Catalunya 2011

[HarriK]

Evo 7 is Ogiers recce car,while evo 9 is Loebs recce car
Ok, still there is huge different. Evo7 suspension seems to be more flexible than fourth car's suspension.

[Brother John]

Now Loeb have to make a mistake and the weekend is good. :p :

[GigiGalliNo1]

Morning! Or slightly late afternoon from Australia :)

[dimviii]

Ok, still there is huge different. Evo7 suspension seems to be more flexible than fourth car's suspension.

Yes cause it is in gravel spec.Recce for day 1 was in gravel.Recce for day 2-3 was in tarmac.The other evos have tarmac suspension.

[focus117]

Hmm...team orders again for Ford?

[focus117]

So 2nd place secured for Hirvonen now.

Yeah, once again.

[dimviii]

Lemes very good stage time despite his very bad first split.

[6789]

Mikko will have to watch out for Sordo behind before he claims 2nd. I don't think it will matter because I don't think he'll be able to beat Loeb in Wales anyway

[jonkka]

Agree

[Miika]

I don't think it will matter because I don't think he'll be able to beat Loeb in Wales anyway

Agreed, but if/when the Citroens remain as vulnerable as they have been in the recent events (punctures, mishaps, even engines breaking down) Hirvonen has to fight for every position till the end, despite being about the 5th fastest driver in the series at the moment.

[dimviii]

stage 8 live. Tanak not so fast today.

[pete c]

Stage 8 live

[HarriK]

Sordo out?

[jonkka]

x

[dimviii]

Semerad off at stage 7

[KKS]

Evo 7 is Ogiers recce car,while evo 9 is Loebs recce car
Evgeniy Novokov on his ALMrally video told that only him use Evo7, all other use Evo9 recce

[KKS]

Yes cause it is in gravel spec.Recce for day 1 was in gravel.Recce for day 2-3 was in tarmac.The other evos have tarmac suspension.

From that video from ALM, only difference in tyre's. Who know Russian - welcome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2h204-jBcI&feature=feedu

[KKS]

Semerad off at stage 7

He on results @ EWRC
http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=2372&stage=22867&category=146&section=

it's Tagirov off :)

[dimviii]

He on results @ EWRC
http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=2372&stage=22867&category=146&section=

it's Tagirov off :)
SEMERÁD M. / ERNST M. (st. č. 126) Went off / Mimo trať

http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=239&filtr=

maybe had an off but continue

[dimviii]

From that video from ALM, only difference in tyre's. Who know Russian - welcome http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2h204-jBcI&feature=feedu
You can t install gravel rims(15'') in oem evo brakes as have the evos in photo.Oem evo brakes are 320mm diameter with a huge caliper.Biggest diameter brakes inside a 15'' wheel is 300mm.
So its not only the tyres.You need brakes and suspension as well.

[KKS]

nope :( EWRC fails again, at wrc.com Semerad have +5.00 at SS9

[HarriK]

You can t install gravel rims(15'') in oem evo brakes as have the evos in photo.Oem evo brakes are 320mm diameter with a huge caliper.Biggest diameter brakes inside a 15'' wheel is 300mm.
So its not only the tyres.You need brakes and suspension as well.

That's true!
But if that photo first car has gravel setup (look huge space between tyre and fender) how's that has OEM brembos in that photo. They do use 16" rims at gravel?
And back in car four has much lover setup.

[dimviii]

cruising mode damn.Lets see if Ogier wants to push at second pass.

[tolis]

Hanninen?

[dimviii]

That's true!
But if that photo first car has gravel setup (look huge space between tyre and fender) how's that has OEM brembos in that photo. They do use 16" rims at gravel?
And back in car four has much lover setup.
At first car seems that have gravel suspension from the stroke.It is not clear with whell on to see,cause some suspensions have more travel than others.Maybe they haven t change yet the brakes.Or they have change the brakes,but not the suspension yet.Second car has definetely gravel suspension. Cars 3 - 4 and 5 are tarmac spec definetely

[dimviii]

Hanninen?
just passed 1st split

[6789]

Good pace by Latvala. Really happy for him and. Next year looks promising I think

[N.O.T]

Cruise mode for everyone...maybe Sordo will push a bit more....

It will be the one of the biggest disgraces in the sport if Latvala slows down once more for Hirvonen.....

[GINE]

Cruise mode for everyone...maybe Sordo will push a bit more....

It will be the one of the biggest disgraces in the sport if Latvala slows down once more for Hirvonen.....

Of course he will slow down. Why not? But his aim until the last stage, is to push for the first place. This will may result in an error from Loeb or he can take points from him. 1st to 2nd is 7 points while From 2nd to 3rd is 3points!

[dimviii]

Cruise mode for everyone...maybe Sordo will push a bit more....

It will be the one of the biggest disgraces in the sport if Latvala slows down once more for Hirvonen.....

Greg to be fair,same will do Ogier if he was 1st and Loeb second.

[N.O.T]

I cannot remember anyone in the history since that fat italian named Biasion that ridicules himself and the sport like that...

My biggest objection is that Latvala is faster and he is slowing down to allow a slower driver pass....if hirvonen was on par with him and had problems like punctures, even small mistakes then ok it would be somehow acceptable....but this is a disgrace....

[wwbroe]

Next run trough the long stage should be live

[N.O.T]

Greg to be fair,same will do Ogier if he was 1st and Loeb second.

No....if Ogier was THAT much faster they would not allow it, and they would not do it 3 times in a row....also in Portugal they had the option to slow Ogier down but they let him win with Loeb second.

