[ERC] Rally Liep?ja 2014 (31.1.-1.2. 2014)

[sindroms]

It's time to start this tread, I think.

All info in - http://lvrally.com/eng Rally Guide 1, Itinerary - http://lvrally.com/eng/competitors
Rally will be two days (Saturday, Sunday) long, instead of last year three days, no trip up to north to Ventspils. Very spectators-friendly itinerary, as I calculated - each day is possible to see 3 full stages out of 6. Rally Liep?ja is a Latvian Rally Championship 1st an 2nd leg as well.

Teaser :) Lukyanuk's last year drive (how the battle for 3rd place was lost) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECuzFA1JohI

[sindroms]

Škoda Motorsport will be there - http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/in ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/int/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2013/12/05/wiegand-mit-lappi-im-skoda-werksteam/index.html)
Cool :cool:

[garais22]

Esapekka Lappi and Sepp Wiegand will start rally Liep?ja. Can`t wait! http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/autospor ... c-rallija/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/autosports-pasaule/2831-skoda-rupnicas-komanda-ar-diviem-jaunajiem-talantiem-startes-liepajas-erc-rallija/)

[sindroms]

"Rally Liepaja 2014" organizer Raimonds Strokšs commented ERC 2013 season review in TV and suggested to rally fans to remember driver who took 3rd place in Barum 2013... Thus I start to count Jaromir Tarabus in "Rally Liep?ja" line-up in :)

[Mirek]

It makes sense. Tarabus will do only ERC in 2014, no Czech events except Barum ;)

[tolis]

It makes sense. Tarabus will do only ERC in 2014, no Czech events except Barum ;)
How many rounds will he do?

[Mirek]

We have to wait but I expect 8-10 (just my guessing).

[PLuto]

I expect 7-8.

[sindroms]

First received entry - french driver on S2000. No details yet.

[noel157]

FD or BB?

[PLuto]

JMR

[WUff1]

So my guess was right.

[RS]

JMR

Am I being thick, who's that?

[Mirek]

Jean Michel Raoux I guess.

[RS]

Ahhh, I thought that but then I thought he was Swiss, but I muddled him up with Roux.

[noel157]

Ahhh, I thought that but then I thought he was Swiss, but I muddled him up with Roux.

Doesn't he do a bit of cooking...:)

[garais22]

Martin Kangur working with the budget for ERC. He says that he definitely want to drive in Estonian ERC round and he gives 70% that he will start in Liep?ja.
http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/autospor ... erc-posma/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/autosports-pasaule/2865-igaunu-sportists-dodu-70-ka-mes-startesim-liepajas-erc-posma/)

[garais22]

Jaromir Tarabus team confirms to Go4speed.lv that he will drive in Liep?ja http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/autospor ... c-rallija/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/autosports-pasaule/2869-viens-no-vadosajiem-cehu-braucejiem-apstiprina-dalibu-liepajas-erc-rallija/)

[Allar]

Kõrge/Pints and Jeets/Toom are starting with Fiesta R5 cars.

[Tom206wrc]

I hope Breen and Abbring will be present in S2000 :confused:

[Neige]

Kõrge/Pints and Jeets/Toom are starting with Fiesta R5 cars.

Only for Liepaja ERC or for full Estonia season?

[bluuford]

Full Estonian Season

[sindroms]

Info from organizers. So far 27 entries from 17 different countries received - Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria. Anounced Names - Essapeka Lapp, Zep Wiegand, Robert Adolf (Škoda S2000), Jean-Michel Raoux (Peugeot S2000), Raul Jeets (EST) on Fiesta R5, Marko Tempestini on Fiesta R5.
11 from 27 entries are R2. Local youngsters - Sirmacis and Feldmanis on Fiestas R2, Marian Griebel on Opel Adam R2, Steve Rokland (NOR). 6 crews has entered R4/N4, only named name Martin Samuitis (LTU).

[garais22]

27 entries so far from 17 countries. All entries can be found here: http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/2906 ... 7-valstim/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/2906-liepajas-erc-ar-vel-latvija-neredzetiem-auto-jau-pieteikusies-dalibnieki-no-17-valstim/)

[RS]

Hmmm, no official Pugs yet. Maybe they'll do Sibiu.

[Allar]

Kõrge/Pints and Jeets/Toom are starting with Fiesta R5 cars.

Only for Liepaja ERC or for full Estonia season?

Estonain season + Liepaja and Estonian ERC + Timmu hopes to do NORF.

[Neige]

Kõrge/Pints and Jeets/Toom are starting with Fiesta R5 cars.

Only for Liepaja ERC or for full Estonia season?

Estonain season + Liepaja and Estonian ERC + Timmu hopes to do NORF.

Great news! Thanks!

[WUff1]

Neubauer is still not sure, he said to Austrian media - but he hopes to start.

[had_zachau]

Martin Hudec and Jaryn Orsak will be there too

[RS]

When can we expect the entry list?

[Mirek]

Pluto said elsewhere he expects 15-20 juniors (!)

[sindroms]

When can we expect the entry list?

Entry list, ERC - http://lrc.lv/?m=2&r=115&l=2
Entry list, Latvian rally championship - http://lrc.lv/?m=22&r=115&l=2


Pluto said elsewhere he expects 15-20 juniors (!)

13 R2 crews already , perhaps all of them - juniors :)

[wwbroe]

Is this the final entrylist? It doesn't look too impressive, with no official Peugeot drivers and not much ERC regulars. I think Lappi will have it quite easy to win this one, alltough you never know ofcourse. ;)

[WUff1]

From international point of view, very good entry list. But this is not the final one, isn´t it? Tarabus, Gryazin etc. still missing. Kajto??

[sindroms]

Is this the final entrylist? It doesn't look too impressive, with no official Peugeot drivers and not much ERC regulars. I think Lappi will have it quite easy to win this one, alltough you never know ofcourse. ;)

Nope. Entries deadline is 15th of January. Gryazin, Tarabus, Plangi, Kangur - just a few names which will appear a little bit later.

[sindroms]

[quote="wwbroe"]Is this the final entrylist? It doesn't look too impressive, with no official Peugeot drivers... /quote]

According to this - http://translate.google.lv/translate?sl ... 2F&act=url (http://translate.google.lv/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=lv&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rallisport.net%2Fcraig-breen-riihimaen-f-cupin-osakilpailuun%2F&act=url) Breen is going to be in "Rally Liep?ja"

P.S. Thanks, Hartusvuori! :)

[PLuto]

Like I wrote, we will see Peugeots in Liepaja...

