Swedish Rally 2010

[J4MIE]

Nah it's never Colin's crest, spectators would never be allowed to be so close ;) Looks like a brilliant spot though!! :up: (would appreciate location also ;) )

[Iskald]

Nah it's never Colin's crest, spectators would never be allowed to be so close ;) Looks like a brilliant spot though!! :up: (would appreciate location also ;) )

To me it looks like SS Våler in Rally Norway, one of the two jumps just a few hundred metres after the start.

[amilk]

To me it looks like SS Våler in Rally Norway, one of the two jumps just a few hundred metres after the start.

No, It's Sweden - Uddeholm sticker on the car. It's also not Colin's crest.

[SubaruNorway]

Anyone knows about the place on the attached picture? Would be nice to see...

Or maybe this was from Bjälverud? I thought it was the same jump, but it's not from the same run anyway if you look at Henning's wheels in the air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCdhY5l21_k

[amilk]

Or maybe this was from Bjälverud? I thought it was the same jump, but it's not from the same run anyway if you look at Henning's wheels in the air.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UCdhY5l21_k

Yes looks the same place but not the same run. Not the same amount of snow on the road. If it is Bjalwerud we can forget it this year. Attached other picture maybe from the same place

[Viking]

Pic is Henning in Sweden 2008

[PuddleJumper]

Pickems for Rally Sweden are now open. ;)

[Ghostwalker]

Pickems for Rally Sweden are now open. ;)

great! :) and it seems you are a mind reader puddlejumper.

I was just thinking about the pickems a few hours ago...

anyway about the jumps i dont really knowwhere it is but i do know that there is a specator area, on this years Fredriksberg stage, named Yxtjärnshöjden (SS 11/15 SA 4B) which is supposed to feature a triple jump section.

[Micke_VOC]

Anyone knows about the place on the attached picture? Would be nice to see...

Its from Bjälverud, not in the rally this year.

The jump is called "Rådströms Maybe Jump" in sweden, after a Rådström did a big jump there in 2001 i think

[amilk]

Its from Bjälverud, not in the rally this year.

The jump is called "Rådströms Maybe Jump" in sweden, after a Rådström did a big jump there in 2001 i think


Thanks so I will not search for this. Do you know if the Fredriksbeg triple jumps are high enough like Colin's Crest or just smaller jumps.

[Ghostwalker]

Thanks so I will not search for this. Do you know if the Fredriksbeg triple jumps are high enough like Colin's Crest or just smaller jumps.

i dont know how high they are but they are not as high as Colins crest (http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=60.004055,13.284472&spn=0.002025,0.008256&z=18).
The official program says "very well worth seeing, three fast crests after each other" about the fredriksberg crests.
These jumps (http://maps.google.com/maps?t=h&hl=sv&ie=UTF8&ll=60.040637,14.343986&spn=0.001773,0.013465&z=17)are in the middle of a long straight. While colins crest is shortly after a 90 degree turn.

[bennizw]

The Fredriksberg jumps are smaller. The stage itself will be run in the opposite direction compared to previous years.

[Iskald]

Thanks so I will not search for this. Do you know if the Fredriksbeg triple jumps are high enough like Colin's Crest or just smaller jumps.

Not really jumps, rather small "kicks" o/crests, but its really fast on this place so cars gets airborne anyway.

[sal]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81213

Should be an interesting re-union JML and his Portugal 09 car.

[Rallyper]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81213

Should be an interesting re-union JML and his Portugal 09 car.

So what does it mean "rebuilt"??

Is there a completely new body-shell? Or have they remounted the roll-cage in a new shell?

Or have they just put new roof and other cosmetic on the old shell?

Of course new engine and gearbox, but still. Why not just change bodyshell? I understand the registration nr will still be the same but on different car. Why not just tell that´s the way they put it? :confused:

[morganmilan]

Is it yet known which will Ostberg s car be?

[bennizw]

Impreza S12B.

[SubaruNorway]

Those are the jumps at 3:55min right, looks like they have more lift in the other direction maybe...

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Swedish-Rally-2004-Marcus_731819.htm

Likenäs
http://videos.streetfire.net/video/Rally-SwedenMarcus-SS9-0_731919.htm

[Walach]

Roman Kresta´s livery :
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20159_300833114728_199796974728_3250424_1040724_n. jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20159_300833119728_199796974728_3250425_6148617_n. jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20159_300833129728_199796974728_3250426_3886988_n. jpg

[pucky54]

I guess thats Prokop's car from last year?!

[Walach]

Yes, it is. :)

[General Prim]

Hi all, there is any good place at SS 4, Torntorp, near the start or the finish?. Täck

[fastboy]

I can't find anywhere on the official web site about the car park roads for the stages.Does anyone know where i can find them or does anyone have the programme with them in?
Any guidance would be great.

[Rallyper]

Hi all, there is any good place at SS 4, Torntorp, near the start or the finish?. Täck.

The official programme tells that at the finnish there´s a parking. GPS: N 60 deg 7´32" ; E 13 deg 2´51".

"The cars come out of forest and continues after a right turn between houses. Then a very fast road over open fields and meadows. A perfect spectator area". This is I think maybe K in to the stage from finnish.

I´ve been there myself about ten years ago and remember that there´s a right corner, R3 long, and crest and finnish, and it was also good.

Good luck!

[Krigen]

The official programme tells that at the finnish there´s a parking. GPS: N 60 deg 7´32" ; E 13 deg 2´51".

"The cars come out of forest and continues after a right turn between houses. Then a very fast road over open fields and meadows. A perfect spectator area". This is I think maybe K in to the stage from finnish.

I´ve been there myself about ten years ago and remember that there´s a right corner, R3 long, and crest and finnish, and it was also good.

Good luck!

Wery long walk from carpark, and uphill.. And you have to walk beyond the houses, because there you are not alowed to stand..and even after that they had the ribbons about 100 meters from the road so that you are really a long way from the cars.. I did not like this spot, but there where alot of people there, so probably many others do..

[Andrey]

Finally, Patrik Flodin will drive Subaru Impreza N14 from Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica, not Mitsubishi

[General Prim]

Tack!!!!

[Rallyper]

Swedish broadcasting radio says there´s plenty of rooms left over i Karlstad and the interest for the Rally Sweden is lowest for years....

Anyone believe that? OK you have to drive 300K every day if you live in Karlstad during the rally, but interest must be all time high for Rally Sweden I guess. Maybe everyone has a bed in Hagfors area.

Dont know how they got that statement out of what...?

[J4MIE]

You'd have to be mad to stay in Karlstad instead of near Hagfors :s

[cali]

You'd have to be mad to stay in Karlstad instead of near Hagfors :s

Karlstad is also not so far away, ofcourse anything near Hagfors is better :)
We have rented a house allegedly 5 km from service park.

[J4MIE]

You know what I mean, it just wouldn't make sense I think ;)

[Viking]

Well then we can end Østberg car speculation (but car still could be white maybe :) )

Prodrive and the Anders Grondal WRC Rally Team will run the car in Sweden alongside the Impreza World Rally Car of Mads Ostberg from the same service area.

http://www.prodrive.com/p_releases.html?id=255

[Iskald]

You'd have to be mad to stay in Karlstad instead of near Hagfors :s

Not if you want to include some proper partying! Hagfors is not exactly famous for its nightclubs and pubs... ;)

[MartijnS]

According to 'GTA' Jack de Keijzer, Hanninen will not drive in Sweden. He posted this at a Dutch forum.

[RS]

According to 'GTA' Jack de Keijzer, Hanninen will not drive in Sweden. He posted this at a Dutch forum.

Yes, I heard that too.

Hanninen woould have been a good guy for the others to measure themselves against. Still, at least PG is still there.

[Mirek]

It's true.

[ttiirika]

Very sad that Hanninen is missing. Any reasons for that?

[Addicted]

Is there other cancellation than Hänninen?

[fastboy]

What is the frequency for the rally radio during the rally.Is it similar to the one that is in Finland?

[Langdale Forest]

Do you mean the one on wrc.com ?

[Tomi]

some swede could post the url to the rally radio, tack så mycket :)

[janvanvurpa]

Not if you want to include some proper partying! Hagfors is not exactly famous for its nightclubs and pubs... ;)

And Karlstad is???
Oi!!!

I figured a lot of folks drive fast in Varmland cause they want to get away to someplace where something is happening!!!

[Rallyper]

I think Swedish radio Broadcasting company will be live-radio at this link

http://www.sr.se/varmland/

Maybe you´ll have to click further. It will be in swedish but some english results and interviews from stages in english too of course.

And then you will have the live coverage from wrc.com of course!

[Tomi]

I think Swedish radio Broadcasting company will be live-radio at this link

http://www.sr.se/varmland/

Maybe you´ll have to click further. It will be in swedish but some english results and interviews from stages in english too of course.

