Acropolis Rally Greece 2022 (8-11 Sep)

[er88]

Does Loeb even bother coming back next season if Msport can't even prove reliability (nevermind ongoing development) ?

[flat_right]

Ott is 25 points ahead of Thierry

Of course, messed up with Evans.

[Eli]

Does Loeb even bother coming back next season if Msport can't even prove reliability (nevermind ongoing development) ?

Before this event he said he’s enjoying himself and that he’d like to continue in 2023.

[er88]

This is a bit of a monster of a stage. Breen said he was struggling with the heat but seems a decent time

[seb_sh]

Maybe, or maybe MSport reliability is shit.

As I said after the shakedown...

Even driving as slow as Serderidis the car falls apart. This is the actual village team.

Do people still think Loeb is playing mind games pretending to have issues? :P

[EstWRC]

Things not clicking for Ott it seems

Sordo 2 secs up in third split

[Tauri_J]

Things not clicking for Ott it seems

Sordo 2 secs up in third split

Next Split is better, took time out of Evans

[er88]

Tanak needs to properly take care of Lappi (I mean put a decent buffer between him & EP) before any team orders can even be considered

[EstWRC]

Martin said battery alarm to Ott

[Tauri_J]

Yeah I was wondering when the car Will call it a day

[Eli]

And of course they’re not showing us Ott’s stage end interview.

[er88]

Issue for Tanak? Hyundai Co drivers worrying about temp I'm sure

[wyler]

And of course they’re not showing us Ott’s stage end interview.

because he drove away. just listen! : )

[EstWRC]

Issue for Tanak? Hyundai Co drivers worrying about temp I'm sure

Martin said "battery alarm" couple of km from the end

[flat_right]

Issue for Tanak? Hyundai Co drivers worrying about temp I'm sure

Something related to battery

[er88]

Watch the Hyundais all blow up this afternoon

[EstWRC]

seems all Hyundais having some kind of trouble

[er88]

seems all Hyundais having some kind of troubleWill be a real worry for all of them with 2 stages to go

[wyler]

all hiundays getting hot!
(but also others complaining)

[Tauri_J]

Disaster!!!!

[wyler]

loubet spinned out, then restarted...

[er88]

loubet spinned out, then restarted...Distracted by an engine issue. More good news for Msport

[seb_sh]

seems all Hyundais having some kind of trouble

And the Fords even worse...

[Rally Hokkaido]

Loubet was checking engine problem and misjudged braking. Now says he has brake problem.

[EstWRC]

Ott is still standing at the end of the stage, Neuville and Sordo passed

[TypeR]

Tänak started moving

[wyler]

Ott is still standing at the end of the stage, Neuville and Sordo passed

so probably not only hot related issue for him...

[dupanton]

Next stages are shorter so hope the temperature issue will be gone there.

[wyler]

fuel pump + handbrake issue for suninen hiunday too

[er88]

Breen had to drop into road mode

[Tauri_J]

Taka with the usual no hybrid comment :D

[Tauri_J]

Ott pushing

[TypeR]

Tänak no hybrid either

[EstWRC]

Hybrid not wrking again for Ott...

[Eli]

When they’ll go to Mexico next year, the cars will have a hard time.

[Rally Hokkaido]

So proposed changes to 2023 WRC Regs: No stages to be over 25kms long and none to run if ambient temperature is over 30 degrees. Reason: Rally 1 cars can't handle such extremes, lol!

[wyler]

well for now is just warning and minor issues...

[Tauri_J]

Lappi stopped

[wyler]

lappi stopped!

[er88]

Over to you Mr Moncet......

[wyler]

lappi moving

[er88]

If I'm Hyundai, "Neuville you can get your win bonus x2, you can finish the rally as winner, but you will check in late at the last time control"

[Lead]

Remind me why is Rovanpera going so slow all the time?

[meh]

Remind me why is Rovanpera going so slow all the time?

* cleaning the road
* can not find suitable setup for the car / lacking grip
* due the crash and huge time loss - testing different setups and "cruising" to the powerstage

[NOT]

How can i download the onboard videos from wrc+ ???

[Dontcut]

What the hell happened to Lappi? Holding smth on his left shoulder.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Remind me why is Rovanpera going so slow all the time?

Setup or differential balance issue causing a lack of grip in the rear. Taka's car seems to have the same issue.

[dimviii]

Tanaks car started normally after refuell engine stop( about 14 v battery low)

[Rally Hokkaido]

Possible fuel vapour issue for EP. He may have been attempting to switch over fuel pumps by pulling cord behind his left shoulder.

[wyler]

What the hell happened to Lappi? Holding smth on his left shoulder.

from all live can be a fuel pump backup/switch

[seb_sh]

Starting to look like the classic Acropolis. At least the results...

[Rallyper]

Rally Greece will be hardest test this year. If Hyundai rear will be good or not probably means nothing. The driver who wins is the one with least problems...

Wrote this a fortnight ago... seems to be correct analysis...

[Eli]

Loubet also with a small power steering issue.

[Rallyper]

What happened to Evans start?

[Tauri_J]

Ott on a flier

[TypeR]

Tänak's hybrid working now..

[EstWRC]

Meh, okay day, shame about the problems all day, only first and last stage without the problems which maybe cost the potential win

But better than to be retired

[Eli]

Meh, okay day, shame about the problems all day, only first and last stage without the problems which maybe cost the potential win

But better than to be retired

Hope they can bring it home tomorrow, safely.

[meh]

So tomorrow there is massive cruising to the powerstage and maybe battle for third.

This is only theory, some mix of technical issues and punctures and all changed again.

[Danny0405]

So tomorrow there is massive cruising to the powerstage and maybe battle for third.

This is only theory, some mix of technical issues and punctures and all changed again.

Not sure Evans/Toyota has an interest in fighting against Sordo for 3rd position; the 3 additional points are useless for Evans on WDC and on the other hand, beating Sordo would not give them more manufacturer points if Neuville and Tanak finishes without issue; and Evans’ going out could cost much more points to Toyota.
Personnally, I would say Evans to go easy and bring the car home. But short-term pride may make them having a different mind.

[TypeR]

I'm sure Tänak will attack on first stage tomorrow.. if it pays off, he will push till the end..

[Dontcut]

Friday only Fords took stage wins, today only Hyundais. Tomorrow? Evans gives a push for 3rd place and Kalle for PS

[meh]

I'm sure Tänak will attack on first stage tomorrow.. if it pays off, he will push till the end..

Neuville leads with 27.9sec over Tänak

km left: 16.90 + 11.26 + 16.90 = 46.06

It's more than 0.6sec per km. I'm not sure Tänak wants to take this kind of push to take it from Neuville without "gifts" from Neuville (mistake, puncture, team order, ...)

[cosmin_sb]

Mikkelsen was last WRC2 friday morning from 34 cars and now is in top 10

[Rallyper]

Where is Suninen?

