[IRC] Rally Sliven 2012

[V.Gatev]

Rally Sliven 2012 - 28-30 September, round 11

List of drivers who have interest about participating in rally:
Skoda:
Mikkelsen - ?
Haninen or Kopecky - ?
Wiegand - ?
Iliev

Ford:
Tamrazov
Saljuk
Avci
Bostanci
Flodin

Peugeot:
Gyoshev
Donchev
Isaev - ?

Subaru:
Tempestini (R4)
Marisca (R4)
Tempestini jr. (N4)

Mitsubishi:
Staikov - Evo 9
Surilov - Evo 9
Vasiliev - Evo 8
Popov - Evo 9 (R4) ?

Citroen:
Hunt - DS3
Stratiev - C2 R2
Stratieva - C2 R2
Cosma - C2 R2

Official web site:
http://www.rallysliven.com

[mousti]

Mikkelsen should be sure, thought he would do everything..

[Mirek]

I think for Škoda Motorsport Kopecký is more likely there than Hänninen. I expect him to start in Rajd Polski instead.

[V.Gatev]

About the stages - superspecial street stage in Friday. 4 stages twice in first day, same stages in reverse twice in second day. The rally is very compact and maybe one of most compact in calendar.

[PLuto]

So only four stages (made three times)? Not so much...

[V.Gatev]

The stages are four - they will be in 2 directions twice times every day. The route is made to be compact and cheap for drivers and teams. In this region the are many many stages which are one of best in Europe, but total distance will be very big. This year stages are excelent - uphill and downhills, different types of tarmac and grip, fast and technical, bumpy of some places. The rally have great potential and everyone who will come will see it.

[aykutbilir]

It is possible that more Turkish crews will be there. Skoda Motorsport Yüce Oto Türkiye(Under Pegasus Racing support which service Rossetti and Fatih Kara last year.) will possibily attend to Sliven too. No final decision but Luca Rossetti, Burak Çukurova, Volkan Işık (3 Fabia S2000) and Fatih Kara (Punto S2000) will be there too.

And Ford Motorsport Türkiye team possibily add Fiesta R2 drivers Orhan Avcioglu and Emre Yurdakul too.

I will let u know when its all these get clear ;)

[V.Gatev]

Fantastic news. Will be great to watch all best turkish drivers on our best rally and best stages. Will be great!

[danon]

Unique and rare video of the once iconic now water-covered special stage Dam Lake (Язовир&#1072 ;) Rally Sliven - Bulgaria 1988


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLAR6_AKp4g

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7W7ZgeUAB0

[kirungi okwogera]

Unique and rare video of the once iconic now water-covered special stage Dam Lake (Язовир&#1072 ;) Rally Sliven - Bulgaria 1988


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JLAR6_AKp4g



Rallying these days needs more Ladas! Somebody get Avtovaz on the phone!

[A FONDO]

There are many Ladas in eastern Europe's sprints and hillclimbs. Not only 'cos the maintenance is cheap, they also cope better with understeer than FWD and at the same time there's no risk of oversteer caused by early throttle :D

[Mirek]

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Ladas actually suffer from understeer very badly so they basically had to be driven in a power slide (which is easy due to the solid rear axle with no traction).

[Rallyper]

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Ladas actually suffer from understeer very badly so they basically had to be driven in a power slide (which is easy due to the solid rear axle with no traction).

Power slides need engine power which I think Ladas are big lack of... ;)

[Mirek]

VFTS had 160 Hp already 30 years a go. With obsolete solid beam axle and rather narrow tyres it is enough for drifting on dry asphalt.

[cali]

Maybe I'm wrong but I thought Ladas actually suffer from understeer very badly so they basically had to be driven in a power slide (which is easy due to the solid rear axle with no traction).
You're absolutely correct.

[danon]

A movie made by lanciahfbg (Valio - Валь&#1086 ;) -> Rally Sliven 2007 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ChwWY0__XE)
that gives you an/other idea of what's behind the stages of Rally Sliven.

It shows the iconic place "The Tree - Дървото"
and how the variable weather conditions high up there
can screw all the tactics in the wink of an eye.

No better way to get to know this event!

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmdcDcKi6mM

[danon]

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1683/ircrallysliven2830septe.jpg

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihdeEhSC_4I

[V.Gatev]

The maps of stages or online:
Maps (http://www.rallysliven.com/en/spectators/maps.html)

[danon]

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/3739/rallysliventhetree.jpg

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To-ZoECYSCQ

[danon]

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/7467/ircrallysliven2012thetr.jpg

[danon]

http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/7467/ircrallysliven2012thetr.jpg

[danon]

http://img145.imageshack.us/img145/5694/ircrallysliven283009201.jpg

[danon]

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/7467/ircrallysliven2012thetr.jpg

[V.Gatev]

On-boards from this year special stages you can watch here:
Maps (http://www.rallysliven.com/en/competitors/maps.html)

[pucky54]

Sliven Rally is confirmed to be part of IRC! Additional details will be given in a pressconference on Thursday!

[veegog]

This Thursday 20th of September at 18:00 is the deadline for entries in Sliven Rally Bulgaria.
Let's see who will go to this event !

Any predictions?

[tolis]

Entries so far: Entry list 2012 (http://rallysliven.com/en/competitors/entry-list-2012.html)
No surprises.

[pucky54]

Looks like there will be at least one driver who already has won an IRC event this year ;)

[uranium]

Looks like there will be at least one driver who already has won an IRC event this year ;)
Who?

[trouble]

Yagiz Avci :)


IRC RALLY SLIVEN 2012 SPECTATOR'S GUIDE (http://dox.bg/files/dw?a=eeed0e1e23) (Bulgarian language)

[danon]

http://imageshack.us/a/img607/3523/ircage.jpg

[PLuto]

Yagiz Avci and Murat Bostanci had Rally Sliven in their plans from beginning of the season as a part of European Cup...

[tolis]

Entries so far: http://rallysliven.com/en/competitors/entry-list-2012.html (http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Frallysliven.com%2Fen%2Fcompet itors%2Fentry-list-2012.html&h=FAQFxAWgkAQE3OEKAknz7euTssxDF81J243JpQES59LOvEg&s=1)
22 entries, 5 S2000, 7 Turkish crews!

Do we expect also Tamrazov?

[PLuto]

Do we expect also Tamrazov?

I dont think so

[OgyWRC]

The IRC Sliven entry list readings are not very exciting so far. It looks that the IRC devaluation continues following ERC deterioration. To some extend it can be a result of weak EU economy environment and lower consumer demand in smaller countries (not favorable for sponsorship). Anyway, some kind of administrative regulation for a number of rounds participation may play a helping hand in some rallies like Yalta and Sliven.

Nevertheless, I expect local (Bulgarian and Turkish) teams to perform a thrilling battle at some of the most demanding tarmac stages in Bulgaria. The knowledge of Balkan roads should be a great advantage for Bulgarian crews, so one must expect competitive performance in all classes … pay attention to the Citroen Saxo drivers, most of them from the town of Sliven.

Pluto, I will appreciate your opinion on what is behind the top drivers unwillingness to compete in Sliven! There are no Czech teams either …

[Mirek]

The only Czech team regularly participating in the IRC is Škoda Motorsport so You can't expect any other except some special occasions. Škoda Motorsport program this season is defined only for selected rounds.

[uranium]

Looks a little bit better than Yalta, but in general it is awful picture :(

[OgyWRC]

... let's not forget that in the same time Rajd Polski will take place ... not very clever ...

[PLuto]

The IRC Sliven entry list readings are not very exciting so far. It looks that the IRC devaluation continues following ERC deterioration. To some extend it can be a result of weak EU economy environment and lower consumer demand in smaller countries (not favorable for sponsorship). Anyway, some kind of administrative regulation for a number of rounds participation may play a helping hand in some rallies like Yalta and Sliven.

Nevertheless, I expect local (Bulgarian and Turkish) teams to perform a thrilling battle at some of the most demanding tarmac stages in Bulgaria. The knowledge of Balkan roads should be a great advantage for Bulgarian crews, so one must expect competitive performance in all classes … pay attention to the Citroen Saxo drivers, most of them from the town of Sliven.

