RACC Rally Catalunya 2018

[KKS]

What about the VW's?
I think VW is doable for Jan 20+sec it's not much. But I mentioned only Skoda battle, everyone admire of Kalle pace but here he beat only for few sec his non-gravel teammate

[AnttiL]

I think VW is doable for Jan 20+sec it's not much. But I mentioned only Skoda battle, everyone admire of Kalle pace but here he beat only for few sec his non-gravel teammate

He had a problem in his car on SS4 and lost 23 seconds, whereas we could have expected him to gain some seconds on that stage.

[Mirek]

He had a problem in his car on SS4 and lost 23 seconds, whereas we could have expected him to gain similar numbers on that stage.

Gain? Quite unlikely. Kopecký was very fast on SS4, faster than Camilli and only Petter Solberg was faster by 0,5 seconds. No way Rovanperä could be 23 seconds faster.

[AnttiL]

Gain? Quite unlikely. Kopecký was very fast on SS4, faster than Camilli and only Petter Solberg was faster by 0,5 seconds. No way Rovanperä could be 23 seconds faster.

Yeh, true. I remembered incorrectly the results from SS7. Kalle was only 4.8 seconds quicker than Jan.

[Rallyper]

Exciting day tomorrow. Also, as said, in WRC2. Let´s see what comes out of Saturday.

My guess:

Ogier in the lead.

WRC2: Petter slightly first...

[KKS]

And Petter drop to 3rd. Only 0.7 ahead of Jan. eeeexxxxccciittiiingg day tomorrow

[AnttiL]

Veiby stopped with electrical failure

[WRC1]

after day1 it is a mega premier for Volkswagen (a bit expected) but a mega poor show for Citroen R5´s.....only 1 "survived" the gravel day.....Tempestini (8. in wrc2)

[Mirek]

Sylvain Michel also stopped.

Overall a lot of retirements in WRC2 - 8 of 20! Veiby, Lefebvre, Lopez (all C3), Andolfi, Pieniazek, Michel, Bulacia (all Fabia) and Katsuta (Fiesta)

[Mintexmemory]

Evans under team orders to be below Ogier and ahead of Neuville... typical msport crap.

Have to break it to you - there is no Santa Claus and forget about the tooth fairy too!

[dimviii]

Neuville full attack
https://twitter.com/Motorin_Rallye/status/1055838361460637696

Latvala nice pass
https://twitter.com/R3Access/status/1055873110845673472

[dimviii]

Sordo mistake
https://twitter.com/SergioMk2/status/1055768648915271680


Block rolled
https://twitter.com/rallypl/status/1055874417736249344

[er88]

Exciting day tomorrow. Also, as said, in WRC2. Let´s see what comes out of Saturday.

My guess:

Ogier in the lead.

WRC2: Petter slightly first...Do you expect Ott to retire or have big big problems?

[rallysupportnl]

Footage from today's stages:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVVVQI-euys

[T16]

We had the same discussion on a Finnish forum as well. He should cheer up.

Citroen will not let him act like this.

[AnttiL]

Katsuta also went off https://twitter.com/TakamotoKatsuta/status/1055879415798882304

[wrc2017]

Citroen will not let him act like this.

he will be even worse in the C3.

[T16]

he will be even worse in the C3.
Ha ha.. fair shout!

[the sniper]

Was it a crash for Block in the end? Sounds like a silly question, but I don't like to assume! :D Haven't seen any pics/video yet.

[Mirek]

He rolled, see video of the aftermath: https://www.facebook.com/rallypl/videos/319111405578623/

[T16]

He rolled, see video of the aftermath: https://www.facebook.com/rallypl/videos/319111405578623/

Didn't look too good there. Hope they get to run tomorrow for the spectators.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cX-AHBjg36c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuKKw1if2MU

[olemann]

This is the first time WRC 2 is as exciting to follow as WRC

[KKS]

he will be even worse in the C3.
agree. He see himself in wet dreams like a champion and that 'ugly' Toyota couldn't show all his potential. But actually man was overestimated

[Tarmop]

Is there a list of gravel crews available somewhere?

[jparker]

So, good chances for mud digging battle tomorrow. Who will be the victim?

[mufcAleksi]

very very lucky moment for Breen http://twitter.com/PeAChapaRacing/status/1055923544528470016

[N.O.T]

Block is plain garbage... he is trash... useless waste of space.... he is an embarrassment for motorsport.

[Mirek]

Kopecký said he was quite satisfied with the amount time lost on gravel and feels confident for attack on asphalt even though he admits that he has no idea how fast VW crews will be.

[dimviii]

"I'm a little tired of the day, I went out of my way, got the best out of the car, and Ogier did the sweep for several years, it was true, but at the time there was a car above the lot.This is not the case today.When you have done a perfect day, you can not blame you.A small mistake we have a few second, but it would not have changed in terms of position, we will have to stay on the road, get the best out of the car and we will see where we will be in the standings. that it takes to have an advantage in Australia.It must take what there are to take points here, "said our compatriot at the microphone of our colleague Olivier Gaspard, special correspondent of RTBF in Catalonia.

