2013 ERC News and Results

[Jarek Z]

The next rally for Robert Kubica will be Rallye National Vosgien. He will compete in this rally in order to prepare for Rallye de France. Entry list can be found here:
http://www.rallygo.com/go/documents/vis ... 9&lid=5176 (http://www.rallygo.com/go/documents/visit.php?cid=229&lid=5176)

[Jarek Z]

There is also a possibility that Kubica will compete in one more ERC event - Sanremo or Valais, but nothing has been decided yet:
http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/15 ... um=twitter (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/1597?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

[PLuto]

Robert received possibility of start on Sanremo or Valais as reward for Corse (and his not starting in second leg). But we will see how it will be after his crash + damage during rally on Rajd...

[cosmin_sb]

Could be very interesting! Can You tell us how do You see that from Romanian point of view?
I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine the Sibiu rally without dust and hot weather :) . In Romania three is no rally on the snow. They want to increase the prestige and popularity of the event to transform it into a snow rally and Eurosport promoter seem to be excited about this. Organizers has the support both local and national authorities. Victor Ponta , the prime minister, is a former co driver ( he compete as forlighter in July at Sibiu Rally) . Maybe the roads cover with the snow won’t be such tough.
They want to use a part from Transfagaran road. The landscapes are very beautiful there and it will be much more snow.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transf%C4% ... 83%C8%99an (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transf%C4%83g%C4%83r%C4%83%C8%99an)
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=128894
The third winter rally it is possible chosen between Sibiu rally and rally from Poland. Jarek what do you know about this? The want to move the Poland Rally in winter or this is another event? I know the want to go in WRC.

[pucky54]

a rumor: it is in discussion to move the Sibiu rally from July in the end of February to be a snow event in 2014

I don't like the idea at all. In a calendar of 12 events 2 snow (winter) rallies are enough! Looks like Sibiu's date has to move anyways, BUT please keep it in the summer. I cannot imagine Sibiu without the rough roads, big dust and campers next to the stages!!! With WRC losing out his "rough event" for next year, ERC should keep it like it is. It shows the variety of the championship. My wish for next years calendar would be 2 winter (snow) events [already confirmed], 3 tarmac events, followed by 3 or 4 gravel events and concluded by 3 or 4 tarmac events...

[Mirek]

Could be very interesting! Can You tell us how do You see that from Romanian point of view?
I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine the Sibiu rally without dust and hot weather :) . In Romania three is no rally on the snow. They want to increase the prestige and popularity of the event to transform it into a snow rally and Eurosport promoter seem to be excited about this. Organizers has the support both local and national authorities. Victor Ponta , the prime minister, is a former co driver ( he compete as forlighter in July at Sibiu Rally) . Maybe the roads cover with the snow won’t be such tough.
They want to use a part from Transfagaran road. The landscapes are very beautiful there and it will be much more snow.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transf%C4% ... 83%C8%99an (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transf%C4%83g%C4%83r%C4%83%C8%99an)
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=128894
The third winter rally it is possible chosen between Sibiu rally and rally from Poland. Jarek what do you know about this? The want to move the Poland Rally in winter or this is another event? I know the want to go in WRC.

Thank You. Transfagaran is beautiful road sure. Let's see what comes out.

As for Poland, they used to have winter event called Rajd Magurski in recent years. Sometimes with snow, sometimes without. I see it a bit risky from weather point of view.

Pucky: More snow events aren't that bad idea when You look at the bigger picture - in the winter there is no F1, Moto GP, football etc. on TV so the championship can attract more public. It can also help to bring more Nordic drivers into the series which I see as a very important point.

[liposh]

I agree with last Mirek´s paragraph, but why the hell don´t they choose some real winter rally in Russia, Norway, Sweden, Finland. I know there was problem with Arctic rally Lapland because of Pirelli tyres, but there is lot of great snow rallies in scandinavian area. I would personally prefer something in Norway.

[Mirek]

Is there some interest from Norwegian side? It's not working like picking random events Ribeiro likes. There must be interest from both sides.

