26th Kennards Hire Rally Australia (16-19.11.17)

[Rally Power]

Just seen the daily highlights and Meeke's minor mistake at the bridge, and Yves Matton's decision to retire the car, I really hope someone up there at the PSA group will show him the door or to be precise, throw him off the bridge...

Matton was right on this one. With 4 SS to go, letting Meeke to continue with the car in that state would be a risk: to him and Nagle, to other crews behind and even to open road users.

[Mirek]

Exactly my opinion..

Un

Fucking


Believeable

How about putting the CoC in front of a firing squad? Come on, nobody can guarantee that somebody who decideds to do this can't do this - in any rally in the world. I bet even in Japan You could do this if You really wanted.

[Eli]

Matton was right on this one. With 4 SS to go, letting Meeke to continue with the car in that state would be a risk: to him and Nagle, to other crews behind and even to open road users.

4? wasn't it just 2 SSS? if so, my bad, although you are right about those road sections, it would endanger the other road users. However, to be fair I think Mr. Matton has made enough wrong choices this past year, and I still do hope they

[steve.mandzij]

What's with the witchunt against rallies in this forum? First Turkey, now Australia? What's so bad about Australia? It's one of the few rallies with long, tough stages, no dumb as fuck ceremonial Thursday night sss starts and the jungle setting is spectacular! What is more we've got a superb battle on our hands right now! Quit the bitching, Australia isn't bad at all.

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[steve.mandzij]

4? wasn't it just 2 SSS? if so, my bad, although you are right about those road sections, it would endanger the other road users. However, to be fair I think Mr. Matton has made enough wrong choices this past year, and I still do hope theyIt was 2SS and 2 SSS.

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[itix]

How about putting the CoC in front of a firing squad? Come on, nobody can guarantee that somebody who decideds to do this can't do this - in any rally in the world. I bet even in Japan You could do this if You really wanted.This isn't the first time we see this kind of behavior in Australia if my memory serves me right (although I can't remember any specifics right now). It wouldn't surprise me the least if it wasn't the last either.

Poland got kicked out for less. This was literally an inch from death. Had he cut the corner closer they would have been dead.

It was apparently for several competitors as well.

Australia has no redeeming features anyway so why on earth should it stay? Another generic gravel rally, with almost no competitors, that is expensive as hell to get to for the teams, with a drinking culture that is awful.

Edit: and I wouldn't be at all surprised if this was reported to the cleric of the course.

[Eli]

It was 2SS and 2 SSS.

Sent from my Pixel using TapatalkThankx for the correction :)

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[Mirek]

This isn't the first time we see this kind of behavior in Australia if my memory serves me right (although I can't remember any specifics right now). It wouldn't surprise me the least if it wasn't the last either.

Have You ever visited Rallye Monte Carlo?

[steve.mandzij]

Have You ever visited Rallye Monte Carlo?IMO it's the most unsafe rally of the championship. 2016 Latvala ran into a guy. 2017 a spectator died.

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[kiil]

Poland got kicked out for less. This was literally an inch from death. Had he cut the corner closer they would have been dead.


There is quite a difference between 2 spectators behaving like idiots and an army of thousands refusing to obey instructions from officials, not only on a single stage but during an entire rally. Big difference.

[Zeakiwi]

Australians should use this vehicle as a rally route safety checker V8 344kw ford ranger px 4wd
https://youtu.be/-6Uuvj_Uz9o

McRae versus spectator Rally NZ 1998 (Even Rally NZ is not immune from the car vs spectator)
https://youtu.be/n_2ErPnDeYk

Idiot spectators are everywhere

[Allez Andruet]

Just seen the daily highlights and Meeke's minor mistake at the bridge, and Yves Matton's decision to retire the car, I really hope someone up there at the PSA group will show him the door or to be precise, throw him off the bridge...

Word.

[KKS]

Michelin Motorsport‏ @Michelin_Sport (https://twitter.com/Michelin_Sport)

#tyre (https://twitter.com/hashtag/tyre?src=hash) info: all Michelin @OfficialWRC (https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC) drivers with 5 Michelin LTX Force S5 (Soft)
Except Esapekka Lappi: 4 Soft + 1 Hard

[itix]

Have You ever visited Rallye Monte Carlo?

Yes I have, and the only reason that rally is still here is because it is a genuinely interesting rally and (although in different form) the original rally.


IMO it's the most unsafe rally of the championship. 2016 Latvala ran into a guy. 2017 a spectator died.

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That was totally Latvala's fault and not the organizers. They were not in the an incredibly stupid spot.


There is quite a difference between 2 spectators behaving like idiots and an army of thousands refusing to obey instructions from officials, not only on a single stage but during an entire rally. Big difference.

Unless my memory is completely gone, that was because of a fire truck going onto the stage while it was live and some minor incidents like people standing in stupid places (plus a yellow card from last year), not people LYING ON THE FUCKING ROAD.

[EstWRC]

and off we gooooo, final day and stages of the season and final day and stages for Tänak with the Fiesta!

[KKS]

final day and stages for Tänak with the Fiesta!
We never know what can be after 2 yrs :)

[KKS]

no splits for first stage :( but friday opposite version - have

[dimviii]

Lappi comented about very deep watersplashes. Lets see if we have any problems at these.

[KKS]

Leferbve - stopped for 5-10sec

[EstWRC]

this is the same stage that ripped the Fiestas apart on friday but in opposite direction....Lappi said the watersplashes are even more deeper

[KKS]

And we will see who made a decision on Leferbve to retire now :D

[ESTR]

Now Citroen will retire from WRC... Breen emotional and grateful for his drive, both Meeke & Lefebvre out...

[Essaj]

Now Citroen will retire from WRC... Breen emotional and grateful for his drive, both Meeke & Lefebvre out...

Tbh I wouldn't be too surprised there has been other hints aswell

[mousti]

And we will see who made a decision on Leferbve to retire now :D

I think himself :p

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8XXziUQAAPBz_.jpg

[dimviii]

lol

I just touched a tree

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8XYUDW4AUJ5dC.jpg

[Eli]

lol

I just touched a tree

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8XYUDW4AUJ5dC.jpg

Replacing Juho Hanninen with hitting the trees...

[KKS]

lol

I just touched a tree

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8XYUDW4AUJ5dC.jpg
aggressive australian tree got a surrender :D

[EstWRC]

everybody losing a lot of time in the second part of the stage

[mousti]

Heavy rain now..

[itix]

Ok; edit...

First I see of lefebvre all weekend. Didn't even notice he was here.

[steve.mandzij]

Yes I have, and the only reason that rally is still here is because it is a genuinely interesting rally and (although in different form) the original rally.



That was totally Latvala's fault and not the organizers. They were not in the an incredibly stupid spot.



Unless my memory is completely gone, that was because of a fire truck going onto the stage while it was live and some minor incidents like people standing in stupid places (plus a yellow card from last year), not people LYING ON THE FUCKING ROAD.Alright then, Paddon's accident was completely his fault too. The spectator was okay sitting on the outside of a slippy corner.

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[EstWRC]

Lefebvre https://twitter.com/VivianEden/status/931992351035101184

[mousti]

Splash footage

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1482005915187883&id=311392328915920

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Breen stopped

[mousti]

Alright then, Paddon's accident was completely his fault too. The spectator was okay sitting on the outside of a slippy corner.

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No that was not safe at all..

[Alex009]

Breen stopped

Citroen... Nice finale for their poor season.

[raybak]

I think Ogier booked in 1 minute early for stage 18.

[KKS]

Perfect rally for Citoren!

[KKS]

I think Ogier booked in 1 minute early for stage 18.
looks like! 08:04

[AnttiL]

Breen apparently rolled.

Also Evans said he has some technical problems at the stage end interview

[mousti]

Crash lefebvre

https://youtu.be/wKy_dZme5SQ

[itix]

Alright then, Paddon's accident was completely his fault too. The spectator was okay sitting on the outside of a slippy corner.

