2009 Rally d'Italia Sardegna - official thread

[Salist]

Official website:
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/index_gb.htm
ITINERARY:
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/itinerario_gb.htm
Rally Guide 1
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/rallyguide_gb.htm
Rally Guide 2
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/rallyguide_2_gb.htm
Publication of List of accepted Entries
Friday, 24 April 2009

[tolis]

today it is Sunday 26th!!!!!!!!!!

[JFL]

yes,... (to be continued in a new post) .

[Salist]

Yes, I wrote to the Organizer but are don't answer yet. :(

[Jaanus]

The surprise in the entry list is that Petter is missing and that Mikkelsen will enter with Fabia WRC.

http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/pdf/list.pdf

[MJW]

The surprise in the entry list is that Petter is missing and that Mikkelsen will enter with Fabia WRC.

http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/pdf/list.pdf
Taken from Petter's website
Petter is now going for a week’s holiday together with his family, before starting to prepare for Rally Italy Sardegna (21. - 24. May).
But I wonder whether this has something to do with the Team Managers briefcase containing documents and laptop being stolen. As a privateer maybe things are left to the last minute before confirming entry.

[Helstar]

Sad entry list... until now

[Barreis]

Let we all hope he will replace Latvala.. :)

[AndyRAC]

Who's going to be the first to congratulate Seb on winning the Rally Sardegna 2009..??

[ste898]

Who's going to be the first to congratulate Seb on winning the Rally Sardegna 2009..??


I will never congratulate Loeb!!!

But he will be the winner in Sardinia 2009!!!!

[J4MIE]

I really like the event, wish I could have gone back but flights were not an option really on the holiday weekend :(

I'm sure Petter will be there, even if it's a late entry I'm sure the organisers won't have a problem accepting it...

[Mirek]

I will never congratulate Loeb!!!

It's not very nice not to respect the best...

[urabus-denoS2000]

I will never congratulate Loeb!!!




Now that's really immature....

I'm sure he's really frustrated right now....

[Brother John]

I congratulate Citroën mor than Loeb. :s mokin:

[tmx]

Yes, Loeb is frustrated of winning.

[fastboy]

Can anyone tell me if the new piece of road from ala dei sardi to Budduso is open yet?

[pino]

I will never congratulate Loeb!!!



Do you mind to explain me why ? :)

[ste898]

Do you mind to explain me why ? :)


Because I don't think he is worthy of being congratulated.......

He wins rallies that are just 3 stages per day repeated twice, in a modern WRC car that drives itself more or less.

He has no competition so keeps on winning and winning.........

Plus everyone else on here will keep on congratulating him and making out he is some sort of a god!!!

Maybe 1 day the WRC will be good again ?

[wrc_flipper]

Taken from Petter's website
Petter is now going for a week’s holiday together with his family, before starting to prepare for Rally Italy Sardegna (21. - 24. May).
But I wonder whether this has something to do with the Team Managers briefcase containing documents and laptop being stolen. As a privateer maybe things are left to the last minute before confirming entry.

They have until Monday 11th of May to submit an entry.

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map of Sardinia rally in online : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[DuncanD]

So what has happened to Gigi Galli?

Not even a run out on his home rally, can we expect to see him in the WRC again???

[Larry_Japan]

So what has happened to Gigi Galli?

Not even a run out on his home rally, can we expect to see him in the WRC again???

not sure... i think he will do the Portugal Race of Champions qualifier, but apart from that, no idea

[alleskids]

Gigi will do a Baja 500 event in Germany, organsised by Armin Schwarz. see rumours and news

[wrc_flipper]

They have until Monday 11th of May to submit an entry.

Petter's is registered in the Xsara

Along with 60 other crews.

[tolis]

Official entry list published:
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/pdf/entrylist.pdf

[noel157]

Does Patrik Flodin plan to start? I thought the URT team had withdrawn.

[Moriarty]

Does Patrik Flodin plan to start? I thought the URT team had withdrawn.
Yes, It confirmed on urt official sitehttp://urt.su
http://urt.su

[Halvis]

Yes, It confirmed on urt official sitehttp://urt.su
http://urt.su

Yes to Flodin participate, or yes to URT withdrawn?

[Moriarty]

Yes to Flodin participate, or yes to URT withdrawn?
Flodin will run in Italy.

No more news about URT future yet.

[Xsara Fan]

AFAIK it`s the last rally for URT.

[driveace]

Just by chance I fly out to sardinia on Wednesday,unfortunatly i am in the south .BUT not so far to the southern stages,lucky me !

[paddocknews]

http://www.rallybuzz.com/ford-sardinia-preview/

Markko Märtin assists in testing

[ugriotti]

Has any1 gone to watch the JWRC and PWRC testing today? Any photos/videos or any comments on who looked particularly in goos shape?

[tolis]

Here you are Umberto:
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php?id=11218&title=fotky-ze-sardinie-z-testu-pred-soutezi-ms
Good luck to your brother!!!!!!!!!!

[bluuford]

Weather forecast for Sardinia.

