2008 Corona Rally Mexico - official thread

[Viking]

Well I think we can call off tactics regarding starting posisions tomorrow!

[turves]

hell, someone throwing rocks again? heard only a bit, can someone who heared completely elaborate?

On SS13 Matt Wilson is saying a spectator threw a big rock at his windscreen

[White Sauron]

Damn... I really start to think that there were actually no problems with Loeb's engine at all, and Citroen just pretended of this. You can say I'm biassed, but anyway, I'll never believe that the unit which broke on 13 kms of a road section, is now successfully performing in race conditions.

[ste898]

On SS13 Matt Wilson is saying a spectator threw a big rock at his windscreen


Disgraceful!!! What is this rally doing in the WRC...........

The FIA should waken up and ban this 3rd world country from WRC for good!!!

[Viking]

The young Sébastien is talking just like old Sébastien..Have the French cloned him.I am wery afraid :uhoh:

[Xsara Fan]

Is Henning`s SS win the first in Munchi`s history?

[PuddleJumper]

The FIA should waken up and ban this 3rd world country from WRC for good!!!
How does one numbskull throwing stones make an entire country 3rd world? :confused:

[White Sauron]

Is Henning`s SS win the first in Munchi`s history?

No, Villagra once won some

[Mr Lopez]

Is Henning`s SS win the first in Munchi`s history?

no, villagra won a couple of superspecials last year....

[rp]

Is Henning`s SS win the first in Munchi`s history?

No, Federico Villagra won three special stages last year in Japan...

[White Sauron]

How does one numbskull throwing stones make an entire country 3rd world? :confused:

The country, producing Corona Extra, just can't be the one of the 3rd world.

[Isthmus]

Damn... I really start to think that there were actually no problems with Loeb's engine at all, and Citroen just pretended of this. You can say I'm biassed, but anyway, I'll never believe that the unit which broke on 13 kms of a road section, is now successfully performing in race conditions.


What are you talking about ???
The unit from the beginning of rally Mexico was a new one! Not from Sweden...


The engine that failed in Loeb’s car was a brand new unit; a replacement for the one which was damaged in his crash on the previous round in Sweden. Regulations state that engines may be swapped without penalty on the first linked rally.

Loeb´s using a new repared unit...

[White Sauron]

What are you talking about ???
The unit from the beginning of rally Mexico was a new one! Not from Sweden...



Loeb´s using a new repared unit...

I'm talking about this thing: they put a new engine on Loeb's car, then accidentaly it turns "broken", they switch to another one for the shakedown, and then return to the initial unit. Isn't it strange that they "saved" its endurance???

[Isthmus]

I'm talking about this thing: they put a new engine on Loeb's car, then accidentaly it turns "broken", they switch to another one for the shakedown, and then return to the initial unit. Isn't it strange that they "saved" its endurance???

I still not understanding the question. They mounted a new unit at the beginning of the rally. So, what they would won by the new unit to get failure and change it?
And Loeb is using that unit repared, because he would get 5min by a new replacement...thats why they changed the engine twice. But the unit repared was sealed, that was granted by FIA.

[ShiftingGears]

Go Chris! One puncture is all Loeb needs...

[pettersolberg29]

GO CHRIS!

Sorry to keep going on about Petter, but to all those who still think he's past it, he would be third and only a bit behind Chris without the driveshaft problem , which wasn't his fault.
It is so gutting how every time Petter is challenging, his car goes wrong or a dog jumps out! This would have been two Subarus on the podium without a sh*t first car and driveshaft probs.
Not gonna sleep well tonight - Petter needs a win on Argentina otherwise Loeb, Hirvonen, Latvala and Chris will be too far ahead before the new Impreza comes.

[Tom206wrc]

Go Chris! One puncture is all Loeb needs...



Careful, Chris could get this puncture instead :p :

[ARF]

Damn... I really start to think that there were actually no problems with Loeb's engine at all, and Citroen just pretended of this. You can say I'm biassed, but anyway, I'll never believe that the unit which broke on 13 kms of a road section, is now successfully performing in race conditions.

It just might be that you're quite right and even more. There was a lot of pis*ed off people in SP on Thursday. But hey, it's the french!

[Ramore]

It just might be that you're quite right and even more. There was a lot of pis*ed off people in SP on Thursday. But hey, it's the french!

Citroen said that they have only repaired the fuel system on the unit, but never opened the engine. That's why FIA allowed them to put it back. But still he was using a new unit for the shakedown. Why not everyone use different engine for the SD instead of amortize the real one.

[DonJippo]

Citroen said that they have only repaired the fuel system on the unit, but never opened the engine. That's why FIA allowed them to put it back. But still he was using a new unit for the shakedown. Why not everyone use different engine for the SD instead of amortize the real one.

Yes and all this was allowed by Stewards of the meeting led by an individual who has been disqualifying drivers for not wearing a glove on stage... :rolleyes:

[Wim_Impreza]

GO CHRIS!

Sorry to keep going on about Petter, but to all those who still think he's past it, he would be third and only a bit behind Chris without the driveshaft problem , which wasn't his fault.
It is so gutting how every time Petter is challenging, his car goes wrong or a dog jumps out! This would have been two Subarus on the podium without a sh*t first car and driveshaft probs.
Not gonna sleep well tonight - Petter needs a win on Argentina otherwise Loeb, Hirvonen, Latvala and Chris will be too far ahead before the new Impreza comes.

Petter was only in 3rd place when Latvala and Hirvonen had problems..

Only Loeb has never mechanical problems when he is in a good position...

