Mexico 2012

[misar]

3 times 0 points

[dimviii]

Hmmm...good pace by Neuville...but both times he tried to mix with the big boys mistakes happened....lets see.
not clever for him.Same as Monte.Speed seems to be there,but there is no patience....Ogier symptoms...

[Barreis]

Duval was better.

[dimviii]

20:25 Tweet from @citroenracing

"SS6: @thierryneuville is stopped in the stage after hitting a rock which was in the middle of the road :( They're trying to repair. #WRC

[EuroTroll]

Duval was better.

It's obviously too early to say.

[EightGear]

Where is Abbring? He should have started after Trivino.

[Tom206wrc]

Hey !!! Where's Abbring in SS6 ??? :s

[Allyc85]

Ogier is bored already!

Sebastien Ogier finding Super 2000 life 'boring' on Rally Mexico - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97939)

Wonder if we will see him in scenery soon ;)

[Rallyper]

Ogier is bored already!

Sebastien Ogier finding Super 2000 life 'boring' on Rally Mexico - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97939)

Wonder if we will see him in scenery soon ;)

I pretty sure he will show up in Finland with WRC Polo, don´t you think??

[logic]

Ogier is bored already!

Sebastien Ogier finding Super 2000 life 'boring' on Rally Mexico - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97939)

Wonder if we will see him in scenery soon ;)

This guy would not stop running his mouth.

[Hartusvuori]

I pretty sure he will show up in Finland with WRC Polo, don´t you think??

Why would they? Homologations, remember.

[Francis44]

I pretty sure he will show up in Finland with WRC Polo, don´t you think??

I think the only chance we have this year to see the Polo WRC in WRC roads is in Germany, and as course car.

[denkimi]

still no abbring, I assume he must have retired.

[EightGear]

Abbring's car still in service park apparently, broken fuel pump (?).

[denkimi]

Abbring's car still in service park apparently, broken fuel pump (?).
shouldn't that be an easy and quick fix if he's in service?

[Iskald]

Ogier is bored already!

Sebastien Ogier finding Super 2000 life 'boring' on Rally Mexico - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/97939)

Wonder if we will see him in scenery soon ;)

Of course he is bored. No Mikkelsen in Mexico...

[EightGear]

shouldn't that be an easy and quick fix if he's in service?

Don't know, nothing confirmed but that's what I read somewhere.

[Jajá]

Smashing split times for Latvala on ss7, what a pity he broke his car's supension in the morning loop...

[Barreis]

He could be soon completely out.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Smashing split times for Latvala on ss7, what a pity he broke his car's supension in the morning loop...

Ford seem to be cursed ... no matter what they do something goes wrong.

Citroen has a fast car and drivers but always the luck as well.

[logic]

My god JML is on a flyer!!

[dimviii]

Ford seem to be cursed ... no matter what they do something goes wrong.

Citroen has a fast car and drivers but always the luck as well.

it is not luck.

[Rallyper]

I think the only chance we have this year to see the Polo WRC in WRC roads is in Germany, and as course car.

I still don´t understand why they couldn´t do that in Finland as well. Because Finland is the real test on gravel and should be good having done before it´s the real business 2013.

[Jajá]

it is not luck.

It must be tough to be way over your limit all the time to match the citroen's pace... that may be a point...

[mousti]

I think the only chance we have this year to see the Polo WRC in WRC roads is in Germany, and as course car.
Zero car need to be homologated too.

[Francis44]

I still don´t understand why they couldn´t do that in Finland as well. Because Finland is the real test on gravel and should be good having done before it´s the real business 2013.

I think it would make more sense to debut the car on home ground. For Finland im sure they will test the car there, sooner or later.

[A.F.F.]

it is not luck.

What is it? Another conspiracy theory?

[mousti]

Abbring had fuel pump problems.

[dimviii]

It must be tough to be way over your limit all the time to match the citroen's pace... that may be a point...

yes, but thats not luck.

[misar]

I think Hirvonen made a statement like " Now I understand why we where slower" or something like that.

[Rallyper]

I think it would make more sense to debut the car on home ground. For Finland im sure they will test the car there, sooner or later.

Agree on that, but you know how pedantic the Germans are, they wouldn´t like to miss an opprtunity to test in real conditions in Finland before they even test on homeground. MAybe it´s me having wishful thinking, but still...

[dimviii]

What is it? Another conspiracy theory?

just ability.

[A.F.F.]

just ability.

Fair enough.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally is over prematurely once more.... A locked Citroen 1-2...A possible climb up for Fords for the rest of the rally...Every year the same thing....

This is what I feel, its like rallying deja vu.

When is the last time we had a real fight for the lead between a Citroen and a Ford ???

[wwbroe]

Unfortunally my prediction from this afternoon concerning Neuville came true. I think he was trying a little bit too much if you see his times. I think it would make more sence to try and get the experience of the car first and then try to set good times. :(

[jonkka]

When is the last time we had a real fight for the lead between a Citroen and a Ford ???

A month ago.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remember Rally Sweden?

Specialist rally, Ford's one guaranteed win.

[jonkka]

Specialist rally, Ford's one guaranteed win.

Citroen didn't have a specialist driver then? :eek:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Citroen didn't have a specialist driver then? :eek:

Yes Mikkos 1st time in DS3 on snow.

You know what I mean - a gravel rally with no punctures, damage, crashes for either (but usually Ford) :(

[misar]

I think citroen doesn´t develop the car for just one snow event, they put the money in for the gravel and tarmac events

[cali]

Yes Mikkos 1st time in DS3 on snow.

You know what I mean - a gravel rally with no punctures, damage, crashes for either (but usually Ford) :(

Portugal 2011 - Ogier was faster by 0,1 sec.
Too much moaning, actually last season was quite interesting :)

[Wasted Talent]

No times for Kosciuszko and Fuchs for SS7 but they are on the splits for SS8 ??

