IRC Monte Carlo 2010

[Simmi]

Not bad time really for Garde all things considering. To say he had terrible grip all stage, misted windscreen and also a brief off. Still on same pace as Meeke/Juho.

[MartijnS]

Lol, I really like Franz Wittman. He definitely has a lot of confidence :D

[Cloverleaf]

Great comment from Franz :D

I think people are going too fast. I don't think they're going to see the end of this rally.

[teufel]

Bit of a tyre lottery at the moment. I expect closer times this afternoon when everyone should know what they are doing better.

The Monte was always a tyre lottery. I hope, in the afternoon we'll see more closer stage times!

[JRodrigues]

Lol, I really like Franz Wittman. He definitely has a lot of confidence :D

I don't. Who the hell is he?!

[MartijnS]

He drove IRC in a Lancer last year.

[RS]

I don't. Who the hell is he?!

Franz drove a Mitsu in IRC last year and he is active on this forum so be nice!

[wwbroe]

I don't. Who the hell is he?!

You don't know Franz Witmann Jr, son of Franz Witmann? He did IRC championship last year with Mitsu Evo9, and he is allways very spectacular.

[JRodrigues]

You don't know Franz Witmann Jr, son of Franz Witmann? He did IRC championship last year with Mitsu Evo9, and he is allways very spectacular.

I know who he is, but I don't know what he thinks he is.

[Simmi]

Lol, I really like Franz Wittman. He definitely has a lot of confidence :D

He is definately good in the interviews.

[Hartusvuori]

Wittmann made more impression to me with that comment than he did whole last season - also if his last season wasn't that bad. Nice confidence, now we'll just wait and see.

Also, for those that wonder how big differences there were on SS2. It was 45 km stage on a tricky and changing conditions, so it's understandable. Of course, if one looses more than 1 s/km it's a lot, but like said the conditions weren't the same for everyone.

[RS]

I know snow can be exciting, but I hope for some more constant conditions in the next stages and days so we can really compare the cars and drivers and not just their tyre choices!

[Simmi]

I know snow can be exciting, but I hope for some more constant conditions in the next stages and days so we can really compare the cars and drivers and not just their tyre choices!

I think they say it might be snowing a bit toward the end of stage 3 at the top but I'm not sure.

[Simmi]

Looks like our Brazilian friend Oliveira has had a big moment at the end of the stage after the flying finish. Slight brake problem - supposedly locked up and lost the front end - corrected it and fully spun. Nearly took out the finish marquee just after the BfGoodrich arch.

[Luis Pacheco]

Wittman will broke the helmet if every time he pulls it to better hear the interviewer at the end of the stages. :D

[amilk]

I know snow can be exciting, but I hope for some more constant conditions in the next stages and days so we can really compare the cars and drivers and not just their tyre choices!

Not fully agree - Tyre choise and snow is part of the Monte and part of the driver comparison. From TV coverage point of view would be also better to have snow

[[WRCRR]]

Great driving from the top drivers, but I think the most stunning performance so far has been the Fiesta S2000. Ok, they have Mikko at the wheel and he is one of the very best's, but still to have that fast car right out of the box bodes very well for the SWRC and other IRC Ford drivers for 2010 season. And of course for Ford factory team come season 2011.

Of course like Mikko said it's still early days with the car and there might be a few hickups to come but the raw speed is very much there.

[Sulland]

Not bad time really for Garde all things considering. To say he had terrible grip all stage, misted windscreen and also a brief off. Still on same pace as Meeke/Juho.

Was it Gardemeister that had his engine a trip to France to see a motor doctor ?

[Roy]

.... Mikko is still very fast if you compare it to the regular IRC drivers.

Do you had any doubts?

[Simmi]

Looks like Olivier Marty has pushed his Punto over the line. Fuel problem and they pushed it a long way - 5kms rally radio reports. At least it was downhill.

[Simmi]

Kopecky down in 26th now after 2 stages. Complete nightmare start.

Not sure what has happened to Maurin in the Fiesta.

[Rallytourist]

17 POUTOT Renaud
CURRAT Lionel N 4 Abarth Grande Punto S2000 Sortie de route sans gravité dans ES02 Abandon
39 MAUFFREY Eric
HOUSSIN Gaëtan A 7 Renault Clio R3 Mécanique entre ES01 et ES02 Abandon
45 OGLIARI Giacomo
VERDELLI Marco A 7 Renault Clio R3 Mécanique entre ES01 et ES02 Abandon

No news from Maurin

[Sulland]

Would Kubica be allowed to change the engine in his car ? I just saw others from the R3 Cup being allowed to "restart" today.

[RS]

Would Kubica be allowed to change the engine in his car ? I just saw others from the R3 Cup being allowed to "restart" today.

No, the mechanics would have needed to break the seals on Kubica's engine to repair it and that was not allowed.

Eurosport said he was offered the zero car (Megane) but was not interested.

[noel157]

Kopecky down in 26th now after 2 stages. Complete nightmare start.

Not sure what has happened to Maurin in the Fiesta.

Apparently ran out of fuel, unofficial report.

[Simmi]

Cheers noel. Pretty gutted about that.

Seems like there will be a mix of tyre choices again this afternoon. Marc Van Dalen says Kris and the Peugeots have full wets on the first with slicks for the second to put on the fronts.

He seems to think Skoda and Mikko are going for snow tyres on this next stage so lets see.

