Rally of Spain-Catalunya 2009- Oficial Thread [Archive] - Page 2

Juha_Koo

2nd October 2009, 18:38

Rather straight-forward Spain day. :D Nothing special, although Mikko is still losing way too much time. I'm guessing that Focus is to blame. It's not a good normal-tarmac car. As soon as things get dirty, muddy and bumpy it is in it's best enviroment.

The second thing is Mikko's attitude. Whenever he doesn't say that "I will win this rally!" he seems to be cruising around. Before Finland he said "I'll win." and he won. Before Australia Mikko said "I'll do my best, ofcourse victory would be nice but I can't afford to score zero points." and what happened before Citroen got the penalties...

JM would like - and is ready - to win every rally... :s mokin: (maybe not tarmac ones, but..) ;)

jimakos

2nd October 2009, 18:55

Fingers crossed!!!GB will be the highlight of the year,because five drivers will fight at full speed and have the ability to win:Seb,Mikko,Petter,JM and Dani...(I don't count Ogier,but who knows???)
Total agree!
When was the last time that the title was open in the last rally??

Jafry

2nd October 2009, 19:05

Photos from 1st leg HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=589&fseason=2009) ;)

Barreis

2nd October 2009, 19:17

Great photos..

Retlub Ecaps

2nd October 2009, 19:23

just normal speed i think.....

On both SS5 (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=5) and SS6 (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=6), Al Qassimi's time is exactly 5:00 behind Petter's, which is why I suspect he wasn't driving.. It's a lot slower than he was going earlier in the day, too. On SS3 (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=3) he was less than a minute behind Sordo, so if he was driving he somehow had to lose more than 4 minutes on his second time through that stage.

A.F.F.

2nd October 2009, 19:39

The second thing is Mikko's attitude. Whenever he doesn't say that "I will win this rally!" he seems to be cruising around. Before Finland he said "I'll win." and he won. Before Australia Mikko said "I'll do my best, ofcourse victory would be nice but I can't afford to score zero points." and what happened before Citroen got the penalties...

I agree. Mikko is taking the finale to Wales. He know's third is enough and take it from Spain. Should he be second there, it would not change a thing. He still has to win Sebastien in GB.

MJW

2nd October 2009, 19:48

I must say I am not a Loeb fan, but on sunday 2008 of Wales GB Sebastien was AWESOME. He raised his game and was so much faster than Jari Matti, let alone Mikko. Watching in Margam at the "big jump" you thought when seeing Loeb take off you were about to witness and airplane crash, based on the speed and height. I appreciate Seb's talent, but seeing what he delivered on that day when "up against JML" proved to me that he can play with Mikko.

tmx

2nd October 2009, 19:52

On both SS5 (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=5) and SS6 (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=6), Al Qassimi's time is exactly 5:00 behind Petter's, which is why I suspect he wasn't driving.. It's a lot slower than he was going earlier in the day, too. On SS3 (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=3) he was less than a minute behind Sordo, so if he was driving he somehow had to lose more than 4 minutes on his second time through that stage. Khalid car went on fire today due to engine oil leak.
If you retired in WRC, there is SupeRally where you can compete again tomorrow as long as you can fix the car and your rollcages are not damaged, but any stages you don't compete gets a +5minutes to your time.

Everything NOT said is sarcasm or mockery, btw.

Almeidafoto

2nd October 2009, 19:53

Retlub Ecaps

2nd October 2009, 20:11

Khalid car went on fire today due to engine oil leak.
If you retired in WRC, there is SupeRally where you can compete again tomorrow as long as you can fix the car and your rollcages are not damaged, but any stages you don't compete gets a +5minutes to your time.

Ah, okay. I know about SupeRally from the WRC TV coverage, but they don't really explain the details. Do you know why Khalid was given a time 5 minutes behind Petter, instead of 5 minutes behind the stage winner?

Retlub Ecaps

2nd October 2009, 20:15

If things keep going like this, Sordo will somewhere have a spin, or allegetely say he was struggling with brake problems or with the tyres, Loeb will win, Sordo secind

Heh, I don't think Citroen bothers to pretend they don't play tactics anymore. It'd be ridiculous after how obvious they were about it in Poland and Australia.

Retlub Ecaps

2nd October 2009, 20:19

Hirvonen seems to have some problems with this third stage. Does anyone knows why? Is it the tyre wear?

Last year he was losing a lot in there as well...Who knows?? :confused:

Malcolm Wilson spoke briefly about that in a Q&A (http://wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=6144&desc=Team+manager+Q%26A+-+Malcolm+Wilson++) they posted on the WRC site:

It just seems that the SS3/SS6 stage today was the one that cost him. He lost 20 seconds on that one alone, so I think it's just something with Mikko on that stage. There are sections in there where Jari was quicker.

Psycho!

2nd October 2009, 20:24

Total agree!
When was the last time that the title was open in the last rally??
2003,when Petter took it....

Psycho!

2nd October 2009, 20:25

I agree. Mikko is taking the finale to Wales. He know's third is enough and take it from Spain. Should he be second there, it would not change a thing. He still has to win Sebastien in GB.
Not only Seb,but Petter and Sordo as well...

Psycho!

2nd October 2009, 20:27

If things keep going like this, Sordo will somewhere have a spin, or allegetely say he was struggling with brake problems or with the tyres, Loeb will win, Sordo secind and Mikko and Seb will be separated by 1 point for Rally of Wales...
No need of tactics...Just Loeb will be ''faster'' than Sordo...As far as Mikko is concerned I think it is possible that he will drop to fourth...

dimviii

2nd October 2009, 20:31

Athanasoulas quotes from day1
http://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&race_id=671&article_id=17027

Retlub Ecaps

2nd October 2009, 20:32

No need of tactics...Just Loeb will be ''faster'' than Sordo...As far as Mikko is concerned I think it is possible that he will drop to fourth...

Fourth would put Mikko and Seb in a tie; would that be enough to put Mikko second in the running order, or would he have to drop to fifth here to be sure of that?

Psycho!

2nd October 2009, 20:55

Fourth would put Mikko and Seb in a tie; would that be enough to put Mikko second in the running order, or would he have to drop to fifth here to be sure of that?
Loeb has more wins,so he will be first on the leaderboard...

A.F.F.

