RACC Rally Catalunya 2018

[steve.mandzij]

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.Unnecessary.

But yeah. It makes me nervous too.

[Grutz]

I've got a feeling over the next few hours Loeb might just show us why he is the Greatest of all time!

[AnttiL]

So it's raining over the stages now?

[dimviii]

Good morning guys! Are we ready?

Colin Clark
‏
Today could be about managing the risk. Is it more of a risk to take all points and lead championship by 1, or drop a few and go second on the road in Aus? Malcolm says take the points, I say drop the points! Oh but its soaking wet here, anything might happen. Morning friends

[EstWRC]

Soaking wet. Neuville didn’t use full wets yesterday, same for Loeb . Ogier used one set. Latvala used all of his I think

[EstWRC]

One guy tweeting

Out here on the stages, more like GB than Spain. Just hope it's a straight fight today, and not decided on tyre choice.

[KKS]

Colin Clark‏ @voiceofrally (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally) 5m5 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/1056422322566062080)More



Latest news from today’s stages is that they are both damp but drying! Temperature between 4 and 8 degrees. So maybe soft and not full wet is the choice today?

[EstWRC]

They just had interview with Ott and he said it’s drying and the choice is quite straightforward, slicks.

[KKS]

and ventysky now showing rain only from 11:00, for possible rain tyres for 2nd loop

[dimviii]

ss 16 and 18 (power stage)
https://twitter.com/Mankymall/status/1056428039159066624

[EstWRC]

Meh. Totally dry

[rage82]

Not raining at the moment at the first stage for today but road is wet.

Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Not raining at the moment at the first stage for today but road is wet.

Sent from my Redmi Note 5 using Tapatalk

keep us informed rage82!

[dimviii]

Big moment of tension at @CitroenRacing the time of making the choice of tires

https://twitter.com/SebastienLoeb/status/1056431866348216321

[René]

which one will be best awake?

[dimviii]

SUN 08:30 - EYES ON THE SKIES
What’s the old saying? The rain in Spain stays mainly on the Plain? Well the rain has definitely been on the stages overnight! SS15 did have standing water earlier on, but it’s been pretty windy out there this morning so it’s starting to dry out - those tyre choices will be crucial today.

[cali]

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.Seeing the interview in WRC+ few minutes back I would say he is really nervous....

[EstWRC]

I want to know what that guy is eating who said the conditions are worse than in Wales. Lol

[sonnybobiche]

Seeing the interview in WRC+ few minutes back I would say he is really nervous....

It's just been a long time since he went into Sunday in the lead.

Come on, Jari-Matti, you cunt of a bloke!

PS I made a quick chatroom for anyone who is watching live: https://tlk.io/rallyspain

[EstWRC]

Loeb will win this.

At least I hope so :p

[jonkka]

Loeb will win this.

At least I hope so :p

Hell no, he's won more than his share already.

[cali]

It's just been a long time since he went into Sunday in the lead.

Come on, Jari-Matti, you cunt of a bloke!

PS I made a quick chatroom for anyone who is watching live: https://tlk.io/rallyspainNo doubt about it. I just jope he does not bin it. Really hoping he could win it now.

But I have doubts about his mental toughness and he did not look very good in the morning.

[Lead]

Poor Mikkelsen, he cant even keep up with Sunninen...

Would be great to see Latvala win it.

[EstWRC]

Suninen very fast first split and then gives it all away

[KKS]

Breen and Mikkelsen found some competitiveness with each other :/

[dimviii]

SUN 08:52 - TYRES
Hyundai/M-Sport Ford/Lappi/Breen/Al Qassimi - 5 softs Tänak - 3 softs and 2 hards Latvala - 4 softs and 1 hard Loeb - 4 hards and 1 soft


Loeb with hards! wtf?

[dimviii]

SUN 08:48 - SS15: AL QASSIMI
Al Qassimi completes the stage now, what does he say? "A lot of places are dry but under the trees there are damp places. It is more consistent than yesterday in terms of the level of grip."

SUN 08:44 - WEATHER UPDATE
The Zero car has reported that the stage is now totally dry.

FILTER:
SUN 08:54 - SS15: MIKKELSEN
The Hyundai driver motors through stage-end now and he is 2.9sec quicker than anyone. He does have a bit of damage on the rear-left though. "I tried to push, I touched the armco. We had a clean stage, it was quite dry actually - some damp parts here and there but we had a clean run. I expected it to be more damp, I still think soft is the tyre."

[dimviii]

Tanak who is faster till now probably has 2 softs and 2 hards

[KKS]

Tanak up on Lappi by 6 sec. No teamorders and Ott should pass by own speed

[EstWRC]

Cmon Ott show some that speed already

[cali]

SUN 08:52 - TYRES
Hyundai/M-Sport Ford/Lappi/Breen/Al Qassimi - 5 softs Tänak - 3 softs and 2 hards Latvala - 4 softs and 1 hard Loeb - 4 hards and 1 soft


Loeb with hards! wtf?I trust the Master ;)

[KKS]

Sordo: "It's too soft tyre".... Mr.Loeb - ^_^

[dimviii]

I trust the Master ;)

risky choice,Tanak with softs and hards now isnt the faster crew,but we dont know how much is pushing.He said that just going through for manu points.
We will see

[René]

Sordo "Soft tyres are too soft" have look at Loeb split :)

[sonnybobiche]

Latvala said these roads would be very abrasive...