[Tauri_J]

Retired

[KKS]

Hyundai team of stars, not a star team... eh. What a useless dogs

[denkimi]

I'm sure Tänak will attack on first stage tomorrow.. if it pays off, he will push till the end..
He would ve very stupid if he did that. I assume that all he will do is drive slow, try to get as much powerstage points as possible and hope that neuville lets him pass.

[NOT]

Well the rally is practically over... hyundai will not risk the PR success of 1-2-3, only sordo will be allowed to push because of Evans, then they might hold neuville in the PS to allow tanak to win max PS points

[Eli]

Well the rally is practically over... hyundai will not risk the PR success of 1-2-3, only sordo will be allowed to push because of Evans, then they might hold neuville in the PS to allow tanak to win max PS points

Assuming (hopefully) their cars won’t break down tomorrow.

[Danny0405]

Virves up 53s against Armstrong before the last 3 stages. Close to the Junior title (Pajari could also win if he finishes 2nd thanks to stage wins but not probable with Creighton and Kimathi still there).

[Dontcut]

Virves up 53s against Armstrong before the last 3 stages. Close to the Junior title (Pajari could also win if he finishes 2nd thanks to stage wins but not probably with Creighton and Kimathi still there).
Hope they run Virves and Armstrong first on PS tomorrow to see some good pure emotions.

[NOT]

I opened the dictinary for the definition of "stupid piece of shit that deserves to die in a horrible accident and none will care" and saw this video...

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KhZIjL02-kQ

they cut a 100+ year old olive tree which has almost sacred status in greece to see a car going straight... and nobody stopped him

what a bunch of subhuman animals....

[Eli]

I opened the dictinary for the definition of "stupid piece of shit that deserves to die in a horrible accident and none will care" and saw this video...

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/KhZIjL02-kQ

they cut a 100+ year old olive tree which has almost sacred status in greece to see a car going straight... and nobody stopped him

what a bunch of subhuman animals....

Honestly NOT, calling those people animals is an insult to animals.

[AnttiL]

Where is Suninen?

Technical issue

https://twitter.com/teemusuninenrac/status/1568631153858412546?s=21&t=bqRF3v7eyeGifVOUZ9F5VQ

[TypeR]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-sordo-failed-to-execute-a-hyundai-team-order/
Disappointing statement from Sordo.. as a ,,all-carreer wingman'' I thought more of him.
,,team Neuville'' x2

[macebig]

They seem to have learnt nothing from the Ypres drama. Moncet should keep his fingers crossed no i20 crashes out tomorrow, then...

[RallyFan13]

Enjoy my Video from Acropolis
https://youtu.be/DDI0JDVR9Fk
Subscribe for more videos

[Eli]

They seem to have learnt nothing from the Ypres drama. Moncet should keep his fingers crossed no i20 crashes out tomorrow, then...

More on that subject: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-should-moncet-do-with-neuville-and-tanak/ well their opinions to be precise.

[skarderud]

My quess, Neuville will do a mistake, and Ott will have some technical issue?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Eli]

My quess, Neuville will do a mistake, and Ott will have some technical issue?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

If they could make it a 1-2-3 it would be incredible but this is Hyundai after all, something’s bound to go wrong, hopefully not but as we’ve seen over the past two seasons, it’s not over till it’s over.

[hari]

Some pictures from a great Saturday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_acropolis_rallye_2022.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis3/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis3/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis3/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis3/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis3/5.jpg

[skarderud]

Is Mikkelsen 8.49 behind Lindholm?
That is a serious chunk of time.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[er88]

They will have to switch Tanak and Neuville. And let Tanak try and win the power stage (without Neuville going for it). 30pts against a few for Kalle is a big swing.

Ofcourse the championship is still a long shot, but Kalle is in a rut. He will be starting to feel a bit of pressure/possibly drive differently etc. He's also in a world of trouble in New Zealand if it's bone dry (the cleaning could be worse there than it is in Greece). Hyundai have to give Tanak every point available...

[WRCStan]

They will have to switch Tanak and Neuville. And let Tanak try and win the power stage (without Neuville going for it). 30pts against a few for Kalle is a big swing.

Regarding the power stage points something I've never really taken in before, there's 24 and 28 minutes between Rovanpera and Tanak and Neuville. They will go into the stage knowing not just his time relative to others and first run, but also his splits, and Thierry could take a decision as late as the final split point whether to back off a tad or not and still beat Rov. If they were friends and colleagues.

Also depends if Hyundai prefer manufacturers power stage points or not. 52 vs a poor result for Toyota. Will Taka be asked to do something? Game on.

[lmmjvss]

Now that has been a fun rally! Friday with the Fords, now with the Hyundais... Sundays are normally just a survival, but it was fun anywa! I wonder if Kalle will start to fell the pressure for the last rounds...

[meh]

Now that has been a fun rally! Friday with the Fords, now with the Hyundais... Sundays are normally just a survival, but it was fun anywa! I wonder if Kalle will start to fell the pressure for the last rounds...

Friday is for "friday heroes" - who can use their awesome road position because of partial or shitty season so far. Reality comes from saturday, in case others from usual leaders reached to usable start position. Only Loeb could survive Saturday from "friday heroes", because he is a hero, or the hero.

[rallyfiend]

Is Mikkelsen 8.49 behind Lindholm?
That is a serious chunk of time.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

Well, after SS1 is was 10 minutes.

I think he's done quite well in the circumstances!

[skarderud]

Well, after SS1 is was 10 minutes.

I think he's done quite well in the circumstances!Yes, good driving obviously. Worst possible timing to do a mistake. He is clearly fastest not-rally1 driver out there.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Rallyper]

GG is fast. Lappi +2,7, or reccespeed.

[meh]

Problems for Evans and seems that only fight for today (Sordo vs Evans for 3rd) is also sorted out before it even started.

[Tauri_J]

What a nightmare rally for toyota.

Thats a lot of points taken off manufacturers point lead by Hyundai.

[Eli]

What a nightmare rally for toyota.

Thats a lot of points taken off manufacturers point lead by Hyundai.

Hyundai drivers must insure they get to the finish.

[meh]

Evans retired.

[Tauri_J]

Tänak pushing it seems

[EstWRC]

Ott on a huge attack

[meh]

Others probably just cruising, but first split from Tänak... 8.2 sec faster. 8.2!

[haris274]

In All live they said Evans has turbo issues...

[Rallyper]

Easy now. Keep this. No fighting so the tacticals work. @Hyundai!

[EstWRC]

But it isn’t enough it seems

[meh]

Tänak: about team orders "Nobody talked to me this morning, quite surprised about the management"

Something is boiling there.

[Rallyper]

Surpricingly weak management from Moncet.

[Tauri_J]

So non rally1 drivers cant block rally1 for taking manufacturer points?

