2008 Neste Oil Rally Finland - official thread

[wrc_flipper]

Rally web site: http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/en/

Based: Jyvaskyla

Surface: Gravel

Stages: 24

2007 winner: Marcus Gronholm/Ford Focus RS WRC

Timezone: GMT+ 2

World Rally Radio: http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=320

Itinerary - (BST)
Thursday, 31. July
SS1 1945 (1745) Killeri 1 - 02,6km

Friday, 1. August
SS2 0730 (0530) Vellipohja 1 - 17,16km
SS3 0826 (0626) Mökkiperä 1 - 11,38km
SS4 0909 (0709) Palsankylä 1 - 13,90km
Service Paviljonki
SS5 1147 (0947) Vellipohja 2 - 17,16km
SS6 1243 (1043) Mökkiperä 2 - 11,38km
SS7 1326 (1126) Palsankylä 2 - 13,90km
Service Paviljonki
SS8 1618 (1418) Urria - 12,65km
SS9 1650 (1450) Lautaperä - 7,87km
SS10 1729 (1529) Jukojärvi - 22,18km
SS11 2000 (1800) SSS Killeri 2 - 2,06km

Saturday, 2. August
SS12 0713 (0513) Himos - 15,35km
SS13 0809 (0609) Hirvimäki - 10,57km
SS14 0834 (0634) Surkee 1 - 14,80km
Service Paviljonki
SS15 1046 (0846) Leustu - 21,43km
SS16 1145 (0945) Kakaristo 1 - 20,09km
SS17 1226 (1026) Kaipolanvuori - 13,64km
SS18 1331 (1131) Surkee 2 - 14,80km
Service Paviljonki
SS19 1613 (1413) Kakaristo 2 - 20,09km
SS20 1703 (1503) Juupajoki - 21,13km
SS21 1756 (1556) Väärinmaja - 16,25km

Sunday, 3. August
SS22 0938 (0738) Lankamaa - 23,09km
SS23 1044 (0844) Hannula - 10,92km
SS24 1202 (1002) Ruuhimäki - 6,46km

[Roy]

And the result pages:

Results:
http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2008&rally_id=FIN
http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/

Splits:
http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=409&season=2008&rally_id=FIN

[jonkka]

Mainly for finns (has occasional english commentary as well) the real rally radio is at: http://lotta.yle.fi/rswebjkl.nsf/sivut/MMRalli

[tmx]

Kakaristo is Ouninpohja backward, but shorter.

[domaza]

Rally Finland - a rally, which everybody tries to win :)

Aava for TOP 3!

[pantealex]

Mainly for finns (has occasional english commentary as well) the real rally radio is at: http://lotta.yle.fi/rswebjkl.nsf/sivut/MMRalli
Shakedown live thursday, starting 8.00 local time

[Miika]

Mainly for finns (has occasional english commentary as well) the real rally radio is at: http://lotta.yle.fi/rswebjkl.nsf/sivut/MMRalli

No Jouko "borefest" Vuolle in the studio this year so maybe it´s actually worth listening to this year. Unless he hosts it from Beijing..

[c4]

A couple of NORF build up articles

http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/neste-oil-rally-finland-2008-1000-lakes-footage/

http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/norf-rally-finland-2008-preview-1000-lakes/

[gloomyDAY]

I'm amped!

NORF is going to be great and I'm just curious to see how Loeb does this year.
Mikko is really confident.

Reporter: Is there going to be a Ford 1-2 this year?
Mikko: Yes. :devil:

[Raini]

Mikko was faster last year than Loeb, he has a change to beat him this time as well. But Latvala may destroy Hirvonen's dream to win Rally Finland.

This year I think there will be a huge battle, because all three wants to win in Finland really, really badly. Let's hope so at least.

So, i'm going to pack my things and going to see it my own eyes.

[tmx]

Latvala may be fast but might make mistake. Subaru have something to prove here too.

Like I said before, I am betting that Mikko will win this rally, not Latvala.

[Racing Ka]

P-G´s Suitza engine have a valve damage on shakedown..

[Viking]

They are changing PG`s engine, he will probably get 5min penalty.

Henning says he was fastest on shakedown

http://www.vgb.no/blog.php?blog=6339&m=7&y=2008

[Catiocha7]

They are changing PG`s engine, he will probably get 5min penalty.

Henning says he was fastest on shakedown

http://www.vgb.no/blog.php?blog=6339&m=7&y=2008

did the shakedown do ? :confused:

[Viking]

looks ok to me :)

Henning Solberg 2.03,6
Petter Solberg 2.03,6
Sebastien Loeb 2.04,2
Toni Gardemeister 2.04,7
Mikko Hirvonen 2.05,8
Jari-Matti Latvala 2.07,0

YLE

[jonkka]

Quite impressive from Toni, bearing in mind that there's that steep long uphill climb at the start which calls for engine power...

[Roy]

looks ok to me :)

Henning Solberg 2.03,6
Petter Solberg 2.03,6
Sebastien Loeb 2.04,2
Toni Gardemeister 2.04,7
Mikko Hirvonen 2.05,8
Jari-Matti Latvala 2.07,0

YLE

Mikko and J-M does it easy... (?)

[Helstar]

P-G´s Suitza engine have a valve damage on shakedown..
You figure.....

I see the top 3 pushing like mads and then crashes in the same SS. Gigi wins !

Then I wake up and there's actually a Gigi problem/crash/spin and top 3 are top 3 as usual lol

Ps. I didn't do the pickems on purpose this time, hope it will drive some luck to Gigi ffs !!!

[Miika]

Mikko and J-M does it easy... (?)

J-M drove the stage twice IMO, all the others did it at least three times. And from the WRC drivers Henning did the most laps, no wonder he got that time.

[VFTS]

J-M drove the stage twice IMO, all the others did it at least three times. And from the WRC drivers Henning did the most laps, no wonder he got that time.


Henning need to drive as many laps as possible, he has no tests.... Latvala and Hirvonen are testing all the time.

[Minke]

where can one get the complete list of shakedown times? being an aussie I'm particularly keen to see Atkinson's time

[Miika]

where can one get the complete list of shakedown times? being an aussie I'm particularly keen to see Atkinson's time

Atko 7th fastest:


1. Petter Solberg Subaru ja Henning Solberg Ford 2.03,6
3. Sébastien Loeb Citroën ja Gianluigi Galli Ford 2.04,2
5. Toni Gardemeister Suzuki ja Andreas Mikkelsen Ford 2.04,7
7. Chris Atkinson Subaru 2.04,9
8. Jari-Matti Latvala Ford 2.05,0
9. Urmo Aava Citroën 2.05,2
10. Matthew Wilson Ford 2.05,6
11. Mikko Hirvonen Ford 2.05,8

-MTV3-

[Berzs]

Are there any times from PWRC Shakedown available?

