Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2012

[EightGear]

Very nice performance by Kuipers. :)

[EuroTroll]

Tänak might get a point from this.. :)

[MikeD]

Well done Prokop. His best result ever...

[focus206]

Yes, Kuipers did a nice job :)

[bluuford]

Tänak might get a point from this.. :)
Yes, I think it is impossible to beat top 3 times by the remaining drivers

[OldF]

The stream is working at the moment

[EuroTroll]

Well done Prokop. His best result ever...

Well done, indeed. Especially since his engine was broken most of the time. :s

[Halvis]

Where is Petter?????

[jonkka]

On stage...

[grugsticles]

Petter will do very well to get even close. Looks slippery!

[jonkka]

Tänak might get a point from this.. :)

Looks that way, yesh :D

[MikeD]

Yes, Sordo stays quickest :D

[Viking]

Never Give Up!

[awake27]

Petter 10 seconds off... So top 3 already decided.

[Salist]

I think Dani won the Power Stage.

[Halvis]

Too bad the conditions changed so much on the Power stage - but that´s rallying I guess.

[mm1]

nice one from Nasser

[awake27]

Al-Attiyah repasses Prokop for 5th.

[MikeD]

That was impressive Nasser...

[focus206]

Good rally for Nasser and Prokop also :)

[MikeD]

:bounce: Novikov ... first podium ever :bounce:

[EightGear]

Novikov! :D

[EuroTroll]

Well done, Novikov! :up: :up:

[mm1]

Congrats to Novikov!

[awake27]

Novikov and Giraudet :up:

[MikeD]

Do we have to remind Malcom that there are 3 Ford driver having scored more points this year than JML?

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Hyvä Suomi Finland perkele! Awesome win by Hirvonen!! Nobody can't match with Hirvonen! Ultimate victory.

[MikeD]

I my book Mikko's finest win ever. And now the championship leader. He seems to like the DS3

[Salist]

Congratulations Mikko and Jarmo!!!

[awake27]

I my book Mikko's finest win ever. And now the championship leader. He seems to like the DS3
Nah disagree. Norway 2007 and Finland 2009 beat this win easily.

[Viking]

1. Mikko Hirvonen 75
2. Sebastien Loeb 66
3. Petter Solberg 59
4. Mads Østberg 46
5. Evgeny Novikov 36
6. Jari-Matti Latvala 28

[Salist]

And congrat Dani and Carlos too.

[Brother John]

Congrats to M. Hirvonen, M. Østberg, E. Novikov and the hero of this sh!t rally D. Sordo.

[Viking]

Not an single stage win for Citroen! When did that last happen??

[vkangas]

Great win for Mikko - Gongratulations! Sensible driving really payed off!

[bassist]

Great win for Mikko - Gongratulations! Sensible driving really payed off!

Echo that, lovely drive Mikko.

[EuroTroll]

I wouldn't call it a "great" win for Hirvonen, but an immaculate drive in difficult conditions, a "good" win. :up:

[tolis]

Podium ceremony in 35 minutes in RTP1 & 2

[Luis Pacheco]

Podium ceremony in 35 minutes in RTP1 & 2

More like to see Ronaldo again...

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Ketomaa beat Sordo,Latvala,Tänak...one point good job!

[A FONDO]

Hirvonen 75
Loeb 66
Solberg 59
Ostberg 46
Novikov 36
Latvala 28
Sordo 21
Attiyah 18
Tanak 15
Prokop 12
Ogier 8
Araujo 7
====================
Citroen 133
Ford 91
M-Sport 60
Qatar 28
Citroen jr 16
Brazil 8

[Barreis]

Hirvonen half a minute down on 5 km on power stage, instructions maybe... :D

[EuroTroll]

Ketomaa beat Sordo,Latvala,Tänak...one point good job!

You're in very patriotic mood. ;)

To me, Ketomaa was a disappointment. The speed simply wasn't there.

[Hartusvuori]

Do we have to remind Malcom that there are 3 Ford driver having scored more points this year than JML?

Yet only one winning driver. That's a paradox.

This one was the one to forget and the one to remember. The first Friday stage was unbelievable car carnage in which for a while no one knew what is happening and what to expect. Latvala made arguably a small mistake that cost him a lot. Like he said afterwards, it's race by race from this point on, championship is more or less over for him. I haven't saw footage from Solberg's off, but he had everything in his hands for a short while, but once again, it didn't happen. Also shame for Sordo, Prokop, Tänak, Neuville and Ketomaa to have their rallies plagued by technical issues and own mistakes. After all this it's hard to argue against that Hirvonen wouldn't be the man of the rally: he did what he knows the best and also took the most mature approach when needed. Also, congratulations to Novikov for good result. I hope he takes the best he learned from this rally with him to further rounds.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Hirvonen the leader! :D

[vkangas]

To me, Ketomaa was a disappointment. The speed simply wasn't there.
Yes, for me too. Also the team of Ketomaa does not seem to be very professional. They were totally lost with the car setup.

I thought privateers can usually access the basic setup information of the factory cars as a starting point but it seems this was not the case here.

[MikeD]

====================
Citroen 133
Ford 91
M-Sport 60
Qatar 28
Citroen jr 16
Brazil 8

These are not correct. It's...

Citroen 133
Ford 86
M-Sport 55
Adapta 30
Qatar 26
Citroen jr 14
Brazil 6

World Rally Championship - Results (http://www.wrc.com/results/2012/championship-standings/manufacturers/)

[bluuford]

These are not correct. It's...

Citroen 133
Ford 86
M-Sport 55
Adapta 30
Qatar 26
Citroen jr 14
Brazil 6

World Rally Championship - Results (http://www.wrc.com/results/2012/championship-standings/manufacturers/)

Adapta has not nominated Portugal

[A FONDO]

These are not correct. It's...

Citroen 133
Ford 86
M-Sport 55
Adapta 30
Qatar 26
Citroen jr 14
Brazil 6

World Rally Championship - Results (http://www.wrc.com/results/2012/championship-standings/manufacturers/)
I didnt count Adapta because it doesnt have "M" in the stage times. Not sure whats the case with it.

