Rally Australia

[Christina]

It was a beautiful final day down in Kyogle. and being a semi-local (i live about an hour's drive north) I welcome them with open arms. They can even bring some stages further north if they like?? Mikko can come run over my mailbox any day. I even have a water splash in my driveway!

The hippies made me giggle. In Uki, on the liaison back to service, they had all congregated near this pedestrian crossing, (i'm guessing they were intending to stop the cars by using the zebra crossing??) and they were beating drums and shouting something about rallying being archaic or something.. i dont know. All i know is that the hippies from Nimbin should never have put down their bong and emerged from their shanty towns. (little bit of background info, Nimbin is just south of Kyogle and is notorious for drugs of the natural variety)

I did quite love the little display they put up just outside of Uki though, with some very imaginative slogans and such all strung up in the trees, because just around the corner some lovely boys in Utes had put up their own signs celebrating the rally.

Bda, i also experienced the idiots blocking people, although not as dramatic as yours. i saw quite a few just sitting in the bushes waiting for the cars to come.

A couple of observations about the event though.. It is an awful long way from service out to the stages. Two hours Liaison?? Also, the podium could have done with not to have been smooshed up so close to the grandstand with no room for spectators to see. Beautiful area though.. I've spent a bit of time in the volcanic area, but i dont think i'll ever stop looking for dinosaurs around the corner.

[ShiftingGears]

Just returned from a fantastic day spectating.

My wife even managed to foil the d!#khead protesters go slow plan on the last liason back to the finish
We were behind an old bus and another car traveling at 10kph just as Qassimi came up behind us. The bus and the car spread across the road to stop him getting past, but, Ruthie got in their way. Qassimi shot past, almost clipped us - we all have to make sacrifices.

The police roared up from behind us and forced the bus off the road and relieved the unwashed driver of his keys. Ruthie then drove into the path of the other hippie car, blocking him in on the edge of the road. The traffic built up behind, thus trapping him there long enough for the police to enquire about his right to breathe oxygen.

GREAT DAY.

Well done to my wonderful wife, and happy 42nd birthday.

Well played, well played.

[DatsunFan]

And from watching the telecast on One HD yesterday and today the protestors did not even get a mention so at least the rest of the world wouldnt have been too aware as to what these pests were up too. From watching it on tv roads looked awesome and i hope in 2011 we get a few more entries.

[Ucci]

you can only dream it... Mikko will WIN!

I love these comments, a lot of self-confidence, but after the race everything is quite, no heros anymore...At least congratulate to Loeb!! Deserved win for Loeb, he was at the right moment full on the throtle and at the right moment off the throtle.
Sordo suprised us again, he is a threat to Ford boys on their surface. Ogier-what a fantastic ride, few mistakes and he took important points from Ford in the constructors title fight.
Conclusion: a great weekend for Citroën and in front of us is a race, where Ford will probably collect even less points.

[Barreis]

Just returned from a fantastic day spectating.

My wife even managed to foil the d!#khead protesters go slow plan on the last liason back to the finish
We were behind an old bus and another car traveling at 10kph just as Qassimi came up behind us. The bus and the car spread across the road to stop him getting past, but, Ruthie got in their way. Qassimi shot past, almost clipped us - we all have to make sacrifices.

The police roared up from behind us and forced the bus off the road and relieved the unwashed driver of his keys. Ruthie then drove into the path of the other hippie car, blocking him in on the edge of the road. The traffic built up behind, thus trapping him there long enough for the police to enquire about his right to breathe oxygen.

GREAT DAY.

Well done to my wonderful wife, and happy 42nd birthday.


I like our sport but also nature very much! :)

[Francis44]

Loeb citroen's c4 wrc is under investigation by FIA, he may be down!!!!

[Xsara Fan]

There is an interesting information from Australia! At the post-event scrutineering Citroen Total crews has some problems with non-homologation parts at the steering. For the moment there are no decisions but... Stewards more than an hour can`t decide what to do.

