An inside look at the WRC 'couples'
From an unusual perspective!

The leading WRC crews make it look so easy to go flat out on special stages. What makes these 'couples' succeed when others fail? Are they like normal couples in life, with some of them stronger than others, with a better chance of compatibility?

Jean-Yves Espié, an astrologer and behavioral specialist studied the position of the planets in order to discover what astrologers believe to be their true characters and natural abilities. And the compatibility of their relationship.

WRC and astrology are not usually linked but even the most fervent disbeliever will cast a glance at this interesting analysis...

Sebastien Loeb: Pisces
Loeb is a very intuitive driver, quiet and emotive. Behind a calm, placid exterior lays a ball of energy who can not stay in place. He shares similar traits with Formula One Champion, Alan Prost. Sebastien does not speak a lot, but is more attentive than what most people think.

Daniel Elena: Gemini
Elena is very different than Sebastien. Hugely communicative, he is curious, almost childlike. Regular and determined in his work.

Compatibility: 60%
In their couple, neither partner is aggressive nor dominate. They both appear to want to keep harmony in their relationship. They are quite complimentary. Through the clowning of Elena, Loeb can evacuate his stress. They have a mode of action which is in common and optimal.

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Toni Gardemeister: Aries
Toni Gardemeister is a ‘warrior'. He has affirmed character. Dominating, Intuitive, possessive. He is independent, rebel, creative. But not very supple.

Jakke Honkanen: Gemini
Honkanen is adaptable and likes people who are dominating which is quite comfortable with Gardemeister. Jakke communicates well and has lots of energy and is extremely active.

Compatibility: 70%
In this couple, one partner completely dominates the other, while the other adapts to the situation.

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Petter Solberg: Scorpio
Petter is very ambitious, tenacious, and determined. He has a strong character and is levelled headed. Passionate with a strong professional conscious. He is very good, and very domineering. He does not like to be challenged, and is not afraid of anyone.

Phil Mills: Virgo
Phils Mills is a chameleon, always adapting to a situation. He has a will to be useful, to be wanted. Perfectionist to the extreme.

Compatibility: 90%
They are a magnificent couple, who can almost communicate without needing to speak. They both understand each other and each other's needs.

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Marcus Gronholm: Aquarius
Marcus is very respectful of others, very discreet, fairplay. He does not have a domineering character. He is calm and enduring, with very human qualities. Friendship is extremely important to him. He is very independent and light hearted.

Harri Rautiainen: Scorpio
Rautiainen has a much more domineering character than Gronholm. He is a perfectionist, very precise in his decisions and actions. A very difficult man to satisfy. Born with a critical spirit, he is very attentive to details. Instinctive, intuitive, Timo has lots of charm and a very solid constitution.

Compatibility: 60%
In this couple, it is the co-driver that dominates the driver, almost making him feel guilty when he does not perform at his best.

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Risto Pietilainen / Harri Rovanpera


Harri Rovanpera: Aries
Driven, uncertain, loads of natural energy. Rovanpera is there to win, wants to advance, to attack. He has a taste for a fight and lives for competition. Impulsive, direct, he has no limits…he is out there pushing right to the edge. A bundle of nerves and energy, Harri is going to push himself until he either drops from exhaustion, or breaks his car.

Risto Pietilainen: Cancer
Risto has a much calmer nature than his driver. He is more prudent, prefers security. He does not want to be pushing the limits to an eventual accident. He is not a risk taker, and tends to push the brake pedal more often than not. However, despite his cautious nature, Peitrilainen is a perfectionist in every sense of the word.

Compatibility: 50%
Despite the conflict between the two characters, there is a good balance between in this couple. One is out there pushing forward without thinking of the risks, and the other is pushing the voice of caution, of prudence.

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Armin Schwarz: Cancer
Calm, affectionate, Armin Schwarz is a nice man. Sensible, very emotional, he tends to have mood swings. He has an excellent memory, anticipates situations. He is very instinctive, which gives him his precision and control when he drives. Not very adaptable, he does not like last minute changes. He needs time to adapt to the situation.

Klaus Wicha: Scorpio
Klaus is quite the opposite to Schwarz, ambitious, dominating, determined, courageous, a fighter. With his eagle eyes he goes right to the edge of things. Anxious, but reactive, he can at times be aggressive. Does not make it in the world of diplomacy.

Compatibility: 85%
Given the difference in the two men, one would think that the couple would not work, but surprisingly, the two are very compatible. They both have confidence in one another. There is good communication in the couple and mutual respect.