2008 Neste Oil Rally Finland - official thread

[Halvis]

Henning also doing great for the moment, faster and faster!

[Finni]

Toni´s scary moment on SS7:
http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/ralli/2008/552242.jpg

At 180km/h - and it stayed on the wheels. Lucky lucky.

Any footage from this?

[N.O.T]

Loeb takes back his 1.3 seconds he lost from the previous stage.....

[N.O.T]

I think the next stage could be decisive.....i wouldn;t be surprised if Loeb falls back and allow Hirovnen to drive first tommorow...

[jonkka]

We will see...

[Micke_VOC]

Any footage from this?

http://nettitv.mtv3.fi/maksuttomat/index.shtml/maksuttomat/ralli/ralli?139237#139237

Gardemeister is really lucky....

[wwbroe]

I think that is the least you can say, really, really lucky to get away with that. ;)

[MikeD]

Looked really cool ... also got big applauses :D

[gloomyDAY]

Does anyone else get the feeling that this is a watered down version of the real Rally Finland? Seems as if those wide fast-flowing roads were taken out of the rally in place of narrow roads. The footage isn't as spectacular as before.


http://nettitv.mtv3.fi/maksuttomat/index.shtml/maksuttomat/ralli/ralli?139237#139237

Gardemeister is really lucky....I guess this is an exception to my previous statement.

Awesome! lol

[jonkka]

Aava out?

[MartijnS]

Too bad!

[Halvis]

Another great stage for Henning aswell, he probably should easy off a little on next stage not to pass Gigi. Also very impressive from Mikkelsen!

[Finni]

New Subaru seems to be about as fast as safe-moded Suzuki! LOL

[Micke_VOC]

Great time from PG

Were is Aava ?

[jonkka]

Were is Aava ?

Went off

[Micke_VOC]

Went off

Bad ?

[jonkka]

Longest stage of the day - and final one for tactics, if those are in order...

[jonkka]

Bad ?

Nope, he can continue if they manage to lift the car back to road. Too few helpers at the moment, apparently.

[Koppomsbo]

Hard fight between the two top guys :up:

[jonkka]

Yesh, Loeb is running away

[Viking]

New Subaru seems to be about as fast as safe-moded Suzuki! LOL

And slower than a 19 years old kid in a Focus2006 :down:

[MikeD]

uhhh exiting ... is 13" enough?

[jonkka]

No tactics... :)

[jonkka]

uhhh exiting ... is 13" enough?

Difficult to say. Depends on how much both drivers gave today, if either left anything on reserve will win.

[wwbroe]

So Citroen not cowards like Ford-boys, no tactical game, even tough the difference is only 13 sec. But Loeb says that he had to fight hard for those 13 sec and he don't want to give it away for free. That is a brave and sportive statement. ;)

[N.O.T]

Loeb 4 seconds faster after this one...he choose the mans way of trying to win the rally.....

[Daniel]

Toni´s scary moment on SS7:
http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/ralli/2008/552242.jpg

At 180km/h - and it stayed on the wheels. Lucky lucky.

Permission to say the f word? :p

[Daniel]

Loeb 4 seconds faster after this one...he choose the mans way of trying to win the rally.....

Silly team tactics will never work in Finland.

[Koppomsbo]

Permission to say the f word? :p

Whooa, :eek: but anyway :up: :D

[Viking]

wow Henning is going after 3`rd

[Micke_VOC]

Seems Henning doing a great time again...

[jonkka]

Interesting top-5... Let's see tomorrow what Sordo and Mikkelsen will do...

[Finni]

It's amusing how even Colin from radio has taken that "support-Matthew" attitude. Matthew is doing well, don't know these specialist roads, oh yeah.

[MikeD]

It's amusing how even Colin from radio has taken that "support-Matthew" attitude. Matthew is doing well, don't know these specialist roads, oh yeah.

In rally Turkey James (WRR) called Matthew one of the future stars of WRC. Damn good laugh I had after that comment :lol: ... there's blind nationalism for ya'....

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen seems to be stopped on the stage. :mad:

[Daniel]

You mean Wilson isn't going to be the next champion? :eek:

[Koppomsbo]

Mikkelsen seems to be stopped on the stage. :mad:

Off ?

[jonkka]

Mikkelsen seems to be stopped on the stage. :mad:

Dang...

[Buzz Lightyear]

It's amusing how even Colin from radio has taken that "support-Matthew" attitude. Matthew is doing well, don't know these specialist roads, oh yeah.

even us in UK are sick of it!

[Koppomsbo]

Pg passes Toni in the total

[Helstar]

"What was the problem Gigi ?"
"If only I could offer you a ride, you'll see by yourself, believe me !"

Henning and Gigi doing like 2006, same car, same times... Gigi did a costly (1+ min) mistake though.

