M.Hirvonen this year champion?

[jimakos]

In my opinion Hirvonen have to be this year champion!!

Nobody else is so consistent and dedicated in championship.
Go Mikko,go!!!
Different or same opinions welcomed.



http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/cf0def239b.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[Psycho!]

I hope for that as well...Finland will be veeeeeeery important...The one who beats the other on a straight (or no) battle will have the upper hand for the title...Let's see...!!

[jimakos]

Of course Psycho.
If Mikko takes rally Finland I believe that nobody could
stop him!!
Latvala have to make also a nice rally for ford.

[Psycho!]

Hmmm...Now I'm little bit worried...Broken gearbox for Latvala in the test...At least it happenned during the test session...

[jimakos]

After his accident in Poland(he destroyed everything)
FORD wanted to take him out!!
Finally FORD keep the driver I think for the rest of
season to help Hirvonen.
Although,Latvala is a nice rally driver but a little road hog
and this doesn't let him grow up!!

[Fide]

There in no reason to discard Loeb's attack. I recall when Sebastian was out by his accident and then returned very close in points to Marcus, the pressure he put was good enough to beat Marcus. In this case, next rally Miko will open the road on friday and he is not accustom at all. This will definitely benefit Sebastian...... All in all I would not bet on favor Miko.

[alexlake]

Nobody else is so consistent




http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/cf0def239b.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)


This is why Im not a big milko fan, he dont win too much, I like my champions to be winners, but the points scoring system plays into consistant hands.

But, saying that, I do believe if he wins finland and loeb finishes 3rd or below, he will go on to win the title.

Im a massive loeb fan, but he has won 5 years in a row, broken records all over, so he can let milko have one!.

Would prefer Latvala to win really, he is an exciting driver, but just too many monster crashes.

Looks like it will be a good end to the season, and I hope it goes to Rally GB, as I`ll be there :D

[jimakos]

There in no reason to discard Loeb's attack. I recall when Sebastian was out by his accident and then returned very close in points to Marcus, the pressure he put was good enough to beat Marcus. In this case, next rally Miko will open the road on friday and he is not accustom at all. This will definitely benefit Sebastian...... All in all I would not bet on favor Miko.

You have right Fide.
S. Loeb is definately a very good driver!
But don't forget that in Poland Mikko open again the road
and it wasn't a problem fir him!!
He managed to stay in the first place at almost all the rally.
Of course in the end he was far away and hadn't reason to press ;)

[jimakos]

I'm sure for that Alexlake!
It's very difficult to have the winner before GB unless
your favourite Loeb make unbelievable mistakes :p

[alexlake]

I'm sure for that Alexlake!
It's very difficult to have the winner before GB unless
your favourite Loeb make unbelievable mistakes :p

well, he is doing his best to throw it all away! keeps it all exciting, shame Sordo or Latvala are not that bit better and have a four way fight :D :D

[bluuford]

You have right Fide.
S. Loeb is definately a very good driver!
But don't forget that in Poland Mikko open again the road
and it wasn't a problem fir him!!
He managed to stay in the first place at almost all the rally.
Of course in the end he was far away and hadn't reason to press ;)

This year we have had so much rain in Estonia and Finland and will have even more in next few days. So, the first on the road might be even advantage. I don't see a problem here.

[Helstar]

It's more Loeb losing the title (never seen two consecutive crashes from him !), than Mikko winning it ^^

But I'll be happy to see Mikko actually deserving it. He has to show it in Finland.

[N.O.T]

But don't forget that in Poland Mikko open again the road
and it wasn't a problem fir him!!


no he didn;t ....

[Psycho!]

no he didn;t ....
What?? :confused: Who was first after day one and two??Refresh your memory please...

[N.O.T]

yes but he didn;t have Loeb chasing him to see if he could hold him behind so no real comparison there......last time Hirvonen cleared the road and loeb was behind he ate him for breakfast

[jimakos]

Calm down guys!!
It's not Hirvonen's fault if S. Loeb crashed and couldn't
follow Mikko.
Rally finland is so soon that we'll see who wants really the title :D
For me if Hirvonen makes a good start he won't have any problem with 1 place.

[RS]

It's more Loeb losing the title (never seen two consecutive crashes from him !), than Mikko winning it ^^

But I'll be happy to see Mikko actually deserving it. He has to show it in Finland.

I'd agree with that. I think Mikko has benefited from Loeb taking his eye off the ball (F1?) and a points system which benefits consistency. Even a convincing win in Finland for Mikko wouldn't really be enough for me to change my mind, let's face it - it's his home round and he ought to be winning that.

Mikko stands a good chance now though, he is even pretty good on Catalunya.

[jimakos]

Mikko Hirvonen and S. Loeb together.


http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/26de707911.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[jimakos]

According to the stats so far
who do you believe have to be champion in WRC?
Just tell your thoughts ;)

[Psycho!]

Looking back to 2009 I choose Seb...He won in Norway(!!!!),Portugal and Argentina and deserved it...Mikko must BEAT Loeb fair and square in at least 2 rallies in order to deserve the title...I'm with him but he must prove that he has the speed to become champion and not just the consistency...

[N.O.T]

the guy who has the most points at the end of the season deserves to be champion.....

do you guys think that Sainz was a worthy champion in 1992 with 3 wins while didier was 3rd with 6 wins and kankkunen 2nd with 1 win???

the one who wins it ...deserves it....

[AndyRAC]

Looking back to 2009 I choose Seb...He won in Norway(!!!!),Portugal and Argentina and deserved it...Mikko must BEAT Loeb fair and square in at least 2 rallies in order to deserve the title...I'm with him but he must prove that he has the speed to become champion and not just the consistency...

The 'problem' is the points system and lack of competiton. A similar thing happened last year - Loeb had a lot more wins than Hirvonen, who kept getting podium finishes and therefore collecting good point hauls. It was only in Japan that Loeb clinched the Title- which really is ridiculous.
A similar thing could happen this year- Loeb has 5 wins, Hirvonen 2 - yet Hirvonen is leading - consistency is important, but this is slightly stupid.

[koko0703]

Mikko deserves the title if he has more points than Loeb at the end of season but unless he wins couple head-to-head fight with Loeb in last couple rallies, I consider Loeb is still a much better driver than Mikko even if Mikko takes the title.

[lcd]

... I consider Loeb is still a much better driver than Mikko even if Mikko takes the title.

There's no doubt about that I suppose...

[jens]

Trying no to be disrespectful, but if Hirvonen wins the title - which is entirely possible - then I'm afraid he would be the worst WRC champion so far. As for Loeb's crashes - maybe he has (maybe subconsciously) got a bit bored due to lack of competition, especially after five straight wins in the beginning of the season, and his concentration and commitment may not be 100% any more. He badly needs a new challenge.

[jimakos]

Everything you tell guys about Loeb is absolutely true!
But don't forget that Hirvonen doesn't have the experience
of Sebastian!!
And he is also driving with the ideal wrc car C4 :p
I would like to see Loeb in another team fighting for the title!!
I think his future is in f1 ;)

[MJW]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/77136
And in the hardcopy version of the magazine out today Loeb said that by the time he drives AbuDhabi GP (if he does) it will be too late to switch to F1 for 2010 as by that date he expects to have signed to continue with Citroen in the WRC for 2010.

[jimakos]

Here is a future photo!!Don't you think??


http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/207c7c102e.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[MJW]

Here is a future photo!!Don't you think??


http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/207c7c102e.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)
For a one off end of season sponsor driven experiment yes - but Loeb is 35 so I think he left it too late to move to F1, I expect him in wrc in 2010, when he still has his C4 to play with, but in 2011 probably endurance racing.

[Josti]

Trying no to be disrespectful, but if Hirvonen wins the title - which is entirely possible - then I'm afraid he would be the worst WRC champion so far. As for Loeb's crashes - maybe he has (maybe subconsciously) got a bit bored due to lack of competition, especially after five straight wins in the beginning of the season, and his concentration and commitment may not be 100% any more. He badly needs a new challenge.

I don't believe in the "worst champion". If Mikko makes it, he deserved it, nothing else. The only thing you can blame on this is the ridiculous point system and the fact that Loeb screwed up three rally's in a row, while Mikko is doing a solid job so far.

And for the sake of WRC, it would be better if Mikko wins it, but it pretty much all depends on what happens in Finland.

[J4MIE]

I remember last year, with Marcus not competing in Finland Mikko was a certain winner there, and we all know what happened, Mikko had no answer to Seb.

I think it will be slightly different this year and Seb might take it a bit easier, but I am still expecting it to be very close, Latvala could really affect the way the title goes too if he can make it to the end of events.

[J4MIE]

Agree as well that it is really too late for him to make a switch to F1, he's not a young guy anymore. If he gets to do a race I think it'll be very interesting to see what happens, but do think it's more of an opportunity for Red Bull to get a lot of promotion out of it. Could go either way, he could be very good or not so good, we'll see...

[N.O.T]

Everything you tell guys about Loeb is absolutely true!
But don't forget that Hirvonen doesn't have the experience
of Sebastian!!
And he is also driving with the ideal wrc car C4 :p
I would like to see Loeb in another team fighting for the title!!
I think his future is in f1 ;)

actually Hirvonen is equally experienced with sebastien if not more experienced......

[Hartusvuori]

actually Hirvonen is equally experienced with sebastien if not more experienced......

