Mexico 2012

[Kielder]

Latvala said that he drove the stage as a practice for the Power Stage.

[OldF]

hope to dont be a sick dog.

No, this is a healthy one. ;) Getting little old (turn 13 next summer) and have some small problems with the back legs.

[Tom206wrc]

Look at Guerra's split times in SS17 !!! :D

[Mintexmemory]

Interest in WRC aside, I'm profoundly disturbed there's so many guys on this site that should be out on the town on Saturday night in Europe!!!!! I'm 57 what's your excuses? ;-)

[Juha_Koo]

Interest in WRC aside, I'm profoundly disturbed there's so many guys on this site that should be out on the town on Saturday night in Europe!!!!! I'm 57 what's your excuses? ;-)

As a university student I get to party so much that I can atleast be rally weekends sober. :D

[pettersolberg29]

Interest in WRC aside, I'm profoundly disturbed there's so many guys on this site that should be out on the town on Saturday night in Europe!!!!! I'm 57 what's your excuses? ;-)

That I'm a boring sod ;) haha

[N.O.T]

It is a pity we do not have a good fight for tommorow and the top 4 places are decided....so that 51kms is just a cruise stage for the top crews....

oh well....

[pettersolberg29]

You're forgetting N.O.T that 51km is such a long stage that any number of issues could arise. It's not the way you want to see positions decided but I still wouldn't put money on the top 4 staying as they are with such a long stage to come. Puncture or mechanical fault or hitting a stray dog or anything like that and positions aren't so final. It's a shame not to see a fight though.

[A FONDO]

It is a pity we do not have a good fight for tommorow and the top 4 places are decided....so that 51kms is just a cruise stage for the top crews....

oh well....
Get used to it, the rest of the calendar wont be much different. Hirvonen in Citroen and Ogier out of the big game - it will be more boring than season 2010 :(

[N.O.T]

You're forgetting N.O.T that 51km is such a long stage that any number of issues could arise. It's not the way you want to see positions decided but I still wouldn't put money on the top 4 staying as they are with such a long stage to come. Puncture or mechanical fault or hitting a stray dog or anything like that and positions aren't so final. It's a shame not to see a fight though.

i ment that only luck will decide things now...not driving skills....the chances you are getting a punture at cruise speed are minimal.

[N.O.T]

Get used to it, the rest of the calendar wont be much different. Hirvonen in Citroen and Ogier out of the big game - it will be more boring than season 2010 :(

if you follow rallying because you just want to see who the next champion or the next winner is, then change sport....

Rallying is far more than winners and losers and champions... and thats why we need only the best in it...from the driver and the spectator perspective.

[Francis44]

Last year almost everyone was moaning about Ogier figting his teammate blah blah.... Now you realize that was what made the championship interesting to some degree.

[bluuford]

Next stage delayed? I can see 6 cars close to the startline...

[logic]

if you follow rallying because you just want to see who the next champion or the next winner is, then change sport....

Rallying is far more than winners and losers and champions... and thats why we need only the best in it...from the driver and the spectator perspective.

Then you should take up golf then.

[bluuford]

OK Neuville started!

[tfp]

if you follow rallying because you just want to see who the next champion or the next winner is, then change sport....

Rallying is far more than winners and losers and champions... and thats why we need only the best in it...from the driver and the spectator perspective.

Then why moan about Nobre/Wilson then :p

[tfp]

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

In the video I saw, you could never see the stone/block as easily as this - it really was bad luck for JML. What is it with these events (south american ones?) and Latvala finding a stone? He's not the only one either, poor Neuville!

[pettersolberg29]

SS20 is being ruined by spectators placing large rocks on the road. Caused Ogier to have a puncture, and Araujo struggled past them too. Stage may be stopped I think?

edit: stage seems to be continuing...

[6789]

SS20 is being ruined by spectators placing large rocks on the road. Caused Ogier to have a puncture, and Araujo struggled past them too. Stage may be stopped I think?
Thats a terrible thing to see if true

[bluuford]

Tänak just overtook Novikov

Edit: Solberg also overtook Novikov now.

Edit 2: Latvala now passed Novikov as well. looks more than tire

Edit 3: Ok, Novikov lost the wheel.

[tfp]

SS20 is being ruined by spectators placing large rocks on the road. Caused Ogier to have a puncture, and Araujo struggled past them too. Stage may be stopped I think?

Anyone looking for a disgrace to the sport, why pick on drivers, when there are a small minority(I hope) of idiot spectators that you can spit on instead...

[pettersolberg29]

Tänak just overtook Novikov

Novikov got a puncture and stopped to change it

edit: ignore me - he ripped a wheel off and has retired.

[tolis]

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/421308_406611749354345_128304217185101_1847842_171 2594699_n.jpg

[dimviii]

Armindo Araujo stops the clock at 11m07.3s and, like Sebastien Ogier before him, is very agitated to have found obstructions on the stage: “It’s very dangerous, there is a rock like 50 kilos in the middle of the road, not just one - someone is trying to kill us, crazy people.”

[6789]

Ostberg saw people putting rocks on the road 1km before the finish

[N.O.T]

Then why moan about Nobre/Wilson then :p

read the second sentence and try to understand......

[RallyTyger]

Ostberg saw people putting rocks on the road 1km before the finish
He should have run them over, those idiots

[N.O.T]

Armindo Araujo stops the clock at 11m07.3s and, like Sebastien Ogier before him, is very agitated to have found obstructions on the stage: “It’s very dangerous, there is a rock like 50 kilos in the middle of the road, not just one - someone is trying to kill us, crazy people.”

those people should be used for target practice by the police....

Are there any marshals on the stages ????

[tfp]

Ostberg saw people putting rocks on the road 1km before the finish

These people should be banned from spectating :mad:

[sollitt]

Rallying is far more than winners and losers and champions... and thats why we need only the best in it...from the driver and the spectator perspective.Your comment is contradictory. Yes, rallying is far more than winners & champions. That's it's appeal and why it needs to be accessible to anyone with the resources and inclination to front up.
It's like a marathon. Pay the fee, comply with the rules and have a go. That's the name of the game. It's not the fault of averagely performing individual competitors that, due to the sport's dire state, they're thrown into the spot light.
If you're not able to accept that I suggest you take your own advice ... change sport.