[dimviii]

Loeb -12 at 1st split.

[Lead]

Loeb going for it :cool:

[KKS]

Latvala - poor 1st split. So... Loeb - to win!

[BigWorm]

Come on Loeb!

[René]

do you want a gift wrap?

[sonnybobiche]

Boy it'd be nice to be able to quickly see what the gaps are. Maybe on the left side of the screen? You know, where you muppets are currently showing only the overall time of Evans? And indicating that he's leading the rally?

Ed: Oh, now Loeb is leading the rally. And his overall time is 2h45m32.4s. Because that's what we want to know.

[dimviii]

the KING! unbelievable...................

[cali]

the KING! unbelievable...................I told you :)

[Simmi]

Class is permanent.

[dimviii]

SUN 09:14 - SS15: LOEB
The clocks didn't go back an hour overnight, they went back a decade! This is absolutely vintage Loeb as he obliterates the fastest time through the stage so far - he's 6.1sec up! What's his view on that one then? "I think I made a good time, I drove really hard - really fast - and I took the hard choice, I think it was the right choice."

[Essaj]

RX drivers are on fire, Petter now with a equal first split with JML :o

[TypeR]

what have you boys been doing the last 6 years? :D :D

[Mirek]

Solans in trouble?

[KKS]

Solans with a puncture or wrong split?

[EstWRC]

Lmao

[René]

New leader for this rallye

[dimviii]

New leader for this rallye

http://forum-rallye.com/public/style_emoticons/default/LOEB2.jpg

[Mirek]

Solans with a puncture or wrong split?

Seems to be a real split so he is fucked...

[HaCo]

Unbelievable!!!

[HaCo]

Terrible Citroen 🤣

[KKS]

Seems to be a real split so he is fucked...
what a shame. He have a such good rally so far

[mufcAleksi]

Of course they give the rotating map instead of WRC2

[KKS]

And Ogier feel all this years like a king, like a dominant man who know everything and now real master come and show this kid who he actually is. Brilliant! I love it! :)

[Ds3]

Citroen and Loeb has always done things only to hurt Ogier. If we see one more time the same scenario here in Spain, I'm starting an open petition for Seb Ogier not to go to Citroen Racing next year.

[EstWRC]

Loeb is proving the third time this season what I and some have been saying here. It’s not bad car, it’s about the drivers.

[KKS]

Of course they give the rotating map instead of WRC2
that fcuking time buffer before and after LiveTV stages. Horrible!

[sonnybobiche]

...wait so instead of continuing the coverage into WRC2 or going back to the studio, we're just gonna get a rotating map until the next stage starts?

Who is the producer, and more importantly, why is he still the producer?

[KKS]

Citroen and Loeb has always done things only to hurt Ogier. If we see one more time the same scenario here in Spain, I'm starting an open petition for Seb Ogier not to go to Citroen Racing next year.
yep. He must just retire. C'mon - let's do something good for a sport

[Ds3]

Im done with this french bullshit playing games weak ass team named Citroen

[KKS]

Loeb is proving the third time this season what I and some have been saying here. It’s not bad car, it’s about the drivers.
C3 it's good car for a drivers who prefer oversteer style like Loeb, any others will struggle with unconfidence.

[Mirek]

Lefebvre likely another puncture. This guy seems to be totally lost. He hasn't finished anything without mistakes this year.

Rovanperä in control. No way he could loose it without some mistake.

[KKS]

perfect tweet:

Special M.‏ @TheSizSilent (https://twitter.com/TheSizSilent) 5m5 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/TheSizSilent/status/1056446998361137152)
Clocks moved back during the night.Ten years back.#WRClive (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRClive?src=hash) #RallyRACC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RallyRACC?src=hash) @Loeb_Seb1 (https://twitter.com/Loeb_Seb1)

[dimviii]

perfect tweet:

Special M.‏ @TheSizSilent (https://twitter.com/TheSizSilent) 5m5 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/TheSizSilent/status/1056446998361137152)
Clocks moved back during the night.Ten years back.#WRClive (https://twitter.com/hashtag/WRClive?src=hash) #RallyRACC (https://twitter.com/hashtag/RallyRACC?src=hash) @Loeb_Seb1 (https://twitter.com/Loeb_Seb1)


hahaha!!!

[FAlonso]

A privelege to be witnessing a legend like this. If he pulls this off, as in wining it, I struggle to find some sort of parallel. Some champions in other categories like in F1 have retired and came back to win. But not to do 3 or 4 events. They came back full time. Amazing Loeb.

[Rallyper]

Two hunting wolves is not easy for JML to handle. I understand him...

[René]

We can make the difference between champions and a great champion !

