Rally New Zealand 2010

[N.O.T]

5 minutes until the start.

[Carlo]

Mikko has a damaged car ater his SS10 spin and hit bank.

There is a bit of tyre management going on with everyone, they have to last a couple of more stages yet.

[Halvis]

Not surprising really is it, bearing in mind the road position and his supreme talent! More suprising is Petter's fast pace, Ogier's fast pace and Mikko's hideously slow pace.

I'm very impressed by Petter's times, being first on the road. Great stuff!

[Rallyper]

Not surprising really is it, bearing in mind the road position and his supreme talent! More suprising is Petter's fast pace, Ogier's fast pace and Mikko's hideously slow pace.

Maybe not so surptising if we knew the enginepower on the C4 and Focuses compared.
I bet there´s a bigger difference now than a couple of months ago. What have the frogs done since Mexico?

[amilk]

Dont forget the driver line up difference between them

JR. Wilson with the 5 year plan...on the other side in C4's Ogier, Petter

[ridder]

And for 4th gravel rally in a row Sordo is clearly worse than Ogier.....

[N.O.T]

nice start by ogier...

[Carlo]

Eye in the sky is following Petter in SS12, looks he he is on a hard compound tyre as the car was slippery for the first couple of km until he got a bit more heat in the tyres. He is holding his lines well now. The is a little more metal on the road than the previous stage and from my knowledge of this stage I very much doubt if it will sweep a totally clean line

[Halvis]

Eye in the sky is following Petter in SS12, looks he he is on a hard compound tyre as the car was slippery for the first couple of km until he got a bit more heat in the tyres. He is holding his lines well now. The is a little more metal on the road than the previous stage and from my knowledge of this stage I very much doubt if it will sweep a totally clean line

Link to the eye in the sky?

[N.O.T]

only on NZ tv i think

[N.O.T]

LOL at loebs second split....

[jonkka]

Loeb got tremendous split 2

[Carlo]

Link to the eye in the sky?

Haven't found one yet, but is is magic on the TV, absolutely magic

you could try via http://www.skysport.co.nz

[pettersolberg29]

Petter loses A LOT to JML, let alone Ogier and Loeb. Could be almost a minute to Loeb?

[N.O.T]

Loeb will eat each and every one of those sick ford boys 1 by 1.....Malcom should start spending some money on his team rather than his talentless 5 year plan kid

[Halvis]

Loeb really takes advantage of his road position here, will close the gap extremely much.

[N.O.T]

what gap ?? he could as well lead after the end of the day.....

[Halvis]

what gap ?? he could as well lead after the end of the day.....

Meant on this stage - you actually might be right about the lead after day two.

[alexlake]

Loeb is amazing. how the hell is he so so fast! excitng rally

[Sulland]

Loeb is amazing - helmet off for him !

[N.O.T]

almost 1 sec/km faster than Latvala......pathetic ford weaklings

[N.O.T]

38 seconds from the lead now...and in a perfect position to dictate all the tactics for the final day....

[COVENANT]

loeb is unbelievable...............!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!

[pettersolberg29]

That must be the biggest stage win for quite some time - incredible in spite of his road position.

[alexlake]

38 seconds from the lead now...and in a perfect position to dictate all the tactics for the final day....

he seems to like this position dont he, clever driver

[Sulland]

What happened to Petter on 12, spin or small off ?

[Pinto]

almost 1 sec/km faster than Latvala......pathetic ford weaklings

and im sure you'd do better you must get the award for the most stupid comments made by a forum member around here,
you have nothing positive ever to say all you try to do is stir things away to bed with ya and leave the discussion to sensable people

[RJM]

Loeb is a madman! How can he do this?

[pettersolberg29]

What happened to Petter on 12, spin or small off ?

Struggled first on the road, and with bad tyres apparently.

[N.O.T]

and im sure you'd do better you must get the award for the most stupid comments made by a forum member around here,
you have nothing positive ever to say all you try to do is stir things away to bed with ya and leave the discussion to sensable people

yeah yeah yeah same old things.....

[AndyRAC]

I know he has a good road position, but, that was mightily impressive!!

[ridder]

*applauds Loeb*

I also started to wonder where is the last time I remember something like that happened. Closest I found just searching trough memory I got Sardinia 2004 first stage with Solberg, but that's still not as good as this.

[cut the b.s.]

Stunning pace by Loeb, trully a man among boys

[RobertS]

Loeb's error:
http://rally-foto.blog.hu/2010/05/07/sebastien_loeb_a_hidkorlaton

[PJRevs]

This is incredible! Loeb is Incredible guy!

[Carlo]

Loeb is on maximum attack, something we may not have seen for quite some time. I have had some phone calls frpm mates out watching the stages and they are saying that they have not seen such committment since Ari took on the works Fiat team all those years ago in IF780. That was the stuff that legends were made of and this could be another

[RJM]

I think he has balls the size of king kong!

[Mintexmemory]

Get ready to move over little Seb, you're gonna have to cede position again!
This is just phenomenal, hope that the journos ask Loeb just how many chances he was taking. Looks like he was in the zone and we'l be looking at footage of this for years to come

[Francis44]

I cant believe what I am saying but I think Loeb will, after the off, still snatch the win.

