2009 Rally d'Italia Sardegna - official thread

[wacked]

where are you'll looking at splits?

[Mirek]

Bettega in big troubles!

Seems that Araujo has troubles as well. Sandell lost a lot of time in the end of last stage but his speed is ok now, maybe puncture?

[tolis]

@wacked:
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=409&season=2009&rally_id=I

[r199]

flodin in problems to

[wwbroe]

where are you'll looking at splits?

WRC.COM :D

[wwbroe]

flodin in problems to

He has allready problems since two previous stages :(

[wwbroe]

Looks like Sandell will take back the lead in Gr. N. Araujo is loosing a lot of time, so probably Al Attiyah will be second after this stage.

[Rallyper]

where are you'll looking at splits?

At www.wrc.com (http://www.wrc.com) on the board under "Live stage times" there´s split times as well.

[wwbroe]

Bettega is loosing very much time and his lead in Juniors. Probably Prokop will take over the lead after this stage.

[Hartusvuori]

Great time for Jarkko Nikara!

[Mirek]

Prokop lost a lot of time behind Bettega :(

[wwbroe]

Kosiuszko is taking lead in Juniors because Martin Prokop lost some time on last part of stage in the dust of Bettega.

[pavlos_a]

Kosiuszko is taking lead in Juniors because Martin Prokop lost some time on last part of stage in the dust of Bettega.

Very strange... Why are the S1600 faster in many stages than the S2000 and GrN???? Maybe tyres and fuel??? And temperatures? Any thoughts?

[muscrae]

Maybe downhill stages???

[COD]

Yes, you were right, Mikko made a confession!


When have I been wrong ? :)

[COD]

]4 from 5 PSD Evo X had blocked fuel filter and 5th had also some problems with that.

Rumors say there was something wrong with fuel provided by the organisers...

[COD]

Very strange... Why are the S1600 faster in many stages than the S2000 and GrN???? Maybe tyres and fuel??? And temperatures? Any thoughts?

Might be different tyres...

[Helstar]

Seems that the Monte Lerno Jump has made some victims this year, can't wait to see the TV highlights :>

[Mauri A]

When have I been wrong ? :)
Now and then, my friend!

[jonkka]

Here we go again...

[pettersolberg29]

We are go - JML onstage.

So, who is going to use tactics? Its up to Loeb now as he's 3rd on the road, and I'd bet anything thats where he'll be when starting Day 3

[pettersolberg29]

Mikko on it! 5 secs quicker after 2nd split

[Mauri A]

We are go - JML onstage.

So, who is going to use tactics? Its up to Loeb now as he's 3rd on the road, and I'd bet anything thats where he'll be when starting Day 3
Even eating your ty trousers?

[pettersolberg29]

Maybe not eating my trousers, but I'd bet giving away all my trousers, including the ones I'm currently wearing in a public internet cafe!

[Helstar]

Aren't 30+ sec too many even for Loeb to recover in the last day ?

[jonkka]

Aren't 30+ sec too many even for Loeb to recover in the last day ?

He's got half of this day as well...

[wwbroe]

Ogier seems to have stopped in the stage, missing awheel, another off? :D

[Helstar]

He's got half of this day as well...
And also tomorrow ... but in the second half there is no sweeping anymore :p !

[Mirek]

Ogier seems to have stopped in the stage, missing awheel, another off? :D

Yep, he has one wheel less than he should have. He plays Rautenbach's entertaining role this season :D

[wwbroe]

Loeb is starting to make his move, allready 6 sec faster on second split, compared to Ford guys. :p

[Helstar]

Maybe he saved the tyres on purpose in the previous SS

[Rallyper]

Loeb is starting to make his move, allready 6 sec faster on second split, compared to Ford guys. :p

But will he remain second with Hirvonen third at the end of the day? :confused:

Let´s see who´s gonna do the longest stop on the last stage today. :p

[jonkka]

But a bit down on next...

[jonkka]

And a minute down on next!!!

[jonkka]

Now it'll be interesting to see what Ford will do, shuffle Mikko up one position or leave it as it is?

[Psycho!]

What????

[wwbroe]

Loeb is loosing more then a minute :eek: :eek:

[jonkka]

And whether Loeb will lose more or no...

[r199]

loeb second mistake of today

[alterdaxter]

Loeb lost more than a minute on 4th split?? :confused:

[Rallyper]

Loeb´s been off and back on stage again. So that man can do mistakes...! :D

[wwbroe]

Seems that Loeb was off the road, but is continuing the stage now. :(

[wwbroe]

So this man is human after all?. :D

[jonkka]

Seems so

[Rallyper]

Loeb´s been off and back on stage again. So that man can do mistakes...! :D

Obviously no damage on Sebs car....

[Sulland]

Henning is out with bronek fron right suspension :-(

Loeb is back up to speed again, so not sure what happened !

