Rally Guanajuato Mexico 2013

[stefanvv]

Citroens are quite equal in performance, the engine role :confused:

[Sprocket]

Novikov moving again... puncture?

[Mintexmemory]

Prediction- JML will get Pickem points even with super rally!!

[[WRCRR]]

Why does it not surprise me that Novikov and Latvala are the ones out early once again?!

[Tom206wrc]

Protasov in problems too :confused:

[Sprocket]

Mikko reporting not in groove at beginning of stage, looking at splits he lost all time before split 1, after that he matched Ogier

[Mintexmemory]

Almost 10 secs quicker than Citroen on the first real stage - what was that doubt about the VW engine? Sorry Sprocket Mikko lost time between the last 2 splits just not as much as Sordo

[Georgi]

Citroen not quite on the pace!
From what I see now it's gonna be hard for Citroen to be winning team without Mr. Loeb.

[EightGear]

So, in Mexico 2012, Monte Carlo 2013 and Mexico 2013 JML and Novikov managed to crash together on the same stage.

[amilk]

Yeah - first proper gravel stage of the year, clear Ogier lead, - Ogier the new boss and will be WC this year
Pitty that Loeb not here this year.

[Mintexmemory]

So, in Mexico 2012, Monte Carlo 2013 and Mexico 2013 JML and Novikov managed to crash together on the same stage.

They've got to stop meeting like that - people will talk!!!

[Sprocket]

Almost 10 secs quicker than Citroen on the first real stage - what was that doubt about the VW engine? Sorry Sprocket Mikko lost time between the last 2 splits just not as much as Sordo



9.
8
S. OGIER
-13.6
-22.7
-29.8
12:50.7


10.
4
M. OSTBERG
-11.4
-19.3
-25.4
12:55.7


11.
11
T. NEUVILLE



12:57.8


12.
5
E. NOVIKOV
-9.0
-10.4
+7:27.3



13.
2
M. HIRVONEN
-6.1
-14.4
-20.6
13:01.1




Looks to me like 7 seconds at first split, couple more at split 2 then steady. Not engine, Mikko admitted he had terrible start to stage with his driving.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sensor issue for Evgeny on SS3. :(

But he's as good a mechanic as he is a driver and get the car up and running again ! :)

[Rallyper]

Looking like Polo having some more power, explaining Hirvonen not equaly fast, that he should be...?

[stefanvv]

Ogier is not completely happy with his setup, Ostberg has understeering issues. What is left for Citroen :)

[Mintexmemory]

9.

8

S. OGIER

-13.6

-22.7

-29.8

12:50.7



10.

4

M. OSTBERG

-11.4

-19.3

-25.4

12:55.7



11.

11

T. NEUVILLE




12:57.8



12.

5

E. NOVIKOV

-9.0

-10.4

+7:27.3




13.

2

M. HIRVONEN

-6.1

-14.4

-20.6

13:01.1





Looks to me like 7 seconds at first split, couple more at split 2 then steady. Not engine, Mikko admitted he had terrible start to stage with his driving.
7.5 (bad start) / 8.3 (+0.8 lost) / 9.2 (0.9) /9.4 (0.2)
Accepted that getting going was the main problem BUT he has blown his chosen road advantage in one stage. Your hope that SO is over driving and will blow it is all Mikko can hope for. Personally I think the Polo has got something to spare ;)

[Mirek]

yeah, but seriously, they can be thrown as well. I was wondering, didn´t it happen to JML a couple of times before?

So You suggest there is some anti-Latvala terrorist fraction putting stones in front of his car every second rally in several years?

[WUff1]

Congratulations to Ogier for winning WRC 2013 - and maybe the following years too :cool:

[Tom206wrc]

SS4 running ;)
If split times want to work properly :mad:

[Mirek]

Citroens are quite equal in performance, the engine role :confused:

I guess that no presence of Loeb shows that Citroën has never been some über space machine and that Fiesta has never been so much underdog like many used to suggest...

[Tom206wrc]

Problem for Guerra :confused:

[Mintexmemory]

I guess that no presence of Loeb shows that Citroën has never been some über space machine and that Fiesta has never been so much underdog like many used to suggest...

Certainly the 2013 model doesn't seem to be ;)

[Mintexmemory]

On the bright side JML has the full quota of tyres left for super rally :D

[[WRCRR]]

I guess that no presence of Loeb shows that Citroën has never been some über space machine and that Fiesta has never been so much underdog like many used to suggest...

I think most analytical fans have noted this since - 10 years ago? =)

Seriously, I am starting to miss Loeb already...

[Sprocket]

7.5 (bad start) / 8.3 (+0.8 lost) / 9.2 (0.9) /9.4 (0.2)
Accepted that getting going was the main problem BUT he has blown his chosen road advantage in one stage. Your hope that SO is over driving and will blow it is all Mikko can hope for. Personally I think the Polo has got something to spare ;)

No not at all, Mikko has less tyre wear with his road position for rest of day. Who would not expect Ogier to be quickest. He is QUICK. But can he lead from the front for the whole rally?

This is why I do not draw comparison between Ogier and Loeb. Loeb could do that, he could do it when sweeping it was there throughout his career. Ogier always was quick, but to compare consistency of Ogier with Loeb or Hirvonen, different picture. ;)

Shame about JML that's messed up my Pickems!

[AMSS]

I guess that no presence of Loeb shows that Citroën has never been some über space machine and that Fiesta has never been so much underdog like many used to suggest...

I completely agree(though I even myself have thought Ford always was the underdog), but looking at the current results it really seems all the cars are extremely equal, and the differences are from the drivers! The 2 Sebs by far the fastest and than some young guys and than sad but true the Finns...

[makinen_fan]

No not at all, Mikko has less tyre wear with his road position for rest of day.

Actually George Donaldson reported he had the most worn tyres from everyone.

[JTGANG]

Seems quite "slow" stage specially comparing to the previous one

[Tom206wrc]

SS4 splits and results are boringly slow to come :rolleyes:

[Tom206wrc]

Why did Alkinson change road position between SS3 and 4 ??? :s

[stefanvv]

I guess that no presence of Loeb shows that Citroën has never been some über space machine and that Fiesta has never been so much underdog like many used to suggest...