Pluto, I will appreciate your opinion on what is behind the top drivers unwillingness to compete in Sliven! There are no Czech teams either …

Drivers and teams from IRC are not interested in competing on events in Ukraine, Romania or Bulgaria. Including this events was one of the reasons why some drivers decided not to start in IRC this year. But of course, there is more other reasons, this is only one of them.

[uranium]

Drivers and teams from IRC are not interested in competing on events in Ukraine, Romania or Bulgaria. Including this events was one of the reasons why some drivers decided not to start in IRC this year. But of course, there is more other reasons, this is only one of them.

What is the reason?

If just take a look on last year list, everything was ok.
http://www.yaltarally.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Prime-Yalta-Rally-2011-Entry-list-IRC.pdf

What's wrong this year?

[Mirek]

Last year there was still competition of Škoda and Peugeot which we don't have anymore when Peugeot quit and stopped support to its importer teams.

[uranium]

Ok, but it doesn't explain "Including this events was one of the reasons why some drivers decided not to start in IRC this year."

[Mirek]

AFAIK Citroën was thinking about making an IRC DS3 Cup but later they were not interested in the calendar.

[uranium]

Btw, Pusjkar confirmed he will not go to Sliven, because of broken car, but he will take part in San-Remo

[stefanvv]

... let's not forget that in the same time Rajd Polski will take place ... not very clever ...

Yes, this is factor also. If Sliven was at its usual date (beginning of September) though, it would clash with Barum, which is also in IRC, but Poland not...

[uranium]

WRC and IRC calendar are made in confrontation.
Let's see just this year:
New Zealand vs Ypres,
GB vs Yalta

a lot of other stages in one week difference...

not wise imho

[OgyWRC]

Drivers and teams from IRC are not interested in competing on events in Ukraine, Romania or Bulgaria. Including this events was one of the reasons why some drivers decided not to start in IRC this year. But of course, there is more other reasons, this is only one of them.

Thanks for reply. I guess you mean that sponsors/producers are not interested in advertising in listed above countries (also known as frontier markets) … but still there is a moderate Eurosport coverage, which seems not enough! Logistics may appear as another reason …

IRC requires a quite high fee from organizers, but what for? If it is just about profit taking, it won’t work in mid term.

Anyway, there is one more day for entries and I hope more teams will be attracted from the opportunity of IRC victory in the absence of factory drivers.

[uranium]

I don't think for Skoda as producer Ukraine is not interesting as market.
First of all Skoda has here production facilities.
Secondly market is growing.

We can check it here
http://www.volkswagenag.com/content/vwcorp/info_center/de/publications/2012/03/SKODA_Annual_Report_2011.bin.html/binarystorageitem/file/SKODA-annual-report-2011-ENGLISH.pdf

Page number 82

ŠKODA AUTO also increased delivered volumes in the Ukraine for the second consecutive year. The Company delivered 10,909 automobiles
to customers there and ended 2011 with a significant sales
increase of 42.6% (2010: + 17.1%).

If we compare e.g. to rich countries with big population like France, Skoda sold 22,356 cars, Spain - 15,873
So, it is comparable.

[uranium]

Especially if we analyse Ukrainian car market, there is the first place for Korean producers like Hyundai and KIA, so Skoda has where to grow.
Sure I don't take into consideration crap from Russia and local so called cars.

[PLuto]

Maybe it is comparable to France, but Skoda was not interested to start on Yalta. There is lot of reasons for it (championship is over, no Peugeot rival, very close to Barum Rally, problems with visa and delivering cars over border). And basicly, this big teams are interested in races with "names" like Corse, Sanremo, Ypres. Also fans are not so interested in this events with "not so big names".

[mousti]

Those rallies belong maybe sadly but in the IRC garbage can, 10-11 events is good enough.

[OgyWRC]

In general you are right about the "brand names", but Eurosport can promote some of this events ... fortunately they can become "brand names" like Barum did. Traditions are there, fans are there, Sliven stages were part of "Albena-Golden sands rally", which use to be "a name" in ERC thirty years ago.

RallyBase (http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=rally&rallytype=Bul)

I believe that the main drivers are money, the scale of the market, some personal relationships and the lack of good marketing strategy. Being a champion (driver/production) in championship with such neglect events is pointless. Can you imagine Hungarian Grand Prix without F1 top teams, because they just don't like it ... or Loeb not starting in Spain, because he is already a champion ...

[werner]

I think the calendar has too much races. If there are 13 races and best 8 counting, everytime and everywhere the last races in September/October have the risk that many drivers are missing, due to money, due to decided championship. Watch the points classification, how much drivers are going to fight for IRC this year? And past two years? I think IRC was lucky this year to have Mikkelsen, and some times Skoda Factory.

Countries without big names have low entries, countries like Italy, Belgium, Czech, anyway they have fantastic entry list, also without IRC.

One point could be also, if Eurosport make big TV coverage or not. Ofcourse some crews make Races like Ypres or Barum, when TV show a lot, because of their Sponsors. And other thing, if Barum, Yalta and Sliven (and San Remo) are all with gaps of 2 weeks, its a problem for many crews.

[stefanvv]

I think the calendar has too much races. If there are 13 races and best 8 counting, everytime and everywhere the last races in September/October have the risk that many drivers are missing, due to money, due to decided championship. Watch the points classification, how much drivers are going to fight for IRC this year? And past two years? I think IRC was lucky this year to have Mikkelsen, and some times Skoda Factory.

Countries without big names have low entries, countries like Italy, Belgium, Czech, anyway they have fantastic entry list, also without IRC.

One point could be also, if Eurosport make big TV coverage or not. Ofcourse some crews make Races like Ypres or Barum, when TV show a lot, because of their Sponsors. And other thing, if Barum, Yalta and Sliven (and San Remo) are all with gaps of 2 weeks, its a problem for many crews.

Lets not forget the fact also that last 2 IRC rounds (right after Sliven) have bonus points. This is also a big issue.

[Mirek]

This year I think only Cyprus.

[werner]

@ Mirek
Do you know, Cyprus x1.5 or x2?

[Mirek]

x2
How to take part - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/regulations)

[dupanton]

I think the calendar has too much races. If there are 13 races and best 8 counting, everytime and everywhere the last races in September/October have the risk that many drivers are missing, due to money, due to decided championship. Watch the points classification, how much drivers are going to fight for IRC this year? And past two years? I think IRC was lucky this year to have Mikkelsen, and some times Skoda Factory.



I think, 8 rallies (max) would be best, with 6 counting. Only the "big" rallies like Ypres, Barum, Tour de Corse, San Remo... All asfalt rallies, to reduce te costs.
Then you can really attract privateers (and semi-privateers) to fight for the championship. Maybe some system with money prices for young drivers/privateers.

[Mirek]

Why only asphalt? Besides the cost there is no other positives on it but plenty of negatives.

In case of less events I would count all. Except the cost there are again only negatives of not counting all.

[uranium]

Decreasing number of stages and countries also reduce number of possible participants. It is like in football championship can hold only Germany, France, GB and maybe two more countries.

[dupanton]

I think that is quite an expensive calender...

Less events doesn't have to mean less competitors. When you have good TV coverage in all European countries, together with a good international reputation (like European championship), you must be able to attract competitors from everywhere in Europe.

It's true that without gravel, you can't get experience on it. On the other hand, most rallies in Europe are tarmac, so most drivers will be used driving on tarmac. If you want to go international, you have to go WRC in my opinion (Academy, S or PWRC) as preparation. I think it would reduce costs heavily...

But OK, maybe that is only my opinion :D

[stefanvv]

I think 10 would be better (with 8 a lot depends on luck)... Making it only asphalt isn't really interesting for young drivers who want to grow to WRC, also it's nice if a championship shows the diversity of the sport (snow, gravel, asphalt).

A perfect calendar (and not too unrealistic) for me would be:

1. January - (Snow event) Janner or Arctic
2. Late February - (Gravel event) Azores
3. Late March/early April - (Asphalt event) Rally of Ireland
4. Late April/early May - (Asphalt event) Tour de Corse
5. June - (Asphalt event) Ypres
6. July - (Gravel event) Estonia or Polski or San Marino
7. August - (Asphalt event) Barum Rally
8. September - (Asphalt event) San Remo
9. October - (Asphalt event) Rallye du Valais
10. November - (gravel event) Scotland or Cyprus

10 events, 6 on asphalt, 3 on gravel, 1 on snow. All events have a good reputation, beautiful stages and their own character. It's also important that there is some time between events, at least 3 weeks would be good, it must be logistically possible for privateers too, I think... :)

+1 for diversity. One of the things that makes WRC challenging. If IRC has to be comparable to it, different surfaces is a must, not only for driver grow up, but also for the variety of conditions and more competition this will bring...