[Carlo]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/sport/3667538/Timaru-racing-enthusiast-honoured

A link to a story that may interest some of you

[awake27]

Petter lost even to Wilson on the last stage. OK he was sweeping the road, but still...

Lets see the 2nd loop with cleaned roads, the situation may get more balanced.

[bassist]

Get ready to move over little Seb, you're gonna have to cede position again!
This is just phenomenal, hope that the journos ask Loeb just how many chances he was taking. Looks like he was in the zone and we'l be looking at footage of this for years to come


This performance is incredible, Just makes you wonder if he`s been `playing` with the rest so far this year? Good people of New Zealand, you are witnessing something very special!

[AndyRAC]

And to think there's no Rally NZ in the WRC next year - madness!!

[Carlo]

And to think there's no Rally NZ in the WRC next year - madness!!

Basically, because of the terrible clash of dates between the two events most available accomodation has been taken by the Rugby World Cup who had their dates allocated a year or so earlier

[AndyRAC]

Basically, because of the terrible clash of dates between the two events most available accomodation has been taken by the Rugby World Cup who had their dates allocated a year or so earlier

Yes, I know, so why weren't NOS willing to move the event to another time of the year. If there's a will, there's a way.

[jbmarcus21]

I think he has balls the size of king kong!

lollllll :)

[Carlo]

Yes, I know, so why weren't NOS willing to move the event to another time of the year. If there's a will, there's a way.

One would like to think that it is under review, the way this years event is going as a total package does add weight to the idea finding a way to accomodate it in 2011

[Mirek]

I'm a little bit drunk but I must admit that I would miss Mr.Loeb if he retires. The fight for victory would be much closer without him but it would be just a child game. In this moment Sebastien is the only BIG one in the sport.

I have great respect for such peformance no matter how boring the results look!

[JFL]

When Loeb sweaps the road, its allways a big issue, and excuse if somebody catches him.. Is that forgotten now? He's going really fast, but I also think Ogier and Solberg also would gain guite some time to from that starting position..

[Rally Life]

Why, oh why doesn't NZs SkySport not have Hampton Downs broadcast live like every other stage?! Frustrating. Same with last nights Domain.

[Carlo]

Its a pain isn't it Debbie, sounds good on rally radio though

[N.O.T]

When Loeb sweaps the road, its allways a big issue, and excuse if somebody catches him.. Is that forgotten now? He's going really fast, but I also think Ogier and Solberg also would gain guite some time to from that starting position..

still not that much.....Solberg was in similar position i think in mexico and he only managed 30 seconds in a whole day....with Kms of stages actually being more in the case of solberg....

so YES Loeb is doing something special...

[J4MIE]

Stunning time from Seb, shows just how good he is, reminds me of Monte Carlo when he was chasing down Gardemeister for 2nd place after going off on the first day. I have never seen anyone drive as quickly as that and this is just making me wish even more that I was in NZ to see it! :up:

[N.O.T]

20 mins until the start of 2nd loop...

[alterdaxter]

someone knows the right time for Al-Attiyah on ss13?

wrc.com and vysledky-rally.cz are showing big differences...

[N.O.T]

does it matter ?

[jonkka]

Petter's splits make a comeback...

[N.O.T]

solberg going strong...

[jonkka]

And Mikko is deliberately slow... Look at me, I am Ford's number one driver

[N.O.T]

Solberg is losing again ....

Hirvonens splits disgust me......

[RICARDO75]

someone knows the right time for Al-Attiyah on ss13?

wrc.com and vysledky-rally.cz are showing big differences...

2m48,7s

[N.O.T]

Latvala 10 sec faster than Loeb morning time.....wow the stage is seriously fast now...

[N.O.T]

what is wrong with hirvonen ????

[jonkka]

Maybe his wife sucks so much and well that Mikko learned to suck as well...

[N.O.T]

another stupidly fast time by Loeb is predicted.....

[N.O.T]

Maybe his wife sucks so much and well that Mikko learned to suck as well...

ooooooh.......you are a naughty boy....

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen 3 seconds slower than Solberg .......

[N.O.T]

damn.... Loeb is going to ridicule everyone again on this one......

[N.O.T]

hmmm maybe ford changed the No1 driver and Hirvonen is now the one to bring points ??? i doubt he is that slow while pushing.....

[N.O.T]

Loeb to 3rd.......this guy is beyond imagining.....25 seconds faster than his morning time......right now if aliens come down and beam him to the planet they brought him from i wouldn't be amazed at all

[xavier]

Mikko's performance is abysmal for a #1 driver.

JML is doing good though, good to see him fast and on the road.

The Sebs are quite amazing, I'd like to to see both on top (with Seb Ogier first)

[Carlo]

Watching Loeb on Eye in the Sky is like watching a top F1 car going for pole time during qualifying. Absolutely on the edge. Magic stuff

[jonkka]

Seb's final time?

[Barreis]

Dear friends, do You see this? :)

[ZequeArgentina]

Link to eye in thesky please!!

