Rally Italia-Sardegna 2012 18-21 October 2012

[Mirek]

Latvala's decision to run first on the road doesn't seem te be the right one. Let's see how SS2 will be.

According to spectator message there is wind blowing so probably no dust issues...

[arko5]

1 SS for Loeb (like always :) )

[rage82]

Not a bad splits for Neuville also so far

[dimviii]

Not a bad splits for Neuville also so far

for his position not good.

What happened to Ostberg after last split and lost so much?

[stefanvv]

for his position not good.

What happened to Ostberg after last split and lost so much?

10 seconds...a spin I guess :confused:

[satukata]

Ford made stupid decission again. Looks like amateurs.. If there is no rain tomorrow whole weekend is lost!!

[Mirek]

Kruuda starting 4 minutes behind Luise Cook. On which split will he take her?

[rage82]

for his position not good.

What happened to Ostberg after last split and lost so much?

Hey, I don't think that someone believe's he can be faster than Latvala or Solberg in his first year and on gravel rally.

[stefanvv]

Kruuda starting 4 minutes behind Luise Cook. On which split will he take her?

I give him 4 max

[COD]

Somewhere it said, they start friday on reverse order. Anyone can conform that? Sorry, didn't have energy to calculate todays total compared to rally total...

[stefanvv]

I think wrc.com claimed that

[Viking]

Somewhere it said, they start friday on reverse order. Anyone can conform that? Sorry, didn't have energy to calculate todays total compared to rally total...

They said 18% somewhere.

[stefanvv]

Ostberg hit stone, broke steering...bad

[Mintexmemory]

Ostberg hit stone, broke steering...bad
Time to get a repair done at Monti though!

[dimviii]

Kruuda must be inside Cooks dust

[Mirek]

Kruuda must be inside Cooks dust

He overtook her between 4th and 5th split but sure must have lost time behind her.

[bluuford]

Kruuda starting 4 minutes behind Luise Cook. On which split will he take her?
She is noted as a chicane in his stage notes:-P

[tolis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF4mj3hTbuY

[bluuford]

According to spectator message there is wind blowing so probably no dust issues...
Hopefully no problems with the dust. But, it can change very quickly. There is nearly 1 hour till next stage and windspeed is expected to decrease rapidly just before the sun sets.

[BleAivano]

anyone else having sound issues with WRR?

[Adler]

Ford made stupid decission again. Looks like amateurs.. If there is no rain tomorrow whole weekend is lost!!
let´s wait and see

good speed for ostberg, hope he can fix the car!

[stefanvv]

good speed for ostberg, hope he can fix the car!

Looks like fixed it himself on the road section...

[userwave]

anyone else having sound issues with WRR?

streaming in fine here to me in Canada

[BleAivano]

streaming in fine here to me in Canada

stage reports is working fine but as soon as Becs says something the sound starts to lag/break up.

[dimviii]

lol

[Regroup after SS1] Chris Atkinson (Mini) "We are on the soft tyre, we had a good speed on shakedown this morning, but something , the rear was quite strange. When you can't push, you can't push. It should have worked well. I was expecting our speed to be around Neuville, but the time was not there. I think it is something more substantial that needs to be changed. We were looking forward to a good start."

[stefanvv]

lol

[Regroup after SS1] Chris Atkinson (Mini) "We are on the soft tyre, we had a good speed on shakedown this morning, but something , the rear was quite strange. When you can't push, you can't push. It should have worked well. I was expecting our speed to be around Neuville, but the time was not there. I think it is something more substantial that needs to be changed. We were looking forward to a good start."

:D I can tell him right now what needs change...it is substantial indeed

[Viking]

So, what is the odds on "Tanak 2min late start ss2"? :)

Anyway, can't see Jari and Petter gaining what they lost in ss1.

[Mintexmemory]

So, what is the odds on "Tanak 2min late start ss2"? :)

Anyway, can't see Jari and Petter gaining what they lost in ss1.

The purpose being to ensure full darkness for Citroen?

[Viking]

The purpose being to ensure full darkness for Citroen?

No to ensure 4 minutes dust setteling for Petter..

[Mintexmemory]

I thought this was now prevented in that a penalty applies but you have to keep your position..or maybe I imagined it should be.

[Viking]

I thought this was now prevented in that a penalty applies but you have to keep your position..or maybe I imagined it should be.

Well maybe, anyway Tanak is going 2'nd on the stage

[Astro83]

Now we will se if Latvala made the right choose... I ihope and think so but we will see..

[Negaiss]

One does not simply go faster than Loeb, when Loeb is not under pressure !

[Viking]

I think we can say.... Ford and Jari-Matti got it wrong

[Mirek]

Now we will se if Latvala made the right choose... I ihope and think so but we will see..

Sadly he didn't...

[dimviii]

lol Loeb at 4th split is 3sec faster from Jari at 2nd pass.Ford lucks funding.

[makinen_fan]

JML had a rear puncture. Position selection still wrong to me, but made worse with the puncture

[EightGear]

Latvala puncture....

[stefanvv]

and to be misery full, JML had rear puncture

[stefanvv]

looks like Ostberg is taking easy with his car now

[Mirek]

JML puncture

[arko5]

^^ bad luck, puncture

[Juha_Koo]

Well, with a puncture that was it then. Perkele.

[dimviii]

so no dust at ALL at 2nd pass.Again wrong decision for M-sport,after the hard compound for Tanak.

[rage82]

Mikko is pushing hard tonight! Maybe he's trying his speed as number 1?

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

One does not simply go faster than Loeb, when Loeb is not under pressure !

MIKKO MIKKO MIKKO.......fastest SS2!!!!

[dimviii]

Neuville coming fast.

[stefanvv]

so no dust at ALL at 2nd pass.Again wrong decision for M-sport,after the hard compound for Tanak.

