RACC Rally Catalunya 2018

[T16]

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.
Sorry mate.. sounds like a load of crap to me.

[Rally Hokkaido]

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

I was impressed with Solans' times on gravel yesterday (not due to Pirellis?). Any have info/opinions on him (aside from results, which I can check on eWRC) ?]

[mknight]

Sorry mate.. sounds like a load of crap to me.

Well Budar made it quite clear that kicking Meeke was not mainly his decision but was decided from the top, Linda Jackson is on top.

[T16]

Well Budar made it quite clear that kicking Meeke was not mainly his decision but was decided from the top, Linda Jackson is on top.

Even more confused now.

[jparker]

Surely not, it's pointless to trash one's own car and make your team look bad.
Exactly. Mikkelsen is in similar situation as Meeke in the past. Difference is that Meeke was very "outspoken".

[EstWRC]

Ott: “this year has happened so much that I’m already getting used to it “

[mknight]

Even more confused now.

Complete story from the talks around:
1. Ogier got an offer from Citroen after germany 2017 and Matton said he really wanted him
2. Supposedly the offer was not very high + no big commitment announced from manufacturer + Linda Jackson said in some interview that their focus was maximum PR for a given amount of money.
3. Ogier refused the offer, in his interview this year he says it was also about the team leadership (and manu commitment) and that he always had good relations with engineers. I read this as him saying he does not have best relations with Matton (which is perfectly understandable)

If Linda Jackson really wanted Ogier so much then she could have done any of the following:
a) put in more money in his salary
b) promise more resources for the team/development
c) kick Matton (this kind of happened, but seemingly a bit later)

=> Does not look like she really wanted him at that point


This year:
4. Meeke got kicked, in Budar's words as a "joint" decision with the leadership. (sounded very much like they forced him to do it)
5. Ogier joins and Linda Jackson gives massive praise to how important is it to have Ogier and good atmosphere in team in an interview just 50 mins ago.
=> Either Linda is just doing PR and it was mainly Budar's pressure that got Ogier (my opinion) or she changed her mind at some point.

[Lead]

Exactly. Mikkelsen is in similar situation as Meeke in the past. Difference is that Meeke was very "outspoken".

Probably true, but for how long this will continue? There have been already a lot of rallies, tests etc and its just getting in opposite direction.
And what about Sordo's car? There seems is no problem from him to put up good stage times and car is working well.

[wrc2017]

Well Budar made it quite clear that kicking Meeke was not mainly his decision but was decided from the top, Linda Jackson is on top.

wrong

[jparker]

Do you think canceling stage because of crowds is right?
Punishing so many spectators because of some misbehaving individuals or groups is not right.
Don't they have police in Spain? Army?
Organizers should be prepared for those kind of situations.
Yes, it cost money, but if they can't pay, better close the stage for public in advance.

[mknight]

Probably true, but for how long this will continue? There have been already a lot of rallies, tests etc and its just getting in opposite direction.
And what about Sordo's car? There seems is no problem from him to put up good stage times and car is working well.

He never tested the car on wet tarmac. On dry tarmac first before Spain they agreed to do some changes to the car.

But I do agree with you. It was clear in Spain last year that it was not working for him and then they come to Corsica 6 months later and nothing has changed, same between Corsica and Germany.

[Tauri_J]

Do you think canceling stage because of crowds is right?
Punishing so many spectators because of some misbehaving individuals or groups is not right.
Don't they have police in Spain? Army?
Organizers should be prepared for those kind of situations.
Yes, it cost money, but if they can't pay, better close the stage for public in advance.

Do you watch rally for the first time? If course its right or they would never learn

[itix]

Maximum bad luck for Tänak this year.
Hopefully he can even out the standings a bit before the finish.

Things have happened before and in rallying nothing is ever a given.

I do however agree that Mikkelsen is crap. If I were Hyundai management I'd so much regret giving him a two year deal right now.

Maybe he does a Neuville and finds his mojo... I doubt it though.

[jonkka]

Do you think canceling stage because of crowds is right?

For the safety? Yes, absolutely. Last thing that sport needs is another injury or worse, death.
For competitors and well-behaved spectators? No, of course not but safety is overriding concern.


Organizers should be prepared for those kind of situations.

Definitely yes. If you are going to run a world class event, you have to do it at world class level. That means you have to have, among other things, enough people to control the crowds, ability to recognize the spots that will both attract large number of spectators and which are dangerous and by doing all that, minimize the risk of stage cancellation due to spectator problems. Sometimes it is a surprise, but in certain rallies it's more of a tradition than an exception (ref. San Remo or Portugal in 1980s were nightmares, same goes to Monte Carlo in places).

[AL14]

I will be unpopular but as we said for other drivers when it happened to them puncture is quite never unlucky. He may have took that bump too hard. It was there also for others. It's not like a stone in the road or something.

[dimviii]

Sébastien Ogier

"I never wish any bad luck to my opponents, still there is one less rival for the championship now and it should be between Thierry and me. It's far from being over though. We'll have tricky conditions this afternoon. We have to give our best to stay ahead of our opponents" #WRC

[Rally Power]

Either Linda is just doing PR and it was mainly Budar's pressure that got Ogier (my opinion) or she changed her mind at some point.