[N.O.T]

Anyone looking for a disgrace to the sport, why pick on drivers, when there are a small minority(I hope) of idiot spectators that you can spit on instead...

those people are not a disgrace...they are criminals....if you are above 9 years of age, first you should not be up this late, and second you should distinguish between the two.

they should be in jail by society standards or with my standards them and their children shot on the spot.....

[Francis44]

those people should be used for target practice by the police....

Are there any marshals on the stages ????

I think it is hard for the marshals to control or even say anything to a large group of spectators, they are most probably drunk and messing with them it's not wisest move. Probably good if you want rocks on your face rather than in the road.

[N.O.T]

Your comment is contradictory. Yes, rallying is far more than winners & champions. That's it's appeal and why it needs to be accessible to anyone with the resources and inclination to front up.
It's like a marathon. Pay the fee, comply with the rules and have a go. That's the name of the game. It's not the fault of averagely performing individual competitors that, due to the sport's dire state, they're thrown into the spot light.
If you're not able to accept that I suggest you take your own advice ... change sport.

It is not contradictory...but poorly phrased by myself...

I mean that when you allow the best to drive the best and the rest inferior stuff you achieve 2 things.....you are not allowing clowns to be in the spot light, and you enjoy the events in their true form.

[N.O.T]

I think it is hard for the marshals to control or even say anything to a large group of spectators, they are most probably drunk and messing with them it's not wisest move. Probably good if you want rocks on your face rather than in the road.

so if i come to your house drunk with my drunk friends and start throwing rocks at your windows you are not going to interfere because i might injure you ???

Hmmmmmm......

[tmx]

Ostberg saw people putting rocks on the road 1km before the finish It has been this problem every year at Mexico, sure this is not an exclusive to Mexico in the past, but every single year, ruining it for the fans, drivers, teams and sponsor. I think its time to retire Mexico from the calendar.

[Francis44]

so if i come to your house drunk with my drunk friends and start throwing rocks at your windows you are not going to interfere because i might injure you ???

Hmmmmmm......

Well if Im outnumbered what im Im supposed to do?! Probably better to call the Police and let them handle the problem. Of course if it's one to one I might just have a go at it :D , not drunk though cause that would make me look silly.

[N.O.T]

maybe userwave was right all along...

to have 1 person doing this is something you cannot control but when it becomes a trend then it is just unacceptable.

[N.O.T]

Well if Im outnumbered what im Im supposed to do?! Probably better to call the Police and let them handle the problem. Of course if it's one to one I might just have a go at it :D , not drunk though cause that would make me look silly.

exactly... the marshals should contact the police then....every stage must have a police force by the FIA safety rules i think.

[sollitt]

I mean that when you allow the best to drive the best and the rest inferior stuff you achieve 2 things.....you are not allowing clowns to be in the spot light, and you enjoy the events in their true form. You are suggesting that only "the best" drivers ought be permitted to drive the best machinery whilst everybody else should be limited to something lesser performing?
This is certainly not the sport that I've supported for decades and I doubt there'd be many on here who would agree with you. In fact one of the most common beliefs as to why the WRC is in it's present parlous state is the very fact that allcomers cannot compete on a level playing field with the manufacturers 'A teams', thereby denying them the opportunity to shine.
As I've said many times .... rallying's significant point of difference is that it is inclusive, not exclusive, and remember the cream will always rise to the top if you let it. Limiting accessibility is against every principle the sport is founded on.

[Francis44]

exactly... the marshals should contact the police then....every stage must have a police force by the FIA safety rules i think.

Yes that's how it should be. Here in Portugal i've seen a few idiots get arrested because they did not obey the Police or simply because they were taking the piss at them, so they should do the same.

[N.O.T]

You are suggesting that only "the best" drivers ought be permitted to drive the best machinery whilst everybody else should be limited to something lesser performing?
This is certainly not the sport that I've supported for decades and I doubt there'd be many on here who would agree with you. In fact one of the most common beliefs as to why the WRC is in it's present parlous state is the very fact that allcomers cannot compete on a level playing field with the manufacturers 'A teams', thereby denying them the opportunity to shine.
As I've said many times .... rallying's significant point of difference is that it is inclusive, not exclusive, and remember the cream will always rise to the top if you let it. Limiting accessibility is against every principle the sport is founded on.

you are not limiting accesibility to the sport.... you limit the accesibility to the best equipment to the clowns... and if those clowns do not want to compete in WRC because they do not have the best equipment well that proves that they are here for the spotlight and not the sport...

they can drive the best cars in lesser competitions if they want...

[N.O.T]

Yes that's how it should be. Here in Portugal i've seen a few idiots get arrested because they did not obey the Police or simply because they were taking the piss at them, so they should do the same.

thats what i said... when someone is braking the law...those who are in charge of imposing it should act...and in this case the marshals.

[logic]

you are not limiting accesibility to the sport.... you limit the accesibility to the best equipment to the clowns... and if those clowns do not want to compete in WRC because they do not have the best equipment well that proves that they are here for the spotlight and not the sport...

they can drive the best cars in lesser competitions if they want...
I think you should get less accessibility to the internet.

[N.O.T]

I think you should get less accessibility to the internet.

why ?

[RAS007]

I think its time to retire Mexico from the calendar.

+1,000

[Tom206wrc]

SS20 is being ruined by spectators placing large rocks on the road. Caused Ogier to have a puncture, and Araujo struggled past them too. Stage may be stopped I think?

edit: stage seems to be continuing...



Piece of real MORONS these spectators !!!! :mad:

[charro_wrc]

Hi guys:

I hope you don’t mind this long post, and i’m sorry my bad English, but i’ll try to explain my personal point of view about the serious situation about the stones on the rally road.

As you know i'm Mexican and i am rally fan since 2004, I know the organizators are working hard to try to avoid this kind of bad actions, but i can’t deny it's very clear to me some people is trying to stop the Mexican rally, (and they got it on stage SS9), it breaks my heart when organizators said that they don’t have a specific reason of why people do this criminal acts.

