[WRC] Neste Rally Finland 1st-4th August 2019

[AnttiL]

The route will be announced 20th February. https://twitter.com/RallyFinland/status/1094916671016443905

I'm assuming the route to be largely similar to last year but hopefully some single stages replaced/altered.

[Tauri_J]

Any hope that Ouninpouhja 's Yellow House jump will be included?

[AnttiL]

Any hope that Ouninpouhja 's Yellow House jump will be included?

Very little.

[Rallyper]

So this is ruffly one month earlier than last year, isn´t it? Announcement of route I mean.

[AnttiL]

So this is ruffly one month earlier than last year, isn´t it? Announcement of route I mean.

Last year it was 6th of March so roughly 2 weeks earlier now. Also gives a hint of the route being similar to last year, less job to be done, confirmed earlier.

The whole rally is instead moved ahead by one week.

[tommeke_B]

I don't really think that gives a hint. It just depends on when they get all permissions sorted, and that can go fast or slow, with both new and old stages. I hope for some change. Laukaa and Aanekoski aren't my favourite stages, would be nice to see Lankamaa in stead.

[AnttiL]

I don't really think that gives a hint. It just depends on when they get all permissions sorted, and that can go fast or slow, with both new and old stages. I hope for some change.

Could be or could not be. One thing I know that last year they had really much work to do with the big number of new stages, and this year the route was sent to FIA for approval already at christmas time.

If you look back on the routes of Rally Finland, 2014 and 2015 had basically the same stages. 2016 switched Friday and Saturday stage locations and added 5 new stages, and then 2017 used the same roads. And now 2018 introduced a lot of new, and maybe the 70th anniversary rally of 2020 adds again something new, so that's why I'm expecting the route to be quite much the same.


Laukaa and Aanekoski aren't my favourite stages, would be nice to see Lankamaa in stead.

Agreed. Last year the cities/municipalities of Laukaa and Äänekoski were financial partners of the rally, thus having their own title stages was important, but I don't know if that deal will be continued.

[AnttiL]

Thursday 1.8.
09.00 Shakedown Vesala (4,26 km)
19.00 SS1 Harju 1 (2,31 km)

Friday 2.8.
08.18 SS2 Oittila (19,34 km)
09.21 SS3 Moksi 1 (20,04 km)
10.24 SS4 Urria 1 (12,28 km)
11.16 SS5 Ässämäki 1 (12,33 km)
12.39 SS6 Äänekoski 1 (7,76 km)
13.56 Service Paviljonki, 40 min
15.24 SS7 Moksi 2 (20,04 km)
16.27 SS8 Urria 2 (12,28 km)
17.19 SS9 Ässämäki 2 (12,33 km)
18.42 SS10 Äänekoski 2 (7,76 km)
20.00 SS11 Harju 2 (2,31 km)
20.30 Service Paviljonki, 45 min

Saturday 3.8.
06.25 Service Paviljonki, 15 min
08.05 SS12 Pihlajakoski 1 (14,37 km)
09.10 SS13 Päijälä 1 (22,68 km)
10.08 SS14 Kakaristo 1 (18,80 km)
11.34 SS15 Leustu 1 (10,50 km)
13.00 Service Paviljonki, 40 min
15.08 SS16 Pihlajakoski 2 (14,37 km)
16.10 SS17 Päijälä 2 (22,68 km)
17.08 SS18 Kakaristo 2 (18,80 km)
18.34 SS19 Leustu 2 (10,50 km)

Sunday 4.8.
07.30 Service Paviljonki, 15 min
08.38 SS20 Laukaa 1 (11,75 km)
09.38 SS21 Ruuhimäki 1 (11,12 km)
11.01 SS22 Laukaa 2 (11,75 km)
13.18 SS23 Ruuhimäki 2 (11,12 km)
14.21 Service Paviljonki, 10 min
16.00 Maali Paviljonki

Total length 307,22 km

Most of the route is same as before. The changes are:

- Oittila now already the first stage of Friday
- Ending of Äänekoski has a reconstructed junction and turns East instead of West
- Pihlajakoski has 10 km of new roads and omits the old fast section altogether
- Kakaristo starts from a new road and is shorter
- Päijälä like 2017
- Leustu from 2014 replaces Tuohikotanen

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2019/02/20/rally-finland-2019-route-revealed/

[AnttiL]

Another thought: Meeke had to skip the 2018 rally altogether and now most of the route is the same. Everyone else will have pacenotes and a race speed run for the stages.

[dodge33cymru]

I'm trying to get to Finland this year and just wondering; is it possible to do multiple stages per loop on Friday and Saturday?

[Franky]

I'm trying to get to Finland this year and just wondering; is it possible to do multiple stages per loop on Friday and Saturday?

To see four stages on Friday and Saturday shouldn't be a problem.

[MartijnS]

Anybody tips for accomodation for two? Everything i find is so expensive in/around Jyvaskala haha.

[AnttiL]

To see four stages on Friday and Saturday shouldn't be a problem.

At least Oittila and Äänekoski on the morning loop should be doable, then a third stage on afternoon and finally Harju. If you want to be busier, you need to leave early and select your stages and spots accordingly and know the fastest routes (not only shortest but to avoid traffic jams).

[Luis Pacheco]

Anybody tips for accomodation for two? Everything i find is so expensive in/around Jyvaskala haha.

Last year I stayed in Korpilahti (Alkio-Opisto University). Very central area.

https://www.alkio.fi/alkio-college

[AnttiL]

https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-Finland-2019

[flykas]

Is anyone here going with camper-wan and staying somewhere near the track? Any suggestions for this type of spectating?

[maailmameister]

Is anyone here going with camper-wan and staying somewhere near the track? Any suggestions for this type of spectating?

Most of the SS have larger parking lots, where you can also park with a camper. You will go to the SS of the previous day in the evening and after lunch you will change your location. We have been doing this for many years and we like it. Most of the road parking roads are also wide enough to accommodate a camper. Just make a small plan what SS you want to see and that's all. While traveling by car, you can see more SS, but with camper it is much more convenient. It's good to wake up in the morning right next to the SS so there's no need to go anywhere :)

[AL14]

Dear finnish frieds. I have a group of friends that are going to rally Finland for the first time.
Can you help them out? They need to know:

1) Where do you suggest to book their stay, private apartments with airbnb and similar? Or other soultions?
2) When the roads will be closed for the rally?

[Allez Andruet]

Dear finnish frieds. I have a group of friends that are going to rally Finland for the first time.
Can you help them out? They need to know:

1) Where do you suggest to book their stay, private apartments with airbnb and similar? Or other soultions?
2) When the roads will be closed for the rally?

For a group I'd suggest some kind of cottage - just for the full Finnish experiment of sauna, swimming and an optional amount of fresh Finnish lager :)
There's few (cottages, beer we have plenty of) still available in the Jyväskylä area for the rally week. For example in Himos (which is in Jämsä, quite ok to operate from during the rally) you can get one for 650€ a week, which, if you split it between 4-6 (?) friends, isn't that bad IMO.

The roads will be closed 2-3 hours before the action begins.

[AL14]

For a group I'd suggest some kind of cottage - just for the full Finnish experiment of sauna, swimming and an optional amount of fresh Finnish lager :)
There's few (cottages, beer we have plenty of) still available in the Jyväskylä area for the rally week. For example in Himos (which is in Jämsä, quite ok to operate from during the rally) you can get one for 650€ a week, which, if you split it between 4-6 (?) friends, isn't that bad IMO.

