Cyprus Rally 2009 - official thread

[Brother John]

Well someones luck finished before the the rally.. it was already bit too exiting anyway .-)

Seb who? Oh yes you mean that other STAR from France. :rolleyes:

[AlfaWRC]

My short summary:
- Bravo Petter, bravo!!! I think that is a great impulse for the whole championship
- I think one of Mikko's worst performances in the last 1 1/2 years. (especially on Friday as well as on Saturday)
- Jari Matti: It is time to deliver!!! He is already driving WRC cars starting with 2003....
- And of course: Nothing new on the first position....

Looking forward to Portugal with Petter in top form and the big comeback from Bosse. I will be out there on the stages. Yeah!

[Finni]

Good perfromance by Solberg as well in a rally were rally skills are never tested. I doubt he will be that good in the other trues gravel ad tarmac rallies.

What is this guy mumbling? Lol

[bluuford]

OGIER S. / INGRASSIA J. (st. č. 12) Technický problém. Zastavilo se mu auto 500 m před cílem / Car stopped 500 mtrs before finish, technical problem

It has been always clear that it is not good for the car to roll it ;-) Now Ogier knows that too!

[tmx]

Update about Ogier: seems the car stopped because technical problem (based on info from Limassol HQ)

Makes sense, since Ogier is actaully a calm driver so it would be uncharacteristic for him to go off like that.

[wwbroe]

Makes sense, since Ogier is actaully a calm driver so it would be uncharacteristic for him to go off like that.

Yes, ofcourse, that explains his roll yesterday as well. :D

[Karukera]

[B] Seb who?

His name is Sébastien Ogier, JWRC Champion.

Sounds like you're still angry against him for kicking your slow flemmish Loix in MC 09. :s tare:

[wwbroe]

Sandell taking the victory in PWRC, congratulations to him as well.

[ste898]

Great achiefment by Mister Loeb. ;)

LOL LOL with no competition oh yes..........

[dimviii]

Bravo to Loeb for the 50th win.Just Respect!!
Bravo for Petter also for a podium against all the young guns with much newer cars and better budget.
No congrats to Sandell,when he have to wait for a problem to catch the win with a s2000 against an old fashioned evo9.If there was true competition like last year(ie Hanninen-Aigner) should be maybe away from pwrc podium.
awaiting for Portugal and to see how Bosse can do against Loeb ford boys and Petter.

[WRC1]

wow what a final day for sandell!!!

fantastic performance! and if you look at the time from araujo i dont think the gearbox problems where soooo massive..??

second win for patrick, emil and austrian based redbull skoda team!

congratulations!!

reg

wrc1

[ste898]

I just knew you would say that.......



Congratulations to Petter for a staggering performance and Matthew for a stage win (not counting the SSS win)!!!!!!!!!!

Seems the 5 year plan is working,he can win when everyone is cruising!

So you tell me where his competition was then please?

[FAlonso]

This Skoda is proof that S2000 cars are quickly coming of age, fact that makes their participation in PWRC a bigger and bigger joke. The truth, thus far, is that even reliability-wise (not to mention speed-wise) it seems that skoda are having way less problems than the Mitsus and Subarus - of course that the skoda is one car vs a lot of conventional Gr N so their probability of something going wrong is higher - and that was kind of unexpected, to me at least.

Anyway congrats to Armindo who did a top job the whole weekend. Very unlucky in the end but good points and his time will come. Monstered the first day and held on well against the "Gr A 7.5" car. ;) (not taking anything away from Sandell of course).

Congrats also to Monsieur Loeb! 50 is a very round number!

[JFL]

i think solberg wont be able to catch sordo, unfortunately. they have almost the same speed, but he need to do lots faster...lets see what the 40km stage will bring!

Say again?

[pantealex]

This Skoda is proof that S2000 cars are quickly coming of age, fact that makes their participation in PWRC a bigger and bigger joke. The truth, thus far, is that even reliability-wise (not to mention speed-wise) it seems that skoda are having way less problems than the Mitsus and Subarus - of course that the skoda is one car vs a lot of conventional Gr N so their probability of something going wrong is higher - and that was kind of unexpected, to me at least.

