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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bad weekend for Ogier getting worse..

[mknight]

Seems like the road is still cleaning, so likely no points for Ogier.

[Rallyper]

Who said Citroen is crap on gravel? Well done Mads!

[EstWRC]

weird to watch with Tänak not being there. Meh

[Essaj]

Epic time by Dani! that's 5 points.

[Rallyper]

Oh Sordo doing well!! With a cracked windscreen.

[Essaj]

Lappi is even faster on 1st split!
Edit: Also on 2nd split!
Insane time by Lappi!

[N.O.T]

no need to report splits.... we can see.

Seems that the road is still dirty and gets faster on each run

[jparker]

It's time for Suninen to set the best time :)

[jparker]

no need to report splits.... we can see.

Seems that the road is still dirty and gets faster on each run

No need to tell us the obvious Friki.

[steve.mandzij]

Very Finnish emotions from Suninen :D

And I'm still convinced the jump is way smaller than before.

[BigWorm]

Great drive, Teemu!

[EstWRC]

Lol at suninen. “I’m very happy” with that stoned face and no emotions at all :p

[itix]

Commentators;
"sunninen is so happy right now. I think I even saw him smile"

I died laughing...

[N.O.T]

a safe drive now by neuville and if any points come its a plus....

[steve.mandzij]

Nice overall drive from Evans; from nothing to a podium, as he's always done. Hopefully he can keep up the pace for Sardinia but I wouldn't hold my breath.

[AnttiL]

Well done Teemu! First correct guess for my crystal ball

[N.O.T]

wow.... great drive by Neuville !!!! well done !!!!

[BigWorm]

Mega weekend for Neuville, 19 point lead in the champ!

[steve.mandzij]

wow.... great drive by Neuville !!!! well done !!!!Am I dreaming? Is this comment real?! :D

[mknight]

Suninen did very well beating both Lappi and Sordo (even considering the time issues), similarly Evans also did well, maybe expected a bit more from Lappi.

However I am bit split as to how much to praise all 3 of these for their performance since they all got there after the friday massacre and basically only ever fought with Sordo and each other. With the drivers that were typically faster than them either out (Tanak, Paddon), not really competing (Ogier, Latvala, Mikkelsen) or cleaning the road (Breen, Meeke). If these were in position to fight would that mean that Evans and co would fight for 6-7 like usual? Impossible to tell.

[Rallyper]

Very well deserved victory for a brave man. Neuville! Also Tidemand.

[cosmin_sb]

well done Neuville

[jparker]

Congrats to Neville, well deserved victory. Keep the fight on....

[wia5958]

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?

This statement is ridiculous every corner has a limit it can b taken at regardless of suspension travel these guys will take that corner at the absoloute limit and over it sometimes cause thats what wins rallys

[Rallyper]

Suninen will grow. Who will be winning WDC first? Lappi or Suninen?

[itix]

Anyone know the points standings now?

[BigWorm]

Anyone know the points standings now?

Top 5
1. Neuville 119
2. Ogier 100
3. Tänak 72
4. Sordo 58
5. Lappi 57

[itix]

Top 5
1. Neuville 119
2. Ogier 100
3. Tänak 72
4. Sordo 58
5. Lappi 57Thanks.

Latvalas hope is completely gone now. Unless something extreme happens this is a two and a half horse race.

Toyota desperately need to sort out their reliability issues.

[sonnybobiche]

This statement is ridiculous every corner has a limit it can b taken at regardless of suspension travel these guys will take that corner at the absoloute limit and over it sometimes cause thats what wins rallys

Here's a guy who doesn't understand geometry, logic, or basic physics.

Anyway, congrats to Neuville/Gilsoul. Exciting few months ahead, for sure.

[Sulland]

What a powerstage, exiting till the end.
impressed by the youngsters, they dared.

very good result for Neuville, with Ogier with 0 points.

For a all live viewer it is not good enough that the timingsystem is not able to work 100%.
in almost all other sports they are able to get times live in split seconds.
I can understand it is hard in some stages, but the powerstage they need to improve, so we get more splits, where the clock count downwards to the current stage leader. Will make the show even better!