"We struggled with the disadvantage of the sweep all day, I think we can be proud, we did everything we could, and the performance of Toyota cars, including Tanak, is impressive. I'm not a magician, I do not have a magic wand, I do not know how we can solve this in the immediate future Tomorrow, it will take every special as an opportunity to perform.We announced a lot of rain, it would give conditions are difficult, we appreciate this kind of conditions, but we do not usually ride regularly under them.I have no idea how our vehicle will work, "said Nicolas Gilsoul, co-pilot of Neuville, Friday evening.
https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-sortir-le-meilleur-de-l-auto-et-prendre-ce-qu-il-y-a-a-prendre-comme-points?id=10057685

[dimviii]

641/5000
"In terms of scanning, the second loop is sometimes worse than the first because there was a trace, but clearly not our trajectory to us.I made a small mistake this morning by going a bit wide in a field, to Apart from that I gave everything like Thierry, I can not do much more The Toyota works well It's time to fight, not yet the moment to be worried There are two days left, I'm not personally only 12 seconds from second place, the goal is naturally to go up the rankings, the difficult weather could create opportunities, "analyzed the reigning world champion.
https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_ogier-c-est-le-moment-de-se-battre-pas-encore-le-moment-d-etre-inquiet?id=10057691

[mknight]

agree. He see himself in wet dreams like a champion and that 'ugly' Toyota couldn't show all his potential. But actually man was overestimated

Lappi is 4th in the championship in his first full season and clearly the fastest of the "newer" drivers like Breen, Paddon, Evans, Suninen, for most of the season he has been beating Latvala both on pace and results. I am not really his fan but what you are spewing is just too much.

I also recall some estonian with rather uninspired pace + attitude on the last 3 rallies of 2017.

[dimviii]

Meeke at Toyota service
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1055893428565917698

[dimviii]

Lappi
https://twitter.com/EpicRallyTribe/status/1055908431717167104

Suninen
https://twitter.com/pauruiz1993/status/1055908483361632257

Block
https://twitter.com/motoraldia/status/1055893458118942720

Skda mechanics watching polo
https://twitter.com/volkswagenms/status/1055721388890296320

[Rally Power]

Another fantastic rally to follow on this epic WRC season! Tanak again on a class of his own; Sordo and Evans doing a superb job, just like the amazing Loeb. Hard work for Ogier and Neuville tomorrow, but the weather may speed up their recoveries to the top 3. Strong show from VW in WRC2, with a faultless Camilli (fingers crossed…) and an evergreen Solberg proving the Polo is already at the top.

Btw, huge congrats to Pedro Antunes/Paulo Lopes; they’ve won the 208 Iberica Cup and where the best R2 crew of the leg.

[Sulland]

First day impressive by VW!

I am guessing the sales reps in VW Motorsport has big smiles.
Many will try to buy Polo R5 for 2019, lets see how many they will build.

Lets see the speed on asphalt. But lomger wheelbase can mean less nervous car. Lets see later today.

[steve.mandzij]

Lappi is 4th in the championship in his first full season and clearly the fastest of the "newer" drivers like Breen, Paddon, Evans, Suninen, for most of the season he has been beating Latvala both on pace and results. I am not really his fan but what you are spewing is just too much.

I also recall some estonian with rather uninspired pace + attitude on the last 3 rallies of 2017.But something has clearly got to him lately. Either someone's shit on his bed or he's got some confidence issues, but either way he's no longer cheery and blisteringly quick all the time, rather a little bitchy and struggling all the time.

[steve.mandzij]

A couple observations from Friday:

Well done Evans. Finally it seems the luck has stuck and he's (albeit not comfortably) third overnight for once! He had pretty good pace today, I hope he can keep it up and score a hard earned podium. It's unfortunate nobody at all has talked about it, probably my biggest surprise of the rally so far.

I think Latvala has stopped overthinking everything for once: being clean and tidy, copying his teammates' setups, focusing too hard on being consistent, and went completely balls to the wall like he knows best: sideways. It was just what he needed to do all year: drive as he was born to drive, let it flow naturally, and it's really been spectacular so far, despite the results not showing it. I hope Jari can keep his new old mentality for next year, so he can start a championship challenge as he did in 2017, as God intended: let everything happen as it should, and "everything will be in perfect balance", as he said today. His f-word tirade was just the icing on the cake of his really encouraging state of mind on Friday.

[mknight]

But something has clearly got to him lately. Either someone's shit on his bed or he's got some confidence issues, but either way he's no longer cheery and blisteringly quick all the time, rather a little bitchy and struggling all the time.

As I wrote, he totally reminds me of Tänak at the end of last year (GB and AU especially). He had ok speed but that last spark wasn't there and he often sounded even more bored/demotivated than usual.

[EstWRC]

Morning guys. Lappi just did a live on twitter and it didn’t look wet at service park. Don’t know about the stages, really waiting to see some pictures already.

[stefanvv]

Morning, I don't know, doesn't look very bright - https://www.visitsalou.eu/en/discover-salou/about-salou/salou-live-and-360-deg

[rallye-vid]

https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1056057916577304576?s=09

[EstWRC]

i dont understand why there are 3 minute gaps today...anyone can make it clear to me?