[ShiftingGears]

I like our sport but also nature very much! :)

I also like nature. But from all I've read, the WRC has put a lot of effort into protecting the wildlife, with vets on close call, and erecting wildlife fencing which would otherwise have not have been there. So it could be even safer for wildlife than it was before the rally came to the area. Most of the protesters would know nothing about these measures, no doubt.


One or two protesters said they would set fire to the forest to prevent the rally stages going ahead. To think that they genuinely fail to see the irony is an indication of the level of intellect the WRC, and the general public, had to deal with.

[bda]

Forget all the logical arguments. The greenies don't care.
They will dream up any number of illogical reasons to throw a spanner in the works. They seriously have made things up, and whipped up hysteria and fear amongst those people who just don't know any better.

The incident I relayed in my earlier post was as close as I wish to be to a serious crash. One that would have involved not only Qassimi and Orr but myself,my wife, my brother, a good mate and an innocent member of the public. Trust me had that happened this clown would have been very thankful for the presence of the police, without which he would have been bleeding unconcious in the bottom of a gully.

And these fools have the hide to say that the rally was going to risk the lives of the general public and their children.

How can you reason with these cockroaches?

[Salist]

Hirvonen named Rally Australia winner after Citroen penalties

In a shock development late on Sunday night, BP Ford Abu Dhabi Team driver Mikko Hirvonen has been named the new winner of Repco Rally Australia after Stewards handed Sebastien Loeb, Dani Sordo and Sebastien Ogier time penalties for a technical infringement.

At Sunday evening's post event scrutineering, Loeb's Citroen C4 WRC was found to be fitted with a front anti-roll bar link which did not comply with the homologation form of the car.

Representatives from the Citroen Total World Rally Team agreed that part of the anti-roll bar link on his car was different to the one on the homologation photograph.

After establishing that the C4s of Sordo and Ogier were fitted with the same part, Stewards levied a one-minute penalty on each of the three cars, as well as reprimanding the Citroen team for using a part which was not homologated.

The Citroen team are not appealing the decision, which means the amended results are now final.
Victory for Hirvonen means his lead over Loeb in the drivers' championship standings increases to five points. The changes mean that Citroen's advantage over Ford in the manufacturers' series is now 13 points.

Source: http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6001&desc=Hirvonen%20named%20Rally%20Australia%20winner %20after%20Citroen%20penalties

[bt52b]

Most rally fans probably see more and spend more time in the countryside than those idiots.

Hope the Police catch the people throwing rocks at the cars as that is incredibly dangerous.

The FIA must surely fine Rally OZ for poor security due to the attacks on rally competitors.

[raybak]

Here's some photos from my weekend up at Kyogle. Just got home after an 11 hour drive.

Ray

[raybak]

More photos

http://www.bakermotorsport.net/home/images/rallyoz2009/AlKassimi1.jpg
http://www.bakermotorsport.net/home/images/rallyoz2009/henning1.jpg
http://www.bakermotorsport.net/home/images/rallyoz2009/wilson1.jpg

[Daniel]

Didn't look as good as the Rally in Perth, hope the arrangement with NSW doesn't last long.....

[bda]

Didn't look as good as the Rally in Perth, hope the arrangement with NSW doesn't last long.....

I have not seen anything on TV yet, but I would have to disagree. I loved the event in Perth as well. Been there more times than I can remember - as spectator and service crew. I do remember some diabolical organisational issues in the early years.

I think after a few years of refinement this event could be as good as the old Rally Oz we all loved.

I was disappointed on Friday, mainly due to the way they ran the spectator point we went to (it was a great spot, just poorly executed). Don't buy a grandstand seat, they are crap, excellent view from the side of the road at the start line. Saturday was great viewing (if you got in position early). Sunday managed to get onto a farmers paddock (thanks John) at CTEK West spectator point -Awsome.

Foiling the protesters go slow plan on the way home made our weekend. Had a ball.

I will be back, better armed with knowledge and a few local farmer contacts. The organisers really need to work on the spectating. Many of the locals were not impressed. The event will improve given the chance.

Great weather, beautiful weather, beautiful place. Overwhelming majority of friendly, welcoming locals.

Great weekend.