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There was no ditch between Paddon and that spectator and the spectator Latvala hit was after he had recovered from the ditch. The ones from 2016 were not in a brilliant place but they were in a lot better place than the 2017 guy and 10 000 times better place than above retards.

[KKS]

Latvala's first split was horrible!

[kiil]

Unless my memory is completely gone, that was because of a fire truck going onto the stage while it was live and some minor incidents like people standing in stupid places (plus a yellow card from last year), not people LYING ON THE FUCKING ROAD.

Minor incidents doesn't call for reactions like these:

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/130560/poland-set-to-lose-wrc-round-over-crowd-safety

https://d2d0b2rxqzh1q5.cloudfront.net/sv/3.65/dir/cb8/image/cb8b0660a1392af50f148e0798b5bc78.jpg

[mousti]

Breen..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8bPabUQAAxm1V.jpg

[Alex009]

Latvala's first split was horrible!

Also Tanak's splits. Rain maybe?

[dimviii]

they are reporting huge roll for Breen

[KKS]

Nueville even worse +6.7 to JML

[EstWRC]

raining a lot now

[racerx1979]

Matton said take risks and they did = rolls and issues for the gang. Matton should really work on staying quiet.

[raybak]

Paddon in with a podium chance.

[ESTR]

Paddon in with a podium chance.

every second he is in the game for win not only podium...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just catching up... what's going on with the splits, all kinds of bad times ?

Ah heavy rain !

[ESTR]

Just catching up... what's going on with the splits, all kinds of bad times ?

rain...

[KKS]

3rd sector more equal, but 4th is +2 to JML again

[itix]

Minor incidents doesn't call for reactions like these:

Yes they do if it is the second year running.

The fire truck didn't almost run over the policeman. There was even a video of it.

I can guarantee that no one was lying on the road in poland for instance.

Edit; not saying these weren't serious things and I fully support the decision but this is the stupidest thing I have seen ever in WRC... Perhaps my memory is short but this is absurd.

[KKS]

Blood in my eyes when I watch Meeke splits here :( +44sec and now +58.9

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke's rally just gets even worse. Big time dropped.

[EstWRC]

man this is now gonna be intesresting!

[steve.mandzij]

Neuville and Latvala in a fierce battle! Latvala giving his all and Neuville doing his best to keep him back.

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[KKS]

:D :D :D
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8erc3WsAAEEMR.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Leading gaps all halved in one stage !

[mousti]

Anyone a stream for Wedding Bells 1?

[raybak]

Ogier early penalty now showing.

[ESTR]

Like that night foggy stage in GB

[satukata]

Hope more rain next TV stage! Nice battle top 3!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke 1m loss on Neuville who ran just ahead of him !

[KKS]

Hope more rain next TV stage! Nice battle top 3!
Looks like it will be more equal weather for next stage

[KKS]

Meeke 1m loss on Neuville who ran just ahead of him !
same as Mikkelsen :( two rally leaders... and now with such huge difference now

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Roads sound really tricky in this weather... anything could happen in the last stages.

[HarriK]

One skoda hit just spectator. But looks like no injuries.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen hit a bank and rolled down the hill
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8ijK5VwAAlx72.jpg:large

https://twitter.com/speedcafe/status/932001659198218242

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another of Lefebvre
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8jRi7XkAACAnV.jpg:large

[EstWRC]

what is going on with Ogier this rally? Driving mistakes, no pace and now checking into time control early and getting a penalty.

i understand he has won the championship but this drive this weekend isnt champ worth at all.

and to be fair Tänak is also kind of weird and more in bad mood.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

what is going on with Ogier this rally? Driving mistakes, no pace and now checking into time control early and getting a penalty.

i understand he has won the championship but this drive this weekend isnt champ worth at all.

and to be fair Tänak is also kind of weird and more in bad mood.

Agree on Seb... very strange for the uber-professional.

Did they also say Tanak was emotional at the stage end ? Also strange.

[mknight]

Tanak is imo very related to him leaving M-Sport. Also in GB he sounded kind of different and seemingly without his usually pushing attitude.

Too bad considering he still had a chance for 2nd in championship.

[Myrvold]

Can the drivers in the national championship score points in WRC? If not, it looks like the fight for the last championship point will be between Rovanperä and Serderidis(!)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No proper coverage - no 'copter flying. :(

[ik1911]

Meeke is 8th with 23 min gap!

[itix]

All you who can't see the stage are not missing anything... helicopter can't fly due to rain.
(why I have no idea because I've flown helicopter in torrential downpour...)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wish they wouldnt always put that horrible heavy music over the replays...

[raybak]

All you who can't see the stage are not missing anything... helicopter can't fly due to rain.
(why I have no idea because I've flown helicopter in torrential downpour...)

Rules for flying at the event is if no visibility they are grounded.

[rallyfiend]

All you who can't see the stage are not missing anything... helicopter can't fly due to rain.
(why I have no idea because I've flown helicopter in torrential downpour...)

It's not rain that would be the problem, but the height of the cloud.

Helicopters have strict visual flight rules.

[itix]

It's not rain that would be the problem, but the height of the cloud.

Helicopters have strict visual flight rules.

RIght, makes sense I guess.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi & Evans both had moments, scary out there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes heli is up ! :)

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8nWQuX0AAVPhK.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8tYF2W0AElVKD.jpg

[KKS]

Maybe Ott bad mojo cuz he knows about Ford backing for next yrs and his choice go to Toyota was wrong?

[MartijnS]

Like the last section!

[steve.mandzij]

Any streams?

Edit: too late, whatever

[dimviii]

Neuville took good difference

[steve.mandzij]

Argh, what a brutally good job by Neuville. Latvala's chances getting slimmer and he's under immense pressure from both Neuville and Tanak... What a rally!

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[EstWRC]

unbelivable Neuville, just unbeatable, nearly a second of km

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DO8utlaXUAAUttQ.jpg:large

[GravelBen]

Pretty hairy stage from Mikkelsen there!

[mknight]

Pretty hairy stage from Mikkelsen there!

On 2-3 of the longer corners the car behavior looked quite strange. Probably has to do with very different slippery/dry patches everywhere as the road was drying up.

[KKS]

I'm wondering there is a mid-day service on Sunday

[Mirek]

Meeke is 8th with 23 min gap!

In 2008 Conrad Rautenbach finished 4th in Argentina 20 minutes behind Loeb...

[drive]

no rear spliters on Ogiers and Tanaks cars again

[EstWRC]

you mean diffuser? Tänak had it IMO but Ogier didnt...

[drive]

https://www.facebook.com/100009971641338/videos/569396430069407/ SS19 video

yes, no difusers, Evans had it thou

[EstWRC]

yes, just looked it again, both dont have it...i guess thats maybe the reason why Tänak isnt in best mood and Ogier has gearshifting issues too again. msport really on holiday mood.

[racerx1979]

Or is it?? Maybe there’s some news which is affecting mood for MSport boys??

[dimviii]

Νeuville was really on it on the video from facebook above.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good luck to Ött... bring home the podium to set another M-Sport record.

[bluuford]

next stage is cancelled by the way.. some sleep finally :)

[bowler]

If they have entered the WRC event they are eligible for driver points. Quinn for example is in WRC event and arc event, so eligible for points

[itix]

Good luck to Ött... bring home the podium to set another M-Sport record.

