WRC2: Many changes in perspective?

« It appears that WRC2 offers a second transfer market », this little sentence was launched by Andreas Mikkelsen just before getting on the final podium of the rally CER. It has all the more value as the Norwegian is not concerned. Sacred for the 5^e times with Skoda (2 IRC, 1 ERC, 2 WRC2), Andreas has already stated that if he had to put his title back on the line, it would still be with Skoda. “ This manufacturer reached out to me after Volkswagen stopped, He explains. This year, when Hyundai changed his mind and took Esapekka Lappi while we had an agreement, Skoda showed his confidence in me again. I don't want to race against them in Rally2. »

The Oslo driver will not move next year (except to Rally1!), but this will not be the case for many of his colleagues. The arrival of the news Toyota Yaris Rally2 will very likely reshuffle the cards in a category which will become even more competitive with 5 models available. So far, rumors are flying in all directions as to who will be the teams that will be able to exploit the Japanese. This will firstly depend on the capabilities of Toyota Gazoo Racing to produce cars and spare parts.

In Finland, Toni Gardemeister seems to hold the rope. Will the TGS only be present at home or is a WRC2 program possible? If yes, with which driver? Will Sami Pajari be put “in an incubator” by Toyota while waiting for his rise to Rally1? There are many Finns on the market, but can a crew of a different nationality join this program? The questions are identical for other countries such as Belgium (with DG Sport?), Italy where there would be a car (for Andrea Crugnola?) in Spain, Estonia (with RedGrey for Robert Virvés?) and France for which several names of preparers are circulating…including some surprising ones.

In Passau, Nikolay Gryazin explained that he was going to test the Citroën C3. “ I'm going to discover it on both surfaces which will allow me to get an idea », he explained. It would not be surprising if the Russian also wanted to try the Yaris and then made his choice. If he decided to race against the Frenchwoman, wouldn't that be good news for Yohan Rossel...if the latter remains in the Stellantis fold? Often isolated in the middle of an armada of Skodas, the Gardois would have a point of comparison and it would be easier to find adjustments and progress on the car. If he were to abandon the Fabia, would Nikolay be the only one?

Toksport losing influence?

In the service parks, the Toksport structure is often the most impressive with sometimes 6 Fabias lined up. Doesn't concentrating so many egos, ambitions and different personalities under the same tent carry the risk of bickering? This is especially true when parents get involved. After a year where Toksport welcomed such a strong squad, it would not be surprising if there was a redistribution in 2024. Mikkelsen was champion, but his status is special.

The other drivers say it's THE Skoda car. What will Fergus Greensmith do, who has not always appeared very happy with the Czech car? And Oliver Solberg, will he have found a solution to get back into Rally1 with M-Sport or on the 4^e i20 planned or will it remain in Rally2? While Toksport appears likely to see its numbers reduced, there should also be seats to fill at M-Sport. If it is confirmed thatAdrien fourmaux is in the elevator towards Rally1 and that Grégoire Munster could imitate him, who will ride on the Ford Rally2 next year? M-Sport might not only have to find drivers for its (its?) Puma, but also its Fiesta.

The Rally1 field should not see any big changes. Boys like Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville ou Ott Tänak occupy the best places and this will again be the case in January. Unlike 2023, there should be no going back (Fourmaux, Solberg, Greensmith) except perhaps for Pierre-Louis Loubet if the latter does not reach a solution with Malcolm Wilson. Constrained and forced, the Corsican would resolve to go down one category. It would complete a field which promises to be very tough again, which will satisfy the FIA ​​and the promoter who are counting heavily on this series to guarantee interest in this discipline.

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