Circuit of Ireland 2016 [Archive]

Simmi

27th January 2016, 15:24

With all the hype around the BRC, Irish Tarmac moving to R5 and the ERC being there I've been looking at how good the Circuit of Ireland could potentially be. And I'm thinking it could easily get into the 35-car range for R5/S2000. The biggest questions for me are around the ERC competitors. There don't seem to be many confirmed programmes out there yet. And a few guys who have confirmed will skip it (Botka, Gryazin).

If anyone can add/remove from this list let me know.

Elfyn Evans - Ford Fiesta R5
Max Vatanen - Ford Fiesta R5
Tom Cave - Ford Fiesta R5
Neil Simpson - Skoda Fabia R5
Euan Thorburn - Peugeot 208 T16
Rhys Yates - Ford Fiesta R5
Damian Cole - Ford Fiesta S2000
Hugh Hunter - Ford Fiesta R5
Tomas Davies - Ford Fiesta R5
Oli Mellors - Proton Satria S2000
Jamie Anderson - Ford Fiesta R5

Sam Moffett - Ford Fiesta R5
Josh Moffett - Ford Fiesta R5
Keith Cronin - Citroen DS3 R5
Alastair Fisher - Ford Fiesta R5
Jonny Greer - Citroen DS3 R5
Stephen Wright - Ford Fiesta R5
Aaron MacHale - Skoda Fabia S2000
Desi Henry - Skoda Fabia R5
Joseph McGonigle - Skoda Fabia S2000
Brendan Cumiskey - Ford Fiesta R5
Joe Connolly - Ford Fiesta R5
John Mullholland - Skoda Fabia S2000

Kajetan Kajetanowicz - Ford Fiesta R5
Robert Consani - ???
Jaromir Tarabus - Skoda Fabia R5
Antonin Tlustak - Skoda Fabia R5
Giacomo Costenaro - Peugeot 208 T16

Lukyanuk? Jeets? Barrable? McCormack? Bogie?

Jarek Z

27th January 2016, 16:22

With all the hype around the BRC, Irish Tarmac moving to R5 and the ERC being there I've been looking at how good the Circuit of Ireland could potentially be. (...)

Robert Consani - ???

Consani is going to drive Citroen DS3 R5 this year, but I don't know if he is going to visit Ireland.

Your list looks very interesting, but are all the British/Irish drivers going to compete in the ERC round? They are usually very reluctant to compete in ERC.

27th January 2016, 17:35

Is COI a round of the BRC this year?

RICARDO75

27th January 2016, 17:48

Is COI a round of the BRC this year?

Yes

06-mar - Mid Wales Stages 2016
09-apr - 74. Circuit of Ireland 2016
01-may - Pirelli Rally 2016
28-may - Jim Clark Rally 2016
25-jun - RSAC Scottish Rally 2016
10-jul - Nicky Grist Stages 2016
20-aug - 39. Ulster Rally 2016
17-sep - Rally Isle of Man 2016

Jarek Z

27th January 2016, 17:55

How many entry lists is this rally going to have?

mousti

27th January 2016, 18:00

It will be like Ypres and CoI and other rallies last year non registered will start behind last registered.

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skarderud

27th January 2016, 21:52

Simmi

27th January 2016, 22:17

Frank Tore Larsen is doing 3 rounds in erc, fiesta R5.
Steve Røkland aiming for full jrerc (7 races?) in his semi Peugeot sport 208 R2.
Petter Kristiansen is doing between 3 and 7 races in skoda s2000

In BRC, sindre Furuseth is doing full season in his Renault twingo R2.

Probably not Ireland on tarmac though for Larsen I'd guess?

The list should be impressive even before you consider all the junior battles.

Nornbugger

27th January 2016, 23:31

Consani is going to drive Citroen DS3 R5 this year, but I don't know if he is going to visit Ireland.

Your list looks very interesting, but are all the British/Irish drivers going to compete in the ERC round? They are usually very reluctant to compete in ERC.

To say they were reluctant is very unfair, quite a few hired or adapted (WRC/RRC) cars to be able to do it, remember it's not 2006 in Ireland now. I think its most likely that the event will be very well supported by the IRC competitors that have R5/S2000 cars, and I dont think the European championship will have anyone on Cronins pace either!

Jarek Z

28th January 2016, 10:19

To say they were reluctant is very unfair, quite a few hired or adapted (WRC/RRC) cars to be able to do it, remember it's not 2006 in Ireland now.

I'm afraid you misunderstood me. They hired WRC cars not to compete in the ERC. You cannot compete in the ERC with a WRC car. If they wanted to compete they would have hired R5/S2000 cars, wouldn't they?

I hope it will be different this year. I wish you a great rally!

mousti

28th January 2016, 10:25

BRC entries are all FIAERC eligible cars.

Nelly

28th January 2016, 11:58

Only R5 or s2000 can score points in irish championship from this year. Like Belgium Wrcs can compete on events but not score points. Hence the big R5 field in Ireland now. All R5 cars will be in the main international entry

Nornbugger

28th January 2016, 16:35

I'm afraid you misunderstood me. They hired WRC cars not to compete in the ERC. You cannot compete in the ERC with a WRC car. If they wanted to compete they would have hired R5/S2000 cars, wouldn't they?

I hope it will be different this year. I wish you a great rally!

I dont think I misunderstood you at all, in 2012 Fisher and Barrable both hired S2000 machinery, the IRC/ERC provided 6 S2000 cars, when I look down all the entry lists all the GpN cars, WRC cars, modifieds etc were driven by their regular drivers, no one 'hired a wrc' that would not have been out in a WRC anyway, I'll check 14 and 15 numbers later if you like but while the early events may have had less locals than hoped for what you are saying is totally wrong and didnt happen.

Jarek Z

28th January 2016, 17:23

I'll check 14 and 15 numbers later if you like but while the early events may have had less locals than hoped for what you are saying is totally wrong and didnt happen.

I was referring to 2014 and 2015. I don't know what happened before. Circuit of Ireland wasn't in ERC in 2012 and I didn't follow this event at that time.

Nornbugger

28th January 2016, 20:15

I was referring to 2014 and 2015. I don't know what happened before. Circuit of Ireland wasn't in ERC in 2012 and I didn't follow this event at that time.

Interesting that the IRC passed you by? You missed a great championship! What you are saying is still wrong.

2014, Barrable hired a car, Moffett restricted his car to RRC, Simpson brought his Skoda over, if you look at the WRCs you could say Donnelly and McGarritty could have reduced their Minis to RRC, there were no one off drives/hired WRC cars in the event.

2015 the Moffetts changed their cars to RRC spec for the event, Fisher and Barrable again hired cars, Thorburn came over for the event, McCormack, Wright, Greer, McGonigle and Doyle entered even though they weren't all focusing on a championship that the event was part of, Woodside hired the 911 for the event, who all hired WRC cars for the event? I cannot put my hand on a National entry list for this event.

In all runnings of the event there has been reasonable support for the smaller classes too, hired cars to be able to take part or people doing the event who'd never done it before and were not doing it as part of any championship but to be part of it.

W

vino_93

29th January 2016, 08:23

2015 National entries : http://ewrc-results.com/startlist.php?e=21412&t=Circuit-of-Ireland-National-Rally-2015

Nornbugger

29th January 2016, 12:52

2015 National entries : http://ewrc-results.com/startlist.php?e=21412&t=Circuit-of-Ireland-National-Rally-2015

Thanks for that, looking over that list the only hired WRC to my knowledge was Carmichael in the Impreza that he often hires for for N Irish championship rounds. Others were all out in their own cars.

The past couple of years only saw a couple of notable new WRCs into Ireland, S14 Imprezas to be used by successful older men in national rounds

Jarek Z

29th January 2016, 13:25

2014, Barrable hired a car, Moffett restricted his car to RRC, Simpson brought his Skoda over, if you look at the WRCs you could say Donnelly and McGarritty could have reduced their Minis to RRC, there were no one off drives/hired WRC cars in the event.

