[WRC] Vodafone Rally de Portugal 2019

[denkimi]

latvala will lose even more on the next stage, he will end up behind suninen.
lets see if meeke can keep neuville behind.

[EstWRC]

First Tanak Toyota team-mate dropped away. :(

Unfortunately yes :(

Was it his own fault or the Toyota strikes again ?

[TypeR]

Unfortunately yes :(

Was it his own fault or the Toyota strikes again ?

allLive said that he landed quite hard on front left on previous stage

[Francis44]

Unfortunately yes :(

Was it his own fault or the Toyota strikes again ?

I think he mentioned hitting a rock quite hard on the previous stage.

[wia5958]

Anything mentioned y street stages are cancelled as ewrc says

[Mirek]

Katsuta stopped?

[Rallyper]

It would really be the right time for Latvala to retire. He just can´t complete the whole event without some issues Poor guy!

Can you develope your thoughts. Don´t get it.

JML fastest on a couple of stages today and he should quit WRC, is that what you´re sayin´?

[Mirek]

Latvala retired.

EDIT: Greensmith off road.

[mknight]

That's a tactical decision by Toyota. Even if he retires he will be ahead of the Hyundais with the extra time. So if something happens to the other two Toyotas it's still points secured. If they kept him running some irreparable damage might occur.

[KKS]

That's a tactical decision by Toyota. Even if he retires he will be ahead of the Hyundais with the extra time. So if something happens to the other two Toyotas it's still points secured. If they kept him running some irreparable damage might occur.
only cuz one dumper is broken?

[rp]

Can you develope your thoughts. Don´t get it.

JML fastest on a couple of stages today and he should quit WRC, is that what you´re sayin´?

It does not help if you are not able to get top results. Now it would have been possible to take 1-2-3 for Toyota and help Tänak in the Championship battle, when he was ahead of both Neuville and Ogier. Hopefully Kris can secure the 2nd place!

[Rallyper]

It does not help if you are not able to get top results. Now it would have been possible to take 1-2-3 for Toyota and help Tänak in the Championship battle, when he was ahead of both Neuville and Ogier. Hopefully Kris can secure the 2nd place!

"It does not help..."

Don´t get it once again.

[SubaruNorway]

only cuz one dumper is broken?

Something more broke just at the end of the stage, no chance driving 37km with that

[dimviii]

Suninen ss 8
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1134863052740931585

[Mirek]

Neuville is pushing like hell.

[dimviii]

at 4th split Neuville 3,8 sec faster even with worst tyre condition from Ogier.

[steve.mandzij]

So fucking bummed about Latvala. Another rally where the chance to fight for a podium is stripped from his hands.

It frustrates me to no end especially because of how it'll look on his results card throughout the year. In points he's hopelessly last of the Toyotas but all of these times where he's been quick (partcularly now that he's quickest) will be forgotten come the end of the season. For everything he's got against him I don't think it's time for Latvala to retire yet.

[dimviii]

Neuville -4,7 from Meeke at 4th split.
their gap is 6,7 sec

[mknight]

Neuville made a mistake between 4-5.split, lost to 2 secs to all.

[KKS]

Neuville -4,7 from Meeke at 4th split.
their gap is 6,7 sec
stabilize on next. Just -1.4 now

[stefanvv]

Tanak really wants this sorted.

[dimviii]

stabilize on next. Just -1.4 now

2,7 at next split ,big fight.

[EstWRC]

Tänak with 0km for a while

[KKS]

fck it!!!

[Mirek]

Tänak stopped for a moment.

[dimviii]

Neuville made a mistake between 4-5.split, lost to 2 secs to all.

its not a Neuvilles mistake,if you look at morning pass splits at same stage,between splits 3-4-5-6 Evans had a good pace,only Latvala was faster. same as now.

[Essaj]

Am I only one getting the constant "heartbeat error"? Started to happen again today.

[Allez Andruet]

And how long does it take for ALL LIVE to show us what happened with Tänak? Does the production team know what "live" means?

[rp]

"It does not help..."

Don´t get it once again.

Do you think that Tommi is satisfied with his results? Toyota is there to win the Championship and their drivers should get good results...
JML 2019:
Monte: 5th
Sweden: 21th (Rally 2: accident SS 8)
Mexico: 8th (Rally2: alternator SS 8)
Corsica: 10th
Argentina: 5th
Chile: 11th (Rally2: hit a rock -> driveshaft SS 12)

Unfortunately it can not be bad luck all the time...

[Allez Andruet]

So the Toyota stalled in a hairpin then...? Not exactly breaking news.

[steve.mandzij]

Do you think that Tommi is satisfied with his results? Toyota is there to win the Championship and their drivers should get good results...
JML 2019:
Monte: 5th
Sweden: 21th (Rally 2: accident SS 8)
Mexico: 8th (Rally2: alternator SS 8)
Corsica: 10th
Argentina: 5th
Chile: 11th (Rally2: hit a rock -> driveshaft SS 12)

Unfortunately it can not be bad luck all the time...That was my point exactly in my earlier post: he actually is so unlucky that the only rally he's had without significant issues is Monte. In Corsica and Argentina he lost massive chunks of time with punctures and he even won the power stage and was well on the pace in Argentina.

The truth is that he still is very quick, but always pulls the short stick.

[Googol]

And how long does it take for ALL LIVE to show us what happened with Tänak? Does the production team know what "live" means?

How long does it take for people to realise that to have a replay of everything ready, they would need to capture a constant live stream from every car and thus have a bunch of additional helicopters?

[gorganl2000]

is tanak still moving?...his splits have stopped

Edited :: ok. they seems to have updated now...had me worried for a bit

[Mirek]

is tanak still moving?...his splits have stopped

Yes, he's roughly 12 seconds down at the last split.

