WRC Belgium Ypres rally

[Duvel]

Al news on the event is welcome.

A lot of people show interest in spectating in my suroundings.. But im curius if the will allow public..
Wil there stil run a Belgian rally championship round also?

[Simmi]

Moved my hotel dates but still feels 50/50 over whether this happens or at least whether fans will be there.

I guess the question is how do you keep spectators away from it in a practical sense?
Hopefully still a BRC round but I guess it will depend how many other rounds of the championship can run.

[AnttiL]

Bump on the thread, maps are here https://www.rally-maps.com/Ypres-Rally-Belgium-2020

[tommeke_B]

I guess the question is how do you keep spectators away from it in a practical sense?

With a lot of police and big (250 €) fines, quite simple and lucrative solution to the problem.

[Simmi]

Any word coming out of Belgium on fan attendance?

[tommeke_B]

So far no news, and I don't expect any within the first month. The same organizers had one smaller event a few weeks ago. Initially they had a lot of entries from the UK and The Netherlands, but the authorities didn't allow any foreign drivers. They had spectator areas limited to 200 spectators, outside those areas no spectators were allowed. Spectators could buy a ticket for a certain zone and only go there. Ticket sales depends on the rules that will be decided by the local authorities. Prices could be high, as there's huge demand, regardless on how many spectators will be allowed. I think we can forget about a "normal" spectator experience we were used to.

[Joseph54]

All we have to do is wait and see. To be honest I hope they keep this rally without fans or spectators. Better to be safe than sorry...

[flykas]

All we have to do is wait and see. To be honest I hope they keep this rally without fans or spectators. Better to be safe than sorry...

Yeah, especially when there is wrc+

[denkimi]

The same organizers had one smaller event a few weeks ago. Initially they had a lot of entries from the UK and The Netherlands, but the authorities didn't allow any foreign drivers. They had spectator areas limited to 200 spectators, outside those areas no spectators were allowed. Spectators could buy a ticket for a certain zone and only go there.
Yes, that was another genius idea.
Instead of spreading people out along the stage, you force them to all stand close together in the same spot.

I think i will have to participate if i want to be there. There will never be enough tickets for a even a small portion of the spectators.

[the sniper]

Yes, that was another genius idea.
Instead of spreading people out along the stage, you force them to all stand close together in the same spot.

Indeed, seems rather backwards. Compliance with the law I imagine and a way to control numbers, but seems counter productive. I'd be only too happy to go to a rally, but I wouldn't bother if it meant having to stand in a pig pen with other spectators. Pointless risk.

[AnttiL]

Neuville-Tänak-Breen from Hyundai

https://twitter.com/HMSGOfficial/status/1311576755136860162

[MartijnS]

Breen also drives two rounds of the Belgian Championship with the WRC in advance.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As I predicted in August... ;)


Keeping Breen for Ypres.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

"Belgium tightens social contact rules as coronavirus cases surge."

https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/news/occ-6-10/

[tommeke_B]

It's no secret that the numbers are rising, as they are everywhere... The organizers seem to have it all sorted, it merely depends on the authorities right now. If they would decide to ban all spectators on all sport events, then that's it.

[AnttiL]

It's still more than a month until the rally, difficult to predict the situation then...

[T16]

weren't they meant to decide by early this morning? I'm sure that's what I read on a dirt fish article.

[Eli]

weren't they meant to decide by early this morning? I'm sure that's what I read on a dirt fish article.

yep...until 05:45 local time if I recall correctly....

[AnttiL]

weren't they meant to decide by early this morning? I'm sure that's what I read on a dirt fish article.

I think it only concerns Monza. Ypres is already on the calendar, canceling it is a different thing...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fears-grow-that-wrc-2020-could-end-this-weekend/

[tommeke_B]

Yes, and that decision's taken. Monza joins the WRC calendar. http://www.speed-magazine.be/le-rally-monza-rejoint-le-calendrier-du-wrc/

[T16]

I think it only concerns Monza. Ypres is already on the calendar, canceling it is a different thing...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fears-grow-that-wrc-2020-could-end-this-weekend/

ah ok... thanks.

[EstWRC]

question more to the locas i guess.

everybody is talking how important the starting position is but how have the results been the last years? the guys who have started in front on friday have won?

[denkimi]

question more to the locas i guess.

everybody is talking how important the starting position is but how have the results been the last years? the guys who have started in front on friday have won?
Usually yes, but that's just because the best drivers start at the front. Of course it made a difference, but only very little. If you are p30 it will be an issue, but not in you're starting at p5.

But the thing is, the rally has always been at the end of june, when its warm and dry. They take deep cuts everywhere, but the ground is hard so its mostly dust and a bit of gravel here and there.

This year, at the end of november it will be cold and probably wet, it could even snow and freeze. Most likely the ground will be soft, so a lot of mud could be pulled on the road. And if that happens, it will make a big difference.

It will all depend on the weather. Evans should pray for rain, neuville should pray for a long dry period.

[EstWRC]

thanks for the answer!

it will be very interesting then

[AnttiL]

they just showed clips of Ypres, really remind me germany a lot.

Similar nature - if there is a corner, it's either flat, square or hairpin. And lots of straights. And chicanes.


euhm, no.
some square corners, but no hairpins or chicanes. it has mostly fast flowing corners.

its narrow, slippery, has many tricky place and deep cuts everywhere. but most importantly has deep ditches almost everywhere.

https://youtu.be/U5G7wH_cYjQ

3:23 hairpin
3:41 chicane

You're right that hairpins and chicanes aren't as common in Ypres as in Germany, I just happened to watch that onboard as my first example. But if we take out Baumholder and vinyards from Germany, the remaining country stages are quite similar to Ypres.

The main thing is that it's relatively rare to get a medium speed corner, it's either very fast or very slow.

[tommeke_B]

question more to the locas i guess.

everybody is talking how important the starting position is but how have the results been the last years? the guys who have started in front on friday have won?
Well, if it rains, and if Evans uses the right tactics, and if the car is well set-up, everyone else can forget about the win. But that's a lot of "if"... ;) I'm expecting a 3-way fight between Evans, Ogier and Neuville.

[AnttiL]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/penasse-rejects-ogiers-ypres-bias-claim/

No anti-cut blocks will be used, Penasse says also that road will be dirty to start with

[tommeke_B]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkHr1KHXcAEMpxb?format=jpg&name=large

Breen did the AAROVA Rally yesterday, previous event of BRC. He won the event, not difficult being the only WRC car at the start. On his social media there's some onboard images showing the conditions he had. Ypres could be similar, it's safe to say it can't be much worse than this weekend was...