[SubaruNorway]

It's a tricky one, Tänak could end up with 159 points if they let him win, 44 points behind Kalle if he takes none, then it starts to be possible again. Problem is Neuville would be extremely mad I'm sure

[jonkka]

So non rally1 drivers cant block rally1 for taking manufacturer points?

In powerstage non-nominated driver will not score but scores won't extend beyond top five so they effectively do block. In overall classification same applies but manufacturer scores seep down until top two finishers of every team have scored.

[Dontcut]

At the end of the day, second place finisher Hyundai driver is quite angry. Is it Neuville or Ott, doesnt matter. Anyway someone is left really unhappy.
I think Neuville doesnt concede orders.

[skarderud]

Hyundai team is fu##ed, seems to be at a lowpoint her.
Neuville wont help Tänak, thats clear.
Fingers crossed that Neuville will do a mistake.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[DrLill]

Hyundai's management is a comedy :)

[jonkka]

Hyundai's management is a comedy :)

How 's that?

[meh]

From sporting perspective, I don't like team orders.

If you force Neuville to follow team orders, even I don't think it will be the case, you need to listen Neuville's whining rest of your life.

But if I remember correctly, Tänak did some team-play moves last year when he himself was out of the game already.

[meh]

This (currently potential) Hyundai 1-2-3 podium can be quite electric :) The most epic victory for the team but quite intense relationship issues.

[bandit12]

That podium will be awkward anyway...

[meh]

Whoo, Neuville faster than Tänak (in first split). Collecting arguments for keeping the win :)

[meh]

Tänak: "before the stage we were told to hold position, so no more pushing."

[Rallyper]

Is this for real? They´re fighting like nothing else matters!

[Eli]

Baby Neuville, needs team orders to get his worthless win.

[meh]

Baby Neuville, needs team orders to get his worthless win.

I don't think Neuville needs team orders here. By pure speed Tänak could not get the win here.

[ssuvik]

Baby Neuville, needs team orders to get his worthless win.

He was leading by nearly 30 secs. He would win it anyways. It's Ott who needs team orders to win.

[Danny0405]

No split for Gryazin? (Edit: sounds to be only a live timing issue)
Well, in Hyundai, there will a hot discussion; what a mess.

[EstWRC]

Virves has to up his speed finally, Armstrong took another 20 secs out of him

[EstWRC]

“It has never, ever happened in the history of Hyundai Motorsport and this would be absolutely a great result. Whatever comes next is a side topic.

this sentence yesterday by Moncet said it all to me that there wont be orders to let Ott through

taken from here https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/what-should-moncet-do-with-neuville-and-tanak/

[Jakem]

So For Hyundai, satisfying one man ego is more important than to fight for the title. I think Tanak will leave Hyundai end of the year...

[Dontcut]

I sincerely hope that end of the season Tänak misses out of the title by 1-7 points.

[krissucool]

So For Hyundai, satisfying one man ego is more important than to fight for the title. I think Tanak will leave Hyundai end of the year...

Unfortunately, he has nowhere to go.

[meh]

Is this for real? They´re fighting like nothing else matters!

Not really. Additionally to everyone in cruising mode and road cleaning, Mikkelsen drove 3rd fastest O/A on SS15

[Eli]

I don't think Neuville needs team orders here. By pure speed Tänak could not get the win here.

Exactly my point, he doesn’t need it to win it, and yet he still asked for it (presumably).

[Rallyper]

Not really. Additionally to everyone in cruising mode and road cleaning, Mikkelsen drove 3rd fastest O/A on SS15

still fighting mode.

[Dontcut]

Not really. Additionally to everyone in cruising mode and road cleaning, Mikkelsen drove 3rd fastest O/A on SS15

Yeah, and Linnamäe 5th. Absolute joke these sundays.

[meh]

I'm not against Neuville get's the win here.

But "read between lines" feeling is that Hyundai is quite "team Neuville".

[EstWRC]

PS order

Rossel
Gryazin
Lindholm
Greensmith
Lappi
Rovanperä
Katsuta
Breen
Loubet
Sordo
Tänak
Neuville

[Danny0405]

PS order

Rossel
Gryazin
Lindholm
Greensmith
Lappi
Rovanperä
Katsuta
Breen
Loubet
Sordo
Tänak
Neuville

Not a huge fan of the order.
I would have preferred that they put the youngsters from WRC-3 Junior first for the visibility (at least Armstrong and Virves) instead of WRC-2
All the more than the Power Stages WRC-2 points may have an important role in the title fight so the sweeping effect against Mikkelsen is not a gift

[bomber21]

I watched SSS in Olympic Stadium, Bauxites and Pyrgos twice. I had a great time in the nature, Rally1 cars are awesome and I think generally the rally was good and the crowds were big.

[Danny0405]

Virves contained Armstrong in this one.
So it should be only about bringing the car home for Virves now.

[EstWRC]

Not a huge fan of the order.
I would have preferred that they put the youngsters from WRC-3 Junior first for the visibility (at least Armstrong and Virves) instead of WRC-2
All the more than the Power Stages WRC-2 points may have an important role in the title fight so the sweeping effect against Mikkelsen is not a gift

Agreed. I also hoped they will at least bring Virves and Armstrong up to first starters. I mean we have championship deciding stage going on there.

[doubled1978]

I’m normally against team orders, but I just can’t see any logical reason to not apply them in this case. It doesn’t harm the team points in anyway, and Tanak can apply more pressure to Rovanpera.
I don’t blame Neuville, he wants to win and rightly so, but the team should step in here.
Madness if they don’t.

[bluuford]

Agreed. I also hoped they will at least bring Virves and Armstrong up to first starters. I mean we have championship deciding stage going on there.

Their starting order difference is ca 1.5 h, a bit impossible, unfortunately :/

[KKS]

I'm not against Neuville get's the win here.

But "read between lines" feeling is that Hyundai is quite "team Neuville".
+ car Neuville i20 Rally1

Loeb, Tanak, Loubet, Mikkelsen, Solberg do better with non Hyundai cars

[AndyRAC]

I’m normally against team orders, but I just can’t see any logical reason to not apply them in this case. It doesn’t harm the team points in anyway, and Tanak can apply more pressure to Rovanpera.
I don’t blame Neuville, he wants to win and rightly so, but the team should step in here.
Madness if they don’t.

While it's a remote chance, you still have to make the decision. It's happened on numerous occasions in all types of series. It would be typical Hyundai to miss out on the title by a handful of points.......All it will prove is Neuville isn't a team player......

[bomber21]

Tanak was told to hold.

[Danny0405]

If no issue in the last one:
- Sordo, 3 podiums in 3 rallyes this season (and he is on a 5-podium streak taking into account end of last year); 54th podium in career to overtake Auriol and takes 9th all-time alone (and Neuville would achieve his 53th to tie Auriol for 10th position all-time). Ok, Sordo has the road position as he did only gravel rallies so far but with so low seat time and even an unreliable Hyundai at the beginning of the season, it’s pretty good.
- Katsuta, 9th consecutive top-6 finish this season and at least 100 points in 10 rallyes

Consistency

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-respects-team-order-that-came-from-hyundais-president/

Apparently it was the team president, Noh, who instructed to hold positions.

