53º Rally RACC Catalunya – Costa Daurada 2017

[KKS]

Wait for Mads ;)

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
Mads on softs too?

[tommeke_B]

so long with your parity behavior, right? Nasty as NOT

Sorry. It's just funny to see people who follow a sport for a long time, defend their opinions here very hard, then asking if they're going to use tarmac tyres for 9kms of tarmac on a 40km stage... :D Not going to do it again. ;)

[itix]

Sunninen faster than Lefebvre... Seriosuly Lefebvre do the decent thing and hand the keys to someone talented.

[AnttiL]

Why?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

in Argentina and Sardegna for example, he did a couple of fast times and then rolled.

[wwbroe]

Good time for Ostberg again, alltough he is complaining about a lot of dust in the car, barely seeing anything

[Mirek]

Greensmith already out?

[wwbroe]

Greensmith already out?
Yes, unfortunally he stopped in stage 1

[wwbroe]

Neuville and Ogier at same pace for the moment in stage 3

[KKS]

Wait for Mads ;)

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
I wait enough. Nothing changed :D

[wwbroe]

Tanak fastest again on first split on the long one

[wwbroe]

Neuville now 3,4 slower than Ogier

[wwbroe]

Ogier fastest on second split, even faster as Tanak

[KKS]

Neuville now 3,4 slower than Ogier
Ogier very fast on 2nd split and tarmac only on 3rd

[wwbroe]

Neuville loosing 6,2 sec now

[dupanton]

Greensmith already out?

Broken steering

[AnttiL]

Hänninen best opening split

[seb_sh]

Ogier is looking strong in the second half of Terra Alta.

[wwbroe]

Neuville now loosing 10,1

[KKS]

Hänninen best opening split
Something strange around there. After two stages at pace around 0.6-0.7sec/km and than faster 1split at SS3

[AnttiL]

Something strange around there. After two stages at pace around 0.6-0.7sec/km and than faster 1split at SS3

Could be road cleaning. Lappi is also fast on that split.

[dupanton]

Neuville on softs, his tyres are probably gone...

[er88]

Neuvilles championship not looking good if he can't react to this on the next loop.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[wwbroe]

Neuville lost 14,6 seconds, not good at all

[jparker]

well, the soft tire gamble by Neuville didn't work I guess.

[er88]

Looks like a Seb masterclass here.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Ogier is a master at preserving tyres and this is where that skill makes the difference.

[wwbroe]

Ogier is showing he is master in tyre choice and preserving them

[KKS]

Evans feel not good at tarmac section. 12sec lost there

[tomhlord]

Ogier is a master at preserving tyres and this is where that skill makes the difference.

Unbelievable performance.

[tomhlord]

Think the DMACKs have worn out!

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen now fastest on split 2

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great job by Ogier despite opening the road this morning.

[tomhlord]

Good shout, he could do well here.

[BigWorm]

Deffo wrong tyre choice to go full softs. Still another loop of the stages left to repair the damage.

[AnttiL]

Meeke flying! 5,3 seconds faster at split 2

[er88]

Jesus Meeke. Slow down :D

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[wwbroe]

What a split by Meeke:eek:

[KKS]

He on soft.. so relax.... it will be massive time lose at the end

[AnttiL]

Lappi has spinned? 29 seconds back...

[itix]

Expensive rebuild for Citroen coming up in 3... 2... 1...

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen on same time as Ogier on split 3

[tommeke_B]

Amazing performance from Ogier, we would almost forget he's opening the road... ;)

[AnttiL]

Camilli and Veiby have finished SS1, but no match for Suninen's time

[wwbroe]

Wowh Ostberg:eek:

[jparker]

Will Mikkelsen lead the rally soon?

[Rallyper]

Will Mikkelsen lead the rally soon?

No Ostberg. :)

[AnttiL]

Where is Meeke's split?

[wwbroe]

Meeke not moving on live maps?

Edit: he is moving now and slower on split

[er88]

Great pace from Andreas

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[er88]

Meeke stopped?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

No. Meeke running

[dupanton]

Lappi with brake problems
Tanak got a false puncture warning. Are tyre pressure sensors allowed?

[AnttiL]

Meeke is running on the live maps

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen best time sofar

[AnttiL]

Now Meeke's split came, he's 2,2 secs slower than Ogier. Mikkelsen made the fastest time!