EDIT: +12,7 in finish

[dimviii]

Karlip
��
‏ @Karlip1
1m1 minute ago

Suspension damage for Tänak! Front right wheel bouncing around.. #WRC #WRCLive

[Rallyper]

Do you think that Tommi is satisfied with his results? Toyota is there to win the Championship and their drivers should get good results...
JML 2019:
Monte: 5th
Sweden: 21th (Rally 2: accident SS 8)
Mexico: 8th (Rally2: alternator SS 8)
Corsica: 10th
Argentina: 5th
Chile: 11th (Rally2: hit a rock -> driveshaft SS 12)

Unfortunately it can not be bad luck all the time...

Well, Tanak should leave as well. Man! Beat it!

[Mirek]

Karlip
��
‏ @Karlip1
1m1 minute ago

Suspension damage for Tänak! Front right wheel bouncing around.. #WRC #WRCLive

In Ott's words: Front right damper broken.

[EstWRC]

Man that Toyota is made out of sugar.

I guess Ott is slowly having enough

[Allez Andruet]

How long does it take for people to realise that to have a replay of everything ready, they would need to capture a constant live stream from every car and thus have a bunch of additional helicopters?

What?

[Googol]

What?

What what?

[denkimi]

so it seems we'll get an exiting day tomorrow.

[mknight]

Hard to judge since only Meeke drove all stages in full speed but while slower than in the morning loop the Toyota(s) weren't significantly slower than other cars in the afternoon.

Question is if that happened at the expense of a more risky setup which resulted in the damaged dampers on 2 out of 3 cars?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Toyota suspension kept breaking the rims... now its breaking itself.

[Allez Andruet]

I guess Ott is slowly having enough

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if that's the case... Ott has proven his worth, too bad the Yaris hasn't done its part.

[KKS]

So the Toyota stalled in a hairpin then...? Not exactly breaking news.
they should stop a stage and take brief interview with Tanak about that?

[steve.mandzij]

Wouldn't surprise me one bit if that's the case... Ott has proven his worth, too bad the Yaris hasn't done its part.The only thing stopping Tanak from dominating to never before seen levels is his papier mache car.

[dimviii]

krismeeke.com
‏

SS13: We had a warning light from the start of the stage and had to do it all with no hand brake. I had to work really hard to manage all the tight hairpins with no wand! Overall it’s been a good day though, hard but good #KM5

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7_fMvPWsAAYjEG.jpg

[cali]

So fucking bummed about Latvala. Another rally where the chance to fight for a podium is stripped from his hands.

It frustrates me to no end especially because of how it'll look on his results card throughout the year. In points he's hopelessly last of the Toyotas but all of these times where he's been quick (partcularly now that he's quickest) will be forgotten come the end of the season. For everything he's got against him I don't think it's time for Latvala to retire yet.Latvala hasn't done a bad season so far. Very unlucky indeed flavoured by some weak moments but overall no huge crashes.

[Francis44]

Like always it looks like Ogier will have the last laugh, while being nowhere near as fast. While the others relentlessly fight for victories while breaking their cars their goes him picking up every single possible point.

[Allez Andruet]

What what?

I guess the control room has more than one feed, right?

[Mintexmemory]

The only thing stopping Tanak from dominating to never before seen levels is his papier mache car.

It would be heavier if fitted with a more robust suspension and stronger components (wheels, say) - so maybe the very good driver is benefiting from that and is actually around the same level as Neuville and Ogier?

[SubaruNorway]

I guess the control room has more than one feed, right?

Only 10km footprint for the signal so if a car is not within that they don't have the feed from it

[steve.mandzij]

It would be heavier if fitted with a more robust suspension and stronger components (wheels, say) - so maybe the very good driver is benefiting from that and is actually around the same level as Neuville and Ogier?Sure, but the Toyota in 2017 was an absolute tank and still managed to take maximum points in it's second rally. Toyota must have really overdone it in the diet department, but considering how well the car looks to handle, and how strong their engine is, I reckon they could take the extra weight penatly of donning it in some stronger armor.

That said, I believe Tanak is something else. He's pulled times thought impossible on various occasions on single rallies, be it from the front of the starters or with a damaged power steering or whatever. He's really, really, reeeeeally good.

[mknight]

Latvala hasn't done a bad season so far. Very unlucky indeed flavoured by some weak moments but overall no huge crashes.

Really? The only one who you could rank as having a worse season is Suninen and even that is probably not right given the difference in experience between him and Latvala.

- Results are horrible there is no doubt about it, after Portugal (and exactly half the season) he will also be last placed driver that drove all rallies.
- Mistakes are also there: Sweden 2x, Corsica at least one puncture was his fault by his own words, Chile crashing out, Portugal don't know yet alllive mentioned heavy landing though.
- Speed is also often not there: Monte slowest Yaris and 5th, Mexico slowest Yaris even though he had best road position, Corsica one of the slowest WRCs whole rally

Ok a driver can have a bad period, but for Latvala this is like his 6th bad period (1st half of last year, whole 2016 etc etc. )

[spiderem]

Like always it looks like Ogier will have the last laugh, while being nowhere near as fast. While the others relentlessly fight for victories while breaking their cars their goes him picking up every single possible point.

I'd say Neuville starts to laugh as well this season. He seems more and more in control with less reckless driving than we used to see. This season is everyone (top 3) to get in my opinion.

[stefanvv]

The only thing stopping Tanak from dominating to never before seen levels is his papier mache car.

Performance or reliability, reliability or performance? The eternal question.

[wrc2017]

I'd say Neuville starts to laugh as well this season. He seems more and more in control with less reckless driving than we used to see. This season is everyone (top 3) to get in my opinion.

'Scratching head'..

[Allez Andruet]

Only 10km footprint for the signal so if a car is not within that they don't have the feed from it

Not exactly an excuse.

[Googol]

Not exactly an excuse.

Maybe not, but I would blame the one who gives them a budget, not the production team itself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'd say Neuville starts to laugh as well this season. He seems more and more in control with less reckless driving than we used to see. This season is everyone (top 3) to get in my opinion.

Neuville/Hyundai are outdoing Ogier in that way here. Everything has been turned their way despite two of their cars breaking down yesterday.

[Rallyper]

Well, you could ask Jan VanVurpa. Even if theres a brand of suspension, there´s many way you could "manipulate" those suspension cylinders to get them lighter or whatever. don´t know if that´s what Tommis´team are doing but could be one reason for their suspension to break.