[RS]

Like I wrote, we will see Peugeots in Liepaja...

4wd ones? :)

[mousti]

Yes, Breen is entered in the first F-cup event with a 306 to prepare for Liepaja and Sweden. He is also there as a mentor for Taisko Lario.

[giù tutto!]

It might be quite exciting for Breen to drive a rally on the traditional Finnish rally stages without pace notes... :D

[mousti]

Jeremie Serieys with Renault probably in some ERC events with support of FFSA.

[RS]

Yes, Breen is entered in the first F-cup event with a 306 to prepare for Liepaja and Sweden. He is also there as a mentor for Taisko Lario.

Liepaja would be a good warm up for Kubica for Sweden too; why not come again? :)

[Jarek Z]

Liepaja would be a good warm up for Kubica for Sweden too; why not come again? :)

Do you want another "last stage thriller"? ;)

[PLuto]

Liepaja would be a good warm up for Kubica for Sweden too; why not come again? :)

Especially when he will need more competitive kms after early off on Monte :rolleyes:

[RS]

Liepaja would be a good warm up for Kubica for Sweden too; why not come again? :)

Especially when he will need more competitive kms after early off on Monte :rolleyes:

I do think Monte is going to be harder for Robert.. less run off areas than Janner!

[Mihai]

Especially when he will need more competitive kms after early off on Monte :rolleyes:

So I'm not the only one thinking that RK won't finish Monte. Oops I said it loudly! http://www.serellan.com/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/tomato.gif

[stefanvv]

Monte is punishing hard every mistake. No room for risks there.

[mousti]

Any news about Lukyanuk?

[Juha_Koo]

Any news about Lukyanuk?

Isn't he targeting WRC2 with DS3?

[Mirek]

ASRT media wrote in the video thread that Lukyanuk probably has no money to run anything this winter :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes, Breen is entered in the first F-cup event with a 306 to prepare for Liepaja and Sweden. He is also there as a mentor for Taisko Lario.

Correct !

http://www.craigbreen.com/images/news/full_Breen-to-mentor-young-talent-Lario.jpg

As for 2014 :

'After a hectic schedule Breen relaxed over the Christmas spending time watching old season reviews of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. “I’m a real anorak when it comes to that kind of stuff, sometimes you’d think I was born in the wrong era” smiles Breen. The smile however morphs into a deadly serious expression when he’s asked about his hopes for 2014. “I’m in the right place, with the right team and the right car. I’ll do what I’ve always done and do the best job that I can but I want to win this year. Not just rallies, but the European Championship...'

Serious ambition to be :champion:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@Craig_Breen
Been watching this webcam feed from Liepaja for weeks, and finally tonight theres the first sign of snow! @LVRally

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdzocRPIIAAcTxC.jpg

[RICARDO75]

New entries

Robert Consani - Peugeot 207 S2000
Vasily Gryazin - Ford Fiesta S2000
Jaromír Tarabus - Skoda Fabia S2000
Vitaliy Pushcar - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X R4
Sergey Gerashenko - Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Jan ?erný - Peugeot 208 R2
Toma? Pospí?ilik - Skoda Fabia R2

http://lvrally.com/eng/rally-liepaja/competitors/ec

[Mirek]

I'm surprised to see Tomáš Pospíšilík there. He is autocross driver (6th in European championship 2013).

[PLuto]

I'm surprised to see Tomáš Pospíšilík there. He is autocross driver (6th in European championship 2013).

For me it is not surprise - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15995

[COD]

It might be quite exciting for Breen to drive a rally on the traditional Finnish rally stages without pace notes... :D

What a stupid idea, why not do an event with pacenotes and a proper car??

[Tinke1979]

It might be quite exciting for Breen to drive a rally on the traditional Finnish rally stages without pace notes... :D

What a stupid idea, why not do an event with pacenotes and a proper car??


Driving without pacenotes improves your "road eye" (road reading ability), and with better "road eye" you can anticipate your driving to a blind crest a little better and be more braver... It really is not stupid idea to come to Finland and drive traditional rally stages without pace notes. I think that this will be a good experiment to Craig and a great experience! :)

[garais22]

Last year rally Liep?ja R2 and 2WD class winner Risto Immonen will participate in Liep?ja ERC http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/2951 ... vu-uzvaru/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/2951-atrais-somu-sportists-dosies-uz-liepajas-erc-aizstavet-savu-uzvaru/)

[PLuto]

Kajto will start too - http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=16009

[mousti]

Will be a great rally with most of the favorites already starting + JERC!

[giù tutto!]

It might be quite exciting for Breen to drive a rally on the traditional Finnish rally stages without pace notes... :D

What a stupid idea, why not do an event with pacenotes and a proper car??


Driving without pacenotes improves your "road eye" (road reading ability), and with better "road eye" you can anticipate your driving to a blind crest a little better and be more braver... It really is not stupid idea to come to Finland and drive traditional rally stages without pace notes. I think that this will be a good experiment to Craig and a great experience! :)

Now I understand why the Finns have been so successful recent years... :D Please don't tell this to the French drivers, I can't imagine what they could have done if they had known this.

It's not a stupid idea to drive a rally in Finland, but why blind event with this kind of car? What's the point? Why don't he participate to the Arctic Rally? Driver like Breen has still plenty of time to collect experiences when he will be older, but this doesn't look like a professional preparing for the important event to me.

[Mihai]

Driving without pacenotes improves your "road eye" (road reading ability), and with better "road eye" you can anticipate your driving to a blind crest a little better and be more braver... It really is not stupid idea to come to Finland and drive traditional rally stages without pace notes. I think that this will be a good experiment to Craig and a great experience! :)

Isn't driving without pace notes making the co-driver useless? And isn't it counterproductive for real rally training? Not to mention that it gives local drivers a huge advantage over the others that never drove the stage before.

A Romanian driver told me about certain second-tier rallies in Finland that are done without recce and crews only receive standard pace notes (the same for all crews) just before the start. This way costs are lowered and aspiring drivers learn how to drive fast on previously unknown stages. Young crews lacking experience typically have crap pace notes, but if a highly experienced co-driver (let's say Timo Rautiainen) writes the pace notes for all crews in this kind of rally, then all crews have the best pace notes and they learn how to write good notes in the future. I don't know if this is a myth or not. Maybe our Finnish forum members will shed some light on this matter.