[werner]

I think races like Acores are too much expensive for privateers. OK, Factory drivers no problem, but as you can see, in IRC there are seriously Factory and Semi Factory drivers. Compliment to Consani, who make a lot of races this year. What we need for challenge, are also private drivers. See Aigner in Production Cup, he has only budget for 5 races and will do only Cyprus this year. If Consani and Tempestini make good points at Sliven and San Remo, he looses the PC also with 4 wins.

But all our dreams, it depends on big money who is IN and who is OUT of calendar. Ofcourse the Promotor has no problem to have 13 + events in calendar if each of them pay a lot. Stupid for them to cut.

[dupanton]

+1 for diversity. One of the things that makes WRC challenging. If IRC has to be comparable to it, different surfaces is a must, not only for driver grow up, but also for the variety of conditions and more competition this will bring...

I dont think it has to! There is no place for 2 big international championships. I see the IRC/ERC as a competitive championship, of a high standard, but no "2nd WRC".

[stefanvv]

I dont think it has to! There is no place for 2 big international championships. I see the IRC/ERC as a competitive championship, of a high standard, but no "2nd WRC".

Yes, but Europe has all king of Rallies, true most of them are asphalt, but in the north (where lot of talented drivers come) I think there will be difficult to find asphalt Rally :)

[werner]

SWRC and PWRC, do they have any TV Coverage? I think not. But IRC have a lot! Why some drivers goes into WRC? Because their sponsors pay them to do WRC, or they have no money problems. See Eduardo Bresolin, italian guy with millions. He is doing WRC to be 15 or 20 overall, easely he could do IRC with RRC car fighting for Podium. But he prefer WRC because money is no discuss.

When Peugeot and Skoda was in IRC, nobody thought about private drivers. I dont know the plans of Skoda Motorsport 2013, but possible that IRC next year will be without factory? For sure Mikkelsen dont continue with Skoda UK. So they must reduce the costs to bring drivers like Wiegand etc

10 Races, 6 asphalt / 4 gravel, this kind of mix was many years with big sucsess in Italy. There are not so much gravel rallies in europe, but this 4 (Scandinavia, Italy ...) are possible for sure.

[Mirek]

I think that Škoda Motorsport will do only very few selected events like Barum for example. I expect less than this year. Importer teams will continue in my opinion - Škoda UK (Meeke?), Škoda Deutschland (Wiegand), possibly Škoda Finland with Lappi (?)...

Just my guessing. I personally expect Juho in SWRC but we'll see.

[pucky54]

isnt it thread about Rally Sliven????

[OldF]

Decreasing number of stages and countries also reduce number of possible participants. It is like in football championship can hold only Germany, France, GB and maybe two more countries.

And Finland of course. ;)

[uranium]

isnt it thread about Rally Sliven????

We are doing preparation to rally ;)
This thread is going to be more attractive than rally itself ;)

[stefanvv]

isnt it thread about Rally Sliven????

This is the entry list by categories with 1 day to come - http://forum.rally-club.bg/download/file.php?id=14261

Watch out Plamen Staykov, he has some tricks to show :D

[OgyWRC]

It is all about image ... if there are no factory teams/drivers IRC will go down. If Juho and Andreas are not participating in Sliven, the entry list "ïs not good", despite that some of the local drivers are quite attractive, but not well known names (simply not rich enough).

Why you prefer asphalt rallies with simple stages in the fields like Ypres ... mountain stages are more demanding and exciting to drive/watch?

[stefanvv]

Even with Skoda "factory" drivers IRC is less attractive this year 'cause there is only in-team battle for the victory. Quite other thing would be with competing team(s). But this is the situation now and we must accept that. BTW the Rally itself will be attractive enough with its demanding stages, especially when the weather is unpredictable.

[OgyWRC]

Come here to Ypres, drive the stages and see it yourself!

I wish to ... no hard feelings, anyway.

[mousti]

And don't forget if it rains during Ypres, then the rally is even more trickier, and everyone even the greatest drivers fall in those traps then..

[OgyWRC]

Every rally has its own specificity and there is no easy rally!

You can judge from yourself that every fan loves his home event and wants to see top teams participating there and local drivers usually want to compete with top teams on the home soil. That’s why Sliven, where everybody is crazy about rally, applied and paid the fee to IRC … but it looks that they delayed a year or two …

[danon]

Rally Sliven to form part of exciting climax to IRC season six « HANDBRAKES & HAIRPINS (http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2012/09/19/rally-sliven-to-form-part-of-exciting-climax-to-irc-season-six/)

[Mirek]

I wish to ... no hard feelings, anyway.

It's actually pretty easy to underestimate Ypres (and many do so). In some way the roads are much harder than the mountain stages just because there is no logic in the Ypres roads. When You drive through mountains You can expect better where the stage is going from the shape of terrain, trees etc. In Ypres many parts are just some man-made corners in flat fields which look everywhere same so without precise pacenotes You are going to end in a ditch very soon. Try Yourself. it's nice and spectacular event to stay and the town in beautiful although a bit strange with its history ;)

[veegog]

It's actually pretty easy to underestimate Ypres (and many do so). In some way the roads are much harder than the mountain stages just because there is no logic in the Ypres roads. When You drive through mountains You can expect better where the stage is going from the shape of terrain, trees etc. In Ypres many parts are just some man-made corners in flat fields which look everywhere same so without precise pacenotes You are going to end in a ditch very soon. Try Yourself. it's nice and spectacular event to stay and the town in beautiful although a bit strange with its history ;)

I totally agree that Ypres is crazy and difficult rally to be driven! Much more difficult that a classic mountain rally. In Ypres every meter could cause big surprise and challenge for the driver. Many crashes are happening on the straights!

In the same time I'm very much disappointed by the lack of quality drivers in Sliven Rally. Very poor entry list. There is a big chance of a Bulgarian driver to win this event and get some glory. Anyway it will be battle between some Turkish and some Bulgarian drivers I guess.

Rally Sliven is not a true IRC event (by the entry list so far it's more like a Bulgaria-Turkey-Romania championship event) but I must say that the organizers of the IRC are guilty of making so big calendar of events.

I support the idea of less events in the times of global economy crisis. FIA and IRC-Eurosport must think of a way to create free-entry rallies with more extras to the participants. One more thing to create more sense to participate would be to have cash prices for the top 10 finishers...

[tolis]

Any idea about what car Slavov and Isaev are going to drive?

[atsiotras79]

Slavov probably the same or similar, Isaev did a few events lately with the usual Evo9...but he did bring again an S2000, 2 years ago!

[vino_93]

two drivers from Taiwan ... who has said that it's not an international event ? :p

sad to see a second event with not a lot of regular participants ... maybe that a privater cup needs to be created ? It coul attract some private drivers who have S2000 but not interesting in competing in IRC today, due to Skoda and Peugeot, as Solowow, Tlust'ak, and some others ... so it could attract more drivers to these events, when championship is over.

[OgyWRC]

Now it is a real “intercontinental” challenge ;-)

Although, there are no “big” names I hope that fans will not be very disappointed. I guess that the battle for the IRC podium will be between Iliev, Staikov, Gyoshev, Donchev and Isaev. (if Staikov and Isaev compete in IRC, not only BGRC). It will be interesting to have a non IRC winner + second place (IRC winner), as far as I know there is no precedent for it.

In class 5 we have Kangur, Hunt and Titov, all of them potential leaders if Slavov is not there with his Clio R3.

In class 6 I’m missing Stratiev, who can fight back against Cosma and Grigorov. I’m also missing a few local names, but I suppose that they will appear lately in the list. Pay attention to the local star Hristo Hristov (Choko) and other Saxo drivers.

Good luck to my teammates Ignat Isaev (Evo IX) and Anton Titov (DS3 R3).