[jparker]

Question is, where the engine used by Loeb during SD came from? Is it one of the 5 allowed for the year ahed, or is it additional spare governed by the "Between Scrutineering and starting park" rule?


20.3 Change of an engine
20.3.1 Between Scrutineering and starting park
For cars entered by a Manufacturer or a Manufacturer
Team, in the case of engine failure between
scrutineering and the start of the Rally, and only in
that case, it will be permitted to replace that engine
with a spare engine.
If this engine change takes place during the first rally
of a Link, no penalty will be applied.
If it takes place during the second or third rally of a
Link, a 5-minute penalty will be applied.
Only one spare engine per rally and per Manufacturer
is allowed. The identification numbers of the seals
must be declared at scrutineering.
20.3.2 After the start of Day 1
The change of an engine during a rally after the start
of Day 1 is not permitted.

[pino]

I am very sorry for Latvala, I really wanted him to win...even if that will cost me a dinner. The guy is amazing fast and I am going to support him for the rest of the season :D Great performance by Atkinson too :up:

[N]

What's up with people throwing rocks at Wilson and smashing his windscreen?
It's good to see Latvala still running, I really hope he gets a podium. Atkinson as well, he's a good driver, but in the wrong car, :)

[N.O.T]

This rally showed that mikko doesn't have the speed to beat Loeb and Latvala doesn't have the experience, only the citroen engine can beat Loeb........next year will be interesting though.

[A.F.F.]

This rally showed that mikko doesn't have the speed to beat Loeb and Latvala doesn't have the experience, only the citroen engine can beat Loeb........next year will be interesting though.


So this season was three rallies for you :rolleyes:

Well, see you next year then :)

[Brother John]

GO CHRIS!

Sorry to keep going on about Petter, but to all those who still think he's past it, he would be third and only a bit behind Chris without the driveshaft problem , which wasn't his fault.
It is so gutting how every time Petter is challenging, his car goes wrong or a dog jumps out! This would have been two Subarus on the podium without a sh*t first car and driveshaft probs.
Not gonna sleep well tonight - Petter needs a win on Argentina otherwise Loeb, Hirvonen, Latvala and Chris will be too far ahead before the new Impreza comes.

Just seen the coverage of day 2 and in my opinion it is clear that Petters drivin style is the cause for the technical problems to his car.
He goes often too wide and as a result of that he cut too much in the inside from turnings.
Result= driveshaft probs, hit stones and dogs ;) , and puts more tension on the complete body and other parts of the car as Atkinson.
He is stll a fast driver but his style is like in the old cars.
He must change a lot to its own!

[urabus-denoS2000]

Is there going to be a live SSS on wrc.com????

[mtp123]

super special will be live today on wrc.com at 1730 GMT

[KKS]

Is there going to be a live SSS on wrc.com????

Yes, SS20 live on wrc.com

[Koppomsbo]

Just seen the coverage of day 2 and in my opinion it is clear that Petters drivin style is the cause for the technical problems to his car.
He goes often too wide and as a result of that he cut too much in the inside from turnings.
Result= driveshaft probs, hit stones and dogs ;) , and puts more tension on the complete body and other parts of the car as Atkinson.
He is stll a fast driver but his style is like in the old cars.
He must change a lot to its own!

word

[Brother John]

word

What do you mean with "word"?

[urabus-denoS2000]

Yes, SS20 live on wrc.com

Finally!!!!!!!!
Thanks mtp123 and KKS!!!

[janneppi]

What do you mean with "word"?

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=word ;)

[I am evil Homer]

Does anyone have more info on the spectator who smashed Wilson's screen with a rock? What the hell is all that about???!!! Only seen a brief mention on the BBC NEws site.

[Brother John]

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=word ;)

Thanks janneppi I do know the word "word" :D but I not understood the word as an answer on my mail or post in this thread! :s mokin:

[Viking]

Just seen the coverage of day 2 and in my opinion it is clear that Petters drivin style is the cause for the technical problems to his car.
He goes often too wide and as a result of that he cut too much in the inside from turnings.
Result= driveshaft probs, hit stones and dogs ;) , and puts more tension on the complete body and other parts of the car as Atkinson.
He is stll a fast driver but his style is like in the old cars.
He must change a lot to its own!

Well I thought Petter was more of a ”train driver” front end first style driver, if your observations is right he has changed style.
Question, are there more dogs inside corners or outside? :D

[DonJippo]

Latvala doesn't have the experience, only the citroen engine can beat Loeb.

I don't know from where you get that? JML has had a faultless drive in Mexico and I'm sure we would have seen a good battle till the end without the engine problem he had yesterday.

[pettersolberg29]

I see what you mean Brother John, but my main point was that I think next year, if the new car is as good and as reliable as the Ford/Citroens then I think Petter will win rallies.
I find it hard to belive that if Petter drove a Ford in his style, it would still break down, because the Subaru is just simply a worse car.
Lets see in Argentina - if there is another mechanical fault then we'll need to debate further, but without problems I'm sure he can get a podium.

[N.O.T]

So this season was three rallies for you :rolleyes:

Well, see you next year then :)

No, the fact that we have a superior driver out there doesn't mean the season is not worth to follow....these things are not linked.

[N.O.T]

I don't know from where you get that? JML has had a faultless drive in Mexico and I'm sure we would have seen a good battle till the end without the engine problem he had yesterday.

I don't think that latvala has the experience to drive first on the road without following lines and do it as good as Loeb does it.....the thing is if he is a fast learner, which he showed in other parts of his career that he is....