Thursday:
Sky should be absolutely clear and temperature might reach up to 30 degrees! But luckily there is still some wind expected, approximately 5-8 m/s. Dust is not so big problem. Night is very calm but cold as well.. might be only 10 degrees.

Friday:
A few clouds expected, very few, no rain. temperature still up to 30 degrees, And wind still quite strong, 8-12 m/s. Night is a few degrees warmer that the previous.

Saturday:
Little bit more clouds but even more warmer weather. temperature might rise over +31 degrees. And first on the road might be good place to be as the day is not very windy - only 1-3 m/s and dust might be the problem nr 1. Saturday night is much warmer (+15 degrees).

Sunday:
It is the quietness before the storm. In the morning it is very quiet and by lunch time the temperature might reach +33 degrees in shade. Then the clouds appear and wind picks up. It might be as much as 5-7 m/s.

Well, it is going to be one hell of a warm weekend. Right after this weekend it gets colder and rainier again :-)

[ugriotti]

Latest news is that Nokivov crashed against the car of a local sheperd (Ford Mondeo) during the recce this morning. Novikov is OK, but the sheperd is in bad conditions

Also Hirvonen had minor problems (got a rock or something similar) but continued with another car

[Motorsportfun]

Latest news is that Nokivov crashed against the car of a local sheperd (Ford Mondeo) during the recce this morning. Novikov is OK, but the sheperd is in bad conditions

Also Hirvonen had minor problems (got a rock or something similar) but continued with another car

The sheperd got minor probs than what firstly was though. Nothing bad, luckily!

Here you have the Press Release from the organizers: http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/press/comunicato_12gb.htm



Olbia May 19th, 2009 – Russian 19-year old driver Evgeny Novikov, during today’s reconnaissance hit on a road section a car coming in the opposite direction on a road in the Buddusò area.


The accident occorre at low speed and did not cause serious consequences to the people involved. The driver of the other car, Hekuran Yrafai, suffered a small bruise to the arm, with a two-day prognosis . After being examined at the first aid of the Ozieri Hospital he was quickly discharged.


No problem for both Evgeny Novikov and his codriver, Australian Dale Moscatt, who were able to continue the reconnaissance.

[Xsara Fan]

The sheperd got minor probs than what firstly was though. Nothing bad, luckily!

Here you have the Press Release from the organizers: http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/press/comunicato_12gb.htm



And here - some words from the Novikov`s manager: http://e-artteam.com/content/view/133/1/lang,en/

[Leon]

The shakedown is well underway and we have no news.

This thread is only two pages and the rally starts tomorrow.....

WRC is really in a very bad shape...

Incidentally I finally get my copy of the group B book from Mclein. What I' m reading there about the WRC could not be more different than what is happening now from all angles.....

good old days

[bluuford]

And here - some words from the Novikov`s manager: http://e-artteam.com/content/view/133/1/lang,en/

So, is there any luck with sponsors search? And was it related to the lack of funds why he has only 2 Shakedown runs and no testing before rally? Well.. In my mind he should be quite attractive for sponsors. Due to his adventurous season start he is one of the few drivers (except Loeb, Latvala and Hirvonen) who has got a lot of media attention.

[Xsara Fan]

So, is there any luck with sponsors search? And was it related to the lack of funds why he has only 2 Shakedown runs and no testing before rally? Well.. In my mind he should be quite attractive for sponsors. Due to his adventurous season start he is one of the few drivers (except Loeb, Latvala and Hirvonen) who has got a lot of media attention.

For the moment - nothing new with the sponsors. But may be there will be some news after Sardinia... Sorry but I can`t say all info.

[Xsara Fan]

The shakedown is well underway and we have no news.


And already there are shakedown times: http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/pdf/shakedown_times.pdf

[bluuford]

For the moment - nothing new with the sponsors. But may be there will be some news after Sardinia... Sorry but I can`t say all info.

Yes.. I can understand.

Anybody can open the link with shakedown times?
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/gb/news_gb.htm
When I click on the link it says that the document is broken and cannot be fixed?
Ok now it is working:
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2009/pdf/shakedown_times.pdf

[Gard]

The shakedown is well underway and we have no news.

This thread is only two pages and the rally starts tomorrow.....

WRC is really in a very bad shape...

Incidentally I finally get my copy of the group B book from Mclein. What I' m reading there about the WRC could not be more different than what is happening now from all angles.....

good old days

Nothing to do with WRC. This forum is in bad shape. Thanks to all the IRC hype. Can't discuss anything here anymore, without irc hype and bashing of WRC and the drivers. So many regulars go elsewhere

[alleskids]

and were do the regulars go if they want a IRC/WRC non bashing forum?

[pettersolberg29]

Good shakedown times for Petter. Consistent 3.19s after the intitial run leaves him 2nd.

The runs show how much faster the surface gets after the first run through.
Loeb's 1st run = 3.30. His 3rd = 3:15
Petter's 1st = 3.29. His 3rd = 3.19

Could mean Loeb doesn't get it all his own way this weekend? Perfect chance for Latvala to take a positive out of being low in the championship and running late on the road perhaps.

