Ireland 2009

[hype]

Hello,

we're planning our next rally trip at the moment - Ireland 2009.
Can anyone give me some useful information on the Ireland WRC rally?
I've been to Germany, Portugal, Sardinia and Greece till now.
Any cheap guesthouses?
What about the Park&Ride? How was it in 2007?
How's the access to the stages?
Are there many security marshals?

Regards,
Patrik

[hype]

No one has been to Ireland in 2007? :confused:

[cut the b.s.]

Hello,

we're planning our next rally trip at the moment - Ireland 2009.
Can anyone give me some useful information on the Ireland WRC rally?
I've been to Germany, Portugal, Sardinia and Greece till now.
Any cheap guesthouses?
What about the Park&Ride? How was it in 2007?
How's the access to the stages?
Are there many security marshals?

Regards,
Patrik


I went to Ireland 07, it was quite good, I didnt use the park and ride, but I'm told it was a disaster, particularly after the stages ended. Dont be expecting WRC Germany levels with it!
Stage access is alright but check out some of the video footage, Ireland is full of thorn hedges... Its worth doing a bit of a recce to find your spots, there are some great ones if you make the effort.
I thought the marshals were excellent, and found them to be very reasonable and friendly,if they are any bother forget how to speak english, the reverse works well for me in Germany:-)
Remember it rains lots in ireland, and a lot of the best viewing is higher up the hills on moorland, expect to get very cold and wet

I'm old school and prefer to sleep in the car close to the stage, also has the advantage of being somewhere warm and dry between double use stages! I'd recommend spending your B+B money on a gas stove and a frying pan and staying at the stages.
Last year I watched all cars on SS3, then approx 40 on the rerun(ss6) and had no bother getting in early in a good spot for SS9

[c4]

Official route details released
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/rally-ireland-announced-details-route-wrc-2009/

[bt52b]

I unfortunately was a victim of the Rally Ireland 2007 Park & Ride fiasco on the Lough Gill stage.

Prices were not published in the programme, or sign posted, and seemed to vary on the day. Some were charged €20, some less, some more! Wouldn't issue tickets, so anyone could hop on the bus on the way back. When asked about this, bus driver response was 'Doh!'.

Probably ques up half an hour or so, to get on at the start. Ques coming back were out of control. Major que jumping. Total chaos. Many children crying, raging mothers ringing local radio stations, etc...very sad sight. Nearly got run over by a bus, which should have picked me up. Took three hours or more to get a bus back. Many gave up and walked about 8km back. Never again. RI never apologised for this mess.

Beware programme distribution was poor last time, except for in Sligo. Some shops near the stages that stayed open 24hr for the rally, couldn't get programmes to sell!

Not worth paying to go into service area, unless you never saw a service in your life. Find a regroup or stage start.

Might be very cold sleeping in a car. Strong chance of freezing, black ice and maybe snow...

The Galway Rally is on two weeks before, probably have a better entry and no FIA bs ;)

[Donney]

I went and loved it.

Sligo is a chaos place during the rally so I wouldn't go unless it is a must for you to visit the service area.

Lots of friendly and happy-to-help marshalls, that was great I think.

The weather was changeable, as you would expect in Ireland, and it went from decent to freezing cold in a couple hours.

I can't tell about the park and ride thing but I ended up walking for 5 miles rather than waiting for 30 min in queue, for the very expensive service.
So arrive to the stages with enough time to walk.

We slept in a lovely rented place near Sligo which wasn't expensive at all, can't remember the details now, but we were 7 people and there were no complaints.

[anto-t]

I thought it was great last year.. but i had a media pass so drove into the stages... but the locations i was at there was loads of spectators but local farmers had opened there fields for a small fee you could park in the field...

i drove over 1000 miles last time and was only got stuck in traffic once.. it just takes a bit of planning to miss the traffic ( and a road book ;) )

i wouldent stay in sligo... stay in bundoren about 30 mins up the road from sligo but more closer to the stages.. loads of holiday homes so you should be able to find one..

when your at the rally buy your petrol in the republic of ireland and not the north as its about 20 cent a litre dearer...

if you want i would first get to dublin and then get a plane to sligo from there... alot less hasstle and you will be able to get a rent a car in sligo airport.. instead of trying to get around dublin to get to sligo...

last year someone made a google maps with all the stages... its all about pre planning.. :)
hope this helps

[cosmicpanda]

route looks interesting. One of the longest rallies in the last few years but still pretty short considering that rallies can be up to 400 km next year.

[anto-t]

just for your info only 1 car dident leave the road during last years rally.... that of corse was loab :)

i dont think it was a fun weekend for most :D

[wrc_flipper]

Rally Guide 1 - just published
http://www.rallyireland.org/rally-guide-1

[bt52b]

I can't tell about the park and ride thing but I ended up walking for 5 miles rather than waiting for 30 min in queue, for the very expensive service.
So arrive to the stages with enough time to walk.


Probably be able to avoid the Park and Ride and 5 miles walks with some better planning ;)

Flying into Knock (http://www.irelandwestairport.com/) could be a cheaper option. There are sometimes cheap flights from RyanAir. London Stansted / Knock sometimes about €50 return.

[Pinto]

donny dont understand what your on about sligo been chaos i live there and i never saw the place calmer there would be more chaos on a normal weekend the police did a brilliant job on traffic management.park and ride is never the done thing here and the walk into the stages is no greater than you would have in rally gb

[Donney]

I meant there were so many cars and people that it was absolutely impossible to park or get into Sligo in a car, other than that I think it was perfect.

I didn't mind walking into the stage except for the fact that by the time when we arrived Gronholm had already crashed and the stage was canceled, but that's hardly the rally's fault. I still think the Park & Ride service was slow and expensive though.

[Pinto]

there was a couple of bus opperators got haned the job of the park and rides these people were given the rite to run the service and rallyireland then had no more part in the service so alot of the opperators tryed to fleece people and many of them got burned and it was good enough for them

[bt52b]

there was a couple of bus opperators got haned the job of the park and rides these people were given the rite to run the service and rallyireland then had no more part in the service so alot of the opperators tryed to fleece people and many of them got burned and it was good enough for them

RI seemed to washed their hands of the sorrid affair during and after the event. On the day when it was going pear shaped, the Gardai were great trying to firefight the situation.

[Salist]

Somebody has detailed maps from the 2007 special stages?

[Donney]

I deleted them from the PC, sorry....

[bf1_IRL]

Salist, you have a PM

[Salist]

bf1_IRL,

Thank you very much!!!

[alasdair]

Ireland features in my 2009 wish-list...it's the easiest foreign rallys to get to for starters! It's not any harder to get to than events in the north of England...apart from the ferry of course ;)

[Simmi]

I wish I was going again for '09. Really enjoyed myself last year. The only problem we had was the total lack of info if you didnt have a programme. Luckily we found one but that was after a bit of a wild goose chase around Northern Ireland trying to find somewhere that they weren't sold out.

Hopefully the organisers will sort this out after a good first event under their belts.

Hi all,

Please see the below list of accomodation available for Rally Ireland 09.

