[IRC] Cyprus Rally 2011

[Hartusvuori]

i am trying to find a faster driver than Mikkelsen at young age with a wrc in tarmac.because he was very young as you said i am trying to find somebody at 20-22 years old.

First, is there anyone? Novikov in 2009? Östberg in 2007? Latvala in God knows when? But why we need to find a young driver in WRC faster than Mikkelsen?

[mousti]

ok find somebody at the age of 20-22 with a wrc to be faster on tarmac.
Duval :p . His debut in the Focus WRC in Sweden was very impressive also.. Everything can change in years..

[dimviii]

First, is there anyone? Novikov in 2009? Östberg in 2007? Latvala in God knows when? But why we need to find a young driver in WRC faster than Mikkelsen?

if you can t find a faster one,how you claim that he wasn t fast on tarmac? :D

[Hartusvuori]

if you can t find a faster one,how you claim that he wasn t fast on tarmac? :D

What I've been trying to tell, he is now fast and consistent enough to win rallies and most likely tomorrow take the IRC title. Overall classifications, not age-grouped juniors. When Mikkelsen started however, he wasn't winning rallies and was - and is - on a learning curve for few years - and of course his current pace in WRC machinery is a mystery.

[dimviii]

So as response to dimviii's question: How many 21-22 year old drivers from now had these chances when they were so young?

that there are not a lot of drivers with his chances at so young age we can t say that he wasn t fast out of box.

[alleskids]

Hanninen Crash Cyprus IRC 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCGv2t5Ij0U) Video of Hänninen crash. bad angle from camera.

Btw, Were did Grönholm rolled on the other side on the road ? Was it cyprus , the place look the same

Sardinie?

[dimviii]

Hanninen Crash Cyprus IRC 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCGv2t5Ij0U) Video of Hänninen crash. bad angle from camera.

Btw, Were did Grönholm rolled on the other side on the road ? Was it cyprus , the place look the same
Gronholm had rolled in Cyprus but in gravel ss. It was an uphill left hand u turn.

[dimviii]

eWRC.cz - Fotogalerie (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php)?

[wwbroe]

Stage 6, first stage of the day, should be live.

[wwbroe]

It seems that Rally Radio is not yet awake, come on Colin

[wwbroe]

Again GPS-problems with the "dots" on the screen?

[Mirek]

MP3 interviews after leg 1: Autosport : IRC - Cyprus Rally & Golden Stage (IRC) (http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/audio.php?id=912&kat=256)

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen is trough with 13.03.9

[wwbroe]

Nasser is slower by 6.9 sec compared to Andreas.

[wwbroe]

Relative good time for Kopecky, second fastst trough and coming back to Nasser in overall classification.

[wwbroe]

Good time for Sandell, third quickest trough and overtaking Loix in overall classification.

[wwbroe]

Look at Karl Kruuda's time, he is second fastest trough now, only 2.4 sec slower as Andreas. :eek:

[bluuford]

Good morning guys!
Well, Lately there was an interview with Kruuda in Estonian and he said that his Skoda is a bit old and not as fast as the fastest cars, but also the price is not that high and it is good car for learning 4WD and gainig experience (the balance between the speed and price is right).
So, on the downhill stage and bit cleaner road, the result is logical

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen again faster as Al-Attiyah on second stage of the day.

[VFTS]

Ss7 is 100% tarmac so I expected Kopecky to be faster than Nasser.....but he wasnt.

[wwbroe]

No, on the contrary, he was a lot slower as Nasser and so is Loix.

[Mirek]

Ss7 is 100% tarmac so I expected Kopecky to be faster than Nasser.....but he wasnt.

Driving asphalt on gravel tyres and suspension is quite different to driving with proper suspension and tyres. Nasser is used to that from previous events on Cyprus.

[RS]

Good morning guys!
Well, Lately there was an interview with Kruuda in Estonian and he said that his Skoda is a bit old and not as fast as the fastest cars, but also the price is not that high and it is good car for learning 4WD and gainig experience (the balance between the speed and price is right).
So, on the downhill stage and bit cleaner road, the result is logical

Nice to see someone give an honest appraisal instead of just whining!

[VFTS]

I know there are different from real tarmac tyres and setups so Kopecky should have been faster in my opinion. But its the same for him if he ends second or third related to the championship so maybe he didnt push.
Troodos Rally have been nearly almost gravel rally and the same with Cyprus Rally in the past so Nasser have not so much tarmac-experience from Cyprus.

[RS]

As they just pointed out on the Eurosport UK commentary, the final stage of the season will be live on tv!

I must say the Cyrpus stages are really great for tv.

[Berzs]

Nasser no-brained it on SS8. Spectacular to watch. Mikkelsen will have to go all out on the second loop to keep his lead.

[Mirek]

Troodos Rally have been nearly almost gravel rally and the same with Cyprus Rally in the past so Nasser have not so much tarmac-experience from Cyprus.

I think since 2008 they run asphalt stages in Cyprus ;)

By the way very crazy driving by Nasser in TV stage!

[wwbroe]

Yes, and even making two mistakes, with one spin, he is still the fastest man trough the stage, really great driving, but also taking a lot of risks.

[wwbroe]

Does somebody know if you can score drivers championshippoints being under superrally, like for example Hanninen is for the moment?

[VFTS]

I think since 2008 they run asphalt stages in Cyprus ;)

By the way very crazy driving by Nasser in TV stage!

And 2008 is not in the past......Nasser has been driving on the island for 8-9 years.

[Mirek]

I don't know what is Your definition of "the past" but for me it is something which already happened, so 2008 is past. Don't get me wrong but Nasser has the most experience with this from all current top runners in Cyprus doing this strange combination in all its editions. Others maximum once (only Mikkelsen) or not at all.

[Mirek]

Does somebody know if you can score drivers championshippoints being under superrally, like for example Hanninen is for the moment?

Yes, You can. There is no common rule in IRC, it's just up to organizers.


Entry list for Golden Stage: http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/soubor.php?f=12119

[Berzs]

Does somebody know if you can score drivers championshippoints being under superrally, like for example Hanninen is for the moment?

Nothing mentioned about championship points in Supplemenary regulations of the Cyprus rally, so I would suppose that one is still eligible for points, if restarts under SupeRally.

[tolis]

Yes, You can. There is no common rule in IRC, it's just up to organizers.
I think the same situation will be in the WRC next year. It'll be up to organisers if someone under superally can score points.
Sorry for the off topic.