(Okay, times up now....)

WT

[tfp]

I diddnt expect the fords to be as fast as this, shame there were mistakes! We could have been in for a good battle between 4 factory drivers.
Im also dissapointed with Neuville, was looking forward to a good fight with Ostberg, shame he is out of contention aswel :(

Latvala on fire, fastest rally driver on the planet, unfortunately only after he has binned it and lost all chance of a win, as usual!

Most of all, Id love to see Mikko win, and if Loeb does win this event, I hope its because hes faster than his team mate, not because Citroen want to make their wonder boy a 9 times world champion(9......!)

[cali]

I think you mean Jordan Rally Cali? 0,2s?

Yes, my bad! Rally Jordan it was :) Thanks Tommeke!

[logic]

Will the super special stage show again online?

[Coach 2]

I have previously, under a different topic, said that I am afraid that Ford has, as in previous constructions of the WRC cars, priority traction, instead of hand-ling. It will make the car very good in very slippery conditions. but very difficult to drive, when the grip increases. It is possible I have no right in my conclusions, but it certainly looks like it is.
They can win if it rains or when there is less grip as the snow conditions, but the car is terribly difficult to drive at other conditions, due to lack of hand-ling. If we look back and assess the rally they have won in recent years and how the condition has been during these rallies, I think Hirvonen is right. Now I understand why we had trouble winning.

[Tom206wrc]

What do you think of Ramona Karlsson's pace so far in Mexico :confused:

[Martin Luijk]

I think a lack of power is the problem. In rallies where they need power, like asphalt or high altitude rallies, they have been struggling all the time. The handling doesn't seems to be the problem, a few Dutch and Belgium rally drivers have said the car is very nice and essay to drive when they drove it for the first time in national rallies.

[dimviii]

I have previously, under a different topic, said that I am afraid that Ford has, as in previous constructions of the WRC cars, priority traction, instead of hand-ling. It will make the car very good in very slippery conditions. but very difficult to drive, when the grip increases. It is possible I have no right in my conclusions, but it certainly looks like it is.
They can win if it rains or when there is less grip as the snow conditions, but the car is terribly difficult to drive at other conditions, due to lack of hand-ling. If we look back and assess the rally they have won in recent years and how the condition has been during these rallies, I think Hirvonen is right. Now I understand why we had trouble winning.

couldn t be...... rallies that Fords drivers managed/suit them better? food for thought... ;)

[BleAivano]

what happened to ramona? did they even start on ss8?
they lost 30 secs on ss7 so do they have problems? or even an off?

[Psycho!]

We must keep an eye on the weather as well...Any relatively accurate predictions??

[dimviii]

where is bluuford when you need him?

[Pinto]

hear on the twitter a ford pulled up on the road section

[Coach 2]

couldn t be...... rallies that Fords drivers managed/suit them better? food for thought... ;)

It's actually not just P.S. the puncture, but most Ford drivers when speed increases. This looks like a syndrome of Ford, more than just drivers who cut too much. If you feel uncertainty when you go into the turns (due to lack of hand-ling), this would necessarily result in punctures.
I've suspected this for years, but I'm more certain that this is the case now than I've ever been.
I, am a great defender of the "Nose end first" style, this style is very difficult to perform with a car that has bad "hand-ling".

[Juha_Koo]

Nice comments once again about how JML binned it... Maybe you could show how to avoid a massive rock on a really fast downhill section when on fifth-sixth gear? Just very bad luck - or idiot spectators putting it there.



What do you think of Ramona Karlsson's pace so far in Mexico :confused:


what happened to ramona? did they even start on ss8?
they lost 30 secs on ss7 so do they have problems? or even an off?

Miriam is feeling very unwell, almost fainted during the morning loop. Apparently the hydration failed during and after the long recce and now the body is all fked up. Really shows how important proper nutrition and hydration is.

If she gets better I believe their speed will increase. Ramona has a lot of potential, she's definately not a tourist - atleast in Swedish events. I think she might get some good PWRC results, she just needs more experience from WRC.

[A FONDO]

Kinda lazy first day but not bad at all.

As expected, the Citroens topped the overall from the very beginning. In his first non-specialist rally Hirvonen shows strong times and now its easy to see the handicap he had with the cars last years. I dont want to say he is equal to Loeb, but, if they'd had opposite teams from the beginning he would have probably won 2-3 titles.

About the Fords, their rude driving styles immidiately took their toll on this tricky event, fortunately they lost less than two minutes each (and a few tyres) and are back on the pedestal. But nothing more because Citroens certainly wont succumb to pressure, nor their cars break from nothing, nevermind if there are 300 or 30000 kilometers left.

Tanak and Neuville swapped their positions again. I mean, one is cruising while the other one pushing (with good times) and crashing. They both have incredible raw talent but still need a lot of experience to be "in the mix". The other youngster Abbring is also amazing and seems very relaxed.

Mads is doing pretty good job again. Novikov, Atkinson and Attiyah are playing it safe but may suddenly explode with top times. Block is here for 4th time and I think he is already at the top of his rally potential, but I dont have anything against him. Same for Araujo.

[tfp]

Nice comments once again about how JML binned it... Maybe you could show how to avoid a massive rock on a really fast downhill section when on fifth-sixth gear? Just very bad luck - or idiot spectators putting it there.







Sorry - :( Dont mean to offend/kick a driver when theyre down, it just nearly always seems to be the case with Latvala. He is always fast, then makes a mistake and puts himself out of contention, then wins more stages at the end of the event with the overall time way behind the leader. Only when he finishes the event without any offs/punctures etc does he win. And win with style(Sweden)

[logic]

will the special stage be streamed live?