True, I don't think Ford is so underdog anyway, team tactics, that is another thing

[Dug83]

Broken wheel and hasn't started stage

[Sprocket]

Why did Alkinson change road position between SS3 and 4 ??? :s

Broken wheel late into stage

[[WRCRR]]

Why did Alkinson change road position between SS3 and 4 ??? :s

Citroën teams tactics? Or a real problem causing him to be late at TC?

Edit: beaten

[Juha_Koo]

So You suggest there is some anti-Latvala terrorist fraction putting stones in front of his car every second rally in several years?

Well, sometimes when reading the forum I wouldn't be surprised if this would indeed be the case...

... ;) ...

[stefanvv]

Ostberg is flyiiing

[Sprocket]

Ogier poor start to SS4?

[Tom206wrc]

Broken wheel late into stage


Oh no :mark: I thought it was only bumper for Atko :confused:

[Xsara Fan]

Why did Alkinson change road position between SS3 and 4 ??? :s

Atkinson out.

[Allyc85]

Oh dear Latvala. He has fallen into the Duval class of uselessness! I guess all he can be used for is car strength testing...

[Sprocket]

Ostberg takes lead

Ogier denying problem in SS4 lol

[[WRCRR]]

Atkinson out.

Hopefully this was not the last time we saw Atkinson in WRCar...

[COD]

VW would have been much happier with Hänninen as their no.2

[rage82]

Mikko is also flying now

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen flying like Östberg on split one :bounce:

[Tom206wrc]

Looks like Atkinson is starting behind Mikko :confused:

[EightGear]

Atkinson has started SS4

[Sprocket]

Mikko may be held up by Novikov, so slightly down on Ostberg but up to third position. :D

[Mirek]

Ostberg is flyiiing

There used to be a nice discussion about Mads not able to replace Petter...

[Tom206wrc]

SS5 running :cool:

[Mirek]

VW would have been much happier with Hänninen as their no.2

Sadly Juho made even more mistakes than JML in his two rounds. I really hope he can do more events. I would miss him.

[Viking]

There used to be a nice discussion about Mads not able to replace Petter...

Not to bad so far.. from the 3rd best driver from Norway...

[Tom206wrc]

Sordo really quick in SS5 ;)

[Mintexmemory]

We shall see who's got the best tyre strategy after El Chocolat - 30Km, Despite the dramas so far I hope we get a good 3-way fight right to the end

[rage82]

Mads is coming strong on that one also!

[sete]

my fingers are hold for Ford and especially for Mads!!!

[tommeke_B]

Not to bad so far.. from the best driver from Norway...
Corrected that for you. :)

[satukata]

is there any livestreams from other stages today or later?

[darkstar]

i never believed in östberg, but he´s doing really good atm!

[Mintexmemory]

El Chocolate will also tell us if Mikko is competing against Mads and Seb or trying just to stay ahead of Neuville!

[Rallyper]

So You suggest there is some anti-Latvala terrorist fraction putting stones in front of his car every second rally in several years?

Unless you can´t prove the other way around, nothing is certain. I just proclaimed it happened before. And stones are thrown at rallies, we all know that.

[Sulland]

True, I don't think Ford is so underdog anyway, team tactics, that is another thing

Yes, the french are miles ahead in that respect, at least they have been!

And Østberg is driving like he has stolen the car!

[stefanvv]

Yes, the french are miles ahead in that respect, at least they have been!

And Østberg is driving like he has stolen the car!

:D For sure last year there were quite weird decisions in that respect, I'm not saying it is general rule

[Sprocket]

El Chocolate will also tell us if Mikko is competing against Mads and Seb or trying just to stay ahead of Neuville!

Seems Mikko lost most time on of SS3 on the cobbles - Mikko just needs to stay in touch for now and not lose any more time, he's certainly not drifting too much further so I see no power advantage for VW - in fact the cars all seem remarkably equal and now without Loeb we have a rally to enjoy on driving ability only with three different cars, brilliant!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to see Ford winning Stages 4 & 5 but here comes the big one... Go Mads !!!

[stefanvv]

Splits are completely mad now

EDIT: How is this possible:


1.
12
M. KOSCIUSZKO
00:04:41.0
00:09:24.1
00:13:05.5
00:18:15.6



2.
21
M. PROKOP
+3.6
-3.2
-10.4




3.
14
B. GUERRA
-26.7
-9.2
-43.8




4.
43
K. BLOCK
-11.5
-38.4
-32.3




5.
6
N. AL-ATTIYAH
-42.6

[satukata]

splitsss :( (

[Sprocket]

Ogier closing gap on Ostberg at split 1

[[WRCRR]]

So the split service is still messed up? If I miss Loeb already, even more I miss the old timekeeping company...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No splits update and RR gone off... ? :(

[stefanvv]

Ogier is making massive difference on this one

[Sprocket]

Splits are getting really annoying, such an important stage to mess up, but looks like Ogier tyre management is making massive difference

[darkstar]

latvalas car in the service, no bigger damage to see:

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BE2QCDtCAAEqcXA.jpg:large

and a dirty atkinson after he repaired his car:

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BE2QMuxCYAAUXn7.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads fights back ... or maybe not ?! :rolleyes:

[Rallyper]

No times at all from Block and on...

[Sprocket]

Mads slowed at end of stage lost loads of time

[darkstar]

as far as i got that right ogier is 13 sec faster then östberg.

[Mintexmemory]

Splits are getting really annoying, such an important stage to mess up, but looks like Ogier tyre management is making massive difference

:s tareup: (as there is no emoticon for smug whistle)

[arko5]

Ogier 23:28,8
Ostberg 23:42,5

[Barreis]

So Mr.Latvala is out. Again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any other website have the stage times ?

EDit - http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Evenements/Rally-Mexico-2013/Rally-Mexico

[stefanvv]

Any other website have the stage times ?

