Finnish rallying championship news [Archive] - Page 2

Juha_Koo

22nd September 2012, 20:47

You can forget about MTV3 when we have Juha :)

Heh :D

I'm not 100% happy to my videos yet, lets see if I continue next season, I want to make them a lot better... Basically all FRC events are one day only, so it's challenging to get enough different kind of footage when you're doing it only by yourself.

And I hope that promotion of the series would be better, it's difficult to film nice podium scenes etc. when there's only a handfull of people watching the ceremony - of which 75% are media people. SM1 would also need a boost, the top is way too narrow.

janvanvurpa

23rd September 2012, 03:12

Yeah, maybe there’s more driving in this 3:28 video than in a half hour broadcast from MTV3.

Maybe some Finns suffer same disease as the Swedes: very difficult to get one to speak, until you point a TV camera at them, then very difficult to get some to shut up. :arrows:

Hartusvuori

1st October 2012, 09:38

Penultimate F-Cup event was held last Saturday in Seinäjoki region. About 170 crews started in nice yet slippery Autumn conditions. Jaska Nuorala renewed his win from Autoglym and was fastest through the five stages route. Jere Rekola lost 8,6 seconds. For me, most notably the young Jari-Matti Tiilikka was third (+24,3s), though admittedly some of the stages ran practically in his backyard. But he is crazy fast driver!

In 4WD subclass the local heroes Jukka Ketomäki and Joni Nikko had a head-to-head battle. In the end Nikko won - by just 0,7 seconds.

The last F-Cup event is held in two weeks in Tahko, and that also marks the end of rallying season 2012 in Finland.

Here's an incar from Nuorala at SS1. Some impressive driving with Volvo. Also some misfortunes for fellow competitors, see from 4'50" onwards for about a minute. Nuorala had 30 seconds off his SS1 time because of the first crash scene. If you click the user name, you see other SS incar videos as well.

https://contour.com/videos/watch/pohjanmaa-ralli-2992012-ek1-nuorala--3

I was at the second crash scene. Krister Sjölund's Starlet got some major battery, rollcage cave in dramatically between drivers after hitting a rock, but luckily none hurt (video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ac0u1jfzeJY&feature=youtu.be)).

vino_93

7th October 2012, 10:12

Hi Finns !
Does someone know if there are still WRC cars running in some small finnish events ? and if yes, where can I find the classifications and entry lists of these races ? :)

tolis

7th October 2012, 11:03

Hi Finns !
Does someone know if there are still WRC cars running in some small finnish events ? and if yes, where can I find the classifications and entry lists of these races ? :)
This is a finnish website for Finnish rallies: Rallikalenteri 2012 (http://www.tenab.net/kale2012.htm)

OldF

7th October 2012, 11:16

Cars in FRC.

Info (http://www.rallism.fi/en/info/)

As you can see there’s a cup for group A and WRC cars. Only two cars this year.

vino_93

7th October 2012, 15:13

thx ;)

two cars in Finnish Cup ?

OldF

7th October 2012, 16:53

It’s a cup, not a championship.

Hartusvuori

7th October 2012, 20:41

Hi Finns !
Does someone know if there are still WRC cars running in some small finnish events ? and if yes, where can I find the classifications and entry lists of these races ? :)

The Mini WRC used by Riku Tahko in NORF 2012 was run by Jyrki Piira-Mikko Pajunen (yes, Pajunen as co-driver) in FRC Merikarvia in August. They went off in second or third stage. In last year's FRC I remember there was one Escort WRC. Fiesta WRC was supposed to make its international competition debut in Arctic Rally 2011, but that did not happen after Latvala crashed it in Sweden few days before Arctic.

For next year, every FRC event will have class for current WRCs, but no chance of any entries, since Rally Estonia will do the trick for testing for NORF. Also, there's a proposition that for next seasons 4WD championship, you can attend with a WRC car with homologation before the end of 2002. I don't know for a fact, but I guess there could be one or few 206 WRCs, Octavia WRCs and Corolla WRCs available. However, will the historics run - or win! - I guess, hardly.

Hartusvuori

15th October 2012, 12:20

F-Cup season 2012 ended last Saturday in Tahko-ralli. Before the last start three drivers had a theoretical chance to take the title: Toni Kuhanen, Timo Jaakonsaari and Jere Rekola. First Rekola retired for technical problem, then Jaakonsaari rolled and retired. At the time he was second in the rally and had a hold on the championship. So, that left only Kuhanen, the points-leader left. However, Kuhanen also retired for techical problem. So, Kuhanen is the new F-Cup champion, Jaakonsaari second, and Matti Nikander climbed to take the third place in the series.

Here you can find pictures from Jaakonsaari's roll. Also Krister Sjölund, who rolled heavily on the previous event in Pohjanmaa-ralli, started here with his spare car, Corolla GT, and rolled that too at the same place as Jaakonsaari. Now he has two cars to fix...
nikop.kuvat.fi (http://nikop.kuvat.fi/kuvat/2012/Tahko-ralli/)

Here's an incar from SS5 from Jaakonsaari's roll:
F-Cup 2012 Nilsiä - Näin kaatui Jaakonsaaren mestaruushaaveet, incar EK5 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20ob1WDN5_Q)

Some bloody fast stages! Many drivers have complained that it was too much of top speed driving which also resulted in many techical problems.

Here's some average speeds:
SS1 (9,71 km) - Timo Salminen, Volvo 240 - 129.9 km/h
SS2 (9.47 km) - Timo Jaakonsaari, VW Golf - 127.5 km/h
SS3 (14.62 km) - Timo Salminen, Volvo 240 - 117.48 km/h
SS4 (6.62 km) - Marko Kallio, BMW M3, 136.18 km/h
SS5 (20,80 km) - Timo Salminen, Volvo 240, 137.65 km/h
SS6 (9.47 km) - Marko Kallio, BMW M3, 123.08 km/h
SS7 (14.62 km) - Kimmo Kärki, BMW M3, 117.74 km/h

That leaves for the winner of the rally Timo Salminen an average speed of 125.25 km/h. For Group F machinery that is a lot - even too much. Also remember, no pacenotes.

Here's another onboard from Mikko Ala-Talkkari (Starlet) from SS7, a slow stage in this comparison. Count how many time he changes gear for first part of the stage.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxVoTH2gy50

15th October 2012, 13:10

He is Tero Salminen, not Timo...

F-Cup Final standings:
Yleinen 2012 | F-Cup - F-Cup rallisarjan virallinen sivusto (http://www.f-cup.fi/tulokset-ja-tilastot/sarjatulokset/pistetilanne-2012/yleinen-2012/)

Tahkoralli´s results:
Tahkoralli******************** FC-yleinen (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/121013fy.htm)

Hartusvuori

15th October 2012, 13:14

He is Tero Salminen, not Timo...

True. My brainfart.

OldF

16th November 2012, 18:08

The classes for FRC 2013 have been published yesterday.

Sarja (http://www.rallism.fi/sarja/) (only in Finnish so far)

FRC1 4WD:
FIA N4 with national exceptions (restrictor size)
FIA R4 with national exceptions (restrictor size)
R5
Super 2000 Rally
FIN R 4WD
WRC-cars homologated pre 1.1.2003

FRC Super2:
FIA R3
FIN R 2WD
Group N <2000 cm3
Super 1600
Group N and A TDi 2WD

FRC3 2WD-R:
FIA R1 and R2 < 1600 cm3

Here (http://www.autourheilu.fi/tiedotteet/35003.aspx) it’s said that it’s possible to compete also with an earth gas car in FRC 2013.

There was a proposal for N4 to have a 35 mm restrictor and R4 having a 34 mm restrictor but about that we know more next Monday.

AKK Motorsport - Rallin sarjatyöryhmän kokous 27.9. (http://www.autourheilu.fi/lajit/ralli/tiedotteet/34942.aspx) (Only in Finnish)

Hartusvuori

16th November 2012, 18:37

Here (http://www.autourheilu.fi/tiedotteet/35003.aspx) it’s said that it’s possible to compete also with an earth gas car in FRC 2013.

CNG, compressed natural gas, that is.

Here's also the calendar:

25.-26.1. Arctic Lapland Rally, Rovaniemen UA - snow
22.-23.2. SM Vaakuna Ralli, Mikkelin UA - snow
9.3. Itäralli, Joensuun UA - snow
15.6. Pohjanmaa SM-Ralli, Laihia, Pohjanmaa Ralli ry - gravel
13.7. SM O.K. Auto-ralli, Kouvolan Seudun Autourheilijat - gravel
30.-31.8. Turku SM-Ralli, Turun UA - gravel
27.-28.9. SM Ralli Tampere, Tampereen UA - gravel

Joensuu makes a comeback, Laihia is a new one, so are Tampere and Turku too.

OldF

16th November 2012, 18:42

OK, I made a direct translation from maakaasu. :)

Susiraja

17th November 2012, 07:25

FRC Super2:
FIA R3
FIN R 2WD
Group N <2000 cm3
Super 1600
Group N and A TDi 2WD

I'm afraid that there won't be the minimum 10 participants in the Super2 class. That would mean there would be two official championship classes like this year.

Juha_Koo

17th November 2012, 09:21

Good that finally there's two big cities (Turku & Tampere) hosting FRC-events... Someone might even come to see ceremonial start and podium. :-P

Juha Salo will continue in FRC with the same car (EvoX R4) and codriver. Joonas Lindroos doesn't know anything for 100% yet. This year's Finnish Junior Rally Champion Olli Lahti will step up to FRC, using ex-Lappi C2.

pantealex

5th December 2012, 17:31

Latest what I have heard:
-Joonas Lindroos Arctic Rally with 4wd car
-Jari Ketomaa is back with old Subaru (first 5-door model 2010?)
-there is still 3x S2000 Fiesta in printsport garage, so who will drive Even-rallys car? E-P Lappi can´t drive it because he is Skoda factory driver now
-Juha Salo is member of Hannu´s Rally Team in teams championship next year, no more Rallifart Finland.