The roads will be closed 2-3 hours before the action begins.

Nice suggestion, thanks, now I'm envying them to death because I can't go :D

[lankey555]

Himos center is great and centeral to stages

[dimviii]

se_rallyWRC
����
‏ @se_rally

Finnish rally legend Juha Kankkunen will drive twice in #Harju stage with #YarisWRC in the Thursday and Friday evenings in #RallyFinland

[Moriarty]

Hello! Is it possible to drive through the stage between two loops? We will stay in cottage in the stage and would like to move to another one in the brake during the rally service. There is only one road from cottage and it will be used in the rally.

[maailmameister]

No

[pantealex]

https://nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5553/20190529_nrf_regs_final_v2_9wrc.pdf
(in english, finish version also available)

-Regulations are out
-Entries are open
--cheaper entry closes June 7th (this friday)
--entries closes July 1st
-No NAT classes (so no S2000 or any Mitsu/Subaru) but support event "Vetomies" will have those also.
-Recce scedule is included in that document
-Body piercings are forbidden (I have never noticed that rule before)

[AnttiL]

-Body piercings are forbidden (I have never noticed that rule before)

Quite sure it was there last year

[deephouse]

body piercings are forbidden (i have never noticed that rule before)

wtf?

[AnttiL]

wtf?

for drivers.

[Luis Pacheco]

Kakaristo 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tky_B4kldA&t=0s

[pantealex]

Entry for support event VETOMIES opened today and names are coming fast because 50 first will get in for sure.
And after that organization will choose who is in and who is out. Total number of entries is 80 +organization can take "wild cards"
Basically all other cars than those in "WRC Rally" is accepted including old WRC and S2000

https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Kiti/Competition/CompetitionOpen.aspx?id=10340&edit=0
Link for entered names (press OSALLISTUJAT)

[AnttiL]

https://youtu.be/KpKz8dtEroA

Pihlajakoski recce video. All new until 7 minutes or so. The first road seems nice, narrow but with big jumps

[Morte66]

https://youtu.be/KpKz8dtEroA

Pihlajakoski recce video. All new until 7 minutes or so. The first road seems nice, narrow but with big jumps

It is very strange watching an onboard without all the noise of a rally car. It's kind of spooky.

[Andre Oliveira]

Katsuta / Barrit in MM-Motorsport Ford Fiesta MK8 R5

[pantealex]

Entry for support event VETOMIES opened today and names are coming fast because 50 first will get in for sure.
And after that organization will choose who is in and who is out. Total number of entries is 80 +organization can take "wild cards"
Basically all other cars than those in "WRC Rally" is accepted including old WRC and S2000

https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Kiti/Competition/CompetitionOpen.aspx?id=10340&edit=0
Link for entered names (press OSALLISTUJAT)

83 entries now, 12 x 4wd, 71 x 2wd
still 24 days left to send entry in, closes July 1st.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D8kC2KKWsAEahKL?format=jpg&name=medium

[famjo70]

Does anyone know where this is on Oittila?

https://youtu.be/7zVpdRmyPbw

I have looked on the recce video (https://youtu.be/KpUOtz77ia0) but cannot fint it.

[Essaj]

Does anyone know where this is on Oittila?

https://youtu.be/7zVpdRmyPbw

I have looked on the recce video (https://youtu.be/KpUOtz77ia0) but cannot fint it.

18:40

[AnttiL]

JanPro Racing tweeted that someone has rented their Fiesta WRC for Rally Finland

[br21]

JanPro Racing tweeted that someone has rented their Fiesta WRC for Rally Finland

Yes, same guy drove M-Sport Fiesta R5 last NORF.

[Andre Oliveira]

Jouni Virtanen

[AnttiL]

So, that's the guy you'll get to watch on All Live opening the road on Saturday and Sunday ;)

[pantealex]

So, that's the guy you'll get to watch on All Live opening the road on Saturday and Sunday ;)

Probably not because:
-Maybe they don´t give him P1 status
-Some other(s) will do Rally2

[AnttiL]

Probably not because:
-Maybe they don´t give him P1 status
-Some other(s) will do Rally2

We haven't seen yet a 2017 spec WRC car without P1 status in a WRC rally.

[tommeke_B]

Even Serderidis had P1.

[PLuto]

Even Serderidis had P1.

He was WRC Trophy champion...

[pantealex]

He was WRC Trophy champion...

1st, last and only trophy champion ;)

[Rallyper]

well, the outcome of Rally Sardegna makes me think that Rally Finland will be even more spectacular.

So many ways it can end up. Let´s speculate: ___________________ :)

[AnttiL]

So many ways it can end up. Let´s speculate: ___________________ :)

1. Tänak wins
2. Toyota breaks

Choose your bets

[Allez Andruet]

1. Tänak wins
2. Toyota breaks

Choose your bets

I'd place what we call "mottipäinen" here in Finland for option number one. If there's one place in the world where the Yaris does not break down, it's the forrests of mid-Finland.

[Tarmop]

Wondering, if Hänninen gets to do more testing...as a first starter for example...
If it is possible, oesn`t seem logical to me and memory doesn`t recall any also, no time to check the rules atm.

[Tauri_J]

I'd place what we call "mottipäinen" here in Finland for option number one. If there's one place in the world where the Yaris does not break down, it's the forrests of mid-Finland.

2017 rings a bell?

[steve.mandzij]

I'd place what we call "mottipäinen" here in Finland for option number one. If there's one place in the world where the Yaris does not break down, it's the forrests of mid-Finland.Jari Matti and the 300 pieces of my broken heart would like a word with you.

[Morte66]

well, the outcome of Rally Sardegna makes me think that Rally Finland will be even more spectacular.

So many ways it can end up. Let´s speculate: ___________________ :)

I speculate that Meeke won it in 2016 and he's about due a clean run.

[steve.mandzij]

I speculate that Meeke won it in 2016 and he's about due a clean run.Meeke won it from last on the road that year because he was on a part time program, and Jari Matti was no match for him because of that. The cleaning isn't so much of an issue in Finland but that year it made that small difference.

[deephouse]

Meeke won it from last on the road that year because he was on a part time program, and Jari Matti was no match for him because of that. The cleaning isn't so much of an issue in Finland but that year it made that small difference.

With older and not updated car. And in Finland!!! Where Fins dominate.

[er88]

Meeke also doesn't have knowledge of the new stages that were run last year - wasn't a lot of the route changed/ different stages introduced iirc? Could mean he has same issues as Sardinia on the first pass

[steve.mandzij]

With older and not updated car. And in Finland!!! Where Fins dominate.VW wasn't as dominant in 2016 as it had been in previous years. I suppose they stopped developing the Polo that year to get the 2017 car ready and well... We all know how that went.

[Allez Andruet]

2017 rings a bell?

But that was JML-level of bad luck. Without jinxing it any further, I believe Tänak is safe from that.

[wrc2017]

I'd place what we call "mottipäinen" here in Finland for option number one. If there's one place in the world where the Yaris does not break down, it's the forrests of mid-Finland.
Yes, the 'problem' with the yaris... is that it is designed for Rally Finland.

