[WRC] Safari Rally Kenya 2021

[meh]

If Rovanperä is helped out by organisers, what does it mean? Retired from stage as he was not able to continue himself?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville needs to re-inflate a tyre to continue.

[BigWorm]

If Rovanperä is helped out by organisers, what does it mean? Retired from stage as he was not able to continue himself?

So many questions right now...

[jonkka]

If Rovanperä is helped out by organisers, what does it mean? Retired from stage as he was not able to continue himself?

He has to be able to reach the stage end and return to service under his own power to continue. Any other way and he's retired.

[Ucci]

total bs..

No, now it is becoming interesting....this is Safari....we all know that it is going to be mess.

[Rallyper]

This is your Safari guys. With watersplashes and all. How many left? Ogier only? Well yes Tanak... Katsuta, GG and Fourmaux. Wow!

[BigWorm]

He has to be able to reach the stage end and return to service under his own power to continue. Any other way and he's retired.

So it's going to be superrally for him

EDIT not according to Becs

[TypeR]

what a mess it is..

[BigWorm]

But it looks like they're retiring? Whats going on

[erikli2]

Probably less time expensive to retire from 1 SS than continuing and lose more than 10 min.

[PLuto]

This is your Safari guys. With watersplashes and all. How many left? Ogier only? Well yes Tanak... Katsuta, GG and Fourmaux. Wow!

But this SHOULD be Safari. Current cars and mainly current drivers are focused mainly on speed, to go flat out all the time. Endurance part is missing there. Safari was always about combination between "to be fast" and "to finish the stage"...

[Rallyper]

But this SHOULD be Safari. Current cars and mainly current drivers are focused mainly on speed, to go flat out all the time. Endurance part is missing there. Safari was always about combination between "to be fast" and "to finish the stage"...

Yes. Agree fully on that. But is this what we want? Not me.

[Tauri_J]

But it looks like they're retiring? Whats going on

he obviously cant continue

[jonkka]

Yes. Agree fully on that. But is this what we want? Not me.

Me neither. I wasn't happy when I heard that Safari was to be re-instated.

[doubled1978]

As entertaining as this is, it’s a bit of a farce.
In some respects this is worse than the old safari, at least then the cars were specifically built for the job.

[ipe]

Crazy rally! And this is just the beginning!

[BigWorm]

But this SHOULD be Safari. Current cars and mainly current drivers are focused mainly on speed, to go flat out all the time. Endurance part is missing there. Safari was always about combination between "to be fast" and "to finish the stage"...

But this rally is in speed format, itinerary like an ordinary event. They seem to need endurance type strength anyway.

[PLuto]

Yes. Agree fully on that. But is this what we want? Not me.

I want this. For me rally should be more also about endurance, not only flat out. I like when there is variety between events. Safari or for example Acropolis were always more about endurance, relialibity, surviving than speed. I am not saying that all events should be same, but world champion should be driver who is best in different conditions.

[EstWRC]

I’m missing Michelin

[meh]

With retire Rovanperä will fall just to 8th place. If others will reach to finish.

edit: 7th

[Francis44]

I for one enjoy that we have a truly different challenge among 10+ almost equal rallys.

[jonkka]

I like when there is variety between events.

Variety is one thing, absurdity is another thing. This is a farce and we only are at the end of first competitive day, I am afraid we will see a lot more carnage before the rally is over. While I do agree about survival and endurance aspect, this is nothing but lottery like worst Acropolis puncture-fests several years ago.

[rallyfiend]

The teams were given dispensation to make adjustments to the cars.

None of them chose it.

The problem here is that these drivers just can't change their brain to think of anything other than flat out.

So many people on this forum bang on about the 'good old days'. Well, here it is.

Kalle messed up not driving to the conditions. He drove with his balls rather than his brains.

And this is what happens.

[mknight]

I want this. For me rally should be more also about endurance, not only flat out. I like when there is variety between events. Safari or for example Acropolis were always more about endurance, relialibity, surviving than speed. I am not saying that all events should be same, but world champion should be driver who is best in different conditions.

Exactly. World driver champion should be the one who adapts to conditions best. Next we could start complaining that they should plow/salt Monte stages when snow comes.

[steve.mandzij]

Variety is one thing, absurdity is another thing. This is a farce and we only are at the end of first competitive day, I am afraid we will see a lot more carnage before the rally is over. While I do agree about survival and endurance aspect, this is nothing but lottery like worst Acropolis puncture-fests several years ago.The only farce about this is that the drivers chose not to be careful. That's what you get.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[denkimi]

There are all driving faster then they should.

[BigWorm]

Teams will learn from this. Turkey 2018 was a car breaker and I think it wasn't as bad in following years

[pantealex]

None of drivers said after recce that stages are impossible to drive.

To me it looks they are just driving too fast in wrong places.

[denkimi]

Exactly. World driver champion should be the one who adapts to conditions best. Next we could start complaining that they should plow/salt Monte stages when snow comes.
But just last year we had stages cancelled in monza because there was snow on the road.

[Rallyper]

I want this. For me rally should be more also about endurance, not only flat out. I like when there is variety between events. Safari or for example Acropolis were always more about endurance, relialibity, surviving than speed. I am not saying that all events should be same, but world champion should be driver who is best in different conditions.

Also agree on that. But when mind set doesn´t change? And all cars are retired. What´s wrong then? Drivers? Organizers? Teambosses? Who to blaim drivers are going full speed in the djungle?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is Neuville still moving on the maps after three punctures ?