I'm glad you are using umlauts but his name is Ott. It is his surname that has umlauts ;)

[KKS]

next stage is cancelled by the way.. some sleep finally :)
and funny reason - RAIN


Rally Australia‏ (https://twitter.com/RallyAustralia)Verified account @RallyAustralia (https://twitter.com/RallyAustralia) 5m5 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/RallyAustralia/status/932036506860081153)More



SS20: Cancelled - This morning's torrential rain has led to the cancellation of the next stage - the repeat of Pilbara Reverse. #WRC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRC?src=hash)

[Munkvy]

Munkvy, your photo-heavy posts are causing havoc loading the forum on my phone !
Sorry! Probably a little too excited at being at the rally, as I am so used to relying on the forums to see whats going on so I want to share for you guys on the other side of the world what is happening here :)


Lefebvre https://twitter.com/VivianEden/status/931992351035101184
This was my video! We walked about 3km in with a group of Estonians to SS17 and the third car through was Lefebvre and I got it all on video, very unlucky, just slightly too fast entry and the car ran wide and hit a stump. Paddon and Ogier were also very, very, close to hitting the same stump. Then the rain started and everyone slowed down.

It absolutely poured down for the last 5-6 cars of the WRC and ARC field, Mike Young was very quick still, but many of the guys backed right off.


next stage is cancelled by the way.. some sleep finally :)
I am back at our accommodation drying out as we now have time to kill, very compact route today, it's only a 10min drive north of Coffs Harbour to the stages!

No photos this time, will see if I can get any more on the power stage. Having good luck getting into stages via the access roads so will do that again.

[EstWRC]

and funny reason - RAIN

what a pussies!

[itix]

what a pussies!

I'd assume that it is road damage due to the rain. If not I really have to agree with the above (apart from the language choice maybe).

This isn't F1 or something where we cancel shit because some drops of water fell on the surface we drive on.

[Munkvy]

I'd assume that it is road damage due to the rain. If not I really have to agree with the above (apart from the language choice maybe).

This isn't F1 or something where we cancel shit because some drops of water fell on the surface we drive on.

From being in that stage, it's all clay and it was rutting up. Remember this is the same stage reversed from Friday. So it's now been used 4 times if they ran it again and it's heavy semi-tropical rain, so not like a little shower. So I can understand why they cancelled it, but it would have been a bit interesting to watch who actually got through it if they did run it!

[KKS]

From being in that stage, it's all clay and it was rutting up. Remember this is the same stage reversed from Friday. So it's now been used 4 times if they ran it again and it's heavy semi-tropical rain, so not like a little shower. So I can understand why they cancelled it, but it would have been a bit interesting to watch who actually got through it if they did run it!
it's only 27 cars on a que. You think that road after just heavy rain is more dangerous than any other stage in a championship?

I understand Sweden fast stage cancellation, but now it's just though road condition after rain. It happen sometimes in a rally - raining and it's normal, it's not something extremely dangerous

[SubaruNorway]

It's not the stage that's the problem but the entry roads for spectators and medical.

[KKS]

It's not the stage that's the problem but the entry roads for spectators and medical.
Huge reason, no doubts. :)

[steve.mandzij]

All these stage cancellations suck... Latvala lost two win challenging opportunities.

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[steve.mandzij]

How is everyone going to watch the power stage? Any free online streams? I think Fox Sports 3 isn't going to broadcast the stage, either that or the guide is wrong :(

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[itix]

Anyone else watching the live stage? They mentioned a car that was towed into service with an oil leak... I didn't pay full attention, who was that?

[steve.mandzij]

Anyone else watching the live stage? They mentioned a car that was towed into service with an oil leak... I didn't pay full attention, who was that?I wish I could... Dumb fucking Fox is showing the powerstage in two hours...

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[GravelBen]

Anyone else watching the live stage? They mentioned a car that was towed into service with an oil leak... I didn't pay full attention, who was that?

Neuville before shakedown.

[KKS]

Evo9 on live power stage.... ummm my love. What can be better :)

[GravelBen]

Evo9 on live power stage.... ummm my love. What can be better :)

Subaru :p

[itix]

Evo9 on live power stage.... ummm my love. What can be better :)

Toyota Evo 9... must be a new model. Looks suspiciously like the Mitsubishi!

http://i67.tinypic.com/2ex2340.png

[steve.mandzij]

How are the stage conditions? Wet or dry?

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[itix]

How are the stage conditions? Wet or dry?

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Dry... small amount of mud in some corners.

[er88]

Jari binned it

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[Eli]

No Jari!!!!!!!!! What have you done??!?!?!?!?!

[er88]

Suspension gone. Fucking hell

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[er88]

Dunno what he was doing. Just crawl through and collect the 2nd place

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[steve.mandzij]

No!

It was his podium to lose :( but to be honest I'd rather he crashed out than settled for a 14 second gap at the end. Commitment till the end... Next year is his year :)

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[EstWRC]

whatt the hell Latvala?

[steve.mandzij]

Any images of the crash???

Just saw it... It looked so innocuous :(

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23755055_1906370456046671_9215270653381366950_n.jp g?oh=b0bbfb739155e55517ce147324868352&oe=5A998EC4

[journeyman racer]

No!

It was his podium to lose :( but to be honest I'd rather he crashed out than settled for a 14 second gap at the end. Commitment till the end... Next year is his year :)

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Alright. I'm no regular here. But I'm watching the live coverage. Wouldn't he look like a fool by the team for not assuring a 2nd place?

[steve.mandzij]

Alright. I'm no regular here. But I'm watching the live coverage. Wouldn't he look like a fool by the team for not assuring a 2nd place?Definitely. But it's the final rally of the year, the final stage, points don't matter and the win was basically out of his grasp. His only mistake of the year came at the best possible time, and for me I'd rather he went out with a bang than concede defeat.

Honestly though I'm more disappointed than I thought I'd be. I'd have liked to see him on the podium :(

[EstWRC]

lol that face of Paddon said everything

[Eli]

lol that face of Paddon said everythingWhen Neuville was being interviewed? He was like: "I'll be at your spot next year" (winning that is) Hopefully Paddon will get himself sorted next year.

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[journeyman racer]

Even on a dud weekend. Ogier can still get a win of sorts.

[Eli]

Even on a dud weekend. Ogier can still get a win of sorts.

That's what makes him number 1 for the past 5 seasons, hopefully he'll be again the man to beat in 2018 ;)
Although after seeing Tanak's face @ the stage end, I thought to myself he's probably so disappointed to leave M-Sport now that Ford will comeback imho.

[KKS]

Tanak will be a good piece of drive next year in Toyota to dilute this couple of crashers.
How u can drive all tough week-end and crash on last km's.... Meeke have good rival :(

It could be good confidence boost for Toyota and especially for JML. Then fingers crossed it will not lead to another mental injury

[KKS]

Although after seeing Tanak's face @ the stage end, I thought to myself he's probably so disappointed to leave M-Sport now that Ford will comeback imho.

Yeah, it reading from him even yesterday.

[EstWRC]

If Ogier continues then why all this secrecy and pushing the announcement all the time? i dont get it.

He was telling already in spring that he wants things cleared up by the summer and now here we are in the end of the season and yet he hasnt made announcement.

[Eli]

If Ogier continues then why all this secrecy and pushing the announcement all the time? i don't get it.

He was telling already in spring that he wants things cleared up by the summer and now here we are in the end of the season and yet he hasn't made announcement.

But he probably sealed the deal (contract that is) after Wales I presume. Should be an interesting line-up next year, will be harder for them to take the double again if that 3rd seat is being shared. Then again, apart from Toyota all the others have at least one seat shared.

[itix]

If Ogier continues then why all this secrecy and pushing the announcement all the time? i dont get it.

He was telling already in spring that he wants things cleared up by the summer and now here we are in the end of the season and yet he hasnt made announcement.

Ogier will only continue if Ford comes in as a sponsor I think... until he has heard from Ford, he's not gonna say anything. The deal with Ford is probably still being discussed and Ogier will only give his reply once they are finished.