[Mirek]

Something from yesterday including WRC2 and aftermath of Tempestini's crash. Sorry if repost:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMmCXXC2UOA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofJyiOl3a-s

[jonkka]

A privelege to be witnessing a legend like this. If he pulls this off, as in wining it, I struggle to find some sort of parallel. Some champions in other categories like in F1 have retired and came back to win. But not to do 3 or 4 events. They came back full time. Amazing Loeb.

It's been five years since he last won. Shetar Mehta and Jean-Luc Therier share longest gap between wins at 5 years and 359 days so it won't be a record - just.

[dimviii]

It's been five years since he last won. Shetar Mehta and Jean-Luc Therier share longest gap between wins at 5 years and 359 days so it won't be a record - just.

this gap is after their retirement,or during their active years?

[Ds3]

Im done with this french bullshit playing games weak ass team named Citroen

[jonkka]

this gap is after their retirement,or during their active years?

In the old days it was rather gray area. Mehta's career was mostly centered on annual Safari so is it retirement (no because he was young then), semi-retirement (same) or just focusing on one event? Therier is pretty much the same, he only did handful of WRC events per year and continued to compete even after his last win so no, it wasn't out-of-retirement-win either.

[WRC1]

Mr Wilson, Mr Nandan, Mr Budar.........you know what to do now?? ;)

[KKS]

Mr Wilson, Mr Nandan, Mr Budar.........you know what to do now?? ;)
what?
Loeb no need a full season

[dupanton]

Could Loeb announce his retirement if he wins this rally? I've got a feeling he will not be around next year.

[dimviii]

SUN 10:00 - SS16: TÄNAK
It's another positive stage time for Ott, it's such a shame the Estonian had to change a wheel yesterday or we could have had an all-mighty fight for the win today. His time on the board is 7.8sec faster than everyone else. He's asked if he could win the Power Stage: "I think if you look at what the older master is doing it could be quite complicated. It looks like he is the only one who made the right tyre choice. But for sure we will push a little bit." No prizes for guessing who the old master is.

[WRC1]

what?
Loeb no need a full season

of course!

Wilson has places left
Nandan should send Mikkelsen into WRC2
Budar has also a 3rd car left (and maybe should Al Qassimi tell to try R5 Car...)

[sonnybobiche]

Mr Wilson, Mr Nandan, Mr Budar.........you know what to do now?? ;)

Here's an idea: put aside a little bit of cash, and offer Loeb a guest drive at any of the tarmac events. $1,000,000 bonus if he wins the rally, $1 if he doesn't.

[dimviii]

@ΝΟΤ
how is the championship points till now?

[EstWRC]

SUN 10:00 - SS16: TÄNAK
It's another positive stage time for Ott, it's such a shame the Estonian had to change a wheel yesterday or we could have had an all-mighty fight for the win today. His time on the board is 7.8sec faster than everyone else. He's asked if he could win the Power Stage: "I think if you look at what the older master is doing it could be quite complicated. It looks like he is the only one who made the right tyre choice. But for sure we will push a little bit." No prizes for guessing who the old master is.

Such shame that all the three rallies that they raced together this season one of them has had always a problem and I couldn’t see the fight between them. Especially in MÉXICO when Ott’s engine blew and later Loeb had a puncture.

Maybe next year? I sure hope so.

[BigWorm]

My word Evans, behind Sordo now

[Integrale]

@ΝΟΤ
how is the championship points till now?

In the case of Ogier 2nd, Neuville 4th and Tanak 7th:

1. Neuville 201
2. Ogier 200
3. Tanak 174

Without powerstage points. So we could have a 'tactical' powerstage.

[jonkka]

@ΝΟΤ
how is the championship points till now?

As Neuville moves up to 4th, gap to Tanak grows past what win gives (barring PS points)... :(

[dimviii]

In the case of Ogier 2nd, Neuville 4th and Tanak 7th:

1. Neuville 201
2. Ogier 200
3. Tanak 174

Without powerstage points. So we could have a 'tactical' powerstage.

seems Ogier is at ideal position imho for Australia

[HaCo]

So exciting: I hope TN does not go for tactics and just goes for it!

[jonkka]

But Neuville seems to close the gap to Ogier considerably...

[cali]

Loeb is just pure class!
Shame for Tänak we would have had season finale for the ages!

This is the golden season of WRC.

[HaCo]

But Neuville seems to close the gap to Ogier considerably...
As well as Sordo!

[EstWRC]

In the case of Ogier 2nd, Neuville 4th and Tanak 7th:

1. Neuville 201
2. Ogier 200
3. Tanak 174

Without powerstage points. So we could have a 'tactical' powerstage.

Ott still has a chance :D

[dimviii]

Neuville 201pts

Ogier 197pts

Tänak 174pts

[Zeakiwi]

Is there a service break before stage 17 and 18?

[Integrale]

And while we're at it. :)

If Neuville catches Ogier, but Ogier stays in front of Sordo:

1. Neuville 204
2. Ogier 194
3. Tanak 174

Neuville already took 4 seconds out of Ogier this morning. Another 4 seconds would be great for him.

[jonkka]

Is there a service break before stage 17 and 18?