(...)

In all runnings of the event there has been reasonable support for the smaller classes too, hired cars to be able to take part or people doing the event who'd never done it before and were not doing it as part of any championship but to be part of it.

Hmmm... what do you mean? In 2014 there were only 9 Irish drivers on the entry list. And I don't see any reasonable support for the smaller classes:
http://ewrc-results.com/startlist.php?e=13875&t=Circuit-of-Ireland-2014

Nornbugger

29th January 2016, 20:04

Hmmm... what do you mean? In 2014 there were only 9 Irish drivers on the entry list. And I don't see any reasonable support for the smaller classes:
http://ewrc-results.com/startlist.php?e=13875&t=Circuit-of-Ireland-2014

And once again you are wrong, and managing to display geopolitical ignorance at the same time,well done!

List me all the WRC cars that 'were hired for the event'.

Simmi

24th February 2016, 13:38

Have any ERC R5 competitors actually confirmed this rally as part of their programmes? Struggling to find information on who has actually committed to what.

Fast Eddie WRC

24th February 2016, 17:40

Hope Craig Breen comes back to defend his title, even though he has moved on to the WRC...

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

And even better, brings his new team-mate Kris Meeke with him ! ;)

PLuto

24th February 2016, 20:29

Have any ERC R5 competitors actually confirmed this rally as part of their programmes? Struggling to find information on who has actually committed to what.

Nobody confirmed nothing officially yet. I think that most of the teams will be choosing event by event, according to actual situation. This year ERC is more complicated (and expensive) because an additional island event and not perfect time schedule (10 events in 7 months)...

RICARDO75

25th February 2016, 03:30

I think that Jaromir Tarabus is going to Ireland

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd March 2016, 17:55

20 R5s already entered for Circuit of Ireland with another 20 expected before the cut off point. 'Quite incredible,' says organiser Bobby Willis.

Simmi

3rd March 2016, 22:37

Have we ever seen an event with 40 R5s at the start? I can't imagine that has ever happened before. That's half the entry of the international event - which looks like being oversubscribed.

Let's see what the actual list looks like but it all sounds very promising. Breen sounded hopeful but not completely confident about having a drive on the event.

Jarek Z

4th March 2016, 00:17

Have we ever seen an event with 40 R5s at the start? I can't imagine that has ever happened before.

Not in the European Championship. At least judging from Kajetanowicz's press release before Rally Islas Canarias:
For sure we will face a lot of strong opponents in the Canary Islands. Seventeen crews in top R5 cars – the largest field in the whole FIA ERC history.

So it seems this ERC record set on Canary Islands will not last long - it is probably going to be beaten in Ireland.

Simmi

4th March 2016, 08:58

Not in the European Championship. At least judging from Kajetanowicz's press release before Rally Islas Canarias:
For sure we will face a lot of strong opponents in the Canary Islands. Seventeen crews in top R5 cars – the largest field in the whole FIA ERC history.

So it seems this ERC record set on Canary Islands will not last long - it is probably going to be beaten in Ireland.

Yeah I think clearly this will be the biggest R5 field in ERC history if it comes off. I'm talking about all rallies. 40 R5s is a massive number.

Mirek

4th March 2016, 10:33

It's hard to believe but of course I'll be happy if it's true.

Afaik the all time RC2 record was Ypres in IRC (2011 maybe) with 28 or 29 S2000 cars.

Fast Eddie WRC

4th March 2016, 12:09

Breen sounded hopeful but not completely confident about having a drive on the event.

I think he'll be there.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153593262732874&id=172707257873

Fast Eddie WRC

4th March 2016, 12:14

The legendary Glendun & Torr Head stages return to the Circuit of Ireland and will be combined to form a 30km run ! :cool:

It will also take in Antrim, Ballymena and the North Coast region featuring Game of Thrones locations and the Causeway Coastal route.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcoTQ-7W8AAnqjj.jpg

Mintexmemory

4th March 2016, 12:31

It's hard to believe but of course I'll be happy if it's true.

Afaik the all time RC2 record was Ypres in IRC (2011 maybe) with 28 or 29 S2000 cars.
2011 it was - great event Loix, Bouffier, A McRae, Basso, Rosetti, Weijs, Mikkelsen, Sarazin, Wilkes - I imagine Ypres will be special again this year, pity it clashes with the Goodwood Festival of Speed (The rally stage will only have a few WRC drivers as a result)

Simmi

4th March 2016, 13:42

It's hard to believe but of course I'll be happy if it's true.

If you pull together all the full-season confirmed BRC entrants and the R5 guys in Ireland then you've already got close to 30 cars. The big unknown was how many ERC guys would enter. And it sounds like there have been quite a few. So to me it's not hard to see how we can be approaching 40 with it counting for 3 championships.

That said it isn't going to have the quality that Ypres event had.

John Williams

7th March 2016, 18:14

It's hard to believe but of course I'll be happy if it's true.

Afaik the all time RC2 record was Ypres in IRC (2011 maybe) with 28 or 29 S2000 cars.

I think a lot of R5 crews have entered the Nation event as this is already full. It will be interesting to see how many enter the International event.

(They are the same stages)

Jarek Z

12th March 2016, 23:26

Have any ERC R5 competitors actually confirmed this rally as part of their programmes? Struggling to find information on who has actually committed to what.

At the finish of Rally Islas Canarias Kajto said that he is going to be present in Ireland.

Moriarty

13th March 2016, 08:23

Lukyanuk will start in Ireland

Simmi

13th March 2016, 09:44

Good to see them both confirm. The rest of the ERC entry is a bit of a mystery. The organisers recently said Gryazin would be there in the Fabia R5.

Moriarty

13th March 2016, 10:08

Good to see them both confirm. The rest of the ERC entry is a bit of a mystery. The organisers recently said Gryazin would be there in the Fabia R5.
I don't think that will start in Fabia. May be 208 R2. I'll try to find out.

Jarek Z

13th March 2016, 10:29

Chuchala said that most probably he will compete in Ireland too.

Mirek

13th March 2016, 13:27

Good to see them both confirm. The rest of the ERC entry is a bit of a mystery. The organisers recently said Gryazin would be there in the Fabia R5.

Jaromír Tarabus will come with Fabia R5.

Jarek Z

13th March 2016, 19:57

Giacomo Scattolon is visiting Ireland as well:
https://www.fiaerc.com/scattolon-vows-to-fight-back-for-erc-honours-in-ireland/

Hartusvuori

13th March 2016, 20:40

It's hard to believe but of course I'll be happy if it's true.

Afaik the all time RC2 record was Ypres in IRC (2011 maybe) with 28 or 29 S2000 cars.

Ypres 2011 had 29 S2000 and 1 Mini RRC on the list. Sanremo 2010 had one more, 31 S2000s. As for R5s, this year's Rally Sweden holds the record. I think eventually 24 started, 4-5 R5 crews withdrew their entry after recce.

Simmi

16th March 2016, 16:23

Entries have now closed. The big question is: to Breen or not to Breen?

pettersolberg29

16th March 2016, 19:25

Be great to see the entry list - hopefully it'll be out soon.

I'm off to the COI for my first taste of Irish tarmac this year - if anyone has any spectator advice/tips etc would be good to hear them!

Jarek Z

16th March 2016, 21:23

Polish driver Filip Nivette (Ford Fiesta R5) has just said he is going to compete in Circuit of Irealnd, too.

http://i.hoga.pl/rajdy/galeria/2015/15_swidnicki_zagorny/5.jpg

Simmi

16th March 2016, 22:08

With so many entries having coming in it's quite an intriguing situation. Very interesting listening to Julian Porter on Absolute Rally. He thinks that crews paying the ERC registration fee is going to be key for getting good road position during the rally - something British rally crews need to take into account.

And I'd guess also to ensure you're entry gets selected. Because it sounds like people will be turned away.

16th March 2016, 23:09

satnav

16th March 2016, 23:39

How much does ERC registration cost this year?