[Mirek]

Pacenotes prepared and distributed by rally organization is a common thing in some British and American series I believe.

[mousti]

Breen got invited by the family Lario, he probably doesn't need to pay anything for this rally..

[giù tutto!]

It would be something really odd, if he would have to pay for that.

In Sweden they have some kind of safety notes also, I presume.

[Juha_Koo]

Basically all Finnish rallies (excluding FRC-events) are blind rallies. Blind means, that here in Finland we don't have any safety notes prepared by organizers (no Jemba, etc.). The only guidance is standard roadbook (making additional markings is prohibited by rules) and directional arrows in junctions on stages, and perhaps some safety tape in very dangerous/blind corners. So it's all about eyes, and how to read the road. Codriver is responsible for all the standard codriver duties, only thing missing are the notes.

This has been, and is, seen as a Finland's strenght. Driving blind rallies actually develops your skill to "read the road". This, in blind rallies, means faster times, and also later when transitioning to rallies with pacenotes, helps a lot with doing good notes. I have not competed, but I have done a lot of spectator recce, and the development is clear: nowdays I can quite easily spot challenging places - to such extent that places I've considered difficult in recce have often produced action/moments even in NORF. Few things to look and analyze: changes in road character: fast flowing section ending to tight corner; deceptions (phone lines, "holes" in forests, tree placement after crests, buildings, etc), sequence of crests (lifting the car while cornering?), sudden wrong camber, entry speed to corner, sequence of corners, etc etc.

Although I've had some thoughts of the system's current strenghts compared to France for example. Loeb and Ogier's pacenotes are so highly standardised and can describe the road so perfectly, that the meaning of "road eye" is greatly reduced. What I mean, is that when you have angle-based notes (e.g 30-140) and you get them to correspond 100% with the road, it leaves out all "feeling-based" predictions about the road (curvature) ahead. It is a big difference to have "right 132++, long, tightens to 115" in your notes compared to "right medium -, long, tightens to K-". In first, you have 110 (plus all additional +/-) possibilities to describe the road curvature, compared to under ten of the descriptive system (between flat-slow). And when using the descreptive system, the "hole" which is left, is then filled with good road eye and the split second analysis done. I give very high value to Loeb and Ogier's notesystem (they have the same frame) in their championship wins and incredible speed.

[COD]

It might be quite exciting for Breen to drive a rally on the traditional Finnish rally stages without pace notes... :D

What a stupid idea, why not do an event with pacenotes and a proper car??


Driving without pacenotes improves your "road eye" (road reading ability), and with better "road eye" you can anticipate your driving to a blind crest a little better and be more braver... It really is not stupid idea to come to Finland and drive traditional rally stages without pace notes. I think that this will be a good experiment to Craig and a great experience! :)

That would be true for a driver starting their career, not for a one who has allready competed in many international series.

[more]

it is not good idea. If You train Your "road eye" ability, than Your next step should be to race in rally cross or something. In rallying You need to drive by "hearing pacenotes". And only then You will be real quick. Training "eye" You are training to be slow.

[more]

Martynas Samuitis is North European Zone rally Champion 2013. (NEZ = Baltics, Scandinavia and Russia).
and Lithuania Rally Champion 2010.
should be driving 3-4 rallies in ERC.


Info from organizers. So far 27 entries from 17 different countries received - Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Poland, Germany, Italy, Romania, Netherlands, France, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria. Anounced Names - Essapeka Lapp, Zep Wiegand, Robert Adolf (Škoda S2000), Jean-Michel Raoux (Peugeot S2000), Raul Jeets (EST) on Fiesta R5, Marko Tempestini on Fiesta R5.
11 from 27 entries are R2. Local youngsters - Sirmacis and Feldmanis on Fiestas R2, Marian Griebel on Opel Adam R2, Steve Rokland (NOR). 6 crews has entered R4/N4, only named name Martin Samuitis (LTU).

[Tinke1979]

It's not a stupid idea to drive a rally in Finland, but why blind event with this kind of car? What's the point? Why don't he participate to the Arctic Rally? Driver like Breen has still plenty of time to collect experiences when he will be older, but this doesn't look like a professional preparing for the important event to me.


First time in blind rally always is a educative experience.. And with Lario family paying.. Why not :D

[RICARDO75]

Vitaliy Pushcar and Igor Bulantsev are out from the entry list

[sindroms]

Vitaliy Pushcar and Igor Bulantsev are out from the entry list

They are in Latvian Rally Championship entrylist now.

[RICARDO75]

OK, thanks

http://lrc.lv/?m=2&r=115&l=2
http://lrc.lv/?m=22&r=115&l=2

[sindroms]

OK, thanks

http://lrc.lv/?m=2&r=115&l=2
http://lrc.lv/?m=22&r=115&l=2

Entries are closed. Latest entries:

Breen, Kajetanowicz, Tlustak, Tamrazov on Fiesta S2000, Orsak on Fabia S2000. Baltic guys - Korge on Fiesta R5, Plangi, Švedas and of course local hero Vorobjovs :cool:

Now waiting for some very last moments entries :)

[WUff1]

Very good entry list, much better than last year, and propably the best of all three "ice cup" rallies. Don´t expect Sibiu to attract so many good drivers - rather similar to Jänner Rallye.

[sindroms]

Ice-crew report from roads of Liep?ja :) Looks good for a moment.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSWEicFkM54&sns=tw

[tolis]

+Fabia S2000 for Simone Tempestini! :)

[Mirek]

Update, 55 ERC crews: http://lrc.lv/?m=2&r=115&l=2

[HarriK]

Flight to Riga and hotel from Liepaja booked. Here I come 31.1 =)

[Micke_VOC]

It would be something really odd, if he would have to pay for that.

In Sweden they have some kind of safety notes also, I presume.

Yes, in Sweden nearly all rallies have standard pacenotes without recce and roads are a secret to the start of rally.
The most of the pacenotes are Mr. Gunnar Barth doing ( Old codriver to Walfridsson and Rådström)
You can choose between, numbers-pacenotes ( 1-6) or describing pacenotes.

We also have a lot of "blind" rallies as in Finland without any recce and pacenotes.

In Swedish Championship there are recce ( Usually 2 times every stages) and you can write your own pacenotes.
A lot of "top"-drivers also driving as zero-car in local rallies to train with "own" pacenotes...

[mousti]

Yes, Breen is entered in the first F-cup event with a 306 to prepare for Liepaja and Sweden. He is also there as a mentor for Taisko Lario.

