WRC Rally Mexico 2019

[dimviii]

same question to you dimviii :)

yeap its time for my bed.
Good night mate.

[EstWRC]

Ogier mistake on the super special. Meeke hit that wall very hard
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1QshqHWkAUOenQ.jpg

[satnav]

Meeke just apologized for the comments he made about Citroen today , he said he hadn't all the details,

Now bed time , what will Sunday hold , who knows , Just love Rally

[er88]

Meeke just apologized for the comments he made about Citroen today , he said he hadn't all the details,

Now bed time , what will Sunday hold , who knows , Just love RallyGood. At least we don't have any under-hand tactics on the go despite the speculation, and he's realised that. It certainly seemed a very strange and dodgy situation. but thankfully it's all cleared up

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Rp38yVAAAS9oN.jpg

Finish is now after the place where Meeke went to the ditch. A fast section with a jump is omitted, along with some square corners at the end.

[Tom206wrc]

fuck citroen !!!!



Whatever :rolleyes:

[Ds3]

fuck citroen !!!!

behave yourself was N.O.T.....

[Mk2 RS2000]

fuck citroen !!!!

If that's what keeps you happy, personally I would prefer to let the breed die out

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Pxp0NXcAIfSxj.jpg

[racerx1979]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Pxp0NXcAIfSxj.jpg

Well Ogier did not have a flat when Suninen went out...

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Pxp0NXcAIfSxj.jpg

Ss2 was also stopped after a few cars? Just no WRC cars were affected

[br21]

This stage was also stopped...

[EstWRC]

found it on twitter, didnt made myself

[pino]

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

Please watch your mouth and keep racism off here. Too many people are complaining about your behaviour, so calm down ! No going to ask this again...

[SubaruNorway]

I don't understand Ogier saying he didn't get a fair time when he was given 22sec slower than Meeke on SS10 when he was 18sec behind on the last split, he would have lost more than 4 sec in those last 2min of driving surely with the tyre looking like it did at the end after just driving slow.

[dimviii]

Sat 20:37 - Media Zone: Ogier
"It is good now to be here and in the lead because that is most important. It has not been a smooth day, it started with a puncture and then it has been a hot day and we had a small problem with the differential in the final stage. The notional time I got for SS10 was probably slower than the time I would have got so I don't think it was lucky the red flag came out."


Sat 20:18 - Media Zone: Meeke
"It is a rough tough rally and these things happen, punctures happen and it picks up suspension troubles." He's also asked about his slow pace in SS18: "I don't know if it was wet after the jump, we have an issue with the gearbox, it won't select any gears for me. Pretty difficult day to be honest. I was stuck in second gear on this stage."

[Rallyper]

@Dimviii I heard on radio in Sweden today is the "V8 engine" day. You know, like womens day or something...

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/53359689_1171033826385464_2593826566479806464_o.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=37dec123e0d788edb45b1334dd7590cb&oe=5D105181
https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/53752218_1171031966385650_5461618376533082112_o.jp g?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=ea730c55ecabeb6152081b76ef05494f&oe=5CDB0D0B
https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/53927413_1171031736385673_3398965117222649856_o.jp g?_nc_cat=105&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=ad7c3c09ddce75c88995b2148cc95d05&oe=5D0E1A6E
https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/53679324_1171031609719019_3361639403289051136_o.jp g?_nc_cat=103&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=52ceb0a2e9ebc60551c9a45ac9d87c73&oe=5D1EF683
https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/54390857_1171034339718746_4604692145222189056_o.jp g?_nc_cat=107&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=afeb1379b588d199c632e8d7f11b50d4&oe=5D0D3BB5


more https://www.facebook.com/pg/atWorldphotography/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1168900346598812&__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARDLvE9zzyPt30O5uWFoF5m-MDxTW08ni737_VBp5ai_z1fmBEYgRqThH9reKkegoj1fFjAVY1 OTrNhSWA7VU1aPi0KqyCDURMYEJeUDZpa69PHUpwwPMlpB02A0 BY3qDCurNRgbE4kEYYnieSn-9_MnxOOYZioEmwjZbDpcjmcYwK3SPPCfPWyZccfl8KTbKh9uJK 9epgXFdfqjfV9aL_3f88s0aK7k8a83nOzZb-m2TXzRATQzmzRfsPKn7o-6RPC0ytLDK2lYs-afWOXq_0dXx47l3o_NVKD5jlo3P6yMhE5lxO9QdzOTNKmdVZr_ JtFpfc68x-uw5P6OMMQ9_BWakcuGhDcCYRs2NOresCRck54uxwdzgYXzKEQi Nfw0iTeAGKtag1x8R0UeD9Gr6_xPAnF1BH5JXX7-J5IZWGP0ka8w5AYmaeIuuDJNd9k04H02dfkBOOfXPMJxPFctCr _OTO9BoggRlLOhpvk1zVVVG_U&__tn__=-UCH-R

[Indreq]

Top3 are doing good rally and all deserve the podium place. Others have had some degree of bad luck mixed with own mistakes.

But overall, while there have been no too big safety or organizing issues on this rally (not bigger than in many other events, some minor issues tend to happen to everybody every now and then), it feels bit tired and uninspiring. I think that this rally should go and make space for Japan or some other hungry new organizer. Kick Sardegna too and maybe bring back Akropolis. And next year Estonia would like event, i am 100% sure that Urmo Aava will arrange kickass rally.

Personally i am exited that Tänak has chances to come out of this rally still on leading position - next rallies should be easier and then he might be able to fight for a win again.

[Rallyper]

"while there have been no too big safety or organizing issues on this rally"

What rally did you follow?

[Indreq]

"while there have been no too big safety or organizing issues on this rally"

What rally did you follow?

I dont see wrc+. so maybe i missed something. Rallyblog which i follow hasnt mentioned safety issues, and those couple of stages i have seen live seem to be almost empty of people, except near some jumps or other dedicated viewing spots.

[T16]

Top3 are doing good rally and all deserve the podium place. Others have had some degree of bad luck mixed with own mistakes.

But overall, while there have been no too big safety or organizing issues on this rally (not bigger than in many other events, some minor issues tend to happen to everybody every now and then), it feels bit tired and uninspiring. I think that this rally should go and make space for Japan or some other hungry new organizer. Kick Sardegna too and maybe bring back Akropolis. And next year Estonia would like event, i am 100% sure that Urmo Aava will arrange kickass rally.

Personally i am exited that Tänak has chances to come out of this rally still on leading position - next rallies should be easier and then he might be able to fight for a win again.


If you can’t see the jump in ss1 was like playing Russian roulette with spectators lives, you need to revise your definition of safe.

[Indreq]

If you can’t see the jump in ss1 was like playing Russian roulette with spectators lives, you need to revise your definition of safe.

Right, forgot that one already. I quess canceling the stage was justified. Even more reason to scrap this event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Can the fact the red flag conspiracy theories were just that be a lesson. Pages of garbage on here were based on them.

In future we shouldnt repeat them and just wait for the facts.

[Tarmop]

I don`t remember groups of people standing in the apex and taking selfies is such a big issue in EU, also "self-closing" gates without marshals etc.

[the sniper]

Can the fact the red flag conspiracy theories were just that be a lesson. Pages of garbage on here were based on them.

In future we shouldnt repeat them in future and wait for the facts.

So a WRC driver literary calls out another team for cheating on a live broadcast and we're supposed to ignore it 'awaiting facts'? No way fella, that is a legitimate talking point. It was discussed, theories constructively discussed/debunked, the discussion moved on...

[Morte66]

What a day for Meeke yesterday. From first for a few minutes, to last of the non-withdrawn, to stuck in second gear after hitting a wall.

And they recalculate the running order for Sunday, so his road position will get worse for the power stage.

* bad words withheld *

I need to find some of that booze you lot were talking about...

[T16]

Can the fact the red flag conspiracy theories were just that be a lesson. Pages of garbage on here were based on them.

In future we shouldnt repeat them and just wait for the facts.

So Meeke accuses his old team of cheating and you think everyone should ignore it, until the FIA have made a judgement? Are you for real?