Of course, the better drivers stand a chance of winning that back from the ERC prize fund..

I suppose Elfyn Evans will be in Ireland as part of his BRC campaign?

ERC Registration costs €3,000 !!!!!! and the entry list is out next Monday the 21st according to the regs.

PLuto

16th March 2016, 23:52

Nelly

17th March 2016, 01:08

Nearly all the irish R5 - s2000 crews registered last year so hopefully it will happen again

Mirek

17th March 2016, 01:22

Yes, same here in CZ or in Ypres. I personally don't believe these one-shots payed full price of the registration. I guess it was possible to negotiate some better deal :)

Simmi

17th March 2016, 01:40

Nearly all the irish R5 - s2000 crews registered last year so hopefully it will happen again

I think they had to register last year or they were confined to the national event. Don't think that's the case this year.

PLuto

17th March 2016, 02:36

Nearly all the irish R5 - s2000 crews registered last year so hopefully it will happen again

But most of them (at least Moffetts, Thorburn, McCormack) were thinking also about other starts in ERC. This year is different with the plans of brittish drivers...

PLuto

17th March 2016, 02:37

Yes, same here in CZ or in Ypres. I personally don't believe these one-shots payed full price of the registration. I guess it was possible to negotiate some better deal :)

Unfortunatelly, no. This payment is going directly to FIA. And there is no chance to negotiate with them. Only one chance is to find somebody who pay it (organiser? additional sponsor? Eurosport?)

PLuto

17th March 2016, 02:39

I was offering to make "national" priority, which should be much cheaper (lets say 500 euro), when the drivers will be allowed to start in front of the field, but without chance for prize money. But it was refused, AFAIK by FIA...

17th March 2016, 06:50

ERC Registration costs €3,000 !!!!!! and the entry list is out next Monday the 21st according to the regs.

A privateer finishing third or higher can win that back straight away though.

Mirek

17th March 2016, 09:26

Unfortunatelly, no. This payment is going directly to FIA. And there is no chance to negotiate with them. Only one chance is to find somebody who pay it (organiser? additional sponsor? Eurosport?)

Thank You for the information.

Barreis

17th March 2016, 10:24

ERC Registration costs €3,000 !!!!!! and the entry list is out next Monday the 21st according to the regs.

Well, these guys who can pay 30-40k € for a rent of top R5 can also pay 3k for registration...

Jarek Z

17th March 2016, 11:28

Well, these guys who can pay 30-40k € for a rent of top R5 can also pay 3k for registration...

It seems Martin McCormack has already registered:
https://www.fiaerc.com/driver/martin-mccormack/

Mirek

17th March 2016, 11:52

I guess at least some Irishmen will do also Ypres and in that case it makes sense to register.

Nornbugger

17th March 2016, 11:56

I think they had to register last year or they were confined to the national event. Don't think that's the case this year.

Tonmmy Doyle didn't pay it last year and was rather invisible on his way to a decent 7th in his Fabia S2000 but was still running in the international section

Jarek Z

17th March 2016, 13:33

According to this piece of news
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/circuit-of-ireland-2016-rally-kings-chasing-circuit-joy-34539226.html
Elfyn Evans, Keith Cronin, Tom Cave, Alastair Fisher, Max Vatanen, David Bogie and the Moffett brothers have entered CoI as well.

Circuit of Ireland director Bobby Willis said - "We have already exceeded the maximum number of cars we are permitted to start even before the entries close this evening so some people are going to be disappointed. But we have a strict criteria to determine who gets priority and we have to work within the guidelines."

PLuto

17th March 2016, 13:33

I guess at least some Irishmen will do also Ypres and in that case it makes sense to register.

It is pity, but there is another event in BRC in same week like Ypres, so I dont expect many drivers from UK or Ireland in Ypres :(

mousti

17th March 2016, 13:59

It is pity, but there is another event in BRC in same week like Ypres, so I dont expect many drivers from UK or Ireland in Ypres :(

Indeed BRC R5 entries will be higher than ERC entries I guess.

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irish_tiger

18th March 2016, 18:08

Entries have now closed. The big question is: to Breen or not to Breen?
Anybody know if he did enter ? he was at the West Cork Rally last weekend checking out the speed of the opposition ...

Allar

19th March 2016, 21:18

When will the Entry list be published?

Nornbugger

19th March 2016, 23:27

When will the Entry list be published?
Monday 21st

Fast Eddie WRC

21st March 2016, 11:27

Come on, we're waiting !

Fast Eddie WRC

21st March 2016, 16:25

Craig Breen leads the field !

http://www.circuitofireland.net/

Fast Eddie WRC

21st March 2016, 16:39

World Rally Championship driver Craig Breen will return to defend his 2015 Circuit of Ireland win following a last-minute deal to drive a Citroen DS 3 R5.

Breen and co-driver Scott Martin will drive a David Greer Motorsport car, testing it for the first time in the week leading up to the event - which is the next round of both the European and British Rally Championships.

He headlines arguably the strongest ever Circuit entry, with 38 R5 cars on the list for the April 7-9 event.

"That's more cars with a theoretical chance to win a rally than I can ever remember before," Breen told Autosport.

"Last year we had the European Rally Championship competitors and guys like Robert Barrable and Alastair Fisher to worry about - this time around we've got three series [ERC, BRC and Irish Tarmac Championship] converging and those championships are all at the top of their game and bringing some serious competition."

Breen is unlikely to register for BRC points as he does not expect to contest any further rounds of the revived series and "it would seem a bit unfair to potentially take points away from other drivers".

Simmi

21st March 2016, 16:44

Anyone got the full list? Not really sure why they've only released the top 25 entries - as impressive as it is.

dimviii

21st March 2016, 16:47

Anyone got the full list? Not really sure why they've only released the top 25 entries - as impressive as it is.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CeFTs2lVAAAj7Yj.jpg:large

Eli

21st March 2016, 16:55

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123392/breen-secures-circuit-of-ireland-entry and 38 R5 cars!!!

Fast Eddie WRC

21st March 2016, 16:57

Gone off a bit half-cock... leave us waiting for hours then dont show the full list.. :(

Mirek

21st March 2016, 17:00

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/123392/breen-secures-circuit-of-ireland-entry and 38 R5 cars!!!

I guess in both fields counted together. Still unbelievable!

EstWRC

21st March 2016, 17:20

it will be interesting to watch Evans with dmacks

PLuto

21st March 2016, 17:49

I also dont understand why they are showing only TOP 25 crews. Why not whole entry list? It is like disrespect to the crews with higher starting numbers...

Jarek Z

21st March 2016, 19:03

It is like disrespect to the crews with higher starting numbers...

Not to mention lack of respect for the rally fans. But even this small entry list already looks great!

WUff1

21st March 2016, 20:18

full list:

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/fileadmin/user_upload/content/2016/mrz/coi2016-entrylist.pdf

WUff1

21st March 2016, 20:19

double post, sorry

Fast Eddie WRC

21st March 2016, 20:21

Full International entry list:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/0eeea4_0cf48902ac5f433b99300e19c30f2a88.pdf

So a record number of R5's for the 2016 CoI... but out of the 38, only ONE Peugeot 208T16 - Euan Thorburn the man with the 2015 rally winning car...

Funny that it didnt make any others want to compete in this great car... so much for the power of advertising ! ;)

https://www.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/BREEN3-Copy-800x571.jpg

Fiesta's leading the numbers, closely followed by the Fabia's and some DS3's here too - the Peugeot's unreliability speaking volumes.

irish_tiger

21st March 2016, 22:23

Fiesta's leading the numbers, closely followed by the Fabia's and some DS3's here too - the Peugeot's unreliability speaking volumes.[/QUOTE]
Nothing wrong with Paolo Andreucci's car - won again the weekend
http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=959&t=Paolo-Andreucci

Nornbugger

21st March 2016, 22:33

That's an incredible entry list, just a couple of short years ago forum experts were saying this event had no place in the ERC!