[Iskald]

1. Mikko Hirvonen 75
2. Sebastien Loeb 66
3. Petter Solberg 59
4. Mads Østberg 46
5. Evgeny Novikov 36
6. Jari-Matti Latvala 28

Surely it must be so that never before in world rallying has the three podium finishers driven so slow through the last day of a world championship event. But this has been a rally of survival, and Hirvonen, Østberg and Novikov managed to keep their cool through the carnage of friday. I really cant understand if Mads Østberg isnt in a factory seat next year. He is one of the youngest top drivers, but shows a maturity which should be a strong force for any of the factory teams. A swap with Petter Solberg in the Ford team for next year perhaps...?

[Coach 2]

Mikko, Petter, Mads, Novikov etz. For sure.

And on PS

JML, Petter, Mikko (maybe Mads but not sure...).

Rememeber this!

We will.

[MikeD]

Adapta has not nominated Portugal

Yes, they are. It's often wrong with missing "M" on WRC. Adapta is nominated for all rounds from Mexico and onwards...

Edit: Just checked with FIA.com and I think you are right. The team has chosen not to be nominated. I thought that once you were nominated you were it for all rouds you were participating in. That's weird.

[Coach 2]

Too bad the 20 sec penalty for Prokop at TC 3.
But still a good result.

[N.O.T]

The winner of the event didn't even won a special stage... ok the rally was exciting but from my point of view for the wrong reasons...

Very good job from Hirvonen... when was the last time a Citroen driver won an event and his name wasn't Loeb ??

Sordo did an excellent job as well...

Huge disappointments from Latvala and Ketoma...

Argentina cannot come soon enough... Lets hope the organisers don't mess things up once more...

[jens]

Who is the youngest driver ever to achieve a podium position in WRC? The question came to my mind as Novikov is now only 21 years old.

[Nornbugger]

Congrats to M. Hirvonen, M. Østberg, E. Novikov and the hero of this sh!t rally D. Sordo.

wow, we have a testing rally that is totally unpredictable and you label it sh!t? what does it take to please some folk?

ps, I agree with what you say for Sordo, great drive by him, hopefully soon he will get a rally free from mech problems

[Viking]

Surely it must be so that never before in world rallying has the three podium finishers driven so slow through the last day of a world championship event. But this has been a rally of survival, and Hirvonen, Østberg and Novikov managed to keep their cool through the carnage of friday. I really cant understand if Mads Østberg isnt in a factory seat next year. He is one of the youngest top drivers, but shows a maturity which should be a strong force for any of the factory teams. A swap with Petter Solberg in the Ford team for next year perhaps...?

Yeah, but also a bit disappointed that Østberg and Novikov has raced more than 400 km in this positions and has not an single time tried to put pressure on Hirvonen.

[mm1]

Not an single stage win for Citroen! When did that last happen??
Not a single stage win by all top three drivers, don`t think it`s ever happened before.

[N.O.T]

wow, we have a testing rally that is totally unpredictable and you label it sh!t? what does it take to please some folk?

maybe some folk prefer to have winners by driving fast...maybe.

[User]

Good to see Mads and Novikov on the podium .. But to be fair, no battle for the podium made it pretty mediocre.


The winner of the event didn't even won a special stage... ok the rally was exciting but from my point of view for the wrong reasons...

Very good job from Hirvonen... when was the last time a Citroen driver won an event and his name wasn't Loeb ??


Duval, Australia 2005

[Josti]

Very good job from Hirvonen... when was the last time a Citroen driver won an event and his name wasn't Loeb ??

Hmmm, I remember a certain Mr. Ogier.

[User]

Hmmm, I remember a certain Mr. Ogier.

Hmm okay so forget my Duval in the post above :p

[Nornbugger]

maybe some folk prefer to have winners by driving fast...maybe.

are you all too young to remember the Safari rally?

[Nornbugger]

I wouldn't call it a "great" win for Hirvonen, but an immaculate drive in difficult conditions, a "good" win. :up:

Had the opposition had mechanical problems it wouldnt have been a great win, but I think how he drove and kept his head as so many top guys lost theirs it is a great win IMO and certainly one he can be very proud of, some rallys are won with balls, some with brains, and anyone who got round this event without superrally can go home proud

[Josti]

are you all too young to remember the Safari rally?

Agreed, rallying isn't only about outright speed. That's an undeniable rule.

[J4MIE]

Great to see an event that is not easy to get to the finish, as I keep saying it is not about going flat out everywhere as most seem to think :confused: It seems the problems the organisers faced were outwith their control so they can't really be blamed - but for me this event should be more closer to summer and just before Acropolis.

Well done to Mikko, good drive from him!

But I am so glad I did not go because I would not taken a jacket :D

[Viking]

Who is the youngest driver ever to achieve a podium position in WRC? The question came to my mind as Novikov is now only 21 years old.

Prob...Novikov, Latvala was 22, Østberg 23

[bluuford]

Yes, they are. It's often wrong with missing "M" on WRC. Adapta is nominated for all rounds from Mexico and onwards...

Edit: Just checked with FIA.com and I think you are right. The team has chosen not to be nominated. I thought that once you were nominated you were it for all rouds you were participating in. That's weird.

If you register for points you have to pay around 3000 EUR more for each registered event and you have to take part in all nominated events, otherwise you are facing penalty. So, minimal costs, minimal risks.

[Coach 2]

Yeah, but also a bit disappointed that Østberg and Novikov has raced more than 400 km in this positions and has not an single time tried to put pressure on Hirvonen.

Novikov has explained why, and Østberg had various technical problems such as engine trouble.
You can be sure that Mads had tried if he could.

[vkangas]

I think it's really good thing that we have different kind of rallyes. For me rally is going from A to B as fast as possible regardless of the conditions or overall length in a real world roads.

[J4MIE]

Bring Safari back to WRC, no matter what Loeb or Block thinks ;)

[Coach 2]

maybe some folk prefer to have winners by driving fast...maybe.

In this event, as in other rally, drove the winner as fast as the surface allowed.
In line with what he must do on stages in the Monte when there is snow.

You've even said that, if people want racing, go to a track.

[F1boat]

Hirvonen showed how smart he is. Not the fastest driver, but maybe the wisest. Kinda like Button in F1.

