APOLLO (UK)
After its Series 10 performance, in which it impressed but just missed out on the Grand Final, I get the feeling that Apollo is the new Panic Attack: an ex-champion that shows up every year and does reasonably well, but will never again hit the heady heights of its debut performance. Nonetheless, it's still a very good machine, and even with such a strong-looking British contingent in this episode, Apollo stands out.
You'll notice Apollo's new Union Jack paint scheme. Having been there when part of this was filmed, I can confirm that the majority of the UK competitors have done the same thing, just in case you accidentally mistake them for one of the foreign competitors. Easy enough mistake to make.
My prediction: I don't know much about the format of this special, but assuming there's an individual winner, Apollo would be the slight favourites.
GABRIEL 2 (UK)
Gabriel was very, very unlucky to go 0-2 in Series 10, having fallen victim to the Group of Death. We now know, however, that it can take as much as it can dish out, and then some. And when you look at the "Rest of the World" line-up for this heat, you have to wonder who there could possibly pose a threat to Gabriel. Not Cobra. Certainly not Rabid M8. TMHWK... just maybe, if it can get a hit in just the right place. Otherwise, Gabriel looks like a strong contender.
My prediction: The gangly thwackbot should comfortably bounce back from its disappointing Series 10 performance, and should get quite far here.
SABRETOOTH (UK)
Don't let that grin fool you. Gabriel Stroud, aka Hans "Hit it again" Gruber, was out for blood in Series 10, and most likely will be again here in the World Series. Especially since he's the only UK competitor here without some kind of title under his belt. Sabretooth has improved massively over the last couple of series, and should fare well against the "Rest of the World" team.
My prediction: Regardless of whether it wins or not, expect Sabretooth to cause the most damage of any of the robots in this episode.
TERRORHURTZ (UK)
The veteran axe-bot had a pretty good run in Series 10, reaching only its second heat final (can you believe that?) before finishing an impressive third in the 10-Robot Rumble. John Reid and Nick Lynch will be in high spirits going into this special, but can they convert that confidence into a solid performance?
My prediction: If it can avoid sustaining any damage to its vulnerable back and sides, Terrorhurtz should put in a strong performance.
COBRA (BELGIUM)
Marco van Hek and Stefan Vanthoor are highly experienced. After competing in the two Dutch Robot Wars series, finishing as the most successful Belgian entry in the first series, they built Cobra for Series 9 and were unfortunately tag-teamed by Eruption and Behemoth. Their rammer/clamper returns for the World Series with a new interchangeable Hardox wedge. At 20mph it should be fast enough to stay out of trouble, which is good, because aside from the wedge, it's a little on the fragile side.
My prediction: Unlikely to challenge for the win, but will be hoping to put up a good fight and get in some strong rams.
DIOTOIR (IRELAND)
Now, I know what you're thinking: "That's not Diotoir!" Well, no, it isn't. The old Diotoir we all knew and loved is in no fit state to fight, so instead Team Nemesis borrowed Kadeena Machina from Battle of the Stars and gave it some wheelguards, as well as the iconic fur and manic grin. It may not be the same, but it's still wonderful to see Diotoir back again, and I honestly squeed like a kid when I saw it at filming. And it's not like Kadeena Machina was a bad robot, either.
My prediction: However Diotoir performs, one thing is for certain: it will catch fire, and it will be glorious.
RABID M8 (PORTUGAL)
Speaking of Kadeena Machina... in a previous life, this was John Reid's big pink Dee, and the last we saw of it was Kadeena Machina punting it ten feet into the air. It's now in the hands of Team REC, Robot Wars' first-ever Portuguese team. They have plenty of experience at featherweight level, but as far as I can gather, this is their first time competing with a heavyweight. It's always great to see Robot Wars expanding into new countries, so I'm wishing them all the best, and it'd be great to see them try and enter Series 11 with a heavyweight of their own.
My prediction: The wheels are obviously vulnerable, but otherwise, Rabid M8 should be one tough nut to crack.
TMHWK (THE NETHERLANDS)
TMHWK hasn't had the best of luck in Robot Wars. In Series 7, it was swiftly immobilised by IG-88 before being smashed open by an ocean buoy, and in Series 9 it was swiftly immobilised by Sabretooth (though thankfully there wasn't an ocean buoy in sight that time). Third time lucky for the Dutch axe-bot? It'll have to face some stiff opposition.
My prediction: May struggle against the Brits, but is in the hands of an experienced team and unlikely to be just cannon fodder.
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