Alan MaC

Solberg "retired".

Chris Atkinson came second in the Argentinian Rally with the old shape Scoob.


Regards

Alan MaC

Gav-WRX

Drivers' world championship
Name Car Nat Points
1 Sebastian Loeb Citroen Fra 30
2 Mikko Hirvonen Ford Fin 25
3 Chris Atkinson Subaru Aus 22
3 Jari-Matti Latvala Ford Fin 16
5 Gianluigi Galli Ford Ita 11
6 Daniel Sordo Citroen Spa 9
7 Petter Solberg Subaru Nor 9

Manufacturers' world championship
Car Points
1 BP-Ford 44
2 Citroen Total 41
3 Subaru 33
4 Stobart Ford 22


Standings after Argentina Rally

Mal K

Good to see Atkinson finally on the pace, I always wondered what he was doing at Subaru but he now seems to be getting it together and even putting Solberg in the shade.
Can't help thinking that it's time for Solberg to move on.

The rookie

iTrader: (1)

Not sure I would say Atkinson was on the pace, he was a mile behind Loeb, just because the Fords all crashed out and Sordo is no good on gravel, doesn't put the Atkinson/Subaru combo on the pace! Agree though, Solberg appears to have lost 'it'.

Simon

dynamix

iTrader: (3)

Solberg was miles ahead of Atkinson but the car stopped due to an unknown electrical problem that stopped Subaru having their best result for 5 year with a 2nd and 3rd. Not Petter's fault.

ARM-Scooby

last season subaru were struggling to beat the ford B team, the Stobart team. Regardless of what happened to ford subaru have made a massive improvement since changing suspension on the current subaru, it might be conincidental that they have marko martin there as test driver, checking out settings for upcoming rallies, but they have had no test driver for the past 3 seasons so it seems like subaru are starting to get their team in order now.

As for Atkinson he has been coming along steadily, he has been in a poor car, one that Solberg, 2003 champion, has struggled with. Hirvonnen looked pants in the Subaru yet this year he is fords leading driver, so i think a lot of Solberg and Atkinsons issues can be put down to the car.

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

I disagree with the comments that Solbergs lost it. He's suffered the problems of having an unreliable car. I actually think he's a more consistent driver now - he used to be a bit McRae like - very fast or in a ditch, but never in the middle

And Subaru should be given credit for the amount they are improving last years car - I would have thought a lot of people would save the money for developing the new car and forget about improving the old one.

D6ale

iTrader: (1)

Solberg hasnt lost 'it' His car has just let him down this year so far. Unfortunatley it always seems to be something new that breaks. e.g electrical fault, i dont recall them having that before?

When the cars have just been built he should swap the door numbers with Chris's car as it seems to be the reliable one lol!

I think having David Richards keeping a closer eye on the team this year is helping too.

I believe the debut for the new Impreza is set for Finland. I hope this car will bring some more good fortune to the team.

T5NYW

iTrader: (4)

Yes the team has put a lot of faith in Chris ability and now he is repaying them back with the new Car he will be awesome

Perhaps the new WRC hatch and the F1 Car has used up a lot of resources

I think it has helped

Perhaps a remote engine kill switch from another team LOL

Next year it will be a 2 way fight between Petter & Atkinson with leob and Hirvonen fighting for the left overs. IMHO

Tony

The Trooper 1815

iTrader: (31)

Roll on Rally Finland and the new shape car.

D6ale

iTrader: (1)

Roll on rally Jordan, nice new event

Steve_PPP

iTrader: (3)

Except it could be very dusty!

(i hate dust, gets everywhere the pesky stuff )