Sebastien Loeb:
WRC starts:121
first: Catalunya 1999
latest: Poland 2009
Results
wins:52 (43.0% of starts)
second places: 20
third places: 6
total podiums: 78 (64.5% of starts)
points finishes: 87
total points scored: 747 (drivers' championship points)
DNF's: 16 (13.2% of starts)
Stage wins: 617

WRC titles:winner of 2001 FIA Cup for Drivers of Super 1600 Cars
winner of 2004 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2005 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2006 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2007 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2008 FIA World Championship for Drivers
Mikko Hirvonen:
WRC starts:94
first: Finland 2002
latest: Poland 2009
Results
wins:9 (9.6% of starts)
second places: 14
third places: 14
total podiums: 37 (39.4% of starts)
points finishes: 61
total points scored: 371 (drivers' championship points)
DNF's: 18 (19.1% of starts)
Stage wins: 138
As taken from juwra.com (http://www.juwra.com/): Loeb (http://juwra.com/loeb_sebastien.html), Hirvonen (http://juwra.com/hirvonen_mikko.html)

[Wim_Impreza]

the one who wins it ...deserves it....

Not completely agree. Loeb was champion in 2006 because of the stupid SupeRally system. Without SupeRally, Grönholm was the champion. In my opinion, Sainz deserved the title more than Mäkinen in 1998. Mäkinen made much more driver errors that year than Sainz.

[RS]

I think Mikko has actually been helped this year by JML's inability to finish rallies. There is a good chance that JML would have been ahead of Mikko on a number of rallies and taken points off of him, unless team orders had kicked in early. I presume JML will have to play that role next weekend in Finland.

[N.O.T]

Sebastien Loeb:
WRC starts:121
first: Catalunya 1999
latest: Poland 2009
Results
wins:52 (43.0% of starts)
second places: 20
third places: 6
total podiums: 78 (64.5% of starts)
points finishes: 87
total points scored: 747 (drivers' championship points)
DNF's: 16 (13.2% of starts)
Stage wins: 617

WRC titles:winner of 2001 FIA Cup for Drivers of Super 1600 Cars
winner of 2004 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2005 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2006 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2007 FIA World Championship for Drivers
winner of 2008 FIA World Championship for Drivers
Mikko Hirvonen:
WRC starts:94
first: Finland 2002
latest: Poland 2009
Results
wins:9 (9.6% of starts)
second places: 14
third places: 14
total podiums: 37 (39.4% of starts)
points finishes: 61
total points scored: 371 (drivers' championship points)
DNF's: 18 (19.1% of starts)
Stage wins: 138
As taken from juwra.com (http://www.juwra.com/): Loeb (http://juwra.com/loeb_sebastien.html), Hirvonen (http://juwra.com/hirvonen_mikko.html)

my god.....looking at those guys resumes makes mikko look even worse than a sick dog although they have just around the same experience.....damn....

[N.O.T]

Not completely agree. Loeb was champion in 2006 because of the stupid SupeRally system. Without SupeRally, Grönholm was the champion. In my opinion, Sainz deserved the title more than Mäkinen in 1998. Mäkinen made much more driver errors that year than Sainz.

and what about sainz title in 92 ?? and burnsies title in 2001 ??

the fact is.....rules are anounced before the season starts so every driver has his approach...you canhave the rally driver approach and win the title and you can have the sick dog approach and win the title...in both cases we have World Rally Champions.

[jens]

I don't believe in the "worst champion".

Well, just purely my view, but IMO all past WRC champions have accomplished more in their careers and been a top drawer in their primes, while Hirvonen barely makes this level in by far the worst state of competition in WRC history.

[Bazza2541]

I hope Mikko wins it, in my opinion he is the most underrated driver in WRC and will make a very fitting champion.

[jimakos]

actually Hirvonen is equally experienced with sebastien if not more experienced......


According to the stats I don't believe they have the
same experience!!
I can see Loeb's titles are a lot while Mikko doesn't have
one yet.
Also,there is no compare about stage wins!
Loeb 617 and Hirvonen only 138 is a very big difference ;)
It's not right using words like sick dog about drivers don't you think?

[N.O.T]

yes...i think i am way too soft with terms like that for drivers like the ford kids.....any other suggestions (the term tomato can was used before so i cannot use it anymore)??

Think about it...its the amateur driving of the ford boys (since 2004) that made Loeb to be considered the best of all times and also to break every record in the book... and in your opinion Hirvonen should win the championship....i wonder why.....i really do...

[jimakos]

yes...i think i am way too soft with terms like that for drivers like the ford kids.....any other suggestions (the term tomato can was used before so i cannot use it anymore)??

Think about it...its the amateur driving of the ford boys (since 2004) that made Loeb to be considered the best of all times and also to break every record in the book... and in your opinion Hirvonen should win the championship....i wonder why.....i really do...


I get tired looking Loeb winning all the time!
I don't think he is a fantastic driver(the same for Hirvonen)
He just has a great car and a nice team that helps him a lot.
I can't compare him with P. Solberg who is a very spectacular driver
so I haven't any reason to support him!!
I suppose that Hirvonen in citroen could be champion earlier :p

[Doon]

Trying no to be disrespectful, but if Hirvonen wins the title - which is entirely possible - then I'm afraid he would be the worst WRC champion so far. As for Loeb's crashes - maybe he has (maybe subconsciously) got a bit bored due to lack of competition, especially after five straight wins in the beginning of the season, and his concentration and commitment may not be 100% any more. He badly needs a new challenge.

Sorry you're wrong.......as much as I like the guy, Solberg is the worst champion ever IMO.

[N.O.T]

I get tired looking Loeb winning all the time!
I don't think he is a fantastic driver(the same for Hirvonen)
He just has a great car and a nice team that helps him a lot.
I can't compare him with P. Solberg who is a very spectacular driver
so I haven't any reason to support him!!
I suppose that Hirvonen in citroen could be champion earlier :p

so you want an inferiro driver to win the title just because you are tired of the best driver ....... nice logic.

The spirit of competition is the best man to get the credit so you are watching the wrong sport....

As for the car i think Ford i a winning car same as citroen...i cannot see big differences between them...or at leas big enough to say that Loeb wins just because of the car

[jimakos]

so you want an inferiro driver to win the title just because you are tired of the best driver ....... nice logic.

The spirit of competition is the best man to get the credit so you are watching the wrong sport....

As for the car i think Ford i a winning car same as citroen...i cannot see big differences between them...or at leas big enough to say that Loeb wins just because of the car

We'll see who is the best this year!!
He that wiil take the championship is and the best driver
according of what you say.
Let's wait for the end of the season :s mokin:

[AndyRAC]

I get tired looking Loeb winning all the time!
I don't think he is a fantastic driver(the same for Hirvonen)
He just has a great car and a nice team that helps him a lot.
I can't compare him with P. Solberg who is a very spectacular driver
so I haven't any reason to support him!!
I suppose that Hirvonen in citroen could be champion earlier :p

Loeb isn't a fantastic driver? Blimey, what planet are you on? He is quick in anything with 4 wheels. Sportscars, F1 and Rallycars.
Yes, it's a completely different sport from the 'glory days' but it doesn't take away from the fact that Loeb is a fantastic driver.

[kakus]

Loeb is a fantastic driver everywhere On Tarmac Snow Gravel and of course with a fantastic car.

No doubt with that.

[Psycho!]

so you want an inferiro driver to win the title just because you are tired of the best driver ....... nice logic.

Instead of best,I would use luckiest... ;)

[N.O.T]

i like where this is going.......

[BDunnell]

Sorry you're wrong.......as much as I like the guy, Solberg is the worst champion ever IMO.

I don't think there's any 'wrong' about it. It's an opinion, just as yours is. As it happens, I would agree that a Hirvonen victory wouldn't be all that fitting, somehow, but a win is a win is a win.

[BDunnell]

Loeb isn't a fantastic driver? Blimey, what planet are you on? He is quick in anything with 4 wheels. Sportscars, F1 and Rallycars.
Yes, it's a completely different sport from the 'glory days' but it doesn't take away from the fact that Loeb is a fantastic driver.

Quite right.

[mdesign]

If mikko wins he deservs it! Loeb its a great driver in a great team that works for him (sordo included). Mikko does a wonderfull job in a team lacks in support for him. Latvala rarely helps mikko. Malcon wilson speaks alot about latvala speed and "oh so great new vatanen" and rarely support mikko. Mikko only DNF was due to problems with the car, if he had not thoses problems he would be well ahead now.
My main point is: Mikko is not as good as loeb, true, but if he wins he totally deservs because he was able to put up a real battle to the "unbeatable" Loeb. It would be a good thing for the championship, for mikko, for ford and even to loeb (he would decide do concentrate on rally or go elsewere, and not doing rallys with his head on other sports).
Other point: loeb made those mistakes in rallyes he didn't know, mikko showed that he again kicks loebs on new rallys. thats talent and counts to deserv to be champion.

[serial jeff]

I think we'll need to see the rest of the season to determine who is the "better" driver... Loeb certainly has been quicker, but perhaps Mikko isn't going all out. It's pretty impressive that he's podiumed on every rally except the one where he retired from mechanical problems, not vehicle damage.

It's a shame Marcus retired. IMO he's quicker than Seb on gravel, and with only two asphalt rallies this season I suspect Marcus would've taken the drivers title and Marcus+Mikko would have easily have cleaned up the manu title. Seb owes his 2006 and 2007 titles to the five asphalt rallies on the calendar; had there been two or three, Marcus would've had the titles.

[N.O.T]

It's a shame Marcus retired. IMO he's quicker than Seb on gravel, and with only two asphalt rallies this season I suspect Marcus would've taken the drivers title and Marcus+Mikko would have easily have cleaned up the manu title. Seb owes his 2006 and 2007 titles to the five asphalt rallies on the calendar; had there been two or three, Marcus would've had the titles.

oh...i REALLY like where this is going....keep going kids.....