[MikeD]

If you register for points you have to pay around 3000 EUR more for each registered event and you have to take part in all nominated events, otherwise you are facing penalty. So, minimal costs, minimal risks.

But he did register for Mexico which means he has to register for at least 7 other events, so it's bit weird not to keep being registered for the events you have entered. Plus there are money paid for scoring Manu points so €3000 is nothing compared with what you can gain financially from those points.

[Viking]

But he did register for Mexico which means he has to register for at least 7 other events, so it's bit weird not to keep being registered for the events you have entered. Plus there are money paid for scoring Manu points so €3000 is nothing compared with what you can gain financially from those points.

I think Østberg put in his entry to late for this one to be registered for Manu Points.

[Negaiss]

Good to see Mads and Novikov on the podium .. But to be fair, no battle for the podium made it pretty mediocre.



Duval, Australia 2005

It was ogier in France 2011

[Xsara Fan]

Who is the youngest driver ever to achieve a podium position in WRC? The question came to my mind as Novikov is now only 21 years old.

Novikov now is the youngest, Giraudet now the oldest on podium.

I talk to Evgeny Novikov now by phone and he said 'Thank you for all supporters!' :)

[N.O.T]

You've even said that, if people want racing, go to a track.

the difference between racing and rallying is a lot more than just speed...you don't exactly call Finland or NZ racing...do you ?

[EuroTroll]

Novikov now is the youngest, Giraudet now the oldest on podium.

I talk to Evgeny Novikov now by phone and he said 'Thank you for all supporters!' :)

:up:

I'm glad Russia has a driver with such potential, and he seems a nice fellow too!

[N.O.T]

If Novikov has the funds in 2-3 years he could be very easily considered for a works drive...

I must say though that Giraudet does a fantastic job with him so far this year...i get a feeling his progression is due to Dennis in a large extend.

[Coach 2]

the difference between racing and rallying is a lot more than just speed...you don't exactly call Finland or NZ racing...do you ?

Absolutely not, but I like rallying, even when it's not just talking about speed.
My ideal championships, four endurance (one extreme endurance as Safari and 3 more or less endurance) 4 asphalt (with different types of asphalt), 2 on snow, 4 on good gravel roads.
It would provide a great champion.

[Carlo]

A good result for Paddon after the dissapointment of day two

[pettersolberg29]

I really cant understand if Mads Østberg isnt in a factory seat next year. He is one of the youngest top drivers, but shows a maturity which should be a strong force for any of the factory teams. A swap with Petter Solberg in the Ford team for next year perhaps...?

Disagree entirely. Østberg in my opinion will never make it at the very top level. He simply doesn't have the pace except on snow, and on tarmac he is nowhere. He never wins stages on pace alone, and is much worse than Loeb, Mikko, JML, Petter, Sordo and Ogier. And also Meeke and Mikkelsen if you look outside the WRC. He will always be an average driver and maybe a solid number 2 for a young team or new manufacturer, but I would put my house on him never winning a rally which isn't on snow.

Sorry if this sounds too negative - great result for him today, but he was brilliant at surviving and not pushing and thereforeon 95% of rallies this isn't enough. JML, Petter, Sordo and Loeb don't all have big problems on every rally!

[Psycho!]

For me the questionmark is different...Both Citroens have a shot at the title Loeb with his speed and Mikko with his consistency...With JML nearly out of contention,can Petter bring the fight to his rivals???

[tfp]

For me the questionmark is different...Both Citroens have a shot at the title Loeb with his speed and Mikko with his consistency...With JML nearly out of contention,can Petter bring the fight to his rivals???

I cant see Mikko being allowed to be a world champion, unless Loeb is miles behind everybody at the end of the year. Or he breaks his leg!
I doubt any of these things will happen. I think JML is way out of title contention now, you could probably get away with messing one event up, but when youre up against Loeb, you have to be perfect from start to finish.
JML has now messed up 3 events, its just way too much to pull back. Its really frustrating, because I had him down to do much better this year. Where has all of the consistency gone since the last half of last season??
Just as well MW has Petter to pick up the pieces after JML has unfortunately crashed again.

One more thing aswel, I bet Loeb spent most of this weekend on his back laughing and celebrating. Imagine his dissapointment when he crashed... and the relief when JML and Petter also crashed! I bet he was clapping his hands!

[Tom206wrc]

I don't think Loeb's mentality is to feel happy and shout it loud when opponents have any kind of problems :s

[MJW]

I don't think Loeb's mentality is to feel happy and shout it loud when opponents have any kind of problems :s Seb was at Le Castellet with his race team - he was pretty focused on that :-)

[Rallyper]

I cant see Mikko being allowed to be a world champion, unless Loeb is miles behind everybody at the end of the year. Or he breaks his leg!
I doubt any of these things will happen. I think JML is way out of title contention now, you could probably get away with messing one event up, but when youre up against Loeb, you have to be perfect from start to finish.
JML has now messed up 3 events, its just way too much to pull back. Its really frustrating, because I had him down to do much better this year. Where has all of the consistency gone since the last half of last season??
Just as well MW has Petter to pick up the pieces after JML has unfortunately crashed again.

One more thing aswel, I bet Loeb spent most of this weekend on his back laughing and celebrating. Imagine his dissapointment when he crashed... and the relief when JML and Petter also crashed! I bet he was clapping his hands!

But - a couple of years ago our Mr Loeb messed up at least four events and became champ anyway, with a little tactical help from MW, but still.

[Priorat]

Correct me if I'm wrong but , i feel that Østberg has done his career a bit too alone to develope the last bit of speed to be a top driver. Loeb, Hirvonen, Ogier, Sordo, Solberg all had experienced team mates at their beginings at WRC level, and even Novikov and Tanak have good advice from Giraudet and Märtin

[jens]

Disagree entirely. Østberg in my opinion will never make it at the very top level. He simply doesn't have the pace except on snow, and on tarmac he is nowhere.

Sounds a bit like Hirvonen, especially in his earlier years. Besides all, consistency counts a lot in modern WRC and Östberg is not far from the top of the leaderboard with decent points already in the bag, despite actually missing one rally! Even if you suggest that he isn't fast enough to be a pace-setter, he could certainly be a solid #2 by collecting a decent amount of points by the end of a season. Mads is still young and I think there is more to come from him if funding doesn't become an issue.