Anyway congrats to Armindo who did a top job the whole weekend. Very unlucky in the end but good points and his time will come. Monstered the first day and held on well against the "Gr A 7.5" car. ;) (not taking anything away from Sandell of course).
You really want 2 make (mitsu and subaru) serie? (Like WRC is today)
I think that more manufactures makes better races!

[Wim_Impreza]

You really want 2 make (mitsu and subaru) serie? (Like WRC is today)
I think that more manufactures makes better races!

It is called PRODUCTION WRC! S2000 must be in an other Group than N4. For me, Araújo is the real winner of Group N and PWRC. I have nothing against Škoda, but Sandell is not more talented than Araújo, Campedelli, Al-Attiyah, Arai...

[wotaguy]

well done for number 50. seb.
really pleased for petter, he showed determination, and grit :)

[Mirek]

It is called PRODUCTION WRC! S2000 must be in an other Group than N4. For me, Araújo is the real winner of Group N and PWRC. I have nothing against Škoda, but Sandell is not more talented than Araújo, Campedelli, Al-Attiyah, Arai...

Discussed many times but I agree that making three times more expensive cars equal to gr.N by adding weight ballast is no way...

[cut the b.s.]

So you tell me where his competition was then please?

Behind him as usual, congratulations to Mr Loeb on his 50th

[cut the b.s.]

yess what is it ?? Red nose team ???

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/5264/14834.jpg (http://img365.imageshack.us/my.php?image=14834.jpg)

red nose team, or red bottomed team? Whipped again!

[chryby]

ogier crashed 200m before finish:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/index.php?vypisVse=detail&startpos=0&id=6849

[Finni]

It's great thing for the whole championship to see Petter again up there. There will be now one more top-driver beside Loeb and Ford-boys that makes wrc much more interesting. Hopefully Citroen will continue to offer him proper car despite the fact that Petter is somewhat dangerous for them. Sordo just don't get better it seems.

Ogier was impressive. At places he paralleled Hirvonen and Sordo in terms of genuine pace. That's really impressive.

[bassist]

Come on Boys/Girls, a round of applause for Petter/Phil-a private team getting in the way of some of the factory outlets! Nice result, now then Citroen/Ford. why not make the championship a must see, and give them a car on par with Seb/Mikko.With Marcus comming to play in Cyprus, wouldn`t it be a great opportunity to put the WRC in the headlines for all the right reasons? Throw in Kris instead of Matthew(No offence-but I dont think your ever going to be on the pace, despite a fair record and consistency!), and Guy instead of Mr Rautenbach, and we could have the makings of some decent battles! Anyone agree with me, or are we all waiting for 2009, and some sort of level playing field?

[bluuford]

Come on Boys/Girls, a round of applause for Petter/Phil-a private team getting in the way of some of the factory outlets! Nice result, now then Citroen/Ford. why not make the championship a must see, and give them a car on par with Seb/Mikko.With Marcus comming to play in Cyprus, wouldn`t it be a great opportunity to put the WRC in the headlines for all the right reasons? Throw in Kris instead of Matthew(No offence-but I dont think your ever going to be on the pace, despite a fair record and consistency!), and Guy instead of Mr Rautenbach, and we could have the makings of some decent battles! Anyone agree with me, or are we all waiting for 2009, and some sort of level playing field?

Well Aava, Galli and Duval on Tarmac as well.. that would be ideal world :-)

[ste898]

yess what is it ?? Red nose team ???

http://img365.imageshack.us/img365/5264/14834.jpg (http://img365.imageshack.us/my.php?image=14834.jpg)

Shows how out of touch Malcolm is when he parades his tem infront of the cameras after another beating!!!