Anyway it´s not Tanaks or Latvalas fault.

[Rallyper]

Btw. Emil Bergkvist is now 2nd in WRC2. Just to let you know. Proud of him. Hope it goes all the way...

[steve.mandzij]

Really? The only one who you could rank as having a worse season is Suninen and even that is probably not right given the difference in experience between him and Latvala.

- Results are horrible there is no doubt about it, after Portugal (and exactly half the season) he will also be last placed driver that drove all rallies.
- Mistakes are also there: Sweden 2x, Corsica at least one puncture was his fault by his own words, Chile crashing out, Portugal don't know yet alllive mentioned heavy landing though.
- Speed is also often not there: Monte slowest Yaris and 5th, Mexico slowest Yaris even though he had best road position, Corsica one of the slowest WRCs whole rally

Ok a driver can have a bad period, but for Latvala this is like his 6th bad period (1st half of last year, whole 2016 etc etc. )That's the whole point you're missing: he's quick and somewhat consistent, but terribly unlucky. In Corsica, yes, he was really terrible, but from Argentina onwards he's been very quick. Chile was bad luck again, hitting a rock just right to break the driveshaft.

His only real mistake of the season so far was in Sweden, and maybe one of the cuts in Corsica, but he's really not been worse than Suninen, or Evans, or Lappi...

...or Mikkelsen.

[Allez Andruet]

Maybe not, but I would blame the one who gives them a budget, not the production team itself.

Yes, very clever.

[TypeR]

holy sh*t how big the damper actually is

[EstWRC]

Tänak saying in media zone that the damper was gone already 25kms before the end :eek:

[Pršljen]

Latvala wan't doing anything remarkable in first part of the last season either. Finland was some kind of turning point, not only for him but also for Toyota's run in winning the title.

Tanak somehow survived the last stage, it should be much easier tomorrow and hopefully for Tanak, Meeke will stay ahead of Neuville. Fingers crossed for Ogier's and Citroen's mistake finally, it's about time.

[denkimi]

Sure, but the Toyota in 2017 was an absolute tank and still managed to take maximum points in it's second rally. Toyota must have really overdone it in the diet department, but considering how well the car looks to handle, and how strong their engine is, I reckon they could take the extra weight penatly of donning it in some stronger armor.

That said, I believe Tanak is something else. He's pulled times thought impossible on various occasions on single rallies, be it from the front of the starters or with a damaged power steering or whatever. He's really, really, reeeeeally good.
He was close but not as good as ogier when they both had the same car. The only thing that's changed since then is the car they drive.

I know some people like to believe in fairy tales, but we all know that he would not be as dominant in an other car.
We've all seen what happened with the dominant ogier as soon as he wasn't driving that vw anymore.

[spiderem]

Current championship standing without PS:
Ogier: 134
Tanak: 137
Neuville: 125

[KKS]

Like always it looks like Ogier will have the last laugh, while being nowhere near as fast. While the others relentlessly fight for victories while breaking their cars their goes him picking up every single possible point.
He do this trick 3 year in a row so far

[RS]

Didn’t Latvala have a bad landing from a jump which broke his damper?

Anyway, I don’t know who you would replace him with at this stage unless Tommi/Toyota are willing to put up with a year or two of ‘learning’ for Kalle.

[EstWRC]

He was close but not as good as ogier when they both had the same car. The only thing that's changed since then is the car they drive.

I know some people like to believe in fairy tales, but we all know that he would not be as dominant in an other car.
We've all seen what happened with the dominant ogier as soon as he wasn't driving that vw anymore.

Lol.

Take Tänak away from Toyota and you wouldn’t talk this car thing

Speed wise he was faster than Ogier in 2017 and don’t you think he could have progressed since 2017?

[denkimi]

Lol.

Take Tänak away from Toyota and you wouldn’t talk this
You do realise that without mechanical problems we would have had a complete and dominant toyota podium tomorrow?

That toyota is as dominant as the vw was, it also makes latvala look like a outstanding driver. The only thing stopping them from winning almost every rally is their unreliability.

[Rallyper]

Where is N.O.T. ? He knows all about village teams... (joke)

[RS]

You do realise that without mechanical problems we would have had a complete and dominant toyota podium tomorrow?

That toyota is as dominant as the vw was, it also makes latvala look like a outstanding driver. The only thing stopping them from winning almost every rally is their unreliability.

But a more reliable Toyota may also be a slower one. We’ll see at the end of the year whether they got the balance right.

[denkimi]

Speed wise he was faster than Ogier in 2017 and don’t you think he could have progressed since 2017?
No he wasn't. Ogier got 34 power stage points in 2017, tanak got 22.
Tanak has beaten ogier in the powerstage 7 times in 26 rally's.

Tanak is fast, i rate hem pretty much equal to ogier. But the dominant speed he shows since he's driving the toyota comes from the car, not from him. And you know that just as well as me or anybody else.

[KKS]

Btw. Emil Bergkvist is now 2nd in WRC2. Just to let you know. Proud of him. Hope it goes all the way...
Pietarinen should be leading WRC2 till penultimate split. And than got probably a puncture, lost more than 1min and drops to 4th
Pity (

[cali]

That's the whole point you're missing: he's quick and somewhat consistent, but terribly unlucky. In Corsica, yes, he was really terrible, but from Argentina onwards he's been very quick. Chile was bad luck again, hitting a rock just right to break the driveshaft.

His only real mistake of the season so far was in Sweden, and maybe one of the cuts in Corsica, but he's really not been worse than Suninen, or Evans, or Lappi...

...or Mikkelsen.Actually the person to who you are replying is blabbering constantly here but always missing the point. I do not even bother myself with him.

And I'll stand on what I said. Not half a bad season for Latvala, just he's been unlucky quite often. By his standards he has been very consistent actually. Shame that he was robbed again...

