WRC Rally Mexico 2019

[drive]

Ogier doing really well, Neuville crying about Ott trowing stones for him - priceless :)
Hope Ott will have a better speed on a second loop to get a better starting position for tomorrow.

[Rally Power]

WRC.com
The connection between the WRC TV production unit in Mexico and our digital distribution centre in Europe was interrupted due to a local issue in Leon, causing a short stoppage to our WRC+ All Live programmes. Normal service has been resumed. We apologise for this inconvenience.

How about to start a new pickem on WRC+, guessing the stages it’ll crash?

It's a shame to see this fantastic service going down the drain...

[jparker]

It's a shame to see this fantastic service going down the drain...

The fact that they operate without redundant uplinks is telling the level of their professionalism.

[KKS]

M-Sport
‏
Verified account

@MSportLtd
2m2 minutes ago
More
⚠️ Unfortunately the damage to @TeemuSuninenRac’s Fiesta proved too much even for our technicians and he will not restart this weekend’s @RallyMexico #WRCLive

[mknight]

Real or cost-saving measure? Going first on the road for rest of the weekend would mean he could not score any good times, likely not on power stage either. And MSport is in reality not competing for manus.

[Tarmop]

Unlikely, Suninen needs experience and that means precious SS km`s. Wales dejavu imho, that looked innocent too, resulted in a bent rollcage (the important part, not like Sweden). TiTanak 2015 was also quite useless in terms of spent money vs result, but they still did it. Only other reason, apart from a big damage, to explain it, is that he will not represent M-Sport anymore.

[TypeR]

Wilson shouldn't have entered WRC this season..

[KKS]

Teemu told that he would restart... But maybe damage from wrecked FR wheel really big, and they no need push to the limit and back him into a rally

[mknight]

Unlikely, Suninen needs experience and that means precious SS km`s. Wales dejavu imho, that looked innocent too, resulted in a bent rollcage (the important part, not like Sweden). TiTanak 2015 was also quite useless in terms of spent money vs result, but they still did it. Only other reason, apart from a big damage, to explain it, is that he will not represent M-Sport anymore.

Both is possible (real/not real).

They could ask him:
"Do you want to spend this ammount of money on ending last in every SS or do you want to use it for 2-3 extra test days?"

[Tarmop]

2-3 extra test days are not SS kms on a WRC rally...which he would probably get anyway. Since it is Rally Mexico, he could score nice points in manuf. championship. Do they need them, well, TiTanak example again.

[dimviii]

@OttTanak: 3 MICHELIN LTX Force M6 + 2 H4 @thierryneuville, @AMikkelsenRally, @DaniSordo, @krismeeke, @ElfynEvans & @EsapekkaLappi: 5 H4 @SebOgier & @JariMattiWRC: 4 H4 + 1 M6

[TypeR]

TiTanak was different story, they got so much attention and M-Sport wanted to show, that they can make it happen. all over the news.. repairing boring crash at SS2.. not so interesting

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shame for Suninen. It's a cruel sport and small mistake can have a big cost.

[SubaruNorway]

If the driveshaft is mounted like on a road car they might have done some damage to the engine block since the driveshaft bearing is mounted on it.

[Tarmop]

So lets take that off the list ( that is a real possibility, i agree). What about valuable experience from a WRC event, where one isn`t so well experienced yet (+ some manuf. points, which maybe "worthless" for them also).

[KKS]

wrc splits retire too?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport would've repaired the car if possible.

[KKS]

wrc splits retire too?
good to have michelin site
https://www.michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

[Rallyper]

Here we go...

[er88]

Feed keeps cutting out?!

Edit - think it was just mine

[COD]

No footage of Suninen off anywhere? All other incars on Finnish tv, but not that. Jouhki paying not to show his mistakes?

[mknight]

No footage of Suninen off anywhere? All other incars on Finnish tv, but not that. Jouhki paying not to show his mistakes?

They said on alllive that they will show the onboard soon. (prbly between the stages)

[KKS]

No footage of Suninen off anywhere? All other incars on Finnish tv, but not that. Jouhki paying not to show his mistakes?
stop that bs. SDcard with onboards exchanged in regroups. Suninen no in regroup so his SDcard deliver to TV crew later than others

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No footage of Suninen off anywhere? All other incars on Finnish tv, but not that. Jouhki paying not to show his mistakes?