Any questions please let me know

Hotels

Leitrim Marina Hotel, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim-7 self catering 2 bedroom apartments and 10 hotel rooms available, 100 seater restaurant, conference facilities, ample car parking
www.leitrimmarinahotel.ie (http://www.leitrimmarinahotel.ie/)
reservations@leitrimmarinahotel.ie (reservations@leitrimmarinahotel.ie)

Abbeyfield Hotel, Sligo Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
www.abbeyfieldhotel.ie (http://www.abbeyfieldhotel.ie/)
reservations@abbeyfieldhotel.ie (reservations@abbeyfieldhotel.ie)


B&B and Self Catering

Glenboy, Co. Leitrim- High Spec Self catering accommodation available. Recently refurbished, located on the Glenboy stage of RallyIreland.
Contact Heather Golden +353 863636690

Canal View House, Keshcarrigan, Co. Leitrim– 6 ensuite rooms available.
Contact Janette Conefrey +353 7196 42404

Aughlin, Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim– 4-bed Self Catering house available. Close to Aughnasheelin stage.
Contact Joan on 071 96 41056 or 0872203318
Self-Catering House (http://www.daft.ie/searchshortterm.daft?search=Search+%25BB&s%5bcc_id%5d=c23&s%5ba_id%5d%5b0%5d=3351&s%5bnum_sleeps%5d=&s%5bmnp%5d=&s%5bmxp%5d=&s%5bpt_id%5d=&s%5bsearch_type%5d=shortterm&s%5btransport%5d=&s%5badvanced%5d=&s%5bprice_per_room%5d=&s%5bfurn%5d=&s%5brefreshmap%5d=1&limit=10&id=8277)

Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim –B&B accommodation available near Drumshanbo.
Contact +353 7196 41798

Allen Brook, Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim –B&B accomadation available. Convenient to all stages.
Contact Mary McKeon +353 7196 40685

Lake View House B&B, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim –B&B accommodation available. Close to all stages.
ContactBredaMcLoughlin +353 7196 411115

Beirnes of Battlebridge, Battlebridge, Leitim Village, Co.Roscommon –over-pubB&B and fully servicedCaravanPark, Close to all stages.
+353 71 9650824
http://www.goireland.com/leitrim/beirnes-of-battlebridge-attraction-pubs-id28569.htm (http://www.goireland.com/leitrim/beirnes-of-battlebridge-attraction-pubs-id28569.htm)
battlebridge@eircom.net (battlebridge@eircom.net)

Lock View B&B, Kilclare, Co. Leitrim– B&B accommodation available for RallyIreland, convenient to stages.
ContactCarmelPrestland +353 7196 40790
Website (http://reservations.goireland.com/bkgPremInfo.asp?AffiliateID=1&provid=20&PremisesCode=ICS0L648&postfromresults=1&id=ICS0L648&selNumAdults=2&selNumChildren=0&selNumInfants=0&selSharing=1&txtLocation=leitrim%20county&hdnLocation=LM,,,0&hdnLocationName=&str)

Hotels

Leitrim Marina Hotel, Leitrim Village, Co. Leitrim -7 self catering 2 bedroom apartments and 10 hotel rooms available, 100 seater restaurant, conference facilities, ample car parking
www.leitrimmarinahotel.ie (http://www.leitrimmarinahotel.ie/)
reservations@leitrimmarinahotel.ie

Abbeyfield Hotel, Sligo Road, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon
www.abbeyfieldhotel.ie (http://www.abbeyfieldhotel.ie/)
reservations@abbeyfieldhotel.ie


B&B and Self Catering

Glenboy, Co. Leitrim - High Spec Self catering accommodation available. Recently refurbished, located on the Glenboy stage of RallyIreland.
Contact Heather Golden +353 863636690

Canal View House, Keshcarrigan, Co. Leitrim – 6 ensuite rooms available.
Contact Janette Conefrey +353 7196 42404

Aughlin, Aughnasheelin, Co. Leitrim – 4-bed Self Catering house available. Close to Aughnasheelin stage.
Contact Joan on 071 96 41056 or 0872203318
Self-Catering House (http://www.daft.ie/searchshortterm.daft?search=Search+%25BB&s%5bcc_id%5d=c23&s%5ba_id%5d%5b0%5d=3351&s%5bnum_sleeps%5d=&s%5bmnp%5d=&s%5bmxp%5d=&s%5bpt_id%5d=&s%5bsearch_type%5d=shortterm&s%5btransport%5d=&s%5badvanced%5d=&s%5bprice_per_room%5d=&s%5bfurn%5d=&s%5brefreshmap%5d=1&limit=10&id=8277)

Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim – B&B accommodation available near Drumshanbo.
Contact +353 7196 41798

Allen Brook, Ballinaglera, Co. Leitrim – B&B accomadation available. Convenient to all stages.
Contact Mary McKeon +353 7196 40685

Lake View House B&B, Drumshanbo, Co. Leitrim – B&B accommodation available. Close to all stages.
ContactBredaMcLoughlin +353 7196 411115

Beirnes of Battlebridge, Battlebridge, Leitim Village, Co.Roscommon – over-pub B&B and fully serviced Caravan Park, Close to all stages.
+353 71 9650824
http://www.goireland.com/leitrim/beirnes-of-battlebridge-attraction-pubs-id28569.htm
battlebridge@eircom.net

Lock View B&B, Kilclare, Co. Leitrim – B&B accommodation available for RallyIreland, convenient to stages.
ContactCarmelPrestland +353 7196 40790
Website (http://reservations.goireland.com/bkgPremInfo.asp?AffiliateID=1&provid=20&PremisesCode=ICS0L648&postfromresults=1&id=ICS0L648&selNumAdults=2&selNumChildren=0&selNumInfants=0&selSharing=1&txtLocation=leitrim%20county&hdnLocation=LM,,,0&hdnLocationName=&str)

[Salist]

Any new informations???

[c4]

Any new informations???

You can find some latest news here
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/category/rally-ireland/

[Salist]

Thank you, very good site.

[bluuford]

Well, what we know about entry list?

in WRC

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 McNulty?
Most Probably not Novikov (his inexperience on Tarmac and Citroen told that they have only five cars for season 2009). That means, Loeb, Sordo, Rautenbach, Atkinson and Ogier.
Unknowns are:
1. Aava
2. Galli
3. Qassimi
4. H.Solberg
5. Duval
6. Andersson
7. Gardemeister
8. Merkensteijn
9. Merkensteijn jun
10. Clark
11. Wilks


JWRC

1. Weijs?
2. Abbring?
Still much unknowns..

Happy Christmas night to everyone!

[noel157]

Burkart has entered his Swift in Galway International Rally as warm up for RI so I guess you can add him to the list..

Niall McShea (ex PWRC Champion) is supposed to have Proton S2000 to use in RI but no official confirmation so far.



And happy holidays to all.

[Salist]

Well, what we know about entry list?

in WRC

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 McNulty?
Most Probably not Novikov (his inexperience on Tarmac and Citroen told that they have only five cars for season 2009). That means, Loeb, Sordo, Rautenbach, Atkinson and Ogier.
Unknowns are:
1. Aava
2. Galli
3. Qassimi
4. H.Solberg
5. Duval
6. Andersson
7. Gardemeister
8. Merkensteijn
9. Merkensteijn jun
10. Clark
11. Wilks


JWRC

1. Weijs?
2. Abbring?
Still much unknowns..

Happy Christmas night to everyone!


in WRC

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 Atkinson
14 McNulty?

[Xsara Fan]

in WRC

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 Atkinson
14 McNulty?

Too much Atkinson`s... ;) Or may be it`s Petter & Henning Atkinson?

[Tom206wrc]

in WRC

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 Atkinson
14 McNulty?




There will be two Atkinsons ??? :confused:

[Salist]

There will be two Atkinsons ??? :confused:

Ohh, sorry. I was careless.

[jbmarcus21]

No one has been to Ireland in 2007? :confused:

i was in 2007 : my video : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/rallyeirlande07.htm

;)

[MikeD]

Does anybody in here know when the entrylist for Rally Ireland will be released?

[c4]

Does anybody in here know when the entrylist for Rally Ireland will be released?

9th January MikeD

[c4]

McShea now confirmed for Rally Ireland in Proton S2000
http://www.rallybuzz.com/mcshea-proton-rally-ireland/

[Tom206wrc]

And who else in Ireland with an S2000 ?? :confused:

[alleskids]

Peter senior and junior Van Merksteijn wil start as planed in the Rally Ireland.

[MJW]

Apparently there were 35 entries as at Christmas Eve (closing day) - I suspect that a great deal of "understanding" will be given by the organisers / FIA to allow Henning's (and hopefully others) the extended deadline for entry. Also for a wrc event not to publish entry list until 9th January when they closed on 23rd December makes me fear a low entry.

[Salist]

Peter senior and junior Van Merksteijn wil start as planed in the Rally Ireland.

With Focus WRC?

