Rally Liepāja 2017

[electroliquid]

First entries http://autorally.lv/?m=21

[sindroms]

Documents - http://autorally.lv/?m=3&l=2 Judging by forbidden areas there could be about 50% new stages compared to previous years. Some of them have not been used for ages even in local rallies.

[Essaj]

Interesting entries so far are Kalle Rovanperä with Fiesta R5, also Latvian youngstar Ralfs Sirmacis finally back in ERC.

[RS]

Really looking forward to this event with Sirmacis back, Lukyanuk in his natural territory, Rovanpera..

Will Kalle run in the ERC field?

[Jarek Z]

Will Kalle run in the ERC field?

I'm afraid he is too young to be allowed in ERC :(

[RS]

I'm afraid he is too young to be allowed in ERC :(

He is 17 on 1st October, is that still too young?

[Co-FIN]

..

[pantealex]

I'm afraid he is too young to be allowed in ERC :(

He is old enough to be allowed to WRC Wales ;)
(1.October 17y)

[Rasantes]

Kalle Rovanpera:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DKP0y9vWsAUUbvB.jpg:large

[electroliquid]

Very nice livery

[RS]

So Kalle is being run by MSport in Latvia in preparation for his runs in GB and Oz?

[pantealex]

So Kalle is being run by MSport in Latvia in preparation for his runs in GB and Oz?

Yes.

[eddy707]

Here is entry list http://2017.lvrally.com/lat/rally-liepaja/dalibnieki/ec

[RS]

Here is entry list http://2017.lvrally.com/lat/rally-liepaja/dalibnieki/ec

Final?

[Essaj]

Final?
It should be everyone but not sure if it has an Fia approval

[RS]

Shame no Cerny or Bouffier (Gemini Clinic team are in Catalunya), but otherwise an interesting rally ahead.

The main title is pretty much in the bag for Kajto, but the juniors is fairly open and I will be interested to see how Rovanpera gets on (I expect him at the front).

Has Sirmacis been driving at all this year since Azores?

[electroliquid]

Has Sirmacis been driving at all this year since Azores?

He has. Rally Talsi late may. He was 3rd overall, with Evo9

[RS]

He has. Rally Talsi late may. He was 3rd overall, with Evo9

Thanks.. is that it? Quite sad as he showed so much promise last year.

[PLuto]

Shame no Cerny or Bouffier (Gemini Clinic team are in Catalunya), but otherwise an interesting rally ahead.

The main title is pretty much in the bag for Kajto, but the juniors is fairly open and I will be interested to see how Rovanpera gets on (I expect him at the front).

Has Sirmacis been driving at all this year since Azores?

Gemini has no gravel kit for Ford, thats why Bouffier is not starting in Latvia. If there should be chance for title, maybe he will rent it... Cerny is the similar issue - he doesnt have gravel kit, his car will be used on same date by Zdenek Pokorny, one of his supporters.

[Andre Oliveira]

They need gravel kit in Catalunya.

[electroliquid]

WRX driver R.Nitišs back in rally car with M.Neikšāns as co-driver http://autorally.lv/?no=1162

[mousti]

They need gravel kit in Catalunya.Pretty sure Rhys Yates will be there with his own car and team. They just used Gemini Clinic Team to be in WRC2.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[sindroms]

Spectators Guide - http://2017.lvrally.com/upload/files/RallyLiepaja2017_SkatitajuCelvedis.pdf

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Liepāja‏ @LVRally
TEEN SENSATION ROVANPERÄ CHOOSES RALLY LIEPĀJA FOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT

http://2017.lvrally.com/eng/news/131

[electroliquid]

F.Mareš/J.Hloušek lost ~14sec in ~50km of special stages, to M.Sesks/A.Mālnieks in rallysprint Saldus 2017 as test event before Rally Liepaja. I think Sesks is one to watch in U27 category. Most likley there will be Huttunen in 1st, Ingram/Sesks complete podium. And that make Zawada's and Mareš chances to be champions way smaller. But rally is unpredictable with punctures/technical problems. U28 will be battle of locals - Gryazin/Sirmacis, also same goes in ERC2, ERC2 regulars will be hard to keep up, especially with J.Vorobjovs.

[Mirek]

Yes, Mareš has so far too little gravel experience but so far he has also been learning well. Let's see.

[Essaj]

F.Mareš/J.Hloušek lost ~14sec in ~50km of special stages, to M.Sesks/A.Mālnieks in rallysprint Saldus 2017 as test event before Rally Liepaja. I think Sesks is one to watch in U27 category. Most likley there will be Huttunen in 1st, Ingram/Sesks complete podium. And that make Zawada's and Mareš chances to be champions way smaller. But rally is unpredictable with punctures/technical problems. U28 will be battle of locals - Gryazin/Sirmacis, also same goes in ERC2, ERC2 regulars will be hard to keep up, especially with J.Vorobjovs.

I am actually really looking towards Sesks performance this weekend and i'm actually expecting him to win R2's.
Also I heard that he is planning to drive full ERC season next year so now he has a good change to prove himself without any championship pressure.