[Rally Power]

So a WRC driver literary calls out another team for cheating on a live broadcast and we're supposed to ignore it 'awaiting facts'? No way fella, that is a legitimate talking point. It was discussed, theories constructively discussed/debunked, the discussion moved on...

At least we should be more carefull taking some drivers words as granted before judging others.

Btw, the usual Brit journo was eager to write a piece on Meeke accusation, quoting all his words, but Meeke apologize was just briefly mentioned among 2nd leg report...

[Rallyper]

I dont see wrc+. so maybe i missed something. Rallyblog which i follow hasnt mentioned safety issues, and those couple of stages i have seen live seem to be almost empty of people, except near some jumps or other dedicated viewing spots.

Well, a humble advice is to have on your feet before quoting then. ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So Meeke accuses his old team of cheating and you think everyone should ignore it, until the FIA have made a judgement? Are you for real?

Yes. Meeke was wrong and didnt know the facts. Makinen soon corrected him yet the discussion went on and on and on...

[Tarmop]

Or he didn`t want it to escalate. Still we don`t know, what they actually thought and in a democratic society everyone can have their own opinions. You yourself have at least twice started a several pages long discussion about the Fiesta R5 engine.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Or he didn`t want it to escalate. Still we don`t know, what they actually thought and in a democratic society everyone can have their own opinions. You yourself have at least twice started a several pages long discussion about the Fiesta R5 engine.

Which still no-one has produced the FACTS about..

[PLuto]

it remains fishy to me. why did they only decide it was dangerous after the 4th car was about to pass? why did they decide it was so dangerous to cancel the stage while we have seen on many occasions that they normally just leave the cars in place, even on much more dangerous places?
and mostly: why did they not stop the stage, remove lappi's car and restart?

When you are at rally control, you are trying to work with all informations you have - from GPS, from crews, from marshalls and here also from TV. Time is running very quickly and you must make a decision what to do quickly. It looks like that CoC did with Lappi the same like with Suninen and Cordero (in SS 13) - interrupted the stage and send red flag to the cars.

[PLuto]

my experience with Rally Mexico officials tells me they are pretty slow with reactions and/or not always making proper ones (like the jump in Guanajuato, not secured gate, etc) so I believe this was the main reason why it happened so late (red flag decision).
Also Lappi went off some 25kms from the start, so sending some help to recover the car and then restart the stage would take way too much time, minimum an hour but I believe in local conditions closer to two...

Stopping the stage and sending help to recover is nonsense, there is no time to manage it properly. So they decided to send red flag to the cars which were on the stage, rest was using alternative route.

[PLuto]

you stop the next car at the start, send a tow truck on the stage, remove the car and restart the stage.

basically like they do it in almost every rally. if they would cancel a stage each time a car stops on a stage the late starters would not drive a single one.

If this crash start close to the start, maybe it should be possible. But on 26 km stage it is nonsense, especially in WRC, where only manufacturers and WRC cars are interested for them.

[N.O.T]

Please watch your mouth and keep racism off here. Too many people are complaining about your behaviour, so calm down ! No going to ask this again...

i do not care really, so you can as well ban me now... not gonna change my ways for a bunch of politically correct brits.

[Tarmop]

Which still no-one has produced the FACTS about..

This is something... TWICE you have been shown them, twice...

[PLuto]

At WRC level, they just can't stop the stage and start it again. What about tyre wear? fuel onboard each car? What does it matter if I have driven a rally or not?

Of course they can, there is no problem about the tyre wear, pressure or onboard. Bigger problem is time delay and big gaps in the starting field. So thats why it is usual, if there is no chance to "restart" the stage in few minutes after interruption, it is better to cancel it.

[SubaruNorway]

Yes. Meeke was wrong and didnt know the facts. Makinen soon corrected him yet the discussion went on and on and on...

Even Nevuille said they did it on purpose and that it was normal to do such things in that team, and it seemed really weird so not so strange we're wondering if there's some truth to it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is something... TWICE you have been shown them, twice...

No I've been told something, not shown the FACTS.

[T16]

Yes. Meeke was wrong and didnt know the facts. Makinen soon corrected him yet the discussion went on and on and on...

No matter what went on, it simply does not give you the right to tell people what they can and can't discuss on this forum.

[pino]

i do not care really, so you can as well ban me now... not gonna change my ways for a bunch of politically correct brits.

Ok, just try me then !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No matter what went on, it simply does not give you the right to tell people what they can and can't discuss on this forum.

I'm not telling anyone, I'm ASKING.

[dimviii]

Sun 08:48 - Penalty news
News from overnight is that Jari-Matti Latvala has been given a one minute time penalty for working on his Yaris in the Light Fitting Zone before the V-Power Shell Stage. He was trying to connect the rear antiroll bar on his car.

[N.O.T]

I find it very hard to believe that citroen had nothing to do with the cancellation... i mean the organisers are stupid, but it looks very convenient for citroen something like that to happen when it happened to be just luck

we are talking about a team that got fords excluded for a thinner window glass...

cheaters never win though... they are going to be the first team that ogier does not win a championship with and they are going to get kicked out of the sport like the embarrassments they are to themselves and the sporting world.

[dimviii]

#Tyre info - Day 3 Lappi/Meeke/Latvala/Evans/Mikkelesen/Neuville/Sordo: 5 MICHELIN LTX Force M6 Tanak: 4 MICHELIN LTX Force Hard + 1M6 Ogier: 2 MICHELIN LTX Force Hard + 3M6

[T16]

I'm not telling anyone, I'm ASKING.


‘In future, we shouldn’t repeat them’ is telling Eddie, not asking. Don’t try and bullshit.

[dimviii]

Sun 09:07 - SS19: Mikkelsen
Just a note, we're running four minute gaps this morning as Anders Jaeger counts down Andreas Mikkelsen onto the stage.

[EstWRC]

so Evans with medium versus Tänak with hards

[rhm]

Meeke fan. It was a heat of the moment comment from Meeke and a mistake to make that accusation without the facts. Probably frustrated with the puncture/damper issue.

The fact Ogier had a puncture was very (un)fortunate but at worst his notional time woulda/coulda/shoulda been maybe 10 seconds slower, but you never know.

The clerk of the course shouldn't have stopped the stage. I don't think the situation warranted that action, and it was exacerbate by the delay in the decision.
We're already seen similar situations this year where stages haven't been stopped and the interpretation of a given situation is too inconsistent.

If that is the new way these incidents are handled I expect to see a lot of stages stopped in the future.

[PLuto]

I find it very hard to believe that citroen had nothing to do with the cancellation... i mean the organisers are stupid, but it looks very convenient for citroen something like that to happen when it happened to be just luck

we are talking about a team that got fords excluded for a thinner window glass...

cheaters never win though... they are going to be the first team that ogier does not win a championship with and they are going to get kicked out of the sport like the embarrassments they are to themselves and the sporting world.

From what I have seen and read and when I know how works rally control and current GPS system, I am almost sure that Citroen has nothing to do with the cancellation.

[dimviii]

https://m.twitch.tv/motorsporttvde

[N.O.T]

From what I have seen and read and when I know how works rally control and current GPS system, I am almost sure that Citroen has nothing to do with the cancellation.

this is mexico... not some european country.

[Timmy]

There seems to be a lot of idiots on the stage, very close to the cars.

[EstWRC]

Meeke with a problem or is he just saving tyres?

[PLuto]

this is mexico... not some european country.

I have been in Mexico on rally...

[PLuto]

Dani Sordo 1 min late in TC 19

[stefanvv]

hahaha Meeke

[dimviii]

haha brilliant Meeke!

[krissucool]

Ok, just try me then !

Leave NOT alone, he is an international treasure.

[EstWRC]

right tyre choice for Ott

[er88]

haha brilliant Meeke!What's happened? Not been following

[EstWRC]

- Kris, you're losing a lot of time out there and reports of rough engine sound?
- That's because I'm not pressing the throttle.
- Preserving tyres?
- Yes.

[Morte66]

What's happened? Not been following

During the stage, they said they had reports his engine wasn't revving properly. When they asked him about it at the end, he said "that's because I'm not pressing the accelerator". He's conserving tyres for the powerstage...

[er88]

Lol, cheers guys

[SubaruNorway]

Wonder if medium will last for powerstage, can't be more than 20km that hasn't been used before this weekend?

