Rally Wrc France-Alsace 2014

[KKS]

"http://ewrc-results.com/quickp/13901_bzfppkgciaaltpq.jpg"
oh... I just try get an alternative link for tomorrow live stages

[noel157]

All 4 (PS of course) stages broadcast tomorrow?

[GigiGalliNo1]

And I cant bear listening to rally radio - Becs & Colin are so annoying. :(

Shame we can't have Greg Strange back... Sadly passed away... His second rally he's missed with coverage...

[stefanvv]

oh... I just try get an alternative link for tomorrow live stages

All stages on the same channel, some live action on other channels as well. More here:
http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?34611-Rally-Wrc-France-Alsace-2014&p=1018376&viewfull=1#post1018376

[noel157]

Kinda early start tomorrow morning.................

[satukata]

any link live streaming sport+?

[KKS]

All stages on the same channel, some live action on other channels as well. More here:
http://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?34611-Rally-Wrc-France-Alsace-2014&p=1018376&viewfull=1#post1018376
If a broadcaster guy didn't change that football (on those links) all that schedule means nothing

[HaCo]

Neuville his time has been corrected.

[satukata]

hope somebody give link sport+

[KKS]

hope somebody give link sport+
you should ask Shacki from ewrz. He knows something!

[jonkka]

Yeah, but You don't understand his condition, it's really difficult for him to steer, change gears and pull handbrake with one hand.

Yes but given all that, maybe he shouldn't be contesting WRC rounds?

[wwbroe]

Another fastest time for JML on last stage of the day, almost everybody predicting rain for tomorrow, could make thing more interesting.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kinda early start tomorrow morning.................

06.30 start in the UK !!

I wonder what I'll wake up to this time.. not another shock like Germany surely !

[stefanvv]

Yes but given all that, maybe he shouldn't be contesting WRC rounds?

That's up to him. Obviously it is difficult, but he obviously loves Rally

EDIT: Or just doesn't have other option currently

[Jafry]

More photos from DAY 2 HERE: http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1302

[HaCo]

Another lucky escape:
KUBICA CRASH WRC RALLY DE FRANCE 2014: http://youtu.be/9M2PCQ4zvRU

[Ucci]

Yes but given all that, maybe he shouldn't be contesting WRC rounds?

You (we) should admire him for his passion and will! After so huge accident, his will to insist is an example to all us, not just for sport, but also for everyday life.....99% of people would surrender after what happened to him, but he is still full of motivation and doing miracles regarding his personal limitation...

[stefanvv]

Nice video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpLISJOEtMo

[stefanvv]

You (we) should admire him for his passion and will! After so huge accident, his will to insist is an example to all us, not just for sport, but also for everyday life.....99% of people would surrender after what happened to him, but he is still full of motivation and doing miracles regarding his personal limitation...

Passion and will is fine, but my personal impression is he need to change his approach a bit. His mistakes seem to be caused by very late breaking and going too wide out of corners. I know he is working on his driving style and seems there is some progress. Just doesn't have to lose his direction.

[Tofrallye29]

any link live streaming sport+?

cafe-creme.me
Tomorrow it will be streamed on channel 9 (chaîne 9 in french) ;)

[KKS]

Coming up next: End day 2 press conference
http://www.wrc.com/live-ticker/live_popup_stream.html

[KKS]

cafe-creme.me
Tomorrow it will be streamed on channel 9 (chaîne 9 in french) ;)
Great news!
It will be strong motivation to not oversleep tomorrow stages

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke still predicting the rally isn't over :

'Weather uncertain tomorrow.. anything can still happen.

Press Conference. I’m talking about Day3 Germany, Jari Matti is thinking about Day3 Germany!'

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

[KKS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9rzJkbQCtU

[dimviii]

clio r3t crash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=brz8I1ff7tg


Kubi close call
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=914077078620717

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=6Ah9X5i2Wj4


borl leg2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=8rCCAxjZigk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Weather forecast I've seen shows no rain til 3pm Sunday, so maybe no problems after all..

[KKS]

Nice video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpLISJOEtMo
And first video with Porsche

[KKS]

At service park all dry now

[wwbroe]

Good morning guys, so no rain at all at stages?

[wwbroe]

Stage 15, first stage of the day, is live now, Ogier just started.

[KKS]

And http://cafe-creme.me/chaine9.html works fine!
Tnx Tofrallye29 (http://www.motorsportforums.com/member.php?20042-Tofrallye29)

[rage82]

Good morning guys let's watch some action. Stream is working now for me (cafe-creme.me, channel 9) with the proxy given by stefanvv

[wwbroe]

Is that Molly Taylor, doing the interviews at the stage end?

[Bartek]

And http://cafe-creme.me/chaine9.html works fine!
Tnx Tofrallye29 (http://www.motorsportforums.com/member.php?20042-Tofrallye29)

With normal proxy??

[wwbroe]

So, no more service untill after power stage, all four stages with same tyres then?

[KKS]

With normal proxy??
no , with baracuda proxy

But now they streaming SS14 :( from yesterday

[jonkka]

So, no more service untill after power stage, all four stages with same tyres then?

That's right.

[rage82]

Maybe they are waiting the top guys to start

[wwbroe]

Good time for Neuville, 6 sec faster as Ogier

[wwbroe]

Neuville now only 7,3 sec from Bouffier in overall classification

[wwbroe]

Evans another 3 sec faster as Neuville, doing great work

[rage82]

Look's like Ogier is saving the tyres for PS

[noel157]

Good morning.

[jonkka]

Surely, he needs to salvage something from this rally.

[KKS]

Kubica doing so well let's se Dani time

[wwbroe]

Besttime for Kubica!!

[noel157]

Very fast stage.

[rage82]

Kubica is taking the 4th place feom Sordo!

[wwbroe]

Kubica passing in front of Sordo to fourth

[wwbroe]

Sordo is saying that he is really surprised by the time of Kubica

[wwbroe]

Looks like Kubica might take this stage:eek:

[WUff1]

... and surpassed Sordo! Very good rally of Robert!