Answering the comparison between Germany and Ypres, well, there isn't... Especially because we're in a different season now. Ypres has a lot of junctions indeed, and very fast sections in between, as AnttiL pointed out.

Some things typical for Ypres which you don't see much in other events:

- Ditches on both sides of the road on most places, if you're off, you lose a lot of time. In traditional years spectators help you out, if you are lucky, with a time loss varying between half a minute and a couple of minutes. This year there won't be (m)any spectators to help...

- Different types of asphalt/concrete. There are a lot of different types of tarmac/concrete on the stages, the surface and grip can change every corner. Also the grip level isn't linear from dry to wet. Sometimes it's surprising, and there's not so much margin alongside the road. It's important for drivers to be able to read and understand the grip levels. For Evans, Ogier and Neuville I don't expect a huge problem here.

- Cuts. There are lots of cuts everywhere, for a normal Ypres Rally all cuts are very visible already one month before the event (illegal recce anyone?). And guess what, as most of those who make all these cuts are amateurs, half of them is completely unnecessary. But eventually, if one starts cutting, all the others often have to follow (due to mud or gravel thrown onto the road making cutting the only possible line to follow). Some are on grass, there the road usually stays clean, if it's dry... With wet weather however they will destroy the grass and throw mud onto the road. Then there's cuts which will throw a lot of loose gravel onto the road. Sometimes it's just a wheel off the road, sometimes half of the car is in the cut, leaving the car hanging under an angle (https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19467729_1837133356298542_2148349998504556796_o.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_sid=cdbe9c&_nc_ohc=vMEKbHMiLlsAX-K0L4G&_nc_oc=AQk6-BAxo1It8E_GrvzFRAgO63DHe1XmI0axN7mhPLdzeS-o91yVdJox8rwADz5CEzySmYuWRIHRyIKUPv9qy_YC&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=7c8ccc5ff84a7ec9efc9f5acc04b3e2b&oe=5FA8E624). Also important to notice is how the transition from the cut back to the road goes. Sometimes there's an edge of the road, which makes it dangerous for having punctures. Especially on concrete roads it's something to consider. Sometimes it's better to go in only half as much as the others do, sometimes you have to go all the way. Also if it's wet, the cut gets destroyed by every car passing. It could lead to a lot of punctures in the second loop where drivers will not expect it. How you dive into that cut doesn't really matter, how you get out of it, back onto the road, does. And that's the most difficult part.

- Mud on the road from farmers. It's harvesting season, farmers are on their fields with tractors, each time they drive back onto the road they leave a lot of dirt which then gets spread by all other traffic on that road.

In short, the gravel crews will have a very important task to do, it will be just as important as in Monte Carlo, if not more... :) Fortunately there are quite a lot of straights in this event, leaving a lot of room for the codrivers to add as much info as needed.

[EstWRC]

here is a vid of that rally https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvMYQVL6N8o&feature=youtu.be

[AnttiL]

A good point about the ditches.

However, varying surfaces is common to Rally Deutschland as well, with some concrete surfaces and broken tarmac surfaces. We remember how Neuville broke the rear suspension in 2017 in Baumholder in a cut with a sharp edge.

[Mirek]

My few cents.

In the past we have seen also a lot of impact of well selected gear ratios in Ypres because the event is very specific but I don't think it will play that much of a role with WRC cars as it had with S2000 cars (there it was very large factor due to the atmospheric engines). In general in Ypres you need often to accelerate all the way from first gear to sixth gear or to keep very high speeds. You don't need to pay that much attention to torque delivery in medium speed corners like in Spain or Corsica where it's all about that.

Reaching higher top speed is also more important than in other asphalt events and in the past especially with S2000 cars it was one important factor too (probably there won't be that big differences among WRC cars).

Traction from the slow corners is crucial too and will be even more with the mud. Since some junctions are tight it's necessary to avoid understeering at slow speeds.

Anyway I'm quite sure that we'll see a lot of retired cars dug in ditches all around the route. To find the acceptable level of risk will be a huge challenge and previous experience with Belgian events will definitely help a lot.

[tommeke_B]

A good point about the ditches.

However, varying surfaces is common to Rally Deutschland as well, with some concrete surfaces and broken tarmac surfaces. We remember how Neuville broke the rear suspension in 2017 in Baumholder in a cut with a sharp edge.

Well, there's not much to compare actually. I went to Germany a couple of time and did recce most of the stages. The surface changes aren't as many and as drastic as in Belgium. In the vineyard stage the grip is very predictable and probably higher than anywhere in Belgium. On Baumholder, well, it's a completely different world out there. And the Saarland stages often change a little in grip, but you have empty fields left and right on most of the places. Comparing Ypres to Germany is like comparing Portugal to Finland.

Valid point of Neuville breaking the suspension when going out of a cut. In Ypres it's unlikely to go that bad, but punctures could be a huge problem.

[EstWRC]

thanks for all the feedback guys. now i cant even more wait for the rally, it seems we will have hell of a rally in our hands.

[AnttiL]

thanks for all the feedback guys. now i cant even more wait for the rally, it seems we will have hell of a rally in our hands.

Agreed, I'm also very much looking forward into this new challenge and seeing WRC cars on these classic stages.

Here are the maps from 1982 if you want to take a look https://www.rally-maps.com/Ypres-24-Hours-Rally-1982

[AnttiL]

One thing we haven't mentioned in the recent discussion is that Sunday of Ypres will be driven around the Spa circuit and is thus different in character. Another challenge.

[tommeke_B]

Completely different challenge indeed. It's very likely that most of this will be included in SS21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIMhh0xS6rY&ab_channel=gtrmaxvdb99

[polomayu]

Any infos about how they will manage the spctators? Like in Estonia or maybe in a more free way??

[wwbroe]

Any infos about how they will manage the spctators? Like in Estonia or maybe in a more free way??

I am afraid that it won't be in a more free way. Organizers are the same from Monteberg and also Aarova Rally wich was held last weekend. Spectator control is very strict and you were only allowed to go in specific spectator area's. I think it will be the same in Ypres Rally, surely for first two days. Maybe on sunday, stages held in Spa region, there will be some more liberty alltough the access to Francorchamps circuit will be very limited also. That is if the rally will take place, wich i doubt because of the still rising numbers of corona infections in Belgium.

[Jarek Z]

I'm quite sure that we'll see a lot of retired cars dug in ditches all around the route.

Yes. Just like Juha Kankkunen in 1995. He came to Ypres (an European Championship round at that time) as a main favourite for victory and... went into a ditch on one of the very first stages. Ypres Rally is famous for its deep ditches. You can see it at 3:09 in the following video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAVPj0fnyrY

[Jarek Z]

Another famous accident of the Ypres Rally is the diving of Umberto Scandola in 2006:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twS7nm5ZxUQ
here with onboard:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7cTSJIzEkg

This rally has a bad reputation for newcomers. It doesn't happen very often that someone wins this rally in their debut.