[steve.mandzij]

Tanak will be a good piece of drive next year in Toyota to dilute this couple of crashers.
How u can drive all tough week-end and crash on last km's.... Meeke have good rival :(

It could be good confidence boost for Toyota and especially for JML. Then fingers crossed it will not lead to another mental injurySpeaking as if Latvala had made mistakes all year (in fact, maybe this wasn't his fault either). doubt he'll suffer from this at all. He didn't hurt neither his nor his team's chances at any titles, his fourth place in the championship is secure and there's nothing else left to do in the year. He knows he's quick, he knows his team is good and I'm sure he'll be a main title contender next year.



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[KKS]

Ogier will only continue if Ford comes in as a sponsor I think... until he has heard from Ford, he's not gonna say anything. The deal with Ford is probably still being discussed and Ogier will only give his reply once they are finished.
After interview with Ingrassia - I can only say that they want make some show with that announcement

[KKS]

Breen's crash
https://twitter.com/hardog007/status/932063525135978496

[Mk2 RS2000]

Hayden, you little bloody beauty!! Whilst sorry for Jari I am so pleased that this most awful year has ended for Hayden on a positive note

[EstWRC]

haha look what M-sport did with Tänaks hotel room, lol

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbqsD2JFm8C/?taken-by=otttanak

[Eli]

Can't believe the season is other now...'only' 10 weeks minus 3 days until the next one starts...what a great season you guys, a great way to mark 10 years of following this fantastic sport, glad I tuned in when I did:)

[focus206]

Good job by Neuville, let's see if next season he'll manage to be more consistent (or if Ogier will be less). Shame for Latvala, end of season to forget for him, hope for better next year. And now fingers crossed for Ogier to stay at M-Sport for next year!

[mknight]

Speaking as if Latvala had made mistakes all year (in fact, maybe this wasn't his fault either). doubt he'll suffer from this at all. He didn't hurt neither his nor his team's chances at any titles, his fourth place in the championship is secure and there's nothing else left to do in the year. He knows he's quick, he knows his team is good and I'm sure he'll be a main title contender next year.


I have been commenting how consistent Latvala has become. One crash is totally normal.

BUT there is the big point about Latvalas' psyche, which is not exactly rock-solid and if he looses it he drops down 2-3 levels (like in 2016). For that this has come at the worst possible time.

[kiil]

Yes they do if it is the second year running.

The fire truck didn't almost run over the policeman. There was even a video of it.

I can guarantee that no one was lying on the road in poland for instance.

Edit; not saying these weren't serious things and I fully support the decision but this is the stupidest thing I have seen ever in WRC... Perhaps my memory is short but this is absurd.

Agree this is very stupid. But still a single isolated incident, which can not be said about Poland.

[Munkvy]

it's only 27 cars on a que. You think that road after just heavy rain is more dangerous than any other stage in a championship?

I understand Sweden fast stage cancellation, but now it's just though road condition after rain. It happen sometimes in a rally - raining and it's normal, it's not something extremely dangerous

It's about 70 cars each run, there is the WRC, then ARC (only some of which show in the WRC field) and then the club and state level guys as well. So a lot more cars than is immediately visible. And the clay roads here when wet, the water runs along the top and doesn't sink away, so lots of big puddles and very, very slippery. So add in some ruts and I imagine it could become quite challenging. We were in the 3rd running of that stage when it rained and it was certainly extremely slippery just trying to stand up to walk around!

[Munkvy]

So Rally Australia is done, we got to see the first stage of the third day, where Lefebvre went off (which I even got on film luckily), which was a very long walk to get into as we came in via a junction and the road closure was 3km from the actual stage! We got absolutely saturated in there, the rain was quite heavy and our raincoats were no match for it! We watched most of the field with a group of 5-6 Estonian fans and then headed back out for breakfast.

We then went to the last stage after the other stage got cancelled. But we entered via another junction and they wouldn't let us walk into the stage, so we had to back track around the corner and then hop down a bank and detour round them via the bush for about 5-600m. We ended up half way up a bank above a series of relatively tight corners, hiding in the bushes with a guy who turned out to be the State rally champion, so had a good chat with him about the Australian rally championship.

Nathan Quinn became the Australian rally champion, basically by default as Molly Taylors engine expired. However he certainly looked quick all weekend, right to the end:

https://thumb.ibb.co/c6cdiR/DSC03355.jpg (https://ibb.co/c6cdiR)

There was quite a rut forming at the edge of the road, as you can sort of see here and the road was almost totally swept down to a hard packed surface below with enough structure to it that the tyres were leaving rubber on it:

https://thumb.ibb.co/jtZxcm/DSC03377.jpg (https://ibb.co/jtZxcm)

Couple more pics, but I didn't take many as I was just enjoying the last time I will see the cars! Ogier definitely looked fast through this section, he was using more of the bush than anyone else and really carrying momentum.

https://thumb.ibb.co/mAb2cm/DSC03374.jpg (https://ibb.co/mAb2cm)

https://thumb.ibb.co/grE8iR/DSC03375.jpg (https://ibb.co/grE8iR)

https://thumb.ibb.co/g5yjOR/DSC03369.jpg (https://ibb.co/g5yjOR)

Back in service we found poor Breens car, he has definitely reshaped it! Although I am inclined to think it is now less ugly...!

https://preview.ibb.co/bvMtHm/23768520_10154959103870933_2102646629_o.jpg (https://ibb.co/nbnpq6)

https://preview.ibb.co/idReOR/23760305_10154959103845933_1454600803_o.jpg (https://ibb.co/j3JFxm)

All in all, really glad I made the trip, the aero on the 2017 cars is truly incredible and the commitment is just as good as last time I saw them in NZ in 2012. The locals have been friendly, I would say 50% of the spectator zones were good for watching from, buts it's definitely better to go in via junctions instead as long as you don't mind climbing through some bush! But beware of believing the spectator maps, we ended up driving over some true goat tracks that weren't at all suited to the poor rental Holden Captiva, which we broke and had to replace!

[ESTR]

Good job by Neuville, let's see if next season he'll manage to be more consistent (or if Ogier will be less). Shame for Latvala, end of season to forget for him, hope for better next year. And now fingers crossed for Ogier to stay at M-Sport for next year!

Neville will have even harder job, because Seb will (if he stays) be better and will probably not doing any mistakes at all. Remember, he step a little back with changing the team, car at the last minute.. I think Ott will first have to adapt to the Yaris first, when Jari will have one year advantage over him.

[focus206]

Neville will have even harder job, because Seb will (if he stays) be better and will probably not doing any mistakes at all. Remember, he step a little back with changing the team, car at the last minute.. I think Ott will first have to adapt to the Yaris first, when Jari will have one year advantage over him.

Not necessarily. Ogier didn't improve dramatically over the course of the season, what made him win the title was his incredible consistency, he was even more consistent than when he was driving the dominant Polo. I think it will be hard to replicate a season with this consistency, and if at the same time Neuville improves his, he'll have an even better chance... We'll have to see if Ogier will be able to find more speed with the Fiesta though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh finally got the forum back !

Just had to say goodbye to Ott from M-Sport... he's been brilliant this last 18 months.

And here in Aus he sorted another podium and completed the record of one on every 2017 rally.

Considering it was such a 'bad' rally for the team, getting all 3 drivers in the top5 was pretty decent way to end the year.

[BigWorm]

Great result this rally, very happy that Neuville won. Best way to prepare for the next season. Bring on 2018.

Devastated for Latvala, it looked like it was going to be a fairly clean year for him, harsh it had to happen on the very last stage of 2017.

[A FONDO]

What a great season folks, seven different winners! Not just every rally was dramatic but almost every leg was interesting! Wonder if it could be any better next year?

[Mintexmemory]

Already been said - but let's summarise. Poor road position, poor tyre choice on Friday, off on Saturday and still finishes 4th. Ogier just has what it takes. If he stays with M-Sport (and I think he will) he has a great chance for 6 in a row. Tanak did a better job coming 2nd in Oz and has learned so much this year about letting the rally come to you. He will be fighting Latvala for team attention. Neuville and Mikkelsen will split good Hyundai performances. Citroen (if they stay) will be inconsistent again. Only Ogier will have a solid car with a definite number 2 as team mate. Get your bet on now!

