[WRC] Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2018 (18/21-May)

[ESTR]

He still complains a lot...

[mknight]

Huh Mikkelsen said they had to turn power down for today to "make it last".

So they let him run trough 2 days to get 6+ manu points with no chance for PS points? (or maybe they turn it up for PS).

But aren't engines paired for events?

[jonkka]

They were definitely not first in 2016. Since that was the year when Championship leader was also first on 2nd day leading to massive Ogier complaints.

Mea culpa, must have been until 2015 - which still isn't 3+ years...

[KKS]

Latvala fastest on splits.! That Toyota could have a good weekend here

[Rallyper]

LAtvala without mental pressure is a fast one!

[RS]

Ufff, looks like WRC2 here is a ‘who can get the least punctures’ competition.

[BigWorm]

Lefebvre in to the lead, he really should stay there.

[Allez Andruet]

Why aren’t you in Portugal driving for a manufacturer team then?

We better not to tell Tommi about this guy or Ott might soon find himself unemployed.

[EstWRC]

Latvala got his second stage win of the season. But he has every chance to make this number go up today

[macebig]

Neville lost 6 sec.

[BigWorm]

Managing his tyres.

[EstWRC]

OGIER slower than EVans, you dont see that often

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo needs to beat the crap out of that ugly open mouthed brit and that would be perfect.

Evans beat the crap out of Sordo so far today ha ha :D

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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

OGIER slower than EVans, you dont see that often

SS11 Ogier: "There is no goal today, just finish the day and be there tomorrow"

[mknight]

First time Evans has positively surprised me this year. Sure he got to 2nd from 6th position when everyone ahead either crashed or had issues (punctures, tires, damper++).
But so far today he is going well, let's see how that unfolds.

[AnttiL]

OGIER slower than EVans, you dont see that often

No reason for Seb to push

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans flying
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdjRuFyXcAAkinJ.jpg:large

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/may-2018/portugal-ss11/page/5460--12-12-.html

[dimviii]

Back home and looking forward to follow WRC ALLlive


https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32867826_1641859815913081_957453561531203584_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=2c8f88a32f67e6686adc76c04c4f4a19&oe=5B88A99A

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Recce cars also need to get prepped...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdjXBp0X4AAwvgX.jpg

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

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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Suninen flying at the start !

[jparker]

Wow, Suninen on 🔥

[EstWRC]

Meeke out, another victim

[stefanvv]

oh, Meeke

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nooooooooo Meeke...

[Rallyper]

Meeke off!!! Meeehhhhh....

[Rallyper]

What´s wrong with the guys? Stay on the road is essential.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow, Suninen on ��

Nope, was a bad split.

[stefanvv]

Another wrong pacenote

[macebig]

Block's handbrake on the recce Focus.

[Allez Andruet]

Jesus Christ Kris...

[Rallyper]

Many top drivers hanging loose for 2019.

[jparker]

Nope, was a bad split.
Yeah, it was showing 9.6 sec on first split. Still, good run so far

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville saved his tyres for this one and its paying off.

[EstWRC]

Neuville on a push

[jparker]

Well done Thierry, best splits so far. Just keep the car on the road.

[jparker]

Some expert suggested cruising mode for today. Naturally he was wrong once again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good battles now for 2nd & 4th.

[BigWorm]

Absolutely beautiful

[René]

Kriss !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdjaBxDXcAAsr6S.jpg

[dimviii]

a big one

https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32929384_1652261881537249_2286694464460161024_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeH_nH3QzWdp2FdOu0nXIx3oOzsV4g_lnpWp1CxpE HmnSnfFsOPOawp_3ZnZMnpP2cgo07QE0gpd9DA5sXacZKrdp8J J1onkajez-quMJvGd_w&oh=8da2d8a7a02a9cb1dd51aaa8f32b312c&oe=5B7FBE59

[racerx1979]

Ostberg looking good considering... Lappi trying to catch Teemu. It's late here but I've got a glass of scotch and all live

[EstWRC]

why so quiet here today? Eeverybody watching royal wedding?

[Rallyper]

While we see JML being punished by some small driving errors making big aftermaths or car breaking down, I must say Meeke is always having his errors from his driving. What´s wrong with the guy?

[Rallyper]

why so quiet here today? Eeverybody watching royal wedding?

Yeah. I was wondering too. You, me and Dimviii and som latenight Kiwis ... ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm here too. Just having lunch. ;)

[EstWRC]

While Tänak is at home already then our other estonian guy Ken Torn is sitting nicely on third place in JWRC category!

[Watson]

What's actually the point of Sordo pushing for 2nd or Evans trying to defend 2nd? Neither can win the championship and the manu points for 2nd would go to M-Sport either way.

[dimviii]

seems they are lucky they get out without a scratch

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ddji9XDW0AEJ7_t.jpg

[Eli]

I'm here too. Just having lunch. ;)

Same here, tbh I'm just hopefull Citroen will get Breen & Mads to the end of the rally as they are.

[racerx1979]

Yeah. I was wondering too. You, me and Dimviii and som latenight Kiwis ... ;)

And a drunk dude in Australia :)

[dimviii]

going for lunch too.Fried potatoes ,pork steaks and Greek salad https://www.petrolheads.gr/images/smilies/oldforum/s5oeat.gif

then an hour or two some sleep and here again for the 2nd loop.