[Allez Andruet]

Kaj Lindström was just on sports news on Finnish TV regarding Latvala's retirement and he said that as they have to do Sardegna with the same car, the risks would have been too high to let JML do today's final stage. Without specifying it in details, he said that there were that kind of things broken that they had no option.

[pantealex]

Everyone is talking how unreliable car Yaris is
but
-Hyundai of Sordo
-Hyundai of Loeb
-Ford of Evans
-Ford of Suninen

so only reliable car is Citroen which is not fast.

[Crazy J]

JML should meet the wizard who would expel the evil spirits riding along in his car (not talking about Anttila). Otherwise Japanese might start to believe there is something that came along with Latvala ;)

[Tarmop]

No he wasn't. Ogier got 34 power stage points in 2017, tanak got 22.
Tanak has beaten ogier in the powerstage 7 times in 26 rally's.

Tanak is fast, i rate hem pretty much equal to ogier. But the dominant speed he shows since he's driving the toyota comes from the car, not from him. And you know that just as well as me or anybody else.

Can`t compare it that way, because:
A) Toyota with Tänak is mighty everywhere, Toyota with others not so much...
B) When you have Ogier in the team, you are his second, in any way. In some teams, even more. M-Sport had new upgrades put on Ogier`s car first, in 2017 and 2018. And team orders.

It`s the whole package for sure, in Toyota, but it works like VW and Ogier...or Loeb and Citroen.

[Morte66]

Some thoughts on Latvala...

I'm a Meeke fan. Evans is Meeke's main rival in the championship, but Latvala is his main rival in remaining employed. The latter is far more important.

Latvala has been quite fast several times, and he has been unlucky several times.

I think the bad luck and bad results has given Latvala good road position, which makes him look a little faster than he really is. Would he have led Meeke in this rally if they'd started one position apart? I have my doubts.

He is not a bad driver, but not one of the big 3 championship contenders either.

If he has a downside it's the emotional rollercoaster, which could be bad for the atmosphere in a team.

Who could Toyota hire who is substantially better than Latvala? Breen, Paddon, Ostberg, Tidemund... none of them scream "substantially better than JML". They're all second level WRC drivers like him. If Ogier or Neuville came free they'd be clear choices, so long as hiring them didn't mean losing Tanak. I guess Rovanpera might make sense as a long term investment, but that seems like a thing for 2021.

I don't think he's going anywhere. Maybe in another year.

[stefanvv]

I just wonder, Ogier in VW, very rare mechanical issues, in M-Sport - I don't remember some major mechanical issues, probably they're very few, but the car clearly wasn't the fastest, in Citroen, also not the fastest car, but this season they have not single mechanical failure, unlike previous years.

Just thinking out loud...

[Allez Andruet]

Some thoughts on Latvala...

I'm a Meeke fan. Evans is Meeke's main rival in the championship, but Latvala is his main rival in remaining employed. The latter is far more important.

Latvala has been quite fast several times, and he has been unlucky several times.

I think the bad luck and bad results has given Latvala good road position, which makes him look a little faster than he really is. Would he have led Meeke in this rally if they'd started one position apart? I have my doubts.

He is not a bad driver, but not one of the big 3 championship contenders either.

If he has a downside it's the emotional rollercoaster, which could be bad for the atmosphere in a team.

Who could Toyota hire who is substantially better than Latvala? Breen, Paddon, Ostberg, Tidemund... none of them scream "substantially better than JML". They're all second level WRC drivers like him. If Ogier or Neuville came free they'd be clear choices, so long as hiring them didn't mean losing Tanak. I guess Rovanpera might make sense as a long term investment, but that seems like a thing for 2021.

I don't think he's going anywhere. Maybe in another year.

My two cents, but anyway... If it wasn't for Tänak, JML would be right there in the mix for the title this year, just like he would've been in 2018 as well. Latvala's issues (if you wanna call them that) are not related to driving fast, that part he knows. It's no coincidence, that JML was strong in 2017, when he was the clear #1 at TGR and basically had his friend supporting him in that title quest. If Tänak was to leave, I'd say replicating that scenario in 2020 would still be Toyota's best scenario for the title bid.

[AnttiL]

No he wasn't. Ogier got 34 power stage points in 2017, tanak got 22.
Tanak has beaten ogier in the powerstage 7 times in 26 rally's.

Tanak is fast, i rate hem pretty much equal to ogier. But the dominant speed he shows since he's driving the toyota comes from the car, not from him. And you know that just as well as me or anybody else.

Something changed with Tänak once he got his first win in Sardegna 2017. That's when he became a championship contender.

It's also important to remember that motorsport (in other than one make series's) is always half the vehicle, half the driver. And to mix that equation you need to combine the right driver with the right vehicle. And Tänak seems to mix well with the Yaris.

[dimviii]

Κatsuta

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8ALskOXUAAEFW7.jpg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D7_-a-_X4AIUDaJ.jpg

[COD]

Κatsuta

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8ALskOXUAAEFW7.jpg

Double puncture 😄

[dimviii]

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2019/photos/vodafone_rally_de_portugal_2019/hfr_dsc_5865.jpg

https://www.ewrc-results.com/photo/54466-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2019/

[dimviii]

What looked to be a winning rally for Ole Christian Veiby and co-driver Jonas Andersson, came to a sudden stop when the duo was forced to retire from SS10 on Saturday, after a dramatic fire in their car. – We were on full speed on the stage when I thought I could smell smoke inside the car. I asked Jonas if he could smell it, and he confirmed. Suddenly I saw flames in the mirror, from the back of the car, and then we had to stop. Fortunately there firemen with extinguishers on duty where we stopped, and they quickly got the flames under control.

https://ocveiby.com/drama-for-veiby-in-portugal-when-his-push-for-victory-went-up-in-flames/

[mknight]

Didn’t Latvala have a bad landing from a jump which broke his damper?

Anyway, I don’t know who you would replace him with at this stage unless Tommi/Toyota are willing to put up with a year or two of ‘learning’ for Kalle.

They mentioned the bad landing on Allive, but nothing in the evening highlights and Latvala's onboard is not on yet. Until then it's impossible to say the exact reason for this retirement.

