Rally Australia

[Halvis]

Latvala very fast, Ogier doing a great job, Loeb I have a feeling is playing a little game her...

Hirvonen not up to the pace yet, Henning faster than I expected, not very far behind, putting in some reasonably competetive times - but still missing the last push.

[Wim_Impreza]

What happened with Al-Qassimi early in the day?

[noel157]

What happened with Al-Qassimi early in the day?

I think minor off and broke steering arm. Superally tomorrow maybe.

[Xsara Fan]

Ogier is a 'Master of SSS'! 4 wins on 4 stages...!

[ST205GT4]

Very disappointing to see the protesters causing the cancellation of the stage this morning. Especially since they not only put the drivers at risk, but vandalised some poor cocky's fence and let out his livestock.

Idiots. Hardly suprising though considering where the rally is now being run. The area is full of environmental extremists.

Apart from that though looks like a very close run rally. Will be interesting to see how it pans out in the end.

Would be great if each country that ran a rally had to come up with a new route every year. Impractical but good. I suspect the results would be a lot less predictible.

[jimakos]

Breaking news:

Petter goes C4 for the last 2 rallies this year, and then probably also 2010.

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/

Waiting unpatient for looking Solberg with C4!!!

[jimakos]

1-5 everything is open...
Last day will show us who drivers really want it!!

[jimakos]

It seems Loeb ''woke up'' in the end of the day and took the 3rd place in overall!
What about Mikko?
Waiting something more from him if wants to win the title...

[Langdale Forest]

Will Citroen give team orders to Ogier to let Loeb go ahead of him?

[jimakos]

Will Citroen give team orders to Ogier to let Loeb go ahead of him?

Very possible!!
The same can be done with Latvala and Hirvonen!!
This rally is very importsnt for the championship so we mustn't surprised with anything ;)

[Psycho!]

It seems Loeb ''woke up'' in the end of the day and took the 3rd place in overall!
What about Mikko?
Waiting something more from him if wants to win the title...
Keep in mind that he was opening the stages... ;)

[Psycho!]

Waiting unpatient for looking Solberg with C4!!!
I hope my worst dreams don't come true in Spain(Loeb-Petter-Sordo-Ogier)... :eek:

[noel157]

Will Citroen give team orders to Ogier to let Loeb go ahead of him?

Does the Pope wear a big hat?

[Wim_Impreza]

In PWRC it is very exciting too with 7 drivers in 1 minute.

[jimakos]

Keep in mind that he was opening the stages... ;)

That's right Psycho!!
I have forgotten that :rolleyes:
Although,Loeb usually let his best performance for the last day...
His experience is really big,so... ;)

[jimakos]

I hope my worst dreams don't come true in Spain(Loeb-Petter-Sordo-Ogier)... :eek:

Who's petter mate??

[Juha_Koo]

Very possible!!
The same can be done with Latvala and Hirvonen!!


Yes, but only if Hirvonen is just behind Latvala - no cars between them. If there is a car between them, in that case, JML will stay ahead and the only way for Mikko to climb up is to find more speed. Even then it's not going to be easy because when you play tactics, you've got to have some room for it. Even though Mikko would be second, but only something around 2 secs in front of the third, I'm not sure tactics would come into play. Maximum manufacturer points for Ford and Mikko would be ahead of Sebastien. Win-win situation (and JML win number 3 ;) ).

[Xsara Fan]

I hope my worst dreams don't come true in Spain(Loeb-Petter-Sordo-Ogier)... :eek:

There will be Loeb-Petter-Sordo-Ogier-Novikov-Rautenbach! ;)

[Psycho!]

Yes, but only if Hirvonen is just behind Latvala - no cars between them. If there is a car between them, in that case, JML will stay ahead and the only way for Mikko to climb up is to find more speed. Even then it's not going to be easy because when you play tactics, you've got to have some room for it. Even though Mikko would be second, but only something around 2 secs in front of the third, I'm not sure tactics would come into play. Maximum manufacturer points for Ford and Mikko would be ahead of Sebastien. Win-win situation (and JML win number 3 ;) ).
But the driver's championship is much more realistic for Ford rather than the Manufacturer's...

[Psycho!]

Who's petter mate??
Solberg,man :rolleyes: !!!

[Psycho!]

There will be Loeb-Petter-Sordo-Ogier-Novikov-Rautenbach! ;)
I feel the heart attack coming....

[jimakos]

Solberg,man :rolleyes: !!!

I didn't notice the word Spain mate!!
My mistake sorry :)

[jimakos]

I feel the heart attack coming....

.. :rotflmao: ..
Calm down mate Mikko won't let them play alone!!!

[Psycho!]

.. :rotflmao: ..
Calm down mate Mikko won't let them play alone!!!
I hope so... :)

[Halvis]

There will be Loeb-Petter-Sordo-Ogier-Novikov-Rautenbach! ;)

Even how much I would hope that it would be true, I'm afraid you're a bit too optimistic about Petter in Catalunya. He has never been a tarmac expert, his only win was in Corsika 2003, where he won the "tyre gamble" on a very wet day 2 (if I recall right). This will also be his first outing in the C4, don't know how much (if at all) testing he will get either. I guess his aim is to get to know the C4 in the first rally, and then really going for it in GB.

When you consider Loebs experience with the C4, realisticly Petter have no chance of winning there either, but he will certainly try to be as close as possible, going for the win if Seb should have a problem. If the unrealistic should happen that Petter somehow would be on Sebs pace there, Petter will never be allowed to win if Seb is up there also.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Eh, Loeb will be back later in Day 3 to be crowned winner as he probably wants to get use to the roads, surface etc.... and not have to sweep.... then BAM! Win's the rally. But it's interesting to read and hear about Rally Aus..... I'll watch it over the weekend and see if it's any good!

Oh, shame on the protesters.....!!!

[ShiftingGears]

I hope the cops seriously clamp down on the amount of dirty boongersville hippies before they injure or kill someone.

Idiots.

[WRCfan]

After hearing about the hippies today I am pretty disgusted. It's sad if so many fans get penalised for a few unshaven-treehuggers so to all the spectators if you see them anywhere make sure you pelt them with rocks.