And then you will have the live coverage from wrc.com of course!

but the swedish is better, more informative, stage info, other news, interesting interviews and less crap.

[Ghostwalker]

Rally driver Jonas Kruse have tested the jump on the new Värmullåsen stage and he scored a jump of 36m which is 118 feet.
The jump is located on/in the skiing slope in Hagfors.

Rally Radio info:

http://www.sr.se/sida/default.aspx?programid=2505

The Rally Radio will transmit during the following hours:


Thursday 11 feb: kl 20-21
Friday12 feb: kl 08-18
Saturday 13 feb: kl 08-18.30
Sunday 14 feb: kl 08-15.00 and kl 15.30-15.35


Local FM frequencies:

Filipstad 103,2
Hagfors 105,0
Höljes 102,6
Karlstad 103,5
Lesjöfors 92,0
Sunne 101,8
Sysslebäck 103,6
Torsby 102,6

[Micke_VOC]

The livery for Per-Arne Sääv´s Skoda Fabia S2000

http://motorsport4sale.com/bilder/nyheter/2010/100205_skoda_17.jpg

http://motorsport4sale.com/bilder/nyheter/2010/100205_skoda_18.jpg

[Koppomsbo]

Well then we can end Østberg car speculation (but car still could be white maybe :) )


http://www.prodrive.com/p_releases.html?id=255

It will be black

[EavesFan09]

According to 'GTA' Jack de Keijzer, Hanninen will not drive in Sweden. He posted this at a Dutch forum.

Marcus Hanninen?

And is he a SWRC or PWRC driver?

[EavesFan09]

Roman Kresta´s livery :
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20159_300833114728_199796974728_3250424_1040724_n. jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20159_300833119728_199796974728_3250425_6148617_n. jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs174.snc3/20159_300833129728_199796974728_3250426_3886988_n. jpg

Nice car but what rounds will Roman be doing in what I assume to be the PWRC?

[Sami]

Nice car but what rounds will Roman be doing in what I assume to be the PWRC?

Seriously, you are playing us, right?

Third time from me to you:

Check the entry list please, the right column tells you who are doing a championship and who isn't. And that will be the answer to your question once again.

[EavesFan09]

Sorry I asked.

[sete]

is the Krestas Mitsu the new car with bigger restrictor?

[EavesFan09]

According to 'GTA' Jack de Keijzer, Hanninen will not drive in Sweden. He posted this at a Dutch forum.

He will not be rallying at all this season. The entry list does not have a 'priority number' next to Hanninen.

Same with Arolainen, Therman, both Ipatec drivers, Snobeck, Sauvan, Mikkelsen, Risberg, Laivola, Kresta, Gassner Jnr., Grondal, Baran, Aasen, Boland, Roman, Tibor, Samuelsson, Jardine, Gonon, Green, Ortfeldt, Villanueva, Storm, Pastila, Hytonen, Hunt and Tanak.

[SubaruNorway]

Mads Østberg's new livery. Looks like he got stuck again on Rally Hokksund today.

http://www.raceinfo.no/temp/tn_untitled_11.jpg

[urabus-denoS2000]

What is team preparing Kresta's Mitsubishi? Semerad?

[MartijnS]

Marcus Hanninen?

And is he a SWRC or PWRC driver?

Juho...
He should drive a Fabia S2000.

[Mirek]

What is team preparing Kresta's Mitsubishi? Semerad?

It's his own Kresta Racing team. The car is ex-Prokop's one. He will start only for fun. He has no targets.

[Mirek]

Juho...
He should drive a Fabia S2000.

Juho will not start in Sweden.

[RICARDO75]

Per-Arne Sääv presented is Skoda Fabia S2000

http://www.motorsport4sale.com/nyheter-100205-pa-saav-presenterar-sin-nya-skoda.asp

[Rallyper]

]Juho will not start in Sweden.

Why is that? He is on the entry list so he´d payed the enry fee. Is it the high starting order....? ;)

[Tomi]

Why is that? He is on the entry list so he´d payed the enry fee. Is it the high starting order....? ;)

Because the team could not arrange a car and supply enough of spareparts for rally Sweden, he is offcourse dissapointed.

[FabiaFan]

Because the team could not arrange a car and supply enough of spareparts for rally Sweden, he is offcourse dissapointed.Somebody posted here earlier Hanninen wouldn't have the courage to compare with Mikkelsen & Co. ...

[Micke_VOC]

Per-Arne Sääv presented is Skoda Fabia S2000

http://www.motorsport4sale.com/nyheter-100205-pa-saav-presenterar-sin-nya-skoda.asp

Im the one who have wrote this article =)


One more pic of Mads Ostbergs new livery to:
http://www.madsostberg.no/images/mmsblog/00170_00231.jpg

[Mirek]

Somebody posted here earlier Hanninen wouldn't have the courage to compare with Mikkelsen & Co. ...

lol, that really isn't the reason. Believe me he is very sad he can't start. It's not his choice.

[Rallyper]

]lol, that really isn't the reason. Believe me he is very sad he can't start. It's not his choice.

If it was supposed to me I didnt mean it that way. I know the finnish guys have the balls to challenge anyone what becomes any male sport or sauna or whatever. They have the balls to do it well also.

I´m also sorry for Juho H. :(

(when writing this I´m listening to Topi Sorsa on Spotify....)

[Langdale Forest]

It looks like there are two extra lights on that Subaru.

[RS]

Somebody posted here earlier Hanninen wouldn't have the courage to compare with Mikkelsen & Co. ...

On the contrary I would have thought the only ones who could compete with Juho would have been Andersson, maybe Mikkelsen & Tuohino depending on how good the Fiesta is.

Anyhow, if Mikkelsen appears in IRC later this year as planned, Juho would not have the choice :D

[Tomi]

Somebody posted here earlier Hanninen wouldn't have the courage to compare with Mikkelsen & Co. ...

that was a joke offcourse, mikkelsen would not have had a chance.

[pettersolberg29]

Good joke Tomi ;)

Mikkelsen is a much faster driver than Juho on all surfaces.

[Tomi]

Good joke Tomi ;)

Mikkelsen is a much faster driver than Juho on all surfaces.

after 1 week we see how fast he is.

[Mirek]

Good joke Tomi ;)

Mikkelsen is a much faster driver than Juho on all surfaces.

Last time they compete against each other, Juho was exactly one minute faster on 60 km of wet tarmac (Rally Bohemia 09). Both in Fabia, of course Juho had works one and Mikkelsen very limited experience with the car. Let's wait for later rounds of IRC or NORF ;)

[pettersolberg29]

Yeah, I know really! We'll see soon, but I'm sure by the end of this year people will rate Andreas higher than Juho - it will take a little while for Andreas to get used to the Fiesta if he picks it as he has little S2000 experience but after a while he'll show us his potential I'm sure.

[Tomi]

it will take a little while for Andreas to get used to the Fiesta if he picks it as he has little S2000 experience but after a while he'll show us his potential I'm sure.

Lets hope it takes a few years less than it has taken H.Solberg to get used to the Focus.

[pettersolberg29]

I certainly hope so Tomi!

[Sami]

Everyone here talking about Mikkelsen or Andersson, you have lost your faith in Patrik Sandell already?

I haven't!

[Barreis]

He won JWRC with wrong car.. Unfortunatly..

[Langdale Forest]

How can you win the JWRC with the wrong car?

[FabiaFan]

Everyone here talking about Mikkelsen or Andersson, you have lost your faith in Patrik Sandell already?

I haven't!

Not winning the PWRC title for two years with superior cars against Evos, this is reason enough to lose it...

[FabiaFan]

If it was supposed to me I didnt mean it that way. I know the finnish guys have the balls to challenge anyone what becomes any male sport or sauna or whatever. They have the balls to do it well also.

I´m also sorry for Juho H. :(
Yes, it was to you - I thought you were serious then ... ;-) It's funny now to realize you were right he wouldn't appear... (for whatever reason...)

[Sami]

Not winning the PWRC title for two years with superior cars against Evos, this is reason enough to lose it...

Let's see how the results are in Sweden then!

[Koppomsbo]

Let's see how the results are in Sweden then!

I doubt Sandell make it top 5 in Sweden i s2000 Class

[Iskald]

I doubt Sandell make it top 5 in Sweden i s2000 Class

Agreed. Sandell is not in the same league as Hänninen, Mikkelsen and Brynildsen.

[swordsman]

I doubt Sandell make it top 5 in Sweden i s2000 Class

I think he may be in top 5, at least after some retirements (and I guess they will come...). But I agree that there are way faster drivers in the class.

[Langdale Forest]

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6813&desc=WRC%3A+Countdown+to+Rally+Sweden

Could be the coldest rally Sweden for 20 years.

[swordsman]

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6813&desc=WRC%3A+Countdown+to+Rally+Sweden

Could be the coldest rally Sweden for 20 years.