Spanish link: Espectadores lanzan piedras a vehículos del WRC | La Afición (http://www.laaficion.com/noticias/100240-espectadores-lanzan-piedras-veh-culos-del-wrc)

I think is less probable the stone attacks are simple vandalism acts made by drunk people because this kind of people don’t know the rally road, drunk people just couldn’t choise the right spot in the rally road to attack the competitors and remain unpunished for so long time, along the years I've seen a lot incidents with drunk people on sunday and saturday, but it's very strange to see drunk people incidents on friday.

I think is more probable the stone attacks were made by People that live inside the rally road and they are no happy with the rally, the reason could be incidents during the reece days before the rally, The last wensday I saw damages on the hungarian reece car, (they used a white mitsubishi evo X), I saw damages on its front in the second reece pass, the Friday some spectators told me that they saw a red mitsubishi evo race car with the windows damaged, even they thought that the car rolled over, but they got surprised when they saw with more detail the car, spectators notice the rally car had stone impacts in all around of its car body, it could be impossible that damage were made by only one person, it’s hard to believe that was only a vandalims act, it seems a revenge act to me.

Incidents in the reece are not strange, This year I spoke with a unhappy person in SS9 that told me “in the last year reece one competitor crash my car in the front and he refused to pay my car damages even when he was driving so fast”, he couldn’t told me who driver was because the unhappy person doesn’t know nothing about rally, This year, at the start of SS9 a Truck Driver told us that he was so close to crash with several reece cars.

I’m not trying to justify stone attacks, but people that live in rally roads are very kind, they are so nice and they are hard workers, they even offer help when you ask for it, but even the nicest person get anger when someone damages his belongings and nobody pay for it, that is not fair.

Some how, some way I think rally organizators should avoid this kind of reece incidents, It’s not a secret rally drivers don’t respect speed limit during the reece and that’s a bad habit that is difficult to eliminate, may be could be better if rally organizators close the road during the reece too.

Other posibility is that the stone attacks were made for unhappy spectators, because this year the Fia regulations for spectators were applied with no sense specialy on SS9.

[Tom206wrc]

These people should be banned from spectating :mad:


Banned from alcohol too...no Corona for them anymore :rolleyes:

[Fri]

pics from saturday stages:
rallysport.hu - Rally Guanajuato Mexico 2012 - szombat (http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2012/photo/wrc/03_mexico/04_fri_szombat/index.htm)

[6789]

Hi guys:

I hope you don’t mind this long post, and i’m sorry my bad English, but i’ll try to explain my personal point of view about the serious situation about the stones on the rally road.

As you know i'm Mexican and i am rally fan since 2004, I know the organizators are working hard to try to avoid this kind of bad actions, but i can’t deny it's very clear to me some people is trying to stop the Mexican rally, (and they got it on stage SS9), it breaks my heart when organizators said that they don’t have a specific reason of why people do this criminal acts.

Spanish link: Espectadores lanzan piedras a vehículos del WRC | La Afición (http://www.laaficion.com/noticias/100240-espectadores-lanzan-piedras-veh-culos-del-wrc)

I think is less probable the stone attacks are simple vandalism acts made by drunk people because this kind of people don’t know the rally road, drunk people just couldn’t choise the right spot in the rally road to attack the competitors and remain unpunished for so long time, along the years I've seen a lot incidents with drunk people on sunday and saturday, but it's very strange to see drunk people incidents on friday.

I think is more probable the stone attacks were made by People that live inside the rally road and they are no happy with the rally, the reason could be incidents during the reece days before the rally, The last wensday I saw damages on the hungarian reece car, (they used a white mitsubishi evo X), I saw damages on its front in the second reece pass, the Friday some spectators told me that they saw a red mitsubishi evo race car with the windows damaged, even they thought that the car rolled over, but they got surprised when they saw with more detail the car, spectators notice the rally car had stone impacts in all around of its car body, it could be impossible that damage were made by only one person, it’s hard to believe that was only a vandalims act, it seems a revenge act to me.

Incidents in the reece are not strange, This year I spoke with a unhappy person in SS9 that told me “in the last year reece one competitor crash my car in the front and he refused to pay my car damages even when he was driving so fast”, he couldn’t told me who driver was because the unhappy person doesn’t know nothing about rally, This year, at the start of SS9 a Truck Driver told us that he was so close to crash with several reece cars.

I’m not trying to justify stone attacks, but people that live in rally roads are very kind, they are so nice and they are hard workers, they even offer help when you ask for it, but even the nicest person get anger when someone damages his belongings and nobody pay for it, that is not fair.

Some how, some way I think rally organizators should avoid this kind of reece incidents, It’s not a secret rally drivers don’t respect speed limit during the reece and that’s a bad habit that is difficult to eliminate, may be could be better if rally organizators close the road during the reece too.

Other possibility is that the stone attacks were made for unhappy spectators, because this year the Fia regulations for spectators were applied with no sense specialy on SS9.

Some interesting points, Australia in 2009 had a stone throwing incidence, they were environmentalists who didn't want the WRC in the region. This was the main reason for the event moving to Coffs in 2011. Maybe don't run stage 9 next year if its someone who lives there, if it just spectators or something, then they will just go to another stage.

[bluuford]

Some interesting points, Australia in 2009 had a stone throwing incidence, they were environmentalists who didn't want the WRC in the region. This was the main reason for the event moving to Coffs in 2011. Maybe don't run stage 9 next year if its someone who lives there, if it just spectators or something, then they will just go to another stage.

Rally Mexico is good and unique rally an must stay in WRC. Noone is protected from idiots. They must catch some of them and put the in jail for a long time - to show to the others that there is no violance without punishment.

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/985/985_rally_guanajuato_mexico_2012_680941ab62.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/985/985_rally_guanajuato_mexico_2012_a5ca66018d.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/985/985_rally_guanajuato_mexico_2012_881daae121.jpg

More photos HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=985&fseason=2012)

[Evian]

Just received Ramonas newsletter.
They had problem with the gearbox and was forced to stop. But they will restart...

[EuroTroll]

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

[...]

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

So, about 6 hours to wait...

It's a pity we don't have any real fights left for today, but maybe something interesting will happen. :cool: Though not, I hope, because of spectators! :mad:

[Allyc85]

These people should be banned from spectating :mad:

No, the rally should be dropped with the calendar with immediately! Utterly disgraceful!