Correct !
As for 2014 :

'After a hectic schedule Breen relaxed over the Christmas spending time watching old season reviews of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship. “I’m a real anorak when it comes to that kind of stuff, sometimes you’d think I was born in the wrong era” smiles Breen. The smile however morphs into a deadly serious expression when he’s asked about his hopes for 2014. “I’m in the right place, with the right team and the right car. I’ll do what I’ve always done and do the best job that I can but I want to win this year. Not just rallies, but the European Championship...'

Serious ambition to be :champion:

Onboard with Breen in the 306:

http://t.co/nEVfKb7aWw

[sindroms]

Well, well, well... seems to be some surprises in entrylist yet. Organizers tweeted that "wooow messgae" has received :)

[PLuto]

Maybe later entry of Delecour after early off on Monte?

[tolis]

Maybe later entry of Delecour after early off on Monte?
or Ketomaa?

[sindroms]

Maybe later entry of Delecour after early off on Monte?
or Ketomaa?

Or Kubica - never have had drive on long-studed tires, as a test event before Sweden...? But it don't makes sense to apply so late then. We'll see.

[PLuto]

Maybe later entry of Delecour after early off on Monte?
or Ketomaa?

DMack is not interested...

[WUff1]

Think it´s Kubica, to gain experience for Sweden, even more after his out at Monte Carlo Rally.


Looks like one of the best entry lists of new ERC then (since 2013).

[Micke_VOC]

BOUFFIER: Bryan Bouffier and Xavier Panseri entered for @LVRally in @FIAERC in a @CitroënRacing DS3 RRC. @Eurosport ?#?ERC?

From RallyingUK Twitter-account

Edit // Also confirmed on Rally Liep?jaofficial account

[mousti]

Hmm PSA suddenly interested again in Bryan maybe debuting DS3 R5 in ERC? U would him expect to drive a Fiesta after the good results this weekend..

[RS]

Great news :)

Is this some hint of an ERC programme for Bouffier with Citroen, or just a one off?

[COD]

Hmm PSA suddenly interested again in Bryan maybe debuting DS3 R5 in ERC? U would him expect to drive a Fiesta after the good results this weekend..

Fiesta is always cash first deal. Citroen may not charge him for driving their car :)

[Tom206wrc]

Go Bryan :bounce:

[WUff1]

So Bouffy uses the free capacity of PH Sport after Kubica changing to Fiesta?

[RS]

Will Tamrazov actually start? Would be nice if he handed over the reigns to Lukyanuk if he doesn't want to drive himself :)

[PLuto]

Will Tamrazov actually start? Would be nice if he handed over the reigns to Lukyanuk if he doesn't want to drive himself :)

I was talking to Alex two days ago and he wants to start ;)

[Jarek Z]

That's so cool to see Bouffier on the entry list! Who cares about Tamrazov?

Allez Bryan!

[RS]

Who cares about Tamrazov?


Me, because it's not usually him who ends up driving.

[mousti]

Bouffier speaks about his entry.

http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/27 ... n-Bouffier (http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/2735/t/Q%26A%3A-Bryan-Bouffier)

[mousti]

Where is this shot?:

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/165966_10200632637497048_2006526859_n.jpg

[sindroms]

Where is this shot?:

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/165966_10200632637497048_2006526859_n.jpg


You mean which stage last year? Not a lot info in picture to judge from... If you found this video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uweraovA ... lpage#t=26 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uweraovA0_c&feature=player_detailpage#t=26) (0:26) similar to picture - then it's very last km from SS7/10

[Plhus]

SS 7/10 last year?

[Plhus]

And place 00:00 - 00:11 ?

[sindroms]

SS 7/10 last year?

Exactly. Won't be in this year route.


And place 00:00 - 00:11 ?

Last year SS11/13. About 2 km before finish.

[tolis]

That's especially for you dimviii! :D
Tushkanova had Lukyanuk as co-driver for her tests before Rally Liepaja. Anyone know if Alex will be her co-driver for the rally also?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/62324_642141212512120_122800934_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/1544580_642140625845512_1773486635_n.jpg

[PLuto]

That's especially for you dimviii! :D
Tushkanova had Lukyanuk as co-driver for her tests before Rally Liepaja. Anyone know if Alex will be her co-driver for the rally also?


No, her codriver will be Sergei Larens.

[tolis]

That's especially for you dimviii! :D
Tushkanova had Lukyanuk as co-driver for her tests before Rally Liepaja. Anyone know if Alex will be her co-driver for the rally also?


No, her codriver will be Sergei Larens.
Thank you PLuto!

[PLuto]

So, it is time to say hello to you for now. I have started pickems (http://www.motorsportforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=157&t=160250) to Rally Liepaja. Now I am leaving to our "test rally" Halls Winter Rally in Lithuania and then directly to Liepaja. Who of you will be presented in Liepaja, dont hesitate come to visit (I think I will be most of time in service area, especially during servies).

[tolis]

Ekaterina Stratieva will drive an Impreza in Liepaja! Interesting battle against Tushkanova!

[mousti]

Nobody noticed that Kangur has not entered Liepaja, thought he would do this one for sure because it's next to Estonia.

[WUff1]

Why is Raimonds Strokšs always being hyped so much by fiaerc.com? There´s not so much fuzz about other rally organizers in WRC and ERC.

[Kalm]

Timmu Kõrge testing in Estonia : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvbbD7Mpyow&feature=youtu.be

[Jarek Z]

Why is Raimonds Strokšs always being hyped so much by fiaerc.com? There´s not so much fuzz about other rally organizers in WRC and ERC.

I don't know why they do it, but I can say that the official ERC website has slightly improved this year. Finally they stopped calling everyone an ERC star :)
Also a big plus from me for finding news about real stars of the past, like for example Armin Kremer, who won ERC in 2001:
http://www.fiaerc.com/news/detail/id/2734

[mousti]

Seeded entrylist

http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/up ... y_list.pdf (http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/uploads/files/eventdetail/15/fia_erc_2014_rally_liepaja_seeded_entry_list.pdf)

[Tom206wrc]

Junior R2 looks promising :smokin:

[Juha_Koo]

Seeded entrylist

http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/up ... y_list.pdf (http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/uploads/files/eventdetail/15/fia_erc_2014_rally_liepaja_seeded_entry_list.pdf)

In my opinion not good to seed Kõrge right after Raoux...

[Mihai]

Finally they stopped calling everyone an ERC star :)


Or an 'ERC Production Car Cup ace' :)

[Mihai]

In my opinion not good to seed Kõrge right after Raoux...