[EstWRC]

seems they are lucky they get out without a scratch

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ddji9XDW0AEJ7_t.jpg

holi s**t! didnt look that bad at first

very lucky indeed

[racerx1979]

Does seem like a late pacenote but it could just be a delay in the recording.

Bad news for Meeke. He kept saying the car felt great and better than ever. If Loeb came back they would probably boot Meeke at this rate.

[KKS]

Did you noticed that Kris rear axle lost a grip for a moment? It's quite strange car behavior I guess

[Sulland]

Kris is quick, but maybe too fast, he still has too many high speed offs. On this in they lucky not to be hurt.
Will be surprised if he works for them in 19.

[Rallyper]

And a drunk dude in Australia :)

Ooh, sorry mate. I meant you. ;)

[T16]

holi s**t! didnt look that bad at first

very lucky indeed


Holy shit.... front of the roof totally crushed.

[Rallyper]

They were lucky. No, doubt. Couldn´t think what would have happened to the sport if it went fatal.

[EstWRC]

Kris is quick, but mayne too fast, he still has too many high speed offs.
Will be surprised if he works for them in 19.

yeah, but with who they will replace him?

i cant see anyone from lower classes except Tidemand but he is tied with Skoda and later on with VW i think

[mknight]

yeah, but with who they will replace him?

i cant see anyone from lower classes except Tidemand but he is tied with Skoda and later on with VW i think

Both Paddon and Sordo finish their contracts at the end of this year. But the way it looks like now Sordo would probably stay and Paddon is maybe not interesting for Citroen market-wise.

Maybe they will try to buy Neuville or even Ogier, but that doesn't fit with the "3 year plan until end of 2019" very well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdjnF5hXUAAT1eN.jpg

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

[BigWorm]

yeah, but with who they will replace him?

i cant see anyone from lower classes except Tidemand but he is tied with Skoda and later on with VW i think

Definitely difficult, but they have to find someone. Kris is always driving beyond his limits and these results are inevitable, it's tiresome to say the least.

[RS]

It is tiresome and i'm embarassed and frustrated for him.

But.. he remains the only driver to have won in that car, and I can't see anyone more capable who would want to go there. They could sign Mads permanently, he'd be reliable no doubt but he doesn't have that last bit of speed.

[EstWRC]

Bergkvist has rolled in JWRC category and others were stuck behind him

[ESTR]

There is always guys behind for a seat. Loeb, Solberg, Raikkonen, Hanninen, Pontus, Lefebvre, Kopecky, Al-Atiyah even Dakar ones 4 of them are free (sainz, peterhansel...).

But don't worry. Citroen will probably retire from sport after penultimate round and that's it. Kris already give up. Hope that Breen find new seat, but it will be hard.

We will see.

[Rallyper]

Bergkvist has rolled in JWRC category and others were stuck behind him

Feel so sorry for him. Fastest guy, but like the other ones, he has to stay on the road.

[Watson]

There is always guys behind for a seat. Loeb, Solberg, Raikkonen, Hanninen, Pontus, Lefebvre, Kopecky, Al-Atiyah even Dakar ones 4 of them are free (sainz, peterhansel...).

But don't worry. Citroen will probably retire from sport after penultimate round and that's it. Kris already give up. Hope that Breen find new seat, but it will be hard.

We will see.

Loeb doesn't want to, Pontus is tied to Skoda and the rest are either too old or nowhere near fast enough.

[gorganl2000]

there's also a guy from Barbados following this rally ..lol

i'm truly disappointed in Kris...i really like the guy but he's just not keeping the car on the road and i do think his future with Citroen is very unsure now....they simply can't go on backing a guy who is fast but will crash out so often...i have no real potential driver solutions in that could be as fast and replace him at this time from the current crop of active WRC drivers
i feel the same way about Lavala, but for different reasons----he just can't seem to handle the pressure,,,,but again a very likable guy, however, WRC is not about personality

hopefully Neuville will keep it on the road and make the championship interesting

[RS]

There is always guys behind for a seat. Loeb, Solberg, Raikkonen, Hanninen, Pontus, Lefebvre, Kopecky, Al-Atiyah even Dakar ones 4 of them are free (sainz, peterhansel...).


Only one of those who could be a serious option would be Hanninen, others are busy or old or inexperienced with these cars.

[Rallyper]

Suninen

[er88]

Personally find it weird to go overboard about Meeke.

First off, this season he's been relatively clean for his standards. Robbed of a double podium in Corsica and Argentina, and without yet another puncture here he would've been up with Neuville. Clearly frustrated he makes a mistake, so predictable.

Nobody else has won in that car yet, and Citroen with their budget are looking for maximum exposure for the smallest input. Meeke gives them that atm. What's the point in having Ostberg or Sordo instead when they have Breen as the reasonably steady driver? What good is that going to do for the team? They'd have no real chance of wins then

Meeke has always crashed and been able to win. Nothing will change. If Citroen want to improve they need to sign Ogier, Loeb, Neuville or Tanak and keep Meeke and Breen. Punting Meeke won't do much. As has been said there isn't many better options with their current budget, and if they find extra budget they can still run a 3 car team of #1 driver, Meeke and Breen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

These heavy crashes must be taking their toll and not just on Meeke, but Nagle too. It cant be easy sitting there waiting for the next big crash...

[KKS]

There is always guys behind for a seat. Loeb, Solberg, Raikkonen, Hanninen, Pontus, Lefebvre, Kopecky, Al-Atiyah even Dakar ones 4 of them are free (sainz, peterhansel...).