[Camelopard]

Henning is out with bronek fron right suspension :-(

Loeb is back up to speed again, so not sure what happened !

Puncture, Sordo stopped as well, but going again.

[r199]

damm loeb issnt human a tire chanche in under a minuut pfffffffff

wtf he is superman

[Rallyper]

Can you change a wheel in one minute without breaking the rules - safety harness, mounting back the punctured wheel tez...? :eek:

[alterdaxter]

Loeb had to change tyre on the special stage.
Nice time (under 1minute!) for changing tyre!

He said: "The tyre change went perfect, the stage not..."

[Psycho!]

Loeb changed the wheel in a minute???WOW!!!Sordo stopped and is back on the move...!!!

[N.O.T]

lets see if solberg can keep loeb behind him tommorow.....

[jonkka]

damm loeb issnt human a tire chanche in under a minuut pfffffffff

wtf he is superman

Unreal, I would go as far as to claim that it can't be done that fast!

[Mauri A]

Maybe not eating my trousers, but I'd bet giving away all my trousers, including the ones I'm currently wearing in a public internet cafe!
What about being without trousers in the cafe?

[Psycho!]

Petter fastest so far!!!!

[pettersolberg29]

What about being without trousers in the cafe?

If Petter gets a podium, I couldn't care less!

[awake27]

Both Citroens had punctures on the same spot? LOL

[Mirek]

Unreal, I would go as far as to claim that it can't be done that fast!

Yesterday a 55 year old driver Arazim changed wheel in 1:01 in Czech Rally Český Krumlov with Hans. It's all in public onboard. The problem is that he didn't used seatbelts after the change...

[Helstar]

ONE MINUTE FOR A TYRE CHANGE ?! The man is the fastest in the world even in that ! O_o

[pettersolberg29]

But I still wouldn't bet against Seb taking Petter in this 30km stage....Unlikely but possible

[jonkka]

Sordo's got other problems besides puncture (or he didn't change it)

[jonkka]

]Yesterday a 55 year old driver Arazim changed wheel in 1:01 in Czech Rally Český Krumlov with Hans. It's all in public onboard. The problem is that he didn't used seatbelts after the change...

Nor fasten the punctured tyre inside the car?

[Helstar]

Now it'll be interesting to see what Ford will do, shuffle Mikko up one position or leave it as it is?
Of course keeping second place but very close behind JML (less than 10 sec) ... and then tomorrow final change of position :p !

[Mirek]

Sordo transmission troubles.

[Hartusvuori]

I'd love to see a video of Loeb's tyre chance. Getting out of the belts and the car, getting the spare tyre, taking the punctured tyre out, etc and back in the car in about a minute is definitely inhuman!

[jonkka]

Of course keeping second place but very close behind JML (less than 10 sec) ... and then tomorrow final change of position :p !

Yes, I meant during the course of the rally, not just today.

[Mirek]

Nor fasten the punctured tyre inside the car?

That's not visible from the onboard unfortunately. But he made 20 km of the stage after that and if he had the wheel just left inside, it would be very dangerous. But who know when he is able to drive stage without seatbelts and risk fatal injury (it's not first time for him)...

[jonkka]

Well, that's why I pay money to professionals to change tyres on my car and not do it myself...

[jonkka]

Not really, the real reason is that tyres are too heavy for me... :(

[tmx]

But I still wouldn't bet against Seb taking Petter in this 30km stage....Unlikely but possibleI thought your usename is pettersolberg29, not sebastianloeb01. He just won this 22km stage, he'll be fast on the next stage.

[Mirek]

Not really, the real reason is that tyres are too heavy for me... :(

Do You have a truck or some huge offroad? :s mokin:

[jonkka]

I thought your usename is pettersolberg29, not sebastianloeb01. He just won this 22km stage, he'll be fast on the next stage.

He did? Wow, I was too absorbed with Loeb's problems that I didn't notice that at all!?! :eek:

[jonkka]

]Do You have a truck or some huge offroad? :s mokin:

Just Volvo but I am not a Schwarzenegger...

[pettersolberg29]

I thought your usename is pettersolberg29, not sebastianloeb01. He just won this 22km stage, he'll be fast on the next stage.

I support Petter, but I'd have to be stupid to believe he's better than Seb. Like I said, catching Petter is unlikley in 30km, but Seb is inhuman and could do it if Petter had a stall or spin.

[Mirek]

Just Volvo but I am not a Schwarzenegger...

Hehe, I'm thin 70 kg man and I'm changing tyres every autumn and spring for 4 cars of our family. It's not that heavy work, just a little bit dirty ;)

[jonkka]

]Hehe, I'm thin 70 kg man and I'm changing tyres every autumn and spring for 4 cars of our family. It's not that heavy work, just a little bit dirty ;)

I do too, for my wife's tiny Opel Corsa with 13in tyres but not 225R17 tyres with large alloy wheels for my Volvo... I tried once and gave up... 20 euros for pro is small price to pay to avoid that work...