[Josti]

Hirvonen's performance is appalling. Loeb is on a high, great showing.

[N.O.T]

seb is moving up to 3rd overal now.....mental.....

[jonas_mcrae]

cancel the next rounds, Loeb is going to win this one, and the next, and the next, and the championship why bother...

[jonkka]

cancel the next rounds, Loeb is going to win this one, and the next, and the next, and the championship why bother...

Hear hear!

[N.O.T]

i wonder what hirvonen is thinking...if he doesn;t have a problem with the car his times do not represent his true speed i think.

[jonkka]

i wonder what hirvonen is thinking...if he doesn;t have a problem with the car his times do not represent his true speed i think.

I would like to think that too but apart from Sweden this year, it's been more a rule than an exception that he's slow. I am beginning to bank on the sucky-theory.

[ShiftingGears]

Loeb is annihilating everyone. Fantastic display of driving genius.

[N.O.T]

maybe he did something really stupid with the setup.....

[xavier]

Whenever I try to go flat out, there’s something happening,” said Hirvonen. “It’s been tough again. I ran wide, so I guess you can say I was too fast into the corner.

Mikko is decent driver but that shows he'll never be amongst the great ones.

[Josti]

Rally GB last year was the first time I actually doubted Hirvonen's abilities, he had this one shot at the world title, and then totally took things too steady IMO. After Sweden, I thought, hey, this could well be his year, but unfortunately he's left no impression afterwards. What a shame.

[N.O.T]

Loeb actually took more time off this time around from ogier than in his morning pass....insane...

[N.O.T]

next stage is on.....lets see

[ZequeArgentina]

eye in thesky link, please

[N.O.T]

no link...only on NZ tv....

[ZequeArgentina]

what a pity!!!!!!!Thanks NOT.

No way to find a streaming for it?
I am looking for it

[Helstar]

omg Loeb, if he wins this (and he wins...) the others can really bury themselves and only hope he retires soon ^^

If Loeb had pushed always like this he'd win every rally by minutes too xD

[N.O.T]

no splits for sordo....

[Josti]

Loeb, nearly 5 seconds faster already on the second split. Amazing.

[Helstar]

I know nobody cares but how come Villagra is almost 5 min behind Wilson ? ^^

[N.O.T]

his times were terrible during the rally he was losing to some s2000 guys in some stages

[ZequeArgentina]

worst rally for Villagra by far.

I guess his timeswit a S2000 wil be more decent........

[N.O.T]

only ogier to go now for Loeb.....but he lost a lot on the last split so he might play it safe for day 3

[N.O.T]

actually he didn't play it safe...he was 40 seconds faster than this morning .....

[Helstar]

He will put himself from 1 to 10 seconds behind his little brother ^^ and let him sweep for tomorrow.

[Carlo]

The eye in the sky is showing on Skysport TV in NZ along with a full studio program coming from the Service Park. Skysport have provided a camera crew for one of the safety helicopters for the use of rally control and are taking a feed off for local broadcast.

Otherwise the television broadcast in NZ is the WRC provided end of day highlight package

[Carlo]

omg Loeb, if he wins this (and he wins...) the others can really bury themselves and only hope he retires soon ^^

If Loeb had pushed always like this he'd win every rally by minutes too xD

So now you see why he is a multiple World Champion.

By the way, has anyone noticed how well the other Seb is doing, he is going to be something special too

[Helstar]

I see 'now' ? It's from 2003 that it was clear he would win multiple times ^^
But except 2003 (only 1 point lose), sometimes he's been little bit lucky too (for example in 2004 and 2007, no problem to admit that I hope). Not that it hurts for a champion to have luck (see Makinen...)

[Rally Life]

Tapper stopped in SS15? Damn.

[N.O.T]

I see 'now' ? It's from 2003 that it was clear he would win multiple times ^^
But except 2003 (only 1 point lose), sometimes he's been little bit lucky too (for example in 2004 and 2007, no problem to admit that I hope). Not that it hurts for a champion to have luck (see Makinen...)

makinen could not even dream a performance like Loebs in NZ....he was a product of team Bias and nothing more.

[Krigen]

makinen could not even dream a performance like Loebs in NZ....he was a product of team Bias and nothing more.

Smart ass ;)

[jonkka]

As if Seb ain't...

[Helstar]

makinen could not even dream a performance like Loebs in NZ....he was a product of team Bias and nothing more.
I was referring to some lucky 'aspects' ... such as Colin Win it or Bin it, Sainz car stopping few meters from the goal ... ;)

[N.O.T]

lucky aspects...of course.

[Helstar]

I wrote it between "" not by case :P
It's just a way to say, call it like you want...

[N.O.T]

can latvala be the man to stop the citroen 1-2-3 tommorow ??

[Helstar]

can latvala be the man to stop the citroen 1-2-3 tommorow ??
If Sordo continues to suck, it's very likely

[N.O.T]

nice time by henning so far...

[Helstar]

Maybe he finally found a good setup ^^

[harvick#1]

5 seconds of of Ogier now,

Id say Loeb has this one in the bag, this is something else by the 5 time champion, truely something amazing

[Helstar]

After 15 Stages he finally beated his brother xD

omg Loeb wants to win even by sweeping tomorrow lol !