[serial jeff]

oh...i REALLY like where this is going....keep going kids.....

:confused: Why? I never said Marcus was better overall... Seb clearly is. Marcus is just a bit quicker on gravel.

I also never said that Seb didn't deserve his titles because he did- he's been showing amazing performance for years. I simply said, if the 2006/7 season had a gravel-focused season like this year's, Marcus would've had the advantage. Don't read too much into it.

[AndyRAC]

:confused: Why? I never said Marcus was better overall... Seb clearly is. Marcus is just a bit quicker on gravel.

I also never said that Seb didn't deserve his titles because he did- he's been showing amazing performance for years. I simply said, if the 2006/7 season had a gravel-focused season like this year's, Marcus would've had the advantage. Don't read too much into it.

And this is another thing that needs sorting; gravel-focused season, or Tarmac-focused season. There should be a fair mix of surfaces - the idea is to find the best all round driver on a variety of surfaces. Having a bias of one over the other isn't right. But with the FiA's record in rules/regs I wouldn't hold out much hope that this issue is rectified.

[lcd]

It's a shame Marcus retired. IMO he's quicker than Seb on gravel, and with only two asphalt rallies this season I suspect Marcus would've taken the drivers title and Marcus+Mikko would have easily have cleaned up the manu title...

I totally agree! I thought Marcus will be the one to end Loeb's reign!
I want to see Mikko this season's champion, and If this happen
no one can blame him he won the title by accident! ;)

[BDunnell]

And this is another thing that needs sorting; gravel-focused season, or Tarmac-focused season. There should be a fair mix of surfaces - the idea is to find the best all round driver on a variety of surfaces. Having a bias of one over the other isn't right. But with the FiA's record in rules/regs I wouldn't hold out much hope that this issue is rectified.

Or, better still, more mixed-surface events.

[jens]

I don't think there's any 'wrong' about it. It's an opinion, just as yours is. As it happens, I would agree that a Hirvonen victory wouldn't be all that fitting, somehow, but a win is a win is a win.

Yep. :) If Hirvonen was in title contention in such (tighter) competition we had for example until 2003, there would be less doubts about his ability. And as Grönholm has been mentioned in this thread, I would think that if he was still rallying in WRC at Ford, it would be him and Loeb fighting for the title, not Hirvonen.

[AndyRAC]

Or, better still, more mixed-surface events.

Absolutely!! Hopefully the FiA have seen sense and we'll now get interesting events, instead of the 'samey' events of the last 5-10 years.

[N.O.T]

we need more IFs in this thread....don't dissapoint me now guys, come on....

[lcd]

Or, better still, more mixed-surface events.

I 'd personally prefer all countries to reserve their Identity ( gravel or tarmac )
Instead of having mixed surfaces In each round!

[jimakos]

we need more IFs in this thread....don't dissapoint me now guys, come on....

N.O.T. what does IFs mean?

[N.O.T]

ΙF = αν [án] & εάν [eán] σύνδ. : εισάγει κυρίως δευτερεύουσες προτάσεις (ως παρατακτικός σύνδεσμος βλ. σημ. IV1&#946 ;) : I. υποθετικές:

[jimakos]

Sorry,κολλησα και δεν το καταλαβα!!ΟΚ :up:

[Barreis]

I hope not.. :)

[jimakos]

I hope this 1 point difference is increased until the end of season!

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/f5e34c9f28.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[BDunnell]

I 'd personally prefer all countries to reserve their Identity ( gravel or tarmac )
Instead of having mixed surfaces In each round!

I agree — because being a mixed-surface event was the identity of Portugal and San Remo for many years.

[jimakos]

Looking to the table I can say that if Loeb
makes again a big mistake,title will go
for sure at Mikko!!
He'll possibly takes now his country and I believe
he 'll be in pondium until the end of season ;)
Even,if JM Latvala stops fools mistakes,Ford
will manage to take 1st place!!

[N.O.T]

and what If Mikko makes a mistake? and what if mikko and loeb both make mistakes? and what if latvala makes a mistake and loeb doesn;t? and what if loeb makes a small mistake and mikko a big one? and what if Loeb makes a huge mistake and mikko a small one? and what if both make small mistakes ? and what if Loeb makes a big mistake and corects it and mikko makes a small one and latvala a big one ? and what if sordo doesn;t make any mistakes and latvla makes a small one mikko a big one and Loeb 3 little ones?

who will be champion then ???
are you 12 ???????

[jimakos]

and what If Mikko makes a mistake? and what if mikko and loeb both make mistakes? and what if latvala makes a mistake and loeb doesn;t? and what if loeb makes a small mistake and mikko a big one? and what if Loeb makes a huge mistake and mikko a small one? and what if both make small mistakes ? and what if Loeb makes a big mistake and corects it and mikko makes a small one and latvala a big one ? and what if sordo doesn;t make any mistakes and latvla makes a small one mikko a big one and Loeb 3 little ones?

who will be champion then ???
are you 12 ???????

Not 12 but only 19 my friend!
Your imagination is really huge!
How did you write all these if...
I only said that Mikko is absolutely steady while Loeb makes
the one mistake after the other!
I believe Mikko is the one who will stop Loeb's glory days ;)

[Barreis]

Let's hope both fords off on first day (both crews unhurted)..

[bluuford]

Let's hope both fords off on first day (both crews unhurted)..

I hope it is Monday tomorrow :-)

[Psycho!]

ΙF = αν [án] & εάν [eán] σύνδ. : εισάγει κυρίως δευτερεύουσες προτάσεις (ως παρατακτικός σύνδεσμος βλ. σημ. IV1&#946 ;) : I. υποθετικές:
ΕΛΕΟΣ!!Οτι θα κάναμε και συντακτικό ούτε που το φανταζόμουν...!! :eek: Μην ψηρίζετε τη μαιμού!!Ό,τι είναι να γίνει θα γίνει....

[TMorel]

hey, how about we hope all crews are able to achieve their maximum ability and the best team win, and we all enjoy the thrilling spectacle regardless of if it's our favourite driver on the top step at the end of the year.

[bit much to ask for right?]

[Barreis]

As I can see You're from England.. So when You're on football match, You're fan of team You like.. So I don't like ford guys 'cos they are (were) paying drivers.. :)

[gloomyDAY]

I don't think it's going to happen lads.

Mikko will finish 2nd as usual and Loeb will win the title, again. :|

[jimakos]

Let's hope both fords off on first day (both crews unhurted)..

You are too tough mate!
I just hope Loeb finish out of pondium :D

[jimakos]

I would like to know your opinion about JM Latvala!
I think he represents the future of WRC ;)

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/733e26c34d.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[N.O.T]

i think rautenbach is the future.

[Psycho!]

He could be the present as well...!!!Fast but not reliable(YET).I hope he will improve for the upcoming seasons...!!

[Barreis]

They're both future as long as they pay.. But in S2000 cup it could be interesting (at least for one season).. In 2011 Mr.Wilson and Mr.Quesnel can say again: GIVEEEE MEEEE ALLLL YOUUUUU GOTTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh, yes, JML can cry as much as he wants (it doesn't metter, really).. :)

[Karukera]

:laugh: Wow, the new Greek section of the forum is hilarious. Keep it up ! :) and praise the points scoring system if Hirvonen makes it at the end of the championship. :up:

[lcd]

Have you ever thought that Loeb winning all the time, may have caused the WRC a lack of Interest?
Ok, that's not his fault, but It's a fact, Isn't It?

[jimakos]

:laugh: Wow, the new Greek section of the forum is hilarious. Keep it up ! :) and praise the points scoring system if Hirvonen makes it at the end of the championship. :up:

These are Greeks!!
I don't think Mikko depends on scoring system.
He just makes his job well and is first this time!
Drivers know scoring system before the start of the season
so if someone doesn't like it he can retire ;)

[jens]

Actually Mikko's promising situation in title fight isn't entirely down to points system, because even with old system he would be relatively close to Loeb now: 53-48.

[N.O.T]

i think rautenbach will will the title...and wilson will win finalnd....how does that sound ??? both are dedicated and have nice surnames to become champions....

[Karukera]

Actually Mikko's promising situation in title fight isn't entirely down to points system, because even with old system he would be relatively close to Loeb now: 53-48.

Your maths are slightly wrong in Loeb's favour :) in a 10-6-4-3-2-1 system it would be 52-48. That said " relatively close" is still behind.

And whether you like it or not jimakos, Hirvonen is a winner when someone else loses for some reason. He indeed perfectly uses the Rallying technique of stay behind in case of...

He has yet to dominate a second rally because he won only one proper duel out of his 8 wins. He himself acknoledged his fate was to be second so his only help is the points scoring system ...

I always liked and admired the Finns for their attitude of going out for blood. Hirvonen has quick and steady pace but is not one of those White Blue knights in my book. That of course is my humble opinion.

[jimakos]

Your maths are slightly wrong in Loeb's favour :) in a 10-6-4-3-2-1 system it would be 52-48. That said " relatively close" is still behind.

And whether you like it or not jimakos, Hirvonen is a winner when someone else loses for some reason. He indeed perfectly uses the Rallying technique of stay behind in case of...

He has yet to dominate a second rally because he won only one proper duel out of his 8 wins. He himself acknoledged his fate was to be second so his only help is the points scoring system ...

I always liked and admired the Finns for their attitude of going out for blood. Hirvonen has quick and steady pace but is not one of those White Blue knights in my book. That of course is my humble opinion.

