[WRC] Neste Rally Finland 26 - 29 July 2018

[mknight]

stage results... toyota 1-2-3, toyota 1-2-3, toyota 1-2-3

the power of unlimited testing on the same stages + local and (semi) local drivers + money + engineering skills

Impossible to say what part matters how much. I'd rank it like 30%-30%-20%-20%

[KKS]

Did Suninen have a "not good stage", on SS19?

[CoyoteVillagra]

https://i.imgur.com/dngH9j4.jpg

[steve.mandzij]

Second is now up for grabs, it seems!

Also, do WRC crews have hard tyres available? If so, Kalle Rovanpera and his hards outsmarted the entire top level field.

[Evian]

Kalle Rovanperä got problems...https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180728/4964cf451902664a1e48ab597feae459.jpg

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Rovanpera looks very slow and caution at onboards

[stefanvv]

I expected more from neuville. I know it's not the best rally for hyundai and him personally, but getting nothing but 9th or 10th places isn't what a title contender should be capable off.


no one believed Ogier the start order is ridiculous.

[denkimi]

stage results... toyota 1-2-3, toyota 1-2-3, toyota 1-2-3

the power of unlimited testing on the same stages + local and (semi) local drivers + money + engineering skills

Impossible to say what part matters how much. I'd rank it like 30%-30%-20%-20%
I would say the unlimited testing counts at least for 80% of the toyota dominance here.

[KKS]

what a drama for Rovanpera...

[KKS]

)))

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjM8FptUwAAAIj6.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

:(
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjM8POvX4AEdH6R.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjM8Q0rXcAA54EU.jpg

[HaCo]

What a bad rally for Hyundai and TN :(

At least Paddon is showing some pace. He told before the rally he tested TN setup, but didn't work for him and went back to the setup he learnt in Estonia.

I cannot believe this is happening year after year with Hyundai, TN is 3:30 behind and the rally isn't even over...

[Mise]

)))

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjM8FptUwAAAIj6.jpg

I think the rear is better looking than Ogiers new rear wing

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Big shame for Kalle...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjM9V9OW0AMAs_8.jpg

[René]

Veiby off road :(

[mknight]

What a bad rally for Hyundai and TN :(

At least Paddon is showing some pace. He told before the rally he tested TN setup, but didn't work for him and went back to the setup he learnt in Estonia.

I cannot believe this is happening year after year with Hyundai, TN is 3:30 behind and the rally isn't even over...

Well Paddon had same roadposition as Østberg yesterday (10th) and like 7th today. Neuville 1st yesterday 2nd today. Not that big difference between them taking that into account.


That said as I keep mentioning for the last 2 months or so this is terrible job from Hyundai. They basically write off 1 rally each year and so far they also could write off Corsica this year (and Catalunya last year).

Sure you might argue that Finland is just 1 rally, but in close championships that matters at lot. If you then add tarmac rallies on top of that, the car has to be much much better than others on rest of the rallies. If they don't improve on tarmac for Germany and Catalunya this year they might still loose both titles.

[KKS]

And very good story turns out for Pietarinen. Could win a NRF and it will be well deserved

[steve.mandzij]

And very good story turns out for Pietarinen. Could win a NRF and it will be well deservedSeriously? Nobody deserved the win more than Kalle.

[KKS]

Seriously? Nobody deserved the win more than Kalle.
OK. Rest of WRC2 should retire.

[steve.mandzij]

Decent time by Neuville

[mknight]

Lower part of the new aero on Ogier's car was covered up from the inside on this stage. (like they usually do for GB).

EDIT: Pics attached.

Actually they first covered the lower part from the outside (pic1) then uppert from inside with straps and plate

[HaCo]

If they don't improve on tarmac for Germany and Catalunya this year they might still loose both titles.
Exactly my fear.

I'll be spectating in Germany, I hope it will not be the case they will be that bad!

[KKS]

Some vibration on FL Suninen tyre, spotted on onboard camera. Hit something or just tyre wear?

[itix]

Now way rovanperä is actually running with that broken piece of kit?
This has to be the story of the rally. I want to see that fix! :O

[steve.mandzij]

Esapekka found lots of time in the final sector!

[mknight]

Tanak goes to finish like this and says he doesn't know what that comes from ?

[Mise]

The focus and calmness of Kalle Rovanperä is something you wouldn't expect from 17 year old. Quite impressive!

[itix]

NO FRIGGIN WAY that held together. And he only lost 3 minutes with that suspension and the bonnet on the windscreen.

[KKS]

Tanak goes to finish like this and says he doesn't know what that comes from ?
It's a Portugal phantom :D

[KKS]

Pietarinen finish only 3sec behind Rovanpera on stage, so Kalle didn't disturb him.. I hope.

[itix]

Pietarinen finish only 3sec behind Rovanpera on stage, so Kalle didn't disturb him.. I hope.

Fairly sure they did. It's the only stage where he hasn't been in top 3-4. Lost 11 seconds to Huttunen

[Mise]

Fairly sure they did. It's the only stage where he hasn't been in top 3-4. Lost 11 seconds to Greensmith

He lost 11 secs to Huttunen, so quite sure he was disturbed by Kalle. Then again the gap was 48 secs so no point to go flat out on the second run

[Micke_VOC]

Big crash for Veiby. Only 300 meters after last years big crash. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180728/5350b8be5281cfd50c32cf181db3d8a2.jpg


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[dimviii]

michelin video day 2
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/26429-leg-2-top-moments-2018-wrc-rally-finland-michelin-motorsport/

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/nl_tZrZoAYk

Rovanpera forgot to close the pins after trying to fix the suspension
https://twitter.com/inforallyes/status/1023248071994552320

[janvanvurpa]

I knew how to pronounce it but not how to spell it ;)


He doesn't either really.:rolleyes:

[stefanvv]

Now way rovanperä is actually running with that broken piece of kit?
This has to be the story of the rally. I want to see that fix! :O

https://twitter.com/i/status/1023236270619865088

[dimviii]

Rallirinki / Teemu
Not a good day in the rally for team @PrintsportFI. Four of the five Fabia R5s they ran are crashed out of the day. #RallyFinland

photo
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1023215496353775616

[Watson]

Pretty scary how effortlessly quick Tanak is.

[over jump]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-7VnNj2ph8

SS17 Kakaristo

[Rallyper]

Big crash for Veiby. Only 300 meters after last years big crash. https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180728/5350b8be5281cfd50c32cf181db3d8a2.jpg


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Well, that man has crashed way too many times now. Time to let over steering wheel to Oliver S?

[dimviii]

watch tyre wear at Lappis yaris
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1023269121276960768

[mknight]

can't anyone take hard tires instead of meds?

[janvanvurpa]

Well, that man has crashed way too many times now. Time to let over steering wheel to Oliver S?

Joooo lite ironic that sign ..It is NOT OK....