[noel157]

Yep, Robert gets it. Meeke said something about front tyres?

[wwbroe]

Yep, Robert gets it. Meeke said something about front tyres?

He was saying that he didn't make the best choice, and he backed off to safe the tyres.

[KKS]

Evans and Meeke have same tyre choice and so different performance at stage. Seems Meeke back off

[noel157]

Ok, thanks WWB and KKS.

""I tried to protect the tyres. It's still a long way to go.""

[noel157]

Sordo/Citroen/Evans 3S3H - Latvala/Mikkelsen/Bouffier/Hirvonen 4H2S - Neuville 4H1S - Ogier 3H3S - Kubica 4S2h

[KKS]

""I tried to protect the tyres. It's still a long way to go.""
In this case or Meeke know something important that Soft not good tyre choice to loop, or Kubica didn't care about loop but only about morning stages.
Definitely soft tyre drivers were fast at SS15. What a problem Meeke?

[KKS]

what a beautiful scenery
http://i.piccy.info/i9/44aa758309337ffa06bed77525c177b7/1412489848/100184/799216/WRC_France001.jpg

[wwbroe]

Stage 16 live now, first run trough what will be power stage later on.

[wwbroe]

Abbring loosing 10 sec to Gilbert, just backing off to make it to finish or some kind of a problem?

[wwbroe]

Ogier safely trough the stage

[KKS]

that this stage will be PS soon , we may see full speed form Ogier and VW tyre choice. But seems Soft will be right choice

[wwbroe]

Looks like Alistair Fisher will bring home the victory in WRC3, being faster as Camilli

[wwbroe]

Ogier was pushing in this training round for power stage, about 14 seconds faster as Neuville.

Edit: on the other hand, Thierry is saying that he was not pushing at all

[Mintexmemory]

Meeke needs to push here or he could find Kubica right with him!

[wwbroe]

Very good time for Evans again

[wwbroe]

Meeke needs to push here or he could find Kubica right with him!

Hold your horses, Kubica is still far behind him

[wwbroe]

Evans now only 0,2 sec behind Ostberg overall

[noel157]

Meeke needs to push here or he could find Kubica right with him!

Don't think he needs to worry about anybody behind him. Robert is 40+ behind him.

[jonkka]

Meeke needs to push here or he could find Kubica right with him!

+42,6 secs?

[Mintexmemory]

:) my horses are still drinking at the trough! I think if Kubica sees the opportunity he'll be THROUGH to 3rd ;)

[jonkka]

I think if Kubica sees the opportunity he'll be THROUGH to 3rd ;)

Kubica has no chance whatsoever against Meeke - not in this situation nor in general, Meeke is the better driver of the two.

[noel157]

:) my horses are still drinking at the trough! I think if Kubica sees the opportunity he'll be THROUGH to 3rd ;)

How? 32 kms left.

[wwbroe]

Kubica extending his lead to Sordo, alltough he says he has the wrong tyres for this stage

[KKS]

Whatever Hyundai drivers say - i20 is not a good car in France

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen also taking it easy, loosing 16 sec to Ogier

[KKS]

How? 32 kms left.
We have JML leading on tarmac rally at 3rd day :D

[noel157]

Top 3 just cruising home. Maybe some competition between Dani and Robert although the i20 seems weak on this event.

[wwbroe]

Good practising by Ogier, beating everybody with big differences, can he repeat that at second run trough?

[Bartek]

Fantastic rally for Evans, great driving

[jonkka]

Good practising by Ogier, beating everybody with big differences, can he repeat that at second run trough?

If he can, it won't be with that big margin. Others were cruising now and tyre situation might favour others. Drivers have indicated that even now hard tyres all around would have been faster and Ogi has only three hard ones, for example JML has four.

[noel157]

Fantastic rally for Evans, great driving

He's doing well isn't he considering his experience. An improvement over the last young M-Sport driver......
Last two stages broadcast 10.40 local time.

[KKS]

Ogier says if weather stays same as at 1st pass - he doesn't have right tyres for PS. Or it's just talking from Ogier

[wwbroe]

Ogier says if weather stays same as at 1st pass - he doesn't have right tyres for PS. Or it's just talking from Ogier

Like usual, just talking...;)

[jonkka]

Not necessarily, f.ex. Mikko said the same.

[Mintexmemory]

Abbring stops the erosion of the gap. Looks like the 208 is fine (#amazing!)

[KKS]

At Juniors all decided now. Fisher double his leading and now +50sec ahead.
But great battle for 2nd in RC2 and a lead for WRC2

[stefanvv]

Missed first 2 stages. No drama as I see, somehow expected Kubica to surpass Sordo, this is definitelly not Hyunday event. Looks like today stages are not so good for flat out Porsches. Noticed Delecour is faster than Dumas on such stages.

[bluuford]

what rain they were expecting? I took a weekend off because there was no rain visible. still nothing visible. some rain far away in the SW.

[Wim_Impreza]

Another 1-2-3 for Volkswagen, this car is really too strong for the rest...

Not really, they have the best drivers.

[Tofrallye29]

They has changed the channel for the stream, now it's 11
http://cafe-creme.me/chaine11.html

[KKS]

Thanks for reminder :)

[satukata]

They has changed the channel for the stream, now it's 11
http://cafe-creme.me/chaine11.html

Thanx a lot

[KKS]

eeeeemmmm

Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally) 19s20 seconds ago (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/518684135750397952)
My word, looks like my forecast was wrong! It's just started raining here at the end of the final stage!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job by Evans this morning with two 2nd fastest times, although I guess the top drivers are just holding station waiting for the PS.

Great live stream BTW ! :)

[noel157]

PS with English commentary on http://cricfree.tv/bt-sport-2.php after the tennis.

[Eli]

thankx a million

[noel157]

Ogier saving for the PS.
"Our target is to get three points at the Power Stage now. We'll push."