This one is pretty quick - Volkswagen Motorsport -*LiveConsole (http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/index.php?id=392&L=1&ral=mexico)

[Zeropt]

WRC - Rally Mexico - Positions, Information, Videos and Photos live from the Rally Mexico | Best of Rally Live by Michelin | (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/Evenements/Rally-Mexico-2013/Rally-Mexico)

[stefanvv]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BE2Tj_YCYAIQA_I.jpg:large

[Tom206wrc]

Ogier 23:28,8
Ostberg 23:42,5

Where do you get the times :confused:
WRC.COM is on strike :mad:

Edit: works now :rolleyes:

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen was 2nd fastest on SS6 but...far behind Ogier :mark:

[Mintexmemory]

Where do you get the times :confused:
WRC.COM is on strike :mad:

The Volkswagen consol link above

Seb O 9 secs quicker than Mikko !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Came across webcams of service park if anyone wants to see: Cam1 VW, Cam2 Ford, Cam3 Cit:

Rally Guanajuato México cam3 on USTREAM: Rally Guanajuato México 2013. Racing (http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rally-mexico-cam3)

[Mintexmemory]

So having the prime position of his own choosing Mikko fails to win a stage so far. Despite 'mistakenly' using hard compounds in qualifying Ogier is 11.8 sec ahead of the nearest challenger Ostberg.
Only 6 of the Pickem entries have got the current 1-2-3 correct no one has the 4th place right which means JML has let a lot of people down and Neuville is exceeding most expectations

[eestlane]

I think that 4 people are still in it for the win. On sunday there is a 54 km stage and like 2011 Ogier could have a comfortable lead but can still crash

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Think I'll try being Seb-O in the Polo while we wait for next stages... :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/EddieFocus/Ogier_zps294c4e61.jpg

[andyone]

Go try RBR and you will bebthe king.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[A FONDO]

So having the prime position of his own choosing Mikko fails to win a stage so far. Despite 'mistakenly' using hard compounds in qualifying Ogier is 11.8 sec ahead of the nearest challenger Ostberg.
Only 6 of the Pickem entries have got the current 1-2-3 correct no one has the 4th place right which means JML has let a lot of people down and Neuville is exceeding most expectations

We got plenty of time til the end ;) So far I am quite pleased. I put Juan-Martin in 5th because I was sure he will crash early and then recover through superrally. Neuville will crash after half of the rally and wouldnt recover.

[Rallyper]

Juan-Martin...? :D :D

[WUff1]

We got plenty of time til the end ;) So far I am quite pleased. I put Juan-Martin in 5th because I was sure he will crash early and then recover through superrally. Neuville will crash after half of the rally and wouldnt recover.

You forgot about Novikov :D

[Mintexmemory]

Juan-Martin...? :D :D
'Jerome-matteo' surely

Those expecting VW tyre problems on the veeeeery long Sunday stage should note that VW are very aware of the time difference per km of them on hard tyres and the opposition on softs (if they have any left by then). Can't see anyone risking a soft strategy with the power stage to follow!

[A FONDO]

You forgot about Novikov :D

Well, someone has to finish the rally, who do you want to put in top 8 - Kosciusko, Block? :)

[wildboar]

Great onboard video of Hirvonen and the Guanajuato street stage:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqX5VIpwEa4

[Sprocket]

SS8 underway

[Tom206wrc]

SS8 running ;)

[Sprocket]

Ostberg losing more time to Ogier at first split

[satukata]

vw and seb looks too strong... wrc is going boring again.. another Seb domination.. next years.. hope not

[Negaiss]

Ogier supreme as expected! Surpise of Ostberg! Good result for him but I think It's too fast for him. I predict Ostberg to go off, if he tries to keep up with Ogier.

[Tom206wrc]

Neuville quite lot faster than Östberg :confused:

[mousti]

Neuville almost on Ogier's pace, hope that's Thierry's rhythm and not the rhythm of pushing for getting Hirvonen.

[Negaiss]

vw and seb looks too strong... wrc is going boring again.. another Seb domination.. next years.. hope not
Let''s hope Hunday makes Monster fast Ultra car and forces Loeb behind the wheel - otherwise = Ogier= New King

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen too slow :mark:

[MikeD]

vw and seb looks too strong... wrc is going boring again.. another Seb domination.. next years.. hope not

Honestly, people should just accept the situation as it is. I am not too happy about the possible VW/Ogier domination, but cudos to them - they did a better job with the whole package, and if they dominate Loeb/Citroën style now and in the future, good for them. If you can't see the sporting part of that, then nobody is forcing you to watch...

[Rallyper]

Our fears is going to be true - JML retiring, and Mikko underperformes. This is unbelievable for the true rallylover but unfortenately the truth for the realistic. I was hoping for a 1-2 finish with finnish drivers and Mads third. Sadly never gonna happen...

[stefanvv]

Citroen are giving up too early, Sordo is also very very slow

[Rallyper]

We also have to know that things happens. It could also strike for example Ogier. (Regarding JML who was extremely unlucky)

[Sprocket]

Our fears is going to be true - JML retiring, and Mikko underperformes. This is unbelievable for the true rallylover but unfortenately the truth for the realistic. I was hoping for a 1-2 finish with finnish drivers and Mads third. Sadly never gonna happen...

Me too, it's already getting way too predictable. All that is left is the Ogier bin it whilst leading factor. Though he didn't in Sweden and already getting comfortably ahead now.

[A FONDO]

Ostberg back to his "going on vacation with wife and kids" pace :dozey:

He has no more excuses to not push for wins!

[stefanvv]

I'm beginning to miss Loeb too

[satukata]

Hirvonen too slow :mark:

Maybe Mikko is not right choice for teams 1st driver.. Big offs in rally finland and driving 2nd driver behind grönholm and loeb -> Mikko is not winning driver.. Waiting more young guns.. Thierry neuville is going very well..

[rp]

Honestly, people should just accept the situation as it is. I am not too happy about the possible VW/Ogier domination, but cudos to them - they did a better job with the whole package, and if they dominate Loeb/Citroën style now and in the future, good for them. If you can't see the sporting part of that, then nobody is forcing you to watch...

Yes, we can not do nothing about that, but it will be very, very sad for the whole WRC as everything is same like last ten years.

No competition and only one driver taking the wins and dominating the series. Only hope could be that current World Rally Cars will be banned and R5 would be the main class. Then there would be at least more manufacturers and more drivers, but the best drivers are always on the top, so maybe everything would be the same...

[dimviii]

[SS8] Mikko Hirvonen (Citroen) 12:55.1 "I don't know why I am so slow on that stage.

dont worry Mikko,we have ages to see you to be fast. ....