[Jarek Z]

Grip level is hard to predict. To drag the car out of a ditch - very difficult. Look at Francois Duval in 2009:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp-a6DOEW_M

[Jarek Z]

Even Thierry Neuville had problems in 2017:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXyT_l_sqcs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWjXyFCd8QA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7l8UjlfUZw

[Jarek Z]

Alex Lukyanuk vs The Ditches of Ypres 0 - 1 !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEQ2jddw3Gc

[Jarek Z]

Bernd Casier, despite his experience, ended in the ditch too!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLeoB4Ge7uA

[Jarek Z]

Deep cut and deep ditch - bad combination for Josh Moffett in 2015:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mOewJVak40

So, summing up - when you go to Ypres, stay away from the ditches guys! ;)

[Mirek]

Completely different challenge indeed. It's very likely that most of this will be included in SS21: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIMhh0xS6rY&ab_channel=gtrmaxvdb99

Thanks, great stage but looking much more like Barum than Ypres :-D

[dimviii]

a small taste from what will seeat Ypres?


“They were some of the worst conditions I’ve ever driven in,” Breen told DirtFish. “It was just horrendous. We were aquaplaning all over the road. We’d have a 600-meter straight and we weren’t able to get the car beyond fourth gear – it was just sliding from side-to-side, all over the road.”

For his first time in the car, Breen had been hoping for at least some dry and consistent conditions. They never came.

“We went out on the slick tire for the first loop,” he added. “It was a disaster. It would’ve been nice to get a dry loop in, just one loop so I could get a feel for the thing. There was no shakedown or roll-out or anything. I took the car over the ramp and drove to the first stage and was then just fired straight into it.

“Having said that, it’s really possible that we’ll have these conditions at some point during the Ypres Rally, so it makes sense to drive [with a compromised set-up], but it was really, really tricky.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-wild-belgian-weather-tamed-by-breen-as-ypres-prep/

[dupanton]

a small taste from what will seeat Ypres?


“They were some of the worst conditions I’ve ever driven in,” Breen told DirtFish. “It was just horrendous. We were aquaplaning all over the road. We’d have a 600-meter straight and we weren’t able to get the car beyond fourth gear – it was just sliding from side-to-side, all over the road.”

For his first time in the car, Breen had been hoping for at least some dry and consistent conditions. They never came.

“We went out on the slick tire for the first loop,” he added. “It was a disaster. It would’ve been nice to get a dry loop in, just one loop so I could get a feel for the thing. There was no shakedown or roll-out or anything. I took the car over the ramp and drove to the first stage and was then just fired straight into it.

“Having said that, it’s really possible that we’ll have these conditions at some point during the Ypres Rally, so it makes sense to drive [with a compromised set-up], but it was really, really tricky.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-wild-belgian-weather-tamed-by-breen-as-ypres-prep/

Condition were very bad indeed. Some of the worst I've ever seen in my 4 years as a codriver.
But the aquaplanning should be less of a problem in Ypres because of a different surface. Aarova rally had mainly concrete roads. While Ypres is mainly asphalt. On the concrete roads there is much more standing water.

But cuts and mud dragged on the road will be very similar.

[mknight]

Note that the 2017+ I20 has always been in the top if not the fastest on slippery/tricky tarmac. It's when it's dry (and hot) that it struggled. So Ypres should definitely suit them.

Very much doubt Ypres will be ran though.

[Rally Power]

I am afraid that it won't be in a more free way. Organizers are the same from Monteberg and also Aarova Rally wich was held last weekend. Spectator control is very strict and you were only allowed to go in specific spectator area's. I think it will be the same in Ypres Rally, surely for first two days. Maybe on sunday, stages held in Spa region, there will be some more liberty alltough the access to Francorchamps circuit will be very limited also. That is if the rally will take place, wich i doubt because of the still rising numbers of corona infections in Belgium.

Sadly, that won't be a surprise. Ypres move from earlier October to late November was quite puzzling; was any justification given? And is there a chance for a last minute route change, with the whole event being run on Francorchamps circuit area? After Monza inclusion, I fear circuit racing may become usual in the WRC before this damn pandemic ends.

[AnttiL]

Note that the 2017+ I20 has always been in the top if not the fastest on slippery/tricky tarmac.

Deutschland 2017? ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good practice for Breen !

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGN5T9Un-Wj/?igshid=1enyo7k0ih4cz

[Jarek Z]

Oliver Solberg is the next victim of the famous Belgian ditches. Have a look at 4:23:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEevrPewDq4&feature=emb_logo

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oliver Solberg is the next victim of the famous Belgian ditches. Have a look at 4:23:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEevrPewDq4&feature=emb_logo

And that's in the dry ! ;)

[denkimi]

Sadly, that won't be a surprise. Ypres move from earlier October to late November was quite puzzling; was any justification given? And is there a chance for a last minute route change, with the whole event being run on Francorchamps circuit area? After Monza inclusion, I fear circuit racing may become usual in the WRC before this damn pandemic ends.
they adjusted their date to whatever was needed to fit in the wrc calendar.

i don't think they will change it to francorchamps. unlike monza, the home base is not the circuit but ypres center. they would have to change absolutely everything, from service parc to podium.
but i can see it getting canceled.



Oliver Solberg is the next victim of the famous Belgian ditches. Have a look at 4:23:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEevrPewDq4&feature=emb_logo
i don't expect him to finish without superrally. most newcomers who try to push don't make it to the end.

[mknight]

Deutschland 2017? ;)

Yes? Both Neuville and Sordo had podium speed.

Sordo jumped off stage from 4th after winning a stage.
Neuville first went off road from 3rd then ripped a wheel off from 3rd in that cut on Panzerplatte right after he overtook Ogier.

[RS]

Solberg, Mikkelsen and Kopecky all testing for Skoda Motorsport.. are they all going to Ypres?

[PLuto]

Solberg, Mikkelsen and Kopecky all testing for Skoda Motorsport.. are they all going to Ypres?

It was Pirelli test...

[Tom K]

Reports from France suggest Kopecky was driving Skoda fits with Michelin.

[wwbroe]

Solberg, Mikkelsen and Kopecky all testing for Skoda Motorsport.. are they all going to Ypres?

Apparently Skoda Motorsport will have four cars running in Ypres, i don't know who will be the drivers except Solberg.

[tommeke_B]

Tidemand, Brynildsen by Toksport, and maybe Solberg and... Meeke by Skoda Motorsport? :)

[AnttiL]

Kopecky? Someone from Belgium?

