Wrc Rally Australia 2011

[N.O.T]

Ogier also lost a lot on 3rd split.

[MikeD]

Missing split for Novikov

[N.O.T]

Loeb also very slow....rain maybe ???

[Red bull]

Novikov out again ??
aaahhhh :dozey:

[MikeD]

If Novikov has another DNF then he still has only finished in the points just once (Sardegna 2009)

[GigiGalliNo1]

NOT I did not say there was a time penalty at service last night. Please read again. He was LATE I saw the clock tick over into his service time and he wasn't there.

Also, even though people are listening to WRR and know cars are on stage I like to update people online :)

[azblk]

battle infront seems to get tougher am trying to keep my eyes open but they are automatically closing.....half past 1pm here.sorry 1.AM east african time.

Vipi Mzee

[N.O.T]

NOT I did not say there was a time penalty at service last night. Please read again. He was LATE I saw the clock tick over into his service time and he wasn't there.

Also, even though people are listening to WRR and know cars are on stage I like to update people online :)

ok...is it rainning ??

and when someone is late then there is a penalty ....so he wasn't late.

[N.O.T]

Henning also slow on split 3...what is going on ???

[N.O.T]

Olivera and Novikov stopped.....Ogier is in the points....

[Red bull]

Vipi Mzee

poa sana mambo?

[dimviii]

Loeb also very slow....rain maybe ???

Novikov blocked the road?

[focus206]

maybe Novikov crashed and his car is in the middle of the road so everyone have to slow down? Just guessing, I hope not.

[N.O.T]

Times go way up on split 3 and then they normalise.....hmmmmm

[gravelman]

Olivera and Novikov stopped.....Ogier is in the points....

Ah ffs

[N.O.T]

quite possibly...

[focus206]

Yes, Novikov has rolled and he is slowing down the others, says wrc.com

[danon]

This time Novikoff had a big off, unfortunately.

[N.O.T]

paddon also out ???

[Josti]

I think Novikov can quit his career for a 2nd time. Shame.

[N.O.T]

Paddon ok...nice...

Ogier will move a lot of places if things go like that....the N cars are losing a lot.

[N.O.T]

I think Novikov can quit his career for a 2nd time. Shame.

unfortunatelly i agree....his speed this year is slow, but the accidents continue. Its a pity because i had high hopes...on the other hand he is just 21 so he can afford to do these things if he has strong financial back up behind him.

[N.O.T]

Quinn was lucky he passes through Novikov without big problems.

[Carlo]

Missing split times for Hayden is a bit nerve racking for all us Kiwi's following the results on the internet

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ok NOT

[turves]

i didn't get the "saving the car" bit

Just the words I used, I meant what MikeD said, but couldn't be bothered to write it all...

[KKS]

Paddon no time?
M. KOSCIUSZKO - on

[Robbo]

Carl - and the missing finish time does not help

[MikeD]

Paddon ok...nice...

Ogier will move a lot of places if things go like that....the N cars are losing a lot.

I think he will finish 8th or 9th. He won't catch Paddon and Kosciuszko. Saliuk is maybe realistic to catch in 8th place.

[MikeD]

According to Twitter than Paddon has not finished the stage

[Comal]

Why the hell is rally radio not telling us what is happening with Hayden! Not impressed!!!

[N.O.T]

Paddon no, i also doubt that but Kosciusko i think he can aim for.

As for Loeb i think he can also manage to be behind Ogier at the end.... i predict 7th and 8th for the citroens. If of course we do not have any retirements.

[turves]

Why the hell is rally radio not telling us what is happening with Hayden! Not impressed!!!

Coz they're playing wonderful music!!!

[MikeD]

Why the hell is rally radio not telling us what is happening with Hayden! Not impressed!!!

That typical WRR ... always their crap music instead of focusing on their job.

[Comal]

Screw the music!!!

[N.O.T]

Paddon out ??? no finish time.....

[danon]

I notice that Loeb is not pushing on Ogier. He might expect something in return.

[GigiGalliNo1]

NOT I would tell you if it were raining...

The stages were just damp this morning.

[GigiGalliNo1]

WRR are getting ready for service interviews as we're all driving back

[MikeD]

WTF ?!?!?! Now they are doing an interview with Al Quassimi ... why are those idiots not focussing on the results!!!

[N.O.T]

I notice that Loeb is not pushing on Ogier. He might expect something in return.

pushing on Ogier ???? he is 10 minutes behind.....how on earth could he be pushing on him ???

[dimviii]

I notice that Loeb is not pushing on Ogier. He might expect something in return.

There is no point to push with 10 minutes difference.Loeb can catch points only with other crews retirements.
Hunt on problems/retire?

[N.O.T]

WTF ?!?!?! Now they are doing an interview with Al Quassimi ... why are those idiots not focussing on the results!!!

check the sponsors of WRC.com and you can see why the interview with al quassimy is more important.

[MikeD]

Twitter confirms that Paddon has NOT crossed the finish line so he must be out.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ah twitter is useful ;)

[Carlo]

Robbo, Comal, just phoned Pam she was at the last split and is heading off to find out what has happened

[Maui J.]

Damm! Looks as if Paddon made it to the final split but not the finish line. Buggar!

[N.O.T]

Ogier 7th and Loeb 9th is very likely....maybe even higher...

[Robbo]

Guys = just been talking to Chris Grant in HQ = Hayden finished OK - procedure errors in getting the time - so do not panic

[Josti]

Terrible shame for Paddon. Loeb might also be lucky with al those sudden retirements.

[KKS]

Twitter confirms that Paddon has NOT crossed the finish line so he must be out.

What you follow to know it?

[danon]

pushing on Ogier ???? he is 10 minutes behind.....how on earth could he be pushing on him ???


There is no point to push with 10 minutes difference.Loeb can catch points only with other crews retirements.
Hunt on problems/retire?

I meant doing better times.

[Josti]

Guys = just been talking to Chris Grant in HQ = Hayden finished OK - procedure errors in getting the time - so do not panic

Nice.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sorry another stage - my bad

Stupid time

[MikeD]

Now Twitter confirm that Paddon DID finish after all and that there is a mistake in the timings.

[N.O.T]

I meant doing better times.

and why would he wait something in return then ??

[N.O.T]

Now Twitter confirm that Paddon DID finish after all and that there is a mistake in the timings.

i just love anti-social media....

[danon]

and why would he wait something in return then ??

:champion: - 8 in a row.

[dimviii]

I meant doing better times.

no reason to risk car reliability.Power stage is his target

[N.O.T]

the question is...

W H Y would Loeb wait something from Ogier since posting worse times doesn't affect anything....... ???

Can you reply the question ? or your initial thought was based without looking at the time difference they had ????

