[WRC] Wales Rally GB 2019

[KKS]

Meeke on Pontus pace. Already securing positions ((

[AnttiL]

The tarmac at the end gets dirtier with every car

[mknight]

O. Solberg stopped again

EDIT: Lol was in the stopline, my bad for not switching stages on the map

[wia5958]

Meeke on Pontus pace. Already securing positions ((

Vital for Toyota that he secures that position. If he doesn't their chance of a double is gone he really can't afford to bin it here

[KKS]

Vital for Toyota that he secures that position. If he doesn't their chance of a double is gone he really can't afford to bin it here
Yep, but as Meeke fan and Ogier losing his pace - I want him to battle with Ogier for a place. But he on teamorder for sure (

[AnttiL]

Yep, but as Meeke fan and Ogier losing his pace - I want him to battle with Ogier for a place. But he on teamorder for sure (

There's a saying in Finland: the person whose bread you eat is the one whose songs you have to sing.

[EstWRC]

Greensmith had slippers on his racing shoes ? lol

[KKS]

Glad to see Petter and Phil again in rally car

[Katvala]

This brings back memories! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/58efbe104919f7703b6eea66432e414d.jpg

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Sun 09:15 - Great Orme stage cancelled
Unfortunately SS20 - Great Orme has been cancelled due to insufficient safety cover. Competitors will now head directly back to service in Llandudno.

[mknight]

There goes the tire plan of the guys who took softs to gain time on ss20...

(Mikkelsen, Ogier as well as Lappi and Tidemand had either full softs or half-softs)

[Katvala]

A short Sunday cut even shorter..

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

bad news for MIkkelsen

[AnttiL]

If it's spectator safety again, they deserve to be dropped from the calendar...

[EstWRC]

If it's spectator safety again, they deserve to be dropped from the calendar...

agreed, its been quite a mess this year organizing wise. the haybale case, two stages cancelled before today already, people standing everywhere they want etc

Do the drivers have to drive the stage anyway? im looking on wrc plus that they could turn right to the service park but everybody turns left and go to the stage. Lappi is through it already

[AnttiL]

agreed, its been quite a mess this year organizing wise. the haybale case, two stages cancelled before today already, people standing everywhere they want etc

Do the drivers have to drive the stage anyway? im looking on wrc plus that they could turn right to the service park but everybody turns left and go to the stage. Lappi is through it already

The roadbook should have an alternate route.

One rumor on twitter is that the sea is too stormy for a lifeboat in case someone would drive off the cliff to the water.

[dimviii]

One rumor on twitter is that the sea is too stormy for a lifeboat in case someone would drive off the cliff to the water.

Wales Rally GB
@WalesRallyGB
·
1m
GREAT ORME CANCELLED

Due to rough sea conditions, we are unable to have our safety diving team positioned off the Orme. Without the team in place, we are not able to run the stage.

The safety of the crews must come first.

[doubled1978]

The statement says “insufficient safety cover”. That sounds like there are not enough Marshall’s to cover the amount of spectators that have tried to watch the stage.
I fear we are getting to the point like in the McRae/Burns era where the popularity of the event is overtaking the ability to safely control it. You can bet that next year there will be far more stringent spectating rules in place.
Not sure if this is true, but I read on a facebook page that Aberhirnant cancellation was due to a group of about 20 Belgian guys who refused to move and then threatened the marshalls.

[Katvala]

So not because of spectator https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/1ac6572b8cb2fa73acaa95c30a1993fe.jpg

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[doubled1978]

Edit.
Just seen the note about the divers, that’s fair enough.

[Katvala]

So SS20 underway, and apparently in reverse order! That's against the rules! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/c51b071b9b181a0fa8a9a7d997f715e6.jpg

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[meh]

Edit.
Just seen the note about the divers, that’s fair enough.

I think it's not fair enough. "Stormy" sea came as surprise? Fair could be make this decision before the loop I guess.

[AnttiL]

So SS20 underway, and apparently in reverse order! That's against the rules! https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191006/c51b071b9b181a0fa8a9a7d997f715e6.jpg


I thought GOAT wasn't entered in this rally ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Big shame for the fans there and for Visit Wales who promote the area.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS20 Great Orme will be traversed non competitively. Weather has beaten us and we cannot get the divers out to protect the crews in case there was an incident. #WRGB

[Japé]

Watching this Wales Rally GB 2003 highlights, those were the days! Wish we would had that number of teams and top drivers!

[doubled1978]

I think it's not fair enough. "Stormy" sea came as surprise? Fair could be make this decision before the loop I guess.

I know what you mean, but the organisers may have had to be pragmatic in that they don’t suddenly want all the Orme spectators heading over to Brenig/Alwen as that might result in those getting cancelled as well. Alwen in particular is risky as it’s easy to get everywhere in the stage as it keeps doubling back on itself so doesn’t cover much area.

[AnttiL]

Watching this Wales Rally GB 2003 highlights, those were the days! Wish we would had that number of teams and top drivers!

Interesting to watch the South Welsh roads, so different character to what we have now. Much drier conditions, also wider but softer and rougher roads.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GREAT ORME UPDATE

Anybody with a Great Orme ticket will be able to use this for FREE access to Brenig.

#WRGB #WRC https://t.co/2g6qpgc9Ib

[mknight]

GREAT ORME UPDATE

Anybody with a Great Orme ticket will be able to use this for FREE access to Brenig.

#WRGB #WRC https://t.co/2g6qpgc9Ib

Sounds like a recipe for traffic chaos.

[Katvala]

Watching this Wales Rally GB 2003 highlights, those were the days! Wish we would had that number of teams and top drivers!More maunufactorers indeed, but just four were relevant, with a big distinction between the points

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Imo the WRC "Alllive" coverage this weekend has been particularly bad. Most of the media zones (around service) were not shown at all, even though they were breaks between.

Delayed stages off course caused some of that but the "adaptation" has been to just cancel and cut short stuff.

[Katvala]

Imo the WRC "Alllive" coverage this weekend has been particularly bad. Most of the media zones (around service) were not shown at all, even though they were breaks between.

Delayed stages off course caused some of that but the "adaptation" has been to just cancel and cut short stuff.This rally was more targeted toward "live TV" and it shows

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Driving the Great Orme on road speed means that photographers didn't go there for nothing

https://twitter.com/colmcklein/status/1180773309274832896

[mknight]

The map froze with drivers quite a bit from the start.

[mknight]

Starts to smell like delay or cancellation of SS21.

[EstWRC]

Breen has started actually

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sounds like a recipe for traffic chaos.

It was...

Fan Tweet
"If the sea was too rough at 9:30 it was too rough at 7am when I arrived. Early notification would have let spectators plan sensibly. Instead you cram the spectators in for the ££ then create travel chaos on the way to Brenig..."

[Katvala]

Breen is on the stage

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Just live coverage malfunction

[EstWRC]

technical problems, that why the maps isnt working

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS 21 Coverage interupted

[EstWRC]

Tidemand now moving normally on wrc plu for me

E: meh, only for a minute

[AnttiL]

Lappi and Breen already finished the stage, ewrc shows results

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pics at last !

[Katvala]

Mikkelsen! Valuable time lost there

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bit surprised Mikkelsen battling so hard when he must ensure Manu points. Easy to make a big mistake on these muddy tracks.

[AnttiL]

Good time from Ogier

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sensible pace from Tanak.

[AnttiL]

EDIT: Evans has 7 stage wins and Tänak 6 now.,

[KKS]

How tight this times are here and overall in rally. Magnificent!

[mknight]

Well the one stage today where we could have seen big differences got cancelled.

[noel157]

Foggy and wet on the Power stage.

[BigWorm]

Evans has now secured most stage wins in this rally, 8 for him and 6 for Tänak so far.

I count that Evans has 7! Can still be tied ;)

[AnttiL]

Well the one stage today where we could have seen big differences got cancelled.

Well...in the end it was a 4 km stage

[AnttiL]

I count that Evans has 7! Can still be tied ;)

Correct, my bad. I looked up the ewrc stats page and saw that Elfyn has 6, not noticing it already included the Brenig stage win, and just thought he won two stages today.

[mknight]

Well...in the end it was a 4 km stage

Last year Ogier beat Latvala by 1s/km when fighting for win in basically dry conditions. So 5s would have been possible, which is like half the distance between most drivers in top 6 atm.

[TypeR]

Last year Ogier beat Latvala by 1s/km when fighting for win in basically dry conditions. So 5s would have been possible, which is like half the distance between most drivers in top 6 atm.

last year Great Orme was 8km long and Ogier won the stages by 3.4 and 3.5s.. thats not really 1s per km

[mknight]

last year Great Orme was 8km long and Ogier won the stages by 3.4 and 3.5s.. thats not really 1s per km

1. 7.43 km on second pass, cause they cut the last corner and straight after that motorcycle show accident
2. Ogier beat Latvala who was fighting with him for win by 7.5s which is more than 1s/km

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/43469-dayinsure-wales-rally-gb-2018/

[EstWRC]

Foggy and wet on the Power stage.

how foggy?

E: its clear as a day from TV footage

[fastcar]

I have to say I was out in Wales from Fri am and this has been so poorly managed by the organisers.

I'm all for H & S but the total and complete lack of ability to forward plan/second guess/anticipate potential problems and in turn how to remedy the situation has been embarrassing.

and £35 pp to come up short is frankly not acceptable.

