RALLY NEWS: New for 2015 - Rally Car Evolutions

NEW FOR 2015: RALLY CAR EVOLUTIONS

HERE IS A TO-DO LIST FOR 2015 IS TO WATCH OUT FOR THE EXCITING NEW CARS THAT WILL HIT THE STAGES.

Rally Car Evolutions

After a cost-cutting freeze on development in 2014, this season’s rules give manufacturers greater scope to improve their World Rally Cars. The changes will be subtle rather than revolutionary, but at the sport’s top level even the smallest detail can make a big difference. 

In the cockpit, the most obvious change will be the reintroduction of steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, a system that replaces the 2014-spec sequential stickshift. Under the skin, manufacturers can take advantage of a new supply of homologation ‘jokers’, enabling them to make a limited number of mechanical changes to their homologated designs. There are changes too to the minimum weights of some components, allowing greater freedom to play with weight distribution and balance. 

The first manufacturer to make full use of the regulations will be Volkswagen, which will introduce an new version of its championship-winning Polo at Rallye Monte-Carlo. Citroen too will introduce changes at the opening round, with the DS3 getting a new engine, developed alongside its World Touring Car unit, new suspension and a paddle gearshift. Two other evolutions are planned by Citroen during 2015, with an aero package scheduled for April and a second step with the suspension in the second half of the year. 

M-Sport’s Fiesta RS will have a modified pneumatic gearshift system in time for Monte Carlo. More changes are planned for Vodafone Rally de Portugal, where a new engine, transmission and new hydraulic gear selection system will make their debut. Like M-Sport, Hyundai will start the season with an upgraded version of its 2014-season car, before an all-new model is introduced later in the year. 

There are changes to the cars in the Junior World Rally Championship too, where this year’s competitors will drive the more powerful ‘Maxi’ version of the DS3 R3T. Finally, fans of exotic machinery should keep an eye on the FIA’s new Cup for R-GT cars which, for the opening round in Monte Carlo, features three, flat-six Porsche 911s.

via WRC.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Drink coffee and drive cars!

RALLY NEWS: No sense' to try F1 comeback - Kubica

Via Motorsports.com

Kubica has no plans to head back to Formula One.

Robert Kubica has suggested he is close to abandoning the idea of ever returning to Formula One.

Amid the Polish driver's burgeoning F1 career in early 2011, he almost severed his arm in a pre-season rally crash.

Now 30, he has returned to professional duties as a world rally driver but until now has never ruled out one day re-joining the F1 circus.

He told the Ferrari insider Leo Turrini's Quotidiano blog: "I do not miss the atmosphere of Formula One, but I do miss driving the cars.

"That was the dream of my life. I was born to race on the track and I managed to do it. And then something happened.

"Physically, I can still drive the cars. Last year I participated in some (simulator) tests, and while I cannot say the results were negative, I can't say I achieved the same results as I did in the past.

"As a result, there is no sense to start all over again, so I have focused on the rally."

Meanwhile, Kubica said he has great admiration for the feats this year of F1's new double world champion, Lewis Hamilton.

"The guy who impressed me the most even when we were kids was Hamilton," said the Pole. "He deserves enormous satisfaction for what he has done in 2014."

Read original article --> HERE

Drink coffee and drive cars!