Rally Poland 2014

[Jafry]

More photos HERE: http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1277

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS20
Meeke : I couldn´t see anything, this is stupid, Jari (Latvala) covered my windscreen 3 times (when JML was at inside line).

[dimviii]

borl day2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=57W2QnNKXOY

[dimviii]

Steering problems for @JuhoWRC this afternoon. The blue tape at the top is when the wheels are straight!
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrPO0O0IUAE9dvt.jpg:large

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eDRFWRkIRZ0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=x8D7C-Sxx_A

[adr17]

Malcolm is at Paul Ricard for the Blancpain GT race - rather than Poland; I think that says it all.

Malcolm was in Poland actually but left early sat morning to go gt race !

[bluuford]

No overnight rain yet..but it is on its way and should arrive just before (maybe an hour) the first stage goes live. Heavy rain again expected.

[bowler]

How can the safety people of the rally, and 0 cars let people stand in the outside of bends like this? Not good.

I would be certain that they were not there when the 0 car went through. Stupid place to stand.

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UV510AiJCQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vzQaGGP4ymc

[dimviii]

SUN 08:51 - SS22: TACTICS?
Going back to Thierry Neuville, the Belgian suggested that Kubica's alternator problem that slotted the Pole into the start order directly in front of him might have more to do with tactics than a mechanical issue. A place lower in the running order in worse conditions could help Hirvonen in their fight for third was his thinking......


Neuville 6:55.0: "Nice strategy from M-Sport for putting an extra car in front of me, unfortunately for them I get a cleaner line"

[br21]

Both Wilson and Matton were present in service park, Wilson visiting all his customers at least for a short chat.

[Ucci]

..... Wilson visiting all his customers at least for a short chat.

Actually that must take quite some time...there are a lot of his customers.....

[dimviii]

TYRE NEWS - all Michelin WRC drivers with 5 soft Latitude Cross, except Meeke with 6 @michelin_sport

[Eli]

again Ogier going to win

[dimviii]

Hänninen fast off the line...Hirvonen doesn't comment at the stage end

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS22 Hirvonen: Many small mistakes, I was many times too wide and off the road.

Sums up his rally and he is getting slower these days not faster... :(

[miniwintz]

I hope Hirvonen will be replaced by Tanak for next year. He is finished.

[RS]

Sorry, I am a little out of touch... Since when did Ola Floene replace Mikko Markula alongside Mikkelssen?

Is this permanent and does this explain Andreas' upturn in form here?

[Negaiss]

Here You GO, LIVE Powerstage - http://www.skysport.tv/bt-sport-1.php

[dimviii]

Here You GO, LIVE Powerstage - http://www.skysport.tv/bt-sport-1.php

redirects to bet on line,any other link?

[Wim_Impreza]

Sorry, I am a little out of touch... Since when did Ola Floene replace Mikko Markula alongside Mikkelssen?

Is this permanent and does this explain Andreas' upturn in form here?

Since the Rally d'Italia Sardegna 3 weeks ago is Ola Fløene back with Mikkelsen.

Both answers on your questions are yes.

[dimviii]

http://cdn.livetv.sx/webplayer.php?t=ifr&c=160711&lang=fr&eid=238309&lid=160711&ci=547&si=7

[miniwintz]

http://www.stream2watch.me/live-tv/bt-sport-1-live-stream

[RS]

Since the Rally d'Italia Sardegna 3 weeks ago is Ola Fløene back with Mikkelsen.

Both answers on your questions are yes.

Thanks, good news.

So VW admitted their mistake?

[Wim_Impreza]

Thanks, good news.

So VW admitted their mistake?

Yes, VW admitted their mistake. I have read it in Motorsport Aktuell, a German newspaper.

[Rallyper]

Kubica pushing!!

[eib1]

Kruuda / Järveoja best moment of the weekend! lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYKa1-FBurg

[Rallyper]

Yes, VW admitted their mistake. I have read it in Motorsport Aktuell, a German newspaper.

What mistake?

[Rallyper]

Ogier - "the gready one" according to commentators...

[Eli]

and Ogier wins again-boring...

[litifeta]

Another fail for my pickems

[dimviii]

congrets to Ogier-Ingrassia ,well deserved win.

[bluuford]

What mistake?
Biggest mistake VW has ever done in WRC. Replacing Floene to Markkula. However, they are still using some finnish words in their pacenotes ;-) So, it was not all bad :-P

[MartijnS]

I would be certain that they were not there when the 0 car went through. Stupid place to stand.