[seb_sh]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-respects-team-order-that-came-from-hyundais-president/

Apparently it was the team president, Noh, who instructed to hold positions.

All is not well inside the Hyundai team. Tanak should go to MSport at least there he can retire due to technical issues in peace and not have to deal with such crap.

[Tauri_J]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-respects-team-order-that-came-from-hyundais-president/

Apparently it was the team president, Noh, who instructed to hold positions.
Well, I hope he at least has permission to push at powerstage.

[EstWRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-respects-team-order-that-came-from-hyundais-president/

Apparently it was the team president, Noh, who instructed to hold positions.

Neuville’s patience was then tested when DirtFish’s Colin Clark pointed out that swapping the drivers wouldn’t have affected Hyundai’s formation finish, but did disadvantage Tänak’s drivers’ title bid.

“Stop asking the same question,” Neuville responded, before walking away from the interview when Clark pointed out he was just trying to get to the bottom of the reasoning.

[manthey]

+ car Neuville i30 Rally1

Loeb, Tanak, Loubet, Mikkelsen, Solberg do better with non Hyundai carsInteresting, what about the setup/development of i20 imposed by Neuvile?

Seems like the situation of Max extracting the full spees from Red Bull vs Perez or Marquez the sole rider for Honda's max performance

Inviato dal mio ELE-L29 utilizzando Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-respects-team-order-that-came-from-hyundais-president/

Apparently it was the team president, Noh, who instructed to hold positions.

video version of this conversation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiZJvrWlVnc

Interesting answer from Ott regarding next year. Good grilling from Colin for Moncet

and Neuvilles behaviour after question, well...

[surdna]

it's just ridiculous if they don't give team orders:
- smaller cap with Kalle benefits also Hyundai manu champ., more pressure on toyota driver
- having a world champ in your team will benefit Hyundai in overall marketing vice etc.
- doing right and hard decisions is what's needed for healthy team climate

Tänak has paid his dues by giving up wins in previous years and now worked himself back to a position where everything could be possible. Neuville needs to understand that he has to put himself in a fav. position first and then others will also gather behind him.

Hyundai with bad car preparation kind of owns some points to drivers also

[wyler]

i don't get all this fuzz. hiunday historical position is always been to privilege manufacturer championship over drivers one. they are keeping their line.
it's strange that people speak about neuville pushing for orders when the real pushing is -rightly so for his personal point- from tanak (in the interview is bitterly referring to Sordo on friday).
it's seams to me a lot of people are losing context. in the end, the accusation of not being a team player to neuville and sordo, looking at their hiunday carreers, is mispointed. on the other side, i think tanak was in his entire career (leaving toyota for mainly that reason) very self oriented -that is legit, don't get me wrong, just analizing-. it seems to me that there's no "team neuville" in hiunday, just "team" and tanak is not there.

anyway, time will tell!

[meh]

as a fan of Tänak (you know, just being a estonian) I just need to state - Neuville is not guilty to leading or take the win here. He deserves that.

[Gonek]

i don't get all this fuzz. hiunday historical position is always been to privilege manufacturer championship over drivers one. they are keeping their line.
it's strange that people speak about neuville pushing for orders when the real pushing is -rightly so for his personal point- from tanak (in the interview is bitterly referring to Sordo on friday).
it's seams to me a lot of people are losing context. in the end, the accusation of not being a team player to neuville and sordo, looking at their hiunday carreers, is mispointed. on the other side, i think tanak was in his entire career (leaving toyota for mainly that reason) very self oriented -that is legit, don't get me wrong, just analizing-. it seems to me that there's no "team neuville" in hiunday, just "team" and tanak is not there.

anyway, time will tell!

And this is probably main point of current situation. At Toyota nobody liked him so they didn’t push to keep him for 2020. Now nobody likes him at Hyunday. He is just not a team player. He‘s focused on himself.

[meh]

And this is probably main point of current situation. At Toyota nobody liked him so they didn’t push to keep him for 2020. Now nobody likes him at Hyunday. He is just not a team player. He‘s focused on himself.

... and Wilson is dreaming to get him back to M-Sport

[tcrown]

This was exactly what was discussed when Tanak joined Hyundai for the 2020 season. Would Neuville let Tanak pass if Tanak's WDC even remotely depended on it. I guess you could find your answer in Dirtfish interview.
Such a shame for this 'team' and its leader.

[EstWRC]

And this is probably main point of current situation. At Toyota nobody liked him so they didn’t push to keep him for 2020. Now nobody likes him at Hyunday. He is just not a team player. He‘s focused on himself.

A guy who got a call from Malcolm not to fight with Ogier during Spain in 17

got a call today from Korea not to push

Respecting the calls both times

In 2020 helped Hyundai to manufacture title while Thierry binned it in monza

And people are calling him a not a team player

Yeah he can be a arse inside the team as I have heard and nobody likes him. But so far he has respected the big decisions

[wyler]

And this is probably main point of current situation. At Toyota nobody liked him so they didn’t push to keep him for 2020. Now nobody likes him at Hyunday. He is just not a team player. He‘s focused on himself.

i would not push it so far. i don't think nobody likes him, it seems unfair to me. i think it is just his approach, is not a bad guy.

[skarderud]

Brynhildsen at 3.place?!

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[tcrown]

A guy who got a call from Malcolm not to fight with Ogier during Spain in 17

got a call today from Korea not to push

Respecting the calls both times

In 2020 helped Hyundai to manufacture title while Thierry binned it in monza

And people are calling him a not a team player

Yeah he can be a arse inside the team as I have heard and nobody likes him. But so far he has respected the big decisions

Also GB 2017 or 2018 when he let Ogier pass on PS. If im not mistaken

[Danny0405]

Rossel rolled and title hopes definitively over

[TypeR]

Lappi also left Toyota for no reason? and returned after Tommi/Mia were sent away..

[wyler]

A guy who got a call from Malcolm not to fight with Ogier during Spain in 17

got a call today from Korea not to push

Respecting the calls both times

In 2020 helped Hyundai to manufacture title while Thierry binned it in monza

And people are calling him a not a team player

honestly yes, i think so, as i said before. i think his approach is more self-oriented (and again, rightly so).
of course, some cases you present are real (unless for 2020 that is too vague to me), but doesn't really mean that much if you put it in context when happened, like spain 17 or today. it's not like the championship is on the line today, right? we talk a lot about still a long shot...

e: still, to be clear, is not that much on today, than his generale behaviour, it's a bunch of things that make a team player, not just a tema order sometimes. of course that's from what i know from my limited point of view, i can be wrong for sure.

[meh]

All top drivers are top drivers because they PERSONALLY want to get titles. They didn't do all their career for helping others. Is it Tänak, Neuville, Ogier, Rovanperä, Evans does not really matter.