Munkvy

22nd March 2016, 00:05

Is that the seeded entry list? Should Kajetan be first as the only FIA champion?

PLuto

22nd March 2016, 00:32

Is that the seeded entry list? Should Kajetan be first as the only FIA champion?

Yes, it is seeded entry list. It is on organiser to give starting numbers. But for sure order for qualify will be different (and for first leg also).

the sniper

22nd March 2016, 02:43

Full International entry list:

http://media.wix.com/ugd/0eeea4_0cf48902ac5f433b99300e19c30f2a88.pdf

So a record number of R5's for the 2016 CoI... but out of the 38, only ONE Peugeot 208T16 - Euan Thorburn the man with the 2015 rally winning car...

Funny that it didnt make any others want to compete in this great car... so much for the power of advertising ! ;)

Does anybody know what the situation is with Robert Consani, as he was in a 208 T16 on the first ERC round in the Canaries, but he's on the CoI entry list in a DS3? A mistake maybe, as I can't find anything on the net to suggest he's switched back to the DS3... So I imagine it's two Peugeots!

Franky

22nd March 2016, 07:31

Does anybody know what the situation is with Robert Consani, as he was in a 208 T16 on the first ERC round in the Canaries, but he's on the CoI entry list in a DS3? A mistake maybe, as I can't find anything on the net to suggest he's switched back to the DS3... So I imagine it's two Peugeots!

Wasn't there some talk that it depends, which car he rents out and he takes the one that is free? Think I heard/read something like that.

pucky54

22nd March 2016, 08:45

Monzon wanted to use the DS3, so he had to switch for Canarias.

Simmi

22nd March 2016, 08:46

Yeah Consani will switch between cars on the events. Not sure how big the differences are between them.

38 R5/S2000 cars is an awesome achievement. There aren't really a lot of surprises on this entry. I said on the first page of the thread it would be around 35. It's very close to what I'd listed down - and really it was just about how many of the ERC guys came out to play. Happy to see guys like Botka and Della Casa enter when they didn't have CoI listed in any early-season PR.

But let's not kid ourselves the reason this entry is so high is down to the BRC. I think 21 of those 38 are BRC registered, and there are a couple more on the national. Whoever comes out on top in that Junior battle is also a fascinating prospect.

Can't wait to head over there!

22nd March 2016, 11:03

But let's not kid ourselves the reason this entry is so high is down to the BRC.

That's always been the way on the best IRC/ERC events in the past and is a strength of the championship. The ERC crews compete against the best local crews in equal machinery.. now that the BRC have got their act together this event can be like Ypres, Barum or in the past, Sanremo.

Nornbugger

22nd March 2016, 12:49

That's always been the way on the best IRC/ERC events in the past and is a strength of the championship. The ERC crews compete against the best local crews in equal machinery.. now that the BRC have got their act together this event can be like Ypres, Barum or in the past, Sanremo.

This also used to be the way of the best WRC events, through the 80s and early 90s it was exciting to see how your 'own' drivers did against the WRC stars This IMO is something that's largely missing from the WRC now and that has harmed its popularity globally

I think there is only one WRC entered in the National, I have heard that Kenny McKinstry has a S2000 Skoda in his stable now(not sure how accurate my source is though, its the 1st time they've told me gossip/news)

WUff1

22nd March 2016, 16:26

Also Canarias was not bad from top car entries compared with former years, but maybe it also was because of Liepaja postponement.

MrJan

22nd March 2016, 16:56

Whoever comes out on top in that Junior battle is also a fascinating prospect.

I would love to be there to see that. The top R2 guys were flying on the Mid Wales, I suspect that on the tarmac of Ireland they will cause a bit of a stir with how many 4WD entries they beat.

AndyRAC

22nd March 2016, 17:47

If only there was some Live TV coverage of this.....it's 2016 and we have to make do with live RallyRadio plus highlights.

Fast Eddie WRC

22nd March 2016, 21:54

More on the Breen car and the deal that made it happen:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153643486942874&substory_index=0&id=172707257873

Rally Power

24th March 2016, 02:36

Great to see Breen on that amazing entry list. ERC+BRC+Irish are a fantastic combination!

Fast Eddie WRC

24th March 2016, 11:49

Whoever comes out on top in that Junior battle is also a fascinating prospect.

Opel Rallye Junior Team | Test-day https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R81fKbkxDd4&feature=youtu.be

Marijan Griebel, Julius Tannert, Jennifer Thielen, Chris Ingram, Katrin Becker

Fast Eddie WRC

24th March 2016, 11:56

Bit of a shame that the local Moffett lads in their R5's will be running so far down, especially if it turns wet and the roads get dirty.

Josh is seeded 39th & Sam 41st, the low seeding is due to not registering for the ERC.

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

PLuto

24th March 2016, 13:10

Josh is seeded 39th & Sam 41st, the low seeding is due to not registering for the ERC.

It was their choice. They know the rules very well (I am not talking that rules are good)...

pucky54

24th March 2016, 14:34

But if they are fast on day one, they will be somewhere in front of the field on day two ;)

Fast Eddie WRC

24th March 2016, 15:25

It was their choice. They know the rules very well (I am not talking that rules are good)...

If they did register for the ERC they could take points off drivers doing the full season, which wouldnt seem fair.

PLuto

24th March 2016, 16:27

If they did register for the ERC they could take points off drivers doing the full season, which wouldnt seem fair.

Everybody in international field is taking points. Also nonregistered drivers.

PLuto

24th March 2016, 16:28

Also registering for the BRC/ITC only means half the entry fee, 3 runs for the recce instead of two and no tracker to pay for. Apart from that its the same rally and still get the same points in the BRC/ITC and moral victory if they beat ERC crews into the bargain, not a hard decision plus longer in bed!!

I think that half entry fee is only for drivers who has registered only into national field. But we are talking about drivers in international field, who only didnt paid for registration...

Fast Eddie WRC

24th March 2016, 16:31

Are drivers registering for the ERC doing so for the whole season ? Why are the BRC/ITC drivers doing this, just to get a seeded entry ?

Breen said he wasnt registering for the ERC as he will only do the CoI and also didnt want to take points of off the Championship drivers... why arent they BRC/ITC drivers also considering this ?

pucky54

24th March 2016, 17:10

Breen has FIA priority, so he is seeded anyways. All drivers in international field are getting points like Pluto mentioned, so you "steal" points no matter if registered for ERC or not. 3 passes on recce only for national entries, the international event is running under FIA rules (only two passes)!

24th March 2016, 19:12

I think Breen said he wouldn't register for BRC, not ERC.

John Williams

24th March 2016, 23:46

Also registering for the BRC/ITC only means half the entry fee, 3 runs for the recce instead of two and no tracker to pay for. Apart from that its the same rally and still get the same points in the BRC/ITC and moral victory if they beat ERC crews into the bargain, not a hard decision plus longer in bed!!

Serious risk of closed stages and notional times though. Bumpy, narrow lanes, fierce competition and the sheer pace of this rally means it will certainly not be without incident.

Fast Eddie WRC

25th March 2016, 12:18

All drivers in international field are getting points like Pluto mentioned, so you "steal" points no matter if registered for ERC or not.

What makes a driver is part of the 'International' field, is it just they register as such ? And those that dont, register for the National ?

Keith Cronin, Alastair Fisher, David Bogie, Tom Cave and Fredrik Ahlin from the domestic scene have all registered for the ERC.

Are the Moffetts not doing this just to save money, no other reason ?

PLuto

25th March 2016, 12:28

What makes a driver is part of the 'International' field, is it just they register as such ? And those that dont, register for the National ?

Keith Cronin, Alastair Fisher, David Bogie, Tom Cave and Fredrik Ahlin from the domestic scene have all registered for the ERC.

Are the Moffetts not doing this just to save money, no other reason ?

When you are sending entry form to rally, you can choose if you enter to international field or national field. Thats the first step. If you want to register into ERC, you must also do another step and register at FIA (and send the money). You will receive some advantages (bigger place in service, electricity for free, start in qualify, media coverage from Eurosport etc) and mainly better starting number/position.