The car is rolling away from them, not to them.

[dimviii]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/lotos_rally_poland_2014/kan_img_5385.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/lotos_rally_poland_2014/kan_img_5858.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/lotos_rally_poland_2014/kan_img_5568.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/lotos_rally_poland_2014/kan_img_5375.jpg

http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=13897&fotograf=286

[Bartek]

That was my first WRC rally - unbeliveble fast. I saw as much as I can, from tight to fast section and I don't know what to say. Many fans from Baltic countries, from Czech Republic, from Hungary, great atmosphere. Probably I will never forget when I saw for the first time Ogier in fast corner :)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQOuoLnhSm0

[the sniper]

That was my first WRC rally - unbeliveble fast. I saw as much as I can, from tight to fast section and I don't know what to say. Many fans from Baltic countries, from Czech Republic, from Hungary, great atmosphere. Probably I will never forget when I saw for the first time Ogier in fast corner :)

The first time you seem them you can't believe how quickly they can drive these cars over such terrain, it's awe-inspiring! Problem is they make everything non-WRC look tame by comparison.

[VFTS]

Biggest mistake VW has ever done in WRC. Replacing Floene to Markkula. However, they are still using some finnish words in their pacenotes ;-) So, it was not all bad :-P

It was not a VW decision!!

[bluuford]

It was not a VW decision!!
So, who did it?
Anyway, they should have had think about it before they allow such changes. I still conider it as their mistake. Such a big and professional tema like they are.

[Bartek]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bELN4pisJxc - nice behavior from Solowow after crash

[Franky]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bELN4pisJxc - nice behavior from Solowow after crash

Gentleman driver in the best way

[br21]

In general OK event, a lot of spectators, some stages really nice, not bad weather. But I've heard many fans complaining about safety, police, long walks from car parks, traffic jams, etc etc. Plus some stages cancelled, some not good enough to be part of WRC event. So many things to work on before next year. For us not good event, engine damage so DNF.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKo2IkdY2qs

[dimviii]

For us not good event, engine damage so DNF.
i am sorry mate.What car was?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrTOe4sIgAE4yMR.jpg:large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrTOGSVIAAAbEtz.jpg:large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrTMxWQIQAEuK8o.jpg:large

[bluuford]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zKo2IkdY2qs
It still cannot fit in my head on what a hell Mikkelsen was thinking when he intentionally planned to cut accross potato field... Hopefully this penalty brings his brain back to his head and potato field owner gets worthy financial payment from the organizers. Otherwise, very good rally by him.

[Bartek]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuvv4VwOi-Y > Kruuda crash

[denkimi]

It still cannot fit in my head on what a hell Mikkelsen was thinking when he intentionally planned to cut accross potato field... Hopefully this penalty brings his brain back to his head and potato field owner gets worthy financial payment from the organizers. Otherwise, very good rally by him.
i just can't believe it was intentionally.

[makinen_fan]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xuvv4VwOi-Y > Kruuda crash

lucky spectators, this could have ended badly

[dimviii]

lol
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrUKc_mCcAAZXRP.jpg:large

[Munkvy]

Well done to Tanak, not only a finish (for a change), but he seemed to keep the car intact and convincingly beat his competitors.

Shame about VW making the Citroen years look like a competitive period, with a variety of winning manufacturers. How many in a row is this now?

[KKSF]

My impressions from rally:
KKSF HD video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhe1WyVtjNE (jumps and speed)

[COD]

Biggest mistake VW has ever done in WRC. Replacing Floene to Markkula. However, they are still using some finnish words in their pacenotes ;-) So, it was not all bad :-P

I don't see why it was mistake? Nothing much changed in the results, but if the driver is happier with current co-driver, how is it a mistake?

[bowler]

I don't see why it was mistake? Nothing much changed in the results, but if the driver is happier with current co-driver, how is it a mistake?

Ola Floene was Mikkelsens codriver, and he was replaced by Markkula. That is what he refers to as the mistake. Since Floene returns Mikkelsen has gone well.

[makinen_fan]

The crash at the same place by Hołowczyc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDRFWRkIRZ0
and a big one by Polykarpou
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8D7C-Sxx_A

[makinen_fan]

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.768217823220885.1073741878.250603691648970&type=1

[Co-driven]

I don't know if it was already mentioned here, but Argentine Juan Alonso complained about having his car damaged on the stage by pieces of metal deliberately positioned on the road. They hit the radiator and he was forced to retire from Saturday's leg.

http://rallynoticias.com/Noticias/ABM/IMAGES/FOTOS/new_big_8401.jpg

http://rallynoticias.com/Noticias/ABM/IMAGES/FOTOS/new_big_8396.jpg

Also on Rallynoticias.com it is stated that in Italy he was also 'attacked', when rocks were thrown on the road right before his pass, and the other competitors before him didn't see them.