An even Tushkanova right after Stratieva. The latter has the ability of being remarkably slow in whatever car she drives.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Photo taken earlier today of SS3..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Be1bZ68CYAAlLCi.png

[bluuford]

Seeded entrylist

http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/up ... y_list.pdf (http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/uploads/files/eventdetail/15/fia_erc_2014_rally_liepaja_seeded_entry_list.pdf)

In my opinion not good to seed Kõrge right after Raoux...
There is a qualification before the stages.. if I am not mistaken. There is not much snow but the ground is very, very frozen. There is a possibility that small snowstorm hits the event just before Qualification stage :-)

[Mirek]

The qualification is only for ERC priority drivers I think. Raoux is first without the priority on the list...

[bluuford]

You are correct; rules say that qualification is only for FIA and ERC priority drivers.
Raoux was around 2.5 minutes slowers per 30 km long stage in Finland this weekend.. so for first 10 km long stage.. there should not be problems..but next stages are veery long.

[WUff1]

It´s not only Raoux, also Simone Tempestini - who wasn´t listed as priority driver at Jänner Rallye.

[Mihai]

No idea why Simone is an ERC Priority driver in his only third snow rally in his entire career (he ran Romanian non-championship Covasna Winter Rally just prior to Liepaja 2013). He tested in Romania throughout last week, but no snow here until yesterday. I predict some local Baltic driver to be very upset to catch up with Simone on some stages in day 1.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kajetan Kajetanowicz’s PET today:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfA7sNRCcAAFki7.jpg

But Breen says, 'Arrived in Liepaja... Lack of snow is a little worrying at the moment! Test tomorrow... '

[garais22]

Interview with Esapekka Lappi who said that his aim for this rally - Top 3 http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3002 ... trakajiem/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3002-somu-zvaigzne-lapi-liepajas-erc-mans-merkis-but-starp-tris-atrakajiem/)

[Mad cat jnr]

Kajetan Kajetanowicz’s PET today:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfA7sNRCcAAFki7.jpg

But Breen says, 'Arrived in Liepaja... Lack of snow is a little worrying at the moment! Test tomorrow... '

There was very little snow 2 weeks ago when we did Aluksne rally, but it was very cold so the roads where frozen. It wa salso helped by the organisers pouring water over the roads in the build up to give a thick ice base.

You can see the gravel in the picture of Kajto though.

[garais22]

Interview with Bryan Bouffier: ''In Liepaja is very deep ditches therefore no big sideways :) http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3003 ... es-braukt/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3003-bufjers-liepajas-erc-rallija-posmos-ir-dzili-gravji-tapec-parak-plati-nevares-braukt/)

[sindroms]

Another excellent teaser - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4xX1I2Hbhk

[RS]

Another excellent teaser - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4xX1I2Hbhk

Really nice footage, maybe even for those who like to whinge about helicopter footage :)

[sindroms]

Two different tyres brand after 12km tests today in Liep?ja ((c) @Go4speedLV)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfFqiuECMAA98xf.jpg:large

[stefanvv]

Wow, the studs are still there on the first one, impressive :D

[sindroms]

Peugeot Rally Academy today tests - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxCWjBAw ... youtu.be&a (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxCWjBAwLps&feature=youtu.be&a)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Peugeot Rally Academy today tests - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxCWjBAw ... youtu.be&a (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxCWjBAwLps&feature=youtu.be&a)

Nice bit of action for Breen... precious little snow there though, just frozen ground... :|

[noel157]

Leandri seems to drive more on the limiter than Lefebvre , no?
Amazing speed from the little cars.

[drive]

some training before rally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4dZxaxLAqI

lack of snow, good thing that everything is deeply frozen and wont be any damage to the roads :)

[drive]

some training before rally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4dZxaxLAqI

lack of snow, good thing that everything is deeply frozen and wont be any damage to the roads :)

just spotted some worn old Michelin tyres?
http://i58.tinypic.com/10yho5c.jpg

These tyres were used last year in Liepaja, 2011-2012 make of wrc tyre (http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/layout/set/print/News/New-studding-for-the-Michelin-X-Ice-North-winter-tyre/(tag)/MICHELIN%20X-Ice%20North)
http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/bestofrallylive/actualites/un-nouveau-cloutage-pour-le-pneu-michelin-x-ice-north/42129-1-fin-FI/Uusi-nastoitus-Michelinin-X-Ice-North-renkaaseen_articlethumbnail.jpg

But in Sweden 2013 were introduced new X-Ice North 2 WRC http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/News/The-new-X-Ice-North-2-WRC-tyre - wonder wich tyre will be used this year in Liepaja rally - an old one or new one?

http://en.best-of-rallylive.com/var/ezflow_site/storage/images/bestofrallylive/actualites/nouveau-pneu-x-ice-north-2-wrc/114473-6-fre-FR/Nouveau-pneu-X-Ice-North-2-WRC_opengraph.jpg

[bluuford]

Those who are going to the rally.Take ultra warm clothes and very, very windproof clothes with you. It will be very, very very windy all the time with some little snowfall and probably a lot of flying snow due to the wind (picked up from the ground).If possible, choose your spectating spots in forest.
Greeting from extremely cold and windy Poland!

[mousti]

All gravel on recce for now..

[RS]

All gravel on recce for now..

I presume the tyre suppliers will have taken gravel tyres too for this eventuality?

[Tinke1979]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid ... =1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10202925715804991&set=a.10202925713244927.1073741843.1265966345&type=1&theater)

No so much snow here...

[liposh]

Weather forecast says few snowflakes would fall down during friday, so there will be some 1cm-2cm of snow.

[garais22]

Marco Tempestini: In Liep?ja ERC rally I need "big balls" to go flat out (VIDEO) http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3009 ... -uz-pilnu/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3009-rumanu-sportists-jabut-pamatigam-ieksam-lai-liepajas-celos-vilktu-uz-pilnu/)

[bluuford]

Weather forecast says few snowflakes would fall down during friday, so there will be some 1cm-2cm of snow.
I am not completely sure about the forecast yet.. somehow I find my own and neighbouring countries the most difficult to predict:-)
Currently I ma pretty sure that there will be some snowfall between Friday and Saturday.. but how much? definitely it will be like snowstorm due to very strong wind.. so, some of the roads will be clean (between the fields) and some might experience snowpiles.. but small ones. It looks definitely risky to start 1st on the road. I have looked the forecast for Gdansk (Poland).. it was forecasted also 3-5 cm.. in the morning.. it was 15-20 cm of fresh snow here..

