Coates Hire WRC Rally Australia 2014 11th-14th Sept

[jonkka]

This really is a rally to forget for Atko...

[wwbroe]

Ogier not moving anymore???

[wwbroe]

Latvalla passed him on the stage, at leat on WRC+ dots

[N.O.T]

Neuville also missed some splits so it might be a gps problem for some crews... in the case of ogier is probably an intentional one

[wwbroe]

Very good time for Ostberg, beating Neuville by 25 sec

[N.O.T]

If Ogier is out and given his previous performances Latvala could be leader overall in the standings if he was not such mentally weak person...

[jonkka]

Meeke not keeping up

[wwbroe]

Ogier is still standing at same spot on stage on WRC+, i wonder if it is some trick or what is going on?

Edit: now he just jumped back to his position:D

[jonkka]

No sign of Kubica - Ostberg already finished

[N.O.T]

Kubica probably out again Ostberg finished before him.....

[EightGear]

Ogier is still standing at same spot on stage on WRC+, i wonder if it is some trick or what is going on?
Not a single word about in on WRC Live, so nothing to worry about.

[dominik_r]

Kubica is trough

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen fastest trough sofar

[N.O.T]

Meeke gaining on mikkelsen

[wwbroe]

JML is flying trough the stage

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen trough in 27.12.8:eek:

[N.O.T]

Mikkelsen trough in 27.12.8:eek:

13 seconds faster than hirvonen on such a huge stage is not that of an achievement

[wwbroe]

Ogier another 8 sec faster as Andreas

[N.O.T]

27.04 by Ogier.

[wwbroe]

Strange that it is allways Ogier's split times missing;)

[jonkka]

He's found the power cord to GPS unit

[wwbroe]

Latvalla 27.01.6

[N.O.T]

Strange that it is allways Ogier's split times missing;)

in the rallies he doesn't start pulling cables he crashes, so it is good he disables the gps.

[jonkka]

If Ogi is only 8s faster than Mikkelsen, JML will be fastest (he's already 9s up on split 6)

[jonkka]

in the rallies he doesn't start pulling cables he crashes, so it is good he disables the gps.

Actually, he did not disable the GPS - the splits are in NOW?!? Where the hell did they get those if they did not get them during the stage?

[wwbroe]

Meeke 9,1 slower at last split

[wwbroe]

Actually, he did not disable the GPS - the splits are in NOW?!? Where the hell did they get those if they did not get them during the stage?

I am also wondering about that!!

[wwbroe]

Meeke 27.12.1, loosing quite some time

[jonkka]

And JML leads...

[wwbroe]

Evans is encoutering overheating problems?

[wwbroe]

Meeke taking third for 0,1 second

[wwbroe]

Yazeed Al Rajhi is fastest trough in WRC2 for the moment, no more splits for Tanak?

[wwbroe]

Tanak is trough and is fastest man in WRC2 by 8 seconds, pitty he lost so much time yesterday with his problems

Edit: my mistake, he is loosing quite a lot of time again, don't know the reason

[wwbroe]

Another broken driveshaft for Ott, really unlucky during this rally

[wwbroe]

Next stage will be live on WRC+, looking forward to the images

[wwbroe]

Nobody awake anymore, am i the only one left?:(

[Robbo]

Nope, just starting lunch. This rally is in good time for us in NZ. Going to enjoy it. Next stage we have live on TV

[noel157]

Nobody awake anymore, am i the only one left?:(

ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[wwbroe]

Feeling a little bit sleepy as well, but going to watch next stage and then a few hours sleep:)

[Robbo]

That will work well. We have provincial rugby games to keep eye on before big test against South Africa tonight. Life is very tough...

[wwbroe]

That will work well. We have provincial rugby games to keep eye on before big test against South Africa tonight. Life is very tough...

It sure is......

[Mk2 RS2000]

Very tough, sometimes it is a struggle to fit it all in...

