Barum Czech Rally Zlín 2017

[PLuto]

It is 2 months before start of the rally. Today was published rally guide - http://www.czechrally.com/en/26270n-drivers-rally-guide-1

[RS]

Roman Kresta will do Barum in his Fabia R5.

[PLuto]

Roman officially confirmed on press conference today, that he will do Rally Bohemia and Barum.

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19575365_1040292739439023_1419543266847388496_o.jp g?oh=a33b087da00c744c5349178d6a6f3466&oe=5A10B1FF

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Roman Kresta ! Wow, that's a name from the M-Sport past !

[Mirek]

Timetable is released: http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/soubor.php?f=19625

SD/QS - I guess it's part of SS Halenkovice or Žlutava with plenty of space for spectators; if it's what I think it is, it's the stage where for example Betti rolled in 2012 or 13 (I don't remember)

SS1 - city stage, probobaly near same like last year; new thing is three laps for cyclists before the oldtimers, basically anyone with any type of bicycle can go if he is registered

SS2/6 - Biskupice - return after several years, veeeery fast stage with some exteremly bumpy sections (if they are not repaired)
SS3/7 - Semetín - classic, one of the best stages in CZ, reversed
SS4/8 - Troják - this time more classic route from the past and downhill direction
SS5/9 - Březová - basically a variant of Slušovice stage

SS10/13 - Maják - modified and reversed
SS11/14 - Pindula - for the first time this classic shall be radically changed, less than one half of usual route
SS12/15 - Košíky - similar but reversed, very hard stage

[Jarek Z]

SD/QS - I guess it's part of SS Halenkovice or Žlutava with plenty of space for spectators; if it's what I think it is, it's the stage where for example Betti rolled in 2012 or 13 (I don't remember)

Is this what you mean?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LikbkQqIF1w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c41nqpPA2iY

[PLuto]

Is this what you mean?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LikbkQqIF1w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c41nqpPA2iY

Yes, he means this video. But this part will not be part of shakedown this year ;)

[Mirek]

ok, so I was wrong. In that case I don't know where the SD/QS exactly leads but I hope it's not only the first part of stage near service because there is not that much of space for spectators (last year's test stage I think).

[Mirek]

Due to the emergency situation with the outbreak of swine flu among wild boars in part of Barum rally area there are going to be some changes in the route. So far was confirmed that SS Březová will be cut by 5 km (which means basically whole part out of the spectator circuit in Slušovice). Hopefully nothing more comes.

There is no danger for the spectators but the officials try to prevent spreading of the illness by frightening of the animals by noise from the cars and spectators.

[Mirek]

Karel Kupec will likely miss Barum rally because the court took away his driving license for causing a traffic accident with serious injury of another driver. He may use foreign one in other events.

[Mirek]

This is a map of the restricted area (due to swine flu): http://zlin.idnes.cz/foto.aspx?foto1=JAN6d2c32_mapa_opatreni_amp.jpg

It is not allowed to walk in the fields or forests there. The roads shall stay opened.

[Jarek Z]

At the finish line of Rally Rzeszow 5 Polish drivers announced their participation in Barum Rally:
Kajetan Kajetanowicz - Ford Fiesta R5
Grzegorz Grzyb - Skoda Fabia R5
Lukasz Habaj - Ford Fiesta R5
Jaroslaw Szeja - Ford Fiesta R5
Tomasz Kasperczyk - Ford Fiesta R5

The Frenchman Sylvain Michel wants to come too:
https://www.fiaerc.com/michel-working-on-more-erc-action/

[Andre Oliveira]

Magalhães should be there too

[Jarek Z]

Bryan Bouffier - How good it is to win again European Championship round and especially in Poland. A great race wins 7 stage wins on 15. A big thanks to my Team Gemini and to whole my sponsors. Next race will be the famous Barum Rally in 3 weeks.

[Andre Oliveira]

Magalhães cofirmed: https://www.autosport.pt/newsletter/erc-bruno-magalhaes-confirmado-zlin/

[aykutbilir]

As far as i know CFTT with Murat Bostanci and Bugra Banaz will attend too


Tapatalk kullanarak iPhone araclyla gönderildi

[Mirek]

At the finish line of Rally Rzeszow 5 Polish drivers announced their participation in Barum Rally:
Kajetan Kajetanowicz - Ford Fiesta R5
Grzegorz Grzyb - Skoda Fabia R5
Lukasz Habaj - Ford Fiesta R5
Jaroslaw Szeja - Ford Fiesta R5
Tomasz Kasperczyk - Ford Fiesta R5

The Frenchman Sylvain Michel wants to come too:
https://www.fiaerc.com/michel-working-on-more-erc-action/

According to PLuto Kasperczyk won't start because he sold his car.

[CWJ]

Griebel is gonna start at Barum according to his last press release for Rally of Germany.

[Mirek]

Kostka again with BRR.

[PLuto]

Before publication of entry list to Barum rally this afternoon, few minutes ago was published entry list to Star Rally Historic - http://www.czechrally.com/en/26291n-drivers-star-rally-list-of-entries

[Andre Oliveira]

Entry list today?

[Mirek]

Yes, 18 o'clock.

[Mirek]

It's here: http://www.czechrally.com/wcd/docs/2017/bcrz_2017_entrylist.pdf
Or here: http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/soubor.php?f=19628

245 cars including historics (152 modern), lol

37 R5, 2 S2000, 5 GT,... 33 R2

Also the quality is really good.

[Ucci]

It's here: http://www.czechrally.com/wcd/docs/2017/bcrz_2017_entrylist.pdf
Or here: http://www.autosport.cz/zavody/soubor.php?f=19628


245 cars including historics (152 modern), lol

37 R5, 2 S2000, 5 GT,... 33 R2

Also the quality is really good.
Awesome!

[Andre Oliveira]

17 Fiesta R5 vs 18 Fabia R5

Valda in Fabia is quite surprisingly

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kopecký should guarantee the win for Škoda...

[Mirek]

Nothing is guaranteed in Zlín ;) Kopecký himself retired or picked a puncture numerous times there.

[tommeke_B]

Until Lukyanuk messed up in the end, he wouldn't have won last year either...

[Mirek]

That's not true.

At the point of accident they were equal in the stage and Kopecký had a lead of 4,6 seconds from previous stage. There were only several kilometers left in which Lukyanuk coudn't do anything as the road there was more suitable for Fabia (very high speed section where Kopecký could have maintained higher speed than Lukyanuk's top speed).

You can check the onboard comparison yourself: https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/9593.html

[tommeke_B]

You're right, seems like my memory is getting worse... :)

[Mirek]

It was a myth spread by some people (including some media) just after the rally.

[Jarek Z]

According to PLuto Kasperczyk won't start because he sold his car.