[Tom206wrc]

Apparently there were 35 entries as at Christmas Eve (closing day) - I suspect that a great deal of "understanding" will be given by the organisers / FIA to allow Henning's (and hopefully others) the extended deadline for entry. Also for a wrc event not to publish entry list until 9th January when they closed on 23rd December makes me fear a low entry.




Solberg older brother has an extension for Ireland until 2nd january ;)

[alleskids]

Van Merksteijn jr. and sr. will do 8 WRC rounds in a Ford Focus WRC07

[MikeD]

Mads Østberg will not do Rally Ireland. His, and Adaptas first rally will be Rally Norway 2009.

"Mads Østberg has big ambitions for Rally Norway, which will be his first WRC in 2009"

http://www.rallybuzz.com/adapta-wrt-full-access-prodrive/

[Halvis]

Solberg older brother has an extension for Ireland until 2nd january ;)

Considering todays good news of Petter being free of Subaru contract, maybe there's hope for him aswell afterall? They can't give an extended date for entry only for Henning, I presume...

[c4]

Confirmed or possible entries
http://www.rallybuzz.com/petter-solberg-any-team-2009-wrc/

[Tom206wrc]

Confirmed or possible entries
http://www.rallybuzz.com/petter-solberg-any-team-2009-wrc/



Will Treacy drive Polo S2000 ???? :confused:

[c4]

Will Treacy drive Polo S2000 ???? :confused:

No, sorry Tom206wrc, its Ken Treacy the Irish Lottery winner who will be driving a standard Group N Polo.

[c4]

No, sorry Tom206wrc, its Ken Treacy the Irish Lottery winner who will be driving a standard Group N Polo.

Linky http://www.rallyireland.org/news.aspx?article=279

[alleskids]

Duval has expressed his disaffection for WRC and having to pay for cars. He is focussing on the IRC, were he got paying drive offers.

[DonJippo]

Duval has expressed his disaffection for WRC and having to pay for cars. He is focussing on the IRC, were he got paying drive offers.

If he got those offers why has he not signed a deal yet? What is he waiting?

[Brother John]

If he got those offers why has he not signed a deal yet? What is he waiting?

I told you that answer for a long time ago! :D :s mokin:

[alleskids]

Some of the offers included a lot of developping of new cars, and Duval wants to have an instant result. I do not know how much technologic knowhow Duval has, how is developping skils are. How much of his input is inside the Focus WRC03?

[Brother John]

Prodrive supported Adapta. Prodrive talking also with Petter, but he must, however, want to drive with Adapta team.
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2008/12/28/prodrive-unterstuetzt-adapta/index.html

[J4MIE]

No Petter! Only take an Impreza as last resort!!!!! And even then think very carefully about it..... :s

[Salist]

Van Merksteijn jr. and sr. will do 8 WRC rounds in a Ford Focus WRC07

This is very good news for us. :-)

[Salist]

Service Park:IT Sligo (Friday – Sunday)

Where can be found this place in the city?

[Salist]

Would somebody to download this maps?
"You can download Rally Guide 2 (Appendix 2 -- Maps)"
http://www.rallyireland.org/competitors/competitor-documents

[fdebruyne]

Service Park:IT Sligo (Friday – Sunday)

Where can be found this place in the city?

Service Park in Sligo was last time near the "Sligo College" and on walking distance of the Clarion Hotel

[dcr22B]

Would somebody to download this maps?
"You can download Rally Guide 2 (Appendix 2 -- Maps)"
http://www.rallyireland.org/competitors/competitor-documents

You can only download those maps if you are a competitor.

[Tom206wrc]

43 crews on entrylist ???? :s

http://www.autoklub.pl/22774,news.html

[Salist]

dcr22B: Thanks.

[Salist]

Service Park in Sligo was last time near the "Sligo College" and on walking distance of the Clarion Hotel

Thank you very much!

[52Paddy]

I hope to make it to at least one day of this event. I'm not actually living in the rally area myself. I'd like to get the train (with my bike) up to Sligo and use the bike to commute around to the first days stages. Then head northwards as the rally progresses over the weekend. Might be a bit exhausting and expensive though. Is there much in line of accommodation still about the Northwest at the moment?

[Brother John]

Conrad Rautenbach will not drive as planned the Citroën C4 in Ireland but the previous model, the Xsara. :s mokin:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2008/12/30/schwaches-irland-starterfeld/index.html

[Tom206wrc]

Conrad Rautenbach will not drive as planned the Citroën C4 in Ireland but the previous model, the Xsara. :s mokin:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2008/12/30/schwaches-irland-starterfeld/index.html



Because his C4 will be driven by Petter Solberg ???? :D

[AlfaWRC]

Conrad Rautenbach will not drive as planned the Citroën C4 in Ireland but the previous model, the Xsara. :s mokin:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2008/12/30/schwaches-irland-starterfeld/index.html

I think he will drive the Xsara in Galway and the C4 at WRC-Ireland

[urabus-denoS2000]

And he will have #1 in Galway :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[Brother John]

Because his C4 will be driven by Petter Solberg ???? :D

Forget for Petter to drive a C4 because Citroën has not enough C4 cars.
At least 4 C4´s has been already occupied and 2 C4´s are ready for Loeb and Sordo in Norway. :p

[hype]

You can only download those maps if you are a competitor.

Aren't there any other maps on the website?
I can only find a small overview map.

I need maps to do a briefing :o

[rallyman82]

Hello!

This is my first rally Ireland. Which are the best sites to view the rally? stages, corners, hairpins, etc.

Thank's

[Salist]

Service Park - IT Sligo

54°16'44.29"N
8°27'48.20"W

[Salist]

Rally HQ - Clarion Hotel

54°16'54.32"N
8°27'39.15"W

[Salist]

Here is some video of Ireland Rally 2007...
http://www.rallybuzz.com/rally-ireland-preview-video/

[Salist]

Henning will starting on the Ireland Rally 2009 !!!!! :)
http://www.rallybuzz.com/henning-sol...onfirmed-2009/

+ 1 Ford Focus WRC

[Salist]

Well, what we know about entry list?

in WRC

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 McNulty?
Most Probably not Novikov (his inexperience on Tarmac and Citroen told that they have only five cars for season 2009). That means, Loeb, Sordo, Rautenbach, Atkinson and Ogier.
Unknowns are:
1. Aava
2. Galli
3. Qassimi
4. H.Solberg
5. Duval
6. Andersson
7. Gardemeister
8. Merkensteijn
9. Merkensteijn jun
10. Clark
11. Wilks


JWRC

1. Weijs?
2. Abbring?
Still much unknowns..

Happy Christmas night to everyone!


In WRC...

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 H.Solberg
14 Merkensteijn sr.
15 Merkensteijn jun.
16 McNulty?

[Salist]

Could anybody admin rename this topic to "Rally Ireland 2009 - Official thread" ???

[MartijnS]

I heard something about the van Merksteijn team not driving Ireland, because it's to close after the finish of Dakar. But I haven't read anything of it on the internet so I don't know if its true.

[pucky54]

Their program should be :

WRC Rally Ireland
26 januari - 1 februari
http://vm-motorsport.nl/nl/events/wrc-rally-ireland.php WRC Rally Norway
9 - 15 februari
http://vm-motorsport.nl/nl/events/wrc-rally-norway.php WRC Rally de Portugal
30 maart - 5 April
http://vm-motorsport.nl/nl/events/wrc-rally-portugal.php WRC Rally d'Sardegna
18 - 24 mei
WRC Rally Poland
22 - 28 juni
WRC Rally Finland
29 juli - 2 augustus
WRC Rally Catalunya
28 september - 4 oktober
WRC Wales Rally GB
19 - 25 oktober

[MJW]

What's going on?
Rally Ireland entries "closed" on December 23rd (there is a new rule in 2009 wrc that entries must close 5 weeks before day 1 of the recce) OK Henning has his special dispensation to Jan 2 - the day in rallyguide 2 that entries will be published. Today has seen the first full day back in work for many after Christmas and still no RI entry or list of Manufacturers / Manufacturer Teams, PCWRC and JWRC competitors.

