Okay, for an American long time WRC fan (and now unhappy fan due to the lack of Subarus, but c'est la vie), who is a good "dark horse" driver to follow. Someone that gets coverage, but isn't one of the big guns? Until (and hoping it isn't if) Subaru comes back, I want a driver to root for.
For the time being there are only six drivers confirmed to do full or almost full programmes next year so there not many underdogs who are confirmed to be around for 2010 yet. Usually the private teams have been confirmed during the weeks leading into the first event and sometimes even after it (as was the case with Petter Solberg's team this year) and that's where the top dogs are.
That said, I'd rate both ex-Subaru drivers 'dark horses'. Petter is likely to have some pretty competitive machinery to drive through the year, while Atko has been linked with the rumoured US-based (or at least US-funded) team. Both should be pretty near to the top as far as pace goes.
Personally, I'm going to keep a close eye on Kimi R?ikk?nen, he's a 'dark horse' of sorts although I don't think anyone expects him to challenge for wins but it will be really interesting to see how the F1 champion learns his ropes on the loose stuff.
So you're thinking Atko is going to run with Ken Block and his team? Blimey!
It was speculated when the news about the Monster-sponsored rally team surfaced and I think it's possible. If the team is set up Monster will propably want a driver with proven track record to bring in some results (in the likely case that Ken won't) so that they get some international publicity out of the whole deal. Unless they'd get Petter Solberg out of his own team I think Chris is one of the best drivers available, and on top of that he's the kind of bloke I could see doing some publicity stunts or viral videos to advertise an energy drink.
In other rally news, the speculation about Ford taking one of their new Ford Fiesta S2000 cars to Monte Carlo has been confirmed as M-Sport announced that they will enter one car for Mikko Hirvonen in the event.
AUTOSPORT
It'll be really interesting to see how the new car and Mikko will stack up against the regulars. If the car is any good I recon Mikko has to be the clear favourite for the event, at least unless Ogier and / or Loeb will be entered by Citro?n or Peugeot.