[N.O.T]

apart from the exclusions i think this rally showed that both Sordo and Ogier are investments for the future...Sordo managed to be very close to the leaders who judging from their times did a flat out rally from start to finish. Ogier also managed to maintain a steady very fast pace which didn;t defalte after a few stages as it happens to most rookie cases in the big league....his mistakes are normal for his experience and showed great promise for the future.

[macksrallye]

Is it just me or are the tactics being used this year just ugly viewing. I think its sad that these sort of ugly tactics could decide a championship. Dont get me wrong, under the current circumstance Citreon are playing the game 100% right but that doesn't make it good viewing. I'm kind of glad about the penalty's as its kind of like karma (albeit citreon did nothing wrong) but the WRC & FIA need to do something about this. Either get rid of in-car split times or come up with a new "running order" system.

[jonkka]

Either get rid of in-car split times or come up with a new "running order" system.

It's so easy to shout "it's wrong - correct it", much harder is to come up with the solution that would actually work.

[grugsticles]

From what I saw on TV, the super special stage was nothing compared to the Langley Park one in Perth. The same... 'arora' just couldnt be sensed.

The other thing I noticed from the footage, was that the stages were very flat. There were not a lot of crests/bumps. What I remember of Perth is that the road vaires in height quite a lot through the stages. Not quite Finland-like yumps, but small crests here and there.
The drivers likened it to New Zealand, but as far as I can tell that is only in the road surface itself, not the other road characteristics. In particular the last stage when broadcast live was nothing more than a few corners of farm road. There wasn't the 'oh look out, something might happen any minute now' appeal to it.
Perhaps in future years a man-made jump and even a water splash could be added (assuming that same stage setup will be used as a live broadcast again) just to make it a little more appealing on the TV screen.

But as already mentioned, you cant get anything right first time, its just not possible. With future events (maybe even the IRC or APRC round held in the same area on alternate years from the WRC) the whole operation will iron out any bugs and become another great event.

[J4MIE]

I agree with Daniel, nothing really stood out as saying "This is Australia", it looked like it could have been anywhere. The red gravel of Perth was what made it unique with the special surface as well. Everyone could identify with it when they saw it and it's incredibly sad not to have it anymore.

I don't remember there being any coverage shown of the superspecial either, but maybe that is a result of our tv coverage being crap and rather than showing the rallying, having to watch them walking through the forest with what was possibly the most boring man ever :confused:

For once I am actually glad that I didn't make the trip there :(

[JAM]

It's so easy to shout "it's wrong - correct it", much harder is to come up with the solution that would actually work.

I totally agree with you.

But i add this: Tacticts always were part of the game, in motorsport or in any other sport. I can't understand the noise about it. If a driver want to be second, then he has to drive to be second. If a driver wants to be first then he has to drive to be first. Where is the problem?

The goal is to be first at the end of the event. If a team thinks that the best way to be 1st at the end is start in 3rd for the last leg, what's the problem?

This worries about small things instead of big and important things, is killing WRC. I wrote 5 or 6 years ago that WRC would go down, and is really down. Was obvious to prevent that. To much brain wasted in small things.

[Daniel]

I agree with Daniel, nothing really stood out as saying "This is Australia", it looked like it could have been anywhere. The red gravel of Perth was what made it unique with the special surface as well. Everyone could identify with it when they saw it and it's incredibly sad not to have it anymore.

I don't remember there being any coverage shown of the superspecial either, but maybe that is a result of our tv coverage being crap and rather than showing the rallying, having to watch them walking through the forest with what was possibly the most boring man ever :confused:

For once I am actually glad that I didn't make the trip there :(

Couldn't agree more. Rally Australia this year could have been anywhere, there wasn't anything unique about it and it certainly didn't justify the expense of shipping everything there at great cost.

I mean wtf? We missed out on the FANTASTIC Rally NZ for this? The roads looked boring, the crowds didn't seem that big etc etc.

Although the Rally in Perth had its problems these were problems that every rally suffers from nowadays, reduced stage mileage, repeated stages, loss of great stages due to central services etc etc it still presented something which was different for the viewer and also for the crews.

I've always maintained that if the WRC is going to travel that far or go to Australia which is not a rallying country you need a special location, Perth was that location and it gave the rally something, the rally this weekend was no better than one of those anonymous middle east or med events.

