Rally Poland 2009 - official thread

[Koppomsbo]

Hi there

Is there anywhere i can get info about rally poland in 2009?

[Salist]

Road type: GRAVEL

[Livewireshock]

Rally Poland / Rajd Polski offical site (http://www.rajdpolski.pl/?sLang=en)

Changed from a tarmac event to a gravel event because at the time there were too many tarmac events on the WRC calendar. This saw a move to the north east of Poland, close to the border. Several candidate events have since been run there amongst the lakes.

[br21]

very fast gravel event on different type of gravel roads. based in north-east part of poland
superspecial:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtWdBMC_w-Y
stages:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9ZK3cOs4_Y
http://www.cersanitrally.pl/data/Pliki/137_CRT_Polski_2008_onboard_SS9.wmv

if you need any more info feel free to PW or email me

[MikeD]

Do you think there will be a chance to see a polish driver in a WRC car?

[Mirek]

MikeD: Yes, at least Polish legend Krzysztof Hołowczyc will drive WRC.

Livewireshock: There is a lot of videos on Youtube for example to watch how the roads look like (use key words "Rajd Polski"). It was European championship in last years.

[MartijnS]

A link with accomodations to stay during the rally:

http://www.accommodation-rallypoland.com/

[br21]

Holowczyc plans WRC car, same plans for Kuzaj, maybe somebody else - Czopik, Malyszczycki?
this accommodation site offers expensive places to sleep, you could find sth in better price

[teufel]

Holowczyc plans WRC car, same plans for Kuzaj, maybe somebody else - Czopik, Malyszczycki?
this accommodation site offers expensive places to sleep, you could find sth in better price

Hasn't Czopik retired after this season?

[urabus-denoS2000]

Solowow and Kosciuszko in a WRC maybe?

[br21]

czopik officially retired but he will take part in few rallies in the future, ie. next weeks barborka and maybe next years rajd polski
solowow says surely no wrc, kosciuszko I don't know

[Jarek Z]

This is what the rally looks like...

Photos from 2008:
http://www.rallyonline.pl/g.php?1&pg_[desc]=+DESC&pg_[go]=20&modex=pokaz&T[id]=3180

Photos from 2007:
http://www.rallyonline.pl/g.php?1&pg_[desc]=+DESC&modex=pokaz&T[id]=2340

[marwilku]

Do you think there will be a chance to see a polish driver in a WRC car?
Holowczyc will drive Focus WRC spec.2008 (Munchis or Stobart). It's great news for all polish fans!

[GigiGalliNo1]

I am so close to going to Rally Poland this year but I will be there 3 weeks before hand! :( But I will be attending a Polish Rally Championship round! :D Tarmac/Brick surface!

[br21]

Holowczyc will drive Focus WRC spec.2008 (Munchis or Stobart). It's great news for all polish fans!
AFAIK Munchi's is not coming to poland, and it's not that easy to get proper 2008 spec car - see the P. Soberg and his xsara thread

GigiGalliNo1 - if you will need any help PM me

[marwilku]

AFAIK Munchi's is not coming to poland, and it's not that easy to get proper 2008 spec car - see the P. Soberg and his xsara thread

holowczyc has spoken with M.Wilson and everything is fixed.

[br21]

holowczyc has spoken with M.Wilson and everything is fixed.
we will see...

[marwilku]

Here you can find ss maps of 2008 edition
http://rajdpolski.pl/files/mapy%5B2%5D.zip
This year we have all these stages, but they've been little bit modificated and two new ss.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I wanna go I wanna go I wanna go!

Perhaps Rally Italia before I go to Dubai! :D

[hype]

This will be our holiday route with stop in Mikolajki:

http://maps.google.de/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=B14&daddr=Miko%C5%82ajki,+Powiat+Mr%C4%85gowski,+Warmi %C5%84sko-Mazurskie,+Polen+to:%D0%9C%D0%BE%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%BE %D0%B2%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9+%D0%BF%D1%80%D0%BE% D1%81%D0%BF.+to:Unbekannte+Stra%C3%9Fe+to:Kerepesi +%C3%BAt+to:Slavonska+avenija+to:48.748945,9.00878 9&hl=de&geocode=Fei05wIdVO6KAA%3B%3BFb7JQgMdZhQ5AQ%3BFcKOQ gMd3IKBAQ%3BFaDJ1AIdUEojAQ%3BFfjgugIdmA31AA%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=5&mrsp=6&sz=6&sll=47.487513,18.61084&sspn=12.863275,33.837891&ie=UTF8&ll=50.401515,21.247559&spn=12.138925,33.837891&z=6

:D

[marwilku]

Rally Poland 2009 route:
http://www.rajdpolski.pl/files/RPMap%5B1%5D.zip

[royg]

Rally Poland 2009 route:
http://www.rajdpolski.pl/files/RPMap%5B1%5D.zip

Thanks for that. We're coming over from England to see Rally Poland - really looking forward to it.

Does anyone know where we can get more detailed maps of the area? And does anyone have any suggestions of the best stages and places to spectate?

Thanks,

Roy

[br21]

it's hard to find better maps currently online...
most of the stages are spectacular, if you need any details pm me

[marwilku]

rally passes and sss tickets available
http://www.shop.rallypoland.com/

[garais22]

rally passes and sss tickets available
http://www.shop.rallypoland.com/

But there is not written how much ticket cost to one stage...

[marwilku]

One stage ticket will cost 30 pln - ca. 7 euro

Hey Guys,

Anyone up for the Rally Poland 2009??
We promise great experiences.. Long gravel stages, beautiful female spectators around.. half naked :) and good, strong, relatively cheap beer :)

Feel more the welcome to visit Poland - You won't regret it!!

For those who are planning to visit our country and watch the rally - You can try http://www.rallypoland2009.com%20for accommodations and the official site http://www.rajdpolski.pl/?sLang=en for the details.

It is the second oldest rally in Europe, we are going to have splendid time :)

...and remember, the girls are unusually beautiful and half naked as it is very hot in June in Poland :)

[mroowa]

Free Rooms in Mikolajki !!!

http://www.wrc-poland.com/

Last free rooms in 66 th Poland Rally !!

[toras]

Entry list:
http://rajdpolski.pl/files/app6%5B1%5D.pdf

[bluuford]

55 Entries for the first year is not bad at all :-) especially now :-) and from 23 different countries.

[AlfaWRC]

Andreas Mikkelsen on the entry list. Anyone having information regarding that entry and of the car he plans to drive?

[DonJippo]

Andreas Mikkelsen on the entry list. Anyone having information regarding that entry and of the car he plans to drive?

