IRC Monte Carlo 2010

[GrP]

SS Burzet - Onboard Andrej Jereb

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXTj3BoAyKg

[Simmi]

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....

What RS means is that Sweden is much better for evaluating pace due to the constant conditions. There are no issues with tyre choice in that rally so it is a better basis for comparison.

[SABOTAGE]

Tires on SS 8-10

Wilks 4 snow + 2 snow with studs
Witt 4 snow studs + 2 snow studs
Sarr 2 interm F - 2 snow R + 2 snow studs
Garde 4 snow + 2 snow studs
Magall 4 snow + 2 snow studs
Ogier 2 interm F/ 2 snow R + 2 snow studs
Vouilloz 2 slick F/ 2 snow R + 2 snow studs
Hanninen a Hirvonen 2 interm F/ 2 snow R + 2 snow studs

[Wim_Impreza]

Welcome on the forum, Sabotage.

[SABOTAGE]

Thanks :)

[Rallyper]

What RS means is that Sweden is much better for evaluating pace due to the constant conditions. There are no issues with tyre choice in that rally so it is a better basis for comparison.

OK then. I misunderstood.

[Salist]

Wilks on stage...

[Simmi]

Nice info Sabotage.

First stage seems bone dry so all those boys on snows are going safe clearly for the middle stage. It depends how much that has thawed as to how it pays off. Startline had no snow on the road but we shall see. Must still be a lot of snow around.

[Simmi]

Vouilloz has to be sitting pretty with these tyre choices. Lets see if he can stay ahead of Ogier.

[Ondra WRC]

what happened Ogier?

EDIT: sorry, I saw bad..

[Simmi]

what happened Ogier?

Nothing he is comfortably fastest so far. Just transponder issue.

EDIT: Just pipped by Nico.

[Josti]

Stage win for Hanninen, 1 second faster than Hirvonen!

[dimviii]

just watched the live at ss stop with Mikko,and there is no one spectator!! :eek:

[cali]

just watched the live at ss stop with Mikko,and there is no one spectator!! :eek:

Everybody are watching the rally behind the computer or TV. C'mon, this rally has been brought to Your living room :p

[wwbroe]

What happened with Arzeno, i don't see him in the standings? :confused:

[ZequeArgentina]

Bouffier also missing.

[Simmi]

Garde just spun on camera. Lost about 40sec maybe and ripped off the front bumper.

[SABOTAGE]

Garde spin on ss

[Simmi]

Wittmann is putting Wilks to shame on this event thus far.

[wwbroe]

And i like very much his comments, funny and great passion.

[teufel]

And i like very much his comments, funny and great passion.

The guy is ok, spectacular, fast, i like his style!

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen too slow on this one....

[HaCo]

Hirvonen calls them 'the boys'... :)

[RS]

Mikko should have done better with his studs on that stage, but i guess he is taking it easy.

[cali]

Mikko should have done better with his studs on that stage, but i guess he is taking it easy.

He did not sound like this, was very confused about the times set by Ogier, Hänninen and Witmann.

[Ondra WRC]

Bouffier retires electronics failure.

[morganmilan]

Arzeno went out of the road on ss8

[Josti]

I have to say, Belgian Kris Princen is doing very well in the Clio. Once a future star, but that's been a long time since.

[N.O.T]

the true battle is now between Ogier and Hanninen....Mikko can pretty much drive without risks and he will win.

[pettersolberg29]

If Ogier continues like this who knows? Took 20 secs last stage. If he does it again this stage then it's game on tomorrow.

btw Sorry if posted already but I thought this photo (mentioned on WRR) was cool:

http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn158/pettersolberg29/ogier35.jpg

[Langdale Forest]

Ogier seems to be a more spectacular copy of Loeb.

[Tom206wrc]

I feel so GUTTED for Meeke !!!! :(

[Simmi]

Anyone reckon that Belgian link will be covering the next stage. Eurosport are gonna be doing it live but showing it later. At least here in the UK due to Africa Nations football.

[Barreis]

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 :-)

That was nail corner.. xd

[pettersolberg29]

Ignore - Also, the next stage SS10 won't be live anywhere will it? It's delayed coverage if I remember right.

[Langdale Forest]

is there an IRC rally radio?

[Simmi]

http://www.acm.mc/ramc/2010/pop_radio.php

Think that should work or if not if you go on the Monte website there is a link.

[Simmi]

Ignore - Also, the next stage SS10 won't be live anywhere will it? It's delayed coverage if I remember right.

Not good is it. One stage not live and I'm not happy. Just shows how much Eurosport have been spoiling us.

[Honza H.]

Ignore - Also, the next stage SS10 won't be live anywhere will it? It's delayed coverage if I remember right.

If you look at the link
http://www.rtbf.be/sport/sport-moteur/rallyes/le-monte-carlo-en-direct-video-sur-la-rtbf-62407
there is a live countdown running so I reckon we should be wittnessing the SS10 live!

[Barreis]

Every SS except SS11 is live on internet..

[morganmilan]

Every SS except SS11 is live on internet..
Are you sure neither in RTBF? :confused: So only four evening stages?

[Simmi]

If you look at the link
http://www.rtbf.be/sport/sport-moteur/rallyes/le-monte-carlo-en-direct-video-sur-la-rtbf-62407
there is a live countdown running so I reckon we should be wittnessing the SS10 live!

Looks very promising. Gonna stick this on with rally radio so should be good.

[RS]

Are you sure neither in RTBF? :confused: So only four evening stages?

