Autoblog

Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Robert Kubica would give it all back to be in F1 again]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/19/robert-kubica-would-give-it-all-back-to-be-in-f1-again/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Celebrities

Robert Kubica hasn't been in a Formula One grand prix race since a rally crash left him injured in early 2011, but that doesn't mean the driver has stopped thinking about F1. According to Autosport.com, Kubica is headed back to WRC2, but remains focused on getting back into an F1 driver's seat. While he had received offers to race in DTM, he chose to stick with rallying because the demanding physical challenges should provide better preparation for a return to open-wheel racing.

"I would pay all the money I have to be back in the cockpit of a Formula One car," he said while speaking to reporters.

Kubica believes that physically, he may be able to compete on a course like Barcelona, but the more challenging Monaco Grand Prix would be beyond his reach. Kubica is expected to work with Citroën in the testing phase of the company's World Touring Car Championship program in 2014 as well.

Robert Kubica would give it all back to be in F1 again originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>citroenf1formula 1formula onekubicarobert kubicaworld rally championshipwrcTue, 19 Mar 2013 18:36:00 EST

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20509948 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/robert-kubica-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/robert-kubica-628.jpg <![CDATA[This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/08/this-is-citroens-amazing-diorama-tribute-to-celebrate-its-wrc-w/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Citroën, Toys/Games, Design/Style

Citroen DS3 Diorama

Citroen has taken a unique stab at commemorating Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena's nine World Rally Championship wins. Rather than work up yet another tired video of the champions expounding on the virtues, trials and and tribulations that come with being the very best for nearly a decade straight, the company whipped up a diorama atop Citroen DS3. The scale model covers nine separate rally terrains, including bits from Rally Finland and the Acropolis Rally. Each one of the nine sections features a 1:43 scale version of the duo's rally car from each year of victorious competition.

The model took Kieron Barter of Funky Lemon Design and his team some two months to complete. Initially displayed at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, the diorama is set to start a tour of various dealers beginning today. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings

This is Citroën's amazing diorama tribute to celebrate its WRC winnings originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20484491 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ds3-diorama-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/citroen-ds3-diorama-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else)]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/23/ken-block-rally-cars-go-blue-in-the-face-and-everywhere-else/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Ford, Celebrities, Racing

Well at least we now know why Ken Block "just ain't care" about smashing up his Ford Fiesta rally car recently. It's because he's getting a full brand makeover including a new team name, new paint scheme and even a new headquarters. Formerly known as Monster World Rally Team, Block and his Fiesta will now be competing under the Hoonigan Racing Division name, which is based out of a new 12,000 square foot facility located in Park City, UT.

As you can tell in the image above, Hoonigan Racing will replace the familiar black, white and green paint scheme with a more colorful design featuring plenty of blue, purple and red; the Monster Energy logo retains some of the car's green. The new paint scheme was inspired by Block's love of skateboard graphics from the '80s and early '90s as well as "Miami Vice-era" speedboats.

Block will continue to compete in multiple rally racing series such as Global RallyCross, World Rally Championship and X Games. The new headquarters features office space on one side and a shop for the cars on the other side. The building features plenty of stuff you'd expect from a company designed around Ken Block, including a massive gaming station for racing video games, recycled shipping containers used throughout the facility and a black bear.

Block also hints at the next Gymkana on the Hoonigan Racing blog:

I can't comment too much on it at this point, but we're taking a very different approach to it for this year. That's all I'm going to say right now!"

So, we guess we'll be looking forward to that, then.

Ken Block rally cars go blue in the face (and everywhere else) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafordhoonigan racing divisionken blockmonster world rally teamrallycrossworld rally championshipx gamesWed, 23 Jan 2013 18:39:00 EST

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20436863 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ken-block-2013-ford-fiesta_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/ken-block-2013-ford-fiesta.jpg <![CDATA[Ford exiting WRC after 2012 season as Euro economy struggles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/ford-exiting-wrc-after-2012-season-as-euro-economy-struggles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/ford-exiting-wrc-after-2012-season-as-euro-economy-struggles/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/16/ford-exiting-wrc-after-2012-season-as-euro-economy-struggles/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Hatchback, Ford, Racing

It appears that the World Rally Championship has lost another key player. After word that Mini is leaving WRC comes news that Ford is pulling out as well. While Mini's departure was rooted in its tenuous relationship with Prodrive, Ford's exit from the sport is tied to the poor economic climate in Europe.