[wwbroe]

Latvalla is little bit faster as Loeb on second split on RACC

[KKS]

No....if Ogier was THAT much faster they would not allow it, and they would not do it 3 times in a row....also in Portugal they had the option to slow Ogier down but they let him win with Loeb second.

Citroen didn't know who #1 team driver at Portugal, so they let him win. After Germany different situation

[N.O.T]

Loeb slower by 6 seconds than this morning on split 4...cruise mode...or too much dirt on the road.

[dimviii]

No....if Ogier was THAT much faster they would not allow it, and they would not do it 3 times in a row...
If Ogier was 100 points beside Loeb they would slow down him regardless how faster he is.


..also in Portugal they had the option to slow Ogier down but they let him win with Loeb second.
I was talking about Quesnels stupid tactics from Portugal.Thats why now the championship is still open,despite ds3 is faster,much more reliable,and both Sebs are way faster drivers than Jari and Mikko.
Yoy really have to TRY HARD with all these advantages to go to UK for the champion.

[TG]

No....if Ogier was THAT much faster they would not allow it, and they would not do it 3 times in a row....also in Portugal they had the option to slow Ogier down but they let him win with Loeb second.

Also Ford let Latvala be 3rd and Hirvonen 4th in Portugal.
Latvala started to let Hirvonen pass after he had blown his own championship possibilities.
Beginning of this season they had equal rights to win.

[wwbroe]

Looks like Loeb is just controlling on JML's splits, Hirvonen is slow again, Sordo and Ogier not too bad.

[noel157]

Don't think Loeb is too worried about Latvala's times despite Colin's reaction.

[wwbroe]

Great time by JML, beating Seb by 3.2 sec, very good drive.

[noel157]

Sordo should take 8-10 secs out of Hirvonen on this stage.

[N.O.T]

both were cruising......latvala was around 1 second faster than this morning and Loeb was 2 seconds slower than this morning....

[wwbroe]

And another disappointing time for Hirvonen, he doesn't understand why he is loosing so much.

[wwbroe]

Van Merksteyn stopped in stage? :(

[N.O.T]

37 seconds the difference between Hirvonen and Sordo....i think it can be done if Sordo continues like that and Hirvonen remains to be afraid to push like a little girl.

[wildsir]

Impressive none the less from JML, happy for him. Steady improvement by Meeke also.

[noel157]

Meeke driving for a finish. seems happy to drive at same pace as Hirvonen.

[BleAivano]

i think it will be difficult for JML to slow down that much.
Its almost 2 min already and towards the end of the rally it could be as much as 2,5->3 minutes.

[dimviii]

37 seconds the difference between Hirvonen and Sordo....i think it can be done if Sordo continues like that and Hirvonen remains to be afraid to push like a little girl.

130 ss km more

[vkangas]

Latvala's tarmac training starting to pay back! Great for the sport! (and for JML :) )

[wwbroe]

Novikov had a puncture and a small fire because of that.

[MikeD]

Great to Latvala improve on tarmac. Pathetic performance from Hirvonen. If he wins the title I will quit watching the sport.

[N.O.T]

Great to Latvala improve on tarmac. Pathetic performance from Hirvonen. If he wins the title I will quit watching the sport.

LOL...

You should have quit when Biasion was getting his titles then....Hirvonen is not going to win this championship by driving, only if Loeb throws it in the garbage.

So apart from ugly we can call Hirvonen the garbage picker as well...

[wwbroe]

Lemes is setting some very decent times, he is offcourse on home soil and Hanninen is not pushing at all.

[vkangas]

Latvala @ MTV3
"Driving driving car like this (stiff setup) 3-4 years ago would have been impossible for me. I have been practising on track and learnt to drive. Now the car is like a track car, really stiff and you have to drive it hard. It goes really well."

As far as I know Latvala's tarmac program has been his personal thing. In it's own way this tells pretty bad things about Ford's engineers and driver development program.

[awake27]

i think it will be difficult for JML to slow down that much.
Its almost 2 min already and towards the end of the rally it could be as much as 2,5->3 minutes.
A check-in early can do the job easily no matter how big is the difference. Hell, Jari will slow down that much to let his team-mate even if Hirvonen gets a number of punctures and drop to 11th place. Only if he passes or inherits the 1st place from Loeb he will not slow down.

[uranium]

Hanninen is not pushing at all.
Anyway he is second :) and faster then other main rival Prokop.

[noel157]

Mikko after SS9 tells journalist:

“I really try as hard as I can but this is as fast as I can go now,” said the despondent Finn.

[Juha_Koo]

Excellent tarmac pace from JML! I'm really happy for him and also for Miikka, he and his wife got a new member to their team last night when wife gave birth to a healthy girl baby. :) Maybe future's ilkaminor? :D

[dimviii]

Latvala @ MTV3
"Driving driving car like this (stiff setup) 3-4 years ago would have been impossible for me. I have been practising on track and learnt to drive. Now the car is like a track car, really stiff and you have to drive it hard. It goes really well."

As far as I know Latvala's tarmac program has been his personal thing. In it's own way this tells pretty bad things about Ford's engineers and driver development program.

so right!
Another point about Ford engineers is that before the rally they can t find the optimum setup for each driver.I ve watch in most rallies,Fords have plenty of offs at first day(maybe is from setup?) and are not in par with Citroens.At second days and third days of the rallies are more fast and very close to Citroens.Maybe is because Citroens are cruising,but maybe is from wrong setup at first stages.I ve remember to have read a lot of times Ford drivers to complaining about not good feeling/setup etc at 1st days.

ps I read that Mikko didn t had any practice before Catalunya...

