Rally New Zealand 2012

[Barreis]

Wait, we're waiting for Latvala's moments. :D

[Perkele!]

Mechanical or an off?

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Great start Mikko is leading and JML is still on the road!

And HYVÄÄ JUHANNUSTA everybody.

[GallardoGT]

Does Latvala uses the yellow glasses or the orange ones. That's important to know with those dark clouds. I normaly use the yellow ones for Richard Burns Rally.

[Perkele!]

Just need Loeb to go off for the perfect Juhannus... ;)

[janvanvurpa]

Just need Loeb to go off for the perfect Juhannus... ;)


Eeeiii perkele, Perkele. just a little stuff and lose maybe 1m30s to make things interesting.

Be nice!

[Perkele!]

Aye, was just kidding. Besides, he's not very likely to go off; he had his yearly accident in Portugal.

[Plan9]

Where are you guys following this? The WRC.com site is not good. They did not cover PG problem for example. What has happened to Alister btw? he has just disappeared off the tracking site....

[janvanvurpa]

Where are you guys following this? The WRC.com site is not good. They did not cover PG problem for example. What has happened to Alister btw? he has just disappeared off the tracking site....


I was looking at the usually peachy-keen double plus good Czech sites Vsledky Rallye: Vsledky on-line (http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=135&filtr=)
but it thing the have some gear selector problem of brake pads roasted cause it doesn't show anything after SS2..

Maybe spilled 2-3 liters of beer into the keyboard somewhere in Czechko.

[Carlo]

Where are you guys following this? The WRC.com site is not good. They did not cover PG problem for example. What has happened to Alister btw? he has just disappeared off the tracking site....

Go to this site, it has all NZ rallying on it. just drop into the results section and bring up the event you want to follow.

ChrisSport - Home (http://www.chrissport.co.nz/)

[xavier]

compare to this morning:
MH -2.5
SL -8.4
OT -9.2
surely Mikko will have trouble running first. now how much JML can make from his position.

[janvanvurpa]

Go to this site, it has all NZ rallying on it. just drop into the results section and bring up the event you want to follow.

ChrisSport - Home (http://www.chrissport.co.nz/)

Mucho gracias, Carlito!

[Robbo]

The CHRISPORT site if very good as is run by rally enthaustists - they are the team that do NZ events and are also providing a back up for WRC - good point is the inclusion of information

[SubaruNorway]

Is the eye in the sky only broadcasted at the media center in NZ or something? Can't find a link anyway.

[spiderem]

Hum, it will be interesting to see if Citroen fix position tomorrow mid day, if mikko is 10seconds ahead of Loeb and the ford too far for a win...
Nice rally so far, good that mikko is showing some speed.

[Tom206wrc]

Nice pace from Emma Gilmour :)

[pantealex]

So, Paddon is only moving SWRC, rest are +5.00/SS

Ramona Karlsson is 2nd in PWRC, Ligato leads

[Tom206wrc]

Latvala off SS7 :s

[xavier]

Latvala stopped in the stage!
Reports Latvala is well off the road! More to follow...

here we go, no ford in range of the Citroen and a boring end of the rally.

PS: my wife and I are going away for the weekend, at least i wont fell the need to check rally status in the evening

[Tom206wrc]

Latvala moving again: +4'21 on split 6... :mark:

[pantealex]

Latvala is moving...

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Went to mow the lawn, came back, saw that JML is still true to form.

[Tom206wrc]

I bet Neuville had to overtake Nobre on penultimate split SS8 :rolleyes:

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

It was nice to saw Mikko´s good speed today. Maybe he is pushing little more and can give even more pressure to Loeb.

[F1boat]

I'd really love to see Miko winning for a change, although I'd be happy for Seb as well.

[rp]

Not a surprise! JML did it again. No need to follow it anymore. Loeb will win once again...

[bassist]

Was Petters poor form on the first loop purely down to tyre choice? He lost a load of time to the Citroens, or is the pressure starting to get to him? And Jari binning it again! Malcom has some serious soul searching to do!

[Rallyper]

First day sum up:

Petter bad tyre choice, also suffering from Acropolis mentally...
JML off as usual (or other unlucky things...)
MH doing well showing his driver capacity when in Citroen.
Seb leading, so no longer interesting rally. Sorry boys. Roads looking good but me no longer follow...

PG off because of wrong pacenote. Should have been a 3 but he had 4... No damage to car, just stuck.

Ramona is doing well though. Second in PWRC.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

It´s long way to finish. Lot´s of things to follow. And this Citroen dynamic duo is amazing. Team is ultimate. Loeb leads and Hirvonen is there allso, like always :)

[MJW]

It´s long way to finish. Lot´s of things to follow. And this Citroen dynamic duo is amazing. Team is ultimate. Loeb leads and Hirvonen is there allso, like always :)
Yes its two days to go but day one stage kms was 50% of the total competitive route. My prediction MH, SL, PS at the end.

[Mintexmemory]

VW & SO where are you when we need you?

[AndyRAC]

VW & SO where are you when we need you?

Preparing, and waiting for Monte 2013. I'm expecting VW to be run as successfully as their cousins at Audi.

RallyNZ, well Loeb doing what he does so well, Mikko driving consistently. Jari-Matti, as usual, throwing it off the road & Petter making the wrong tyre choice. Normal service.....

[raybak]

Does anyone know if Paddon made it back to service?

[A FONDO]

No need to stare at refreshing results page after midnight anymore, just wake up in the morning and read it all for 15 minutes :)


Does anyone know if Paddon made it back to service?

http://imageplay.net/img/tya22271300//dfhjhg.jpg

[Carlo]

Hi raybak, sorry we will not catch up this year.

According to chrissport results he has made it back ok. I understand that he had difficulty with both clutch and transmission and for some time was without the use of 2nd gear. According to rumours they sorted out the gearbox on a temporary basis prior to the final couple of stages.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Whaanga Coast from this morning...

http://MattJelonek.com/_MG_4074_WEB.jpg

[nr7wave]

There is talk of some heavy rain comming in for sunday and perhaps saturdays late stages(@Bluuford: Any predictions?).
Petter has 6 soft tires left and Loeb + Hirvonen none(?). He could take back a lot of time if the rain comes. Maybe not completly done yet?

[N.O.T]

If the Finnish media are correct.... does anyone know how much Latvala will pay VW to drive for them ??

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Loeb got hard tyres in front on last stages. So maybe Loeb got some soft tyres left, but Hirvonen have none soft tyres.

[AndyRAC]

If the Finnish media are correct.... does anyone know how much Latvala will pay VW to drive for them ??

That's not normally how the VW Group operate....they're hardly short of money.

[N.O.T]

you failed at irony 101...

sorry.

[nr7wave]

Loeb got hard tyres in front on last stages. So maybe Loeb got some soft tyres left, but Hirvonen have none soft tyres.
Yes, you are correct. Loeb probably has two softs left.

[Viking]

If the Finnish media are correct.... does anyone know how much Latvala will pay VW to drive for them ??