[Donney]

Loeb always gets it his way....

Hopefully this weekend will be more difficult for him.

[RS]

Nothing to do with WRC. This forum is in bad shape. Thanks to all the IRC hype. Can't discuss anything here anymore, without irc hype and bashing of WRC and the drivers. So many regulars go elsewhere

That's not the fault of IRC or the forum users really. It's just what people are thinking. There is no question the WRC is in bad shape, so what's wrong with discussing that. This is not a WRC.com forum.

By the way, what happened to your prediction that Rautenbach would kick everyone's ass in Azores? Turned out to be the other way round in reality.

[Mirek]

Hmm, such "kicking asses" posts realy make atmosphere better...

[bluuford]

Loeb always gets it his way....

Hopefully this weekend will be more difficult for him.

Yes, the best tactics for Ford would be Latvala in the lead in front of Henning and maybe Petter and then Mikko. If Mikko is able to make enough time on first day on Loeb, then he should not loose too much time on second day and third day is very short again. I was watching earlier results and it looks like 1 minute lead in front of Loeb by Latvala is absolutely possible.. after the first day.

[Jafry]

Photos from shakedown HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=520&au=0) ;)

[Gard]

That's not the fault of IRC or the forum users really. It's just what people are thinking. There is no question the WRC is in bad shape, so what's wrong with discussing that. This is not a WRC.com forum.

By the way, what happened to your prediction that Rautenbach would kick everyone's ass in Azores? Turned out to be the other way round in reality.

Got your attention didn't it? And I know where you come from. So you are left with IRC and group N ;) RN beeing an exception :up:

[RS]

Got your attention didn't it? And I know where you come from. So you are left with IRC and group N ;) RN beeing an exception :up:

Well, we all have our own opinions and bias, much like your blind faith in WRC apparantly. Even Petter is asking for S2000 next year now (although I don't know if he means 2.0N/A or 1.6T), so maybe you'll listen to him.

[playmo]

Some 15 years ago i was a big fan of motorcycle gp racing, it lasted a good 6 years or so until i discovered rally racing, and kind of turn my back on bikes, it lasted longer but now i find that bike races are getting better again, so to speak clearly, now i'm into bike GP racing again as well as WTCC, and now that F1 has turned almost 180° arund i've got more interesting classes other than WRC, this might be a similar situation for other forum members, i guess. But still i come here for every round and check the news.
Cheers.

Oh, by the way, i think loeb will win in sardegna (no sh!t sherlock!), the people behind is another story.....

[bluuford]

Some 15 years ago i was a big fan of motorcycle gp racing, it lasted a good 6 years or so until i discovered rally racing, and kind of turn my back on bikes, it lasted longer but now i find that bike races are getting better again, so to speak clearly, now i'm into bike GP racing again as well as WTCC, and now that F1 has turned almost 180° arund i've got more interesting classes other than WRC, this might be a similar situation for other forum members, i guess. But still i come here for every round and check the news.
Cheers.

Oh, by the way, i think loeb will win in sardegna (no sh!t sherlock!), the people behind is another story.....

10 points for the person who makes the script that influences WRC.com results so that it is showing the results from the second position.. starting from second day ;-)

[bluuford]

Anyone knows why Neiksans has been excluded?

[wwbroe]

Hello guys, is someone else ready to follow this run of the WRC? I will certainly do my best to check the times, at least if t doesn't get too boring. :D
Anyone else awake and behind his PC? ;)

[Viking]

Good morning rallyfans! And come on you Solbergs! :)

[jiipee64]

zzz zzzz zzzz

[Sulland]

2 min to the start !

[wwbroe]

Looks like Sordo has allready some kind of problem, as Miko has started the stage allready and Sordo hasn't?

[tolis]

Good morning everybody!!! (Un)fortunately, I will be missing the first loop of stages...

[wwbroe]

Or is it tactics allready?

[MJW]

2 min to the start !
And we are on page 3 of the discussion thread, is this a record? (for low posts on a wrc event when under way, including immediate build up)

[garais22]

Anyone knows why Neiksans has been excluded?
In reconnaissance he had a road accident. Police take his driver licence, but yesterday, when the timetable was published, he has no driver licence (police said, that today he get back his driver licence, but FIA said NO) and he has excluded.

http://esports.lv/motosports/wrc/22052009-neiksans_izraisa_avariju_un_sardinijas_ra

[N.O.T]

am i the only one not getting splits on wrc.com ?? instead i get a stupid magazine add under the splits....

[jonkka]

I see splits

[wwbroe]

am i the only one not getting splits on wrc.com ?? instead i get a stupid magazine add under the splits....

Yes, i have the same advertizing, but i see splits as well. ;)

[DonJippo]

am i the only one not getting splits on wrc.com ??

Don't know about the others but splits ok over here.