Hartusvuori

5th December 2012, 18:28

Also worth mentioning are the new AKK (Finnish ASN) Academy drivers. Andreas Amberg belongs to "the A-team" and junior champ Olli Lahti and Henri Kolsi to "the B-team".

For example in 2010 the AKK academics were Esapekka Lappi, Jukka Korhonen and Mikko Pajunen whom we all pretty much know by now, so let's see what future brings for these youngsters.

tolis

5th December 2012, 18:55

Juha Salo is member of Hannu´s Rally Team in teams championship next year, no more Rallifart Finland.
So, he'll drive an Impreza?

Hartusvuori

5th December 2012, 19:00

So, he'll drive an Impreza?

No, he'll continue with his Evo X R4.

Hartusvuori

10th December 2012, 08:13

The more informed, any news or rumours what car will Jaro Kinnunen drive next season? On his webpage there's a piece from November that he'll ditch the Honda and will drive some car not seen before in Finland. That leaves only a few options, if so.

Susiraja

10th December 2012, 10:06

In Jaro's website was mentioned that they will inform more about the car in December. My guess is that they will do it before Christmas. Not many options for sure.

Susiraja

11th December 2012, 18:18

A new car and a co-driver for Jari Kihlman. Jari changes from older subaru to a brand new group n evo 9. Car is build to international group n spec not to Finnish fir-r spec or R4 spec. New co-driver will be me :D

We had first tests of the car last Saturday and have to say that it was good fun. More text and some pics in my blog Rally Co-driver: Testing for 2013 season (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.fi/2012/12/testing-for-2013-season.html)

pantealex

11th December 2012, 20:51

A new car and a co-driver for Jari Kihlman. Jari changes from older subaru to a brand new group n evo 9.

Brand new?

atleast 6 years old I think!
(Evo9 was produced 2006-2007)

Susiraja

12th December 2012, 05:48

Brand new?

atleast 6 years old I think!
(Evo9 was produced 2006-2007)

My phrasing was maybe a bit inaccurate. The car is brand new in a sense that it has been built to a new chassis which has never been in use either on public roads or in rallying. The same goes for all the mechanical bits: engine, gearbox, axles, electrics and so on. So in my eyes brand new even though the chassis came out of production line already some time ago.

I had the same feeling when seeing the evo as I had last year with the 3 rallies old Fiesta R2. Everything is so clean and unscrathed that it's almost a shame to take the cars to the stages. But cars like to be driven after all and trying not to scratch the rims on kerbs is for other kind of car enthusiasts :cool:

donlorean

12th December 2012, 10:10

-there is still 3x S2000 Fiesta in printsport garage, so who will drive Even-rallys car?
I've heard that Printsport has bought that EPL's old car so now they got two of those+Hämäläinen's car...

Japé

12th December 2012, 15:12

pantealex

12th December 2012, 15:33

Where I can find the list of drivers who are participating to Finnish rally championship 2013?

For F-Cup it can be found from here: Yhteenveto | F-Cup - F-Cup rallisarjan virallinen sivusto (http://www.f-cup.fi/kilpailijat/yhteenveto/) 64 drivers currently, but the biggest names are still missing from the list.

KITI will be up some day soon... that´s what AKK is saying in their press releases
I have id for new KITI but entries are not visible yet.

Sami

12th December 2012, 16:09

KITI will be up some day soon... that´s what AKK is saying in their press releases
I have id for new KITI but entries are not visible yet.

The launch of the new KITI is the uttermost embodiment of stupidity.

They opened it completely empty! What!? Seriously, what should I do with it? I've lost all info, info about me, my competitive history, my points, my results, licence information, all the entries!

Full of emptiness.

But wow, there are new colours to compensate that!

pantealex

13th December 2012, 19:57

In Jaro's website was mentioned that they will inform more about the car in December. My guess is that they will do it before Christmas. Not many options for sure.
Jaro Kinnunen Peugeot 208 R2
Big story in "Hanaa-Lehti"

Sami

13th December 2012, 20:17

Jaro Kinnunen Peugeot 208 R2
Big story in "Hanaa-Lehti"

Really interesting news and article. R2 class has a wide range of opportunities, let's hope also in Finland we could have a good battle in r2.

Co-FIN

13th December 2012, 22:59

Sami

14th December 2012, 05:47

I think at least r2-Class is interesting next year, dunno about sm1/sm2. I'll personally continue next year with Matias Kauppinen. He bought Polish champ car c2r2 max and it will be operated by Printsport.

Interested to see how Peugeot performs on snow and gravel. Propably very fast, but reliabelity is still question.

I haven't seen the Peugeot driven on gravel or snow, only on tarmac..

Interesting to see Matias' speed with C2, it seems that r2 is the new favourite class for young potentials in Finland. And that is something weird to happen in Finnish rallying culture that has been dominated by powerful rwd and 4wd group N cars.

New thing in Finland seems to be down-grading too, shifting to less powerful cars (unheard-of before), as you did with Matias and for example Jaro Kinnunen, Olli Lahti, and earlier for example Juho Annala, Andreas Amberg, Esapekka Lappi..

Susiraja

14th December 2012, 14:59

The R2 cars are replacing group N civics since there aren't any more new group N cars homologated. Manufacturers are putting their effort in different R-class cars. The R2 cars are good for young guys wanting to make a name in the international rallies. You can just put your car in a ship and drive a WRC rally somewhere else in Europe against sinilar cars. Also running a 2wd car is much much cheaper than running a group N 4wd car.

SM3 for sure is going to be interesting to follow. I expect the fighting to be fierce. If I counted correctly there are currently 17 cars entering the 4wd class. Salo of course the favourite, but there will be fights between similar speed level drivers behind the very top guys. Cruel to say, but SM2 class propably is going to be the class with smallest amount of competitors.

Tom206wrc

16th December 2012, 14:48

A DS3 R3 for rent in the finnish championship :confused:
Citroen DS3 R3 to Rally Finland. Rallycars.info (http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=frrc&md=details&id=62953)

pantealex

16th December 2012, 16:57

A DS3 R3 for rent in the finnish championship :confused:
Citroen DS3 R3 to Rally Finland. Rallycars.info (http://www.rallycarsforsale.net/clas/index.php?ct=frrc&md=details&id=62953)
Not for championship, owner Pekka Vihma has registered with that car in the championship.

Rent offer is for (Neste) Rally Finland (WRC event)

Juha_Koo

20th December 2012, 15:39

I just came from a press conference, the organizers of the FRC final in Tampere showcased their plans for the 2013 final round. Itinerary will contain eight stages - divided to two days (2-6), all stages will be on gravel (including the one super special stage). Volvo Original Cup will come from Sweden as an additional class and the organizers have rented two Volvos which will be driven by Toni Gardemeister and Harri Rovanperä. Some other "old" big names are also expected to be around during the rally being interviewed etc. Service park is located in Särkänniemi amusement park, pretty much in the heart of Tampere... After the rally there will be a gala-style evening in Scandic Hotel Rosendahl where winners are awarded.

The organizers have gotten a lot of sponsors and partners to the project, lots of VIP stuff and some additional events with the rally planned. Looking really good. :)

http://juhake.kapsi.fi/motorsport/IMG_1679.JPG

Micke_VOC

20th December 2012, 22:36

Rallyper

21st December 2012, 15:00

Nice !!
My plan are to drive there =) ( of course in the Volvo-class, time for comeback after 5 years away from it)
But i have not expected to drive again Garde and Rovanperä, good news =)

I´m gonna drive there to - as a spectator, I hope... ;)

Juha_Koo

26th December 2012, 17:21

Printsport will operate a car for Inessa Tushkanova in FRC 2013...! :)
(additionally some non-FRC starts are also expected abroad)

tolis

26th December 2012, 18:08

which car?

br21

26th December 2012, 20:07

Printsport will operate a car for Inessa Tushkanova in FRC 2013...! :)
(additionally some non-FRC starts are also expected abroad)

There have to be some reason she changes teams each year...

bluuford

26th December 2012, 20:20

There have to be some reason she changes teams each year...
She is a woman ;-)

HarriK

27th December 2012, 07:44

which car?

evo IX and/or X

Co-FIN

5th January 2013, 23:01

Jeppe

6th January 2013, 21:41

There has been some good winter action in rallying in whole weekend. Here is a clip from the rally training stage near Riihimäki. Look´s like there will be only white cars which will take part in Finnish Rally Championship ;) ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LSQqbMKABnQ

Tinke1979

7th January 2013, 06:41

Club competition rally in Riihimäki 6.1.2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1RQkTi8OqE) ...Some more footage from Riihimäki here including interview with JUHO HÄNNINEN :)

and you all can go and "Like" this page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moottoriurheilun-Matkassa-Travelling-with-Motorsport/419324651474284

Hartusvuori

7th January 2013, 07:57

Jeppe

7th January 2013, 08:07

Tinke1979

7th January 2013, 08:28

Nice video, Tinke! Juho being as serious as ever...