Are things SO bad that organisers and FIA wont publish how many there are?

[Krigen]

In WRC...

1 Loeb
2 Sordo
3 Hirvonen
4 Latvala
5 Rautenbach
6 Atkinson
7 Ogier
8 Wilson
9 Ostberg
10 G. MacHale
11 A. MacHale
12 Boland
13 H.Solberg
14 Merkensteijn sr.
15 Merkensteijn jun.
16 McNulty?


Østberg want do Ireland

[rallyfiend]

What's going on?
Rally Ireland entries "closed" on December 23rd (there is a new rule in 2009 wrc that entries must close 5 weeks before day 1 of the recce) OK Henning has his special dispensation to Jan 2 - the day in rallyguide 2 that entries will be published. Today has seen the first full day back in work for many after Christmas and still no RI entry or list of Manufacturers / Manufacturer Teams, PCWRC and JWRC competitors.

Are things SO bad that organisers and FIA wont publish how many there are?

Relax, according to the event regulations the entry list isn't due to be published until the 8th.

[Micke_VOC]

Østberg want do Ireland

He will not do Ireland,
Have changed his plans to 8 events, so Ireland and Cyprus are out.

[c4]

43 confirmed entry
http://www.rallybuzz.com/rally-ireland-2009-entry-list/

[urabus-denoS2000]

Wilson #5????????? :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[RS]

43 confirmed entry
http://www.rallybuzz.com/rally-ireland-2009-entry-list/

Woohoo, go Conrad :D

Good news about Aava though.

[Mirek]

8 crews in JWRC... realy nice...

[urabus-denoS2000]

Yep,everyone gets at least one point

BTW Isnt Prokop too old for JWRC?

[Mirek]

No, he is still 26 until october...

[Salist]

In WRC...

1 Sebastien Loeb F Daniel Elena MC Citroen C4 A8
2 Dani Sordo E Marc Marti E Citroen C4 A8
3 Mikko Hirvonen FIN Jarmo Lehtinen FIN Ford Focus WRC 08 A8
4 Jari-Matti Latvala FIN Miikka Antilla FIN Ford Focus WRC 08 A8
5 Matthew Wilson UK Scott Martin UK Ford Focus WRC 08 A8
6 Urmo Aava EE Kuldar Sikk EE Ford Focus WRC 08 A8
7 Sebastien Ogier F Julien Ingrassia F Citroen C4 WRC A8
8 Chris Atkinson AUS Stephane Prevot B Citroen C4 WRC A8
9 Khalid Al Qassimi UAE Michael Orr GB Ford Focus WRC 08 A8
10 Henning Solberg N Cato Menkerud N Ford Focus WRC 08 A8
11 Conrad Rautenbach ZW Daniel Barritt GB Citroen C4 WRC A8
12 Eamonn Boland IRL Damien Morrissey IRL Subaru Impreza WRC A8
14 Gareth McHale IRL Brian Murphy IRL Ford Focus A8
15 Tim McNulty IRL Eugene O'Donnell IRL Subaru S12B A8
16 Aaron McHale IRL Killian Duffy IRL Ford Focus WRC A8
17 Gareth Jones GB Clive Jenkins GB Subaru 12B A8
18 Austin McHale IRL TBA Ford Focus WRC A8
19 Ray Breen IRL Martin Brady IRL Ford Focus A8
20 Michael Barrable IRL Dermot O'Gorman IRL Ford Focus A8
21 Stephen Murphy IRL Michael J Morrissey IRL Subaru Impreza S12B A8
65 Paddy White IRL Graeme Stewart IRL Ford Focus WRC A8
66 David James IRL Jim Crowe IRL Ford Focus A8

Source: http://www.rallybuzz.com/rally-ireland-2009-entry-list/

[Salist]

22 WRC, not bad...

[tolis]

Unfortunately only 8 crews for JWRC??Is it because of the economic crisis??

[MJW]

22 WRC, not bad...
numerically yes - quality wise its dismal - 4 drivers, plus gentlemen / rich kids and sponsor generators. I hope WRC 2009 starts in Norway. I wish and suspect PCWRC will be better supported than JWRC, with the likes of Flodin, Ketoma, Brynildsen, Sandell, etc
edit sorry I forgot about Ogier - I do rate him as a DRIVER so that makes 5

[RS]

numerically yes - quality wise its dismal - 4 drivers, plus gentlemen / rich kids and sponsor generators. I hope WRC 2009 starts in Norway. I wish and suspect PCWRC will be better supported than JWRC, with the likes of Flodin, Ketoma, Brynildsen, Sandell, etc

My thoughts exactly. The 4 works drivers obviously are pretty decent, Atkinson, Ogier and Aava should be interesting, but beyond that...

[urabus-denoS2000]

MJW,dont you rate Atko and Aava as drivers? ;)

[Dilek]

Entry List:
http://http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Program-entry-list-%28GMA%29.pdf

[MikeD]

Can some of you help me with a couple of questions?

1.) Will the cars for the McHale boys be prepared by Tom Gahan or Dom Buckley?

2.) Which team is preparing the car for Ray Breen?

3.) Which team is preparing the car for Michael Barrable?

4.) Which team is preparing the car for Stephen Murphy?

[urabus-denoS2000]

What are other (if there are any) drivers registered for JWRC?

Because if it is like this I see no point in Prokop competing.....

[52Paddy]

I agree that the WRC entry, while big, may not pose the best drivers the WRC (or even Ireland's national championships) have ever seen. But I would keep my eye out for Gareth Jones. I think he and Tim McNulty may prove to be the strongest national entrants.

And yes, I do know Gareth is from Britain (Wales?), before anyone points that out.

[MJW]

MJW,dont you rate Atko and Aava as drivers? ;)
sorry another mistake, Atko yes, not so sure about Aava, he got some good results in the C4 last year, but we will see if that was the car or him.
In fact all the interest I will have for this rally will be what Atko and Ogier do.

[rallyman82]

Hello!


Which is the best stage of Saturday in Rally Ireland? I like a good description of a good stage


Thank's

[jbmarcus21]

which weather are you in Ireland now ? Snow, Ice ??

[Salist]

which weather are you in Ireland now ? Snow, Ice ??

http://www.startpage.ie/Ireland/Weather/Sligo.aspx

[AndyRAC]

No offence intended, but starting the WRC in Ireland isn't a great idea. Despite great efforts, it is likely to be a low key start. Whereas, the IRC starts in Monte Carlo.......

[bluuford]

Actually I think it will be better rally than I initially could expect.
There are four drivers who are going to fight for the win and podium. 1. loeb, 2.Hirvonen, 3.Sordo and 4.Latvala
and then there will be another five who are fighting for the places from 5-9: 5. Ogier, 6. Aava, 7. Atkinson 8. Wilson 9. Solberg. And Finally, there will be really big fight who will be the best of the rest:-) In my mind they are all quite equal:-)The last one in top ten could be almost anyone of the locals:-) Rautenbach and Qassimi will have a srtong fight for 10th position ;-)

[BOZIANracing]

its prety cold here at the moment...-6 degrees last night!! maybe those monte spec tyres might come in handy...booked accomodation yesterday cant wait :D

[Mirek]

Quite warm, here in Czech republic it was between -20 and -36 last night (-36,4 on one place) :D

[VFTS]

Since we are talking about temperatures, In the Rally Norway area the temperature the last week have been between -15 and -30. But from sunday the weatherforecast says warm temperatures and probably around 0 degrees. Lets hope the snow and ice are not melting away next week...

[urabus-denoS2000]

]Quite warm, here in Czech republic it was between -20 and -36 last night (-36,4 on one place) :D

Perfect for a quick rally :D

[Iskald]

Since we are talking about temperatures, In the Rally Norway area the temperature the last week have been between -15 and -30. But from sunday the weatherforecast says warm temperatures and probably around 0 degrees. Lets hope the snow and ice are not melting away next week...

With the strong cold during the last 14 days it will require a long period of warm weather to create any troubles for Rally Norway.

