Hirvonen wins Japan but Loeb wins overall championship

Hirvonen wins Rally Japan but Loeb secures the Championship


Mikko Hirvonen completed the short final stage in Sapporo this afternoon to take victory on Rally Japan, while third place for Sebastien Loeb was enough to secure him the 2008 WRC drivers’ title.

Hirvonen crossed the finish line with a winning margin of 31.1sec but even the best possible result this weekend wasn’t enough to prevent Loeb sealing the series. However the Finn was quick to pay tribute to his rival at the end of the stage: “That’s it, it’s over. But okay, he won 10 events before coming here so he deserves it. I did all I could. Now we need to try again next year.”

After their heart-stopping spin on the penultimate stage, Loeb and his co-driver Daniel Elena climbed onto the roof of their C4 at the finish control, waving a French flag in celebration. “It’s incredible!” said Loeb. “But that was a terrible rally - it couldn’t have been trickier! It’s a great moment. It’s perfect. I’m so relieved this weekend is over now. Last year Daniel and I equalled the record with four wins, so being the only ones to do five we are very happy!”

Jari-Matti Latvala finished second, helping Ford to a maximum 18 point haul in the manufacturers’ championship, and ensuring the battle would go to the final round in Wales. “It’s very good for the team and very good for me,” he said. “After such a bad time in August I can be happy. There was a time when our good result in Turkey seemed a long way away, but now I can be happy again.”

Chris Atkinson finished fourth in his Subaru World Rally Team Impreza WRC2008, while the Suzuki World Rally Team celebrated its best ever result with sixth and seventh. “It’s been fantastic,” said P-G Andersson, who was sixth. We made a great start but after losing the tyre yesterday I though that was it - but we got ourselves together and pushed hard again today.” Toni Gardemeister said: “I’m really happy this rally is over - it’s not so nice at all! But it was a good result for our team for sure.”

Matthew Wilson brought his Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Focus to the finish in seventh place, while Subaru driver Petter Solberg was eighth, the last points winning place.

-WRC

Ford Focus RS WRC08

Ford has unveiled the new look of their WRC Car, the Ford Focus RS WRC08, in Rally Deutschland (Germany). The new front design reflects the new look of the 2008 Ford Focus RS production model which is due to be marketed soon. The new WRC car also had some improvements made with the engine. FIA regulations require that a a World Rally car has to be based on production model. The Ford Focus RS is the performance version of the passenger vehicle, and will join the ranks of the Lancer Evolution and Subaru Impreza STi.

Photos below clearly show the exterior changes made to the Ford Focus RS world rally car.

Ford Focus RS WRC07 at the 08 Rally Finland

The New Ford Focus RS WRC08 at the 08 Rally Deutschland


2009 Ford Focus RS

New-look Focus rally car to break cover in Rallye Deutschland

8.8.2008 - New-look Focus rally car to break cover in Rallye Deutschland

Ford will debut the latest evolution of the record-breaking Focus RS World Rally Car in Rallye Deutschland (14 - 17 August). The car that won the manufacturers' title in the FIA World Rally Championship for the past two seasons, and recently claimed a landmark 100th consecutive points finish, has been upgraded ahead of the first asphalt round of the series since January.

The 2008-version of the Focus RS includes front style changes as well as engine improvements. Style changes to the grill area reflect the looks of the recently-previewed Focus RS road car. A new turbo and crankshaft will increase the range of power available.

2009 Ford Focus RS [UK]

Introduction
Ahead of its official launch in early 2009, the new Focus RS made its world debut at the 2008 British International Motor Show. Ford has a long pedigree of producing performance cars for real driving enthusiasts and the new Focus RS is no exception. Before it turns a wheel, the car exudes the presence, sporty style and lowered, ‘meaner’ appearance of a genuine Ford RS. The overt styling details are mixed with subtle revisions to create a planted, powerful stance and the promise of a thrilling drive. The new Focus RS is definitely a sight worth seeing.

Personality and performance
Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, the new Focus RS comes with bold styling inside and out and outstanding driving dynamics. At the heart of the new Focus RS is a specially developed version of the turbocharged Duratec 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine. Significantly revised for high performance, this power plant is targeting an impressive power output of 300 PS and over 410 Nm of torque, contributing to an outstanding power-to-weight ratio.