:D

And where will Malcolm go for money? Petter-Sordo??

[AndyRAC]

:D

And where will Malcolm go for money? Petter-Sordo??

How about Ford?? Cheapskates that they are - trying to do the WRC on the cheap. Do it properly or don't bother.

[Carlo]

He will probably call on the Greek Govt for assistance, they are pretty good at handing out everyone elses money for no results

[Maui J.]

Long day at the rally. Left Auckland at 0545, got home 1900. 500km later.
Managed to see stages 1,3,5,6 & 8. Should have seen stage 4 as well... but my 'co-driver' can't read a map!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sordo's Mini sounded sick. Novikov really impressive. Seb, Mikko, & JML looked smooth and fast as always.

Disappointing to see the race for victory is basically over. We need more manufacturers quick smart.

[tfp]

:D

And where will Malcolm go for money? Petter-Sordo??

You shouldnt really blame malcolm or m sport for these results. Last year, it was blatantly obvious that he citroen was faster, they had the fastet car, end of. Now though, MW and M sport have built a very fast car, much more competitive than previous seasons. Its not his fault that his drivers keep crashing and having accidents, as this is why ford are so far behindd in the manu championship.
If anything peolle shoukd be thankful that ford are still in the championship. Im pretty sure if citroen had taken beating after beating in the wrc they would have quit long ago(cough cough....LeMans...cough)

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

He will probably call on the Greek Govt for assistance, they are pretty good at handing out everyone elses money for no results

http://edge.ebaumsworld.com/mediaFiles/picture/1989829/82558118.gif

[Kielder]

Citroen WRC 2012 usual Friday...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4UoVMV4Ubo&feature=g-all-u

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Citroen WRT: no team orders, but two cars have to finish. :p nice to say, everyone can think what that means.

[WRCfan]

Great rally so far. One shot from SS2 this morning.
Looking forward to Day 2 and hoping the weather holds out!

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/4131/img6718z.jpg

[A FONDO]

You shouldnt really blame malcolm or m sport for these results. Last year, it was blatantly obvious that he citroen was faster, they had the fastet car, end of. Now though, MW and M sport have built a very fast car, much more competitive than previous seasons. Its not his fault that his drivers keep crashing and having accidents, as this is why ford are so far behindd in the manu championship.
If anything peolle shoukd be thankful that ford are still in the championship. Im pretty sure if citroen had taken beating after beating in the wrc they would have quit long ago(cough cough....LeMans...cough)
Its his fault he kept Hirvo and Latvo so long. Its his fault he didnt bring Sordo last year. Its his fault he signed Solberg for the money from Ford Norway. Its his fault he didnt cultivate young drivers with real talent. Its his fault he had put so small budget in car development before he finally got an ultimatum from Ford this winter.

But I agree Citroen and Loeb would have quit rallying not later than the first two consecutive zero years.

[Dingardo]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/468897_10150910438887986_743140311_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229799_10150910439022986_2145208047_n.jpg

Right bed time! Will chuck a few more photos up possibly tomorrow night.. got a lot of photos to sort through :P

[bluuford]

There is talk of some heavy rain comming in for sunday and perhaps saturdays late stages(@Bluuford: Any predictions?).
Petter has 6 soft tires left and Loeb + Hirvonen none(?). He could take back a lot of time if the rain comes. Maybe not completly done yet?

Some rain on Saturday evening (possibly afternoon as well) and very, very, very heavy rain overnight and on Sunday morning. Those who do not have any softs left should be in a very big trouble. 3-4 minutes difference to take back should not be a problem I guess. But the weather changes very quickly here.. mostly on the worse direction.

[GigiGalliNo1]

http://MattJelonek.com/_MG_4095_WEB_online.jpg

[Mintexmemory]

you failed at irony 101...

sorry.

The delicacy required to prevent irony becoming heavy-handed sarcasm is a talent vouchedsafe to few. Delicacy of nuance and delicacy of national financial prudence tend to go hand in hand, I find.

[tfp]

Its his fault he kept Hirvo and Latvo so long. Its his fault he didnt bring Sordo last year. Its his fault he signed Solberg for the money from Ford Norway. Its his fault he didnt cultivate young drivers with real talent. Its his fault he had put so small budget in car development before he finally got an ultimatum from Ford this winter.

But I agree Citroen and Loeb would have quit rallying not later than the first two consecutive zero years.

I apologise to brother john in advance for derailing this thread ;)
Ok he has made mistakes:-) especially with the young driver thing. After all, without citroens junior programme, we would have no sordo or ogier(and iirc meeke and pg, but cant remember off hand with these two) so he shoukd have had paid young drivers somewhere in the team. If we were lucky we might have ended up with another duval and martin pairing.
As for the current drivers, dont you think if mikko was still at ford he would have been chasing wins this year instead of podiums like last year? And as for jml, after his performance in the second half of last season I think most of us expected so much more from him than he has delivered.
For now though, IMO MW has delivered the car. Just the drivers arent delivering the results :(

[N.O.T]

The delicacy required to prevent irony becoming heavy-handed sarcasm is a talent vouchedsafe to few. Delicacy of nuance and delicacy of national financial prudence tend to go hand in hand, I find.

wow.. your intelectual level is of my standards... marry my sister.

[RAS007]

here we go, no ford in range of the Citroen and a boring end of the rally.

PS: my wife and I are going away for the weekend, at least i wont fell the need to check rally status in the evening

+1

What a total, dreadful bore. As usual.

[Mintexmemory]

wow.. your intelectual level is of my standards... marry my sister.

:rotflmao: Now, THAT'S irony!!! splendid.
Can I interest your country in joining the replacement for a single european currency?
Have you a photo of your sister?

[jbmarcus21]

Latvala off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1jOfU8fXGI&feature=player_embedded

[cali]

Some rain on Saturday evening (possibly afternoon as well) and very, very, very heavy rain overnight and on Sunday morning. Those who do not have any softs left should be in a very big trouble. 3-4 minutes difference to take back should not be a problem I guess. But the weather changes very quickly here.. mostly on the worse direction.
It's now becoming more interesting to follow your prediction than the rally itself :p

[Barreis]

Latvala off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1jOfU8fXGI&feature=player_embedded

Looking this Latvala's face for years.

[RAS007]

Looking this Latvala's face for years.

I really feel bad for JM, but that off looks almost comically amateurish. Is he a candidate for the most disappointing rally driver of all time?

[N.O.T]

:rotflmao: Now, THAT'S irony!!! splendid.
Can I interest your country in joining the replacement for a single european currency?
Have you a photo of your sister?

Intellectual people like yourself should not bother about the shallow extrenal appearance of humanoids...

My country is doomed no matter the currency... a nuclear bomb big enough is the only solution.

[N.O.T]

Latvala off
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1jOfU8fXGI&feature=player_embedded

Damn from all the offs Latvala had this year that was indeed unlucky....he didn;t seem to cut the corner that much...or at least more than the previous cars.

[A FONDO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zdv_qU_Hws

[Barreis]

Oleksowicz is really slow.