[er88]

Meeke lost chunk of time

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Soft tyres. Only I can say about Meeke pace at the end.

[wwbroe]

Ostberg still two seconds faster on split

[René]

Tired tyres for Meeke ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai buying in Mikkelsen working already.

[er88]

Meeke did well not to lose even more time.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[wwbroe]

Ostberg slower as Mikkelsen on final split

[AnttiL]

1-2 lead for Norway. When was the last time?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS3 Terra Alta 1 Mikkelsen:
“Clean stage, did some changes to the car before this one, feeling more and more at home!”

[jparker]

No Ostberg. :)

:) very close

[itix]

Norwegian 1-2. When did that last happen? (genuine question...)

Edit, funny, me and Antti had the same question at the same time!

[wwbroe]

Norwegian 1-2. When did that last happen? (genuine question...)

That's a good question, must been a while...:)

[er88]

Well, Thierry is bang in trouble now for the championship. Possibly the biggest loop of stages coming up this afternoon in his career to date. Can't wait to see how he responds

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[AL14]

So where are those 70% chances? Lol

[AnttiL]

Well, Thierry is bang in trouble now for the championship. Possible the biggest loop of stages coming up this afternoon in his career to date. Can't wait to see how he responds

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

Probably going with hard tyres this time.

[tommeke_B]

Probably going with hard tyres this time.

I think everyone will be on hard tyres this afternoon, as the temperature goes up.

[AnttiL]

Kopecky losing some time on SS3, Suninen is already 51 seconds faster. Wait...could it be because he's catching Serderidis?

[itix]

Kopecky lost a lot of time now...
Arai is relatively impressive I must say.

Edit.... and again.
I spoke too soon, Arai looks to have stopped in the stage

[jparker]

So where are those 70% chances? Lol

Are you going to do the estimates after each SS? You missed SS1 and SS2.

[MartijnS]

We are at about 33km into Terra Alta and Kopecky was really close after Serderidis yes :)

[AnttiL]

Veiby stopped? Him and Camilli were the only ones staying at Suninen's pace (although not for WRC2 points)

EDIT: just first split missing

[AL14]

Are you going to do the estimates after each SS? You missed SS1 and SS2.

I never did estimates, he did. He said he had 70% chance of win the title and in a rally he is obliged to win he is 7th so far. Not a position you espect from a 70% chanced champion.

[Mintexmemory]

Well, Thierry is bang in trouble now for the championship. Possibly the biggest loop of stages coming up this afternoon in his career to date. Can't wait to see how he responds

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk
With Ogier within range of the top 2 and tarmac to come my money is on him. I've said all year Australia will be a dead rubber, now maybe WRGB too!

[AnttiL]

Camilli now took the RC2 lead from Suninen by 14.4 seconds. He has progressed a lot during the season, also practicing a lot by driving through all the rallies.

[Mirek]

Kopecky losing some time on SS3, Suninen is already 51 seconds faster. Wait...could it be because he's catching Serderidis?

Unfortunately yes... and he said they asked for having bigger time gap but without success.

[N.O.T]

3 stages and the potato dog still running ??? impressive ... maybe he waits for the super specials to act like a potato dog.

[Andre Oliveira]

Now i am lost. Who is potato dog NOT?

[er88]

With Ogier within range of the top 2 and tarmac to come my money is on him. I've said all year Australia will be a dead rubber, now maybe WRGB too!Think you'll be right. Can see Neuville pushing too hard to try regain some time and crashing out.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Too soon to put places for drivers. Only three stages completed.

[rage82]

Gus Greensmith with front left damage.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/a287b5d2726eda6cee903ce77a0148a6.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171006/d27b42db6a89cb528b3db00b0be2ead5.jpg

Sent from my X17 using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Sunninen might make a mistake on last sector of SS3. Cuz he lost 22,4sec there.

[KKS]

Meeke soft tyre after SS3:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLc5KqYW4AA_QHf.jpg

[jparker]

3 stages and the potato dog still running ??? impressive ... maybe he waits for the super specials to act like a potato dog.

The more you talk, the more irrelevant you look and sound.

[wia5958]

Now i am lost. Who is potato dog NOT?

I pressume its aimed at meeke as he is irish. Tasteless racism to be expected from not as usual

[EstWRC]

He means neuville

[er88]

I pressume its aimed at meeke as he is irish. Tasteless racism to be expected from not as usualIt was Neuville who he was calling the Potato dog in the previous event. Let's not make this into something it isn't (even though if you had no idea who he was on about - which you obviously didn't - it's easy to assume it could be Meeke).