[Juha_Koo]

Sorry - :( Dont mean to offend/kick a driver when theyre down, it just nearly always seems to be the case with Latvala. He is always fast, then makes a mistake and puts himself out of contention, then wins more stages at the end of the event with the overall time way behind the leader. Only when he finishes the event without any offs/punctures etc does he win. And win with style(Sweden)

Hey, no need to apologize. :) It's totally fine to analyze the rally. My point was that I really don't understand how it can be JML's mistake that there was a huge rock on the line (which wasn't there during recce). It's enviromental, not JML-mental. His reputation as a driver leans heavily to the history when he was all over the place. I feel that many times JML is critisized for no reason. There are things to which driver can't do nothing about.

[Coach 2]

Hey, no need to apologize. :) It's totally fine to analyze the rally. My point was that I really don't understand how it can be JML's mistake that there was a huge rock on the line (which wasn't there during recce). It's enviromental, not JML-mental. His reputation as a driver leans heavily to the history when he was all over the place. I feel that many times JML is critisized for no reason. There are things to which driver can't do nothing about.

It is often difficult to consolidate this early in the season, but I think those who criticized Hirvonen recent years, should consider the reason for their opinions.
With the background of this year's preliminary results, they should be unlikely surprised.

[OldF]

Nice comments once again about how JML binned it... Maybe you could show how to avoid a massive rock on a really fast downhill section when on fifth-sixth gear? Just very bad luck - or idiot spectators putting it there.


I don’t understand why someone is saying, ”why couldn’t they avoid hitting a rock in the road”.

The drivers are driving with maximum speed true every corner with a line of pace by the pace notes, they have only one line to drive. And if the there is a rock or anything else, they can’t avoid hitting it. Remember the year when Petter hit a rock Japan in the middle of a corner.

OK, they have one change to avoid it by changing the driving line, going outside the bend and crashing.

PS
This was not a comment for a criticism for you as looking at your profile sometimes, I remember you’ve have a co-driver experience.

[Francis44]

Funny video on WRC.com.

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Guanajuato Mexico 2012: Tough First Morning for Ford (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-guanajuato-mexico-2012-tough-first-morning-for-ford/?vid=2459)

at around 1 minutes Solberg breaks the door handle and you can hear it in his voice the thought "could this day get any worse" lol.

[bluuford]

where is bluuford when you need him?

Bluuford just took a few beers :-)

Its is a desert, what can you expect? 14 degrees during the night (tonight) and at least 25 degrees during daylight tomorrow (in the shade). Road surface temperature between +35...+40 is possibility) Maybe evens some clouds tomrrow. Tomorrow we have some wind, but current forecast says 0 m/s wind speed for Sunday morning. Hopefully some wind pics up by the longest stage. It is the most boring rally in weatherwise - each year, each day, same weather.

[6789]

Such a shame for JML - hopefully he can pull up to third place at least over the weekend

[Juha_Koo]

I don’t understand why someone is saying, ”why couldn’t they avoid hitting a rock in the road”.

The drivers are driving with maximum speed true every corner with a line of pace by the pace notes, they have only one line to drive. And if the there is a rock or anything else, they can’t avoid hitting it. Remember the year when Petter hit a rock Japan in the middle of a corner.

OK, they have one change to avoid it by changing the driving line, going outside the bend and crashing.

PS
This was not a comment for a criticism for you as looking at your profile sometimes, I remember you’ve have a co-driver experience.

Did you quote the wrong message? :) Because I basically said the exact same thing that you pointed out. There's really nothing a driver can do if there's a rock on the line, except maybe in a hairpin... JML said that he didn't even try to avoid the rock because it would have resulted to a certain off.

And I don't have co-driver experience...yet ;) Only a ride with Salo on tests. I can't deny it, I'm very intrested in codriving and pacenotes - I always call myself an armchair co-driver. Some day in the future I want to try it out for real... Some day :)

[eib1]

Unfortunally my prediction from this afternoon concerning Neuville came true. I think he was trying a little bit too much if you see his times. I think it would make more sence to try and get the experience of the car first and then try to set good times. :(
did anybody really thougt that he will finish that rally on that pace... impossible. he is not faster than Tänak or Novikov, just a rookie to drive wheels off

[OldF]

Did you quote the wrong message? :) Because I basically said the exact same thing that you pointed out. There's really nothing a driver can do if there's a rock on the line, except maybe in a hairpin... JML said that he didn't even try to avoid the rock because it would have resulted to a certain off.

And I don't have co-driver experience...yet ;) Only a ride with Salo on tests. I can't deny it, I'm very intrested in codriving and pacenotes - I always call myself an armchair co-driver. Some day in the future I want to try it out for real... Some day :)


Zorry about the co-driver experience. I’m so old that my memory betrayed me.

But the else you said about the driving lines is what I wanted to point out.

[mousti]

Just for your info, it's raining, thundering and lighting in the service park, now the rain could make it interesting for tomorrow!!! Signed Julian Porter

[logic]

so ammm............will we be able to see the super special live again?

[pettersolberg29]

not clever for him.Same as Monte.Speed seems to be there,but there is no patience....Ogier symptoms...

If he has the same 'problems' as Ogier then he is going to be a very good driver indeed! As is always said, it's easier to teach a fast driver to be consitent than a consistent driver to be fast. See Matty Wilson and Andreas Mikkelsen as examples!

[6789]

Rain must be slowing everyone down?

[pettersolberg29]

Yeah the rain means Al-Attiyah and Atkinson win the two SSS. Meanwhile the conditions improved for Loeb which allowed him to make 5.9s over Mikko in just the two super specials as the rain eased off, which means he more than doubled his lead in the spectator stages which were only 2.2km long after only 4.5s difference in over 100km of real stage! How frustrating for Mikko.