[wrc2017]

Tanak didnt walk it last year with Ostberg in C3, so he is not a sure bet. Pitty for Meeke he wasnt there last year..its going to be tough for him.. to rely on 2nd pass to pull back time on Tanak etc could be tough.. but remember Ouninpohja reversed for 1st time.. he destroyed everyone.

[EstWRC]

Tanak didnt walk it last year with Ostberg in C3, so he is not a sure bet.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/44262-neste-rally-finland-2018/?leg=2

[wrc2017]

5s after Day 1 is close enough for me... didnt say he wasnt favorite.

[Tauri_J]

5s after Day 1 is close enough for me... didnt say he wasnt favorite.

Look where Ostberg started

[mknight]

Meeke won it from last on the road that year because he was on a part time program, and Jari Matti was no match for him because of that. The cleaning isn't so much of an issue in Finland but that year it made that small difference.

The biggest difference in 2016 was that the starting order was given by championship standings both on Friday and Saturday. So two days instead of one and often more than twice as many kms. Hence it's a bit hard to use that year as reference on any gravel rally.

[Rallyper]

I´m not counting Huyndai for anything but 4-8 places.

Ogier, well, might end up top three. No win...

So, Tanak, win and JML 2nd and Meeke in top 5...

What you´d say?

[wrc2017]

Look where Ostberg startedtrue..

[wrc2017]

I´m not counting Huyndai for anything but 4-8 places.

Ogier, well, might end up top three. No win...

So, Tanak, win and JML 2nd and Meeke in top 5...

What you´d say?
Id like to see
Meeke
Tanak
Latvala

But it think

Tanak
Lappi
Meeke
Latvala
Suninen

[steve.mandzij]

Suninen is always quick on Fridays and I wouldn't be surprised to see him on the podium at least after Friday morning. Then, we'll see if he crashes or not, but he's surely a contender for perhaps a win.

[EstWRC]

For me, it should definitely be a Toyota 1-2-3. eh, this rhymed!

All three drivers are Rally Finland winners, the car is made on those roads and the team really needs and deserves a good result after all the problems this season. Its a good opportunity for them to close the gap to Hyundai because that car is just horrible in Finland. I doubt the upgrades will make miracles but you never know.

But you know, years are different, in 2017 we had Lappi winning and Hänninen being third and Suninen fourth. Last year all the finns kind of struggled and werent so dominant. Suninen is in good form recently and is a podium contender for sure, maybe even for win, he is the dark horse for me. Lappi did well in sweden and maybe he can surprise?

Championship wise this is a good chance for Tänak to make the gap bigger with Ogier and Neuville. Their record is quite "awful" in Finland for THEIR standards. Ogier crashed in 2017 and was only 5th last year, Neuville was 6th in 17' and only 9th in 18'.

[AnttiL]

Lappi will be fast in Finland considering Østberg's pace last year, but last year already he had a "C3-style" off on the last day. Well, same with Suninen, nice to see that he's back to his 2017 stage winning pace and will be that for sure in Finland, but will he keep it between the ditches? The only one I can count on being fast and reliable is Tänak, but it requires that the car doesn't develop a surprising issue like it has lately done.

[EstWRC]

Lappi will be fast in Finland considering Østberg's pace last year, but last year already he had a "C3-style" off on the last day. Well, same with Suninen, nice to see that he's back to his 2017 stage winning pace and will be that for sure in Finland, but will he keep it between the ditches? The only one I can count on being fast and reliable is Tänak, but it requires that the car doesn't develop a surprising issue like it has lately done.

and speaking about Lappi again....you need big balls and bucket loads of confidence in Finland, which he is missing at the moment, confidence i mean....dont know about his balls...

[pantealex]

Jouni Virtanen

This is now confirmed.
Jouni Virtanen - Risto Pietiläinen "new" Fiesta WRC (JanPro/JanneTuohino car)

https://nesterallyfinland.fi/info/uutiset/jouni-virtanen-janpro-racingin-ford-fiesta-wrc-autolla-suomen-mm-ralliin-tiivista-yhteistyota-myos-fordin-tehdastiimi-m-sportin/
Pictures of car colours.

[Rallyper]

Latvala should also, besides Tanak, be the man who runs the finnish stages back and forth with balls as big as mountains...

[AnttiL]

First entries

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9VIatYXUAAipsr.jpg

We could assume no fourth car for Toyota

[tommeke_B]

We could assume no fourth car for Toyota Gazoo Racing. ;) In Sweden Gronholm entered under a different team name.

[AnttiL]

In Sweden Gronholm entered under a different team name.

GRX is his own team, not "a different team name"

Also worth remembering that Kankkunen will do show runs on Harju on a Yaris WRC. One of their cars is going to be occupied for that.

[AnttiL]

https://areena.yle.fi/1-50196681

Leustu recce video / stage introduction in Finnish

EDIT: remember that except for the first 400 metres this is the exact same stage as in 2014 so you can refer to the WRC+ onboards as well.

[tommeke_B]

GRX is his own team, not "a different team name"

Also worth remembering that Kankkunen will do show runs on Harju on a Yaris WRC. One of their cars is going to be occupied for that.
Yes, correct. If anyone was going to drive a Yaris WRC, it would be Katsuta, and it seems like he's going to drive a Fiesta R5.

From Kankkunen it would have been much cooler if he did the show runs with an old Celica, with the ingenious turbo of course. :D

[Allez Andruet]

We could assume no fourth car for Toyota Gazoo Racing. ;) In Sweden Gronholm entered under a different team name.

And Hänninen was entered by Tommi Mäkinen Racing in Sardegna. But yes, seems unlikely they'll field four cars. It's not like they'd need extra testing in Finland.

[Crazy J]

With good pace in last year's rally, it would be pleasure to see Østberg doing rally Finland in WRC. Don't know about his R5 contract with Citroen, but maybe there could be opportunities like Citroen's 3rd WRC car (or even replacing Lappi) or taking the Hyundai seat?

[AnttiL]

Meeke also doesn't have knowledge of the new stages that were run last year - wasn't a lot of the route changed/ different stages introduced iirc? Could mean he has same issues as Sardinia on the first pass

True. Most of the route is same as 2018 but a lot of it different from 2017 or the previous years.


remember Ouninpohja reversed for 1st time.. he destroyed everyone.

One important factor was that it was a new stage for everyone as reversed. He also had a good starting position.

[pantealex]

https://nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5566/2019_nrf_entry_seuranta240619.pdf

Some more entries (but no more Yaris WRC)
maybe new update is coming soon?

[Got Mail]

Anyone have a high definition version of the 'Neste Rally Finland' that they could send me?

[AnttiL]

Hyundai lineup: Neuville, Mikkelsen and BREEN

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/finland-crews-revealed/

[Eli]

Hyundai lineup: Neuville, Mikkelsen and BREEN

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/finland-crews-revealed/

Fantastic news, great for Breen, hopefully will make the most of it and it won't be the last time we'll see him in a WRC car this year.

[masa90]

Breen will also do Rally Estonia according to that.

[Allez Andruet]

Nice call by mr. Adamo. IF the i30 would somehow be competitive this time around, expect Breen to be surprisingly high on the charts after Friday.

[AnttiL]

Nice call by mr. Adamo. IF the i30 would somehow be competitive this time around, expect Breen to be surprisingly high on the charts after Friday.

Although, if it rains or is only damp, there's not that much of cleaning to do.

[Allez Andruet]

Although, if it rains or is only damp, there's not that much of cleaning to do.

