Rally New Zealand 2022

[KiwiWRCfan]

Repco was announced as naming rights sponsor Rally New Zealand 2022 today. Location of harborside service park was revealed as Wynyard Quarter in downtown Auckland. Link to promo video released today
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WkCXnWkOrgo

[KiwiWRCfan]

Itinerary is rumored to include the stage that Hyundai had their first ever WRC stage win on.

[AnttiL]

Itinerary is rumored to include the stage that Hyundai had their first ever WRC stage win on.

Nice choice!

[Maui J.]

Itinerary is rumored to include the stage that Hyundai had their first ever WRC stage win on.

Alister McRae, Hyundai Accent WRC, Te Akau South, Rally NZ 2000.
I was there.
He retired right after that stage win with transmission issues, he must 'rung the neck out of it!'

[KiwiWRCfan]

McLaren Extreme E driver confirms she will compete in Rally NZ despite just a few days turnaround after the electric off road series revised calendar event in Chile. https://talkmotorsport.co.nz/rally/gilmour-to-compete-in-rally-whangarei-with-extreme-e-calendar-change/

[KiwiWRCfan]

The detailed preparations for WRC return to NZ continue.
Rapid response teams for Rally NZ participated in advanced gravel roads driving skills training this week. They were tutored by an experienced rally driver.

[bandit12]

How hard is it to delete every bot with that Rok on it's name?

[KiwiWRCfan]

Rally New Zealand will have representatives attending Rally Portugal this week meeting with teams and drivers interested in competing in NZ

[KiwiWRCfan]

Episode 1 of "Pacenotes the Road to Repco Rally New Zealand"
This is the first of a fortnightly show in NZ helping build public interest as we prepare to host WRC again. It covers rally related content at various levels and is not limited to just WRC.
https://garage.repco.co.nz/pacenotes-the-road-to-repco-rally-new-zealand/

[KiwiWRCfan]

The purpose built driver challenging, spectator friendly, Jacks Ridge is expected to be the Power Stage of 2022 Repco Rally New Zealand. The first release of spectator Gold passes sold out quickly. Jacks Ridge will have limited capacity. A gold pass includes entry to Jacks Ridge. The next release of Gold Passes will happen in early June, I expect they will sell out in days.
This is Jacks Ridge 18 months ago. A lot of development of the roads has happened since then. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnw3mKwTukg

[AnttiL]

After Estonia I’ve been afraid of purpose built power stages but this one didn’t look that bad

[KiwiWRCfan]

Expect a long day on Friday with 3 repeated Waikato area stages and just a midday tyre change zone. Due to time differences fans in Europe and UK will be watching live rally action on WRCplus on a Thursday evening. The day will likely conclude with an evening Super Special back on the Auckland City water front.

[KiwiWRCfan]

The 3 Friday stages of Repco Rally New Zealand 2022 will all be longer than Rally Sardegna's longest stage.

[Eli]

The 3 Friday stages of Repco Rally New Zealand 2022 will all be longer than Rally Sardegna's longest stage.

That’s great news, I really hope we get a longer rally (like in Kenya), after all it’s half way around the world, might as well have a long rally, especially when it’s such a fast and flowing rally.

[Humber]

Heads up for people coming to NZ for the rally this year, to be aware of the personal safety/ property security issues in many parts of NZ that currently exist.
One medical car park had 3 out 6 staff cars stolen last weekend. Car break-ins are common.
https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/new-zealand/2022/05/american-tourist-loses-everything-after-car-broken-into-in-auckland.html

[KiwiWRCfan]

Episode 2 of "Pacenotes the Road to Repco Rally New Zealand" is now online
It includes strong clues about Friday itinerary
https://garage.repco.co.nz/pacenotes-the-road-to-repco-rally-new-zealand/

[KiwiWRCfan]

RG1 has been published.
Confirms early start of the Friday with mid day tyre fitting zone in Raglan.
Shakedown on Thursday will be on same road as was used for SD in 2012
Here is a taster of SD road https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrPR2xO8uwY

[KiwiWRCfan]

A lot of rallying in NZ is on fast flowing cambered public roads. NZ also has tighter forestry stages including some that are within easy touring distance of service park. It is good to have variety.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Michèle Mouton recently visited New Zealand in her role as FIA safety representative in preparation for the WRC Rally New Zealand. Purpose of trip was to check safety preparations of stages and spectator areas. The visit brings us one step closer to full itinerary being released

[KiwiWRCfan]

It's a trifecta.
Ford was today announced as an Elite sponsor of Rally New Zealand. Hyundai and Toyota were previously announced as elite sponsors.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Gold day pass tickets for Jacks Ridge Power Stage have sold out. Less than 100 full week gold passes remain. Going to be some disappointed people who miss out on tickets.

[Rallyper]

So no possibilities to visit stages without those passes? Or Gold passes maybe are luxury versions?

[KiwiWRCfan]

So no possibilities to visit stages without those passes? Or Gold passes maybe are luxury versions?
For Jacks Ridge power stage the passes will be required. It is likely to be only stage that sells out completely.
Will be lots of possibilities for all other stages.