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Indreq]

Tänak vs Neuville tires

https://twitter.com/viljarvoog/status/916249858889211904

[pantealex]

Yes, that's clear, but they don't bother with asphalt tires, right?

Do you know word RULES ?

Shortly: They must use 15" tyres in gravel, only 2 compains available, neither is SLICKS

[N.O.T]

I pressume its aimed at meeke as he is irish. Tasteless racism to be expected from not as usual

you got a chip on your shoulder kid...

lol...

[tommeke_B]

http://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/thierry-neuville-je-vais-le-bouffer-sebastien-ogier-59d643a8cd70be70bcd14540 This time Neuville claims he has 80% chance to become champion. Oh well...

[KKS]

Michelin Motorsport‏ @Michelin_Sport (https://twitter.com/Michelin_Sport)
#tyres (https://twitter.com/hashtag/tyres?src=hash) info: Day 1 - Afternoon
Citröen Racing/M-Sport: 5 Michelin LTX Force Hard
Hyundai/Toyota: 6 H

[N.O.T]

http://www.dhnet.be/sports/moteurs/thierry-neuville-je-vais-le-bouffer-sebastien-ogier-59d643a8cd70be70bcd14540 This time Neuville claims he has 80% chance to become champion. Oh well...

why doesn't he just proclaim his self champion already ?? why bother with chances ?

[René]

Meeke soft tyre after SS3:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLc5KqYW4AA_QHf.jpg

it's incredible that he has not lost much time

[jparker]

Tänak vs Neuville tires

https://twitter.com/viljarvoog/status/916249858889211904

Maybe Neuville tried to make slicks our of gravel tires for the asphalt section :D

[KKS]

Very...very good split from Latvala.

[Livewireshock]

Here come the afternoon stages!

[KKS]

Sordo even faster. Usual gravel stages back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New DMack gravel tyres doing nothing here... :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLdX5AJXkAIHBs_.jpg:large

[Rallyper]

So Lappi faster than Mikkelsen on SS4.

[KKS]

Looks quite good service for Toyota's

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ostberg leads !!

[jparker]

and now Ostberg leeds by 0.3 :)

[Mintexmemory]

Ostberg leads !!
Imagined you'd said that in a Brian Blessed 'Gordon's alive! ' voice! However, tomorrow is Tarmac and Ostberg will be conspicuous by his loss of pace

[itix]

Radio reporting large amounts of oil leaking from Latvala

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oil leaking from Latvala's Toyota... worrying going into the long stage.

[cali]

Lappi has spinned? 29 seconds back...He actually hit a tree about 100m from our spot and could not get going for 10-15 seconds. The crowd was going insane, love these southerners :D

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[KKS]

3 Huyndais on top3 SS5 so far O_o

[dimviii]

not stage end at 4 ss comments from Meeke?

[KKS]

Another stage win for Meeke :)
I know is still Mads to come.... but :D

[itix]

not stage end at 4/5 ss comments from Meeke?

Radio lost contact with stage end interviewer SS4 and currently interview for SS5

[dupanton]

Small spin for Meeke on SS4 and scratch on SS5

[er88]

5/6s lost on previous stage with a little spin for Meeke. So far quickest on this stage though

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Radio lost contact with stage end interviewer SS5 and currently interview for SS6
SS4 lost and current SS5 /
Small remark

[itix]

That is not a bad time on SS5 from Lefebvre at all. What happened there? He seems just as surprised as everyone else.

[seb_sh]

Will be interesting to see this last stage, I wonder if Ogier will again have an advantage in the 2nd half or if the Hyundai extra tyre will prove to be worth it.

[KKS]

Latvala didn't start a stage on time

hope it's a gps glitch

[er88]

Latvala didn't start a stage on time

hope it's a gps glitchHope so too but his car was leaking oil badly at the last stop line...

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ostberg's lead didnt last long... Mikkelsen back ahead by 0.7s after small mistake by Mads.

[racerx1979]

JML is stopped. Seems his Toyota is cursed with issues this year.

[KKS]

Latvala didn't start a stage
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/916310249778372608

[Rallyper]

Maybe better with +5min and Rally2, than no engine at all.