Technical highlights
The new Focus RS is rammed with a range of state-of-the-art technological features that deliver a formidable driving experience. For starters, the vehicle’s steering system has been re-tuned for a sharper response and precision feedback. The car is also equipped with an innovative front suspension system known as a ‘RevoKnuckle’, which is designed to reduce unwanted steering disturbance and torque steer. This new system enables power to be delivered through the front wheels and eliminates the need for a weighty all-wheel-drive arrangement. Other driving developments include a 40 mm wider track for greater stability, unique 19’’ wheels, 235/35 low profile tyres, revised springs and dampers and uprated brakes.

Galli scores points for Stobart in Argentina

GALLI GLIDES INTO POINTS FOR STOBART
March 30, 2008
Italian crew Gigi Galli/Giovanni Bernacchini have helped the Stobart VK M-Sport Ford rally team to three vital manufacturers’ points on the fourth round of the FIA World Rally Championship this weekend. Galli’s seventh place in his Stobart Ford Focus RS WRC07 sees him maintain fifth in the Drivers’ Championship and the team hold fourth in the Manufacturers’ Championship after Rally Argentina.

Results were not so fortunate for Henning Solberg/Cato Menkerud and Matthew Wilson/Scott Martin who all retired from the event on the final day. Both drivers were running well inside the points at different stages of the event but were struck down by the treacherous weather conditions which hampered this year’s South American round.
Galli’s result was a fantastic achievement considering he retired from day 2 at mid-day service with problems caused by the rough terrain that took over the given time limit to fix. The 35-year-old set a multitude of top-three stage times on the opening day of Rally Argentina posting the fastest on the second pass of San Marcos on Friday afternoon.

Stobart’s second nominated point scorer was not so fortunate, retiring from each day under different circumstances. On day 1 Solberg retired with a broken top-mount after clipping a surface rock sticking up on the racing line. The Norwegian withdrew from the afternoon stages on Saturday to preserve his car for next month’s Jordan Rally and re-entered today under SupeRally regulations, only to retire on the opening test with suspension damage.

Twenty-one-year-old Wilson was running well at the halfway point of Rally Argentina sitting in sixth position and staying out of trouble. Unfortunately on stage 15 the Brit struck trouble on the final corner when the track control arm on his Focus RS broke forcing him to retire from the leg.

The youngster re-started the final day in an effort to gain maximum experience and some more gravel miles before Jordan but unfortunately retired on the opening test with broken front suspension.

This year’s Rally Argentina has very much been a rally of attrition with horrendous weather conditions making it one of the most challenging events in recent years. Torrential downpours, mud, fog and wild winds were the common tune this weekend as several crews fell victim to the unpredictable conditions.

The rally’s 348 kilometres took competitors higher than 2000 metres above sea level at times as they covered 21 special stages including three runs over the 1.78 Estadio Córdoba super special. The next event for the Stobart team will be Jordan Rally 24-27 April where both Galli and Solberg will again score points for the side.

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Gigi Galli said:
“Wow, last night I did not think I could finish this rally in seventh position but it just goes to show the rally isn’t over until you cross the finish ramp. What happened yesterday was unlucky for us and my mechanics did a fantastic job trying so hard to fix the car before time ran out so I must say thank you to them all. On the first day things felt very good even though the conditions were the worst I have ever driven in my career. We had some good stage times and even a fastest on one of them so this is a good sign for Jordan because I have only had limited kilometres on gravel, in the car. There have been so many people out supporting this rally even though the weather has been terrible and this is great to see.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Henning Solberg said:
“Well it has not been the best event for us but OK this is the way it goes sometimes. We started off quite slow as there was a lot of fog on Friday morning but then on the next few stages we found the feeling and the times were good. It was unfortunate we retired on the first day, the conditions were quite rough and I was unlucky to hit a sharp rock which broke our suspension. This has been the most challenging event in my career but hopefully it will help in the future if there is another event where the weather is really bad like this. Now I am looking forward to Jordan Rally where it is a new event for everybody.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Matthew Wilson said:
“This has been the most difficult rally of my career and is one from which I will take away a lot of experience. It was a disappointing end because we were looking good yesterday and my mechanics did an awesome job to get us back out in the afternoon after the problems on Saturday morning. On stage 15 we broke the TCA which was in a slow and smooth corner but it was just one of those things unfortunately. Today was definitely the hardest day in my career, the rain was unbelievable and you could barely see 20 metres in front of you on the stage because of all the thick fog. It would have been nice to finish this event but we had some good times on the first two days and have gained some experience in some of the worst conditions you will face in rallying.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Principal Malcolm Wilson said:
“This has been one of the most difficult events for the Stobart team in its short history and I am relieved that Gigi has made a comeback today to score good manufacturer points for the team. I’m really pleased with the effort of the whole team, this weekend things have not gone our way but nobody ever gave up and this has resulted in Gigi’s good result which leaves him fifth in the Drivers’ Championship. This event has been a good platform for all three guys heading into Jordan next month and especially for Henning and Gigi whose first day performances showed some impressive times.”