[KKS]

Rovanpera forgot to close the pins after trying to fix the suspension
https://twitter.com/inforallyes/status/1023248071994552320
it was some problem with pins, cuz he drove roadsection with open bonnet too

https://twitter.com/MeliLaulis/status/1023254162304389120

[KKS]

famous Finnish "rope" corner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eI32P2GPyY

[NoFear85]

Rovanpera in service after last stage

https://youtu.be/43U3awVewgs

[dimviii]

including Tempestinis crash
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhPn6dOtvRc

[dimviii]

Timo Anis photos
Paddon
https://scontent.fath5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37900077_1797408323672395_7329653452047384576_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=4ddbcd88abff70d61b2a9012ef8915ce&oe=5BD19878

Suninen
https://scontent.fath5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37888894_1797408337005727_1224547716424531968_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=d5dedf62594bcc6291c74de72cfc3449&oe=5C05FE07

Neuville
https://scontent.fath5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37928931_1797407817005779_4042870827601887232_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=81f0ee624a50951b03f22b8590661511&oe=5C0D7283

[Tauri_J]

can't anyone take hard tires instead of meds?

no hard tyres in Finland

[dimviii]

to all who tried to compare Loeb with Ogier.
‏


@ElfynEvans

It’s not been a bad day...although for sure we’d all like to have been fighting a bit higher up the leaderboard. We’ve got to play the team game and whatever happens we won’t be finishing ahead of @SebOgier... @RallyFinland @OfficialWRC @MSportLtd @FordPerformance @RedBullUK

[mknight]

well Citroen did that for Loeb too (Sordo in Catalunya), just that it was almost never necessary

[dimviii]

well Citroen did that for Loeb too (Sordo in Catalunya), just that it was almost never necessary

at Citroen Ogier never helped Loeb,the opposite was happening.
Now Ogier wants help and points to win the championship from number 2 drivers.
Loeb won champioships with war from Ogier.

there is no comparison.

[dimviii]

lucky Bergvist
https://twitter.com/JuniorWRC/status/1023144011085828097

[dimviii]

Rovanpera first disbanded the shock absorber when he apparently hit the stone with a Päijälä special test. After that, the car broke off more. However, Rovanperä and his colleague Jonne Halttunen tuned the backup system by replacing the shock absorber with the gear lever.

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10327493

[stefanvv]

Rovanpera first disbanded the shock absorber when he apparently hit the stone with a Päijälä special test. After that, the car broke off more. However, Rovanperä and his colleague Jonne Halttunen tuned the backup system by replacing the shock absorber with the gear lever.

https://yle.fi/urheilu/3-10327493

:D My God, this car was really torn apart:D Surely they didn't use the gear lever, it was spare steering arm.

[KKS]

lucky Bergvist
https://twitter.com/JuniorWRC/status/1023144011085828097
Friday video

[ESTR]

Well, that man has crashed way too many times now. Time to let over steering wheel to Oliver S?

Still Juuso is far worse driver than Veiby. One guy that need to be seen is... Chris Ingram. I will say no more

[dimviii]

it was some problem with pins, cuz he drove roadsection with open bonnet too

https://twitter.com/MeliLaulis/status/1023254162304389120

when bonnet opened
https://youtu.be/1khl62_BGXk

[Micke_VOC]

Pietarinen have got his time changed on SS19 to 7:19,8. That means he now leads with 52,9 s.

(Stewards decision after he lost time when he catched Rovanperä)

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/4900/clerk_of_the_course_decision_no_6.pdf


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[KKS]

when bonnet opened
https://youtu.be/1khl62_BGXk

it was filming https://twitter.com/MeliLaulis/status/1023254162304389120 after a stage, here https://goo.gl/maps/BbvJzyf7rjL2 4km from stage end

[KKS]

Good morning


#tyre (https://twitter.com/hashtag/tyre?src=hash) info: all the Michelin @OfficialWRC (https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC) drivers with 5 MICHELIN LTX Force M6

[KKS]

Interesting did Neuville will be playing PS tactics or not.

[KKS]

Lappi rolled

[mknight]

at this point with the gaps there are and his position that can't qualify as anything but a a stupid mistake

[KKS]

at this point with the gaps there are and his position that can't qualify as anything but a a stupid mistake
and stupid approach to go and attack Sunday stages

[GravelBen]

Whoops!

[Rally Hokkaido]

at this point with the gaps there are and his position that can't qualify as anything but a a stupid mistake

I disagree. I believe he knew that Paddon could attack, today.

[KKS]

Oh how great to have propper rally radio here https://areena.yle.fi/radio/ohjelmat/yle-radio-suomi?_c=yle-radio-suomi-jyvaskyla&t=uusimmat half English, half Finnish but it true rallyradio which cover most of cars not only top 11

[KKS]

Neste Rally Finland‏ @RallyFinland (https://twitter.com/RallyFinland) 3m3 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/RallyFinland/status/1023454188519522305)More



SAFETY NOTESS21 Ruuhimäki 1: First 13 cars will start the stage with 3 min intervals, rest of the cars start once a minute.




Very great news to Neuville if he want to play a PS tactics. 3min gap provide wider range of "cheating"

[KKS]

JML should win first morning stage, he was too slow on Lappi crash sport when Mads go flatout and didn't lost any time.

[dimviii]

Lappis car
https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1023457150230822918


what are they watching?
https://twitter.com/thierryneuville/status/1023457009474134017

[KKS]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjQM1r7X0AA_Op9.jpg

[Micke_VOC]

Onboard Lappi crash
https://twitter.com/pasimannynsalo/status/1023448919450238976?s=21


Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

[KKS]

WOW! What a jump from Neuville!!! MASSIVE!!!!

[dimviii]

SUN 09:52 - COLIN CLARK SPEAKS TO ESAPEKKA LAPPI
Esapekka explains his accident on SS20: "I went wide in a really fast place and the rear caught a tree stump and then we hit some rocks with the front and then spun 360 on the road and the car is too damaged to continue. I was expecting it to turn a bit less but I think the pace note was correct I just tried to be ‘on it’. I was not expecting to finish like this."

[KKS]

So Suninen will drop place to Ogier... (

[KKS]

Mads +0.9 on final split

[KKS]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjQUCWzW4AEwBbN.jpg

Lappi check in at finish TC stage no 20 :D

[dimviii]

SUN 10:29 - SS21: NEUVILLE
A slow motion replay shows Neuville reached the 60 metre boards with his humongous jump - good effort that man! Not sure he'll do the same in the Live TV Power Stage though

[KKS]

LOL


Timo Korkalainen‏ @timokorkalainen (https://twitter.com/timokorkalainen) 7m7 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/timokorkalainen/status/1023473192894115840)More
#Lefebvre (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Lefebvre?src=hash) jumped way too high at the #Ruuhimäki (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ruuhim%C3%A4ki?src=hash) finish line. #RallyFinland (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RallyFinland?src=hash) #Ralliradio (https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ralliradio?src=hash)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjQbZIWW0AANzMh.jpg

[RS]

Well, that man has crashed way too many times now. Time to let over steering wheel to Oliver S?

Also nothing remarkable speed wise.

[RS]

Rovanpera really quick today, maybe he can get the third place. Kudos for not giving up!

[KKS]

trollolo

Neuville: "we will see what team strategy will play M-Sport and what kind of problem will have Teemu" :)

[dimviii]

Lefebvres huge jump
https://twitter.com/CitroenRacing/status/1023481799685689344

[Simmi]

Am I right in thinking that if Teemu takes a late time penalty following the Power Stage it won't affect any potential PS points he can take?

I believe one of the proposed rule change options was that any driver who took time penalties on the final day would be ineligible for PS points, but in the end I think they just mandated you had to be in the correct running order for the stage to score.