Yes, only 4 evening stages tomorrow. The morning stage will not be screened because all the broadcast equipment needs to be set up at the Col de Turini.

[pettersolberg29]

Fantastic - live on RTBF

[morganmilan]

Yes, only 4 evening stages tomorrow. The morning stage will not be screened because all the broadcast equipment needs to be set up at the Col de Turini.
OK Thnx :)

[morganmilan]

Fantastic - live on RTBF
Totally agree

[Barreis]

Eurosport rules.. That's modern rally era..

[muscrae]

Ogier is flying !!!

[morganmilan]

No images!

[pettersolberg29]

Same - it's off air for me and WRR.

[mm1]

Just when everything seemed so fine...

[RS]

Probably too many connections!

[morganmilan]

Probably too many connections!
:confused:

[muscrae]

Probably too many connections!

Yeah, unfortunately...

[RS]

Radio is working, Wilks through.

[morganmilan]

Works again!!

[wwbroe]

Yes, back to live images :)

[N.O.T]

which link are you watching ? the my2p2p one ?

[wwbroe]

which link are you watching ? the my2p2p one ?

RTBF one ;)

[RS]

Mikko says he is flat out.

Shame no helicopter when it is dark, there was some great sliding on that stage.

[wwbroe]

Besttime again for Ogier, taking another 10 sec back from Hirvonen. Tomorrow will be long and difficult day.

[rp]

Hänninen and Hirvonen lost time in the beginning, but were faster than Ogier and Vouilloz in the end of the stage. Great Show! Waiting for Friday´s stages...

[Sulland]

Hanninen was not so happy, he or the co driver said "Perkale" that in finish is something like "Hell". And it just seemed that he had more to give, but did not.

[Simmi]

Hanninen was not so happy, he or the co driver said "Perkale" that in finish is something like "Hell". And it just seemed that he had more to give, but did not.

Can't see Juho keeping Ogier behind him tomorrow. Seb has nothing to lose and he can help Peugeot by knocking the Fabia down to third.

[Barreis]

In 5 stages he could win..

[N.O.T]

the fact that hirvonen did only limited testing with a brand new car and Ogier is only part time driver of the Peugoet s2000 yet they are the fastest of the lot shows the difference in quality between IRC and WRC.

[pettersolberg29]

the fact that hirvonen did only limited testing with a brand new car and Ogier is only part time driver of the Peugoet s2000 yet they are the fastest of the lot shows the difference in quality between IRC and WRC.

I hate to agree, but you're right. Hirvonen and Ogier are in a class of their own despite (in my opinion) the Skoda being the fastest car. Only Hanninen and Vouilloz have come close, but even then their stage times are at best close to Seb and Mikko's, whereas Ogier has won stages today by 20, 30 or even 40 secs from major IRC drivers like Wilks, Kopecky and the aforementioned two.

Very impressed by Ogier - unsure as to the Fiesta's speed but Ogier has certainly matched or bettered Mikko.

[RJM]

the fact that hirvonen did only limited testing with a brand new car and Ogier is only part time driver of the Peugoet s2000 yet they are the fastest of the lot shows the difference in quality between IRC and WRC.

Not really, the ford is fast staight away like the fabia was last year, mikko and ogier have nothing to lose, i dont think there is a massive difference, they are both top drivers and it dosnt take that long to get used to a new car.

[bluuford]

Hanninen was not so happy, he or the co driver said "Perkale" that in finish is something like "Hell". And it just seemed that he had more to give, but did not.

Yeah, he was complaining about the rear tires I think. I dont remebre what he said but the compound was not right. Was it too hard or too soft. I heard it briefly before I lost connection.

[mm1]

I think they heated up too much towards the end and had no grip. So should be too soft.

[cali]

In finnish site http://www.mtv3.fi Juho tells that he attacked too much at the beginning of SS 10 and destroyed rear tires, hence the bad speed shown on the last part of the stage. Mikko claims that Ogier and Hänninen are really fast, cause he has been flat out as well and still has lost time.

[Simmi]

I keep hearing on Rally Radio about a good looking reporter for mtv3. Anita is it? Are there any images of her online?

[Josti]

I keep hearing on Rally Radio about a good looking reporter for mtv3. Anita is it? Are there any images of her online?

The Eurosport lady isn't too shabby either!

[Simmi]

The Eurosport lady isn't too shabby either!

True true. What she lacks in technique she makes up in other areas.

[TG]

I keep hearing on Rally Radio about a good looking reporter for mtv3. Anita is it? Are there any images of her online?

You mean former Karting-driver Anette Latva-Piikkilä?
There are lots of pictures of her online. Use google.

[Kimachu]

I keep hearing on Rally Radio about a good looking reporter for mtv3. Anita is it? Are there any images of her online?

Here :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F86fZX8B9b4
Anette reporting from Sardinia.

[RS]

the fact that hirvonen did only limited testing with a brand new car and Ogier is only part time driver of the Peugoet s2000 yet they are the fastest of the lot shows the difference in quality between IRC and WRC.

I agree to some extent. Ogier has really impressed me this year (last year, he won, but a lot down to luck) - this year he has been genuinly very quick.

Hirvo has perhaps been a little better than I expected too, but today he was beaten by quite big margins on a couple of stages and claimed he was pushing hard. The gap is not that large considering they have covered 300km already.

As for testing, Mikko probably did more testing for this event than most (if not all) of the other drivers, so I am not sure that is valid.