[RS]

Entry list for Golden Stage: http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/soubor.php?f=12119

No Loix?

[RS]

Yes, and even making two mistakes, with one spin, he is still the fastest man trough the stage, really great driving, but also taking a lot of risks.

They speculated on Eurosport that the cut across the field may not have been a mistake..

[Jordib]

Yes, he is used to go offroad...

[wwbroe]

No Loix?

No, he will not run in Golden Stage, he is allready flying home on saturdayevening, this evening. :D

[ridder]

Imo people should be penalized for doing something like that. It's something else in the half-desert middle east championship that Nasser takes part in, but here he's leaving the road and going across someones field.
Strictly speaking he's not following the rally route, so it's about the same as driving trough a different street when going trough a small town.

People do this every now and then and mostly nothing happens, but I remember M.Martin getting penalty for something like this in Argentina (around 2004?), when he took a cut trough a spectator camping area.

[tolis]

Nasser is having engine trouble. May not restart. :(

[PLuto]

Yes, it is true, burned piston.

[makinen_fan]

he is out of the rally

[PLuto]

Yes, he is, didnt leaved the service area. It is pity...

[focus206]

Too bad for Nasser :(
Now things seems good for Mikkelsen, but he must control the situation, a mistake would be devastating.
3 SS to go, which of them should be in live coverage?

[RS]

I hope they have a spare engine for Nasser for Golden Stage. It would be a pity not to see his agressive style on that shootout!

I guess Loix figured he would have little chance of taking home any prizes from Golden Stage against the big 3/4.

[RS]

Too bad for Nasser :(
3 SS to go, which of them should be in live coverage?

The final one!

[focus206]

The final one!

Great! We will see the new champion :)

[Mirek]

Pity for Nasser. Together with Neuville out it's now just a Škoda parade...

[wwbroe]

Pity for Nasser. Together with Neuville out it's now just a Škoda parade...

Yes, you are right, but wasn't it like that most of the season unfortunally?

[wwbroe]

I just hope that Andreas will become the new champion, don't forget also that Skoda asked him to let Juho in front in Açores.

[focus206]

Someone knows the reason of the retirement of Harry Hunt on SS8? He was doing a good rally :( ...

[makinen_fan]

from his tweeter account

All over I'm afraid. Wheel fell off after rear beam broke on SS8. So that's us out - now we head to GB and hope for better luck in Wales!

[focus206]

from his tweeter account

All over I'm afraid. Wheel fell off after rear beam broke on SS8. So that's us out - now we head to GB and hope for better luck in Wales!

Thanks, too bad for him.

[6789]

Kopecky finishes second and he is then champion?

[wwbroe]

Kopecky finishes second and he is then champion?

No, ,if Mikkelsen wins it he will be the new champion!

[RS]

I just hope that Andreas will become the new champion, don't forget also that Skoda asked him to let Juho in front in Açores.

I think Juho was already in front but they asked Mikkelsen not to chase?

[RS]

Nasser is "out out"

No more rallying this weekend (no Golden stage)

[wwbroe]

I think Juho was already in front but they asked Mikkelsen not to chase?

I doubt that, because he just stopped at the end of one stage to make sure Juho won it.

[wwbroe]

Nasser is "out out"

No more rallying this weekend (no Golden stage)

Too bad, he was serious contendor for Golden Stage if you ask me.

[tolis]

No, ,if Mikkelsen wins it he will be the new champion!
Is that for sure?

[RS]

I doubt that, because he just stopped at the end of one stage to make sure Juho won it.

I think Juho was already ahead, but Andreas was just making a point not to go "too fast" in the stage. Whichever way they certainly stopped there being a battle.

[wwbroe]

Is that for sure?

I think that is for sure yes, with 1.5 points difference with Kopecky.

[RS]

Is that for sure?

Yes.

[wwbroe]

Nicos Thomas stopped in the stage.

[tolis]

Οh no... Thomas stopped in the stage. :(
Thanks RS, wwbroe! Indeed the winner takes it!

[Mirek]

I doubt that, because he just stopped at the end of one stage to make sure Juho won it.

Juho was ahead with good margin (11 seconds). I think that Andreas stopped just as an act of demonstration. For sure it wasn't necessary.

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Kopecky!

[Berzs]

Everything going Mikkelsen's way.

[Mirek]

Puncture for Kopecký

[VFTS]

Juho was ahead with good margin (11 seconds). I think that Andreas stopped just as an act of demonstration. For sure it wasn't necessary.

Andreas stopped before the finish on the stage because it was teamorders from Skoda. They were told this from Skoda already before the last loop.
Hänninen didnt like it himselves because he wanted a fair fight until the end.
I know...

[wwbroe]

Juho was ahead with good margin (11 seconds). I think that Andreas stopped just as an act of demonstration. For sure it wasn't necessary.

I checked it and you are both right. But i guess we will never now for sure if it was necessary or not. :D
Anyhow, i think Andreas deserves the title. ;)

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Mikkelsen also.

[Mirek]

Andreas stopped before the finish on the stage because it was teamorders from Skoda. They were told this from Skoda already before the last loop.
Hänninen didnt like it himselves because he wanted a fair fight until the end.
I know...


OK but the gap I mention (11 seconds) is before last loop in favor of Juho so it really wasn't needed. Before last stage it was 28 (he stopped in penultimate one).

[ZequeArgentina]

Wow puncture for Jan, nd now to Andreas, Kopecky spoke about a rock in the road, same rock for Andreas?

[6789]

Andreas still picks up 30 seconds in that stage. So close!

[Mirek]

Wow puncture for Jan, nd now to Andreas, Kopecky spoke about a rock in the road, same rock for Andreas?

Yes, same rock. Jan hit it by front tyre, Andreas by rear one and therefore didn't loose that much.

[Micke_VOC]

Go Andreas !!!!!