[bluuford]

eeeeemmmm

Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally) 19s20 seconds ago (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/518684135750397952)
My word, looks like my forecast was wrong! It's just started raining here at the end of the final stage!

It is just a fog that is falling down from the trees and feels like a few raindrops.No rain on the radar and no rainclouds

[KKS]

Heh Mads!!!! Will be big battle in PS

[noel157]

Very lucky!!!

[KKS]

Oh ..near off for Kubica

[6789]

Big moment for Kubica!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow Kubica lucky again :eek:

[A FONDO]

Such a wonderful performance by Evans and Abbring this weekend. I don't want to hear anything anymore for Tanak, Lappi, Breen etc.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is making me question the point of the Power Stage when all the top drivers are just cruising through the 3 stages before it ... :(

[jonkka]

They would be cruising anyhow during last day. PS was introduced just to get some excitement to the final day.

[makinen_fan]

This is making me question the point of the Power Stage when all the top drivers are just cruising through the 3 stages before it ... :(

Thats the point of Capito's plan, try and build the biggest gap you can before the Power Stage... You may like when (hope not) it's introduced

[noel157]

This is making me question the point of the Power Stage when all the top drivers are just cruising through the 3 stages before it ... :(

See your point Eddie but I suppose it depends on positions before last 4 stages. If there was 10 or 15 secs covering top 3 it might be different. Then again if no power stage today they would cruise all 4 stages.

[jonkka]

JML and Ogier have now been rally leader in 88 stages during 2014 season. Should JML hold it together in PS, it'll be his first tarmac win but also his 89 stage in rally lead this year, surpassing Ogier.

[KKS]

Looks like Gilbert secure his lead in WRC2 to final stage

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/10613125_10152427281995678_7759987831454012360_n.j pg?oh=32d49eec070ddfa88bce0e8b51822dd5&oe=54CDB405&__gda__=1422212371_32cccb464a126fbd220a7a865c3df1c 0

[noel157]

Bulldozer Ogier.

[dimviii]

Another Kubica lucky escape
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_7tB9SPXHhA

[dimviii]

Colin Clark @voiceofrally · 4 λεπ.
Weather update at end of Power Stage. Totally dry, no rain, only the briefest of showers 30 minutes ago!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p480x480/10613125_10152427281995678_7759987831454012360_n.j pg?oh=32d49eec070ddfa88bce0e8b51822dd5&oe=54CDB405&__gda__=1422212371_32cccb464a126fbd220a7a865c3df1c 0

BILLIOT Jérémie ‏@planetemarcus - Noboby warning Ogier who arrived full speed .. Zero car is there..


Scandal this can happen - surprised it hasnt been mentioned anywhere !

[6789]

Colin Clark @voiceofrally · 4 λεπ.
Weather update at end of Power Stage. Totally dry, no rain, only the briefest of showers 30 minutes ago!

bluuford spot on :)

[Ralph-Mario]

They has changed the channel for the stream, now it's 11
http://cafe-creme.me/chaine11.html

The PS on this stream? Thx?

[bluuford]

bluuford spot on :)

To me it looked that there was no shower at all. The fog came down (visible from the video) and when you have a forest.. then some raindrops form on top of the trees and fell down. Looks little bit like a rain but it isnt. It is just on places where tree branches are reaching across the road.

[Ucci]

Just one stage is separating Robert Kubica from his biggest success in rallye career....come on RK !!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another Kubica lucky escape
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=_7tB9SPXHhA

What's the excuse this time - didnt need to drive one-handed here !?

[rallyfun]

What's the excuse this time - didnt need to drive one-handed here !?

What's your problem?

[KKS]

I a little bit worry, BTSport2 sounds like sex and shows Sharapova.... where is PS?

[Tofrallye29]

http://cafe-creme.me/chaine11.html

[dodge33cymru]

Eh, shouldn't BT Sport have it on now? Don't tell me they're another Eurosport.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What's your problem?

Yesterday it was said he only has a problem when he's juggling the steering with gearchange and handbrake at hairpins.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Still tennis on BT - what a joke.

[dodge33cymru]

Went to the pub early to watch the football later, only person here: asked guy behind the bar to put BT Sport 2 on to watch the rallying and I'm pretty sure he now thinks I'm a bit of a creep......

[jonkka]

Not much better on Sport+, just Prokop et al...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ostberg half-spin in PS..

[Gregor-y]

Nice time for Evans but no one is near Ogier yet. Can't believe there's a channel carrying live coverage in the States.

[makinen_fan]

And Evans is now in front of Mads! Good performance by Elfyn

[KKS]

Great rally for Evans! Welldone!

[dodge33cymru]

Meanwhile, in the UK, no live coverage, WRC+ is blocked and the WRC Promoters wonder what the problem is?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

PS - Evans beats Ostberg and takes 7th place :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kubica stopped ???

[6789]

Kubica stopped?

[KKS]

Kuuubica.....

[Gregor-y]

Oh dear Kiubica out again. Well off the road, maybe into a tree.

[makinen_fan]

And Kubica is off, lucky too many times this weekend but not now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's off :(

[jonkka]

Let's hope JML does not repeat that feat...

[litifeta]

Well the good news here in Australia is Souths have just won the rugby league grand final. Back to rally

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kubica fans now understand why we dont praise him too much til the rally is finished ...

[Ucci]

Robert, noooooooooooooooooooooooo, noooooooooooooooo.....I can't belive.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzLVHm5IUAASnPI.jpg:large

[WUff1]

Ohhh no .... Kubica ...

[noel157]

Missed the start and poor Robert bins it. No doubt a replay on shortly.
Everybody scared of not finishing in top 3.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

LATVALA WINS ON TARMAC !!! :D

(And Evans splits the VWs on the PS !!) :)

[Negaiss]

Kubica ir real WRC driver and hi is a kind of driver I want to see in WRC. He does not care abour good rally finishes, but wants to be fast, wants to be on level with top drivers and wants to win stages, which he actualy DOES time to time.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BzLYJI3CMAANgbX.jpg:large

[Bartek]

Kubica ir real WRC driver and hi is a kind of driver I want to see in WRC. He does not care abour good rally finishes, but wants to be fast, wants to be on level with top drivers and wants to win stages, which he actualy DOES time to time.