And Kankkunen, he still alive

[Watson]

Suninen
I think any driver would prefer sitting in a Fiesta over a C3.

[mknight]

Meeke has always crashed and been able to win.

Exactly, which is why he will not win the championship.

... and exactly why Citroen needs a real title contender. This year M-Sport, Hyundai and Toyota all have one. Seemingly both Toyota and Hyundai also have one possible extra contender.

Citroen does not only have the single "possible" one - Meeke.


Unless they suddenly find another driver (which they were trying with Breen and Lefevbre) they need to get one of those others (Ogier, Neuville, Tanak, Mikkelsen or Latvala). They were saying as much after Germany last year, let Mikkelsen go to focus on Ogier... and ended up with nothing.

[stefanvv]

why so quiet here today? Eeverybody watching royal wedding?

I was kind of wondering why I don't see NOT posts?!?

[ESTR]

What will you say about Tarquini... Sure is different thing but look how he drive against all these tough competion out there, so don't blame on old guys. If someone want to get back sure will find a hole and fit in.

I think that Meeke, Paddon and Latvala are out. Everyone talks at the begiining of the year about Sordo but look where he is now. He have many years in WRC and probably many years at Hyundai. They will not let go of him that quickly.

[steve.mandzij]

Exactly, which is why he will not win the championship.

... and exactly why Citroen needs a real title contender. This year M-Sport, Hyundai and Toyota all have one. Seemingly both Toyota and Hyundai also have one possible extra contender.

Citroen does not only have the single "possible" one - Meeke.


Unless they suddenly find another driver (which they were trying with Breen and Lefevbre) they need to get one of those others (Ogier, Neuville, Tanak, Mikkelsen or Latvala). They were saying as much after Germany last year, let Mikkelsen go to focus on Ogier... and ended up with nothing.Latvala in a C3 screams mental breakdown to me.

[steve.mandzij]

What will you say about Tarquini... Sure is different thing but look how he drive against all these tough competion out there, so don't blame on old guys. If someone want to get back sure will find a hole and fit in.

I think that Meeke, Paddon and Latvala are out. Everyone talks at the begiining of the year about Sordo but look where he is now. He have many years in WRC and probably many years at Hyundai. They will not let go of him that quickly.If Latvala was able to come back from 2016 he's surely going to come back from this year's misfortune. He's been quick today already.

[irish_tiger]

Bergkvist has rolled in JWRC category and others were stuck behind him
I see now that Callum Devine is after loosing 2:37 sec because of this and all the others behind him four , five and six minutes - i wonder will the times be amended ?

[AnttiL]

I think that Meeke, Paddon and Latvala are out. Everyone talks at the begiining of the year about Sordo but look where he is now. He have many years in WRC and probably many years at Hyundai. They will not let go of him that quickly.

It's not that simple. Some other manufacturer could give a better deal. Sordo may be frustrated with Hyundai for benching him half of the season when he's constantly driving better than his teammates. Like I've said before, this year's silly season will be interesting with all the contracts ending, but it's still too early for that.

[noel157]

I see now that Callum Devine is after loosing 2:37 sec because of this and all the others behind him four , five and six minutes - i wonder will the times be amended ?

Imagine they will, or notional times.

[Rallyper]

I think any driver would prefer sitting in a Fiesta over a C3.

Maybe. But the discussion was about who can replace Meeke, from the perspective of competence. And to me Suninen is the one, if nothing else changes. So many factors to play roles.

[noel157]

It's not that simple. Some other manufacturer could give a better deal. Sordo may be frustrated with Hyundai for benching him half of the season when he's constantly driving better than his teammates. Like I've said before, this year's silly season will be interesting with all the contracts ending, but it's still too early for that.

I think Del Barrio has been a big factor in Sordo resurgence this season despite his enforced weekends off.

[AnttiL]

I think Del Barrio has been a big factor in Sordo resurgence this season despite his enforced weekends off.

I still think he was quick and realiable in 2017 as well, with some technical problems ruining early gravel rallies and a couple of rare mistakes on tarmac events later in the season.

[mknight]

I still think he was quick and realiable in 2017 as well, with some technical problems ruining early gravel rallies and a couple of rare mistakes on tarmac events later in the season.

Quite many offs were his own fault, specially on the rallies where he should have scored (Germany, partly Spain) but also some of the gravel ones. Then there were the rallies where he has never been fast (Finland, GB).

He was reasonably fast a times yes, but nowhere near this year. This is (so far) his best season in like 7 years.

[Eli]

Quite many offs were his own fault, specially on the rallies where he should have scored (Germany, partly Spain) but also some of the gravel ones. Then there were the rallies where he has never been fast (Finland, GB).

He was reasonably fast a times yes, but nowhere near this year. This is (so far) his best season in like 7 years.

I think it's his best season since 2009....ok 2011 wasn't to bad in the MINI but 2009 was pretty good for the then young spaniard.

[KKS]

Today not Portuguese championship so roads will be a not much destroyed I hope

[T16]

Meeke airlifted to hospital for checks.

[KKS]

Meeke airlifted to hospital for checks.
without Paul?

[KKS]

Mads drive like crazy goat! AND I LIKE IT!!!

[stefanvv]

Sat 14:54 - Afternoon tyresA mixed bag of selections for tyres this afternoon: Hyundai and Breen: 4 soft, 2 hard. Toyota and Østberg: 5 hard. M-Sport Ford: 3 hard, 2 soft.