I'm surprised if he is driving any car, looks more like a "recce" entry to me.

[tolis]

No Gronholm...

[Micke_VOC]

Andreas Mikkelsen on the entry list. Anyone having information regarding that entry and of the car he plans to drive?

Skoda Fabia WRC for Mikkelssen, one of Bernhard Kongsrud cars i think.

Uppdated entry list: http://rajdpolski.pl/files/app6%5B1%5D.pdf

[Tom206wrc]

Surprised but glad to see Denis Millet on entrylist :)

[pettersolberg29]

A little article on Mikkelsen's entry - http://www.rallybuzz.com/mikkelsen-fabia-poland/

[bokser]

Loeb's tests in Poland
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KlPuJs1yJo

[StevieWonder]

official press release for mikkelsen:

WRC: Andreas Mikkelsen returns in a World Rally Car

Last year, he was the youngest point scorer in a WRC round. So far this year, he has focused on the Norwegian Subaru Cup and Group N in the Norwegian Championship, but exciting young talent Andreas Mikkelsen (19) is back in a World Rally Car.

When Rally Poland starts on 25 June, one of the world’s most talented young rally drivers and his co-driver, Ola Fløene, will be taking part in a Skoda Fabia WRC. The duo, who have achieved incredible results in their Subaru Impreza with, among other things, an overall victory in Rally Sørland Norway and the South Swedish Rally, are ready once again to take on the best rally drivers in the world.

“It’ll be great to be behind the wheel of a WRC car again. I really feel I’m ready now. The last six months of driving in group N have definitely made me a better driver,” said an enthusiastic Andreas Mikkelsen, who has not driven a WRC car since last autumn.

The car Mikkelsen and Fløene will be driving is a Skoda Fabia WRC, owned by Bernhard Kongsrud and last driven by Patrik Sandell from Sweden in Rally Hedemarken last year. Since then, the car has had a complete makeover, including, among other things, a new engine. The car is the newer of the two Skoda WRC cars that Kongsrud owns. During Rally Poland, Mikkelsen will have a service team from Skoda Motorsport in the Czech Republic.

“We will be taking the Skoda for a two-day test drive in Norway next week, but I haven’t tried it yet. As far as the conditions we are expecting in Poland are concerned, I have heard that they will be very similar to those in Rally Finland, which means fast and good gravel roads. Even though I don’t know much about the car and the roads in Poland, my goal is of course to win points,” Mikkelsen said. That means he must be among the top eight. Considering that both Petter and Henning Solberg and also Mads Østberg are in the same league, Norwegian drivers could dominate the top places in Rally Poland.

There are good reasons and a long-term plan behind Mikkelsen and Fløene’s return to the international rally circus at this stage.

“There are mainly two reasons why we have chosen Rally Poland for Andreas’ return to the WRC. Firstly, this is a new event and everyone will start on an equal footing and be just as unfamiliar with the roads. The fact that this is a new event also means that it is important for Andreas to become acquainted with the conditions with a view to the future. The second reason is that we believe Andreas and Ola will stand a good chance with a Skoda Fabia WRC in this event.” Mikkelsen’s Manager, Erik T. Veiby, said. The roads in Poland are relatively narrow, but fast and he regards Mikkelsen’s start in Poland as an important step on the road to an international career.

“It’s no secret that we have made long-term plans and Andreas will also be making other international appearances later this year.”

[Iskald]

Extremely exciting entry for Andreas Mikkelsen in the Fabia WRC. PG Andersson showed how capable the car is with two proper stage wins in Rally Norway. Andreas has used this season well with perfecting a superbly effective driving style in the restricted Subaru Cup car. Coming back to a WRC-car he should profit from this, and my tip is that he is absolutely the dark horse in Poland. Maybe not a podium, but a high points finish (4th or 5th) perhaps.

[Mirek]

I think that You are too optimistic ;)

[Iskald]

]I think that You are too optimistic ;)

I tipped the same for PG in the Fabia in Rally Norway, and very few agreed with me. As it turned out PG won two stages and was in 5th place, about to overtake Henning Solberg into 4th place, when he sadly had to retire. Andreas Mikkelsen, driving an "inferior" car to PG Andersson, beat the swede in South Swedish Rally... If Andreas can keep all wheels on the road, and the car holds together, it could be that I`m not too optimistic after all.

[StevieWonder]

in my opinion he can fight for points (8th, 7th, 6th perhaps), but nor more !

[gloomyDAY]

in my opinion he can fight for points (8th, 7th, 6th perhaps), but nor more !I'm not taking the opinion of a blind man. :p

I hope Andreas doesn't pull any crap and crashes off the road.
Slow and steady wins the race, or at least the accolades of sponsors.

[Ucci]

in my opinion he can fight for points (8th, 7th, 6th perhaps), but nor more !

I agree with that !!

[N.O.T]

I think this rally will be one of the best this year due to the fact that the fans there are trully passionate about the sport and are going to create a fanatastic atmosphere..i hope the spectacle won'y dissapoint them.

[Mirek]

I'm a little bit affraid of some possible problems with fans. Hope they stay outside the road and not too much drunken...

[PLuto]

I think this rally will be one of the best this year due to the fact that the fans there are trully passionate about the sport and are going to create a fanatastic atmosphere..i hope the spectacle won'y dissapoint them.

From my opinion it will be the worst WRC event for a long time :rolleyes:

[StevieWonder]

From my opinion it will be the worst WRC event for a long time :rolleyes:


why ?
I think it´s good to see again a new rally in calendar - and moreover experience will not count so much.

[Mirek]

I don't want to offend some of our Polish friends but I have some bad experience with some Polish fans I met on various rallys. It seems that there is even more stupid and drunken ones than among Czech fans :(

[urabus-denoS2000]

If you wan't a real atmosphere WRC should go to Czech Republic or Hungary...

not that they need WRC....WRC needs them ;)


Maybe off topic:The drunkest crowd is in Hungary (although I was never in Poland)

[bokser]

Drunk funs are only exception and i hope they won't spoil the rally.

[N.O.T]

what is the point of getting drunk during a rally...i never understood that...but they produce some very entertaining videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViRg8mAmrFg&feature=related

[jonas_mcrae]

ok got my plane tickets today, I'm definitely there, think i will be camping with my polish friends, anyone knows of some good camping sites? also it would help if someone could suggest some nice spots!

[royg]

ok got my plane tickets today, I'm definitely there, think i will be camping with my polish friends, anyone knows of some good camping sites? also it would help if someone could suggest some nice spots!