[liposh]

Using other words "money rules the world" But it is way to hell in my opinion. Few years ago there was Rally Norway in WRC. What happened to that team of organizers? Anyway it was just an example. One little bit warmer winter and you have got all 3 events Janner, Liepaja and Sibiu (or Poland) totally without snow. Maybe that winter won´t be 2013-2014 winter, but it will happen within next few years for sure.

[Mirek]

Using other words "money rules the world"

No I have never said that. It's not only about money. It just doesn't work like every single rally in Europe wants to take part in ERC for whatever reason. You can't just point a finger and say that this rally shall be placed in the calendar.


But it is way to hell in my opinion. Few years ago there was Rally Norway in WRC. What happened to that team of organizers? Anyway it was just an example. One little bit warmer winter and you have got all 3 events Janner, Liepaja and Sibiu (or Poland) totally without snow. Maybe that winter won´t be 2013-2014 winter, but it will happen within next few years for sure.

There are temperatures up to -30 degrees in Romanian mountains during the winter. The snow there is pretty sure. As I read on the internet the Transfagaran road is often closed due to snow from October to June!

[cosmin_sb]

The snow there is pretty sure. As I read on the internet the Transfagaran road is often closed due to snow from October to June![/quote]

It snowed yesterday at Balea Lake on the Transfagarsan road for the first time this year. The snow have 4 mm high.

[Jarek Z]

The third winter rally it is possible chosen between Sibiu rally and rally from Poland. Jarek what do you know about this? The want to move the Poland Rally in winter or this is another event? I know the want to go in WRC.

I only heard some rumours. Polish organizers want to move Rally Poland to WRC. So the ERC event would have to be another rally.

In the past we used to have a beautiful winter rally called Rajd Magurski. It was a very good event, so our motorsport organization decided to exclude it from the calendar :(

My photos from Rajd Magurski 2008:
http://rallyonline.pl/g.php?1&pg_[desc]=+DESC&pg_[go]=20&modex=pokaz&T[id]=2845

[Plhus]

Orsak and Tarabus in ERC 2014 with Fabia S2000!

[Mirek]

I would not be that sure about Orsák. Let's see...

Great news about Tarabus though :)

[WUff1]

Tarabus is great, Orsak would be also. Tarabus was doing very well at Jänner and Barum (besides of course Czech championship), and I´m sure he can do in any other ERC rally, too.

[WUff1]

So Jan Kopecky/Pavel Dressler finally European rally champions 2013 after bonus points for leg one in Croatia! Congratulations to them and to Skoda! :beer:

[RS]

So Jan Kopecky/Pavel Dressler finally European rally champions 2013 after bonus points for leg one in Croatia! Congratulations to them and to Skoda! :beer:

Indeed :)

I know they haven't had huge competition this year but they have done an almost perfect job and been fast when they needed to be too.

I still wish the points system/calendar in ERC was changed though so he could have celebrated this championship in more style!

[Jack4688`]

I still wish the points system/calendar in ERC was changed though so he could have celebrated this championship in more style!

I agree, what change would you suggest?

[RS]

I still wish the points system/calendar in ERC was changed though so he could have celebrated this championship in more style!

I agree, what change would you suggest?

Less events, no dropped scores.

[Mirek]

Less events, no dropped scores.

+1 For me 8 events would be ideal.

[Jack4688`]

I hate dropped scores in motorsport - it only makes things more complicated for the fans.

I personally would like to see a shoot-out system at the end of the season. It may seem a bit of a cheap gimmick but if the top three had their points equalised for the final two events plus double points on offer at the season finale (for all competitors, not just the top three) then you'd be guaranteed an end of season title win

[Mirek]

I personally would like to see a shoot-out system at the end of the season. It may seem a bit of a cheap gimmick but if the top three had their points equalised for the final two events plus double points on offer at the season finale (for all competitors, not just the top three) then you'd be guaranteed an end of season title win

That was used for two seasons in IRC and frankly I didn't like it (and not because Kopecký lost 2011 title because of double points from Cyprus). Rallying is a sport where endurance, reliability and consistency always played a crucial role. Such system just throws that away and makes the sport something closer to X-games and other similar show stuff.

