Portugal 2009

[MJW]

Anybody have any experience of the Portugal 2007 WRC or even the 2008 IRC event? Considering a spectating trip in 2009.

[J4MIE]

No experience myself but there should be plenty of cheap flights, or maybe cheaper/easier to get a package deal.

[Sardalense]

The Rally Guide 1 is available since monday :

http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/index.php?MIT=3715&template_id=283&xpto=1&a[]=0,

Maps :

http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/index.php?MIT=3689&template_id=199&xpto=1&a[]=0,,

Itinerary :

http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/index.php?MIT=3701&template_id=268&xpto=1&a[]=0,,,

2 stages are new for wrc drivers, a lot of new versions, and only one stage (São Brás de Alportel) is the same, or almost the same as in 2007

[xspeedy]

I'd also like some feedback from this rally as I'm considering a trip there from the US. I have been to Germany, Corsica, and Sardinia. All have been great. Germany was a little too busy so hard to get good spectating positions. All were quite well organized.

[fastboy]

I have just booked to go to portugal in april and was wondering if there is any good maps with good detail of the gravel roads that the stages are running on, something like the ordanance survey maps we have in the u.k.If so where can you get them from?

[rbatista82]

Hello everyone.
I know that I look suspect (because I'm Portuguese), but I think you should make a visit to Portugal to see the WRC.
Apart from having one fantastic rally, the region of Algarve offers you all the conditions to combine some good days of vacation, beach and Rally.

I'm also a co-driver in national championship's and you show you some onboard imagens from the special stages.

Fly to Portugal, a Rallying country :)

[Sardalense]

I have just booked to go to portugal in april and was wondering if there is any good maps with good detail of the gravel roads that the stages are running on, something like the ordanance survey maps we have in the u.k.If so where can you get them from?

http://www.ralideportugal.blogspot.com

You will find the maps from the last year´s stages. It´s also available the google earth files, click in "Ficheiros Google Earth".

[Tom206wrc]

Looks like Bruno Magalhaes will run there in his 207 S2000 ;)


Pwrc drivers will suffer(including Sandell in the Fabia) :p :

[StevieWonder]

our fanclub will also be there - 8 guys will enjoy the rally

and this is where we got a cheap location during our stay: http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk

[J4MIE]

I am considering going as I have found some convenient flights :up:

[Sami]

I was watching irc there in 2008 and enjoyed the rally a lot.

Not gonna tell you too much of the stages as they are not the same, but really nice, fast, spectacular they were in 2008. A bit rough though for my rented Polo :)

Well organiced, the best in the World spectator quide with air photos of the spectating spots and amazing road book service provided for spectators free of charge! I liked even the SSS in Faro, big slides with gravel tyres on tarmac!

The Algarve region is great for combining holidays with rallying, if the weather is there already as the rally is a bit earlier than 2008. It was nice to come back to coast line from stages, feeling a bit dusty, and dive in the ocean! Refreshing!

Have a nice rally!

[AlfaWRC]

[quote="StevieWonder"]our fanclub will also be there - 8 guys will enjoy the rally

really? ;-)

[StevieWonder]

our fanclub will also be there - 8 guys will enjoy the rally

really? ;-)

yes we will have a great time at the algarve

but one question: Alfa WRC - had it ever exist ??? ;-)

[xspeedy]

Interested in an American guest? I think I'll be there with the family. My son Sebastien (after Loeb) said "rally" for the first time just before turning two. He was with us at Sardegna in 08, but I think he was a little too young to know what was going on. Now that he shows an interest, I think he'll enjoy Portugal.

[jbmarcus21]

I would like to go to Portugal Rally.. But today i have seen on official website a pass for the rally ??? http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/loja/mostra_produto.php?MIT=500000000&produto_id=1083

The rally is not free ???.. Pay Pass for what exactly ?? Only Super Special Stage, parking, cap and map ??..
The Special stage is free, not ?

Thanks ;)

[JRodrigues]

I would like to go to Portugal Rally.. But today i have seen on official website a pass for the rally ??? http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/loja/mostra_produto.php?MIT=500000000&produto_id=1083

The rally is not free ???.. Pay Pass for what exactly ?? Only Super Special Stage, parking, cap and map ??..
The Special stage is free, not ?

Thanks ;)

That pass is for the 2 SS and some exclusive zones to watch the rally. All other zones are free.

[Sardalense]

I would like to go to Portugal Rally.. But today i have seen on official website a pass for the rally ??? http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/loja/mostra_produto.php?MIT=500000000&produto_id=1083

The rally is not free ???.. Pay Pass for what exactly ?? Only Super Special Stage, parking, cap and map ??..
The Special stage is free, not ?

Thanks ;)

Rally Pass 2009 - Official Product

Grandstand Ticket SS1 - Algarve Stadium
Grandstand Ticket SS18 - Algarve Stadium
Free Exclusive Parking Zone - Algarve Stadium
Access to the exclusive Rally Pass Spectators Zone - Day 1
Access to the exclusive Rally Pass Spectators Zone - Day 2
Access to the Service Park and Sponsors Village areas
Access to the ACP VIP Lounge
Official Merchandising Vodafone Rally of Portugal 2009
Official Programme Vodafone Rally of Portugal 2009

Price: 150,00€

[jbmarcus21]

thanks for your help... So no need pass rally, if we're going out of exclusive spectator zone ...

So i thnik for service park, it will be a price only for entry ... 10€ or 15€ for service park i think

[Sardalense]

About the service park I don´t know exactly what will happen this year.

Last year it was free, but 2 years ago they had small cark parks near the stadium, but the main system to get there was by bus.

The organisers created many car parks in Faro or Loulé and the spectators had free buses to go to the stadium.

[jbmarcus21]

thanks ;)

and which stage are the best ?? or which place in the rally is really important to do ?

[Sardalense]

thanks ;)

and which stage are the best ?? or which place in the rally is really important to do ?

I´m still investigating ;)

[jbmarcus21]

thanks ;)

[StevieWonder]

http://www.ipatec-racing.nl/nl/kalender.php

1 or 2 cars in portugal - great !!!