[EstWRC]

Michelin Motorsport
‏
Verified account

@Michelin_Sport
2m2 minutes ago
More
#tyre info - Day2 - morning

Sordo/Neuville/Ogier/Evans/Citroën: 5 MICHELIN Pilot Sport S6
Mikkelsen/Suninen: 4S6 + 2 MICHELIN Pilot Sport Full Wet 3 (FW3)
Lappi: 2S6+4FW3
Tanak/Latvala: 5FW3


veery verry interesting...surprised that Ott and Jari didnt take any softs at all

[KKS]

Lappi is 4th in the championship in his first full season and clearly the fastest of the "newer" drivers like Breen, Paddon, Evans, Suninen, for most of the season he has been beating Latvala both on pace and results. I am not really his fan but what you are spewing is just too much.

I also recall some estonian with rather uninspired pace + attitude on the last 3 rallies of 2017.
Breen and Paddon don't have full season. They can not be compared

[Lead]

Interesting tyre gamble, let see who benefits.

[mknight]

Breen and Paddon don't have full season. They can not be compared

Obviously you can compare them in the rallies they started.

[EstWRC]

cant wait to see Latvalas splits already against the soft guys...Quassimi starting any minute now

[KKS]

i dont understand why there are 3 minute gaps today...anyone can make it clear to me?
to make sure that more crews can catch a rain on stage? More gaps - more chance for rain on stage

[dimviii]

SAT 08:18 - WEATHER
Well the sun has moved aside and rain prevails in Spain, giving the crews an extra challenge - wet asphalt. Reports from SS9 - the second stage today - is that the road is damp, with light drizzle and mud coming onto the stage from the cuts.

[KKS]

Obviously you can compare them in the rallies they started.
63 for Lappi and 55 for Paddon. Near a same

[EstWRC]

delay or is there some misunderstanding? some sites say the stage starts 8.23 local, some 8.33

[er88]

Very wet boys

[EstWRC]

stage 8 cancelled

[KKS]

delay or is there some misunderstanding? some sites say the stage starts 8.23 local, some 8.33
stage canceled?

[EstWRC]

yep, drivers already heading to ss9

[mknight]

63 for Lappi and 55 for Paddon. Near a same

"Fastest", at least read what you are responding to.

[KKS]

WRC turn to formula1. IT'S RAIN HERE! IT'S NOT SAFE. CANCELLED!

[mknight]

I bet the cancellation is a least partly due to what was happening both on SD and yesterday (the crash vid shown here into the marshals with cars in escape zone).

It's FIA's/MM way of saying "watch out".

[Lead]

Such a short loop and they cancel the stage.... this rally is becoming annoying organisation wise.

[KKS]

"Fastest", at least read what you are responding to.
If you wish - u can believe in your fairytales

[jonkka]

WRC turn to formula1. IT'S RAIN HERE! IT'S NOT SAFE. CANCELLED!

They didn't say it's because of wet road. It's Saturday's first stage and crowds are usually huge (and crazy) in Spain so I bet crowd issues rather than road conditions.

[KKS]

It's FIA's/MM way of saying "watch out".
Or someone make not "safe" tyre choice and being unsafe on stages.

[krissucool]

Or someone make not "safe" tyre choice and being unsafe on stages.

What have you been smoking?

[EstWRC]

it seems the full wet was definitely the right choice for SS8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqfqTehWwAA8H-D.jpg

[mknight]

If you wish - u can believe in your fairytales

So let's list it (since we'r waiting anyway)
SWE-Lappi beat Paddon 4/5
POR - Paddon crash out early, Lappi 5th
SAR - Lappi beat Paddon 3/4
FIN - Lappi faster, but crashed out in front of Paddon on Sunday
TUR - Paddon faster, Lappi crash
GB - Lappi faster 3/7

=> Lappi wins 4 vs 1 on speed, with 1 hard to judge (POR), and that's not even going into stage wins or other indicators

Let's write it straight. The main reason you now suddenly don't like Lappi is cause he is going to Citroen.

[AnttiL]

It would be interesting to know the weather conditions on the stages. The forecasts were showing that the rain would get heavier towards noon. Would the first stage have been very wet? Will the full wet tyre be now even a better option?

[dimviii]

it seems the full wet was definitely the right choice for SS8

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqfqTehWwAA8H-D.jpg
this cancelation will f@cked up plenty of drivers with wet tyres

[mknight]

You can't say how wet it is based on drops on windscreen. Don't see much standing water on the road and in any case it can be very different just a few corners away.

[AnttiL]

this cancelation will f@cked up plenty of drivers with wet tyres

But will it be the same conditions on the following ones?

[AnttiL]

WRC turn to formula1. IT'S RAIN HERE! IT'S NOT SAFE. CANCELLED!

https://twitter.com/CarlosOliden/status/1056073037290856448

This guy suggests it was spectator issues

EDIT: Here's official https://twitter.com/RallyRACC/status/1056071122108760064

[Japé]

For teams that have made wrong tyre choices, it is easy to get stage cancelled if they wanted. Just call to some hired "friendly" spectators to e.g. drive their cars too close to stage or organize any other type of hassle in the SS.