[Jarek Z]

I haven't been following this rally closely, so I realized just now that there are actually only 12 cars competing in this event without Rally2 (SuperRally or whatever it is called now).

[rhm]

yup, it's a real car breaker

[PLuto]

I haven't been following this rally closely, so I realized just now that there are actually only 12 cars competing in this event without Rally2 (SuperRally or whatever it is called now).

I think you are not right. Only 8 cars without restart...

[N.O.T]

the only person who deserves acknowledgement from this whole stupid event is the heli pilot...

[jonkka]

and wrc.com forgets to turn stage on...

[SubaruNorway]

The rock that Mikkelsen hit and punctured on in SS5 was the same one Sunninen crashed on btw, we just went past it with Mikkelsen now

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why is it only Meeke driving slow saving tyres ?

[EstWRC]

its not, the rest are cruising as well expect Evans and Ott

[USER47]

Because there are huge gaps in front and behind him. No reason to push at all. Neuville still has at least a theoretical chance to catch someone in case of some puncture etc, not so much Meeke with Neuville 4 minutes in front and Guerra 7 minutes behind.

[rhm]

Why is it only Meeke driving slow saving tyres ?

Ogier needs to keep Tanak at a reasonable distance. Don't want to do something silly like drive through a car park and lose the event :p

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Those still fighting for places I know but what about Sordo, Lappi and Mikkelsen ?

[T16]

the only person who deserves acknowledgement from this whole stupid event is the heli pilot...

To be fair, Evans has been pretty superb too.

[N.O.T]

To be fair, Evans has been pretty superb too.

i mean out of the rally production team.

[EstWRC]

what a middle split from Ott

[Mirek]

yup, it's a real car breaker

No, it's not a car breaker. It's just a ridiculous entry list.

[erikli2]

What was the reason for Latvalas 1 min penalty?

[Morte66]

What was the reason for Latvalas 1 min penalty?

Something about working on his car in a place/time where he should not.

[AnttiL]

Something about working on his car in a place/time where he should not.

On a light fitting zone

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak has turned on the speed since SS14 and taken time off Ogier. Could he have done this sooner on Saturday or has Ogier been sandbagging since ?

[Esko]

Bulacia is driving pretty well. Latvala has a real challenge to reach him.

E: last spit was worse and Latvala passed by 3,3 sec

[krissucool]

Tanak has turned on the speed since SS14 and taken time off Ogier. Could he have done this sooner on Saturday or has Ogier been sandbagging since ?

I am sure Ogier is not pushing 100% here like Tänak is. It does seem that he is the fastest driver in this rally, hands down. Although it does seem like compared to other rallies this is not Toyotas strongest as well so that might contribute a bit. I would be suprised if Ogier does not take 5 points from the Power Stage.

[steve.mandzij]

Bulacia is driving pretty well. Latvala has a real challenge to reach him.

E: last spit was worse and Latvala passed by 3,3 secYeah, quite surprised. He wasn't as good in Europe.

Pieniazek has been horrible this weekend.

[EstWRC]

So we will have an ex M-sport team (2017) podium today :)

[AL14]

So we will have an ex M-sport team (2017) podium today :)

well not that difficult to achieve. Half of the drivers in wrc have been at m-sport :)

[drive]

any live link?

[dimviii]

any live link?

this one will work in a few minutes
https://m.twitch.tv/motorsporttvde

[dimviii]

Sun 12:09 - Wolf Power Stage road order
1. Pieniazek 2. Guerra 3. Bulacia 4. Heller 5. Lappi 6. Mikkelsen 7. Sordo 8. Latvala 9. Meeke 10. Neuville 11. Evans 12. Tänak 13. Ogier

[dimviii]

this one will work in a few minutes
https://m.twitch.tv/motorsporttvde

this one already works
http://channelstream.live/live/-rallye-du-mexique---las-minas-power-stage-

[N.O.T]

this one will work in a few minutes
https://m.twitch.tv/motorsporttvde

i think they caught him... probably some idiot snitched him.

[dimviii]

i think they caught him... probably some idiot snitched him.

http://channelstream.live/live/-rallye-du-mexique---las-minas-power-stage-

[N.O.T]

i think next time just send the links via pm... his mistake was that he also showed motogp and its a far more popular sport so probably that was the reason. there was no problem with his stream during the 2 days...

[latek]

https://www.twitch.tv/oitoit87

[TypeR]

wtf.. like for real? big truck parking on outside corner?
https://www.upload.ee/image/9680853/what.jpg

[René]

https://bit.ly/2J3lqvO

[dimviii]

lke the last part with the road with stones.Cant wait to see wrc cars pushing there.

[N.O.T]

wtf.. like for real? big truck parking on outside corner?
https://www.upload.ee/image/9680853/what.jpg

its mexico... cannot compare it with non corrupt events events.

[Mirek]

lke the last part with the road with stones.Cant wait to see wrc cars pushing there.

Quite nice stage to watch.

Congratulations to Guerra for his best ever result :)

[Mirek]

A lot of understeering from Bulacia. Puncture?

EDIT: Yes, front right.

[EstWRC]

Latvala +12 in first split ?

[Rallyper]

Ok, just try me then !

However, although I´m totally neutral in politics, what could be racism if he says build the wall, when over half of the American people voted for that political goal?

[jonkka]

Latvala +12 in first split ?

He's missing front bumper - and aero.

[stefanvv]

No front aero

[EstWRC]

where the hell did he lose that? it was there at the end of previous stage

[T16]

Meeke on a flyer.

[N.O.T]

However, although I´m totally neutral in politics, what could be racism if he says build the wall, when over half of the American people voted for that political goal?

Because its the todays world narrative... fuck free speech.

lets have more events were organisers cancel stages, mass murderings happen 50km away from stages, spectators close gates... and in the last decade that oversized cartel has 50k killings from drug cartels...

yet if you call that corrupt shithole out you are racist...

as i said i will be banned either way if not toady maybe in a few months...

i will not be silent because some politically correct bottom feeder cannot handle the facts and the truth..

the wall just gained another 5 meters in height by the way.

[steve.mandzij]

He's missing front bumper - and aero.Terrible luck though... Hit the sump guard, damaged the radiator and fixed it hastily so he had to nurse the car to the end.

[steve.mandzij]

What a push from Kris McMeeke!

[EstWRC]

Neuville even faster

[Mirek]

Very spectacular from Meeke!

[dimviii]

Meeke was amazing at the final part!

[EstWRC]

this is gonna be close!

[T16]

I don't think Neuville will be as fast over the last part of the stage... surely not?

[EstWRC]

Adama isnt impressed :D

[Mirek]

wtf.. like for real? big truck parking on outside corner?
https://www.upload.ee/image/9680853/what.jpg

To me it looks like it's been parked there for ages as a sort of miner's monument. It's actually quite small, smaller than a car.

[dimviii]

To me it looks like it's parked there for ages as a sort of miner's monument. It's actually quite small, smaller than a car.

it seems that it is beside a concrete wall some 70-90cm up the road

[N.O.T]

To me it looks like it's been parked there for ages as a sort of miner's monument. It's actually quite small, smaller than a car.

with some really interesting industrial metal grade sharp edges...

and probably weighs 3x a wrc car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job by Evans - no mistakes and took advantage of road position and Neuville's puncture.

More like it.

[EstWRC]

what the hell Tänak?

[AL14]

maybe tires too consumed for Tanak?

[N.O.T]

what the hell Tänak?

he is doing great... why risk everything ? plus meekes times its going to be hard to beat sot he points loss is not going to be big.

[Mirek]

it seems that it is beside a concrete wall some 70-90cm up the road

You're right. It's was clearly visible from the helicopter.

[AL14]

Very nice rally for Ott, he handled the pressure that a championship leader has when opening the road on friday and not delivering, he has been consistent and arrived second in one of the rallys where Ogier has always been dominant.
2-3 years ago he would have been in a ditch before saturday, I'm very happy to have once again a confirmation of how much he has developed on a champion material.

[steve.mandzij]

What a drive from Ogier. I'm quite enjoying the look of his C3 :)

[stefanvv]

OMG what a drive!

[Rallyper]

-0,1 sec. Man! Not only lucky boy, I think...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier... just wow.

