WRC Croatia Rally 2021 [Archive] - Page 5

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Eli

25th April 2021, 16:43

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/ogier-thought-wrc-rally-croatia-was-over-after-traffic-collision/6456524/

Video footage of the incident shows the co-driver’s side of Ogier’s Toyota Yaris being hit by another car as he changed lanes on a section of dual carriageway.

No one was seriously injured in the incident, although Ogier revealed in the post-event press conference that he had to contend with back pain for the final four stages of the Tarmac event.

“The impact was psychological, honestly – it was quite a shock in the morning when it happened,” he said.

“I am bit hurt in my back; it was quite a big impact.

"First of all, I was glad to see that that no one is injured and that the person with who we had the accident was also safe and it was just car damage, but, honestly, in the moment, I thought my rally was over.

“Luckily, the impact was straight on - maybe on one of the strongest points of the car where the damage was just cosmetic.

"Behind it, the wheel was straight, the roll cage was untouched and even the door foam protection was still in it, so the safety was still there.

“There was only some liquid [getting into the cabin] and Julien had to wear goggles like you’ve seen because he was getting a lot of dust in his eye, but yeah, it’s been a hell of a ride for us today – a rollercoaster.
“Like I say: I am very happy that no one was hurt this morning but then, of course, there was a bit of confusion in the moment because we discuss for a while the whole situation and give data to the police but the biggest issue, I would say, is that the policemen were not speaking any English!

“So, it was not that easy and at one point one of them said, ‘you can go’, and then yeah, maybe the other colleague was not so sure. We are going to clarify that [what happened] one more time.

“I’m definitely not someone who runs away after the incident.

"I checked first of all that all was OK, we gave up driving license – everything – and yeah, we can be glad today that it is only car damage and we will solve what needs to be solved tonight.”

Ogier’s boss told reporters he did not believe there would be any repercussions on the back of the accident, which has been widely circulated on social media platforms.

“Like Seb said, the most important thing is that nobody was hurt, so from that side everything is OK,” said Jari-Matti Latvala.

“It might be that we need to discuss with the organisers a little bit about it but I’m sure everything will be sorted out.”

flat_right

25th April 2021, 16:45

pointless to ask him about those things, he wont answer anyway

Yes, but one should try anyway. Or do you think Jaan Martinson’s questions were fantastic? As I have learned (from Becks or Colin) that if you ask him a proper rally question everywhere else than after SS, you will get a decent answer.

doubled1978

25th April 2021, 16:49

What a good rally, interesting stages, low grip tarmac, looked great on TV (cars moving around)...and a last minute result.
Ogier is incredible, you can only admire such a ability.
Looking forward to see more of Fourmaux, he showed us what he’s got on Saturday morning and he’s quick. With Kalle and Oliver, these lads will keep us entertained in the future.

dimviii

25th April 2021, 17:15

There will, no doubt, be plenty more to discuss as this one rolls on through the closing day of what, even before those events, had already been a lively Rally Croatia for Toyota.

The question of what happens next is an interesting one. Toyota’s rivals could protest Ogier’s victory, which would involve a lengthy discussion in the stewards’ room. Sources say the result of any such inquiry could range from a slap on the wrist to a question mark being raised over Ogier’s participation in Portugal at round four.

What do I think? Who knows. It’s impossible not to feel a degree of sympathy for Ogier, who went about his business on the stages in a typically superb style. It will, I fear, be what happened between the stages, rather than his victory, that defines this rally for the seven-time champion.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-ogiers-day-of-rally-croatia-drama-unfolded/

dimviii

25th April 2021, 17:16

https://youtu.be/mJ1i7nKuEeo

wwbroe

25th April 2021, 17:24

https://youtu.be/mJ1i7nKuEeo

Ogier really doesn't care about any traffic rules:D

Augury

25th April 2021, 17:30

Ogier really doesn't care about any traffic rules:D

Right in front of the police station as well?

T16

25th April 2021, 17:38

If ogier actually retires it will be hard for toyota to find someone better than him. So i don't see a reason why they should not hire him.

But from the other side, why would he go to toyota if he left them in the first place, while knowing they had the best car. He must have been pretty pissed.

But now they’ve got rid of Tommi, it’s possibly a different picture.

denkimi

25th April 2021, 17:40

That's what you get the timing is tight. Either you obey the traffic rules and get time penalty's for being late, or you try to make it on time and risk getting fines.

Its truly unfortunate people are not only videotaping this, but even put it on youtube.

dimviii

25th April 2021, 17:49

TypeR

25th April 2021, 17:57

I like Ogier's shoes ;)

drive

25th April 2021, 17:57

BMW was racing (ok, trying to race) Ogier when he turned right not expecting anyone to be there...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqbcm-DYpuI

bomber21

25th April 2021, 18:06

BMW was racing (ok, trying to race) Ogier when he turned right not expecting anyone to be there...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hqbcm-DYpuI

I agree. Many WRC fans, when seeing WRC cars are trying to reach them in order to admire them or photo them... Ogier was not expecting someone to accelerate like this ...and shit happens.

dimviii

25th April 2021, 18:06

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ez1ncqrXMAIyXjb?format=png&name=900x900
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ez1ndzOXoAEPWIN?format=png&name=900x900

Jarek Z

25th April 2021, 18:10

Audi back in WRC with no. 66! ;)

What came unnoticed on this forum is the disappointing comeback of Audi to the stages of WRC. Expectations were high, but the result was low. Enrico Windisch managed to finish the rally, but down in the 38th position. What a disappointment. Do Audi fans all over the world have to wait another 20 years now? ;)

mknight

25th April 2021, 18:10

Yes, penalty as expected. Fine for me.

TypeR

25th April 2021, 18:11

+2000 euros fine for ignoring red light

dimviii

25th April 2021, 18:12

+2000 euros fine for ignoring red light

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_04_2021/post-2246-0-27356600-1619375020.jpg

wwbroe

25th April 2021, 18:44

+2000 euros fine for ignoring red light

Wich Toyota will pay with big smile;)

denkimi

25th April 2021, 18:52

Wich Toyota will pay with big smile;)
I'm not sure. It's on youtube so it's not good advertisement for them.

scn

25th April 2021, 18:58

What do the drivers feel about this new rally? Has anyone made any comment yet like they did for Arctic?

EstWRC

25th April 2021, 19:01

Yes, Monte SS1-2 were good, but after that not his ,,Toyota times'' pace + trying to make it better/risking with 1 spare.

Arctic or Sweden are so fast, special and one-off events that they can't really be compared to typical tarmac or gravel events.. + Tänak has had good starting pos in Sweden and now Arctic also.

No stage wins in Monza and not many in Rally Estonia either. Not saying everything is suddenly lost, but Hyundai seems to be difficult to drive comfortably, knowing he could win stages/rallies more easily.

my last post about this topic.

like i said i would wait for couple of more rallies for conclusions....Last season after Estonia, we couldnt get the clear picture of him on gravel with technical problems in Turkey and Sardegna, the power stage performances there on both rallies was very good but that was basically it.

EstWRC

25th April 2021, 19:04

What do the drivers feel about this new rally? Has anyone made any comment yet like they did for Arctic?

havent seen anything yet but i really liked it and i hope it stays in the calendar, now after Corsica and Germany have been left out its a good replacement with a mix of both

very challenging for the drivers.

Got Mail

25th April 2021, 19:15

I wonder if the Stewards also gave the whole Toyota team a little tummy tickle too.

Mirek

25th April 2021, 19:16

That's what you get the timing is tight. Either you obey the traffic rules and get time penalty's for being late, or you try to make it on time and risk getting fines.

It was not tight (nobody else had problems), he just lost too much time with his accident.

meh

25th April 2021, 19:51

Those calm estonians... till they watch rally:
https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1386393585927393289

TypeR

25th April 2021, 20:28

my last post about this topic.

like i said i would wait for couple of more rallies for conclusions....Last season after Estonia, we couldnt get the clear picture of him on gravel with technical problems in Turkey and Sardegna, the power stage performances there on both rallies was very good but that was basically it.
Okay, let's wait for next rallies..
You really think they can change the car to a ,,unicorn'' during next weeks and Tänak will dominate everybody left&right?
Won't happen..
Neuville has been in the team for 8 years and achieved no WDC..
He has NO other knowledge or information about other teams engineering than Hyundai.

But okay, let's wait till another events and hope that i20 changes to Yaris.

ik1911

25th April 2021, 20:31

Some Photos :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_rc/albums/72157719018280197

BigWorm

25th April 2021, 20:31

This rally was an instant classic, I hope we get to see it again

EstWRC

25th April 2021, 20:33

Okay, let's wait for next rallies..
You really think they can change the car to a ,,unicorn'' during next weeks and Tänak will dominate everybody left&right?
Won't happen..
Neuville has been in the team for 8 years and achieved no WDC..
He has NO other knowledge or information about other teams engineering than Hyundai.

But okay, let's wait till another events and hope that i20 changes to Yaris.

youre being silly now, it doesnt have to change to Yaris.

for your information Hyundai won 3 out of 4 last gravel rallies, on two of them they were even 1-2, on Rally Estonia and Sardegna and if i remember right they were also 1-2 in Turkey before punctures.

thats why i say i will wait and see what will happen. we havent had gravel rallies for half a year and dont know at the moment how Tänak performs there and everybody else.