I hope we can celebrate the biggest effort in rally for a couple years in scandinavia this night =)

[focus206]

Come on, Andreas, don't make mistakes this time ;)

[RS]

Anyhow, i think Andreas deserves the title. ;)

I agree. As they pointed out on Rally Radio, Andreas has lead the last 6 rallies and also has won the most stages this season. If he wins the title then it reminds me a little of Vettel's first F1 championship - didn't lead the championship until the final race but he still deserved it. Of course Andreas has been helped a little by the coefficient scoring in the final two rounds (although maybe that corrects a little the asphalt vs. gravel imbalance this year)

[wwbroe]

I made a little calculation about how the championship would look like without the coeficients for Scotland and Cyprus and with the positions frozen in Cyprus. Kopecky would be the champion (134), before Hanninen and Mikkelsen (116), Loix (115), Neuville (111) and Bouffiier (103). That is at least if i didn't make any mistakes. :D

[Mirek]

Eurosport gave us rules which strongly favour fast drivers from reliable ones and in that regards Andreas fully deserves the title. Last two stages to go :)

[RS]

Eurosport gave us rules which strongly favour fast drivers from reliable ones

I wish WRC was a little more like that.

[Mirek]

For me the Eurosport point system is too extreme but it was given prior the season, so I have no problem with respecting that.

[wwbroe]

For me the Eurosport point system is too extreme but it was given prior the season, so I have no problem with respecting that.

I absolutely agree with that.

[wwbroe]

Very poor time for Freddy on penultimate stage.

[Mirek]

Puncture for Freddy as well?

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Freddy as well?

I just got phonecall, probably engine is death. :mad:

[focus206]

Last stage in live coverage starts in about 25 minutes, am I right?

[wwbroe]

Last stage in live coverage starts in about 25 minutes, am I right?

That is correct

[focus206]

I just got phonecall, probably engine is death. :mad:

Damn! :(

[wwbroe]

Apparently they are working on it on the roadsection, but i am afraid he will not make it into the last stage, let alone run that stage.

[wwbroe]

He is back on the move, hope he can make it into regroup.

[noel157]

Last stage in live coverage starts in about 25 minutes, am I right?

4.10 in the UK. Is it not live then in UK/Ireland?

16:10
RALLY
IRC Rally - Cyprus - Day 2 (50min)

[focus206]

He is back on the move, hope he can make it into regroup.

Fingers crossed, then :)

[pettersolberg29]

4.10 in the UK. Is it not live then in UK/Ireland?

14:10 I assume you mean.

[noel157]

4.10 in the UK. Is it not live then in UK/Ireland?

16:10
RALLY
IRC Rally - Cyprus - Day 2 (50min)

Maybe not live, this morning Eurosport said "Live" in the listings, this time no word "live".

[Sulland]

1410 Z (gmt)

1510 A
1610 B
And so on

[Berzs]

Could someone please help with a working live stream link? The ones I used still this morning are not working anymore.

[pettersolberg29]

Any online links for Eurosport coverage? I am nowhere near a TV :(

[wwbroe]

I just hear that Freddy is back stopped and not moving. :(

[tolis]

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

[noel157]

1410 Z (gmt)

1510 A
1610 B
And so on

No, Eurosport UK listing shows 16.10 as quoted.

[wwbroe]

Freddy is back on the move again, hope he can make it.

[tolis]

http://www.tvdez.com/eurosport

[Micke_VOC]

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

Not working for me, anymore stream ?

[noel157]

Thanks Tolis.

[tolis]

Eurosport online em EstadioFutebol.com, TVDez.com, TV Tuga, TVTuga em Directo (http://www.tvdez.com/eurosport)

[focus206]

Last stage of IRC 2011 started! :)

[makinen_fan]

thanks tolis 4 the link

[Berzs]

Thanks tolis! I really apreciate it.

Am dubbing the Rally Radio over the portugese commentators. :D

[focus206]

Sandell has fingers crossed for Mikkelsen :D

[SkodaSRT]

Congratulations to Andreas :D

[pettersolberg29]

Get in! Congrats Andreas :)

[focus206]

Andreas on the finish line! Great work! :)

[Andre Oliveira]

Congratulations to Andreas, Ola and Skoda UK.

[noel157]

Well done Andreas and Ola. Great season.

[wwbroe]

Congratulations to Andreas for a great win, pitty for Loix, loosing about two more minutes on last stage and by this the third place in championship. He has to do another 50 kms of liaison before reaching Paphos, so hope he can make it. His engine didn't sound very well at stage end and they had to push it over the stop line.

[Mirek]

Yes, congratulations to Andreas and Ola!

[Sulland]

Yiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiihaaaaaaaaaaaaa aaaa !

Biggest thing for Norwegian rallysport since 2003 !!!!

Skoda UK hired the right team!

[dimviii]

congrats to Mikkelsen and Ola.Well desrved championship.
pitty that the rally hadn t got fight till the end with another one or two contenters.

[RS]

Congrats to Andreas and Skoda UK for backing a good 'un!

Another great season of IRC - they must be doing something right as the last three champions are all mega drivers.

[RS]

Great shot of the sun going down! Looking forward to Golden Stage now.

[atsiotras79]

Congratulations Andreas, Ola and Skoda UK!

[Ucci]

Undoubtedly deserves Andreas the title the most of all ! With his age there are more titles to expect...Again, congratulations to young norvegian driver and his co-pilot!!

[Mirek]

In the end Juho managed to beat Burcu, so he isn't the last S2000 driver in finish :D

[mousti]

Arctic Rally is that on a isle that rally? I'm now doubting myself? :p It's because the IRC will begin and end with a rally on a Isle (Cyprus will be final again then)

[bluuford]

If you call Europe as island, the yes.Otherwise not :-)

[mm1]

Congrats, rally pleased with Andreas taking the title!

[mousti]

If you call Europe as island, the yes.Otherwise not :-)
Thought so ;p. So Arctic will not be the starting event.. What Isle could it be...

Twelve rallies are in it with 13th rally there are negotations (Circuit of Ireland??)

[Mirek]

Season stats: Autosport : Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=54&sk=204) (current system unfortunately can't show half points in overall)

Jezdci = Drivers
Značky = Manufacturers
RZ = SS wins
PC = Production cup

[bluuford]

I wrote the half points as well:
IRC driver standings
1 Mikkelsen 153.5
2 Kopecky 152
3 Hänninen 125
4 Loix 123
5 Neuville 115
6 Bouffier 110.5
7 Wilks 47
8 Sandell 44
9 Gardemeister 43
10 Kruuda 39
So, Sandell and kruuda made it to top 10 thanks to the last rally

IRC manufacturers
1 Skoda 362.5
2 Peugeot 241.5
3 Subaru 117
4 M-Sport 107
5 Mitsubishi 104
6 Honda 46
7 Proton 41
8 Fiat 15
So, Skoda missed only 3 points from maximum. Subaru passed Ford to take third and Honda passed Proton to take 6th

IRC 2WD
1 Raoux 120
2 Albertini 119
3 Puskádi 71.5
4 Kangur 53.5
5 Guglielmi 40
6 Charalambous 30
7 MacCrone 27

Just 1 point between top 2, and is it first time since Sandell won JWRC in 2006 when Renault driver has won such a title?