[dimviii]

https://scontent.fbru3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32974735_1662403690481437_2633232904305508352_n.pn g?_nc_cat=0&oh=4a4f49af12f965de707b15040bdac750&oe=5B78202D

[ESTR]

Suninen will grow. Who will be winning WDC first? Lappi or Suninen?

Ogier

[macebig]

Great job by Elfyn and Teemu. They rised to the occasion when they were needed most. Fingers crossed they keep that form. Or Ford will not have a chance for Manufacturers.

[racerx1979]

Gary Boyd Kiwifan winning the WRC giveaway. Congrats!!

[N.O.T]

I am happy because now we have a fight...

but i also cry for Tanak today :(:(:(:(:( worthless brazilian marshals of shit !!!!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dream weekend for Neuville getting nearly maximum points and Ogier, Tanak and Meeke none.

Any bad luck last year is repaid here and the Title is now in his own hands.

Nice job by Evans & Teemu is good for M-Sport but not taking points off Neuville means its not really any consolation.

[BigWorm]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdpGfPiU8AEdag9.jpg

[A FONDO]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DdpGfPiU8AEdag9.jpg

dafuq?? :laugh:

[macebig]

Malcolm is at Silverstone for the BES.

[KKS]

Big congratz to Neuville, Evans and Sunninen good rally for them. But if we still have Tanak, Latvala, Mikkelsen, Padon, Ogier and Meeke in a rally I think that podium for this two M-sport guys would be impossible. But they get it, and a rest - nope, so congratz!

[KKS]

First win for north korea at WRC :D

http://i.piccy.info/i9/f203db4fdfbcc72e9fc29baf16e284c6/1526823869/288818/1185642/North_Korea_at_WRC2.jpg

[KKS]

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.
But they still can get early penalty and didn't arrive in time for regroup before PS, where this "given order" decides

[the sniper]

First win for north korea at WRC :D

No way! Is that legit?! Oi, oi, oi...

Compelling rally and sets us up nicely for the rest of the season. Great stuff!

[stefanvv]

But they still can get early penalty and didn't arrive in time for regroup before PS, where this "given order" decides

As there is a regroup before PS, they have to.

[dimviii]

Meeke crash from another angle
https://twitter.com/PeAChapaRacing/status/998132714799812608

[dimviii]

"To be honest, it was not a big mistake on Friday, just a few inches in a trajectory, maybe it's just a mistake in taking notes, I've been through this very often and I did not never seen this little root difficult to distinguish with the shadows in the forest.It is expensive paid.In the Power Stage, no chance to do anything.I was at the limit and it was going faster and faster as the cars passed, "detailed Ogier at our microphone.

Virgin weekend for the Frenchman, who remains stuck at 100 points in the championship. "Neuville takes the lead, it's not going to change my approach, the pressure is still there, last year for example because it was an intense and tight championship, it's not the moment to worry, we have not yet passed the mid-season, Neuville will open in Sardinia, it will be fun, "concluded the Ford driver.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_ogier-thierry-reprend-la-tete-ca-ne-va-rien-changer-a-mon-approche?id=9923169

[EstWRC]

Congrats to Neuville! Took the maximum while his closest rivals got zero points. Ogier isnt far away but the gap with Tänak is huge, basically 50 points and it will be very hard for him to catch Neuville with that Yaris suspension made out of sugar and the cooling problems with the engine from time to time.

But you never know, Neuville was basically 40 points behind Ogier in the beginning of last season but lead after Finland.

Nice to see some speed from Evans after a while and Suninen finally performed like i expected. His speed so far this season had been disappointing but great performance here.

Again a very good performance from Sordo, the guy is ahead of Mikkelsen in the standings now.

Expected more from Lappi, nice drive without mistakes but i expected more speed from him based on the season so far and considering his starting position on friday.

It was really nice to have Paddon back and good to see he has the speed but a little bit unfortunate with that accident.

Overall quite a carnage rally which i didnt expect at all.

Next round please!