[Daniel]

It's so easy to shout "it's wrong - correct it", much harder is to come up with the solution that would actually work.
Drivers choose road position the night before. It worked before and would work again......

[RS]

Is it just me or are the tactics being used this year just ugly viewing. I think its sad that these sort of ugly tactics could decide a championship. Dont get me wrong, under the current circumstance Citreon are playing the game 100% right but that doesn't make it good viewing. I'm kind of glad about the penalty's as its kind of like karma (albeit citreon did nothing wrong) but the WRC & FIA need to do something about this. Either get rid of in-car split times or come up with a new "running order" system.

I agree they should do something. I don't really bother following 1st and 2nd days of WRC gravel rallies because it just seems to be a load of piffling about until the actual fight on a Sunday morning.

[jonkka]

Drivers choose road position the night before. It worked before and would work again......

Well, basically tactics is only one variation of that - in a way drivers do choose their starting positions through tactical decisions. Yet, official choosing ceremony would be better than these games which leave a sour taste to everyone. On the other hand, road position choosing would almost always lead to reversed starting order ie. back to old way and splits cruising.

[Mirek]

So... we can at last drive on tarmac only :D

[Daniel]

Well, basically tactics is only one variation of that - in a way drivers do choose their starting positions through tactical decisions. Yet, official choosing ceremony would be better than these games which leave a sour taste to everyone. On the other hand, road position choosing would almost always lead to reversed starting order ie. back to old way and splits cruising.
Have you taken leave of your senses this evening?

Drivers choosing their positions means that the faster drivers are rewarded and not PENALISED for being faster. Imagine an F1 race with everyone racing to be as far back as possible but not too fat back. That would be even worse than what F1 is now.

[MJW]

Didn't look as good as the Rally in Perth, hope the arrangement with NSW doesn't last long.....
Agrreed - due to own motorsport commitments over the weekend tonight's "Dave" coverage was the only programme I saw. I prefered the Perth event, also Rally NZ.
By the way Dave's coverage was its usual absolute rubbish..........

[HaCo]

Just give some extra points every day for the top3 (or 5), so they are more motivated to get that first position.

[RS]

Well, basically tactics is only one variation of that - in a way drivers do choose their starting positions through tactical decisions. Yet, official choosing ceremony would be better than these games which leave a sour taste to everyone. On the other hand, road position choosing would almost always lead to reversed starting order ie. back to old way and splits cruising.

What was wrong with the system where it was championship order on day one, then top-10 reversed the following 2 days?

[Wim_Impreza]

What was wrong with the system where it was championship order on day one, then top-10 reversed the following 2 days?

Nothing, that was for me very good.

[OldF]

Maybe not any changes to the starting order but some incentive to be fast every day.
From Jarmo’s corner: second last paragraph.
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi%2Fsisap iirinews%2F2009%2Fsisapiirinuutiskirje609%2Fjarmos corner%2Fdefault.html&sl=fi&tl=en&history_state0=

[Tomi]

Drivers choose road position the night before. It worked before and would work again......

Good idea i think, only this time make sure that everyone who chooses understand the clock, that way there is less whining after the ceremony.

[Daniel]

Or perhaps not having someone in charge who has an axe to grind with a particular competitor ;) I was there and I saw Colin standing with them while they chose their positions. Apparently that day wasn't the first time in the week Connelly and Colin had come together and Connelly just saw his opportunity to get Colin on a technicality.

[macksrallye]

RS: There was absolutely nothing wrong with the old system and to be perfectly honest I don't know why they changed it.

Jonkka: What... getting rid of in-car splits isn't a solution? (I admit it's not the best but it would make a difference) I was also thinking along simular lines as Daniel but having read some of the opposition to that particular method by some people on this forum, I did not think it was a good point to raise.

Although this may not be a major problem for the WRC, ugly viewing cannot be bringing spectators into the sport.

[tmx]

Jonkka: What... getting rid of in-car splits isn't a solution? (I admit it's not the best but it would make a difference) I was also thinking along simular lines as Daniel but having read some of the opposition to that particular method by some people on this forum, I did not think it was a good point to raise.