Thanks! About Juho being serious.... Yes indeed :D He literally try to run away when I asked if it´s ok to make a little interview :D

Tom206wrc

7th January 2013, 17:24

What plans for Jonas Lindroos this season :confused:

Hartusvuori

7th January 2013, 17:44

What plans for Jonas Lindroos this season :confused:

In his latest newsletter it said that it's possible that he won't do full Finnish championship in 2013, but now his name appear on FRC for 2WD with C2 R2.

pantealex

7th January 2013, 20:18

In his latest newsletter it said that it's possible that he won't do full Finnish championship in 2013, but now his name appear on FRC for 2WD with C2 R2.

He is also at F-Cup´s entrylist with VW Golf and his sister Minna with Civic Type-R

btw. F-Cup got full 260 entries F-Cup - F-Cup rallisarjan virallinen sivusto (http://www.f-cup.fi)

Hartusvuori

8th January 2013, 06:57

He is also at F-Cup´s entrylist with VW Golf and his sister Minna with Civic Type-R

I'd be surprised if they'd do more F-cup events than Jämsä-ralli.

Hartusvuori

8th January 2013, 11:42

Mikko Eskelinen will drive Printsport, ex-Lappi Fiesta S2000 in Arctic Lapland rally. So far the deal is on only for Arctic Rally.

Tuoreimmat moottoriurheilu-uutiseni - Mikkoeskelinen.com (http://www.mikkoeskelinen.com/uutiset.php)

8th January 2013, 16:16

There is also rumours that more Subarus is coming in R4.I am not sure that this may occur in near future.

12th January 2013, 13:55

There is also rumours that more Subarus is coming in R4.I am not sure that this may occur in near future.

investment visa australia (http://www.significantinvestorvisa.com.au/)

HarriK

13th January 2013, 17:02

Arctic Rally entry closes tomorrow. A lot of to come still!

Hartusvuori

14th January 2013, 08:08

Arctic Rally entry closes tomorrow. A lot of to come still!

Seven S2000 (one being Mini) already, but none with any winning potential yet. No JML yet...

HarriK

14th January 2013, 08:31

Andreas Mikkelsen

NORGE
Mikko Markkula
RiiUA
Printsport
Skoda Fabia S2000

this seems to be now in Arctic Rally entry list :cool:

Hartusvuori

14th January 2013, 10:40

Printscreen from Printsport's webcam:

http://rallirinki.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/printsport_mikkelsen-arctic.jpg

tolis

14th January 2013, 16:17

Where can I find entry list?

pantealex

14th January 2013, 16:47

Total 120 entries
10 x S2000
Oleksii Tamrazov Fiesta
Jukka Hiltunen Fabia
Radik Shaymiev 207
Mattias Therman Fiesta
Kari Hämäläinen Fiesta
Mikko Eskelinen Fiesta
Andreas Mikkelsen Fabia
Janne Eronen Punto
Jaakko Keskinen Fabia
Dimitry Biryukov Fabia

btw.That MINI is cl6, so it´s V1600 (standard 1.6)

Most interesting car is Ferrari 308 GTB, driven by Kari Mäkelä (MAT Mäkelä Auto Tuning)

Hartusvuori

14th January 2013, 16:52

btw.That MINI is cl6, so it´s V1600 (standard 1.6)

I didn't pay attention to the class. "Mini John Cooper Works S2000" on the car column mislead me a bit...

Tolis, try this and click "osallistujat" tab: https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Kiti/Competition/CompetitionOpen.aspx?id=3029&#

HarriK

15th January 2013, 12:36

Tommi Mäkinen testing his company built R4 subaru:

Tommi Mäkinen testing Kees Burger TMR Subaru R4 Racing 2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMK4bwUCCzM&feature=youtu.be)

pantealex

15th January 2013, 15:27

Tommi Mäkinen testing his company built R4 subaru:

Tommi Mäkinen testing Kees Burger TMR Subaru R4 Racing 2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMK4bwUCCzM&feature=youtu.be)

New 4-door model, Yes!

Japé

17th January 2013, 21:19

http://youtu.be/pDudJBKr7B0

Susiraja

19th January 2013, 18:29

Me and Jari testing today. Did the pace notes in English for fun. Well, more in "rally English" for what we Finns are famous for. We also fixed the habit of saying the angle first and left/right after that :)
YouTube (http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=yYpiN7hPdrA)

tolis

20th January 2013, 15:14

Jussi Tiipana tested today

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399006_10200433252660068_1523159243_n.jpg

Tom206wrc

21st January 2013, 13:05

A picture of Jaro Kinnunen 208 livery :confused:

emk

21st January 2013, 13:11

A picture of Jaro Kinnunen 208 livery :confused:

http://jannepievilainen.com/mantsala2013/netti/4S9K1803.jpg
http://jannepievilainen.com/mantsala2013/netti/4S9K1876.jpg

Wasted Talent

21st January 2013, 13:33

http://jannepievilainen.com/mantsala2013/netti/4S9K1803.jpg
http://jannepievilainen.com/mantsala2013/netti/4S9K1876.jpg

Why? Car is white at the front and grey at the rear?

WT

Tom206wrc

21st January 2013, 13:35

Thanks EMK ;)

Tom206wrc

21st January 2013, 15:39

http://jarokinnunen.kuvat.fi/#/kuvat/2013/ :up:

Jeppe

22nd January 2013, 08:26

jarokinnunen.kuvat.fi (http://jarokinnunen.kuvat.fi/#/kuvat/2013/) :up:

And after next weekend Arctic Lapland Rally - Tunturiralli (http://www.arcticrally.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10&Itemid=5&lang=en) there will be plenty of photos and unique incar material available..

Kielder

22nd January 2013, 13:57

Photo of SS6, uploaded by Matias Kauppinen #34 four hours ago:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBNGPoJCEAAUk1d.jpg:large

Another photo, uploaded by Inessa Tushkanova #57 half an hour ago:

http://distilleryimage0.instagram.com/16b75dd6649711e2b38022000a9e070a_7.jpg

Hartusvuori

22nd January 2013, 18:12

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/424543_471140976278812_1501971663_n.jpg

Printsport posted this earlier today on their Facebook. It doesn't tell where and what, but obviously where's Inessa, there's a lot of volunteering help. :-)

HarriK

23rd January 2013, 12:32

Printsport posted this earlier today on their Facebook. It doesn't tell where and what, but obviously where's Inessa, there's a lot of volunteering help. :-)

It's Vanttauskoski Snow Rally Rings place and they a small test there alongside the recce. And those guys are all team mechanicans.

Tomorrow I'm there also! Can't wait!
Scrutineering first in morning...

OldF

23rd January 2013, 20:26

Citroen as a new partner for FRC.

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi%2Fsisap iirinuutiskirje%2F2013%2Fsisapiiri113%2Fnesteoilra llinkuulumisia%2Fdefault.aspx)

Rallyper

23rd January 2013, 22:56

Esapekka "Esuppi" Lapland (Goggle...) :D :D

Hartusvuori

24th January 2013, 17:10

So, Finnish Rallying Championship 2013 will be underway tomorrow on Friday.

You can follow results here: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/) [Seems to be still in 2012 mode, but hopefully it updates in time]
Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm) [should update tomorrow if so]

List of entries:
http://www.arcticrally.fi/pdf/kilpailuunhyvaksytyt_2013.pdf or
48.Arctic Lapland Rally*************** Kilpailuun hyvksytyt (http://www.tenab.net/v2013/130124l.htm)

Stages:

FRIDAY
SS1 MÄNTYVAARA, 12.33 (Finnish time), 3,70 km
SS2 AITTAJÄRVI, 13.26, 24,18 km
service
SS3 SIIKAKÄMÄ, 16.19, 38,00 km
SS4 JYRHÄMÄJÄRVI, 17.32, 29,89 km
SS5 MÄNTYVAARA 2, 19.45, 3,70 km
service

SATURDAY
service
SS6 HANHIKOSKI, 8.52, 32,40 km
SS7 SARRIOJÄRVI, 10.05, 36,35 km
SS8 MÄNTYVAARA 3, 12.08, 3,70 km
service
SS9 HEINUNKIERTO, 14.01, 23,40 km
SS10 RISTILAMPI, 15.04, 48,00 km
finish 17.49

totals 243,3 ss kms

News from the shakedown says that no4 Jukka Ketomäki (PWRC 2011) had already big problems with his old Octavia WRC and was forced to retire already.

Mikkelsen before SD:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBX3p3kCIAIn6G6.jpg:large

Photo by @RalliSM (https://twitter.com/RalliSM), they most propably update their Twitter account frequently this year.

Also, how many other rallying events have the following in their regulations:

All competitors must carry in their rally cars warm winter clothes, shoes, gloves and hat for both drivers to be used in case of retirement. Driver/co-driver must carry a switched on mobile phone in case of possible accidents. Number of this mobile must be given to the rally office before the start. Each car must also carry one snow shovel, first aid kit and two reflective triangles, which must be used to warn following competitors in case of a road blockage.

At least they've seemed to dropped the knife to use for letting blood out of hit reindeers as a mandatory equipment...

OldF

24th January 2013, 17:22

So, Finnish Rallying Championship 2013 will be underway tomorrow on Friday.

