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Post by Rallying83 on Dec 3, 2005 15:15:05 GMT -5
"According to reports by Rallye.magazin.de, Duval is in talks with former Skoda driver, Armin Schwarz, who is strongly tipped to run the Fabia WRC's next year, possibly with backing from Red Bull, should the Czech manufacturer opt to abandon their WRC programme.
Although Schwarz is said to be keen to run Andreas Aigner, who will take part in all ten European WRC events, a second car might also be a possibility, if the necessary funding can be secured.
Duval though faces stiff competition, not least from World Rally champion, Colin McRae, who is eager to return to the WRC more full-time, after two appearances in Wales and Australia, at the tail-end of this season.
McRae is also said to be heavily backed by WRC boss, David Richards, who is keen for the Scot to secure a drive after his return generated much publicity for the WRC. Richards is rumoured to be trying to persuade Skoda to stay in the sport, but as yet no official announcement has been made from the Czech manufacturer.
Similar rumours - concerning Schwarz, Duval and Red Bull - have also been reported by Autosport in recent weeks"
I will stop watching rallying if Duval goes to Skoda over McRae. Well maybe thats a little extreme but I want to see McRae back..everyone does. Not Mr. Duval thats for sure.
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Post by tumbo on Dec 3, 2005 17:18:18 GMT -5
If Duval gets the seat than any lingering sympathy and support for the Czech team will evaporate. We've stood by the team even when they chose to keep Schwarz on beyond retirement age, but to pick Duval ahead of McRae. Duval has no knowledgeable testing experience, as has been discussed at Citroen where Frequelin was quite vocal about the lack of Duval's input. Whereas McRae has seen it all, further the new regulations will help McRae and he will be able to show his speed first out as opposed to Duval who will need to change his driving style completely.
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Lita
Privateer
Posts: 166
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Post by Lita on Dec 4, 2005 2:40:35 GMT -5
I agree with all comments here-it would indeed be a crying shame to give the seat to Duval.
And I say "give" because Duval hasn't earnt it that's for sure. His win in OZ hasn't glossed over his less than stellar performances in other events-there is no pulling the wool over my eyes there.
McRae-well he's an all star-how could they pass over him? If they do, it comes down to dollars, but look at what he can offer them, he's worth his weight in gold.
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Capeta
Spectator
Goodbye Mitsubishi . . .
Posts: 32
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Post by Capeta on Dec 4, 2005 2:52:26 GMT -5
Looking back on Skoda... I think the main reason why they were never a top team is because they really lacked a great driver.
Armin just knew the team very well.
Didier Auriol ... I don't consider him a great driver cause he tries too hard and is always too tense in the driver seat. Plus he never seem to have the speed anymore when he joined with Seat in 2000.
Toni Gardemeister ... Has some potential but, being with Skoda and Seat as a new driver, the car was bad and without the experience, it was hard for them to develop the car.
A great driver, McRae... almost got podium after 2 events with the Fabia. He had sat out of competition for almost 2 years.
It will be great for the WRC to see McRae back. I also want to see back. I don't think Duval will be with Skoda because I think Citroen would like to have him back with Loeb in 2007.
What I would wish to see for Skoda is that they say they will do one more year in 2006 then decide again. Because of Citroen and Peugeot out, it would be the best chance for Skoda to achieve something rather than picking up left-over points. As for drivers, they should just go for it and get both McRae and Duval.
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wayno
Privateer
Posts: 125
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Post by wayno on Dec 4, 2005 4:14:47 GMT -5
McRae should get this seat. Just for the profile he has. Plus I think he did a great job in his outings this year.
Duval still has a long way to go to be anywhere near the likes of Colin. A monkey could have driven the Citroen to the win in Australia.
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Post by tumbo on Dec 4, 2005 14:47:13 GMT -5
Could have Wayno, don't you mean DID?  |
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wayno
Privateer
Posts: 125
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Post by wayno on Dec 5, 2005 1:07:48 GMT -5
I was having one of my (all too rare) diplomatic moments! Sorry, won't let it happen again.  |
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Post by tumbo on Dec 5, 2005 1:46:28 GMT -5
Don't worry Wayno, we let the first one slide and then we release the Monkey's and shower you with bananas. Well anyway, thats what we'll do if Mitsubishi and Skoda let Duval win a rally ever again
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Post by ajrichar on Dec 21, 2005 3:17:36 GMT -5
If Duval gets the seat over McRae, that would probably be the last straw.
McRae would HAVE to be the favourite wouldn't he? He has the backing of DR, he has already driven the Skoda and did so competitvely, he can test, he can win (unlike Duval who was 'gifted' the Rally Oz win), he is popular with fans and sponsors, and he will draw much support to the Czech outfit.
Just a quick question: does anyone actually LIKE Duval?
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Post by tumbo on Dec 21, 2005 14:52:04 GMT -5
Well neither McRae or Duval got the seat, the RED and Skoda deal fell through......  |
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