Sorry, this is not his level....

[noel157]

Kubica ir real WRC driver and hi is a kind of driver I want to see in WRC. He does not care abour good rally finishes, but wants to be fast, wants to be on level with top drivers and wants to win stages, which he actualy DOES time to time.

Without Robert the WRC would not be as good.

[jonkka]

Without Robert the WRC would not be as good.

Matter of taste, really.

[Gregor-y]

It's not 0600 in Frnace. Where are all the spectators at the podium?

[noel157]

Well done to all. Good result for Kris and Paul.

[Mintexmemory]

So now we just need a repeat performance in Catalunya to set up an all or nothing finale at WRGB - please rally gods, not too much to ask, after all Seb has blown 2 tarmac rounds in a row!

[PLuto]

Abbring loosing 10 sec to Gilbert, just backing off to make it to finish or some kind of a problem?

Kevin is driving carefully, he wants to finish the rally...

[GigiGalliNo1]

matter of taste, really.

hah

[Mintexmemory]

It's not 0600 in Frnace. Where are all the spectators at the podium?

As the football chant goes: "Sing when they're winning, they only sing when they're winning!"
Even though I'm francophile and admire Ogier, I really want JML to get WDC - very tall order still as two 3rd places is enough for Seb now

[noel157]

Matter of taste, really.

He tries, sometimes too hard like today, but an exciting driver too watch.

[Juha_Koo]

Congrats to Jari-Matti and Miikka! :)

But what a crappy organization, no final stage stop control celebrations... Instead a small drive to a little podium with people behind barriers placed quite far away.

[EightGear]

FINALLY. Kevin's 208 finishes a rally.

[Franky]

But what a crappy organization, no final stage stop control celebrations... Instead a small drive to a little podium with people behind barriers placed quite far away.

Some of the spectator areas also seemed to be quite some distance from the road.

[Tom206wrc]

Without Robert the WRC would not be as good.

How many of you wrote this about Petter Solberg too ??? Therefore, everybody still follow the WRC with a kind of interest ;)

[N.O.T]

Kubica is just hopeless...

Nice win by latvala.

[GigiGalliNo1]

FINALLY. Kevin's 208 finishes a rally.

Ahhhhh finally!

[Ucci]

What to say (I still did not get over from the retirement of RK, this is huge disappointment for me...)....congrats for first tarmac victory for JML & M.Anttila. They have been waiting for long long time! Same goes for young Norvegian driver, second place is (almost) a victory for him. Meeke-we all are well accustomed for his podium results. Nice; the seat with Citroën should be 100% sure for next season. Sordo-I think he is not happy; he knows that he is capable on tarmac for much more, ''just'' fourth place at the end (and be fair beaten by disabled driver) is not the way he wants to end tarmac rallies....Mikko-he is history, sorry....Evans-again very good performance. Neuville-definitely one of the biggest losers (if not THE biggest) this weekend.....
Few places lower in the final classification: Abbring, the name which should be in minds of big bosses when they will put together teams for next year (Malcom!!). And 208 R5 survived three day of punishment, yeah....
At the end-who was the fastest naturally aspirated car and driven on one axle??? Porsche 911 GT3 RGT !! Nobody did not even think that 911 will be faster than R3 class, but both 911's are space shuttles for R3 class. Sometimes even faster than ''racing laboratory on four wheels'' -R5 cars....
Roll on to Spain.....and to another oppurtunity for RK....this one should suit him best.....the closest tarmac event to F1 circuit racing.

[marcosg]

Considering this is his best surface its about time he put in a decent performance.

very sry for kubica... he was already lucky friday and saturday but he needed just e few kms more... again incredible performance...

apart from his limitations, dont forget it's his first year in wrc...

keep fighting Robert!

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10659356_858669917487278_6008349248597000064_n.jpg ?oh=4d784d78bc9366ab8e68d1e30432f7e9&oe=54C41130
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/10701934_858669324154004_713650335823024670_n.jpg? oh=43083ff5d6548f6e4ad472aadecd6e0b&oe=54B714F9&__gda__=1417895337_dd3b83e7dd113132a83da43f572bd1f 0

[stefanvv]

Congratulations for the JML's tarmac win, great performance, if Ogier's Polo didn't break, probably we'd watch kind of epic fight. Great performance for MIkkelsen as well. May be next year he can take a win or two. No match for VW team once again though. Positives for Evans too. And that's probably all for WRC this round. GT's - awesome cars, lets hope next year championship has some interesting contenders and this group develops on world level.

[stefanvv]

For hairpin comparison likers:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E61MGUIEddg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/10659356_858669917487278_6008349248597000064_n.jpg ?oh=4d784d78bc9366ab8e68d1e30432f7e9&oe=54C41130


Sad sight but so familiar now - it will take some strength to carry on after this one. :(

[denkimi]

At the end-who was the fastest naturally aspirated car and driven on one axle??? Porsche 911 GT3 RGT !! Nobody did not even think that 911 will be faster than R3 class, but both 911's are space shuttles for R3 class. Sometimes even faster than ''racing laboratory on four wheels'' -R5 cars....

they where also the best cars with the engine in the back, the best cars with a 4 liter engine, and even the best cars with 305mm wide tyres in the back.

without they're huge power advantage they would be nowhere.

[HaCo]

they where also the best cars with the engine in the back, the best cars with a 4 liter engine, and even the best cars with 305mm wide tyres in the back.

without they're huge power advantage they would be nowhere.

And dry conditions. But they add some nice variation to the field, with awesome sound!