I wouldn't replace him this season, as you mention there is no clearly better replacement at the moment and honestly the mid-season replacements are imo quite retarded in many ways. Before this season I wrote here that it might work very well at Toyota with the two "risky" drivers, when one has issues/crashes the other one will still charge for top positions. But in the 6 rallies so far they both have 0 podiums cause they typically both have an issue, Portugal is the first one out of 7 where it might work. It is quite possible that JML will get some good result in rest of the season, just like he did last year. But as was mentioned multiple times it's not like he is far behind every rally, but there just isn't any consistency at all, and that should be a problem for any teamboss. In 2017 when he was clear n1 with zero pressure he did extremely well though.

Therefore next year is a different matter and a lot of drivers don't have a contract (in fact I think only Ogier, Lappi, Neuville and Loeb (limited) have ). Out of these Evans clearly stands out as a stable points scorer which would definitely help a lot in manu champs. As a bonus he is good at fixing cars which might come handy at Toyota. If MSport don't get Tanak I think they might be interested in getting JML as a number1 for 1 year to see if he gets back to 2017 form. Staying at Toyota doesn't not promise anything good for JML judging by 2018 and 2019.... unless Tanak leaves to MSport. Then it might work just like written on previous page.

----------------
@those people saying Latvala does not have a bad season.... get some really thick glasses. By every measure of results or performance he has extremely bad season, be it driver points, manu points, rally lead, stage wins, best result. The only rally where he had same speed as at end of 2018 was Sweden (and here until the retirement).

[wrc2017]

They mentioned the bad landing on Allive, but nothing in the evening highlights and Latvala's onboard is not on yet. Until then it's impossible to say the exact reason for this retirement.

I wouldn't replace him this season, as you mention there is no clearly better replacement at the moment and honestly the mid-season replacements are imo quite retarded in many ways. Before this season I wrote here that it might work very well at Toyota with the two "risky" drivers, when one has issues/crashes the other one will still charge for top positions. But in the 6 rallies so far they both have 0 podiums cause they typically both have an issue, Portugal is the first one out of 7 where it might work. It is quite possible that JML will get some good result in rest of the season, just like he did last year. But as was mentioned multiple times it's not like he is far behind every rally, but there just isn't any consistency at all, and that should be a problem for any teamboss. In 2017 when he was clear n1 with zero pressure he did extremely well though.

Therefore next year is a different matter and a lot of drivers don't have a contract (in fact I think only Ogier, Lappi, Neuville and Loeb (limited) have ). Out of these Evans clearly stands out as a stable points scorer which would definitely help a lot in manu champs. As a bonus he is good at fixing cars which might come handy at Toyota. If MSport don't get Tanak I think they might be interested in getting JML as a number1 for 1 year to see if he gets back to 2017 form. Staying at Toyota doesn't not promise anything good for JML judging by 2018 and 2019.... unless Tanak leaves to MSport. Then it might work just like written on previous page.

----------------
@those people saying Latvala does not have a bad season.... get some really thick glasses. By every measure of results or performance he has extremely bad season, be it driver points, manu points, rally lead, stage wins, best result. The only rally where he had same speed as at end of 2018 was Sweden.
....

[RS]

What looked to be a winning rally for Ole Christian Veiby and co-driver Jonas Andersson, came to a sudden stop when the duo was forced to retire from SS10 on Saturday, after a dramatic fire in their car. – We were on full speed on the stage when I thought I could smell smoke inside the car. I asked Jonas if he could smell it, and he confirmed. Suddenly I saw flames in the mirror, from the back of the car, and then we had to stop. Fortunately there firemen with extinguishers on duty where we stopped, and they quickly got the flames under control.

https://ocveiby.com/drama-for-veiby-in-portugal-when-his-push-for-victory-went-up-in-flames/

Sounds like he may be considering pulling the Sardinia entry.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/MundialdeRallys/status/1134950165985550336

Tänak going wide on Amarante

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/MundialdeRallys/status/1134950165985550336

Tänak going wide on Amarante

so this is the reason that damper broke,and not the fragile superlight constraction of yaris suspension

[Tauri_J]

no, he said it broke before the off

[EstWRC]

so this is the reason that damper broke,and not the fragile superlight constraction of yaris suspension

It was already broken here.

[EstWRC]

#Tyre info - Day 3

All the Michelin @OfficialWRC drivers with 5 MICHELIN LTX Force M6 (Medium) except @thierryneuville with 4M6 + 1H4

#MichelinWRC #RallyPortugal

[wrc2017]

#Tyre info - Day 3

All the Michelin @OfficialWRC drivers with 5 MICHELIN LTX Force M6 (Medium) except @thierryneuville with 4M6 + 1H4

#MichelinWRC #RallyPortugal
Neuville may be at a disadvantage? Whay would he carry a hard tyre unless he had to? Looks like others have 5 new mediums they can rotate.

[dimviii]

It was already broken here.

with already broken dumper he managed to be fastest at every split?
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/livetiming/page/4175----.html

[EstWRC]

with already broken dumper he managed to be fastest at every split?
https://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/livetiming/page/4175----.html

The stage was 37kms long. He said the damper went broken after 12kms, 25kms before the end. That part in the vid was around 17 kms, that’s what Tänak confirmed too Estonian media and he said it was a miracle it held together until the end.

[SubaruNorway]

Damper was also front right

[Timmy]

Am I misunderstanding something dimviii?
If I remember correctly Tänak's broken damper was on front right corner, but in the video he hits rear left corner?
How could have that caused the FR broken damper?

[dimviii]

2 minutes intervals only?

[Mirek]

Greensmith on the road.

[dimviii]

Am I misunderstanding something dimviii?
If I remember correctly Tänak's broken damper was on front right corner, but in the video he hits rear left corner?
How could have that caused the FR broken damper?

from video its not very clear to see if the front right hit something.
Anyway he is very lucky that he escaped without even a puncture.

[EstWRC]

2 minutes intervals only?

For real? Can’t be ?