Or then it might be typical "road is muddy and wet, we have to cancel this" ;)

[dimviii]

But will it be the same conditions on the following ones?

SAT 08:18 - WEATHER
Well the sun has moved aside and rain prevails in Spain, giving the crews an extra challenge - wet asphalt. Reports from SS9 - the second stage today - is that the road is damp, with light drizzle and mud coming onto the stage from the cuts.

[EstWRC]

You can't say how wet it is based on drops on windscreen. Don't see much standing water on the road and in any case it can be very different just a few corners away.

im not just saying based on the pic, you could see on ALLlive where i took this pic that the rain was coming down quite good.

SS9 is so close to SS8 i doubt the weather is that different there.

[mknight]

For teams that have made wrong tyre choices, it is easy to get stage cancelled if they wanted. Just call to some hired "friendly" spectators to e.g. drive their cars too close to stage or organize any other type of hassle in the SS.


Yeah, let's start the conspiracy theories.... ^^

[dimviii]

Abi Stephens


@abistephens

We’ve got @krismeeke in the studio shortly, any questions you’d like to ask the 2019 @TOYOTA_GR driver? #WRC #WRClive #alllive

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/CarlosOliden/status/1056073037290856448

This guy suggests it was spectator issues

EDIT: Here's official https://twitter.com/RallyRACC/status/1056071122108760064
RallyRACC
‏
Verified account

@RallyRACC
13m
13 minutes ago


More
SS8 cancelado por mala ubicación del público.

SS8 cancel·lat per mala ubicació del públic.

SS8 canceled due to location of the public.

[KKS]

So let's list it (since we'r waiting anyway)
SWE-Lappi beat Paddon 4/5
POR - Paddon crash out early, Lappi 5th
SAR - Lappi beat Paddon 3/4
FIN - Lappi faster, but crashed out in front of Paddon on Sunday
TUR - Paddon faster, Lappi crash
GB - Lappi faster 3/7

=> Lappi wins 4 vs 1 on speed, with 1 hard to judge (POR), and that's not even going into stage wins or other indicators

Let's write it straight. The main reason you now suddenly don't like Lappi is cause he is going to Citroen.
POR - Paddon leading a rally and Lappi was 9th! At SS6
As we see for now Paddon have speed to lead a rally and being fast, and Lappi never have a rally winning pace this year. He always complaining a lot and searching any reason for not being fast.

I'm be a Citroen fan, but when this situation with Meeke starts (Poland17) and this year movements continue... I'm be a Citroen hater. And it's a 'perfect' 2019 year. Hate Citroen with hate Ogier and slow'n'complaining Lappi + AlQassimi = "Dreamteam" :)

[KKS]

For teams that have made wrong tyre choices, it is easy to get stage cancelled if they wanted. Just call to some hired "friendly" spectators to e.g. drive their cars too close to stage or organize any other type of hassle in the SS.


Or then it might be typical "road is muddy and wet, we have to cancel this" ;)
Oh, finally light of sun here on a situation.

[EstWRC]

stop this stupid conspiracy...we had a delay already yesterday and you can see from the vids that there is so much people this year.

[krissucool]

Bluuford be with us now!

[EstWRC]

regarding the tyre choice

Latvalas test day was quite wet in the morning and Tänaks test day also started with damp conditions...they may have tested the tyres and know exactly which one works better, hence their thoice

[AnttiL]

Dunno if it was mentioned, Block is not restarting

[KKS]

When Ogier hideing in Sweden for PS pos it's conspiracy theory too, but turn other way...

[EstWRC]

some quite salty words from Meeke towrads Citroen..."They think they know things when actually dont"

lol

[mknight]

When Ogier hideing in Sweden for PS pos it's conspiracy theory too, but turn other way...

There were numerous very dangerous situations on SD and almost a dead marshall yesterday.

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqfxVRDWsAA08nq.jpg

[AnttiL]

Meeke almost in tears talking about splitting with Nagle :(

[er88]

Meeke stunned hearing Tanaks tyre choice

[EstWRC]

and he was so surprised that Tänak and Latvala took full wets

[krissucool]

Oh crap, now I am scared.

[mknight]

Meeke almost in tears talking about splitting with Nagle :(

On the other hand he said it correctly that he needs to try to change something.

Hearing Nagle I often thought he is certainly not calming Meeke down with the way he reads the notes. Compared to say Paddon's co-driver.

[Rallyper]

Do you expect Ott to retire or have big big problems?

I expect Ogier to be faster.

[EstWRC]

standing water on some sections and it continues to raining

[AnttiL]

On the other hand he said it correctly that he needs to try to change something.

Hearing Nagle I often thought he is certainly not calming Meeke down with the way he reads the notes. Compared to say Paddon's co-driver.

True, we've even talked about it on the forum, it seems his pace notes are very busy and Nagle has sometimes trouble reading all the information in time on the fast stages.