[Juha_Koo]

ps I read that Mikko didn t had any practice before Catalunya...

Yes, Ford has used nearly all of their test days, a few is saved to December for Monte tests.

[dimviii]

Yes, Ford has used nearly all of their test days, a few is saved to December for Monte tests.

So Juha if this is right also and at Wales with no testing?

[vkangas]

So Juha if this is right also and at Wales with no testing?
Juha is right, but I suppose it's not as bad handicap there because they can test without limits at factory area.

[Juha_Koo]

So Juha if this is right also and at Wales with no testing?

I don't really understand how the system works because they will do some testing for Wales in Greystoke Forest (M-Sport's forest complex) to which the testing limitations don't apply. So apparently they'll do some testing...

[dimviii]

Juha is right, but I suppose it's not as bad handicap there because they can test without limits at factory area.

is it the same the factory area with ss at Wales? Citroen while have tarmac and gravel stages in France they optimise the set up at stages near the stages they compete at each rally.But if they have used all of their test days they can t do something.

[wwbroe]

Haydon Paddon is really flying on those two runs trough the longest stage, rediculising the other PWRC runners. He is more then half a minute faster as Flodin. Offcourse he doesn't have anything to loose, but he is showing really impressive pace. Well deserved champion if you ask me.

[dimviii]

Haydon Paddon is really flying on those two runs trough the longest stage, rediculising the other PWRC runners. He is more then half a minute faster as Flodin. Offcourse he doesn't have anything to loose, but he is showing really impressive pace. Well deserved champion if you ask me.

I remember from Hanninens day at pwrc a pace like this.I d like to see him finding budget for next year with a s2000 car.

[fastboy]

Yes, Ford has used nearly all of their test days, a few is saved to December for Monte tests.

Mikko had a test in France for 1 day last week and then did a bit of work at the go kart track near m-sport for half a day.Latvala did not get anything so Hirvonens pace should be as good if not better than JML.

[hari]

Concerning Testing:

PERMITTED TESTING SITES:
For Manufacturers or WRC Teams registered in the Championship, testing (as defined in Article 2.19) is permitted:
66.1.1 On a testing site proposed by the Manufacturer or WRC Team and notified to the FIA.
66.1.2 In Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and UK.

DURATION:
66.3.2 In the case of a Manufacturer, for a maximum of 10 sessions (as defined in Article 2.20) comprising a maximum of 42 days in any calendar year. This clause does not apply to testing as stated in Article 66.1.1.

So they can still test on their testing site.

[N.O.T]

next stage is on.

[N.O.T]

Loeb once more slower than this morning...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS10 - Latvala beats Loeb on a tarmac stage !!

No tactics, no punctures, just faster ... :)

Is this the first time Loeb has lost a tarmac stage to a non-Citroen ??

[wwbroe]

Sordo looking very good on splits

[dimviii]

SS10 - Latvala beats Loeb on a tarmac stage !!

No tactics, no punctures, just faster ... :)

Is this the first time Loeb has lost a tarmac stage to a non-Citroen ??

Loeb is slower at evening stages,while most drivers are equal or faster.He hasn t got to risk with half minute ahead,he wants his 8th title.

[wwbroe]

Sordo 1,5 sec down on last split, come on Dani.

[wwbroe]

Yes, great besttime for Sordo, keep up the pace

[MikeD]

Great Time by Sordo ... uhhh I hope he can catch Hirvonen.

[wwbroe]

Great Time by Sordo ... uhhh I hope he can catch Hirvonen.

I hope so too, he really deserves that.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loeb is slower at evening stages,while most drivers are equal or faster.He hasn t got to risk with half minute ahead,he wants his 8th title.

Sebastien Loeb reaches the end of SS10 in a time of 25m 42.3s, but Jari-Matti Latvala goes even quicker. "[Latvala] is going very fast. It's surprising. I had a good stage."




Sounds like Seb was trying to me ...

[wwbroe]

Sebastien Loeb reaches the end of SS10 in a time of 25m 42.3s, but Jari-Matti Latvala goes even quicker. "[Latvala] is going very fast. It's surprising. I had a good stage."




Sounds like Seb was trying to me ...

For sure he was trying, but i am also sure that he didn't put the pedal at maximum attack, just holding on to a pace without taking risks.

[noel157]

For sure he was trying, but i am also sure that he didn't put the pedal at maximum attack, just holding on to a pace without taking risks.

+1.

[COD]

Well, who is surprised? He is slow.

[dimviii]

ss12 live

[COD]

Mikko after SS9 tells journalist:

“I really try as hard as I can but this is as fast as I can go now,” said the despondent Finn.

He has finally himself realised that he is slow?

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen on the pace :eek: Did he find finally some speed, or is it the hot breath of Sordo that he is feeling? :D

[wwbroe]

Latvalla is 2.2 faster as Seb, good pace again by JML.

[wwbroe]

Wowh, Mikko is faster as Seb, what did he eat between two last stages?

[noel157]

Maybe he just realised for the first time today that Dani is threatening his place. Be great if Sordo can push him more tomorrow but a big ask to catch Mikko on stage time alone.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sebastien Loeb reaches the end of day two with a time of 7m 6.4s on SS12. "Latvala is going very, very fast. It's surprising on Tarmac, but I have a good feeling in my car. No problem at all. We have to push because Latvala is pushing hard. Tomorrow we have a 30s lead."