I dont know why Moffetts didnt registered. Dont wasting money is the only reason which is in my mind.

Jarek Z

25th March 2016, 12:47

To hell with all those multiple entry lists in one rally!!!

PLuto

25th March 2016, 13:43

To hell with all those multiple entry lists in one rally!!!

And it will not be better in future, I think. Problem is that there are lot of national rules and homologations, which are not in compliance with FIA rules...

dupanton

25th March 2016, 18:07

And it will not be better in future, I think. Problem is that there are lot of national rules and homologations, which are not in compliance with FIA rules...

Strange thing is that Ypres Rally announced all national cars (National GT, but also NCM for "homemade" cars like BMWs and NCE for cars out of homologation) will all be allowed. And they will drive in the ERC field, if course behind the ERC registered cars on the first day. But second day, everyone will start in order of classification, ERC registered or not, national homologation or not.

PLuto

25th March 2016, 18:43

Strange thing is that Ypres Rally announced all national cars (National GT, but also NCM for "homemade" cars like BMWs and NCE for cars out of homologation) will all be allowed. And they will drive in the ERC field, if course behind the ERC registered cars on the first day. But second day, everyone will start in order of classification, ERC registered or not, national homologation or not.

There is no chance to do it in that way...

Nelly

25th March 2016, 19:58

Will un registered crews still run behind jnrs on day 2 even if running in the top 10?

PLuto

25th March 2016, 19:59

Will un registered crews still run behind jnrs on day 2 even if running in the top 10?

No. On second day the order will be according to results after first leg (top ten reverse).

Nelly

25th March 2016, 20:01

Nice one. Thanks

dupanton

26th March 2016, 08:03

There is no chance to do it in that way...

That is what they announced in a press release yesterday!

tommeke_B

26th March 2016, 08:29

That is what they announced in a press release yesterday!

Yes, but still it's impossible under current FIA rules, it would be unfair for the ERC competition. It's either a mistake in the press release, or FIA would have to change it's rules. I know what's more likely... ;)

Mirek

29th March 2016, 19:55

Test of Jaromír Tarabus, very spectacular!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgGRhJJqZG4

irish_tiger

29th March 2016, 23:00

Test of Jaromír Tarabus, very spectacular!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgGRhJJqZG4
Where was this test ?

Mirek

30th March 2016, 00:02

irish_tiger

30th March 2016, 23:43

Close to Zlín, CZ. It's a stage from Rally Kopná (sadly now already former rally). It's usual testing track of Kresta Racing. High-speed road with many crests and several jumps. You could see testing videos from that road before every Barum rally edition.
Just looking at his times from last year , I think he would want to do a better test in Ireland before the Circuit of Ireland - completely different road surface , I don't think that test will be of any benefit for him next week ....

Mirek

31st March 2016, 09:15

It was his first drive after 5 months just to remove rust, not a real PET ;)

I think he did very well last year in CoI. He lost some 5 minutes with an off and damage caused by the off but otherwise his times were good.

31st March 2016, 13:17

I wonder whether the Fabia R5 will handle the bumps and jumps in Ireland as well as the Fabia S2000?

Fast Eddie WRC

31st March 2016, 16:10

Tom Cave with SpencerSport Fiesta R5 preparing for Ireland with tarmac test today..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ce3MDKbWsAAWmEO.jpg

Maurice_M_27

31st March 2016, 16:53

I wonder whether the Fabia R5 will handle the bumps and jumps in Ireland as well as the Fabia S2000?

Desi Henry's R5 seems to work quite well so far. However we saw him almost go off after a small jump in Galway International Rally in February, car looked quite nervous and he went off big the following day. He has had more rallies since to aid setup.

WRCKE

31st March 2016, 21:00

Ypres rally. everyone will start in order of classification on saterday (not from 10 to 1)

pettersolberg29

31st March 2016, 21:44

satnav

31st March 2016, 21:49

I wonder whether the Fabia R5 will handle the bumps and jumps in Ireland as well as the Fabia S2000?

David Bogie won in Longford a Cpl of weeks back , he was doing this rally as a shakedown for the circuit so going by his times the R5 was handling the bumps ok by the end of the day.

Nelly

31st March 2016, 22:03

So for any COI veterans - trying to plan my trip with the programme and looking at the stage maps. What is the situation with parking and spectating? Is it basically a "go anywhere you like" approach? With the maps it seems so, but that goes against every other rally tightening up its marshalling recently so I'd be surprised if that was the case...

If anyone could give a rough idea of how easy parking and wandering along the stages is that would be great. At Rally GB, Mid Wales Stages etc we always try and wander off past the marshalls - is that possible at COI too? Cheers.
Yes it's handy to get past the marshalls just don't leave it to late. Parking is available on all approach roads unless stated in the program.

Nornbugger

31st March 2016, 23:14

So for any COI veterans - trying to plan my trip with the programme and looking at the stage maps. What is the situation with parking and spectating? Is it basically a "go anywhere you like" approach? With the maps it seems so, but that goes against every other rally tightening up its marshalling recently so I'd be surprised if that was the case...

If anyone could give a rough idea of how easy parking and wandering along the stages is that would be great. At Rally GB, Mid Wales Stages etc we always try and wander off past the marshalls - is that possible at COI too? Cheers.

Have you ever climbed over/through a thorn hedge? Marshals in my experience have been well drilled and fair on this event, the hedges are much less friendly in my experience and if you can scout out some locations before hand its well worth doing also if you plan to move about much on the stages don't wear your best trousers as they won't be by the time your home!

pettersolberg29

1st April 2016, 09:26

Have you ever climbed over/through a thorn hedge? Marshals in my experience have been well drilled and fair on this event, the hedges are much less friendly in my experience and if you can scout out some locations before hand its well worth doing also if you plan to move about much on the stages don't wear your best trousers as they won't be by the time your home!

I've climbed through thorn hedges more times than I care to admit... haha but I get the point! So the general consensus is as long as we arrive early we can pretty much wander anywhere that's physically possible as long as it's safe, and won't have to be penned into spectator zones? If so that's good news because after some Google Street View recces of the stages there are some beautiful sections that require a lot of wandering!

Jarek Z

1st April 2016, 13:52

Be careful. The hedges are waiting...

https://www.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/427_BREEN-1024x555.jpg

Jarek Z

1st April 2016, 14:15

if you plan to move about much on the stages don't wear your best trousers as they won't be by the time your home!

You can always try painter's overalls! :)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blg7nIMCMAEod2r.jpg:large

Jarek Z

1st April 2016, 14:20

I wonder whether the Fabia R5 will handle the bumps and jumps in Ireland as well as the Fabia S2000?

Hopefully better than the Peugeot! :)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Blf7wFHIAAEibZM.jpg

Simmi

2nd April 2016, 12:07

pettersolberg29

2nd April 2016, 17:57

I've never had to stand in such uncomfortable/precarious positions to get photos as I did on last year's Circuit. Basically yeah you'll need to probably be on or in a hedge at some point. After you've climbed over a barbed wire fence. It's all good though. Part of the challenge. Great rally!

Haha sounds awesome! Great photos too on your Flickr - are all the jump photos from the same place on Hamiltons Folly stage?

Mintexmemory

3rd April 2016, 13:21

Haha sounds awesome! Great photos too on your Flickr - are all the jump photos from the same place on Hamiltons Folly stage?

So damn jealous!!!! Find I could have made it now!

Jarek Z

3rd April 2016, 17:59

Test session before Circuit of Ireland Rally - Koltun and Pieniazek on photos
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/gallery/show/id/1459444726?pg=1
and in a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qw0_XnZDtY

Nornbugger

3rd April 2016, 21:21

Pre Circuit test, Breen, Katjo, Bogie and more

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-YB3Tn2QZ8

Fast Eddie WRC

3rd April 2016, 22:00

Breen on it in testing... :)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfJJUaIWIAIH-6Z.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfJJUZ4WEAABcSA.jpg:large

satnav

3rd April 2016, 22:20

Some more pictures from the Test today in County Monaghan ;

http://www.picturesofireland.ie/C.O.I._Testing_at_Clontibret_April_3rd_2016/album/index.html

PLuto

3rd April 2016, 22:55

Dont forget to make pickems ;)

pettersolberg29

3rd April 2016, 22:56

So damn jealous!!!! Find I could have made it now!