True. I was, and still am, counting on an unusually dry and warm Finnish summer.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice call by mr. Adamo. IF the i30 would somehow be competitive this time around, expect Breen to be surprisingly high on the charts after Friday.

It's an i20... and no it doesnt have the best record in Finland. Big chance for Breen but it wont be easy in that car.

Hope he gets some good testing in.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen
However, we have to be very thankful. I have had incredible support from so many people during these last difficult months. Paul and I are determined to do the best job and we cannot wait to get started with our new team.

Thank you, everyone, for making this happen! https://t.co/V8wV5rRGvD

[AnttiL]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5566/2019_nrf_entry_seuranta260619-1.pdf

Hyundai, Citroen and Skoda entries are in. Only two Citroens. Rovanperä and Pietarinen from Skoda.

[pantealex]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5566/2019_nrf_entry_seuranta270619.pdf

Latest entry update from today (thursday)

For those who are LIVE in Jyväskylä during rally:
MINI R4 will start SS1 (Harju city stage)

[pantealex]

Bulletin 1 mainly about tyre types and safety protocol during accidents
https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5655/nrf_2019_bulletin_1_20190627_final-1.pdf

[KiwiWRCfan]

Starting to think about who might be a 3rd manufacturer points scoring driver for M-Sport ?

[pantealex]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5566/2019_nrf_entry_seuranta280619-1.pdf

Latest entries update.
Takamoto Katsuta private entry with Fiesta R5
Jouni Virtanen with JanPro Fiesta WRC19

[RS]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5566/2019_nrf_entry_seuranta260619-1.pdf

Hyundai, Citroen and Skoda entries are in. Only two Citroens. Rovanperä and Pietarinen from Skoda.

Anyone know whether Pietarinen is with proper Skoda or are they faking it again?

[pantealex]

Anyone know whether Pietarinen is with proper Skoda or are they faking it again?

All we know is that he is driving with EVO. (both Estonia and Finland)
And his RallyEstonia entry is with ToniGardemaisterSport

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2019/06/28/route-preview-rally-finland-2019/

Route preview. Like said, mostly same as last year but with slight updates – but one change which makes this route uniquely different to all older ones

[AMSS]

Anyone know whether Pietarinen is with proper Skoda or are they faking it again?

Should be TGS Skoda

[RS]

Should be TGS Skoda

Good he will have the new car at least.

[pantealex]

2h left before entries close. (closes 6PM local time)
Still many open questions:
Östberg with WRC or R5
Huttunen with ???
M-Sport:
WRC2 PRO Greensmith and ???
Who is 4th new Fiesta R5 driver ?
How many JWRC ?

Most important question is: How many entries totally ?

Support event VETOMIES has 115 entries now and entry will close at midnight. Organisation have already informed that they can´t take all of those.

[Allez Andruet]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/vviime-vuoden-yllattaja-wrc-auton-rattiin-citroen-kolmella-autolla-jyvaskylaan/

Finnish, usually reliable, website reporting that Östberg has been entered with a C3 WRC. No WRC2Pro entry from Citroen for Finland.

[er88]

I hope Mads does well obviously, but I also hope Lappi doesn't get trounced by him. That's the last thing Lappi needs, but Finland is all about confidence and he is in short supply of that right now

[pantealex]

Entrylist will be published Friday 5th July.

[satnav]

All will be revelled on Friday...……..

[mknight]

I hope Mads does well obviously, but I also hope Lappi doesn't get trounced by him. That's the last thing Lappi needs, but Finland is all about confidence and he is in short supply of that right now

In a way it's pretty bad situation for Østberg as well, similar to what we talked about if Paddon got picked to drive just one rally.

Since he did extremely well in C3 last year he can basically only do worse than that (beating Tanak in Toyota in Finland in current form doesn't look realistic). So basically Østberg can only loose reputation with anything worse than 3rd-4th place. At the same time if he does manage 5th or better he certainly hopes for at least a GB start so that he could be in the running for 3rd car next year. If he only does well in Finland (like last year) it's not very likely he will be picked for multiple rounds.

Anyway with Østberg (probably) in the list of people that are likely to finish ahead of Neuville is getting very long by now, specially with the typical low amount of retirements: Tanak, Latvala, Meeke, Ogier, Østberg, Lappi, Suninen, Evans and likely at least one of his two teammates due to start position.

[Rallyper]

Doing well after his circumstances...

Of course people know his situation and assess him from that.

[Tarmop]

Unlike Paddon, he has been doing wrc2 and i would think the same tactics like Hyundai will do with Breen will be applied.

[pantealex]

I´m expecting press releases tomorrow...

Prepare for some surprises...

#21

[Allez Andruet]

http://urheiluuutiset.com/mads-ostberg-kumoaa-tiedot-suomen-mm-rallista-sattuu-aivan-helvetisti/

And now Östberg denies any kind of entry for Rally Finland... Geez, it's like Finland has its own "silly season" this year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hmmm doesnt sound very convincing reasons to me. Surely he should run the C3 R5 in Finland as this is the best testing there is...

[Crazy J]

What a disappointment not to see Ostberg driving in Finland :(

[AnttiL]

I´m expecting press releases tomorrow...

Prepare for some surprises...

#21

Nothing so far

[pantealex]

Nothing so far

Yep.
I´m waiting.

[Allez Andruet]

#21

All I can think of #21 is Prokop, but then again he's not from Estonia...

[pantealex]

All I can think of #21 is Prokop, but then again he's not from Estonia...

Estonia theory is gone...

#21 is number of WRC19 drivers I have seen LIVE this year after RallyFinland. I´m now at #17
#18Virtanen #19Breen #20? #21?

[AnttiL]

Estonia theory is gone...

#21 is number of WRC19 drivers I have seen LIVE this year after RallyFinland. I´m now at #17
#18Virtanen #19Breen #20? #21?

Seems you won’t reach 20 yet

[pantealex]

Seems you won’t reach 20 yet

I will ;)

I know my numbers but I don´t know their names.

Following are not possible because I have seen them: Bertelli, Huttunen, Katsuta and Tidemand.
I haven´t seen Sordo but all other regulars I have seen.
20 different in 2019 is my goal.

[Allez Andruet]

Following are not possible because I have seen them: Bertelli, Huttunen, Katsuta and Tidemand.

We'll soon run out of drivers... or should I say drivers of WRC-caliber.

[pantealex]

We'll soon run out of drivers... or should I say drivers of WRC-caliber.

I have been thinking this a lot and not figured it...

Paddon and Greensmith would be best options if Östberg really isn´t coming.
But I still don´t believe Paddon rumours and Malcolm has said that Gus drives new R5.

[Allez Andruet]

I have been thinking this a lot and not figured it...

Paddon and Greensmith would be best options if Östberg really isn´t coming.
But I still don´t believe Paddon rumours and Malcolm has said that Gus drives new R5.

After the statements he made yesterday I'm pretty sure Östberg isn't coming. I hope I'm wrong though, such a shame if Mads won't be there. Especially after that magnificent performance last year.

Greensmith's WRC2Pro duties with the new Fiesta have already been announced (though he wasn't on the latest list of entries) and I sincerely hope it won't be Bertelli either. Paddon with a Fiesta sounds like an absolute joke, but I don't know if anything can be ruled out after we've seen Le Maestro himself in a Hyundai.

