Who are the Big Players in the World of Rally Driving?

By Albert Thistlegown


The 2012 season of rallying has been an interesting one to watch. There is a continuation of problems from last season relating to vehicles not quite fitting with the rules, and mechanical issues, but despite all that we're already seeing a strong impression of who's out on top. Sbastien Loeb is always the frontrunner at the moment. If he wins this season, which seems more than likely, he'll have claimed nine world championships in a row. He's already had three wins in Monte Carlo, Mexico and Argentina, and is well out in front on the board despite one retirement.

Mikko Hirvonen, a Finnish star, has had three second place finishes in Sweden Mexico and Argentina, making him the other standout driver of the season. But that doesn't mean that he's chasing Loeb on the leader board sadly. His disqualification in Portugal stole his first win, which would see him in tight second, so that means he's going to have a lot of points to make up in the next races if he's to catch up.

Petter Solberg must be pretty pleased with his performance so far. His consistent driving ability has seem him gather enough points to get to second on the leader board overall, despite not finishing higher than third in any individual contest. He has pulled off some great podium finishes in Portugal, Mexico and Monte Carlo, and collected forth place in Sweden and sixth place in Argentina.

Mads Ostberg, 'the other Norwegian', is someone to watch in terms of developing champions. He's very young for the sport, at 24, and has rapidly improved from his entry in Rally in 2004 to his present forth place position overall. He got his first win in Portugal after Hirvonen was disqualified, and he's also had two podium finishes in Sweden and Argentina. It would be great to see more from him.

What is clear is that the next few stages are going to be very exciting indeed to see who will prove himself alongside the unstoppable Sbastien Loeb. The Greek stage in particular could be one to watch.




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