[kirungi okwogera]

Thanks KiwiWRCFan for all your updates. I don't have any news to contribute but I like reading about my old home rally. Glad to see it back in the WRC.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Auckland Domain has been confirmed as opening Super Special Stage for Rally NZ.
This is great news for fans as it will mean very larger crowds are possible for SSS1.
Michelle Mouton has been complimentary on the Andrew Hawkeswood built Jacks Ridge power stage https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/motorsport/129354007/wrc-vow-to-help-hayden-paddon-bring-his-new-hyundai-back-to-new-zealand

[KiwiWRCfan]

Riverhead forest used to regularly have rally stages. Hearing rumors Riverhead could appear on Rally New Zealand itinerary first time since 1996.
If rumor is true it is good news from two perspectives.
1 it adds variety to type of roads used.
2 it is easily accessible for residents of Auckland City.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Looking forward to seeing 2022 Repco Rally New Zealand itinerary announced in next few days

[AnttiL]

Can't wait to write about these stages!

[J4MIE]

Can't wait to write about these stages!

I was lucky enough to spectate at the Silver Fern Rally back in 2012 all around the North Island, the roads are definitely the best in the world bar none.

Just one request that they do Motu……. :D

[pucky54]

Still no regs? Shouldn't they suppose to be released one week ago?

[PLuto]

Still no regs? Shouldn't they suppose to be released one week ago?

Delayed due to some unexpected changes of the road on very last moment.

[J4MIE]

Regulations
https://www.rallynz.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/RNZ-2022-Supp-Regs-Final.pdf

Itinerary
https://data.app.sportity.com/20d5373f-2eb3-4f62-87e8-13cfe765b007/593ff246-7aa4-4d31-a7f2-493dc86155ab_Itinerary%20Rally%20New%20Zealand%20C ombined%20V11%2029072022.pdf

[Tauri_J]

Awfully short saturday. Longest travel to the shortest event.

[Humber]

2022 WRC Rounds - stage distance/ Total route distance and percentage stage/ total distance driven.

Monte 296.63 km 1511.47 km 19.6 %

Sweden 305.85km 1223.22 25%

Croatia 291.84 1642.18 km 17.8%

Portugal 338.34 km / 1522.89 km 22.2%

Sardegna 307.91 km/ 1303.38 km 23.6%

Kenya 359.93 km / 1223.79 km 29.4%

Estonia 313.84 km / 1486.77 km 21.1%

Finland 322.61 km/ 1427.47 km 22.6 %

Belgium

NZ - planned 276.44 km / 1374.47 km 20.1%

(New Zealand Rally Championship rounds Otago 276.10 km / 802 km 34.4% and Whangarei 252.96 km / 710.86 km 35.6%)

Almost better to hold a NZ championship round for route efficiency, the NZ WRC round on the Friday morning is leaving town an hour or more too late. If the wrc leaves town at that time potentially get caught in a traffic jam/ accident slow up etc. They should reverse order the field and get going at 4 am, even if the down the order have to wait somewhere out of town longer)

[EstWRC]

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

[Danny0405]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-can-we-read-into-the-fourmaux-situation/

Interesting part about Bertelli in M-Sport 4th car in NZ; would mean there will be 4 cars in the shipment so maybe one available for Japan (except if Bertelli does it also but also some rumors about Serderidis in Japan)

Also interesting to see how M-Sport will handle that logistically with at least 8 cars at the same moment (4 in the Pacific + 4 in Catalunya at least normally), maybe even 9 with some rumors about Serderidis also in Catalunya (in addition to Acropolis and Japan).
Wouldn’t be surprised if there is some other benching of Breen or Fourmaux by the end of the year to save parts and money.

Other option is to do the 3 last rallies with the same 4 cars (M-Sport already did that with America-Europa-America combo in the past) with multiple shipments but sounds much more complicated with Pacific rallies IMO; all the more that the logistics costs are really high currently.

[Eli]

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

I knew it was a long shot, a really real long shot, but it would’ve been interesting to see Paddon up there in that Rally1 i20.

[ouvreur]

Also interesting to see how M-Sport will handle that logistically with at least 8 cars at the same moment (4 in the Pacific + 4 in Catalunya at least normally), maybe even 9 with some rumors about Serderidis also in Catalunya (in addition to Acropolis and Japan).
The rally cars and spare parts will travel by air, and return to Cockermouth after NZ. It's only service equipment, tents, catering kit and recce cars that travel by sea.

[J4MIE]

As far as I know the teams have one set of ‘long haul’ kit they ship to these events. This was the reason given that the Safari couldn’t run around its traditional Easter date as it was too close to Argentina.

[AnttiL]

As far as I know the teams have one set of ‘long haul’ kit they ship to these events. This was the reason given that the Safari couldn’t run around its traditional Easter date as it was too close to Argentina.

Yes, and that's why you can't run for example Mexico and Argentina back to back.

One of the biggest logistical challenges in the recent years has been from Estonia to Turkey with a two-week gap (essentially one week for packing, traveling and unpacking). And IIRC Ypres was supposed to be a third event with a two-week gap but they postponed that (and eventually cancelled)

[KiwiWRCfan]

Entry list for WRC is due for release this Monday September 5th.
44 entries have been received for the 2 day NZRC event that is running after the WRC field on Friday and Saturday.

[Eli]

Sébastien Ogier will return to Rally NZ after 12 years since his last visit: https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/sport/2022/09/motorsport-eight-time-world-champion-sebastien-ogier-returning-to-headline-rally-nz.html

[mknight]

While I totally understand his motivation, from Toyota manu points view it's kind of backwards with Lappi in Greece and Ogier in NZ.