Yes, you were right. Kasperczyk sold his car indeed:
http://rallycarsforsale.net/ads/ford-fiesta-r5-evo-12/

[Andre Oliveira]

That car is now owned by RB Motorsport (Italia)

[Mirek]

Tarabus only with S2000 but with nice livery

https://scontent.fprg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20800025_1779225062094191_681260254122103299_n.jpg ?oh=ca83c91bdc8f88eccec2e24f5d44b176&oe=5A2BE727
https://scontent.fprg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/20881896_1779225148760849_7702378167651606608_n.jp g?oh=2f5eb8aa94a39701c5549ccc9415e3ac&oe=5A2ABF26

[Mirek]

Polonski will not start (JERC). He is still unfit to compete after the accident in Rzeszow. He will do the recce for next year though.

[Mirek]

PLuto, is it possible to confirm if the roads in the restricted area due to swine flu will be opened or closed for public? http://zlin.idnes.cz/foto.aspx?foto1=JAN6d2c32_mapa_opatreni_amp.jpg

Recently there are voices saying that it won't be allowed to even drive through.

[PLuto]

PLuto, is it possible to confirm if the roads in the restricted area due to swine flu will be opened or closed for public? http://zlin.idnes.cz/foto.aspx?foto1=JAN6d2c32_mapa_opatreni_amp.jpg

Recently there are voices saying that it won't be allowed to even drive through.

Yes, it will be closed for all people. There will be police checking everyone, so you cannot use the roads.

[liposh]

The real question is: Why the roads are not closed today or tomorrow, but they will be closed next weekend?

[Mirek]

Because there will be hundred times more cars.

[liposh]

You like exaggerating :D We are talking about roads 5km far from city with pop. 100 000 inhabitants. I don´t think those cars of spectators would increase it more than two or three times. Plus we are not talking about heavy cargo trucks, just small cars. And why am I talking about that? because I remember the "Lopenik case" when AMK spokesman and all other rally responsible persons were like a hurt puppies and were not able to say anything to media and stand up for our thing. And here we go again. In some wood are some ill swines so we will not drive around that wood for two days (but before that and after that it is OK) , It is great solution, I bet it will cure also cancer all around the world and feed all the hungry children in Africa. Why are responsible persons not able to stand by the thing we all (rally fans) love and why are they only slaves? The fact nothing has changed since 2012 is very alarming.

[PLuto]

Sorry liposh, but there is area where NOBODY (except local inhabitans) can go now. And there is police which is checking it. And this police will be there also during Barum Rally...

[Mirek]

Kostka

https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/20988341_1781066468576717_1996334570193501287_o.jp g?oh=f23478d21854fbaa8a8a3fbc507da671&oe=59EDE819
https://scontent.fprg1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/20863347_1781066461910051_2540453239485636320_o.jp g?oh=1b48bac993b832fb36a0cf5e2d7b8845&oe=5A3510EB

[polo10]

Vancik engine?

[Mirek]

I don't think so. It shall be a car rented from BRR but serviced by Vančík during the rally. However the car of Tarabus (S2000) and maybe the R5 of Kresta may have engines from Vančík (and some other cars - including Tempestini in WRC Deutschland).

[sindroms]

PLuto, is it possible to confirm if the roads in the restricted area due to swine flu will be opened or closed for public? http://zlin.idnes.cz/foto.aspx?foto1=JAN6d2c32_mapa_opatreni_amp.jpg

Recently there are voices saying that it won't be allowed to even drive through.

I just discovered that our hotel is within this zone. Nice! :D

[dodge33cymru]

OK, just booked an impromptu trip to Zlin for next weekend, arriving Friday afternoon. This'll be interesting! Any stage recommendations appreciated...

[PLuto]

OK, just booked an impromptu trip to Zlin for next weekend, arriving Friday afternoon. This'll be interesting! Any stage recommendations appreciated...

Great choice. Lets come to see hello ;-) Regarding the recommendations, I am sure that Mirek will prepare some tour guide ;)

[Mirek]

No, this year I prepare nothing. I didn't have any maps in time to work on it. Now I don't have time anymore.

[Mirek]

I will post some onboards from stages but that's likely all I can do this year.

[marcosg]

OK, just booked an impromptu trip to Zlin for next weekend, arriving Friday afternoon. This'll be interesting! Any stage recommendations appreciated...will post later my plans wich you can use as reference... but I can asssure you that with rally guide is really easy to go to stages... maps are very very good... experience just helps avoid crouded/congested places...

Gesendet von meinem SM-G930F mit Tapatalk

[dodge33cymru]

Great choice. Lets come to see hello ;-) Regarding the recommendations, I am sure that Mirek will prepare some tour guide ;)That would be great - is the service park around Zlin centre? I have a hotel in Zlin that was suspiciously reasonably priced, so hopefully everything on Friday will be in walking distance.

[marcosg]

That would be great - is the service park around Zlin centre? I have a hotel in Zlin that was suspiciously reasonably priced, so hopefully everything on Friday will be in walking distance.service park is 10k from zlin... in zlin you'll have cerimonial start and finish, and the sss

Gesendet von meinem SM-G930F mit Tapatalk

[PLuto]

service park is 10k from zlin... in zlin you'll have cerimonial start and finish, and the sss

Gesendet von meinem SM-G930F mit Tapatalk

And afterparty ;)

[Mirek]

At least onboards dug from previous years

Qualification stage
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/7995.html - from start till 2:20, after that it continues with this onboard from 12:31 till finish: https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/4960.html - between the onboards there is only something like 200 meters missing (in this onboard Valoušek had some technical problems so he drove slow)

City stage
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/7987.html

SS2/6 Biskupice (the airfield has been somewhat modified through the years so some minor differences are possible)
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/891.html

SS3/7 Semetín - epic stage :p
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/8110.html

SS4/8 Troják - epic stage :p
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/8116.html

SS5/9 Březová - stage shortened due to swine flu, sadly some great and easy to access spots have been lost there, only circuit left, finish at 4:58 approximately
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/9505.html

SS10/13 Maják - this is difficult to show on onboard, the spectator area is now a circuit. Start at 3:28 approx., then they turn left, probably at 4:29, next short part was never a stage so no onboard. They get back to time 3:06 to drive again until 4:29.
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/9624.html
Again the short road without onboard and then they continue with this onboard from 10:43 till finish (same road as on previous onboard but reversed)
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/3905.html

SS11/14 Pindula - only roughly 1/3 in the middle is same with previous years, other parts either completely new or not used for decades. It will be very interesting and hard stage. Here is an onboard made in traffic (the finish is roughly at 16:50)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khJbcy6wIzM

SS12/15 Košíky - except maybe 200 meters at the start it is same with last year. Great sage, veeery rough at places!
https://www.mediasport.cz/rally/ceske-rally/onboardy/9538.html

Good maps for the stages are here: http://www.czechrally.com/en/24887-maps

There is also awesome mobile application from the promoter of Czech championship but I am afraid it's only in Czech language. It can be still useful. It's called Rally4NOW.

[Mirek]

The organization has released exact information regarding the swine flu situation and the restrictions. Please take a look on this website: http://www.czechrally.com/en/24996-african-swine-fever-in-zlin-region

[Jarek Z]

There is also awesome mobile application from the promoter of Czech championship but I am afraid it's only in Czech language. It can be still useful. It's called Rally4NOW.

I've been using Rally4Now for a few months to follow ERC results. It is displayed in Polish on my mobile phone. I hope we are talking about the same application.