[N.O.T]

Oleksowicz is really slow.

both of them are laughable level tourists...

[Rallyper]

Its his fault he kept Hirvo and Latvo so long. Its his fault he didnt bring Sordo last year. Its his fault he signed Solberg for the money from Ford Norway. Its his fault he didnt cultivate young drivers with real talent. Its his fault he had put so small budget in car development before he finally got an ultimatum from Ford this winter.

But I agree Citroen and Loeb would have quit rallying not later than the first two consecutive zero years.

Mr Slowson: CAn you tell me which teamboss wouldn´t want to have JML in his team? He´s fast and any teamboss would consider him worth taking in. So please, I know have frustrating this is, for you for MW for anyone following WRC, but still, Petter and JML are the best options still, having Loeb and Mikko at Citroen and Ogier at VW. Sordo - yes, maybe but if you have to choose between money out or in, what would you prefer, if you´re a teamboss in aprivate team??

[Francis44]

both of them are laughable level tourists...


Oleksowicz yes. Yazeed not so sure, his speed is nowhere near as bad as most tourists out there.

Novikov really good :) . After many Kms just one minute and half behind leaders in third place. Very good to see him progress.

[Rallyper]

I really feel bad for JM, but that off looks almost comically amateurish. Is he a candidate for the most disappointing rally driver of all time?

Sorry, you don´t seem to know how to handle a WRC car, do you? What happens if you pull off in this situation? Just tell me.

[6789]

Had an amazing day yesterday on Whaanga coast and then onto two stages in the afternoon. Crazy decision by Petter/Ford to run hards, there was water laying across the road everywhere. I have no idea what the hell they we're thinking.

In the afternoon we went to an extremely fast section with a sweeping righthander, Loeb held it flat with no braking, PS and JML held it flat with a touch of left foot braking and everyone else lifted off. Was just interesting to compare how other drivers approach the corner and you can see where they loose time.

Tanak is amazing to watch, sideways everywhere. Shame that the rally fight is over a bit.

Ill try and get some phots up tonight, the bar is too tamping after a long day but lol

[A FONDO]

Was just interesting to compare how other drivers approach the corner and you can see where they loose time.

Thats the most important and valuable aspect in watching the rally live. :) Would you please describe other drivers too?

[SubaruNorway]

Oleksowicz is really slow. What's up with Yazeed handbraking all the time?

[RAS007]

Sorry, you don´t seem to know how to handle a WRC car, do you? What happens if you pull off in this situation? Just tell me.

What do mean by "pull off"?

[bluuford]

What's up with Yazeed handbraking all the time?

He had some problems with gear selection if I am not mistaken. Maybe related to this?

[Rallyper]

What do mean by "pull off"?

I meant taking off the accelerator pedal. You have to keep the pedal down in such situations. JML did. But unfortunatly i didn´t work...

[Francis44]

What's up with Yazeed handbraking all the time?

I think when conditions are muddy, if you enter the corner at a certain speed the car tends to understeer, a little pull on the handbrake may help to get the car around the corner.

[SubaruNorway]

Does anyone know where i can find Sky Sport 3 to watch the eye in the sky?
TV Coverage - Rally New Zealand (http://www.rallynz.org.nz/tv-coverage)

[Barreis]

When will action start?

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

When will action start?

in about 45 minutes

Lets see if jml can salvage a few extra points - an all to common situation unfortunately. here's to peter keeping in the road for a podium.

[Allyc85]

What is the weather doing out there? Petter is out on soft tyres with a hard spare.

[bluuford]

What is the weather doing out there? Petter is out on soft tyres with a hard spare.
Weather is sunny, a few clouds and no rain visible.temperature around +10 again, maybe the roads are still wet. Otherwise, lookslike waste of soft tyres.

[Mintexmemory]

JML Sordo and Neuville looking to be similar pace

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

<----- such a man crush on atko

[pettersolberg29]

Petter the only one on softs? Seems odd seeing as his hopes rest on having softs for the rain tomorrow!

[N.O.T]

Solberg seems to take advantage of his tyres...

[dimviii]

Hirvonen said: "We are aloud to fight and we are both going flat out and pushing hard. It is very close at the moment and we are fighting hard. Every second counts now so I can't afford to make even just the smallest mistake."

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

great....(*&Cing....song.

[Carlo]

Nobre spun in SS 10 but going again. Great TV overhead shot of it happening.

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

someone get dani a proper breakfast!

[SubaruNorway]

Nobre spun in SS 10 but going again. Great TV overhead shot of it happening.
Shame we can't watch it, am i right in that i can't sign up here? https://www.skytv.co.nz/skyid/link.html?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.skytv.co.nz%2 Fmyaccount%2F%23css-upgrade

[pettersolberg29]

Everyone on a very similar pace on SS10 - JML, Neuville, Tanak, Petter, Mikko and Loeb all within a couple of seconds so far.

[Maxi]

loeb took some damage to his car on ss11. Denying he made a mistake.

[tfp]

Hirvonen said: "We are aloud to fight and we are both going flat out and pushing hard. It is very close at the moment and we are fighting hard. Every second counts now so I can't afford to make even just the smallest mistake."


Its just a shame nobody believes him! If he forces Loeb to make an error and has a close call they will be told to hold position.

[N.O.T]

Go Mikko !!!!!!!

[N.O.T]

I just realised the stage is called GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

The stage is useless without pics !!!!!

[tfp]

I just realised the stage is called GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL

The stage is useless without pics !!!!!

:rotflmao:
That reminds me of a few years ago in wales, I overheard an old lady talking about the "sweet sheep stage" :s mokin: Those funny stage names!

[spiderem]

anybody know if the citron boys will carry on fighting or have the ten boss decided to hold positions?

[N.O.T]

anybody know if the citron boys will carry on fighting or have the ten boss decided to hold positions?

I doubt you do not know the answer.

[spiderem]

I doubt you do not know the answer.

that is why I'm asking... curiosity

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

not really into high school age girls, but to each their own.

[Carlo]

Does anyone know where i can find Sky Sport 3 to watch the eye in the sky?
TV Coverage - Rally New Zealand (http://www.rallynz.org.nz/tv-coverage)

I understand that you have to be sky subscriber then you can watch via I Sky

[bluuford]

I understand that you have to be sky subscriber then you can watch via I Sky
It looks like first rain is around 20minutes away.. but light rain. most rain overnight and most of it should finish just before the first stages in the morning. but conditions should be still very wet

[Carlo]

Richard Mason running all day without the use of a clutch and still heading off all PWRC and fellow Kiwi entries in Group N

[Mintexmemory]

Looks like tyre choices are making a difference now. Looks like end of stage conditions have played into JMLs hands massively.
I dissent from the view that the Fiesta is the equal to the DS3. It's closer than the Focus to the C4 but I reckon that PS and JML are still having to over-drive to make it competitive and hence have the problems they get when there is no margin for error

[Rally Hokkaido]

Very quiet on the forum for a WRC round thread! Is it just you and me, Carlo? There hasn't been much talk about Ken Block either. Does that mean he is actually driving quite well?! As far as I can tell, he has been steadily pulling away from Manfred Stohl, not a bad effort! Comments?