[Francis44]

Back from Algarve and from a very intense rally.

First day started with Ourique stage in the night. Completely dark with a bit of rain but quite dry surface (where we were standing). Plenty of drivers had problems with lights, some had ramps completely broken, some had ramps with only one or 2 lights working... Quite tricky and narrow place, Tannak from all looked to be more comfortable in the night wich I found interesting. Didn't even see Loeb, Latvala looked unsteady in that place and Solberg very fast.

Second day we watched at Tavira in extremely wet conditions, all looked quite steady minus the Ford's ofcourse, and Sordo. Dani was out of this world, the new car seems to be better but almost everywhere I saw Dani this weekend he had a moment. Almost went off in front of me, however that didn't stop him from continuing pushing way behind the limit sometimes.

Second loop didn't need to be cancelled, atleast the first and second stages, much better conditions than in the morning. From what I understood one chef marshall the organizers were afraid the slippery conditions would caught out more drivers and the rally would not have cars to run the next day.

Third day was in Vascão in what was perhaps the best place I have ever seen. Jump, followed by downhill section, then extremely wide slow corner, almost flatout 5 gear and then narrow hairpin. Sordo passed by without codriver window. In this Place Nasser looked nice in the damp, second loop was almost dry. Today we stayed by the service park.

Hirvonnen proved in this rally that he his one of the smartest drivers, nice rythm without taking crazy mistakes. Novikov with smart aproach aswell.

Looking forward to Argentina.

EDIT: Special thanks to BluuFord from preventing a terrible cold on all of us, you were right ;) .

[pettersolberg29]

Sounds a bit like Hirvonen, especially in his earlier years. Besides all, consistency counts a lot in modern WRC and Östberg is not far from the top of the leaderboard with decent points already in the bag, despite actually missing one rally! Even if you suggest that he isn't fast enough to be a pace-setter, he could certainly be a solid #2 by collecting a decent amount of points by the end of a season. Mads is still young and I think there is more to come from him if funding doesn't become an issue.

I see your point, but I think Mikko, Petter and Sordo are much better options personally, and until there are more manufacturers then Ostberg doesn't have a role in a manufacturer team in my view.

[N.O.T]

With JML nearly out of contention,can Petter bring the fight to his rivals???

No

[J4MIE]

Special thanks to BluuFord from preventing a terrible cold on all of us, you were right ;) .



Good report, I think you have to laugh in such conditions or you would cry :) :laugh: :up:

[rallye-sport]

Day 4 by Arnaud Photos Rallye du Portugal 2012 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-du-portugal-2012/)

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/portugal-2012/mg_9990.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/portugal-2012/mg_0231.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/portugal-2012/mg_0362.jpg

[tolis]

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/526293_337455486311887_140617845995653_1011563_156 3662222_n.jpg

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/993/993_vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2012_88779c777e.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/993/993_vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2012_57f91413e6.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/993/993_vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2012_a4d8cf2d38.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/993/993_vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2012_36af691e6c.jpg

More photos from last day HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=993&fseason=2012)

[rallye-sport]

Day 4 by Aurelien Photos Rallye du Portugal 2012 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-du-portugal-2012/)

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/portugal-2012/aurelien-vialatte-47.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/portugal-2012/aurelien-vialatte-40.jpg

[tfp]

But - a couple of years ago our Mr Loeb messed up at least four events and became champ anyway, with a little tactical help from MW, but still.

I laughed out loud at this :rotflmao: ^

Very true :p :D

[bluuford]

Loeb has received new award introduced by FIA!

Today, after the rally, Sebsatian Loeb has received new award introduced by FIA.

Jaen Totd: "I am very pleased to announce new award for our WRC rallies. We need to highlight some drivers who have shown extremely spectacular driving to us but has not reached to the podium of real rally itself. There is similar award in IRC already (Colin McRae Flat out Trophy) and we decided that we need similar awards. Today we have concluded new deal with toilet and kitchen paper producer to sponsor this new award called "King of Rolls"!"

King of Rolls spoke person: "We are extremely proud to sponsor the new award. I watched Sebsatians roll from TV and one second later I reached to the idea to offer such kind of sponsorship for WRC. The perosn who does the most rolls during the whole WRC season is going to receive 1000 kg of our rolls (note: it can be devided between kitchen and toilet paper rolls). Each round "rolling" winner receives 10 kg of rolls"

Sebsatian Loeb: "I am extremely proud to receive such kind of award. I have young child at home and all the kitchen and toilet paper is very valuable for us." SL. also added "It will be hard competition for the season award. I know that Noivkov with his numerous rolls in Mexico has got a big lead which is very hard to beat. Also JML ha some rolls on his account. I have learned that JML had numerous rolls in Portugal some years ago, so I hope to reach and agreement with JML to learn such a skill!"

Next award will be given in Argentina.

Picture from the award ceremony:
http://www.tlu.ee/~annu/King%20of%20Rolls/Loeb%20in%20podium.jpeg

[Iskald]

I see your point, but I think Mikko, Petter and Sordo are much better options personally, and until there are more manufacturers then Ostberg doesn't have a role in a manufacturer team in my view.

Mads is close to 14 years younger than Petter...While Petter has maybe 2-3 good years left in him, Mads has just started his career at the top level - and actually has a promising future. I also think you are totally wrong in valuating the speed potential of Mads. Give him a couple of more years (he will still only be 26 years...) and he will be exactly where he needs to be. When it comes to mental capacity Mads is in his own class in the WRC. A bit like the Jackie Stewart of rallying. But Mads is much funnier, and a thoroughly good bloke as well!

[pettersolberg29]

Mads is close to 14 years younger than Petter...While Petter has maybe 2-3 good years left in him, Mads has just started his career at the top level - and actually has a promising future. I also think you are totally wrong in valuating the speed potential of Mads. Give him a couple of more years (he will still only be 26 years...) and he will be exactly where he needs to be. When it comes to mental capacity Mads is in his own class in the WRC. A bit like the Jackie Stewart of rallying. But Mads is much funnier, and a thoroughly good bloke as well!