[RS]

What about Loix? Hard to believe he would miss Ypres when it becomes a WRC round.

[tommeke_B]

What about Loix? Hard to believe he would miss Ypres when it becomes a WRC round.

He's not going to drive in Ypres. Plenty of other fast Belgian drivers to mix in the RC2-competition though. ;)

[PLuto]

He's not going to drive in Ypres. Plenty of other fast Belgian drivers to mix in the RC2-competition though. ;)

Are you sure?

[RS]

Apparently Skoda Motorsport will have four cars running in Ypres, i don't know who will be the drivers except Solberg.

Solberg, Mikelssen, Kopecky, Loix?

Andreas says he and Ola Floene have some tests and events lined up, so maybe Ypres in a Pirelli sponsored 'Skoda Motorsport Customer Racing' Fabia?

https://www.instagram.com/p/CGP49jpnpqn/?igshid=ljyh7t39mtfy

[RS]

Reports from France suggest Kopecky was driving Skoda fits with Michelin.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2grA1cqojaM

Correct..although when Meeke was testing with Skoda he tried Michelin and Pirelli too.

[dimviii]

Ypres Rally and Jan Yperman Hospital agree for 2.500 Covid tests

"All participants and employees will be tested"

https://mailchi.mp/ypresrally/renties-ypres-rally-2020-nov-wrc-5263629

[tommeke_B]

Ott Tänak is also entered for the South Belgian Rally. So both Tänak and Breen on this event on saturday, while Ogier and Evans will take on another event on sunday. Still no sign of M-Sport's WRC cars doing anything at all.

[denkimi]

Ott Tänak is also entered for the South Belgian Rally. So both Tänak and Breen on this event on saturday, while Ogier and Evans will take on another event on sunday. Still no sign of M-Sport's WRC cars doing anything at all.
Weird to see neuville not participating anywhere. Some more testing never hurts.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Coronavirus: Belgium facing 'tsunami' of new infections

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54602999

[mknight]

Ott Tänak is also entered for the South Belgian Rally. So both Tänak and Breen on this event on saturday, while Ogier and Evans will take on another event on sunday. Still no sign of M-Sport's WRC cars doing anything at all.

As clear demonstration of the trend of last two years as is possible.

FIA limited testing days to limit costs. Teams that have money did a "workaround" by running only local events for testing purposes. Teams that don't have money got a bigger disadvantage.

Yet some people still applaud this cause they "get to see the cars" at their local events. Usually with no competition at all.

[dimviii]

Ott Tänak is also entered for the South Belgian Rally. So both Tänak and Breen on this event on saturday, while Ogier and Evans will take on another event on sunday. Still no sign of M-Sport's WRC cars doing anything at all.

Τom i d like to see your comment at this

Yannick Willocx
@YannickWillocx

Preparation of ypres.. this i dont get..very different stages. And the sunday stages around Spa are also different in my point of view

https://twitter.com/YannickWillocx/status/1318126500269461504

[mousti]

I agree with Yannick, maybe they plan SBR as only prep for Sunday stages. And Friday/Saturday with some PET's on flanders roads.. Also Ostberg will start this Saturday.

On a side note Loix will be gravel crew of Tanak for Ypres and this weekend in Semois..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[TypeR]

I agree with Yannick, maybe they plan SBR as only prep for Sunday stages. And Friday/Saturday with some PET's on flanders roads.. Also Ostberg will start this Saturday.

On a side note Loix will be gravel crew of Tanak for Ypres and this weekend in Semois..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk
Wow, that Loix thing is interesting.. short and unexpected season.. all cards are played for best results.
Already waiting for what the teams will do to prepare WRC cars for circuit racing in Monza..
Some official test days on circuits etc..?

[tommeke_B]

Τom i d like to see your comment at this

Yannick Willocx
@YannickWillocx

Preparation of ypres.. this i dont get..very different stages. And the sunday stages around Spa are also different in my point of view

https://twitter.com/YannickWillocx/status/1318126500269461504

I mostly agree with this. The stages aren't very similar to Ypres nor Spa. However it's a bit like comparing Finland to Poland for example. Is it exactly the same? No, but what works there could work elsewhere too, and you get the feeling on tarmac back. There's 1,5 months between Sardinia and Ypres, so definitely interesting to gain some more mileage in between. The Hemicuda Rally might be better for being more similar to Ypres, but you have only half as many stage kilometers.

[denkimi]

On a side note Loix will be gravel crew of Tanak for Ypres and this weekend in Semois..

That is not really a side note to me. That seems like a big advantage for him, loix is perhaps the best ouvreur one could find for ypres.

[tommeke_B]

It's not like Freddy Loix is the only one who knows this event... What can be a bit of an obstacle however is that Loix isn't familiar with the pacenote system of Tänak. Ypres is different from other events that you have a lot of time to add more things in the notes to make them more precise. Freddy can play a big role, and Tänak might be just the (Hyundai)driver who needs him most right now.

Thierry Neuville has Bruno Thiry, Ogier usually works with Jean-Joseph (who has been on the podium in Ypres too). A bit further in the field, former winner Hänninen worked for Katsuta in the past, in the R5 category Bouffier worked for Oliver Solberg during last Monte Carlo... Wondering if anyone's willing to take Meeke's or Abbrings advice for this event. :)

[Gregor-y]

And Patrick Snijers will show up with a perpetual 911 ;)

US events have been picking up in the fall but I'm reluctant to get involved this year. I'm surprised Belgium is going ahead with the rally.

[Rally Power]

Coronavirus: Belgium facing 'tsunami' of new infections


The situation in Spain it's probably (and sadly) even worse but that didn't prevent them to start today their cycling tour, with outsanding safety measures (which apparently are working as it was impossible to see large crowds during leg 1). Anyway, fingers crossed for Ypres.

[er88]

Meeke would maybe be a good shout for someone...., but I doubt someone like EE would replace his dad? Or if Meeke would be arsed.
Kris won his first ever Ypres rally, something that very, very rarely happens - after a rally long battle with Loix.

[AnttiL]

On a side note Loix will be gravel crew of Tanak for Ypres

I wonder how they manage the language issues. Tänak's pace notes are in Estonian, and usually the gravel crew is using a copy of the actual pace notes, and the notes they make are then added to the actual notes. Possibly they would have to translate the pace notes page for page, with every character in the same place so they know where to put the additions in the Estonian notes.

I remember when Sordo was substituting Thiry as Neuville's gravel crew driver, but Sordo speaks enough French to understand Neuville's pace notes.