2nd October 2009, 20:58

Not only Seb,but Petter and Sordo as well...

I don't think Mikko thinks Sordo as a threat. As for Petter, I don't know. I think Petter would have needed a couple more rallies with C4 until he'll reach Sebastien's and Mikko's pace.

harriswrc

2nd October 2009, 21:10

Ah, okay. I know about SupeRally from the WRC TV coverage, but they don't really explain the details. Do you know why Khalid was given a time 5 minutes behind Petter, instead of 5 minutes behind the stage winner?For all crews which restart a time penalty will be applied.
This time penalty will be as follows:
For every stage or super special stage missed: 5 minutes.
This time penalty will be added to the fastest time of the drivers’ priority group (P1, P2, P3) for each
missed stage, which shall include the special stage or super special stage on which the crew has retired.

Psycho!

2nd October 2009, 21:13

I don't think Mikko thinks Sordo as a threat. As for Petter, I don't know. I think Petter would have needed a couple more rallies with C4 until he'll reach Sebastien's and Mikko's pace.
In Australia Sordo lost to Mikko in the final day and by a small margin and he will be driving on the limit,taking risks without the fear of Manu Championship.Concerning Petter,he will have his second test on gravel with the C4,he knows the rally and his is a great gravel/mud driver,plus he really wants to prove to himself and to everybody that he still has the pace in a proper car to win rallies.Don't forget also that a possible win in GB will boost his plans for 2010.Apart from that I think that he told in an interview that he found his groove quite quickly in the gravel C4...

playmo

2nd October 2009, 21:34

Number of people in here hope the best for GB, but we're in the middle of a totally different (and to my view, useless) event! let's focus on this drive-thru event instead, please, or at least lets wait until sunday afternoon...
I'm interested on this event, but just a little, i hope that mikko is playing it safe for 3rd, his approach is to wait for petter to crash (witch i think WILL happen).
I thought that Ogier was a tarmac specialist, or at least he was "raised" in tarmac, witch would make him specialist, no matter how much talent he's got on the loose.
Loeb is to show his true pace yet, i think.

Juha_Koo

2nd October 2009, 21:45

Novikov trying hard, two moments on day one. :)

Who is this "Asi"? Leading the N4 after day one...

noel157

2nd October 2009, 21:53

Novikov trying hard, two moments on day one. :)

Who is this "Asi"? Leading the N4 after day one...

Check out Post #59 etc. György Aschenbrenner and one beautiful co-driver. (thanks to Wim).

Wim_Impreza

2nd October 2009, 21:53

Novikov trying hard, two moments on day one. :)

Who is this "Asi"? Leading the N4 after day one...

"Asi" is a fast driver from Hungary. His real name is György Aschenbrenner. He is driving for years in a Mitsubishi Group N and sometimes he can even beat WRC cars in his home country. His reputation is not very high, because each year he has minimum one disqualifaction and some of his opponents thinks that he has an illegal car.

Psycho: you are dreaming. P. Solberg winning? That is forever done.

Tomi

2nd October 2009, 23:23

Apart from that I think that he told in an interview that he found his groove quite quickly in the gravel C4...

He told he wont have a haircut until he win a rally too, a few years ago :)

bluuford

3rd October 2009, 00:00

Loeb has more wins,so he will be first on the leaderboard...

Nice to see new forumers in rallyforum :-) I am in the middle of the forest with the slowest possible internet connection and seems that our forum is the best option to keep myself updated :-)

About the tactics.. I even dont consider it as a possibility for tactics to lose a few points in Spain to be second on the road in GB. On that time of a year there wont be any dry roads and being first on the road is big advantage in that case. And there is always possibility that they retire both in GB then the winner is the one who had one point more before GB :-) So, loosing points in Spain is not wise move in my view.

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 06:07

Totally agree with bluuford...

When does today first SS start ?

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:16

Right now :p ! Am I alone ^^ ?

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 08:19

Loeb begins his charge....

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:22

Good morning ... NOT !

KKS

3rd October 2009, 08:23

Petter have a good morning :)

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 08:23

Solberg fastest in split 1 .... :)

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:24

Solberg fastest in split 1 .... :)
What's that smiley face :p you should be pissed off xD !

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 08:25

Solberg loses time but still faster than Hirvonen....

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:32

Not bad after only first day of driving on a C4 for Petter, eh Not ?
He's doing better than Atkinson (Ireland) already.

Brother John

3rd October 2009, 08:35

Not bad after only first day of driving on a C4 for Petter, eh Not ?
He's doing better than Atkinson (Ireland) already.

Will he be better on the finnish Sunday. His problem is he can be fast on a part of the rally but not the hole rally.

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 08:35

lets see how the rally unfolds first....

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 08:37

Interestingly, gap between Sordo and Loeb gets smaller towards the end... Meaning Loeb doesn't take the lead just yet ... :eek:

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 08:38

Novikov missing a split

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:39

Will he be better on the finnish Sunday. His problem is he can be fast on a part of the rally but not the hole rally.
It's anyway big difference when you have driven 1 day compared to Loeb/Sordo who are driving C4 since first 2007 rally (this is third year !). Immediately good rhythm. Some people said he was finished ... even doubted of his 2003 title ^^

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 08:39

Interestingly, gap between Sordo and Loeb gets smaller towards the end... Meaning Loeb doesn't take the lead just yet ... :eek:

Heh - on equal time... but Sordo still the rally leader...

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 08:39

we have a tie at the top :)

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:44

Novikov missing a split
Stopped on stage.

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 08:44

Stopped on stage.

Agaaaaain...

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:44

Eh I know :s let's see what happened...

Brother John

3rd October 2009, 08:49

And who will be next with problems? It seems to be normal on Saturday stages this year.

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:51

Well, since we are in a plain motorcircuit-kinda-roads and not in Acropolis/Safari/random-rally-car-destroyer, I guess not many ^^ !

Brother John

3rd October 2009, 08:53

Well, since we are in a plain motorcircuit-kinda-roads and not in Acropolis/Safari/random-rally-car-destroyer, I guess not many ^^ !
We will see, and don´t forget technical problems.

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 08:54

Is it only me who thinks JML is little bit disappointing here ?

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 08:59

Is it only me who thinks JML is little bit disappointing here ?

Aye!

