[WRC] COPEC Rally Chile 2019

[Mirek]

https://twitter.com/victorlopez_wrc/status/1127280128780849152
Neuville crash different angle

The speed of rotation is crazy. Can't imagine how that feels.

[satukata]

Hope JML can fight back!!

[EstWRC]

Well Michelin official info has all drivers with 5 hards except Ogier with 2 mediums.

[mknight]

Well Michelin official info has all drivers with 5 hards except Ogier with 2 mediums.

- Tanak said more like: " ehhh.... had 2 medium tires".

- Michelin have to check the tires out so they must have good info, but mistakes can happen when posting on twitter

- Woulnd't make sense for Tanak to "excuse" that he is slower than Ogier and has tires for next stages if it was the other way around

[Essaj]

Both Mads and Kalle were quite fast in ss10, losing only 1sec/km to a fastest WRC time.

[BigWorm]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6TtHoRWkAIjCKJ.jpg

@thierryneuville
After our check at the hospital, we are happy to tell you that we are both 🆗😉👍🏼

[Ucci]

The speed of rotation is crazy. Can't imagine how that feels.

I had ''the luck'' to expirience 1/3 of this roller coaster (first we had hard frontal impact and than two spins at high speed) and I can tell you it is something what I do not want to expirience anymore....I wish both quick recovery.

[mknight]

No matter how much he was smiling Neuville did seem a bit shaken on alllive now. Gilsoul looks quite a lot better.

EDIT: Btw. why is Gilsoul not doing more interviews, he sounds all in all much nicer to listen to ;)

[stefanvv]

Neuville and Gilsoul appeared in good mood.

[AnttiL]

EDIT: Btw. why is Gilsoul not doing more interviews, he sounds all in all much nicer to listen to ;)

Yeah he seems like a really nice guy

[er88]

Yeah Gilsoul and in fact co drivers in general should maybe be interviewed more often. Glad Neuville is ok but understandably shaken up

[er88]

I've criticised the coverage so far in this this rally, but the heli footage following Lappi there was brilliant

[AnttiL]

Confirmed on All Live they understood wrong the Tänak comment about two mediums. Only Ogier has them

[Essaj]

Loeb is really something else. If only he would do a whole season and focus only on rallying.

[Allez Andruet]

Loeb is really something else. If only he would do a whole season and focus only on rallying.

I know I wrote it already, but I have to repeat that there's only one...

[cali]

I've criticised the coverage so far in this this rally, but the heli footage following Lappi there was brilliantAgreed, absolutely brilliant!

[mknight]

That did look like rain, both on helicopter cam and looking out from Latvala to the left.

[Rallyper]

well, seems to be more rain for the later drivers, like JML...

[cali]

The whole day Loeb has been on it. Amazing from the Maestro!

[mknight]

Ogier is pushing like hell from the onboard.

[wrc2017]

The whole day Loeb has been on it. Amazing from tje Maesteo!

ogier is in every ditch

[steve.mandzij]

Strange comment from Latvala, wasn't he quick during the morning? He's saying the stages don't suit his car.

[mknight]

Kalle has wipers on now.

[wrc2017]

To be fair meekes roll was very unfortunate

[Barreis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnWX4MTmzs4

[Ucci]

Ogier pushing like hell, Loeb same...but Tanak easily won the stage......

[racerx1979]

Ogier pushing like hell, Loeb same...but Tanak easily won the stage......

Road clearing in Tanaks favor but still a wicked time. Kudos to Loeb also for pushing like hell and still only 1.4 secs off Tanaks pace. I think Ogier was a bit shocked to see Loebs times

[mknight]

....I think Ogier was a bit shocked to see Loebs times

Ogier still has a real problem with Loeb (mentally). You can see it everytime Loeb does a good time and he is behind him. Compare how Ogier was in Argentina when he came to service even when doing bad (Friday, Saturday) all smiles and joking.
Today coming into service he was the most pissed guy ever, even though he was quite safe .... but Loeb beat him on all 3 stages.

[racerx1979]

Loeb probably mentally destroying a few guys today lol...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville explains crash...

Neuville injured his left leg in the Saturday morning crash and arrived back in the service park on crutches, having been told to keep pressure off his left foot.

Despite the accident, he will be back in the i20 Coupe WRC testing for the next event in Portugal next week.

"It was nearly the fastest note I have," Neuville told Autosport.

"I don't know exactly what happened, but it turned maybe a little bit more than expected.

"The impacts were quite hard and there were quite a few of them.


"I have had other crashes which felt strong as well, maybe [this was the biggest]. It was a big one.

"In the recce, I was a little bit optimistic with my notes. We went through a slight right [and] flat over [the] crest.

"I went a little bit wide, hit the edge and immediately we rolled the car.

"I felt immediately we are going to hit the rear in the wall, but it was quite a deep ditch - you only have a few chances to get away with this."



Asked about his injury, he replied: "Immediately I felt some pain in my left leg and saw some blood.

"I asked straight away [to the team] for an ambulance to check. The hospital did a good job and it's just a few stitches.

"I'll be back for Portugal. I'm already testing already next week."

Ahead of the Concepcion-based event, Neuville held a 10-point lead over Sebastien Ogier and was 28 ahead of current rally leader Ott Tanak.

Despite the crash, Neuville remained upbeat about his title hopes.

"The situation is definitely not the one we wanted," he said. "But we can look forward to the upcoming events.

"If we won't be first in the championship, it gives us a better road position and more chances on a good result and the chance to fight back.

"The gap won't be that big between me, Ogier and Tanak [after Chile]."
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143330/neuville-explains-his-huge-chile-accident

[AnttiL]

Lappi with a quite amazing time?