Finally a Ford pushes Loeb on asphalt... great stuff :D

[pete c]

wtf just happened to Hirvonen, finally figured out how to let the handbrake off.......lol

[JRodrigues]

Or maybe Loeb and Jari-Matti are taking it easy..

[wwbroe]

Sordo is loosing same amount of time compared to Hirvonen on this stage as he won on the previous one.

[dimviii]

Or maybe Loeb and Jari-Matti are taking it easy..

No a Ford pushes Citroen at asphalt.Also Mikko is tarmac expert and Loeb is surprised.Waiting for an off of Loeb result from Fords pushing him.

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala is doing very well in 2nd place, but that will change tomorow when Ford give team orders to swap Hirvonen to 2nd place from 3rd in an attempt to make a paper champion.

[MikeD]

Latvala is doing very well in 2nd place, but that will change tomorow when Ford give team orders to swap Hirvonen to 2nd place from 3rd in an attempt to make a paper champion.

..and then Hirvonen will have 16 points more than he has earned himself (due to Latvala moving over and DQ of PSolberg).

[dimviii]

Kuipers totally different from Germany,very slow in Spain.

[dimviii]

SORDO D. / DEL BARRIO C. (st. č. 37) "I won the previous stage, but I don't know how."

About Loeb cruising/fords pushing...

[Bobcat]

SORDO D. / DEL BARRIO C. (st. č. 37) "I won the previous stage, but I don't know how."

About Loeb cruising/fords pushing...

15:56 Sordo through SS12
MINI's Dani Sordo completes day two having slowed a little in SS12 as he sets a time of 7m 10.2s, dropping 6s to stage winner Jari-Matti Latvala. He trails Mikko Hirvonen by 37.4s. "I don't know. I didn't drive really bad, but okay."

[Brother John]

Almost everyone is negative about Hirvonen but nobody can say anything negative about Loeb!!!
Everyone turns out to know what will happen tomorrow, but wait until after the end of the rally and now enjoys the rally like it is just now. :confused:

[Bobcat]

Latvala is doing very well in 2nd place, but that will change tomorow when Ford give team orders to swap Hirvonen to 2nd place from 3rd in an attempt to make a paper champion.

Latvala: "I can pressurize Loeb tomorrow."

[Langdale Forest]

That would be a very risky strategy for Latvala.

[Bobcat]

MaxRally | News | Crews fume after tough Spanish night stage (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/crews_fume_after_tough_spanish_night_stage/)

MINI driver Kris Meeke said: “We’ve told the organisers all week we shouldn’t run at night. It’s an unfair race and everyone knows at night the dust just hangs.”

[Langdale Forest]

Very oversensitive drivers theese days.

[dimviii]

MaxRally | News | Crews fume after tough Spanish night stage (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/crews_fume_after_tough_spanish_night_stage/)

MINI driver Kris Meeke said: “We’ve told the organisers all week we shouldn’t run at night. It’s an unfair race and everyone knows at night the dust just hangs.”

Stop reading bull$it.In Greece at night stage wasn t problem.
It is better to improve their skills,than mpoaning for everything.

[wwbroe]

Almost everyone is negative about Hirvonen but nobody can say anything negative about Loeb!!!
Everyone turns out to know what will happen tomorrow, but wait until after the end of the rally and now enjoys the rally like it is just now. :confused:

What negative thing is there to say? :D

[Jamie Love]

That would be a very risky strategy for Latvala.

Surely He's got nothing to lose. He either goes for the win and forces loeb to either push and maybe beat him. If he cruises he'll only be asked to pull over for Hirvonen.

For all the criticism towards Hirvonen, only one driver has ever managed to finish in the points for an entire season, who was it again?

[tfp]

For all the criticism towards Hirvonen, only one driver has ever managed to finish in the points for an entire season, who was it again?

Exactly :up:

[Barreis]

What negative thing is there to say? :D

like.

[wwbroe]

Exactly :up:

I prefer to see somebody pushing instead of just trying to finish in the points.

[Brother John]

Not everyone is allowed to push, and certainly not by your boyfriend Loeb at Citroën!

[Brother John]

For all the criticism towards Hirvonen, only one driver has ever managed to finish in the points for an entire season, who was it again?
Not only Mr. Loeb!!!

[Barreis]

It's shame Sordo can't catch Hirvonen.

[Sulland]

It is starting to get quite a lot of water between the boats, or cars! So to follow IRC and WRC is usually much more exiting !

[TG]

Actually Hirvonen is pushing too hard. He's going way too fast to corners and loose a lot coming out.
He just doesn't have skill to drive enough smooth to get fast times on tarmac.

[logic]

So it seems the only guy on the Ford Abu Dahbi team taking his job seriously is JML?

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/950/950_rallyracc_catalunya_costa_daurada_2011_80942c4 7cf.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/950/950_rallyracc_catalunya_costa_daurada_2011_6c4c871 3f0.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/950/950_rallyracc_catalunya_costa_daurada_2011_39e8b27 18a.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/950/950_rallyracc_catalunya_costa_daurada_2011_af75bf9 a85.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/950/950_rallyracc_catalunya_costa_daurada_2011_b44a6bd 6ff.jpg

More photos from tarmac DAY 2 HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=950&fseason=2011)

[Barreis]

Nice photos.

[dimviii]

Surely He's got nothing to lose. He either goes for the win and forces loeb to either push and maybe beat him. If he cruises he'll only be asked to pull over for Hirvonen.?
To push Loeb in tarmac? lol They cant beat him inside Finland.


