2008 Rally Japan - official thread

[jonkka]

And he did

[Micke_VOC]

First stage win for Petter with the new subaru ?

[Micke_VOC]

And he did

First stage win for Petter with the new subaru ?

...Sordo going fast on the splits now to...

[Ghostwalker]

so how is the circus coming on?

[noel157]

Petter 1.8 faster than Dani.

[Micke_VOC]

Time to sleep. going to a local rally at 06.00 pm .... =)

[Rally Hokkaido]

First stage win for Petter with the new subaru ?

...Sordo going fast on the splits now to...

Apparently, Petter had top time on SS24 in Finland and Chris has had one win too somewhere, so this is third win for the new car.
However, maybe it is the first win on a proper, long stage?

[Tomi]

looks that hänninen finally starts to drive.

[Raini]

where did hänninen win 21 secs? I cannot understand it.

[KKS]

oh Petter.... so good start at prev SS and mstake at SS13


just timing bug

[jonkka]

JML missing a split

[jonkka]

Just missed split, he's continuing...

[xavier]

I know there is another thread curently about the point system..

But, I am the only one to think that, if we had a 10-6-4-3-2-1 point system, having the championship titles decided for both driver and manufacturer champs, this really would be much more instresting?

[jonkka]

Would it? On what grounds?

[xavier]

Would it? On what grounds?

on the ground that Seb would try to win and not just trying to finish 3rd... That JM would be able to go flat out also, without having to worry about team points...

It seems pretty obvious to me that it would be more intresting to watch...

[jonkka]

I can't obviously speak for Seb but if I were him and title already in my pocket, I'd would have retired on SS1 and gone home. What's there to gain?

[cosmicpanda]

on the ground that Seb would try to win and not just trying to finish 3rd... That JM would be able to go flat out also, without having to worry about team points...

It seems pretty obvious to me that it would be more intresting to watch...

but would Seb already be champion this year, because he's won so many rallies?

[xavier]

I can't obviously speak for Seb but if I were him and title already in my pocket, I'd would have retired on SS1 and gone home. What's there to gain?

LOL.. Are you kiding? Did Seb went home when he had the title in his pocket in 2004 or 2005 ??? Isn't Subaru competing right now even though they cannot get any title???

I know it's late in Finland, but really....

According to yout "theory" if seb is WC he should stay home (or retire on SS1) in GB... Actualy Seb said he want to secure the title so he can go flat out in GB!!!!

[Tomi]

I know there is another thread curently about the point system..

But, I am the only one to think that, if we had a 10-6-4-3-2-1 point system, having the championship titles decided for both driver and manufacturer champs, this really would be much more instresting?

I think more drivers should get points, for privateers (not daddys boys) its important to show results to sponsors, but im also pro bigger point difference between the first and second.

[jonkka]

LOL.. Are you kiding?

Nope.


Did Seb went home when he had the title in his pocket in 2004 or 2005 ???

He hadn't won 46 rallies then, winning still meant something.


Isn't Subaru competing right now even though they cannot get any title???

To be perfectly honest, I don't understand why Petter is still driving for them. As to Subaru, they are in it for media coverage, not wins - though they wouldn't mind wins, of course.


According to yout "theory" if seb is WC he should stay home (or retire on SS1) in GB... Actualy Seb said he want to secure the title so he can go flat out in GB!!!!

No because he hasn't won GB yet. It's something to aim for whereas he's won in Japan already.

[xavier]

I think more drivers should get points, for privateers (not daddys boys) its important to show results to sponsors, but im also pro bigger point difference between the first and second.

Yes, why not... then 30-18-12-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 from 1st to 10th...
As long the difference between 1st and 2nd is substantial will make the show more intresting.

[xavier]

Nope.

He hadn't won 46 rallies then, winning still meant something.

To be perfectly honest, I don't understand why Petter is still driving for them. As to Subaru, they are in it for media coverage, not wins - though they wouldn't mind wins, of course.