[Mauri A]

I do too, for my wife's tiny Opel Corsa with 13in tyres but not 225R17 tyres with large alloy wheels for my Volvo... I tried once and gave up... 20 euros for pro is small price to pay to avoid that work...
Change subject, not tyres!

[jonkka]

Certainly sir... why no SS12 on yet?

[Mirek]

Sorry, Mauri, for off topic ;)

Prokop another time penalty, this time 10 seconds for being late to SS10. It's 1:40 penalty overal now...

[jonkka]

And right on cue... it's on

[Rallyper]

Change subject, not tyres!

So, can anyone on this forum honestly believe that Seb got away with his tyrechange without breaking any rules??? :confused:

[Moriarty]

Will Fourd use tactic? I think Malkom will tell Latvala to pass Hirvonen

[Mauri A]

So, can anyone on this forum honestly believe that Seb got away with his tyrechange without breaking any rules??? :confused:

If he paid those 20 euros to Jonkka´s pros!

[Mirek]

Nikara won SS11 in gr. N and made 9th time overal!

[Rallyper]

]Nikara won SS11 in gr. N and made 9th time overal!

Finlands´ next WRC star then. Very good indeed! :D

[Mauri A]

]Nikara won SS11 in gr. N and made 9th time overal!
And before the rally he said that his only goal is to survive. I hope he does.

[jonkka]

If he paid those 20 euros to Jonkka´s pros!

That would have required a long trip to Finland (2000 km's and back in 1 min equals something like 240.000 kph)...

[Mauri A]

That would have required a long trip to Finland (2000 km's and back in 1 min equals something like 240.000 kph)...
Looks like nothing is impossible for Mr Loeb.

[jonkka]

Maybe my pros were down in Sardinia to watch the rally? Damn those traitorssssss...

[muscrae]

Novikov problem?

[pettersolberg29]

Loeb could take Petter - maybe tactics mean Loeb stays behind by about 1 second for better road position.
Let's hope Petter is a bit cleverer and gets a better time, or lets Loeb into third.

[ZequeArgentina]

Now we willsee real Loeb at FULL speed (I mean driving, cause we have seen he is also the fastest out therechanging tyre..................IMPRSSIVE).

Hi Mauri, closely following Nikara, anothergood prospect (still thinking Haninen is champion material)

[muscrae]

Seb is in the dust of Petter now... But I think he won't catch him to have a better start position tomorrow...

[muscrae]

JML completed the stage

[userwave]

traveled to sardinia rally last year from Canada with my girlfriend, sure wish we were there again this weekend!

hoping Solberg can secure a podium !

[Mirek]

Oh no, another 20 seconds penalty for Prokop. It's 2 minutes overal now but there still is a chance...

[Helstar]

"World Champion Sebastien Loeb was the next to hit trouble. Five seconds fastest at the 10km split, the Frenchman picked up a puncture soon after and drove for 3km before deciding he would damage his car if he carried on and he had to stop and change it.

Two minutes would be a lightning quick time for a WRC tyre change, but incredibly Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena managed the job in just one. The time lost dropped him to fourth overall, 1min 33.1sec adrift of Latvala’s lead. "

[awake27]

Latvala on course for the 2nd place, he is losing even more time on the 2nd pass. Team order from Malcolm probably.

[Helstar]

Latvala on course for the 2nd place, he is losing even more time on the 2nd pass. Team order from Malcolm probably.
Oh no really ? xD

Was already predicted (btw, I said 'less than 10 sec', it's 9.9 LOL !)


Of course keeping second place but very close behind JML (less than 10 sec) ... and then tomorrow final change of position :p !

[wwbroe]

Looking back at splits of stage 11, i think Loeb actually changed the wheel in about 1'15", because at the split before the change he was about 5" down on JML and on the split after the change he was at 1'07", so it took about 1'15" to change the wheel. Very impressive time, but this guy is not normal human being. :)

[JAM]

]Nikara won SS11 in gr. N and made 9th time overal!

First time i see an Evo X running at full speed. Who built the car?

[Helstar]

Looking back at splits of stage 11, i think Loeb actually changed the wheel in about 1'15", because at the split before the change he was about 5" down on JML and on the split after the change he was at 1'07", so it took about 1'15" to change the wheel. Very impressive time, but this guy is not normal human being. :)
You have to consider he drove 3km with a punctured tyre too ...

[Mauri A]

Now we willsee real Loeb at FULL speed (I mean driving, cause we have seen he is also the fastest out therechanging tyre..................IMPRSSIVE).

Hi Mauri, closely following Nikara, anothergood prospect (still thinking Haninen is champion material)
Nice to see that you are still alive! I hope that in a couple of hours I see on TV how that tyre change was made.