We’ll probably never know, but it’s not hard to believe that the changes in Citroen Racing were taken by PSA overall boss, Carlos Tavares, and not by Mrs. Jackson. She always looked quite aligned with Matton and somehow it’s becoming clear that signing Ogier last year wasn’t really a priority, like it was then announced.

Quite a disappointment to see Tanak loosing the lead that way, but with so tricky conditions there’s certainly room for more surprises. Still believing the championship will be decided in Australia Rally last stage!

[dimviii]

lets see what will happen at 2nd loop.
Maybe the most important afternoon this year.
Kopecky already 3,5 sec away from leader Rovanpera

[EstWRC]

https://f12.pmo.ee/IEVPR5AAIkrirL6ViJd5arEXPNM=/770x0/nginx/o/2018/10/27/11529912t1ha960.jpg

[mknight]

Al Qassimi/Breen/Evans/Mikkelsen/Lappi/Latvala: 5 MICHELIN Pilot Sport Full Wet 3 (FW3)
Loeb/Sordo/Neuville: 5S6
Ogier/Suninen: 6FW3
Tanak: 4FW3 +1S6

So Sordo/Neuville/Loeb vs all others.

[EstWRC]

#Tyre info - Day 2 afternoon

Al Qassimi/Breen/Evans/Mikkelsen/Lappi/Latvala: 5 MICHELIN Pilot Sport Full Wet 3 (FW3)
Loeb/Sordo/Neuville: 5S6
Ogier/Suninen: 6FW3
Tanak: 4FW3 +1S6

#WRC #RallyRACC

[AL14]

#Tyre info - Day 2 afternoon

Al Qassimi/Breen/Evans/Mikkelsen/Lappi/Latvala: 5 MICHELIN Pilot Sport Full Wet 3 (FW3)
Loeb/Sordo/Neuville: 5S6
Ogier/Suninen: 6FW3
Tanak: 4FW3 +1S6

#WRC #RallyRACC

wow so many differences.
what are fw?
EDIT: oh full wet, lol it was easy :D

[er88]

I will be unpopular but as we said for other drivers when it happened to them puncture is quite never unlucky. He may have took that bump too hard. It was there also for others. It's not like a stone in the road or something.Difficult to say till we see the onboards

[focus206]

Very different tyre choice this afternoon, this might be decisive even for the championship, let's see who got it right. Any updates on the stages? How wet?

[er88]

Stage does not look very wet at all

[Esko]

Very different tyre choice this afternoon, this might be decisive even for the championship, let's see who got it right. Any updates on the stages? How wet?

SS11 is dry. Sordo has advantage.

[KKS]

Difficult to say till we see the onboards
it's Spain with smooth tarmac, what can go wrong?

[EstWRC]

The stage is basically dry

[focus206]

Maybe later stages are supposed to be wetter? Otherwise no reasons to choose wet tyres

[AnttiL]

Maybe later stages are supposed to be wetter? Otherwise no reasons to choose wet tyres

Becs just said the same. But it's now tricky to preserve the tyres from wearing or breaking on dry.

[AL14]

well looking at lappi rain is coming

[Esko]

More wet later on the stage

[mknight]

Becs just said the same. But it's now tricky to preserve the tyres from wearing or breaking on dry.

That's why Ogier has 6. But only total time at the end of the loop will show what was right.

[focus206]

Becs just said the same. But it's now tricky to preserve the tyres from wearing or breaking on dry.

Interesting... I'd still prefer doing that rather than driving longer wet stages on soft tyres though...

[AnttiL]

Neuville now using the advantage of the soft tyres against Lappi on full wets

[EstWRC]

Neuville not satisfied

[mknight]

Think Lappi got that back on the gravel part.

[AnttiL]

Decent opening split from Latvala, only slightly down to Neuville (on softs)

[KKS]

Mikkelsen it's a disater for Hyundai

[AnttiL]

What's the surface on the last section of the stage, that gravel part, is it chipseal or what? I wasn't aware of that before, it's quite interesting and just adding to the mixed surface nature of the rally.

[AL14]

Mikkelsen it's a disater for Hyundai

I really wonder what's happening with him. It seems that the i20 is a very particular car, it would also explain Paddon's struggles to get comfortable in it

[er88]

Well Evans will lose a position to Ogier you'd imagine

[jonkka]

Well Evans will lose a position to Ogier you'd imagine

Without a doubt.

[EstWRC]

And now Ott getting the rain. Lol

[Esko]

Sordo is over 2secs behind JML on split times. Latvala will take the rally lead.

[AnttiL]

Sordo is over 2secs behind JML on split times. Latvala will take the rally lead.

And took it.

[er88]

Neuville and Sordo not complaining about the car unlike other tarmac events. Maybe the updates have helped a little in giving them a better feeling at least

[Esko]

Camili was fast on first split but now stopped

[dimviii]

if next stage are more wet,seems that again the full wets was the right choice.
Most drivers with softs surprised with times of drivers with wets.

[er88]

Ogier could get upto 2nd place here

[mknight]

Camili was fast on first split but now stopped

And still they don't show a single WRC2 instead going to show Al Quassimi.

[Esko]

Latvala was fastes yesterday and today has been driving very well and managed to take lead after his puncture yesterday. This will be Latvala's rally!