[electroliquid]

I am actually really looking towards Sesks performance this weekend and i'm actually expecting him to win R2's.
Also I heard that he is planning to drive full ERC season next year so now he has a good change to prove himself without any championship pressure.

With some luck, actually he could. He is fast, but not so dominant like Sirmacis was. He's still improving a lot in every rally. and he just turn 18.

[sindroms]

I am actually really looking towards Sesks performance this weekend and i'm actually expecting him to win R2's.

He has grown up on these Liepaja roads. So it won't be big surprise if so.

[PLuto]

Who didnt do it yet - dont forget to make pickems !

[drive]

'cos thread is slow, so just a speculation re Rovanperä - he was driving Skoda for a last few years, and now his weapon will be Fiesta - anyone with a guess how this could make a difference? its should be some differences, or not in R5 cars? like braking, weight distribution etc... many points! but on the other hand, he nearly never crashed whatsever he was driving, so lets hope to see some nice driving over this weekend :)

[drive]

some testing

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

[RS]

'cos thread is slow, so just a speculation re Rovanperä - he was driving Skoda for a last few years, and now his weapon will be Fiesta - anyone with a guess how this could make a difference? its should be some differences, or not in R5 cars? like braking, weight distribution etc... many points! but on the other hand, he nearly never crashed whatsever he was driving, so lets hope to see some nice driving over this weekend :)

Not much I would guess. The best drivers seem to adapt pretty quick.

[Mirek]

'cos thread is slow, so just a speculation re Rovanperä - he was driving Skoda for a last few years, and now his weapon will be Fiesta - anyone with a guess how this could make a difference? its should be some differences, or not in R5 cars? like braking, weight distribution etc... many points! but on the other hand, he nearly never crashed whatsever he was driving, so lets hope to see some nice driving over this weekend :)

Fiesta is easier and frendlier to drive than Fabia. It should be no problem to addapt.

[Jarek Z]

he nearly never crashed whatsever he was driving, so lets hope to see some nice driving over this weekend :)

No disrespect to Kalle and his talent, but wasn't his season in the Italian championship full of crashes? :)

http://www.rallylinkhost.it/images/igallery/resized/801-900/Rovanper_Pietillanen-828-800-600-100.jpg

https://cdn-4.motorsport.com/images/mgl/01JZK1q2/s8/cir-rally-il-ciocco-e-valle-del-serchio-2017-la-peugeot-208-t16-r5-di-kalle-rovanpera-rist.jpg

https://cdn-4.motorsport.com/images/mgl/6bKN3oe0/s8/cir-rally-adriatico-2017-kalle-rovanpera-risto-pietilainen-peugeot-208t16-r5.jpg

http://www.rallylink.it/cms16/images/diretteweb_2016/adriatico_2017/IMG-20170514-WA0019.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C_xydy2W0AAEBHd.jpg:small

[Jarek Z]

https://fi-fi.facebook.com/KalleRovanperaRacing/videos/1428151787266329/

https://twitter.com/KalleRovanpera/status/863805112749371392

But of course good luck to Kalle in Latvia!

[Andre Oliveira]

First time in tarmac and with Pug? Great debut imho

[sindroms]

Sirmacis won't participate in Rally Liepaja. Unfortunatelly.

Decision is based on future plans to save resources for next season - for training, tests. Goal - WRC2 starts in next season.
Cooperation with SRT team seems over also. Source (in Latvian) - http://4rati.lv/rallijs/sirmaca-ekipaza-atsauc-dalibu-rally-liepaja/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Opel Rallye Junior Team PET:

https://youtu.be/3c0ikX11jBQ

[PLuto]

Sirmacis won't participate in Rally Liepaja. Unfortunatelly.

Decision is based on future plans to save resources for next season - for training, tests. Goal - WRC2 starts in next season.
Cooperation with SRT team seems over also. Source (in Latvian) - http://4rati.lv/rallijs/sirmaca-ekipaza-atsauc-dalibu-rally-liepaja/

Hmm. He has problems to find budget for ERC season and he wants to try WRC2? Good luck, maybe he will find somebody with lot of money (or he found him)...

[Reis Eduardo]

Hmm. He has problems to find budget for ERC season and he wants to try WRC2? Good luck, maybe he will find somebody with lot of money (or he found him)...

Also strange his season in the ERC in 2017 was far below the minimum expectations and then there is fixation by WRC2 that I have difficulty in understanding. Decidedly the WRC2 was not designed for private use I think I

[PLuto]

It is heavy raining for few days. We will see tomorrow after recce, but it is sure that at least SS 10/13 will be shortened.

[pantealex]

Why Kalle Rovanperä is not eligible for " ERC JUNIOR U28 " ?
Is he too young ? or they have to make entry separately for that?

[RS]

Sirmacis won't participate in Rally Liepaja. Unfortunatelly.

Decision is based on future plans to save resources for next season - for training, tests. Goal - WRC2 starts in next season.
Cooperation with SRT team seems over also. Source (in Latvian) - http://4rati.lv/rallijs/sirmaca-ekipaza-atsauc-dalibu-rally-liepaja/

I am disappointed on both fronts. First because I wanted to see him here and secondly because I would like to see him have a proper go at ERC.