We're driving over from England next week. Like Jonas We'd appreciate some suggestions of good places to watch the Rally.

Roy

[Budhardt]

Guys, who is going to Poland to see the WRC event? I'm from Belarus, but I live and study in Warsaw (Poland), so I would be happy to meet WRC fans from around the world and to watch the rally in my eyes.

I have never been on the rally and don't know how it is going to be organised.

I can speek Polish, Russian, German and English, so there is no language barriers in communication with foreigners.

If someone goes to see it, let me know. ;)

[bokser]

We're driving over from England next week. Like Jonas We'd appreciate some suggestions of good places to watch the Rally.

Roy

My favourite stages:
Day 1: SS2 - Grabowka
Day2: SS10 - Wydminy

[royg]

My favourite stages:
Day 1: SS2 - Grabowka
Day2: SS10 - Wydminy

Thanks Bokser! Also thanks to br21 for the info he sent.

We're leaving here tomorrow, to see some of Poland before the Rally next week.

Roy

[feresc13]

I've been looking for the rally's entry list, but I'm not able to find it in the official website.

Does anybody know when it will be published? Or where it's published?

Thank you very much

[DonJippo]

I've been looking for the rally's entry list, but I'm not able to find it in the official website.

Does anybody know when it will be published? Or where it's published?

Thank you very much

Here you go http://www.rajdpolski.pl/files/app6%5B1%5D.pdf

[bokser]

Detailed map:
http://s1.zapodaj.net/85955599.jpg.html

[A.F.F.]

]I don't want to offend some of our Polish friends but I have some bad experience with some Polish fans I met on various rallys. It seems that there is even more stupid and drunken ones than among Czech fans :(

I doubt they are as bad as Latvian fans. No offence of course but geez....

[urabus-denoS2000]

Drunk crowds may be funny to someone (somnetimes to me :) ) but they are a real problem..

In Hungary I have seen a really drunk marshall... :(

[bluuford]

Estonian solution is to organize beer festival on the other side of the country while the biggest (South-Estonian rally) is held. Then the most problematic crowds are on Saaremaa Island, isolated from the mainland and that means much smaller problems for the rally:-)

[feresc13]

As I can see on entry list, Marcus won't be in Poland fighting on the Impreza, what a pitty!!

http://www.SiteVacuum.com/publisher/GoogleSearchIconShadow.gifhttp://www.SiteVacuum.com/publisher/SuperSearchIconShadow.gif

[Iskald]

Estonian solution is to organize beer festival on the other side of the country while the biggest (South-Estonian rally) is held. Then the most problematic crowds are on Saaremaa Island, isolated from the mainland and that means much smaller problems for the rally:-)

Pros and cons of the Saaremaa Rally:

Nice rally, well organised.
Fast flowing stages
Special stage in Kuresaare town centre

To much police with speed traps all over the place
Drunk spectators (I didn`t see any, but was too busy reading pace notes...)

Btw. Andreas Mikkelsen won the Saaremaa Rally 2006 at the age of 17, despite being stopped by the police doing speed checks (!) on the road section to the first stage. They were really busy, those police guys...

[h_geri]

Hi Guys!

Can you help me about where can I find good looking points on the first and second day. I was searching the Full Rally Guide (gps coordinates, pictures about places and corners), but I didn't find it.
Does somebody have some information about the gold parking place and where can i buy the gold ticket locally?

Thx
Geri

[Juha]

Can you buy tickets at these places?

http://www.rajdpolski.pl/files/09PIK_eng.pdf

[toras]

Ford Abu Dhabi Rally team starts two-day testing session today in Poland. The test aims to recognize the characteristics of gravel roads in Polish Mazury.
Jari-Matti Latvala drives today, while tommorow Hirvonen will get behind the wheel of Focus WRC.

Just a moment ago, Team Ford has given the Finn new obstacles. At a sequence of fast corners cones were placed at each turn's inner side. This is probably not an indication of dangerous places, but rather aims to force Latvala to drive smoothier and keep the optimal line.

Photo gallery:
http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/104

short news:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/no/pnews/75

[Iskald]

Just a moment ago, Team Ford has given the Finn new obstacles. At a sequence of fast corners cones were placed at each turn's inner side. This is probably not an indication of dangerous places, but rather aims to force Latvala to drive smoothier and keep the optimal line.

Photo gallery:
http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/104

short news:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/no/pnews/75

Has this something to do with the rumour that the organisers of Rally Poland will put obstacles in the inside ditches of many corners to avoid cutting?

Anyway if they use cones (like Ford does in testing) we will surely see many cones flying during the rally. Could be an additional spectacle in itself, so why not...? ;-)

[br21]

Has this something to do with the rumour that the organisers of Rally Poland will put obstacles in the inside ditches of many corners to avoid cutting?

Anyway if they use cones (like Ford does in testing) we will surely see many cones flying during the rally. Could be an additional spectacle in itself, so why not...? ;-)

Those obstacles will look like that I think:
http://www.autoklub.pl/fotogalerie/maciej_wisniewski/polski08/img0005.jpg
http://www.autoklub.pl/fotogalerie/maciej_wisniewski/polski08/img0008.jpg

[Iskald]

Those obstacles will look like that I think:
http://www.autoklub.pl/fotogalerie/maciej_wisniewski/polski08/img0005.jpg
http://www.autoklub.pl/fotogalerie/maciej_wisniewski/polski08/img0008.jpg

Oh, tractor eggs. They will not be flying. Not very much anyway...

[Tom206wrc]

Should be an interesting event ;)


By the way, why this rally isn't included in polish rallies championship(unlike the rali de Portugal was for the portuguese championship) ??? There would have been more S2000s for example :(

[bokser]

Detailed description of the super stages:
http://rajdpolski.pl/files/2009_MSF[2].rar
safety sites + photos

[bennizw]

Haybales are only in the way, especially for those of us who photograph rally events!

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Poland Rally online : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[Mirek]

Krzystof Holowczyc's testing: http://www.youtube.com/v/uQpioyZtV9M

Sorry if it's repost.

[h_geri]

Thx Jeremie!!
What is the changing in V6 Rally Guide?

Geri

[Mirek]

Tomek Czopik won't start. His wrist is broken after a huge crash in a test drive of a new stock Lancer (Czopik wasn't driving). Another three people in the car were also injured in the crash.

[FLO]

Weather condition in Mikolajki for friday and sunday?Rain or chance for rain?

