SPIN, The Rally Pod: Recent Episodes
DirtFish
DirtFish's Colin Clark, David Evans, Lisa O'Sullivan and George Donaldson discuss the current happenings in the world of rallying and provide their insights and thoughts.
This year's Acropolis was one of the most demanding events in recent memory, and was mastered by Kalle Rovanpera. Colin Clark and David Evans discuss all the major talking points from the event
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Whenever a driver dominates, it's easy to overlook the majesty of their driving. So how good is Brandon Semenuk? Join Colin Clark, Brenten Kelly and Jack Harrison as they review the latest round of the ARA, Ojibwe Forests Rally
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We're trying something different on SPIN, The Rally Pod this week as the team - Colin Clark, George Donaldson, Luke Barry and Lisa O'Sullivan - share their rallying backstories. Let us know how you got involved in the comments
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Colin Clark and David Evans review Rally Finland 2023 - an event where Elfyn Evans triumphed as the three favorites for victory all crashed out
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Colin Clark, David Evans and George Donaldson look forward to one of the most exciting rounds of the year: Rally Finland. The latest round of the European Rally Championship and last weekend’s Rallycross Fest at DirtFish Rally School are also up for discussion.
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Colin Clark and David Evans sit down and digest a dominant performance from Kalle Rovanperä, a heartbreaking event for Ott Tänak and a potentially final Rally Estonia, at least for a while, in the WRC
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As the World Rally Championship returns this week, Colin Clark sits down with DirtFish instructors Brenten Kelly and Jack Harrison to talk all things Estonia. But there's also a nod to the Goodwood Festival of Speed and an important tribute - and message - following the tragic loss of Erin Kelly at last weekend's New England Forest Rally
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David Evans and Luke Barry look back on Sweden's new ERC round - including some thoughts from Petter and Pernilla Solberg - and look ahead to this weekend's Goodwood Festival of Speed and New England Forest Rally in the ARA
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It's a busy episode this week as the team looks back on an emotional Raven's Rock Rally, analyzes Jari-Matti Latvala's Rally1 chance and looks ahead to this weekend's ERC event
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Colin Clark and George Donaldson bring you the review of a dramatic, and controversial, WRC event in Kenya
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The 2023 WRC season has reached its halfway mark, and what an event to mark it - Safari Rally Kenya. Here's the full preview with David Evans, George Donaldson, Luke Barry and host Lisa O'Sullivan
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In this bonus episode, George Donaldson tells Luke Barry all about his adventures at the Safari Rally over the years - from mad tire testing stories to touring Kenya in a Group A Celica!
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The SPIN, The Rally Pod discuss everything that the Southern Ohio Forest Rally had to offer
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David Evans and Colin Clark look back on a fascinating inaugural Mythical Cars Rally
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Finally, we have a schedule for the 2023 WRC. But is it a good schedule? The SPIN, The Rally Pod team discuss
Esapekka Lappi moved from Toyota to Hyundai. Craig Breen moved from M-Sport to Hyundai. Takamoto Katsuta earned a promotion to the main Toyota team. Just your average week in the WRC, then... Here's our verdict on Hyundai and Toyota's 2023 driver lineups.
We all expected Toyota to win on home turf, and yet it was Thierry Neuville who took victory for Hyundai. What does that mean for the 2023 season? And what can be said about Japan's return to the WRC?
The first leg of Rally Japan was drama-filled, with a scary fire for Dani Sordo, another crash for Craig Breen and stages cancelled. Elfyn Evans kept his cool to hold the early lead.
Colin Clark and David Evans discuss the challenge facing the crews in Japan this weekend as the 2022 World Rally Championship draws to a close on the tight and twisty asphalt roads around Aichi. Who has the advantage? Only time will tell...
It's the last round of the year, but there's plenty still to prove. What can we expect from Japan, and who do we think will win? Plus, what does Andreas Mikkelsen do now his Hyundai return looks to be off? It's all here on this week's pod
The World Rally Championship returns to Japan this week after more than a decade away. We have plenty of memories from previous editions – including events on the stages and experiencing the country’s special culture.
Hyundai faces a difficult decision ahead of 2023 as to who should partner Thierry Neuville. But who would we pick, and what strategy should the team adopt - commit fully to Neuville as its number one or bring in more equal partners?
Ott Tänak will leave Hyundai at the end of the year, but who will replace him, and what does Tänak himself do now? It's all discussed in this week's SPIN, The Rally Pod
How did Ogier mastermind an emphatic first victory of his 2022 season? Colin Clark and Luke Barry recap all the action on the final day of Rally Spain.