[StevieWonder]

and also van merksteijns will be there:
http://www.vm-motorsport.nl/en/events.php

[Tuscany gravel]

Hello to everyone. I'm new in the forum.

So, i would to go in Portugal for WRC event in april and i'm investigating for good point in some special stages.
Anyone know where is this spectacular jump in this video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE3yt04bsz8

Thanks

[mdesign]

Hello to everyone. I'm new in the forum.

So, i would to go in Portugal for WRC event in april and i'm investigating for good point in some special stages.
Anyone know where is this spectacular jump in this video?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE3yt04bsz8

Thanks
Don't know were it his, but I hope it takes part of this year route, and someone around here can tell us were it is :)

[Sardalense]

Don't know were it his, but I hope it takes part of this year route, and someone around here can tell us were it is :)

The jump is on stage 2/5 Ourique at km 9.92. The best way to get there is using a spectator acess that will be created at km 8.51, and walk 1.4 km. You have to do this very very early because the marshalls do not allow you to walk on the stage and leave the area created for the spectators if you arrived 1h/1h30 before the first car start the stage.

Here is the place of the jump (where the cross is):

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=37.448589&lon=-8.244623&z=17.7&r=0&src=msa

And the spectator access that I refer :

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=37.444032&lon=-8.257339&z=17&r=0&src=msa

Most of the roads around the stage will be close because in the next day most of the closed roads will be stages :)

[Tuscany gravel]

The jump is on stage 2/5 Ourique at km 9.92. The best way to get there is using a spectator acess that will be created at km 8.51, and walk 1.4 km. You have to do this very very early because the marshalls do not allow you to walk on the stage and leave the area created for the spectators if you arrived 1h/1h30 before the first car start the stage.

Here is the place of the jump (where the cross is):

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=37.448589&lon=-8.244623&z=17.7&r=0&src=msa

And the spectator access that I refer :

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=37.444032&lon=-8.257339&z=17&r=0&src=msa

Most of the roads around the stage will be close because in the next day most of the closed roads will be stages :)


Than you very very much!! :)
If you want to came to Sardinia, ask me for all! ;)

I've also searching for a gravel-tarmac point. I've found one on Loulè. What's about that point? Is it difficult to see and reach for marshall? There are also other point like Loulè or similar?

Sorry for all these questions. It's my first time in this rally :p

[mdesign]

The jump is on stage 2/5 Ourique at km 9.92. The best way to get there is using a spectator acess that will be created at km 8.51, and walk 1.4 km. You have to do this very very early because the marshalls do not allow you to walk on the stage and leave the area created for the spectators if you arrived 1h/1h30 before the first car start the stage.

Here is the place of the jump (where the cross is):

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=37.448589&lon=-8.244623&z=17.7&r=0&src=msa

And the spectator access that I refer :

http://www.flashearth.com/?lat=37.444032&lon=-8.257339&z=17&r=0&src=msa

Most of the roads around the stage will be close because in the next day most of the closed roads will be stages :)
Many thanks!!!
(Brigadao)

[SchUMine]

our fanclub will also be there - 8 guys will enjoy the rally

and this is where we got a cheap location during our stay: http://www.holiday-rentals.co.uk

Also my plan is to be there, can I meet you? Do you have Mikko t-shirts for girls? :)

[PLuto]

74 crews send their entry form to Rally de Portugal: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=8038

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/b_2e534755ea2a029daf861a91e9533f08.jpg

[Sardalense]

14 M1+M2 Teams
18 PWRC
7 JWRC

[rbatista82]

74 teams in Portugal
Entry List (http://www.supermotores.net/sm/noticia.asp?id=10926)
:)

[MJW]

Some good news in 2009. To put things in perspective Ireland was an expensive "get to" for most of Eurpoe as it usually involves getting to UK first and then another ferry to Ireland, similar story with Cyprus, sea passage involved. Luis Moya when he was championing the case for Portugal's return in its candidate status allways said that the accomodation was cheap, and costs of getting there compared to many mediteranean island events (Cyprus, Sardinia, and Corsica - not all in the same year) was reasonable.
Hope Portugal gets a great rally.

[jbmarcus21]

74 teams in Portugal
Entry List (http://www.supermotores.net/sm/noticia.asp?id=10926)
:)

line number 7 !! Powaaa !! Marcus & Timo !!!!

[Tom206wrc]

First time "a lot" of S2000s will meet one another on a WRC event ;)

[Tuscany gravel]

Portugal is one of the historic and best wrc rallyes, like other many European events..

The provisory entry list is demostration of that

[Mirek]

5 Czech crews, gravel record :)

[wwbroe]

I am wondering what Magalhaes can do over there, he was very fast last year in the IRC-run of the rally. I think he will be very hard to beat in Gr. N. Let's wait and see in comparison with Sandell and the Fabia. ;)

[Donney]

I think I might be going to Portugal this year so all these good news are just making me more and more willing to go. :D

[pavlos_a]

I am wondering what Magalhaes can do over there, he was very fast last year in the IRC-run of the rally. I think he will be very hard to beat in Gr. N. Let's wait and see in comparison with Sandell and the Fabia. ;)

For sure he will set top 3 times. He has the speed, car and knowledge to win the rally. But there are many good drivers also competing...

[COD]

Portugal is also the first round for the Pirelli Star drivers. Any predicitions on how they'll do there and who will be fastest of them? My prediction (surprise?) is that Jarkko Nikara will be way faster than any other Pirelli driver there

[JAM]

For sure he will set top 3 times. He has the speed, car and knowledge to win the rally. But there are many good drivers also competing...


His big problem are the Pirelli Tyres. He uses since always Michelin. The Pirelli are heavier 5kg an much harder than the Michelin. Because of that he tested only tyres during 1 day in Algarve last week.

[pavlos_a]

His big problem are the Pirelli Tyres. He uses since always Michelin. The Pirelli are heavier 5kg an much harder than the Michelin. Because of that he tested only tyres during 1 day in Algarve last week.

tires are the same for everybody, so there is no problem, apart that he has to find the right suspension setup

[SchUMine]

Portugal is also the first round for the Pirelli Star drivers. Any predicitions on how they'll do there and who will be fastest of them? My prediction (surprise?) is that Jarkko Nikara will be way faster than any other Pirelli driver there

I agree; Nikara has big chance!