Helps that Toyota is almost certain to win manu title already so they don't need to think about it.

[AnttiL]

While I totally understand his motivation, from Toyota manu points view it's kind of backwards with Lappi in Greece and Ogier in NZ.

Helps that Toyota is almost certain to win manu title already so they don't need to think about it.

Ogier has experience from NZ. With best start position he is a favourite for the win

[Humber]

Lappi was 2nd Rally Whangarei/ NZ (APRC) in 2013 - MRF Skoda Fabia S2000.

[AnttiL]

Lappi was 2nd Rally Whangarei/ NZ (APRC) in 2013 - MRF Skoda Fabia S2000.

Whangarei stages not used this year I think. But yeah, better than no experience.

[mknight]

Quite a long time since Ogier was in a fight for win on a fast gravel rally. Maybe Finland 2017?

[AnttiL]

NZ isn’t particularly fast. Slower than Wales and Sweden for example

[AnttiL]

Quite a long time since Ogier was in a fight for win on a fast gravel rally. Maybe Finland 2017?

In Finland 2017 he crashed out on SS4

[mknight]

In Finland 2017 he crashed out on SS4

Yes but on the first stages he was 2nd even when opening the road, really can't remember without searching when he was fighting at the top on a similar rally afterwards.

Granted, the fact that he usually opens the road on these affects the perceived speed.

[AnttiL]

Yes but on the first stages he was 2nd even when opening the road, really can't remember without searching when he was fighting at the top on a similar rally afterwards.

Granted, the fact that he usually opens the road on these affects the perceived speed.

Most of that second place was due to good performance on Harju. SS2 5th, SS3 10th. And for example SS2 winner Suninen wasn’t fast on Harju.

[AnttiL]

I would rather look at Ogier's performance on these medium-fast gravel rallies with mostly smooth but slippery roads.

- Portugal 2017 win, 2015 second, 2016, 2019, 2021 third
- Wales 2018, 2013-2016 win, 2017 third
- Mexico 2018, 2013-2015 win, 2016-2017 second

[Andre Oliveira]

29 entries

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fb4i9XdXwAEyITs?format=jpg&name=large

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/73367-repco-rally-new-zealand-2022/

[er88]

New Zealand is actually very technical in places, lots of medium speed corners flowing into each other with lots of camber. If its bone dry we will likely see the biggest cleaning in the whole championship as well - which should be perfect for Ogier

[AnttiL]

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-2190324/New%20Zealand/Waikato/Hamilton%20City/Hamilton

Weather forecast on the area where Friday stages are driven. Right now rainy on the upcoming days...

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/09/20/route-preview-rally-new-zealand-2022/

This is my route preview with Hayden Paddon's comments for almost every stage!

[J4MIE]

New Zealand is actually very technical in places, lots of medium speed corners flowing into each other with lots of camber. If its bone dry we will likely see the biggest cleaning in the whole championship as well - which should be perfect for Ogier

Yes you can bet that’s one of the reasons he’s there - a chance to add another Classic victory to his impressive list.

[AnttiL]

I looked back into the 2012 event. Back then we had qualifying, and Latvala picked to be 13th on the road, Hirvonen first on the road. And still they were quite close to each other in the results. But especially on Whaanga Coast, Hirvonen made a monster of a stage win. It was damp from pre-rally rains. Could it be same now?

[AnttiL]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2022/wrc/fourmaux-pulled-from-new-zealand-entry/

Fourmaux not starting

[mknight]

Weird timing of the announcement.
Did they first decide now (after Greece?) or did they just wait with announcing it?

[dimviii]

At Acropolis i saw Fourmaux talking with Mrs Wilson for more than two hours at restaurant tent.Seemed strange to me.

[atsiotras79]

At Acropolis i saw Fourmaux talking with Mrs Wilson for more than two hours at restaurant tent.Seemed strange to me.
Talking about strange… I saw him doing Meteo Crew on Saturday at SS Pyrgos…

[AnttiL]

M-Sport will have only two manufacturer point cars in New Zealand?

[Eli]

M-Sport will have only two manufacturer point cars in New Zealand?

Yes, it's not as if they're fighting for any championship, I guess they'd rather save the expenses of running another car that might be wrecked at the end of the weekend.

[WRCStan]

Weird timing of the announcement.
Did they first decide now (after Greece?) or did they just wait with announcing it?

Mad how he missed a round because the car couldn't be fixed in time, and after then they reassessed his targets.

OK.

Hope he stays away from any mountain bikes between now and Catalunya.

[cali]

Well this was unexpected... :D
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1572209024418086914?t=c59NanigTl5T5UkT1xpSjA&s=19

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[KiwiWRCfan]

Every charter helicopter available has been booked out by fans to travel between stages on Friday and Saturday stages. Expect some interesting photos of helicopter parking areas. What is the most choppers previously see on a WRC event ?

[Rallyper]

Some 27-28 once on Moksi-Leustu about 15 years ago...

[Jewy46]

I think I counted 32 helicopters in a field at the Donegal International Rally, Ireland 2007. We had an economic boom at the time. Crazy. Not even a WRC event, but ran on the same scale

[Hartusvuori]

Every charter helicopter available has been booked out by fans to travel between stages on Friday and Saturday stages. Expect some interesting photos of helicopter parking areas. What is the most choppers previously see on a WRC event ?