[KKS]

Neuville may be at a disadvantage? Whay would he carry a hard tyre unless he had to? Looks like others have 5 new mediums they can rotate.
He can drive 4 stages with hard and it the end for PS one new medium.

[mknight]

Sordo and Loeb parked up some distance from the start ....

[dimviii]

For real? Can’t be ?

Sun 08:16 - Start intervals
2-minutes between our WRC runners on the first stage this morning, 3-minute intervals for the rest of the day.

[Mirek]

For real? Can’t be ?

It's like that.

[KKS]

For real? Can’t be ?
Latvala have dust already

[Mirek]

Latvala at 187 km/h at the jump while both Ford guys had 183-184 km/h.

[KKS]

Sun 08:16 - Start intervals
2-minutes between our WRC runners on the first stage this morning, 3-minute intervals for the rest of the day.
lol. Why?

[Googol]

lol. Why?

Timetable of the another run.

[Mirek]

Lappi rolled in low speed. Continues.

[KKS]

Timetable of the another run.
They anyway should wait anywhere to increase to 3min gap. So why not do it before first Sunday stage

[Morte66]

Well, I'll say one thing for Lappi. When he rolls, he lands back on his wheels.

[Googol]

They anyway should wait anywhere to increase to 3min gap. So why not do it before first Sunday stage

Then they wouldn't be able to start SS19 in time. Other stages don't have such short gap to next run. I don't say this as an excuse, it's totally incompetent, but that's most likely the reason.

[Essaj]

4mins have been barely enough this weeken, who thought they could do today with only 2...

[KKS]

If I was Adamo - I will be stopped Sordo right after the start to wait Nueville to create 4min gap to him

[Mirek]

4mins have been barely enough this weeken, who thought they could do today with only 2...

WRC2 + everyone else after had 2 minutes all weekend. Was that ok?

[KKS]

Then they wouldn't be able to start SS19 in time. Other stages don't have such short gap to next run. I don't say this as an excuse, it's totally incompetent, but that's most likely the reason.
SS17 will have 3min

[Googol]

SS17 will have 3min

Can't you understand? SS19 runs on the same road in 2 hours and 10 minutes. They can't make this stage last too long.

[Mirek]

Judging by his time Neuville doesn't seem to care about the dust.

EDIT: Meeke even faster.

[dimviii]

Meeke 2,4sec from Tanak and Neuville pushing.
Difficult situations for team orders.

[KKS]

Can't you understand? SS19 runs on the same road in 2 hours and 10 minutes. They can't make this stage last too long.
Ah. here is the reason... Thanks, I finally understood. )

[Morte66]

nevermind

[wrc2017]

Meeke 2,4sec from Tanak and Neuville pushing.
Difficult situations for team orders.
Meeke said interesting comment in service this morning.. we will all push maximum, and sort out positions later.

[Googol]

Ah. here is the reason... Thanks, I finally understood. )

Well, that's the only logical reason I can think of. I haven't seen it officially stated anywhere.

[wrc2017]

Ah. here is the reason... Thanks, I finally understood. )
Start rally 10 mins earlier?

[Ds3]

Ogier drives for Sardinia. Exactly...

[wrc2017]

Ogier drives for Sardinia. Exactly...he said something stupid yesterday he rather take no points from this rally.. because he doesnt want to sweep in Sardinia..

[EstWRC]

I didn’t get to see Neuville, Meeke and Tänak

How much dust they had in the end ?

[tomhlord]

Great rally, this. Savour the close battles.

[wrc2017]

I didn’t get to see Neuville, Meeke and Tänak

How much dust they had in the end ?
Yes all had some dust. Tanak did slow a little at very end. Maybe dust getting less, and breeze maybe starting with temperature increasing

[tomhlord]

Ogier drives for Sardinia. Exactly...

Or...

Keeps points for fourth, waits for power stage, watches as mistakes may happen in front.

[KKS]

Start rally 10 mins earlier?
yep.
Beside they anyhow put 2min gap to RC2 so extra 11 min for RC1 didn't change nothing.

[racerx1979]

So TGR had a lot of issues not disclosed. Apparently the dampers on meekes car had no fluid at the end of day two. Shocks we're overheating. Brake issues as well so Sardegna will be very interesting. Some sources say the dampers are breaking because they are overheating. When the fluid is boiled away or the shocks are running hot the compression/rebound is comprised hence damper failures....

Note Latvala has been very calm also :)

[mknight]

I speculated that the underlying cause is that they run a softer suspension than they used to (in Chile, Argentina and Mexico) on second runs and hence are faster but with more risk to cars.
Cause yestarday afternoon was about the first time they were really fast on second runs as well.

[AMSS]

So TGR had a lot of issues not disclosed. Apparently the dampers on meekes car had no fluid at the end of day two. Shocks we're overheating. Brake issues as well so Sardegna will be very interesting. Some sources say the dampers are breaking because they are overheating. When the fluid is boiled away or the shocks are running hot the compression/rebound is comprised hence damper failures....

Note Latvala has been very calm also :)

If I`m not mistaken they need to do Sardinia with the same dampers as well...

[dimviii]

Gary Boyd #BBP
‏ @KiwiWRCfan
1m1 minute ago

Virtual Drivers points after SS14
Tanak 137
Ogier 134
Neuville 125
Meeke 74

Virtual Driver Points if Meeke passes Tanak
Ogier 134
Tanak 130
Neuville 125
Meeke 81


watch the second scenario
If Meeke pass Tanak,Ogier will sweep at Sardegna.

[Rallyper]

If I`m not mistaken they need to do Sardinia with the same dampers as well...

What do you mean? Same dampers or brand?

[AnttiL]

What do you mean? Same dampers or brand?

Maybe Hänninen can test a different damper brand

Sordo and Loeb got time penalties so they cannot drive for power stage points, right?

[AMSS]

What do you mean? Same dampers or brand?

Same dampers, 5 sets of dampers are allowed for 2 paired events, should be Portugal and Sardinia.

[mknight]

Maybe Hänninen can test a different damper brand

Sordo and Loeb got time penalties so they cannot drive for power stage points, right?