[A FONDO]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0Mp_yj5XOc :spin:

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qwdegzGAZ2g

[makinen_fan]

Incar from Kubica's exit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDb79Fzs8g

Wrong line and he tried to correct I think

[noel157]

Citroen Racing day 3 report: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6rutdijMjs

[KKS]

Sorry for offtopic but I have a question...

Did a WRC2014 spec car have an ABS? (I know that modern WRC have, old one(C4,Xsara) - no)
a) If yes - how explain 4 wheels lock-up for Mikkelsen in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eytDhBFtJ0 ?
b) if no - how explain characteristic sound from ABS 1:34 from this video http://youtu.be/g9rzJkbQCtU?t=1m34s ?

[Juha_Koo]

ABS in WRCs? I heavily doubt that... Almost 100% can say that no ABS in them. IMHO the sound at 1:34 comes always in unusually tight brakings when the engine is in danger to suffocate...

[stefanvv]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qwdegzGAZ2g

Small quiz - who was more risky here?

[KKS]

Incar from Kubica's exit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDb79Fzs8g

Wrong line and he tried to correct I think
I think a driving style. He too much wobble a car (finding grip limit?) and at right corner he find him. Why not drive smooth?
Evans with scared eyes drive more smoothly than Kubica

[stefanvv]

Sorry for offtopic but I have a question...

Did a WRC2014 spec car have an ABS? (I know that modern WRC have, old one(C4,Xsara) - no)
a) If yes - how explain 4 wheels lock-up for Mikkelsen in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eytDhBFtJ0 ?
b) if no - how explain characteristic sound from ABS 1:34 from this video http://youtu.be/g9rzJkbQCtU?t=1m34s ?

No electronic ABS for sure. The sound from Citroen is probably from the diff, he had some problems with it.

[br21]

no ABS in WRC cars

[KKS]

ABS in WRCs? I heavily doubt that... Almost 100% can say that no ABS in them.
Hm , I ask myself few years ago this question and found in internet that 97'-10' WRC doesn't have and 11'- cars have it. But now look to FIA reg. and...

Any electronic driving aid system is prohibited (ABS / ASR /
is prohibited (ABS / ASR / EPS...) :rolleyes:

[stefanvv]

Incar from Kubica's exit:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBDb79Fzs8g

Wrong line and he tried to correct I think

Poor Kubica & his fans. BTW looks a lot like MC exit.

[dimviii]

b) if no - how explain characteristic sound from ABS 1:34 from this video http://youtu.be/g9rzJkbQCtU?t=1m34s ?

this noise is from drivetrain when blocking the wheels with brakes with some gear engaged.
No abs at wrc cars,impossible to brake at loose surfaces and bumpy roads(gravel/mud/snow/wet tarmac etc)

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0RK2KxsOZw


Kubi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mY3DzW15ytk

[Juha_Koo]

I've been watching through the onboard material in WRC+ and there are some really fast sections in this rally... During the 18 stages of the rally Latvala had average speed higher than 120kph in seven (7) stages. Fastest avg was 125,1kph (on SS9). These averages with quite many chicanes and/or junction go-arounds + the "plastic traffic sign sticks", so in reality some section averages would be really high.

I'm not saying it's too fast, but at some sections it is quite crazy, to be honest. I tend to like a bit more twisty and technical tarmac roads. Or atleast less straights on stages, SS10 had a nice small road section, but even there were quite many long straights (over 150m).

[KKS]

Thanks to all for explanation of WRC noises :)

PS Mikko looks very fast, why time so bad ....

[stefanvv]

PS Mikko looks very fast, why time so bad ....

He always looks fast and his times are bad, I have no idea how he is doing it:D

[Antony Warmbold]

Sorry for offtopic but I have a question...

Did a WRC2014 spec car have an ABS? (I know that modern WRC have, old one(C4,Xsara) - no)
a) If yes - how explain 4 wheels lock-up for Mikkelsen in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eytDhBFtJ0 ?
b) if no - how explain characteristic sound from ABS 1:34 from this video http://youtu.be/g9rzJkbQCtU?t=1m34s ?

b: noise is from transmission housing when you brake on limit of grip.

[denkimi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0RK2KxsOZw

the hyundai seems to lift its rear wheels a lot in corners. perhaps thats why they were so slow here.

[EightGear]

Or maybe Hyundai was quite slow because of the high speeds? Sordo admitted they need more from the engine. In Germany there were more twisty, narrow, slow sections witout much top speed, unlike in France.

[stefanvv]

the hyundai seems to lift its rear wheels a lot in corners. perhaps thats why they were so slow here.

Yes, could be the reason. Neuville and Bouffier were struggling to find more proper "softer" setup. Jumping around is not very good to find grip with so fast roads.

[manthey]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qwdegzGAZ2g

I noted driving difference(assuming they carry the same speed before that corner): evans made a flash braking in the last left corner instead robert seemed flat-out

[manthey]

I think a driving style. He too much wobble a car (finding grip limit?) and at right corner he find him. Why not drive smooth?
Evans with scared eyes drive more smoothly than Kubica

I give my personal interpretation: maybe it's due to his circuit's background

he tends to brake very very late and then slam the car into the corner...sometimes the car is still non balanced (when he is still in the corner) and he is already flat-out...an approach typical as he has downforce from the car...an area where wrc lacks vs circuit's racing cars

[manthey]

the hyundai seems to lift its rear wheels a lot in corners. perhaps thats why they were so slow here.

I noted this tendency also in the pre-france tests...so seems this "hard" setup was ok for the drivers...but against competitors in the race (the stage time) they were complaining about that...softer setup was faster (ie more grip on the exit corner and so carrying more speed on straight...my interpretation.. it wasn't a power problem deficit vs vw but less grip)

[stefanvv]

I give my personal interpretation: maybe it's due to his circuit's background

he tends to brake very very late and then slam the car into the corner...sometimes the car is still non balanced (when he is still in the corner) and he is already flat-out...an approach typical as he has downforce from the car...an area where wrc lacks vs circuit's racing cars

That is fair assessment. But not only the lack of downforce is the problem with such approach. Often the corners are damp and/or there is dirt on them, this leads front wheels to lose direction and the whole car slides off. That is one risk factor. The other is when flat out with such approach he creates another out of the corner. How difficult it can be? I don't think it is his disability that causes it, just the car is driven as in f1.