[er88]

Fuck sake. That's 4 mechanical issues in the last 4 events. NOT will be saying 'I told you so' very soon...

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/22218464_894234597398235_6862510562646372849_o.jpg ?oh=98fb5713df38302e8b42c2f5ffc59ae3&oe=5A7D2748

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Very close after the first two splits on Terra Alta.. wait til the end for the gaps.

EDIT - Tanak making a move.

[KKS]

Maybe better with +5min and Rally2, than no engine at all.
+10min as it's a last stage of a day

[KKS]

Nueville was faster before tarmac by 0.9 and slower after tarmac by 3.7sec

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville slowed on SS6.

[dimviii]

TGR_WRC‏*@TGR_WRC
Unfortunately #10 @JariMattiWRC had to stop for today after SS5. Will know more, once car back. Trying to restart tomorrow. @RallyRACC

[Rallyper]

+10min as it's a last stage of a day

My bad. Thought it was only on Saturday.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak lost time too... Ogier the master !

[seb_sh]

Again Ogier with a clear advantage in the 2nd half of the stage which includes the tarmac part.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

+3s for Neuville to Ogier... better than this morning but still a time loss.

[KKS]

+3s for Neuville to Ogier... better than this morning but still a time loss.
On other way 11.4 sec not so big tragedy before full two days of rallying

[dimviii]

Again Ogier with a clear advantage in the 2nd half of the stage which includes the tarmac part.

Neuville and Tanak loosing a lot at just the beginning of the asphalt part,at next splits they both drive faster from Ogier
(split 4)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

On other way 11.4 sec not so big tragedy before full two days of rallying

Not big time... but against Ogier.

[itix]

11 seconds is not impossible but a challenge for sure. I have a feeling that Neuville will struggle now. He needs distance between him and Ogier for the championship. I'd be surprised to see Neuville on the top of the podium at the end of the season.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@SebOgier
"Let's see at the end, but whatever happens now I can be happy with my day. I expected to lose more compared to some guys..."

[dimviii]

Neuville and Tanak loosing a lot at just the beginning of the asphalt part,at next splits they both drive faster from Ogier
(split 4)

at first pass at morning (stage 3)Mikkelsen was faster at asphalt part from Ogier,at asphalt he gained these 2,8 sec from Ogier.At previous split they were on par (+0)

[itix]

Curious question: Could the team have phoned Latvala and told him he had an oil leak?
If you had listened to the radio at that point, could you as a team member have stopped him before disaster struck and have him patch the leak with whatever they had in the car?

[Mintexmemory]

Meeke at a cracking pace to start - # nervous!

[racerx1979]

Curious question: Could the team have phoned Latvala and told him he had an oil leak?
If you had listened to the radio at that point, could you as a team member have stopped him before disaster struck and have him patch the leak with whatever they had in the car?

Oil leaks usually cannot be patched unless it's a small hose that is leaking. I bet it's something more major where they can't fix it with a new hose a few zip ties and super tape.

[Mintexmemory]

Mikkelsen about to lose most of his gap!

[KKS]

Mikkelsen consistency lost time here... quite opposite that was in morning

[itix]

Oil leaks usually cannot be patched unless it's a small hose that is leaking. I bet it's something more major where they can't fix it with a new hose a few zip ties and super tape.

Oh yes you can, if you are a good bush mechanic you can patch leaks with pretty much anything (unless it is power steering fluid which is probably over 100 bar). Engine oil pressure should be around 4-6 bar. I have patched leaks at those pressures with pieces of tshirt or rubber and a hose clamp.

They ususally have an assortment of zipties and hose clamps in the cars.

[er88]

Mikkelsen about to lose most of his gap!Or all of it !

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

lets hope to have a multi drivers fight at asphalt at Saturday.Weather seems stabilized,so we will have some comparisons with same rubber among different cars.

[er88]

Nothing going for Neuville, who was meant to be going for it in this rally. Instead it's Seb who is looking good to bag a victory.

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[Mintexmemory]

lets hope to have a multi drivers fight at asphalt at Saturday.Weather seems stabilized,so we will have some comparisons with same rubber among different cars.

The only hope of that is if Ogier gets a puncture leaving the also-rans to scrap. This SS6 performance is what defines the great drivers

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Was a rumour of rain coming overnight... if so could be tricky in the morning. Especially for later runners (Ogier) if there is dirty road from any cuts.