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

Despite poor tire choice on fist half of day one, its been one of blocks better rallies, in terms of consistency. It's nice to see.

[Carlo]

Very quiet on the forum for a WRC round thread! Is it just you and me, Carlo? There hasn't been much talk about Ken Block either. Does that mean he is actually driving quite well?! As far as I can tell, he has been steadily pulling away from Manfred Stohl, not a bad effort! Comments?

I am doing it hard sitting at home watching TV when I should be up north and part of it.
Ken does appear to be going well and has been very comfortable with the NZ media. He sounds very relaxed but focused with it, maybe it is the enviroment here and the smoother and better formed roads that reward people with great balance complimenting their driving skills that is working in his favour.

Tanak is looking good in the helicopter shots, he is using more road than most but is getting away with it and he is taking it to the normal four expected to be out front.

Mason has been starting all stages today on the starter motor and must be looking forward to service tonight where that will be fixed. From what I am hearing he will not have sufficent time to replace his power steering, another item he has been without the use of all day.

[Robbo]

Carl - did you enjoy the Chris Grant segment on TV - he sure shows his detailed knowledge of all aspects of the sport - showed Cliff up - it was good to hear him and Inky have a discussion while the rest of us listened in

[Rally Hokkaido]

SS15 - stage stopped! Any info as to why?

[sollitt]

An incident before the first tracking point - presumably the Swedish girls.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Thanks, Sollitt. Checked the tracking and thought the same, hope it's not too serious.

[Carlo]

Carl - did you enjoy the Chris Grant segment on TV - he sure shows his detailed knowledge of all aspects of the sport - showed Cliff up - it was good to hear him and Inky have a discussion while the rest of us listened in

Yes, even he has learnt a thing or two over the years. His comments were very well balanced and worldly informed. I hope that someone can get that segment onto YouTube for the remained of the world to see.

Tyre choices have been interesting, I suspect that those who it is alleged made the wrong decision on day one may have made the right one as they should have a bit of a stockpile of softs for the expected conditions of tomorrow. As you know, in that part of NZ the weather comes in from the sea in great chunks of heavy rain then bright and sunny followed 20 minutes later by heavy rain once again. Time will tell but I don't think this event is over yet

[sollitt]

That would be good Carl, for those of us who don't contribute to Murdoch's retirement plan.

As for your latter paragraph, this event was always going to be wet but if you seriously think it'll be won by anyone presently not in the top two you deserve to share an assylum cell with the Greek twit.

[Robbo]

Mikko said on WRC live that he had no softs left -- so who knows

however consider very very heavy rain predicted tonight, new and rather twisty stages.

was on Recce and if wet then the stages will be very muddy

given the number of 25secs or so gaps in top 10 I agree that it is not yet over

[Rally Hokkaido]

Chrissport reports 'Car 144 RAMONA KARLSSON: Off Road. Crew ok. RETIRED.' Did they forget to press the button?

[sollitt]

Chrissport reports 'Car 144 RAMONA KARLSSON: Off Road. Crew ok. RETIRED.' Did they forget to press the button?Likely stopped to change a wheel and everybody behind stopped to help.

[Tom206wrc]

Shame for Ramona and Miriam :(

[Robbo]

ref Car 144 apparently there was a fire in the car - it is completely destroyed - cause not known

[Maui J.]

They just showed Ramona's car on the TV news. Complete inferno.

Most importantly the drivers are safe.

They are having a bad PWRC.

[Rally Hokkaido]

ref Car 144 apparently there was a fire in the car - it is completely destroyed - cause not known

Thanks, Robbo. That's a more logical explanation as to why the stage was cancelled. IIRC, this was a locally rented car. Correction to my earlier post, stage was not re-started, remaining cars toured through it.

[A FONDO]

LOL only a fistful of people living in NZ daytime followed the second leg. WRC is DEAD. FIA should end the season right now and let teams and drivers focus on extended training and developing the cars. Coz now they're only wasting time and gasoline for nothing.

[Carlo]

LOL only a fistful of people living in NZ daytime followed the second leg. WRC is DEAD. FIA should end the season right now and let teams and drivers focus on extended training and developing the cars. Coz now they're only wasting time and gasoline for nothing.

Most rallysport people in the southern hemisphere foillow what happens in the north with a passion, same with F1 which we watch live, it is a shame on you that you comment here and do not display similar passion towards our sport

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

So, Mikko will be on hards and Peter has a functional set of softs? Is loeb in a similar situation as mikko? Looking at Peters losses on the morning of day 1, he was one minute off pace for 60km. I can't see him picking up a spot without drama, but it will be interesting to see how things play out.

[BleAivano]

Thanks, Robbo. That's a more logical explanation as to why the stage was cancelled. IIRC, this was a locally rented car.
Correction to my earlier post, stage was not re-started, remaining cars toured through it.

NO they use the same car for all rounds. However they do have a spare chassi/body.

[Barreis]

45km's to go and Wilson says win is possible for Petter, crazy.

[Allyc85]

Boring, but obviously very sensible team orders from Citreon confirmed.

Citroen's Sebastien Loeb and Mikko Hirvonen told to hold position at front of Rally New Zealand field - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100609)

[BleAivano]

Ramona says on her twitter that the car self ignited during the middle of the stage, they think that exhaust pipe leak is the reason,

[Tom206wrc]

45km's to go and Wilson says win is possible for Petter, crazy.


If the story of hard/soft tyres compared to awaited weather is really important for day 3, then yes, hopes from Ford side seem right ;)

[dimviii]

Richard Mason running all day without the use of a clutch and still heading off all PWRC and fellow Kiwi entries in Group N

with a dog-box you can change gears without clutch.

[smokin'joe]

with a dog-box you can change gears without clutch.whole lota fun on stage starts and touring back through traffic lights to Auckland , though

[dimviii]

whole lota fun on stage starts and touring back through traffic lights to Auckland , though

if you have a good battery is ok into traffic.

[Carlo]

if you have a good battery is ok into traffic.

There are hills in New Zealand, even at intersections in cities

[dimviii]

There are hills in New Zealand, even at intersections in cities

Mason prooved that he could start even at hills.

[Carlo]

with a dog-box you can change gears without clutch.

With any manual gearbox any reasonable driver can change gears without the use of a clutch, but as Smoking Joe says, it can be difficult in traffic especially at traffic lights and other in the stage where he got pinged for a jump start Mason has been loosing time at every stage start as he grinds his way into the stages on the starter motor.

Pity the PWRC guys have not been able to take advantage of it. it's a long way to come for a hiding from quite a few locals including from the Historic guys in their 2WD cars that are 30 plus years old

[dimviii]

With any manual gearbox any reasonable driver can change gears without the use of a clutch,

yes you can,but with a normal box you will loose plenty of time inside a stage cause you have to synchronize the revs when upshifting and downshifting,with a dog-box you are not going to loose except from the start.