[KKS]

+2.6 on Ostberg. FIGGGGGGHTTTT!!!!!!

[mknight]

Would be nice to dig out the exact wording of the revised rules. Cause it might be you get "really" penalized for anything on final day.

Might be easier just to slow down in the stage.

EDIT:

"competitors who do not start the Power Stage in the given order will not be eligible for Power Stage points as per Article 5.3.2 of the FIA WRC Sporting Regulations."

Should be possible to get penalty afterwards yes.

[KKS]

Am I right in thinking that if Teemu takes a late time penalty following the Power Stage it won't affect any potential PS points he can take?

I believe one of the proposed rule change options was that any driver who took time penalties on the final day would be ineligible for PS points, but in the end I think they just mandated you had to be in the correct running order for the stage to score.


Any crew which does not start the Power Stage in the given order will not be eligible to score Power Stagepoints as per Art. 5.3.2 of the 2018 FIA WRC Sporting Regulations. Such crew may neither detract pointsfrom other drivers.1

so it could be late on regroup in and late at TC after PS

[René]

@MadsOstberg :"That's incredible. I thought I did a good stage, so he did a better one. On the next stage the only thing I can do is not lose 2.5sec. We'll fight on."

[mknight]

At least there is something to watch for.

No matter how it ends(even crash) Østberg did much better rally than anyone expected.... and Latvala did a mediocre one.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No matter how it ends(even crash) Østberg did much better rally than anyone expected....

I wasnt so surprised he went so well here. Mads wad doing good times in Goodwood and then in SD.

Others are so cynical and biased they wont believe. One said he'll be 2-3 mins behind Ogier...

[mknight]

One thing is Citroen speed. Another is that Østberg has been top 3 after day one so many times before and then he always ran into some kind of issues. Usually by mid-day on day 2 he is completely out.

So keeping it up there for 3 days is something new.

[krissucool]

Neuville is the most smuggest and arrogant drivers but the actions of MSport make me want to root for him to win the title ahead of Ogier. He needs help from not 1 but 2 of his teammates to slow down/be late to time control during the rally to get a f...ing 5th place.

As an Estonian I really hope that Tänak will never need this kind of help from one of his teammates. Even if it leads to a title.

[René]

https://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/11/47/50/08/lefzob10.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/11475008/452)

Please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until the Captain turns off the Fasten Seat Belt signal.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/9_levo/status/1023469015396540416

[HarriK]

Suninen took penalty, 2min late

[dimviii]

https://scontent-cdg2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37963593_1019765798178935_6078991501239517184_o.jp g?_nc_cat=0&_nc_eui2=AeHnVzGMKH1J-uMZaNX1moMmlbRr2r50I4L8oQfRz4hNoicPDqhQzq5fPm_mSEn wmmi4yHjmhLYmc-AqR8wXLMVIiBGV3KovRKKvWQOFJ_bVeQ&oh=4c2a82af3ec8d626c049b79b7469ba6f&oe=5C0B4DA5

[KKS]

Suninen took penalty, 2min late
yep. Ogier should know what karma is. Good luck on SS23 ;)

[Simmi]

Neuville is the most smuggest and arrogant drivers but the actions of MSport make me want to root for him to win the title ahead of Ogier. He needs help from not 1 but 2 of his teammates to slow down/be late to time control during the rally to get a f...ing 5th place.

As an Estonian I really hope that Tänak will never need this kind of help from one of his teammates. Even if it leads to a title.

And you don't think Hyundai would have done exactly the same thing given the option?

[dimviii]

lol class!

https://twitter.com/rallytravel/status/1023493923241709568

[dimviii]

Suninen took penalty, 2min late

so 2 more points for him

[krissucool]

And you don't think Hyundai would have done exactly the same thing given the option?

Perhaps they would have, honestly dont know. The Fridays part with Evans was a complete joke for the most marginal of gains. Teemu, being a fin at his home rally, being faster then Ogier for the whole rally is another joke but that at least makes some sense.

I think it is at part understandable if for example Evans and Ogier would be going to the last stage with a few seconds time gap and the team suggesting to Evans to not give his all on the last stage. But the way they are playing it...

So in space of one weekend, Ogier has gotten new parts to the car that none of his teammates got, was let past by Evans just waiting at the finish line for several seconds. (Evans knowing since end of Friday that he is not allowed to race, so just having to stroll around for 2 days) and now Teemu having to go late to time control and having to step off in the power stage so he would not let Ogier get past. Bravo!

[KKS]

Next step they send no3 car ahead of Neuville to create some dust infront of him to slowdown.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/KariNuutinen/status/1022742186314612736

[mknight]

And you don't think Hyundai would have done exactly the same thing given the option?

No I don't think Hyundai would be swapping drivers for 5th instead of 6th on the road (Evans on friday). I do think Hyundai would swap them in the overall standings at the end of rally though.

Btw. in Mexico both Sordo and Mikkelsen were ahead of Neuville and in Sweden Mikkelsen was ahead on PS.

[stefanvv]

I really hoped M-Sport imply orders to Suninen, just to read all that bullshit. Keep them coming.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Slo-mo Neuville jump :cool:
https://twitter.com/ChristianWRC1/status/1023469933877972992

[GravelBen]

https://www.facebook.com/juniorwrcofficial/videos/913933378798022/?hc_ref=ARTcvj3hn71Z9iCv1xQiylmDEz_RD4eOGyTuzjC6Go B0GEsIW54w0UJ5cP0oSnTUG7E

Exciting moment for Dave Holder in JWRC

[mknight]

Slo-mo Neuville jump :cool:
https://twitter.com/ChristianWRC1/status/1023469933877972992

Much better view than the official camera. Either they should use this or move further away from the jump along the road.

[dimviii]

starting order

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DjQ0K1nXgAAGlFb.jpg

[Mintexmemory]

I would imagine that there are strong contractual agreements in place that cover exactly the M-Sport situation this weekend. I suspect if Sunninen had stayed ahead of Paddon or was in contention for a podium,it would have been different.
At least this is up front and not down to hidden instructions.

[KKS]

Did Hyundai will hold Paddon do not attack PS and allow Neuville grab some PS points? Don't think so.

[mknight]

https://www.facebook.com/juniorwrcofficial/videos/913933378798022/?hc_ref=ARTcvj3hn71Z9iCv1xQiylmDEz_RD4eOGyTuzjC6Go B0GEsIW54w0UJ5cP0oSnTUG7E

Exciting moment for Dave Holder in JWRC

"yump" ? :D

[sollitt]

Did Hyundai will hold Paddon do not attack PS and allow Neuville grab some PS points? Don't think so.

You could bet they would if Neuville was posting winning times.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Its a team sport and a no-brainer to swap team-mate positions, especially here as it has no effect on their total Manu's points and helps the higher placed driver in the Driver's Ch'ship.

And people are forgetting that Ogier suffered a much worse road position on day one than his team-mates, hence falling behind them. Given a level playing field he would probably be ahead already.

[KKS]

Its a team sport
Really? Why they run World Drivers championship in this case?

[GravelBen]

Did Hyundai will hold Paddon do not attack PS and allow Neuville grab some PS points? Don't think so.

