape where the narrow road goes up and down with crests and curves all the time. At the stage finish there are no parking facilities, but if you are prepared to walk for some kilometers you can have a very good spot with quite a good view from the ice of a lake. The pictures from Løvhaugen show the fantastic nature and the scenery you have all around you from the spectators’ area. The stage will be run twice at Friday February 11. First as Stage 4 with the first car leaving at 10h55, and the second time when its dark outside at 17h10. Now its called SS7. H&H
News
FEATURES
Issue 163 • 16 December 2010
Events
In-Car with Armindo Araujo in Wales Rally GB: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN6WTiVdzYc
Final of the Solberg Motor Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHqpbV6NJDA
NEW RENAULT RALLY CAR Words: Evan Rothman Pictures: Newspress Noted for its striking design and having won acclaim for the quality of its chassis and engine, Mégane Renaultsport 250 is now to give rise to a rally car, N4, intended for private teams and drivers. As the only manufacturer to offer a full ‘rally’ range based on group R regulations, Renault Sport Technologies is now to add Mégane Renaultsport N4 to its line-up. Developed for racing on asphalt, it is set to establish a new standard. With the same intrinsic qualities as the Mégane Renaultsport 250, the new model draws on a heritage of group N-homologated Renaults stretching back over a quarter of a century: 5 GT Turbo, R11 Turbo, R21 2l Turbo, R19 16V, Clio Williams and Clio Renaultsport. Intended to keep costs down, Group N regulations impose strict rules on the modifications that can be made to the original car. This constraint works to the advantage of the Mégane Renaultsport N4, which gets the full benefit of the technology
used on the production model. The PerfoHub independent steering-axis front suspension design has allowed the engineers to put together a chassis that combines traction, directional stability and driving comfort in complete safety. The use of three-way adjustable shock absorbers also allows the settings to be adapted to all types of driving style. Under the bonnet, the performance of the 2.0-litre 16V turbo engine has been enhanced with an optimised electronic engine control system. Despite regulatory restrictions, the Mégane Renaultsport N4’s engine puts out 265hp and torque of 470Nm. It is linked to a five-speed H-pattern gearbox, developed specifically for this purpose. On the strength of its experience in the field, Renault Sport Technologies has sought to design an innovative, reliable and highperformance package that also takes on board the notion of cost control at every stage of development. The intention is to make Mégane Renaultsport N4 accessible to all drivers, and be both easy to handle and economical to run. Like all of the vehicles in its rally range, Mégane Renaultsport N4 is to be sold by
Renault Sport Technologies in the form of a kit comprising all the specific parts. Unveiled in 2009, Mégane Renaultsport 250 represents the pinnacle of production cars to date by Renault Sport Technologies. Acclaimed by the media and owners alike, it sets itself apart by virtue of its exceptional performance and roadholding. The Mégane Renaultsport also stands out thanks to its characteristic chassis architecture, with the PerfoHub independent steering-axis front suspension which allows the steering and suspension to work independently of each other. To achieve perfect traction, the gearbox is equipped with a limited slip differential. Recognisable at first glance, the sporty design of Mégane Renaultsport is emphasised by the front bumper with its integrated F1-inspired aerodynamic blade, as well as the rear diffuser and centrally positioned exhaust outlet. H&H
Issue 162 • 09 December
News
FEATURES
Events
In-Car with Petter Solberg at Wales Rally GB: Bologna Motor Show RallySprint 2010: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjRYoABHNzY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPKyGIg5cJM
LOEB, ELENA AND WRC CHAMPIONS HONOURED AT FIA AWARDS GALA 2010 Words: Staff Writer Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena claimed an unprecedented seventh consecutive FIA World Rally Championship title at the end of the 2010 season and the recordbreaking crew were duly honoured at the annual FIA Gala in Monaco this past weekend. Loeb and Elena joined a host of other champions from the world of motor sport to receive their coveted trophies at the sport’s most prestigious prize-giving ceremony. The 2010 FIA World Rally Championship took the crews around the globe to 13 countries, where competition was fought out over a diverse range of snow, gravel and tarmac, many events mixing surfaces to add to the challenge. Rally Bulgaria, based in the ski resort of Borovets, was a new tarmac addition to the calendar, the Rally of Turkey took place on two different continents for the first time, and the face of Rallye de France changed completely as the event moved to Alsace. Being his home region, it was Loeb territory and the Frenchman claimed an emotional seventh world title on home soil - with two