[wwbroe]

Live broadcasting starts in 2 minutes

[Mintexmemory]

I'm about to turn in after an evening spent at a BBQ following day 1 of Goodwood RevIval - too much brandy! Go JML. (And Kris)

[janvanvurpa]

This really is a rally to forget for Atko...

Maybe its time for rally to forget Atkinson?

[jonkka]

Hopefully it is not...

[wwbroe]

Live images now on WRC+

[wwbroe]

Alistair McRae comentating on this stage

[jonkka]

Former-Hyundai driver, eh? :D

[wwbroe]

Former-Hyundai driver, eh? :D

He was, wasn't he?

[wwbroe]

Very nice helicopter images

[wwbroe]

Atkinsson is trough

[jonkka]

Indeed he was.

[wwbroe]

Neuville is 10 sec faster as teammate Atkinsson

[wwbroe]

Ostberg first one to be faster as Neuville, started to rain now on the stage

[jonkka]

wrc.com fell asleep

[Zeropt]

Live stream: http://cricfree.tv/live/watch/world_rally_racing_australia/54667

[wwbroe]

Paddon fastest trough now, half a second faster

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen now fastest, road position is paying off i suppose

[wwbroe]

Mikklesen is charging

[wwbroe]

Ogier a litlle slower as Mikkelsen after 2 min split

[wwbroe]

But fastest trough at the end by 0,3 sec

[wwbroe]

JML takes this one as well, let's see what Meeke can do

[N.O.T]

Good coverage but they could have used more ground cameras especially in the areas with the trees.

[wwbroe]

Good coverage but they could have used more ground cameras especially in the areas with the trees.

That is true, but i am not complaining, nice coverage after all

[wwbroe]

Meeke loosing third place to Mikkelsen

[wwbroe]

Meeke was taking really big cut at the end of stage, really cutting part of corner

[wwbroe]

Well guys, i am going to take a little nap, see you in a couple of hours;)

[jonkka]

Good coverage but they could have used more ground cameras especially in the areas with the trees.

Agree, I almost always prefer ground level camera over helicam.

[jonkka]

Meeke was taking really big cut at the end of stage, really cutting part of corner

Given that there is standing ban on that we may see official action...

[Mk2 RS2000]

That was a pretty serious cut by Meeke, will be interesting to see how many use it next run through.

[wwbroe]

Given that there is standing ban on that we may see official action...

We will see what officials say, it was in last corner, just after yellow flag he took massive cut before crossing finish line

[Rally Hokkaido]

Probably not a clever idea By Kris to do it on live TV and within sight of the stage end officials who are usually appointed Judges of Fact!
We will see what officials say, it was in last corner, just after yellow flag he took massive cut before crossing finish line

[N.O.T]

Given that there is standing ban on that we may see official action...

I think he will get away with it given the fact he lost time on the stage.

[litifeta]

bit of rain about
http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDR283.loop.shtml#skip

[Tom206wrc]

SS11 is on the way ;)

[Rally Hokkaido]

First four cars are on stage. Where is everyone on the forum?

[Rally Hokkaido]

And a handy hint for Jon Desborough: It's pronounced Nam-bucker, not Nam-book-her

[jonkka]

I think he will get away with it given the fact he lost time on the stage.

It is possible, even probable. Then again, such ban should be strictly enforced because any leniency erodes it's effectiveness.

[jonkka]

By the way, am I alone thinking that today is somewhat wasted day with just one monster stage twice, one short stage twice and super special twice?

[Mk2 RS2000]

First four cars are on stage. Where is everyone on the forum?

Lurking quietly in the background and checking all the documentation for an event next weekend

[wwbroe]

After a few hours sleep, i am back, altough still sleepy....

[wwbroe]

Neuville looking rather good on splits, but now seems to be not moving on tracking?