No because he hasn't won GB yet. It's something to aim for whereas he's won in Japan already.

1/ Not Kidding.. wow.. ok
2/ Did you ever heard interview form Seb, he still want to win every rally he competes.
3/ I Agree with you about Petter.
4/ See 2

[c4]

Next 24hrs crucial for Patrick Pivato, let's pray the third op is successful
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/patrick-pivato-critical/

[xavier]

Next 24hrs crucial for Patrick Pivato, let's pray the third op is successful
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/patrick-pivato-critical/

:-( I undertood it was bad, but I had not realize it was that bad...

My thougths are with Patrick, Francois, the Ford team and all WRC family.

[xavier]

Well time for me to go... i would have stay late if there would have been any suspence in that rally.

But with JM just trying to stay in front of Seb, Seb just being satisfy with being 3rd, Subaru just thinking that a 4-5 result will be their best of the year (besides MC), there is not much excitement.

But as some people think that this point system is good for the sport I guess it will continue that way... what a pity...

Until this point system change WRC will continue to be a "Merchant" comptetion, where counting your points (or boosting them by asking other team to slow down) is more important than winning rallies...

[René]

Yes, why not... then 30-18-12-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 from 1st to 10th...
As long the difference between 1st and 2nd is substantial will make the show more intresting.

Can be that solution is to keep the actual system of points attribution but to grant 2 additional points of bonus for the only first 3 drivers which win most of stages???
Something like offensive bonus!!!
With this resolution the winner could finish with 4 points on second. But if the second is more offensive, he can end the rally with equal of points with the winner! What in my view will have the effect of booster for the competitors!!!

[RS]

I think more drivers should get points, for privateers (not daddys boys) its important to show results to sponsors, but im also pro bigger point difference between the first and second.

Top 6-8 was ok, but wouldn't it be sad though to devalue the points even further?

[jonkka]

P-G had a puncture, changed on stage?

[John V]

P-G had a puncture, changed on stage?
Yes. Stage is well prepared for baja rally cars and tanks only ... :mad:

[White Sauron]

Cool, Rautenbach in what can be the best car in the WRC is almost as fast as Novikov in a GroupN Mitsubishi, competing on the world arena for just 5th time... Lol, Conrad, way to go!!))

[alexlake]

I know there is another thread curently about the point system..

But, I am the only one to think that, if we had a 10-6-4-3-2-1 point system, having the championship titles decided for both driver and manufacturer champs, this really would be much more instresting?

this would be beter, because at the momenet the points system rewards cosistant drivers, rather than the fastest, and when i watch motor racing i want to see speed!

[jonkka]

Cool, Rautenbach in what can be the best car in the WRC is almost as fast as Novikov in a GroupN Mitsubishi, competing on the world arena for just 5th time... Lol, Conrad, way to go!!))

Citroen will have their very own Matt Wilson next year as Conrad joins Citroen's M2 team.

[WRC1]

oh no Petter!!

-14,6 on first section, hope only a spin and car is OK

[jonkka]

Can't see it anymore... :eek:

[WRC1]

Can't see it anymore... :eek:

now it shows -0,6...phuu

but Loeb loosing quiet lot near end of the stage...

[John V]

oh no Petter!!

-14,6 on first section, hope only a spin and car is OK
but real problem now, rear wheel almost off

[jonkka]

Now I see +1m for Petter... :eek:

[WRC1]

but real problem now, rear wheel almost off

no!

no chance it´s wrong again??

[John V]

no!

no chance it´s wrong again??
Sorry, no. Damaged suspension, almost ripped rear wheel "We went into ditch and smashed into rear wheel."

[jonkka]

Henning?

[WRC1]

Sorry, no. Damaged suspension, almost ripped rear wheel "We went into ditch and smashed into rear wheel."


how far they have to drive to sapporo service park?

[jonkka]

how far they have to drive to sapporo service park?