He is just 21 so he has at least 10-15 good years in him, no need to rush things, especially when he achieved such a high level of speed so early, if he makes the correct choices he could win 7-8 championships easily.

[Viking]

I don't think that latvala has the experience to drive first on the road without following lines and do it as good as Loeb does it.....the thing is if he is a fast learner, which he showed in other parts of his career that he is....


Well Latvala only lost some 15 sec on 75km sweeping or 0,2s/km. And Loeb was in day 2 pushing mode!

[N.O.T]

Well Latvala only lost some 15 sec on 75km sweeping or 0,2s/km.

At this level of the sport that a lot...

[sp0+]

At this level of the sport that a lot...

But not enough to characterize you "slow" or "not competitive" when compared to Loeb's times and when only being 21 years old!!!!

[Woodeye]

But not enough to characterize you "slow" or "not competitive" when compared to Loeb's times and when only being 21 years old!!!!

Word! :D

[Viking]

At this level of the sport that a lot...

So what do you mean is the disadvantage being first on these roads? Nothing? 0,1s/km?

[Wim_Impreza]

Latvala is 22 years old. ;)

[sp0+]

Latvala is 22 years old. ;)


OK!!! Whatever!!! :) :)

[Tom206wrc]

I wonder if there will be more casualties today on the four remaining stages... :confused:

[N.O.T]

But not enough to characterize you "slow" or "not competitive" when compared to Loeb's times and when only being 21 years old!!!!

i didn't say he was slow or non competitive i said he doesn't have the experience yet to drive equally fast outside other peoples lines...

[N.O.T]

So what do you mean is the disadvantage being first on these roads? Nothing? 0,1s/km?

Loeb actually took most of his time on the second run.

[tmx]

Well I thought Petter was more of a ”train driver” front end first style driver, if your observations is right he has changed style.
Question, are there more dogs inside corners or outside? :D

he makes mistakes, but he is always tries to be neat. that's what he put in the pacenotes anyway.

[sp0+]

We must not forget that Gronholm in several occasions was also 0.1 or 0.2 seconds/km slower in pace than Loeb...Anyway, I think that we all agree that JML is one of the candidate World Champions of the future.... :) :)

[N.O.T]

We must not forget that Gronholm in several occasions was also 0.1 or 0.2 seconds/km slower in pace than Loeb

yes, and how many champioships did he won against Loeb ??

[Tomi]

Nice to see Atkinson sofar doing such a good rally once again, hopefully he get a well deserved podium, i would not also mind if subaru would make simular move that Ford did a few years back, a fresh start with a fresh car.

[tmx]

We must not forget that Gronholm in several occasions was also 0.1 or 0.2 seconds/km slower in pace than Loeb...Anyway, I think that we all agree that JML is one of the candidate World Champions of the future.... :) :)

you mean the ford was.

[N.O.T]

ss17 should be on any second now...

[Karbonyl]

http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=691&filtr=j

[N.O.T]

splits stopped working....

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala fastest on first split.

[Viking]

Will it be a Mikko-Henning Fight or have Malcolm told them (ore their engineers) something?

[sp0+]

yes, and how many champioships did he won against Loeb ??


Sometimes the fight for the championship is more important and attractive than the championship itself. The most important think is to have more than one fighters...And i think that we have....IMHO.... :)

[N.O.T]

both Henning and Hirovnen are pushing ....

[Karbonyl]

http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=691&filtr=jSorry, inserted wrong link :)

http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=691&filtr=

[KKS]

10 sec JML ahead Seb...

[Mauri A]

both Henning and Hirovnen are pushing ....
Because you obiviously have problems with spelling the names could you call him MH from now on?

[MikeD]

Ok! Mikko and I for sure don't share the same taste in music :D

[N.O.T]

Because you obiviously have problems with spelling the names could you call him MH from now on?

no sorry.

[N.O.T]

good pace by Mikko...the fact that he is fighting for something yet still he is slower than his team mate isn't good for him.

[MikeD]

When did Henning receive a 10 sec panalty?

[Mr Lopez]

stunning 1st split from Sordo

[N.O.T]

ss18 is on...

I would prefer to see those splits from sordo when all the guys are driving and not when half the competition is having their hands in their pockets

[Kamikaze]

When did Henning receive a 10 sec panalty?

Henning SOLBERG (N)
TC 3C 1 M LATE AT TC 3C


Is there anywhere an N.O.T-Filter to Download ?

[N.O.T]

Is there anywhere an N.O.T-Filter to Download ?

NO, but Norton have something on papaer...Mcafee doesn't even bothering

[Koppomsbo]

petter out ?

[Tomi]

rautenbach is improving, he got already to second split on this stage

[N.O.T]

No finished the stage just 0.2 slower than Latvala.

[DonJippo]

SS18 cancelled

[Rally Hokkaido]

SS18 has been cancelled, crews heading to SS19

[KKS]

SS18 canceled?
What reason?

[Ghostwalker]

anyone know why ss18 is cancelled?

[Viking]

SS18 cancelled. I can hear Henning whistle.

[Mauri A]

ss18 is on...

I would prefer to see those splits from sordo when all the guys are driving and not when half the competition is having their hands in their pockets
!!

[White Sauron]

Oh man... another factor in favor of Loeb's engine...

[Rally Hokkaido]

I don't think anyone started SS18, so means spectator (or dog) problem?

[kleisj]

The only fight remaining is Henning and Mikko.

[MikeD]

Maybe some of those rock throwing monkies...