I hate to admit it, but sometimes they beat themselves. Lets see what happens tomorrow...

[Rallyper]

Prokop is not doing well. WHat´s wrong Mirek?

[Mirek]

Prokop is not doing well. WHat´s wrong Mirek?

I think that he is doing quite as usual.

[dimviii]

Ogier is he ok?

[Viking]

Has Ogier hit the "Latvala rock" ??

[makinen_fan]

Otsberg suffered a broken cross member. More bad luck for Mads, shame and he started the rally so fast

[dimviii]

I think that he is doing quite as usual.


Martin Prokop (Ford) 19:50.8 "It was much better, we had some problem with the rear axle, hopefully we can fix it.

[Adler]

Ogier is he ok?
eating Nobre´s dust i guess :/

edit: 4 minutes gap

[Viking]

Mikkelsen S2000 day1 leader

[Mirek]

Ogier is he ok?

He finished close to Nobre, maybe dust.

[bluuford]

He finished close to Nobre, maybe dust.

They had 4 minutes gap. seems some kind of problem

[dimviii]

They had 4 minutes gap. seems some kind of problem

8:19 Ogier time loss blamed on puncture
Frenchman suffers rear deflation early in stage.

[dimviii]

''M-sport lucks funding'' episode 3 (at just 2 stages)

[SS2] Petter Solberg (Ford) 18:53.5 "It was a little dust in the forest, we were very unlucky with the start and there was a little delay and it got dark, without the (light) pod on the front. If there was no delay we would have been okay"

[stefanvv]

Guerra? Kosciuszko?

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

What is tomorrows starting order?

[stefanvv]

''M-sport lucks funding'' episode 3 (at just 2 stages)

[SS2] Petter Solberg (Ford) 18:53.5 "It was a little dust in the forest, we were very unlucky with the start and there was a little delay and it got dark, without the (light) pod on the front. If there was no delay we would have been okay"

What?!? They didn't had light pods?!?
This has to be some bad joke...

[dimviii]

What is tomorrows starting order?
For the Finns only? :D

[stefanvv]

What is tomorrows starting order?

Looks like Latvala will be close to his starting position today
not good strategy + bad luck + lack of funding for pods

[Astro83]

Yea! Ford did a bad choose there... JM got a puncture as we all know but it was not so much dust as it can be.. Can it be the heavy rain on monday who did the road not so dusty???

Now I hope for Solberg, I hope he can drive faster tomorrow and take time from the Citroens...
Östberg had also a impressiv pace in the first sections of SS1!

[dimviii]

What?!? They didn't had light pods?!?
This has to be some bad joke...

yes you have to believe it that they choose road position from day light.Loeb was just 4 minutes behind him in a stage with 20 minutes duration.....ie when Solberg is at 18th km into stage Loeb is at 10th km of stage.How is possible the one to dont need the lamp pod?

Msport lucks funding...

[stefanvv]

yes you have to believe it that they choose road position from day light.Loeb was just 4 minutes behind him in a stage with 20 minutes duration.....ie when Solberg is at 18th km into stage Loeb is at 10th km of stage.How is possible the one to dont need the lamp pod?

Msport lucks funding...

This year I really have the feeling they helped Loeb a lot for his 9th... but it is over now... very strange :confused:

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

For the Finns only? :D

Yep.

[Viking]

What is tomorrows starting order?

Hmm.. Maybe

Nobre
Pedersoli
Prokop
Atkinson
Tanak
Latvala
Østberg
Novikov
Neuville
Solberg
Loeb
Hirvonen
Mikkelsen :D

[Viking]

And some more...

[Fri]

Pictures from today:
rallysport.hu - Rally Italia Sardegna 1. nap (http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2012/photo/wrc/11_szardinia/01_pet_shakedown/index.htm)

[dimviii]

Mads examining the broken cross member
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A5gU8hsCEAARleY.jpg:large

[dimviii]

lol @ Colin
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A5gJtcNCcAA_oIF.jpg:large

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/420515_10151255920410733_2116567244_n.jpg

[Mirek]

Mads examining the broken cross member
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A5gU8hsCEAARleY.jpg:large
Andersson wearing the Hybrid HANS. Interesting.

[dimviii]

Loeb quotes..........“But it was okay because the car was working well. I knew from the recce the stage was not as dry as in previous years so there was not so much dust.”

[Juha_Koo]

Andersson wearing the Hybrid HANS. Interesting.

What makes it so interesting? Atleast Novikov has used it quite a lot during this season... Mikko also afaik.

[dimviii]

The Fords all arrived at the Stop Control with their brakes glowing in the dark, but you couldn’t see Loeb’s discs… “Maybe I haven’t been braking hard enough!”

Ford/Michelin’s Petter Solberg (+13.9s) has emerged as the Citroën pair’s biggest threat, but he was unable to stay and talk at the stage end. “Sorry, I have to go,” he apologised. It’s difficult to know what the problem was, but Latvala, too, was eager to get away, and he appeared to have a warning light showing on his dashboard.

Citroën/Michelin pull clear after Day 1 (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Bestofrallylive/News/Citroen-Michelin-pull-clear-after-Day-1)

[rallye-sport]

Thursday afternoon -> Photos Rallye de Sardaigne 2012 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-de-sardaigne-2012/)


http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/sardaigne-2012/mg_6791.jpg



http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/sardaigne-2012/img_4853.jpg



http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/sardaigne-2012/img_5027.jpg

[dimviii]

Mads broken subframe
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/35507_417651368301814_2050059475_n.jpg

[stefanvv]

Citroën/Michelin pull clear after Day 1 (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Bestofrallylive/News/Citroen-Michelin-pull-clear-after-Day-1)

"...Thierry Neuville’s first attempt at ‘Terranova’ was spoiled when he found himself without split times for SS1, but everything was okay on SS2 when he posted the fourth best time to go fourth overall..."