TypeR

25th April 2021, 20:45

my last post about this topic.

like i said i would wait for couple of more rallies for conclusions....Last season after Estonia, we couldnt get the clear picture of him on gravel with technical problems in Turkey and Sardegna, the power stage performances there on both rallies was very good but that was basically it.

youre being silly now, it doesnt have to change to Yaris.

for your information Hyundai won 3 out of 4 last gravel rallies, on two of them they were even 1-2, on Rally Estonia and Sardegna and if i remember right they were also 1-2 in Turkey before punctures.

thats why i say i will wait and see what will happen. we havent had gravel rallies for half a year and dont know at the moment how Tänak performs there and everybody else.
FYI, last 4 gravel event winners:
* 2020 Mexico - Ogier
* 2020 Estonia - Tänak
* 2020 Turkey - Evans
* 2020 Sardegna - Sordo

Eli

25th April 2021, 20:46

youre being silly now, it doesnt have to change to Yaris.

for your information Hyundai won 3 out of 4 last gravel rallies, on two of them they were even 1-2, on Rally Estonia and Sardegna and if i remember right they were also 1-2 in Turkey before punctures.

That's why i say i will wait and see what will happen. we haven't had gravel rallies for half a year and don't know at the moment how Tänak performs there and everybody else.

Will be 7 months by the time we get to Portugal, funny times we live in, after more than a year break with Tarmac now, we waited since October for our next Gravel rally. Hopefully from here on out we won't have those crazy gaps and hopefully the Corona situation will improve by some margin in 12 months time. As for Hyundai, as so many other people say, we'll have a really good indication on the inroads they've made with the break we've had seeing they have each driver starting from a different (advantageous or disadvantageous) position. Also after a 2 year break, it will be interesting to see all the crews cope since for most of them (again) it's a new rally for them with their new cars.

drive

25th April 2021, 21:22

car nr53 - another wrc
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ez2VUYcXEAICV_Y?format=jpg&name=large

Berke

25th April 2021, 21:42

I don't understand how a 5000 euro fine could be considered as a punishment for a multi millionaire person.

Fast Eddie WRC

25th April 2021, 21:53

Totally epic fan video action highlights, you can keep your WRC+ ones ! ;)

https://youtu.be/avIaX9hXBG8

denkimi

25th April 2021, 21:58

car nr53 - another wrc

only 40 minutes slower than ogier.

Jarek Z

25th April 2021, 22:42

Totally epic fan video action highlights, you can keep your WRC+ ones ! ;)

https://youtu.be/avIaX9hXBG8

Great video! There's even Audi at 6:28 :)

EstWRC

26th April 2021, 05:34

FYI, last 4 gravel event winners:
* 2020 Mexico - Ogier
* 2020 Estonia - Tänak
* 2020 Turkey - Evans
* 2020 Sardegna - Sordo

sorry my mistake, meant from last 3 they won 2

EstWRC

26th April 2021, 06:07

Will be 7 months by the time we get to Portugal, funny times we live in, after more than a year break with Tarmac now, we waited since October for our next Gravel rally. Hopefully from here on out we won't have those crazy gaps and hopefully the Corona situation will improve by some margin in 12 months time. As for Hyundai, as so many other people say, we'll have a really good indication on the inroads they've made with the break we've had seeing they have each driver starting from a different (advantageous or disadvantageous) position. Also after a 2 year break, it will be interesting to see all the crews cope since for most of them (again) it's a new rally for them with their new cars.

agreed...cant believe either we have had such a long break from gravel rallies.

im not THAT worried this year, it seems all organizers have now found a way to do the rallies, although out of the rallies we have left, im not totally sure about Finland and Japan for some reason

Rallyper

26th April 2021, 09:04

Looked like Fiestas in both RC1 and RC2 had best suspension. Or is it only me?

scn

26th April 2021, 09:45

havent seen anything yet but i really liked it and i hope it stays in the calendar, now after Corsica and Germany have been left out its a good replacement with a mix of both

very challenging for the drivers.

As I am both driver and spectator, I can assure you that the criteria of a driver are totally different than the criteria of a spectator.
The reason I am asking is because the info I read is that it is mostly slippery tarmac with lots of gravel from cutting corners. I don't know if it really is like this. Also, I don't have info about drivers from other countries, but in my country this is the least liked condition among drivers and co-drivers. Actually, the majority of the drivers in my country hate these conditions.

Mirek

26th April 2021, 09:53

As I am both driver and spectator, I can assure you that the criteria of a driver are totally different than the criteria of a spectator.
The reason I am asking is because the info I read is that it is mostly slippery tarmac with lots of gravel from cutting corners. I don't know about drivers from other countries, but in my country this is the least liked condition among drivers and co-drivers. Actually, the majority of the drivers in my country hates it.

That really isn't universal. I know for sure that for example in Belgium the crews mostly hate anti-cutting obstacles and prefer dirty cuts (hence why anticuts are not a thing there). Here it's usually that the faster drivers hate anti-cuts and prefer dirty road (and some know very well how to use that for their advantage), while the slower drivers and gentleman drivers prefer anti-cuts and clean road. In the the end the amount of anti-cuts is decided by the local administrations which don't give permition to run the event without them. Some like dry, somelike wet and slippery conditions....

Eli

26th April 2021, 10:16

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/croatia-deserves-wrc-calendar-slot-hyundai-/6469710/
Based in Zagreb, the third round of the World Rally Championship was well received by each of the manufacturer teams and their crews, and was the 34th new addition since the competition was first established back in the early 1970s.

Fans came out in their thousands to watch the action, even though it was not officially open to people, to witness Sebastien Ogier clinch his fifty first career win to move to the top of the drivers’ standings.

Adamo said countries like Croatia demonstrated what is possible with passionate people at the helm and questioned the status quo of sticking with the same line-up of counters from one year to the next.

“I think the World Rally Championship deserves to have proper events, whether they are new or not,” said Adamo.

“It is time to decide on some old events that deserve no more to stay in; I prefer to see new ones done by passionate people, people who are really focused on doing things the proper way.

“I think what we are seeing in Croatia is just a highlight. An event like this has shown it deserves to be in the World Rally Championship.

“OK, it is the first time and everything can be made better, but I think the stages we have seen are proof that this rally is a nice one.”

Ogier was equally as positive in his summarization of Rally Croatia, telling Autosport in the days leading up to the rally he was happy to go to new rallies and to new events” because “that makes the WRC very exciting”.

Returning to the subject during Sunday’s post-event press conference, he added: “I think we saw after the recce that it was going to be a big challenge but probably good fun to drive – Rally Croatia definitely delivered.

“It has been fantastic to drive these stages, especially with these conditions.”

Croatia is the second of three entirely new events for 2021, with the other two being February’s Arctic Rally Finland and August’s Ypres Rally in Belgium.

Nice to know the venue had a nice feedback from Crews and Fans alike.

scn

26th April 2021, 10:25

That really isn't universal. I know for sure that for example in Belgium the crews mostly hate anti-cutting obstacles and prefer dirty cuts (hence why anticuts are not a thing there). Here it's usually that the faster drivers hate anti-cuts and prefer dirty road (and some know very well how to use that for their advantage), while the slower drivers and gentleman drivers prefer anti-cuts and clean road. In the the end the amount of anti-cuts is decided by the local administrations which don't give permition to run the event without them. Some like dry, somelike wet and slippery conditions....

Thank you for the info. Please have in mind that Czech and Belgian roads are not slippery. Here in Greece, we have some roads that when they are dry, especially in summer, they are much more slippery and more unpredictable than your roads when they are wet. This is what we have in mind when we say "slippery tarmac". I don't know how Croatian roads are and what they mean by "slippery".

P.S. Personally, I want this rally to remain. First of all, I believe that more tarmac rallies are needed. Second, it is very easy to travel from Greece to Croatia and if there was not Covid I would have gone this year.

mknight

26th April 2021, 10:31

Yeah, WRC gets a bit "dull" when it's ran on same rallies for 5+++ years often exactly same stages.
New events are great to also "confirm" that WRC is something that can run "anywhere" and not just on "set" tracks.

Obviously I understand that rally organizers need predictability but from WRC Promoter/FIA side it also looks like laziness to just run the same all the time.

Stages were indeed nice, question is if they plan same stages in the future (read something about moving closer to coast). Another is off course how crowd control/organization will work when there are less/no restrictions.

Out of the "new" rallies this year I rate Croatia highest (so far) in terms of stages. Arctic is imo a bit boring (and WRC goes back to Sweden anyway) and from what I have seen previously I don't have high hopes for Ypres.

EDIT: Slippery roads were one of the reasons why this looked good on TV. Corsica has for example nice looking roads, but it's a bit boring when cars drive on rails whole weekend.

Anyway as you probably noticed now is the time when WRC can get "easy" deals to run different rallies. The typical tourist countries have no visitors and are desperate to restart tourism. WRC is a way to show that they are still here and safe to visit. Hence why we get Croatia and Acropolis (the Greek guy on allive on Sunday said it pretty directly)

Mirek

26th April 2021, 10:37

Thank you for the info. Please have in mind that Czech and Belgian roads are not slippery. Here in Greece, we have some roads that when they are dry, especially in summer, they are much more slippery and more unpredictable than your roads when they are wet. This is what we have in mind when we say "slippery tarmac". I don't know how Croatian roads are and what they mean by "slippery".

