27th Kennards Hire Rally Australia 2018 • 15-18 November

[Rallyper]

Saying what?

[EstWRC]

Ott losing a lot without aero, for example Ogier is 11 secs faster in third split than in the morning, Ott just 2 secs

[N.O.T]

potato dog doing potato things... oh well at least we are going to get some sleep.

only a mistake by Ogier can change things... driving is over.

[er88]

He's losing masses....

[mousti]

It's gone, Ogier will be champion for the 6th time, congrats to him

[EstWRC]

puncture for Neuville

[Rallyper]

Not yet, son. "Merde" from Neuville. +40,2 sec. RL puncture.

[EstWRC]

It's gone, Ogier will be champion for the 6th time, congrats to him

dude really? he will only drop behind Ogier....long way to go still

[er88]

Tanak puncture?

[mousti]

Flat tire before the hay bale, that's why he slipped through against the bale.

Went of the rim after a jump :(

[EstWRC]

Tanak puncture?

you havent noticed he hasnt got any aero? :D

and fastest so far, lol

[er88]

you havent noticed he hasnt got any aero? :DThought I saw a bit of tyre flapping about at the end there. Thankfully not :)

[KKS]

Crazy rally! Oh.

[spiderem]

you havent noticed he hasnt got any aero? :D

and fastest so far, lol

wonder why teams invest so much in aero development. They just need to invest in a Tanak.

[N.O.T]

at the end of the day neuville blew a 30 pointy lead in the championship... he will remain a potato nobody his whole life like latvala and hirvonen.

Happy for Ogier, the only driver who was a bit more worthy was tanak.

[Tauri_J]

wonder why teams invest so much in aero development. They just need to invest in a Tanak.

lol, quote of the year :D

[er88]

Incredible championship and drama on every event, but Ogier can relax and control this rally now. Suninen and Evans can help too. Neuville well up against it

[EstWRC]

Ogier 17 secs faster than in the morning, Ott just 7

[mousti]

at the end of the day neuville blew a 30 pointy lead in the championship... he will remain a potato nobody his whole life like latvala and hirvonen.

Happy for Ogier, the only driver who was a bit more worthy was tanak.

He did that indeed, but Turkey and flat tyre after landing of a jump can't be 100 % blamed to him..

[spiderem]

hope Evans and Suninen will not slow down on purpose to be in between Ogier and Neuville for tomorrow's starting order... As much as i want Ogier to win, this would be a real shame.

Correction, looks like it happened.

[the sniper]

That bloke needs to get his tractor back out to sort the chicane... ;)

[N.O.T]

so Ogier just needs to finish 6th and above and he does not care about the power stage if tanak wins... easy peasy...

[KKS]

Evans know that chicane didn't exist any more. And split showthat -0.9 and straight -6.8

[N.O.T]

He did that indeed, but Turkey and flat tyre after landing of a jump can't be 100 % blamed to him..

its a 30 point lead.... no excuses.

[KKS]

Potato team doing his tricks

[EstWRC]

Evans stopped before finish!!! and let Ogier trhough

[Rallyper]

so Ogier just needs to finish 6th and above and he does not care about the power stage if tanak wins... easy peasy...

However, the old saying... "It aint over until the fat lady sings the blues..."

[mousti]

Lolzzz

[spiderem]

Evans stopped before finish!!! and let Ogier trhough

i guess that was the tactic before the start of stage, irrespective of Neuville fate.

[N.O.T]

Potato team doing his tricks

its a championship... any team would do the same.

[KKS]

its a championship... any team would do the same.
Karma police on the way

[EstWRC]

lol breen picking again on Colin

[mousti]

dude really? he will only drop behind Ogier....long way to go stillNow you have to hope that something happens with Ogier. On speed with this conditions it wont happen. Just being realistic. Lets hope on some drama then tomorrow

Verstuurd vanaf mijn SM-G935F met Tapatalk

[er88]

Feel quite sorry for Evans now.

Yes he's had 4 full seasons to prove himself, and has been poor this season, but this is almost making a mockery of him as a competitive sportsman.

Suppose Malcolm will say if he was up fighting for the lead they wouldn't do this, but Evans sounds like a broken man now

[Rallyper]

JD should not interrupt Becs all the time!

[N.O.T]

a broken man now

he is welsh so nothing mew...

[mousti]

JD should not interrupt Becs all the time!

You mean JP?

[spiderem]

well, the only one who will deserve the driver title at the end is Malcolm. well done for securing back to back driver's title with a private team.

[SubaruNorway]

Big crash by Molly
https://twitter.com/RallyComAu/status/1063274440765534213

[Rallyper]

You mean JP?

Maybe... My bad.

[N.O.T]

Big crash by Molly
https://twitter.com/RallyComAu/status/1063274440765534213

thank god for HANS i guess

[spiderem]

great rally for breen so far

[EstWRC]

Ott just 13 secs from the lead not bad but Ogier just has to finish now

[mousti]

Suninen drops aswell..

[jonkka]

Suninen drops aswell..

No surprises there

[spiderem]

Neuville will be absolutely fuming at the Fords...

[er88]

Neuville will be fuming lol. Triple whammy on this stage

[Rallyper]

Well, you can say many things about this slowing teamgame. I don´t like it, but it´s in the game.
The only fair and square is to drive, not slow.

[EstWRC]

ah i forgot Ostberg, Tänak 20 secs from the lead...big big work ahead tomorrow

[N.O.T]

Neuville will be absolutely fuming at the Fords...

the only thing he should be fuming about is himself... he proved he is nothing.

[stefanvv]

That's quite a statement from M-Sport.

[KKS]

ahahah Mads as always perfect on stage-end interviews )))

[Rallyper]

Very good day for Ostberg. Handling all by much experience, without any damages.

[Rallyper]

Now back to bed. See you tonight CET.