[dimviii]

https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32937934_10156075675720733_3446155533516537856_n.j pg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f830a0755d42daec02db49017dbd4bee&oe=5B82325E

[the sniper]

The road side cameras are well placed on this stage. Maybe they've taken some advice from You Tube guys!

[mufcAleksi]

The drone shots at the finish are fantastic, would love to see more of those

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice run Elfyn. :)

[steve.mandzij]

https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32937934_10156075675720733_3446155533516537856_n.j pg?_nc_cat=0&oh=f830a0755d42daec02db49017dbd4bee&oe=5B82325ELucky to walk away from that one...

[EstWRC]

like a pancake

[T16]

without Paul?

I think so.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke apparently has a back injury.

[stefanvv]

Nice run Elfyn. :)

Trying hard to take that grumpiness out of Neuville.

[stefanvv]

1-2-3 Ford

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport 1-2-3 on that one. :)

Rain coming next !

[Watson]

Is it really necessary for Wilson to put Evans in a headlock to get him to perform? I hope he can take this form to the next events.

[KKS]

Not good run from Latvala from back and clearest road

[steve.mandzij]

Not good run from Latvala from back and clearest roadI kinda wanted him to win the stage but I'd rather he makes it to the power stage :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

�� SS13 @SebOgier - “It’s nice to see all the Fords setting a good time in here. We all discuss what we’re going to do in service, and it looks like it worked in this one at least.”

[stefanvv]

I'd rather he makes it to the power stage :D

Why? He has a chance for points?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen has nearly finished the next stage and no still pictures of it ....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads spun.

[KKS]

wow , Lappi nearly crash

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi jeeez !

[the sniper]

Big moment for Lappi there!

EDIT:
Mads spun.

Lucky there were so many spectators to push him back on!

[mknight]

Mads complaining a lot about how someone ( engineers?) are sending him the whole way all the time. (probably in terms of setup). That they don't get what he is talking about and that he will have to drive "with this" all afternoon again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans split missing !

ED- ok now, phew.

[steve.mandzij]

Why? He has a chance for points?Well yes...? Why else?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why is Neuville pushing ??

[EstWRC]

neuville controlling totally

[stefanvv]

Well yes...? Why else?

Well he is out of the title race, what difference would make?

[N.O.T]

Why is Neuville pushing ??

he is not pushing the guys behind are nothing

[KKS]

Uh... Latvala's hard didn't work on dry stage and he lost 10sec, and on a next damp stage with same hard's - win stage!
I don't understand anything around this tyres compounds .... oh

[KKS]

he is not pushing the guys behind are nothing
even worse than sick dogs?

[stefanvv]

Uh... Latvala's hard didn't work on dry stage and he lost 10sec, and on a next damp stage with same hard's - win stage!
I don't understand anything around this tyres compounds .... oh

Looks like the stage was drying quickly. On the previous he might be caught by the surprise it rained, for others not.

[dimviii]

Lefebvre lost to Tidemand 22 sec.Gap now to 21,7 sec.

[steve.mandzij]

Well he is out of the title race, what difference would make?Runner up is always open, plus good for manus and his own confidence.

[AnttiL]

Quite many offs were his own fault, specially on the rallies where he should have scored (Germany, partly Spain) but also some of the gravel ones. Then there were the rallies where he has never been fast (Finland, GB).

Can you point a gravel rally in 2017 where he had an off?

[mknight]

Can you point a gravel rally in 2017 where he had an off?

I thought about Argentina and Sardinia.

But in Argentina they never really showed the rock just how he went into the side after that (kinda like Ogier here).
In Sardinia it was about the puncture he did on live SS with helicopter watching and then saying in end-stage interview how he had no idea where it came from (even the commentators were having a good laugh at that). But turns out this was after his earlier engine issues.

So you'r right that driver-wise he was stable on gravel last year. Just the offs on tarmac.

[stefanvv]

his own confidence.

I'm a bit afraid of confidence.

[Mintexmemory]

I think it's his best season since 2009....ok 2011 wasn't to bad in the MINI but 2009 was pretty good for the then young spaniard.

He would have had a different career had he not had to be second in Catalunya that year (2009).

[Eli]

He would have had a different career had he not had to be second in Catalunya that year (2009).

Yes I Agree, could have looked a lot different.

[dimviii]

He would have had a different career had he not had to be second in Catalunya that year (2009).

lololololol

[N.O.T]

He would have had a different career had he not had to be second in Catalunya that year (2009).

what would be different ?

[focus206]

He would have had a different career had he not had to be second in Catalunya that year (2009).

Yes, he would have been 5x world champion instead of Ogier.

On a serious note, good rally by Evans so far, finally.

[dimviii]

what would be different ?

nothing,next 9 years showed that.

these Meekes accident photos, are really teriffying
https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/997869247261966336

[dimviii]

SAT 17:14 - SS15: WEATHER WATCH
Heavy rain being reported at the finish line of this stage

[EstWRC]

sordo with a half spin

[dimviii]

sordo with a half spin

imho Catalunya 2009 has something to do with that .

[dimviii]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180519/e0b0652c68dc2e7b8e37536b24f49723.jpg

[stefanvv]

that's gonna be close for 3rd place

[macebig]

Meeke's crash looks really bad from these photos. Hope doesn't have any serious injury.