[DonJippo]

No, the rally should be dropped with the calendar with immediately! Utterly disgraceful!

If we are to drop events from calendar after incidents like in Mexico there would not be many left...

[bluuford]

No, the rally should be dropped with the calendar with immediately! Utterly disgraceful!

When I want a few pointless rallies that i dont like (for example Finland, Sweden, Germany, GB, Spain, Portugal, Sardegna, Monte Carlo , Greece and France) out from WRC, then I am going to hire a few idiots to throw a few stones on the stages of those rallies and we have 10 empty slots for the calendar. Cool! :-P
Guys, you cannot give up so easily, especially with one of the best rallies in WRC. And another side. For a hippies or local dudes who does not want WRC on their roads we give a good practice how to get rid of the rally! We should not run from the problems (problems tend to run with us), we must handle the problem.

[Tomi]

When I want a few pointless rallies that i dont like (for example Finland, Sweden, Germany, GB, Spain, Portugal, Sardegna, Monte Carlo , Greece and France) out from WRC, then I am going to hire a few idiots to throw a few stones on the stages of those rallies and we have 10 empty slots for the calendar. Cool!
Why dont you come and try throwing stones here, lets see what happens? My guess you spend a long time at intensive care.
I think its much about rally cultural differenses why thiskind of stuff happens, thats why im against to take WRC rounds to places where the organiser, marchals and the spectators have no clue what it is about, and how dangerouse it is already without putting boulders on the road or throwing stones and other things on cars.

[6789]

Becs Williams said on her fb that there was a thunderstorm with power outages over night. That could make it interesting if the roads are wet

[bluuford]

Why dont you come and try throwing stones here, lets see what happens? My guess you spend a long time at intensive care.
I think its much about rally cultural differenses why thiskind of stuff happens, thats why im against to take WRC rounds to places where the organiser, marchals and the spectators have no clue what it is about, and how dangerouse it is already without putting boulders on the road or throwing stones and other things on cars.

You can always find a place in the stage where noone cannot see you for sure. If you have bad intention, you find the way. But of course, it is harder in Finland. But to reach to that culture level you have to grow it somehow. Nothing just comes from nothing. If they can get thos bad guys in Mexico and put them in jail then everybody know what happens and react accordingly.

[Franky]

Why dont you come and try throwing stones here, lets see what happens? My guess you spend a long time at intensive care.

Maybe Finland should just export a few thousand Finns (the rally fan editions) to Mexico for the rally.

[Tomi]

But to reach to that culture level you have to grow it somehow. Nothing just comes from nothing.
Yes, they should build some rally culture before bringing WRC there, not the opposite.

[Barreis]

Today is a monster stage, great.

[logic]

Why should it be removed from the calender? When spectators throw snow on the road on in the Monte , none of you all come n here saying it should be removed from the calender.

[Tomi]

Why should it be removed from the calender? When spectators throw snow on the road on in the Monte , none of you all come n here saying it should be removed from the calender.

It should for same reasons.

[Crocone]

Does anyone knows why on wrc.com Novikov is on 11th place and he recieved 10 minutes penalty from the stage winner on SS20? He missed just the SS20. I look on other site and he is on 8th place on general classification after SS20, and he recieved 5 minutes penalty on SS20 for not finishing the stage. There could be a mistake on wrc.com?

[bluuford]

Does anyone knows why on wrc.com Novikov is on 11th place and he recieved 10 minutes penalty from the stage winner on SS20? He missed just the SS20. I look on other site and he is on 8th place on general classification after SS20, and he recieved 5 minutes penalty on SS20 for not finishing the stage. There could be a mistake on wrc.com?
No, minimal penalty is 10 minutes (in case you miss only one stage). If you miss more than one stage then it is 5 min for each stage. Novikov should be just behind Block. Good fight with the tourist ahead:-)

[dimviii]

16 minutes for ss 21

[A FONDO]

Day 1 & 2 review ESPN HD: http://www.youtube.com/user/JMLatvalaFan3/videos

[Josti]

Why should it be removed from the calender? When spectators throw snow on the road on in the Monte , none of you all come n here saying it should be removed from the calender.

I don't think it happened this year at Monte.

But maybe it's more than just the rock thing, somehow this event lacks appeal in different ways.

[pettersolberg29]

16 minutes for ss 21

Still almost 2 hours until SS21 isn't it?

[N.O.T]

Still almost 2 hours until SS21 isn't it?

stage starts in 1 hour and 34 minutes.

[A FONDO]

3 hours until first cars begin to finish the first (and only) proper stage

[N.O.T]

It will be interesting to see Latvalas approach...will he just cruise through the big one and save tyres for the power stage ? or he will push and hope that Loeb/Hirvonen will hit problems ?

[pettersolberg29]

It will be interesting to see Latvalas approach...will he just cruise through the big one and save tyres for the power stage ? or he will push and hope that Loeb/Hirvonen will hit problems ?

What's interesting is that both JML and Petter are near the +2 minute mark to Loeb, which means that potentially stopping to change a tyre could drop him behind the two of them. That's why a gap of less than 2:30 with a 50km stage means the result is far from known!

[Crocone]

What's interesting is that both JML and Petter are near the +2 minute mark to Loeb, which means that potentially stopping to change a tyre could drop him behind the two of them. That's why a gap of less than 2:30 with a 50km stage means the result is far from known!

If Seb and Mikko didn't had any troubles until now, I don't think that they will have from now on. All the drivers, except Novikov, will just simply cruise on the stages trying to save the tyres for the last stage.

[pettersolberg29]

If Seb and Mikko didn't had any troubles until now, I don't think that they will have from now on. All the drivers, except Novikov, will just simply cruise on the stages trying to save the tyres for the last stage.

Yeah but if someone like Novikov has an issue and leaves a bit of suspension behind like yesterday and Loeb or Mikko hit it then its all up in the air. Or if spectators are stupid like SS20. All I'm saying is that in such along stage its still worth following closely in my opinion.

[EuroTroll]

Yeah but if someone like Novikov has an issue and leaves a bit of suspension behind like yesterday and Loeb or Mikko hit it then its all up in the air. Or if spectators are stupid like SS20. All I'm saying is that in such along stage its still worth following closely in my opinion.