You can follow results here: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/) [Seems to be still in 2012 mode, but hopefully it updates in time]
Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm) [should update tomorrow if so]

List of entries:
http://www.arcticrally.fi/pdf/kilpailuunhyvaksytyt_2013.pdf or
48.Arctic Lapland Rally*************** Kilpailuun hyvksytyt (http://www.tenab.net/v2013/130124l.htm)

Stages:

FRIDAY
SS1 MÄNTYVAARA, 12.33 (Finnish time), 3,70 km
SS2 AITTAJÄRVI, 13.26, 24,18 km
service
SS3 SIIKAKÄMÄ, 16.19, 38,00 km
SS4 JYRHÄMÄJÄRVI, 17.32, 29,89 km
SS5 MÄNTYVAARA 2, 19.45, 3,70 km
service

SATURDAY
service
SS6 HANHIKOSKI, 8.52, 32,40 km
SS7 SARRIOJÄRVI, 10.05, 36,35 km
SS8 MÄNTYVAARA 3, 12.08, 3,70 km
service
SS9 HEINUNKIERTO, 14.01, 23,40 km
SS10 RISTILAMPI, 15.04, 48,00 km
finish 17.49

totals 243,3 ss kms

News from the shakedown says that no4 Jukka Ketomäki (PWRC 2011) had already big problems with his old Octavia WRC and was forced to retire already.

Mikkelsen before SD:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BBX3p3kCIAIn6G6.jpg:large

Photo by @RalliSM (https://twitter.com/RalliSM), they most propably update their Twitter account frequently this year.

Also, how many other rallying events have the following in their regulations:

At least they've seemed to dropped the knife to use for letting blood out of hit reindeers as a mandatory equipment...

They forgot the firewood, matches and makkaraa. :)

tolis

24th January 2013, 18:50

More photos from SD: © reissumies.info (http://reissumies.kuvat.fi/kuvat/ralli/2013/3.+Arctirally2013/shakedown/)

Juha_Koo

24th January 2013, 19:10

Just arrived to Rovaniemi, beautiful full moon and kinda cold... :D

Jeppe

24th January 2013, 20:29

In deed nice weather and not sooo cold, only -15 C in the afternoon ;)

Here is some incar material from the Arctic Shakedown from Jaro´s brand new 208 R2: jarokinnunen.kuvat.fi (http://jarokinnunen.kuvat.fi/kuvat/2013/Videot+2013+-+Incar+2013/Arctic+Lapland+Rally+24.-26.1./)

We will update news and multimedia material during the rally in the Jaro´s new website: Jaro Kinnunen - Mikael Korhonen, Peugeot 208 R2 - Ralliautoilun SM Sarja (http://www.jarokinnunen.com)

Tinke1979

25th January 2013, 07:58

I heard a rumour that there might be a live incar, but cannot find any links for that.. Anyone got more info?

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 08:39

Mikkelsen in shakedown, photo Printsport FB:

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/778803_472246062834970_1733076119_o.jpg

bluuford

25th January 2013, 10:40

Where is Mikkelsen?

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 10:41

Mikkelsen on SS1? Salo, Nikko AND Vihavainen already through.

bluuford

25th January 2013, 10:44

I just noticed that it is -21 in Rovaniemi right now :-)
Mikkelsen narrowly fastest, not very good time

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 10:46

Apparently Mikkelsen not running first on the road then. Good that he's through.

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 10:53

Non-starters:

5.Jukka Ketomäki(M)/Kai Risberg(K) sm1 Skoda Octavia WRC
10.Kari Hämäläinen(M)/Risto Pietiläinen(K sm1 Ford Fiesta S2000
13.Jari Latvala(M)/Kari Mustalahti(K) sm1 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
20.Oleksii Tamrazov/Pavlo Cherepin sm1 Ford Fiesta S2000
60.Petri Itkonen(M)/Janno Older(K) sm3 Citroen C2 R2
73.Maximilian Koch/Stefan Weigel sm1 Subaru Impreza WRX Sti
83.Juha Linna/Arto Jokela sc4 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
102.Petri Söyring/Jani Laine sc10 Opel Kadett GTE

Jeppe

25th January 2013, 11:47

Apparently Mikkelsen not running first on the road then. Good that he's through.

He is 1st on the road - after the course cars of course ;) It really seems to be very good position to drive, because there will big amount of ´snow dust´ floating in the air after cars and it won´t fade away cause wind speed is 0 m/s at the moment. Dust will cause major problems in the evening stages...

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 11:53

He is 1st on the road - after the course cards of course ;) But it really seems to be very good position to drive, because there will big amount of ´snow dust´ in the air after cars and it won´t fade away cause wind speed is 0 m/s at the moment. Dust will cause major problems in the evening stages...

OK. So it was just gimmick on timing.

SS2 (http://www.tenab.net/online/webeky2.htm)top runners now through. Mikkelsen 6.0s faster than Salo on 24 kms.

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 12:49

Where's Jonas Lindroos on SS1 :confused:

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 12:58

Where's Jonas Lindroos on SS1 :confused:

44th. After SS2 he's now fastest 2WD. Top three in SM3 is tight though, top 3 within 2 seconds.

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 13:04

OK after SS2 less than 2" between Lindroos, Pinomäki and Kinnunen :p :

Juha_Koo

25th January 2013, 13:05

Original SS1 times are not correct. Salo was apprx. 2 secs quicker than Mikkelsen. They have the correct time on card (and watch) but organizers have not corrected it during SS2, dunno have they done it now though. This from regroup/service. Bit chilly. :)

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 13:07

Inessa retired on SS2. Technical.

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 13:11

Juha_Koo

25th January 2013, 13:17

On SS2 there has been a mysterious log (most probably placed there by some idiots) middle of the road for SM2-class competitors. Nearly all SM2 guys hit it, for the rest the log hasn't been visible.

EDIT. Ruotsalainen retired due to the damage caused by it. Vilenius stopped for over 5 mins to repair damage. For Kolsi, it was completely across the road, they went over it, examining possible damage now in service.

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 13:20

Inessa retired on SS2. Technical.

:(

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 14:26

Normally SS3 has just started :confused:

mm1

25th January 2013, 14:39

Inessa retired on SS2. Technical.

What is with this whole Inessa thing, nor she drives good, nor she looks pretty, but all the media and this forum seems to fall on their knees because of her. And the constant team an codriver changes seems to point in just one direction - money, or more clearly lack of it.

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 14:51

...
You can follow results here: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/) [Seems to be still in 2012 mode, but hopefully it updates in time]
Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm) [should update tomorrow if so]
...

Tulossivu link decided not to work for 2013 season :mad:

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 15:07

19 crews finished SS3 so far, but only 5 crews have their times available on Tenab :confused:

HarriK

25th January 2013, 15:34

Not so technical Photo by inessa_tushkanova • Instagram (http://instagram.com/p/U6S3GZgMc1/)

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 16:07

Please, news :confused:

Rallyper

25th January 2013, 16:11

Mikkelsen wins even SS4 by 7,8 secs. Now leading over Salo by 24,5 secs after four stages. One stage to go tonight - mickey mouse of 3,7 K.

Tom206wrc

25th January 2013, 16:44

Puncture for Jaro Kinnunen ??? He lost 4'55 in SS4... :(

Juha_Koo

25th January 2013, 17:04

Puncture for Jaro Kinnunen ??? He lost 4'55 in SS4... :(

Brake problems...

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 17:18

Tulossivu link decided not to work for 2013 season :mad:

It does work for me. Perhaps cleaning your browser's cache could help?

bluuford

25th January 2013, 17:42

Not so technical Photo by inessa_tushkanova • Instagram (http://instagram.com/p/U6S3GZgMc1/) Basically it is still technical.. :-P

Hartusvuori

25th January 2013, 19:36

On SS2 there has been a mysterious log (most probably placed there by some idiots) middle of the road for SM2-class competitors. Nearly all SM2 guys hit it, for the rest the log hasn't been visible.

FRC Facebook post clears this matter as such: "After some investigations, the log (which is not much of a log, more likely a smaller piece of wood) has been brought up to the road by deep cut made by previous competitors. It have blocked some competitors route which is a shame."

bluuford

25th January 2013, 20:01

Inessa lost it after high-speed jump: little video: Video: Playboy-malli ralliautolla katolleen - MTV3.fi - Urheilu - Ralli - Uutiset (http://www.mtv3.fi/urheilu/ralli/uutiset.shtml/2013/01/1697386/video-playboy-malli-ralliautolla-katolleen)

Kielder

26th January 2013, 00:42

Where is this team from? Norland or Finway?

http://www.rallism.fi/images/2013-01-25T16-31_422709107_335.jpg

Good idea certainly to merge Mikkelsen's flag and Markkula's :) .

Mirek

26th January 2013, 00:56

Printsport is Finnish team but the car is owned by Even Rally from Norway.

HarriK

26th January 2013, 06:59

Printsport is Finnish team but the car is owned by Even Rally from Norway.

And codriver from Finland and driver from Norway :)

HarriK

26th January 2013, 07:21

Andreas hit the snowbang and broke a wheel...

Tom206wrc

26th January 2013, 07:22

Why Tenab results website not working at all this morning :confused:

Tom206wrc

26th January 2013, 08:05

OK...now it works...seems I have a big problem with my navigator then :mark:

Tinke1979

26th January 2013, 08:31

FRC Facebook post clears this matter as such: "After some investigations, the log (which is not much of a log, more likely a smaller piece of wood) has been brought up to the road by deep cut made by previous competitors. It have blocked some competitors route which is a shame."

This episode is going to be examined, some of the drivers said that the log disappeard after few hits and whit no traces at all.. And there were people spectating on that place... And that there were a pile of logs nearby.. But still nothing official so lets wait the info

cali

26th January 2013, 08:35

OK...now it works...seems I have a big problem with my navigator then :mark:
Just a good tip for you - use any browser except Internet Explorer ;)

Tom206wrc

26th January 2013, 09:13

No Kinnunen anymore in SS7 ;(

HarriK

26th January 2013, 09:32

Kinnunen still on race. Position 3 now

OldF

26th January 2013, 09:35

VIDEO - Onboard with Juha Salo, Stage 2, 2013 Arctic Lapland Rally

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_vidrss.htm?00000562)

Kielder

26th January 2013, 09:41

VIDEO - Onboard with Juha Salo, Stage 2, 2013 Arctic Lapland Rally

iRally | The free independent Rally App for the iPhone, iPad and Android (http://irallylive.com/ir_vidrss.htm?00000562)

Things happen very quickly from 7:30 to 7:45 :eek: .