36 helicopters in Rally Finland this year. I have heard similar number from earlier years too, meaning since mid 2000's.

https://twitter.com/KaiTarkiainen/status/1559082846672850945?s=20&t=GrBRGdhPXCMe23hUtAUpXg

[Rallyper]

Some 27-28 once on Moksi-Leustu about 15 years ago...

I counted on one place. Not whole event...

[Tauri_J]

Looks to be pretty wet, especially Friday.

How's New Zealand gravel when wet?

[Humber]

Usually there less disadvantage to the early front runners when the roads are wet as a generalisation. Though sweeping on the first day would be expected. ( Remember the last day 2001, Burns losing time to McRae by being first on the road, McRae second on the road following in Burns' wheel tracks, though quicker could not make up the time difference)

The size of the cuts the WRC cars take, it could be expected that mud/ dirt could be put on the roads.
If the NZ cars run behind WRC cars and stack the gravel in the different 'slow car' lines, second passes could be difficult for early running wrc cars.

I would not be surprised if the NZ championship cars are limited to a single pass on some stages so the roads are not damaged excessively. The recce if wet could churn roads.
https://www.weatherwatch.co.nz/forecasts/Auckland

[AnttiL]

Finally some rain on the forecast for Thursday and Friday

[EstWRC]

why finally?

you have prayed for it? ;)

[Tauri_J]

Finally some rain on the forecast for Thursday and Friday

Forecast has changed. Rain moved mostly to saturday.

E: Fridays's stages are pretty far in south and they Will get some rain before rally.

https://www.upload.ee/image/14532738/Screenshot_2022-09-26-19-21-03-501_com.android.chrome.png

[AnttiL]

Look for Hamilton or Te Akau forecasts for Friday stages

[AnttiL]

why finally?

you have prayed for it? ;)

For a week it has shown no rain until Friday afternoon (which is too late) ;)

But it could still change, of course

[Mk2 RS2000]

For late Thursday and Fridays forecast suggest you search for Raglan Airfield as that will give you the best central location for Fridays weather conditions

[Andre Oliveira]

Pic of Massimo Bettiol

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdpD3zUWIAAP1vd?format=jpg&name=large

[Eli]

Pic of Massimo Bettiol

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FdpD3zUWIAAP1vd?format=jpg&name=large

Wow, absolutely stunning, just strengthens my opinion that M-Sport should’ve gone the black rims option, would look so much better with that purple Puma.

[mknight]

My daughter loves the purple Puma!

[Eli]

My daughter loves the purple Puma!

She’d love it even more with blue or black rims.

[AnttiL]

Wow, absolutely stunning, just strengthens my opinion that M-Sport should’ve gone the black rims option, would look so much better with that purple Puma.

Are the black rims only for transportation wheels? Just like some teams had red ones some years back

[Hartusvuori]

Are the black rims only for transportation wheels? Just like some teams had red ones some years back

It had white rims on transportation.

[Tauri_J]

Heli footage is in serious jeopardy with this kind of weather.

Hope no canceled stages.

[TypeR]

Should have golden rims, would match the roof..
To me these look like spare steel wheels :D

But still good to see Bertelli driving and some totally different(cool) livery :)

[Rallyper]

Just a reminder: Pickems closing is early Thursday. At 07.00 CEST.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Can’t believe I’m back in the WRC, my first event since Mexico 2020!

Looking forward to this week and weekend ahead, new WRCars, the crew in, around service and the media! Oh, the organizers too.

So far the stages have been fast and flowing, scenic and amazing.

[pantealex]

Can’t believe I’m back in the WRC, my first event since Mexico 2020!

Looking forward to this week and weekend ahead, new Rally1 cars, the crew in, around service and the media! Oh, the organizers too.

So far the stages have been fast and flowing, scenic and amazing.

Fixed it. I forgive you since your brake was so long ;)
(no WRCars anymore)

[svstock]

Vote now! https://strawpoll.com/polls/eJnv7E4EWgv Your pick! OVERALL
Voting closing 30.09.2022 / 00:10 EEST

Vote now! https://strawpoll.com/polls/1MnwvJYp1y7 Your pick! POWER STAGE
Voting closing 02.10.2022 / 05:00 EEST

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/307955510_10159234957395678_7040640833140118424_n. jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=cwt2V5SATIoAX-jmgae&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT8124QcLcszXEd4QwG7nGjeHCu9_bv3cYDd7-fTA4IuZA&oe=63381662
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/307978268_10159234957380678_8200898354052525566_n. jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=M2eIZ7dbxEkAX_F1OxH&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT9pr_A3Xl-NuUH2-ao_OTzQpJcRz5nePeTZA2M2yzl3bg&oe=63381315
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308002445_10159234957195678_8040157879035451830_n. jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=peZNRL2Vp28AX9jndPQ&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT9jYNqQ8YiMuHLoagj1aasLJYffkdJC85ss-AqeeGwwaw&oe=6337B434
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/307965695_10159234957025678_8141084824611474480_n. jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Jm6HFYUkbKUAX_NHK4d&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT8O6SwLQf7S-oXY4BiInCrn26xvPTeVw9RePOIm0sd0PA&oe=63385D6F
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/308111116_10159234957175678_7130497550056381430_n. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rfABdhkiOJsAX8QOml9&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT_xSGm4MoEUAPqRMZxcgs9A06-7Pp8FTlMUt84hecPwLA&oe=633852EF

[EstWRC]

This is one of my favourite rallies but dunno, the itinerary is weird to me. Mega long friday, over half of the distance already and of course with no service and what is this Sunday with such a short stages? Like a sprint.

so only 3 drivers out of current bunch have been competing here previously - Ogier, Neuville and Tänak but that was 10 years ago and with such a different type of machines. Ott said in the betsafe blog that he basically doesnt remember anything from that year.