[Mirek]

First time i see an Evo X running at full speed. Who built the car?

All PSD Evo X are from Ralliart Italy.

[wwbroe]

Loeb stays in fourth but just 2"2 down on Petter, so good position on the road tomorrow.

[awake27]

Petter almost lost the 3rd place in one stage, just 2.2 secs in front of Loeb now...

[pettersolberg29]

Isn't Petter being a bit foolish not letting Loeb through? Tomorrow Loeb will take Petter in one stage, and Petter has a worse starting position!

Is it me or is that stupid?

[wwbroe]

Sordo is obviously still having problems on this stage, loosing allready about a minute on second split. :(

[ZequeArgentina]

First time i see an Evo X running at full speed. Who built the car?

Ligato was second in PWRC in Argentina, his team finished the EvoX just some days before the rally.

We have now 5 Evo X in our National Championship, and last race was first win of an EVO X (Madero 1st, Ligato 2nd)

[wwbroe]

Ostberg is stopped in the stage :(

[awake27]

Isn't Petter being a bit foolish not letting Loeb through? Tomorrow Loeb will take Petter in one stage, and Petter has a worse starting position!

Is it me or is that stupid?
Well there is no point actually to worry about this, Loeb will be faster in either case. Petter-Xsara combination is that slow from the Loebs-Hirvonens-Latvalas (and sometimes Sordo) that he just have to do his own rally and hope for gifts.

[JAM]

]All PSD Evo X are from Ralliart Italy.

Thanks. I didn't noticed that Nikara was PSD.

[Mirek]

Very hard day... Conrad and Ostberg seem to be out too...

[Helstar]

Mads jump on Monte Lerno ... he even braked before the crest ! I think he says "are you ok ?" to his girlfriend after the landing :D didn't he ?

Doesn't seem the suspension got damaged, he keeps on pushing ... ^^

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=300&page=1&featureid=1158&desc=Italy%202009:%20Mads%20lands%20badly

[ZequeArgentina]

Prokop is going really fast, if only he could start each stage on time he would be leading by 2 minutes, and evn leading PWRC cars!! I am surprised by his speed compared to Fabia S2000

[wwbroe]

Prokopis going really fast, if only he could start each stage on time he would be leading by 2 minutes, and evn leading PWRC cars!! I am surprised by his speed compared to Fabia S2000

Yes, he is setting some amazing times and is now 40 sec faster as Koziuszko on final split.

[Mirek]

He is only 11 seconds faster in the end because he catched Sousa :(

[wwbroe]

Prokop now hit a tree, being in the dust of Bernardo Sousa. Hope he can make it to service in time, he is really unlucky this rally. :(

[Psycho!]

Well there is no point actually to worry about this, Loeb will be faster in either case. Petter-Xsara combination is that slow from the Loebs-Hirvonens-Latvalas (and sometimes Sordo) that he just have to do his own rally and hope for gifts.
So,I will see him in a 307 in Greece?? :D

[playmo]

Now it got interesting!
I think that Loeb might have left the punctured tire, and maybe even the tools out on the side of the road, so he would have not to worry about fastening anything other than himself (i believe he at least worries about this)
Shame for Prokop, the guy is unlucky as fast, hope Latvala can keep he's head (and left foot) cool tomorow if he intends to finishe the event, altough i would not bet on 1st spot, you all know what i mean....

[pettersolberg29]

What's the deal with tools and wheels etc?

Are you allowed to leave them behind, or is it worth a penalty?

[JAM]

What's the deal with tools and wheels etc?

Are you allowed to leave them behind, or is it worth a penalty?

Do you mean that Loeb left all the material behind?

[bluuford]

don't think so. It is not allowed to leave your wheel.. You can risk and throw your tools away but not wheel. Penalty is exclusion for that. I am sure he didn't left it there.

[pettersolberg29]

I'm only asking after what playmo said.

Playmo - is what you said a guess or inside info?

[playmo]

no, what info!? haha i'm just a mexican! haha!
I was just guessing, i didn't know that it was penalized to leave the wheel.

[pettersolberg29]

"Just a Mexican" !!! ;)

[MJW]

Well there is no point actually to worry about this, Loeb will be faster in either case. Petter-Xsara combination is that slow from the Loebs-Hirvonens-Latvalas (and sometimes Sordo) that he just have to do his own rally and hope for gifts.
Yes, but tonight the Petter Solberg MSN, Johs Lunde rally team will be interviewed in the end of leg as a podium position team, this is good for sponsors, even if they dont end the rally on the podium they held a podium position, it will be on TV and wrc.com end of leg interviews.

[Mauri A]

No incar nor videos from outside of Loeb´s puncture yet. Still wondering.

[Woodeye]

Is the tool that's in the cars to change the tires with manual or automatic? With somekind of a boltgun 1 minute might be possible, with manual wrench, not a chance.