Only exception can be clear 3rd car guy like Sordo, who took this role intentionally.

All the time you just need to keep in mind, for whom you are working for.

[wrchirek]

video version of this conversation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PiZJvrWlVnc

Interesting answer from Ott regarding next year. Good grilling from Colin for Moncet

and Neuvilles behaviour after question, well...

…And both drivers were touching their noses during answering Colin’s grilling questions… ��

[cali]

i don't get all this fuzz. hiunday historical position is always been to privilege manufacturer championship over drivers one. they are keeping their line.
it's strange that people speak about neuville pushing for orders when the real pushing is -rightly so for his personal point- from tanak (in the interview is bitterly referring to Sordo on friday).
it's seams to me a lot of people are losing context. in the end, the accusation of not being a team player to neuville and sordo, looking at their hiunday carreers, is mispointed. on the other side, i think tanak was in his entire career (leaving toyota for mainly that reason) very self oriented -that is legit, don't get me wrong, just analizing-. it seems to me that there's no "team neuville" in hiunday, just "team" and tanak is not there.

anyway, time will tell!Remember M-Sport?

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[cali]

Yeah it's funny how some people find Neuville not a team player, others same about Tänak etc.

This is world championship with best drivers, what do you expect? Tänak smelled the chances after Kalle had binned it, Thierry hasn't had a win for a year....

Anyway it goes, there will be sour feelings, it's part of the game. The problem is solely at HMSG leadership and their ability to make timely decisions.

And to claim that Tänak is not a team player is utter garbage, his history proves it otherwise. If you have complaints about his personality then yes, I can agree, not an easy person at all to work with (hearing many reports from TGR and HMSG).

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[seb_sh]

A wild run from Breen, seems he's overdriving lately.

[Eli]

A wild run from Breen, seems he's overdriving lately.

But finally with points in the bag, like he said, kept it in the middle of the road, hopefully he can keep it up till the end of the season.

[Humber]

Well done, Loubet

[wyler]

If you have complaints about his personality then yes, I can agree, not an easy person at all to work with (hearing many reports from TGR and HMSG).



that's to me is totally inside the notion of a team player, as it not means to me "helping your teammates to win your race" rather "working well (with good disposition) with the entirety of the personnel".

[meh]

Neuville in team-player mode on PS, cruising and leave 5 points for Tänak (if he does not carry any trouble)

[cali]

that's to me is totally inside the notion of a team player, as it not means to me "helping your teammates to win your race" rather "working well (with good disposition) with the entirety of the personnel".We can go on with this debate for days I guess and while I agree with you I also disagree with some parts of it. Remember certain Colin McRae or Juha Kankkunen?

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[cali]

Good interwiev with Ott, well said!

And congrats to HMSG! WELL DONE!

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[meh]

This discussion here is kind of "fan of Tänak" convinces "fan of Neuville", that being "fan of Tänak" is more correct than being "fan of Neuville" and vice versa :)

The point is - if it runs out of arguments, it's just an religion and sympathy. No one is changing it easily and fights are easy to come.

[cali]

This discussion here is kind of "fan of Tänak" convinces "fan of Neuville", that being "fan of Tänak" is more correct than being "fan of Neuville" and vice versa :)Haha I agree! Everybody likes to win, even the fans :D

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[krissucool]

Don't be ridic, nobody is a "fan of Neuville"

[meh]

Hyundai 1-2-3 is done, congrats!

[Essaj]

Don't be ridic, nobody is a "fan of Neuville"

I was today :D

[meh]

But this song "the most important is to have 1-2-3 for the team" does not serve the goal for not playing for Tänak's title hopes :)

[TypeR]

Actually it's not about ,,against Neuville''.. but about noballs management to put things straight earlier.

[krissucool]

I was today :D

No worries, we all make mistakes

[EstWRC]

Who would have guessed this 2 months or even a month ago?

Three straight wins in a row and a 1-2-3 here now for Hyundai

[becher]

Don't be ridic, nobody is a "fan of Neuville"

Perfect timing! You just proved that the outrage about this nonexistent drama on this forum is just down to this place being a Tänak fan club.

[AndyRAC]

Actually it's not about ,,against Neuville''.. but about "no-balls" management to put things straight earlier.

It's weak management....Strong management would take the correct action and not worry about upsetting drivers. All successful teams in motorsport will have to make these decisions occasionally.

[robertr]

Okay, the Powestage made the whole Hyundai beef even more stupid.

Neuville was allowed to win and take valuable 7 points from Tänak, then decided to crawl through PS and get 0 points from there. Absolutely idiotic waste of points.

[wyler]

It's weak management....Strong management would take the correct action and not worry about upsetting drivers. All successful teams in motorsport will have to make these decisions occasionally.

still the point is which is the "correct action"...
it's really what tanak declared: driver championship vs team other interest (manu's champ, pr, brand identity)
and hiunday clearly - and historically - is on the team over drivers side.

[EstWRC]

still the point is which is the "correct action"...
it's really what tanak declared: driver championship vs team other interest (manu's champ, pr, brand identity)
and hiunday clearly - and historically - is on the team over drivers side.

It wouldn’t have made any difference in team points if they would have swapped and also PR WISE

Still 1-2-3

[Eli]

Who would have guessed this 2 months or even a month ago?

Three straight wins in a row and a 1-2-3 here now for Hyundai

Exactly, who would’ve thought back in Kenya that Hyundai would get a 1-2-3 in one of the tougher Acropolis’ rally, huge congrats to them & to all podium finishers.

[cali]

It wouldn’t have made any difference in team points if they would have swapped and also PR WISE

Still 1-2-3Probably didn't want to risk it and it's drama anyways either it's unhappy Tänak or Neuville and all that aside Thierry deserved it.

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[macebig]

Let's face it, it wasn't a great decision from Hyundai.With those 7 points you get the gap down to 45. Tanak only then needs to take 20 points off Rovanpera to put the pressure on the Finn for Japan. Regardless, from a team POV it changes nothing. Loubet and Breen salvaged something out of another catastrophe for Ford. A rally to forget for Toyota, eased off by Rovanpera saving some points in the PS. Special mention for Tsouloftas who made it Top 10 overall and 3rd in WRC2 in the old Polo.

[wyler]

It wouldn’t have made any difference in team points if they would have swapped and also PR WISE

Still 1-2-3

exactly. it's the same also if u turn it around. if it's the same, why do it? it's already good without messing whit team order (never good for pr).

Tänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
"If you want to fight for a championship, the decision to have no team orders was wrong. If you want to have good PR, it's a good decision"

[AnttiL]

Yeah, and Linnamäe 5th. Absolute joke these sundays.

So, even additional tyre change before PS does not help.

[EstWRC]

exactly. it's the same also if u turn it around. if it's the same, why do it?"