[ste898]

Come on Boys/Girls, a round of applause for Petter/Phil-a private team getting in the way of some of the factory outlets! Nice result, now then Citroen/Ford. why not make the championship a must see, and give them a car on par with Seb/Mikko.With Marcus comming to play in Cyprus, wouldn`t it be a great opportunity to put the WRC in the headlines for all the right reasons? Throw in Kris instead of Matthew(No offence-but I dont think your ever going to be on the pace, despite a fair record and consistency!), and Guy instead of Mr Rautenbach, and we could have the makings of some decent battles! Anyone agree with me, or are we all waiting for 2009, and some sort of level playing field?

I don't understand how people cannot grasp the itea that Mathew Wilson is in Stobart team and if he was'nt there the seat would'nt be either simple as (its not too hard to understand!!!)

[Mirek]

Wim_Impreza: Just one more thing. This time Sandell prooved he is able to adapt because he wasn't testing Fabia before the rally and his first ever gravel drive with it was SS7. He started with standard Škoda setup...

[bassist]

I don't understand how people cannot grasp the itea that Mathew Wilson is in Stobart team and if he was'nt there the seat would'nt be either simple as (its not too hard to understand!!!)
That is the case, but are you another one of those who can`t see further than his nose? Stobart may well me Matthews ticket to ride,but surely with the state of the WRC at the moment, and the power of Ford/Abudabi, strings could be pulled, to help everyone concerned. I have no problem with Matthew/his driving aspirations, but he has gone as far as he can go!I`m talking about this year, with a view to hitting WRC/S2000 in 2010 in upbeat mode! Oh and by the way, wasn`t Chris contracted to Pro-drive, but it seems Marcus will get at least a one off! Having followed the sport for nearly forty years , my understanding is as clear as crystal blue, and don`t need to patronised by anyone! and no, it aint as simple as that- if enough people want to put pressure to bear, you would be suprised what can happen!! if you have the right attitude that is! Sarnau!

[Buzz Lightyear]

Well done Seb.
Good to see Petter's pace.
Sad entry.
Hirvonen is the perennial under acheiever
Latvala will never ever learn.
Sordo, is he actually get slower on gravel?
Fastest time on the last stage of a rally, is nothing to shout about.
Ogier was very disappointing again.
Novikov, i expected more.
There needs to be an upheaval in drivers.
Cant watch till next year. S2000 will show up the muppet drivers.
Come on Marcus.. liven this show up in Portugal.

[Buzz Lightyear]

]Wim_Impreza: Just one more thing. This time Sandell prooved he is able to adapt because he wasn't testing Fabia before the rally and his first ever gravel drive with it was SS7. He started with standard Škoda setup...

Sandell proved nothing other than S2000 is quicker than GpN.
I'm sorry, I dont rate Sandell.

[Viridian Black]

did p.solberg go through the whole rally without any drama????

[Buzz Lightyear]

did p.solberg go through the whole rally without any drama????

blocked radiator on some stages, engine overheated.

[ste898]

That is the case, but are you another one of those who can`t see further than his nose? Stobart may well me Matthews ticket to ride,but surely with the state of the WRC at the moment, and the power of Ford/Abudabi, strings could be pulled, to help everyone concerned. I have no problem with Matthew/his driving aspirations, but he has gone as far as he can go!I`m talking about this year, with a view to hitting WRC/S2000 in 2010 in upbeat mode! Oh and by the way, wasn`t Chris contracted to Pro-drive, but it seems Marcus will get at least a one off! Having followed the sport for nearly forty years , my understanding is as clear as crystal blue, and don`t need to patronised by anyone! and no, it aint as simple as that- if enough people want to put pressure to bear, you would be suprised what can happen!! if you have the right attitude that is! Sarnau!

Excuse me but don't talk down to me thankyou.

I can see whats happening in a team unlike you who does'nt understand simple team members

I think a lot of it is jealously

[chryby]

muddy pictures from leg 3:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=494&au=0

and teams pictures:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=495&au=0

[Gard]

did p.solberg go through the whole rally without any drama????