[Dilek]

WRC class shakedown times
=1. Henning Solberg: 2:03.6
=1. Petter Solberg: 2:03.6
=3. Loeb: 2:04.2
=3. Galli: 2:04.2
=5. Mikkelsen: 2:04.7
=5. Gardemeister: 2:04.7
7. Atkinson: 2:04.9
8. Latvala: 2:05.0
9. Aava: 2:05.2
10. Wilson: 2:05.6
11. Hirvonen: 2:05.8
=12. Sordo: 2:06.2
=12. Ostberg: 2:06.2
14. Perez Companc: 2:07.4
15. Villagra: 2:08.5
16. Andersson: 2:08.6
17. Rantanen: 2:09.1
18. Al Qassimi: 2:11.2
19. Rautenbach: 2:11.4

http://www.wrc.com...

http://www.pettersolberg.com

[pantealex]

Originally number 65 Tapio Suominen evo9 will drive number 144 instead of Gabor Mayer Impreza.
Mayer´s Impreza is in servicepark, so I don´t no why Suominen is driving with Gabokos number.

[MJW]

does anyone know if Killeri superspecial tonight is on TV or any internet streaming video feeds. e.g. Eurosport, wrc.com, yle /mtv3?

[Berzs]

Eurosport2 is covering Killeri LIVE tonight ;)

[teufel]

Originally number 65 Tapio Suominen evo9 will drive number 144 instead of Gabor Mayer Impreza.
Mayer´s Impreza is in servicepark, so I don´t no why Suominen is driving with Gabokos number.

I heard, that Mayer' driving licence has been banned because if speeding at recce.

[Jaanus]

does anyone know if Killeri superspecial tonight is on TV or any internet streaming video feeds. e.g. Eurosport, wrc.com, yle /mtv3?

It should be live on Eurosport 2:

http://www.tvchannelsfree.com/watch/4898/EuroSport-2-UK.html

[Micke_VOC]

damn, i was so close to go to Norf today but other things came in the way...

So that are going to be a long weekend behind the computer.

Btw, have anyone seen the sd times for pwrc and jrc ?

[Miika]

Btw, have anyone seen the sd times for pwrc and jrc ?

All shakedown times here:

http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/attachements/2008-07-31T13-26-38294.pdf

[Berzs]

All shakedown times here:

http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/attachements/2008-07-31T13-26-38294.pdf
Great! Thanks! :)

[Jaanus]

Start list for Killeri stage:

http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/attachements/2008-07-31T17-25-23175.pdf

[SubaruNorway]

Is that live stream playing for anyone?

[hari]

Is that live stream playing for anyone?

The quality is bad, but its working.

[playmo]

Thanks for the link Jaanus!
SubaruNorway, yes, it's working for me
Cheers.

[Xsara Fan]

Great start from Citroen Sport!
Ford boys are nervious, I think...

[wwbroe]

So Citroen one two, do you guys think that it is a sign for the rest of the event. Subaru boys not doing bad either. ;)

[Miika]

Great start from Citroen Sport!
Ford boys are nervious, I think...

You wish. ;) Although I think either Mikko or J-M will make a costly mistake but lets see. That super special means nothing tomorrow.

[iJones]

So Citroen one two, do you guys think that it is a sign for the rest of the event.
I think it could be. I have a feeling that the Ford boys will try a bit too hard and... Hope not.

[Woodeye]

You wish. ;) Although I think either Mikko or J-M will make a costly mistake but lets see. That super special means nothing tomorrow.

My thoughts exactly. There will be 3 names only tomorrow at the top, all the others are forced to be more or less only spectators.

I'm gutted since it seems that I'm only able to go on one SS this year. Have to watch all tomorrow from internet (since I bought a new car and have to pick it up), after that on saturday I will be again on Leustu. Can't wait really. :)

[SubaruNorway]

Pics from shakedown up
http://www.ewrc.cz

[A.F.F.]

Whn the clock hits to 3am. I'm starting my engine to ss2 :bounce:

[N.O.T]

just a quick question since i am definately coming next year...if you want to go to a stage 3 hours early to pick your spot instead of watching from spectator places like packed sheep will the organisers let you? of you are forced to watch from the spectator spots ?

[Koppomsbo]

Tomorrow morning it will be maximum overload attack from the Finnish army in ford, lets hope they can stay on the road :)

[Miika]

just a quick question since i am definately coming next year...if you want to go to a stage 3 hours early to pick your spot instead of watching from spectator places like packed sheep will the organisers let you? of you are forced to watch from the spectator spots ?

My "guess" is, if you are in a spot where it says "Forbidden spectator area", they´ll make sure you won´t be there for long - no matter how safe that spot would be. I´d think.

[Roy]

Tomorrow morning it will be maximum overload attack from the Finnish army in ford, lets hope they can stay on the road :)

Hirvonen wasn't drive maximum at SSS1.

"It was an enjoyable, fast stage but it was also a little scary because the test has been built with concrete and metal blocks so it was important not to damage the car," said Hirvonen, celebrating his 28th birthday. "For me the rally starts tomorrow and I didn't drive flat out because I have bad memories of retiring there in 2004, so I took it cautiously. There is always so much excitement on the opening stage of Rally Finland and it's great the event has finally started. I can't wait until tomorrow."
http://www.mikkohirvonen.com/news.php

[J4MIE]

just a quick question since i am definately coming next year...if you want to go to a stage 3 hours early to pick your spot instead of watching from spectator places like packed sheep will the organisers let you? of you are forced to watch from the spectator spots ?

NOT don't worry about it, you can freely walk into the stages and find a spot, and as long as it's not a stupid place you should be ok :up:

[N.O.T]

Great, thanks for the answers.

[wwbroe]

So, a little bit more then half an hour to go, and the real action will start. Let's see what the Ford-boys can do compared to Loeb, and also if Petter will be in the game? ;)

[Leon]

Good morning to all and Especially to those (poor) of us who follow this exciting event from a pc.

wish I was there....

[jonkka]

Loeb starts faster

[jonkka]

And Latvala slower...

[Finni]

Does anyone have a link to finnish rallyradio?