[Iskald]

Andreas Mikkelsen very happy after test with the Skoda Fabia near Mikolajki two days ago. Rumour has it that he was three seconds faster than Petter Solberg on the test stage. The car has a 2009 upgrade for the engine specification, and Andreas especially mentioned that he thought the engine was strong (which hasn`t been the case with Skodas earlier). The car he is driving is chassis 24, the newest of the Bernhard Kongsrud-owned cars. It was last driven by Patrick Sandell in the norwegian championship round Rally Hedmarken in september last year. So its not the same car as PG Andersson used to win two stages in Rally Norway this winter.

Mikkelsen is my dark horse for Rally Poland. If he keeps it on the road I think he can upset quite a few of the usual suspects...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76483

[karo]

Andreas Mikkelsen very happy after test with the Skoda Fabia near Mikolajki two days ago. Rumour has it that he was three seconds faster than Petter Solberg on the test stage. The car has a 2009 upgrade for the engine specification, and Andreas especially mentioned that he thought the engine was strong (which hasn`t been the case with Skodas earlier). The car he is driving is chassis 24, the newest of the Bernhard Kongsrud-owned cars. It was last driven by Patrick Sandell in the norwegian championship round Rally Hedmarken in september last year. So its not the same car as PG Andersson used to win two stages in Rally Norway this winter.

Mikkelsen is my dark horse for Rally Poland. If he keeps it on the road I think he can upset quite a few of the usual suspects...

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76483

How can an "old" Skoda been update too 2009 engine spec's?

Does the Manufacturer keeps on Homologating new parts? (I do not think so with there S2000).

I think the Skoda in base is a reall fast car, just look what Colin dit with it and what Eugene D. is doing with it in Ireland.........impresive!!! Hope that Andreas can finish with a good result.........maybe kick some Citroen Junior butt!!!

[Mirek]

The last homologation of any part for Fabia WRC is from january 2007 (suspension, running gear). Last engine homologation is from 2006...

[Iskald]

]The last homologation of any part for Fabia WRC is from january 2007 (suspension, running gear). Last engine homologation is from 2006...

According to the owner of the car (and he should know, I imagine...) the car has a new engine management box and a upgraded engine mapping. Existing engine homologation (from 2006) does not disallow further development of engine mapping programmes.

Petter Solberg, who drove a test on the same place alongside Andreas, noticed a different engine note and apparently also better speed in the Skoda when he was watching from the sidelines.

But you know the facts better than me or the cars owner, Mirec...;-)

[Mirek]

I don't say it can't be further developped ;) But as You know it's hard to make something reasonable within three years old homologation. Simply I don't believen in miracles :)

But maybe I'll change my mind after the rally ;)

[teufel]

That Fabia (i know this time it will be another chassis) was a strong suprise for me in Norway!

[Iskald]

That Fabia (i know this time it will be another chassis) was a strong suprise for me in Norway!

The base of the car is actually very good. All drivers who has tested or rallied the car praises its transmission, brakes, suspension, overall balance and weight distribution and stability through corners. There has been a few questionmarks re. engine power and overall reliability.

I think Mirek Fric will change his mind during the rally...

[Tom206wrc]

]Tomek Czopik won't start. His wrist is broken after a huge crash in a test drive of a new stock Lancer (Czopik wasn't driving). Another three people in the car were also injured in the crash.


More forfaits !!! :(


http://www.rallybuzz.com/orlen-rally-poland-update

[MJW]

Petter Solberg, who drove a test on the same place alongside Andreas, noticed a different engine note and apparently also better speed in the Skoda when he was watching from the sidelines.
;-)
Could this mean that Petter is / will be considering a Skoda Fabia as a Xsara replacement?

[J.Lindstroem]

Now it's soon time for the shakedown. Should we use thois thread or should someone start a new official thread?

=)

[jonkka]

This is good one - anyone got shakedown times?

[DonJippo]

This is good one - anyone got shakedown times?

You new Tom?

[jonkka]

Tom the Bongo Drum player - yeah, that's me... :hmph:

No - seriously, there is now a official thread too so let's stick with that.

[Iskald]

Could this mean that Petter is / will be considering a Skoda Fabia as a Xsara replacement?

Why not?

[MJW]

Why not?
No reason not to consider it, especially if it has increased power, and possible 'help' from a factory that doesnt want to see its current model embarassed by an old car. Maybe the 307 has more power, and 'developments' since the factory days, but a Skoda could be good, CMcRae and PG have proven that, also I remember Henning was quite positive about it after a small winter rally at Christmas time.

[toras]

Shakedown is running. At this moment Loeb is fastest. Latvala has second time. In JWRC Kosciuszko is fastest.

[toras]

On the shakedown the surface is already rutted. Non-4WD cars may experience several problems. Some are raising suspension not to get stuck in grooves. Instead of dust in the air we have mud and drivers have difficulties with setup.

more:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/2/rallynews/16/0

[toras]

Shakedown results:
Loeb 2:13.5
Latvala 2:14.0
Hirvonen 2:14.6
Sordo 2:16.0
P. Solberg 2:18.2
H. Solberg 2:19.5
....
Holowczyc 2:22.5

[raybak]

I wreckon with the new sponsorship from Shell, Petter may be in a Skoda. Shell is a major sponsor of the Skoda rally program.

Ray

[Barreis]

On the shakedown the surface is already rutted. Non-4WD cars may experience several problems. Some are raising suspension not to get stuck in grooves. Instead of dust in the air we have mud and drivers have difficulties with setup.

more:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/2/rallynews/16/0

Good site! :)

[Ondra WRC]

toras: sometimes the results online?

[toras]

toras: sometimes the results online?

No results online from shakedown;-(

[Xsara Fan]

Shakedown results:
Loeb 2:13.5
Latvala 2:14.0
Hirvonen 2:14.6
Sordo 2:16.0
P. Solberg 2:18.2
H. Solberg 2:19.5
....
Holowczyc 2:22.5

Did you know Novikov`s result?

[toras]

I don't know Novikov result. I know only the results, which I've posted.

The stage is rutted so much, that drivers don't want to drive, saying it's no use. So it seem, the shakedown will end earlier than scheduled. The road looks now like a freshly plowed field.