[Comal]

Guys = just been talking to Chris Grant in HQ = Hayden finished OK - procedure errors in getting the time - so do not panic
Cheers Robbo/Chris. As usual Chris has finger on the pulse and am sure will be trying to get the timing error fixed as quick as possible!

[Maui J.]

Guys = just been talking to Chris Grant in HQ = Hayden finished OK - procedure errors in getting the time - so do not panic

Phew! Thanks for the heads up.
Interesting to see all the Kiwis suddenly come to life on the forum all of a sudden!

[N.O.T]

17:51 by paddon ... good time.

[MikeD]

Apparantly Olivera had a mssive crash like Novikov but crew is OK. I wonder if WRC/FIA should take action against Olivera because he might end up hurting himself badly if he continues in a car that is too fast for his talent.

[N.O.T]

the small one is on...

[N.O.T]

Apparantly Olivera had a mssive crash like Novikov but crew is OK. I wonder if WRC/FIA should take action against Olivera because he might end up hurting himself badly if he continues in a car that is too fast for his talent.

they do not have the authority...thats why i persist that WRC needs standards on driving a WRC instead of money. Kimi and Block are in the same situation as Oliveira along with many many others.

[Robbo]

well that sure got the blood going - chris is over there 'helping' sort out the very sophiscated electronic data tracking and timing system (sic) - need to have a lunchtime nap now until after service

[Carlo]

Phew! Thanks for the heads up.
Interesting to see all the Kiwis suddenly come to life on the forum all of a sudden!
Well there are around 60,000 people from around my location who are very interested in whats happening, Rugby World Cup can wait until this is over for the day

[N.O.T]

No splits, just finish times...

[focus206]

haha seems like the Kiwis are really counting on Paddon, it's not usual so big interest in PWRC fight... and I'm glad to see that ;)

[N.O.T]

It would be nice to see Atkinson and Paddon next year in proper rally cars...nice rivarly :)

[blissard]

Petter fastest so far.. are there points for this stage? Or just SS26?

[Carlo]

haha seems like the Kiwis are really counting on Paddon, it's not usual so big interest in PWRC fight... and I'm glad to see that ;) Hayden winning the PWRC and becoming the 1st person from the southern hemisphere to win a a world rally title is not a matter of life or death, it is far more serious than that.

[N.O.T]

Petter fastest so far.. are there points for this stage? Or just SS26?

only the last stage.

[sollitt]

Hayden winning the PWRC and becoming the 1st person from the southern hemisphere to win a a world rally title is not a matter of life or death, it is far more serious than that.I think we'll have to declare a national holiday - Paddon Day.

[focus206]

Hayden winning the PWRC and becoming the 1st person from the southern hemisphere to win a a world rally title is not a matter of life or death, it is far more serious than that.

You are forgetting Gustavo Trelles from Uruguay ;) But I agree, winning the PWRC is a great honour for a non-European driver :)

[N.O.T]

Hayden winning the PWRC and becoming the 1st person from the southern hemisphere to win a a world rally title is not a matter of life or death, it is far more serious than that.

just do not get ahead of yourselves....the competition in PWRC is laughable (look at Araujo for a nice example of how a tourist can become champion)

The important thing is that Paddon showed he wins with ease the rest of the competitos and his style is very smooth and fast....but we need to see him in a proper car.

[MikeD]

Henning Solberg has rolled. It's a pretty crazy rally this one.

[N.O.T]

a nice 1-2-3 pre-test for the Citroen team.

[turves]

henning rolled

[turves]

going again

[dimviii]

Ogier 10sec penalty for jump start at ss22

[AndyRAC]

Paddon & Atkinson could have a WRC drive tomorrow...........as long as they bring plenty of £$£$£$£$£.....

I only wish there were more seats available for talent, rather than money.....

[gravelman]

they do not have the authority...thats why i persist that WRC needs standards on driving a WRC instead of money. Kimi and Block are in the same situation as Oliveira along with many many others.

I have said this for years. F1 has the Superlicence, so rallying should have something similar, even at a national level. But policing it and enforcing it would be tough. The teams would kick up a stink saying that it would interfere with their commercial activities unfortunately.

[MikeD]

just do not get ahead of yourselves....the competition in PWRC is laughable (look at Araujo for a nice example of how a tourist can become champion)

The important thing is that Paddon showed he wins with ease the rest of the competitos and his style is very smooth and fast....but we need to see him in a proper car.

I agree. The PWRC isn't really a good feeder series for future WRC drivers. We didn't see too much Arai or Aigner after they won the PWRC title. But I think Paddon could be a positive surprise ... if he can find the budget.

[AndyRAC]

I have said this for years. F1 has the Superlicence, so rallying should have something similar, even at a national level. But policing it and enforcing it would be tough. The teams would kick up a stink saying that it would interfere with their commercial activities unfortunately.

Agree, somebody could win the lottery, go to Prodrive, or, even M-Sport and order a WRCar.....and voila ......(providing they've got a licence, BARS test, etc)

Even the backmarkers in F1 have shown some level of competence in the lower formulae. Whilst, Rallying should always be inclusive - having the ability to drive a WRC should be needed.

[AndyRAC]

I agree. The PWRC isn't really a good feeder series for future WRC drivers. We didn't see too much Arai or Aigner after they won the PWRC title. But I think Paddon could be a positive surprise ... if he can find the budget.

And there is the whole problem with the sport......not new, but totally depressing. Where are all these new Manufacturers..????

[MikeD]

And there is the whole problem with the sport......not new, but totally depressing. Where are all these new Manufacturers..????

But all kind of motorsport has been like this since the early 70'ies and if the talent is there then it's easier to find sponsorship.

[Maui J.]

Hayden winning the PWRC and becoming the 1st person from the southern hemisphere to win a a world rally title is not a matter of life or death, it is far more serious than that.

I read that quote somewhere else this week on a few different websites. I think whoever wrote it hasn't done their research. They are also forgetting Gabriel Pozzo from Argentina, and of course 4 time champ Gustavo Trelles from Uruguay as focus206 has already stated.

[GigiGalliNo1]

At service waitingfor cars to come in

[Co-driven]

You are forgetting Gustavo Trelles from Uruguay ;) But I agree, winning the PWRC is a great honour for a non-European driver :)

Besides Trelles, Argentine Gabriel Pozzo won the FIA Cup for Production Rally Drivers in 2001.

[Carlo]

I read that quote somewhere else this week on a few different websites. I think whoever wrote it haven't done their research. They are also forgetting Gabriel Pozzo from Argentina, and of course 4 time champ Gustavo Trelles from Uruguay as focus206 has already stated.