Ucci

3rd October 2009, 09:03

Is it only me who thinks JML is little bit disappointing here ?
In my opinion this is his limit on tarmac-if of course he want's to get to the finish....He is playing safe!

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 09:06

He should learn from italians like in the past glorious days =)
Come to CIR/TRA to make experience JML ! lol

A.F.F.

3rd October 2009, 09:07

Sebastien and Sordo share the exact same total time. Amazing :D

Sulland

3rd October 2009, 09:11

What is the weather like today, still sunny ?
Is it damp spots today as well ?

Brother John

3rd October 2009, 09:12

Is it only me who thinks JML is little bit disappointing here ?

Yes JML is disapointing but he must finish the rally thats important for Malcolm and its future.

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 09:34

SS8 on air...

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 09:37

Loeb ahead by 0,2s :eek:

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 09:41

Can you imagine Sordo doing "Barrichello in Indy 2002" XD ?
"Ok I'm near you but I won't pass ... OPS ...".

Would be hilarious :)

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 09:44

Indy? A movie?

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 09:50

Did you ever play Indy500 ? Glorious videogame ... :p

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3452/indy500hm1.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/indy500hm1.jpg/)

Nice stage win for Ogier...

noel157

3rd October 2009, 09:53

Novikov missing a split

Several sites are saying he went off. Pity.

Lousada

3rd October 2009, 09:56

Did you ever play Indy500 ? Glorious videogame ... :p

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/3452/indy500hm1.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/indy500hm1.jpg/)

Nice stage win for Ogier...

That game was brilliant. Played that for days at the time in the first half of the '90s :D

noel157

3rd October 2009, 09:58

Be interesting to see if Petter can claw back some time from Hirvonen today. 28sec gap but a lot can happen.

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 10:05

SS9 on air...

That game was brilliant. Played that for days at the time in the first half of the '90s :D
Yeah http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif
At the time it was like a dream comes true ! Also the accidents were incredibly real, with car/debris flying everywhere ... in the beginning instead of racing "seriously" I was driving in the opposite direction to obtain massive crashes and then see the replay in dozen of different views :) good ol' days...

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 10:08

Sordo is putting his foot down again... wow...

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 10:09

Hey Dani, I was joking ^^ relax ... lol

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 10:09

I'd choose Sega Rally anyday - even though it was coin-up and bloody expensive to master...

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 10:11

Sordo back in the lead!

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 10:14

Anyway kudos to Mikko, he is the best Ford tarmac driver by faaaaaaar ... H.Solberg looks really slow like never before (even beated by Wilson and Villagra, DOH !).

ps. Sega Rally ? Indy500 was a simulation, Sega Rally... a funny but short living arcade ^^
Can you compare that with the 500 laps real race on full damages :) ? Yes I won it. lol

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 10:17

Simulation? Perhaps but a simulation of some obscene sport of no interest, as appealing as Track'n Field etc. Give me rally or give me...

Halvis

3rd October 2009, 10:27

Mornin' guys!

Apart from Catalunya being a not so exiting rally, I must say I'm enjoying it this year. Very nice seeing Petter so close to Loeb and Sordo on tarmac, I really didn't expect those stage times in his first outing with the C4. Impressive is a word that springs to my mind!

Maybe he isn't finished after all, as many in here has written? ;)

Nice battle between Loeb/Sordo, even if we all know who will win in the end.

Lousada

3rd October 2009, 10:32

SS9 on air...

Yeah http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif
At the time it was like a dream comes true ! Also the accidents were incredibly real, with car/debris flying everywhere ... in the beginning instead of racing "seriously" I was driving in the opposite direction to obtain massive crashes and then see the replay in dozen of different views :) good ol' days...

LOL I did exactly the same :D

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 10:46

I knew it xD I think 99% of the people did that ! rotfl !

I must go now, enjoy the rest of the rally day ^_^

Maybe he isn't finished after all, as many in here has written? ;)

That's what I said some pages ago to a guy who has then misteriously disappeared ... or not xD ?

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 11:23

I know, why not just have a one make championship. Everyone drive C4's

bretddog

3rd October 2009, 11:38

Yes.. Great morning for Petter. Down towards 0.2s/km. Very nice to see. I can't follow this, as I'm in flight transit, no rally radio for me. But here are the mid day times compared to 2008.
Enjoy the rest of the day! lucky bstrds.. ;)

2414

Retlub Ecaps

3rd October 2009, 12:06

Good morning from the new world :p Kinda sucks always waking up halfway through the rally day..

Sordo lost the lead, but then took it back from Loeb? He's really impressed me this year, seems like a big improvement over how he drove in 2008.

Retlub Ecaps

3rd October 2009, 12:08

Can anyone else see bretddog's attachment? I see the text (filename, size, etc) but it's not clickable.

HaCo

3rd October 2009, 12:13

I can see it and it's looking good for Petter!

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 12:25

Very nice work Bretddog - looks very good for Petter in the future.

Halvis

3rd October 2009, 12:25

Can anyone else see bretddog's attachment? I see the text (filename, size, etc) but it's not clickable.

Can't see it either - even if I click on download picture...

Ondra WRC

3rd October 2009, 12:57

photo Novikov from the accident are (http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=7955)

tmx

3rd October 2009, 13:09

Even Prevot will take time to contain Evgeny.

Xsara Fan

3rd October 2009, 13:21

As we talk with Novikov, his car has understeering probs in this corner...

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 13:26

Whaaaat? Mikko faster than Citroens on split 1? Must be temporary...

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 13:29

Mikko and Petter both faster after Split 2/3.

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 13:32

Solberg is going pretty well!!

jimakos

3rd October 2009, 13:35

Solberg is going pretty well!!

It seems that with this car Petter could fight for a better position in this championship...
Hope that for next year :)

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 13:38

I fear that Sordo and Loeb are just cruising now...

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 13:40

Ogier fastest so far!!!

Retlub Ecaps

3rd October 2009, 13:51

photo Novikov from the accident are (http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=7955)

Heh, more classic Novikov driving :D

What's that brown stuff they put on the front of the car? Cardboard?

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 13:52

If the rally started again at SS10 we could have been in for a great battle. Petter, Ogier and Mikko are really battling at the top with the Citroens now. Really can't wait for GB now.