I don't agree with your opinion!
I think rally Finland will show us if Mikko can take the title!
I believe he'll take his country and gain a lot of respect from
they who judge him :D

[N.O.T]

Rautenbach will win in Finland and china and then in Pakistan....the title is his...you are all wrong....

[lcd]

Rally Finland Is crucial, from a psychological point of view too!
I guess Loeb already feels a breeze on his spine :D , as this year Is the
only time In the last 5 years, someone else wants to beat him so badly...

[Psycho!]

I don't agree with your opinion!
I think rally Finland will show us if Mikko can take the title!
I believe he'll take his country and gain a lot of respect from
they who judge him :D
Keep your positive thinking for the rally and for the final classification...Don't write posts that might be used from some fellow countrymen(...)to judge you in the opposite case...They are so irritating even if they have right... :D .Do you know what I mean?? ;)

[jimakos]

Rautenbach will win in Finland and china and then in Pakistan....the title is his...you are all wrong....

Calm down N.O.T. calm down...

[jimakos]

Keep your positive thinking for the rally and for the final classification...Don't write posts that might be used from some fellow countrymen(...)to judge you in the opposite case...They are so irritating even if they have right... :D .Do you know what I mean?? ;)

I understand exactly what do you mean Phycho!
I know very well who are these fellow countrymen but nevermind :D

[Karukera]

I don't agree with your opinion!
I think rally Finland will show us if Mikko can take the title!
I believe he'll take his country and gain a lot of respect from
they who judge him :D

He has good chances to win Finland and it should be about time for him to win his home event considering his number of starts there plus his personnal knowledge of the stages.

[Helstar]

:laugh: Wow, the new Greek section of the forum is hilarious. Keep it up ! :)
GEEKS not Greek ! http://www.worldofglamourmodelling.com/Forum/images/smilies/mutley.gif

[jonkka]

I would like to know your opinion about JM Latvala!
I think he represents the future of WRC

And future is all about crashing, preferrably on a Super Special Stage? :eek:

[jimakos]

And future is all about crashing, preferrably on a Super Special Stage? :eek:


No I don't say that!!
I think is very fast and he has taken a lot of stages.
But he's still inexperienced.
I believe him for the future :)

[teufel]

And future is all about crashing, preferrably on a Super Special Stage? :eek:

Mikko did exactly the same thing in Japan 2004...

[N.O.T]

and sordo in cyprus....

and mikko in finland with the subaru...

this thread is glorius....

[A.F.F.]

Looky looky. Three weeks away and Mr. Mousefart is jumping on the table ranting and raving all he wants :D

I do agree with RS. The point system isn't fair. Mikko should be far away from Loeb right now. Hoewever, now that the point system is what it is, Mikko has taken the upper hand and Loeb has to deal with it. In that perspective I don't see why Mikko couldn't reach the title this year.

I do think he should win Finland. Not only because it's the real meter against Loeb but also I can't stand champions with one win. I'm my opinion their not worthy. Take Richard Burns for instance. He took the title with one win 2001 and got help from Petter and Markko while Mäkinen, Grönholm and McRae all got three wins. Steady performances helped him to the title.

One thing is for sure though. NORF is a duel Loeb vs. Hirvonen and all others will be a lightyear away from them. I'm glad that I'll be there witnessing it in the stages. :)

[jimakos]

For them who don't like Mikko take a look of me:

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/fa580e26b6.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)


Nice guys hey??

[Psycho!]

Veeery nice!!Xaxaxaxa...!

[N.O.T]

the glory continues......

[jonkka]

and sordo in cyprus....

and mikko in finland with the subaru...

this thread is glorius....

Neither of them lost a certain 2nd place. That is something one simply does not do. Never.

[lcd]

For them who don't like Mikko take a look of me:

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/fa580e26b6.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)



Αυτό που έκανες δεν υπάρχει φίλε μου... :rotflmao: Απλά δεν υπάρχει!! :D

[jens]

Your maths are slightly wrong in Loeb's favour :) in a 10-6-4-3-2-1 system it would be 52-48. That said " relatively close" is still behind.


Err, didn't Loeb have one 4th place? That's why he has 53 points. ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

No I don't say that!!
I think is very fast and he has taken a lot of stages.
But he's still inexperienced.
I believe him for the future :)

Latvala inexperienced? He has done around 75 WRC rallies and drove already in 2003 in a Focus WRC.

[N.O.T]

Latvala inexperienced? He has done around 75 WRC rallies and drove already in 2003 in a Focus WRC.


this thread is made of gold from start to finish....don't try to argue, just enjoy it.....

[jimakos]

Latvala inexperienced? He has done around 75 WRC rallies and drove already in 2003 in a Focus WRC.

I mean inexperienced about pondiums and wins!
He doesn't run in a high level for taking the championship!
Inexperienced in first place not in wrc generally ;)

And don't hear different voices around here,they are jealous of us :D

[teufel]

this thread is made of gold from start to finish....don't try to argue, just enjoy it.....

sad, but true...

[cali]

And don't hear different voices around here,they are jealous of us :D

Why??
I think this topic is one big load of BS :vader:

[jimakos]

Why??
I think this topic is one big load of BS :vader:

Everyone here has understood what voices I'm talking about.
They don't annoying us but amuse us :D :D
Keep going!

[Karukera]

Err, didn't Loeb have one 4th place? That's why he has 53 points. ;)

You are are right Jens :up: , my bad. Should have checked once at least. It's worse for Hirvonen than i thought then. Just kidding :)

[jimakos]

It seems Hirvonen-Loeb make the 1-2 in Finland!
Mikko keeps Loeb a little behind but nothing serious so far!
I was dissapointed from Kimi Raikkonen!!
Didn't expect a so bad race from an experienced in F1
driver :D

[N.O.T]

nice conclusions with not even 1/3 of the rally over.....anything else you would like to add ???

[jimakos]

nice conclusions with not even 1/3 of the rally over.....anything else you would like to add ???

If you need the whole rally to make a conclusion you are
watching rally for 1st time...
I just said my opinion!
Is going something to change?
Kimi will take the country?
:crazy:

[Josti]

:crazy:

Fitting..

[jimakos]

After a very difficult but and impressive victory in Finland
Mikko keeps everything on his hands!
He has an unbelievable opportunity to take the title
with Loeb not in his best.
Although he needs (for me) 2 more rallies to win
for taking the championship and nobody can accuse him
of not being the best this year...

[Ghostwalker]

i really hope that Miko wont win the title. Seb is way more worth it then MH. :P

[White Sauron]

After a very difficult but and impressive victory in Finland
Mikko keeps everything on his hands!
He has an unbelievable opportunity to take the title
with Loeb not in his best.
Although he needs (for me) 2 more rallies to win
for taking the championship and nobody can accuse him
of not being the best this year...

Well, for me the real champion is the one who can combine speed and reliability. Mikko's done both so far. I believe he will be a worthy champion in any case, even judging only by the first 9 races. I wish both men good luck, however want Mikko to take the title. It's like when Alonso beat Schumacher...

[pino]

i really hope that Miko wont win the title. Seb is way more worth it then MH. :P

For what I've seen in Finland with my eyes Mikko (2k) ;) he's as worth as Sebastien if not more :p :

[tmx]

i really hope that Miko wont win the title. Seb is way more worth it then MH. :P I hope Loeb's Cit-crap fell apart.

[macksrallye]

What is wrong with some people. The champion is the one with the most points, they all get the same oppotunities as each other so if one driver loses thanks to a crash (or two) they have nobody to blame but themselves.

Mikko has been very consistent this year & sometimes thats what wins a championship, Loeb has lost sight of the prize in the 2nd half of the season & it's cost him.

Does anyone else think that Loeb stuggles on new events/stages, is it possible his pace notes are too complex so when he writes new ones they don't have all the info that he needs to drive flat out.

[serial jeff]

What is wrong with some people. The champion is the one with the most points, they all get the same oppotunities as each other so if one driver loses thanks to a crash (or two) they have nobody to blame but themselves.

Mikko has been very consistent this year & sometimes thats what wins a championship, Loeb has lost sight of the prize in the 2nd half of the season & it's cost him.

Agreed. Three victories and being on the podium every rally so far except for one (which was only due to a technical failure) with no major errors is more impressive than five victories and three crashes.

Still, Mikko doesn't really have much of an advantage in the championship yet; although he's 3 points ahead, it's pretty much a given that Seb will win in Spain and Dani will surely be fast there too. It'll be an excellent second half of the season!

[lcd]

The champion is the one with the most points, they all get the same oppotunities as each other so if one driver loses thanks to a crash (or two) they have nobody to blame but themselves.

Αgreed there too..!

[A.F.F.]

Still, Mikko doesn't really have much of an advantage in the championship yet; although he's 3 points ahead, it's pretty much a given that Seb will win in Spain and Dani will surely be fast there too. It'll be an excellent second half of the season!

Mikko is definately in trouble in Spain. Not only Loeb and Sordo but he'll haveto watch Ogier too. And I wouldn't be surprised if Citroen hire another specialists to that rally.

And from his own camp, Mikko doesn't get any help on tarmac :mark:

Those three points melt like butter in Spanish sun. Mikko has to win yet another rally on gravel. The better if he'll win both, Oz and UK.

[Psycho!]

Those three points melt like butter in Spanish sun. Mikko has to win yet another rally on gravel. The better if he'll win both, Oz and UK.
Don't be sure for the sun...I hope for changing weather and then everything can happen... :D And Latvala must help!!Ford have to concentrate on one of the championships.Driver's is by far the most reachable goal,so Latvala must contest against Loeb.I know that this is too dangerous,but Sordo will do the same(against Mikko) at least in Spain...