[mknight]

Gotta remember that the crew seats are basically in line with the B-pillars these days.

[Rallyper]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180519/e0b0652c68dc2e7b8e37536b24f49723.jpg

No Rally2 I think...

[Rallyper]

Gus Greensmith?

[EstWRC]

Latvala, Ogier and Neuville neck in neck in splits

[KKS]

Gus didn't start a stage?

[KKS]

No Rally2 I think...
You hope that roll-cage in front survive that crash ?

[KKS]

Gus didn't start a stage?


Gus Greensmith?
retire on road section

[stefanvv]

The stage seem has been "hot" for Neuville

[stefanvv]

You hope that roll-cage in front survive that crash ?

What roll-cage?!?

[T16]

Meeke OK and released from hospital.

[Rallyper]

You hope that roll-cage in front survive that crash ?

For sure they´ll fix it they want. Dont you think? ;)

[T16]

What roll-cage?!?
The roll cage runs down the ‘A’ pillar (the one that runs down the side of the front screen), but they can only stand so much impact and that’s why it’s crushed.

[Rallyper]

Lefebvre having problems.

[KKS]

For sure they´ll fix it they want. Dont you think? ;)
Nope... Completely nope.
Toyota couldn't fix small pipe broke at Argentina, sooo here Citroen they just couldn't.

[KKS]

Pontus into a lead WRC2

[dimviii]

Lefebvre having problems.

puncture

[Rallyper]

Nope... Completely nope.
Toyota couldn't fix small pipe broke at Argentina, sooo here Citroen they just couldn't.

I´m only kidding you. Sorry ;)

[stefanvv]

The roll cage runs down the ‘A’ pillar (the one that runs down the side of the front screen), but they can only stand so much impact and that’s why it’s crushed.

Thank You Professor T16, I was little joking, though there is no joke to crash like this. I'm glad Meeke is OK.

[steve.mandzij]

I enjoy seeing Teemu in the thick of a fight with Lappi! I'd suppose we should get used to the two Finns being at each other's necks.

Good day for Finns generally too, Latvala has been quick. Maybe his confidence isn't totally gone :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@TomCaveRally re Meeke
Wow ! Relived they are both ok, but I do question the way the roll cage has folded down over the steering wheel ! I’ll be asking serious questions, they are lucky boys.

[dimviii]

michelin video day 2
https://youtu.be/BUoMvsHzvTM

[Mirek]

@TomCaveRally re Meeke
Wow ! Relived they are both ok, but I do question the way the roll cage has folded down over the steering wheel ! I’ll be asking serious questions, they are lucky boys.

I'm sorry to say that but this kind of damage is normal if there is a really big impact on the tree by the roof like this. The rollcage can not withstand everything. This kind of accidents is always extremely dangerous and it's very good that in modern cars the crew sits with their heads covered by the B-pillar.

[dimviii]

at French forum they are talking about transmission and brake problems for Lefebvre.

[dimviii]

Kris Meeke

Hi everyone,
Sorry for the delay in today's update, but I've only just got back to our hotel in Portugal. I was in hospital for a few hours after our accident - but all's fine. They just wanted to do some precautionary checks because I had some pain in my back and up round my neck.
Thankfully everything's okay. They gave me the full MOT and signed me off, so that's good!
After Friday's frustrations, I was really enjoying driving the Citroen C3 WRC today - really enjoying the rally, as I have done, in fact, apart from the punctures yesterday afternoon. But then I just turned into a fast left a little bit late, missed my line and got onto the loose gravel on the outside of the corner. And that was the end of that.

The consequences were pretty severe, because we ended up in some big trees, and the car certainly doesn't look so pretty (it will not surprise you to learn that we won't be out again tomorrow). I have to say thanks, in fact - to Citroen for building such a strong car, and to the medical staff who looked after me so well.
It may seem strange to say it now, but we can move ahead from this event with positive thoughts. I've been like a scratched record saying this, I know, but I really was having fun driving the car here in Portugal. The feeling was excellent. So while we take a few aches and pains away from here instead of any points, I also have a positive feeling about how the C3 WRC is on gravel.

That said, if there is a God of averages, he's going to have to start doing something for us soon, because the last three or four rallies have really gone against us, for one reason or another.
Today was my mistake, of course, so I'll take it on the chin and we'll move forwards to Sardinia.
Thanks, as always, for your support,
Kris

https://www.facebook.com/krismeeke

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm sorry to say that but this kind of damage is normal if there is a really big impact on the tree by the roof like this. The rollcage can not withstand everything. This kind of accidents is always extremely dangerous and it's very good that in modern cars the crew sits with their heads covered by the B-pillar.

Why is the cage at the B-pillar stronger than at the A-pillar, because its in the centre ?

[dimviii]

because its supported from many other tubes(front ,rear,diagonal etc)

[dimviii]

Hayden Paddon
6 ώρες ·
Good to leave the hospital now. Big thanks to all the staff that helped on the stage and at the hospital, also our fellow competitors at the scene. Seb is all ok and with some rest & recuperation we’ll be good to go for Rally Sardegna. Obviously very disappointed in the result for the team and myself, but at same time no regrets. At this level the margins are so small and if we want to take it easy and drive round all the rocks/holes/bumps etc then we are outside the top 10. Modern day WRC is flat out and our apex of the corner was comprised by 10-15cm - that’s the margins we are talking, but at the same time, why we all love the WRC. Its good to know that we had strong pace, the feeling with the car is good and we are still positive for the future. Big thanks for all the messages of support - it’s very humbling. Now onwards and upwards!

https://www.facebook.com/haydenpaddonwrc/posts/1660883603947422

[dimviii]

just a photo from mini wrc cage where you can see how many tubes reinforced/attached to b pillar

https://car-images.bauersecure.com/upload/26344/images/1752x1168/rollcageprotection007.jpg?mode=max&quality=90&scale=down

[Mirek]

Why is the cage at the B-pillar stronger than at the A-pillar, because its in the centre ?