The heli soon appeared to show him off the road though when it didnt cover the stage.

[KKS]

Meeke back to Ogier pace on 2nd split. +1.2 ; +1.5

[EstWRC]

Tänak so far 20 secs quicker thanin the morning

[dimviii]

dimviii, any live link? :)

https://m.twitch.tv/motorsporttvde

[EstWRC]

Mikkelsen stopped

[mufcAleksi]

Mikkelsen moving again

[KKS]

here we go. first victim

[EstWRC]

puncture it seems

[KKS]

Good splits for Evans

[EstWRC]

Ogier has been massive in the final split, he took basically the same amount of time out of Tänak as he did with the whole stage that far

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Last two sectors Ogier was great.

[KKS]

poor pace from Sordo. It's not rally victory fight pace

[Fast Eddie WRC]

puncture it seems

Quick change. Why didnt they show from the OB though ?

[KKS]

Ogier has been massive in the final split, he took basically the same amount of time out of Tänak as he did with the whole stage that far
-09.4 last and -11.0 on finish. It's normal pace

[EstWRC]

Lappi also very very fast in final splits, citroens likes the stage end

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Go on Elfyn !

[EstWRC]

Mikkelsen stopped again

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another puncture ?

[jonkka]

Geez those commentators are priceless...

[Rallyper]

Second puncture for Mikkelsen...

[Mintexmemory]

Thank Heavens for the current order rules - if Ogier could chose start position every rally it would be no contest - last 6 years and next

[er88]

Disaster

[dimviii]

seems something broke?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tough luck for Mikkelsen that.

[Tarmop]

Thank Heavens for the current order rules - if Ogier could chose start position every rally it would be no contest - last 6 years and next
No. Because if he wanted to choose it, he would still have the other two making it complicated.

[EstWRC]

Latvala again nowhere with his pace

[N.O.T]

Thank Heavens for the current order rules - if Ogier could chose start position every rally it would be no contest - last 6 years and next

this is why everyone ignores you in here and in real life as well... you are irrelevant to life.

[KKS]

Very good 4th sector for Dani! Go-go-go!

[T16]

Will Mikkelsen have had two spares?

[Eric]

Ohhh Mikkelsen. How many gravel rallies have you been leading and ended up with technical failure or puncture. This guy can not get a break

[AL14]

Thank Heavens for the current order rules - if Ogier could chose start position every rally it would be no contest - last 6 years and next

This is his favourite surface and I think Tanak showed he has the pace and lately the mind to beat him, so I agree when you say last 6 years, I don't when you say next :)

[Rallyper]

I think only Tanak had two spares.

[N.O.T]

How many gravel rallies have you been leading and ended up with technical failure or puncture

about 2 or 3 in his whole career...

location checks out with your intelligence...

[T16]

This has to be one of Evans best drives (early days, I know, but still).

[steve.mandzij]

Mikkelsen... Disappointment with the lead once again... Poor guy, really.

[KKS]

I think only Tanak had two spares.
noone have 2 spares

[dimviii]

forced?


Hyundai Motorsport

⚠ #Mikkelsen forced to stop on SS5. The car will be recovered and brought back to service.
#HMSGOfficial #RallyMexico

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1KytQ-XgAAxzOf.jpg:large

[Eric]

about 2 or 3 in his whole career...

location checks out with your intelligence...

Whats up with the attitude..? Only in Hyundai its been Sardinia, Australia and Turkey. And now Mexico. With my intelligence thats 4. What is it with your intelligence?

[Rallyper]

noone have 2 spares

Sorry, my bad. Not reading closely...

[Morte66]

oh, poor Mikkelsen

[jonkka]

Don't bother with NOT, just put him in your ignore list and your QoL will skyrocket.

[EstWRC]

Adamo just owned Molly

[WRC1]

did "she" really ask the Hyundai Teammeber if Mikkelsen will restart TODAY????? :) :) :)

[EstWRC]

did i only see just a huge moment for Ott?

[steve.mandzij]

Latvala sounds so calm for the piss poor pace he's showing...?

[dimviii]

Tanak lost only 7 sec at first pass.Lets see how closer he can be at second pass

[N.O.T]

Whats up with the attitude..? Only in Hyundai its been Sardinia, Australia and Turkey. And now Mexico. With my intelligence thats 4. What is it with your intelligence?