[Barreis]

so C3 is a good car

[Rallyper]

Well. Not deserved. But a podium he should have had.

[steve.mandzij]

so C3 is a good carAs a package I reckon the Yaris is the best overall package, but the C3's engine surely worked best in Mexico.

[er88]

Great drive from Seb. Big win for him

[Morte66]

The road cleaning gets Ogier past Meeke. Fair enough, he earned his position on the road. Excellent PS from Meeke as well.

[Rallyper]

"He managed a puncture..."

[N.O.T]

Amazing drive by Ogier... a big well done to the organisers for giving him the win as well.... its a team sport after all.

now lets move to the proper calendar after 2 very special events and a farce.

[Allez Andruet]

All hail the king.

[er88]

Maybe I'm over reacting but Ott has had two power stages now where he's been slightly off the pace. You can't keep chucking those pts away when the championship is going to be incredibly close

[Morte66]

And well done Evans. It seems like ending on a down note, because Tanak overtook him, but... podium.

[EstWRC]

Ott and Martin seem very disappointed

[AL14]

I can't recall any virtual rankings here during the rally, very disappointing, we should change next one.

[dimviii]

Ott and Martin seem very disappointed

they havent got to be dissapointment. Excellent result.

Congrats to Ogier,fully deserved win.Have the feeling/impression that c3 had a small engine advantage.

[EstWRC]

Maybe I'm over reacting but Ott has had two power stages now where he's been slightly off the pace. You can't keep chucking those pts away when the championship is going to be incredibly close

no youre not...i have been telling this for years that he has to collect points also from power stages. Look how Ogier always goes for 5 points even when leading.

But second place is still superb, very good.

[krissucool]

It must have been tyres for Ott. Cant be that he did not want to risk it. That would be stupid.

[br21]

Interesting why Evans got penalty before power stage...? Then for sure no point for him to try to push there as anyway no points.

[EstWRC]

what a difference one rally makes, Ogier trailed him by 16 points but now with just 5.

incredible.

[denkimi]

So ogier wins with 30 seconds advantage. Even without the citroen cheating he would have won it.

[USER47]

Especially since Citroen apparently didn't cheat...

[BigWorm]

Top 3 separated by 10 points. The season sure has started the way last one ended.

[N.O.T]

So ogier wins with 30 seconds advantage. Even without the citroen cheating he would have won it.

Without the cheat he could very easily retire.. the tyre was shredded by him going at walking pace... if he pushed he could retire or lose a lot more than 22 seconds.

[AL14]

However, although I´m totally neutral in politics, what could be racism if he says build the wall, when over half of the American people voted for that political goal?

Half of americans do not decide what racism is or isn't.

[dimviii]

points
http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/

[N.O.T]

Half of americans do not decide what racism is or isn't.

yes they do...

by your logic vegeterians are right and nobody should eat meat because killing animals is cruelty... because it does not matter what voters or the majority believes.

[dimviii]

watch the difference,and what a drive from Meeke at last part

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_03_2019/post-2246-0-46780100-1552245545.jpg

[the sniper]

All Live just showed the points for WRC2Pro (embarrassing as it is), they'd only given Pieniazek 12 points, not adding his 25 points for the win here... Probably spiritually correct anyway!

[AL14]

yes they do...

by your logic vegeterians are right and nobody should eat meat because killing animals is cruelty... because it does not matter what voters or the majority believes.

By your logic nazis were right.

[PLuto]

All Live just showed the points for WRC2Pro (embarrassing as it is), they'd only given Pieniazek 12 points, not adding his 25 points for the win here... Probably spiritually correct anyway!

Maybe they want to give him only half of the points as he has used superally?

[mknight]

About penalty for Evans. The rule says that you have to run the PS "in a given order" so TC penalties don't matter since he started in correct order.

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

Interesting points from the rally:

- starting to look like driver championship will be two man fight. Question is how C3 does in the events where it kind of struggled last year (Arg, Por, Sard, Turkey etc...). Neuville can't keep up if he can't fight on tarmac and has to write-off Finland beforehand.
(then again last year after Corsica it looked like we will have Ogier domination)

- Toyota (both Tanak and others), just didn't seem to have the extra speed it has showed in last 6 months or so. Did others catch up or was it just Mexico altitude? I am thinking altitude, Toyota could have "fixed" overheating the way other teams were rumored to do in 2017 => by just turning down the power

- Meeke as a reliable point scorer that can't regularly fight in top (both overall and stagetimes) is something totally new.

- there are 3 drivers that have had really bad season start. Funnily enough there is one from each team: Suninen, Latvala, Lappi and Mikkelsen.
Suninen had top3 speed in Sweden, ok speed in monte, crashed in each rally, 2x in first stage
Latvala had top3 speed in Sweden, quite bad in Monte and slowest Toyota, also mostly slowest Toyota here, 1x out on his own, 1x technical
Lappi ok ish speed in Monte, very good speed in Sweden, not very fast here. Small crash in Monte (then technical), massive luck in Sweden, luck here as well on Friday (hitting the tree mid-car saved him) then crash with "small" mistake
Mikkelsen fighting in top 3 on all rallies (though in Sweden it was mostly due to being stable), crash in Monte, puncture-related retirement here

[TypeR]

Maybe they want to give him only half of the points as he has used superally?
the rule should be that one can't get any championship points unless there are at least 5 competitors per class. atm the case is that, he had money to waste on going to Mexico and get the ,,win''..
although, being only one in PRO class, he still couldn't handle it and had to use re-start

[Indreq]

I think that very broadly there were 3 tire scenarios for last 3 stages.
1. All mediums and push like hell - you risk tire overheating and surely have nothing left for PS. Evans probably followed this scenario. Latvalas tires showed us what happened to mediums there, Evans must have had even worse.
2. All mediums and save for PS - what most guys did to a degree, Meeke most of them.
3. All hards and have tires for all 3 stages even at max speed - what Tänak did. But i think even he knew that he wont have same grip at PS as those guys who had been saving mediums. But over 3 stages, it enabled him to do best overall time. His chance on PS might have been if mediums had severely overheated under other cars but i guess it didnt happen this time.

So probably calculated strategy by Tänak to secure 2nd and give up few points on PS which would have been hard to win anyway, considering that several other guys could afford to save tires.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another win in Mexico... No.5 :

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Us2_RX4AYynWV.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1Uo-waWwAAaYzA.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kris Meeke
On the way to the finish, a great job from @sebmarshall on his 50th WRC start this weekend. 6th in Sweden, 5th in Mexico, if we keep that up we should win @rallydeportugal :D

[Morte66]

Kris Meeke
On the way to the finish, a great job from @sebmarshall on his 50th WRC start this weekend. 6th in Sweden, 5th in Mexico, if we keep that up we should win @rallydeportugal :D

I will look forward to it.

[Rally Power]

Top 3 separated by 10 points. The season sure has started the way last one ended.

Yep, and only 9 between top 3 manus. Runing order rule may not be fair but it surely helps keeping the series exciting.

Btw, fantastic PS show on a rather poor rally. Runing events with only 20 entries and basic organizational mistakes is damaging to the series; the FIA and the promoter must realize it’s impossible to create a real interest for the sport in low tradition rally countries. It’s time to stop wasting European rallys and look for quality events elsewhere, like NZ.

[eib1]

Ott and Martin seem very disappointed

puncture at ps

[EstWRC]

first interview in finally with Tänak after rally and he had puncture on power stage, 7km before the end. That explains why he looked disappointed but says he is very satisfied with the second place and its a very good result.

[AL14]

Corsica will be very funny with those three up there.

[doubled1978]

G
About penalty for Evans. The rule says that you have to run the PS "in a given order" so TC penalties don't matter since he started in correct order.

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

Interesting points from the rally:

- starting to look like driver championship will be two man fight. Question is how C3 does in the events where it kind of struggled last year (Arg, Por, Sard, Turkey etc...). Neuville can't keep up if he can't fight on tarmac and has to write-off Finland beforehand.
(then again last year after Corsica it looked like we will have Ogier domination)

- Toyota (both Tanak and others), just didn't seem to have the extra speed it has showed in last 6 months or so. Did others catch up or was it just Mexico altitude? I am thinking altitude, Toyota could have "fixed" overheating the way other teams were rumored to do in 2017 => by just turning down the power

- Meeke as a reliable point scorer that can't regularly fight in top (both overall and stagetimes) is something totally new.