I must have read the same thing too for it completely erased Trelles and Pozzo from my memeory bank

[focus206]

Besides Trelles, Argentine Gabriel Pozzo won the FIA Cup for Production Rally Drivers in 2001.

Right, Pozzo too.

Anyway, going to sleep now. Hope that it will not finish like Poland 2009 :D

[AndyRAC]

But all kind of motorsport has been like this since the early 70'ies and if the talent is there then it's easier to find sponsorship.

Yes, but it's especially bad in WRC - simply not enough seats. Is the sport attractive enough to get sponsors?? Look at Chris Atkinson...good driver, could be a very good driver - should be in the WRC.

[MikeD]

Yes, but it's especially bad in WRC - simply not enough seats. Is the sport attractive enough to get sponsors?? Look at Chris Atkinson...good driver, could be a very good driver - should be in the WRC.

Good, but he wasn't a winning driver and therefor apparantly there are no sponsors who wants to support him. I would also like to see him in a WRC car again, but money/sponsors is the name of the game and everybody going into motorsport know that.

[N.O.T]

At service waitingfor cars to come in

Nobody cares about YOU...if you have a girlfriend or a family memeber here maybe 1-2-3 people

So posting "i am at service", "I am at home", "i woke up and ate breakfast" is plain SPAM... you do not even post your opinion on something !!! can you imagine what would happen if all of us posted things like that on rally threads ???

Posting news from service or from stages (try and focus on the actual events not on imaginary penalties) would be amazing...

all your posts in here just focus at your location..

we are not interested in your location...we know you are at the rally...try and contribute.

[WRCfan]

I think we'll have to declare a national holiday - Paddon Day.

Much more important than that stupid Rugby World Cup. He performs a million times better than the All Blacks too!

[danon]

What's for lunch, GG. Keep the streaming news coming...

[tfp]

Yes, but it's especially bad in WRC - simply not enough seats. Is the sport attractive enough to get sponsors?? Look at Chris Atkinson...good driver, could be a very good driver - should be in the WRC.

Agree with this. Theres more than just Atko though, PG for example :)

[tfp]

Nobody cares about YOU...if you have a girlfriend or a family memeber here maybe 1-2-3 people

So posting "i am at service", "I am at home", "i woke up and ate breakfast" is plain SPAM... you do not even post your opinion on something !!! can you imagine what would happen if all of us posted things like that on rally threads ???

Posting news from service or from stages (try and focus on the actual events not on imaginary penalties) would be amazing...

all your posts in here just focus at your location..

we are not interested in your location...we know you are at the rally...try and contribute.

Please seek advice from an anger management doctor as soon as possible :D

[dimviii]

I read that quote somewhere else this week on a few different websites. I think whoever wrote it hasn't done their research. They are also forgetting Gabriel Pozzo from Argentina, and of course 4 time champ Gustavo Trelles from Uruguay as focus206 has already stated.

Also Singh Karamjit @ 2002

[Maui J.]

Also Singh Karamjit @ 2002
Malaysia is in Northern hemisphere.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Also Singh Karamjit @ 2002

Please check world map. Karam lives in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - a few hundred kilometres north of the equator.



Edit: Maui beat me!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Can we agree Paddon will be the first Oceanian to win a world rally title?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ok :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

What's for lunch, GG. Keep the streaming news coming...

You really want to know or joking?

[Carlo]

Can we agree Paddon will be the first Oceanian to win a world rally title?


I will be happy with Hayden being the 1st member of the South Canterbury Car Club to achieve that honour

[danon]

You really want to know or joking?

I am serious. No jokes.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Kangaroo Burger ;)

[danon]

Kangaroo Burger ;)

No way... who's joking now :D

[Carlo]

No way... who's joking now :D

Kangaroo Burger = a few beers for lunch, you can taste the hops.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Nothing wrong with that! Just plain roo doesn't taste good. Hey enough banter about me!

[grandejohn]

Does anyone have link for power stage?thank you

[bowler]

"PWRC started in 2002. Before that it was an FIA cup, so Trelles and Pozzo were never FIA world rally champions"

[Red bull]

Look's like Ford want Hirvonen to win this one Latvala is losing more time...maybe team orders?

[bowler]

hirvonen will win under team orders

[Red bull]

hirvonen will win under team orders
That's boaring it's not worth staying up all night.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Hirvonen is leading!

[AP-Racing]

Greatest and unbelievable victory for Mikko

[Red bull]

hirvonen is leading!

hellllllll!!!!!!!

[AP-Racing]

"Yes I stopped before the yellow board. We decided as a team that Mikko is in a better position to win the Championship so he needs all the points and of course I will help him. Of course like every driver who wants to win a rally you need a passion for it, but I need to see the bigger picture and help Mikko."

[Red bull]

Greatest and unbelievable victory for Mikko

NO IT IS BELIEVABLE!!! "Yes I stoppedbefore the yellow board. We decided as a team that Mikko is in a betterposition to win the Championship so he needs all the points and of course Iwill help him. Of course like every driver who wants to win a rally you need apassion for it, but I need to see the bigger picture and help Mikko."

[danon]

Citroen is playing tactics too...

[danon]

Ogie stopped at the stage... waiting...

[Red bull]

THIS IS PURE RUBBISH!!
Unfortunatelyhe lost his chances for the title already and we agreed in service that hewould help me. But if it was he still had a chance we would fight level. I amvery grateful that he has helped my chances of trying to win the championshipthis year."

[Red bull]

Citroen is playing tactics too...

How are they working while LOEB is way behind?

[danon]

Ogie has stopped and waited 10 or so mins...

[Carlo]

For our Italian friends, halftime score Rugby World Cup. Italy 6 Australia 6

[danon]

Nothing unites more than a common enemy.

[omer yetis]

how about the production cars ahead of Loeb slows down as well?

[Red bull]

Ford they will not win the driver's championship whatever tactics they apply and i dont see hirvonen winning another rally this year.

[Bobcat]

05:00 Loeb finishes SS25
"Yes I know what is going on. Ogier is slowing so that I can take the extra drivers' point because the team have made the decision that Mikko is the biggest threat to the Championship now."

05:16 Ogier comes in over 10 minutes late!
“I was told by the team to slow for Loeb to go ahead. This was a team order and I respect it.”

:D

[azblk]

Latvala and Ogier need to find new teams maybe Mini and VW...... Matako ya Punda

[6789]

Disappointing. Would have won $1000 if Latvala won the rally.

[Red bull]

Latvala and Ogier need to find new teams maybe Mini and VW...... Matako ya Punda

LOL....hiyo kali.

[Red bull]

Team orders are killing the WRC why not let driver in the lead win the rally....i think it would be better to have a surprise winner than of a selected winner.