[TypeR]

Is Neuville still moving on the maps after three punctures ?

moving toward service, half way with Tänak and Katsuta

[doubled1978]

For me, I like the challenge of it, but I’m not sure it works very well with the sprint format events and the modern equipment that isn’t designed for this. If they built ‘safari’ spec cars and ran over long stages it would make sense to me, but I can’t see that happening on cost grounds.
I am delighted to see Greece back on the calendar, but I do wonder with the modern format and tyre regs, how many cars will run out of tyres to get back to service.

[Rally Hokkaido]

But just last year we had stages cancelled in monza because there was snow on the road.

But did you forget the actual reason it was cancelled? The emergency vehicles they used were not capable of driving the stage in case of a serious accident.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4uaVmTWUAMnHFP?format=jpg&name=medium

[denkimi]

But did you forget the actual reason it was cancelled? The emergency vehicles they used were not capable of driving the stage in case of a serious accident.
Exactly. And how do you think any emergency cars would get to the cars here in those conditions?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/3338/

[Tom K]

Yeah, and the jump from Monte Lerno :D

[TypeR]

[img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4uaVmTWUAMnHFP?format=jpg&name=medium[/mg]
not from Kenya

[BigWorm]

For me, I like the challenge of it, but I’m not sure it works very well with the sprint format events and the modern equipment that isn’t designed for this. If they built ‘safari’ spec cars and ran over long stages it would make sense to me, but I can’t see that happening on cost grounds.
I am delighted to see Greece back on the calendar, but I do wonder with the modern format and tyre regs, how many cars will run out of tyres to get back to service.

Given it's Pirelli, it will be carnage

[seb_sh]

Exactly. And how do you think any emergency cars would get to the cars here in those conditions?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/3338/

big 4x4 trucks can go through or around that no problem

[dimviii]

Given it's Pirelli, it will be carnage

its not pirelli fault that they want to compete at all rallies with 2 different tyres.
Back on safari days they used to have different tyres,reinforced.And that wasnt only for Safari,was for Acropolis and other rough stages around the world.And that tyre was the best tyre for decades for rough gravel.
back on these days they used to have special safari chassis with reinforced strut towers and other chassis parts.
Now they want to finish this event with same car .Of course its not easy.

[seb_sh]

On a general not I think the WRC should be about variety and challenge. And even though this event is not 5000km or whatever like in the "good old days" it's still a completely different challenge and I love it. No it's not a farce, not at all, it's about survival, even in the "good old days" you had gaps of 10-15-25 minutes between the winner and 2nd place and it was more about who can last to the finish and often few did. You could even say they have it easy nowadays with superrally. Hell if only 4-5 WRC's make it to the end that'd be pretty typical for Safari.

[flykas]

Hahh well, this is Safari after all. I see there are different opinions, but I am really liking it for that its modern safari, but feels like true safari rally. Situation quickly changing, huge gaps and we see that slowest drivers had no problems and that shos that there is nothing wrong with the event just with inability to choose the right speed. I wouldn't want for all event of the season to be like that, but one is perfect.

[TypeR]

still some problems for Neuville's car.. Wydaeghe is keeping the engine on and revving

[fredfush]

its not pirelli fault that they want to compete at all rallies with 2 different tyres.
Back on safari days they used to have different tyres,reinforced.And that wasnt only for Safari,was for Acropolis and other rough stages around the world.And that tyre was the best tyre for decades for rough gravel.
back on these days they used to have special safari chassis with reinforced strut towers and other chassis parts.
Now they want to finish this event with same car .Of course its not easy.

Plus they had mousse in the tyres.

[Rallyper]

Exactly. And how do you think any emergency cars would get to the cars here in those conditions?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/3338/

Booom!!

[andyone]

https://i.imgur.com/Sm1A77S.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/9B9aD8A.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/bjKhrW0.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/OPG6PMX.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/zaADOZt.jpg

[meh]

Quote from Tänak after 1st loop: "it was easiest loop of the rally".

And from this Safari-religion-discussion, I like those changes as well, but from competition perspective it's not nice situation when you have only 6 of 11 WRC cars can survice 7 stages and 9.5min loss still gives you 7th place. And this one can get worse and boring to watch how everyone nursing their cars through. But this is just what someone like or not like, If you don't control rules and situation, you just need to adapt.

[Rallyper]

Plus they had mousse in the tyres.

And a couple of tyres on the roof...

[AnttiL]

I miss Safari watersplashes... are there any on the rally ?

Two river crossings tomorrow on Soysambu. It’s not the rain season anymore.

[EstWRC]

Ott just said in the mediazone that he was at 60% today

[andyone]

https://i.imgur.com/eyDXWBY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/4IYBlpS.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Z73MjzB.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I agree with Tanak, only the long middle stage today felt like like a safari stage. The other two were too narrow, slow and in the forest (plus very bad fesh-fesh !)

[dimviii]

Yeah, and the jump from Monte Lerno :D

are you sure?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4uq5BXXwAAv_WB?format=jpg&name=900x900

[dimviii]

thats a nice one

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4u64_1XIAUWSIk?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[dimviii]

At points it was impossible for Rovanperä to see, and that was ultimately what led to his retirement. Driving blind, his Yaris WRC veered off the line and got stuck next to the road.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-holds-on-to-lead-in-crazy-final-friday-stage/

[mknight]

Exactly. And how do you think any emergency cars would get to the cars here in those conditions?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/3338/

Completely fine with normal 4x4 that "everyone" drives there.
If you noticed the pickup that pulled Rovanpera out had absolutely no problems with it, didn't even look like any wheelspin.
That was some modern pickup (I think Nissan Navara) with normal tires.