[RS]

The last one in top ten could be almost anyone of the locals:-) Rautenbach and Qassimi will have a srtong fight for 10th position ;-)

Yes, they will have a great fight to see who can be the least slow :)

Apparantely, Breen will not take the start and never had any intention of doing so. Quite what he was doing on the entry list then is anyones guess.

[VFTS]

With the strong cold during the last 14 days it will require a long period of warm weather to create any troubles for Rally Norway.

Iskald, both you an I know that warm temperatures in the winters can create bad roads in 2-3 days. On Lillehammer the forecast says between +3 and +5 sunday and monday. The ice will just keep good for the 4-5 first cars then the wet gravel will appear.

I have been in the area just for some days ago. It is snow and ice on the roads.....but not much!!

But of course i hope it will snow a lot more the next month and with cold temperatures the roads will be perfect!

[young walsh]

The ‘Slowly Sideways’ club hope to run ten of their iconic GpB Rally Cars on Rally Ireland. On day one they will be driving stage 2 Cavan and stage 3 Aughnasheelin between the 2 runs of the main field. The GpB cars will then stay on route to the passage control in Boyle, where they will be on display for the evening. On the Saturday and Sunday they will drive most of the repeated stages, slotting in between the main rally. :)

[Roy]

Hmmm, no Merksteijn in Ireland. I see on the website their planning.

http://www.vm-motorsport.nl/nl/events.php

[Salist]

Maps: http://www.vm-motorsport.nl/en/events/wrc-rally-ireland/maps.php

[Josti]

Hmmm, no Merksteijn in Ireland. I see on the website their planning.

http://www.vm-motorsport.nl/nl/events.php

I think Ireland is too close to the finish of Dakar. Van Merksteijn did already retired from the event though.

[rallyman82]

Is possible see snow in the Rally Ireland Stages?

[Salist]

Rally Ireland 2007, Dani Sordo Crash video
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=5RBl3S6gYDk

[Salist]

Rally Ireland 2007 - Best time on SS20 Mullaghmore
http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=GLlpzld86Ao

[Salist]

WRC Rally Ireland 2007 Highlights (FlyinFinnMotorsport)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Og0wOM8DyA&feature=related

[Mirek]

Is possible see snow in the Rally Ireland Stages?

I think that there was some last year on Galway or somewhere else... :confused:

[Simmi]

The ‘Slowly Sideways’ club hope to run ten of their iconic GpB Rally Cars on Rally Ireland. On day one they will be driving stage 2 Cavan and stage 3 Aughnasheelin between the 2 runs of the main field. The GpB cars will then stay on route to the passage control in Boyle, where they will be on display for the evening. On the Saturday and Sunday they will drive most of the repeated stages, slotting in between the main rally. :)

That will go some way to appease the spectators watching only half the number of normal cars. Its a shame they weren't there last year when I was there!

[cosmicpanda]

Well, it's that time of the year again when I would normally start asking about snow in Monte Carlo.

What's the weather like in Ireland? :D

[noel157]

Well, it's that time of the year again when I would normally start asking about snow in Monte Carlo.

What's the weather like in Ireland? :D

Wet and windy, a balmy 6c today.......the frost and ice has gone but a lot can happen in 2 weeks, especially on the Atlantic coast. Personally I don't think it'll be too bad, more likely just wet and windy as per normal.

[young walsh]

No snow here sorry, wet and windy :( . Hopefully the roads wont be as mucky this year compared to last time. The tyres dont have the mousse system in them any more so the drivers wont be cutting the corners as much. Plus there will only be half the amount of cars going through :mad:

[Daniel]

No snow here sorry, wet and windy :( . Hopefully the roads wont be as mucky this year compared to last time. The tyres dont have the mousse system in them any more so the drivers wont be cutting the corners as much. Plus there will only be half the amount of cars going through :mad:
Yeah I doubt we'll see a repeat of the recent cold weather but we'll see I guess.

[pantealex]

Wilson #5????????? :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:
Not anymore:
http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Program-entry-list-%28GMA%29.pdf
5.Aava
6.Henning
7.Atkinson
8.Rautenbach
11.Ogier
16.Wilson

[cosmicpanda]

Thanks for the weather info.

What is the route like? My impression last time was of fast, narrow and bumpy tarmac farm lanes and lots of mud, which was fantastic. Am I right, or are there twisty mountain passes and the like as well?

[young walsh]

Stages are almost identical to last year. Only big difference is there is a street stage on Sunday which is in Donegal town. Looking forward to that one

[rallyman82]

At which time do they close the stages?

[farquar wrc]

Loeb out playing today
http://www.rally.ie/article.php?article_id=090112/182639

[bt52b]

At which time do they close the stages?

About three hours before, but they are monitored by officials at least 24hrs before.

[Mirek]

Does anyone know when Niall McShea tests Proton?

[Wasted Talent]

Not anymore:
http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Program-entry-list-%28GMA%29.pdf
5.Aava
6.Henning
7.Atkinson
8.Rautenbach
11.Ogier
16.Wilson

Agree Wilson wouldn't be right at 5 , but behind Rautenbach and Qassimi??

Okay I understand it is because Aava and Henning now the Stobart pair for this event

WT

[swordsman]

Agree Wilson wouldn't be right at 5 , but behind Rautenbach and Qassimi??

Okay I understand it is because Aava and Henning now the Stobart pair for this event

WT

Isn't it a twist from the rally organisers for a good road position or any other factor? Rally organisers have some freedom to seed the list themselves, and it seems like they've done that in this case... Or?

[young walsh]

It wouldent matter where in the road you put Wilson. Not knocking the chap but this will be his 3rd or 4th year full time in the wrc and whats the best hes done? 5th when most of the field retired. If it wasn't for his daddy he wouldn't be there.

[pantealex]

Isn't it a twist from the rally organisers for a good road position or any other factor? Rally organisers have some freedom to seed the list themselves, and it seems like they've done that in this case... Or?
Those numbers are car numbers from entrylist. That means that Ogier and Wilson are not driving for teampoints. Seeded order is different thing and will be based on last years pointstable (Loeb,Hirvonen,Sordo,Latvala,Atkinson...)

[Pinto]

Stages are almost identical to last year. Only big difference is there is a street stage on Sunday which is in Donegal town. Looking forward to that one

sure theres a brand new cavan stage which runs near glengevlin the stage would be NW of the glen boy stage

[Pinto]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFU9Kq3ZXbc action from the pre rallyireland test in bragan in monghan
also afew good pics here http://www.roydempster.com/album.asp?AlbumID=991&offset=0

[swordsman]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFU9Kq3ZXbc action from the pre rallyireland test in bragan in monghan
also afew good pics here http://www.roydempster.com/album.asp?AlbumID=991&offset=0

There are also a video uploaded by Atko's team on youtube from his test in France. Looks really, really nice!!
Search for "atkinson citroen" on youtube or check out my link below. :)

[Pinto]

yea saw that

some of the rally ireland stages were covered in three inches of snow this morning it had a very monte look about things

[noel157]

Aughnasheelin stage today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3206802846_862fa62ffc_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3206802840_33d869c75f_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3206802824_5e5089601f_m.jpg

Pictures provided by Southsider.

[cosmicpanda]

beautiful, let's hope it stays that way :D

[jbmarcus21]

The Google Earth Map of Ireland 2009 wrc is now available here : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[Pinto]

some of the stages were unpassable heavy snow on the leitrim stages

[jbmarcus21]

some of the stages were unpassable heavy snow on the leitrim stages

lot of snow in the stage, in this time, today ?

[hype]

The Google Earth Map of Ireland 2009 wrc is now available here : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

Nice, thanks.
Unfortunately, the satellite photos are crap mostly.

[hype]

Aughnasheelin stage today:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/3206802846_862fa62ffc_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3206802840_33d869c75f_m.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/3206802824_5e5089601f_m.jpg

Pictures provided by Southsider.

Wow, snow would be awesome :D
How's the weather forecast?
Looks like it stays cold.