Edit: he is ok, moving again now

[wwbroe]

Atkinsson is trough in 28.19.9

[Tom206wrc]

Virtually Neuville should be currently 8th now(after 6 splits) ;)

[wwbroe]

Neuville is 1min10 faster as teammate Atkinsson, really disappointing times by Chris i must say

[stefanvv]

Ogier will push on this stage

[wwbroe]

Ogier will push on this stage

That is for sure, let's seeif JML can strike back after loosing about a sec on first split

[Tom206wrc]

Split problem for Östberg :confused:

Edit: OK...he's virtually in front of Paddon now ;)

[wwbroe]

Neuville is passing in front of Evans in overall classification

[wwbroe]

JML loosing allready 4,7 sec on second split, Ogier is flying

[stefanvv]

Ogier on hards, Latvala on softs?

[stefanvv]

Ogier on hards, Latvala on softs?

yep:
Tyre choices of the #Volkswagen drivers: @SebOgier has 3 hard, 2 soft; @JariMattiWRC: 4 soft, 2 hard; @AMikkelsenRally 4 hard 2 soft

[litifeta]

Neuville is 1min10 faster as teammate Atkinsson, really disappointing times by Chris i must say

I think they bell has tolled for Chris. First drive for 6 months. Cannot expect to be competitive

[wwbroe]

Missing split for Ogier again?

[wwbroe]

I think they bell has tolled for Chris. First drive for 6 months. Cannot expect to be competitive

I agree with you, but his timeloss is massive, even compared to Paddon....

[jonkka]

Didn't Hyundai sign Atko mainly for (Oceanian) marketing purposes? I mean they got plenty of drivers signed, too many for just testing and events...

[wwbroe]

Bad tyrechoice for JML as it seems on splits!!!

[Rally Hokkaido]

It seems those that fitted softs were expecting the rain to come during the stage. So far it has stayed away. This could be the most critical stage of the rally!

[wwbroe]

Paddon loosing about 20sec to Ostberg

[Tom206wrc]

For the first time on this event Mikko slower than Mads ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Meeke fastest so far(after split 3) gooo Kris :bounce:

[wwbroe]

I think Hirvonen and Evans are on soft compound too?

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen trough in 26.47.1, very good time

[litifeta]

Meeke is flying. Looking good

[wwbroe]

Ogier in 26.39.4:eek::eek:

[stefanvv]

Latvala won't loose too much

[wwbroe]

Latvalla loosing 13,4 sec to Seb, that is a lot

[stefanvv]

Yeah last split he lost twice so far. Tyres gone off

[Tom206wrc]

No split anymore for Meeke :confused:

[stefanvv]

Yeah last split he lost twice so far. Tyres gone off

Ops, my mistake, compared different splits between Mikkelsen and Ogier

[wwbroe]

Mistery again in Ogier's split, not showing after split 2, i wonder if they will show in a few minutes, like it w<as in first run:D

[wwbroe]

Meeke in 26.46.5

[wwbroe]

Worldchampion in the lead now, in front of JML and close battle between Mikkelsen and Meeke for third

[Tom206wrc]

meeke in 26.46.5


ok ;)

[wwbroe]

No splis for Tanak and Ketomaa???

[wwbroe]

Very good time for Ketomaa in WRC2, only 5 sec behind Al Attiyah now overall

[stefanvv]

Ketomaa finishes - faster than Atkinson:D

[wwbroe]

Atkinson trough stage 12

[wwbroe]

Neuville a massive 12 sec faster as teammate Chris Atkinson, who is really struggling

[wwbroe]

Car of Neuville damaged, had some off

[wwbroe]

Kubica is slow trough this stage, something wrong with him?

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Kubica, or something wrong with rear wheel

[wwbroe]

Exactly same time for Ostberg as for Neuville, who is taking eight overall from Kubica

[wwbroe]

Volkswagen show is going on i am afraid, Mikkelsen fastest in split untill now

[wwbroe]

Ogier 4.19.8 :eek:

[jonkka]

Meeke is yet to come, maybe he'll throw wrench in the cogs... He was slow on this stage on the first run though...