According to a statement from Ford of Europe's VP of Marketing, Sales and Service, Roeland de Waard, "Ford has a long and proud history in the WRC and this was not an easy decision." He continued, "At this time, however, we determined that it was better for the company and the Ford brand to reduce our commitment to the WRC and deploy our resources in other areas."

While Ford's factory backing might be out, the rally masters at M-Sport were running the Ford team up until this news and plan to stay on with the Fiesta WRC in the years to come. The racing outfit, run by Malcolm Wilson, has achieved 52 wins and 208 podium finishes in the 16 seasons that it has been racing with Ford. The M-Sport boss voiced his gratitude toward the relationship with the automaker saying, "I would like to thank Ford of Europe for their enthusiastic support and the faith shown in the team over the past 16 seasons. We understand that tough decisions have had to be made to safeguard Ford jobs."

M-Sport has run Ford's factory team since 1997, and is talking with Ford to receive support in the form of vehicles and engineering. The extent of that support remains to be seen, and it is unknown if Ford will return to WRC if economic conditions in Europe improve.

Ford exiting WRC after 2012 season as Euro economy struggles originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Oct 2012 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiestafiesta wrcfordford fiesta wrcford of europem-sportworld rally championshipwrcTue, 16 Oct 2012 14:13:00 EST

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http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/16/ford-exiting-wrc-after-2012-season-as-euro-economy-struggles/20351373/article-detail.xml

20351373 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-fiesta-wrc-livery-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/01-fiesta-wrc-livery-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Mini exiting WRC after just one year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/mini-exiting-wrc-after-just-one-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/mini-exiting-wrc-after-just-one-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/12/mini-exiting-wrc-after-just-one-year/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Crossover, Mini, Racing

There was a fair bit of hullabaloo two years ago when Mini announced a return to the World Rally Championship for this season, but the road to making that happen has been as rocky as a gravel stage. It spent 2011 developing its JCW Countryman WRC challenger, changing its mind about how it wanted to work with Prodrive, dumped a driver due to budget issues, then registering its entry after the deadline had passed in a ploy that might or might not have been a protest aimed at the WRC promoter.

Mini had stated that it wanted to win the whole championship in 2013, and spent 2011 doing six WRC rounds as development. As it stands for this year, the WRC Team Mini Portugal - paid for by Mini, run by ProDrive - scored 26 points in the first rally at Monte Carlo and has so far blanked the rest of the season. The relationship between Mini and ProDrive appeared to be an ever-contentious affair, at the end of this season, even the money will dry up along with what support there was.

Because it contested every race in the calendar, though, Mini says it has completed the FIA requirements for homologation of the JCW Countryman WRC; meaning that privateers can continue purchasing the car and run it in the WRC. BMW Motorsport is continuing development and parts supply of the 1.6-liter turbo engine, and a report in Autosport indicates that ProDrive will continue to run Minis in the series next year.

The press release below has more info on the whys and wherefores.

Continue reading Mini exiting WRC after just one year

Mini exiting WRC after just one year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20348651 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/miniwrccountryman_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/miniwrccountryman.jpg <![CDATA[WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/08/wrc-crowns-driver-and-manufacturer-champs-any-guesses-who-spo/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Citroën, Racing

Sebastian Loeb Rally France

Brace yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, for a shocking announcement: Sébastien Loeb has won the 2012 World Rally Championship title, and his Red-Bull-sponsored Citroën team took home the manufacturer's trophy.

For those keeping track, this is Loeb's ninth WRC title, and the season-clinching win at Rally France - in front of fans from his hometown of Haguenau, no less - marks the 75th time Loeb has driven to victory in the series. So dominant was Loeb in 2012 that his title has been secured with two races remaining on the calendar.

Sébastien Loeb has announced that he will be in something of a retirement mode in 2013, but it remains to be seen what the 38-year-old Frenchman will do with all his new-found spare time.