But if he can really find enough budget to have a proper go at WRC2 then good luck to him.

[PLuto]

Why Kalle Rovanperä is not eligible for " ERC JUNIOR U28 " ?
Is he too young ? or they have to make entry separately for that?

I think he only didnt registered...

[sindroms]

Rovanpera has suffered some electronic problems during tests.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nasty conditions ! :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLXv9XDWAAAoS7k.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLXv9XCWAAAsbFo.jpg

[Mad Max]

Nasty conditions ! :(
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLXv9XDWAAAoS7k.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLXv9XCWAAAsbFo.jpgLooks like Rally Poland 2013 ;)
SS10/13 Neste Vecpils was shortened from 24,63 km to 15,07 km
Historic Rally Liepāja cancelled - http://2017.lvrally.com/eng/news/139

[sindroms]

Practice is going on. Kalle started it with 2 seconds gap in front of Gryazin.

Rally results - http://lrc.lv/?m=41&l=2
GPS tracking - http://gps.autorally.lv/

[tommeke_B]

https://rally-base.com/2017/rally-liepaja-2017/?ssId=4373&ssGroupId=3

Kalle Rovanpera immediately setting the pace on the free practice.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://rally-base.com/2017/rally-liepaja-2017/?ssId=4373&ssGroupId=3

Kalle Rovanpera immediately setting the pace on the free practice.

Kalle fastest in Qualifying !!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Amazing start in the R5 Fiesta...

(10 - Rovanperä Kalle / Halttunen Jonne): It was quite OK, I have to learn the car because it is new to me. I want to focus on this car and myself this weekend.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLdM5HvW0AANqk4.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@FIAERC
Time for the JuniorU27. 1st one through is @ChrisIngramGB: "Crazy conditions, ruts are filled with water".

Ingram 5 sec down in 4th place on qually. Doesnt sound too good for him: "The car is moving around, we have a lot of work to do with our engineers".

[Mirek]

Very good QS for Mareš, faster than Ingram and Zawada and all 2WD except Sesks and Huttunen.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/22219826_1886978947998190_1502790639632187682_o.jp g?oh=8211405c65619a14479eaa51c20e620f&oe=5A7F926C

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mareš.. faster than Ingram and Zawada and all 2WD except Sesks and Huttunen.

Just say third fastest.

[electroliquid]

Just say third fastest.

Well, in this case, who beat who is very important from beginning...not in every rally we have 4way battle for championship (or more like for 100k).

[Mirek]

Just say third fastest.

It's his second major international gravel event ever (and fifth including local ones) and he was faster than majority of far more experienced drivers. Don't want me not to enjoy that even when it's just a qualification especially when he was automatically discounted by nearly everyone from the title battle despite he is the current championship leader on the premise that he can't be fast on gravel. Maybe he can and maybe he doesn't want to give up without a fight. That's it.

[Mirek]

According to information from PLuto another stage length cutting is coming due to continuous heavy rain and flooded roads.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well, in this case, who beat who is very important from beginning...not in every rally we have 4way battle for championship (or more like for 100k).

If you dont know who is in the JERC fight and what the prize is you arent a ERC rally fan.

All I was saying to Mirek was dont overcomplicate things. Third fastest still sounds good.

[dimviii]

Sesks slightly faster from Huttunen.Didnt except it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Normal service resumed... Lukyanuk into the lead.

Kajto no challenge here driving slowly for a finish and the title.

[RS]

Who thought it was a good idea to schedule the ERC finale on the same weekend as a WRC event?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Its 'winner takes all' in the U27 title battle, but it's close between Sesks and Huttunen here at the moment.

If Sesks wins and Huttunen is 2nd does he still win the JERC title ?

[Essaj]

Oliver Solberg would currently be 3rd in ERC 3 but is driving in national event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@FIAERC 40s41 seconds ago

First cars are already through stage 5.
@AlexeyLukyanuk had electrical issues and lost over 3 minutes !

[RS]

@FIAERC 40s41 seconds ago

First cars are already through stage 5.
@AlexeyLukyanuk had electrical issues and lost over 3 minutes !

That's a great shame for Luky and for the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another shame... U27 Secks has rolled.

[Essaj]

Lukyanuk with a big damage on city special :o
https://twitter.com/LVRally/status/916687349710540800

Edit: ambulance is going for them...

[Mirek]

Oliver Solberg would currently be 3rd in ERC 3 but is driving in national event.

Don't forget that JERC uses normal stock fuel and has other limitations for tyres etc. I don't know how it is iwith the nationals.

[Mirek]

lukyanuk with a big damage on city special :o
https://twitter.com/lvrally/status/916687349710540800

omg...

[Rallyper]

Well, those Mickey Mouse stages. Not good at all. Especially for Mr Lucky. Moaahhh!! :(

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLi6NdgW4AIV_LV.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk with a big damage on city special :o
https://twitter.com/LVRally/status/916687349710540800

Edit: ambulance is going for them...

Not again. This is getting too much.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Magalhães accident in SS 6. :(

Title goes to Kajto.