[Mirek]

Great, so it may have localization based on the system. I was searching in the application for some language switch but there is none.

The great thing about it is that there aren't only online results but also very good maps, info about spectator places, most recent videos from the promoter, stage-end comments or safety advices.

[Mirek]

Valoušek
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2017/barum/valda1.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2017/barum/valda2.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2017/barum/valda3.jpg

From: https://www.ewrc.cz/clanek/30960-valda-a-barumka-v-pubertalnim-jubileu/

[Mirek]

Some artistic view from photographer's recce (by Nowi): http://www.rallylife.cz/barum-czech-rally-zlin-2017-moje-recce/#prettyPhoto

For example this is from QS
http://www.rallylife.cz/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/007-recce-barum-czech-rally-2017-nowi.jpg

This is from Troják (on the road it's written by Valoušek's fans)
http://www.rallylife.cz/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/006-recce-barum-czech-rally-2017-nowi.jpg

This is from Semetín (but view is reversed compared to the stage)
http://www.rallylife.cz/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/013-recce-barum-czech-rally-2017-nowi.jpg

Test Bouffier, on stage Kohout from Rallye Český Krumlov (photo): http://ludo420.rajce.idnes.cz/TEST_PRED_BARUMKOU_2017/

[dodge33cymru]

Pity I won't be able to get to the qualifying stage as it looks pretty good, but thanks for the info about the others.

Thanks for the rest of the info. Semetin seems like a classic I have to go to, I guess either of the more eastern Sunday ones will be fun.

[Mirek]

From official test stage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ygcn0yx-l0Y

[Hartusvuori]

Pity I won't be able to get to the qualifying stage as it looks pretty good, but thanks for the info about the others.

Thanks for the rest of the info. Semetin seems like a classic I have to go to, I guess either of the more eastern Sunday ones will be fun.

As for Friday, keep just one thing in mind: Bus station. Go there, go there early, fight for it, it's worth it.

[dodge33cymru]

Ha, I'll only get to town around 4pm, hope that's early enough! I don't have many other plans and that was to be my next question; thanks.

[Mirek]

I think that it's quite late already but if You're alone or with just few guys it's still possible to see something there.

[Mirek]

I personally don't go there anymore - just because I usually go to the ceremonial start - which is roughly 10 minutes of walking from there by the way.

[Jarek Z]

Ha, I'll only get to town around 4pm, hope that's early enough! I don't have many other plans and that was to be my next question; thanks.

Don't forget to try Kofola! :) It's a very popular drink in Czech Republic with a very strange taste, a local delicacy ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofola

[Mirek]

Hehe, so far I haven't met a sungle foreigner who likes it 😁

[Jarek Z]

After the dramatic crash in Rally Rzeszow Lukyanuk promises to pay more attention to his pacenotes:
https://www.fiaerc.com/recce-key-to-lukyanuks-erc-hopes/

[Jarek Z]

Hehe, so far I haven't met a single foreigner who likes it ��

Haha :) That's true! I buy Kofola every time when I'm in your country. Not because I especially like it, but to feel this strange taste once again :)

But we love your Studentska chocolate here in Poland! :)
http://www.studentska.pl/

[PLuto]

Great, so it may have localization based on the system. I was searching in the application for some language switch but there is none.

The great thing about it is that there aren't only online results but also very good maps, info about spectator places, most recent videos from the promoter, stage-end comments or safety advices.

Language is switching automatically, according to setup of mobile device.

[PLuto]

Pity I won't be able to get to the qualifying stage as it looks pretty good, but thanks for the info about the others.

Thanks for the rest of the info. Semetin seems like a classic I have to go to, I guess either of the more eastern Sunday ones will be fun.

When you will arrive? Why not qualify stage?

[dodge33cymru]

When you will arrive? Why not qualify stage?Im working in the UK on Thursday and Bratislava on Friday morning unfortunately. I usually love qualifying stages in ERC but not possible this time. Hopefully I'll be able to get there a bit earlier than 4 but we'll see.

[Mirek]

Unfortunately some crews are missing ,- for example Michel, Bedoret, Polonski or Klausz.

[RS]

Lukyanuk fastest in qualifying, looks likely to be a battle between him and Kopecky again.

[Mirek]

I am in the forest on QS. This stage is way more difficult than that from last year. We saw nice action and some big moments, for example of Erdi.

[aykutbilir]

Shakedown times anywhere?


Tapatalk kullanarak iPhone araclyla gönderildi

[Jarek Z]

Wow! Castrol Ford Team Turkey takes the ERC Teams classification seriously. They offered a drive in one of their their Ford Fiesta R2 to a Polish driver Jerzy Tomaszczyk to strenghten their team:
https://www.fiaerc.com/tomaszczyks-back-and-hoping-its-back-to-stay-in-the-erc/

[dimviii]

https://rally-base.com/2017/barum-czech-rally-zlin-2017/

[Jarek Z]

Shakedown times anywhere?

On the official website:
https://www.fiaerc.com/live-timing/

[Jarek Z]

I am in the forest on QS. This stage is way more difficult than that from last year.

And some drivers hate it ;)
Falcón Emma: I think it is the worst and the most difficult stage I have ever seen. I will have to change the setup because I do not feel comfortable with the car now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk is amazing. No matter what setback's he has, he comes back as fast as ever.

[RS]

Lukyanuk is amazing. No matter what setback's he has, he comes back as fast as ever.

To be competitive with Kopecky on his home event whilst driving a customer Ford is seriously impressive.

[dupanton]

Lukyanuk is amazing. No matter what setback's he has, he comes back as fast as ever.

Untill his next crash...

[Ucci]

To be competitive with Kopecky on his home event whilst driving a customer Ford is seriously impressive.

He simply risks more than others. He is even not aware of this fact; until he crashes heavily.....

[JTGANG]

Where is Sylvain Michel ????

[Mirek]

At home.

[RS]

Luky on board qualifying stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEmuJI35I6E

[RS]

He simply risks more than others. He is even not aware of this fact; until he crashes heavily.....

I'm not sure that is entirely fair.. yes, he risks more than the others but this can't be blamed for all his crashes. Many of them are clumsy little mistakes, perhaps lack of concentration (like breaking the steering in Barum last year or Azores this)

[dodge33cymru]

45 minutes from Zlin, what time do they close roads?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Mirek]

Today they close the city stage at 4 pm I think. Nothing else is to be closed today.

[Mirek]

Normal stages shall be closed two hours before start.

[dodge33cymru]

Thanks Mirek; parked up and all sorted now. Time to head to town.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm not sure that is entirely fair.. yes, he risks more than the others but this can't be blamed for all his crashes. Many of them are clumsy little mistakes, perhaps lack of concentration (like breaking the steering in Barum last year or Azores this)

Correct.

Plus at this stage of his career he has said clearly he is not interested in finishing anywhere but First.

[dimviii]

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

[dodge33cymru]

Damn, Bouffier was that slow or he made a mistake?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk after fastest on QS: “I’m a little surprised because I was not giving my maximum, trying to be a bit more careful so it’s not a bad time...”