Does anyone know what's weather and road condition at the moment?

[jonkka]

Link is on 3rd post on this thread - weather appears fine

[Finni]

I am guessing that the road is not entirely dry because there is no visible signs of road position advantage for anyone.

[Buzz Lightyear]

mikkelson +15 at first split... heart ruling head?

[bluuford]

here is the weather: http://www.fmi.fi/weather/rain.html
it seems that there was some rain and is still some rain in some places. But it will improve after a few hours:-)

[Finni]

Ava and Mikkelsen are driving with good pace.

[Buzz Lightyear]

andersson!! +26s.... arrggghh

[Minke]

Where is Atkinson's time for SS2? what has happened to him?

[Finni]

According to rallyradio Mikkelsen has watched Grönholm onboards a lot. This huy is doing phenomanel job and I think that Grönholm's intense coaching is playing big part in it.

[jonkka]

Where is Atkinson's time for SS2? what has happened to him?

He was 6th faster and is 5th overall currently. No splits for him.

[sollitt]

Where do you find the splits?

[Minke]

He was 6th faster and is 5th overall currently. No splits for him.

yea thanks.. I was worried.. but forgot to look at the over all times :)

[Finni]

Interesting to see that even Matti Rantanen is quite on the pace with wrc-car despite one split. He is fourth bets group N driver at the moment.

[René]

Where do you find the splits?



http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp

[Miika]

J-M in the trees according to the radio. FFS.

[jonkka]

Latvala off

[Buzz Lightyear]

aigghh aigghhh aighhhhhh!

[Finni]

Latvala is probably out

[René]

Jari Matti stoped in the stage..........

[jonkka]

Got a puncture when cutting a bit too much and went off later, reportedly due to understeering...

[Helstar]

Already ?! ¬_¬

[Woodeye]

Damn. That didn't took too long. Hopefully Mikko keeps the car on the road now.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

comments from drivers
(http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=795&filtr=)


N4 SVEDLUND O. / NILSON B. / "It's almost perfect, just to keep best line."
N4 NUTAHARA F. / BARRITT D. / "I'm enjoying it, fantastic course. I'm happy."
N4 HÄNNINEN J. / MARKKULA M. / "It was really slippy, but OK."
N4 KETOMAA J. / TEISKONEN M. / "Everything fine, still long way to finish. Have to fing good rhythm."
A8 RANTANEN M. / LÖNEGREN J. "Really good, but I stalled engine in one hairpin and lost about 20 seconds."
A8 PEREZ COMPANC L. / MARIA VOLTA J. "I have very good feeling from the car. I want to finish this rally, I'm relaxed."
A8 AL QASSIMI K. / ORR M. / "I have some experience after last year. But it's very fast, big jumps, bit scary."
A8 ÖSTBERG M. / UNNERUD O.-K. "It was very hard stage, car was oversteering. We try some small changes and we'll see."
A8 ANDERSSON P.-G. / ANDERSSON J. " / "Two kms after start I had spin in right corner. There was splash and I had to reverse."
A8 GARDEMEISTER T. / TUOMINEN T. "I'm not completely happy. It was slippery, I can't go faster."
A8 MIKKELSEN A. / FLOENE O. "I don't think there is something wrong. I'm happy, we'll see how it goes so far."
A8 AAVA U. / SIKK K. "I think, it was OK start."
A8 RAUTENBACH C. / SENIOR D. "It's fantastic. Car is feeling great, I have enough confidence."
A8 VILLAGRA F. / PÉREZ COMPANC J. "It was fast, you need enough confidence. But nice stage."
A8 WILSON M. / MARTIN S. "We had a bad start, too cautious, and lost lot of time. It was better then."
A8 SOLBERG H. / MENKERUD C. "We loosing a bit to top, but good. I'm happy."
A8 GALLI G. / BERNACCHINI G. "First two splits not bad, but I lost pace a bit at the end."
A8 SOLBERG P. / MILLS P. Broken co-driver's side window. "I hit something just before stage. OK, no problem."
A8 SORDO D. / MARTÍ M. "I had a half-spin in middle of the stage. Otherwise very nice stage."
A8 ATKINSON Ch. / PREVOT S."I was wondering how is slippy. I was struggling with it on brakes."
A8 LATVALA J.-M. / ANTTILA M."I drove just bit carefully. It's just three seconds only."
A8 LOEB S. / ELENA D. "It was difficult. Very fast. Car feeling is not bad."
A8 HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. Lot of mud on rear of car. "It's OK, but I drove very carefully, I can go harder."

[Leon]

I wonder what else he can do to learn to stay on the road.

[jonkka]

Hopefully Mikko keeps the car on the road now.

Aye, Mikko is the only one that stands between Loeb and historical win...

[Buzz Lightyear]

Aye, Mikko is the only one that stands between Loeb and historical win...
or rautenbach.....

on the road section..

[jonkka]

:laugh:

[CABAIO E'LONA]

or rautenbach.....

on the road section..

:D

[Finni]

Subaru is one pig of car... It is new chapter in the tragedy called Subaru. I wonder if the never can get any speed out of that pig.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Subaru is one pig of car... It is new chapter in the tragedy called Subaru. I wonder if the never can get any speed out of that pig. i thought it actually looked quite good on the super special, no massive understeer, just nice progressive oversteer, and clean out of the corners... it must be the suspension when out on the proper stages, and maybe their engine is not as strong as they think.

[dimviii]

good pace from Aava :eek:

[russellwrx]

Subaru is one pig of car... It is new chapter in the tragedy called Subaru. I wonder if the never can get any speed out of that pig.

all that money and time waisted on testing and empty promisses.

[Miika]

good pace from Aava :eek:

Despite saying that he has been driving badly this morning so far. But he said the car is perfect so we can wait even more from him hopefully.

[Buzz Lightyear]

wilson pace is really really annoying me... it plateau'd about 3 years ago and he never... ever.... ever... gets any quicker.

[jonkka]

Rantanen is also very fast

[René]

For his first NORF Sebastien Ogier would be 5th in junior with an C2R2 only.....

[Helstar]

Aava near Sordo with same but little bit slower car ... very nice

Rautenbach 40 sec behind, says it all

[jonkka]

Loeb is way faster now... 2,7secs on split 2

[CABAIO E'LONA]

-3.0 for Seb in the 3º split...

[Miika]

Seb flying there. But game not over yet.