[KKS]

here we go... new car

VolkswagenMotorsport (https://twitter.com/volkswagenms)‏Verified account @volkswagenms (https://twitter.com/volkswagenms) 1m1 minute ago (https://twitter.com/volkswagenms/status/1056156925346373632)More



Reports in that @EricCamilli (https://twitter.com/EricCamilli) has stopped on stage 11 of #RallyRACC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RallyRACC?src=hash) with a gear shift issue. #WRC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRC?src=hash) #WRClive (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRClive?src=hash) #WRCSPA (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRCSPA?src=hash)

[Rallyper]

Kopecky only pics tenths of seconds from Kalle...

[Essaj]

And still they don't show a single WRC2 instead going to show Al Quassimi.

Yeah makes no sense. For once we have intense battle in WRC2 and we have seen them in 2 stages so far out of 10 stages...

[AnttiL]

Kopecky only pics tenths of seconds from Kalle...

Not bad for Kalle who said himself he hasn't driven really before on wet tarmac. But also Jan probably not pushing 100%. Don't know which I would love the most, Rovanperä winning again, Kopecky getting 100% wins this year or VW Polo winning on its debut. Although now with Camilli out it seems unlikely.

[Jarek Z]

For the lovers of mechanics - how to convert a rally car from gravel to tarmac spec in 1h 15 mins:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZlNW6A6RNo

[Jarek Z]

And still they don't show a single WRC2 instead going to show Al Quassimi.

Try here! :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ3Ay60aa3s

[AL14]

This will be Latvala's rally!

You clearly don't know him if you say that.

[Lead]

Slow 1st split from Breen.

[jparker]

Ideally (for Ogier) Loeb and Evans must separate Ogier and Neuville. If Newville wants the title, he must step on it.

[Lead]

Mikkelsen is lucky Al-Qassimi isnt pushing today :)

[N.O.T]

Ideally (for Ogier) Loeb and Evans must separate Ogier and Neuville. If Newville wants the title, he must step on it.

going to Australia second on the road could be better for him though.

[EstWRC]

The full wet doesn’t deliver

[jonkka]

If Newville wants the title, he must step on it.

Judging by the splits, he is stepping on it. Just that Ogier might step too.

[TypeR]

seems like Neuville did right with choosing softs

[focus206]

seems like Neuville did right with choosing softs

Still a 24 Km stage to go though... how are the stages at the moment?

[AnttiL]

Ogier losing a lot now

[N.O.T]

We have a battle for the win between Ogier and Neuville... times show neuville has the pace for now...

[N.O.T]

Ogier lost half his lead to neuville... 7.7 now.

[AnttiL]

Another stage like this and Neuville passes Ogier...

[mknight]

Too bad there was no stage-end interview with Ogier. He is surprisingly slow today, relative to Neuville. Both morning and now.

[AnttiL]

Too bad there was no stage-end interview with Ogier. He is surprisingly slow today, relative to Neuville. Both morning and now.

Wrong tyre choice both times.

[mknight]

Wrong tyre choice both times.

In the morning they both had full softs.

[jparker]

Very interesting situation, now Loeb and Evans are involved in the fight, they need to deliver, and so far they do.

[er88]

Hold onto your hats. The master is flying

[AnttiL]

In the morning they both had full softs.

In the morning Neuville was 1.0 faster than Ogier, not much of a difference really.

[mknight]

Very interesting situation, now Loeb and Evans are involved in the fight, they need to deliver, and so far they do.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/44265-rallyracc-catalunya-costa-daurada-2018/2329/

[AnttiL]

Now the Maestro shows how it's done

[TypeR]

Amazing Loeb!

[N.O.T]

LOL... Hello Mr Loeb.

[KKS]

Mikkelsen is lucky Al-Qassimi isnt pushing today :)
it was perfect m8! :D

[N.O.T]

1st to second 7 secs 2nd to 3rd 7sec 3rd to 4th 7 sec....

[Essaj]

For the title fight we sure have to hope that both JML ja Loeb stay in front of Ogi and Neuville.

[focus206]

Love seeing Loeb pulling out these kind of stage times :D

[EstWRC]

Ott not fast as I expected

[er88]

Sordo crumbling. Will Jari feel the pressure with the master lurking behind him too?

[TypeR]

Loeb is just class of his own

[René]

it seems Loeb has found the rhythm !

[mknight]

Without the off on SS11 I just reposted Loeb would be 2nd.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/44265-rallyracc-catalunya-costa-daurada-2018/2329/

[N.O.T]

time for evans to be a good welsh dog...

[N.O.T]

Without the off on SS11 I just reposted Loeb would be 2nd.
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/44265-rallyracc-catalunya-costa-daurada-2018/2329/

and without the superspecial mistake he would lead by 20...

[KKS]

with this kind of pace Rovanpera will end in a ditch somewhere :/

[dimviii]

Ott not fast as I expected

i was expecting him faster too.Maybe 3rd on road wasnt muddy

[er88]

Those wet tyres not working. Let's see in the next one, but unless there's been constant rain there or rain to come, Loeb could get really, really close to Latvala....

[Essaj]

with this kind of pace Rovanpera will end in a ditch somewhere :/

Oh cmon. he has had a one crash due to mistake in pacenotes this season and his pace has been up there in every single event.