[Francis44]

0 crash and the moments after http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJK0AhLfxZQ.

Even the driver of the 0 car instead of warning Ogier she stays beside the car holding the plate.

[noel157]

Well, that was well organised.... Le Cop seemed to know what he was doing.....not.

[Rallyper]

A big congrat to JML winning on asphalt and learned the lesson! He´s a complete driver as said and will challenge Ogier next year!

Talking about complete drivers I think we must mention Pontus Tidemand who really can put complete surfaces driver on his CV. Snow, gravel or tarmac doesn´t matter for him. Any other upcomer showing those skills atm?

[WUff1]

All running around like crazy chickens *facepalm*

[Mirek]

this noise is from drivetrain when blocking the wheels with brakes with some gear engaged.
No abs at wrc cars,impossible to brake at loose surfaces and bumpy roads(gravel/mud/snow/wet tarmac etc)

Some time a go somebody told me that Armin Schwarz was using ABS in Fabia WRC for wet asphalt conditions. I think I heard that also Seat Cordoba WRC had ABS but I guess that it wasn't used a lot...

[Mintexmemory]

Well, that was well organised.... Le Cop seemed to know what he was doing.....not.

I've said before, the FIA need to get serious about the way in which WRC events are marshalled with a specification of how many TRAINED (with a min spec for that) marshals per km (or whatever criterion is appropriate) should be available.
We've seen the hired security fiasco in Germany and now this with les flics in France. The gendarmes are not happy or oriented towards a marshalling role, only being there for crowd control, and the local marshals I've seen in France in the past year treat their role as a perk of being in a local car club in getting the best vantage points regardless of run-off zone. At least they aren't as bad as the Spanish marshals who use a whistle like traffic cops to tell spectators they can't walk on the course - 2 hours before the 0 car! We may not be perfect in GB but we are streets ahead of every country I've ever spectated in.

[wwbroe]

A big congrat to JML winning on asphalt and learned the lesson! He´s a complete driver as said and will challenge Ogier next year!

Talking about complete drivers I think we must mention Pontus Tidemand who really can put complete surfaces driver on his CV. Snow, gravel or tarmac doesn´t matter for him. Any other upcomer showing those skills atm?

I know of one certainly, he is Dutch and his name is Kevin Abbring!!!

[Francis44]

Also, it's pretty easy to blame the cops but they are specifically told to not let anyone on the road whatever the problem is. If something happens to any spectator the cops in the area will be held responsible for that.

What drives me crazy in this video is the driver of the 0 car, she runs around like a chicken not doing anything. Plus when Ogier is aproaching she stands in front of the crashed DS3 signaling Ogier as his way past the danger.

[Mintexmemory]

Also, it's pretty easy to blame the cops but they are specifically told to not let anyone on the road whatever the problem is. If something happens to any spectator the cops in the area will be held responsible for that.

Exactement mon brave! The use of police on rally stages with a limited remit will always end in situations like this. Imagine how much worse it would be in China, say!

[noel157]

Wasn't the best place for the two cops to stand when the car mounted the bank. Freeze at 0.03. One just stands there with arms folded and looks away and then walks away before the other does something. The two standing with a marshall (!) in the run off area, of the junction isn't too healthy either.
Hey, I know it's easy to criticize but they really should've been advised on the dangers of motorsport. Perhaps they didn't listen to the marshalls. Standing on the outside of corners or in the escape road isn't good.

Edit- the guy in the blue shirt at 1.00 seems to know what to do but don't think anybody is listening to him.

[Mintexmemory]

Trust me Noel, the marshals in France do not tell the Police what to do, even if it's for their own good! The Police will tell everybody else what to do, even when out of their depth!

[bluuford]

Talking about complete drivers I think we must mention Pontus Tidemand who really can put complete surfaces driver on his CV. Snow, gravel or tarmac doesn´t matter for him. Any other upcomer showing those skills atm?

To be quite true.. I was very dissapointed by his showing in France. I was expecting more after the Germany. Crashing and taking only one RC2 stage win is nothing too special. On the other hand Abbring lived up my expectation. One year in France and good experience with 208 was well used over the weekend.

[makinen_fan]

The marshals and especially from the drivers were very slow to react ... they must know better what to do in these situations.
Also why is Ogier coming just 4 minute after the 0 car. Usually it is more like 10-15minutes before first car...

Another negatives from the organisers was not allowing the rally radio and tv people at the end of stage for interviews, not the usual end of stage celebrations at the end of Power Stage, the pointless SSS with no visible spectators. Generally the least exciting of rallies to watch, both video and photos. Time for a change of location I IMO... but then money talks...

[br21]

Some time a go somebody told me that Armin Schwarz was using ABS in Fabia WRC for wet asphalt conditions. I think I heard that also Seat Cordoba WRC had ABS but I guess that it wasn't used a lot...

In my opinion it was more like active diffs working to prevent locking wheels rather than "typical" ABS system, which needs different master cylinders, etc, etc.

[Rallyper]

To be quite true.. I was very dissapointed by his showing in France. I was expecting more after the Germany. Crashing and taking only one RC2 stage win is nothing too special. On the other hand Abbring lived up my expectation. One year in France and good experience with 208 was well used over the weekend.

Judging from latest event having a win in Germany is quite poor I think. He was in the topp three matching tarmac specialists when he cut too much. Can happen to everyone.
Abbring though is very fast, but how is he performing on snow/ice? I have not slightest idea about that. You tell me.

[janvanvurpa]

Well, that was well organised.... Le Cop seemed to know what he was doing.....not.

