WRC » Latvala: I can go for the title in '09

I think the results of the big fight on the last day suprised not only myself but Latvala too, I think Jari-Matti was confident of beating Seb initially, but a combination of day 3 silk smooth frosty roads (reminicent to Monte Carlo) and sheer speed and determination to win with a gutsy and risky last day charge saw Seb in another league again. This was modern Rallying at its best, Tv didnt do it any justice, you had to be there to see this breathtaking last day ! If Jari Matti is prepared to match this new pace and Seb is comfortable staying at this new pace, then we are going to be in for a treat in 2009. I think its possible for Jari Matti but he cant under estimate Seb again in future !!

Jari is my fav driver right now, but I think in the end it will be down to what Malcom decides, and from what it seem Mikko is still the lead driver and Malcolm wouldn't want big fight between two drivers that results in crashes. I think Jari would be allow to win if he is further ahead of Mikko, but if Mikko time is only some seconds from Jari, I think there would be team order. Not that I like it, but that's how it is these day with the teams.

Anyway there will be more new drivers next year and atleast one more M2 teams so it's going to be more exciting than this year. Should be flat out between Mikko and Sebastian for every rally.

Jari has speed but lacks consistency and cleverness in rally. so he 's far from fighting for a championship.

only consistent of Mikko can do, and unfortunately Seb has no rival in championsh. Look every rally he finished he won it apart from Turkey and Japan where he was champion.

jari has erratic drives like Mcrae
Mikko has no pace of loeb

Subaru is worst than Suzuki

so no chance to take on loeb next year. I'm afraid he can win all rallies next year even if tactics takes place (remember new zealand start motor)

I can see how you come to this opinion Stoner,but I think Mikko needs a bit of Jari's speed and Jari needs more of Mikko's consistency. If the two Ford guys can get their balance right I think it will be a three way battle for next years title, maybe four if Sordo can finally get up there too. I dont think Seb will have it all his own way next year,yes he lost a lot of points this year with a few retirements but when your pushing like Seb constantly does-you risk going off. If Mikko can up his pace a little and Jari can be more confident this will be a fantastic final year for WRC cars and a special year to be Champion. All three guys will win rallies next year but I wonder who will be champ

i was suprised than in wales Latvala did the same stupid mistake he did in Mexico....let loeb start behind him on saturdays hence benefiting his lines.

it's like shooting on ur own foot....

well, it wasn't so much giving away his lines,as the frost really got into the roads and you couldn't see any evidence that Jari had been through, but running first allowed Seb to constantly monitor Jari's split times from behind. Seb knew immediatly that he had won as soon as he went through the red boards on the last stage, As Jari had a broken clutch from the Cardiff traffic jams I am suprised he didnt limp into the end of leg service 16 minutes late on day 2, that would of given Jari a 10 sec penalty dropping him 2.7 seconds behind Loeb overall - allowing him to get Loebs splits and possibly stay infront to the end. 1st 15 minutes are penalty free, then its 10 sec for every minute late.

has seb announced his retirement??? that is the only way that anyone else will get a look in next year. seb obviously had quite a bit in hand, and when given the go-ahead to win, by citroen, he changed up a gear. just look at his performance on the last stage, when he thought that he was demoted to second.

Thats kind of what i have been saying Rich ard. Sebs performance was nothing short of breath taking on the final day of GB. I realise he was not at 100% up til then, but then again no one was taking any risks (maybe Mikko when he rolled). This is why I think that if Mikko and Jari can focus on finding a bit extra they can challenge Seb. Mikko was right on Sebs pace in Finland because he felt confident being his home Rally, so he can do it but he needs to Focus hard. We know Jari has the speed, he needs to be more sure of his own ability. There are less Asphalt events next year and I think Mikko and jari should come into their own a bit more after Ireland. Lets see what they can do.

dafjdd, i like your pun! i trust that it was intended.

well Rich, the Focus needs to get even tougher if it is to compete with the C4 and allow our boys to challenge what I think will be an even more determined Sebastien in 2009. Next year will be special as it will be the last "real year" of WRC before the group N cars take over (sorry, ok S2000)- lol.