[dimviii]

and without the superspecial mistake he would lead by 20...

this driver havent drive at wet for 6 years,havent drive these tyres too.
Maestro still amazing

[Essaj]

Huttunen seems to be stopped in the stage now

Edit: Moving again

[N.O.T]

this driver havent drive at wet for 6 years,havent drive these tyres too.
Maestro still amazing

and almost 45 years old...

[Jarek Z]

Huttunen seems to be stopped in the stage now

Edit: Moving again

Huttunen lost over 3 minutes and dropped down to the 9th position in WRC2.

[KKS]

2nd stage win for Solans in WRC2

[wrc2017]

and almost 45 years old...
Meeke won Leg 2 and 3 by 30s last year, so obviously the touring car works well on these roads.

[dimviii]

Meeke won Leg 2 and 3 by 30s last year, so obviously the touring car works well on these roads.

on wet roads with softs?

[AnttiL]

Neuville losing now to Lappi

[KKS]

Lappi already working for Ogier :(
Huge moment in situation where he not need to push

[steve.mandzij]

Espaekka's heart must be in his throat!

[AnttiL]

Ferm said "No worries" or "Don't worry" while they were sliding

[wrc2017]

on wet roads with softs? no.. when conditions were dry and conditions were equal.

[dimviii]

no.. when conditions were dry and conditions were equal.

thats right.But c3 problem wasnt at dry,but at slippery surfaces as it is now.
And at these surfaces Meeke was straggling.

[steve.mandzij]

Had Lappi been leading the splits before the spin? His commitment was incredible.

[AnttiL]

Suninen faster than Breen? Another spin?

[dimviii]

Neuville 4 sec slower from his 1st pass

[dimviii]

Lappi was very lucky
https://twitter.com/RevistaScratch/status/1056176217240625153

[AnttiL]

Slow first split from Latvala

[wrc2017]

thats right.But c3 problem wasnt at dry,but at slippery surfaces as it is now.
And at these surfaces Meeke was straggling. when did meeke struggle on wet tarmac?

[N.O.T]

very slow split from Loeb...

[wrc2017]

Lappi was very lucky
https://twitter.com/RevistaScratch/status/1056176217240625153

woooow!

[AnttiL]

Loeb even slower than Latvala. Stage getting really dirty?

[N.O.T]

just 1 second gain for Neuville... the battle is on for tomorrow.

[AnttiL]

This will be the best stage result for Suninen

[jonkka]

Loeb even slower than Latvala. Stage getting really dirty?

Seems so, yes.

[dimviii]

when did meeke struggle on wet tarmac?

slippery surfaces man

[N.O.T]

Loeb will lose a lot on this one probably both Neuville and Ogier will be ahead after this one.

[AnttiL]

All cars after Ogier will be much slower, it will be super tight at the top after this stage

[dimviii]

Loeb will lose a lot on this one probably both Neuville and Ogier will be ahead after this one.

Almost at first split Loeb lost a lot.Ater he is loosing a bit.

[wrc2017]

slippery surfaces man wet isnt slippery if diffs are fully loaded.

Loeb seems to be struggling..

[AnttiL]

Tänak just made the fastest first split :D whaaat

[rage82]

Much more rain for the late starters and Loeb is in softs

Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk

[jonkka]

Loeb dropped behind Ogier. Evans likely too.

[KKS]

Tanak 2sec faster on Neuville on 2nd split. Game on!

[er88]

He's on wets, I'm not surprised given his pace this morning
Tänak just made the fastest first split :D whaaat

[cali]

All the stars are slowly aligning for Neuville....

[N.O.T]

Worst possible result for Neuville on this one.. but still long way to finish...

[er88]

Fucking hell Sordo. Bottled it

[cali]

It is raining for the backstarters

[KKS]

all loosing too much time after 2nd split now

[rage82]

Solans and Kajetanowich much faster at the place where I'm watching obviously the Pirelli's are working better.

Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk

[focus206]

Damn, Sordo :( if it keeps raining in the super special, Hyundais and Loeb will lose more time...

[N.O.T]

17 seconds from 1st to 6th... and 10 from 2nd to 6th... crazy day tomorrow if Neuville survives the super special.

[er88]

Will be interesting to see the virtual points after this stage :D

[focus206]

Ogier can win this, 7 seconds from Latvala on tarmac... of course he has Loeb right behind.

[jonkka]

Will be interesting to see the virtual points after this stage :D

Ogier 200

[focus206]

What's the weather forecast for tomorrow at the moment?

[KKS]

Loeb mistake
https://twitter.com/LaTulaSport/status/1056175172724645888

[steve.mandzij]

Ogier can win this, 7 seconds from Latvala on tarmac... of course he has Loeb right behind.I wouldn't be so sure. Latvala's been absolutely ablaze this weekend.

[wrc2017]

Loeb mistake
https://twitter.com/LaTulaSport/status/1056175172724645888
that same corner as Lappi?

[AnttiL]

that same corner as Lappi?

Not even the same stage?

[jonkka]

that same corner as Lappi?

I believe that was from previous stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

2-3-4 for M-Sport on the last stage & Ogier up to 2nd o/a... not such a bad tyre choice after all.

[wrc2017]

I believe that was from previous stage my bad. true

[dupanton]

Virtual Championship Standings for NOT:
Ogier
Neuville +1
Tanak +28

[KKS]

that same corner as Lappi?
No, it's from SS11

[Mintexmemory]

Virtual Championship Standings for NOT:
Ogier
Neuville +1
Tanak +28
... and in English:
Ogier
Neuville (-1)
Tanak (-28)

All of which means Ott needs to max the PS points compared to the others to still have a slim Australian chance.