All this for the sake of a frog who is supposedly humping at the moment! freaks!!!!

On the leaderboard front of things, it's nice to see a Kiwi leading PWRC!

[Camelopard]

]Prokooooop :D


Prokop's team was fined 500 euros for testing on a public road....... :(

[bluuford]

It seems Loeb ''woke up'' in the end of the day and took the 3rd place in overall!
What about Mikko?
Waiting something more from him if wants to win the title...

It looks like Loeb used a little bit worn tires for the last loop of stages. There were only ca 18 km of stages on gravel. So, the grip on tarmac with worn gravel tires is much better. And as we all know, Latvalas aggressive driving style wear tires more. that explains his better (than Mikko) time on SSS.

[Camelopard]

As for the weather, look more at Kyogle on saturday and sunday, it's where the stages are, these stages are miles from Kingscliff.

http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nsw/northern-rivers/kyogle

[Psycho!]

Even how much I would hope that it would be true, I'm afraid you're a bit too optimistic about Petter in Catalunya. He has never been a tarmac expert, his only win was in Corsika 2003, where he won the "tyre gamble" on a very wet day 2 (if I recall right). This will also be his first outing in the C4, don't know how much (if at all) testing he will get either. I guess his aim is to get to know the C4 in the first rally, and then really going for it in GB.

When you consider Loebs experience with the C4, realisticly Petter have no chance of winning there either, but he will certainly try to be as close as possible, going for the win if Seb should have a problem. If the unrealistic should happen that Petter somehow would be on Sebs pace there, Petter will never be allowed to win if Seb is up there also.
Well in Autosport it says that he will have two days of testing before these events...Also Solberg says in an interview that he chose the C4 mainly because it's a tarmac car...How did he manage to find out that, providing that he tested it only on gravel???? :confused:

[Wim_Impreza]

Even how much I would hope that it would be true, I'm afraid you're a bit too optimistic about Petter in Catalunya. He has never been a tarmac expert, his only win was in Corsika 2003, where he won the "tyre gamble" on a very wet day 2 (if I recall right). This will also be his first outing in the C4, don't know how much (if at all) testing he will get either. I guess his aim is to get to know the C4 in the first rally, and then really going for it in GB.

Petter Solberg won Corsica 2003 because he, and teammate Tommi Mäkinen, had Pirelli tyres in the season 2003 which were much better in heavy rain on the afternoon of day 2 and in the whole day 3 than the Michelin's of his rivals. ;)
On dry tarmac, the factory Subaru's had no chance on day 1 in Corsica 2003.

[J4MIE]

Also rember Seb got stuck after sliding off ;)

[ZequeArgentina]

It looks like Loeb used a little bit worn tires for the last loop of stages. There were only ca 18 km of stages on gravel. So, the grip on tarmac with worn gravel tires is much better. And as we all know, Latvalas aggressive driving style wear tires more. that explains his better (than Mikko) time on SSS.

I do not buy it.
It would be very easy to just burn a little the tyres after the previous stages and before the SSS.
More probably a question of setup, or in any case tyre wrong tyre pressure.

[tolis]

So, do know the winner in the Pirelli Star Driver in the Ocean zone?

[jimakos]

It looks like Loeb used a little bit worn tires for the last loop of stages. There were only ca 18 km of stages on gravel. So, the grip on tarmac with worn gravel tires is much better. And as we all know, Latvalas aggressive driving style wear tires more. that explains his better (than Mikko) time on SSS.
That's right mate!
Latvala usually ''destroy'' the car he wants and finally takes the 100% from his focus!
In the opposite Hirvonen is not so tough with his car that's why he's a little behind!
Loeb's experience is enormous this guy knows what is doing ;)
Go Mikko go...
I still believe he can take this rally :)

[Daniel]

It looks like Loeb used a little bit worn tires for the last loop of stages. There were only ca 18 km of stages on gravel. So, the grip on tarmac with worn gravel tires is much better. And as we all know, Latvalas aggressive driving style wear tires more. that explains his better (than Mikko) time on SSS.
I love people reading too far into things and coming to conclusions which are nothing more than guesses at best :)

[bluuford]

I love people reading too far into things and coming to conclusions which are nothing more than guesses at best :)

I was right:
Loeb suffered mysterious engine power problems on SS6 but had it quickly solved.

“It was because the throttle pedal wasn’t going flat to the floor,” he explained. “But that’s fixed now so everything is good. I am doing my best; I will go as fast as I can for the Super Special tonight. I was slower than Mikko this afternoon, there is always tomorrow, I have been having a dreadful day, I also was using old tires for the Super Special. It has been a tough day, I will need to hold position tomorrow, and hopefully it will be different.”

Loeb’s tyre tactics helped; on a day where tenths of a second were valuable, Loeb pulled back four seconds on leader Latvala over the two Super Specials, to move into third place just 0.1 seconds ahead of Sordo and 20.5 seconds behind Ogier.

And Ogier´s pace on SSS is also explained:
“Yeah, it was a very good day,” said Ogier. “It was a little difficult.”

We picked a tyre to be good for the Super Special. It was okay, we didn’t lose too much time on this stage, but hopefully we can make it up on the Super Special tonight.”

He did: Ogier was fastest on the night’s first and second passes by 0.6 seconds, pulling 1.2 seconds back on Latvala and making it four from four stage wins over the Murwillumbah tarmac town tests.

So, it was all about tactics and tires :-)

[Helstar]

source: http://www.sportmediaset.it/motori/articoli/articolo26298.shtml

Hirvonen "There was this car ahead of me which was very slow, going to like 10 kph ! I tried to get past but it moved to block me. Then Loeb arrived and they blocked him too. We're here to drive, we must do our job".

After SS6 also the SS11 has been cancelled to give to the Police space to investigate on the episode. An helicopter has been used but there hasn't been any person arrested.

[jimakos]

source: http://www.sportmediaset.it/motori/articoli/articolo26298.shtml

Hirvonen "There was this car ahead of me which was very slow, going to like 10 kph ! I tried to get past but it moved to block me. Then Loeb arrived and they blocked him too. We're here to drive, we must do our job".