[sollitt]

Interesting decision by the organisers to cancel stage 9, on "safety grounds" due to an "irresponsible spectator" throwing a rock at Neuvilles car. The "safety concern" was obviously based on the premise that the "irresponsible spectator" has another rock and was going to do it again when the stage re-ran.
If he in fact did have another rock, isn't it likely that he would have thrown it at another car on the first pass rather than wait for the re-run? And if in fact he did have another rock and the inclination to throw it again, doesn't the stage cancellation just mean that he's now moved to another place unknown to the organisers?
The decision denied the event 24 kilometres of stage mileage for the day which was reduced to 3 stages of less that 2.5 k's and the remaining 7 totalling just 117km's.
But it's OK folks. Mexico is a big market. 115 milllion goat herders who drive donkeys and 1957 El Rancho's. Can't forget that.

[tmx]

I predict a boring championship.

[rallye-sport]

First Day -> Photos Rallye du Mexique 2012 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-du-mexique-2012/)

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/mexique-2012/mexique2-219.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/mexique-2012/mexique2-081.jpg

[jonkka]

or when there is less grip as the snow conditions

Studded snow tyres (on snow) provide a lot more grip than you have on gravel (with gravel tyres).

[bluuford]

Just for your info, it's raining, thundering and lighting in the service park, now the rain could make it interesting for tomorrow!!! Signed Julian Porter

hmm.. when I decide to take a time off.. weather changes and rain arrives:-) I am just looking the forecast that some rain in the afternoon is real possibility again! Anyone remembers any rain in Rally Mexico? I dont :-) If we look longer climate record then there is approximately 0.9 rainy days in March, so, we were really lucky to see the rain!.

[EuroTroll]

Time-schedule for us in Europe. ( GMT +1)

[...]

Saturday:
13:54 - SS13 Ibarrilla 1.
14:12 - SS14 Otates 1.
18:06 - SS15 Ibarrilla 2.
19:24 - SS16 Otates 2.
22:30 - SS17 Comanjilla 1.
23:45 - SS18 Super Special 3.
23:50 - SS19 Super Special 4.
00:23 - SS20 Comanjilla 2.

Sunday:
16:30 - SS21 Super Special 5.
17:33 - SS22 Guanajuatito.
19:06 - SS23 Derramadero.
20:18 - SS24 VW Power Stage.

Bump. :cool:

4 h 40 min to go.

[Tom206wrc]

I predict a boring championship.


Rally Mexico alone, maybe, but why championship :confused:

[Coach 2]

Studded snow tyres (on snow) provide a lot more grip than you have on gravel (with gravel tyres).

I know and agree. But when you are outside the track, when the tires then start fade or wear increases. Then there is not much grip.

[Evian]

what happened to ramona? did they even start on ss8?
they lost 30 secs on ss7 so do they have problems? or even an off?

According to their newsletter a brakepipe broke in the end of SS7 so they stopped. But they will fix it in service and restart.

[BleAivano]

Regarding Ramona, they had to retire since
the brakes stopped working about 1km
from the finish of ss7 due to loss of brakefluid.

Miriam apparently was affected by a stonach bakteria/virus. After receiving medical assistance
she is feeling much better and they will restart tomorrow.

info taken from ramonas website.

also Evian your post wasn't posted when
i started writing this post. ;)

[Coach 2]

Studded snow tyres (on snow) provide a lot more grip than you have on gravel (with gravel tyres).

It has certainly been so in recent years, that Citroen have had more / bigger problems with tire wear than Ford in the Swedish Rally.
Has anyone on this forum any suggestions or reason for this, other than the conclusion I have suggested.

[Juha_Koo]

Has anyone on this forum any suggestions or reason for this, other than the conclusion I have suggested.

According to Mikko, they have used completely different suspension and differential setups. Mikko changed the car dramatically but the problems were still there so I guess it's about the car's geometry.

[dimviii]

Ken Block crash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4cG4Duv5gM&feature=player_embedded

[Rallyper]

Ken Block crash
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4cG4Duv5gM&feature=player_embedded

Isn´t Ken Block used to do indoor racing with rallycars? Doesn´t look so after his mistake in 1st stage in Mexico... :s mokin:

[Francis44]

Isn´t Ken Block used to do indoor racing with rallycars? Doesn´t look so after his mistake in 1st stage in Mexico... :s mokin:

Anyway that corner is tricky as hell, it even looked like there was a bit of water there.

[TMorel]

I wouldn't have liked being that guy standing on the corner, those cars could pingpong around if anyone lost it under breaking.

[Coach 2]

According to Mikko, they have used completely different suspension and differential setups. Mikko changed the car dramatically but the problems were still there so I guess it's about the car's geometry.

I have also heard this, and I agree.
But it is precisely these differences in geometry, I'm aiming for.
I think Ford has gone too far in pursuit of grip, and I think this has gone at the expense of the hand-ling.

[A FONDO]

nice clip by our mate charovision:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWgw8nJ-vv8

Nobre

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/419942_248725598550781_224994057590602_524574_6023 %20%2078577_n.jpg

[Juha_Koo]

I think Ford has gone too far in pursuit of grip, and I think this has gone at the expense of the hand-ling.

I don't agree, DS3 has more grip than the Fiesta. Especially the rear looks like it glues itself to the road in the DS3 when it accelerates out of the corner. Fiesta is excellent on big flowing roads but it loses to DS3 on the more technical and narrow turning stuff. It's all in the diffs IMHO.

[Iskald]

I predict a boring championship.

So why do you bother?