You're free to join us! We've got the car space, though no hotel/flights I'm afraid!

Jarek Z

4th April 2016, 13:24

Federico Della Casa is testing his car in Ireland, too:
https://www.facebook.com/278572698970585/photos/pcb.593953470765838/593953137432538/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/278572698970585/photos/pcb.593953470765838/593953144099204/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/278572698970585/photos/pcb.593953470765838/593953157432536/?type=3&theater

Fast Eddie WRC

4th April 2016, 14:23

DMACK TYRES
Tricky conditions here at CircuitIreland test, slippery roads and damp weather https://t.co/bE6JXGEoYU

dimviii

4th April 2016, 16:21

Bad news for Luky at Ireland pet....

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfNQ7CgW8AA8C3S.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfNTDY1WIAAuMF5.jpg

Fast Eddie WRC

4th April 2016, 16:35

Start in doubt for Lukyanuk.. what a shame. :(

BMV

4th April 2016, 16:37

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYETfVmAZMk
Footage of Day 2 (Monday) of Pre event testing.

Mirek

4th April 2016, 16:39

That doesn't look repairable :(

Nornbugger

4th April 2016, 16:59

Its a real shame if Lukyanuk doesn't make the start, he really looked to use his head and learn the rally last year and I was really looking forward to seeing him push on a bit harder this year.

The weather forecast locally is for showery weather on Friday and Saturday, hopefully it will be much drier than this past weekend has been, the Buckshead stage has a lot of standing water on it today(it's my local stage, I'm sure the others are all much the same)

MrJan

4th April 2016, 17:15

Blimey, he's done a proper job of that. It's the dent in the driver's door that could be the biggest hurdle, looks like it may be big enough to be hiding some damage to the cage. I know Tom Cave had a lot of work done to his car in a short space of time before the Mid-Wales, not sure it was such a mess and such a short duration though :S

dimviii

4th April 2016, 17:17

That doesn't look repairable :(

Αrnautova at her twitter said that ''Lukyanuk's start is quiestionable''

dimviii

4th April 2016, 17:19

It's the dent in the driver's door that could be the biggest hurdle, looks like it may be big enough to be hiding some damage to the cage.

yes that seems to be the difficult part,at least from what we can see from photos.
The front end is easy repairable if they have enough parts.

Mirek

4th April 2016, 17:38

Let's hope M-Sport helps.

MrJan

4th April 2016, 17:43

Let's hope M-Sport helps.

M-Sport will always help those with a big enough chequebook ;)

Simmi

4th April 2016, 19:02

M-Sport will always help those with a big enough chequebook ;)

This is exactly it. M-Sport will have huge resources available for customers on the event - it's just with Luky's threadbare budget he (literally) can't afford to be doing stuff like this.

Let's see - I hope it's not as bad as it looks. Obviously the start is always going to be questionable when you've just wrecked your car and need to assess the damage. Cave/Spencer Sport also had more time to get the car re-shelled.

dimviii

4th April 2016, 19:05

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfNt69oUEAEzgnC.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfNt69oUEAEzgnC.jpg

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/t31.0-8/12970832_1041076119282399_7173418603852370642_o.jp g

Jarek Z

4th April 2016, 20:09

Bad news for Luky at Ireland pet....

Damn it! He hasn't crashed for a long time, so, in a way, we could have expected something like that. But I'm still surprised.

Jarek Z

4th April 2016, 20:09

Kajto's press release before Ireland:
http://kajto.pl/en?i=1&t=news&n=707&news=circuit_of_ireland_rally:_kajetanowicz_fights _for_the_lead_in_the_fia_european_rally_championsh ip

Ucci

4th April 2016, 20:44

Damn it! He hasn't crashed for a long time, so, in a way, we could have expected something like that. But I'm still surprised.
If you are "touching" the limit, then you are awere also for this kind of
"Situation"....

Sulland

4th April 2016, 22:14

Could look like bendt cage on lower drivers side on Luky's Fiesta. Lets hope not.

Tough conditions for non-brits!!

Fast Eddie WRC

4th April 2016, 22:19

@FIAERC Retweeted this reply re: Lukyanuk :(

@CircuitIreland I'm very sorry....but the car is too damaged to start the rally.

Fast Eddie WRC

4th April 2016, 22:34

In better news... there will be live online coverage for the CoI 2016 ! :)

https://www.fiaerc.com/ercs-circuit-of-ireland-goes-live-and-global/

Jarek Z

5th April 2016, 00:07

Lukyanuk in action :(

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UHOUql_w0Zk/maxresdefault.jpg

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w7vvuqKjxBo/maxresdefault.jpg

http://images.wrc.com/News/2015/July/6405_AlexeyLukyanuk-Finland-2015_003_592x333.jpg?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfNQ7CgW8AA8C3S.jpg

Rally Power

5th April 2016, 00:48

Very unfortunate Lukyanuk. It would be great seeing him on the slippery Ireland stages. Better luck on Acropolis!

5th April 2016, 05:56

In better news... there will be live online coverage for the CoI 2016 ! :)

https://www.fiaerc.com/ercs-circuit-of-ireland-goes-live-and-global/

I wonder what the nature of this coverage will be? Just some fixed camera at the stage finish I suppose.

Jeppe

5th April 2016, 07:29

@FIAERC Retweeted this reply re: Lukyanuk :(

@CircuitIreland I'm very sorry....but the car is too damaged to start the rally.

I´m very sorry for him. But these things CAN happen when you are on the limit.. :(

BTW Can we change the pickems?? ;)

Fast Eddie WRC

5th April 2016, 09:54

I wonder what the nature of this coverage will be? Just some fixed camera at the stage finish I suppose.

Hopefully better than that... but maybe just the street stages like have been shown here before I think...

Nornbugger

5th April 2016, 11:21

Hopefully better than that... but maybe just the street stages like have been shown here before I think...

I'm sure given what has been said that it will be more than the street stages, what ever it is we'll know soon :-)

Ps, does Bluuford still do weather forecasts for ERC events?

dimviii

5th April 2016, 14:01

FIA ERC ‏@FIAERC

Event director Bobby Willis said: “I don’t think this has been done on this scale on any rally anywhere in the world before" #LT #LiveStream

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

rallyfiend

5th April 2016, 14:08

Big call, given that every stage of WRC France has been broadcast live for quite a few years...

Fast Eddie WRC

5th April 2016, 15:57

Good news:
"In addition, there will be coverage from drones and from in-car cameras as well as live pictures and commentary from the Ards TT stage which has proved so popular in the past."

Bad news:
Jon Desborough on comms.. :(

Jarek Z

5th April 2016, 16:31

Ypres 2011 had 29 S2000 and 1 Mini RRC on the list. Sanremo 2010 had one more, 31 S2000s. As for R5s, this year's Rally Sweden holds the record. I think eventually 24 started, 4-5 R5 crews withdrew their entry after recce.

I had a look at the entry list again. 34 R5 cars and 4 S2000 cars. Without Lukyanuk that makes it 33 R5 cars, still a world record :)
I can't wait!

In the meantime - new car for Estonian driver Raul Jeets:
https://www.fiaerc.com/jeets-back-in-the-erc-with-a-skoda/

dimviii

5th April 2016, 20:01

test day 2
https://youtu.be/DYETfVmAZMk

Fast Eddie WRC

5th April 2016, 21:07

Great photo of Chris Ingram ‏on recce in his new Opel Adam.. says 'stunning roads & scenery!'

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfTL7DVWAAEKrWO.jpg:large

Munkvy

5th April 2016, 21:14

Great photo of Chris Ingram ‏on recce in his new Opel Adam.. says 'stunning roads & scenery!'