[Buzz Lightyear]

For his first NORF Sebastien Ogier would be 5th in junior with an C2R2 only.....

says more about jwrc than it does about ogier

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Mikko Hirvonen: "It's OK, but Sebastien is pushing really hard."

[Buzz Lightyear]

says more about jwrc than it does about ogier
for example Wilks in a similar car is 30s quicker than Ogier, and would be 0.4s off the lead of JWRC!

[AndyRAC]

Damn. That didn't took too long. Hopefully Mikko keeps the car on the road now.

I think that now Jari-Matti is out Malcolm will tell him to finish - 'think Championship'

[gloomyDAY]

I think that now Jari-Matti is out Malcolm will tell him to finish - 'think Championship'Damn, bad news to read/hear JML is out of the running. Now JML should focus on Mikko's bid at the championship. I'm eager to see what develops.

[bluuford]

i thought it actually looked quite good on the super special, no massive understeer, just nice progressive oversteer, and clean out of the corners... it must be the suspension when out on the proper stages, and maybe their engine is not as strong as they think.

I think that Subrus bigest problem is between steering wheel and seat :-) But Atkinson is doing really fine! You cannot compare them with Citroen, because they have tested that car for more than four years already.. Subaru started less tthan year ago:-)

[gloomyDAY]

I think that Subrus bigest problem is between steering wheel and seat :-) But Atkinson is doing really fine! You cannot compare them with Citroen, because they have tested that car for more than four years already.. Subaru started less tthan year ago:-)Please, no more excuses. I'm a Subaru fan and am fed up with their rubbish.

*Edit* Any idea when this site will crash? F1 & WRC are happening this weekend.

We should start placing bets.

[Finni]

I think that Subrus bigest problem is between steering wheel and seat :-) But Atkinson is doing really fine! You cannot compare them with Citroen, because they have tested that car for more than four years already.. Subaru started less tthan year ago:-)

Atkinson is doing slower stage times than Ava and Mikkelsen. Is that good? (if the car is no problem) I remember well that Atkinson did more competitive stage times in Finland in his first year - with very marginal experience. And even last year he was very close to top-pace. Atkinson should somewhere near to Hirvonen in terms of driver speed but that dog of car don't allow it.

[jonkka]

Aava is set to take 3rd... :eek:

[Miika]

Aava bloody hell.

[AndyRAC]

Please, no more excuses. I'm a Subaru fan and am fed up with their rubbish.

*Edit* Any idea when this site will crash? F1 & WRC are happening this weekend.

We should start placing bets.

Oh dear, more brilliant planning from F1A! Same weekend - why???

[Buzz Lightyear]

Aava bloody hell.
good driver, good road position, good car... is it a surprise he is beating citroens one trick pony sordo?

[jonkka]

Mikkelsen coming up quite well too...

[René]

for example Wilks in a similar car is 30s quicker than Ogier, and would be 0.4s off the lead of JWRC!



Ogier is young driver without experience which participates for the first time in this rally. Wilks is a very good driver with several years of experience, and his car is not identical (R3) isn't ???

[Buzz Lightyear]

Atkinson is doing slower stage times than Ava and Mikkelsen. Is that good? (if the car is no problem) I remember well that Atkinson did more competitive stage times in Finland in his first year - with very marginal experience. And even last year he was very close to top-pace. Atkinson should somewhere near to Hirvonen in terms of driver speed but that dog of car don't allow it.

i didnt say the car was quick... I said to looked quiet complient on the super special. they are obvioulsy lacking speed.

[Buzz Lightyear]

opps!

[dimviii]

they must to change the name to slowbaru...
all B teams faster than works subis and without problems for them :mad:
championship needs a third player but they can t manage it...pitty...

edit....1 second faster works subis from suzukis!!!!

[Buzz Lightyear]

Ogier is young driver without experience which participates for the first time in this rally. Wilks is a very good driver with several years of experience, and his car is not identical (R3) isn't ???

as i said.. ogier performance is not 'that' impressive, its the lack of depth in jwrc. remember the good old days of jwrc... aava, wilks, pg, meeke, sordo?

[Jaanus]

I think Aava speed is no surprise. He did get to drive a rally in Estonia, plus test the car in Finland and his target is to take the second works seat in the Citroen team in the future so he must be faster than Sordo to do that.

[White Sauron]

Oh dear, more brilliant planning from F1A! Same weekend - why???

Not to forget a great fight in the IRC on Madeira island.

[Miika]

edit....1 second faster works subis from suzukis!!!!

It´s no match to Impreza in 1000 Lakes 1993 that´s for sure, that new car was a winner in it´s debut.

[jonkka]

It´s no match to Impreza in 1000 Lakes 1993 that´s for sure, that new car was a winner in it´s debut.

Huh? Whaaat?

[Miika]

Huh? Whaaat?

Not winning the event but capable of winning it, that´s what I meant.

[jonkka]

Not winning the event but capable of winning it, that´s what I meant.

Why you didn't say so then?

[AndyRAC]

It´s no match to Impreza in 1000 Lakes 1993 that´s for sure, that new car was a winner in it´s debut.

Which is what you want when a new car makes it's debut - think Peugeot Corsica 1984/1999, Citroen Catalunya 2001, Lancia Delta S4 RAC 1985. Fast right out of the box, reliability can come later.

[Langdale Forest]

Aava and Mikklessen doing well so far, Hoirvonen will peobably be ahead of Loeb at the end ot the day.

[bluuford]

Oh dear, more brilliant planning from F1A! Same weekend - why???
I think that there is no problem:-) The most interesting rally in a year and the most boring F1 race a year at the same time. Hungary has always been like watching scheduled trains passing you.. no one is passing :-) Look the leaderboar at the moment after 23 minutes of racing and top eight is in 25 sek.

[Viking]

Which is what you want when a new car makes it's debut - think Peugeot Corsica 1984/1999, Citroen Catalunya 2001, Lancia Delta S4 RAC 1985. Fast right out of the box, reliability can come later.

or 2000 Rally de Portugal, Subaru P2000

[ST205GT4]

I feel sorry for Chris. He's stuck with a team that just cannot get it together. If he were smart he'd be trying to get a move to another team so he has a chance to show what he's capable of instead of spending the next few years just filling out the field.

No chance at Ford, but who knows maybe he could push Sordo out?

Hell he'd better off with a privateer Xsara, C4 or Focus than any Subaru.

