Rally Sweden 2011

[KKS]

What kind of problem to PG on SS12?

[rage82]

Kimi just behind hirvonen and solberg on this stage. If he manage that speed without any mistakes....

[Tom206wrc]

The DS3 drivers are improving paces :cool:

Way to go to catch Fiestas though :mark:

[Sulland]

Kimi just behind hirvonen and solberg on this stage. If he manage that speed without any mistakes....

He starts to get the speed, just missing experience - that comes !

[AndyRAC]

my only objection is that they do not feel special or exotic....but they will when development starts to boost them

I'm not sure that's a good thing - then we'll get what we've had in seasons past - very little competition!! Unless 2,3,4 more Manufacturers join.....

[Mirek]

PG with no power steering

[Barreis]

What's with H.Solberg?

[Raini]

What's with H.Solberg?


rolled SS8

[Barreis]

Watch Day 1 Highlights here:
http://www.woop.gr/article/17457/wrc-sweden-highlights-day-1-video

Thx very much..

[rage82]

He starts to get the speed, just missing experience - that comes !
Fully agree with you. It was obvious that he needs time to get some experience, and you can't compare him with other guys that are doing rally until they were 16-17 years old.

[Ondra WRC]

What happened with Grondal?

[bluuford]

GRØNDAL A. / ENGAN V. (st. č. 24) Engine problems on liasion to SS

[dimviii]

Now is the chance for Petter!! Mikko had spin lost a lot.

[Krigen]

This is getting more and more interresting :)

[Krigen]

seems the Citroens have 2 new tyres for the last stages

[Mirek]

According to some info from Sweden Michelin has big problems with new tyres. They made a series of them with too small internal diameter and have big problems with fitting on rims (is it the cause of many punctures?).

[AndyRAC]

According to some info from Sweden Michelin has big problems with new tyres. They made a series of them with too small internal diameter and have big problems with fitting on rims (is it the cause of many punctures?).

The problem is the tyre regs are too restricitve - let the tyre company bring whatever tyres they seem fit - not what the FiA tell them - and bring back tyre choice!! Look what happened at Monte - one tyre choice won the event - that can't happen in WRC.

[dimviii]

According to some info from Sweden Michelin has big problems with new tyres. They made a series of them with too small internal diameter and have big problems with fitting on rims (is it the cause of many punctures?).
Pirelli also before some years had the same problems with some asphalt 18'' tyres.It wasnt causing punctures,but slow punctures due to loose air from broken belts/gomme from the inside diameter of tyre as result from pushing extremely the tyre to fit with the rim.

[Krigen]

Wery nice time for Kimi :)

[Halvis]

Impressive from Mads to fight back some time vs. Petter - as 1st on the road.

[dimviii]

wow Sandell on problems

[Tom206wrc]

Yep Räikkönen is doing some good times regarding his experience in rallying :cool:

[pino makinen]

Impressive from Mads to fight back some time vs. Petter - as 1st on the road.

Not only vs Petter but vs Mikko too. He's less that 1sec from the lead.

[tolis]

Nice time for Wilslow!!!

[dimviii]

125 ss km more.What do you think?

[wwbroe]

That there are still a few guys out there that can take the victory. Remains to be seen if they are going to use tactics this afternoon.

[urabus-denoS2000]

For me its like when we went from the Group B cars to the Group A in 1987 ...

Delta S4 to Lancia HF ... Supercars to fast shopping cars...

The new cars may be pretty quick and sideways but they just dont have the Wow-factor anymore.

I actually think quite the opposite , like most of the people here ...
The last generation of WRC cars for me were very dull ( especially the Focus ) . I like the new cars , hopefully they will stay the same !

[tolis]

125 ss km more.What do you think?
Fingers crossed Dimitris!!!
What happened with Grondal and Tagirov?? Suddenly, Protasov 2nd in PWRC!

[Mirek]

Grondal engine, Tagirov was stuck in snowbank.

[tolis]

Grondal engine, Tagirov was stuck in snowbank.
Thank you Mirek!!! ;)

[Miika]

Henning´s roll from this morning (plus close calls from the others as well)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMoYDz5pKc

[6789]

JML flying on the splits!

[dimviii]

Henning´s roll from this morning (plus close calls from the others as well)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMoYDz5pKc
nice video! Thanks

[wwbroe]

Top four in overall classification now within 15 sec, all of them can still win.

[pettersolberg29]

Top four in overall classification now within 15 sec, all of them can still win.

Even Ogier in 5th could still win if he takes another 10s from Petter and Mikko in the next stage.

[ZequeArgentina]

Surprising as it may sound, we cannot rule out Ogier for the win.
Only 28 seconds back and with an excellent rythm!!

Impressive!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dimviii]

Top four in overall classification now within 15 sec, all of them can still win.
i would add Ogier also.Seems that he can fight from his pace.

[tolis]

What an exciting rally guys!!!

[Krigen]

And Mikko still don`t won a stage ;)

[dimviii]

Latvala 7,8 sec behind Mikko.Malcolm in troubles?

[wwbroe]

i would add Ogier also.Seems that he can fight from his pace.

Yes, i agree with you, he can also still win for victory, let's see if and how they will use tactics.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Don't forget Ogier asweel , 28,4 seconds !! Five men fighting for a victory , I'm actually excited about WRC :)

[Halvis]

Petter would have lead with 5.1 sec without the penalties. On the other hand, if the time diffs will be relatively unchanged after todays last stage, this 4th might be a very good spot to be in before tomorrow!

[Mirek]

Kimi again very good

[pino makinen]

If I ain't wrong, if Ogier keeps this pace he can also be leader by the end of the day. Anyway, he'd not like to be 1st on the road tomorrow.