[racerx1979]

Oh yes you can, if you are a good bush mechanic you can patch leaks with pretty much anything (unless it is power steering fluid which is probably over 100 bar). Engine oil pressure should be around 4-6 bar. I have patched leaks at those pressures with pieces of tshirt or rubber and a hose clamp.

They ususally have an assortment of zipties and hose clamps in the cars.

Okay, awesome!

[EstWRC]

Tanak lost the brakes on the tarmac part. Damn problems always

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great time by Meeke.

[Mintexmemory]

Was a rumour of rain coming overnight... if so could be tricky in the morning. Especially for later runners (Ogier) if there is dirty road from any cuts.

Cuts (as I think has been said before) are not so useful / easy in catalonia as there is little verge between the road and either stone kerb or armco. It's usually quicker (and safer) to keep it on the black stuff

[dimviii]

Neuville and Tanak loosing a lot at just the beginning of the asphalt part,at next splits they both drive faster from Ogier
(split 4)

again same scenario Ogier vs all at split 2-> 3 Meeke had 4,4sec advantage and lost all of it plus 1 second more.
Tanak and Neuville same loosing amount of time from split 2->3
Are we sure its the start of asphalt section ?
Seems Ogier can adapt faster drive wise at first asphalt kms.

[dupanton]

7 cars within 13s, still a lot to play for!

[tommeke_B]

Cuts (as I think has been said before) are not so useful / easy in catalonia as there is little verge between the road and either stone kerb or armco. It's usually quicker (and safer) to keep it on the black stuff

Not this time. Quite a lot of cutting tomorrow, especially on the new stage (Savalla) I think. Quite big differences in comparison to most of the tarmac stages used before 2016. Top 7 within 12,8s. If I'm right, the 7th will get the better starting position, the 1st will get the worst, as the dirt gets thrown on the road bit by bit. Everything is still possible.

[Mintexmemory]

Not this time. Quite a lot of cutting tomorrow, especially on the new stage (Savalla) I think. Quite big differences in comparison to most of the tarmac stages used before 2016. Top 7 within 12,8s. If I'm right, the 7th will get the better starting position, the 1st will get the worst, as the dirt gets thrown on the road bit by bit. Everything is still possible.

How many broken wheels / suspensions do you predict?

[dimviii]

How many broken wheels / suspensions do you predict?

cutting doesn't mean necessary broken suspension/wheels
A puncture is enough,even a slow one at first stage kms

[KKS]

Great time by Meeke.
Just by 0.9 faster will be perfect:)

[Alex009]

Tanak lost the brakes on the tarmac part. Damn problems always

How about problems with toyota?

Ott would be so stupid if he'll really change the best car for the rubbish finnish village team.

[KKS]

Sunninen with power steering problems drop back to 52sec behind Camilli. And very good drive by Eric today!

[dimviii]

Suninen lost 40 sec to Camilli,mainly at last split.

[steve.mandzij]

Latvala just can't catch a break. This has been the best year of his career in terms of his driving, no doubt, and after so many years of throwing away rallies to stupid mistakes it's the car letting him down now.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=8&v=-TbuFX8zm_I

[Rally Power]

Apparently Neuville ‘mind games’ didn’t worked on Ogier…the French is still the strongest driver around. Impressive pace from Mikkelsen, Meeke, Ostberg and RC2 leader, Camilli. Another fine show from Ciamin, leading JWRC ahead local hero Solans.

Btw, 5 different winners on 6 SS’s, with all manus getting at least one win; less than 13s between P1 and P7 at the end of leg 1; definitely, 2017 has been the best WRC season for ages!

[steve.mandzij]

Apparently Neuville ‘mind games’ didn’t worked on Ogier…the French is still the strongest driver around. Impressive pace from Mikkelsen, Meeke, Ostberg and RC2 leader, Camilli. Another fine show from Ciamin, leading JWRC ahead local hero Solans.

Btw, 5 different winners on 6 SS’s, with all manus getting at least one win; less than 13s between P1 and P7 at the end of leg 1; definitely, 2017 has been the best WRC season for ages!When did Toyota win? Opening stage with Hanninen?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[tomhlord]

Mikkelsen on gravel in a Citroen

vs

Mikkelson on gravel in a Hyundai ;)

[Rally Power]

When did Toyota win?

SS4 with Latvala.

