New to WRC--How should I watch and what should I watch for

Hello,

Apologies if this thread seems too basic for you level of knowledge, but I just wanted to introduce myself as a fan new to WRC, and get some help in terms of how to watch this fantastic series.
First and foremost, I am a passionate fan of Toyota, so this is what brings me to WRC. I love the technology of these cars--reminds me of the F1 days honestly. I want to follow Toyota's development as closely as I can.
So, what is Toyota up against? What should me expectations be? How should I follow the rallies? I have already subscribed to WRC+ so I am ready to go from that end. Any advice you could give me would be very much appreciated.

Thank you!

Apply for finnish citizenship is a good first step.

Maybe you could find an addiction counsellor before the WRC bug takes a full grip of your life.
You might find the fan made WRC event videos on YouTube offer a better sense of the speed and driving level than the official videos. The fans stand closer to the road and do not take as many long distance shots that the televised videos do.
Specialist magazines offer better technical detail so watch if ever 'race car engineering' , race engine tech etc , rally race technology https://www.highpowermedia.com/c/41/...ace-technology features on the Toyota team

Toyotas first year back - watch for a few 'biggie' accidents from JML as he tries to keep up with teams with bigger budgets, maybe especially in Finland as he tries to give the team the 'first win on home soil'. etc

Hello and welcome!

You've come to the right place, this forum is very active and has lots of knowledgeable people. WRC+ is ok if you can't get the coverage on TV, but most of us find the coverage less than ideal, especially the commentators. Red Bull TV will also be broadcasting some live stages and leg reviews this year, online, for free!

There's a thread dedicated to Toyota on this board, people post there news, pictures and videos from tests and all kinds of info.

The competition is quite strong and most expect Toyota to struggle next year. Citroen are a very successful team in the past and have returned this year with what looks like a very strong car. Their lead driver is Kris Meeke. Hyundai has a very strong lineup (Neuville, Paddon, Sordo) and the car will probably be quick as well. MSport (Ford) has signed Sebastien Ogier who many regard to be the best driver by quite a margin at the moment, depending on if the car is at least decent he's the favorite. These are just my opinions, I'm sure others will chip in.

Help me to understand the structure of the weekend..... How much testing time? I am assuming three days of driving? How often can they work on the vehicles? I think Monte Carlo has a night stage--how rallies have night stages? Where can I find information about the nature of the courses--which are tarmac and which are gravel? Where/when we might anticipate snow?

More questions.......
I have watch a ton of video to learn this sport. Talk to me about car set up.....It looks like in hilly slick conditions we go with very soft springs? Tarmac....firmer? In terms of driving technique....Looks like a driver leans on the front corner of the car in turns--compress the spring in slick conditions, and rotate on that corner?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Revman

Help me to understand the structure of the weekend..... How much testing time? I am assuming three days of driving? How often can they work on the vehicles? I think Monte Carlo has a night stage--how rallies have night stages? Where can I find information about the nature of the courses--which are tarmac and which are gravel? Where/when we might anticipate snow?

More questions.......
I have watch a ton of video to learn this sport. Talk to me about car set up.....It looks like in hilly slick conditions we go with very soft springs? Tarmac....firmer? In terms of driving technique....Looks like a driver leans on the front corner of the car in turns--compress the spring in slick conditions, and rotate on that corner?

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start by reading these:
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/about-wrc/...73---672-.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Rally_Championship

each rally has a different structure/timetable, that info is available a certain time before the event.
You said you have WRC+ watch the event review videos from last year. (they're available under highlights i think)

Setup is complex. On tarmac they have low stiff suspension, similar to circuit cars. On gravel depending on the rally higher and softer.

Snow will be in Sweden if we're lucky, possibly the higher stages in Monte but generally not any more.

Rallying has changed a lot over the years, events used to be much longer, much harder and have more varied stages and more night stages (some would run through the night). These days WRC events run a fairly similar schedule. Thursday for shakedown (testing) and maybe an opening stage or two. Friday will be a much longer day and form the basis of the rally. Saturday is a long day too and will usually shape the result of the rally. Sunday mostly just for show/TV with a handful of stages.

At some of the events that are quite close it can come down to the last stage with a few seconds separating the top drivers, mostly though it's all decided bar a crash or mechanical failure. Both can happen, in 1997 Carlos Sainz was 100m from the end of the last stage of Rally GB when his car broke down and he failed to complete the event....it lost him the World Championship. In Spain 2015 Sebastian Ogier crashed out on the last stage.

Ogier is the driver to beat but 2017 is all a bit of an unknown because the rules have changed so the cars are completely different. If the Fiesta is a dog of a car then he might struggle.

Driving style has also changed over the years, there used to be a time when flamoboyance and sideways driving was quick, but this has mostly been replaced by being neat and smooth. Colin McRae and Petter Solberg were probably the last 'quick' drivers that threw the car around. Ogier and Loeb were basically the new world order that honed the smooth style. Handrake is key for control on slower corners.

And depending on your area of residence I strongly advice you to go see a rally in person. The sounds, the smells, the passing cars, the crouds... it's a hole diferent world from any form of motorsport. I can remeber my first WRC event here in Portugal. Standing in the middle of nowhere with my father and just a few other people, on a not yet day light and earing the car scream through the tree line... the anticipation... oh boy.

Just remember, this sport it's a very adtive drug... once you get in, your in it for life ;)

I echo a lot of the comments here, would also add that rally radio can be a good way to follow a WRC event live with the stage end interviews and reaction. The TV highlights are decent but I do prefer fan shot videos on YouTube that give a better perspective of what rallying is all about and the speed. Hyundai motorsport and Citreon racing also have their own YouTube channels, and produce daily videos over the course of a rally weekend about their drivers. Maybe Toyota will have something like that too.

You also really need to go to a WRC event if you can. That is when you'll become addicted for life. You can get much closer to the action and drivers compared to any other form of motorsport.

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Portugal should be a good rally to start with.
And Finland is a must. Best rally to watch. Summer stages, big crowds, nice HQ and Service Park i center of Jyväskylä.

Also you should follow your favourite team Toyota on @TGR_WRC and favouritee drivers on Twitter. Then also some of Twitter accounts following the sport as @HartusvuoriWRC the Voice of Rally Mr Colin Clark @voicofrally .