[RS]

Donuts with Fabia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_k65nmGV-I

:)

[RS]

No more ERC for Kopecky this year, his last event of the season will be next weekend in the Czech Republic. Another reason to reduce the calendar...

I hope Sanremo and Valais will still get decent entries as they are very nice events but might suffer from being at the end of the season.

[Andre Oliveira]

What a shame, i would like see him on Sanremo fighting with Italian drivers

[Allyc85]

Acropolis to join the ERC? Would love to see some live coverage of that if it does!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/110270

[Mirek]

When Acropolis is out of WRC this looks like the best other option - ERC needs high profile gravel event and Acropolis needs to continue on the international level. It could be a kind of good test as well - Monte Carlo proved itself not to be dependent on WRC trademark and Acropolis can prove the same. If it succeeds the ticket back to WRC is sure...

[Jarek Z]

Less events, no dropped scores.

+1 For me 8 events would be ideal.

What? Is it the Mirek that I know? Or did someone hack his account? Only a few months ago you said that 12 events is ideal and didn't want to hear my arguments. What happened? Who turned you to the right path? :)

[Jack4688`]

When Acropolis is out of WRC this looks like the best other option - ERC needs high profile gravel event and Acropolis needs to continue on the international level. It could be a kind of good test as well - Monte Carlo proved itself not to be dependent on WRC trademark and Acropolis can prove the same. If it succeeds the ticket back to WRC is sure...

As I can't find the 'like' button on the new format forum I second your view ;)

[Mirek]

What? Is it the Mirek that I know? Or did someone hack his account? Only a few months ago you said that 12 events is ideal and didn't want to hear my arguments. What happened? Who turned you to the right path? :)

You must have mistaken me for someone else. I have never defended 12 events.

[Fran2013]

Less events, no dropped scores.

+1 For me 8 events would be ideal.

What? Is it the Mirek that I know? Or did someone hack his account? Only a few months ago you said that 12 events is ideal and didn't want to hear my arguments. What happened? Who turned you to the right path? :)

It is first time that i write something in this forum, but i see that you defend an 8 event Calendar for quite some time now, i tried to find some reasoning to this but sorry i can´t find any.

Make your calendar for 2014 with 8 events ( 1 snow +4 asphalt + 3 Gravel ), and for the years afters and you will find why 8 events it not enough.....

[Jarek Z]

What? Is it the Mirek that I know? Or did someone hack his account? Only a few months ago you said that 12 events is ideal and didn't want to hear my arguments. What happened? Who turned you to the right path? :)

You must have mistaken me for someone else. I have never defended 12 events.

You are actually right. You wanted 10 events. I'm sorry. I remeber we had a fierce discussion about it and I was almost sure you were supprting the 12-event calendar.

From a few months ago:


If it as up to me...

1. Jänner
2. Mille Miglia
3. Tour de Corse
4. Bosphorus
5. Ypres
6. Rajd Polski
7. Barum
8. Sanremo
9. Scotland
10. Valais

Too much asphalt, I know. But I can't skip any of those asphalt events I wrote :)

[Jarek Z]

It is first time that i write something in this forum, but i see that you defend an 8 event Calendar for quite some time now, i tried to find some reasoning to this but sorry i can´t find any.


First of all, welcome to the forum! :)
As far as the reasoning is concerned, did you ask the drivers?

[liposh]

Make your calendar for 2014 with 8 events ( 1 snow +4 asphalt + 3 Gravel ), and for the years afters and you will find why 8 events it not enough.....

So why it isn´t enough? We all fans would prefer calendar with 17 rounds like in F1 in our personal fairytale world, but for driver´s needs those 8 round would be ideal...anyway it won´t happen, because people from Eurosport are businessmen first of all and they are satisfied with 2013 model and cca 12 rounds. They won´t change it.

BTW: Accepting Mirek´s calendar (or something based on it and similar) and since Mille Miglia is out we can find 9-event calendar ;)

[Fran2013]

Make your calendar for 2014 with 8 events ( 1 snow +4 asphalt + 3 Gravel ), and for the years afters and you will find why 8 events it not enough.....