BTW my silly question about Finnish language skills on twitter was asked from Kris :D

[er88]

That doesn't look wet enough for full wet tyres. Tommi worried

[mknight]

True, we've even talked about it on the forum, it seems his pace notes are very busy and Nagle has sometimes trouble reading all the information in time on the fast stages.

It's also a bout the tone. He sounds stressed/excited.

[EstWRC]

Tommi said they gambled for SS8 with their tyre choice but it was cancelled, said SS9 is in much better condition

[mufcAleksi]

Mäkinen is really worried

[mknight]

Porter got his comments spot on earlier. Tanak's FW choice is a "safe" choice, specially given his lead.

Neuville and Ogier have to risk anyway so they do it.

[Mirek]

On the other hand he said it correctly that he needs to try to change something.

Hearing Nagle I often thought he is certainly not calming Meeke down with the way he reads the notes. Compared to say Paddon's co-driver.

I know that it's sure too late to try some change but imho Neeke's pacenotes are overcomplicated and very hard to deliver.

[EstWRC]

oh shit this stage isnt that wet at all, crap

[krissucool]

Not much standing water. Come on rain!

[AnttiL]

I'm told that it's raining heavily at the start of SS10, but will it last for long enough. That's also the longest and fastest tarmac stage

[krissucool]

Praying for the rain gods.

[mknight]

100% sure most drivers/co-drives that can are watching the feed now to see how wet it is.

[AnttiL]

On the short clip shown from Suninen's onboard before Neuville started showed quite big paddles on the road. It's also raining constantly on their windscreens. Could be more water on the road by the time Latvala and Tänak come through...

[KKS]

Despite rain softs working better according to Neuville splits

[er88]

Can't wait to see Latvala's splits when he starts. Hard to tell if it's wet enough or not

[dimviii]

you have to remember that wet tyres can be destroyed very easily at very few dry/dump kms.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/kalle-rovanpera-taistelee-luokkavoitosta-mm-rallissa-huomenna-tulee-kovaa-haaste/

Here's a Finnish interview with Kalle Rovanperä, saying he broke a damper on SS4 and thinks he doesn't have a chance against VW's or Kopecky today as he hasn't really driven before on wet tarmac.

[Mirek]

Don't know how different WRC tyres are compared to R5 but this year on Barum Pave Dresler told me that Michelin rain tyre needs really a lot of water on the road to be the choice. Otherwise it's safer but slower than softs.

[AnttiL]

No big gaps on the splits for the drivers after Suninen.

[krissucool]

God damn it Breen. He just cant keep that car safely on the road.

[KKS]

Breen was faster on splits, but spun :(

[dimviii]

God damn it Breen. He just cant keep that car safely on the road.

we have seen till now 3 big moments for Breen.Too much.

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen very slow first split

[AnttiL]

Ogier losing time and Mikkelsen slow already on first split

[KKS]

Rear of C3 again show his wildness

[er88]

Mikkelsen must have spun or something

[mufcAleksi]

Latvala fastest at split 1

[krissucool]

Mikkelsen losing more time. Are the conditions worsening?

[AnttiL]

Mikkelsen losing more time. Are the conditions worsening?

He just can't drive that car on tarmac...but that's even more time loss than Suninen. Could be an issue

[krissucool]

He just can't drive that car on tarmac

Fair

[Mirek]

Rear of C3 again show his wildness

In the past (C4 times) Citroën as the only team used uneven torque distribution on asphalt with more torque on rear wheels. Loeb and Sordo liked it. Maybe they use it again.

[AnttiL]

Now Ogier is fastest at last split

[AnttiL]

Latvala flying. Can't wait for Tänak

[dimviii]

Breens c3 damaged at rear
https://twitter.com/fernischumi/status/1056087667157487616

[BigWorm]

Power steering issues for Mikkelsen? Wheel movement looks slow

E: just too slow...

[AnttiL]

Loeb also losing some seconds

[AnttiL]

No technical issues for Mikkelsen, just cannot drive...

[Lead]

If this is Mikkelsen's pace on tarmac, thats just laughable...

[er88]

Tragic from Mikkelsen

[krissucool]

Are WRC2 cars going to be faster than Mikkelsen? Losing more than 2 second per kilometer. Absolute shambles.

[AnttiL]

Hyundai needs to hire Kopecky to fill in for Mikkelsen on the tarmac rallies

[AnttiL]

Sordo fastest first split. Now, will he keep it on the road?

[krissucool]

How much rain on the next stage?

[mknight]

Hyundai needs to hire Kopecky to fill in for Mikkelsen on the tarmac rallies

Kopecky was loosing 1 min over friday vs Mikkelsen in same car last year. (Monte + Corsica).

[er88]

Jari having tested in the wet could be a big factor behind that wet tyre call. He said he felt a lot more comfortable on them, so maybe Ott followed his judgement

[AnttiL]

TÄnak! First split 3 seconds up on Latvala!

[KKS]

Tanak spilt ^_^

[er88]

C3 very nervous; well there's a shock.

NOT

[AnttiL]

Kopecky was loosing 1 min over friday vs Mikkelsen in same car last year. (Monte + Corsica).

Yeah, and then again Mikkelsen was second in Germany last year on Citroen. Some drivers and cars just don't match.