Because to put pressure to Toyota and Kalle and still have a chance for the title

But it is what it is. It’s over and done now

[PLuto]

Not a huge fan of the order.
I would have preferred that they put the youngsters from WRC-3 Junior first for the visibility (at least Armstrong and Virves) instead of WRC-2
All the more than the Power Stages WRC-2 points may have an important role in the title fight so the sweeping effect against Mikkelsen is not a gift

If you look into start list to Leg 3, there is no chance. First WRC3 Junior crews starts 1:40 after first cars, so no chance to move them forward in 40 min regrouping.

[Eli]

I still find it odd that Neuville didn't go for some points on the powerstage, if the manufacturers title is so important you'd expect the team to do everything to get the maximum amount of points, especially when Toyota has had such a torrid run.

[NOT]

The only professional team is toyota... Hyundai are idiots. Sabotaging thier only hope at a championship... And ford has an errand boy as team manager.

Overal the rally was great...

[wyler]

Because to put pressure to Toyota and Kalle and still have a chance for the title

But it is what it is. It’s over and done now

honestly, i would agree with less point distance, 7 out of 50ish is not that change in pressure to me. toyota has to do multiple total suicides to concede one of the championships. i can't see another greece for them.

but you're right! done and dusted. let's head to the kiwis!

[Mise]

Sum this all up and you get the following:

Tanak will be in Ford next season and Hyundai doesn't want him to be a raigning World Champion in there.
Of course Neuville will continue at Hyandai so they want him to feel the love of the team.

If that isn't the case then this was the worst team order ever. Because it will help Kalle the most.

Edit: Makes even more sence if Tanak already have signed with Ford.

[wyler]

I still find it odd that Neuville didn't go for some points on the powerstage, if the manufacturers title is so important you'd expect the team to do everything to get the maximum amount of points, especially when Toyota has had such a torrid run.

to me he was scared. belgium still burning, and pressure from tanak also. imagine if it had binned again fighting...

[wyler]

Sum this all up and you get the following:

Tanak will be in Ford next season and Hyundai doesn't want him to be a raigning World Champion in there.
Of course Neuville will continue at Hyandai so they want him to feel the love of the team.

If that isn't the case then this was the worst team order ever. Because it will help Kalle the most.

raigning champ?? i really couldn't see kalle lose this title.

[macebig]

The only professional team is toyota... Hyundai are idiots. Sabotaging thier only hope at a championship... And ford has an errand boy as team manager.

Overal the rally was great...

What a turn around from the "finnish village team", some older members will remember well...

[Mise]

raigning champ?? i really couldn't see kalle lose this title.

Of course you don't. Hyundai made sure it won't happen.
But the fat lady hasn't sing yet and Hyundai has a big momentum and
all the pressure is at Kalle. And he is still very young.

[Eli]

to me he was scared. Belgium still burning, and pressure from Tänak also. imagine if it had binned again fighting...

Then we'd see Loubet on the podium and he would've completed his circle.

[Tauri_J]

I still find it odd that Neuville didn't go for some points on the powerstage, if the manufacturers title is so important you'd expect the team to do everything to get the maximum amount of points, especially when Toyota has had such a torrid run.

Didnt you hear? Main target was 1-2-3 then all comes after. Village team

[Eli]

Didnt you hear? Main target was 1-2-3 then all comes after. Village team

You mean PR, pardon, good PR ;)

[Tauri_J]

Well yeah, 1-2-3 is an excellent PR.

[Tauri_J]

Is it too early to say that the tide is shifting?

Heroic unhuman effort by Tänak in Finland, Kalle's crash in Ypres, Toyota's falling to pieces in here or is Hyundai now equal or Even better overall?

[mknight]

I'd do team orders but did you actually notice that Latvala said he would not?
(They didn't in Sweden 2020).

Would Toyota management be called all sorts of things then?

[Eli]

Is it too early to say that the tide is shifting?

Heroic unhuman effort by Tänak in Finland, Kalle's crash in Ypres, Toyota's falling to pieces in here or is Hyundai now equal or Even better overall?

And no mention about Evans' torrid run in here, I mean sure, it wasn't his fault having that failure this morning but pace wise even Sordo managed to overtake him for third.

[Tauri_J]

Lappi showed some flashes of speed but overall Toyota's were slow indeed.

[surdna]

Tänak been too loud during the season and now team had their payback? If you don't play ball we don't. In the same time, Hyundai has started to perform so maybe all that criticism have not been for nothing.

[EstWRC]

Toyotas had new dampers here, thats why they were slow. Dirtfish published a pic of Kalles quote of it (where he confirmed this and said he didnt have a feeling on the test already) but now they have removed this, at least i couldnt find it anymore

[AndyRAC]

I'd do team orders but did you actually notice that Latvala said he would not?
(They didn't in Sweden 2020).

Would Toyota management be called all sorts of things then?

That's slightly different; that was the second event of the season, which is far too early for teams orders. We're now at the business end of the season.....

[tcrown]

anybody got some live pictures from the finish for jwrc podium?

[EstWRC]

And Virves is JWRC champion!

amazinngggggg. he has really made an big step forward this year with speed and also stabiity

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FcX7QDLXkAABo8E?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

Also Tsouloftas gained 3 rd position at power stage from Brynildsen

[focus206]

Great 1-2-3 result for Hyundai. I think so far it's safe to say that the car is more robust compared to the old one in terms of suspensions that don't randomly fall off anymore... interesting to see they seem also to have less gremlins than the disastrous beginning of the year, but if I recall correctly Tanak said they did nothing about them?
I understand both Neuville and Tanak's points of view, but honestly no matter what they do, no way Kalle is losing the championship. If it was a small gap, then not issuing team orders would have been very wrong.

[becher]

I'd do team orders but did you actually notice that Latvala said he would not?
(They didn't in Sweden 2020).

Would Toyota management be called all sorts of things then?

No, golden boy Tänak was not involved back then.

[Eli]

You could bet Ott would do everything had the gap been reduced to 44 points, sure he’ll still go for it in New-Zealand, less road cleaning than here in Greece. Now though, Kalle needs just to outscore Ott by 8 points in NZ.

[EstWRC]

Estonian media reportin that Kalle and Thierry were 8 and 12 minutes late to the last control point but so far no penalties yet, they dont know if the rules are there different or not

[NOT]

My pictures from the event.

https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=2175388169288851&set=pcb.2175393962621605

[mknight]

That's slightly different; that was the second event of the season, which is far too early for teams orders. We're now at the business end of the season.....

True, but Latvala said in an interview today (or yesterday?) that he wouldn't do teamordets if he was boss at Hyundai.

So if Tanak doesn't like it, the situation won't be better at Toyota.


Malcolm would without a doubt do teamorders.

[WRCStan]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-respects-team-order-that-came-from-hyundais-president/

Apparently it was the team president, Noh, who instructed to hold positions.