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfTL7DVWAAEKrWO.jpg:large

Nice pic, shame about the ugly car though!

pettersolberg29

5th April 2016, 21:16

Packing tonight ready to leave for Belfast tomorrow! Forecast looking rubbish, but stages and entry list more than make up for that :) maybe see some of you there!

Fast Eddie WRC

5th April 2016, 21:16

Max Vatanen on recce says 'The stages are savage! This picture is taking in famous Torr Head. The Ouninpohja of Ireland?' ...

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

the sniper

6th April 2016, 00:03

I'm guessing the Torr Head section of road is part of 'The Glens' stage (SS3). Going by this onboard from 2008 it does look pretty spectacular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prCyNPOz0s8

PLuto

6th April 2016, 00:20

I'm guessing the Torr Head section of road is part of 'The Glens' stage (SS3). Going by this onboard from 2008 it does look pretty spectacular: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prCyNPOz0s8

Yes, you are correct. Torr Head is second part of SS 3 (unfortunatelly not part of SS 5) and it is really nice part of stage on the north coast of the island. It will be very spectacular for helicopter of Eurosport.

Notice regarding this year - sometimes too many retarders (chicanes) on the stages...

Mirek

6th April 2016, 00:21

Notice regarding this year - sometimes too many retarders (chicanes) on the stages...

Is it really that bad? I mean it must be bad when I see something like that written by a Czech man when our stages have been flooded with chiceanes for years.

dck1989

6th April 2016, 03:06

Stage is run the opposite way that in the video!

Jarek Z

6th April 2016, 09:05

I had a look at the entry list again. 34 R5 cars and 4 S2000 cars. Without Lukyanuk that makes it 33 R5 cars, still a world record :)

Polish driver Filip Nivette (Ford Fiesta R5) withdrew from Circuit of Ireland Rally. The number of R5 cars has been reduced to 32.

Jarek Z

6th April 2016, 10:01

According to Motorsport News only Evans, Breen and Cronin are candidates for the win?

https://scontent-ams3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/943862_465495403652699_8059336576265986967_n.jpg?o h=75a91795be3730c89e3536112586e7d0&oe=57787AAE

Fast Eddie WRC

6th April 2016, 10:23

Luky explains PET crash...

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-leader-lukyanuk-explains-his-circuit-ending-crash/

MrJan

6th April 2016, 11:05

As Sal says, MN are interested in the BRC and most of their readership will want to know about the British & Irish interest more than other guys.

Fast Eddie WRC

6th April 2016, 11:10

Watching the UK weather forecast this morning and there's a big low pressure area coming in for N.Ireland on Friday... lots of rain and wind, followed by heavy showers on Saturday. :(

noel157

6th April 2016, 11:37

Watching the UK weather forecast this morning and there's a big low pressure area coming in for N.Ireland on Friday... lots of rain and wind, followed by heavy showers on Saturday. :(

It's lashing down at the moment.... Seriously, 10 mins of heavy rain followed by 5 mins of sunshine and blue sky followed by strong winds and then more rain and then sunshine...... usual story, 4 seasons every day.

Tyre lottery,

PLuto

6th April 2016, 11:57

Is it really that bad? I mean it must be bad when I see something like that written by a Czech man when our stages have been flooded with chiceanes for years.

I have seen only part of SS 3. I have found retarders in some strange places, where it is really narrow to go normally and they put retarder there. But codriver told that on first stage there is almost 20 retarders... In roadbook I have found 9 chicanes. But it is very tight and sometimes with four parts, so very slow.

PLuto

6th April 2016, 11:57

It's lashing down at the moment.... Seriously, 10 mins of heavy rain followed by 5 mins of sunshine and blue sky followed by strong winds and then more rain and then sunshine...... usual story, 4 seasons every day.

Tyre lottery,

I am in service area since morning. And it is like you are writing except sun and blue sky ;)

GeoFerg_Sco

6th April 2016, 12:33

Itching to get there! Leave for the ferry at 5am! Should be a great rally!!

dimviii

6th April 2016, 16:22

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfXHyolWAAAKXW5.jpg:large

Nornbugger

6th April 2016, 16:34

According to Motorsport News only Evans, Breen and Cronin are candidates for the win?

We will all be much wiser regarding who fastest soon, they could/should have added Katjo, Fisher, Bogie and Ahlin but the page would have looked cluttered. I'll wait till I read my copy before deciding that they didn't give the ERC runners fair coverage. Regarding the 3 they did pick, I'd be surprised if come the end of SS1 and all top drivers getting a clear run(a big ask in the mixed conditions) I think they have certainly got 3 of the top 5 there! IMO they are quicker than Bogie and Fisher, Katjo I expect will be right on the pace, Ahlin is I think hard to predict, perhaps this will be an event he should use his head on and then show his ultimate tar pace later in the season?

Actually I may not be reading MN this week as my local shop has sold out...

Fast Eddie WRC

6th April 2016, 17:04

Beauty...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfXw1_YWIAAvPfq.jpg:large

Fast Eddie WRC

6th April 2016, 17:05

Reality...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfXt5EIW4AAwVHO.jpg:large

dimviii

6th April 2016, 20:10

Julian Porter ‏@The_Rally_Guru

If conditions remain like this for the Circuit of Ireland it will be interesting to say the least!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfYY4WsWwAUhLHY.jpg

Jarek Z

6th April 2016, 20:26

We will all be much wiser regarding who fastest soon, they could/should have added Katjo, Fisher, Bogie and Ahlin but the page would have looked cluttered. I'll wait till I read my copy before deciding that they didn't give the ERC runners fair coverage. Regarding the 3 they did pick, I'd be surprised if come the end of SS1 and all top drivers getting a clear run(a big ask in the mixed conditions) I think they have certainly got 3 of the top 5 there! IMO they are quicker than Bogie and Fisher, Katjo I expect will be right on the pace, Ahlin is I think hard to predict, perhaps this will be an event he should use his head on and then show his ultimate tar pace later in the season?

I can't question what Motoring News have written. They may be right. I don't know much about current British drivers (with the exception of Craig Breen). Who knows? Maybe those three will dominate the whole rally indeed?

Jarek Z

6th April 2016, 20:30

Water, water, everywhere!

https://scontent-fra3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12909407_1189670374399562_7368919476703266309_o.jp g

PLuto

6th April 2016, 23:20

We will all be much wiser regarding who fastest soon, they could/should have added Katjo, Fisher, Bogie and Ahlin but the page would have looked cluttered. I'll wait till I read my copy before deciding that they didn't give the ERC runners fair coverage. Regarding the 3 they did pick, I'd be surprised if come the end of SS1 and all top drivers getting a clear run(a big ask in the mixed conditions) I think they have certainly got 3 of the top 5 there! IMO they are quicker than Bogie and Fisher, Katjo I expect will be right on the pace, Ahlin is I think hard to predict, perhaps this will be an event he should use his head on and then show his ultimate tar pace later in the season?

Actually I may not be reading MN this week as my local shop has sold out...

It would be very interesting to see your pickems for Circuit of Ireland...

Nornbugger

6th April 2016, 23:39

It would be very interesting to see your pickems for Circuit of Ireland...

I jinx drivers...

noel157

7th April 2016, 07:45

No rain in the morning, roads will likely be damp and verges will be very wet from last few day's rain and the rain this morning, 2nd runs will be mucky, some wind but rain due around 14.30 local time, so SS4 onwards. Temp no more than 6/7c maximum. Should make things interesting.

Jarek Z

7th April 2016, 09:42

From Kajto's website:

"Sun and rain, then sun and rain again - the weather around Belfast is nothing short of surprises, so tyre choice for qualifying stage is going to be pretty difficult. Free practice starts in about one hour and qualifying stage begins on 12:48 local time with Kajto and Jarek first on the road."

P.S. Local time 12:48 is 13:48 in central Europe.