2WD manu
1 Honda 320
2 M-Sport 161
3 Peugeot 149
4 Fiat 85
5 Skoda 73

Massive lead for Honda

Production Cup
1 Arai 111.5
2 Gonon 75
3 Cavigioli 37
4 Timotheou 36
5 Nutahara 32.5
6 Savvas 30
7 Pritchard 27
8 Pechenyk 27

Arai took it on the last rally:-)

[Hartusvuori]

Congratulations to Andreas and Ola! They were the raw speed of IRC 2011 and showed great maturing during the year. It would be more than interesting to measure Andreas' speed in WRC.

There haven't been any rumours in Finland around Arctic Rally being an IRC round.

[Barreis]

Horror.

[OldF]

Congratulations to Andreas and Ola for the IRC championship.

But what do you guys think about this points scoring system. With this system Andreas scored 57% of his points from the two last rallies compared to Jan that scored 33,6% of his points with two victories.

With equal points Andreas would have been out from the title battle before Scotland (54 points behind Jan). Freddy and Thierry was 25 points behind Jan, Juho was 30 points and Bryan 40points behind. Still four drivers that had at least a theoretical change for the championship.

IMO IRC should in the future see what is the standing before the two last or the last IRC rally and then decide the coefficients for the rallies.

I’m not saying that Andreas don’t deserve the title but at the same time I feel little sorry for Jan.

Below some scenarios with different coefficients.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii284/OkdF/IRCpoints.jpg

[Wim_Impreza]

Without coefficients and without scrap results, that is how a championship must be. In my opinion Jan Kopecký is the real champion and not Mikkelsen who is very lucky with the coefficients and the scrap results.

Also strange to see that a Group A car can win the Production cup.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Congratulations to Mikkelsen and Floene, they deserved the title . They and Neuville/Gilsoul were the fastest and most attractive in my opinion in this season, especially Mikkelsen in the 2nd part of the season. But I'm afraid in my opinion this will never be a true title. Kopecky is the real champion througout the year as he was the most consistent. Mikkelsen was leading the last 6 rallies, however you don't become champion by leading rallies. This coefficient rule is extremely stupid, but as pointed this rule was from the beginning and it was the same for everyone .

[Ucci]

Well, here I disagree with all, who are against coefficients. As already somebody wrote, all crews know already from the first rally in 2011 for this system, so they knew, that the highlight of the season will be on the last two rallyes. And all tactics through the season is worth nothing, as everything will be turned upside down in yust two last races. And it is good for the sport itself, because on the other hand we would see almost nowebody in the Cyprus. And imagine organizers with yust some local crews on the start of the IRC rally.
Andreas showed terrifying speed & mental stability at the right time, so he deserves the title.
God forbidden to change the rules through the season, this is stupid proposal....
Summary: it was the same for everyone, they had their chances, but yust one is the champion at the end.

[mousti]

Indeed if u don't agree with that ruling, don't start then and don't make it a objective then. But like always there will be criticism afterwards like it's in every sport..

[Micke_VOC]

Without coefficients and without scrap results, that is how a championship must be. In my opinion Jan Kopecký is the real champion and not Mikkelsen who is very lucky with the coefficients and the scrap results.

Also strange to see that a Group A car can win the Production cup.

But Mikkelsen have most stage wins....

[Wim_Impreza]

But Mikkelsen have most stage wins....

Kopecký finished all the rallies where he took part in. Mikkelsen crashed twice in SS1 and he crashed also in Hungary.

[Barreis]

Now it's all over. What about calendar for next year?!

[Mirek]

Kopecký finished all the rallies where he took part in. Mikkelsen crashed twice in SS1 and he crashed also in Hungary.

Kopecký crashed in Ypres shakedown and didn't even start to the first stage.

But anyway it's clear that IRC is not a competition in regularity. That is called SWRC.

[liposh]

OK for coeficients, but the rally must be much more longer, not only 5 special stages x 2 drives and alltogether 180 km. If the rally will be next year about 300 km on this mix of surface, then it can be with coeficient 2 ;) ...or let´s replace the Cyprus with our czech "Rally Hustopece"...same lenght and same mix of surface, but new places :D ...just fun, but the organizers of Rally Cyprus must think about all these things a lot :s mokin:

[alleskids]

Now it's all over. What about calendar for next year?!

Peter Baerts of Eurosport talked about 12 rallies (maybe 13)in 2012, starting the season on an island and finishing on an island (probarly Cyprus again)

[AndyRAC]

OK for coeficients, but the rally must be much more longer, not only 5 special stages x 2 drives and alltogether 180 km. If the rally will be next year about 300 km on this mix of surface, then it can be with coeficient 2 ;) ...or let´s replace the Cyprus with our czech "Rally Hustopece"...same lenght and same mix of surface, but new places :D ...just fun, but the organizers of Rally Cyprus must think about all these things a lot :s mokin:

That's a pretty good point - if you offer double points, then the Rally should be longer than a normal event. In the BRC in 2009, the final round was in Yorkshire, and offered double points, but it was only a one day event - didn't make sense. However, I understand why Cyprus & Scotland offered 2 & 1.5 x points - to get a better entry.
For example, in next years WEC, the Le Mans 24 hours is offering double points.....entirely sensible .

[VFTS]

Peter Baerts of Eurosport talked about 12 rallies (maybe 13)in 2012, starting the season on an island and finishing on an island (probarly Cyprus again)

They have been in contact with Arctic Rally, IRC needs a proper snow/ice rally. But I think its too expensive to arrange an IRC-event so it will not be in Finland. Thats a pity.
So the start of the season will be in Scotland(island) already in february/march and end the season on Cyprus.

[mousti]

Spa 24 hours was also the biggest event every GT championship where it was included. If u dominate the event full 24 hours, u have a very big chance to win the whole championship, every 6 hours u get a nice amount of points.

[VFTS]

Mikkelsen will not start Golden Stage tomorrow.