[JAM]

tires are the same for everybody, so there is no problem, apart that he has to find the right suspension setup

To find the right suspension setup with unkonwn tyres is problem that demand work. Then he has a problem.

[Mirek]

Portugal is also the first round for the Pirelli Star drivers. Any predicitions on how they'll do there and who will be fastest of them? My prediction (surprise?) is that Jarkko Nikara will be way faster than any other Pirelli driver there

Agree, also think that Nikara will be on top of them.

[StevieWonder]

that´s how the pirelli star driver´s car should look like:

[JAM]

Some memories from 1998:

1998 Rally of Portugal report (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaATQcsAjVw)


Looking at this video, it's not dificult to understand why WRC is so poor and has lack of interest nowadays.

[Tuscany gravel]

Some memories from 1998:

1998 Rally of Portugal report (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaATQcsAjVw)


Looking at this video, it's not dificult to understand why WRC is so poor and has lack of interest nowadays.

Yes, of course! That wrc were the most spectacular cars of wrc era.. And there were a lot of fast and spectacular pilots..

Actually, watching tv i think that Algarve stages are beatiful, but Arganil and Fafe stages were so great!

[fastboy]

Does anyone have any idea when car park maps will be up on the web site?,there seems to be very little information with only 4 weeks to go.
Also will there be any better maps of the stages?

[AndyRAC]

Some memories from 1998:

1998 Rally of Portugal report (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaATQcsAjVw)


Looking at this video, it's not dificult to understand why WRC is so poor and has lack of interest nowadays.

AH, yes, what a great event 1998 was. That event sums up everything that is great about World Rallying, unfortunately - it also sums up everything that is wrong nowadays.
McRae vs Sainz - the early WRCars were my favourites.
How is that 11 years ago?
Agree about the Arganil/Fafe stages - a pity the event couldn't go back there.

[Tuscany gravel]

Anyone know when the spectators rally guide will publish?

[Sardalense]

Videos from the stages :

Ourique - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1659

Silves - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1660

Malhão - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1661

Santa Clara - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1662

Vascão - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1667

São Brás - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1670

[Psycho!]

Guys don't forget that today will be opened Marcus' new site!!!

[jbmarcus21]

Guys don't forget that today will be opened Marcus' new site!!!

yesss !!! 18 pm o'clock !!!!!!!!!!!!! GO MARCUS !

[JRodrigues]

Guide to the rally: http://www.autosport.pt/data/files/inforaliportugal.rar

[jbmarcus21]

Guys don't forget that today will be opened Marcus' new site!!!

time is over ... and nothing .... :( ... Wait and see lolll

[JFL]

2 hours on overtime! Is'nt it? It's almost 20.00 in Finland now..

[jbmarcus21]

4 times report for new opener ! ... This afternoon 6pm o'clock now !

[jbmarcus21]

Not anymore .. today

[wrc_flipper]

75 entries from 28 countries in the official entry list (but it does cover wrc, pwrc, jwrc and fsti)

[JRodrigues]

http://www.prodrive.com/images/gallery/original/Prodrive_Impreza_WRC2008.jpg :s mokin: :s mokin:

[Tuscany gravel]

Videos from the stages :

Ourique - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1659

Silves - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1660

Malhão - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1661

Santa Clara - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1662

Vascão - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1667

São Brás - http://video.autohoje.com/play.php?vid=1670

Great job!! :eek: Really fantastic! But who have doing that videos? You, organization or some magazine?!

But Almodovar and Loulè don't have any video?

[Sardalense]

Great job!! :eek: Really fantastic! But who have doing that videos? You, organization or some magazine?!

But Almodovar and Loulè don't have any video?

The videos were made by the organization.

[StevieWonder]

does anybody can give info about closing time of the stages ???

[Finni]

I wonder how Loeb is going to win this event. He will be sweeping three full days if other drivers wants it... Solberg has the best road position..

[AlfaWRC]

I really like that entry list:
http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/suporte/documentos/%7B1573968210-20090319-150320%7D_Lista_Inscritos_RP09_v4_190309.pdf

[VFTS]

You can delete Andreas Mikkelsen from the entrylist, he will not start.

[Mirek]

is it nocfirmed?

[greencroft]

I wonder how Loeb is going to win this event. He will be sweeping three full days if other drivers wants it... Solberg has the best road position..

I think Marcus has a better one!

[Viridian Black]

that livery is horrible

[Finni]

I think Marcus has a better one!

In the case of Subie it's not enough ;-)

[Doon]

Gronholms road position is not better then Solbergs if it is dry. Marcus will be making up plenty of time on Al-Qassimi and with hanging dust it could be a big problem for him!

[bennizw]

Remember, this is the entry list, not the start list?
The front runners will start in championship positions, don't know about Marcus though.

[VFTS]

Remember, this is the entry list, not the start list?
The front runners will start in championship positions, don't know about Marcus though.

There are 12 drivers with points, 11 of them will start in Portugal, then Marcus will start in roadposition 12, 13 or 14th the first leg.

[StevieWonder]

http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.ns ... TE-Priorit (http://argent.fia.com/web/fia-public.nsf/6BAE726CDD734C73C125755F00543613/$FILE/LISTE-Priorit)é-2-2009.pdf

according this list marcus is actually ´priority 2´ driver !

according to this, I think, it´s not possible for him start in front of ´priority 1´drivers and ´priority 2´ drivers with points

but I do not know exact regulation !

[Addicted]

I wonder how Loeb is going to win this event. He will be sweeping three full days if other drivers wants it... Solberg has the best road position..

Maybe Loeb goes flatout all three days and shows that road position doesn`t matter so much if you have some talent for fast driving?

[Psycho!]

I wonder how Loeb is going to win this event. He will be sweeping three full days if other drivers wants it... Solberg has the best road position..
Take into account the weather!!!This week was very warm and sunny but for the next,things seem to change...... :dozey:

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Of Portugal Rally
http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[Sardalense]

Again, videos of the stages :

http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/67921
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/67934
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/68102
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/68104
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/68105
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/68115
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/68119
http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/68120

[Finni]

Maybe Loeb goes flatout all three days and shows that road position doesn`t matter so much if you have some talent for fast driving?