[macksrallye]

Mikko will struggle in spain but Loeb will struggle in Aus, new event, hasn't had much luck on new events lately and at very least going into it his confidence will be down because he has struggled on new events. Add to that driving flat out he couldn't quite match Mikko in Finland (and the new Aus course is meant to be something between Fin & NZ) and I think this title is slowly heading in Mikko's direction.

Of course being rallying, anything can happen.

[jimakos]

Absolutely right opinionA.F.F.But don't forget that remain 1 tarmac and 2 gravel events and also Mikko has 3 points difference!!
With the appropriate plan he can take the gravel rallies and go to Spain only for vacation :D

[jimakos]

Rally nice job Mikko,well done!!!

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/9cecfcbf12.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)

[Wim_Impreza]

Mikko is definately in trouble in Spain. Not only Loeb and Sordo but he'll haveto watch Ogier too. And I wouldn't be surprised if Citroen hire another specialists to that rally.

And from his own camp, Mikko doesn't get any help on tarmac :mark:

Those three points melt like butter in Spanish sun. Mikko has to win yet another rally on gravel. The better if he'll win both, Oz and UK.

Agree. If Mikko can finish third in Spain behind Loeb and Sordo, that is not that bad. Mikko must win both gravel rallies to have a real chance for the title. Still I think Loeb his luck will be at the Frenchman's side and will help him to win another WRC title. :(

[lcd]

I f Mikko wants to send a loud message against those who defy him,
he 'd better try to win Loeb In Spain! :D
But I guess he will use all the tactics there are,
In order to get to the point, which Is the title of course..! ;)

[jonkka]

I don't care who wins the title, the importing this is that this time around we have a proper fight going on for the honours.

[Psycho!]

Loeb is out of reach in Spain no matter what odd happens...Mikko's target is Sordo and I would be veeeeeeeery proud of him if he could challenge the Spaniard...Australia will play an important role though....And as I said before it's time for Jari-Matti to deliver....

[Finni]

The problem here is that Hirvonen have to win both gravel rallies that are left. In Catalunya Seb will take four points from Mikko, that's almost guaranteed. I don't remember that Mikko would have won Sordo ever in straight fight on asphalt. And also Spain is Sordo's home rally. If Mikko can't beat Dani in Spain then I think it's too difficult to beat Seb in two gravel rallies in a row, especially in Australia where Seb has road-position advantage.

Maybe the biggest chance for Mikko is if Seb continues to make mistakes.

I don't particularly like current point-system because there is too big emphasis on reliability over speed. But under current standards it have to be said that Mikko has done superb job. He is little Burns-like driver, always finnishing and sometimes also really fast. We have to remember that Mikko has lost eight points due to engine problem in Argentina. Without this point-loss Mikko would be uncatchable already. It's annoying that Seb's package is also so perfect. Perfect driver should be balanced with less perfect car, I think :)

[Psycho!]

If Mikko can't beat Dani in Spain then I think it's too difficult to beat Seb in two gravel rallies in a row, especially in Australia where Seb has road-position advantage.

On wrc.com it describes the surface as ''hard packed gravel'' which means it has nothing to do with the previous pea gravel roads...

[jimakos]

The problem here is that Hirvonen have to win both gravel rallies that are left. In Catalunya Seb will take four points from Mikko, that's almost guaranteed. I don't remember that Mikko would have won Sordo ever in straight fight on asphalt. And also Spain is Sordo's home rally. If Mikko can't beat Dani in Spain then I think it's too difficult to beat Seb in two gravel rallies in a row, especially in Australia where Seb has road-position advantage.

Maybe the biggest chance for Mikko is if Seb continues to make mistakes.

I don't particularly like current point-system because there is too big emphasis on reliability over speed. But under current standards it have to be said that Mikko has done superb job. He is little Burns-like driver, always finnishing and sometimes also really fast. We have to remember that Mikko has lost eight points due to engine problem in Argentina. Without this point-loss Mikko would be uncatchable already. It's annoying that Seb's package is also so perfect. Perfect driver should be balanced with less perfect car, I think :)

I agree with you about Seb's package!!
He is really a very good driver but his car and his team is from another planet!
Nobody else has so much support from his team or make mistake??

[N.O.T]

I
Nobody else has so much support from his team or make mistake??

you make mistake...

[Camelopard]

Agree. If Mikko can finish third in Spain behind Loeb and Sordo, that is not that bad. Mikko must win both gravel rallies to have a real chance for the title. Still I think Loeb his luck will be at the Frenchman's side and will help him to win another WRC title. :(

The Frenchman's luck has deserted him of late, hopefully that will continue in Australia, now he can only rely on his obviously superior driving ability (of which there is no doubt) and of course Citroen's help in the form of the bailout from the French taxpayer, rumoured to be in the vicinity of 2 billion euro, glad I don't pay tax in France! :)

[jonkka]

On wrc.com it describes the surface as ''hard packed gravel'' which means it has nothing to do with the previous pea gravel roads...

Yes, I too am inclined to believe that the "new" Rally Australia has nothing in commong with the "old" one in Western Australia - except bunch of organisers. This is just my hunch, I do not know for sure.

[A.F.F.]

I don't care who wins the title, the importing this is that this time around we have a proper fight going on for the honours.

Me neither as long as it's Mikko who wins the title :p :

[bda]

Yes, I too am inclined to believe that the "new" Rally Australia has nothing in commong with the "old" one in Western Australia - except bunch of organisers. This is just my hunch, I do not know for sure.

That is correct. The surface, the nature of the roads, the countryside all have no similarity with those around Perth. When you consider that to drive from where the old Rally Australia took place, to where the new event will take place would take around 3 days and 4500kms it is not hard to understand why.

Western Australia is a very dry part of the country. Northern New South Wales is anything but dry. Very green and lush countryside. Apparently the majority of the route is through farming country (see Google Maps - Street View for a closer look).

It seems speeds will be somewhere between Finland and NZ. It should be a very picturesque event, good for TV and Media.

There are others on this forum with more experience of the roads than I have, but I can definately confirm that previous experience of Rally Australia is of absolutely no use for 2009.

[A.F.F.]

Sounds brilliant :up:

[Camelopard]

Yes, I too am inclined to believe that the "new" Rally Australia has nothing in commong with the "old" one in Western Australia - except bunch of organisers. This is just my hunch, I do not know for sure.


Exactly, if you have a look a a map of Australia Perth is many thousand kms away from where the rally is now located. Perth was mainly forestry roads on a bauxite base which gave it the roller bearing surface, the new event is meant to be on shire roads, i.e. public roads, I have a friend that lives in Palmvale right slap in the middle of the event and he told me that since moving up there in 2002 all his vehicles have had lots of punctures, could be interesting.

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=-28.3666312&lon=153.4832954&z=13&l=0&m=m

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=-28.3620619&lon=153.4881449&z=15&l=0&m=b&v=8


He also told me that there is a lot of 'anti-rally' feeling around this area, how far these people are prepared to take their anti-rally feeling could be interesting as well.

[jimakos]

That is correct. The surface, the nature of the roads, the countryside all have no similarity with those around Perth. When you consider that to drive from where the old Rally Australia took place, to where the new event will take place would take around 3 days and 4500kms it is not hard to understand why.

Western Australia is a very dry part of the country. Northern New South Wales is anything but dry. Very green and lush countryside. Apparently the majority of the route is through farming country (see Google Maps - Street View for a closer look).

It seems speeds will be somewhere between Finland and NZ. It should be a very picturesque event, good for TV and Media.

There are others on this forum with more experience of the roads than I have, but I can definately confirm that previous experience of Rally Australia is of absolutely no use for 2009.

Very useful informations mate!
It seems Australia would be a completely different rally from these we have seen last years!!
I'm happy for the gravel mode because I want new stages to come up ;)

[jonkka]

he told me that since moving up there in 2002 all his vehicles have had lots of punctures, could be interesting.

Heh, depending on his driving style and type of tyres it could either be prelude to disaster or mean nothing at all. Given that current WRC tyres w/o mousse can take the beating that Acropolis and Cyprus throw at them I am hopeful and really hope that punctures won't be the decider in title race.


He also told me that there is a lot of 'anti-rally' feeling around this area, how far these people are prepared to take their anti-rally feeling could be interesting as well.

Ah, that explains why Rally Australia web site has a special section dedicated for the residents of the area. Something I've not seen anywhere else.

[bda]

He also told me that there is a lot of 'anti-rally' feeling around this area, how far these people are prepared to take their anti-rally feeling could be interesting as well.

For those who don't know, the rally is situated very close to the hippie capital of Australia. They appear to have been surprised and severely offended at the thought of anyone using motor cars for fun/sport. Regardless of the fact that rallies have been conducted under their very noses for many years now.

Some of the local residents have justified complaints. Mainly around access to their properties, noise, dust etc. during the event. Nothing new for a major event I would think.

I think the biggest issue revolves around the state government introducing legislation just for this event, that effectively removes the local councils from the approval process. ie the community's elected representatives effectively have no say in whether the event runs or not. Probably very aggravating if you are not a rally fan.

However, the small number of locals I have spoken to are ecstatic about the rally being in town. Most of the anti rally talk on the internet is nothing short of hysteria with very little basis in fact.

Whatever happens I will be there with highly polished brass knobs on, camera in hand.

GO MIKKO - GO YOU GOOD THING.

Sorry for the long post. Got carried away.

[N.O.T]

tree huggers are always a fun adition to every rally.....

[serial jeff]

I wonder if Malcolm would still have let JML win in Italy if he'd known how close the championship would be now?

