Kubica Conundrum

If reports are to be true, Robert Kubica's DTM test with Mercedes today (Thursday 24th January) left the Pole 0.5 seconds faster around the Ricardo Tormo circuit in Valencia than ex-DTM champion, Gary Paffett. 
Should Kubica's rumoured pace prove fruitful, it adds yet more fuel to the fire that the man once considered one of the greatest drivers in the world, could be about to press on further with his road back to Formula One by entering the DTM fraternity. So where would such a move leave him? Well, as with everyone, it's a battle royale to join, or rejoin in Kubica's case, the big league. With budget becoming ever-more decisive in a driver's career in and around the sport, talent is forever taking a more settled position on the backbench. With talent undoubtedly present but budget questionable, this ugly-truth could work either way for the former BMW-Sauber and Lotus-Renault driver. 
Should Mercedes clinch Kubica's signature for the forthcoming DTM season, the pairing would face a mammoth task of overcoming such an already strong grid line-up, with Paffett, Bruno Spengler, Jamie Green, Mattias Ekstrom, and Martin Tomczyk to name but a few, all far more experienced and proven race-winners in the series. 
Should the Polish racer thrive, his potential ties with Mercedes should open up a whole host of avenues in Formula One, the marque's own works-team being one of three teams powered by 'Merc' engines. 2014 see's the introduction of brand-new engine technology in F1, and teams will be desperate for their respective drivers to offer valuable feedback and advice regarding engine performance and behaviour. With years of experience in Formula One already, this could stand Kubica in good stead, with customer-Mercedes teams Sahara Force India, maybe McLaren, and even former supplier Sauber, who are rumoured to be in discussions with Mercedes for 2014. 
It's all if's and but's for Kubica right now, and this extends to his current physical condition, which since his horrific rally accident two years ago, remains short of what is needed to pilot a Formula One car, despite vast improvement. Having declared 'no problems whatsoever' in the DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupe, bags of proven talent, a massive fan-base and substantial determination to get back to his best, Robert Kubica is a man who deserves to have the pro's growing, and the con's shrinking, in his mission back to the top.

Glock Leaves Marussia?

Today (Sunday), rumours have been rife concerning Timo Glock's place within the Marussia F1 team.
the rumour became widespread after German newspaper 'Sport Bild' (http://sportbild.bild.de/SPORT/formel-1/2013/01/20/sport-bild-plus/glock-und-marussia-gehen-getrennte-wege.html) ran the story this evening on their website, claiming an official announcement will be made tomorrow (monday).
 Glock is quoted as stating: "I have experienced three great years with Marussia, we part in friendship". Whether the rumour becomes justified or not is still to be seen, but one would presume that the use of direct quotation and indefinite language, would suggest a manner of truth in the story.
My thoughts? Not surprising. Glock stunned the Formula One world when he committed to the then 'Virgin F1' team for the squad's inaugural season in 2010. As a former consistent points scorer and erstwhile podium finisher, you have to feel that Marussia/Virgin's extended three year baptism of fire in the sport has left Glock ruing the day he signed on the dotted line.
So what are his options? His apparent departure leaves three seats available on the grid for the coming season, the other two of course being at Force India and Caterham. With Jules Bianchi and Adrian Sutil apparently in a two horse race for the seat alongside Paul Di Resta, it would seem the German's chances lie more realistically with Caterham. That, or perhaps a seat outside of F1... DTM perhaps? Lets not forget Glock's previous role as a BMW-Sauber test driver, the marque would surely be interested in taking on-board the undoubtedly talented and experienced Glock, should he wish to walk away from the F1 paddock.

Looking Good Sideways: WRC's Hottest Cars

This weekend sees the Monte Carlo Rally maintain it's curtain-raising tradition, in kick-starting this seasons World Rally Championship. It gives unparalleled opportunity for petrol heads to witness driver and machine on the limit for the first time this calendar year, and increases the desire and want for all Motorsport series' to once again fire up around the world.
Despite dropping audience figures, the WRC undoubtedly carries with a truly astonishing visual aspect, carried almost at will through the medium of moving-image and photography. This left me thinking... what are the best looking Rally Cars of all time? Here's my conclusions:

Subaru Impreza WRC06

It wouldn't be a list of beautiful rally cars without a Subaru featuring at some point, so lets get it out of the way first (not that you'd want to hurry it out of the way of course). You'd struggle to find anyone unfamiliar with the iconic 555 branding sprawled across the Impreza rally car, and despite it's various editions and revisions, it goes without saying that the Blue and striking Yellow colour scheme speaks for itself. Undoubtedly, one of, if not the most famous race-liveries every to grace the sport.

Ford RS2000

Time to get it off of my chest... I absolutely adore the whole 'big engine small car' concept. Whether it's a tricked-out Saxo on an council estate in Leeds or a rally-prepared Ford RS2000 from yesteryear, I love the idea of a so-called pocket rocket. Of course, between the Saxo and the RS2000, I'd pick the latter, not only because of it's pedigree, but because of it's aggressive, yet simplistic styling. That stern rear-wing, those Mini-esque round head lamp, the short wheel base. All of which, complimented by the blue and white colour scheme representing Ford themselves. I like.