Waiting for that video to come as well.

[Jafry]

Photos from 2nd leg (watersplash) HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=520&au=0)

[Mirek]

Semerád's Evo X broke again on the road section after last stage. Another superally for him :(

[COD]

Saw the in-car of Loeb's tyre change (or the moments before it to be exact). Cheating! Elena had his seatbelts opened hundreds of meter before they stopped (they didn't show if he put them on before they were moving again). But clearly they should get a penalty for that.

[pettersolberg29]

Its not illegal for the codriver to take his belt off is it?

[pettersolberg29]

Especially not for that reason.

[COD]

Seatbelts must be worn at all times on special stages when the car is moving.

[Psycho!]

Where did you see the video??

[pettersolberg29]

I guarantee there will be no penalty. Loeb is like Ferrari - whatever they do they get away with it.

[COD]

Where did you see the video??

MTV3 MAX. Isn't Finland a great country....

If he gets away with it without penalty, then the stewards should resign imediately

[N.O.T]

Seatbelts must be worn at all times on special stages when the car is moving.

really ??? like gardemeisters co-driver in NZ when he was driving the seat ??? i don;t remember any penalty then....

[Mirek]

Sordo was excluded for not having seatbelts few years a go.

[COD]

]Sordo was excluded for not having seatbelts few years a go.

Exactly, and that should happen now as well...

[pettersolberg29]

But that wasn't just before changing a tyre was it?
I think because of Loeb's reputation and the circumstance that there won't even be a discussion on penalties.

[jonkka]

Is the tool that's in the cars to change the tires with manual or automatic? With somekind of a boltgun 1 minute might be possible, with manual wrench, not a chance.

Most teams have used electric nut gun for years now, there also is a possibility to use it to power the jack though that isn't any faster and drains the battery unnecessarily.

[Mirek]

They showed only some last 3 seconds of stopping on Eurosport and Elena had seatbelts already released and Loeb was releasing them while stopping. They showed nothing after the change...

[pettersolberg29]

Which means...


And are the people on your TV discussing penalties?

[bluuford]

Sordo forgot to put seatbelts on after stopping in Japan a few years ago and got excluded. It is allowed to untighten your seatbelts so that you can take those off very easily. Nothing illegal. You still wear them but they are just quite loose. But if you open them completely then it is against the rules

[Mirek]

If it was up to me I wouldn't care for few seconds during stopping but I don't know what was before and after. Therefore I don't want to judge.

We had similar situation yesterday in Czech international champ. No penalty was given for driving 20 km without seatbelts after changing wheel (this driver has made it third time in last three years and in all cases it was shown on public onboards and TV but none of marshals cared)...

[pettersolberg29]

No-one has picked up on this though except 4 of us on a forum!!

Surely it would be said somewhere by now if a penalty was going to be given.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Mirek:Is it possible to know what Czech druver was it?

If you don't want to say it I'll understand ;)

[Mirek]

Václav Arazim was it. All these onboards are available on http://www.mediasport.cz. The last one is from Rally Český Krumlov SS3 Kohout ;)

Previous were SS Čínovský okruh Rally Šumava 2008 and SS Malonty Rally Český Krumlov 2007.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Thanks ;)

[DonJippo]

But if you open them completely then it is against the rules

That is exactly what Elena did.

[JFL]

That is exactly what Elena did.
Penalty? How many seconds?

[JAM]

Eurosport only showed 3 secondes with Daniel having the tools on hand while car was stopping. They should had shown how did he managed to get it... and they have that images for sure. Why don't broacast it? :confused:

[Helstar]

lol ! wtf with the horses ?! Hirvonen nearly hits them in two different moments ^^
I wonder why the owners don't put them under key during the rally (or at least in those couple of hours !).

Nice grass-offroad driving for Novikov and Ogier in the same spot :D

JML lucky spin in tarmac, didn't hit anything.

[mjh]

Looking good for Ford, but for some reason I keep remembering the last day of NZ 2008.....

[jonkka]

Interesting time differences - I was under impression that Friday and today would be the worst days in terms of sweeping effect but that certainly doesn't look like that. :eek:

[jonkka]

What comes to seatbelt issue, I think that stewards should (and often will) show little leniency if crew unfasten seatbelts little early before stopping to change the tyre but they should fasten seatbelts completely before starting off. But, we'll see...

[bluuford]

I think that the dust might be major issue today morning.. that explain Latvalas good and others impressively bad times

[jonkka]

Could be - still morning air doesn't disperse dust... yeah...

[jonkka]

Sordo stopped?

[bluuford]

yeah, that turbo again.. disaster rally for Sordo

[jonkka]

Loeb seems to have given up?

[Sulland]

Must be possible to drive a watertruck that spread out a spray to keep the dust down. This dustsituation i Sardinia is now a factor on the result - not good !