[Helstar]

LOL Gigi's fans are doing quite some noise in the WRR 'supporting' Al Qassimi (and he thinks they are his fans xD)

Same Gigi choirs ... but changed in the name ^^

[Micke_VOC]

http://nettitv.mtv3.fi/maksuttomat/index.shtml/maksuttomat/ralli/ralli?139244#139244

Incar from Gardemeisters air ride with the Suzuki.

[rp]

Lucky Mikkelsen! Almost hit a hay shed. Seems to have a notes mistakes. After the crest the road went to the left, but Andreas was driving to the right at full speed...

[Helstar]

http://nettitv.mtv3.fi/maksuttomat/index.shtml/maksuttomat/ralli/ralli?139244#139244

Incar from Gardemeisters air ride with the Suzuki.
Argh it is worse than it looked from the normal cam-view ... almost rolled and also he lost the road, then avoid a norvegian flag XD and using the grass to cut in again :D

Big impact I don't know how the SX4 survived that, they are improving on reliability it seems :>

[J4MIE]

http://nettitv.mtv3.fi/maksuttomat/index.shtml/maksuttomat/ralli/ralli?139244#139244

Incar from Gardemeisters air ride with the Suzuki.

Lucky boy!!!!!! :up:

[J4MIE]

Outside footage of Toni :up: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=TGhE6NR5meU

[jparker]

The better drivers are in the WRC. Like it or not. S2000 cars are really boring to watch.
You mean 3 drivers, opps 2
BTW you are sooooo boring to read, but I know why and kind of like it

[jparker]

Silly team tactics will never work in Finland.
In Mexico and Argentina as well, or at least not agains Loeb.

[tmx]

is there no hope for subaru?

(so freeking slow)

[janvanvurpa]

is there no hope for subaru?

(so freeking slow)


Well they do sorta insist on persisting with the same engine as forever and are too deeply invested in the advertising of the alleged virtues of that layout too change.
I have built a couple of good for USA anyway Subaru rally motors (one won PNW Regional crown with Dave Hintz driving) and there is very little space to change anything, no room for a taller block, longer rods, berrter crank with more meat between the journals, no room for better intake port positioning, or better approach to the ports with the manifold. They are hemmed in by the bizarre neither fish nor foul motor.
And that's JUST the motor.

The designers miss the mark in so many areas of the rally version EVIDENTLY, and poor Sohlberg is now not on top of a mountain in the sun, but deep in a valley of depression.

Looks grim for them.

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen is on a charge !!! 2.5 seconds faster in 3rd split...

[jonkka]

Mikko is gaining...

[jonkka]

Henning is losing...

[N.O.T]

3 seconds faster at the end...its going to be an exciting day....

[jonkka]

Well, Loeb is allegedly slow to wake up so I expect him to retaliate. But it looks good fight, not one-sided which guarantees plenty of excitement for today!

[jonkka]

Atko is gaining on Petter and Rantanen is gaining on Suzuki drivers...

[jonkka]

Rantanen up to points scoring position...

[Tassie]

Is anyone else not hearing Rally Radio?

[gloomyDAY]

Is anyone else not hearing Rally Radio?
Some crappy "club" music that skanks enjoy. Nothing about the rally...

I'm disappointed with the way Rally Finland has unfolded.
JML went off, Aava went off, Subaru is floundering, & these new roads are bizarre. How is the action from there Finns? Are you Finns happy over the new layout of the stages? Just want to get a better insight from the experts.

[Tassie]

[quote="gloomyDAY"]Some crappy "club" music that skanks enjoy. Nothing about the rally...

I'm not even getting that, just the sounds of silence.

[gloomyDAY]

I'm not even getting that, just the sounds of silence.Just started working! Stage 13 is still underway.

Loeb finished the stage and Mikko is coming up from behind.

[jonkka]

Awful time from Mikko...

[keyser10]

Whats wrong with subarus

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[jonkka]

Whats wrong with subarus

That's what they themselves would like to know too...

[keyser10]

Suzuki almost match subaru speed

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[gloomyDAY]

Suzuki almost match subaru speed
http://britmusicscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/embarrassed-chimpanzee.jpg

Please tell me you're kidding.

*Edit* Suzuki is about 1 minute behind Petter's Subaru.

[keyser10]

http://britmusicscene.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/embarrassed-chimpanzee.jpg

Please tell me you're kidding.

*Edit* Suzuki is about 1 minute behind Petter's Subaru.

SS13 wise

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[CABAIO E'LONA]

SS14 Surkee 1, Loeb 0.3 more fast than Hirvonen on first split

[jonkka]

Splits froze

[SubaruNorway]

I'm just getting "ready" when i try to load the radio now...

[jonkka]

Loeb a bit faster in the end...

[René]

Good morning for all ;)
Is the split time works for you ???