- there are 3 drivers that have had really bad season start. Funnily enough there is one from each team: Suninen, Latvala, Lappi and Mikkelsen.
Suninen had top3 speed in Sweden, ok speed in monte, crashed in each rally, 2x in first stage
Latvala had top3 speed in Sweden, quite bad in Monte and slowest Toyota, also mostly slowest Toyota here, 1x out on his own, 1x technical
Lappi ok ish speed in Monte, very good speed in Sweden, not very fast here. Small crash in Monte (then technical), massive luck in Sweden, luck here as well on Friday (hitting the tree mid-car saved him) then crash with "small" mistake
Mikkelsen fighting in top 3 on all rallies (though in Sweden it was mostly due to being stable), crash in Monte, puncture-related retirement here

I agree on Ogier, let’s see how they go on events that have not suited the C3 previously. They may well have made it competitive, or at least better and with him at the wheel that might be enough.

Toyota, I thought the same thing about turning the power down a little in the name of cooling here in Mexico.
On Meeke, in my opinion it’s not can’t do the stage times, it’s more he is choosing purposely not to in the name of scoring points both for him and the team. When he has decided to, the speed has been there alright. PS on Monte and Mexico, first stage on Saturday when he took the lead here. If we think he and Latvala are in a straight fight to hold onto a seat at Toyota for next season, he’s doing the right job so far.

Suninen.
I agree, seems to be trying a little too hard to show he is fast. Hopefully it’s just a blip and he will turn it around and show he is.

Latvala.
Same as history, when he doesn’t lead the team he struggles, starts to question everything he does. You can almost see him trying to compose himself at stage end interviews to not sound desperate. Shame as I really want him to do well.

Lappi.
Yep agree.

Mikkelsen.
Bit unlucky, Monte crash was silly but others have got away with similar. Otherwise has done a good job this season I reckon. Decent speed in Sweden, fast in Mexico.

I’ll add Evans.
After bad crash in Monte (we haven’t talked about it much but that could have been a terrible accident) he has got to good solid results after and is back scoring good points.

[AnttiL]

well not that difficult to achieve. Half of the drivers in wrc have been at m-sport :)

But not at the same time.

[AnttiL]

"He managed a puncture..."

on SS7.

[dimviii]

first interview in finally with Tänak after rally and he had puncture on power stage, 7km before the end. That explains why he looked disappointed but says he is very satisfied with the second place and its a very good result.

even before puncture,he was slower 1-2 seconds already from 1st split from Ogier,Neuville Meeke
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/livetiming/page/4175----.html

[dnb]

Was the first split before or after the puncture? The stage was 10.72km. Running 7km with puncture and just losing 7sek is incredible. So incredible that nobody even thought he had any problems.

[dimviii]

#WRC #RallyMexico before going out to dispute the Power Stage, @SebOgier take a curious look at the cars of @thierryneuville and @krismeeke ������

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1UOeWuW0AEm-QC.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1UOjF6XQAEANMo.jpg

https://twitter.com/Mazzucchelli_L/status/1104805604370120705

[dimviii]

was the first split before or after the puncture? the stage was 10.72km

1st split was at 4,3 km

https://michelinmotorsport.com/Evenement/Rally-Guanajuato-Mexico2

watching the time he lost ,was a slow puncture

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen retired after power stage


Colin Clark
‏ @voiceofrally

Not saving parts. Cars that retire before final time control can change linked components before next event. For example the engine!

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1104851664173977603

[mknight]

#WRC #RallyMexico before going out to dispute the Power Stage, @SebOgier take a curious look at the cars of @thierryneuville and @krismeeke ������



Pretty sure he is checking their tires for wear.

[Andre Oliveira]

Maybe i am wrong but I thought that was proihibited on last rules of WMSC last year.

[Andre Oliveira]

My bad:

“- If a driver appears in the Power Stage classification but is not classified in the Final Classification of the rally, the Stewards shall decide whether the next Competitor should be moved up in the Power Stage classification for the attribution of Power Stage points.”

[steve.mandzij]

G

I agree on Ogier, let’s see how they go on events that have not suited the C3 previously. They may well have made it competitive, or at least better and with him at the wheel that might be enough.

Toyota, I thought the same thing about turning the power down a little in the name of cooling here in Mexico.
On Meeke, in my opinion it’s not can’t do the stage times, it’s more he is choosing purposely not to in the name of scoring points both for him and the team. When he has decided to, the speed has been there alright. PS on Monte and Mexico, first stage on Saturday when he took the lead here. If we think he and Latvala are in a straight fight to hold onto a seat at Toyota for next season, he’s doing the right job so far.

Suninen.
I agree, seems to be trying a little too hard to show he is fast. Hopefully it’s just a blip and he will turn it around and show he is.

Latvala.
Same as history, when he doesn’t lead the team he struggles, starts to question everything he does. You can almost see him trying to compose himself at stage end interviews to not sound desperate. Shame as I really want him to do well.

Lappi.
Yep agree.

Mikkelsen.
Bit unlucky, Monte crash was silly but others have got away with similar. Otherwise has done a good job this season I reckon. Decent speed in Sweden, fast in Mexico.

I’ll add Evans.
After bad crash in Monte (we haven’t talked about it much but that could have been a terrible accident) he has got to good solid results after and is back scoring good points.Latvala didn't seem as emotionally wrecked as he usually is IMO. While he was nowhere on Friday, he had the speed for sure Saturday and (some of) Sunday, matching Ogier's times from the same road position. As per usual, his bad luck struck again, and the alternator failure put a stick in his spokes for the rest of the weekend. Still, enduring the event in the long run to finish 7th was hardly an easy task.

Torrid start to his campaign either way. Monte was hopeless, Sweden could have been great, and Mexico, well, we saw.

Kudos to Elfyn, proving at the very least that Malcom wasn't completely insane to keep him on another year. And that fiesta is gorgeous, imagine if they pulled a throwback livery someday to the Focus colors!

[krissucool]

Latvala didn't seem as emotionally wrecked as he usually is IMO. While he was nowhere on Friday, he had the speed for sure Saturday and (some of) Sunday, matching Ogier's times from the same road position. As per usual, his bad luck struck again, and the alternator failure put a stick in his spokes for the rest of the weekend. Still, enduring the event in the long run to finish 7th was hardly an easy task.

Torrid start to his campaign either way. Monte was hopeless, Sweden could have been great, and Mexico, well, we saw.

Kudos to Elfyn, proving at the very least that Malcom wasn't completely insane to keep him on another year. And that fiesta is gorgeous, imagine if they pulled a throwback livery someday to the Focus colors!

He finished 8th btw

[USER47]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-7QG4WgJl0

I love the Adamo shot. That guy must be incredibly intimidating boss to work under.:-D

[COD]

Mikkelsen retired after power stage


Colin Clark
‏ @voiceofrally

Not saving parts. Cars that retire before final time control can change linked components before next event. For example the engine!

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1104851664173977603

No manu points anyway, so new parts for Loeb?

[Jarek Z]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-7QG4WgJl0

I love the Adamo shot.

Pure evil! ;)

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/krismeeke/status/1104883757780226049

[mknight]

No manu points anyway, so new parts for Loeb?

I don't think Corsica is paired with Mexico, rather with one of the south america rallies.

Anyway this is something that just about all teams have done at some point in last 2 years.

[Ucci]

Amazing drive by Ogier... a big well done to the organisers for giving him the win as well.... its a team sport after all.

now lets move to the proper calendar after 2 very special events and a farce.

Is there anything in the world that you do not see a conspiracy in it?

[Morte66]

https://twitter.com/krismeeke/status/1104883757780226049

Needed doing.

"If it were done when 'tis done, then 'twere well It were done quickly"
Macbeth | Act 1, Scene 7

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://twitter.com/krismeeke/status/1104883757780226049

Well done Kris. Nice to see a man big enough to admit their mistake and apologise.