The water spray is working fine in rallycross, so pricipally the same should work in rally.

[jonkka]

Simpler and more effective method is to increase the gap between the cars from the standard two minutes to three or even four if dust is really bad.

[Camelopard]

yeah, that turbo again.. disaster rally for Sordo

Sordo's turbos must come from a different supplier to sebs. :)

[bluuford]

at the beginning of the season I was predicting that there are too many Citroens and too many inexperienced accident prone drivers and we are going to see a lot of technical troubles later in the season.. Now we can see it already.. there is only one properly working Citroen.

[ste898]

I guarantee there will be no penalty. Loeb is like Ferrari - whatever they do they get away with it.


Yes that is exactly right.....there will be no penalty for Loeb!!!

FIA will never punish their own team!!!!!!

[Camelopard]

Yes that is exactly right.....there will be no penalty for Loeb!!!

FIA will never punish their own team!!!!!!

sssshhhhhh or the FRM will be after you. :)

[wwbroe]

The fight in PWRC is still going on and also in JWRC where Prokop is now finally in the lead, but only just in front of Kosziuszko. ;)

[Racing Ka]

PSD Nikara 7th overall on SS13.

[John V]

Does somebody know why the wonderful guys over at http://www.vysledky-rally.cz stopped writing the drivers comments at the end of the stages ? Maybe no rally radio wrc ? (haven't followed.... ^^)
Hi, yes, that's the reason exactly. We have to follow Czech Int. Rally Championship and have not enough crew members for WRC comments, because some guys have duties as finishing university. Same problem we will facing with Acropolis over next three weeks, so if somebody Reliable can and want to help us, contact me pls.

[awake27]

Simpler and more effective method is to increase the gap between the cars from the standard two minutes to three or even four if dust is really bad.
"Rally organisers are considering team requests to increase the gap between cars from two to three minutes for the repeat loop." - wrc.com

I think it is the 2nd time this year the dust issue is happening, at least Acropolis should learn from Portugal-Sardegna and put three minutes gap from the start of the rally.

[jonkka]

Hopefully...

[wwbroe]

Loeb is about to take third place overall. :p

[jonkka]

Anyone really doubted that?

[wwbroe]

Anyone really doubted that?

Not really, but you never know. :D

[awake27]

While Malcolm will decide before the last stage for any possible swap. Wondering what he is waiting for to favour either Jari-Matti or Mikko.

[wwbroe]

Best time on this stage goes to Henning :eek:

[Sulland]

No, it was probably just a matter of time, when Seb put in some determination, and could see where he was going..

But Petter also had some steering issues as I understood from the radio, anyone the caught what problem, since my radio cracked upp just when he said that part ?

[pettersolberg29]

Did Petter give a reason for his unusually slow pace? Is his car overheating again?

[Sulland]

Mads said he was getting used to the voice, but I thought he had heard it before....

But joke aside, it is probably strage to change co driver, and takes some time to get used to the different details !

[N.O.T]

this rally was stupid...2 days of tactics and 1 day of dust problems...at least the the top spot is dufferent.

[muscrae]

I was out and could not catch the news, Can somebody tell me what the hell has happened to Loeb?

[N.O.T]

yesterday he got a puncture today him and many other are getting caught in the dust of the front runners

[bluuford]

Loeb.. Bad tactics.. never stay behind Latvala on stage, otherwise you are going to get puncture like Loeb did:-P
Loeb went off, hit the tree and punctured tire and changed it during the stage and lost over one minute.

[muscrae]

Thanks, I did know yesterday's story, but today.... dust... :(

[pettersolberg29]

You don't support Loeb do you?

[awake27]

Double post, sorry.

[awake27]

Rally organisers refused twice to increase the gap from two to three minutes, at the start of the day (according to Henning Solberg) and at the midday service. Can't imagine a serious reason for not doing so... Probably they want to go home early. :p :

[muscrae]

You don't support Loeb do you?

I do. Both Loeb and Petter.

[pettersolberg29]

Thats OK then ;)

[Woodeye]

http://www.katsomo.fi/?progId=14589

Here's the tire change. Clear violation of rules, so Seb should get penalty.

[pettersolberg29]

By the way did anyone here about Loeb's 'seatbelt' situation?

[Northern Monkey]

How come Al-Qassimi has suddenly been dropped ten minutes?

Was sure he was only eight minutes or so back at the end of day two when I looked at times. Did he suddenly need to SupeRally or something?

[Mirek]

From WRC.com:

24/5/09
Loeb’s wheel change under FIA investigation

FIA Stewards are investigating Sebastien Loeb’s rapid tyre change on Saturday to check that the Citroen driver, and his co-driver Daniel Elena, acted according to the WRC rule book.

The Frenchman picked up a puncture about 10km from the start of SS11 and drove for 3km before deciding he would damage his car if he carried on and he had to stop and change it.