[stefanvv]

Not bad

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yep Lappi is improving... much more so than Mikkelsen & Suninen.

[Allez Andruet]

It's Saturday afternoon, the usual time for Lappi to wake up.

[mknight]

They should show a bit more of the first part of the stage, looking at splits it might be getting more foggy/wet

[er88]

Ogier still has a real problem with Loeb (mentally). You can see it everytime Loeb does a good time and he is behind him. Compare how Ogier was in Argentina when he came to service even when doing bad (Friday, Saturday) all smiles and joking.
Today coming into service he was the most pissed guy ever, even though he was quite safe .... but Loeb beat him on all 3 stages.You're so right. Yet I'm amazed he lets it affect him so much. Nothing else seems to concern Ogier and he can handle/cope with poor times or poor car performance. Yet when Loeb beats him on a few stages, a dark cloud comes over him...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans 30s down on Loeb is pretty disappointing considering how he's a WRC regular and tests in such gravel all the time in Cumbria.

[er88]

Fuck sake Jari noooo

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala stopped !

[Rallyper]

Meeeehhhh. Latvala!!!

[stefanvv]

Yaris gremlins

[er88]

Time for a NOT "Village team" comment :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hydraulics this time.

[AnttiL]

Perkele!

[Rallyper]

Now. How many times did Jaris car let him down...?

[Allez Andruet]

Thanks Tommi, all the problems seem to be solved indeed.

[mknight]

We have no idea what happened.

[mknight]

Btw. looks like Loeb will be fighting Ogier now, really looking forward to that.

EDIT: Well he might even catch him now.

[er88]

Thanks Tommi, all the problems seem to be solved indeed.That "caption this" photo EstWrc posted in the Toyota thread seems even more prominent now :(

[AnttiL]

It's raining now

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier losing loads of time.

[Ucci]

Ogier losing loads of time.

Tyres...

[stefanvv]

Loeb might catch 2nd

[AnttiL]

Ogier losing loads of time.

Rain and fog

[stefanvv]

It's raining now

Probably only 1st half of the stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak time also way down, also down to rain/fog.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala is out for the day.

[Ucci]

Tanak time also way down, also down to rain/fog.

No need to push for him.....he has a victory in his pocket.

[jparker]

You can understand a driver being a bit off the pace if his confidence is flaky, or the car isn't perfect. But with Mikkelsen, I can't understand HOW slow he can be at times. His times are a disaster, and the car has been on the pace as proved by Neuville and Loeb (who hasn't driven on gravel like this in like 6/7yrs). Mikkelsen said he'd be better today but even Suninen and Lappi have left him behind.

It's going to come to the point where if Mikkelsen can only do well with Hyundai on certain rallies, they'll only offer him a partial campaign for next year or nothing at all. I said his manager should do everything he can do get him to Msport regardless of whether Hyundai offer him an extension, because he can't compete with Neuville anyway and it's now rightly Neuville's team in the same way VW was Ogier's. Mikkelsen and Hyundai both had eyes on him fighting with Thierry for championships titles when he first got the contract, he was never meant to be just a points collector and backup...

You can make as much stupid analysis as you want, but you know nothing about the team orders Mikkelsen is under.

[mknight]

Really looking forward to Ogier vs Loeb tomorrow. Re-check Ogier's face and body language at the end of this stage.

[steve.mandzij]

Now. How many times did Jaris car let him down...?Way too many times already :(

[EstWRC]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/54463-copec-rally-chile-2019/?leg=2


look at this guys!!!!

ok a lot of thanks to the last stage with Ogier and Tänak getting worse conditions but still!

this guys is such a beast! the best motorsport guy ever for me

[Tarmop]

Mmm...What orders you think he has then, jparker? I would say, they are to help Neuville and Hyundai as a manufacturer. Due to Neuville`s crash, he is doing atleats one bit...

This was the second time Jari lost hydrualics?

[USER47]

You can make as much stupid analysis as you want, but you know nothing about the team orders Mikkelsen is under.
Yeah, I am pretty sure Hyundai ordered Mikkelsen to be slowest out of WRC cars. Nothing can help the brand as that kind of show...

[mknight]

Afaik last time Latvala lost hydraulics was when he peed next to the car in Germany.

Anyway we still dunno what happened.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Penty of battles on for tomorrow - all except Tanak & Evans should be involved.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6Tw9jVW4AAjk17.jpg

[Allez Andruet]

Perä tielle!

[er88]

Some eye candy in the studio, and I'm not talking about Julien Porter ;)

[mknight]

in South America if you don't go to plastic (or eysight) surgery you are either poor or weird.

Anyway manus will love this, her and her husband doing the rally having 2 mil followers etc. Exactly what they push for, popularity outside of Europe.

[Negaiss]

Some eye candy in the studio, and I'm not talking about Julien Porter ;)

Best one even does not speak English. But OK, maybe that is even better !

[AnttiL]

Update regarding Latvala's retirement: he hit a rock in a ditch with the front-left and damaged a driveshaft. No hydraulics issue. #YarisWRC #WRC #RallyChile #TGR_WRC

https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1127321665539649536

[stefanvv]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6Tw9jVW4AAjk17.jpg

Transformers

[steve.mandzij]

https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1127321665539649536Couldn't he have continued?

[jparker]

Yeah, I am pretty sure Hyundai ordered Mikkelsen to be slowest out of WRC cars. Nothing can help the brand as that kind of show...
He has chances to get Manu points, right?

[er88]

He has chances to get Manu points, right?You're being a total idiot. Not sure whether you can help it or not, but i hope for your sake you're just on the wind up...

[Tarmop]

What about yesterday then...or the first one today....and the one, where Neuville went out...