Yes

[Mirek]

Kopecký took 6,6s from Rovanperä now. If he can do that again in next two stages the final gap will be close to zero. I didn't expect that but let's see how it evolves.

[EstWRC]

What car won the rally in 2017? Are we only saying one driver can make the C3 work on this event? What short memories some of you have

It’s not only this event that he is fast. It’s you who is having a short memory

[dimviii]

small Maestro clip
https://twitter.com/R3Access/status/1056452562533130240

Michel XIV
‏
Sebastien Loeb made his World Rally Car debut the weekend Kalle Rovanperä was born. #WRC

[Mintexmemory]

And while we're at it. :)

If Neuville catches Ogier, but Ogier stays in front of Sordo:

1. Neuville 204
2. Ogier 194
3. Tanak 174

Neuville already took 8 seconds out of Ogier this morning. Another 4 seconds would be great for him.
So power stage points could really upset the calculations for road sweeper in Oz! I expect Ogier to stay ahead when we see how much tire life is left!

[René]

Jari Matti hot moment !

https://i70.servimg.com/u/f70/11/47/50/08/jari_m10.jpg (https://servimg.com/view/11475008/455)

[Mirek]

Surprise... Lefebvre stopped.

[jparker]

C3 it's good car for a drivers who prefer oversteer style like Loeb .....

Could you please elaborate on this little further?

[er88]

It’s not only this event that he is fast. It’s you who is having a short memoryOne thing Meeke didn't have an issue with most of the time was speed tbf

[dimviii]

Latvala was very lucky
https://youtu.be/NgiHUAoGpsY

[er88]

If Ogier isn't careful he'll lose a place to Neuville, he really doesn't want the gap between himself and Thierry to get to more than 7pts

[dimviii]

@Mankymall

16 minutes ago
Raining now in Santa Marina. Only a lite shower but could mix things up a little #RallySpain #WRC @voiceofrally

[dimviii]

@eWRCresults

In case of @SebastienLoeb victory on #RallyRACC, he will become 3rd the oldest driver to win #WRC event, current table #WRCLive

https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1056467946325839872

[René]

Just a small detail without importance, Sébastien Loeb has just won his 914th stage. ;)

[wrc2017]

Loeb is proving the third time this season what I and some have been saying here. It’s not bad car, it’s about the drivers.
24 months after it was I'll conceived. nearly every single thing has been re homologated on that car, bar the actual chassis. And now one very smart, brave and experienced tyre choice, you think the car wasn't the problem. the car was designed to work perfectly on this tarmac. the C3 won here last year by 1/2 a minute with none of the re homologated parts.

[Crocone]

Any link for live stream?

[EstWRC]

Aahhh, here you are, got you out of the cave. I was waiting for you to reply.

[KKS]

Could you please elaborate on this little further?
All Citroen drivers time to time complained about wild rear of that C3 WRC, and we know if you can manage oversteer in your car you will be faster. All fast car is oversteering and if you capable to drive it - you will be fast, if not - you will be far far down to do extra caution in every corner to prevent a spining.
And Mirek mentioned that in a past days Citroen likes to put more torque into a rear, and that make car more oversteering. And Loeb like this.

[mknight]

Out of all drivers that drove the C3 only Lefevbre has not been on podium (assuming Loeb doesn't crash in last 2 stages).

Meeke, Østberg, Breen, Mikkelsen and Loeb (again on the assumption he finishes) did podiums, in all cases it was podium based on speed, not half of the field retiring.
The only surface it has not been on podium yet is wet/slippery gravel. It was on podium on: dry tarmac (Spain), wet tarmac (Germany), fast gravel (Finland), medium-gravel (Mexico), snow (Sweden).

Why is there any discussion about the car at all at this point? Sure in first half of 2017 it wasn't exactly allround. But by mid of this year it does seem to be up there with the others.

[Tarmop]

Just excuses how to make Citroen look bad in every way...not remembering at the moment that although named "Loeb", he hasn`t been rallying for 6 years before two outings in the beginning of this year...and his co-driver`s additional weight probably equals with carrying 3 spare wheels.:D

[jonkka]

Out of all drivers that drove the C3 only Lefevbre has not been on podium (assuming Loeb doesn't crash in last 2 stages).

They have three podiums from 2017 and three so far from this season?!? Six podiums in two seasons? Even newcomer Toyota had five podiums alone last season!

[mknight]

They have three podiums from 2017 and three so far from this season?!? Six podiums in two seasons? Even newcomer Toyota had five podiums alone last season!

Two reasons
a) only 2 out of those drivers that got them podiums actually did drive more than a few rallies with the car in the period (and Meeke and Breen are also missing quite a few)
b) As mentioned it wasn't really allround in first half of 2017, by now it looks ok

[Rallyper]

Any link for live stream?

WRC+ AllLive ...

[Mirek]

I think that it's quite clear that the main Citroën issue in the past years was own team management. They have been able to achieve some limited success but they haven't been able to build on it.

By the way just look at the team season standings. They are the last with nearly 100 points gap to the team ahead. Thats no success no matter how one tries to twist it.