Naah, don't think it will be the coldest - that's just propaganda :) But it will be cold and perfect... hehe... http://www.yr.no/place/Sweden/V%C3%A4rmland/Karlstad/long.html

[Langdale Forest]

There is no risk of stages being cancelled as there was back in 2008.

[swordsman]

There is no risk of stages being cancelled as there was back in 2008.

Not because of weather, no. It's been frozen+snow since early december.

[Sami]

All the forecasts predict perfect conditions for the spectators. Sunshine and -10 degrees!

Can't wait my maybe 13th trip to Sweden. Some legendary stages are back, some legendary drivers are back, for once I know exactly what places and which corners I want to spectate this time, so now it seems long time to wait for these couple of days!

Can't wait to see the battle on top, so many drivers have a chance, high quality victory battles also in group n and swrc. What I'm probably looking forward to most, is the SM competition. Seeing Zachrisson, Olsson and Nordlund in their 940 Volvos and trademark attack is something, really something!

[Langdale Forest]

Does anyone know the coldest temperature for the rally sweden?

[Rallyper]

Does anyone know the coldest temperature for the rally sweden?

If you mean recent years I remember 1978 (+- 1 year) when it was -36 Celsius degrees in Hagfors.

[EavesFan09]

]Juho will not start in Sweden.

He will not, as I say, be doing 2010 at all.

Looking at the entry list on the Rally of Sweden Hanninen joins Arolainen, Therman, both Ipatec drivers, Snobeck, Sauvan, Mikkelsen, Risberg, Laivola, Kresta, Gassner Jnr., Grondal, Baran, Aasen, Boland, Roman, Tibor, Samuelsson, Jardine, Gonon, Green, Ortfeldt, Villanueva, Storm, Pastila, Hytonen, Hunt and Tanak as not having priority numbers. This number (1, 2 or 3) denotes whether they are registered drivers within the PWRC, SWRC, JWRC or WRC for 2010 and since they are do not have numbers then we must assume they are not doing 2010 at all as registered drivers. They will rally but they will be invisible to the FIA.

[Koppomsbo]

PG got the Skoda at home ground now according to his blog

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ipnByPnv3WQ/S27IalzlyzI/AAAAAAAAAS4/48oSqr4fkUg/s1600-h/image-upload-41-766438.jpg

[Mirek]

PG should have had a test today together with Per-Arne Saav. Photos of yesterday Saav's test: http://2010.nhsuper2000.se/#1.10

[Ghostwalker]

if you want to get a good idea about the snow conditions look at this link:

http://www.jonaswigren.se/filmer_ovriga.asp?toppflash=still

[speyside]

Folks

Looking for some help and advice please. Been a lurker on here for a while but first post!

There are 4 of us coming over from Scotland on Thursday morning. Can anyone help with a few questions?

1. We fly into Skavsta airport, and we are staying at Safsen resort near Fredriksberg. Can anyone who knows the area recommend the best route?
2. How long will this journey take?
3. I'm hoping that it wont be a problem to buy passes at one of the OKQ8 stations on route, that should be possible?
4. We are all experienced competitors/organisers and have been all over europe before but first time in Sweden, some tips on the best spectating places would be great if anyone can help.

Thanks in advance for your help guys
Neil

[J4MIE]

Neil not sure about routes but if you have a map it shouldn't be too much trouble for you, you're looking at 4-5 hours drive, I few to Skavsta the first time I went but it is a bit out of the way so avoided it since. Usually you can buy a pass either on the way or usually the first stage you get to you'll have the chance of them.

I wouldn't be able to pick out specific spots to go to, the popular places get very crowded indeed (eg Colins Crest). Anywhere you end up though you just have to walk a bit and you'll find a good place (there are so many).

Remember and take warm clothes though, you'll have a ball :) :)

[bluuford]

]PG should have had a test today together with Per-Arne Saav. Photos of yesterday Saav's test: http://2010.nhsuper2000.se/#1.10

One thing I really like in new tyre rules is the winter tires. Those cars just look so much better with wider winter tires :-)

[Ghostwalker]

Folks

Looking for some help and advice please. Been a lurker on here for a while but first post!

There are 4 of us coming over from Scotland on Thursday morning. Can anyone help with a few questions?

1. We fly into Skavsta airport, and we are staying at Safsen resort near Fredriksberg. Can anyone who knows the area recommend the best route?
2. How long will this journey take?
3. I'm hoping that it wont be a problem to buy passes at one of the OKQ8 stations on route, that should be possible?
4. We are all experienced competitors/organizers and have been all over Europe before but first time in Sweden, some tips on the best spectating places would be great if anyone can help.

Thanks in advance for your help guys
Neil

regarding the rout see this link (http://maps.google.se/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Skavsta&daddr=Fredriksberg,+Ludvika&hl=sv&geocode=FTT8gAMdXU8CASl7EDEkZCxfRjH5CJ0G02Iwvw%3BF cuxlQMdd1rbACnpoKoqlD9dRjGpM5yCeWghJQ&mra=ls&sll=57.166465,14.762205&sspn=4.498681,16.907959&ie=UTF8&ll=59.712097,15.545654&spn=1.045852,4.22699&t=h&z=9) its not the shortest route but the roads are much better if you follow this route.

The Estimated drive time (by google) is 4 ½ hours which
sounds a little much so maybe 4 hours including one stop.

The day/weekendpasses well i dont think every OKQ8 station along the way have them so take a look at this list:

http://www.rallysweden.com/WordPress/wrc/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/forsaljningsstallen-okq8.pdf a general rule is that the closer
to Fredriksberg you get the more likely it is that the local OKQ8 station have passes to sell.

This station (http://maps.google.se/maps?q=SN%C3%96%C3%85V%C3%84GEN+18,+Ludvika&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Sn%C3%B6%C3%A5v%C3%A4gen+18,+Ludvika,+Dalarn as+L%C3%A4n&t=h&z=15) (which you will pass by enroute to Fredriksberg)
is said to have day and weekend passes and the rally magazine.

I cant help you much regarding your 4th question except that that i once was at Ransbysäter (http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=60.0363,13.243599&z=17&t=h&hl=sv) (western "peak" of vargåsen stage (SS9/13))
since we were very early we managed to find an inside position of the hairpin where the cars will come on your left and drive around you and a garage.
I thought that was really awesome but the downside is that
you wont see them for especially many seconds.

Also Spectator areas mörttjärn and Skärsjön (http://kartor.eniro.se/m/M3p9d) (stage is fron right to left along the road at the lakes southern shore) on Fredriksberg SS11/15
is also quite nice or actullay the entire part from the start in gravendal to mörttjän seems to by quite varied with lots of bends.

we are 4 people who will drive up on saturday and we'll probably be somewhere along the first half of Fredriksberg
(mostly because its the most eastern route)

[EavesFan09]

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2010/sweden/Pages/stage_map.aspx

A lot of the special stages overlap don't they I see. For example SS 3-6 (Viggen) is overlapped by SS 4-7 (Torntop). How does it work?

[Salist]

Karlastad - Super Special

http://www.maxattack.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/ksss.jpg

[Koppomsbo]

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2010/sweden/Pages/stage_map.aspx

A lot of the special stages overlap don't they I see. For example SS 3-6 (Viggen) is overlapped by SS 4-7 (Torntop). How does it work?

Overlapped? The red ones are the SS

[It's All Flat]

We attended Rally Norway 2009 and had a brilliant time. We are going to Sweden for this weekend's Swedish Rally and are planning to sleep in our rental car Friday and Saturday night. We did this is Norway and the overnight car parks were brilliant (Big tent with food and beer. also live band playing).

I have a question....

Which are the best car parks on the Swedish Rally to park up overnight Friday and Saturday night. Is there anything like Norway ?

Cheers,

Brian (It's all flat so don't back off !).

[EavesFan09]

Overlapped? The red ones are the SS

Not the actual routes but the stage numbers.

But on closer look the hyphen I now know denotes "and" and not "through to" which is what I grown up to believe.

For example, SS 2-5. The hyphen denotes stages "2 and 5" and not stages "2 through to 5" (2, 3, 4 & 5).

[Tuscany gravel]

When i'll arrive in Sweden i'll buy pass in Q8 stations.

Anyone konws if there is a rally guide (in english) with pass that explain spacial stage (access, spectacular places).
Thanks

[Ghostwalker]

When i'll arrive in Sweden i'll buy pass in Q8 stations.

Anyone konws if there is a rally guide (in english) with pass that explain spacial stage (access, spectacular places).
Thanks

sure there is the official rally magazine which is sold at OkQ8 stations.
It has both a larger loose map to give you an overview of the rally area
and also more detailed maps of each SS with very short info about the spectator areas.
Also have in mind that even if the spectator area info days that there are a organized parking area,t i have experienced that the so called parking sometimes are either very small or doesn't even exist.