[Norm75]

When did Toyota win? Opening stage with Hanninen?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk
Latvala ss4

[steve.mandzij]

SS4 with Latvala.Oh of course... Whoops.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[spiderem]

As well as making ground on Tanak and Neuville, looks like Ogier can now have a good shot a winning the rally :)

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=00Zg0tik0Us

[N.O.T]

any update on the % of chances the potato dog has ???

laughable arrogant dog....

[itix]

The biggest miracle of today has to be Meeke staying on pace and on the road at the same time... This can't possibly last a weekend though, surely?

[Andre Oliveira]

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

[Simmi]

Good day. Think I inhaled half the dust in Catalunya. Went to Terra Alta this morning and then Caseres this afternoon. Managed to snap this of Lappi overcooking it. Basically the first proper corner of the stage. Big breaking point, slid too wide on the first part of the S-bend and took to the bushes. It's quite a cool sequence I'll post some more photos after the rally.

Savage traffic heading back to Salou but we will do it all again tomorrow - with less dust!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLeYCDHX4AET9t-.jpg

[dimviii]

Good day.

any other impressions about cars drivers?( c3 Ogier Meeke Neuville,Toyotas?)

[Eli]

The biggest miracle of today has to be Meeke staying on pace and on the road at the same time... This can't possibly last a weekend though, surely?

We'll see, his best result here is 5th (I think) back in 2011 & 2015...still a long way 2 go, and 2 days of Tarmac, I just hope his engine survives (hmm Corsica)....

[mknight]

Well Mikkelsen being fastest Hyundai and leading the rally in first rally in the car, supposedly without being able to change diffs from the ones Paddon uses is quite suprising to me.
Sure some road position advantage and so on but still I expected him somewhere around Sordo's position.

Others:

Ogier quite impressive pace with the road position
Meeke also quite good, let's see how long it lasts

Tanak and Sordo as expected
Neuville big disappointment, but friday is always his worst day
Lappi second biggest disappointment.. where is his Sardinia pace? Similar question for rest of Toyota.

[Allez Andruet]

What a pace from Mikkelsen. I never would've believed. And the same goes for Östberg as well. Have the Norwegians transferred their PED-knowledge from cross-country skiing to rallying or what the hell is this about?

The rally's been great so far, but I must say the overall performance of Toyota has been a disappointment. It's not only that Latvala just doesn't seem to have any luck this year, but also that the car hasn't been catching up its competitors lately, which in a way is a bit surprising to be honest. If I'd be Tänak, I wouldn't switch from M-Sport to Toyota, for 2018 atleast.

[CoyoteVillagra]

https://i.imgur.com/JwKICyp.jpg


https://i.imgur.com/KkZ7WFK.jpg

[racerx1979]

Ostberg had a great rally today. He lost a bit of time on the last stage which put him 5th, but first at the end of day 1 would have been amazing for a privateer.

Mad's unfortunately is not amazing on tarmac, but lets hope he keeps pace.

[EstWRC]

6 guys having a chance to win this!

Had a great day, terra Alta in the morning and afternoon and caseras afternoon. Ostberg by faaaar the most aggressive and flamboyant style.

Very impressive day from ogier. Other quite like I expected, neuville and Tänak always not so good on Friday’s.


Just got back from service park and eating now.


Can’t wait for tomorrow

[dimviii]

silly mistake from Meeke with near no speed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA8rfrJzDIY&feature=youtu.be


Neuville a bit wide
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/23918-neuville-mistake-rally-racc-catalunya-2017/

[Tarmop]

What a pace from Mikkelsen. I never would've believed. And the same goes for Östberg as well. Have the Norwegians transferred their PED-knowledge from cross-country skiing to rallying or what the hell is this about?

The rally's been great so far, but I must say the overall performance of Toyota has been a disappointment. It's not only that Latvala just doesn't seem to have any luck this year, but also that the car hasn't been catching up its competitors lately, which in a way is a bit surprising to be honest. If I'd be Tänak, I wouldn't switch from M-Sport to Toyota, for 2018 atleast.

What do you count as lately? 1-2-3 (allmost, if not for tech. issues for Latvala) in Finland and in Germany 4. place for Hänninen and 7. place for Latvala with tech. issues 3rd time in a row, Lappi driving error... Hyundai was also quite week in Finland and Germany, people were talking that they are getting behind, now they are back up. Apart from the stupid technical issues i wouldn`t say they`re bad.