Not correct, it just says they have to start "in given order", and the order is given at the regroup right before PS. So it will depend on what they do there.

[mknight]

Lappi managed to ruin all the good impressions from Friday and Saturday in just 2 stages.

[Rallyper]

Lappi did it again...

[Erki]

Anyone know why is that the splits are so often so unevenly spaced? Often the first couple of splits take 3-4 minutes to drive through, and then the last two take only a minute or even less. Quite annoying really.

[mknight]

Anyone know why is that the splits are so often so unevenly spaced? Often the first couple of splits take 3-4 minutes to drive through, and then the last two take only a minute or even less. Quite annoying really.

Imo on TV stages they do this on purpose, cause the TV will show last part of stage for all cars and it's nice to have splits coming up while people watch.

[KKS]

Anyone know why is that the splits are so often so unevenly spaced? Often the first couple of splits take 3-4 minutes to drive through, and then the last two take only a minute or even less. Quite annoying really.
TV stage covering only the end of it...

[Erki]

Indeed, that makes sense. Guess I'm still living the era of splits and rally radio only. :)

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8CwWPOWwAApDLh.jpg

[racerx1979]

Lappi wishing he was driving a Yaris

[Rallyper]

Did your All Live black out?

Edit: working again. My devices, probably...

[Mirek]

Did your All Live black out?

No, it works to me on Android.

[wia5958]

Toyota drivers stage end comments were a little random wonder are they planning a switch in position

[wrc2017]

Would Tanak sacrifice win to run 2nd in Sardinia?

[Esko]

Latvala has to push hard to pass Kopecky in overall standings, propably the cap of 45 sec is too much to gain during remaining 20 km

[Ds3]

Lappi managed to ruin all the good impressions from Friday and Saturday in just 2 stages.

This is another proof that this Citroen C3 is a complete trash. Ogier is great to deal with him ...

[Tarmop]

MAYBE, but i don`t think so. A win is a win, they all say, in the end, it is crucial to get the max points everywhere, especially when so close together. PS will also mix the cards for sure+ Tänak showed in Mexico, he can clean and finish second...also lead the rally from starting position nr. 2. Yet you have to remember, that finishing is not granted...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think Toyota will take the maximum points for Tanak here and not worry about sweeping day 1 in Sardinia. Points on the board are better.

[Oliverk]

It can always rain in sardegna like last year. Ott will take maximum from here.

[rallyfiend]

Would Tanak sacrifice win to run 2nd in Sardinia?

Would he sacrifice his win bonus for the event, to hope for the real cash cow of the Championship bonus?

For sure they all have financial incentives with the team....

[KKS]

they didn't do that. At the end if equal points - we will count wins. So Toyota will be take win for Tanak anyway

[wia5958]

Mads stage end comment there haha

[Morte66]

Shit rocks loved Meeke

[mknight]

This stage looked much nicer than the first one, too bad it's only run once.

[KKS]

Toyotas should stop battling with each other on full speed, cuz it can end not very well.

[KKS]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8C82UTWwAE04Pm.jpg

[wrc2017]

Toyotas should stop battling with each other on full speed, cuz it can end not very well.
They are not battling with each other. How can you drive a stage 5s slower and predict what Neuville is going to do? I think they are on normal full attack mode, not bonkers attack mode.

[rhm]

Toyotas should stop battling with each other on full speed, cuz it can end not very well.

They're just trying to ensure they stay ahead of Neuville.

[EstWRC]

Lol https://twitter.com/kohataavi/status/1134973974616641538?s=21

[Morte66]

Right now, it doesn't look like team orders will be necessary for Toyota.

[KKS]

They are not battling with each other. How can you drive a stage 5s slower and predict what Neuville is going to do? I think they are on normal full attack mode, not bonkers attack mode.
did you see results from today stages? Meeke-Tanak win each of them.

[wia5958]

Interestingly Citroen haven't won a stage this weekend.... Yet....

[RS]

Latvala has to push hard to pass Kopecky in overall standings, propably the cap of 45 sec is too much to gain during remaining 20 km

Gap is only 27.5s and I think that’s more than enough, especially as Skoda guys are taking it easy today.

[krissucool]

did you see results from today stages? Meeke-Tanak win each of them.

Did you read what he said? He literally said they are on attack mode to stay ahead of Neuville. They also have the best road position. They could not have drived much slower with Neuville right behind them.

[KKS]

Did you read what he said? He literally said they are on attack mode to stay ahead of Neuville. They also have the best road position. They could not have drived much slower with Neuville right behind them.
will see now, when Neuville is quite behind.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Argh noo Meeke !

[Mirek]

Meeke spun. Same place where Lappi rolled.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville 2nd FFS

[mknight]

With Meeke you definitely need to watch until the very last corner of last stage.

[Rallyper]

"What´s next...?" WRC Live

[dimviii]

Lappi roll
https://youtu.be/qTQ7rC14ABY

[Morte66]

OK Kris, don't go mad. Just bring home the podium.

[EstWRC]

Oh cmon kris!!!


Aftghhhhh, I can’t believe it. So mad

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Watching Meeke I half expected that. He never has a clean rally.

[rhm]

Ogier is the only person who consistently has clean rallies - reason he's 6 times champ I suppose

[rp]

Oh s***! Meeke, Lappi and Latvala are drivers that you never know what will happen.

[pantealex]

Looks like Hyundai is still leading manufacturers championship because Lappi and Meeke are helping them...

[Esko]

Kalle Rovanperä has dominated the WRC2 classes. Had a puncture on Friday then he said he didn't notice where it came from. 7th position in overall will be his best overall position so far.

[Rallyper]

Kalle next big star in near future. Then comes Oliver. Then som new youngsters from Finland...

[mknight]

PS start list should come up here... eventually:
https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/content.aspx?menuid=60&eid=1236

[dimviii]

Lappi roll from another camera
https://twitter.com/rallypl/status/1135121444168491008

[dimviii]

Oh cmon kris!!!