Do you remember any gravel rallies that Loeb won by driving first in the second and third day? I remember only Finland where road position is not that important.

[Finni]

Do you remember any gravel rallies that Loeb won by driving first in the second and third day? I remember only Finland where road position is not that important.

I forgot greece.

[Sardalense]

Official Spectators Guide :

http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/guia09/

[mdesign]

Official Spectators Guide :

http://www.rallydeportugal.pt/guia09/


Nice work from the organizators... I've allready decided where to stay, but that sure would have helped.

[Tuscany gravel]

Nice work from the organizators... I've allready decided where to stay, but that sure would have helped.

Of course! It's very nice work of organizators.. I came in Portugal to follow wrc this year and this guide is fantastic..

Rally Sardinia must to learn from Portugal spectator's guide!!

[morganmilan]

I plan to go to Portugal rally too. I´m thinking leaving the car in a secondary road and walk into the stages at least one and a half hours before towards a free zone for spectators. Do you think will it be possible? Will it be the traffic so heavy on that roads that I really can´t move my car following the rally? :confused:

[bluuford]

Weather for Portugal:

At the moment it looks that from 29th of March to 3rd April it will be completely dry in Portugal (Further I cannot say). But it is till 9 days to go and it might change. But at he moment it looks that road will be dry. Temperature is increasing every day starting from 31-st of March. Average daily temperature should be between 15-20 degrees :-)

[DonJippo]

Marcus testing for Portugal in Spain http://www.nelonen.fi/videot/urheilu/default.asp?c=2

[bennizw]

Can anyone translate what he says?

[Miika]

"The feeling to driving in the test road feels quite normal but making notes might be a bit difficult - the notes can be either too slow or otherwise wrong and that can affect on the driving.
...
I haven´t set any goals for getting into points or such but of course it can be dissapointing if the speed isn´t what I want. But I don´t see any reason why the result in the rally couldn´t be quite good."


Something like that.

[rallyman82]

Which is de the most spectacular stage in day 1 and day 2? hairpins, jumps, etc.

Thank's!

[JFL]

Can anyone translate what he says?

Gronholm's comments in the video translated by amjayes:

The feeling of driving on the test road feels quite normal but making notes might be a bit difficult - the notes can be either too slow or otherwise wrong and that can have an affect on the driving.
I haven't set any goals for getting into the points or such but of course it can be disappointing if the speed isn't what I want. But I don't see any reason why the result in the rally couldn't be quite good.
Gronholm added on his website:

I have the same feeling I had when I last drove competitively nearly 18 months ago. The test was good, the car ran well and we made some improvements to the set up of the car. All I have to do now is to remember how to make my pace notes!

[Tuscany gravel]

Anyone knows if spectators must reach the stage only with Spectators Zone acces?

For example, in the ss 10-13 Vascao, i can see an acces to the stage, a few km after ZE1, in a right-hairpin..or near Corte do Ouro, from Ameixial, in gravel-tarmac bend..
Thanks

[Sardalense]

Anyone knows if spectators must reach the stage only with Spectators Zone acces?

For example, in the ss 10-13 Vascao, i can see an acces to the stage, a few km after ZE1, in a right-hairpin..or near Corte do Ouro, from Ameixial, in gravel-tarmac bend..
Thanks

Most of the roads will be closed. The harpin that tou refer was a ZE last year but this year all the road between Dogueno and Santa Cruz will be closed (506 in the map).

[Tuscany gravel]

Most of the roads will be closed. The harpin that tou refer was a ZE last year but this year all the road between Dogueno and Santa Cruz will be closed (506 in the map).

Thanks..

But so, if i would to see ZE1 of Almodovar in the morning and after go to ZE 2 or Corte do Ouro (504) in Vascao for the second round, i can't reach this point by 506? I must to reach ZE only in the morning?

[Sardalense]

Thanks..

But so, if i would to see ZE1 of Almodovar in the morning and after go to ZE 2 or Corte do Ouro (504) in Vascao for the second round, i can't reach this point by 506? I must to reach ZE only in the morning?

To be honest I don´t know if that road will be closed or not, only during the day we will know :(

[Hartusvuori]

http://www.vauhdinmaailma.fi/vm-klubi/galleria/marcus-gronholmin-portugalin-testit

Here's a longer feature from Grönholm's Spanish test for Subaru and Rally Portugal. There's some nice driving shots and in-car from the test.

First part of the interview is same as translated above.

After 1'33":

"Admittedly I had an itch to get to drive again. Subaru were in contact already late last year. That was almost a done deal. Then they got enthusiastic again on the matter that we should do one rally - so why not. If it's nice and funny, why not."

After 2'06":

"The car feels rather nice at the moment after all the alterations. Perhaps - how would I say it - what'd need most driving and testing is suspension of course. There's all sorts of things to be done. But we have only limited time, so we can't do much. Biggest change for me was that we got the steering made right and that's feeling good now. That have huge impact on the driving."

Then on the subject of Ford's current Finnish double and their success. After 2'46":

"I think they've evolved a lot. Big audience may think that they can't cope with Loeb at all and that Loeb is better by far. Well, it ain't exactly like that. Loeb just can beat them also in the tight fights as well. If the difference is something like seven seconds or how it was in Norway, it means that Mikko (Hirvonen) didn't drive slowly. There's a misundestanding that the Finns wouldn't be driving well."

Then a question to co-driver Timo Rautiainen on his involvement on the comeback. After 3'20":

"I didn't think much about it. I had already promised when Marcus decided to quit that if he's ever willing to make a return - even a one-off - I'm ready to join him. So of course I joined him."
"Car is fine at the test. It turns, acts logically. Tyres are new for us, we have no experience on them. There's some grip missing from what we feel. Maybe that could be bettered by adjusting the suspension, but I think we are now quite close to settings we'll use at the rally. We'll gonna have fun and get a good result for ProDrive."