WRC crowns driver and manufacturer champs, any guesses who? [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20344118 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/france-rally-loeb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/france-rally-loeb.jpg <![CDATA[Petter Solberg crashes through vineyard, into utility pole at French WRC event]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/petter-solberg-crashes-through-vineyard-into-utility-pole-at-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/petter-solberg-crashes-through-vineyard-into-utility-pole-at-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/07/petter-solberg-crashes-through-vineyard-into-utility-pole-at-fr/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Europe, Videos, Celebrities

Petter Solberg

If one absolutely must crash out of professional rally event, one might as well do it with style. At least that seems to be the philosophy of Petter Solberg. The Norwegian World Rally Championship driver bowed out of the Rally of France Alsace on Saturday when he left the course, drove through a vineyard, rejoined the course briefly, drove through a second vineyard and struck a power pole. As if that weren't bizarre enough, the impact sent the pole crashing to the ground, narrowly missing spectators and sending power lines arcing across parked vehicles in the area.

Solberg started the day with his Ford Fiesta RS in fourth place overall, but ended his bout for the podium on the first stage. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the off. You can take a closer look at the scene in the video below. Trust us, you'll want to watch this one a few times.

Continue reading Petter Solberg crashes through vineyard, into utility pole at French WRC event

Petter Solberg crashes through vineyard, into utility pole at French WRC event originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20343462 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/solberg-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/solberg-crash.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai ready to jump back into rallying with i20 WRC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/hyundai-ready-to-jump-back-into-rallying-with-i20-wrc/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/hyundai-ready-to-jump-back-into-rallying-with-i20-wrc/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/hyundai-ready-to-jump-back-into-rallying-with-i20-wrc/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Hyundai, Racing

Hyundai i20 WRC - live at 2012 Paris Motor Show debut

At virtually the same moment that it was revealed Hyundai was exiting all motorsports activities here in the States, the Korean automaker was on stage at the Paris Motor Show making a major commitment to one of the most exciting - and costliest - racing series the globe has to offer, the World Rally Championship. Showing this i20 WRC racecar mockup (note the lack of an interior), Hyundai announced it is poised to return to the gravel-spitting, sideways-sliding yumpfest in short order.

Return, you say? Yes - even before its meteoric rise as an automaker, Hyundai was toiling away in the series' F2 class back back in the late 90s. The team then graduated to the premier series in 2000, campaigning an Accent hatchback until 2003, at which point it ceased motorsports activities.

Specs for the rallygoing i20 haven't been disclosed, but in order to meet regulations, this Hyundai will need to rely on a 1.6-liter engine, presumably turbocharged to around 300 horsepower. All-wheel drive and a sequential gearbox are givens as well.

Hyundai has not yet announced when the i20 WRC will compete, nor has the FIA governing body granted it official entry into the series, though one is surely coming.

After a few lean years in terms of manufacturer support, the WRC is poised for a bit of a rebirth, with new teams to be fielded from Mini with its Countryman racer and a Toyota entrant based on its Yaris subcompact.

Continue reading Hyundai ready to jump back into rallying with i20 WRC

Hyundai ready to jump back into rallying with i20 WRC originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 hyundai i20hyundaii20i20 wrcworld rallyworld rally championshipwrcFri, 28 Sep 2012 15:58:00 EST

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20336025 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/hyundai-i20-wrc-paris_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/hyundai-i20-wrc-paris.jpg <![CDATA[Hyundai pulls out of all motorsports in North America [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/hyundai-pulls-out-of-all-motorsports-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/hyundai-pulls-out-of-all-motorsports-in-north-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/27/hyundai-pulls-out-of-all-motorsports-in-north-america/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai, Racing

Following word from Rhys Millen Racing that its main sponsor, Hyundai, is withdrawing support from its Formula Drift and Global RallyCross Championship campaigns, the Korean automaker has confirmed to Autoblog that it is ceasing all motorsports support programs in North America.

With Hyundai building sales and financial momentum not just in NA but in virtually all markets in which it competes, the timing of the pullout from racing seems curious, but Hyundai reportedly wants to focus on new marketing strategies. Hyundai never really attempted to crack mainline motorsports series here in North America like NASCAR or IndyCar, instead preferring to get a toehold in racing via edgier (and less costly) extreme-sports-style forms of competition like rallycross, hillclimbs and drifting.