Stobart VK WRT Rally Mexico Preview

STOBART SALSA TO MEXICO
February 22, 2008

The Stobart VK M-Sport Ford rally team head to Corona Rally Mexico next week, for the third round of the FIA World Rally Championship, second in the Manufacturer standings. This will be the first gravel event in 2008 for the squad and the third consecutive event that a different pairing will be nominated to score points for the team.

Matthew Wilson, 2007 Rally Mexico

After a sensational podium finish for Gigi Galli/Giovanni Bernacchini in Sweden earlier this month they will again be a nominated scoring crew. The second for this event will be Brits Matthew Wilson/Scott Martin who have had a very promising start to the season and are therefore rewarded with an opportunity to help the team continue with its first-rate start to the season.

Stobart regulars Henning Solberg/Cato Menkerud jump ship for this event in aid of fellow M-Sport-run outfit the Munchi’s Ford World Rally Team.

For Galli this will be his first event on gravel in the Stobart Focus RS WRC07 and the 35-year-old is relishing the opportunity like a raging bull. The only time he competed here was not the greatest with suspension issues forcing him to retire on stage 6 back in 2004.

Budget restrictions have prevented the Italian from competing in Mexico over the last three years but to keep a close relationship with the unique properties of this event he undertook reconnaissance in 2005 and 2006.

Twenty-one-year-old Wilson will be looking to continue on from his form in Sweden which saw him in a Sunday showdown for fifth position before throttle issues forced his retirement on the penultimate stage. Sporting the number 8 for this event it will be the youngster’s first as a nominated point scoring driver for the Stobart team since Wales Rally GB back in 2006.

Rally Mexico is well known for its vibrant atmosphere and heavy spectator interest which last year saw over 60,000 gather in Guanajuato, a UNESCO world heritage listed mining town, for the ceremonial start which will again occur this year. The sweeping gravel surface is generally hard packed and smooth but stray rocks and boulders lining the roads could become a major factor this year with puncture-preventing mouse inserts banned in the WRC.

With Mexico a late inclusion in the 2008 calendar much of the route will remain unchanged from 2007. Day 1 will sport the only change where the last few kilometres of Ortega and El Cubilete stages have been re-routed for logistical reasons reducing the overall competitive mileage by ten kilometres. Rally Mexico continues as one of the most compact routes in the WRC with just 830 total kilometres, as well as being one of the most elevated at over 2000 metres above sea level.

Pirelli will introduce its brand new Scorpion gravel tyre on this event after two successful rallies with both the winter asphalt and snow tyres. It will be a tough test on a demanding rally but so far an almost puncture-less two events will be a great confidence booster for the Italian manufacturer.

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Gigi Galli said:
“I just really want to be in Mexico right now, I feel like a horse before a big race raring to go. I competed on this event in 2004 but only got through five stages; however we did do the recce in 2005 and 2006 which I think will help a lot. Mexico is such a wonderful place to go and the atmosphere of the fans is incredible. The people also manage the roads very well there which makes them quite enjoyable to drive on. It will be harder for me to compete at a good level having only done five competitive stages in 2004 but I don’t care, it will be good to be there and get used to the new tyre. I have never used the new Pirelli tyre so this gives us the chance to discover the car and the tyre on gravel for the first time. Like every rally I set a pace on the first stage, see where we are and then develop the speed and feeling from there.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Driver Matthew Wilson said:
“It’s great to be nominated to score points for the Stobart team again. There will be a bit more pressure on me now but it’s a real boost to be able to help the team after such a great start to the year. Mexico has always been quite a good rally for me and it’s where I scored my first drivers’ points in last year’s championship. It’s a bit of a shame not going into the event with any points from Sweden but we will look to get some here. The altitude makes it tough on the cars and the body so Scott and I will be doing some altitude training once we get out there to try and acclimatise a bit better. It will be the first time for me on the new Pirelli gravel tyre but so far we have had no problems on the tarmac and studded versions so I’m confident the feeling will be good in Mexico.”