[dimviii]

@ co-driven
error 403 forbidden

[kolin]

So, who did it?.

I think every pilot chooses themselves godrivers. The team has been there a little voice.

[Co-driven]

@ co-driven
error 403 forbidden

http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=8401

http://rallynoticias.com/nivel2.php?id_noticia=8396

[sindroms]

Back from Poland.

1st day. Hours spended on preparation and virtual recce payed back immediately. Spot which I found in previous years on-board was Kubica's place on SS2. He blamed blind crest (too sharp and unloaded car too much) before junction... I must say before that crest he was not faster than other top crews. As for me, he missed braking and after that did mistake to try turn car rather to go straight in field. My red cap head was first to roll him back :) In fact Ewans was first who started action there by off-road in a field and back to the road. Then same for - Kangur, Sousa, Chardonet, Lefebvre... After that all was quiet until young guns with Fiestas came. All in all 16 cars were offroad there.
2nd day. Lithuania SS5/7 fast section - "straight, easy right to left medium" between two lakes. Mikkelsen surprised me. Very fast, clean, perfect lines, minimum sideways, I would say Loebish ((c) Mirek). After that SS4/9 - jump over railway, spoiled by chicane in straight before jump, nothing special to see. Some Polish teenagers with home made strong drink (good one I must admit), Latvians "Titanic movie crew", chat with others rally addicteds, all it was good for catch rally atmosphere.
3rd day. SS11. Every meter that I walked to spot - in the middle between start and spectator point, was worth it. Jump, downhill straight, lefthander, double-crest which ends with sideway jump. Mindblowing place, best ever for me. If about driving, second echelon guys were flat out at first double-crest part, while top guys did it very skilled but still fast. And once again top of the top for me was Mikkelsen. Goose bumps and uncensored delight :D Regarding safety, if some car not even rolled, just jumped a little too far in a sideway jump there would have been chopped meat served with official media tabards...
SS16. Spectators spot (before finish) jump. Not that one in forest but before it. Awesome. About 40 meters I guess. I am not a jump fan at all, but if you have chance to stay in a top off the jump in arm lenght from car, watching cars flying away... Breathtaking. Yes, very interesting safety policy. In flying-landing zone you must stay behind tapes/orange fence, 20 meters further - feel free stay where ever you want, you even have your own safety marshal (as it was on the top off the jump).
4th day. SS22. All of us where quite tired so we decide to attend nearest stage to our guest house, so we went to Kubica's place once more. There already was men in Hyundai jacket with device, measuring tarmac surface :) As we expected nothing like in 1st day. All drove very precise, except Polish Evo 9 for which that junction was total surprise.

About organization. Unfortunately my predicts about Lithuanian roads were completely right. I wonder where from came that idea about stages in Lithuania? No offence to neighbors, just wondering. I also wonder why access roads must be closed 2km before stage? What for?! Anyway, all in all it was great event for us thanks to my excellent home work :)

[br21]

Nice video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcg3pZ5LoEE

[WRCstratos]

It was definitely a good choice to go to Poland on short notice! Fixed car and hotel on Tuesday, got there on Thursday.
We were quite surprised by the country, friendly people everywhere, no problems getting through with English or German. Although the organisation of the event could be a bit better, concerning the spectator points (especially the jump at Milki on Sunday). But it was definitely worth the trip, now we are even more motivated for Finland :-)

Here is my video summary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_j4WtD4evwA

[dimviii]

very nice video!

[Lundefaret]

Back from Poland.