[White Sauron]

C'mon, people, I thought this rally would be much more popular among the forum's members! I understand that most of finns are probably on stages, but where're the rest of you? Stop wasting your time at work on friday and follow my example following rallying on-line instead of doing business in such a good and bright day!))
Aren't there enough topics to discuss?? :
1. Hirvonen or Loeb - who'll triumph?
2. Can Aava take his first WRC podium?
3. What are your thoughts on Suzuki's performance? Did you expect them to yet be so slow?
4. What's going on in service-park? Any news?

[Roy]

What a rally. Sh!it for Latvala! Oh...Argh.

Loeb does it good, or Mikko is again to slow if he start first.

[Miika]

First pics of J-M´s misery:

http://www.ksml.fi/multimedia/dynamic/00049/latvala_49182b.jpg
http://www.ksml.fi/multimedia/dynamic/00049/5962914_jpg_49186b.jpg

[White Sauron]

What a rally. Sh!it for Latvala! Oh...Argh.

Loeb does it good, or Mikko is again to slow if he start first.

I just wonder if it's really a steering arm fault, or was it once again Latvala's own mistake of misunderstanding the situation??

As for Hirvonen, I think he just took it easy for the first loop.

[MartijnS]

J-M went off after a crest i guess? It looks pretty much a straight road ;)

[bluuford]

C'mon, people, I thought this rally would be much more popular among the forum's members! I understand that most of finns are probably on stages, but where're the rest of you? Stop wasting your time at work on friday and follow my example following rallying on-line instead of doing business in such a good and bright day!))
Aren't there enough topics to discuss?? :
1. Hirvonen or Loeb - who'll triumph?
2. Can Aava take his first WRC podium?
3. What are your thoughts on Suzuki's performance? Did you expect them to yet be so slow?
4. What's going on in service-park? Any news?

1. I think that Loeb will be first on the road tomorrow :-) and like I said a few days ago I made statistics and found interesting fact only one person since 1973 has scored points five times in a row in Finland (at the beginning of their career). According to the statistics Loeb should be out of top 8 :-)

Here is the link: http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127217&page=7

2. I was watching him in South-Estonian rally two weeks ago and I compared it with Markko Märtin.. I say yes :-)
3. I think that Suzuki is doing quite well:-) Only afew seconds off Subaru :-)

No work today :-)(dont tell it to my employer;-))

[jonkka]

I just wonder if it's really a steering arm fault, or was it once again Latvala's own mistake of misunderstanding the situation??

Hit a rock and a moment later went off in a straight road as suspension crossmember broke, that's what his co-driver said on telephone and as you see from the pic above, it's on long straight. Perhaps he cut a bit too much, we'll know when on-board footage comes available.

[jonkka]

According to the statistics Loeb should be out of top 8 :-)

Loeb has broken just about every statistical recorded there is so...

[Viking]

4 Norwegians in top 10, not to bad.
And the youngest of them in the oldest car is the fastest :up:

[kleisj]

Good morning all! Bad news as Latvala misses the chance of competing for top spot. I hope that Hirvo keeps the pressure to Seb and overhauls him at the end. Anyway no matter the result I hope that we'll watch a thrilling battle to the very end!

[White Sauron]

Hit a rock and a moment later went off in a straight road as suspension crossmember broke, that's what his co-driver said on telephone and as you see from the pic above, it's on long straight. Perhaps he cut a bit too much, we'll know when on-board footage comes available.

Ok, thanks1

[jonkka]

4 Norwegians in top 10, not to bad.
And the youngest of them in the oldest car is the fastest :up:

Indeed, very good performance. And only one Finn! :eek:

[Salist]

Good Morning boys. GO MIKKO GO!

[Wim_Impreza]

Again a mistake from Jari-Matti, he hasn't learned from his fault last year in Finland and his other faults earlier this season it seems.

Hopefully Aava and Mikkelsen can stay on the road, Loeb and Sordo hopefully not. :p

[Daniel]

I feel sorry for Chris. He's stuck with a team that just cannot get it together. If he were smart he'd be trying to get a move to another team so he has a chance to show what he's capable of instead of spending the next few years just filling out the field.

No chance at Ford, but who knows maybe he could push Sordo out?

Hell he'd better off with a privateer Xsara, C4 or Focus than any Subaru.

I posted a thread about this and was told that Sordo was vital to Citroen's effort for marketing reasons. What a load of BS. I do hope that Citroen dump Sordo (unless he gets some amazing results on tarmac) and pick up Chris.

[jonkka]

I posted a thread about this and was told that Sordo was vital to Citroen's effort for marketing reasons. What a load of BS. I do hope that Citroen dump Sordo (unless he gets some amazing results on tarmac) and pick up Chris.

Sordo is good driver and I'd hate to see him go - it's not the easiest task to be Loeb's team mate. I think that the marketing aspect is an important one but compared to Loix who kept his seat for years with appalling results thanks to Marlboro money, Sordo actually is performing.

[Viking]

MW "every driver had that stone in the pacenotes, but not Jari-Matti. He did not sound to pleased.

[ProRally]

JM puts too much pressure on himself which leads to mistake... he did not learn from last year and untill he sorts himself out he will cry many more times

[Halvis]

Sad, but not schocking that JML went off. Horribel start from Subaru works cars, I'm rapidly loosing the little hpoe I had for the new car. Very good start for Aava and Mikkelsen, I don't know Aava's age, but Mikkelsen has a very bright future IMO, so young and already that fast!

[AndyRAC]

Sad, but not schocking that JML went off. Horribel start from Subaru works cars, I'm rapidly loosing the little hpoe I had for the new car. Very good start for Aava and Mikkelsen, I don't know Aava's age, but Mikkelsen has a very bright future IMO, so young and already that fast!

While I like JM-L, I have to say I was expecting this. Let's hope he learns from this. He's still a future WRChampion.

On another point, 3 stages fairly close in time and then a big gap for service then the same 3 stages repeated. The sooner organisers are allowed some variety the better.

[Daniel]

JM puts too much pressure on himself which leads to mistake... he did not learn from last year and untill he sorts himself out he will cry many more times

I agree. I think it will be a while before JML gets to the point where he's hard faced enough to put this sort of thing behind him easily.


Sordo is good driver and I'd hate to see him go - it's not the easiest task to be Loeb's team mate. I think that the marketing aspect is an important one but compared to Loix who kept his seat for years with appalling results thanks to Marlboro money, Sordo actually is performing.