[Mirek]

He had a big moment at my place, I don't know anything more.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He had a big moment at my place, I don't know anything more.

OB looks ok but for one opposite lock moment, maybe your place: https://youtu.be/oEmuJI35I6E

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fabia's tarmac set-up looks quite high compared to the Fiesta here:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIFhNP2WAAEe8ZL.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIFhNP8XgAENz1e.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIFhNP0XgAAZq3m.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIFhNP3XoAAPeA7.jpg

[RS]

Fabia's setup is quite high everywhere but it seems to work :)

[Mirek]

OB looks ok but for one opposite lock moment, maybe your place: https://youtu.be/oEmuJI35I6E

Sorry, I meant Bouffier. I was too slow with the post.

[Kestask]

https://youtu.be/YvEJiswM3zo Lukyanuk interview before the start

[sindroms]

Hello from Zlin!
I am in city stage (bus stop) and I must say I didn't expect such an amazing feeling! I am not a fan of city stages at all but this one is awesome.
Today we did Semetin and Trojak recce - impresed as well. None of onboards can show what it is like. I have to give all credits to drivers who can handle it.
Tommorow our target is Semetin, some place before Semetin hills and then switch to Trojak - somwhere in this wide downhill section.

[RS]

Nice video from qualifying: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=teyzQuf2DqM

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS1 Live stream:

https://youtu.be/OlvQNpJYJLU

[KKS]

wow.. 130+car at start list. If 2 min start gaps it require 4 hours to start all cars?

[Mirek]

Ingram out, broken wheel likely.

There are no 2 min for all cars but on the other hand there is also 90 historics on tomorrow stages, so +/-220 cars...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Drama for @ChrisIngramGB in #SSSZlìn. It seems he had a puncture and had to stop in the stage to change the wheel :/ #JuniorU27 #FIAERC

[KKS]

3.5 hours for all rally cars.... crazy roads with a LOT of cars. Great!

[sindroms]

Drama for @ChrisIngramGB in #SSSZlìn. It seems he had a puncture and had to stop in the stage to change the wheel :/ #JuniorU27 #FIAERC

Misjudged with speed in first loop, hited front right wheel in bus stop entering left corner.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's Not clear yet what happened to @ChrisIngramGB, he's not made it through the stage yet. We're hearing he might have lost a wheel #FIAERC

or

(35 - Ingram Chris / Edmondson Elliott): technical problem - gearbox in SS 1

Whatever.. it's a disaster. :(

[KKS]

#35 flag Ingram Chris - Edmondson Elliott Opel Adam R2 Gearbox

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wheel off confirmed by Rally Radio.

[KKS]

Kopecky fastest by 4.1sec and even didn't like his driving :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@ChrisIngram
Wishbone snapped on/before the start line ... No words describe this feeling..
https://t.co/BICD34U5EC

[marcosg]

@ChrisIngram
Wishbone snapped on/before the start line ... No words describe this feeling..
https://t.co/BICD34U5EChe was spinning tires really hard before the start line because the stage had been stopped and broke the wishbone

Gesendet von meinem SM-G930F mit Tapatalk

[dodge33cymru]

I'm another who's not normally a fan of SSSs but that one was fun. Heading to Semetin now.

What rally are the historic cars with numbers higher than 50 and 'L' on the door? Can't find a list on EWRC.

[Mirek]

L means legends, they don't measure times of them. H is the competitive group.

[RS]

Kopecky fastest by 4.1sec and even didn't like his driving :)

He seems to be quite good at these city superspecials ;)

[RS]

Great time by Kresta.

[PLuto]

I'm another who's not normally a fan of SSSs but that one was fun. Heading to Semetin now.

What rally are the historic cars with numbers higher than 50 and 'L' on the door? Can't find a list on EWRC.

Complete list of historic cars is here: https://rally-base.com/2017/x-star-rally-historic-2017/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=825

[giù tutto!]

Why there is no Rally 2 time penalty for Ingram?

[Mirek]

There is no rally2 in erc. Guys can only take bonus leg points.

[dodge33cymru]

L means legends, they don't measure times of them. H is the competitive group.Ahhh, thanks, that explains why they weren't taking a particularly serious approach and seemed to be doing random numbers of laps!

[giù tutto!]

Mirek, are you sure?

Check from the supplementary regulations of the Barum rally 12.1.4 re-start - rally 2

And also the FIA regional rallies sporting regulations page 46.

Edit: Ok, SR got a special time penalty for SSS Zlin.

[Mirek]

Thanks, I thought it's still old way. Anyway Lukyanuk mega time on Semetin.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk mega time on Semetin.

"But my braking pressure is not good, my speed is not so good, I am disappointed, really." :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some of these arent tarmac roads...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIES0gfXsAEMvmB.jpg

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

[Ucci]

"But my braking pressure is not good, my speed is not so good, I am disappointed, really." :D
Funny guy....."not good enaugh", but the fastest by quite margin.....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Poor Magalhães is really struggling:
"It is getting worse and worse, it is my first time on these stages so I am doing experiments. It is OK to compete but the gravel is hard for me. It is like that with cutting the corners, I am trying to improve but it is impossible to maintain the same speed."

[Mirek]

Considering the sound Bouffier's car does not have the latest engine evolution.

[Mirek]

Pech small off on Trojak. 5 seconds lost.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Grzyb with engine failure on his Skoda..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pech dropped time in SS4 and now its just Kopecky v Lukyanuk for the lead.

[Sulland]

Considering the sound Bouffier's car does not have the latest engine evolution.
That is why it would be useful if people would put in Evo1, 2 and so on in their entrance peperwork. Since there is quite some difference, btw the models.

[Mirek]

Not true, he went off into the green and set a meadow on fire...

[Mirek]

I meant Grzyb.

[Mirek]

Light rain starting on ss4

[dimviii]

Grzyb
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/23572-grzyb-barum-czech-rally-2017-semetin-on-fire/

[Mirek]

Just few raindrops for now. Road is still dry.

[Mirek]

Huttunen crashed.

[Jarek Z]

It will be the first rally in this year's ERC where the JERC classification is not won by Opel works team. Ingram is currently 10th and Huttunen had an accident on SS4 and is out of the rally. Aleks Zawada leads the rally in his private Opel.

[Jarek Z]

I'm another who's not normally a fan of SSSs but that one was fun.

You are not the only one who liked it. Look at this party ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJadNAVSm5I

[dimviii]

Huntunen

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIJlea0XgAAdv-r.jpg


FIA ERC‏
Verified account
Stage 4 is stopped due to @HuttunenRacing's crash (crew OK). The cars will go through in road mode. #FIAERC #BarumRally

[dimviii]

FIA ERC‏
Verified account
Correction. It seems stage 4 will restart. #FIAERC #BarumRally


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIJm1bHXYAAowF-.jpg

[dimviii]

where are the comments from Luky and Kopecky at ss 4?

[dodge33cymru]

Don't forget to try Kofola! :) It's a very popular drink in Czech Republic with a very strange taste, a local delicacy ;)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofola


Hehe, so far I haven't met a sungle foreigner who likes it

Done.