[AnttiL]

I believe that was from previous stage

Or from SS11, first of the afternoon?

[jonkka]

Or from SS11, first of the afternoon?

Yeah, with previous meant a previous, not the previous.

[racerx1979]

At this stage being 2nd on the road in Australia is well worth it for Nueville. I don't think Latvala will be able to hold off Ogier and Loeb due to pressure, but I hope I'm wrong...

[tommeke_B]

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44933495_10156233375633822_3074546282937712640_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=d51512e2362c3d93be6db91b354f8083&oe=5C8693BA

[dimviii]

haha Elena in his own class!

[TypeR]

Loeb's top5 speed is too much :D

[AnttiL]

"They still haven't installed that ashtray in the Citroen, merde"

[KKS]

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/44933495_10156233375633822_3074546282937712640_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=d51512e2362c3d93be6db91b354f8083&oe=5C8693BA
After a co-driving to 9 time world-champion it should be after every stage :D

[EstWRC]

:( :( :( This will take a long time for me to get over




Go ogier !

[mufcAleksi]

Kopecky will love this ridiculous stage

[stefanvv]

That's one SSSSS - Super Slippery SSS

[mknight]

That's one SSSSS - Super Slippery SSS

I see your SSSSS and I raise you to SSSSSSS - Super Slippery Spain Street SSS

[mknight]

We'll see bigger differences here than on most stages today.

[T16]

We'll see bigger differences here than on most stages today.
How on earth do you work that out?

[T16]

Is it just me, or anyone else think the spectators are a bit too close?

[mufcAleksi]

I have a feeling Latvala will lose most of his lead here...

[KKS]

Great service WRC+. Welldone!

[mknight]

How on earth do you work that out?

Lappi loosing 7.4s to Neuville which is about the double he lost on all stages except the one with massive spin?

Latvala looses 2.5s to Ogier, on SS11 and SS12 he was below 2s from him.

etc etc.

[jonkka]

Lappi loosing 7.4s to Neuville which is about the double he lost on all stages except the one with massive spin?

Lappi stalled here

[mknight]

Lappi stalled here
Yes, didn't say anything about the reason for the differences. Even with that it's the 2nd biggest timeloss of the day, biggest is only the spin. Same for Latvala.

Relative to the differences on normal stages the differences are comparable or sometimes bigger, and in s/km they are huge.

[T16]

Lappi loosing 7.4s to Neuville which is about the double he lost on all stages except the one with massive spin?

Latvala looses 2.5s to Ogier, on SS11 and SS12 he was below 2s from him.

etc etc.

That’s one (bad) example... what about everyone else? It’s a 2k stage.. how will we see bigger differences than in the earlier stages?

[mufcAleksi]

And now we're listening to Al Qassimi with Sordo and Tänak still to come, fantastic job

[mknight]

That’s one (bad) example... what about everyone else? It’s a 2k stage.. how will we see bigger differences than in the earlier stages?

3rd example: Neuville lost 1.2s to Ogier, that's the same difference between him and Ogier for the morning loop (2 normal stages) and bigger than last normal stage.

"bigger differences that in most stages", I'd say that statement is 100% correct.

[Essaj]

Still no WRC2 cars :D WTF

[mufcAleksi]

Rovanperä just 0.1 behind Tänak!

[EstWRC]

What a surprise!!!!

[Essaj]

Another fking tenth denies Kalle for getting the youngest WRC stage winner record to himself from Novikov... Ott please why do you do this :D

[JUF]

What a surprise!!!!

Not really. It´s Kalle Rovanperä after all :D.

[T16]

Lappi loosing 7.4s to Neuville which is about the double he lost on all stages except the one with massive spin?

Latvala looses 2.5s to Ogier, on SS11 and SS12 he was below 2s from him.

etc etc.


3rd example: Neuville lost 1.2s to Ogier, that's the same difference between him and Ogier for the morning loop (2 normal stages) and bigger than last normal stage.

"bigger differences that in most stages", I'd say that statement is 100% correct.

The top ten were covered by about 8 seconds on this stage. In which other stages today were the top ten covered by less than 8 seconds?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Virtual Championship Standings:
Ogier
Neuville +1


Question now is the tactics for Sunday and the PS. Neither will want to open the road in Australia unless they have a big lead (which looks unlikely).

[EstWRC]

Not really. It´s Kalle Rovanperä after all :D.

This stage is made for wrc2 cars. Not a surprise

[mufcAleksi]

Was there a single WRC2 car shown on all live today? I don't think so, that's pathetic seeing what a fight there has been going on all day

[jonkka]

Another fking tenth denies Kalle for getting the youngest WRC stage winner record to himself from Novikov... Ott please why do you do this :D

Rather bold claim. Do you know ages of all stage winners of WRC history? Do you even know all stage winners of WRC history? I don't.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And Al Qassimi gets loads of coverage cruising through.

[Essaj]

Rather bold claim. Do you know ages of all stage winners of WRC history? Do you even know all stage winners of WRC history? I don't.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/champs/1-wrc/?x=9 Ewrc knows :) Okay it's unofficial but it was even more rare to have 18yo driver back in the day

[Esko]

Still no WRC2 cars :D WTF

Indeed. Instead of WRC2 All Live chats with some Chinase who almost died when took a selfie and Ogiers car hit his phone when passing. Come on All Live there is rally ongoing!

