WRC 2003: Some numbers about the season (so far)

[Schummy]

What an exciting finale we will have in UK! Loeb, 63; Sainz, 63; Solberg, 62; Burns, 58.

My favourite (as voted in the poll about that) is Solberg, becuase I think he and Burns are favs for RAC, and Peter simply has more points than Richard. I think Sainz is remarkably solid, but these days he is not as raw-fast as he was, and in a direct fight against other three in just one race regularity is not a big factor (it is unlikely that all the others fall in the wayside, literally or not). And Loeb apparently is not at his easiest in that terrain.

But looking at the season with other "eyes" appart of the "official" point table can throw some light about how the season has developed.

Taking in account the number of wins, we have:

Loeb 3 wins (untie: 2 seconds)
Solberg 3 wins (untie: 1 second, 2 thirds)
Gronholm 3 wins (untie: 1 second)
Martin 2 wins
Sainz 1 win

Sainz's regularity shows clearly here. Gronholm's merits (in the first part of the season) are pointed out here better than in the official table (IMO). He suffered a disastrous second half but he was one of the main forces this season, we often tend to forget the first events. Martin is well placed too with two wins; if he wins in UK he will tie as the most winning driver this year. And... where is Burns?

Another interesting statistic is the number of stage wins. It is one of my fav indicators of raw speed:

Martin 51
Gronholm 48
Solberg 35
Loeb 32
Burns 22
Sainz 18
Rovanpera 15
Makinen 9
McRae 8
Panizzi 8
Duval 6
Kresta 1
Hirvonen 1

The speed of Martin and Gronholm cannot be doubted. Solberg and Loeb have done brilliantly as well. Those four are the new blood in rallying (well, Gronholm is not "new") and current kings of speed. Burns and Sainz are more experienced and know more but they are not currently as fast as the formerly mentioned (as can be seen in Peugeot and Citroen comparisons against team mates).

Rovanpera's career doesn't seem to lift off never, he is there, but not enough. Makinen is fading away, and I think Colin McRae is too (but this was the first season he has been so low profile). Panizzi is a specialized wonder in just tarmac rallies (like the last three disputed) and Duval is still improving(?). Kresta and Hirvonen's wins are anecdotic (at this level).

Regularity can be partially indicated by number of podiums:

Burns 7 podiums
Loeb, Solberg 6
Sainz 5
Gronholm, Martin 4
Panizzi, Duval 2
McRae, Makinen, Rovanpera 1

Looking at all this data, and taking in account that WRC is a mix of speed and regularity, what driver I'd prefer to be the champion? It is difficult to choose, but I find Gronholm could have been a worthy champion, although he is eliminated from the title race. Anyway, any of the top group: Loeb, Solberg, Gronholm, Martin, Sainz and Burns have enjoyed a very good season in different ways (for example, Burns has had more podiums than anybody).

It will be exciting to follow this year's RAC, anyone who wins the title will have enough reasons to be considered a real world champion (... or not? )

[SJ Spode]

I think it's funny how things are mirroring 2001 for Richard Burns. Then like now he was 4th going into the Network Q and with Makinen's retirement, McRae's roll and Sainz's withdrawl after the incident with the spectators, he came through.

Could it happen again?? Petter & Seb could throw it off under pressure, and if Burns can stay ahead of Sainz.....