[Mirek]

Magalhaes crashed in the same corner. Allegedly there is an anti-cut in the corner which wasn't there during the recce.

[Essaj]

This puddle is a death trap.
https://twitter.com/LVRally/status/916693006509625344

[Mirek]

Rest of the stage is canceled including second run.

Ambulance coming on the photo

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLi_2tgXcAA29gL.jpg:large

[RS]

What a crappy end to the ERC year. But congrats to Kajto, he did deserve it.

[Mirek]

Video of the crash: https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/916697045360168961

Clearly a case of aquaplaning but also some anti-cut (blue barel?) is visible in the corner. Hard to say but if they didn't know about it...

Edit: It looks like the barel is only on the grass, not on the pavement.

[tommeke_B]

https://www.facebook.com/rallyemag/videos/10155852714639973/ Lukyanuk...

[Mirek]

To me it looks like he was suddenly trying to avoid the tyres on the pavement.

[sindroms]

There was torrential rain jus before start of SSS. I talked to some hardcore rally filmers/photographers - no one expected there puddle like that...

[Co-FIN]

..

[br21]

it's better visible here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEwR2ajG3OY&feature=youtu.be

[electroliquid]

Don't forget that JERC uses normal stock fuel and has other limitations for tyres etc. I don't know how it is iwith the nationals.

Don't know exact rules of nationals too, but Solberg looked better than most of U27. Fast and spectacular, lines bit interesting and different than others, but it comes with experience. Huttunen fast and smooth. Sesks - bit crazy, Mareš - smooth, need more aggression on gravel roads, maybe need pace notes correction for those fast roads, overall - better than expected; Zawada on 1st stage bit cautious, on 4th spectacular and quite fast. Ingram - not fastest, not most spectacular, but good driving. Nice driving from Swedish boys - T.Kristensson 4th in R2 class, and A.Westlund good times in national field, while according ewrc-results.com it is his 2nd rally ever, 1st was week ago in rallysprint Saldus.

[PLuto]

Don't know exact rules of nationals too, but Solberg looked better than most of U27. Fast and spectacular, lines bit interesting and different than others, but it comes with experience. Huttunen fast and smooth. Sesks - bit crazy, Mareš - smooth, need more aggression on gravel roads, maybe need pace notes correction for those fast roads, overall - better than expected; Zawada on 1st stage bit cautious, on 4th spectacular and quite fast. Ingram - not fastest, not most spectacular, but good driving. Nice driving from Swedish boys - T.Kristensson 4th in R2 class, and A.Westlund good times in national field, while according ewrc-results.com it is his 2nd rally ever, 1st was week ago in rallysprint Saldus.

Dont compare national field with ERC. They have different conditions, different rules for fuel, different rules for tyres, different types of tyres etc. Any comparison is nonsense...

[PLuto]

There was torrential rain jus before start of SSS. I talked to some hardcore rally filmers/photographers - no one expected there puddle like that...

That is nonsense. That puddle was there for whole week. I was there by foot on Thursday and it was almost same like today. And I have seen that there should be a problem as everyone would like to cut through this pavement. I wanted to discuss it with organiser, but after all problems on recce and with shortening of stages I forgot...

[PLuto]

I am not able to upload picture with the place of crash from recce and race - to see the difference. And my battery is out soon. Please, look to this link, you should find the picture there - https://forum.autosport.cz/viewtopic.php?f=72&p=87190#p87189

[Mirek]

This is the Pluto's image:
1403

[Essaj]

Dont compare national field with ERC. They have different conditions, different rules for fuel, different rules for tyres, different types of tyres etc. Any comparison is nonsense...

Shut up once. I remember you saying this same last year when Kalle was doing just the national event.
I can promise you that they use exactly the same fuel and same type of tyres than ERC field.
ERC crews have 18 tires available for them and there is just 3 services on this race after canceletion of todays 2 stages. So that means they will only use 15 tires with spares.
Also gap between ERC3 guys and Oliver is just 10-15 cars and those prob will just make Olivers starting position worse.
This weekend just proves that fast national guys are atleast equally fast to ERC guys on their home/preferable soil.

[Mirek]

I don't believe that locals (if they have something to fight for in the national event) voluntarily use 98 octane stock fuel instead of 102 octane racing one unless there is similar regulation for local championship. I don't know how it is with R2 car (probably not that dramatic) but with Evo IX even 100 octane stock fuel meant loss of circa 10% of power.

[Essaj]

I don't believe that locals (if they have something to fight for in the national event) voluntarily use 98 octane stock fuel instead of 102 octane racing one unless there is similar regulation for local championship. I don't know how it is with R2 car (probably not that dramatic) but with Evo IX even 100 octane stock fuel meant loss of circa 10% of power.

But like in Oliver's case his main priority is to improve so why would he "cheat" for better results on paper. He has really nothing to win in national championship. Im 95% sure that Oliver is following same rules than ERC.
And only reason why he is not competing in it is his age.

[Mirek]

Maybe, that's up to anyone's personal assesment but calling on someone to shut up when he points out that there are obvious factual differences in regulations is a bit too much, don't You think?