My mind boggles...

[stefanvv]

I was about to say someone of these 2 will make a mistake, and not going to be Loeb. But preferred NOT to say it.

[mknight]

I was about to say someone of these 2 will make a mistake, and not going to be Loeb. But preferred NOT to say it.

Loeb at his best did very few mistakes (I'd argue even less than Ogier), Which is why Corsica with 2 in one rally was so weird.

[Franky]

Loeb at his best did very few mistakes (I'd argue even less than Ogier), Which is why Corsica with 2 in one rally was so weird.

Sometimes your logic puzzles me

[jparker]

You're being a total idiot. Not sure whether you can help it or not, but i hope for your sake you're just on the wind up...
Your intellectual properties seams to be on the low side. Hope you can bare with it.

[dimviii]

when Neuville reached service park from hospital
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1127295594727378945

[mknight]

SS7 onboards with Meeke roll, Latvala and Evans catchup and Mikkelsen ditch are on wrc+ now.

EDIT: Meeke has some kind of moment just 10s before rolling (at 1:10 in), then just slides out under power uphill. Probalby was distracted by the first moment.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6UF2_eWAAAVL6u.jpg



Gary Boyd #BBP
‏ @KiwiWRCfan

Virtual Manaufacturer #WRC Points after SS12 #RallyChile
Hyundai 157 + 15 + 6 = 178
Toyota 120 + 25 + 4 = 149
Citroen 117 + 18 + 8 = 143

[stefanvv]

Gary Boyd #BBP
‏ @KiwiWRCfan

Virtual Manaufacturer #WRC Points after SS12 #RallyChile
Hyundai 157 + 15 + 6 = 178
Toyota 120 + 25 + 4 = 149
Citroen 117 + 18 + 8 = 143


M-sport with their steady show seems to gain more than Hyundai.

[mknight]

M-sport with their steady show seems to gain more than Hyundai.

MSport 22
Hyundai 21

Massive difference isn't it?

[Morte66]

Oh, Adamo is just a big cuddly teddy bear.

[stefanvv]

MSport 22
Hyundai 21

Massive difference isn't it?

Massive is your definition. Mine is progress from last one.

[mknight]

LOT of Finish swearing by Latvala on SS7, at one point he also got showered with quite large stones by Meeke. Keeps talking for some time after passing him as well.

Also got shown red flag (like in Argentina) at the place where Meeke originally rolled, but ignored it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loeb is being massive for Hyundai here - it would've been a disaster for them if he hadnt produced the goods . And there could be even more to come after tomorrow.

He's doing exactly what a top wing-man for Neuville should and what the others have so often failed to do.

[er88]

Your intellectual properties seams to be on the low side. Hope you can bare with it.Ok let's go with your logic and presume Adamo has instructed Mikkelsen to be the slowest WRC driver, miles off the pace and lose like 30s a stage to the likes of Loeb. Whatever makes you feel better :)

Did Adamo make that instruction after seeing Mikkelsen perform really well in Argentina? And think nah that's not right, it's much wiser to instruct him to be miles off the pace instead ;)?

[mknight]

Evans moment on SS7 is at 2:32, he even starts shouting expecting a crash. Could have ended in nasty roll if the side kicked him up. He has a very similar small moment at 4:00 as well and still posted 3rd fastest time. Some nerves.

[doubled1978]

I have to agree that it looks a bit unlucky for Meeke that he rolled, could easily just have bounced off and carried on like so many others do...

[dimviii]

1473/5000
"We drove well, we had a good rhythm in the stages. No fault, it's nickel, I have a good feeling with the car. I liked the second and third stages of the loop. We try to enjoy it, it was pretty good. I'm starting to understand how the Hyundai works. I feel pretty comfortable in it for now, let's hope it lasts. Differences with cars driven in the past? It's a bit in the way of riding. The Citroën required a little cleaner driving. You have to be a bit more aggressive with the Hyundai because it's slipping, "Loeb told our microphone.

The 45-year-old Frenchman also delivered his opinion on the violent accident in Neuville. "Thierry's exit happened at a pretty hot place. It's a very fast right turn. It would go to absolute depth, but it is located on a hump. The load shedding makes you lose grip. It's not far from going through, I think. I dropped the pedal a little too much. This is where we see the difference between the fiery, those who think more and the old. Meeke went to the bottom, Ogier had noticed perhaps thoroughly ... me I did not even imagine going to the bottom. I did not see her cabriole, I do not want to see her. We know that today's cars are solid. It is true that it is hot: one rolls all the same block in sometimes hostile places. They are solid, but not shatterproof, "analyzed Loeb with maturity.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_loeb-la-cabriole-de-neuville-je-n-ai-pas-envie-de-la-voir?id=10218336&fbclid=IwAR20AhHgNKvQ5KtLx_pR2MsrGw4wgVQnp2uLNG8ar wm3Dext6AtSBjHAhEo

[er88]

Lol is that Loeb effectively saying Meeke is a nutcase? Haha

[mknight]

Latvala's issue is in the Saturday highlights. Not easy to see much but he is not really off the road, but runs over some stone. Kinda reminded me of Solberg in Japan once upon a time.

For Meeke's off they don't show the moment he had 2 corners before that imo might have caused him to loose concentration, so go on onboards if you want to see it. Also for Evans moment they picked the worst camera.

[wrc2017]

Lol is that Loeb effectively saying Meeke is a nutcase? Haha

dont really understand what he is saying.. referencing ogier meeke neville in one sentance.