P.S. Personally, I want this rally to remain. First of all, I believe that more tarmac rallies are needed. Second, it is very easy to travel from Greece to Croatia and if there was not Covid I would have gone this year.

Yes, I know that our asphalt, especially the old one has very good grip. On the other hand the dirt on high-grip surface makes it more unpredictable with bigger changes in grip. In the past our drivers liked a lot to drive in Croatia and Slovenia when there was still the coefficient system for the ERC or when the CEZ had so many events in here that 2-3 events abroad were enough for scoring full championship points. Also I think that such slippery surface and stages which are often narrow can suit quite well to drivers who aren't proper asphalt racers (perfect line isn't really a thing on a stage like the PS yesterday but in Calatulya if you don't have perfect line you may end driving a kilometer longer rally than the winner).

Mirek

26th April 2021, 10:41

Hopefully not a repost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eDdgx39SsUo

Pršljen

26th April 2021, 11:33

Stages were indeed nice, question is if they plan same stages in the future (read something about moving closer to coast). Another is off course how crowd control/organization will work when there are less/no restrictions.

Out of the "new" rallies this year I rate Croatia highest (so far) in terms of stages. Arctic is imo a bit boring (and WRC goes back to Sweden anyway) and from what I have seen previously I don't have high hopes for Ypres.

Anyway as you probably noticed now is the time when WRC can get "easy" deals to run different rallies. The typical tourist countries have no visitors and are desperate to restart tourism. WRC is a way to show that they are still here and safe to visit. Hence why we get Croatia and Acropolis (the Greek guy on allive on Sunday said it pretty directly)

Well, Croatia tried for years to get this rally on the calendar and cancellations of some rallies definitely helped a lot. However, nothing would be possible without help and funds from local and state government, and also sponsors who recognized the event.

It's a great thing for the country that suffers a lot from travel restrictions and decline of tourism but it would've been held event without that. Also, it was held in Zagreb area which is not the main region for tourism. As for moving towards coast, I doubt it. It would change the nature of this rally a lot and I doubt that it will happen. You have some nice stages in Istra, region on the Adriatic, but these current stages are better IMO. They are more unpredictable, as well as weather, and they are mostly used for rallying for a long time.

Pršljen

26th April 2021, 11:51

Also, one sidenote, I read about people making fun of the trophies. They look weird but these are actually ancient symbols from glagoljica, ancient historic script that was used in medieval Croatia. They represent letter A, B and V but also numbers 1, 2 and 3. Ogier and Ingrassia have A1 here, obviously.

https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/amp/0L1oyPg2/s6/podium-sebastien-ogier-julien-.jpg

MartijnS

26th April 2021, 11:53

Good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMpU2s7AfOc&t=1s

meh

26th April 2021, 12:19

Here is your bone: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/colin-clarks-2021-rally-croatia-driver-ratings/

EstWRC

26th April 2021, 12:35

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=325330829015058&id=107553550792788

meh

26th April 2021, 13:06

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=325330829015058&id=107553550792788

I saw it spreading and I just make one comment on this title: Culture of “rallyfans” in Croatia

If in Rally Estonia 2 guys behave like idiots, I would not like it's called "Culture of "rallyfans" in Estonia. It's labeling based on exceptions (I hope).

Fast Eddie WRC

26th April 2021, 13:24

Good video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMpU2s7AfOc&t=1s

Good ? AWESOME ! :cool:

er88

26th April 2021, 15:13

More fuel to the fire - seems (and I'm surprised) that no one picked it up. Julian said (don't remember exactly when) on All-Live that he saw Markko Märtin (previous WRC driver, doing "manager" job for Tänak) visiting "other teams".I think Tanak will be back at Msport next season along with Fourmaux.

Toyota have Evans and Kalle to lead them when Ogier retires, and I don't think the Japanese will want to bring Tanak back after he left them for what felt like some non-sporting reasons.

Could be an interesting drivers market with so many out of contract and the new regs coming in.

EstWRC

26th April 2021, 15:34

I think Tanak will be back at Msport next season along with Fourmaux.

Toyota have Evans and Kalle to lead them when Ogier retires, and I don't think the Japanese will want to bring Tanak back after he left them for what felt like some non-sporting reasons.

Could be an interesting drivers market with so many out of contract and the new regs coming in.

there was nothing to do with Japanese, they wanted Ott to stay...it was all between Tommi, Mia and Tänak....Lappi left for the same reasons.

this is what i know at least.

you know there were stories that they wouldnt take Ogier in the team because what he said about the car back in the end of 2016, but guess what, Ogier is in the team.

mknight

26th April 2021, 15:34

Here is your bone: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/colin-clarks-2021-rally-croatia-driver-ratings/

Only one major issue... Katsuta 10/10. Stage wins are nice but when he is last WRC 20s (1s/km) behind on the stage before they don't matter much. He was also on the way to finish 7th before Greensmith hit issues. So something like 7/10.

Breen would get like 3/10 from me mostly due to hitting the curb for puncture 30m into the stage.

Greensmith 7/10 is British bias, 5/10 from me.

dimviii

26th April 2021, 15:40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9r68s3Rurc&t=28s

EstWRC

26th April 2021, 15:40

I saw it spreading and I just make one comment on this title: Culture of “rallyfans” in Croatia

If in Rally Estonia 2 guys behave like idiots, I would not like it's called "Culture of "rallyfans" in Estonia. It's labeling based on exceptions (I hope).

there was news now that the wheel was given back, so all okay.

AnttiL

26th April 2021, 15:40

Makes you wonder how good neuville must be when you see his pace in a car that all others think is crap.

Cars are not just good/bad, but some cars suit some drivers better than others.

Tänak even said to Delfi (Estonian media) that all drivers except Neuville have a problem with the Hyundai on tarmac.

dimviii

26th April 2021, 16:36

I was really the only driver in the team to follow up with the speed of Sébastien and Elfyn.
https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-rally-croatia-s-ogier-i-didnt-believe-it-was-possible-any-more

mknight

26th April 2021, 16:51

I was really the only driver in the team to follow up with the speed of Sébastien and Elfyn.
https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-rally-croatia-s-ogier-i-didnt-believe-it-was-possible-any-more

He was saying similar stuff in Argentina 2017 or sometime around that.
While it might be true at that point it certainly doesn't improve atmosphere in the team and cooperation for developing the new car.

There are quite a few times where he also has been the slowest Hyundai (lately Estonia 2020, Sardinia and Finland 2019).

bomber21

26th April 2021, 18:55

I hope Adamo will be heard and FIA promoter will create a rotation based calendar. We need Estonia, we need Croatia, we need Belgium, we need Greece, we need Safari, we need the classic events as well.This way the sport gains more fans. Watching the social media, I see that Croatian people were really excited with the rally and they cannot wait to watch a WRC rally again.

Organize rallies in places people are passionate about them, this is what the sport needs. My fellow Greeks celebrated and are still celebrating when they heard we will host an Acropolis again, they even made a parade with their cars in Lamia.

Estonians are crazy about the sport and Tanak, I witnessed it in Catalunya 2019.

British people as well.

Get rid of rallies with few spectators and no passion, it is a bad image for WRC.

Rallyper

26th April 2021, 19:17

bomber21

26th April 2021, 19:27

Yeah. Agree. Rotate more. But don´t touch Rally Finland... that´s for sure.
Rally Finland is the Mecca of rally fans, we don’t touch it. ;)

Jarek Z

26th April 2021, 19:41

Rally Finland is the Mecca of rally fans, we don’t touch it. ;)

And Monte Carlo too?

EstWRC

26th April 2021, 19:42

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ez68HnqX0AMoPtY?format=jpg&name=900x900

https://twitter.com/PeteGJ90/status/1386752576478195713?s=20

scn

27th April 2021, 06:28

I saw the onboard of SS9 of Fourmaux. This stage is super-exciting and the dirt from the cuts is nothing extreme. Also, as far as I can judge from a video, this is not so slippery. It may be slippery compared to French or Italian tarmac, but it does not seem a really slippery road, as some we have in my country. All in all, at least this stage is lots of fun to drive.
I hope Croatia is in WRC next year. I have heard very good things about Zagreb from some old Serbian friends and I will surely visit it.

br21

27th April 2021, 09:25

It was very nice event, really OK organized, with everyone really trying to do their best to make it happen!
Roads were really demanding, but at same time enjoyable to drive. Stages with very different character, many types of roads and surfaces, some extremely slippery. Some anti-cuts and some deep cuts with loads of gravel on the road.
This was surely great addition to the calendar.
Only thing which I don't like on all that type of WRC tarmac rallies is that only P1 and P2 crews can use gravel crews, which automatically makes fighting between top WRC2 and WRC3 crews impossible, etc.

TypeR

27th April 2021, 10:12

Yeah. Agree. Rotate more. But don´t touch Rally Finland... that´s for sure.

Rally Finland is rotating itself :D

Pršljen

27th April 2021, 12:33

Director of Rally Croatia, Daniel Šaškin, said that they got informal offer from FIA to organize rally for two more years. He claims that they are happy with the organization and that they want rally to remain in the calendar. Their job is to find sponsorship and money for the rally but that shouldn't be problem now when the rally is succesful story and when economic crisis is (hopefully) behind us.