[Red bull]

Will there also be team orders in the power stage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[grandejohn]

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Australia 2011: A spectacular exit for Novikov (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-australia-2011-a-spectacular-exit-for-novikov/?vid=2309)

[GINE]

Any link for live powerstage.

Hey petrolheads - some great footage of the WRC Coast Forest Rally 2011, stages 13 and 17 at valla NSW on Saturday 10th Sept. Some good shots of ARC cars and Classics too...


Rally Australia 2011 Stages 13 and 17 Valla NSW Saturday 10th SEPT - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qojoEkdK0T4)


cheers, andrewayliffe@gmail.com

[Red bull]

05:00 Loeb finishes SS25
"Yes I know what is going on. Ogier is slowing so that I can take the extra drivers' point because the team have made the decision that Mikko is the biggest threat to the Championship now."

05:16 Ogier comes in over 10 minutes late!
“I was told by the team to slow for Loeb to go ahead. This was a team order and I respect it.”

:D
If that was the situation in the first place.... one of them would be the winner today

[garais22]

Is there link to live power stage?

[Carlo]

For our Italian friends, halftime score Rugby World Cup. Italy 6 Australia 6

Final score Australia 32 Italy 6.

[grandejohn]

did u find anything?

[WRCfan]

Powerstage in English live: ESPN channel

MyPremium.TV (http://www.mypremium.tv/)

[AndyRAC]

Citroens problems could have been avoided if they'd determined earlier in the season who No1 & No2 are.
Now we know.....

[grandejohn]

Powerstage in English live: ESPN channel

MyPremium.TV (http://www.mypremium.tv/)
it works 4 m.thank u!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Congrats to Hayden and his team - a very popular and well-earned championship win!

[Robbo]

Hayden - job well done - now a WRC vehicle for GB would cap the season off

[HarriK]

lol OGIER

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

very nice to see Ogier´s face, happy french!

[AndyRAC]

Well done to Haydon Paddon - 2011 PWRChampion.....

What for him now though???

[Miika]

Now it´s Latvala´s turn to slow down in the end.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

VICTORY.......HYVÄ SUOMI!!!!! Well done Mikko and Jari-Matti!!

[AndyRAC]

Now it´s Latvala´s turn to slow down in the end.

Except he hasn't......he's beaten him......for now.....

[Miika]

Ford´s lack of tactical eye amazes me time after time, the other team does every trick possible even for that one single point whereas Ford cocks up even in a situation like this.

[Mitch555]

Ogier slows on power stage

[Mitch555]

Power stage that is, final straight backs off to give Loeb points

[Mitch555]

Loeb goes 3.3 faster than Block, takes first position.

[Mitch555]

One feels stupid when they realise they aren't watching live :P

[AP-Racing]

Team orders are killing the WRC why not let driver in the lead win the rally....i think it would be better to have a surprise winner than of a selected winner.

Super-rally killing WRC....no SR no tactics

[Rallyper]

Ford´s lack of tactical eye amazes me time after time, the other team does every trick possible even for that one single point whereas Ford cocks up even in a situation like this.

I guess JML (Ford) has his own battle with Petter (Citroen) in the overall standings. That´s why he was given to fight on the powerstage.

[Daniel]

Ahh yet another clown is commenting now.

Well guess what I dont care 1 toss what you think!!!!

It was nothing to do with you Ste, your xenophobic little friend took a silly dig at Citroen for what Ford and other teams have done in the past.......

[Carlo]

Have just returned from local watering hole where a number of members of Tteam Timaru" have been celebrating the success of Hayden and John. We are all very proud of our local lad.
Within 20 minutes of them crossing the finish line we all received a txt from Hayden advising that they were estatic with the result and thanking everyone for the supportive messages and help.

[ste898]

Fantastic result.......finally a WRC rally worth watching as the plague didnt win!!!!!!

[Daniel]

Fantastic result.......finally a WRC rally worth watching as the plague didnt win!!!!!!

Do you ever stop jibber jabbering?

[dimviii]

Congrats to Paddon for his pace through the rally and the whole championship.For sure well deserved.His progress was astonishing this year.
Interesting to see how Ogier will manage the 2nd driver rule at next rallies.Loeb signed for 2 years....

[ste898]

It was nothing to do with you Ste, your xenophobic little friend took a silly dig at Citroen for what Ford and other teams have done in the past.......

My 'FRIEND' was 100% correct as I always still feel that frogs are cheats!!!!!!!!!

[Daniel]

My 'FRIEND' was 100% correct as I always still feel that frogs are cheats!!!!!!!!!

So even though Ford did exactly the same, Citroen were the evil ones for servicing their cars with some secrecy :laugh:

[GigiGalliNo1]

Apparently I was blabbering too much before Daniel :P

[Daniel]

Apparently I was blabbering too much before Daniel :P

To be fair I can understand why NOT got slightly annoyed at your need to constantly update your position and so on :p

[GigiGalliNo1]

Boo! How often do you have this much fun?

I hope some people were ok with it ;)

At Podium now

[Karukera]

Refreshing to stop that streak of wins but Latvala handing over a deserved win also provided the sex wax to a dull Hirvonen.

And they think they still can win a title ? :laugh:

Glamorous Fordies ! :up:

[tfp]

Get in hirrvonen, great rally, great result, well done hirvonen and jml for being more proffessional than ogier! Really glad hirvonen won this event! Poeticjustice for citroen :-)

[AP-Racing]

Novikov

http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/WRC/Date/2011/10_Australia/2011_09_11_austr_novikov_031.jpg
http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/WRC/Date/2011/10_Australia/2011_09_11_austr_novikov_032.jpg

[Wim_Impreza]

Super-rally killing WRC....no SR no tactics

Completely agree.

Matthew Wilson who ended fourth says it all about the level in WRC.

[Josti]

Super-rally killing WRC....no SR no tactics

I agree too, super-rally should get the ax, or at least go back to the original system when you couldn't be classified anymore after retirement.

[Maui J.]

Well done to Hayden and John.
Hayden has proved he is a thinking driver and knows when to push and when to slow down to secure position.

A fantastic result to wrap up the series with 2 rounds to spare.

Hopefully this championship win will also help secure more sponsorship towards next year.

[Luis Pacheco]

Novikov

http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/WRC/Date/2011/10_Australia/2011_09_11_austr_novikov_031.jpg
http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/WRC/Date/2011/10_Australia/2011_09_11_austr_novikov_032.jpg

Giraudet when is in problems always says he loves his women.