[N.O.T]

1 stage to go...tommorow is going to be exciting and a historical day if Loeb wins....

[N.O.T]

5 seconds of of Ogier now,

Id say Loeb has this one in the bag, this is something else by the 5 time champion, truely something amazing

6 time.....

[jonkka]

Historical? In what sense?

[Helstar]

I remember Bosse in similar situation in Finland 2004 or 2005 if I'm not wrong (no brakes, lost a lot in early stages but in the end he won the rally same way).

[harvick#1]

6 time.....

my bad :)

[Helstar]

Oh last stage at 05:59 ? More than 1 hour ? I go bed, byyyyyye ^^

ps. I wonder when a fuc*in italian (anybody !) will be back to represent us in WRC ... >_>

[harvick#1]

Historical? In what sense?


I wouldn't say Historical, but it just shows that not one driving in the WRC today can touch him when hes attacking a rally.

[N.O.T]

Historical? In what sense?

biggest time difference covered from the leader ??

[N.O.T]

Oh last stage at 05:59 ? More than 1 hour ? I go bed, byyyyyye ^^

ps. I wonder when a fuc*in italian (anybody !) will be back to represent us in WRC ... >_>

not very soon....maybe in 10 years time....maybe

[jonkka]

biggest time difference covered from the leader ??

What about Vatanen's 1985 Monte? From 4 mins behind to 5 mins ahead (over 16 stages).

[Red bull]

words cant express my feelings about loeb but for sure hes no doubt the greatest rally driver of our time,hail his imperial majesty KING LOEB.

[ShiftingGears]

biggest time difference covered from the leader ??

Surely not. Considering that past rallies really weren't sprints at all, and drivers could win WRC rallies by 7 minutes on the odd occasion, I don't think so.

[cannyboy]

Will someone please give kris meeke a wrc car.

These boys just got schooled today.

Time for the opposition to pack their bags and go home.

Time for some fresh blood.

Hats off to loeb. Today was amazing, but the opposition is weak.

Mr Wilson, your drivers aint got it. There are better prospects out there.

Loeb has just again made his oppostion look like pretenders, again.

Time for soldberg and the ford babies to retire and let some new kids in.

[Red bull]

its time for malcom to seriously go back to the drawing board and edit the ford drivers,seems hes getting all his sums wrong 1+1=11 :D ,throw all of them to lions!!! :mad:

[ste898]

When will Malcolm wilson wake up and sack the totally useless Hirvonen!!!!

Whats his excuse this rally

[Langdale Forest]

When will Malcolm wilson wake up and sack the totally useless Hirvonen!!!!



If Mikko is useless, then what is Matthew Wilson?

Mikko is a good driver, he is just having a bad rally.

[ste898]

If Mikko is useless, then what is Matthew Wilson?

Mikko is a good driver, he is just having a bad rally.Apart from sweden they have all been bad rallies ad too think he was gonna do amazing things this year.......

Dont start me on matt wilson.............

[ste898]

words cant express my feelings about loeb but for sure hes no doubt the greatest rally driver of our time,hail his imperial majesty KING LOEB.

I cannot see where he is the greatest driver as he has nobody of any great skill too bea!!!!!!!!!

[ridder]

So Citroen's friday tactics worked nicely.

After Loeb lost time Ogier and Sordo dropped behind first 2 in the afternoon (see SS7 http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/statistiky/?id=17&pos=816)
Ohh well, good that there are no tactics in the sport heh?

In this case the tactics helped Ogier and Sordo only. Loeb did superb job by himself.

Only thing that keeps me from calling him the best WRC driver ever is that he never drove in any other team with a different car. Please please someone make him switch so we can see him driving at the limit (Rossi's switch to Yamaha anyone?).

==================================
Tomorrow I expect:

1. Loeb
2. Ogier
3. Latvala
4. Solberg
5. Sordo
6. Hirvonen

good drives so far: Loeb, Ogier

as expected: Latvala, Solberg (he surely thought he won't be loosing so much sweeping)

worse than expected: Sordo (am I the only one seeing Ogier replacing him next year?), Hirvonen

[amilk]

I'm just up from sleep to see the results - again Loeb, it's dissapointing from sporting aspect - from other side great drive from him

I thing there is something with the Ford' also - the difference bigger than last year

and unfortunatelly Hirvonen not a fighter - and will be never a fighter

Latvala born to win but he still needs to find reliability

Like someone wrote above - fresh blood for Ford needed quickly - just imagine the tarmac rallies coming

Looks like Sr. Wilson waiting for wonder - but it will not arrive just from themself

[COD]

I might consider joining the Henning bashers now, I just can't understand why he is that slow? Doesn't he trust his new codriver or something? It's painful to see...

Finally you have seen the light :laugh:

He just IS that slow, like Hirvonen too

[Maui J.]

Amazing drive by Loeb.
Great to see Ogier doing well at his first attempt here.
Hirvonen is a great driver but something is just not happening at the moment, he's lost his mojo. He'll be back.