[Barreis]

Not bad.

[liposh]

VFTS: Really? It doesn´t make any sense. And anyway, please always tell us the source, it is important. THX in advance.

...oh really, he told it on press conference...bad for SKODA, because only Hanninen has power to stop Neuville and Al-Attiyah tomorrow...and I don´t think he will be the "lucky man " tomorrow. He isn´t so "young and mad" like Neuville.

[6789]

iRally confirmed no golden stage for Andreas.

They reported a few days back that Scotland is out of the IRC next year as well

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen will not start Golden Stage tomorrow.

Time for celebration overnight? :)

[pettersolberg29]

People who say Andreas doesn't deserve the title are just as bitter as Kopecky was in the interview at the final stage end. He said Andreas was 'lucky' - this coming from an extremely average driver who was nowhere near the fastest this season and got most of his points through luck as others have issues. The co-efficient system is totally fair as not only is it the same for everyone, but it makes the gravel-tarmac balance more even.

Mikkelsen has been the fastest and best driver this season. For this reason he is a very deserving champion.

[Mirek]

You are exaggerating to the other side...

First Kopecký won two events in straight battle lasting till the very last meter. Both with the toughest possible IRC opposition.

Andreas won most of the stages but on the other hand he also made a lot of mistakes, crashes, punctures etc. So I'm far from saying he was the best driver of the season. He was the best driver of last two events with higher point coefficients, that's without any questions.

But the best driver through whole season was clearly Juho Hänninen who drove only a fraction of events and made by far most points/start. Unfortunately he made his only big mistake in the worse possible moment but still, he drove four rallies less than Andreas and despite that he was the only one who didn't need victory here to take the title...

[bluuford]

People who say Andreas doesn't deserve the title are just as bitter as Kopecky was in the interview at the final stage end. He said Andreas was 'lucky' - this coming from an extremely average driver who was nowhere near the fastest this season and got most of his points through luck as others have issues. The co-efficient system is totally fair as not only is it the same for everyone, but it makes the gravel-tarmac balance more even.

Mikkelsen has been the fastest and best driver this season. For this reason he is a very deserving champion.

You are right that everybody remember only the champions... but for me the best driver throughout the season has been the one who has got most wins, and has done only one mistake, but unluckily he did it during the last rally. I would not say he is slower than our Champion :-)
Congradulation to Mikkelsen and Skoda for 1,2,3,4,5,6!

PS! Nasser will not start tomorrow as well. No spare engine.

[tolis]

Fully agree with you Mirek.

[Honza H.]

Also don´t forget that Kopecký has been an overall runner-up in three consecutive seasons - that doesn´t look like results of "an extremely average driver".

[pettersolberg29]

You are exaggerating to the other side...

First Kopecký won two events in straight battle lasting till the very last meter. Both with the toughest possible IRC opposition.

Andreas won most of the stages but on the other hand he also made a lot of mistakes, crashes, punctures etc. So I'm far from saying he was the best driver of the season. He was the best driver of last two events with higher point coefficients, that's without any questions.

But the best driver through whole season was clearly Juho Hänninen who drove only a fraction of events and made by far most points/start. Unfortunately he made his only big mistake in the worse possible moment but still, he drove four rallies less than Andreas and despite that he was the only one who didn't need victory here to take the title...

Okay maybe I exaggerated to be honest but it's frustrating to here a driver like Kopecky moan about Andreas' 'luck' when Mikkelsen has been generally very unlucky this season. Yes he crashed a lot, but I believe the champion should be the fastest driver even if he makes a couple of errors - for example if Mikko ends up winning the WRC it would be almost a joke as he has been only the 4th or 5th fastest driver this year. Consistency is good, but speed is more important in deciding a deserving champion in my opinion.

I do agree that Juho may have been an equally deserving champion based on results, but based on outright pace I'd still say Andreas is the quicker driver. Juho has more experience and is therefore more reliable, but he is no longer the outright quickest - Neuville and Mikkelsen have leapt ahead and if they can stay consistent then they both have massive futures.


You are right that everybody remember only the champions... but for me the best driver throughout the season has been the one who has got most wins, and has done only one mistake, but unluckily he did it during the last rally. I would not say he is slower than our Champion :-)
Congradulation to Mikkelsen and Skoda for 1,2,3,4,5,6!

Again I do have to admit Juho has been massively impressive in the IRC again this year but Andreas beat him fair and square in Scotland and in my opinion his pace in Cyprus would have been too much for Juho. If it wasn't for stupid mistakes in Hungary and punctures in San Remo Mikkelsen would have had 40 extra points before Cyprus, and I know you can't base championships on ifs and buts but this means that Juho's mistake is more than evened out in terms of points. And as I say above, I now think Andreas has overtaken Juho in terms of raw pace.


Also don´t forget that Kopecký has been an overall runner-up in three consecutive seasons - that doesn´t look like results of "an extremely average driver".

But he is also the only driver who is given all the factory support of the Skoda team for those 3 years and who has taken part in almost every rally possible, while Juho has to pick up points in less events and Andreas and Neuville have only had one full season. Kopecky is a good driver at IRC level on tarmac, but compared to the WRC big 5, Juho and Andreas I would say he isn't very close. For example his win in Zlin was handed to him after Mikkelsen got unlucky with his car, but Andreas came back on Sunday and blitzed the stages. And Kopecky's win in Hungary was only because Andreas through it away again while leading comfortably. Kopecky recently seems to only pick up points when others fail!

Anyway, this should be more about celebrating Andreas' win, so I'm sorry for bringing Kopecky's bad sportsmanship into it.

[tolis]

Link for Golden Stage here: Watch Live IRC Rally Cyprus Online Video IRC Rally - Motorsports (http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/12/48/v-324806.html)

[White Sauron]

I've got a question... If the Golden Stage is won by a factory driver, for example Kopecky or Hanninen, what do they do with money? I mean, from the organisers' side the money go to personalities, driver+co-driver. However, in case of a factory crew, the driver uses not his own car, but a car provided to him by his team. In this sense, the prize (money) should be considered as a product of rent. In common life, if we take land in rent and grow vegetables in it, the vegetables (the A Product) is ours. If we borrow equipment and poroduce packaging for our vegetables (the B Product), it's also fully ours as long as we pay rent. But what about the Golden Stage? Who actually gets the money?))