So why it isn´t enough? We all fans would prefer calendar with 17 rounds like in F1 in our personal fairytale world, but for driver´s needs those 8 round would be ideal...anyway it won´t happen, because people from Eurosport are businessmen first of all and they are satisfied with 2013 model and cca 12 rounds. They won´t change it.

BTW: Accepting Mirek´s calendar (or something based on it and similar) and since Mille Miglia is out we can find 9-event calendar ;)

Simple. Make a 8 round calendar with 1 snow, 4 asphalt 3 gravel.

If you have 4 major asphalt rallies, then in 2015, 2016. and on, witch rallies would be in the calendar ? The same
4 or would you drop one or two ?

[Mirek]

You are actually right. You wanted 10 events. I'm sorry. I remeber we had a fierce discussion about it and I was almost sure you were supprting the 12-event calendar.

That "ideal" calendar I posted one year back when we were discussing what events to keep from both IRC and ERC to just one series. Meanwhile we had couple of more discussions and it's not for the first time I suggest 8 events as best in current shape of ERC ;)

Let's try...

1. Jänner
2. Acores
3. Tour de Corse
4. Acropolis
5. Ypres
6. Estonia
7. Barum
8. Sanremo

It took me 30 seconds to make it - in purpose. I didn't want to think about all options, only about events which first come to my mind and which therefore I consider important.

[RS]

I very much doubt an 8 event calendar is going to happen for next year. They have recently described next year's calendar as "ambitious"...

[Mirek]

You are right, the calendar will have most likely 12 events again.

[Eli]

how about?
1. Jänner
2. Norway
3. Cyprus
4. Acores
5. Acropolis
6. Turkey
7. Ypres
8. Estonia
9. Barum
10. Tour de Corse
11. Sanremo
12. Ireland
13. Scotland

[Jarek Z]

You must be completely crazy Eli ;)

[Franky]

You must be completely crazy Eli ;)
No, he is the calendar expert

[NxOxT]

i think he has some kind of problem...

[pucky54]

how about?
1. Jänner
2. Norway
3. Cyprus
4. Acores
5. Acropolis
6. Turkey
7. Ypres
8. Estonia
9. Barum
10. Tour de Corse
11. Sanremo
12. Ireland
13. Scotland

two rounds missing:
14. Wales
15. Ulster

:D :D

[WRC1]

how about?
1. Jänner
2. Norway
3. Cyprus
4. Acores
5. Acropolis
6. Turkey
7. Ypres
8. Estonia
9. Barum
10. Tour de Corse
11. Sanremo
12. Ireland
13. Scotland

two rounds missing:
14. Wales
15. Ulster

:D :D

16.Madeira
17.Gran Canarias
18.Sibiu
19.Russia

[PLuto]

Hey, boys, you are still forgetting UKRAINE :rolleyes:

[WUff1]

OK, let´s do 52 rallies in ERC - each weekend a rally ;)

[Eli]

i need to stop posting calendars for the next month or so....

[PLuto]

Dont be afraid. Very soon will be published ERC calendar for 2014 and we should switch to new thread here called "2014 ERC News and Results" :)

[Andre Oliveira]

Like this (http://ewrc-results.com/season.php?s=1999&sct=6&nat=95&t=ERC)

[Tom206wrc]

Creation of a Junior R2 championship in ERC 2014 !!! :bounce:

[kober]

Creation of a Junior R2 championship in ERC 2014 !!! :bounce:
JERC? :laugh:

[Mirek]

It's actually a good step. I welcome it. It will be opened for all R2 cars and the calendar will be reduced to selected ERC events only (probably seven). The winner shall be awarded a free R5 drive in selected ERC events in 2015. Let's wait for exact rules.

I remember when Renault Clio Trophy was part of IRC in 2010. That was a great addition to the championship.

[kober]

It's actually a good step.
If you're referring to my previous post, I was only laughing at the potential name for the championship, which they obviously didn't use.

The winner shall be awarded a free R5 drive in selected ERC events in 2015.
R5 of what brand? And sponsored by whom?