Also at low speed it's no problem to drive outside of the ruts.

[AnttiL]

Teams will learn from this. Turkey 2018 was a car breaker and I think it wasn't as bad in following years

Michele Mouton demanded Turkey route to be rougher in FIA pre-event check. Then the roughest part took Östberg and Evans at the beginning of the rally. That part wasn’t used anymore in the next years.

[AnttiL]

But just last year we had stages cancelled in monza because there was snow on the road.

Oh please shut up about that and go read bluuford’s post in the Monza thread.

[AnttiL]

Exactly. And how do you think any emergency cars would get to the cars here in those conditions?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68113-safari-rally-kenya-2021/3338/

They can just drive around the soft part. And the Kenyan emergency vehicles are different than on an Italian village.

[dimviii]

Petter Solberg
@Petter_Solberg
Every mistake is an opportunity to learn, and every disappointment is an opportunity to grow Flexed biceps for sure this rally didn’t go @OliverSolberg01
’s way, but now it’s important to move forward, learn from it and keep positive, and look forward to the next one


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4vL2gMWYAQJkZf?format=jpg&name=small

[dimviii]

zebra passing through stage
https://twitter.com/shikshaarora_/status/1408403314191052801

[andyone]

This was a huge Crash. eissh

https://i.imgur.com/XybnfwY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/8BV5qNM.jpg

[Sulland]

Where are all the other cars on the result list?

There has to be more than 10 cars left in the rally, there is 60ish cars on the startlist.

[scn]

Please bear in mind that the trouble faced by Ogier, Sordo, Evans, Solberg and Rovanpera was caused solely because they hit objects that were out of the road. The trouble was not caused because of road roughness. If the drivers choose to go flat-out and hit banks or rocks out of the road, this in no way means that the cars cannot cope with the surface.

[mknight]

Where are all the other cars on the result list?

There has to be more than 10 cars left in the rally, there is 60ish cars on the startlist.

I think they cancelled last stage after Fourmaux.

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-35579900-1624640189.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-60378600-1624640193.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-65825600-1624640209.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-79904000-1624640228.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-95690100-1624640233.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-37538000-1624640180.jpg

[steve.mandzij]

This has been an excellent first day for the return of the Safari Rally. All the talk about how this is a "farce" is absolutely ridiculous. When events are too soft, you miss the rough endurance events, and when an event becomes rough and dependent on drivers being smart and slow, you complain that it's too rough.

We should be happy that an event as tough as this has returned, and the drivers should now realize that it's not as dumbed down as it looked.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[dimviii]

Prokop roll
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1408470737430716421

[denkimi]

Oh please shut up about that and go read bluuford’s post in the Monza thread.

I wonder in what fantasy world you are living to see anything wrong with that statement.

There was snow on the road so they cancelled the stage. That is a fact, whatever other things you have imagined.

[andyone]

Welcome to the Safari Rally

https://i.imgur.com/9fjCk1g.jpg

[Red bull]

And that is why it's called Safari Rally the toughest rally in the world 🇰🇪🦁🦓🐗🐃🐘🦒🐒

[andyone]

So these Hyundai's are the Tanks

https://i.imgur.com/eCix02O.jpg

[AnttiL]

I wonder in what fantasy world you are living to see anything wrong with that statement.

There was snow on the road so they cancelled the stage. That is a fact, whatever other things you have imagined.

Yes, and the drivers are capable of driving in snow on tarmac tyres, proven by 100 years of Rally Monte Carlo. The organizers just need to be prepared for that as well.

[Mirek]

I wonder in what fantasy world you are living to see anything wrong with that statement.

There was snow on the road so they cancelled the stage. That is a fact, whatever other things you have imagined.

They canceled that stage because it was impassable for ambulance.

[denkimi]

Yes, and the drivers are capable of driving in snow on tarmac tyres, proven by 100 years of Rally Monte Carlo. The organizers just need to be prepared for that as well.
And how does that contradicts my statement?

[steve.mandzij]

Man, I'm very excited for day two. I agree with some that it's a bit of a shame that so many drivers struck trouble, and I'm a little bit worried the current event will never run the same. The fact that a WRC car got stuck simply on the road, plus the big accidents, makes me think there will be route changes for next time.

But regardless, this is a lovely breath of fresh air for the championship! Hopefully we'll see some wiser driving tomorrow.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

And how does that contradicts my statement?

Canceling was not due _only_ to snow. But we should stop this nonsense, I know you are stuck with your opinions.

[seb_sh]

And how does that contradicts my statement?

you are OBVIOUSLY ignoring everyone that is telling you pragmatically why the stages at Monza were cancelled and why these at Safari can go ahead. Please stop being a troll. Or do you honestly not understand?

[Andre Oliveira]

Here in Portugal we don't have many 4x4 ambulances (if none). In 2001 the mud was an obstacle.

Edit: I found one.

https://www.strob.pt/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/04XS98.jpg

Kenya ambulances

https://msf.or.ke/sites/default/files/msfimages/news/msf227479_medium.jpg


Italy ambulances

https://www.straightnewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/38834432-9219837-image-a-1_1612366995303.jpg

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-38136200-1624644683.jpg

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_06_2021/post-1272-0-28990000-1624649904.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4vuIagXIAIxRzD?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4v6kmQXoAQLf9W?format=jpg&name=small

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/nelly_ron/status/1408511889441800205

*Tejveer Rai* has shattered his spine and is being flown to *Germany* for treatment. We pray for full restoration and speedy recovery.