[SkodaSRT]

Lucky moment for Vizin

[mousti]

Neuville wins first run ! 5 seconds faster than Juho!

[PLuto]

If you want to see results, so here - Golden Stage Rally 2011 - Results - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2011/golden-stage-rally-2011/)

[tolis]

this is faster: Rally FICr (http://rally.ficr.it/tab_stagetimes.asp?p_Anno=2011&p_Codice=2&p_Manifestazione=14&p_Gara=1&p_ProvaSpeciale=1&p_Gruppo=ALL&p_Classe=ALL)

[Wim_Impreza]

Okay maybe I exaggerated to be honest but it's frustrating to here a driver like Kopecky moan about Andreas' 'luck' when Mikkelsen has been generally very unlucky this season. Yes he crashed a lot, but I believe the champion should be the fastest driver even if he makes a couple of errors - for example if Mikko ends up winning the WRC it would be almost a joke as he has been only the 4th or 5th fastest driver this year. Consistency is good, but speed is more important in deciding a deserving champion in my opinion.

Anyway, this should be more about celebrating Andreas' win, so I'm sorry for bringing Kopecky's bad sportsmanship into it.

Hirvonen has never improved since Grönholm retired from the WRC. Hirvonen hasn't shown flashes of speed and he had 3 or 4 times teamorders in his favour this year. I don't know why he must be in this topic.

Kopecký has shown the speed on tarmac, there weren't teamorders in his favour and a 2nd place on gravel in Cyprus with another codriver isn't bad in my opinion. With all points systems in the past, Kopecký would be the logical champion.

Which bad sportsmanship do you mean?

Now we have an IRC champion who crashed much more than the other title contenders.

[Juha_Koo]

Hirvonen has never improved since Grönholm retired from the WRC.

LOL :)

[Luis Pacheco]

Mikkelsen will not start Golden Stage tomorrow.

The party was huge I supose. :)

[Mirek]

For example his win in Zlin was handed to him after Mikkelsen got unlucky with his car, but Andreas came back on Sunday and blitzed the stages.

It was a puncture on Troják not a problem with his car.

You also keep playing with word luck. But why is someone who doesn't crash lucky and someone who crashes all the time unlucky? It may be a question of luck if it happens accidentally but if You crash/puncture in half of the events and the other one doesn't crash at all, it has nothing to do with luck but just with driving style and overall attitude. Kopecký is the guy for whom first target is to finish. For Andreas first target seems to be being the fastest. We saw that this brings very different results under different rules (just compare how Pons became SWRC champion and Mikkelsen became IRC champion). For IRC it's definitely better to risk as You have plenty of jokers to spent but still we are all human and someone just doesn't want to risk as much as the other. Now Andreas would have to step further and also find consistency because to success in WRC this flat out style can't work. Let's hope he is able to improve reliability. Speed is no question.

[Mirek]

I've got a question... If the Golden Stage is won by a factory driver, for example Kopecky or Hanninen, what do they do with money? I mean, from the organisers' side the money go to personalities, driver+co-driver. However, in case of a factory crew, the driver uses not his own car, but a car provided to him by his team. In this sense, the prize (money) should be considered as a product of rent. In common life, if we take land in rent and grow vegetables in it, the vegetables (the A Product) is ours. If we borrow equipment and poroduce packaging for our vegetables (the B Product), it's also fully ours as long as we pay rent. But what about the Golden Stage? Who actually gets the money?))

I think that this is a question of crew/team relationship. Could be different in each case.

[Mirek]

Incredibly crazy drive by Neuville. What a crisis there in live...

[darkstar]

what a ride! i was really scared he would crash any moment. big, big respect!

[Juha_Koo]

Hahaha, totally awesome! :) Very crazy attacking from Neuville, many close calls there but made it to the finnish. Totally deserved win. :up:

Jakke Honkanen and Jussi Välimäki commentating in Finnish Eurosport, funny reactions when half of the car was hanging in the ditch. :D

[wwbroe]

Big congratulations to Thierry and Nicolas, amazing drive trough Golgen Stage with several narrow escapes, but he made it and won deserved in front of Juho and Jan. I think he have a great future in front of him.

[Francis44]

Congratulations to Neuville, experience starting to pay off and awesome driving style. I think he is the new Ogier on the way.

[White Sauron]

Congratulations to Neuville, experience starting to pay off and awesome driving style. I think he is the new Ogier on the way.

Hopefully a new Loeb=))

[darkstar]

think so too, especially when you look for how long he´s driving rallye at all now and what a good speed he has on gravel, with almost no gravel experience yet. he started rallyeing in 2008 and has only driven 7 gravel rallyes including cyprus, thats crazy!

[Mintexmemory]

Woo hoo, brilliant drive from TH - so who would make a better Citroen no 2. Neuville or Hirvonenen?
If anyone is interested I'm currently auctioning a signed Neuville and Gilsoul poster on e-bay - Very pleased to have a spare and a shot I took at Ypres 10 signed by him. I remember looking at the provisional results at Ypres last year and he was standing next to me, totally un-hassled. Think he might be very much a centre of attention from now on.

[pucky54]

He was driving supreme already for the whole season from Canarias onwards...

[Juha_Koo]

so who would make a better Citroen no 2. Neuville or Hirvonenen?

Ehhh, it's funny how always after a good result people get super-exicted and are transferring guys to WRC factory team. :) Come on, Neuville has only driven seven gravel rallies and he has very limited experience in WRC. You really think he could manage Citroen's second seat?

Hoping to see Neuville in SWRC (and different national series) next year.

[pucky54]

I hope he stays in IRC one more year, cause theres much more competition than in SWRC

[Mintexmemory]

Woo hoo, brilliant drive from TH - so who would make a better Citroen no 2. Neuville or Hirvonen?
If anyone is interested I'm currently auctioning a signed Neuville and Gilsoul poster on e-bay - Very pleased to have a spare and a shot I took at Ypres 10 signed by him. I remember looking at the provisional results at Ypres last year and he was standing next to me, totally un-hassled. Think he might be very much a centre of attention from now on. :champion:

[Mintexmemory]

Come on, Neuville has only driven seven gravel rallies and he has very limited experience in WRC. You really think he could manage Citroen's second seat?

More than Juho can manage a VW second seat, I would venture. However, SWRC would give him another year's experience of WRC rounds (as Tanak has done this year).