Latvala had such moment in Germany if I'm not mistaken, his stage time was way behind his 1st attempt at the stage when he asked not to have the stage time on his computer.

That is strange. I do the same when playing the computer game :confused: Does a WRC driver need any electronic telemetry to know his right rhythm :confused:

Iv'e heard many times from Loeb "...I'm just following my rhythm..." Is this one of the secrets of the success...

[dimviii]

After a Rallye de France where the pressure was strong enough, we are obviously more relaxed this weekend," admitted Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal. "Both teams are eager to win here and they showed that they were faster today. Everyone is free to race he wants, knowing that our goal remains to achieve a doubling of the rally.

Loeb et Hirvonen font la course en tête - Citroën WRC (http://www.citroen-wrc.com/2012/actualites/actualites-wrc/3608/loeb-et-hirvonen-font-la-course-en-tete/)

[hanjob11]

Hello,

pictures of today are online at rally3.de (http://www.rally3.de)

http://www.rally3.de/components/com_joomgallery/img_pictures/2012_1660/rallye_sardinien_2108/donnerstag_2111/album_1_2118/sardinien12_sdkh_022_20121018_1186427936.jpg

http://www.rally3.de/components/com_joomgallery/img_pictures/2012_1660/rallye_sardinien_2108/donnerstag_2111/album_2_2119/sardinien12_spwkh_035_20121018_1494097414.jpg

http://www.rally3.de/components/com_joomgallery/img_pictures/2012_1660/rallye_sardinien_2108/donnerstag_2111/album_4_2121/sardinien12_wp1kh_041_20121018_1149026593.jpg

http://www.rally3.de/components/com_joomgallery/img_pictures/2012_1660/rallye_sardinien_2108/donnerstag_2111/album_3_2120/sardinien12_spdokh_003_20121018_1143057484.jpg

Karsten

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1097/1097_rally_italia_sardegna_2012_8dc55e84ca.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1097/1097_rally_italia_sardegna_2012_b2e0439860.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1097/1097_rally_italia_sardegna_2012_fc27cffd49.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1097/1097_rally_italia_sardegna_2012_5fed11bdc7.jpg



More photos from SS1 and SS2 HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1097)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So once again the Fords shoot themselves in the foot and have lost the rally right from the start... :(
I hope JML takes his 'bad luck' with him to VW and Petter gets some better advice from M-Sport next year !

As for the Citroen's, it looks like Mikko is now free to fight Loeb for rally wins now the championships are won. I think he will also like to show the rest that he will be be the man to beat next season when SL has retired...

[OzoneVibe]

Which spectator area should we head to for Mickey's Jump tomorrow?
tia

[dimviii]

Friday start list
World Rally Championship - Results - Rally Italia (http://www.wrc.com/results/2012/rally-ditalia-sardegna/start-lists/)

[Rallyper]

One can ask how decisions are made at M-sport. Are they having less people than Citroen, sampling data before decisionmaking? Is MW alone the one to take the final conclusion about startegies? Or are the drivers themselves allowed to make their own finalize?

One can wonder, for sure, because this year has been a disaster for M-sport coming to tactics. One could wish them more luck next year, given that Petter will be WDC. Just hope it´s not about money at the end...

[Sulland]

Who in M-Sport har the resonsibility to give advice to the drivers regarding tyre choices?

They just seem to miss more often than Cit, and that can not just be due to the drivers.

[dimviii]

its not ''who gives advice for tyres'' in any team.Is a team work for tyre specialist,weather crew,drivers,manager.

[SubaruNorway]

It rained a lot a week ago didn't it? It's even damp in places from looking at the pics. Same as last year and there was not much dust at all then either when i was at the stages, just seems strange to me....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC teams call for safety changes for Rally d'Italia


http://cdn.images.autosport.com/editorial/1350587470.jpg

The leading crews on Rally d'Italia have written to the event director demanding changes be made to open-ended barriers - similar to the those involved in the accident which killed Gareth Roberts earlier this year (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/100411)– on one of the new Sardinian stages.

Sebastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia contacted the organisers after the recce, concerned by the barriers on a new stage included for the first time this season.
There were five points of concern on the Tergu-Osilo test which runs tomorrow.
Ogier said: "We made a report to the FIA directly, asking to protect the barriers. Already, there were too many accidents like this, so something had to be done.
"I don't want to race in the condition like this. OK, they were not exactly on the line, and if you stay on the road then you can have no problem but you never know what can happen."
Ingrassia is a member of the WRC's safety working group and he emailed his fellow working group members with their concerns.
"I noted the places where they are very dangerous and for three points [in the stage] it was very bad, so this is why I made the email to them," said Ingrassia.
"We have spoken about this with huge importance since some very bad accidents in the last 15 months. This is the black point of the moment and I was really upset and angry that nothing has been done on a new stage like this."
Event director Antonio Turitto said the crews' concerns would be addressed.
"We know about these places," he said. "And we will put the straw bales at the end of the barriers. The only reason we didn't put the bales there during the recce is in case they get stolen. But we will put them there before the cars go through."

[Juha_Koo]

Remember -08 and what JM did after the small off+puncture on SS2. Back then the starting order rule was different though, so I doubt that getting back approximately 1 min 15 secs is possible this time... But lets see. :)

[stefanvv]

It rained a lot a week ago didn't it? It's even damp in places from looking at the pics. Same as last year and there was not much dust at all then either when i was at the stages, just seems strange to me....

It does look strange, especially for a team with 16 years behind in WRC not be able to judge a stage conditions :confused:

[dimviii]

It rained a lot a week ago didn't it? It's even damp in places from looking at the pics. Same as last year and there was not much dust at all then either when i was at the stages, just seems strange to me....

yes it had rained before a week,thats why they choose at Ford soft compound.So if it has rained and at places is damp,how you wait so much dust?