[ZequeArgentina]

TACTICS in next stage?
With so little differences, starting 4th or 5th with so little gaps can be the clue for victory!

[Krigen]

Kimi again very good

Getting better and better.. :)

[tolis]

Bad time for PG...

[GINE]

i am expecting ostberg, latvala, hirvonen, solberg, ogier to be the starting order for tommorow.

( latvala, hirvonen might also be vise-versa)

[GINE]

Bad time for PG...
should have a pancture...

[tolis]

should have a pancture...
Again? :(

[pettersolberg29]

If it stays as it is at the end of the next stage then Petter should be favourite with the road position, while JML will also be a major threat. Ogier needs to close up by at least 10s I think, while despite Ostberg's great pace so far I'd say he has little chance of the overall victory, especially if he leads into tomorrow (which Malcolm will want I suppose).

[Raini]

I think Ogier will get the permission to full attack.

[dimviii]

should have a pancture...
Puncture or he is still with power steering problem?

[GINE]

I think Ogier will get the permission to full attack.
he should pass Peter.. First time the official team to loose from peter?? Not good for the team

[uranium]

Don't forget Ogier asweel , 28,4 seconds !!
He-he, don't forget Loeb as well ;-) +1:56.1 and 8 stages - everything is quite possible.

[Mirek]

should have a pancture...

He is without power steering all section.

[GINE]

Puncture or he is still with power steering problem?

Yes, i forgot. I assumed pancture cause he was loosing time in all splits, but it should be the power steering

[GINE]

He-he, don't forget Loeb as well ;-) +1:56.1 and 8 stages - everything is quite possible.

quite far....

[GINE]

Great times from Kimi!!! NOT?

[Woodeye]

Henning´s roll from this morning (plus close calls from the others as well)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzMoYDz5pKc

Odd mistake from Henning. And he was really lucky not to crash more badly than that. The banks kept the car on the road.

[Raini]

approximately 110km to go...this time Loeb will not take part of this fight...may be back up Ogier somehow ...

But these another 5 guys...all have a good chance to win, but it will not be a gift to anyone...

[Krigen]

Stage on

[Krigen]

Al quassimi is gonna overtake Wilson LOL

[dimviii]

Al quassimi is gonna overtake Wilson LOL
Thats NOT a lol.
LoL is that he can t pass Sandell LOOOOOOL!!!

[Mirek]

Even when Sandell was 2 minutes dug in a snowbank...

[dimviii]

At Värmullsåsen 1 Petter was fastest.Lets see via splits tactics?
Also this is the stage Henning rolled.

[dimviii]

Petter 15 sec slower than morning.
Mikko 8,8 slower
Ostberg 9 slower
Jari 18 slower!!! tactics seems

[Fide]

Tomorrow MUST be Petters's day !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wwbroe]

Latvalla is playing tactics, loosing a lot at the end.

[pino makinen]

Waiting for Ogier to finnish, tomorrow's JML-Petter fight is gonna be very interesting.

[Miika]

My money is on Ogier for tomorrow, I´m afraid. A 5 horse race, what a rally.

[MartijnS]

Incredible battle tomorrow :)
5 guys in 15 seconds of the lead..epic stuff :D

[ridder]

Didn't FIA try to forbid tactics? Last time Ogier did something like this in Japan he was called to talks with the officials and not allowed to go to the press conference, but got no penalty in the end (suppose they just told him not to do it next time). Is it suddenly ok again?

[kolvas]

Incredible battle tomorrow :)
5 guys in 15 seconds of the lead..epic stuff :D

It's more interesting than it have been for many years

[pino makinen]

My money is on Ogier for tomorrow, I´m afraid. A 5 horse race, what a rally.

Mine on JML, maybe there's not much difference with their position on the road.

[Fide]

Didn't FIA try to forbid tactics? Last time Ogier did something like this in Japan he was called to talks with the officials and not allowed to go to the press conference, but got no penalty in the end (suppose they just told him not to do it next time). Is it suddenly ok again?

Latvala clearly played tactics............

[ZequeArgentina]

this tiem it was on the stage, not after the stage intentionally penalizing.

[Mirek]

Didn't FIA try to forbid tactics? Last time Ogier did something like this in Japan he was called to talks with the officials and not allowed to go to the press conference, but got no penalty in the end (suppose they just told him not to do it next time). Is it suddenly ok again?

There was no swapping positions between team cars, no deliberate penalties, so what's wrong?

[Mise]

Didn't FIA try to forbid tactics? Last time Ogier did something like this in Japan he was called to talks with the officials and not allowed to go to the press conference, but got no penalty in the end (suppose they just told him not to do it next time). Is it suddenly ok again?

And there wouldn't be any tactics if first ten would drove in reverse order.
I don't undestand why that had to be changed.

[Krigen]

Kimi again wery fast :) ...First time in 10 years i have not been i Sweden and follow it from home.. What a rally :O

[ridder]

after all the expectations how things will be different this year after yesterday, after today I have to say it's the same like last year or even worse. Tactics leading to 1-day rally again, only difference is that it's 3 fords vs 3 citroens now... Solberg loosing 40 seconds+ to the other 2 Citroens while running 3rd on the road (not allowed to be ahead of factory team again?)...
Doesn't look like this year will be any better than last year until we get at least Mini to enter rallies.

[HarriK]

I guess it would be after tomorrow:
1.Petter
2. JM
3. Mikko
4. Ogier
5. Mats

IF petter gets both 10sek penalties.. I he leads the rally after today, then he is out of the winning competition....

[Bartek]

Remember, Petter maybe don't have 10 seconds penalty and he will start from first or second place, yes?