[PLuto]

When did Henning receive a 10 sec panalty?

1 minute late in 3C (service A out)

[MikeD]

1 minute late in 3C (service A out)

Thanks :)

[PLuto]

02. 03. 16:02 RZ 18 RZ zrušena kvůli velkému počtu neukázněných diváků / SS cancelled due to huge number of spectators

[Viking]

anyone know why ss18 is cancelled?

wrc.com

"The decision was made on safety grounds because of the huge number of spectators. It is the first time spectator numbers have forced a stage cancellation on Rally Mexico."

[Tom206wrc]

OK :mark:

[DonJippo]

wrc.com

"The decision was made on safety grounds because of the huge number of spectators. It is the first time spectator numbers have forced a stage cancellation on Rally Mexico."

From where did these spectators come from, haven't seen so many on other stages....

[John V]

From where did these spectators come from, haven't seen so many on other stages....
Think the real problem is where they were ... think everywhere :rolleyes:

[Tomi]

Think the real problem is where they were ... think everywhere :rolleyes:

yes there is no such thing as too many spectators, the spectators was propably in wrong places and refused to move.

[Mauri A]

yes there is no such thing as too many spectators, the spectators was propably in wrong places and refused to move.
With some stones in their hands, I presume!

[DonJippo]

With some stones in their hands, I presume!

Something I was thinking as well.

[N.O.T]

mikko needs to be 0.5 sec/km faster than henning in the 2 remaining stages....i think its possible but to be sure he must risk.

[kleisj]

ss19 is under way, Loeb faster to Atko in the 1st split

[playmo]

some stupids decided to throw some kind of party-binge-open bar in the middle of the stage besides the road, wich in previous years has been the most "popular" site of the whole event, remember where some stupids changed the red mesh so that competitors passed through some water-splash (there's on-board footage from loeb).

[Ghostwalker]

something has happened with Chris...? 5.14 after seb at split 2

[jonas_mcrae]

yes there is no such thing as too many spectators, the spectators was propably in wrong places and refused to move.

can u confirm that? NO. pure speculation of what is going on, unless we have someone ON the stage we dont know for sure. why no one can admit that there is actually a good number of fans there? of course theres still the stupid people that throw stones at cars but thats because of the stages going thru poor areas.
plus stupid drunk people.

[Tomi]

can u confirm that? NO. pure speculation of what is going on, unless we have someone ON the stage we dont know for sure. why no one can admit that there is actually a good number of fans there? of course theres still the stupid people that throw stones at cars but thats because of the stages going thru poor areas.
plus stupid drunk people.

Well, i have been to rallies from year 78, sofar there has not been a single stage where has been too many spectators.

[BDunnell]

Well, i have been to rallies from year 78, sofar there has not been a single stage where has been too many spectators.

I think there definitely used to be too many spectators on the Sintra stages in Portugal, so it's not unknown.

[White Sauron]

Oh... Latvala could have won it...(( Hopefully in Argentina now.

[Mauri A]

Well, i have been to rallies from year 78, sofar there has not been a single stage where has been too many spectators.
Agreed, my experience goes back to -56.

[White Sauron]

BTW, in termas of better road position in Argentina, it's better for Mikko to stay behind Henning....

[Mauri A]

I think there definitely used to be too many spectators on the Sintra stages in Portugal, so it's not unknown.
It is´nt the amount of spectators, it´s the question of their behaviour!

[Viking]

BTW, in termas of better road position in Argentina, it's better for Mikko to stay behind Henning....

Why?

[Ghostwalker]

Puncture for Henning?

[playmo]

Why do WRR commentators have so many spectatives in the new impreza, this model breaks almost every day of every event (well, often), and a new car (no matter make and/or developer) tends to break easily, and i'm not speaking on the lack of reliability that prodirve's cars have had lately (namely 3 years).

[White Sauron]

Why?

Cause if he's in front, he takes 5 points and is 1 point ahead of Loeb and sweeping the roads again. If he's behind Henning, he comes equal on points with Loeb and it means the frenchman will be the new championship leader, hence will be cleaning the roads in Argentina.

[Viking]

Cause if he's in front, he takes 5 points and is 1 point ahead of Loeb and sweeping the roads again. If he's behind Henning, he comes equal on points with Loeb and it means the frenchman will be the new championship leader, hence will be cleaning the roads in Argentina.

Okey, I get it now :up:

[Simmi]

Cause if he's in front, he takes 5 points and is 1 point ahead of Loeb and sweeping the roads again. If he's behind Henning, he comes equal on points with Loeb and it means the frenchman will be the new championship leader, hence will be cleaning the roads in Argentina.

I didn't think it mattered as much to be first car in Argentina. I think we've seen in the past that if you are going to take on Loeb you need every single point you can get.

[White Sauron]

I didn't think it mattered as much to be first car in Argentina. I think we've seen in the past that if you are going to take on Loeb you need every single point you can get.

Well, at least ther're no doubts that Latvala will be the favorite there)

[pettersolberg29]

Petter, Gigi and Henning will be serious contenders for Argentina due to road position I think.
Loeb, Mikko, JML and Chris will be ahead and will sweep the roads, leaving a clear way for the three I mentioned to get 1-2-3 in that order.

[BDunnell]

It is´nt the amount of spectators, it´s the question of their behaviour!

Got to disagree in relation to Sintra, but that's probably another thread!

[Simmi]

It's hard to believe but that was only Mikko's second fastest stage time this year!

In comparison his team mate Jari-Matti has 11 I believe.