Can't help but think of the contrast with the fans--and crews---in Sweden aand especvially Finland---they seem to have the cars flapped back over before the crews realise they flipped! I've seen people start running when theres still things likedirt, rocks, trees, the car churned up falling back to earth.!
They're running--and cheering!

[janvanvurpa]

The Police will tell everybody else what to do, even when out of their depth!


Isn't that last bit superfluous?

[EightGear]

Judging from latest event having a win in Germany is quite poor I think. He was in the topp three matching tarmac specialists when he cut too much. Can happen to everyone.
Abbring though is very fast, but how is he performing on snow/ice? I have not slightest idea about that. You tell me.

I don't know, but does that really matter? There's only 1 event with such conditions in WRC.

[wwbroe]

I don't know, but does that really matter? There's only 1 event with such conditions in WRC.

And, as he is very fast on gravel as well, i would assume he might do ok on ice/snow as well. He is very natural driver with great skills, only waiting for a decent team to prove all that.:)

[Mintexmemory]

The marshals and especially from the drivers were very slow to react ... they must know better what to do in these situations.
Also why is Ogier coming just 4 minute after the 0 car. Usually it is more like 10-15minutes before first car...

Another negatives from the organisers was not allowing the rally radio and tv people at the end of stage for interviews, not the usual end of stage celebrations at the end of Power Stage, the pointless SSS with no visible spectators. Generally the least exciting of rallies to watch, both video and photos. Time for a change of location I IMO... but then money talks...

I think a number (if not all) these issues have something to do with the way France is enforcing limited spectator areas and prohibiting people being anywhere else. The placement of these areas are designed for easy herding as opposed to spectator enjoyment!

[Mirek]

In my opinion it was more like active diffs working to prevent locking wheels rather than "typical" ABS system, which needs different master cylinders, etc, etc.

I really don't know. I just recall that long time a go somebody told me it was a specific stuff only Armin used in Škoda Motorsport. Maybe it's nonsense but on the other hand I think he also used different gearbox than others (6-speed instead of 5-speed) or much harder setup...

[Mirek]

Abbring though is very fast, but how is he performing on snow/ice? I have not slightest idea about that. You tell me.

There is only one true snow event in the calendar therefore the importance of snow-driving skills of WRC driver is quite small.

[Rallyper]

There is only one true snow event in the calendar therefore the importance of snow-driving skills of WRC driver is quite small.

It´s OT I know but Mirek - really? All dudes on this forum talks about complete drivers and you just sack snow and ice? Come on. And I didnt mention it because it´s obvious PT is of course documented good driver on both gravel and tarmac as well... Abbring fast in France and really a good competitor to all other youngsters, but it´s so much talk about French, Dutch, Belgish and German drivers without talking about PT and what he´s gonna do next year.

[Mirek]

I stand my point. There is 13 events in the championship from which for 1 You need snow-driving skills. Simple logic says that snow-driving skills are not that important. Even Sebastien The Great won only twice on snow in his whole career...

[Rallyper]

I stand my point. There is 13 events in the championship from which for 1 You need snow-driving skills. Simple logic says that snow-driving skills are not that important. Even Sebastien The Great won only twice on snow in his whole career...

But - if you have two drivers with quite equal skills on gravel and tarmac and one of them also has the speed on ice and gravel - who would you choose? Btw two events. RMC could be needed skill how to drive in icy conditions... (this topic should be neutral - however atm it seems most actual in the case of PT compared to other youngsters when driving skills contra seats are discussed and not how much money each can put in)

[Franky]

... but it´s so much talk about French, Dutch, Belgish and German drivers without talking about PT and what he´s gonna do next year.

I think that's more to do with the forum members, who are more from Central Europe.

[Rallyper]

I think that's more to do with the forum members, who are more from Central Europe.

Yeah, I understand that and want to bring some facts outside the box...

[br21]

Abbring is quite good on snow also!
He won S2000 class in Monte 2012. It was not too snowy event, but had some ice on the stages.

[cali]

Per's yanking about PT is getting funnier all the time. Just some advice - telling people here how great Pontus skills are not helping him much to get a seat in works teams. besides, there are some other great drivers out there and he has to prove that he is better than them, long way to go ...
Meanwhile, Abbring's performance is getting more interesting by every rally

[Mintexmemory]

....and since when we're the Netherlands considered central Europe. I've seen all the current crop of hopefuls in the flesh and while Tidemand is clearly someone with potential he has nowhere near the experience of Abbring, nor the maturity. As for not performing particularly well in Sweden, I seem to recall it took a M. S Loeb some years to get a hang of it - look how that affected his career!

[Franky]

....and since when we're the Netherlands considered central Europe.

Geography is a mess anyway. How does on determine where does the South, North, East or West start and how does Central fit inbetween.

Tidemand needs to have more outings or a small number in WRC where he has to shine. Something like Hirvonen did in the private Focus.

[Mirek]

But - if you have two drivers with quite equal skills on gravel and tarmac and one of them also has the speed on ice and gravel - who would you choose?

I know it's not polite to answer a question by another question but... how do You know they are equal when they fought against each other only once with very unequal result? To the original question - in that case sure the snow-driving skills are important but how many times the WRC title was won by a difference in driving on snow and how many times the result from Sweden was in the end quire irrelevant?


Btw two events. RMC could be needed skill how to drive in icy conditions...

History of RMC favors asphalt drivers over Nordic ones. Over the history there were 17 Nordic RMC winners, 57 from mainland Europe and 6 from Britain. In the more recent history since 1980 there were 27 asphalt drivers (France, Italy, Spain, Germany) and 8 Nordic ones (Finland only).

[SpeedEstRacing]

my vidéo: www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxO_yrW-4m0

[Mirek]

Geography is a mess anyway. How does on determine where does the South, North, East or West start and how does Central fit inbetween.

Actually You are right that Central Europe has not a clear definition but Netherlands isn't contained in any of the existing ones as the countries in question are mainly Balkan ones :)

[Mirek]

Abbring is quite good on snow also!
He won S2000 class in Monte 2012. It was not too snowy event, but had some ice on the stages.