[jonkka]

Nope

[SubaruNorway]

There we are, amazing what a restart can do sometimes :p

[SubaruNorway]

Østberg's car after the big roll he had yesterday http://www.vgb.no/15829/perma/347560


Anyone know more about Aigner making a submarine out of the EVO?

[SubaruNorway]

Delete

[wwbroe]

So Loeb is still on the pace, despite having to open the road now. I think Miko is have to be going to make big effort to Catch Sebastian. These two are far awy for the rest of the fiels who are following at minutes instead of seconds. Where is the time that top ten was in a handfull of seconds? :D

[gloomyDAY]

Mikko better win! There are Finnish drivers new and old looking for that top podium spot.

[Koppomsbo]

Goood Morning Everyone :) Lets hope for a good day of rally :D

[subaru 28]

Good Morning Everyone,

Aigners Test in finland wos not so god for him.

out in ss7, because his Evo learn swimming.

he can not start again all the elektr. under water.



http://www.motorline.cc/rallye/

[Fly]

Ogier faster than Wilks and Sandell on ss14 Surkee. He keeps impressing me.

[Koppomsbo]

Did he sank the whole car in a lake?

[jonkka]

Did he sank the whole car in a lake?

No, just the front (up to windscreen).

[Koppomsbo]

Pg bad first split :s

[Anderton]

Hirvonen must be getting frustated, what with Loeb beating him on his own rally. Shame about Latvala yesterday aswell. Big mistake on hitting that rock.

[Mauri A]

Hirvonen must be getting frustated, what with Loeb beating him on his own rally. Shame about Latvala yesterday aswell. Big mistake on hitting that rock.
Never seen frustrated Hirvonen!

[jonkka]

At least Mikko (and Seb as well) are enjoying the fight, time to grieve the loss only after the final stage...

[ProRally]

No, just the front (up to windscreen).

Any pictures... ?

[jonkka]

Any pictures... ?

Perhaps someone has, I saw it on telly.

[jonkka]

Speaking of telly, I am getting ready to watch Kakaristo live from TV and what do I see in the middle of the built-up-coverage? A visit to Hungary F1! :eek: Grrr... I should build automatic F1-censor on my television.

[Finni]

I would say that road positions are not playing any supportive roles for later-runners at the moment. Even Latvala is not able to match leaders despite being 14th (or something) on the road.

[Miika]

I am getting ready to watch Kakaristo live from TV

It should be called Kakariston risteys LIVE - I bet they only show that one corner, and they show it live twice today. Bloody hell. What else is there to see than the beer tents.

[Koppomsbo]

is this on some sort of web tv or :s tareup:

[jonkka]

It should be called Kakariston risteys LIVE - I bet they only show that one corner, and they show it live twice today. Bloody hell. What else is there to see than the beer tents.

How I miss those YLE coverages... Those were the days, not only because YLE did much better job with TV stuff but there were much more competitive crews on stages as well...

Remember duel between McRae and Rovanpera in private Corolla? Their places was decided on final televised stage...

[Koppomsbo]

Seb on stage :)

[jonkka]

is this on some sort of web tv or :s tareup:

At least I don't know of one, I watch it on the traditional tube..

[ShiftingGears]

I hope Atkinson and Solberg move to another manufacturer that actually knows what it takes to build a good car. Because it hasn't been Subaru in a long time.

[jonkka]

Mikko starts slower

[jonkka]

I hope Atkinson and Solberg move to another manufacturer that actually knows what it takes to build a good car. Because it hasn't been Subaru in a long time.

And that another manufacturer would be?

[Miika]

is this on some sort of web tv or :s tareup:

This might work or not, not sure:
http://195.197.55.188:8005/

[jonkka]

Veeery tight, Mikko is gaining little

[jonkka]

Loeb responding... +0.1 to -0.6 and back to +0.1

[jonkka]

It should be called Kakariston risteys LIVE - I bet they only show that one corner, and they show it live twice today. Bloody hell. What else is there to see than the beer tents.

You were right, they have only that junction covered with just four cameras... ou nou...

[Miika]

Ouch, lost 4 second in the end. Oh noes.

[Miika]

Crazy Gigi off once again at Oun.. sorry Kakaristo.

[jonkka]

It's starting to look like Mikko will lose this fight...

[jonkka]

Crazy Gigi off once again at Oun.. sorry Kakaristo.

Dang... Sordo on podium and Citroen will get super points from here...

[jonkka]

P-G stopped?

[Miika]

P-G off at the same place as Gigi. So P-G went off twice at that same stage?

[ShiftingGears]

And that another manufacturer would be?

Exactly. There aren't enough competitive manufacturers in WRC. Having said that, I would like to see Atkinson replace Sordo.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Ogier faster than Wilks and Sandell on ss14 Surkee. He keeps impressing me.

yes, he has upped his pace, but wilks is just managing his gap to jwrc leaders.