And gearbox problem. Missing 1st gear one some stages

[bassist]

Excuse me but don't talk down to me thankyou.

I can see whats happening in a team unlike you who does'nt understand simple team members

I think a lot of it is jealously
Well i`m not sure what sort of Rallying you follow, perhaps it`s the sort they have in Hyde Park! If you can`t argue your case, then keep your own council.You have missed the point totally, and to say you don`t like being talked down to, is very rich coming from someone who obviously is a past master at doing so themselves! My only concren is the reputation of the WRC, and a smooth transition into the new regs! And where Jealousey comes into it, god only knows.If you need a few history lessons let me know! Sarnau.

[Viridian Black]

And gearbox problem. Missing 1st gear one some stages
ah. wishful thinking that petter wouldnt have any problems. always the way with mr.hollywood :) . congrats to him tho.

[edbzulte]

We were in Cyprus until thursday the 12/03/09.
On a trip in the Trodos Mountains we saw three cars practicing for the WRC rally in Cyprus.
It were 3 white cars Volvo S70 or 80 I think. Completely in perfect mirror windows, you could nearly see the driver or co-driver.- A few miles further and the three identical car were at a parkingsite + some servicecars I think, and all guys around with bleu shirts. Again no sign of a car mark. They didn't appreciate it that we stopped on the same parking and wanted to take some photos. Who can tell me what team it was ??? I could not see any mark Citroen, or Ford or .....
After a few minutes we left the parking.
Thanks for your answer

[JFL]

We were in Cyprus until thursday the 12/03/09.
On a trip in the Trodos Mountains we saw three cars practicing for the WRC rally in Cyprus.
It were 3 white cars Volvo S70 or 80 I think. Completely in perfect mirror windows, you could nearly see the driver or co-driver.- A few miles further and the three identical car were at a parkingsite + some servicecars I think, and all guys around with bleu shirts. Again no sign of a car mark. They didn't appreciate it that we stopped on the same parking and wanted to take some photos. Who can tell me what team it was ??? I could not see any mark Citroen, or Ford or .....
After a few minutes we left the parking.
Thanks for your answer

recce cars. Driving threw the stages, and making the pacenotes!

Hennings car!

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kontroll_panel_3/images/uploads/0/9/b756b73b4589cf5e2af0d189d61704/custom.jpg?1236703801http://s3.amazonaws.com/kontroll_panel_3/images/uploads/0/9/b756b73b4589cf5e2af0d189d61704/custom.jpg?1236703801

[Mirek]

Sandell proved nothing other than S2000 is quicker than GpN.
I'm sorry, I dont rate Sandell.

I wasn't talking to You...

[ste898]

Well i`m not sure what sort of Rallying you follow, perhaps it`s the sort they have in Hyde Park! If you can`t argue your case, then keep your own council.You have missed the point totally, and to say you don`t like being talked down to, is very rich coming from someone who obviously is a past master at doing so themselves! My only concren is the reputation of the WRC, and a smooth transition into the new regs! And where Jealousey comes into it, god only knows.If you need a few history lessons let me know! Sarnau.

You really don'y have clue....

I certailly won't be needing history lessons on rally from someone like you.

When you want to chat seriously then come back till then don't bother me with your silly words

[Buzz Lightyear]

]I wasn't talking to You...

I don't need permission to state the obvious.

A Super 2000 car driven to limits should have beat a GpN car by 3mins.

[swordsman]

Well done Seb.
Good to see Petter's pace.
Sad entry.
Hirvonen is the perennial under acheiever
Latvala will never ever learn.
Sordo, is he actually get slower on gravel?
Fastest time on the last stage of a rally, is nothing to shout about.
Ogier was very disappointing again.
Novikov, i expected more.
There needs to be an upheaval in drivers.
Cant watch till next year. S2000 will show up the muppet drivers.
Come on Marcus.. liven this show up in Portugal.

Ogier very disappointing?
- He scored in average stage position 5,5 in stage 1-13.
- He overtook Wilson in the penultimate stage.
- He went off 200 meters from the finish - in a good, solid fight for the fifth position.