[Essaj]

Maybe, that's up to anyone's personal assesment but calling on someone to shut up when he points out that there are obvious factual differences in regulations is a bit too much, don't You think?

Not really. Pluto did this same last year with Kalle and Kalle was doing everything by the ERC rule book. It's not their fault that they arent allowed to drive on international level before turning 17.
And as I said fuel is only thing where he could gain advantage and with R2 is there actually any even if he did?
Just let youngsters do their thing and accept that your beloved Championship might not be as strong as you think.

[Rally Power]

That is nonsense. That puddle was there for whole week. I was there by foot on Thursday and it was almost same like today.

No idea how many hours (days?) before, but this video also shows a local driver on a Lada using the sidewalk to avoid the puddle: https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/916670342046867457 Regrettably, on the ERC pass the barriers didn’t allow Luky and Bruno to do the same.

Anyway, all crews seem to be ok and that’s the main thing.

[eddy707]

No idea how many hours (days?) before, but this video also shows a local driver on a Lada using the sidewalk to avoid the puddle: https://twitter.com/twitter/statuses/916670342046867457 Regrettably, on the ERC pass the barriers didn’t allow Luky and Bruno to do the same.

Anyway, all crews seem to be ok and that’s the main thing.

That clip could be from today as there was some kind of Lada race on the same stage earlier.

[Jarek Z]

Well, those Mickey Mouse stages. Not good at all.

But they are the only stages that are able to attract "normal" people, not hardcore rally fans only.

[Jarek Z]

But congrats to Kajto, he did deserve it.

Yes, Kajto is the only driver who deserves this title. Congratulations!!!

Here's Kajto's press release after winning European Championship for the third time in a row:
http://kajto.pl/en/news/record-breaking-achievement-for-kajetanowicz-and-baran-they-clinched-their-third-title/

[PLuto]

Shut up once. I remember you saying this same last year when Kalle was doing just the national event.
I can promise you that they use exactly the same fuel and same type of tyres than ERC field.
ERC crews have 18 tires available for them and there is just 3 services on this race after canceletion of todays 2 stages. So that means they will only use 15 tires with spares.
Also gap between ERC3 guys and Oliver is just 10-15 cars and those prob will just make Olivers starting position worse.
This weekend just proves that fast national guys are atleast equally fast to ERC guys on their home/preferable soil.

I have never told that local drivers are slower than ERC guys. I have seen the potencial and speed of Kalle last year. And I can see the speed of Oliver, same like I have seen it last year with Sesks and before with Gryazin or Sirmacis. This fast gravel is very specific surface for "normal people from mainland" and local drivers, which are born on this surface, are always fast. That is no surprise. And if they will go to the tarmac rally, there will be also fast local drivers, who can be on same speed like top ERC drivers and this "gravel stars" will be nowhere. That is normal situation. But real winner of the championship can be driver, who is the best on all types of stages. Because there is big difference between gravel here in Latvia and lets say in Acropolis, same like there is big difference between tarmac on Barum and Canarias. But I am telling that it is not completely fair to compare drivers from different fields. I dont know which fuel they are using, with the tyres it is not only about amount, but also about type of tyre (ERC Juniors has only two types available), about brand of tyre (ERC Juniors must use Pirelli). Also different times to start to stage - between Sesks and Oliver there was gap 30 minutes. With the changing weather, conditions should be completely different.

But what I must say, I like style of communication and presentation from Oliver. Despite he is so young, he is "real professional" in this way like his father.

[Rally Power]

Yes, Kajto (...) deserves this title. Congratulations!!!

Yep, congrats to Kajto/Baran and MSport Poland for their 3rd title. Anyway, Bruno, Hugo and ARC Sport also deserves a big applause: the lack of budget and experience was always surpassed by their huge talent and commitment. It was quite an adventure and it’d be a shame if they’re not allowed to repeat it next year. Força Bruno, força Hugo, força ARC!

[Jarek Z]

Magalhaes crashed in the same corner. Allegedly there is an anti-cut in the corner which wasn't there during the recce.

We can see both crashes in onboard videos now.
Here's Lukyanuk:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX__51Dt278
And here's Magalhaes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0uT060GRxUQ

In Lukyanuk's video we can hear his co-driver saying "Pravyj 2 minus dlinnyj riezat" which means "2 minus long right, cut". I can't say anything about Magalhaes' video, because I don't speak Portuguese.

[Rally Power]

In Lukyanuk's video we can hear his co-driver saying "Pravyj 2 minus dlinnyj riezat" which means "2 minus long right, cut". I can't say anything about Magalhaes' video, because I don't speak Portuguese.

Similar: Right 5 full throttle, long, cut everything…
It was quite an impact for Bruno and Hugo; they were lucky to escape without injures. Organizers were reckless to let drivers run that part of the stage.

[PLuto]

Similar: Right 5 full throttle, long, cut everything…
It was quite an impact for Bruno and Hugo; they were lucky to escape without injures. Organizers were reckless to let drivers run that part of the stage.

Bruno was transported to hospital. It shouldnt be really serious, but to say "without injuries" is not so much correct.