[Miika]

GroupN leader Juha Salo dives off at the same place as Gigi and P-G. Who´s next?

[Miika]

*Douple*

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen faster by 1.6 seconds...the battle continues but it seems that without a mistake those 10+ seconds are just enough for Mr Loeb....still long to go !!!!

[jonkka]

Interesting, Sordo 0,3secs faster than hard-fighting Loeb?!?

[Finni]

Exactly. There aren't enough competitive manufacturers in WRC. Having said that, I would like to see Atkinson replace Sordo.

I would also. Sordo simply lacks speed on gravel.

[MikeD]

...and Citroen will get super points from here...

If PH-Sport (with Rautenbach & Aava) had entered as an M2 team they would - so far - have taken 3 points* from the BP Ford team. I wonder if that could end up being Citroën's biggest mistake in the hunt for the Manu' title.

*(In Argentina 1 point & in Jordan 2 points)

[MikeD]

I would also. Sordo simply lacks speed on gravel.

I disagree. I think his development rate on gravel is acceptable because this is only his 3rd season. Hirvonen wasn't exately setting the world on fire in 2003 & 2004, but in the end he developed nicely. I think Sordo will do the same.

[jonkka]

Sordo has upped his pace during the day and now is at highest possible place for him...

[ProRally]

what happened to Ketoma ?

[WRC1]

what happened to Ketoma ?


according to wrc radio he rolled in the beginning of stage 16!
but made it to the finish, car heavily damaged..not sure if he can continue...

reg


wrc1

[Corny]

it seems that Mikko is just not that fast enough to hold Loeb from his first Finland win..

[jonkka]

With eight stages to go and Mikko having been unable to cut the gap, Loeb is headed to win...

[N.O.T]

i also think that only a mistake will conclude the battle....on pure speed Loeb is just too much for Hirvonen....even on home soil....

[N.O.T]

Loeb is faster from his morning run about 2 secs per split while Hirovnen is improving his morning times about 0.5 per split.

[jonkka]

But please, no doggy comments this time, ok?

[N.O.T]

Loeb 7 seconds faster than this mornings time...

[MikeD]

Not only is Hirvonen slower atm, but losing to Loeb in Finland will not be good mentally for him ... this was one of the rallies he was sure he would win.

[Miika]

Game over for the win, Mikko won´t catch Seb if he doesn´t have problems.

[N.O.T]

But please, no doggy comments this time, ok?

to be honest i don't feel like it... i think the humiliation is good by itself so i won't rub it in.............. yet.... :D

[N.O.T]

1.9 seconds slower.....Finland is the only rally in the calendar where 10 seconds seem like 1 minute.

[jonkka]

Humiliation? It's no shame to lose to Loeb.

[Wim_Impreza]

Not only is Hirvonen slower atm, but losing to Loeb in Finland will not be good mentally for him ... this was one of the rallies he was sure he would win.

Indeed, and I am afraid the championship is again for Loeb. There are 3 tarmac rallies waiting.

[N.O.T]

i think the way Hirvonen acted on his previous win and the way it came just made Loeb angry....so he is just taking him to school just to learn how to spell the word RESPECT, i must admit he is a cruel guy doing this in Hirvonens home land and in the eyes of his fellow country men.

enough with the bitter comments though...i am not ready yet.....plus in 8 stages a lot can happen.

[N.O.T]

Is the rally wet today as well ???

[jonkka]

so he is just taking him to school just to learn how to spell the word RESPECT, i must admit he is a cruel guy doing this in Hirvonens home land and in the eyes of his fellow country men.

I think you're jumping to conclusions. Every driver wants to win always and since Finland is one of the only two big rallies that Loeb hasn't yet won (plus with only three non-Scandinavians ever to win it), he's understandably keen to take the win - no matter what happened in Turkey.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Dang... Sordo on podium and Citroen will get super points from here...
could atkinson get 3rd?!

[jonkka]

could atkinson get 3rd?!

Yes. It's tall order but possible.

[tmx]

Well I already jumped to conclusion that Loeb will win after day 1, 15seconds is a lot to make up in finland with the speed they are going. I really did not see it coming that Loeb was going to be that fast. Hirvonen kept saying that he was too cautious, but I'm wondering if he is really giving it all now and not able to catch Loeb. Only a few stages left, if he can only take around 3 sec per stage he'll need to win ever single stage now or get Loeb to make a spin. In the end, aside from the pride, getting 2nd place won't be a big blow for his championship.

[N.O.T]

here are the comments of the combatants from today so far

ss12

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "Game is open. We run good line. It will be great day."

LOEB S. / ELENA D."OK, I had good drive. Cannot do more. I would like to keep Mikko behind, but can't drive better. Not much road cleaning."

ss13

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "It was OK, maybe I was too cautious due stones. Have to fight again."