[Viking]

Running order:

Nobre-Neuville-Block-Ogier-Araujo-Al-Attiyah-Atkinson-Novikov-Tänak-Solberg-Latvala-Østberg-Hirvonen-Loeb

[dimviii]

20 minutes for start

[Coach 2]

I don't agree, DS3 has more grip than the Fiesta. Especially the rear looks like it glues itself to the road in the DS3 when it accelerates out of the corner. Fiesta is excellent on big flowing roads but it loses to DS3 on the more technical and narrow turning stuff. It's all in the diffs IMHO.

I think we are talking about different things. Traction under acceleration has more with diffs and weight distrubution, than the more general Gripp I am referring to. It is difficult to describe this in a language other than my own. At least for me. The discussion can easily lead to unnecessary misunderstandings, you constantly have to explain.
I'm not saying that what I assume is necessarily right, but these assumptions are based actually on discussions with people like Mækinen among others, so it is not actually taken out of the air.

[Viking]

Stage is live. Two long stages before first service, should be interesting :)

[EuroTroll]

Good afternoon folks! First cars are on the stage. :bounce:

Here's hoping Tänak has a clean day and a nice fight with Novikov and why not even Östberg. And how about a stage win for Neuville? :s mokin:

[Viking]

Neuville will run in Nobres dust, he will at least catch him in the long one...

[EuroTroll]

Neuville will run in Nobres dust, he will at least catch him in the long one...

True, his starting position is most unfavourable..

[bluuford]

Neuville will run in Nobres dust, he will at least catch him in the long one...

Neuville has 4 minutes gap on Nobre, so he has better position than most of the drivers in most of the stage (regarding dust). So, with 30 km stage, on the last split the gap between the cars is still 2:04

[Tom206wrc]

Al Attiyah a bit faster than Neuville on split 1...I hope he will be faster all along, because he needs to catch Atkinson(when Neuville has nothing anymore to win) :rolleyes:


Edit: and Atko faster on split one again :mad:

[Tom206wrc]

Neuville has 4 minutes gap on Nobre, so he has better position than most of the drivers in most of the stage (regarding dust). So, with 30 km stage, on the last split the gap between the cars is still 2:04


With one gap to go Neuville is almost 2 minutes faster than Nobre !!! Thanks God, his gap at the start is 4 minutes :s ,

[Tom206wrc]

Neuville has 4 minutes gap on Nobre, so he has better position than most of the drivers in most of the stage (regarding dust). So, with 30 km stage, on the last split the gap between the cars is still 2:04


Seeing Atkinson faster than Neuville when he was nowhere cloth yesterday, it's not a so better position for Thierry :s

[rage82]

It's a little damp now so no dust at all on thsi stage

[Tom206wrc]

Solberg and Latvala are also very fast on first splits SS13...so let's see Hirvonen and Loeb ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen slightly slower than Solberg and Latvala at split one...I hope he's well awake, because he will have to 100% concentrate on the 29km :mark:

[Tom206wrc]

Loeb as fast as Latvala on split one :D

[Tom206wrc]

No 2nd split for Loeb :confused:


Edi: OK now...

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen too much slower than Latvala to my taste !!! I want Miko to keep the 2nd position overall :mark:

[EuroTroll]

Tänak now only 16 secs behind Östberg. Getting interesting!

[N.O.T]

Nobre is going to be a big problem on the nest stage....

[Tom206wrc]

Finally "only" 5" better for Latvala on Hirvonen, whereas Miko was during big part of stage in same pace as Solberg... ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Abbring in the wheels of Ogier during all stage ;)

[Allyc85]

Nobre is going to be a big problem on the nest stage....

Really?
Bienvenue sur Facebook. Connectez-vous, inscrivez-vous ou découvrez*! (http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=174770402639589&set=a.172800299503266.36393.155025111280785&type=1&theater)

[tolis]

Day 1 highlights Part 1: Woop | Woop.gr - (http://www.woop.gr/mediagallery/59121)

[bluuford]

Nobre is going to be a big problem on the nest stage....
It will be good experience for Neuville, is he able to slow down if he reaches to the dust. However, they said that there is minimal dust today and he has 4 minutes on Nombre. On this stage he lost 4.5 s/km. Nextone is around 42 km long, that means 189 sek, that is 3 minutes and 9 sek. That leaves their gap on 51 seconds. Lets see how precise were my calculations :-)

[bluuford]

There will be many GPS problems in this stage. Neuville just passed Nobre and 0 car on my map .-P

[N.O.T]

Nobre out again ?

[Tom206wrc]

Ogier +8"(on Nobre) on first split SS14...ouch :s

[Francis44]

Ogier +8"(on Nobre) on first split SS14...ouch :s

Stall maybe.

[N.O.T]

Problems for Ogier ?

[Tom206wrc]

So Mexcico wouldn't be a killer rally for 2WDs only, but also for S2000s ??? :mark:

[bluuford]

Nobre out again ?
Maybe you are right. His "dot" is stopped two corners from Split 1 on the right side of left corner. Pretty far way from the road. maybe technical?

[Tom206wrc]

GPS or stopped on stage for Nobre :confused:

[bluuford]

GPS or stopped on stage for Nobre :confused:
I would rather say that he is stopped

[Rally Hokkaido]

Pic on WRR Facebook from Paulo shows car upside down on right side of road


Edit: The pic was from yesterday. Thanks, bluuford

[Tom206wrc]

This time Al Attiyah a bit faster than Atkinson on first splits :p :

[Viking]

Problems for Ogier ?

He seems to be up to speed again, spinn or small off maybe..

[bluuford]

Pic on WRR Facebook from Paulo shows car upside down on right side of road

It is from yesterday and he was on the left side yesetrday. The picture is taken from the wrong direction. Today it seems he is far away on the right side of the road :-)

[Francis44]

Nobre crash and ripped wheel.

[Tom206wrc]

Wow there are many splits for this 41km long stage !!! :eek:

[Francis44]

Latvala on a flyer again.