Then Grönholm on his decision to quit. After 4'02":

"At the time the decision felt right, we've had enough. After 4-5 months I got the need to get a little adreline, something to do with driving, pushing the limits. It've been difficult, but on the other hand I don't want to join the circus again with all the testing and travelling. This is fine, just a few gigs a year."

Then about the end result of Rally Portugal. After 4'32":

"I think we'll be third. That'll be as high as it can be. I don't know anything about others."

[Finni]

At least Marcus' self-confidence seems to be good :-)

It will be interesting rally because there is jokers like Marcus and Petter coming from good road-positions. However Xsara should be cleraly more competitive than Subaru.

[Niels H]

Could someone give me the portuguese words for, Jump and watersplash? The online translation sites gives me to many options.

[Luis Pacheco]

Jump - salto
Watersplash - passagem de água

[Niels H]

Jump - salto
Watersplash - passagem de água

Thanks!

[fastboy]

Will it be possible to drive the stages when the recce is going on?
Or are the stages closed when they are doing the recce?

[Sardalense]

PWRC/JWRC Tests :

http://picasaweb.google.pt/joaocpc/TestesRaliDePortugal2009#

[Mirek]

Does anyone know which car Mikkelsen uses for Portugal? Is it second BRR Fabia? I don't see him on tests with URT...

[VFTS]

]Does anyone know which car Mikkelsen uses for Portugal? Is it second BRR Fabia? I don't see him on tests with URT...


He will not start in Portugal.

[Mirek]

Ups, sorry, I forgot ;)

[swordsman]

Guys, I gave Patrik Sandell a call this evening. Annoying to hear him chilling in the sun as I stay in Sweden with +4, rain and windy conditions. Anyway, here's a small interview: http://www.maxattack.net/2009/03/interview-patrik-sandell-goes-for-portugal-win/

[JAM]

SE Algarve Stadium is ready

http://www.postimage.org/PqEKSRi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=PqEKSRi)

[quimrally]

smalll video of Petter Solberg and Phil Mills testing for Portugal Rally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2OIx8HuM4M

Gallerys of JWRC and PWRC tests (from web site ralis.online.pt):
http://www.fotosralis.online.pt/testerp209/
http://www.fotosralis.online.pt/testesrppwrc09/
http://www.fotosralis.online.pt/testerpruisan09/

[Sardalense]

PWRC/JWRC Tests :

http://picasaweb.google.pt/joaocpc/TestesRaliDePortugal2009#

New link :

http://picasaweb.google.pt/joaocpc/TestesRaliDePortugal2009SantanaDaSerra#

[quimrally]

Frow the same website Ralisasul.com, the video of the testing of the PWRC and Group N cars in Portugal
Includes Nasser All Atyah, Flodin, Gill, Armindo Araujo, Teodosio, Bruno Magalhaes, Tarabus, Bernardo Sousa, Prokop... hope you enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwNEFR0MWJo

[Mirek]

Thanks for the video. It looks like Tarabus makes a good progress on gravel. He doesn't look slow in the video :)

[quimrally]

Not at all. Jaromir Tarabus was a big surprise on yesterday test. No only he was fast, he was also very spectacular.

Local driver Bruno Magalhaes was the fastest. Usual to Michelin/BF Goodrich the Pwugoet Sport Portugal driver has a good adaptation to Pirelli tyres... he was not driving he was flying on that stage.

Nasser All-Attyah and Armindo Araujo were also fast.
Prokop was more careful, but fast.

In here the white Punto is from Bernardo Sousa and was doing the first km. The car brand new prepared by Procar and was finished in Monday at 11:30 am.

Unfortunately, Sandell, Brynildesen and Arai weren't there.

Later the videos from JWRC... finishing the footage - beacause the dust and sun, qe have some trouble with the 3 cameras... we've lost a lot of scenes.

[quimrally]

Finally

Tests of JWRC. Includes Abbring, Hans Weijs Jr, Bertolotti, Kosciusko, Griotti, Bonato, Petak....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKPeN4l6UhY

[ugriotti]

Do you have any of the times for the JWRC and PWRC tests?

[bluuford]

I heard that Loeb´s Citroen C4 was stolen from Citroen camp last night and Citroen is desperately trying to find that stolen car. Loeb, Quensel and even all mechanics are searching from nearby villages...

Here are some quotes:

At the same time Quensel managed to get special agreement from FIA. Qunsel: "If we cannot find the car then we have an agreement with Villagra and FIA that we can use his Ford Focus with our (Citroen) spare engine"!

Villagra commented: "Yeah, I will give my car to Loeb. Luis (Luis Perez Companq) told me to promote his ice cream well in Portugal and I found it the best to give my car to Loeb. Then I can walk around service park and spectate stages and meanwhile give some free ice cream for nice ladies!"

Answering to the question what plans he has with Ford engine Villagra told: "I sold it to Marcus (Grönholm), he is my good friend and he needs some extra power for that Subaru to win in Portugal. Now he can fit two engines to his Subaru (FIA-s rule is that only one engine for three rallies is allowed, but Marcus is using loophole in rulebook that he didnt took part in first three rallies and therefore he is using one engine which was meant for first three rallies and second engine witch is meant for next three rallies"

Marcus commented: "I am really grateful to Villagra. I really needed that extra power to that Subaru and anyway, I think it will fix the lack of grip in the rear as we plan to fit Villagras engine to the rear of my Subaru. Now the back-end is much heavier and therefore more downforce as well. Subaru engine is going to drive firont wheels and Ford engine does it for the rear wheels"

Is there any other teams who is planning to use the same loophole in rule book is still unclear...

[Xsara Fan]

I heard that Loeb´s Citroen C4 was stolen from Citroen camp last night and Citroen is desperately trying to find that stolen car. Loeb, Quensel and even all mechanics are searching from nearby villages...

Here are some quotes:

At the same time Quensel managed to get special agreement from FIA. Qunsel: "If we cannot find the car then we have an agreement with Villagra and FIA that we can use his Ford Focus with our (Citroen) spare engine"!