[N.O.T]

seems that Loeb is gonna suffer in the first loops and sweep the competiton tommorow

[wwbroe]

Petter's splits are looking good :D

[wwbroe]

But Petter's car is overheating at the end. :( :(

[pettersolberg29]

Petter has a problem with revs-lost 10s in last split.

[DonJippo]

But Petter's car is overheating at the end. :( :(

Wasn't he supposed to get some improvements to the cooling system for this event?

[N.O.T]

Mr Latvala attacks
Lets see how long he lasts

[pettersolberg29]

Does Sordo get a penalty?

[Mauri A]

Petter has a problem with revs-lost 10s in last split.
10 s ???

[bluuford]

I predict Novikov will be fastest on that stage :-)

[Mauri A]

Does Sordo get a penalty?
For sure.

[bluuford]

10 s ???

at least 20 sek otherwise they dont change starting position?

[DonJippo]

Does Sordo get a penalty?

He has been given 30s penalty for being 3min late from TC1.

[pettersolberg29]

Is Sordo doing it again. Mikko 2nd into stage on splits.

[Viking]

Mads finds it strange hearing his girlfriends voice in the car..
Early in the relationship?? :D

[pettersolberg29]

Hirvonen losing time v. Loeb!

[Mauri A]

Hirvonen losing time v. Loeb!
Tactics already?

[DonJippo]

Is Sordo doing it again. Mikko 2nd into stage on splits.

Due to his "problems" in the morning Sordo is now third on the road, till the next re-grouping if not the whole day1.

[Mauri A]

Is Sordo doing it again. Mikko 2nd into stage on splits.
No, he was behind Mikko at TC 1 and stays there.

[pettersolberg29]

I didn't realise that if you change place for one stage thats it for the loop. Surprised we dont see it more often - 30s is sacricable for not being 1st on the road.

[DonJippo]

Sordo's 3rd and 4th splits missing, GPS or real problems?

[Viking]

Petters car seems ok on the first splits :up:

[jonkka]

Sordo's 3rd and 4th splits missing, GPS or real problems?

GPS

[J4MIE]

As far as I know with international timing you get a time from SS arrival to the next SS arrival, so hw will be same order for first three stages then should get reordered in regroup.

Anyone have a link to results that isn't wrc.com? Ewrc doesn't have results yet it seems :(

[Mauri A]

I remember somebody saying that Citroën does not play tactics. Now they started it before first SS!

[Buzz Lightyear]

Turbo problems my ass., but clever.

[J4MIE]

You never know, he might well have had a problem. We'll see I guess.

[N.O.T]

people who think that citroen plays tactics are not very smart....citroen cannot play any tactics on day 1 since the ford team starts after the citroen guys and they are in charge of the tactic game on day 1 no matter what. if citroen lose 896 seconds on day 1 the ford can will lose 897 seconds on the last stage if they want to have a good starting order.

[Leon]

Turbo problems my ass., but clever.

in other words..vive le sport

[Mauri A]

people who think that citroen plays tactics are not very smart....citroen cannot play any tactics on day 1 since the ford team starts after the citroen guys and they are in charge of the tactic game on day 1 no matter what. if citroen lose 896 seconds on day 1 the ford can will lose 897 seconds on the last stage if they want to have a good starting order.
Thanks for your compliment.

[N.O.T]

so the splits show that we are gonna have 2 days of tactics and 1 day of rallying....

[pettersolberg29]

Sordo chucked away a load of time?

[pettersolberg29]

Must have a problem. +14s in last split

[bluuford]

Yeah.. I think that Citroen initial tactics was to fit Sordo before Loeb.. now it does not work for sure

[Viking]

Good time from Petter :up: and Mads has found some speed!

[Rallyper]

Anyway it´s better to have only one Citroen first on the road than two of them. That´s why Citroen is playing tactics no matter what they blame it on. ;) Turbo problem - and they got away with it in three minutes... :o

[darkstar]

the juniors are pretty fast today, novikov and östberg seem to be realy fast. also ogier of course.

[pettersolberg29]

Could Novikov win the stage? -2.9s so far to Loeb, equal with JML

[r199]

hello and goodmorning everyone

somebuddy knows annything from abbering the junior got notting on stage 2

[darkstar]

Could Novikov win the stage? -2.9s so far to Loeb, equal with JML

he probably can! he´s still fastest...


edit: now he´s lost 10 seconds...wanted to much i guess ;)

[WRC1]

the only one who can spoil the party for citroen is latvala IF he manages to stay on the road...

speedwise he is the only guy out there who can match seb

[Mauri A]

he probably can! he´s still fastest...
Not anymore.

[Xsara Fan]

he probably can! he´s still fastest...

Noooo......

[WRC1]

Could Novikov win the stage? -2.9s so far to Loeb, equal with JML

no...he lost 15 sec between split 4 and 5..sad

[Mirek]

Prokop is very fast with 2WD car... only some 2,6 s/km from the first WRC and faster not only than JWRC but also than most of PWRC crews. Any idea why? Is the road so much worse for the late runners?