[meh]

Estonia theory is gone...

#21 is number of WRC19 drivers I have seen LIVE this year after RallyFinland. I´m now at #17
#18Virtanen #19Breen #20? #21?

How you got "the Estonia theory" at all? Just speculating or are there some facts also in place?

[cali]

How you got "the Estonia theory" at all? Just speculating or are there some facts also in place?There's no one capable from Estonia excl. Tänak. So it was a very wild wet speculation

[HarriK]

#20 camilli?

[Tarmop]

There's no one capable from Estonia excl. Tänak. So it was a very wild wet speculation

I bet there are many capable people (moneywise) all around the world, including Estonia. And speedwise...we have/have had Bertelli, Serderidis, Block...

[AnttiL]

Paddon with M-Sport!!!

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/07/03/PADDON-TO-FLY-WITH-FIESTA-IN-FINLAND

[stefanvv]

Awesome

[steve.mandzij]

Paddon with M-Sport!!!

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/07/03/PADDON-TO-FLY-WITH-FIESTA-IN-FINLANDBest surprise of the year.

Latvala Evans Paddon Suninen at M-Sport 2020 pipe dream? :D

[doubled1978]

Yep good news, hope he can get a good feeling with the car and push hard...his statement had a bit of fighting talk about top 5 being the minimum, but pushing for more. Good to hear...

[mknight]

Yep good news, hope he can get a good feeling with the car and push hard...his statement had a bit of fighting talk about top 5 being the minimum, but pushing for more. Good to hear...

Top 5 has to be a minimum seeing he got 4th place last year in Hyundai which is terrible in Finland.

[racerx1979]

Paddon with M-Sport!!!

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/2019/07/03/PADDON-TO-FLY-WITH-FIESTA-IN-FINLAND

Was not all that hard in the end.... Stop being loyal to the team that gives 2 sh!ts about you and find another...

[pantealex]

There's no one capable from Estonia excl. Tänak. So it was a very wild wet speculation

-Georg Gross
-Markko Märtin
different reason for both names. But just speculation.
Turned down after I heard that RallyFinland WRC driver is NOT driving in Estonia.

[Allez Andruet]

Holy cow, so it was Paddon after all! Awesome!

[cali]

-Georg Gross
-Markko Märtin
different reason for both names. But just speculation.
Turned down after I heard that RallyFinland WRC driver is NOT driving in Estonia.Well one is a direct competitor against the best R5 cars and the other is a retired dude who has not driven rally cars for years. While it would be fun to see Märtin in Finland again I think the best he can do is beat some fast R5's like Rovanperä.

[cali]

I bet there are many capable people (moneywise) all around the world, including Estonia. And speedwise...we have/have had Bertelli, Serderidis, Block...Errmmm dunno what you are trying to say here but speedwise noone capable of driving a WRC car against the factory boys. Thus not capable enough and you bring in such names like Bertelli, Serderidis and Block which proves my point.

Really happy to have Paddon back!

[Tarmop]

I implied that there are plenty of wealthy people with an interest in rallying.

[cali]

I implied that there are plenty of wealthy people with an interest in rallying.And I said in my original post that there is noone capable from Estonia. And by capable I mean fast enough. Wealth, will and speed are different things

[AnttiL]

I would love to see Hayden do well but I'm afraid he'll lose time on the first day getting used to the car when he should be taking advantage of his good starting place (assuming it's dry)

[swanny]

Is it August yet?

How about now?

Now?

[Rallyper]

Paddons´chances doing well in Finland is good. Places 4-7 should be possible. His Fiesta is better than Breens Huyndai.

[AnttiL]

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzAAk7FOZZK8aXo53flddAg

Recce vides, if you like. Again made with a horrible fisheye lense camera.

I still prefer looking at last year's WRC+ onboards for Harju, Oittila, Moksi, Urria, Ässämäki, Laukaa and Ruuhimäki. Äänekoski and Kakaristo are also mostly same as last year. Furthermore, you can see Leustu from 2014 and Päijälä from 2017. Vesala SD is on WRC youtube channel.

Useful bits from the videos:

- Ässämäki 2:50 forest cut
- Äänekoski 6:45-> new sections
- Pihlajakoski 0:00-11:10 new sections
- Kakaristo 0:00-3:40 new sections
- Leustu 0:00-0:48 new sections
- Laukaa 11:50 new junction turn

[mknight]

I would love to see Hayden do well but I'm afraid he'll lose time on the first day getting used to the car when he should be taking advantage of his good starting place (assuming it's dry)

I don't really recall any driver struggling to learn the Fiesta though. Only real struggle I remember is Ogier last year in Finland when they changed both aero and dampers right before. Generally Fiesta seems the most driver-friendly car.

[Allez Andruet]

I don't really recall any driver struggling to learn the Fiesta though.

Tidemand?

[AnttiL]

Tidemand?

It's different because it was his first WRC2017 drive as well. In fact, no one before Paddon has moved from another WRC2017 car to a Fiesta WRC.

[Fredouye]

It's different because it was his first WRC2017 drive as well. In fact, no one before Paddon has moved from another WRC2017 car to a Fiesta WRC.Well, Ogier had tried the Yaris (and the Polo) ;)

[Allez Andruet]

And Suninen had tested the Yaris, but ok, I'm sure that was not the point. I agree these examples are not like drivers struggling with the C3 for example.

[pantealex]

Support race VETOMIES entrylist is out, they took 100 pairs (and will take 10 reserve pairs if some cancelations appear)
https://akk.autourheilu.fi/Public/Kiti/Competition/CompetitionEnrollListPlain.aspx?id=10340
"Best" 2wd nr. 258-274

[tommeke_B]

Tommi Mäkinen with a Renault Clio. :D

[pantealex]

Tommi Mäkinen with a Renault Clio. :D

and it´s V1600 (standard 1.6 one wheel drive)

[AnttiL]

And Suninen had tested the Yaris, but ok, I'm sure that was not the point. I agree these examples are not like drivers struggling with the C3 for example.

or i20.

[stefanvv]

and it´s V1600 (standard 1.6 one wheel drive)

Good one

[pantealex]

Good one

"Lock" is not allowed, so mostly 1WD

[pantealex]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5565/entry_list_nrf_approved_by_the_fia_20190705.pdf

ENTRYLIST !!!

[AnttiL]

Huttunen entered with Hyundai i20 R5. Camilli with Fiesta R5, Kristoffersson with Polo and Henning with Skoda. No Veiby. Otherwise no surprises.

[pantealex]

Huttunen entered with Hyundai i20 R5. Camilli with Fiesta R5, Kristoffersson with Polo and Henning with Skoda. No Veiby. Otherwise no surprises.

Berkqvist was announced with new Fiesta R5, he is missing totally.

and my #21 is also missing :(

[RS]

Breen and Paddon will be interesting to follow. Otherwise fairly ‘normal’ entrylist.

What’s the story with Ostberg? Seems weird he wouldn’t do this event.

[Rallyper]

Huttunen entered with Hyundai i20 R5. Camilli with Fiesta R5, Kristoffersson with Polo and Henning with Skoda. No Veiby. Otherwise no surprises.

To me, surprise there´s no Bergkvist. :(

[[WRCRR]]

Of course nice additions of Breen and Paddon at WRC, and decent WRC 2 Pro entry as well (with the new Fiesta's), but damn if that is not a weak entry by numbers. It is going to go close with 2017 as the lowest number of starters ever at NRF.