Wouldn't go as far as to say I "liked" it, but I've had a lot worse......

Ouch. Huttunen's off looks a big one, glad crew are OK. Can't see anyone catching Zawada, he looks leaps and bounds ahead of the other privateers. There was only one Peugeot that looked like it was pushing.

[Mirek]

Mareš is 3 seconds behind Zawada and Wagner another 6. Nothing decided.

[dodge33cymru]

Mareš is 3 seconds behind Zawada and Wagner another 6. Nothing decided.

Ah, excellent, thanks. I can load the forum but not Chrome or Twitter so just following here for results at the moment.

[itix]

Grzyb
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/23572-grzyb-barum-czech-rally-2017-semetin-on-fire/

he must be leaking fuel the way he managed to set everything on fire that quickly.

[Jarek Z]

Some great driving from Vaclav Pech:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEvPw7ofQW0

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh my... just come back in and looked for the U27 times... no Huttenen !!

I didnt expect that. Maybe a chance for Ingram now after all. :)

[dimviii]

Luky slightly faster,gap now down to 1,1 sec.
What a driver this crazy Russian.
I am curious to see what will happen at Semetin 2. The difference he took Luky was big considering the stage kms ( 6,3 sec at 11,5 km)
Lets see how Kopecky will perform at second pass.

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/giF89s7bnLw

[dimviii]

what happened,cant understand.?

(11 - Valoušek Pavel / Havelková Veronika): I saw a big problem on the start, a big problem of the car that entered into the circuit and had a colission with the other car made some changes in the service, some positive changes and we will try to improve.

(3 - Magalhães Bruno / Magalhães Hugo): it is very bad, they did not tell me to start. It was completely crazy, I had to start at the same time as Jan Černý so I am going to forget this stage, they should be more careful with the security.

(18 - Černý Jan / Černohorský Petr): Magalhães went in front of me, really close but we are here, we tried to push. Hopefully nothing will happen in the next stages, we continue on the road.

[Mirek]

It's circuit stage. I am not there but they likely let Magalhaes start just in front of coming Černý and Valoušek saw it from the start line like it was a collision. Anyway it looks like a starter's mistake.

[dimviii]

It's circuit stage. I am not there but they likely let Magalhaes start just in front of coming Černý and Valoušek saw it from the start line like it was a collision. Anyway it looks like a starter's mistake.

thanks Mirek,now makes sence what I read.
Moffet with 5th fastest time btw.

[RS]

Luky "slow" on SS6.

Nice footage of Kopecky from SS4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTQjAVGyOzY

[marcosg]

Luky "slow" on SS6.

Nice footage of Kopecky from SS4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTQjAVGyOzY1st corner spin

Gesendet von meinem SM-G930F mit Tapatalk

[dimviii]

FIA ERC‏
Small drama in Stage 7 for Lukyanuk. He lost power steering and had to restart the car. He lost 8.5 seconds to Kopecký #FIAERC #BarumRally

gap now up to 15,2 sec.

[RS]

Great time by Griebel. This guy has real potential.

[Rrysio]

Any information why Kajetanowicz is slow? Technical issues or something else?

[Mirek]

Another burned Fabia... This time Štajf on the road section. Possibly again an issue of fuel tank...

[N.O.T]

Any information why Kajetanowicz is slow? Technical issues or something else?

The reason is he is a joke...

[dimviii]

Another burned Fabia... This time Štajf on the road section. Possibly again an issue of fuel tank...


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIKpyQZWAAAxw96.jpg



Lukys rim after ss 8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIKrX0LXYAAF3z1.jpg

[Mirek]

Any information why Kajetanowicz is slow? Technical issues or something else?

He has no issues.

[Rrysio]

He has no issues.
OK - so again strategy to collect points without taking risks.


The reason is he is a joke...
But won two ERC titles... So maybe calling him like that is insulting for his rivals? :)

[Ucci]

Another burned Fabia... This time Štajf on the road section. Possibly again an issue of fuel tank...

Well, this is no longer a coincidence. Fabia's are burning like torches....

[dimviii]

FIA ERC‏

Looks like stage 8 is a BIG one for our #JuniorU28. Big moment for Zawada and puncture for Ingram, Mareš and Wagner! #FIAERC #BarumRally

[dimviii]

Stafj fabia


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIK2z85XgAEiTyE.jpg

[KKS]

Lukys rim after ss 8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIKrX0LXYAAF3z1.jpg
It looks russians like stage :D
Gryazin rim
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIKw5NiXsAECDZC.jpg

Did they have not used spare tyre?

[Mirek]

Many drivers hit the same thing. It looks like some road damage appeared during the rally, like hole or something.

[dimviii]

Many drivers hit the same thing. It looks like some road damage appeared during the rally, like hole or something.

(38 - Mareš Filip / Hloušek Jan): We had a puncture because there was a big hole. At the same place, Simon had a puncture so we had to stop in the stage and change it.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIKN3iWVwAAD3IC.jpg

[dimviii]

FIA ERC‏
SS9 @AlexeyLukyanuk 0.7 quicker than Jan Kopecký. His codriver has been driving on the road section because his leg hurts so much :/ #FIAERC

[dimviii]

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


Moffet

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

[Mirek]

Tough day for us but enjoyable. We saw some really good hi-speed action and one Pech's off. Also some big moments from late runners. Tomorrow we plan to do some of the completely new parts of Pindula. I hope I have a good choice of these unknown corners :)

By the way there has been really great fight from 4th to 8th place with minimal differences and many changes.

[havk]

Disappointing drive from Kajetanowicz... 8th position and 4 points practically doesn't give him any advantage in ERC considering 6 out of 8 rounds are counted. Hope he will attack tomorrow. No spectacular results from him for quite a long time. In 2015 he really impressed me in Austria, Estonia or Ireland, in 2016 had some good rallies, in 2017 very decent driving but nothing really spectacular (maybe in Greece).

[dimviii]

Disappointing drive from Kajetanowicz... 8th position and 4 points practically doesn't give him any advantage in ERC considering 6 out of 8 rounds are counted. Hope he will attack tomorrow. No spectacular results from him for quite a long time. In 2015 he really impressed me in Austria, Estonia or Ireland, in 2016 had some good rallies, in 2017 very decent driving but nothing really spectacular (maybe in Greece).

yeap doesn't seem to improve his speed.Pitty with such a budget.

[RS]

The thing with Kajto is that he doesn't need to improve his speed to take the titles as his competitors either have patchy programmes or are unreliable. Maybe we'd see a different driver if that was the case.

[Jarek Z]

The thing with Kajto is that he doesn't need to improve his speed to take the titles as his competitors either have patchy programmes or are unreliable. Maybe we'd see a different driver if that was the case.

Yes, he wants to carry his leadership in the ERC to the end of the season without taking unnecessary risks. But 8th place after day 1 doesn't look very good for two times European champion.