I think this point has been discussed, its not a feasible option with all the technologies available today and they would have a man popping out a bush with a sign.

It would be nice, though not going to happen. I would love it if they ban team radio in F1 so I don't have to hear all the obnoxious engineers radio messages that are half of the time obvious to the drivers.

Next we have KERS for rally cars.

[jonkka]

What was wrong with the system where it was championship order on day one, then top-10 reversed the following 2 days?

Many people did complain about the phenomena of "cruising to the splits".

[jonkka]

Have you taken leave of your senses this evening

Good morning to you too.

[RS]

Many people did complain about the phenomena of "cruising to the splits".

That's still gotta be better than slowing down to lose position on purpose hasn't it?

[Juha_Koo]

That's still gotta be better than slowing down to lose position on purpose hasn't it?

In my opinion, not really... Atleast nowdays they have to drive 100% to the point where they slow down. Instead of driving 85% all day long...

[mjh]

My thoughts on Repco Rally Oz, for what they are worth....

:down:

Service in Kingscliff. Too far away from the stages.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
Hippies / Greenies. I can understand why they are concerned (not that I necessarily agree) but blocking the cars, throwing rocks, tearing down fences and painting graffiti all over the show is not on.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
Spectator points. Not enough of them. Often too far away from the cars (SS9/10 at Round Mountain was the worst culprit). Insufficient toilets and traffic control.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
Super Specials at Murwatsitbah (does anyone know how to pronounce that place properly?). Dull. Couldn't see for the barriers. Or trees. Apparently the view from the grandstands wasn't a whole lot better either.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
The commentary team at the Super Specials. If I wanted to listen to my grandad rambling on about nothing in particular I'd go and visit him. And I was getting better information on what the results were viewing wrc.com on my phone.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
The local press giving far to much coverage to 50 or so people that need a wash, a haircut and a reality check instead of the 100s if not 1000s of local people actively supporting the event.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
The field was a bit thin without Subaru and Suzuki. No Atko. No Petter. Not many locals - turn out at NZ is better.[/*:m:2m4if85i]

:up:

WRC back in Australia. Weather was great, scenery was pretty spectacular (especially on the drive into Kyogle), I didn't get electric shocks from climbing over fences every day.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
Mikko won. I think he is a great driver - not quite as skilled as Seb, but closer than many give him credit for. Would have preferred a different route to the win, but still happy.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
The locals. Much more attention should have been given to the locals with signs out welcoming the rally, waving and cheering us on, volunteering, the guy with the "more rallies. less greenies" sign in his field, the people with the "Please come back" signs.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
Hayden Padden. Go team green :bounce: [/*:m:2m4if85i]
The German guy (Michael Kaulfuss?) who rolled on the hairpin at CTEK on Sunday dropped back onto his wheels and kept going as though nothing had happened.[/*:m:2m4if85i]
Ceremonial finish. Nicely done, even if the result did change a few hours later![/*:m:2m4if85i]

On balance, I expect to be back in 2011 but I'm looking forward to Rally NZ in May even more.....

[RS]

In my opinion, not really... Atleast nowdays they have to drive 100% to the point where they slow down. Instead of driving 85% all day long...

Hmm, that's only if the competition is not good enough to keep up with the leaders though, and I think that Hirvonen and in particular Sordo have closed the gap to Loeb this year.

I just hate the artificial hinderence the 'sweeper' has to deal with on day one, then the pantomime tactics at the end of each day. They may drive hard all day, but what is the point when they throw all their hard work away on the last stage?

[ConfusedOne]

Hmm, that's only if the competition is not good enough to keep up with the leaders though, and I think that Hirvonen and in particular Sordo have closed the gap to Loeb this year.

I just hate the artificial hinderence the 'sweeper' has to deal with on day one, then the pantomime tactics at the end of each day. They may drive hard all day, but what is the point when they throw all their hard work away on the last stage?

It's not artificial, I did a search on google and apparently stones ARE a normal part of gravel, which is used on gravel roads!! All the rally drivers I know expect to find them there and don't whinge and whine about it because that is why they are there. :)

[Camelopard]

My thoughts on Repco Rally Oz, for what they are worth....