If it rains my money is on Tänak, has nothing to loose and im sure he will go flat out since the beginning, if it stays dry then of course Ogier.

Anyway, cant wait, such a amazing stages and its gonna be long sleepless nights.

[Eli]

This is one of my favourite rallies but dunno, the itinerary is weird to me. Mega long Friday, over half of the distance already and of course with no service and what is this Sunday with such a short stages? Like a sprint.

so only 3 drivers out of current bunch have been competing here previously - Ogier, Neuville and Tänak but that was 10 years ago and with such a different type of machines. Ott said in the betsafe blog that he basically doesn't remember anything from that year.

If it rains my money is on Tänak, has nothing to lose and I'm sure he will go flat out since the beginning, if it stays dry then of course Ogier.

Anyway, cant wait, such a amazing stages and its gonna be long sleepless nights.

Long sleepless night, as you mentioned the Saturday & Sunday are mostly a Joke, I honestly don't know why they did the Saturday so short (Sundays with 30kms~ has become pretty much the norm unfortunately), could've given us at least another 40kms, as someone previously mentioned here, most of us fans are from outside Oceania, and we're staying up all night anyhow to see the culmination of the title fight. Really hope that they manage to renew the contract for 2023 and that the rally will be another 100-130 kms longer, cause honestly it's a shame to go through all this effort just to see barely 280kms.

For now, it seems the rain has shifted to Saturday, really, really hope they won't have technical issues (or punctures for that matter) and it will be a straight fight between Tänak & Rovanperä from beginning to end.

[AnttiL]

Saturday route had some last minute change. I assume the short Komokoriki stage is a last minute substitution for a longer stage or the leg was supposed to have a fourth stage.

[Mk2 RS2000]

Sleepless nights, now some may realise what motorsport followers in this part of the world live with when following WRC. ERC F1 F2 DTM And Indycar etc

[AnttiL]

If it rains my money is on Tänak, has nothing to loose and im sure he will go flat out since the beginning, if it stays dry then of course Ogier..

This. And if it's dry it's really difficult to guess who comes second.

Now the forecasts are giving only very slight rain on Thursday and just a little bit more on Friday. I doubt it will be enough to cancel the sweeping effect.

[Humber]

This is one of my favourite rallies but dunno, the itinerary is weird to me. Mega long friday, over half of the distance already and of course with no service and what is this Sunday with such a short stages? Like a sprint.

so only 3 drivers out of current bunch have been competing here previously - Ogier, Neuville and Tänak but that was 10 years ago and with such a different type of machines. Ott said in the betsafe blog that he basically doesnt remember anything from that year.
.

Most of the itinerary issues are addressed by the Silver Fern NZ Gravel Rally, to be held in the South Island in November. The stage distance is 3.5 times that of the NZ wrc round. Likely to be single stages around the length of entire Sunday stage distance for wrc NZ. https://silverfernrally.co.nz/

[AnttiL]

I think the expenses and requirements for arranging a historic clubman event are different than when arranging a WRC event.

[er88]

This. And if it's dry it's really difficult to guess who comes second.

Now the forecasts are giving only very slight rain on Thursday and just a little bit more on Friday. I doubt it will be enough to cancel the sweeping effect.If its dry and cleaning on Friday, Breen absolutely has to be targeting a top 2 or 3.

[Rallyper]

Pickems closing tomorrow morning at 07.00 CEST.

[EstWRC]

This shakedown…

[Rallyper]

@anttiL : and the average speed is?

[Rallyper]

Well, I answer myself. Should be around 136 km/h...

[er88]

I've got a lot of complaints about this tinpot itinerary, and that was before I even realised this was the shakedown stage.....

Surely long haul rallies (where you can't test in the country), should have a compulsory proper shakedown stage. 8-10ks or something. Instead we have a minute stage that isn't even representative of the route....

Despite all the issues, still great to be back in NZ.

[Eli]

This shakedown…

With a shaky camera courtesy of WRC All live, and missing Paddon in the process....honestly at this stage I'd rather have more stage cameras and have no commentators. Absolutely useless.

[wwbroe]

Breen fastest sofar, let's see if he can keep this speed up

[AnttiL]

Well, I answer myself. Should be around 136 km/h...

Now 142 km/h.

[WRCStan]

I've got a lot of complaints about this tinpot itinerary, and that was before I even realised this was the shakedown stage.....

Surely long haul rallies (where you can't test in the country), should have a compulsory proper shakedown stage. 8-10ks or something. Instead we have a minute stage that isn't even representative of the route....

Despite all the issues, still great to be back in NZ.

If you've got a stage put it in the rally. Do this 3 times you get 10km with opportunity to fiddle.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a balls-up missing the run of Paddon.

[Humber]

Looks like the itinerary issue will be fixed for 2023.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rally-new-zealand-to-miss-out-on-2023-wrc-slot/10375716/

[Steve Boyd]

What a balls-up missing the run of Paddon.
Are you sure? He isn't a WRC contender - maybe the paymasters chose to not show him!