In australia he crashed, in turkey he was leading because Ogier retired... so 2 with hyundai...

and all of these were just on day 1 where his position was ideal...

as said.. your location matches your intelligence.

[itix]

Ok the rally ended for Mikkelsen, but he had some speed for a while.

I wonder why he only performs when he's under pressure.

When he has no seat and is looking for contracts)(or being sidelined next rally) he's always showing great speed and as soon as things have calmed down he is slow again.

Maybe he should only have a one rally contract at a time and he'll be champ...

[EstWRC]

im just lost for words for Ogier today. He is just crushing everyone with stage by stage. already 2 secs up on Neuville and Tänak on this stage in first split!

[T16]

Ogier's driving is sublime.

[COD]

Mikkelsen... Disappointment with the lead once again... Poor guy, really.

At least they get him to clean the road for Neuville

[Mk2 RS2000]

At least they get him to clean the road for Neuville

but a lack of manufacturers points does tend to annoy the manufacturer who after all is paying him to deliver rather than just taking part

[EstWRC]

Lappi hasnt changed at all, still this miserable look like at the end of last season

[N.O.T]

In Australia it was the wheel going off the rim. Not the first time for Hyundai and a problem they had on more rallies. In turkey "he was leading because Ogier retired". That means it doesnt count? Or what do you mean?

What about Sardinia? That doesnt count because....?

You need to get laid NOT

in australia he crashed

"It happened 2km after the start on a right-hander over a crest. In third or fourth gear I went wide and touched the bank quite hard. I thought I had just a rear puncture but soon after I felt the front too. I have one spare so it doesn't look like we'll be going any further."

he is 7 years in the sport... does it matter if he lead an event (due to road position always) 3 times or 4 times... its nothing either way...

as i said location checks out...

[Eric]

in australia he crashed

"It happened 2km after the start on a right-hander over a crest. In third or fourth gear I went wide and touched the bank quite hard. I thought I had just a rear puncture but soon after I felt the front too. I have one spare so it doesn't look like we'll be going any further."

he is 7 years in the sport... does it matter if he lead an event (due to road position always) 3 times or 4 times... its nothing either way...

as i said location checks out...

Whatever makes you sleep at night NOT :D

[dimviii]

watch this big stone
https://twitter.com/AutoBildMexico/status/1104147929802178561

[EstWRC]

watch this big stone
https://twitter.com/AutoBildMexico/status/1104147929802178561

exactly like Tänak in Portugal last year

[drive]

first 4 places - 4 different cars - nice :)

[Eric]

watch this big stone
https://twitter.com/AutoBildMexico/status/1104147929802178561

Oh my. Well, its a part of the game. At least has shown great speed. Lets hope that will continue in Argentina

[BigWorm]

Crash for Pieniążek it seems

[KKS]

it could be 1st puncture

[spiderem]

clean and smart drive by Meeke and Evans. Latvala outpaced by Meeke... Lappi disappointing, at least still running compared to Mikkelsen who is the biggest waste in my opinion.

[dimviii]

where Mikkelsen hit the stone,so many spectators side of the road,nobody tried to move?

[er88]

Bunch of Dani Sordo fans ;)

[EstWRC]

nah, they are taking selfies

[racerx1979]

Why cant marshalls remove stones....which are thrown out by the previous cars??.... silly stuff

[mknight]

Well we still don't know for sure if it was only this stone but looks very likely. (ref. people who pass sure judgements without any info)

Hard to say what he should have done differently, he is on brakes almost until the stone then is on throttle that lifts the front just before.

Also dunno what he should have done differently in the rally, leading, no moments and then stone in the middle of the road.

[KKS]

Neuville is a disaster of this rally. +0.9 for Tanak who cleaning((

[EstWRC]

well done Ott and Martin, you survived your first day as cleaners!

starting to climb up tomorrow!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo issues on the road section ?

[T16]

Sordo stopped on road.... bummer.

[KKS]

what a hell was going here?

[mknight]

Sordo issues on the road section ?

He's standing still on the maps, on kind of a side-road from the stage. But Latvala was standing on similar position before, maybe it's some refuel or TC location.

[KKS]

World Rally Championship
‏
Verified account

@OfficialWRC
4m4 minutes ago
More
Sordo stops! - He has parked on the road section to SS7. Reports that he has an alternator or battery issue. #WRC

[SubaruNorway]

Latvala's alternator is probably going as well, it's been that in the past when he has been reving it like that

[EstWRC]

what the hell Thierry. already giving up ?