A battle royale was expected between Sébastien Ogier and Kalle Rovanperä on Saturday - but Ogier was simply too good for Rovanperä who was swallowed by Thierry Neuville.
Colin Clark and Luke Barry evaluate a potentially weather-influenced Rally Spain – can Hyundai fight with Toyota, is the pressure on Evans to deliver, and what chances do M-Sport have of a result here?
DirtFish talks with all the leading World Rally Championship contenders in the lead-up to Rally Spain.
Our SPIN, The Rally Pod team discuss the dramatic ARA finale in which Ken Block crashed out of on the opening day.
Ken Block is in the box seat to win his first ARA National title – can he fend off Subaru to clinch the crown? That, plus a deep dive into WRC Rally New Zealand, is debated by George Donaldson, Nate Tennis, Luke Barry and Lisa O'Sullivan.
Naturally, a lot of discussion surrounds Kalle Rovanperä's magnificent title win, but the SPIN, The Rally Pod team also assesses the success of Rally New Zealand after a 10 year hiatus
Kalle Rovanperä is the 2022 World Rally champion. Hear what he has to say about that, and what Colin Clark and David Evans make of what he's achieved
Colin Clark and David Evans recap Saturday's action on Rally New Zealand, a day of lead changes, crashes, and yet more penalties for Hyundai.
Colin Clark has a theory. Toyota, it's going to struggle in New Zealand. David Evans says that's nonsense. It's not long until we find out. Join Clark and Evans as they look ahead to Rally New Zealand 2022
It's been a decade since the WRC was last in New Zealand, but just how good are the roads? We speak to the major players to get their thoughts ahead of the event.
Why M-Sport has left Fourmaux behind for New Zealand, the chances of a Craig Breen win and Toyota's recent struggles are all discussed in the latest episode with David Evans, Colin Clark, George Donaldson and Lisa O'Sullivan.
Ken Block took a vitally important win on STPR over Brandon Semenuk. It's set up a thrilling ARA title fight, but some championships have already been wrapped up...
The SPIN, The Rally Pod team wrap up an eventful Acropolis Rally, which lived up to its unforgiving reputation last weekend, while also looking ahead to the next round of the American Rally Association presented by DirtFish National series.
Thierry Neuville wins his first event in 11 months, Ott Tänak closed the gap to Kalle Rovanperä, Dani Sordo completed an historic 1-2-3. Hyundai was the winner in Greece, but there was controversy
Should Hyundai impose team orders? And what a day of drama! Catch up with the latest from Saturday in Acropolis
M-Sport has had a brilliant day as Sébastien Loeb leads, but Pierre-Louis Loubet was the real star of Friday
Colin Clark chatted to all the leading World Rally Championship drivers ahead of round 10 in Greece.
George Donaldson is joined by DirtFish Rally School instructor Nate Tennis for a look at what went wrong for some of the World Rally Championship's finest in Belgium
There were surprises at every angle on this year's Rally Ypres, and even some increasing tension between Hyundai team-mates Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak. Our SPIN, The Rally Pod team discuss all the major talking points from another eventful rally.
Ott Tänak successfully defended Elfyn Evans' attack to win Ypres Rally Belgium. Colin Clark analyzes all the action
Thierry Neuville was well on course for a victory at home until he crashed on the penultimate stage. Relive all the Ypres action from day two
Colin Clark chatted to all the drivers and team principals ahead of round nine of the 2022 WRC season
The WRC heads to the famous Ypres Rally for just the second time - but what can we expect?
This week George Donaldson looks into what caused Oliver Solberg, Craig Breen and Esapekka Lappi's accidents on Rally Finland with the help of David Evans and Lisa O'Sullivan
A superb victory for Ott Tänak made a real statement of intent on Rally Finland as he became the first driver to beat Kalle Rovanperä in a straight fight this year
Ott Tänak and Kalle Rovanperä are split by just 8.4 seconds. It's game on for tomorrow. Who's going to win? David Evans and Colin Clark give their take
Colin Clark and David Evans discuss all the major action from the first full day of Rally Finland.
The World Rally Championship rolls into points leader Kalle Rovanperä's home nation this week – Finland. Can anyone beat him on his home turf? David Evans, Colin Clark, George Donaldson and Lisa O'Sullivan discuss.
Ken Block is pushing Subaru pair Travis Pastrana and Brandon Semenuk to the limit for the ARA National title – but who will go on and win? DirtFish analyzes the season so far and what comes next – both for the main title and the hotly-contested support classes.