[darkstar]

therefore neuville is surprsingly fast, i hope he can keep that pace up!

[dimviii]

Yes, we can not do nothing about that, but it will be very, very sad for the whole WRC as everything is same like last ten years.

No competition and only one driver taking the wins and dominating the series. Only hope could be that current World Rally Cars will be banned and R5 would be the main class. Then there would be at least more manufacturers and more drivers, but the best drivers are always on the top, so maybe everything would be the same...

like Loeb when from 2,0 to 1,6 wrc cars.I really haven t got any problem if Ogier will dominate.Thats life,faster wins.

[satukata]

many years we have speaked about citroens strong engine in Mexico compared Fords engine...
Now we can see that only super thing in citroen team was Seb Loeb .. All 3 fords are as fast as Hirvonen... poor mikko, but he is not fast enough..

[rp]

like Loeb when from 2,0 to 1,6 wrc cars.I really haven t got any problem if Ogier will dominate.Thats life,faster wins.

Yes, but the R5 would be once again a little bit simple and much cheaper to develop, but of course the best teams and drivers would make the difference...

[MikeD]

Yes, we can not do nothing about that, but it will be very, very sad for the whole WRC as everything is same like last ten years.

I think the last ten years have been great from a sporting point of view. It depends on the eyes watching....


No competition and only one driver taking the wins and dominating the series.

Seriously, come on! This is the 3rd rally of the season and you are already giving it the verdict "Domination". That's just too premature.


Only hope could be that current World Rally Cars will be banned and R5 would be the main class. Then there would be at least more manufacturers and more drivers, but the best drivers are always on the top, so maybe everything would be the same...

I am not quite sure if you actually understand motorsport. The Loeb's, The Schumacher's, The Rossi's etc. will always dominate nomatter what you do with the series. The WRC is fine as it is. You just want to keep changing the rule because you don't like the winner.

[stefanvv]

Isn't R5 supposed to be cheaper alternative to S2000, not something like "Formula Ford" for WRC

[Tom206wrc]

Suddenly Sordo very fast(split 1 SS9) ;)

[catty]

Citroen are giving up too early, Sordo is also very very slow
What did they expect.
They've hired a driver thats at best, a number 2 and a tarmac specialist who's never won a tarmac rally......

[Rally Talent]

Honestly, people should just accept the situation as it is. I am not too happy about the possible VW/Ogier domination, but cudos to them - they did a better job with the whole package, and if they dominate Loeb/Citroën style now and in the future, good for them. If you can't see the sporting part of that, then nobody is forcing you to watch...

True

[stefanvv]

Ostberg is pushing on this one

[catty]

Suddenly Sordo very fast(split 1 SS9) ;)
7 down on Ostberg is very fast?

[Tom206wrc]

Al Attiyah :confused:

[satukata]

Al Attiyah :confused:

Very good! again faster than Sordo!

[satukata]

Great mads!

[darkstar]

well done östberg!

[COD]

Finally Neuville showing what I expected from him. Mikko as as lame as usual...

[Tom206wrc]

At last, Hirvonen speed up a little bit(like on first passage) :)

[Rallyper]

Well, that´s an improvement... Hope Mikko heads seconds before Ogier as well...

[dimviii]

[SS9] Martin Prokop (Ford) 11:44.5 "For the next stages it will be difficult for me to have some rubber on the tyre…

[SS9] Michal Kosciuszko (Mini) 11:56.3 "More hot so the tyre wear is quite high. I am a little bit scared how we survive El Chocolate. It is clear and that is why the tyre consumption is higher.

[dimviii]

Latvala explaining about the rock
http://nsa34.casimages.com/img/2013/03/08/130308064834980772.png

[Sprocket]

Finally Neuville showing what I expected from him. Mikko as as lame as usual...

Mikko just took almost 5 out of Neuville! Neuville doing good though and Mads. Mikko is a long way from being out of contention in this rally.

[stefanvv]

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Mexico/Berichterstattung/2013/20130308/Galerie_des_Tages_Nummer-2/886x498px_vw-20130308-2942-max-VW-WRC13-03-BK2-0082.jpghttp://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Mexico/Berichterstattung/2013/20130308/Galerie_des_Tages_Nummer-2/886x498px_vw-20130308-2916-max-VW-WRC13-03-MC1-021.jpghttp://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Mexico/Berichterstattung/2013/20130308/Galerie_des_Tages_Nummer-2/886x498px_vw-20130308-2920-max-VW-WRC13-03-MC1-025.jpg

[Rally Talent]

I think we should not make too quick judgments about driver skills in a rally like this based on single SS performances. If someone is fast on one stage and then a little bit slower on the next one, we should not hang this driver right away. It's not over until Sunday ;)

[stefanvv]

Latvala explaining about the rock

Engineers will need that

[satukata]

I think we should not make too quick judgments about driver skills in a rally like this based on single SS performances. If someone is fast on one stage and then a little bit slower on the next one, we should not hang this driver right away. It's not over until Sunday ;)
Yes still long way to go

[stefanvv]

Jari-Matti Latvala on his retirement: “Difference
between testing and an actual rally”.

What exactly happened in SS 3?
“About 300 metres after the start we were confronted with a large stone right in the middle of the ideal line in quite a quick corner. Because there was a lot of dust in the air at this point, I saw it too late. I tried to position the stone in the middle of the car as we passed over it, as the underride protection under the engine would certainly withstand the impact. Unfortunately the stone also hit the front suspension after the engine protection, and broke a wishbone in the process.”

Did the extent of the damage surprise you?
“To a certain degree, yes. That kind of thing never happened during testing. That once again goes to show that there are still big differences between testing and an actual rally. The engineers will analyse the damage in detail. Maybe it might make sense to reinforce the wishbones.”

Could you not have continued?
“If it had only been a few kilometres from the service then I would have tried. However, we were about 200 kilometres from the service at that point. We would not have made it.”

Will you be back in business tomorrow?
“Definitely. However, I will probably have to be the first man out on the route. As such, nobody should really expect particularly quick times from me tomorrow. I will use the rest of the rally to continue getting used to the Polo R WRC and gain more valuable experience on gravel.”