[racerx1979]

It's far from over. Still chance of rain and 2 more days to go. Seb can easily have issues...

The journos are so biased it's not funny. The moment Nueville had his issue their tone changed lol. Tomorrow is another day. Even Tanak is still in it.

[EstWRC]

It's far from over. Still chance of rain and 2 more days to go. Seb can easily have issues...

The journos are so biased it's not funny. The moment Nueville had his issue their tone changed lol. Tomorrow is another day. Even Tanak is still in it.

exactly, still a long long way to go...dont you remember the last two events when Ott was leading but then what happened?

for example, Ott gets up to first tomorrow and Ogier drops one place from 7th to 8th and we have a game on again. Or Ogier can get into trouble and Neuville back into the points

many possibilites

[Luijbregts]

the only thing he should be fuming about is himself... he proved he is nothing.

Seriously??? Watch a wall where somebody just painted some paint and watch it dry! EIKEL! and leave this forum asap. Nobody wants you here anyway.

[EstWRC]

true warrior, lol


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsGHms0VAAAYZTe.jpg

[GravelBen]

Big crash by Molly
https://twitter.com/RallyComAu/status/1063274440765534213

Oof, that was a solid impact!

[SubaruNorway]

Times for the next stage is wrong on the stream today and tomorrow, just so you don't get caught out.
It's 16:37 not 17:17 for the first one. 6:37 CET

[KKS]

Times for the next stage is wrong on the stream today and tomorrow, just so you don't get caught out.
It's 16:37 not 17:17 for the first one. 6:37 CET
they got reverse order. 16:37 starts 16th car and nearly 18:00 a 1st car

[the sniper]

Nice external footage from the jumps this morning on the official YT highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mntKeK4GTC4

No mention of the tractor in relation to Mikkelsen's off, of course. And saying Tanak "was cautious" over the footage of him having his big moment seems like an odd editorial/script choice.

[KKS]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsGPTcgWsAA0qPm.jpg

[SubaruNorway]

they got reverse order. 16:37 starts 16th car and nearly 18:00 a 1st car

Yeah i was thinking that now, might as well go to bed then as i will be off to work as the last cars go though

[KKS]

Nice external footage from the jumps this morning on the official YT highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mntKeK4GTC4

No mention of the tractor in relation to Mikkelsen's off, of course. And saying Tanak "was cautious" over the footage of him having his big moment seems like an odd editorial/script choice.
yep, gorgeous jumps. Especially by Neuville

[steve.mandzij]

Exciting day! I hope that, if Tanak would no longer have a chance at the title, Latvala would be given the OK to push for a win, but an Ostberg win would be cool too!

I disagree that not having the championship contenders fighting for the lead is a bad thing. It makes it all more unique.

As NOT said, and adding a bit of my own, this season, while the most exciting in ages, will likely have a disappointing end result, for me. Tanak ia the driver that most deserves the title, his misfortune down to the Yaris, and Neuville would have lost his championship rather than Ogier having properly won it, in a way.

But enough dwelling and criticizing possible futures! This rally is going amazingly so far!

[N.O.T]

Exciting day! I hope that, if Tanak would no longer have a chance at the title, Latvala would be given the OK to push for a win


kid... if Ogier retires on the last corner of the power stage then that decision would be a bit stupid...

[KKS]

Craig and Colin funny chats at stage-ends SS4 and SS6 :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8vTILNzNZM

[CoyoteVillagra]

4500*3000
https://i.imgur.com/yPbtRbI.jpg


5000*3333
https://i.imgur.com/tv6JZNt.jpg


5000*3333
https://i.imgur.com/6Jmkqpu.jpg


6177*4118
https://i.imgur.com/bCaTF2Q.jpg

[er88]

Neuville slides into the sand bank on the super special...

Latvala loses a bit of time too, very untidy drive from him on the first pass. Breen moves ahead.

[Mintexmemory]

A tarmac win last time and now 1-2 at the end of a gravel day 1. Someone’s going to luck in by being Citroen team leader next season!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Big crash by Molly
https://twitter.com/RallyComAu/status/1063274440765534213

Bad positioning of the bale, IMHO. I hope it was there during recce!

[Sulland]

Good day for Citroen Sport. Let's see if they can follow up on day 2.

[Franky]

Craig and Colin funny chats at stage-ends SS4 and SS6 :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8vTILNzNZM

Now, who was it here who complained about the same thing :D

[OHL]

Bad positioning of the bale, IMHO. I hope it was there during recce!

There's a tree a couple of meters behind that bale and on the path they were taking, they would have hit the tree if the bale wasn't there. The bale did its job in this case as it dissipated a significant amount of the energy but wasn't a full stop. The tree would have been a different story.

[N.O.T]

the way it is now the only choice for neuville is to take huge risks pass Ogier and go to the power stage with hope that if he wins it 2 guys get infront of Ogier... of course if he passes Ogier then Paddon could position himself between him and Ogier as well... so not all is lost for the potato dog...

but he needs to take huge risks

[denkimi]

Lets just hope it all comes down to a 3way battle at the powerstage in the end, that would be the best way to end the season

[tomhlord]

A tarmac win last time and now 1-2 at the end of a gravel day 1. Someone’s going to luck in by being Citroen team leader next season!

Still lots of work to be done on the slower rallies with the car.

[Mintexmemory]

Still lots of work to be done on the slower rallies with the car.
Very true, but if we suppose that this year’s top drivers continue to divide up the season (with the Meeke factor to be assessed) wins then consistency in points scoring will continue to be a vital factor.

[N.O.T]

the way it is now the only choice for neuville is to take huge risks pass Ogier and go to the power stage with hope that if he wins it 2 guys get infront of Ogier... of course if he passes Ogier then Paddon could position himself between him and Ogier as well... so not all is lost for the potato dog...

but he needs to take huge risks

just realised he will be the road sweeper for tomorrow... so all is lost... potato.