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 13:52

Kevlar

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 13:54

Investing in Latvala in tarmac is a waste of time. Ogier in his first visit is setting fastest times. Invest in a driver that at least shows potential on tarmac.

Mauri A

3rd October 2009, 14:09

Investing in Latvala in tarmac is a waste of time. Ogier in his first visit is setting fastest times. Invest in a driver that at least shows potential on tarmac.
Better to invest in Citroen C 4!

raybak

3rd October 2009, 14:11

Problems for Prokop? No stage time for him, he was well in front at the last split!

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 14:12

Better to invest in Citroen C 4!

I think Latvala would actually be worse on tarmac in a C4.

Ondra WRC

3rd October 2009, 14:19

what happened to Prokop?

Mauri A

3rd October 2009, 14:20

I think Latvala would actually be worse on tarmac in a C4.
You sure have facts?

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 14:30

Breen in problems? :confused:
Athanasoulas very good pace till now :s mokin:

Juha_Koo

3rd October 2009, 14:32

Investing in Latvala in tarmac is a waste of time. Ogier in his first visit is setting fastest times. Invest in a driver that at least shows potential on tarmac.

What a load of BS. On which surface JML got his first podium? :rolleyes:

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 14:33

The C4 is very very efficient with its suspension dymanics, so much so, that it doesnt give the driver the same feedback, and therefore its hard to explore the limits of adhesion, and therefore get the utimate performance from the car

The words of Seb Loeb, not me.

All I'm saying, is that the Ford appears 'easier' to drive.

Retlub Ecaps

3rd October 2009, 14:33

WRC Radio just said Prokop had a huge crash, but no significant injuries

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 14:34

What a load of BS. On which surface JML got his first podium? :rolleyes:
Its not BS my friend. He is 2m21 off the lead.. half way through the rally.

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 14:34

Well peter hasn;t managed anything spectacular so far...i doubt he would be slower than Latvala in the xsara and we have to see if he manages to keep Ogier behind.

Of course the event isn;t too good to draw conclusions but we rae going to have a clear picture of him in GB

Ondra WRC

3rd October 2009, 14:35

Prokop big accident on 5 gear

A.F.F.

3rd October 2009, 14:40

All rightie then... rally seem to be over for this weekend.

NEXT !!!

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 14:40

Mr wilson must be the smartest team manager ever in the WRC...every now and then he comes up with stupid car mini competitons for rich boys to sponsor his sons useless skills....its a pity there are some who fall for it. All these poor guys in that R3 fiesta are struggling to keep up with some belgian guys in a citroen....its sad.

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 14:40

All rightie then... rally seem to be over for this weekend.

NEXT !!!

:)

Mauri A

3rd October 2009, 14:44

All rightie then... rally seem to be over for this weekend.

NEXT !!!
Hope you are wrong!

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 14:46

1-2-3-4 for Citroen in here...!!

Retlub Ecaps

3rd October 2009, 14:46

Ogier's tires are getting worn

r199

3rd October 2009, 14:47

So it looks like H Weijs is going for his first win in juniors
hope he can keep it up

jonkka

3rd October 2009, 15:05

Let's see if Loeb will take the lead now...

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 15:08

from rally.grhttp://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_ ... ace_id=671 (grhttp://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&article_id=17031&race_id=671)

To the first FSTi o Athanasoulis!3/10/2009 2:06 PM
http://www.rally.gr/data/photo/51360.jpgImpressively began the second part Lambros Athanasoulis and Nikos Zacchaeus, after failed in the first stage of the race to get into the top end, marking a great even at peak time! At this time, and after the first three specific part of the Greek driver is almost one minute ahead of their main rival and winner of the Fiesta Sporting Trophy in Ireland and Britain, Craig Breen. The Greek crew began impressively, recording the largest individual of the race the 28th time overall, ahead of much stronger construction! In fact, I attribute that keep struggling from problems brakes Fiesta, which claimed and time and the three current special arm.

Given the extra time in the first stage, which was a full minute better than that of Breen, Lambros and Nick have been checked then the pace, recording the best time in the 9th SS, so that each difference in the interim service now reaches to 58 seconds. Particularly encouraging is the fact however that they are in 26th position overall, impressive effect mutatis mutandis and potential of the car, at the time the problem with the brakes found on plymnes bearings, which should be resolved and help the Greek crew to further improve the performance tou._
http://http://www.rally.gr/data/photo/51361.jpg

White Sauron

3rd October 2009, 15:09

what if Loeb retires in Spain?..

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 15:11

what if Loeb retires in Spain?..
I M P O S S I B L E ! !

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 15:14

Loeb will pass in here...Sordo lost a lot on final split...Predictable............................... ........

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 15:18

update.
Athanasoulas 5 minutes late after service park(50sec penalty) due to change front hubs.Hubs was the reason of brakes problems.So the gap with Breen is 18sec. :eek:

JFL

3rd October 2009, 15:21

NOT, and anybody else for that matter... What do you think about Petter's times today? First day in a new car, and on tarmac!

Buzz Lightyear

3rd October 2009, 15:24

update.
Athanasoulas 5 minutes late after service park(50sec penalty) due to change front hubs.Hubs was the reason of brakes problems.So the gap with Breen is 18sec. :eek:

Athanasoulas 18s up on Breen... No times for Breen on last 2 stages on WRC.com?

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 15:27

I may be biased, but I'm really excited about Petter now. If he can get within 5 secs of Loeb/Sordo on most tarmac stages, what is he capable of on his best surfaces? I pray he keeps the C4 for next year so he can start well.

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 15:27

NOT, and anybody else for that matter... What do you think about Petter's times today? First day in a new car, and on tarmac!
Great job!!!Hopefully next year beats Loeb in his car to prove a lot of things!!! ;)

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 15:37

Athanasoulas 18s up on Breen... No times for Breen on last 2 stages on WRC?

Last stage i see him is in ss10
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=409&season=2009&rally_id=E&stage=10

I can t find him in retirements even

Breen on problems,lost almost 5 minutes at ss11

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2009&rally_id=E&category=&stage=11

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 15:51

Athanasoulas is of course better than breen no matter the result here....beating nobodies leads nowhere though.

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 15:59

Athanasoulas is of course better than breen no matter the result here....beating nobodies leads nowhere though.

Be sure that if you give him a budget can afford an s2000 in Catalunya he wouldn t drive that r2.