Excellent news for both Croatian and rally fans in general. Without COVID restrictions, I can guarantee that this will be one of the best attended rallies in the calendar. It's the closest venue for a large part of Middle, Southern and Southeastern Europe and Croatia itself is attractive enough to have tons of visitors. This year's rally is also an excellent invitation.

But let's wait for the official 2022 calendar to be sure.

lluisva555

27th April 2021, 15:21

Our review of the aero innovations seen during Rally Croatia

https://www.wrcwings.tech/2021/04/26/aero-innovations-at-the-rally-croatia-2021/

2087 2088 2089

TypeR

27th April 2021, 18:48

Franky

27th April 2021, 19:13

According to this video, Ogier shouldn't be the only one that got a fine from the FIA or police.. Not normal..
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lER8RuY-WZA&feature=youtu.be#dialog

Nothing else than just showoff or smth..

If someone thinks that rally drivers drive sensibly on the liaisons, you need to have a reality check. When they start to warm up, "road safety" is the last phrase you'd use to describe it.

cali

27th April 2021, 19:16

If someone thinks that rally drivers drive sensibly on the liaisons, you need to have a reality check. When they start to warm up, "road safety" is the last phrase you'd use to describe it.Yep, typical tyre warming before the stage start.

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

drive

27th April 2021, 20:21

According to this video, Ogier shouldn't be the only one that got a fine from the FIA or police.. Not normal..
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lER8RuY-WZA&feature=youtu.be#dialog

Nothing else than just showoff or smth..
Comparing orange with apple... eg accident or going through red light with tyres/brakes warm up - that happens before every stage in any rally and done by all.

dimviii

27th April 2021, 20:23

i like this photo

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0ASj-IXMAI0ySV?format=jpg&name=small

scn

27th April 2021, 21:16

Nothing else than just showoff or smth..

This is not showoff. This is the most important action against having an accident in the first corners of a stage because of cold tyres. Especially on slippery tarmac it is a necessary safety measure for both crew and spectators, believe it or not. All drivers do it. It is utter stupidity not to do it.

dimviii

27th April 2021, 21:28

because of cold tyres

and brakes

scn

27th April 2021, 22:07

and brakes

I don't know about WRC, but the Wilwood A, the Carbone Lorraine RC6 and the OMP pads I have experience with do not need any warming up. They work from 100 degrees Celsius and the amazing Carbone Lorraine from ambient temperature. The Ferodo DS3000 need some slight warming to 250 degrees, but one or two hard brakings are enough. Only the old Ferodo DS11 needed significant warming-up, but these are not produced anymore.
The big danger is the tyres. Especially on slippery tarmac, cold tyres are hell. Use of handbrake on straights and braking are preferred for warming up the tyres because it is much less provocative to brake than to do slaloms on public roads. As far as I know, this method started in France because the French police gave lots of fines for slaloms. So French drivers started using the brakes and the handbrake on straights, which is not illegal, and they avoided the fines. In Greece we use the handbrake and the brakes only when warming up is done in populated areas. In all other areas slaloms are the standard method, even in front of police.

Myrvold

27th April 2021, 23:47

Only one major issue... Katsuta 10/10. Stage wins are nice but when he is last WRC 20s (1s/km) behind on the stage before they don't matter much. He was also on the way to finish 7th before Greensmith hit issues. So something like 7/10.

Breen would get like 3/10 from me mostly due to hitting the curb for puncture 30m into the stage.

Greensmith 7/10 is British bias, 5/10 from me.

The second issue I have is... well, Loubet went off, so 3/10 is fair, but saying he struggled "to find any decent pace". Then later on when giving Greensmith 7/10, Greensmith "set some encouraging times". Loubet was ahead of Greensmith when he went off.

Myrvold

27th April 2021, 23:49

This is not showoff. This is the most important action against having an accident in the first corners of a stage because of cold tyres. Especially on slippery tarmac it is a necessary safety measure for both crew and spectators, believe it or not. All drivers do it. It is utter stupidity not to do it.

It's all fine, until something happens when warming the tyres like that.

Most important action against having an accident in the first corners are driving according to the grip you have. The best drivers in the world should be able to do that? Gryazin seemingly managed it in Croatia after his long hold.

flykas

28th April 2021, 07:15

I don't know about WRC, but the Wilwood A, the Carbone Lorraine RC6 and the OMP pads I have experience with do not need any warming up. They work from 100 degrees Celsius and the amazing Carbone Lorraine from ambient temperature. The Ferodo DS3000 need some slight warming to 250 degrees, but one or two hard brakings are enough. Only the old Ferodo DS11 needed significant warming-up, but these are not produced anymore.
The big danger is the tyres. Especially on slippery tarmac, cold tyres are hell. Use of handbrake on straights and braking are preferred for warming up the tyres because it is much less provocative to brake than to do slaloms on public roads. As far as I know, this method started in France because the French police gave lots of fines for slaloms. So French drivers started using the brakes and the handbrake on straights, which is not illegal, and they avoided the fines. In Greece we use the handbrake and the brakes only when warming up is done in populated areas. In all other areas slaloms are the standard method, even in front of police.

I heard that they are warming up the brakes not to make them work but to keep them warm and to keep the whole wheel warm which helps retain the heat in the tires longer.

AnttiL

28th April 2021, 07:20

The second issue I have is... well, Loubet went off, so 3/10 is fair, but saying he struggled "to find any decent pace". Then later on when giving Greensmith 7/10, Greensmith "set some encouraging times". Loubet was ahead of Greensmith when he went off.

True, but Greensmith seemed to drive his best WRC car event so far. He was the slowest WRC only on a few stages (not counting Sunday when he had technical issues) and didn't make his own mistakes.

Norm75

28th April 2021, 07:45

Jarek Z

28th April 2021, 08:44

Audi is back ;)

https://scontent.fktw4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/180017265_2975530429358922_2649264050440776307_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=LbMHJvgNorIAX8jDemP&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw4-1.fna&oh=46402dc90fe4fb5aa31f84174dee8264&oe=60AD4090

mknight

28th April 2021, 09:03

Bit daft overtaking a vehicle on public highway then slamming brakes on to warm tyres. While it might need to be done to warm brakes tyres etc, some appear not to be considerate to other road users.
In that YouTube clip towards the end of the video is a tocsport Skoda that slams brakes on quite hard, Vauxhall insignia travelling behind brakes so hard the rear brake lights flash indicating heavy braking warning to following traffic. Driver of Vauxhall appears to take avoiding action by veering to the left, with an oncoming vehicle heading towards him.
A rally fan may be aware of this tyre warming procedure, Regular road users not so much.

I think you need to re-watch again.
- the Toksport Skoda is not overtaking anyone and had good distance behind (white Movisport Skoda before that overtakes a Citroen and hits brakes... but also into 40 km/h+speedbump+school zone and the Citroen basically doesn't need to hit brakes even though he touches them)

- the Insignia is far behind and accelerates in that low speed zone just after passing the cameraman (into a 40 km/h+speedbump+school zone, note that there is also a speedbump before the cameraman) which is why he closes up the distance. He even seems to continue to accelerate after the Skoda starts braking.

- reason why the Insignia is "avoiding" the Skoda to the left is because the Skoda gives a right indicator indicating he wants to stop/pull over, at that point both are doing like 10 km/h and the Insignia already stopped braking

Norm75

28th April 2021, 11:49

mknight

28th April 2021, 12:25

I know what car overtook.

Think you need to watch the video again if you think the Citroen didn’t need to brake, and the Insignia driver wasn’t doing anything wrong either, Tocsport Skoda brakes to a near standstill, way below 40 limit.

Watch again and this time from the viewpoint that you are driving the insignia, and imagine the car in front is not a rally car, then tell me if you were the driver would you consider the Skoda drivers actions acceptable driving?

- Citroen didn't need to brake for Movisport Skoda, he lightly touches the brakes after that Skoda already stopped braking and has same speed as the Citroen, with one car length between (see the shadow)

- The Insignia is visibly accelerating for no reason (possibly over the legal limit) to close the distance ("fan" racing) and because of that has to brake a lot. Then he seemingly tries to start overtaking/passing immediately without using signals while the Skoda actually uses signals to indicate he is stopping/letting him pass.

I find it extremely strange that from that long vid with many cars warming the tires by crossing left-right over both lanes you pick on these two. As mentioned by others it's the warming up by slalom across the street that is frowned upon by the police. Braking is by itself legal (unless you do that a few cms in front of a car), though off course drivers should have a look in the mirror before doing that. Problem is when the guy behind is racing you for some reason, like the Insignia did.

Norm75

28th April 2021, 15:25

Because overtaking someone then braking immediately or slamming the brakes on with a car closely following is shit driving.

scn

28th April 2021, 17:19

I heard that they are warming up the brakes not to make them work but to keep them warm and to keep the whole wheel warm which helps retain the heat in the tires longer.

It makes sense because the time from Time Control to Start is 3 minutes.

dimviii

28th April 2021, 17:51

I don't know about WRC,

they need to warm up.There is no racing pad with same bite from 0 to 500-600 celsious.

scn

28th April 2021, 18:39

It's all fine, until something happens when warming the tyres like that.

Most important action against having an accident in the first corners are driving according to the grip you have. The best drivers in the world should be able to do that? Gryazin seemingly managed it in Croatia after his long hold.