[denkimi]

just realised he will be the road sweeper for tomorrow... so all is lost... potato.
Makes you wonder why they didn't drop paddon to open the road.

[N.O.T]

Makes you wonder why they didn't drop paddon to open the road.

far too risky because they will need him if something happens to ogier and drops behind neuville... plus they would give toyota the chance to drop everyone so tanak has more chances at winning the title.

only hope for the potato is if the predictions for rain come true.

[krissucool]

Mkhmkhmm, manufacturers championship? Anybody remember?

[mknight]

Makes you wonder why they didn't drop paddon to open the road.

Neuville lost time at the end of the last stage before road positions were decided. By the time it was known Paddon was already in stage. So it was not physically possible. But I doubt they would have done it even if they could.

[mknight]

Mkhmkhmm, manufacturers championship? Anybody remember?
As it looks now manu title got decided by the tractor on SS3.

[AnttiL]

Just finished re-watching the action. A few questions
- Why wasn't Neuville penalised for going straight in the chicane? He should have reversed and gone from the right of the last bale, not left like he did. Or was it because there was no time gain in going straight?
- Will M-Sport order Serderidis to take a time penalty to drop behind Neuville in road order tomorrow?

[N.O.T]

Just finished re-watching the action. A few questions
- Why wasn't Neuville penalised for going straight in the chicane? He should have reversed and gone from the right of the last bale, not left like he did. Or was it because there was no time gain in going straight?
- Will M-Sport order Serderidis to take a time penalty to drop behind Neuville in road order tomorrow?

you have to gain an advantage to get a penalty at chicanes

the lines serderidis takes are different from those of the wrc drivers, so o need.

[racerx1979]

And chance of rain for Sat in Aus is 90% according to the news channels. Some areas with rain now.

[AnttiL]

you have to gain an advantage to get a penalty at chicanes
I think he still got some advantage to go straight after restarting the car instead of having to reverse and go around the bale.

[N.O.T]

I think he still got some advantage to go straight after restarting the car instead of having to reverse and go around the bale.

yes but he had a problem, its not like he did it to gain time.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1063399176451620864

Well, Latvala did this on the chicane on the first pass, hence the tractor on the road when Mikkelsen came next...

[mknight]

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1063399176451620864

Well, Latvala did this on the chicane on the first pass, hence the tractor on the road when Mikkelsen came next...

They also mention that there was a marshall in the road waving Mikkelsen down before the chicane with tractor. Which is why they started wondering if the stage is stopped/cancelled.

[Rally Power]

It’s great to see Citroen guys leading! Neuville time loss is a shame, but there’s still a long way to go and some tractors can still appear... ;)

[Eli]

I bet it gives Citroen some relief to see their cars on the top 2 positions, well done both to Mads & Breen. Hope they bring it home, seeing they both need this sort of results.....stupid Neuville, his chances are ruined, his only chance now is if the rain catches out Ogier. which is possible but highly unlikely. Think it's quite over for both champ. seeing Hyundai have 2 cars in contention and one of those is only 10th......

[denkimi]

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1063399176451620864

Well, Latvala did this on the chicane on the first pass, hence the tractor on the road when Mikkelsen came next...
Following neuville's lines? :p

[dimviii]

"We just broke a tire," said Thierry Neuville at the microphone of Olivier Gaspard, RTBF's special correspondent in Australia, who, in a long, slightly bumpy right, the car jumped, and on landing, it was crazy, then I made a little straight in a chicane, where I dropped a dozen seconds, because we tried to ride as fast as possible to limit the damage.The championship is not finished We remain positive and we continue to fight, we have nothing to lose now, we will try to have fun, even if tomorrow it will be a pain to go first on the road, we'll try to finish the season with a bit of fun, we'll see how it goes. "

"We've done the maximum so far, all season long," said the Belgian driver, "it's a question of fate, if it does not, it does not, we have nothing to Punctures, we know it happens in rally It is not deserved, but it's part of the sport We do not lose hope, but Ogier can really manage now, and in addition, they have a new time played team strategy, it's almost in the pocket for him. "


https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-qui-a-dejante-c-est-le-destin-si-ca-ne-veut-pas-ca-ne-veut-pas?id=10074466

[EstWRC]

just woke up, haha...man im getting old

sorry for posting again but im laughing every time i see pictures of him without the front aero...he is like in a different car category :D

https://rallysportmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/xTanak-SS6-PW.jpg.pagespeed.ic.Ov9xZr7b7R.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsHShYGVAAE9ooH.jpg

[AnttiL]

Following neuville's lines? :p

The other way around. Latvala missed the chicane on the morning pass, Neuville on the afternoon.

[racerx1979]

The other way around. Latvala missed the chicane on the morning pass, Neuville on the afternoon.


Another horribly placed chicane.. the gaps between the hey could be longer. Will still slow down the cars and prevent knocking them down...

[spiderem]

The other way around. Latvala missed the chicane on the morning pass, Neuville on the afternoon.

Didn't Ogier got penalized for touching a chicane in Mexico? Seems a bit double standard now...

[Tauri_J]

Didn't Ogier got penalized for touching a chicane in Mexico? Seems a bit double standard now...

it was a power stage

anyway chicanes are a discrace especially in a gravel rally

[Gregor-y]

Oof, that was a solid impact!
Would have been a lot more solid if that hay bale wasn't in front of the tree, though. Good job by the Clerk or at least someone on the team.