This is the original source on Youtube, full HD: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZj-UwiHSmU

Juha_Koo

26th January 2013, 10:50

Therman hit some concrete in Mäntyvaara, game over for him. Can't attach picture from mobile...

Hartusvuori

26th January 2013, 12:06

What is with this whole Inessa thing, nor she drives good, nor she looks pretty, but all the media and this forum seems to fall on their knees because of her. And the constant team an codriver changes seems to point in just one direction - money, or more clearly lack of it.

Could it be just for the fun of it? It's true that she isn't much of a rally driver, but the buzz is there - even if not very sophisticated buzz...

I think the spectators that were at the place where she crashed, hadn't made this sign (beforehand) too seriously:

http://is11.snstatic.fi/img/468/1288535098467.jpg

bluuford

26th January 2013, 12:23

Timmu Kõrge got stuck yesterday because he was avoiding raindeer :-)

Tom206wrc

26th January 2013, 13:42

Juha Salo in the last stage ??? :confused:
Looks like Mikkelsen won finally !!!

Jeppe

26th January 2013, 13:49

Juha Salo in the last stage ??? :confused:
Looks like Mikkelsen won finally !!!

No Tom! Wait few minutes and you´ll see Juha´s time. His starting place for last two stages is waaay behind because his team changed the gearbox after SS8 and Juha got some penalty..

Jeppe

26th January 2013, 13:56

There it is - Juha´s time!! Juha Salo and Marko Salminen won the Arctic Lapland Rally 2013 with 1min 37s margin from Andreas Mikkelsen and Mikko Markkula.

Congrats!!!!

Tom206wrc

26th January 2013, 14:06

Yep I saw Salo's penalties...so Juho winner despite all ;)

Tom206wrc

26th January 2013, 14:19

Problem on SS10 ??? :confused: No more times coming after the top22... :mark:

bluuford

26th January 2013, 14:48

Great drive by Juha! Not so great by Andreas. Great by Joonas as well :-) Congradulations to the winners

Ezhik

26th January 2013, 17:21

Onboard with Inessa Tushkanova off (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2013/Arctic-Rally-2013/Inessa-Tushkanova-incar-SS2/27725308_JC548H/2336641282_B7R4SkG#!i=2336641282&k=B7R4SkG)

Humber

26th January 2013, 20:18

Is Juha Salo's Mitsubishi Evo X an R4 spec car ?

bluuford

26th January 2013, 20:23

Is Juha Salo's Mitsubishi Evo X an R4 spec car ?
Yes it is.

NikoP

26th January 2013, 23:00

My photos of the rally are online: Arctic Lapland Rally (http://nikop.kuvat.fi/#/kuvat/2013/Arctic+Lapland+Rally/)

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss40/ralli1/salo_zpsb8ce449f.jpg

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss40/ralli1/mikkelsen_zps8beafd91.jpg

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss40/ralli1/ferrari_zpsfb54efe9.jpg

Hartusvuori

27th January 2013, 10:28

Ho ho ho!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWfPSvFZMDY&feature=youtu.be

Juha_Koo

27th January 2013, 10:40

Is Juha Salo's Mitsubishi Evo X an R4 spec car ?

Yes it is.

This year in the FRC R4 cars have a more free engine regulations, so called FinR. The engine can be tuned a bit more and they can use a bigger restrictor.

dimviii

27th January 2013, 14:24

This year in the FRC R4 cars have a more free engine regulations, so called FinR. The engine can be tuned a bit more and they can use a bigger restrictor.

how bigger restrictor? any other engine changes?

Hartusvuori

27th January 2013, 15:02

how bigger restrictor? any other engine changes?

Restrictor is 1 mm bigger. There are some other liberties to engine as well, but I don't have the regs here at the moment, so...

txl

27th January 2013, 21:30

Juha_Koo

27th January 2013, 22:40

My video from Rovaniemi... Arctic Lapland Rally was a great experience for me - the atmosphere was incredible and something like I have never experienced before. :) I'm definitely going back there some day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq57DqrZmFQ

HarriK

28th January 2013, 08:08

Puuuh... Arctic Rally behind. Long 3 days + 2 long travel days, many great friends again and a lot more experience also. 7th subsequent Arctic Rally for me. Maybe (and hopefully) some day only as a spectator there :)

Hartusvuori

28th January 2013, 08:51

(hope this is the correct thread)

Hi,

I'm searching for some information about F Cup and Jämsä ralli. So far I was able to find these pages:
Osakilpailut | F-Cup - F-Cup rallisarjan virallinen sivusto (http://www.f-cup.fi/osakilpailut/)
JMK-Ralli 2013 - aukjamsanaijat.123kotisivu.fi (http://aukjamsanaijat.123kotisivu.fi/160346475)
https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Handlers/Attachment.ashx?id=2578&hash=ea3a040d&full=1

I'm thinking about visiting this so I'm looking for some more information from spectator point of view - mainly more details about route and maps.
Also I've read about tickets but more details about where they are sold will also be welcome.
And off course any other details that could be important :)

Thank you in advance.

Apart from NORF, FRC and possible exceptions Finnish rallies are so-called blind rallies, as is F-Cup Jämsä too. This means you won't get any official information about the route before the morning of the actual event date when maps are sold at local gas stations. No rally is secret of course (because of permissions, people inside telling about the route, etc.) so there could be people that could help you with the route beforehand, but it's always hush hush. All organisers have said that the route will include roads used in NORF, but that doesn't tell much in detail because Jämsä area roads are used frequently in the WRC event. Chances are though, that if you visit the event, you'll get to see parts of Ouninpohja in snow. I don't know anything about the route, though. Sadly (kind of) I'll miss this my home F-Cup event because it clashes with WRC Sweden.

Entries for the event will close tomorrow evening. So far 126 entries (including Joonas Lindroos co-driven by Ville Hautamäki in Golf GTi 16V and of course all top F-Cup regulars).

HarriK

28th January 2013, 09:01

Plenty of photos from Arctic Rally in PSR site (Printsport Racing):
Printsport Pictures : Rally 2013 : Arctic Rally 2013 (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2013/Arctic-Rally-2013)

And a lot more photos to come to this link.

Kielder

28th January 2013, 09:31

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTzzDbWR7uE&feature=player_embedded#!

Juha_Koo

28th January 2013, 12:00

HarriK

28th January 2013, 12:32

I hope to see Day 2 pictures soon, I might be visible pushing Therman's Fiesta. :-P

You should have push more that Eskelinen won't have to stop! :/
I was too long away and no time to get there before service job...

Juha_Koo

28th January 2013, 18:42

You should have push more that Eskelinen won't have to stop! :/
I was too long away and no time to get there before service job...

It was a sh*tty situation... I didn't even notice at first what happened (I was filming about 100 meters away in one tight right hander) and AFAIK, the first car after Therman managed to get past from a very small gap thru the snowbank, but then the crew and only two (?) additional guys tried to make more room, but because there was something going on with the transmission (or something like that, there was no proper drive to front wheels) it went all wrong and it got into really bad position. Then I noticed what was going on and ran to the car and we managed to push it to the outside of the corner. Really shame for Eskelinen... :/

txl

29th January 2013, 22:05

Thanks for your useful information Hartusvuori.
Preparing to go to a rally with unknown route is something new for me :) But anyway the rally looks promising.

Am I wrong or are there 257 entries for Jamsa ralli? :eek:

If any more information about this rally is available, please share :)

Hartusvuori

30th January 2013, 10:15

You are right about the total number of entries, however organiser has set a limit to maximum 240 entries. I guess the actual list will lie somewhere between these two numbers. Though, 240 entries with 1 minute gaps is already four hours of cars in first stage.

If you, I'd suggest after you've got the map to ask some people nearby that look "professional" for some tips. You won't loose anything with it, I think. Or if one stage is enough, drive through it before road is closed and park at some connection road near place you like.

txl

30th January 2013, 21:17

Thanks.
So it is 240 cars starting at 11:01 on every minute and 200km itinerary to be cleared until 17:40. I'm not sure how this "equation" is solved but I'm looking forward to see it.

Can I expect that the roads used for SS are in condition that they are accessible with a street car?
Is it known how much time before SS start the road is closed?

rdt

30th January 2013, 22:01

Normal closing of the special stages is 1 hour before the first start. So I think ss 1 closing is around 10.30 and txl if you really are coming to Finland next week so Pm me as I think I can help you much more.
Finnish roads are fast so you can always drive trough with standard car at least before the rally.

txl

9th February 2013, 21:07

I'm happy with seeing my first rally on snow :) Big thanks to Hartusvuori and rdt :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLdPccNBHFo
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5JibTBlKQj4/URam828MqlI/AAAAAAAABnY/bNBxuhCpJ8c/s640/IMG_0521.JPG

Tom206wrc

17th February 2013, 16:06

Entrylist of next week Vaakuna Ralli :confused:

17th February 2013, 16:31

Entrylist of next week Vaakuna Ralli :confused:

Here you are:
SM VAAKUNA-RALLI****************** Kilpailuun hyvksytyt (http://www.tenab.net/v2013/130222l.htm)

Tom206wrc

17th February 2013, 19:00

Thanks RP ;)

Hartusvuori

17th February 2013, 19:14

Here you are:
SM VAAKUNA-RALLI****************** Kilpailuun hyvksytyt (http://www.tenab.net/v2013/130222l.htm)

I'd guess Eskelinen continues with ex-Lappi Fiesta then. Also worth a mention is entry from Joonas Lindroos who's been pondering whether or not to drive FRC this season. Looks like he's giving it a go after all.