Do you think he will improve enough though? As a Norwegian I trust your opinion, however I simply don't see a spark in him. Unlike JML, Petter and Mikko before him, while they all started relatively slowly, they at least showed flashes of incredible pace. However Ostberg hasn't once won a stage on pace alone (not on snow) as far as I know. By the end of this season I'd expect at least one day of a rally where he shows top class pace otherwise he's taking too long to develop and may just become another nearly guy like Henning or Stohl.

[Psycho!]

Colin Clark says on twitter that the Citroen Team has been summoned by the Stewards... An Aprils Fool joke maybe??

[rallyfiend]

FIA Stewards tend not to have too much of a sense of humour.

[Psycho!]

Becs is at the press room...Interesting....

[dimviii]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/wrc/portugalsko/_MG_0444.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/wrc/portugalsko/_MG_9330.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/wrc/portugalsko/_MG_9315.jpg

eWRC.cz - Fotogalerie Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2012 (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=3490&fotograf=165)

[Barreis]

Becs is at the press room...Interesting....

Becs is working... :D

[dimviii]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/wrc/portugalsko/dsc_8417.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/wrc/portugalsko/DSC_9171.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2012/wrc/portugalsko/dsc_8523.jpg
eWRC.cz - Fotogalerie Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2012 (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=3490&fotograf=79)

[Rallyper]

Colin Clark says on twitter that the Citroen Team has been summoned by the Stewards... An Aprils Fool joke maybe??

Should be. Parc fermé is authorized by the stewards to be open and provisional final classification is published.

[dimviii]

Colin Clark says on twitter that the Citroen Team has been summoned by the Stewards... An Aprils Fool joke maybe??
they inspect gear-box

[rallyfiend]

Should be. Parc fermé is authorized by the stewards to be open and provisional final classification is published.

That may have released all other cars except those subject to an inquiry.

Until the results are finalized, all options are open to the stewards.

[Juha_Koo]

Clutch...?

[pettersolberg29]

Haha my prediction of Ostberg never winning on gravel may be a load of rubbish within an hour of saying it! Let's hope everything is ok with Mikko though.

[Allyc85]

Clutch...?

That is what I have read on Britishrally Forum.

[Bartek]

Hirvo out

[rallyfiend]

Mikko excluded.

Mads wins!

[Miika]

Haha my prediction of Ostberg never winning on gravel may be a load of rubbish within an hour of saying it! Let's hope everything is ok with Mikko though.

According to Clark, yes it was a load of rubbish (-> Mads wins).

[dimviii]

oh my god....have we got the reason guys?

[Allyc85]

Turbo and transmission according to planetmarcus on FB.

[N.O.T]

April fools or clutch...

either way what a farce Portugal was......

[mousti]

haha my prediction of ostberg never winning on gravel may be a load of rubbish within an hour of saying it! Let's hope everything is ok with mikko though.
lmao!!! :d

[Bartek]

According to Colin Clark:
Confirmed that car number 2 Mikko Hirvonen is excluded because of a non conforming clutch. Ostberg wins Rally Portugal

[Barreis]

Yes, Hirvonen was driving without clutch. :D

[pettersolberg29]

He will always be an average driver and maybe a solid number 2 for a young team or new manufacturer, but I would put my house on him never winning a rally which isn't on snow.


I've literally never felt more stupid! Glad nobody took me up on this bet :s

I obviously meant he'll never win a rally not on snow... from now on! :D

[Psycho!]

I've literally never felt more stupid! Glad nobody took me up on this bet :s

I obviously meant he'll never win a rally not on snow... from now on! :D

Don't blame yourself!!!I am more impressed with Neuville and I could easier support him in comparison to Mads...

[amilk]

Can I go to sleep - or the "Mikko's clutch" is a real story?

[pettersolberg29]

It seems real, and if it's not then it's very cruel joke on Mads!

[dimviii]

Will they inspect other ds3s?

[Juha_Koo]

Wow. Incredible.

Could I get something concrete on this - they have to release to Stewards Decision, right?

[EuroTroll]

Can I go to sleep - or the "Mikko's clutch" is a real story?

Nothing on autosport.com, nothing on wrc.com -- I think we might have a case of April Fools here. ;)

[RAS007]

Wow. What a rally. Has certainly provided some much needed excitement if this is all true!

[dimviii]

AUTOhebdo.fr | Exclusion de Mikko Hirvonen ! (http://www.autohebdo.fr/rallye/wrc/breve-26-1-22669/010412-exclusion-de-mikko-hirvonen)

[tolis]

No official news on wrc.com and Official Final Classfication not yet published.

[vkangas]

Nothing on autosport.com, nothing on wrc.com -- I think we might have a case of April Fools here. ;)
Don't think so, guys do not seem to be joking.

[darkstar]

Hirvonen disqualifiziert - Östberg siegt*:: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/04/01/hirvonen-disqualifiziert-oestberg-siegt/index.html)

[bluuford]

It is the crulest and the most well played April Fool in autosport history if it is true!

[N.O.T]

If colin clark managed to troll the rally interwebs he is my new god..i will pray and sacrifice living things on his name every April fools

[mousti]

I found it Ironic the first tweets came on that the exclusion was coming, and @citroenracing posting a video compilation of Mikko winning :D

[Psycho!]

I found it Ironic the first tweets came on that the exclusion was coming, and @citroenracing posting a video compilation of Mikko winning :D

I noticed that as well...

[darkstar]

what a pitty for hirvonen :(

[Francis44]

I think it might be true, according to Colin Clark Citroen is discussing the appeal of the decision.

[Bartek]

I found it Ironic the first tweets came on that the exclusion was coming, and @citroenracing posting a video compilation of Mikko winning :D

But this tweet is older than news about his disqual.

[Juha_Koo]

When was the last time a non-works team car won an WRC rally?

[Psycho!]

Now they are talking about an appeal...

[N.O.T]

Rally.cz results just removed Hirvonen from the final classification.....

Výsledky Rallye: Výsledky on-line (http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=89&filtr=)

[dimviii]

When was the last time a non-works team car won an WRC rally?

Cunico San Remo

[N.O.T]

When was the last time a non-works team car won an WRC rally?

apart from Loeb in the Kronos team i guess....

