Rally Great Britain 2009

[Salist]

Loeb is playing tactics ;) ;) ;)

I think also...

[bluuford]

the fact that sordo is faster than mikko is not a good sign for him though....

Mikkois faster than uring the first run.. it is good .-)

[Helstar]

So you think that Loeb actually shut down the GPS on purpose ? So Mikko won't see his splits ?

[Salist]

no Loeb GPS signal...
Source: http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=399&stage=7572&category=&group=&section=

[Garry Walker]

I think also...

So you think he would let Latvala (who is having driveshaft problems) arrive to splits before him, who started 2 minutes later than him?

Congrats, you are following a sport too complicated for you

[Retlub Ecaps]

So you think that Loeb actually shut down the GPS on purpose ? So Mikko won't see his splits ?

Is it against the rules to do that?

[Psycho!]

Mikko either way would go flat out,so I don't see any good reason for that...

[noel157]

Maybe Loeb's GPS box has been accidentally mal-functioned?

[Helstar]

Is it against the rules to do that?
I don't know I was just asking ^^

Meanwhile there are rumours that Loeb is 3 sec slower than Mikko in the middle of stage

[bretddog]

No splits... hmm... it smells..

[jimakos]

Where the F**K is Loeb?????

[Helstar]

He's hiding from the world ^^ we will know why (tactics maybe)

[Salist]

So you think he would let Latvala (who is having driveshaft problems) arrive to splits before him, who started 2 minutes later than him?

Congrats, you are following a sport too complicated for you

THANKS GARRY!!!

[Retlub Ecaps]

I don't know I was just asking ^^

Yeah, I was just asking too :)

I honestly have no idea if it's against the rules or not for a driver to deliberately turn off their GPS.

[Retlub Ecaps]

Where the F**K is Loeb?????

Maybe he got bored and went for coffee

[jimakos]

That's not a tactic that's a cheat!!!!!!!!

[muscrae]

wrc.com !!!! ...

[muscrae]

Seb 5.3 seec ahead at the en of day 1...

[Retlub Ecaps]

Hirvonen was 1.3sec quicker than Loeb on the last stage according to rally radio

[MartijnS]

It's good to see that Mikko is faster at the longer stages :)

[Salist]

Mikko in the finish .

[noel157]

Seb just playing around, as usual.

[N.O.T]

5.3 seconds going into day 2...very nice battle....

[MartijnS]

I dont think Seb was playing this stage. There's no point in playing as he is still ahead.

[noel157]

5.3 seconds going into day 2...very nice battle....

Yes, no matter who wins, a close and tight battle would be a good end to the season.

[muscrae]

Definitely...

[Psycho!]

And rain is coming for tomorrow......!!!

[Salist]

Enough hard day follow tomorrow...

[noel157]

I dont think Seb was playing this stage. There's no point in playing as he is still ahead.

But isn't this how Loeb works? Messes up Mikko's head by letting him think he has the upper hand over the Frenchman and then putting the hammer down when needed to show who is really the boss? He plays with his competitors, maybe I'm reading too much into it, maybe both guys are on the limit each stage but......

Petter having a great day, maybe even better tomorrow when the stages are really messy.

[blissard]

Interesting 4th split. Everyone lost a lot to Mikko on that one.

[bluuford]

Ogier has big problems

[Mirek]

He had a puncture.

[A.F.F.]

Great battle. Haven't seen any footage yet but this is the duel I've been waiting for. About Sebastien playing mind games with Mikko. With all due respect I find it unlikely. I think theyäre both pushing what they got.

Folks, it's nothing away from Loeb to admit that throughout the last years Mikko has developed as a driver and on gravel is about as fast as Loeb. The difference varies and is minimum.

The only risks are taken on stages, not on giving tenth of seconds free. I donät think either one of them has a spare.

PS. Don't you just love this folks :D :up: Great finale for the season.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Who's the Australian guy on WRR?

[turves]

PS. Don't you just love this folks :D :up: Great finale for the season.

Definately!!! I don't think either are playing games, and I was pleased to see that Seb didnt drop time to run second to see Mikko's lines and braking points. It doesn't matter so much in Wales I don't think but fair play to both.

[noel157]

Who's the Australian guy on WRR?

Clue - out of work co-driver. Doing a good job too.

[muscrae]

The best finale for six years, that's for sure. Especially Mikko does not seem in full attack mood, rather cautious; I think that's someting to do with experince. I do not mean Mikko is inexperienced, but do not forget this is the turning point of his career, and as he also stated in an interview, for this kind of situations, physical preparations may not be adequate, you need to be ready mentally as well. Ok mates, this is the best ever finale I've seen since 2003. Both of the Championship contanders are really eager to do that and with the probable involvement of Petter in "close" battle, we would have an incredible two days of Rallying.

Fingers Crossed... :)

[Salist]

Very nice photos from Wales Rally GB 2009 – Grzegorz Roslon - 1st day...
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=693&fotograf=100&all=1

[Retlub Ecaps]

Who's the Australian guy on WRR?