There are two super special runs before service...

[John V]

Henning?
Retired after SS17, suspension reported

[WRC1]

There are two super special runs before service...


yes, but they are close to service, i meant how far he have to drive on public road with maybe only 3 wheels...

[WRC1]

PWRC fight is very interesting, Novinkov still holds the lead, but Arai takes 2nd back from Häninen on the last stage! all 3 in 20 seconds!!

and for Häninen every point counts

[John V]

yes, but they are close to service, i meant how far he have to drive on public road with maybe only 3 wheels...
Can't drive on three wheels, it means exclusion yet according FIA rules. Petter retired after stage.

[Viking]

yes, but they are close to service, i meant how far he have to drive on public road with maybe only 3 wheels...

Zero meters following the rules!

[WRC1]

yes, but they are close to service, i meant how far he have to drive on public road with maybe only 3 wheels...

according to this
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2008/11/01/solberg-nach-unfall-raus/index.html

petter is out..

"managed to finish the stage, but car is heavily damaged and it seems he had to retiere..."

[Brother John]

yes, but they are close to service, i meant how far he have to drive on public road with maybe only 3 wheels...

Why do they have no super adhesive in the car? :s mokin: :rotflmao:

[Tom206wrc]

OK so Sordo in constructor points ??? :p :

[Koppomsbo]

the times at sss is a mess today aswell.. Or did realy JML do it 24 sec..

[WRC1]

OK so Sordo in constructor points ??? :p :

not yet!! at the moment Sordo is 9th more than 6 minutes behind villagra.

[Wim_Impreza]

First scratch for Suzuki in SS19 with Toni Gardemeister (ex-aequo with Sordo).

[SubaruNorway]

not yet!! at the moment Sordo is 9th more than 6 minutes behind villagra.

Top 10 get points

[Barreis]

Loeb is too good for this guys. On this rally he wants only championship!

[Larry_Japan]

Top 10 get points
... no, top 8...

[WRC1]

Top 10 get points

NO!
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=410&season=2008

[pantealex]

not yet!! at the moment Sordo is 9th more than 6 minutes behind villagra.
No, Petter is 9th, Sordo is 10th and Henning 11

[Larry_Japan]

No, Petter is 9th, Sordo is 10th and Henning 11

Petter 13th. Sordo 17th. Henning 20th.

[SubaruNorway]

NO!
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=410&season=2008


Yes, in the constructors it's top 10

Petter is 9th Sordo 10th in the constructors

[Daniel]

NO it is not.

[Larry_Japan]

Yes, in the constructors it's top 10

Petter is 9th Sordo 10th in the constructors

Manufacturer's is still 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1, so currently Villagra has the last point for Munchi's

[WRC1]

Yes, in the constructors it's top 10

Petter is 9th Sordo 10th in the constructors

"Points are allocated to the top eight nominated cars on a 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis."
taken from wrc.com

same system as drivers points, and same as F1, WTTC, ERC....

nothing new to most of us ;o))

[Lalo]

WOW!! Good one for Suzuki!

[Barreis]

From this drivers only P. Solberg can challange Loeb on drivers title (in generally, Loeb 106 pts., P. Solberg 40) but car is not good enough.

[c4]

Photos
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/rally-japan-day-2-standings/

[Micke_VOC]

I think PG gonna go for the fifth place =)
40,2 s upp to fifth.

[Micke_VOC]

Photos
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/rally-japan-day-2-standings/

BTW, why not any pictures and news from Suzuki ?

[Micke_VOC]

Everyone sleeping ? ..

PG set a really good pace. Third on the stage...

[Rally Hokkaido]

Everyone sleeping ? ..

PG set a really good pace. Third on the stage...

I'm here!
Toni hit a bank, continuing

[Rally Hokkaido]

It seems the everyone's tyres not gripping due to low temperature.