[wwbroe]

Latvalla 4.20.8 not loosing much

[jonkka]

JML is not slow either

[wwbroe]

Meeke trough in 4.23.8, faster as Mikkelsen, so keeping on to third

[wwbroe]

Nasser with good time, only 3 seconds behind Al Rajhi now overall in WRC2

[litifeta]

wonder what the tyre tally is like for the teams? Who has what left? Looks like a bit of rain coming from the south

[wwbroe]

Only superstages left to run with the tyres, so i guess the impact will not be that big?

[litifeta]

meant for tomorrow up Shipmans for the tyres

[wwbroe]

meant for tomorrow up Shipley's for the tyres

Ok, i misunderstood, tought you were talking about whats left from their tyres after the two stages of second loop;)

[wwbroe]

How come that Evans will run first on super special stage?

[eib1]

Neuville
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/australia/neuv.jpg

Kubica
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/australia/kubica.jpg

Mikkelsen
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxZSMjUCQAAVesA.jpg

[wwbroe]

Evans on the stage now, still don't know why he is running first tough

[eib1]

Ott changig broken drive shaft after SS9
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxYKdIiCUAEHDUn.jpg:large

[wwbroe]

Looks like it is ordered differently, the slowest from yesterday going in first and fastest one coming last, bit strange isn't it?

[wwbroe]

Atkinson into stage now, then after Evans will do his second run

[wwbroe]

Evans completed his second run trough superstage

[wwbroe]

Kubica will be next

[wwbroe]

And then it is Meeke who will tackle his first run

[wwbroe]

Meeke slower trough as Evans

[wwbroe]

Ostberg now into stage for first run

[WRC1]

atkinson 5,4 slower than evans on 1,5km stage....i hope he did at least a few donuts for the crowds...if he is that slow without donuts it is just a waste of a seat....they should have brought sordo instead of him...

[wwbroe]

Kubica with some problem in second run, rather poor time 1.59.1

[wwbroe]

atkinson 5,4 slower than evans on 1,5km stage....i hope he did at least a few donuts for the crowds...if he is that slow without donuts it is just a waste of a seat....they should have brought sordo instead of him...

I must agree with you, he didn't make one decent time in this rally yet

[wwbroe]

Meeke second run 1.40.9, besttime sofar

[wwbroe]

Neuville now in stage for first run, Ostberg slower as Meeke

[wwbroe]

After Paddon, it's Miko's turn to do first run

[wwbroe]

Besttime for Neuville in second run ,1.41.7

Edit: my mistake, Meeke is faster in 1.40.9

[wwbroe]

Evans still quickest on first run

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen into stage now and taking besttime in first run 1.40.8, taking 1,7 sec on Meeke!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS13/SS14: MEEKE AND OSTBERG
All clear for the Citroen duo. Meeke anxious to see the times of the Volkswagen drivers later on - especially if the road cleans and gives an advantage to his rival Mikkelsen...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How come that Evans will run first on super special stage?

Elfyn Evans is first car through as tonight's start order is based on Friday's Super Special times, with the slowest through first...

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen taking third overall away from Meeke, let's see what he can do in second run trough superstage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ha ha ! :D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxZq__oCAAA2se8.jpg:large

[wwbroe]

Ogier with same time as Mikkelsen, taking 0,7 on Latvalla

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen 1.39.8 in second run, so another 1,1 quicker then Meeke

[wwbroe]

So we have a Volkswagen 1,2,3 at the end of day 2:(

[wwbroe]

Ogier is just a fraction quicker again as Mikkelsen in 1.39.7

[Robbo]

Thanks for the running information. Will not be on here tomorrow as have to steward a hillclimb and probably out of mobile range. Bad planning on my part.

[WRC1]

what happend to Al Rajhi on stage 14??

sorry...wrong time it seems, everythings fine!

[nafpaktos]

<But the roads were dry and Ogier’s option of three hard and one soft tyre proved more matched to the conditions.>

How is possible for a car to have the right balance with that combination.i suppose the hard was on one rear wheel?

[wwbroe]

Great time by Nasser on stage 14, beating some WRC cars, must have been quite a show:)

[stefanvv]

<But the roads were dry and Ogier’s option of three hard and one soft tyre proved more matched to the conditions.>

How is possible for a car to have the right balance with that combination.i suppose the hard was on one rear wheel?

