Latest news with #WorldRally
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Dakar legend Nani Roma and his ferocious Raptor get hero's welcome at Ford SA plant
Rally star Nani Roma enthralled workers at the Silverton assembly plant on Monday. Image: Supplied This past week was a historic one for off-road racing in South Africa, with local and international stars going head-to-head in the country's first-ever Safari Rally. Staged in the bushveld surrounding Sun City, the 1,222km rally was the first international Rally Raid championship round to be held on local soil. The rally saw local heroes prevail, with Toyota Gazoo Racing driver Henk Lategan narrowly ousting former World Rally legend Sébastien Loeb, who was in a Dacia Sandrider, for overall victory, while Gareth Woolridge of the local Ford NWM team, took fourth spot. Rally fans were also treated to their first sighting of the Ford M-Sport team's Raptor T1+, with international drivers Carlos Sainz and Nani Roma, both rally stars in their own right, taking fifth and seventh positions after struggling to come to terms with the local terrain. To capitalise on the 'gees', Ford South Africa brought Roma and his ferocious Raptor to the Silverton assembly plant on Monday, to give plant workers as well as local media members an inside view of Ford's international racing efforts. Amid much jubilation, with Ford's employee choir putting on a stellar performance, Roma and Ford's motorsport management members received a warm South African welcome as the former Dakar winner revved his Raptor and recounted his life as a rally driver. This took place during a slightly extended lunch break, which Ford SA CEO Neale Hill said had a minimal impact on output, but brought a big boost in morale. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Roma received a warm South African welcome. Image: Supplied Roma is one of just three competitors to have won the Dakar Rally on two wheels as well as four, winning with KTM in 2004 and Mini in 2014, and he joined the Ford M-Sport outfit in early 2023. Speaking with local media after the event, the Spanish driver said this was the first time in his career he has felt that the company's board truly loves motorsport. Roma acknowledged that he was not happy with this year's Safari Rally result, but said the positives outweighed the negatives, as much was learned about the car and the unfamiliar racing terrain. He said the relatively narrow tracks as well as the tall grass and rocks made it difficult to read the track ahead. 'But it's great discovering new areas, new types of terrains.' Describing his time in South Africa, he said 'We feel really welcome, everywhere we go. In many countries that's not the case, but here it feels really nice.' The other star of the show, Nani's Raptor T1+, made its Dakar debut at the beginning of 2025. The purpose-built Rally Raid machine boasts multi-adjustable suspension by Fox, allowing up to 350mm of wheel travel and a 400mm ground clearance. The vehicle features a T45 steel spaceframe and carbon fibre body panels, while power comes from a 5.0-litre Coyote V8 with a uniquely tuned (and thunderous sounding) exhaust system. 'Taking on such a demanding race like Dakar is a daunting task for all of us at Ford Performance, but we have never shirked a challenge,' said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. 'The Ford Raptor T1+ is a stake in the ground for our global off-road vision - we want to take on the best and prove ourselves in the toughest places on earth. 'The lessons we are learning from Raptor T1+, along with competing with stock trucks in Baja 1000 and Finke Desert Race, will help make Raptor vehicles even better for our customers.' IOL
Irish Examiner
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Irish Examiner
Ireland's top drifters to go head-to-head on Spike Island
The iconic Spike Island in Cork Harbour is set to be a lock-out on Saturday July 5th next when it will reverberate to the sounds of race and rally cars of Red Bull athletes. Local ace and professional drifter Conor Shanahan (from Killavullen) and World Rally star Josh McErlean will perform demonstration drives in their respective Toyota GT86 and M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 cars. The duo, along with Conor's brother Jack are part of a one and three quarter hour show that features the Red Bull Drift Pursuit when sixteen of the country's top drifters go head-to-head (knockout format) at the former military base and prison. The evening of exhilarating and thrilling motorsport event has a Cork versus Kerry battle when Trevor Healy (Cork) takes on Colin O'Sullivan (Kerry) in the first round of sixteen. Drivers will be judged on two key criteria - course time and clipping points, with penalties for any infringements. Each of the head to head contests is about accuracy, control and speed. The presence of the Shanahan's brothers should be a great spectacle as they are world renowned for showcasing their unique skills. McErlean, along with his Killeagh co-driver Eoin Treacy, is showing good form in their maiden WRC Rally1 season. Speaking ahead of the event, Killavullen native Shanahan said: 'As a proud Corkman, it is incredible to see a drift event like this take place at such an iconic location like Spike Island. Some of the best drifters in Ireland will be competing and I know Jack and I are looking forward to putting on a show.' McErlean said. "It's (Spike Island) one of the most iconic locations in the country, so to bring the energy of a Red Bull drift event here is something seriously special. Driving the M-Sport Ford Puma Rally1 car in a place like this, it's going to be loud, fast and an unforgettable experience.' The event will roar into action at 6.45pm and is scheduled to finish at 8.30pm. Tickets are currently on sale on the Red Bull website, priced at €45 for a standing ticket and €55 for a seated ticket. Ferry transfers from Ringaskiddy or Cobh are included in the ticket, with ferries running throughout the day. Prior to the competition itself, spectators can avail of Spike Island tours to learn more about the island's history as a monastic settlement and its 18th-century bastion fort (Fort Mitchel). It's strategic location within the Cork Harbour meant it was used for defence, a naval base and more recently, a prison. During the evening the Shanahan brothers and McErlean will partake in a Q&A session while the drivers' paddock will be open to spectators keen to get a closer look at the action. The other Cork drivers that will participate in the Red Bull Drift Pursuit are Alan Hynes, the 2024 Red Bull Drift Pursuit champion, Aidan Dennehy and Owen Magner.