[focus206]

Old fox Loeb :D
if Ogier catches Latvala and Neuville stays 4th, it's really the worst case scenario for Thierry, only 1 pt ahead for Australia... If he catches Ogier, on the other hand, would be a nice advantage. But getting 7 seconds from Latvala won't be easy.

[René]

Any link for live stream?

http://sportingvideo1.com/20181027/vv5bd416478dd249.64043677-2070988.html

[Tarmop]

I think that it's quite clear that the main Citroën issue in the past years was own team management. They have been able to achieve some limited success but they haven't been able to build on it.

By the way just look at the team season standings. They are the last with nearly 100 points gap to the team ahead. Thats no success no matter how one tries to twist it.

Hard to be up there, when one of your driver has 3 or 4 spins on a rally and is 8th, while the other is leading, also after several mistakes.

[wrc2017]

http://sportingvideo1.com/20181027/vv5bd416478dd249.64043677-2070988.html

could you be bothered with that for 5euro per month? really... as a fan of wrc thats cheapskate.

[wrc2017]

Hard to be up there, when one of your driver has 3 or 4 spins on a rally and is 8th, while one is leading.
we know breen hasnt the xfactor

[mknight]

I think that it's quite clear that the main Citroën issue in the past years was own team management. They have been able to achieve some limited success but they haven't been able to build on it.

By the way just look at the team season standings. They are the last with nearly 100 points gap to the team ahead. Thats no success no matter how one tries to twist it.

Yes, I'd be even more specific and blame Matton. Under his leadership Citroen went from the clearly best team to basically the worst one in summer 2017. So far Budar seems to be doing good job, specially given the starting point.

The point standings clearly also have a lot to do with often running 2 cars with 2nd and 3rd rate drivers (no offence meant to Breen and Østberg).

[AL14]

lol https://twitter.com/SebastienLoeb/status/1056431866348216321

[dimviii]

@rallytravel

Quick chat with @lmoya_oficial about Loeb “I thought I’d seen Everything in WRC...until now, incredible!”

[tommeke_B]

It's easy to blame Matton in hindsight. Maybe his biggest mistake was giving Meeke so many chances to drive (and keep driving) in the WRC.

[KKS]

I got no clue what he talking about, but those happy face at the end - talks a lot :)
https://twitter.com/DanosElena/status/1056474356321320962

[dimviii]

according to French forum stage is dry as at morning

---------------

The first is dry and it will not rain. There is wind and clouds tend to rise. It's the same temperature as this morning.

[wrc2017]

It's easy to blame Matton in hindsight. Maybe his biggest mistake was giving Meeke so many chances to drive (and keep driving) in the WRC.
those pesky Belgians

[Rallyper]

I think that it's quite clear that the main Citroën issue in the past years was own team management. They have been able to achieve some limited success but they haven't been able to build on it.

By the way just look at the team season standings. They are the last with nearly 100 points gap to the team ahead. Thats no success no matter how one tries to twist it.

But still more about the drivers abilities than car.

[mknight]

It's easy to blame Matton in hindsight. Maybe his biggest mistake was giving Meeke so many chances to drive (and keep driving) in the WRC.

For me the biggest mistake is not hiring any of the 3 free VW drivers ( saying he was only interested in Ogier and only vaguely - "If he calls we can talk"- like)). Combined with the C3 development with (seemingly) feedback from only 1 driver with any experience (Meeke).

Imagine if Latvala went to Citroen instead of Toyota f.e. Maybe Toyota would not show any good result and Tanak wouldn't join them ...etc. or if Mikkelsen joined and they started changing the car after 1-2 rounds instead of after 6.

[Mirek]

But still more about the drivers abilities than car.

Mostly yes but it's the management who chooses the drivers.

[brianjai]

The team management is one of the factor to blame for their terrible performance. However, it seems like everybody forget how bad a developmental driver Meeke is. He had developing and fine-tuning the C3 for a whole year and he even said he feel comfortable with the car before the 2017 championship started. Yet, he can only bring some great driving occasionally (Mexico,Corsica and Catalunya)

[stefanvv]

Sun 10:59 - Media Zone: Sébastien Ogier"The most important is Thierry, we said that yesterday. Seb took a risk and it paid off, for a title contender it would have been a bit of a risk to make this choice. The car wasn't working very well on the last stage, especially on the bumpy sections, so we need to make some changes in service. I think we were a bit too low and the car was touching too much on the floor. It is no question that Thierry will push, and we are both not allowed to make mistakes so the pressure will really be on."Sun 10:56 - Media Zone: Thierry Neuville"It has been a good morning, but it was tough out there and very intense. Not the best tyre choice but I didn't want to take too many choices, I though Ogier would be going with softs as well. We need to finish ahead of him so it was important for us to stay in the points. "I don't know if anyone has an advantage in the Power Stage, the only advantage I have is my right foot."