You probably meant "the soft". Probably on some of rear wheels indeed as they suffer probably less. Though it would make more sense on front as they fell mostly into damp sections.

[eib1]

Ketomaa rolled ss13 and Tänak stopped to help him, what a great team work

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxaGCT0CIAESPUK.png

[jonkka]

Meeke has received a penalty for taking that shortcut.

http://www.rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Stewards-Decision-No.-1.pdf

[stefanvv]

Meeke has received a penalty

Yeah, I guess it was obvious he did it intentionally.

[EightGear]

One minute penalty!?

[jonkka]

Actually, a loss of one place which is achieved by one minute one second time penalty.

[noel157]

Bit of a bummer. A drop of 1 place but a 1 min (and .01...) penalty. Will Nawerecki appeal?
A harsh decision.

And the spectator standing somewhere stupid earlier is hardly a driver's fault.

[EightGear]

Meh, that will be an easy VW 1-2-3 now then.

[makinen_fan]

This is a silly situation, I think this will start backfiring soon, the same as all the penalties did in F1 and now they just dont impose them.
Is there a video of this cut?

[stefanvv]

Is there a video of this cut?

it's on re-live on wrc+

[noel157]

It's on the poor man's WRC.com on the SS 7-10 video highlights as well @ 0.50 secs.

[dimviii]

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/P%C3%A9nalit%C3%A9-pour-Kris-Meeke-en-Australie-410x230.jpg

[wwbroe]

It was quite obvious, he did it on live television broadcast. I was watching it live on WRC+ and immediately wondered if that would be allowed. It was not a very smart move i must say, and he didn't gain anything with it. Rules are there to be folowed tough, so i understand the decision, alltough i find it bad for this rally, no more opposants for VW now.

[A FONDO]

Fair decision.

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-4664-0-44233900-1410613993.png

[dimviii]

borl day2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=TtfCg0_4QQ4

photos
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrallylive/

[raybak]

Finished day 2, up to 4th place now. Had a late finish tonight but set some good times. Service park has been a mudbath.

Shipmans has been shortened by 6km for all categories as the last 6km was deemed too dangerous at competition speed.

Ray

[Rallyper]

Boring! Tonight and tomorrow WRC will be second choice of amusement... :(

[makinen_fan]

What happened to Yazeed in the last stage and lost 30s to Nasser?

[stefanvv]

Boring! Tonight and tomorrow WRC will be second choice of amusement... :(

watch the onboard of Latvala on SS9 and You'll have some

[Barreis]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115851

[A FONDO]

watch the onboard of Latvala on SS9 and You'll have some

where?

[stefanvv]

where?

wrc+:(

[Rallyper]

WRC+ not available in Sweden :(

[Rallyper]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/115851

Not anything special with that cut. Is there a rule about two leghtways wheels to be on the road?

[SubaruNorway]

Not anything special with that cut. Is there a rule about two leghtways wheels to be on the road?

Where do you draw the line though? From the inboard with Ogier the 2nd time through it looked like everyone had been cutting outside the edge of the road...

[Rallyper]

I know, where do we draw the line? In this case the outcome decides by clerks.

[jonkka]

Not anything special with that cut. Is there a rule about two leghtways wheels to be on the road?

Yes, the steward's decision refers to it:

http://d2t24n70pdbj8s.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Rally-Australia-2014-WRC-Bulletin-1.pdf

2. Deviation from formed Roadway
Competitors are advised that the compulsory itinerary of the rally is deemed to follow the defined roadway and that significant deviations from the roadway will be treated as a breach of FIA WRC Regulations Art. 14.2.

I expect that next year's WRC rules will include a clarification so that rally officials no longer need to add it to supplementary regulations or bulletins - causes less confusion that way too as ruling would be universal.

[tommeke_B]

Remember when Neuville went off in Germany last year and he cut over 100 metres and didn't get a penalty? In Poland Mikkelsen got just 10s. Consistency of FIA...