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "I think we had good run. I tried bit mor, car had good grip."

ss14

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "Very small mistakes, just bit wide. Fantastic battle, @@@@@ing hell!"

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "On previous stage I can't be faster. Now I was bit hesitating on some places. Big fight."

ss15

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "It was absolutelly flat out now. Hope we will continue like this."

LOEB S. / ELENA D."Lot of gravel and it's more dry. I cannot do more. I'm trying, but it is hard."

ss16

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "I was one second in front, but not good in narrow part."

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "Lot of gravel on road, conditions are not best. I was pushing hard, we'll see. It was really crazy sometimes."

no comments from ss17-18 thus far...

[VFTS]

I think you're jumping to conclusions. Every driver wants to win always and since Finland is one of the only two big rallies that Loeb hasn't yet won (plus with only three non-Scandinavians ever to win it), he's understandably keen to take the win - no matter what happened in Turkey.


Finland is not a scandinavian country.

Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

[jonkka]

Finland is not a scandinavian country.

Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden.
Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

Yes and no.

In it's strictest definition, Scandinavia covers only those three kingdoms but usually includes Finland as well.

Scandinavia[1] is a historical and geographical region centred on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sources often use the term Scandinavia to describe only the three kingdoms of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, but it is sometimes extended to cover Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavia

[SubaruNorway]

http://www.vgb.no/15829/

Kaikkonens car

[ShiftingGears]

i think the way Hirvonen acted on his previous win and the way it came just made Loeb angry....so he is just taking him to school just to learn how to spell the word RESPECT, i must admit he is a cruel guy doing this in Hirvonens home land and in the eyes of his fellow country men.

Are you kidding?

[N.O.T]

as always...

[N.O.T]

Next stage is on....

[jonkka]

Aye aye

[ZequeArgentina]

I do not rate Sordo that bad.
he has continously increase his speed in gravel, and in tarmac we know he is the only one who can match Loeb speed.

He is getting experience in gravel (as said here only his third year), and could get even closer to the real top.

I would keep him in Citroen.
Aava for instance is faster, but crashes, may be Aava could have been chosen to scroe points in 2 or 3 rallies, but I am sure Sordo next year could be closer to Loeb in gravel.

[jonkka]

Last chance for Mikko, it's now or never.

[MikeD]

Loeb is almost 4 sec faster on split two, compared with the first run.

It's do or die for Hirvonen now.

[MikeD]

auch...nice reply from Hirvonen.

Come on Loeb.....

[N.O.T]

Big attack from hirvonen !!!!!

[jonkka]

Wow?! :eek:

[jonkka]

This'll be a big fight till the end which is good...

[jonkka]

Mikko can't keep up until the end but cuts nice slice out of Loeb's lead anyway...

[N.O.T]

4.7 the final gap still the difference beyond 10 secs

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "I drove flat out, no mistakes. Stage without rhythm. It's very dry and very slippery."

[N.O.T]

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "I'm driving at maximum. I made few small mistakes before end, but I can't go faster."

[MikeD]

4.7 the final gap...


No, it ended up being 3.3 - total diff is 11.5

[jonkka]

Henning is about to drop 5th

[N.O.T]

Solberg cannot keep up...Atko takes 4th and Sordo should not feel safe .... nice drive by atko, once again the top dog at subaru.

[jonkka]

And also does that, Atko is now 4th and 16,8s from Sordo... hmm...

[Mauri A]

No, it ended up being 3.3 - total diff is 11.5
The next two stages will be interesting, classic 1000 Lakes stages and driven only once. I guess Mikko will catch Seb 5 secs/stage.

[N.O.T]

the repeated stages are over.....can Hirovnen cover the distannce in the remaining 67 kms ???

[jonkka]

Interesting question, one stage ago I would have said no but now I am not so sure. Loeb will respond, it's obvious from his final split.

[Mauri A]

Interesting question, one stage ago I would have said no but now I am not so sure. Loeb will respond, it's obvious from his final split.
On the first run Mikko lost 4,3 secs after last split, now only 2.

[J4MIE]

Can't believe how close it is, still I think Loeb is better at driving right on the limit than Mikko but would've thought Mikko would have had the upper hand in Finland. It's still so close though than any slight mistake could cost either of them dearly, still all to play for! :up:

BTW gutted about Jari-Matti, think for the rest of the year he will definitely have to calm it down and get it to the end with good points for Ford :s

[jonkka]

On the first run Mikko lost 4,3 secs after last split, now only 2.

On the first run, he was ahead only in 2nd and 4th splits, now on all of them. Not very comparable runs.

[Mauri A]

BTW gutted about Jari-Matti, think for the rest of the year he will definitely have to calm it down and get it to the end with good points for Ford :s [/QUOTE]
I still wonder why he hadn´t that stone in his notes?