[It's All Flat]

We attended Rally Norway 2009 and had a brilliant time. We are going to Sweden for this weekend's Swedish Rally and are planning to sleep in our rental car Friday and Saturday night. We did this is Norway and the overnight car parks were brilliant (Big tent with food and beer. also live band playing).

I have a question....

Which are the best car parks on the Swedish Rally to park up overnight Friday and Saturday night. Is there anything like Norway ?

Cheers,

Brian (It's all flat so don't back off !).

[swordsman]

Sandell's new livery looks really nice! :D

[Micke_VOC]

Sandell's new livery looks really nice! :D

Yes, really nice..

http://ss11i01.stream.ip-only.net/images/blog/images/entries/97/27/75/148045/4df602272d6987e8
from http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/sandell

[Mirek]

Nice livery :)

Video from test of Jane Tuohino: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CAVc3duNNE&feature=player_embedded
Video from test of Per Arne Saav: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DpF1ohx6Nuo&feature=player_embedded

[Mirek]

Video from test of Anders Grondal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv1FKb0J70o

[Ibbe[swe]]

We attended Rally Norway 2009 and had a brilliant time. We are going to Sweden for this weekend's Swedish Rally and are planning to sleep in our rental car Friday and Saturday night. We did this is Norway and the overnight car parks were brilliant (Big tent with food and beer. also live band playing).

I have a question....

Which are the best car parks on the Swedish Rally to park up overnight Friday and Saturday night. Is there anything like Norway ?

Cheers,

Brian (It's all flat so don't back off !).

yes,this is just what I think because I dont know for sure.
I do not think there is parking so you can get a shower and breakfast,
but I guess it will be a activity at the airport/service area/Hagfors.
so breakfast and w.c at a petrolstation mayby :) and later on the dag the restaurant will be opend at the service area.

[Ibbe[swe]]

weather report
http://www.yr.no/sted/Sverige/Värmland/Karlstad/

After all 130 pc cars have passed after the first round, is probably true the will be alot of gravel for the second round,
Hope the cars will run on the wider tire as in Norway,who was more kind to the road.

Second round/norway
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/4035/k209391edit.jpg

[Rallyper]

]yes,this is just what I think because I dont know for sure.
I do not think there is parking so you can get a shower and breakfast,
but I guess it will be a activity at the airport/service area/Hagfors.
so breakfast and w.c at a petrolstation mayby :) and later on the dag the restaurant will be opend at the service area.

W.C out in the fresh winter nature early in the morning after a couple of hours of sleep in a car and then a snowshower will guarantie a special experience from the Rally Sweden. :D :D

[Pinto]

i take it that this is the new stobart colours for this year


http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/bilde1-475x356.jpg

[pucky54]

looks better with more green ;)

[CABAIO E'LONA]

not bad... :)

[Motorsportfun]

i take it that this is the new stobart colours for this year


http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/bilde1-475x356.jpg

Thats WAY better than last years liveries... they were simply ugly!

[MHjerpe]

Thats WAY better than last years liveries... they were simply ugly!

Tweeeking the image a bit..

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/811259/stobart.jpg

[Roy]

No 'Kick' anymore? I think it is the livery of Gronholms car. Wilson car is different, I think. Wait and see...

[J.Lindstroem]

No 'Kick' anymore? I think it is the livery of Gronholms car. Wilson car is different, I think. Wait and see...

When i look at the flag closely i imagine myself seeing some red and blue. But i can be wrong!

[EavesFan09]

Thats WAY better than last years liveries... they were simply ugly!

Aswell as BP Ford Abu Dhabi I will be following Stobart...and Munchis. I am from the northeast but regularly holiday with friends of the family in Cumbria where M-Sport is based (Dovenby in Cockermouth to be exact). Have done the last 15 years or so.

Hope the team do well on snow.

[VidarH]

Join his Facebook Fangroupe:
http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=an...8993309&ref=ts (http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=andreas&init=quick#%21/group.php?gid=2248993309&ref=ts)

Exelent Photos by: Thomas Bjørne www.videoaktiv.no (http://www.videoaktiv.no/)
Andreas and new car.
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18161_300287232180_588412180_4042565_4205666_n.jpg

[Micke_VOC]

Startlist Swedish Championship..
http://www.rallysweden.com/WordPress/varmlandrunt/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Anm%C3%A4lningslista-Rally-Sweden-SM-2010_webb.pdf

[Micke_VOC]

Two short videos from PG´s Test yesterday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWqKr7-qHSk&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dWuZo7U598&feature=player_embedded

And som pictures:
http://www.pgandersson.se/Ny/Bilder2010/100208Test.htm
http://www.fotogubben.eu/pg_test/

[Koppomsbo]

Everybody watch out for startnumber 128 :up:

Agree Micke? :D

[Roy]

Van Merksteijn cars
http://qik.com/video/657e07c4cf394a95897aa2a2a68ef749

[Micke_VOC]

Everybody watch out for startnumber 128 :up:

Agree Micke? :D

of course =)

I think a lot of spectators going to stand up and applaud when the Volvo´s of Jimmy Olsson and Peter Zachrisson have going sideways in front off them on the stages =)

[Ghostwalker]

article about Per -Arne Sääv

http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/motor/rally/article6567911.ab

[Slipzen]

of course =)

I think a lot of spectators going to stand up and applaud when the Volvo´s of Jimmy Olsson and Peter Zachrisson have going sideways in front off them on the stages =)

I´ve heard the other day that there were some uncertanties whether Peter Zachrisson would start the rally or not. I think it was a problem to get the car ready in time. Are there any updated info available?

[Micke_VOC]

I´ve heard the other day that there were some uncertanties whether Peter Zachrisson would start the rally or not. I think it was a problem to get the car ready in time. Are there any updated info available?

I dont know yet, i heard if he not will be finish with the new car he will rent a other Volvo 940.

[Koppomsbo]

I dont know yet, i heard if he not will be finish with the new car he will rent a other Volvo 940.

What about the one he drove last year?

For those who doesnt know who we are talking about...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENDPncE6WFM

Listen to the sound for the road posts as he cuts the corner :up: :D

[Micke_VOC]

What about the one he drove last year?

For those who doesnt know who we are talking about...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENDPncE6WFM

Listen to the sound for the road posts as he cuts the corner :up: :D

Janne Kristiansson have that car now...and he is starting Rally Sweden to.

[Koppomsbo]

Janne Kristiansson have that car now...and he is starting Rally Sweden to.

Ok, looking forward to the rally this year :up:

[JFL]

From Anders Grøndal's blog :
"It's really sad road conditions on the stages we have driven so far. Just loose surface, and no ice. Many of the stages is more like a gravel rally then a proper winter rally"
http://28037.vgb.no/

[VidarH]

Says on the Swedish site that the service will be in Hagfors airport but start and SSS will be in Karlstad as previous years. Hagfors is 85km north of Karltstad. Hopefully it won't be the mudbath as last year :p


Got bloggreports from the note practise that they already are on sand.
Norway have the snow this year also, but no international rally.

[Tomi]

Norway have the snow this year also, but no international rally.

How about next year, there has been rumours that there wont be a WRC rally in norway next year, any news about that?

[J4MIE]

So what has happened to the "perfect snow conditions" of recent weeks??? :confused:

[Brother John]

So what has happened to the "perfect snow conditions" of recent weeks??? :confused:

I´t looking gooooooood! See you tomorrow! ;) More snow today and maybe tomorrow! :p :

[Rallyper]

So what has happened to the "perfect snow conditions" of recent weeks??? :confused:

The snow is there. And the cold. But as the temperature has been below zero all the time since the snow started to fall there has been no icy conditions on the road surface. So as soon the cars passes by (read reccecars) the packed dry snow has been wiped away and there´s only frozen gravel left.

That´s the way it will be on rally sweden this year. ;)

[Koppomsbo]

How about next year, there has been rumours that there wont be a WRC rally in norway next year, any news about that?

Last week the Rally people stated in newspaper that the gouverment has put in a lot of money if the rally will happend again.

[bluuford]

The snow is there. And the cold. But as the temperature has been below zero all the time since the snow started to fall there has been no icy conditions on the road surface. So as soon the cars passes by (read reccecars) the packed dry snow has been wiped away and there´s only frozen gravel left.

That´s the way it will be on rally sweden this year. ;)

In our winter rally I remember once they put some additional water on the stages to create more ice on the road to save the road surface.

[Halvis]

9 out of 10 years, the conditions will be better in Norway than in Sweden.

I have no scientific proof of this, other than the last years conditions.

[Ibbe[swe]]

well,norway hadde more snow, but the height of the snow after plowing is equal on many roads. as you can see in the picture in last post there is no ice under the snow and the frostygravel will appear now in swe as i norway,but still no mud as -08 :s mokin:

[Vargåsen]

We have had the coldest winter in 25 years here. It has not been above zero since early december. Since ice only is created on the roads when snow melts, we dont have much ice. But this problem could of course appear in northern sibiria as well, and if you ask me it is not a problem. If the drivers believe a real winter rally automatically means ice they are simply wrong.