[dimviii]

Torns crash at ss 17
https://twitter.com/JuniorWRC/status/998163337757253633

[dimviii]

nice points/statistics table from Planet Marcus

Lappi has 3 wins at power stages out of 6 rallies
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/

[dimviii]

@ericdobro
300 000 spectateurs lors de la power stage à Fafe sur 11 km au @rallydeportugal , y a qu'en rallye que l'on peut voir ça https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/998197708035952643 …

[EstWRC]

TGR_WRC
‏

@TGR_WRC
6m6 minutes ago
More
Following #RallydePortugal, @EsapekkaLappi has been handed a 10-second penalty for hitting and displacing one of three dividing bales at roundabout 3 on SS9 in Porto on Friday evening.

It drops him to 5th overall, but doesn't take away his great finish today!

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/vEgRnQSaus4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz4K9hf_NF4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mpI8FwdQFo

[Simmi]

I think the stewards have really set a messy precedent now with these two super special bale penalties. I mean these are insults to rallying in the first place, let alone when you start penalising drivers for moving them. And then to penalise the drivers one and two days after the incidents respectively - the second clearly due to an enquiry from Hyundai. Embarrassing really.

I guess it's all sort of fallout from the Ogier issue in Mexico but it shouldn't be these mickey mouse elements creating talking points.

[KKS]

As there is a regroup before PS, they have to.
SS19 Montim 2 - 10:35 first car
Regroup in - 10:55
regroup out - 11:55

as we see first on a road for PS was Leferbve with start time 12:18 his regroup out time should be 11:55 and regroup in time - 11:28. So minimum regroup time was 28min

If Ogier was late to check in for SS19 (stage before regroup) for 28 min for example, he should start at 11:27 so new time to arrive to regroup is 11:47.
It's such a long regroup here (1 hrs) and he still was early than first car out regroup, but on rallys where regroup before PS was shorter - it could be a solution for another cheat from Ogier

[KKS]

TGR_WRC
‏

@TGR_WRC
6m6 minutes ago
More
Following #RallydePortugal, @EsapekkaLappi has been handed a 10-second penalty for hitting and displacing one of three dividing bales at roundabout 3 on SS9 in Porto on Friday evening.

It drops him to 5th overall, but doesn't take away his great finish today!

oh, that f*cking paper wars

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz4K9hf_NF4


nice video! amazing spot at 1,08

[stefanvv]

I think the stewards have really set a messy precedent now with these two super special bale penalties. I mean these are insults to rallying in the first place, let alone when you start penalising drivers for moving them. And then to penalise the drivers one and two days after the incidents respectively - the second clearly due to an enquiry from Hyundai. Embarrassing really.

I guess it's all sort of fallout from the Ogier issue in Mexico but it shouldn't be these mickey mouse elements creating talking points.

Very true. Embarrassing.

[stefanvv]

SS19 Montim 2 - 10:35 first car
Regroup in - 10:55
regroup out - 11:55

as we see first on a road for PS was Leferbve with start time 12:18 his regroup out time should be 11:55 and regroup in time - 11:28. So minimum regroup time was 28min

If Ogier was late to check in for SS19 (stage before regroup) for 28 min for example, he should start at 11:27 so new time to arrive to regroup is 11:47.
It's such a long regroup here (1 hrs) and he still was early than first car out regroup, but on rallys where regroup before PS was shorter - it could be a solution for another cheat from Ogier

Well I guess it's Ogier's problem, 28 minutes is a lot.

[COD]

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

That would be good for the sport

[dimviii]

11(!!!) different stage winners

#Neuville 6
Latvala 3
Evans 2
Ogier 2
Lappi 2
Meeke 2
Paddon 1
Tanak 1
Suninen 1
Breen 1
#Sordo 1

only Mikkelsen and Ostberg didnt won stages

[Tarmop]

That would be good for the sport

No, it wouldn`t. We would have another ERC or IRC. WRC2 has that category covered. Then we also have nationals. Nothing is wrong with the way things are now, cars are great, many capable drivers etc.

[mknight]

- the second clearly due to an enquiry from Hyundai.

Just don't see why you would just point this out. Hyundai (Sordo) was clearly targeted by M-sport before that ... and M-sport was by Hyundai in Mexico.. which was a response to Ogier asking before PS after seeing Neuville... and we can go on like this forever.

I actually agree that you need penalties for this, but they need to be very clearly defined. what is a penalty and what is not. Mirek mentioned some rulebook from CZ with 5s and 10s penalties for clearly specified things.