Belfast Telegraph
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Josh McErlean hails job well done at Rally de Portugal: ‘It's been a really nice weekend and we have loved every moment of it'
On his favourite round of the FIA World Rally Championship, McErlean comfortably came out on the right side of a weekend-long battle with team-mate Gregoire Munster in the British squad's second Puma. Remarkably, despite the notoriously rough nature of the competitive route, the 25-year-old reported no major problems with his car, with this boding well for the next round in Sardinia from June 5 to 8. 'Honestly, it has been a really nice weekend and we have loved every moment of it,' reflected McErlean, whose resilience was rewarded with four morale-boosting World Rally Championship points. 'It has been a crazy rally as always; it is so nice to come to the finish clean and with some good times as well. 'It has been a very long and demanding weekend for car and crew, and to finish as the first Puma home is really nice. 'We learned a lot with the car and the tyres, and we will look to bring that forward into the Sardinia test this Wednesday, so we are straight back into it – there is not time for much rest, really. 'We took an approach this weekend that we wouldn't do so much on changing the car set-up. 'The other two guys, Gregoire and Martins Sesks, did a lot, but we largely stayed as we were and it worked out.' Co-driven by Vincent Landais, Ogier completed the four-day gravel classic 8.7 seconds up on Hyundai's Ott Tänak, with double World Rally champion Kalle Rovanpera a further 3.5 seconds back in third. Meanwhile, Kris Meeke's hard luck story at Rally de Portugal continued into a third successive year as suspension failure brought his 100 per cent win record in the Portuguese Championship to an end. Despite an incorrect tyre choice for the opening loop of four stages and picking up a puncture on stage six, Meeke and Stuart Loudon in their Sports & You Toyota GR Yaris Rally2 looked nailed on for victory. However, the harsh nature of the Iberian gravel roads eventually told when the left-rear corner on the Japanese supermini collapsed a few kilometres from the end of Friday's final stage. Although they crawled through 'Sever-Albergaria', they were unable to complete the 62-mile road section back to the city of Porto, meaning they relinquished top spot to Skoda Fabia RS Rally2 driver Pedro Almeida. 'The Yaris was perfect again, and the proof of that was the lead we managed to create throughout the day, but this wasn't the finish we wanted,' said Meeke, who is back in action at Rali de Castelo Branco on the weekend of June 13 and 14. 'Rallies are just like that, unfortunately. We know that we have an excellent car and an excellent team – and we are going to come back strong in the next round.'
New York Times
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- New York Times
Carlos Sainz says there would be no conflict of interest if his father runs for FIA presidency
Williams driver Carlos Sainz denied the suggestion that there would be any conflict of interest if his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., ran for the presidency of the FIA. Mohammed Ben Sulayem is up for re-election at the end of this year and his term as FIA president (dating back to 2021's end) has been filled with controversy. A credible candidate has yet to step up to the plate to challenge Ben Sulayem, but last week, Sainz Sr., who is widely considered to be one of motorsport's greatest rally drivers as a double world champion, revealed to that he is considering it. He denied there would be any conflicts of interest with his son racing in Formula One and also working as a director of the Grand Prix Drivers' Association. Advertisement 'I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue. Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all,' Sainz Sr. said to 'He's not a child anymore, he has been in F1 for a decade now and we both know that if I go ahead with this project our relationship will change, of course. The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.' The younger Sainz reiterated a similar point Thursday at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, saying how he's 'been trying to think (of) scenarios where it could, but I actually don't see any way how that could be seen.' He claimed both sides would be 'extremely careful,' before adding, 'the last thing that I want is my or his image or career to be damaged by that situation.' At this point and time, the 63-year-old two-time World Rally champion is not even officially running for president. He is looking into the matter after a number of people in the F1 paddock suggested the idea to him, Sainz Jr. said Thursday in Imola. But now, Sainz Sr. is considering who he would want on his election team and gain a better understanding about how the FIA elections work, his Williams driver son later added. Before announcing any FIA presidency bid, Sainz Sr. would have to navigate complex workings within the governing body regarding its rules on who can stand in such elections. The BBC reported this week that Ben Sulayem is also moving to tighten these procedures even further, which could potentially bar any opposition candidate from running against him. But considering how the FIA is the governing body of global motorsport, his father's breadth of experience does make him 'a very optimal candidate,' Sainz claimed. Sainz Sr. has competed in rallying for over 40 years, making his start in 1980. He has won the Dakar Rally four times, most recently with Audi last year, and won the World Rally Championship in 1990 and 1992. But in addition to building his legendary career, Sainz Sr. has been involved in his son's career progress since he was starting out as a young go-kart racer. Advertisement 'I'm biased, but I just honestly speak from the most objective position possible. (It) doesn't come to my head (that) anyone that has lived through all the karting days with his son and knows the roots of motorsport in go-karting (wouldn't be a suitable FIA president candidate),' Sainz said Thursday. 