[Mirek]

If you're referring to my previous post, I was only laughing at the potential name for the championship, which they obviously didn't use.

No no, everything fine. I got Your joke. My post was not related to Yours ;)


R5 of what brand? And sponsored by whom?

I have no idea. Let's see when the exact rules are released.

[Jarek Z]

I remember when Renault Clio Trophy was part of IRC in 2010. That was a great addition to the championship.

Are you sure of that? Didn't it die very quickly, because no one wanted to compete?

[Mirek]

Are you sure of that? Didn't it die very quickly, because no one wanted to compete?

No, it was part of only few events but it was very good.

For example the Clio R3 list from Barum ;)

Campana
Abbring
Mauffrey
Gamba
?erný
Raoux
Mattei
Mina?ík
Consani Robert
Settembrini
Trojan Ji?í

[RS]

So Kubica is not starting on Sanremo - does that mean he is going to do Valais?

I do hope Valais has a nice entrylist - it's a beautiful rally.

[PLuto]

Are you sure of that? Didn't it die very quickly, because no one wanted to compete?

Renault Clio R3 Cup was working perfectly, also on international field. Problem was end of Clio R3 era and Renault switched all sport activities to Megane RS. And Megane Cup was not successful...

[Mirek]

This season rally winners (probably not 100% accurate)

Kopecký - 8 starts - 6 wins, 1 second, 1 third - 49 SS wins
Ketomaa - 1 start - 1 win - 8 SS wins
Bouffier - 6 starts - 1 win, 3 second, 1 fourth, 1 retired - 19 SS wins
Loix - 1 start - 1 win - 6 SS wins
Kajetanowicz - 2 starts - 1 win, 1 sixth - 5 SS wins
Basso - 1 start - 1 win - 1 SS win
Lappi - 3 starts - 1 win, 1 second, 1 accident - 6 SS wins

Not a single victory for works Peugeot...

Breen - 8 starts - 3 second, 2 third, 1 fourth, 1 seventh, 1 accident - 23 SS wins

[Jarek Z]

And another important statistics... how many events did each competitor drive?

Kopecky - 8 events
Bouffier - 8
Breen - 8
Delecour - 5
Lappi - 3
Aigner - 6
Ancian - 6
Orsak - 9
Arai - 4
Kubica - 4
Tempestini - 7
Bonnefis - 6
Hadik - 3
Puskadi - 6
Griazin - 5
Tlustak - 11
Leandri - 6
Consani - 7

So who is the 12-event calendar for?

[WUff1]

And another important statistics... how many events did each competitor drive?

Kopecky - 8 events
Bouffier - 8
Breen - 8
Delecour - 5
Lappi - 3
Aigner - 6
Ancian - 6
Orsak - 9
Arai - 4
Kubica - 4
Tempestini - 7
Bonnefis - 6
Hadik - 3
Puskadi - 6
Griazin - 5
Tlustak - 11
Leandri - 6
Consani - 7

So who is the 12-event calendar for?

Tlustak obviously ;)

Bouffier is wrong - only 6 starts (8 entries)

[Jarek Z]

Bouffier is wrong - only 6 starts (8 entries)

No, it is correct. I took it from the official website:
http://www.fiaerc.com/standings

[Mirek]

Actually I would prefer to call it wrong :) He entered 8 events but started only in 6. In Acores his engine broke in test and the well known story with Saintéloc followed. In Barum he entered but didn't find money to start.

[PLuto]

Bouffier is wrong - only 6 starts (8 entries)

No, it is correct. I took it from the official website:
http://www.fiaerc.com/standings

I dont understand why they are noticing here, when crew enter to the event and not start. Mirrek is correct, Bryan started only on 6 events.

[Mirek]

:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmsOonpVKEE

[RS]

:)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmsOonpVKEE

Nice :)

One of his trickiest drives of the year.

[RS]

Win a ride with Jan Kopecky: http://skoda-auto.com/en/motorsport/Pag ... pions.aspx (http://skoda-auto.com/en/motorsport/Pages/champions.aspx)