[Tarmop]

Well fine, be equal and give penalties to everyone, but give them straightaway. I think both Sordo and Lappi would have driven differently yesterday, had they had 10 seconds to get back.

[dimviii]

But another puncture on SS14 then proved costly: the wheel locked, resulting in a broken transmission on Amarante, the longest stage of the rally (37.60km).

http://media.citroenracing.com/en/c3-r5-also-passes-its-gravel-licence

[EstWRC]

"I used to share a team with Sebastien Loeb. He was that kind of guy as well. He was able to go for points and we did it this weekend."


https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-neuville-i-knew-we-could-take-win-weekend

[dimviii]

donuts with reverse speed
https://twitter.com/fernischumi/status/998282451729502208

[dimviii]

Final assistance: Decision of Ford M-Sport to withdraw Sébastien Ogier's Fiesta Wrc: car parts changes for the next events (sealed and sealed parts: Article 64.2 FIA).

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/998290602990153729

[dimviii]

watch Meekes tyre explosion at high speed part,as Suninens hot moment at same point.
https://youtu.be/w6OKb7pNHew

[dimviii]

watch at 0,55 how unstable is Meekes c3 compared to various cars at same point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqoGcYD8joQ

[N.O.T]

Great videos so far from portugal... very nice and of course not a single professional photo guy or camera crew on these spots...

[N.O.T]

ok after seeing the videos i must say that this sport is far too dangerous and too beautiful to be legal... please ban it because someone might get killed.

[Ucci]

ok after seeing the videos i must say that this sport is far too dangerous and too beautiful to be legal... please ban it because someone might get killed.

Watching those videos I've also got fear that somebody is going to suffer fatal consequences.....this is fuc#&** 2fast.....

[KKS]

Well I guess it's Ogier's problem, 28 minutes is a lot.
28 min late it's a 280 sec penalty and it's nothing.... for rally2 driver with +35min from overall leader

[N.O.T]

Watching those videos I've also got fear that somebody is going to suffer fatal consequences.....

yes of course... death is part of the game in motorsport that is why they are getting paid a lot because they do something that normal people cannot do or are too afraid of doing or both...

[danon]

ok after seeing the videos i must say that this sport is far too dangerous and too beautiful to be legal... please ban it because someone might get killed.

watch tennis

[mknight]

Neuville's car still in scrutineering?

[Mk2 RS2000]

donuts with reverse speed
https://twitter.com/fernischumi/status/998282451729502208

A bit more from Dave & Jase after their roll
https://www.facebook.com/DaveHolderRally/videos/2148158295211066/

[Rally Power]

3 fantastic days of Rally de Portugal, with even more spectators than in previous years; we’re not far from having RdP as a national public holiday!

Despite Tanak early retirement and Friday afternoon havoc, the rally was quite enjoyable to watch as it allowed drivers like Evans, Suninen, Lappi and Sordo to be at their best. Paddon and Meeke were flying till crashing and Breen was great to watch, although his SS times hardly reveal it (road opener on day 2 and 3).

In WRC2 Tidemand and the Fabia looked always fast (that guy really deserves a WRC seat) but the C3 seems competitive, especially considering Lefebvre lower skills on gravel. Pieniazek pace was a nice surprise; Greensmith confirmed his speed but Nordgen, Loubet or Huttunen somehow failed to impress. Junior top guys did their best, particularly the 2 Swedes and the Estonian, beating several R5 crews but R2 Fiesta’s always look (and sound) less spectacular than the 208’s.

Eventually it’s great to have a new leader on the series and hopefully Tanak will soon be able to catch Neuville and Ogier at the top. Fingers crossed!

PS: forgot to mention Neuville; amazing show from him; mega fast and hyper consistent. Well done!

[N.O.T]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2aMvvDljOWg

call the FIA someone... file a report.

first they increase the power of the cars... then that hooligan tanak goes sideways on one corner on the road section and now this ???

Someone stop this madness before the sport becomes popular again....

[stefanvv]

All that joy beating Evans? Wow, can't imagine what would be beating Ogier....