That was his first 4WD start on asphalt... also he was the most spectacular driver off all that year. Was there always waiting for him (once he almost binned it at my place) :)

But actually there was almost no snow. Only Burzet had something like 40% of snow or ice and the road over Col de Gaudissart was water-covered ice (with wide tyres and small studs that is the most boring surface You can spectate).

[Rallyper]

Per's yanking about PT is getting funnier all the time. Just some advice - telling people here how great Pontus skills are not helping him much to get a seat in works teams. besides, there are some other great drivers out there and he has to prove that he is better than them, long way to go ...
Meanwhile, Abbring's performance is getting more interesting by every rally

Yanking? Hmmmmm...??? Proving? Well, yes he has done that also. But for sure not too many occasions for him to show skills and yes - Abbring maybe a better choice.
Btw this discussion should be removed maybe to Silly Season 2015 thread.

[Andre Oliveira]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rallye_de_france_alsace_2014/abr_img_9690.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rallye_de_france_alsace_2014/abr_img_9259.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rallye_de_france_alsace_2014/abr_img_9027.jpg

[janvanvurpa]

Here's something.. Some people say " Rally France and Rally Gemany are just so many km apart and looks the same...blah blah..."
But do they? I see trees--ya know those BIG gree things and the stick out of the ground like 5-8-10 meters high and the give me the impression that these guys are running thru a thing called "a forest"....like this wonderful shot here:
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rallye_de_france_alsace_2014/abr_img_9027.jpg

There is no fawkin way I am going to mistake that shot for one of a car on some circuit going in circles!

In Germania it looks like vines--ordered neatly arranged vines about shoulder height.....
That seems a little different. Just a bit.

Are these 2 events too alike? Should 1 go somewhere else? Which one? Why?

Maybe this whole thing is an extending complement t that great shot--don't know I think I am sick..

[dodge33cymru]

Great pics Andre, thanks for posting.

[tommeke_B]

It´s OT I know but Mirek - really? All dudes on this forum talks about complete drivers and you just sack snow and ice? Come on. And I didnt mention it because it´s obvious PT is of course documented good driver on both gravel and tarmac as well... Abbring fast in France and really a good competitor to all other youngsters, but it´s so much talk about French, Dutch, Belgish and German drivers without talking about PT and what he´s gonna do next year.
It's 'Belgian', from Belgian side there are no future WRC stars in my opinion, in my opinion, in the last few years there was only one guy well on the way. But somehow his career got ruined. What German drivers are we talking about? Everybody knows that Wiegand doesn't has what it takes... Talking about French drivers is absolutely justified. There are so many talented drivers there, and French federation + French car manufacturers have an eye on finding the right guys. ;)

About Abbring, all talking is normal. He's driving since 2007 (started in some Dutch Colt-cup), and since 2009 you could really say he had more talent than the ones he was competing against. This year he is proving to be a different league than all the others in ERC, if you follow ERC even just a little bit, you know this. It's not coincidence that people are talking so much about him. He has been given a chance at VW Motorsport (without success), but he has been given opportunities with other teams (Hyundai, Citroën) as well. I'm sure he will be in a factory seat next year, only not sure where... :)

Tidemand is a great driver with lots of potential, he's probably capable of doing more than what current Ford/Citroën drivers (except Meeke) have been doing this year. But the question I'm asking myself... Why is he joining this rallycross-circus? Wouldn't a factory team give chances only to someone who focuses only on what really matters? ;)

[arko5]

We have few days after rally, and there are so few pictures from rally. Very strange situation. There were no photographers?

[Rallyper]

Tidemand is a great driver with lots of potential, he's probably capable of doing more than what current Ford/Citroën drivers (except Meeke) have been doing this year. But the question I'm asking myself... Why is he joining this rallycross-circus? Wouldn't a factory team give chances only to someone who focuses only on what really matters? ;)

I can only speculate - he needs to be seen in swedish media, just to raise money for rallying. RX is his opportunity to get to be known outside the small world of rallying I guess. Beside he gets driving experience in a way and maybe get to know important people, future business partners... But agree, he should be in rallying as much as he can, but money is the main factor doing that.

[MartijnS]

We have few days after rally, and there are so few pictures from rally. Very strange situation. There were no photographers?

They were there, but I read and heard that even the media had one of the most difficult rallies to work on for years :)

[A FONDO]

We have few days after rally, and there are so few pictures from rally. Very strange situation. There were no photographers?

Forget the photos, I'm wondering how the 10+ minutes long amateur clips have disappeared. For me they were the spirit of european events but now we seem to have lost that too. Today a sport without multimedia is doomed.

[tommeke_B]

Rallye de France-Alsace is the most spectator-unfriendly event of WRC and ERC combined. The first 2 years (2010 and 2011) it was quite ok in my opinion, but spectators were behaving extremely dangerous (it's a miracle no big accidents took place). After that the organisation had to do something, but it's too radical. Same could be seen with Rallye Deutschland this year, they couldn't let it continue as it did, but they are too radical on the other side now. Of course it's not easy to find the compromise for being not too dangerous and still enjoyable for the numerous spectators.

[EightGear]

Forget the photos, I'm wondering how the 10+ minutes long amateur clips have disappeared. For me they were the spirit of european events but now we seem to have lost that too. Today a sport without multimedia is doomed.
They still exist, just not here in this forum.

[noel157]

I can only speculate - he needs to be seen in swedish media, just to raise money for rallying. RX is his opportunity to get to be known outside the small world of rallying I guess. Beside he gets driving experience in a way and maybe get to know important people, future business partners... But agree, he should be in rallying as much as he can, but money is the main factor doing that.

Isn't RX a smaller world than rallying?

[Rallyper]

Isn't RX a smaller world than rallying?

Not necessarely in Sweden, I think. However Swedish Television SVT covers WRC, but RX could give him the extra boost. Or he just had the opportunity from Mattias Ekström and gave it a go!