[Sprocket]

Stages 1 to 6 now up on WRC.com (http://WRC.com)

[rp]

I think the last ten years have been great from a sporting point of view. It depends on the eyes watching....
Yes, it depends, but I can not compare the last ten years to the early 2000, 1990´s and the Group B era...


Seriously, come on! This is the 3rd rally of the season and you are already giving it the verdict "Domination". That's just too premature. We will see when the season is over, but there is no other driver than Loeb to beat Ogier regularly and VW has clearly made their homework...


I am not quite sure if you actually understand motorsport. The Loeb's, The Schumacher's, The Rossi's etc. will always dominate nomatter what you do with the series. The WRC is fine as it is. You just want to keep changing the rule because you don't like the winner. Well, did you read what I was writing. I said that best drivers are always on the top, so maybe everything would be the same. BUT if the car would be more simple and cheaper the situation could be much better for drivers. Surely more teams and there would be much more places for the drivers. The change should have made already before the 1.6 WRCars were decided to replace the 2.0 WRCars so it is too late now, but we will see what happen in the future.. END OF THE STORY

[stefanvv]

Stages 1 to 6 now up on WRC.com (http://WRC.com)

"Really"?

[eestlane]

JML- “The team is thinking that the part might not be strong enough, so we have to check if we need to make some reinforcements for it”. If that is true that it was too weak then actually it´s quite funny.

[Sprocket]

"Really"?

scroll down the page, I don't know how to post a link to the individual videos on the WRC site. It is only a very short summary.

Sorry if you thought I meant splits, link should be to a video lol

[seb_sh]

Indeed there is still a long way to go on a relatively rough rally, and in SS9 both Mads and Mikko took some time out of Ogier so I don't think it's completely over yet, altough Ogier seems to be in control.

As for the rest of the season, domination is a bit harsh but the Ogier/VW combo looks to have the edge. Too bad Loeb didn't do a full year, I think it would have been a classic.

[Tom206wrc]

Protasov crashed :confused:

[Rally Talent]

There are definitely drivers out there who can challenge Ogier and Loeb. They are not just in WRC yet ;)

[stefanvv]

scroll down the page, I don't know how to post a link to the individual videos on the WRC site. It is only a very short summary.

Sorry if you thought I meant splits, link should be to a video lol

Yes, I guessed that later, I was thinking of split times really :D

EDIT: There is the Latvala crash too

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyeHZ1aIWw0&list=UU5G6kTnHXDz0WIBC2VGBOqg

[Sprocket]

Latvala very unlucky I think from video, wasn't off line or anything, biggest disappointment for me today, not because JML made mistake, I don't think he did, I just would loved to see him in the mix at the top today.

[andyone]

nice one mads... people were underestimating mads ostberg. i did say that he is one to watch..

[Rally Talent]

I've had my doubts with Mads due to his inconsistency over the recent years, but his doing absolutely well now. Thumbs up for him!

[stefanvv]

nice one mads... people were underestimating mads ostberg. i did say that he is one to watch..

Ostberg surely know how to lead the team, something lot of peole were in doubt

[Tom206wrc]

Hirvonen lost too many times on the 9km long SS10 :mark:

[Sprocket]

Ooops Mikko drops to 4th :eek:

[Rallyper]

I've had my doubts with Mads due to his inconsistency over the recent years, but his doing absolutely well now. Thumbs up for him!

Inconsistency - I don´t know... I think he´s been very consistent during the last years. Not th fastest, but finally now he´s on the top level. Very good!!

[MAXLD]

And Mikko just drops to 4th overall... not good, Mikko, you have a clean road, man...

[dimviii]

wondering Mikkos pace at asphalt.......oh dear...

[mousti]

"I try to push, I really tried, but the Fords are really going fast."

Something we didn't hear for a long time and this comes up now when there is no official support from Ford :D

[eestlane]

Citroen says mikkos time is wrong. Right time should be 7.38.1

[stefanvv]

"I try to push, I really tried, but the Fords are really going fast."

Something we didn't hear for a long time and this comes up now when there is no official support from Ford :D

It's not like he hasn't been there :D

[Georgi]

Citroen says mikkos time is wrong. Right time should be 7.38.1

This is interesting...

[satukata]

This is interesting...

mikkos split time was as fast as ogiers so i think citroen is right

[Sprocket]

What's up with Rally Radio, SS11 live and just playing music?

[satukata]

I hope FIAs boss Jarmo Mahonen make his moov and get old timekeepers back.. This new firm is JOKE!!!

This is crazy! Can you believe this Firm would be F1 timekeepers?

[satukata]

TWITTER Citroen
@MikkoWRC's time may be wrong, they have 7:38.1 at the end of the stage instead of 7:45.9 on the timekeeping screens #WRC #RallyMexico
08/03 22:45

[dimviii]

guys just look at wrc.com stage 9 report the photo of Ostberg and the stone in front of his fr wheel!

[eestlane]

Ken Blocks drift in the dirt SlowMo clip... | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151370096355678&set=vb.35390480677&type=2&theater)
Close one

[Rally Talent]

Inconsistency - I don´t know... I think he´s been very consistent during the last years. Not th fastest, but finally now he´s on the top level. Very good!!

Well, yeah - inconsistency is a wrong word, you're right. I was just expecting him to be a little bit faster more often and take those stage wins too. But the main point for him is that he's done a great rally today! It's time to shine, I believe.

[dimviii]

again splits are joke...

[Rally Talent]

I really hope they will improve the timing system soon. I wonder if it's because of this same problem that some drivers are not getting split times every now and then. That's not equal treatment, and now we cannot trust stage overall times anymore... man, if we were in F1, the game would have been stopped 2 events ago!

[stefanvv]

What is going on with Sordo anyway :confused:

[HarriK]

guys just look at wrc.com stage 9 report the photo of Ostberg and the stone in front of his fr wheel!

I think that the stone is closer to photographer than car is...

[Miika]

Turns out Mikko´s stage times from the last couple of years have been one big timekeeping error.