Lancia 037

Lancia were creators of some of the most jaw-dropping cars ever seen. The Delta, the Stratos, the Fulvia... all stunners in their own unique way. One of the rare ugly-ducklings was of course the 037, which wasn't even deserving of a proper name. Harsh. However, apply raised suspension, remove the rear bumper, insert two gigantic mud flaps along with a striking Martini livery, and the 037 all of a sudden can mix it with it's beautiful brothers. With the car baring it's intricate internals via the exposed rear, a fire-spitting 2-litre supercharged engine, and enough hair-raising video clips of it airborne, the 037 wasn't a 'car' as such. It was more of a  purpose-built machine for going sideways, fast.

 

Ford Fiesta RS WRC (Monster World Rally team)
In the case of the Ford Fiesta RS, I find that it isn't the car itself that strikes me as being damn hot, but instead, the livery. More specifically, the livery of the 2012 Monster World Rally Team contender as piloted and made iconic by Mr.Sideways himself, Ken Block. The bonkers 'off the wall' design is a farcry from the often regimented and coordinated layout sprawled across many racing cars, many of which the Fiesta competes against. But then again, 'regimented' and 'coordinated' are hardly words you'd associate with Block's vocabulary...

Volkswagen Polo R WRC
This weekends Monte-Carlo Rally see's the debut of the long awaited Polo R on the rallying scene, with VW having spent all of 2012 developing and fine-tuning the car that they and lead driver Sebastian Ogier will hope, can land them title success at the first time of asking. The car in question, is an eye-catcher. A huge spoiler  bold headlights, wide-wheel arches, and a whole lot of promise and pressure on the German cars, ermm, shoulders. Unlike the Fiesta RS, the Polo for me is much more concentrated on the car itself in terms of visual appeal, and not the the discreet and subtle simplistic Red Bull induced livery. A looker and a favourite, watch out in 2013, the Germans are coming.

Volkswagen Race-Touareg 2
Now to finish off with something a little bit out of a loop, I've gone for the Dakar Rally-prepared Volkswagen Touareg. By no means a 'pretty' car when seen on the M25, the Touareg was sensationally adapted to compete in the gruelling Dakar Rally from 2003 onwards, with much success. Just look at it. Wide and still regarded a fat, yet draped in a rally-overcoat that makes you look twice, at least. It reminds me of those im fat and have no dress sense but I want to look stunning yet still visit KFC daily programs really; still far from a peach, but striking and interesting to look at. When Desert Rallying, met Gok Wan.

Think I've overlooked something? Disagree with any of my choices? Leave comments below and I'll be sure to answer and debate!

*Sorry for the somewhat random photo layout; struggling massively to format it all correctly!

Ducati Launch Moto GP Recovery Mission

Under new-ownership from Audi, the prospect of life without Valentino Rossi, and mounting pressure from the marque's legion of tifosi, todays unveiling of Ducati's 2013 Moto GP challenger marks an important date in the manufacturers history. 
The Italian-team launched the new Desmosedici GP13 in usual fashion, during the annual Wrooom event held at the Italian ski resort of Madonna di Campiglio, with both Andrea Dovizioso and established team leader Nicky Hayden in attendance. 
Following a torrid couple of seasons, Ducati, and more so Audi, will be nigh-on desperate to see a seemingly fresh start bring a fresh set of results on-track, for a team that once dominated Moto GP during the Stoner-era. 
Alongside Dovizioso and Hayden, stood Pramac Racing's new-look rider line up of Ben Spies and Andrea Iannone, as Pramac again launch their season as Ducati's satellite squad. However, for the first time, the team will enjoy full-factory machinery and support throughout 2013... A sure sign that Audi's financial clout and ambition is already beginning to seep through. 
As has been the case for over a decade now, Valentino Rossi remains at the heart of discussion throughout Moto GP, and this season is no different. Having failed to bring success to Ducati, 'Vale46' has moved on to pastures new (or old) at Yamaha, in the team that has bought him 4 of his 7 world titles to date. 
The faltering relationship and consequential divorce between Rossi and Ducati has however left the door open for Dovizioso to straddle the bike of the departed Rossi, in a move that he, Ducati, and the majority of Italy will hope brings about success and race-wins. 
As for Dovizioso's team-mate Hayden, it could well be last-chance saloon. The Kentucky-rider enters his fifth season with Ducati in 2013, and can honestly look back on the past four seasons with limited joy with regards to on-track joy. The former world champion was widely expected to leave the marque after last season, but a will to finish what he initially set out to do with Ducati, has seemingly descended throughout Hayden 
Ducati have all the ingredients to be successful in 2013, but can they overcome the lingering hangover of disastrous 2011-2012 campaigns, and the departure of the sports finest ever rider? Hayden's last hoorah, Dovizioso has a point-to-prove, Audi bring expectation, and everyone knows success at Ducati, is overdue.