[CoyoteVillagra]

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



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



https://i.imgur.com/Ej5HIKR.jpg




https://i.imgur.com/eJ3mzQU.jpg

[N.O.T]

Question now is the tactics for Sunday and the PS. Neither will want to open the road in Australia unless they have a big lead (which looks unlikely).

Neuville must win otherwise its better for him to start 2nd on the road... but if he wins his lead will be safe in Oz.

[jonkka]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/champs/1-wrc/?x=9 Ewrc knows :) Okay it's unofficial but it was even more rare to have 18yo driver back in the day

Notice their boiler plate:
The statistics are based on our database and may not be accurate or complete

There are 258 WRC stage winners that I know and pre-1978 stage winners are mostly omitted from that list. For those 258, I know age for roughly one third of them. It's one thing to claim that Novikov is youngest that we know than to say he is youngest in WRC history.

[T16]

Neuville must win otherwise its better for him to start 2nd on the road... but if he wins his lead will be safe in Oz.

Why are you so sure his head will be safe in Australia, if he has to sweep the road?

[N.O.T]

Why are you so sure his head will be safe in Australia, if he has to sweep the road?

because running 1st and 2nd doesn't make a huge difference, Ogier will lose a lot of time too and with tanak being strong neither of them (ogier-neuville) will be able to win and if ogier does not win then the difference cannot be covered.

of course in rallying anything can happen but i think Neuville can manage to be 1-2 places behind ogier and that will give him the title.

[KKS]

Indeed. Instead of WRC2 All Live chats with some Chinase who almost died when took a selfie and Ogiers car hit his phone when passing. Come on All Live there is rally ongoing!
He that idiot from shakedown?

[WRC1]

any weather predictions for tomorrow?

[T16]

He that idiot from shakedown?

I did wonder, but surely they wouldn't interview the same guy that's been all over official social media (Fia etc) for nearly getting hit in the SD?.... that would be stupid.

[rallysupportnl]

Footage from the rainy stages today:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i5ShJ9pxWI

[tommeke_B]

any weather predictions for tomorrow?

Probably a little more rain overnight, dry tomorrow. Temperature going up to only 12°C around noon, what tyres could they be choosing?

[Tarmop]

Well, hard to choose from something, when it is dry and relatively chilly, probably softs who have them.

[drive]

very well done Rovanpera, many over here were writing him off that today he would be 'eaten' by Kopecky - not yet :) even if Rovanpera wont win tomorrow, very strong performance from this VERY, VERY young man who doesnt have much tarmac experience. He just got his driving license this year! :)

[mknight]

Well, hard to choose from something, when it is dry and relatively chilly, probably softs who have them.
That could be really interesting cause they had to nominate 16 tarmac tires out of 16H 12S and 8FW.

So those that did both loops on soft today might be out or low.
Dunno how to find out what they nominate.

[KKS]

When you are 9 time world co-driver champion
https://scontent.fiev13-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/45000684_2265801736980899_8541751312411262976_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent.fiev13-1.fna&oh=1d26cd45699fb9c77974e961f623e181&oe=5C84DF34

[TWRC]

When you are 9 time world co-driver champion
https://scontent.fiev13-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/45000684_2265801736980899_8541751312411262976_n.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_ht=scontent.fiev13-1.fna&oh=1d26cd45699fb9c77974e961f623e181&oe=5C84DF34
Don't know why I get this impression, but if they ever made a remake out of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, I think Elena would be a very good Tuco. :D

[Mirek]

Kopecký said he made a mistake with tyre choice. He was all day on soft slicks while others used rain tyres. He said it was a good choice in the morning but completely wrong one for the afternoon. Nevertheless he promissed to attack tomorrow.

[KKS]

very well done Rovanpera, many over here were writing him off that today he would be 'eaten' by Kopecky - not yet :) even if Rovanpera wont win tomorrow, very strong performance from this VERY, VERY young man who doesnt have much tarmac experience. He just got his driving license this year! :)
Yep, it be a surprise. But most of time was gained today in tricky rain condition. He and Jan was equal on early splits and when they hit a rain - Jan come to safe side and Kalle still taking risks.

[Mirek]

Yep, it be a surprise. But most of time was gained today in tricky rain condition. He and Jan was equal on early splits and when they hit a rain - Jan come to safe side and Kalle still taking risks.

Jan didn't come on a safe side, quite the opposite. He said he had many big moments today because of wrong tyre choice and resulting aquaplaning. Kalle has been doing great job and the right tyre choice is part of that.

[tommeke_B]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nrVLaFBRGU&fbclid=IwAR0SRLfCIMs45QWQ8ajbT8HNHNb5YMezFBLxXH8Jk 9Z8MjYgs1mE_sznnP8

Crazy!

[KKS]

Jan didn't come on a safe side, quite the opposite. He said he had many big moments today because of wrong tyre choice and resulting aquaplaning. Kalle has been doing great job and the right tyre choice is part of that.
What Kalle's tyre choice for both today loops?

[Mirek]

What Kalle's tyre choice for both today loops?

Rain tyres.

