Rally-eMag 015 January 2014 | Page 8

Rally-eMag January 2014 / Contents NEW SEASON, NEW CHANCES This Month We’re at the start of a new season, always a time to look ahead, for opportunities and threats. Lets start at the WRC promoter. At last they become visible. If you’re living in Great Britain and you are a WRC fan you must be quite happy because there seem to be several broadcasters who found room in their busy schedules to present WRC events. Motors TV is back and serving other parts of Europe as well. And we go live. In Monte Carlo there was a problem with the live stream from the service park. It was the intention to plant camera’s in every team area. The constructors were not happy with that fearing privacy issues. A solution will have to be found because one static camera at the entrance of the service park will not attract enormous amounts of spectators. But the intention is good, just like the live coverage of three stages during Monte Carlo. The promoter couldn’t help it the weather was so atrocious, making it difficult to see who was passing through the rain on the PowerStage that looked much like a night time powerboat race. Oliver Ciesla, head of the WRC Promoter promised he has a three year multi million euro’s programme to further promote WRC. At the beginning of this year he also presented the new WRC website. There was a lot of criticism. But it looked like a good start. Especially as the site is now more friendly to mobile devices. There are a lot of details that need some attention however. (Results are somewhat hard to find, archives seem to have disappeared etcetera) But we give them the benefit of the doubt and will follow them closely. The most important part being transparent communication because that still seems to be a problem. A very good thing happening at this moment is there are heroes again in WRC. The promoter already said this is essential to get global public attention. The first hero is of course Robert Kubica who came to WRC as a second choice after his Formula 1 life. But he picks it up really seriously and is fast although he needs some more experience. Winning the Jänner Rallye was a good example of his dedication. Another hero we welcome, especially for the people of Great Britain is Kris Meeke. Since his podium finish in Monte Carlo even mainstream British television discovered WRC or more accurately Kris Meeke. Let’s hope the Brit will continue his sensible approach to rallying and who knows, perhaps he will be able to challenge the other hero Sebastien Ogier! Enjoy reading! Harry van Veenendaal / Co-Editor Rallye Monte Carlo - Jänner Rally Season’s Preview - The Teams, cars and drivers Page 20 - Kubica impresses evryone Page 23 Anna’s Inside View - I’m busy right now, but I’ll be back Page 20 Our conclusion Bas’ FmF - What we think about the season’s start - Bas Romeny shows his special selection “For my Friends’ Page 30 Page 44 Who made it? Publisher: Rally-eMag Words: Steven van Veenendaal, Harry van Veenendaal. Photography: Bas Romeny. 8/40 Unpredictable Monte Page 10 Who helped? Who we thank! How to reach us? Logo design: Minse Blom PR Photography from: Peugeot Sport, Hyundai Motorsport, Citroen Racing, FIA ERC. Email: [email protected] Web: www.rally-emag.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ emagrally Twitter: @emagrally Issuu: www.issuu.com/rally-emag Distribution: Issuu.com Columnists: Anna Louise Rudd.