[jimakos]

I wonder if Malcolm would still have let JML win in Italy if he'd known how close the championship would be now?

If he knew how the championship go on maybe JML had slow down a little for helping Mikko,but nothing is sure!
Hope Mikko and JML will make the 1-2 in Australia :p
(First Hirvonen of course) :D

[jonkka]

I wonder if Malcolm would still have let JML win in Italy if he'd known how close the championship would be now?

Malcolm has never shown much interest in promoting one of his drivers for drivers' title - he lets them fight fairly. His only action related to this is to freeze positions when both cars are in commanding lead and fight between team's driver would jeopardize that. Examples of this are plenty from McRae-Sainz -era when two big egos were in same team.

[bluuford]

Oh damn I am in France currently and payed some taxes.. ;-)
Well I was in Australia in 2007 and visited Mount Warning district and Tweed district and drove the same roads they are going to rally. I must say that those roads were very similar to Finland but narrower and much, much more stones on the road. and on that time of the year it is still very humid as well. So, I expect the sweeping effect to be near zero. Anyway, who has the possibility to go there, must use the possibility. Even the nature without rally is worth watching.

Greetings from France!



The Frenchman's luck has deserted him of late, hopefully that will continue in Australia, now he can only rely on his obviously superior driving ability (of which there is no doubt) and of course Citroen's help in the form of the bailout from the French taxpayer, rumoured to be in the vicinity of 2 billion euro, glad I don't pay tax in France! :)

[N.O.T]

this thread is going well i approve it....

[jimakos]

What about a new point system in WRC?
I can see that the difference between drivers is extremely big!
Something must be done for that,hey?
Any suggestions or information??

[teufel]

Malcolm has never shown much interest in promoting one of his drivers for drivers' title - he lets them fight fairly. His only action related to this is to freeze positions when both cars are in commanding lead and fight between team's driver would jeopardize that. Examples of this are plenty from McRae-Sainz -era when two big egos were in same team.

2004 Monte? ;)

[jimakos]

I think it's time to start talking again about WRC!
Hirvonen has the chances with his place this year but will he take the championship?
Loeb seems a little bored and not concetrated for first time last years.
And for the battle of 3-4 Latvala can make it and take the 3rd position but needs at least 3 pondiums in a row...
We have to wait until next weekend to take a look of what will be done in the one of the most unpredictable championships of last years ;)

[A.F.F.]

If Mikko would have had that same killer attitude he had in Finland and really risked for win at OZ, I would have cheered for his title this year. But unfortunately he played it safe and took the second best points from Australia and basicly let Sebastien to take the win. Now he has one point lead which after Catalonya will be lost. There's a risk Mikko will have to struggle for podium. When Rally GB is at hand, if Mikko is behind Loeb more than one point, and one point only, he has lost the title.

Well, thre's always a next year.... :dozey:

[Psycho!]

If Mikko would have had that same killer attitude he had in Finland and really risked for win at OZ, I would have cheered for his title this year. But unfortunately he played it safe and took the second best points from Australia and basicly let Sebastien to take the win. Now he has one point lead which after Catalonya will be lost. There's a risk Mikko will have to struggle for podium. When Rally GB is at hand, if Mikko is behind Loeb more than one point, and one point only, he has lost the title.

Well, thre's always a next year.... :dozey:
The main think for Spain is to beat Sordo.Loeb is for sure out of reach,we all know that...Bear in mind though that Spanish roads are exactly the same as last year,so that's a little help for Mikko.He knows what he will face and this will help the team to adjust better to the event's requirements,because last year they had screwd up in the first loop...If Sordo beats him then he will need help from Jari or Petter...As for his attitude in Australia,during the pre-event interviews he seemed rather afraid for a possible retirement and talked more for second rather than first place...

PS:Since 2004 we say ''next year''.This curse must be solved somehow,because we will reach 2020 saying ''next year''... :eek:

[MikeD]

If Mikko would have had that same killer attitude he had in Finland and really risked for win at OZ, I would have cheered for his title this year. But unfortunately he played it safe and took the second best points from Australia and basicly let Sebastien to take the win. Now he has one point lead which after Catalonya will be lost. There's a risk Mikko will have to struggle for podium. When Rally GB is at hand, if Mikko is behind Loeb more than one point, and one point only, he has lost the title.

Well, thre's always a next year.... :dozey:

I still think Hirvonen has a pretty good chance to take the title, but he will most likely need JML to take second place in GB for it to happen.

After Spain, Citroën will most likely be crowned Manu champions and then Ford can let JML lose at trying to beat Loeb at GB. After all it was pretty close between those two last year at GB, and Loeb will most likely have to sweep day 1 at GB.

But Mikko has to be at least 3rd in Catalunya. He cannot afford to have P.Solberg or Ogier taking points from him on that one. (and I don't see that happen either).

My bet is 50/50. Either Mikko wins the title on 92 points against Loebs 91. - or he loses it on 92 points against Loebs 93 points.

[TMorel]

or Mikko wins by 33 points after Seb is disqualified and gives up on the WRC to play elsewhere.

[TMorel]

Ok, so its five points with two rounds left.
Two second places are enough to wrap it up even if Seb wins them both. Guess it's going to come down to teammates after all.

[A.F.F.]

Yep. I was about to wirte that classic note on my previous post; " In rally anything can happen", but I thought it would be a cliche.

Looks like I have to eat my own words. Again.

Looks like Mikko's chance is relatively good. Or at least way better than this morning :)

[AndyRAC]

If he gets more points than Loeb he will be Champion - whether he deserves it is another matter. A case of reversing into the Title, maybe. That's not to take anything away from Mikko, who seems a genuinely nice guy.

[N.O.T]

i think we can say at the end of the season and if mikko becomes champion that Loeb was the faster driver but Mikko is the well deserving world champion.

[noel157]

After Spain, Citroën will most likely be crowned Manu champions and then Ford can let JML lose at trying to beat Loeb at GB.

I would like to see Latvala go for it but I suspect so would Loeb. This year is not the year to let him go, he will not finish in one piece. This season showed that and indeed as recently as this weekend.

[MikeD]

I would like to see Latvala go for it but I suspect so would Loeb. This year is not the year to let him go, he will not finish in one piece. This season showed that and indeed as recently as this weekend.

I wrote that before Loeb was removed from the victory. Now the math is a lot simpler. Loeb has to win both remaining rallies and Sordo has to finish second in Spain. If that happens Loeb is champion on 93 points. All other scenarios will most likely give Hirvonen the title.

[MJW]

I wonder where Mikko will finish in Spain? Could it be 5th, behind 4 'works' C4s? that would give Mikko 4 points to Seb's 10, (assuming a foregone conslusion that Loeb wins Spain) Therefore going into Wales Mikko will be one point behind Seb, and needing to win outright to be champion.

[Helstar]

i think we can say at the end of the season and if mikko becomes champion that Loeb was the faster driver but Mikko is the well deserving world champion.
I was expecting another thing from you, such as "the scared dog got annoyed in the end and tore his master apart" LoL

[MikeD]

I wonder where Mikko will finish in Spain? Could it be 5th, behind 4 'works' C4s? that would give Mikko 4 points to Seb's 10, (assuming a foregone conslusion that Loeb wins Spain) Therefore going into Wales Mikko will be one point behind Seb, and needing to win outright to be champion.

I think he has always been pretty respectable in Catalunya (He had way more problems on Corsica), but of course there are a couple of jokers in PSolberg and Ogier ... but I still think he will finish 3rd.

[White Sauron]

Don't forget Mikko took his first podium finish in Spain, driving an old Focus and beating a spanish driver. He can at least challenge Sordo this year.

[N.O.T]

I think Hirvonen will have to challenge both Solberg and Ogier in Spain....its not going to be easy and he has to drive flat out to be ahead of them...i think Hirvonen will not finish the rally without mistakes, because its going to be the first time where his quitting tactics that guaranteed him the 2nd place in the previous rallies cannot be deployed here.

[macksrallye]

Hirvonen must finish 4th or better in Spain. If he doesn't manage to do this he is in deep trouble. We know that Loeb & Sordo will be 1st & 2nd (provided nothing exceptional happens) & I suspect Ogier will run around 3rd but we are yet to see. One question I have is will MW find a "tarmac specialist" to try & put pressure on the Citreon Drivers?

[smokin'joe]

Hirvonen must finish 4th or better in Spain. If he doesn't manage to do this he is in deep trouble. We know that Loeb & Sordo will be 1st & 2nd (provided nothing exceptional happens) & I suspect Ogier will run around 3rd but we are yet to see. One question I have is will MW find a "tarmac specialist" to try & put pressure on the Citreon Drivers?
if Citroen were given a just penalty for a non-homologated perfomance enhancing part, then the maths would be very much different. 1 minute penalty keeps them well in the hunt for both titles, 5 minutes or exclusion would have stacked the cards well towards Fard and its drivers.

[tmx]

I never thought I would say this, but even if Hirvonen win this year I still am not convinced he's faster than Loeb. I know it isn't about being faster, but there were too many tactics and team orders this year and probably more luck to Hirvonen that keep him in the race.

[Helstar]

When Loeb crashes two times (without even a reason, for example ... rain, puncture, bad note etc.) then you can't say "but he is faster !!!" ... it's a rule of every motorsport and it has been always like that. But I agree that only 2 points between first and second place is not the ideal system.

Next year they're talking about changing it, no ? (points to winner of each leg etc.)

Ps. This year Citroen wins hands down regarding tactics... and cheats...

[macksrallye]

Does all of this "but Loeb is faster" crap take anyone else back to 1992 when the title was almost in Auriol's hands but Sainz managed to take it away in the last few rounds.