[Sprocket]

Splits useless





Start
No
Driver
1
2
3
4
Stage
Time


1.
12
M. KOSCIUSZKO
00:04:36.7

00:12:55.3
00:18:04.3
25:32.6


2.
21
M. PROKOP
-8.0

-23.4

24:26.2


3.
14
B. GUERRA







4.
43
K. BLOCK
-10.1
00:08:56.5





5.
6
N. AL-ATTIYAH
-13.8

-39.8




6.
3
D. SORDO
-13.1

-41.9




7.
8
S. OGIER

00:08:31.0





8.
4
M. OSTBERG
-20.4






9.
11
T. NEUVILLE
-19.2

[satukata]

Mikko have new time now on ss10 3rd fastest :)

[stefanvv]

I bet Ogier will make up 15 secs at least on this one

[A FONDO]

SIT if you read this go home and never show up again PENDEJOS !

[rallyfun]

SIT if you read this go home and never show up again PENDEJOS !
S(h)IT

[Rally Talent]

It seems so, he was fast as hell.

[mousti]

Neuville loses some time because he was very carefull. Smart choice and strategy :)

[Sprocket]

Neuville had moment - no details but no damage to car?

[Sprocket]

Hit a pole on co-drivers side superficial damage to car

[irish_tiger]

There are definitely drivers out there who can challenge Ogier and Loeb. They are not just in WRC yet ;)
Agree ... a certain one might be found in the Citroën Top Driver this year - if he can get the funds together ;)

[Kielder]

HD pics from from yesterday:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Polo-R-WRC-at-the-Rally-Mexico-2013-2.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Polo-R-WRC-at-the-Rally-Mexico-2013-3.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Polo-R-WRC-at-the-Rally-Mexico-2013-4.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Polo-R-WRC-at-the-Rally-Mexico-2013-1.jpg
http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Polo-R-WRC-at-the-Rally-Mexico-2013-7.jpg

[kober]

Is Ogier that good, or is just Polo better than the rest?

It's such a shame that Loeb chose to move out of WRC - this could be an epic season.

[Barreis]

Nice lookin' car this polo.

[EightGear]

Today Ogier was just waiting for the long El Chocolate stage, he twice made the difference there... And Hirvonen disappointing again.

[Kielder]

Ivory Coast '92 was the last WRC event without a WRC Champion on the entry list. After almost a leg of Mexico '13, due to the great pace of the Polo on gravel, we know that we will have two WRC Champions in Alsace on October. There, after the Argentinian warm-up, we'll see the fight that we won't see this season. WRC 2013 could have been one of the greatest battles ever.

[Lundgaard]

Is Ogier that good, or is just Polo better than the rest?

It's such a shame that Loeb chose to move out of WRC - this could be an epic season.

He is that good.

[bluuford]

Interesting day so far. So many questions and answers:
1. Ostberg proves to many that they were wrong when saying he is not good enough. He is very good
2. Latvala. Everyone make their own luck. Am I correct when saying that longer suspension travel makes it more fragile and more sensitive to such accidents like Latvala had today?
3. Sordo-s times. Does that mean that Mini is actually even better car than we could imagine?
4. Hirvonen. Hirrrvoonnneennn.. ???!!!????!!! no comments
5. Latvala is officially nr 1 driver in VW, so,even if he continues to crash in every second rally then VW cannot do anything. It is not allowed to change your nr 1 driver during the seaon (only in case of Force Majore). So, fight for manu title should be interesting!
6. we have to keep in mind that Mexico is specific event.Remember Solberg winning 10 stages in Mexico in one year? and nothing special over the reminder of the year?
7. Nasser is good on such events.
8. Weaher forecast: you have probably noticed that I have not written any weather forecast for Mexico.. well.. there is really nothing to say. Each day is nearly copy paste from the previous day. Mostly sunny, with high clouds morning temperatures around +10..+12, noon temperatures at around +25..+26. Some wind all the time (Except first stage today in the morning).

[Zico]

He is that good.

Yes, he is excellent but the Polo is clearly also no slouch.

[stefanvv]

Is Ogier that good, or is just Polo better than the rest?

Both I think. Ogier is really good, no question about that. But also Polo appears to be really good car also, right from the start in Monte Carlo, even in Mexico specific conditions I think it isn't behind any of competitions cars at least. After today looks like Ogier is not pushing himself too much, not like Sweden.

[Kielder]

At the begining of the day, you are a WRC driver heading to SS3 El Cubilete thinking that you can replace Loeb. Through the day, you wake up and realise that you are a driver like Latvala or like Hirvonen. Another generation of drivers will be under the reign of a Seb.

[stefanvv]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BE3yw44CMAARRJS.jpg:large

[tfp]

Ivory Coast '92 was the last WRC event without a WRC Champion on the entry list. After almost a leg of Mexico '13, due to the great pace of the Polo on gravel, we know that we will have two WRC Champions in Alsace on October. There, after the Argentinian warm-up, we'll see the fight that we won't see this season. WRC 2013 could have been one of the greatest battles ever.

A good piece of history there, I often wondered about that.

[Kielder]

Citroen has developed a fastest way to assemble the grille on the DS3:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BE38ZQcCYAIY3L7.jpg:large

I took this photo in Portugal last year, when they did in the tradional way:

http://oi48.tinypic.com/34yzhab.jpg

[Kielder]

Sad image of JML's car waiting for restart tomorrow:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BE4EZh2CMAEitvB.jpg:large

[Sprocket]

Pretty exciting days rally.

Ogier can't be faulted.

Mads put in fantastic drive

Mikko - come on guys he's only 9 seconds off Mads, not that bad and still a long way to go!

Neuville has really impressed me, though not able to overhaul Mikko when the cards were on the table it was his first day on gravel in the car, so very impressive.

I'll be expecting Mikko to close up on Mads tomorrow, I doubt Neuville will be able to stay with him

[Frostmourne]

Are we heading to another years with another Seb dominating WRC?? I hope not.

[andyone]

Are we heading to another years with another Seb dominating WRC?? I hope not.

Looks like. Lets hope mads can stop him is the only person who fits. Mads is half mikko half latvala. Mikko consistency latvala speed. Otherwise we doomed.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Frostmourne]

Otherwise we doomed.


Not just the fans will be doomed, the whole WRC will be doomed, it might be like an obstacle in addition to the already obstacles (cost, promotion..etc) that preventing other manufactureres to get in.... I wish I wish, other drivers will step up to the challange and do something!!