[N.O.T]

It is a pity that the ford drivers are not up to the challenge and the best roads in the world are taken into cruising speed now...

[tolis]

Ramona's car
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/306914_10150987881578641_926875728_n.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

http://MattJelonek.com/_MG_9718.JPG

http://MattJelonek.com/_MG_9120_WEB.jpg

http://MattJelonek.com/_MG_9208.JPG

[dimviii]

Flickr: bestofrallylive's Photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrallylive/)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Crazy rally. I haven't been able to follow it properly with times etc. Photographing the rally on another note is exciting specially for new clients.

[sollitt]

Ramona's car
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/306914_10150987881578641_926875728_n.jpgIt would seem that the girls were just too hot!

[tolis]

Day 2 Clip: 2012 WRC Rally New Zealeand Day 2 Clip - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sy5Iy6IiwI8)

[Barreis]

Day 1, MotorsTV.
WRC 2012 Brother Rally New Zealand Día 1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z73u0OMaeDk#ws)

[BleAivano]

a short article about Ramona and Miriam and the incident.

Dramatik när rallytjejer bröt | Rally | Motor | Sportbladet | Aftonbladet (http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportbladet/motor/rally/article15021886.ab)

Basically what Ramona says is that Miriam yelled that the car was on fire at the back, Ramona then tried to brake.
Then the flames started to come from the bonnet so they had to exit the car while it still was moving. Somehow they couldn't
immediately free themselves from the car, so they got some "close contact" with the flames but then managed to get away from the car.

Both Ramona and Miriam were taken to hospital for checkups but did not need further care.

[pettersolberg29]

I believe it is raining in the service park at the moment. Tiny chance of a bit of excitement between Petter and Mikko if the heavens really open!

[Barreis]

When will action start?

[bluuford]

I believe it is raining in the service park at the moment. Tiny chance of a bit of excitement between Petter and Mikko if the heavens really open!

Very heavy rain just passed today stages.. next front is around 1..1.5 hours away. If you do not have soft tires..forget it. Solberg and Sordo both for the podium :-)

[pettersolberg29]

When will action start?

About 20 mins I believe

[skarderud]

Is it only Petter and dani with softs left?

[Maxi]

i think loeb has one set of softs left

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

I believe block has softs, but don't think it will really matter.

[pettersolberg29]

Only seems to be a tiny difference between hards and softs anyway

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

lol @ seb. he's like wtf? football? whatever...

[Barreis]

Seems that Wilson was on drugs when he said win is possible for Solberg on final day.

[Tom206wrc]

Neuville is flying today :)

[MJW]

lol @ seb. he's like wtf? football? whatever...
What did Seb say about football?

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

word, he's stomping it this morning

[Tom206wrc]

Ramona's car
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/306914_10150987881578641_926875728_n.jpg


Poor girls ;(

[Barreis]

She's filming spectacle. :P

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

What did Seb say about football?

lol, really didn't say anything. just kinda funny how during the stage end interview, he was told about how france lost to spain, 2-1. tried to get a reaction from seb and his demeanor was like "huh, what? okey, yeah...."

[Tom206wrc]

The battle for 5th isn't over between Tänak and Neuville ;)

[N.O.T]

lol, really didn't say anything. just kinda funny how during the stage end interview, he was told about how france lost to spain, 2-1. tried to get a reaction from seb and his demeanor was like "huh, what? okey, yeah...."

Proper alpha male wolf reaction when he hears about inferior sports for kittens...

[N.O.T]

Neuvilles pace shows he has a future in the sport... same goes for Tanak and Novikov.

it is good to see Neuville adapting to WRC mentality after the b-level championship of IRC... all he needs to do now is to manage and be consistent while upping his pace.

[Humber]

Sloan Cox took out the timing equipment at the end of stage 19.

Chandler was interviewed on the local tv broadcast. Sub-committee of the sub-committee looking at the possibility of regional homologation.
Translation? - looking how to officialise Maxi rally cars in Argentina. etc

[Robbo]

cox took out timing gear on SS 18 - first domain stage - SS19 is domain two due to start any minute

had to tour remaining cars include the club event through SS18

looks like drying out

[Carlo]

Placing 4 to 7 will they stay as they are or will they change on the final group of stages?

Who will win the power stage?

[Barreis]

Championship is over.

[Robbo]

unfortunately I think just not sufficient distance left - however think that they will be trying and could be interesting - accident high possibility and there is not much between them

power - jari, seb, mikko but could be in any order

[Rally Hokkaido]

What's happened to Tanak? Stopped in SS20?

[Robbo]

has tanak stopped - ??

[Robbo]

notice on chrissport he not passed point B - no info posted yet

[Robbo]

paddon now missing on tracking for SS20 - will have to wait until Mason finishes to find out

[Robbo]

WRC live reports Paddon stopped for some time but not moving - perhaps a puncture??

[Robbo]

tanak rolled 6km in - crew OK

[Robbo]

Mason reports Paddon Puncture - this could cost him first Kiwi

[Robbo]

Paddon remains 1st Kiwi - 23secs from Mason

[GigiGalliNo1]

http://MattJelonek.com/_MG_0473_WEB.JPG

Pic from the silly Auckland Domain Stage...

[SubaruNorway]

Why on earth does Latvala push for powerstage points?

[Gherid_lacksGPS]

"Hell yeah, you've got lots of years left in ya!!" - Becks on atko. Awesome.

Edit: Bum deal about tanak.... :-/

[Rally Hokkaido]

Possible WRC record for the Proton team - 5 retirements in one rally!

[Tom206wrc]

Possible WRC record for the Proton team - 5 retirements in one rally!


The strange thing is that when the Satrias are running in national championships they do OK(with victories)but when international race they always break(mechanical problems)... :s

[Tom206wrc]

What's happened to Tanak? Stopped in SS20?



Crashed under the pressure of Neuville on the 17km long stage(second rerun) :mark:

[Rally Hokkaido]

Yes, it is strange Tom. Since they solved their basic engine reliability problem last season, many of the mechanical problems seem to be small electrical ones, eg sensor or battery/alternator. With PG driving they are now competitive in both SWRC & APRC, but still fragile.

[rallyfiend]

Why on earth does Latvala push for powerstage points?

So that Citroen don't get them?

[Mise]

Why on earth does Latvala push for powerstage points?

Why wouldn't he?

[Toyoda]

Awesome fullon 4 days or Rally NZ, Whaangacoast secret spot still reigns supreme, Highlights were the NOVIKOV's wild driving/drifting, second on the scene at the KARLSSON fire, Photos and good chats with each WRC driver at the Whangarei Service, and an epic 6km trek into the power stage today to find a primo spot. The Citroen's are a cut above the rest, NEUVILLE super impressive and will give OGER a run in the world champ soon, Solberg still has the pace to win,
Isn't it great how all the drivers are so accessible and keen for a chat! Long live Rally NZ

[SubaruNorway]

So that Citroen don't get them?