[dimviii]

citroens bullet proof all of them till now.

[Co-driven]

Well, I thought I had read on wrc.com that the teams had gotten to a gentleman agreement regarding tactics...

[muscrae]

Well, I thought I had read on wrc.com that the teams had gotten to a gentleman agreement regarding tactics...

Never rely on what they've said, whatever the conditions demands, they act accordingly, that's the epic case..!

[Fide]

And there wouldn't be any tactics if first ten would drove in reverse order.
I don't undestand why that had to be changed.

Is this a matter can be decided by Michelle Moutton ??????

[Bobcat]

Remember, Petter maybe don't have 10 seconds penalty and he will start from first or second place, yes?
Yes, I think too.

[dimviii]

Loebs puncture from ewrc.cz
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=58594
Photos
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=1230&fotograf=100&all=1

http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=1230&fotograf=35&all=1

[Tom206wrc]

I'm all with OGIER for tomorrow, he can still continue history with being another "non nordic" to win in Sweden :bounce: :bounce:

[alleskids]

Startpositing for day 3 is after ss15, ss16 is only showstage. Petter is now third, with 9,9 seconds behind. If he gets his 10 seconds back, he will be opening and sweeping the stages with 0,1 seconds advantage on Hirvonen :) . I bet he begs the commisioners NOT to take back the penalty :lol:

[Bobcat]

Solberg may yet find himself with the overnight lead if his appeal against a 10s penalty for being late at a time control is successful. The Solberg Citroen driver was adamant that the penalty was unfair as he had been delayed by vehicles blocking the way to the stage.

[N.O.T]

crazy day tommorow...

[mm1]

Any live stream for Super Special?

[dimviii]

After miday service Ogier was 1,10 and Loeb 2,43 back.
After 4 ss (where in 3 ss were 1-2 and in 1 ss 1-3) Ogier is 14,8 and Loeb 1,41,5 back.Really impressive.

[Doon]

After miday service Ogier was 1,10 and Loeb 2,43 back.
After 4 ss (where in 3 ss were 1-2 and in 1 ss 1-3) Ogier is 14,8 and Loeb 1,41,5 back.Really impressive.

Impressive and worrying! They have both found a rhythm now, and the Citroens are generally faster today with even Kimi setting a faster time that the Fords on the last stage. What is even more worrying is that this should be Ford's rally. It may be early to say but I honestly cant see Ford fighting for either championship.

Hirvonen is leading the rally, but he's losing an unpredicented amount of time today! Why has he gone downhill so much?

I hope Petter wins this one. Loeb domination has to stop, and Petter and Ogier are the only ones who can do it as they have the same machiney. I have nothing against Ogier, however once Loeb retires Seb Jr will probably be just as dominant as Seb Sr.

[dimviii]

@Doon really worrying unfortunately..dont want to think at gravel or asphalt.

[Mirek]

We'll see very soon...

[noel157]

Impressive and worrying! They have both found a rhythm now, and the Citroens are generally faster today with even Kimi setting a faster time that the Fords on the last stage. What is even more worrying is that this should be Ford's rally. It may be early to say but I honestly cant see Ford fighting for either championship.

Hirvonen is leading the rally, but he's losing an unpredicented amount of time today! Why has he gone downhill so much?

I hope Petter wins this one. Loeb domination has to stop, and Petter and Ogier are the only ones who can do it as they have the same machiney. I have nothing against Ogier, however once Loeb retires Seb Jr will probably be just as dominant as Seb Sr.

Just wonder what Papa Wilson's plans are for tomorrow morning, tactics? Or making the best of a poor situation?

[N.O.T]

The citroens are again the top dog.... as expected and as was shown from the videos....Long year ahead for Mr Wilson and i am really sorry for Latvala who deserves better than this.

[AndyRAC]

It's a bit early for doom and gloom.......we've had 2 days of the season.

[N.O.T]

Raikonnen is indeed very impressive....5 minutes off the leader with an ideal road position all 3 days.....and his best times come when all play tactcis or safe....a few weeks until F1 guys so do not worry.

[N.O.T]

It's a bit early for doom and gloom.......we've had 2 days of the season.

i cannot explain it otherwise....Solberg was in that position a few times before and he never really liked sweden results wise. Last year Hirvonen was winning from the front against Loeb now he will most likely lose it. SO either Solberg was reborn which i hope or is the cars tha do the difference

[KKS]

http://dmitrytagirov.com/ru/news/218-eto-dosadno-no-eto-esche-ne-konets Day2 story from Tagirov, in russian.
Tagirov off on road section when civil car coming from side on full breaking and can't stop on time, then Tagirov decide avoid collision and go to snowbank. So crazy Swed cost a rally :(

[N.O.T]

some quotes taken from rally.cz after the last stage

LOEB S. / ELENA D. "Drive like this, nothing to do. Car was OK, just driving and keep good rhythm. Pity I'm not inside this fight."

OGIER S. / INGRASSIA J. "This day was almost perfect, I have perfect feeling from car. Tomorrow I'll do my best."

LATVALA J.-M. / ANTTILA M. Slowed down "I don't know what is the best solution. I hope to be able to win, but it's difficult situation."

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J."We'll see. Think Petter and Jari-Matti will be fast. I f conditions will be like today tomorrow, then I have no chance."

ØSTBERG M. / ANDERSSON J. "It's been absolutelly quite difficult today. Terribly on the afternoon, I was frustrated, but nothing to do with it."

SOLBERG P. / PATTERSON C. "Should I slow down to be behind? OK, that's good, that was plan."

yeah...great time by raikonenn indeed.....