After SS6 also the SS11 has been cancelled to give to the Police space to investigate on the episode. An helicopter has been used but there hasn't been any person arrested.

Wow I had no idea about this episode!
Mikko is right,They just do their jobs!
Let the better win :mad:

[Daniel]

I was right:
Loeb suffered mysterious engine power problems on SS6 but had it quickly solved.

“It was because the throttle pedal wasn’t going flat to the floor,” he explained. “But that’s fixed now so everything is good. I am doing my best; I will go as fast as I can for the Super Special tonight. I was slower than Mikko this afternoon, there is always tomorrow, I have been having a dreadful day, I also was using old tires for the Super Special. It has been a tough day, I will need to hold position tomorrow, and hopefully it will be different.”

Loeb’s tyre tactics helped; on a day where tenths of a second were valuable, Loeb pulled back four seconds on leader Latvala over the two Super Specials, to move into third place just 0.1 seconds ahead of Sordo and 20.5 seconds behind Ogier.

And Ogier´s pace on SSS is also explained:
“Yeah, it was a very good day,” said Ogier. “It was a little difficult.”

We picked a tyre to be good for the Super Special. It was okay, we didn’t lose too much time on this stage, but hopefully we can make it up on the Super Special tonight.”

He did: Ogier was fastest on the night’s first and second passes by 0.6 seconds, pulling 1.2 seconds back on Latvala and making it four from four stage wins over the Murwillumbah tarmac town tests.

So, it was all about tactics and tires :-)
Nowhere in there does it say anything about Loeb using well worn tyres on the superspecial......

[jimakos]

If I would bet on someone now for the winner I'll sure push all my money to Loeb!
What about you?
Who do you predict as winner?

[Francis44]

Nowhere in there does it say anything about Loeb using well worn tyres on the superspecial......

It says on the WRC site!!!!

[Psycho!]

If I would bet on someone now for the winner I'll sure push all my money to Loeb!
What about you?
Who do you predict as winner?
Above you mention that you believe that Mikko will be the winner... :eek: You are not so well today I suppose... :D

[Wim_Impreza]

If I would bet on someone now for the winner I'll sure push all my money to Loeb!
What about you?
Who do you predict as winner?

Loeb, he always has luck and even more in the final rallies of a season. Hirvonen or Latvala will have a problem I think and Sordo will be second or third.

[Francis44]

Loeb, he always has luck and even more in the final rallies of a season. Hirvonen or Latvala will have a problem I think and Sordo will be second or third.

Hirvonnen had luck in those last 23 events, now it's Loeb time to have some!!!!

[jimakos]

Above you mention that you believe that Mikko will be the winner... :eek: You are not so well today I suppose... :D

My friend Psycho,I told that I have faith to Hirvonen that he can do something strong tomorrow and take the win!
But if you ask me to bet my money I would spend them to Loeb!
And remember that I'm a fan of Mikko!
But the true is true... :D

[jimakos]

Hirvonnen had luck in those last 23 events, now it's Loeb time to have some!!!!

Can't agree here mate!
Where did you see Hirvonen's luck in so many events?
I still believe Loeb is and lucky and very experienced to know when to hit ;)

[A.F.F.]

Good evening folks :wave:

Since I get paid this night, I might as well follow this game of tactics for a while. When do we start ??? I'm too lazy to open up a new window to find out myself.

[Psycho!]

Hirvonnen had luck in those last 23 events, now it's Loeb time to have some!!!!
For your own and Loeb's shake it is better not to start the discussion for the luckiest driver in the history... ;)

[Francis44]

Sorru i meant 3 events lol!!!!

[jimakos]

Sorru i meant 3 events lol!!!!

Now we are talking!
3 events are something very little!
Every driver who goes for the title must have luck!
Loeb without luck maybe hadn't won all these championships!! :D

[alexlake]

what UK time does the rally start? please and thanks :)

[Psycho!]

Now we are talking!
3 events are something very little!
Every driver who goes for the title must have luck!
Loeb without luck maybe hadn't won all these championships!! :D
x1000 agree!

[SubaruNorway]

SS16 starts in about 30min 10:28pm UK time

[jimakos]

x1000 agree!

Thanks Psycho!
I need a little help when I blaim Loeb!
He's something sanctum around here :p :

[alexlake]

SS16 starts in about 30min 10:28pm UK time

thanks :)

[Juha_Koo]

If I would bet on someone now for the winner I'll sure push all my money to Loeb!
What about you?
Who do you predict as winner?

Latvala. It's going to be a surprise result; 1. Latvala 2. Ogier 3. Hirvonen

( ;) )

Saturday will get underway at 2228 GMT. That's 27 minutes from now. :cool: I'll check out the first ones and then zzz - waking up to a (hopefully) action packed Saturday "afternoon". :D

[jimakos]

SS16 starts in about 30min 10:28pm UK time

I think I won't sleep this night because of WRC!
Hope have some of you with me!!

[White Sauron]

In what condition is the surface for this morning's stages? Dry or wet?

[Ucci]

After today's stages is difficult to accept any conclusions, my opinion is that Loeb&Mikko didn't drive on 100% as this is unknown event an the risk to drive on full is certainly higher than on the well-known stages....

[Maui J.]

Good morning to those on this side of the globe.

Can someone confirm the outcome of the Pirelli Star Driver from Rally Australia. By looking at the results I'm guessing Hayden Paddon has taken it.
I believe only the first days stages counted.

Tried to find it somewhere in googleland but didn't have any luck.

Can't believe I'm following this rally from a computer, I was planning to be either at Rally Australia this week or at Canberra for the World Mountainbike Champs. Instead I'm looking at a computer screen. For those who are interested the Mountainbiking is live on Freecastertv. I'm going to have square eyes come sunday night.

PS Nice to see a couple of Kiwis at the front of Group N and PWRC. Rock on!

[A.F.F.]

This stupid starting order ruins all the fun in these rallies :mark:

Hopefully we won't get to see cat & mouse game this night.... If we do, I hope it'll piss on their feet and Latvala runs to the victory.