[Mirek]

The team management is one of the factor to blame for their terrible performance. However, it seems like everybody forget how bad a developmental driver Meeke is. He had developing and fine-tuning the C3 for a whole year and he even said he feel comfortable with the car before the 2017 championship started. Yet, he can only bring some great driving occasionally (Mexico,Corsica and Catalunya)

I would be very very careful about such statements. In fact I would not comment that at all without being an insider. This is easy to say but things can be very easily very different than what is presented on public.

[dimviii]

I would be very very careful about such statements. In fact I would not comment that at all without being an insider. This is easy to say but things can be very easily very different than what is presented on public.

very well said.

[dimviii]

end of power stage

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181028/05eb9c583896eb4fdd040baf206aaeff.jpg

[dimviii]

#Tyre info - SS17 & SS18

Hyundai/MSport/Latvala/Breen: 4 MICHELIN LTX Force H5 +1S6
Loeb/Tanak: 5H5
Lappi: 3H5+2S6
Al Qassimi: 4S6

[brianjai]

I would be very very careful about such statements. In fact I would not comment that at all without being an insider. This is easy to say but things can be very easily very different than what is presented on public.
I just want to share my thought as a rally fan. It's pure speculation and no offense to anyone.

[T16]

The team management is one of the factor to blame for their terrible performance. However, it seems like everybody forget how bad a developmental driver Meeke is. He had developing and fine-tuning the C3 for a whole year and he even said he feel comfortable with the car before the 2017 championship started. Yet, he can only bring some great driving occasionally (Mexico,Corsica and Catalunya)

Totally disagree about Meeke being a bad driver. Citroen and Loeb have, numerous times, in the past credited hum with setting cars up/ feedback in testing. He got particular praise for the C4 and his engineering degree and employment in M-sport are said to benefit him in this respect. I can't believe he can go from being held insect regard to crap.
for me, the C3 just looks to heavy at the rear... swinging around all over the place on gravel, whereas the Toyota looks much lighter and therefore, better balanced in comparison.

[dimviii]

Tanak 6 sec faster from his first pass
Lappi 8 sec faster

[BigWorm]

Come on Neuville, mix it up with Ogier

[mknight]

the first split is not always right, already on first pass some drivers have 2-3 seconds faster first splits than possible

[Rallyper]

I would be very very careful about such statements. In fact I would not comment that at all without being an insider. This is easy to say but things can be very easily very different than what is presented on public.

However, what we as fans can see is the outcome of the management, no matter how it is done and the reasons behind.

[TWRC]

Totally disagree about Meeke being a bad driver. Citroen and Loeb have, numerous times, in the past credited hum with setting cars up/ feedback in testing. He got particular praise for the C4 and his engineering degree and employment in M-sport are said to benefit him in this respect. I can't believe he can go from being held insect regard to crap.
for me, the C3 just looks to heavy at the rear... swinging around all over the place on gravel, whereas the Toyota looks much lighter and therefore, better balanced in comparison.
As discussed before, the cars Meeke was the development driver for have all suffered from similar problems: good on tarmac, but very oversteering on gravel (C3, 208/DS3 R5, Mini), bad bump stop management, etc. Obviously none of these are his faults only, but it is a very interesting trend.

[T16]

Neuville's going to bin it here.

[jonkka]

Interesting how fast Sordo is now... What's his aim?

[dimviii]

Sordo 10 sec faster and 3 sec better time from Loebs morning time.Definetely drier.

[mknight]

Interesting how fast Sordo is now... What's his aim?

Go as fast as possible? They can always get timepenalty on last TC after PS.

[René]

The first split from Loeb !

[EstWRC]

As discussed before, the cars Meeke was the development driver for have all suffered from similar problems: good on tarmac, but very oversteering on gravel (C3, 208/DS3 R5, Mini), bad bump stop management, etc. Obviously none of these are his faults only, but it is a very interesting trend.

Ok. Now I’m scared.

[KKS]

Loeb spun at donut

[jonkka]

Go as fast as possible? They can always get timepenalty on last TC after PS.

Sure but I would save tyres for PS as his chances of catching Ogier and/or Latvala seem slim just now.

[mknight]

The first split from Loeb !

As I wrote just a min ago, the first split is often giving wrong numbers. Ex. Neuville was supposedly 1s/km faster than Sordo in first sectored then 1.5 s/km slower in second. That's not likely.

[dimviii]

The first split from Loeb !

he came back to ruin the sport.

[focus206]

Evans only 2 seconds behind Neuville now

[BigWorm]

Nice stage by Evans, the final stage will be nailbiting stuff

[EstWRC]

Damn Loeb has given some time away

[jonkka]

Damn, I spoke too soon as Evans pipped Sordo. How the hell...

[AL14]

ogier 3 secs faster than nauville at 2nd split

[dimviii]

https://www.facebook.com/guillaume.poirat/videos/1087713928059049/UzpfSTIwNzIyOTc3MDA3ODkyNjozMjg0MDc5NTQ2Mjc3NzM/

[HaCo]

But Neuville seems to close the gap to Ogier considerably...


ogier 3 secs faster than nauville at 2nd split
Noooo

[Mintexmemory]

Ogier lighting up the splits!!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great time by Evans... at last.