At least in my country the past 30 years nothing has ever happened during warming tyres.
Especially 2WD cars without warmed up tyres can be very dangerous and can easily kid the driver that he has grip which he doesn't have. Also, on the level of WRC were races are lost for 0,6'' I don't think it is so real to ask from drivers to spend about 5-6 corners searching the level of grip.

As an aside note: If anyone thinks that it is possible to become rally driver, even a mediocre one, without violating many times the law and the modern advertised "correctness", he does not have the slightest reality about rallying. It is not possible. All drivers have acquired necessary skills, experience and competence in totally illegal and "incorrect" situations. Incidentally, as a side result, they have become safer in many illegal situations than the majority of average drivers are in legal ones. And all of them have been involved in situations in liaison sections where law had to go out of the window. All drivers have been outlaws many times. If anyone wants strict adherence to "correctness" and law, he is in the wrong sport.

scn

28th April 2021, 18:52

Mirek

28th April 2021, 19:00

At least in my country the past 30 years nothing has ever happened during warming tyres.
Especially 2WD cars without warmed up tyres can be very dangerous and can easily kid the driver that he has grip which he doesn't have. Also, on the level of WRC were races are lost for 0,6'' I don't think it is so real to ask from drivers to spend about 5-6 corners searching the level of grip.

Last year Jan Černý managed to went into a ditch during warming tyres here and since then everybody is making fun of him for that :D

dimviii

28th April 2021, 19:36

@dimviii

Carbone Lorraine RC6 and RC8 have a level curve and very high friction coefficient from low temperatures. I am not sure, but I have heard that some WRC teams use RC8 on tarmac.
Wilwood A have friction coefficient 0,55 from 35 degrees Celcius, which is already very high. Personally I haven't been able to detect any change in Wilwood A from the first corner to the last, even in crazy stages with 17 km continuous downhill sections. They lose some responsiveness at the end, but they are still as powerful as on the first corner. Pad technology has moved really a lot the past 15 years.
Please see the diagrams I attach.

at your diagram shows that wilwood A while has 0,55 at 35 degrees,climbs to 0,67 when properly hot.Thats a huge difference
i know that technology mooves,i have tried almost everything in my evo from 2005,best so far without wearing discs is Carbotech xp 10.Impossible to fade them,even at 20-30 km downhill,or with repeat hard braking from 250-300km/h to full stop.Discs full red from glowing,pedal and feeling as the first brake.

cali

28th April 2021, 20:51

dimviii

28th April 2021, 21:09

Just an interesting question. How does an EVO get to a 300 kph and how long does it take? :)

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

depents how powerfull it is,as to find a stock one is almost impossible.

cali

28th April 2021, 21:30

depents how powerfull it is,as to find a stock one is almost impossible.Stock EVO 8 on a gravel woth stock tyres was max 190. Well I couldn't dare to go any faster anyways :D

But on tarmac after about 150-160 the engine just wasn't very good/powerful enough. The tuned ones had quite good turbo lag....

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dimviii

28th April 2021, 22:24

Stock EVO 8 on a gravel woth stock tyres was max 190. Well I couldn't dare to go any faster anyways :D

But on tarmac after about 150-160 the engine just wasn't very good/powerful enough. The tuned ones had quite good turbo lag....

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

a stock evo 9 runs 0-200 at about 20 sec.A tuned one about 400bhp (reprogrammed ecu/exhaust/air filter) about 13-14 sec,we have seen and some good ones at 12,7-12,9 secs
evo 8 is a bit slower due to smaller turbo,5 speed vs 6 speed for evo9 and not variable timing for evo 8.
Both of them gain a lot with reprogrammed ecu and exhaust.
Evo 8 is not slow after 160km/h is slow after 200km/h due to big gap from 4th(200km/h@ 7000rpm) to 5th speed.
When you reprogram the evo 8 is not that a problem,because it has almost 80-100 bhp more which helps to accelerate quickly the long 5th speed.
about lag depents with what you compare.If you compare with vw group engines yes they are laggy,but vw engines run small turbos that they are not so good at high revs.
Generally lag is not a problem when you drive them quickly,because they have wide rev range,from 3000 rpm to more than 7000 rpm.Have in mind that when you reprogram them,except the big gains,they have a much better turbo spool,at low revs too.

Mirek

28th April 2021, 22:32

Stock EVO 8 on a gravel woth stock tyres was max 190. Well I couldn't dare to go any faster anyways :D

But on tarmac after about 150-160 the engine just wasn't very good/powerful enough. The tuned ones had quite good turbo lag....

@ 300 km/h the Evo drag force is roughly 3 kN which means that the power, needed to overcome it, is approximately 250 kW, i.e. 340 Hp. You need to add rolling resistance and mechanical efficiency (losses in transmission, power used for alternator atd.) to get the needed engine power but it's for sure possible with up-tuned Evo ;)

denkimi

29th April 2021, 04:57

I heard that they are warming up the brakes not to make them work but to keep them warm and to keep the whole wheel warm which helps retain the heat in the tires longer.
That is correct. The heat from the brakes heats up the rim and the whole wheel assembly. And that helps to keep the tyre warm.

At least in my country the past 30 years nothing has ever happened during warming tyres.
A few years ago in ypres, i believe it was meeke who crashed into a parked car while warming tyres.

dimviii

29th April 2021, 11:24

i like this photo

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0ASj-IXMAI0ySV?format=jpg&name=small

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E0C_MLLWQAMz-nZ?format=jpg&name=large

Pršljen

29th April 2021, 16:59

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/does-rally-croatia-have-a-wrc-future/

David Evans on Rally Croatia's future.

Some interesting thoughts about spectators, changes needed for eventual future event and so on.

Good question at the end of the article; is there a place for Croatia on the calendar? Rotating system really seems like a possibility with Australia, NZ, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, GB and Germany missing this season. Much better option than what we had in recent years with almost no new venues and with the same and often boring ones.

dimviii

29th April 2021, 20:19

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2021/photos/croatia-rally_2021/jsm_croatia21-06.jpg
https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2021/photos/croatia-rally_2021/jsm_croatia21-18.jpg

pantealex

30th April 2021, 17:44

Good question at the end of the article; is there a place for Croatia on the calendar? Rotating system really seems like a possibility with Australia, NZ, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, GB and Germany missing this season. Much better option than what we had in recent years with almost no new venues and with the same and often boring ones.

Often boring ?

Can you please name some boring ones ?

I have never witnessed any boring ones but I can only remember from B-group time...

Pršljen

30th April 2021, 18:19

Often boring ?

Can you please name some boring ones ?

I have never witnessed any boring ones but I can only remember from B-group time...

Not boring per se but boring in excitement and predictability. Most of the tarmac events were more or less predictable. These are also the words from Evans and Clark on one of the podcasts after rally Croatia.

We haven't seen tarmac rally as unpredictable and exciting as rally Croatia in a long time.

cali

30th April 2021, 19:25

Not boring per se but boring in excitement and predictability. Most of the tarmac events were more or less predictable. These are also the words from Evans and Clark on one of the podcasts after rally Croatia.

We haven't seen tarmac rally as unpredictable and exciting as rally Croatia in a long time.Don't take Colin Clark too seriously. David Evans yes he knows more what he's talking about.

Other than that Dirtfish content (podcasts/videos) holds more of an entertainment value.

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Pršljen

30th April 2021, 19:30

Don't take Colin Clark too seriously. David Evans yes he knows more what he's talking about.

Other than that Dirtfish content (podcasts/videos) holds more of an entertainment value.

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I can make my own oppinion on the matter, thanks. I know who they are and we have the same oppinion on those tarmac rallies, that's why I mentioned them, their oppinion is more relevant than mine, obviously.

scn

1st May 2021, 05:40

at your diagram shows that wilwood A while has 0,55 at 35 degrees,climbs to 0,67 when properly hot.Thats a huge difference
i know that technology mooves,i have tried almost everything in my evo from 2005,best so far without wearing discs is Carbotech xp 10.Impossible to fade them,even at 20-30 km downhill,or with repeat hard braking from 250-300km/h to full stop.Discs full red from glowing,pedal and feeling as the first brake.

0,55 is more than enough for the first corner. Most racing pads have lower maximum value. On the second corner it is already higher.
Have you tried Carbone Lorraine? In my 106 I had a problem with the handbrake. I put RC5 at the rear and I have very strong handbrake from 0 degrees. And at the front RC6 does not have any change in power from 0 degrees Celsius to whatever. It is impossible to fade them or detect any change in power. There are only two problems: Price and that it wears discs like crazy. I dare say that you change discs more often than pads.

scn

1st May 2021, 05:57

Mirek

1st May 2021, 09:53

0,55 is more than enough for the first corner. Most racing pads have lower maximum value. On the second corner it is already higher.
Have you tried Carbone Lorraine? In my 106 I had a problem with the handbrake. I put RC5 at the rear and I have very strong handbrake from 0 degrees. And at the front RC6 does not have any change in power from 0 degrees Celsius to whatever. It is impossible to fade them or detect any change in power. There are only two problems: Price and that it wears discs like crazy. I dare say that you change discs more often than pads.

The Evo is much heavier than the 106.