[Bartek]

Better drama than in today stages :)

[wrchirek]

Here is the provisional final classification: http://uk.rallydeportugal.pt/Handlers/fileHandler.ashx?path=%2fResourcesUser%2fDocumento s%2fQuadro_oficial_de_afixacao%2fProvisional_Final _Classification.pdf&menuid=60

And here is the stewards communication about the opening of parc fermé for all cars at 20:20: http://uk.rallydeportugal.pt/Handlers/fileHandler.ashx?path=%2fResourcesUser%2fDocumento s%2fQuadro_oficial_de_afixacao%2fStewards_Communic ation_6.pdf&menuid=60

[Xsara Fan]

Evgeny Novikov calls me and tell: Mikko is removed from classification. There was problems with turbo and flywheel. More than that, this parts of the car were used in Monte, Sweden and Mexico. People talks that Citroen could have problems with that....

[amilk]

Better drama than in today stages :)

Good for the championship but very bad for the sport itself.

[tfp]

When was the last time a non-works team car won an WRC rally?

If i recall it was in 1993, although i cant remember the name of the driver:-)

[Bartek]

Evgeny Novikov calls me and tell: Mikko is removed from classification. There was problems with turbo and flywheel. More than that, this parts of the car were used in Monte, Sweden and Mexico. People talks that Citroen could have problems with that....

wow! that is interesting

[Francis44]

So Citroen had a problem with overused parts?! Funny.

[EuroTroll]

I guess it's not April Fools after all... :s

[Josti]

When was the last time a non-works team car won an WRC rally?

Franco Cunico, San Remo '93 (although it's said that was at least a semi-works entry, not sure).

[dimviii]

Evgeny Novikov calls me and tell: Mikko is removed from classification. There was problems with turbo and flywheel. More than that, this parts of the car were used in Monte, Sweden and Mexico. People talks that Citroen could have problems with that....

What was the exactly problem with clutch? Weight? design?

[Psycho!]

Evgeny Novikov calls me and tell: Mikko is removed from classification. There was problems with turbo and flywheel. More than that, this parts of the car were used in Monte, Sweden and Mexico. People talks that Citroen could have problems with that....

I don't think tha the other rallies are into discussion...The Steward there declared the parts legal...This happens in F1 for sure...Not so sure if it's the same for WRC!

[EightGear]

Wow, didn't see this one coming. I don't believe it 100% yet though!

[mousti]

Franco Cunico, San Remo '93 (although it's said that was at least a semi-works entry, not sure).
Then Kronos is the same in 2006..

[Francis44]

Portuguese television reported it right now, if this is a joke it will be the biggest trolololol ever.

[Srdjan]

Classification (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2012/portugal/Pages/classification.aspx)
Mikko is out

[amilk]

Then Kronos is the same in 2006..

I remember for a Safari mid 90's when local guy with semi works Toyota was on top - but I'm not sure

[dimviii]

Classification (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2012/portugal/Pages/classification.aspx)
Mikko is out

Fia is not trolling..

[tolis]

Maybe Citroen did it on purpose in order to help Loeb win the championship, before the middle of the year! :D

[Psycho!]

Classification (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2012/portugal/Pages/classification.aspx)
Mikko is out

Now I believe it fully!!

[Xsara Fan]

I don't think tha the other rallies are into discussion...The Steward there declared the parts legal...This happens in F1 for sure...Not so sure if it's the same for WRC!

Remember '1995 Toyota Team Europe turbocharger scandal'?

[N.O.T]

yes its official...

lets wait for the appeal now !! LOL...

[Xsara Fan]

What was the exactly problem with clutch? Weight? design?

I don`t know about clutch, but the flywheel is too light and 'there are some questions about turbo'.

[mousti]

For those who don't believe

Classification (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2012/portugal/Pages/classification.aspx)

[Josti]

Maybe Citroen did it on purpose in order to help Loeb win the championship, before the middle of the year! :D

Yes, Loeb got away pretty good with his retirement, relativity speaking.

[makinen_fan]

this should be the real story not april fouls as same thing is shown in FIA website
Classification (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/sport/championships/wrc/2012/portugal/Pages/classification.aspx)

[Psycho!]

@WorldRallyBlog not quite correct, Citroen deciding wether to appeal or not. If they do appeal and it fails, big big extra penalties

[Josti]

I remember for a Safari mid 90's when local guy with semi works Toyota was on top - but I'm not sure

Probably when it was only a F2 championship event, not official.

[N.O.T]

Remember '1995 Toyota Team Europe turbocharger scandal'?

yes but this was an on purpose infraction by the team...

Previously we had many exclusions of works teams but they did not affect previous results...in order something like that to happen Citroen must have done something seriously F***ed up with the car...which i really doubt....

Loeb still in the Lead then....LOL this guy is amazing....

[N.O.T]

Motors Tv just menioned the exclusion also...so its official....

Lets see if Citroen appeals....

[amilk]

Probably when it was only a F2 championship event, not official.

It was Ian Duncan- Safari 1994 , Auriol 3rd and Kankunnen was out so the big boys where there

[EightGear]

ALL factory drivers hitting trouble. And still Petter managed to finish third, he is the big winner.

No wait.... Mads Ostberg.... Third in the championship now.

And we finally have a non-French or Finnish driver who wins!

[Bartek]

about appeals colin clark said something interesting:


not quite correct, Citroen deciding wether to appeal or not. If they do appeal and it fails, big big extra penalties

what kind of penalties? money?

[Barreis]

Veronica will scream. :D

[makinen_fan]

wilson may regret now that he did not use team orders and move PS to 2nd overall. he would have been the winner now

[eestlane]

I am really pist right now. If it is true that citroen will be disqualified from all 4 events then Petter will lead with 79 points ahead of Östberg who will have 63 points and Novikov 48

[Josti]

It was Ian Duncan- Safari 1994 , Auriol 3rd and Kankunnen was out so the big boys where there

Aha, I know his drive was due to help from local sponsors, but this was a works entry from Toyota.

[bluuford]

So manufacturers calssification should look like this:
Citroen WRT 108
Ford WRT 96
M-Sport 69
Qatar 31
Mini WRC 26
Citroen junior 18
Adapta 12
Brazil WRT 10

[makinen_fan]

I am really pist right now. If it is true that citroen will be disqualified from all 4 events then Petter will lead with 79 points ahead of Östberg who will have 63 points and Novikov 48

why disquilifed for 4 event and not only portugal?