[Tomi]

We have had the coldest winter in 25 years here. It has not been above zero since early december. Since ice only is created on the roads when snow melts, we dont have much ice. But this problem could of course appear in northern sibiria as well, and if you ask me it is not a problem. If the drivers believe a real winter rally automatically means ice they are simply wrong.

agree, the roads are in proper winter rally conditions.

[pettersolberg29]

Does this 'powdery' snow on gravel mean it's better to start first on the road or is it a disadvantage? I assume the fact that the snow is dry that it will be very slippery for Loeb first on the road, and easier as you move down the order as the dusty layer is cleaned. Am I correct?

[Tomi]

Does this 'powdery' snow on gravel mean it's better to start first on the road or is it a disadvantage? I assume the fact that the snow is dry that it will be very slippery for Loeb first on the road, and easier as you move down the order as the dusty layer is cleaned. Am I correct?

new snow is always a disanvantage, if there is more than about 3-4 cm.

[pettersolberg29]

Thanks. I was thinking in terms of the SWRC - starting a long way down the road in comparison to the WRC cars. Could they spring a couple of surprise top 5 stage positions due to road condition?

[Roy]

there is not so much snow on some of the stages.

source: http://twitter.com/VMMotorsport/status/8865646730

[Tomi]

Thanks. I was thinking in terms of the SWRC - starting a long way down the road in comparison to the WRC cars. Could they spring a couple of surprise top 5 stage positions due to road condition?

No chanse for that, the Swedish roads are very fast, the S2000 cars have to do a full day work to keep the GrN cars behind.

[Viktory]

there is not so much snow on some of the stages.

source: http://twitter.com/VMMotorsport/status/8865646730

Surely he means ice. I can't see there being a lack of snow for this rally

[swordsman]

Surely he means ice. I can't see there being a lack of snow for this rally

I just went nuts on Gröndal's stupid comment. Send this link to Van Merksteijn too? ;) http://www.maxattack.net/2010/02/some-clarifications-regarding-winter-conditions/

[RS]

Two short videos from PG´s Test yesterday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWqKr7-qHSk&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dWuZo7U598&feature=player_embedded

And som pictures:
http://www.pgandersson.se/Ny/Bilder2010/100208Test.htm
http://www.fotogubben.eu/pg_test/

Thanks for the links.

From my biased viewpoint I would say the Fabia sounds a lot better than the Ford. More gutsy. The Fiesta sounds quite a lot like the Punto.

I will be interested to see how the 2 cars compare in Sweden. I think PG is probably the best driver in the class, but Mikkelsen is pretty good too. Generally I would say if Mikkelsen is very close or ahead and if Tuohino is close then the Fiesta is very good.. although of course this is only one type of rally.

[Ghostwalker]

Swedish Radio's info site for Rally Sweden 2010:

http://www.sr.se/rally

Rally Driver Ramona Karlsson will blogg from RS at
sr.se: http://www.sr.se/sida/gruppsida.aspx?programid=2505&grupp=10239

[COD]

The problem of lack of ice surface on the rally is not only the weather conditions, but many of the roads in the rally are only used for the rally during the winter. As there is no traffic normally, snow will not be packed on the surface.

[jbmarcus21]

Nobody was to recce today?

[Roy]

Any pics of the service park and the situation on the stages?

[Rallyper]

If - and it´s if - Anders Gröndal will deal well with his gravel conditions I think his car will be perfect for the RS.

It sounded very strong engine with 33mm restrictor and I think he will be at top three in N4/S2000.

[ARF]

I just went nuts on Gröndal's stupid comment. Send this link to Van Merksteijn too? ;) http://www.maxattack.net/2010/02/some-clarifications-regarding-winter-conditions/

god... you're a bit of a dumbass, really really. buy yourself a set of bfg GE or whatever wintertyres and go flat out. try full snow, gravel and then ice. where do you find best grip? which of the conditions preserves tyres the most? and where do you have the most fun?

[bluuford]

What happens now with Rally Sweden Pickems? Referring to the new points system.

[Micke_VOC]

Kimi has been hit today on recce by other private car. (Not recce car)
Its was not Kimi fault, but he missed a lot of time to do recce.

No big damages, but a frontwheel damage and some metal damages on the recce car.

Source: http://nwt.se/sport/rally/article657431.ece

[Barreis]

It was VodkaKick.. XD

[ridder]

I just went nuts on Gröndal's stupid comment. Send this link to Van Merksteijn too? ;) http://www.maxattack.net/2010/02/some-clarifications-regarding-winter-conditions/

Yes explain a Norwegian rally driver who did at least 3 rallies in real snow conditions since the New Year what snow means.

[Mirek]

Had an info from Kresta's team that there isn't much snow on the road and sometimes already some gravel appears on stages which were on recce today.

[Viking]

Yes explain a Norwegian rally driver who did at least 3 rallies in real snow conditions since the New Year what snow means.

And won the two first Norwegian championship rounds :)

[Rallyper]

]Had an info from Kresta's team that there isn't much snow on the road and sometimes already some gravel appears on stages which were on recce today.

With all respects Mirec - that old news.

There´s gonna be a winterrally with very much snow along the side of stages but frozen gravel ON the roads.
Lets join togehether and have alot of fun on the Swedish rally with or without ice on the stages. ;) ;)

[Tomi]

With all respects Mirec - that old news.

There´s gonna be a winterrally with very much snow along the side of stages but frozen gravel ON the roads.
Lets join togehether and have alot of fun on the Swedish rally with or without ice on the stages. ;) ;)

Do you know how the snow banks are, soft or hard enough to lean on?

[Mirek]

Rallyper: I just wanted to contribute to Your discussion about conditions by info from recce. Nothing more.

[VFTS]

I just went nuts on Gröndal's stupid comment. Send this link to Van Merksteijn too? ;) http://www.maxattack.net/2010/02/some-clarifications-regarding-winter-conditions/


How old are you swordsman? When reading your stupid article I will guess 6-7 years old!

Gröndal have driven on perfect snow/ice conditions in every rally in Norway these winter.
I have heard from several drivers today that the roads are already on the recce down to the gravel.
Of course he complains when he is used to perfect conditions!

But in the PWRC the roads will be like for everyone!

[Tomi]

I have heard from several drivers today that the roads are already on the recce down to the gravel.
Of course he complains when he is used to perfect conditions!

Those are normal winter rally conditions, so nothing to complain about, it does not matter too much if there is only little ice, because it has been cold for long time, the gravel under the ice is frozen very deep.
Best of luck anyway to the crying driver, lets hope he can finish even if the roads dont match his standards.

[SubaruNorway]

You'Il just have to excuse us spoilt Norwegians, we are used to this you see ;)

Check it out from 8min especialy :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Jn6OAdKN3s

[Micke_VOC]

Loeb did go off today on todays recce.

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Loeb-i-diket-och-Raikkonen-i-krock-100209.aspx

[noel157]

Don't think Grondal was far from the truth, at least from this stage:

http://www.vf.se/upload/ar%202010/feb2010/Vecka%206/tisdag/Grus%20Hak.jpg

Driver comments (translated) after recce:

When the drivers on Tuesday reconnaissance special stages east of Hagfors, it was undoubtedly the gravel on the roads as the talk was about.
- There seems to be the tough conditions. You have to remember to save the tires, "said Petter Solberg.
- It's almost just gravel, and once within the snow is very soft, "says Dani Sordo.
- It looks okay. Things are not so good, especially on the last leg, "says Sébastien Loeb during matuppehållet and aimed at special stage 19 Lesjöfors.
- There was so deep scars that are a bit like driving a train. When you look at the major roads, it seems a lot of snow, but the small is quite a bit, "continued the Frenchman.
- I'm a bit disappointed. It is a bit too gravelly, I think the organizer would have been out and watered them. But I should not complain, it's the same for everyone, "says Marcus Grönholm.
The problem, ironically enough that the winter was too good. Vantligtvis so cold that after a period of sleet weather which gives a nice isunderlag on gravel roads.
- Now, it has been for the cold winter, "explains race director Bertil Klarin. There has not been above zero since the snow came.
Indeed it has been watered, but only in three places. Sub-super special at Färjestad racetrack, and the newly constructed road at Värmullsåsen in Hagfors, and secondly the introduction of the new Viggen distance.
- There is asphalt so we had to build an ice.
• How about Gronholm's proposal?
- I do not think Marcus knows what it means if one is to irrigate 33 mil special stage. It is quite impossible. We must rely on nature, and this year has given us zero temperatures and snow.
Another area of concern for the drivers is the new drive tires from Pirelli. We have only used them at a Rally before, Rally Norway last year, and then isunderlaget perfect.
- It will be very special, especially when there is so much gravel and a bit of snow on top. Hits to patches of ice since it can become very slippery, "said Petter Solberg.
- I think it is important to save the tires, we have not tested much under these conditions, "said Loeb who like Grönholm liked that watered the roads more.
- There had certainly been better. I understand that you do not have the money but it would definitely become better.
Dani Sordo, who comes from a victory in the Artic Lapland Rally a few weeks ago, has even a drastic proposal.
- It was perfect conditions, real ice. Perhaps the race will be a World Cup race next year instead?