Off topic: I respect your opinion about Ypres and I agree that it is a hard rally to drive. Nevertheless, I personally like relatively fast downhill mountain roads with some fast S curves, where you can build a rhythm, can keep a high pace and flat out. In such a stage one can beat a lot more powerful and sophisticated cars …

[Mirek]

It will be interesting to have a non IRC winner + second place (IRC winner), as far as I know there is no precedent for it.

There is :) Conrad Rautenbach in non-registered Subaru won Rally Safari 2007 in front of Andrea Navarra who suffered a puncture. Eurosport just ignored Rautenbach...

[danon]

Sad list... Good the local spectators have their "golden tree" to drink around and drive in circles with their car, like we've seen in the videos Danon posted. Exciting!!!

No better way to humiliate yourself making a statement like the one above.

Hater!!!

[stefanvv]

I'm not a hater... :) Enjoy your tree, you made a lot of publicity for it (more than for the rally itself)! :)

"The Tree" is interesting subject for Sliven (apart from drunk spectators). It is located on a crossroad of 3 roads, which is interesting because a legend for the town name Sliven says it comes either from merging of 3 rivers, or 3 winds. Also one of the symbols of the town is 1000 year old elm, which is in the center of the city.

But apart from all this there could be made spectacular chicanes as can be seen from other youtube videos, moreover it is part of 2 different SS.

[danon]

http://imageshack.us/a/img20/8990/thetreedarvotop010.jpg

[dimviii]

which one is the tree?

[stefanvv]

which one is the tree?

The tall one

[dimviii]

The tall one

the one with a sign on it?

[stefanvv]

the one with a sign on it?

You could say so

[danon]

http://imageshack.us/a/img266/1585/20092012203.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img812/4466/20092012206.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img811/7104/20092012207.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img850/1554/20092012210.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img204/3286/20092012201.jpg

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGYGyhmub4Q

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJLZV5n3y2w

[danon]

"The Tree"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCa4KFRnJvk

[danon]

From 10:24 to 14:14 - "The Tree"


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

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPCo4PaJoXQ

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmdcDcKi6mM

[stefanvv]

From 10:24 to 14:14 - "The Tree"


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

Welcome to the town of 100 voivods!

[danon]

Welcome to the town of 100 voivods!

Sliven - The Town of the Hundred Voivodes (http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/1033/Sliven%20%E2%80%93%20The%20Town%20of%20the%20Hundr ed%20Voivodes)

http://bulgariatravel.org/data/media/408_001_Sliven_4380.jpg

[stefanvv]

Final entry list - [url=http://www.rallysliven.com/bg/competitors/entry-list-2012.html]СпиÑ

[Mirek]

At least all top IRC 2WD Cup contenders are there :)

[stefanvv]

It's not that bad for our (Bulgarian) standards. We hope for more in future :up:

EDIT: Rally Bulgaria 2010 WRC had 10 more entries... Not bad for IRC Rally Sliven...

[atsiotras79]

I was really looking forward for this event but to be honest I am a little bit disappointed with the entry list. It looks like a very very good list for ERC East Cup standards. I have not decided 100 per cent but probably I ll be there to see our Bulgarian friends. So any suggestions for good spots in the SSs apart from that tree?

[stefanvv]

I was really looking forward for this event but to be honest I am a little bit disappointed with the entry list. It looks like a very very good list for ERC East Cup standards. I have not decided 100 per cent but probably I ll be there to see our Bulgarian friends. So any suggestions for good spots in the SSs apart from that tree?

Bulgarka & Stara Reka would be the most spectacular stages IMHO.
Maps & Onboard video: http://www.rallysliven.com/en/spectators/maps.html
Spectator's Guide: DOX.bg - (http://dox.abv.bg/files/listtree;jsessionid=DC3A030FA0CFC57B501FB540BCA250 7B.dox01)

[danon]

Bulgarka & Stara Reka would be the most spectacular stages IMHO.
Maps & Onboard video: Maps (http://www.rallysliven.com/en/spectators/maps.html)
Spectator's Guide: DOX.bg - (http://dox.abv.bg/files/listtree;jsessionid=DC3A030FA0CFC57B501FB540BCA250 7B.dox01)

+ Ichera


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3iKIc18KU4

[OgyWRC]

My recommendations

Day1
SS 5/9 Bulgarka – This stage has two section – the first one is faster, wider and is going up to “the tree” (the crossroad on the map, 42.748619,26.324946), than it goes steep downhill, the road is getting narrow and consist of many different hairpins and some fast sections, however there is a lot of grip. (i) a lot of good places to watch can be reached near the final of the stage by walk (42.716687,26.290881). (ii)Alternatively, you can approach the first part of the downhill section from “the tree”, there you will find an open space, a nice scenery and relatively fast corners (42.741371,26.322264).

If you choose (ii) you will have to enter the road section between SS2/6 and SS 5/9 (green dots on the map) before the road closing and to move by car between the two stages – a common practice.

I will not recommend “the tree” for spectating, unless you are a great fan of overcrowded places, folk music and the barbeque smell.

SS2/6 Mollova gora – there a few downhill S curves and hairpins (42.745058,26.42885), just after the highest point of the stage, a few kilometers north (up) from the crossroad to “the tree” (42.737242,26.429059). The tarmac is in good condition, but it is very slippery.

SS3/7 Kotel – relatively fast stage, usually the strategy is to go flat out.

Day2
SS11 Kantona (the downhill section towards Stara reka village is one of my favorite) - the final few kilometers of the stage are quite spectacular – fast corners sections on a dirty tarmac into the forest. Anyway it is not easy to get there from Sliven, so the better plan is to go to the middle of the stage following an alternative road (42.820399,26.167796) and than to walk left/down to the faster and wider section or right/up to the more narrow and bumpy section.

SS13 Ichera – the final stage of the rally. The road is wide, fast and slippery and is going downhill to the town. Usually the cars are flying flat out and you can see a high speed drift from some competitors. Here drivers from Sliven love to push as much as they can.

Be aware that you can not argue with local police for their strange decissions. I hope this will help.

In conclusion, those are some of the best stages that we have around and the good knowledge will be very helpful. The rally will be challenging for the guest crews and I will miss top S2000 drivers. Although, I expect strong performance from Kangur, Cosma, Hunt, Bostanci, my forecast is in favor of local crews.

[atsiotras79]

Thank you so much Ogy, hope to finally make it and see you again and have great rally discussions as usual! :)

[danon]

More entries to be published in the official entry list...

[tolis]

So, we have more than 40? :)

[danon]

Entries added today - Entry list 2012 (http://www.rallysliven.com/en/competitors/entry-list-2012.html)


Miroslav Angelov / Petar Iliev BGR/BGR Fiat Punto S1600 5 IRC/ERC/BGRC


Nebil Erbil / Guronolur Ahiskali TUR/TUR Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 3 IRC/ERC


Vasilis Karavasilis / Giannis Saritsoglou GRC/GRC Honda Civic Type R 5 IRC/ERC

[danon]

No matter "Big" or "Small" names - the show is guaranteed!

Тhose missing the event could only regret it.

Obviously do not dare to adventure...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihdeEhSC_4I

[danon]

IRC Mabanol Sliven Rally preview part one - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/942)

[danon]

Bulgarian teenager breaks the record for youngest participant in IRC (http://www.rallysliven.com/en/news/item/202-bulgarski-teenager-chupi-rekorda-za-nai-mlad-sustezatel-v-irc.html)

[danon]

Preparation...

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/250648_469263049772126_1054485210_n.jpg

[atsiotras79]

Vasilis Karavasilis / Giannis Saritsoglou GRC/GRC Honda Civic Type R 5 IRC/ERC


Probably the best entry that Northern Greece has to offer, speedwise!

In the last round of Greek championship, T.I.F. Rally, last weekend, Vasilis was 2nd in SS1 overall and 1st in SS2 overall in front of all Evos and others with rain! In SS3 he faced engine problems.. but it is brand new car!

I wish him all the best and again we will be there!!! :)

[pucky54]

Probably the best entry that Northern Greece has to offer, speedwise!

In the last round of Greek championship, T.I.F. Rally, last weekend, Vasilis was 2nd in SS1 overall and 1st in SS2 overall in front of all Evos and others with rain! In SS3 he faced engine problems.. but it is brand new car!