[N.O.T]

all the remaining stages are gonna be used once so no time to recheck notes on second passes and correct mistakes....

[N.O.T]

ss20 is on ...

[jonkka]

the rest of the year he will definitely have to calm it down and get it to the end with good points for Ford :s

Yes, Ford will have their hands full if they want to take three consecutive manu titles. Even if Mikko manages to win, Citroen will outscore Ford in a round where Ford expected exactly the opposite. Throwing in the three tarmac rounds, Wilson will sweat blood yet...

[jonkka]

I still wonder why he hadn´t that stone in his notes?

During recce, he apparently did not think that his line would take him there. When he decided to change his line, he didn't remember the stone any more.

[jonkka]

Mikko 3,1s down... is it over, again?

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen 3 seconds slower on 1st split ... thats a lot for such a short split.

[MikeD]

Damn, this is an exiting rally....

[jonkka]

Stalled at startline

[White Sauron]

nerves...

[N.O.T]

No Split For Loeb !!!!

[MikeD]

F*ck!

[White Sauron]

damn, just a missed split...

[MikeD]

pewwww he's there

[jonkka]

I suspect that there is something wrong, Mikko just got split time for split 3

[N.O.T]

Loeb finished the stage....

[jonkka]

So did Mikko, lost 2secs

[N.O.T]

2.6 Hirovnen lost on this one.....

[MikeD]

Mikko only loses 2.6 - well done to him to close so much of the gap

[N.O.T]

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "Very good. It's new stage. It was narrow, I go for everything. I don't want to close gap. I'm confident in car handling."

[Mauri A]

So did Mikko, lost 2secs
For me, he lost 7 secs!

[MikeD]

Sordo is losing big time to Atkinson :( ... Come on Dani, we need every possible manu point!

[N.O.T]

yes, it would be a good oportunity for him to close the gap even more...maybe 2-3 seconds more....but starting the car correctly is in the game too :) :)

[N.O.T]

Atko is on a charge... i think Sordo has his mind in finishing the rally and secure points for the team....he has much more to lose now if he gets into a battle with atko.

[MikeD]

OMG the pothead Simon is back on WRR...

[N.O.T]

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "Same like in Turkey, problem on start. I released handbrake and nothing happened. I lost some valuable seconds."

[jonkka]

For me, he lost 7 secs!

Loeb 11:04.2 and Mikko 11:06.8

[Buzz Lightyear]

OMG the pothead Simon is back on WRR...

he has calmed down a bit from yesterday.

aktinson on a charge... good to see. maybe it the subaru drivers that need a kick up the ass. this is they speed you need to drive at all the time.

[Mauri A]

Loeb 11:04.2 and Mikko 11:06.8
But I guessed he will catch Seb with 5 secs!

[jonkka]

But I guessed he will catch Seb with 5 secs!

And I guessed I would win in Lotto - so I lose 20 million euros... :(

[SubaruNorway]

OMG the pothead Simon is back on WRR...

Haha be easy on him, the poor guy has just had a bit too much sugar that's all :p

Better than nothing :)

[MikeD]

he has calmed down a bit from yesterday.

...only a bit....He's still laughing all the time...and what an irritating laugh.

[ZequeArgentina]

One impressive time by Atkinson, just at Mikko times when Loeb and Hirvonene are giving it all.

Footage showed both Subarus landing massively on theor noses, strage considering Subarus have always been the best at jumps, since the begginig (the boxer engine low center of gravity and all that)

[SubaruNorway]

One impressive time by Atkinson, just at Mikko times when Loeb and Hirvonene are giving it all.

Footage showed both Subarus landing massively on theor noses, strage considering Subarus have always been the best at jumps, since the begginig (the boxer engine low center of gravity and all that)

Yhea i know, it looks even worse than the old car now :(

[Buzz Lightyear]

i know..

if you had a mix of Latvala's raw speed, with Hirvonen's inner calmness... it would be an ultimate rally driver.. even a Loeb beater.

[N.O.T]

Latvalas time on that stage was amazing...... there was much sweeping i suppose.

[jonkka]

if you had a mix of Latvala's raw speed, with Hirvonen's inner calmness... it would be an ultimate rally driver.. even a Loeb beater.

I think you just described Loeb himself...

[N.O.T]

the final stage of the day is on....Loeb through 1st split.

[jonkka]

Mikko hasn't given up but it's rather long way to go... -0,2secs at split 1

[jonkka]

and +0,3s... oi oi oi

[playmo]

The thing here is: were is Galli?

[jonkka]

The thing here is: were is Galli?

Went off in SS16

[Helstar]

Footage showed both Subarus landing massively on theor noses, strage considering Subarus have always been the best at jumps, since the begginig (the boxer engine low center of gravity and all that)
LOL I don't think so. At all. I remember that since 2005 Subaru cars always landed on their noses (remember Solberg in finland 2005 or Atkinson in sardinia 2006 ?).