[COD]

It does look strange, especially for a team with 16 years behind in WRC not be able to judge a stage conditions :confused:

By no means the first it has happened...

[stefanvv]

By no means the first it has happened...

1-2 mistakes per year are easily forgivable. But this is becoming a trend...

[Rallyper]

its not ''who gives advice for tyres'' in any team.Is a team work for tyre specialist,weather crew,drivers,manager.

Yes, Dimviii, that was my wondering, does Citroen have more people in the team regarding tactics or is it a question of the quality of people?

[dimviii]

Yes, Dimviii, that was my wondering, does Citroen have more people in the team regarding tactics or is it a question of the quality of people?

Definetely not more people,but people that know their job.

[Rallyper]

Definetely not more people,but people that know their job.

Yeah, one can suspect that, sadly... The competition should rather be equalized circumstances except for cars and drivers... even if it´s impossible too achieve that.

[tfp]

Sorry I havent been following the thread closely, if this has been mentioned before. But does anyone else think that M sport making JML run first on the road was a bloody stupid thing to do? :mad:

[Rallyper]

Sorry I havent been following the thread closely, if this has been mentioned before. But does anyone else think that M sport making JML run first on the road was a bloody stupid thing to do? :mad:

You´ll have to read above. We were discussing why there was all the unsuccesful decisions of M-sport this year.

[Coach 2]

Definetely not more people,but people that know their job.

People that know their job, for sure, but they don't have more people, or as you said, definitely not more people.
PLEASE stop, do not kid yourself.

[stefanvv]

You´ll have to read above. We were discussing why there was all the unsuccesful decisions of M-sport this year.

This deserves it's own thread already :)

[6789]

Shame it turned out to be a bad decision. Ford need someone with a bit of understanding of game theory, risk aversion and probably a bit of common sense perhaps.

VW should have better advisors / decision makers for JML

[andyone]

**** happens. Even in GB ford had the better tactics. So you can not always win. This is sport Citroen are a bit sharp. Life goes on. Stop blaming ford all sport either win loose

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Hartusvuori]

Stage is live.

[Antony Warmbold]

One can ask how decisions are made at M-sport. Are they having less people than Citroen, sampling data before decisionmaking? Is MW alone the one to take the final conclusion about startegies? Or are the drivers themselves allowed to make their own finalize?

One can wonder, for sure, because this year has been a disaster for M-sport coming to tactics. One could wish them more luck next year, given that Petter will be WDC. Just hope it´s not about money at the end...

I know that back when I was driving, we knew that the french teams had many, many people on stages to give feedback of road conditions. In comparison, when we had to choose our tires I never heard of more than 1 or 2 (in longest stages) Ford guys being somewhere in the middle of the stage, giving feedback to Ford's tire guy who then told us what the deal was...."where I am standing it's wet".... then you maybe chose a soft compound....Loeb took a medium or hard compound (you would find that out only later)....then when you drove the stage it was indeed wet, on the top of the mountain, in the clouds where it's humid, for 3 km's............out of 17km. boom, 20 seconds lost just for tires.
That is only one example, there was other things also.
I'd say lack of data and lots of guessing was the way to do (at least in 2005 when I was there).

[rage82]

Loeb is stopped in the stage!

[uranium]

To be honest 2 minutes gap is not enough for Nobre and Pedersoli to be first on the road

[6789]

Big opportunity for Petter!

[Mirek]

Loeb is stopped in the stage!

Got sms from Tommeke that Loeb had minor off at his spot loosing some 15 seconds. Shall be nothing major.

[Mintexmemory]

Big opportunity for Neuville!

There fixed that for you, actually it's wide open now, even JML can come back

Whoda thunk it - Mikko flying

[6789]

There fixed that for you, actually it's wide open now, even JML can come back

Maybe not with Neuville off as well :(

[spiderem]

Mikko is showing the way... :)

[Puyan]

I know that back when I was driving, we knew that the french teams had many, many people on stages to give feedback of road conditions. In comparison, when we had to choose our tires I never heard of more than 1 or 2 (in longest stages) Ford guys being somewhere in the middle of the stage, giving feedback to Ford's tire guy who then told us what the deal was...."where I am standing it's wet".... then you maybe chose a soft compound....Loeb took a medium or hard compound (you would find that out only later)....then when you drove the stage it was indeed wet, on the top of the mountain, in the clouds where it's humid, for 3 km's............out of 17km. boom, 20 seconds lost just for tires.
That is only one example, there was other things also.
I'd say lack of data and lots of guessing was the way to do (at least in 2005 when I was there).
A little anecdote, Loeb in Montecarlo don't ask where is snow on the road but the places the places where the spectators are likely to bring snow walking on the road. Maybe it's the kind of small details that make differences on stages.

[Mintexmemory]

Maybe not with Neuville off as well :(

Ahhhh kiss of death!!!

[Mirek]

Rallyper, yesterday You asked about Prokop. It's more small things as I can understand using info from him. First is they drive on DMack first time. He says they work quite well. Second is he had some electronic issues limiting engine power. He said M-Sport guys are trying to find what is wrong. And third is he has only one car left after Germany and he doesn't want to crash it.

By the way it seems he would continue with M-Sport next year.

[spiderem]

what happened to loeb?

[nr7wave]

Very close between Mikkelsen and Ogier on the splits

[rallye-vid]

Seems like a bigger off out the road

[Hartusvuori]

First is they drive on DMack first time.

Weren't Prokop on DMacks in Argentina, finished 4th.

[Mirek]

Weren't Prokop on DMacks in Argentina, finished 4th.

Maybe yes, I don't remember to be honest :)

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Got sms from Tommeke that Loeb had minor off at his spot loosing some 15 seconds. Shall be nothing major.

yep yep! Just 15s....