[WRC1]

I'm here!
Toni hit a bank, continuing


i am here as well, will stay until sikot 1, and than again for the final..

good to see the real improvment of suzuki, hope the rumors about theire withdrawl are not true....

[John V]

Everyone sleeping ? ..

PG set a really good pace. Third on the stage...
No, we are working ... but would like to sleep after two previous days and lack of sleeping :)

[Micke_VOC]

No, we are working ... but would like to sleep after two previous days and lack of sleeping :)

=)
mee to, not so much sleep last days. (This night 3 hours )

Talked to PG´s codriver Jonas earlier today and they are going maxium attack today. They are heading for the fifth

[White Sauron]

=)
mee to, not so much sleep last days. (This night 3 hours )

Talked to PG´s codriver Jonas earlier today and they are going maxium attack today. They are heading for the fifth

Seems like he can do it easily - Latvala again in his style...

EDIT: Ok for Jari-Matti, just a GPS woe

[MikeD]

Damn, Loeb is crusing. Luckly for him that Atkinson is so slow in this rally....

[jonkka]

good to see the real improvment of suzuki, hope the rumors about theire withdrawl are not true....

Likely they are true rumors, having seen the signs before departure of so many teams...

[dimviii]

excellent pace from Novikov so far!

[MikeD]

Likely they are true rumors, having seen the signs before departure of so many teams...

...and with two new confirmed M2 teams, Suzuki will find it even harder than this year to score both driver- and manu points.

[MikeD]

excellent pace from Novikov so far!

yes very impressive. Is this his first WRC event?

[White Sauron]

yes very impressive. Is this his first WRC event?

No, it's his 6th (1st was last year in GB), and this year he was holding 2nd place in New Zealand rally for some time. In addition, two appearances in IRC Rally Russia (first time beating Alen, second time fighting closely with Hanninen) and one - in WRC candidate Rally Russia in september.

[John V]

No, it's his 6th (1st was last year in GB), and this year he was holding 2nd place in New Zealand rally for some time. In addition, two appearances in IRC Rally Russia (first time beating Alen, second time fighting closely with Hanninen) and one - in WRC candidate Rally Russia in september.
What about his father? I met him last time on Ladoga, two years ago.

[dimviii]

no was in Acropolis also but i can t remember any other wrc round.

ps where is jonnka when you need him :p :

[Micke_VOC]

PG fastest on the first split..

[jonkka]

ps where is jonnka when you need him :p :

Right here...

[WRC1]

Latvala will be veeeery close to Mikko after this one.

[jonkka]

6,4 seconds...

[Micke_VOC]

now i am nervous, look on pg splits.

[jonkka]

PG fastest on the first split..

And 2nd and 3rd, he's flying

[wwbroe]

now i am nervous, look on pg splits.

Yes he is setting some amazing splits, but probably taking a lot of risks. ;)

[Micke_VOC]

and now no splits for PG )=

i

[jonkka]

Hey Dimvii, what you wanted?

[MikeD]

Henning has stopped...

[WRC1]

if he keep this speed (and stay on the road) he will be 5th already after this stage!!

...Loeb is really cruising today...and will be 5 times champ in less than 5 hours!

[Micke_VOC]

PG secong on stage .

After this stage he has:
1.1 s up to Wilson
and 5.8 to Gardemeister

[WRC1]

1,1 seconds between the son and PG!! Garde already 5th

[WRC1]

Novikov!!!! 24 sec faster than Häninen at split 4, impressive!!

[c4]

BTW, why not any pictures and news from Suzuki ?

Will be putting up separate press releases from Suzuki and I can only use their pics to go along with their releases. There is news on the Suzuki drivers in the articles just not pics.

Will have the Suzuki stuff up soon in separate articles

Hope this makes sense

[Micke_VOC]

Will be putting up separate press releases from Suzuki and I can only use their pics to go along with their releases. There is news on the Suzuki drivers in the articles just not pics.