It is a little bit inconclusive as tyre choices make such a big difference here but generally I would say it is roughly what I would expect - the top IRC guys are a little behind the top WRC guys but probably better than all of those in M2 WRC (other than Ogier).

[ridder]

I'm not that "impressed" with IRC vs WRC comparison.

Hirvonen says he's pushing and is posting 4th, 5th and 6th times and generally has similar speed as Hanninen.
You know Hirvonen the guy that fights closely with Loeb on just about every rally.

Ogier is driving well yes, but still manages to only take 25 seconds off Hanninen during whole day with 6 long stages. French driver in France on mostly tarmac rally against a Finnish driver.

In general I'd say that the top 3 IRC drivers are on equal level as Ogier in the WRC and would do equally well trough the season.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Excuse me by how did you conclude that Ogier is a lot better than Juho today???

He is pushing like hell which I respect 100% but he isn't really demolishing Juho or Nico isn't he? After all these 2 need to consider the IRC championship

If anything is proven it is that Hanninen is on the pace of Mikko and Ogier (by the way Hanninen is faster than Ogier isn't he my friends ;) ). This is the best possible comparison because all 3 are works drivers (however as i said Juho can't really go 100% because this is his championship)

[pettersolberg29]

Urabus - you have a point that Juho has a Championship to think about, but remember Ogier has only driven this car once before while Juho has driven the Skoda for over a year now.

Also, no-one except Mikko or Seb have absolutely crushed everyone on a stage. Ogier has now won half the stages of the rally and would be leading if it weren't for spectators putting snow on the road. Juho hasn't won any stages convincingly, and doesn't seem to have that extra bit like Ogier has. That's just my opinion.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Then Juho is just like Mikko in WRC - consistent ;)

pettersolberg29 your point are absolutely correct but we can go on whole day about tiny details and it won't get us nowhere ;)

About Ogier's problem with spectators,I don't see a problem with that since the conditions were the same for everyone


However I have to admit it, Ogier is the man of the rally ;)

[urabus-denoS2000]

BTW our friend Witmanello having a great rally , really enjoying himself and a great performance :)

[Jafry]

Photos from 2nd leg (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=642&fseason=2010) ;)

[pettersolberg29]

Very true - both our views are correct. Juho is very talented, and he is like Mikko in the IRC. However if we were to compare I'd say Ogier is like the Loeb of IRC - faster than Juho but not as consistent. As you say, Seb is the man of the rally!

[cut the b.s.]

Also, no-one except Mikko or Seb have absolutely crushed everyone on a stage. Ogier has now won half the stages of the rally and would be leading if it weren't for spectators putting snow on the road. .


Ogier has been very impressive, except for his off yesterday, he cried a lot about the snow put on the road but this has been happening forever on the Monte, I think all the other top guys got round the corner ok? He was a bit sweet into the corner and got caught out. Still respect for his pace, and I guess its nice to see his passion for his driving

[Jafry]

Ogier´s off road in photoserial (http://www.rally-mania.cz/news.php?id=8614) ;)

[bluuford]

Weather for tomorrow is very hard to predict. It seems that it should be quite sunny or under the stars. Morning stage will most probably run when the temperature is still -2 degrees. Evening stages are so variable. It can be +3 at the start, -2 in the medium part and + at the end as well. So, very challenging conditions are expected for tomorrow. But compared to last night. There is no snow expected

[macksrallye]

I personally think that this event has shown that the difference between IRC & WRC drivers is a fair bit closer that many people thought. Lets face it, only Ogier has been alot faster than others in a single stage & he is a man on a mission. When you consider there are IRC guys driving for a result to secure the rest of their season, IRC guys driving for championship points & 2 WRC guys driving for a win to a) get PR & b) stop the other guy getting the PR. I'd love to see Hanninen & Meeke in a WRC car for a WRC event where they're in the same circumstances that Mikko & Seb are here to see what the truth is.

[HaCo]

So ogier has been off a second time:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/642/642_ogier__ingrassia__(peugeot_207_s2000)_92a1b234 66.jpg

This was one day 1:
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/pics/233cafe3a4.jpg

[wwbroe]

About half an hour to go before start of stage 11, anybody out there who knows what the conditions are like on this one. Last year this was very tricky stage where both Hanninen and Meeke went off and Loix had puncture. But it was full snow last year, what about this year? ;)

[hari]

About half an hour to go before start of stage 11, anybody out there who knows what the conditions are like on this one. Last year this was very tricky stage where both Hanninen and Meeke went off and Loix had puncture. But it was full snow last year, what about this year? ;)

It will also be this year a very tricky stage. Yesterday evening about 30% was covered with a full snowroad, the rest was a mixture of snow and asphalt and a lot of very icy places. And at the moment the temperatures are well below zero there.

[wwbroe]

Ok, thanks for the info Hari. ;)

[wwbroe]

Will there be any "live-stream" at all of this stage? I don't think so, but maybe i am wrong?

[hari]

-13° at the stage according to rally radio.

[Karbonyl]

Only rally radio.

[Ondra WRC]

Toni Gardemeister retires technical problem

[Rally Hokkaido]

ewrc results says that Garde has retired due to mechanical probs. On liaison, I suppose?



Ondra - beat me by .00001 sec!

[morganmilan]

ewrc results says that Garde has retired due to mechanical probs. On liaison, I suppose?
Yeah. Before the stage

[wwbroe]

Kopecky is trough 23.47.0

[Gordini]

Gardemeister: Italian car !
Pls give him a newer car, that hold together to the finish !