[amilk]

I am really pist right now. If it is true that citroen will be disqualified from all 4 events then Petter will lead with 79 points ahead of Östberg who will have 63 points and Novikov 48

Hopefully not, they would kill this year WRC with such decision.

[Srdjan]

Remember '1995 Toyota Team Europe turbocharger scandal'?

Fokus Wrc Gronholm rear window also excluded

[tfp]

why disquilifed for 4 event and not only portugal?

Apparently the supposed illegal parts were used on the other events aswel!

[N.O.T]

Guys Burns peugeot was found with an illegal flywheel as well a few years back...did they exclude the whole team from the championship ???

More reality less star trek please....

[MJW]

Hopefully not, they would kill this year WRC with such decision. It would kill the whole WRC not just this season.If Citroen get disproportionate penalties do you see then staying in WRC?

[vkangas]

For the sport I'll just hope this does not decide the championship in the end...

[JRodrigues]

This should be one of the awkwardest rallies in the last years...

[rallyfiend]

I am really pist right now. If it is true that citroen will be disqualified from all 4 events then Petter will lead with 79 points ahead of Östberg who will have 63 points and Novikov 48

That can't happen. Any decision will only affect Portugal as all other events are over, done, dusted and results declared final.

[makinen_fan]

also makinen was disqualified from AUS 2000 and nothing has affected the rest of events. so its unlikely to remove all the points from citroen unless it is something REALLY huge

[N.O.T]

ok tomorrow is school day.... all the under-aged kids go to bed and stop posting.

[Xsara Fan]

Veronica will scream. :D

Funny thing - Mads do not know anything about this situation! He is sleeping now. Our guys try to call him now.

[pettersolberg29]

Hopefully not, they would kill this year WRC with such decision.

Really? I think it would liven up the championship and I'd still say Loeb would win the title!

[bluuford]

and new drivers standings for top 10:
1 Loeb 66
2 Solberg 62
3 Østberg 53
4 Hirvonen 50
5 Novikov 39
6 Latvala 28
7 Sordo 21
8 Alattyiah 20
9 Tänak 15
10 Prokop 14

[Francis44]

At the rate Ford drivers destroy their cars by the next round everything is normal again.

EDIT: Ninja Edit.

[N.O.T]

and new drivers standings for top 10:
1 Loeb 66
2 Solberg 62
3 Ostberg 53
4 Hirvonen 50
5 Novikov 39
6 Latvala 28
7 Sordo 21
8 Alattyiah 20
9 Tänak 15
10 Prokop 14

In other words and given the fact that none of the benefited drivers have a chance against Loeb its like Portugal never took place....

[EightGear]

It would kill the whole WRC not just this season.If Citroen get disproportionate penalties do you see then staying in WRC?

My thoughts exactly.

[RAS007]

and new drivers standings for top 10:
1 Loeb 66
2 Solberg 62
3 Ostberg 53
4 Hirvonen 50
5 Novikov 39
6 Latvala 28
7 Sordo 21
8 Alattyiah 20
9 Tänak 15
10 Prokop 14

...which means Malcolm will have to give equal status to Petter and JML.

[driveace]

advantage ford and petter

[tfp]

...which means Malcolm will have to give equal status to Petter and JML.

That diddnt work, petter should be number one!

[driveace]

Seb escapes any punishment ?Cheaters get found out eventually !

[skarderud]

Quite nice list locked with norwegian eyes :) has it ever been 2 norwegian in top 3 before? Insane weekend, sad for Mads to win like this, but GRATULERER MADS OG JONAS!!!!!!!!

[Iskald]

Funny thing - Mads do not know anything about this situation! He is sleeping now. Our guys try to call him now.

He is not sleeping. And he most certainly knows what has happened. (I think even dad Morten will have a couple of glasses with portuguese red tonight!)

[Josti]

Still no report on Autosport yet, wonder if they're waiting until the day is over. wrc.com is always slow.

[bluuford]

http://uk.rallydeportugal.pt/Handlers/fileHandler.ashx?path=%2fResourcesUser%2fDocumento s%2fQuadro_oficial_de_afixacao%2fStewards_Decision _3.pdf&menuid=60

I was wondering why someone got 22 seconds penalty. The first time I see it :-)

[VFTS]

Quite nice list locked with norwegian eyes :) has it ever been 2 norwegian in top 3 before? Insane weekend, sad for Mads to win like this, but GRATULERER MADS OG JONAS!!!!!!!!

Wales 2011, Mads second and Henning third

[Iskald]

advantage ford and petter

I would rather say Advantage Mads!

[Co-FIN]

Best april fools ever :s mokin:

[tolis]

Hirvonen disqualified; victory for Ostberg in Portugal | Best of Rally Live (http://www.best-of-rallylive.com/en/2012/04/01/hirvonen-disqualified-victory-for-ostberg-in-portugal/)

[dimviii]

I don`t know about clutch, but the flywheel is too light and 'there are some questions about turbo'.

Flywhell like Peugeot 206 some years ago.Keep us informed Xsara Fan

[bluuford]

Best april fools ever :s mokin:

Now official stewrads decision:
http://uk.rallydeportugal.pt/Handlers/fileHandler.ashx?path=%2fResourcesUser%2fDocumento s%2fQuadro_oficial_de_afixacao%2fStewards_Decision _8.pdf&menuid=60

[Juha_Koo]

Now official stewrads decision:
http://uk.rallydeportugal.pt/Handlers/fileHandler.ashx?path=%2fResourcesUser%2fDocumento s%2fQuadro_oficial_de_afixacao%2fStewards_Decision _8.pdf&menuid=60

So the reason was the clutch.

Turbo anomalies goes inside the tolerance and nothing about flywheel there.

[pettersolberg29]

Point 2 in the decisions suggests that there will be further investigations and that other penalties may possibly be forthcoming?

[logic]

https://p.twimg.com/ApbZ6oPCEAELQ_F.jpg:large

Photo of the FIA document

[tfp]

https://p.twimg.com/ApbZ6oPCEAELQ_F.jpg:large

Photo of the FIA document

0.2mm too big...!