[mknight]

Just watched the official day 1 highlights, some epic tractor-censorship going on there:
- Not a single word about tractor when showing the off, onboard starts just after passing it
- Interview with Mikkelsen in service is cut off on the start where he talks about it so it starts mid-sentence with "... basically we crashed"
- in addition the onboard is off course not uploaded on WRC+, so the only place to see it is on Alllive which will get deleted on monday or here: https://youtu.be/SGwgcCK9VPs and neither of those versions shows the marshal before the chicane

I sure get they censor stuff like the monte crash in 2017. But nobody was injured here and it arguably wasn't very dangerous (certainly much less than those crazy vids from Spain SD).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just watched the official day 1 highlights, some epic tractor-censorship going on there:
- Not a single word about tractor when showing the off, onboard starts just after passing it
- Interview with Mikkelsen in service is cut off on the start where he talks about it so it starts mid-sentence with "... basically we crashed"
- in addition the onboard is off course not uploaded on WRC+, so the only place to see it is on

I sure get they censor stuff like the monte crash in 2017. But nobody was injured here and it arguably wasn't very dangerous (certainly much less than those crazy vids from Spain SD).

Yep, you wouldnt know anything had happened if it weren't for fans posting info and pics on social media.

Noticed there's no OB for Mikkelsen on SS3 on WRC+.

There was no comment from Latvala at the stage end either after hitting the chicane ?

[mknight]

There was no comment from Latvala at the stage end either after hitting the chicane ?

He got to finish at the same time as they started showing the crash, so no comments were shown, not in the highlights of the day either.

[Luijbregts]

just realised he will be the road sweeper for tomorrow... so all is lost... potato.

Good, you woke up!!!! Good for you....

[KKS]

There's a tree a couple of meters behind that bale and on the path they were taking, they would have hit the tree if the bale wasn't there. The bale did its job in this case as it dissipated a significant amount of the energy but wasn't a full stop. The tree would have been a different story.
That bale covering massive tree stump which was Molly hit and that destroyed a car, not bale

[KKS]

Neuville lost time at the end of the last stage before road positions were decided. By the time it was known Paddon was already in stage. So it was not physically possible. But I doubt they would have done it even if they could.
It's more simple. Hyundai just better rally spirit team rather than all years cheating M-Sport. Ogier now not getting any respect and when win a 6th title by cheats, no driving - he lose last bits of respect, and no any farewell Citroen years could improve that.

[KKS]

- Will M-Sport order Serderidis to take a time penalty to drop behind Neuville in road order tomorrow?
it'snot gonna be happen. Serderidis extremely educated, and will not ruin rally for others. Complete different approach than M-sport did.

[pantealex]

- Will M-Sport order Serderidis to take a time penalty to drop behind Neuville in road order tomorrow?

Time penalties doesn´t affect road order (new rule after Ogier´s Sweden stunt)

[AnttiL]

Time penalties doesn´t affect road order (new rule after Ogier´s Sweden stunt)

I mean if he just checks in late at the first stage?

[KKS]

- in addition the onboard is off course not uploaded on WRC+, so the only place to see it is on Alllive which will get deleted on monday or here: https://youtu.be/SGwgcCK9VPs and neither of those versions shows the marshal before the chicane

All AllLive videos still available to watch when you get subscribed to WRC+. I'm watch 2nd day Spain two days ago.

[T16]

It's more simple. Hyundai just better rally spirit team rather than all years cheating M-Sport. Ogier now not getting any respect and when win a 6th title by cheats, no driving - he lose last bits of respect, and no any farewell Citroen years could improve that.

How have they cheated? Why have the FIA not penalised them for this?

[pantealex]

I mean if he just checks in late at the first stage?

Then yes for that stage but for next stage he is 1st again...

[AL14]

It's more simple. Hyundai just better rally spirit team rather than all years cheating M-Sport. Ogier now not getting any respect and when win a 6th title by cheats, no driving - he lose last bits of respect, and no any farewell Citroen years could improve that.

When did he cheat?

[KKS]

How have they cheated? Why have the FIA not penalised them for this?
just remember who started slow down in early days when road order was decided on straight results 1st day?
Now they slowed down every single time when Ogier couldn't drive fast by hisself and Evans and Suninen dropped position to him. all of this are cheats, not straight fight. And only one team not squeamish to use it...

[AL14]

just remember who started slow down in early days when road order was decided on straight results 1st day?
Now they slowed down every single time when Ogier couldn't drive fast by hisself and Evans and Suninen dropped position to him. all of this are cheats, not straight fight. And only one team not squeamish to use it...

That's completely legal team orders that have been part of motorsport for a century almost

[steve.mandzij]

just remember who started slow down in early days when road order was decided on straight results 1st day?
Now they slowed down every single time when Ogier couldn't drive fast by hisself and Evans and Suninen dropped position to him. all of this are cheats, not straight fight. And only one team not squeamish to use it...That's not cheating though.

[KKS]

Then yes for that stage but for next stage he is 1st again...
nope. He will given a standard section target time.
Normal way
TC1 08:00. target time 00:20
TC2 08:20

penalty way
TC1 08:05 +5min delay = +50sec penalty, target time 00:20
TC2 08:25 0 min delay = 0 sec penalty

[KKS]

That's completely legal team orders that have been part of motorsport for a century almost
too many other cheats stuff not prohibited directly. Are they allowed too?

[pantealex]

nope. He will given a standard section target time.
Normal way
TC1 08:00. target time 00:20
TC2 08:20

penalty way
TC1 08:05 +5min delay = +50sec penalty, target time 00:20
TC2 08:25 0 min delay = 0 sec penalty

I was talking about stage road/start positions, even you take penalty, you will be forced back to your original start position.
Rule changed after Sweden this year.
"time penalties doesn´t change road positions"

(That TC2 time is many minutes before they actually start driving SS)

[stefanvv]

just remember who started slow down in early days when road order was decided on straight results 1st day?
Now they slowed down every single time when Ogier couldn't drive fast by hisself and Evans and Suninen dropped position to him. all of this are cheats, not straight fight. And only one team not squeamish to use it...

Running order is mandatory, team orders are LEGAL choice.

[AL14]

too many other cheats stuff not prohibited directly. Are they allowed too?