My reflections:
- When fighting for standings, s*it happens sometimes.
- 5,5 is a VERY good average - considering that he's a newbie in the WRC. (compare it to Wilson who has done quite a few years and had an average of 7 - even counting the stage win!)
- If he wouldn't have gone off, I guess HE would have took the stage win and the fifth place.

Would you still think the performance was bad if he went 200 meters more on the road? I guess you would have called it a much better word - despite being almost the same thing. Of course it's much about getting to the finish, but the guy is new in the game. All respect to Ogier from me, I'm sure he will become really good after a year or two of WRC experience.

[urabus-denoS2000]

I don't need permission to state the obvious.

A Super 2000 car driven to limits should have beat a GpN car by 3mins.

That was Sandell's first gravel rally in the Škoda with no testing and regular set-up

A well set-up N4 car on gravel would beat an S2000 any day,especially with the FIA now wanting to equalize S2000 and N4 (which is incredibly stupid) so Sandell did put a good drive.

But I do agree S2000 is a lot faster and it won't be an acomplishment for him to win later in the season...

[big_sw2000]

We were in Cyprus until thursday the 12/03/09.
On a trip in the Trodos Mountains we saw three cars practicing for the WRC rally in Cyprus.
It were 3 white cars Volvo S70 or 80 I think. Completely in perfect mirror windows, you could nearly see the driver or co-driver.- A few miles further and the three identical car were at a parkingsite + some servicecars I think, and all guys around with bleu shirts. Again no sign of a car mark. They didn't appreciate it that we stopped on the same parking and wanted to take some photos. Who can tell me what team it was ??? I could not see any mark Citroen, or Ford or .....
After a few minutes we left the parking.
Thanks for your answer
Volvo S60 recce cars, for the Ford teams

[urabus-denoS2000]

And let me be the first to congatulate Mprokop in winning a thrilling JWRC race,winning 1,5 minutes in front of Kosciuszko and 20 mins in front of Burkart :rolleyes: :o :mad: :(

Not taking anything away from Martin though

[Mirek]

I don't need permission to state the obvious.

A Super 2000 car driven to limits should have beat a GpN car by 3mins.

I don't see any point in replaying particular sentence without contect, do You? I realy won't argue about something I haven't said :rolleyes:

[Helstar]

Ogier was impressive. At places he paralleled Hirvonen and Sordo in terms of genuine pace. That's really impressive.
Impressive ? He's been a crashtest-dummy 'til now ...

Well Aava, Galli and Duval on Tarmac as well.. that would be ideal world :-)
Add PG ;) !

[Doon]

That was actually a half decent event. Was pretty good to watch too, except for that unfunny comedien! Dave should give up on the special guests and film the fans, honestly I see far more amusing fans on a national event in Wales. My mates and I have more of a laugh than them, and we actually enjoy the rallying! I always get the feeling that the comentators, including Neil Cole, aren't really that into it!

I liked Seb's coment about drinking too much the night before the quad race.....I think he's an actual pisshead is our Seb, thumbs up to the lad! Remember seeing him seemingly sh*tfaced at a Rally GB after party, lol!

Anyway, I'm so happy Solberg was on the podium, i've not rated him in the last few years, now its pretty obvious that the Impreza's were turd. When was the last time a 3 year old car did that well? Remember Hirvonen got 3rd on Rally Catalunya 2005 in an '03 spec Focus.

Oh yeh and finally, please dont make silly argueements about any of my comments, the forum just looks like a bitching ground at the moment. It would be nice if people could give an informative input instead of pouncing on an oppertunity to take the p*ss or slag someone off. :)

[bassist]

You really don'y have clue....

I certailly won't be needing history lessons on rally from someone like you.

When you want to chat seriously then come back till then don't bother me with your silly words
I think the forum have had enough of your obnoxious little comments and taking your ball home attitude. By all means I welcome a healthy debate on Rallying,but I don`t know if I will stimulate any constructive discussion with you. However I`m always up for a challenge, so contact me directly any time, and you will be suprised how educated on the sport you become! Sarnau.