For all the criticism towards Hirvonen, only one driver has ever managed to finish in the points for an entire season, who was it again?
Finishing 2-3-4 minutes behind winners is easy to manage points in all rallies.The difficult is to fight for wins.

[tfp]

To push Loeb in tarmac? lol They cant beat him inside Finland.


Finishing 2-3-4 minutes behind winners is easy to manage points in all rallies.The difficult is to fight for wins.

OT-Loeb won finland, but he was only second fastest of the weekend. Hirvonen was the real winner of that rally.

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen was the real winner of that rally.

LOL

please quit watching the sport....

or wait until adolescence....

[Wim_Impreza]

OT-Loeb won finland, but he was only second fastest of the weekend. Hirvonen was the real winner of that rally.

Hirvonen made a big mistake there, he was lucky to finish that rally.

[dimviii]

OT-Loeb won finland, but he was only second fastest of the weekend. Hirvonen was the real winner of that rally.

Real winner will be when taking ss wins when the battle is open,without Citroens cruising.We waiting years for that.

[Plan9]

I prefer to see somebody pushing instead of just trying to finish in the points.

Me too. Meeke pushed very hard in his first rallies but only seemed to get criticism on here. I haven't noticed much talked about him now that he is driving conservatively for points. Some blokes just can't get a break.

[N.O.T]

Critisism is based on some standards in everything we do in our lifes...same goes for rallying.

Some people have low standards and they do not critisize anything (they mostly live in star trek universe)....other have pretty high standard and critisize everything (and spend around 2/3 of their lives in the bathroom)....some have low standards on some things and high on others and critisize accordingly.

Meeke is indeed pushing hard but he crashes far too often...if he was 20 that would be ok...if you are 67 like meeke it gets repetitive.

[dimviii]

Up to TC9 (Punta de les Torres) of the 2011 Rally de España, this is the classification in number of stage wins during all the FIA World Championship history: 1-Sébastien Loeb, 802 wins; 2-Markku Alen, 801 wins; 3-Carlos Sainz, 756 wins; 4-Juha Kankkunen, 700 wins; 5-Hannu Mikkola, 654 wins.

full article here
http://www.rallyracc.com/2011/ingles/noticia1409.html

[BDunnell]

Critisism is based on some standards in everything we do in our lifes...same goes for rallying.

Some people have low standards and they do not critisize anything (they mostly live in star trek universe)....other have pretty high standard and critisize everything (and spend around 2/3 of their lives in the bathroom)....some have low standards on some things and high on others and critisize accordingly.

Criticism is all well and good if it comes from a respected source.

[KKS]

Anybody have a 1280+px photos?
tnx.

[Carlo]

Some observations of the event so far.
Day One road conditions, Gravel as I would know it was just about non existant on the stages I viewed, The roads were a dirt surface with about 10 - 15mm of coarse dust on the surface and as there was no base to the roads as this was swept off more loose surface came to the top with the result that there really never was a good swept surface for with the passage of cars the "Swept surface" became ruts or tram tracks and were still a dusty loose surface. If you stood on the road and moved your foot back and forth you just kept wearing the road away and bringing up more loose dirt and fine stones as there is no clay or moisture to hold it together. The patches of tamac were littered with fist sized rocks after Loeb made his first past and pulled them out onto the road, Mikko was driving on a riverbed of stones and had to sweep a line on many corners. Interestingly on the 2nd pass where I was watching no one was taking cuts ont the inside of corners all were respectful of the need to stay on the road and survive.
Dust, toughen up, sure there was a lot off the car when it passed by but it had dispersed within 30 - 40 seconds however dust inside some cars was an issue for some as was the fact that many, and the Mini was the worst offender were catching their front spoiler/spliter on the road both under braking and/or suspension compression and then throwing bucket loads of the loose dirt up onto their front screens. The drivers then had to brake hard to throw it off again.
Night stage, Initially I was surprised at the lighting set ups that many were using until I realised that so many of todays drivers have (a) Never really ever done any night rallying and (b) Many have never competed seriously in blind or non pace noted events where you are so dependant on looking so far ahead down the road and getting your lighting right for that so as to be able to handle every type of condition is just so important.
Tarmac Vs gravel suspension etc. At the end of day one Ford, Mini & Citroen all changed front and rear subframe assemblied complete with new front and rear differentials. They also replace track control arms, complete suspension units (shock absorber, springs, gas canisters etc) and brake rotors, Citroen also changed brake calipers. In otherwords they fitted up a full 100% tarmac set up to the car. I also did observe a little remapping of the various ECU's taking place too
Other observations,
Mini are running a very aggressive anti lag program on their engines to the point that it could actually be slowing the car down through and exiting some corners as the car does not run cleanly and come onto full power until 5-10 meres after they have gone onto full throttle.
PWRC speedwise it is Paddon 1st and daylight 2nd. With due respect to the others and there are some excellent drivers amongst them but they just are not in Paddons class. Bit of a pain about the faulty terminal block that caused the Day one problems
Car and service/support budgets, one could all most suspect that the Citroen budget is similar to that of Ford and Mini combined.
Seeing is believing. If you have not yet come and watched this event then make it one of the things on your bucket list, try as it may TV can not do it justice. People are friendly, Police are helpful, food is great, scenery magic and yes, some of the stages are quite special. For sure with only one day to go and while I expect Loeb to win, I would not put money on it for this is an event where anything can and does happen.

[tfp]

LOL

please quit watching the sport....

or wait until adolescence....

