Rally Japan 2022

[TypeR]

Regarding that: https://www.rallit.fi/mita-ihmetta-suomalaiskuskeilla-vaarallinen-tilanne-mm-rallissa-fia-kaski-sulkemaan-suut/

Apparently the FIA told them to keep their mouth shut, wish I could say I'm surprised.
Smart move, otherwise it would be bad for marketing and then all the new manus won't join the series..

Right..?

[SubaruNorway]

Kajto's onboard with crash out of the tunnel is up

[Eli]

Smart move, otherwise it would be bad for marketing and then all the new manus won't join the series..

Right..?

Yes, they're all waiting in line just to get in ;)

[PLuto]

maybe the notional times calculation needs more tweeking

Why? Last place for Ogier was mainly because his puncture. As the stages were cancelled for rest of the fields, there is no reason why other competitors should be penalised for it...

[PLuto]

Unbelievable https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/pajari-had-to-avoid-civilian-car-on-rally-japan-ss4/

Good training for 3-Städte next year ;)

[PLuto]

Quick calculation:
Reduced points if 25% of stage kms are cancelled.

For Japan this is 70,75km.
Already cancelled about 53 km. (counting the "reduced length" stage).

This will be funny if they will cancel any other stage (especially long one)...

[Danny0405]

This will be funny if they will cancel any other stage (especially long one)...

Don’t know how much it is reduced in the regulation, but if 50%, could have an impact on WRC-2 as 3rd would be only 7.5 points (and Lindholm needs strictly more than 8)

[EstWRC]

Anyone has any idea when the Toyota rally2 will be presented?

[PLuto]

Anyone has any idea when the Toyota rally2 will be presented?

Everybody hopes during Rally Japan :D

[Sergiow]

Courage to those who made the sleepless night not to see much in the end. I went to sleep after the cancellation of SS3. Although fight for the win is still very very tight. That is the main thing.

Meanwhile regarding safety, Autohebdo summed it all up pretty nicely with an article titled "Car in the wrong direction, safety procedure under investigation, fire: the organization of the Rally of Japan is hara-kiri":

"When Dani Sordo and Candido Carrera tried everything they could to put out the fire that was ravaging their Hyundai i20 Rally1, they had to watch it burn. In their misfortune, they were lucky that no one was injured either in the crew or among members of the public, because the rescuers only reached the scene 1 hour and 10 minutes later... Worrying."

"The second incident happened on the following stage, when Craig Breen ran off the road. Having failed to see the OK signal that the crew was unharmed, Emil Lindholm decided to pull over to make sure Craig and James Fulton were okay. While doing this, he triggered an alarm that should have appeared in the Rally2s behind him warning them of danger. Obviously, this system did not work in the following Rally2."

"Still in race mode, Sami Pajari overtook the parked Lindholm Fabia and it was he who was the first to avoid the local resident who was traveling on the special in the opposite direction. A similar mishap happened to Teemu Suninen. The narrowness of the roadway made this encounter particularly frightening. "I don't even know how I managed not to hit it," said one of the Nordics on condition of anonymity, "I had a reflex that I can't explain. »"

"Reassured after seeing Breen and Fulton, Lindholm resumed his journey and he passed this famous white car just as it left the SS without any marshal being there to prevent him. The three drivers mentioned then decided not to go any further in this special which could have turned into a tragedy. AUTOHebdo's request for more explanation, which was made to the FIA and the promoter, has not yet been successful."

"The FIA says the red flag procedure was activated after Breen's accident, but it appears that none of the 3 Finns had this information. It seems to have intervened later, after the stop of the crews. The FIA issued a statement to clarify its position: “There was a serious breach of safety protocol in SS4, which is currently under investigation. Following an accident involving car n°42 (Breen), the stage was marked with a red flag."
https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/rallye/wrc/rallye-du-japon-incendie-securite-fia-wrc-contresens-wrc2.html

[Sergiow]

FFS, here we go again with Michelin Ogier ranting against Pirelli. Get a life man, you are not a worthy champion anymore!

"It's always the same refrain, there's no explanation... We're not going to start the debate. A priori, you shouldn't say anything, it's Pirelli normality. In a year, I've had more punctures than in 10 years at Michelin. There is a problem somewhere but no one is saying anything. Only in Spain and New Zealand have we not had a puncture. C "It's frustrating. Fortunately, I'm not playing for the championship. That would be another story again…", concluded Sébastien Ogier, victim of four punctures in six rallies."

https://www.rtbf.be/article/sebastien-ogier-tres-remonte-au-japon-j-ai-connu-plus-de-crevaisons-en-un-an-que-sur-les-dix-dernieres-annees-11102640

[bearclaw]

Good training for 3-Städte next year ;)

...I thought the same thing - hopefully they sorted it out.

[Tauri_J]

Cant believe there was a spectator car traveling on a live stage and the opposite direction! Ditch this rally, I cant Even remember how many years they have prepared for this. Totally unacceptable.

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Cant believe there was a spectator car traveling on a live stage and the opposite direction! Ditch this rally, I cant Even remember how many years they have prepared for this. Totally unacceptable.The irony when Initial D, which is a touge racer story has a better road management than this..