It's a pity for Gigi I think he could have scored a nice 3rd place :S so sad.
Can't find the video yet ... but I found this one, pace notes in finnish ... AMAZING ! XD

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=El3Ic9y7bsE

[White Sauron]

Mikko's given up...

[playmo]

And that's it for the win, it's Loeb...
If JM had write that stone on his notes..... he would've wen't off elsewere, =)

[N.O.T]

Yesterday Hirvonen swept 84 kms on roads he knows by heart and he lost 14 seconds, today Loeb swept 140 kms and he gained 4 seconds.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I think you just described Loeb himself...

but i think Latvala is actually quicker than Loeb, at times...

[N.O.T]

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "It was really hard day and great battle with Mikko. One time he, one time I. Tomorrow flat out from the first stage, no mistakes."

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J."Maybe it was lot of mud on road and I was too wide. Really good battle, I enjoyed it. Gap is big, if nothing happened tomorrow, it will be not possible."


if you focus on both men last sentences it really gives you an idea how a champ thinks and how a cheap tactic kid thinks....

[jonkka]

Mikko's given up...

If not before, at least after this stage...

[jonkka]

but i think Latvala is actually quicker than Loeb, at times...

Admittedly but more often than not he's fastest only when benefiting from later running order.

[playmo]

Went off in SS16

Thanks!

[jonkka]

Atko will take 3rd on this stage

[WRC1]

thats it for this race and i am afraid also for the championship....looking at the 3 tarmac races still to come.

congrats to mr loeb!! the ford boys are simply not able to beat him over the year, the one who is able speedwise still makes too many mistakes and, sorry for say that, hirvonen is a very good point scorer but no race winner compared to loeb.

reg

wrc1

[MikeD]

Great day, great result ... and with no use of tactics.

[jonkka]

Atko 3rd, not bad considering he was 7th yesterday

[Buzz Lightyear]

Atko will take 3rd on this stage

Yes, Solberg is really under pressure now. He seem to be quick and match Atkinson on the very rare occasion, but is no longer consistant, almost like he is quick by accident on some stages. Germany will be the nail in his coffin, as Aktinson was quick there last year. Is it concievable that Subaru have performance related clauses for Solberg to allow them to look for another driver next year?

[jonkka]

Is it concievable that Subaru have performance related clauses for Solberg to allow them to look for another driver next year?

Based on rumors from previous years I'd rather believe it's the other way around, Petter has clause that allows him to move if Subaru can't provide a winning car. But his problem is that there are no top seats (as #1 driver) available. Then again, Subaru has pretty much the same problem, only young drivers are available and Petter can provide points better than them.

Having said that, I wouldn't be surprised if Petter's retirement announcement will come this year.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I dont see what value Petter is too SWRT now. A another young driver would give the team a new lease of live. Akto seems more than capable of leading and directing setup etc.

Anyway.. good work from Seb today.

[Daniel]

One impressive time by Atkinson, just at Mikko times when Loeb and Hirvonene are giving it all.

Footage showed both Subarus landing massively on theor noses, strage considering Subarus have always been the best at jumps, since the begginig (the boxer engine low center of gravity and all that)

Not true at all :) Subaru's have never been the best on jumps. Jumping has nothing to do with CoG :) It's weight distribution that you're worried about with jumping :)

[Buzz Lightyear]

Not true at all :) Subaru's have never been the best on jumps. Jumping has nothing to do with CoG :) It's weight distribution that you're worried about with jumping :)

would the inertia of the engine have anything to do with it.. twisting the car in mid air. subs are the only longitudinal engine config..?

[Daniel]

would the inertia of the engine have anything to do with it.. twisting the car in mid air. subs are the only longitudinal engine config..?
Quite possibly.

[jonkka]

would the inertia of the engine have anything to do with it.. twisting the car in mid air. subs are the only longitudinal engine config..?

If you refer to camshaft inertia, you gotta remember that boxer is counter-stroke engine and any engine inertia would turn the car left-right whereas transverse in-line engines could potentially turn the car nose down (as was case with Peugeot 205T16).
If you refer to nose-heaviness of the the Impreza, the huge rear-wing should help if not entirely counteract that, depending on speed.

[Miika]

Finnish forest scenery calls for our Crazy Gigi once again, too bad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLBw4NS2dvA

[Helstar]

Strange .... maybe he (and probably PG and Salo also) misjudged that corner and its crest on the recce, it's like he got totally surprised when arrives there at top speed; totally out of the line. Too bad :S

[Miika]

And today´s jump record belongs to.. oil sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi:


http://ralliradio.yle.fi/system/files/images/Al+Qassimi.preview_0.jpg

A 50m jump in the Leustu stage. Fly Khalid fly.