rounds remaining - in front of crowds of thousands. In total, Loeb and Elena claimed victory on eight events this season and have amassed an extraordinary 62 world rally wins together. Sébastien Loeb said: “Emotionally, this title compares to the first because I felt so proud and happy that it happened in Alsace in front of the French people. When I crossed the finish line in my home town at the end of the event, it was an incredible feeling. I am very pleased to share this title with the entire Citroën team; they have given Daniel and me a perfect car all season, allowing us to score an average of 21 points on the 13 events. I think it has been one of our most consistent years, if not the most consistent.” The Citroën Total World Rally Team also claimed the FIA World Rally Championship for Manufacturers. Headed by Loeb - and aided by Daniel Sordo and Sébastien Ogier - the French team won nine rounds, winning the title for the third consecutive year. Olivier Quesnel, Citroën Racing Director, said: “I think if we look at the figures this has been our best year. I feel very proud of the team and all the
drivers and co-drivers who have done a perfect job once again. Winning is hard, but staying at the top is even harder. The C4 WRC has proved to be unbeaten on tarmac and in total our car has claimed 32 victories over four seasons. We feel this is a great achievement and I hope we will be able to continue this winning streak with our new DS3 WRC.” The inaugural FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship was closelyfought and no fewer than six different drivers claimed victories in the category throughout the season. Spaniards Xavier Pons and codriver Alex Haro, driving a Ford Fiesta S2000, took the lead in the series after winning their opening round in Mexico and led the Championship throughout the season, claiming a total of two wins from their nominated seven rounds. In the FIA Production Car World Rally Championship, the experienced Portuguese crew of Armindo Araújo and Miguel Ramalho were never outside the top three on any of their six nominated events. The crew, driving a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, won in Mexico, Germany and France to take their second consecutive Production Car World Rally Championship title; the first time this has been achieved in over a decade. The six-round FIA Junior World Rally Championship proved to be equally competitive with two drivers going head-to-head for the title on the final round. Aaron Nicolai Burkart and codriver Andre Kachel ultimately triumphed in their Suzuki Swift Super 1600, the German pair claiming one victory in Turkey and finishing consistently in the top five in the category on each event during the season. The FIA WRC Cup for Teams - an award for registered teams taking part in the FIA Super 2000 World Rally Championship - was won by the Red Bull Rallye Team by a single point, having scored three wins from their seven nominated events. H&H
WORLD MOTOR SPORT COUNCIL’S RALLY DECISIONS AND PLANS FOR 2011 AND BEYOND UNVEILED IN MONACO LAST WEEK Words: Staff Writer Picture: WorldRallyPics The final meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) in 2010 took place in the Principality of Monaco late last week. At thsi meeting, the FIA also honoured the sport’s WRC Champions at a prize-giving ceremony at the Sporting d’Eté de Monte-Carlo, Monaco. The class of cars eligible to contest FIA World and Regional Rally Championship events has been updated, clarified, and is available in the 2011 Sporting Regulations. The introduction of the new Super 2000 cars with 1.6 litre turbo engines has been postponed until 1 January 2012 in FIA Regional Rally Championship events. More information will be published in the pages of HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS as and when further such details are released to the media. H&H
News
FEATURES
Issue 163 • 16 December 2010
Events
• Loix prepares for Monte-Carlo: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2i9
• Revised IRC calendar for 2011: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2ii
• Andersson and Proton: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2ic
• Star-studded entry Monte-Carlo: http://wp.me/ppkXc-2i6
NIGHT STAGES RETURN TO THE OTAGO RALLY FOR 2011 Words: Staff Writer
JORDAN RALLY REVEALS ‘POWER STAGE’ PLANS Words: http://www.wrc.com Picture: Citroen Racing The Jordan Rally, which forms the fourth round of next year’s World Rally Championship, has become one of the first events on the WRC calendar to announce outline details of its Power Stage, which will award bonus points to drivers and, as often as possible, be shown live on television. Organisers of the Middle East event, which will take place from 14 - 16 April, have earmarked SS20, the Baptism Site test, as the rally’s Power Stage and cut its distance by 3.13km as a result. The stage, the last of the rally, is scheduled to go live at 15h11 local time and will total 10 kilometres. The Power Stage concept was unveiled in September as part of plans by North One Sport, the promoter of the WRC, which have been designed to boost live television coverage of the series. The intention is to broadcast these stages typically the last of each rally - live from all WRC events in 2011. Live television coverage and onboard cameras will help capture the action in a new one-hour live ‘Power Stage’ programme. Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport said: “The reaction to the Power Stages has been extremely positive and broadcasters appreciate the WRC taking the step up to the top level of live sports TV. The WRC is entering a thrilling new