[KKS]

This poor rally going even worse
2 cars out already and probably +2 more after this stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier slow !!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier had an excuse with a puncture. The others ?

[Mk2 RS2000]

what the hell Thierry. already giving up ?

Which is why he will never be the World Champion

[er88]

Meeke struggled with all that dust in the car and low sun. He's not happy

[N.O.T]

ok the driving is over now...

We need a wall to get rid of this rally once and for all.

Bring rally where it belongs, to countries with a proper motorsport culture.

[er88]

Lappi moaning about lack of lateral grip. We've heard that before but it must be hard for him seeing how superb Ogier has been today

[dimviii]

Karlip
��
‏ @Karlip1


Sordo due to start in 2 minutes. He is about 10+ minutes away from the stage start still on the road section. Looks like another retirement for Hyundai in Mexico #WRC

[EstWRC]

man SOrdo doesnt deserve this :(

[mknight]

Lappi moaning about lack of lateral grip. We've heard that before but it must be hard for him seeing how superb Ogier has been today

Compared to his terrible pace here last year it's actually an improvement.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job Elfyn... solid and some speed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai pure disaster of a rally.

[racerx1979]

Yup Sordo is sadly done!

[mknight]

- Sordo pissed off that the helicopter is above and hits the police car with the door of his car
- Adamo looks like he is about to kill someone and goes quickly away from camera

[er88]

Adamo looked a bit angry there!!!

[EstWRC]

wuhuuuu a stage win, continues his going with 25 rallies in a row

[dimviii]

top and only hyundai at 7th place.

[erikli2]

The atmosphere in Hyundai Motorsport doesn't seem too good..

[Mk2 RS2000]

ok the driving is over now...

We need a wall to get rid of this rally once and for all.

Bring rally where it belongs, to countries with a proper motorsport culture.

Like New Zealand

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jeez Adamo !

[EstWRC]

what a bunch of stupid questions again, get rid of her already

[mknight]

Adamo looked a bit angry there!!!

I started to write the he should be able to take it as a professional.... and then the interview came up and he was actually quite composed and said that everyone should calm down.

[stefanvv]

Good job Elfyn... solid and some speed.

He should keep that and not doing something crazy.

[mknight]

what a bunch of stupid questions again, get rid of her already

What a stupid comment.

What questions should she ask? She asked about Sordo, Neuville and what he thinks about it. Should she instead be asking about the weather?

We surely need to get rid of her and get more of John D....

[N.O.T]

Like New Zealand

yes, there are plenty that could make use of a round of the WRC instead of some abandoned garbage pits that FIA somehow sees value in.

[N.O.T]

what a bunch of stupid questions again, get rid of her already

you are not allowed to say bad things about women... so shut up.

[N.O.T]

What a stupid comment.

What questions should she ask? She asked about Sordo, Neuville and what he thinks about it. Should she instead be asking about the weather?

We surely need to get rid of her and get more of John D....

Yaaaaaaayyyy the typical brit PC culture lap dog to the rescue !!!!!!

[EstWRC]

What a stupid comment.

What questions should she ask? She asked about Sordo, Neuville and what he thinks about it. Should she instead be asking about the weather?

We surely need to get rid of her and get more of John D....

She didn’t ask anything useful! All the time she asks “what’s your feeling, how are feeling about this and that?”

What do I do with the knowledge what Adamo or anyone else there feels. nothing!

And they must get rid of desberoguh too. He is the same or even worse.

THIS IS IS PURELY MY OPINION.

[SubaruNorway]

That's Latvala stopped.
Edit: Moving again very fast but a long way back

[N.O.T]

so 13 cars at the end of the stage ?

nice dumpster fire this rally is... lets have more rallies in countries like mexico.

[GravelBen]

Hard to say what he should have done differently, he is on brakes almost until the stone then is on throttle that lifts the front just before.


Yeah rocks on the line like that are tough luck.

Similar in Portugal last year - Tanak broke the car on a big rock and Paddon crashed avoiding one, both while leading the rally.

Must be a hard call for the engineers whether to compromise speed with a higher ride height etc to protect the car, or run a bit lower for speed and hope the big rocks are in places the driver can see them in time to avoid them. Probably a bigger risk for the later road positions on the rougher rallies as the road gets ripped up more.