[CWJ]

Hi Folks,

who could suggest B&B double room arround Enniskillen for Thursday-Sunday?

[bluuford]

Weather forecast for Ireland:

Well, currently it looks that if there was any snow left on stages it will melt in next few days. The temperature might be up to +6..+8 degrees. but currently it looks that Shakedown will start very rainy and then wind turns to north and there is very high possibility that it is getting colder and colder hour by hour starting from Thursday afternoon. At the same time precipitation possibility stays over 90%. So, snow and freezing temperatures are high possibility for next weekend. Still some time to rally start and it might change significantly.

[Woodeye]

http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/ralli/2009/01/787988

Latvala was in car crash already in Ireland. Someone Rautencrashed him. :) Car was destroyed but driver and codriver are ok.

[Miika]

In English:
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73005

[Iskald]

Henning Solbergs test in Ireland yesterday was cancelled (rather dramatically) when one of the marshals guarding the test stage was found dead. The man aged 60 had experienced massive heart failure and died instantly on the stage. Testing was of course abandoned in respect of the deceased and his family.

[noel157]

Brief Hirvonen interview:

""I've had two days of testing with the team on typical Irish roads which was very good. We found a good balance with the car and the tyres and my confidence is high,” he said. "But testing is one thing - the real rally is another. I know it is going to be difficult and I have to be realistic. The Citroens will be strong and tarmac is Sebastien's preferred surface. It will be important to get points and not risk too much."

And Hirvonen pointed out that the next round is Rally Norway, where the surface will switch from gravel to snow, and he and team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala, also Finnish, will be more at home.

"Sebastien is not quite so good on snow so we have a good chance there and with that in mind maybe we can risk a bit more in Ireland. I don't know. It will be a difficult rally and anything can happen, even to Sebastien. We have to be prepared to take advantage of any opportunity," he said.""

Full article:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/fans-show-enthusiasm-for-mikko-ahead-of-rally-ireland-14157735.html

[noel157]

Video of service park:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=LJKNESPd_Q4

[noel157]

JWRC test/shakedown in Ireland on Monday:

http://gallery.me.com/panda_moanium#100046

[pettersolberg29]

Henning Solbergs test in Ireland yesterday was cancelled (rather dramatically) when one of the marshals guarding the test stage was found dead. The man aged 60 had experienced massive heart failure and died instantly on the stage. Testing was of course abandoned in respect of the deceased and his family.


Without sounding cold-hearted (RIP Marshal), will Henning's test be rescheduled?

[Simmi]

Without sounding cold-hearted (RIP Marshal), will Henning's test be rescheduled?

Unfortunately he will probably have to make do with Shakedown.

[Halvis]

Unfortunately he will probably have to make do with Shakedown.

As always ...

Well, don't think Irland is Hennings main priority anyway, so it might not bother him that much.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

JWRC test/shakedown in Ireland on Monday:

http://gallery.me.com/panda_moanium#100046

thanks..

the white swift s1600... is the car of Forde or Bonnato?

The list includes only two Swift S1600... (Burkart & Bertolotti)

[anto-t]

http://ie.youtube.com/profile?user=r...ns&view=videos

A couple of recce videos uploaded now.. speeded up to get under the 10 min barrier of you tube... heading out to recce todays planned stages...

[Salist]

Weather forecast:
http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Sligo/forecasts/latest

[Wim_Impreza]

Weather forecast for Ireland:
So, snow and freezing temperatures are high possibility for next weekend. Still some time to rally start and it might change significantly.

Unfortunately it will be warm (10°C-11°C maximum and 5-7°C in the nights). Hopefully there is much rain than.

[bluuford]

According to my models, the forecast has changed significantly. During the shakedown it will be near to +5 but by the beginning of the start on Friday it rises as high as +10 degrees. Rain starts between 9-10 AM tomorrow.
And full rain should last at least until Friday morning 7 AM.
Then the whole day should be very light rain and some minutes without rain. Later in the evening most of the rain should stop.
Over two days forecast is not so precise anymore
Saturday:
It should be near to +5 degrees and small possibility of rain as well.

Sunday:
During the night the temperature falls as low as +2 degrees and during the morning stages it should be still +2 and later +3 degrees. So, if there are some stages in higher altitudes, then Sunday morning is the only time when we can experience some frost.

But for rally Norway the long time forecast looks very rough. Possibility of -30 degrees is very high :-)

[pucky54]

the white swift s1600... is the car of Forde or Bonnato?



Bonato

[Viking]

Weather looks ok.... :s mokin:

http://www.rallyireland.org/images/gallerynew/des/full/157_MyCustom.jpg

[Raini]

Weather looks ok.... :s mokin:

http://www.rallyireland.org/images/gallerynew/des/full/157_MyCustom.jpg

girls are ...oops whether is beautiful indeed... :D

[Salist]

Only one night and we going to Sligo :)

[Tom206wrc]

Can't wait for friday and the first three long stages :bounce:

[urabus-denoS2000]

So is there going to be a live stage?

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Bonato
thanks

[bluuford]

Rally Ireland have been forced to make a late change to one of the five stages running on Sunday 1st February. Due to the recent deterioration of a bridge, organisers have had to shorten the popular Arigna stage. The bridge has already been closed for a number of weeks by Leitrim County Council.
The length of the stage is now 10.8kms and will finish at Spectator Point G, in the Moneenatieve townland. Although Arigna has been shortened it will not impact on the times of any other stages which will run as originally scheduled. For more information on stage times check http://www.rallyireland.org

[Simmi]

So is there going to be a live stage?

Live stage through the Donegal streets. New stage for '09. I'm guessing it will be similar to the one they run in Germany. At least its not a side by side SSS.

[traxx]

Any news from shakedown ?
It seems that there is strong wind...

[muscrae]

Any news from shakedown ?


yes????

[Tom206wrc]

Shakedown news ??? :confused:

[Daniel]

Any news on who will win the 2010 drivers title in the WRC?!?!?!?!?!?! :confused: :mad:

[Simmi]

Any news on who will win the 2010 drivers title in the WRC?!?!?!?!?!?! :confused: :mad:

Its going to be the same guy that wins this mornings Shakedown stage.

[Daniel]

Its going to be the same guy that wins this mornings Shakedown stage.
I think you missed my point :p

[Simmi]

I think you missed my point :p

Oh yeah 2010 so I did. Its still early thats my excuse!

[AndyRAC]

Any news on who will win the 2010 drivers title in the WRC?!?!?!?!?!?! :confused: :mad:

Mmm, that's a really tough one, isn't it? Will there be a WRC? Will Loeb be in Sportscars?

However, why are there only 2 pure Tarmac events this year? Correct me if I'm wrong - the majority of roads the public drive on are Tarmac - and as the Manufacturers are in it to sell road cars, this seems crazy to me. Yes, they are less than interesting events, but tough, it's meant to be a test of all round driving ability. Not only that, there does seem to be a lot of rough, Mediterranean type events. Mini rant over.....

[Daniel]

Mmm, that's a really tough one, isn't it?

However, why are there only 2 pure Tarmac events this year? Correct me if I'm wrong - the majority of roads the public drive on are Tarmac - and as the Manufacturers are in it to sell road cars, this seems crazy to me. Yes, they are less than interesting events, but tough, it's meant to be a test of all round driving ability. Not only that, there does seem to be a lot of rough, Mediterranean type events. Mini rant over.....

Don't badmouth gravel! You'll have the uncouth Australian and his son in here telling you to ****ing pull your head in :p

[Simmi]

If thw WRC remained on its current trajectory you could see them saying 'we're going to do away with tarmac events so the teams can save money by not buying tarmac rims'.

[Daniel]

If thw WRC remained on its current trajectory you could see them saying 'we're going to do away with tarmac events so the teams can save money by not buying tarmac rims'.

If you don't already work for the FIA you should :p

[AndyRAC]

Don't badmouth gravel! You'll have the uncouth Australian and his son in here telling you to ****ing pull your head in :p

I love gravel, I really do.