[wwbroe]

Stage three is about to start, let's see what comes out of this one. :)

[Josti]

Apparently ran out of fuel, unofficial report.

Official Monte Carlo page reports he is out. Something happened on the way to SS2.

Pity.

[Simmi]

Can't see the logic of being on snow tyres unless there is a lot further up towards the top in the later sections. Hopefully there is.

The start is bone dry so it is the usual Monte problem of a compromise.

[RS]

It seems that M-Sport have not allowed a camera in Mikko's car.

[wwbroe]

How come there is no split for Sarazin, whilst there is one for Wilks?

[RS]

Kopecky looks a lot faster now, apparantly on wet tyres.

[wwbroe]

Magalhaes is 11 sec faster on second run, so let's see how the others can improve.

[ZequeArgentina]

splits for IRC?, Where?

[wwbroe]

Split times doesn't seem to be very reliable. :(

[wwbroe]

What happened with Ogier?

[Simmi]

Issue for Ogier at the end. Nearly caught by Sarrazin.

Spectators throwing snow on road and caught him out. Very unimpressed. Caught out their own man too.

[julkki]

Issue for Ogier at the end. Nearly caught by Sarrazin.

Spectators throwing snow on road and caught him out. Very unimpressed. Caught out their own man too.

Damn idiots.

[Josti]

Spectators throwing snow on road and caught him out. Very unimpressed. Caught out their own man too.

The old Monte story...

[Simmi]

Mikko fastest again at split 3. Will he avoid the snow.

Interesting comment from Sarrizin who said he backs off when he sees lot of specators.

[N.O.T]

with ogier out its easy job for mikko now...

[Sulland]

The spectators need to start understanding that they can destroy a IRC campaign worth a lot of euros, in worst case kill someone by doing the snow stunt !! :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Simmi]

Wow Mikko canes Hanninen's time in there. 13secs to the good!

[ttiirika]

with ogier out its easy job for mikko now...

This is Rallye Monte Carlo we are talking about. One should not use word "easy" with this rally. It's a very long way to finish.

[Simmi]

The spectators need to start understanding that they can destroy a IRC campaign worth a lot of euros, in worst case kill someone by doing the snow stunt !! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Hard to say what kind of corner it was until Eurosport hopefully fish out the onboard of it.

[Simmi]

Frustrating for fans of Vouilloz. AGAIN he easily had the beating of everybody but just loses around 20secs in the final split.

[julkki]

Frustrating for fans of Vouilloz. AGAIN he easily had the beating of everybody but just loses around 20secs in the final split.

I think Vouilloz spilts aren't ok.

[Simmi]

I think Vouilloz spilts aren't ok.

Eurosport splits must be bogus then which doesn't surprise me.

Every stage so far he has been fastest at the penultimate split and then loses time at the end. So I'm thinking Eurosport splits and their times in general are pretty shoddy.

[amilk]

I'm following the coverage on the rtbf.be but dissapinted a littile bit. They show everybody on the first 3-4 km and in the finish line . Would be interestng to see Ogier if the issue happening.......live feeling is not here

But I dont claim .......still good to hav so much live feed

[Simmi]

I'm following the coverage on the rtbf.be but dissapinted a littile bit. They show everybody on the first 3-4 km and in the finish line . Would be interestng to see Ogier if the issue happening.......live feeling is not here

But I dont claim .......still good to hav so much live feed

Extremely difficult to run a live stage and keep contact with everything. Especially with the restrictions that Eurosport are under such as onboard cameras being defeated by trees and things like that.

[wwbroe]

I think it is still very interesting to follow, some good images. Still far better then seeing nothing at all. You are close to the action and most of the interesting news, you know right away. :)

[Wim_Impreza]

I'm following the coverage on the rtbf.be but dissapinted a littile bit. They show everybody on the first 3-4 km and in the finish line . Would be interestng to see Ogier if the issue happening.......live feeling is not here

But I dont claim .......still good to hav so much live feed

I can't even open it. There is an error. On Eurosport 1 was live tennis instead of the rally, again.

[wwbroe]

I can't even open it. There is an error. On Eurosport was live tennis instead of the rally, again.

No Wim, not true, there was Monte on Eurosport2 untill now, they switch to Eurosport1 for the last stage of the day.

[[WRCRR]]

Very unfortunate for Ogier...always this same s**t in Monte, every year...tasteless.

[Simmi]

]Very unfortunate for Ogier...always this same s**t in Monte, every year...tasteless.

Not going to defend the spectators but it was only one guy who got caught out by it. Sarrazin saw the situation before it happened and slowed down. He expected this kind of thing. Ogier unfortunately did not but next year he will. It's only been happening for decades.

[ZequeArgentina]

It was not only one, Magalhes also; and Sarrazin (the firsts on the road), Ogier problems increased bcause he broke a wheel.

[wwbroe]

What car was on side of the road when you look onboard of Kopecky and Vouilloz? Looked like Punto?

[Ondra WRC]

Poutot

[wwbroe]

Poutot

Ok, thank you, was still there after first run i suppose?

[Simmi]

Poutot

Looked like it was missing a right front wheel or did I imagine that bit?

[Ondra WRC]

wwbroe: Yes
Simmi: Yes, You're right.

[Ondra WRC]

Sarrazin puncture.

[Simmi]

Great time from Ogier. Mikko's lead however will be huge after Leg 1.

[Ondra WRC]

Guy Wilks spin.

[Simmi]

Meeke takes a lot of time off Juho. Driving very well.