Dale Moscatt, Novikov's old co-driver (before Prevot).

[bluuford]

The best finale for six years, that's for sure. Especially Mikko does not seem in full attack mood, rather cautious; I think that's someting to do with experince. I do not mean Mikko is inexperienced, but do not forget this is the turning point of his career, and as he also stated in an interview, for this kind of situations, physical preparations may not be adequate, you need to be ready mentally as well. Ok mates, this is the best ever finale I've seen since 2003. Both of the Championship contanders are really eager to do that and with the probable involvement of Petter in "close" battle, we would have an incredible two days of Rallying.

Fingers Crossed... :)
Yeah, imagine when one of them retires from the race. Then I can bet that the winner of the current race is not currently in top 2.

[mdesign]

Yeah, imagine when one of them retires from the race. Then I can bet that the winner of the current race is not currently in top 2.
Depends on who retires. If Loeb retires, mikko is automaticaly champion, therefore, no need to play it save and hand the victory.
If mikko retires, then loeb just needs one points, and he would go safer.

[bluuford]

Depends on who retires. If Loeb retires, mikko is automaticaly champion, therefore, no need to play it save and hand the victory.
If mikko retires, then loeb just needs one points, and he would go safer.

There is always possibility that Loeb rejoins on superally and gets one point due to the "retirement" of Sordo, Rautenbach, Ogier and Burkart :-)

[wwbroe]

Brynildsen is keeping up the good work and is really dominating the PWRC, he has almost a minute advantage on Sandell and Prokop (very close between those two). Actually Nikara is second but he is not in PWRC. ;)

[mdesign]

There is always possibility that Loeb rejoins on superally and gets one point due to the "retirement" of Sordo, Rautenbach, Ogier and Burkart :-)
When you said retired I was not considering super-rally (i don't consider that retiring). We saw in Poland that with loeb on the rally, no citroen will be able to steal points from him.
I just hope Mikko wins the rally, without the help of any Loeb's problem.

[ZequeArgentina]

Sandell gained speed in the afternoon, now both Skoda lead PWRC, and only Nikara between then (in N4, even not in PWRC).

Nice performance by the 2 title contenders, and by Sordo and Petter.

[bluuford]

Nice work by nr 91 Siim Plangi. It is his first WRC rally and he is leading 2wd category with his C2R2.. and for N.O.T.. among nobodies ;-)

[N.O.T]

i don;t mind having nobodies in wrc rallies as long as they know their role and place....

[Langdale Forest]

The championship is still wide open.....

[cut the b.s.]

Its great to see a championship being fought out properly, no BS, fastest man to win, hope both cars hold up and its a fight to the finish. Good luck to both crews

[Juha_Koo]

Just as I thought, no off for Latvala on SS1 confirmed by onboard and JM's comments to Finnish media. Just a mechanical breakdown. I'm so disappointed.

This also showed that some people have an attitude problem towards JM. With no facts available they jumped to conclusions and automatically thought that it has to be an off. They were not only false but also rather egregious.

JM wants to win. Mikko wants to "look and see how Seb is doing."

[mdesign]

This also showed that some people have an attitude problem towards JM.

JM wants to win. Mikko wants to "look and see how Seb is doing."

You must admit that it is an easy conclusion (expect an off from JM) after all he did this year.

I also thinks that Loeb and Mikko are doing more than look at each other. Solberg and Sordo came for a win and are almost a minute behind.

[Francis44]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tXvTIW1ImY

Clearly he had some problems with the car!!!!

[bretddog]

Videos from Hafren

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA637VCK5HU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8DB-qbPR8o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA637VCK5HU

[Juha_Koo]

You must admit that it is an easy conclusion (expect an off from JM) after all he did this year.


I prefer not to jump to easy conclusions due to the fact that they are 95% of the time totally false. :)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tXvTIW1ImY

Clearly he had some problems with the car!!!!

Yes, no front brakes at all because the driveshaft broke the brake line(s).

[Tomi]

Solberg and Sordo came for a win and are almost a minute behind.

What did you expect then?

[noel157]

Just as I thought, no off for Latvala on SS1 confirmed by onboard and JM's comments to Finnish media. Just a mechanical breakdown. I'm so disappointed.

This also showed that some people have an attitude problem towards JM. With no facts available they jumped to conclusions and automatically thought that it has to be an off. They were not only false but also rather egregious.

JM wants to win. Mikko wants to "look and see how Seb is doing."

As I said earlier I/we may have been a bit premature. Having said that he did say somewhere that he was sure he did not hit a rock which as WRR said is an oft used denial. As for an attitude problem, Latvala earned that all himself.
If it was a straight forward mechamical failure it certainly was bad luck.

[MJW]

Those who impressed me today were (apart from Loeb / Solberg / Sordo and Mikko) were Eyvind Brynildsen and Jarkko Nikara. They were really impressive with their driving, lines and commitment. Future talents!

[Finni]

Folks, it's nothing away from Loeb to admit that throughout the last years Mikko has developed as a driver and on gravel is about as fast as Loeb. The difference varies and is minimum.
.