[Allyc85]

Im just hoping the enviro-mentalists dont get involved again today and cause any more danger for the competitors :(

Oh and for Jari to keep it on the road :p

[alleskids]

SS16 Dayco 1 20.31 km 07:28 - [4.9 23:28 CZ]
SS17 Bosch 1 18.75 km 08:13 - [5.9 00:13 CZ]
SS18 Armor All 1 8.20 km 09:04 - [5.9 01:04 CZ]
SS19 Urliup 5.24 km 10:42 - [5.9 02:42 CZ]
Service E - Kingscliff - 30 min 11:42

SS20 Armor All 2 8.20 km 13:55 - [5.9 05:55 CZ]
SS21 CTEK West 1 8.59 km 14:34 - [5.9 06:34 CZ]
SS22 Dayco 2 20.31 km 15:27 - [5.9 07:27 CZ]
SS23 Bosch 2 18.75 km 16:12 - [5.9 08:12 CZ]
SS24 Tweed 5 2.55 km 19:15 - [5.9 11:15 CZ]
SS25 Tweed 6 2.55 km 19:30 - [5.9 11:30 CZ]
Flexi Service F - Kingscliff - 45 min 20:10

[Psycho!]

Stage conditions??

[bluuford]

In what condition is the surface for this morning's stages? Dry or wet?

Yes Paddon got the most points last night. And hompage says: Pirelli Star Driver - Winner announced today!

[A.F.F.]

Stage conditions??

About to get sweeped.

SS16 live and running. Ogier dropping off the pace...

[Mirek]

Ogier and Hirvonen were both off road!

[Juha_Koo]

Ogier and Hirvonen = small offs on the same place.

(RallyRadio, info from camera crew)

[bluuford]

Stage conditions??

There were 11.7 mm of rain last night now it is about 12 degrees and still very humid but no major rain. No sun yet.

[A.F.F.]

So, Mikko owned this stage.

Next please.

[Ucci]

So, Mikko owned this stage.

Next please.
But yust for a second, that less than nothing.....

[A.F.F.]

But yust for a second, that less than nothing.....

1.1 seconds is a lightyear.

[jonkka]

But yust for a second, that less than nothing.....

Especially if we bear in mind that Loeb is still asleep - he usually doesn't like early morning stages.

[A.F.F.]

Good evening jonkka. I was worried you heittäidyit heinäpellolle. Since it's friday night and all...

[N.O.T]

LOEB S. / ELENA D. I push very hard, it's big fight.

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. "We were little bit wide in one corner. It's very slippery."

[jonkka]

AFF - do not worry. Last time I did that during Mexico 2004 or so...

[N.O.T]

the stage is on

[N.O.T]

no Mr Loeb in the splits...

[jonkka]

Ogier gains on JML at split 2?

[jonkka]

no Mr Loeb in the splits...

Loeb is 5th on the road

[N.O.T]

Why Loeb starts the stages after Mikko ???

[jonkka]

Starting order is based on overall standings before SSS's last night

[N.O.T]

oh...thank you.

[N.O.T]

Latvala doesn;t seem able to hold on to his place for Long.

[A.F.F.]

I hope he doesn't even try....

[J.Lindstroem]

Loeb seems to be very fast now.

[N.O.T]

Loeb is coming like a rocket....

[Finni]

Ogier is doing great job. I think he is much better than many previous drivers who got much more hype. Ogies is still in very early pahes considering his experience which makes his learning curve impressive.

[N.O.T]

Wow...if he finishes the stage its going to be a crazy time.

[J.Lindstroem]

Now Loeb is really showing who is the five time champ here. ;)

[A.F.F.]

Loeb really stepped on it...

[N.O.T]

Ogier is doing great job. I think he is much better than many previous drivers who got much more hype. Ogies is still in very early pahes considering his experience which makes his learning curve impressive.

i would say his performace is a bit more impressive than sordos first outing in the WRC...given Ogiers limited experience on WRC events he is doing quite good...can he be the dark horse to steal points from the ford boys in spain ???

[jonkka]

He's awake now...

[Francis44]

Loeb is pushing very hard!!!!

[N.O.T]

what a great rally so far.....

[jonkka]

Henning's splits have stopped?

[Finni]

i would say his performace is a bit more impressive than sordos first outing in the WRC...given Ogiers limited experience on WRC events he is doing quite good...can he be the dark horse to steal points from the ford boys in spain ???

No because he is not good on asphalt..

Ogier is lightyears faster than Sordo in his first wrc-season.

[A.F.F.]

Mikko needs to answer that but I fear he might not to. Not that he couldn't but again, decides to settle for second....

[Francis44]

No because he is not good on asphalt..

Ogier is lightyears faster than Sordo in his first wrc-season.

No good??

Some of you guys dont have a freaking clue on what you say...

He won Monte Carlo this year!!!!

[Psycho!]

The first top time for Loeb in the rally...!

[N.O.T]

No good??

Some of you guys dont have a freaking clue on what you say...

He won Monte Carlo this year!!!!

yes but after 2 of the leaders encountered problems...speedwise he was 3rd-4th

[Francis44]

yes but after 2 of the leaders encountered problems...speedwise he was 3rd-4th

Still.... Very fast, and he didn't drive a s2000 before!!!!

[Ucci]

1.1 seconds is a lightyear.

+6,3 seconds advantage on one stage are reality....For Loeb, of course !

[Sulland]

What happened to Henning ?

[bluuford]

Still.... Very fast, and he didn't drive a s2000 before!!!!
Well. This years Monte was far from tarmac rally :-) And Ogier is really untypical French driver. He is faster on gravel and slower on tarmac.

[A.F.F.]

+6,3 seconds advantage on one stage are reality....For Loeb, of course !

Touche :D

[Francis44]

Armindo Araújo really dissapointing :\ !!!!

[dimviii]

Paddon very fast in these two stages!
Prokop second now

[CABAIO E'LONA]

What happened to Henning ?