[dimviii]

Michel XIV
‏ @rockollector


Top 3 in Championship after 3 rallies :
Tanak : 21,6 points average per rally
Ogier : 20,33 points average per rally
Neuville : 18,33 points average per rally

Championship winning average Ogier last 2 seasons :
2017 : 17,84 points per rally
2018 : 16,84 points per rally

[AnttiL]

I already replied on twitter: they all will get zero results this year, it's inevitable. In 2017 Ogier's average point score after Mexico was 22! This year all three have been quite consistent, only Ogier failing in Sweden but winning the other two rallies with also power stage points

[mknight]

Also even if they don't retire "the other drivers" will manage to get in front on other rallies, especially on gravel.

Ex. in Sweden Neuville could get much less points if Latvala and Suninen stayed on the road. In Mexico, both Tänak and Neuville could easily have finished 2-3 places further down if it wasn't for some technical issues or punctures for multiple drivers.

[Rallyper]

Half of americans do not decide what racism is or isn't.

Not should we do on this forum

[Rallyper]

Latvala didn't seem as emotionally wrecked as he usually is IMO. While he was nowhere on Friday, he had the speed for sure Saturday and (some of) Sunday, matching Ogier's times from the same road position. As per usual, his bad luck struck again, and the alternator failure put a stick in his spokes for the rest of the weekend. Still, enduring the event in the long run to finish 7th was hardly an easy task.

Torrid start to his campaign either way. Monte was hopeless, Sweden could have been great, and Mexico, well, we saw.

Kudos to Elfyn, proving at the very least that Malcom wasn't completely insane to keep him on another year. And that fiesta is gorgeous, imagine if they pulled a throwback livery someday to the Focus colors!

Latvala was nowhere on Friday?
On the proper stages, not counting MM stage, where he actually suffered from technical, he was 17,5 seconds from 2nd placed Evans, being 4th. You call that off the pace or something?

[steve.mandzij]

Latvala was nowhere on Friday?
On the proper stages, not counting MM stage, where he actually suffered from technical, he was 17,5 seconds from 2nd placed Evans, being 4th. You call that off the pace or something?Both his runs on El Chocolate were quite slow, the worst of the Toyotas. He found a little something on the other stages.

[dimviii]

He said the spectators responsible for closing the gate across the stage had been quickly apprehended.

"We found the two people who did it," said Suberville. "As soon as we saw what had happened, we knew this was a very remote place that not many people went to, so we directed the helicopter to that place and we caught them.

"They were foreign spectators and you know what they said? They said: 'It was just a joke…'

"These are some of the idiots we have to deal with."

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rally-mexico-back-to-basics-2020/4350797/?nrt=193

[Norm75]

Archimedes, Aristotle, Socrates (great footballer) to name but a few . . . The Greeks have to knock out a few idiots to redress the balance. Don't let N.O.T wind you up so much.

[mknight]

He said the spectators responsible for closing the gate across the stage had been quickly apprehended.

"We found the two people who did it," said Suberville. "As soon as we saw what had happened, we knew this was a very remote place that not many people went to, so we directed the helicopter to that place and we caught them.

"They were foreign spectators and you know what they said? They said: 'It was just a joke…'

"These are some of the idiots we have to deal with."

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rally-mexico-back-to-basics-2020/4350797/?nrt=193

How many gates were there on the stage 1? 2-3? Is it that hard to put 1 marshall next to each?

EDIT:
Alternatively use a chain+bolt in the ground to fix them in place.

[Sulland]

With so few cars participating, it quickly becomes a boring rally when the tough roads and many punctures quickly depletes the field.

Maybe the current sprintrallt format, and advanced cars does not fit into the Mexico rally?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thierry Neuville
Gracias @RallyMexico !
This weekend was tough and challenging but your roads are amazing and it’s always a pleasure to come here ! See you next year !

#WRC #RallyMexico #HMSGOfficial #TN100 #NG https://t.co/OzQzOgtVbV

[br21]

Guys, Mexican roads are not that rough, almost no ruts on second passes, etc. For cars biggest challenge is altitude and temperature, which combined with some very steep uphill and slow sections makes it difficult for cooling...
It looks like that because of so few participants, you had only few non WRC cars, couple of R5s and even less 2wd... So even with few cars going into problems you quickly have 10 cars without issues.
Roads are really nice and challenging, it's really interesting and challenging for engineers to adapt the cars to the conditions, people are very friendly and passionate, and really loads of them, I'm not sure if any other round has so many, so passionate people in service park, for sure not on start/finish ceremony... OK, this year organization made couple of big mistakes, they were little bit unlucky also. In general organization level is maybe little bit worse than on some other rounds, but in European rounds you also have a lot of issues...

[denkimi]

Guys, Mexican roads are not that rough, almost no ruts on second passes, etc.
Because there are almost no cars too. Let 100 or more cars pass over them and there will be ruts too.

[AnttiL]

The Mexico roads are indeed very smooth and firm compared to other technical gravel rallies of the season. Only the edges are sometimes ragged with stones, which could get pulled onto the line sometimes.

[mknight]

The Mexico roads are indeed very smooth and firm compared to other technical gravel rallies of the season. Only the edges are sometimes ragged with stones, which could get pulled onto the line sometimes.

This year there seemed to be pulled rocks on like every 3rd corner in 2nd passes.

[satukata]

Citroen can win manufacturers championship if they start driving with 3 cars!
Hope they do it as soon as possible! @MadsOstberg in 3rd car!

[mknight]

Watched the Saturday SSSs. Didn't notice that Meeke lost 45s after crashing into a barrier when just looking at the results previously, same corner as Ogier had his moment right after.

[Norm75]

Watched the Saturday SSSs. Didn't notice that Meeke lost 45s after crashing into a barrier when just looking at the results previously, same corner as Ogier had his moment right after.
Yes, car was then stuck in 2nd gear, so lost further 19 seconds on the following street super special as still stuck in 2nd.

[br21]

Because there are almost no cars too. Let 100 or more cars pass over them and there will be ruts too.

Your statement is based on???

[N.O.T]

Your statement is based on???

a wild guess would be....

THE ENTRY LIST

[Tarmop]

Citroen can win manufacturers championship if they start driving with 3 cars!
Hope they do it as soon as possible! @MadsOstberg in 3rd car!

I wouldn`t bet on it. Toyota still has the strongest lineup in terms of manuf. points...and they have several events that suit them the best, ahead.

[Rallyper]

I wouldn`t bet on it. Toyota still has the strongest lineup in terms of manuf. points...and they have several events that suit them the best, ahead.

But Citroen could get a stronger line up with three cars than with two...

[denkimi]

Your statement is based on???
The way gravel behaves. The more cars pass, the deeper the ruts get. If 20 cars make small ruts, 120 cars make big ruts.

But the deepness of course also depends on the condition of the road and the weather.

[Marcco]

But Citroen could get a stronger line up with three cars than with two...

Hayden@Citroen?

That's just my wild guess :)

[N.O.T]

Hayden@Citroen?

That's just my wild guess :)

Paddon cannot offer anything to a manufacturer anymore... he had his chance and he choose to focus on social media rather than his job after his brief success

[br21]

The way gravel behaves. The more cars pass, the deeper the ruts get. If 20 cars make small ruts, 120 cars make big ruts.

But the deepness of course also depends on the condition of the road and the weather.

Have you ever been on Rally Mexico?
Also you need to remember that biggest ruts are made by modern WRC cars, other cars just made them little bit deeper, but WRC cars are making most of the damage.

[Tarmop]

Speaking of Paddon and social media, he still represents himself as a Hyundai WRC driver...

[dimviii]

Speaking of Paddon and social media, he still represents himself as a Hyundai WRC driver...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1ccAZ4X4AEgoga.jpg

[denkimi]

Have you ever been on Rally Mexico?
Also you need to remember that biggest ruts are made by modern WRC cars, other cars just made them little bit deeper, but WRC cars are making most of the damage.
All cars make damage. If they would have had more than 30 r5 cars like in monte, the road would have been a lot more destroyed. 100 more cars that each makes them a little bit deeper has more impact than those 10 wrc cars.

I don't understand why you try to denie that. You can see it for yourself on every gravel rally.