In his best gravel rallies Mikko is near-match to Seb but in most gravel rallies Seb is is faster.

But considering how reliable Mikko is his performance top-notch. Especially under current point system he should be already champion (In argentina he lost 8 or 10 points for technical reason).

[mdesign]

I prefer not to jump to easy conclusions due to the fact that they are 95% of the time totally false. :)
Yes, no front brakes at all because the driveshaft broke the brake line(s).
I know he had a mechanical failure.
I'm just saying that you don't have a attitude problem to expect that the time loss is due to another driving error. I'd say you would guess it rigth 95% of the time.

[mdesign]

What did you expect then?
I expected them to be where they are, I'm just pointing that to say that Mikko is just NOT cruising to loebs splits.

Mikko wants to "look and see how Seb is doing."
My point is that Mikko is doing a great job and I belive that they are going flat out.

[dimviii]

Dog fight among the usually two drivers.Wish to know the champion after the last stage.
Nikara impressive drive for his years and first time in UK.
Waiting more from Petter on Saturday and Sunday.

[Audimadgeoff]

Well I’m back from a great day out at Rally GB – some real try harders today, and the weather was spot on too!

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/9848/45839528.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/5346/10254475.jpg


http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5329/56067524.jpg

[Audimadgeoff]

And a couple more…



http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/5528/73360356.jpg




http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/8323/36006048.jpg



http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/2933/60856002.jpg

[TG]

Regarding to interview of Mikko, also his driveshaft broke. Fortunatelly on the road section to service after last stage.

Hopefully Ford's driveshaft problems doesn't decide the title ...

[Juha_Koo]

Regarding to interview of Mikko, also his driveshaft broke. Fortunatelly on the road section to service after last stage.

Hopefully Ford's driveshaft problems doesn't decide the title ...

Yeah, I was shocked when Mikko told this. It has to be a problem with the driveshafts... Hopefully M-Sport uses as much different product batches as possible in their spare parts.

I believe all the three driveshafts have broken the same way from the wheel hub end.

[COD]

Brynildsen is keeping up the good work and is really dominating the PWRC, he has almost a minute advantage on Sandell and Prokop (very close between those two). Actually Nikara is second but he is not in PWRC. ;)

Not too bad from Nikara, who's evo 10 is some 400kg heavier than the S2000's. And clearly faster than Champion Araujo on similar machine... And this on his first Rally GB...

[Finni]

How that massive driveshaft problem is possible? Didn't they test it thousands of kilometres and rallies or are they bringing novel parts to this rally?!

[dimviii]

Not too bad from Nikara, who's evo 10 is some 400kg heavier than the S2000's. And clearly faster than Champion Araujo on similar machine... And this on his first Rally GB...

Not 400 kg heavier,but 200 kg surely.(1400-1430)

[Psycho!]

It's raining heavily on the stages...!!

[Langdale Forest]

Thats' What Rally Gb Is About!

[darkstar]

good morning! first stage is running, i hope hirvonen will have a small advantage starting 2nd today.

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb on stage!

[Psycho!]

The fight is on!!!

[jonkka]

Mikko is faster

[Psycho!]

Nice first split!!!Fingers crossed........

[muscrae]

Good Morning Everyone...

[muscrae]

Mikko is 4 sec quicker !!!!!! woowwwwww

[jonkka]

Most interesting --- :eek:

[White Sauron]

Wow... Hirvonen is once again impresses in such muddy and slippery conditions!

[mdesign]

Good morning guys!
Mikko is flying!!! 4 seconds on split 2

[darkstar]

nice fight, hopefully no one will make a mistake!

[Psycho!]

Loeb responds...

[White Sauron]

heh) Either Mikko got scared of his own pace, or Loeb decided to push a bit more)

[bretddog]

Nice start from Mikko...

[jonkka]

Gap goes to wrong direction now...

[FAlonso]

This will maybe be fun after all. Nice!

[muscrae]

Halfway through, down to 1.7 sec.

[mdesign]

Hope mikko can respond now

[Antti]

Loeb does just what is needed

[jonkka]

Gap fluctuates but it seems Mikko can fight back - which is important in order to have interesting day.

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen faster than Loen!!!!

[Langdale Forest]

Thriller!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Langdale Forest]

Solber is down on the splits.

[White Sauron]

Someone's gonna make a mistake I'm afraid... They can't be always at the limit... Even over the limit...

[muscrae]

Someone's gonna make a mistake I'm afraid... They can't be always at the limit... Even over the limit...


Agree.. Fingers Crossed...

[jonkka]

No splits for most drivers?

[Langdale Forest]

Solber could not see anything?

[muscrae]

!! Damn Petter !!!

[Psycho!]

Someone's gonna make a mistake I'm afraid... They can't be always at the limit... Even over the limit...
That's not a necessity...Remember Norway.... ;)

[Langdale Forest]

Sordo is up to 3rd.

[Langdale Forest]

It's a shame that Loeb did not get wiper problems.