People forget Kim (not Noh) assumed the team principal roll and Moncet is his deputy team principal. It's not unusual request even if it was 'Korea' minded and not sporting. Why Dirtfish insist calling Moncet deputy director, I just don't know.

[doubled1978]

While it's a remote chance, you still have to make the decision. It's happened on numerous occasions in all types of series. It would be typical Hyundai to miss out on the title by a handful of points.......All it will prove is Neuville isn't a team player......

I wouldn’t sling any mud at Neuville, it’s on the team to make the call. Honestly, I wouldn’t want a driver in my team who ‘willingly’ gave up a win without being asked, as he doesn’t have the killer instinct required to get the job done.
I do question the management of the team and if Neuville has been in their ear to keep the win, allowing him to influence them.
Maybe Tanak’s comment about Moncet going back to building engines has bitten him in the arse.

[doubled1978]

Toyotas had new dampers here, thats why they were slow. Dirtfish published a pic of Kalles quote of it (where he confirmed this and said he didnt have a feeling on the test already) but now they have removed this, at least i couldnt find it anymore

Different make of dampers?
Wow, if so that is a strange decision to take part way through a season that is going so well.

[cali]

I wouldn’t sling any mud at Neuville, it’s on the team to make the call. Honestly, I wouldn’t want a driver in my team who ‘willingly’ gave up a win without being asked, as he doesn’t have the killer instinct required to get the job done.
I do question the management of the team and if Neuville has been in their ear to keep the win, allowing him to influence them.
Maybe Tanak’s comment about Moncet going back to building engines has bitten him in the arse.Neuville made the same comment imho

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[tommeke_B]

Tänak has been publicly criticizing the team a lot, even when things went well. He acts like he wants to leave the team. It's normal they don't hand him any presents now given his behaviour... The championship is pretty much lost anyway, against Kalle. Now they can try to secure 2nd and 3rd positions in the drivers championship.

[Danny0405]

Well, even if there can be some questions, great to see Hyundai achieving its 3rd consecutive win (4th of the season) and a 1-2-3. Shows they have improved a lot about the car and that we can wait for something really interesting next year if they find a good organization. And Sordo 3rd podium in 3 rallyes (5 consecutive including last year).

On Toyota, pretty disastrous rally even if it could have been even worse for Kalle in the championship and Katsuta achieved another top 6. But they will have to think about the end of the season, especially Kalle who must stay on the road now (maybe some team orders to wait in NZ).
same for M-Sport with Breen having the puncture but Loubet did some reasonable job with a new 4th position and a Good Friday. And they will clearly to take a look about the car because their reliability is really weak.

In WRC-2, big job by Lindholm to achieve a great win. Mikkelsen saves some points in the end but his mistake will probably cost him the title (with also the engine issues in the 1st half of the season).
And Rossel, in the end, it’s a disappointing season for him (2 high-consequence mistakes and one middle-consequence one): he has not able to prove that he can step up his pace while maintaining his reliability. He’s still at a good level for Rally2 but it needs much more to convince a Rally1 team to invest in you; not even sure he will be in Catalunya with no title hope (backing Camilli could be a better choice to target the win) and not sure Citroen will back him next year again.

[PLuto]

Estonian media reportin that Kalle and Thierry were 8 and 12 minutes late to the last control point but so far no penalties yet, they dont know if the rules are there different or not

Nothing important. As they were at the power stage podium, they received new time for liaison to next time control. So no penalties...

[Eli]

Btw first time since Argentina 2019 that Neuville's won on gravel & as someone mentioned on twitter first time Hyundai takes three wins on the trot.

[cali]

Tänak has been publicly criticizing the team a lot, even when things went well. He acts like he wants to leave the team. It's normal they don't hand him any presents now given his behaviour... The championship is pretty much lost anyway, against Kalle. Now they can try to secure 2nd and 3rd positions in the drivers championship.Both main drivers were, though Tänak was the louder one.
But on the side note, a lot of HMSG workers are leaving from different positions, what I know it was worst in the spring.

It's kind of a mess from the inside to the outside.

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[NOT]

disgraceful showing of greek rally drivers... either worthless dogs that cannot drive a stage without 5 million passes... gormless fat soy boys that cruise because they have deals with sponsors to finish the event and tourists that do not belong in a rally car...

Tsouloftas ridiculed athanasoulas on every stage that was 5km away from his house, made him look like an amateur.

and the belgian guy makes Nombre look like tanak...

Greeks should be banned from entering acropolis rally... they should stick to their village events.

[Myrvold]

Greensmith has 36 points now.
Loubet has 30.
Fourmaux has 9.

Let's gooo!!

[dimviii]

athanasoulas.

was seriously sick all the days,and before 10 days he had a surgery at his foot,that hadnt recovered at all.

[Eli]

Greensmith has 36 points now.
Loubet has 30.
Fourmaux has 9.

Let's gooo!!

Greensmith has now gone ahead of Loeb & Ogier in the standings. Even in his standards his season is worse than last, although that unreliable Puma seems to be firing issued left, right and center.

[meh]

One thing to keep in mind maybe - media is selling (and therefore also creating) scandals. A lot of things are not that dramatic like we can read from media - or you can see HOW and in what context those lines were said.

This is same here, Tänak is not happy about it, but I have not seen any major drama from his side. He is answering questions when those are asked. Hyundai management now need to be sure that Tänak's season will not go that well that he finishes the season less than 7 point behind Rovanperä.

I say again - Neuville deserved the win and congrats! Also Tänak said, that the main problem was he was out of real fight due the differential issues during friday.

One thing is actually interesting - that it was not Moncet who gave orders to Tänak, but some next level guy. We can speculate whatever here, but it would be interesting to know. It also reminds Tänak in Toyota - he talked directly to next level bosses, including Toyoda himself.

[Tauri_J]

Tänak had hybrid issues Friday and differential problems saturday.

Btw that next level guy was Sean Kim.

[NOT]

was seriously sick all the days,and before 10 days he had a surgery at his foot,that hadnt recovered at all.

yes thats why he was fast in stages 3 meters from his house and got beaten like a sack of potatoes in the others.

i saw him in the test near loutraki (last years agioi theodoroi stage) last saturday along with the other hyundais and virves... he did not seem sick or had any problems walking.

[WRCStan]

One thing to keep in mind maybe - media is selling (and therefore also creating) scandals. A lot of things are not that dramatic like we can read from media - or you can see HOW and in what context those lines were said.

This is same here, Tänak is not happy about it, but I have not seen any major drama from his side. He is answering questions when those are asked. Hyundai management now need to be sure that Tänak's season will not go that well that he finishes the season less than 7 point behind Rovanperä.

I say again - Neuville deserved the win and congrats! Also Tänak said, that the main problem was he was out of real fight due the differential issues during friday.

One thing is actually interesting - that it was not Moncet who gave orders to Tänak, but some next level guy. We can speculate whatever here, but it would be interesting to know. It also reminds Tänak in Toyota - he talked directly to next level bosses, including Toyoda himself.

