WRC: Rossi to drive Subaru in Rally NZ - Subaru Enthusiasts Car Club of the Sierras

MattR · 2006-10-11, 09:36 AM

Should be intersteing to see how it goes.

http://www.speedtv.com/articles/auto/rally/33264/

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedtv

After dangling with the idea of a possible switch to Formula 1 earlier this year, MotoGP star Valentino Rossi will make a return to what he’s long defined as his favorite four-wheel sport as the Italian will contest the New Zealand round of the World Rally Championship in a privately-entered Subaru Impreza.

Although the 27-year-old has contested several minor rallies before, the New Zealand event on November 15-17 will mark only his second venture into the WRC – he previously contested (and crashed out) of the 2002 British rally in a Peugeot.

"Valentino has entered Rally New Zealand privately in his own name," Subaru managing director Richard Taylor revealed to the WRC’s official website. "He will however be driving a car supplied by us. In fact, [it is] the car which [factory driver] Chris Atkinson drove in Germany this year.

"There's still a little bit of work to do on the details and it may be run alongside the Subaru team. But it will certainly not be an SWRT[Subaru World Rally Team]-liveried car."

Rossi currently lies second in the 2006 MotoGP standings, 12 points behind American Nicky Hayden.

sperry · 2006-10-11, 09:41 AM

Well since it looks like Hayden's got Rossi's number this season, and since 30 years old is pushing it for MotoGP, I can see why Rossi's looking for a new sport... though I'd still like to see what he can do in an open wheel car.

Nick Koan · 2006-10-11, 09:43 AM

Rossi is the man. He's fast on a bike and has been fast in testing Ferrari F1 cars and WRC vehicles.

I wonder if we'll see a career switch, or just a lot of one off drives for him when he can make the time between MotoGP events.

MattR · 2006-10-11, 09:44 AM

Yeah, I thought he'd pursue his options in F1 over all else, but I guess he's done some rallying in the past and really enjoys it. It's clear the guy has talent, and liek you said, his motogp career can only go so long.

MikeK · 2006-10-11, 11:16 AM

He will always been known for his moto GP acheivements and how funny he looks

2006-10-11, 09:41 AM	#2
sperry The Doink Real Name: Scott Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 20,335 Car: '09 OBXT, '02 WRX, '96 Miata Class: PDX/TT-6 The way out is through	Well since it looks like Hayden's got Rossi's number this season, and since 30 years old is pushing it for MotoGP, I can see why Rossi's looking for a new sport... though I'd still like to see what he can do in an open wheel car. __________________ Is you is, or is you ain't, my con-stit-u-ints?

2006-10-11, 09:43 AM	#3
Nick Koan JDM Cowboy Real Name: Nick Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Somewhere Posts: 8,642 Car: 2015 Mazda 3	Rossi is the man. He's fast on a bike and has been fast in testing Ferrari F1 cars and WRC vehicles. I wonder if we'll see a career switch, or just a lot of one off drives for him when he can make the time between MotoGP events. __________________ While a standard engine is powered by a belt connected to the crankshaft, a turbo engine runs on its own exhaust steam, making it more energy efficient. -- CNN

2006-10-11, 09:44 AM	#4
MattR El Matador Real Name: Matt Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Reno, NV Posts: 10,660 Car: 2012 Toyota Tacoma Class: ?	Yeah, I thought he'd pursue his options in F1 over all else, but I guess he's done some rallying in the past and really enjoys it. It's clear the guy has talent, and liek you said, his motogp career can only go so long. __________________ "Dallas..We have a problem.”

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