[White Sauron]

That's not a necessity...Remember Norway.... ;)

What exactly should I remember from Norway?

[Brother John]

Solber could not see anything?

Nag like usually.

[Langdale Forest]

no splits on wrc.com

[Langdale Forest]

rain is getting heavier

[René]

JML do not start today???

[Langdale Forest]

he has started.

[noel157]

Latvala sounds in better form anyway.

[mdesign]

Sordo seems to be on a good pace :)

[WRC1]

WILSON M. / MARTIN S. "Car is much better. But very difficult stage, wipers are stuck. I had not any grip."

car is much better...maybe, but driver is still a joke

2 seconds per km slower than the best, this is just sad...

[muscrae]

Come Petter, I hoped you'd join the fight today, but...
What a shame...

[Langdale Forest]

1.
1
Sébastien LOEB
M
1:34:54.5
0.0
0.0
2.
3
Mikko HIRVONEN
M
1:34:57.4
+2.9
+2.9
3. http://www.wrc.com/graphics/arrow_up.gif
2
Dani SORDO
M
1:35:37.9
+40.5
+43.4
4. http://www.wrc.com/graphics/arrow_down.gif
11
Petter SOLBERG

1:35:57.3
+19.4
+1:02.8
5.
12
Sébastien OGIER
M
1:37:59.7
+2:02.4
+3:05.2
6.
6
Henning SOLBERG
M
1:38:36.6
+36.9
+3:42.1
7.
5
Matthew WILSON

1:39:21.4
+44.8
+4:26.9
8. http://www.wrc.com/graphics/arrow_up.gif
4
Jari-Matti LATVALA
M
1:41:59.2
+2:37.8
+7:04.7

[noel157]

Come Petter, I hoped you'd join the fight today, but...
What a shame...

Still hope he can get to P3, long way to go yet.

[Langdale Forest]

What is P3?

[dimviii]

WILSON M. / MARTIN S. "Car is much better. But very difficult stage, wipers are stuck. I had not any grip."

car is much better...maybe, but driver is still a joke

2 seconds per km slower than the best, this is just sad...

Yoy forget Rautenbach with 4sec per kiliometre and no wiper problems at all :p :

[Leon]

I cannot understand it. Every year the same story. Such expensive cars and they cannot produce reliable wipers. and they know the weather in GB...

[dimviii]

Nikara same time with Brinylsden at last split :eek:

[noel157]

Nikara stopped?

[dimviii]

Flodin faster at last split! :eek:

[Brother John]

If you see the time results, it looks that the wipers on the C4s of the junior team are already used by Loeb and Sordo years ago. :D

[dimviii]

Nikara stopped?

Ohh nooooo!!! :(

[dimviii]

Nikkara out of road :mad:

[noel157]

Typical PSD reliability or off?

[jbmarcus21]

One of my friend was to Rac Rally 1976 !! Here http://www.historicrally-la-fayolle.com/galeriephotos/galeriephotos_videos.html his video !!!... Great document !

[paddocknews]

Petter and Phil lost a lot of time on SS7, due to wiper problems. The wiper motor is running hot. No spare motor in the car, will be fixed at the next service.

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen should take the lead on this stage.

[jonkka]

Not with those splits

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb 1.3 seconds faster on first split.

[WRC1]

according to first split....NO

[MikeD]

... and 3.8 in second split. But yesterday Mikko was good at closing the gap when he knew he was losing too much time.

[mdesign]

mikko losing to much time

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen will have lost the time he took out of loeb this morning.

[Langdale Forest]

Even Sordo is faster than Hirvonen on first split!

[MikeD]

7.0 on third split :eek:

[MartijnS]

Oh oh, it looks like Mikko is going to loose 10 seconds or something..

[jonkka]

Loeb wants to settle it here and now...

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen hass lost more the 7 seconds!

[Francis44]

Maybe he spinned!!!!

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb wants to settle it here and now...

And he willl probably slide into a ditch!!!!


:D :D :D :D :D

[MikeD]

10.2 quicker overall on stage - and 13.1 in total

[Langdale Forest]

Looks like sordo will be second fastest on this stage,

[Langdale Forest]

10.2 quicker overall on stage - and 13.1 in total


Loeb is the best ever...................

[Sulland]

10.2 quicker overall on stage - and 13.1 in total

This is why Loeb is best, suddenly he picks one ss and blasts the others !

[MikeD]

Loeb is the best ever...................

No doubt about it...

[jonkka]

Sordo being faster than Mikko would indicate that this stage is better suited to Citroens...

[Langdale Forest]

He must pick certain stages to push hard on and take it easy on the other stages.

[WRC1]

loeb = incredible!! 10,2 in15 km!! WOW

[Langdale Forest]

I think that he will push hard for the nest 4 stages and take it quite easy tomorrow but any problems for loeb will hand the championship to Hirvonen.

[Langdale Forest]

Wilson slow..... 13.9 down on second split.

[Langdale Forest]

Next stage in 5 mins time.

[mdesign]

what happened to mikko? to win the championship he can't loose 1 sec/km to loeb...