[mknight]

SS15 is on google streetview:

This is near start:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.0065257,-72.7676651,3a,56.2y,98.15h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbYEFqGvZkBi-_HF_uhQ_hw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

mid way:

https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.0102116,-72.693856,3a,75y,220.63h,73.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7y3zEMtAz478DCx1VDiUKQ!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656

Just before finish:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-36.9809207,-72.6704078,3a,75y,292.52h,80.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ss8roqONa_4dU2odhkR390Q!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656

[AnttiL]

SS15 is on google streetview:

This is near start:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.0065257,-72.7676651,3a,56.2y,98.15h,83.78t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sbYEFqGvZkBi-_HF_uhQ_hw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

mid way:

https://www.google.com/maps/@-37.0102116,-72.693856,3a,75y,220.63h,73.21t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7y3zEMtAz478DCx1VDiUKQ!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656

Just before finish:
https://www.google.com/maps/@-36.9809207,-72.6704078,3a,75y,292.52h,80.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1ss8roqONa_4dU2odhkR390Q!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656

This is effectively the same stage starting from 2:30

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upvHLHQ3i18

But I'm most interested in SS14. Crazy fast stage on narrow roads with less camber.

[mknight]

Was wondering whether Ogier or Loeb should have an advantage. Ogier has some more experience with the car on gravel (Mexico) but last year the car didn't do well on these kind of stages. Hyundai should be good, but Loeb has not driven it on stages like that.

Very hard to predict.

[Rallyper]

https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1127321665539649536

That should be able to recognize on incar vids, then. I haven´t had the time.

Seems though he tried to go on but didn´t manage to get manual shifting work, or what did he try to do, standing aside of the stage?

[AnttiL]

Probably just trying to find out what's wrong. Not sure why he tried manual shift if the hydraulics weren't broken.

[Tarmop]

He went out to have a look around the car, then tried manual shifting...probably just didn`t know what was happening and started trying.

[SubaruNorway]

Driveshaft knocked around and broke something in the gear linkage somehow...?

[mknight]

I was looking on the available onboards and it's not easy to indentify. Attached is the only really clear picture from Meeke (who drove in front of him).

It is not the first two big rocks in the ditch, cause they are on exactly same spot and unmoved also when Ogier and Tanak pass after JML, and his "impact" happens noticeably later than the spot where these are.

There are possibly 2 white/light grey rocks just after them on the left side, but it's not easy to see from any other onboards. (Latvala's onboard in highlights has terrible quality so you can't see anything)

Note that Meeke does a correction on this place, first turning in too much and then correcting out just after the big rocks. It's on 3:35 on the onboard.

[Rallyper]

I was looking on the available onboards and it's not easy to indentify. Attached is the only really clear picture from Meeke (who drove in front of him).

It is not the first two big rocks in the ditch, cause they are on exactly same spot and unmoved also when Ogier and Tanak pass after JML, and his "impact" happens noticeably later than the spot where these are.

There are possibly 2 white/light grey rocks just after them on the left side, but it's not easy to see from any other onboards. (Latvala's onboard in highlights has terrible quality so you can't see anything)

Note that Meeke does a correction on this place, first turning in too much and then correcting out just after the big rocks. It's on 3:35 on the onboard.

Those two rocks doesn´t seem to even be in the raceline... why should he´d driven on them?

[mknight]

He didn't, read again.

[Rallyper]

He didn't, read again.

Ok. My bad. ;)

[dimviii]

With a warrior's mind found, and the big doubts of the Tour de Corse raised, the Alsatian driver has achieved a high quality afternoon, punctuated by a scratch allowing him to pick up at the heels of Sebastien Ogier.

At the service park tonight, and as this afternoon finally, the Hyundai driver has appeared with a very serene face and unprecedented confidence since his debut with Hyundai.
How was your day Sébastien?

"We did not have any problems. I attacked hard from the beginning to the end of the day, so I'm happy to be here after not making mistakes. The feeling is good, the car too, so I hope we can continue on a good pace tomorrow. "
How did you manage to accelerate the pace like that since the start?

"The key has been to find confidence in the rear end, to control the glide with this car and to simply make more miles to understand it. "
What do you think of tomorrow's specials?

"They are very different from today. We'll see what we can do. Tomorrow it will be very close and fast, it will take a lot of confidence in these specials, we'll see. They do not please me especially because there are many summits and it will really have to be in confidence.

Today, the stages were faster and faster, it's more in my style and I had a perfect feeling with the car so we had a good day. "
Wednesday night, you said that a podium would be beautiful for you. You're off to a good start.

"Yes, it would still be beautiful but it remains a complicated day before. We will see how we feel, and we will do the best. After the shakedown, I felt pretty bad, I did not know how to make time with the car, it took getting used to the driving style of the car. "
After your difficulties in Corsica, is it a kind of relief for you to play in front?

"It's definitely good to be in front. Being all the time behind is not the most fun so yes it's nice anyway. And it feels good to feel comfortable in the car and ride free. It was cool, the car is really good on the ground and I feel good. "
https://www.rallye-sport.fr/loeb-ca-fait-du-bien-detre-devant/

[dimviii]

1194/5000
However, his situation remains very fragile since the French now has only five seconds ahead of his compatriot Sebastien Loeb, launched on a big pace since Friday afternoon. Not very talkative this afternoon, the gapençais made some extra efforts to respond to media solicitations.
How was this afternoon?

"It was better than this morning anyway, that's for sure. It's not fantastic either. We lose ten seconds from the last because of the conditions. "
How to explain this renewed performance?

"Once again, there were a lot of changes on the car for the afternoon, but I think our performance is really related to the level of grip. "
What are the profiles of the chronos of tomorrow?

"These are not easy specials. There is the Power Stage that is done twice with a lot of gravel in places, quite slippery, it looks a bit like the shakedown profile. The second is quite fast but the narrowest of the rally and a lot of skies, but not really bumps because it does not go fast enough. Like all weekends for us, there are still many unknowns. "

Will you change things on the car?