[Andre Oliveira]

So can we say that Kajto aprouch is.... Ogier style :)

[Jarek Z]

Grzyb
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/23572-grzyb-barum-czech-rally-2017-semetin-on-fire/

Fortunately Grzyb managed to leave the stage safely, without setting some village on fire ;)
https://www.facebook.com/torskeefilms/videos/1745326019107335/

[Jarek Z]

Interesting highlights from the fierce competition in Junior ERC. You can see problems of Ingram and Munnings, the crash of Huttunen, that ended in the water and a veeeeery big moment for Aleks Zawada:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oEcbnZdExk

[Mirek]

Nice jump of Kopecký from Semetín stage: https://youtu.be/vDqvVPMg4Qw

[RS]

Looks like Lukyanuk has given up the fight this morning. Great performance this weekend though.

[Mirek]

I am in an extremely fast corner over a small crest on the wide road on Pindula. Kresta the only one flat out but with a bit of high speed drift. Some drivers with wrong lines - Botka or Vlček.

Great fights behind the very top.

[Mirek]

Looks like Lukyanuk has given up the fight this morning. Great performance this weekend though.

From quotes: (4 - Lukyanuk Alexey / Arnautov Alexey): Yes, to be honest, I feel terribly inside. I have pain in my leg, in my muscles, it is hard to be working properly today, that is my feeling. There is nothing we can do now, just to continue like that. I am really struggling so we cannot push 100% but we are happy to be here now.

[Rrysio]

The thing with Kajto is that he doesn't need to improve his speed to take the titles as his competitors either have patchy programmes or are unreliable. Maybe we'd see a different driver if that was the case.
It's true that competitors so far didn't put a pressure on Kajto but such Kajto's approach (just collect the points without any risks) gives him nothing for the future. Every sponsor asks himself a question: "what is the promise this driver giving me for the season I'm going to pay for?"
Looking at Kajto's current season the answer is "Nothing".

I think that this is the last serious season in rallying for Kajto - he's too weak for WRC2, to strong for country championships in Poland and fighting for 4th ERC title doesn't rather make sense.

[Rrysio]

Pech retired... Double puncture.

[Mirek]

Another puncture for Černý. It's never over until it's over...

[Mirek]

Now a family fight of two part-time drivers Kostka and Kresta (brothers in law) for the podium like several years back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

From quotes: (4 - Lukyanuk Alexey / Arnautov Alexey): Yes, to be honest, I feel terribly inside. I have pain in my leg, in my muscles, it is hard to be working properly today, that is my feeling. There is nothing we can do now, just to continue like that. I am really struggling so we cannot push 100% but we are happy to be here now.

That's so painful to hear. The guy deserves a medal just for competing again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's true that competitors so far didn't put a pressure on Kajto but such Kajto's approach (just collect the points without any risks) gives him nothing for the future. Every sponsor asks himself a question: "what is the promise this driver giving me for the season I'm going to pay for?"
Looking at Kajto's current season the answer is "Nothing".

I think that this is the last serious season in rallying for Kajto - he's too weak for WRC2, to strong for country championships in Poland and fighting for 4th ERC title doesn't rather make sense.

The fact is that Kajto has nothing to prove here. He is doing enough to win a 3rd ERC title and it was up to the others to stop him which they have failed to do.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIOeB_ZWsAAT4tb.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another puncture for Černý. It's never over until it's over...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIOVt9oXgAAtc2-.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to see a couple of stage wins by ERCJ Chris Ingram this morning. :)

[karl59]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIOeB_ZWsAAT4tb.jpg

Good to see "Andrews - Heat for Hire" back on a rally car! Reminds me of Russell Brookes in the good old days - Escort, Chevette, Manta much more spectacular to watch than most of today´s rally cars!

[dimviii]

(4 - Lukyanuk Alexey / Arnautov Alexey): Again we had problem with powersteering, had to restart again. We lost maybe four seconds. This stage was not so bumpy.

[eddy707]

Why is Zawada's pacenotes in English? His co-driver is also from Poland.

[Mirek]

I think that Zawada was born in England and spent most of his life there. I am not sure though.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, Zawada is Polish, but he was born in London. You can read about him here:
https://www.fiaerc.com/driver/aleks-zawada/

He is a good driver, but I never thought he would be faster than the works Opel drivers!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4428/36010936093_72efe77a50_b.jpg

[Jarek Z]

The fact is that Kajto has nothing to prove here. He is doing enough to win a 3rd ERC title and it was up to the others to stop him which they have failed to do.

Exactly, that's what Kajto says in the interviews - no risks, no mistakes, stay on the road, keep the championship title in mind:
https://www.fiaerc.com/stategy-paying-off-for-erc-champion-kajetanowicz/

[Rrysio]

Exactly, that's what Kajto says in the interviews - no risks, no mistakes, stay on the road, keep the championship title in mind:
https://www.fiaerc.com/stategy-paying-off-for-erc-champion-kajetanowicz/
Unfortunately such approach gives him no future. As I said previously - likely the last season in serious rallying.
He never gave any symptom that he deserves WRC2 - such rallies like Barum are great opportunities for this and he fails.

[Jarek Z]

Unfortunately such approach gives him no future. As I said previously - likely the last season in serious rallying.
He never gave any symptom that he deserves WRC2 - such rallies like Barum are great opportunities for this and he fails.

Yes, you are right. That doesn't look very promising for the future. But on the other hand - what would you choose if you were in his position? Drive like a maniac and maybe crash on the last stage (like Lukyanuk) or drive safer and win 3 ERC titles in a row?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's a shame but Kajto hasnt had the championship competition required for him to push for a win here.

Lukyanuk's serious accident plus Magalhaes lack of experience on some events and Bouffier's limited budget has meant a clear run for Kajto.

[Jarek Z]

Someone is remembering the victims from Barcelona...

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4336/36010989583_5e26d3e0b8_b.jpg

[Rrysio]

Yes, you are right. That doesn't look very promising for the future. But on the other hand - what would you choose if you were in his position? Drive like a maniac and maybe crash on the last stage (like Lukyanuk) or drive safer and win 3 ERC titles in a row?

I'd say that my choice would depend on my plans for the future. If my plan would be to get WRC2 seat/contract/sponsor I would push like hell (but still wisely) to show that I deserved it.
In my plan would be to finish rallying career and become a celebrity I'd drive like Kajto.

It's sad that Kajto is the quickest polish driver at the moment (not counting Kubica) - BUT there is a hope for a new star: Aleks Zawada!

[dodge33cymru]

Is Pindura 2 cancelled, does anyone know?

[KKS]

Is Pindura 2 cancelled, does anyone know?
Due to crash no65. Blocking the road

[Jarek Z]

Is Pindura 2 cancelled, does anyone know?

Yes, stage 14 Pindula is stopped because of crash of crew no. 65 (Daniel Landa - Škoda Fabia R5).

[RS]

Kajto, like Lukyanuk, is quite old already. I doubt he is planning a future as a WRC driver. If he can maintain a career, presumably earning some money driving a rally car and collecting FIA titles all power to him.

[KKS]

BTW, why Dumas have 5min penalty for SS9?

[Jarek Z]

Is Pindura 2 cancelled, does anyone know?

Be careful - new information says that stage 14 will be restarted.

[dodge33cymru]

Be careful - new information says that stage 14 will be restarted.