[eib1]

08:17 Loeb out!
Citroen confirms Loeb is out for the day, saying the champion went off the road and broke his car's steering. He will rejoin on day two.


08:23 Loeb explains accident
Citroen gives Loeb's version of events via its Twitter feed: "We hit some rocks at the outside of a corner," said Loeb. "I felt that the steering was damaged and tried to continue. But we had to stop."

[Hartusvuori]

Maybe yes, I don't remember to be honest :)

I remember because he replaced Ketomaa there :)

World Rally Championship - News - Prokop in for Ketomaa in Argentina (http://www.wrc.com/news/prokop-in-for-ketomaa-in-argentina/?fid=16522)

[Viking]

Ogier and Mikkelsens times ridiculing Atkinson and Prokop...

[Hartusvuori]

Got sms from Tommeke that Loeb had minor off at his spot loosing some 15 seconds. Shall be nothing major.

Tom is always where its happening :)

[andyone]

hehe now will see Ford starting to Push.. go go go petter.. this is his chance of winning. if he dont use this one today. then that is is. it will be difficult to win again.

[Viking]

Is not anyone going to give Loeb some stick for pushing and going off when Citroen had an good 1-2? Come on!! ;)

[andyone]

Is not anyone going to give Loeb some stick for pushing and going off when Citroen had an good 1-2? Come on!! ;) what does he has to loose??

[Viking]

what does he has to loose??

Nothing of cource :)

[Adler]

One can ask how decisions are made at M-sport. Are they having less people than Citroen, sampling data before decisionmaking? Is MW alone the one to take the final conclusion about startegies? Or are the drivers themselves allowed to make their own finalize?

One can wonder, for sure, because this year has been a disaster for M-sport coming to tactics. One could wish them more luck next year, given that Petter will be WDC. Just hope it´s not about money at the end...

For my feeling Ford/M-Sport allways try to make something special regarding tyre/tactics-choice, to equal their mini lack of speed :/

....hope petter can make it now!

[Mintexmemory]

Nothing of cource :)

Well I thought it was funny ;)
But isn't that just like Loeb, hits trouble when it doesn't matter any more!

[RS]

Ogier and Mikkelsens times ridiculing Atkinson and Prokop...

Atkinson surely isn't that bad.. this is why I hope Hanninen doesn't end up in a sub-standard car next season just to be in the WRC.

[GigiGalliNo1]

08:23 Loeb explains accident
Citroen gives Loeb's version of events via its Twitter feed: "We hit some rocks at the outside of a corner," said Loeb. "I felt that the steering was damaged and tried to continue. But we had to stop."

That is NOT the official twitter of S. Loeb. I've spoken to Citroen Racing's PR and they have no idea who does it.

[tolis]

Rallyper, yesterday You asked about Prokop. It's more small things as I can understand using info from him. First is they drive on DMack first time. He says they work quite well. Second is he had some electronic issues limiting engine power. He said M-Sport guys are trying to find what is wrong. And third is he has only one car left after Germany and he doesn't want to crash it.

By the way it seems he would continue with M-Sport next year.
So, will he buy another Fiesta WRC? I think he is selling the current.

[bt52b]

So, will he buy another Fiesta WRC? I think he is selling the current.

New shape fiesta evo for next year

[Hartusvuori]

That is NOT the official twitter of S. Loeb. I've spoken to Citroen Racing's PR and they have no idea who does it.

If you'd read the post more carefully it says Citroen gives the story via Twitter, not Mr. Loeb himself. I guess we all know by now Loeb doesn't have a twitter account.

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/430128_10151077614915754_221001796_n.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

If you'd read the post more carefully it says Citroen gives the story via Twitter, not Mr. Loeb himself. I guess we all know by now Loeb doesn't have a twitter account.

Sorry? I spoke to Citroen and they don't do Loeb's Twitter account.

[nr7wave]

Latvala stopped!

[Hartusvuori]

Sorry? I spoke to Citroen and they don't do Loeb's Twitter account.

That message was sent to Citroen Motorsport twitter account, not Loeb's fake account.

[rp]

Latvala off and reporting to team that he can't get back on the road...

Luckily he has a contract with VW! Timo Jouhki is very good manager...

[Hartusvuori]

Luckily he has a contract with VW! Timo Jouhki is very good manager...

Hey, Loeb fell first here...

Really a shame about Loeb and Latvala - and Neuville - and really a shame for all that are there spectating the rally live.

[GigiGalliNo1]

That message was sent to Citroen Motorsport twitter account, not Loeb's fake account.

I'm not talking about that. I'm pointing to the fact that Loeb's account.... it's not real!!

[Wimanna]

Neuville out? His car was slightly damaged, no? But he hurt himself putting the car back on 4 wheels, therefor he is out?

[Wim_Impreza]

Latvala off and reporting to team that he can't get back on the road...

Luckily he has a contract with VW! Timo Jouhki is very good manager...

Who said here Latvala has learned of his mistakes and doesn't seem to make mistakes anymore?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Maybe no one should have told JML that Loeb crashed!

[Hartusvuori]

I'm not talking about that. I'm pointing to the fact that Loeb's account.... it's not real!!

Yes, like we all know, it's fake. No one here has brought up the fake account until you did. I tried to clear it out, but obviously some things are harder than they seem at first.

[dimviii]

Is not anyone going to give Loeb some stick for pushing and going off when Citroen had an good 1-2? Come on!! ;)
Why? he is already champion for 2012.Nothing to loose at all.What about Latvala?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yes, like we all know, it's fake. No one here has brought up the fake account until you did. I tried to clear it out, but obviously some things are harder than they seem at first.

haha, sorry I must not be reading correctly! I'm hungry

hahaha

Sorry again! :(

[GigiGalliNo1]

Neuville stopped in Liaison

[Tanelv]

Why? he is already champion for 2012.Nothing to loose at all.What about Latvala?
Latvala? He has contract with VW for next year, can't be a champion this year, Hirvonen currently 1st in the rally -> try to push for a win (and all that trying ends as usual for JML)

[rallyfiend]

Rallyper, yesterday You asked about Prokop. It's more small things as I can understand using info from him. First is they drive on DMack first time. He says they work quite well. Second is he had some electronic issues limiting engine power. He said M-Sport guys are trying to find what is wrong. And third is he has only one car left after Germany and he doesn't want to crash it.