[N.O.T]

All that joy beating Evans? Wow, can't imagine what would be beating Ogier....

i think he beat Ogier as well.

[stefanvv]

For 5 stages, yes

[N.O.T]

For 5 stages, yes

i think he beat him in the whole rally as well...

[GravelBen]

i think he beat him in the whole rally as well...

This does NOT happen often, but I agree with NOT!

[AnttiL]

Greensmith confirmed his speed but Nordgen, Loubet or Huttunen somehow failed to impress.

Huttunen was disappointing. I'm still thinking it was a mistake to go to Hyundai because the car is so unreliable and uncompetitive, but at least he gets valuable kms and experience of the rallies.

Nordgren showed nice speed when his tyres kept intact, considering this was his eighth 4WD rally ever. For example third on SS3, SS12, SS15, SS16 and second on SS4, SS10 and SS20.

Fantastic event from Greensmith, just unlucky.

Although, there's just no comparison to Tidemand. An incredible comeback after being set back by two minutes of punctures.

[COD]

No, it wouldn`t. We would have another ERC or IRC. WRC2 has that category covered. Then we also have nationals. Nothing is wrong with the way things are now, cars are great, many capable drivers etc.

I would say, R5 with a bit more power but restricted suspension travel

[AnttiL]

I would say, R5 with a bit more power but restricted suspension travel

why not then 2017 WRC but with restricted suspension travel?

The Clerk of the courses of Rally Finland have also expressed their concern for the speed of the current cars and said it would be awesome to have the current engines and safety equipment with less suspension travel and aeros and without center diffs, resulting in lower cornering speed and more sideways driving.

[stefanvv]

This does NOT happen often, but I agree with NOT!


It's easy to agree with the obvious. I don't think Ogier was trying to beat Neuville though.

[Rallyper]

why not then 2017 WRC but with restricted suspension travel?

The Clerk of the courses of Rally Finland have also expressed their concern for the speed of the current cars and said it would be awesome to have the current engines and safety equipment with less suspension travel and aeros and without center diffs, resulting in lower cornering speed and more sideways driving.

Also combined with tyres with less grip maybe?

It´s also my concern over the speed, however rallying never was a harmless sport. Not even in the 60´s having 80-90 hp.

But thinking of the consequences of a fatal accident among one of the cars in the top, for example in Finland, make me shiver.

[Rally Power]

Nordgren showed nice speed when his tyres kept intact, considering this was his eighth 4WD rally ever. For example third on SS3, SS12, SS15, SS16 and second on SS4, SS10 and SS20.

You’re right on Nordgen; he made some good times, but he didn’t look that fast on the stages; the opposite of Breen.


The Clerk of the courses of Rally Finland have also expressed their concern for the speed of the current cars and said it would be awesome to have the current engines and safety equipment with less suspension travel and aeros and without center diffs, resulting in lower cornering speed and more sideways driving.

If current WRC cars speed becomes a real concern (hope not, but somehow it’s not hard to believe it will) it would be much simpler to restrain their engine with a smaller air restrictor instead of being changing their suspension, transmission or aero. Having major tech rules chancing all the time is never a good policy.

[AnttiL]

If current WRC cars speed becomes a real concern (hope not, but somehow it’s not hard to believe it will) it would be much simpler to restrain their engine with a smaller air restrictor instead of being changing their suspension, transmission or aero. Having major tech rules chancing all the time is never a good policy.
Of course the restrictor would be easier and that's probably what they will do if necessary, but it would be more spectacular to keep more power with less grip. Kind of like...group B.

The current drivers have expressed that the diff, suspension and aero have made the cars safer to drive than ever, but at the same time if you have an off it's going to be a serious one because of the speed. In any case, an off like Meeke's in Portugal could be fatal even on an R1 car if the tree hits a bad spot.

[dimviii]

It's easy to agree with the obvious. I don't think Ogier was trying to beat Neuville though.

who was trying to beat?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Very true. Embarrassing.

And such a simple solution to hitting chicanes on SSS...

USE SOLID OBJECTS, NOT STRAW BALES OR LIGHT BARRIERS.