[Tom206wrc]

Latvala very fast(see second split)...I hope Hirvonen and Loeb will push harder :mark:

[Mise]

Mikkos set up is for this stage. Let's see how well it works.
He closed the gap from Latvala and Loeb in the last split
on the last stage. Very unlike move for him.

[Viking]

Latvala very fast(see second split)...I hope Hirvonen and Loeb will push harder :mark:

I hope so too, that will be Petters chance to get to the podium.... ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen lost 3" off Latvala on 2nd split :(

[Tom206wrc]

In the opposite, Loeb a bit faster than Latvala on 2nd split ;)
Please, push more, Miko !! :mad:

[EuroTroll]

Tänak lost 10 secs between splits 6 and 7. :s

[Mirek]

So Mexcico wouldn't be a killer rally for 2WDs only, but also for S2000s ??? :mark:

Mexico is generally bad for anything with naturally aspirated engines. The higher the turbo pressure the lesser problems for engine power with the altitude. So I think that the slower pace of Ogier compared to WRC drivers is mostly due to that.

[Tom206wrc]

And Abbring, having avoid spin at start of SS14 already gets several seconds better than Ogier on 2nd split :mark:

[Tom206wrc]

After 5 splits Hirvonen already lost 5" on Latvala !!! If it goes on until end of stage, Jari-Mati will be 1 minute or less late on Miko !!! :mad:

[pettersolberg29]

Poor pace by Petter, and good pace by Ostberg on this one.

[Mise]

Mikko gaining...

[Tom206wrc]

And Loeb 4" fastest of all so far(until split 6 for now) :cool:

[Potoklosis]

WOW JML what a time to Petter

[Tom206wrc]

And Abbring, having avoid spin at start of SS14 already gets several seconds better than Ogier on 2nd split :mark:


And until split 4 Ogier is now only 1" slower than Abbring :eek:
Edit: and now Ogier 4" BETTER than him !!!

[Tom206wrc]

Interesting !!! One split before, Latvala was 7" faster than Hirvonen, and just after on the next one, his gap reduced to 3" faster :confused:

[Mirek]

And until split 4 Ogier is now only 1" slower than Abbring :eek:
Edit: and now Ogier 4" BETTER than him !!!

What so special is about that? Abbring is learning and it seems he is learning fast but still Ogiers targets must be way higher than to defeat unexperienced teammates. He is the benchmark for them not vice versa.

EDIT: Looks like tyre change for Abbring...

[EightGear]

Aaaaai, Abbring in trouble!

Maybe a slow puncture, the reason he lost so much time to Ogier and then stopped to change the tire?

[Tom206wrc]

Problem for Abbring !!! Lost several minutes to Ogier on one split :(

[r199]

tire change for Kevin ?

[Tom206wrc]

YEAH LOEB !!!! :bounce:

[N.O.T]

Loeb the boss...

[Viking]

Way to conservative from Petter in his "no punctures" approach, ok he has no usfull splits in front of him, but....

Østberg show where he is compered to Tanak, Novikov, Neuville....

[Tom206wrc]

Way to conservative from Petter in his "no punctures" approach, ok he has no usfull splits in front of him, but....

Østberg show where he is compered to Tanak, Novikov, Neuville....


Except that Neuville has to sweep now :rolleyes:

[Ucci]

Loeb ruined JML's show......that is the way, Mr.Loeb!!

[EuroTroll]

Way to conservative from Petter in his "no punctures" approach, ok he has no usfull splits in front of him, but....

Østberg show where he is compered to Tanak, Novikov, Neuville....

Yup. Östberg is a class above those three at the moment.

[Luis Pacheco]

I´m not seeing the official Minis.

[RAS007]

What a bore.

[Crocone]

About Latvala's suspension problem from yesterday...Does anyone knows if there was a driving mistake, or a simply mechanical failure?

[Back-N-Black]

Did I see a link to a live feed in the service? Can someone please post it?

[N.O.T]

About Latvala's suspension problem from yesterday...Does anyone knows if there was a driving mistake, or a simply mechanical failure?

hit a rock...

[dimviii]

hit a rock...
which was on the road from Novikov pass according to Malcolm

[Juha_Koo]

About Latvala's suspension problem from yesterday...Does anyone knows if there was a driving mistake, or a simply mechanical failure?

Mechanical.

[N.O.T]

LOL...

[Mirek]

Mechanical.

Things usually don't brake from nothing. Of course there can be a material issue or something like that but in 90% it is from hitting something too hard or something hard too many times.

[Juha_Koo]

Things usually don't brake from nothing. Of course there can be a material issue or something like that but in 90% it is from hitting something too hard or something hard too many times.

If you are given stricly two alternatives; mechanical failure or driving mistake - to which category you would put Latvala's situation?

[Psycho!]

Things usually don't brake from nothing. Of course there can be a material issue or something like that but in 90% it is from hitting something too hard or something hard too many times.

A driving error that caused a mechanical failure...... :p

[Mirek]

If you are given stricly two alternatives; mechanical failure or driving mistake - to which category you would put Latvala's situation?

None of us have enough information to say that.

[EuroTroll]

If you are given stricly two alternatives; mechanical failure or driving mistake - to which category you would put Latvala's situation?

I would put it in the third, unmentioned, category -- he hit a rock. Since it's obviously not a just a random mechanical failure, and it's also not really a driving mistake. Just bad luck.

[dimviii]

None of us have enough information to say that.
Mirek they said that it was a 6th speed blind corner over a crest,and it was impossible to avoid the rock.Rock was in the road from Novikovs pass,said Malcolm.

[dimviii]

3 minutes to go.

[N.O.T]

After that clown man retired... Neuville now cleans the road.

[EuroTroll]

After that clown man retired... Neuville now cleans the road.