[sp0+]

Mikko's performance this year tends to be worse than everyone expected... As Jarri's is much better than the most optimistic expectations...

[VFTS]

Mikko's performance this year tends to be worse than everyone expected... As Jarri's is much better than the most optimistic expectations...

Use your brain one more time!
Before Mexico Mikko was the leader of the World Rally Championship!!! The best pointscorer so far!!

[ste898]

Use your brain one more time!
Before Mexico Mikko was the leader of the World Rally Championship!!! The best pointscorer so far!!

This has got to be one of Mikko's worst performances.....and because of it he has now thrown away that lead that he had in the drivers championship!!!
I hope he will learn a lot from this weekend

[Fiorio]

its now the SS20, yes?

[urabus-denoS2000]

its now the SS20, yes?

In a few moments,yes ;)

[Ghostwalker]

where on the wrc.com website, will the live video from SS20 be availible?

[urabus-denoS2000]

where on the wrc.com website, will the live video from SS20 be availible?

On the home page

[Fiorio]

where on the wrc.com website, will the live video from SS20 be availible?

there said yes :rolleyes:

[miksu]

This has got to be one of Mikko's worst performances.....and because of it he has now thrown away that lead that he had in the drivers championship!!!
I hope he will learn a lot from this weekend

I dunno if its that bad. I think it's just bit average from him, got punctures and so on. What strikes is that he wasnt able to match JM, and probably he has pressure to go faster and is trying too hard causing to loose time...who knows. But surely it wasnt well from him.

[jonas_mcrae]

SSS is not on yet is it?
or i need to have experience on rallies back to 1958 to know this as well??

[urabus-denoS2000]

The SSS has already started at the rally mexico site

[Burak]

Loeb and Atkinson finished sss but there's no live boardcast on wrc.com

[Ghostwalker]

SSS is not on yet is it?
or i need to have experience on rallies back to 1958 to know this as well??

the top 3-4 riders are already through :( and only yesterdays videoclips :(

[urabus-denoS2000]

Latvala finished,Henning in big problems

[subaru 28]

Hi, on this site http://www.rallymexico.com/live/index.php

[Tomi]

villagra beats petter

[subaru 28]

rautenbach out and Stohlito in

[subaru 28]

I have a dream
rautenbach out and Stohlito in

[edacurf]

I have a dream

schee was!

[subaru 28]

schee was!


I man jo nur

[peterpz]

What Henning did at SSS?

[Anti-Lag-Rocks]

Massive Congrats to ATKO!

As a big fan, this is a great result and well deserved. After Monte and this, let's hope there is more to come this season!

[Tomi]

What Henning did at SSS?

flat tyre

[Viking]

What Henning did at SSS?

Flat front right tyre and something else.

[peterpz]

flat tyre

On SS19 he has puncture, but he hasn't spare wheel?

[Halvis]

According to eWRC.com, Henning had a damper problem.

[AlfaWRC]

by the skin of one's teeth, with hoping and praying without seeking for excuses and with great fighting spirit Mikko defends the lead in the championship

And you can be sure, he will be glad when he can leave Mexico!!!

[Woodeye]

Glad that this demolition derby is over. Not much of a rally me thinks. Next please! :)

[Viking]

On SS19 he has puncture, but he hasn't spare wheel?

He said something like that he broke suspension on ss19 and he just drove slow trough sss and he seemed surprised that he also had a flat tyre.

[Tom206wrc]

Glad that this demolition derby is over. Not much of a rally me thinks. Next please! :)



Argentina doesn't promise better things you know :laugh:

It'll be a rocky gravel rally too ;)

[N]

Maybe the whole Henning thing might be team orders from Ford to let Hirvonen score more points... both manufacturers and drivers..?

[Viking]

Championship standings

1. Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) 21 pts
2. Sébastien Loeb (F) 20 pts
3. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) 16 pts
4. Chris Atkinson (AUS) 14 pts
5. Gigi Galli (I) 9 pts
6. Petter Solberg (N) 9 pts
7. François Duval (B) 5 pts
8. Henning Solberg (N) 4 pts
9. Andreas Mikkelsen (N) 4 pts
10. Matthew Wilson (GB) 3 pts

[Viking]

Manufacturers

1. BP Ford Abu Dhabi WRT 36 pts
2. Citroën Total WRT 25 pts
3. Subaru WRT 25 pts
4. Stobart VK M-Sport Ford RT 19 pts
5. Munchi’s Ford World RT 6 pts
6. Suzuki WRT 5 pts

[N.O.T]

Good rally overall....seems that teams have to reconsider who they support as No1 driver in their ranks after this rally.

Nice to see hirvonen at maximum taking 4th and Atko into second after a great rally for him....he was really fast and for me is the man of the rally along with Ogier who was also sensetional in his debut.

[N.O.T]

Oh and Loeb did a good job too :D :D

[tmx]

the way it look, ford might run away with the manu, but if subaru continues to improves they might challenge citroen. going to be an interesting season.
happy for chris, but felt bad for toni, ...very bad.

[T60]

Championship standings

1. Mikko Hirvonen (FIN) 21 pts
2. Sébastien Loeb (F) 20 pts
3. Jari-Matti Latvala (FIN) 16 pts
4. Chris Atkinson (AUS) 14 pts
5. Gigi Galli (I) 9 pts
6. Petter Solberg (N) 9 pts
7. François Duval (B) 5 pts
8. Henning Solberg (N) 4 pts
9. Andreas Mikkelsen (N) 4 pts
10. Matthew Wilson (GB) 3 pts

I know it is early but this table gives me a good feeling about the year ahead.