Rallyper

3rd October 2009, 16:25

Tomi

3rd October 2009, 16:35

Good news, Citroen confirm Loeb and Sordo also for their next year drivers. About Petter, his driving has been as expected 4th position so far, and in the front of him nobody has anything to gain by driving anymore.

J.Lindstroem

3rd October 2009, 17:18

And please - this isn´t a forum to promote any special driver even if you think your countryfellowman is a good driver, please turn down the noice about that guy. :mad:

Are you serious?

Rallyper

3rd October 2009, 17:24

Are you serious?

About what? I´m always serious..... :cool:

(I think only a few persons are interested in that guy - and if they want they could talk in a new topic about him, even if he´s so good they say.)

noel157

3rd October 2009, 17:25

Athanasoulas is of course better than breen no matter the result here....beating nobodies leads nowhere though.

Breen seems to have a future, for an 18 yr old so give him time. Apparently his R2 has electrical problems, car is cutting out every few kms.

J.Lindstroem

3rd October 2009, 17:25

About what? I´m always serious..... :cool:

(I think only a few persons are interested in that guy - and if they want they could talk in a new topic about him, even if he´s so good they say.)

haha ok

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 17:40

NOT: don´t you want to give all of us who like Petter an answer:

How do you like his perfomance so far?? ;)

And please - this isn´t a forum to promote any special driver even if you think your countryfellowman is a good driver, please turn down the noice about that guy. :mad:

his times are improved but the end result is the same for peter so i cannot see any difference, however i think GB is going to be the important event for him to show he can be on top again.

As for the second comment i agree... but greeks are always like that...a bunch of yes men. Fortunatelly i am not one of them...Athanasoulas is a good driver of course but his choices are strange.

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 17:41

Breen seems to have a future, for an 18 yr old so give him time. Apparently his R2 has electrical problems, car is cutting out every few kms.

Breen is a nobody and will remain a nobody....unfortunatelly.

JFL

3rd October 2009, 17:44

Breen is a nobody and will remain a nobody....unfortunatelly.
Like Peter Sohlberg? :rolleyes:

tolis

3rd October 2009, 17:48

Congratulations to Athanassoulas for their fantastic performance!!!!!! Go Lambros!!!!

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 17:51

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 17:52

Peter Sohlberg? Whom is this new driver?

dimviii

3rd October 2009, 17:54

his times are improved but the end result is the same for peter so i cannot see any difference, however i think GB is going to be the important event for him to show he can be on top again.

As for the second comment i agree... but greeks are always like that...a bunch of yes men. Fortunatelly i am not one of them...Athanasoulas is a good driver of course but his choices are strange.

It s better to ignore you,cause if i don t,i see the ban coming :D

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 17:55

Peter Sohlberg? Whom is this new driver?
Maybe he meant Kristian Sohlberg ^^

Halvis

3rd October 2009, 18:02

his times are improved but the end result is the same for peter so i cannot see any difference, however i think GB is going to be the important event for him to show he can be on top again.

I'm norwegian and of course biased, but if you can't see that Petters times today are really, really good, I don't understand anything. He has been (almost) on pace with the tarmac masters in his first rally with the C4 (older than the M1-cars also...), and would have been just a few seconds behind Hirvonen if it wasn't for that first stage where he was very, very cautious.

I agree with you that GB will be important for him, though, and I know that he looks forward to it enourmously. He has been quoted in norwegian press that the C4 is fantastic on gravel also, which we all know of course. The car the will use in GB is maybe even better than the one he drives now?

A.F.F.

3rd October 2009, 18:16

And please - this isn´t a forum to promote any special driver even if you think your countryfellowman is a good driver, please turn down the noice about that guy. :mad:

Whoopsie daizie....

If that is the case, I've broken it about a million times.

Well heck, one more to the row. VIVA JANI PAASONEN.!!!

Rallyper

3rd October 2009, 18:22

Whoopsie daizie....

If that is the case, I've broken it about a million times.

Well heck, one more to the row. VIVA JANI PAASONEN.!!!

he he - you´re talking real men, no wrc-wannabies. And as you probably seen I´m a great fan of every good driver from Finland, so - AFF - you´re forgiven because there´s nothing to forgive. :D

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 18:26

I'm norwegian and of course biased, but if you can't see that Petters times today are really, really good, I don't understand anything. He has been (almost) on pace with the tarmac masters in his first rally with the C4 (older than the M1-cars also...), and would have been just a few seconds behind Hirvonen if it wasn't for that first stage where he was very, very cautious.

I agree with you that GB will be important for him, though, and I know that he looks forward to it enourmously. He has been quoted in norwegian press that the C4 is fantastic on gravel also, which we all know of course. The car the will use in GB is maybe even better than the one he drives now?

the end result is the one that counts....you don;t get points for improved performance...only for improved positions...and today the leaders were cruising with hands in their pockets.

I see improvement and a big one in his times but if you don;t get something out of it its useless improvement.

I would like peter to fight for wins not 3rd-4th loser places, but if he is fine with this i have no problem as well.

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 18:31

*Petter not 'peter'

Jafry

3rd October 2009, 18:51

Photos from 2nd leg with demage car of Jevgenij Novikov (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=589&startpos=0&fseason=&fcat=&fauthor=&ftxt=) ;)

Halvis

3rd October 2009, 18:53

the end result is the one that counts....you don;t get points for improved performance...only for improved positions...and today the leaders were cruising with hands in their pockets.

I see improvement and a big one in his times but if you don;t get something out of it its useless improvement.

I would like peter to fight for wins not 3rd-4th loser places, but if he is fine with this i have no problem as well.

OK, different opinions about what can be regarded as improvements then, thats fine for me.

But again, it is on gravel he has shined previously, so we'll just have to look forward to GB.

Ucci

3rd October 2009, 18:58

To all Mikko's fans: watch for Peter Solberg!! Look at the times achived today, add the gaps which got Peter today on each stage from the fastest on each stage and do same with Mikko's times and the result is quite interesting. Peter has lost today 17,9 seconds and Mikko 21 seconds !! If it were not yesterday cautious start of Peter, Mikko would have hard times today and tomorrow... Well done Peter for the first time on the surface, which is not his favorite....

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 19:50

*Petter not Peter

A.F.F.