[tommeke_B]

I don't know Tänak's pacenote system, but you have an someone who can translate it to English, and read it to Freddy, and translate the info given by Freddy back to Martin, there's no issue. Normally the main notes aren't really touched (unless there would be some huge mistake), just additional things like cut/don't cut, slippy, mud, etc... Sure it's a "problem" that can easily be overcome, they're professional and experienced enough to work out a clear plan for it.

[denkimi]

So the south belgian rally is canceled. Tanak will have to test somewhere else.

[Simmi]

If I was a betting man I'd say the season is possibly finished. Feels like the window of opportunity is closing.

[Eli]

So the South Belgian rally is canceled. Tanak will have to test somewhere else.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/ypres-warm-up-rally-cancelled-as-belgiums-covid-19-cases-rise/

doesn't look promising, as Simmi pointed out...this season is possibly finished, the way I see it, it's all up to Monza...

[AndyRAC]

Can't say i'm optimistic; figures on the rise in Belgium, and had to run Tour of Flanders without spectators, plus all Cyclocross racing running without spectators as well. It will need something miraculous for Ypres to run.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rumours of full lockdown in Belgium at the end of next week.

[tommeke_B]

Rumours of full lockdown in Belgium at the end of next week.

It's not a rumor if you made it up yourself.

[TypeR]

Seems the way that Evans can start thinking what champagne to buy.. :D

[tommeke_B]

According to the organizers the rally will run with or without spectators. Today decisions about all sports events will be made. It's likely Ypres will run without spectators, if the local government still allows it. The main issue for running a rally is that a lot of paramedics are needed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's not a rumor if you made it up yourself.

https://www.euractiv.com/section/coronavirus/news/hard-hit-belgium-faces-second-covid-19-lockdown/

[EstWRC]

so Tänak and Breen also joined the Hemicuda rally after the cancellation of South-Belgia one

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good point by Colin McMaster
@colmcklein:

I just can’t see how traipsing across the whole of Belgium for half a day in the Ardennes makes much sense now, with what’s currently going in the country. Just stay in Flanders, where the Covid infection rates are low.

[Franky]

Good point by Colin McMaster
@colmcklein:

I just can’t see how traipsing across the whole of Belgium for half a day in the Ardennes makes much sense now, with what’s currently going in the country. Just stay in Flanders, where the Covid infection rates are low.

Based on this infographic (https://www.datawrapper.de/_/3jjNw/), I wouldn't exactly use the term "low". They are lower than in other areas, but far from what you'd call low. But then again compared to 1000-3500, 100-200 is low.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Based on this infographic (https://www.datawrapper.de/_/3jjNw/), I wouldn't exactly use the term "low". They are lower than in other areas, but far from what you'd call low. But then again compared to 1000-3500, 100-200 is low.

Of course all things are relative.

[tommeke_B]

Roughly 350-400/100.000 in the region of the Hemicuda Rally, roughly 700 /100.000 in the region of the South Belgian Rally. It's not so black and white indeed.

[denkimi]

so Tänak and Breen also joined the Hemicuda rally after the cancellation of South-Belgia one
Entries closed almost a week ago. Always nice to see how the rules don't apply to the big boys.

Anyway, so that's factory 4 wrc cars in a small local rally.
What do we even need ypres for? We just need neuville and rovanperra and we can decide the championship here.

[EstWRC]

Belgian government announced measures for all sports. Regarding professional sport : they can go ahead, but without public. This will be for a month at least, possibly more.

For #WRC Ypres, most probably without public I would think because of uncertainty after 4 weeks.

taken from https://twitter.com/rockollector/status/1319540546633871360?s=20

[tommeke_B]

Professional sports indeed without spectators, until November 19 so far. Ypres starts on November 20, but it's very likely that these measures will be prolonged. Also I'm afraid the preparation event this weekend (Hemicuda Rally) is to be cancelled, it's a bit unclear, but I think it counts for "amateur sports" and those are forbidden now.

[EstWRC]

shouldnt the announcement come any minute then about Hemicuda?

i mean its friday lunch time already basically

[TypeR]

shouldnt the announcement come any minute then about Hemicuda?

i mean its friday lunch time already basically
According to the organisers, they are waiting the aswer from the Minister of Sports.
No fans allowed, tho.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Minister in Belgium - No public for outdoor sports.

The organizer of the Ypres Rally "Without the public, it would be difficult to maintain the organization"

[EstWRC]

hemicuda cancelled

[TypeR]

shouldnt the announcement come any minute then about Hemicuda?

i mean its friday lunch time already basically


hemicuda cancelled

Not official yet..

HEMICUDA RALLY: No decision yet

In contradiction to what some media report, there is no decision yet on the Hemicuda Rally. A Facebook post from one of the local majors caused confusion, but at this very moment there is no official news yet from the Minster of Sports. His decision is key, for the Governor and for us to decide. More information is to come.

[EstWRC]

aa okay,

my info was from eWRC twitter account.

but im not hopefull anyway

[tommeke_B]

Officially cancelled now. This decision doesn't mean anything for Ypres, but nothing is sure at this point.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If Ypres happens (big IF), then it's advantage Hyundai with Neuville and Breen's experience there and no prep event for Evans & Ogier.

[dimviii]

Ypres Rally confident of go-ahead despite COVID-19 spike

Ypres Rally organizers and WRC Promoter still on track as Belgium introduces new temporary COVID-19 measures

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ypres-rally-confident-of-go-ahead-despite-covid-19-spike/

[EstWRC]

teaser https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h2YPq33Wms

[mknight]

If Ypres happens (big IF), then it's advantage Hyundai with Neuville and Breen's experience there and no prep event for Evans & Ogier.

Yes, my thoughts as well. But I don't think Ypres will happen. The organizers aren't the government.

They put in Monza for exactly this, so pressure from FIA/teams won't be big. IMO the only real question is whether some stages outsider of the circuit will happen in Monza.

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-drivers-to-get-first-test-since-lockdown/

Well at least some positive news, I hope it won't be in vein though....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/m-sport-drivers-to-get-first-test-since-lockdown/


:) :) :)

[mousti]

A Belgian private entry by Pieter Tsjoen who dominated the BRC for some years.. He will drive a i20 WRC from 2C Competition.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3428201997258917&id=181112608634555

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Ruben Perez
@RubnPerez
Alpine A110 R-GT will make its #WRC debut at @ypresrally
It will do so at the hands of the legendary Marc Duez, who will pilot a unit of the French @TeamFJofficial
supported by the Alpine Center Brussels. To his right, Jacques Castelein. #WRC

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ElRokZ8WkAE-yvS?format=jpg&name=small

[Jarek Z]

Good to see two Belgian legends in good cars and still in action!

[AnttiL]

Maps are updated, you can now see the Sunday stages as well

https://www.rally-maps.com/Ypres-Rally-Belgium-2020

[Kaps]

Start is in Ypres and finish in Spa-Francorchamps?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not sounding good at all...