Edit: I'd go as far as to say its turned into a gravy train. Never seen so many marshalls huddled together on the stages chit chatting rather than getting out deep into the stages to make sure all bases are covered. Jeez they could have run a vehicle around the course and dropped the marshalls off at high risk zones.

[dimviii]

before ps

Tanak : 235

Ogier : 208

Neuville : 198

[noel157]

how foggy?

E: its clear as a day from TV footage

One of my sons is by the lake, it may change/have changed but he describes things as "freezing my **** off in the fog and rain"

Edit Don't think it's too foggy, more misty perhaps.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bit surprised Mikkelsen battling so hard when he must ensure Manu points. Easy to make a big mistake on these muddy tracks.

Adamo now says he wants no more risks from Mikkelsen - he has to finish, Manu points are more important.

[AnttiL]

Good that they chose to show the WRC2 top 3 instead of the WRC2Pro rally2 starters

[EstWRC]

One of my sons is by the lake, it may change/have changed but he describes things as "freezing my **** off in the fog and rain"

Edit Don't think it's too foggy, more misty perhaps.

is he on the right stage ? :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Congrats Kalle !

[Rallyper]

Congrats to Kalle!!

[noel157]

is he on the right stage ? :D

Better be, costing me a fortune.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGGFmQcX0AAM47s?format=jpg&name=large

[TypeR]

awesome, how many fans mr Hollywood have and what an end to his career.. WRC2 class win + 1 WRC point :D

[EstWRC]

awesome Petter! thanks for all the years and moments!

[KKS]

No stage-end interview for Petter (( wrc+ fcuked-up again!

[mufcAleksi]

Are they gonna have any interviews at all?? What a mess has the broadcasting been this weekend

[noel157]

Corsica, 2003. Best for me.

[EstWRC]

Lappi little bit faster than in the morning

[Rallyper]

Thank you Petter. You´ll still be in the game in many ways. In the future we´ll see you together with Oliver.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Petter Solberg - a true rally legend and a proper star.

On Thursday in Liverpool the queues for his autograph & selfies were bigger than for any of the current driver's. Says it all.

[Katvala]

No stage-end interview for Petter (( wrc+ fcuked-up again!Seeing Lappi on the start line is much more important..

I'm sure we can see the interview elsewhere later on

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Camera failure at stage end, they say on WRC+

[AnttiL]

Seeing Lappi on the start line is much more important..

Obviously they have an issue with the connection to the finish line camera

[Katvala]

Yep

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Katvala]

The commentators are praising Tidemand am awful lot, always

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

Tidemand is everywhere ...

[Katvala]

Mikkelsen following orders it seems, going slowly

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Mikkelsen not pushing

[Fast Eddie WRC]

TBH we dont know the full story. Pontus may be just getting the mileage and experience and not taking any risks at all ensuring a finish and not damaging the car.

[AnttiL]

Mikkelsen even slower than Tidemand

[EstWRC]

Evans slower in first split

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What is the point in the audio feed from the car and co-driver if the commentators just talk over it the whole time ? :(

[EstWRC]

Evans puhsing like hell but didnt beat Lappis time

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good comeback by Evans showing competitive pace in himself and the car are still there.

[meh]

is Tänak too far away from stage start atm?

[AnttiL]

What is the point in the audio feed from the car and co-driver if the commentators just talk over it the whole time ? :(

You can watch the onboards later

[EstWRC]

is Tänak too far away from stage start atm?

he is, what the ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You can watch the onboards later

Its not the same.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great job by Meeke... good pace and no mistakes.

[EstWRC]

Ott arrived now but i dont get why he let it so late ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier going for it...

[USER47]

Looks like Lappi must have been pushing as well. Not sure what he was trying to accomplish by that, considering his position both in rally and driver championship. The only thing he could have accomplished was screwing over his team mate.

[Rallyper]

TBH we dont know the full story. Pontus may be just getting the mileage and experience and not taking any risks at all ensuring a finish and not damaging the car.

That´s been my story as well. Up to this rally. No learning time anymore. He won´t be faster, I think.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi has done a perfect job, just behind Ogier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oof Tanak, watch it !

[AnttiL]

Poerstage stage times
@ElfynEvans
04:00.075 vs
@thierryneuville
04:00.091

https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1180817770407170048

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow, amazing Ott !

[Entertainer]

Tänak using more banks than in the snow of Sweden..

[KKS]

Brilliant Power Stage drive from Tanak!!!! WELLDONE!!!!

[mknight]

Tanak has few fingers touching the title now. Neuville is basically out.

Citroen performance in Spain will be crucial for Ogier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ha ha, face on Makinen ! :D

[AnttiL]

Great job from Tänak again! Happy for them especially after last year

[Rallyper]

Ott the new Master!! Big Congrats to them both!

[krissucool]

What an absolute crazy drive by Ott. Car all over the place, pushing to the max in this spot. Bloody hell.

[meh]

I can really relate with Mäkinen's reaction :D

Impressive drive from all top3. On the limit, under pressurse, many days and hundreds of km's in row. Insane.

[USER47]

Great job done by all top three this weekend. Constantly on the push, while making almost no mistakes. This really shows how much Tanak's and Neuville's driving matured over last 3 years.

Also good job by Meeke. Reasonably quick and consistent, bringing nice points to the team. If I was Latvala, I would be very worried about my spot for next year.

[EstWRC]

YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

this rally will go down to history, amazing performance and fight from all of the TOP3 under immense pressure!!!!

only 2 points now needed for Ott in Spain against Ogier

[Allez Andruet]

All hail the king! That was massively impressive, to say the least.

[Rallyper]

Adamo speaks frankly...

[KKS]

Oh very unhappy Adamo on wrc+ intreview

[Entertainer]

Adamo even grumpier than usual? :D

[krissucool]

Adamo, you absolute beauty.

[AnttiL]

Oliver Solberg rolled in SS21

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2877876632245782&id=100000704202849

[AnttiL]

Paddon also had a very slow time on the power stage, not that it would make any difference, but still...

[KKS]

Solans win rally and championship in JWRC

[Rallyper]

Solans stronger in the end. Thought this was Kristenssons year. Looked like it, but he was one puncture from victory I believe.

[Rally Power]

Brilliant stuff! Hat off for Tanak and also for Neuville and Ogier; it’s now almost impossible for them to beat Tanak in the WDC, but we can still hope for two more rallys as exciting to follow as this one.

Btw, congrats to Rovanpera and Solans as well to their codrivers and teams.

[stefanvv]

only 2 points now needed for Ott in Spain against Ogier

Or Australia. But he can do it with just PS points now, and he should. WDC is practically over. Let's see what Toyota can do against Hyundai. In Spain the later will be very strong.

[AnttiL]

Let's see what Toyota can do against Hyundai. In Spain the later will be very strong.
Really? Toyota just took a 1-2-3 in Germany so they should be the fastest tarmac car. Last year both Latvala and Tänak had winning pace and Meeke is the 2017 event winner.

[TypeR]

2 points MORE than Ogier, not just 2 points.. 60p on the table and 28p gap with Ogier. Ofcourse the situations looks good for Ott, but nothing aint over.. One ,,rally Turkey'' and no gap anymore.

[stefanvv]

2 points MORE than Ogier, not just 2 points.. 60p on the table and 28p gap with Ogier. Ofcourse the situations looks good for Ott, but nothing aint over.. One ,,rally Turkey'' and no gap anymore.

Yeah, I stand corrected. Indeed more than Ogier.

[stefanvv]

Really? Toyota just took a 1-2-3 in Germany so they should be the fastest tarmac car. Last year both Latvala and Tänak had winning pace and Meeke is the 2017 event winner.

Sorry for the confusion, I meant their driver options for Sordo and Loeb should be stronger than Latvala and Meeke for Toyota, but how the car will perform is another matter of course.

[cali]

It's not really over until the fat lady sings. Nothing is decided yet.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

[meh]

It's not over when it's over... it's especially true when you driving a Toyota.

Math - at the moment, if Ogier takes everything from table (30+30), then Tänak need to collect 32 points more. Basically it means 2 more podiums or 4-5th with really good PS points. Current situation is good, but it's not an easy task.

[AnttiL]

It's not over when it's over... it's especially true when you driving a Toyota.

Math - at the moment, if Ogier takes everything from table (30+30), then Tänak need to collect 32 points more. Basically it means 2 more podiums or 4-5th with really good PS points. Current situation is good, but it's not an easy task.

All Tänak needs is to be one position ahead of Ogier, in both the overall standings and the power stage (or a variation depending on the positions)

[meh]

All Tänak needs is to be one position ahead of Ogier, in both the overall standings and the power stage (or a variation depending on the positions)

It's not All, there is still Neuville and mathematics.

[meh]

Is there available any transcript or video from press-conference?

Based on Estonian media Tänak made statement there to Ogier and Neuville: (translated from translation..):
"I don't have anything against you but I want that we play fair game, not political one. We got penalties in Argentina for the same thing, here there weren't any penalties. Let's agree, do we play by the rules or not."

[Oliverk]

Is there available any transcript or video from press-conference?

Based on Estonian media Tänak made statement there to Ogier and Neuville: (translated from translation..):
"I don't have anything against you but I want that we play fair game, not political one. We got penalties in Argentina for the same thing, here there weren't any penalties. Let's agree, do we play by the rules or not."

https://www.facebook.com/PostimeesSport/videos/2524714214310126/?t=3

[mknight]

In Argentina the roadbook actually said that you should go over the bridge/gate and it was marked as such. I argued about it a bit but then the roadbook was shown and there was nothing to argue with. Going on the right of it even though it was open meant you didn't cross the marked "bridge".

