[WRC] WRC Rally Sweden 2018 - February 15-18:

[steve.mandzij]

Certainly Sweden and Finland are the two rallies where Toyota is likely to be the strongest. Just like last year when they won both events.
That said last year after Sweden they had 4 rallies without podium (all due to being too slow) and after Finland they again were not on podium for last 4 rallies (only good pace was in Australia).

To be fair the lack of pace early on was mostly bad design. In Mexico, Argentina and to an extent Portugal the cars had major overheating issues. The pace was good in Sardegna with a podium for Latvala and power stage victory for Lappi, and in Poland Latvala was third until his gearbox gave up. PS victory for him too.

The pace was off in Spain and Germany, although that might be down to the drivers (Latvala retiring early with failures/damage and Lappi and Hanninen remaining). WRGB lack of pace was surprising but down to bad design as well, with all the mud collecting in the rear. Pace in Australia was good.

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[satukata]

Toyota will be really strong in Sweden. They have been testing so much on snow this winter! All drivers test 4days atleast! Tomorrow I´m going to follow JM test near Jyväskylä. it's really a big advantage that they get tested without any restriction in the Jyväskylä area.

I think Latvala is strong favourite for win but Ott can make 2nd surprise. If there is lot of snow in friday stages can Lappi be leader friday night. 7th starting position is so big advantage. Very interesting rally comeing.. Can´t wait!

[Hartusvuori]

To be fair the lack of pace early on was mostly bad design. In Mexico, Argentina and to an extent Portugal the cars had major overheating issues. The pace was good in Sardegna with a podium for Latvala and power stage victory for Lappi, and in Poland Latvala was third until his gearbox gave up. PS victory for him too.

The pace was off in Spain and Germany, although that might be down to the drivers (Latvala retiring early with failures/damage and Lappi and Hanninen remaining). WRGB lack of pace was surprising but down to bad design as well, with all the mud collecting in the rear. Pace in Australia was good.

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Hänninen finished 4th in both Germany and Catalunya. In Catalunya he was 55" off Meeke. In Germany all three crews scored fastest times. Not exactly off pace in my opinion.

[Sulland]

Clothing for sweden, tips: generally is many thin layers better than few and thick. It is air between the layers that keeps you warm.

Wool as inner layer. Wool is warm even when wet/sweaty.
turtle neck with zip is smart. Zip to adjust air in/out.
Next layer on upper body could be a fleece sweater with zip, or a jacket.
In addition bring a warm thick knitted sweater of wool, to put on when standing still to watch.
Outer layer need to be wind proof, and water repellant in case of rain. An alpine/ slalom two piece dress is perfect.

last but not least, a wool tight knitted beanie, could be with fleece. 60-70% of heat loss from the body happens through the head.

Nice thick boots with extra inner sole, again wool. You need thick socks, wool again, so they need to be a number larger than you normally use, but not as big so that your foot moves a lot inside the boot. But it is the air in the sock that keeps you warm.

Glowes when you walk and wool mittens when you stand still.
Small backpack to keep the clothes you do not wear when you move.

This is meant to dress for days from minus 10 to minus 20, and have a nice day outside in cold weather.
Do not thing of crazy nordic people with little to no clothes, most of them are used to and their body adapted to cold weather during many years. (Or stupid and or drunk)

Same with us going to warm climate, the body takes time to adapt to big changes!
it is much easier to adjust cold climate with correct clothing, than going from 15 to 50 degrees. When you only have the speedo left, not much more to help the body with, apart from ac, shadow and cold beer

have a safe trip, come prepared!

[AMSS]

To be fair the lack of pace early on was mostly bad design. In Mexico, Argentina and to an extent Portugal the cars had major overheating issues. The pace was good in Sardegna with a podium for Latvala and power stage victory for Lappi, and in Poland Latvala was third until his gearbox gave up. PS victory for him too.

The pace was off in Spain and Germany, although that might be down to the drivers (Latvala retiring early with failures/damage and Lappi and Hanninen remaining). WRGB lack of pace was surprising but down to bad design as well, with all the mud collecting in the rear. Pace in Australia was good.

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The mud collecting thing was just a PR reason, the real reason was they messed up with the damper setups badly..

[GravelBen]

The mud collecting thing was just a PR reason, the real reason was they messed up with the damper setups badly..

[citation needed]

[AnttiL]

Hänninen finished 4th in both Germany and Catalunya. In Catalunya he was 55" off Meeke. In Germany all three crews scored fastest times. Not exactly off pace in my opinion.

Also in TDC, Latvala was fourth and won the power stage

[rallye-vid]

I guess some tire chains is a must have?

[Franky]

I guess some tire chains is a must have?

Proper tires are enough

[rallye-vid]

Yeah, we are not going on slicks there