Errr.....No.

[tfp]

Up to TC9 (Punta de les Torres) of the 2011 Rally de España, this is the classification in number of stage wins during all the FIA World Championship history: 1-Sébastien Loeb, 802 wins; 2-Markku Alen, 801 wins; 3-Carlos Sainz, 756 wins; 4-Juha Kankkunen, 700 wins; 5-Hannu Mikkola, 654 wins.

full article here
http://www.rallyracc.com/2011/ingles/noticia1409.html

Good find (looks for the like button:-)

[N.O.T]

Errr.....No.

reconsider please....

[N.O.T]

Criticism is all well and good if it comes from a respected source.

different people respect different people so its again subjective.....

[GigiGalliNo1]

I hope it rains! :D

[bluuford]

It wont rain in the morning.
Good morning to everybody!

[6789]

Final days stage is now live.. See if Mikko can pick up the pace today

[TyPat107]

It wont rain in the morning.
Good morning to everybody!


You mean goodnight! Just finished watching the saturday stages I want to finish out the last stages but I need sleep. :(

[pete c]

Miko fastest on slits

[pete c]

ooops splits

[jonkka]

Up to TC9 (Punta de les Torres) of the 2011 Rally de España, this is the classification in number of stage wins during all the FIA World Championship history: 1-Sébastien Loeb, 802 wins; 2-Markku Alen, 801 wins; 3-Carlos Sainz, 756 wins; 4-Juha Kankkunen, 700 wins; 5-Hannu Mikkola, 654 wins.

full article here
http://www.rallyracc.com/2011/ingles/noticia1409.html

Errr, those are incorrect figures, I am afraid. Or rather, incomplete.

[bretddog]

Seems like Mikko had a theory session with Latvala. At least he's not a slow learner when given the right knowledge..

[Plan9]

Final days stage is now live.. See if Mikko can pick up the pace today

Where are you watching this online???

[Mintexmemory]

Good morning all. Looks like Tanak has settled for 6th after yesterday's heroics. Paddon going to get 9th at current pace.
Powerstage is going to be the big interest now as a Loeb - hirv - JML top 3 looks nailed -on, barring punctures.

[6789]

Good morning all. Looks like Tanak has settled for 6th after yesterday's heroics. Paddon going to get 9th at current pace.
Powerstage is going to be the big interest now as a Loeb - hirv - JML top 3 looks nailed -on, barring punctures.
Don't forget Ogier either

[Red bull]

loooool

[HarriK]

http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2F2011%2F10%2F1416757%2Flatvala-paljasti-huippuvauhtinsa-salaisuuden

Latvala has revealed the top secret of his run

[6789]

Where are you watching this online???
Wasn't watching live on stream or anything, just live as in the first car was in the stage. Sorry!

[tfp]

Any links to the power stage?

[Zeakiwi]

Special Stage 14 was a bit quick La Mussara- 142 km/h average for the fastest time.
When will Malcolm have JML drop behind MH ? Seems a bit pointless to me.

[Barreis]

Hope that Sordo will beat Hirvonen.

[noel157]

Is the Power Stage not live? ESPN is showing 14.45 UK time but SS18 starts 14.11 Spanish time (13.11UK time). Confused :)

[tfp]

:!: Wrc.com - please remove the stage time link from your website, after all, there is no point in having a blank web page with no stage times on it.

[AndyRAC]

Is the Power Stage not live? ESPN is showing 14.45 UK time but SS18 starts 14.11 Spanish time (13.11UK time). Confused :)

Wouldn't be the first time if true - RallyFinland wasn't live because of a football friendly.....
No, just looked, doesn't look live, and no live DTM either, all because of Scottish football ( a pub league).

[jonkka]

Special Stage 14 was a bit quick La Mussara- 142 km/h average for the fastest time.

What? 11 minutes over 20 kilometers is 109 kph.

[noel157]

Wouldn't be the first time if true - RallyFinland wasn't live because of a football friendly.....
No, just looked, doesn't look live, and no live DTM either, all because of Scottish football ( a pub league).

Stupid decision.

[tfp]

Wouldn't be the first time if true - RallyFinland wasn't live because of a football friendly.....
No, just looked, doesn't look live, and no live DTM either, all because of Scottish football ( a pub league).

:mad: Grrrrr.

[AndyRAC]

Stupid decision.

Not for ESPN it isn't - WRC only gets about 10,000 viewers (if that) - Scottish football will get more. Sadly.
However, if ESPN are going to have series, put them on Live, even if it's the website - having it delayed just isn't good enough.

[noel157]

ESPN blurb:

"Live coverage of the Sunday Power Stage for up to 13 rallies, including original ESPN studio commentary surrounding the live coverage. ... "

Up to 13...... Cop out.

[noel157]

Quicker to change too Colin.

[MikeD]

Novikov sneaks past HSolberg. Hoping for Kuipers doing the same on Wilslow

[noel157]

Jari, Jari, Papa here.............

http://www.wrc.com/news/latvala-will...tch/?fid=15648

[Zeakiwi]

What? 11 minutes over 20 kilometers is 109 kph.

Right you are. The official website must have a bit of an incorrect formula entry in the average stage speed calculation.

[MikeD]

I am happy I am not the guy at Ford and Citroën who will do the strategy for the powerstage. What will they ask from Ogier and Latvala. Should they go flat out risking taking points from their teammate or go "slower" risking giving points to their opponents?

I think Citroën will ask both their drivers to go flat out ... but I am a little unsure what I would do if I was at Ford.