[Mirek]

It's funny to go back to Rally Poland thread and read how Mikkelsen was useless driver...

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/23920-wrc-rally-racc-catalunya-2017-day-1-pure-sound-action-hd/

[SubaruNorway]

It's funny to go back to Rally Poland thread and read how Mikkelsen was useless driver...

It's hilarious to be honest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrjTNe8LrXM

[dimviii]

TGR_WRC‏*@TGR_WRC
#10 Latvala/Anttila will not restart. Strong impact under the car resulted a lubrication system failure and the crew is forced to retire.

[steve.mandzij]

TGR_WRC‏*@TGR_WRC
#10 Latvala/Anttila will not restart. Strong impact under the car resulted a lubrication system failure and the crew is forced to retire.No way! Agh!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[olemann]

Who may have said something so stupid!

[OldF]

How about problems with toyota?

Ott would be so stupid if he'll really change the best car for the rubbish finnish village team.

FY(I)

Take a tampon and start living a lady life. You clearly have prerequisite for such life.:)

[Allez Andruet]

What do you count as lately? 1-2-3 (allmost, if not for tech. issues for Latvala) in Finland and in Germany 4. place for Hänninen and 7. place for Latvala with tech. issues 3rd time in a row, Lappi driving error... Hyundai was also quite week in Finland and Germany, people were talking that they are getting behind, now they are back up. Apart from the stupid technical issues i wouldn`t say they`re bad.

I didn't say they were bad either, but that they haven't been catching up their competitors lately. If you compare the multi-million €/$/£ Toyota project vs. "privateer" M-Sport, let's say from Portugal to Catalunya, I don't think they've closed the gap. And technical failures ofcourse must be counted in. It's not like they're forgiven in this sport.

[AL14]

Apparently Neuville ‘mind games’ didn’t worked on Ogier…the French is still the strongest driver around. Impressive pace from Mikkelsen, Meeke, Ostberg and RC2 leader, Camilli. Another fine show from Ciamin, leading JWRC ahead local hero Solans.

Btw, 5 different winners on 6 SS’s, with all manus getting at least one win; less than 13s between P1 and P7 at the end of leg 1; definitely, 2017 has been the best WRC season for ages!

Of course they didn't work, they were the most ridiculous attempt to destabilize an opponent. I think Ogier laughed hard at it, lol

[dimviii]

tricky armco

https://youtu.be/kZrTMEeCVnE

[olemann]

It's funny to go back to Rally Poland thread and read how Mikkelsen was useless driver...

Who said something so stupid

[Mirek]

A lot of people.

[olemann]

Are everyone in the English, so they do not understand anything?

[olemann]

With a new car I do not believe this will be fine in the end

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLfHpeKX4AAE6SM?format=jpg&name=large

[steve.mandzij]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLfHpeKX4AAE6SM?format=jpg&name=largeLatvala on the list? Wasn't he not restarting tomorrow?

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[KKS]

strange to see Latvala

Startlist published at 22:00 local, and TGR tweet at 21:55 local. So maybe didn't have enough time to inform race control?!

[Jinu13]

The biggest miracle of today has to be Meeke staying on pace and on the road at the same time... This can't possibly last a weekend though, surely?

Grip only seems to do so much for that car, maybe hope will keep him on 4 wheels. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

[Jinu13]

FY(I)

Take a tampon and start living a lady life. You clearly have prerequisite for such life.:)

@Alex009 come grab a prosecco with me and lets get lost over mechanical issues #chictorque

[er88]

All Michelin crews with 5 Hard tyres, except Neuville and Mikkelsen with 4 Hards and one soft

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Morning all. Early bike ride to a bakery on freezy morning here in Kyiv it's perfect to wake-up before such an interesting day of rallying. Looking forward for a great rally day.

[dimviii]

Good morning guys.


Colin Clark‏*@voiceofrally
Spots of rain falling at SS7 stopline! Temp around 15c - this could be very interesting!


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLg1c-9W0AErPIc.jpg

[KKS]

Other stages should be full dry?

[dimviii]

Sat 08:05 - SS7: Delay
The stage will not run until spectators are standing in the designated safe positions.

[dimviii]

Sat 08:09 - SS7: LIVE
Al Qassimi started at 0808hrs.