[krissucool]

Has anyone ever seen such a mismatch? Markko Märtin and Peugeot was pretty bad but this is crazy.

[dimviii]

SAT 09:48 - SS9: LOEB
It's been a while since the nine-time champ last raced a rally car on wet asphalt and his time reflects that somewhat. It's by no means a bad time at all, he's just 9.2sec down and he'll definitely be getting quicker as the day goes on. "It is very difficult, very complicated. The car is very nervous on this tyre, it isn't quite adapted to these conditions."

[AnttiL]

Could it actually be that the SS8 cancelling played in Toyota's bag? If the full wets wear more quickly, they're better off with a shorter loop?

[jonkka]

Has anyone ever seen such a mismatch? Markko Märtin and Peugeot was pretty bad but this is crazy.

Freddy Loix and Mitsubishi should qualify.

[AnttiL]

Has anyone ever seen such a mismatch? Markko Märtin and Peugeot was pretty bad but this is crazy.

He's been fast on slow-to-medium-fast gravel and snow though.

[AnttiL]

Freddy Loix and Mitsubishi should qualify.

Anyone else than Tommi Mäkinen and Mitsubishi. Also, Tommi Mäkinen and Subaru

[krissucool]

He's been fast on slow-to-medium-fast gravel and snow though.

Yes, I was thinking about asphalt only.
Since we know he should not be a slow driver on tarmac.

[mknight]

Yeah, and then again Mikkelsen was second in Germany last year on Citroen. Some drivers and cars just don't match.

Mikkelsen's pace on tarmac in I20 is terrible so far yes. What I meant to say is that there i no guarantee Kopecky would do well. Mikkelsen is the only driver other than long time Hyundai drivers that drove the I20.

Also his style on tarmac is not very special, Ogier drives the same (that's where Mikkelsen learned it from). It's more Sordo and Neuville style tha is special. Sordo looks like he is driving FWD car all the time and Neuville is sliding in almost every corner.

[jonkka]

Anyone else than Tommi Mäkinen and Mitsubishi. Also, Tommi Mäkinen and Subaru

Well, actually, Richard Burns was quite fast with it (referring to Mitsubishi).

[AnttiL]

Well, actually, Richard Burns was quite fast with it.

True dat. Also, I almost wrote "Tommi Mäkinen and any other car than Mitsubishi", but actually he liked the Ford Escort very much and it was his manager's choice to go to Mitsubishi for 1995 instead of going to Ford for a non-Boreham run team.

Sorry for the off-topic...

[KKS]

And WRC2 splits looks promissing

[wrc2017]

Mikkelsen's pace on tarmac in I20 is terrible so far yes. What I meant to say is that there i no guarantee Kopecky would do well. Mikkelsen is the only driver other than long time Hyundai drivers that drove the I20.

Also his style on tarmac is not very special, Ogier drives the same (that's where Mikkelsen learned it from). It's more Sordo and Neuville style tha is special. Sordo looks like he is driving FWD car all the time and Neuville is sliding in almost every corner.

Mikkelson.. honestly.. he should be dropped. He does not seem have the capacity to work out what he is doing wrong.

[krissucool]

Rovanperä faster then Mikkelsen

[mufcAleksi]

Skoda drivers faster than VW

[EstWRC]

Buuhjj. What a relief

[mknight]

Any way to find out tire choices for WRC2?

[KKS]

i dont understand why there are 3 minute gaps today...anyone can make it clear to me?
Live TV stage at first morning section without a re-group. that's why 3min I guess

[KKS]

Petter stopped?

[mufcAleksi]

Petter stopped?

splits just not working

[tomhlord]

Another error or 'issue' for Breen, another slow time for Mikkelsen. Patience must be running out with these two.

[Rallyper]

Also on Map he freezed.

Edit: Now moving.

[mufcAleksi]

Rovanperä into the lead, and faster than Kopecky on splits

[Rallyper]

Kalles pace is surprisingly fast also on tarmac. Camilli outpaced? Or tyre choice?

[mknight]

Both VW in Finish 20s down. But we don't know the tire choices.

[krissucool]

Go home Mikkelsen, you are drunk. How can he lose to R5 cars. Embarrassing.

[KKS]

New WRC2 rally leader

[Rallyper]

Skoda vs. VW 1 - 1.

[mknight]

Meh Pirelli beats them all ;) Feels like 2003-2004 already.

[KKS]

:D :D :D
https://twitter.com/fakeWRCdriver/status/1056083180984455168

[wrc2017]

Another error or 'issue' for Breen, another slow time for Mikkelsen. Patience must be running out with these two.

Breen seems to have reached his limit. when he pushes that bit extra, he makes mistakes.

[dimviii]

Solans faster from Rovanpera(pirellis on wet maybe)

[er88]

Mikkelsen getting beat by 3 R5 cars is embarrassing I'm afraid.

[stefanvv]

Solans faster from Rovanpera(pirellis on wet maybe)

Well, he isn't exactly slow driver. Kajto is slow with same tyres.

[Allez Andruet]

Well, actually, Richard Burns was quite fast with it (referring to Mitsubishi).