[Tauri_J]

Yuk, so many donuts.

[meh]

Are you sure? He isn't a WRC contender - maybe the paymasters chose to not show him!

Pragmatically you can skip Paddon, but rally-fans are not too pragmatic persons I would say - travelling to weird places, standing in shitty weather etc to just see passing car for few sec. It's all for emotions, and if you ignore local hero like Paddon is (I assume), then it's not nice gesture for sure.

[TypeR]

Why Evans with extra lights? Next stages are at night only in Europe.. :D

[EstWRC]

Kalle with a mistake already, almost forgot one donut :D

[Rally Hokkaido]

Kalle with a mistake already, almost forgot one donut :D

He tried to leave after only eating half a donut !

[Humber]

Why Evans with extra lights? Next stages are at night only in Europe.. :D

Some parts of the stages are tree tunnels. If the day is cloudy with reduced sunlight just the road headlights might not be enough in some of those sections.

There have been NZ rallies in the past where competitors have been caught without auxiliary lighting at both ends of the day.

[spyros]

Good morning, hope we have a great rally ahead.

[AnttiL]

Ogier took three rounds in the middle round when only two was needed. Lost probably 3-4 seconds.

[AnttiL]

Why Evans with extra lights? Next stages are at night only in Europe.. :D

Sun was setting, if the stage was delayed it would get dark. Or maybe the lights are installed already for the morning to save service time?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Are you sure? He isn't a WRC contender - maybe the paymasters chose to not show him!

But they showed Bertelli.... who Paddon was actually faster than !

[Humber]

74 cars taking the start in the morning.
Paddon to open the road.

[WRCStan]

Are you sure? He isn't a WRC contender - maybe the paymasters chose to not show him!


74 cars taking the start in the morning.
Paddon to open the road.

Has he done something wrong?

[KasperiK]

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/20d5373f-2eb3-4f62-87e8-13cfe765b007/5788c0d2-2687-4a21-94b9-51b6bcdb808f_Start%20List%20for%20Section%202.pdf

[Rally Hokkaido]

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/20d5373f-2eb3-4f62-87e8-13cfe765b007/5788c0d2-2687-4a21-94b9-51b6bcdb808f_Start%20List%20for%20Section%202.pdf

Yes. Humber, I think you were looking at the Section1 Start List.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Earlier in the season there was discussion here that a driver, I think it was Tanak, had forgotten to wear his gloves on a SS. It turns out he had quickly removed them after the FF before the in-car camera footage started. Anyway, I just read through the Bulletins and CoC Communications for this event and found this (Item#2):https://app-cdn.sportity.com/20d5373f-2eb3-4f62-87e8-13cfe765b007/64d9710a-bf9e-4549-92a5-834d1f2753a9_COC%20Communication%202.pdf

[AnttiL]

Earlier in the season there was discussion here that a driver, I think it was Tanak, had forgotten to wear his gloves on a SS. It turns out he had quickly removed them after the FF before the in-car camera footage started. Anyway, I just read through the Bulletins and CoC Communications for this event and found this (Item#2):https://app-cdn.sportity.com/20d5373f-2eb3-4f62-87e8-13cfe765b007/64d9710a-bf9e-4549-92a5-834d1f2753a9_COC%20Communication%202.pdf

I think the same list has been for all rallies since Estonia

[Hartusvuori]

I think the same list has been for all rallies since Estonia

Went back to Sportity and this same communications page has been there since Sweden.

[PLuto]

Went back to Sportity and this same communications page has been there since Sweden.

It is nothing extra special. I have seen it in the WRC in the past and we were publishing similar documents also in ERC in previous years in the bulletin for competitors (and I am sure it was also last year in sportity).

[satukata]

Weather for friday stages?

[pantealex]

74 cars taking the start in the morning.
Paddon to open the road.

Rally has only 28 starters.
Kalle is opening the road, as usual.

[Tauri_J]

Weather for friday stages?

Rain

[EstWRC]

Rain

music to my ears!

[Eli]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fd11F57XEAkGfKN.jpg

First tyre choice of the weekend, going to be a long day with only a midday tyre fitting zone.

[er88]

Not sure why Breen has 6 softs. If it's wet that'll reduce wear and punctures will be non existent you'd imagine (unless someone has an off/rams a bank)

[Mk2 RS2000]

Road constructed of quarry rock and sand clay mix and can be quite hard on tyres

[TypeR]

2 spares gives you a choice to use two new one on long loop..

[Rallyper]

Good morning down under. And good evening to us more westerly fans... ;)
Think I´ll see two stages tonight. Then sleep.

[EstWRC]

I’m planning to watch till morning.

Haven’t been that excited over a long time

[er88]

Hopefully they can get the helicopter up at somepoint

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Morning/Evening all.

[EstWRC]

First split at 13km

Great.

[rp]

Hopefully interesting rally ahead. Have a great night!

[Tauri_J]

Good start Ott

[meh]

In WRC+ live-maps part works for you?

[Tauri_J]

Yes

[Tauri_J]

Thierry down 9.4

[Rallyper]

Small mistake?

[er88]

Good first split from the Ford boys

[meh]

Tiny reminder, like every gravelrally: it's time for friday heroes!