[RS]

Great time from Ogier. Mikko's lead however will be huge after Leg 1.

41.9s after 140km. It's not massive but it's a very strong start.

Anyone know the forecast for tomorrow?

[Moriarty]

What was happen with Sarrazin?

[cali]

What was happen with Sarrazin?
Puncture - he changed a wheel on stage

[Barreis]

Eurosport rules, ISC down..

[Wim_Impreza]

No Wim, not true, there was Monte on Eurosport2 untill now, they switch to Eurosport1 for the last stage of the day.

I said Eurosport 1... Normally there was live rally from 15 until 16 hours, but there was live tennis.

[RS]

I said Eurosport 1... Normally there was live rally from 15 until 16 hours, but there was live tennis.

In the UK they started SS4 on Eurosport2 then moved it to Eurosport 1.

[Ondra WRC]

what happened Orsak?

[Simmi]

41.9s after 140km. It's not massive but it's a very strong start.


Yeah very true. Monte is different to almost all rallies. I wouldn't count anyone out in the top 5 just yet. But yes a dream start for Mikko.

Real big losers today were Kopecky in the morning. And also I have to say Wilks has never looked comfortable.

[RS]

Yeah very true. Monte is different to almost all rallies. I wouldn't count anyone out in the top 5 just yet. But yes a dream start for Mikko.

Real big losers today were Kopecky in the morning. And also I have to say Wilks has never looked comfortable.

I am a bit disappointed with the Skodas. Kopecky had bad luck but they also seemed to have odd tyre choices.

Once Kopecky was ok on this afternoons stages he was the fastest of the 4, but he is 5 minutes down...

I would have expected more from Hanninen in these types of conditions. Maybe down to tyres again.

[Simmi]

I would have expected more from Hanninen in these types of conditions. Maybe down to tyres again.

Yeah me too and I think tyres did play a part. But it was very difficult to get a sense of the problems because Juho really said nothing helpful at the end of the four stages today.

[Honza H.]

Yeah me too and I think tyres did play a part. But it was very difficult to get a sense of the problems because Juho really said nothing helpful at the end of the four stages today.

Do not forget that Juho is not a tarmac specialist - let´s just wait for more bits of snow and ice in stages to come and we will see the difference.

[HaCo]

Real big losers today were Kopecky in the morning. And also I have to say Wilks has never looked comfortable.
Don't forget Ogier, if he wouldn't have the off in SS3, pitty for him.

[dimviii]

Till now job is ok for Mikko and MW financies.Car fast out of box,so he must wait more clients after Monte.
Ogier realy fast,and not like last year cause of other retirements.
Good job for Magalhaes for his first winter rally in 6th position.
Waiting more from Skoda boys,but we have lot of ss to see them.
Imressive for me is the spped of Sarrazin,a driver without so many ss km last years.
Meeke steady driving paid him with second overall,even if he was in ss at positions 3-6-2-2.

Any videos from today?

[Ferjancz]

Interesting day after all. During the years Monte Carlo has shown that one is leading the rally but another one is the winner at the end. What can we say "Bad bad fans" :D throwing snow on the road. Excellent driving from Hanninen. Hopefully tomorrow it will be a better day for him and at the to see two fins at first places :)

[noel157]

PING Bluuford:

What's the weather analysis for tomorrow?
Thanks in advance.

[Lalo]

What a debut for the new Fiesta!! Go Mikko go!!

P.S: Citroën, be scared next season :p

[bluuford]

Well, my forecast for today was almost fully correct. There was nearly no snow and ice on the stages but lot of water.

Sometimes lucky :-)

Weather for tomorrow:

In the morning on stage 5 and 8 it will be dry and temperature will approximately +2 degrees. and sunny. Overnight it can be as low as -2 degrees, therefore a few paches of ice might be left in the shade.
On the second pass it will be approximately +5 degrees and some clouds. Dry. No ice and snow.
Stage 6 and 9 It will be nice and dry and temperature from start is approximately 4 degrees and in the evening pretty much the same. No ice, no snow is expected. Only water from melting snow.

Stage 7 and 10. Looks like it will be the most trickiest stage for tomorrow. There might be even some snow overnight. By the lunchtime there will be 3-4 degrees warmth (First pass). No ice, no snow left. In the evening it might be -1 or -2 already and many, many icy patches. And it will be dark as well. So, you can expect biggest changes and scares on that stage.

Forecast for Friday will come tomorrow evening.

[cut the b.s.]

Do the top 10 run reversed every day?

[Sulland]

http://woozor.co.uk/free-10-days-weather-forecast/weather-forecast-of-malatray-in-france_62_92_56872_en.html

Will Maurin start tomorrow ?

[Luis Pacheco]

What can we say "Bad bad fans" :D throwing snow on the road. :)

Ogier and Magalhães were very angry about that. :confused:
Monte Carlo with no snow thrown by the spectators is not Monte Carlo!
Always has been like that and always will be...

[noel157]

Well, my forecast for today was almost fully correct. There was nearly no snow and ice on the stages but lot of water.

Sometimes lucky :-)

Weather for tomorrow:

In the morning on stage 5 and 8 it will be dry and temperature will approximately +2 degrees. and sunny. Overnight it can be as low as -2 degrees, therefore a few paches of ice might be left in the shade.
On the second pass it will be approximately +5 degrees and some clouds. Dry. No ice and snow.
Stage 6 and 9 It will be nice and dry and temperature from start is approximately 4 degrees and in the evening pretty much the same. No ice, no snow is expected. Only water from melting snow.