Villagra commented: "Yeah, I will give my car to Loeb. Luis (Luis Perez Companq) told me to promote his ice cream well in Portugal and I found it the best to give my car to Loeb. Then I can walk around service park and spectate stages and meanwhile give some free ice cream for nice ladies!"

Answering to the question what plans he has with Ford engine Villagra told: "I sold it to Marcus (Grönholm), he is my good friend and he needs some extra power for that Subaru to win in Portugal. Now he can fit two engines to his Subaru (FIA-s rule is that only one engine for three rallies is allowed, but Marcus is using loophole in rulebook that he didnt took part in first three rallies and therefore he is using one engine which was meant for first three rallies and second engine witch is meant for next three rallies"

Marcus commented: "I am really grateful to Villagra. I really needed that extra power to that Subaru and anyway, I think it will fix the lack of grip in the rear as we plan to fit Villagras engine to the rear of my Subaru. Now the back-end is much heavier and therefore more downforce as well. Subaru engine is going to drive firont wheels and Ford engine does it for the rear wheels"

Is there any other teams who is planning to use the same loophole in rule book is still unclear...

Great '1st April' joke! :)

[urabus-denoS2000]

April fools ;)

[J.Lindstroem]

The worst april joke wver bluuford hahaha. =) You almost got me in the first lines but after that it was completly crazy with two engines powering the Sub! :D

[chryby]

some pictures from servis:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=502&au=0

[muscrae]

Thanks chryby :)

[Halvis]

Little interest in Rally Portugal here? Shakedown is well underway, I hope anyone have sources for results.

Petter Solberg has repainted his Xsara, have changed the silver into white, I think it looks much better, even though it's a small picture.

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/category/blog/

[mdesign]

Shakedown times here ->http://www.acp-on-line.com/

[Mirek]

Great time for Nikara in first run :)

[Shacki]

Sousa big crash

[AndyRAC]

Little interest in Rally Portugal here? Shakedown is well underway, I hope anyone have sources for results.

Petter Solberg has repainted his Xsara, have changed the silver into white, I think it looks much better, even though it's a small picture.

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/category/blog/

Probably little interest because of the state of the WRC.

Also, there is also a Grand Prix this weekend - which is bound to be more interesting, which as a Rallyfan I find sad. But, such is life.

[Leon]

Sousa big crash

more info please.

hope everybody is OK

[mdesign]

Sousa big crash

Where did you see that?

[Shacki]

Where did you see that?

Information by phone from my friend directly from shake.

[Shacki]

more info please.

hope everybody is OK

Rolled, medical car is there

[mdesign]

Information by phone from my friend directly from shake.
Thanks. Pitty that happen, just hope nobody got hurt.

[bluuford]

Probably little interest because of the state of the WRC.

Also, there is also a Grand Prix this weekend - which is bound to be more interesting, which as a Rallyfan I find sad. But, such is life.

What Grand Prix? I know that this weekend is IRC Safari. and I know that there is some kind of rulebook show in Southern hemisphere where winner is almost 100% sure and the other places will be disqualified or penalized or sent somewhere into the... Well it is pointless to watch because the actual results witch are completely different to the finishing order will be published something like month later. WRC might be in bad state bud luckily the actual results still count as official :-)

[COD]

]Great time for Nikara in first run :)

Indeed. I think he'll surprise many with his speed

[wwbroe]

If you look at shakedowntimes during first run, it is clear that Loeb is the fastest man. ;)

[noel157]

What Grand Prix? I know that this weekend is IRC Safari. and I know that there is some kind of rulebook show in Southern hemisphere where winner is almost 100% sure and the other places will be disqualified or penalized or sent somewhere into the... Well it is pointless to watch because the actual results witch are completely different to the finishing order will be published something like month later. WRC might be in bad state bud luckily the actual results still count as official :-)

Too true, Hamilton was kicked out of the Australian results this morning for giving "misleading info to the race stewards", Trulli re-instated to 3rd place again.

Back to Portugal.

[A.F.F.]

]Great time for Nikara in first run :)

Nikara is the most interesting thing in this rally IMO.

[Halvis]

Shakedown times here ->http://www.acp-on-line.com/

Good time from Petter on run 3, he wrote on his homepage that they should do some changes after 2 runs, and it seems to have been good changes.

[Finni]

I guess it will be the first and the last rally for Marcus with Subie ;-)

[Halvis]

I guess it will be the first and the last rally for Marcus with Subie ;-)

If SD-times are representative, yes - then it seems that Petter and Chris actually have been very, very fast in the Impreza!

[Doon]

Will the Super Special be shown on WRC.com, and what time BST if it is?

[Hipo1990]

http://www.fotosralis.online.pt/raloportugal109/ Fotos from servis

[Hipo1990]

http://www.autohebdo.fr/resultats.php?u=26&d=1&id=118&idChamp=3&ychp=2009&idEpr=5 shakedown results

[noel157]

Final SD times and passes:


1 J. Latvala M. Anttila Ford Focus RS WRC 3'08''1 3
2 P. Solberg P. Mills Citroën Xsara WRC 3'08''2 3
3 M. Hirvonen J. Lehtinen Ford Focus RS WRC 3'10''5 4
4 Mr. Wilson S. Martin Ford Focus RS WRC 3'11''9 5
5 E. Novikov D. Moscatt Citroën C4 WRC 3'12''2 4
6 H. Solberg C. Menkerud Ford Focus RS WRC 3'12''4 6
7 S. Loeb D. Elena Citroën C4 WRC 3'13''1 2
8 D. Sordo Mr. Marti Citroën C4 WRC 3'13''3 3
9 M. Ostberg O. Unnerud Subaru Impreza WRC 3'13''6 4
10 F. Villagra J. Perez Ford Focus RS WRC 3'13''7 6
11 S. Ogier J. Ingrassia Citroën C4 WRC 3'14''0 4
12 M. Grönholm T. Rautiainen Subaru Impreza WRC 3'17''0 3
13 K. Al Qassimi Orr Ford Focus RS WRC 3'19''4 6
14 C. Rautenbach D. Barritt Citroën C4 WRC 3'22''8 3
15 P. Van Merkseyn H. van Goor Ford Focus RS WRC 3'31''1 2
16 P. Van Merkseyn Jr. E. Chevaillier Ford Focus RS WRC 3'36''4 2

[COD]

Nikara so far fastest of PWRC, 3,26,1 . Quite impressive for first timer and new evo10

[chryby]

some pictures from shake:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=502&au=0

[Salist]

some pictures from shake:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=502&au=0

Nice pictures, thanks chryby.