[Barreis]

Morrie Chandler again, horror.

[Juha_Koo]

0.2mm too big...!

Turbo dimensions didn't cause the exclusion, because they were seen to be close enough to the tolerances.

[tolis]

La DS3 WRC n°2 exclue du Rallye du Portugal - Citroën WRC (http://www.citroen-wrc.com/2012/actualites/actualites-wrc/2690/la-ds3-wrc-n2-exclue-du-rallye-du-portugal/)
Citroen seems to appeal.

[tfp]

Turbo dimensions didn't cause the exclusion, because they were seen to be close enough to the tolerances.

Not so bad then :)

I wouldnt like to go out to dinner with any FIA scrutineers, I bet they are the most dull people in the world :D

[Psycho!]

Turbo dimensions didn't cause the exclusion, because they were seen to be close enough to the tolerances.

Then why further investigation???

[uranium]

What a shame!
Just curious, why don't check the car BEFORE the race? Why driver must suffer?!?!

[tolis]

What a shame!
Just curious, why don't check the car BEFORE the race? Why driver must suffer?!?!
They do that, but they can't check everything in every car.

[Mirek]

0.2mm too big...!

No, nothing like that is in the document. They write about turbo that the homologated diameter of the turbine is 54,0 +-0,1. They used caliber 54,11 and it didn't go through but they gave no number for real diameter. In this case I would not make it sensation because the turbo is same in all cars supplied by Garret.

It very well can be like stated by Citröen - the fins can be prolonged by hi-temperature creep. It happens and it even can cause a failure if they touch the housing while rotating (quite often cause of accidents in jet engines). It is very likely the same problem can be found on all WRC cars if they are examined. FIA asked technical stewards to make further investigation regarding the turbo issue.

However the clutch is clear because it is simply different to homologated one.

[bretddog]

Turbo dimensions didn't cause the exclusion, because they were seen to be close enough to the tolerances.

The decision on the turbine wheel is suspended, in wait for further investigation. So didn't cause exclusion, but could be other penalty.

[Mirek]

What a shame!
Just curious, why don't check the car BEFORE the race? Why driver must suffer?!?!

Because a check of one car takes hours. Can You imagine to check fifty cars in pre-event scrutineering? It would take weeks and after the scrutineeering teams can change most of the things anyway. Pre-event scrutineering is to check safety factor first.

[sollitt]

Morrie Chandler again, horror.Don't start that crap Barreis. This is not Chandler's doing, this is Citroen's own creation.

[uranium]

So, now we should wait for appeal result?

[N.O.T]

So, now we should wait for appeal result?

they will not risk an appeal...

[Psycho!]

They will appeal because they say there is no gain in performance...

[tfp]

They will appeal because they say there is no gain in performance...

Stranger things have hapenned, KKK!

[Psycho!]

All this story reminds me when Ford had the thinner windows!!

[logic]

They state here they have decided to appeal .

La DS3 WRC n°2 exclue du Rallye du Portugal - Citroën WRC (http://www.citroen-wrc.com/2012/actualites/actualites-wrc/2690/la-ds3-wrc-n2-exclue-du-rallye-du-portugal/)

[Mirek]

They will appeal because they say there is no gain in performance...

I'm not expert in this area but in my opinion it has probably more to do with reliability. Maybe they changed shifting program and it caused some reliability issues in tests so they changed clutch. Who knows, that's just first idea I have. Anyway I don't believe they would use different clutch accidentally.

[Juha_Koo]

Interesting to say the least. But it fcked up my sleep cycle. Thanks Citroen. :D

[pettersolberg29]

Colin Clark confirms Citroen have appealed - they have 7 days to confirm the appeal and lodge the bond

[6789]

To me, If the parts arent homologated then there's not really a lot to appeal against, irrespective of performance gain.

Not the way Mads would have wanted to win his first wrc rally

[N.O.T]

Not the way Mads would have wanted to win his first wrc rally

a win is a win...right now it is a "fake" one with no value at all..... but in 10-20 years it will be his first win without and buts or ifs (lets hope he improves and its the first among many)

[noel157]

Ford's review. Imagine Quinn will have a few questions to answer from his bosses on Monday morning............


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA1OlkBYemE

[oyunbozan]

i think that "joker" clutch is not meant to be there, somehow they forget to remove the unhomoligated but an improved part there. that might gain advantage, we don't know that. citroen is taking chances by appeal. i don't think the decision will change.

[sollitt]

To me, If the parts arent homologated then there's not really a lot to appeal against, irrespective of performance gain. Absolutely agree. The part's either legal or it's not. Added reliability is a performance again. The appeal is probably more about saving face by not admitting guilt than it is an attempt to overturn the decision.

[GigiGalliNo1]

So I guess it's a privateer who has won this rally? :D

[6789]

WRC.com article - World Rally Championship - News - Citroen heads comment on Hirvonen exclusion (http://www.wrc.com/news/citroen-heads-comment-on-hirvonen-exclusion/?fid=16463)

Seems they are appealing on the basis that they didn't gain an advantage and that the penalties were out of proportion because of that

[bluuford]

WRC.com article - World Rally Championship - News - Citroen heads comment on Hirvonen exclusion (http://www.wrc.com/news/citroen-heads-comment-on-hirvonen-exclusion/?fid=16463)

Seems they are appealing on the basis that they didn't gain an advantage and that the penalties were out of proportion because of that

I do not see any other penalty than exclusion for using non-homologated part. The only thing they can achieve is added phrase to the decision: "However, the non-homologated part didn't give any performance advantage." Using non-homologated part must be always punished with exclusion, no matter is it privateer or factory.

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Interesting to say the least. But it fcked up my sleep cycle. Thanks Citroen. :D
Haha. Every European event #(*k's up my sleep cycle. You'll do fine. :p

Crazy, crazy weekend. Not sure how i feel....my emotions are confusing me.

http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpy06dvNmO1qkfhg4.gif

[Ville]

I do not see any other penalty than exclusion for using non-homologated part.

Australia 2009. There Citroen got only one minute penalty for using non-homologated part.

[sollitt]

from memory, that part was homologated but the new drawings not present in the documents they produced in Australia.