It made Petter loose a point to Mikko instead of being equal though.

[Mintexmemory]

It made Petter loose a point to Mikko instead of being equal though.
It may be a problem for Norwegians to swallow but JML is team leader and still has a chance (however slim) of being Champ. If he is faster than Petter then it is Petter who needs to hold station! Winning the power stage is a small demonstration to Malcolm of that fact.

[tolis]

...JML is team leader and still has a chance (however slim) of being Champ.
Good one! :D
The only one who has title chances is Hirvonen, if Loeb doesn't compete in the last 4 rounds! :D

[N.O.T]

The WRC is going to be a rather empty place when Loeb retires....

The rest compared to him look like stray dogs in the woods...

Tanak once more made a mistake... he has the pace for sure and lets hope he has the backing as well, because his performace overall is very very dissapointing.

Great result for Novikov !!!!! once again...

Now Finland is next... lets see is Loeb has any mercy left for those little finish kids and doesn't treat them like sick dogs in their home rally.

[dimviii]

Tanak exit in this video
World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - New Zealand 2012: Sunday Evening Wrap (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-new-zealand-2012-sunday-evening-wrap/?vid=2589)

[Mintexmemory]

The WRC is going to be a rather empty place when Loeb retires....

The rest compared to him look like stray dogs in the woods...

Tanak once more made a mistake... he has the pace for sure and lets hope he has the backing as well, because his performace overall is very very dissapointing.

Great result for Novikov !!!!! once again...

Now Finland is next... lets see is Loeb has any mercy left for those little finish kids and doesn't treat them like sick dogs in their home rally.

That would be amazing because even in the C4 he could never make the Finns look like sick dogs in Finland. (Never hugely dominant as he was in NZ)

[N.O.T]

That would be amazing because even in the C4 he could never make the Finns look like sick dogs in Finland. (Never hugely dominant as he was in NZ)

really ??

[denkimi]

It may be a problem for Norwegians to swallow but JML is team leader and still has a chance (however slim) of being Champ. If he is faster than Petter then it is Petter who needs to hold station! Winning the power stage is a small demonstration to Malcolm of that fact.
you've probably missed it, but latvala screwed up in 6 of the 7 rally's so far. therefore PS was promoted to nr.1 some rally's ago.


but apparently wilson hasn't learned anything from the last 5 years or so, or he just doesn't want one of his drivers to become champion.

[Barreis]

So this year at least 8 wins for Loeb (3 tarmac rallies left).

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

really ??

blaa blaa blaa... :o

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

really ??

Loeb and C4 2007-2010 in FINLAND

2007: 3rd Loeb + 1m09,9 (1st Grönholm and 2nd Hirvonen)
2008: 1st Loeb (2nd Hirvonen +9,0s)
2009: 2nd Loeb +25,1s (1st Hirvonen)
2010: 3rd Loeb+26,0s (1st Latvala)

Loeb was just once 9s faster and other years he was lost in finnish forrest and looooooosing a lot.

[dimviii]

25-26s is not "looooooosing a lot", it's less than 0,1s/km SS... ;)

310km stages/26sec=0,08 sec/km
345 km stages/25sec=0,08sec/km

doesn t seem to me ''a loooooot' too

[N.O.T]

Loeb and C4 2007-2010 in FINLAND

2007: 3rd Loeb + 1m09,9 (1st Grönholm and 2nd Hirvonen)
2008: 1st Loeb (2nd Hirvonen +9,0s)
2009: 2nd Loeb +25,1s (1st Hirvonen)
2010: 3rd Loeb+26,0s (1st Latvala)

Loeb was just once 9s faster and other years he was lost in finnish forrest and looooooosing a lot.

Ha Ha Ha ...

the pain is evident...

once finish drivers had all podium places.... the last few years they are happy if they have 1 driver on it...

LAL

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

25s in Finland is a decade. Really, without any joking.

And that's TRUE what N.O.T says pain is there. Pain is horrible if we don't win and have multiple podium.



Allready I'm sleeping quite bad :D

[RAS007]

25s in Finland is a decade. Really, without any joking.


^This. 25 seconds on 1,000 Lakes is an eternity.

Regarding this weekend, yet another totally predictable borefest. Roll on 2013.

On a somewhat related note, really, how long has Malcolm got left as the Ford boss? If he was a football manager, he would have been sacked a long time ago.

[MJW]

^This. 25 seconds on 1,000 Lakes is an eternity.

Regarding this weekend, yet another totally predictable borefest. Roll on 2013.

On a somewhat related note, really, how long has Malcolm got left as the Ford boss? If he was a football manager, he would have been sacked a long time ago.Until he becomes Hyundai manager after Ford withdraw end of 2013. It wont suit Ford to be in WRC with VW and Toyota. Its ok coming second the money keeps flowing in.

[rjbetty]

Congratulations to Marcos Ligato incidentally, who won the PWRC! It's been a "looooooooooooong" time comin'. :D

I think I'm gonna celebrate with a big slab of steak. I'm thinking of throwing a meat party come to think of it. :)

[tfp]

Ha Ha Ha ...

the pain is evident...

once finish drivers had all podium places.... the last few years they are happy if they have 1 driver on it...

LAL

Most people nowadays are past caring. I wasnt shocked in the slightest after latvala went off (I was even more shocked that his off was caused by sheer bad luck and not insane driving), it is almost to be expected.

You may mock the Finnish and talk about their supposed pain but the real pain rests in the state of WRC and what single driver dominance is doing to it, and, no matter how many times dedicated Loeb-fans tell themselves that domination is good for the sport....It really is not.

Fair play, he is the best. He is fastest and makes the least mistakes, but we already know this and every championship he wins drives another nail into WRC's coffin.

IMO ;)

[Carlo]

but we already know this and every championship he wins drives another nail into WRC's coffin.

IMO ;)

Or makes competitive people more determined to beat him.

it is about excellence rising to the top of the heap and if you want to be the best then you have to beat the person currently considered to hold that position. This is a World championship not a school playground

I am quite excited by the potential that I see in some of the younger drivers making their way onto the world stage

[Barreis]

Maybe Latvala will go off in Finland also.

[N.O.T]

Maybe Latvala will go off in Finland also.

LAL... i hope not

I would like Hirvonen to win though.

[ProRally]

Maybe Latvala will go off in Finland also.

you are probably correct.....

[Humber]

NZ video - shows the different lines through a corner.
WRC Rally NZ Ahuroa - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5s535Cg28s&feature=youtu.be)

Reading an article on the roads in the Raglan area. A few of the old gravel stages have been tar sealed. e.g Mangatawhiri Road

[6789]

Finally home, NZ is an amazing rally, with top notch stages. The new service park is very modern, but is difficult to get in to with limited room. The organisiners are pushing for an annual event, which will be interesting given that Aus is doing the same.