"In an interview with state broadcaster RTBF on Monday, Govt spokesman Van Laethem said that a decision would be made on whether to impose a second lockdown "before the end of the week," adding that if Belgium doesn't see "signs of a slowing down of hospital admissions", stricter measures may be necessary."

https://www.cnn.com/2020/10/27/europe/belgium-coronavirus-hospitals-intl/index.html

[Duvel]

Latest rules from Flemish governement says, profesional sports can continue whitout public.

[EstWRC]

SS22 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUDa02GTCQ8

[denkimi]

Start is in Ypres and finish in Spa-Francorchamps?
Yes.

[Tom K]

So, on Friday final decision should be made/announced. Most likely no rally :mad:

[Rallyper]

Latest rules from Flemish governement says, profesional sports can continue whitout public.

And that should be the realistic way of doing the rally. The rally itself shouldn´t affect the common people, actually.

[AnttiL]

SS22 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUDa02GTCQ8

As we know this is one of the Spa area stages, not a classic Ypres stage. It's actually quite Germany-Rheinland-like. Narrow roads, fast passages, bumpy/broken tarmac. Nice fast long corner at 2:10, or actually the following corners on that road as well. 3:35 very tricky fast corner after a long downhill. Some Monte style hairpins at 4:07. 7:50 also a tricky downhill braking. 8:35 bend is after the finish but it could surprise someone!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And that should be the realistic way of doing the rally. The rally itself shouldn´t affect the common people, actually.

It's not that simple if there is a full lockdown. Will the Teams be able to travel into Belgium and move around ? And there are organisers, marshalls, media etc who have to be considered, plus medical attendants required who may have other priorities.

[Rallyper]

It's not that simple if there is a full lockdown. Will the Teams be able to travel into Belgium and move around ? And there are organisers, marshalls, media etc who have to be considered, plus medical attendants required who may have other priorities.

It´s still an event that could be strongly managed in a positive way. Far from the cities with their problems.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It´s still an event that could be strongly managed in a positive way. Far from the cities with their problems.

I hope you're right, but in a full lockdown nothing but essential activity is usually allowed.

[mas-racing]

test Thierry Neuville :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc_EiGCyfZc

[dimviii]

Hyundai begins Ypres testing in Belgium and France

Breen and Neuville are preparing for their Ypres returns locally, but debutant Tänak has been sent to France

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-begins-ypres-testing-in-belgium-and-france/

[denkimi]

It's not that simple if there is a full lockdown. Will the Teams be able to travel into Belgium and move around ? And there are organisers, marshalls, media etc who have to be considered, plus medical attendants required who may have other priorities.
It doesn't seem like there will be a full lockdown. Pretty much everything not work related is closed or banned, but not much more than that.

The only problem i can still see is that our government decides that this is not a professional sport event, like they did with the hemicuda rally. We don't have much motorsport lovers in our government.

[Fredouye]

EVENT ORGANIZER AND THE BELGIAN GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCE THAT THE YPRES RALLY WILL RUN WITHOUT SPECTATORS

https://dirtfish.com/archive/ypres-rally-forced-to-scrap-plans-to-run-with-spectators/

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/what-breen-made-of-a-wet-and-muddy-ypres-test/

In short, he hopes (like all of us) the event won't be cancelled.

[T16]

No way this will go ahead.

[djip]

No way this will go ahead.

Autohebdo (French motorsport premier magazine) announced it will be canceled ....

[T16]

Autohebdo (French motorsport premier magazine) announced it will be canceled ....

Fair enough. It was getting to the point where it would have been a bit of a piss take if they’d held it.
I wonder if they’ll pull Monza too.

[djip]

Fair enough. It was getting to the point where it would have been a bit of a piss take if they’d held it.
I wonder if they’ll pull Monza too.

worst may be if they keep Monza only indoors. A joke of a finale to decide the championship ...

[mousti]

Apparently Skoda Motorsport will have four cars running in Ypres, i don't know who will be the drivers except Solberg.It should or would have been Solberg, Kopecky, Mikkelsen and Tidemand

Verstuurd vanaf mijn ONEPLUS A6013 met Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Autohebdo (French motorsport premier magazine) announced it will be canceled ....

Any quote ? Dont see it on their website.

[Tauri_J]

Dont think it will be canceled.

[djip]

Any quote ? Dont see it on their website.

Full page in their paper magazine ...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

MijnRally @MijnRally
Translated from Dutch

Following Radio2 Omroep West-Vlaanderen, the Ypres Rally 2020 would be completely cancelled .... We are waiting for official reporting from the organization.

https://www.rallylovers.be/nb/11647/Radio-2-meldt-dat-Renties-Ypres-Rally-niet-doorgaat?fbclid=IwAR2cyhHwxUZDhio4vljVGW059FgEeaZv FxIMW9ftNP4hbhHTpCYcnB_O2-0


Information relayed by the autosport.be site :

The 2020 Ypres Rally has been cancelled, reports Radio 2 West Flanders, although it is still awaiting official confirmation. Understandably, the surge of the corona virus and the associated pressure on hospitals and care facilities are behind the cancellation.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dirtfish:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/blow-to-wrc-calendar-as-ypres-cancelled/

[Oliverk]

RIP
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/belgium---s-ypres-rally-off-as-coronavirus-number-rise/

[Tauri_J]

Just end this season already. 6 rallies, maybe 7 but only one in full length.

Promoter should merge this season with next one and let it be a superseason.

[NaBUru38]

Maybe a Spa Rally Show?

[doubled1978]

A shame, but sadly inevitable unfortunately. I feel very sad for the organisation who moved heaven and earth to create a new event for the WRC only to have this happen. I hope they are rewarded with an event in the near future for their efforts.
Puts Evans in a really strong position....

[dimviii]

What Ypres cancellation has done to the WRC title chase

With just one more round round in 2020, four drivers can be crowned champion at Monza. Luke Barry explains the permutations

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-ypres-cancellation-has-done-to-the-wrc-title-chase/

[mknight]

Was quite clear it would be cancelled already when they announced Monza.
Hyundai is quite pissed I guess, as Ypres seemed like massive advantage for them.

[mknight]

What Ypres cancellation has done to the WRC title chase

With just one more round round in 2020, four drivers can be crowned champion at Monza. Luke Barry explains the permutations

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-ypres-cancellation-has-done-to-the-wrc-title-chase/

If Evans drives safely he should have no issues getting 4-5th. So basically only Ogier has a realistic chance and he has to win and be top 3 in PS.