[WRC1]

Wilson slow..... 13.9 down on second split.

but main thing is, HE is happy with his speed

WILSON M. / MARTIN S. "Lot better this morning. Much more confidence in car."

priceless, future champion

even not on playstation little kid

[Langdale Forest]

Remember what happend to Carlos Sainz in 1998, that could happen to Loeb in 2009!

[Sulland]

Mr Trond Lyseng #74 is driving a Cup car from the Norwegian Subaru Cup in GB.

He is doing very well when you look at the fact that the car is well down on power, and has a simpler suspension set up and so on !


Put it to the metal Trond !

[jonkka]

Remember what happend to Carlos Sainz in 1998, that could happen to Loeb in 2009!

That's getting quite thin ray of a hope...

[Langdale Forest]

Are you a Hirvonen fan?

[bluuford]

what happened to mikko? to win the championship he can't loose 1 sec/km to loeb...

Road is much better for the first car, every passing car makes road more slipier and muddier.

[Langdale Forest]

Halfway is where Gronholm crashed in 2002, could this catch out Loeb in 2009?

[Sulland]

But what about Latvala this morning, Is it still something with the car or has he lost his motivation ?

[pino makinen]

Road is much better for the first car, every passing car makes road more slipier and muddier.

But then he should had been quicker than Sordo. Hope he can be faster on next stage to keep this interesting.

[Langdale Forest]

Probably motivation he has nothing to prove this year because he has a works drive and has already won two rallies.

[jonkka]

Mikko still slower than Loeb... :eek:

[Langdale Forest]

Hirv 0.6 down on first split.

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen might take it easy on this stage but launch a massive attack this afternoon.

[jonkka]

6.1 secs?!?

[Langdale Forest]

6.1 seconds down on second split.

[jonkka]

Really massive attack is needed to overcome such loss...

[Langdale Forest]

Radio says that there might be a problem for Hirvonen.

[MikeD]

Could Mikko have a problem?

[mdesign]

I guess loeb decided he should be the champion

[Langdale Forest]

Like he has done 5 times already.

[jonkka]

That looks like a spin or stall, big loss that doesn't increase on subsequent splits...

[WRC1]

OMG +6,1 at split 2

now seb shows who is the champ...

[Langdale Forest]

Solberg is faster than Hirvonen

[jonkka]

Solberg is faster than Hirvonen

Not anymore on split 3

[Langdale Forest]

By 4th split hirvonen has lost 9.1 seconds

[jonkka]

wrc.com claims Sordo was fastest is leads Loeb by almost 3 mins... :eek:

[Xsara Fan]

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. (st. č. 3) "Something is wrong, I'm not sure what. Some places looks like it not turning, oversteering."

[jonkka]

Loeb-Hirvonen 25.0 seconds - this is over unless a miracle happens.

[blissard]

wrc.com claims Sordo was fastest is leads Loeb by almost 3 mins... :eek:

Yeah, Sordo is really attacking now :D

[muscrae]

Hirvonen could not endure the pscyhological battle for having such a big fight !

[Langdale Forest]

Remember that if Loeb retires Hirvoonen is champion whatever happens!

[jonkka]

Something wrong with Ogier?

[Sulland]

Loeb-Hirvonen 25.0 seconds - this is over unless a miracle happens.

Yes done deal, as long as the C4 hold it together !

[jonkka]

Remember that if Loeb retires Hirvoonen is champion whatever happens!

You just don't give up, do you? :)

[Langdale Forest]

It it is, lets hope it happens to lloeb!

[Langdale Forest]

I could help help Hirvonen become champion.


:uhoh: :uhoh: :uhoh:

[Francis44]

OMG Facepalm, i cant believe some people are wishing Loeb to crash.

[toras]

Rally GB photos day 1:
http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/361

[Langdale Forest]

OMG Facepalm, i cant believe some people are wishing Loeb to crash.

i don't want loeb to crash i just want his car to stop or a wheel to fall off.

[MartijnS]

OMG Facepalm, i cant believe some people are wishing Loeb to crash.

It doesn't have to be a big crash. Just stuck in a ditch is enough.

[MikeD]

Remember that if Loeb retires Hirvoonen is champion whatever happens!

Brings back thoughts of that horrible horrible 1998 finale :mad:

[Francis44]

i don't want loeb to crash i just want his car to stop or a wheel to fall off.

Still, that's sad :mark: .

[Langdale Forest]

Rally GB photos day 1:
http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/361


Thanks for the pictures. :)

[snellman]

NOW hirvonen has nothing to lose just give it full throttle!!!

[pino makinen]

Still, that's sad :mark: .

I agree. Hope Mikko can fix the car and battle in the stages for the win rather than waiting Seb to fail.

[MikeD]

Rally GB photos day 1:
http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/361

Really good pictures....please bring more when you have some :up:

[Langdale Forest]

Still, that's sad :mark: .


I guess that you are a Loeb fan?

[Langdale Forest]

NOW hirvonen has nothing to lose just give it full throttle!!!