In 2000 with Auriol


http://youtu.be/QksULoRa30s

And now with Novikov :)


http://youtu.be/PDVLHb1CxdM

[focus206]

Congratlations to Hirvonen for the win and to Paddon, he deserved the title!
At the same time I'm disappointed, because the team orders at Citroen mean that now we have just a 2-way fight (ok, almost 1 way :rolleyes :) instead of a 3-way fight...
I'm also disappointed of Novikov, another off...
Instead race of the year (or of the career) for Wilson and Al Qassimi :D

[Miika]

I guess JML (Ford) has his own battle with Petter (Citroen) in the overall standings. That´s why he was given to fight on the powerstage.

Apparently at Ford they hadn´t even thought about the chance of using tactics in the last stage, whether to slow down or to go full attack, which is again unbelievable stuff from Malcolm´s kitchen. Citroen holds down Ogier twice to get Loeb a couple of extra points whereas Ford doesn´t even realise they could get one more freebie point for Mikko. Either you play the tactical game 100% or just better leave it once and for all.

Mikko: "To be honest we didn’t really think about it. We were a little bit late with that."
World Rally Championship - News - Q&A: Mikko Hirvonen (http://wrc.com/news/qa-mikko-hirvonen/?fid=15387)

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Oh dear, not great result from Novikov. Real russian rocket :)

[bretddog]

Apparently at Ford they hadn´t even thought about the chance of using tactics in the last stage, whether to slow down or to go full attack, which is again unbelievable stuff from Malcolm´s kitchen. Citroen holds down Ogier twice to get Loeb a couple of extra points whereas Ford doesn´t even realise they could get one more freebie point for Mikko. Either you play the tactical game 100% or just better leave it once and for all.

Mikko: "To be honest we didn’t really think about it. We were a little bit late with that."
World Rally Championship - News - Q&A: Mikko Hirvonen (http://wrc.com/news/qa-mikko-hirvonen/?fid=15387)

I can't believe Malcolm didn't think about it.. Can he really be that stupid..? And what about the others in the team? They had like 2 days to ponder over this. Or is he's just too soft at heart to order double tactic by JML, for potentially 1 extra point. ?

..or maybe they reckoned Latvala would beat Loebs time and hence take the point from that side.

[Daniel]

Well done to Haydon Paddon - 2011 PWRChampion.....

What for him now though???

Obscurity probably, just like all PWRC champs :(

[mm1]

Araujo is in a wrc mini, with top performances :)

[Nornbugger]

Giraudet when is in problems always says he loves his women.

In 2000 with Auriol


http://youtu.be/QksULoRa30s

And now with Novikov :)


http://youtu.be/PDVLHb1CxdM

Giraudet didnt seem so happy, maybe they should have interviewed him after the accident too, I dont think he would have blamed the pacenotes!

Who'll be next to sit with Novikov?

[Francis44]

It looks like this was a problem during the recce. From what I understood Novikov wanted the corner to be flat on the notes and Giraudet advised him not too and in the the crash it seems that he was blaming Novikov for not listening to him.

[Barreis]

Maybe the best roads in the championship.

[N.O.T]

An easily forgoten rally....boring since stage 2 and with team orders from both teams at the end....

meh...

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Finland 41 double win.

[N.O.T]

Giraudet when is in problems always says he loves his women.

In 2000 with Auriol


http://youtu.be/QksULoRa30s

And now with Novikov :)


http://youtu.be/PDVLHb1CxdM

words os wisdom by Giraudet at the end....

[GigiGalliNo1]

Were they not Novikov's notes? I heard WRC Crew saying that he did the notes...

[Barreis]

"one day you'll have to listen little bit.."

[N.O.T]

Were they not Novikov's notes? I heard WRC Crew saying that he did the notes...

where are you now ?? i am anxious...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Going to sleep! Its after midnight!

[Barreis]

you did good job.

[MikeD]

Refreshing to stop that streak of wins but Latvala handing over a deserved win also provided the sex wax to a dull Hirvonen.

And they think they still can win a title ? :laugh:

Glamorous Fordies ! :up:

I agree. It's just plain stupid not to have Latvala have his deserved win because Loeb is 15 points in front of Hirvonen and he just needs to outscore Hirvonen with 13 points over the next 2 tarmac rallies - and since we have already seen Ford's tarmac pace that shouldn't be too difficult. But Malcom Wilson will never learn and he will keep going with all his pathetic tactics and teamorders instead of building a competitive team.

[SubaruNorway]

I can't make out where Denis Giraudet calls the left, i think he should change his pacenote system cos it's just too much information for Novikov obvioulsy.

[Barreis]

you thought for his brain.

[N.O.T]

I can't make out where Denis Giraudet calls the left, i think he should change his pacenote system cos it's just too much information for Novikov obvioulsy.

The driver is responsible for the pacenote system not the c0-driver.

[SubaruNorway]

The driver is responsible for the pacenote system not the c0-driver.

Did i say that? I've watched the clip 10 times and i still can't hear Giraudet say left though.

[bretddog]

I can't make out where Denis Giraudet calls the left, i think he should change his pacenote system cos it's just too much information for Novikov obvioulsy.

Notes sounds not so busy to me, but the accent is a risk of it's own..

Anyway, it sounds like he calls:

CREST
IMMIDIATELY ZERO RIGHT LONG
TIGTHENS 1 ...?

[Rallyper]

It looks like this was a problem during the recce. From what I understood Novikov wanted the corner to be flat on the notes and Giraudet advised him not too and in the the crash it seems that he was blaming Novikov for not listening to him.

Anyway - Novikov will be a great contender in the WRC in the future, maybe even already next year, because he´s still learning and that education means a couple of crashes. Every top driver have to go through what happended to Novikov today before they become top WRC drivers.

Still learning BTW doesn´t mean a five year plan. He will be faster and more consistent long before that.

[N.O.T]

Anyway - Novikov will be a great contender in the WRC in the future, maybe even already next year, because he´s still learning and that education means a couple of crashes. Every top driver have to go through what happended to Novikov today before they become top WRC drivers.

Still learning BTW doesn´t mean a five year plan. He will be faster and more consistent long before that.

in case you didn't notice Novikov practised the crashing-Learning education plan in a citroen already..

The only advantage is that he is very young, if he has the money he has a future because the speed is there....the fact that he ignores co-drivers reminds me of Duval and we all know where that lead...

also he likes hamburgers...

[MJW]

....the fact that he ignores co-drivers reminds me of Duval and we all know where that lead...

also he likes hamburgers... i very rarely agree with N.O.T, but he is correct with this. Its not like Stephane Prevot and Denis Giraudet are novice co-drivers. I hope no ones gets injured.