[dimviii]

If Evans drives safely he should have no issues getting 4-5th.

only mechanical problem can deny the crown to Evans

[focus206]

What a joke of a championship... If WRC wouldn't have restarted so late and if there wasn't this long, useless pause between Sardegna and Ypres, we could have had already 8 rounds ran at this time.
In the past, there were rounds of the championship that counted only towards WRC (when PWRC and JWRC had their own calendars). Wouldn't it be possible to send only the three works WRC teams (and WRC privateers, if they care) to, for example, Canarias or some other rally? 10 cars more shouldn't be a big problem for organizers, but I'm not an expert on this. What do you guys think?

[KiwiWRCfan]

What a joke of a championship...
... What do you guys think?
1) the championship is not a joke.
2) Promoters, FIA and the various event organisers have done remarkably well to reset calendar and create some opportunities for rallies since Mexico under extremely difficult and UNPREDICTABLE circumstances
3) 1 & 2 also apply to ERC and other championships.

Huge thank you to all those working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep at least some things happening.

[AnttiL]

Wouldn't it be possible to send only the three works WRC teams (and WRC privateers, if they care) to, for example, Canarias or some other rally? 10 cars more shouldn't be a big problem for organizers, but I'm not an expert on this. What do you guys think?

Just requires some logistic planning and other preparation. Canarias is one month away and relatively remote, requires shipping equipment on a ferry? Also the WRC+ team would have to be sent there with their helicopters and aeroplanes.

I think it's a good idea but just saying it's not as simple as you make it sound like.

In addition, COVID-situations change so drastically it's risky to make any plans for the rest of the year, it all could go to waste now.

[focus206]

1) the championship is not a joke.
2) Promoters, FIA and the various event organisers have done remarkably well to reset calendar and create some opportunities for rallies since Mexico under extremely difficult and UNPREDICTABLE circumstances

I don't share your opinion. 6 rounds of a rallysprint championship is a joke to me. Sure, the times are what they are, but we could have gotten more if FIA/promoters (can't point the finger at anybody specifically as I don't know who decided what) acted faster.
And I'm sure that in future, if Evans or Neuville win this championship, there will be a huge asterisk next to their names in the eyes of many rally fans.

[AnttiL]

We had 17 rounds on the calendar this year. So far 10 have been cancelled.
In addition Liepaja and Croatia were considered but did ’t work out. No one can say they didn’t try.

Also worth remembering Sweden was lost to bad weather and Chile to political situation (although would have been canceled anyway due to covid-19). Add to that canceling of Australia last year...

[pantealex]

FIA/Promoters had nothing to do with these cancellations.

I personally was "happy" that Rally Finland was canceled, I live next to HQ/ServicePark and risk of getting covid-19 was big.

How many of you are ready to take full lenght (2 days recce + 4 days competing) WRC event in your home town right now ?

[Jarek Z]

Wouldn't it be possible to send only the three works WRC teams (and WRC privateers, if they care) to, for example, Canarias or some other rally? 10 cars more shouldn't be a big problem for organizers, but I'm not an expert on this. What do you guys think?

I agree with you. The number of regular competitors in WRC is actually quite low. 10 WRC cars + 10-15 WRC2/WRC3 competitors. It shouldn't be such a big problem to add them to some rally in European or national championship and treat it as a WRC round.

[Tom K]

+~ 8-10 JWRC, where battle is also not finished.

[focus206]

FIA/Promoters had nothing to do with these cancellations.

But they do. They cannot stop a virus, but if Ypres Rally was scheduled last week, it would have happened. Even if it was scheduled right now, it would have probably happened. Instead they opted for a useless 40 days pause between Sardegna and Ypres, as if they were waiting for the second wave.
Again, I don't know if it's up to FIA/promoters/organizers, but surely when the date of 19th November was proposed, someone could have said "no, that's way too late and risky".

[AnttiL]

I think we would have missed Sardegna or Turkey, had Ypres run in early October

Remember that the rally organizers cannot choose any weekend they want and logistics are slow

[focus206]

I think we would have missed Sardegna or Turkey, had Ypres run in early October

Remember that the rally organizers cannot choose any weekend they want and logistics are slow

23th October (last week's friday) or 30th October (yesterday) aren't early October though. They're respectively 2 and 3 weeks away from Sardegna.
And that's true, I can only wonder if it was possible to make it sooner or if anyone cared to make it sooner. But honestly, if the only option available for Ypres was 19th November, then I would have searched for an earlier alternative. Of course, not many alternatives in these times, but I don't think it would have been impossible.

[PLuto]

What a joke of a championship... If WRC wouldn't have restarted so late and if there wasn't this long, useless pause between Sardegna and Ypres, we could have had already 8 rounds ran at this time.
In the past, there were rounds of the championship that counted only towards WRC (when PWRC and JWRC had their own calendars). Wouldn't it be possible to send only the three works WRC teams (and WRC privateers, if they care) to, for example, Canarias or some other rally? 10 cars more shouldn't be a big problem for organizers, but I'm not an expert on this. What do you guys think?

I know that this was also on table during the speaks regarding calendar in the summer (I mean sending only WRC and WRC2 cars to some events), but in the final it didnt happened....

[AnttiL]

It's easy to criticize afterwards, but the situations changed multiple times.

Ypres finally got into the calendar once Japan was cancelled

https://dirtfish.com/rally/belgium-takes-japans-spot-on-2020-wrc-schedule/

At that point we still had Rally Deutschland on the calendar, and Sardegna on a later slot. Then Deutschland got cancelled and that resulted in the huge gap we see now...this weekend would have been the original date of Sardegna, perhaps it would have been cancelled as well?

https://dirtfish.com/rally/italy-moves-to-avoid-f1-as-germany-officially-cancelled/

Turkey also had to be moved ahead by one week

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc-turkey-date-change-confirmed/

and originally Ypres could have been added in early October but it would have been challenging for logistics

https://dirtfish.com/rally/toyota-ypres-logistics-will-only-work-in-best-case-scenario/

[denkimi]

I don't share your opinion. 6 rounds of a rallysprint championship is a joke to me. Sure, the times are what they are, but we could have gotten more if FIA/promoters (can't point the finger at anybody specifically as I don't know who decided what) acted faster.
And I'm sure that in future, if Evans or Neuville win this championship, there will be a huge asterisk next to their names in the eyes of many rally fans.
In my eyes it's not a valid season either.

We have had only one real full rally, monte carlo. Sweden should have been awarded half points, and besides mexico none of the other rally's was long enough to actually classify as a wrc rally.
So far we have seen slightly over 1400km of stages, thats only 4,6 wrc rally's.

We should crown evans as winner, but i wouldn't call him the winner of a valid world championship.