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/835/835_rally_sweden_2011_fe2b3f0509.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/835/835_rally_sweden_2011_611b8dbcf5.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/835/835_rally_sweden_2011_c3d35a4379.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/835/835_rally_sweden_2011_729ec7bf4b.jpg

More photos from 2nd leg HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=835&fseason=2011) ;)

[Barreis]

Nice photos..

[Julle69]

:p aper:



http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by Julle69 http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/images/buttons/viewpost-right.png (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=887011#post887011)
Kimi continues solid driving, hope he can do it whole weekend...



fighting with wilson is not considered solid.

Nice to see that Kimi has done great job today, he definitely not was fighting with Wilson who is now 2 min 39 secs behind...but still lot of stages to go on

[Julle69]

Raikonnen is indeed very impressive....5 minutes off the leader with an ideal road position all 3 days.....and his best times come when all play tactcis or safe....a few weeks until F1 guys so do not worry.

It's funny how difficult it's for you that Kimi has done this good...Has he really eaten your meal?

[HaCo]

No live stream from sweden???

[Raini]

it is the wrc, not the irc... :D

[dimviii]

:s mokin: :p : :vader:
Andersson is eighth overall, 5m31s adrift of first place. He insists he won’t hold back on Sunday’s six stages.
“I’m just going to go as fast as possible,” said Andersson. “If I end up on a snow bank or on my roof I really don’t care.”

from wrc.com

[Halvis]

Petter fastest on SSS so far..

[urabus-denoS2000]

I really can't believe how good the season is so far ... I actually almost didn't follow the WRC last year . Had a feeling this season is going to be good , but not this good :) With these new cheaper cars the "local" expert effect ( PGA , Ostberg ) is coming back to the WRC ... :)

[N.O.T]

Big battle tommorow.....anything can happen !!!

[Francis44]

Just alone the fact that Loeb is out of this one in normal conditions tomorrow, makes it exciting.

Dont take me wrong, Im a fan of Loeb, but if he was in the fight we had a clear ideia on how it would end tomorrow.

[Mirek]

Stage wins so far (same time counted to both):

PG 4, Ostberg 4, Petter 3, Loeb 3, Ogier 2, JML 1

Ford 9, Citroën 8

[N.O.T]

i really would like to see solberg win tommorow, although i think if latvala doesn't crash he will be the winner with solberg 2nd and ogier 3rd.....if conditions are bad as in day 1 then Loeb can also be ahead of mikko by the end.

[N.O.T]

Stage wins so far (same time counted to both):

PG 4, Ostberg 4, Petter 3, Loeb 3, Ogier 2, JML 1

Ford 9, Citroën 8

considering the drivers ford had its a very bad result for the team.

[tolis]

Stage wins so far (same time counted to both):

PG 4, Ostberg 4, Petter 3, Loeb 3, Ogier 2, JML 1

Ford 9, Citroën 8
Loeb has 4 stage wins, I think ;)

[Mirek]

It's funny that most stage victories comes to PG who also managed to roll, change tyre on stage and drive four stages without power steering :D

EDIT: Tolis, You're right.

[N.O.T]

yes 9-7 for citroen....

[Fide]

i really would like to see solberg win tommorow, although i think if latvala doesn't crash he will be the winner with solberg 2nd and ogier 3rd.....if conditions are bad as in day 1 then Loeb can also be ahead of mikko by the end.

Would like to believe you want Petter to win............ :)

[N.O.T]

i would like peter or ogier to win....but i think ogier will go for the podium if he is smart.

[urabus-denoS2000]

I'm cheering for Mads , although I have a feeling Ogier will show a brilliant drive so characteristic for Sebastiens ...

[dimviii]

:eek:
Patrik Sandell continues to punch above his weight in his Super 2000-specification Skoda Fabia in ninth overall. He could have been higher up the order but lost time when he spun into a snow bank on stage 13. With snow filling his Fabia’s radiator, co-driver Staffan Parmander had to clamber out of the car to clean the obstruction. Sandell then had to travel the wrong direction up the stage to find a place to turn round and narrowly missed colliding with the pursuing Sebastien Loeb.
from wrc.com

[tolis]

Day 2 photos: http://www.autosportfoto.sk/galeria/wrc/rally-sweden-day-2

[N.O.T]

:eek:
Patrik Sandell continues to punch above his weight in his Super 2000-specification Skoda Fabia in ninth overall. He could have been higher up the order but lost time when he spun into a snow bank on stage 13. With snow filling his Fabia’s radiator, co-driver Staffan Parmander had to clamber out of the car to clean the obstruction. Sandell then had to travel the wrong direction up the stage to find a place to turn round and narrowly missed colliding with the pursuing Sebastien Loeb.
from wrc.com

if that is true i think he should be excluded

[dimviii]

i d like to see Loebs incar with that moment.

[RS]

Seems the new formula is a success so far. Great to be going into the final day with several drivers having a chance of victory.

I don't know if anyone has seen the ESPN stuff but Motors TV coverage of day one was really poor. Bad onboards and very few stage side cameras. They didn't show Sandell or Brynildsen either despite their strong performance.

[N.O.T]

the incar camera they use in the citroens is again really crap....the guys who are responsible for that are complete useless amateurs.

[sollitt]

if that is true i think he should be excluded And licence endorsed, if not suspended.

[Coach 2]

If you look at when the different drivers started after each section, I would say that those who are first, also have run faster. Ogier did not run especially well during the first part (in terms of his relatively late start number if you compare with Petter and Jari-Matti), but exploiting this position well on Saturday-leg. If we take into account the starting number, and under arbitrary conditions this gives, Petter and Jari-Matti have done the best job.

[KKS]

And licence endorsed, if not suspended.

