Being french, I could be very glad that Sebastien's most serious (and only real) rival is retiring at the end of this season, since that will leave Seb free to win even more races

However, it might get TOO easy for him and the WRC may become far less exciting... unless Hirvonen or someone else steps up and competes on the same level as Seb, but at the moment that seems quite unlikely to me.

Whoever wins the WRC this season (Seb is 10 points behind Marcus with 5 races to go), Marcus is definitely a great driver, and their rivalry makes this competition very exciting and entertaining. So it's a shame :( , but he's obviously earned it.

Enjoy your retirement Marcus.

Another great driver leaves one of the greatest challenges on the Planet!!!

I do hope a few of the younger drivers up their game though or as you say Seb will walk it next year.

Cheers

i think wrc has got a bit boring now , i prefer watching the likes of the lombard revival rally and locals with pre 90s cars where the drivers dont rely on so many electronic gizmos

I too will be sorry to see Marcus go, I really hope he takes the title now this year after hearing this news.

it will be sad to see him go its bad enough that the WRC is getting thin on the ground at the moment :(

i think its about time the Irish lads stopped dicking about and joined the WRC as team Ireland

it will be sad to see him go its bad enough that the WRC is getting thin on the ground at the moment :(

i think its about time the Irish lads stopped dicking about and joined the WRC as team Ireland

I'd say a savage amount of Funds & Time would be required. It will be interesting to see how they get on in Rally ireland.

Seb already won the Donegall (right spelling?) rally back in June, so I think he'll do well in that one too.

Yes, the Irish seem to be very good at rallying, it would be interesting if they joined the WRC.

i know that wrc is a savage amount of money, time and development thats why over the years people have left it.

i can dream though that Subaru will sign two good drivers and return to good form

AFAIK MArcus has not confimed his retirement yet, he has been thinking about it, but with the way this year has gone so has not made a firm desission as yet.

Unfortunalty if he odes retire i fear it will be the seb show until mikko hirvonen can catch him.

Donegall (right spelling?)

Donegal

Seb already won the Donegall (right spelling?) rally back in June, so I think he'll do well in that one too.

Yes, the Irish seem to be very good at rallying, it would be interesting if they joined the WRC.

Marcus has also been over and won. Theres talk of a few entries for Cork Rally. It would be great to see Donnelly in a Focus WRC for Manufacturers points for Rally Ireland.

i know that wrc is a savage amount of money, time and development thats why over the years people have left it.

i can dream though that Subaru will sign two good drivers and return to good form

But Subaru have a very good driver (Solberg) who if he was in a better car would be a rival to Loeb.

But Subaru have a very good driver (Solberg) who if he was in a better car would be a rival to Loeb.

Better car?

Shame for Gronholm to go. I agree, my favourite motorsport is getting a bit dull now. Bring back the Group B monsters I say

WRC will be like F1 has been for years once Gronholm has gone as he is the only one anywhere near Loeb.

Solberg is a spent force too - at least whilst he stays at Subaru. Every event the car is 'undrivable' these days - even the lemon that is Chris Atkinson is battering him now.

Go ! Go ! Seb Only Loeb

However i liked Marcus ....and I still like him