era, with new cars and manufacturers giving audiences even more to get excited about. The WRC already provides television viewers with one of the most exciting armchair rides in motorsport but next year things rev up a gear.” Reigning world champion Sebastien Loeb has backed the Power Stage plan. He said: “The bonus points can help the drivers who are a bit behind. The sport does need some media and if it helps to have a lot of TV then it’s a good thing.” A number of other world championship events are expected to announce details of their Power Stage plans over the coming months. Rally Sweden, the season-opener in February, has confirmed it will show a live stage after its final test was transmitted as it happened when the event opened the 2010 season back in February. H&H
Night stages will return to the Otago Rally in 2011 after a competitor survey highlighted an overwhelming desire to tackle stages after dark. To be held from 08 - 10 April next year, it will be the first time in 15 years that the Otago Rally has included night stages. “We surveyed our entrants and found that there was a strong support for this move,” Otago Rally Clerk of Course, Norman Oakley, said. The change in event format will see competitors contesting stages over three days. After a ceremonial start in Dunedin on the Friday evening, crews will immediately tackle three stages that night with a competitive distance of around 50km. The rally will continue on Saturday with six daylight stages, including the popular tarmac super special stage around the streets of central Dunedin. On Sunday, a further six daylight gravel stages will see a total event competitive distance of approximately 275km. “We pleased to make some changes to the event based on what the competitors want,” Oakley added. “Next year’s event will use a mixture of stages, including some of the old favourites, such as Waipori Gorge and Kuri Bush. We will also run stages in an area that the rally hasn’t been to for some time.” The event will be the first round of the New Zealand Rally Championship, and will also incorporate the popular Classic Rally of Otago. For further information on the event, go to the event website at http://www.otagorally.net H&H
Issue 162 • 09 December
News
FEATURES
Events
Suzuki SX4 WRC 2007 season highlights: Rally Costa Brava Historic highlight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbsYBKW3_nA http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60-nivPEXPs
VAN MERKSTEIJN MOTORSPORT ENTERS WRC Words: Staff Writer Pictures: VM Motorsport Peter van Merksteijn jr will start ten rallies of the World Rally Championship calendar in 2011 with a factory rally car provided and prepared by Citroën Racing. His car will be identical to the Citroën DS3 WRC with which the 2010 World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb will appear pilot. It is a unique situation that a Dutch rally driver will compete in a season of the World Rally Championship (WRC) with such an optimum, full factory car and with full factory support. ‘Junior’ has inherited his rally talent from his father. After his initial steps in the Dutch Rally Sport and winning in his debut year the 2007 Dutch Rally Championship’s Group N category, Van Merksteijn jr made the switch two years ago to driving WRC events. Gerard Grouve, director/team manager of Van Merksteijn Motorsport: “Last year we won the Dutch rally title with Bernhard Ten Brinke, and this year we have focused on preparing for the 2011 WRC season. The regulations for next year have changed dramatically and we wanted to be fully prepared at the start of the season. However, the available options were limited as there
are only a few WRC cars available for next season. Therefore we are very excited that Peter van Merksteijn jr has the unique opportunity to enter in the WRC with an official factory car from Citroën Racing, the DS3 WRC.” Peter van Merksteijn jr will take part in ten WRC events with a Citroën DS3 WRC that will be prepared by Citroën Racing. This team was also responsible for the entries of former Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen, Sebastien Ogier and Dani Sordo in the World Rally Championship. Peter van Merksteijn jr said: “The last few years I was unable to free myself enough from my full business schedule to drive rallies, and when I drive I want to do that the right way or not at all. For 2011, I will be fully dedicated to the rally sport since I have been given the unique chance to drive a factory car. And Citroën’s new rally car, the Citroën DS3 WRC, seems to me to be a super rally car to drive. After all, World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb has ful trust in the DS3 WRC. I have ten WRC events scheduled for next year with which I am eligible to score points for the Championship. I am looking forward to starting in these planned WRC events with the Rally Australia as preliminary highlight.” Besides ‘Junior’, Peter van Merksteijn sr also intends to start in a