Susiraja

18th February 2013, 04:45

Two Fords also caught my eye. Jukka Korhonen again driving awith his R2 Fiesta. My guess is that he'll be third after Joonas and Jaro on the finish line.

Hulkkonen is back with his WRC Escort. I have a soft spot for those WRC Escorts. Old school attitude.

Co-FIN

18th February 2013, 12:04

Juha_Koo

18th February 2013, 13:45

My guess is that Korhonen will challenge Lindroos for the win(?)

Matias Kauppinen did some testing for SM-Vaakuna Ralli yesterday.

Matias Kauppinen & Citroen C2 R2 MAX Testing @ Pihlajavesi 17.2.2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpMNmT7rhis&feature=youtu.be)

Sumppu would have been good at 00:32 :D

20th February 2013, 17:34

Jari Ketomaa will replace Jukka Hiltunen and drive car nr 8 Skoda Fabia Super 2000 in Mikkeli starting the next Friday 22nd February.

SM Vaakuna Ralli is the 2nd Round of the Finnish Rally Championship 2013 and this rally is Jari´s home events, so it will be interesting to see how much quicker Ketomaa can be than Juha Salo and the rest of the drivers. He has also registered to the FRC series and will drive also in Joensuu 9th March..

Jeppe

20th February 2013, 18:13

Susiraja

20th February 2013, 18:43

Hartusvuori

20th February 2013, 19:25

This is very nice news! Question: In what spec and condition is Hiltunen's Fabia?

Jeppe

20th February 2013, 19:30

This is very nice news! Question: In what spec and condition is Hiltunen's Fabia?

It should be latest (spec II). Also set-up was pretty good for the snow / icy roads - I see Jukka/Tapsa and the Fabia in the same test venue in the early January.

Good car + great driver + excellent knowledge of the Mikkeli roads = 1st overall ;)

Here is an article from the Mikkeli area newspaper.

Google-kääntäjä (http://translate.google.fi/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lansi-savo.fi%2FUrheilu%2F13128068.html&act=url)

Tinke1979

21st February 2013, 03:50

This is not from FRC but one video that I made:
Kuplapaja VW Aircooled rally season 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzX03IydKBU) (use HD-quality) :)
Finnish VW Aircooled rally season 2012

HarriK

21st February 2013, 05:47

Ketomaa livery:

HarriK

21st February 2013, 05:59

Ketomaa Skoda livery:
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207356_514169401967037_136355935_n.jpg

Hartusvuori

22nd February 2013, 10:38

From Juha Salo's FB:

You can follow Juha Salo and his co-driver Marko Salminen during Rally Mikkeli live via this link: http://v2.kiho.fi/mapinterface/imap.php?flc=2007282&cs=KIHO-a2baa88cfa02473de6604de76ae3675ab97e1772&lang=fi&ml=100 (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fv2.kiho.fi%2Fmapinterface%2Fi map.php%3Fflc%3D2007282%26cs%3DKIHO-a2baa88cfa02473de6604de76ae3675ab97e1772%26lang%3D fi%26ml%3D100&h=nAQHUj69mAQHPzEZvcAHIcbSGcukCbu51ucKYzvRW_WVKjA&s=1) starting on Friday at 6.26 p.m
Other useful links:
Web-TV: www.lansi-savo.fi/vaakunaralli (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lansi-savo.fi%2Fvaakunaralli&h=xAQHjUZ-aAQFBFDK19ANoJ2eG_A_wOPKoJvsV8t0BLwVk3g&s=1) (on Friday at 5 p.m and on Saturday at 1.40 p.m)
Rally Radio: www.ralliradio.fi (http://www.ralliradio.fi/)
Live results: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)It's some sort of GPS tracking they're providing - for Joonas Lindroos and Jussi Vainionpää too. Let's see how it works.

Two stages will be televised live on web-tv.

Tom206wrc

22nd February 2013, 15:26

In about one hour starts of SS1 Vaakuna
Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm)

Go Jaro Kinnunen :bounce:

Tom206wrc

22nd February 2013, 16:35

Has SS1 normally started :confused:

Tom206wrc

22nd February 2013, 17:09

Kinnunen 10th best time SS1 :bounce:
I want him to win the 2WDs this time...unlike on Arctic Lapland :rolleyes:

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 07:51

Kinnunen 10th best time SS1 :bounce:
I want him to win the 2WDs this time...unlike on Arctic Lapland :rolleyes:

That'd be nice for Jaro, for the car and the championship, however - there's one real threat to it. You can follow it here: Lindroos Racing - Livekartta (http://www.lindroosracing.com/livekartta.php)

br21

23rd February 2013, 08:49

great time in ss1 for Ari Vihavainen, he beat rest by really big margin. Let's see how he will perform today.
Any photos from pre-start/first day?

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 08:54

Some pictures:

SM Vaakuna-Ralli2013 | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.411691445589081.95618.190875204337374&type=3)

br21

23rd February 2013, 09:32

Some pictures:

SM Vaakuna-Ralli2013 | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.411691445589081.95618.190875204337374&type=3)

THX!

Koljonen after some break come back with quite good pace I think, only some penaly put him down the order.

Tom206wrc

23rd February 2013, 09:59

Problem for Jari Ketomää on SS3 :(

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 11:38

Problem for Jari Ketomää on SS3 :(

Ketomaa cut too deep in SS3, air intake full of snow -> no rhythm, no power.

Joonas Lindroos - broken gear shifter after 1-2 kms, obviously a problem...

Jaro Kinnunen - problems with brakes, last km without them, but otherwise ok.

Tom206wrc

23rd February 2013, 11:58

Kinnunen in the lead of SM3 after SS4 :)

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 13:03

Korhonen lost time on SS4 due to gearbox problems. Looks like Kinnunen will take this, though 29 kms still to go, no room for big error.

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 14:15

Followed Salo's GPS map through the last stage. Top speed was close to the finish on the long straight, 200 km/h. Three times over 180 km/h on the stage.

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 14:21

So, Salo wins again. Had Vihavainen not messed up at SSS last night, he would've won it. Great drive from the young talent of the 1980s :-) Only 7,3 seconds between Salo and Vihavainen.

Mirek

23rd February 2013, 14:30

Quite a disappointment is the times of Ketomaa. I understand there was hardly something to fight for after the mistake but still...

Tom206wrc

23rd February 2013, 14:54

News about the SM3 drivers :confused:

Mirek

23rd February 2013, 15:28

Something strange with them. All Kinnunen, Korhonen, Lindroos, Pinomaki... has something like +30 min time in last stage. What happened?

Racing Ka

23rd February 2013, 15:49

Road blocked, they will get corrected time..

Tom206wrc

23rd February 2013, 15:52

So Kinnunen winner SM3 :confused:

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 16:05

One of the 4WD drivers had a gearbox broken and blocked the road for top 2WD drivers.

Racing Ka

23rd February 2013, 19:09

Rule book rules again, no calculated times for drivers!

Juha_Koo

23rd February 2013, 20:22

Sipilä's Mitsu got it's transmission completety jammed and therefore the car was not moving at all because all wheels were locked... Required quite an effort to move the car.

No corrected times for SM3 guys because regulations state that you can't be given a notional time unless stopped in the stage by SOS sign, etc. A block caused by another competitor is not a valid reason. Lots of discussion about the case going on...

Unfortunately I was not able to go to Mikkeli because of other commitments.

Mirek

23rd February 2013, 20:34

No corrected times for SM3 guys because regulations state that you can't be given a notional time unless stopped in the stage by SOS sign, etc. A block caused by another competitor is not a valid reason. Lots of discussion about the case going on...

OMG How stupid is that???

Hartusvuori

23rd February 2013, 20:42

Mirek, very stupid. Honestly, I didn't know that rules are like this. In this case, where a driver of different class prevented other class drivers to run stage properly, how about cancelling the stage from them? If first runners go through, nominal times for the stopped. This is just cruel.

But as said, the justice in this case was that all top 2WD guys suffered from this, so championship wise it's not too effective.

Rallyper

23rd February 2013, 23:55

OMG How stupid is that???

This is common national rules, but not appropriate having in WRC I guess...

How would rallies end if every blocking car is a reason to cancel a stage?

Susiraja

24th February 2013, 06:49

We had a proper start of the season since in Arctic rally we retired almost immediately. Jari learning stage by stage more from the car and me learning the reading pace for the Evo 9 after last year's R2 Fiesta.

First stage on Friday in the dark was a total mess for us. I was unsure with the reading pace and Jari also "pumped" with his driving. 9th in class and lost surprisingly little in time.
Second stage was OK. Super special and 3rd fastest overall.
First stage(stage 3) on Saturday started really well, but maybe 5km from the start we caught Ketomaa and had to drive behind him the rest of the stage. He said he knew we were behind him, but didn't want to let us pass since he counted it would have cost him 10 more seconds. We'll post incar footage later so everyone can see how much we lost or didn't loose driving behind him. Really unsportmanship since this isn't any WRC championship. He sabotaged our stage time on purpose. I lost all respect for the man. What a (place any description here you see fit) of a guy... We 8th on that stage.
Stage 4 went cleanly and we were 5th on that one.
Stage 5 went quite ok except for a couple of really long slides on loose snow. 5th on that one also.
In the end of stage 6 we caught some snow in our air filter, but luckily didn't loose too much time because of it. Managed to climb 5th overall.
Mikkeli had great roads as usual and was nice to have a trouble free rally on technical point of view. Our working also got better throughout the rally. Next round in Joensuu is my spiritual home rally and really looking forward to it.

br21

24th February 2013, 07:16

First stage(stage 3) on Saturday started really well, but maybe 5km from the start we caught Ketomaa and had to drive behind him the rest of the stage. He said he knew we were behind him, but didn't want to let us pass since he counted it would have cost him 10 more seconds. We'll post incar footage later so everyone can see how much we lost or didn't loose driving behind him. Really unsportmanship since this isn't any WRC championship. He sabotaged our stage time on purpose. I lost all respect for the man. What a (place any description here you see fit) of a guy... We 8th on that stage.