Here as also listed in stewards decision roadbook showed 3 hay bales and how to go trough them and when they came they were 4 with 2 possible ways to go trough.

[mknight]

https://www.facebook.com/PostimeesSport/videos/2524714214310126/?t=3

It's 4 mins from the end. Tanak says "we followed roadbook". After that Ogier jumps in and says "we followed roadbook" and goes to blame the organizers. Tanak says Argentina roadbook also wasn't clear (I disagree tbh).
Neuville says it was "simple" and that he braked already and that there should have been only 1 bale.

[dimviii]

1692/5000
"It is naturally a mixed feeling at the arrival of this rally.On one hand, I am very satisfied with our performance this weekend.We realized a rally without fault, being at the limit of the beginning to the The disappointment is of course present because we could not get ahead of Tanak.He made a great rally.It was fast, especially Friday afternoon when we did not have the best tires on the car. lost about 8.6 seconds, more or less what is missing in the final count.We did the job at 100 %.Today, the team asked to be in the finish for the points in the constructors' classification. also take into account this, it explains in part the 5th place in the Power Stage, in which we saw that Tanak could still put a layer .. When you have Neuville and Ogier in the ass and you can still put a layer to the end, it is that the package is efficient.It used it well.The pilot title is not finished, there is still 60 points to take, "detailed Neuville at our microphone.

"I'm still very happy, it was a very long rally, very complicated, we were on the edge of the razor from start to finish, it was very intense, without making mistakes and by doing very well. On the other hand, I am very satisfied with sport, of course not the operation we wanted to achieve at the championship level, we had a lack of success so I am very happy to be back on the podium today. The Toyota with Tanak at the wheel seems daunting, we could not do anything.When we gave everything, what can we do more? We must sometimes be satisfied, "he said Nicolas Gilsoul, co-pilot of the Belgian pilot.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_neuville-on-a-fait-le-job-a-100-ce-n-est-pas-encore-fini-pour-le-titre?id=10334299&fbclid=IwAR0Qahxlx0nz8FpQDNEA3nDSoZiHVNXtBGnUM3Z2S GBLshSsRDks6Hjh0SY

[dimviii]

"We've been to the full from the beginning to the end, I made a small mistake in the first night special, then I came back strong, we had to push hard, I'm very happy ... but there are still two Disasters can happen, but you have to be careful You know me, I will give everything I have in Catalonia and Australia The car works well But it's sport, anything can happen explained the championship leader at our microphone.

"In my eyes, it was the most intense week-end, a big fight with such short gaps, it was crazy, Thierry was very fast on Saturday, but I tried to stay regular. it's a mythical event, I wanted to put my name on it, "concluded Tanak.

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_tanak-c-etait-une-grosse-bagarre-c-etait-dingue-mais-il-reste-2-rallyes?id=10334301&fbclid=IwAR1GMDzJVNj85nkjuIczRrwAEwBqoCHvpZAa36Hpl TmVNYCSZfgEQOJ7Mpo

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_338D85EXoM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opQaILf6hrk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS5h8grsWg0

[Grutz]

Paddon also had a very slow time on the power stage, not that it would make any difference, but still...

Apparently turbo hose came off.

[Ilsitcs]

This years event has been a shambles, the MSA should be ashamed. The lack of advertising compared to previous years very noticable, I'm certain some car parks were smaller this year, could be wrong on that. The sea around the orme looked no worse than previous years if I'm honest. The price increase, I haven't for weeks been able to purchase tickets via my mobile only laptop, useless if you're buying them on the move as I normally do as work dictates when I can go during the event.
Oulton park by all accounts was poorly thought out, couldn't see much in the dark. The whole point of these stages is all people can see as much of the action as possible surely? Attracting new fans who don't want to venture into the woods. Super saturday, how so? Impossible for most to see all the action on one stage and make it to Colwyn Bay in time, so why the added premium?

All in all, this event has been run down in order to make their excuses and chase more cash in Northern Ireland, as a Welsh tax payer and should any such move happen I'll be pleading with my government rep to chase the MSA for this years sponsorship money! Moving away from major populated areas to somewhere even more remote. The first year will be a success as it's something new after that I can't see it. Crossing the Irish sea via ferry in the autumn months could go either way at the drop of a hat depending on the wind.

If they were honest about a move and did a proper job fair enough. Always one step forward two steps back.

[dimviii]

Neuville must learn, how to be fast at first stages at Friday
Almost always he starts average,and upping his pace at next stages,sometimes at Saturday.
Against Tanak, you dont have a chance like that.


something totally opposite is Meeke.He starts fast,and fading as the rally progress.

[EstWRC]

It's not over when it's over... it's especially true when you driving a Toyota.

Math - at the moment, if Ogier takes everything from table (30+30), then Tänak need to collect 32 points more. Basically it means 2 more podiums or 4-5th with really good PS points. Current situation is good, but it's not an easy task.

Of course it is not over...but now Ott in Spain has the luxury to just drive and watch what Ogier and Neuville are doing and set his pace according to them, while Ogier and Neuville (especially) have to go flat out to get maximum points.

Ogier sounds quite frustrated in an interview to estonian media. Says he gave absolutely everything on power stage, drove like a madman and if he would have driven the same way all the other days he would have crashed, but in the end Ott was still faster than him.

[Allez Andruet]

Let's face it: the game's over. There's no stopping Tänak. He won't screw it himself, and not even the Yaris would fail him in two consecutive rallies.

[Tarmop]

Too early... has happened before.

[Katvala]

Let's face it: the game's over. There's no stopping Tänak. He won't screw it himself, and not even the Yaris would fail him in two consecutive rallies.Who knows, a retirement is possible in Catalunya, and if Ogier gets maximum points, they're almost even going to Australia. Unlikely, but I'm not calling it finished just yet. Neuville however I wouldn't consider a candidate anymore.

It's unlikely though

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Neuville must learn, how to be fast at first stages at Friday
Almost always he starts average,and upping his pace at next stages,sometimes at Saturday.
Against Tanak, you dont have a chance like that.


something totally opposite is Meeke.He starts fast,and fading as the rally progress.

I actually think this is a Hyundai issue, for last 2 years it's quite common occurrence that they are not on pace on friday morning.

This year (just like last year), both Neuville and Mikkelsen were complaining about the car on first loop on friday, and Mikkelsen lost basically all his 20s to Meeke during those few stages. (On top of that Neuville lost time in the evening stage where it was starting to get dark.). The explanation was that they didn't have wet (enough) conditions in the test, but as I said this repeats all the time.

Setup is one thing, car itself is another. Hyundai and Citroen have lagged behind Toyota on "smooth/slippery" first passes on just about all rallies, easiest comparison with GB is Chile. Basically whole GB was relatively smooth and slippery so in that sense they were much closer than before.

[Eli]

I think it's now more a matter of when rather than if Tanak wins the championship, hands down he has been the best driver of the three winning six events! Neuville hasn't won since Argentina back in April...and even a podium is distant memory back in Portugal in May, was he asleep this entire time? he can't be serious about a championship contention and only now waking up seeing it's too little, too late....and a good word for Mikkelsen, yes he has lost the battle to Evans, but for someone who hasn't done all rounds this year and still remain 4th in the championship is a step-up for him (& luckily for Hyundai) after 2018.
As for Ogier, I bet he's cursing the moment he signed for Citroen, it's the C3's third year and even with Sebastien, they still haven't found a solution to make that car work in all conditions...to win a championship you have to have the entire package, Ogier knows this and does seem really frustrated, I mean, he pushed like hell in the power stage and still Tanak was 0.5 second faster (and that's before I've mentioned Lappi....who hasn't delivered this weekend..and hasn't taken almost any points from Ogier's rivals)....

If you look at where they stand now (points wise) compared to last year, you'll actually see there's not a huge difference for Ogier & Neuville, however what makes Ott stand out is the fact that he and that Yaris are in perfect tune like Ogier himself was back in the Polo, and Loeb with the Xsara,C4,& DS3...and if Citroen don't pick up the glove next year then they can call it quits.

The most intriguing (IMHO) battle left to play out for the season is the Manu. title. I really hope to see Hyundai win it, because I don't want to see them leave (and Adamo with them).

Again, this is just how I see it, I totally understand if some of you may not agree, hopefully I'm wrong and we'll see this title fight go down to the wire down under (between Ogier & Tanak)...anyhow, we'll be wiser in three weeks time, as someone mentioned before, Tanak only need 2 points more than Ogier to clinch his first WDC.

[mknight]

As for Ogier, I bet he's cursing the moment he signed for Citroen, it's the C3's third year and even with Sebastien, they still haven't found a solution to make that car work in all conditions...to win a championship you have to have the entire package, Ogier knows this and does seem really frustrated, I mean, he pushed like hell in the power stage and still Tanak was 0.5 second faster

If Citroen kept same tarmac pace as they had last year Ogier would actually have a really good shot at the title even with not perfect gravel pace. In Corsica he got saved by a miracle but still 2nd place is much worse pointwise than first now (8 points difference) and Germany was just tragic. If they make the car work on tarmac I think he will be in really good position next year and if they make it work now in Catalunya he still has decent chance this year.