The Fords are just not on the same page as the Citroens unfortunately. This one horse race is not good for the sport. Bring on the 1.6T and lets start again.

[Francis44]

It wont surprise me if Ogier actually wins this rally, Loeb is fine with 2º place, just because Hirvonnen is far behind and I think for all Ogier has done for Citroen, they should allow both Ogier and Loeb to fight equally for the win tomorrow.

[Carlo]

I cannot see where he is the greatest driver as he has nobody of any great skill too bea!!!!!!!!!
Those who have actually witnessed todays performance, be it in person or live following his car on TV are unamimous in praising Loeb's performance, it really was something special to behold.

Now I realise that those who's experience is limiteds to racing keyboards on the other side of the world may not have the advantage of witnessing this performance but that is their problem, not Loebs nor any of the other drivers all of who are racing cars rather than keyboards. All these drivers I might add are contesting a World Championship Rally. something that no current keyboard operator is doing and I suspect that is something that very few have had the determination, ability, committment and skills to undertake.

There is an old racers proverb, "Never pass comment on a fellow competitors speed until you have completed a lap in his race car". Some of you need to take that thought onboard

[Karukera]

It wont surprise me if Ogier actually wins this rally, Loeb is fine with 2º place, just because Hirvonnen is far behind and I think for all Ogier has done for Citroen, they should allow both Ogier and Loeb to fight equally for the win tomorrow.

Agree, but fighting equally will eventually bring Loeb on top. Except for some odds i don't see how Ogier can win the rally. Moreover, Citroën Senior team needs the manu points. Case closed. :-)

[Tom206wrc]

Loeb, Loeb, Loeb, hurraaaah :bounce: :bounce:

Great from Ogier too :up:

[Maui J.]

Agree, but fighting equally will eventually bring Loeb on top. Except for some odds i don't see how Ogier can win the rally. Moreover, Citroën Senior team needs the manu points. Case closed. :-)

Ogier is not registered for manufacturers points on this rally, so it won't make any difference if he comes 1st, 2nd or wherever.

[gravelman]

biggest time difference covered from the leader ??

think Marcus came back to win from a bigger margin in Argentina 2003

[cut the b.s.]

]I'm a little bit drunk but I must admit that I would miss Mr.Loeb if he retires. The fight for victory would be much closer without him but it would be just a child game. In this moment Sebastien is the only BIG one in the sport.

I have great respect for such peformance no matter how boring the results look!

+1

[Wim_Impreza]

Finally some people believe my words from the begin of 2006: It is a really a mistake from Ford to replace Gardemeister by Hirvonen.

[snellman]

Finally some people believe my words from the begin of 2006: It is a really a mistake from Ford to replace Gardemeister by Hirvonen.
LOL :D

[Karukera]

Ogier is not registered for manufacturers points on this rally, so it won't make any difference if he comes 1st, 2nd or wherever.

Yep, Vysledky-Rally.cz website has him M registered. Great website though. :up:

[Red bull]

I cannot see where he is the greatest driver as he has nobody of any great skill too bea!!!!!!!!!
To beat all the four clowns in the ford focus team you need skills of LOEB the magnificent one :D :s mokin: .

[Doon]

To quote N.O.T, 'Hirvonen is a sick dog'........maybe I should rename my cat else it will get sick too. Not impressed with Mikko at all this year after Sweden.

.....Loeb is the greatest ever, nobody from any era would beat him. I remember him vividly on Sanremo 2001, and from that moment on it was obvious he was a rally god...but setting these times in NZ makes me think he is from another planet, or has an extra turbo ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

For me, Loeb isn't the best ever. In the '70s, 80's and 90's, they drove much more SS and there were much more good drivers and teams. The cars weren't so reliable as now. You know the WRC is almost dead for some years. Loeb only drove for Citroën in the WRC. Other champions in the past drove for two marques or even more.

[Francis44]

Videos from day two have been added to the WRC site.

[snellman]

no matter who they would put in the ford, they still never could compete with loeb

[N.O.T]

What about Vatanen's 1985 Monte? From 4 mins behind to 5 mins ahead (over 16 stages).

yes i was aware of that....but monte is monte...with the tyre gamble and all....what about gravel rallies?

[N.O.T]

no matter who they would put in the ford, they still never could compete with loeb

with Loeb no...at least not this year and probably next year...but all things come to an end...and i would prefer if the next world champion was not a guy who got ridiculed by the one that retired. I think with the proper back up and a solid program Hanninen, Meeke and PG would give those current C class drivers at ford (apart from Latvala) a run for their money...i still think Hirvonen has the speed not to look like a scared kid but he lacks balls....

[dimviii]

nice incar from Ogier
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=300&page=1&featureid=1589&desc=New%20Zealand%202010:%20Ogier%20leads%20the%2 0way

[Bobcat]

yes i was aware of that....but monte is monte...with the tyre gamble and all....what about gravel rallies?
Rally New Zealand stage guides - Saturday http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=7727&desc=Rally%20New%20Zealand%20stage%20guides%20-%20Saturday

All the country stages are mixed surface - gravel and asphalt - and the day also includes two all-asphalt tests at the Hampton Downs motor racing circuit.