[HarriK]

Any "friends" from forum going to Liepaja?
We are living with my friends at Liva Hotel during the rally.
Maybe some recce tomorrow while coming from Riga to Liepaja. Is ss7 worth to drive throught?

[Tinke1979]

HarriK, maybe couple beers in Fontaine Palace (rock bar) tonight? :)

[sindroms]

Is ss7 worth to drive throught?

It's definitely worth to do it. 2/3 (starting from 1st spectator point) of that stage is absolutely new. Even local drivers has never driven it before. So, go there and tell me about spots there later then! :D

[HarriK]

HarriK, maybe couple beers in Fontaine Palace (rock bar) tonight? :)

Tomorrow morning flight to Riga, so not today yet ;)

[dimviii]

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

[Kalm]

Gryazin/Chumak : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4X-I30xptQ&noredirect=1

[miniwintz]

Another excellent teaser - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4xX1I2Hbhk
incredibly good yes. WRC/redbullshit media house should take example from this.

[Mirek]

Any "friends" from forum going to Liepaja?
We are living with my friends at Liva Hotel during the rally.
Maybe some recce tomorrow while coming from Riga to Liepaja. Is ss7 worth to drive throught?

If you want to meet Pluto You can find him at service of Tlus?ák, Orsák. Every team member knows Pluto so You can ask anyone of them.

[garais22]

Photo: Kajetan Kajetanowicz tests before Liepaja ERC http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/erc/696 ... la-sniega/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/erc/696-foto-polu-cempions-liepajas-rallijam-gatavojas-dzila-sniega/)

[Tinke1979]

Tomorrow between 10 and 11 in morning I will be at service park to interview Risto Immonen and after that circle around and take picture of some nice cars :) So if you see a man (w glasses) with camera wearing white winterjacket come to say hello :) I think that I wear Pirelli Motorsport woolly hat.. So it will be easy to recognice me

[Jarek Z]

A short video and an interview from Kajto's test session before Rally Liepaja. He says that it will be his first rally on long studs.
http://rallyonline.pl/relacja-z-testow- ... 41999.html (http://rallyonline.pl/relacja-z-testow-kajetanowicza-video_41999.html)

To all the forum members that are in Latvia now --> have a great time guys!!! :)

[Jarek Z]

Another excellent teaser - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4xX1I2Hbhk

Really nice footage, maybe even for those who like to whinge about helicopter footage :)

Well done indeed! Finally the helicopter footage is used in a proper way! :)

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/1551483_575705212514998_1685210183_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/q72/s720x720/1016386_10153722697300567_1726559396_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/q83/s720x720/1536508_10153723261040567_157817182_n.jpg

[RS]

I am curious to see the livery of Bouffier so we can work out who is paying for this entry..

[Jarek Z]

I am curious to see the livery of Bouffier so we can work out who is paying for this entry..

Yes, I was wondering about it too. Is his dog still playing a role here? ;)

[RS]

I am curious to see the livery of Bouffier so we can work out who is paying for this entry..

Yes, I was wondering about it too. Is his dog still playing a role here? ;)

Exactly.. there can only be so much money in dead birds, surely?

[Mirek]

A guy from a town where I was born runs a chicken business. In last few years he managed to crash Ferarri 599 GTO, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ferarri 430 and maybe something more. Meanwhile he had Lamborgini Aventador and now some new Ferarri. He doesn't know what to do with money...

[stefanvv]

A guy from a town where I was born runs a chicken business. In last few years he managed to crash Ferarri 599 GTO, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ferarri 430 and maybe something more. Meanwhile he had Lamborgini Aventador and now some new Ferarri. He doesn't know what to do with money...
Yes, he knows - waste on junked pieces of art.

[RS]

A guy from a town where I was born runs a chicken business. In last few years he managed to crash Ferarri 599 GTO, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ferarri 430 and maybe something more. Meanwhile he had Lamborgini Aventador and now some new Ferarri. He doesn't know what to do with money...

I'm in the wrong business.

[tolis]

... He doesn't know what to do with money...
Buy a WRC car! :p

[dimviii]

A guy from a town where I was born runs a chicken business. In last few years he managed to crash Ferarri 599 GTO, Bentley Continental Flying Spur, Ferarri 430 and maybe something more. Meanwhile he had Lamborgini Aventador and now some new Ferarri. He doesn't know what to do with money...

not with chicken,but with pigs in Greece.At 14 years old with Lamborghini at high school. :D

[stefanvv]

wow, who said farming is dirty job :D

[sindroms]

As weather forecast shows, snow is coming and will be there right on time - when the free practice will start.

Nasty weather for rally fans in these two days ahead. Strong wind, freezing rain alert has announced... Things start to look challenging :)

[WRC1]

link to qualifying times, anyone?? :rolleyes:

[dimviii]

I am curious to see the livery of Bouffier so we can work out who is paying for this entry..

Yes, I was wondering about it too. Is his dog still playing a role here? ;)

not with livery at 28/1

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1016409_574798205939032_1400005065_n.jpg

[sindroms]

link to qualifying times, anyone?? :rolleyes:

When the free practice/qualifying will began, check this one - http://lrc.lv/?r=115&l=2
Chapter "Results" must appear there then.

[RS]

I am curious to see the livery of Bouffier so we can work out who is paying for this entry..

Yes, I was wondering about it too. Is his dog still playing a role here? ;)

not with livery at 28/1

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/1016409_574798205939032_1400005065_n.jpg

No, but I am pretty sure they will strip the Abu Dhabi livery off in time for the rally?

[sindroms]

Seeded entrylist

http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/up ... y_list.pdf (http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net/uploads/files/eventdetail/15/fia_erc_2014_rally_liepaja_seeded_entry_list.pdf)

In my opinion not good to seed Kõrge right after Raoux...

Timmu Korge has recieved ERC priority and will be moved up in seeded list, I suppose.
http://www.lvrally.com/upload/files/ral ... 140130.pdf (http://www.lvrally.com/upload/files/rally_liepaja_2014_communication4_eng_lat_v1_20140 130.pdf)

I expect very much from him this weekend...

[Mirek]

According to Pluto the only ERC driver missing is Renato Pita. Otherwise all are there.