[AL14]

I love this sport

[KKS]

what a rally we have...

[dimviii]

did Latvala made a mistake?

[focus206]

Well, over for Neuville now. He should just watch his back from Evans. I guess M-Sport really got the right set ups seeing how fast Ogier and Evans were

[KKS]

Ohh poor Latvala ((( overcooked again

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier wow... game on.

[AL14]

did Latvala made a mistake?

it seems so

[BigWorm]

What happened with Latvala??

[AL14]

slow puncture?

[T16]

Latvala problem.

[Mirek]

FL puncture

[EstWRC]

Damn puncture again

[HaCo]

Ohh poor Latvala ((( overcooked again
Why you say that?

[KKS]

fuck! how did one man could have so much badluck?!!!!! poor JML!

[Jewy46]

What a rally! Great to be able to watch it all live, glad it's 2018 and we have it. Grandstand finish coming up

[sonnybobiche]

Being a Latvala fan is a cosmic joke.

[BigWorm]

He'll plummet down to 6-7th?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala blew it again at the end.

[KKS]

Damn puncture again
Go Neuville!

[mknight]

Latvala just threw a certain manu win for Toyota and gave Hyundai a chance.

[Mirek]

Rovanperä pushing like hell.

[Mintexmemory]

Regarding the Loeb donut - He's just toying with Ogier n'est ce pas? Because he obviously can't have overcooked it!

[T16]

Poor Jari. gutted for him.

[KKS]

Why you say that?
watch a replay

[focus206]

Now it's Loeb vs Ogier for the win and Neuville vs Evans for third place. Ogier might as well win this if Loeb is not careful.

[EstWRC]

Hit a barrier?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport 1-2 great stuff when it matters.

[T16]

M-Sport 1-2 great stuff when it matters.

I thought Loeb was currently leading?

[dimviii]

Hit a barrier?

seems like that

[KKS]

Hit a barrier?
barrier pillar

[Allez Andruet]

If I read it right, Jouhki said to Tommi "voi vitun vittu". It means he wasn't too happy.

[tommeke_B]

When ewrc-results crashes, you know it's an exciting rally!

[KKS]

That 502 error on ewrc always show what rally was excited
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Dqlt3QSX4AAH8OI.jpg

[sonnybobiche]

Latvala turned in maybe 1 meter too early. From the look of the tire at the end, it probably just de-beaded, not even a puncture. That's messed up.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I thought Loeb was currently leading?

The stage result duh.

[T16]

Latvala turned in maybe 1 meter too early. From the look of the tire at the end, it probably just de-beaded, not even a puncture. That's messed up.
He’s smashed a good section of the rim away.

[Ross99]

We could have had a 3-way battle for the lead going into the PS, with 3 seconds covering all of them. Fuck, I'm more pissed off even than Latvala right now.

[bomber21]

This is an anazing rally!! This is what the sport need! Exciting fight!!! All live is great as well!

[Mintexmemory]

[QUOTE=focus206;1197308]Now it's Loeb vs Ogier for the win and Neuville vs Evans for third place. Ogier might as well win this if Loeb is not careful.[/QUOTE
I think Seb O will not want the win, better to start Australia 1 point behind than 3 points ahead

[Mirek]

Sordo is in the worst position now from psychological point of view. He is at home soil he can fight for the podium but he must not because if he tries to attack Evans he attacks also Neuville. Must be very frustrating.

[sonnybobiche]

He’s smashed a good section of the rim away.

I figure that was from the few kms he had to do on the wheel rim. Doubt the rim would be cracked from just barely hitting a guard rail.

[mknight]

Sordo is in the worst position now from psychological point of view. He is at home soil he can fight for the podium but he must not because if he tries to attack Evans he attacks also Neuville. Must be very frustrating.

As I said, I think they can get timepenalties after PS, but it's with 10s steps..

[EstWRC]

At least one good thing has come out with Tänak having troubles on last two rallies. We have amazing battles for the win

Of course I would choose the other way but that’s how it is.

[AL14]

Virtual points anyone?

[mknight]

I figure that was from the few kms he had to do on the wheel rim. Doubt the rim would be cracked from just barely hitting a guard rail.

In the TV pics, two 2-3 cm long and 2 cm wide bits were smashed out from the outside edge.

[KKS]

Sordo is in the worst position now from psychological point of view. He is at home soil he can fight for the podium but he must not because if he tries to attack Evans he attacks also Neuville. Must be very frustrating.
TC18A can fix that problem if it happen

[steve.mandzij]

FUCKING HELL JARI

he totally collapsed today. I expected him to crack under pressure but not like this...

[dimviii]

how is the championship points now? NOT?

[Mirek]

Virtual points anyone?

This is like when you're driving your car and the children at the back seats are asking every five minutes if you are already there :D

[bigalstosh]

Sordo is in the worst position now from psychological point of view. He is at home soil he can fight for the podium but he must not because if he tries to attack Evans he attacks also Neuville. Must be very frustrating.

hyundai needs sordo to pass evans for manufacturers c'ship

[Mirek]

As I said, I think they can get timepenalties after PS, but it's with 10s steps..