Shouldn't the roads be pretty clean, since it's the 2nd pass?

[N.O.T]

Shouldn't the roads be pretty clean, since it's the 2nd pass?

indeed...

[Barreis]

Looking for MotorsTV stream link...

[A FONDO]

stunning pics from Friday Ïÿòíèöà, ÑÓ 2-12 - Ðàëëè Ìåêñèêè - WRC - Ñåçîí 2012 - Ðàëëè â ìèðå - Ôîòî - Âñ¸ î ðàëëè íà ðóññêîì (http://www.almrally.ru/foto/fotolist/?idgroup=26052)

[EightGear]

Block saying he feels like a tourist. N.O.T will be happy.

[focus206]

Problems for Tanak? :(

[EuroTroll]

Looks like Tänak's got a problem..

[N.O.T]

Latvala probably preserving tyres to avoid any more surprises....he cannot do anything to wis this...its over from his part.

[N.O.T]

Atkinsons performance show what inactivity causes...

[N.O.T]

hmmmm latvala very slow....

[EuroTroll]

hmmmm latvala very slow....

Possibly a puncture, like Tänak.

[Francis44]

Shame this rally ended so prematurely, of course there is still one day to go and something could happen however this is Loeb and Citroen we are talking about.

Once again tyres decide the rally, unfair to be true.

[Martin Luijk]

Latvala dropped behind Solberg.

[dimviii]

Latvala puncture front left

[userwave]

After that clown man retired... Neuville now cleans the road.

who's out?, haven't been following very closely today

[EightGear]

Nobre.

[Martin Luijk]

who's out?, haven't been following very closely today

There's only one clown, Nobre ;)

[MikeD]

Shame this rally ended so prematurely, of course there is still one day to go and something could happen however this is Loeb and Citroen we are talking about.

Once again tyres decide the rally, unfair to be true.

Tires don't decide rallies - drivers and teams do! The reason Ford have more punctures is either car setup or because their drivers are overdriving.

Anyway a Citroën 1-2 is very welcome in my book :)

[Crocone]

Too many rallies decided by punctures.

[userwave]

There's only one clown, Nobre ;)

well, thought he may have also meant Block :)

[MikeD]

After that clown man retired... Neuville now cleans the road.

Looking forward to the day somebody put a sock in Nobre. Jesus Christ he annoys me with his "Green little pig" and his stupid football anecdotes.

[Tom206wrc]

Incredible rating of punctures at FORD :s
Bu it's far from being over this rally so...fingers crossed for Citroën :mark:

[Mauri A]

There's only one clown, Nobre ;)
No, there are two, one competitor and one forum member, N.O.T.

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Man, petter recovered nicely.

[logic]

now we will see about team orders , but i think JML will pass him on pace any how.

[A FONDO]

Looking forward to the day somebody put a sock in Nobre. Jesus Christ he annoys me with his "Green little pig" and his studip football anecdotes.
I am looking for the day I will have free money and time to travel terribly slow on the highest level of my favourite sport like him. At least he breaths out some fresh air in the contest. Sometimes I get fed up with "you know who" complaining all week long about the luck, weather and moon phase, and the happy smiling "tourists" give me some positivness.

[Karukera]

I'm getting thirsty with all those Kenya like stages.

Antes de la proxima 41.88km : Hola hijo, cerveza fria pa' mi, por favor ! :beer:

Y Mescal por los otros. :bomb:

[MikeD]

I'm getting thirsty with all those Kenya like stages.

Antes de la proxima 41.88km : Hola hijo, cerveza fria pa' mi, por favor ! :beer:

Y Mescal por los otros. :bomb:

Solo una caña para tú, mate :)

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

now we will see about team orders , but i think JML will pass him on pace any how.
Definitely via pace. Though, I am curious what happens when orders may come up during the season.


WWR plays great music sometimes.

[MikeD]

I am looking for the day I will have free money and time to travel terribly slow on the highest level of my favourite sport like him. At least he breaths out some fresh air in the contest. Sometimes I get fed up with "you know who" complaining all week long about the luck, weather and moon phase, and the happy smiling "tourists" give me some positivness.

Ok, fair point ... I just hate football and I don't want my motorsport associated with that :)

[Tom206wrc]

SS16 started ;)

[logic]

Ok, fair point ... I just hate football and I don't want my motorsport associated with that :)

it is not your motorsport . when did you become the owner of it?

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Aaaaaaand now some ****ty music......
Back to the playlist.

[Tom206wrc]

Oh nooo Ramona Karlsson is losing much on SS15 :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

hmmmm latvala very slow....

Puncture - the JML jinx strikes again.

I think JML should stand for 'Just My Luck' ... :(

[Sulland]

Too many rallies decided by punctures.

Yes why did they stop using mousse again ?

[Tom206wrc]

Al Attiyah significantly faster than Atkinson this time :)

[Karukera]

Solo una caña para tú, mate :) Solamente una ? Santa Maria de Guanajuatito ! :angel:

Ok, hablamos de caña de azucar, 50°, 30 años, "vieilli en fût de chêne".
You will see the world differently after a taste of it. :)

[Langdale Forest]

If petter can keep 3rd, he will hopefuly is going to be allowed to keep that.

[rbatista82]

Photos from Rally México:
SuperMotores | Rally, Fórmula 1, WRC (http://www.supermotores.net/sm/fotos.asp?id=267)
http://www.supermotores.net/images/galeria/Mexico_2_201200011.jpg
http://www.supermotores.net/images/galeria/Mexico_2_201200017.jpg
http://www.supermotores.net/images/galeria/Mexico_2_201200027.jpg

[Crocone]

They stopped using mousse and the surface of the rallies seems to be mutch tougher.

[vkangas]

One most fundamental differences between the basic car setup and driving style needed between Ford and Citroen is that in most cases Ford is and should be driven more sideways and Citroen more straight.