Will have the Suzuki stuff up soon in separate articles

Hope this makes sense

Thanks for the answer.. Looking forward for it.

[dimviii]

@jonnka
just to ask if you know how many wrc rounds has already Novikov. :)

[noel157]

Colin is from Scotland, has he never seen a bit of rain before?

Wonder if PG knows the future ref Suzuki team? Hence the speed?

[jonkka]

@jonnka
just to ask if you know how many wrc rounds has already Novikov. :)

This is sixth:
2007 Great Britain #80 Evgeniy Novikov Alexey Aksakov 34th Subaru Impreza WRX WRC
2008 Argentina #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dimitry Chumak R Subaru Impreza N4
2008 Acropolis #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dimitry Chumak 35th Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4
2008 Turkey #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dimitry Chumak R Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4
2008 New Zealand #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dale Moscatt W Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4
2008 Japan #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dale Moscatt ? Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4

[noel157]

Will be putting up separate press releases from Suzuki and I can only use their pics to go along with their releases. There is news on the Suzuki drivers in the articles just not pics.

Will have the Suzuki stuff up soon in separate articles

Hope this makes sense

Good work Scott (and the dolphin), keep it up.

[jonkka]

I seem to have an error on Novikov's 1st WRC entry, it in fact was N4 Lancer, not A8 Impreza. Thanks for asking this... :)

[dimviii]

thanks jonnka! :D

[wwbroe]

PG is now taking sixt overall and both Suzuki's well in the points. Both overtook Matt Wilson. :D

[Wittmanello]

impressive time from Novikov!
Maybe even a bit scary

[jonkka]

thanks jonnka! :D

You're welcome - but mind you about the spelling, it's one N and two K's... Flat right, 100, K left... :)

[Micke_VOC]

time to sleep a few hours...
im back, when ss26 start

[c4]

Good work Scott (and the dolphin), keep it up.

Much appreciated Noel, cheers.

[jonkka]

Time to sleep a little and be back up in a few hours...

[SubaruNorway]

Henning's crash http://www.vgb.no/6339/

[WRC1]

impressive time from Novikov!
Maybe even a bit scary


hey wittmanello!! welcome...and good night! i am looking for a few hours sleep.

meet you next week ;o)

[c4]

Suzuki pics as promised from day one and two
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/suzuki-rally-japan/

[jbmarcus21]

After SS25, Jari is back on Mikko !! 4"9 overall gap !

[xavier]

I am surprised to see JM pushing so hard...
There has to be some team order to preserve the 1-2 results.

And knowing JM history of DNF, It surely does not seems wise to take the risk to hand Citroen the title before GB as there is a very reasonble chance for Ford to win it.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

scratch for nº 92, "Kim" in the SS25...Is this true?

[jonkka]

Times for SS25 are 20 secs slower than ever before, was there rain or something? If so, Kim's SS win could be understandable...

[Micke_VOC]

Suzuki pics as promised from day one and two
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/suzuki-rally-japan/

great...

[Micke_VOC]

So close for PG, just 0.6s behind hirvonen..

But now he fifth, and have 19.9s to Garde on sixth'

PG deserved a stage win .

[Lalo]

What a rally for Suzuki! Both cars in the Top 6, P-G having some great stage times.

A real display of improvement for the japanese team. I hope they can do one better next year.

[Lalo]

Bodywork damage for Latvala!

Aparently, some problems for Sèb. A spin and some drama with a lost differential.

[WRC1]

Petter and PG fighting for Stage win!!

[Lalo]

Last stage is under way

[Lalo]

Confirmed, Sèbastien Loeb is World Rally Champion for the 5th time.

Congrats, Sèb!

[jonkka]

It was just 9 years ago that Tommi won 4th consecutive and said that it'd take some time to break that record. Well, not that long. Well done Seb, congrats on my behalf as well.

[FAlonso]

Many congradulations to Seb! Very well done! Historic day.