"We're going to think for tomorrow, but in the idea, the direction we took this afternoon was going in the right direction, so it will certainly be close. "
How did you approach the right where Thierry left this morning?

"It was a very fast-moving right in the sky that I had noted down to the bottom. On the first pass, I stopped him because the marshals slowed me down and in the second lap, I think I took it the least of all because I had not tested at all in the first lap and I am arrived with a report below. "

https://www.rallye-sport.fr/ogier-il-y-a-encore-de-nombreuses-inconnues/

[dimviii]

Loeb greenlight to take risks and pass Ogier for second on Rally Chile

Hyundai World Rally Championship driver Sebastien Loeb has been given the green light to race his countryman Sebastien Ogier for second place during Sunday's Rally Chile finale.

When Loeb's team-mate Thierry Neuville crashed out of the South American event on Saturday morning, there was an expectation that Loeb would be asked to hold station through Sunday's final four stages.

Despite a 30-second cushion over fourth-placed Ford Fiesta WRC driver Elfyn Evans, Hyundai team principal Andrea Adamo told Autosport he wanted Loeb to push to usurp the five-second difference between him and reigning champion Ogier.

"I know we have points for the manufacturers' championship to think about, but the word [for Loeb] tomorrow is: push!" he said.

"OK, we have points for third, but you get more points for second."

Loeb's performance through Saturday has been one of the talking points of the rally, with the Frenchman's i20 Coupe WRC 13s faster than anybody else across the six stages.

Loeb said: "The pace I had today was really good, but Seb is also very fast.

"The stages tomorrow are different from today. They are more technical with a lot of crests.

"There is no room to make any mistakes. We will see.

"I am happy to be in this situation. If I can push and catch him it would be perfect.

Ogier added: "It's a big fight. He put in some really good times today. It will be interesting tomorrow."

http://classic.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/143347

[EstWRC]

thats great to hear!

cant wait

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/DanosElena/status/1127538848022650880

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6XSmlDWAAUfNAc.jpg



#Tyre info - Day 3 All the Michelin @OfficialWRC drivers with 5 MICHELIN LTX Force Medium (M6).

[EstWRC]

very very foggy and rainy, at least at service

[dimviii]

thats great to hear!

cant wait

big risks for both of them
strange that Adamo gave the greenlight to attack.
Or maybe just to put pressure to Ogier.
Hyundai needs points
Ogier needs points for his drivers championship

Lets see..

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6XWQ8MWwAUEAEf.png

[Rally Power]

Andrea Adamo told Autosport he wanted Loeb to push to usurp the five-second difference between him and reigning champion Ogier.
"I know we have points for the manufacturers' championship to think about, but the word [for Loeb] tomorrow is: push!" he said.


Maybe Adamo’s was deeply wishing to keep that P3 for manus points, but no one can ask the GOAT to slow down when he’s showing he still is a top player in the game. His progressing in this rally has been mind-blowing and this last day duel with Ogier will certainly be worthy to watch. Bring it on!

[mknight]

big risks for both of them
strange that Adamo gave the greenlight to attack.
Or maybe just to put pressure to Ogier.
Hyundai needs points
Ogier needs points for his drivers championship

Lets see..

On second thought it's not strange at all.

- PR:
Loeb was taken in for results , car development feedback and for PR. Even if he crashes it will still be good PR. Headlines talking about how he was not allowed to attack would be the opposite.

- courting to Loeb:
After Corsica as Porter said, people were starting to wonder if it's really worth for him to do this. (also kind of mentioned in this interview on previous page). Now that he has shown he can drive the car fast on fast stages Adamo wants him to say yes to drive in Finland which didn't originally seem to be the plan.

[EstWRC]

conditions like friday, very damp

[AnttiL]

conditions like friday, very damp

Maybe even more muddy and wet

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Easy bet for me - Loeb for 2nd.

Ogier a solid 3rd & go for PS points.

[AnttiL]

Mikkelsen already four seconds down on the first split...

[EstWRC]

Meeke sayin it was actually quite enjoyable

[AnttiL]

Meeke sayin it was actually quite enjoyable

It is. For the first cars ;)

[EstWRC]

Loeb on the stage now

[erikli2]

No grip says Lappi, Doesn't sounds promising for his team mate Seb.

[the sniper]

Just like on Rally GB, Mikkelsen driving that Hyundai more sideways than a Mk2 Escort! Looks good, but blatantly where the time is lost...

[EstWRC]

Loeb fastest in first split!

[AnttiL]

Loeb opened the game with fastest first split

[krissucool]

Le Frog!

[EstWRC]

Ogier +3.2 in first split!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seb v Seb here we go !

[AnttiL]

Ogier slower in first split

[wrc2017]

Ogier slower in first split

Ogier will not like this...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loeb got him.

[wrc2017]

Ogier will not like this...

and he is trying... you can see it!

[mknight]

Will be some worthy onboards on the next stages from both Sebs. Sadly it looks like the only fight today.

[EstWRC]

wow, so slippery for Ottt


completely sidways on some corners

[EstWRC]

this stage is basically dry

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6XrWpRX4AEZgNy.jpg

[Mirek]

Very difficult stage this one.

[AnttiL]

Very difficult stage this one.

Very interesting. Looks like it's becoming the fastest of the rally.

[AnttiL]

Very interesting. Looks like it's becoming the fastest of the rally.

And it did, with 102.3 km/h of average speed for Latvala.

[EstWRC]

seems to be a lot of cleaning or the fog has gone away, Lappi already 3.5 secs up on Latvala in first split

[AnttiL]

Lappi with a great opening split. This stage probably cleans and becomes faster for later starters

[krissucool]

Lappi is going to crash.