[AnttiL]

We have had only one real full rally, monte carlo. Sweden should have been awarded half points, and besides mexico none of the other rally's was long enough to actually classify as a wrc rally.

Remember that Mexico was also cut short, Sunday was cancelled altogether (along with one stage because of Lappi's burning car), resulting in 250 km of stages, roughly the same as Turkey, Estonia and Sardegna.

I still claim that it's equally tricky to win a short season. How would have the tactics changed had they known it will be a short season?

Evans has finished all rallies in top 4, no retirements, no mistakes and is the only one this season to win twice.

[denkimi]

Remember that Mexico was also cut short, Sunday was cancelled altogether (along with one stage because of Lappi's burning car), resulting in 250 km of stages, roughly the same as Turkey, Estonia and Sardegna.

I still claim that it's equally tricky to win a short season. How would have the tactics changed had they known it will be a short season?

Evans has finished all rallies in top 4, no retirements, no mistakes and is the only one this season to win twice.
I remember about mexico, but to me that seems an actual force majeure. Al the rest were purposely so short.

Of course evans deserves to win it, but to me i just doesn't fit the requirements for a world championship. A championship, but not a world championship.

But then again, nobody wins by not crowning someone.

[Tom K]

At that point we still had Rally Deutschland on the calendar, and Sardegna on a later slot. Then Deutschland got cancelled and that resulted in the huge gap we see now...this weekend would have been the original date of Sardegna, perhaps it would have been cancelled as well?



The mess was made by Germans. If I remember correctly, they announced cancellation just few days after the calendar was fixed with Ypres and new slots for both Sardinia and Turkey. And talks about axe of Deutschland started a way earlier, so I they could not have been surprised that cancellation of their rally is inevitable.

[focus206]

I still claim that it's equally tricky to win a short season. How would have the tactics changed had they known it will be a short season?

Evans has finished all rallies in top 4, no retirements, no mistakes and is the only one this season to win twice.

I don't agree it's equally difficult. With very few rounds it comes down too much to who was unlucky to suffer mechanical problems and who wasn't. And one single mistake becomes too costly, for my taste at least. Same reason why I never liked "Cups" or "Trophies" in rallying and touring car racing, that are assigned after only one race week-end. But those are just trophies, not world championships. That's why I wished things went differently with more rounds ran, to legitimize this championship.

[AnttiL]

But you cannot take the championship away afterwards. You can't tell the teams "sorry for your efforts, but we couldn't arrange a world championship this year". It's a different thing if we knew this in advance and they could have agreed that there's a risk of not earning a proper world title. They might do it for next year...

[Mirek]

The mess was made by Germans. If I remember correctly, they announced cancellation just few days after the calendar was fixed with Ypres and new slots for both Sardinia and Turkey. And talks about axe of Deutschland started a way earlier, so I they could not have been surprised that cancellation of their rally is inevitable.

Come on, it's cheap to blame any organizers while you know very well that they are dragged by measures issued by state authorities often without any warning.

[focus206]

But you cannot take the championship away afterwards. You can't tell the teams "sorry for your efforts, but we couldn't arrange a world championship this year". It's a different thing if we knew this in advance and they could have agreed that there's a risk of not earning a proper world title. They might do it for next year...

Yes, I agree to give this title to someone, it's too late to just cancel the championship. That's why I'd like to see at least the RC1 cars sent somewhere to run an already existing rally and treat it as a championship round, to legitimaze this season more. If we count Monza as a valid round, then a national championship event should count too. Hopefully it's not too late for his, but I wish it had been done earlier, to get as many rounds as possible ran before the second wave... Big question now is, where.
But nevertheless, even with the title assigned, I don't expect Evans or Neuville to be seen as "real" world champions by many. Just on paper.

[dimviii]

I still claim that it's equally tricky to win a short season. How would have the tactics changed had they known it will be a short season?.

thats a very valid point.

[GigiGalliNo1]

...they are dragged by measures issued by state authorities often without any warning.

This is in every industry, from airlines, to the corporate world to event organizations.

[Lancia Stratos]

But they do. They cannot stop a virus, but if Ypres Rally was scheduled last week, it would have happened. Even if it was scheduled right now, it would have probably happened.

Are you ware that two rallies were cancelled in Belgium last weekend? And that Belgium is going into a national lockdown on Monday?

[focus206]

Are you ware that two rallies were cancelled in Belgium last weekend? And that Belgium is going into a national lockdown on Monday?
The decision of cancelling Ypres was taken a couple of days ago. Cancelling national and regional rallies is not quite the same thing as cancelling a FIA world championship round. Sure, they could have taken that decision earlier in case Ypres was scheduled earlier, we will never know. The point is there was close to 0 chances to run Ypres that late.

[AnttiL]

The Dirtfish podcast told that Rally Liepaja didn't become a WRC round because Hyundai wasn't ready to go there!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Dirtfish podcast told that Rally Liepaja didn't become a WRC round because Hyundai wasn't ready to go there!

That was a while ago wasnt it ?

It said they thought Toyota would have an advantage with all their Finland-based testing on similar roads.

They (with Neuville) had no problem with Ypres though...

[denkimi]

Or the crash of duval on the very first corner.
https://youtu.be/Lp-a6DOEW_M

Or neuville
https://youtu.be/d7l8UjlfUZw

[Sulland]

The most exiting with this rally for me is how quick the new i20 Rally2 is on asfalt.

[mknight]

The most exiting with this rally for me is how quick the new i20 Rally2 is on asfalt.

I am not sure that Solberg or Huttunen are the best measures for that as neither of them have any great ("normal") tarmac results from before.

But sure if they are very fast with it, it likely is fast.

Another thing is that for example Fiesta Rally2 seems to be quite good on tarmac, but not so much on other surfaces, or the current i20 has good results on smooth Italian and Spanish tarmac, but not on more bumpy rallies. Finally the Polo has a reputation of being tricky on tarmac in mixed/changing conditions but very fast in constant conditions.

[denkimi]

So apparently a lot of forfaits already amongst national competitors.

They were told their cars would be have to comply to national scrutineering rules, but a few days ago they were given the message they have to comply with FIA rules.

So i assume many will not start at all.

[TypeR]

Ofcourse they have to fit FIA rules, when racing on WRC event..
That's why Kaur had to drive R5 last year and not his Fiesta proto + Gross had to upgrade his Fiesta WRC last year on Rally Estonia.
This year he would have had to upgrade it again, because new homologations this year.. but didn't see point to put tens and tens of thousands under ,,rather old car'' again..

[dupanton]

It's not about the cars that must have a valid FIA homologation. There are national classes as well.
But the car must have the fuel tank and fire extinguisher as demanded by FIA. Latest specs are not yet required for national rallies in Belgium. It's all about safety features.