[PLuto]

Organizers were reckless to let drivers run that part of the stage.

Of course it was risky to send the crews there in this conditions. On the other hand, this water was there for whole week, crews has seen it during recce and they knew there will be. On the other hand, most of the drivers I was talking (to say the truth, 100% of people which I was talking, but it was only 50% of the field), they were planning to cut on that place. The biggest problem is that it was not sure after recce, where exactly (and if) there will be any anticuts...

[PLuto]

I have a theory (I dont know if it is truth) - the biggest problem should be the third anticut from tyres. Because when you are arriving to the corner, you can see first pack of tyres and metal fence with Neste brand. But the last part made of tyres is hidden behind this metal fence and can be seen on very last moment.

[the sniper]

But what I must say, I like style of communication and presentation from Oliver. Despite he is so young, he is "real professional" in this way like his father.

I always thought he came across very well on the British Rally Championship TV coverage this year, probably better than any of the other drivers. He seems like a good character.

Late EDIT: Yeah, wrong Solberg! But if they're anything alike, I can believe Oliver comes across well too! :D

[electroliquid]

Dont compare national field with ERC. They have different conditions, different rules for fuel, different rules for tyres, different types of tyres etc. Any comparison is nonsense...

Just share my impressions from stages...

[JUF]

I always thought he came across very well on the British Rally Championship TV coverage this year, probably better than any of the other drivers. He seems like a good character. Are you sure that you have seen Oliver and not Oscar?

[Essaj]

Huttunen with 2 punctures! With just one spare!

[WRC1]

https://scontent-vie1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22221857_878958275596755_8698265646736391819_n.jpg ?oh=7a1a1b5f8c1c69c01f0286157605fd2c&oe=5A4A5757

from lukyanuks fb page!!! this is big mistake from organiser...very dangerous...

[the sniper]

Are you sure that you have seen Oliver and not Oscar?

Indeed! I blame sleep deprivation... Too much motorsport to follow this weekend and too many Solbergs to think about. ;)

[Mirek]

Huttunen is crazy... on three tyres.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Double puncture reported for Huttunen ! Ingram into the lead.

[giù tutto!]

Is the Opel Motorsport team really a professional team???

They send the drivers with one spare to the last day of the season and Huttunen was leading with 25,4s. Makes no sense to me.

From my point of view an unforgivable beginner's mistake at this level.

[RS]

Is the Opel Motorsport team really a professional team???

They send the drivers with one spare to the last day of the season and Huttunen was leading with 25,4s. Makes no sense to me.

From my point of view an unforgivable beginner's mistake at this level.

Huttunen says he went off the road, I don't know if this was before or after the punctures?

[giù tutto!]

Huttunen didn't went off.

First puncture happened (rear tire) before the halfway of the stage and 6km before the finish front tire puncture.

I don't understand where these information is coming, it was same story at Azores also.

[RS]

Huttunen didn't went off.

First puncture happened (rear tire) before the halfway of the stage and 6km before the finish front tire puncture.

I don't understand where these information is coming, it was same story at Azores also.

There is a quote on Rally-base, I presume from Rally Radio:

"We went off the road, maybe 6km from the end"

[giù tutto!]

But they didn't said that.

[Rallyper]

Oliver has had a light roll. Only saw short clip. Presume he´d go on.

[RS]

But they didn't said that.

Ok, maybe we will learn more later.

It does seem strange he got two punctures as nobody else reported any.

But it's kind of irrelevant whether he carried two spares or not, the time loss on this stage alone was probably too great to still go for the win and the title.

[giù tutto!]

No, it's not irrelevant. With two spares it would have been nice to watch the DeepIceMan-show. When he puts all-in, it's something to watch for.

He was leading 25,4s after day one just driving without any risks. And after ss 8 he was 47,4s behind Ingram, which is not mission impossible.

But now, 1min 37,4s is completely different story. I still hope that he will put all in.

[Mirek]

I am sure he could take two spares if he wanted to do so.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To get one puncture is unfortunate, to get two sounds like carelessness... ;)

[Mirek]

By the way the regulations clearly state that it's forbidden to drive on the road section without having all four tyres on. I don't know in which state the punctured tyres are but for sure there is a risk of disqalification for Huttunen.

EDIT: Huttunen reached service without problems. Good.

[giù tutto!]

To get one puncture is unfortunate, to get two sounds like carelessness... ;)

You don't have done any rallies by yourself if you say so.

If you have done rallies, you know how easy it's control the situation in these kind of weather conditions like Liepaja has.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You don't have done any rallies by yourself if you say so.

If you have done rallies, you know how easy it's control the situation in these kind of weather conditions like Liepaja has.

It was a joke version of a famous English quotation...

And you dont have the full facts. I prefer to wait before making a serious judgement.

[giù tutto!]

Or may be I have...

[Jarek Z]

Another disastrous rally for the Peugeot team. Pepe Lopez rolled on SS8 and Jose Suarez says he drives like his grandma just to finish the rally.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLmTForXUAAXLk7.jpg:small

[Jarek Z]

I don't know in which state the punctured tyres are (...)