Thanks, a lot of people think it's cancelled but can hear cars running again. Sounds like a storm is on the way too,but probably too late for the front runners to be affected.

[RS]

It's raining on the finish line of the final stage.

[RS]

Interesting highlights from the fierce competition in Junior ERC. You can see problems of Ingram and Munnings, the crash of Huttunen, that ended in the water and a veeeeery big moment for Aleks Zawada:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oEcbnZdExk

I love the polite reaction to Zawada's big moment. 'Oh dear'.

[KKS]

Wow Kresta! Taking huge stage time and go ahead from Kostka

[KKS]

Lol.... Lykyanuk as always

[Jarek Z]

Kresta went crazy and won the last stage!
Yes, I pushed quite hard. Amazing. Crazy. I must say I am crazy. Thank you. The car is perfect. Thanks to my team, to spectators. The car is very good for such event.

What a great rally for a semi-retired man! :)

In the meantime Kajto overtakes Griebel on the last stage and jumps to the 5th position overall.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kopecký should guarantee the win for Škoda...

Never in doubt... ;)

[RS]

Kopecky did a perfect job this weekend, but also congratulations to Lukyanuk for driving at such a speed with his injuries and keeping it on the road until the end.

Great comeback by Kresta and good job by Griebel to take the JERC U28 title. He really deserves it IMO, maybe next year he can compete for the overall title and not just the junior crown.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, what a great result for Griebel. And it's only his first season in a R5 car. It seems that after so many years Germans have some fast driver again.
"It is really important to me. Thanks to my team, it was fantastic. I did not exect to be a champion, I am happy."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2nd place for Lukyanuk here is as good as a win.

Considering his physical condition, to beat all but the local hero is truly remarkable.

"You know, it was 95% chance that I won´t be here. This was a terrible place, long cuts, it was tricky there, I was not sure how it is going to be like behind the crest. I was slipping but I was driving very safe. We are here in the finish so we are happy."

[Ucci]

Kresta went crazy and won the last stage!

What a great rally for a semi-retired man! :)

Do you really think so? He was whole weekend in duel with circuit driver....for me (beside Luky, who was struggling with pain), Kostka is (again) the driver of the weekend.
And don't give me crap, that Tamas is at home on this stages....also other drivers drive those stages for decades.....they know them as own pocket.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Leg 2 win for Ingram in the U27 has at least gained some points that may be useful in the Championship.

[Jarek Z]

Do you really think so? He was whole weekend in duel with circuit driver....

Yes, I do. Kresta retired from professional rallying three years ago. Do you find his 3rd place disappointing?

[Jarek Z]

Can't see anyone catching Zawada, he looks leaps and bounds ahead of the other privateers. There was only one Peugeot that looked like it was pushing.

And you were right. Zawada knocked out the opposition, he was 3 minutes faster than anyone else and took over the lead in JERC U27 standings. Congratulations!

Provisional JERC standings after Barum:
1. Zawada (99)
2. Ingram (96)
3. Mares (84)
4. Huttunen (75).

[dodge33cymru]

Wow, he's been quick whenever I've seen him but didn't realise he was actually in championship contention; that's rather impressive vs the works guys.

Had a fun weekend, I was a bit disappointed at how strict the officials were in regard to allowing movement in some stages, but seeing how many fans were in some of those spots and the amount of alcohol being consumed, I can't blame them! My fault for not getting to stages a bit earlier.

Nice to watch Kopecky in his back yard and to see a few names I wouldn't have done otherwise - I didn't realise Kresta was retired from the way he was driving and there was an impressive depth to the midfield with a lot of strong drivers inside the top 10 and very close times. I was originally a little disappointed at how a few ERC entries failed to show up, but the quality of the field was plenty good enough regardless.

See you next year (maybe)!

[Ucci]

Yes, I do. Kresta retired from professional rallying. Do you find his 3rd place disappointing?
No way, on the contrary. It is a top result, but even more remarkable is a result of a driver, who was whole time battling with him-was never a FACTORY driver, we can call him a gentelman driver (a bit to young although, lol); he is even not some super-star in circuit racing....and comes to the most important Czech rally event and humiliates 90% of the rally specialist. Now, if this is not an achivement, than I'm a pope....

[sete]

Yes,Kostka is mainly circuit driver,but also achieved some great result czech rally.He drives Barum every year.
you can check his results
https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/3662-tomas-kostka/

[Jarek Z]

Grzegorz Dachowski, the co-driver of Aleks Zawada, has shown his souvenirs from the visit in Czech Republic - Kofola, Lentilky and the trophies :)
(most probably only people from eastern Europe will understand the joke)
https://scontent-frx5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/21122587_1795372787169437_3556622641659189788_o.jp g?oh=97e805e3b5615a1664dfbf75c875de99&oe=5A193E4E

[Jarek Z]

Not only I was impressed with Roman Kresta's speed:
https://www.fiaerc.com/kresta-earns-colin-mcrae-erc-flat-out-trophy-for-final-stage-charge/

[Mirek]

Huge crisis of Suarez from the last stage (1,5 km before finish): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U_lMiKlEj3o

You can't see that very well from the video but he missed huge log just by few centimeters. I was there and I have to say that I was sure he is going to have a brutal crash but somehow he managed to avoid the log.

Big moment of Valoušek from Semetín: https://youtu.be/Otial34ZUdI?t=45

[Mirek]

For me it was a really nice edition despite the route being shortened a bit due to the issue with swine fever. We saw all what we planned and had no issues at all anywhere. I was on no official spectator places but I felt quite relaxed everywhere we were. For sure much more than last year. Except last stage we also managed to get "up to the tape" with a car without some long walk. We took it a bit easier to see more competitors also due to the fact that one guy from our group is preparing to enter Adam cup next year so he wanted to see the cup on stages. I also did quite a lot of visits to the service to have a chat with some crews and people even mid-day.

For sure You'll see nearly all of my places on videos in next days but anyway some short summary (I guess that Dimviii would not have a good sleep without it :D).

QS
I spent first FP on the bridge over the river to see heavy braking after a long straight into a dirty S-corner. Close tot he road it was not bad for the starter. After that we moved into the forest in a very steep uphill section with dirty and deep cuts. This was a nice place to see. Erdi, Bouffier, Štajf and some other crews had some wild moments. Lukyanuk and Huttunen looked incredibly fast.

City stage
Again on a bridge over the river. You can see very long section where they come on a wide road in a hugely long flat out left corner in high speed (likely the place with the highest top speed on city stage) to brake heavily into the square junction right on the railway crossing to take another junction right (at the start) and accelerate into long straight to another lap. It's quite good place and I did it already in the past. The advantage is that You don't need to be there for whole day to see something like on the bus station but of course the atmosphere is not that good. I have to say I really liked Madsen with his kit car there :)

SS2 Biskupice
We took a fast downhill section in 2/3 of the stage where there is a fast right hand corner with a great cut over a bump which kicks the cars in the air in high speed. You have a long overview with following near straight and medium but difficult right hand corner over a crest. That was really nice place with craziest stuff from Koči in the first corner and Huttunen in the second. Some cars were set so soft that they hit the road by sumpguard after the cut (Valoušek for example).