Source: vf.se

[Viking]

Oh no, more crybabies, and among them Marcus! Give him the snowlesson ;)

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Rallystjarnorna-kritiserar-underlaget-100209.aspx

[Tomi]

Oh no, more crybabies, and among them Marcus! Give him the snowlesson ;)

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Rallystjarnorna-kritiserar-underlaget-100209.aspx

Ask some swede what this means, Men jag ska inte klaga, det är samma för alla, menar Marcus Grönholm.

[J4MIE]

I'm still looking forward to it, I won't be driving so conditions don't matter that much to me but lots of white is better for photos I think ;)

I am en-route to Sweden and will arrive there tomorrow :D Hope everyone has a fun event however you're following it :up:

:bounce:

[tmx]

I don't understand Swedish, but sound more like typical humour from Marcus than serious. If he has been a farmer then he should know a bit about irrigation. Seems like conditions similar to 2008, I would prefer to see rallying on more snow. Watching onboard from Sweden 2008 wasn't as spectacular

[Ghostwalker]

according to eurosport.se Kimi Räikkönen was hit by another car during recce.

http://www.eurosport.se/rally/svenska-rallyt/2010/raikkonen-i-rallykrasch_sto2216190/story.shtml

[Ghostwalker]

I don't understand Swedish, but sound more like typical humour from Marcus than serious. If he has been a farmer then he should know a bit about irrigation. Seems like conditions similar to 2008, I would prefer to see rallying on more snow. Watching onboard from Sweden 2008 wasn't as spectacular

nah that its more snow now.

[Viking]

Ask some swede what this means, Men jag ska inte klaga, det är samma för alla, menar Marcus Grönholm.

I will, at the same time I can ask what this stupid Spaniard (what do they know about winter) means when he says the roads were much better in Artic rally ;)

[Sami]

I find these conditions very interesting!

The Sottozero tyre is wide and totally unsuitable for these conditions. It is an ice-tyre fundamentally and now there's no ice at all. I remember once driving a rally in similar wide tyres on loose snow (we just didn't have other tyres!) and it is like this: good grip on frozen gravel and zero on the loose. So I predict a lot of offs in Sweden this year. (don't tell anyone, we went off 3 times in that rally years back!) :)

The studs work perfect on ice, cutting deep in to the ice, the studs make the grip not the rubber. On frozen gravel there's no ice to cut in, but the wide tyre has ok grip on gravel. But on loose snow, especially when there's no ice underneath it to grip on, it is a disaster!

Tyre wear is another issue for the drivers, frozen gravel is brutal for the tyres.

But don't make a mistake, this is a normal winter condition, nothing to compare to the 2008 edition!

So this is just good for the spectators and really interesting for the drivers, now the real driving skills count!

[Roy]

Interview with Sousa with on boards of recce.
Link: http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=299188375979&id=279744945412

[Viking]

I find these conditions very interesting!

The Sottozero tyre is wide and totally unsuitable for these conditions. It is an ice-tyre fundamentally and now there's no ice at all. I remember once driving a rally in similar wide tyres on loose snow (we just didn't have other tyres!) and it is like this: good grip on frozen gravel and zero on the loose. So I predict a lot of offs in Sweden this year. (don't tell anyone, we went off 3 times in that rally years back!) :)

The studs work perfect on ice, cutting deep in to the ice, the studs make the grip not the rubber. On frozen gravel there's no ice to cut in, but the wide tyre has ok grip on gravel. But on loose snow, especially when there's no ice underneath it to grip on, it is a disaster!

Tyre wear is another issue for the drivers, frozen gravel is brutal for the tyres.

But don't make a mistake, this is a normal winter condition, nothing to compare to the 2008 edition!

So this is just good for the spectators and really interesting for the drivers, now the real driving skills count!


:up:

[Gard]

I just went nuts on Gröndal's stupid comment. Send this link to Van Merksteijn too? ;) http://www.maxattack.net/2010/02/some-clarifications-regarding-winter-conditions/

No wonder you swedes never get this right. How the conditions is in the woods has nothing to do with it. It's the conditions on the road that counts. The organizer really needs to get the funds to prepare the stages right. If you drive on gravel, it's not a proper winter rally.

[swordsman]

Haha, lovely to see my post is getting some reactions here. I knew they would come and that was very much my intention. :D The funny is that every single one that has commented on it here is people don't getting what it's all about.

It's not about what conditions are most fun to drive on. If so, I'm sure ice is funnier than gravel. And it's not about what preserves the tyres best - that's ice for sure. It's about what WINTER is. And winter in Sweden (and Norway as well) is cold temperatures (below zero), snow and sometimes even ice. However, the ice comes when melted stuff freezes again. And the problem in Sweden isn't that we doesn't have winter - it's that stuff hasn't melted because we have had TOO MUCH winter. I don't know the situation in Norway, but if they've got more ice they have had more wet conditions = warmer weather. That's not exactly what I call more winter?!?!

So, I can accept that Gröndal doesn't think it's fun with just loose, dry snow and gravel under it and that he and potentially all other drivers think it's less fun to drive on - but it's certainly very much winter. That's it. And the spectators as well as media (which is in numbers a loooot more people than the few drivers) will have a really good show with a lot of wintry feeling no matter what. (I must admit I get a little bit pissed when drivers give people the totally wrong impression that they won't have a good, wintry experience here)

That's the serious parts. Besides that, I just felt tired of complaining guys and had to be a little bit nasty back. Not a big deal I think, but I seem to have ruined your world guys... Sorry :D Have a break and try the icecream trick, it's really funny and you can learn one thing or another :) LOL

[MHjerpe]

Swedish Rally 2000 :)

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/811259/008%20-%20SS8%20-%20Carlos%20Sainz.JPG

Nice snow banks to lean on...

[Viking]

The Grøndal ”Swedish winter/snow lesson/ you are plain stupid comments” seems to have worked, he is today reporting much better conditions on the northern stages (Liknas?)

[swordsman]

The Grøndal ”Swedish winter/snow lesson/ you are plain stupid comments” seems to have worked, he is today reporting much better conditions on the northern stages (Liknas?)

Haha, that's nice to hear. Mostly because I like the icy conditions too - to be honest ;)

[MHjerpe]

should I go to Recce SS1/8 or Scruteneering P2 P3 cars ? :)

[Koppomsbo]

No wonder you swedes never get this right. How the conditions is in the woods has nothing to do with it. It's the conditions on the road that counts. The organizer really needs to get the funds to prepare the stages right. If you drive on gravel, it's not a proper winter rally.

Isnt the lack of funds one of the biggest reasons why Rally Norway never will happend again as a WRC event??

[Koppomsbo]

should I go to Recce SS1/8 or Scruteneering P2 P3 cars ? :)

Go to scruteneering! Maybe u can get your hands of some of the all female rides :bounce: :kiss:

Or maybe they have their scruteneering later ;)

[MHjerpe]

Go to scruteneering! Maybe u can get your hands of some of the all female rides :bounce: :kiss:

Or maybe they have their scruteneering later ;)

Hmmm :)

[Tomi]

should I go to Recce SS1/8 or Scruteneering P2 P3 cars ? :)

Go to scrutineering, and ask Sami where to go to spectate if you want action, Sami has the touch how to find tricky places.

[Gard]

Haha, that's nice to hear. Mostly because I like the icy conditions too - to be honest ;)

You don't need temperature melting to get hard surfaces. Compression has similar effect.

[swordsman]

You don't need temperature melting to get hard surfaces. Compression has similar effect.

Naah... Compression doesn't melt stuff. But sure, friction generates higher temperature which generates melting. And compression makes the surface harder (but no, it doesn't create ice). So sure, parts of what you say are right...

However, uncompressed snow is still winter :)

[Iskald]

Isnt the lack of funds one of the biggest reasons why Rally Norway never will happend again as a WRC event??

You could dream about that, Koppomsbo, but it is not in any way decided yet.
It is true that the events in 2007 and 2009 ended in big red figures (appr. NOK 20 mill. in total), but this doesn`t necessarily result in a closedown of Rally Norway as a WRC-event. FIA still have Rally Norway provisionally on the 2011 calender, and representatives of the Norwegian ASN together with government officials will be present to follow the rally in Sweden this weekend. Rally Norway has asked the government for economical support, and it wouldn`t surprise me if this happens.
So please, all swedes, don`t start planning a Rally Sweden in 2011 yet. You still have a competitor for the snowrally slot in the WRC also for coming years.