[WRC1]

mission completed...congratulation to Loeb and Elena!


but the times of Petter and the Suzukis gives a little bit hope for the future..

Häninen 1,6 behind Wilson on the long difficult stage! swap cars for next year!!

[CABAIO E'LONA]

SEBASTIÉN LOEB WORLD CHAMPION 2008

congratulations!!!

[Lalo]

We should also congrat Mikko for a dominant win on such a difficult rally.

Suzuki has shown a hell of a pace here, I can't wait to see them next year.
Petter has won some stages today, definitly a positive step forward on the developement of the new Impreza. It's got reliability, but still has to go for the speed.

[Micke_VOC]

Time to sleep...

Congrats to PG for his crazy impressing times today !!!!

And Loeb for the title...

[WRC1]

NOOOO!!!!

Novikov in troubles! lost pwrc win on final stage to Häninen....he has now 6 points advantage on Aigner for Wales

[John V]

Congrats to Seb and Daniel for fifth title, sorry for Jevgenij Novikov, but he showed great performance. And compliments to everybody who survived this crazy event.

[RS]

We should also congrat Mikko for a dominant win on such a difficult rally.

Suzuki has shown a hell of a pace here, I can't wait to see them next year.
Petter has won some stages today, definitly a positive step forward on the developement of the new Impreza. It's got reliability, but still has to go for the speed.

I wouldn't read too much into any of those things. Everyone's pace was all over the place today, and since the beginning of the rally Loeb has driven for third place, not pushing the Ford boys who just needed a 1-2 in the right order (which is what they got) I expect normal service to resume shortly :)

[wwbroe]

Congratulations to Seb and Daniel for their well deserved fifth title in a row. ;)

[SubaruNorway]

"Points are allocated to the top eight nominated cars on a 10-8-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis."
taken from wrc.com

same system as drivers points, and same as F1, WTTC, ERC....

nothing new to most of us ;o))

Uhm is it me who's totally lost or?

Colin just said that Villagra takes manu points for 9th....?

Henning drove for Munchis and Wilson for Stobbart, so no one infront of him "drops out"

[White Sauron]

thanks jonnka! :D

Didn't I answer the same? That it was his 6th rally with GB being the first??

[ProRally]

what happend to vertunov on ss28 ?

[MikeD]

Just woke up and have seen the result. Had to go to sleep after SS25.

But now it's all party with tea and breakfast. Gotta celebrate Loeb's 5th title :D

[alexlake]

go Seb!!!!!!!!!!!! woooo hooooooo!

[F1boat]

Congartulations for Mr. Loeb. This was an amazing year and the achievement is also amazing (bow)

[Shacki]

This is sixth:
2007 Great Britain #80 Evgeniy Novikov Alexey Aksakov 34th Subaru Impreza WRX WRC
2008 Argentina #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dimitry Chumak R Subaru Impreza N4
2008 Acropolis #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dimitry Chumak 35th Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4
2008 Turkey #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dimitry Chumak R Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4
2008 New Zealand #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dale Moscatt W Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4
2008 Japan #35 Evgeniy Novikov Dale Moscatt ? Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX N4

First start was with Impreza N4 and he didnt finish the event, withdrawn just on the end.

And on Acropolis 2008 started his brother Maxim, not Yevgenyi.

[White Sauron]

First start was with Impreza N4 and he didnt finish the event, withdrawn just on the end.

And on Acropolis 2008 started his brother Maxim, not Yevgenyi.

Please, guys, stop claiming what you don't know!

1. Acropolis 2008, it was Novikov himself who competed in the rally. The car was Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
2. Maxim is his father, not brother, and he hasn't been competing for more than 2 years now - since his son started full russian championship assault.
3. Novikov's name is EVGENY. Not Jevgeny, not Yevgeny, it's EVGENY!! (or EVGENIY), but nothing other!!!

