WRC : No transmission of performance data

In recent years, thanks to improvements in mobile data and timing systems, WRC drivers have been able to monitor their rivals’ speed during a live stage via a stream of data messages sent from their team. By receiving splits, which were taken from the official timing system, drivers could speed up or ease off if necessary - modifying their strategy on the go.

It was a handy tool, and far superior to the old system that involved team personnel lurking on the roadside with stopwatches and pit boards. But from 2015 the drivers will have to do without it. At its meeting in December, the FIA World Motor Sport Council decided that ‘from 2015, the transmission of performance data or information to or from a competing car, not in relation with safety, is forbidden during special stages to help promote greater competition.’

So, although the live split times will continue to be available to teams (and wrc.com users) the drivers will have to rely on their intuition alone to judge their speed. And that’s going to make the familiar Sunday driver quote “I’m just keeping an eye on the pace of the guy behind” a thing of the past. And that’s great news.


*Source - www.wrc.com

Ogier wins Wales Rally...And its Goodbye Hirvonen!!

World Champion Sebastien Ogier comfortably scored his eighth win of the season in the Wales Rally GB. Ogier in his Volkswagen Polo R remained unchallenged after his team mate Jari Matti Latvala, who looked promising on the opening day before he crashed mid way in the opening stage.

Mikko Hirvonen had an emotional end to his career after he finished in the second place.

Here are the Top five timings in the Wales Rally GB after the Power Stage.

1. Ogier (VW): 3:03:08.2

2. Hirvonen (Ford): 37.6

3. Ostberg (Citroen): 1m03.6s

4. Neuville (Hyundai): 1m14.9s

5. Evans (Ford): 1m24.3s

Ogier after winning:

"The win is the best way to finish the year - that was the target. We wanted to enjoy it here. We started flat-out and we made a great difference, but after Jari-Matti had his problem my race changed and I had to control it. Not the best fun but I had to do it. When the conditions are like this it's not too bad. I'm so happy for Mikko to finish on the podium. It's a great achievement."

Hirvonen after finished on the podium in his last Rally:

"I'm so happy! I couldn't have a better end to my career. A great fight. For sure I am going to miss things. There are so many people to thank. To you all - thank you!"

Jari-Matti Latvala won the rally-closing Power Stage in a Polo R to take maximum bonus points. Thierry Neuville claimed two points for second in a Hyundai i20, with Østberg taking one point for third.

2015 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 Concept

Everything about the 2015 Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5 concept that you might wanna know:

Mustang RTR is the vision of World Champion drifter and Mustang mad man, Vaughn Gittin Jr.

• It has a Ford Racing 5.0-liter Aluminator V8 engine.
• It has a close-ratio six-speed transmission.
• Also Magnaflow and American Racing have provided the exhaust system and headers, respectively.
• 20-inch HRE wheels which are designed specially for the RTR.
• Spec 5's body kit comes from RTR, including flared panels that widen the car two inches in front and 2.75 inches in back.
• In addition to that, a unique hood, chin spoiler with carbon-fiber splitter and new grilles have been fitted, as have a new diffuser and rear spoiler, which suit the 2015 Mustang look.

This is what RTR had to say in its press release.

Keeping in tune with RTR's out-of-the-box styling and functional approach to performance, the Mustang RTR Spec 5 Concept was dreamed up and brought to reality. Not only is this car built for pure fun, but this car will serve as a research and development tool under President and Founder Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s right foot and prowess behind the wheel, resulting in the "RTR Tactical Performance Line"
of parts by RTR for the serious enthusiast.

"In addition to launching our 2015 Mustang RTR, we wanted to do something over-the-top that highlighted our commitment to untraditional aggressive-styling and performance," says Vaughn Gittin Jr. "Something that from a distance had the feeling of an OEM concept car, but at a closer look clearly shows that there is much more. I look forward to thrashing this beast and putting our exclusive RTR Tactical Performance product line in addition to our partners products to the ultimate test."

The Mustang RTR Spec 5 Concept was a collaborative effort by Mustang RTR, MA-Motorsports, and ASD Motorsports.

Powertrain
Ford Racing 5.0 Aluminator XS
Ford Racing Aluminum radiator
Ford Racing close ratio 6-speed transmission
Ford Racing control pack
American Racing headers
Magnaflow custom racing muffler
Driveshaft Shop 9" conversion with 4:56 gears
Bosch 044 Fuel pump
Driveshaft Shop aluminum driveshaft and axles
Revolution Automotive custom tune

Chassis
ASD Motorsports custom front lower control arms
Custom coilovers

Wheels & Tires
Nitto NT05 Tires
RTR by HRE Tech 7 3-piece wheels (20x10 front, 20x11 rear)

Exterior
RTR Spec 5 wide flare panels (50mm front, 75mm rear)
3m 1080 film wrap (matte silver) by Speedesign
RTR chin spoiler with carbon splitter
RTR upper grill with integrated lighting
RTR lower grill
RTR rocker splitters
RTR rear diffuser
RTR rear spoiler with gurney lip
RTR composite hood, fenders, doors and rear decklid

Interior
Bosch DDU7 Motorsports display
Recaro Racing seats
ASD Motorsports hand-brake
Takata Racing harnesses

Filtration
K&N Air filter
K&N Oil filter








*information taken from autoblog