[toras]

shakedown results

1.LOEB F Citroen C4 1 2:13.5
2.HIRVONEN FIN Ford Focus RS WRC 09 3 2:13.5
3.LATVALA FIN Ford Focus RS WRC 09 4 2:14.5
4.NOVIKOV RUS Citroen C4 WRC 5 2:15.0
5.SOLBERG N Citroen Xsara 2 2:15.2
6.SORDO E Citroen C4 5 2:15.8
7.WILSON GB Ford Focus RS WRC 08 5 2:17.5
8.SOLBERG N Ford Focus RS WRC 08 5 2:17.7
9.MIKKELSEN N Skoda Fabia WRC 3 2:19.4
10.OGIER F Citroen C4 WRC 4 2:19.7
11.RAUTENBACH ZW Citroen C4 WRC 4 2:19.9
12.OSTBERG N Subaru Impreza WRC 08 3 2:21.4
13.HOLOWCZYC PL Ford Focus RS WRC 08 5 2:22.4
14.ABBRING NLB Renault Clio RS 3 2:47.7
15.PROKOP CZ Citroen C2 S1600 1 2:48.6
16.KOSCIUSZKO PL Suzuki Swift S1600 2 2:49.0
17.WEIJS NL Citroen C2 S1600 1 2:52.5
18.BERTOLOTTI I Suzuki Swift S1600 4 2:54.6
19.BONATO Yoann BONATO F Suzuki Swift S 1600 2 2:54.9

[noel157]

Non starters:

21. Bettega/Scattolin - Renault Clio
24. Kuipers/Hagman - Ford Focus RS WRC 06
25. Kuipers/Berkhof - Ford Focus RS WRC 06
26. Solowow/Baran - Peugeot 207 S2000
29. Czopik/Lukas - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX RS
36. Errani/Casadio - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
46. Millet/Vial - Peugeot 207 RC R3T

[toras]

Dani Sordo beat a record yesterday by presenting the technical commision with six different helmets. There were open, full as well as half-open ones. Sebastien brought 5 suits. More:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/no/pnews/91

Peter Solberg in his short interview for the Rally Radio said, he wants to start behind the wheel of Peugeot 307 WRC in the next rally. More:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/no/pnews/92

6 hours left to pick your favorites! More:
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/no/pnews/90

[ZequeArgentina]

Homologation reffers to to parts of the vehicle, engine mapping is just programming of an ECU which could have great influence in engine performance, but does not require homologation. (I mean the program charged in the ECU, you can change it without notifying anyone, even the program used is one of the big difference in works and sem-works cars)

[toras]

new:
- news: Holowczyc awaits dark forest and high speed
- photos from service park
- photos: The new paint of Hołowczyc
http://rallynews.info/lang.en/2/rallynews/16/0

[J.Lindstroem]

Really good livery on Holowczyc's car! Much better than the works Fords!

[Doon]

anywhere on the web that we can watch the SSS?...and what time is it?

Cheers

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Good livery of Holowczyc... always beautiful cars... since Impreza WRC of 1998...

[Ondra WRC]

onboard Loeb and Hirvonen on wrc.com

[Salist]

anywhere on the web that we can watch the SSS?...and what time is it?

Cheers

It's a good question!!! :)

[Hipo1990]

anywhere on the web that we can watch the SSS?...and what time is it?

Cheers


No they aren't in web, only in polish tv is live last stage SSS18

[Doon]

shame it looks like a good SS!

Thanks though :)

[Juha]

My pictures of the shakedown are online at http://www.rallyfoto.be

http://img383.imageshack.us/img383/3485/p09.jpg

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/9256/p07s.jpg

[mdesign]

First times on wrc.com.
LOEB 1:48.6, M. HIRVONEN +1.0, J. LATVALA +2.1

[Karbonyl]

No they aren't in web, only in polish tv is live last stage SSS18What a fabulous media coverage! Where is golden IRC? :(

[Psycho!]

Petter fastest!Nice start!!

[Mirek]

Which car does Victor Henriksson use? There is written Fiesta in class A7. Wasn't he supposed to drive new R2 before the start?

[serial jeff]

Well done Petter! Very impressive. Hopefully he'll be able to manage a decent speed for the rest of the weekend- I suspect the factory drivers weren't able to use their speed advantage as much in the Super SS as they will on the fast open roads tomorrow.

[driveace]

Well Petter has lost the rear bumper on the shake down stage

[Juha]

]Which car does Victor Henriksson use? There is written Fiesta in class A7. Wasn't he supposed to drive new R2 before the start?
An older model Fiesta.

The Fiesta R2 is in the service area and will be tested tomorrow on the super stage.

[Mirek]

Thank You

[serial jeff]

Well Petter has lost the rear bumper on the shake down stage

Yeah, I heard that was happening to several cars... must be some vicious ruts building up.

[Fide]

Petter 1st on SS1 !!!!!!! and Loeb's engine Overheated...

[Juha]

Yeah, I heard that was happening to several cars... must be some vicious ruts building up.
Yes, there were loads of bumpers being "repaired" at the service area.

[Iskald]

]Thank You

Did I tell you to look out for Andreas Mikkelsen?

(I know it`s just a SSS, and the rally proper starts tomorrow, but 3rd wasn`t too bad to start with, was it?)

[Mirek]

I saw even a gr.N driver to win SSS (Japan 2007). But believe me that I'm watching him. Let's wait for tomorrow ;)

[noel157]

From Mathew Wilson on WRC.com:

"“Poland will be exciting as none of the current drivers has raced there before. That will certainly play into my hands, as experience will not come into it so much. I have heard various reports about the terrain and it will be crucial to take our time on the recce and make sure the notes are spot on. This is exciting and it’s such a level playing field until we see the stages.
"I’d like some more driver’s points this time out. If Mikko [Hirvonen] does as well, as he usually does on new rallies, then Ford should come away from this rally with a good result. We have to capitalise on the potential loss of confidence from Sebastien Loeb following on from his crash and maintain good pace and race rhythm.”

Loeb has a loss of confidence? Wilson will certainly take advantage of that. Yeah, sure.

[Psycho!]

I hope that the 'overheating' engine won't be the reason why Mikko will be 1st on the road...

[A.F.F.]

So, the start should be right about now, eh?

[bennizw]

Loeb is on split one anyway.

[Lousada]

From Mathew Wilson on WRC.com:

"“Poland will be exciting as none of the current drivers has raced there before. That will certainly play into my hands, as experience will not come into it so much. I have heard various reports about the terrain and it will be crucial to take our time on the recce and make sure the notes are spot on. This is exciting and it’s such a level playing field until we see the stages.

Isn't Matt Wilson one of the most experienced drivers in the field?? ;)

[A.F.F.]

Loeb is on split one anyway.

So, either the rally has started or Loeb is just cruising and minding his own business alone ?

[awake27]

Loeb overheating again so probably will not last the rally, he is using the Acropolis engine which probably has some problems from the crash.

[A.F.F.]

Can you guys tell if there's something interesting info from WRR. I'm at work and won't be able to listen radio. Cheers in advance :up:

[bennizw]

The rally radio is telling this?