[Shacki]

Thanks for info, now it should be ok

http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?profile=2742

[Wittmanello]

mission completed...congratulation to Loeb and Elena!


but the times of Petter and the Suzukis gives a little bit hope for the future..

Häninen 1,6 behind Wilson on the long difficult stage! swap cars for next year!!

No WRC for Hänninen next year.
2009 he will be driving a blue S2000 when everything goes as planned.

[White Sauron]

Thanks for info, now it should be ok

http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?profile=2742

You're always welcome!)
PS: the only thing, he doesn't have any IRC stage wins, even though he took some on IRC Rally Russia. Both years he was driving Subaru, so he wasn't in the IRC classification.

A similar thing to just-finished rally Japan, where Jari Ketomaa, leading the rally in Group-N category, wasn't mentioned in the PWRC (he passes this round), so his stage wins didn't count to his PWRC credit.

[RS]

No WRC for Hänninen next year.
2009 he will be driving a blue S2000 when everything goes as planned.

In IRC? Not a bad idea, that way he can learn to drive on tarmac too. But which car? He already drove and enjoyed the 207, but Skoda were interested in him too...

[WRC1]

No WRC for Hänninen next year.
2009 he will be driving a blue S2000 when everything goes as planned.

i know franz, i know! and what about you?

[RS]

i know franz, i know! and what about you?

Hmmmm, you guys are Austrian. So that means a Red Bull car for Hanninen in IRC?

[chryby]

91 pictures from Japan (incl. EVO 10 or Loeb on podium):
http://rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=452&au=0

42 wins of Sébastien Loeb (2004-2008) on pictures:
http://rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=454&au=0

[Tomi]

but Skoda were interested in him too...

Was he interested in Skoda too? i dont think so.

[RS]

Was he interested in Skoda too? i dont think so.

I don't know, it will certainly be faster than a Grp N Mitsubishi. What are his plans for 2009? As one of your countrymen said on this forum recently rally driving is just a job and all anyone wants is to be paid in a works seat. On that basis maybe he should be interested.

BTW, the car and the team is now very different to the one that Paasonen and Tuohino couldn't drive in 2006.

[WRC1]

Was he interested in Skoda too? i dont think so.

are you sure?

[Tomi]

are you sure?

Quite sure, there is very smart people with good connections behind Hänninen.

[WRC1]

Quite sure, there is very smart people with good connections behind Hänninen.

...and according to them it would be not smart to move to skoda??

[Tomi]

...and according to them it would be not smart to move to skoda??

I belive here people remembers still well the last time Skoda played in WRC.

[RS]

I belive here people remembers still well the last time Skoda played in WRC.

Things change.

Does Juho have some alternative offers or is it another year messing around in pWRC?

[Tomi]

Things change.

Does Juho have some alternative offers or is it another year messing around in pWRC?

No idea, I would think maybe selected WRC rounds, anyway it seems that he will drive in WRC.

[PLuto]

M.Wilson has been told by Malcom he can drive more aggresively for here and Wales and i am sure he will suprise a few people. He has served his apprenticeship now for the real thing.

He will surprise a few people = he will crash? :rolleyes:

Hmm, so Wilson showed us his performance. This is maximum of his ability?

[wwbroe]

Hmm, so Wilson showed us his performance. This is maximum of his ability?

Good question Pluto, after three full years in WRC he still is not able to finish a rally at a decent place. ;)

[dimviii]

from what reason Ketooma retired?

[tmx]

Funny how they are covering up themselves, by not mentioning anything about the timecard thing or how they they messed up unleashing the car during the stadium.

[COD]

from what reason Ketooma retired?

Off the raod and hit a tree on SS23. Said they had a 4min gap to previous car, so the ruts filled with water and he lost the car on high speed corner.

[c4]

Article and pics
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/rally-japan-08-day-three/

Suzuki pics
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/suzuki-best-wrc-result/

[jbmarcus21]

Duval will drive GB Rally or not ?

[dimviii]

thanks for reply COD!