1st day. Hours spended on preparation and virtual recce payed back immediately. Spot which I found in previous years on-board was Kubica's place on SS2. He blamed blind crest (too sharp and unloaded car too much) before junction... I must say before that crest he was not faster than other top crews. As for me, he missed braking and after that did mistake to try turn car rather to go straight in field. My red cap head was first to roll him back :) In fact Ewans was first who started action there by off-road in a field and back to the road. Then same for - Kangur, Sousa, Chardonet, Lefebvre... After that all was quiet until young guns with Fiestas came. All in all 16 cars were offroad there.
2nd day. Lithuania SS5/7 fast section - "straight, easy right to left medium" between two lakes. Mikkelsen surprised me. Very fast, clean, perfect lines, minimum sideways, I would say Loebish ((c) Mirek). After that SS4/9 - jump over railway, spoiled by chicane in straight before jump, nothing special to see. Some Polish teenagers with home made strong drink (good one I must admit), Latvians "Titanic movie crew", chat with others rally addicteds, all it was good for catch rally atmosphere.
3rd day. SS11. Every meter that I walked to spot - in the middle between start and spectator point, was worth it. Jump, downhill straight, lefthander, double-crest which ends with sideway jump. Mindblowing place, best ever for me. If about driving, second echelon guys were flat out at first double-crest part, while top guys did it very skilled but still fast. And once again top of the top for me was Mikkelsen. Goose bumps and uncensored delight :D Regarding safety, if some car not even rolled, just jumped a little too far in a sideway jump there would have been chopped meat served with official media tabards...
SS16. Spectators spot (before finish) jump. Not that one in forest but before it. Awesome. About 40 meters I guess. I am not a jump fan at all, but if you have chance to stay in a top off the jump in arm lenght from car, watching cars flying away... Breathtaking. Yes, very interesting safety policy. In flying-landing zone you must stay behind tapes/orange fence, 20 meters further - feel free stay where ever you want, you even have your own safety marshal (as it was on the top off the jump).
4th day. SS22. All of us where quite tired so we decide to attend nearest stage to our guest house, so we went to Kubica's place once more. There already was men in Hyundai jacket with device, measuring tarmac surface :) As we expected nothing like in 1st day. All drove very precise, except Polish Evo 9 for which that junction was total surprise.

About organization. Unfortunately my predicts about Lithuanian roads were completely right. I wonder where from came that idea about stages in Lithuania? No offence to neighbors, just wondering. I also wonder why access roads must be closed 2km before stage? What for?! Anyway, all in all it was great event for us thanks to my excellent home work :)

Very good post!
Mikkelsen undoubtedly showed more of his true speed. To much stuff around him, with codriver etc, have put his potential off. But know they seem to be on the right track. His mistake and Østbergs off took away some of the exitement, tough it was a very exiting rally. The difference in the quality of drivers was very visual as soon as the stages got a little bit more demanding than the first ones. Latvala (toug completly out of it in Poland), Østberg and Mikkelsen is clearifying them selves as the real serious challengers to Ogier. Neuville and Hirvonen are wild cards.

[MartijnS]

Sick! :D

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10152595965654973&set=vb.68262729972&type=2&theater

[Bartek]

Back from Poland.

1st day. Hours spended on preparation and virtual recce payed back immediately. Spot which I found in previous years on-board was Kubica's place on SS2. He blamed blind crest (too sharp and unloaded car too much) before junction... I must say before that crest he was not faster than other top crews. As for me, he missed braking and after that did mistake to try turn car rather to go straight in field. My red cap head was first to roll him back :) In fact Ewans was first who started action there by off-road in a field and back to the road. Then same for - Kangur, Sousa, Chardonet, Lefebvre... After that all was quiet until young guns with Fiestas came. All in all 16 cars were offroad there.
2nd day. Lithuania SS5/7 fast section - "straight, easy right to left medium" between two lakes. Mikkelsen surprised me. Very fast, clean, perfect lines, minimum sideways, I would say Loebish ((c) Mirek). After that SS4/9 - jump over railway, spoiled by chicane in straight before jump, nothing special to see. Some Polish teenagers with home made strong drink (good one I must admit), Latvians "Titanic movie crew", chat with others rally addicteds, all it was good for catch rally atmosphere.
3rd day. SS11. Every meter that I walked to spot - in the middle between start and spectator point, was worth it. Jump, downhill straight, lefthander, double-crest which ends with sideway jump. Mindblowing place, best ever for me. If about driving, second echelon guys were flat out at first double-crest part, while top guys did it very skilled but still fast. And once again top of the top for me was Mikkelsen. Goose bumps and uncensored delight :D Regarding safety, if some car not even rolled, just jumped a little too far in a sideway jump there would have been chopped meat served with official media tabards...
SS16. Spectators spot (before finish) jump. Not that one in forest but before it. Awesome. About 40 meters I guess. I am not a jump fan at all, but if you have chance to stay in a top off the jump in arm lenght from car, watching cars flying away... Breathtaking. Yes, very interesting safety policy. In flying-landing zone you must stay behind tapes/orange fence, 20 meters further - feel free stay where ever you want, you even have your own safety marshal (as it was on the top off the jump).
4th day. SS22. All of us where quite tired so we decide to attend nearest stage to our guest house, so we went to Kubica's place once more. There already was men in Hyundai jacket with device, measuring tarmac surface :) As we expected nothing like in 1st day. All drove very precise, except Polish Evo 9 for which that junction was total surprise.