[Jarek Z]

Crash for Pieniążek it seems

See? It is not so easy to win, even when you are the only competitor! ;)

[steve.mandzij]

That's Latvala stopped.
Edit: Moving again very fast but a long way backDamn, his luck is unbelievable.

As for his pace, I'm speculating if the Toyota maybe is the hardest hit by the lack of oxygen in Mexico. It's clear the C3 is the strongest at this altitude, and the pace of all three Yarises leads me to think that. Add it to Latvala, who's always been critical of lower powered cars in which clean lines are essential, I'm guessing that's why he's been off the pace; he's likely used to having the extra power in the Toyota to power out of mistakes.

[dimviii]

Fri 18:55 - Latvala in trouble
Jari-Matti's car will not restart in the pre-stage light fitting zone. Driver and co-driver are pushing the car. They had some sort of problem after Las Minas (SS7) and worked on the car for a long time on the road section. They only just checked into the control on time.

[er88]

Seems like he's out. Jari having a terrible season so far.

[N.O.T]

Fri 18:55 - Latvala in trouble
Jari-Matti's car will not restart in the pre-stage light fitting zone. Driver and co-driver are pushing the car. They had some sort of problem after Las Minas (SS7) and worked on the car for a long time on the road section. They only just checked into the control on time.

3rd year in, still a village finish team of nobodies...

if toyota had the team on autopilot it would do better than having such a useless management.

pathetic.

[stefanvv]

As for his pace, I'm speculating if the Toyota maybe is the hardest hit by the lack of oxygen in Mexico. It's clear the C3 is the strongest at this altitude, and the pace of all three Yarises leads me to think that. Add it to Latvala, who's always been critical of lower powered cars in which clean lines are essential, I'm guessing that's why he's been off the pace; he's likely used to having the extra power in the Toyota to power out of mistakes.

They have not sorted out the overheating issues, just have made some compromise with the performance.

[steve.mandzij]

They have not sorted out the overheating issues, just have made some compromise with the performance.Obviously; it still makes sense that Latvala's driving style struggles with the lack of power, I think.

[racerx1979]

So this means Nueville will be starting further back if Suninen, Mikkelsen, Sordo and JML restart. He could be fifth on the road which could be a sweet spot.

[steve.mandzij]

Honorable mention to Elfyn for keeping it safe to take second at the end of the day. Flew well under the radar!

[Mintexmemory]

this is why everyone ignores you in here and in real life as well... you are irrelevant to life.

You call what you have ‘life’ ? Mmm, maybe but as the man said ‘Not as we know it!’ Keep taking the meds.

[Slazwierder]

So this means Nueville will be starting further back if Suninen, Mikkelsen, Sordo and JML restart. He could be fifth on the road which could be a sweet spot.
Suninen doesn't restart.

[AnttiL]

Quite the performances from Tänak and Ogier. Also Evans and Sordo before his car broke down. Well done.

EDIT: Also exceptional stage win on Las Minas from Tänak, being first on the road!

[dupanton]

Is it already known what the issue was for Mikkelsen?

[WUff1]

Is it already known what the issue was for Mikkelsen?


Broken suspension.

[krissucool]

Broken suspension.

It always is...

[KKS]

See? It is not so easy to win, even when you are the only competitor! ;)
But he get try to win this day))) Yep, it's a hard job when you only one in a class

[KKS]

it's become to a joke. 6 running WRC cars w/o superally and 16 cars overall. Even Ukranian national championship has more :D

[stefanvv]

Suninen's end, quite a bit off the line:
1742

[racerx1979]

According to this site his name is Suinen lol

https://www.crash.net/wrc/news/915005/1/mikkelsen-leads-rally-mexico-suinen-crashes-out

[Morte66]

Meeke third, and looked like he was holding back a little. Hang in there Kris.

[Tom206wrc]

Damn, his luck is unbelievable.

As for his pace, I'm speculating if the Toyota maybe is the hardest hit by the lack of oxygen in Mexico. It's clear the C3 is the strongest at this altitude, and the pace of all three Yarises leads me to think that. Add it to Latvala, who's always been critical of lower powered cars in which clean lines are essential, I'm guessing that's why he's been off the pace; he's likely used to having the extra power in the Toyota to power out of mistakes.