Stage 7 and 10. Looks like it will be the most trickiest stage for tomorrow. There might be even some snow overnight. By the lunchtime there will be 3-4 degrees warmth (First pass). No ice, no snow left. In the evening it might be -1 or -2 already and many, many icy patches. And it will be dark as well. So, you can expect biggest changes and scares on that stage.

Forecast for Friday will come tomorrow evening.

Thanks Bluuford. Looks like an asphalt rally tomorrow with a some ice hazards in the afternoon.

[Sulland]

Ogier and Magalhães were very angry about that. :confused:
Monte Carlo with no snow thrown by the spectators is not Monte Carlo!
Always has been like that and always will be...

And Ogier was so pissed off that he won SS4 !!

[RS]

Do not forget that Juho is not a tarmac specialist - let´s just wait for more bits of snow and ice in stages to come and we will see the difference.

I know, but he improved a lot on "normal" tarmac last year, so when the conditions are like this (bit of ice, snow, water) I would expect him to do very well. It is not a criticsm because I have generally been very impressed by him, just I expected more. Maybe his accidents in testing affected his confidence a little...

[HaCo]

Wonder how much Ford is favorited with:
- Pirelli's
- Wider car
- ... ?
The guy on eurosport said the car has more horsepower than the other S2000's. Anyone knows more about that?

[Simmi]

Don't forget Ogier, if he wouldn't have the off in SS3, pitty for him.

Yeah I know he lost time. But I'm still not counting him out for the win. Especially if he can replicate his Day 2 pace. Especially with the amount of punctures.

[Simmi]

- ... ?

Driver.

[cb_piet]

Wonder how much Ford is favorited with:
- Pirelli's
- Wider car
- ... ?
The guy on eurosport said the car has more horsepower than the other S2000's. Anyone knows more about that?

After the first leg I dont think that the Ford Fiesta is already on pace with the Peugeot 207 / Skoda Fabia.

I think the driversfactor of Mikko Hirvonen is more important on todays result than the car.

If you compare Sebastien Ogiers performance and Mikko Hirvonen on WRC stages and now on IRC, the gap of M. Hirvonen should be bigger if the cars are equal.

This is my opinion.

[HaCo]

Nobody said anything about the performance of Arzeno, what a great drive!

[RS]

Wonder how much Ford is favorited with:
- Pirelli's
- Wider car
- ... ?
The guy on eurosport said the car has more horsepower than the other S2000's. Anyone knows more about that?

Pirelli's have always been good on damp asphalt and a wider car will also be of most advantage on asphalt, but I don't know how much advantage.

As for the power the Ford has shortish stroke which should favour top end power but not so much torque. I still think the Skoda has a torquier engine as it has a very long stroke and it looks more violent off the start line and out of slow corners.

[pettersolberg29]

I know someone has already asked this, but no answer yet. Is the order reversed again for tomorrow within the top 10? Will Mikko be 1st or 10th on the road?

Could make a huge difference in the night stages tomorrow. Also gutted for Ogier - probably the fastest driver in the rally but now needs Mikko to hit problems, and to replicate his SS4 stage again and again.

[Tom206wrc]

Tomorrow strong attack from Ogier and MASSIVE attack from Sarrazin :bounce: :bounce:

[pettersolberg29]

I really hope so Tom. I'm supporting Ogier and Sarrazin in MC so I really hope at least one of them can get within a small enough distance tomorrow that they can fight for a win on Friday night. A few inevitable problems with a couple of the front runners may help their cause ;)

I'm really impressed by both actually. Ogier is the fastest man in the rally so far, and Sarrazin would be 2nd if it weren't for a puncture.

[Francis44]

Ogier really steped up. He is now fast and I can't wait to see how he does in this year championship. I think he might be able to fight for 3rd or 4th spot in the overall WRC championship.

[Francis44]

Cool looking photos from Autosport PT.

http://autosport.aeiou.pt/gen.pl?p=stories&op=view&fokey=as.stories/80875

[Rallyper]

After the first leg I dont think that the Ford Fiesta is already on pace with the Peugeot 207 / Skoda Fabia.

I think the driversfactor of Mikko Hirvonen is more important on todays result than the car.

If you compare Sebastien Ogiers performance and Mikko Hirvonen on WRC stages and now on IRC, the gap of M. Hirvonen should be bigger if the cars are equal.

This is my opinion.

Mikko will ever never do enough to get some of you out there satisfied. Even though he has shut the mouth to most all of you... :D

[RS]

Mikko will ever never do enough to get some of you out there satisfied. Even though he has shut the mouth to most all of you... :D

Hehe, on the other hand Mikko has been good but I don't suppose the gap at the front is as big as some people thought it might have been after 140+km.

[cb_piet]

Mikko will ever never do enough to get some of you out there satisfied. Even though he has shut the mouth to most all of you... :D

No! You got me wrong! I said its up to Mikko that he is in front and not up to the Fiesta S2000s speed!

[Rallyper]

"the gap should have been bigger...."

In my opinion Mikko has done what he should today and you can never judge the gap after one day because of tactics, tyre choices, team orders, testing new car etz, etz.... ;)

[cut the b.s.]