'He did four or five years of single-seaters with me, knowing how tough, expensive, difficult that ladder is. He's done 10 years in Formula One with me.' Sainz, who made his F1 debut with what was then called Toro Rosso in 2015, later touched on how his dad has also been involved in multiple different areas of motorsport – including his rallying career and 'mobility work in Spain.' If Sainz Sr. was to run, 'this isn't probably as big a step as some may think,' Williams team principal James Vowles said earlier this week, after touching on Sainz Sr.'s career to date. As the rally legend comes to the end of his racing career, he's 'trying to find a way to give back to motorsports,' his son said Thursday. 'He loves motorsport, he loves racing and he sees there an opportunity to put an end to his racing career but still do something further and find ways to give back to motorsport and give back to the FIA – an entity that he has a lot of respect for for all his years and he knows what the FIA has done for the last 20-30 years to improve safety in motorsport, to improve everyone's life here in motorsport. So he feels like he could give back and that motivates him.' The one part of the job that Sainz Sr. may not enjoy would be the political battles, Sainz said. After all, F1 alone is known as the Piranha Club, and that's just one of the seven world championships the FIA oversees. 'But I think that if there's a guy who could remove politics from it, it could also be my dad because he sticks to common sense and very basic rules of going about life and things,' Sainz said. 'And I think that's why so many people went to him, to push him, maybe, to potentially do it.' Additional reporting by Luke Smith
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Carlos Sainz Sr reportedly eyeing FIA presidency ahead of high-stakes 2025 election showdown
Carlos Sainz Sr is reportedly considering a bid for the FIA presidency ahead of the crucial December 2025 election. (Credit: Getty Images0 FIA presidency race heats up with Carlos Sainz Sr reportedly entering the 2025 contest Could Carlos Sainz Sr CHALLENGE Mohammed Ben Sulayem for FIA presidency? 👀 Rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr , a towering figure in motorsport, is seriously considering a bid to become the next president of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). With elections set for December 12 in Uzbekistan, the two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Dakar Rally winner may challenge the embattled incumbent, Mohammed Ben Sulayem . The 63-year-old Spaniard has expressed a strong sense of duty to give back to a sport that has shaped his life and legacy.'This possibility has been in my mind for some time now, not very deeply, but now I think it could be the right time in my career for me to take the step,' Sainz said in a statement to 'I'm confident I can do a good job and put together an excellent team to give back to the sport part of what it has given me.'Sainz's credentials make him a serious contender. With over four decades of elite racing experience and a reputation for professionalism and integrity, his potential candidacy has already started generating buzz among insiders. According to sources close to the matter, Sainz is in the process of evaluating the level of support he might receive from the global motorsport community before making an official he addressed concerns about a potential conflict of interest due to his son, Carlos Sainz Jr., who currently races in Formula 1 for Williams.'I have my track record and people know me well enough to understand that this will not be an issue,' Sainz Sr said. 'Obviously, I will have to step down regarding my role with Carlos and his career but this is not an issue at all. He's not a child any more… The FIA is a very serious entity and there will be no conflict.'If he formally enters the race, Sainz would be taking on Mohammed Ben Sulayem, whose leadership since 2021 has faced increasing scrutiny. Although Ben Sulayem has yet to officially confirm his re-election bid, he is widely expected to run again. His tenure has been marked by governance-related controversies, high-profile resignations, and allegations of interference in race recent resignation of FIA deputy president for sport Robert Reid, citing "a fundamental breakdown in governance standards," followed the earlier exits of compliance officer Paolo Basarri and audit committee members Bertrand Badre and Tom Purves. Former FIA CEO Natalie Robyn also broke her silence last year, stating that "professional processes are not adhered to and stakeholders are excluded from decision-making."These internal shake-ups have rattled confidence in the FIA's leadership, creating an opening for a reform-minded figure like Sainz. His emphasis on collaboration and transparency could be a welcome change, particularly among drivers. The Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA), led by George Russell, has recently voiced its dissatisfaction with the FIA's punitive measures on language and public criticism. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton has advocated for increased driver influence in governance, saying drivers should hold 'a power seat at the table.'Sainz reportedly supports a more inclusive approach and is keen on empowering drivers and teams through greater involvement in rule-making and strategic decisions. His longstanding experience and diplomatic demeanor could provide the stability and forward-thinking vision the FIA is currently December approaches, the motorsport world waits in anticipation. Whether Sainz officially enters the race or not, his potential candidacy alone has already begun to reshape the conversation around the future leadership of motorsport's most powerful governing Read: Is F1 the endgame for Lando Norris? McLaren driver shares thoughts on what's next