Your scenario to do this? Drive on reverse gear with 20km/h sooooo long and take Loeb into a front bumber with speed deference 120km/h? or build tarmac "safe zone's" around stage? :D

[jonas_mcrae]

Anyone know why No. 37 Ricardo Trivino (lancer evo X) was excluded??

And for tomorrow, Go Mads!!!

[N.O.T]

Your scenario to do this? Drive on reverse gear with 20km/h sooooo long and take Loeb into a front bumber with speed deference 120km/h? or build tarmac "safe zone's" around stage? :D

retire...park it at the side.

[Francis44]

I think Trivino was excluded because of expired license.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Anyone know why No. 37 Ricardo Trivino (lancer evo X) was excluded??

And for tomorrow, Go Mads!!!

Faulty competitors licence ...

[dimviii]

Anyone know why No. 37 Ricardo Trivino (lancer evo X) was excluded??

And for tomorrow, Go Mads!!!

cant help you in czech though..
http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=11747

[tolis]

Anyone know why No. 37 Ricardo Trivino (lancer evo X) was excluded??
http://www.rallysweden.com/wp-content/uploads/StewardsDecisionNo11.pdf

[KKS]

retire...park it at the side.

just count how many times Kimi should "Retire" with this kind of "rule". Any normal driver will be found solution to get it back on stage/direction/road.

[Luis Pacheco]

the incar camera they use in the citroens is again really crap....the guys who are responsible for that are complete useless amateurs.

Maybe the "problem" could be in the rollbar design.

[N.O.T]

Maybe the "problem" could be in the rollbar design.

probably but there are many other places to put a camera...to the side window, on the roof ects.

[N.O.T]

just count how many times Kimi should "Retire" with this kind of "rule". Any normal driver will be found solution to get it back on stage/direction/road.

driving for a few meters is ok...but if he reversed and drove for 2 minutes up the stage (for Loeb to catch him) then it should be excluded....but since only the amateurs at wrc.com report it probably isn't true.

[Coach 2]

To those of you who think Kimi has been running better than before, or not. I would say he has made great progress. To be so fun to watch under the circumstances it is in Sweden this year, requires good car control. Of course he has made several mistakes, but he tries, he tries. Great fun

[Helstar]

I hope Petter can win this tomorrow ... he deserves it after all these years IMHO

[Zico]

I'd be happy to see Ostberg, Ogier, Petter or... Ken Block win. :D

[tolis]

In 5 minutes, the highlights of Day 2 will be shown here: http://www.everythingon.tv/channel/view/espn-9

[SunDanceRanch]

Here some links i found on the Dutch forum

They should be be better than motors tv
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvzYbD3fSAI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4UrKEsnjTw

Greetings from Sweden

[bluuford]

Great, great, great fight today. And even better tomorrow.

Well, looking the morning loop today, If count the times we can see that only first driver was much slower. just compared top 6:
1. Solberg
2. Latvala +10.7
3. Andersson +17.6
4. Hirvonen +21.6
5. Ogier +24.6
6. Loeb +31.6
7.Ostberg +36.7

So, they said that Swedish championship covered all the road with huge amount of snow and it was clearly visible that not only first driver was penalized.
This is the situation in repeated stages (I didnt count Andersson due to the powersteering and I took 11 sec away from Latvala, because he slowed down before the end of last stage):
1. Loeb
2. Ogier +6.9
3. Latvala +16
4. Solberg +41
5. Hirvonen +62.1 (including one spin - approximately 17 seconds)
6. Ostberg +69.3

So, what can we see? Fastest driver today was actually Jari-Matti, second was Solberg, Third was Ogier and Fourth was Loeb. Bearing in mind the fact that there is no Swedish championship tomorrow (Loeb even won one second pass yesterday), the we can say that even Hirvonen has a slight chance.

The fact that Citroen won so many stages today was mostly caused by their poor Friday (Ogier and Loeb had the best road position for today). Yesterday it was perfect position for Ford (due to their bad results from last year and wild cards). It looks that both cars are quite equal in terms of performance so far.

[Kaps]

Well, I haven't been posting here quite a while as my interest in WRC diminished somewhat.

But this year, with all new cars I was very excited to see how it will look like, so I could hardly wait to see the coverage of day 1 on Motors TV.

Now that I saw both day 1 & day 2 coverages, I must say that I'm bitterly dissapointed!
Not with the rally itself, but with the terrible quality of the TV coverage.

Not once, in these 2 days, have I seen an outside action footage of any car for longer than 5 seconds! Which amounts to a total of about a minute of such shots in the 50 min programme!!!

Not a single helicopter shot, no timing while driving the stages, showing target times etc., no virtual spectator, no nothing!

Nothing except boring on board shots for 48 minutes, of which 90% is totally useless!

If that isn't changed very (and I mean very!) soon, I know I couldn't be bothered with watching this kind of "programme" thru the season!

NorthOne, or whatever your name is, you better shape up, and fast!

[Coach 2]

I think, if the conditions are as expected (or as I expect) the competition is between Ogier and Jari-Matti. Hirvonen and Østberg is out, and Peter must run over his ability. He will try, but the conditions would favor start nr 4 and 5.

[bluuford]

I have watched ESPN coverage. Very nice! Beautifully balanced and well combined action between inside and outside.

[piquet20]

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n40/mrgudZG/_MG_0567.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n40/mrgudZG/_MG_0683.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n40/mrgudZG/_MG_1046.jpg

[Zico]

Well, I haven't been posting here quite a while as my interest in WRC diminished somewhat.

But this year, with all new cars I was very excited to see how it will look like, so I could hardly wait to see the coverage of day 1 on Motors TV.