[Gard]

Naah... Compression doesn't melt stuff. But sure, friction generates higher temperature which generates melting. And compression makes the surface harder (but no, it doesn't create ice). So sure, parts of what you say are right...

However, uncompressed snow is still winter :)

Yeah.. but the ski competition is in Vancouver :s mokin: Go Northug, go Northug

[Koppomsbo]

You could dream about that, Koppomsbo, but it is not in any way decided yet.
It is true that the events in 2007 and 2009 ended in big red figures (appr. NOK 20 mill. in total), but this doesn`t necessarily result in a closedown of Rally Norway as a WRC-event. FIA still have Rally Norway provisionally on the 2011 calender, and representatives of the Norwegian ASN together with government officials will be present to follow the rally in Sweden this weekend. Rally Norway has asked the government for economical support, and it wouldn`t surprise me if this happens.
So please, all swedes, don`t start planning a Rally Sweden in 2011 yet. You still have a competitor for the snowrally slot in the WRC also for coming years.

Dont worry Friend, i live as close to the swedish rally as the norwegian rally so it dosent matter for me.. I also read Norwegian newspapers daily so i know about the situation.. I myself think that we should at least switch every year between us.

[jbmarcus21]

Marcus and Timo are back !!

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/1254fgfgfgfgfgffff.jpg

[bennizw]

Follow my Rally Sweden here (it doesn´t require an account):

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=386506&id=806100326&l=2fe976468c

[MJW]

Any photos from the recce?

[Koppomsbo]

Anyone has a link to the starting order?

[bluuford]

Naah... Compression doesn't melt stuff. But sure, friction generates higher temperature which generates melting. And compression makes the surface harder (but no, it doesn't create ice). So sure, parts of what you say are right...

However, uncompressed snow is still winter :)

As a natural scientist I must say that you are wrong. This heat related. You know that water melts at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees when the pressure is 1 Atmosphere. When you climb up to the high mountains, then you can see that water boils already in 80 degrees and you cannot boil potatoes.
Under the Antarctic ice layer in some places you can get also liquid water and it is due to the high pressure. When the pressure is higher, then the melting temperature is lower. On the glaciers the ice shield often forms in similar way. Due to the very thick snow layer it compacts due to its own weight and at some point the weight is so high that snow has turned to ice. So, under the wheels of cars similar ice can actually form. But when there is nearly no local traffic and maybe only a few small cars, then recce cars with bit higher speed and bit more aggressive driving style are going to cut through the very thin ice and snow layer. The ice layer is so thin thanks to the fact that snow plough always cleans roads after snowing and there are not enough cars passing the road between the start of snowing and passage of snow plough.

And by the way, Loeb also went into the ditch during the recce.

[swordsman]

As a natural scientist I must say that you are wrong. This heat related. You know that water melts at 0 degrees and boils at 100 degrees when the pressure is 1 Atmosphere. When you climb up to the high mountains, then you can see that water boils already in 80 degrees and you cannot boil potatoes.
Under the Antarctic ice layer in some places you can get also liquid water and it is due to the high pressure. When the pressure is higher, then the melting temperature is lower. On the glaciers the ice shield often forms in similar way. Due to the very thick snow layer it compacts due to its own weight and at some point the weight is so high that snow has turned to ice. So, under the wheels of cars similar ice can actually form. But when there is nearly no local traffic and maybe only a few small cars, then recce cars with bit higher speed and bit more aggressive driving style are going to cut through the very thin ice and snow layer. The ice layer is so thin thanks to the fact that snow plough always cleans roads after snowing and there are not enough cars passing the road between the start of snowing and passage of snow plough.

And by the way, Loeb also went into the ditch during the recce.

Haha, I'm immediately taking a step down in favour of your knowledge. Thanks for the explanation. However, I still claim that you can't call the current conditions anything else than true winter conditions :) (And I also doubt more traffic would have changed things significantly... It must take years [ no proof of that but some experience from living in Sweden ] to build a thick solid ice layer with just pressure and snow!?!)

[bluuford]

Haha, I'm immediately taking a step down in favour of your knowledge. Thanks for the explanation. However, I still claim that you can't call the current conditions anything else than true winter conditions :) (And I also doubt more traffic would have changed things significantly... It must take years [ no proof of that but some experience from living in Sweden ] to build a thick solid ice layer with just pressure and snow!?!)

Yeah, I originate from small village. Close to us is medium sized cattle farm. Every day workers with small cars and minibuses, milk truck, heavy machinery carrying food and school bus drives on that road and we have had also only minus degrees, but the road is covered with very solid ice layer.

[swordsman]

Yeah, I originate from small village. Close to us is medium sized cattle farm. Every day workers with small cars and minibuses, milk truck, heavy machinery carrying food and school bus drives on that road and we have had also only minus degrees, but the road is covered with very solid ice layer.

Okay, that's cool - but solid enough to prevent the gravel from showing up in the tracks after 100 rally cars? That would require at least half a decimeter of ice I guess...? Surely you can get a thin layer, but can you get that thickness?

[Mirek]

Don't know if also on gravel, but on tarmac for sure if there is enough traffic (especially lorries and buses).

[Sulland]

Some of the roads are not much in daily use, I have read somewhere, and have just recently been cleared. So no cars have had the chance to compress the snow. That is why it just disappear now, it is just powder-snow.

Maybe the organizer should have made sure that the roads had been driven on regularly to create the ice sole ? But we are talking long distances here, but it is not impossible with local volunteers !

[Tomi]

whats the fuss guys, the conditions dont differ too much in a seeded entry, this might make it even more interesting, on tarmac rally they very seldom dry the tarmac after rain too.

[swordsman]

whats the fuss guys, the conditions dont differ too much in a seeded entry, this might make it even more interesting, on tarmac rally they very seldom dry the tarmac after rain too.

That's a really good point. All this chat is from a driver point of view. For spectators, it's just extra drama. You'll get your feet snowy, I promise! :D

[Tomi]

That's a really good point. All this chat is from a driver point of view. For spectators, it's just extra drama. You'll get your feet snowy, I promise! :D

Yes and if they can drive, they can drive in this conditions too, guys used to drive on snow sure dont get much help from the snow banks, its likely that they are soft powder as well, it makes it all very interesting.

[Sulland]

This will be a tyre preserving competition !

[Tomi]

This will be a tyre preserving competition !

Kind of yes, but almost every rally is to some point.

[swordsman]

Yes and if they can drive, they can drive in this conditions too, guys used to drive on snow sure dont get much help from the snow banks, its likely that they are soft powder as well, it makes it all very interesting.

Yep, I totally agree. If they can't drive on all surfaces, they're in the wrong business - aren't they? Then of course they may think it's more or less pleasure - but damn, regarding the works drivers it's their _job_. :)

I'm a little bit more understanding to the guys doing the Swedish Championship, private guys with really small budgets often coming straight from their own pockets. But that's another story...

[Tomi]

Then of course they may think it's more or less pleasure

Exactly, because its more difficult now :)

[Ghostwalker]

picture taken by Sandell and his co-driver (http://blogg.aftonbladet.se/sandell) during the recce:

http://ss11i01.stream.ip-only.net/images/blog/images/entries/97/27/75/148045/8922ba402b841263

[Buzz Lightyear]

Marcus and Timo are back !!

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/1254fgfgfgfgfgffff.jpg

Marcus looks to have aged a little! no? A podium would be great for Marcus.

[Viktory]

I dunno if this has been posted before, but you can follow the rally live with Ramona Karlsson. http://www.ice.net/se/rally/Default.aspx
This should be streamed live. Ramona is doing the Swedish championship, so you can follow her during Friday and Saturday. Looks like they might have a camera at colin's crest also for the Saturday.

[Krigen]

Dont worry Friend, i live as close to the swedish rally as the norwegian rally so it dosent matter for me.. I also read Norwegian newspapers daily so i know about the situation.. I myself think that we should at least switch every year between us.

I have been to all Swedish rally since 98, and to all 3 Rally Norway. If there is only one snow event per year i absolutely think it should be in Sweden.. Nicer prices, nicer peolpe,much better for spectators, Swedish rally has "soul", where i think rally Norway has not. Best if wee could have 2 snow rallies, but since we have not, Sweden is the best! Maybe Norway could host a snow IRC event??

[swordsman]

Some photos from scrutineering on my blog... Flodin was off for an hour at today's recce after meeting a car :S

[Finni2]

Some comments about the conditions:

When the drivers on Tuesday took on the reconnaissance special stages east of Hagfors, it was undoubtedly the gravel on the roads that all the talk was about.
- At the moment this seems to be quite tough conditions. You have to remember to save the tires, "said Petter Solberg.
- It's almost just gravel, and once within the snow, it is very soft, "says Dani Sordo.
- It looks okay. Things are not so good, especially on the last leg, "said Sébastien Loeb during matuppehållet where his comment was aimed at special stage 19 Lesjöfors.
- There was such deep scars that it is a bit like driving a train. When you look at the major roads, it seems like there is a lot of snow, but it is quite different on the small roads, "continued the Frenchman.
- I'm a bit disappointed. It is a bit too gravelly, I think the organiser should have been out and watered the roads. But I should not complain, it's the same for everyone, " was Marcus Grönholm's reply.