Was Colin Clark's assessment of Kalle Rovanperä's Estonia performance too harsh? Can Elfyn Evans beat his team-mate in Finland? There's plenty to discuss after another exciting Rally Estonia.
Kalle Rovanperä is running away in the WRC title race – but is having a new series superstar helpful or harmful in the long run? David Evans, Colin Clark and George Donaldson discuss Rovanperä, Rally Estonia and New England Forest Rally in the latest SPIN episode.
Max McRae has stormed into the limelight lately, but how good is he? The team reflects on the McRae family achievements and future following the McRae Rally Challenge
Toyota scored a dominant 1-2-3-4 finish on Safari Rally Kenya, repeating a historic feat from 29 years earlier. But how did they master the rough and tumble of Kenya's stages so much better than the rest? Luke Barry and George Donaldson dissect the latest round of the World Rally Championship.
Heading to the Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend? Of course you are. David Evans and Rob Hansford tell you what you can expect from DirtFish at the famous festival
Colin Clark and George Donaldson are in Africa for Safari Rally Kenya. Join them as they look ahead at the challenge in store this week
In a very special SPIN, The Rally Pod, we sit down with Craig Breen to remember Gareth Roberts who tragically passed away 10 years ago.
While most of the team was out in Sardinia, Luke Barry was in Barbados instead for one of the best rally experiences anyone can have, catching up with rally director Neil Barnard in this special episode
Rally Italy served up an absolute treat. So sit back, relax and spend half an hour out of your day listening to David Evans and Colin Clark analyze who thrived and who faltered on the Sardinia stages.
Just like London buses, you wait ages for a round of the World Rally Championship and two arrive at once! Join the SPIN, The Rally Pod team as they look ahead to Rally Italy in Sardinia
From Kalle Rovanperä's masterful drive to Takamato Katsuta losing a podium on the final stage. The SPIN, The Rally Pod team discuss all the main talking points from this year's Rally Portugal.
Colin Clark is joined by David Evans and Andrea Adamo to discuss the nuances of DirtFish's exciting new partnership with eWRC-results and what it means for the rally fan
The first gravel round of the WRC's hybrid era is upon us! Is Kalle Rovanperä as doomed as we think? Is Hyundai still in trouble? The team discusses all
There's a big change in the rules for next year's American Rally Association, so Luke Barry and Mason Runkel spoke to ARA competition director Preston Osborn to find out all about it
After recent comments from Jari-Matti Latvala about how WRC+ onboards have changed rallying, the podcast team picks up the subject. George Donaldson doesn't quite agree.
David Evans and George Donaldson look back at some of Portugal’s most famous rally moments – both the good and the bad – plus there’s insight into how a third-tier rally car managed to set top 10 stage times on Croatia Rally.
Kalle Rovanperä, Ott Tänak and Thierry Neuville were all victory contenders, but who was the star of the rally? The SPIN, The Rally Pod team dissects a thrilling Croatia Rally
Kalle Rovanperä leads the championship as the WRC heads back to Croatia, and he could be the favorite for victory again given the weather forecast
Lisa O'Sullivan is joined by DirtFish Women's Month coordinator Josie Rimmer who explains the motives behind DirtFish's accelerating push to promote women in motorsport, and what we can all do to help
Lisa O'Sullivan is joined by George Donaldson, David Evans and Luke Barry for a fun-filled podcast focused on last weekend's Otago Rally, but quickly descends into tangents on the 1986 Scottish Rally, drifting and unboxing merchandise
New Zealand is back on the international rallying map as the WRC returns later this year, but this weekend's Otago Rally has the SPIN, The Rally Pod team just as excited
Colin Clark and David Evans discuss all the storylines from Rally of Nations Guanajuato including Harri Rovanpera's comeback, Mads Ostberg's hot form and the reasons why Mexico should return to the WRC.
DirtFish guest editor Michèle Mouton sits down with Colin Clark to talk in depth about her rallying career.
The team looks ahead to the returning Rally of Nations event, and evaluates the future of the Rally1 hybrid machines. There's also a review of the latest European Rally Championship and Qatar Baja events.
The penalty for missing a stage due to a failed hybrid unit has been reduced from 10 minutes to two, but has the FIA made the right call? There's also a review of last weekend's 100 Acre Wood Rally in the ARA.
WRC TV broadcaster Becs Williams joins old friend and colleague Lisa O'Sullivan to discuss what it's like to be a female journalist in a male-dominated sphere
Andrew Wheatley has been entrusted with the FIA Rally Director's job – Colin Clark, George Donaldson and Alasdair Lindsay debate the challenges he now faces to define rallying's future. Plus, there's a recap of the European Rally Championship season opener, Rally Serras de Fafe.