[wwbroe]

Magalhaes 24.21.3

[wwbroe]

Wilks besttime sofar 23.36.9

[wwbroe]

Wittmann 24.12.0, and a funny intervieuw again. :)

[Sulland]

Wilks: Happy Birthday !

He wanted an iPod with songs on it, and Colin on the radio wanted to sing to him....

Some of the drivers in the Norwegian championship have mounted car radios in their cars to follow the rally radio on transport stages, to stay in control on the situation. Smart move !

[wwbroe]

What a time for Ogier again, great speed.

[RS]

Very good time by Wilks.

Ogier now very close to Juho.

[morganmilan]

Ogier only 3.9 behind Hanninen overall!

[morganmilan]

Hirvonen, Hanninen and Ogier in same minute! What an evening today!

[RS]

Mikko quite slow again.

We could have a fight for the win this evening!

[N.O.T]

why there is no live feed ??

[urabus-denoS2000]

And only 48 behind Mikko with 4 stages to go

C'mon Ogier ! :)

[wwbroe]

Yes, i think Ogier can still be big treath to Hirvonen, let's see this evening. :)

[RS]

why there is no live feed ??

TV crews are on their way to the Col de Turini.

[N.O.T]

only the night stages remain now....

[urabus-denoS2000]

Which stage is the passage over Turini?

[bluuford]

Seems that Mikko is loosing on the snow. There seems to be two reasons. Pirelli tires and his car is wider than all the others. That means, when there are ruts on the snow, his car is wider and keeps on jumping out when the ruts are narrow on the straights. It was quite visible yesterday.

[6789]

Seems that Mikko is loosing on the snow. There seems to be two reasons. Pirelli tires and his car is wider than all the others. That means, when there are ruts on the snow, his car is wider and keeps on jumping out when the ruts are narrow on the straights. It was quite visible yesterday.
That would be a major pain with the car being too wise for the ruts..

Because I'm in Australia, how long is it until the night stages?

[wwbroe]

Which stage is the passage over Turini?

The Peira-Cava one. :D

[wwbroe]

That would be a major pain with the car being too wise for the ruts..

Because I'm in Australia, how long is it until the night stages?

About 9 hours from now, even a little more :)

[urabus-denoS2000]

6789: 8 hours and 43 minutes ;)

[urabus-denoS2000]

Thanks wwbroe ;)

[6789]

About 9 hours from now, even a little more :)

Thanks :) So it will be 3:15am in the morning, major pain when you have to work at 8am as well :( .

Ogier has closed the gap, should be interesting with the over the last 4 stages.

[Fly]

Princen 42'' and 1'00 faster than Frenchmen Campana and Barral in this stage.
Stupid move from Peugeot Belgium few years ago when Princen was driving the 206 WRC and they kicked him out after 2-3 rallies only.
One of many bad decisions Peugeot Belgium took in the past.

[ttiirika]

Does anyone know what kind of conditions there are on remaining special stages at the moment? If there is ice and snow, Hirvonen will be in troubles. At least he said so in interview (sorry, only in Finnish): http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/arkistot/ralli/2010/01/1039227

[Ondra WRC]

What is the weather for the next SS?

[modri dirkac]

Seems that Mikko is loosing on the snow. There seems to be two reasons. Pirelli tires and his car is wider than all the others. That means, when there are ruts on the snow, his car is wider and keeps on jumping out when the ruts are narrow on the straights. It was quite visible yesterday.

How much wider? Is Fiesta the only one in line with the new regulations so far?

[urabus-denoS2000]

Fiesta is a 2010 spec car obviously ;)

[hari]

How much wider?

20 mm

[RS]

Is the snow really deep enough and 20mm enough of a difference to really make that much of a difference to Mikko?

On the contrary you would expect those conditions to suit Mikko.

Ogier seems to be at his best when there is some snow, he seems to take more risks than the others maybe. The times are closer when the asphalt is clear.

[RS]

From Autosport.com:

"Toni Gardemeister's eventful rally has come to an end, the Astra team asking him to park his Abarth before the stage start due to engine damage related to one of his incidents yesterday afternoon."

[Roy]

Is there a big difference in speed between BF Goodrich tyres and Pirelli?
Hirvonen is IMO too slow. I think it is not the car or the driver.

[Finni2]

Is there a big difference in speed between BF Goodrich tyres and Pirelli?
Hirvonen is IMO too slow. I think it is not the car or the driver.

You are suggesting that asphalt Pirellis are remarkably slower on snow than asphalt Michelins?

[ttiirika]

Is the snow really deep enough and 20mm enough of a difference to really make that much of a difference to Mikko?

On the contrary you would expect those conditions to suit Mikko.

Ogier seems to be at his best when there is some snow, he seems to take more risks than the others maybe. The times are closer when the asphalt is clear.

Maybe tyres play a part as well? Ogier on BFGoodrich and Mikko on Pirelli. Anyway, it seems to be quite clear that Mikko loses on snow.

[Finni2]

Ogier has hugely impressed me in these conditions. He really seems to walk in the footsteps of other Sebastien. However I would have rather see how Hirvonen and Ogier would do in some normal asphalt rally or gravel rally. Then we could see more exactly how those drivers compares to top-irc drivers. It's my estimation that the situation in such rallies would be little different. I believe that on gravel Hänninen and Meeke would be equal to Ogier and also quite close match to Hirvonen. We have to remember that Hänninen was faster than Latvala when they drove in rally NZ with group N cars. Monte is the kind of rally from where you can't get reliable indication about overall competitivenes. Loeb has always been four minutes faster in Monte than others but in other rallies Grönholm equalled him (except tarmac rallies where frenchman was usually one minute faster).