[koko0703]

I'm not particularily a big fan of Loeb but I must say his performance in leg 2 is just amazing! Even if he crashes out on Sunday, this performance will be remembered as one of his best drive.

[koko0703]

Oh and Ogier has done very nice performance, too! Sordo must be very worrying about his position at Citroen now.

[Bobcat]

Wilson questions use of Tarmac in NZ http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/wilson_questions_use_of_tarmac_in_nz/

Matthew Wilson has questioned the need to include a section of asphalt at the start of the New Franklin stage, which opens the second leg of Rally New Zealand on Saturday.
Crews will negotiate a 7.95-kilometre Tarmac road before switching to gravel for the final 12.87 kilometres.
Wilson said: “I don’t understand it because the gravel roads here are excellent so starting on Tarmac makes no sense to me. It’s not like we’ll be putting on a spectacle for the fans either because I doubt if any driver will take risks and do anything spectacular.”

[SubaruNorway]

Has the eye in the sky been online anywhere this rally?

[N.O.T]

Wilson questions use of Tarmac in NZ http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/wilson_questions_use_of_tarmac_in_nz/



LOL

like anyone cares what that spoiled useless money waster thinks....

[N.O.T]

Has the eye in the sky been online anywhere this rally?

no only NZ tv

[JFL]

Fantastic catch by Loeb :) Totally awsome. But (yes there is a but) How come he did'nt set that pace on day one?
Anyway great catch.. Should be a easy win for him now... Ogier can't win, even if he was allowed.. I'm not expecting Loeb to set that much pace tomorrow due to his roadposition, but if he pushes the same, he should at least win by 1 min..

[Red bull]

Oh and Ogier has done very nice performance, too! Sordo must be very worrying about his position at Citroen now.
what if ogier is given a ford seat and elevated to lead driver,can he at least shake a hair on loebs head?At the moment hes the only one near to loebs times. :rolleyes:

[dimviii]

Jari-Matti Latvala, currently third overall in his Ford Focus, commented: “His speed has been from another planet.”

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=7770&desc=Loeb+praised+for+stunning+recovery+drive

[Rallyper]

nice incar from Ogier
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=300&page=1&featureid=1589&desc=New%20Zealand%202010:%20Ogier%20leads%20the%2 0way

Seb is the new Seb, no doubt. But he was on the limit all the time it looked...

[pettersolberg29]

But (yes there is a but) How come he did'nt set that pace on day one?

He was sweeping wasn't he? Obviously makes a big difference, as Petter found out!

[jonas_mcrae]

Finally some people believe my words from the begin of 2006: It is a really a mistake from Ford to replace Gardemeister by Hirvonen.

Amen

[jens]

Finally some people believe my words from the begin of 2006: It is a really a mistake from Ford to replace Gardemeister by Hirvonen.

Would Gardemeister be better though? They both seem to be a similar type of driver.

[jonas_mcrae]

Does anyone know the cause of the retirement of crew No. 54, mexican driver Michel Jourdain?? he was 5th in PWRC (nominated drivers that is) and 27th overall until stage 12.

Also I would appreciate any pics you guys could have of his car...

He wasnt doing that bad to be honest, its only his second rally ever after Rally Mexico and he set the 18th fastest time in stage 9...

[pettersolberg29]

People are forgetting how good Mikko was last year, and even the year before. This is a typical knee-jerk reaction from rally fans.

People said Petter had lost, but he obviously hasn't.
People have said Ogier was put in a C4 too quick - he wasn't.
People said JML had crashed too much - actually, he did! ;)

Anyway, I personally am not a fan of Mikko but he is still a very talented rally driver, just having a bad spell. Saying Gardemeister would be better is foolish. Only one driver outside of the manufacturer teams can even come close to Mikko, and this is Petter. PGA and Atkinson are not proven at this level.

Lay off Mikko - he'll be back later this year.

[Langdale Forest]

People who think that Mikko Hirvonen is a bad driver are stupid.
He has won many rallies, he is 100% better than Matthew Wilson.

[AndyRAC]

Mikko's problem is that in the last two seasons, with the points system - he could pick up comfortable 2nd/3rd places and still stay in touch with Loeb. In fact in 2008 Loeb won 10 events, but only clinched the Title in the penultimate round in Japan.
Last year Seb beat Mikko more times than Mikko beat Seb - add in only 1 proper Tarmac event and the Title was a lot closer than it should have been.
Now, this year and the change in points, and Mikko knew he'd have to go for wins - unfortunately for him, Citroen have unearthed a new star who gets involved in the mix, as does Petter. What do Ford have for help - Henning and Matt!!
Mikko received a present on Friday when Seb had his brief off - he has wasted the opportunity to make the most of it.

[OldF]

When I watched the sport news in Finnish TV today, Loeb sounded very exited about his performance. Usually his comments are “ÖÖÖööhh, everything is OK, no problems”. Maybe he feels himself that’s he’s done some exceptional today. It seems that when he has won a rally with a margin about 15 sec it’s because he hadn’t to push for more. He can control the speed of his driving and not push more than necessary (and saving the car).

