WRC » Official: Suzuki names drivers for '08

looks like they going on a budget. We all know tony just cant match anyone, perhaps he hasnt had the right chance, but I just cant see him pull it off, oh wait he failed in the ford 04 I think. The other guy... well ive never heard of him, but marcus came from no where in 2000 to totally dominate.

I guess well just have to wait until 2009 for some results... sigh

james: It's not true that Toni can't match anyone. He is quick, but with Skoda Fabia he couldn't do well. And in 2005 he drove Focus that wans't developed anymore }together with Roman Kresta). Then in 2006 he scored 20 points in only 4 rallies he had participed...
And P.-G.? He is setting the JWRC pace for 4 years, perhaps you should look more properly...

Shame not to see Guy Wilks named, has more experience in WRC cars than PG and also drove for suzuki in the jWRC

I was expecting some bigger names. Toni is great but not quite the teamleader that a new program needs. They need a vetren driver who can really inspire and push the rest of the team.

Well,interesting comments so far,there are no real big names left so money wont change that. Toni isn't the fastest but does have the nesessary experience and P.G. could become a star in a WRC car so lets wait and see. That left Gigi Galli,Guy Wilks and Francois Duval really as the remaining choices.Its not yet announced who is replacing Jarri Matti at Stobart so one of the above was probably not available anyway. I think Suzuki should improve substancially by summer break,Michael Nandon is one of the best cheif engineer's in the game - he was responsible for the 206 WRC.I hope they have some luck in the new year anyway. Im sure they gained lots of knowledge on Wales Rally G.B with Lindholm.

james if you don't know much about the drivers maybe you shouldn't comment?

I think its good to see someone from the JWRC stepping up, in the past it hasn't looked like a clear-cut route for young drivers to progress, maybe P-G can start a trend. Best of luck to him. As for Toni, good to see him back, but I feel the likes of Gigi Galli, Guy Wilks and Francois Duval deserve a place in WRC, its a shame there aren't many seats available at the moment. Where the hell are Mitsubishi?!

I definitely agree that more teams and brands are needed in the WRC. A few minor teams have tried but none of them look really stable except Stobart, and they seem to be more or less semi-factory, right? Might be time for some serious cost-cutting measures.

Anyway, I'm really happy that PG finally got a ride in the WRC. Also, I'd like to include Daniel Carlsson in that group of deserving drivers you've been talking about. I understand you brits want to see Wilks in a decent car but really, it would have been almost criminal of Suzuki to overlook the guy who took 2 JWRC titles for them... But hopefully guys like Wilks, Aava and also Sandell will have a bright future in the WRC in due time.

What about kris meeke!!! was faster than both PG and Guy for out right speed in the JWRC. Also regarded as one of the best people for setting up cars, ask citroen!!! but probably doesn t have the money the others do

For Dug:
I think what let Chris down was his attrition rate,yes he has great speed but I think Suzuki was looking at the two titles that P.G. has won in both 2004 and 2006,perhaps Suzuki just thought he was the better candidiate.I would love to see both Chris and Guy get a decent drive for 2008.I was particularly pleased to see that impressive performance from Chris on this years Rally Ireland super special Rally opener.Anyway they have made their choice now - so we need to see if that will work for them.I would deerly love to see Markko Martin make a return,winning the Bettega rally sprint is a hint that he has really lost none of his speed and ability.Its a terrible shame he is missing.