This was the driver who rolled the Polo by the front on a jump.

[dimviii]

SS8/11 Elmenteita (9.11 miles)

This was the fastest stage on the candidate rally back in 2019 and should be quick again this time around. Will be hard on the tires with much of the stage made up of a volcanic lava surface.

It’s a stage with great history – but not one that Tommi Mäkinen will remember with any fondness, having suffered six punctures on his Mitsubishi in the 1997 event.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/safari-rally-kenya-saturday-stage-guide/

[AnttiL]

Zasada (the 91 year old one) has notional times for five of today's six stages. So I guess five of them eventually got stopped?

[AnttiL]

I agree with Tanak, only the long middle stage today felt like like a safari stage. The other two were too narrow, slow and in the forest (plus very bad fesh-fesh !)

Well those two stages were quite unique to the rally. Tomorrow's stages will be more like Kedong, although driven on smaller roads, and they include also short twisty bits.

If you follow one stage tomorrow, make sure it's Sleeping Warrior, it's first very fast and then very rocky rough and slow at the end.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4wZn3eWUAARShW?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4wZn5RXwBQHSEG?format=jpg&name=900x900

[PLuto]

Zasada (the 91 year old one) has notional times for five of today's six stages. So I guess five of them eventually got stopped?

As you can see here (https://rally-base.com/2021/safari-rally-kenya-2021/information-overview/), all stages except SS 4 were at least interrupted today.

[Myrvold]

And from this Safari-religion-discussion, I like those changes as well, but from competition perspective it's not nice situation when you have only 6 of 11 WRC cars can survice 7 stages and 9.5min loss still gives you 7th place. And this one can get worse and boring to watch how everyone nursing their cars through. But this is just what someone like or not like, If you don't control rules and situation, you just need to adapt.

I know proper Safari was longer, but something like 8 out of 24 WRC/Gr.A cars finished in 2001 and 11 out of 50(?) in 2002. Again, I know that proper Safari, even in it's later years were 3-4 times as long as this years, but this is one rally out of 12 this season. And unless Greece get's proper old school as well this will be the sole rally like this. WRC lacks diversity in the events. This should've been longer, it should've been at least somewhat in between "Euro-Style Rally" and proper Safari, but it's better than nothing.

[the sniper]

Man, I'm very excited for day two. I agree with some that it's a bit of a shame that so many drivers struck trouble, and I'm a little bit worried the current event will never run the same. The fact that a WRC car got stuck simply on the road, plus the big accidents, makes me think there will be route changes for next time.

They only need to be sensible and step away from the beloved Dave Richards cloverleaf format... 5 longer stages run once rather than 3 repeated per day would make far more sense here.

Though at the end of the day, the two Fiestas made it through the stage after Kalle got stuck. Ironically in his case, what cost him was one of the few displays of great caution today, which was mistimed, as if he'd kept his foot in and maintained momentum he'd have made it through. On the other hand we've had the likes of Evans taking pointless cuts unsurprisingly exiting the rally. The Drivers need to rise to the challenge, not blame the rally.

[SubaruNorway]

I see that back in the 2000's they ran around 4-5 stages a day once on say Friday and then 2nd run on Saturday or Sunday, did they repair the roads and fill the ruts back in between runs?

[Ds3]

I see that back in the 2000's they ran around 4-5 stages a day once on say Friday and then 2nd run on Saturday or Sunday, did they repair the roads and fill the ruts back in between runs?

You see how many kilometers the speed sections are.
SS1 - 112.43 km
SS2 - 116.92 km
.......
SS9 - 112.43 km
SS10 - 116.92 km
.....
If they drive them now, they will also need ambulances in the final ...

[Tauri_J]

Julian, Sordo starts first because he was the last WRC in the standings on friday not because he retired earlier.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4yJmQmXMAQI24e?format=jpg&name=small

[Tauri_J]

"Fucking hell" as he just avoided a huge rock...nice save by Gus

[er88]

Good reactions from Tanak to avoid the animals on that straight

[AnttiL]

Neuville going at max speed, will he finish the day like that?

[Rally Hokkaido]

Is helicopter chasing away zebras 'outside assistance' for Neuville? lol

[TypeR]

lol, 2s faster than Ogier and already going max speed? can't it just be his good rhytm and speed there?

[mknight]

Neuville going at max speed, will he finish the day like that?

It looked like he was pushing a lot on start, but the maybe calmed a bit later.

One would think he would change his approach after he survived second leg on pure luck yesterday with 3 punctures.

[Rally Hokkaido]

lol, 2s faster than Ogier and already going max speed? can't it just be his good rhytm and speed there?

IMHO, Neuville looks smooth and comfortable. Yes, keeping his rhythm even when going from fast sections to slow ones is key to his overall speed.

[adi wibowo]

2127

[meh]

SS8 is finally something, which lower-class cars also may finally drive. Yesterday was a bit disaster for them, a lot of canceled stages for them.

[Tauri_J]

Becs it isnt rainy season in Kenya right now.

[dimviii]

Colin Clark
@voiceofrally
Unbelievable crowds and enthusiasm for the WRC in Kenya. If you’re not in the Elmenteita stage yet, maybe best stay at home!


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4ydq0ZXEAQFusK?format=jpg&name=900x900

[meh]

How many more stages Becs and Julian get excited when M-Sport drivers are faster than cruising super-rally guys.

If they are quickest after top4, then it will be different story.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Fourmaux great time!
Edit: including slowing for 20 baboons!