[AnttiL]

But the Mexico roads still are one of the firmest and smoothest of the whole season. The cars don't make the kind of bumps like they do in Argentina and Sardegna, for example. But it's also true that we haven't really seen what 100 cars does to the Mexican roads. They drove some parts three times this year but still it was like 50-60 cars at most, less than the best rallies have on one run.

[br21]

I've been few times on tests on Mexican roads, some were actual rally stages, some used in the past or roads next to stages. On most of them you can drive few days with few 4wd cars, 10 hours per day and road is not getting much worse, no ruts, etc.
2017 WRC cars are making much more damage to the roads comparing to 2016 cars, can't compare it to R5 even.
End of topic from me, this forum starts to be waste of time.

[dimviii]

End of topic from me, this forum starts to be waste of time.

come on Bartek!

[br21]

"Interesting" accident happened during the rally:
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/videos/2019/rallye-mexiko/unfall-rallye-mexiko/
crew thankfully OK, but after rolling they got stuck in the ditch upside down and can't go out from the car...

[N.O.T]

"Interesting" accident happened during the rally:
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/wrc/videos/2019/rallye-mexiko/unfall-rallye-mexiko/
crew thankfully OK, but after rolling they got stuck in the ditch upside down and can't go out from the car...

wow... thank god there was no fire....

[dimviii]

Matton and Mouton at same boat.
are they for real?

discuss

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/142084/fia-plans-wrc-jump-action-after-mexico-issues

[EstWRC]

I can’t believe she said that? She didn’t even bother to drive through that stage and jump!!!! Meeke lifted after lappi but still the landing was bad.

Is she for real?

[tommeke_B]

If you need to create jumps to make your stages interesting for spectators, you're doing it wrong. I like rally with proper stages, without artificial things like chicanes, anti-cutting stuff, roundabouts or fake jumps. Those artificial things have never done anything good to the sport (Bertelli-Finland-Kakaristo, Mikkelsen-tractor-Australia, countless chicane issues, etc.). Simply ban those things, if organizers can't find anything suitable without modifying the surroundings, move on to the next, there are enough candidates for organizing WRC events.

[T16]

She is a complete, arrogant disgrace. I'm fucking furious reading her comments.

Dimviii, I'm not so sure they are in the same boat, as Matton says the jumps need too change, but Mouton is saying the drivers need to manage their speed and that the jump "is not ridiculous"... to me, they are saying slightly different things.

[the sniper]

It always amazes me what key figures in this sport are so fondly attached to, what they'll go out of their way to defend, usually things that are detrimental to the integrity the sport... If only they cared as much for the legacy of this sport as they do their pathetic gimmicks.

The WRC gravy train would be far more lucrative for these figures if the sport was closer to what it was in the past, ironically, 'in their day', rather than the circus they're complicit in turning it into.

[dimviii]

work of Matton Mouton is to secure these super stages which are full of spectators.
So they have to be 101% sure that a jump(or whatever) at these stages is safe.Same way as they check,and some times cancel proper stages due to safety reasons
At this rally we just learned that the ramp was wrong because of thinner metal sheet.
Could the drivers had known something like that before they jumped?
definetely NOT.
except from wrc drivers(who love flat out, and dont lift.....),at this jump passed and wrc2 drivers,or national drivers
if the thinner metal sheet had collapsed when a national driver passed,and the car with some 100km/h rolled over the croud?
So the''drivers have to lift'' is pure stupidity.
it was a wrong from organisers,and fia didnt checked it.

[stefanvv]

They canceled a stage in MC because the crowd is in dangerous place, but now on this stupid jump near the crowd on even more stupid super special it's the drivers have to be careful.

Seriously? WTF? Helllooooooo......

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D1j80fGXQAUEsOL.jpg:large

[KiwiWRCfan]

WRC Sideways - a new Video magazine from Redbull motorsport
Unlikely to appeal to hardcore fans but it is things like this that can help introduce new fans to the sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw

[Barreis]

WRC Sideways - a new Video magazine from Redbull motorsport
Unlikely to appeal to hardcore fans but it is things like this that can help introduce new fans to the sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw

horror show

[Franky]

horror show

Hope they improve it or bin it.

[Rally Power]

WRC Sideways - a new Video magazine from Redbull motorsport
Unlikely to appeal to hardcore fans but it is things like this that can help introduce new fans to the sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw

Not my kind of show, but you’re totally right about this stuff being useful to attract younger publics. Btw, besides events previews and reports, apparently Chen is also making WRC vlogs. Well done Red Bull!

[N.O.T]

WRC Sideways - a new Video magazine from Redbull motorsport
Unlikely to appeal to hardcore fans but it is things like this that can help introduce new fans to the sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw

yes all this is nice and well but what quality of fans we want in the sport ? do we want all these trash low life plebs that drool over that nobodys with a teenager complex ghymkhana videos ? Sometimes its about quality rather than quantity...

whoever managed to got through the whole video should consider to stop watching rallying... i made it to 15 seconds and felt like i was eating 3 month old cheap restaurant garbage with a shovel...

[the sniper]

I just quickly skipped through it, FIA/MotorsportUK no doubt delighted with this message... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw&feature=youtu.be&t=1123

Exactly the message you DON'T wan't to send to the kind of people who this show is intended for!

Various bit are unintentionally funny where the guy's just talking nonsense and Nabila shoots him down with common sense. For example, presenter lolz at Alberto Heller's boot being open, "this is the madness that could only happen in Mexico", Nabila flatly interrupts "I don't think it just happens in Mexico, it happens everywhere"... At least there's one sensible voice.

EDIT:

Btw, besides events previews and reports, apparently Chen is also making WRC vlogs. Well done Red Bull!

Found that, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT7AjyI3BEE , better thing to watch.

From what I've seen, WRC Promoter should use the main RedBullTV/Mike Chen shows as the format for pitching localised highlights to mainstream free to air broadcasters. The basic WRC highlight package elements of those shows could be produced to provide a framework, with the Mike Chen segments just being swapped out, with localised segments of similar length/content with a presenter specific to each country that takes it up being inserted. The faceless standard highlight package that has become increasingly the norm across the world since the ISC/North One era has contributed strongly to giving the sport a cheap and unimportant feel. Here in the UK, even on the low budget Channel 5, the standard highlight package stood out as an oddity in comparison to most popular/mainstream sport coverage.

Sadly I don't think WRC Promoter/RB are making enough effort to secure mainstream broadcasters. They could learn some lessons from Formula E, who have clearly recognised the importance of this. Maybe the WRC needs to wait until the Hybrid era now to be able to pitch the product afresh...

[Rally Power]

I just quickly skipped through it, FIA/MotorsportUK no doubt delighted with this message... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw&feature=youtu.be&t=1123

Exactly the message you DON'T wan't to send to the kind of people who this show is intended for!

Various bit are unintentionally funny where the guy's just talking nonsense and Nabila shoots him down with common sense. For example, presenter lolz at Alberto Heller's boot being open, "this is the madness that could only happen in Mexico", Nabila flatly interrupts "I don't think it just happens in Mexico, it happens everywhere"... At least there's one sensible voice.

EDIT:


Found that, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT7AjyI3BEE , better thing to watch.

From what I've seen, WRC Promoter should use the main RedBullTV/Mike Chen shows as the format for pitching localised highlights to mainstream free to air broadcasters. The basic WRC highlight package elements of those shows could be produced to provide a framework, with the Mike Chen segments just being swapped out, with localised segments of similar length/content with a presenter specific to each country that takes it up being inserted. The faceless standard highlight package that has become increasingly the norm across the world since the ISC/North One era has contributed strongly to giving the sport a cheap and unimportant feel. Here in the UK, even on the low budget Channel 5, the standard highlight package stood out as an oddity in comparison to most popular/mainstream sport coverage.

Sadly I don't think WRC Promoter/RB are making enough effort to secure mainstream broadcasters. They could learn some lessons from Formula E, who have clearly recognised the importance of this. Maybe the WRC needs to wait until the Hybrid era now to be able to pitch the product afresh...

I mostly agree with you but I still feel we should take the positive side of this show (targeting younger audiences) and realize its part of a larger WRC social media promotion, which we all hope will continue to be developed and improved, not only by RB/MH but also by the manus involved in the series.