Acropolis, Turkey, Cyprus, Sardinia, Jordan - all very similar - however, Acropolis is a classic. You should have a mix of fast gravel, slow gravel, rough gravel, etc

Hey, but what do I know? The WRC is such a staggering success I'll shut up.....

[Tom206wrc]

Its going to be the same guy that wins this mornings Shakedown stage.




Loeb best time shakedown :confused:


Where can I see the SD news :confused:

[Daniel]

Loeb best time shakedown :confused:


Where can I see the SD news :confused:
*sigh* You really are a one off Tom.......

[Tom206wrc]

It's Ireland thread here Daniel, not 2010 championship thread :rolleyes:

[Simmi]

I think the winner will be in a C4 but it wont be Loeb...

[Daniel]

It's Ireland thread here Daniel, not 2010 championship thread :rolleyes:
Tom, I was making fun of your comment :mark:

All you ever do is ask "where's the news!?!?!?!?!?!?"

[Daniel]

I love gravel, I really do.

Acropolis, Turkey, Cyprus, Sardinia, Jordan - all very similar - however, Acropolis is a classic. You should have a mix of fast gravel, slow gravel, rough gravel, etc

Hey, but what do I know? The WRC is such a staggering success I'll shut up.....
I agree :)

I simply don't get where all these Mediterranean events came from :mark:

I thought the WRC was trying to broaden it's appeal and not turn into the Med gravel championship. Where is the event in Africa? The event in Asia and a North American event?

[AndyRAC]

Remember the Safari?? How many of the current drivers have done it?

They were far to keen to get rid of it.....

[Daniel]

Safari??

Who is that? :p

[J.Lindstroem]

Tom, I was making fun of your comment :mark:

All you ever do is ask "where's the news!?!?!?!?!?!?"

Always great fun when you have to explain your jokes! :)

For more news about rallying go to my blog: sidewaysaction.blogspot.com ;)

[Daniel]

Always great fun when you have to explain your jokes! :)

For more news about rallying go to my blog: sidewaysaction.blogspot.com ;)
Yes :dozey:

[J.Lindstroem]

Yes :dozey:

did you notice that i just promoted my rally-blog haha

[noel157]

A few SD pictures but no times yet. Looked kinda dark this morning.

http://www.rallyphotographer.com/?q=showevent&event=445&PHPSESSID=b0ee3145067345fb3e1589ba6df100dd

[Daniel]

did you notice that i just promoted my rally-blog haha
:rotflmao: :D

[J.Lindstroem]

:rotflmao: :D

Thanks for the smile, it makes me happy.

[Shacki]

01. Mikko Hirvonen 1:38.0
02. Sebastien Loeb 1:38.4
03. Chris Atkinson 1:38.6
04. Dani Sordo 1:39.0
05. Jari-Matti Latvala 1:39.7
06. Matthew Wilson 1:39.9
07. Urmo Aava 1:40.9
08. Khalid Al-Quassimi 1:41.1
09. Henning Solberg 1:41.4
10. Conrad Rautenbach 1:41.7
11. Sebastien Ogier 1:42.4

[Viking]

Hirvonen im Shakedown vorn

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/top/topnews/d16/d/2009/01/29/hirvonen-im-shakedown-vorn/index.html

[J.Lindstroem]

Sebastien Ogier haha.

Sebastien Slowgier.

[Daniel]

Sebastien Ogier haha.

Sebastien Slowgier.
Conrad is faster than Ogier? :D

On another note where are the ****ing shakedown times?

[Mirek]

It's shakedown Mr. Lindstroem, rally starts tomorrow ;)

[Sturla]

Sebastien Ogier haha.

Sebastien Slowgier.

Don`t see anyone from Sweden there ;) S Ogier will show his speed, wait and see...

[Daniel]

Encouraging show of speed from Atkinson, of course it's only shakedown but I think this is a sign of things to come :)

[Viking]

Sebastien Ogier haha.

Sebastien Slowgier.


Sebastien Slowgear :)

Wonder what tarmac-ace Henning could have done in Monte :D

[Tom206wrc]

Sebastien Ogier haha.

Sebastien Slowgier.



Ask Wilslow to win the Monte-Carlo in S2000 we'll see... :rolleyes:

[Raini]

Sebastien Ogier haha.

Sebastien Slowgier.

I think you may cry tomorrow... :D

It must be some driving mistake...

[darkstar]

It must be some driving mistake...

probably...tomorrow he will beat their asses :D

[Simmi]

Its nice to see Citroen trying to mask the economic climate (badly) on their B-Team:

http://67.15.62.73/preview.asp?filename=dcd0929ja16.jpg
http://67.15.62.73/preview.asp?filename=dcd0929ja09.jpg
http://67.15.62.73/preview.asp?filename=dcd0929ja12.jpg

[Viking]

Yes, Atkinson and Rautenbach really seems like winners in the sponsor marked :)

[bluuford]

And Urmo Aava in white:
http://www.sutton-images.com/preview.asp?filename=drh29ja09wrc3753.jpg
Nice :-)

[Daniel]

Ask Wilslow to win the Monte-Carlo in S2000 we'll see... :rolleyes:

Tom206WRC meet humour, humour meet Tom206WRC.

[Simmi]

Its nice to see Citroen trying to mask the economic climate (badly) on their B-Team:

http://67.15.62.73/preview.asp?filename=dcd0929ja16.jpg
http://67.15.62.73/preview.asp?filename=dcd0929ja09.jpg
http://67.15.62.73/preview.asp?filename=dcd0929ja12.jpg

It doesn't make much sense to me. It totally defeats the point of rallying as a commerical exercise. I would assume they will at least stick a big Citroen sticker on tomorrow for the rally proper.

If I was Citroen and had a car with no sponsorship then why not plug yourself? Advertise your new road car, dealerships, anything! Thats what you get a lot of in Nascar because no one wants to look at a blank paint scheme.

Especially in the case of Atko they are missing a good opportunity IMO.

[Tom206wrc]

Tom206WRC meet humour, humour meet Tom206WRC.



OK I should have used smiley :p : instead of :rolleyes:

[cut the b.s.]

Tom206WRC meet humour, humour meet Tom206WRC.


Just googled 'french humour' top rely starts 'French attitudes;understanding strange behaviours'
the 2nd asks does humour exist in France?, going on to say 'Before the French revolution of 1987, the word humour was hardly known'!

:-)

[Buzz Lightyear]

It doesn't make much sense to me. It totally defeats the point of rallying as a commerical exercise. I would assume they will at least stick a big Citroen sticker on tomorrow for the rally proper.

If I was Citroen and had a car with no sponsorship then why not plug yourself? Advertise your new road car, dealerships, anything! Thats what you get a lot of in Nascar because no one wants to look at a blank paint scheme.

Especially in the case of Atko they are missing a good opportunity IMO. why would atko let Citroen brand HIS car, if he spent €185K to get it?

[tolis]

Some photos from the shakedown:
http://rallybel.be/2009irl11.htm

[Mirek]

JWRC shake:

1. Abring 1:54,5
2. Prokop 1:55,4
3. Bonato 2:02,3
4. Burkart 2:02,7
5. Bertolotti 2:02,8
6. Weijs jr. 2:03,3
7. Griotti 2:09,5

http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Shakedown-6.pdf

[Roy]

]JWRC shake:

1. Abring 1:54,5
2. Prokop 1:55,4
3. Bonato 2:02,3
4. Burkart 2:02,7
5. Bertolotti 2:02,8
6. Weijs jr. 2:03,3
7. Griotti 2:09,5

http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Shakedown-6.pdf

Abbring! :bounce:

[darkstar]

not bad! does anyone now why nurkart only drove once? interesting to see is also, that loeb could get the time alomst from the beginning, and didnt went much faster each try. hirvonen needed two trys to reach the 1,40 mark...hopefully he can push a little more tomorrow!

[JFL]

Some photos from the shakedown:
http://rallybel.be/2009irl11.htm
Funny to see that the front end of the M1 Focus still has the fake 08 shape.. Is'nt it allowed to change to the new look?