True. But regardless of whether Citroen want to win the Manufacturers title or drivers title Loeb is going to need a good rear gunner and money in the team is not such a problem. For me Chris is the obvious choice. In a decent car Atkinson could be challenging for victories and when Loeb has problems Chris could score big points and minimise the loss for Loeb. Sordo is performing, but at a C- level. GOod enough perhaps but not nearly as good as he could be doing.

[Viking]

Sad, but not schocking that JML went off. Horribel start from Subaru works cars, I'm rapidly loosing the little hpoe I had for the new car. Very good start for Aava and Mikkelsen, I don't know Aava's age, but Mikkelsen has a very bright future IMO, so young and already that fast!

Aava is 10 years older than Mikkelsen and also 4 years older than Sordo. All those years in JWRC fooled me to think he was younger.

[Koppomsbo]

Intresting fight between the Solberg brothers :)

[White Sauron]

Rally Madeira is so far much more interesting... Even though only 2 stages were held. And overall the IRC fascinated me this season much more also...

[Viking]

SS5 is live

[jonkka]

No splits for Mikko

[White Sauron]

And where's Hirvonen? Lol, Ford...

[Miika]

Mikkelsen has a very bright future IMO, so young and already that fast!

Doing brilliant job so far, whereas Wilslow Jr. is again driving in the tourist class along with Viagra, the ice-cream saler and the oil sheikh. Dear God.

[jonkka]

There his times are...

[jonkka]

And Loeb is faster... even Sordo goes faster...

[White Sauron]

Does Mikko have any chances???

[jonkka]

We'll see... Last year he was faster than Seb and rally is still in early stages...

[Buzz Lightyear]

ultimate proof subaru have lost the plot...

aktinson say they made changes at service....

and they are even slower.....

GET IT SORTED!!!

[White Sauron]

We'll see... Last year he was faster than Seb and rally is still in early stages...

Citroen have improved a lot their car since that time, while Fords have only become weaker and less reliable as it seems...

[Wim_Impreza]

Rally Madeira is so far much more interesting... Even though only 2 stages were held. And overall the IRC fascinated me this season much more also...

The better drivers are in the WRC. Like it or not. S2000 cars are really boring to watch.

[jonkka]

Aava drops back to 4th

[Wim_Impreza]

Already teamorders from Citroën?

[cali]

AAVA U. / SIKK K. "We had rain on stage, it was really slippery."

[John V]

The better drivers are in the WRC. Like it or not. S2000 cars are really boring to watch.
Wim, was the Ieper boring? I was there ... :)

[White Sauron]

The better drivers are in the WRC.

You think so? Put Hanninen in WRC and you will see. (actually you could already see what he was capable of behind the wheel of the Lancer WRC with absolutely no experience). Threre're a lot of new talents emergin in the IRC, and could the likes of Hanninen or Alen be here fighting in the WRC, we would certainly see a different story to Hirvonen being the only finn fighting for the victory in Finland.

[Wim_Impreza]

Wim, was the Ieper boring? I was there ... :)

I wasn't in Ieper, because S2000 cars says me nothing.

[wwbroe]

It is WRC championship that is boring, not WRC cars. But anyhow i like IRC better, just personal opinion, i am visiting both championships. ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

You think so? Put Hanninen in WRC and you will see. (actually you could already see what he was capable of behind the wheel of the Lancer WRC with absolutely no experience). Threre're a lot of new talents emergin in the IRC, and could the likes of Hanninen or Alen be here fighting in the WRC, we would certainly see a different story to Hirvonen being the only finn fighting for the victory in Finland.

In Finland yes, but Anton Alén is nowhere in tarmac rallies. Hirvonen is able to take some points on that rallies too. I agree with Hänninen, but Loeb is a class apart.

[John V]

I wasn't in Ieper, because S2000 cars says me nothing.
So I will happy to see you here in Zlin :) Ok, WRC (in WR championship) more interesting, but lot of good drivers in IRC and this championship battles starts to be more interesting compare to WRC

[wwbroe]

So I will happy to see you here in Zlin :) Ok, WRC (in WR championship) more interesting, but lot of good drivers in IRC and this championship battles starts to be more interesting compare to WRC

You are absolutely right, i will be in Zlin for nice rally. ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

The battles in IRC and off course in national championships are much more interesting indeed.

[wwbroe]

Nice fight in Gr.N tough in Finland with Salo and Haninen, Ketomaa little bit further behind. ;)

[wwbroe]

Wilks leading the JWRC before Prokop, little bit of a surprise to me, certainly in the Honda Civic. :D

[Wim_Impreza]

Wilks leading the JWRC before Prokop, little bit of a surprise to me, certainly in the Honda Civic. :D

Wilks is not subscribed in JWRC, so Prokop leads. ;)

[White Sauron]

Ok, if on SS6 Mikko once again can't do anything against Loeb, than we will have to acknowledge who's gonna take this win if nothing extraordinary happens... Hats off for Loeb, beating the guy, born here...

[wwbroe]

Wilks is not subscribed in JWRC, so Prokop leads. ;)

Ok, thanks for that Wim, but he is leading 2WD category surprisingly. ;)

[Viking]

Ok, if on SS6 Mikko once again can't do anything against Loeb, than we will have to acknowledge who's gonna take this win if nothing extraordinary happens... Hats off for Loeb, beating the guy, born here...

Just Ford tactics again, Loeb first on the road tomorrow :D

[MikeD]

Question for you all: If Loeb leads after day 1 how big a gap do you think he needs down to Hirvonen for it to still be an advantage for day 2?

And if it stays below 10 sec. will we see tactics come in to play again?

[White Sauron]

Don't think any tactics is appropriate for rally Finland's road surface... Just need going as fast as you can.

[Daniel]

Just Ford tactics again, Loeb first on the road tomorrow :D

No need for tactics in Finland. Mikko will want to be in front.

[jonkka]

Don't think any tactics is appropriate for rally Finland's road surface... Just need going as fast as you can.

Not with so shallow entry list. In the past when there were half-a-dozen top drivers driving, dropping 15sec and be 6th on the road was beneficial. Now it's not...

[MikeD]

Is the new guy on WRR on drugs? ... I mean he laughs at everything he says...

[Viking]

No need for tactics in Finland. Mikko will want to be in front.

Usually yes, but they say a couple of the stages tomorrow is in fact wery loose gravel.

[AndyRAC]

Is the new guy on WRR on drugs? ... I mean he laughs at everything he says...

Really, I no longer listen to that. Do they know what they are talking about?

[jonkka]

Looks like Galli is set to gain... he's faster than Aava

[MikeD]

Really, I no longer listen to that. Do they know what they are talking about?