I hate these tactics to, its just ugly viewing, not that anyone is actually doing anything against the rules its just ugly.

[Priorat]

Assuming Loeb and Sordo will be 1st and 2nd in Catalunya, it doesn't make much difference for Mikko to finish 3rd, 4th or 5th. He still will have to finish in front of Loeb in Wales.
Even if he is 4th or 5th in Cat, he will have the splits advantage for first leg in Wales.

[Wim_Impreza]

Don't forget Mikko took his first podium finish in Spain, driving an old Focus and beating a spanish driver. He can at least challenge Sordo this year.

Mikko challenging Sordo in Spain? That is impossible as Sordo drives on home roads and he was as fast as Loeb last year there. I think Mikko will be in third place.

To all who think Ogier will be before Hirvonen in Spain: Ogier is not really a tarmac expert, he likes more to drive on gravel. Prokop was faster than Ogier last year in the JWRC tarmac events.

For Petter it will be the first time in a C4 and we all know tarmac isn't his favourite surface.

[White Sauron]

Mikko challenging Sordo in Spain? That is impossible as Sordo drives on home roads and he was as fast as Loeb last year there.

So what? Latvala drove on home roads, but Sordo was as fast in Finland this year. So why can't Hirvonen be as fast as Sordo in Spain? I don't say he WILL beat him, but I quite believe he can challenge him.

[MikeD]

One question I have is will MW find a "tarmac specialist" to try & put pressure on the Citreon Drivers?

I think entries have closed for Spain, so I don't think MW can phone up Duval this time.

[Wim_Impreza]

So what? Latvala drove on home roads, but Sordo was as fast in Finland this year. So why can't Hirvonen be as fast as Sordo in Spain? I don't say he WILL beat him, but I quite believe he can challenge him.

Latvala had strict orders to finish in Finland after his silly mistake in Poland and Sordo has improved his performances on gravel. The Citroën is a better car on tarmac and Sordo is just a little bit better than Hirvonen on tarmac. Of course Hirvonen may surprise me.

[Corny]

It seems that Loeb is doing a 'Jenson Button' this year.. Though I like to see Mikko winning it, I don't think that would be honest. Loeb has been the better driver this year IMO and it's just because of this weird points system that Mikko can keep up

[Tumbo]

Loeb has 5 wins 2 seconds and 1 retirement to Hirvonen's 4 wins 4 seconds and a third w/ 1 retirement.......if the old school scoring system were in place Hirvonen would have 68 points and Loeb 65 (this is under the 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1) don't see how the points system is helping Mikko keep up when he is showing himself to be the forerunner

[Corny]

Loeb has 5 wins 2 seconds and 1 retirement to Hirvonen's 4 wins 4 seconds and a third w/ 1 retirement.......if the old school scoring system were in place Hirvonen would have 68 points and Loeb 65 (this is under the 10, 6, 4, 3, 2, 1) don't see how the points system is helping Mikko keep up when he is showing himself to be the forerunner
Ah sorry, thought the difference in wins was bigger..

[White Sauron]

Loeb will take the title in Wales...

[A.F.F.]

Loeb will take the title in Wales...

Wanna bet Frodo ? ;)

[Helstar]

Same points = Loeb title, right ?

[jimakos]

Same points = Loeb title, right ?

It's on Mikko's hand to write story and take the title with a clean win in U.K.
I don't think they can take the same points but why with the same points the title goes to Loeb?

[tmx]

Because Loeb won first rally (not to mention more rallies). But I don't think they will likely get same points, unless one driver finished in lower places that reward odd points.

[HaCo]

It will be very hard for Hirvonen!

[Juha_Koo]

Mikko's attitude will be once again in the "I will win" -mode. Thus Mikko will win.

[RS]

Mikko's attitude will be once again in the "I will win" -mode. Thus Mikko will win.

But is it the attitude he takes, or merely a realistic prediction of what he can achieve?

[A.F.F.]

But is it the attitude he takes, or merely a realistic prediction of what he can achieve?

You don't think Mikko is able to win Loeb on Welsh gravel ???

I think Mikko has all the chances to win Sebastien there :up:

[Francis44]

It's gonna be tight i think. I just hope both Loeb and Hirvonnen can make it to the finish without punctures!!!!

[snellman]

It will be very hard for Hirvonen!
don't forget it will be harder for loeb. mikko's got a very fast wingman on gravel too :)

[jimakos]

You don't think Mikko is able to win Loeb on Welsh gravel ???

I think Mikko has all the chances to win Sebastien there :up:

I agree, Mikko has a big chance to brake the legend of Sebastian Loeb...
And he'll do it :p

[bluuford]

Have you ever seen Loeb fighting for the title on the last round and won it? No.
The only time it happened was when Carlos, Petter and Loeb fought. Carlos retired early and Petter won the title. This is something new for Loeb as well :-)

[AndyRAC]

Have you ever seen Loeb fighting for the title on the last round and won it? No.
The only time it happened was when Carlos, Petter and Loeb fought. Carlos retired early and Petter won the title. This is something new for Loeb as well :-)

People are forgetting in 2003 Seb was under orders to finish, so couldn't fight for the win. However, in 2007 he needed to finish within a few points of Marcus to win the Title, and duly obliged.

[N.O.T]

Can someone remind me when was the last time the title went to rally GB abd was decided by speed solely ?? Thats right....

Its the most unpredictable rally of the season so i guess the first who runs into problems loses.

[ShiftingGears]

don't forget it will be harder for loeb. mikko's got a very fast wingman on gravel too :)

Who will lose time through mistakes 80% of the time.

[AndyRAC]

Can someone remind me when was the last time the title went to rally GB abd was decided by speed solely ?? Thats right....

Its the most unpredictable rally of the season so i guess the first who runs into problems loses.

Not sure I'd agree with that any more. It was the most unpredictable, not so much any more with the same stages used year after year. Plus the earlier date this year, so much less chance of fog, snow, ice. It would be really interesting if it was an old style 'RAC'.

[WRCfan]

If Mikko's wingman stays on the road and Mikko can keep good pace I see no reason why he can't be World champ. He has the speed, he has the determination for sure. If there is a time he will dig deep then it is GB.

Hope to see it change hands this year, would be good for the sport to see a new name on top for once.

[Mihai]

don't forget it will be harder for loeb. mikko's got a very fast wingman on gravel too :)

I don't think the fast wingman (aka JML) has any significance in the title showdown. Hirvonen only needs to finish in front of Loeb to win the title. Loeb is in the same position - he needs a Top 8 result, if he finishes ahead of Hirvonen he wins the title (even on equal points).

So, Hirvonen has to beat Loeb on speed or on fewer mistakes under pressure. JML would be a key player only if Hirvonen is out (or way down the order) and he along with 7 other Ford entries might prevent Seb from scoring points.

How about Ford entering 15 latest-spec Focuses WRC and offering a drive to capable out-of-action drivers like Gronholm, Wilks, Meeke, Duval, Gardemeister, Atkinson, PG, Rantanen, Carlsson, Gwyndaf Evans and tell them to drive like mad frogs in order to fill the top 8 places with Blue Oval-badged cars ? :D

[Psycho!]

How about Ford entering 15 latest-spec Focuses WRC and offering a drive to capable out-of-action drivers like Gronholm, Wilks, Meeke, Duval, Gardemeister, Atkinson, PG, Rantanen, Carlsson, Gwyndaf Evans and tell them to drive like mad frogs in order to fill the top 8 places with Blue Oval-badged cars ? :D
Ooooooo!!!With all the pieces that they will leave behind we are going to make a brand new Focus WRC for free!!!Damn it...I won't be there.... :D

[AndyRAC]

If Mikko's wingman stays on the road and Mikko can keep good pace I see no reason why he can't be World champ. He has the speed, he has the determination for sure. If there is a time he will dig deep then it is GB.

Hope to see it change hands this year, would be good for the sport to see a new name on top for once.

The best, quickest driver is the one who should be Champion. That man is Loeb - who has been a little unlucky this year, but has still won the most events. Unfortunately, because of lack of competition, silly Gravel biased calendar Mikko could end up winning the Title. While not taking anything away from Mikko, it will leave people scratching their heads how Loeb hasn't won.

[bluuford]

The best, quickest driver is the one who should be Champion. That man is Loeb - who has been a little unlucky this year, but has still won the most events. Unfortunately, because of lack of competition, silly Gravel biased calendar Mikko could end up winning the Title. While not taking anything away from Mikko, it will leave people scratching their heads how Loeb hasn't won.

To make three major mistakes in a row in 12 events calendar.. I respect Loeb a lot but I think Mikko should be 2009 Champion already. That off that caused his puncture in Sardinia and later soft timepenalty -5 points, that Polish game when Novikov traded some tests for Finland while Loeb passed him and Rautenbach having a chat with beautiful Polish girls while Loeb passed him as well resulted -2 more points, bravery by Malcom not to ask Jari-Matti to give his first place to Mikko -2 points. That means difference by now should have been 10 points Mikko in front.
If Loeb wins then I remember this year as a year when Mr Team Order became a champion :-)

[jens]

It's going to be a really exciting showdown! :D Have a sneaky feeling that it really won't be a battle until the last SS with overall time within a few seconds, but someone will have hit at least slight trouble earlier...