You mean Hyundai's decision not to impose team orders being understood to be a team order itself shouldn't be the focus of 3 Dirtfish articles and 30 pages of discussion here? Well yeah I agree, but clearly we're bored.

[hari]

Some pictures from Sunday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_acropolis_rallye_2022.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis4/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis4/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis4/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis4/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2022/acropolis4/6.jpg

[TypeR]

Greensmith has 36 points now.
Loubet has 30.
Fourmaux has 9.

Let's gooo!!
- Mikkelsen 25p
- Solberg 21p
- Lindholm 14p
- Rossell 11p
* overall WRC points :)

[Myrvold]

- Mikkelsen 25p
- Solberg 21p
- Lindholm 14p
- Rossell 11p
* overall WRC points :)

- Serderidis 6
- Brynildsen 1

Those are a bit weird.

Regardless... I wish I knew why I became such a fan of Loubet some years ago, but I take what I get. Second 4th place this year and closing in on Greensmith. Can't complain!

[mknight]

Well he surely had road position advantage, but it's at least 2nd time this year (first was Portugal) where he is the fastest MSport besides Loeb for most of the rally, while seemingly being paying for everything.

I guess he only does Catalunya for rest of the year?

As it is now based only on performance I'd swap him with Fourmaux immediatelly.

[becher]

One thing to keep in mind maybe - media is selling (and therefore also creating) scandals. A lot of things are not that dramatic like we can read from media - or you can see HOW and in what context those lines were said.

This is same here, Tänak is not happy about it, but I have not seen any major drama from his side. He is answering questions when those are asked. Hyundai management now need to be sure that Tänak's season will not go that well that he finishes the season less than 7 point behind Rovanperä.

I say again - Neuville deserved the win and congrats! Also Tänak said, that the main problem was he was out of real fight due the differential issues during friday.

One thing is actually interesting - that it was not Moncet who gave orders to Tänak, but some next level guy. We can speculate whatever here, but it would be interesting to know. It also reminds Tänak in Toyota - he talked directly to next level bosses, including Toyoda himself.

Absolutely! Dirtfish is jumping on an opportunity like this to get a few extra clicks and on this forum it is mostly a big scandal because of the partisan nature of humans.

[Danny0405]

Well he surely had road position advantage, but it's at least 2nd time this year (first was Portugal) where he is the fastest MSport besides Loeb for most of the rally, while seemingly being paying for everything.

I guess he only does Catalunya for rest of the year?

As it is now based only on performance I'd swap him with Fourmaux immediatelly.

For NZ, Loubet would sound a better choice indeed; clearly, Fourmaux will have to scale back to bring the car home and gain confidence again whereas it’s the last rally where M-Sport can benefit the road position. So a driver with some confidence would be a better choice.
For the two last tarmac rallies, it’s difficult to let Fourmaux’s potential out because they don’t have anyone else with this tarmac potential (and anyway, Loubet has paid for the Catalunya outing).

[cali]

Absolutely! Dirtfish is jumping on an opportunity like this to get a few extra clicks and on this forum it is mostly a big scandal because of the partisan nature of humans.Where do you see a scandal? People are discussing things on this forum which is the basic principle in forums - discussion!

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[becher]

Where do you see a scandal? People are discussing things on this forums which is the basic principle in forums - discussion!

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Some people are discussing it, but Dirtfish clearly is trying to make a scandal out of it and judging by some posts in this thread, some people see it as a scandal.

[hari]

My pictures from a great Acropolis Rally 2022 - Thursday to Sunday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_acropolis_rallye_2022.html

https://www.ir7.at/intro3.jpg

[steve.mandzij]

Congratulations to Hyundai, and to Loubet personally for making a very good case in his favor against Fourmaux for that third seat at M-Sport — I was certain his career had finished after his 2C stint last year.

But focusing on Toyota and Kalle, a huge disaster weekend for all three main drivers. Lappi's good pace is probably not enough consolation for a performance unworthy of the team they have been all season.

Whether it was setup problems, reliability problems, the testing new dampers or whatever, JML needs to regroup the team and come back stronger in NZ. Last time Kalle seemed so lost was on Monte Thursday night.

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[Yugo_para_siempre]

A very beautiful Rally Acropolis, we enjoyed SS6 Livadia and SS8-SS11 Pyrgos in very nice spots.

We managed to enjoy Loeb twice, before his unfortune technical issue.
I am pretty sure that if the car didn't brake he would be in the fight for the win with Hyundais.
At Pyrgos SS8 was clear that he was on a mission like Tanak and Neuville also were. Fantastic drive.
Since he had a time advantage from Friday it would have been be difficult for the Hyundais to catch him.

Regarding Athanassoulas, I think NOT is not fair with him.
On Friday he was 1-1.5"/km from the time of the top drivers with Rally 2 cars. Not only at the stages near his house, but also on the others...
On Saturday's 1st loop he started with a time 1.5"/km at SS8 Pyrgos from the top drivers and continued with 2"/km at the other stages.
On Saturday's 2nd loop he was slower even than his 1st loop and at SS13 Tarzan he had failed power steering for almost all the stage.
The issue with his leg got worse stage by stage, from what we learned.
In my opinion, someone almost 46 years old, with no kms behind the wheel for years, except Acropolis 2021 and 2022.
When his leg was in better condition at the beginning of the rally, he was able to be 1-1.5"/km from the top guys then its enough and shows that this guy had and still has talent...

[dimviii]

Regarding Athanassoulas, I think NOT is not fair with him.
On Friday he was 1-1.5"/km from the time of the top drivers with Rally 2 cars. Not only at the stages near his house, but also on the others...
On Saturday's 1st loop he started with a time 1.5"/km at SS8 Pyrgos from the top drivers and continued with 2"/km at the other stages.
On Saturday's 2nd loop he was slower even than his 1st loop and at SS13 Tarzan he had failed power steering for almost all the stage.
The issue with his leg got worse stage by stage, from what we learned.
In my opinion, someone almost 46 years old, with no kms behind the wheel for years, except Acropolis 2021 and 2022.
When his leg was in better condition at the beginning of the rally, he was able to be 1-1.5"/km from the top guys then its enough and shows that this guy had and still has talent...

everything you wrote is right.
And if you want my opinion ,yes Tsouloftas is faster regardless Lambros was in bad health condition almost all 3 days.

[Myrvold]

Well he surely had road position advantage

Oh, without doubt. But it's not like I can be picky about what to cheer for :p

[Yugo_para_siempre]

Yes, I agree, Tsouloftas is fast and even if Athanassoulas was in good health, it would have been very difficult for him to bit Tsouloftas.

But I do believe that a healthy-fit Athanassoulas, would have been able to be constantly 1-1.5"/km from the top guys.
Moreover if he had more kms behind the wheel, participating with a Rally 2 car in 3-4 local rallies, he would have been able to be less than 1"/km.