[dimviii]

when Meekes tyre explode

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/oga__x9a4195.jpg

more
https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/537/

[Rally Power]

I think the stewards have really set a messy precedent now with these two super special bale penalties. I mean these are insults to rallying in the first place, let alone when you start penalising drivers for moving them. And then to penalise the drivers one and two days after the incidents respectively - the second clearly due to an enquiry from Hyundai. Embarrassing really.I guess it's all sort of fallout from the Ogier issue in Mexico but it shouldn't be these mickey mouse elements creating talking points.

Spot on. No doubt it's linked with Ogier case. Stupid SSS penalties are now affecting the WRC but lots of national series have been suffering from them for a long time. It deserves a separate thread, as this matter seriously hurts the sport. A rally must be decided on real stages, never on an artificial SSS.

[dimviii]

amazing photo from Lappi

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/jpo_100000400-lappi-sb.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/jpo_100000385-tidemand-test.jpg
more
https://www.ewrc-results.com/photo/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/

[Rally Power]

watch at 0,55 how unstable is Meekes c3 compared to various cars at same point
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqoGcYD8joQ

On the other video you’ve posted the less stable is Suninen Fiesta...comparing to last year rally, the C3 was now looking far more stable. Apparently the handling issues were solved and the car is probably at the same level of its rivals, even if the i20 still looks to be slightly ahead of the competition. I just hope Citroen will get a new number one driver next year; with due respect, keeping Meeke as squad leader is a waste.

New video by RallyMania (amazing escape from Lappi at 2:55):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowmnCOLdHtgYM-HrOeiD-w

[pokey2014]

Meeke performance is really inconsistent..crashing at almost every rally.

Sent from my SM-G955F using Tapatalk

[denkimi]

Meeke performance is really inconsistent..crashing at almost every rally.

Its the opposite, he is very consistent in crashing.

[AnttiL]

The only rallies where Meeke hasn't had an off since the start of 2017 are Tour de Corse 2017, Finland 2017 and Wales 2017 (not sure of Argentina 2018 puncture).

[Simmi]

Did he have an off during that victory in Catalunya? Don't remember one, but I was at that rally so missed a lot of details.

[EstWRC]

some interesting bits from an interview with Tommi in estonian newspaper, especially the bit about Latvala. i dont remember when was the last time that i saw team principal being so straightforward about his driver.

Do the marshals have to react quicker and throw away the big stones from the road?

TM: Absolutely! They had enough time to do it. Finally they did it but unfortunately too late for us. I dont particularly only mean the safety of the drivers or this accident with Ott but safety in general. These big stones can fly everywhere. It is dangerous in every way.

How do you comment Latvalas accident on the next stage?

TM: Jari-Mattis harddrive crashed again. As soon as Ott retired he lost his rhytm and things got messed up.

Can you specify ?

TM: He started to think that Tänaks retirement opens him a new chance. He forgot to concentrate on the driving and there was a accident right away. It was purely his mistake, no excuses.


Then also an interview with Latvala where he says that the car is more faster this year and there is more grip but it also has brought side effects and that he has to drive the car in different way. He cant drive the same way as he was used to drive.

[EightGear]

Latvala seems so friggin fragile mentally. Some things never change.

[AnttiL]

Did he have an off during that victory in Catalunya? Don't remember one, but I was at that rally so missed a lot of details.

Well just spins

[mknight]

The only rallies where Meeke hasn't had an off since the start of 2017 are Tour de Corse 2017, Finland 2017 and Wales 2017 (not sure of Argentina 2018 puncture).

As Simmi says no real "off" in Catalunya. That said the puncture in Finland was his own fault after cutting a corner he had marked as "don't cut". So the overall number is about the same.

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/ago_img_0111.jpg

https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/

[stefanvv]

https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/

I can't resist posting this:

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/dwi_2018r06portugal-portraits0240.jpg

[dimviii]

absolutely cartoonish face lol

[dimviii]

Hayden Paddon

Not the weekend we wanted but have proven our pace again.
In Sweden we won the fastest stage of the rally.
In Portugal we won the fastest stage of the rally with 103.5kph on Viana do Castelo 1.
Already looking ahead to Rally Italia Sardegna.