Loeb was just perfect all weekend, with Mikko driving a lot straighter than what I have seen previously. Novikov, Neuville and Tanak all showed promise, with nice driving and some at times crazy lines. Tanak needs to try and straighten his style out a bit, he's finding corners that other guys aren't. Block was actually quite impressive with his lines, driving a lot better than what he was in Aus last year. To borrow a phrase from NOT, the 'works' Minis of Nobre and Araujo are sick dogs. I know Ketomaa copped some flack on here for being slow, but I'm putting that down to the tyres and set up et al, because he was driving the wheels off the car, up there with Novikov imo. Protons sounds and look great when they manage to make it to your prectator point. Hayden Paddon is driving really well in the Skoda, I went to a drivers forum with himself and Ken Block. Paddon is talking about a private WRC entry next year (no mention on car make), that would be interesting!!

Heard some rumours, no idea how true they are but - Apparently there is a new Peugeot WRC somewhere with the intention of swapping involvement by Citroen for Peugeot. People in Ford are not sure about their involvement next year and the hard tyre decision was MW's.


My pics can be found here: Flickr: JamesHunterWRC's Photostream (http://flic.kr/ps/LjkjQ)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7447095636_44d67da651_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7447095636/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7447072370_754301abb7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7447072370/)




http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7447099648_49afb85e2b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7447099648/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7446839630_4860d013f7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7446839630/)


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7446938842_2864f89209_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7446938842/)

[Psycho!]

Peugeot back?????Please God make this happen!!!

[MJW]

Heard some rumours, no idea how true they are but - Apparently there is a new Peugeot WRC somewhere with the intention of swapping involvement by Citroen for Peugeot. People in Ford are not sure about their involvement next year and the hard tyre decision was MW's.


My pics can be found here: Flickr: JamesHunterWRC's Photostream (http://flic.kr/ps/LjkjQ)

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/7447095636_44d67da651_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7447095636/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8165/7447072370_754301abb7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7447072370/)




http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8151/7447099648_49afb85e2b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7447099648/)


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7446839630_4860d013f7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7446839630/)


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7446938842_2864f89209_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshunter6789/7446938842/)

My guess is Citroen and Loeb leave together and allowing Nueville and Peugeot to be PSA representative and facing VW / Toyota etc.

[RAS007]

My guess is Citroen and Loeb leave together and allowing Nueville and Peugeot to be PSA representative and facing VW / Toyota etc.



I hope you are wrong. Next year could be shaping up to be the first year Loeb has actually had some competition in a looooong time.

[AndyRAC]

I hope you are wrong. Next year could be shaping up to be the first year Loeb has actually had some competition in a looooong time.

Loeb will get proper competition if he leaves and does GT/Sportscars..... ;)

[MJW]

I hope you are wrong. Next year could be shaping up to be the first year Loeb has actually had some competition in a looooong time. That doesn't necessarily mean 2013, my guess is probably 2014.

[tfp]

I forgot to congratulate block, he may not be a winner, but he had a consistant performance all weekend and did well to fend off stohl and get into the top ten, hats off to him!

[Munkvy]

Well that was an interesting rally, I competed in the 2nd day as part of the regional event, but had issues with the car so was never able to complete a stage at full throttle. However we finished the rally anyway, so that was a bonus.

We spectated the last day at the tarmac super special and also the 2nd running of the 17km stage (SS20). The tarmac was interesting to watch, Richard Mason (NZ Group N driver) managed 9th overall, a particularly impressive feat beating a number of WRC cars! Sordo looked super quick and smooth and proved it by winning the stage. The Citroen drivers all looked well controlled, and Manfred Stohl also looked very tidy. The S2000s were definitely the most entertaining to watch however.

The 17km stage (SS20) was the second running of the stage and was a very interesting comparison. We were in a place that attracted half a dozen helicopters, with a 200m straight into a 6R over a small crest, onto a 120m straight into a 5L tightening to a blind 4L and dropping downhill, which was about half way through the stage. So a good spot for seeing both the high speed commitment over the 6R and the lower speed commitment to the note as the 2nd corner was completely blind and somewhat off camber. Ken Block was the standout, he made corners where there wasn't any! He was incredibly sideways and was taking unnecessary risks, not suprisingly his time was quite poor too. But I bet everyone who watched him will remember him either way, as he sure was spectacular!

Mikko looked comfortably the fastest, very smooth and tidy and carried a lot of corner speed. Unusually Loeb looked unhappy, but I think he may have been on hard tyres and struggling to get them hot enough, as he took two goes at the braking for the 5L into 4L and generally looked ill at ease. Although Thierry won the stage he didn't stand out as anything special at our point of the stage, but he certainly wasn't slow. The two factory Fords looked good, with plenty of corner speed and some smooth lines, but nothing spectacular to watch. Tanak was already off by our point and Paddon in SWRC was going slowly due to recovering from his puncture earlier in the stage.

PG Anderson was very committed and also carried a lot of corner speed, and the Mentos guy - Valeriy Gorban was the standout in Group N with massive commitment which showed in his stage time (8th overall!).

The rest of the PWRC field were rather disappointing, with some rather gentle driving going on - however it was the last day with only 2 more stages to go, so not worth risking it all!

All in all, given how late in the rally the stage was, I was well impressed with the speed and commitment shown by the top 6 or so WRC drivers.

[6789]

Short video of ours of the Block spin in free practice


http://youtu.be/7St65UDDrLE

[GigiGalliNo1]

Rally NZ was Nobre's first time he didn't use restart rules during a rally! When he returned to final service before podium, he was so happy and so were the team!

[Plan9]

6789, I was very near you where Ken did the turn around by the trucks. I thought Ken had a good event. Also it was nice that all 3 Minis finished for once. Armindo did not look good though, breaking very early and not going fast at all. It was quite easy to tell when Nobre was coming at you as he constantly lifted and buried the throttle pedal. He seemed very nervous out there!

[WRCfan]

Was a fantastic rally. First blog of the event can be found on my homepage and a few sporadic photos including the PWRC Ramona & Miriam Evo X on my other photography page.

WRC New Zealand : the gravel GP | Maiham media > Film & Photo (http://maiham-media.com/wrc-new-zealand-the-gravel-gp/photo-media)

https://www.facebook.com/AaronMaiPhotography

[MSP AU]

A very enjoyable event as always. Interesting to see how many people captured the Block spin, here is another angle https://vimeo.com/44790597

I will post some of my favourite shots here https://www.facebook.com/motorsportphotography

[dimviii]

A very enjoyable event as always. Interesting to see how many people captured the Block spin, here is another angle https://vimeo.com/44790597

I will post some of my favourite shots here https://www.facebook.com/motorsportphotography

lololol the guy with the camera is bound with a rope!

[MSP AU]

Yes, interesting concept. Not sure I would be hanging that close to the road.

[Carlo]

lololol the guy with the camera is bound with a rope!

Stops you falling down the bank and you keep your footing as you pivot to follow the car in your shot

[MSP AU]

Is that you Carlo?

[spiderem]

NZ video - shows the different lines through a corner.
WRC Rally NZ Ahuroa - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5s535Cg28s&feature=youtu.be)

Reading an article on the roads in the Raglan area. A few of the old gravel stages have been tar sealed. e.g Mangatawhiri Road

It's nice to see a Mini WRC as a zero car... ;)

[Camelopard]

lololol the guy with the camera is bound with a rope!