[Eli]

If Citroen kept same tarmac pace as they had last year Ogier would actually have a really good shot at the title even with not perfect gravel pace. In Corsica he got saved by a miracle but still 2nd place is much worse point-wise than first now (8 points difference) and Germany was just tragic. If they make the car work on tarmac I think he will be in really good position next year and if they make it work now in Catalunya he still has decent chance this year.

Yes but they said it themselves at some point in the season ( I think Germany), that they gained the pace on gravel by losing it on tarmac...but now coming to think of it, next year only has two proper tarmac rounds (Monte is kind of special) so...maybe they should continue working on gravel...with that said I hope they will find some solution in Catalunya or Sebastien can say goodbye to his crown....again time will tell....

[EstWRC]

Tänak using more banks than in the snow of Sweden..

Q:
That Power Stage looked like a wild ride…
OT:
Maybe it was not perfect. It was raining quite heavily at the beginning, the grip was low and I had to get some support from the road side. Maybe it was a bit Sweden-spec, but in the end, it paid the bill and we’re happy.

:D

Q:
What do you mean, you didn’t get the tyres you asked for?
TN:
We ended up more soft than we asked for, obviously there was an internal mistake, which can happen. It shouldn’t but it can. We took three soft and two medium and we wanted to take four soft and one medium. We lost 11 more points to Ott. But we can see that now that Toyota has changed the rear wing, we are much closer again – they are not flying again like they were before and we are happy with that.

Q:
Tommi, you’ve closed the gap to Hyundai, how do you feel?
TM: It was a really great result. Great work during the whole weekend under big pressure. With this event is coming bigger pressure, two more rallies to go [in the] fight for the title and it’s great performance. I would say no mistakes at all… plus also that we have this new rear wing which doesn’t allow us to fly away anymore and still he was very performing very well – an even better performance from Ott.


so it seems the new wing has actually reduced the performance then as i understand

rest of the interesting press conference here https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-o-tanak-power-stage-was-bit-sweden-spec

E: and theres a video of it too https://www.facebook.com/PostimeesSport/videos/2524714214310126/?t=3

[flykas]

So the rear wing change was a downgrade? That is really interesting, does anyone know something more about this?

[meh]

There also can be "mindgames" attempt from Neuville and answer to that with sarcasm from Mäkinen.

[AL14]

Let's face it: the game's over. There's no stopping Tänak. He won't screw it himself, and not even the Yaris would fail him in two consecutive rallies.

Don't jinx! :)


There also can be "mindgames" attempt from Neuville and answer to that with sarcasm from Mäkinen.

I think too but he's never been good at it. He should just stop it.

[Devillersvideo]

A Excellent weekend in Wales :D
For me it's better than Finland. The welsh are great host, the landscape is wonderfull and mud is better than dust :)

https://youtu.be/GMbQ1Bmp314

1865

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So the rear wing change was a downgrade? That is really interesting, does anyone know something more about this?

The original wing was homologated but an error was recently noticed in its shape and positioning.

It was changed at Rally Turkey to make it closer to the rear of the car and follow the bodywork. It now complies with the rules.

I was surprised it took until now for it to be mentioned by the other teams/drivers as it did advantage Toyota for a long time (even though it was legal & homologated).

[AnttiL]

There also can be "mindgames" attempt from Neuville and answer to that with sarcasm from Mäkinen.

This is how I interpret it from the transcription but I should look at the video as well.

[the sniper]

A Excellent weekend in Wales :D
For me it's better than Finland. The welsh are great host, the landscape is wonderfull and mud is better than dust :)

https://youtu.be/GMbQ1Bmp314

1865

Great video! We've stood right next to each other! :D I'm up on the bank at 0:20. We stood next to each other there when you came up there later, I tried to keep out of your way as I guessed from the camera and where you'd stood that you'd be one of the quality You Tube guys! :D I was also on the apex of the corner on Brenig shown at 0:54, just out of sight to the right. I know I've done my research well when I end up in the best videos. ;)

I'll probably add some more comments later in the week as I've got to go to work, not a perfect event organisationally, but I had a great time. The weather conditions were great for the rally and not too unkind to us spectators. Sorry to be back to normal life now! Oh and just to add to Tanak's Q&A above, on the Powerstage, the rain really did come down just for him, at least where we were near the start of the stage. I think he must have had the most slippery conditions of all the top guys.

[Mintexmemory]

All in all, this event has been run down in order to make their excuses and chase more cash in Northern Ireland, as a Welsh tax payer and should any such move happen I'll be pleading with my government rep to chase the MSA for this years sponsorship money! Moving away from major populated areas to somewhere even more remote. The first year will be a success as it's something new after that I can't see it. Crossing the Irish sea via ferry in the autumn months could go either way at the drop of a hat depending on the wind.

If they were honest about a move and did a proper job fair enough. Always one step forward two steps back.

If Rally GB becomes Rally NI it won't be next year unless The NI Assembly convenes again, there is no cash available from Government otherwise, and trying to 'ticket' a rally in NI will be an organisational nightmare given the abundance of approach roads.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGRX_KfWwAA0_JT.jpg


between stages video
https://youtu.be/6gmkR_3_Fo0

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGOhW6LX0AE6VmP?format=jpg&name=small

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EGOhW6LX0AE6VmP?format=jpg&name=small

Rich Millener's reaction https://twitter.com/richmillener/status/1180966635986919429

[tommeke_B]

Also had a great event in Wales, glad the weather didn't punish us too much after all. The saturday leg has some of the best roads of the championship. Hope to go back next year.

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71488905_3459453060733222_4515123973813436416_o.jp g?_nc_cat=100&_nc_eui2=AeFmxKPVU4Z_HLNL33AsL3WQ7yRLcfp-cH4XttSxPQAc9IKbN5NmtOPXWxD0EB3qPEd8oXU8ODouxvdWq0 vmGfYHvgJGf1voEiKAzKv1U1nmfQ&_nc_oc=AQnW88DAkXUyGSM_D11gbDtyRBJ5j4HlHBUiwGKeAPS Ylt_NjQCliNAMiPAbbKL34VVUO7LEaNxmBQaof4AmdVzA&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=3044ce740d90f340e27f3fad36fa6e0d&oe=5E22C20A

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71571485_3459452887399906_5358194593382793216_o.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_eui2=AeG7qifm47FnLxe4LM642Te55jJUzY6K9CJ-z7lUwKymJR0ixvyGDAl_xL7GWleJDf-FRI462RPbBPJqJbD9mOot0I3r8kMlGcvv8U1u2T2rpA&_nc_oc=AQnSSmR11uyhKP9LHVt2dEAni78E2ZA937nCy_FSMx5 k_7pvHNKmEJQxWMFKR5KGXUffW_tqdW1MtwmzGOWvCojm&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=6a9ff31bf56762e6dc37dca2b6eaf39d&oe=5E2ED3CF

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71172654_3459453474066514_590699964754034688_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=109&_nc_eui2=AeFXVf7J2i3dLzcKmweF1sG4hMByrctXeU0p2s52K xryN6xL7LHtSUMAGxWr-S94zdQ5LCL-E5y5mtulH_G_Or_dRwRBU7SHMu7xFKF9U0rnFA&_nc_oc=AQmSbzk1tZlTbVnHzxLdw-aACEL6rhXu1S5LcnIJlve2zoj-RY_Lhss4Mqpsq-E7vJhWUFcqv7kzJA3g0vBsBifN&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=102de3453cc27c607aba66ea4e1738c8&oe=5E295332

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/72296216_3459451804066681_2122321856974290944_o.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_eui2=AeFZT0fM2ipwNyKNebW7d9qlBm7dkFBdqjqSqXhmk sX9gaaN-to7XJhmpssMN1Cnwh8qSwyUhkKfMk8rWUwI4m1ejIEMJbmUbe0 ysTJeYn65qA&_nc_oc=AQlNizrnjhDpZDEKUBw6grxTwyUCwRxDicuHvatTkOa W3WpNtNlxBWeu4eLqV8opZAMlvpih6TyZp6sRr1sCDKBi&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=e0b2f612218619ac19b595eae55a64dd&oe=5E26AE65

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71655016_3459452414066620_2328316915216285696_o.jp g?_nc_cat=101&_nc_eui2=AeErUw-Z9Zcyi64NnxPxVEvELSfUi8gihZfTKJSJrhhKHVpS4fCZKM4L1 _jKA6-atTXGbDQq74BsKIW100SjQoOCo_VgzEX5zpdgzVOSMM1t_g&_nc_oc=AQndUF2ffdHBWUMV0pyse9avIt-Ds6ZihiYSSFqAWWpmADyBAnphguC_ho4Qnnb9HNszK8jyIFog_ P5w3yv29sdO&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=d06678ea26071e21fc8d26e5f07591c4&oe=5E3D3B60

Small album: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rallyimage/photos/?tab=album&album_id=3459449647400230

[turves]

All in all, this event has been run down in order to make their excuses and chase more cash in Northern Ireland, as a Welsh tax payer and should any such move happen I'll be pleading with my government rep to chase the MSA for this years sponsorship money! Moving away from major populated areas to somewhere even more remote. The first year will be a success as it's something new after that I can't see it. Crossing the Irish sea via ferry in the autumn months could go either way at the drop of a hat depending on the wind.

If they were honest about a move and did a proper job fair enough. Always one step forward two steps back.

I understand at the podium yesterday it was announced it will be in Wales again next year. Not confirmed which part, but in Wales...