By the way it seems he would continue with M-Sport next year.

He drove with DMACK in Argentina didn't he?

[Bartek]

Neuville stopped in Liaison

Problems with car or with his hand?

[arko5]

11:07 All over for Neuville Citroen announces that Thierry Neuville's rally is over. His DS3 lost too much oil when it was on its side on SS3.

[vkangas]

He drove with DMACK in Argentina didn't he?
Yes, Prokop used DMACK DMG+ (soft compound) and it is DMACK's best result so far. Second best was the 6th of Tänak in Rally GB 2011.

[dimviii]

Neuville ruined the chance to hit his target(podium at last 2 rallies)at Sardinia after Loeb and Latvalas exit of road.

[Viking]

Mikkelsen had small off so Ogier is back as S2000 leader, they are now 7th and 8th overall. Good fight :up:

[Mirek]

He drove with DMACK in Argentina didn't he?

Yes, I was already corrected by Hartusvuori ;)

[dimviii]

Where is Tolis to translate?
Rallye d'Italie 2012 - Sébastien Loeb explique son abandon dans l'ES3 by Citroën Racing on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free (http://soundcloud.com/citroen-racing/italie-2012-loeb-abandon-es3)

[tolis]

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Italy: Loeb and Neuville crash in SS3 (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-italy-loeb-and-neuville-crash-in-ss3/?vid=2696)

[dimviii]

Latvala, who was fourth starting the stage, struck a bank in a high-speed right-hander. The impact burst his Ford Fiesta RS WRC’s radiator and although the Finn tried to carry on he went off again and stopped.

all the exits on video
World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Italy: Loeb and Neuville crash in SS3 (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-italy-loeb-and-neuville-crash-in-ss3/?vid=2696)

[Rally Hokkaido]

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Italy: Loeb and Neuville crash in SS3 (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-italy-loeb-and-neuville-crash-in-ss3/?vid=2696)
Thank you for this. We can clearly hear the engine revving while the car is upside down - not nice!

[dimviii]

Loeb blamed the pace note error on a loss of concentration during reconnaissance after he picked up a puncture on the previous corner to where he went off.

Thierry Neuville, in a Qatar World Rally Team Citroen, will also go no further on Rally Italia Sardegna after the burns to his hands sustained when he was pushing his car back onto its wheels

[dimviii]

Ostberg and Solberg on problem? late at split 3?

[dimviii]

Ostberg and Solberg on problem? late at split 3?

11:48 Major tyre dramas for Ostberg
Mads Ostberg is 27s slower than Novikov and has very extreme tyre wear, but is sure there is another problem with the car as well.

[Mirek]

VW boys are on crazy pace in last couple of stages!

[Mintexmemory]

Novikov sniffs a podium!!

[pettersolberg29]

Mikkelsen faster than Petter at midpoint, and Novikov fastest of all!

[dupanton]

Where is Tolis to translate?
Rallye d'Italie 2012 - Sébastien Loeb explique son abandon dans l'ES3 by Citroën Racing on SoundCloud - Create, record and share your sounds for free (http://soundcloud.com/citroen-racing/italie-2012-loeb-abandon-es3)

I will translate it for you ;)

"I went a bit wide on a corner, hit a stone with the rear wheel, en that caused me to hit a big rock with the front. I spon. I could continue but i felt the steering was very heavy. 3 corners further up the road, the steering blocked so we had to stop.
I was really attacking maximum. At that speed, you can't make the smallest error.
On the recce we had a puncture on the corner before the one were we crashed now. So I wasn't fully concentrated while we passed that corner. "

And then an explanation about his pace notes, i didn't completely understood :p Something about they couldn't cut as much as previous years and that is way his pace note was to fast for that corner.

[dimviii]

Ogier isw going for 2nd at stage!

[stefanvv]

VW boys are on crazy pace in last couple of stages!

Especially Ogier, he is close to a stage win now :eek: Looks some problems for Mikkelsen...

[dupanton]

Especially Ogier, he is close to a stage win now :eek: Looks some problems for Mikkelsen...

Wrong tyre choise.

[dimviii]

I will translate it for you ;)

"I went a bit wide on a corner, hit a stone with the rear wheel, en that caused me to hit a big rock with the front. I spon. I could continue but i felt the steering was very heavy. 3 corners further up the road, the steering blocked so we had to stop.
I was really attacking maximum. At that speed, you can't make the smallest error.
On the recce we had a puncture on the corner before the one were we crashed now. So I wasn't fully concentrated while we passed that corner. "

And then an explanation about his pace notes, i didn't completely understood :p Something about they couldn't cut as much as previous years and that is way his pace note was to fast for that corner.

thanks mate!!

[Viking]

Ogier crazy fast!

[Francis44]

Looks like no effort at all from Solberg, maybe he isn't motivated anymore, perhaps it's best for him to retire at the end of the year.

[stefanvv]

Oh my God. Ogier won this one!!!

[pettersolberg29]

What a bizarre stage. I'm not listening to WRR or anything so can anyone explain how and why Novikov was so rapid on this stage, Ogier is faster than everyone except Evgeny and Kruuda is faster than Petter? Haven't seen a stage this mixed up for a while bearing in mind no-one seems to actually have any issues.

edit: Ogier is ridiculous! Incredible job.