3rd October 2009, 19:59

Chill petersolberg29 :D

3rd October 2009, 20:00

Nobody has mentioned Snobeck, a French pensioner in an old Peugeot giving some of the WRC 'stars' a run for their money.

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 20:06

A.F.F my blood is boiling!! ;)

And you're right RS - Snobeck's doing well for himself. Shown up some of the 'stars' as you say.

Juha_Koo

3rd October 2009, 20:06

Its not BS my friend.

On which surface JML got his first WRC podium? :rolleyes:

I'm not so surprised that JML (or Mikko) is not in the "mood", this rally is really damn boring.

Barreis

3rd October 2009, 20:07

Any video (onboard) of Prokop's off?

Wim_Impreza

3rd October 2009, 20:11

Nobody has mentioned Snobeck, a French pensioner in an old Peugeot giving some of the WRC 'stars' a run for their money.

That shows again how deep the WRC is this year. Snobeck is 63 years, birth date 2 May 1946.

3rd October 2009, 20:21

On which surface JML got his first WRC podium? :rolleyes:

I'm not so surprised that JML (or Mikko) is not in the "mood", this rally is really damn boring.

That is not a good excuse for a professional rally driver.

I don't find it so boring, at least the times are closer than some gravel events and times aren't messed up with sweeping nonsense.

N.O.T

3rd October 2009, 20:27

why should we mention every driver who manages to beat nobodies with deep pockets ? ? ?

pettersolberg29

3rd October 2009, 20:30

Why are you always so miserable?

Psycho!

3rd October 2009, 20:30

That is not a good excuse for a professional rally driver.

I don't find it so boring, at least the times are closer than some gravel events and times aren't messed up with sweeping nonsense.
Sorry,but I prefer road sweeping and tactics rather than knowing the results from the second stage of the rally... :rolleyes:

3rd October 2009, 20:33

Sorry,but I prefer road sweeping and tactics rather than knowing the results from the second stage of the rally... :rolleyes:

But it's not the fault of the surface that the other drivers are not good enough to challenge Loeb and Sordo.

A.F.F.

3rd October 2009, 20:35

Couldn't help but thinking this rally could have been one of the best this season if Loeb and Sordo would represent different manufactureres. It would be highly interesting to see how the duel on tarmac between them turned out :)

White Sauron

3rd October 2009, 20:38

But it's not the fault of the surface that the other drivers are not good enough to challenge Loeb and Sordo.

Not underestimating Seb's and Dani's abilities, i think it's more about the C4 being much better on tarmac than the Focus. I highly doubt Solberg would have been as fast here had he driven the M-Sport-built car...

Tomi

3rd October 2009, 20:46

If it were not yesterday cautious start of Peter, Mikko would have hard times today and tomorrow...

Yes, the key word's are as usuall "if" and "would have".

Wim_Impreza

3rd October 2009, 20:46

Urmo Aava already said in the begin of the year that the C4 WRC is a faster car on tarmac than the Focus WRC'08.
His special stage times in the C4 last year were fast on tarmac and we all know he is not really a tarmac driver.

cut the b.s.

3rd October 2009, 22:00

Breen is a nobody and will remain a nobody....unfortunatelly.

given that 99.9%(approx) of young hopefuls remain nobodies you are possibly correct(an unusual event, but the stats do favour you this time) but I am still puzzled what makes you so sure, a little checking out on him shows that he is a multiple karting champion and in the short time he has been rallying he has won the British and Irish Fiestas, not a bad cv so far!

Allyc85

3rd October 2009, 23:15

Remember N.O.T. is a miserable git and rarely says anything positive about any driver ;)

Mirek

3rd October 2009, 23:18

Just watched second leg on Eurosport. It was boring like hell. The cars look incredibly slow on these roads :(

You can see Prokop's car after the crash here: http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=300&page=1&featureid=1376&desc=Spain%202009:%20J-WRC%20news%20day%20two

Doesn't look very damaged although Prokop said it was a big impact. He said he tried too hard and destroyed tyres which caused him to go off in a place where there he had to brake from rpm limiter speed...

Helstar

3rd October 2009, 23:26

Remember N.O.T. is a miserable git and rarely says anything positive about any driver ;)
I still remember when he called Marcus Gronholm "a tomato can" http://img.freeforumzone.it/smiles/2/09.gif

JFL

4th October 2009, 02:06

I thought to myself that it would be wonderful to watch Petter set this incredible times and good show in a brand new car live... But I changed my mind.. I would rather sit and watch N.O.T in the eyes while he's doing it....

Barreis

4th October 2009, 02:10

]Just watched second leg on Eurosport. It was boring like hell. The cars look incredibly slow on these roads :(

You can see Prokop's car after the crash here: http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=300&page=1&featureid=1376&desc=Spain%202009:%20J-WRC%20news%20day%20two

Doesn't look very damaged although Prokop said it was a big impact. He said he tried too hard and destroyed tyres which caused him to go off in a place where there he had to brake from rpm limiter speed...

It seems that c2 is really strong car..

tmx

4th October 2009, 02:49

]Just watched second leg on Eurosport. It was boring like hell. The cars look incredibly slow on these roads :( . I've been watching IRC coverages and F1, but I'm not even watching WRC coverage this time.

Koz

4th October 2009, 04:58

I've been watching IRC coverages and F1, but I'm not even watching WRC coverage this time.

I stopped following the WRC sometime last year...

Yesterday I watched the day 1 highlights and for some reason I felt I saw more more of Alberto Contador than of the actual rally.

It was mentioned atleast 5 times that Sordo would not be allowed to win.

It just did not sound like first tier championship. Is this supposed to be a World Rally Championship not something that seems unprofessional.

It came to mind what they had a few years ago the "Godfather" gimmick, for Sardinia I think - all the driver asking favors.
Sure it's funny, but not how a professional racing should be. It should be about rallying not whatever....

Sorry for the rant, I am just angry about how our beloved sport has turned out. I hope things change for the better soon.

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 07:14

First stage of the last day of this rally is now live, is there anybody else who cares? :D

jonkka

4th October 2009, 07:19

First stage of the last day of this rally is now live, is there anybody else who cares? :D

Check

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 07:19

Sordo is 0.9" faster then his teammate, but Hirvonen is the fastest at the splits. :)

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 07:26

Best time for Sordo after all, but five drivers within 2,5 sec after 16,3 Kms of stage, who says this rally is boring? :D :D :D

jonkka

4th October 2009, 07:30

If only the overall differences would be smaller, then it wouldn't be boring...