[EstWRC]

Loeb +0.5 in split 1

[Mirek]

There is already much less fog now than at the beginning.

[dimviii]

seems that stage with better grip suits c3 from Lappis time

[EstWRC]

There is already much less fog now than at the beginning.

basically clear now for back starters

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I hope Evans is just cruising as he's so slow.

[EstWRC]

Ogier 1.1 faster in split 2

[AnttiL]

Ogier fights back!

[USER47]

Ogier not giving up, faster than Loeb by 1.1s on second split.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is the battle we wanted !

[Mirek]

Great commitment on the onboards!

[Allez Andruet]

When giants collide

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GOgier !!

[René]

The one who brakes is a coward ! :)

[USER47]

Ogier's onboard was pretty scary, these guys are insane.:-D

[EstWRC]

and the gap is back

[Mirek]

Wow, awesome push from Ogier!

[dimviii]

amazing time from Ogier!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's the sort of push he usually reserves for the PS.

[the sniper]

Incredible! This is rallying at its best!

[Allez Andruet]

That's what true champions do. Fabulous attack by Seb II.

[Rally Power]

Brilliant!

[Eli]

What a comeback by Ogier, especially considering he still has issues with the car.

[AnttiL]

Awesome stage from Ogier.

Østberg and Rovanperä were faster than Mikkelsen

[EstWRC]

final chance for the maestro now! of course the power stage still to go but now it depends what the gap remains before that.

[erikli2]

Hope Loeb can make a comeback in the next stage so we'll have a nice fight on the powerstage 👊🏼

[mknight]

What a comeback by Ogier, especially considering he still has issues with the car.

Well the "issues" is basically that it lacks grip on smooth/slippery surface.

This stage didn't look smooth or slippery.

[the sniper]

Great passion from the organisers, good to hear from them. Got to give them credit for the quality of this event. They really get what it's all about.

[EstWRC]

very very fast beginning of this stage, this is where Ogier has been so good this weekend, like on the previous stage the ending which was very fast

[Eli]

Well the "issues" is basically that it lacks grip on smooth/slippery surface.

This stage didn't look smooth or slippery.

Well you know what I mean, the fact that the C3 still lacks in some areas and needs improvement.

[René]

Great battle, if the 2 Seb continue to improve their driving level in the last 2 stages, we will have a show that the WRC no longer offers us much in last recent years. Great drivers both...

[mknight]

Great battle, if the 2 Seb continue to improve their driving level in the last 2 stages, we will have a show that the WRC no longer offers us much in last recent years. Great drivers both...

You kind of lost me there. Do you mean to say that when Ogier looses to Tanak/Neuville or any other driver he does it on purpose?

[EstWRC]

amazing fast stage this is!

fastest so far

[René]

You kind of lost me there. Do you mean to say that when Ogier looses to Tanak/Neuville or any other driver he does it on purpose?

No, not at all. I just want to point out that between the two Sebs there is an extra ego battle. Which may push them to go even further than usual.

[mknight]

No, not at all. I just want to point out that between the two Sebs there is an extra ego battle. Which may push them to go even further than usual.

Ok, totally agree with that actually, Ogier gets much more concentrated and serious.

[EstWRC]

battle over, Ogier won it

[Fast Eddie WRC]

4.6s now the gap - Loeb wont take that back.

[RS]

Why are they not showing at least the WRC2 Pro crews on All Live? There is over one hour until the next stage.

[mknight]

Why are they not showing at least the WRC2 Pro crews on All Live? There is over one hour until the next stage.

Could be they need to refuel the helicopter.

[USER47]

Meeke will manage to get to 8th at the end, he's only 5.2s behind Rovanpera.

[Rally Power]

4.6s now the gap - Loeb wont take that back.

Don’t bet on it; this one will last until the last stage finish line.

Btw, the ‘Wales looking’ stages in the mountains are nice, but these last 2 are something else; hope they’ll be able to use more roads like this next year.

[dimviii]

power stage is todays 1st stage where Loeb took 4 sec.
if gravel has dried its impossible.

[AnttiL]

Btw, the ‘Wales looking’ stages in the mountains are nice, but these last 2 are something else; hope they’ll be able to use more roads like this next year.

Agreed! Switch Sunday and Saturday stages and do double runs on these. SS9 for power stage.

[dimviii]

Kristian Sohlberg
‏ @Krisse_Sohlberg
13m13 minutes ago

Before the rally I honestly though young drivers could have a better chance with a new rally, but as it shows experince and confidence is the most valuable part. For me the most impressive drive is @SebastienLoeb. A long break since last gravel rally and fighting for second. #wrc

[EstWRC]

rallying has always been about experience and it really shows this time.

[mknight]

Was exactly the same in Turkey thought. Lappi and Suninen talking in interviews how finally it will be even starting point and then it was one of their worst rallies of the year.

My theory is that all the post WRC+ drivers are too used to watching onboards to learn stages, so when there are no onboards to watch they stuggle more.

[steve.mandzij]

I'm really looking forward to the PS, haven't seen any stages live this weekend yet, but I'm still bummed about Jari Matti :( he was doing such a good race.

[EstWRC]

the stage basically dry now compared to the morning, huge contrast

[Mirek]

the stage basically dry now compared to the morning, huge contrast

Yet only 7 seconds difference in time for Bertelli. Let's see the others.

[EstWRC]

Yet only 7 seconds difference in time for Bertelli. Let's see the others.

Greensmith bettered by 17 secs

E: Mads by 16 secs

[mknight]

Looks like it's cleaning looking at the times.

[EstWRC]

surpris surprise the rear of citroen stepped out again!