As was Eriksson. But it's strange indeed how both Loix and Gardemeister (who were considered as really fast drivers before joining Mitsubishi) tarnished their reputation with that Evo VI.

Mäkinen and Subaru wasn't that bad in my opinion. Think it was more Tommi being past his prime than anything else.

But ok, back to Catalunya...

[dimviii]

Well, he isn't exactly slow driver. Kajto is slow with same tyres.

who said he is a slow driver?

[KKS]

This stage looks more dry than SS9

[jonkka]

Mäkinen and Subaru wasn't that bad in my opinion. Think it was more Tommi being past his prime than anything else.


I agree about the not bad at all -part. But I am not at all sure that Tommi was past his prime but suddenly there were more competition in terms of good drivers and cars. In 1996 just three different drivers split all the wins between them, in 1999 there already were six different winners and in 2001 whopping eight. Same is evident in manufacturers, which is even more important as not every team is able to field a winning car (and winning driver with it).

[dimviii]

after ss 9
Tanak 193
Neuville 193
Ogier 190

[dimviii]

Colin Clark
‏
Here’s a thought. If JML can get himself up to second it allows Toyota to consider all sorts of tactical options ahead of Australia! Swapping JML and Ott could mean 3rd on road in Aus and just a handful of points behind Seb and Thierry! Wouldn’t affect manu points either.

[Sulland]

Amazed that Henning siden not to for Pirelli om hvis event. He likes and knowes them best.

[AnttiL]

Ogier seems to lose time to Lappi and Neuville. Meanwhile, Lappi might catch Neuville today.

[dimviii]

Lappi now 5,7 sec from Neuville.

[KKS]

Mikkelsen slower than Breen with damaged car :/

[Lead]

At this current pace Mikkelsen needs to call it a day, so he wont embarass himself even more...

[skarderud]

Mikkelsen said at the intercom before the intervjuzone that the balance in the car is "totally f..ked ".

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Lead]

Mikkelsen said at the intercom before the intervjuzone that the balance in the car is "totally f..ked ".

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

There must be something he isnt telling and its not the tyres I'm sure...

[jonkka]

There must be something he isnt telling.

Telling to whom?

[Eric]

Mikkelsen is a disaster. He´s lucky there isnt any good drivers available on the market for 2019. Right now I would rate him as bottom 3

[mufcAleksi]

Tanak showing 0 kph

[Lead]

Telling to whom?

At the end stage interviews.

[KKS]

Fck! Again?

[er88]

Tanak!!!!!

[AnttiL]

Oh crap :(

[T16]

Puncture

[er88]

It's fucked

[jonkka]

At the end stage interviews.

Surely not, it's pointless to trash one's own car and make your team look bad.

[skarderud]

Bring the car to the finish, Tänak!

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Fuck it

[BigWorm]

Poor Tänak, the championship is just not meant to be for him this year....

[skarderud]

Mikkelsen is a disaster. He´s lucky there isnt any good drivers available on the market for 2019. Right now I would rate him as bottom 3Yeah right......
Dork.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[KKS]

Meeke spirit found new victim

[Essaj]

Shame for Tanak, but dang I hate Porter

[jonkka]

That leaves JML just 0,3 from the lead...

[er88]

Sordo leads in Spain

[mufcAleksi]

He lost 1.40 to Latvala, so that was a quick tyre change

[EstWRC]

I’m just crying at the moment

He doesn’t deserve this. Why. GB and now here

[Eric]

Yeah right......
Dork.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

I would pick Mikkelsen over Evans, Paddon and Breen. So OK, bottom 4. But thats it.

[krissucool]

Why should we have good things???

Fuck it...

[dimviii]

I’m just crying at the moment

He doesn’t deserve this. Why. GB and now here

nothing lost,his championship contenters are not so fast at Spain,he can gain a lot imho,and have a good starting position at Australia

[jonkka]

Top 5 now within 13 seconds.

[Essaj]

How dissapointed are you? "Very Happy" and moves on :D

[AL14]

How dissapointed are you? "Very Happy" and moves on :D

That was not the most smart of the questions

[Negaiss]

Afternoon loop will be a candy ! Get your beer and chips. End of day podium - Latvala, Loeb, Sordo

[dimviii]

Neuville 197

Ogier 192

Tanak 170

imho he has the pace to finish ahead of neuville and Ogier,+ power stage points,not so bad as it firstly seems

[mknight]

He can get back to 5-ish, so championship is not lost.

I'll wait for onboard for any other comment.

[tomhlord]

There's no way on earth Evans will be allowed to fight now.

With Mikkelsen been so slow, he's still behind Tanak despite a puncture, hardly helping Neuville.

[AnttiL]

Ogier and Neuville could also get unlucky, still almost half of the rally left...

[er88]

He can get back to 5-ish, so championship is not lost.

I'll wait for onboard for any other comment.Not lost but beyond difficult.

[BigWorm]

Neuville 197

Ogier 192

Tanak 170

imho he has the pace to finish ahead of neuville and Ogier,+ power stage points,not so bad as it firstly seems

Definitely not Ogier, 50s is a lot to make up on Spanish tarmac. But Neuville, Lappi and Breen he can go past.