[Miika]

Gigi´s incident from outside the car:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1Ryp0mV7so

[jiipee64]

fastest lawnmover in the rally...

[wwbroe]

Thanks for the link Miika, looks like Gigi did indeed completely misjudged that corner. As did Salo and PG, too bad but thet's rallying, isn't it. :D

[Miika]

For once Villagra was on fire - literally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc1NuGcJP7s

[Helstar]

No Sunday return for Galli

The Stobart VK M-Sport rally team has confirmed that Gigi Galli’s Ford Focus RS is too badly damaged to enable him to restart on Sunday under SupeRally rules.

Galli was in third place before the high speed accident, which happened 14.3 kilometres into stage 16, when the Italian misjudged his speed on a corner which also caught out his fellow WRC competitor P-G Andersson.

“It has been a bitterly disappointing end to the rally”, said Galli. “I was trying to keep our position against Sordo when the accident happened. My pace notes were slightly out and I ended up sliding into the ditch which caused the car to roll at high speed into the trees

[tmx]

One impressive time by Atkinson, just at Mikko times when Loeb and Hirvonene are giving it all. Atkinson had 4th place here last year, so 3rd here would be a step up this time, he continues to do well. I am going to "assume that the C4 is a currently better performance" than the Subaru, they're on even time, so if Atko comes out top it will show his speeds. He has been shown capable with fighting for these small seconds.

Still, the gap between the two leaders compared to the rest are huge just shows how fast they're going compared to the rest.

[Miika]

After the last stages of today Loeb was heading back to Jyväskylä, apparently he missed a junction and drove slightly into a ditch. Spectators went and helped him out of there - and now they are deciding if everything went by the rules there. Cause if things haven´t change that much, the drivers are still not allowed to be helped by spectators in any way outside the stages. But I doubt anything happens..

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/ralli/2008/552439.jpg

[Daniel]

After the last stages of today Loeb was heading back to Jyväskylä, apparently he missed a junction and drove slightly into a ditch. Spectators went and helped him out of there - and now they are deciding if everything went by the rules there. Cause if things haven´t change that much, the drivers are still not allowed to be helped by spectators in any way outside the stages. But I doubt anything happens..

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/urheilu/ralli/2008/552439.jpg

I doubt anything will/should happen.

[jonkka]

Tommi was excluded from Safari 1999 for similar incident.

[Daniel]

Tommi was excluded from Safari 1999 for similar incident.
That was with regards to changing a tyre though and was that not in a stage?

[ste898]

I doubt anything will/should happen.


Its Loeb so nothing will happen!!!

[MJW]

I doubt MSport will appeal as after the road positioning a few events ago there might be a little too much "sour grapes" if Ford deny Loeb's win in Finland. Having said that, it is no different to what happened toPetter in Mexico 2004 or 05 when his car was pushed into service, he got 5 mins penalty then. If the spectators hadnt helped Loeb maybe he would have been late / damaged transmiision or something. From the photos it is plainly obvious that Loeb got outside assistance and according to the rulebook this is subject to a penalty.

[bluuford]

Here you can find small video and picture about Loeb´s accident: http://ralliradio.yle.fi/node?page=5
And MJW: MSport does not need to appeal. If someone sends e-mail to organizers or organizer can find this picture or video on their own then they can held stewards meeting and decide what to do. It appears that Loeb was actually stuck on the drainage collector:-) If stewards can find this video or get any information then I cannot find any possibility that Loeb can escape from the penalty:-( Because stewards must act according to the rules. The right way for Loeb would have been going out from the car and tell to the spectators that they are not allowed to help them and they can handle it on their own. I think he knows that but probably he forgot it after such a long day and maybe because he was bit nervous because of what happened to him. Hopefully no one tells anything to the stewards :-) Dont want that rally to end this way:-)

[ste898]

Nice video that!!!

I do hope that the orgisers act to the full and dont wimp out otherwise the RALLY IS A FARCE!!

[Isthmus]

Nice video that!!!

I do hope that the orgisers act to the full and dont wimp out otherwise the RALLY IS A FARCE!!


What ? Seb won and dominates on the stages and then, with the car OK and working/pushing, just because 3 or 4 persons pushes it 2/3meters(and by the video it looks like the car would get out nicely), it is a farce ??

:s mokin:

[cut the b.s.]

Nice video that!!!

I do hope that the orgisers act to the full and dont wimp out otherwise the RALLY IS A FARCE!!


Surely even you would not like to see a rally won or lost in this way?

A crazy situation for Loeb to find himself in though, was it Richard Burns who retired on the Safari in 02 within sight of the service park but was bogged down and noone could help them?

[N.O.T]

fastest lawnmover in the rally...

i think there are definately faster Lawnmowers than this one....