I don't know if Neuville has much chance of PS points with his pace this weekend anyway, but I'm pretty sure the team will have told Paddon not to risk the manufacturer points for a few extra drivers points in the PS.

Bit of a different situation for them this weekend with Paddon their only competitive driver and the others a long way behind though.

[cali]

Perhaps they would have, honestly dont know. The Fridays part with Evans was a complete joke for the most marginal of gains. Teemu, being a fin at his home rally, being faster then Ogier for the whole rally is another joke but that at least makes some sense.

I think it is at part understandable if for example Evans and Ogier would be going to the last stage with a few seconds time gap and the team suggesting to Evans to not give his all on the last stage. But the way they are playing it...

So in space of one weekend, Ogier has gotten new parts to the car that none of his teammates got, was let past by Evans just waiting at the finish line for several seconds. (Evans knowing since end of Friday that he is not allowed to race, so just having to stroll around for 2 days) and now Teemu having to go late to time control and having to step off in the power stage so he would not let Ogier get past. Bravo!Thank god that Tänak joined Toyota!

[KKS]

I don't know if Neuville has much chance of PS points with his pace this weekend anyway, but I'm pretty sure the team will have told Paddon not to risk the manufacturer points for a few extra drivers points in the PS.

Bit of a different situation for them this weekend with Paddon their only competitive driver and the others a long way behind though.
Neuville was 6th on first running and Paddon was 3th. So if things stays like this it can be 1point for Neuvill if Paddon didn't attack.

Cuz Suninen and Evans will not attack for sure.

[Simmi]

Did Hyundai will hold Paddon do not attack PS and allow Neuville grab some PS points? Don't think so.

Wouldn't surprise me to be honest. Nothing for Hayden to gain and holding position/manufacturers points will be a major consideration.

I think what's happened this weekend is really interesting and really a lesson in team rallying from M-Sport. Elfyn has done nothing this year to warrant him not being handed team orders. Suninen's time will come. It all makes complete sense.

Also people quoting what Hyundai did or didn't do back on the second and third rounds of the championship is a bit misguided isn't it. We're into the business end of the championship now.

[mknight]

Its a team sport and a no-brainer to swap team-mate positions, especially here as it has no effect on their total Manu's points and helps the higher placed driver in the Driver's Ch'ship.

And people are forgetting that Ogier suffered a much worse road position on day one than his team-mates, hence falling behind them. Given a level playing field he would probably be ahead already.

You don't get it. It's not that they let him past in overall standings, every team would do that at this point.

It's the ridiculousnes of letting Evans drop for 5th instead of 6th on the road and now get Suninen penalty before PS so Ogier drives 7th instead of 8th. What's the real gain? 0.1s?

That's completely new level of "doing everything for lead driver". Certainly setting new levels of how far you could go.

We should start placing bets now on next moves. Let's just hope it does not get into DTM where teams send second drivers to crash into their competitors for title.

[krissucool]

Never had a criticial word from Eddie about Ogier in the last 2 years so no surprise here.

Ford has every right to swap positions of drivers and do whatever they want as long as it is not against rules.

I think its also fair to criticize them in these cases for non fair play. In the end it wont change anything.

The sad part about it is, just like with Ogier shenanigans in Sweden PS. Once they do it so blatantly, Hyundai and Toyoto wont have any other choice but to do the same when they are in a similar position to have an equal chance.

But hey, as long as it is in the rules. I will still continue being critical of non sportsmanship actions.

[GravelBen]

"yump" ? :D

'jump' with a Finnish accent :D

It has become a fairly common NZ pace note term for a small jump.

[Simmi]

It's the ridiculousnes of letting Evans drop for 5th instead of 6th on the road and now get Suninen penalty before PS so Ogier drives 7th instead of 8th. What's the real gain? 0.1s?

Suninen has dropped behind Ogier on the leaderboard now prior to the stage so the gain is 2 points. Wasn't done solely for road position.

[stefanvv]

Never had a criticial word from Eddie about Ogier in the last 2 years so no surprise here.

Ford has every right to swap positions of drivers and do whatever they want as long as it is not against rules.

I think its also fair to criticize them in these cases for non fair play. In the end it wont change anything.

The sad part about it is, just like with Ogier shenanigans in Sweden PS. Once they do it so blatantly, Hyundai and Toyoto wont have any other choice but to do the same when they are in a similar position to have an equal chance.

But hey, as long as it is in the rules. I will still continue being critical of non sportsmanship actions.

We understood well You don't respect M-Sport/Ogier. Should at least respect the name of the manufacturer for which Your favorite driver competes.

[mknight]

Suninen has dropped behind Ogier on the leaderboard now prior to the stage so the gain is 2 points. Wasn't done solely for road position.

It was done before PS solely for the road position.

For points they could do that at the end. Btw. now if Ogier for some reason drops 0.8s in PS and gets behind they have to get him penalized again ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

New O/A before Power Stage
Tänak
Ostberg+32.2
JML+34.7
Paddon+1.30.3
Ogier+2.13.3
Suninen+2.14.1
Evans+2.26.6
Breen+3.06.7
Neuville+3.50.6
Mikkelsen+8.30.0

[krissucool]

We understood well You don't respect M-Sport/Ogier. Should at least respect the name of the manufacturer for which Your favorite driver competes.

I have respect for both, I just dont respect these actions. I respect Ott as well, but if he does something that I consider to be unsportsmanlike I will criticize him as well.

What is your problem? You can clearly see it was a typo, why point that out? Wtf dude.

[KKS]

I have respect for both, I just dont respect these actions. I respect Ott as well, but if he does something that I consider to be unsportsmanlike I will criticize him as well.

What is your problem? You can clearly see it was a typo, why point that out? Wtf dude.
you criticize his idol, and he keep every chance as he could to fight you back.

[Simmi]

Never had a criticial word from Eddie about Ogier in the last 2 years so no surprise here.

Ford has every right to swap positions of drivers and do whatever they want as long as it is not against rules.

I think its also fair to criticize them in these cases for non fair play. In the end it wont change anything.

The sad part about it is, just like with Ogier shenanigans in Sweden PS. Once they do it so blatantly, Hyundai and Toyoto wont have any other choice but to do the same when they are in a similar position to have an equal chance.

But hey, as long as it is in the rules. I will still continue being critical of non sportsmanship actions.

How long have you been watching rallying out of interest? I can't see anything new that M-Sport have done this weekend?

[mknight]

How long have you been watching rallying out of interest? I can't see anything new that M-Sport have done this weekend?

First time I see a team having to slow down both 2nd and 3rd driver for a 5-time world champion.

I am quite sure this is first time that has ever happened.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You don't get it. It's not that they let him past in overall standings, every team would do that at this point.

It's the ridiculousnes of letting Evans drop for 5th instead of 6th on the road and now get Suninen penalty before PS so Ogier drives 7th instead of 8th. What's the real gain? 0.1s?

That's completely new level of "doing everything for lead driver". Certainly setting new levels of how far you could go.



It must be worth it or they wouldn't do it. Even if it just gives a psychological boost.

It's a professional sport and a team can do what it likes to maximise its results.

[stefanvv]

you criticize his idol

:D You know nothing about me, don't make what I'm not.

[Rally Hokkaido]

When did Organisers start sending leading WRC2 crew first for PS?