[Hartusvuori]

;1222936']Of course nice additions of Breen and Paddon at WRC, and decent WRC 2 Pro entry as well (with the new Fiesta's), but damn if that is not a weak entry by numbers. It is going to go close with 2017 as the lowest number of starters ever at NRF.

And in the meanwhile Vetomies event gets more popular and popular. Maybe that light weight Rally Finland is enough to a handful of crews that would otherwise try and go for the main event..

[AnttiL]

Spectator guide as a virtual magazine is now published http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=MM-rallin%20katsojaopas&edid=d91223a7-9b56-43f1-b97f-0baab3934345

[pantealex]

Spectator guide as a virtual magazine is now published http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/html5/reader/production/default.aspx?pubname=MM-rallin%20katsojaopas&edid=d91223a7-9b56-43f1-b97f-0baab3934345

https://www.ksml.fi/urheilu/mm-ralli/neste-ralli/
Here also with stage info (how to get there) and some videos. Important content in english also.
Just click on stage name.

[Oliverk]

Don't see any camping places on Spectator guide. Any info on those, i mean the stage side ones you can come previous night and drive away after morning stage.

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Rally Finland is now online ► http://bit.ly/2Iqz2RP

[EstWRC]

Finland will be Meekes 100th WRC start, hopefully he can celebrate it with a good result but these jubilee starts usually dont go well unfortunately. Most recent one being Tänaks 100th start in Rally Sardegna and we know how it ended. i remember estonian commentator sayin something like there are only 3-4 cases when the 100th start has been successful.

[eib1]

last time when driver won his 100th WRC start, was Mäkinen in 2001 Portugal

[Barreis]

last time when driver won his 100th WRC start, was Mäkinen in 2001 Portugal

great rally, full of mud if i remember correctly with some zero cars stuck in it

[KiwiWRCfan]

last time when driver won his 100th WRC start, was Mäkinen in 2001 Portugal
Tommi Makinen is only winner of his 100th event, more recently Seb Loeb won his 150th event - Catalunya 2011

[BigWorm]

great rally, full of mud if i remember correctly with some zero cars stuck in it

52 minute highlight is available on Youtube, always a good watch, went down to the wire with Mäkinen vs Sainz.

[EstWRC]

youtube recommended to me this vid from 2010 rally finland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVHZWUzKVz8


quite weird to watch, feels like he is doing recce in the last part rather than rallying compared to nowadays monster agressive cars :D...and to see the time compared to Ogier with who he is fighting now


what stage this is Anttil?

[AnttiL]

what stage this is Anttil?

After five seconds of watching: Himos . Last summer I spent one weekend at a rented cottage in that area, got to examine the roads well.

I think that's the last stage of the rally which could explain the mild pace. Also, we're just used to seeing R5 cars being the privateer class, after all they're quite a lot faster than Group N.

[AnttiL]

Words from the commentator

"Tänak is a very promising driver, he has driven outrageously. He drove well in the Finnish Championship Kouvola event. He is young and is following Markko Märtin's path to the top and Märtin is working with him."

Rovanperä adds "Everyone needs strong backing no matter which country you are from and Markko has done a great job"

[Got Mail]

Anyone know why there's no entry from Veiby for Finland?

[Jarek Z]

youtube recommended to me this vid from 2010 rally finland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVHZWUzKVz8


quite weird to watch, feels like he is doing recce in the last part rather than rallying compared to nowadays monster agressive cars :D

I see nothing strange about it. Isn't it a typical group N driving?

[pantealex]

Anyone know why there's no entry from Veiby for Finland?

One of biggest reasons is: He has done 5/7 WRC2 rallies, so he has only 2 scoring opportunies left.

[Rallyper]

One of biggest reasons is: He has done 5/7 WRC2 rallies, so he has only 2 scoring opportunies left.

And done some heavy crashes in Finland before...

[tommeke_B]

And done some heavy crashes in Finland before...

Two nearly on the same spot, if I remember correctly...

[Allez Andruet]

Two nearly on the same spot, if I remember correctly...

2017: https://youtu.be/Ty9h4zEbT7o?t=31
2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBu7LhK9844

All of some few hundred metres apart, IIRC. And that was heard quite recently from one of the very best.

[Got Mail]

2017: https://youtu.be/Ty9h4zEbT7o?t=31
2018: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBu7LhK9844

All of some few hundred metres apart, IIRC. And that was heard quite recently from one of the very best.

Wow.

I think I would stay home too.

[EstWRC]

M-sport is testing this week in Finland, i guess Paddon will be there too ?

[masa90]

Any testing in Pirkanmaa region? Would love to go and see since I will not be able to make it to the rally this year.

[satukata]

M-sport is testing this week in Finland, i guess Paddon will be there too ?
Teemu Suninen was testing today 16.7.2019 #maximumattack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZL06iYWY_k

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Suninen:
Very happy for today, my first day of testing for coming @RallyFinland. Could not be better. No problems and the car was on a constant move. Feels like we gonna be well prepared for the event. Good mileage and lots of information gained. https://t.co/EqM8QLa49P

[AnttiL]

The way the Friday stages are set this year is challenging. The day starts with two 20 kilometre stages so the setup and confidence must be in the right place. This is crucial for guys with new cars such as Paddon and Breen. You don't get any split times or can't change the setup before the finish.

Last year Moksi was the first proper stage. It has multiple rhythm changes from slow to fast, narrow to wide and back. If you started getting into one rhythm, you had to instantly change into a different one. This year Friday starts with Oittila, which has 8 km of narrow technical road in the beginning and 8 km of fast smooth road in the end. Maybe it's easier in the sense that you get a proper feel of a road type before switching to another one? But then again. Moksi is the next one right away.

If the Friday loop was reversed, by starting with the shorter stages, it would be easier. Last year we saw that Tänak had settled in best and he made a big stage win with only Østberg getting close through road position advantage.

I also repeat that Oittila is largely a new stage for Meeke, whereas everyone else has already driven it in full pace.

EDIT: Only in 2003 the two first forest stages of Rally Finland have packed more (42) kilometres without service in between. And in 2015 the first three stages were already 72 kilometres.

[AnttiL]

Any testing in Pirkanmaa region? Would love to go and see since I will not be able to make it to the rally this year.

https://twitter.com/jussinaarajarvi/status/1151391631683272705?s=21

[masa90]

Cheers, now I would just need to know when and where 😂 can't leave work in such a short notice.

[Fredouye]

Evans will miss rally Finland due to a back injury :(

https://twitter.com/autosport/status/1151443242665304064?s=19

[Andre Oliveira]

M-Sport Ford World Rally Team’s Elfyn Evans will miss the next round of the FIA World Rally Championship – the Welshman being advised not to contest Neste Rally Finland on medical grounds having suffered a heavy landing at last weekend’s Rally Estonia.

Currently sitting fourth in the championship standings, Evans will now focus on making a full and swift recovery to continue what has been a strong performance from him and co-driver Scott Martin so far this season.

Replacing Evans and Martin in the #33 EcoBoost-powered Ford Fiesta WRC are Gus Greensmith and Elliott Edmondson. The young Brits made their debut behind the wheel of a world rally car earlier this year, and will complete a pre-event test on location in Finland tomorrow.