Now that I saw both day 1 & day 2 coverages, I must say that I'm bitterly dissapointed!
Not with the rally itself, but with the terrible quality of the TV coverage.

Not once, in these 2 days, have I seen an outside action footage of any car for longer than 5 seconds! Which amounts to a total of about a minute of such shots in the 50 min programme!!!

Not a single helicopter shot, no timing while driving the stages, showing target times etc., no virtual spectator, no nothing!

Nothing except boring on board shots for 48 minutes, of which 90% is totally useless!

If that isn't changed very (and I mean very!) soon, I know I couldn't be bothered with watching this kind of "programme" thru the season!

NorthOne, or whatever your name is, you better shape up, and fast!

I have to agree with you.. although I think the new WRC cars are a step forwards in terms of intertainment, the coverage, especially the onboard footage is a step back, even from last year. Surely TV coverage is one of, if not THE most important things to get right, yet we see no chopper coverage and piss poor onboard camera position footage, not to mention the positioning of the microphones. If they had even the slightest common sense they would ensure that a good camera position was a regulation.. one where we could see not only max driver input and maybe even a pedals subscreen but a good angle on the road ahead.. not to mention multiple microphone inputs.. incar, induction and exhaust which could be mixed to the required/desired levels to provide a good show for us fans watching at home. Lets face it, a huge majority of people follow the WRC at home. For something which should be so simple in relative terms to get right, yet they do not give it the attention it deserves... by a long shot! Its madness... How can they afford to get it so wrong?

[MR666]

I have watched ESPN coverage. Very nice! Beautifully balanced and well combined action between inside and outside.

Can any one point me to a site that might be showing this? (Like justintv), or even a site where I can watch the power stage.

Thanks

[tolis]

Can any one point me to a site that might be showing this? (Like justintv), or even a site where I can watch the power stage.

Thanks
http://www.everythingon.tv/channel/view/espn-9
Here is the TV Guide in UK time: http://tv.espn.co.uk/gb/espl/tv-schedule
Tomorrow, ESPN will broadcast the Power Stage live and also the highlights of Day 3 later.

[Sulland]

I would like to see the list of top ten turned upside down each day, so we dont have to see this stupid tactics for road position. The drivers dont like, the teams dont like it, the sponsors dont like it, and for sure the fans dont like it !

So Mr Todt, pls do somthing !

[satnav]

I have watched both ESPN via the link above and also Motors tv and i would have to agree with your comments , however the one thing i would like to point out is that both programmes are produced by North One and as there isn`t as much money generated by Motors TV maybe this is the reason behind the sub standard programme , maybe someone from North One could answer this !!

[6789]

Nothing wrong with the road order, having reversed order is boring, the rally is over after day one.

Watched the EPSN coverage for Day 1, looks really good!

[tmx]

There is a lengthy thread on this subject, MotorsTV coverage (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/showthread.php?135865-WRC-moves-to-Motors-TV), their contract with NorthOne allowed them minimal exterior footages.

Simon Long answered a few of your questions on Total Rally on feb 9th: http://www.totalrally.com/podcast/trpodcast.xml

This turns out to be more exciting than I thought, I hope Citroen won't completely dominate and Ford can stay strong so many talents gets a chance this year. I must say my imagination from reading the list of stage times WRC.com was more exciting than watching the OneHD coverage which was the exact same format as last year, still boring euphemistic scripted reading by Paul King "Ken Block is running 18th and is on course for a potential 10th place finish." (Sorry WRCfan below, but that's how I feel. Even the guy who did the IRC coverage who talks too quick and stumbling at times is more fun to listen to.)

I only read the stage time and didn't follow other sources, but I wonder why Petter didn't drop a few more seconds to get a better position. I have no problem with that since they've been doing that since the 70s, it's a waste of time to get into discussion about reverse order, go and watch WRC coverages from a few years ago and guess who won every rally from first day.

[WRCfan]

@6789:

Stay away from that MotorsTV crap. It's disgusting coverage. We have talked about it previously, Paul King is everyones favourite on this forum for providing commentary and good highlights. I don't understand why MotorsTV even bothers showing up to the WRC after such a crap year and abuse from everyone in 2010.

ESPN coverage was great, anything Paul King is fantastic!

[Zico]

I would like to see the list of top ten turned upside down each day, so we dont have to see this stupid tactics for road position. The drivers dont like, the teams dont like it, the sponsors dont like it, and for sure the fans dont like it !

So Mr Todt, pls do somthing !

Couldn't agree more... its such a basic mistake too, just so very wrong that we have drivers slowing down towards the end of days just to gain a good road position.. a fundamental flaw imo.

[6789]

@6789:

Stay away from that MotorsTV crap. It's disgusting coverage. We have talked about it previously, Paul King is everyones favourite on this forum for providing commentary and good highlights. I don't understand why MotorsTV even bothers showing up to the WRC after such a crap year and abuse from everyone in 2010.

ESPN coverage was great, anything Paul King is fantastic!

I don't even bother downloading MotorTV coverage :) .

I think Oger might win tomorrow, really hope its one of the Ford guys or Petter. Lookout for Loeb in Mexico, massive lead on Day 1 with his road position!

[urabus-denoS2000]

ESPN coverage is very good :)

There was a link to follow ESPN online ? When will the day 2 and 3 coverage be ?

[cosmicpanda]

Couldn't agree more... its such a basic mistake too, just so very wrong that we have drivers slowing down towards the end of days just to gain a good road position.. a fundamental flaw imo.

Often when the top drivers were reversed, the rally was done by midday service on day two, and day three meant nothing at all. I think the current system is better.