After failures for both Ott Tänak and Elfyn Evans on Rally Sweden, the new-for-2022 hybrid units are back in the spotlight. Do we need new regulations to accommodate the new technology? There's also a preview to this weekend's ERC opener and the rest of DirtFish Women's Month.
Colin Clark chats to Jeff Morton who shares his incredible and inspirational journey from a car accident and cancer diagnosis to his first ever targa rally win in Australia.
Former Hyundai team principal Andrea Adamo joins Colin Clark and David Evans to review Rally Sweden, discuss hybrid issues that beset several Rally1 cars, assess how the WRC is (not) addressing the ongoing war in Ukraine, and more.
The second round of the 2022 World Rally Championship is almost upon us, so join the team as they look towards the WRC's snowy adventure as well as reviewing last weekend's ARA and Extreme E action
A roll while leading last weekend's Rally Qatar felt like déjà vu for Kris Meeke, but what could he still offer in rallying? That's a major discussion point this week as the team also previews the return of the ARA and relives some of George Donaldson's illustrious Rally Sweden outings.
In this week's pod, David Evans, George Donaldson and Luke Barry explore the career of British rallying hero Tony Pond, 20 years on from his passing. There's also news on Hyundai exploiting a loophole in the WRC rules to go testing in Finland, and the team delves into another brilliant Sébastien Loeb performance at the Race of Champions.
DirtFish brings you an exclusive in this special episode as Malcolm Wilson addresses his M-Sport team after winning the Monte Carlo Rally
Colin Clark takes the reins in Lisa O'Sullivan's absence as the team discusses whether the bruising Dakar Rally actually helped Sébastien Loeb on the Monte Carlo Rally, and there's a fascinating debate about the usage of tires.
Sébastien Loeb's record-breaking victory against Sébastien Ogier, Hyundai's worrying debut and Adrien Fourmaux's early bath are all discussed as the team review the 2022 Monte Carlo Rally.
The first round of the World Rally Championship's hybrid era begins this week, but what can we expect from the Monte? And is Hyundai in trouble without a defined lead driver or team principal?
The full podcast team is back together for the first time in 2022 and wonders if the WRC's hybrid rules have gone far enough, and there's chat about Colin Clark's WRC 2021 season rankings.
Colin Clark sat down with Mohammed Ben Sulayem a few weeks ago to hear what the now FIA president's plans for the future of rallying are.
After three years in charge, Andrea Adamo has left Hyundai. Colin Clark and David Evans discuss the impact he had not just on his team, but the WRC as a whole.
The SPIN, The Rally Pod team dissect the final round of the 2021 WRC season at Monza, and wonder whether an eighth title makes Sebastien Ogier the greatest driver in WRC history.
Twenty years to the day since winning the 2001 World Rally Championship title alongside Richard Burns, we talk to Robert Reid about that incredible season - how they managed to win and what it meant for their future.
The battle for the World Rally Championship goes to the final round again in 2021, but which of Sébastien Ogier or Elfyn Evans will come out on top in Italy? Our rallying experts consider what each of the Toyota drivers needs to do to win the title, and why both are so relaxed in the build-up to the biggest weekend of the season.
For the first time since 2009, Rally Spain will include no gravel stages. Will that liven up the spectacle or simply make it more dull? That's a key question in the latest edition of SPIN, The Rally Pod as the team also wonders who is favorite to win the event and indeed the 2021 world championship.
In a busy news week for the WRC, the team discuss Elfyn Evans' superb Rally Finland win and assess who has done the best business in the WRC driver market for next year.
With today's big announcement that Craig Breen is an M-Sport driver, hear from Craig, his co-driver Paul Nagle, father Ray and M-Sport's team principal Rich Millener about the move and what the partnership can achieve.
It's Rally Finland, but not as we know it. An October date - two months later than normal - brings with it new challenges, which are laid out by the DirtFish team in our preview podcast. As well as trying to predict who might win round 10 of the WRC season, there's also a look at what to expect from Esapekka Lappi on his return to the top flight in a Toyota Yaris WRC.
The SPIN, The Rally Pod team looks at Hyundai's current slump after another disappointing WRC event in Greece, and wonders whether the situation could also impact 2022.
Ahead of the first WRC Acropolis Rally since 2013, Lisa O'Sullivan is joined by Colin Clark, David Evans and George Donaldson who analyze how the unseasonal weather could affect the spectacle.
How good was Thierry Neuville's victory? What does another impressive run to second place mean for Craig Breen's hopes of a 2022 WRC seat? Why did Toyota struggle to match Hyundai in Belgium? And are asphalt rallies that interesting? All this and plenty more in our Ypres Rally review episode.