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/924/924_rally_australia_2011_94fabf08d2.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/924/924_rally_australia_2011_62e6ef6343.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/924/924_rally_australia_2011_1fff8a2e43.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/924/924_rally_australia_2011_cd66553645.jpg

More photos from Australia HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=924&fseason=2011)

[AndyRAC]

Novikov is talented, however, the point of pace notes is to listen to them! If Giraudet tells you a note for a corner should be slower, then follow his advice - he's been there, done that & got the t-shirt.

[Barreis]

It's good for P.Solberg with that podium.

[irish_tiger]

Notes sounds not so busy to me, but the accent is a risk of it's own..

Anyway, it sounds like he calls:

CREST
IMMIDIATELY ZERO RIGHT LONG
TIGTHENS 1 ...?

No i think it was :
Crest Left
immidiately Zero Right long
Tigthens 1

Think the accent might be alot of the problem do , broken english , plus Denis has to repeat his notes alot , weather this is due not to having no confidence in the driver could also be a factor ... I would think it will be his last time in the car no matter how much Russian Rubles will be on offer !!! I think he values going home to Marie more than taking his life in the hands of the Russian !!! If you look at the end of the clip wnen all the crashing and banging stops Novikov shakes his head and hits the gear stick knowing it was his fault ....

[Barreis]

yeah, it happens.

[DonJippo]

No i think it was :
Crest Left
immidiately Zero Right long
Tigthens 1

To me it sounds

crest immediate left zero right long ...

[Barreis]

Can't wait for another rally.

[irish_tiger]

To me it sounds

crest immediate left zero right long ...
Sorry that was a typo , you are correct , and the note was right - the left was immediately after the crest

[alleskids]

i very rarely agree with N.O.T, but he is correct with this. Its not like Stephane Prevot and Denis Giraudet are novice co-drivers. I hope no ones gets injured.

Giraudet sounded like he was scared of Novikovs driving skills. Also the repeating of the notes is not helping Novikov in "relaxing"" during the drive. Maybe it is time for Denis to stay at home with the family instead of risking his life with a no-listening driver

[MikeD]

Anybody got any pictures of Saliuk from Rally Australia?

[bluuford]

Novikov

http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/WRC/Date/2011/10_Australia/2011_09_11_austr_novikov_031.jpg
http://www.almrally.ru/imagelib/WRC/Date/2011/10_Australia/2011_09_11_austr_novikov_032.jpg
His sponsor must be angry for his money... Three crashes in Australia by Novikov. and zero points so far... He is real crashing talent.
And by the way, my half marathon went well, bit Matt Wilson style.. consistently till the end.. and i am still alive :-)

[wrc1600]

I agree. It's just plain stupid not to have Latvala have his deserved win because Loeb is 15 points in front of Hirvonen and he just needs to outscore Hirvonen with 13 points over the next 2 tarmac rallies - and since we have already seen Ford's tarmac pace that shouldn't be too difficult. But Malcom Wilson will never learn and he will keep going with all his pathetic tactics and teamorders instead of building a competitive team.
Never say never

[bluuford]

I was thinking about the Ogier story and did some calculations. It seems that Citroen bosses were really angry that their drivers practically ruined the chance to collect Manufacturer or driver titles at their home rally. Now even Citroen 1,2,3 is not enough to secure their manufacturer title in France (Even if Ford finishes 4th and 5th and Citroen 1,2,3 then their points difference will be 84 while it is possible to collect 86 manu points in last two remaining rounds.. So, now they made sure that their drivers are not some kind of individuals but part of the team... and about Ogier.. it is much easier to give away your 8-th place than to give away your win :-)

[N.O.T]

The thing is that now both championships are determined..Only if Loeb does mistakes will lose the drivers title and only if Ogier follows him Citroen will lose the manufacturers one.

That crash Ogier had destroyed any interest in the championship...

[focus206]

The thing is that now both championships are determined..Only if Loeb does mistakes will lose the drivers title and only if Ogier follows him Citroen will lose the manufacturers one.

That crash Ogier had destroyed any interest in the championship...

I agree...
I think the Manufacturer's championship is over, it's quite impossible for Citroen to lose so much points in 3 events (and 2 of them on tarmac).
In the Driver's championship Hirvonen have still some little chanches, but only if Loeb have big problems on all the remaining rallies...

[N.O.T]

In the Driver's championship Hirvonen have still some little chanches, but only if Loeb have big problems on all the remaining rallies...

he can win the championship without even winning the next 3 rounds.

[tfp]

Congratulations once again to Mikko for the win and Ford for the 1-2. And Jari Matti for showing such incredible professionalism(sp?) and sportsmanship.

When you dont get it so often, victory tastes all the more sweet :D :D :D

[ZequeArgentina]

Hayden winning the PWRC and becoming the 1st person from the southern hemisphere to win a a world rally title is not a matter of life or death, it is far more serious than that.

Trelles (from Uruguay) several times, and also Pozzo (from Argentina in 2011) were also group N champions!!

[Mintexmemory]

Well congratulations to Ford (at last), but much as I like Mikko I can't congratulate him he drove a very safe and consistent rally but would have been comfortably 4th if the Sebs hadn't self-destructed. He was never up with Jari-Matti's pace who even before the joint Sebicide was making up for his SS3 spin and would I think have challenged the Citroens. Just hope that the whole championship is decided before Wales so that JML can drive without any handicaps, congratulations to him for being the ultimate team player.

[N.O.T]

Well congratulations to Ford (at last), but much as I like Mikko I can't congratulate him he drove a very safe and consistent rally but would have been comfortably 4th if the Sebs hadn't self-destructed. He was never up with Jari-Matti's pace who even before the joint Sebicide was making up for his SS3 spin and would I think have challenged the Citroens. Just hope that the whole championship is decided before Wales so that JML can drive without any handicaps, congratulations to him for being the ultimate team player.

the championship will end mathematically in Spain.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Anybody got any pictures of Saliuk from Rally Australia?

I think I have, will look :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

What I'm having for breakfast after the rally this morning in Coffs Harbour!

Instagram (http://t.co/ZGqfc1m)

Last post like this, really :)

[6789]

Anybody got any pictures of Saliuk from Rally Australia?
I'll have some, what number was it sorry?

[bowler]

Trelles (from Uruguay) several times, and also Pozzo (from Argentina in 2011) were also group N champions!!

you are correct, but it was not the PWRC Championship, it was the PWRC Cup. The Championship started in 2002

[KKS]

Novikov is talented, however, the point of pace notes is to listen to them! If Giraudet tells you a note for a corner should be slower, then follow his advice - he's been there, done that & got the t-shirt.

If you watch full video - you might be know that corner is not 1, at least it's 2 tigthens. Denis tell him that corner Left1, but it's much slower, so IMHO it's not driving or listening mistake.