[A.F.F.]

Congrats to Sebastien who put things back in order I'm afraid. Atkinson did a splendid job and brought that Subaru to finishline with no error. Also, Latvala who drove better than I hoped but this time suffered some mechanical failures.

Mikko unfortunately was nowhere near where he should have been pacewise nd I think he knows it himself. Next rally he should be flat out right from the start, there's absolutely no excuses.

I hate this starting order system even we didn't see "any" visible tactics. Last year's system was much better. During the year we will face tactics by the drivers unless Sebastien dominates so much there isn't any need. But I can't say I believe Sebastien for what he said at the first day..." I'm pushing maximum" my ass.

[Tomi]

I hate this starting order system even we didn't see "any" visible tactics. Last year's system was much better. During the year we will face tactics by the drivers unless Sebastien dominates so much there isn't any need. But I can't say I believe Sebastien for what he said at the first day..." I'm pushing maximum" my ass.

Same here, but I hope the others dont adapt the same style even if they have a dissadvantage when not.

[Viking]

Survival game rally this one!
The two cars that didn’t hit big trouble finish 1st and 2nd.
Not a good rally for the Solberg`s but they showed pace when the cars were ok :up:
I feel sorry for PG, Tony and Suzuki if they at least had an reliable engine they could have used this rally to find out what else is not working :down:

[PuroMotor]

http://www.puromotorcr.com/descargas308/dom2.jpg

CLICK HERE (http://www.revistapuromotor.com/foro/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=414&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=155fcc4057723fa19910dae9ca64f85d&start=30)

PICTURES LEG 3 (http://www.revistapuromotor.com/foro/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=414&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=155fcc4057723fa19910dae9ca64f85d&start=30)

[jparker]

Mikko unfortunately was nowhere near where he should have been pacewise nd I think he knows it himself. Next rally he should be flat out right from the start, there's absolutely no excuses.

Don't forget that he got two punctures.

[Tomi]

Don't forget that he got two punctures.

3

[RS]

Argentina doesn't promise better things you know :laugh:

It'll be a rocky gravel rally too ;)

The next five in fact!

From August the calendar gets quite good, then we can stop measuring the results on a sundial again.

[gloomyDAY]

Glad that this demolition derby is over. Not much of a rally me thinks. Next please! :)
I thought it was a great rally. Tough gravel event from start to finish.

There were a lot of surprises as well!

[A.F.F.]

Don't forget that he got two punctures.

Three like Tomi said. But he still was off pace. Hopefully better in Argentina.

[Ranger]

I thought it was a great rally. Tough gravel event from start to finish.

There were a lot of surprises as well!

Yep. Good rally. :up:

[Xsara Fan]

Don't forget that he got two punctures.

No! He has 147624576298756 punctures. And Loeb has 345 new engines and all of them at 600 horsepowers :)

1. Mikko was slow.
2. Latvala made a mistake at the first day (1 position at the end of the day).
3. Loeb gave to Latvala the lesson of tactics.
And that`s all.

[White Sauron]

No! He has 147624576298756 punctures. And Loeb has 345 new engines and all of them at 600 horsepowers :)

1. Mikko was slow.
2. Latvala made a mistake at the first day (1 position at the end of the day).
3. Loeb gave to Latvala the lesson of tactics.
And that`s all.

1. Mikko's been handicaped since the start of the rally. There wasn't a level playing field for him.
2. What mistake? He was leading by the same margin as Loeb after the first loop of Day2. But on friday Jari-Matti had a worse road position, but did manage to beat everyone including Loeb. 12 seconds behind Seb on Saturday was nothing as they were lost due to road-sweeping duties. I think it's clear that judgin on the young finn's pace he could easily make up that gap on the 2nd pass and Sunday stages.
3. Loeb is a very experienced driver and 4-times WRC. Latvala is only 22. Your words are just like a praise for Tyson to beat a baby. Just looking for exuse of Seb's "poor" pace on Friday compared to that upstart.

And that's all. Oh, I forgot I'm talking to a biased cowardly 30-years oldie, who can't even move to a new flat without a help from young boys. Oh yeah, I read those "articles" on the russian site. Friday, when Latvala dominated the rally, it looked like "This rookie is just lucky, no credit to him, Seb is the best". From Saturday on it was "Citroens are the greatest, the others are morons". Hahaha, you're really professional! ******* "specialist" who can't even write a CV without his "friend"...

Just my 2 cents.

[White Sauron]

No! He has 147624576298756 punctures. And Loeb has 345 new engines and all of them at 600 horsepowers :)

1. Mikko was slow.
2. Latvala made a mistake at the first day (1 position at the end of the day).
3. Loeb gave to Latvala the lesson of tactics.
And that`s all.

1. Mikko's been handicaped since the start of the rally. There wasn't a level playing field for him.
2. What mistake? He was leading by the same margin as Loeb after the first loop of Day2. But on friday Jari-Matti had a worse road position, but did manage to beat everyone including Loeb. 12 seconds behind Seb on Saturday was nothing as they were lost due to road-sweeping duties. I think it's clear that judgin on the young finn's pace he could easily make up that gap on the 2nd pass and Sunday stages.
3. Loeb is a very experienced driver and 4-times WRC. Latvala is only 22. Your words are just like a praise for Tyson to beat a baby. Just looking for exuse of Seb's "poor" pace on Friday compared to that upstart.