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/bpyJFgustEo

[AnttiL]

yr.no showing dry weather all night and day over tomorrow's stages. Obviously there has been rain on them today so they could be(come) more dirty.

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/HLHqDr9jnyM

[drive]

Jan didn't come on a safe side, quite the opposite. He said he had many big moments today because of wrong tyre choice and resulting aquaplaning. Kalle has been doing great job and the right tyre choice is part of that.

I didnt mean that Kalle is better or something - just a reminder that he is very young and he is doing very well. I dont place him in one league with any other wrc2 drivers as yet as he is to young (ok, he drives maybe more years than some other drivers in wrc2, but by young I mean life experience etc). I'd give him few more years to develop, gain experience....

[KKS]

Rain tyres.
oh. that's explain time drop when rain come in. Wet weather tyres continue to work and on other way Kopecky's soft start to slide

[KKS]

yr.no showing dry weather all night and day over tomorrow's stages. Obviously there has been rain on them today so they could be(come) more dirty.
ventusky.com show heavy rain all morning and near a mid-day to light rain. So it's gonna be full wet tyres for 1st loop.

[Tarmop]

I also heard similar conditions for tomorrow. Gismeteo also doesn`t show much, also something around 14.
https://www.gismeteo.com/weather-salou-51290/tomorrow/

[Mirek]

I didnt mean that Kalle is better or something - just a reminder that he is very young and he is doing very well. I dont place him in one league with any other wrc2 drivers as yet as he is to young (ok, he drives maybe more years than some other drivers in wrc2, but by young I mean life experience etc). I'd give him few more years to develop, gain experience....

I place him in higher league than large majority of the WRC2 drivers. In a year or two the WRC2 will be a too small pond for him.

[mknight]

Any footage from Tänak puncture? In typical WRC+ fashion the onboard is missing while basically all other drivers are there.

This even looks like it could be same stage and I think it was FR puncture (or FL)? :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nrVLaFBRGU&fbclid=IwAR0SRLfCIMs45QWQ8ajbT8HNHNb5YMezFBLxXH8Jk 9Z8MjYgs1mE_sznnP8

Crazy!

[mknight]

I also heard similar conditions for tomorrow. Gismeteo also doesn`t show much, also something around 14.
https://www.gismeteo.com/weather-salou-51290/tomorrow/

If it rains the tire issue gets reversed and the cars that ran FW both times have no more left.

[dodge33cymru]

Really enjoyed it this year, currently sat in Barcelona airport waiting to fly back.

Including 4 in Shakedown, 11 passes of WRCs over three days, without going to the Barca street stage, can't complain at that. Numerous stages beginning just outside towns means you get a lovely atmosphere around the start of several stages, similar to Ypres in that way, was good to see Petter and Henning in town before SS2 on top form.

Obviously you've all seen what's going on at the front better than me, but some WRC2 observations:

- Was surprised that the Polo looked so stable on gravel on its first outing for some reason. Crucially it sounds better than the Fabia, but will be interesting to see how it goes in private hands next year. I hope it's not a class killer.

- C3s were all over the place when being pushed, but especially Veiby. His chances of progressing must be hanging by a thread. Nice to see four of them out though; Lopez's livery is nice at least...

- Hyundais looked fast, surprised at the progress Huttenen has made towards the end of the year and he and Loubet seemed fairly quick. Hopefully Hyundai continue this programme next year, but I gather the car was a bit unreliable? I don't think all three came pastime very often. Suarez seemed quick in bursts.

- Nils Solans is driving superbly, on both surfaces. Compared to Kaetanowicz' relatively cautious approach, Solans has been using all the road without looking like going over the edge when I've seen him. I thought my stopwatch was lying seeing his times compared to the works Skodas. Hopefully he can get a full year with M-Sport or a WRC2 Pro team next year.

- Kalle Rovanpera; what can you say?



Also, I think I have a new favourite viewing spot, on the way into town at Terra Alta, I hope they run the stage the same way next year.


OK, flight's boarding...

[Tarmop]

Any footage from Tänak puncture? In typical WRC+ fashion the onboard is missing while basically all other drivers are there.

This even looks like it could be same stage and I think it was FR puncture (or FL)? :

There are now talks, that it was the rim, which broke the tire and it`s hard to say, what they mean exactly...was it a bad hit now or like some are saying, defective before.

[Jarek Z]

- Hyundais looked fast, surprised at the progress Huttenen has made towards the end of the year and he and Loubet seemed fairly quick.


Stage times say something else :)

[mknight]

There are now talks, that it was the rim, which broke the tire and it`s hard to say, what they mean exactly...was it a bad hit now or was hit defecive before.
Just saw the article on autosport. It says it was due to a cut and the thing about the rim. Cut that brakes a rim isn't exactly innocent.

Anyway, could have been the cut posted above.

[dodge33cymru]

Stage times say something else :)I was in fairly fast sections mainly, possible it's just strong in a straight line?

[KKS]

Startlist for Sunday - http://www.rallyracc.com/2018/online/tablon/documentos/Start%20List%20for%20Section%208%20-%20TC14D%20Sunday%2028th%20October%202018.pdf
and why Camilli start right behind Petter?

[AnttiL]

Stage times say something else :)

At least the Hyundais were constantly faster than the Citroens today, yesterday Huttunen managed one stage win, as well as P2 and P3 stage times.