I wish him all the best and again we will be there!!! :)

R3 or Gr A car?

[atsiotras79]

R3 or Gr A car?

Semi Gr.A :)

[danon]

In the spotlight: Ekaterina Stratieva - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/944)

http://www.ircseries.com/uploads/photobank/seasons/2012/news/small/small_stratieva_ucr_29.jpg

[danon]

IRC Mabanol Sliven Rally preview part two - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/943)

[danon]

New name for Bulgarian round : Rallye-Info.com (http://irc.rallye-info.com/article.asp?sid=11&stid=10400)

[pucky54]

Shouldn't entry list be released yesterday at 8pm?

[danon]

The official entry list should be released today between 8pm - 10pm.
One more entry is added = 44 entries in total.

[pucky54]

The official entry list should be released today between 8pm - 10pm.
One more entry is added = 44 entries in total.

Ok thx, I was just refering to the supplementary regs

[danon]

My recommendations

Day1
SS 5/9 Bulgarka... Alternatively, you can approach the first part of the downhill section from “the tree”, there you will find an open space, a nice scenery and relatively fast corners (42.741371,26.322264).

From 0:00 to 1:00


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzQOMr8z_aY

[tolis]

Official entry list: http://www.rallysliven.com/phocadownload/2012_sli_entry_list.pdf
We will be there to support the Greek crew!

[danon]

The adventure is about to begin!

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560276_305975316176085_226910057_n.jpg

[danon]

My recommendations
...

SS13 Ichera – the final stage of the rally. The road is wide, fast and slippery and is going downhill to the town. Usually the cars are flying flat out and you can see a high speed drift from some competitors. Here drivers from Sliven love to push as much as they can.

Rally Sliven 2010 on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/14770210#t=753)

[danon]

My recommendations

Day1
SS 5/9 Bulgarka – This stage has two section – the first one is faster, wider and is going up to “the tree” (the crossroad on the map, 42.748619,26.324946), than it goes steep downhill, the road is getting narrow and consist of many different hairpins and some fast sections, however there is a lot of grip. (i) a lot of good places to watch can be reached near the final of the stage by walk (42.716687,26.290881)....

One of the all time most famous place at:
06:08
07:02
08:03
10:16
11:50
12:18
15:50


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MBGLUn5BMNs

[danon]

Harry Prepares For Championship Title Fight On IRC Comeback (http://www.rally.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2010:harry-prepares-for-championship-title-fight-on-irc-comeback-&catid=903:world-news&Itemid=215)

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/377323_522541397772861_831305621_n.jpg

[veegog]

So there will be 45 crews on the start of the rally.
I think this is a good entry list for the Bulgarian round of IRC. No big names but the winner is known and as only Skoda is in the battle there is no point of doing rallies just for the wins. Anyway I think that Skoda have a good chance with Iliev for the win here.

Well done to the organizers. For a short period of time they gathered not a bad list of international drivers. It will be interesting to see them against the Bulgarians.

[OgyWRC]

On the contrary of IRC expectations ( IRC Mabanol Sliven Rally preview part two - News - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/news/detail/id/943) ), here is my projection for the battle near Sliven:

For the victory – Dimitar Iliev (Skoda S2000), who will fight for the victory with Petar Gyoshev (207 S2000) and Plamen Staykov (Evo 9 R4, Plamen won the last rally agains Iliev & Gyoshev). Potential puncture will be crucial for the victory.
I hope that Krum Donchev will be more competitive and that Ignat Isaev will finish at the podium, despite his slower car. Isaev should have no problems beating Consani and Tempestini. I doubt that Avci or Cara will manage to stay close to the frontrunners pace.

The most interesting battle should be in 2WD … here we have a clear favorite – Todor Slavov, who should win if his old Clio R3 didn’t give up. However, he will have to fend the threat posed by Martin Kangur. I wish that Hunt, Krozser, Bicakcioglu and Karavasilis manage to find a good pace at Balkan mountain roads, but it will be not an easy job. I also expect strong performance from Anton Titov.
No doubt, Vlad Cosma and Murat Bostanci will be of the frontrunners in class 6 (moreover, they did Sliven in 2010), but they will face a very strong competition from Ivan Ganchev and Boris Grigorov, all of them pretenders for the podium in 2WD. We are missing Stratiev in class 6, but he just became a father, so lets wish his family the very best!
Last but not least, don’t underestimate the armada of local Saxo drivers, especially Hristo Hristov, the latter may set a very competitive times in 2WD on some stages like the last one – Ichera. Emil Denev (Clio N3) and Ekaterina Stratieva are very consistent drivers, so they will take advantage of any mistake of the frontrunners.

If I didn't mention some of the fastest competitors, please, correct me ;-)

Good luck to all crews! To finish first, first you have to finish!

[Mirek]

One point. If I'm not mistaken Staykov used ethanol powered Evo in his last rally but that is not allowed in FIA events. IRC is run under IRC regulations so he shall use normal racing petrol instead.

[stefanvv]

You're right, he should use petrol for Sliven.

[OgyWRC]

You are right, Mirek, I guess ethanol gave him some additional power. Although, more twisty stages in Sliven should suit better S2000 cars, there is no doubt that Staykov will push hard as always.

[tolis]

You are right, Mirek, I guess ethanol gave him some additional power. Although, more twisty stages in Sliven should suit better S2000 cars, there is no doubt that Staykov will push hard as always.
He may use ethanol and only be nominated for BGRC. Or am I wrong? :D
See you there Ogy! :)

[Mirek]

He may use ethanol and only be nominated for BGRC. Or am I wrong? :D

It's sure possible.


You are right, Mirek, I guess ethanol gave him some additional power. Although, more twisty stages in Sliven should suit better S2000 cars, there is no doubt that Staykov will push hard as always.

I spoke with one motoring engineer and he told me that in the properly tuned Impreza gr.N engine it is something like 20 Hp and 60 Nm more compared to the petrol engine. Maybe Dimviii knows more.

[janvanvurpa]

It's sure possible.



I spoke with one motoring engineer and he told me that in the properly tuned Impreza gr.N engine it is something like 20 Hp and 60 Nm more compared to the petrol engine. Maybe Dimviii knows more.


There is significantly less energy/unit in ethanol----but it resists detonation so in a motor with big 92mm pistons anything that resists detonation means a person can use high static compression ratio and maintain proper ignition advance..
All you need to do is pour maybe 30% more fuel thru the thing...or more! :eek:

(I raced a "Summer Series" in December '79 in South Africa back in the bad ol days of Apartheid and the oil embargo against the regime meant the racing there was "officially" on methanol made from their abundant coal...this was in carbie days, and tuning was a complete nightmare. No point looking at spark plugs, they were always clean as can be so no check from color... Very odd making it work---and I gave up after 2 races and 2 long tuning sessioin and went out and bought gasoline myself...too late tho..)

[dimviii]

. Maybe Dimviii knows more.

yes these numbers are achievable if you adjust the ecu.As said Janvanvurpa allows more timing =more torque/power

[Mirek]

There is significantly less energy/unit in ethanol----but it resists detonation so in a motor with big 92mm pistons anything that resists detonation means a person can use high static compression ratio and maintain proper ignition advance..
All you need to do is pour maybe 30% more fuel thru the thing...or more! :eek:

Yes, I understand the basic theory :) He told me cca 25% more fuel in the case he spoke about.

[dimviii]

How about revision of parts when the car runs on ethanol Dimvii? Don't they have to check things on more regular basis because the temperature in the engine can get much higher with E85?.
you have to take care about fuel pumps,fuel lines,different injectors.No the engine coolant temperature will not be higher,but higher temps at exhaust gas.Ethanol tents to corrode metals and some plastics/rubbers.Ethanol is cooler when burnt inside the cylinder against petrol.


Vanden Heuvel said that with Evo X Gr.N you could have 30hp more when running on E85, but that's commercial talk of course...

yes you can but the big gain is at torque due to restrictor.At street cars you have huge gains much more, cause you can rev to 8000 rpm+

[danon]

Mabanol Rally Sliven Live Center (http://live.rallysliven.com/)

[janvanvurpa]

How about revision of parts when the car runs on ethanol Dimvii? Don't they have to check things on more regular basis because the temperature in the engine can get much higher with E85? Vanden Heuvel said that with Evo X Gr.N you could have 30hp more when running on E85, but that's commercial talk of course...