Millen's operation says it is looking for new sponsors and partners for next season, but Hyundai's support of the team will evidently remain until the conclusion of its 2012 seasons.

Hyundai will continue motorsports programs elsewhere in the world - indeed, is debuting a new i20 racecar concept at today's Paris Motor Show with which it plans to return to the World Rally Championship, a series it exited back in 2003.

UPDATE: Hyundai spokesperson Jim Trainor has provided us with the following statement:

"Hyundai Motor America has made a decision to step back and re-evaluate its motorsports strategy in order to determine what is best for the brand following the conclusion of the 2012 Global Rallycross and Formula Drift seasons. We are also reconsidering our continued involvement in Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, having achieved the world record in a Hyundai Genesis Coupe this year."

Hyundai pulls out of all motorsports in North America [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20334976 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-rhys-millen-pikes-peak-2012-1344990135-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/01-rhys-millen-pikes-peak-2012-1344990135-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Red Bull set to be announced as the new promoter of the World Rally Championship]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/red-bull-set-to-be-announced-as-the-new-promoter-of-the-world-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/red-bull-set-to-be-announced-as-the-new-promoter-of-the-world-ra/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/red-bull-set-to-be-announced-as-the-new-promoter-of-the-world-ra/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising

Red Bull is becoming the Marlboro of motorsport; it hasn't been since the cigarette makers were banished from public promotion that we expect to see such familiar colors in just about any series. Earlier this year, CSI, the parent company of former World Rally Championship promoter North One Sports, went into administration, which led to the FIA terminating its contract with North One.

Three finalists emerged in the effort to become the new promoter: a South African entity, Eurosport (which promotes the Intercontinental Rally Challenge), and Red Bull Media House. According to reports, the FIA is set to announce Red Bull Media House as the next promoter perhaps as soon as the Rallye Deutschland at the end of the month. A separate division of Red Bull sponsors the Citroën WRC team that has won the manufacturer's title seven of the last nine years.

WRC has had a tough time of it even before losing North One; the loss of its promoter only made everything worse. Should Red Bull and its massive and massively successful marketing machine be appointed to captain the ship, all parties will likely feel better, at least in the short term. And knowing how Red Bull doesn't like to miss out on promoting its properties across every platform, perhaps that means we fans will get much better access to WRC coverage.

Red Bull set to be announced as the new promoter of the World Rally Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiamotorsportsnorth one sportsred bullred bull media houseworld rally championshipwrcThu, 16 Aug 2012 09:14:00 EST

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20299906 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/redbullwrcpromo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/redbullwrcpromo.jpg <![CDATA[Is Toyota working on a Lexus-influenced extreme Yaris?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/is-toyota-working-on-a-lexus-influenced-extreme-yaris/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/is-toyota-working-on-a-lexus-influenced-extreme-yaris/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/is-toyota-working-on-a-lexus-influenced-extreme-yaris/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Budget, China, Hatchback, Toyota, Racing

This could be something or it could be nothing, but it's got us curious and we have no idea what it is. A site in China found what appear to be renderings of a three-door Toyota Yaris wearing an as-yet-unseen body kit and a Lexus-shaped grille. The changes are thorough, and alterations like the bulging fenders front and back and the deep skirting all-round indicate that they aren't taken casually. Of particular note is the spindle grille lifted from the Lexus design book and what looks like an aero element around the rear glass.

Theories so far are that it is a concept for an upcoming Chinese auto show, a sportier Yaris production model that will be added to the lineup, a factory-installed kit or a tuner kit. Or it could have something to do with Toyota's return to the World Rally Championship. A company source has already cited the Yaris as the car that "makes sense," with Autoweek reporting it will be a "Yaris-based" entry even though the Yaris is too short according to the WRC regulations. One issue with that, though, is that the tiny, split-twin exhaust pipes make no sense for a WRC car; the Mini WRC car runs its pipes the same way, but they're huge. We will look out for more information on whatever kind of Yaris this might be.