[awake27]

Well well, Sordo also having overheating problems. Wonder how they got that wrong at Citroen.

[DonJippo]

Sordo also complaining overheating at the finish of the stage.

[pavlos_a]

no rally radio for me..... it aint working

[A.F.F.]

I smell consipiracy.... FIA has bribed Citroen to perform badly in order to better the interest of the championship...

[Gard]

I smell consipiracy.... FIA has bribed Citroen to perform badly in order to better the interest of the championship...

good move!

[A.F.F.]

Apparently Östberg had a some sort of moment on stage.

[Mauri A]

Can you guys tell if there's something interesting info from WRR. I'm at work and won't be able to listen radio. Cheers in advance :up:
Greetings to working class! Fortunately our great "Vysledky friends are online again with driver´s comments. Thanks John!

[darkstar]

overheating for loeb semms to be gone. but he´s loosing a little time to hirvonen.

[awake27]

126.7kmh average speed on stage 3 :eek:

[A.F.F.]

Mikko has obviously thrown a challenge at Loeb. They seem to be in a class of their won. Hopefully his boost of self confidence carries all the way to NORF :up:

[A.F.F.]

Greetings to working class! Fortunately our great "Vysledky friends are online again with driver´s comments. Thanks John!

Cheers Mauri. How about you, laiturilla sisuviinan ja läppärin kanssa?

[darkstar]

loeb stopped in stage!

[jonkka]

Uh-oh? :eek:

[Psycho!]

Impossible!!

[jonkka]

Where is this world coming to...

[Salist]

loeb stopped in stage!

Before the 1st time controlling point.

[Rallyper]

I smell consipiracy.... FIA has bribed Citroen to perform badly in order to better the interest of the championship...

Yeah, now they made Loeb to stop on Ss4 because of that... :D

[mdesign]

Anyone nows whats hapenning to Loeb (no splits). Does WRR says anything?

[jonkka]

Anyone nows whats hapenning to Loeb (no splits). Does WRR says anything?

See above posts

[darkstar]

they say he hit something in the stage, three drivers have passed him already!

[A.F.F.]

Yeah, now they made Loeb to stop on Ss4 because of that... :D

Isn't it obvious ?? :p :

[A.F.F.]

Mr. Murphy has finally took Loeb in his hands.

[Rallyper]

To be honest - there´s not much between success and failure. I think Loeb now has come to the fact that his brain now playing him away from the absolute top.

[Psycho!]

Difficult for Mikko as well.The others are pushing as well.No time to relax...

[FAlonso]

WRR say he may have knocked a wheel off.

[awake27]

Well Loeb is handing it very easy to the Ford camp.

[Salist]

Loeb crashed on SS4.

Source:http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=395&stage=6601&category=&group=&section=

[Mauri A]

Cheers Mauri. How about you, laiturilla sisuviinan ja läppärin kanssa?
Good guess!

[John V]

Greetings to working class! Fortunately our great "Vysledky friends are online again with driver´s comments. Thanks John!
No problem, just I told before, we had two own championship races in term conflict, so that was problem for us.

[Salist]

Loeb crashed on SS4.

Source:http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=395&stage=6601&category=&group=&section=

News: has taken a wheel off

[Leon]

No problem, just I told before, we had two own championship races in term conflict, so that was problem for us.

link please

[John V]

link please
http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=135&filtr=

[jonkka]

Seems that JML is going for win and Mikko is viewing the championship as more important and content just to keep Sordo behind...

[A.F.F.]

Latvala using the benefit of his road position. Henning awfully slow.

[bennizw]

Loeb has rolled.

[FAlonso]

Mikko says Seb has rolled! Very, very odd 2 rallies in a row...

[Rallyper]

Loeb has rolled 1,2 K in to the stage. I think Oliver Q has to reaccount his thoghts about the frequence of Loebs offs....

[A.F.F.]

Is there some sort of personal problems in Sebastien's life at the moment or why he seem so distracted ???

Or is he feeling the PRRREEEEESSSSSUURE?

[awake27]

Well in the past he coped with the pressure very well.

[Pinto]

this is an all new thing for seb three rally's in a row and three f-uck ups by seb,the last three rallys mistakes and problems prob equaled all the offs and probs he had in his wrc life

[J4MIE]

Can't believe it :s

[Wim_Impreza]

Is there some sort of personal problems in Sebastien's life at the moment or why he seem so distracted ???

Or is he feeling the PRRREEEEESSSSSUURE?

Seb always had problems with new rallies in the past.

[Micke_VOC]

Bad for Loeb , but good for the championship....

[dimviii]

Bad for Loeb , but good for the championship....
+1

[awake27]

Well realistically Citroen will lose the manufacturers if things will stand as is it, about the drivers one will depend on Loeb form and from Latvala keeping it up there. It's one (Loeb) vs two (Hirvonen-Latvala) at the moment.

[raybak]

Novikov went off with 5 corners to go, Dale's comment was went off at warp factor 5 Billion. Novikov said he was going for it on the stage.

Ray

[Salist]

Novikov sad after the SS4: "I just had a big off at the end of the stage. We damaged the right front suspension and radiator

[Pinto]

Seb always had problems with new rallies in the past.

he just doesnt like new rally's or new stages



A. MIKKELSEN is flying up to fourth

[wwbroe]

So, if Hirvonen wins here in Poland, he will take the lead in championship. Strange point marking system, when somebody who has won six rally's this year, only is second in championship. :D

[A.F.F.]

Seb always had problems with new rallies in the past.

Yes I know. I just wanted to wind things up a bit. I failed :D

[Micke_VOC]

Great performance from Mikkelsen...

[Pinto]

if you dont score in three and your rival consistancley comes second it happens burns only won one rally in 2001 and womn the champ

[Rallyper]

So, if Hirvonen wins here in Poland, he will take the lead in championship. Strange point marking system, when somebody who has won six rally's this year, only is second in championship. :D

We have to consider tactics here... Because it´s not good to go out first in Finland I think Citroen want Hirvonen to be first on the road in Finland so that Seb will have an advantage there. That´s why Seb isn´t taking points in Poland - and will do the rest of the season... :p

[Brother John]

Loeb has rolled 1,2 K in to the stage. I think Oliver Q has to reaccount his thoghts about the frequence of Loebs offs....