Well, at least Toyota has still 2 cars in race after day one, unlike Hyundai(and this time nobody can accuse Michel Nandan :p: )

[COD]

3rd year in, still a village finish team of nobodies...

if toyota had the team on autopilot it would do better than having such a useless management.

pathetic.

:laugh:
And they still managed to take manufacturers championship. It would be a boring championship, if they had a ”proper” management. They would win every rally 1-2-3

[tomhlord]

Everything is in place for a Tanak charge today.

[AnttiL]

it's become to a joke. 6 running WRC cars w/o superally and 16 cars overall. Even Ukranian national championship has more :D

More WRC cars? Of course national championships have more entrants, the rallies are shorter and budgets smaller.

But it’s still bad for a WRC event, although Safari could also end often with 10 finishing cars and Ivory Coast was only worse...

[Rally Power]

At this retirements pace, maybe Bullacia will get in the overall podium…anyway, nice job from the Bolivian kid so far.

[EstWRC]

at the moment we have 3 rallies in south-america, ok we dont know anything about Chile yet, but out of this three i would happily drop Mexico out with its organising troubles every year, 10 super specials and short entrylist and people in dangerous places on stages.

Also Australia out, Corsica out....New Zealand in instead of Australia and some new european tarmac round.

[dimviii]

what happened with Latvala?
https://twitter.com/fernischumi/status/1104189094127652864

[AnttiL]

at the moment we have 3 rallies in south-america

Mexico is North (or middle) America

[stefanvv]

what happened with Latvala?
https://twitter.com/fernischumi/status/1104189094127652864

"I guess it was the moment when they did not let him take the start because he exceeded the time set to enter the control."

[EstWRC]

what happened with Latvala?
https://twitter.com/fernischumi/status/1104189094127652864

electrical problem

[EstWRC]

Mexico is North (or middle) America


well, yes my bad but still doesnt change my opinion. we dont have anything in asia for example. Japan surely should fit at the moment with Toyota doing well and last week there was this TV report on wrc.com with viewer number and if i remember right Japan was fourth there.

[SubaruNorway]

Top countries of all time for my YT channel, you can take some of it away from US for the Formula Offroad videos but most of it's rallying.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1M97NfX4AAgbdA.jpg

[denkimi]

Obviously; it still makes sense that Latvala's driving style struggles with the lack of power, I think.
and how much power will he need to not struggle? 500 bhp? 800 bph? 2000 bhp?

people driving r1 cars can legitimate claim they struggle with the lack of power, people driving the 2019 wrc cars can't.

[fredfush]

Kennards Hire Rally Australia scored the third-biggest global television audience of the 2018 FIA World Rally Championship season as three drivers fought for the title to the final stage of the year on the New South Wales Coffs Coast last November.

A record total of 88.5 million viewers followed the four-day Australian spectacle, according to a report by independent analyst Nielsen Sports. Locally, the event was seen on Fox Sports Australia and 7mate.

The total global annual audience for the 13-round series was almost 824 million. Rallye Monte-Carlo was the most popular event with almost 101 million viewers, while Rally Spain attracted 93.7 million.

Australia’s achievement was highlighted when Oliver Ciesla, Managing Director of championship organising company WRC Promoter, spoke about the WRC’s continued growth during the opening of the Geneva International Motor Show this week.

Mr Ciesla revealed the thrilling fight between Ogier, Neuville and Tänak – three of five different event winners last year - helped lift global broadcast time to a record 14,208 hours.

It was the first time the figure had topped 14,000 hours, climbing from almost 13,500 hours in 2017. The increase maintained the WRC’s consistent growth, which has seen broadcast time rise by more than 140 percent from 5900 hours in 2013.

Mr Ciesla highlighted several factors responsible for the growth.

“In recent seasons WRC fans have enjoyed unpredictability and excitement which has generated fantastic battles for rally wins and titles and these positive audience figures reflect that,” he said.

“Changes to the competition format, including revisions to the start order and an attractive Power Stage format, with extra bonus points available, have helped raise fan interest to new levels.

“Competition with the new-generation World Rally Cars has been closer than ever. Five different drivers won rallies last season and each of our four manufacturer teams won at least once.”

Nielsen also reported strong digital and social media figures. There were more than 105 million video views on WRC’s official platforms and more than 1.3 billion online impressions in 2018. The number of followers on the WRC’s digital platforms topped 10 million people.