[KKS]

His sponsor must be angry for his money... Three crashes in Australia by Novikov. and zero points so far... He is real crashing talent.
And by the way, my half marathon went well, bit Matt Wilson style.. consistently till the end.. and i am still alive :-)

He himself a sponsor :D or his father

[KKS]

Anybody got any pictures of Saliuk from Rally Australia?

Hello to Spanish Mentos Ascania fan club :) . No Ukrainian photographers in Australia so we got only one shot #30 from shakedown http://gallery.dingardo.geek.nz/cache/rally-australia-2011/shakedown/d3fb1e51371bdd25f363442671a8cd14d9553e5c.jpg

[Barreis]

What I'm having for breakfast after the rally this morning in Coffs Harbour!

Instagram (http://t.co/ZGqfc1m)

Last post like this, really :)

Thx for photos and infos.

[tolis]

Day 2 highlights: WRC 2011 - Rally (http://www.woop.gr/content/39464/wrc-2011-rally-australias-day-2)
Day 3 highlights: WRC 2011 - Rally (http://www.woop.gr/content/39588/wrc-2011-rally-australias-day-3)

[clem126]

Giraudet sounded like he was scared of Novikovs driving skills. Also the repeating of the notes is not helping Novikov in "relaxing"" during the drive. Maybe it is time for Denis to stay at home with the family instead of risking his life with a no-listening driver

I'm not sure about that, but i think i hear Novikov say "again" pretty often so Denis repeat the note...

[MikeD]

I think I have, will look :)

Thanks :)


I'll have some, what number was it sorry?

It's car no. 30 - (Mentos Ascania Racing)

[6789]

Thanks :)



It's car no. 30 - (Mentos Ascania Racing)
My photos from Rally Australia are here - WRC Rally Australia 2011 | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150317729379243.366978.653429242&l=f83206cde2&type=1)

PM me your email and I can send originals over if you like :)

[MikeD]

Never say never

I will say "never". Hirvonen has only beaten Loeb once this year and that was in Sweden. In Australia Loeb was ahead of Hirvonen before he crashed - and for Hirvonen to win the championship he will have to beat Loeb (and most likely also Ogier) on the final 3 events where two of them are tarmac. It's not going to happen!

[bretddog]

I will say "never". Hirvonen has only beaten Loeb once this year and that was in Sweden. In Australia Loeb was ahead of Hirvonen before he crashed - and for Hirvonen to win the championship he will have to beat Loeb (and most likely also Ogier) on the final 3 events where two of them are tarmac. It's not going to happen!

The argument being if Malcolms team orders were a good strategy.. Of course it is.

If Loeb retires with 0 points on any of the tarmac rounds, Hirvonen has a realistic chance, by snatching a 3-2-1 finish in the remaining rallies. Points:

196 00 28 20 : 244
181 20 16 28 : 245

Malcolm would look again like a complete dork if this happened and tactics had not been played.

[Mintexmemory]

The argument being if Malcolms team orders were a good strategy.. Of course it is.

If Loeb retires with 0 points on any of the tarmac rounds, Hirvonen has a realistic chance, by snatching a 3-2-1 finish in the remaining rallies. Points:

196 00 28 20 : 244
181 20 16 28 : 245

Malcolm would look again like a complete dork if this happened and tactics had not been played.

I see 2009 repeating itself except Mikko is in even less of a good position than then when finishing ahead of Loeb in either of the last 2 events would have guaranteed Mikko the DWC. If by some magic Loeb fails to open an unbeatable lead in the 2 tarmac rallies, (Spain he's won for the past 4 years and the first Alsace Rally France was tantamount to a demonstration run ) then does anyone think Mikko has the nerve to take it to Loeb in Wales? Remind me who has won the last 3 WRGBs.
Only spanner in the works would be if Sordo takes the Mini closer to the limit in Spain (please) and disrupts the Citroen plan

[raybak]

Sorry double post :(

[raybak]

Hi all,

Just back from Rally Oz, we were competing in the National event in the trusty EVO 5 Lancer. Broke a front right driveshaft on the 2nd Super Special Thursday night, had to rejoin Friday morning with a penalty for DNF'ing. We were 39th so the only way was up. First stage for Friday was Shipmans, there were cars off everywhere. Was so slippery, you couldn't judge the roads by the colour as you usually can with the different soil types, mostly the road was grey and you could go from grip to no grip without any visible difference. Saw Block off in a tree, went woohoo we beat Ken Block :)

The next stage was Brooklana where Loeb rolled, we were on the start line getting ready to go when they canned the stage as it was blocked by Michael Boaden. We eventually transported through and it was extremely slippy even at transport speeds. Loeb didn't look to happy when we went past.

Next stage had to be regreened so another wait of about 40 mins, was stretching the day out for us and we had only completed one stage competively. Had a bit of a go through the stage and were 15th, not too bad up against a lot of newer cars like EVO 9's and such with electronic diffs.

Next was regroup then service, but they didn't close up the field in the regroup, isn't that what a regroup is for? We were still over an hour behind the front ARC guys who had got through before the 4th stage was blocked.

Did the repeat of Shipmans, even worse this time with more cars off, water splashes were a lot deeper the second time through. Hopefully there's some good photos of us going through the water splash at the main speccy point on Shipmans. Next to Brooklana, we hada book in time of 5.22pm and the road had to be opened at 5.30pm for the residents. The Stage Commander made the call to can the stage, this was a smart move as there were residents there waiting to get into their houses. Also the next stage was canned as well, so we did 3 forest stages for the day.

Back to Regroup and did the 2 Super Specials again, this time not breaking anything but doing a loop on the 2nd run losing us about 10 secs.

Saturday was much better weather, with some awesome stages to be run. I wreckon Welshes has to be one of the best stages in OZ. We had a shocker of a day with broken power steering early on and not enough time to change it at service. Derek now has arms like Popeye :) Also had an electrical problem that manifested itself on the last Super Special, the car died on the start line and it took us about 3 mins to find the problem so we did 7 minutes for the stage.

Went spectating Sunday as the ARC field only ran the first 2 days. Went to main speccy point at Arrawarra(AKA Sherwood Rd) plenty of people there but not really a good spot, went to the enthusiast point for the 2nd running of Plum Pudding and it was much better. Then headed over to the water splash at the Power stage, this wasn't a speccy point but was near a road closure that we all know, there were around 200 people there. Was some interesting lines through the water splash, Block was very quick and as you can see by his times they were pretty good. Henning came out of the water splash and seemed to be like a pinball going up the road bouncing off banks on each side.

Overall I think it was a good rally, we managed to salvage some points and will be going into the final round in Victoria with a 3 way battle for the championship so all is good.