[Miika]

Congrats, VW, indeed.

[dupanton]

Apparently all the WRC have problems with the tyres. They are totally gone and have no performance at all anymore!

[Francis44]

VW does an amazing job. I think they may surprise us all already in the beggining of next year with the car.

[Mirek]

And Kruuda 3rd overall in that stage.

[dimviii]

What a bizarre stage. I'm not listening to WRR or anything so can anyone explain how and why Novikov was so rapid on this stage, Ogier is faster than everyone except Evgeny and Kruuda is faster than Petter? Haven't seen a stage this mixed up for a while bearing in mind no-one seems to actually have any issues.

edit: Ogier is ridiculous! Incredible job.

not pushing + tyre problems.

[Mirek]

When was the last time a driver of a car from lower class won a stage overall? I don't count mickey mouse superspecials. Gassner on Monte Carlo in Proton almost twenty years a go? Don't remember how that short stage which Prokop won in Sweden looked like...

[dimviii]

Nice rally... :vader:

[Francis44]

Armindo won one in Japan a few years back with the Evo X.

EDIT: Tanak was 6th in SS2 last year in Finland.

[Mirek]

Armindo won one in Japan a few years back with the Evo X, S2000 were very close to top 3 back in Finland 2011 in the first day.

That one of Armindo was SSS if I remember. I said I don't count those ;)

[Viking]

What a bizarre stage. I'm not listening to WRR or anything so can anyone explain how and why Novikov was so rapid on this stage, Ogier is faster than everyone except Evgeny and Kruuda is faster than Petter? Haven't seen a stage this mixed up for a while bearing in mind no-one seems to actually have any issues.

edit: Ogier is ridiculous! Incredible job.

Seems like all the WRC-cars + Mikkelsen shredded their tyres on the stage, guess they use hard compound next loop...

[Francis44]

That one of Armindo was SSS if I remember. I said I don't count those ;)

Armindo was not SSS, it was smaller stage but pure gravel :) .

[pettersolberg29]

Seems like all the WRC-cars + Mikkelsen shredded their tyres on the stage, guess they use hard compound next loop...

Cheers - seems almost like F1 with the sudden drop-off in performance. Mikkelsen was rapid up to the last split then dropped off hugely while Ogier pushed on further! As for Petter, got to rely on issues for Mikko now I think.

[Francis44]

That's why I think Ogier is one hell of a driver, he can get mad on the wheel sometimes but he seems to understand how to play safe with tyres and strategy, a bit like Loeb.

[stefanvv]

If VW can prepare S2000 to win a stage against WRC, I feel confidence for the next year Polo performance

[pettersolberg29]

Mikkelsen on twitter: "I need a better tyre strategy, it is not working out. Definitely not the right strategy this morning. Sometimes it works, sometimes not!"

Maybe he should just copy Ogier next time!

[Mirek]

Gentleman driver Giovanni Manfrinato third overall in SS5. Crazy stage!

[Mintexmemory]

sorry with Manfrinato 3rd fastest now, are we sure the timing equipment is correct?

[Fiat-131-Abarth]

When was the last time a driver of a car from lower class won a stage overall? I don't count mickey mouse superspecials. Gassner on Monte Carlo in Proton almost twenty years a go? Don't remember how that short stage which Prokop won in Sweden looked like...

If I remenber it correctly Gassner sen. won a proper stage of Rally Monte Carlo 2001. This was because there was some fresh snow on the road. The frontrunners with snow tyres pulled this snow away, Gassner had rain tyres on his Evo VI (Gr. N) and won the stage.

[Mintexmemory]

If I remenber it correctly Gassner sen. won a proper stage of Rally Monte Carlo 2001. This was because there was some fresh snow on the road. The frontrunners with snow tyres pulled this snow away, Gassner had rain tyres on his Evo VI (Gr. N) and won the stage.
Ok that I understand but how does a guy, even with local knowledge, go so much quicker than PWRC leader who he's been matching until now?

[dimviii]

Gentleman driver Giovanni Manfrinato third overall in SS5. Crazy stage!

figure now...

[dimviii]

That's why I think Ogier is one hell of a driver, he can get mad on the wheel sometimes but he seems to understand how to play safe with tyres and strategy, a bit like Loeb.

Ogier of course is a hell of driver,but at this stage its just the tyres can cope with much more less power-torque if you have the right compound.
Thats why you can see an grN Mitsubishi at 3rd overall 8 sec just behind Ogier
see wrc tyres after 60km of stages with soft compound
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A5kJCoDCAAAGNJa.jpg

[dimviii]

Atko tyres
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/408727_10151077756570754_1409819738_n.jpg

[dimviii]

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

[Mirek]

2005 Pirelli remember :)

Anyway gr.N Evo shall destroy tyres also pretty much as it has quite huge torque. Of course it has way longer gearing and looses something in centre diff so on wheels WRC has probably more. Maybe it has more to do with the solid 4x4 transmission without center diff that it destroyes tyres so much...

[Brother John]

Nice rally... :vader:

Without Loeb rally can still be beautiful.... :D

[pettersolberg29]

https://twitter.com/AMikkelsenRally/status/259261218747973632/photo/1/large

Mikkelsen's tyres also explain a lot

[dimviii]

2005 Pirelli remember :)

Anyway gr.N Evo shall destroy tyres also pretty much as it has quite huge torque. Of course it has way longer gearing and looses something in centre diff so on wheels WRC has probably more. Maybe it has more to do with the solid 4x4 transmission without center diff that it destroyes tyres so much...

Mirek a evo 9 has about 52-55 kg torque but weights and about 200kg more from a wrc car+ longer gearing as you mention.Imho is definetly 60km of stages a lot for a wrc car that drived properly.Compare Ostberg and Atkos tyres to see the difference.About center diff i dont think that has a role(big enough) for tyre wear in condition we saw at Ostbergs photo.
Just too many km at abrasive gravel stages.