[MartijnS]

Same spot right?

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10665663_10152385199625678_3160695978565843149_n.j pg?oh=ae68c7618f8e9472ec1256f9868b5913&oe=548400C8

[Mirek]

That penalty is just farce in my opinion.

[Eli]

That penalty is just farce in my opinion.

just a way to give VW a 1-2-3 and the manufacturers the title already...shame, could have been a good fight.

[Rallyper]

Yes, the steward's decision refers to it:

http://d2t24n70pdbj8s.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Rally-Australia-2014-WRC-Bulletin-1.pdf

2. Deviation from formed Roadway
Competitors are advised that the compulsory itinerary of the rally is deemed to follow the defined roadway and that significant deviations from the roadway will be treated as a breach of FIA WRC Regulations Art. 14.2.

I expect that next year's WRC rules will include a clarification so that rally officials no longer need to add it to supplementary regulations or bulletins - causes less confusion that way too as ruling would be universal.

Significant deviation must be much more than that. For example shortcuts gaining roadmileage. This is just normal cutting which happens to be normal where ever it´s possible.

[stefanvv]

Same spot right?

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10665663_10152385199625678_3160695978565843149_n.j pg?oh=ae68c7618f8e9472ec1256f9868b5913&oe=548400C8

Doesn't seem so

[Rallyper]

But still just a cut, if not the same spot

[stefanvv]

But still just a cut, if not the same spot

Should be penaltized too I guess. Not caught in-time?

[COD]

Meeke needs to hone his SSS skills. Shit, he has lost roughly 10s on 6km's

[satnav]

The fact it happened on live tv likely screwed Kris , i'm just wondering is there anyone going through all the onboards checking no one goes off the track so they can be penalised , as the decision stated the stewards have become aware !!!

[satnav]

Remember when Neuville went off in Germany last year and he cut over 100 metres and didn't get a penalty? In Poland Mikkelsen got just 10s. Consistency of FIA...
In Poland Mikkelsen only got a Fine and a warning ......http://www.rajdpolski.pl/pliki/zawodnicy/2014/tablica/2_6_stewards_decision_no._5.pdf
So no real consistency at all......

[bassist]

What bloody next? This is ridiculous.

[jonkka]

Significant deviation must be much more than that. For example shortcuts gaining roadmileage. This is just normal cutting which happens to be normal where ever it´s possible.

I am not a steward but I would have made the same decision. This is not off-road rallying, so competitor must stay on the road. Off course, organisers could place hay bales on every such place but it's simpler for everyone if that's not needed.

[Rallyper]

I am not a steward but I would have made the same decision. This is not off-road rallying, so competitor must stay on the road. Off course, organisers could place hay bales on every such place but it's simpler for everyone if that's not needed.

Where have you been? A rallydriver cuts everywhere he can, but not deviates from road. It´s a huge difference. Have you never seen such cuts before?

[N.O.T]

the decision is ridiculous... i think a penalty of 10 seconds would suffice and would be fair. Although i think that he could also get away with it and none would say anything.

[rallyfun]

I am not a steward but I would have made the same decision. This is not off-road rallying, so competitor must stay on the road. Off course, organisers could place hay bales on every such place but it's simpler for everyone if that's not needed.

+1

[Mirek]

I am not a steward but I would have made the same decision. This is not off-road rallying, so competitor must stay on the road. Off course, organisers could place hay bales on every such place but it's simpler for everyone if that's not needed.

The problem is that such cutting has been part of the game ALWAYS. For example in Rally Germany it has been absolutely common thing. When some penalty shall apply than it must apply always and always same. When it is just a random pick twice in a season with a random punishment it makes more bad than good. In fact it's complete farce.

[Rallyper]

The problem is that such cutting has been part of the game ALWAYS. For example in Rally Germany it has been absolutely common thing. When some penalty shall apply than it must apply always and always same. When it is just a random pick twice in a season with a random punishment it makes more bad than good. In fact it's complete farce.