If they are not prohibited they are not cheat.

[KKS]

I was talking about stage road/start positions, even you take penalty, you will be forced back to your original start position.
Rule changed after Sweden this year.
"time penalties doesn´t change road positions"

(That TC2 time is many minutes before they actually start driving SS)
so if they have a huge late on a TC (20min for example) they still have same time on next TC? It mean automatically late on next TC aswell

[KKS]

If they are not prohibited they are not cheat.
So Toyota can rent two cars and crash for purpose into Ogier and Neuville and this was not cheat in your opinion? Or place huge rock over blind crest ... all of this not strictly prohibited. All of this, driver movements, PS road order - cheats by his nature.

But one not good team and drivers want to use them, and other take care about a sport and own reputation

[steve.mandzij]

So Toyota can rent two cars and crash for purpose into Ogier and Neuville and this was not cheat in your opinion? Or place huge rock over blind crest ... all of this not strictly prohibited. All of this, driver movements, PS road order - cheats by his nature.

But one not good team and drivers want to use them, and other take care about a sport and own reputationYou've gone mental all of a sudden!

Team orders are entirely legal and don't directly impact or sabotage another driver's chances at anything like placing a rock on a crest or purposely hiring cars to crash into other competitors would.

I can't believe what you're saying.

[denkimi]

I was talking about stage road/start positions, even you take penalty, you will be forced back to your original start position.
Rule changed after Sweden this year.
"time penalties doesn´t change road positions"

(That TC2 time is many minutes before they actually start driving SS)
Normally tc in is 3 minutes before the start of the stage. Unless it's different in wrc rally's.

I don't see how they could switch positions without regroup. Unless they give much more time for every liaison, but that would completely upset the timing.

[stefanvv]

So Toyota can rent two cars and crash for purpose into Ogier and Neuville and this was not cheat in your opinion? Or place huge rock over blind crest ... all of this not strictly prohibited. All of this, driver movements, PS road order - cheats by his nature.

But one not good team and drivers want to use them, and other take care about a sport and own reputation

You've gone too far. What You're talking about equals to a crime. Just that other teams don't make it public You think they don't apply team orders? Delaying a car in the service, ordering a driver not to be faster than his teammate, that's what teams has been always used.

[sonnybobiche]

Just watched the official day 1 highlights, some epic tractor-censorship going on there:
- Not a single word about tractor when showing the off, onboard starts just after passing it
- Interview with Mikkelsen in service is cut off on the start where he talks about it so it starts mid-sentence with "... basically we crashed"
- in addition the onboard is off course not uploaded on WRC+, so the only place to see it is on Alllive which will get deleted on monday or here: https://youtu.be/SGwgcCK9VPs and neither of those versions shows the marshal before the chicane



Ironic. The FIA's mindless obsession with average speeds and "safety" lead them to poop out these chicanes all over the stages. The drivers inevitably crash into them because they are right in the middle of the road and, by design, they interrupt the flow of the stage. But now the FIA have a conundrum! The hay bales keep getting knocked over, altering the layout of the chicane and potentially making it even more dangerous. So they come up with a great solution: have a giant tractor put the hay bale back up before the next car comes through.

Wait, what?

I thought I was the one who didn't care about safety and wanted to see drivers die. That tractor was one of the most dangerous things I've ever seen. IT'S A MOVING TRACTOR ON A LIVE STAGE. It definitely played a role in Mikkelsen's accident, even if it was just a distraction.

Worse, the organizers, the Promoter, and the FIA Safety Tsarina all saw it happen on live TV. You would think these people who claim to be so interested in safety would immediately see the obvious danger to the next car. It's not rocket science; Red flag the stage until it's confirmed that the tractor is clear. Isn't this exactly the reason why they introduced the red flag system a couple of years ago?

But no, they did nothing. And after a minute, Becs and even Julian started acting like it never happened.

In Poland, an idiot starts driving a fire truck onto a stage + some spectators stand a bit too close for David Evans' liking and he writes two articles about how the rally is out of control and dangerous. A month later, the Promoter takes Poland off the calendar, citing safety concerns.

What are the odds Australia will get the same treatment? :stareup:

[T16]

just remember who started slow down in early days when road order was decided on straight results 1st day?
Now they slowed down every single time when Ogier couldn't drive fast by hisself and Evans and Suninen dropped position to him. all of this are cheats, not straight fight. And only one team not squeamish to use it...

Thanks for the reply.
How have they cheated? Why have the FIA not penalised them for this? Sorry for repeating myself.

[T16]

So Toyota can rent two cars and crash for purpose into Ogier and Neuville and this was not cheat in your opinion? Or place huge rock over blind crest ... all of this not strictly prohibited. All of this, driver movements, PS road order - cheats by his nature.

But one not good team and drivers want to use them, and other take care about a sport and own reputation

Are you serious?

[mknight]

What are the odds Australia will get the same treatment? :stareup:
Poland had warning from the year before. I don't think Australia has one from last year.

[spiderem]

As much as i dislike the team order and wished for a straight fight, there is indeed nothing that could attract a penalty... Dura lex sed lex, or actually the lack of lex.

Now let's move on, Day 2 is about to start and it will be epic!

[T16]

Am I right in thinking it starts at about 20:10 UK time tonight. Cheers.

[danon]

...In Poland, an idiot starts driving a fire truck onto a stage + some spectators stand a bit too close for David Evans' liking and he writes two articles about how the rally is out of control and dangerous. A month later, the Promoter takes Poland off the calendar, citing safety concerns...

https://i.postimg.cc/rsgyBQHq/deb.jpg

[T16]

https://i.postimg.cc/rsgyBQHq/deb.jpg
Look at his fucking jacket too. He actually is Alan Partridge.

[mousti]

How are the conditions there? Has it rained or not?