What would you guys do and what do you think Ford and Citroën will ask their drivers to do?

[Mintexmemory]

I am happy I am not the guy at Ford and Citroën who will do the strategy for the powerstage. What will they ask from Ogier and Latvala. Should they go flat out risking taking points from their teammate or go "slower" risking giving points to their opponents?

I think Citroën will ask both their drivers to go flat out ... but I am a little unsure what I would do if I was at Ford.

What would you guys do and what do you think Ford and Citroën will ask their drivers to do?

Both flat out and don't discount Sordo - He knows the power stage very well (shakedown in 08 and 09)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any links to the power stage?

May be some live streams here: http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?matchid=130283&part=sports

or http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/10/198/v-319860.html

[N.O.T]

just woke up and the first thing i get informed is Simoncellis tragic death.....damn.

Not much to see in the event now apart from the tactics Ford ONCE more will play in order to try and create the worst champion the sport sees since Biasion...oh well.

[Hartusvuori]

Wilson off, Ogier stopped.

[6789]

Sport On Demand Live Sports Streams Online For Free (http://www.vipbox.tv/)

Try this as well.

Wilson ripped a front wheel off

[MikeD]

Ogier stopped ... massive blow for Citroën's Powerstage plans...

[MR666]

Ogier stopped ... massive blow for Citroën's Powerstage plans...

Add to that the manufacturers championship.

[6789]

If Ogier doesn't finish in points then its mathematically possible for Ford to win the manu, they would have to 1 and 2nd in GB and win the power stages and have Citroen score zero.

[MikeD]

Add to that the manufacturers championship.


If Loeb win they will still clinch the Manu championship (they be 46 points ahead with 43 points left for GB)

[MikeD]

If Ogier doesn't finish in points then its mathematically possible for Ford to win the manu, they would have to 1 and 2nd in GB and win the power stages and have Citroen score zero.

Powerstage points don't counts towards Manu championship

[6789]

Powerstage points don't counts towards Manu championship
Ok then, so they still win the Manu if Loeb wins here :)

[MikeD]

It's an engine problem forcing Ogier to stop

[Hartusvuori]

Engine problems for Ogier. Two in a row.

[Francis44]

If only this was Loeb car.

[AndyRAC]

Seem to be a repeat of the Hare v Tortoise.....Citroen v Ford.....

[N.O.T]

Only the power stage to go now

and of course the tactics from Mr Wilson.....

[MR666]

No team orders from Ford this rally?

[N.O.T]

Latvala will get a 2 min penalty somehow and all will be fixed....

[Francis44]

Or they will embarasse themselves live on TV.

[tfp]

What time is the powerstage on? Any links?

[6789]

They'll do the TC penalty so Latvala can be behind Mikko in the powerstage. Or is there no regroup?

[N.O.T]

they might do that as well....

what a disgraceful team and drivers...no dignity at all...

Sick dogs of nothing !!!!!

[Josti]

Forced teamorders 3 times in a row. How would this hold up mentally for Latvala?

[6789]

Forced teamorders 3 times in a row. How would this hold up mentally for Latvala?

I feel really bad for him; could have went 1st, 3rd, and 2nd.. Deserves better

[N.O.T]

the worst thing is the forced them not because Hirvonen hit trouble or any misfortunes...they forced them on the clearly faster driver...NONE team did that since the Lancia days...

[AndyRAC]

Forced teamorders 3 times in a row. How would this hold up mentally for Latvala?

Isn't it 4 times in a row - don't think I can remember anything like it - but it's entirely legal......

[N.O.T]

you cannot expect much from a team whose managers son rallies on the back of the cars performance.....

[Brother John]

they might do that as well....

what a disgraceful team and drivers...no dignity at all...

Sick dogs of nothing !!!!!

Here we go again, oh boy!!!!!! And Citroën does everything as it should? Anyone get what they deserve.

[N.O.T]

Here we go again, oh boy!!!!!! And Citroën does everything as it should? Anyone get what they deserve.

Citroen NEVER slowed a clearly faster driver to allow a slower one to pass.....

[Hartusvuori]

Forced teamorders 3 times in a row. How would this hold up mentally for Latvala?

I think it won't damage Latvala mentally at all. The way I see, he still gets the upper hand mentally, because he in the end of the day is the only driver in the team doing his job well. From his championship point of view, it's the same whether his third, fouth, whatever. Mikko is living on his charity, and in the end I think Mikko isn't definitely enjoying it either. Malcolm got to do what he's got to do, trying to fix as much points as possible for the slower driver. Had it not been for the dust issues on Friday, I believe we could've seen a real battle for the win - or perhaps Loeb just would've started to drive. Still, Latvala is definitely on the clue how to perform on tarmac.

Now fingers crossed for Hänninen, only few kms left.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Oh great...

[N.O.T]

=Hartusvuori;977251Still, Latvala is definitely on the clue how to perform on tarmac.

Now fingers crossed for Hänninen, only few kms left.

yes following Loebs lines makes things easy though...

[MR666]

Latvala will get a 2 min penalty somehow and all will be fixed....

Yip... just been done.

[6789]

^ Latvala is still quick this afternoon when he's not following Loebs lines. It's a great improvement. I can just remember Latvala in Spain two years ago, he was minutes off the pace.

[N.O.T]

^ Latvala is still quick this afternoon when he's not following Loebs lines. It's a great improvement. I can just remember Latvala in Spain two years ago, he was minutes off the pace.

Today it was not rallying it was cruising and spectate the scenery.....