[bluuford]

]Prokop is very fast with 2WD car... only some 2,6 s/km from the first WRC and faster not only than JWRC but also than most of PWRC crews. Any idea why? Is the road so much worse for the late runners?
I think that that stage was the one that was cleaning a lot and under the sand layer there is very strong stone like layer of gravel that works almost like tarmac. And this stage is downhill. So, It is like on tarmac, downhill and that gives him the advantage. light car and meant for such kind of conditions.

[r199]

Abbering hit a rock on the stage and the car broke down, not shure thay can start again tomorrow whit super ralley

[Mirek]

Semerád stopped due to electronics problems. Tapper has some missfire.

[Finni]

the only one who can spoil the party for citroen is latvala IF he manages to stay on the road...

speedwise he is the only guy out there who can match seb

Latvala has matched Loeb only few times in his career. During this year, I don't remember.

Loeb usually starts slowly and is also punished by road-position. In that point of the race Latvala (and also others can look good) but when is the real time to push Loeb outpaces others. There is only few excpetion when others have been as fast as Loeb last two years.

Watching Latvala's times now it seems that he is barely faster than Citroen junior team guys. Petter also slow and will be outpaced by Citroen junior team in near future if there is no changes.

[Mirek]

Sordo hit a stone in the last stage and damaged suspension.

[COD]

]Semerád stopped due to electronics problems. Tapper has some missfire.

3/5 of the Pirelli cars out or in trouble. Not great advertisement for Ralliart Italy / Evo 10. Though Nikara managed fastest time in PWRC on SS2

[cali]

]Hmm, such "kicking asses" posts realy make atmosphere better...

:D

[Berzs]

Mikko's comment on tactics:

“Perhaps there’s something coming with my gearbox,” he said. “It might last for a few stages but in the last one I think there might be a problem...”

:D

[Mirek]

Acording to WRR Prokop gets 90 seconds penalty because of electronic problems :(

[Rallyper]

Well, speaking about tactics - now Sordo is late out of service again. ;)

[jonkka]

In what sense would Sordo be part of any tactics in this situation?

[Rallyper]

In what sense would Sordo be part of any tactics in this situation?

Yeah, one could ask themselves why - but that´s the way it looks to me - but I´m not Einstein.... :cool:

[Fleur]

]Semerád stopped due to electronics problems. Tapper has some missfire.

No no no, hope they can quickly fix the misfire.

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvo losing time on Loeb in split 2 and 3 of SS5 :confused:

[bluuford]

So, Sordo got another 30 sek penalty. If it is tactics, then I will eat my trousers :-)

[Mirek]

Impressive fight in PWRC! Top four in just six seconds still changing their possitions :)

[jonkka]

Ogier missing splits...

[darkstar]

any news from ogier? is he out?

[Rallyper]

So, Sordo got another 30 sek penalty. If it is tactics, then I will eat my trousers :-)

No, you just got the point - I admit that. But we´ll see in the end. But who would be so icecold to play tactics like that. I´m aware of that now. ;)

[Mirek]

Ogier broken FL damper and Henning is driving without bonnet.

[jonkka]

]Ogier broken FL damper and Henning is driving without bonnet.

Seems Ford has found a way to make the car lighter - shedding various body panels is a nifty way...

[Tom206wrc]

Hope it's not an off again(Citroën boss explained he was starting to be annoyed with repeated crash from Seb junior) :s

[jonkka]

What will JML do?

[jonkka]

And Sordo missing splits...

[Tom206wrc]

No third split SS6 for Sordo :confused:

[N.O.T]

Latvala should go flat out
and he might pull this one out

[Tom206wrc]

OK just split problem for Dani :p :

[jonkka]

Interesting, Mikko is 3s ahead of Seb overall after SS6? A miscalculation or a mistake?

[Tom206wrc]

Loeb losing a lot on Hivo in end of stage is it tactic ??? :confused:

[xavier]

strange, Seb manage to get Mikko in front of him... How did he pull this one out?

[Moriarty]

Loeb losing a lot on Hivo in end of stage is it tactic ??? :confused:
Yes. Hirvonen will start before Loeb tomorrow. He was very, very angry!

[Mirek]

Looks like both slowed down a lot but Loeb more. This may be very good for JML if he won't slow down too :D

[COD]

No no no, hope they can quickly fix the misfire.


Seems he retired...

Also reports that some missfire on Nikara's car on SS3 as well.

3 Pirelli cars allready out, not good...

[mdesign]

Shame on hirvonen.

[Rallyper]

To those of you out there who still believes Citroen doesn´t play tactics (as Ford also does) you can just look at Loeb on the last stage today. Nice game!! :eek:

[Mirek]

Rallyper: Mikko playd tactics as well but he lost it. You can clearly see both of them slowed down from other's times.

Good for JML and Petter.

[jonkka]

JML has 40 sec lead... tomorrow is equally long day but presumably not as bad for sweeping...

[Mauri A]

people who think that citroen plays tactics are not very smart....citroen cannot play any tactics on day 1 since the ford team starts after the citroen guys and they are in charge of the tactic game on day 1 no matter what. if citroen lose 896 seconds on day 1 the ford can will lose 897 seconds on the last stage if they want to have a good starting order.
I really do not want to argue against the smartest person on this forum, but do you still have the same opinion?