Mirek

1st May 2021, 10:00

Countries that have good rallies and deserve a place in WRC are more than 13. Rotating system seems to be the only fair solution. For example on tarmac there are Corsica, Spain, Germany, Croatia, Japan that offer very good stages. About Ypres and Alsace I would not say they are on the same level, but they are adequate. It is not possible to have 5 tarmac rallies, some have to rotate. The same applies for tough gravel rallies. You cannot have Safari, Acropolis, Turkey and Cyprus in one year.

IMHO Ypres is much better rally than Alsace and I like it more than Germany too. For spectating it is way better than Corsica too (that's only great for driving IMHO). No idea about Japan. Ypres has a huge advantage in having very easy access to the stages in their entire length therefore the people can spread and you have a chance to choose from plenty of spectacular places while still being able to move from stage to stage. The service park on the old city square is awesome too.

AnttiL

1st May 2021, 10:32

Right now it's down to:
- Who can pay for an event
- Who can arrange an event (in terms of COVID)

I understood that Rally Deutschland for example won't be a WRC event in the future anymore because ADAC don't want to pay for it or the costs became suddenly higher or something.

I'm not sure what happened with Tour de Corse, it seems the event hasn't been arranged in any form since 2019.

scn

1st May 2021, 12:49

I understood that Rally Deutschland for example won't be a WRC event in the future anymore because ADAC don't want to pay for it or the costs became suddenly higher or something.

I'm not sure what happened with Tour de Corse, it seems the event hasn't been arranged in any form since 2019.

I have read in German sites that Rally Deutschland will move close to Munich because there they have enough funding.
About Corsica, I have read that teams don't want it because of expensive logistics. But I cannot understand this, as Sardinia is almost the same.

Mirek

1st May 2021, 12:52

About Corsica, I have read that teams don't want it because of expensive logistics. But I cannot understand this, as Sardinia is almost the same.

Sardinia is the only Italian event while Corsica is like a second French one. I can imagine that for the teams having two events in one country isn't optimal and if such second event brings another issues they highlight them.

scn

1st May 2021, 13:07

IMHO Ypres is much better rally than Alsace and I like it more than Germany too. For spectating it is way better than Corsica too (that's only great for driving IMHO). No idea about Japan. Ypres has a huge advantage in having very easy access to the stages in their entire length therefore the people can spread and you have a chance to choose from plenty of spectacular places while still being able to move from stage to stage. The service park on the old city square is awesome too.

I have seen Ypres only from incars, while I have spectated all WRC tarmac rallies. I am afraid I disagree about Ypres. I don't like rallies with big straights on fields, without uphill and downhill sections. But this is just personal taste.
Tarmac stages that are in the Japanese rally championship are wonderful. If they have same level of stages in WRC it will be a top rally.

tommeke_B

1st May 2021, 21:12

Finally some time to write down my own (perhaps too long) resume from the Croatia Rally.

All started with a message to the organizer, after hearing rumors that spectators weren't allowed. They answered in a funny way, saying that if I went, I had to say I came for the picnic. Didn't need more of an invitation to visit this rally. :) By the time the rally happened the message was quite widespread. It was my first WRC event since Wales '19. Only when being there I realized all things we've been missing for so long. Even doing the planning and recce, walking to the stages, hearing the cars (especially the Yaris WRC) arriving flat out... We've seen the shakedown and 11 stages. On nearly all of the stages we managed to see also most of the R5 and JWRC cars.

First about the stages. We did recce of 5 stages (first, third and fourth of friday, first and fourth of saturday). I've done recce of a lot of tarmac stages (Monte, Germany, Catalunya, Alsace, Ypres, Barum, Mont Blanc etc.), but never found roads this difficult. It's very technical with little slow sections, but always corner after corner, most blind, full of crests, some jumps in corners etc. Lots uphill and downhill. Added to that you have cuts nearly everywhere and changing grip levels all the time. Especially this white tarmac is very slippery. If it ever rains in this rally, it will add another dimension to it, making it even more difficult and unpredictable. At the end of the rally, I'm surprised there weren't more crashes. Huge challenge for the driver but also for the codriver. Especially the first saturday stage seemed like a never ending roller coaster, like a slower version of Ouninpohja, but obviously on tarmac. For driving craziest tarmac roads I've ever seen. For spectating it's quite difficult, the number of roads leading to the stages is very limited.

First up was the shakedown. Arriving through a narrow hiking trail. When arriving at the stage, a marshal (accompanied by a police officer) came to us, his words: "Please go to that area until the FIA car has passed. We have to be representable for the lady (referring to Michèle Mouton). After that you can do whatever you want." First I expected some Rally Poland scenarios in terms of safety, marshals didn't care much about anything, spectators walked along the road wherever they wanted. However after shakedown things changed quickly and the marshals started to take their work very seriously. Quite a lot of anti-cut poles installed on shakedown, however we found some nice spots to watch. Most of what we saw was uphill on quite grippy tarmac, very different from most of the rally route.

On friday we did the first and third stage on the first loop. Arriving at the first stage we could drive all the way to the tape at the stage. I call fake news on the DirtFish article where they state the organizers did what they could to keep spectators away. (Not the first nor last time the DirtFish website is twisting the facts to fit the story they want to be written.) Everyone was very welcoming, this time marshalls asked all spectators to stay off the road (similar to Rally Finland, polite but to the point). A lot of spectators arrived, and they kept arriving. I've rarely seen this amount of spectators on rallies. Maybe on some stages in Finland or Condroz Rally... Anyway nice action on some fast corners with big cuts. Big difference in terms of driving, some more agressive than others. Kalle Rovanperä was clearly on it, not yet knowing was the last thing we saw from him that weekend. The Fiesta WRC's seemed very loose on the rear end in the cuts, in comparison to others. The same could be seen throughout the rest of the event. When they push the throttle on the exit, the rear end seems to step out more compared to the Yaris and Hyundai. Off to the third stage. On recce we found some interesting spot 1km before the finish of the stage. A long straight ending in a very fast righthander over a sharp crest, which we thought could make a good jump. It was clear to see how they wrote the situation down in their pacenotes. Most drivers were quite calm, a few misjudged how much it would jump, and were very spectacular. From WRC cars only Greensmith jumped quite sideways, while Katsuta was nearly out of the road because his bad line, despite being quite slow on that spot. Gryazin was too enthousiast, jumped sideways landing on the edge of the road, puncturing his front left wheel on the impact. Pajari had a spectacular off, never seen a driver being able to continue his rally after this kind of crash, very lucky!

On the second loop of Friday we went to the first stage again. After the finish we were welcomed by a drinking tent. A lot of people were there, there were several other "parties" going on in the village. Many locals were wearing t-shirts with "WRC Plesivica" printed on it. On stage we visited some technical section which could easily be part of Tour de Corse of Catalunya, with some big cuts added to it. Downhill blind medium right into medium left-cut into flat right into long medium left-cut. There the road was relatively clean before the second loop. However the 0-car wanted to pull of some show, and spun while taking a lot of gravel on the road. Not a fast, but quite spectacular spot. A lot of understeer from the WRC cars, only Ogier seemed not to suffer from it. Off to the last stage of the day then. Arriving through some gravel roads, but they seemed too rough to do with a normal car. We just started to walk when some friendly old farmer came by and picked us up to bring us to the stage. 1,5km on the back of the farmer's cart was quite an adventure. Arrived at some fast section roughly 1,5km before the finish. The tarmac was slippery, the cuts big, gravel thrown on the road. Very spectacular section, fast without a lot of distance between the corners, seeing WRC cars sliding from one corner to the other is quite unusual on tarmac, also for JWRC-cars. On the entry list, only 8 JWRC-cars might look poor, but the level of the drivers is really great I must say, all of them were a joy to watch.

Off to saturday, the first stage had only few access roads, and with the many spectators we opted for some 15km gravel road leading to the middle of the stage, an access road we used again for the second loop. Quite ironic, on the best stage of the rally we chose some of the less interesting places to watch. On the side of Samobor we expected so many spectators we opted not to go there. However, some fast sections with big cuts, not bad after all. By the time the JWRC cars were going through, the road was very littered with dirt and gravel. Off to the last stage of the loop then. A lot of traffic resulted in traffic jams, so we had to change our route. Some fast section on the slippery white stuff some 1,5km after the well-known castle. Very spectacular fast spot, some cars sliding a lot. The stage was interrupted for a while because marshals had to remove spectators on some places...

Second loop was similar. On the last stage of the day we went to a jump in a flat left with a fast right hander behind it (some video of a big moment of one of the Fiesta Rally4's was circulating on the internet, it's that spot). Nice place, some sideways landing for Suninen and Kajetanowicz, most WRC cars took it quite clean. Again a lot of spectators. Also first time of the rally we saw a few spectators with masks. One of them, an old man, was coughing a lot. Despite him having a mask, no one seemed interested to stand anywhere near him.

On sunday we started off with the first stage in the morning, long winding road in the mountains to it. On stage only few spectators, it looked like most chose to opt for the powerstage straight away. The part we visited could easily be part of Rally Catalunya. Grippy tarmac, guard rails, road with sharp edges... Like arriving on a different rally. Two nice places anyway. Lots of difference in driving style between the drivers. Neuville's driving was visibly more aggressive than other WRC cars except Fourmaux. On the second run it didn't take long before Gryazin blocked the road, so we went off to the powerstage. On the powerstage again lots of spectators. At a drink tent some party where locals were playing a song on their accordion, people singing along, very amusing atmosphere. It felt like this covid-thing was already long over and all people had forgotten. On stage we picked a spot with some long overview, at roughly 1/4th of the stage. Some fast blind lefthander (with a bumpy crest right after it) into fast right with big cut. Another fast corner before braking into some kind of chicane ending in a medium right corner. Small differences between the drivers here, everyone seemed to be pushing a lot. Mikkelsen looked quite conservative while his time was extremely fast here. Good place to end the rally.