"Hardly damaged car"

[ZequeArgentina]

Bates with the Toyota S2000 is notimpressing much. Mixed between "normal" N4, in close fight, but not showing Fabia-like speed.
Sousa is not a good parameter, but he is doing better than Bates in Australia in the other S2000.

[tolis]

No, Prokop is first!!!! Paddon isn't participating in PWRC.

[A.F.F.]

I bet Ford camp is cursing those Tweeds every evening.

[A.F.F.]

SS 18 is on...

[Comal]

You are quite correct Paddon is not entered in PWRC, but still running N4 spec car so.....

[tolis]

...so Prokop is leading in the PWRC...

[dimviii]

You are quite correct Paddon is not entered in PWRC, but still running N4 spec car so.....
Exactly!I don t care if is in pwrc,as the cars are same. :)

[N.O.T]

something got Loeb angry.....

[xavier]

It seems Seb Ogier waking up lag is even worse than Seb Loeb.
I must say he is quite impressive in SS17/18 without road advantage.

Maybe it will be a defining point for him, like it was for Loeb in Australia 2003

[Mirek]

Ogier's bad time on SS16 was caused by some small off ;)

[A.F.F.]

Ogier was very impressive in Finland. Glad to see he is continueing the good and consistent pace.

[mjh]

:D
Rather less orange on Henning's car than normal through SS17. Bonnet gone, windscreen smashed, bonnet hanging on -just, even air intake ripped off roof!
Apparently he is still limping on. . . .

[bluuford]

After 135km the distance between first and fifth is still 13 sek. That is good competition! It is time to sleep for 1 hour :-)

[sollitt]

tollis11, Paddon not PWRC this year but likely will be next year so well worth keeping an eye out for.
And why wouldn't you acknowledge the effort just because he's not registered in the PWRC?

Watch out also for Mason who is a traditional slow starter but comes back very fast, as you might have seen yesterday.
It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings.

[Mirek]

Araujo rolled but finished stage.

[tolis]

@sollitt:Yes, off course, I know that Hayden is a very good driver and he's leading in the N4 class. I didn't understand that dimvii was referring in the N4 class and not in the Pwrc...

[dimviii]

Anyway Paddon is very impressive for his age(22!) and for his first Australian rally.Maybe yesterday was a bit calm,due to PSD slassification.
I want to see a good battle between Paddon and Mason even the second has maybe turbo problems according to http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=190&filtr=

first 5 crews in pwrc-n4 in 35 secs!!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Bates in the Toyota has retired after SS18 with damaged radiator.

[quimrally]

Bates in the Toyota has retired after SS18 with damaged radiator.

It's Oficial?

[Rally Hokkaido]

On WRR he told the reporter that he was finished for the day and lots of coolant was seen coming out of the front of his car so.....

[quimrally]

On WRR he told the reporter that he was finished for the day and lots of coolant was seen coming out of the front of his car so.....

tks

So in PWRC
1 Prokop 01:23:34,7
2 Mason 01:23:41,4 00:00:06,7 3 Crocker 01:23:56,0 00:00:21,3 4 B.Sousa 01:24:08,3 00:00:33,6 5
Armindo 01:24:46,6 00:01:11,9 6
Arai 01:24:52,8 00:01:18,1

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen fights back on the last stage of the loop.

[Rally Hokkaido]

I don't know who is playing tactics and don't really care.
At the moment it is a great battle at the top!
In SS19 J-M pulled out 1.3 secs on Seb and Mikko closed up by 3.3 secs.
Ogier continues to impress, too.
Now only 10.2 secs covering the first four!

[bluuford]

I don't know who is playing tactics and don't really care.
At the moment it is a great battle at the top!
In SS19 J-M pulled out 1.3 secs on Seb and Mikko closed up by 3.3 secs.
Ogier continues to impress, too.
Now only 10.2 secs covering the first four!

No a stage for Citroen and Rautenbach is missing?

[N.O.T]

with the ridiculous level of PWRC these days comprised of village event winners there is no surprise that local boys eat them for breakfast on every occasion...i wonder why you even bother with the results.

[Tomi]

with the ridiculous level of PWRC these days comprised of village event winners there is no surprise that local boys eat them for breakfast on every occasion...i wonder why you even bother with the results.

Agree, it changes very much, some years good some years crap.
But some seem to think close competition is more important than good driving, I have to disagree.

[Helstar]

It was obvious yesterday was about tactics only... today more pushing to avoid another Sardinia with Latvala/Ogier gaining too many sec.

How many kms are there for tomorrow ? Will it be good or not to be first on road (with almost all guys in 15 sec) ? If not, prepare to watch some momentaneous parking at the end of the day xD

[N.O.T]

Agree, it changes very much, some years good some years crap.
But some seem to think close competition is more important than good driving, I have to disagree.

yes its like wanting to see a 100meters sprint without Bolt in it because the slower guys finish closer to each other...ridiculous....

[jonkka]

Interesting logic - meaning if there would be a super-Loeb who'd win everything everytime by a mile you would actually enjoy watching such predictable result more than fifteen mediocre drivers fighting it out between themselves? Each to his tastes or how it goes...

[jonkka]

How many kms are there for tomorrow ? Will it be good or not to be first on road (with almost all guys in 15 sec) ?

Longest day of the rally, 124,48 kilometers.

[jonkka]

Am I awake alone here?

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Am I awake alone here?
no ;)

[jonkka]

Hola Cab!

[Helstar]

Wow ... seems the battle is very tight :)

I am wondering... seeing Sordo and Ogier too (Sordo mainly xD !), these roads should be 'easy' and not selective, right ?

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Hola Cab!

hi!

only 0.8 away from lead for Loeb..

[CABAIO E'LONA]

now ss21

[jonkka]

Loeb's time to take the lead - if he so chooses

[wwbroe]

What are the weather predictions like for tomorrow? :confused:

[wwbroe]

Loeb on his way to take the lead, at least by the viewing of his split times. :)

[The D Man]

loeb takes the lead!!!!!

[Helstar]

Strange by Loeb to take the first position, tomorrow is the longest day ... (thanx jonkka).


loeb takes the lead!!!!!