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[EstWRC]

seems to be dry as far i have seen clips from service park

[eib1]

@Michelin_Sport

☁️ Cloudy no rain expected this morning.

[able1]

well toyoda san can hire couple of ninjas to whack them both ... nothing in fia rules prohibits it :D There are unwritten rules in any Team sport , team tactics is part of it.

[spiderem]

Am I right in thinking it starts at about 20:10 UK time tonight. Cheers.

it starts in about 30 minutes

[mousti]

@Michelin_Sport

Cloudy no rain expected this morning.Damn... :(

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[stefanvv]

well toyoda san can hire couple of ninjas to whack them both ... nothing in fia rules prohibits it :D There are unwritten rules in any Team sport , team tactics is part of it.

You don't seem to know anything about Japanese culture, do You?

[KKS]

Team orders are entirely legal and don't directly impact or sabotage another driver's chances at anything like placing a rock on a crest or purposely hiring cars to crash into other competitors would.

I can't believe what you're saying.
we talk about cheats, but not about breaking a law. All M-Sport movement not broke any rule now or even in Sweden. But all this stuff is a shame.


You've gone too far. What You're talking about equals to a crime. Just that other teams don't make it public You think they don't apply team orders? Delaying a car in the service, ordering a driver not to be faster than his teammate, that's what teams has been always used.
Yes, to show other extreme value.

Can you give me an example of modern era when other team do orders which hurts team-mates?

I say only that price for such a championship title is worthless, when everything was done for you by a team. Can you give it by yourself? - nope. A team giving you a prize. So it's not you a champion, it's a people of a team make you champion.

[EstWRC]

Latvala & Tänak & Lappi: 2 H4 + 3 M6

Ogier & Evans & Suninen: 4 M6 + 1 H4

Neuville: 5 M6

Paddon: 3 H4 + 2M6

Mikkelsen: 3 M6 + 2 H4

Breen: 5 M6

Ostberg: 3 M6 + 2H4

[br21]

Drivers championship is always trophy of whole team, not driver alone codrives himself, coordinates, designs the car, engineers it, runs it, changes gboxes, tires, etc and finally not him alone pays for it...
In some series (like australian V8 Supercars) there are even rules describing what is alowed and what not on team orders, it's normal part of the game

[mknight]

All M-Sport movement not broke any rule now or even in Sweden.

That is not true. They clearly broke rules in Sweden and got penalized for it. It's just that the rule+penalty system wasn't changed after Power Stage points were added, so the penalty to total time didn't hurt them.

[able1]

You don't seem to know anything about Japanese culture, do You?

My infinite insight into japanese culture comes from 100 percent accurate blockbuster and timeless classic " Last Samurai" .

[EstWRC]

stop this BS already

we have a amazing day ahead

[eib1]

AT 06:44 - DRAMA ALREADY
On that note, we've had drama already. Ott Tänak suffered a hydraulic failure as he started to leave the service park. The team pushed him back into the Toyota service area, changed hydraulic parts and he's underway now

[stefanvv]

Can you give me an example of modern era when other team do orders which hurts team-mates?

Cough, cough.... errrm I can give You plenty but I don't want to. I prefer to talk about hurt. What is done in M-Sport that has hurt Evans' or Suninen's ambitions in the current championship? Was there a case when they are robbed with a rally victory or championship fights?


I say only that price for such a championship title is worthless, when everything was done for you by a team. Can you give it by yourself? - nope. A team giving you a prize. So it's not you a champion, it's a people of a team make you champion.

A TEAM. Remember that word when talking about achieving a common goal. But continuing the discussion is pointless, now the rally continues.

[KKS]

That is not true. They clearly broke rules in Sweden and got penalized for it. It's just that the rule+penalty system wasn't changed after Power Stage points were added, so the penalty to total time didn't hurt them.
Penalized? Really? They penalized only at Mexico PS for cutting a chicane. Only result of Ogier hiding in a forest in Sweden is only new rule: "PS points only if you start in given order". Ogier 4pts for PS still here.

[EstWRC]

AT 06:44 - DRAMA ALREADY
On that note, we've had drama already. Ott Tänak suffered a hydraulic failure as he started to leave the service park. The team pushed him back into the Toyota service area, changed hydraulic parts and he's underway now

doesnt surprise me at all anymore...this season just keeps punching him all the way

[mousti]

Can't Mikkelsen clock in 20 minutes too early?

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[mknight]

Penalized? Really? They penalized only at Mexico PS for cutting a chicane. Only result of Ogier hiding in a forest in Sweden is only new rule: "PS points only if you start in given order". Ogier 4pts for PS still here.

You drinking too much today?

Off course he got 4:10 timepenalty for being late in the TC.....

[er88]

How many minutes between Serderitis and Neuville??? Hopefully a lot or dust could maybe be an issue

[mknight]

How many minutes between Serderitis and Neuville??? Hopefully a lot or dust could be an issue

5 min

[Essaj]

I have nothing against gentelemen drivers but watching them riding 5 mins straight on All Live is a "bit" boring.

[mousti]

How many minutes between Serderitis and Neuville??? Hopefully a lot or dust could maybe be an issue3 minutes normally. But I think it's more.

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[Tauri_J]

5 minutes of Serderidis, jesus christ

I'd rather watch paint dry

[EstWRC]

Serderidis ddoesnt even make any dust

[racerx1979]

Can't Mikkelsen clock in 20 minutes too early?

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good point..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Leave it out all this about Ogier / M-Sport cheating.

They use team-orders which are perfectly legal. And let's be honest Evans and Sunninen have only been ahead of Ogier due to their better start positions, not because they are faster drivers.

[able1]

Thierry is in even worse position than yesterday , road clearing wise atleast. Jourdan hardly does anything

[KKS]

You drinking too much today?

Off course he got 4:10 timepenalty for being late in the TC.....
OK. he got a penalty that didn't get any influence. It's extremely change things. yep.