Is Toyota working on a Lexus-influenced extreme Yaris? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinapatent drawingspatent renderingrenderingtoyotaworld rally championshipwrcyarisWed, 25 Jul 2012 07:58:00 EST

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20282982 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01toyotayarischinalex_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/01toyotayarischinalex.jpg <![CDATA[Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-10-years-of-wrc-trials-tribulations-and-triumphs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-10-years-of-wrc-trials-tribulations-and-triumphs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/09/watch-10-years-of-wrc-trials-tribulations-and-triumphs/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos

High-flying first-gen Ford Focus in WRC event

Sebastien Loeb has won the World Rally Championship - with the same team - for eight consecutive years, and this year, he's so far ahead more than halfway through the season that he'd have to sit out two rallies to let the second-placed drive overtake him. Yet few complain about the predictability of the WRC, with complaints mostly about vehicle regulations and not Loeb's suffocating consistency.

It's videos like the one below that explain why. Stage 1 Technology and its timing and tracking gear has been involved with the WRC for ten years, and has put together a fine compilation video with a decade of wins, losses, jokes, slides, highlights and high jumps. Scroll down to check it out.

Continue reading Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs

Watch 10 years of WRC trials, tribulations and triumphs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20273912 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/wrccompilationdecade_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/wrccompilationdecade.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen Polo R WRC takes to the air during tests]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/volkswagen-polo-r-wrc-takes-to-the-air-during-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/volkswagen-polo-r-wrc-takes-to-the-air-during-tests/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/30/volkswagen-polo-r-wrc-takes-to-the-air-during-tests/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Racing

VW Polo R WRC

There should be a production version of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC that's simply called the Polo RC, as in "RC car." Watching the diminutive VW being tested in Finland in preparation for next year's World Rally Championship makes us think "Wow, that's awesome!" and "Who's got the remote?"

The rawer, wider, lighter Polo is powered by a ~~Pratt & Whitney~~ 300-horsepower, 1.6-liter STI engine, and sounds it. It might take some time for it to start winning, but there's proof in the video below that it will fly from the very first rally.

Continue reading Volkswagen Polo R WRC takes to the air during tests

Volkswagen Polo R WRC takes to the air during tests originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20268818 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/polorwrctest_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/polorwrctest.jpg <![CDATA[Lotus-Renault won't let Kimi Raikkonen contest Rally Finland]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/28/lotus-renault-wont-let-kimi-raikkonen-contest-rally-finland/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Lotus

Kimi Raikkonen

The Formula One team formerly known as Renault and currently racing under the Lotus banner is still feeling the absence of its star driver Robert Kubica. The Polish driver, as you may recall, was severely injured when he crashed his Skoda Fabia S2000 in a rally in Italy two years ago. And now the driver who's keeping his seat warm wants to go rallying, too, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen.

That driver, of course, is Kimi Raikkonen, the former Formula One World Champion from Finland. The thing is that while Kubica, it could be argued, was merely moonlighting as a rally driver, Raikkonen has a proven track (or off-track) record in rallying. He did, after all, spend the last couple of seasons driving in the top-flight World Rally Championship for front-running team Citroën.

For his part, Raikkonen wasn't looking to contest the entire WRC season while also racing in F1 again, but he wanted to drive in his home stage of Rally Finland this August, a race he's contested every year for the last three. However, due to contract requirements, Raikkonen reportedly won't be allowed to get down and dirty in the race, likely for fear of injury.

Lotus-Renault won't let Kimi Raikkonen contest Rally Finland originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20243546 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/q0c9348_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/q0c9348.jpg <![CDATA[SPEED inks multi-year deal to keep 24 Hours of Le Mans broadcast]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/speed-inks-multi-year-deal-to-keep-24-hours-of-le-mans-broadcast/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/speed-inks-multi-year-deal-to-keep-24-hours-of-le-mans-broadcast/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/26/speed-inks-multi-year-deal-to-keep-24-hours-of-le-mans-broadcast/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

SpeedTV has piped Le Mans racing action to American television sets since 1995, and with the signing of a new multi-year television deal, the annual Frankish displays of 24-hour madness will continue to have a home on the cable network. The length of the deal wasn't disclosed, but it does include expanded digital rights, which we'll hope is network code for "live streaming." Now you know where to turn on June 16.

And in case you didn't know, the channel also signed a deal with World Rally Championship for 30-minute recaps of each day's action this year, starting with this weekend's Rally Argentina. It will also be covering the MotoGP race in Spain this weekend and live-streaming qualifying on Speed2. So double hurray and yay for SpeedTV emerging yet further from its NASCAR shell.