[mknight]

When did Organisers start sending leading WRC2 crew first for PS?

They do that on almost every rally. Sometimes even send 2 if there are not enough cars.

[stefanvv]

I have respect for both, I just dont respect these actions.

Yeah? My respect goes for them not hiding behind stupid excuses masquerading the circus. How about You?

[krissucool]

So you agree it is a circus, but respect them for not masquerading it. Fair enough, I can get behind that.

Although I found it hilarious when they asked Ogier about the incident with Evans and he just completely avoided answering that after one stage.

[Tauri_J]

When did Organisers start sending leading WRC2 crew first for PS?

a very long time ago

[seb_sh]

Hahahahaha, it's so funny to read these comments about team orders and sportsmanship.

1. It was clear MSport was building a team to fully support Ogier this year. Tanak saw that and smartly left. It's not surprising considering Ogier is the only world champion competing full time at the moment and MSport with their limited budget are trying to maximise their chances.
2. Evans giving a position is a marginal gain but then again if you can do it and helpt just a bit you will do it. Evans hasn't shown anything special this year it's not like he was unfairly robbed of some big result while in the title fight...
3. Suninen didn't have much to fight for and is not competing full time this year, again it makes sense to give Ogier a small advantage if possible, 5th or 6th makes little difference for Suninen but a couple of points could decide a title. MSport has learnt this lesson the hard way several times.

Ogier was underperforming all weekend, part due to road position, part due to new parts on the car not working so well and most likely part due to himself. BUT Ogier still has almost double the points of Suninen and Evans combined and 3 wins this year and is the only chance for MSport to win the driver title. It's especially at this time that the team should do all it can to limit damages and help get as much as possible from a bad weekend.

At least that's what happens in the adult world, in kindergarten-WRC Ogier is a crybaby and MSport are being unsporting for making poor Evans and Suninen give up a position each.

[Rally Hokkaido]

They do that on almost every rally. Sometimes even send 2 if there are not enough cars.

Thanks, so Organisers' decision as to the number of WRC2 cars to send. In this case, there is no battle for the WRC2 lead, but if there was can we assume that all the battling WRC2 would be sent first? Today, there are 11 WRC cars running between the leading two WRC2 cars.

[stefanvv]

So you agree it is a circus, but respect them for not masquerading it.

It is when is hidden behind some "accident". When it's fair said, is not.

[mknight]

Thanks, so Organisers' decision as to the number of WRC2 cars to send. In this case, there is no battle for the WRC2 lead, but if there was can we assume that all the battling WRC2 would be sent first? Today, there are 11 WRC cars running between the leading two WRC2 cars.

It looks like it only depends on the length of the regroup and number of cars that are running. They put in as many as needed to keep the TV-broadcast same length.
In Monte they send I think 2 cars of completely unknown drivers that were the only left in WRC2. In Mexico they also wanted to send 2.

[mknight]

It is when is hidden behind some "accident". When it's fair said, is not.

You mean like turning off GPS and going to hide on a small sideroad like in Sweden ? :D

[stefanvv]

You mean like turning off GPS and going to hide on a small sideroad like in Sweden ? :D

In which respect? Circus or not?

[Simmi]

Commentators didn't realise the situation for Teemu in there.

[dimviii]

SUN 13:37 - SS23: NEUVILLE
Thierry's green through the splits - if not also feeling a bit green over the jumps as he launches to 55m on the last one - and he lowers the fastest time by 6.2sec. "We tried, a difficult weekend for us but we knew that coming here. We were nearly first on the road all weekend. Ogier was in a better position because he had team-mates who could help him move up a position."

[KKS]

MAds -0.4 ))) 1st split

[Ha3aP]

and -0.2 in 2st split )

[Simmi]

Chuffed for Mads. Great to see him get his mojo back in a big way. Solberg would have been on the roof if he'd done that - so fair play to Mads that he didn't haha.

[René]

Welldone Mads !

[Rally Hokkaido]

Nice drive under pressure, Mads! Congratulations!

[BleAivano]

Oops, Tänak almost lost it there but fantastic time by Tänak.

[dimviii]

congrats to Tanak !! he was the daddy at this weekend.

Neuville 153
Ogier 133
Tänak 107

[KKS]

YEAH OTT!!!! YOU DONE IT!!!!!!!

As Markko 15 yrs ago!!!!!!

[krissucool]

Perfect weekend, absolutely perfect! Fantastic Ott!

Btw, anyone has any updated table about stage win nr this season?

[NoFear85]

Great time by Rovanpera today

[dimviii]

Perfect weekend, absolutely perfect! Fantastic Ott!

Btw, anyone has any updated table about stage win nr this season?

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

[Mirek]

Wrong sum for Ostberg.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1023530565302145027

[Thousandlakes]

Good rally. Nice battle until the end. Really enjoy to watch even at home. Tänak, Östberg and Rovanperä superb job.

[dimviii]

Neuville 153
Ogier 133
Tänak 107

Ogier 132 points, same time with Breen at power stage,but Breen when measured at 100ths was faster.
So no power stage points for Ogier

[KKS]

Another win for Estonia here. Torn win JWRC

[itix]

What a blast of a rally. I was almost falling off the chair!

[GravelBen]

How long has it been since we saw Mads drive like he has this weekend? Great to see him in such good form (with the jokes as well as the driving). Nice to see Latvala with some mojo back too and no mechanical bad luck for a change.

Best drive of his career so far for Ott? He just keeps getting better.

Solid performance from Paddon too in a car that has never done very well in Finland, not quite the podium he wanted but he was the best Hyundai driver all weekend.

Good to have an exciting powerstage as well, really enjoyed watching that.

[mknight]

Manu battle also gets interesting with Toyota same as Msport.

I rate Toyota higher for rest of season due to 3 good drivers and Msport chasing drivers title.

Both Hyundai and Toyota have rallies where they did bad last year (Catalunya for Hyundai and GB for Toyota) and then there is the uknown of Turkey. Will be interesting.

[dimviii]

Ogier jumping
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/26434-sebastien-ogier-massive-jump-at-ruuhimaki-power-stage-ss23-neste-rally-finland-2018/

[Sulland]

Was out painting the house, and missed out on Mads' powerstage by a few minutes, but saw the last part of Tanak. He managed to snap the PS by 0,5 sec, to end a perfect weekend.

But man of the rally is for me Mads and Torstein!
What a comeback from Mads. He has not been on the podium since Mexico in March 2016.

Also congrats to Citroen Sport, that showed that they are back as a potential winner, at least on gravel. The new front suspension did the trick!

Have a nice celebration!

[skarderud]

Fantastic job by both Tänak, but also by Mads & Torstein and citröen!

It's easy to see that all the drivers in the WRC is good drivers, and all of them need to have a car that work for them to deliver good results!

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Very good outcome of this rally. Big congrats to all podium drivers. The revival of Ruuhimäki PS and revised ending really paid off for organizer. Best PS so far this year according to swedish reporters Jonas Kruse and Stefan Klemetz

[KKS]

Good rally for Mads but I hope that Jari could do it. It must be massive boost for JML modjo and his form to beat someone it straight fight. Hope he didn't fall again into depression.