[gianni123]

Video WRC Wales Rally GB

https://youtu.be/Nwgf3m1n6DU

[EstWRC]

Wales Rally GB was Tänaks 6th win this season. Last time this happened was with previous gen cars in 2016 with Ogier getting 6 wins in a season.

Ott can get up to 8 wins this season which happened last time in 2015 of course with Ogier.

[Katvala]

Perhaps Neuville will be the Hirvonen of this generation?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[able1]

Perhaps Neuville will be the Hirvonen of this generation?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

he has already been runner up for like 4 or 5 times already. And Tanak looks very strong probably takes more than one wdc, mentally it will be hard for Neuville.

[Katvala]

he has already been runner up for like 4 or 5 times already. And Tanak looks very strong probably takes more than one wdc, mentally it will be hard for Neuville.True. And when Ogier finally is retiring, Tänak comes to take his spot
The question is whether Tänak or Neuville will retire first. I have a feeling Neuville will stay for quite a while longer.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[meh]

True. And when Ogier finally is retiring, Tänak comes to take his spot
The question is whether Tänak or Neuville will retire first. I have a feeling Neuville will stay for quite a while longer.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

I don't have this kind of cristal-balls for predictions. You never know, who is going to rise, shine and fighting for WDC. Did you see Tänak 3-5 years ago to be where he is at the moment?

Current combination is strong - Tänak-Järveoja-Toyota. There is no guarantee, that this combination will continue for years and years.

Also, take in account, that soon comes new regulations - which means a bit of "restart" for manufacturers to start again inventing features based on new rules.

[Katvala]

Indeed. I don't have any clear favorites, just loving how close the fights have gotten.
And you're right, everything can change in a short amount of time. It will be interesting to see what the next years will bring.

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Mirek]

In any case it would be more than good if Tänak takes the crown while Ogier is still active. It never makes good impression when the old champion has to retire to allow others to win.

[EstWRC]

In any case it would be more than good if Tänak takes the crown while Ogier is still active. It never makes good impression when the old champion has to retire to allow others to win.

totally agreed and Ott actually has said the same thing.

[Allez Andruet]

In any case it would be more than good if Tänak takes the crown while Ogier is still active. It never makes good impression when the old champion has to retire to allow others to win.

This. Makes a huge a difference. It's always best when the man is the man who beat the man.

[EstWRC]

Wales Rally GB was Tänaks 6th win this season. Last time this happened was with previous gen cars in 2016 with Ogier getting 6 wins in a season.

Ott can get up to 8 wins this season which happened last time in 2015 of course with Ogier.

and to add to that, i just found this on twitter https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1181265552196677633

Since 1973 and the creation of #WRC only 3 drivers have managed to win 6 times or more over a season!

Didier Auriol (92)
@SebastienLoeb (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12)
@SebOgier (2013, 14, 15, 16)
2019 is therefore already historic for @OttTanak whatever its outcome

i actually didnt know its so rare, i thought this had happened many times. damn my knowledge is bad about WRC statistics.

[Rallyper]

A Excellent weekend in Wales :D
For me it's better than Finland. The welsh are great host, the landscape is wonderfull and mud is better than dust :)

https://youtu.be/GMbQ1Bmp314

1865

Impossible. No rally can be better than Finland.

[Rallyper]

Also had a great event in Wales, glad the weather didn't punish us too much after all. The saturday leg has some of the best roads of the championship. Hope to go back next year.

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71488905_3459453060733222_4515123973813436416_o.jp g?_nc_cat=100&_nc_eui2=AeFmxKPVU4Z_HLNL33AsL3WQ7yRLcfp-cH4XttSxPQAc9IKbN5NmtOPXWxD0EB3qPEd8oXU8ODouxvdWq0 vmGfYHvgJGf1voEiKAzKv1U1nmfQ&_nc_oc=AQnW88DAkXUyGSM_D11gbDtyRBJ5j4HlHBUiwGKeAPS Ylt_NjQCliNAMiPAbbKL34VVUO7LEaNxmBQaof4AmdVzA&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=3044ce740d90f340e27f3fad36fa6e0d&oe=5E22C20A

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71571485_3459452887399906_5358194593382793216_o.jp g?_nc_cat=104&_nc_eui2=AeG7qifm47FnLxe4LM642Te55jJUzY6K9CJ-z7lUwKymJR0ixvyGDAl_xL7GWleJDf-FRI462RPbBPJqJbD9mOot0I3r8kMlGcvv8U1u2T2rpA&_nc_oc=AQnSSmR11uyhKP9LHVt2dEAni78E2ZA937nCy_FSMx5 k_7pvHNKmEJQxWMFKR5KGXUffW_tqdW1MtwmzGOWvCojm&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=6a9ff31bf56762e6dc37dca2b6eaf39d&oe=5E2ED3CF

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71172654_3459453474066514_590699964754034688_o.jpg ?_nc_cat=109&_nc_eui2=AeFXVf7J2i3dLzcKmweF1sG4hMByrctXeU0p2s52K xryN6xL7LHtSUMAGxWr-S94zdQ5LCL-E5y5mtulH_G_Or_dRwRBU7SHMu7xFKF9U0rnFA&_nc_oc=AQmSbzk1tZlTbVnHzxLdw-aACEL6rhXu1S5LcnIJlve2zoj-RY_Lhss4Mqpsq-E7vJhWUFcqv7kzJA3g0vBsBifN&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=102de3453cc27c607aba66ea4e1738c8&oe=5E295332

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/72296216_3459451804066681_2122321856974290944_o.jp g?_nc_cat=102&_nc_eui2=AeFZT0fM2ipwNyKNebW7d9qlBm7dkFBdqjqSqXhmk sX9gaaN-to7XJhmpssMN1Cnwh8qSwyUhkKfMk8rWUwI4m1ejIEMJbmUbe0 ysTJeYn65qA&_nc_oc=AQlNizrnjhDpZDEKUBw6grxTwyUCwRxDicuHvatTkOa W3WpNtNlxBWeu4eLqV8opZAMlvpih6TyZp6sRr1sCDKBi&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=e0b2f612218619ac19b595eae55a64dd&oe=5E26AE65

https://scontent.fbru1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/71655016_3459452414066620_2328316915216285696_o.jp g?_nc_cat=101&_nc_eui2=AeErUw-Z9Zcyi64NnxPxVEvELSfUi8gihZfTKJSJrhhKHVpS4fCZKM4L1 _jKA6-atTXGbDQq74BsKIW100SjQoOCo_VgzEX5zpdgzVOSMM1t_g&_nc_oc=AQndUF2ffdHBWUMV0pyse9avIt-Ds6ZihiYSSFqAWWpmADyBAnphguC_ho4Qnnb9HNszK8jyIFog_ P5w3yv29sdO&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru1-1.fna&oh=d06678ea26071e21fc8d26e5f07591c4&oe=5E3D3B60

Small album: https://www.facebook.com/pg/rallyimage/photos/?tab=album&album_id=3459449647400230

Brilliant pictures!

[BigWorm]

and to add to that, i just found this on twitter https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1181265552196677633

Since 1973 and the creation of #WRC only 3 drivers have managed to win 6 times or more over a season!

Didier Auriol (92)
@SebastienLoeb (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12)
@SebOgier (2013, 14, 15, 16)
2019 is therefore already historic for @OttTanak whatever its outcome

i actually didnt know its so rare, i thought this had happened many times. damn my knowledge is bad about WRC statistics.

I guess we are so used with the Sebs doing it for many years.

Grönholm won 7 events in 2006, but 3 of them was when Loeb was injured though.

[dimviii]

and to add to that, i just found this on twitter https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1181265552196677633

Since 1973 and the creation of #WRC only 3 drivers have managed to win 6 times or more over a season!

Didier Auriol (92)
@SebastienLoeb (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12)
@SebOgier (2013, 14, 15, 16)
2019 is therefore already historic for @OttTanak whatever its outcome

i actually didnt know its so rare, i thought this had happened many times. damn my knowledge is bad about WRC statistics.

all of them French till now.

[Allez Andruet]

and to add to that, i just found this on twitter https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1181265552196677633

Since 1973 and the creation of #WRC only 3 drivers have managed to win 6 times or more over a season!

Didier Auriol (92)
@SebastienLoeb (2004, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 12)
@SebOgier (2013, 14, 15, 16)
2019 is therefore already historic for @OttTanak whatever its outcome

i actually didnt know its so rare, i thought this had happened many times. damn my knowledge is bad about WRC statistics.

Without taking anything away from Tänak - who most likely would have been one of the best in any era - that's not really fair statistics. The greats of the past rarely, if ever, had the chance to achieve such record (due to limited number of rallies that were counted for your points total, your team only entering half the rounds etc.).

[NielsH]

What a great event, had a epic time in Wales so much fun this event. Shame about the cancellations, but they did not even matter that much.

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/0a006b00b773fb4e18a7114ff25ed78db5ac5.JPG

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/0a003c0a46a818ceee65404fbf15ca7a836e3.JPG

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/eebb54e7d1e6006c6a8a0f5e154ed4115.JPG

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/d4748f837bc4c2b38e8dc06428151f010.JPG

And a few more: https://www.rally-photo.net/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT9vp-McH5Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nwgf3m1n6DU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPGvdO-j3dg

[noel157]

If Rally GB becomes Rally NI it won't be next year unless The NI Assembly convenes again, there is no cash available from Government otherwise, and trying to 'ticket' a rally in NI will be an organisational nightmare given the abundance of approach roads.