Amazing drive by Seb.

[ProRally]

Went to 2 stages + Hampton Downs on day 2, Loeb was out of this world.
In S2000 Ketoma, Nasser and Sandell where nice to see in Gr N Emma and Paddon looked fast too.
Now going to the service for last day, maybe make it to remote in Raglan

[ste898]

People who think that Mikko Hirvonen is a bad driver are stupid.
He has won many rallies, he is 100% better than Matthew Wilson.

Firstly people that think Mikko Hirvonen is a bad driver are NOT STUPID!!!!!

Also he was nothing special last year and never has been anytime!!!

[Langdale Forest]

Firstly people that think Mikko Hirvonen is a bad driver are NOT STUPID!!!!!

Also he was nothing special last year and never has been anytime!!!

That is just your opinion.

Do you remember his legendary attack for the championship in Wales last year?

And the first line of your post is not true!

[pettersolberg29]

Firstly people that think Mikko Hirvonen is a bad driver are NOT STUPID!!!!!

Also he was nothing special last year and never has been anytime!!!

1) Wrong
2) Wrong

If you think Mikko is a bad driver, who do you consider as a good driver? Mikko is the second best rally driver in the world. It's ludicrous to suggest he's bad - he has been the second best driver in the WRC for 3 years now, ever since Gronholm left.

In your reasoning, Loeb is the only good driver in the world. Ogier, Sordo, JML, Mikko and Petter are bad. Thinking like that IS STUPID.

[Langdale Forest]

Thinking like that IS STUPID.


It is not just stupid, but totally PATHETIC!

[dimviii]

how many hours for the 3rd day?

[pettersolberg29]

Bit less than 2 hours away.

[tolis]

how many hours for the 3rd day?
Dimvii, the day starts at 23.30 greek time!!! :)

[Langdale Forest]

Will Ogier be allowed to win?

[N.O.T]

yes

[Langdale Forest]

Good evening N.O.T

[dimviii]

Dimvii, the day starts at 23.30 greek time!!! :)
Thanks Tolis & pettersolberg :)

[pettersolberg29]

Ogier will be allowed to win unless Mikko climbs to 3rd in my opinion. That being said, with Ogier sweeping I can see him falling down a couple of places anyway. Another brilliant, fantastic drive by him. I don't know what happened over Christmas, but Ogier is now a serious contender for rally wins.

[tolis]

Thanks Tolis & pettersolberg :)
Sorry for the dimvii, you are actually dimviii. :D

[dimviii]

Sorry for the dimvii, you are actually dimviii. :D
lol :D

[rp]

Will Ogier be allowed to win?

No way... Of course Loeb will take his 58th WRC win...

[Wim_Impreza]

Would Gardemeister be better though? They both seem to be a similar type of driver.

Gardemeister never had so good material as Hirvonen. That is the reason why he never won a WRC round. Don't forget that Gardemeister was as fast as Auriol in the Seat and Octavia / Fabia WRC and made excellent results in private cars (206 WRC, 307 WRC, Lancer WRC...). He was as fast as PG Andersson in the Suzuki SX4 WRC and I rate Andersson very high. In my opinion, Gardemeister is faster on tarmac then Hirvonen and on gravel probably too.

[Wim_Impreza]

Does anyone know the cause of the retirement of crew No. 54, mexican driver Michel Jourdain?? he was 5th in PWRC (nominated drivers that is) and 27th overall until stage 12.

Also I would appreciate any pics you guys could have of his car...

He wasnt doing that bad to be honest, its only his second rally ever after Rally Mexico and he set the 18th fastest time in stage 9...

Is he the former Champ Car driver?

[Wim_Impreza]

People are forgetting how good Mikko was last year, and even the year before. This is a typical knee-jerk reaction from rally fans.

People said Petter had lost, but he obviously hasn't.
People have said Ogier was put in a C4 too quick - he wasn't.
People said JML had crashed too much - actually, he did! ;)

Anyway, I personally am not a fan of Mikko but he is still a very talented rally driver, just having a bad spell. Saying Gardemeister would be better is foolish. Only one driver outside of the manufacturer teams can even come close to Mikko, and this is Petter. PGA and Atkinson are not proven at this level.

Lay off Mikko - he'll be back later this year.

Atkinson was faster then Petter with the SWRT in 2008. ;)

The difference with JML is that I never doubt that he has much speed, while by Mikko I have still doubts. When will Mikko be back? Only in Finland I guess.

[Wim_Impreza]

1) Wrong
2) Wrong

If you think Mikko is a bad driver, who do you consider as a good driver? Mikko is the second best rally driver in the world. It's ludicrous to suggest he's bad - he has been the second best driver in the WRC for 3 years now, ever since Gronholm left.

In your reasoning, Loeb is the only good driver in the world. Ogier, Sordo, JML, Mikko and Petter are bad. Thinking like that IS STUPID.

Petter Solberg is with a private Citroën ahead of Mikko in the factory Ford in the championship and after this round, probably Latvala and / or Ogier are ahead of Hirvonen too.