SPEED inks multi-year deal to keep 24 Hours of Le Mans broadcast originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20224545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/speed-tv-emblem_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/speed-tv-emblem.jpg <![CDATA[Toyota to field GT 86 pair at the Nürburgring 24 - could WRC be far behind? [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/toyota-to-field-gt-86-pair-at-the-nurburgring-24-could-wrc-be/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Toyota, Racing

Toyota GT 86 Gazoo Racing racecar

You don't build a chassis as superbly balanced and capable as that which underpins the Subaru BRZ, Toyota GT 86 and Scion FR-S without taking it racing. Fortunately the Japanese auto marques involved have plenty of competition spirit coursing through their veins, and are already gearing up to take the nimble little sportscar racing at events around the world.

Subaru recently unveiled the GT300 racing version of the BRZ which it will be fielding in Japan's SuperGT series, and now Toyota is following suit with the announcement that it will be bringing not one, but two examples of its GT 86 to the Nürburgring to compete in the grueling 24-hour race there next month. The pair of cars - whose level of modification remains unclear - will be fielded by the company's own Gazoo Racing team alongside one Lexus LFA.

Toyota's racing plans for the GT 86 extend beyond the 'Ring, however, as it has revealed a program to support privateer teams fielding the car domestically in both the Super Taikyu Endurance Series and All-Japan Rally Championship. The latter announcement crucially comes at a time when rumors have resurfaced of Toyota preparing to re-enter the World Rally Championship - a series which the Japanese automaker dominated in the 1990s with four Drivers' Championships and three Constructors' Championships.

The company shut down its WRC operation to branch into Formula One, but now that its F1 program is long gone, could the time be right for Toyota's return to the pinnacle of rallying? Only time will tell, but for now you can scope out the press release and video footage by scrolling below to see what Toyota has in store in the short run.

Continue reading Toyota to field GT 86 pair at the Nürburgring 24 - could WRC be far behind? [w/video]

Toyota to field GT 86 pair at the Nürburgring 24 - could WRC be far behind? [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 toyota gt 86fr-sgazoogazoo racinggt 86gt86nürburgringnurburgringnurburgring 24scionscion fr-stoyobarutoyotatoyota gt 86toyota wrcworld rally championshipwrcMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:58:00 EST

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20211488 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/gt86-racer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/gt86-racer.jpg <![CDATA[Jost Capito leaving Ford SVT for Volkswagen Motorsport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/jost-capito-leaving-ford-svt-for-volkswagen-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/jost-capito-leaving-ford-svt-for-volkswagen-motorsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/29/jost-capito-leaving-ford-svt-for-volkswagen-motorsport/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Ford, Volkswagen

Jost Capito

Few know performance and racing like Jost Capito. The speed-obsessed auto exec started out developing high-performance engines for BMW, then headed the motorsport department at Porsche before taking up senior management positions with the Sauber Formula One team.

He also won the Dakar rally as a co-pilot, but his most recent post has been with Ford. There he oversaw the amalgamation of the company's global performance divisions - including SVT in the States and RS in the UK - and ushered such vehicles as the SVT Raptor, Focus RS, new Fiesta ST and the Shelby GT500 into production, all the while managing Ford's effort in the World Rally Championship.

The Ford chapter in Capito's considerable career, however, is drawing to a close as Dearborn has announced his departure and Wolfsburg his arrival. Effective May 1, Capito will be heading up Volkswagen Motorsport, taking over for Kris Nissen, who managed the back-to-back-to-back victories Volkswagen took at Dakar.

In his new capacity, Capito will presumably be running the company's new WRC effort, but we wouldn't mind seeing his footprint on the next generation of GTI and R models, either. Look below for the official announcement.