[er88]

All Live massively struggling with picture breakup

[Tauri_J]

Jesus christ give us interviews

[er88]

Tiny reminder, like every gravelrally: it's time for friday heroes!Well, this is the rally to be a Friday hero considering the itinerary!!

[er88]

Neuville must have had a moment in the 2nd split

[Rallyper]

Let´s talk about drivers performances.
Maybe NZ telecom infra structures aren´t that good. Many areas are not really crowded...

[EstWRC]

Ogier not up to speed atm. Losing 4.9 in spl2

[Tauri_J]

Have to be still some cleaning when Gus is fastest

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans lost more time on the SS than this long proper stage !

[Tauri_J]

Splits all over the place but looks like stage getting faster

[EstWRC]

Have to be still some cleaning when Gus is fastest

2.6 up already

[meh]

The weather seems quite British, that is why M-Sport is good :)

[EstWRC]

Kalle and Ott must be very thankful for this little rain

Would have been horrible otherwise it seems

[er88]

Cleaning under the trees but the stage was sodden in the first few sectors

[Tauri_J]

Thank god its wet, otherwise no chance for front runners

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice one Gus !

[rp]

Gus secured already full season for the next year.

[doubled1978]

Really good from Gus. Yes he had the road, but he beat Ogier fair and square.
Conditions must have been really tricky with the wet and dry..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport are 1-2 and with a stage win against Ogier... think I'll go to bed now. ;)

[Mk2 RS2000]

Come on, harden up. Add a teaspoon of cement into your bovrille

[er88]

Gus secured already full season for the next year.His money had already secured that ;)

Anyway, fair play Gus. Let's see if he can keep it up.

[WRCStan]

6 flats lol.

Interesting strategy.

[the sniper]

Watching these stages, I feel compelled to say it is/was a travesty that the WRC didn't try harder to return to NZ sooner...

[Eli]

Shame we’re not getting more stage side cameras, a) to see the landscape better and b) to watch the cars go in Wales spec looks absolutely amazing. Apart from that, an absolute joy having the rally back, it’s been 10 too long years!

[Eli]

Watching these stages, I feel compelled to say it is/was a travesty that the WRC didn't try harder to return to NZ sooner...

And even worse the fact we’ll have to wait until at least 2024.

[EstWRC]

Tänak made tons of changes in the notes before third split

[Rallyper]

Watching these stages, I feel compelled to say it is/was a travesty that the WRC didn't try harder to return to NZ sooner...

Sorry to say I´m not that convinced. I respect the loving of the flowing stages in NZ. But is there any more than that?

I really do prefer the variation of and hazardous stages in Finland or Estonia...

[Tauri_J]

Still no interviews wtf

[Rallyper]

oopsy daisy Neuville!!!

[EstWRC]

Thierry with a spin

[meh]

Neuville did spin at the end and lost 10s extra

[wwbroe]

oopsy daisy Neuville!!!

Just a high speed spin:D

[Tauri_J]

Neuville with a typical mistake

[the sniper]

Sorry to say I´m not that convinced. I respect the loving of the flowing stages in NZ. But is there any more than that?

I really do prefer the variation of and hazardous stages in Finland or Estonia...

The topography and scenery? I think there's a bit more road variety yet to be seen on this event too.

[EstWRC]

Such a close times. Unbelievable. 31kms

[PLuto]

Such a close times. Unbelievable. 31kms

Maybe stages are too easy :D

[EstWRC]

Kalle, Breen and Evans all took basically 2 seconds back from Tänak with the second half. Kalle even 2.7

[er88]

Kalle and Tanak have the rallying and weather gods combining to help them out. Huge huge fortune for them but I'm glad it levels the playing field.

I said before this event, if it was bone dry the cleaning would be by far the biggest in the championship - and we saw on the previous stage how a tiny bit of cleaning under the trees made a difference (and it wasn't exactly dry there, just not as wet)

Love these stages

[Rallyper]

The topography and scenery? I think there's a bit more road variety yet to be seen on this event too.

Well, that has nothing to do with the challenge for the drivers, I´d say.
So, with all respect, I´ll stick to my recent statement.

[jonkka]

No fewer than three top drivers with exactly the same time after over 30 kilometer stage...

[EstWRC]

Ogier just isn’t on it this season for some reason

[Eli]

Ogier just isn’t on it this season for some reason

Perhaps not having Julien with him affects his mind set, I know he was testing with Benjamin but there’s a difference between that and competing together, imho.

[EstWRC]

Perhaps not having Julien with him affects his mind set, I know he was testing with Benjamin but there’s a difference between that and competing together, imho.

Could be also road conditions this stage. Both him and Gus losing a lot compared to previous stage and Oliver even more

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good job so far by Breen and Gus beat Ogier again so pretty decent.

Rhythm is so important here as the stages are so flowing with corner after corner. The Dirt 2.0 game taught me this too.

[wwbroe]

The time of Kajto on Ewrc is not correct, he is 8,8 slower as Paddon

Edit: they changed it allready;)

[er88]

Maybe Ogier will have lost a few % by not doing the full championship/not being in a championship fight. This is his first season semi retired and he's also had punctures at times.
Since 2017 he's only been thinking of the end game which is the the title, rather than being aggressive and putting his neck on the line for wins.

Ogier in his early days at Citroen and then at VW was aggressive and a machine in terms of only wanting wins(+power stage wins) . He's adapted since leaving VW when the competition increased.