Is the friendship between Citroén and Max Moslley over now because he will resign the leadership at the F.I.A. :s mokin:
Maybe are there now other rules for the future of Citroén? :p

[Salist]

Results after SS4:

Hirvonen M. - Lehtinen J.
Latvala J. - Anttila M.+2,4s
Sordo D. - Marti M.+14,7s
Mikkelsen A. - Floene O.+34,1s
Solberg P. - Mills P.+40,0s
Ogier S. - Ingrassia J.+51,6s
Solberg H. - Menkerud C.+53,9s
Wilson M. - Martin S.+58,6s
Novikov E. - Moscatt D.+59,0s
Rautenbach C. - Barritt D.+1m15,1s
Holowczyc K. - Kurzeja L.+1m25,0s
Ostberg M. - Andersson J.+1m49,3s

[MikeD]

I am getting more and more sure that Petter Solberg will be offered a C4 for the Junior team in Citroën's hunt for the Manu title. Citroën clearly now need a driver more that can split the Fords....

[COD]

he just doesnt like new rally's or new stages


Yeah, he said that before the rally. Byhyy... He should swich to racing if he want's to go around familiar road all the time... What a crybaby.

[GigiGalliNo1]

With the restart tomorrow and 5 mins Loeb will get, he'll be back, sadly to say; on the podium on Sunday

[awake27]

We have to consider tactics here... Because it´s not good to go out first in Finland I think Citroen want Hirvonen to be first on the road in Finland so that Seb will have an advantage there. That´s why Seb isn´t taking points in Poland - and will do the rest of the season... :p
Two offs before Finland is not a good preparation to beat the locals there. Loeb will have some psychological problems for sure and the press, Ford etc will remind him of that often from now on. Right now Seb is in the back foot psychologically and the next step is a tricky one: Trying to go flat-out risking to be death and buried or go safe, build confidence but lose a couple of points with 3 rallies left. Not an ideal position.

[Brother John]

Yeah, he said that before the rally. Byhyy... He should swich to racing if he want's to go around familiar road all the time... What a crybaby.

:D ;) So all the organizers have to use new SS roads in the future!

[A.F.F.]

Right this moment AKK in Finland is changing the route of NORF to all new stages :D

[awake27]

Yeah, he said that before the rally. Byhyy... He should swich to racing if he want's to go around familiar road all the time... What a crybaby.
Not exactly the sort of comments I was expecting when joining in this forum.

[Mauri A]

With the restart tomorrow and 5 mins Loeb will get, he'll be back, sadly to say; on the podium on Sunday
4 stages mean 20 minutes!

[N.O.T]

Never say die in the WRC....with a few good rallies remaining this is going to be very interesting....can Loeb find his confidence back in rally finland ?? i doubt it....

[Iskald]

Great performance from Mikkelsen...

What did I tell you all before this event started...?!

But its a very long way to go. Andreas and his little team is reportedly extremely focused. The cars owner "Big" Bernhard Kongsrud, is as nervous as he has never been before, even as a driver himself. He has really put a lot into this, and now he will be crossing fingers and holding thumbs for nearly three more days.

Go Andreas!

[Woodeye]

Unbeliable. I mean really. Robot a.k.a Seb has crashed out in 2 rallies in a row. He must be feeling a bit pressure here now.

Now I'm just waiting when people here start putting Petter to replace him in Citroën.

[Cloverleaf]

From Mathew Wilson on WRC.com:

"“Poland will be exciting as none of the current drivers has raced there before. That will certainly play into my hands, as experience will not come into it so much. I have heard various reports about the terrain and it will be crucial to take our time on the recce and make sure the notes are spot on. This is exciting and it’s such a level playing field until we see the stages.
"I’d like some more driver’s points this time out. If Mikko [Hirvonen] does as well, as he usually does on new rallies, then Ford should come away from this rally with a good result. We have to capitalise on the potential loss of confidence from Sebastien Loeb following on from his crash and maintain good pace and race rhythm.”

Loeb has a loss of confidence? Wilson will certainly take advantage of that. Yeah, sure.
What a wise man this Wilson guy :P

[Micke_VOC]

What did I tell you all before this event started...?!

But its a very long way to go. Andreas and his little team is reportedly extremely focused. The cars owner "Big" Bernhard Kongsrud, is as nervous as he has never been before, even as a driver himself. He has really put a lot into this, and now he will be crossing fingers and holding thumbs for nearly three more days.

Go Andreas!

I had no doubts about Andreas, i know he i really fast and PG´s show in the Skoda in Norway showed the speed of the car.

Andreas on podium would be great...

[Pinto]

Novikov patched the car up but only got 500 yards again looking like super rally

[Leon]

Any news/interviews from Loeb about what happened?

[awake27]

He hit a tree stump damaging the front right susp.

[J4MIE]

Did he roll? If it's only the suspension I guess he will be back out going for it tomorrow :)

[Rallyper]

He hit a tree stump damaging the front right susp.

Like Tommi Makinen on the first stage in NORF 2001. He damaged his left wheel on a tree stump just outside the road in a left hand corner. Should have been a "don´t cut" there as well as for Seb today...

What a surprise that was when Colin turned up first at the end of that stage when everone was waiting for Tommi!

Looking forward to NORF. Can´t wait!!! :)

[Leon]

Did he roll? If it's only the suspension I guess he will be back out going for it tomorrow :)

Only if there is no more damage (eg rollcage).

[wotaguy]

it does seem that , the greece crash has effected him, , im wondering if he will show up at goodwood (FOS) now, really pleased about Mikklesen, seems the championship just woke up again

[awake27]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/76535

Unclear if the tree stump was on the road or on the "cut or not cut" part. We will have to wait for the video evidence.

[Tom206wrc]

Good result so far for Maciej Oleksowicz after four stages of Rajd Polski :)

[bluuford]

Unbeliable. I mean really. Robot a.k.a Seb has crashed out in 2 rallies in a row. He must be feeling a bit pressure here now.

Now I'm just waiting when people here start putting Petter to replace him in Citroën.

Actually it was third off in a row. In Sardinia he got the puncture also because going off the road and hitting a rock. Somehow this Sardinian off was not very well exposed to the press. The Elena´s mistake was more important.

[A.F.F.]

Actually it was third off in a row. In Sardinia he got the puncture also because going off the road and hitting a rock. Somehow this Sardinian off was not very well exposed to the press. The Elena´s mistake was more important.


Dammit. Since Murphy usually strikes three times in a row. So no help from him at Finland ;)

[N.O.T]

Dammit. Since Murphy usually strikes three times in a row. So no help from him at Finland ;)

depending on how many points hirvonen will get here and how many Loeb will get (if he gets any) i think he will go for a safe run in finland finishing 3rd and wait for the tarmac event to take the lead back again....also lets not forget that hirvonen if he gets the lead he will clear the road on gravel events...