By the way how would you think that Loeb and Sordo would do in Monte now? I believe that Loeb would dominate but I am not sure that Sordo would be much faster than Ogier in current conditions despite being still better tarmac driver than Ogier. As to Jari-Matti he would be off or somewhere near to Nico Voullioz :P

[Sulland]

You are suggesting that asphalt Pirellis are remarkably slower on snow than asphalt Michelins?

At least on dry asphalt it used to be a clear advantage to use BF/Michelin.

On snow, they have so many combos to choose from i IRC, that it is hard to compare.
This Monte is hard to make conclusions on performance, since there are to many variables that are unknown. Ford also might be doing changes to the car to learn - what do we know !

But fun to follow it is !

[bluuford]

Is the snow really deep enough and 20mm enough of a difference to really make that much of a difference to Mikko?

On the contrary you would expect those conditions to suit Mikko.

Ogier seems to be at his best when there is some snow, he seems to take more risks than the others maybe. The times are closer when the asphalt is clear.

Yesterday it was clearly visible from the helicam, when Mikko was on the straight, his car was bouncing a lot on the narrow clean lines on the straight while the others were driving like trains. In some places cars create like small kind of tunnel through the ice or snow that is deeper in the middle. When all the cars are with the same width, then imagine when your car is 2 cm wider and you cannot go to the bottom of those tunnels/rails. It was same problem when WRCars were made wider and Skoda was still using narrower model. Then on the gravel their car was too narrow for the ruts and had very similar problems.

[RS]

Ogier has hugely impressed me in these conditions. He really seems to walk in the footsteps of other Sebastien. However I would have rather see how Hirvonen and Ogier would do in some normal asphalt rally or gravel rally. Then we could see more exactly how those drivers compares to top-irc drivers. It's my estimation that the situation in such rallies would be little different. I believe that on gravel Hänninen and Meeke would be equal to Ogier and also quite close match to Hirvonen. We have to remember that Hänninen was faster than Latvala when they drove in rally NZ with group N cars. Monte is the kind of rally from where you can't get reliable indication about overall competitivenes. Loeb has always been four minutes faster in Monte than others but in other rallies Grönholm equalled him (except tarmac rallies where frenchman was usually one minute faster).

By the way how would you think that Loeb and Sordo would do in Monte now? I believe that Loeb would dominate but I am not sure that Sordo would be much faster than Ogier in current conditions despite being still better tarmac driver than Ogier. As to Jari-Matti he would be off or somewhere near to Nico Voullioz :P

I think that is probably a very accurate assesment :up:

[Janez]

Fabia 2010 is also 1820mm width...

http://www.zimbio.com/Automobile+Makes+and+Models+Skoda/articles/rCInWzedlkc/Skoda+Fabia+S2000+EVO+II+Tarmac+test+Photos

[urabus-denoS2000]

Of course it is,but this is still 2009 spec

2010 spec is coming for Brazil

[kubiczech]

Fiestas go VERY well also in Qatar
http://timing.sporttraxx.com/races/qatar-2010/s/38/#overall

[Finni2]

At least on dry asphalt it used to be a clear advantage to use BF/Michelin.

On snow, they have so many combos to choose from i IRC, that it is hard to compare.
This Monte is hard to make conclusions on performance, since there are to many variables that are unknown. Ford also might be doing changes to the car to learn - what do we know !

But fun to follow it is !

There is hardly any dry asphalt! Last time in Monte (2004?) Pirellis were as good as Michelins in mixed conditions.

[amilk]

Ogier has nothing to lose - he came to win and take much more risk now to close the gap. Hirvonen try to avoid mistakes he is safe maybe too safe. It's not the same approach
If they continue like this Ogier will catch Hirvonen during this night and will win.
And for sure Hanninen also not targeting the 3rd so will be interesting 4 stage this night

[noel157]

Arzeno's off on SS8:

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

[Zes]

This Monte is hard to make conclusions on performance, since there are to many variables that are unknown. Ford also might be doing changes to the car to learn - what do we know !

But fun to follow it is !

You got it. Mikko's/Ford's main target is to test Fiesta for 2011. It is much more important for the team to finish the rally than win it by taking any risks. On the other hand I am sure Mikko would like to win Monte...

[cali]

You got it. Mikko's/Ford's main target is to test Fiesta for 2011. It is much more important for the team to finish the rally than win it by taking any risks. On the other hand I am sure Mikko would like to win Monte...

But in the same time Mikko is saying that he is going flat out. Rally is a rally and everybody are trying to be as fast as they can.

Some of our finnish members predicted that Mikko will be "miles" ahead, which is certainly not the case at the moment and this makes this competition more fun to watch. In recent years we have not seen this kind of racing in WRC. Ofcourse Mikko has proven that he is one of the best, but many drivers are almost equal with him.

[miksu]

But in the same time Mikko is saying that he is going flat out. Rally is a rally and everybody are trying to be as fast as they can.

Some of our finnish members predicted that Mikko will be "miles" ahead, which is certainly not the case at the moment and this makes this competition more fun to watch. In recent years we have not seen this kind of racing in WRC. Ofcourse Mikko has proven that he is one of the best, but many drivers are almost equal with him.

I actually thought that he would be miles behind :p but im glad to see how fast he is. But yeah, Mikko has driven as fast as he can, at least thats the feeling i have got from his comments after stages.