Aftghhhhh, I can’t believe it. So mad

Tanak : 137 Pts
Ogier : 134 Pts
Neuville : 128 Pts

[KKS]

PS start list should come up here... eventually:
https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/content.aspx?menuid=60&eid=1236

1. Mads
2. Jan
3. Kalle
4 Sordo
5. Loeb
6. Gus
7. Latvala
and so on

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Proper road order restored for the PS which is something.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jump specialist Mads Ostberg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8C21tKXUAAUNvL.jpg:large

[the sniper]

Mads just clipped a bunch of those plastic boxes on the inside of the long tarmac corner. Hope someone clears them before Kopecky gets there as they were left strewn across the road!

[Sulland]

What is the issue with rims there days, both in wrc and wrc2?
Are they not strong enough?

[mknight]

The one person you don't expect to make mistakes...

They will probly retire him just to spare parts, like is normal these days.

[denkimi]

What is the issue with rims there days, both in wrc and wrc2?
Are they not strong enough?
Remember how many rims ogier or neuville have broken this year?

The problem is not the rims, it's the style of taking too much risk of some drivers.

[wrc2017]

Remember how many rims ogier or neuville have broken this year?

The problem is not the rims, it's the style of taking too much risk of some drivers.
Thats not true

[denkimi]

Thats not true
Remember how ogier never broke his suspension in het vw and latvala did?

Suspension or rims don't break if you don't hit anything.

[mknight]

Well he did put up a real show there

[EstWRC]

what the hell Gus????

[Rallyper]

I was going to say he was everywhere before that disaster.

[mknight]

Now they will stop Latvala so no PS points for him.

[Rallyper]

The car rode with him. Not him riding the car...

[EstWRC]

the crowd is getting a show

the suspension broke, thats why

[dimviii]

Sun 12:46 - SS20: stage stopped
The stage has been stopped whilst Greensmith's car is moved off the stage. Both crew are out of the car. Jari-Matti Latvala is driving through the stage none competitively.

[KKS]

this tourist car - ruin Latvalas Power Stage run (((

[Rallyper]

Now they will stop Latvala so no PS points for him.

he should get another try. Else it´s not fair and square...

[mknight]

Really weird it looks like the suspension broke even before the jump.

[Rally Hokkaido]

I just saw the photo with both front wheels toeing in, the left steering arm was broken already when Gus landed.

[mknight]

Another question... what time will Latvala get? Will he get notional time that puts him ahead of Kopecky?

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8DeSIRXkAAGed-.jpg

[KKS]

Remember how many rims ogier or neuville have broken this year?

The problem is not the rims, it's the style of taking too much risk of some drivers.
You not know what you talking about

[KKS]

he should get another try. Else it´s not fair and square...
it's a rally. Here is no another try to get better lap time on next lap. Only one off.

[Rally Hokkaido]

USER47, correct. I just edited my post to say that.

[mknight]

Doesn't look like the car is perfectly safe placed tbh.

[KKS]

I just saw the photo with both front wheels toeing in, the left steering arm was broken already when Gus landed.
even if he take-off from jump. Left was already turn-in, right was straight in a flight

[Tarmop]

Remember how ogier never broke his suspension in het vw and latvala did?

Suspension or rims don't break if you don't hit anything.

So now you are arguing with mr. Mäkinen himself, who said that they indeed have some issues concerning the suspension-setup department, which results in broken rims...

[Rallyper]

it's a rally. Here is no another try to get better lap time on next lap. Only one off.

For sure. But normally rallying doesn´t have PS. These have. But I hear you.

[dimviii]

even if he take-off from jump. Left was already turn-in, right was straight in a flight

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2019/post-16799-0-61067400-1559476997.jpeg

[EstWRC]

Meeke is stopped

[dimviii]

Meeke stopped

[EstWRC]

ogier basically crying, why i dont get it

[the sniper]

Breaking news from Molly! Meeke crash?!

[dimviii]

Sun 13:09 - SS20: stage stopped
The stage has been temporarily stopped. Kris Meeke's Toyota is blocking the road.

[mknight]

ogier basically crying, why i dont get it

He is pissed he will be first on the road in Sardinia.

[mknight]

Looks like Meeke out in same corner where Mikkelsen rolled Fabia R5 in 2017.

[EstWRC]

just cut soooo much, that was ahuge cut from him

[KKS]

ta pizdec!!! :mad:

[Pršljen]

This is a joke, Tanak just can't get help from his team mates, it's ridiculous.

[Rallyper]

This is unbelievable!!!! :(:(:(

[Rallyper]

it's a rally. Here is no another try to get better lap time on next lap. Only one off.

So now what to do, do you think?

[EstWRC]

too much handbrake and wrong line because of that

[dimviii]

just cut soooo much, that was ahuge cut from him

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8DjwI2WsAAYCpR.jpg

[dimviii]

video of Meeke
https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1135158275312427010

[Rallyper]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8DjwI2WsAAYCpR.jpg

Wasn´t first time he cuts himself out...

[KKS]

So now what to do, do you think?
what? nothing change. Only Meeke was on a road when crashed. Nueville and Tanak not started. After stage will be clear - both will start. Where a problem?

[denkimi]

So now you are arguing with mr. Mäkinen himself, who said that they indeed have some issues concerning the suspension-setup department, which results in broken rims...
Indeed. But the only thing that will happen if they make them stronger is that latvala and meeke will hit things with more force and smash them again. Even an ordinary street rim doesn't break when you don't hit anything.

Knowing how strong your car is and adjusting your driving to it has made loeb and ogier 15 times champion.

[mknight]

Maybe Tanak wont push so that he is not first on road?

[Rallyper]

Weird is the only word I can come up with. And the stage can for sure not be cancelled...

[Indreq]

I cant remember so action-packed powerstage in last couple of seasons. I hope Neuville and Tänak dont add to that kind of action...

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8DlKwvXkAAxX0t.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8DlKwwXoAAjY2-.jpg

[Rallyper]

what? nothing change. Only Meeke was on a road when crashed. Nueville and Tanak not started. After stage will be clear - both will start. Where a problem?

Well normally they should have started and being hindered... in normal rallying, that is...