Seems to be the case, it's Wales again according to all accounts, although things could change. Moving the event to NI is not dependent on the NI government (or lack of it) much as The Open Championship wasn't.
As for ticketing, no need, it'll be the same as Rally Ireland. But I do hope RallyGB does become a rotational event between NI, Scotland, Wales and England.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

^^^ Good info, thanks.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In any case it would be more than good if Tänak takes the crown while Ogier is still active. It never makes good impression when the old champion has to retire to allow others to win.

The only problem with this is the difference in their two cars. It's generally accepted that Tanak's Toyota is the best and Ogier's Citroen the worst...

[meh]

The only problem with this is the difference in their two cars. It's generally accepted that Tanak's Toyota is the best and Ogier's Citroen the worst...

It's also generally accepted, that Tänak is master for develop and set-up a car the way he likes. (This is probably the main reason, why Wilson want's him back)

[Päss1928]

The only problem with this is the difference in their two cars. It's generally accepted that Tanak's Toyota is the best and Ogier's Citroen the worst...

Could be true, but what Tänak gains with his fast car is what he pays when it breaks down. Everyone can judge by themselves what the net value of this situation is.

[Rallyper]

What a great event, had a epic time in Wales so much fun this event. Shame about the cancellations, but they did not even matter that much.

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/0a006b00b773fb4e18a7114ff25ed78db5ac5.JPG

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/0a003c0a46a818ceee65404fbf15ca7a836e3.JPG

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/eebb54e7d1e6006c6a8a0f5e154ed4115.JPG

https://www.rally-photo.net/wp-content/gallery/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/d4748f837bc4c2b38e8dc06428151f010.JPG

And a few more: https://www.rally-photo.net/2019-wales-rally-gb-wrc/

Also brilliant. Except for last photo. Too much nature. (N.O.T.´s accepted professional rallyphoto rules...)

[NielsH]

Also brilliant. Except for last photo. Too much nature. (N.O.T.´s accepted professional rallyphoto rules...)

Hahaha, hopefully most photos comply with the N.O.T.´s accepted professional rallyphoto rules ;-)

[Mirek]

The only problem with this is the difference in their two cars. It's generally accepted that Tanak's Toyota is the best and Ogier's Citroen the worst...

No, it's not a problem.

[Mirek]

Was it here? Kopecký's accident. Spectators don't seem to bother to help: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.owendavies/videos/1943814569098653/

[meh]

In Estonian media there are some weird pieces of "news" that Ogier was criticizing police activity during Rally GB and Tänak also commented that police wanted to do "example shooting on one driver".

As Estonian media usually does not produce any content theirself, the question is, from where they got it and what is the actual news?

[meh]

Was it here? Kopecký's accident. Spectators don't seem to bother to help: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.owendavies/videos/1943814569098653/

Hard to understand the "rally fan" mindset in this case. Before next year Rally GB visitors should watch some videos from Finnish national rallies - there car can not even land properly when it's already carried out from wherever.

[EstWRC]

In Estonian media there are some weird pieces of "news" that Ogier was criticizing police activity during Rally GB and Tänak also commented that police wanted to do "example shooting on one driver".

As Estonian media usually does not produce any content theirself, the question is, from where they got it and what is the actual news?

taken from press conference, i posted the link yesterday in this thread

[AnttiL]

The only problem with this is the difference in their two cars. It's generally accepted that Tanak's Toyota is the best and Ogier's Citroen the worst...

Any motorsport race or championship title is never won by the driver alone, unless it's a one make series. It's always both man and machine that need to be winning. You could also argue that Ogier was in the best car for his four first titles.

[gorganl2000]

The only problem with this is the difference in their two cars. It's generally accepted that Tanak's Toyota is the best and Ogier's Citroen the worst...

i really don't think the differences between the cars are that significant anymore. It seems to be more based on the drivers/set up for each specific rally now. Yes, each manufacturer car still has its own slight challenges (Toyota reliability, Citroen handling, Hyundai speed) but for the most part each driver/car package among the top three seems to be optimized as their performances are usually quite close during many of the rallies. And even with the other drivers/cars combinations those have been also relatively competitive amongst themselves, sometimes even challenging/beating the top three.

[Indreq]

taken from press conference, i posted the link yesterday in this thread

Thats estonian press for you. As articles about Tänak get generally more clicks than any other topic, they are milking it dry. Often when Tänak says two sentences, two separate articles are produced. And then third as opinion piece with journalists comments added. I am sure they continue this for quite few days before they run out of things to write about Rally GB, then "regular" newsfeed is restored - speculations about contract, counting days until next something (test, rally, whatever "event" where Tänak or any of his competitors is involved), new interpretations of whatever Mäkinen, Wilson or some other rally-related person has said or thought (oftern badly translated or misquoted) etc etc. Quite annoying.

[Mintexmemory]

Moving the event to NI is not dependent on the NI government (or lack of it) much as The Open Championship wasn't.


Slight difference in sponsorship and worldwide TV rights, The Open is completely self-financing and doesn't need hand-outs.

[AnttiL]

Thats estonian press for you. As articles about Tänak get generally more clicks than any other topic, they are milking it dry. Often when Tänak says two sentences, two separate articles are produced. And then third as opinion piece with journalists comments added. I am sure they continue this for quite few days before they run out of things to write about Rally GB, then "regular" newsfeed is restored - speculations about contract, counting days until next something (test, rally, whatever "event" where Tänak or any of his competitors is involved), new interpretations of whatever Mäkinen, Wilson or some other rally-related person has said or thought (oftern badly translated or misquoted) etc etc. Quite annoying.

Like I’ve said, always read the press conf transcript and ignore all articles in the next few days. ;)

[Rallyper]

Hard to understand the "rally fan" mindset in this case. Before next year Rally GB visitors should watch some videos from Finnish national rallies - there car can not even land properly when it's already carried out from wherever.

The mindset is for sure not finnish mindset. Would´ve been helped within 45 secs..

[doubled1978]

The mindset is for sure not finnish mindset. Would´ve been helped within 45 secs..

UK Rally spectators used to be exactly the same, I’ve helped push/pull/roll many a car back onto the road over the years, but ever since the safety mindset went crazy after Sainz hit the spectators in his Focus, it has been actively discouraged. And honestly I don’t know how many fans from before that time are still around...

[Allez Andruet]

Before next year Rally GB visitors should watch some videos from Finnish national rallies - there car can not even land properly when it's already carried out from wherever.

The #1 safety issue in Finnish rallying today: the spectators literally running after the crashing cars, making no effort to check whether there's another car coming by. Please do not imitate that.

[Whinlatter]

Hard to understand the "rally fan" mindset in this case. Before next year Rally GB visitors should watch some videos from Finnish national rallies - there car can not even land properly when it's already carried out from wherever.
The group of spectators in the background are behind a barbed wire fence, so not the easiest job to climb it and then head towards the car - you can see some of them move out of shot to run towards a gap in the fence I think.

[Fredouye]

Hi all

some photos of my 1st Wales Rally : https://flic.kr/s/aHsmHyEZUP

I've been dreaming of this rally for...I don't know, 30 years ? :)

1869

1870

1871

1872

1873

The action, the landscapes, the organization, everything was top level.
I've met dozens of very nice people, including the best marshalls I've ever met in rallying !

[Chubs100]

Hi all!

I created a spectator kinda view video of the rally. check it out if you like :) cheers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dqj9qjReLcU&list=PL_hlqBkmYnb-vWazzin83_4nGHRKPyYfP

1874

[Simmi]

Couple of days late but some photos of the rally. I think I've been to watch events in 12 different countries but still so much passion for this 'home' rally. Maybe only two rounds in the championship for me next year, let's see.

Photos here if you are interested: https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157711260476512

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48870022726_a112e9c12d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hstD9J)1 (https://flic.kr/p/2hstD9J) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48869498213_4bdc63c1b6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXep)2 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXep) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48870017696_e3b80aac9a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hstBE1)13 (https://flic.kr/p/2hstBE1) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48870209347_5d44758b28_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsuACk)5 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsuACk) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48869498108_462fc7caa5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXcA)7 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXcA) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48869502798_7d269a9885_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqYAs)8 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqYAs) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

[rallyfiend]

Slight difference in sponsorship and worldwide TV rights, The Open is completely self-financing and doesn't need hand-outs.

Oh yes it does!

They didn't just turn up in NI out of the goodness of their heart!

There was indeed a large payment made: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49117736

All major events need taxpayer support. Otherwise they just go elsewhere...

[surdna]

I don't have this kind of cristal-balls for predictions. You never know, who is going to rise, shine and fighting for WDC. Did you see Tänak 3-5 years ago to be where he is at the moment?


to be fair, Thread: Ott Tänak - Future champion? is like from the year 2011, just saying :)

[Mirek]

Kopecký from the other side: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94dsOxTWj88

[dimviii]

Kopecký from the other side: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94dsOxTWj88

unlucky slow speed roll.

[Whinlatter]

Couple of days late but some photos of the rally. I think I've been to watch events in 12 different countries but still so much passion for this 'home' rally. Maybe only two rounds in the championship for me next year, let's see.