[racerx1979]

No restart for Latvala. Oil system too heavily damaged.

[CoyoteVillagra]

https://i.imgur.com/MW3sBJX.jpg

[mknight]

Clark saying on rallyradio that Latvala goes so much faster with Toyota that it stresses the car more than other drivers and that leads to reliability issues.

Imo there are 2 angles to this:

- he is driving "full speed" and car can't handle it (car has issues)
- his driving destroys the good car (remember how in VW his car seemed always to have issues while other 2 were ok)

[dimviii]

Teemu / Rallirinki‏*@HartusvuoriWRC
Lappi is missing window on rear driver side. Looks like it was only poorly attached before stage.

Teemu / Rallirinki‏*@HartusvuoriWRC 6m
6 minutes ago

Slight rain on El Montmell now. Very little.

[KKS]

Juho faster than Neuville on splits... not a title contender speed.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLg9v6BXkAAC7nm.jpg

[er88]

Neuville slower than Hanninen at 3rd split. He's going to need to do more if he wants to win this title

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[er88]

This rain if it gets heavier could cause problems for the later starters. Neuville could get lucky?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

wow.... Rain and Ogier 4sec slower on 1st split

[AnttiL]

Great time from Hänninen. Meeke going well also. Østberg is slower than I expected.

[er88]

Seb 5 down on Meeke at second split!!!

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[dupanton]

Ostberg went off at the start of the stage

[dimviii]

wow.... Rain and Ogier 4sec slower on 1st split

it was raining for Sordo too


Sat 08:35 - SS7: Sordo
Quickest so far. "At the beginning of the stage it's raining like hell, but only for 3km. My drive was okay, a little understeer, like I expected, but okay. Seeing Hanninen's time, we need to improve."

[AnttiL]

Mikkelsen is losing a lot as well

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen not so fast.

[KKS]

what a mess with split-times.... I can't follow all of it O_o

[er88]

Meeke superb

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[er88]

Ogier and Mikkelsen are bang in trouble

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Crazy drive by Kris!

[mknight]

Well that's a bit tiresome. Meeke is fastest in first tarmac stage and already he is going to win the event based on rallyradio...

[dupanton]

Neuville and Tanak complaining of understeer, Meeke is flying (for now)

[AnttiL]

Meeke probably leading the rally after this stage

[er88]

Well that's a bit tiresome. Meeke is fastest in first tarmac stage and already he is going to win the event based on rallyradio...Lol. They didn't say that. Clark said his money is now on Meeke, what's wrong with saying that?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[mknight]

He said something like "Meeke has the speed to win the event", kinda early after 1 stage with mixed rain conditions.

[dimviii]

Well that's a bit tiresome. Meeke is fastest in first tarmac stage and already he is going to win the event based on rallyradio...

don't you tired?

[KKS]

Meeke into a lead.... and now I start worrying a lot.

[wwbroe]

All Hyundai drivers complaining about a lot of understeering.

[René]

it's always necessary to be wary of the reaction of an injured animal. Nice reaction from Meeke after a difficult period

[er88]

All Hyundai drivers complaining about a lot of understeering.Iirc Neuville was complaining of understeer too in Corsica for the first 3/4 stages. Then he sorted it and managed to overhaul Ogier for 2nd before Meeke's retirement. All 3 drivers need to find a little solution here, even though Sordo was quick

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

it's always necessary to be wary of the reaction of an injured animal.
Do you mentioned about Ogier?

[AnttiL]

Kopecky was almost 10 seconds faster than Suninen, kind of like expected. Let's see if Suninen's lead is enough.

[mknight]

Do you mentioned about Ogier?

Ogier is quite safe still, not loosing much to Neuville and Neuville only 4th time.

[René]

Do you mentioned about Ogier?

This is avalable for everyone ! ;)

[er88]

He said something like "Meeke has the speed to win the event", kinda early after 1 stage with mixed rain conditions.Nowhere did he say Meeke is now going to win the event though, which you said. Why don't you try harder to hide your hatred?

Meeke has been in and around the leading times all rally so far. Was 3/4secs off the lead after 6 gravel stages and is now fastest after the first tarmac stage. He might bin it, the C3 might have a technical issue but is it really "tiresome" for Clark to say his money is now on Meeke, who is 9secs in the lead and has nothing to lose?

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[René]

In 2017 the only trouble of Ogier is to know who will pay him in 2018...