+100

[N.O.T]

It is safe to say that Atko has no place in the sport at its top level anymore... sad but true.

[N.O.T]

what is the length of this stage ? rallybase gives it as 30km and citroen racing as 24.

[dimviii]

maybe they shortened the stage?

edit

SUN 08:20 - SS15 IN DETAIL
Sunday’s opener has been shortened by 5.48km but is otherwise similar to 2013. It is fast with little gravel on the surface and a largely clay base. It is well known for a deep watersplash and also for being the stage where Sebastien Ogier crashed three years ago

[devil's land]

Has been shortened by 5.48km

[Loose_Unit]

Finished day 2, up to 4th place now. Had a late finish tonight but set some good times. Service park has been a mudbath.

Shipmans has been shortened by 6km for all categories as the last 6km was deemed too dangerous at competition speed.

Ray


Shortened as Ray said

[N.O.T]

judging from the final time they did.

[Loose_Unit]

Ah you all beat me.. anyway I agree with NOT. Never really been a fan of Atko. Nice guy, but just not fast enough...

[jonkka]

Surely you recognize that there are two different points in your post.


The problem is that such cutting has been part of the game ALWAYS. For example in Rally Germany it has been absolutely common thing.

Corner cutting has always been part of the sport - but the question is when does corner cutting turn into shortcutting (which is a rule violation)? Not only is shortcutting unfair, it is also potentially unsafe and inconvenience to rally organisers (as proved by Mikkelsen's let's-unroot-some-potatoes -shortcut in Poland) who have to foot the bill for damages.


When some penalty shall apply than it must apply always and always same. When it is just a random pick twice in a season with a random punishment it makes more bad than good. In fact it's complete farce.

This is a problem, albeit not a huge one. And for this reason, there should be clear, explicit rule that says what is an acceptable cut and what is not - plus what the penalty should be. As it stands now, rally stewards (which do have permanent membership from rally to rally) have to pass sentences without any reference from the rules and hence the varying standards.

[Loose_Unit]

The fight with Paddon and Ostberg is on!

[Mk2 RS2000]

The pressure is on this morning, looks like all or nothing from a few of them

[dimviii]

iRally @Official_iRally · 1 λεπ.
Julian Porter reports that Mikko Hirvonen may have an engine issue of sorts, warning light on in the car at the end of SS15

[marcosg]

Art. 14.2. The organisers may erect barriers or any other hindrances where they believe competitors have deviated from the roadway during reconnaissance or the first running of the stages.

for me the decision of the stewards was based on this...

there were posts there to prevent cutting so i think it was too obviuos right from the start...

if the posts weren't there i think he would get away with it

[satnav]

Art. 14.2. The organisers may erect barriers or any other hindrances where they believe competitors have deviated from the roadway during reconnaissance or the first running of the stages.

for me the decision of the stewards was based on this...

there were posts there to prevent cutting so i think it was too obviuos right from the start...

if the posts weren't there i think he would get away with it
Yes but what happens if car 1 cuts takes the posts out and some cars follow , do they punish car 1 for the cut , how then can they punish the next cars if the posts are not in place , they are opening a big can of worms are they not ....

[Mirek]

Corner cutting has always been part of the sport - but the question is when does corner cutting turn into shortcutting (which is a rule violation)? Not only is shortcutting unfair, it is also potentially unsafe and inconvenience to rally organisers (as proved by Mikkelsen's let's-unroot-some-potatoes -shortcut in Poland) who have to foot the bill for damages.

I spoke about shortcutting (whole car off the road). That has been common thing in Germany and other rallies (driving straight through some S-turns for example).


This is a problem, albeit not a huge one. And for this reason, there should be clear, explicit rule that says what is an acceptable cut and what is not - plus what the penalty should be. As it stands now, rally stewards (which do have permanent membership from rally to rally) have to pass sentences without any reference from the rules and hence the varying standards.

Totally disagree. When rules lead to picking random situations and giving random penalties than it is huge problem.