[Rallyper]

]Rallyper: Mikko playd tactics as well but he lost it. You can clearly see both of them slowed down from other's times.

Good for JML and Petter.

Yeah, for sure I noticed that. And Ford are not innocent. That´s not my point. Some guys on this forum however obviously believe it´s only Ford that´s playing tactics. Now they´re proven to be wrong. That´s what I meant. ;)

[Mirek]

ok, understand ;)

[COD]

Mikko Was behind Seb on the stage. How can he have made such stupid mistake and not let Loeb in front?

[mdesign]

I feel sad.. Loeb is the best driver out there, he's even better than hirvonen at slowing down.

[bluuford]

So, tomorrow will be interesting.. Latvala is in far away in front and Loeb is in third. So, Loeb wants to be right just after Jari and Mikko.. but what happens if there is 30 sek between Jari and Mikko tomorrow? Would Loeb risk that he can catch those 30 sek like Fords did last year? Nice that the rally is not over by Friday evening :-) And Dani is actually also in striking distance for podium.. considering his very low starting position for tomorrow :-)

[Mauri A]

Mikko Was behind Seb on the stage. How can he have made such stupid mistake and not let Loeb in front?

Ask the team, not Mikko.

[xavier]

Mikko Was behind Seb on the stage. How can he have made such stupid mistake and not let Loeb in front?

This is weird, why did seb lost 25 sec? I mean, how could he knew that Mikko would not count properly? It Mikko would have, then the only think he'd acheived was to give JML 25 sec and would have still be in front of Mikko for tommorow.

[COD]

Ask the team, not Mikko.

Well, they must have gotten Seb's time to the car, so the mistake is made by the crew me thinks

[Mirek]

Prokop 20 seconds fastest in last stage and back in fight for victory after having 90 seconds penalty! :)

[Tom206wrc]

There are exactly 23s between Bettega and Prokop at the end of leg ;)

Prokop can still aim Jwrc victory despite his penalty :)

[Rallyper]

Flodin and Sandell 1 & 2 at the end of day1....! Heja! :) :)

[pavlos_a]

Prediction: Mikko will be one minute late out of service so he drops behind Seb and Petter...

[Mirek]

But Loeb may do the same as he is comming later to the time check ;)

[alleskids]

Interesting then who wil be first out of sevice on the scedule. If Mikko is first to appear out of the service, and he waiths a minut, Loeb should also stay in a minut longer. :) . In the end both drivers stay in service for hours: you first, no you go first, no, you go first, no, you

[kakus]

]But Loeb may do the same as he is comming later to the time check ;)

And JML win ...

[Sulland]

Flodin and Sandell 1 & 2 at the end of day1....! Heja! :) :)

Heia tre kronor !

[Mirek]

kakus: Why not? Or will he crash again? ;)

[bluuford]

Interesting then who wil be first out of sevice on the scedule. If Mikko is first to appear out of the service, and he waiths a minut, Loeb should also stay in a minut longer. :) . In the end both drivers stay in service for hours: you first, no you go first, no, you go first, no, you

He should be at least two minutes late to fell behind Loeb and that means +20 sek. and if Loeb decides the same then he is going to fell over one minute behind Jari.. and that is too much to ask for sure.

[A.F.F.]

I'm going to save some time from my weekend and congratulate Loeb for wuinning this rally. While I'm at it, I feel sorry for Latvala rolling again.

Thank you very much. See you guys at next rally.

[Mauri A]

Well, they must have gotten Seb's time to the car, so the mistake is made by the crew me thinks

Yes, you were right, Mikko made a confession!

[Jafry]

Photos from 1st leg HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=520&au=0)

[Mauri A]

I'm going to save some time from my weekend and congratulate Loeb for wuinning this rally. While I'm at it, I feel sorry for Latvala rolling again.

Thank you very much. See you guys at next rally.

Just how many drinks before this post?

[Helstar]

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.... ^^)

[Honza H.]

According to Martin Semerád his car probably ran out of gas today! The problem should not be in the planning of the gas but there´s something wrong with the car. The strange thing is, that the same happened to another 2 Pirellli Star drivers.
Looks like Evo X is still not reliable enough.

[Mirek]

Helstar: Because Sardinia colides with Rally Český Krumlov from Czech championship and they are there.

[Honza H.]

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.... ^^)

Well, who knows. At http://www.ewrc-results.com you can find the comments you are looking for, but this time only in the Czech language.
Maybe all the English speaking guys from the above mentioned servers are out there in Sardinia :)

[Honza H.]

As always, Mirek was quicker and more informed than anybody :) Thanks Mirek!

[tolis]

According to Martin Semerád his car probably ran out of gas today! The problem should not be in the planning of the gas but there´s something wrong with the car. The strange thing is, that the same happened to another 2 Pirellli Star drivers.
Looks like Evo X is still not reliable enough.
...Or looks like Ralliart Italy is not very reliable...