Why I can't edit posts from a phone? It always deletes what I wrote completely...

As dimviii wrote plus also the bodyshell itself is stronger at B-pillar. The crew heads are shielded by the main arc which is the main and strongest structural part of the cage and also by the relatively strong B-pillar of the original shell.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

C.Clark
Very very pleased to say that I’ve just had a chat with Kris and Paul and they are both sounding and looking fine and have no after effects from this huge crash. Kris saying he’s very happy the roll cage did exactly what it was designed to do. https://t.co/EvbcoPPOff

[AnttiL]

I'm happy to see Suninen and Evans fighting with steady performers Lappi and Sordo. But Neuville has been today on a class of his own. Although, Ogier and Latvala would have been in the same class.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/?leg=2

[RS]

Why I can't edit posts from a phone? It always deletes what I wrote completely...


Me too.

[danon]

C.Clark
Very very pleased to say that I’ve just had a chat with Kris and Paul and they are both sounding and looking fine and have no after effects from this huge crash. Kris saying he’s very happy the roll cage did exactly what it was designed to do. https://t.co/EvbcoPPOff

Scary view...
I'm glad the guys are OK.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdlWDYYX0AAKzZD.jpg

[dimviii]

https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32916783_625766371099793_1263614068934049792_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=36660671db914d128334f4266573be85&oe=5B915B5D

[Zeakiwi]

I wonder if it could be time to depower the wrc cars a little again and take a bit out of the r5s as well ?

Take a bit out of the high energy impacts before people start being severely damaged.

[Mirek]

The cars usually don't crash on straights. You won't lower down cornering speed by downgrading the power. If You want the cars to go slower remove the downforce.

[N.O.T]

I wonder if it could be time to depower the wrc cars a little again and take a bit out of the r5s as well ?

Take a bit out of the high energy impacts before people start being severely damaged.

i wonder if it is time for you to shut up....

if you are scared kid you can go watch tennis or the royal wedding... we won't care much.

[EstWRC]

I wonder if it could be time to depower the wrc cars a little again and take a bit out of the r5s as well ?

Take a bit out of the high energy impacts before people start being severely damaged.

https://memegenerator.net/img/instances/60920367.jpg

[Mk2 RS2000]

The cars usually don't crash on straights. You won't lower down cornering speed by downgrading the power. If You want the cars to go slower remove the downforce.

Maybe the sport needs to learn the lessons of NASCAR and downforce, especially the effects that result from loss of it when going sideways of backwards.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Stewards decision number 7 has given Dani Sordo a 10 second penalty for hitting haybales during SS8. Teemu Suninen is now 3rd overall

Three way fight for final step of podium is separated by just 11.1 seconds with 51.53 km remaining. Going to be an interesting final day in Portugal

Updated Overall Results
Neuville
Evans + 0:39.8
Suninen + 1:01.9
Sordo + 1:07.2
Lappi + 1:13.0

[stefanvv]

especially the effects that result from loss of it when going sideways of backwards.

Probably the active diff helps in this case?!? Meeke lost of traction was more due to loose surface outside of the corner by his own words IIRC.

[sonnybobiche]

Maybe the sport needs to learn the lessons of NASCAR and downforce, especially the effects that result from loss of it when going sideways of backwards.

There is very little downforce on these cars. If you want to make a difference to cornering speeds, you have to limit the suspension travel.

[racerx1979]

Things change when you’re on gravel. Forces, grip, lateral grip etc all very different on gravel compared to ass-fault. Applying NASCAR tech to safety would not work. Ever seen nascar door bars? Such a door bar would never work for rally cars.

[dimviii]

Andreas Mikkelsen
#RallyPortugal The target today is to take as many manufacturer points as possible. We will be saving tyres and give it a big push on the Power Stage. Let’s see where the engine is also, they have tuned it up a bit today, yesterday it was hard to do anything at all. #WRC

[dimviii]

https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32908620_1662170740504732_8012379009583153152_n.pn g?_nc_cat=0&oh=cc3c594a7c2bab4c766018ce3d6194c3&oe=5B8B71D7

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/W676NP7W4Go

[dimviii]

All the Michelin #WRC drivers with 5 MICHELIN LTX Force S5 except Neuville with 6 S

[Tauri_J]

I wonder if it could be time to depower the wrc cars a little again and take a bit out of the r5s as well ?

Take a bit out of the high energy impacts before people start being severely damaged.

you should watch something else

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So 11 secs covers 3rd to 5th. Drivers from 3 different teams so hopefully at least these guys wont just be cruising til the PS...

[ESTR]

Sundays stages could be awarded for extra points (but not for rally2). That would prevent from just cruising.

[COD]

There is very little downforce on these cars. If you want to make a difference to cornering speeds, you have to limit the suspension travel.