Definitely. :up:

[N.O.T]

Yeah but if someone like Novikov has an issue and leaves a bit of suspension behind like yesterday and Loeb or Mikko hit it then its all up in the air. Or if spectators are stupid like SS20. All I'm saying is that in such along stage its still worth following closely in my opinion.

if spectators are stupid again the stage will be cancelled... and the thing that happened to Novikov is not common... as for Loeb he said that he is not stopping to change a tyre...

damn you star trek !!!!

[dimviii]

Still almost 2 hours until SS21 isn't it?
you are right.

[Crocone]

Any link for Power Stage?

[dimviii]

It will be interesting to see Latvalas approach...will he just cruise through the big one and save tyres for the power stage ? or he will push and hope that Loeb/Hirvonen will hit problems ?

Malcolm and Yves wants maximum points from power stage.All top 4 crews are going to preserve tyres.Lets see who is going to collect the extra points.

[Psycho!]

Armindo yestesday was complaining highly about the Mini and today the first word was a praise for tha car.... Syndrome of multiple personalities??Just saying....

[Crocone]

Nice time from Neuville.

[dimviii]

OGIER S. / INGRASSIA J. (st. č. 15) "It's impossible to fight with WRC here


here? are you going to fight with wrc cars at next rallies? lol

[dimviii]

Nice time from Neuville.
used a shortcut

[userwave]

OGIER S. / INGRASSIA J. (st. č. 15) "It's impossible to fight with WRC here


here? are you going to fight with wrc cars at next rallies? lol

give him a bit of a break, his car is down on power compared to the WRC class in Mexico, not much more he can do

[dimviii]

give him a bit of a break, his car is down on power compared to the WRC class in Mexico, not much more he can do
nobody asked him to fight with wrc cars.He must give him a break to his ego.

[Tom206wrc]

Would have prefered the monster stage to go BEFORE the Mickey Mouse stage :mark:

[dimviii]

HIRVONEN M. / LEHTINEN J. (st. č. 2) "Jari had a shortcut, so he was little bit faster

LATVALA J.-M. / ANTTILA M. (st. č. 3) "It was good fight. I'm happy that I win. I didn't use the shortcut, I stayed on the road."


lolololol

[logic]

OGIER S. / INGRASSIA J. (st. č. 15) "It's impossible to fight with WRC here


here? are you going to fight with wrc cars at next rallies? lol

Serious?? LOL He needs to let go of his ego just a tad .

[A FONDO]

OGIER S. / INGRASSIA J. (st. č. 15) "It's impossible to fight with WRC here


here? are you going to fight with wrc cars at next rallies? lol
Not for the podium for sure, but easily for top 10. Hanninen took three 8th places last year.

[Tom206wrc]

SS22 started :cool:

[Potoklosis]

THE BIG ONE on the run

[Allyc85]

Only 2 splits on a 54k stage?

[pettersolberg29]

Only 2 splits on a 54k stage?

Nope - thought there'd be at least 8 or so probably

[AP-Racing]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

NOBRE P. / PAULA E. (st. č. 14) "It was nice to fight with Loeb."

[Tom206wrc]

No, splits are appearing one after the other ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Nope - thought there'd be at least 8 or so probably



There were 9 splits for the 41km long stages of yesterday...so I'd say 10 or 11 for today SS22 ;)

[pettersolberg29]

Problem for Atkinson? 24s behind Neuville at split 3

[Tom206wrc]

Everyone should spare tyres for SS24(power stage)so why not another stage win for Neuville ??? :p :

[userwave]

THE BIG ONE on the run

This stage will bring some result changing drama I am sure

[blissard]

The longest stage is on, and WRR are playing some boring pop music..

[bluuford]

There were 9 splits for the 41km long stages of yesterday...so I'd say 10 or 11 for today SS22 ;)

Good quess! You are correct. There will be 11 splits (Nokia map)

[bluuford]

Atkinson looked like he was briefly stopped around 1 km before Split 4
Atkinson stopped again. On the crossroad just before Split 5. Possibly changing tire. Novikov just passed him

[userwave]

The longest stage is on, and WRR are playing some boring pop music..

listen to my latest DJ mix instead ! :)
http://tinyurl.com/6shv86z

[bluuford]

Block also passed Atko now.. Atko still on the same junction

[Tom206wrc]

Will Neuville pass Atkinson overall after stage :confused:

[bluuford]

Looks to be over for Atkinson. Car is pretty far from the stage on the connecting road. Ogier now passed himas well.

Edit: strange. Atkos car dissapeared from the map. It has not happened before. only if he drove home along the connecting road:-P

[Tom206wrc]

Possibly a crash from Atko :confused:

[Tom206wrc]

Solberg and Latvala are already on full attack...but will they last until the 54km ??? ;)

[EuroTroll]

Edit: strange. Atkos car dissapeared from the map. It has not happened before. only if he drove home along the connecting road:-P

Maybe he's been abducted by aliens. ;)

[bluuford]

Maybe he's been abducted by aliens. ;)
Indeed! Now Novikovs car dissapeared from the map, do not hope more splits from him

[A FONDO]

maybe he's been abducted by aliens. ;)
the aztecs are back ! :vader:

[Tom206wrc]

Novikov ??? :confused:

[bluuford]

the aztecs are back ! :vader:

And we are talking about some idiots.. Stupid us:-P

[bluuford]

Novikov ??? :confused:
Disappeared from the map.. and now Ogier passed Block just after split 9. maybe just GPS
Edit: Araujo passed Block now
Edit: Block is moving and following Araujo now

[blissard]

Looks like Latvala is trying to win the rally, crazy man.

[Crocone]

Disappeared from the map.. and now Ogier passed Block just after split 9. maybe just GPS

i hope that is just a GPS problem for Novikov.

[Tom206wrc]

Loeb is driving carefully(slowest of the top4 after two splits), at the opposite Latvala attacking like a mad(too much to arrive safe in end ??) :mark:

[tfp]

I love Wrc.com, apparently Nobre was up to the fifth split, 4 hours 23 minutes and 11 seconds faster than Neuville :D :s mokin: :p

[Tom206wrc]

After 4 splits(of 11)Latvala reduced gap over Hirvonen by 10" :s

[janvanvurpa]

Maybe he's been abducted by aliens. ;)


Possibly transubstantiation.