[mknight]

There's no way on earth Evans will be allowed to fight now.


Not allowed to risk, but there is also no need to drop time on purpose before last TC, anything can happen.

On a related note we have by far the most interesting WRC2 battle in years and they don't show a single car.

[EstWRC]

27 points gap and you say it isn’t lost? He basically needs neuville to retire in Australia. Impossible

It is in ogiers hands now

[Zeakiwi]

Like to see Sordo get a home win after the way Liatti was denied a San Remo win.

[T16]

I would pick Mikkelsen over Evans, Paddon and Breen. So OK, bottom 4. But thats it.

Breen abs Evans are better than Mikkelsen.

[Mintexmemory]

There's no way on earth Evans will be allowed to fight now.

With Mikkelsen been so slow, he's still behind Tanak despite a puncture, hardly helping Neuville.
Actually he could well fight hard today to give the impression of wanting the podium, thus pressurising the leaders. If he’s asked by Malcolm to give way tomorrow he better have a blank contract as a bargaining chip!

[krissucool]

Ogier and Neuville could also get unlucky, still almost half of the rally left...

Yes it is.

Now it is over.

[tomhlord]

27 points gap and you say it isn’t lost? He basically needs neuville to retire in Australia. Impossible

It is in ogiers hands now

Get a grip, rally is not over yet.

[dimviii]

27 points gap and you say it isn’t lost? He basically needs neuville to retire in Australia. Impossible

It is in ogiers hands now

27 is just now,if he finish,they will be a lot less.

[MartijnS]

Agreed. Mikkelsen is just done. At least with this car he is.

[Tarmop]

Yes yes, same story from Sweden, it was all over then for some...a difficulty unnecessary, but like said, no one is finished yet, positions will change for sure, there is a PS and if the gap is less than 30p, everything is possible.

[BigWorm]

Like to see Sordo get a home win after the way Liatti was denied a San Remo win.

Latvala is not going to slow down is he though

[EstWRC]

Waiting to see him now go flat out afternoon. All or nothing now

[cali]

It was stupid to count virtual points while the rally was still not over. Neuville 30s ahead and difficult to catch but you never know. Lappi and Breen should be quite catchable + PS points. Still some 130-140 km to go. Let's see....

[mknight]

No. Mikkelsen is a better driver than these two, no doubt. But the fact that he is bottom 4 is pretty crazy. When in VW people were talking about him as the next world champion. Things have really turned for this guy

He was regularly in close fights with Ogier in 2016 in same car and beating Latvala, so it was not without reason. Things change and can change both ways, Latvala is also a living proof of that. (2016down-2017up-first half 2018 down, now up again)

[Eli]

Come on you guys, there is still half of the rally left, and you saw that with this rain anything can happen, it isn't over until they cross the finish line.

[BigWorm]

It was stupid to count virtual points while the rally was still not over. Neuville 30s ahead and difficult to catch but you never know. Lappi and Breen should be quite catchable + PS points. Still some 130-140 km to go. Let's see....

If Lappi is behind Neuville come the last stage he'll move over for Tänak. But I reckon Tänak will catch both anyway.

[mknight]

Wuuuhhaaa Linda Jackson in studio to talk about believe in drivers... interesting. Sounds almost like it was her pushing to get Ogier, I don't think so for a split second.

[KKS]

Realistic place for Tanak now it's maximum Neuville without any 'extra'. And Ott must hope only for troubles for Neu and Ogier in Australia

[EstWRC]

Neuville is definitely possible. He was 9 secs quicker than him on the first stage.

A lot of rain please now

[T16]

Wuuuhhaaa Linda Jackson in studio to talk about believe in drivers... interesting. Sounds almost like it was her pushing to get Ogier, I don't think so for a split second.

Why would you doubt it?

[Tarmop]

Realistic place for Tanak now it's maximum Neuville without any 'extra'. And Ott must hope only for troubles for Neu and Ogier in Australia

Conditions will get even worse.

[AL14]

Since how much time isn't Lappi getting laid?

[KKS]

Conditions will get even worse.
You got any weather info on afternoon stages?

[Esko]

Interesting battle now for the rally victory. Latvala is now allowed to win, hope he can now use this chance. Sordo's dream is to win his homerally, and he's now leading, thought only with 0,3 sec. Sordo will definately fight. However also Evans, Loeb and Ogier are Still in the battle. Ogis is 5th only 13,1 sec behind Sordo.

Rovanperä tooked his own position as a WRC2 leader.

[Lead]

For the last two rallies I have lost all the respect for Lappi. Acting like a little kid.

[T16]

Any videos of Block's off?

[mknight]

Why would you doubt it?

If she really wanted him I think she could make him an offer he couldn't refuse already in 2017 (even at the expense of kicking Matton).
Or maybe it took her another year (and 2nd places in Sweden and Finland) to realize they needed a different top driver.

[Tarmop]

You got any weather info on afternoon stages?

Gismeteo and Yr, generally quite accurate. Both say, precip. mm-wise, more rain than in the morning. Most rain around 14.00, 5.5 mm and that is more than there`s been so far.