RALLYING: WRC 2017 – IS THIS FORD’S YEAR?

When the German manufacturer Volkswagen (VW) indicated that it would withdraw from the FIA’s WRC at the end of the 2016 season, the seismic waves were felt on every gravel, tarmac and snow-covered stage on which the WRC machines ply their glorious trade. Volkswagen entered the fray in 2013 and from Stage 1, the manufacturer grabbed the task at hand and pounded, mercilessly, manufacturers and teams who boasted significant years of experience to support their effort.

None of that mattered to Volkswagen. They came and slaughtered the WRC field and in the process secured the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles every year during the period 2013-2016, winning 42 of 51 rallies. VW was the boss!

OGIER

VW’s exit erected an entrance for the other ambitious crabs in the WRC barrel. An interesting year awaits. Battle-lines need no pencil to be drawn, they are permanently etched on the treacherous stages. Malcolm Wilson and his outfit staged a coup of revolutionary proportions when they secured the abilities of the best driver of the current era, multiple and defending World Champion Sebastien Ogier. He is an asset of immeasurable value!

Ogier will defend the Blue Oval’s honor and the door is truly open for Ford to step in. Malcolm Wilson’s machines will be under the microscope! The other manufacturers and teams are not entering the race of champions to solely complete the grid.

Their goal has one terse sentence. Win the championship. So, jungle-like , fierce and brutal confrontations are expected on each timed-stage!

Is this Ford’s year? Testing instills hope, but Rally Monte Carlo which ends on Sunday will reveal everyone’s true hand!

OGIER TESTING!

Worth mentioning – Tommi Makinen is Team Principal for Toyota’s effort! Hhhmmm. Interesting.

Cecil Munroe Gleaner On-Line