[Aquagen]

Fresh photos from saturday of Rally Sweden 2011:

http://www.reporters.com.ua/gallery/1/103/

http://www.reporters.com.ua/gall_img/c7093476329d8c06654ef73de219fd4a.jpg

http://www.reporters.com.ua/gall_img/a31f7f4b576f5815dc2d31acbad16746.jpg

[MR666]

http://www.everythingon.tv/channel/view/espn-9
Here is the TV Guide in UK time: http://tv.espn.co.uk/gb/espl/tv-schedule
Tomorrow, ESPN will broadcast the Power Stage live and also the highlights of Day 3 later.

Thanks.

[olschl]

Honestly, is there anyone here with an understanding of WRC history who doesn't wan Petter to win?! What a start to the season with 5 cars poised to take the win. Tough going for Mikko for sure but I will be pleased with anyone but Ogier winning. Let's do this thing!

[Nornbugger]

Cosmicpanda 'Often when the top drivers were reversed, the rally was done by midday service on day two, and day three meant nothing at all. I think the current system is better. '

you are saying you like false competition?

No harm to Mr Ogier, but any of the other 4 in contention for the win would be 100 times better as winners IMHO, hope Ostberg gets a podium at least, he deserves nothing less

[N.O.T]

Often when the top drivers were reversed, the rally was done by midday service on day two, and day three meant nothing at all. I think the current system is better.

on the other hand i prefer fair competition.....

[logic]

Who is first on the road today?

[ProRally]

Morning All,

Mikko first on the road
http://www.rallysweden.com/wp-content/uploads/StartList_section7.pdf

[N.O.T]

30 mins left

[dimviii]

Good morning guys! :D

[jonkka]

on the other hand i prefer fair competition.....

If someone has to sweep the road, neither system is fair for everyone. But since that's too difficult of a concept, keep on griping.

[N.O.T]

temperature -28 :)

[pettersolberg29]

Petter slow at 1st split...worrying already!

[N.O.T]

If someone has to sweep the road, neither system is fair for everyone. But since that's too difficult of a concept, keep on griping.

it more fair to penalise the one who is slower than the one who is faster then....how that sounds?

[dimviii]

Today we ll see better the speed of the new wrc cars,as they have to attack at maximum

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen really pushes !!!!

[pettersolberg29]

Petter +5.6s to Mikko - first on the road an advantage?

[N.O.T]

no ostberg ???

[N.O.T]

Crazy times by Hirvonen....Latvala even slower than peter.

[Mise]

Mikko 5 secs faster than last year.

[N.O.T]

results on wrc.com froze... :( :(

[pettersolberg29]

Splits stopped on wrc.com.

Mikko 5s quicker than the WRC cars from last time this stage was run!

[jonkka]

no ostberg ???

Yeah, what's going on?

[pettersolberg29]

Ostberg finished +2.6s to Loeb

[N.O.T]

no splits for osteberg but he finished just 2.2 slower.....

[GINE]

Wowwww. Miko on fire!!!!

[N.O.T]

SOLBERG P. / PATTERSON C. "I lost a lot, lot of snow in the air. Difficult to see anything at some places." from rally.cz

[Mise]

no ostberg ???

He finished already. They interviewed him on Rally Radio.
No splits for him though

[N.O.T]

no splits for ogier after the second....

[dimviii]

Ogier with puncture

[N.O.T]

slower to peter but faster than latvala...he is on 4th now....

[N.O.T]

amazing luck by hirvonen...no wind at all

[dimviii]

amazing luck by hirvonen...no wind at all
Thats not luck,he pushed and he didn t had a puncture,or hit a snowbank.

[N.O.T]

all report that snow stays on the air and cannot see.....

"It was at the finish line. Lot of dust, difficult to see. No risk at all, I tried this morning, but difficult to see." Ogier

"I lost a lot, lot of snow in the air. Difficult to see anything at some places." Solberg

[Julle69]

Loeb didn't complain conditions, I can't understand why he don't push anymore, just driving safely, that's one thing I don't like....

[dimviii]

Loeb didn't complain conditions, I can't understand why he don't push anymore, just driving safely, that's one thing I don't like....

Waiting to gain positions after the dogfight in front.Dogfight=some retirements.

[N.O.T]

Loeb didn't complain conditions, I can't understand why he don't push anymore, just driving safely, that's one thing I don't like....

he was 1:30 mins behind no reason to take stupid risks...especially when everyone infront would push for the win, the time difference coulld not be covered.

[N.O.T]

another one reports fogged windscreen

"Windscreen was fogged, but OK. Hard to find the rhythm." Andersson

[Mirek]

Your scenario to do this? Drive on reverse gear with 20km/h sooooo long and take Loeb into a front bumber with speed deference 120km/h? or build tarmac "safe zone's" around stage? :D

It's up to him how will he turn but to drive in opposite way is forbidden. It's often done to make some speed for handbrake turn though and not penalised (I remember only one disqualification because of that in last few years).

[wildsir]

It's up to him how will he turn but to drive in opposite way is forbidden. It's often done to make some speed for handbrake turn though and not penalised (I remember only one disqualification because of that in last few years).</p>


*</p>
Mikko Hirvonen drove the wrong way down the stage yesterday also.

[wildsir]

This has to be the last straw for Matthew Wilson, getting beaten by Al Quassimi is a total embarrasement for him. Actually, Im beginning to feel sorry for him...

[Mirek]

Sandell 1 minute penalty for being 6 minutes late (gearbox change).

[J.Lindstroem]

</p>


*</p>
Mikko Hirvonen drove the wrong way down the stage yesterday also.

I agree. He must feel awful.

[N.O.T]

10 minutes until the short one.