And that's all. Oh, I forgot I'm talking to a biased cowardly 30-years oldie, who can't even move to a new flat without a help from young boys. Oh yeah, I read those "articles" on the russian site. Friday, when Latvala dominated the rally, it looked like "This rookie is just lucky, no credit to him, Seb is the best". From Saturday on it was "Citroens are the greatest, the others are morons". Hahaha, you're really professional! ******* "specialist" who can't even write a CV without his "friend"...

Just my 2 cents.

PS: This time Loeb just played a Homer... =)

[Xsara Fan]

1. Mikko's been handicaped since the start of the rally. There wasn't a level playing field for him.
2. What mistake? He was leading by the same margin as Loeb after the first loop of Day2. But on friday Jari-Matti had a worse road position, but did manage to beat everyone including Loeb. 12 seconds behind Seb on Saturday was nothing as they were lost due to road-sweeping duties. I think it's clear that judgin on the young finn's pace he could easily make up that gap on the 2nd pass and Sunday stages.
3. Loeb is a very experienced driver and 4-times WRC. Latvala is only 22. Your words are just like a praise for Tyson to beat a baby. Just looking for exuse of Seb's "poor" pace on Friday compared to that upstart.

And that's all. Oh, I forgot I'm talking to a biased cowardly 30-years oldie, who can't even move to a new flat without a help from young boys. Oh yeah, I read those "articles" on the russian site. Friday, when Latvala dominated the rally, it looked like "This rookie is just lucky, no credit to him, Seb is the best". From Saturday on it was "Citroens are the greatest, the others are morons". Hahaha, you're really professional! ******* "specialist" who can't even write a CV without his "friend"...

Just my 2 cents.

PS: This time Loeb just played a Homer... =)

:)

[Brother John]

WRC rallies are a shade of what it would have be. :dozey:
Mexico was not bad but the F.I.A. has to be must be faster with decisions and rules must be for everyone clear and the same!
Many drivers must adapt their styl to have less problems of punctures.

Loeb, Latvala, Atkinson dit a good job, in spite of the punctures from Hirvonen was i disappointed pacewise, he could not follow Loeb!
I don´t know what to think about Citroën, are them honest or get round the rules? Loeb is a top driver and been favoured in the team, that is clear.
I want to see him one day in another team, seeing if he still will be so lucky or has been more favoured to other drivers like at Citroën.
Why can Sordo be so fast if he is no threat for Loeb?

Anyway let´s hopes that the championship not become insiped! :s mokin:

[N.O.T]

by the way tyre wear is worse when you are first on the road or when you run on clear surface??

[Res Ipsa Loquitur]

Dave TV. NEIL COLE EATS WORMS. Enough of this obsession with the celebratory habits of Mexican WRC fans!

[DonJippo]

by the way tyre wear is worse when you are first on the road or when you run on clear surface??

Don't think there is any significant difference, can off course vary between events.

[Tomi]

Don't think there is any significant difference, can off course vary between events.

Same here, it's more about earlier braking points and possible stones on the line, that gives disadvantage .

[jparker]

No! He has 147624576298756 punctures. And Loeb has 345 new engines and all of them at 600 horsepowers :)

1. Mikko was slow.
2. Latvala made a mistake at the first day (1 position at the end of the day).
3. Loeb gave to Latvala the lesson of tactics.
And that`s all.

I'm not doing Loeb vs. Hirvonen comparison or trying to take anything from Loeb's performance. Yes, probably Mikko can't match Loeb, but I still think that he was slower by choice. Even single puncture changes the game, not to mencioned 3. He knew game is over for him, and without danger from behind, he just played save. Also, it's possible that it wasn't his decision to do so.

[DonJippo]

Heard a rumour that Trevino has been disqualified due obsolete driving gloves so if this is true Ogier gets the final drivers point. Well of course one needs to be disqualified due to this level of violation of the rules, it's totally different than let's say changing engines back and forward during the event.... :rolleyes:

[Tomi]

Heard a rumour that Trevino has been disqualified due obsolete driving gloves so if this is true Ogier gets the final drivers point. Well of course one needs to be disqualified due to this level of violation of the rules, it's totally different than let's say changing engines back and forward during the event.... :rolleyes:

Why am i not much surprised

[N.O.T]

it's totally different than let's say changing engines back and forward during the event.... :rolleyes:

a pint of BITTER for me as well please.....

[jonkka]

by the way tyre wear is worse when you are first on the road or when you run on clear surface??

Tyres wear most when there is wheel spin - wheels spin where there is lack of grip - grip is less than optimum when there is loose layer on the top. So yes, running first on the road has adverse effect on tyre wear though front runners do compensate that by choosing harder compound - which in turn has less grip and more wheel spin, leading into vicious cycle. And as cutting tyres is no longer allowed, they cannot compensate by opening the tread as has been done in the past.

Having said that, driving style and diff setups all have impact on tyre wear as well.

[jparker]

Having said that, driving style and diff setups all have impact on tyre wear as well.

I just want add that in some cases (like in Mexico and probably in Greece), huge rocks on the road are making driver's style irrelevant.

[Finni]

Tyres wear most when there is wheel spin - wheels spin where there is lack of grip - grip is less than optimum when there is loose layer on the top. So yes, running first on the road has adverse effect on tyre wear though front runners do compensate that by choosing harder compound - which in turn has less grip and more wheel spin, leading into vicious cycle. And as cutting tyres is no longer allowed, they cannot compensate by opening the tread as has been done in the past.

Having said that, driving style and diff setups all have impact on tyre wear as well.

You miss very obvious fact that when the road has less loose gravel on top tyres are rubbing much tougher stuff (i.e. little ruts and stones which don't move at all from the road).