Or he simple became aware at a higher level and ceased to be.

Maybe I need more tea.8)

[tfp]

Hirvonen faster than Loeb in the first 3 splits :)

[focus206]

Jari-Matti is flying...

[Tom206wrc]

How come nobody arrived yet after Neuville :confused:

[EightGear]

Everyone wondering why Loeb is slow, then after the Power Stage we all find out why and Seb is the big winner as usual.... Same old story.

[Tom206wrc]

Ogier arrived...but no Block, no Novikov yet :s

[alexlake]

Everyone wondering why Loeb is slow, then after the Power Stage we all find out why and Seb is the big winner as usual.... Same old story.

This ^^^^^

JML will be battering his tyres, no service.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any links for the live power stage yet ??

[Doon]

Latvala is going too fast IMO. He has nothing to gain, and lots to loose. Should save his tyres for the Power Stage.

[Tom206wrc]

Östberg loses much by the end of stage :s

[bluuford]

Ostberg has problem. he is moving slowly and Solberg is approaching fast.

[EuroTroll]

Looks like a puncture for Östberg...

[blissard]

Ostberg has problem. he is moving slowly and Solberg is approaching fast.

What map are you looking at?

[MikeD]

This new WRR team is absolute hopeless ... especially the Greg dude. He speaks endlessly about things that have absolutely nothing to do with rally. I really hope Colin comes back.

[bluuford]

What map are you looking at?

Nokia map with the dots of the cars, splits and everything else

Edit: Ostberg lost one minute to Ott
Edit: Ok, now Hirvonen passed Latvala, does not look good. Lataval following him closely. looks like puncture for Latvala

[MikeD]

Novikov is out. Both are ok

[janvanvurpa]

Ogier arrived...but no Block, no Novikov yet :s

Maybe Block also had a flash of insight and a big revelation and he also just levitated away into the clouds, like Atkinson.

[Tom206wrc]

Ostberg has problem. he is moving slowly and Solberg is approaching fast.



Enough for Al Attiyah to take 6th :confused:

[jonkka]

Edit: Ok, now Hirvonen passed Latvala, does not look good. Lataval following him closely. looks like puncture for Latvala

What?!?

[blissard]

Latvalaaa

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala stopped?

[Tom206wrc]

LATVALAAAAAAAA :eek: :eek: :s

[Francis44]

Latvala on the zone again.

[skarderud]

latvala lost 2,51,9?

[tfp]

Uh...oh....

[BleAivano]

What?!?

JML lost allot of time between splits 8 and 9. 2,5 mins behind Hirvonen at split 9.
It seems that he still haven't learned when to go to cruise control mode.

[jonkka]

JML lost allot of time between splits 8 and 9. 2,5 mins behind Hirvonen at split 9.

Yeh, I see that now...

[MikeD]

What?!?

JML is +2:51:.9 on the latest splt. Looks like a puncture...

[focus206]

Jari-Matti :rolleyes: here we go again...

[Doon]

What did I say!!!???? Latvala either unlucky or a total bellend.

[skarderud]

and petter?
missing split?

edit: he is in :)

[bluuford]

What?!?
Latvala is still moving, but seems that slower than normal, behind hirvonen
Edit: Petter is ok, But Latvala stopped for a long time after split 10

[alexlake]

JML needs to be more like Loeb, why was he pushing so hard, never had a chance of 2nd

[RAS007]

Same old story for Ford. :rolleyes:

[MikeD]

Honestly, what was Latvala thinking? He couldn't catch Hirvonen and yet he drove like crazy ending up throwing many points away. That's not excately team-leader driving.

[Psycho!]

Absolutely no logic to what he was doing....He deserved that....

[hari]

Latvala rolled

[Doon]

He rolled......= total bellend!

[MikeD]

Latvala has rolled according to Ford

[eib1]

JML rolled

[Martin Luijk]

JML has rolled. How is that possible. That guy is really stupid. No change of 2nd at all.

[Francis44]

Sometimes I dont undertand Latvala, nothing to fight for and bins it again. Was he trying to put pressure on Loeb?! Well he was more than 2 minutes behind.

[bluuford]

Loeb is going to catch Latvala before the end. The difference is less than 1 km now

[focus206]

Rolled? How come I'm not surprised? :dozey:

[MikeD]

It's just to easy to beat Ford ... bring on Ogier in that VW Polo R...

[A FONDO]

This boy is the most "non-smart" driver in the whole motorsport history

[Tom206wrc]

No time yet for Hirvonen :confused:

[J4MIE]

Well done Jari-Matti, this is exactly the way to win a World Championship :up:

:erm:

[Franky]

How many times has the radio guy been on about their reporter's driver and the hospital trip already?

[bluuford]

Loeb just passed Latvala. So, the loss will be over 6 minutes. Hirvonen is OK

[BleAivano]

What did I say!!!???? Latvala either unlucky or a total bellend.

Unlucky well maybe once or even twice but not this time. Its the longest stage of the rally, he is in third
with reasonable distance from 4th and with no chances of getting into 2nd.
Despite that he pushes like crazy, wearing his tires down and risking both puncture and over worn tires
on the power stage.

That is not bad luck, its reckless and unnecessary, too much too loose (which the flat tyre confirms) and
nothing to gain, except flat tires or even worse stuff like going off and etc.

And how often does JML have punctures and how often does Loeb have punctures?

[Josti]

Although I like Jari-Matti's all or nothing attitude, this was a pointless attack.

[Francis44]

We are in for a long boring championship :( .

[Martin Luijk]

So, another retirement for Latvala. This don't seems to be just a puncture. I think he's dropping out of the top 10.

[MikeD]

Now it's time for Ford to put Solberg as team leader. I think Malcom will be furious with JML after this one...

[bluuford]

So, another retirement for Latvala. This don't seems to be just a puncture. I think he's dropping out of the top 10.

I hope he reaches till the end. He has less than 500 m to go. But no points in powerstage for sure

[BleAivano]

Why put a driver who isn't capable of winning anymore as first driver?

well better to have a driver that actually finishes on the podium (even if he doesn't win) then a driver that risks everything for nothing?