All in all a fantastic event, and a great region and friendly people everywhere. The locals are very welcoming to the rally, and that's very important for the future. In terms of organization things looked fine, from a spectator's point of view. All they'll have to think about for next editions is that there'll be much more spectators, so they'll need to be well prepared in terms of itinerary, spectator access and safety. Also an interesting note is that now nearly all spectators were just local people who took a chance to have a look. If you have the more dedicated rally fans from Italy, France, Czech Republic, Poland etc visiting the rally, they'll know where they want to go and what they want to see, meaning they're more difficult to manage in a safe way, for organizers.

I'll try to post a few photos tomorrow.

tommeke_B

2nd May 2021, 13:00

Some photos from the rally:

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/181810079_5861439740534530_8801446266729298764_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=nuyz2JQuoR8AX8PnUuj&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=b16225ba6cdddab2d81220d1019a37cb&oe=60B5C5B4

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/182029545_5861439453867892_5168030915793359365_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=4ez30Raa2CcAX8DcS0n&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=3fe7bf6f312c21011f7abc569188f602&oe=60B3BD0B

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/181440672_5861440503867787_2549203287539053887_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=d4t8a0VdwQgAX96hZXc&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=68b048bb217649568b713f32bba98f78&oe=60B4015A

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/181772130_5861440317201139_7679975014573389813_n.j pg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=LbMZNVSduv4AX-Hm5sM&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=428028fc820cc7c035db0c0fdb1c1fba&oe=60B4166C

https://scontent.fbru4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/180357747_5861440827201088_8901935784705877584_n.j pg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=6nYdSounObAAX8u0ZsC&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru4-1.fna&oh=530a85ac95b9a58c2c3ad6be8e0d3c6b&oe=60B3B910

Some more on the facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=rallyimage&set=a.5861461573865680

Pršljen

2nd May 2021, 13:22

Excellent report and great photos, thanks. Let's hope for a crowded rally Croatia in 2022!

As for the spectators, as I already mentioned, COVID regulations in Croatia are much more liberal than in the most of Western Europe, as you probably have seen here. It was to be expected that people will spectate in huge numbers and as you said, organizers were "blind" for that. A week later, we have a steady decline in COVID numbers. As for now, everything seems perfectly fine and there's no sign that rally caused problems on that matter.

Everyone happy.

Rallyper

2nd May 2021, 13:24

Nice reading, Tom.
And makes me feel I want to go there next time.

But what about Covid spreading after the rally? Anyone heard how it´s going in Croatia?

Ds3

2nd May 2021, 13:32

No problems, even go down .......;)

https://covid19.who.int/region/euro/country/hr

Pršljen

2nd May 2021, 13:45

But what about Covid spreading after the rally? Anyone heard how it´s going in Croatia?

I already answered in the post above yours. No problems at all, kudos to the organizers for letting people enjoy the rally. I hope that FIA will have that in mind when analyzing the event.

Mirek

2nd May 2021, 14:04

Nice reading, Tom.
And makes me feel I want to go there next time.

But what about Covid spreading after the rally? Anyone heard how it´s going in Croatia?

There is very low risk outside on the fresh air. I haven't heard about a single confirmed case here in CZ where someone would get infected outside. Basically everyone gets infected indoors or in a car.

denkimi

2nd May 2021, 16:04

There is very low risk outside on the fresh air. I haven't heard about a single confirmed case here in CZ where someone would get infected outside. Basically everyone gets infected indoors or in a car.
Studies done in the UK stated that 1 in 1000 infections happens outdoors.

So, yeah. Most of the bullshit measures they have invented globally is nothing more than that, bullshit.

TypeR

2nd May 2021, 20:04

Pršljen

2nd May 2021, 20:25

Yes, there's quite a low chance to get or spread the virus outdoors..
but cmon, LOL.. seeing all these hundreds of asses and cheeks together isn't ,,outside n' fresh air'' anymore..

Okay, rules are different everywhere in the world and hopefully there will be no big spread.. but seeing all these people together just seems so wrong at the moment (even thinking sensible and not being ,,overthinking flat-earther''..)

Well, for me it seems wrong to forbid people from moving around freely for more than a year (never happened in Croatia). There's no rise in cases in Croatia, people are happy, rally was excellent, win-win situation. Like, watching previous rallies with no people seemed right?

I'm sure we'll have the same situation in all rallies u til the end of the season. I hope that other organizers will follow Croatia's example.

wyler

3rd May 2021, 09:10

Well, for me it seems wrong to forbid people from moving around freely for more than a year (never happened in Croatia). There's no rise in cases in Croatia, people are happy, rally was excellent, win-win situation. Like, watching previous rallies with no people seemed right?

I'm sure we'll have the same situation in all rallies u til the end of the season. I hope that other organizers will follow Croatia's example.

too early to say it was safe. need at least 2 weeks to see the stats. hope for the best of course, but wait at least until this week end to say it is a model to export.

Rallyper

3rd May 2021, 11:49

There is very low risk outside on the fresh air. I haven't heard about a single confirmed case here in CZ where someone would get infected outside. Basically everyone gets infected indoors or in a car.

I read somewhere that reason for current massive spreading in India was big religious event, some sort of traditional thing... some weeks ago.

However I agree as hobby epidimolog, spreading outside must be quite minimal. Though in Sweden no spectators allowed on rallies... Ridicolous, but I believe also it´s activistrelated from authoritites...

dimviii

5th May 2021, 16:08

nice triple incar
https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1389859912767975427

Pršljen

7th May 2021, 20:43

too early to say it was safe. need at least 2 weeks to see the stats. hope for the best of course, but wait at least until this week end to say it is a model to export.

Well, it's two weeks now and the numbers are even lower. Can we now make a conclusion that people gathering didn't cause any COVID outbreak and that the decision to unofficially allow spectators was a good one by the organizers? I believe we can.

wyler

8th May 2021, 09:58

Well, it's two weeks now and the numbers are even lower. Can we now make a conclusion that people gathering didn't cause any COVID outbreak and that the decision to unofficially allow spectators was a good one by the organizers? I believe we can.

a conclusion is impossible atm. you can claim what pleases you most. I'm happy everything is going well for now and hope this will happen in any other country in the world.

Pršljen

8th May 2021, 10:44

a conclusion is impossible atm. you can claim what pleases you most. I'm happy everything is going well for now and hope this will happen in any other country in the world.

And what was your concluison a week ago? "Let's wait for a week to have a conclusion." And now suddenly it's not possible to make them.

Great. Spectating the event hasn't caused any uprise in COVID spreading. Fact. ATM it's possible to organize a rally with spectators. Fact. Enough form and anyone who thinks with its own head.

wyler

8th May 2021, 15:18

And what was your concluison a week ago? "Let's wait for a week to have a conclusion." And now suddenly it's not possible to make them.

Great. Spectating the event hasn't caused any uprise in COVID spreading. Fact. ATM it's possible to organize a rally with spectators. Fact. Enough form and anyone who thinks with its own head.

ehm. A conclusion is something that ends something, so to say "let's wait" is the opposite of a conclusion...

we ll have a conclusion when the pandemic ends. there's plenty of situations like this and plenty opposite. I.e, in India a big religious gathering had a really bad outcome. This applies everywhere? No either. Take one thing out of context is risky, and the context is a global pandemic. There are loads of factors that affect covid spread. Nothing can assure you that a thing that happened in Croatia or India would work the same in Sardinia or Estonia or Kenia or everywhere.
Again: I'm happy everything went well, I hope everything will go well in the other places. Still, I cant state this model will be generally good, so I ll not claim what I say as the truth.
Again: you can claim what pleases you most.

Pršljen

8th May 2021, 20:27

wyler

9th May 2021, 10:38

Rallyper

9th May 2021, 12:09

yes, in Croatia, within this particular context. not so sure as a general rule. other countries have different general rules and situations that can lead to different outcomes. again: something happening in Croatia does not automatically apply in other countries.

To a certain point the virus is the same, though. ;)

drive

9th May 2021, 20:47

https://youtu.be/UeR-PNi8seU was it circuit racing or rally in Croatia? :)

wyler

10th May 2021, 09:48

To a certain point the virus is the same, though. ;)

yes, so to this certain point, we should have the same spreading worldwide.

But no.

Rallyper

10th May 2021, 10:51

yes, so to this certain point, we should have the same spreading worldwide.

But no.

If you referring to India I would say no. Bcs some countries have had different strategies and rules. Also Sweden is good example.

I´d say Croatia proved you can arrange rallies with spectators anywhere.

pantealex

10th May 2021, 13:15

Rallyper

10th May 2021, 13:29

My biggest worry is that spectating was forbidden in Croatia and they didn´t respect it.

Rules are rules and those should be followed.

Locals didn´t have any respect towards WRC.

All other countries have played by rules.