[Psycho!]

Is it possible that Mikko does the same with Dani and not only lose time,but start after Seb in the final stage of the day tomorrow??Its sure that Loeb will pass him on the second stage and he will pushing hard to be close to Latvala by the end of the day or maybe Latvala can do what I mentioned for Mikko...-if everything runs normally....

PS:I think that Sordo's '''''''PROBLEM''''''''' confirmed my suspicions about Loeb's '''''''Mistake'''''' on the first stage in Portugal....What the guys who called the Greek forumers 'idiots' have to say now????

[urabus-denoS2000]

...Or looks like Ralliart Italy is not very reliable...

They make the best Mitsubishis in the world in my opinion ;)

[RS]

Come on guys, have you all given up? Pages talking about how 'interesting' all these tactics battles are? These sweeping rules have to change, the first two days of WRC gravel rallies are virtually pointless. Just endurance driving and holding station. They may as well just cram the whole rally into one day and get it over and done with.

[Mirek]

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

[EuroTroll]

Come on guys, have you all given up? Pages talking about how 'interesting' all these tactics battles are? These sweeping rules have to change, the first two days of WRC gravel rallies are virtually pointless. Just endurance driving and holding station. They may as well just cram the whole rally into one day and get it over and done with.

:up:

It's just stupid, and easy to fix. Unfortunately, it has been stupid and easy to fix for many years now, and yet here we still are.. :s

[wwbroe]

Good morning guys, ready to follow another day of thrilling battle's? :D

[bluuford]

yep.. it is going to be very nice day today. Today are the roughest stages and first on the road might give even some advantage:-) Secondly the weather should be quite calm right now, so the dust will be problem as well.

[Hartusvuori]

Normally I'd hold my comments mid-stage, but Loeb is loosing a lot. Now, let's figure out what kind of tactics that might be...

[wwbroe]

Splits of Loeb on first stage are not so very good? ;)

[wwbroe]

Loeb is loosing rather much time on this first stage, wonder what is going on. :confused:

[Hartusvuori]

It didn't went quite as expected. Ok, Loeb is often not the quickest on Saturday's first stage so he'll have lot of km's to catch up until midday service. However, dear gods of rallying, please hold these positions and let us have something to be excited about for the rest of the weekend...

[lcd]

SS7 :
P.Solberg 9:22.4
S.Loeb 9:22.5 +0.1 !!! :eek:

Yes, that's the battle I wanna see In WRC! ;)

[bluuford]

Like I said before. Dust and additionally ruts are major problem for today stages and first on the road is not such a big problem. What happened to Villagra yesterday? does anyone knows?

[Buzz Lightyear]

clutch

[wwbroe]

Great time from Sandell, he is beating Flodin by nearly one minute. Flodin having some kind of problems, he tought he had opunctures at rear but it seems rear differential problem. :(

[wwbroe]

Also very good performance by Prokop, who is by far the fastest man in the Juniors, taking second overall at only 1"6 of Bettega. ;)

[Mauri A]

Loeb 8 secs faster than JML on second split! Is that possible?

[wwbroe]

Yes, it is possible, he is now reacting, he is so fast, really kicking ass now.

[Psycho!]

My God!!!

[N.O.T]

rule No1

Never get Loeb angry.....

[r199]

loeb to fast real big ruths on stage damm he is realy fast

[jonkka]

interesting... :eek:

[Psycho!]

And Mikko can't match JM,even he is behind...

[jonkka]

On split 4 Loeb's advantage decreased, not the other way around...

[iJones]

Well, it seems that Seb is now fully awake. Too bad for Finns.

[bluuford]

well.. now Loeb has lost some time to Latvala and bit over one sek to Mikko.

[tolis]

IMO, Loeb does whatever he wants in every rally!!!

[bluuford]

Tactically Hirvonen does not need to catch Jari. he has to be some time behind Loeb to attact and if Loeb decides to loose some time at the end of leg again, then there is a big risk that Jari runs away :-)

[jonkka]

Tactically Hirvonen does not need to catch Jari. he has to be some time behind Loeb to attact and if Loeb decides to loose some time at the end of leg again, then there is a big risk that Jari runs away :-)

Yes, Ford can lure Loeb into impossible decision if JML is far ahead of Mikko at the end of day. Loeb should decide between wanting to catch JML and let Mikko fall behind (with possibility of overtaking from behind tomorrow) or, keep behind Mikko but let JML to run away.

[Psycho!]

Tactically Hirvonen does not need to catch Jari. he has to be some time behind Loeb to attact and if Loeb decides to loose some time at the end of leg again, then there is a big risk that Jari runs away :-)
Hmmm...That's very interesting!!! ;)

[bluuford]

And very well done by Latvala. he lost only 7.2 sek to Loeb in 36.2 km. Lets see how their tyres last :-)

[Psycho!]

Any after-stage comments??