[focus206]

Good job by Tanak, he dominated this weekend. Also nice to see Ostberg with Citroen up there, positive rally for Latvala as well.
Expected more pace from both Neuville and Ogier regardless of road position, in the end Ogier managed to recover 6 points in this rally...

[mmm]

Manu battle also gets interesting with Toyota same as Msport.

I rate Toyota higher for rest of season due to 3 good drivers and Msport chasing drivers title.

Both Hyundai and Toyota have rallies where they did bad last year (Catalunya for Hyundai and GB for Toyota) and then there is the uknown of Turkey. Will be interesting.

Indeed, really hyped for how the manu battle will turn out.

[RS]

Great time by Rovanpera today

Shame we didn't get to see him on either tv stage today.

[dimviii]

Ζiggysony video
https://youtu.be/0eacWeA2txs

[dimviii]

"Finland is not our favorite rally, this year we've made some progress, we knew it would be very difficult for Neuville, Mikkelsen made a mistake on day 1. Paddon did a great rally, he managed his race very well, he finished 4th with good lap times, we lost only 2 units on our competitor Ford, Neuville still has more than 20 points ahead of Ogier, psychologically it's important before going into Germany, "detailed Alain Penasse this Sunday.

And the Hyundai team manager adds: "M-Sport becomes the world champion for the strategies, I think there are certain limits, and it's unfortunate for me to have to do it in the second event of the season. We will see what to do for the end of the season on our side.In Germany, our car will be more comfortable.This was our first double win.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_penasse-m-sport-devient-champion-du-monde-pour-les-strategies?id=9983640

[dimviii]

lol

"The positive aspect of the rally is that we take a few points in Neuville.Everything else was not very positive.We were hoping for more speed, no Ford driver was able to scratch the contrary. Last year, on the asphalt, in Germany, we hope to find a better level, the battle over there will put the best of the championship, Neuville, Tanak and myself, I think. to have the title contenders at the end of the pack.In general, Tanak takes a good step forward.It can go fast in auto sport, "detailed the French to our microphone.

"We used the team instructions on this event, it's true.You know, this is not the first time that the instructions are present in motor sport.I have never been my cup of tea, I however, have done it several times for Loeb in the past, "concluded Ogier.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_ogier-et-les-consignes-d-equipe-je-l-ai-fait-plusieurs-fois-pour-loeb?id=9983578

[dimviii]

It was a very complicated weekend. Friday, we opened the road, there was a lot of sweeping. We also made a small mistake. We managed to take a few points in the Power Stage, it was necessary to go thoroughly in it to limit the breakage. Ford played the strategy card, shot Ogier has recovered four points. We still have 21 points in the championship. We are generally strong in Germany. If there is an opportunity, we will play the team strategy at home too. We will play the win with Ogier with Germany. Starting first on the asphalt, we should have the advantage. We will try to win again this rally to mark the spirits, "said Neuville at our microphone.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-on-jouera-a-nouveau-la-gagne-en-allemagne-face-a-ogier?id=9983575

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/hfr_dsc_5902.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/hfr_dsc_5927.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/hfr_dsc_5864.jpg
Akio Toyoda on podium
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/hfr_dsc_6011.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/hfr_dsc_5892.jpg


more
https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44262-neste-rally-finland-2018/515/

[dimviii]

1fan2rallies video
https://youtu.be/ioxocBhYXDQ

[EstWRC]

Am I still dreaming or was this four days for real ?

Incredible to witness this history with my own eyes there. Unbelievable, I have no words...

On our way to home now


yeeeeeeerrereeeeeeeehhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaaaassssssss aaaaaaa

[stefanvv]

Everybody talks how much/less Ogier will reduce the advantage from Neuville, but Tanak has bitten big chunk of those. He seems somehow still in the fight.

[dimviii]

fiesta aero falling through jump
https://twitter.com/FordPerformance/status/1023586472178274304

[dimviii]

michelin video
https://youtu.be/ZrYDd1YgrEE

[denkimi]

Everybody talks how much/less Ogier will reduce the advantage from Neuville, but Tanak has bitten big chunk of those. He seems somehow still in the fight.
with 5 rally's to go he's still 25 and 46 point behind.

mathematically its possible, but it isn't going to happen.

[Rally Power]

Fantastic rally! Huge congrats to Tanak, Jarveoja and Toyota. Nice 2nd place for Ostberg and Citroen. Gutted for Rovanpera, still the kid proved he’s champ material.


with 5 rally's to go he's still 25 and 46 point behind.
mathematically its possible, but it isn't going to happen.

Never say never. Tanak speed on gravel seems unbeatable and he won last year in Germany. Still hoping for the title to be decided between current top 3 on the last stage of Rally Australia!

[SubaruNorway]

My video from another fantastic rally even if the heat and dust got a bit much at times i think i managed to do the best out of it.
Hope you enjoy the video, even got 3 crashes this time and the classic tow row snapping!

https://youtu.be/p57dl3Rm6Gg

[Tarmop]

Top 3 could be considered quite open yes, with no driver safe from DNF, Turkey as a joker, current position where one has to fend off 2, and another has nowhere to fall etc.

[mknight]

Fantastic rally! Huge congrats to Tanak, Jarveoja and Toyota. Nice 2nd place for Ostberg and Citroen. Gutted for Rovanpera, still the kid proved he’s champ material.



Never say never. Tanak speed on gravel seems unbeatable and he won last year in Germany. Still hoping for the title to be decided between current top 3 on the last stage of Rally Australia!


In Sardinia Tanak was only 4th fastest on gravel (3rd after Mikkelsens gearbox broke), before "crashing". Yes in Finland he seemed unbeatable.

[Tarmop]

Well, to be fair, he was struggeling with the car, although managed to climb from 10. to 2., before falling to 4th. Didn`t have anything to push for afterwards. Last years winner though. Those in front on that occasion where nowhere this time.

Not that it`s going to be a walk in the park for him and he is not unbeatable, but on fast and flowing gravel where both the car and driver were born and raised...

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_28608.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_65983.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_38467.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_98168.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_52429.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_74672.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/bog_27306.jpg

https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44262-neste-rally-finland-2018/305/

[stefanvv]

https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44262-neste-rally-finland-2018/305/

Uh, nice

[dimviii]

C.O.R video
https://youtu.be/O-qX3LtaevM

[dimviii]

maxicorde pierre video
https://youtu.be/TJlZOS3YQA8

the downhill spot with the 2-3 jumps is amazing.

[dimviii]

986/5000
Having finished the Finnish Rally with the victory of the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, the Estonian Ott Tänak; the organization of the same has issued a statement in which they report that the Belgian Thierry Neuville has been fined and must pay a total of 4,000 euros.

The reason for the sanction was to have used a mobile phone while driving on the link section in the direction of the TC-20 exit. After having seen the commissioners of the test a video in which they prove these facts, the decision of them has been to fine with an economic sanction to the pilot.

The Belgian will be forced to pay the amount of 2,000 euros, after having breached Art. 12.7 of the FIA ​​sports regulations; while the other 2,000 euros will be applied in suspension of the sentence and the payment will be made immediately if the pilot commits a new infraction of Art. 20.3.4, in any of the remaining tests that participate this season.

http://revistascratch.com/wrc/noticia/4-000-euros-de-multa-para-neuville-por-usar-el-movil-45429?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

[spiderem]

great rally... summer break is finally over and i think we got what we were waiting for. Obviously well done to Tanak and Toyota. Mads quite amazing i have to say, hope the new citroen geometry will be good on all surface.