Elfyn Evans said:

“I’m absolutely gutted to be missing Rally Finland, but we suffered a pretty heavy landing in Estonia and have been advised to sit it out and focus on making a full and quick recovery. It’s a hard one to take right now, but I have to trust the advice of the experts and the team have all been really supportive. I’ll now focus on my recovery, and getting back behind the wheel as soon as possible.”

Team Principal, Richard Millener, said:

“It’s obviously a real shame for everyone not to see Elfyn and Scott in Finland, but when you’re medically advised not to contest an event that’s not something you can ignore. Finland is such a physically demanding rally, and Elfyn’s fitness is our main concern. He has the full support of the team and is already focused on making a quick recovery.

“After their impressive debut with the world rally car earlier this year, we felt it only right to offer the seat to Gus and Elliott. I know they’ll make the most of this opportunity, and they’ll have a pre-event test tomorrow to ensure they’re as prepared as they can be for the challenges ahead.”

M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson OBE, said:

“I’ve already told Elfyn that the car will be waiting for him as soon as he’s fit, but his wellbeing is our number one priority and we need to ensure he’s fully recovered before getting back behind the wheel. Gus will take Elfyn’s place in Finland and I’m intrigued to see what he can deliver, but our primary focus is getting Elfyn fully recovered and back to continue what has been a really strong season for him and Scott.”

[Allez Andruet]

Well that sucks. Big time :(

[AMSS]

Might there be someone to replace Gus..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans:
I’m gutted to say I will not compete at @RallyFinland due to an injury sustained during a heavy landing at @RallyEstonia. It’s a hard one to take right now, but I have to trust the advice of the experts, and turn my focus to making a full and quick recovery.

[Andre Oliveira]

Pieniążek to replace Gus?

[cali]

Evans will miss rally Finland due to a back injury :(

https://twitter.com/autosport/status/1151443242665304064?s=19Bummer

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At least Greensmith has recent experience in the WRC car from Portugal. Great bonus chance for him.

[doubled1978]

Shame for Elfyn, he has gone well there in the past....
Good opportunity for Gus tho...

[Andre Oliveira]

I would like to see Anders Grøndal on the R5.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GG:
This is not the news a lot of people wanted to hear. I feel really sorry for @ElfynEvans & @scottmartinat. I wish Elfyn a speedy recovery.

Thank you @msportltd @fordperformance for putting your trust in me by giving me this opportunity in the @OfficialWRC again. #WRC #GG44 https://t.co/JsxoScc95J

[AnttiL]

Might there be someone to replace Gus..

They have a free car. If someone can pay to drive it, it’s available ;)

I assume it’s one of the artificial jumps in Estonia which injured Evans? Solberg and Gryazin also mentioned back/neck issues

[cali]

They have a free car. If someone can pay to drive it, it’s available ;)

I assume it’s one of the artificial jumps in Estonia which injured Evans? Solberg and Gryazin also mentioned back/neck issuesWe did recce on some of the Estonia stages and I feel the organisers went berzerk with these jumps

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[Entertainer]

Shame for Elfyn, as doubled1978 wrote, he has shown great speed there before.

And M-sport chose.. Gus..instead of double WRC2 champion Tidemand, as a sub for Elfyn? :rolleyes: Really? Yes, of course GG had an ok run in Portugal, and he has good potential in the long run but come on, Portugal could be the easiest of all rallies to start with a new car and Pontus has year after year shown superb speed, talent and beat GG on home turf in Wales less than a year ago in R5-cars... there has to be something else behind this choice.

[meh]

Evans's bad landing in RallyEstonia on SS2 - https://youtu.be/ONlIXLrVNis?t=18

Not sure this is the (only) reason.

[T16]

Evans's bad landing in RallyEstonia on SS2 - https://youtu.be/ONlIXLrVNis?t=18

Not sure this is the (only) reason.

yeah... I can imagine that's the one like.

[mknight]

I guess GG is paying some money to start? Cause I also think Tidemand would be the more logical choice (or Østberg but he is probably under some contract from Citroen).

Anyway for GG I am not so sure it's such a great idea as Finland is really hard to be competetive on.

[Rallyper]

Emil should replace GG. If possible the only thing MW have to pay is expencies for PET. The rest of staff and hotels etz is there already...

[Andre Oliveira]

Maybe Pontus will be in R5.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I guess GG is paying some money to start? Cause I also think Tidemand would be the more logical choice (or Østberg but he is probably under some contract from Citroen).

Anyway for GG I am not so sure it's such a great idea as Finland is really hard to be competetive on.

GG:
Thank you @msportltd @fordperformance for putting your trust in me by giving me this opportunity in the @OfficialWRC again.

MW really speaks highly of him and he could well have given Gus the chance without any strings.

We'll know when we see his car livery...

[TypeR]

Cmon, why put Tidemand in WRC car, if he hasn't been driving WRC2 during this year.. Gus getting the chance is awesome, although Finland won't be easy, but hope he does fine!

[AnttiL]

After the entries are closed, you can only change one of the drivers or the car. So M-Sport upgraded Greensmith from R5 to WRC? And thus no one else could drive the remaining R5?

Correct me if I'm wrong.

In any case, I'm surprised if he's not sporting Crown Oil livery

[pantealex]

After the entries are closed, you can only change one of the drivers or the car. So M-Sport upgraded Greensmith from R5 to WRC? And thus no one else could drive the remaining R5?

Correct me if I'm wrong.

In any case, I'm surprised if he's not sporting Crown Oil livery

Basically yes, but ...

Hyundai did change drivers after the entries were closed...

So, I believe that in this case M-Sport can choose another PRO driver.

[Tarmop]

Aren`t there any exceptions made due to health issues?

Just a question, because health issues can apologize for many problems in many areas...

[denkimi]

After the entries are closed, you can only change one of the drivers or the car. So M-Sport upgraded Greensmith from R5 to WRC? And thus no one else could drive the remaining R5?

Correct me if I'm wrong.

In any case, I'm surprised if he's not sporting Crown Oil livery

so that means greensmith has to drive with evans co-pilot Scott instead of his usual Elliott.

[Got Mail]

so that means greensmith has to drive with evans co-pilot Scott instead of his usual Elliott.

He's changed the car only.

[pantealex]

Aren`t there any exceptions made due to health issues?

Just a question, because health issues can apologize for many problems in many areas...

Yes.

In this case Gus changed car, which is allowed with in class (RC2/R5 to another RC2/R5) but he changed from R5 to WRC which is not allowed normally.

[denkimi]

He's changed the car only.

Yes.

In this case Gus changed car, which is allowed with in class (RC2/R5 to another RC2/R5) but he changed from R5 to WRC which is not allowed normally.
are you sure about that? it seems to me that since evans is the official manufacturers entry, that is the one that should be changed if he wants to score points for msport.

[Norm75]

are you sure about that? it seems to me that since evans is the official manufacturers entry, that is the one that should be changed if he wants to score points for msport.

"after their impressive debut in a wrc car earlier this year, we felt it only right to offer the seat to Gus and Elliot"
Richard Millener, m-sport team principle.

So no, Martin will not be co-driving for Gus.

[dimviii]

Rallirinki / Teemu
‏ @HartusvuoriWRC


Unfortunalately Esapekka Lappi is all downbeat at #RallyFinland PET. He says in an interview for @ksmlfi that he is lost with C3 WRC's set up and his main goal for the event is just to finish. It's the same song he's been singing for the last 10 months. He should learn a new one.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D_6A0aOXoAAbS2R.jpg

[EstWRC]

surprise surprise....