[mknight]

I am not so sure about Ogier tbh. Even his consistency won't help if the car is not up for it.

Hyundai and Toyota are already busy doing 2018 mods and have been for some time.

At M-Sport I haven't seen any big upgrades since Portugal/Sardinia (sure there can be hidden ones). We'll see but if Ford does only come with enough money for Ogiers' salary the development might run away from them.

(Citroen has more than enough work with trying to make the C3 consistent)

[ESTR]

Already been said - but let's summarise. Poor road position, poor tyre choice on Friday, off on Saturday and still finishes 4th. Ogier just has what it takes.

His speed was nothing... If Mikkelsen, Meeke, Breen and Latvala don't crash he wouldn't be there and either Tanak. And this year this was on more ocasions. Pure luck I say. I know that some of you guys will say that he is consistent but what about his offs, he have luck all year with that to not end right away except on Finland. Paddon get to the podium but he said that he don't have speed to achieve that by himself. Nor Sordo, Latvala, Hanninen, Lappi, Lefebvre, especially Paddon, Neuville & Meeke have that much luck than Ogi. I know that maybe a car is something to do but Ostberg's fiesta was almost every where pretty much fragile...

[mknight]

Retirements/very bad results (8+):

Ogier
2017 - 1
2016 -1
2015 -3

Neuville:
2017 - 4
2016- 3

Looking on other drivers, 3 is actually about average for the top ones during last years,

Thing is this year Neuville with 3 more retirements than Ogier still almost beat him. If the speed difference is big enough consistency alone is not enough.

[Myrvold]

If they have entered the WRC event they are eligible for driver points. Quinn for example is in WRC event and arc event, so eligible for points

According to WRC.com, no - Serderidis scored 2 points and Rovanperä 1. Dalton scored 4, but Quinn and Herridge didn't score :/

[Simmi]

According to WRC.com, no - Serderidis scored 2 points and Rovanperä 1. Dalton scored 4, but Quinn and Herridge didn't score :/

So in the end I make it that five guys scored their first WRC points in 2017:
Rossel (Corsica), Veiby (Catalunya), Dalton/Serderidis/Rovanpera (Australia).

First WRC podium:
Lappi/Hanninen (Finland)

First stage win:
Lappi (Sardinia), Suninen (Poland)

[focus206]

His speed was nothing... If Mikkelsen, Meeke, Breen and Latvala don't crash he wouldn't be there and either Tanak. And this year this was on more ocasions. Pure luck I say. I know that some of you guys will say that he is consistent but what about his offs, he have luck all year with that to not end right away except on Finland. Paddon get to the podium but he said that he don't have speed to achieve that by himself. Nor Sordo, Latvala, Hanninen, Lappi, Lefebvre, especially Paddon, Neuville & Meeke have that much luck than Ogi. I know that maybe a car is something to do but Ostberg's fiesta was almost every where pretty much fragile...

While I agree that Ogier has been lucky in some occasions this year, I find it hard to believe it was just "pure luck". To be fair, also Neuville has been lucky in a couple of offs that could have resulted in DNFs or more damage...

[Alex009]

His speed was nothing... If Mikkelsen, Meeke, Breen and Latvala don't crash he wouldn't be there and either Tanak. And this year this was on more ocasions. Pure luck I say. I know that some of you guys will say that he is consistent but what about his offs, he have luck all year with that to not end right away except on Finland. Paddon get to the podium but he said that he don't have speed to achieve that by himself. Nor Sordo, Latvala, Hanninen, Lappi, Lefebvre, especially Paddon, Neuville & Meeke have that much luck than Ogi. I know that maybe a car is something to do but Ostberg's fiesta was almost every where pretty much fragile...

:D

[SubaruNorway]

While I agree that Ogier has been lucky in some occasions this year, I find it hard to believe it was just "pure luck". To be fair, also Neuville has been lucky in a couple of offs that could have resulted in DNFs or more damage...

My memory probably escapes me, but when was that?
Quite incredibly what Ogier gets away with though, first runs over the biggest rock I've ever seen on the road that the spectators didn't move or put there (6 boys all with their phone out) then rams the bank so hard he spins...

[focus206]

My memory probably escapes me, but when was that?
Quite incredibly what Ogier gets away with though, first runs over the biggest rock I've ever seen on the road that the spectators didn't move or put there (6 boys all with their phone out) then rams the bank so hard he spins...

One definitely in Germany, before actually damaging the suspension and retiring...
There must be 1-2 more, maybe someone with better memory can recall them :D

[Grutz]

Neuville lucky in Argentina not to roll saturday afternoon

[Loose_Unit]

Has this been seen on here? https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1575969649159837&id=759610340795776

Not sure where the original images came from. madness....

[racerx1979]

What an idiot! is all that comes to mind.

[sonnybobiche]

Well, here you have 2 idiots on the onboard footage. Not acceptable, but only 2. No organizer can prevent this, you cannot oversee each and every corner.

In Poland you had hundreds (maybe thousands) of people. Also safety cars didn't always bother to stop on places where a large number of spectators were unsafe. That's a very different situation.


Just as you say, you cannot oversee each and every corner. It's not feasible. You can't stop every fool from risking his life to a degree that most people (though not those idiots and those like them) find unacceptable. Even after the zero car passes, the 'fools' in the crowd will move back into a spot that they prefer. Hell, this thread is crawling with people that are considered 'fools' by the FIA because they don't want to stand in the designated spectator spots, which tend to be crowded and pretty far back.

We need to let people take responsibility for their own safety. Educate them, absolutely, but don't treat them like children. Otherwise this sport, and motorsport in general, is untenable. It is simply not true that there is a completely safe spot to spectate from. It is a difference of degree, not kind. If they can ban spectating from anywhere beyond a designated area, they can ban spectating entirely. And they eventually will, if we let them.

[denkimi]

Has this been seen on here? https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1575969649159837&id=759610340795776

Not sure where the original images came from. madness....
They should find those people and sue them.

[Mintexmemory]

His speed was nothing... If Mikkelsen, Meeke, Breen and Latvala don't crash he wouldn't be there and either Tanak. And this year this was on more ocasions. Pure luck I say... Latvala, Hanninen, Lappi, Lefebvre, especially Paddon, Neuville & Meeke have that much luck than Ogi. I know that maybe a car is something to do but Ostberg's fiesta was almost every where pretty much fragile...

People still don't get it - The crashers you listed all were probably driving over the limit of what the stage / conditions required, in most cases of their incidents. Ogier (and Loeb before) have less offs and punctures because they have something in hand and are rarely pushing to their absolute max. Other drivers know this and are therefore at a huge psychological disadvantage.
Luck is what you make it as a driver. Ogier's offs are also usually less damaging than others because he is managing the impact. So yes everyone got away with being quicker than Seb for some stages on some rallies BUT no one (except Tanak for the future) appears to have a brain that says when to roll and when to fold (thanks Kenny Rogers!) such they end up with the most points at the end of the season. Same issue with the Fiesta, it has been driven by a master of finesse and, on the other hand, by someone who has been proudly breaking cars and struggling with set-ups since he got into WRC.

[SubaruNorway]

Has this been seen on here? https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1575969649159837&id=759610340795776

Not sure where the original images came from. madness....

My twitter, got 150 retweets and it's been posted on Jalopnik and one of Finland biggest news papers so i think they got the point!

[A FONDO]

People still don't get it - The crashers you listed all were probably driving over the limit of what the stage / conditions required, in most cases of their incidents. Ogier (and Loeb before) have less offs and punctures because they have something in hand and are rarely pushing to their absolute max. Other drivers know this and are therefore at a huge psychological disadvantage.
Luck is what you make it as a driver. Ogier's offs are also usually less damaging than others because he is managing the impact. So yes everyone got away with being quicker than Seb for some stages on some rallies BUT no one (except Tanak for the future) appears to have a brain that says when to roll and when to fold (thanks Kenny Rogers!) such they end up with the most points at the end of the season. Same issue with the Fiesta, it has been driven by a master of finesse and someone who has been proudly breaking cars and struggling with set-ups since he got into WRC.