What is bit weird is, that he's pretty fast on dry and he seems to drop when it gets more slippery and that is kinda surprising to see, cause he is usually very good on snow. I think it's something to do with tyres and the car. Either the car has much more power that others and it gives Mikko advantage on dry/damp or pirellis are better on dry/damp and worse on snow. Dunno :/

[RS]

I actually thought that he would be miles behind :p but im glad to see how fast he is. But yeah, Mikko has driven as fast as he can, at least thats the feeling i have got from his comments after stages.


Yeah. Unless Mikko is a very good actor he has looked quite surprised at the end of a few stages!

This is probably the most difficult conditions than Mikko and Ogier will drive in all year. Good practice for them.

Only 2 hours15m until the final stages begin! Ogier is going for the win :)

[Pascal 07]

http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/159849/K.Meeke.jpg2..jpg

Back from Monte Carlo a few pictures of Burzet. The next day I was at St-Bonnet with a beautiful sun

[Pascal 07]

http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/159849/Hirvonen.jpg1..jpg

[Langdale Forest]

When does the event finish?

[RS]

When does the event finish?

Just before midnight tonight (UK time) all the top crews should be through.

[pettersolberg29]

Just got home from school to see Ogier close on the lead and a little 'woop' of delight escaped my mouth! I still think it's too much to make up tonight unless Mikko hits problems but we/I can hope.

[John V]

Starting order into final section:

Vigion 17:27
Magalhaes
Kopecký
Wittmann
Sarrazin
Wilks
Vouilloz
Ogier
Hanninen
Hirvonen 17:45

[John V]

Btw.

Some MP3 comments from Monaco after SS11 available also in English (I have to speak Czech with our boys, sorry :-) )

go to http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/?id=796
login/pwd: monte/monte

[pettersolberg29]

By final section you don't mean final stages? No stages start at 17.27 do they?

[wwbroe]

By final section you don't mean final stages? No stages start at 17.27 do they?

I guess it is the time they are leaving Monaco parc. :) To make their way up to Peira-Caca for the start of Turini stage. First car will start at 19h15 in that one. ;)

[wwbroe]

Twenty minutes to go before start of last four stages of the rally. Will we see some surprises? Anybody have an idea what the roadconditions are like for the moment?

[RICARDO75]

Starting order into final section:

Vigion 17:27
Magalhaes
Kopecký
Wittmann
Sarrazin
Wilks
Vouilloz
Ogier
Hanninen
Hirvonen 17:45

I think Kopecky should be the first on the road.
http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/monte/4etapa.php

[wwbroe]

I think Kopecky should be the first on the road.
http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/monte/4etapa.php

That was starting order for the morning stage Ricardo, but Gardemeister is out, so i guess Vigeon will open the stage. :)

[pettersolberg29]

Is RTBF working for anyone? It says wait for 35 mins to me but stage starts in 4 mins!

[RICARDO75]

That was starting order for the morning stage Ricardo, but Gardemeister is out, so i guess Vigeon will open the stage. :)

You'r right

[Finni2]

Any link to live coverage?

[John V]

I think Kopecky should be the first on the road.
http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/monte/4etapa.php

Times were mentioned from regrouping to SP. Kopecky is running same strange tyre choice like Vouilloz yesterday evening = spikes on FL and RR, no spikes FR and RL

[wwbroe]

Kopecky is attacking very hard if you see the onboard. ;)

[wwbroe]

And that is comfirmed by his split on top of Turini, 30 sec faster as Magalhaes and even more on Vigeon.

[Sulland]

so is Ogier !!!

[wwbroe]

For sure, pushing like hell.

[Finni2]

And that is comfirmed by his split on top of Turini, 30 sec faster as Magalhaes and even more on Vigeon.

Any link to live coverage???

[Simmi]

Mikko needs to pick his pace up or the two guys pushing for second will move into contention. He is slow up to the Col.

[pino makinen]

Any link to live coverage???

Try this:

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

Regards.

[ProRally]

Nice coverage on Eurosport2 .... !!!

[wwbroe]

Here it is on Eurosport 1. ;) But great images.

[pino makinen]

Mikko needs to pick his pace up or the two guys pushing for second will move into contention. He is slow up to the Col.

Wasn't he on slicks on the rear tire? Maybe he lost time on ice but will be faster in the downhill.

[ProRally]

Ogier really flying 22sec faster then the rest

[wwbroe]

What a time for Ogier, really very fast. :eek:

[RICARDO75]

Ogier in second overall

[wwbroe]

Ogier moving up to second overall :)

[wwbroe]

Mikko not loosing so much time, only 9,5 sec. Let's see what they can do on second stage.

[Cloverleaf]

Hirvonen on intermediates. What about Ogier?

[noel157]

Can Ogier pull another 10s per stage?

[Roy]

Hirvonen is on intermediates and Ogier?

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen is on intermediates and Ogier?

Olivier Quesnel said in service that they took risky tyrechoice, but he didn't say what he meant by that. Sarazin was on slicks, but i don't know about Ogier.

[Cloverleaf]

Sarrazin and Ogier on slicks

[noel157]

Ogier used inters on the Col with 2 slicks in the boot. Presume now he has the slicks on.

[ProRally]

Can Ogier pull another 10s per stage?

Think so, Ogier and Sarazin are on cut slicks....

[RS]

Mega tele on SS12!

[wwbroe]

Wittmann went off :(

[RS]

Franz :(

[RICARDO75]

Wittmann hit a wall and stop on stage

[Sulland]

Wittmann hit a wall and stop on stage

was pretty hard, and he had a hard time turning left. will not much further it looks !