:down:

Service in Kingscliff. Too far away from the stages.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
Hippies / Greenies. I can understand why they are concerned (not that I necessarily agree) but blocking the cars, throwing rocks, tearing down fences and painting graffiti all over the show is not on.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
Spectator points. Not enough of them. Often too far away from the cars (SS9/10 at Round Mountain was the worst culprit). Insufficient toilets and traffic control.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
Super Specials at Murwatsitbah (does anyone know how to pronounce that place properly?). Dull. Couldn't see for the barriers. Or trees. Apparently the view from the grandstands wasn't a whole lot better either.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
The commentary team at the Super Specials. If I wanted to listen to my grandad rambling on about nothing in particular I'd go and visit him. And I was getting better information on what the results were viewing wrc.com on my phone.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
The local press giving far to much coverage to 50 or so people that need a wash, a haircut and a reality check instead of the 100s if not 1000s of local people actively supporting the event.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
The field was a bit thin without Subaru and Suzuki. No Atko. No Petter. Not many locals - turn out at NZ is better.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw] :up:

WRC back in Australia. Weather was great, scenery was pretty spectacular (especially on the drive into Kyogle), I didn't get electric shocks from climbing over fences every day.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
Mikko won. I think he is a great driver - not quite as skilled as Seb, but closer than many give him credit for. Would have preferred a different route to the win, but still happy.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
The locals. Much more attention should have been given to the locals with signs out welcoming the rally, waving and cheering us on, volunteering, the guy with the "more rallies. less greenies" sign in his field, the people with the "Please come back" signs.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
Hayden Padden. Go team green :bounce:[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
The German guy (Michael Kaulfuss?) who rolled on the hairpin at CTEK on Sunday dropped back onto his wheels and kept going as though nothing had happened.[/*:m:3sjpfsuw]
Ceremonial finish. Nicely done, even if the result did change a few hours later![/*:m:3sjpfsuw]On balance, I expect to be back in 2011 but I'm looking forward to Rally NZ in May even more.....

Agree with all you have written, I even got the roll on film!

CTEK on saturday was a joke, although the organisers admitted that they were totally unprepared for the number of people. CTEK on sunday was very good.

Nowhere near enough toilets.........

I only went to the super specials on friday, days were too long.

Saturday service needs to be in Kyogle.

The people I spoke to in Kyogle were rapt, as you said pity that such a VERY SMALL number caused problems.

Headline on the front page of monday mornings Bulletin was not good, probably why the hotel didn't give out freebies!

The music at the hotel was too loud on friday and saturday nights, I had to drink far too much red wine to get to sleep. :)

I didn't like being locked into the round mountain stage.

Will probably go to NZ now as well as Jordan and Turkey if I can.

[Daniel]

Agree with all you have written, I even got the roll on film!

Film? :eek: :p Living firmly in the 19th century? :p

[Camelopard]

Film? :eek: :p Living firmly in the 19th century? :p

Figure of speech, I meant digital, I'm an old fart remember! I'll post the others when I get a chance to cut them down. :)

[Daniel]

Figure of speech, I meant digital, I'm an old fart remember! I'll post the others when I get a chance to cut them down. :)
I know I know ;) If you'd been shooting film I doubt you'd have taken as many pictures of Citroen suspension as you sent me :p

Nice picture btw. I've never managed to catch a roll or off road moment in my life :(

[Barreis]

All three days videos..
http://www.rally-emotions.com/

[ettelbruck]

Just returned to home as after the rally we continued three weeks more Tour of Australia.

I have seen since mid 60s many, many rallies in 14 nations and as a spectator I must say Repco Rally Australia really sucks.

On Thursday we spent some four hours trying to buy tickets but all they had were tickets to Murw..ll..ah SSS. We visited three different places and heard many good stories but got no tickets.

Friday: no access to SS3 but just waiting after finish time control (so we saw end of stage in the destance).

Organisation was pure s*** but Australian rally fans were great. With their help we succeeded to go to SS5 and saw some great action on last two corners of the stage. Special thanks to one 'Räikkönen-fan' :cool: from Queensland!