[TypeR]

How many more stages Becs and Julian get excited when M-Sport drivers are faster than cruising super-rally guys.

If they are quickest after top4, then it will be different story.

Fourmaux did a really good stage, why not talking about it? lost only 4.2s to Ogier at the end

and faster than Katsuta and Tänak on splits..

[itix]

I have got to say that Katsuta has really impressed me the last year.

He has grown from a token driver into a driver the quality of Breen and Østberg and other background points haulers.

And I feel like he is still growing. Very impressive.

I hope he brings home that 2nd place. He deserve it.

[EstWRC]

Tänak must watch Ogier with this pace.

[er88]

Tänak must watch Ogier with this pace.Next long stage will be interesting

[meh]

Fourmaux did a really good stage, why not talking about it? lost only 4.2s to Ogier at the end

and faster than Katsuta and Tänak on splits..

When I wrote it, there was no comparing moments yet. The reason was, commentary lacked of context. Sordo-Evans-Rovanperä are not driving for times, they are just passing.

Now with context it stays create time and I'm really happy that he delivered that. Like I wrote: "If they are quickest after top4, then it will be different story.". So it is different story.

[TypeR]

nice AllLive.. no rally leader stage end interview.

[dimviii]

havoc at roads from spectators


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4x9cEwX0AAje3I?format=jpg&name=large

[Integrale]

Tanak said at the end of yesterday that he drove at 60 percent, that Friday was an appetizer and the stages on Saturday were rougher and harder. After this stage he said that the stages today are much smoother than yesterday. Did he change his mind overnight?

[mknight]

Well after being skeptical about fast-pacing him to the car even on gravel where he has little experience I am now starting to turn to a Fourmaux fan.

He really shows clever driving, yesterday he was breaking hard for the rough parts even on straights. Today he is again cautious when needed while easily showing speed om the "safe" parts.

Such a contrast to all the "push all the time" youngsters like Solberg or even Rovanpera and especially Gryazin. Also a contrast to drivers that either drive at 100% or 50% like Meeke.

[Doon]

From interviews yesterday i assumed that today was going to be a difficult day, but the stages seem much smoother. They should rename the event Rally Kenya, because this is not the Safari.

[rallyfiend]

That was a Live TV stage.

Can't imagine the broadcasters will like that.

[mknight]

From interviews yesterday i assumed that today was going to be a difficult day, but the stages seem much smoother. They should rename the event Rally Kenya, because this is not the Safari.
Here we go again. Either it's too rough when peoole are retiring or not hard enough...

Just a note, do you think that the whole 1000-5000km routes og the past were super rough? Not at all, often many sections were normal eide straight gravel roads with no bumps at all.

[Oliverk]

Tanak said at the end of yesterday that he drove at 60 percent, that Friday was an appetizer and the stages on Saturday were rougher and harder. After this stage he said that the stages today are much smoother than yesterday. Did he change his mind overnight?

Mby he got confused with animal safari route Hyundai was attending before recce? Looks like normal gravel rally today.

[AnttiL]

Just a note, do you think that the whole 1000-5000km routes og the past were super rough? Not at all, often many sections were normal eide straight gravel roads with no bumps at all.

Yes, remember the super fast beginning of Kedong yesterday, they would do hundreds of kilometres like that.

There was even such a long straight that McRae was able to take a leak from his door with Grist holding the wheel

[meh]

Tanak said at the end of yesterday that he drove at 60 percent, that Friday was an appetizer and the stages on Saturday were rougher and harder. After this stage he said that the stages today are much smoother than yesterday. Did he change his mind overnight?

I have the same confusion. If the long one is smooth as well, then it rises some questions :)

[er88]

Big-ish hit for Evans there

Now moaning Scott Martin is talking too fast

[jonkka]

From interviews yesterday i assumed that today was going to be a difficult day, but the stages seem much smoother. They should rename the event Rally Kenya, because this is not the Safari.

In fact, it is both. Official name of the event is Safari Rally Kenya.

[meh]

anyone else have question - why this kind of reandom "roads" exists at all middle of empty fields? :)

[Doon]

Here we go again. Either it's too rough when peoole are retiring or not hard enough...

Just a note, do you think that the whole 1000-5000km routes og the past were super rough? Not at all, often many sections were normal eide straight gravel roads with no bumps at all.

I’m not bothered about people retiring, that’s part of the Safari (the real one). It’s the WRC that’s bothered about retirements.

If it gets rough, raise the car and slow down. The drivers break the cars because of lack of experience of the roads, and hit rough sections too fast.

Happy that the rally is happening, just wish it was at least as long as the early 2000s. These stages are all really short.

[Tauri_J]

anyone else have question - why this kind of reandom "roads" exists at all middle of empty fields? :)

Locals drive on those trails, I'd rather not call them roads

[krissucool]

Well this is boring.

[jonkka]

Well this is boring.

Synonym for endurance and survival and whatnot... yawn...

[meh]

Well this is boring.

Expect some punctures...

[Tauri_J]

That really rough section is in the end so punctures would not cause much time loss.

[TypeR]

Synonym for endurance and survival and whatnot... yawn...

imagine how awesome it would be, if it was 90km instead of 31km :D

[Tom K]

Evans was reporting some cars on the stage?

[jonkka]

imagine how awesome it would be, if it was 90km instead of 31km :D

I might give up watching and instead go for a beer, coming back in late Sunday to see who won the lottery.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4ywQcFWUAMypB4?format=jpg&name=large

[meh]

Expect some punctures...

no drama, no punctures

[jonkka]

Second time around stages usually are rougher and we can expect more drama.