Mikko will ever never do enough to get some of you out there satisfied. Even though he has shut the mouth to most all of you... :D


have you searched here so hard to find an insult on Mikko that you have to miss read a compliment? Mikko has done great and no one has tried to discredit him, but the Fiesta IS an unknown, that is what the post you misread was pointing to

[Simmi]

No! You got me wrong! I said its up to Mikko that he is in front and not up to the Fiesta S2000s speed!

Very VERY difficult to determine a cars true performance on this event. This is not some generic gravel rally. There are no constant conditions or sure-fire tyre choices.

EDIT: Welcome to the forum!

[Rallyper]

have you searched here so hard to find an insult on Mikko that you have to miss read a compliment? Mikko has done great and no one has tried to discredit him, but the Fiesta IS an unknown, that is what the post you misread was pointing to

I didnt misread anything, just cb_piet who thought that Mikko should have a bigger lead. And that I took for a miscredit. :cool:

[Sulland]

Will Maurin start tomorrow, even just to test the car ?

[hari]

Will Maurin start tomorrow, even just to test the car ?

I think there is no superally regulation at the event.

[cut the b.s.]

I didnt misread anything, just cb_piet who thought that Mikko should have a bigger lead. And that I took for a miscredit. :cool:


ah whatever, I've better things to be at that trying to teach people how to read

[Francis44]

I didnt misread anything, just cb_piet who thought that Mikko should have a bigger lead. And that I took for a miscredit. :cool:
What an a**hole!!!!

[noel157]

Ogier's snow incident and the "band of idiots". J'accuse.

Didn't look that bad really, bit of snow on the road.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3Of3jI8As



(thanks to Joe Bakes for finding the clip)

[urabus-denoS2000]

What did the "idiots" do exactly,I didn't get it

[Simmi]

Ogier's snow incident and the "band of idiots". J'accuse.

Didn't look that bad really, bit of snow on the road.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rE3Of3jI8As



(thanks to Joe Bakes for finding the clip)

What did we all do before youtube and its dodgy videos. Not nice for a driver to come into a place with differing conditions to those in your ice notes. But like I said before if it was that bad more would have been off. And that Mitsu driver was just going off regardless.

[Jafry]

Photos from 1st leg HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=642&fseason=2010) ;)

[Josti]

What did the "idiots" do exactly,I didn't get it

Those spectators apparantly shoveld snow on the road, which is an ancient old "ritual" on the Monte Carlo. The earliest I can remember is Waldegard losing the rally on the last stage in '79 because of similar actions.

Ogier probably took too much risk going in to the corner. Sarrazin said he was very careful at that point.

[RS]

I can't see that all that ice and snow over the road could have been put there without a lot of time and work. Maybe they added some, but seeing as only Ogier went off of the top guys maybe he was overdoing it anyway.

[pettersolberg29]

A lot of drivers said fans put snow on the road. It's just that Ogier was the only one to get caught out. Look for a big charge tomorrow.

[Simmi]

A lot of drivers said fans put snow on the road. It's just that Ogier was the only one to get caught out. Look for a big charge tomorrow.

The other drivers probably thought it might be an idea to slow down. Will be interesting to see how near to the lead he can get tomorrow.

[amilk]

Not sure at all about the effect of snow on that corner - pictures (Ogier) doesn't show the speed so hard to say. I think the speed of Mitsu was too much even without having snow in the corner

[Mitch555]

Had to commandeer a mates internet to actually follow this. Listening to Rally Radio live from Monte does wonders for hang overs though. Has much black ice been experienced in this event so far?

[Honza H.]

On a Czech forum, PLuto reports heavy snowfall at the start of SS6!

[RS]

Meeke lost all his time today in the first SS.

From SS2-4 he only lost 0.1s on Mikko.

[Simmi]

Had to commandeer a mates internet to actually follow this. Listening to Rally Radio live from Monte does wonders for hang overs though. Has much black ice been experienced in this event so far?

Not heard a single mention of black ice. A few slippy sections on SS1 toward the end - and on the prologue - but really not much ice.

[Simmi]

On a Czech forum, PLuto reports heavy snowfall at the start of SS6!

Very good news. Let's hope for a decent covering. Hopefully in ten hours time there will be something left!

[Honza H.]

I know, but he improved a lot on "normal" tarmac last year, so when the conditions are like this (bit of ice, snow, water) I would expect him to do very well. It is not a criticsm because I have generally been very impressed by him, just I expected more. Maybe his accidents in testing affected his confidence a little...

to Hanninen: I get your point and must agree.

Btw., in my opinion, all Skodas should add something extra in next stages. I´m not saying that they are doing bad (they´re far from disapointment!) but I´m looking for even better performances!

[Krigen]

Do the top 10 run reversed every day?

http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/monte/3etapa.php

[Krigen]

http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/monte/3etapa.php

Have to go to bed soon.. Up to follow the stages live in some hours

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sorry guys - here's a question thought I am on the move and can't research....

Is Mikko driving an S2000 car? or is it 1.6T? And beating the S2000 cars?

[N.O.T]

Sorry guys - here's a question thought I am on the move and can't research....

Is Mikko driving an S2000 car? or is it 1.6T? And beating the S2000 cars?

lol

[COD]

to Hanninen: I get your point and must agree.

Btw., in my opinion, all Skodas should add something extra in next stages. I´m not saying that they are doing bad (they´re far from disapointment!) but I´m looking for even better performances!

Hänninen said on interview for Finnish press, that he had been too "conservative" on his tyrechoise.