The problem, ironically enough is that the winter was too good. The cold usually comes after a period of sleet weather which usually gives a nice level of ice underneath the gravel roads. But it was to cold for the ice level to develop properly.
- This year, it has been a very cold winter, "explains race director Bertil Klarin. It hasn't been above zero since it has started to snow.
Indeed it has been watered, but only in three places: the sub-super special at Färjestad racetrack, also at the newly constructed road at Värmullsåsen in Hagfors, and thirdly also the entrance of the new Viggen distance.
- There is asphalt, so we had to get a bit of ice on there.
• What about Gronholm's proposal?
- I do not think Marcus knows what it means if one is to irrigate 33 miles of special stages. It is quite impossible. We must therefore rely on nature, and this year it has given us zero temperatures and snow.

Another area of concern for the drivers is the new drive tires from Pirelli. We have only used them at one Rally before, Rally Norway last year, and at that stage the level of ice underneath the snow was perfect.
- It will be very difficult, especially when there is so much gravel and only a little bit of snow on top of the roads. If one is to hit some patches of ice, combined with the gravel it can become very slippery, "said Petter Solberg.
- I think it will be important to save the tires, we have not tested much under these conditions, "said Loeb who like Grönholm preferred the watered-ice roads more then the other roads.
- There has certainly been better. I understand that the organisers might perhaps not have the money to fully water the roads, but it definitely would have been the better option.
Dani Sordo, who comes from the back of a victory at the Arctic Lapland Rally a week and a half ago, has an even more drastic proposal.
- It (the Arctic Rally) had perfect conditions, real ice. Perhaps it (Arctic Rally) should rather be in the world championship next year, instead?

[Iskald]

I have been to all Swedish rally since 98, and to all 3 Rally Norway. If there is only one snow event per year i absolutely think it should be in Sweden.. Nicer prices, nicer peolpe,much better for spectators, Swedish rally has "soul", where i think rally Norway has not. Best if wee could have 2 snow rallies, but since we have not, Sweden is the best! Maybe Norway could host a snow IRC event??

But as a rally - for competitors - Norway is way better than Sweden. I have done them both, several times. Norway is more technical and challenging, while Sweden is like a snow race in the forest. Actually a bit boring with all the superfast straight stuff. Sweden has nothing like the Mountain stage in Rally Norway, its simply a great stage and already becoming a classic in the WRC after just two events. And remember the overall great fight we had in Norway right to the end in 2009, one of the really amazing competitions ever.
Weather can also be a real letdown in Sweden. The worst I did was 2002, when the roads just melted away during the rally. It ended up like a mudrace on the last day, the long stage ending up in Hagfors had 20-30 cm mud ruts, it was absolutely horrendous and had nothing to do with winter rallying. And sitting in a rally car during three days, doing the incredibly boring long trek to and from Hagfors every morning and evening, is not funny at all.

I agree that spectatorwise Sweden can be a lot better, both with atmosphere and "soul". Swedes have more tradition with their rallying and its really nice and friendly out in the forests. In Norway they have focused a lot on corporate entertainment, which isn`t real rallying for me.

Both are of course good rallies, and if we can get the money in Norway its a good solution to run them both every other year.

[Ibbe[swe]]

this site post photos from mobilphones from public and others.

http://www.motorsport4sale.com/mms.asp

[Tomi]

In Norway they have focused a lot on corporate entertainment, which isn`t real rallying for me.

I'm afraid it will be more of this in the future, when new countries joins as arrangers, and dont really know what they get in to.
According to Clarin the swedes can not run their rally every year anyway, no money.

[jbmarcus21]

]this site post photos from mobilphones from public and others.

http://www.motorsport4sale.com/mms.asp

thanks !!!

Is it Marcus car : http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/1982/tumblrkxmulxati71qzzbmz.jpg (http://img442.imageshack.us/i/tumblrkxmulxati71qzzbmz.jpg/)

[Lalo]

Marcus looks to have aged a little! no? A podium would be great for Marcus.

I was thinking exactly the same! What's up with those wrinkles and, well.. He looks more "white" (with less colours, maybe the scandinavian winter was something to do with that).

Hope he performs well. It's one of his favorite rallyes and, this time, in his former runner-up champion car!

[Tomi]

They just showed from tv some stuff from Sweden, and did interview Bosse, he said, that even he is in Sweden as tourist, his aim is the podium.
The press had crowded Kimi big time, it wont be a easy rally for him, my guess is that he wont finish, too difficult conditions now.

[Viktory]

right, I'm pretty much packed now. Jumping on the bus in 2 hours to catch my flight from stansted tomorrow morning. Really looking forward to this weekend! Hope everyone enjoys the rally!

[pettersolberg29]

I'm excited and all I'm doing is sitting at home, no exercise, no fresh air, no food for 3 days! I'd love to have gone, but money talks...

Enjoy yourself Viktory, and anyone else going.

[ExTaxi]

So......tomorrow we will fly from Eindhoven (NL) to Skavta to go to see the rally. I am looking forward, the weather conditions seem to be good!

[Micke_VOC]

http://motorsport4sale.com/nyheter-100210-ford-wrc-rally-sweden.asp

Some pictures and comments from the Ford press meeting this evening,,

Sorry but only in Swedish, but mayby try google translate

[Slipzen]

Anyone knows about drivers that will not start? The only confirmed as I understand it is Hänninen (such a pity). What do you scrutineering boys say?

[pucky54]

No new design for the BP Fords this year?

[bluuford]

Anyone knows about drivers that will not start? The only confirmed as I understand it is Hänninen (such a pity). What do you scrutineering boys say?

I am not 100% sure but it seems that at least those three cars are missing:
1. Snobeck (nr 67), Peugeot 307WRC
2. Sauvan (nr 68), Ford Focus WRC
3. Hänininen (nr 69), Skoda Fabia S2000
Anyone can confirm?

[Koppomsbo]

Anyone knows if SD starts soon?

[Koppomsbo]

Aah, in about 20 mins then :D

[Bigdiggerman]

Are any sites showing Shakedown times live?

[MHjerpe]

08:00 is the SD start... can't figure out why I'm at work and not at the SD..
My choice yesterday was to the scrutte as you saw on Maxattack :)

[Koppomsbo]

08:00 is the SD start... can't figure out why I'm at work and not at the SD..
My choice yesterday was to the scrutte as you saw on Maxattack :)

Nice Pics :up:

Yes, sucks being at work today! But a least we have internet :D

[MHjerpe]

Nice Pics :up:

Yes, sucks being at work today! But a least we have internet :D

Thanks.. and we hope some one posts some SD news :)

It should have started now.. guess they publish documents as soon all have done 1 pass through..

[Koppomsbo]

Petters going for his first run

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/wp-content/uploads/20100211-071507-1.jpg

[Roy]

Hennings car has a new design:
http://twitpic.com/12jrzt

[Hartusvuori]

I was thinking exactly the same! What's up with those wrinkles and, well.. He looks more "white" (with less colours, maybe the scandinavian winter was something to do with that).

Hope he performs well. It's one of his favorite rallyes and, this time, in his former runner-up champion car!

I just read from the Cosmo forum that he had loose some weight to be prepared for this race... Just a guess. But if you look at this pic (http://twitpic.com/12f92z) he really stands out as a living legend in a masculine sport. How about Seb, Henning or Dani - do they look older or younger?

[Viking]

SD times

http://www.rallysweden.com/WordPress/wrc/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/shakedown01.pdf

[Viking]

Update

http://www.rallysweden.com/WordPress/wrc/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/shakedown02.pdf

[ridder]

Interesting, especially if you compare times for same runs.

Marcus waking up
H. Solberg surprisingly fast (for me)
P.Solberg faster than Loeb in first 2 runs, fastest C4 in 2nd and actually fastest of all in 2nd, though Loeb is usually not so fast in SD
Kimi same speed as Al Qassimi on both runs

Maybe when everyone does 3rd run it's still possible to compare a bit. After that it's pointless.

[Viking]

http://www.rallysweden.com/WordPress/wrc/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/bildershakedown_low_05.jpg

http://www.rallysweden.com/wrc/?p=606

[darkstar]

the past has shown that sd times are often worth nothing, but that makes me still more excited. the power densitiy is very high this year. a lot of drivers witch are realy strong!

sordo has blown them away: http://www.rallysweden.com/WordPress/wrc/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/shakedown03.pdf

[Barreis]

When is Eurosport preview today? :)

[Buzz Lightyear]

Dream come true for Wilson... he is batteling with Raikkonen.