MOTORSPORT: 2010 World Rally Championship Season Preview

Dirt, mud, gravel, snow and tarmac. The World Rally Championship is arguably the most diverse and challenging world title. Not that you'd think so judging by Sebastien Loeb's ability to dominate it over the past six years.

The Frenchman may have clinched his sixth consecutive crown last year but he was pushed all the way to the last round by Ford's Mikko Hirvonen. But he is just one of many Flying Finns in this year's series that includes 2007 Formula One world champion Kimi Raikkonen.

Adding a new element to the title race this year will be the new points system that puts greater emphasis on winning (25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1).

With new rules set for 2011 this year's title will be the last chance to win the crown in the more powerful World Rally Cars.

For: Having the most successful rally driver in the history of the sport is a pretty big positive. Loeb is gunning for his seventh straight world championship this year and there is no indication he's any less motivated or skilled than before. Sordo made some big improvements in all areas of his game last year. Traditionally strong on tarmac, he became a greater threat on loose surfaces but is still searching for his maiden win.
Against: Despite all his success some chinks emerged in Loeb's armour last year. A combination of bad luck and mistakes allowed Hirvonen to push the Frenchman all the way to the final round. This year Loeb will be all too aware that any mistake will be pounced on by his Ford rivals. Sordo needs to lift his game too, in order to provide better back up against the fleet of Fords.
Bottom line: Loeb is the obvious title favourite.

For: Putting aside the disappointment of missing the title by a single point last year Hirvonen should be buoyed by his ability to push Loeb so hard. He lifted his game across the board and was able to take full advantage of Loeb's errors. Latvala is arguably the faster of the pair, or indeed the fastest driver in the series, but he is still prone to errors. It says a lot for his talent that Ford has retain him in spite of his many mistakes in 2009. If he can reign in and focus his aggression Ford could trump Citroen for both titles.
Against: As far as he came last year there is still no denying that Hirvonen still lags behind Loeb on the talent front; which is no shame because few drivers in the history of the sport can claim to operate on the Frenchman's level. As for Latvala he needs to stop throwing cars down hills or slamming into barriers with only a few hundred metres left in the rally.
Bottom line: Hirvonen is the man most likely to end Loeb's run.

For: Gronholm's decision to run the opening round of the series in Sweden opens the door for the former world champ to make several cameos this year. He brings a wealth of experience -- not to mention speed -- to the blue oval. Solberg is an experienced operator that can be counted on to consistently log points finishes. Wilson is slowing, emerging as a legitimate contender for regular top five finishes.
Against: Gronholm won't be around all year so it will be up to Solberg to lead the team for the bulk of season. Neither Solberg nor Wilson are likely to make regular visits to the podium though due to the strength of the leading teams.
Bottom line: Points not podiums.

Citroen Junior Team

For: Undoubtedly the biggest story of this year's championship will be the success/failure of former F1 world champion Raikkonen. His decision to switch to the WRC after being dumped by Ferrari opens the door to a history making double; the first driver to win the F1 and WRC crowns. He has shown promise in his early rally outings but the WRC cars and competition will be a massive step up. Ogier should be a good benchmark for Raikkonen as a former junior champion. He's a star of the future for the WRC and could make repeat trips to the podium.
Against: Raikkonen has learnt the hard way that mistakes in rallying usually result in a messy accident. He'll need to stay on the road to gain as much experience as possible. Ogier may be a future star but he's not the finished product yet and will need to raise his game if he wants to pinch Sordo's spot in the main Citroen squad.
Bottom line: Ogier could bag a win but Raikkoen needs to focus on learning.

For: The 2003 world champion has managed to bag himself a Citroen C4 WRC for 2010 after struggling in an ageing Citroen Xsara last year. He's got enough financial support so money worries are out of the equation too. 
Against: His Citroen may be newer but it's still only a 2009-spec car so the factory cars should be quicker. It's also been a long time since Solberg battled for wins on a regular basis so question marks remain over his ability to take the fight to Loeb and Hirvonen when the going gets tough.
Bottom line: Could be onto a winner with his new wheels.

For: His arguably the most famous rally driver in the world without ever being a regular in the WRC. The man behind the Gymkhana viral videos has secured a deal with long time sponsor Monster Energy and M-Sport to run a factory built Focus and step up from the American Rally Series. Although it will take time for him to adapt to the faster WRC machinery his past form indicates he won't lack for commitment and bravery; especially on the jumps.
Against: He's only running a partial schedule and before he makes his debut in Rally Mexico he'll have only spent one day in the Focus WRC. He's made it clear that 2010 is a learning year for full season campaigns in '11 and '12.
Bottom line: He won't win any events but he'll bring flair and a US audience to the sport.

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