[mousti]

Day2 started. Let's hope on some drama!

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

Serderidis ddoesnt even make any dust

So no sweeping to help Neuville ...

[racerx1979]

Just tuned in and its Turderidis!!

[er88]

Why are they showing us Serderidis while Neuville is in stage, it's so annoying.

All season they've had this problem, focus on drivers who are fighting for the championship, fighting for a lead, fighting for position etc, instead of the Sheikh or another driver far back with nothing to play for...

[EstWRC]

Evans faster than Neuville in split 1

[able1]

Why are they showing us Serderidis while Neuville is in stage, it's so annoying.

All season they've had this problem, focus on drivers who are fighting for the championship, fighting for a lead, fighting for position etc, instead of the Sheikh or another driver far back with nothing to play for...

i think it is interesting to spectate .. how well average amateur/semi pro driver can perform compared to professional drivers

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why are they showing us Serderidis while Neuville is in stage, it's so annoying.

All season they've had this problem, focus on drivers who are fighting for the championship, fighting for a lead, fighting for position etc, instead of the Sheikh or another driver far back with nothing to play for...

WRC+ have sent everyone a survey questionaire. Please make your views known.

[able1]

could fair amount of rain turn things around for Thierry ?

[KKS]

"Let's see if a God of a rally existing ;)"© TN

[Tauri_J]

could fair amount of rain turn things around for Thierry ?

dont think so

too big of a gap

[mousti]

could fair amount of rain turn things around for Thierry ?It should be, but there is no rain.. So he's fucked.

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[tpt010]

"Let's see if a God of a rally existing ;)"© TN

Yes He does, but He is not participating this event. Was in Catalunya though.

[mousti]

Neuville +28 sec slower than Evans .. sadThat are the overall standings ;)

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[able1]

That are the overall standings ;)

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yup .. noticed ty

[spiderem]

doesn't seem to be cleaning that much, ogier only 2.8 up on Neuville. I guess he takes it easy too

[Mk2 RS2000]

Why are they showing us Serderidis while Neuville is in stage, it's so annoying.

All season they've had this problem, focus on drivers who are fighting for the championship, fighting for a lead, fighting for position etc, instead of the Sheikh or another driver far back with nothing to play for...

Tested and planned fixed camera positions, planned flight paths lodged for helicopter movements, tested and planned locations from where in-car can be easily and effectively transmitted. Remember, things happen for reasons, sometimes one needs to take a step back and think about it and then it becomes very clear and obvious.

[EstWRC]

cmon Ott more speeed


wow what a split by Paddon, seems the medium tyre was the right choice for this one

[Essaj]

Paddon super quick on 1st split, he seem to have his mojo back :)

[AnttiL]

Ironic. The FIA's mindless obsession with average speeds and "safety" lead them to poop out these chicanes all over the stages.

That chicane on Sherwood is the only chicane of the rally (not counting super specials)

[mknight]

That chicane on Sherwood is the only chicane of the rally (not counting super specials)

That does make for an impressive success rate :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

doesn't seem to be cleaning that much, ogier only 2.8 up on Neuville. I guess he takes it easy too

Yep, no risks.

Later guys are showing the real cleaning effect.

[EstWRC]

neh, Tänak had to slow down because of deers...thats why the big loss in split 1

[Rallyper]

Good evening guys. Coming in here as well. Exciting night ahead, isn´t it?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Top 3 arent going any faster...

[Essaj]

"nobody likes to be told that they are not doing well" What the hell is wrong with Colin and Julien, Those two just keep pissing me off.

[krissucool]

Why the hell did Breen come before Latvala?

[EstWRC]

very very close times. cant for the long one now

[jonkka]

Why the hell did Breen come before Latvala?

Running order is based on pre-SSS standings.

[EstWRC]

lol Ostberg making promo again

[krissucool]

Running order is based on pre-SSS standings.

Okay...why the fuck would the running order be based on the sandings 2 stages before the end of the day?

Logic this is much.

[Essaj]

Okay...why the fuck would the running order be based on the sandings 2 stages before the end of the day?

Because those two stages were combined just over 3kms

[stefanvv]

neh, Tänak had to slow down because of deers...thats why the big loss in split 1

Deers in Australia? That's something new for me.

[mknight]

Okay...why the fuck would the running order be based on the sandings 2 stages before the end of the day?

Logic this is much.

Actually I think it's to avoid cars stopping to drop behind teammates on the SSS.

[EstWRC]

Deers in Australia? That's something new for me.


flagTänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
"I did a good stage, but right in the beginning I had a lot of deer on the road."

[jonkka]

Okay...why the fuck would the running order be based on the sandings 2 stages before the end of the day?

Logic this is much.

Ostensibly because they don't want drivers doing their slowing down to improve the road position -antics in full view of specators.

[krissucool]

Ostensibly because they don't want drivers doing their slowing down to improve the road position -antics in full view of specators.

Yes, so we are so embarrassed of what our drivers are doing that we will rather have it done out of sight.
Makes perfect sense.

[mknight]

Alllive doing self-censorship as well?
Desborough and Porter talking about Mikkelsen.... "yeah he lost so much time due to Rally2 yesterday", and that's the only comment and over to talk about season...

[eib1]

Deers in Australia? That's something new for me.

https://austdeer.com.au/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dont think I've heard any driver complain about their car here in Aus.

Final rally of the season and they have all finally got their designs & set-ups right ! ;)

[GravelBen]

Alllive doing self-censorship as well?
Desborough and Porter talking about Mikkelsen.... "yeah he lost so much time due to Rally2 yesterday", and that's the only comment and over to talk about season...

They did mention him crashing because he was distracted, but left out what he was distracted by.

[able1]

Dont think I've heard any driver complain about their car here in Aus.