Less risk when pushing combined with less time loss when cruising - this is the highly professional level that makes you a champion.

[AL14]

People still don't get it - The crashers you listed all were probably driving over the limit of what the stage / conditions required, in most cases of their incidents. Ogier (and Loeb before) have less offs and punctures because they have something in hand and are rarely pushing to their absolute max. Other drivers know this and are therefore at a huge psychological disadvantage.
Luck is what you make it as a driver. Ogier's offs are also usually less damaging than others because he is managing the impact. So yes everyone got away with being quicker than Seb for some stages on some rallies BUT no one (except Tanak for the future) appears to have a brain that says when to roll and when to fold (thanks Kenny Rogers!) such they end up with the most points at the end of the season. Same issue with the Fiesta, it has been driven by a master of finesse and someone who has been proudly breaking cars and struggling with set-ups since he got into WRC.

I definitely agree with you but this year Ogier has been lucky indeed. He had many more excursions off the road than other years, he also spun once in a while. He almost never encountered a tree or a lethal rock when doing that.
Anyway, talking about "pure luck" or that his "speed was nothing" is just wrong imho.

[Tarmop]

Being smart and pushing where one can, instead of pushing all the time and crashing/breaking the car (sometimes not) is called luck now. Ok...stupidest argument ever.

[GravelBen]

I definitely agree with you but this year Ogier has been lucky indeed.

Yes, he is very good at judging when to push and when to hold back a little, and helps make his own luck in that way. Probably also helped that the Fiesta seems the strongest car this year when it comes to suspension and impacts etc, like the VW was in its time.

But for anyone to claim it was skill to escape without major damage when (for one example) spinning out of control between trees after hitting a bank is clearly nonsense - in those moments it really is just luck.

[dupanton]

You can't disagree Neuville was unlucky this year.
In Monte Carlo he went maybe 10cm wide, something that happens a lot. Only on that spot he had no room...
In Sweden he wasn't concentrated enough on the SSS. Stupid mistake, only a minor one, but stupid.
In Germany he did nothing wrong imo. Just the Hyundai being fragile (same with Sordo and Mikkelsen in Catalunya)
Catalunya was his fault.

These mistakes have costed him a lot, to finish less then a rally behind (in points), it's fair to say he could have been the champion.

But Ogier got more points, so he is the deserved champion

[Fast Eddie WRC]

My memory probably escapes me, but when was that?
Quite incredibly what Ogier gets away with though, first runs over the biggest rock I've ever seen on the road that the spectators didn't move or put there (6 boys all with their phone out) then rams the bank so hard he spins...

Neuville had a pretty hard hit against a bank early on Rally GB and no damage.

Luck evens itself out over time and Ogier cant have beeen lucky for 5 years...

[Barreis]

winners are always more lucky then 'losers' ;)

[N.O.T]

Luck evens itself out over time and Ogier cant have beeen lucky for 5 years...

of course he can... the same sewer dogs believe that Loeb was lucky for 9.. so 5 is something normal for them.

[A FONDO]

You can't disagree Neuville was unlucky this year.
In Monte Carlo he went maybe 10cm wide, something that happens a lot. Only on that spot he had no room...
In Sweden he wasn't concentrated enough on the SSS. Stupid mistake, only a minor one, but stupid.
In Germany he did nothing wrong imo. Just the Hyundai being fragile (same with Sordo and Mikkelsen in Catalunya)
Catalunya was his fault.

These mistakes have costed him a lot, to finish less then a rally behind (in points), it's fair to say he could have been the champion.

But Ogier got more points, so he is the deserved champion

But you skip that he got away with about 50 other offroad excursions.

[KKS]

Nathan Quinn became the Australian rally champion, basically by default as Molly Taylors engine expired. However he certainly looked quick all weekend, right to the end:

https://thumb.ibb.co/c6cdiR/DSC03355.jpg (https://ibb.co/c6cdiR)


Did he run normal group N4 car? Or that evo9 was heavily modified?

[EstWRC]

haha look what M-sport did with Tänaks hotel room, lol

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbqsD2JFm8C/?taken-by=otttanak

And this wasn’t all :D

Tanak farewelled from M-Sport with 'wet balls' prank:

https://t.co/S7HPnZ3Kgf

[dupanton]

But you skip that he got away with about 50 other offroad excursions.

Did he? I'm sure there were a few, but I think Ogier had bigger offroad excursions without consequences...

[itix]

And this wasn’t all :D

Tanak farewelled from M-Sport with 'wet balls' prank:

https://t.co/S7HPnZ3Kgf

That's friggin brilliant. Obviously they took the signal for road mode and 3rd gear and sent them to the unit for spraying water on the windscreen but rerouted the pipe.

That must have been a shock for him hahahahahaha :D

God I laughed when I read that.

[dimviii]

did he said that?


Michel V.‏*
@rockollector

Ott Tanak after gala interview : "It would be nice to beat Ogier before he retires". Has he said too much? :-)

[EstWRC]

yes but look what he says before it, didnt reveal anything IMO, in the end of the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA9FvNMkWg4&t=0s

[SubaruNorway]

did he said that?


Michel V.‏*
@rockollector

Ott Tanak after gala interview : "It would be nice to beat Ogier before he retires". Has he said too much? :-)

Yes, but he failed to bring that he said "It would be nice if he continued"

[denkimi]

And this wasn’t all :D

Tanak farewelled from M-Sport with 'wet balls' prank:

https://t.co/S7HPnZ3Kgf

lets hope he doesn't get disqualified for using not homologated parts. :p

[NickRally]

What a great season we had, bringing the best of my memories from the glory days of rallying.

I, as many, was hoping for yet another different winner in 2017 in Rally Australia, but it wasn’t to be, nevertheless, I enjoyed the rally. Having said that, cancelling the penultimate stage was a massive let down for me, a real anti-climax, I am sure we were denied a nail biting finish due to the tricky conditions. I struggle to believe that the safety (as in access for safety personnel and vehicles) would have been compromised as stated in this forum and that the conditions would have presented any greater challenge to the organisers than the ones at the night fog during Rally GB. I suppose good persuasion powers on the side of Mr. Nandan.

And to reiterate what others have said regarding the conditions, this is rallying, not circuit racing:

http://www.italiaspeed.com/2011/motorsport/rally/others/rally_clasico_isla_mallorca/preview/lancia_stratos_2.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CB5fTXhXIAAH7oZ.jpg

[mknight]

What?

1. You seriously think Latvala had a chance to catch 15s over 16km on two stages after it stopped raining and the conditions got more equal and less risky? The 9s he got in the morning were over 30km stage with no splits in the worst conditions when Neuville took it easy. Immediatelly in next stage in just about same conditions Neuville took 5 back.

2. What do you think is more likely
a) organizers decided to cancel as they had info on how the access road look
b) Nandan convinced them to cancel and find out an excuse

Occam's razor or tinfoil hat?

Sure it might have been unnecessary/bad decision, but given the differences between drivers and the stopped rain + drying road it would have had little to no effect to run the stage.

[steve.mandzij]

What?

1. You seriously think Latvala had a chance to catch 15s over 16km on two stages after it stopped raining and the conditions got more equal and less risky? The 9s he got in the morning were over 30km stage with no splits in the worst conditions when Neuville took it easy. Immediatelly in next stage in just about same conditions Neuville took 5 back.

2. What do you think is more likely
a) organizers decided to cancel as they had info on how the access road look
b) Nandan convinced them to cancel and find out an excuse

Occam's razor or tinfoil hat?