"Invasion of the Body Snatchers" ? ^^; making the debut 'now' uh ?

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Bernardo Sousa Out..

Araujo??? was probably also :(

[bluuford]

Bernardo Sousa Out..

Araujo??? was probably also :(

No, Arujo is ok he was blocked by Sousas car. He will get nominal time later.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

No, Arujo is ok he was blocked by Sousas car. He will get nominal time later.

good news!!!

[jonkka]

Strange by Loeb to take the first position, tomorrow is the longest day ...

He may yet relinquish it if he's not able to build a sizeable lead. We will see...

[Helstar]

Agree.

SS22 running...

[Wim_Impreza]

SS22 Latvala 9:46.9

[Helstar]

Ogier huge error in the last split, it seems.

[Wim_Impreza]

Someone that noticed the speed difference between SS19 (71.0 km/h average) and SS20 (132.5 km/u average)?

[jonkka]

Ogier huge error in the last split, it seems.

Doesn't matter much, he loses 4th which he would have lost anyway...

[Helstar]

Right xD but the car could be damaged now, will he make it 'til the service ... ?

[jonkka]

We'll see

[Helstar]

Sordo great time... he needs an antidoping test badly :D

[bluuford]

one long stage to go as well. and Citroen tactics partly destroyed.

[jonkka]

It's back to traditional Loeb-Hirvonen-Latvala-Sordo -order

[jonkka]

one long stage to go as well. and Citroen tactics partly destroyed.

Two, 20km and 18km

EDIT: Silly me, of course one... too much sleep-deprivation...

[Helstar]

lol jonkka already (...) sleeping xD

[bluuford]

well. last stage will be interesting will Loeb play tactics?. If the time difference at the end of next stage is less than 20 s then it is hugely possible. Hirvonen can put himself behind Latvala just for safety, Isn't it too much? Tomorrow is the longest day and no Tweeds tomorrow:-) I don't want to be in team managers skin .-)

[Helstar]

And for the "donkey WRC" race we have Wislow, Villagra and Al Qassimi ... let's see who makes it ^^

Btw, what happened to Rautencrash ?_?

[jonkka]

Btw, what happened to Rautencrash ?_?

Too long strip of straight road?

[Psycho!]

It is the most important stage of the rally....

[Helstar]

Too long strip of straight road?

He has disappeared since a lot of SS and nobody seemed to notice it LOL

Meanwhile Wilson did it with a stunning (?) 09:53.7
Then Villagra 9:58.4 and finally the Prince of Arabian Rally (??) 10:01.1

Loeb won the stage with 09:38.3 for the stats...

[Helstar]

It is the most important stage of the rally....

SS23 Bosch2 18.75 km starting at 8:12 CET

Surprises (???) are going to happen :D communications will be hot

[Helstar]

Even the radio-girl Beck/Beth/whateverishername is aware that we will have tactics now xD woho ! At least she learned something...

JML and Ogier same first split ...

aaaaand JML has a puncture ! Oh yeah I'm believing it :)

[jonkka]

But not on 2nd - either JML is slowing on purpose - or Ogi is speeding

[Helstar]

Hirvonen is pushing for the moment so ... it could be true =) but let's see eheh

[jonkka]

Sordo faster than Mikko

[Helstar]

JML without the tyre at the end of the stage. So it was true =)

Lost lot of time.

[ttiirika]

Hirvonen is pushing for the moment so ... it could be true =) but let's see eheh

Thats all he can do, I think. Both Sordo and Loeb are coming behind him.

[Helstar]

Thats all he can do, I think. Both Sordo and Loeb are coming behind him.
You don't get it, right ^^ ?

[jonkka]

Mikko is aiming to drop behind Sordo but will they let him...

[jonkka]

Didn't

[Helstar]

Sordo slowed down a little ... he said on the radio ... just to be behind Hirvonen.

Now it's Loeb turn. And tactics will triumph :s

[Wim_Impreza]

Puncture for Latvala, did he hit something?

[Helstar]

There you have ^^ n.1 Loeb ! Tactic masterrrrr (fuuuu....) :p

"I had to slow down. I don't like it, but there would be no chance tomorrow."

[jonkka]

Exactly what I expected...

[Hartusvuori]

Frrrrustrating. After Tweeds Loeb and Sordo will be 1-2, but Hirvonen still runs first tomorrow - which he's not fine at so...

[kolvas]

anyone surprised that they was going to use tactics?
It´s so ing boring

[Psycho!]

Citroen did a perfect tactic!!Gongratulations!!

[ttiirika]

That's what I meant. There's no use for Hirvonen to slow down, because Sordo and Loeb are coming behind him and can see his time. Very well played by Citroen, though I hate this game. Rules are very stupid concerning running order.

[wwbroe]

Does the two SSS count towards starting order for tomorrow, or is it the positions now that are taken into consideration for starting order? :(

[jonkka]

Does the two SSS count towards starting order for tomorrow, or is it the positions now that are taken into consideration for starting order? :(

They do not, starting order for tomorrow is the classification as it stands now.

[ttiirika]

Does the two SSS count towards starting order for tomorrow, or is it the positions now that are taken into consideration for starting order? :(

SSS doesn't count for starting order.

[Wim_Impreza]

Citroen did a perfect tactic!!Gongratulations!!

You congratulate them to use tactics?

[wwbroe]

They do not, starting order for tomorrow is the classification as it stands now.

Ok, thanks Jonkka. :)

[Psycho!]

Start positions have been decided...SSS play o role!

[Psycho!]

You congratulate them to use tactics?
Actually it's ironic!! ;)

[Helstar]

That's what I meant. There's no use for Hirvonen to slow down, because Sordo and Loeb are coming behind him and can see his time
Oh ok I misunderstood then :) you were right !

[Digglah]

Hey all,
First post for me :)

Anyways I live in Murwillumbah where the Aussie leg of the WRC is being staged. Today has been quite nice, it started out overcast (had a big storm overnight) but picked up and became sunny. I went down to watch the "Speed On Tweed" leg on the Super Special Stage section in town today. Good fun, though some poor buggers wiped out their expensive cars (including an old Ferrari).