[N.O.T]

Top countries of all time for my YT channel, you can take some of it away from US for the Formula Offroad videos but most of it's rallying.

That means nothing... views depend on the youtube algorithm rather than who is a rally fan or not.

[the sniper]

I like the idea of having a rally in Mexico, but I think this event has run its course now. Poor entry, exhaustion of the limited route options, no scope for it to improve... Hopefully the funding issues affecting the future of the Mexican F1 GP will bring an end to this rally too. It's been a good partnership, it's left some good memories, but it's time for the WRC to move on to pastures new...

[SubaruNorway]

Mikkelsen's puncture in SS5 comes at 10.05min, a bit like Sunninen's incident and then starts complaining that something feels strange at 14:05
I never saw that big rock in that stage?

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1ODNA5UwAEbJYX.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala confirms his alternator issue was the same as last year.

[Rallyper]

Good afternoon my friends. Time for a long evening again. Who´s gonna suffer today?

[er88]

Tanak knows 2nd is possible and Ogier expects him to climb up too. Shame we don't have a huge battle for the lead though, Ogier will probably extend/manage his lead if he avoids problems. His pace was brilliant yesterday

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Makinen was confdent the other Toyota's wont be affected and electrical load has been minimised. Plus todays stages are less twisty so better airflow.

[stefanvv]

Who´s gonna suffer today?

wrc plus losers

[Rallyper]

No splits... :(

[cosmin_sb]

No splits... :(
try michelin site, It works for moment
https://michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Quick start by Lappi.

[er88]

Latvala hasn't started the stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dust causing issues in places acc to Sordo. Might explain split times.

[Negaiss]

WOW ! Meeke more than one minute faster in First split !!!

[jonkka]

WOW ! Meeke more than one minute faster in First split !!!

That is a glitch

[er88]

WOW ! Meeke more than one minute faster in First split !!!He isn't lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oops Lappi.

[Rallyper]

Lappi!!!

[Negaiss]

Lappi out !!!!!!

[N.O.T]

Lappi did an oopsie... he is out most likely.

[SubaruNorway]

Guess that's Tänak's alternator going

[N.O.T]

and blocking the road...

[T16]

The was unfortunate... hardly any speed at all.

[Rallyper]

Blocking the stage.

[er88]

Silly silly mistake. Easy points lost

[Rallyper]

Should´ve been loads of finnish spectators and he´d be going again in seconds...

[Rallyper]

So LAppi first out today then...

[cosmin_sb]

Where is Latvala?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tactics from Latvala working.

[er88]

Good for Tanak. Now no cars between him and Meeke on the road....

[jonkka]

Tactics from Latvala working.

So Latvala did to Ogier what Ogier did to Tanak in Sweden?

[EstWRC]

Tänak not fast as I expected.

[er88]

That time can't be right for Meeke?

[denkimi]

neuville up to fifth. if we continue this way he could be last wrc and still be on the podium :p

[jonkka]

That time can't be right for Meeke?

Final time is, split isn't.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Goooo Evans !!

[N.O.T]

That time can't be right for Meeke?

looks like it is...judging by latvalas pace.... impressive...

[Googol]

Meeke's splits were steadily improving (assuming the same error for all of them), so it looks right.

[T16]

That time can't be right for Meeke?

Looks like it may well be. Latvala similar splits.

[N.O.T]

we might have a fight for the win after all...

[er88]

we might have a fight for the win after all...Ogier slower than Evans on splits!! Incredible time from Meeke, not sure where he's pulled that from

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Red flagged now. Bizarre.

[Rallyper]

Red flag?? What??
Is it Mouton again?

[T16]

Stage stopped? Nightmare for Meeke after that run... could have taken a good chunk out of Ogier.

[N.O.T]

RED FLAG while meeke was back on track for the win ???

FUCKING BUILD THE WALL !!!!!!!!!!!!

[denkimi]

That time can't be right for Meeke?

if it is, he will either have his tyres destroyed and lose much on the next stage, or he is pushing like crazy like he used to do and he will most likely crash.

[T16]

And I think it may have been Meeke who waived the WRC official over to warn him at the end of the stage.

[er88]

Well..., has Ogier just got incredibly lucky?

[N.O.T]

what time are they going to give Ogier ??????