He and co-driver Daniel Elena managed to swap the tyre in a lightning quick one minute and five seconds.

The investigation is thought to relate to WRC seat-belt regulations, and the fact that they must be worn at all times when driving.

The Stewards are expected to announce their findings later today.

Hope it's not a repost...

[pettersolberg29]

Loeb's tyre change under investigation!

[bluuford]

OK. It is very general in rulebook:
During the special stages, the crew must wear homologated crash helmets, safety belts and all
required safety clothing and equipment in compliance with Appendix L Chapter III - Drivers’
Equipment.
And any infringement against safety rules is penalized with Exclusion.

[Sulland]

If Malcolm takes the victory away from Latvala this time, I will loose what is left of respect for him, and for WRC - Latvala needs this win to boost his self image !

[pettersolberg29]

Does Colin from WRR read this board? He says that someone said Al-Qassami got a 10 min penalty and thats what Northern Monkey just said! It's not on my screens.

[awake27]

Well, I don't know what exactly the rule is but exclusion is bit too much for a penalty in my opinion. And I remember some years ago Ford were going to get excluded for some side windows and after Malcolm Wilson's threats he will withdraw all the Fords from the championship he got a time penalty instead of the exclusion, so we might see it again.

[Buzz Lightyear]

No-one has picked up on this though except 4 of us on a forum!!

Surely it would be said somewhere by now if a penalty was going to be given.

looks like important people are watching this forum..

[bluuford]

Urmo Aava got excluded in Finland two years agao, because his fireproof trousers were few cm moved up.. after the stage. The penalty for ignoring safety measures is always and always exclusion.

[pettersolberg29]

Henning on a rampage again!

[pettersolberg29]

and Petter has a great last split. Loeb just edges the fastest stage time.

[Mirek]

Well, I don't know what exactly the rule is but exclusion is bit too much for a penalty in my opinion. And I remember some years ago Ford were going to get excluded for some side windows and after Malcolm Wilson's threats he will withdraw all the Fords from the championship he got a time penalty instead of the exclusion, so we might see it again.

If there is something written in the rulles, it must be applied the same way against any driver no matter if he is world champion or Fiesta Trophy driver.

[Racing Ka]

Only penalty can be exclusion, it´s on rules.
Sordo have already get it at same reason.
Hänninen did had wrong trousers couple years ago - exclusion.
Garde drove only 3 wheel car - exclusion.

[awake27]

]If there is something written in the rulles, it must be applied the same way against any driver no matter if he is world champion or Fiesta Trophy driver.
Don't say it to me but to Malcolm back then.

[jonkka]

Urmo Aava got excluded in Finland two years agao, because his fireproof trousers were few cm moved up.. after the stage. The penalty for ignoring safety measures is always and always exclusion.

That was too harsh penalty, in my opinion. So would Loeb's exclusion in this case, crews have always been unfastening their seatbelts in preparation for tyre change.

If that rule, which is worded quite vaguely, would be read to the letter, crews couldn't exit cars at all during special stage, even if car wasn't moving because it says "during special stage".

[mjh]

If Malcolm takes the victory away from Latvala this time, I will loose what is left of respect for him, and for WRC - Latvala needs this win to boost his self image !

This is a team sport. The Ford team are competing for the manufacturers championship and the drivers championship. They are best served in both if Mikko comes in first. If that happens because Jari Matti follows team orders then it goes some way towards him repaying the teams faith in him after he f***ed up more often than not on so far this year.
Do you think it would be any different it Sordo was leading Seb into the last couple of stages of a rally?

[Mauri A]

]If there is something written in the rulles, it must be applied the same way against any driver no matter if he is world champion or Fiesta Trophy driver.
AGREED! But let´s see what will happen. I´m afraid that the stewards find a way to bend the rule.

[bluuford]

That was too harsh penalty, in my opinion. So would Loeb's exclusion in this case, crews have always been unfastening their seatbelts in preparation for tyre change.

If that rule, which is worded quite vaguely, would be read to the letter, crews couldn't exit cars at all during special stage, even if car wasn't moving because it says "during special stage".

Yeah.. But i think they went bit over the limit. If you look the onboard camera, then Elena does not have any belts on, all equipments in his hands and Loeb is still driving.

[Camelopard]

Loeb's tyre change under investigation!

There is no way that the stewards will do anything negative regarding sebs wheel change, just like in Greece a few years ago when he was driving down a motorway with 2 wheels missing. The FIA and Rally organisers have far too much too lose in penalising any of the french teams and upsetting the FRM.

If any penalty is applied to seb I'll eat sh*t for a week.......................

[Mauri A]

That was too harsh penalty, in my opinion. So would Loeb's exclusion in this case, crews have always been unfastening their seatbelts in preparation for tyre change.
How often you have seen this happen? Could you please give us some exsamples.