[Krigen]

Finally stage win for Mikko ..

[GINE]

Right on time for Hirvonen!! And faster than last year??

[N.O.T]

4 seconds faster than last year !!!

[GINE]

So, it is early to judge the new cars. Let's wait for portugal

[pettersolberg29]

No splits for the short stage I presume.

edit: I was wrong!

[N.O.T]

So, it is early to judge the new cars. Let's wait for portugal

the safest bet would be tarmac stages...but on smooth gravel like finland and mexico would also be a nice comparison.

[N.O.T]

hirvonen finished...

[Krigen]

Mikko say much snow on stage..

[N.O.T]

here is not a big problem....but if the snow is on the other one as well...then he must worry.

[pettersolberg29]

Petter slow again. +2s at 1.4km

[N.O.T]

this is also going to be the final power stage.... any links from swedish tv for the live ??

[N.O.T]

the thing is none of the drivers at the front can afford to stop pushing without risking losing their place....so the battle will go on until something happens and creates big differences

[Krigen]

petter say he has to change one front damper

[N.O.T]

did Solberg appealed for the second penalty he got ??

[Ondra WRC]

Link on power stage:

http://www.fromsportcom.com/c-10.html
http://myp2p.eu/broadcast.php?matchid=105291&part=sports

[GigiGalliNo1]

Can someone post top ten times for latest stage please? WRC app doesn't have it yet....

[pettersolberg29]

did Solberg appealed for the second penalty he got ??

I believe it was rejected, so the penalty stands.

[dimviii]

todays first stage made a bigger gap for top 5 crews.Now in 32,8 seconds instead of 15 seconds.Not good.

[GigiGalliNo1]

An overall timesfrom latest stage too :)

[N.O.T]

Latvala takes some time back from solberg...

[dimviii]

Can someone post top ten times for latest stage please? WRC app doesn't have it yet....

http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=18&filtr=

[N.O.T]

Next stage is going to decide the fight for victory...but not for the places 2-5 if all go normal of course

[Krigen]

Mikko really woke up this morning :)

[N.O.T]

Ogier takes another second from latvalas time....big battle.

[dimviii]

Loeb pushed at this stage.Maybe a try to see if he can win this stage in afternoon, and gain some 3 points more?If he suceed that,Sweden can give him some good points even in 6th position.

[N.O.T]

5 drivers who must push on every of the following stages.....i doubt everyone will make it without something to happen.

[muscrae]

Really a breath-taking debut for the new era, I'm overly glad. The conclusion of the weekend is, for me, local drivers and privateers may enroll in the game once again. And I strongly believe that PG will continue in M-Sport brand, may be even at the 'M' level; he displays a supremacy of driving despite lacking testing and experiencing problems...

[N.O.T]

Really a breath-taking debut for the new era, I'm overly glad. The conclusion of the weekend is, for me, local drivers and privateers may enroll in the game once again. And I strongly believe that PG will continue in M-Sport brand, may be even at the 'M' level; he displays a supremacy of driving despite lacking testing and experiencing problems...

the fact that he is local also plays an important role to his result.....i do not know how things work in civilised countries but for example here in greece the organisers allow the local competitors to do all the passes they want from the stages even (some use rally cars as well) on the rallies that are international, is the same thing happening in all countries ?? (i know that paasonen had the same treatment in finalnd but i think he was an exception)

[N.O.T]

Andersson 11 seconds slower on a 4 km stage....i think the roads of this day are very soft and break up.

[ste898]

Loeb pushed at this stage.Maybe a try to see if he can win this stage in afternoon, and gain some 3 points more?If he suceed that,Sweden can give him some good points even in 6th position.

The latest joke in WRC the 'power stage' what a stupid gimic!!!!

[morganmilan]

Great times by Ahlin in his Fiesta R2 ahead several 4wd cars. Anyone could say me something about him? I have no idea at all

[Fide]

petter say he has to change one front damper
When will change it ? At service park ? Is this the cause he is slower than Mikko ? Did you hear something else ?

[Fide]

Six minutes to go...

[N.O.T]

its on now...

[HarriK]

Great times by Ahlin in his Fiesta R2 ahead several 4wd cars. Anyone could say me something about him? I have no idea at all

Åhlin was one of northern Pirelly Star Shoot out competitiors and won that event on Sweden. Even faster than Graig Breen and he drove Sti Subaru My07(?).
I was there and heard also that it was his first time when he really did pacenotes to rally, so that's impressing. In Sweden they drive all the times with organisations made pacenotes.

[kolvas]

the fact that he is local also plays an important role to his result.....i do not know how things work in civilised countries but for example here in greece the organisers allow the local competitors to do all the passes they want from the stages even (some use rally cars as well) on the rallies that are international, is the same thing happening in all countries ?? (i know that paasonen had the same treatment in finalnd but i think he was an exception)

No, he is not allowed all the passes he wants, PG has done really good times en several other rallies also, he did alot of top 5 times while he was driving for Suzuki and he did really good times i Rally Norway in an old Skoda Fabia WRC and he is really fast on gravel.

[N.O.T]

nothing for wrc.com yet....

[morganmilan]

Åhlin was one of northern Pirelly Star Shoot out competitiors and won that event on Sweden. Even faster than Graig Breen and he drove Sti Subaru My07(?).
thnx harrik

[Fide]

No splits ??????

[N.O.T]

No, he is not allowed all the passes he wants, PG has done really good times en several other rallies also, he did alot of top 5 times while he was driving for Suzuki and he did really good times i Rally Norway in an old Skoda Fabia WRC and he is really fast on gravel.

yes thought so but how do you keep your stages safe from any illegal recce all these months from when they are announcned until the rally ?