He lost there already over minute and a half so few seconds more wouldn't make any difference for him... this guy is really not OK!

Mirek

24th February 2013, 11:38

This is common national rules, but not appropriate having in WRC I guess...

What? No, it's not common! No way! It's normal to stop stage if it is blocked and give all affected crews notional times.I'm really surprised that somewhere rules can be so stupid that they punish crews for something they had no chance to affect. At least in central Europe and all FIA events (even those stupid cups) it is like that.

How would rallies end if every blocking car is a reason to cancel a stage?

I absolutely don't get Your thinking. So the way to finish the stage is to stand half an hour on the spot? That's a joke, nothing else. Usual correct way is that the affected crews take alternative route to the next time check around the stage like it is pointed in the itinerary. They are then given notional times. This is standard procedure!

Rallyper

24th February 2013, 11:43

What? No, it's not common! No way! It's normal to stop stage if it is blocked and give all affected crews notional times.I'm really surprised that somewhere rules can be so stupid that they punish crews for something they had no chance to affect. At least in central Europe and all FIA events (even those stupid cups) it is like that.

I absolutely don't get Your thinking. So the way to finish the stage is to stand half an hour on the spot? That's a joke, nothing else. Usual correct way is that the affected crews take alternative route to the next time check around the stage like it is pointed in the itinerary. They are then given notional times. This is standard procedure!

Well, that´s the way in Sweden. It happened many times, especially in winterrallies, during my career. Just to accept - because this happens so often the organizers would have to give notional time on every stage wintery winters...

HarriK

24th February 2013, 12:35

National and FIA international rules are different. Hope that this rule will be corrected soon!
I'm very sorry for R2 drives who lost the game because of this! :mad:

Mirek

24th February 2013, 13:44

Well, that´s the way in Sweden. It happened many times, especially in winterrallies, during my career. Just to accept - because this happens so often the organizers would have to give notional time on every stage wintery winters...

It happens here quite often that crews from the bottom of the startlist compete on let's say 1/4 or even 1/3 stages less than the top because of accidents (happens especially in one day events). But they still have fair competition. They drive less, that is true but their effort is not ruined by somebody else. That's totally wrong to accept, sorry.

Rallyper

24th February 2013, 13:59

It happens here quite often that crews from the bottom of the startlist compete on let's say 1/4 or even 1/3 stages less than the top because of accidents (happens especially in one day events). But they still have fair competition. They drive less, that is true but their effort is not ruined by somebody else. That's totally wrong to accept, sorry.

I´m not against that way. Just mentioned that it´s not generally rule. But your solution should be the most justice way.

Juha_Koo

24th February 2013, 14:27

Onboard with Salo/Salminen on SS3.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED5IOMo2t6w

Susiraja

24th February 2013, 17:42

Here's the onboard I promised from stage 3. Catching Ketomaa at roughly 6minutes and then concentrating on not going off the road in the snow dust
SM- Vaakuna ralli 2013, Jari Kihlman - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9ylhYfAncg)

Here is some footage from stage 4. That went well, but have to admit that the onboard footage isn't as entertaining as Salo's. Those are always nice to watch ;)
SM-Vaakuna ralli 2013, EK4, Jari Kihlman - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOIJJSjdZjA)

dimviii

24th February 2013, 18:06

Hartusvuori

24th February 2013, 18:25

Well, at least Lindroos was trying...

http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Mikkeli%20SM-ralli%202013/_MG_7679.JPG?img=img900

My friend's photos: rallirinki.kuvat.fi (http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Mikkeli+SM-ralli+2013/)

Hartusvuori

24th February 2013, 19:28

Again from Salo's FB, a picture by Seppo Salminen. That's what they mean when saying "flying sideways in the air". :-)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/179288_513993395319395_629118530_n.jpg

cali

24th February 2013, 20:13

Fantastic stuff from Salo

Susiraja

25th February 2013, 04:44

My guess is that Korhonen will challenge Lindroos for the win(?)

Seems that we were both wrong ;) A good fight in the sm3 class. Shame about the end results.

In the sm2 class Karttunen put on a good show. He may have had better traction in places, but to put it mildly his clio isn't exactly "latest spec". I had a chance to watch his driving and once to sit in the co-drivers seat in the akk training. I think he might have the smoothest driving style I have ever seen. And nowadays everyone tries to drive smoothly, but that's the main thing which stuck into my memory.

Hartusvuori

25th February 2013, 11:46

It hasn't been mentioned here, but on SS6 - prior to the blockage - Joonas Lindroos went off and spent some minutes in the ditch. It really wasn't his weekend.

Jeppe

25th February 2013, 13:19

It hasn't been mentioned here, but on SS6 - prior to the blockage - Joonas Lindroos went off and spent some minutes in the ditch. It really wasn't his weekend.

You´re right. Joonas and C2 could be seen from the Kalle Pinomäki´s incar from the SS6 @1:00 min. In the end of the video is also seen the Mitsu which caused the jam. Video ends to Kalle´s question to co-driver "What shall we do now?"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBU-Fp6inV8&list=UUW7TlpwKGUaPWQCu-mGjimQ&index=2

Juha_Koo

25th February 2013, 15:16

You´re right. Joonas and C2 could be seen from the Kalle Pinomäki´s incar from the SS6 @1:00 min.

That place...

Juha_Koo

26th February 2013, 18:49

I'll have to link one more onboard from Mikkeli, this time it's Juho Annala (who had that massive jump crash/roll last year in Kouvola ending his season there because of an injury and wrecked car) on SS5, some nice driving with C2... :) Here lost only 4,2 secs to fastest R2 (Kinnunen 208).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG9nqZSUZZw

Hartusvuori

1st March 2013, 11:08

Entries for next FRC event in Joensuu (March 9th) are here in pdf (https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Handlers/Attachment.ashx?id=3275&hash=4352fccd&full=1).

Ketomaa in Impreza R4 this time. Otherwise no big surpises. Lindroos is in. Also Inessa has entered...

Susiraja

2nd March 2013, 09:57

Some feelings/thoughts updated to my blog after Mikkeli. Looking forward to my spiritual home rally in Joensuu next weekend.
Now I'll head towards Lahti to watch today's F-Cup rally :)

Rallyper

2nd March 2013, 13:04

Any reports from todays F-cup yet?

Hartusvuori

2nd March 2013, 14:13

Any reports from todays F-cup yet?

They've just merely started. SS3 live at the moment. Jaska Nuorala in the lead, but there are 7 drivers within 11,1 seconds at the moment. Last three stages will be in darkness for top runners, more stages in darkness for higher numbers (230+ entries).

You can follow results here: Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm)

I don't know where exactly are they driving, but perhaps some parts from Lahti region NORF stages. At least last stage is a round on Jokimaa trotting track. My friend is at the rally and says there's a lot of spectators - as it is normally with F-Cup events in Southern Finland. I had to skip this for other prior engagement.

Hartusvuori

2nd March 2013, 15:22

After SS4 Jere Rekola in the lead. The width of competition never stops to amaze me with F-Cup. Top drivers are top drivers, but still, after 45 or so kilometres top 25 is within 30 seconds.

Hartusvuori

3rd March 2013, 17:15

Jaska Nuorala won F-Cup Lahti before Tero Salminen (+4,9s). Last stages were run in difficult conditions as it was dark and snowing heavily. It was also cold so snow dust became an issue.

Here's a nice shot of Nuorala: mla.kuvat.fi (http://mla.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Kuvat+2013/Hygienialinkki.com+Ralli+Lahti/EK2/IMG_0969.jpg)
You rarely see a big car like Volvo 240 jump like that... Suspension travel isn't exactly WRC kind.

Here are my friend's pictures: rallirinki.kuvat.fi (http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Lahti+F-Cup+2013/)

Not rallying, but motorsport still - tragic news now from "jokamiehenluokka" winter championship event where a marshall died after getting hit by a car. The track was on a lake, two cars in side contact from where the other car lost control and went into a snowbank where the marshall was standing.

donlorean

6th March 2013, 15:12

Jari Ketomaa - Preparing for Joensuu Rally 2013 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u935MFfpkhQ)

Jari Ketomaa test's TMR Subaru R4 for next weekend FRC rally in Joensuu...

Tom206wrc

9th March 2013, 07:22

Early retirement again for Inessa(forfait) :confused:
Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)

Tom206wrc

9th March 2013, 09:50

Where's Kalle Pinnomäki on SS2 Itäralli :confused:
He was leading R2 class after SS1...

9th March 2013, 10:09

Where's Kalle Pinnomäki on SS2 Itäralli :confused:
He was leading R2 class after SS1...

Lost 10 min on SS 2, when got stuck in the snow....

Hartusvuori

9th March 2013, 10:12

There's some timing issues on SS3. Salo is in the finish but his time isn't there yet.

Ketomaa, engine failure on SS2, out.