[mknight]

in Estonia on Sunday he seemed reasonably happy with the car.

Anyway it almost seems they are going backwards with the C3. In Monte, Sweden and Mexico both drivers were fast.

[AnttiL]

in Estonia on Sunday he seemed reasonably happy with the car.

He’s always more direct about it for Finnish media

[pantealex]

in Estonia on Sunday he seemed reasonably happy with the car.



According to that news he was but clock still didn´t like...

[Rallyper]

Not because of EPL speed or confidence giving you extra time to choose, but because having this week for a hopefully wonderful trip with our boat in Stockholm archipelago, I will start up Rally Finland Pickems later today.

Don´t want to risk any technical failure starting thread from a remote island so a bit earlier this time. ;)

Anyway, nothing can be too early regarding Rally Finland. I´m happy it´s next week I´ll be there and meet many of you my dear friends... :)

[pantealex]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5146/nrf_sp_layout_final_220719.pdf
Servicepark layout with car numbers.
Looks like Greensmith is #33 and there will be 2 M-Sport WRC2Pro
(#44 is still Gryazin)
Do you spot someone missing totally (DNS drivers) ?

[Rallyper]

I do... you know who... Now out in the archipelago...

[Rallyper]

I do... you know who... Now out in the archipelago...

[Andre Oliveira]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5146/nrf_sp_layout_final_220719.pdf
Servicepark layout with car numbers.
Looks like Greensmith is #33 and there will be 2 M-Sport WRC2Pro
(#44 is still Gryazin)
Do you spot someone missing totally (DNS drivers) ?

Same as before? 33 is Evans

[AnttiL]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5146/nrf_sp_layout_final_220719.pdf
Servicepark layout with car numbers.
Looks like Greensmith is #33 and there will be 2 M-Sport WRC2Pro
(#44 is still Gryazin)
Do you spot someone missing totally (DNS drivers) ?

Maybe it’s just not updated yet?

[pantealex]

Maybe it’s just not updated yet?

It was released today 8.40AM, there is NO before version.

[pantealex]

Same as before? 33 is Evans

Before ?

This is 1st servicepark layout.

As you can see #44 (entrylist says Gryazin) is marked in "WRC2" area inside.

[dimviii]

Marc Amourette Citroen DS3 R5 roof

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EALUmKIWsAAACKc.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EALUmKNXsAoVApB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EALUmKKWwAErSJY.jpg

[drive]

Anyone knows where is this spot in the beginning?
https://youtu.be/EzlUr2nmQM0?t=5

[over jump]

WRC Rally Finland "Short Movie"- Feel the atmosphere!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR1a0KaaqSM

[mufcAleksi]

Anyone knows where is this spot in the beginning?
https://youtu.be/EzlUr2nmQM0?t=5

About 9km from the start of Moksi

[pantealex]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5146/nrf_sp_layout_final_220719.pdf
Servicepark layout with car numbers.
Looks like Greensmith is #33 and there will be 2 M-Sport WRC2Pro
(#44 is still Gryazin)
Do you spot someone missing totally (DNS drivers) ?

Update, this time it has "FINAL" stamped
https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/site/assets/files/5146/nrf_sp_layout_final_240719_locked.pdf
I only noticed some changes in inside area.

[kernel_gdi]

Hello everyone,

I've a question regarding the acces to the stages in Finland.
Apart from the parking areas (where you obviously can park), and apart from the acces that have the road sign "forbidden" (where you can't drive throug)...

Can you drive through these small grey roads (as the on I mark in black circle) to reach the stage? If it's not "forbidden" on the map, then you can drive in?

These things really depends on the organizer policy, and in Finland I don't know what to expect.

Appart from that: finnish police is strict when parking on acces roads, and you may get fined? Is there a rule to know if you can park on the shoulder of a gravel road?

Thanks :)

[Jewy46]

Hi guys,
A group of us are heading to the rally from Ireland next week. Really looking forward to the trip, I havent been there since 2005 (when I was only 14)
Just wondering would any of you be able to help us choose what places we could/should spectate throughout the weekend? We like fast flowing sections (which Im sure there are plenty of) and would like to be closer to the action than what we can expect at the larger spectator areas, if you get what I mean ;)
Of course any spots with good jumps etc would be great as well.
If you any would like to help please drop me a PM, thanks in advance! :)

[EstWRC]

nice read like always by this dude https://www.wrcwings.tech/2019/07/24/2019-rally-finland-pre-event-tests-aero-review/

[Fredouye]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190725/e2213bb173af0b8070856eb506fad81d.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190725/c1391a6d754e99926e017bf867294e21.jpg

[mknight]

So there are Hyundai New Zealand (HNZ) stickers. That is beyond funny.

[AnttiL]

Weather forecasts giving dry but under 20°C

[Tauri_J]

Its been dry and very hot for a while now. Not good for Ott, also no noteworthy rain on the radar before the rally.

[SubaruNorway]

Some rain on Saturday by Kakaristo, maybe dry Sunday
https://www.yr.no/sted/Finland/V%C3%A4stra_Finland/Kakaristo/langtidsvarsel.html

https://www.yr.no/sted/Finland/Lappland/Ruuhim%C3%A4ki/langtidsvarsel.html

[the sniper]

Weather forecasts giving dry but under 20°C

Ideal. The heat last year was a bit much... I'm particularly looking forward to it being cool at night!

[AnttiL]

Some rain on Saturday by Kakaristo, maybe dry Sunday
https://www.yr.no/sted/Finland/V%C3%A4stra_Finland/Kakaristo/langtidsvarsel.html

https://www.yr.no/sted/Finland/Lappland/Ruuhim%C3%A4ki/langtidsvarsel.html

Wrong Ruuhimäki ;) https://www.yr.no/place/Finland/Western_Finland/Ruuhim%C3%A4ki/long.html Should rain on Sunday as well according to that.

[EstWRC]

i hope it changes again, just couple of days ago yr.no showed similar weather as this week

it doesnt look too bad...i remember in 2015 it was freezingly cold and it rained too, horrible

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EAYkqp8XsAAXblz?format=jpg&name=medium

[Barreis]

who'll drive Tuohino's fiesta? can't see the surname on the photo

[AnttiL]

who'll drive Tuohino's fiesta? can't see the surname on the photo

Jouni Virtanen, a gentleman driver who was basically the slowest R5 on every stage last year (except for Zoltan Szabo)

[pantealex]

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/route/access-instructions/

Some information about parking and camping

https://www.nesterallyfinland.fi/en/info/uutiset/official-information-only-in-the-official-programme-by-keskisuomalainen/

Other than Official have not those "blocket" roads marked (like Vauhdin Maailma maps have not those non acceptable roads marked)

[Luis Pacheco]

Ideal. The heat last year was a bit much...

It was a morbid heat. I hope not to repeat the experience this year.

[SubaruNorway]

Wrong Ruuhimäki ;) https://www.yr.no/place/Finland/Western_Finland/Ruuhim%C3%A4ki/long.html Should rain on Sunday as well according to that.

Yeah, the one in Lappland was different Ruuhimäki!
Looks dry now though, as long as It's not 30c I'm good, lost 5kg in a week last year!