I really hope the protesters don't ruin our chances of having the rally here again. It's great fun and is a real boon for the area. Luckily I don't think there has been any stupid activities on their part today.

Also someone had mentioned a few pages back that they should protest their hippie event. That would be the Nimbin Festival about 50 kilometers away. Which is a big hippie festival held once a year LOL.

Anyways I'm going to be taking off in an hour or so to watch the Super Special Stage WRC event tonight. I'm looking forward to it as I haven't been to a rally event in years (Perth was my last one about 10 years ago)

[Wim_Impreza]

Actually it's ironic!! ;)

OK, than I understand it.

Loeb said one year ago that he won't use tactics, please let him go to full endurance racing from 2011. Unfortunately he has a contract for next year with Citroën in WRC. (can you still call it World Rally Championship?)

[Hartusvuori]

Why exactly and what is the purpose of the rule that next leg's running order is decided after the last proper stage rather than after SSS? If running order would be decided at the end of the day - after SSS - it would make it more difficult to play these tactics, I'd think. Would Loeb slow down for 20 secs in front of thousands of his fans? It's too much easier to do it in the bushes.

Also in this particular case of Rally Australia where it's two SSS with competitive lenght of over 5 kms, it seems even more ridiculous. And yes - I'm looking at it through blue and white glasses (both Finnish and Ford's colours), but still - am I completely wrong here?

[ttiirika]

Why exactly and what is the purpose of the rule that next leg's running order is decided after the last proper stage rather than after SSS? If running order would be decided at the end of the day - after SSS - it would make it more difficult to play these tactics, I'd think. Would Loeb slow down for 20 secs in front of thousands of his fans? It's too much easier to do it in the bushes.

Also in this particular case of Rally Australia where it's two SSS with competitive lenght of over 5 kms, it seems even more ridiculous. And yes - I'm looking at it through blue and white glasses (both Finnish and Ford's colours), but still - am I completely wrong here?

I think that it is because without this rule SSS would seem to be even more ridiculous as it is now. They would slow down in SSS as well, that's sure. Both SSS's and starting order rule suck!!

[Ucci]

It makes no sens to discuss about the use of tactics, Ford would done the same if they had oppurtunity...Dont't forget who used tactics years ago first-Ford !

[jimakos]

Hirvonen 1st so far!
It seems ss23 was the key of the rally!!
Too many points and seconds lost there!!

[jimakos]

And now they have to fight for the title!
Hivonen and Loeb will give a strong battle in the continue... :)

[Psycho!]

OK now officially Manufacturers title is over for Ford and Mikko has a mountain to climb both in the ''Tweeds'' and tomorrow...Only hope is hunging dust in the forests...

[lcd]

Another rally full of tactics...Do you call this rallying or some kind of ''monopoly'' game?
As If we cannot understand when those guys are driving for real and when they ''pretend''
they're driving! ;)
Hope this situation changes for next season...

[dimviii]

Agree, it changes very much, some years good some years crap.
But some seem to think close competition is more important than good driving, I have to disagree.

Τhis year there is no strong competition as it was previous 2 years.
Don t forget that even at years with strong competition Aussi locals were a lot of times in front of the best pwrc drivers,and not just for some ss,but in whole rally. :)

[Sulland]

What are the drivers comments on the new rally so far ?

Seems to be long legs, and a lot of short ss on this one - are they happy about the format ?

[J.Lindstroem]

Funny thing... Hirvonen is totally owned by Loeb. The frenchman will most likely be leading the rally again after this other SSS stage, but Hirvonen has to sweep the road for him anyway tomorrow.

Hirvonen can't feel good about this.

[wwbroe]

After first SSS the top 3 is now within 1"8. ;)

[wwbroe]

Ogier is really the master of those SSS, making fastest time for the fifth time. :eek:

[Psycho!]

SSS is Citroen's playing ground...!!

[wwbroe]

After Tweed6, it is again Ogier making besttime, but main thing is that top3 is now in 0"1, wich is really unbelievable after two days of rallying. Sordo in the lead with 0"1 to Loeb and Hirvonen. Ogier is now only 1"8 behind Latvalla. :)

[jimakos]

The best rally of last years I remember!!
Look at the difference between the 3 first:
Sordo:1:52:28.1
Loeb:1:52:28.2
Hirvonen:1:52:28.2
Unbelievable... :)

[Mirek]

It's hard to gain some time on 5 km long stages...

[Psycho!]

Why guys are you amazed by the differences??Even the classification is not real...Everything will change tomorrow!!

[jimakos]

Ogier seems didn't follow the rest fast drivers today!
With no doubt he makes a nice rally I don't accuse him!
Everyone takes this rally would be so close to the title 2 turns before the end... :)

[jimakos]

Why guys are you amazed by the differences??Even the classification is not real...Everything will change tomorrow!!

What do you mean mate??

[alleskids]

What happended to Ogier in ss22? He suddenly lost 40 seonds

[Mirek]

He went off twice, once in SS16 and than again in SS22. Otherwise he was able to keep the pace of front runners.

[jimakos]

]Otherwise he was able to keep the pace of front runners.

Of course he could stay in front of the others!
Citroen is very ''read'' in this event... ;)

[Mirek]

Well, he lost 56 seconds in those two stages where he was off. I know these were his own mistakes but speedwise he wasn't slower than those infront of him ;)

[Ucci]

Given that Latvala has admittet that the first position on the road is a large disability, we can conclude that Mikko will not have many chances to resist Loeb's attack. But it will be interesting, how the Citroën will slowed down Sordo not to be too fast for Loeb and at the same time will be still faster than Mikko.Apparantly Sordo will have the heaviest work.

[Psycho!]

What do you mean mate??
At least Loeb will eat Mikko for breakfast and will win the rally!!The fight is between Sordo and Mikko...As for Latvala he destroyed again Ford's chances for tomorrow,but if he stays on the road he will be forth with Ogier fifth(thank God there is no Tweed tomorrow!!!).So,the only real battle is for second place which MUST go to Mikko...Don't forget that Spain is next and he will have to face Sordo again in his most favourite surface...He can't afford to lose 8 points in two rallies in comparison to Loeb... :(

[Juha_Koo]

As for Latvala he destroyed again Ford's chances for tomorrow

Latvala didn't destroy anything! :eek: It was just a straight-forward puncture...