SS4 Troják
We arrived last minute into not that great section in the downhill to Vlčková village but it was better than expected (we went there purely from time reasons) as the road gets bumpier and bumpier every year. Heavy braking over the bumps into a square left corner was spectacular. Many cars only on front wheels or with smoke from the tyres. Pech went off in the meadow with a minor loss.

SS6 Biskupice
We returned to the place from first run as we really liked it and also wanted to meet some friends there. It was nice again. This time we stayed till the last Adam cup cars and we saw several big moments from late runners (for example several gr.N drivers around No. 100). Since Březová was cut to the spectator circuit alone we skipped it and went to the service instead.

SS11 Pindula
That was a bit of a gamble but I decided to try one corner on the wide smooth road roughly 5 km into the stage. It was a fast left hander behind a small crest with very fast approach (based on onboard the speed in the corner was around 150-160 km/h). We were discussing if somebody can do the corner totally flat out without lifting or braking. Yes, it was possible but only Kresta did it for the cost of a bit of hi-speed drifting. Some drivers took completely wrong lines like Botka or Vlček and You could also see how circuit drivers take a bit of different approach on such road (less aggression, braking earlier and turning in earlier to be faster out). This place was also showing big difference between Fabia and Fiesta suspension-vise. The Fabias were all soft (some even softer like the one of Valoušek) and high and in such corner they didn't look very stable. Fiestas were like stuck to the ground and very stable.

SS15 Košíky
I took the crazy jump 1,5 km before the finish which is shown on the video of Suarez's big moment. Before the start I met a friend who was taking video there in the first run. He told me that compared to last year this time nothing happened there. I was a bit hesitating but I stayed as I was never there before. It was good decision as the second run was very spectacular with a lot of jumps and this massive moment of Suarez. Big difefrence between Kostka and Kresta there. Kostka very wide and all over the place (he said he had a slow puncture), Kresta absolutely perfect line without any sort of drift or useless movement.


Few words to the drivers. Hats off to Lukyanuk. He didn't look well at all and it was hot as hell which also for sure didn't help him. Kopecký even said that Alex had to sometimes brake by right foot! I spoke with Pavel Dresler about Semetín 1 and he told me they could maybe drive 1-2 seconds faster but definitely not 6 as Alex did.

As for Kopecký he did perfect job but as I was told they were among the lucky guys who didn't get puncture from Troják 2 despite they also cracked a rim there just like many others. Kopecký by the way said in an interview that next year he wants to finally drive full WRC2 be it with or without Škoda works team.

Man of the rally for most of the locals was for sure Roman Kresta. There was really an incredible support for him felt everywhere. He did a flawless rally with great speed and it's great that in the end the penalty for being stopped by the police on the road section didn't decide the fight for the podium.

Kostka did very well just like always but he suffered with setup and tyres in the first leg. Only second day he was happy with the car. By the way Kresta was on Michelin, Kostka on Pirelli.

Pech was pushing like hell trying to catch Lukyanuk and Kopecký but that resulted in quite a lot of mistakes. Bouffier drove well but imho the car was what kept him down. Obviously not the latest evolution of the engine for example. Griebel was driving very smooth and tidy. Kajto didn't look slow but not crazy as well. Černý way too brutal. Moffet or Suarez were very flamboyant but a bit too much. Gryazin was surprisingly near invisible. U27 was sadly decided too early by crashes and punctures but before Huttunen was superfast, Zawada all over the place, Mareš very smooth and tidy and Ingram very aggressive.

In the end I would like to point out that the young guys shall work really hard on themselves when retired or part-time drivers like Kresta or Kostka beat them so easily. Anyway looking forward to next year!

[Mirek]

Crash of Szeja on Semetín: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOxBB_XdvuA

Big crash of Landa on Pinula (he had RF slow puncture): https://youtu.be/N0O-XfR1vlg?t=237

Pech's off on Troják on onboard: https://youtu.be/TRyObHp4fL8?t=190

[Mirek]

Fun fact...

Hänninen went off twice on Barum (never retired due to that). Both cases happened on SS Troják. Lappi crashed twice on Barum, both cases on SS Troják. Huttunen crashed also on Troják and even in the same village as Lappi in 2014 (and 2-3 km from Lappi's place from 2013). Nikara crashed once on Barum and it was also on SS Troják even though on a different variant.

The Finns crash always only on one and only stage of the rally.

[RS]

As for Kopecký he did perfect job but as I was told they were among the lucky guys who didn't get puncture from Troják 2 despite they also cracked a rim there just like many others. Kopecký by the way said in an interview that next year he wants to finally drive full WRC2 be it with or without Škoda works team.

Interesting. He has certainly been underused these last couple of years. He must be getting bored with lack of competition in the Czech Championship and it would be nice to add to his domestic, ERC and APRC titles.

[Mirek]

There is nothing to win in Czech championship for them anymore. Either they win and everybody says they choose easy fight with privateers or they don't win and everybody says they are useless. Believe me that they know it as well and they don't have time to wait any longer.

[liposh]

I have got feeling there won´t be any Skoda works team in WRC2 next year. Maybe Kopecky with half factory support, but no actual Skoda works team. Just my feeling but we will see.

[Mirek]

Spin of Valoušek on Pindula 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKS6lEhnu5c&feature=youtu.be

[PLuto]

Why there is no Rally 2 time penalty for Ingram?

There is no reason to give any rally 2 time for Ingram.

[PLuto]

There is no rally2 in erc. Guys can only take bonus leg points.

Unfortunatelly there is rally2 in ERC :(

[PLuto]

Considering the sound Bouffier's car does not have the latest engine evolution.

He has. The difference should be because of exhaust?

[PLuto]

Grzyb with engine failure on his Skoda..

This engine failure cames after his off...

[PLuto]

BTW, why Dumas have 5min penalty for SS9?

Because he left service without rear bumper...

[PLuto]

No way, on the contrary. It is a top result, but even more remarkable is a result of a driver, who was whole time battling with him-was never a FACTORY driver, we can call him a gentelman driver (a bit to young although, lol); he is even not some super-star in circuit racing....and comes to the most important Czech rally event and humiliates 90% of the rally specialist. Now, if this is not an achivement, than I'm a pope....

Tomas Kostka is for sure not gentleman driver. I think for few years he is one of the best rally drivers in CZ. He did lot of rallies, he won rallysprint series one year. Only one problem is that he has people around, which are giving him bad advices. If he will take serious plans in s rallying few years ago, he should be (at least) czech champion...

[dimviii]

Only one problem is that he has people around, which are giving him bad advices. If he will take serious plans in s rallying few years ago, he should be (at least) czech champion...

seems not good relationship with his brother in law?

[PLuto]

seems not good relationship with his brother in law?

No, relationship between Roman and Tomas is ok. From beginning it was sure there will be big rivalry between them as each of them wanted to be faster.

[Mirek]

He has. The difference should be because of exhaust?

All other Evo 2 engines (about which I know they are Evo 2) sound the same. Only Bouffier's car was completely different and very quiet compared to all other Fiestas.