Continue reading Jost Capito leaving Ford SVT for Volkswagen Motorsport

Jost Capito leaving Ford SVT for Volkswagen Motorsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20203806 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-jost-capito_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-jost-capito.jpg <![CDATA[Watch Evgeny Novikov crash spectacularly out of the 2012 Rally Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/watch-evgeny-novikov-crash-spectacularly-out-of-the-2012-rally-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/watch-evgeny-novikov-crash-spectacularly-out-of-the-2012-rally-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/15/watch-evgeny-novikov-crash-spectacularly-out-of-the-2012-rally-m/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Ford, Racing

Evgeny Novikov rally mexico

Rally racing, like virtually every other form of motorsport in the world, is a dangerous activity. As much as we love watching a talented driver negotiate a tricky off-road race course with skill and luck, crashing is no doubt part of the experience as well. And crashes happen rather often in the world of rallying.

During the 2012 Rally Mexico, which took place from March 8-11, 2012, there were two drivers who started the race but were forced to retire after crashing out. One of those was Evgeny Novikov, who ended his race in spectacular fashion after the roof vent of his Ford Fiesta RS WRC blew away, causing the cabin to fill with dust and debris. As the commentators point out, he was truly driving blind, at least until he veered off course and crashed.

When we say Noviko crashed, what we really mean is that he flipped, rolled and generally demolished his Fiesta rally car with a vengeance before ending up on the roof. See for yourself by watching the video below.

Continue reading Watch Evgeny Novikov crash spectacularly out of the 2012 Rally Mexico

Watch Evgeny Novikov crash spectacularly out of the 2012 Rally Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20194468 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/novikov-rally-mexico-crash_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/novikov-rally-mexico-crash.jpg <![CDATA[1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/14/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-stig-blomqvist-wrc-rally-video/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, Crossover, Audi, Racing

Tearing It Up In The Deep White With The Original Stig

1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1

There are lots of fine race driver names in the history of motorsports. Sterling Moss, Alfonso Antonio Vicente Eduardo Angel Blas Francisco de Borja Cabeza de Vaca y Leighton (a.k.a. Marquis de Portago), and the ever popular Dick Trickle come to mind. We'd need to put in a strong vote, however, for Swede rally sensation Stig Blomqvist, winner of the 1984 World Rally Championship drivers' title. He drove for the Audi Sport factory team between 1982 and 1985, his Group B championship-winning season starting in a long-wheelbase Audi Quattro A2 and finishing in a short-wheelbase Sport Quattro S1.

Lucky for us, we recently had the chance to belt in beside The Stig as he powered over a west central Swedish parcours buried in deep snow. Better still, we were able to ride shotgun with the legendary shoe piloting what was essentially the same Sport Quattro S1 he drove for the last part of the '84 WRC season.

Continue reading 1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1 [w/video]

1984 Audi Sport Quattro S1 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi quattroaudi sportaudi sport quattro s1blomqvistfeaturedquattroquattro s1quick spinquickspinstig blomqvisturquattroworld rally championshipwrcWed, 14 Mar 2012 11:58:00 EST

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20192527 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-rally_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/1984-audi-sport-quattro-s1-rally.jpg <![CDATA[Mini changes tracks with Prodrive WRC team]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/07/mini-changes-tracks-with-prodrive-wrc-team/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Mini

Mini John Cooper Works WRC

The road taken by Mini to the World Rally Championship has been anything but smooth. After contesting a handful of rallies last season, Mini and Prodrive (the outfit running the team on the manufacturer's behalf) was set to contest the full calendar this year. But then the team failed to register in time, and dumped the promising driver it had plucked from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, and things did not look good.

Late last week the talk around the motorsport press was that parent company BMW was preparing to pull the plug on the entire program (much as it had with the Sauber team in F1 a few years ago), but while an announcement has been made, it's not nearly as drastic as had been expected.

What Mini has done is downgrade its involvement from full-on works effort (that is, a team fully financed by an automaker) to a works-supported private team. So what does that mean exactly? In practical terms, not very much. Prodrive will continue development of the Mini John Cooper Works WRC car for both the official entry and for additional privateer teams running customer cars in the WRC and other series. And Prodrive seems optimistic that the new arrangement will actually enhance the program, not downgrade it.

What is 100% clear is that BMW wasn't happy with how things were shaping up, so it demanded a change. Just what effect that change will bring, however, seems more confined to the relationship between Mini, Prodrive and the FIA. Follow the jump for the full announcement.

Continue reading Mini changes tracks with Prodrive WRC team

Mini changes tracks with Prodrive WRC team originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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