[LVrainman]

found some random pictures that probaly says more than thousand words :D

http://pic2.fotki.lv/photos2/7/W0004039/000403876/000040387509_%23_2_%23_martin_ru.jpg

http://pic2.fotki.lv/photos2/7/W0004039/000403876/000040387512_%23_2_%23_martin_ru.jpg

http://pic2.fotki.lv/photos2/6/W0004040/000403973/000040397242_%23_2_%23_martin_ru.jpg

p.s. Welcome to my home town and I really hope you'll enjoy the event :)

[WRC1]

link to qualifying times, anyone?? :rolleyes:

When the free practice/qualifying will began, check this one - http://lrc.lv/?r=115&l=2
Chapter "Results" must appear there then.

@sindroms: thx!!!

[Jarek Z]

No, but I am pretty sure they will strip the Abu Dhabi livery off in time for the rally?

Yes, I've heard that Bouffier's dog is still negotiating the contract ;)

[RS]

Thanks for the pics LVRainman.

It would be great if chicken man and Citroen would come up with the cash between them so that Bryan can run a good ERC campaign from Acropolis onwards with the DS3 R5.

[Jarek Z]

Let's hope that chickens sell well this year!

Would you like to try Le CoQuelet? ;)

http://www.royal-bernard.fr/img/photo-produit-coquelet-entier.jpg

[WUff1]

Bryan´s actual dog is a rather small one as far as I know, so not much chicken ;)

[Kalm]

Timmu Kõrge and Raul Jeets
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfSdE0zIAAACvB2.jpg

[RS]

Is Tamrazov actually going to start this one?

[LVrainman]

a snwofall just started, so let's pray this will be a good 10cm snowfall to cheer up the crowd :D

[bluuford]

Yes, little snow right now and more in the evening + very probable ice-rain late in the evening. This is bad. Charge your mobiles and prepare for powercuts.

[sindroms]

Shakedown&Qualifying results on-line - http://lrc.lv/?m=42&l=2

[drive]

Start list for Qualifying stage is now online. http://lvrally.com/eng/competitors

[HarriK]

Just arrived to Liepaja.
We did Ss7 and ss9 on our way here. Wau! That ss7 is awesome! I like it!
Now some food and then to QS.

[liposh]

BTW: Does Lappi own FIA priority? Because I don´t think so.

[Tinke1979]

Just arrived to Liepaja.
We did Ss7 and ss9 on our way here. Wau! That ss7 is awesome! I like it!
Now some food and then to QS.


Some really tricky spots on SS9, i like it a lot :)

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 0821_o.jpg (https://scontent-b-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t31/1519120_677692685606596_447460821_o.jpg)

[sindroms]

Quali is on - http://lrc.lv/?m=41
Wiegand! :eek:

[Mirek]

Average speed 148 km/h ???

EDIT: Real stage length was 3,58 km (thanks to John V) so the average speed was 127 km/h.

[sindroms]

Crews could be followed on-line by using GPS - http://fleet.guardsystems.com/page.php? ... fullscreen (http://fleet.guardsystems.com/page.php?pageIdent=1&pageCat=fleet&pageLayout=mainfullscreen)

[garais22]

Some photos here: http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3018 ... s-vigands/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3018-rally-liepaja-kvalifikacija-parsteidz-vacietis-vigands/)

[garais22]

Pictures from Shakedown: http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/erc/697 ... trumposms/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/erc/697-rally-liepaja-testa-atrumposms/)

[stefanvv]

Bryan´s actual dog is a rather small one as far as I know, so not much chicken ;)
I really hope it's not this selection - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl0zw1YVZd4 :D :D :D

[dimviii]

lol
http://www.go4speed.lv/data/gallery/697/dsc-2742.jpg

[stefanvv]

Amazing time by Wiegand on QS, lets see what happens tomorrow...

[dimviii]

seems that very few pushed hard at qualifying.Lets see tomorow

[liposh]

Pictures from Shakedown: http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/erc/697 ... trumposms/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/erc/697-rally-liepaja-testa-atrumposms/)


I like the design of Raul Jeets Fiesta R5. In my opinion that´s the way the official SKODA design should be done. Not exactly the same, but that way. There are 90% of white on SKODAs and it seems to me little bit...plain...and bad for photographers too.

Regarding to Sepp Wiegand: I think he puts very big pressure on himself and he will try flat-out so he would be lucky if he will finish this rally / or without puncture in first few SS...But maybe he can do it, he has talent so let´s see.

[garais22]

Photos from qualification http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/rallijs ... onference/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/photo/rallijs/698-rally-liepaja-preses-konference/)

[WUff1]

Bryan´s actual dog is a rather small one as far as I know, so not much chicken ;)
I really hope it's not this selection - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zl0zw1YVZd4 :D :D :D

*lol* then he would still need big chicken :smokin:

[dimviii]

http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/2750


http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfTvplTCUAACVUR.jpg

[RICARDO75]

Marco Tempestini onboard on Q.S.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZ7zKwHpwSI#t=58

[stefanvv]

http://rallynews.pl/lang.en/no/galeria/2750


http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BfTvplTCUAACVUR.jpg
Very nice:
http://img.rallynews.pl/g/2014/01/toras_liepaja_testowy/IMG_0019.jpg

[OldF]

Looks like there will be more snow tomorrow. :)

Friday hour by hour
http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... 2F20140131 (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foreca.fi%2FLatvia%2FKuldiga%2F details%2F20140131)

Radar
http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... map%2Frain (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foreca.fi%2FLatvia%2FKuldiga%2F map%2Frain)

5 day forecast
http://translate.google.com/translate?s ... %2FKuldiga (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=fi&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=fi&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foreca.fi%2FLatvia%2FKuldiga)

[drive]

Video of lithuanian Vytautas Svedas taking few corners (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=633891879982041)

some rain (while -10), some snow to come... would be fun!

[RS]

A few points questions from me after qualifying:

- Good job by Wiegand but I think he really needs a big year if he wants to continue with VAG next year.
- Nice to see Bouffier in a more modern car for ERC, hopefully he will get a bigger programme
- It seems that Wiegand is being run by Skoda Motorsport rather than a satellite team?
- Have there been any developments on the Fabia S2000 in the last year? They are doing well to keep up with the RRC and R5 cars so far!

[RS]

Qualifying stage: http://www.fiaerc.com/videogallery/list/id/15

[HarriK]

Today on QS -9degrees and it was raining freezing water.
Cars running idle, no problem with windscreen, but on SS the windscreen may start to freeze. We will seen what kind of rain is tomorrow.