[tolis]

More photos from the shakedown:
http://www.rallybel.be/2009por16.html

[jonas_mcrae]

Nice pics, thanks!!
Seems like Sousa had a big front impact hope they can fix it.
Oigier´s car for some reason looks cooler than before did they do any changes to the livery?

[Mirek]

Jorge Carvalho, Sousa's co-driver has broken hand according to ewrc.cz :(

Jaromír Tarabus also crashed and ripped both wheels on one side. Hope they can repair it for tomorrow...

[[Madeira-Rally]]

]Jorge Carvalho, Sousa's co-driver has broken hand according to ewrc.cz :(

Jaromír Tarabus also crashed and ripped both wheels on one side. Hope they can repair it for tomorrow...

Sousa is out from the rally... rollcage is broken

[Mirek]

Hmm, completely new car according to S2000 database...

[Moriarty]

]Hmm, completely new car according to S2000 database...
Whose car?

[KKS]

New blue-white colors for both VAN MERKSTEIJN's Ford's

[Mirek]

Whose car?

Procar

[Moriarty]

]Procar
Hope, it will be repeared till Azores ;-)

[KKS]

SSS1 already run

[tolis]

Live????
http://delicast.com/tv/Portugal/sports/RTP_Mobile

[Raini]

Live????
http://delicast.com/tv/Portugal/sports/RTP_Mobile

No :D

[Rallye_106]

I says here that it is: http://tv1.rtp.pt/EPG/tv/epg-dia.php?canal=1

[tolis]

Yep, I think itis only an emmision outside the Algarve Stadium... :( :( :(

[KKS]

27 min to live? but stage live now in Portugal

[Psycho!]

Possibly they will launch,when WRCars start....

[[Madeira-Rally]]

Possibly they will launch,when WRCars start....

Yes..

15 min. to the start of TV transmission

[JFL]

Whats the link to the live coverage? If there is one? Direct link please.. Not so good at understanding portoguese :)

[[Madeira-Rally]]

I think it will be available here...

http://tv.gforum.tv/canal/474/RTP_N/

[Psycho!]

]I think it will be available here...

http://tv.gforum.tv/canal/474/RTP_N/
What a great music group!!! :crazy:

[tolis]

This is notso direct, compared with the above that I posted, though.

[KKS]

]I think it will be available here...

http://tv.gforum.tv/canal/474/RTP_N/

tnx!!!

See wrc intro!

[Mirek]

Tarabus is also out. Both Fiats crashed on shakedown. What a shame...

[Doon]

Rautenbach went off on the SSS, nice one! Gronholm quickest so far!

[Psycho!]

Latvala faster now with TOO MUCH sideways...!

[Magnus]

Hmm... when did we see Bosse placed number twelve on an gravel SD the last time...?

[Psycho!]

Great time from Henning!!!

[Rallyper]

]I think it will be available here...

http://tv.gforum.tv/canal/474/RTP_N/

Many txs Madeira-Rally!!! Also while looking at the live-TV I was listening to WRC-radio and that was a great combination!! :bounce:

[Magnus]

I am getteing a vague feeling of Bosse crashing out in splendid old whale style due to frustration... :o

[KKS]

Great!!! Henning fly :)

[Psycho!]

Thanks a lot!!It was fantastic....!

Henning:"This rally will be mine!!" at the end of the stage.I hope so!

[tolis]

It was absolutely fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Psycho!]

Some interesting words from JML:http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74167

[Moriarty]

Evgeny Novikov Crash - Rally Portugal 2009 - Shakedown
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiNJotJ_NJ0

[jonas_mcrae]

not much damage hopefully

[Micke_VOC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZitvJY8ftc

Sousa crash. Real big impact. )=

[Sardalense]

Shakedown photos :

http://picasaweb.google.pt/joaocpc/RaliDePortugal2009Shakedown#

I took 1161 photos today, I don´t have the courage to edit most of them, so I choose only 66. Tomorrow I will try to edit some photos from SS.

[Helstar]

Frow the same website Ralisasul.com, the video of the testing of the PWRC and Group N cars in Portugal
Includes Nasser All Atyah, Flodin, Gill, Armindo Araujo, Teodosio, Bruno Magalhaes, Tarabus, Bernardo Sousa, Prokop... hope you enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwNEFR0MWJo
Nice thanx ! Tarabus is amazing, pity he won't start :\

And also Sousa out ... there are no Punto left right ^^ ?

[bluuford]

Nice thanx ! Tarabus is amazing, pity he won't start :\

And also Sousa out ... there are no Punto left right ^^ ?

You are right.. and Sousas accident and damage looked so bad that I am afraid that is the end of his Azores as well:-(

[A.F.F.]

Yeeeii.... I'm two hours too early for the start. :mark:

Good morning guys, meet the moron :wave:

[bluuford]

Yeeeii.... I'm two hours too early for the start. :mark:

Good morning guys, meet the moron :wave:

Too bad we are two hours in front of Portugal :-)

[Tom206wrc]

Shakedown photos :

http://picasaweb.google.pt/joaocpc/RaliDePortugal2009Shakedown#

I took 1161 photos today, I don´t have the courage to edit most of them, so I choose only 66. Tomorrow I will try to edit some photos from SS.



Thanks ;)

[Brother John]

Goooooood morning to all rally freaks. http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/tongue/tongue0015.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=tongue/tongue0015.gif) ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

Good morning Jani and John. :)

[Brother John]

What will happen this weekend guys? I hope not the same like usually!
Loeb, Loeb, Loeb, and Loeb.........http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sad/sad0071.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=sad/sad0071.gif) http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sad/sad0141.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=sad/sad0141.gif)

[wwbroe]

Good morning guys, bright day over here, so let's wait for the rally to get underway. ;)

[Brother John]

Good morning guys, bright day over here, so let's wait for the rally to get underway. ;)

Where is HERE, in Belgium or in Portugal? ;)
Here in South Sweden nice and sunny.