No. TommekeB told us that organizer said he should only say he´ll have a pick-nick. So I guess all spectators was out on picknics...

Rallyper

10th May 2021, 13:32

Tom K

10th May 2021, 13:40

My biggest worry is that spectating was forbidden in Croatia and they didn´t respect it.

Rules are rules and those should be followed.

Locals didn´t have any respect towards WRC.

All other countries have played by rules.

Which countries? In Turkey (no spectators) they needed to stop the stage for a while due to spectators in dangerous place. In Sardinia - no comment - less spectators than normally but still they were present and areas for them were prepared. In Monza you had fans on mountains stages. During Monte Carlo also but in very low numbers. In ERC non-spectators rally "were" Portugal and Islas Canarias. Do you want to see pictures from those rallies?

Steve Boyd

11th May 2021, 00:20

Well, I was talking only about spectators on Rally Croatia and its Covid consequences, lack of them, to be precise. That's a fact. And I see no reason why would other events be any different. Maybe they wily maybe they won't. But Croatia's example says it is possible to do it.

You don't have the data to come to that conclusion. The only way you could draw any conclusion about the safety of the rally in Croatia would be to have details of the Covid case numbers in the people who went to the rally before the event and following the event and to compare them statistically with what was happening in the general population over the same period.

You have no way of knowing whether case numbers are building in the rally spectators after the event but that their increase is being masked by a fall in caes in the general population.

Pršljen

11th May 2021, 06:27

You don't have the data to come to that conclusion. The only way you could draw any conclusion about the safety of the rally in Croatia would be to have details of the Covid case numbers in the people who went to the rally before the event and following the event and to compare them statistically with what was happening in the general population over the same period.

You have no way of knowing whether case numbers are building in the rally spectators after the event but that their increase is being masked by a fall in caes in the general population.

More importlantly do YOU have a data to prove otherwise? Here we have people complaining that fans didn't respect rules and that should've wear masks etc. And in reality, we have a huge drop in cases in Croatia for the whole period afterwards, all three counties, where rally was held, included.

You're asking for a analysis and I'm asking for a common sense. C'mon, can't you just admit that it'obviously possible to have a rally with spectators with no apparent Covid consequences...

bomber21

11th May 2021, 07:05

This is a conversion you both have to do via private messages, WE DO NOT CARE.

Pršljen

11th May 2021, 08:47

This is a conversion you both have to do via private messages, WE DO NOT CARE.

And I do not care if you care or not. This is very important topic for current WRC and the future of the season.

bomber21

11th May 2021, 09:19

Rally happened, it was great, no problems occured, everyone is happy, let’s go on!
Do not overthink.

AnttiL

11th May 2021, 09:33

It's a bit like "I drove 1000 km without seat belts and nothing happened, no one needs seat belts anymore"

wyler

11th May 2021, 10:05

C'mon, can't you just admit that it'obviously possible to have a rally with spectators with no apparent Covid consequences...

well... no! nobody can.

Pršljen

11th May 2021, 12:03

well... no! nobody can.

Can you state otherwise? No, you can't. And that's the point. Yes, rally happened, no, there wasn't any known Covid consequences. And yes, let's not allow spectators on Sardinia and Portugal, we need thorough analysis about is it safe or not. Let's bring epidemiologists and all experts to make some study about it. Without that, people don't have right to spectate a rally live.

Pršljen

11th May 2021, 12:05

It's a bit like "I drove 1000 km without seat belts and nothing happened, no one needs seat belts anymore"

Well, it's not. Seatbelts are not rally fans who love the sport and who make the sport what it is. They are just piece of metal.

Tom K

11th May 2021, 13:00

My last bit in this strange - on forum with rallyfans - topic. Spectators are allowed to be on Portuguese stages. If we see similar pictures - crowds on relatively small area - it will be wrong because it's dangerous or it will be OK, because officially rally is held with spectators?

Rallyper

11th May 2021, 15:36

It's a bit like "I drove 1000 km without seat belts and nothing happened, no one needs seat belts anymore"

Big no, AnttiL.

pantealex

11th May 2021, 18:10

tommeke_B

11th May 2021, 18:39

For me it´s OK, because spectating is allowed.

It was in Croatia too...

In contrary to Monte Carlo, Sardinia, Monza etc last year, the organization never published an article stating spectating was not allowed, they only asked to follow the rules implied by the government (which weren't followed on larger public areas as we've seen). Maps and updates in itinerary were still published for spectators. Stages were prepared with miles of tape, trash bags etc Police and marshals were guiding people to the stages... What happened in Croatia, with many thousands of spectators, was meant and planned to happen. It was not by accident.

wyler

11th May 2021, 20:25

Can you state otherwise? No, you can't. And that's the point. Yes, rally happened, no, there wasn't any known Covid consequences. And yes, let's not allow spectators on Sardinia and Portugal, we need thorough analysis about is it safe or not. Let's bring epidemiologists and all experts to make some study about it. Without that, people don't have right to spectate a rally live.

er...that what is happing worldwide...I'm just saying what the epidemiologist and all experts say based on the study they did. I'm sorry if you are unaware of this.

and no. this "can't u state otherwise" is totally silly, 'cause doesn't mean anything. just that we cannot state things. can u prove god exists? no. can u prove the opposite? no either. which is my point. a case doesn't prove enough. experts are still studying, but based on what they studied till now, they recommend staying shy on this matter.
hope this is clear enough, I won't come back on this point anymore.

AnttiL

12th May 2021, 07:03

It was in Croatia too...

In contrary to Monte Carlo, Sardinia, Monza etc last year, the organization never published an article stating spectating was not allowed

The difference with Croatia was that they had everything planned for a rally with spectators until Monday of the rally week, when a new government limitation came in effect. After that they just announced they are not allowed to sell tickets, and that people must obey the government restrictions (no gatherings of more than 25 people). And privately they told people that they can not spectate the rally but have a picnic alongside the stages.

AFAIK Portugal has had one of the strictest policies of all WRC events that spectators must be only on the designated spectator areas, usually packed, and not on freely chosen locations. It will be interesting to see how they will limit the people on the areas.

sti123

12th May 2021, 07:48

The difference with Croatia was that they had everything planned for a rally with spectators until Monday of the rally week, when a new government limitation came in effect. After that they just announced they are not allowed to sell tickets, and that people must obey the government restrictions (no gatherings of more than 25 people). And privately they told people that they can not spectate the rally but have a picnic alongside the stages.

AFAIK Portugal has had one of the strictest policies of all WRC events that spectators must be only on the designated spectator areas, usually packed, and not on freely chosen locations. It will be interesting to see how they will limit the people on the areas.

I think they try to handle the crowds with ticket prices, 390€ for a weekend pass: https://rally-pass.com/collections/passes

Tom K

12th May 2021, 09:05

These are hospitality packages:)

sti123

12th May 2021, 11:58

These are hospitality packages:)

Still, 199€ for a normal pass will have some kind of limitations for crowds, I think... https://www.rallydeportugal.pt/content.aspx?menuid=43&eid=722

Tom K

12th May 2021, 13:30

"THE RALLY PASS IS ALREADY AVAILABLE"
02 fevereiro 2015

Maybe is stuff for collectors and that's why price is so huge ;)

The Rally Pass offers:

· Access and parking to 3 fully equipped exclusive Spectators Areas (Friday, May 22nd; Saturday, May 23rd; and Sunday, May 24th 2015);

· Access to an exclusive grandstand and parking at Lousada’s SSS – May 21st;

· Access to the Service Park during the four days of the event;

· Access to the ACP VIP Area, on the Rally Village (Service Park, Matosinhos), during the four days of the event;

· Rally Pass guide with all the information about the event;

· Voucher for a free official T-shirt of the 2015 WRC Vodafone Rally de Portugal.

Rallyper

12th May 2021, 14:27

The difference with Croatia was that they had everything planned for a rally with spectators until Monday of the rally week, when a new government limitation came in effect. After that they just announced they are not allowed to sell tickets, and that people must obey the government restrictions (no gatherings of more than 25 people). And privately they told people that they can not spectate the rally but have a picnic alongside the stages.

AFAIK Portugal has had one of the strictest policies of all WRC events that spectators must be only on the designated spectator areas, usually packed, and not on freely chosen locations. It will be interesting to see how they will limit the people on the areas.

I was in Portugal 2017 and yes designated areas excisted, but there were many places you could watch by yourself, no problem at all.

(Went with Rallytravels, so we mostly stayed at places where food and drinks were served. Good places of course...)

gregrally

17th May 2021, 10:02

My compilation Croatia Rally
https://youtu.be/9tHqsVivocw

dimviii

17th May 2021, 13:07

Croatia Rally
@croatia_rally
Safety first - at one of the most famous points of Croatia Rally, the stone bridge over river Dobra at Novigrad we've had fully equipped divers of KPA Vodomar Duga Resa. Fortunately, they've had no interventions, but they were ready for all possible scenarios.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1ksmHPWEAINJlG?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1ksooLXEAE9-R7?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E1kspilXEAMbAyZ?format=jpg&name=medium

Rallyper

17th May 2021, 18:33

Excellent!!

EstWRC

11th June 2021, 23:40

drive

25th November 2021, 11:24

anyone knows coordinates of this jump?
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ez0WqscXsAEMkYi?format=jpg&name=medium