Had a good chat with Ogier on Sunday night, he's going to not even think about changing teams until the season is over, he is focussed on doing his job at the moment then will assess things at end of season.

Loeb wasn't very chatty, I think he was over it a bit and just wanted to get home.

We will be running at Coffs next year, they are going to run the event as a stand alone ARC just to keep some continuity. Great location for a rally, great people, just need a better Super Special :)

Ray

[MikeD]

....Hirvonen has a realistic chance, by snatching a 3-2-1 finish in the remaining rallies. Points:

Maybe on planet Pluto but not on planet earth. Did you actually follow Hirvonens tarmac speed in Germany? Did that give any indication that he could finish in top 2 on a tarmac event this season?

The chances of Loeb having a DNF on tarmac are far smaller than Hirvonens. After all Hirvonen is behind and has to try and drive over the limit to prevent Ogier and Sordo from taking points from him on tarmac.

It's not gonna happen and that's why Malcom's teamorder was a joke! Latvala won fair and square and should have taken the win.


Malcolm would look again like a complete dork if this happened and tactics had not been played.

He don't need tactics to look like that ;)

[Mintexmemory]

Nice inside view from Raybak

[bretddog]

Maybe on planet Pluto but not on planet earth. Did you actually follow Hirvonens tarmac speed in Germany? Did that give any indication that he could finish in top 2 on a tarmac event this season?

The chances of Loeb having a DNF on tarmac are far smaller than Hirvonens. After all Hirvonen is behind and has to try and drive over the limit to prevent Ogier and Sordo from taking points from him on tarmac.

It's not gonna happen and that's why Malcom's teamorder was a joke! Latvala won fair and square and should have taken the win.

If Ford can't find more speed they can just as well give up. Excluding Mikko's puncture, he was about as fast as Sordo in Germany. The 2nd position is of course the event where Loeb would retire.

There was simply nothing to gain from letting Latvala win. Instead, now they are still in the game, and with increased pressure on Citroen.

Maybe you feel one need a decent chance to justify such tactics. But imo a 5% chance will suffice. Citroen obviously also take the threat seriously, hence their team orders. So both Ford and Citroen respect the probabilities. If you disagree with them and say they both make silly management, ok, I don't.

Risk is a function of probability and consequence. Low probability does not dictate low risk.

[Barreis]

It's boring without action.

[TKM Jnr]

Wasn't at this one driving. After competing in the last 2 rounds of the ARC, we went up just to have a look and did some spectating. Was still a good weekend away.

We were on SS6 Shipmans 2 on friday, then on Saturday out to Valla and Valla 2 (SS13 and SS17).

The best one would have been Bucca 2 SS24 on Sunday.

Took some video just on a phone, here is some from shipmans, more to come later tonight.

Friday - Shipmans SS6 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fq7o2Dj8Oq4)

Tristan

[MAXYrally]

Hi,

A bit of insight from a competitor's point of view at Rally Australia: we entered the WRC section in a Group N Ford Fiesta ST and ran at the back of the WRC field. There were only three 2WD cars in WRC, Harry Hunt in his DS3 R3, us and another Fiesta driven by Adrian Coppin.

Unfortunately recce did not go smoothly: another competitor forgot that in Australia we drive on the left side of the road and we were lucky to avoid a head on crash at highway speeds! The recce car was written off, but at least nobody got injured and we were able to continue, even if that was without side windows and with some airbags hanging from the roof.

Apart from that we had a very good event, only had some troubles with the rear wheel bearings on Saturday morning but that got fixed at service. Friday was incredibly slippery, the roads have a clay base and the tyres just slide on it without getting any grip. With so many WRC cars off the road we were 16th at the end of day 1.

The roads on day 2 were completely different, very fast and real pleasure to drive. Welshes is probably one of the best stages in the ARC at the moment, with Grace a close second! We had to keep in mind that this was also part of the Australian Rally Championship, so we did not take any crazy risks and bagged good points for the 2WD class (which we are currently leading).

Day 3 was back on narrow forest roads which got quite rough on the second pass, but the weather was nice and we had a lot of fun driving without any championship pressure. The first stage, Bucca, was really nice but the power stage was not bad too given that it did not make a good impression when we did recce. In the end we won Group 8, finished 22nd in WRC, 2nd 2WD in both WRC and ARC.

This was a very different Rally Australia compared to 2009, there were a lot of spectators and all of them were very friendly with no rock-throwing locals in sight. There were issues with they way the Coffs SSS was organised, something to be expected for a brand new event.

We will be back in 2013, hopefully joined by more Australian crews!

Raz

MAXYrally (http://www.MAXYrally.com)

[6789]

Hi,

A bit of insight from a competitor's point of view at Rally Australia: we entered the WRC section in a Group N Ford Fiesta ST and ran at the back of the WRC field. There were only three 2WD cars in WRC, Harry Hunt in his DS3 R3, us and another Fiesta driven by Adrian Coppin.

Unfortunately recce did not go smoothly: another competitor forgot that in Australia we drive on the left side of the road and we were lucky to avoid a head on crash at highway speeds! The recce car was written off, but at least nobody got injured and we were able to continue, even if that was without side windows and with some airbags hanging from the roof.

Apart from that we had a very good event, only had some troubles with the rear wheel bearings on Saturday morning but that got fixed at service. Friday was incredibly slippery, the roads have a clay base and the tyres just slide on it without getting any grip. With so many WRC cars off the road we were 16th at the end of day 1.

The roads on day 2 were completely different, very fast and real pleasure to drive. Welshes is probably one of the best stages in the ARC at the moment, with Grace a close second! We had to keep in mind that this was also part of the Australian Rally Championship, so we did not take any crazy risks and bagged good points for the 2WD class (which we are currently leading).

Day 3 was back on narrow forest roads which got quite rough on the second pass, but the weather was nice and we had a lot of fun driving without any championship pressure. The first stage, Bucca, was really nice but the power stage was not bad too given that it did not make a good impression when we did recce. In the end we won Group 8, finished 22nd in WRC, 2nd 2WD in both WRC and ARC.

This was a very different Rally Australia compared to 2009, there were a lot of spectators and all of them were very friendly with no rock-throwing locals in sight. There were issues with they way the Coffs SSS was organised, something to be expected for a brand new event.

We will be back in 2013, hopefully joined by more Australian crews!

Raz

MAXYrally (http://www.MAXYrally.com)
What car number? I'll forward some shots, got you at a jump in Bucca

[Livewireshock]

Anybody got any pictures of Saliuk from Rally Australia?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/livewireshock/6145892630
Saliuk at PWRC Testing - Rally Australia 2011 (http://flic.kr/p/an6iL3)
Hope this works.