[Koppomsbo]

This will be a nice day of work, following the rally.. So today there will be no VW parts delivered in Oslo :D

[Sulland]

Do we have an updated weather/road/surface report from todays stages ? I am guessing the ice crews are out working already !

And I must say I am impressed by the Clio R3 boys, that is a effective machine !

[Koppomsbo]

Do we have an updated weather/road/surface report from todays stages ? I am guessing the ice crews are out working already !

If i dare i should send PG an SMS and ask him but he is so grumpy in the mornings :D ;)

[Sulland]

If i dare i should send PG an SMS and ask him but he is so grumpy in the mornings :D ;)

:p
Who is PG crewing for ?

[Koppomsbo]

Wilks :)

[noel157]

Meeke blog reports:

"Leg2, 3 stages repeated. Top 10 in reverse order. 1st stage icey, 2nd snow, 3rd wet tarmac, all without service. Kris on half studs all round. Stage 5 particularly tricky, some snow overnight in St.Bonnet (SS6), about an inch or so."

[noel157]

Do we have an updated weather/road/surface report from todays stages ? I am guessing the ice crews are out working already !

And I must say I am impressed by the Clio R3 boys, that is a effective machine !

Meeke blog reports:

"Leg2, 3 stages repeated. Top 10 in reverse order. 1st stage icey, 2nd snow, 3rd wet tarmac, all without service. Kris on half studs all round. Stage 5 particularly tricky, some snow overnight in St.Bonnet (SS6), about an inch or so."

[wwbroe]

About fiftheen minutes to go for first stage of the day, let's see what the conditions are like and what we can expect from the toprunners today. :)

[I am evil Homer]

Do we have an updated weather/road/surface report from todays stages ? I am guessing the ice crews are out working already !

And I must say I am impressed by the Clio R3 boys, that is a effective machine !

Yopu sound surprised. In every form the Clio has always been a good machine...RenaultSport have outdone themselves with the latest version however!

[Simmi]

So Wilks will be first to find the ice this morning.

[N.O.T]

1 minute until the day kicks off...

[N.O.T]

any links to watch the eurosport feed ??

[Salist]

Wilks on SS5...

[RS]

Looks very tricky out there!

[Salist]

any links to watch the eurosport feed ??

http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=62778&part=sports

[N.O.T]

thank you

[RS]

Toni looks fast.

[N.O.T]

Sarazzin is losing a lot to wilks on this one...tyre choice was wrong.

[wwbroe]

Sarazzin is losing a lot to wilks on this one...tyre choice was wrong.

Let's see first if their splits (Eurosport) are correct today, because yesterday they weren't. :D

[mm1]

Are there any split times available?

[Simmi]

Let's see first if their splits (Eurosport) are correct today, because yesterday they weren't. :D

Yeah I highly doubt they are correct after 3.5km or whatever it was. Definately taking those splits with a pinch of salt.

[wwbroe]

Are there any split times available?

Yes, on the television, by Eurosport. :D

[RS]

wooops

[Simmi]

Meeeeeeeeeekkkeee. Off before out eyes!

[N.O.T]

there goes Meeke ...... :(

[Madeira]

Mekke of road!!

[Salist]

Meeke went off.... :(

[Simmi]

That's the first time Eurosport have really caught something on their live stuff. I was thinking he is attacking this braking section more then most and there was the ice.

[Rallyper]

Meeke is off - and it´s in live TV!!!!! :eek: :eek:

[Simmi]

Would be nice for the cameras to move up further into the stage now to see if there is more ice about higher up. Nice to have the Fiesta onboard too.

[Salist]

What happend Gardemeister??? They are very slow.. :(

[RS]

First three finished the stage. No stage finish cameras on this one it seems.

[Salist]

The crew are OK.

[pettersolberg29]

Can't find any live video? I saw the last link but none of them work. What are others watching?

[Rallyper]

Remebers me of Tommi Makinens off back in the 90´s - it was about the same he did, maybe more snowy back then... but never the less. And Latvala´s off in Monte too, of course.

[RS]

Toni +2m21.5 :(

[Salist]

Can't find any live video? I saw the last link but none of them work. What are others watching?

I see the last link, EUROSPORT2 PL with Sopcast client.

[Ondra WRC]

what happened Toni? :( :confused:

[MartijnS]

http://www.rtbf.be/chatbox/2010-sport/rtbf-chatbox.php?type=video-stream1&skin=default&id_coverit=bac393daab&start=2010,00,21,9,45&end=2010,00,21,19,30&competition=00&TB_iframe=true&height=518&width=919

[Sulland]

If i dare i should send PG an SMS and ask him but he is so grumpy in the mornings :D ;)

:p
Who is PG crewing for ?

[RS]

Vouilloz fastest!

[Simmi]

Hanninen flying on that last snow section. He should win the next stage IMO.

[wwbroe]

Brillant driving by Juho, but Vouilloz remains the fastest.

[cali]

Brillant driving by Juho, but Vouilloz remains the fastest.

Yes, clearly visible, that he was the fastest and most spectacular on the last icy part of the stage. Brilliant driving!

[wwbroe]

The Skoda's are doing great, with first two places on this stage. Let's see what Kopecky can do. ;)

[Moriarty]

What happened with Garde? Puncture?

[RS]

Skoda 1-2-3 :)

[Simmi]

Seems like quite a bit of cloud cover in this stage so hopefully we can get helicopter pictures.

[Salist]

Wilks has started on SS6...

[Simmi]

Hell yeah this is what we have been waiting for! Full snow stage.