That too, and the wings as well. Preferabely tyres grip also

[ESTR]

No point for reducing speeds. Then could shelve WRC cars and set R5 for top category.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why is Sordo still starting after Suninen ?

[racerx1979]

All live down??

[sonnybobiche]

All live down??

works fine for me on ::shudder:: Microsoft Edge.

[BigWorm]

Why is Sordo still starting after Suninen ?

The start order maybe could have been decided before the penalty, that would be my guess

[jparker]

Suninen wants to keep that 3th place, and probably try for 2nd. Let see what Evans can do.

[mknight]

Julian Porter has been going on for whole saturday and today again how M-Sport and Hyundai will switch positions with Neuville taking driver lead from Ogier and M-Sport taking manu lead from Hyundai.

Must be one of us counting wrong then:
Manu now:
Hyundai 144
M-Sport 129

Points after if standings stay:
Hyundai: Neuville 25 +Mikkelsen 6 = 144+31 = 175
M-Sport: Evans 18 + Sunninen 15 (no matter Sordo position)= 129 + 33 = 162

Even if you somehow forget to count mikkelsens points it's still 169 vs 162?

[ESTR]

Starting order for PS. Well it would be unfair if rally2 competitors will start after all wrc cars and some r5...

[Mirek]

That too, and the wings as well. Preferabely tyres grip also

Sorry but reducing suspension travel absolutely doesn't make the cars safer!

[Watson]

Sundays stages could be awarded for extra points (but not for rally2). That would prevent from just cruising.
Rally2 drivers are usually in the middle of nowhere so they'd cruise anyway.

[mknight]

Rally2 drivers are usually in the middle of nowhere so they'd cruise anyway.

Think about what you wrote one more time dear Watson.

[jonkka]

Must be one of us counting wrong then:


You're right and Julian Porter is wrong.

[ESTR]

Yes true, regular points are already lost, but you have 3 drivers who are hungry for extra ps points and if they start after all main drivers they could easily achieve it. I talk about Ogier, Mikkelsen and Latvala.

[Tauri_J]

Starting order for PS. Well it would be unfair if rally2 competitors will start after all wrc cars and some r5...

they'll start first as usual

[cosmin_sb]

Did the FIA change the rules for power stage?

[jonkka]

Did the FIA change the rules for power stage?

How so?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fastest PS recce on Fafe by Ogier, now saving his tyres.

[cosmin_sb]

How so?
If you don't start at the time you won't receive the points

[Fast Eddie WRC]

💥 #WRC STAT FLASH 💥
stage win to Esapekka Lappi makes it 10 Stage Winners
1⃣ Ott Tanak
2⃣ Hayden Paddon
3⃣ Kris Meeke
4⃣ Dani Sordo
5⃣ Craig Breen
6⃣ Thierry Neuville
7⃣ Jari-Matti Latvala
8⃣ Elfyn Evans
9⃣ Seb Ogier
10 Esapekka Lappi

[sonnybobiche]

Sorry but reducing suspension travel absolutely doesn't make the cars safer!

You must use economic reasoning (aka psychology). Reduced suspension travel -> maximum possible cornering speed reduced -> drivers reduce their entry speed -> possibility of horrific sideways accident reduced

Increased suspension travel -> maximum possible cornering speed increased -> drivers increase their entry speed -> possibility of horrific sideways accident increased

This is the problem with FIA people. They only think about things in the most superficial way. They ban something and they think the teams will react in the way they wish them to (like scolded children), rather than reacting as adults who want to win would.

This applies to supposedly intelligent people like Charlie Whiting as much as it does to Michele Mouton. They are all idiots, as far as I can tell.

[mknight]

Making the cars harder/more unpredictable to drive (reduced suspension travel) might reduce the speed at which accidents happen, but it is also likely to increase the number of accidents.

[sonnybobiche]

Making the cars harder/more unpredictable to drive (reduced suspension travel) might reduce the speed at which accidents happen, but it is also likely to increase the number of accidents.

If that were the case, we would have much fewer accidents today than we did 15-20 years ago. But we both know the opposite is the case. The more extreme and marginal you make the suspension, the more the drivers are motivated to push. At some point, they will overstep the limit. The only question is whether they are doing 50 mph sideways and maybe they can recover, or 120 mph sideways and recovery is impossible.

[jonkka]

If you don't start at the time you won't receive the points

That indeed sounds like a change (maybe someone was tactical about that in the past, eh?), have to double check.

[mknight]

If that were the case, we would have much fewer accidents today than we did 15-20 years ago.

In Group B or even group A times was every single crash could easily be fatal. That might have played some role ;)

If you go back to early 90s suspension with bomb-proof cars of today it won't be exactly same situation.

[jonkka]

Indeed, following clause has been added to regulations since the start of the season:

Any crew which does not start the Power Stage in the given order will not be eligible to score Power Stage points as per Art. 5.3.2 of the 2018 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations. Such crew may neither detract points from other drivers.

[jparker]

Making the cars harder/more unpredictable to drive (reduced suspension travel) might reduce the speed at which accidents happen, but it is also likely to increase the number of accidents.
Isn't that more desirable?

[Rallyper]

This is Rally Portugal thread. ;)

[jparker]

I have the feeling that Sordo lost the fight with Lappi.

[mknight]

Isn't that more desirable?

Depends on what is causing issues (fatalities/injuries).

On national/ERC levels I'd say most injuries come from hitting spectators and not from the racing crews.