It shouldn't run hotter because as I say the fuel itself has less heat energy per unit, it actually burns cooler and slower....
if everything else is the same...
A friend here who built some crazy high spec 34mm restrictor Evos and Subies had a visting from an engineer from Elf or Fina and discussed the US rules for fuel and compared that to FIA rules and he said the WRC rules were very easy to meet so they could do crazy fuel which really isn't at all like pump gas. Way more of the really evil stuff like toluene which if you sniff it or touch it you grow and surprising genetic this happen like this Elf engineer;
http://regmedia.co.uk/2011/09/01/zaphod_beeblebrox.jpg

[danon]

Pics of today's NEWS-Breslau Balkan 2012 Day 2: Ruse - Sliven. (http://www.rallye-breslau.com/cgi-bin/e-cms/vis/vis.pl?s=001&p=0177&n=89&g=&) - Another famous place at SS Ichera

http://imageshack.us/a/img684/4219/offroad1r.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img696/3351/offroad2.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img195/7858/offroad3.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img843/8346/offroad4t.jpg

[danon]

http://imageshack.us/a/img39/7933/offroad5.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img4/6383/offroad6.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img713/2628/offroad7.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img194/3707/offroad8.jpg

[danon]

A vid on its way...

[tolis]

IRC Sliven Rally preview: Rally addicted www.xwmatinos.gr (http://www.xwmatinos.gr/xwma/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=2231) - IRC Sliven Rally: Preview

[danon]

A short video of the Adventure Rallye Breslau Balkan 2012 Sliven - Ichera
captured today at one of the most attractive places of SS Ichera.

Just a few hundred meters away from the start/final of the stage.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiP3hXEY1Xw

[janvanvurpa]

What engines those guys run in those Toyotas?

[danon]

Diesel engine.

[danon]

Watch Live - Slavov and Konsani Press Conference - Rally Xpress Live Channel - live streaming video powered by Livestream (http://www.livestream.com/rallysp)

[danon]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/74870_3871331743863_535731310_n.jpg

[janvanvurpa]

Diesel engine.


Is it required?
Toyota makes some pretty nice engines that would fit right in the pick up..4 cam 3.0 V6, 4 cam V8s nice stuff.

I wonder what they have inside their axles...I make kits to stick the Toyota 8'' pickup or 4 Runner back axle into turbo Volvos so we can but alternate final drive ratios for under $200... And that have 5.35:1 for pick ups with big crazy tires like those guys have.

[danon]

He may use ethanol and only be nominated for BGRC. Or am I wrong? :D
See you there Ogy! :)

Not wrong! - RallyExpress | , (http://www.bgnrc.info/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=7264&Itemid=1)

Quote from the article: Staykov confirmed for RallyXpress that the reason to be stated
only for the national championship standings (BGRC) is because of the use of ethanol fuel.

[danon]

Is it required?
Toyota makes some pretty nice engines that would fit right in the pick up..4 cam 3.0 V6, 4 cam V8s nice stuff.

I wonder what they have inside their axles...I make kits to stick the Toyota 8'' pickup or 4 Runner back axle into turbo Volvos so we can but alternate final drive ratios for under $200... And that have 5.35:1 for pick ups with big crazy tires like those guys have.

Some are diesel powered others petrol powered.

[danon]

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401474_433360950043550_944919829_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/551920_433361006710211_721153938_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/47948_433361030043542_636760377_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/156112_537447519604665_1347219767_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402600_433589110020734_1295519645_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/561016_433589143354064_1694407263_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/545779_433589703354008_260951643_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/485675_433589383354040_1812409140_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/393679_433589403354038_253160480_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/408932_433589480020697_554707006_n.jpg

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/564436_433589570020688_1231661478_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/523811_433589673354011_804713334_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/579611_433589746687337_49743975_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/486893_433589946687317_397605917_n.jpg

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/384336_433588810020764_127892866_n.jpg

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301297_433588843354094_1975961845_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/60174_433589296687382_1215824589_n.jpg

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/10299_433589320020713_488611258_n.jpg

http://sphotos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/398559_433589770020668_340494844_n.jpg

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/228895_433589866687325_796570561_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/183492_433589986687313_511972352_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/252569_433588830020762_1538444450_n.jpg

http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/560964_433588863354092_224407966_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/603584_4267574939932_501124945_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/308283_433588976687414_1699717132_n.jpg

[danon]

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/229420_433589176687394_578018363_n.jpg

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/44198_433589613354017_227024615_n.jpg

[aykutbilir]

Bad News from Fatih Kara of Pegasus racing that he cannot start at Sliven de to business schdule. He is a very fast tarmac driver in Punto S2000.

[PLuto]

Results of shakedown: Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=14385)

[PLuto]

Results from rally will be available here - Rally Sliven 2012 - Results - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/)

[PLuto]

Start list for today SSS 1 - Rally Sliven 2012 - Start list into SSS 1 - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=254)

[stefanvv]

Driver crashes and suspends SSS - Driver crashes in Rally Sliven super special stage - FOCUS Information Agency (http://www.focus-fen.net/index.php?id=n288573)

[Mirek]

Iliev, Donchev and Gyoshev all were off road in SS1.

[stefanvv]

Iliev, Donchev and Gyoshev all were off road in SS1.

Tough start for the Bulgarian favorites in Sliven. More excitement to come next 2 days...

[stefanvv]

Lazarov's crash:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YWdsNop2_s&feature=youtu.be

[dupanton]

Iliev, Donchev and Gyoshev all were off road in SS1.

Can't have been a big off road voor Gyoshev and Illiev: They lost 6s and 4s... Donchev did lost 16, what a shame on a super special stage...

[werner]

Lazarov's crash:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6YWdsNop2_s&feature=youtu.be

Heavy crash! Crew OK?

[dupanton]

Heavy crash! Crew OK?

Message #186 ;)

Driver was trapped inside the car, but he is ok.

[aykutbilir]

Times stucked after SS3.. some of the times didnt send to website.. Bad bad..

[dupanton]

Times stucked after SS3.. some of the times didnt send to website.. Bad bad..

I get all the times normally: Rally Sliven 2012 - Results - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://irc-results.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/?ssId=1382&cupId=68)

[Mirek]

We are waiting for notional times from SS3. That's why there are no overall times for later crews.

[werner]

Tempestini time missing on stage 7??

[PLuto]

Eitan Halfon and co-driver Sedat Bostanci are already in the hospital in Sliven. The Turkish crew had an incident today in SS 3. They will pass some more medical checks and will probably leave the hospital later today or tomorrow morning.

[werner]

Big winner at the moment Robert Consani. His rivals in 2WD and PC, Hunt & Tempestini retired. He can lead in both championship with big gap, if he is without troubles tomorrow.

[pucky54]

Big winner at the moment Robert Consani. His rivals in 2WD and PC, Hunt & Tempestini retired. He can lead in both championship with big gap, if he is without troubles tomorrow.

Hunt is still in the rally!!!

[stefanvv]

Hunt is still in the rally!!!

He started with big delay at SS4...

[werner]

Hunt is still in the rally!!!

Ahh, ok! Didnt see! Thank you!

Edit: Damn, I only watched Overall classification ... so we have to wait for official classification after Leg 2, maybe some hours ...
So 2WD, Slavov in front of Hunt or Krozser, Consani 6th.

[stefanvv]

The leader after SS4 Staykov retires at SS5 with off and damage his cooling system.

[pucky54]

Ahh, ok! Didnt see! Thank you!

Edit: Damn, I only watched Overall classification ... so we have to wait for official classification after Leg 2, maybe some hours ...
So 2WD, Slavov in front of Hunt or Krozser, Consani 6th.

Slavov in front of Krózser....Consani 5th...Hunt way down...in 16th

[werner]

Hunt ... without stage 4 he is aroud 11 seconds in front of Krozser, 2nd. I thought he looses so much time on stage 4, because he was behind car No 11 who crashed? Another problem with Harry Hunt?