Final rally of the season and they have all finally got their designs & set-ups right ! ;)

or too jet lagged to complain :D

[spiderem]

so what was supposed to be the most exciting rally in 14 years for the championship, turns out to be a bit boring? Ogier will just control Neuville till the end by the looks of it.

[mknight]

so what was supposed to be the most exciting rally in 14 years for the championship, turns out to be a bit boring? Ogier will just control Neuville till the end by the looks of it.

The title fight is boring/waiting. Ogier can only loose hit himself unless there is really massive rain.

The top 5 fight is somewhat exciting.

[EstWRC]

Neuville not bad at all on this stage, Evans and Suninen slower and Ogier just 0.8 up on first split

[racerx1979]

TN pushing it!!!

Dark clouds looming...

JML for the win!

[mknight]

.
JML for the win!

I cheer on any of the 3 drivers in front without a confirmed seat next year.
(doesn't necessarily mean I believe they can make it)

[Essaj]

2:14.5 faster than Serderidis - this is just wrong :D

[stefanvv]

https://austdeer.com.au/

I'm sure we can make very good discussion on that, but now the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Senderidis lack of speed is doing nothing for the road sweeping.

[able1]

TN pushing it!!!

Dark clouds looming...

JML for the win!

Latvala def. deserves the win

[racerx1979]

TN faster then Teemu and Elfyn.

[spiderem]

disapointing time by Suninen imo

[stefanvv]

How helpless Neuville is cleaning the road. Did he moan about it already? I didn't read anything:D

[able1]

disapointing time by Suninen imo

and from evans aswell ...

[jonkka]

How helpless Neuville is cleaning the road. Did he moan about it already? I didn't read anything:D

At the end of this stage he said "Nothing we can do. It is very frustrating but it is like this. No line at all. Nothing I can do."

[KKS]

How helpless Neuville is cleaning the road. Did he moan about it already? I didn't read anything:D
It's great champion words.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier's speed is doing the big clean for those at the front of the rally.

[spiderem]

Tanak on a flyer again... really the fastest out there in the second half of the championship. Next year can be an absolute domination.

[mknight]

Tanak on a flyer again...

Not like he has much of an option at this point does he? Staying in 5th position certainly won't make him champion.

[EstWRC]

Get in Ott!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi, like the rest, finally happy with his car.

[stefanvv]

At the end of this stage he said "Nothing we can do. It is very frustrating but it is like this. No line at all. Nothing I can do."

Ah, there it is black on white.

[Essaj]

Lappi, like the rest, finally happy with his car.

Better late than never :D

[KKS]

C'mon Ott. Fighting for a WIN!

[itix]

"yes there is!"
Ahahahaha Tänak <3

[krissucool]

Fighter! Cmon Tänak!

[AnttiL]

Ott can still win this

[able1]

Tanak on a flyer again... really the fastest out there in the second half of the championship. Next year can be an absolute domination.

Tanak with Toyota is very strong combo , but Hyundai and Citroen(espec.) will work even harder to catch up.

[er88]

Throttle sticking for Craig. Unfortunate for him

[EstWRC]

Ott gets really close with this stage, could lead after next one

[Essaj]

Ott can still win this

Ott can still win this by a mile, he is clearly the fastest driver of 2018 that 15secs or so is nothing in his current form.

Edit: more like 5secs after stage 10 :D

[stefanvv]

It's time Ostberg to make a room for some wrc drivers.

[mknight]

Epic split on WRC page:
. 33 CHL A. HELLER M-SPORT FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM RC2 -12.2 +450:23:44.8

[spiderem]

if Ott were to win, and Ogier / Neuville remain same positon, wihout PS:
- Ogier 210
- Tanak 206
- Neuville 202

[EstWRC]

if Ott were to win, and Ogier / Neuville remain same positon, wihout PS:
- Ogier 210
- Tanak 206
- Neuville 202

thats what im hoping for. although Ogier would only need 2 power stage points then

but the usual form is that some guys from front will fall out, Breen already having problems

[able1]

if Ott were to win, and Ogier / Neuville remain same positon, wihout PS:
- Ogier 210
- Tanak 206
- Neuville 202

decider powerstage .... would be amazing

[er88]

if Ott were to win, and Ogier / Neuville remain same positon, wihout PS:
- Ogier 210
- Tanak 206
- Neuville 202And in the power stage if/when Tanak wins that, he also has his two team mates who have been faster than Ogier all weekend too. Ogier could be scrambling around for 1 or 2pts on the power stage with the likes of Paddon, Neuville, Ostberg etc all fast here too.....

[SubaruNorway]

Bad positioning of the bale, IMHO. I hope it was there during recce!

Tell that to the tree that grew up there, there's a stump just behind it

[spiderem]

who would be crowned champion in case Ogier and Ott have same points?
Tanak because 5 victories versus 4 for Ogier
Ogier because first win of the year (MC)

[EstWRC]

Tänak because of more wins

[jonkka]

Tänak because of more wins

Yes

[Esko]

I hope Toyota won't do any "M-Sport-style team order" at least today and they will let JML to fight for the win eventhough Ott is back in the battle.

[krissucool]

I hope Toyota won't do any "M-Sport-style team order" at least today and they will let JML to fight for the win eventhough Ott is back in the battle.

As an Ott fan, I hope the same.

[mknight]

Well, in interviews Budar is quite pleasant to hear. I'd even say the best of the teamleaders atm.

[Yugo_para_siempre]

I really believe that Tanak has realistic chance of winning the title.
In pure speed i think he can win this rally and the power stage, getting a total of maximum 30 points.

On the other hand, speed-road position wise, Ogier in unlikely to end up higher than 7th. That means we will have to take 4th place in power stage in order to get an overall of 8 points that will give him the title, because in case of equal points with Tanak, the Estonian has more wins.

Yes, anyone can get into troube, this possibility is high, but if all have trouble free runs, Tanak is not that far from the title.