[logic]

Sad to hear about JML , but in the back of my mind i was hoping this would not happen.
Good things is petter inherits 3rd.

[MikeD]

Why put a driver who isn't capable of winning anymore as first driver?

Because P.Solberg scores more points and championships are won by those with most points!

[tfp]

We are in for a long boring championship :( .

+1 I was looking forward to this championship aswel.

Petter solberg must be promoted to number one now. I said after Monte if JML retires once more this season theres no way he can catch Loeb (How often is it that Loeb retires more than once in a year?) and now hes crashed in 2 of the 3 opening events....

[Langdale Forest]

Why put a driver who isn't capable of winning anymore as first driver?

Solberg is capable of winning, he just has bad luck.

[logic]

Why put a driver who isn't capable of winning anymore as first driver?

I really think Petter was mentally damaged after the 2 punctures , he is capable of winning the rally but he has signed the contract saying he has to play second fiddle to JML

[skarderud]

Why put a driver who isn't capable of winning anymore as first driver?

petter is the fastest driver on wet gravel and wet tarmac, in my opinion. he can win for sure, but i think the ford is not at the same level than citroen, so he need some bad luck for the others to win, at dry at least.

[MikeD]

How many times has the radio guy been on about their reporter's driver and the hospital trip already?

hahaha my thoughts excately ... and how many times has he said "Thanks you very much, you are doing a great job" to everybody .. also those not involved in the rally.

[focus206]

What a nice stage for the Fiestas... Novikov and Atkinson crashed, Latvala rolled, Ostberg and Block lost time...

[BleAivano]

+1 I was looking forward to this championship aswel.

Petter solberg must be promoted to number one now. I said after Monte if JML retires once more this season theres no way he can catch Loeb
(How often is it that Loeb retires more than once in a year?) and now hes crashed in 2 of the 3 opening events....

Didn't Loeb retire twice a few years ago? In Jordan (rautencrash) and once more?

[dimviii]

Now it's time for Ford to put Solberg as team leader. I think Malcom will be furious with JML after this one...

When you will listen Malcolm about Jaris roll you ll be surprised.

[Psycho!]

Any chance that Mads and Tanak drop time (instructions)??

[bluuford]

So, Novikov made back all the mistakes he forgot to do in MC and Sweden. Two crashes in 3 stages

[tfp]

Didn't Loeb retire twice a few years ago? In Jordan (rautencrash) and once more?

Last year aswel, France and Aus, but it is still very unusual!

[J4MIE]

Well as the old saying goes.... if you don't crash then you're not trying hard enough.

One of the reasons that Loeb is such a great driver is his ability to drive on the limit and no more (I imagine this has a lot to do with his gymnastics in the past, he can feel the balance of the car a lot better).

[bluuford]

When you will listen Malcolm about Jaris roll you ll be surprised.

Malcolm: "Jari drove very well, he was almost catching Hirvonen on the stage. Unluckily he was distracted by Novikovs co-driver who went to alert him where Evgeny rolled and Jari rolled a few meters from the same spot." :-P You are welcome Malcolm, you can use this quote, dont need to make up your own version .-P

[dimviii]

Malcolm: "Jari drove very well, he was almost catching Hirvonen on the stage. Unluckily he was distracted by Novikovs co-driver who went to alert him where Evgeny rolled and Jari rolled a few meters from the same spot." :-P You are welcome Malcolm, you can use this quote, dont need to make up your own version .-P

i told you that you are going to be surprised....

[EuroTroll]

Any chance that Mads and Tanak drop time (instructions)??

Thankfully Al-Attiyah is also there..

[userwave]

Latvala needs some self control, there was no need to go flat out, he threw it away again.

[A FONDO]

So the real winner for this tremendous stage is Attijah. Dakar's experience is very valuable.

[MikeD]

So, Novikov made back all the mistakes he forgot to do in MC and Sweden. Two crashes in 3 stages

But he has still improved with 4 fast and solid point finishes in a row. I believe in him for the future...

[Doon]

Power Stage link anyone?

[MikeD]

Any chance that Mads and Tanak drop time (instructions)??

Would be a typical stupid Malcom-move so I wouldn't be surprised. But Østberg is not in an M-Sport team so I am not sure he will do it. He also has sponsors that needs good results.

[bluuford]

But he has still improved with 4 fast and solid point finishes in a row. I believe in him for the future...

Yes indeed. He had nothing to loose anyway, actually one point was in the pocket already.

[Psycho!]

Power Stage link anyone?

I think it will not be broadcasted live!

[EightGear]

Damn it, I like Latvala and the person he is, but that was just stupid! I think we can congratulate mr. Loeb with his 9th title already. Of course we do not know the details of JML's roll, but still.

I just hope this doesn't get this accident in his head too much and he won't be too depressed...

[A FONDO]

Malcolm: "Jari drove very well, he was almost catching Hirvonen on the stage. Unluckily he was distracted by Novikovs co-driver who went to alert him where Evgeny rolled and Jari rolled a few meters from the same spot." :-P You are welcome Malcolm, you can use this quote, dont need to make up your own version .-P
Oh yes, Giraudet showed up only for Latvala and was hiding for the other cars, that explains it :rotflmao:

[tfp]

Well as the old saying goes.... if you don't crash then you're not trying hard enough.

One of the reasons that Loeb is such a great driver is his ability to drive on the limit and no more (I imagine this has a lot to do with his gymnastics in the past, he can feel the balance of the car a lot better).

He also knows when to slow down!

[tfp]

Damn it, I like Latvala and the person he is, but that was just stupid! I think we can congratulate mr. Loeb with his 9th title already. Of course we do not know the details of JML's roll, but still.

I just hope this doesn't get this accident in his head too much and he won't be too depressed...

I think youre right....I do think Solberg has it in him to get another win in his career(hopefuly this season) but I dont think he can fight for the championship anymore. Hirvonen wont be allowed to win the championship and JML has had two big crashes in just three events...That leaves Loeb for the championship again.

[EuroTroll]

10 secs between Östberg and Tänak now... I wonder if Ott will try?

[bluuford]

10 secs between Östberg and Tänak now... I wonder if Ott will try?