[dimviii]

bravo to Neuville for his blitzspeed.In a ss without championship points risk, he was faster than Juho.In first half of the year if somebody had to tell me something like this i wouldn t give even 10% chances.Rallying magic strikes again.
Extreme progress through the year for Neuville on both surfaces.
Juho seems that he has toped his progress,and from know he hasn t got any more to give.Afraid that is not enough for making the next step in wrc.On the opposite Mikkelsen and Neuville seems that they haven t toped their progress.
Kopecky 0,6-0,7 sec km/h slower.No comment.

ps Mirek feel free to discuss :p :

[Mirek]

I have nothing to add as I agree with You.

[PLuto]

I can discuss. I think that Juho lost his speed due to his step into SWRC. In IRC you must push from beginning till the end, in SWRC it is more about tactics (longer stages, less number of tyres, less number of services, less number of rivals, superally etc.).

[PLuto]

Some new photos from Cyprus by Josef Petru - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=12958)

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/baa8f504490f00934b7fde91032e8bd4.jpghttp://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/e239957f66c1388db0fc589b25938a67.jpghttp://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/15235e1f4fe0472fd710a0eab67a239a.jpg

[pettersolberg29]

Hirvonen has never improved since Grönholm retired from the WRC. Hirvonen hasn't shown flashes of speed and he had 3 or 4 times teamorders in his favour this year. I don't know why he must be in this topic.

Kopecký has shown the speed on tarmac, there weren't teamorders in his favour and a 2nd place on gravel in Cyprus with another codriver isn't bad in my opinion. With all points systems in the past, Kopecký would be the logical champion.

Which bad sportsmanship do you mean?

Now we have an IRC champion who crashed much more than the other title contenders.

I brought Mikko up because Kopecky is a similar sort of driver - going for points but rarely showing flashes of real pace this year. And in my eyes, the quickest drivers i.e. Loeb and Mikkelsen deserve the titles. The bad sportsmanship I mean is that Kopecky had the cheek to say that Andreas has got 'lucky' in the last two events at the final stage end, which is completely out of order. And it doesn't matter if Andreas crashed more - he was the fastest and in my opinion its the fastest driver who deserves to be champion. Its not like he never finished rallies - he won 2 and came a very close 2nd in Azores and San Remo.


It was a puncture on Troják not a problem with his car.

You also keep playing with word luck. But why is someone who doesn't crash lucky and someone who crashes all the time unlucky? It may be a question of luck if it happens accidentally but if You crash/puncture in half of the events and the other one doesn't crash at all, it has nothing to do with luck but just with driving style and overall attitude. Kopecký is the guy for whom first target is to finish. For Andreas first target seems to be being the fastest. We saw that this brings very different results under different rules (just compare how Pons became SWRC champion and Mikkelsen became IRC champion). For IRC it's definitely better to risk as You have plenty of jokers to spent but still we are all human and someone just doesn't want to risk as much as the other. Now Andreas would have to step further and also find consistency because to success in WRC this flat out style can't work. Let's hope he is able to improve reliability. Speed is no question.

Puncture, sorry. But the point remains as not all punctures are due to driving style but instead can be bad luck if massive rocks are dragged into unnoticeable areas in front of him. Kopecky has been lucky to see other drivers have incidents and for him to avoid them. Yes skill is obviously involved too as crashing isn't a skillful thing, and some punctures are due to dangerous driving style. But in my view Andreas has been unlucky with punctures, and maybe inexperienced with accidents, which took away massive points in Hungary and potentially Monte Carlo. I think I just beleive the fastest driver is the deserving champion - be it Hanninen, Neuville or Andreas, but Kopecky was undoubtedly not the quickest this year. For him to win through consistency isn't the same as a driver winning through sheer pace.


Congratulations to Neuville as well by the way. What a load of potential there is there.

[Hartusvuori]

I can discuss. I think that Juho lost his speed due to his step into SWRC. In IRC you must push from beginning till the end, in SWRC it is more about tactics (longer stages, less number of tyres, less number of services, less number of rivals, superally etc.).

First of all, I don't think Juho has lost his speed. The youngsters (Tänak, Mikkelsen, Neuville to a degree) have only caught up on him.

Juho took the SWRC title and could've taken the IRC title as well if not for a major mistake. Juho won 3 IRC rounds this year. Is SWRC really a regressing series, I don't believe so. It's clear that the field is far narrower than in IRC, but Hänninen vs. Tänak battle takes from the winner the same amount of dedication than the IRC battles. What I think could've effect Hänninen's performance this year is outside pressure - namely VW - but this is purely guessing. It's a different mindset to drive for a future seat than to drive only for victory of a rally or series. And even with his mistakes on the second half of the season, Hänninen should be considered as one of the unproven, but definitely fast, all-around, hugely experienced, PR friendly driver - someone who should have a place in this sport. And that is not anything taken away from the three abovementioned youngsters: generations change and those all are very potential guys to go pro in this sport, all with natural way of approach to take progress.

Also, in addition, 2011 IRC season was awesome. Great rallies, great battles, many great drivers. I can only hope this series takes on in the future too with new drivers coming into mix while the best leave for WRC.

[pettersolberg29]

Juho took the SWRC title and Also, in addition, 2011 IRC season was awesome. Great rallies, great battles, many great drivers. I can only hope this series takes on in the future too with new drivers coming into mix while the best leave for WRC.

Agree 100% - the IRC is still going strong even if its becoming a Skoda championship, but hopefully Neuville, Bouffier and Wilks can get even more involved next season.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Watching Neuville was just fantastic :) Ever since I saw him live in Hungary on the absolute limit, I just know he is the next big thing :) Don't forget- Neuville didn't even start his first rally when Mikkelsen was going WRC and Irish tarmac in WRCs !

[Sulland]

Neuville has a huge talent, and we will see much more of him!

Mikkelsen has driven most on loose surface, and Neuville has in hos youth driven mostly on asphalt. Both of them are working to become better on their weakest surface. Both of them have talent enough to reach the top!


They will be exiting to follow!

[RS]

Ehhh, it's funny how always after a good result people get super-exicted and are transferring guys to WRC factory team. :) Come on, Neuville has only driven seven gravel rallies and he has very limited experience in WRC. You really think he could manage Citroen's second seat?


Not yet... but given his progress this year I don't think it would take long.

You lol'ed at the suggestion that Mikko has not made any progress in recent years. Taking the Finnish hat off, do you really think he has? I mean, the guy has been minutes off the pace on the WRC tarmac rallies this year and has only taken one "real" win this season.