[wwbroe]

But JML is loosing almost 0,7"/km compared to Seb on this stage and so does Hirvonen, so we will see on the long 29kms stage that is coming up now. If Loeb can make the same difference, then he will be very close to JML this evening. ;)

[r199]

sordo fast to is it a citroen stage :P looks like it

[wwbroe]

Also very good splits by Sordo, so i guess this stage is good for Citroens. ;)

[wwbroe]

Sordo might pick up some important points for Citroen, if he can keep up this pace, he is now only 8" behind Ostberg for sixt place overall.
And difference with Henning for fifth is only about 20 sec.

[jonkka]

Ogier?

[jonkka]

There he is...

[Buzz Lightyear]

I am listening to MW on WRR, I get the feeling he would love to lambast Citreon for using tactics... but cant!

[wwbroe]

I am listening to MW on WRR, I get the feeling he would love to lambast Citreon for using tactics... but cant!

Yes, i am also listening to what he is saying, but after all it was he who has started all this tactic bull, wasn't he? :(

[wwbroe]

What a time by Araujo, he is taking over the lead from Sandell, who is loosing a lot of time on this stage. Great battle in Gr.N ;)

[mdesign]

Araujo FTW :) He must have attacked really hard

[wwbroe]

Loeb is late for start of this stage??? :(

[r199]

loeb late at start hihi big oeps

[wwbroe]

Maybe he did it on purpose to have one minute extra for the dust?

[r199]

whell than he hafe to beat the fords by atleast 10 sec
other whise he dont win a damm thing

[jonkka]

Loeb is not making much of a headway...

[jonkka]

Perhaps that's his intention, to keep in touch but get past only tomorrow...

[wwbroe]

Perhaps that's his intention, to keep in touch but get past only tomorrow...

You never know with Seb, do you? I wonder what tactics everybody will use this afternoon. :p

[jonkka]

Seb has now cut JML's lead into half.

[wwbroe]

Loeb is saying he had problems with brakes, that was why he was late starting the stage. Anyhow he is not making up much time if you take into account his penalty of 10 sec. We will see later on.

[r199]

seb his first mistake this year hihi hope that is not the last one

[wwbroe]

Sordo is doing great again on this stage, so without problems he will take over fifth place overall, passing in front of Henning.

[Mirek]

Seb has now cut JML's lead into half.

42,8-34,5=8,3 seconds

8,3 seconds is one half of 42,8? :D ;)

[muscrae]

Petter 1 Min behind now :(

[r199]

h solberg big problem????

[wacked]

any link to split times?

[jonkka]

]42,8-34,5=8,3 seconds

8,3 seconds is one half of 42,8? :D ;)

JML to Loeb after SS9 is +24,5 secs (not counting the penalty Seb may get)
JML to Loeb before SS7 was +42,8 secs

Where did you get that 34,5s?

[wwbroe]

Seems like Henning is having some kind of problem on this stage? :confused:

[pettersolberg29]

If tactics are brought in again, then Petter could still be in contention. If Loeb and Mikko drop about 20 seconds, then Petter may be within 40s of the lead in 4th, on a day when running first is the worst.

Positive thinking - thats what we need!

[r199]

1.
4
Jari-Matti LATVALA
M
2:11:38.4
0.0
0.0
2. http://www.wrc.com/graphics/arrow_up.gif
1
Sébastien LOEB
M
2:12:02.9
+24.5
+24.5
3. http://www.wrc.com/graphics/arrow_down.gif
3
Mikko HIRVONEN
M
2:12:05.4
+2.5
+27.0
4.
11
Petter SOLBERG

2:12:38.7
+33.3
+1:00.3


plus a 10 sec panalty for loeb makes 37 behind the lead so not even half

[wwbroe]

JML to Loeb after SS9 is +24,5 secs (not counting the penalty Seb may get)
JML to Loeb before SS7 was +42,8 secs

Where did you get that 34,5s?

Seb has got a 10 sec penalty! :p

[muscrae]

Henning is losing to much... more than a min..... :(

[Mirek]

JML to Loeb after SS9 is +24,5 secs (not counting the penalty Seb may get)
JML to Loeb before SS7 was +42,8 secs

Where did you get that 34,5s?

Ok, I was already counting with that penalty. Sorry then :)

[jonkka]

Seb has got a 10 sec penalty! :p

Hasn't been applied yet. Don't skin bear until you catch it.

[wwbroe]

So Sordo moves into fifth and is only 26 sec behind Petter, maybe he can still catch up with him? ;)

[wwbroe]

Hasn't been applied yet. Don't skin bear until you catch it.

Well, in website with results of our Czech friends it is there allready, they are allways a bit quicker then WRC.com :D

[jonkka]

Anyhow, with or without penalty that's too big difference for Seb to catch today.

[wwbroe]

Araujo is loosing some time compared to Sandell on splits, what a battle with Al Attiyah in there also.

[wwbroe]

Anyhow, with or without penalty that's too big difference for Seb to catch today.

Maybe that is just what he wants, not to catch him today. :D

[tolis]

Araujo 23.9sec slower than Sandell in split 2..... What is happening in PWRC this weekend???