[dimviii]

SUN 09:16 - UP NEXT: SS16
Bucca is the roughest stage of the rally, with stones on the road and bedrock poking through for much of the first half. It becomes smoother towards the finish. The clay-based roads are fast, with big straights dotted with crests and jumps.

[noel157]

It's understandable if the driver was looking for an advantage but it didn't look like it, more a case of carrying too much speed and scrubbing speed off on the grass. How is the deviation rule applied to genuine overshoots or similar?

[jonkka]

Totally disagree. When rules lead to picking random situations and giving random penalties than it is huge problem.

It can be argued to be either random or consistent, depending on one's view. Random because there have been two cases with two different penalties - yes, I see your point here.

But consistent because first time this matter surfaced in Poland, where penalty was small, and all top drivers were now expected to know about the issue. So, when rule was included in the bulletin before the rally, drivers were supposed to have been forewarned not to deviate from the route. And when Meeke did it despite incident in Poland and despite explicit ruling in bulletin, it can be argued that his act was willful, deliberate and thus due for harsher punishment. Effectively, next driver to do so should expect even harsher punishment, hence the pattern.

This reminds me of the underwear-gate few years back. It had similar air to it, drivers were forewarned, some did not believe and got hit with small penalties. Some did not believe even then and got hit with harsher penalties. Now there have been no top drivers without fireproof underwear, they know FIA means business. Same should apply here - difference being that WRC regs do not have explicit ruling (for now).

[Mk2 RS2000]

The penalty is that they have to drop one place.

If one was 5 seconds ahead then the penalty would be 6 seconds, if one was two minutes ahead then the penalty is 2min 1 sec.

That is why it varies from event to event and situation to situation.

[satnav]

The penalty is that they have to drop one place.

If one was 5 seconds ahead then the penalty would be 6 seconds, if one was two minutes ahead then the penalty is 2min 1 sec.

That is why it varies from event to event and situation to situation.
There is no specified penalty this is the problem and there is no specific term as to what specifies a "cut" it is down to the stewards view on the situation , and to who see's it ....

[wwbroe]

Next stage will be live on television and on WRC+, it is also the power stage later on. Looking forward to the images. Just came home after a party, so now i can follow the rest of the rally.;)

[noel157]

Next stage will be live on television and on WRC+, it is also the power stage later on. Looking forward to the images. Just came home after a party, so now i can follow the rest of the rally.;)

So we need a link.....

[jonkka]

So we need a link.....

To the party? Yesh!

[wwbroe]

Ogier is taking this stage, Latvalla didn't have any splits in the car. Looks like in normal circumstances Ogier will bring it home.

[wwbroe]

So we need a link.....

There was some link yesterday, i don't know if it will work today as well?

[OnlyRally]

So we need a link.....
http://cricfree.sx/bt-sport-2.php

[wwbroe]

Stage 17 will start in about 1 minute and live on TV, i mean the broadcast will start, stage will start a little bit later;)

[wwbroe]

Al Rajhi stopped in stage, very unfornute for him, he was leading quite long time in WRC2

[the sniper]

This stage looks a bit more interesting than the one yesterday. I'm still not sure about Jon Desborough as a commentator...

[wwbroe]

At WRC+ it is Julian Porter cocomentating, talking about Meeke's penalty now

[wwbroe]

Unfortunally a lot of trees, so difficult to follow with helicopter images

[wwbroe]

Helicopter seems to have lost Atko in there, last part of stage is more open

[wwbroe]

Both front wings over the wheels were gone in the watersplash for Atko

[wwbroe]

Atko is safely trough the stage, images are nice but too much trees in there, so difficult to follow the car

[wwbroe]

Some onboards from Kubica, that is looking better;)

[noel157]

On-boards are good.

[satnav]

This is what happened Yazeed

Stick through the radiator, no idea how and where! All the water gone so it’s all over for @RallyAustralia 2014….
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bxc-vf2CMAEKJa0.jpg

[arko5]

strange gaps between drivers: 3, 5, 4 ,3 min...