[Tauri_J]

Ott again starting strong

[er88]

Julien Porter "sometimes I forget to commentate". Keep forgetting ta

[Rally Hokkaido]

Ott again starting strong

And Thierry again starting not so strong, again complaining of lack of rear end grip

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Woah Neuville !

[wwbroe]

Ott again starting strong

But loosing again towards the end

[EstWRC]

What the hell ott. Again gave almost 2 secs to kalle with last split with just 2.6 kms

[wwbroe]

Still fastest trough tough

[cali]

Neuville all over the road and roadside this morning

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[Tauri_J]

Totally awful showing by Thierry

[wwbroe]

Evans taking time back towards the end as well

[EstWRC]

No comments at all this morning from Kalle and Ott

Unacceptable

[er88]

Taka has been a disaster lately. He seriously needs to step up

[Tauri_J]

No comments at all this morning from Kalle and Ott

Unacceptable
Probably rally leader after this stage and we dont know nothing about Ott's thoughts.

[WRCStan]

Still fastest trough tough

*through though. Don't want to act like police I just enjoy that none of these four words rhyme.

[EstWRC]

Evans taking time back towards the end as well

It’s really weird to be honest. Two stages in a row he drops 2-3 seconds to Kalle and Evans with couple of last splits

But I have noticed this trend also on other rallies this year

[wwbroe]

Ogier looking good on splits

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good morning by Breen but the weather and SS3 & 4 have suited Tanak and his car.

[EstWRC]

Stage win for Tänak and back into the lead

Nice morning

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Got to get to bed now... I've a long drive in the morning and there's heavy rain incoming.:(

Hope you guys enjoy the night.

[Eli]

Same here but only to wake up for the second loop ;)

[Tauri_J]

Live championship standings Ott vs Kalle

Before rally -53
Now -36

[Kenneth]

Van Gisbergen looks pretty fast so far, it's not that common for circuit drivers to jump into rally and be on top after just few events, more so on gravel.

[er88]

Live championship standings Ott vs Kalle

Before rally -53
Now -3629 currently might have raised more alarm bells in Kalle's head!

I know its all hypothetical... , but even Ogier said the mentality between going into this event with a 50+ advantage instead of less than 50, would've altered his mindset. And this is from an 8time champ... , not a kid who has never won a title before and is in the process of chucking his car (and pts) off the road in the last few events.

Will be interesting to see if Kalle can keep a calm head and bring home a much needed result. He's easily got the talent, but the pressure is ever so slightly building....

Although the pressure would've been building a lot more if Mr Neuville was on the pace and in that lead group too, which would've potentially helped Tanak further.....

[Mk2 RS2000]

Lunch over time to go again

[Eli]

Back after a couple of hours power sleep, looks like less rain this time round(?)

[Tauri_J]

Something broken for Ott? Looks way oversteery

[EstWRC]

Something broken for Ott? Looks way oversteery

Weird loss from him and Neuville in second split

Also evans loses a lot there to kalle


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Hats down for Evans if he is also keeping the tyre with such a pace


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tauri_J]

Praying for rain for next stages.

[EstWRC]

Cmon rain where are you

Ridiculous gaps on this stage

[Tauri_J]

You kidding me Craig?

[EstWRC]

Breen in the ditch

[Rally Hokkaido]

The last time they showed Craig running I noticed him slip wide out of the line in a fast left hander. I thought here we go again.....

[Tauri_J]

Rain for Ogier now

[Mk2 RS2000]

Breen off on Colin Mcraes cattle stop corner

[Rally Hokkaido]

Seb from 5th to first place in one incredible stage.

[Eli]

What a stupid and unnecessary mistake by Breen, when the stage side cameras were filming him I was like, next time they’ll mention him he’ll be off, and yep surely enough, that’s what happened.

[EstWRC]

Why Ogier looked so worried


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Tauri_J]

That picture pretty much sums up Breen's season

[Eli]

That picture pretty much sums up Breen's season

Honestly, was a stupid mistake, pushing too hard, you could see he was out of his depth yet he still went for it…wouldn’t be surprised if they bench him for Catalunya.

[EstWRC]

Any rain for next stages?

[Tauri_J]

Any rain for next stages?

No info yet but chances for rain Are higher.

[EstWRC]

No info yet but chances for rain Are higher.

Dry unfortunately

[Eli]

Craig out for the day? Just now saw he lost 18 minutes for that mistake.

[Tauri_J]

Dry unfortunately

Road damp, so better for Ott

[WRC1]

Craig out for the day? Just now saw he lost 18 minutes for that mistake.

Hopefully out from M-Sport finally.....he should do Irish Championship instead.

[EstWRC]

Kalle had luck this time finally

Rain getting stronger for back starters

[Tauri_J]

With tomorrow being soaking wet, wondering where is the best place to start? Definetly not from the back.

[EstWRC]

Ogier is acting so weird this year

Seems it hurts him he isn’t fastest

[TypeR]

Ogier is acting so weird this year

Seems it hurts him he isn’t fastest
This year's Monte hurts him..

:D

[denkimi]

Ogier is acting so weird this year

Seems it hurts him he isn’t fastest
Getting old is not much fun.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Bates with first puncture of the rally - haemorrhaged a lot of time.

[Humber]

Ogier lost rear aero spoiler in Stage 6?, could be difficult in Stage 7 without it?

[Tauri_J]

Didnt Lost that much, but next stage looks faster so could be tough.