It's Ypres Rally week! The Belgian classic will make its World Rally Championship bow this weekend - so does the 2021 route stay true to the event's heritage? And can anyone stop Thierry Neuville from claiming his first win of the season? The DirtFish team are on hand with all the major talking points ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated rallies in years.
Kalle Rovanperä's record-breaking win, Ott Tänak's overdriving, the contrasting performances of M-Sport's two drivers and a lenient stewards' decision all feature in our review of last weekend's Rally Estonia, which kicked off the second half of the World Rally Championship season.
In this special edition of SPIN, The Rally Pod, DirtFish speaks to one of the stars of the 2021 WRC season so far - Takamoto Katsuta. Following his breakthrough first podium on the Safari Rally, Katsuta talks about his motorsport past, what he's changed about his approach this year, and explains why he's comfortable waiting a bit longer for his chance to step up to the main Toyota factory team.
With the dust quite literally settled on the first Safari Rally in almost 20 years, DirtFish reviews the Kenya weekend, with insight from those on the ground running the event plus competitors past and present on just how demanding the first edition in the rally's new era was.
Rally Italy was another where the case could be made for saying the event was lost rather than won. As well as trying to get to the bottom of what's going on with Hyundai's i20, the team look at how Sébastien Ogier won from first on the road, Mads Østberg’s internal explosion and subsequent fine and suspended points penalty, and also look ahead to the WRC's long-awaited return to Africa.
Following a hugely entertaining Rally Portugal, the DirtFish team rates the top performers - examining Ott Tänak's "light at the end of tunnel" pace - and assesses whether Hyundai's missed opportunity will be costly, or if the rallies to come give it a chance to fight back
Hyundai blinked first by locking Thierry Neuville and Ott Tanak in with extended contracts - so what implications does that have on the rest of the WRC driver market? The DirtFish team consider who might go where, the significance of Hyundai's swoop for M-Sport's tech guru Christian Louriaux, and discuss the introduction of a new 100% sustainable fuel for the 2022 season
The SPIN, The Rally Pod team looks back at the extraordinary first edition of Rally Croatia where Sébastien Ogier stole the show.
It's been a long time coming, but the third round of the 2021 WRC season is finally here. DirtFish's pundits on the ground and back at base are on hand to discuss the key talking points ahead of Croatia's first WRC round - including who's most likely to contend for victory, where's best to start on the road, and what kind of conditions to expect.
The dust has - just about - settled on the Extreme E's inaugural round in Saudi Arabia. Having followed things closely on-site and back at base, the DirtFish team review the action, and ask whether XE hit its marks on two of its cornerstone points - environmental awareness and gender equality.
Lisa O'Sullivan, George Donaldson and David Evans are joined by SPIN, The Rally Pod debutantes Anna Duxbury and Dominik Wilde as the team looks ahead to the all-new Extreme E series and this weekend's Desert X-Prix.
The team dissect the second round of the World Rally Championship season - taking a look at why Toyota struggled to match expectations - examine the contrasting management styles employed by the top two teams, and pay tribute to the late Hannu Mikkola.
In part two of DirtFish's Arctic Rally Finland podcast preview offering, Colin Clark speaks to Tony Jardine, George Donaldson and Kristian Sohlberg - who all know a thing or two about competing on snow.
From having the correct footwear to traverse deep snow to having the right suspension to go through it at over 100mph, the DirtFish team compare notes on how competitors, organizers and journalists are gearing up for Arctic Rally Finland in the latest episode of SPIN, The Rally Pod.
How did the 2021 Monte Carlo Rally compared to previous editions? Where does Sébastien Ogier rank among rallying's best of all time? And what does Britain need for a successful return to the WRC calendar in the future? All this and more in the latest episode of SPIN, The Rally Pod.
In this 'Green Edition' follow-up to last month's podcast about rallying's future, DirtFish's podcast regulars offer up their opinions on how rallying can - and should - stay relevant by adopting a green roadmap
Colin Clark quizzes rally figures from across the planet on how and where alternative energy sources are making it onto the stages
The 2020 WRC drama went on right up to Christmas, as Toyota signed Jari-Matti Latvala as its new team boss and Hyundai signed Oliver Solberg as a new protege
Our verdict on the 2020 WRC's unusual season finale, whether it did the championship justice and whether we should see more rallies like Monza
Ahead of the final round of the 2020 WRC season, the Monza Rally, the DirtFish team look back at some of the best title deciders from years gone by. There's also an assessment of this year's four remaining contenders - points leader Elfyn Evans, Sébastien Ogier, Thierry Neuville and Ott Tänak - and their chances, plus a look at the conditions that will greet them in Italy.