[dimviii]

heli trying to drive a zebra heard out of road
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1408701032683745282

[meh]

At the moment I think Neuville is controlling the situation and only interesting part can come, when Ogier-Tänak-Takamoto trio is going to fight for podium positions.

M-Sport guys are doing their own stuff, Super-Rally guys are doing extra recce round.

[dimviii]

1. Ogier : 106 + 12 = 118
2. Neuville : 77 + 25 = 102
3. Evans : 95 + 0 = 95
4. Katsuta : 48 + 18 = 67
5. Tänak : 49 + 15 = 64
6 Rovanperä : 44 + 0 = 44

1. Toyota : 231 + 18 + 12 = 261
2. Hyundai : 182 + 25 + 15 = 222

[andyone]

Neuville getting the heat up

https://i.imgur.com/GUt5R8I.jpg

[meh]

All-live is lacking "expert in commentary box" this time. Got used to with Ostberg, Meeke, Marshall.

[andyone]

havoc at roads from spectators


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4x9cEwX0AAje3I?format=jpg&name=large

yeah the morning traffic was insaaane. meh

[Sulland]

Sitting on a safetypost on an SS on Sørlandssprinten, a norwegian sprintrally. Nice weater, coffee, food and moosqitos!

Today my hat goes off for a 90+ years old rallydriver in Africa. He is still there, not that much slower than the other slow Rally3 drivers!
Mr Zasada - full respect!

[Red bull]

Now the Wrc drivers have adapted to the Safari Rally roads, they know when to go fast and slow 💪

[krissucool]

Now the Wrc drivers have adapted to the Safari Rally roads, they know when to go fast and slow 💪

These are not safari roads :D

[masa90]

Amazing rally to spectate. I just wish it was bit longer and more cars.

[Integrale]

These are not safari roads :D
Apparently, yesterday's middle stage was used before on the old Safari Rally. This is from the route preview on www.itgetsfasternow.com:


The title Kedong featured in the 2002 Safari Rally, actually on two different stages, and it’s possible that the first one of them featured partly same roads as this year’s stage. While this is likely the only piece of road of this year’s special stages to have featured on the old Safari rallies, many of this year’s liaison sections were likely tackled at high speeds in the old Safari (as it was run on roads not closed from public traffic).

I can speak only for myself, but I think this rally has its place in the championship. I've been enjoying it very much. I had the same feeling with Rally Croatia. You watch to see how the stages look like. It's all new for this generation of drivers and cars. It's a test they're not used to. We know they have big balls, but who has the brains and the luck?

Yes, it's different than 20 years ago, but many things are. I guess you would've found the 2002 Safari Rally equally boring with WRC Live. And don't forget they used to build cars especially for this event. There's no alternative to this sprint format with these cars. It isn't coming back, so either you enjoy it now or you watch some highlights from old Safari editions.

[TypeR]

1. Ogier : 106 + 12 = 118
2. Neuville : 77 + 25 = 102
3. Evans : 95 + 0 = 95
4. Katsuta : 48 + 18 = 67
5. Tänak : 49 + 15 = 64
6 Rovanperä : 44 + 0 = 44

1. Toyota : 231 + 18 + 12 = 261
2. Hyundai : 182 + 25 + 15 = 222
Rovanperä is 7th overall, so +6p for him

[denkimi]

Today my hat goes off for a 90+ years old rallydriver in Africa. He is still there, not that much slower than the other slow Rally3 drivers!
Mr Zasada - full respect!
He lost 16 minutes in 66km today, that is 15 seconds per km.

Respect to him for trying, but he is the living proof of why old people should have taken their license away.

[Tauri_J]

At the moment I think Neuville is controlling the situation and only interesting part can come, when Ogier-Tänak-Takamoto trio is going to fight for podium positions.

M-Sport guys are doing their own stuff, Super-Rally guys are doing extra recce round.

Last two rallies Tänak was also "controlling" the situation. Comfortable lead and taking it easy and both times retired on saturday afternoon.

[MarkT]

1. Ogier : 106 + 12 = 118
2. Neuville : 77 + 25 = 102
3. Evans : 95 + 0 = 95
4. Katsuta : 48 + 18 = 67
5. Tänak : 49 + 15 = 64
6 Rovanperä : 44 + 0 = 44

1. Toyota : 231 + 18 + 12 = 261
2. Hyundai : 182 + 25 + 15 = 222Katsuta won't score manufacturer points for Toyota whilst Tanak would get second place manufacturer points and Ogier third with current standings.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[jonkka]

4. Katsuta : 48 + 18 = 67


That's 66.

[dimviii]

too many mistakes from the guy i copy paste it from French forum.

[wwbroe]

Strong splits for Fourmeaux

[meh]

Now it's time to push for Ogier and Tänak if they want to get some extra position up.

[wwbroe]

Both are fast on splits

[wwbroe]

Ogier is trough, 12 seconds faster as Fourmeaux

[wwbroe]

Tanak loosing just 2,1 to Ogier

[wwbroe]

Tanak taking some time back from Taka, let's see if he can catchup with him

[wwbroe]

Neuville meeting again with the zebra's

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E4znYgeWQAAkkPj?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[wwbroe]

Good run from Evans on this stage

[wwbroe]

Small off for Kalle, nothing major

[wwbroe]

Gus is on a charge

[wwbroe]

Fourmeaux almost rolled it over there

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Go Fourmaux !!

[wwbroe]

Besttime for Gus sofar;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A Gus goes faster...

Nice push from the young M-Sport drivers.