I only listen because of Colin (The Scotsman). I think he's quite good. The others are crap (IMHO).

[DomX]

aava: setup too soft

looks like it's a learning course for aava :D

[Miika]

Östberg off at the same spot as J-M says the radio.

[jonkka]

Ou-nou... and they were three...

[Miika]

In-car from Latvala´s off this morning - had he lost the control of that car a few tenths of a second earlier, it could have been really really bad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvgU8SaH2cE

[jonkka]

Indeed... so it's now confirmed to be a mistake in notes, no stone mentioned in there

[Viking]

Ou-nou... and they were three...

Yes :( and down to 3-2 in Norway-Finland in top 10

[ProRally]

In-car from Latvala´s off this morning - had he lost the control of that car a few tenths of a second earlier, it could have been really really bad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvgU8SaH2cE

That was quick, strange what happend there.... 6 sec into the video hard impact near house even cracked the windscreen...

[bluuford]

Latavalas onboard was really crazy. It was very big rock.. you can even see how the front screen breaks after impact. But I think he was lucky.. the speed was something 170 km/h I think

[White Sauron]

Indeed... so it's now confirmed to be a mistake in notes, no stone mentioned in there

Well, is it Latvala's or Anttila's fault?

[Miika]

That was quick, strange what happend there....

Wrong pace note during recce or did Miika call wrong note (my finnish is not good enough to follow... :D :D )

At 0:06 he hits the rock that wasn´t mentioned in the notes, all the other top drivers apparently had it in the notes. And then in the long straight the front-right suspension just snaps and game over.

My opinion, it´s driver´s fault it´s not in the notes. Plus he said he decided to cut that corner more inside than before and woops there was a rock he wasn´t aware of.

[Miika]

Apparently Östberg didn´t have that rock in the notes either, reports say he hit it as well.

[jonkka]

Well, is it Latvala's or Anttila's fault?

Latvala's, he is the one who decides what goes in and what not. Co-driver just reads back what he has been dictated during the recce.

[White Sauron]

Latvala's, he is the one who decides what goes in and what not. Co-driver just reads back what he has been dictated during the recce.

Well, a good co-driver should warn about such tricky things... IMHO. Not only write down what he's told. Especially as Anttila must be more experienced and help Jari-Matti gain experience...

[Miika]

How can anyone miss this from their notes?

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/nettitvuusi/urheilu__liikunta/moottoriurheilu/ralli_2008/552168.jpg

[jonkka]

Well, a good co-driver should warn about such tricky things... IMHO. Not only write down what he's told.

I disagree.

[White Sauron]

Well... Anteeksi, suomalaiset, mutta Hirvonen imee juury nyt...

[jonkka]

How can anyone miss this from their notes?

Wow, it shows THAT clearly?! Oh JML...

[cali]

Well, a good co-driver should warn about such tricky things... IMHO. Not only write down what he's told. Especially as Anttila must be more experienced and help Jari-Matti gain experience...

I disagree! Maybe co-drivers should dictate the notes then?? It is drivers fault as he is dictating notes. I have no doubts about Anttila's co-drivers skills.

[cali]

How can anyone miss this from their notes?

http://img.mtv3.fi/mn_kuvat/mtv3/nettitvuusi/urheilu__liikunta/moottoriurheilu/ralli_2008/552168.jpg

Apparently JML wasn't the only one...

[White Sauron]

I disagree! Maybe co-drivers should dictate the notes then?? It is drivers fault as he is dictating notes. I have no doubts about Anttila's co-drivers skills.

I don't have any doubts neither! But there's a difference between a co-driver with good skills and co-drivers with GREAT skills, such as Rautiainen or Elena. Those, who see much more beyound the road-book, who give their drivers some useful advices!

[jonkka]

Rautenbach? From Zimbabwe? That ZW which just cut a billion zeros from their bank notes? He-heee...

[teufel]

I highly doubt, that Mikko can beat Seb this weekend :(
I hope i'm wrong...

[White Sauron]

I highly doubt Latvala will ever become a champion. Even with all his great pure speed.
One of the main rules of a successful person: "Underpromise, but overdeliver".
In case of Latvala it's unfortunately vice versa: "Huge OVERpromise, but absolutely NO delivery"...

[bluuford]

I think that Jari tought that rock is too far from the road and he dos not need to cut that corner as much.. if you listen Miikas pacenotes, then there is also something strange.. he says something two and then from the half word he says three.. maybe I just misheard something.. because there are constructionworks behind my window and i cannot heard the sound very well :-)

[Fang]

Apparently JML wasn't the only one...

Ostberg?? Not a good example - he's routinely thrown the car off the road first day in just about every WRC round he's competed in this year!

[cali]

Ostberg?? Not a good example - he's routinely thrown the car off the road first day in just about every WRC round he's competed in this year!

JML is not far from him on this category as well :) i think it is a perfect example ;)

[Helstar]

In-car from Latvala´s off this morning - had he lost the control of that car a few tenths of a second earlier, it could have been really really bad:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvgU8SaH2cE
How the heck did this guy have the video already ?

Anyway, very scary. All those people in the side of road at 180kph ... big error from JML, and not only the notes ... he should have slowed down after the impact, even the windscreen broken !

[jonkka]

How the heck did this guy have the video already ?

Well, obviously there can be only one source for the original footage... Note the small WRC text down left (on JML's black seat). At first I thought that it was embroiding on a cap but that would have moved with the movements of the car so it can only be official logo superimposed onto each frame... it's not visible on cropped image above...

[Daniel]

That was quick, strange what happend there.... 6 sec into the video hard impact near house even cracked the windscreen...

Yup. Broke something on the rock or weakened it there and then finally broke it on the little jump and then the car just chose to go off of it's own accord. Personally I would have said as accidents go that this one was quite gentle.

[Wim_Impreza]

I highly doubt Latvala will ever become a champion. Even with all his great pure speed.
One of the main rules of a successful person: "Underpromise, but overdeliver".
In case of Latvala it's unfortunately vice versa: "Huge OVERpromise, but absolutely NO delivery"...

Do you remember Colin McRae in his early years? He was so fast too and crashed also much. Not so much years later, he was a World Rally Champion.

[dimviii]

what happened to Flodin? :confused:
he was much faster with mitsu.

[cali]

Do you remember Colin McRae in his early years? He was so fast too and crashed also much. Not so much years later, he was a World Rally Champion.
..but crashed a lot and heavily in the later years as well, in the same time he provided some of the best and spectacular driving ever! I think JML 's early career reminds a bit Mcrae to me.