[Leon]

What will happen this weekend guys? I hope not the same like usually!
Loeb, Loeb, Loeb, and Loeb.........http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sad/sad0071.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=sad/sad0071.gif) http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/sad/sad0141.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=sad/sad0141.gif)

There is nothing suggesting to me that things will be different this weekend at the top level.

However there is great interest for me due to the level of PWRC drivers competition and also the participation of Nicos Thoma in the PSD.

[Wim_Impreza]

Good morning Walter.

Yes, I am afraid it will be the Loeb show again. I made a big fault, show and Loeb in the same sentence is not true. ;)

Probably the fight in PWRC will be more interesting.

[Viking]

Back :)

[Mirek]

Good morning from Czech republic. The weather is also nice and sunny here :)

For me one of most interesting things in Portugal is Josef Peták. His Portugal start is his 50th birthday present and his first gravel rally :)

[Brother John]

Must we now still wait an hour? :dozey:

[AndyRAC]

Must we now still wait an hour? :dozey:

Yeah, why so late starting?

Let's get back to some 'proper' Motorsport....

[A.F.F.]

Must we now still wait an hour? :dozey:

Nah... let's start the rally now.

[DonJippo]

Must we now still wait an hour? :dozey:

No you can go right away... :p :

[Salist]

Good morning guys.

[Brother John]

Yeah, why so late starting?

Let's get back to some 'proper' Motorsport....

Yes real rallys are for me at least from 0800 am up to 08.00pm.
Now it seems like an office job from nine to five with a long lunch!

[Sulland]

Is the start of SS2 at 1115 CET ?

[Brother John]

No you can go right away... :p :

I like to have this kind of nice response from Finland. But I remain still even for ........ ah leave it. http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/animated/anim_24.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=animated/anim_24.gif)

[AndyRAC]

Yes real rallys are for me at least from 0800 am up to 08.00pm.
Now it seems like an office job from nine to five with a long lunch!

I didn't actually mean that, I mean't let's get away from all the F1 rubbish.
However, I do agree with you - every rally is virtually the same. Hopefully, ISC/FiA will allow some variation in future, the sport badly needs it.

[teufel]

Now it seems like an office job from nine to five with a long lunch!

:D :D :D

[J.Lindstroem]

Ahh no more complains now... lets pretend that it's all just fine! :D

[Rallyper]

Good morning from middle east of sweden. Bright and sunny weather here too, and just waiting for an amazing day when unfortenately Loeb will crash on one of the first stages....

Wishful thinking ahhh...

Well, the rallyradio is on and it´s gonna be exciting. Hoppla Flodin and Sandell!!

:cool:

[A.F.F.]

Hoppla Flodin and Sandell!!

:cool:

That is a very masculine way to cheer you favourites :D

Hoppla Nikara, hoppla niin perkeleesti !!

[bennizw]

First split for Loeb in!

[Ghostwalker]

Miko's late by 18 seconds :eek:

[A.F.F.]

Loeb is stopped ??

[DonJippo]

Loeb in troubles?

[Micke_VOC]

Miko's late by 18 seconds :eek:

Or early -18s before Loeb =)

[Ghostwalker]

problem for Loeb

[Viking]

Come on!!

and hoppla Solberg`s :D

[wwbroe]

He went off!!!

[Finni]

I have said: "don't be surprised if Loeb has problems" - because at the end it can guarantee better toad position for him.

[A.F.F.]

Loeb is so lucky that in the end it's him who leads 18 seconds :mark:

[teufel]

Sordo faster than Mikko...

[Viking]

18 seconds is nothing.

[Mauri A]

18 seconds is nothing.
It´s almost one third of a minute!

[J.Lindstroem]

How nice of Seb to give Mikko some seconds at the starts! True sportsman ;) haha

[Viking]

just waiting for "I was wery lucky" as always!

[bennizw]

Impressing pace from Petter up to the second split!

[Rallyper]

How nice of Seb to give Mikko some seconds at the starts! True sportsman ;) haha

No. Wrong there. Loeb just stopped to confuse Mikko and give him som more dust just to make Mikko go off instead... :D

[bennizw]

Going to be close between Latvala and Sordo if they keep the same pace for the rest of the stage.

[A.F.F.]

Marcus on stage :D

[Viking]

Latvala still not listening to MW? ;)

[pavlos_a]

Latvala is flying, but he has to stay on the road.....

[teufel]

I hope JML knows exactly what he can and what he cannot!

[Sulland]

Did Henning pick up a puncture or something ?

Latvala is the only regular driver that has the speed to match Loeb, but he need to get speed and consistency. He need to become smarter. When to push, and when not. Today he only has to positions on his right leg; On or off - he need to find a midle one as well !! :-)

[shaitan]

why seb lose 20s at split 1?someone have information?

[bennizw]

He is running without splits and in his own pace, to concentrate on finishing the rally, but he's fast! :)

[pavlos_a]

Go MArcus!!!!!!!!

[A.F.F.]

Marcus third fastest at split 2.

[marwilku]

Latvala is going beat Sordo!!

[Fischer]

Oh boy, something tells me this rally gonna be goood :D

[Finni]

Marcus coming surprisingly well !

[A.F.F.]

Marcus coming surprisingly well !

Really? Did you honestly think he wouldn't be on pace?

[wwbroe]

Go Bosse go!!

[Leon]

Wilslow also fast

[Mirek]

Henning problems with brakes.

[Micke_VOC]

nice splits from Marcus ... the road position its good for him a think .

[bennizw]

Bosse is back! :D
For once, maybe this rally is going to be an interesting one!

[pavlos_a]

Yes, really nice rally. Also in Pwrc it is going to be very intresting. Magahales, Arujo, Sandell, Flodin, Bryndilsen, Nasser, Nikara ....etc

[Sulland]

Henning had a break issue: http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?id=4 see comments

[Finni]

Really? Did you honestly think he wouldn't be on pace?

Yes, Marcus on the pace but not so sure about Subaru.