To bad he tried to drive conservative, but bam, it the end !

[ProRally]

Franzie pushed a bit to hard ....

[Roy]

Wittmann hit a wall and stop on stage

Ahhh. He did VERY well. I am sorry for him.

[ProRally]

Must say again fantastic pictures onboard with Ogier.....

[wwbroe]

Ogier is pushing again like hell on this one, at least by the looks on the onboard.

[Sulland]

Are there splits online anywhere ?

[RICARDO75]

Bruno did a good tyre choice. This is going to be a dramatic night

[Sulland]

Bruno did a good tyre choice. This is going to be a dramatic night

Kopecky not ! Ice crew made a mistake I think.

[RS]

I think all Skodas are on wrong tyres :(

Can they change before the final loop?

Hanninen under orders to get 3rd.

[wwbroe]

Bad time for Wilks, probably on the wrong tyres too. :(

[RICARDO75]

Wilks lost 1m10 to Sarrazin

[wwbroe]

Same thing for Vouilloz also, i guess Skoda's all on wrong tyres.

[HaCo]

Wonder what the pirelli's will do on this stage...

[wwbroe]

Ogier 9,2 sec down on Sarazin, so not besttime for him this time.

[Cloverleaf]

Sarrazin full slick, Ogier cut slick.
That's the difference +9,4

[Sulland]

Hanninen is impressing me on this rally !

[Salist]

Bravo Mikko....

[RICARDO75]

Great stage time for Hirvonen

[wwbroe]

Great time for Mikko, making the gap bigger with Ogier.

[Cloverleaf]

Whooaaa Hirvonen with Intermediates great time !

[HaCo]

Yep, very good op Mikko!

[Rallyper]

Whooaaa Hirvonen with Intermediates great time !

YEAH!!!! That was a good one. Hejaa Mikko!!!!

[ProRally]

Mikko did a flyer !!!!

[Roy]

Q: What tyres you use in next loop?
MH: I flip the coin and I see.

Nice Finnish quote ;)

[Rallyper]

Q: What tyres you use in next loop?
MH: I flip the coin and I see.

Nice Finnish quote ;)

:up: !!!!!!

[ProRally]

He could have said like Kankunen in the past, 'black and round' :D :D

[Simmi]

Finnish quotes are the best for sure.

[RS]

You could tell Juho was pissed off with the wrong tyre choice :(

Anyone who says rally doesn't work on live tv should be watching this!

[wwbroe]

I agree, great coverage all rally long, great work by Eurosport.

[Barreis]

Great live TV! :)

[wwbroe]

Now we have some time to grab something to eat, see you guys later this eveing for the two finishing stages.

[6789]

Q: What tyres you use in next loop?
MH: I flip the coin and I see.

Nice Finnish quote ;)


Loved it!

Listening the Malcolm Wilson on rally radio, loving the coverage, WRC needs the live coverage for sure!

[RS]

I pestered my dad into watching this rally this weekend and he just texted me "Is this is a new series? It's very entertaining" :)

[amilk]

Hopefuly North One guys watching the coverage and learning.
WRC need to make a step in this direction -

[pettersolberg29]

Very impressed my Mikko, but have to say I'm gutted for Seb. Easily fastest all week and he'll probably end up losing by about 30 secs unless Mikko spins or chooses wrong tyres.

Also have to agree with the great coverage - I hope it keeps up the quality for the last 2. I really don't want this rally to end though as every rally from now on will seem like an anti-climax compared to this!

[pettersolberg29]

p.s. How will we get used to NO television coverage for WRC Sweden? This is a serious lesson that TV coverage is needed for WRC if it is to gain support. We need to make the most of Kimi and the publicity to get rallying on the radar and TV is a key component of this.

[Cloverleaf]

Not only WRC needs the live television but also down to the wire competiton.

[Rallyper]

It sure depends on that you need a lot of cameras and then put them in a good directing on TV. Maybe it hasn´t been tested so much yet, but Eurosport on MC really has proven that this is a new way of covering rallying!!

I have been listen to live-radio parallely to the TV coverage and that lifted maybe more (Colin and Simon)!!

[Moriarty]

Does drivers use gravel crew in this rally?

[pettersolberg29]

Most drivers have an ice crew yes.

[RS]

Not only WRC needs the live television but also down to the wire competiton.

This is a very good point. If this was WRC I don't think this last stage would be quite as exciting because -

- WRC events tend to be decided before the finish

- Onboards of the current WRCars are much more sedate than the agile and aggressive S2000s.

Hopefully new rules for WRC will encourage more manufacturers, closer competition, more entertaining cars... Then they just have to get the tv right :)

[AndyRAC]

p.s. How will we get used to NO television coverage for WRC Sweden? This is a serious lesson that TV coverage is needed for WRC if it is to gain support. We need to make the most of Kimi and the publicity to get rallying on the radar and TV is a key component of this.

Good post, but also what will the organisers of the Monte do. If they return to the WRC they're not going to get live TV......

Apart from Eurosport and the RallyRadio, the media coverage has been pants.

[Simmi]

Even if they (WRC) couldn't find a broadcasting home, live internet stages would also be good and could be accessed by a huge global audience. If it was a decent quality stream it would be fine. I'd even pay a yearly subscription if I knew I would get quality live action. That plus the split times underneath would be the ultimate really for us internet rally followers.