[julkki]

Any steam for Power-stage?

[Mintexmemory]

Or they will embarasse themselves live on TV.
It will be the standard road penalty trick they have pulled every time.

[AP-Racing]

I don't have words to say what i thinkin about Slowonen and Ford team orders....

[BleAivano]

It will be the standard road penalty trick they have pulled every time.

yep "4 J. LATVALA (FIN)TC17A 2M EARLY AT TC17A 2:00"

[GINE]

Powerstage is fully wet

[GINE]

Sordo on soft tires

[Red bull]

^ Latvala is still quick this afternoon when he's not following Loebs lines. It's a great improvement. I can just remember Latvala in Spain two years ago, he was minutes off the pace.
Loeb is driving with caution..has a comfortable lead otherwise latvala is no match for him on tamac,watch the king{loeb} on the power stage!!!! :s mokin:

[garais22]

Live: http://www.firstrowsports.tv/webmaster/T-Gyuszi-Online-Sport/87902/1/watch-racing-:-fia-world-rally-championship.html

[6789]

Today it was not rallying it was cruising and spectate the scenery.....

Guess we'll know come the power stage!

[Francis44]

Exciting wet stage.

[MikeD]

Anybody know why Campana didn't start (Sorry i cannot find that info and I didn't follow the rally on day 1)

[N.O.T]

yes i think... a 4km stage will truly indicate that...

LOL

[N.O.T]

Anybody know why Campana didn't start (Sorry i cannot find that info and I didn't follow the rally on day 1)

FFSA realised the joke he was...

[6789]

Loeb is driving with caution..has a comfortable lead otherwise latvala is no match for him on tamac,watch the king{loeb} on the power stage!!!! :s mokin:

I don't think Latvala is better than Loeb on tarmac, he's a lot closer I'd say. Ogier would be second fastest on Tarmac I think

[GigiGalliNo1]

It's raining!? Sweet!

[hari]

really slippery on the power stage, will be very interesting

[GINE]

Who is going to risk more? I bet latvala and sordo have nothing to lose. I put my money on latvala for the power stage win

[N.O.T]

with ogier out i think latvala could just slow down and allow Hirvonen to get 3rd....

[jonkka]

with ogier out i think latvala could just slow down and allow Hirvonen to get 3rd....

?!?

[BleAivano]

?!?

3rd place on the power stage. N.O.T is expecting Loeb and Sordo to take the two first positions on the stage.

[julkki]

Huge differences...seems like the road is drying.

[GINE]

Meeke on soft also

[GINE]

Huge differences...seems like the road is drying.

it is the different tires. It may also dries out a bit

[dimviii]

Mikko.....................

[N.O.T]

LOL at Hirvonen.....

[Josti]

No chance for Hirvonen.

[noel157]

What rubber is Latvala and Loeb on?


Edit Seb on 2 x soft.

[Miika]

Let me guess, softs for Loeb.

[GINE]

Miko Jari and Seb on hard tires

[Francis44]

So Meeke is going to win the Powerstage?!

[N.O.T]

LOL....

I spit at the Ford camp.....

[GINE]

Miko Seb and Jari are on hard tires

[dimviii]

Ford circus live..

[GINE]

Why didn't Jari go for the third place?

[BleAivano]

Why didn't Jari go for the third place?

didn't want to steal points from Mikko.

[GINE]

He could take third and steal the point from seb

[N.O.T]

3rd place for Loeb !!!

MEEKE WINS THE POWER STAGE !!!!

Now all Loeb has to do is finish ahead of hirvonen in GB if they are at 1-2...or finish behind him if the winner is other than these 2...

Lets hope at the end we have a worthy champion.....

[noel157]

First SS win by an Irishman in nearly 50 yrs. Great result.

[N.O.T]

I really want to know if the payed from m-sport reporters of wrc.com ask hirvonen if he likes this ???

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Allso great tarmac rally for FORD boys!!

[N.O.T]

yes this is exactly what they are ...BOYS.

[Mintexmemory]

First SS win by an Irishman in nearly 50 yrs. Great result.

Yowzah, monkey off his back - Finish and stage win and a better road position for WRGB. Dani won't be behind MW!!
Fat lady has a lot of rehearsal to go!

[BleAivano]

Allso great tarmac rally for FORD boys!!

ghreat in what way? Hirvonen gets his 2nd place gifted once more. He's a bit like Chris Harris in Speedway GP- charity dependent.

[N.O.T]

Great in a stupid nationalistic way....

[jonttu.]

How long Latvala was stopped? I didn't see it, because stream was pretty laggy for me. Things are fckd up, both Citroën and Ford making team orders. But that's the way it has meant to play the game. I hope team orders are forbidden in 2012.

[Mintexmemory]

Hanninen faster than Hirvonen- says it all really!

[Racing Ka]

Gongratulations to Juho, nice ss time and nice rally win and nice Championship win!

[AndyRAC]

Well done to Sebastien & Daniel for winning Rallye Catalunya-Costa Daurada, and to Citroen for winning the Manufacturers Championship (even though they've made a meal of it).

Well done to Juho Hanninen for winning the S-WRC - richly deserved!! Now for the IRC in Cyprus......and a works VW seat!!

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Two Ford in podium, it´s great. In that way.

[Mirek]

I'm so happy for Juho. It proved to be much harder than people expected but it's there. Well done. Next week again Juho! :D

[HarriK]

Well done JUHO!

[COD]

Go Mini, Oliviera also great time.

And congrats to Hänninen-Markkula, well desrved Champions