[amilk]

Hirvonen not bad driver - but not realy winning type driver, and will be not

Last year he was very lucky - and was one great drive in NORF - the rest was bad luck from LOEB (which is part of the game of corse)

[Sulland]

When are they starting tonight, is it 2238 B ?

[pettersolberg29]

Hirvonen not bad driver - but not realy winning type driver, and will be not

Last year he was very lucky - and was one great drive in NORF - the rest was bad luck from LOEB (which is part of the game of corse)

I have to agree and disagree. By that I mean that Mikko was lucky in seeing Loeb crash more than he had before, but he was skillful in getting podiums in most (if not all?) rallies last year. Part of rallying is finishing, and Mikko is very good at this.

[pettersolberg29]

When are they starting tonight, is it 2238 B ?

In one hour, 5 minutes.

[ste898]

That is just your opinion.

Do you remember his legendary attack for the championship in Wales last year?

And the first line of your post is not true!

No I cant remember his legendary attack for the championship in wales last year because there was'nt one.

And the first line of my post is totally correct.

[Mirek]

Will Ogier be allowed to win?

Yes he will... when Seb Loeb has already secured his 7th title ;)

[Wim_Impreza]

]Yes he will... when Seb Loeb has already secured his 7th title ;)

I thought you can give it to Loeb and ban him for the rest of the championship. :p

[jonkka]

Seb ain't challenging at split 1...

[Sulland]

And we are online !

[jonkka]

is it raining?

[pettersolberg29]

Did it rain overnight? If not, then why is Ogier so fast early on?

edit: no! Loeb 9s quicker than Ogier. Although Ogier did spin.

[N.O.T]

Its dump but not wet....ogier had a spin

[COVENANT]

first 2 km are on asphalt

[N.O.T]

nice attack by latvala....lets see the times of solberg and hirvonen...it can be interesting.

[dimviii]

Loeb already 1st overall :o

[N.O.T]

hirvonen and solberg are pushing hard....sordo just wants to get as many points as he can and keep hirvonen behind

[tolis]

Loeb already 1st overall :o
Time for you to sleep now!!! :)

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen very nice split....

[Sulland]

Have a look at this one btw the stages:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2246080497

[jonkka]

Hirvonen very nice split....

for a dog?

[dimviii]

Time for you to sleep now!!! :)

Not yet :D

Petter is flying

[dimviii]

for a dog?
sick dog NOT just dog. :D

[N.O.T]

Its going to be a great battle for places 2-6

[N.O.T]

for a dog?

yes given his abilities yes very nice.

[N.O.T]

nothing special at the end for miko

[jonkka]

just a stage win...

[N.O.T]

given his postion on the road....nothing special.

[dimviii]

Ketomaa very slow..

[N.O.T]

no reason to risk anything

[Langdale Forest]

No I cant remember his legendary attack for the championship in wales last year because there was'nt one.

And the first line of my post is totally correct.

Everything on that post is incorrect.

[Mirek]

Big fight for third place in SWRC also.

[Sulland]

I hate to admit it, but Wilson Jr is driving well here !

[Helstar]

If "well" means in the limbo between the real drivers and some bad (+ the S2000 cup guys), then yes, it's good drive ^^

[Carlo]

TV is following Ogier through the Whaanga Coast stage, car has quite a bit of oversteer and the suspicion is that he did incur some minor damage to the rear suspension when he spun and clipped the bank in the previous stage. It does have some loose bodywork flapping

[muscrae]

Petter is flying =)

[jonkka]

JML missing split...

[N.O.T]

Solberg is pushing !!!!

[pettersolberg29]

Great split by Petter.

[muscrae]

GPS problems for JML and Sordo... No splits...

edit: both are there...

[N.O.T]

sordo and latvala ave no splits...GPS problem

[N.O.T]

Ogier is going to get destroyed on this one....

[N.O.T]

According to radio Solberg 10 seconds faster than Latvala ....on split 5

[muscrae]

Petter is over 10 sec quicker than JML.. he'll do it to the podium again.. :)

[Finni2]

Solberg is almost looking like Loeb yesterday.. just shows how much road position helps.

[bluuford]

Hello everybody!
Well, finally it is incredibly nice to follow the rally that I have had to miss due to the work:-) Looks like Solberg wants to win this rally ;-)
Greetings to everybody from Utrech!

[AndyRAC]

Ogier is really struggling running first - losing time hand over fist!!

[N.O.T]

Ogier finished...no final time though

[pettersolberg29]

Ogier?

edit: Thanks NOT

[muscrae]

Ogier says it may be difficult to defend even 2nd place...

[dimviii]

with this rythm Latvala is going to loose 3rd place from Petter

[tolis]

Hello everybody!
Well, finally it is incredibly nice to follow the rally that I have had to miss due to the work:-) Looks like Solberg wants to win this rally ;-)
Greetings to everybody from Utrech!
Do you mean Utrecht? Welcome back bluuford!!!!!! :)

[Mirek]

Ogier was talking in radio from finish, he is safe ;)

[muscrae]

Loeb had a big impact !!!

[N.O.T]

Loebs car is damaged...

[jonkka]

whaaat?? :eek:

[muscrae]

No time for Loeb... he finished though... !