[Salist]

On SS6 lot of snow... :)

[Huima]

Gardemeister had a puncture.

[Simmi]

Wittmann with the old school style trying to set the car up for the corner. Doesn't look comfortable.

[wwbroe]

Very good time also for Bouffier on first stage of the day. :)

[RS]

Very good time also for Bouffier on first stage of the day. :)

Indeed. I believe he had slicks. I guess the Skodas and Bouffier won't have the correct tyres for this stage!

[swordsman]

:p
Who is PG crewing for ?

Wilks...

[wwbroe]

Indeed. I believe he had slicks. I guess the Skodas and Bouffier won't have the correct tyres for this stage!

It also depends a little bit on what tyres they have in the trunk. ;)

[swordsman]

Am I the only one starting to get big problems with the Eurosport live feed?

[RS]

Am I the only one starting to get big problems with the Eurosport live feed?

No probs in the UK.

[Salist]

no problem on Hungary...

[Salist]

The SS6 is very slippy...

[wwbroe]

Vouilloz working very hard, looks like Ogier is flying on this one, but let's wait for the finish times.

[Simmi]

Nice by Wittmann - wiping out on the snow banks but take a good chunk out of Wilks. Fair play to him.

[RS]

Wittmann gives a great interview :D

[Simmi]

Oh wow Sarrazin. Spectacular into the snow bank. Looks in quite deep right at the end!

[Salist]

Sarrazin on the snowbanks...

[N.O.T]

Sarazzin out ....

[teufel]

Sarrazin on the snowbanks...

pfff, at one of the last corners...

[Salist]

He lost 1,5min....one corner before the finish line....

[Simmi]

Within sight of the finish incredible. Just leaned too much on the bank and then pitched him around straight in. Brilliant action this morning.

[Simmi]

Amazing time from Ogier!

[N.O.T]

Crazy time by ogier....but the good drivers are on their way now.

[Simmi]

Ogier's time still holding up - beating Hanninen by 31secs

[bluuford]

Looks like Hirvonen is suffering with his wider car on the ruts.

[wwbroe]

The time from Ogier is really stunning, especially compared to the Finns.

[N.O.T]

is ogiers time real ???

[wwbroe]

Very good time for Kopecky also.

[RS]

Excellent time by Kopecky,

[Salist]

mikko: front left puncture...

[Simmi]

So Mikko finishes with puncture last 5km's. Reckons he lost about 30secs on the fast run in.

Amazing time also from Kopecky, not far off Ogier's time.

[wwbroe]

Great time again for Bouffier in the Tommi Makinen Subaru N14. :)

[Ondra WRC]

what happened Cerny? :confused:

[wwbroe]

what happened Cerny? :confused:

I was asking myself the same question, and what about Gamba?

[wwbroe]

Looks like Cerny had accident, while Gamba's car was misfiring. :(

[wwbroe]

SS7 has started, Wilks live on TV now. :)

[Karbonyl]

Cerny went to snowbank with broken steering.

[Simmi]

I think by the time this rally is over I will be about ready to kill Carlton Kirby on the UK commentary. We are just about half way and he is starting to grate on me. The co-commentator is exceptional though.

[bluuford]

I think by the time this rally is over I will be about ready to kill Carlton Kirby on the UK commentary. We are just about half way and he is starting to grate on me. The co-commentator is exceptional though.

In my view he is the best commentator Eurosport has :-)

[wwbroe]

Not besttime for Ogier this time. ;)

[wwbroe]

The Skoda's are flying again on this one, Vouilloz fastest sofar in front of Hanninen. :)

[Simmi]

In my view he is the best commentator Eurosport has :-)

He has a reputation for being the worst motorsport commentator in recent memory. He does ok in the Dakar where he can ramble on. But if you have ever watched him commentate on the DTM it is truly a horrible experience.

[Simmi]

Beautiful to watch Mikko dance the car to the end of this stage. Looks to be pushing hard.

EDIT: And he destroys the opposition. Car/driver are rapid.

[wwbroe]

What a time by Mikko :eek:

[logic]

Mikko 14:43,0
VOUILLOZ 15:06,2

[RS]

Another puncture for Kopecky :(

[dimviii]

F@ck Kopecky with rim front right :mad:

[Simmi]

Kopecky finishes on the rim. Having plenty of bad luck on this event.

EDIT: Said he drove around 10kms on the rim. Quicker to keep going than to change.

[RS]

Jan was fastest on the splits at one stage, shame :(

[Rallyper]

Mikko is flying! :eek:

And really amazing to follow the rally on the computer LIVE!!! And then Colin Clark on Live-radio beside.

This is how rallying should be covered!! WRC has to perfome the same or they will vanish from the internnational rally scene.

[bluuford]

He has a reputation for being the worst motorsport commentator in recent memory. He does ok in the Dakar where he can ramble on. But if you have ever watched him commentate on the DTM it is truly a horrible experience.

Luckily I dont follow DTM, but I really like him in Dakar and here together with expert he is very good time to fill the time :-)
I really like how pronounces Scandinavian names :-) That is good fun!

[RS]

It's been great tv today. Very entertaining to watch the cars sliding on the knackered tyres. Mikko was great on the last one.

I just used the RTF online streaming and it worked very well. Is this live on real television in Belgium (on RTF) too?

[wwbroe]

It is really great how we can follow the rally live on both Eurosport and internet, together with the rally-radio. The WRC can take an example at this coverage. :)

[wwbroe]

It's been great tv today. Very entertaining to watch the cars sliding on the knackered tyres. Mikko was great on the last one.