About organization. Unfortunately my predicts about Lithuanian roads were completely right. I wonder where from came that idea about stages in Lithuania? No offence to neighbors, just wondering. I also wonder why access roads must be closed 2km before stage? What for?! Anyway, all in all it was great event for us thanks to my excellent home work :)

I have an idea about closed roads 2km before stage. I think that many people want to get to stage as close as they can and organizer was scared about possible canceled stages...

We will see how it will look next year, last year after many critical comments they changed many things

[JieM]

Nice stages but the organisation is not very good -> stages acces !!!!

My video: http://youtu.be/6_mPdsVmukQ

[Barreis]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114748

[Mirek]

Beautiful photos of DoN: http://rallyphotos.cz/photos/lotos-rally-poland-2014/16-sebastien-ogier-vw-polo-r-wrc.jpg

http://rallyphotos.cz/photos/lotos-rally-poland-2014/23-ott-tanak-ford-fiesta-r5.jpg
http://rallyphotos.cz/photos/lotos-rally-poland-2014/39-juho-hanninen-hyundai-i20-wrc.jpg
http://rallyphotos.cz/photos/lotos-rally-poland-2014/13-jari-matti-latvala.jpg
http://rallyphotos.cz/photos/lotos-rally-poland-2014/21-jari-matti-latvala-vw-polo-r-wrc.jpg

[makinen_fan]

Beautiful photos of DoN:

One of the best galleries I have ever seen. Very nice, thanks for sharing.

This is the correct link for the whole gallery
http://rallyphotos.cz/photos/lotos-rally-poland-2014/

[Rallyper]

Sick! :D

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10152595965654973&set=vb.68262729972&type=2&theater

Small stone or anything hitting the rear wheel, and Seb would have done more rolls than Mikko in Finland 2010...

[dimviii]

Sick! :D

https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?v=10152595965654973&set=vb.68262729972&type=2&theater


@ 0,58 incar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-1TsDSpec4

[rallyfiend]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/114748

Good move to get rid of the Lithuania stuff. Stupid idea to start with.

[Rallyper]

@ 0,58 incar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-1TsDSpec4

Sad having one single stone getting so many top drivers out of the rally.

[bluuford]

Pretty proper moment by Juho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4vpWl2iol8&feature=youtu.be
Quite strange location for press guy again.. these guys need fast legs..

[Franky]

Pretty proper moment by Juho: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4vpWl2iol8&feature=youtu.be
Quite strange location for press guy again.. these guys need fast legs..

They don't seem to have tabards, so I guess they are average spectators with world class 100m sprint times

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH-4trVw-78

De Mevious roll
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnZSfwfKu4M&sns=tw

[uranium]

Organisation was not good. Especiall over safety things. Even if you have parking tickets, usually you should park the car long way to SS, somewhere in a village and go to stage at least 1.5-2 km. Not good at all.
If you want to go some where else on stage, you should add 1 km more at least.
I have seen a lot of places where parking could be organized in 300-500 meters from stage and even closer. And keep road free. Why not?
Some road even to closest villages where closed at all. Why??
And it is luck that weather was nice.
To go three hours before stage opening is stupid thing as for me, especially if stage is at 8 AM.
It was a bit dissappointment what happend in Lithuania. 500 km in both ways just for one stage is not what was expected. Thanks God nice weather and perfect nature compensated a bit this misfortune.
It was fault in my opinion with sitting places on Arena. A lot of places where free. The reason was simple. It wasn't possible to buy e.g. just one ticket for one event for sitting place. You should buy ticket +100 PLN which is $33. For two it is $66. Is it good? No.
So, I am not sure I will go next time, if nothing changed.

[Mirek]

Another great gallery http://www.mtfoto.cz/rally/14/polski/index.htm

http://www.mtfoto.cz/rally/14/polski/17.jpg
http://www.mtfoto.cz/rally/14/polski/24.jpg
http://www.mtfoto.cz/rally/14/polski/39.jpg

[cytrus]

WRC 71 Rally Poland Highlights by EvoStudio

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-HpKjWCApQ&list=UUU5vS82JqhZWBYR3yrCvjcQ

[Mad Max]

Lotos 71 Rally Poland 2014 by Bociant01 - very good clip recommend
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Re0lDwcpoU