Photos here if you are interested: https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157711260476512

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48870022726_a112e9c12d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hstD9J)1 (https://flic.kr/p/2hstD9J) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48869498213_4bdc63c1b6_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXep)2 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXep) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48870017696_e3b80aac9a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hstBE1)13 (https://flic.kr/p/2hstBE1) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48870209347_5d44758b28_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsuACk)5 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsuACk) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48869498108_462fc7caa5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXcA)7 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqXcA) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48869502798_7d269a9885_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqYAs)8 (https://flic.kr/p/2hsqYAs) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr
Really good selection of photos, Simmi - the exposure and lighting is very impressive. Our paths seem to have crossed in shakedown and Hafren too. Unfortunately my camera was playing up more and more as the event went on, so my photos are a mixed bunch. I'll post some next week, once I'm back from Mull.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

i really don't think the differences between the cars are that significant anymore. It seems to be more based on the drivers/set up for each specific rally now. Yes, each manufacturer car still has its own slight challenges (Toyota reliability, Citroen handling, Hyundai speed) but for the most part each driver/car package among the top three seems to be optimized as their performances are usually quite close during many of the rallies. And even with the other drivers/cars combinations those have been also relatively competitive amongst themselves, sometimes even challenging/beating the top three.

Come on, the C3 has had big issues since day one. If Ogier was still in an M-Sport Ford would Tanak be running away with the title to the same extent ?

[meh]

Come on, the C3 has had big issues since day one. If Ogier was still in an M-Sport Ford would Tanak be running away with the title to the same extent ?

Was your question your opinion? We don't know the answer, and we never will. In big picture I agree with gorganl2000.

I do think that Tänak is better in setting up car than Ogier. Tänak learned a lot from Ogier in M-Sport, but I also think, that Ogier benefited a lot because Tänak developed/provided good setup for that car. This is again - just an opinion, not the clear and only truth.

[EstWRC]

well theres some truth in it, anyone who has watched the Tänak Movie, has seen that there is a clip where Wilson says when Ogier arrived at the team, he demanded that he is the first one on tests to test the car, but later on when he found out that Ott is very good at testing and setting up the car, Ogier changed his opinion and started testing after Tänak.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone provide the text for this ?

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/feature/9591/the-backlash-against-revamped-rally-gb

[AnttiL]

Anyone provide the text for this ?

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/feature/9591/the-backlash-against-revamped-rally-gb

Mostly just criticism about bad arrangements in the service park, oddly timed visits to service park and Liverpool, and worries about the quality and success of the event in the future.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

well theres some truth in it, anyone who has watched the Tänak Movie, has seen that there is a clip where Wilson says when Ogier arrived at the team, he demanded that he is the first one on tests to test the car, but later on when he found out that Ott is very good at testing and setting up the car, Ogier changed his opinion and started testing after Tänak.

Well Tanak was in the 2017 Fiesta WRC testing and developing it from well before Ogier even signed for M-Sport...

https://d2d0b2rxqzh1q5.cloudfront.net/sv/1.67/dir/4f3/image/4f39827c215243f24f36a2a54bd66922.jpg

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/126765/msport-2017-wrc-car-impressing-in-tests

https://youtu.be/Lw75ir0lf9w

[Oops!]

Didn't Tanak also work as a mechanic back in the day?

[AnttiL]

Of course we know that. But when Ogier, the champ, arrived in the team he demanded things like testing first or getting new parts first to his car. And in 2018 he took most of the testing days, all Evans and Suninen could do was to fine tune his setup. It's a big sign of trust that he did let Tänak do the basic testing and continue from that.

[the sniper]

Anyone provide the text for this ?

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/feature/9591/the-backlash-against-revamped-rally-gb

Given the ridiculous way Motorsport Network have gone about killing off the Autosport magazine, as a subscriber I no longer have any qualms about sharing their content...


Citroen team principal Pierre Budar didn't look quite ready for a Saturday night shaking it down at Broadway Boulevard. Which is a shame, given that he spent the larger part of last week right on the doorstep of Llandudno's number one nightclub.

It's fair to say Budar didn't see Citroen's next-to-a-nightclub location in Rally GB's new home as a selling point.

It did, in fact, make him cross. Very cross, which was understandable. Citroen and its six-time World Rally champion Sebastien Ogier were hidden away in the service park when Rally GB moved to Llandudno last week.

There was, unfortunately, very little alternative.

Moving the event north out of Cardiff saved its very existence in 2013 and the Deeside service park used until last year was a means to that end.

But Deeside was never the long-term answer. A wide expanse of open space next to a car factory on an industrial estate within spitting distance of the English-Welsh border almost made a few folk clamour for a return to Rally GB's sometime Swansea base in Felindre. Well, almost...

Lots of noise was made about significant change being brought in for this year's Rally GB route. Even more noise was made about last week being 'A World Apart' - the chosen marketing slogan.

Beneath that fluff the guts of the route remained pretty much identical - utilising the very best woods in the middle and north of Wales. The changes actually involved taking the start to Liverpool and the service park to Llandudno, with the addition of an Oulton Park stage as a Thursday night loosener along the way.
Putting the WRC into Llandudno was a square peg and round hole situation. But even with much chiseling from service park maestros Steve Cridge and Alun Pritchard, the thing still didn't fit.

M-Sport and Toyota were in the car park of the town's swimming pool, Hyundai was next door in the coach park and Citroen was round the corner in... well, we know where Citroen was. The town's foremost nightspot.

So, what about the seafront, the prime service park real estate? That went to the privateers, the national runners, WRC 2 and the Junior cars.

To the uninitiated, that made absolutely no sense. What the heck were Cridge and Pritchard thinking? OK, Skoda, the Solbergs and the JWRC village brought a chunk of cool to the promenade, but some sections were very much more national clubman rally championship than WRC. Personally, I loved being able to watch the amateurs' army land rovers being sledgehammered-back into roadworthiness, but this wasn't necessarily the vision of world championship-standard service park punters had expected.

But unfortunately, the seafront simply wasn't wide enough to accommodate the manufacturer service areas. Cridge and Pritchard had no choice but to put the big guns elsewhere.

During the event, tongues were held and people made do. But, since Sunday, I've been surprised by the strength of the anti-GB backlash. In the eyes of the WRC's stakeholders, Rally GB was not good enough. One official within the governing body told me: "It's [gone] back 15 years."

Hmm, not sure I'd go back that far, but certainly Llandudno wasn't exactly what we'd hoped for. Motorsport UK CEO Hugh Chambers described the move as a step in the right direction, and I'd agree with that.

In fact, the whole service park agreed with that. The philosophy of the job was absolutely right. Taking rallying to the people is a drum that's been banged for a very long time. But, here's the thing: what's the point of taking the service park to the people, only to run service when there are no people around?

Friday at midday was the only sensible service time on last week's itinerary. Saturday, the manufacturers cried out, was the perfect lunchtime appointment for the cars in town. In all honesty, the families and folk the event had come to Llandudno to entertain were probably in bed at 0540 when the cars came in for morning service. And, quite likely to be bound for Broadway Boulevard when they returned 14 hours later. Where were the WRC stars at lunchtime? Newtown.

Route co-ordinator Andrew Kellitt and clerk of the course Iain Campbell have my sympathy here. Saturday is the busiest day for punters and Dyfi and Sweet Lamb are the stages that can take the most spectators. But if the rally goes there to satisfy the hardcore, it makes it very difficult to get back to Llandudno to do something for the wider population in the middle of the day.

My sympathy for those on the sporting side of the event was shared universally between the WRC stakeholders.

Returning to Chambers' suggestion of a step in the right direction. I'm afraid there's very little room for mere 'steps' these days when it comes to the WRC calendar.

When events as efficient as Rally Spain are being lost from next year's schedule (Yes, there will be rotation, it's back in 2021 - but Salou's not on the list next year) and Germany appears bound to be dropped in '21, steps just don't cut it.

WRC Promoter will not tolerate this next season - wherever Rally GB ends up. Sources within the organisation told me in no uncertain terms that Rally GB's standing has slipped as low as it was in 2012. That's bad.

For the first couple of calls from disgruntled WRC folk, I stoutly defended Rally GB. And Llandudno. And when mention of the cancellation of the Great Orme stage - because safety divers couldn't get close because of rough seas near the route - came up, I pointed out the dangers of the swell beneath the surface. A swell that would have clattered the divers against the rocks.

But what I couldn't defend was the treatment of spectators on Sunday. The organisers told folk they could take their Orme tickets to the Brenig stage and get in there for free.

Here's one fan's experience: "We got up on the Orme early and walked for an hour to find an amazing place. We saw Esapekka Lappi come by at about 10mph, found out the stage was cancelled and walked the hour back.

"We then queued for half an hour to get off the Great Orme, drove an hour to Brenig, only to be told we weren't allowed in. But we could park the car and walk for another hour to the stage. Instead, we drove back to Llandudno to watch the finish, couldn't find anywhere to park, and when we finally got to the podium, we couldn't see a thing anyway.

"We won't be coming back."

Ouch.

[the sniper]

One stage Chambers holds up as a beacon of accomplishment is Oulton Park. And he's not wrong. It was superb. It sold out and delivered a great atmosphere. But shouldn't that credit be bound for circuit owner Jonathan Palmer and MotorSport Vision? Granted, there was no end of Motorsport UK input, but it was the MSV infrastructure that made it fly.

It would be great to see Oulton back next year, but if we go back to Liverpool, the event simply can't go there without a superspecial stage in the city.