The most important thing is that we have a battle for the championship which is always good.....

[RS]

Mikkelsen is going great. Sure, he has a bit of a sweeping advantage but the car is 4 years old and he has barely tested it.

Nice to see a driver with talent fighting his way through and getting a chance for a change, and nice to see again that the Fabia can perform well with a good set up and a decent driver behind the wheel.

[KKS]

Now I'm just waiting when people here start putting Petter to replace him in Citroën.
Now Petter take care to his one Xsara, but if he feel 20 C4's behind him - he start crash crash crash :D

[MJW]

I'm just waiting for the threads on here suggesting that crash bandit Loeb be replaced by Jari Matti..........

But on a more serious note, these accidents to Seb are happening on new stages / new rallies. Maybe he is a roundy roundy racer at heart and the repetative nature of the same stages / routes year in year out have helped Seb more than others. I wouldn't want to see him (or Elena) get hurt, but maybe there is a growing doubt in Seb's mind that a Peugeot 908HDi to dominate Le Mans series is becoming ever more tempting. If he manages to be champion this year maybe he will be off to roundy roundy land.

[wwbroe]

Great fight in JWRC where Kevin Abbring (Renault Clio) is showing his talent having small lead to second placed man Kosciuczko in his Suzuki. ;)

[AndyRAC]

I'm just waiting for the threads on here suggesting that crash bandit Loeb be replaced by Jari Matti..........

But on a more serious note, these accidents to Seb are happening on new stages / new rallies. Maybe he is a roundy roundy racer at heart and the repetative nature of the same stages / routes year in year out have helped Seb more than others. I wouldn't want to see him (or Elena) get hurt, but maybe there is a growing doubt in Seb's mind that a Peugeot 908HDi to dominate Le Mans series is becoming ever more tempting. If he manages to be champion this year maybe he will be off to roundy roundy land.


I think you may be right. I may be wrong, but I honestly think his motivation is lacking for WRC nowadays. ALMS/LMS are far more interesting at the moment. I would like to see him there - and as part of an all French crew next year at Le Sarthe.

[jonkka]

SS5 should be on, right?

[wwbroe]

SS5 should be on, right?

It should be live, but i don't see any splits?

[darkstar]

normally yes, whats going on??? no splits and wrr is talking bullsh** all the time...

[John V]

SS5 should be on, right?

Should be, but still not. But reason ... ?

[wwbroe]

I am just reading on another forum that there is ambulance on the stage for a spectator, but nothing else.

[jonkka]

Ok - so it's delayed?

[wwbroe]

Ok - so it's delayed?

I guess so, but i am not 100 % sure about this.

[John V]

Ambulance confirmed, delay 19 min, stage on

[wwbroe]

It looks like the stage has started now, because i see some split for Hirvonen. ;)

[jonkka]

Second time around - let's see what we can see...

[jonkka]

Sordo seems quite fast...

[jonkka]

Now he doesn't...

[darkstar]

sordo will have absolutely no chance...if he tries to attack latvala he´ll have an off too, i´m sure.

[ZequeArgentina]

Come on, now Sebastian is not a complete driver a do not know how to drive new rallies and stages?????????????????
Do you remember his first full yaear in WRc, having not less than Colin and Carlso sainz as team mates, how fast he develop his gravel skills????
He has been the most consistent and fast driver for years (or even in the history) and now because he has 2 consecutive offs, he is useless?? ("Go to Le Mans").

The onlyproblem is that Loeb offswere almost impossible and we got 2 consecutive, but they are jut 2 offs, having already won 6 rallies so far!!

I agree with those considering he may have lack of motivation.
I haveno doubt the preassure will be good for his motivation, and I tip him for winning in Finland again!!

[A.F.F.]

Come on, now Sebastian is not a complete driver a do not know how to drive new rallies and stages?????????????????
Do you remember his first full yaear in WRc, having not less than Colin and Carlso sainz as team mates, how fast he develop his gravel skills????
He has been the most consistent and fast driver for years (or even in the history) and now because he has 2 consecutive offs, he is useless?? ("Go to Le Mans").

The onlyproblem is that Loeb offswere almost impossible and we got 2 consecutive, but they are jut 2 offs, having already won 6 rallies so far!!

I agree with those considering he may have lack of motivation.
I haveno doubt the preassure will be good for his motivation, and I tip him for winning in Finland again!!

Zeque, you have been here on the forum as long as I have so you must have noticed how this always happens. We the members are ready to lynch everybody in a second they make a mistake or have misfortune. Since the drivers are as good as their last rally, it means Loeb is a crashhappy has been without a future anymore :D

Only change is from which camp the barking starts, is from the red, or the blue corner. Now it's from the blue, obvioulsy.

[darkstar]

Come on, now Sebastian is not a complete driver a do not know how to drive new rallies and stages?????????????????
Do you remember his first full yaear in WRc, having not less than Colin and Carlso sainz as team mates, how fast he develop his gravel skills????

i defenetly agree, i think he´s better at new rallye´s than most other drivers. he isnt that good just since he drove the rallye´s a few times. he was also very good before. of course is experience a very important thing to be fast in rallye´s, loeb has both experience and a massive talent. mistakes can happen to everyone. i think hirvonen becomes also better and more experienced and is able to get loeb under pressure. loeb needs to drive maximum attack now too.

[A.F.F.]

Mikko extending his lead to 9,6 seconds.

[jonkka]

Petter is losing a little time all the time

[A.F.F.]

Yep, he tend to do so time after time.

[darkstar]

hirvonen must have had a hell of a drive, all other drives are knocked out :eek:

[Rallyper]

What happened to Novikov? Doing such good time(s) on the first stage(s)! :confused:

Not even his split times frpm SS5 is showed??

[jonkka]

No splits for Holo?

[jonkka]

Ah - there he is...

[jonkka]

Three norwegians in 4th - 6th places

[Xsara Fan]

What happened to Novikov? Doing such good time(s) on the first stage(s)! :confused:

Not even his split times frpm SS5 is showed??

He went off the road at SS4. Then he has finished the stage but the front right suspension was broken. He try to fix it, loose much time. As I know he is now at the service-park: "Car 7. NOVIKOV/MOSCATT
The team were not sure that he could reach the Mikolajki service after he broke a shock absorber on a jump in SS4. The Russian eventually replaced the damper in 47 minutes and is continuing. "

[jonkka]

Final stage of the day underway... Next up is tomorrow and we'll see what sort of recovery Loeb will accomplish...

[jonkka]

Splits freeze?