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Team Principal Malcolm Wilson said:
“The Stobart team head to Mexico sitting in a great position and with a good chance of finishing the event still in a top-three Manufacturer spot. Altitude plays a big part in this rally and it will be tough on both drivers as the temperatures are much higher than the previous two events. Gigi has shown a level head on the first two events this year and already stepped onto the podium in Sweden. It will be a tricky first gravel event for him, however, as he will have the added challenge of fighting the power deficit along with learning how the car acts on a new surface. Matthew has a great opportunity to score points for the team here and has shown a steady improvement on his speed over the first two events. Mexico will be a tough challenge for both drivers will require full concentration to help the team maintain a strong position in the championship and continue to assist the BP Ford Abu Dhabi team at the top of the Manufacturer standings.”

Latvala youngest driver to win a WRC rally

He's done it!

Jari-Matti Latvala held his nerve through Sunday's final five stages to win the 2008 Swedish Rally and collect the first WRC victory of his career.After a sensational drive in difficult conditions, Latvala finished the event 58sec ahead of his Ford team-mate Mikko Hirvonen who was second.

Latvala, aged just 22, becomes the youngest driver ever to win a WRC rally, a record previously held by the late Henri Toivonen, who was 24 years old when he won the 1980 RAC Rally.

At the finish an emotional Latvala danced on the roof of his Focus WRC: It’s a super feeling! It’s almost unbelievable!” said Latvala. “Henri [Toivonen] was one of my idols and secretly I’ve always wanted to beat his record as the youngest winner.

"The rally started so well from the first stage. We’ve made no mistakes, the car has been absolutely perfect and I’ve been able to control the speed - I’m really happy about that. I feel very comfortable now, this result has given me a lot of self confidence and I’m really looking forward to Mexico," he added.

-WRC

Gigi Galli for Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team in 2008

Stobart VK M-Sport Ford Rally Team has confirmed that Italian driver Gigi Galli will take over the slot previously held by Jari-Matti Latvala and join Henning Solberg and Matthew Wilson for the 2008 FIA World Rally Championship season.

Like his new team-mates, the Italian will compete on all 15-rounds of the series with the latest specification of the Ford Focus RS WRC.

Galli will be nominated permanently to score manufacturers' points while the second scoring driver position will be left open during the year.

The first man to fulfill this position at the first round of the 2008 season, Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo, will be Francois Duval.

The Belgian will be the fourth entrant at the event as he makes his first appearance on board a Focus RS WRC since he left Ford at the end of 2004.

"It's set to be another exciting year for the Stobart team after such a successful season this year. Jari-Matti's promotion to the BP-Ford Abu Dhabi team has left an opportunity for someone to join this very competitive squad and we are happy to announce that it will be Italian driver Gigi Galli. Gigi has a wealth of experience in the WRC and I'm sure will be a great asset for the team," said Team Principal Malcom Wilson. "Matthew and Henning will again be part of the Stobart team after some fantastic performances in the 2007 championship. The battle this year with Subaru came down to the final event in Wales and next year things are again looking strong for the Stobart squad."

Henning Solberg will drive for Ford in 2007

Confirmed in Oslo this lunchtime (14 December) is that Henning Solberg and co-driver Cato Menkerud will drive a Ford Focus WRC on all world championship events in 2007, as part of a Ford Manufacturers' Team (M2) entry. The car will appear in the orange colours of Team Expert, and will be part of a two-year agreement between Henning and the Norwegian based electronics retail company Expert.

M-Sport chief Malcolm Wilson said, "It is a pleasure to be working with Henning and Cato again. Since driving with us in 2005, they have proved capable of finishing (world rallies) on the podium (Turkey 2006)". Wilson stated that the name of the world championship team under which Henning will run, and the identity of Henning's team-mate, have not yet been decided, but will be given to the FIA tomorrow (15 December) when registrations effective for Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo have to be declared. Following assurances already given by Ford in relation to their primary BP-Ford team, Citroen Sport and Subaru, also earlier today the news from Mitsubishi, this will be the fifth confirmed entry for the 2007 season.

-WRC.com