Go Mikko Go!!!!!!!!!

[MartijnS]

You can find some very high resolution photos here :)

http://www.worldrallypics.com/rallygb/

[Fiat-131-Abarth]

i don't want loeb to crash i just want his car to stop or a wheel to fall off.
I can´t understand why so many people - espacially from the north - in this forum can´t accept that Loeb is just the best. Hirvonen will never be able to beat Loeb

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen is from the North!

[toras]

Really good pictures....please bring more when you have some :up:

More pictures (from day 2) evening.

[Francis44]

I guess that you are a Loeb fan?


Im a fan of whoever goes fastest, because for me that's the important factor of a champion, if Mikko was showing Loeb's pace, then i would agree he deserved to win but he isn't, so i support the one going faster and that's Loeb.

[Langdale Forest]

My new signiture might help!!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D :D :D

[N.O.T]

25 seconds is indeed a rather safe advantage to Loeb but the stages are long....i think that the next 3 stages are the ones to determine the championship.

If its something wrong with Hirvonens cars its trully a pity to lose the championship that way...but it doesn;t seem that way.

[Langdale Forest]

25 seconds is nothing in any rally.

[jonkka]

25 seconds is nothing in any rally.

It is quite enough in 95% of the cases but those five final percent may spring a surprise where no lead is enough. If nothing goes wrong for Seb, Mikko can't take 25 seconds over the remaining stages. In Finland he might be able to but not in GB.

[N.O.T]

Burkart shows once more that Jwrc and Pwrc is just a parade of nobodies.....useless sick dogs championship.

[Buzz Lightyear]

There is nothing wrong with Mikko's car.

Loeb just busted him on SS8.

The cool exterior of Mikko cannot deal with Loeb pace.

I think we have to admit that Ford/Hirvonen is just not a match for Citreon/Loeb.

Its unrealistic to expect the two individuals in two totally different cars CAN be matched by 1/10th's of seconds. Its days gone by, McRae or Kankkunen won stages by 10-15s, now when Loeb does it, people automatically think the others have a problem.

[N.O.T]

It is quite enough in 95% of the cases but those five final percent may spring a surprise where no lead is enough. If nothing goes wrong for Seb, Mikko can't take 25 seconds over the remaining stages. In Finland he might be able to but not in GB.

25 seconds are not a distance to be covered by driving alone...but they are enough to keep Loeb at bay and not relax....i think it was day 3 of some rally this year where Loeb had such and advantage and he crashed because the distance wasn;t safe enough for him to relax and play safe.

[AlfaWRC]

There is nothing wrong with Mikko's car.

Loeb just busted him on SS8.

The cool exterior of Mikko cannot deal with Loeb pace.

I think we have to admit that Ford/Hirvonen is just not a match for Citreon/Loeb.

Its unrealistic to expect the two individuals in two totally different cars CAN be matched by 1/10th's of seconds. Its days gone by, McRae or Kankkunen won stages by 10-15s, now when Loeb does it, people automatically think the others have a problem.

How can you than explain that the gap between Loeb and all other is as usually?

[Francis44]

If Mikko wants to win a championship this may be he's ultimate chance. Next year Solberg will probably remain with a competitive car and the fight for the championship will not be so restricted as it was this year.

[TMorel]

I'd rather Mikko drive like a demon and win by a second than Seb benefit from a broken Ford.
I know "winning is winning" but I never once got any pleasure from our wins (albeit only class) due to retirement. Crash while trying too hard sure, break a driveshaft from cutting too much.. I'll take those wins but unprovoked mechanical failure of the car infront takes the joy out. Well, did for me anyway.

[N.O.T]

If Mikko wants to win a championship this may be he's ultimate chance. Next year Solberg will probably remain with a competitive car and the fight for the championship will not be so restricted as it was this year.

Solberg cannot challenge the top dogs anymore....the guy who might mix things up is only Latvala.

[Buzz Lightyear]

How can you than explain that the gap between Loeb and all other is as usually?

Is it so hard to understand, that Loeb is just better?

Why do you think that is not possible?

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala is not even that good.

[Brother John]

I can´t understand why so many people - espacially from the north - in this forum can´t accept that Loeb is just the best. Hirvonen will never be able to beat Loeb

Again that b*llsch!t, we know he is better as Mikko but he is not the best!
And we know he has the best car special built for him. :rolleyes:

[A.F.F.]

Seem really worrying for Mikko :mark: In his words there were no mistakes but the times were awful comparing to Loeb. Sebastien just showed what he is made of... Amazing performance. Now that he has 25 seconds gap, he will be more able to control the rally.

I know rally isn't over till the fat lady sings but at this particular moment Sebastien seem to be too strong for Mikko.

All in all, great rallying from both of the drivers :up:

[MikeD]

More pictures (from day 2) evening.

Great. If you get some good pictures of Burkart (Citroën no. 16), Perez (Focus no. 17) and Stephenson (Ford no. 69), I would very much like to see those :)

[Buzz Lightyear]

Solberg cannot challenge the top dogs anymore....the guy who might mix things up is only Latvala.