[N.O.T]

more
https://www.ewrc-results.com/photo/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/

The only pros that care about rally action than worthless stupid nature photos of shit. well done.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/998629215774957569

[COD]

Also combined with tyres with less grip maybe?

It´s also my concern over the speed, however rallying never was a harmless sport. Not even in the 60´s having 80-90 hp.

But thinking of the consequences of a fatal accident among one of the cars in the top, for example in Finland, make me shiver.

Power is not the problem. Grip and corner speeds are. Sudden stop with a tree etc. Is the most dangerous. 60’s had almost zero safety equipment

[steve.mandzij]

some interesting bits from an interview with Tommi in estonian newspaper, especially the bit about Latvala. i dont remember when was the last time that i saw team principal being so straightforward about his driver.

Do the marshals have to react quicker and throw away the big stones from the road?

TM: Absolutely! They had enough time to do it. Finally they did it but unfortunately too late for us. I dont particularly only mean the safety of the drivers or this accident with Ott but safety in general. These big stones can fly everywhere. It is dangerous in every way.

How do you comment Latvalas accident on the next stage?

TM: Jari-Mattis harddrive crashed again. As soon as Ott retired he lost his rhytm and things got messed up.

Can you specify ?

TM: He started to think that Tänaks retirement opens him a new chance. He forgot to concentrate on the driving and there was a accident right away. It was purely his mistake, no excuses.


Then also an interview with Latvala where he says that the car is more faster this year and there is more grip but it also has brought side effects and that he has to drive the car in different way. He cant drive the same way as he was used to drive.It's literally 2016 all over again: car too stable for sideways, strong teammate, "this is my year to win the shampionship", etc etc.

On the bright side he finally woke up from his slow and steady approach and began to win stages in Portugal.

[stefanvv]

who was trying to beat?

The question is - was he trying to beat someone/something. If we answer that question, we might step up to the next level - who/what.

[N.O.T]

The question is - was he trying to beat someone/something. If we answer that question, we might step up to the next level - who/what.

when stupid people try to be smart they only thing they achieve is to ridicule themselves...

you are all over the place, get your head sorted.

[stefanvv]

I know, I know, easy now dog.

[dimviii]

The question is - was he trying to beat someone/something. If we answer that question, we might step up to the next level - who/what.

you said he wasnt trying to beat Neuville.
So who was trying to beat?

[BigWorm]

Ogier wants to beat everyone, you could tell that by how frustrated he was on Saturday and forward because he couldn't fight at the front.

He paid the price of making a mistake by cutting a corner too much, but his pace was encouraging up until that point.

[Rallyper]

Power is not the problem. Grip and corner speeds are. Sudden stop with a tree etc. Is the most dangerous. 60’s had almost zero safety equipment

Yeah, that´s what I tried to state. Give them 500 hp but no grip. No problem to me. But still, as you say we have the sudden stops. Dangerous in every speed more or less, depending how the impact takes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remember someone saying they were a driver and would have avoided the rocks that Tanak hit ?

Colin Clark states today that he also thinks Tanak saw the rocks in time and decided to go over them... a bad and very costly decision.

[T16]

Remember someone saying they were a driver and would have avoided the rocks that Tanak hit ?

Colin Clark states today that he also thinks Tanak saw the rocks in time and decided to go over them... a bad and very costly decision.

It was NOT a decision. What the hell does Clark know about driving? Have you seen the footage of him trying to drive an M-Sport car on an open airfield?.... you wouldn't trust the fool to drive 100m in a straight line, never mind accept his opinion on a WRC car at full tilt and if the rocks could have been avoided. Tanak MAY have seen the rocks before he hit them, but he didn't have time to 'decide' not to.

[N.O.T]

Remember someone saying they were a driver and would have avoided the rocks that Tanak hit ?

Colin Clark states today that he also thinks Tanak saw the rocks in time and decided to go over them... a bad and very costly decision.

Colin clark is one of those special guys that follow something for years and year and they still know nothing... useless !!!

wasn't he the one who said that Ogier would capitalise after corsica ?

ppppffffttt...

basic simpletons who think that because someone in on tv they know things better...

sheep attitude simpletons.