[dimviii]

Without Loeb rally can still be beautiful.... :D

of course can be,but when i saw a Mitsubishi grN at 3rd position in front of rally leader ,splits and rest are a bit useless.

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=w8GDZXRrUQM

[Juha_Koo]

Manfrinato has a great rally story to tell now... :D

[Mirek]

Mirek a evo 9 has about 52-55 kg torque but weights and about 200kg more from a wrc car+ longer gearing as you mention.Imho is definetly 60km of stages a lot for a wrc car that drived properly.Compare Ostberg and Atkos tyres to see the difference.About center diff i dont think that has a role(big enough) for tyre wear in condition we saw at Ostbergs photo.
Just too many km at abrasive gravel stages.

One more point - Manfrinato as privateer not registered to any official championship may have used completely different tyres and therefore have no problems with tyre wear at all.

[Jeppe]

One more point - Manfrinato as privateer not registered to any official championship may have used completely different tyres and therefore have no problems with tyre wear at all.

This is very true. And I´m pretty sure used also. They do normally have different style of tyres in Italian gravel than in rest of (North) Europe..

[dimviii]

This is very true. And I´m pretty sure used also. They do normally have different style of tyres in Italian gravel than in rest of (North) Europe..

yes if he uses Pirelli there is another type of tyre with tottaly different pattern,stronger carcass, and different dimension(lower profile) but it is used at very abrassive gravel.But doubt that he used this tyre Manfrinato.

edit i am talking about the ''XR'' type
http://www.pirelli.com/mediaObject/pirellityre/ww/en/catalogue/motorsport/xr/motorsport_alt_img_xr/original/motorsport_alt_img_xr.jpg

[dimviii]

another photo of Ostberg tyres...
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/254447_417952134938404_1995349719_n.jpg

[Rallyper]

So Mads have had a massive haircut... :)

[dimviii]

everybody at safe mode,rally is over

[stefanvv]

everybody at safe mode,rally is over

wait awhile for both VW drivers :D

[Sulland]

What tyres, and rubber mixes do they have to choose from on this rally?
and how many shore are we talking about on these?

[dimviii]

Novikon -4,8 from Ostberg

[dimviii]

What tyres, and rubber mixes do they have to choose from on this rally?
and how many shore are we talking about on these?

if i remember correctly 10 softs and all the rest hard.

[donlorean]

Everybody saving their tires. Last stage is so long that they want to keep tires in good condition...

[dimviii]

What tyres, and rubber mixes do they have to choose from on this rally?
and how many shore are we talking about on these?

The nominated Michelin tyre for Italy’s round of the WRC is the hard-compound Michelin Latitude Cross H1 and the priority FIA drivers will have a total allocation of 35 such tyres for the weekend. Meanwhile, the ‘alternative’ for this rally is the softer variant of Michelin’s WRC ‘gravel’ tyre, namely the Latitude Cross S1. The official quota for this product is 10 tyres per driver…

WRC Sardinia: more difficult tyre choices! (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Bestofrallylive/News/WRC-Sardinia-more-difficult-tyre-choices)

[TyPat107]

When was the last time a driver of a car from lower class won a stage overall? I don't count mickey mouse superspecials. Gassner on Monte Carlo in Proton almost twenty years a go? Don't remember how that short stage which Prokop won in Sweden looked like...

Nial mcshea in the proton in wrc Ireland a few years ago? Can't remember if he won the stage or was very close

[dupanton]

Nial mcshea in the proton in wrc Ireland a few years ago? Can't remember if he won the stage or was very close

I think he was just close, but didn't won it :)

[dimviii]

Ostberg slow 1st split.Differential?

[Mintexmemory]

I think he was just close, but didn't won it :)

SS1 Glenboy 2009 3rd on stage

[dupanton]

Anybody know why Prokop didn't start this stage?

[stefanvv]

Ostberg slow 1st split.Differential?

most likely. Good news for Novikov - podium

[Mirek]

most likely. Good news for Novikov - podium

The rally has not come to a half...

[EightGear]

Atkinson is embarassing himself in that Mini really....

[Mintexmemory]

The rally has not come to a half...

Wise and accurate words! He may win it yet ;)

[EightGear]

FFS Solberg stopped. :O

[Mirek]

Prokop started late

[Mirek]

FFS Solberg stopped. :O

OMFG

[Miika]

Petter. Bingo.

Novikov FTW.

[EightGear]

Broken steering apparently... Go Evgeny!

[Viking]

Well that's it then...

[Mintexmemory]

woops didn't know I was blessed with prophesy!! Go Evgeny!!!

[TyPat107]

You can basically hand petter the win and he will throw it away. I have always been a fan of petter but its not bad luck that's plaguing him.

[dimviii]

Prokop started late
Late in TC, brake problems on road section

[dimviii]

Broken steering apparently... Go Evgeny!
another mistake?
half crews tomorow under super rally :D

[Mirek]

half crews tomorow under super rally :D

Which is ridiculous. I know it's good for spectators but in my opinion those still running deserve to be on top of stage classifications as well, not only overall.

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Joy joy joy!!

[Mintexmemory]

Ogier just over a minute behind Tanak - What odd for an S2000 podium?

[stefanvv]

Ogier progresses further. Chasing podium now :)

[Mirek]

Ogier progresses further. Chasing podium now :)

Hopefully no superbrutal Monte Carlo style crash coming from him!

[dimviii]

Joy joy joy!!

Hanaaaa Mikko!!!!!! :D

[dimviii]

SS7] Petter Solberg (Ford) - Reports coming in that he has knocked the front left corner off the car.


So, in the words of Mikko Hirvonen "they are dropping like flies". :D

[userwave]

wow what have I been missing?

been stuck in morning meetings here,
major drama!