Now regarding team orders... lots of debate here. Personally i don't blame M-Sport. Malcom is running a business at the end of the day, and he has stakeholders to answer to. So without impacting the manu points, he can help his lead driver, then by all means. It keeps the championship alive and exciting. As few comments mentionned, it's not like evans has been amazing this year, and Suninen was not even fighting for a podium.

Question: what was Ogier's feeling at the end with the new aero and dampers? His thoughts were very mitigated on Saturday night. Curious to see what package they will bring to germany. But i am excited to see the fiesta with the new aero on tarmac config, i think it will look bonkers :)

[JUF]

Despite the heat a very, very enjoyable event. Congrats to Ott/Martin and the whole Toyota team. I will write a longer report of our experiences at the stages when I'm back home.

[Raymonhuisjes]

Video online!

https://youtu.be/v_nsjbNhQsw

[tommeke_B]

Back home from another great event! 5th Rally Finland for me (after '12, '14, '16 and '17). Never seen so many spectators! Things were a bit different to other years, with more dust and more ruts shaping due to the extreme dry weather and more use of narrow roads.

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37974628_2431726483505890_7459767081098018816_o.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=b025162a0e8e0c942585769de32393d2&oe=5C052FEE

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37971135_2431725526839319_2554674890149986304_o.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=3d4a434210ff6abb468037eb2e888510&oe=5BD515A8

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37970661_2431726013505937_3139388731350319104_o.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=7aa2abdee6fabfd175437b811ce888e9&oe=5C117F60

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/37794252_2421484354530103_3538268485933072384_o.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=58e9f1e2a8e398fe73eae4a6f109459f&oe=5BCAF45D

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38002657_2431726106839261_8324401713553342464_o.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=576cdc0b7cbf4ad968539818a2dd55cc&oe=5C13893B

A few more: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rallyimage/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2421483374530201

[mknight]

My opinions:

Rally as a whole
Sadly some of the narrow roads were not much fun to watch online as they were so narrow that the cars were driving on rails. I understand it's not easy to pick up the route but in some cases I'd rather see typical Finish roads with chicanes rather than extremely narrow roads.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Teams
Citroen - very good with both cars being able to set top times. Strange fuel issue on Friday evening cost Breen possible 5-6 place. (cause he'd also get better starting position)
Toyota - I wrote before that anything but 2 cars on podium is a bad and they delivered. Not surprisingly they were dominant to the point of boring. Off course it's not much surprise given all 3 of their drivers like these stages and the unlimited testing they can do on the same stages as well. Just hope we are not heading into 2014-2015 VW style dominance.
Hyundai - overall quite bad, not really unexpected after last year. That said Paddon (only car with very good road position whole weekend) did show good speed and finished well and Neuville was somehow surprisingly fast on PS. (last 1/4 of the stage from him was pretty crazy though)
Msport - I rank them as worst of the rally, last year Evans and Sunninen were fighting with Toyotas, these year they were clearly behind both Toyota and Citroen and not much faster than Hyundai (if at all given the road position differences). The gamble with new parts for Ogier also didn't pay off and it might take them a while to find the right setup for the rest of the car now. (like it did for Hyundai after their 2018 aero updates).

-----------------
Drivers
Good
Østberg - For me he is the driver of the rally as it was pretty much unexpected. The most surprising part for me was that he stayed on top for all 3 days and not just Friday as he usually does.
Tanak - Extremely good performance on Friday morning, only reason I rank him behind Østberg is that it was pretty much expected he will do well.
Paddon - Stable and fast just behind Toyotas. Specially the "stable" part is important.
Suninen - fastest Fiesta whole weekend, sure he did have 1 big moment, but last year he had like 5 of those and was still behind Evans.

Neutral:
Latvala - good driver after Friday morning and considering his season so far. But many put him as main favorite and specially the first stage on Friday seemed that he was just too nervous.
Breen - good stages times, but the Friday puncture that cost him a chance for podium was his fault. Unlucky with the fuel issue.
Neuville - obviously suffering from road position whole weekend. Very good push on PS.

Bad:
Mikkelsen - well the Friday off (which was his mistake) cost him the whole rally, with cleaning for 2 days. But the off was his mistake and even before it he was barely ahead of Neuville who was first on road.
Lappi - Slowest Toyota, crash when not under much pressure. But the worst part for me is how he lost some 15s in a stall and then lost 15 more during rest of the stage and said how "win is gone" after one stage....
Evans - Nowhere near last year and slower than Suninen
Ogier - Fighting with setup all weekend and not able to even beat teammates

[dimviii]

A few more: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rallyimage/photos/?tab=album&album_id=2421483374530201

very nice photos,as always.

[dimviii]

986/5000
Having finished the Finnish Rally with the victory of the Toyota Gazoo Racing driver, the Estonian Ott Tänak; the organization of the same has issued a statement in which they report that the Belgian Thierry Neuville has been fined and must pay a total of 4,000 euros.

The reason for the sanction was to have used a mobile phone while driving on the link section in the direction of the TC-20 exit. After having seen the commissioners of the test a video in which they prove these facts, the decision of them has been to fine with an economic sanction to the pilot.

The Belgian will be forced to pay the amount of 2,000 euros, after having breached Art. 12.7 of the FIA ​​sports regulations; while the other 2,000 euros will be applied in suspension of the sentence and the payment will be made immediately if the pilot commits a new infraction of Art. 20.3.4, in any of the remaining tests that participate this season.

http://revistascratch.com/wrc/noticia/4-000-euros-de-multa-para-neuville-por-usar-el-movil-45429?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

guys how you see that fine?


https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180730/742009af8e121b719dd44dd77b18179c.jpg

[tommeke_B]

guys how you see that fine?

In the competitors section on the website (link: https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/competitors/ ) , go to Stewards documents, stewards decision n°4.

[N.O.T]

In the competitors section on the website (link: https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/competitors/ ) , go to Stewards documents, stewards decision n°4.

he means if you think its fair or not...

[AnttiL]

Strange fuel issue on Friday evening cost Breen possible 5-6 place. (cause he'd also get better starting position)


He lost his chances on the puncture on SS2. The fuel incident on the super special cost him time but starting positions are decided before super specials.

[dimviii]

In the competitors section on the website (link: https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/competitors/ ) , go to Stewards documents, stewards decision n°4.

as NOT said,i mean if it is fair or not.

[Ide]

It was very hot weekend in Jyväskylä. But rally Finland was again very nice event and I had a chance to go to seven stages. Here's my photo gallery about rally Finland 2018:
Neste Rally Finland 2018 (http://www.ilkansivu.net/en/photos/motorsport/wrc/neste-rally-finland-2018)

[dimviii]

history
https://twitter.com/davidevansrally/status/1023855377283198976

[dimviii]

new video from Veibys crash.A hard one..
https://youtu.be/pBu7LhK9844

[BigWorm]

new video from Veibys crash.A hard one..
https://youtu.be/pBu7LhK9844

Flashback to 2017. Two hard rolls in Finland for him in as many years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kisACZaE5_s

[tommeke_B]

as NOT said,i mean if it is fair or not.
It's not the first time a WRC driver is on his phone behind the wheel while everyone can see it. I think it's fair they give a penalty for it, as they also give penalties for speeding. Top WRC drivers are some kind of role models and shouldn't be on their phone behind the wheel.