[mjh]

Shows how out of touch Malcolm is when he parades his tem infront of the cameras after another beating!!!

Red Nose Day was Friday, pic was taken before the rally started and anyone was beaten I believe :p :

[ste898]

I think the forum have had enough of your obnoxious little comments and taking your ball home attitude. By all means I welcome a healthy debate on Rallying,but I don`t know if I will stimulate any constructive discussion with you. However I`m always up for a challenge, so contact me directly any time, and you will be suprised how educated on the sport you become! Sarnau.

See there you go again talking down to people thinking you are better than me well think again!!!

I will repeat it again incase you did'nt understand the first time

'I certailly won't be needing history lessons on rally from someone like you.

When you want to chat seriously then come back till then don't bother me with your silly words'

[ste898]

Red Nose Day was Friday, pic was taken before the rally started and anyone was beaten I believe :p :


Thankyou for correcting me I am very grateful

[bluuford]

I must say that rally Cyprus surprised me quite positively.
1. There were almost no punctures (except a few in JWRC)
2. two good battles in last day Wilson VS Ogier and Solberg VS Sordo
3. good battle in PWRC. Three drivers in 1 minute. Last time in Cyprus (in 2006) top three was in 6 minutes! And difference between first and second was over 4 minutes.
4. The time differences were actually bigger in 2006. Eight place was over 15 minutes behind leader. now it was 13 minutes. And third place was already 5minutes behind. Now it was less than two minutes.
5. Citroen has provided us with very nice team which might be renamed to "Citroen junior entertainment team". Those numerous spins that Ogier and Novikov did and their rolls. It is showing that Citroen gave them tanks instead of rally cars ;-)

Well this years positive surprises have been Monte (IRC), Norway and now Cyprus and negative experiences Ireland and Curtiba (IRC).

[urabus-denoS2000]

Congratulations to Petter and Phil,I just watched the WRC and figured out their acomplishment!!!

Nice to see them so happy!!!

[Buzz Lightyear]

Ogier very disappointing?
- He scored in average stage position 5,5 in stage 1-13.
- He overtook Wilson in the penultimate stage.
- He went off 200 meters from the finish - in a good, solid fight for the fifth position.

My reflections:
- When fighting for standings, s*it happens sometimes.
- 5,5 is a VERY good average - considering that he's a newbie in the WRC. (compare it to Wilson who has done quite a few years and had an average of 7 - even counting the stage win!)
- If he wouldn't have gone off, I guess HE would have took the stage win and the fifth place.

Would you still think the performance was bad if he went 200 meters more on the road? I guess you would have called it a much better word - despite being almost the same thing. Of course it's much about getting to the finish, but the guy is new in the game. All respect to Ogier from me, I'm sure he will become really good after a year or two of WRC experience.

I dont rate Ogier too highly. I think he is another Sordo. Good, but not a exceptional. Did you see stage 8 of him on Eurosport? He was off the road 4 times, and rolled. Totally lost all self control. I have seen more of him standing beside a car than actually driving it. Bit like Atkinson. Fighting with Wilson wouldnt be something I would be shouting about too much, and he even cracked under that pressure. Not a champion in the making for me.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Another thing.

Latvala is keeping Petter from getting a drive with Citroen.

Figure that one out.

[Fischer]

What's the deal with this Ogier guy, he made himself look quite stupid there.

[I am evil Homer]

Buzz - 19 months ago Ogier was rallying a 206 cup car he's now in a WRC...it's a steep learning curve but he already shows promise. He won't be a world beater after 3 WRC events.

[RS]

Well this years positive surprises have been Monte (IRC), Norway and now Cyprus and negative experiences Ireland and Curtiba (IRC).

Curitiba was a very nice event, but the entry list was too small. Safari and Japan will be worse I'm afraid but I can't wait till the main European part of the IRC season. There should be some real battles then.