In his last media interview before the WRC's title-deciding weekend, Elfyn Evans talks about preparing for the Monza Rally and his season so far, before the DirtFish team discuss what to expect from the points leader on the rally - if it goes ahead...
DirtFish's voice of rally Colin Clark, Senior Staff Writer David Evans and former Toyota team manager George Donaldson share personal, and professional, insight on what made the 1995 RAC Rally so special
SPIN's trio of Colin Clark, David Evans and George Donaldson pick apart Rally Turkey, while the Voice of Rally questions whether stage-end interviews aren't what they used to be. This episode was recorded before the cancellation of Ypres Rally, so the trio also ponder how the highly-regarded Belgian rally was gearing up for its WRC debut.
This week's big news is the impending departure of Tommi Mäkinen from the Toyota WRC team he helped build since 2015, after the parent brand bought its WRC operations from Mäkinen's TMR preparation firm. What does that mean for Toyota and for Mäkinen? DirtFish's voice of rally Colin Clark and Senior Staff Writer David Evans discuss the ramifications.
Top Toyota personnel give Colin Clark their in-depth take on the WRC's first rally back and what comes next
BRC manager Iain Campbell talks to Colin Clark about M-Sport's Return to Rally Stages, Rally GB's future and how to bring rally action back across the UK.
In the latest edition of SPIN, The Rally Pod, our panel of DirtFish Senior Staff Writer David Evans, our voice of rally Colin Clark and George Donaldson turn back the clock to discuss their favorite Lancia liveries, the genius (and flaws) of the great Walter Röhrl and look ahead to the long-awaited Rally Estonia.
Can rallying return safely amid fresh coronavirus cases in Europe? The team chat through the calendar permutations as the WRC gears up for its return. And all the while, George has been outsmarting midges next to a Scottish loch...
DirtFish's Colin Clark and David Evans spent a week in Italy for the biggest step towards the full resumption of international rallying so far, as the 2020 European Rally Championship began and Hyundai entered both Rally di Roma and subsequent Italian event Rally di Alba in force.
As their trip came to an end, they reflected on the experience of being back in the service parks, how the ERC is shaping up, performances on those rallies, the coronavirus situation and much more.
The Monte Carlo Rally itinerary has been modified for 2021, while M-Sport is giving DirtFish exclusive access to its updated headquarters and new test track. Plus Colin Clark, George Donaldson and David Evans preview Rally di Roma, the first major international rally since the COVID-19 outbreak began.
In the week the World Rally Championship should've been back in Kenya, the DirtFish team celebrates everything that made the Safari great - and will do again
Finally, the World Rally Championship's C-word no longer needs to be used in hushed tones, following the reveal of a provisional calendar for the remainder of the 2020 season. Unsurprisingly, the new schedule is at the top of the agenda discussed by Colin Clark, George Donaldson and David Evans this week
With teams back in testing action and a calendar coming together, WRC 2020 feels within reach again - but what does the longer-term future now hold?
Finnish drivers used to dominate the WRC, but none has won a title since Marcus Gronholm in 2002. Though Kalle Rovanpera might rectify that anomaly soon, why has the drought gone on so long? That's what Colin Clark, George Donaldson and David Evans are debating this week.
There have been big setbacks for the WRC in the past week, with Finland, New Zealand and GB all off for 2020. Recorded just before news of GB being canned was confirmed, this episode of Spin, the Rally Pod explains why the events in question had little choice
Rallying's return is getting closer, so enough lockdown talk - time to focus on the competition. From Ogier's future to Hyundai's latest driver shuffles and the new Toyota, the DirtFish gang hits the big talking points
Toyota and Carlos Sainz were on the brink of the 1998 World Rally Championship title when it fell apart in agonizing fashion with the finish in sight. DirtFish podcast regular George Donaldson was a key part of the Toyota team back then, and reveals how it felt to be part of that incredible rollercoaster - plus some theories never before aired
Moves towards resuming real-world rallying are starting to accelerate, but there are still a lot of unknowns and concerns. Colin Clark, David Evans and George Donaldson have a typically passionate debate about the options and the latest developments - and also celebrate all that's great about Rally Portugal.