[White Sauron]

Do you remember Colin McRae in his early years? He was so fast too and crashed also much. Not so much years later, he was a World Rally Champion.

I remember this. But at the same time I don't remember Colin always talking about how great he was compared to others BEFORE he actually became such and deserved saying this.

[dimviii]

2,30 minutes faster the N4 than s1600 in 7 stages
s1600 is dying :o

[jonkka]

I remember this. But at the same time I don't remember Colin always talking about how great he was compared to others BEFORE he actually became such and deserved saying this.

What are you implying? Which driver does so?

[Daniel]

Usually yes, but they say a couple of the stages tomorrow is in fact wery loose gravel.

Well the thing is if anyone is going to pull back it's going to be Loeb. He's second on the road at the moment so if anyone's going to play games it's him. I don't see Loeb doing that though. There is no way Mikko can afford to let off the pace.

[White Sauron]

What are you implying? Which driver does so?

Latvala. In any interview he's talking about how great he is, how much he learnt, and how far ahead of everybody he will be at the finish. But every time he either crashes or makes smth silly.

[Viking]

Well the thing is if anyone is going to pull back it's going to be Loeb. He's second on the road at the moment so if anyone's going to play games it's him. I don't see Loeb doing that though. There is no way Mikko can afford to let off the pace.

Yes, that is why I put the big grin behind the Ford tactics post, but I don’t think Mikko will feel bad being 10s behind Loeb after today’s stages.

[Mauri A]

Latvala. In any interview he's talking about how great he is, how much he learnt, and how far ahead of everybody he will be at the finish. But every time he either crashes or makes smth silly.
As a Finn I have seen numerous interwiews but never seen or heard anything like you tell us!

[ProRally]

what happened to Flodin? :confused:
he was much faster with mitsu.

What do you mean :confused:

He IS in Mitsu Evo IX

[Wim_Impreza]

2,30 minutes faster the N4 than s1600 in 7 stages
s1600 is dying :o

It is normal, because there is not a very talented Finnish driver in S1600 (Kalle Pinomäki is no top driver) as they are in Group N cars. Even in the past years, Group N cars were faster than S1600's. ;)

[jonkka]

Latvala. In any interview he's talking about how great he is, how much he learnt, and how far ahead of everybody he will be at the finish.

Uh? It's rare that I hear his interviews in english so either he gives different views in english or he is misunderstood. But like Mauri A noted, in finnish language interview he's not boasting how great he is.

[dimviii]

@Prorally
i know mate, just results didn t show him in previous stage. :D

[Miika]

As a Finn I have seen numerous interwiews but never seen or heard anything like you tell us!

Agreed, I´d like to see the sources where he has said those kind of things. Should be hard, cause there is none, not in Finnish at least.

[AndyRAC]

What do you mean :confused:

He IS in Mitsu Evo IX

Why don't people call it a Mitsubishi Lancer anymore or have Mitsubishi dropped the Lancer name?

[ProRally]

Why don't people call it a Mitsubishi Lancer anymore or have Mitsubishi dropped the Lancer name?

Then we should call it Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution as they never put which version it was and with now so many version makes it easier to say Evo IX or next one Evo X

[Viking]

Why don't people call it a Mitsubishi Lancer anymore or have Mitsubishi dropped the Lancer name?

or Proton Satria :)

[jonkka]

Mitsubishi call it with many names depending on market. Here is press release from 16th of July this year, count the different names used:

http://media.mitsubishi-motors.com/pressrelease/e/products/detail1801.html

[dimviii]

thats not an evolution.
previous models used to be numbered ie I-II-VIII-IX

[jonkka]

thats not an evolution.
previous models used to be numbered ie I-II-VIII-IX
last one they don t name it evo X ,just lancer evolution :)

Yes and no. It's still numbered but numbering isn't used in all markets.

the Lancer Evolution X*2 finds favor with those drivers looking to enjoy a serious sport driving experience, participation in motorsport events included.

*2 Lancer Evolution in markets outside Japan

[dimviii]

thats right jonkka ! thats why i edit it.

[N.O.T]

The ford kids must learn to drive without following the lines of the front drivers, when they open the road and create their own they lack pace....last year Hirvonen was flying using the lines of Loeb and Gronholm...I was certain that someone of the ford kids was going to make a mistake.

The rally is far from over though 9 seconds is nothing.....and finland is a very tricky rally.

[MikeD]

The rally is far from over though 9 seconds is nothing.....and finland is a very tricky rally.

I honestly think that Loeb will be satisfied with 2nd place and 8 points from NORF. Then the gap to MH will "only" be 5 points, but with 3 tarmac rallies of the remaining 6 rounds then Loeb should be in good shape. I also think that Loeb will win one of the remaining gravel rallies.

Of course a DNF for Loeb on Tarmac could easeliy cost him the title now that Hirvonen is so consistent - but then again Hirvonen is also having a DNF coming his way (IMHO).

[N.O.T]

The rally continues.....Hirvonen and LOeb equal on first split...

[N.O.T]

and equal on the second as well...

[jonkka]

but not on third...

[MikeD]

If the 3rd split is equal as well then it's as spooky as Jerez 1997 (F1) when Schumacher, Villeneuve and Frentsen all set the equally fastest time in qualifying.

[Finni]

What if Latvala is superrallying tomorrow is he driving before Hirvonen and Loeb.

[Miika]

Seeing some video footage from this morning´s stages, both of the new Subbies are landing the jumps nose first, not balanced at all so there´s one problem among others. And there are quite a few of those jumps in the route..

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen 1.3 faster but galli is coming strong....

[bluuford]

What if Latvala is superrallying tomorrow is he driving before Hirvonen and Loeb.

No. tomorrow will be according to the roadposition today.. so, most probably after Ostberg:-)

[jonkka]

What if Latvala is superrallying tomorrow is he driving before Hirvonen and Loeb.

No, he isn't. He'll be last of the WRCars.

[VFTS]

No. tomorrow will be according to the roadposition today.. so, most probably after Ostberg:-)


Østberg will probably not drive tomorrow, too much damage on the car.

[Miika]

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.

[jonkka]

Toni is so good driver, obviously... :eek:

[Miika]

Gigi enjoying the rollercoaster Urria apparently, gggreat time.

[VFTS]

Henning Solberg also very fast on Urria. He and Galli are setting pressure on Sordo.