[bluuford]

There is no way that the stewards will do anything negative regarding sebs wheel change, just like in Greece a few years ago when he was driving down a motorway with 2 wheels missing. The FIA and Rally organisers have far too much too lose in penalising any of the french teams and upsetting the FRM.

Two years ago it was different story. Then it was even allowed to drive on one wheel :-) If you are able;-) After that the rule that this one wheel missing rule was introduced. Just memorized that one Argentinian driver got excluded in Sweden for driving with only one driving glove in superspecial.

[awake27]

Only the police had the power to stop Loeb in the public road in Greece and they didn't. That wasn't any FIA bias.

[pettersolberg29]

Petter and Phil took off their belts early several times last year e.g. when his car caught fire in Argentina (I think it was Argentina)

[Camelopard]

Only the police had the power to stop Loeb in the public road in Greece and they didn't. That wasn't any FIA bias.


and I guess you believe in the tooth fairy as well................

The stewards could have easily excluded seb, but as he is the golden boy of the FRM there was/is no way that was/is going to happen.

[awake27]

and I guess you believe in the tooth fairy as well................
Excuse me?

[Mirek]

Prokop has another problems... this time clutch and it looks like he looses the lead again :(

Al Attyiah is flying and is now only 4 seconds behind Sandell before last SS!

[Camelopard]

Excuse me?

you are excused........ :)

[jonkka]

How often you have seen this happen? Could you please give us some exsamples.

It would require me to browse piles of videos and I have no time for that now. You don't remember this happening before?

[Northern Monkey]

For those interested, Al-Qassimi went OTL in service at end of day two

[awake27]

you are excused........ :)
Thanks :crazy:

[Mirek]

JML stopped before finish...

[muscrae]

JML wins...

[jonkka]

Figures...

[Mauri A]

It would require me to browse piles of videos and I have no time for that now. You don't remember this happening before?

No, but that must be related to my high age!

[bluuford]

No he didnt.. his time was 20m sek better than first time

[jonkka]

So he does...

[DonJippo]

]JML stopped before finish...

Not.

[Mirek]

Sorry, wrong information ;)

Congrats to JML for deserved victory!

[jonkka]

There is still time if they want to shuffle positions around though...

[Sulland]

A warm congratulation to Latvala and Anttila - deserved win !

And thanks to Malcolm as well ! ;)

[Berzs]

Come on, guys. Stop giving stupid examples and talking complete bull concerning Seb's seatbelt case. Harnesses are the MOST IMPORTANT safety feature for crew members, installed in rally cars. Nor rollcage, nor bucket seats, nor helmets or nomex undies will save you from injury, if you haven't strapped your harnesses! Clearly, it is a 100% violation of safety regulations of FIA and must be punished in ALL cases!


P.S. Congrats for Jari-Matti! A deserved victory!

[pettersolberg29]

I'm pretty sure Seb won't get excluded - just a gut feeling

[awake27]

Well-deserved for Latvala, excellent for his confidence and hope he starts building some consistency on this.

[bluuford]

Nice fight between Östberg and Henning.. he is closing very fast! And good job by Novikov! First points finally!

[Mirek]

Now 4 seconds gap in PWRC and 6 seconds in JWRC before last stage!

[mjh]

Petter and Phil took off their belts early several times last year e.g. when his car caught fire in Argentina (I think it was Argentina)

TBH if my car was on fire the last thing on my mind would be "better keep my seat belt on, don't want to be getting penalised by the stewards..."
:D

[Sulland]

Nice fight between Östberg and Henning.. he is closing very fast! And good job by Novikov! First points finally!

Al Q Might get in the way !

[Sulland]

Henning lost with 0,6 sec to Henning ! Close fight !!

[muscrae]

0.6s between Ostberg and Henning !!

[Camelopard]

I'm pretty sure Seb won't get excluded - just a gut feeling

agreed............ nor any other penalty applied.

[bluuford]

And Mads kept his position by very narrow margin 0.6 sek!

[Mauri A]

agreed............ nor any other penalty applied.
What about a 10 secs penalty.

[bluuford]

Ok now there is only 1.3 sek between Sandell and Al Attyah

[Helstar]

Congrats to JML for second rally win, first on gravel ! And more to come hopefully :>


Loeb.. Bad tactics.. never stay behind Latvala on stage, otherwise you are going to get puncture like Loeb did:-P
Loeb went off, hit the tree and punctured tire and changed it during the stage and lost over one minute.
Hit a tree ? Video ? Didn't know it ...

[bluuford]

Congrats to JML for second rally win, first on gravel ! And more to come hopefully :>


Hit a tree ? Video ? Didn't know it ...

Listen Day two press conference for team managers and listen what Pirelli guy is saying.

[Mirek]

So, Nasser wins PWRC by 1,5 seconds.