[Hartusvuori]

You lol'ed at the suggestion that Mikko has not made any progress in recent years. Taking the Finnish hat off, do you really think he has? I mean, the guy has been minutes off the pace on the WRC tarmac rallies this year and has only taken one "real" win this season.

The question was has Mikko taken any progress since Grönholm retired, 2007. It is measured against Loeb and if you look at seasons 2008 and 2009, Mikko definitely progressed for the latter. But since then, had there been any progress, it definitely hadn't materialised in terms of success.

[Juha_Koo]

Not yet... but given his progress this year I don't think it would take long.

You lol'ed at the suggestion that Mikko has not made any progress in recent years. Taking the Finnish hat off, do you really think he has? I mean, the guy has been minutes off the pace on the WRC tarmac rallies this year and has only taken one "real" win this season.

Yes, I talked about this time, not about the future. In the future Neuville will be fighting for wins in WRC.

And just like Hartusvuori said, the question was that has Mikko taken any progress since Grönholm retired and answer to that is pretty clear, yes, he has. But is he good enough now? No, he's not. I didn't have Finnish hat on, because I'm not Mikko's fan and lately that feeling has only strenghtened.

[cali]

Any video from golden stage? I managed to miss the live broadcast ...
Would like to see Neuville's crazy attack :)

[tolis]

Golden Stage Run 1:
Part 1: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 1 - Part 1/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dl8cFp74Qi8)
Part 2: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 1 - Part 2/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5Rwz0jEoos)
Part 3: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 1 - Part 3/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jnd_H4wZuL4)
Part 4: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 1 - Part 4/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZS8FCQb355Y)

Golden Stage Run 2:
Part 1: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 2 - Part 1/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MLgdvxehvA)
Part 2: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 2 - Part 2/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnUf7VFIBI0)
Part 3:IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 2 - Part 3/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaB8iF5QcsQ)
Part 4: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage Run 2 - Part 4/4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeX0mtUDvmE)

Neuville's big moment: IRC 2011 Cyprus Golden Stage 2 Neuville Big Save - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bI3FO0xHzWA)

[mousti]

Unbelievable what Neuville did there, beating Juho on a mixed stage is kinda superb with a guy who has like seven gravel rallies done. If Peugeot Belux doesn't give him the chance for next year in IRC then there'll be a riot :D . But Neuville already said, sometime ago that last year was getting experience, this year was taking the level higher and get a win , succeeded very well 2 wins in 2 very classical rallies and then finishing the season with winning Golden Stage ! Next year it would be going full for the title and that's totally what they've to do!

Unbelievable Mikkelsen failing after a few turns in MC Neuville also an off on SS1 in MC and both are now with Hanninen the 3 guys who mostly colored the IRC championship!

[RS]

Regarding Kopecky's alledged bitterness to Mikkelsen, if you have seen the podium celebrations on the Eurosport review programme I don't think you would still think that. I don't think Jan was saying Andreas was lucky to win the last 2 rallies, just that he was lucky with the points co-efficients (which is kind of true) For the record I think Andreas is far more champion material than Kopecky, even if I thought Andreas should have been battling for the title next year rather than this one!

[Mirek]

I think I just beleive the fastest driver is the deserving champion - be it Hanninen, Neuville or Andreas, but Kopecky was undoubtedly not the quickest this year. For him to win through consistency isn't the same as a driver winning through sheer pace.

I don't question the title holder ;) For me we had some rules and the guy who made the most if them won. Simple and clear. I just reacted to Your statement that Mikkelsen was clearly the best driver of the season but too unlucky which in my opinion is a bit biased view as I explained before.

[Wim_Impreza]

I brought Mikko up because Kopecky is a similar sort of driver - going for points but rarely showing flashes of real pace this year. And in my eyes, the quickest drivers i.e. Loeb and Mikkelsen deserve the titles. The bad sportsmanship I mean is that Kopecky had the cheek to say that Andreas has got 'lucky' in the last two events at the final stage end, which is completely out of order. And it doesn't matter if Andreas crashed more - he was the fastest and in my opinion its the fastest driver who deserves to be champion. Its not like he never finished rallies - he won 2 and came a very close 2nd in Azores and San Remo.

Yes, Mikkelsen was lucky in the first SS that was shown live on Eurosport. When he doesn't had that luck, he was out of the rally there...

[Wim_Impreza]

Agree 100% - the IRC is still going strong even if its becoming a Skoda championship, but hopefully Neuville, Bouffier and Wilks can get even more involved next season.

In 2007 and 2008 it was a Peugeot championship.

[bluuford]

Ofcourse you need some luck, always. Neuville was lucky to win Golden stage rally and not to damage his car. He was out of road once and once hit a bank pretty hard.. he was lucky to escape from his mistakes here. At the same time he retired in Monte, because he hit the bank. Not so lucky and no escape there. Those are lucky escapes in my view.

Unlucky are those who hit the Kangaroo who is running 50 km/h and you have less than 0.1 sec to react (which is impossible). You hit a cow who is behind blind crest or you hit another car which is crashed behind blind corner or crashed driver puts the triangle to the wrong place and forces you to take not so safe route or you get a puncture because of single nail that was on the road surface, or you hit crashed car in a snow rally on a narrow and fast section (Like Rovanpera did in Sweden). Those whoe have many such incidents might be considered pretty unlycky indeed :-)

[mousti]

Two nice videos:

Neuville Flatout


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=lyKSHh2gzko
Kruuda driftking :p


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UytEzx0ow7I

[dimviii]

Two nice videos:

Neuville Flatout


Neuville!! :eek: :vader: :dozey:

[Barreis]

This's all disaster with points rule I think. Kopecky lost everything in last 2 rallies.

[Bartek]

Holy Mother!! Respect for Neuville !! :)

[Sulland]

Holy Mother!! Respect for Neuville !! :)

Yes, flat out with G forces. But not that impressed with the spectator placement in that corner......

[Bartek]

Yes, flat out with G forces. But not that impressed with the spectator placement in that corner......

Maybe they thinking that they are immortals :) I would like to see onboard with this :)

[Leon]

cyprus rally photoes including Hanninen roll

[url=http://www.taxitita.com/index.php?p=gallery&gal=13]Το Cyprus Rally 2011 σε φωτογÏ