[wwbroe]

Good work by Tanak, just a second faster as Ogier

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dark clouds close by. My weather app shows 60% chance of rain.

[ZequeArgentina]

Dark clouds close by. My weather app shows 60% chance of rain.

This would really shake the end of the day! Rain in these roads is a game changer


Enviado desde mi iPhone utilizando Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thunder at the next stage end.

[meh]

Tänak gets first stage win from this rally.

[wwbroe]

Chasing Taka, only 14 sec behind now

[meh]

Saturday: no punctures, no (big) mistakes, no surprises...

Rally God: hold my beer, I'll send thunderstorm.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like rain is iminent.

[meh]

Julian is speculating a lot, that if Ogier will be position behind Taka, there may be team orders to switch them for Ogier favour.

Personally I really can not see it happening. For Latvala, it is "loosing fans from Japan" move. If Taka can stay podium fight, I don't think it's smart to take it away from him from marketing perspective.

[meh]

If there will be heavy rain and low visibility, then they can really get lost on those big empty fields.

[Tauri_J]

Julian is speculating a lot, that if Ogier will be position behind Taka, there may be team orders to switch them for Ogier favour.

Personally I really can not see it happening. For Latvala, it is "loosing fans from Japan" move. If Taka can stay podium fight, I don't think it's smart to take it away from him from marketing perspective.

not gonna happen

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What's the betting the storm comes just as Ogier finishes... ;)

[mknight]

Starting to rain on "sleeping warrior" stage after being super-dry....

"The sleeper has awakened!"

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like it wont be a problem. The heli still flying is a good sign.

[er88]

Big rain!

[seb_sh]

here we go! rain!

[wwbroe]

Ogier will have the advantage over here

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gus off in the rain !

[TypeR]

zeroo grip on grass for Gus..

[mknight]

Positions will fly here !

[meh]

It will be survival-lottery for others now.

[meh]

Tänak 14sec down on split 2.

No visibility from car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If rain is only for a few kms it wont be decisive.

[wwbroe]

Tanak is having no visibility at all

[er88]

Tanak cant see!!

[Tauri_J]

totally fucked up again for Ott, windscreen misted up

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Misted screen slowing Tanak.

[Tauri_J]

disaster of a season

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stopped to wipe screen !!

[er88]

disaster of a seasonDisaster of a move leaving Toyota so far, let's face facts

[TypeR]

Lol.. stop to clean the windscreen.. what a piece of sht..

[Tauri_J]

Dreaded saturday evening again for Tänak again.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Drama was worth the wait !

[seb_sh]

massive time loss for Tänak

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier safely through ok as I predicted.

[er88]

Christ Ogier could finish 2nd here

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Get bleep machine ready for Ott if he stops ! ;)

[meh]

Christ Ogier could finish 2nd here

Neuville is not finished yet.

[mknight]

Neuville got quite lucky though. Seems it stopped raining so he has good visibility in the slippery bits.

[TypeR]

Tänak: ,,The quality is amazing!''

[seb_sh]

the way the Hyundais have been lately i would not feel safe if I was Neuville :p

[EstWRC]

Tänak has the most rotten luck this year

Can’t wait this season to be over already.

Goodbye

[meh]

Tänak has the most rotten luck this year

Can’t wait this season to be over already.

Goodbye

I think Rovanperä is quite good competitor on that category.

[wwbroe]

Great drive by Neuville, taking time back after the pass trough the rain

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a stage to end the day !

[svstock]

Hyundai quality control
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ErYIWcAyPrQ

[pantealex]

Ogier is only 18s behind Taka. No team orders needed, that´s only little over 3s/SS

[mknight]

Tänak: ,,The quality is amazing!''

Let's see if he gets called to Korea to apologize like Marcus for being fed up with 307.

[steve.mandzij]

Ogier is only 18s behind Taka. No team orders needed, that´s only little over 3s/SSBut taka has had a decent pace all weekend, and for the team's points it would make no difference. If it's Jari's call I can see him letting taka keep second for his first podium.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

[Fredouye]

From SS8 to SS12, Ogier was 40 seconds faster than Katsuta.

[er88]

But taka has had a decent pace all weekend, and for the team's points it would make no difference. If it's Jari's call I can see him letting taka keep second for his first podium.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using TapatalkOgier will finish 2nd, no doubt about it. Whether by speed or team orders - every pt counts for the championship

[itix]

Let's see if he gets called to Korea to apologize like Marcus for being fed up with 307.I don't know whose idea it was to switch from the 206 to the 307 but that person should be the one apologizing.

They lost the title and all their success thanks to that.

[Oliverk]

But taka has had a decent pace all weekend, and for the team's points it would make no difference. If it's Jari's call I can see him letting taka keep second for his first podium.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

Katsuta lost minute and 12 second to Ogier today.

[meh]

Another Saturday to finish watching rally with disappointment, consistency is amazing.

[focus206]

Ogier will finish 2nd, no doubt about it. Whether by speed or team orders - every pt counts for the championship

He will be 2nd IF Neuville's Hyundai holds together... if not, he will get yet another win.
Great drive by Neuville so far. Shame for Tanak, he deserved better.

[TypeR]

Let's see if he gets called to Korea to apologize like Marcus for being fed up with 307.

why should he?

+ it was more to the mechanics I think..

[itix]

Katsuta lost minute and 12 second to Ogier today.Considering 33 of those 72 seconds was on the final stage, that means 40 seconds on the rest over a distance of 130 km. We have around 52 kms tomorrow and there is an 18 second gap so given no massive drama and similar time loss it will be tight.