Btw, I’ve also looked on other platforms numbers and WRC (P5 on Facebook) is doing quite well on YouTube (P3) and Instagram (P4), while on Twitter is P7. Despite the mainstream media huge support, Formula E is only P8 on Facebook, P8 on Instagram and P9 on Twitter; they’re only better on YouTube (P4, behind WRC) thanks to their races live stream.

[RAS007]

I just quickly skipped through it, FIA/MotorsportUK no doubt delighted with this message... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw&feature=youtu.be&t=1123

Exactly the message you DON'T wan't to send to the kind of people who this show is intended for!

Various bit are unintentionally funny where the guy's just talking nonsense and Nabila shoots him down with common sense. For example, presenter lolz at Alberto Heller's boot being open, "this is the madness that could only happen in Mexico", Nabila flatly interrupts "I don't think it just happens in Mexico, it happens everywhere"... At least there's one sensible voice.

EDIT:


Found that, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT7AjyI3BEE , better thing to watch.

From what I've seen, WRC Promoter should use the main RedBullTV/Mike Chen shows as the format for pitching localised highlights to mainstream free to air broadcasters. The basic WRC highlight package elements of those shows could be produced to provide a framework, with the Mike Chen segments just being swapped out, with localised segments of similar length/content with a presenter specific to each country that takes it up being inserted. The faceless standard highlight package that has become increasingly the norm across the world since the ISC/North One era has contributed strongly to giving the sport a cheap and unimportant feel. Here in the UK, even on the low budget Channel 5, the standard highlight package stood out as an oddity in comparison to most popular/mainstream sport coverage.

Sadly I don't think WRC Promoter/RB are making enough effort to secure mainstream broadcasters. They could learn some lessons from Formula E, who have clearly recognised the importance of this. Maybe the WRC needs to wait until the Hybrid era now to be able to pitch the product afresh...


Great post. WRC promoter has been asleep at the wheel for years. Just look at wrc.com; it's trash (and that colour scheme with the black and lurid green, good grief.) TV coverage is patchy and almost always on channels nobody watches, late at night. The TV content itself, like wrc.com, is trash. New promoter and/or new strategy is desperately needed to try and arrest the slide, but it feels like it's almost too late.

[RAS007]

WRC Sideways - a new Video magazine from Redbull motorsport
Unlikely to appeal to hardcore fans but it is things like this that can help introduce new fans to the sport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6XY2koxQlw

I am sorry to disagree, but this video is just embarrassingly awful; an absolute load of steaming horse shit. Compare with how it used to be done 20 years ago.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA8VHMmUeAo

[Simmi]

A bit of late photo spam from Mexico (sorry guys!) First time over there for me. I combined the trip with a few tourist days in Guanajuato and then I went to the Sebring 12 Hours the following weekend.

Some thoughts if anyone is interested on the rally. We stayed in Leon about 20mins walk from the service park. Leon is kind of vast and I didn't really warm to the place. Guanajuato is pretty mind-blowing though and a beautiful place to spend a couple of days. Good information on the website. Stages not particularly signposted at all but that's not exactly uncommon the championship. Some stunning stages and views because you're so high up. I personally didn't really feel the altitude too much. The heat and lack of shade was pretty intense at times - especially for a Brit. To the point where I didn't really mind about the small entry as you could get back in the shade quicker. I'd heard reports you could do whatever you wanted on the Mexico stages. I didn't find that to be the case. There didn't seem to be many marshals about at all but plenty of police in spectator areas. Sometimes more than I think was needed. But I didn't have any real issues.

Very few foreign visitors which wasn't a surprise but I found the locals very kind. My mate was hospitalised (18 hours) with food poisoning and fever/dehydration on the second day of our trip which was kind of nuts. The food didn't agree with me particularly either but nothing that bad. Heard some of the teams had issues too. More delicate European stomachs maybe, I don't know.

The new El Brinco jump was pretty shit. Biggest disappointment of the rally for me. Obviously I can't compare atmospheres but it can't be anywhere near the same. You're just stood in a ploughed field looking at a big mound of dirt. Drivers didn't even push hard, certainly on the first run. I think having it on Friday or as the power stage would make it better from an action perspective.

Due to the format of the rally, repeated kms and it essentially being just three mountains, by the final day there was a bit of an issue of trying to find new places/access you hadn't already been. Which I've never encountered before. But it's undoubtedly a well organised event and the service park had the best atmosphere I've seen since Paviljonki in Finland. Probably all the Corona!

So to sum up I'm really glad I went. I wouldn't go back again, but honestly with the distance it would have to have been STUNNING to warrant a return trip. I've done a lot of events now so nice to tick this one off. If anyone is ever thinking of going I can provide more details.

Some photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157679440260418

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7883/40456312353_091a240407_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24CZbbM)1 (https://flic.kr/p/24CZbbM) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7857/40456312133_e2032d8a49_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24CZb7Z)2 (https://flic.kr/p/24CZb7Z) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7921/40456311213_4df917703a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24CZaR8)5 (https://flic.kr/p/24CZaR8) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7861/40456310273_ece7a731e1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24CZayV)8 (https://flic.kr/p/24CZayV) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7899/40456311623_cfbe9db0a1_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24CZaYc)4 (https://flic.kr/p/24CZaYc) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

[GigiGalliNo1]

Simmi

Where were the first and last photographs taken? Stage and possible kms?

[N.O.T]

some really nice hairpins in those photos... i am so jealous.

[Simmi]

Simmi

Where were the first and last photographs taken? Stage and possible kms?

First one is Shakedown - 1.9km in. Straight up the hill from the water splash.

Last one is Alfaro on Sunday. 18.9km in. There's about a 45min gravel access road to the spectator car park.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I wonder if the fines were lifted? (From Motorsport News)

"Drivers fined for doing wha they were told"

"You’re right, it is Corsica week and you’re right toe xpect Didier Auriol, Sandro Munari or, at the very least, a Lancia Stratos to feature in the sentences which follow.

Come back next week for more of that.

For now, there’s something I’ve been meaning to discuss with you. A few of the more eagle-eyed among you might have noticed a few stewards’ decisions flying about on the final day of Rally Mexico. These decisions were focused on a breach of not just Article 20.1.3 of the WRC’s Sporting Regulations, but also Article 12.1.1.h of the FIA’s International Sporting Code. The decision left the drivers in question (most of the factory drivers) with a €3000 (£2566) fine.

The crime in question?

Before the start of the opening stage in Mexico, the drivers were presented with a relatively open area – an area they used to scrub gravel tyres to offer improved grip on the Tarmac streets of Guanajuato which lay before them.
The drivers were, we’re told, encouraged by some officials to ‘put on a bit of a show’ for the fans before the start of the stage and, if they wasted some rubber at the same, then so much the better.
Then the stewards got involved and took a dim view of this ‘dangerous driving’.

Is it just me that struggles with the irony of this one? Granted, there wasn’t a vast area for the drivers to make donuts, but it seems a bit harsh to penalise the crews for trying to improve the grip from their cars before sending them over one of the most dangerous and pointless artificial jumps in the sport’s recent history. A jump let’s not forget, which had gone unchecked by the FIA and was made of steel which bent and deformed after a handful of cars. And all of that in front of a pile of spectators who – and, admittedly, this might just have been the camera angle – looked quite close to the action.

Throwing stones out of a glass house is a dangerous business.

Enough of that.

To Llandudno. Finally, to Llandudno. I couldn’t agree more that we owe Deeside a debt of gratitude for getting Wales Rally GB out of Cardiff, but the move to the seaside town’s five years overdue. Llandudno’s a rally town and
has been for years. It hosts the Cambrian, which remains one of Britain’s best, and now, of course, it hosts Britain’s rally champion in Matt Edwards.

Cheltenham in 1999 was the last time our round of the World Rally Championship had arealrallytownfeeltoit.Cardiff’sRallyGBs were most serviced out of Swansea or Builth Wells apart from those latter-day disjointed efforts at keeping everything and everybody in the bay – only to have the field spread over numerous car parks so far apart separate in and out controls were needed for the same service.

No doubt Llandudno’s going to have to be spread over a couple of streets, but at least a sizeable population will be left in no doubt that the world’s best rally drivers are in town. And, come Sunday night, quite possibly in their local."