Sure it might have been unnecessary/bad decision, but given the differences between drivers and the stopped rain + drying road it would have had little to no effect to run the stage.I disagree. The conditions were extremely difficult, and as we saw with Mikkelsen anything can happen when a stage is super treacherous. It would have gone down to a battle between who could manage difficult conditions the best.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[NickRally]

I disagree. The conditions were extremely difficult, and as we saw with Mikkelsen anything can happen when a stage is super treacherous. It would have gone down to a battle between who could manage difficult conditions the best.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

Exactly - if the conditions were what we were told they were, then anything could have happened. And if they were not, then why was the stage cancelled.

[mknight]

Explanation was that the stage got cancelled due to damaged access roads? In my head that means damage to roads that emergency services have to travel in case something happens.

We have seen on the Power Stage how dry and clean it was compared to the morning so I have no reason to believe the stage before was much different.

-----
As a side note what has Mikkelsen? to do with super treacherous conditions, he got 2 punctures on a dry stage. Those that got caught out in treacherous conditions were Lefevbre and Breen. Starting to think you were watching different rally.

[steve.mandzij]

Explanation was that the stage got cancelled due to damaged access roads? In my head that means damage to roads that emergency services have to travel in case something happens.

We have seen on the Power Stage how dry and clean it was compared to the morning so I have no reason to believe the stage before was much different.

-----
As a side note what has Mikkelsen? to do with super treacherous conditions, he got 2 punctures on a dry stage. Those that got caught out in treacherous conditions were Lefevbre and Breen (and to a much lesser degree Latvala). Starting to think you were watching different rally.

The entire rally took place during changeable conditions and Mikkelsen was undoubtedly caught out by them. It was a known fact that the stages were difficult and not entirely dry during Saturday and Sunday. Mikkelsen made his own mistake but the road wasn't completely dry and grippy.

It is correct that the access roads' condition was the reason for the cancellation, though. That's just a shame.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi and Evans nearly went off on the Power Stage when it was really wet with standing water. And Latvala did go off through pushing too hard for the conditions.

That's rallying - you have to drive to the conditions. None are too dangerous, its up to the driver to go at the right speed to get through them.

[mknight]

The entire rally took place during changeable conditions and Mikkelsen was undoubtedly caught out by them. It was a known fact that the stages were difficult and not entirely dry during Saturday and Sunday. Mikkelsen made his own mistake but the road wasn't completely dry and grippy.


Out of all the offs/incidents in this rally (Meeke 3x, Ogier 2x, Mikkelsen, Lefevbre, Breen, Latvala, Neuville, Lappi, Evans), Mikkelsens' and Meekes' had least to do with conditions. So very strange pick. Guess it was the easiest pick for you for some reason.

[steve.mandzij]

Out of all the offs/incidents in this rally (Meeke 3x, Ogier 2x, Mikkelsen, Lefevbre, Breen, Latvala, Neuville, Lappi, Evans), Mikkelsens' and Meekes' had least to do with conditions. So very strange pick. Guess it was the easiest pick for you for some reason.I feel you're trying to paint a picture in which I called out Mikkelsen for something. I'm not. He overcooked a corner, likely thinking he had enough grip in the mud, hit a bank and had to retire. Meeke's accident, on the other hand, was nearly unrelated to the conditions as you said.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Eli]

Does anyone know when the crews are heading back to Europe?

[mknight]

I feel you're trying to paint a picture in which I called out Mikkelsen for something. I'm not. He overcooked a corner, likely thinking he had enough grip in the mud, hit a bank and had to retire. Meeke's accident, on the other hand, was nearly unrelated to the conditions as you said.


I was trying really hard to find any mud on the onboard but failed. Either you have much better eyes, or you just remember it wrong.
The onboard is on WRC+, in case you don't have it then on the open channel you just have views from before/after (with 2 punctures) during the same stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9SnXa1a-0w
Looks totally dry with dust and everything. Driver comments suggest the same:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/36023-kennards-hire-rally-australia-2017/?s=153101

So yes I do feel you are calling Mikkelsen out for mistake in wet/tricky conditions when it was a mistake on completely dry stage.

[SubaruNorway]

I feel you're trying to paint a picture in which I called out Mikkelsen for something. I'm not. He overcooked a corner, likely thinking he had enough grip in the mud, hit a bank and had to retire. Meeke's accident, on the other hand, was nearly unrelated to the conditions as you said.

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Not going to join the conversation, but this is Mikkelsen's corner in the "Mud"
It's just because they can go as low as 1.5 Bar starting the stage so it's easy to knock the air out that early in the stage when the tyres are low on pressure.

[steve.mandzij]

I was trying really hard to find any mud on the onboard but failed. Either you have much better eyes, or you just remember it wrong.
The onboard is on WRC+, in case you don't have it then on the open channel you just have views from before/after (with 2 punctures) during the same stage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9SnXa1a-0w
Looks totally dry with dust and everything. Driver comments suggest the same:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/36023-kennards-hire-rally-australia-2017/?s=153101

So yes I do feel you are calling Mikkelsen out for mistake in wet/tricky conditions when it was a mistake on completely dry stage.Oops, I suck at remembering things. Well done then.

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[NickRally]

Explanation was that the stage got cancelled due to damaged access roads? In my head that means damage to roads that emergency services have to travel in case something happens.

We have seen on the Power Stage how dry and clean it was compared to the morning so I have no reason to believe the stage before was much different.

-----
As a side note what has Mikkelsen? to do with super treacherous conditions, he got 2 punctures on a dry stage. Those that got caught out in treacherous conditions were Lefevbre and Breen. Starting to think you were watching different rally.

Maybe they should consider this fo access:

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

[bluuford]

I can confirm that rain on cancelled stage started earlier and ended approximately one hour later than in Powerstage and it would have been very-very wet and slippy while running (it was planned to run more than hour before PS). Lefebre-s corner was so slippy that it was almost impossible to walk on it and one of the watersplash got dagerously deep. Sometimes you need to take unpopular decisions. So, I think it was a good idea to cancel, too many obstacles for drivers and possible emergency car along the stage and on the access roads.

[NickRally]

I can confirm that rain on cancelled stage started earlier and ended approximately one hour later than in Powerstage and it would have been very-very wet and slippy while running (it was planned to run more than hour before PS). Lefebre-s corner was so slippy that it was almost impossible to walk on it and one of the watersplash got dagerously deep. Sometimes you need to take unpopular decisions. So, I think it was a good idea to cancel, too many obstacles for drivers and possible emergency car along the stage and on the access roads.

Thanks bluuford.

[Munkvy]

Did he run normal group N4 car? Or that evo9 was heavily modified?
Not N4 no. They are apparently allowed a 36mm restrictor on regular pump gas or 34mm on any fuel, and I believe from people I spoke to on the rally he was on the former. They do have to run a factory turbo however, which would be a somewhat limiting factor.


I can confirm that rain on cancelled stage started earlier and ended approximately one hour later than in Powerstage and it would have been very-very wet and slippy while running (it was planned to run more than hour before PS). Lefebre-s corner was so slippy that it was almost impossible to walk on it and one of the watersplash got dagerously deep. Sometimes you need to take unpopular decisions. So, I think it was a good idea to cancel, too many obstacles for drivers and possible emergency car along the stage and on the access roads.

Sounds like you were either on the same corner as me or you know the Estonian guys I was standing there with!

[bluuford]

Not N4 no. They are apparently allowed a 36mm restrictor on regular pump gas or 34mm on any fuel, and I believe from people I spoke to on the rally he was on the former. They do have to run a factory turbo however, which would be a somewhat limiting factor.



Sounds like you were either on the same corner as me or you know the Estonian guys I was standing there with!
I have "eyes" in many places ;) But these were not Estonians.

[KKS]

Luck is what you make it as a driver. Ogier's offs are also usually less damaging than others because he is managing the impact.
Than you think in every time when Ogier spins he control a car and see all tree's around him at 360deg? I don't believe in it.
Last Ogier spun so far at SS12 he was lucky not be bounced into a trees, and even before that he has 2 very hot moments.