Cyprus, reading the post event comments from the drivers/teams, I think that Mikko is deluding himself unfortunately. Main reason he was fast on days two and three was because Loeb was sweeping and had already built up a big lead so probably wasn't pushing too hard. Also, Stobart wetting themselves about Matthew Wilson's 'fantastic' performance. At the end of they day he still finished the event 6 minutes off the pace. His stage win was probably mostly because everyone else had slowed down by that stage.

Oh, and where have all the Petter-haters gone now? ;)

[Buzz Lightyear]

Buzz - 19 months ago Ogier was rallying a 206 cup car he's now in a WRC...it's a steep learning curve but he already shows promise. He won't be a world beater after 3 WRC events.

Im saying he wont be a world beater at all. Thats my opinion.
It not my fault he been pushed too soon, and won the weakest JWRC championship for 6 years.

[Iskald]

Congratulations to Petter and Phil,I just watched the WRC and figured out their acomplishment!!!

Nice to see them so happy!!!

Agreed, absolutely!

But what about the TV-broadcast and the interview with Citroën-boss Quesnel? The female reporter didn`t even bother with asking him about the fact that during the two last days of the rally, the fastest Citroën on gravel had been Petter`s eight year old Xsara.

"Sponsorjournalism" is the correct word for this, and the reason why WRC-broadcasts sucks.

[Psycho!]

Main reason he was fast on days two and three was because Loeb was sweeping
What he was sweeping exactly??The wet/muddy gravel,which is the best possible conditions for the first car on the road???In the two dry stages he lost quite a lot...If only Cyprus had the classic conditions....

[COD]

Loeb had a good margin for gravel, no need to push. He controlled the event as he pleased. Ridicolous from Mikko to say that he was so and so much faster than Loeb on gravel. Had Loeb been in lesser lead, he would have put in some good times to keep the kids behind.

[WRC1]

Loeb had a good margin for gravel, no need to push. He controlled the event as he pleased. Ridicolous from Mikko to say that he was so and so much faster than Loeb on gravel. Had Loeb been in lesser lead, he would have put in some good times to keep the kids behind.

well said COD!!! agree 100%

..and if you read the ford press release, that according to the very good times on gravel in cyprus, they think they can challenge loeb in the next 7 gravel rallyes, i just can laugh 80))
maybe with a real number one, or on single stages, but not with current drivers and tactic behaivor

[Mirek]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAJObtCUscY&eurl=

Epic disasterous SS8 from Ogier :D

[Mirek]

Some wonderful photos from Grzerorz Roslon: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=684&fotograf=100&all=1

[Helstar]

]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAJObtCUscY&eurl=

Epic disasterous SS8 from Ogier :D
omg O_o so many mistakes one after another ... he was totally out of concentration I guess. Not world champion material surely.

[Finni]

It's funny how people judges Ogier after one race. That guy 25 rallies in the belt what he could do more when driving second gravel rally ever with 4wd and wrc? In my view Ogier has done fine and with that rhythm it will not take too much time when he is ahead of Sordo.

[bluuford]

Yeah.. it took 13 rallies for Loeb to reach to WRC podium, he retired 3 times in first nine rallies and first WRC win was 22-nd rally (10th in wrc car) First gravel podium was 31-st rally (19th in WRC level) and first gravel win was 43 wrc rally (31-st in WRC level).

Edit: Actually his first gravel win was 2004 Cyprus when Marcus was disqualified (something related to cooling system). His first proper gravel win came 2 rallies later in Turkey.. in 2004.

[RallyPT]

Hi everyone!
I think that Ogier will be a great driver. Cyprus was only his 4th rally in a wrc, so he is just learning the car...
It's, of course, not normal so many mistakes in one stage, but probably he wasn't concentrated or maybe he had had mechanical problemes in his car...