When it comes to rallying photography, Colin McMaster is one of the best in the business. In this edition of Spin, the Rally Pod, our voice of rally Colin Clark meets with McMaster (while observing social distancing measures) to lift the lid on McMaster's career behind the lens - from convincing teachers in South Africa to allow him to study photography rather than taking Afrikaans lessons, to his first big break shooting for Subaru, and how he met his hero-turned-business partner, Reinhard Klein. There's also a look back at McMaster's memories of a sodden edition of Rally Portugal in 2001, as part of DirtFish's Rally Portugal week.
With the Safari Rally Kenya definitely off the list for 2020, but COVID-19 restrictions beginning to be lifted in some parts of the world, the DirtFish team looks at the state of play for the paused World Rally Championship season. Can enough of the calendar be salvaged to crown a worthy champion?
Our chats with Derek Dauncey about Mitsubishi's Safari Rally heroics in recent weeks have given an incredible insight into just how tough the legendary Kenyan event was in the 1990s.
Now SPIN's own George Donaldson lifts the lid on an even more demanding era. Starting in the 1980s, his stint in a lead role at Toyota came when the manufacturer took the Safari incredibly seriously - with weeks-long recces, specialized development programs and team personnel including George spending as much as six months of the year in Kenya.
Settle in for a fascinating reminisce about those extraordinary days.
Remember the story of Rally of Great Britain 1998? Of course you do. It’s a story all about Tommi Mäkinen, Carlos Sainz and Bodmin builder Nigel Barnett. It’s a story all about their Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IV, Toyota Corolla WRC and Hillman Imp.
Ringing a few bells now? Thought so. Derek Dauncey was Mitsubishi Ralliart’s man in the middle of the Millbrook crisis when Mäkinen removed the right rear wheel against a concrete block - thanks to oil from that Imp. For the next three days, the Finn and his team thought that was the end of his world championship.
It wasn’t, it was just the beginning of an unforgettable rollercoaster ride for Andrew Cowan’s team – ending on the highest possible high.
This one is, however, the first half of a fascinating story. Next week, Colin Clark talks to then Toyota team manager George Donaldson about the disappointment that led Carlos Sainz’s co-driver Luis Moya to find a new way of putting his crash helmet back in the car…
Mitsubishi scored a second Safari Rally win in three years on the 1998 event. This one was particularly special for British fans with Richard Burns taking his maiden WRC win and backing up Colin McRae’s Kenyan victory of 12 months earlier.
Typically for the Safari, it was anything but straightforward, as Mitsubishi Ralliart’s Derek Dauncey tells David Evans in the second of his interviews looking into life among the Lancers in the Nineties.
This time, for the first time, Andrew Cowan’s Rugby-based team was running a brace of cars, something that brought plenty of challenges as well as doubling the potential for success.
If today’s World Rally Champion could offer Ott Tänak some career advice 10 years ago, what would it be? And what did he really think of his move from Toyota to Hyundai?
Talking about Hyundai, what’s Andrea Adamo really like and does he say yes more than he says no.
All of these questions and more – including his first thoughts on Sébastien Ogier joining him and Elfyn Evans at M-Sport – are answered in an insightful DirtFish SPIN, The Rally Pod interview with our defending world champ.
He also has a word or two for those who think he’s a bit too brief in his interviews...
Thirty-four years ago the world of rallying was robbed of a driver destined for global glory and years at the very top of our sport. May 2, 1986 was the day Henri Toivonen and co-driver Sergio Cresto lost their lives in a Tour de Corse crash which changed the face of rallying.
Lisa O’Sullivan leads an intriguing and emotive history lesson into one of the life and times of the mercurial Finn. David Evans, George Donaldson and Colin Clark analyse Toivonen’s impact on the sport, the man himself, where he came from and where he was heading.
There’s also a look into the ramifications of the accident which spelled the end of Group B, world rallying’s most controversial four-year formula.
In a particularly shouty and argumentative Spin, David Evans and George Donaldson wind poor Colin Clark up terribly. The cause of the debate? Is Ypres one of the best rallies in the world? Or is it all straight, nineties, chips and mayonnaise?
If you’ve never heard the Voice of Rally on the rev limiter, tune in…
Fascinating debate, with thought-provoking insight from DG and Lisa O’Sullivan on the impact of the current global pandemic on our sport and the wider world.
How many Haribo does it take to make a bus ride from Asia to England? Tune in and find out. Except you won’t, the boys lost count of how many bags they ate returning from Istanbul and the 2010 Rally Turkey.
Remember Icelandic-the-unpronounceable, that volcano that caused total travel chaos? Colin Clark and David Evans will never forget three nights and four days travelling through Turkey, Romania, Austria, Slovakia (it might have been Serbia, they’re not sure...), possibly Czech Republic, almost certainly Hungary, a bit of Germany, a touch of France and, oddly, even a bit of Belgium.