[mknight]

Woha he almost reversed down the slope there.

[erikli2]

At least Lappi showed that the C3 can be fast on this stage at the current conditions.

[the sniper]

Lappi cut his hand, you could see a little blood. That's what the comment about the gear being too stiff was about. That's why Molly asked if he was alright.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

5th is a good position for Suninen. Not fast but no mistakes.

[EstWRC]

woah it felt like Evans will spin too

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans disappointing here. But maybe with only testing in Cumbria they didnt get the set-up as good as it could've been.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Don’t bet on it; this one will last until the last stage finish line.


I did bet on it. Ogier wasnt going to drop that time again.

[Rallyper]

Evans is not consistent. And why, would be interesting to know...

[RS]

Evans disappointing here. But maybe with only testing in Cumbria they didnt get the set-up as good as it could've been.

Comprehensively outperformed Suninen though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier really was on fire ! ;)

[Rallyper]

Doping for Ogier, using fire distinguesher... :)

[Rallyper]

Yeeesss!!!

[USER47]

Great job by all top 3 crews...

[Rallyper]

30 points for Tanak.

[krissucool]

Get in! Total dominance! Wohoooo

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice congrats from Ogier.

[EstWRC]

JUST

LOOK

AT


THIS

POIDUM!!!


16 titles between them ;)

[Morte66]

Has there been a puncture in WRC in this rally?

[Oliverk]

Has there been a puncture in WRC in this rally?

Punctures are rare in smooth gravel rallies.

[denkimi]

4 different teams in the 4 first places. Like it should be.

[Indreq]

Really strange podium, no spectators, just few photographers. There was always many people at SS finish lines, where are they now? And even teams didnt show up...

[mknight]

4 different teams in the 4 first places. Like it should be.

Yes, don't get people cheering when one team dominates, no matter what team it is.
This result is quite nice for the (drivers) championship.

[EstWRC]

what a talent together here!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6YiPLFW4AIJcF_.jpg

https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/59991160_828741550819354_4180256789767389184_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=110&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=f26940fb92b56d5aed71606b00b3f78b&oe=5D6E7CE6

[tommeke_B]

Chile didn't stole it's place on the calendar, great event, especially for the first time! Very strong performance from Tänak, and great battle between the Seb's today. Maybe Loeb could become interested in a fulltime comeback for next year? :)

[dimviii]

Congrats to Tanak,clearly faster crew at Chile.
Congrats to Ogier for this result,Loeb has this thing to awake him.
Congrats to Maestro too. What can you say for this driver? So many years to compete at muddy terrain,he was lost with the car at shake and Friday,and managed to play with the current multiple champion for the second place.

hard work for Neuville now as he trails with 12 points to Ogier.

[Allez Andruet]

Tänak is so good it's starting to become annoying. In order to keep the championship fight live right until the end, the Yaris probably has to brake down a few times down the road. Having said that, it will still require an absolutely gallant effort to unseat Ogier.

[dimviii]

Alberto Heller roll
https://twitter.com/OpensTightens/status/1127620545607012352

[dimviii]

Look again

already edited

[Allez Andruet]

Congrats to Maestro too. What can you say for this driver?

No words. Le Maestro just seems to be immune to both father time and the natural law. For me this was just as impressive as the win in Catalunya.

[Ucci]

Tänak is so good it's starting to become annoying. In order to keep the championship fight live right until the end, the Yaris probably has to brake down a few times down the road. Having said that, it will still require an absolutely gallant effort to unseat Ogier.
Agree 100%. Ott is so much faster, in the raw speed he is one class faster than others. I don't like it, sorry.
Nevertheless, congrats for the victory and full points at PS.

[the sniper]

Alberto Heller roll
https://twitter.com/OpensTightens/status/1127620545607012352

Another lucky one, could have been ugly with spectators...


Nice to see All Live still going, watching the tailenders coming in. Good to reward these crews with at least a little footage, particularly given how well supported the local entry was. Most of them are still pushing on too! Can't remember the last time an R5 Peugeot 208 was on All Live, let alone R2 208s and an Opel Adam! :D

[mknight]

Reason for Toyota trailing in manu champ in numbers, not talking about causes:

Manu points per driver:
[Driver Manu points / rallies)]

Toyota
Meeke 38 /6 = 6,33 points/rally
Latvala 20 /6 = 3,33 points/rally

58 points total for Toyota 2/3 drivers
Tanak 91

-------
Hyundai
Mikkelsen 36 /5 = 7,2 points/rally
Loeb 27/4 = 6,75 points/rally
Sordo 20 /3 = 6,67 points/rally

83 points total for Hyundai 2/3 drivers
Neuville 95

==================
Can't really compare the numbers per driver with the 2 car teams as they don't take points from each other and only need to get back in rally2 to score points, this counts for both Ogier, Lappi and Suninen. Only Evans has all his points from finishing as fastest driver.

Citroen
Ogier 105
Lappi 38

Ford:
Evans 52
Suninen 36

source: http://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/
(only site I know that lists manu points per driver)

[mknight]

Agree 100%. Ott is so much faster, in the raw speed he is one class faster than others. I don't like it, sorry.
Nevertheless, congrats for the victory and full points at PS.

I was very worried about this at end of last year and after Sweden, but then both in Mexico (understandable with road position), Corsica (vs Evans of all people) and Argentina he wasn't dominant.

This rally was basically smooth all the way, which suits Toyota, so if he doesn't dominate in the next two rough rallies it should still be a fun championship to watch.

[krissucool]

I was very worried about this at end of last year and after Sweden, but then both in Mexico (understandable with road position), Corsica (vs Evans of all people) and Argentina he wasn't dominant.