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1OZp00W0AYEJLF.jpg

[er88]

Ogier has a fucking puncture too

[N.O.T]

Ogier with puncture !!!!!!!!!!!! Thats a travesty !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[T16]

Unreal. Jammy bastard!

[the sniper]

What a joke....

[N.O.T]

BUILD THE FUCKING WALL !!!!!!!!! they are not people !!!!!!!!

[Rallyper]

We had the red flag anyway...

That lucky man. Now we can just finish this circus. And go home...

[er88]

What time are these useless dogs going to give Ogier now?

Evans' time? Tanak's?

[tomhlord]

Wow, Ogier, that's lucky!

[jonkka]

And until we know what the nominal time for Ogier will be, there's no telling what the rally leaderboard at the top actually is.

[R0cc0]

Looks like lappis whoopsie was a blessing is disguise for citroen.

[cosmin_sb]

what is the reason for red flag?

[N.O.T]

we need to build a wall and move the rally to place with people in... not trash !!!!!

They need to give Ogier a time worthy of the puncture !!!!!!!!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Backfired on Latvala too. :D

[er88]

Damn Ogier would've lost bags of time. Citroen team maybe pushing for the red flag when they saw Ogiers splits coming through LOL

[TypeR]

Ogier and Latvala must get same time as Evans, according to SS1 OR nobody gets time

[Morte66]

* confused newbie * So, um, how do "nominal times" work?

[N.O.T]

* confused newbie * So, um, how do "nominal times" work?

its up tot he organisers.... but this is a travesty... Toyotas management should definately push for a time worthy of a puncture for Ogier !!!!!

[er88]

Ogier and Latvala must get same time as Evans, according to SS1 OR nobody gets timeThat's what they are going to do imo, and it'll be a travesty giving Ogier Evan's time.

[RallyTyger]

This is a joke, just as well cancel the rest of the season and give everybody nominal times...

[mknight]

Mikkelsen's puncture in SS5 comes at 10.05min, a bit like Sunninen's incident and then starts complaining that something feels strange at 14:05
I never saw that big rock in that stage?

It is in like the 3rd corner of the stage. So might be it had nothing to do with the puncture/retirement, or there was some damage that got worse.

[mufcAleksi]

Latvala was almost on Meeke's pace, Ogier with Evans plus some seconds for the puncture. Meeke has to be leading the rally now otherwise it's incredibly unfair.

[jonkka]

* confused newbie * So, um, how do "nominal times" work?

Clerk of the Course decides:

Art 39: When a special stage is interrupted or stopped for any reason, each crew affected will be allocated by the
clerk of the course a time which is judged the fairest.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC
(2/2) Red flag stopped the stage before @SebOgier & @JariMattiWRC could set a time. They'll both get notional times so the overall standings are provisional #WRC #Rallymexico

[mknight]

Was really nice that they confronted Budar with Latvala's starting position change and compared that with Ogier in Sweden.
As I said in Sweden when Ogier did it, I bet someone at FIA is already thinking about making a rule that forbids that. Could just change the rule they introduced for Sunday to be valid all weekend.

[steve.mandzij]

Phwoar, what a fucking mess of a rally.

[dimviii]

i am very curious to see what times they will give.

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_03_2019/post-93-0-95551300-1552143637.jpeg

[Mirek]

Ogier and Latvala must get same time as Evans, according to SS1 OR nobody gets time

No, that's solely up to the COC decision (likely will be discussed with sporting stewards). There is no fixed rule for the notional times and there is often no fair solution.

[sonnybobiche]

is that really all it takes to red flag a stage now? a car off by the side of the road?

Is Charlie Whiting in charge?

[Rallyper]

Well, we should soon see decisions written down, aren´t we?

[jonkka]

i am very curious to see what times they will give.

That and when they do that too. Until they do, there's little point on watching the fight at the top when you don't know what the situation is.

[er88]

Why did they red flag the stage anyway?

Meeke and Evans had already gone through and it was only Ogier and Latvala left.

If you're gonna red flag it, do it after the WRC cars are through. 2nd gear corner and no real danger, worse cases of cars being stuck in Sweden ffs

[jonkka]

Well, we should soon see decisions written down, aren´t we?

We will, those will be posted on Notice Board.

EDIT: Link: https://www.rallymexico.com/notice-boards/

[er88]

a time which is judged the fairest. [/I]

Well this will be very interesting.....

Who is the CoC? A Mexican? - asking for NOT ;)