Al-kuwari is doing some good times, hopefully another Arab win in WRC2 :) . However I wished if he continued using Mini. Would like to see Abdulaziz vs Yazeed :)

[Lundgaard]

Looks like. Lets hope mads can stop him is the only person who fits. Mads is half mikko half latvala. Mikko consistency latvala speed. Otherwise we doomed.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Mads can't stop Ogier. Our only hope is Mikkelsen at some point and maybe Kubica in a few years....

[sollitt]

Ogier is a winner and so will continue to win. His present opposition, as with Loeb, are not winners. Sadly, there are other winners involved in rallying presently but for a number of reasons they are not sitting in factory seats. So Ogier, like Loeb, will have things largely his own way for some time to come but this can not be construed as evidence of greatness.

[amilk]

Big dissapointment for me Sordo - maybe he has "mandatory finish" mission from the team but still..
Atko: I think we can close the chapter and accept that time is gone for him.
Hirvonen as usual: " I try to push..."
Ogier dominance can be questioned in the future only by the young Ford guys if they will have the rigth gear.

[awake27]

OK, first time in Mexico with worse road position and already Ogier-VW they are toying with opposition just after 1 day. The only interesting thing will have for this year is if they will win all rallies or not. And if for next season they will change the road position rule to create artificial competition like they did for Loeb from 2008 until and the 2011 season. Not that it will change overall anything. VW will dominate the series until they leave the sport Dakar style, Ogier will go/try to break the records of Loeb, M-Sport will continue running a renting-team because its their life job and Citroen we don't know exactly how and when but sooner or later they will quit.

[A FONDO]

Ogier is a winner and so will continue to win. His present opposition, as with Loeb, are not winners. Sadly, there are other winners involved in rallying presently but for a number of reasons they are not sitting in factory seats. So Ogier, like Loeb, will have things largely his own way for some time to come but this can not be construed as evidence of greatness.

Perfectly summed up !

[jbmarcus21]

Vidéos, PHotos, Infos
Wrc Rally Guanajuato México 2013 (http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/mexique-2013/)

[whereschris]

Am I right in thinking that Ogier is first on the road today? If so, how much of a disadvantage might that be?

[Sprocket]

Am I right in thinking that Ogier is first on the road today? If so, how much of a disadvantage might that be?

No, Ogier I think will be 13th on road. Latvala restarting in rally 2 will be first on road. It will run in reverse order of the positions at the end of play yesterday.

[whereschris]

Right, cheers. There goes my hope that the following pack have a chance.

[Sprocket]

Mikko did not seem to get any advantage running last yesterday, maybe the abrasive surface in mexico under the gravel and muck brought on road by other cars takes away some advantage? Then again you are probably right and we will just see Ogier extend his lead today. I'll be watching to see if Ostberg can reach him, or if Hirvonen hauls in Ostberg.

[Mintexmemory]

Am I right in thinking that Ogier is first on the road today? If so, how much of a disadvantage might that be?

No JML will be first. As the WRC cars start in reverse order Seb will have a clean road and should increase his lead - just what you'd expect from the unsporting / crash-prone / arrogant / not quick enough (delete options stated on day 2 of the Monte which have been disproved by recent events) :) There is someone who can beat Seb and I think that in Portugal he'll come good ( to likewise disprove the BS being written about him!)
Apologies for repeating Sprocket's info just not quick enough on. My BB - as I said during Rally Sweden it's a VW 1-2-3 in Portugal

[Frostmourne]

There is someone who can bet Seb and I think that in Portugal he'll come good ( to likewise disprove the BS being written about him!)

mmm Who is that?

[awake27]

I guess he means Mikkelsen? Or probably and more likely Latvala?

[stefanvv]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jts41de7IYU

[stefanvv]

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

[Jerra]

Is Ogier that good, or is just Polo better than the rest?

Yes, he is very good, the best driver and crew in the moment, no matter which car. I remember him and Julien very well from his first WRC 2008 in Mexico, he replace Bonato in FFSA team, first time in C2 S1600, first time with no experience in top ralling and first win! Great guy and one of the most talented driver in the world. Whish him and Julien everything the best in further career.

[Mintexmemory]

I guess he means Mikkelsen? Or probably and more likely Latvala?

Not aware of any BS written about Andreas - YET
I expect Norway's 4th best driver (they keep forgetting the old lady who drives the Sno-Cat at Tromso) to be 3rd in Portugal ;)

[Ucci]

My short comment of the 1.day :
- Ogier: I agree with all here, he is a future winner, if the Polo won't break, he is and will be unbeatable.
- Mads Ostberg : for me still a big positive surprise. If he will stay in front of Mikko, great result.
- Mikko Hirvonen : if I'm honest, I was expecting fight for a victory. As he showed nothing special, he is even behind Mads, clearly big disappointment 4me.
- Neuville : very, very solid performance. He is still on the road, if he retains fourth place, he can be very proud.
- Sordo : second Citroen driver, who let my expectation down....
- Al Attiyah : according to expectation
- Ken ''the Kid'' Block : well, his Fiesta is still in one piece on the road, he has a solid lead in front of local WRC driver and Prokop, who has x-more experince on the gravel. So, thumb up.
- Atkinson : I hope he will show at least one or two top three stage finishes.

[Hartusvuori]

Oh for f*cks sake... Jyrkkä ei rallille.

You should watch Kummeli with more attention. It's "synkkä ei rallille", which in this case is even more appropriate. Latvala never learns. He always makes it hard for himself. I've hang on there with support for years now, and I'm not giving up the support, it's just that nowadays everytime these news come (and they will come), I feel for it less and less. It's numbness. Perhaps he still thinks it's better to crash and burn than just take the safe 3rd or 4th position. But within walking distance from the stage/rally start... no way to do it. We haven't seen Mikkelsen in Polo yet, but it's true that for Latvala it isn't going to make it any easier.

I didn't have much time to follow the rally yesterday, but apart from Ogier expected effective performance the driver of the day must be Östberg. It's clearly showing already that his step up to M-Sport main team gives him boost in performance, comes it from the car or more mileage in the testing, no matter, it's there.