Hartusvuori

9th March 2013, 11:43

Let's see how this works. If you want to see if some driver is gaining or loosing, open that link, then at the bottom left, check "use tails" and check "draw tail ends" and set the time for 1 minute. As the stage starts, you can see if the driver behind is gaining or loosing then. Handful of top drivers carry the GPS. SS5 will start 14.21 Finnish time (+1 to many of you).

gpsseuranta.net - Itäralli 2013 (http://www.tulospalvelu.fi/gps/20130309itaralli/)

Hartusvuori

9th March 2013, 12:00

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/484754_10151486153379883_38186729_n.jpg

Juho Annala's car, taken from his FB.

And Kari Hämäläinen's out-of-control jump from onboard. He retired after this for hurt back, and perhaps some materialistic damage too...

http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2013/Joensuu-SM-2013/Kari-Hamalainen-incar/28347714_XqF6CQ#!i=2399886130&k=sxjW5ZS

Tom206wrc

9th March 2013, 14:15

Where's Timo Immunen on SS6 :confused:

Tom206wrc

9th March 2013, 14:35

Accident for Immonen while fighting with Lindroos and Kinnunen for the lead in R2(SS6) ;(

9th March 2013, 14:52

Where's Timo Immunen on SS6 :confused:

Almost correct :-) He is Risto Immonen..

At least he showed very good speed. It was his home rally, but great to see some progress comparing to last year...

Rally Talent

9th March 2013, 17:01

Salo wins again! Sad that Ketomaa had tough luck this time with the engine. He had all the potential for victory. Next time then.

Hartusvuori

10th March 2013, 08:40

Can you do it like this? :D From rally special in Kuortane yesterday...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9VzGQuEkFE

Hartusvuori

10th March 2013, 12:27

My friend's pictures from FRC Joensuu: rallirinki.kuvat.fi (http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Joensuu+SM-ralli+2013/)

http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Joensuu%20SM-ralli%202013/_MG_9107.JPG?img=smaller

Hartusvuori

10th March 2013, 15:57

Here's Kari Hämäläinen's airy jump in Jani Kekoni's pictures: Joensuu SM 2013 kuvat Jani Kekoni - #2401152446 - Printsport Pictures (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2013/Joensuu-SM-2013/Jaquels-de-la-los-Juan-don/28361226_STDJCc?_escaped_fragment_=i%3D2401152446% 26k%3DQP7SS4b)

http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2013/Joensuu-SM-2013/Jaquels-de-la-los-Juan-don/i-tzpBfGB/0/L/psr-karihamalainen-joensuu2013b-L.jpg

Juha_Koo

10th March 2013, 21:46

Short but great onboard from Joensuu SS5 with Salo/Salminen. Average speed 133,6kph... :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKeZmF8zxlg

Rallyper

11th March 2013, 16:41

That driving is what only real men can do. No wonder Finland brought so many fast rallydrivers having those fast roads...

Hartusvuori

14th March 2013, 07:02

Some interesting 360 degree rally photos from FRC Joensuu by Bruno Keiser:

The Wednesday-Picture(s) #15: A TOTALLY NEW VIEW ON RALLY! | Bruno's Blog (http://brunosblog.sporttimobiili.com/?p=1979)

Hartusvuori

24th March 2013, 19:35

Winter season in Finland is officially over, last rally was week ago and next one will be in mid May, but there's still some club events and test runs organised as winter weather is now at its best. This part of the country at least had some 40 cm of fresh snow 10 days ago and it've been well below -10 celcius during the nights.

So, here's some videos from Saturday at FRC driver Joni Nikko's "own stage". Variety of drivers and cars there. The onboard is from Jari-Matti Tiilikka, a JFRC regular, whose driving style with MkII Escort is flamboyant and spectacular to say the least. There's also nice variety in the road (2 loops). The other video is linked at the spot that show Tiilikka's style from outside the car. See the second run...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GH-Wc3HTgDk&feature=youtu.be

Spectators' view: 2.JÄÄRATA-AJOT LAIHIALLA - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TCBUUj2T1I&feature=player_detailpage#t=546s)

Hartusvuori

2nd April 2013, 17:08

After having a couple of years on sabbatical from rallying, Kosti Katajamäki is planning a return. He has entered FRC with Printsport's Fiesta S2000.

Katajamäki is best remember from mid 00s, he drove a handful of events in Focus WRC in 2006, being fifth overall in Turkey that year. He also did JWRC earlier. His last season in FRC was 2010 when he finished 2nd.

Hartusvuori

14th May 2013, 18:29

Wakey, wakey, rallying season in Finland is starting give its first signs of life for the spring and much anticipated gravel roads.

First gravel event is a national rally Black Rocket Rally that'll be held this Saturday. Exactly 200 entries: http://www.mut-palvelu.fi/2013/ralli/ralli_terua/osanottajat.pdf Few interesting names there from F-Cup like Tero Salminen and Olli Lavikainen. Also, Jari-Matti Tiilikka from the above-mentioned video is in the list. I do always like to see him drive the MkII. The event is five stages in the area of Janakkala/Turenki and nearby, some roads must be very well-used, one stage being also used in NORF 2011.

The week after junior rally championship and ladies cup continues in Joutsa (near Jyväskylä and old 1000 Lakes stages) with Ovisepät Ralli. Last year the event was won by EP Lappi, this year it've attracted a few of the FRC regulars too as it's an event drivers can recce. I'd say Joni Nikko could very well be the fastest of the lot in 4WD. The rising start Teemu Asunmaa could be a name to watch too. On 2WD there could be a battle for the victory as some of the top FRC 2WD drivers are on the entry list, Mänty (Civic), Kinnunen (208 R2) and Vainionpää (Civic) to name the first three that comes to mind. 148 entries here (https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Kiti/Competition/CompetitionOpen.aspx?id=3088&edit=0) if the link works.

FRC continues with Pohjanmaa-ralli in Laihia (west coast) on June 15th. Not much entries for that rally yet, but rumour about Kosti Katajamäki's one-off comeback are still alive. What makes this event interesting at least for the spectators in the stages is the fact that 2WD FRC classes will run in front of 4WD. Don't ask me why, but it can be nice change, why not.

On the last weekend of June we have a rally with a classic name, 1000 Lakes in Jyväskylä, stages north-northwest of the classic rally city. It's a 5 stage national event, but a very nice one. Loved it last year, even if it was so (https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/283648_10151021205708930_746057821_n.jpg) dusty (https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/411875_10150996547923930_1889020216_o.jpg) that the thousand lakes nearby came well in need.

If all goes well, I'll attend all four events. I need to, to be honest.

Rallyper

19th May 2013, 19:22

So how did it go? Any pics, vids??

Hartusvuori

19th May 2013, 20:41

http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Black%20Rocket%20Ralli%202013/_MG_0260.JPG/_bigthumb.jpg (http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Black%20Rocket%20Ralli%202013/_MG_0260.JPG)

Per, thanks for asking, it went well! It was obvious that the first gravel rally of the year and held so South would gather a nice number of spectators and drivers, and so it did. Weather-wise it was also good, perhaps a little rain would've been needed as it was rather dusty in the end.

We did two stages, first and last. In SS1 we were, like most other too, at blind right into left combination, with a ditch and field. One roll, one off and interestingly both were 4WDs. 4-5 other cars were on absolute limit there but managing to keep in piece. Very enjoyable place!

For SS5 there was few options and we chose wrong. We had nice, relaxed place towards the end with a steep downhill with a bumb in the middle, into long right. We saw few nice slides, but that's all. The place to be in the rally we missed, the first right-hander of SS5, only few hundred metres into the stages. Couple of rolls, couple of offs and many mishaps there. See from this incar (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbR6zC4Ku1k&feature=player_detailpage#t=59s) how it looked for the crews and from this video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zF3TxZaUU20#t=138s) how for spectators. (The first half of the video is from SS1, place I mentoned)

In the end the results doesn't really matter (out of ~185 crews that started, ~50 retired), but they are here: Mut-palvelu (http://www.mut-palvelu.fi/2013/ralli/ralli_terua/)

Also, here are my friend's rather spectacular shots from the rally. Lots of sideways :-) Black Rocket Ralli 2013 (http://rallirinki.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Black+Rocket+Ralli+2013/)

Only one week of work and then on next Saturday back on stages at Ovisepät-ralli. I approve.

Hartusvuori

20th May 2013, 09:10

Sad news from Finland. A test run accident occured yesterday in Seinäjoki killing a man at a co-driver's seat. It was a human error where two cars started the same stage at the same time from both ends and crashed at a blind overcrest high speed, full frontal accident. Leaves me speechless.

Ralliautot yhteen mäennyppylällä - yksi kuoli, kaksi loukkaantui vakavasti | Poliisiuutiset | Uutiset | Ilkka (http://www.ilkka.fi/uutiset/poliisiuutiset/ralliautot-yhteen-maennyppylalla-yksi-kuoli-kaksi-loukkaantui-vakavasti-1.1391852)

wwbroe

20th May 2013, 10:06

stefanvv

20th May 2013, 11:12

sad news from finland. A test run accident occured yesterday in seinäjoki killing a man at a co-driver's seat. It was a human error where two cars started the same stage at the same time from both ends and crashed at a blind overcrest high speed, full frontal accident. Leaves me speechless.

ralliautot yhteen mäennyppylällä - yksi kuoli, kaksi loukkaantui vakavasti | poliisiuutiset | uutiset | ilkka (http://www.ilkka.fi/uutiset/poliisiuutiset/ralliautot-yhteen-maennyppylalla-yksi-kuoli-kaksi-loukkaantui-vakavasti-1.1391852)

omg, r.i.p.