I remember that 2006 or 2007 in Sardinia Grönholm took supersoft when he was first on the road and other drivers became with harder tyres. I guess that second run is almost always runned with tougher compound - and not only due to temperature issues.

[DonJippo]

a pint of BITTER for me as well please.....

Sorry I don't have any, don't like the taste of it.

[jonas_mcrae]

Heard a rumour that Trevino has been disqualified due obsolete driving gloves so if this is true Ogier gets the final drivers point. Well of course one needs to be disqualified due to this level of violation of the rules, it's totally different than let's say changing engines back and forward during the event.... :rolleyes:

no way!

[Lalo]

If Ricardo Triviño's penalty is confirmed, it's gonna be really unfair that Loeb won the rally untouched by the stewards. The penalty should have been incured just for having changed the engine, on Mexico or on the next round.

Too bad for Atko. Would have been his first win :(

[Corny]

Too bad for Atko. Would have been his first win :(
His first 'win' ? Don't think he would've liked it that way

[bluuford]

This engine change stuff is little bit ridiculous. It is not normal that one team decides that we need to change engine and when they have already changed it then they will get a penalty and then they decide to change it back and penalty is taken back also. When I am speeding on the road and police stops me, then I cannot tell them that I will drive back about 700 hundred meters and now I wont drive over speed limit.

The one who should be penalized is the team not driver. The penalty might even be in money, because it is the problem of team management. It doesn't matter that they have a new team manager. If I am young driver then that is even worse when someone finds me speeding on the road.

If their team manager is doing such kind of silly mistakes then it is already very heavy penalty for Citroen team for this season.

[WRC1]

This engine change stuff is little bit ridiculous. It is not normal that one team decides that we need to change engine and when they have already changed it then they will get a penalty and then they decide to change it back and penalty is taken back also. When I am speeding on the road and police stops me, then I cannot tell them that I will drive back about 700 hundred meters and now I wont drive over speed limit.

The one who should be penalized is the team not driver. The penalty might even be in money, because it is the problem of team management. It doesn't matter that they have a new team manager. If I am young driver then that is even worse when someone finds me speeding on the road.

If their team manager is doing such kind of silly mistakes then it is already very heavy penalty for Citroen team for this season.

great post!!

[Lalo]

His first 'win' ? Don't think he would've liked it that way

Of course, that's why the sad face. It would have been a great debut win!. David Richard said some days ago that we must expect a win from Chris this season, and I believe him. It's not gonna be easy to fight against Sèb, but it's not impossible. :D

[kakus]

This engine change stuff is little bit ridiculous. It is not normal that one team decides that we need to change engine and when they have already changed it then they will get a penalty and then they decide to change it back and penalty is taken back also. When I am speeding on the road and police stops me, then I cannot tell them that I will drive back about 700 hundred meters and now I wont drive over speed limit.


(Source French newspaper saturday)
Citroen asked to FIA to know if he change the engine with or without penalty. FIA said OK no penalty. ( Because new engine after Sweden )
But few hours laters the organisers said no, Citroen must have 5 minutes penalty. Then Citroen asked to réinstall the first engine without penalty et everybody ( FIA and organisers ) said OK.

[jparker]

(Source French newspaper saturday)
Citroen asked to FIA to know if he change the engine with or without penalty. FIA said OK no penalty. ( Because new engine after Sweden )
But few hours laters the organisers said no, Citroen must have 5 minutes penalty. Then Citroen asked to réinstall the first engine without penalty et everybody ( FIA and organisers ) said OK.

... and that explains everything. Stewards made a mistake, and approve the engine change, so they can't enforce penalty which resulted from their wrong ruling.

[sal]

http://www.rallylinkserver.com/bettiol/2008/03_messico/imageFull62.htm

This has to be the best image I've seen from Rally Mexico from Msr Bettiol. Looks like it was taken from a helicopter but guess it was from on high with one of his customary big lenses!

[Xsara Fan]

... and that explains everything. Stewards made a mistake, and approve the engine change, so they can't enforce penalty which resulted from their wrong ruling.

And the most funny thing - after Sweden Citroen change Loeb`s engine for 3 times:
1. Before Mexico (before shake)
2. Before shakedown
3. Before rally

Great rules! :)

[harriswrc]

Heard a rumour that Trevino has been disqualified due obsolete driving gloves so if this is true Ogier gets the final drivers point. Well of course one needs to be disqualified due to this level of violation of the rules, it's totally different than let's say changing engines back and forward during the event.... :rolleyes: Finally, according to wrc.com, Trivino disqualified from the rally and Ogier took his place and 1 wrc point!
Ogier score a wrc point at his first wrc rally driving a S1600 car! Excellent!

[jonas_mcrae]

Finally, according to wrc.com, Trivino disqualified from the rally and Ogier took his place and 1 wrc point!
Ogier score a wrc point at his first wrc rally driving a S1600 car! Excellent!

Well that sucks, screw FIA and the stewards, allowing citroen to change engines but not allowing ricardo to wear old gloves or whatever they are. AND is NOT great that Ogier gets that point Im sure hes ok "just" with the win in jwrc

[Tomi]

Well that sucks, screw FIA and the stewards, allowing citroen to change engines but not allowing ricardo to wear old gloves or whatever they are. AND is NOT great that Ogier gets that point Im sure hes ok "just" with the win in jwrc

Agree, they should sack the Indian underware inspector his desitions makes no sence.

[gloomyDAY]

What a crock of ....