[KKS]

I also heard similar conditions for tomorrow. Gismeteo also doesn`t show much, also something around 14.
https://www.gismeteo.com/weather-salou-51290/tomorrow/
I don't trust that russian site, they can't do accuracy weather even for Ukraine.

[AnttiL]

Startlist for Sunday - http://www.rallyracc.com/2018/online/tablon/documentos/Start%20List%20for%20Section%208%20-%20TC14D%20Sunday%2028th%20October%202018.pdf
and why Camilli start right behind Petter?

Similar things has been done in other rallies as of late. I think it's something to do with not having a fast driver start after a slow driver just because the fast driver is behind because of rally2 penalties...

[Mirek]

Stage times say something else :)

Stage times say that Huttunen was third fastest driver of Friday except for one puncture.

[Mirek]

Similar things has been done in other rallies as of late. I think it's something to do with not having a fast driver start after a slow driver just because the fast driver is behind because of rally2 penalties...

Such rationale makes no sense here. He can't catch Kajetanowicz or Henning on 15 km long stages.

[dodge33cymru]

Why was SS8 cancelled please?

[EstWRC]

Yes, they are saying in Estonian media that Toyota noticed in service that it was a defective rim that may have caused the puncture and they are quoting Tänak saying: “it looks that way”

[Mirek]

Why was SS8 cancelled please?

Officially due to bad placed spectators.

[AnttiL]

Why was SS8 cancelled please?

Spectators in dangerous places.

[KKS]

Similar things has been done in other rallies as of late. I think it's something to do with not having a fast driver start after a slow driver just because the fast driver is behind because of rally2 penalties...
edit: oh my bad he was 24min late after service so that led to late road position


Katsuta start today with his normal O/A position.
With 3 min gap but still overtake RC4 cars at the end
http://i.piccy.info/i9/4a4045a86efd42818d4e6876e3ed7fd2/1540669774/174171/1268843/katsuta.jpg

[Allez Andruet]

Kind request to all French-speaking WRC+ subscribers: what are Loeb and Elena talking about after crossing the finishing line on SS12?

[AnttiL]

I might be wrong then. Maybe it's for possible power stage televising?

[Thousandlakes]

What can I say. What a rally. It is going to be hell of a battle tomorrow. Nice to see also chinese rally fans there. One of them have more than 2 million viewers on social media. Good promotion for rally.

[Jarek Z]

I was in fairly fast sections mainly, possible it's just strong in a straight line?

Hard to say. I only see stage times, you see the actual rally. In stage times the fastest Hyundai (Loubet) is currently in the 7th position, over 4 minutes behind the leader of WRC2. It is very far behind Skodas, Fords and Volkswagens.

Thanks for sharing your impressions from the "trenches" of the rally! :)

[AnttiL]

Loubet had a puncture I think. But then again not fighting for stage wins

[Mirek]

Hard to say. I only see stage times, you see the actual rally. In stage times the fastest Hyundai (Loubet) is currently in the 7th position, over 4 minutes behind the leader of WRC2. It is very far behind Skodas, Fords and Volkswagens.

Stage times and overall leg times is something different.

Can You do this with a slow car? I don't think so.
https://rally-base.com/2018/rally-catalunya-2018/?ssId=5038&cupId=161&ssGroupId=1
https://rally-base.com/2018/rally-catalunya-2018/?ssId=5041&cupId=161&ssGroupId=1
https://rally-base.com/2018/rally-catalunya-2018/?ssId=5040&cupId=161&ssGroupId=1

[dodge33cymru]

Times tell more, but always fun guessing. After all, I always think Latvala is quickest every time I see him pass me...

[dodge33cymru]

One other thing I forgot, driving in Spain is a whole lot of fun. Driving to stages today I enjoyed so much in my rented Fabia.

The back road to Querol is absolutely crazy. Who on earth decided that road needed building? 20% inclines galore, RIP the many clutches who met their end today...

[isemasin]

Can someone suggest any places for tommorow? Is it possible to get to ss17 from ss16? And where is podium :) ?

[focus206]

If tomorrow it's dry I see only Latvala vs Ogier vs Loeb for the win, Neuville is not far but not many Km left... but if the weather is uncertain enough and different tyre strategies happen, then Neuville, Evans and Sordo could get in the fight, even if Evans and Sordo would give up their positions to their teammates if they can.

[KKS]

And where is podium :) ?
Podium and ramp will be on car park where SS14 was located

[steve.mandzij]

Oooooh I'm so excited for tomorrow! Latvala is being a little cryptic and serious in interviews and Instagram posts about tomorrow, he's either unfathomably focused or really fucking nervous.

[AL14]

Oooooh I'm so excited for tomorrow! Latvala is being a little cryptic and serious in interviews and Instagram posts about tomorrow, he's either unfathomably focused or really fucking nervous.

You're a Latvala's fan right?
If you want to stay cool tomorrow I suggest you to search on youtube these keywords:

latvala poland 2009
latvala germany 2014
latvala sweden 2015
latvala finland 2017
latvala argentina 2016

Have a nice sunday.

[MentalParadox]

Kind request to all French-speaking WRC+ subscribers: what are Loeb and Elena talking about after crossing the finishing line on SS12?

He was saying that he was struggling to get any rhythm with the rain and mud making the road so slippy.