[JFL]

Looks like almost everyone with this flag http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/avatars/Greece.gif (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/member.php?u=112443) has somthing against everybody.. lol

[Psycho!]

Latvala didn't destroy anything! :eek: It was just a straight-forward puncture...
OK I must be exaggerating a bit because the win is Loeb's!! :rolleyes:

[alexlake]

ok, wrc.com it says in the round-up write-up that sordo and mikko are ahead of loeb, but on the timing screen it has sordo/loeb/mikko. So what one is right and is mikko on the road first?

[N.O.T]

Looks like almost everyone with this flag http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/avatars/Greece.gif (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/member.php?u=112443) has somthing against everybody.. lol

there is too much anger in the people of 3rd world countries.....that explains it.

[Mirek]

ok, wrc.com it says in the round-up write-up that sordo and mikko are ahead of loeb, but on the timing screen it has sordo/loeb/mikko. So what one is right and is mikko on the road first?

Starting order is based on results before SSS, that's Mikko - Sordo, Seb I think ;)

[alexlake]

]Starting order is based on results before SSS, that's Mikko - Sordo, Seb I think ;)

Thanks, I wondered if that was it.

Seems strange way of doing things, its unusual isnt it? :confused:

[alexlake]

Exciting rally all the same, even with tactics, its up and down. Looking forward to waching the highlights :D

[Mirek]

Bates retired because of damaged radiator and further overheating from a stick they hit in a high-speed spin.

[N.O.T]

this year showed how stupid the decision was from FIA to recal their reverse order rule....stupid incompetent little kids.

[jimakos]

Looks like almost everyone with this flag http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/avatars/Greece.gif (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/member.php?u=112443) has somthing against everybody.. lol

What are you talking about man??
We just tell our opinions!!
You are completely wrong... :mad:

[jimakos]

At least Loeb will eat Mikko for breakfast and will win the rally!!The fight is between Sordo and Mikko...As for Latvala he destroyed again Ford's chances for tomorrow,but if he stays on the road he will be forth with Ogier fifth(thank God there is no Tweed tomorrow!!!).So,the only real battle is for second place which MUST go to Mikko...Don't forget that Spain is next and he will have to face Sordo again in his most favourite surface...He can't afford to lose 8 points in two rallies in comparison to Loeb... :(

You are really Psycho mate :D :D

[A.F.F.]

jimakos, one thing for your consideration. The timedifferences between the drivers may seem tight and exciting but it's all an illusion since it's all tactics. A few years ago the starting order was different and made all the drivers push maximum all the three days of the rally. Today some gravel rallyes, with lots of road sweeping in particular, are two days of tactics and the last day of real rally.

This is why folks here doesn't want make waves about this situation. Including me.

I hate this ****ing farce.

[jimakos]

jimakos, one thing for your consideration. The timedifferences between the drivers may seem tight and exciting but it's all an illusion since it's all tactics. A few years ago the starting order was different and made all the drivers push maximum all the three days of the rally. Today some gravel rallyes, with lots of road sweeping in particular, are two days of tactics and the last day of real rally.

This is why folks here doesn't want make waves about this situation. Including me.

I hate this ****ing farce.


I really appreciate you interest A.F.F.
I suppose you are right!
Many years of rally have done you an expert!
I haven't thought about it never but you say the truth!
Neither I like this situation then :mad:
They push us to watch the rally of the last day...
That's unbelievable.
Tactics must go to heal!
Let us watch spectacular rallies...

[MikeD]

I hate this ****ing farce.

I agree. This tactical crap ruins the first 2 days of the rally. I cannot believe that both MW and OQ thinks "it spices things up".

I want the fastest man to win over 3 days. End of discussion.

[Psycho!]

You are really Psycho mate :D :D
I know my friend!!! ;)

[tmx]

I'm away from home and just going on wrc.com to check the times, I was going to do it from stage to stage so I won't surprise myself. But all the stages has sponsor and corp names, so I got tired by stage 5 and skip to the final result.

[Wim_Impreza]

I hate this ****ing farce.

The whole WRC is a farce: starting order, tactics, too much SSS, SupeRally, only 2 manufacturers, PWRC and JWRC is not what is was before, stages cancelled due to heavy rain in Ireland, stages cancelled here due to stupid people, Rautenbach slowed down for 13 minutes in Poland, stupid points system, no night stages, only two events outside Europe which for me isn't a World Championship, much more gentlemen-drivers than real good drivers, PWRC drivers only drives on gravel and don't have a tarmac round in their championship...

[tolis]

The whole WRC is a farce: starting order, tactics, too much SSS, SupeRally, only 2 manufacturers, PWRC and JWRC is not what is was before, stages cancelled due to heavy rain in Ireland, stages cancelled here due to stupid people, Rautenbach slowed down for 13 minutes in Poland, stupid points system, no night stages, only two events outside Europe which for me isn't a World Championship, much more gentlemen-drivers than real good drivers...
Unfortunately, you're right Wim.... :(

[Juha_Koo]

Unfortunately, you're right Wim.... :(

In my opinion he is totally wrong. WRC has the fastest cars of it's history. The speed is there, the exitement.

Why do you follow this "s*hit" if it's a farce? Admit it, you like it.

[Mirek]

How does the speed of cars relate to championship quality? Especialy for someone who is not on the other side of the globe and watches results on PC? I'm just curious cause I can't see any excitement from cars I don't see and hear...

[Tomi]

Τhis year there is no strong competition as it was previous 2 years.
Don t forget that even at years with strong competition Aussi locals were a lot of times in front of the best pwrc drivers,and not just for some ss,but in whole rally. :)

So what are u trying to say? That PWRC leader should risk full PWRC points just to beat some aussie, how many weeks was it again u have followed rally?

[Mirek]

+1