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 07:34

If only the overall differences would be smaller, then it wouldn't be boring...

I completely agree with you Jonkka. ;)

jonkka

4th October 2009, 07:36

Maybe we'll see that in Rally GB again...

jonkka

4th October 2009, 07:46

If results stand as they are now - Citroen will claim the manu crown today.

Helstar

4th October 2009, 08:02

If not today then in GB 100% ...

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 08:09

i just love cruising days....

Helstar

4th October 2009, 08:12

When there is no sweeping there is no tactics so big gaps in last day... :p you are never happy ! lol

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 08:21

Petter is really flying on this stage, let's see if he can keep it on the road and even become closer to Hirvonen. On the splits it certainly looks like he is trying.

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 08:27

Loeb is saying that he probably have puncture, but he didn't cut anywhere? :confused:

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 08:29

Besttime for Petter, but differences between top 4 are very small.

Helstar

4th October 2009, 08:34

Last time Petter won a tarmac SS ? 5 years ago ^^ ?

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 08:45

Last time Petter won a tarmac SS ? 5 years ago ^^ ?

Wasn't it yesterday? :D

Helstar

4th October 2009, 08:50

Yes correct ! I was wondering which previous rally =)

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 09:05

Yes correct ! I was wondering which previous rally =)

That must have been quite a while ago, i agree with you there. ;)

Sulland

4th October 2009, 09:09

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 09:14

Petter is learning the C4, and his dancepartner is doing what he wants her to on asphalt - and he is winning stages again.

I think he might smash the opposition in GB on gravel, if he gets a good setup !

thats a bit overconfident...hirvonen and Loeb are very good on gravel so there is no way to smash them...but he could be the surprise there and fight with them.

However he started win stages here when the cruise control sign light up on Loebs/sordos and mikkos cars.

WRC needs another player and it will be nice if Solberg manages to be the one.

Gordini

4th October 2009, 09:18

Who is this Asi that leads N4 ?

What has he done before ?

blissard

4th October 2009, 09:22

Last time Petter won a tarmac SS was SS20 of Ireland 2007.

Very nice to see his speed in the C4!

Brother John

4th October 2009, 09:28

Last time Petter won a tarmac SS was SS20 of Ireland 2007.

SS20! when the top drivers don´t need it anymore. :rolleyes:
Yes like N.O.T. say, when the cruise control sign light up on Loebs/sordos and mikkos cars

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 09:47

Who is this Asi that leads N4 ?

What has he done before ?

Asi is very well known in Hungary....i have some crazy onboards of him when he used to drive his mitsu evo 6 A8 car...to be honest i only thought that he was one of those crazy local boys that entertains the crowds but he isn;t that fast....he proved that he can be fast in spain and he can beat nobodies as well.

tolis

4th October 2009, 09:50

What happened in SS14, strange times????

gloomyDAY

4th October 2009, 09:54

Is this boring rally over yet?

dimviii

4th October 2009, 09:56

What happened in SS14, strange times????

Μaybe an accident.

Neuville retired? :confused:

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 09:57

What happened in SS14, strange times????

probably some accident...and they run the stage as road section

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 09:57

there you go...from rally.cz

Stage stopped due accident of P.Bird

tolis

4th October 2009, 10:01

Thanks N.O.T.-dimvii!!!

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 10:15

Somebody knows what has happened with Thierry Neuville, he is no longer in standings :confused: :mad: :confused:

Dilek

4th October 2009, 10:19

P.Bird is an accident in SS14 and safety injured..

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 10:23

P.Bird is an accident in SS14 and safety injured..

Yes, that was the reason that stage 14 was stopped and neutralised, but i guess that is not the reason of Neuville's retirement?

dimviii

4th October 2009, 10:28

Somebody knows what has happened with Thierry Neuville, he is no longer in standings :confused: :mad: :confused:

Neuville said at ss 13...
"Everything is OK. Only little bit problem with engine. We will try to reach service."

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 10:32

Neuville said at ss 13...
"Everything is OK. Only little bit problem with engine. We will try to reach service."

Ok, thanks Dimmvii, so probably problem with engine is cause of his retirement.
:(

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 10:34

so now athanasoulas is the leader of the R class....nice.

Ondra WRC

4th October 2009, 10:37

P.Bird is an accident in SS14 and safety injured..

the crew is okay?

Dilek

4th October 2009, 10:41

the crew is okay?

Really I dont' know

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 11:01

the crew is ok

BIRD P. / WINDRESS I. Went off, crew OK

wwbroe

4th October 2009, 11:20

Another besttime for Petter on stage 16, but i guess it is a bit too late to come close to Hirvonen in overall classification. :)

JFL

4th October 2009, 11:28

Loeb set almost the same time as he did on ss13(same stage)
Earlier in the rally he has improved 4-6 sec. at the second loop.. So to say that they are taking it easy ... well..

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 11:43

so 2 stages remain to see if anyone is stupid enough to make a mistake.....

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 11:55

So to say that they are taking it easy ... well..

so to say that they are risking everything with no reason...well..

blissard

4th October 2009, 12:14

so to say that they are risking everything with no reason...well..

Oh come on, did you really expect Petter taking stage wins, in his first asphalt rally in a new car?

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 12:23

Oh come on, did you really expect Petter taking stage wins, in his first asphalt rally in a new car?

yes, when everyone is cruising he has won stages in the past as well with the xsara....as i said the end result for him is not much different although he has improved his speed.

UK is coming and we all going to get our answers...

tmx

4th October 2009, 12:26

Oh come on, did you really expect Petter taking stage wins, in his first asphalt rally in a new car?
Please don't waste your time reasoning with him.

White Sauron

4th October 2009, 12:26

Ok, friends, I know what professional rallying is about, it's a team sport, but at the moment I'm awfully annoyed with this. Had Loeb really fought for the lead with Sordo, something interesting could have happened at the top. Otherwise all three (Loeb, Sordo, Hirvonen) knew their positions even before the start...