When punctures happens every now and then it may be luck but because of the driving style needed Ford is most likely to have little bit more punctures in the long run.

Differences between drivers are of course a factor but that's a different story...

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Split 6 for jml 0_0

Edit: NOOOOO CHRIS!!!!! Damnit, there out of the car.....
crazy

[Tom206wrc]

Atko loses his position to Al Attiyah by the end of stage :s

[Crocone]

I think he also will retire after this stage.

[Mise]

One most fundamental differences between the basic car setup and driving style needed between Ford and Citroen is that in most cases Ford is and should be driven more sideways and Citroen more straight.

When punctures happens every now and then it may be luck but because of the driving style needed Ford is most likely to have little bit more punctures in the long run.

Differences between drivers are of course a factor but that's a different story...

Since Citroen is made for Loeb and he drives the front first
it would be quite stupid to make a car that has to be driven sideways.

Mikko said that Ford needs to be driven aggressively sideways where as Citroen needs
to be driven very gently and front first.

Btw how do you say "nokka edellä" in english.

[Tom206wrc]

Wow crash of Atko after stage ??? :s

[A FONDO]

hairpin right, opens!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKARk811bz0#!

[EightGear]

I'm sorry to say, but Trivino is BAD.

[awake27]

Puncture - the JML jinx strikes again.

I think JML should stand for 'Just My Luck' ... :(
It wasn't a puncture, he broke the wheel rim and lost the air by running and hitting some rocks inside the corner. Unlucky yesterday but this time seems he pushed his luck a little... OK he still got in 3rd place again so only time loss.

Also, in the 25min day 1 highlights, they showed the puncture of Petter in the 1st stage and he slided the rear into the pavement knocking the tyre off. They didn't show the other puncture but the general point of the situation is that the Ford boys are not only unlucky in some cases but and little bit reckless in other ones...

[br21]

Abbring on SS16?

[rallye-sport]

Second Day -> Photos Rallye du Mexique 2012 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-du-mexique-2012/)

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/mexique-2012/mexique3-220.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/mexique-2012/mexique3-086.jpg

[EightGear]

Where is Abbring....?

[eib1]

there has been some corrections made on Tänak`s time SS16.

[userwave]

Wow crash of Atko after stage ??? :s

apparently no brakes nearing the end of the stage. :(

[ELPE]

Wow crash of Atko after stage ??? :s

I'm not surprised, I remember when he drive the Subaru and he left the road in nearly every rally

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Nice hearing the academy guys.

[OldF]

This was the stone JML hit in the middle of a bend. What can a driver do? Just push on and hope for no damages.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii284/OkdF/JMLstone2.jpg

[bluuford]

Where is Abbring....?
His cars looks to be stopped exactly on the half way between split 8 and 9. just at the end of very long left hand corner. Next corner is to the right.

[Allyc85]

This was the stone JML hit in the middle of a bend. What can a driver do? Just push on and hope for no damages.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii284/OkdF/JMLstone2.jpg

When you are comitted to your speed and line, yes. As he said if he had gone around it he would have crashed so he just had to hope that it would be ok, but it wasnt :(

[EightGear]

His cars looks to be stopped exactly on the half way between split 8 and 9. just at the end of very long left hand corner. Next corner is to the right.

Thanks, do you know what problem he has?

[eib1]

good pictures: Twitpic / The_Rally_Guru (http://twitpic.com/photos/The_Rally_Guru)

[EightGear]

Abbring retires for today, mechanical problems, again...

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=3174615697842&set=a.1480393503346.2061406.1639053355&type=1&theater

[bluuford]

Thanks, do you know what problem he has?

No, I can see only the mapand his location.

[bluuford]

Abbring retires for today, mechanical problems, again...

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=3174615697842&set=a.1480393503346.2061406.1639053355&type=1&theater

Can you see what is written there? I am not allowed to see this.

[EightGear]

'Forced to stop again today. The team did everything to keep the car running. Split times were looking so good this afternoon! Really pleased about our pace knowing it's the first time here and 2nd time with a 4wd car on gravel. Unfortunately we need to retire this time. More information later. Thanks everyone'

And a picture of his car with the bonnet open.

[bluuford]

'Forced to stop again today. The team did everything to keep the car running. Split times were looking so good this afternoon! Really pleased about our pace knowing it's the first time here and 2nd time with a 4wd car on gravel. Unfortunately we need to retire this time. More information later. Thanks everyone'

And a picture of his car with the bonnet open.

OK. Thank you!
Latvalas Rock, bit closer look:2913


And also visible in video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QXoA8On_y0
This time there was definitely no way around

[OldF]

The cause of Petter’s puncture on SS16

The nail that caused Petter's puncture earlier today on ... on Twitpic (http://twitpic.com/8uleq6)

[Allyc85]

A nail in the arse end of no where? Spectators at play again?

[Mintexmemory]

OK. Thank you!
Latvalas Rock, bit closer look:2913


And also visible in video:WRC 2012 Mexico Day 1 - Part 2/2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QXoA8On_y0)
This time there was definitely no way around

JML will rise above this -I'm convinced that 3rd place here with power stage points will be very important for the rest of the season.

[Barreis]

Day one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T01sppGhymI&feature=youtu.be
This guys are talking so much. Is there somebody clever?!

[dimviii]

6 minutes to go.

[Tom206wrc]

SS17 on the way ;)

[OldF]

So the SS17 just started, then have time to the dog out for a p*ss and sh*t.

[dimviii]

So the SS17 just started, then have time to the dog out for a p*ss and sh*t.

hope to dont be a sick dog.

[Allyc85]

And that there are no "tourists" about ;)

[Potoklosis]

Hirvonen on autopilot :)