This maybe true. Solberg, in all fairness, would likely have been as close here on Rally GB in a Subaru.

I have derived a new theory... Its call 'Latvala Theory'

Latvala = (Rocket Man AND off) OR (Relatively fast AND 4th)

[Francis44]

Again that b*llsch!t, we know he is better as Mikko but he is not the best!
And we know he has the best car special built for him. :rolleyes:

Yeah that's why he was able to beat Gronholm in a 5 year old car!!!!

[MikeD]

If Mikko wants to win a championship this may be he's ultimate chance. Next year Solberg will probably remain with a competitive car and the fight for the championship will not be so restricted as it was this year.

Hirvonens biggest problem for next year is the amount of tarmac rounds (I think there will be 4 of those ... Bulgaria, Spain, France and Germany)

[teufel]

Burkart shows once more that Jwrc and Pwrc is just a parade of nobodies.....useless sick dogs championship.

and he was nowhere in those championships...

[N.O.T]

nowhere ??? he was 3rd just 7 points off the champion of nobodies

[kolvas]

I think it´s time to gratulate Loeb to the champinsionship, I don´t think Mikko could cath him, Loeb is allways faster second time around and will get a bigger gap.

[Tom206wrc]

:)

[A.F.F.]

I think it´s time to gratulate Loeb to the champinsionship, I don´t think Mikko could cath him, Loeb is allways faster second time around and will get a bigger gap.

Yes, I think you're right. That's what makes rallying so appealing is the fact to give up in a very second you loose a bit. Probably nothing can happen in those relatively slippery muddy stages when rally is almost over, only a half of it is left :up:

[Ucci]

I can not belive to my eyes that most of Mikko's fans would like to see Seb ran off the road, to become a victim of technical problems...Stop comforting yourselve-the fact is that Seb is faster!!
The difference between them is small-but there is a difference and so will tomorrow someone become the champion sixth time in the row and someone first time vice-champion!
And I don't wish to anyone in this rally that technical problems would spoil him a drive....

[jonkka]

so will tomorrow someone become the champion sixth time in the row and someone first time vice-champion!

Who?

[r199]

@ Ucci,

You can't beleve the Miko fans would like for Seb to run off or get tec problems. Whel beleve me if it whas the other way round and Miko whould be first, the Seb fans whould like the same to happen to Miko.
It Whas always that way, and always whill be.
Personaly i dond care but whold like Miko to come back and let the dissision fall in the last ss.

[Langdale Forest]

There is not a thing called vice champion.

[Mauri A]

There is nothing wrong with Mikko's car.
You know, facts pls!

[PeteRobs]

I wish you guys would wake up and see the truth, instead of talking total C$£p.

Mikko will never be as quick as Seb, yes he is very fast but he doesnt have that very little extra to bring the times out of the car.

Anyone else who pulls Jari down should hang their heads in shame, seems to me your jealous of his enormous talent, just look at old he is then compare to Seb Mikko and you will see he is so far ahead it is untrue. Mikko entered 4 or 5 wrc events at that age and binned the car on 3 of them the others were very unnoticeable results, Seb was just coming into jwrc.

I will say this though if Mika stopped acting like a spoilt brat and got his head our of his £&$£ he might start to get somewhere.

Sorry if i have upset anyone but the truth hurts at times

sorry for silly mistake

I love these forums there great, Hello to you all

[N.O.T]

mika ??

[Langdale Forest]

You mean Mikko?

[White Sauron]

Who is Mika?!!!

[Langdale Forest]

Mikko Hirvonen, you should all know!

[Buzz Lightyear]

You know, facts pls!

Doesn't seem like too much wrong with the car to me...

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6381

Sebastien Loeb completed Saturday morning's loop of stages on the Rally of Great Britain with a 25 second overall lead - thanks largely to two stunning performances on SS8 and SS9 which left his title rival Mikko Hirvonen completely stumped.

Hirvonen was clearly frustrated as he arrived at the end of SS9; the Finn shaking his head as he tried to understand what was going on. "I'm not sure if someone is wrong, I just don't know. For some reason I just can’t do the times. I'm trying but it’s just not going anywhere," he said.

[Mise]

I wish you guys would wake up and see the truth, instead of talking total C$£p.

Mika will never be as quick as Seb, yes he is very fast but he doesnt have that very little extra to bring the times out of the car.

Anyone else who pulls Jari down should hang their heads in shame, seems to me your jealous of his enormous talent, just look at old he is then compare to Seb Mika and you will see he is so far ahead it is untrue. Mika entered 4 or 5 wrc events at that age and binned the car on 3 of them the others were very unnotable results, Seb was just coming into jwrc.

I will say this though if Mika stopped asting like a spolit brat and got his head our of his £&$£ he might start to get somewere.

Sorry if i have upset anyone but the truth hurts at times

I love these forums there great, Hello to you all


I totally agree with you. Mika is not a good driver.
His on the fourth place of all time imagenery rally drivers

[Langdale Forest]

What do you mean 'Mika is not a good driver'?