The plan is the following: Ostberg and Tänak are going to fight for the position nr 4. Both get puntures and they are changing tires for around 5 minutes. No team orders then ;-)

[EuroTroll]

The plan is the following: Ostberg and Tänak are going to fight for the position nr 4. Both get puntures and they are changing tires for around 5 minutes. No team orders then ;-)

And Giraudet will take out Al-Attiyah? :D

[Francis44]

Now latvala will have to push like mad in every rally and hope Loeb hits problems. Next is Portugal and Latvala dosen't do very well in that rally, Hirvonnen is not allowed to fight although he tries to say between the lines he is allowed to. Solberg will continue to puncture like mad.

[Crocone]

The championship was f..ked up since Monte Carlo. But at least Jari Matti showed that he is a fast driver. Old school driver, and this I like about him. I'm sure that this crash wouldn't happen if he woluldn't had that puncture on the first day.

[Langdale Forest]

I hope there is no team orders to get JML up the leaderboard.

[Psycho!]

Now latvala will have to push like mad in every rally and hope Loeb hits problems. Next is Portugal and Latvala dosen't do very well in that rally, Hirvonnen is not allowed to fight although he tries to say between the lines he is allowed to. Solberg will continue to puncture like mad.

I think he did better in Portugal than in Mexico the previous years...

[N.O.T]

Meh...

totally stupid move by latvala....

Is the car working properly to at least try something in the power stage ???

[Psycho!]

As you said Novikov was the problem for Latvala.... :p

[Francis44]

I think he did better in Portugal than in Mexico the previous years...

In Portugal 2 crashes and 1 finish in 3 rally's. Not good you may see.

[Martin Luijk]

The last years, in his own team, Petter Solberg always has had bad luck.

[MikeD]

Latvala seems to be out - hasn't started next stage

[Psycho!]

In Portugal 2 crashes and 1 finish in 3 rally's. Not good you may see.

I mean in terms of pace...

[bluuford]

Meh...

totally stupid move by latvala....

Is the car working properly to at least try something in the power stage ???

He was moving very slowly on the last stage. I guess he is going to loose another minute on the last stages

[Karukera]

I mean in terms of pace...

Latvala never lacks pace. Consistency is another story.

[Rallyper]

Why doesn´t this happen to Citroens?

[N.O.T]

Why doesn´t this happen to Citroens?

they sign proper drivers thats why....

[Mintexmemory]

I hope there is no team orders to get JML up the leaderboard.
Well I hope there are, this season needs to be kept open !!

[BleAivano]

Why doesn´t this happen to Citroens?

better general team strategy and probably better cars in general.

Meaning more long term thinking then just the actual stage and rally.

[N.O.T]

Well I hope there are, this season needs to be kept open !!

LOL.....

[Rallyper]

they sign proper drivers thats why....

Yep, you´re probably right about that. But shame it is.

[Koceens]

It looks like staying in 7th position will be the best possible outcome for Latvala after that unnecessary pushing in 54km stage.

What a disappointment for the championship!

[Marre]

they sign proper drivers thats why....
you sayd that hirvonen was a sick dog, now you say that he is a proper driver, make up your mind ;)

[rp]

Why doesn´t this happen to Citroens?

Citroën is so much better and easily to drive that you do not need to take same kind of risks than Ford drivers have to take...

[J4MIE]

I've always said that in the events where Loeb is going to win (ie Monte) then there is more than likely no point in risking anything in trying to beat him - and we saw what happened there. In Finland last year Loeb could have tried harder to win in Finland but got it to the end and took the points - and this helped him win the championship in the end.

So instead of having two third place finishes to keep getting points on the board, he is now possibly seventh if he can get to the end. You just can't get away with that in the championship these days if you want to think about challenging for it.

There was no way that he could make up 1:36 on Hirvonen in 70km, it just wasn't going to happen and at the split before he went off he was only (only!) 15 seconds up.

And all that for just three extra points??? :confused:

[Iskald]

This boy is the most "non-smart" driver in the whole motorsport history

I sincerely doubt that you know anything about motorsport history.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Only McRae could drive flat out everywhere and win a Championship.

JML thinks he can do the same but I dont think he can the way modern rallies are.

Fast and consistent is why Loeb won 8 times.

[Langdale Forest]

Well I hope there are, this season needs to be kept open !!

There needs to be a 'dislike' button on the forum for posts like this....

[logic]

JML might not be able to continue.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Saying now JML was distracted by Novikov off or avoiding him and it was bad luck not risky driving ...

on Twitpic (http://twitpic.com/8v1o9b)

[Martin Luijk]

It's the same info as the quote of Malcolm Wilson earlier post on this forum.

[EightGear]

Saying now JML was distracted by Novikov off or avoiding him and it was bad luck not risky driving ...

He lost concentration and was distracted before, in Monte Carlo for example and he crashed....

[BleAivano]

Saying now JML was distracted by Novikov off or avoiding him and it was bad luck not risky driving ...

i don't agree with you, if he hadn't pushed like a madman perhaps he wouldn't have rolled.
And imo its does not matter if he rolled because of Novikov or because he was going fast.
He shouldn't have been going that fast anyway.

[Langdale Forest]

Any live video of the power stage?

[rallyfiend]

Any live video of the power stage?

Nope.

[bluuford]

Hirvonen at the start and Latvala not visible on the start. I made up this Wilson qote if you didnt understand it before.. Seems that I was correct

[logic]

Confirmed , JML cannot continue , roll cage damaged.

[EightGear]

Latvala retires.


Jesus.

[N.O.T]

you sayd that hirvonen was a sick dog, now you say that he is a proper driver, make up your mind ;)

for a second/supporting driver he is proper...

[Martin Luijk]

Latvala out. He is not allowed to continue the rally.

[Andre Oliveira]

Latvala out. FIA don't allow to continue due safety

[MikeD]

FIA says they will not allow JML to continue. Mexicos own Triviño looks to score a point. Let's hope they celebrate it mexicans style :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

i don't agree with you, if he hadn't pushed like a madman perhaps he wouldn't have rolled.
And imo its does not matter if he rolled because of Novikov or because he was going fast.
He shouldn't have been going that fast anyway.

I was just repeating what the reporter said...