I just used the RTF online streaming and it worked very well. Is this live on real television in Belgium (on RTF) too?

No, it is not live on Belgian TV, RTBF is using images from Eurosport on their live-stream.

[pettersolberg29]

Can anyone except Mikko win this without mistakes now? Looks difficult unless they get a run of stage wins. Ogier took 41secs on SS6 then lost 34 of those precious seconds on the next one to Mikko. Consistent pace needed now with over a minute lead.

[RS]

Can anyone except Mikko win this without mistakes now? Looks difficult unless they get a run of stage wins. Ogier took 41secs on SS6 then lost 34 of those precious seconds on the next one to Mikko. Consistent pace needed now with over a minute lead.

I thought Meeke had a chance and then Hanninen closed on the first 2 this morning but lost it all again on the third.

[wwbroe]

Can anyone except Mikko win this without mistakes now? Looks difficult unless they get a run of stage wins. Ogier took 41secs on SS6 then lost 34 of those precious seconds on the next one to Mikko. Consistent pace needed now with over a minute lead.

I guess it mostly comes down to tyrechoice, and second run trough that might even be more difficult. Don't forget last stage of the day will be run in the dark. But great run by Mikko and very good coverage by Eurosport. :)

[6789]

Can anyone except Mikko win this without mistakes now? Looks difficult unless they get a run of stage wins. Ogier took 41secs on SS6 then lost 34 of those precious seconds on the next one to Mikko. Consistent pace needed now with over a minute lead.
Mikko and the Fiesta S2000 really are a class above at the moment, would have to agree unless he gest a bad puncture or stuck in a snow bank its hard to see him loosing it from here. But I'm hoping for Seb Ogier to continue to push and to put pressure on Mikko. Loving the coverage so far, this is what the WRC NEEDS!!

[bluuford]

Actually I am amazed by the number of punctures. Two for Meeke, 1 for sarrazin, 2 for Kopecky, 1 for Gardemeister and many, many more. I have never seen so many before.. except Tallinn Rally two or three years ago, when 17 tires were punctured in one corner :-)

[Sulland]

Even if it is Mikko driving, looks like the Fiesta S2000 is a winner straight out of the box !
Would have liked to see it in the hands of Maurin, to have a comparison with how much is mikko and how much is the car. But Tires also have a role here. Pirreli makes good tires for damp asphalt.

I am impressed with M-Sport, doing this in such a short time !

[Moriarty]

Seb bet on ice, Mikko on tarmac. As result, Ogier won only 10 seconds after 3 stages. Haninen is in the same level as Hirvonen, his second place in safe. The main question who will be third? The Frenchman!

[Wim_Impreza]

Don't say it is safe. In Monte almost everything is possible and there are still 8 stages to go.

[ttiirika]

Seb bet on ice, Mikko on tarmac. As result, Ogier won only 10 seconds after 3 stages. Haninen is in the same level as Hirvonen, his second place in safe. The main question who will be third? The Frenchman!

Once again... this is Rallye Monte Carlo. Nothing is certain yet. There's still almost 180 tricky kilometres to go. Anything can happen. And Juho is only about 30 sec ahead of Vouilloz and Ogier, it can turn upside down in one special stage and even without any mistakes. Calm down, please.

[Cloverleaf]

Meeke's off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hgqJruQXPY
Nagle calls :"2 right over the bridge icy"

P.S: Hear the staff in Eurosport studio when they witness Meeke's off live.

[RS]

Meeke's off
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hgqJruQXPY
Nagle calls :"2 right over the bridge icy"

P.S: Hear the staff in Eurosport studio when they witness Meeke's off live.

He looked very quick on the stage up until then. Pity.

[Simmi]

Few little quotes coming out of M-Sport.

Malcolm Wilson says Mikko isn't even driving close to his full speed and potential.
Also apparently someone in the team said even if the worst happens to Mikko they feel that they have proved the speed of the car and that it's a match for the Fabia/207.

[RS]

Malcolm Wilson says Mikko isn't even driving close to his full speed and potential.


He would say that wouldn't he :D

Mikko reckoned he was pushing pretty hard.

For sure the car looks good, but maybe Sweden will give us a clearer indication as it is very hard to tell here how much is the car, the conditions, the tyres and the driver.

[RS]

Looks like Eurosport UK aren't showing SS10 live instead delayed until late this evening, according to my EPG.

Hopefully it will be shown on RTF online feed.

[Moriarty]

Wim_Impreza, ttiirika, you are right. Now It's Monte Carlos roulette turn.

[Fly]

Looks like Eurosport UK aren't showing SS10 live instead delayed until late this evening, according to my EPG.

Hopefully it will be shown on RTF online feed.

It's RTBF not RTF (B for Belgique)

Here you go!

http://www.rtbf.be/sport/sport-moteur/rallyes/le-monte-carlo-en-direct-video-sur-la-rtbf-62407

[Rallyper]

He would say that wouldn't he :D

Mikko reckoned he was pushing pretty hard.

For sure the car looks good, but maybe Sweden will give us a clearer indication as it is very hard to tell here how much is the car, the conditions, the tyres and the driver.

I would say the opposite. Monte is more good for testing because of the varying conditions. In sweden when there is much of snow, the performance of the cars, except hp on the straights, is not so good to be evaluated on. If you understand my bad english....