[PeteRobs]

Oh i forgot to add.

The reason Loeb is so fast today is the stages are completely differant to yesterday, they are smoother, harder and make a hell of a difference to the first car on the road when wet like they are.

Remember Burns and McRae years ago when they were first on road they were upto 30 secs+ faster on the long stages :s mokin: :s mokin:

[wwbroe]

Does somebody know what has happened with Patrick Sandell? Alltough he was far from the pace of Brynildsen, he was second in PWRC, but doesn't appear anymore in the standings? :confused: :(

[shaitan]

Does somebody know what has happened with Patrick Sandell? Alltough he was far from the pace of Brynildsen, he was second in PWRC, but doesn't appear anymore in the standings? :confused: :(
with power steering problem and stuck in the ditch

[Juha_Koo]

Deep in my mind I'm not even very surprised. But being a Finn, I've felt compelled to believe to Mikko's championship hopes.

Mikko doesn't have the speed or the aggression to achieve the championship victory. Mikko very rarely says that he will go there and beat the cr*p out of the others. That on the other hand makes him super-consistent. Mikko is a perfect team player and a suberb second driver. If Marcus would still drive, Mikko would be a perfect team mate.

Then on the other hand we have JML. He is so eager to win that usually when others would have given up, he fights so hard that normally he exceeds his/car's/road's limit and crashes out. He isn't excatly your best team player. He is a very irrational driver. Why can't he just sometimes back off? But think about his motivation. Isn't it crystal clear? "To be the fastest there is." Have you seen JM's mood when he is ready to win? Happy, talkative. But whenever he messes up he usually makes himself a second driver and then he is like an animal in a cage.

Here we are, with two totally different drivers. Both seem to be too extremists. One is super-consistent but lacks speed, the other is super-fast but lacks consistency big time.

As we say in Finland, "Voiko v*tutukseen kuolla?" I dearly hope not.

[shaitan]

Oh i forgot to add.

The reason Loeb is so fast today is the stages are completely differant to yesterday, they are smoother, harder and make a hell of a difference to the first car on the road when wet like they are.

Remember Burns and McRae years ago when they were first on road they were upto 30 secs+ faster on the long stages :s mokin: :s mokin:
good stuff!
it's clear why seb make just 5s ahead yestoday.

[Langdale Forest]

According to the radio he stopped on the last stage???

[PeteRobs]

What do you mean 'Mika is not a good driver'?

Dont get me wrong Mikko is an awesome driver but he doesnt have that little extra in reserve to be able to beat Loeb, a bit like Hamilton vs Kovalainen for most of the F1 season


http://www.formula1.com/results/driver/2009/813.html

[ProRally]

Deep in my mind I'm not even very surprised. But being a Finn, I've felt compelled to believe to Mikko's championship hopes.

Mikko doesn't have the speed or the aggression to achieve the championship victory. Mikko very rarely says that he will go there and beat the cr*p out of the others. That on the other hand makes him super-consistent. Mikko is a perfect team player and a suberb second driver. If Marcus would still drive, Mikko would be a perfect team mate.

Then on the other hand we have JML. He is so eager to win that usually when others would have given up, he fights so hard that normally he exceeds his/car's/road's limit and crashes out. He isn't excatly your best team player. He is a very irrational driver. Why can't he just sometimes back off? But think about his motivation. Isn't it crystal clear? "To be the fastest there is." Have you seen JM's mood when he is ready to win? Happy, talkative. But whenever he messes up he usually makes himself a second driver and then he is like an animal in a cage.

Here we are, with two totally different drivers. Both seem to be too extremists. One is super-consistent but lacks speed, the other is super-fast but lacks consistency big time.

As we say in Finland, "Voiko v*tutukseen kuolla?" I dearly hope not.

Very good post, and 100% correct to my feeling too....

[shaitan]

Deep in my mind I'm not even very surprised. But being a Finn, I've felt compelled to believe to Mikko's championship hopes.

Mikko doesn't have the speed or the aggression to achieve the championship victory. Mikko very rarely says that he will go there and beat the cr*p out of the others. That on the other hand makes him super-consistent. Mikko is a perfect team player and a suberb second driver. If Marcus would still drive, Mikko would be a perfect team mate.

Then on the other hand we have JML. He is so eager to win that usually when others would have given up, he fights so hard that normally he exceeds his/car's/road's limit and crashes out. He isn't excatly your best team player. He is a very irrational driver. Why can't he just sometimes back off? But think about his motivation. Isn't it crystal clear? "To be the fastest there is." Have you seen JM's mood when he is ready to win? Happy, talkative. But whenever he messes up he usually makes himself a second driver and then he is like an animal in a cage.

Here we are, with two totally different drivers. Both seem to be too extremists. One is super-consistent but lacks speed, the other is super-fast but lacks consistency big time.

As we say in Finland, "Voiko v*tutukseen kuolla?" I dearly hope not.
totally agree.
JML sometimes like duval,it's too early to win or beat mikko or seb.he need steady progress