A decade on and George Donaldson is still enjoying the fact he didn’t go to the event and watched the Eyjafjallajokull madness unfold from the comfort of a packet of his favourite crisps (that might be chips, depending which side of the Pond you’re reading this).
Lisa O’Sullivan presides brilliantly over painful - and occasionally amusing - memories of the non-party bus home from round four of the 2010 World Rally Championship. (There’s even the odd sneaky story from the party bus).
You might have gathered, the DirtFish team would rather be elsewhere this week. We’d rather be in Villa Carlos Paz reporting on round four of this year’s World Rally Championship, the SpeedAgro Rally Argentina.
Just because we’re not, doesn’t mean we can’t talk about it. So we did. In this edition of Spin, The Rally Pod, Lisa O’Sullivan focuses the attention of George Donaldson, David Evans and Colin Clark on Argentina and a whole host of South American stories.
George tells the world how and why he made Nicky Grist cry, Colin reveals the moment he revealed his naked chest to the post-rally party and David talks about retractable pencils.
Looking for advice ahead of her Argentina debut, Lisa is given some clear, concise and consistent dietary guidance. In preparation for the parrilla... vegetables.
But before all of that, there’s news of ducks.
Italian Andrea Adamo was recruited to the very top of Hyundai Motorsport at the start of 2019. In turn, in his first season in charge, he delivered the Korean manufacturer to the very top of the World Rally Championship.
His method and approach reflect the glorious Lancia-defined era in which he grew up. In a little over 12 months, he’s polarised opinion in the service park. Not that he cares. His mission statement talks of winning rallies, rather than popularity contests. But his charisma is captivating. Here he talks at length to DirtFish’s David Evans about – among other things – one-word answers, the bible and Brabham's BT52.
For thousands of rally fans out there Mitsubishi Ralliart was the 1990s in the World Rally Championship. And Derek Dauncey was the man in the middle of that Rugby-based Mitsubishi outfit.
In what’s going to be the first of many interviews (hence this is Part 1 of Now that’s what Derek calls the 1990s…), Dauncey talks DirtFish through two pivotal events for Andrew Cowan’s Lancer squad. We’re in 1996 for both, the first is the Safari Rally - an outstanding tale of Ralliart’s first attempt at the Kenyan marathon - and the second is one of the Asia Pacific Rally Championship’s most arduous journeys from Hong Kong to Beijing.
Brace yourself for test cars splitting in two and rats in your bedroom in Wuhan.
The COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak is continuing to disrupt the day-to-day affairs of millions of people around the world.
It’s put a halt to the world of motorsport on the road but it hasn’t stopped those in the motorsport world from doing their part to make a difference in this fight.
DirtFish reporters Colin Clark and David Evans have been hearing the stories of some members of the rally community who are trying to help.
In this edition of Spin - the Rally Pod David, George, Colin and Lisa lose track of time once again reliving the career of 6x World champion Sebastien Ogier. It turns out there’s a lot more to say than “he’s a really decent bloke”, although that is said more than once. Download now for an extended investigation into the career of one of WRC’s greatest ever drivers.
The Rally Pod team are rewinding the clock in the latest episode of Spin to review the career (so far) of Six-time World Champion Sebastien Ogier. The plan was to cover the lot in one episode - but with so many tales to tell the team only managed to get as far as 2011. Oh and Colin’s worried his hair may never regrow after rashly allowing his children to “cut” it.
In the most entertaining Spinning The Line The Rally Pod yet, the team set about more of the service park’s most incredible stories.
But in addition to what went on when George Donaldson was flying high over the route for Rally Argentina, you’ll also get the lowdown on world rallying’s finest potato - and mushroom - producers. On the subject of potatoes, we also investigate the WRC’s crisp (chip if you’re listening Stateside) of choice. Predictably, controversy’s not far away...
Add in some Lancia team manager Ninni Russo, words about the WRC’s much-missed journalistic guru David Williams (and his shoes) and the opportunity to name Colin Clark’s haggis-based (and, according to GD overcooked) recipe and you’ve got the fifth edition of The Rally Pod.
Colin, David, Lisa and George talk about two-time World Rally Champion, Marcus Grönholm and the excitement and entertainment he brought to the WRC.
Colin, David, Lisa and George discuss the challenges of Rally Mexico, new Aero on the Hyundais and the cancelation of motorsports events around the world.
Colin Clark, David Evans, George Donaldson and Lisa O'Sullivan talk all things rally on the newest DirtFish podcast, Spinning The Line.