[pantealex]

guys how you see that fine?



http://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/4888/nrf_2018_coc_communication_no_2_20180723.pdf

This warning was given July 24 (tuesday), so everyone knew about it.

[dimviii]

http://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/4888/nrf_2018_coc_communication_no_2_20180723.pdf

This warning was given July 24 (tuesday), so everyone knew about it.
thanks pantealex,its clear everybody had warned.
didnt Mads upload every day after the last stage interviews while driving?

[Raymonhuisjes]

Video Vetomies (vetomiehet) 2018
https://youtu.be/VtlcGu0Yb6w

[dimviii]

anyone found some pictures from Finland of Ogiers Fiesta dampers?

best i found cant see a lot,Strange that nobody took some photos.

https://hencca.galleria.fi/kuvat/Urheilu/Rally+Finland+2018/20180728-6D-_MG_5244.jpg

[ziggysony]

The full video from 4days WRC Rally Finland 2018 https://youtu.be/0eacWeA2txs

[MTA]

Fantastic rally as usual! :)
Our pictures are available at the following link:

https://www.facebook.com/498772900219888/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1683475955082904

[AnttiL]

Flashback to 2017. Two hard rolls in Finland for him in as many years.



Same stage, in 2018 one corner further...

[SubaruNorway]

thanks pantealex,its clear everybody had warned.
didnt Mads upload every day after the last stage interviews while driving?

Nope.

[Markkula89]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZhNXrYrLL4&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

@AnttiL_WRC
WRC2 drivers Veiby, Lindholm, Nikara and Katsuta tested for @RallyFinland at @autoglymrally . All crashed out in @RallyFinland .

Pietarinen and Huttunen tested in @RallyEstonia . P1 and P2 in @RallyFinland

[Oliverk]

All Rally Finland class winners won is Estonia also.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcNYcPDTelw&frags=pl%2Cwn

[Rally Power]

Interesting…Penasse pissed with MSport team orders and Ogier saying he did the same for Loeb!
https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_penasse-m-sport-devient-champion-du-monde-pour-les-strategies?id=9983640
https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_ogier-et-les-consignes-d-equipe-je-l-ai-fait-plusieurs-fois-pour-loeb?id=9983578
(Belgium TV quotes, taken from the French forum)

[EstWRC]

i think this methka video hasnt been posted here ? He always does great videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RQvngt6efg&frags=pl%2Cwn


and this video is for that dude Anti who made complaints to FIA, do you still remember him? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m_CzLyUxTY&frags=pl%2Cwn

[dimviii]

https://scontent-mrs1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38134299_1959832274307228_3839226027003871232_n.jp g?_nc_cat=0&oh=6f31cb5e6e1f2cfe1aa87c0494e488f9&oe=5BC5CC83
http://i66.tinypic.com/2wmqln9.jpg

[AnttiL]

and this video is for that dude Anti who made complaints to FIA, do you still remember him? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6m_CzLyUxTY&frags=pl%2Cwn

Probably fine with him as it’s a closed road

[spiderem]

Probably fine with him as it’s a closed road

I'm more concerned about Latvala's reverse parking skills :)

[dimviii]

After the WRC Finland Rally, which has just ended this weekend with Ott Tänak's brilliant victory with Toyota, it is time to do the counting at the speed of pure speed held there.

Despite the new regulatory change that has been in effect for the last two years on cars, with notably more power, the absolute record of average speed on a WRC round remains unclear after the last edition of the WRC Finland Rally. This is indeed the big missing of the 2018 edition, Kris Meeke, who in 2016 and his older generation DS3WRC remains the fastest with an average of 126.62km / h for the entire event.

Top 10 - Average Speed:
2016: Meeke (DS3WRC) ► 126.62
2017: Lappi (Yaris WRC) ► 126.16
2015: Latvala (Polo WRC) ► 125.44
2012: Loeb (DS3WRC) ► 122.89
2005: Grönholm (307WRC) ► 122.86
2010: Latvala (Focus WRC) ► 122.80
2018: Tänak (Yaris WRC) ► 122.60
2014: Latvala (Polo WRC) ► 122.09
2006: Grönholm (Focus WRC) ► 122.06
2007: Grönholm (Focus WRC) ► 121.85

http://planetemarcus.com/kris-meeke-reste-le-plus-rapide-en-finlande/

[AnttiL]

Just tells how slow the route was this year. Last year and 2016 were quite same but 2017 had chicanes. Seems like 2015-2017 had a super fast route

[samzon100]

Pictures Neste Rally Finland 2018
(shakedown, EK 2, EK 6, EK 11, EK 14, EK 16, EK 21 ja EK 23)

https://samzon.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Neste-Ralli+2018/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

i think this methka video hasnt been posted here ? He always does great videos!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RQvngt6efg&frags=pl%2Cwn



This is the kind of video the fans love. It's like a different sport to what they show on TV...

[AnttiL]

Colin Clark writing about how Rally Finland is not how it should with slower roads attached to legendary stages.

I think he’s a bit lost, since Urria and Ruuhimäki were only made longer and most of Ouninpohja is included in Kakaristo.

Finally the criticism is pointed towards FIA for first creating faster cars and then limiting their speed.

https://www.facebook.com/296678697161467/posts/989946931167970/

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/dwi_18-08fin_fordservice0010.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/dwi_18-08fin_ogier0031.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/dwi_18-08fin_alqassimi0010.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/dwi_18-08fin_ogier0014.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2018/photos/neste_rally_finland_2018/dwi_18-08fin_ogier0026.jpg

https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/44262-neste-rally-finland-2018/335/

[dimviii]

Paddon Kakaristo 2 full onboard
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMIKuS2Bz1k&feature=youtu.be

[mknight]

Colin Clark writing about how Rally Finland is not how it should with slower roads attached to legendary stages.

I think he’s a bit lost, since Urria and Ruuhimäki were only made longer and most of Ouninpohja is included in Kakaristo.

Finally the criticism is pointed towards FIA for first creating faster cars and then limiting their speed.

https://www.facebook.com/296678697161467/posts/989946931167970/


I actually agree with him. Some of the stages were quite boring to watch on alllive. So narrow the cars couldn't go sideways at all.

Rather more open stages and chicanes. But how FIA-organizer interaction works is a whole different story.

[APX]

Hello! Last time I visited rally Finland was 2007. So planning to go again this year. My question is: How much has changed - I mean these camping places beside SS. In 2007 it was quite easy to park and set up your tent quite close to SS on official camping areas, so in the morning you walk 100-500 metres and enjoy the rally cars. I know that they cost money usually. But is there enough camping areas or I can only park the car to official parking area ( no camping) or to the roads inside forest where is allowed? Sorry about my complicated question :)

Thanks for helping guys!

[Raymonhuisjes]

WRC2/R5 Cars video!

https://youtu.be/RBAb5ha2QdQ

[Raymonhuisjes]

Video of Kalle Rovanperä Skoda Fabia R5 - WRC Finland 2018

https://youtu.be/394e9uMWRao