[stefanvv]

Hunt ... without stage 4 he is aroud 11 seconds in front of Krozser, 2nd. I thought he looses so much time on stage 4, because he was behind car No 11 who crashed? Another problem with Harry Hunt?

Actually he has went off on SS4 Stara Reka and been stuck in a ditch for 13 mins. He and the co-driver managed to get the car on the road again very difficulty.

[werner]

@ stefanvv ... thank you for that Info!!

[PLuto]

Notional times from SS 3 are here... After half of the day of waiting they... ...gave them times from second run of same stage. I hate this method...

[stefanvv]

Notional times from SS 3 are here... After half of the day of waiting they... ...gave them times from second run of same stage. I hate this method...

Curious. What happens with the crews with no second run because retired between the the 2 runs :confused: They dissapear :confused:

[PLuto]

After watching starting list to second leg (Rally Sliven 2012 - Start order - leg 2 - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=251)), tell me any serious reason why there are stewards...

[Mirek]

Sure You mean stupid starting position of Harry Hunt...

[PLuto]

Finally we have all times...

[Lubomir Simeonov]

SS11 - Kantona finished. Petar Gioshev can't catch up Dimitar Ilev. If Dimitar Iliev keep this temp and has not problems, he will win this rally.

[V.Gatev]

Harry Hunt crashed in narrow part of SS11 Kantona. There is ambulance, but Harry and Robbie are ok. Harry go to the hospital just for check.

[vino_93]

never see a so bad live coverage from an official website ... forgot time for 20/30 drivers the first day, some drivers who were in classification disappear from the classification and other have completly 2 times, and one false and illogical ... or put only gap and not average time... even some regional rallies in France have better live coverage :mad:

[Mirek]

The times were not forgotten. The stewards gave notional times only at the night after end of leg! It's not mistake of Eurosport... I don't understand the rest of Your message.

[vino_93]

The times were not forgotten. The stewards gave notional times only at the night after end of leg! It's not mistake of Eurosport... I don't understand the rest of Your message.
ok!

for example here :


1
3
Petar Gyoshev / Dimitar Spasov
Peugeot 207 S2000
2
00:09:43.2



2
1
Dimitar Iliev / Yanaki Yanakiev
Skoda Fabia S2000
2
00:09:48.3
00:05.1
00:05.1



nothing strange for the moment ...


11
43
Yuan-Hu Lin / Hui-Lan Shen
Renault Clio
8
00:11:15.8
01:32.6
00:03.8


12
35
Hristo Atanasov / Marin Ivanov
Citroen Saxo
9
00:11:17.1
01:33.9
00:01.3


13
39
http://live.rallysliven.com/images/BGR.gif
Stefan Jeliazkov / Ivan Turlakov
Citroen Saxo
9
00:11:25.3
01:42.1
00:08.2




14
38
Dilian Stankov / Mladen Karchev
Citroen Saxo
9
02:06:34.3
02:06:34.3
17:35.6


15
35
Hristo Atanasov / Marin Ivanov
Citroen Saxo
9
02:08:18.9
02:08:18.9
19:20.2


16
31
http://live.rallysliven.com/images/BGR.gif
Emil Denev / Bogomil Nenov
Renault Clio
8
02:08:23.5
02:08:23.5
19:24.8


17
39
Stefan Jeliazkov / Ivan Turlakov
Citroen Saxo
9
02:09:21.2
02:09:21.2
20:22.5


18
43
Yuan-Hu Lin / Hui-Lan Shen
Renault Clio
8
02:10:12.3
02:10:12.3
21:13.6



2h10'12"3 later ... for a stage result ! and two times in stage classification ... instead of the time of non bulgarian championship contenders, but they appear in general classification !

edit : i'm talking about rally sliven official live coverage, not about irc-results ;)

[Mirek]

I still don't get it. You mean that for some time the times were shown twisted (like the value from overall time in column of stage time)? This may happen as the times are automatically got from rally timekeepers. It happens (happened on other events too) that the values are sent in wrong format and therefore may appear wrong. For example in SS1 of Yalta we had average speed over 1000 km/h for several minutes :D

[stefanvv]

never see a so bad live coverage from an official website ... forgot time for 20/30 drivers the first day, some drivers who were in classification disappear from the classification and other have completly 2 times, and one false and illogical ... or put only gap and not average time... even some regional rallies in France have better live coverage :mad:

Canceled SS3 and the 2 driver competing only for Bulgarian championship (Staykov, Isaev) messed the things a lot I guess...

[vino_93]

I still don't get it. You mean that for some time the times were shown twisted (like the value from overall time in column of stage time)? This may happen as the times are automatically got from rally timekeepers. It happens (happened on other events too) that the values are sent in wrong format and therefore may appear wrong. For example in SS1 of Yalta we had average speed over 1000 km/h for several minutes :D

i mean, we have, in stage time, two times some drivers. One is good time, other has nothing to see with stage or overall time. and for example, all foreigners drivers doesn't appear in stage time for the last one for example. Maybe a picture will talk better than me :
http://img87.xooimage.com/files/8/0/3/sans-titre-38581fa.jpg (http://excya.xooit.com/image/87/6/2/4/sans-titre-38581f9.jpg.htm)

and it was this during all the day ... not the best way to promote your event,when your timing is false and bugged.

[michpetter]

where's eurosport's coverage of the first day? seems they've forgot they've got rally to broadcast...

[vino_93]

in French Eurosport there were ads for the event before the start of the rally ;)

[stefanvv]

where's eurosport's coverage of the first day? seems they've forgot they've got rally to broadcast...

Today 23:00 CET full Rally coverage. I don't know why there wasn't 1st day report, disappeared from ES program yesterday.

[Mirek]

vino_93: How to explain that... Despite it looks same this is not official IRC results. Those are Rally Sliven 2012 - Results - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://irc-results.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/) or same on address Rally Sliven 2012 - Results - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/)

Those results You show are made by Bulgarian event organizer. I don't know why they copied the style and just changed colors but it is run by different team of people. That's why I was confused because I know only official IRC ones which are run by autosport.cz. These provided by organization have nothing to do with promoter.

[Mirek]

Updated point tables. Report mistakes, please, if You find some.

Autosport : Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=64)

Jezdci = drivers
Značky = manufacturers
RZ = SS wins

EDIT: Hups, not complete yet. Soon to be finished :)

[Mirek]

Another crash into the end of railguard. Fortunately with good end...

IRC SLIVEN KROZSER CRASHES OUT IN SS12 - Video Gallery - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/videogallery/detail/id_event/69/id/614)

Here big crash of Hunt

IRC SLIVEN HUNT CRASHES OUT IN SS11 - Video Gallery - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/videogallery/detail/id_event/69/id/613)

[PLuto]

And another great work of FIA stewards... www.AutoSport.CZ (http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=718&p=64161#p64161)

[werner]

And another great work of FIA stewards... www.AutoSport.CZ (http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=718&p=64161#p64161)

Very nice Final OFFICIAL Classifiction ... :-)

Congrats to Consani who is in very good position to win PC and 2WD! Sorry for Harry Hunt, a very important race for him and a bad mistake.

[dimviii]

And another great work of FIA stewards... www.AutoSport.CZ (http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=718&p=64161#p64161)

wtf?

[ProRally]

Another crash into the end of railguard. Fortunately with good end...



Here big crash of Hunt

IRC SLIVEN HUNT CRASHES OUT IN SS11 - Video Gallery - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge - Eurosport (http://www.ircseries.com/videogallery/detail/id_event/69/id/613)

For Hunt it is medium crash, seen worse of him ....

[ProRally]

And another great work of FIA stewards... www.AutoSport.CZ (http://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=51&t=718&p=64161#p64161)

What happened ?

[Mirek]

The OFFICIAL classification is done according to starting numbers not by time in finish in the document signed by FIA stewards. That means it is totally wrong.

[stefanvv]

Congratulations to Iliev for the victory in this tough event. Big congratulations for Slavov finishing 4th (IRC/ERC) in the event and first in his class. He takes the Colin McRae flat out trophy - Todor Slavov awarded with the Colin McRae Flat Out Trophy in Rally Sliven (http://www.rallysliven.com/en/news/item/228-todor-slavov-vze-trofeia-colin-mcrae/228-todor-slavov-vze-trofeia-colin-mcrae.html)

[michpetter]

Congratulations to Eurosport for forgetting to broadcast the rally :)

[stefanvv]

Flat out Clio :D - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=426562197408268

[stefanvv]

Onboard video from the winner of SS8 "Stara Reka":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzKJ9w8RVsU&feature=youtu.be

[tolis]

What happened to Staykov?