[Juha_Koo]

To make three major mistakes in a row in 12 events calendar.. I respect Loeb a lot but I think Mikko should be 2009 Champion already. That off that caused his puncture in Sardinia and later soft timepenalty -5 points, that Polish game when Novikov traded some tests for Finland while Loeb passed him and Rautenbach having a chat with beautiful Polish girls while Loeb passed him as well resulted -2 more points, bravery by Malcom not to ask Jari-Matti to give his first place to Mikko -2 points. That means difference by now should have been 10 points Mikko in front.
If Loeb wins then I remember this year as a year when Mr Team Order became a champion :-)

Agreed 110 percent! :)

PS. Yes, I know I'm a Finn and therefore somewhat biased. But I've never been a huge Mikko fan due to his "we'll do our best and see what happens" -attitude. Still, I hope that Mikko wins the championship.

[cali]

To make three major mistakes in a row in 12 events calendar.. I respect Loeb a lot but I think Mikko should be 2009 Champion already. That off that caused his puncture in Sardinia and later soft timepenalty -5 points, that Polish game when Novikov traded some tests for Finland while Loeb passed him and Rautenbach having a chat with beautiful Polish girls while Loeb passed him as well resulted -2 more points, bravery by Malcom not to ask Jari-Matti to give his first place to Mikko -2 points. That means difference by now should have been 10 points Mikko in front.
If Loeb wins then I remember this year as a year when Mr Team Order became a champion :-)

Not that these kind of things has not happened before

[N.O.T]

To make three major mistakes in a row in 12 events calendar.. I respect Loeb a lot but I think Mikko should be 2009 Champion already. That off that caused his puncture in Sardinia and later soft timepenalty -5 points, that Polish game when Novikov traded some tests for Finland while Loeb passed him and Rautenbach having a chat with beautiful Polish girls while Loeb passed him as well resulted -2 more points, bravery by Malcom not to ask Jari-Matti to give his first place to Mikko -2 points. That means difference by now should have been 10 points Mikko in front.
If Loeb wins then I remember this year as a year when Mr Team Order became a champion :-)

nice nickmane you have there...very unbiased opinion thank you

what about fords tactics? or they didn;t use any this year ??

[ShiftingGears]

I don't know why Latvala comes into the picture at all. All Loeb needs to do is score one more point than Hirvonen and he will win the championship.

[Brother John]

Let the party start already. http://www.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/animated/anim_65.gif (http://www.mysmiley.net/freesmiley.php?smiley=animated/anim_65.gif)
Only we don´t know yet who will be the party driver! :D

[N.O.T]

Agreed 110 percent! :)

PS. Yes, I know I'm a Finn and therefore somewhat biased. But I've never been a huge Mikko fan due to his "we'll do our best and see what happens" -attitude. Still, I hope that Mikko wins the championship.


So to be a quitter its a national thing over there....i thought it was only mikko

[Helstar]

Loeb - who has been a little unlucky this year
If you crash multiple times having your mind on F1 then it's not "unluck".

[jimakos]

If you crash multiple times having your mind on F1 then it's not "unluck".

That's true,can't agree more with this opinion :up: :up: :up:

[Woodeye]

So to be a quitter its a national thing over there....i thought it was only mikko

It amazes me how a nation of quitters have many world champions while over there where you still think that you are something since some guy there had a thought something like 5000 years ago have none. Now isn't that odd?

[A.F.F.]

So to be a quitter its a national thing over there....i thought it was only mikko

It always beats sheepshagging. :)

[N.O.T]

no it doesn;t

[Juha_Koo]

So to be a quitter its a national thing over there....i thought it was only mikko

Don't you dare to call Finns quitters. :rolleyes: Not only we have fought and achieved major achievements in rallying, but also in war, science and politics. It's a thing called sisu.


What a nationalistic posting this was! :D Sorry.

[DonJippo]

no it doesn;t

Obviously you have tried both of them quitting and sheep-shagging so I just have to take your word of it :up:

[Psycho!]

To make three major mistakes in a row in 12 events calendar.. I respect Loeb a lot but I think Mikko should be 2009 Champion already. That off that caused his puncture in Sardinia and later soft timepenalty -5 points, that Polish game when Novikov traded some tests for Finland while Loeb passed him and Rautenbach having a chat with beautiful Polish girls while Loeb passed him as well resulted -2 more points, bravery by Malcom not to ask Jari-Matti to give his first place to Mikko -2 points. That means difference by now should have been 10 points Mikko in front.
If Loeb wins then I remember this year as a year when Mr Team Order became a champion :-)
Man you forgot the most recent events!!!!Sordo gave Loeb the victory in Spain!!!So 12 points!!I just hope that justice will be given in Wales...

[Maui J.]

It always beats sheepshagging. :)
Wow! Are the Greeks sheepshaggers too?!!
I thought it was just some lonely Kiwi males and sometimes Carlos Sainz!!!!

[ShiftingGears]

Man you forgot the most recent events!!!!Sordo gave Loeb the victory in Spain!!!So 12 points!!I just hope that justice will be given in Wales...

Loeb would've done exactly the same if the roles were reversed, as would any good teammate.

[Psycho!]

Loeb would've done exactly the same if the roles were reversed, as would any good teammate.
My point is that Sordo was faster on tarmac than the multiple champion and tarmac specialist Loeb! ;)

[Gard]

I don't think Mikko will have any problems keeping Loeb behind in GB.

[tmx]

I don't think the fast wingman (aka JML) has any significance in the title showdown. Hirvonen only needs to finish in front of Loeb to win the title. Loeb is in the same position - he needs a Top 8 result, if he finishes ahead of Hirvonen he wins the title (even on equal points).

So, Hirvonen has to beat Loeb on speed or on fewer mistakes under pressure. JML would be a key player only if Hirvonen is out (or way down the order) and he along with 7 other Ford entries might prevent Seb from scoring points.

How about Ford entering 15 latest-spec Focuses WRC and offering a drive to capable out-of-action drivers like Gronholm, Wilks, Meeke, Duval, Gardemeister, Atkinson, PG, Rantanen, Carlsson, Gwyndaf Evans and tell them to drive like mad frogs in order to fill the top 8 places with Blue Oval-badged cars ? :D
Would be fun to watch. Ford did that in the late 60s with their GT40 was their strategy to win LeMans.

[AndyRAC]

My point is that Sordo was faster on tarmac than the multiple champion and tarmac specialist Loeb! ;)

I wouldn't read too much into the pace of Loeb - he was driving at a safe, but fast enough pace to beat the Fords. Dani was making a point.....

[N.O.T]

My point is that Sordo was faster on tarmac than the multiple champion and tarmac specialist Loeb! ;)

tarmac specialist ....nice

Loeb was GRAVEL french champion before he started his career in the wrc...the fact that he dominated ontarmac doesn;t make someone specialist....

[Cloverleaf]

tarmac specialist ....nice
...the fact that he dominated ontarmac doesn;t make someone specialist...
:D

[blissard]

I don't think Mikko will have any problems keeping Loeb behind in GB.

And Petter will have no problem keeping them both behind :D

[Gard]

And Petter will have no problem keeping them both behind :D

:D That up to Citroen ;)

[Rallyper]

tarmac specialist ....nice

Loeb was GRAVEL french champion before he started his career in the wrc...the fact that he dominated ontarmac doesn;t make someone specialist....

Is there gravel roads in France? :D

[jparker]

This year the titles are for Mikko, and Citroen.

[jimakos]

This year the titles are for Mikko, and Citroen.

:up: :up: :up: :up: :up:

[StevieWonder]

Mikko can do it,
Mikko will do it !!!

[alexlake]

I wouldn't read too much into the pace of Loeb - he was driving at a safe, but fast enough pace to beat the Fords. Dani was making a point.....

very true, he was always going to win, an he wouldnt have pushed too hard. just hard enough :)

[Psycho!]

NEWSFLASH:We may take a sense of the Grand Finale during the Cambrian Rally,where Loeb will take part and possibly Mikko...Heart bits are increasing steadily....

[Brynmor Pierce]

Mikko is running course car (confirmed) and it's believed 2 Citroens may appear...(speculation)

[snellman]

The best, quickest driver is the one who should be Champion. That man is Loeb - who has been a little unlucky this year, but has still won the most events. Unfortunately, because of lack of competition, silly Gravel biased calendar Mikko could end up winning the Title. While not taking anything away from Mikko, it will leave people scratching their heads how Loeb hasn't won.
if there is no problem with the car or you hit a cow, there is no such thing as "unlucky" it's just pushing over his limit. :D

[Psycho!]

Mikko is running course car (confirmed) and it's believed 2 Citroens may appear...(speculation)
Have a look here:

http://www.cambrianrally.co.uk/news/

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/79309

[xavier]

tarmac specialist ....nice

Loeb was GRAVEL french champion before he started his career in the wrc...the fact that he dominated ontarmac doesn;t make someone specialist....

Now, that does not make sense... Loeb won something like 17 of the last 18 tarmac rallies (i am not sure of the number I stopped counting long ago)... And you say he is not a tarmac specialist?

btw, being French Gravel champion does not mean you are world class on gravel!

[ShiftingGears]

I think a good term for Loeb would be 'rally specialist'.

[A.F.F.]

I think a good term for Loeb would be 'rally specialist'.

:up:

Indeed.

[N.O.T]

I think a good term for Loeb would be 'rally specialist'.

that was my point....

[jimakos]

Unfortunately Mikko didn't take the championship!!!
He gave us an excellent performance the whole year and thank him for the competition...
Without him Loeb would have taken the championship from Acropolis ;)
I want to thank everyone who posted in this thread and shared with us his opinions :)

[Langdale Forest]

Mikko Hirvonen WRC champion 2010!

[jimakos]

Mikko Hirvonen WRC champion 2010!

Hope so mate :D

[Langdale Forest]

A new decade might bring bad luck for Loeb.