[Tinke1979]

Soon to Fontaine bar to our own "shakedown" :D or atleast to have one beer before getting sleep.. Tomorrow to SS2...

https://www.facebook.com/nikkila.timo/m ... 345&type=3 (https://www.facebook.com/nikkila.timo/media_set?set=a.10202925713244927.1073741843.12659 66345&type=3)

here is a couple of pics that I have taken so far..

[Jafry]

Photos from shake HERE: http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1228

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-qKmqhCtOQ

[dimviii]

nice gallery
http://www.i-motorsport.cz/fotogalerie/ ... &autor=125 (http://www.i-motorsport.cz/fotogalerie/galerie.php?raid=269&autor=125)

[RS]

Really looking forward to this rally now. It is the first event where we will see the main championship contenders together; Lappi, Breen, Wiegand, Kajetanowicz, Bouffier... Bring it on :)

[arx26]

Hello, i have a problem, all the rallypasses in riga was sold out, can i buy them from kuldigas service park? Or from the stages?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Decent qualifying time by Breen but choice of starting position really difficult.. hope he chose well. :|

Also hope for no mechanical issues or punctures so we can judge the results properly as an indicator for the season.. :)

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSnbV0KNA8I

[Mirek]

- It seems that Wiegand is being run by Skoda Motorsport rather than a satellite team?

Yes, he's been using works car since Barum rally last year.


- Have there been any developments on the Fabia S2000 in the last year? They are doing well to keep up with the RRC and R5 cars so far!

I don't know anything particular but they sure don't sleep ;) And frankly I still prefer the atmospheric S2000 cars, at least for now...

Very spectacular videos from QS. Looking forward for stages!

[RS]

- It seems that Wiegand is being run by Skoda Motorsport rather than a satellite team?

Yes, he's been using works car since Barum rally last year.

And serviced by works team?


And frankly I still prefer the atmospheric S2000 cars, at least for now...


Me too, they have more "energy" about them. Maybe that will change when we have some R5 cars which aren't Ford..

[bluuford]

brrr.. I hate this GPS tracking system.. cannot understand why I am not able to drag the map to correct place or keep the same zoom.... Aa.and weather shoud be nice today (if you like cold wind and flying snow :-P).. Maybe some icy rain and snow in the afternoon. Night snowfall was approximately 10 cm as I can see.

[WUff1]

- It seems that Wiegand is being run by Skoda Motorsport rather than a satellite team?

Yes, he's been using works car since Barum rally last year.

And serviced by works team?



Yes, as you can see in picture links posted above.

[Mirek]

Good morning, gallery from QS of my friend: http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/fotogale ... 9&autor=25 (http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/fotogalerie.php?id=84&id=1169&autor=25)

[RS]

Yes, as you can see in picture links posted above.

That's why I asked the question, I didn't realise he had changed to full works team.

[Mirek]

I think that it is a kind of agreement between Škoda and VW or maybe Škoda Deutschland.

[RS]

Great time by Lappi!

[rage82]

Bouffier now on top . He can surely be competitive on snow ;)

[RS]

Great! The top 4 are really close :)

[Mirek]

Gryazhin wow :)

[RS]

Gryazhin wow :)

He was quick in shakedown too. I wonder if conditions are better for later runners though? Bouffier didn't sound happy yet he was quickest.

[Mirek]

I think they are better for late runners, yes. At least I would sure expect that with recent weather. I was surprised by the choice of Škoda crews...

[stefanvv]

Wiegand: "Really difficult, lot of time the line is not clear... I have no line. The car alot of the time is like swimming, I have no control, so really difficult. For sure behind me they have a better chance to go fast.""

[stefanvv]

Stll Lappi is doing great times

[OldF]

Must be difficult for those first on the stage but nice it's a proper snow rally after all.

[Jarek Z]

Wiegand: "Really difficult, lot of time the line is not clear... I have no line. The car alot of the time is like swimming, I have no control, so really difficult. For sure behind me they have a better chance to go fast.""

Guys did you see that?

Results of SS1:
9. ?erný Jan, Peugeot 208 R2, time 05:52.9
18. Wiegand Sepp, Škoda Fabia S2000, time 06:00.5 <--- almost 8 seconds slower than a R2 car, is it really the biggest German talent? Now he has a real pressure

[Mirek]

Obviously the road conditions favor the late runners but sure I'm happy ?erný is so fast among juniors! :)

Griebel unfortunately crashed so we will not know about neither Opel Adam R2 nor another German talent performance...

[HarriK]

Bouffier not coming in the end of ss2.

[garais22]

LIVE news, first PHOTOS and VIDEO from Rally Liep?ja HERE http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3021 ... a-1-diena/ (http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/3021-live-rally-liepaja-1-diena/)

[stefanvv]

Pitty for Bouffier, mechanical failure

[Mirek]

Bouffier not coming in the end of ss2.

According to Gryazhin he is stopped at the middle of the stage.

EDIT: Broken engine for Bryan...

[stefanvv]

That might explain Gryazin's great times :D :
(4 - Gryazin Vasily / Chumak Dmitry): Bryan is in the middle of the stage, he stopped. We got stuck fifth gear in the gearbox and now before the finish it started to work again.

[Mirek]

Gryazhin is doing incredible job so far!

[stefanvv]

http://go4speed.lv/data/images/Bufje_apstajies.jpg

[Tom206wrc]

Gutted for Bouffier !!! :mad: ;(

[Mirek]

Go Jan ?erný go!!! :D

[RS]

Really disappointing for Bouffier but presumably he will get a refund from PH Sport so he can run a different event instead.

[Jarek Z]

Really disappointing for Bouffier but presumably he will get a refund from PH Sport so he can run a different event instead.

Yes, but the chicken man can be disappointed :(

[LVrainman]

Is that SupeRally system still working, so he could be back tomorrow. Of course he will not be battling for victory, however he could get a good winter rally practice which he lacked before Liepaja?

[RS]

I guess the second loop will give us more realistic times, but good job by Gryazin nonetheless!

[Mirek]

Is that SupeRally system still working, so he could be back tomorrow. Of course he will not be battling for victory, however he could get a good winter rally practice which he lacked before Liepaja?

Since Bryan usually searches for every single Euro to start I don't think he has money to just drive around...

[Tom206wrc]

Go Jan ?erný go!!! :D

Great run from him so far in the ERC Junior :cool:

[WUff1]

Yeah, great performance of Jan Cerny, of course also Gryazin - very bad for Bouffier :(