[KKS]

Not N4 no. They are apparently allowed a 36mm restrictor on regular pump gas or 34mm on any fuel, and I believe from people I spoke to on the rally he was on the former. They do have to run a factory turbo however, which would be a somewhat limiting factor.

Thanks.


It's about 70 cars each run, there is the WRC, then ARC (only some of which show in the WRC field)
And why all other Australia Champ field not entry in WRC event, but only few of it?
Aus champ have different route or what? So how Quinn was in two champs at same moment?

[BigWorm]

Personally I have trouble connecting Ogier's success to luck. Luck is something that occurs randomly and when you count the incidents he's had and gotten the better of it compared to the other way round, he must be doing something better than the other drivers. It could be a very small detail in his driving style... setup... - or whatever, it's significant for just Ogier.

When it happens once it's random every while, when it happens on a constant basis it's a habit.

[ESTR]

Than you think in every time when Ogier spins he control a car and see all tree's around him at 360deg? I don't believe in it.
Last Ogier spun so far at SS12 he was lucky not be bounced into a trees, and even before that he has 2 very hot moments.

Monte-Carlo - he could not get out of that ditch for a long time (or maybe damage supension/tyres on that road sign)
Sweden - he cut too much and pretty much have luck that there wasn't a rock.
Mexico - Kris Meeke have luck in there you all know why (and if he haven't, guess who would win the event), Ogier have engine problems, spun, stall engine
Tour De Corse - lost hydraulic pressure, struggle with many setups, electrical problems
Argentina - into the ditch without damage, hit big rock (bent steering), dog on the road, almost spun on the watersplash
Sardegna - Puncture
Poland - damaged car, 2 punctures, spun and hit a step, onto the field (Ott's misfortune = Ogier on the podium)
Finland - Okay here he was unluckiest and Paddon too.
Germany - Spin, another spin
Wales GB - Broken brakes (that night stage was in my opinion cause for his greatest luck in the year)
Australia - he made some mistakes and have problems with car but have no point if he was already world champion.

He was real competitive maybe on one or two events (with Neuville crashed he obviously not pushing anymore, I don't know if there would be more). He was criticize more or less everywhere not just day one when he cleaned the stages with how much he was on limit but speed was not there. He climbed on stats more of mistakes of others, than his personal achievements, but that's how it is. We can't do anything, he played smart, always thinking on championship and get most of it. What if's have now no point because it's over. Sure Neuville did many mistakes, few letdowns with car but it is how it is.

Real cowards I could say is Volkswagen. And I don't believe a word about diesel scandal involved in WRC quitting by them. Now they compete in GRC, Formula-E, F3, TCR, want to go to Pikes Peak, World RX, buliding Polo R5... That's a lot of money... And Audi and Skoda also involved in big games... No they run away because they knew it would be hard to continue of their dominance. Anyone agree with that.. No offense by fans of Ogier and Volkswagen but I just share my opinions here like everyone

[OHL]

Real cowards I could say is Volkswagen. And I don't believe a word about diesel scandal involved in WRC quitting by them. Now they compete in GRC, Formula-E, F3, TCR, want to go to Pikes Peak, World RX, buliding Polo R5... That's a lot of money... And Audi and Skoda also involved in big games... No they run away because they knew it would be hard to continue of their dominance. Anyone agree with that..

I definitely do not agree with this. In fact, this is crazy talk.


On the whole topic of luck, it has been explained perfectly already by Seneca over two thousand years ago. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." This is true in every discipline and in every facet of our lives. There is no such thing as luck and the only way you can have any affect on an unknown outcome is in how well you prepare.

[electroliquid]

On the whole topic of luck, it has been explained perfectly already by Seneca over two thousand years ago. "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." This is true in every discipline and in every facet of our lives. There is no such thing as luck and the only way you can have any affect on an unknown outcome is in how well you prepare.

Cant't oppose to Seneca. ;) And in rally I can add, what 10 times Lithuania rally champion once said - "those who searching troubles in stage, always will find some" - by cutting where they shouldn't, pushing where they shouldn't, etc. Some drive aggressive, others not so much.

[SubaruNorway]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/133190/rally-australia-under-pressure-from-wrc-teams

"FIA rally director Jarmo Mahonen was rather more blunt in his assessment of Coffs Harbour, saying: "The good thing about this event is that it's very safe - because there are no spectators!"

A couple of numbnuts ruined that impression this year though!

[Munkvy]

Thanks.


And why all other Australia Champ field not entry in WRC event, but only few of it?
Aus champ have different route or what? So how Quinn was in two champs at same moment?

This is normal for most WRC events, there is people entered in both the national series and the WRC field. Then those not entered in the WRC event will not show in the results, instead they were under either the ARC or the state event. The ARC ran the same stages as the WRC, the state guys did some less stages/days.


https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/133190/rally-australia-under-pressure-from-wrc-teams

"FIA rally director Jarmo Mahonen was rather more blunt in his assessment of Coffs Harbour, saying: "The good thing about this event is that it's very safe - because there are no spectators!"

A couple of numbnuts ruined that impression this year though!

Its funny, as I thought about this after going home and realised that the number of spectators on the stages is about the same as we see in NZ rally championship events. Which makes sense as the areas we do rallies here have similar population numbers to the Coffs Harbour region.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Its funny, as I thought about this after going home and realised that the number of spectators on the stages is about the same as we see in NZ rally championship events. Which makes sense as the areas we do rallies here have similar population numbers to the Coffs Harbour region.

Probably pretty much the same people too as without the Kiwi's who ventured across the Tasman there would be s.f.a. watching Rally Australia

[journeyman racer]

Yes. As an Australian. can't be offended at any criticism of Rally Australia.

As a motorsport fan overall. In the past, I've actually been in disbelief that we continue to have a round. Reading the link from SubaruNorway's post. I don't get why the Rally is so important to the WRC?

Not that the event has to capture the imagination of the whole country. But I don't think it even gets much respect from the general motorsport fan. The event comes and goes, and the supercar race in Newcastle this weekend is a bigger deal for them.

If there were to be one WRC round in Oceania, then it's likely that it's better to be held in NZ.

[sonnybobiche]

Because if there's one thing the Promoter loves more than anything, it's money. But it doesn't expect to be the Promoter forever, so, like an African dictator, it prefers to exploit the sport to make money quickly rather than grow the sport to make more money long term.

Hence Australia rather than New Zealand, Turkey rather than Poland, all those pointless years in Alsace, the China debacle, etc.

We've seen much the same in recent years in F1 with the loss of classic races like Estoril, Magny-Cours, Zandvoort, Hockenheim, etc. So there are no F1 grands prix in Portugal, France, the Netherlands, or Germany, but there are races in... Azerbaijan. Some backwoods in Russia. Bahrain. Abu Dhabi. Singapore. Turkey, briefly. Korea, briefly. India, briefly. All paying 25 million plus per race.

CVC capital partners exploited the hell out of F1 to make a quick buck, knowing that they were not interested in the long term health of the sport. The WRC Promoter is doing the same, just less successfully.

[COD]

I totally see the point. Perth was a great location and with 1,5 milj people, lots of potential spectators. Why movet into a small village in the middle of nowhere

[AndyRAC]

I totally see the point. Perth was a great location and with 1,5 mill people, lots of potential spectators. Why move into a small village in the middle of nowhere

Well, I think the government of WA pulled their funding after a new administration came to power.

I wish events could attract commercial sponsorship/ funding instead of relying on regional/ tourist boards for backing - eventually they will pull the plug. However, as we've seen with M-Sport, big money sponsors are hard to come by - even with the 'success' of the new, improved WRC.

[sollitt]

If there were to be one WRC round in Oceania, then it's likely that it's better to be held in NZ.Likely better for who?