[Moriarty]

Most drivers have an ice crew yes.
Thanx, ice crew sounds better for this rally :)

[N.O.T]

the wrc boys swept the floor.....

judging from their performances though and when conditions were not in play i think that Ogier has some work to do in order for citroen to count him as a threat to hirvonen on tarmac.

[Francis44]

the wrc boys swept the floor.....

judging from their performances though and when conditions were not in play i think that Ogier has some work to do in order for citroen to count him as a threat to hirvonen on tarmac.
Sure, but Hirvonnen has been driving a WRC car for years now and Ogier has been driving one for a year. Im starting to believe Ogier is shapping up to be an Loeb, you can feel it. Even the way he talks and moves its like an "déjà vu".

[pettersolberg29]

I don't think Citroen hope or expect Ogier to challenge Mikko yet. He will push but 2011 or 2012 will be when he starts to come through I'd have thought.

[Cloverleaf]

I think the brilliance of the IRC concept is there is no need for the manufacturers to nominate cars for scoring points. I mean there's 6 fabias and 9 207s which are equally competitive. It's down to the driver and the team to get a good time.

There are ex world champions who admit "there is nothing to against works cars". With a non works M2 car you have no chance to win. I like the concept of IRC because all of the s2000 cars are open to any customer, rival teams can learn from each other between homologation sessions and keep the competition close.


This is a very good point. If this was WRC I don't think this last stage would be quite as exciting because -

- WRC events tend to be decided before the finish

- Onboards of the current WRCars are much more sedate than the agile and aggressive S2000s.

Hopefully new rules for WRC will encourage more manufacturers, closer competition, more entertaining cars... Then they just have to get the tv right :)

[Simmi]

I agree Ogier has a 'Loebesque' demeanour. You can see it when he is being interviewed. One thing that is different however is the number of errors.

Maybe this is a case of Loeb making life difficult for his rivals by being so good. It may force drivers to up their game (Duval) and make mistakes, and possibly in the case of Ogier he needs to develop in his own time and not expect miracles or to be fastest all the time.

This next year will be crucial but I expect Seb Mk2 to improve and mature.

[amilk]

This is a very good point. If this was WRC I don't think this last stage would be quite as exciting because -

- WRC events tend to be decided before the finish

- Onboards of the current WRCars are much more sedate than the agile and aggressive S2000s.

Hopefully new rules for WRC will encourage more manufacturers, closer competition, more entertaining cars... Then they just have to get the tv right :)

Not sure about that: Look back Mikko and Seb time's....competition was there in several cases except tarmac
Onboard WRC vs S2000 - how can be more agressive the S2000? - WRC cars much more spectacular from outside and inside no doubt-

[bluuford]

This is a very good point. If this was WRC I don't think this last stage would be quite as exciting because -

- WRC events tend to be decided before the finish

- Onboards of the current WRCars are much more sedate than the agile and aggressive S2000s.

Hopefully new rules for WRC will encourage more manufacturers, closer competition, more entertaining cars... Then they just have to get the tv right :)

Last year everything was practically decided before Turini as well. This year our friends Ogier and Hirvonen has made it very exiting!

[urabus-denoS2000]

For me S2000 is MUCH more impressive onboard

Excuse me but a Focus WRC sounds like a dying squirell both from the inside and the outside

[RS]

I think the brilliance of the IRC concept is there is no need for the manufacturers to nominate cars for scoring points. I mean there's 6 fabias and 9 207s which are equally competitive. It's down to the driver and the team to get a good time.

There are ex world champions who admit "there is nothing to against works cars". With a non works M2 car you have no chance to win. I like the concept of IRC because all of the s2000 cars are open to any customer, rival teams can learn from each other between homologation sessions and keep the competition close.

Exactly. The rules encourage the manufacturer to provide the best possible car for all drivers and local importers are getting involved too.

[Rallyper]

The top in WRC guys are about the same amount or even more as in IRC so the excitement is about the same. Only the coverage is different at the moment...

[RS]

Onboard WRC vs S2000 - how can be more agressive the S2000? - WRC cars much more spectacular from outside and inside no doubt-

Absolutely disagree on that.

WRCs are more physically impressive on fast sections (from the outside) of stages because of the greater power but onboard it looks like they are driving to Tesco. New S1600Ts should be better.

[amilk]

For me S2000 is MUCH more impressive onboard

Excuse me but a Focus WRC sounds like a dying squirell both from the inside and the outside

If we seak about sound yes, and S1600 even more. But rally not only sound. On dry tarmac both not spectacular. Less power makes S2000 less spectacular

[Barreis]

The both are so spectacular.. :)

[Cloverleaf]

WRC cars are way too forgiving. Compared to a WRCar, S2000 is responsive to smaller inputs and like Meeke had said if before anyone can drive a WRC with a training of a day or two and get reasonable times. But you have to be abslotutely commited to get something from a S2000.

If you say WRC is faster than S2000, that's the only point though.

[amilk]

The both are so spectacular.. :)

Yes that the main thing. Let's have equal cars good drivers some dirt, ice, mud, snow on the road and we will be satisfied like now with Monte.

Just shame for Witmann, the guy was so happy at he inerviews, and made the rally by hearth

[Sulland]

Sarrazin full slick, Ogier cut slick.
That's the difference +9,4

Quesnel had a trick or two up his sleeve, and he said so before the stage start !

[bluuford]

For me S2000 is MUCH more impressive onboard

Excuse me but a Focus WRC sounds like a dying squirell both from the inside and the outside

Now I know how squirrel sounds when he is dieing. Thanks for the late night Biology lesson;-) You have the skills to be successful teacher.