TC18A can fix that problem if it happen

No. You forgot PS points.


hyundai needs sordo to pass evans for manufacturers c'ship

Not more than they need Neuville to finish ahead. Manufacturer points are secondary concern.

[mknight]

No. You forgot PS points.



PS points for Sordo don't matter much do they? Unless he is ahead of Tanak/Ogier, which they can see after the stage.

[Mintexmemory]

[QUOTE=focus206;1197308]Now it's Loeb vs Ogier for the win and Neuville vs Evans for third place. Ogier might as well win this if Loeb is not careful.[/QUOTE
I think Seb O will not want the win better to start Australia 1 point behind than 3 points ahead

[KKS]

PS points for Sordo don't matter much do they? Unless he is ahead of Tanak/Ogier, which they can see after the stage.
u can't attack and didn't score PS points

[AnttiL]

If I read it right, Jouhki said to Tommi "voi vitun vittu". It means he wasn't too happy.

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1056499025439088642

[jonkka]

This is like when you're driving your car and the children at the back seats are asking every five minutes if you are already there :D

Added emphasis on the important and relevant bit. Nothing more.

[bigalstosh]

No. You forgot PS points.



Not more than they need Neuville to finish ahead. Manufacturer points are secondary concern.

we'll see. times are tight . . . no wriggle room for penalties

[mknight]

Only thing that would add more drama is if it starts raining for the late starters....

[jparker]

Is Loeb going to let Ogier win? I think so.

[jonkka]

I think Seb O will not want the win better to start Australia 1 point behind than 3 points ahead

Would he rather be remembered as the one who retired Loeb beat?

[dimviii]

I think Seb O will not want the win better to start Australia 1 point behind than 3 points ahead

https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1056498673910276096

Loeb scars havent cure yet.

[mknight]

I figure that was from the few kms he had to do on the wheel rim. Doubt the rim would be cracked from just barely hitting a guard rail.

Here's the pic of Latvala's rim:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/44265-rallyracc-catalunya-costa-daurada-2018/2334/

Quite a few bits missing.

[René]

I wouldn't want to be in JM Latvala's situation at this time. It must be a terrible storm under a skull.

[KKS]

Here's the pic of Latvala's rim:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/44265-rallyracc-catalunya-costa-daurada-2018/2334/

Quite a few bits missing.
he hit pillar. That's why damage so big

[steve.mandzij]

I wouldn't want to be in JM Latvala's situation at this time. It must be a terrible storm under a skull.I just fantasise over what could have happened if he hadn't had his puncture on Friday. Maybe he'd be going into the PS with a mega lead. It's a shame all his efforts and his quite frankly superb driving all weekend will go to waste like this.

[AnttiL]

Behind the main drama, Kalle increased his WRC2 lead over Jan. 16.9s between them now.

[Mintexmemory]

Would he rather be remembered as the one who retired Loeb beat?

It’s like a zombie movie! He’s done that 3 times already and he just keeps coming back!

[Mintexmemory]

https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1056498673910276096

Loeb scars havent cure yet.

Sorry can you explain your meaning as I dont think you understand mine

[mknight]

Lol you could tell Budar had to think hard not to get the Sebastien's mixed up and also not to talk bad about his future driver. "We need Sebastien...... Loeb, to win today".

[Mirek]

Rovanperä opening the stage

[Rallyper]

Here we go!!

[dimviii]

manufacture points somebody?

[mknight]

manufacture points somebody?

I did quick calc and Hyundai was closing Toyota lead from 20 points down to about 10.

[AnttiL]

Rovanperä opening the stage

so Kopecky runs after Loeb and we won't know for sure the WRC2 winner until that?

[Mirek]

so Kopecky runs after Loeb and we won't know for sure the WRC2 winner until that?

Yes... nicely managed, isn't it?

[jonkka]

manufacture points somebody?

As it stands now:
Toyota 331
Hyundai 322
M-Sport 303
Citroen 216

[KKS]

manufacture points somebody?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DqluzTHUUAArJ40.jpg

[Rallyper]

so Kopecky runs after Loeb and we won't know for sure the WRC2 winner until that?

After Kalle finished we know who the winner is. In a decent time that is.

[Eli]

I did quick calc and Hyundai was closing Toyota lead from 20 points down to about 10.

11 I think

[Rallyper]

Congrats to Kalle winning the WRC2. Very mature!!

[Mirek]

Congrats to Kalle winning the WRC2. Very mature!!

More so when we consider that Kalle never started in Catalunya before!

In a way I like that Kalle managed to beat both 2017 and 2018 WRC2 champions on their strong events in the last two events of the season. It's sort of symbolic transition to the new generation.

[mknight]

Congrats to Kalle winning the WRC2. Very mature!!

Yes, I am now convinced he will do good in WRC (how good is harder to say). But I would also still say that he should do full calendar in R5 next year (maybe with 1-2 WRC rounds max) rather than going into WRC (which Joukhi will surely be pushing for).

[TWRC]

Mikkelsen's driving looks very dangerous, but he's not good on time unfortunately...