Tanaks retirement was because those brazilians of shit were sleeping on the job

[Rallyper]

It was NOT a decision. What the hell does Clark know about driving? Have you seen the footage of him trying to drive an M-Sport car on an open airfield?.... you wouldn't trust the fool to drive 100m in a straight line, never mind accept his opinion on a WRC car at full tilt and if the rocks could have been avoided. Tanak MAY have seen the rocks before he hit them, but he didn't have time to 'decide' not to.

+10

[Tarmop]

Armchair rallying at its best., but more like general driving ABC, against clock or on the streets, you don`t mess with the steering to avoid a small or smallish obstacle at high speeds, safer to hit it and hope for the best...at least not total it.

[mknight]

Actually from the outside fan footage it looks like nose went lower just before hitting the rocks (even compared to other Toyotas). Whether that was conscious decision (lift-off, brakes...) is something only Tanak knows.

Note also how other cars (Fiesta and i20) seemed to have higher rideheight during the whole sequence of corners. Lower rideheight can be good idea on smooth roads on first pass (3rd car on road) but clearly caries extra risks. Could be that he could have won the stage by a few secs more because of this, so it's calculated risk.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Colin Clark states that Tanak has admitted he saw the big rocks and elected to try to go over them...

If he did then it was understandable as he always wants to be fastest... but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

[dimviii]

Colin Clark states that Tanak has admitted he saw the big rocks and elected to try to go over them...

If he did then it was understandable as he always wants to be fastest... but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

Ηis choice to dont avoid them wasnt because he didnt want to loose time,but to dont crash.Mid corner you cant change your line for more than a meter ,at such high speed.

[EstWRC]

Colin Clark states that Tanak has admitted he saw the big rocks and elected to try to go over them...

If he did then it was understandable as he always wants to be fastest... but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

where and when? i havent seen or heard that.

what a load of BS

[Tarmop]

In his latest "kitchen table"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sivoWyQ4Hwg
I mean, the size of those stones appears ~1 second before the hit. Trying to pass them would end with hitting the spectators in a worst case scenario.

[EstWRC]

sorry i meant that where Ott admitted that he elected to go over them. i havent heard of it.

there was a short interview with Martin just right after the retirement and he said they couldnt avoid the rocks.

[T16]

Colin Clark states that Tanak has admitted he saw the big rocks and elected to try to go over them...

If he did then it was understandable as he always wants to be fastest... but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

Are you attempting to troll people on here Eddie?

[ESTR]

but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

Yes he did well in Portugal

[Rallyper]

In the same moment you realize you can´t avoid the stones, it comes a decision, yes.

A decision to go straight forward over the stones. So, in some way it´s correct he might took a decision, but it was the only option...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Are you attempting to troll people on here Eddie?

Not at all... just pointing out what Colin Clark had said.

Tanaks FB has the only quotes on the incident Ive seen: https://m.facebook.com/otttanakfanpage/posts

[N.O.T]

If he did then it was understandable as he always wants to be fastest... but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

You do realise that changing the racing line at those speeds will result in a crash and not a loss of 1-2 seconds ? or its too complicated for you ?

[Rally Power]

Nice words of Clark on the Portuguese’s passion for rally; some pics from @world:

https://scontent.fopo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32903905_961042034051312_2455739120190750720_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=f2af7cc4d637e66a491da05490ac85e2&oe=5B8A9A0E

https://scontent.fopo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32802223_960575280764654_9060025728984154112_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=bfad1eba06884afddc0c0de6295a209f&oe=5B831C93

https://scontent.fopo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/33125021_961745400647642_2666092148604010496_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=72da1c3f368f4660d5b5b20f335b00a5&oe=5B7707FB

https://scontent.fopo1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/32706675_959711064184409_1046524697849626624_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=0&oh=d1c038f4b3bc276a9e9e9af8e5583206&oe=5B77804F

Full gallerie here:
https://www.facebook.com/atWorldmediaagency/

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/bog_002.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/bog_73726.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2018/bog_17158.jpg

https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44260-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2018/305/

[danon]

Colin Clark states that Tanak has admitted he saw the big rocks and elected to try to go over them... but a more experienced driver like Ogier would've avoided them even if it cost a second or two.

https://i.giphy.com/media/7JsEjTubJRa8HZRaDH/giphy.webp