[Mirek]

I agree, I just like the video :D

Let's wait what he's capable of when he has 51 starts like Wilson or 70 like Latvala :)

[Kamikaze]

It's funny how people judges Ogier after one race. That guy 25 rallies in the belt what he could do more when driving second gravel rally ever with 4wd and wrc? In my view Ogier has done fine and with that rhythm it will not take too much time when he is ahead of Sordo.

Once they called Sordo the Wonderboy - now we often wonder why he drives so average :D
So maybe we have a second Sordo here ?

[ste898]

well said COD!!! agree 100%

..and if you read the ford press release, that according to the very good times on gravel in cyprus, they think they can challenge loeb in the next 7 gravel rallyes, i just can laugh 80))
maybe with a real number one, or on single stages, but not with current drivers and tactic behaivor

Ford are living in cookoo land have they got Tony Blairs old PR man doing their press releases?

[StevieWonder]

Well done Seb.
Good to see Petter's pace.
Sad entry.
Hirvonen is the perennial under acheiever
Latvala will never ever learn.
Sordo, is he actually get slower on gravel?
Fastest time on the last stage of a rally, is nothing to shout about.
Ogier was very disappointing again.
Novikov, i expected more.
There needs to be an upheaval in drivers.
Cant watch till next year. S2000 will show up the muppet drivers.
Come on Marcus.. liven this show up in Portugal.


was live there in cyprus and here are some of my impressions:

Loeb - still driving in his own class, always very fast and `save`
Mikko - bad performance on friday, but good fight and driving style on gravel
Petter - congratulation - absolutely the best result he could achieve !
Sordo - perfect collector of manufacturer points - maybe championship already over for Ford if there are no big surprises - Sordo did his job
Wilson - only fast on Sunday, when he got pressure from Ogier
Ogier and Novikov - perfect driving of both - young elite is coming up - expecially Novikov showed us a good driving style
Rautenbach/Villagra/Qassimi - nothing to mention

Rally - I think one of the most challenging rallies - very many different kinds of tarmac and gravel through all the stages
- and perfect spots to watch (marshalls weren´t no more strict after safety helicopter was flying over ;-)

[Helstar]

Yeah.. it took 13 rallies for Loeb to reach to WRC podium, he retired 3 times in first nine rallies and first WRC win was 22-nd rally (10th in wrc car) First gravel podium was 31-st rally (19th in WRC level) and first gravel win was 43 wrc rally (31-st in WRC level).

Edit: Actually his first gravel win was 2004 Cyprus when Marcus was disqualified (something related to cooling system). His first proper gravel win came 2 rallies later in Turkey.. in 2004.
Ehhhh ... you have forgotten that there was some competition before :P ! Now even Wilson or Rautenbach could get a 3rd position ^^

[GigiGalliNo1]

I think Ogier and Novikov are ones to watch, except the ditches did like their C4's :p

I just watched the whole round up show, and it took 15 mins to get to the second car, on the first stage! Blehhhh... anyways....

Fantastic to watch this rally on Day 2! With the mud and all it was very interesting and exciting to watch! :D

Hope more rounds become like this but I did read people didn't find this rally exciting due to dominating Loeb... :)

Congrats Petter.

[Mirek]

ewrc.cz video: http://www.rallyvidea.com/?ref=1&id=8&video=2009/Cyprus_rally_2009_eWRC_vft09.avi

[tolis]

]ewrc.cz video: http://www.rallyvidea.com/?ref=1&id=8&video=2009/Cyprus_rally_2009_eWRC_vft09.avi

It is very good. I also love the music at the end of the video... ;)

[GigiGalliNo1]

]ewrc.cz video: http://www.rallyvidea.com/?ref=1&id=8&video=2009/Cyprus_rally_2009_eWRC_vft09.avi

Great Video!

The S2000 Skoda and the 1600 Swifts and C2 were exciting to watch!

Same the Evos looked slow.....

Wrc....eh!

But great stage coverage! :D

[jbmarcus21]

pics from Cyprus (a bit late loll)

http://planetemarcus.free.fr/photoschypre09.htm ;)