You can see two photos of Huttunen's damaged tyres at https://twitter.com/FIAERC/status/916917854225575936

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLm3icEWkAA3dtQ.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLm3icBW0AEm5GT.jpg

[RS]

No, it's not irrelevant. With two spares it would have been nice to watch the DeepIceMan-show. When he puts all-in, it's something to watch for.

He was leading 25,4s after day one just driving without any risks. And after ss 8 he was 47,4s behind Ingram, which is not mission impossible.


Under normal circumstances, it is impossible.

But yes, it would have been nice to watch.

Let's see.. Ingram still has to reach the end.

[Jarek Z]

Kalle Rovanpera had some adventures too. I don't know which stage it is.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLmUoBQXcAAI7Lj.jpg:small

[Essaj]

Report of helicopter incident on stage 11 nothing confirmed.

[Jarek Z]

Here's how Janis Vorobjovs lost his first position in ERC2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve4wLyc2cVA

[RS]

Report of helicopter incident on stage 11 nothing confirmed.

Times have stopped coming through..

[RS]

Red flag, stage stopped.

[br21]

and all the crews going to the next stage by alternative route

[Jarek Z]

What a nice video! An interview with two Solbergs :) I don't know if it is true, but Petter says that Oliver was third in ERC, behind Huttunen and Sesks, but in front of Ingram.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYMfaYIgLOE

[Jeppe]

What a nice video! An interview with two Solbergs :) I don't know if it is true, but Petter says that Oliver was third in ERC, behind Huttunen and Sesks, but in front of Ingram.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYMfaYIgLOE

Video is nice but I cannot find Solberg from the ERC results or starting lists or anywhere ;)

[RS]

Video is nice but I cannot find Solberg from the ERC results or starting lists or anywhere ;)

That's because he is a child.

I think we should start calling Kalle a 'veteran' by comparison.

[Jarek Z]

Video is nice but I cannot find Solberg from the ERC results or starting lists or anywhere ;)

It must be the father's pride that blinds Petter to reality ;) He even says that Oliver is third overall in the ERC ;)

[sindroms]

Confirmed. Helicopter went down in a take off. We passed by that place in SS11 finnish.

[RS]

Confirmed. Helicopter went down in a take off. We passed by that place in SS11 finnish.

I hope the crew are ok?

[drive]

Solberg in latvian championship, results http://autorally.lv/?l=2

[br21]

http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijs/7328--rally-liepaja-11-posma-finisa-nogazies-helikopters/

[RS]

http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/rallijs/7328--rally-liepaja-11-posma-finisa-nogazies-helikopters/

It says eyewitnesses think they hit power lines during take off.

Rescue crews are trying to cut the occupants from the wreckage.

[br21]

kajto coming back to service?

[Sarac330d]

It must be the father's pride that blinds Petter to reality ;) He even says that Oliver is third overall in the ERC ;)

He probably ment if he count for ERC he will be 3-rd in ERC!!!

[Jarek Z]

He probably ment if he count for ERC he will be 3-rd in ERC!!!

But he still wouldn't be third overall in ERC :)

[mousti]

But he still wouldn't be third overall in ERC :)Junior ERC offcourse..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[RS]

SS12 live.

[br21]

Rumors say helicopter somehow connected with Kajto, with some polish people onboard. One dead.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Terrible news. Surprised the havent cancelled the last two stages.

[electroliquid]

Rumors say helicopter somehow connected with Kajto, with some polish people onboard. One dead.

It also said Kajto retires from this rally, and now two deads...

[RS]

Yes, Kajto didn't run stage 12.

So it sounds like it was a helicopter of his sponsors or something and not Eurosport TV crew or medical helicopter.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ingram lost 17s to Huttunen, just cruising hopefully.

[electroliquid]

Yes, Kajto didn't run stage 12.

So it sounds like it was a helicopter of his sponsors or something and not Eurosport TV crew or medical helicopter.

heard from Lithuanian spectators that it was private helicopter, that offers spectating stage from above for 50euros/flight.

[Jarek Z]

Another disastrous rally for the Peugeot team. Pepe Lopez rolled on SS8

Here you can see how it happened. It seems a relatively easy place:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSI2nJ61el0

[RS]

Great job by Gryazin and Rovanpera this weekend.

A nice rally but a horrible event overall unfortunately.

[Jarek Z]

Lukasz Habaj Evo II finished the rally in the 3rd position (his best result this year), but he says this place doesn't belong to him:

This place belongs to Kajto. I have mixed feelings, the rally was really good and we enjoyed the stages, but it's difficult to get the podium in this way. I'm happy we improved over the year our driving on gravel, crash on Canarias was a difficult moment for the whole season, but now here is Habaj Evo II. We will probably do the whole ERC season in 2018.

[RS]

Well done to Chris Ingram. I am happy to see him win to give himself the chance to advance his career. Huttunen is a great driver but he already has his opportunities for next year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yesssssss he did it... Great win Chris !!! :D

[N.O.T]

so the asian miracle red bull infant lost from a nobody...

hmmmmmm that is what you get when you have more sponsored publicity than skills.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ingram was so close to the Junior title last season vs Griepel. Then he led most of this season. I think he deserved the win and a chance to show what he can do in an R5.