Afternoon we learned that there was no access to stages. To 9/10, 12 and 13 our walking was stopped by organisers and/or police. Finally we got to one spot (lousy, but at least some rallycars seen) with the help of lady breaking the rules.

Saturday: on SS16 we saw cars from the distance of 50 metres. Again met great rallyfans, originally from NZ. BTW, if reading this and coming to Finland 2010, please send private message!!!

Major mistake was to leave the stage but we did not know Outback-cars would come later. What a pity.

We tried to go to SS18 and SS19 but again, very aggressive stopping long, long way before the stage.

We decided to gave up, visited Service Park (wonder they let spectators there even without paying!) and were interviewed Finnish MTV3. And left the rally for funnier Gold Coast.

Never again to Repco Rally Australia. Really makes me wonder as that was the only bad experience during 23days in Australia.

[Daniel]

Just returned to home as after the rally we continued three weeks more Tour of Australia.

I have seen since mid 60s many, many rallies in 14 nations and as a spectator I must say Repco Rally Australia really sucks.

On Thursday we spent some four hours trying to buy tickets but all they had were tickets to Murw..ll..ah SSS. We visited three different places and heard many good stories but got no tickets.

Friday: no access to SS3 but just waiting after finish time control (so we saw end of stage in the destance).

Organisation was pure s*** but Australian rally fans were great. With their help we succeeded to go to SS5 and saw some great action on last two corners of the stage. Special thanks to one 'Räikkönen-fan' :cool: from Queensland!

Afternoon we learned that there was no access to stages. To 9/10, 12 and 13 our walking was stopped by organisers and/or police. Finally we got to one spot (lousy, but at least some rallycars seen) with the help of lady breaking the rules.

Saturday: on SS16 we saw cars from the distance of 50 metres. Again met great rallyfans, originally from NZ. BTW, if reading this and coming to Finland 2010, please send private message!!!

Major mistake was to leave the stage but we did not know Outback-cars would come later. What a pity.

We tried to go to SS18 and SS19 but again, very aggressive stopping long, long way before the stage.

We decided to gave up, visited Service Park (wonder they let spectators there even without paying!) and were interviewed Finnish MTV3. And left the rally for funnier Gold Coast.

Never again to Repco Rally Australia. Really makes me wonder as that was the only bad experience during 23days in Australia.
Sad to hear of your bad experience ettelbruck :(

I would never really reccomend someone go to Australia for a WRC event to be honest, it will only be a disappointment to someone from Finland because you have such a great event. New Zealand on the other hand is a far far better event.

[GigiGalliNo1]

That sounds even worse than Rally Japan - and it was hard there with our speaking Japanese! haha

Would prefer Japan and NZ any day after hearing the feedback here and what regulations/rules and accessibility to place during Rally Aus.... pass on it in the calendar, we need something new again!

[Camelopard]

Ettelbruck: please make sure the organisers of the event are aware of your concerns and problems, I would also suggest writing to Events Corp of NSW as they were a major sponsor telling them that you made a special trip to Australia from Finland to watch the rally, how hugely disapointing it was and how you will be advising anyone in Finland that is interested in rallying to give the event a miss.

http://www.eventsnsw.com.au/contact_us/

[ettelbruck]

Ettelbruck: please make sure the organisers of the event are aware of your concerns and problems, I would also suggest writing to Events Corp of NSW as they were a major sponsor telling them that you made a special trip to Australia from Finland to watch the rally, how hugely disapointing it was and how you will be advising anyone in Finland that is interested in rallying to give the event a miss.

http://www.eventsnsw.com.au/contact_us/

To organisers already before Forums, NSW will be done.

[Dingardo]

finally got round to editing and uploading all the pics I took. having my laptop die just before the rally did not help one bit either. had no PC over the entire event (hence why I couldn't upload any pics!!)

Anyways.. Day 3 and Shakedown are definitely the top pick of the bunch!

http://gallery.wrcfm.com/main.php?cmd=album&var1=Rally+Australia+2009%2F

[Barreis]

I like the photos..