R5 vs N4 comparison could be somewhat valid here. Rollcage-wise the cars should be similar in terms of safety.

[N.O.T]

every time there is an accident there is always a worthless stupid kid that does not belong in motorsport to suggest stupid things... and there are other stupid kids that get into a discussion with that stupid kid thus fueling the fire of the whole stupidity... First we had the finnish low life that wanted to ban tanak now we have the politically correct mentally handicaped people who want to reduce the speed of the cars...

These cars are the best thing that happened to rally which was a dying sport, and we have brainless idiots that want to kill the sport totally.

Nobody forces the drivers to drive these cars, they can stay home with mommy if they want.

this discussion ends here.

[sonnybobiche]

this discussion ends here.

I agree 100%, except for this. The discussion continues in the Bar Talk thread.

[jparker]

every time there is an accident there is always a worthless stupid kid that does not belong in motorsport to suggest stupid things... and there are other stupid kids that get into a discussion with that stupid kid thus fueling the fire of the whole stupidity... First we had the finnish low life that wanted to ban tanak now we have the politically correct mentally handicaped people who want to reduce the speed of the cars...

These cars are the best thing that happened to rally which was a dying sport, and we have brainless idiots that want to kill the sport totally.

Nobody forces the drivers to drive these cars, they can stay home with mommy if they want.

this discussion ends here.

Your life must be very hard on you. Sorry man, wish I could help you.

[Watson]

Think about what you wrote one more time dear Watson.
On Sundays before the power stage duh.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The inherent risk of driving flat out on these kind of roads are what makes rally drivers the best and bravest in the world of motorsport.

[stefanvv]

I agree 100%, except for this. The discussion continues in the Bar Talk thread.

I think that's the right place, after many beers

[Watson]

Making the cars slower again is an absolute load of tosh. The C3 apparantly is still a dog to drive in most rallies. Breen is usually just slow but it is Meeke trying to keep up with the others that makes him crash all the time. Ruining the cars handling will make crashes way more frequent and the speeds will still be at a potentially deadly levels.

It's so dumb that the FIA might even consider it.

[sonnybobiche]

Breen is usually just slow but it is Meeke trying to keep up with the others that makes him crash all the time.

Meeke has already been criticized for years for taking far too many risks, and I suspect he is on his way out of the sport after this year. He would be crashing no matter how unstable the cars were in the corners. Again, the only question is whether he crashes at 50 mph or 120 mph.

Incentives matter. This is apparently a very difficult concept for people to wrap their heads around. Please try to imagine yourself competing. Purely in terms of safety, would you prefer to compete in a series in which suspension travel (and therefore cornering speed) was relatively limited, or one in which it was free?

[EstWRC]

Starting order for PS? WRC plus shows me latvala first and ogier, mikkelsen after all the guys

[Watson]

As if lower suspension travel would reduce the speed in a particular corner from 120 mph to 50 mph.

Back in the day when Colin McRae was still among us he was known for taking too many risks as well. The cars were slower than modern R5s yet he had many a highspeed crash and was lucky to just walk away from them.

If you want to make cars safer, beef up the rollcages another couple of notches.

[mknight]

Just saw on alllive that Meeke had close call on Friday, quite similar to what Lappi had yesterday if a bit less "close".

[sonnybobiche]

As if lower suspension travel would reduce the speed in a particular corner from 120 mph to 50 mph.

Back in the day when Colin McRae was still among us he was known for taking too many risks as well. The cars were slower than modern R5s yet he had many a highspeed crash and was lucky to just walk away from them.

If you want to make cars safer, beef up the rollcages another couple of notches.

Right, because it makes total sense that despite being given a safer car, the drivers will not expose themselves to correspondingly more risk.

Think. Use your brains. What would you do if you were a driver?

[mknight]

Yeah let's remove rollcages completely so that they drive slower............and call it "safety improvement".

[N.O.T]

not long now... the live is on.

[sonnybobiche]

Yeah let's remove rollcages completely so that they drive slower............and call it "safety improvement".


They would drive extremely slowly, unless they're out of their minds. Just as slowly as they used to when there were no rollcages.

Every person who has ever driven competitively knows this to be true. I don't know why you are all pretending to be this stupid.

[Micke_VOC]

Starting order for PS? WRC plus shows me latvala first and ogier, mikkelsen after all the guys

Top three WRC2 drivers first then Ogier and so on...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Starting order for PS? WRC plus shows me latvala first and ogier, mikkelsen after all the guys

No, Mikkelsen is after Ogier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wish there was a live fan video from Fafe so we could enjoy the atmos.. and no Desborough.

[steve.mandzij]

Is the jump flatter than previous years? It looks smaller...

[N.O.T]

huge jump by Ogier...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wish they would get the timing sorted to show up as they cross the finish...

[EstWRC]

Nice time by mikkelsen. Although gave some time away in the end.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen takes fastest off Ogier.

[jparker]

Mikkelsen better than Ogier. Very nice.

[dimviii]

live


https://www.lequipe.fr/lachainelequipe/lequipe-live-2/rallye-du-portugal-la-power-stage-en-direct/k7hx4vqdKXtrkAg2KEX

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oof Breen !

[EstWRC]

Haha what a jump by Breen

[Rallyper]

Ostberg fastest on 1st split!!

[Rallyper]

Equal with Mik on 2nd.

[ESTR]

Ogier slowly sliding down