[darkstar]

Funny to see that the front end of the M1 Focus still has the fake 08 shape.. Is'nt it allowed to change to the new look?

they would need to homologate that. the faked lights look so ugly...

[ProRally]

So only 36 cars will start tomorrow, not so good.

[Tom206wrc]

So only 36 cars will start tomorrow, not so good.



Who are forfeit ??? :confused:

[pettersolberg29]

Anyone have more pics of Hennings Car?

[Jaanus]

Some photos of Hennings and Aavas Ford Focus new livery: http://www.worldrallypics.com/stobart/

[DonJippo]

Who are forfeit ??? :confused:

Can be seen from here http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Program-entry-list-(GMA).pdf (http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/2009/Program-entry-list-%28GMA%29.pdf)

[pettersolberg29]

Thanks Jaanus.

[alexlake]

So only 36 cars will start tomorrow, not so good.

why are there so few cars rallying? seems abit poor. is this ALL cars??

[ProRally]

why are there so few cars rallying? seems abit poor. is this ALL cars??

Yes, THAT IS ALL see above for entry list 7 forfaits !!!

[Simmi]

Withdrawals aren't uncommon in Irish rallying. I suppose having the rally early in the year makes it difficult because often last minute deals dont have time to go through/cars aren't ready etc. Part of the appeal of running the Irish round was the large amount of WRCs.

The JWRC has pretty much died and then you have the self-explanatory economic climate stuff. It is just really a sorry sight not seeing any works Subaru's in any of the pictures.

[alexlake]

glad I didnt bother going then, 36 cars!

[Mirek]

Was McShea doing shakedown?

[noel157]

According to local news rain Friday morning, might clear for a few hours and then more rain. Sat should mostly be clear with rain returning in the evening.
Temps 6 - 9 c.

Mirek, I believe McShea didn't do shakedown.

[CarlosF]

why are there so few cars rallying? seems abit poor. is this ALL cars??

It's a sad fact but a lot of guys realised that for the cost of doing Rally Ireland where they would get little or no exposure, they could do three or four rounds of the Tarmac or National Championships.

That said, it is a real shame that more of the Irish WRCs are competing. Fair play to those that have come out, in particular to the MacHale clan with their three Focus WRC's. Daddy Austin has said that it might mean they will have to give some national events a miss later on in the year, but they felt it was important to support their local event after years of trying to get the WRC to Ireland.

The reality though is that in the current economic situation there are an awful lot of WRC cars sitting in sheds and garages going nowhere and depreciating fast. Entry lists on national rallies are still fairly healthy but that is increasingly down to the clubmen in their Escorts and Civics rather than the class 8 and 4 drivers.

[Simmi]

It's a sad fact but a lot of guys realised that for the cost of doing Rally Ireland where they would get little or no exposure, they could do three or four rounds of the Tarmac or National Championships.

That said, it is a real shame that more of the Irish WRCs are competing. Fair play to those that have come out, in particular to the MacHale clan with their three Focus WRC's. Daddy Austin has said that it might mean they will have to give some national events a miss later on in the year, but they felt it was important to support their local event after years of trying to get the WRC to Ireland.

The reality though is that in the current economic situation there are an awful lot of WRC cars sitting in sheds and garages going nowhere and depreciating fast. Entry lists on national rallies are still fairly healthy but that is increasingly down to the clubmen in their Escorts and Civics rather than the class 8 and 4 drivers.

I think when it first got granted a WRC round the top Irish guys were all for it and everyone wanted to get out there on the world stage. It obviously didn't take long for the appeal to wear off, especially when people are tightening the purse strings. It is pretty telling when such a rallying hot bed cant even muster over 40 entries. Bad times.

[Mirek]

noel157: Thanks

[alexlake]

It's a sad fact but a lot of guys realised that for the cost of doing Rally Ireland where they would get little or no exposure, they could do three or four rounds of the Tarmac or National Championships.

That said, it is a real shame that more of the Irish WRCs are competing. Fair play to those that have come out, in particular to the MacHale clan with their three Focus WRC's. Daddy Austin has said that it might mean they will have to give some national events a miss later on in the year, but they felt it was important to support their local event after years of trying to get the WRC to Ireland.

The reality though is that in the current economic situation there are an awful lot of WRC cars sitting in sheds and garages going nowhere and depreciating fast. Entry lists on national rallies are still fairly healthy but that is increasingly down to the clubmen in their Escorts and Civics rather than the class 8 and 4 drivers.
Having watched some vids from the rally today, looks really great, but I wouldnt want to pay money to watch 36 cars, just not value for money. very sad, but i want to see at least 70-80 cars :(

[alexlake]

The JWRC has pretty much died and then you have the self-explanatory economic climate stuff. It is just really a sorry sight not seeing any works Subaru's in any of the pictures.

yeah, im going to look a right wally now with all my SWRT gear on :( (yeah, im one of those saddos that bought loads of the SWRT range! :rolleyes: what a fool!)

[Simmi]

Having watched some vids from the rally today, looks really great, but I wouldnt want to pay money to watch 36 cars, just not value for money. very sad, but i want to see at least 70-80 cars :(

Ireland doesn't charge for stage admission like Wales does. Obviously you'd have to pay to get over there but public roads means no ticketing. I know what you mean though about the number of cars and it not being worthwhile. If I lived anywhere in Ireland I'd still be there like a shot mind.

[AndyRAC]

I see the FIA need to grant a waiver for the WRC to actually be a 'World Championship' - as there are only 2 Manufacturers, 4 is the minimum, but because of the global economic climate, this waiver should be granted.

[AndyRAC]

Ireland doesn't charge for stage admission like Wales does. Obviously you'd have to pay to get over there but public roads means no ticketing. I know what you mean though about the number of cars and it not being worthwhile. If I lived anywhere in Ireland I'd still be there like a shot mind.

What if Rally GB charge £90 for a Rally pass and there are only 40-50 cars?

[Mirek]

Monte Carlo was free for spectators...

[Almeidafoto]

I see the FIA need to grant a waiver for the WRC to actually be a 'World Championship' - as there are only 2 Manufacturers, 4 is the minimum, but because of the global economic climate, this waiver should be granted.

Whose fault is this, the world economic crisis or FIA?
During an economic crisis is normal for a big company investing more money on promotion. So this would be a great time for car manufacturears to try to improve their sales on showing their products through motorsport. On the other hand, we have FIA.
FIA defends a cost reduction policy, but increases radically the burocratic costs, for a team to participate, or a club to organize a Rally, and their constant trgulations changes doesn't help at all...
How I miss mr. Ballestre...

[Almeidafoto]

]Monte Carlo was free for spectators...

And that's how Rallies should be ever, free for spectators!
Rallies are runned on normal roads, opened to everyday's traffic during the year. They're not runned in a circuit...
Stadiums Super Stages are obviously different. But there plenty of Rallies having those SS in local streets, would you charge any cent for that? Could we imagine Rallye Vinho da Madeira charging tickets for the opening SS on the streets of Funchal?
Rallying spirit id already dead! No more night stages, no more service strategy, there is the Super Rally rule, so no more real Rallying!
Should we pay for watching it?

[Almeidafoto]

Hirvonren has been the fastest during Shakedown, with 3 C4 right behind him.
Let's see how the first stagrds go. Stormy weatjer is expected for the whole rally.

[noel157]

Only charge for Rally Ireland is the grandstand on the Donegal town stage. Free on that stage otherwise and every other stage.

Yes, blowing a gale and raining, seems that's be the picture for tomorrow.

[Daniel]

Ireland doesn't charge for stage admission like Wales does. Obviously you'd have to pay to get over there but public roads means no ticketing. I know what you mean though about the number of cars and it not being worthwhile. If I lived anywhere in Ireland I'd still be there like a shot mind.

Agreed. I made the mistake of paying the stupid fees for Rally GB as well as doing the long drive down to South Wales and never again until firstly the championship becomes worthwhile to watch and ticket prices go through the floor. I will probably go to the IRC round in Scotland though....

[spyros]

is it the start of ss1 now?