number of WRC events with a Citroën DS3 WRC from Citroën Racing. Grouve commented: “It is a unique situation that two Dutch rally drivers of Van Merksteijn Motorsport will drive with a Citroën Racing factory car at the highest level of the rally sport. In preparation for the 2011 WRC season, Peter jr will be testing with Citroën Racing several times where he have the chance to learn a lot from the other Citroën factory drivers, seven times World champion Sebastien Loeb and the super talent of Sebastien Ogier.” Van Merksteijn jr will debut his Citroën DS3 WRC during next year’s WRC Rally Sweden, which will be held from the 10th to the 13th of February in the snowy area of Karlstad. Peter van Merksteijn jr is part of Van Merksteijn Motorsport, one of the most successful and professional motorsport teams from The Netherlands, active in both circuit racing and rallying. Having started at the top level of rallying, team owner Peter van Merksteijn sr switched his attention towards circuit racing. Aims of achieving at the highest level was rewarded in 2008 with the legendary victory in the 24 hours of Le Mans together with team members Jos Verstappen and Jeroen Bleekemolen. H&H
News
Features
EVENTS
Issue 163 • 16 December 2010
Ford’s farewell to the Focus RS WRC: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pltZkwkBBI
RALLY NZ 2011 UPDATE Words: Staff Writer In 2011 Rally New Zealand will be a two-day event using Hampton Downs Motorsport Park as the rally headquarters and service park. Running over the weekend of 7 and 8 May, the event is round two of the New Zealand Rally Championship and also incorporates the Possum Bourne Memorial Rally field as it has for the past few years. The International Rally of Whangarei is scheduled to run from 15 to 17 July 2011. This event will be round four of the New Zealand Rally Championship and also round four of the Asia-Pacific Rally Championship. H&H
PRODRIVE TO RUN UP TO SIX MINIS IN WRC IN 2011 Words: Staff Writer Prodrive boss David Richards has said that his Banbury squad could run up to four privateer MINI Countryman WRCs alongside its two works cars in next year’s World Rally Championship, according to UK newspaper Motorsport News. Richards told Motorsport News: “We’ve sold eight cars already. I know two of them are going to do world championship events regularly, while some of these will be in regional championships all around the world. The FIA have confirmed now that all the regional championships will run to the same specification of car next year. “We can run four additional cars [in the WRC] next year, together with the two works cars, at least one of which is already occupied.” Meanwhile, PWRC champion Armindo Araujo has been tipped to drive a MINI WRC on his home event, Rally de Portugal, in 2011. H&H
Winter Rally 2009 highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCLH6TOuvSo
PETTER SOLBERG WINS HANDBRAKES MEMORIAL BETTEGA & HAIRPINS NIGHT SPRINT OFFICES WILL 2010 BE CLOSED FOR Words: Evan Rothman Norwegian rally superstar Petter Solberg won the 2010 Memorial Bettega Night Sprint with his Petter Solberg World Rally Team-prepared Citroen C4 WRC at the event held this weekend. Solberg defeated the factory Citroen C4 WRC of driver Sebastien Ogier in the final. Mikko Hirvonen finished third overall in his BP Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team’s Focus RS WRC and Henning Solberg came home in fourth in a Ramsport-entered Ford Focus RS WRC. The other drivers who took part in the Night Sprint were Felice Re (Citroen C4 WRC), Luca Pedersoli (Ford Focus RS WRC), Philippe Bugalski (Citroen Xsara WRC) and Alessandro Perico (Citroen Xsara WRC). This annual rally festival, which runs as a feature of the Bologna Motor Show, also sees the Bettega Memorial RallySprint take place the following day. For this event, Sebastien Ogier claimed the overall honours. On his run to the final and the chequered flag, Ogier defeated Hirvonen (who eventually finished third overall), while Night Sprint winner Petter Solberg beat out Italian Luca Pedersoli (Ford Focus RS WRC) in the semi-final to claim second overall. “It has been absolutely great fun this weekend,” said Memorial Bettega Rallysprint runner-up finalist Petter Solberg. “Even though I have to admit it got a bit heated up in the final with jump-starts and overheated engines. Too bad I didn’t manage to beat Ogier, but at least we have given the spectators a show to remember!” Meanwhile, Andreas Mikkelsen won the S2000 section of the Memorial Bettega RallySprint in a Skoda Motorsport UK-prepared Fabia S2000. H&H
THE FESTIVE SEASON, CLOSING THIS WEEK AND RE-OPENING ON 06 JANUARY 2011.
WE WISH ALL OUR FANTASTIC READERS A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! SEE YOU ALL IN JANUARY 2011 WITH ISSUE 164.
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