This rally was basically smooth all the way, which suits Toyota, so if he doesn't dominate in the next two rough rallies it should still be a fun championship to watch.

I think it is more about smooth rallies suiting Ott than just Toyota. This is obviously his favourite type of rally coming from Estonia. Meeke and Latvala were not that fast compared to other cars this rally.

[denkimi]

Tänak is so good it's starting to become annoying. In order to keep the championship fight live right until the end, the Yaris probably has to brake down a few times down the road. Having said that, it will still require an absolutely gallant effort to unseat Ogier.
Unless ogier, neuville and loeb suddenly have forgotten how to drive fast, its not tanak who's extraordinary fast. Its the toyota.

[steve.mandzij]

I think it is more about smooth rallies suiting Ott than just Toyota. This is obviously his favourite type of rally coming from Estonia. Meeke and Latvala were not that fast compared to other cars this rally.???

Latvala was one of the quickest drivers Friday and Saturday and nearly won the power stage from first (real) crew on the road...?

[krissucool]

???

Latvala was one of the quickest drivers Friday and Saturday and nearly won the power stage from first (real) crew on the road...?

Yes, Latvala was fighting speed wise for 2nd-5th position with Neuville, Loeb and Ogier. With Citröen and Hyunday. He was not faster than Citroen or Hyundai but fighting with them.
So from that it would be very difficult to judge that the roads specifically suited the Toyotas.
And to add, Meeke was slower than average on this rally.

So as I said, Meeke and Latvala were not that fast compared to other cars this rally.

[Allez Andruet]

Unless ogier, neuville and loeb suddenly have forgotten how to drive fast, its not tanak who's extraordinary fast. Its the toyota.

...and unless Latvala and Meeke have suddenly forgotten how to drive fast, it's not the Toyota that's extraordinary fast. It's Tänak.

[Rally Power]

...and unless Latvala and Meeke have suddenly forgotten how to drive fast, it's not the Toyota that's extraordinary fast. It's Tänak.

Just like Ogier in VW days. We all know there are 3 drivers above the others; if one of them gets the better car it'll immediately gain advantage. Now that Toyota managed to get the Yaris reliable (fingers crossed) we just need Hyundai and Citroen to make their cars a little faster in order to keep the series exciting.

Congrats to Tanak/Jarveoja and Toyota; hat off for Loeb and a big applause to Chile organizers and fans. In 19 days it’ll be our turn to enjoy this epic sport!

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6YfzEsXsAEzcjC.jpg

[Morte66]

Punctures are rare in smooth gravel rallies.

After the season so far, I am suffering culture shock.

[AnttiL]

I find the series to revolve more and more around the top three guys, but maybe I just remember too well the 2017 season when everything was new and it was very even with numerous winners. After Wales 2017 only Loeb and Latvala have managed to win outside the top trio, both once, and this year in every rally two of the trio have been on the podium.

[Tarmop]

Well, you have to remember those unfrotunate incidents like Evans having a puncture on the final stage, Suninen and Paddon crashing, even Mikkelsen was going for it in Turkey before his car broke...first ones that spring to mind, could be some more.

[wrc2017]

...and unless Latvala and Meeke have suddenly forgotten how to drive fast, it's not the Toyota that's extraordinary fast. It's Tänak.

Rally Finland is going to be epic

[Essaj]

https://twitter.com/krismeeke/status/1127697277609480192 "Extremely frustrated to have been handed 1min penalty for trying to keep myself, Seb & spectators safe. We tried to keep the screen in but it started to collapse and break-up in the time control, we had no option but remove it for everyone’s safety, I don’t understand the penalty"
What is this all about?

[steve.mandzij]

I find the series to revolve more and more around the top three guys, but maybe I just remember too well the 2017 season when everything was new and it was very even with numerous winners. After Wales 2017 only Loeb and Latvala have managed to win outside the top trio, both once, and this year in every rally two of the trio have been on the podium.2017 was better than 2018 imo because the championship, at various stages, was anybody's game. Evans nearly winning in Argentina, Lappi taking a maiden win on his third or fourth event, Paddon leading for a great portion of Sardegna, all four cars equal, each with their strengths and weaknesses very clear, the surge of Tanak... There's so many memorable things that happened in that season!

However, we are in a very very exciting period now as well, despite the top 3 domination. We're seeing some of the best driving in years, with the clearly quickest driver struggling against an unreliable car, the reigning champion adapting to a new team, and the antagonistic Belgian doing everything he can to finally clinch the title he lost twice. The level is exceptional up top, and even yet, they aren't untouchable, with the leading trio often interrupted by drivers such as Meeke, Latvala, Loeb, and on a good day Mikkelsen and Evans.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D6Zq78CX4AIXz8A?format=jpg&name=large

[er88]

Seems a bit stupid and petty.

[wrc2017]

Childish, petty, contrived. Think anyone with any idea knows what going on here..

[wrc2017]

Meeke super annoyed ...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143364/meeke-penalised-for-removing-windscreen

[EstWRC]

Q:
Sébastien Loeb, your first podium for Hyundai and a great battle to achieve it. How are you feeling at the end of the event?
SL:
I think it is a good place for rally roads. The stages are nice, maybe too fast for me because I am too old for that. It was a really nice rally to drive. We enjoyed it a lot. There were a lot of spectators to support us, that was incredible.

:D


the rest https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-o-tanak-it-has-been-tough-job-new-rally

[eib1]

Meeke roll

https://twitter.com/victorlopez_wrc/status/1127600915597414402?s=21

[EstWRC]

Meeke super annoyed ...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/143364/meeke-penalised-for-removing-windscreen

haha, i love it how he goes straight at FIA.

He has a point and i do get his frustration.