Ogier is a beast through power stages though so...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If Ogier finiahed third would he score third place Manu points for Toyota or second place points as Katsuta isnt nominated ?

If its third place points he will definitely get to finish above Taka...

[mknight]

I don't know whose idea it was to switch from the 206 to the 307 but that person should be the one apologizing.

They lost the title and all their success thanks to that.

It's off topic here, but while the 307 by itself wasn't great (dimensions), during the first year the 4-speed gearbox that also kept breaking was the worst part.

Engineers calculated that the shifts were loosing more time than making the gears longer. Problem was that the "stupid" drivers like Gronholm always felt they were in the wrong gear and tried to change down anyway.

Nandan was one of those engineers with that idea and kept that thinking afterwards. (Engineers make the car and drivers use what engineers make). Until he left at end of 2018 Hyundai didn't win a single title and the Tarmac i20 stays on as his legacy.

[mknight]

If Ogier finiahed third would he score third place Manu points for Toyota or second place points as Katsuta isnt nominated ?

If its third place points he will definitely get to finish above Taka...

2nd place manu points.

He will finish ahead anyway.

[itix]

It's off topic here, but while the 307 by itself wasn't great (dimensions), during the first year the 4-speed gearbox that also kept breaking was the worst part.

Engineers calculated that the shifts were loosing more time than making the gears longer. Problem was that the "stupid" drivers like Gronholm always felt they were in the wrong gear and tried to change down anyway.

Nandan was one of those engineers with that idea and kept that thinking afterwards. (Engineers make the car and drivers use what engineers make). Until he left at end of 2018 Hyundai didn't win a single title and the Tarmac i20 stays on as his legacy.Had to do with the massive torque band of the engine. Long story and a debate for another time, on another thread :)

[Eli]

Well at least this time round we have both Hyundai's still in contention which is better than the previous 2 events.

[Myrvold]

It isn't coming back, so either you enjoy it now or you watch some highlights from old Safari editions.

One can always hope.

I feel like there is a general trend these days to make things slightly less streamlined, having somewhat more uniqueness etc. I really hope that WRC gets some properly good PR from this, and that they are able to use it wisely.

[linni]

One can always hope.

I really hope that WRC gets some properly good PR from this

Rovanperä, stuck in the middle of the stage would make it.

[doubled1978]

But taka has had a decent pace all weekend, and for the team's points it would make no difference. If it's Jari's call I can see him letting taka keep second for his first podium.

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk
I can’t see that, Jari will want ‘for sure’ titles on his debut year as team boss. Letting Ogier by to second and have Taka be third, and still on the podium is not a difficult decision to make.

[Allez Andruet]

Any of our Estonian friends here willing to translate what Ott said to Martin after the finish line of SS13?

[meh]

Any of our Estonian friends here willing to translate what Ott said to Martin after the finish line of SS13?

Tänak was saying/questioned to Järveoja: "it was not first time this happening?" (mist on windscreen)

[linni]

First Ott asked Martin: this not the first time it`s happening, isn`t it?

And then: f.king morons.

[meh]

And then: f.king morons.

I can not recognize this from the video.

[Oliverk]

Not so robust. "krdi ohmoonid" is more like god damn fools.

[linni]

Not so robust. "krdi ohmoonid" is more like god damn fools.

Correct, this is the translation more like the original.
But the topic remains the same.

Considering Ott hasn`t said not a word yet about H`s reiablility, the "amazing quality" and "ohmons" is a pretty strong statement.

[Anku]

He lost 16 minutes in 66km today, that is 15 seconds per km.

Respect to him for trying, but he is the living proof of why old people should have taken their license away.
It’s exactly the opposite! His driving style proofs that even at his age he can drive safely even at the hardest rally conditions! More safely than many younger drivers who have crashed out of the rally already.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That Fourmaux near roll
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E41NSXnWUAke1Ou?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Watersplash !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E40oyn-WQAATXpl?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E40jx_sXMBIw_1z?format=jpg&name=large

[AnttiL]

SS15 Hells Gate 1 shortened to 5.63 km via bulletin. Basically they stop where it turns onto small roads. Power stage run will be still as planned…

[Myrvold]

SS15 Hells Gate 1 shortened to 5.63 km via bulletin. Basically they stop where it turns onto small roads. Power stage run will be still as planned…

Hmm why? Or rather - where do you find the bulletins?

[1988senna]

guys .do the wrc cars have the air conditioner or the windscreen hotter system to wipe out the mist?
why the other guys （ogier taka Neuville ）not have the same issue

[MentalParadox]

Watersplash!

These pics are amazing! They look so perfect, almost like screenshots from a game...

Anyway, what a finale. I'm betting Taka will receive a little call from Jari-Matti tomorrow and will be kindly asked to let Mr. Ogier pass. Ogier is fighting for a title and Taka isn't even nominated for constructor's points.

[Rally Hokkaido]

guys .do the wrc cars have the air conditioner or the windscreen hotter system to wipe out the mist?
why the other guys （ogier taka Neuville ）not have the same issue

They don't have the production air conditioner or demisting system fitted (to save weight). I think they use a hotwire system (like on production rear window) and a small blower motor for demisting the front windscreen.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Hmm why? Or rather - where do you find the bulletins?

At every event they are pinned on the Official Notice Board. These days there is a virtual Official Notice Board on each rally's website. Eg.https://www.safarirally.co.ke/documents/

[wwbroe]

Sordo checking in late at TC, so basically being gravel crew for his teammates?