He was just next to me, I thought it was a good idea as the bank is a lot steeper than it looks.

[Carlo]

Is that you Carlo?

No but it is an old trick that guys have been doing it for years. First time I encountered it it scared the hell out of me as we were in a forest and hooking around a what would now be called a long four left with a bank about 10 metres high on the inside and halfway around the corner completely unsighted on entry was this guy at right angles to the bank strapped in on a rope about 2 metres above road height. Our car actually passed under him. Bet he got some cracker photos

[MSP AU]

Looked to be working a treat, and safer than it appears in the photos/video. By the time you react to a car offline, it's all too late anyway.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Which video can I see this in?

[MartijnS]

https://www.facebook.com/motorsportphotography/posts/327179187363298

[6789]

Here's our vid from WRC New Zealand



http://youtu.be/BXSgtCp6hrg

[darkstar]

a nice onboard from haydon paddon:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foTDXWSspko&feature=g-u-u

[Camelopard]

Here's our vid from WRC New Zealand


Good stuff, one of the best rallies I've been to, getting into areas where we were the only people apart from WRC TV who seemed to be following us around! They certainly can drop Australia and run this every year imo.

[6789]

Good stuff, one of the best rallies I've been to, getting into areas where we were the only people apart from WRC TV who seemed to be following us around! They certainly can drop Australia and run this every year imo.

From a spectators point of view NZ is way above Australia, the marshals are a lot more civil and treat you like a human being!

[WRCfan]

My second blog of Rally NZ.

WRC NEW ZEALAND : THE GRAVEL GP Pt. 2 | Maiham media > Film & Photo (http://maiham-media.com/wrc-new-zealand-the-gravel-gp-pt-2/photo-media)

[MSP AU]

Thanks for sharing the video, you attended a lot of different spots! Hasn't the guy at 9:55 heard of the GoPro camera?

What is the spectating point at 2:30? Te Akau Coast?

[6789]

Thanks for that, there was one other spot but it wasn't very good. We are still learning with the GoPro footage, next event it should turn out better. I think it was the "north" stage on the Friday afternoon. Was pretty sick, so fast!

Was an interesting decision to pop his head over the bridge.. He'd still be in jail if it was Aus but!

[Mirek]

a nice onboard from haydon paddon:

Soo beautiful roads...

[janvanvurpa]

Soo beautiful roads...

Yes they are. But over on our little North American forum there's a little debate going wether NZ or Finland has
THE BEST roads in the world.
And NZer has come and said, with I don't know if he's being 100% serious, that NZ roads are the best in the whole world, I put up some of the videos from our Finnish boys at VW testing a few days ago and am saying, with tongue in cheek THE BEST roads in the world, real "Ralli Paradis".

But I doooo very much like the EVENT. In NZeven if there's not even 1/10 the hotties spectating per hectare in NZ as in Finland.

I was thinking and I came to it.. I'm a driver, or was so to a simple minded driver----was that redundant?---I look at the roads and the ROADS in Finland draw me, challenge my imagination, they CALL me!
And the setting for those Finnish roads is very nice too, sometimes pretty---for me having lived so long next door with same forests, lots of lakes, same soil, red cabins ,it makes me in very oddly "home sick".

The setting for NZ roads is very pretty in the "pretty farm-y setting" way.

I wonder if people separate the roads for the setting like I know I'm doing?

[Barreis]

From Paddon's onboard it seems that speed is lower then in Finland but great road it is.

[Carlo]

Holder Brothers Racing, Rally Otago 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcYSnHUXBRg&feature=share)

If I have copied the this link correctly it will take you to a stage on the Otago Rally which is round of the NZ Championship. The stage is called Golden Bar is 30km long and this is the 2nd time that this stage has been run as part of this event and first time that the Holder Brothers in their 1600CC Toyota Corolla have undertaken this stage.

[janvanvurpa]

Holder Brothers Racing, Rally Otago 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcYSnHUXBRg&feature=share)

If I have copied the this link correctly it will take you to a stage on the Otago Rally which is round of the NZ Championship. The stage is called Golden Bar is 30km long and this is the 2nd time that this stage has been run as part of this event and first time that the Holder Brothers in their 1600CC Toyota Corolla have undertaken this stage.

:eek:
YIKES!!!!!
Scary fast.
Thank goodness no trees, eh?

Looks like the stage---and the terrain we have here in Eastern Washington and Oregon. Or in Canada
800 6R......700 5L....1000 6L---800 5L

Where we have guys in low spec, barely warmed over, maybe 125 hp cars averaging 130km/hr..

oi, oi oi.....

[Carlo]

:eek:
YIKES!!!!!
Scary fast.
Thank goodness no trees, eh?

Looks like the stage---and the terrain we have here in Eastern Washington and Oregon. Or in Canada
800 6R......700 5L....1000 6L---800 5L

Where we have guys in low spec, barely warmed over, maybe 125 hp cars averaging 130km/hr..

oi, oi oi.....

Not far in from the start you can see the championship leading car a the time a rolled up ball of metal after it went off a brow at around 178kph and caught the watertable then rolled about 200 metres down the road. The car pulled 6g during the accident . Most of the stage is 4 to 6 in the calls. Jemba notes suppied and one pass recce. Young David Holder who was driving looks like that he will be our next Hayden or Possum. He sure knows the meaning of the word committment.

[sillyseat]

Yes they are. But over on our little North American forum there's a little debate going wether NZ or Finland has
THE BEST roads in the world.
And NZer has come and said, with I don't know if he's being 100% serious, that NZ roads are the best in the whole world, I put up some of the videos from our Finnish boys at VW testing a few days ago and am saying, with tongue in cheek THE BEST roads in the world, real "Ralli Paradis".

But I doooo very much like the EVENT. In NZeven if there's not even 1/10 the hotties spectating per hectare in NZ as in Finland.

I was thinking and I came to it.. I'm a driver, or was so to a simple minded driver----was that redundant?---I look at the roads and the ROADS in Finland draw me, challenge my imagination, they CALL me!
And the setting for those Finnish roads is very nice too, sometimes pretty---for me having lived so long next door with same forests, lots of lakes, same soil, red cabins ,it makes me in very oddly "home sick".

The setting for NZ roads is very pretty in the "pretty farm-y setting" way.

I wonder if people separate the roads for the setting like I know I'm doing?


Rally NZ DOES have the best roads on the Planet, don't get me wrong the jumps in Finland are mega, but the roads do rut up and you have the trees to contend with. If you think I'm wrong ask mikko hirvonen

[6789]

Personally, from my limited experience, I think the roads in Finland are the best, just because of the jumps :) .

I normally tell people NZ has the best roads in the world and that Finland is like heaven. From a spectating point of view NZ is amazing because you can see the cars for kms, while Finland has the amazing atmosphere and all the crazy Finnish fans.