Talking of Liverpool, last week was a case of right place, wrong time. Rally cars rolling onto the city's waterfront between 3pm and 4pm on a Thursday was, undoubtedly a source of much frustration to the office workers looking down from their desks. If the £200,000 needed to run a superspecial in Liverpool can't be found, then let's not bother having a token presence there.

Chambers has acknowledged this and is on the case, which is good. But, the more digging I did and the more calls I made, the more concerned I became about last week.

The last line of my defence of the event was to point out how much GB had evolved since 2013 and how much the administration had listened, taken criticism onboard and moved forward with it.

That brings me to quite possibly the biggest concern. Since former Rally GB managing director Ben Taylor's exit, it seems there's very little goodwill towards UK motorsport's governing body from the rallying world.

I walked the service parks - national and WRC - to gauge opinion last week and the overriding adjectives offered regarding UK motorsport chiefs wouldn't make for great reading.

The objects of such criticism may well blame Autosport for spreading negativity. In fairness, there's been no criticism of the event in the national media. As far as I could see, the event largely passed national newspapers by - although The Daily Telegraph did manage to squeeze the results of the event in between American ice hockey and the US Open Squash in Philadelphia.

And the objects of my criticism could point me in the direction of packed car parks and ticket sales 50% up on last year. That's a great achievement. But, as one of the organisers said: "Petter Solberg won't be there to save us next season."

The hike in sales when Solberg announced his participation spoke volumes. As did the movement of spectators out of stages once the 2003 world champion had passed by.

Now, I fully expect to be ostracised by some (again) for voicing an opinion shared by the WRC stakeholders, not to mention legions of fans and competitors out there.

I don't care. Call me a trouble-causer, call me what you want. But once you've done that, take a look in the mirror. And don't even think about a communal burying of heads in the sand.

Without getting all leftie, Rally GB doesn't belong to any individual in the UK motorsport hierarchy. It belongs to the thousands of rally fans out there. And we owe it to those people to make sure any steps we take are very big ones. Let's look for leaps - leaps would be good here.

Frustratingly, I've got all the way down here and I haven't even had time to talk about the increasingly toxic atmosphere among the teams, an atmosphere that is unnecessary and far from conducive to driving the world championship forward. But there's plenty of time, we'll come to that soon enough.

Like we'll come to the Rally GB sums and the challenge of balancing the books with diminishing investment from Wales and growing bills from WRC Promoter. Look out for rudimentary rally economics in the coming weeks.

For now, am I too late for last orders at the Broadway Boulevard? Pint, Pierre?

...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some big points there and I have to agree with most of them.

Bringing the sport to the people is crucial for the future. How you can get so close to the cars and drivers is great and should be a way the sport can be grown. Pictures from the SP and other places where the fans can get close should be shared more and I'm sure more people would come to see them and hopefully start to follow the sport...

https://i.imgur.com/Zj0IfGB.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UQS2Gh8.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UUUtWL7.jpg

[img]https://i.imgur.com/uE7yZZM.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/ckEtFt0.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/7YdWqZ7.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/Q51q3Kg.jpg

[AndyRAC]

Unpopular view; What does the WRC, teams, manufacturers, etc get out of their visit to the UK? Would they be really disappointed if it was dropped?
It comes and goes without much fanfare - and is pretty much ignored by mainstream media. There must be other countries were their media would be all over a WRC event. And Manufacturers are in the sport primarily to sell cars - and for that they need publicity.

Two points:
1 - Wales won't/ can't continue to back the event - they've bankrolled it since 2003, that's a good run; that nobody else has been willing to step in is an indictment on the sport & event.
2 - With the restrictive route regs, the organisers hands are tied with what they can do with regards to service park and stages used.

[the sniper]

Unpopular view; What does the WRC, teams, manufacturers, etc get out of their visit to the UK? Would they be really disappointed if it was dropped?
It comes and goes without much fanfare - and is pretty much ignored by mainstream media. There must be other countries were their media would be all over a WRC event. And Manufacturers are in the sport primarily to sell cars - and for that they need publicity.

Other than Estonia and Belgium, I don't imagine there are many countries where there will be great mainstream media engagement that don't already have a WRC round (like Finland) or are already set to get one (Kenya, maybe Japan or NZ?).

If anything I'd say this Rally GB actually proves that there is still a market for rallying in this country. It amazes me that so many tens of thousands of people make the effort we do to watch this sport. I totally understand why a few hardcore fans like us on here get up at 4:30am and finish the day after 9pm, day after day, in the rain, many being ripped off by MSUK, but there were loads of people up for this. What other sport demands so much of spectators? There's still an audience here, but it's poorly served. To me, this is as much if not more the fault of WRC Promoter for failing to get better broadcast deals for the sport here.

The comparisons with the end of the south Wales era are poor to me, because to me there are clearly far more spectators out on the stages now then there were in the 'dark days' of the end of the south Wales era, when the numbers had vastly dropped.

[doubled1978]

Other than Estonia and Belgium, I don't imagine there are many countries where there will be great mainstream media engagement that don't already have a WRC round (like Finland) or are already set to get one (Kenya, maybe Japan or NZ?).

If anything I'd say this Rally GB actually proves that there is still a market for rallying in this country. It amazes me that so many tens of thousands of people make the effort we do to watch this sport. I totally understand why a few hardcore fans like us on here get up at 4:30am and finish the day after 9pm, day after day, in the rain, many being ripped off by MSUK, but there were loads of people up for this. What other sport demands so much of spectators? There's still an audience here, but it's poorly served. To me, this is as much if not more the fault of WRC Promoter for failing to get better broadcast deals for the sport here.

The comparisons with the end of the south Wales era are poor to me, because to me there are clearly far more spectators out on the stages now then there were in the 'dark days' of the end of the south Wales era, when the numbers had vastly dropped.

The end of the South Wales era coincided with the low in the WRC in general really. The Championship started to gain momentum from the 2011 regs onwards, and 2011 was the first foray back to the North, 2012 went back south for whatever reason, and then from 2013 we were back up North and the Championship was making ground as whole.
Also it felt a bit stale down South by that point, we had been going to the same stages over and over for 10 years or so, and it was getting a bit boring honestly, and it’s starting to go that way again, it needs freshening up.
They have tried to introduce some new stages, but Gwydir and Elsi are crap frankly, Elsi in particular.

[dimviii]

which driver is at the first pass?

https://youtu.be/D2nQDuHm1k4

[EstWRC]

its Mikkelsen

[Rally Power]

I do think that Tänak is better in setting up car than Ogier. Tänak learned a lot from Ogier in M-Sport, but I also think, that Ogier benefited a lot because Tänak developed/provided good setup for that car. This is again - just an opinion, not the clear and only truth.

There's no doubt that Tanak did a good job with the Fiesta and is a huge factor in the Yaris improvement but you shouldn't diminish Ogier set-up skills as he developed the Polo almost from scratch, was able to rapidly adapt the Fiesta to his driving style and is helping to turn the worst car of the series into a winner.

[meh]

There's no doubt that Tanak did a good job with the Fiesta and is a huge factor in the Yaris improvement but you shouldn't diminish Ogier set-up skills as he developed the Polo almost from scratch, was able to rapidly adapt the Fiesta to his driving style and is helping to turn the worst car of the series into a winner.

I don't have any information how big was Ogier's role on building Polo. Could Polo be different (worse) car without Ogier? I have no idea.

Ogier must have good understanding how to set-up car. No doubt about that. 6 titles didn't just fall to his lap.

Are those as good as Tänak, who have been working as mechanic and can talk "their language"? I also don't know that answer, but for me it seems, that Tänak can be better in that.

[Rally Power]

I don't have any information how big was Ogier's role on building Polo. Could Polo be different (worse) car without Ogier? I have no idea.

Huge; the car was initially developed by Sainz but Loeb did most of the testing work before the car homologation. FX Demaison, VW Motorsport tech chief, said several times that Ogier was always pushing for more improvements and his views were fundamental to make the car more competitive through the seasons. Mr. Wilson said the same about the Fiesta and so is now Budar saying on the C3. Btw, Loeb also didn’t had mechanic or engineer background and that didn’t prevent him to help developing winning rally cars or getting a proper set-up.

[Mirek]

I always believed that in Loeb's times the main development drivers of Citroën was Bugalski.

[mknight]

I think there is some confusion between the Sebs in Rally Power's post.

[T16]

I always believed that in Loeb's times the main development drivers of Citroën was Bugalski.

I think they gave Meeke a lot of credit for his work on the C4 too.

[deephouse]

I think they gave Meeke a lot of credit for his work on the C4 too.

Yeah we saw that one. One of the most succesful car in WRC history with many titles won. And then sacket by the few bad results with C3.

[tbtstt]

Bit belated (especially as I didn't actually take that many pictures!), but just uploaded a few photos from Myherin. Some of my faves...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907670022_95e4709ab7_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48906939378_da03b4acab_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907468616_fa57b9f291_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907671177_c457b3dd57_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48907468686_57f547ce3c_b.jpg

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48906940428_936f9c5ca2_b.jpg

...more here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/22961613@N06/albums/72157711360717498

If anyone is interested!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice to hear Julan Porter on todays AR podcast totally agree with me that the Oulton Park stage should've been run in the daylight... even if just the top 20 cars. Great for the fans and TV audience and could've started at 5pm not 7pm.

As it was he confirmed it was so dark (and wet) that all the poor spectators could see were a set of spotlights.

We really need to showcase the WRC and this isnt a good way to do it.