[stefanvv]

Q. Thierry Neuville has had a strong rally so far. This morning he wasn’t receiving splits into the car. He said he didn’t like it but his times were good. This afternoon did you let him have splits to improve the performance or not?
Malcolm Wilson: “I said earlier that it would be best not to give them to him and I think I’ve been proved right because this morning he was really strong. He’s been getting the splits this afternoon and he’s lost more time. So no more splits for Thierry.”

Full pressconference - World Rally Championship - News - Team bosses reflect: Friday in Mexico (http://www.wrc.com/news/team-bosses-reflect-friday-in-mexico/?fid=18362)

[dupanton]

I think this retirement was more bad luck than a real mistake from Latvala, because the stone was clearly on the racing line... So maybe this time, we should give him some credits.
As for Mikkelsen: I just don't believe in him, I think he will crash more than Latvala, he isn't learning anything and keeps on crashing (at least in IRC he was). I don't think Latvala should be afraid of him....

[stefanvv]

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Mexico/Berichterstattung/2013/20130309/Galerie_des_Tages_Nummer-1/886x498_vw-20130309-3232-max-VW-WRC13-03-RB1-1737.jpghttp://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Mexico/Berichterstattung/2013/20130309/Galerie_des_Tages_Nummer-1/886x498_vw-20130309-3231-max-VW-WRC13-03-RB1-1305.jpgStrong team work:
http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Mexico/Berichterstattung/2013/20130309/Galerie_des_Tages_Nummer-1/886x498_vw-20130309-3227-max-VW-WRC13-03-MC1-029.jpg

[Sprocket]

I'm looking forward to Mikkelsen in the WRC, pleasant guy with a serious attitude to his rally. All the young guys crash a lot, it is only to be expected. The problem with JML is we would expect him to grow out of it a bit more by now - though I totally agree this weekend was not an error of judgement and more bad luck. Looking forward to what he can do today, but maybe not too much starting at the front...

[Rallyper]

First day wrap:
- Ogier; as expected, rally not over yet, things can happen.
- Latvala; unluck, but as his fellow countryman lack of Sisu, maybe just like FCB at the moment...
- Mikko; maybe tactics, he´s still up there, let´s wait and see. LAck of Sisu and needs a boss who gives him correct orders what to do.
- Ostberg; very good, does what expects of him, one of possible three winners in this rally.
- Neuville; fast and gaining experience all the time. Will be a future champ.
- Novikov; this time unlucky; what have been his position if no trouble?
- Sordo; too much pressure or not as fast as everyone expected; maybe he has peaked? Or too much pressure bringing the car home?
- Atko; need more mileage; let´s wait and see.
- Prokop; not fast. Could be replaced by many drivers who is faster.

[Frostmourne]

Meh, I think Sordo's performance on the Mini was much better than the DS3! I really would like to see how Prodrive's Mini will be on the hands of a competent driver, more competent than Nikara and Sordo ( I dont doubt their talent).. like Loeb for example :P

[A FONDO]

http://www.almrally.ru/foto/fotolist/?idgroup=48078

[mArtini racing]

First day wrap:
- Ogier; as expected, rally not over yet, things can happen.
- Latvala; unluck, but as his fellow countryman lack of Sisu, maybe just like FCB at the moment...
- Mikko; maybe tactics, he´s still up there, let´s wait and see. LAck of Sisu and needs a boss who gives him correct orders what to do.
- Ostberg; very good, does what expects of him, one of possible three winners in this rally.
- Neuville; fast and gaining experience all the time. Will be a future champ.
- Novikov; this time unlucky; what have been his position if no trouble?
- Sordo; too much pressure or not as fast as everyone expected; maybe he has peaked? Or too much pressure bringing the car home?
- Atko; need more mileage; let´s wait and see.
- Prokop; not fast. Could be replaced by many drivers who is faster.

I cant explain what's the matter with Sordo...

I recognize I'm very surprised with the pace of Ostberg/Neuville, and I think the fact of Neuville not seeing splits it's the right way for the competition!

[mArtini racing]

I guess he means Mikkelsen? Or probably and more likely Latvala?

mmm I think Latvala, but Mikkelsen must go on the maximum too, he is not an unexperienced boy with WRCs...

[mArtini racing]

JML is not on the start list for today at wrc.com

Some people saying too that he is not starting today...

EDIT: finally it seems he is starting

[eestlane]

When i saw it i thought that it cant be right and then watched on Rally Mexico official page the start list and there was JML in as the first car .

[dimviii]

Day 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Vk6pBbCCE30#!

[Jerra]

Today's elevation datas ( start, max, finish)

Ibarrilla 2025, 2599, 2180m
Otates 1914, 2551, 2050m

[Mintexmemory]

Today's elevation datas ( start, max, finish)

Ibarrilla 2025, 2599, 2180m
Otates 1914, 2551, 2050m
Thanks. Now Mikko has said he was really trying but Ogier was just faster - maybe the Polo engine can cope better at the altitude despite predictions to the contrary
UK bookmaker has Ogier as joint favourite with Mikko at 7/4! Well it would have been rude not to! ;)

[Francis44]

Ouch.... Ogier says on the radio that he thinks Otsberg will be he's main rival this year. What a slap on Mikko's face.

[Sprocket]

Ouch.... Ogier says on the radio that he thinks Otsberg will be he's main rival this year. What a slap on Mikko's face.

I thought the same. Poor old Ogier he's not very diplomatic at times, I guess why a lot of people see him as arrogant. Perhaps meant more as a compliment to Ostberg than an insult to Mikko, but it came across to me just in the same way as it did to you.

[Tom206wrc]

Atkinson goes for place 9th ;)

[arko5]

8th or 7th ;)

[andyone]

c atkinson is on the flyer..

[Tom206wrc]

-26 on split one for Neuville ??? But he won't reach the end of SS14 if he goes on that speed !!!! :eek: :s

[eestlane]

At the 2. split Neuville is only 0.6 faster than Latvala. Nice drive from JML

[Tom206wrc]

At the 2. split Neuville is only 0.6 faster than Latvala. Nice drive from JML


Often Latvala drives well...when it's too late for a result :mark:

[Tom206wrc]

Östberg slower than Hirvonen split one ;)

[Sprocket]

Hirvonen doing as expected, pulling away from Neuville and hunting down Ostberg :D

[eestlane]

Sordo is over 7 seconds slower in the 5. split than JML?