Brother John

4th October 2009, 12:41

White Sauron

4th October 2009, 12:48

Well, BJ, manufacturers are needed for the sport's development. It would stagnate without them. What I don't like within current teams is that a driver capable of winning (Sordo) gives in so that his partner can win the race... C'mon, it's not Sordo fighting for the title, but Loeb!

Sulland

4th October 2009, 12:56

Fabia leads N4.
Brynildsen has taken it steady, and been putting more speed as he has understood the car. Smart move.

Lets see if he wins !

Brother John

4th October 2009, 12:56

Well, BJ, manufacturers are needed for the sport's develop
ment. It would stagnate without them. What I don't like within current teams is that a driver capable of winning (Sordo) gives in so that his partner can win the race... C'mon, it's not Sordo fighting for the title, but Loeb!

I UNDERSTAND YOU AND FOR THIS REASON I USED SARCASTIC SMILIE. :D

Great rally from Sordo.

N.O.T

4th October 2009, 13:07

nice 1-2 for Citroen...

User

4th October 2009, 13:13

How come Brynildsen was using a Petter Solberg overall, like can be seen in this picture http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2009/wrc/ca/gr_p_271_brynildsen_1.jpg ?

Rally_Rocks

4th October 2009, 13:16

How come Brynildsen was using a Petter Solberg overall, like can be seen in this picture http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2009/wrc/ca/gr_p_271_brynildsen_1.jpg ?

His original overalls failed scrutineering and Petter helped him out.

Barreis

4th October 2009, 13:18

Mirek

4th October 2009, 14:11

Semerad's Evo X broke down after 2 km of first stage today - broken engine...

Tomi

4th October 2009, 14:15

Quite expected results, but well done by Loeb and Sordo, a bit boaring first day driving and next 2 cruising, i have to say Latvala was a little dissapointment, or maybe he finally understand what his job is.
I think that Ford will strike back in GB, 1-2 for Ford is my guess, and Loeb close behind.

Ucci

4th October 2009, 14:16

Perfect race for Loeb and Sordo !! Brilliant job, congratulations!! Mikko can make 10.000 test miles on the tarmac, but Citroën boys will be always ahead of him. Sad, but that the way it is !! Thank god that the next year will be four races on tarmac, this is the only way to have WRC and not GWRC (gravel WRC). It will be fewer doubts about the champion....
Excellent performance by P.Solberg.
I'm surprised that an S1600 car is in front of S2000 car, Weijs had to push extremly. Another win for Citroën!
Now it is time for a little celebration and than preparing for the finals in the England!

Mirek

4th October 2009, 14:27

I'm surprised that an S1600 car is in front of S2000 car, Weijs had to push extremly. Another win for Citroën!

It's up to driver. Brynildsen had almost now experience with S2000 car and very little with tarmac at all (his only starts with S2000 were Rally Bohemia 2007 with an early crash on SS5 and Rally Larvik 2009 which was cancelled just after the start. He didn't know how to drive Fabia fast. First day he destroyed brakes on every stage by very hard left-foot braking. He was learning all the rally and changed setup in every service. I think that he did a good job. Next time he will be faster for sure ;)

AndyRAC

4th October 2009, 14:34

An entirely predictable event, I'm afraid. Congratuations to Seb,Daniel & Citroen on winning, well done also to Dani, Marc on a very strong 2nd place. Must say I was well imppressed with Petters performance, especially as it was Tarmac, not his best surface.
As for the event, can't they move it back to were it was a few years ago - including Viladrau. What about a mixed event?
Can't believe there has only been 1 'proper' Tarmac event this season. What a joke!

Mirek

4th October 2009, 14:36

Funny crash by Albert Llovera in the famous spectator place :D

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/b_48c397290ca5d8dea65736f516e48c05.jpg

By the way, Neuville is said to retire because of mechanical problems.

Ucci

4th October 2009, 14:41

By the way, is Citroën already manu champion ???

Barreis

4th October 2009, 14:53

]It's up to driver. Brynildsen had almost now experience with S2000 car and very little with tarmac at all (his only starts with S2000 were Rally Bohemia 2007 with an early crash on SS5 and Rally Larvik 2009 which was cancelled just after the start. He didn't know how to drive Fabia fast. First day he destroyed brakes on every stage by very hard left-foot braking. He was learning all the rally and changed setup in every service. I think that he did a good job. Next time he will be faster for sure ;)

Better driver and experience..

noel157

4th October 2009, 15:00

By the way, is Citroën already manu champion ???

I imagine they have won it.

Buzz Lightyear

4th October 2009, 15:16

]Funny crash by Albert Llovera in the famous spectator place :D

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/b_48c397290ca5d8dea65736f516e48c05.jpg

By the way, Neuville is said to retire because of mechanical problems.

Did he forget about the corner?

Buzz Lightyear

4th October 2009, 15:19

Barreis

4th October 2009, 15:30

urabus-denoS2000

4th October 2009, 15:37

Why not?

S1600 with a proper driver can be on the pace with S2000 (can't think of anyone in WRC though)

Jafry

4th October 2009, 15:41

Photos from 3rd leg and from final ceremony HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=589&fseason=2009) ;)

ShiftingGears

4th October 2009, 15:47

By the way, is Citroën already manu champion ???

Yes.

Karukera

4th October 2009, 16:23

Citroën is 2009 Manu World Champion, pending administrative odds... Ford again won't take both crowns, something they never ever achieved. I guess MW is eager to do it in 2010, in the next Rally era, anytime now before either him or Ford retires. :s tare:

4th October 2009, 17:11

i have to say Latvala was a little dissapointment, or maybe he finally understand what his job is.

What might that be? I can't imagine it is to come 6th.

I hope JML can reinvigorate himself over the winter, they seem to have "broken" him this year.

4th October 2009, 17:16

Perfect race for Loeb and Sordo !! Brilliant job, congratulations!! Mikko can make 10.000 test miles on the tarmac, but Citroën boys will be always ahead of him. Sad, but that the way it is !! Thank god that the next year will be four races on tarmac, this is the only way to have WRC and not GWRC (gravel WRC). It will be fewer doubts about the champion....

I have to agree with you there. You could feasibly win the WRC title whilst being useless on tarmac with the way the calendar is, that is not rallying.

I think you're a little harsh on Mikko though. He's probably not up to the speed of Seb or Dani, but he is "best of the rest" on asphalt, in terms of current WRC drivers at least.