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 09:47

QS is going to be pretty important given the road conditions.. first drivers on the stages should have an advantage with less mud.

GeoFerg_Sco

7th April 2016, 10:09

When we came off the ferry there it was lovely sunshine. 10mins up the road it started to rain pretty heavy! Now dry again! QS could be very interesting!

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 10:50

FIAERC.com

The Qualifying Stage will set the order in which drivers will choose their starting position for leg one of the rally – a potentially crucial decision on an event where the roads can become muddier with each car that passes through. As we saw on Rally Islas Canarias, drivers may well choose to run as high up the order as possible, making a fast Qualifying Stage time valuable.

Doon

7th April 2016, 11:36

ChristianArp

7th April 2016, 11:37

Bogie off in free practice - front bumper torn off, also seemingly broke the radiator.

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 11:44

I'm not that confident that Evans will be that quick. It's not him that I'm concerned about, but the DMACK aren't really proven on tarmac are they? How about Irish tarmac, do many folks us them over there?

"I am quite confident I will be quick on the Tarmac.. we are ready to fight.” - @ElfynEvans @DMACK_Tyres #BRC h

Jeppe

7th April 2016, 11:53

"I am quite confident I will be quick on the Tarmac.. we are ready to fight.” - @ElfynEvans @DMACK_Tyres #BRC h

Well, he is kind of works driver of Dmack tyres so he MUST say so. Result could be whole different.

But I trusted him and put as number 1 in my pickems ;)

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 11:59

Alistair Fisher fastest in SD, then Evans, Kajto, Breen & Cronin...

http://ewrc-results.com/shake.php?e=27435&t=Circuit-of-Ireland-2016

Jeppe

7th April 2016, 12:11

It´s SD not QS. It´ll start @12.48 GMT

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 12:32

Bogie with radiator damage on the Skoda on SD - hope he's ok to rally..

'It's really slippy in there. The car just broke away from me.' Suspected radiator damage. https://t.co/pQhEhjs1ex

GeoFerg_Sco

7th April 2016, 12:59

Consani with quite substantial front end damage through Q stage

MrJan

7th April 2016, 13:03

Don't think I've heard an interview with a driver which hasn't involved the word 'muddy'.

noel157

7th April 2016, 13:04

Hope we don't lose anybody in SD or QS.

EstWRC

7th April 2016, 13:20

Basically everyone having moments, Evans very impressive

noel157

7th April 2016, 13:28

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfcHGe6WIAAlY_i.jpg

dimviii

7th April 2016, 13:32

Botka stuck near the finish into a ditch

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfcEbY-WAAEbVwZ.jpg

Consani

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfcCKETXIAA-S-d.jpg

dimviii

7th April 2016, 13:35

Here we go

Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally

COME ON @ElfynEvans! Complete and utter class - especially on Tarmac. In the top five drivers in the world on this surface. 1sec/km quicker

noel157

7th April 2016, 13:36

If crews don't finish QS and are able start the rally presume they go last of the priority crews?

noel157

7th April 2016, 13:37

Here we go

Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally

COME ON @ElfynEvans! Complete and utter class - especially on Tarmac. In the top five drivers in the world on this surface. 1sec/km quicker

Top five asphalt? Nope, sorry Colin.

EstWRC

7th April 2016, 13:43

MrJan

7th April 2016, 13:55

Top five asphalt? Nope, sorry Colin.

My first thought too...but does beg the question who the top 5 are. Obviously Ogier is there and Sordo hard to beat but I'm not sure who else I'd include.

Nornbugger

7th April 2016, 13:58

That was expected from Colin. Although I admit that Evans time is very good considering he is using Dmacks which are known not to be the best tyre on Tarmac but maybe they work good on muddy asphalt.

If he would be top5 in the world then he would have been not dumped by WRC teams .

I'm not sure Panizzi at his peak would get a full season now, there isn't enough tar in WRC to justify someone who cannot deliver consistently on gravel.
I'm amazed at the gap Evans has though, very impressive, also disappointed at Cronins pace.

EightGear

7th April 2016, 14:05

My first thought too...but does beg the question who the top 5 are. Obviously Ogier is there and Sordo hard to beat but I'm not sure who else I'd include.
Ogier, Latvala, Sordo, Meeke, Neuville and maybe Mikkelsen

dimviii

7th April 2016, 14:06

Aleks Humar
‏@alekshumar

Unfortunately crash on qualifying stage @CircuitIreland @FIAERC We have to inspect the car if its possible to start

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfcQRAhWsAEXsl3.jpg

noel157

7th April 2016, 14:31

Colin Clark comparing Evans performance as Loebesque and Sordoesque on Periscope.....
At least Mark James is telling him to be a bit more realistic. Col, get a grip of yerself man!!!

dimviii

7th April 2016, 14:56

Colin Clark comparing Evans performance as Loebesque and Sordoesque on Periscope.....
At least Mark James is telling him to be a bit more realistic. Col, get a grip of yerself man!!!

are you joking?lolololololol

dimviii

7th April 2016, 15:00

Evans incar from qualify
https://youtu.be/JQhW6KqfObk

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 15:07

Was Evans first on the road on the QS ? It looks fairly clean from his onboard video.

That might explain some of his speed advantage..

Sulland

7th April 2016, 15:17

Anyone with a link to timing also for the national class?
Just to see timing for the Spencer Mirages.

7th April 2016, 15:19

Evans was very good on Corsica last year in similar conditions, albeit on Michelins.

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 15:39

Anyone with a link to timing also for the national class?
Just to see timing for the Spencer Mirages.

Should be here once the rally starts: http://www.rallyscore.net/353/Circuit-of-Ireland-International-Circuit-of-Ireland-National/

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 15:44

Was Evans first on the road on the QS ? It looks fairly clean from his onboard video.
That might explain some of his speed advantage..

"Evans set a time of 2m28.900s on a 4.22-kilometre Tardree test that was coated in mud having already been run twice in Free Practice"

- so bang goes that theory ! ;)

Fast Eddie WRC

7th April 2016, 15:48

What a collection... :cool:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfclqQFW4AAmM7-.jpg:large

Nornbugger

7th April 2016, 16:40

Ogier, Latvala, Sordo, Meeke, Neuville and maybe Mikkelsen

I'm sure no one will dispute that Ogier is best on tar, but if Latvala and Mikkelsen are in the top 5 is a sad day for the sport as they are some distance behind their teammate.
That's all getting off topic though, does anyone know details of the live footage we can hope for tomorrow?

pettersolberg29

7th April 2016, 17:37

Was Evans first on the road on the QS ? It looks fairly clean from his onboard video.

That might explain some of his speed advantage..

That video isn't from QS - it must be from free practice because you can see me in the place I was standing during practice rather than during QS! So the road was clean on that run, but not clean at all for his QS run.

dimviii

7th April 2016, 18:48

Aleks Humar ‏@alekshumar

Working hard for start tomorrow, keep fingers crossed @CircuitIreland @FIAERC

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CfdQIKaW8AEH5G6.jpg

watch road conditions

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t31.0-8/12967286_963325457119638_7766848776563535475_o.jpg
https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/t31.0-8/12961248_1190475440985722_7515810295910441239_o.jp g

Simmi

7th April 2016, 19:32

Sunshine and showers all day. Not sure how representative Tardree is of the stages in terms of just how insanely muddy it got. Managed to get around SS1 and SS2 this afternoon and it shouldn't be as bad I don't think.

Lots of chicane markings in there. Sections would be flat chat without them. A couple of jumps were bailed to ensure the cars won't get any air. Similarly if you look at the access/taping the organisers clearly don't want the spectactors anywhere near anything interesting.

dimviii

7th April 2016, 19:41

as expected Evans 1st on the road.

Jarek Z

7th April 2016, 19:49

Kajetan Kajetanowicz: – I am glad that I do not have to forecast the weather in the British Isles. It is so changeable in Ireland that people who do it probably get fired very quickly [laughs].

:D

GeoFerg_Sco

7th April 2016, 19:57