[Mirek]

He crashed

[stefanvv]

What happened to Staykov?

After leading after SS4, crashed on SS5 "Bulgarka 1" damaging underneath of his car and oil leaked out.

[tolis]

Thanks Mirek, stefanvv!
It was a nice rally in general, with nice atmosphere! However, the SSS was very dangerous. Thanks God nothing serious happened.
Nice driving by Iliev and Gyoshev. Incredible Slavov, Staykov and Isaev!
Disappointed about Avci. It seems his goal was only to finish the rally and take valuable points for the turkish championship.
I didn't like at all the Megane RS. It seems like it's not a rally car!
Disappointed also about the Greek crew who retired in front of us in SS2, after a small off.
Isaev, Bostanci, Mechkov spectacular!

Some photos of the rally by Andreas Hunter here: 32nd Mabanol Rally Sliven (http://www.r40.gr/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=125934)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298298_454283814610619_269196115_n.jpg

[vino_93]

vino_93: How to explain that... Despite it looks same this is not official IRC results. Those are Rally Sliven 2012 - Results - IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://irc-results.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/) or same on address Rally Sliven 2012 - Results - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2012/rally-sliven-2012/)

Those results You show are made by Bulgarian event organizer. I don't know why they copied the style and just changed colors but it is run by different team of people. That's why I was confused because I know only official IRC ones which are run by autosport.cz. These provided by organization have nothing to do with promoter.
I didn't talk to the promoter, only to the organization ... I mean, if organizer can't do a good promotion of their rally ...
but eurosport did its job, as well ! ;)

[OgyWRC]

Eurosport and Rally Sliven organizers didn’t agree on broadcasting payment. Although, Eurosport cameras were at the stages, the coverage was canceled in Saturday. So it was 50% IRC event – only 2WD IRC crews and very limited coverage from Eurosport.

Nevertheless, it was a very good Rally Sliven – drivers were pushing hard, fans were happy and there was a great atmosphere. As we commented before, stages are quite demanding and tricky, in this respect previous experience here was an advantage for previously participating crews.

Expected victory for Iliev in close battle with Gyoshev, the latter failed to take an advantage in heavy SS11 and finished second. Staykov was leading the rally with his Evo IX R4 E85, posting consecutive wins on SS2 and SS3 (more suitable for Mitsu), but he was quite aggressive into the next two stages, where he suffered a puncture and a branch knocked into the bonnet, which cause him an early retirement. Ignat Isaev was the most attractive driver going everywhere sideways but he managed to keep the speed as well and finished third in his not so fast Evo IX N4 E85. He was starting 3min after the last IRC/ERC registered car. Initially both Evo E85 drivers were told that they will keep their usual starting order, but just after the shakedown stewards decided to shift them down, which was OK according to the rules, but was a quite dangerous move to do in a last minute. Nevertheless, the safety car warned fans and everything was fine.

In 2WD Todor Slavov did his job perfectly, he was smooth and fast everywhere, he was confident with his victory and he did it in a Loeb style. I was quite impressed from the progress made by Harry Hunt on tarmac, the last time I saw him on tarmac was at WRC Rally Bulgaria and he was still learning. Last weekend he was fast, aggressive and played with the car. Unfortunately he did two mistakes on a tricky Stara Reka stage, the second one cost him heavily damaged car and co-driver injury. Krozser was another driver to show a good pace and an aggressive driving style, beating Kangur almost everywhere. It is shame that he crashed in such a stupid way, but that’s rally – you have to keep concentration all the time! I was expecting more from Martin Kangur. Finally, Anton Titov finished third in class 5, showing a good pace, having in mind that he has less than two years of experience in racing at all!

Robert Consani was too cautious all the time, I guess he was here only to collect some points, Avci and Tempestini did it the same way. On the other hand Bostanci was flying and had no problems in his class with Ganchev, Grigogov and Stratiev not participating. Ekaterina Stratieva showed an improvement and was quite fast, finishing ahead of the local hero Hristo Hristov (Saxo class 9), who was driving at 101% as usual and finished 12 overall.

In conclusion, we had a thrilling rally and there were all chances for a more glamorous and interesting event if the top guys were here and if the organizers had better communication with Eurosport.

I am happy with performance of my team mates (Octane team) - Ignat Isaev and Anton Titov!

p.s. Tolis, I'm glad to hear that you like the event, it is always nice to have foreign crews and fans around. I was expecting strong performance from Greek crew, but tell them that they can have another chance in Rally Hebros at the end of Oct.

.dnevnik.bg/sport/2012/10/01/1916951_fotogaleriia_momichetata_na_rali_sliven - no translation needed ;-) (add World Wide Web in front, sorry, but I can't post links, according to the rules)


3018

[Mirek]

Just a little point. Robert Consani had technical problems though the whole rally. Most time with engine plus also with driveshaft.

[PLuto]

Ignat Isaev was the most attractive driver going everywhere sideways but he managed to keep the speed as well and finished third in his not so fast Evo IX N4 E85. He was starting 3min after the last IRC/ERC registered car. Initially both Evo E85 drivers were told that they will keep their usual starting order, but just after the shakedown stewards decided to shift them down, which was OK according to the rules, but was a quite dangerous move to do in a last minute. Nevertheless, the safety car warned fans and everything was fine.

Regulations are in this situation clear, as I was talking to you and the crews few days before start of the rally - with ethanol fuel they CANNOT start in EC field...


Robert Consani was too cautious all the time, I guess he was here only to collect some points

From second stage he had problems with his car - with driveshaft and then with power of his car. They werent able to find where was the problem.

[OgyWRC]

You are right about the ethanol and it was clear for me and Ignat Isaev before the rally (thanks to you, Pluto, as well), nevertheless, he was told by organizers that he will start 9-th ... very strange decision for me ... it looks that they realized their mistake just before the start, which was the real problem!

Another question is how stewards can exactly define the type of the fuel, without any tests and without asking the crews about what fuel they are going to use ;)

It was clear that Consani has mechanical issues, but he was just cruising ...

[uranium]

Very nice момичетата in Bulgaria ;)

[Mirek]

Another question is how stewards can exactly define the type of the fuel, without any tests and without asking the crews about what fuel they are going to use ;)

That's pretty easy way to cheat. They shall check it from time to time...

[stefanvv]

That's pretty easy way to cheat. They shall check it from time to time...

There was pretty big discussion about the fuel in Bulgarian Rally forum. IMHO Someone would only foolish himself risking to be caught, take away serious penalty and lose his driving license.

[Mirek]

Do You really think that people don't cheat in rallying? They do, a lot of them do. People cheat in every sport. It doesn't matter if it's football, cycling or rally. It's just fact ;)

[stefanvv]

Do You really think that people don't cheat in rallying? They do, a lot of them do. People cheat in every sport. It doesn't matter if it's football, cycling or rally. It's just fact ;)

No, not really :D

[danon]

Great rally!
The atmosphere at the iconic Tree (SS9 Bulgarka) was phenomenal...


http://videos.eurosport.com/irc/irc-sliven-highlight-ss9_vid250479/videos.shtml

[danon]

http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/375787_4273567391227_898163936_n.jpg

[stefanvv]

Nice video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Y_sGNkgIA9g

[stefanvv]

The complete coverage is here :) :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awh0-SOs8Gc

[danon]

From the short video I created you can get the feeling what was like the atmosphere high up
at the iconic "The Tree" (SS Bulgraka), SSS 1 Sliven, SS Ichera, SS Mollova Gora, SS Bulgarka.

Enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eb6igiUXVA

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ULwZNlzy8k

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MePxjvyxlF8

[stefanvv]

Day 2 coverage (Russian Audio):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJadfg-BeMo&feature=g-all-u

WARNING: DO NOT watch it, if you want to see the "Tree"

From the commentary:
"... Avci quickly got used to the stages, because there was so much gravel on the road..." :laugh:

[danon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsZjE6Qjng8&feature=share&noredirect=1