Cant wait to see where & what he gets to drive in 20108.

As said above, Huttunen has other chances with his Hyundai deal.

[COD]

so the asian miracle red bull infant lost from a nobody...

hmmmmmm that is what you get when you have more sponsored publicity than skills.

Well, Gryazin has ben second to Rovanperä in Latvian championship and did drive well in Mikkeli Finnish championship this winter. So hardly a nobody.
Think the difference was more Skoda vs Ford.
But sure Rovanperä is a bit overhyped, but he just turned 17!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLnaoAKW4AArgrK.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DLndCI6XUAAV7O8.jpg

[sindroms]

As far I have heard, sitting in the car now, heli was rented by pilot with polish licence. As well we spoted that Kajto was heading to service right after SS 11. It's confirmed (from inside sources too not only social media) that heli hit electric vires... :(
Such a... strange, weird, whatever... rally all in all and for us particulary. Full moon...

[Bartek]

Kajto's friends were in that heli...

[Jarek Z]

Kajto issued a press release regarding the tragic helicopter accident and his withrawal from the rally:

Due to the situation regarding my close friends we have retired from the rally. My dearest, I’d like to ask you to respect my personal decision which is difficult for me as a sportsman. Thank you once again for being with us during all rounds of this year’s Championship. For your presence, support, kind word, meetings. I am counting on your continued support. Yours Kajto.

According to the press release of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs there were 4 persons onboard of the helicopter. Two of them were Polish. One Polish citizen died, te other is seriously injured.

[sindroms]

I'm still trying to find word which characterizes Rally Liepaja this year edition for me... Crumpled. This could be it. It all start with SS2, SS5 shortening. All of my preparation homework's was sent to trash bin, we started Saturday morning from blank sheet. In the middle of SS2 recce shock absorber of our Mazda stated - "i am done, guys". So after SS2 finish corner we were limping to Liepaja instead of SS4 or SS5. Thanks to rally society contacts problem was solved in lighting speed almost. All seemed clicked in right places finally when we arrived in city stage. Not for a long time... this case with puddle and chicanes ruined all. Second day started quite ok. SS8 high speed lefthander in a beginning of stage (after tarmac stretch) was enjoyable to watch. After that we did drive through stage, to find place for second loop. We were surprised about place where Lopez went out as we have been there few times in local rallies. Not a place where to crash like that. Judging from on-board he touched anti-cut pole or something which threw him over road in to tree. We stayed shortly before a finish where wide road turns to left in a narrow section. Kalle has there spun in last year "Kurzeme" rally. After few cars we noticed red flag from marshal. GPS showed that Remennik was stucked near to finish and it seemed to be a reason for red flag. When Remennik moved further but red flags stayed all started to look seriously. In a few minutes everything became clear - photo and video from heli accident came to my phone. An uncomfortable feeling when you passing by that place and understand that this is serious. In the end not to end rally on this note we moved to SS13 (corner where in first loop Solberg jr. rolled).
All in all most strangest rally so far for me.

What I noticed:
- Kalle on Fiesta R5 looked less aggressive than on Fabia R5;
- Both Spanish guys from Peugeot has spectacular driving style;
- Two times saw him and every time I grab my drivers list to find out "what a... who was it?!!"
Tom Kristennson it was. Most spectacular driver of event definitely.

[electroliquid]

- Kalle on Fiesta R5 looked less aggressive than on Fabia R5;
- Both Spanish guys from Peugeot has spectacular driving style;
- Two time saw him and every time I grab my drivers list to find out "what a... who was it?!!"
Tom Kristennson it was. Most spectacular driver of event definitely.

Maybe Kalle took it easy with new car, while Gryazin drive quite risky (on 4th stage especially when I saw) Kalle's quote after 10SS "On this stage if Nikolay is driving normally he will be faster. I took carefully some places. It is going quite well, but now it wasn't best." Any info will Kristennson do full JERC next year?

[eddy707]

Spaniards were indeed among the crowd favourites.

[JUF]

Any info will Kristennson do full JERC next year? Not sure yet. If he wins the German ADAC Opel Rallye Cup he has good chances to get into the Opel Junior Team for next year. But Jacob Madsen from Denmark was even faster than him this year. He just missed two rounds due to an injury and has only a small chance to win the title. I hope that Opel will give both Kristensson and Madsen a chance to do JERC next year. With Ingram and Huttunen leaving this might be realistic...

[dimviii]

have we saw Lukys accident from this angle?
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/23954-alexey-lukyanuk-crash/

[faateris]

Rally Liepāja - 2017' photos - http://janisasaris.com/jaunumi

JA

[sindroms]

Good news. Despite initial almost hopeless forecasts from doctors (injuries seemed non-compatible with life) after two months in Pauls Stradiņš Clinical University Hospital heli pilot is checked out in last week and will continue with rehabilitation procedures.
Dr. Egils Valeinis quote - "Even in most hopeless cases there is a chance to save patient! Merry Christmas and believe in miracles!"