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

[mknight]

It happened after Breen crashed and stage got red-flagged.

So yes it is terrible but not completely crazy.

[dimviii]

"I reported to my team already from the morning that it was smelling a lot, the car, like fuel, like too much", Sordo said.

"I’ve never seen something like this.

"Yesterday already there was smoke a lot but we didn’t know and also in the stage now we smell a lot and I was a little bit crying because of the smoke inside because it was really like petrol, like fuel.

"After it was going more and more and more and now at one point we see the fire inside the car.

https://www.wrcfanatix.com/2022/11/sordo-explains-what-happened-in-stage-2-of-rally-japan.html

[dimviii]

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT
@TGR_WRC
·
14h
Four-time world champions Tommi Mäkinen and Juha Kankkunen meet the fans at
@ToyotaStadiumJP
! ��

Tomorrow they get behind the wheel with us in Okazaki City, driving the #GRYaris H2 and Rally2 Concept respectively ����

[becher]

It happened after Breen crashed and stage got red-flagged.

So yes it is terrible but not completely crazy.

You sure? I read somewhere it got red flagged because of the car and not the Breen crash.

[TypeR]

Haven't seen any official news about Sordo.. Is he starting tomorrow?
As Hyundai couldn't tighten gearknob, then maybe asking some help..
Considering M-Sport mechanics' abilities, they could easily restore the car by tomorrow ��
The cage is straight tho..

[WRCStan]

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT
@TGR_WRC
·
14h
Four-time world champions Tommi Mäkinen and Juha Kankkunen meet the fans at
@ToyotaStadiumJP
! ��

Tomorrow they get behind the wheel with us in Okazaki City, driving the #GRYaris H2 and Rally2 Concept respectively ����

This Rally2 is gonna look like something out of a Passats de Canto video isn't it?

[mknight]

You sure? I read somewhere it got red flagged because of the car and not the Breen crash.

In the first article on Dirtfish (The one with Pajari in headline). It says what you write - that the stage got red flagged because of the car.

But in the newer one below it says the car came one stage after it was red flagged:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-to-investigate-serious-breach-of-safety/

My assumption is that the newer article is more accurate.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dirtfish at the scene of Sordo's fire...
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/witnessing-every-wrc-drivers-worst-nightmare/

[WRCStan]

In the first article on Dirtfish (The one with Pajari in headline). It says what you write - that the stage got red flagged because of the car.

But in the newer one below it says the car came one stage after it was red flagged:
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-to-investigate-serious-breach-of-safety/

My assumption is that the newer article is more accurate.

The Pajari one is raw - and Sergio's Autohebdo link says three cars nearly hit this civilian car.

The FIA one is managing public's impression of them. And suddenly they found a task force of marshals and safety cars that weren't there before? Yeah OK.

[Sergiow]

The Pajari one is raw - and Sergio's Autohebdo link says three cars nearly hit this civilian car.

The FIA one is managing public's impression of them. And suddenly they found a task force of marshals and safety cars that weren't there before? Yeah OK.

Interesting spin of the facts. The Autohebdo article was written by Loic Rocci who is reporting directly from Japan so has access to the drivers. Here is another fine article about the curious Daihatsu Copen participating in the Japan WRC rally https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/rallye/wrc/curiosites-japonaises.html.

Regarding the timeline of the red flag, the Live updates section of the WRC website has a time line:
Fri 01:44 Breen - Tracking shows the M-Sport Ford driver stopped 9km into the stage. More news to follow...
Fri 01:47 More on Breen - We're hearing reports that he's gone off the road. Crew OK
Fri 01:55 Stage interrupted - The stage has been red-flagged. We'll let you know once we find out more

=> According to this time line it seems there are 11 minutes between reporting of the Breen crash and the actual red flag

After my live experience this year on the cancelled SS9 Sardegna WRC, the Live update of the cancellation of that stage was so quick that even the local stages marshals were unaware, so I tend to believe the WRC Live update time line as a credible source

[mknight]

I am not really sure what you are trying to say.

It happens very often that a stage is red flagged quite a few mins later after a crash (first when stage commander gets enough info to make a decision), even though it is the only reason. Usually it takes long when crew is ok and pushes the OK button, but the car is stuck in a dangerous place. (See Lappi getting stuck in Mexico (in 2019?) for massive controversy with that).

Similarly saying that 3 cars almost hit it doesn't say anything. You can almost hit a car even when driving at normal road speed (while red flagged) and certainly you can do that on a narrow twisty road when you don't expect a car there.

It is entirely possible that the red flagging.happened due to the car on the stage. But the only evidence of that so far is Pajari indirectly saying that in the first Dirtfish interview. ( "Well you can imagine how it can be if you are doing full rally speed and suddenly over some crest you see a normal car,” he said.")

[Rallyper]

God evening fellow rallyfans. Let´s see what this happening will bring.

[EstWRC]

Breen hasn’t got even into 3rd gear

[WRC1]

its a big Risk to let Breen start as first car today....they can not afford to loose another stage.

[AnttiL]

Good evening. It has been a dramatic rally, hopefully not as dramatic today. And beyond the drama, the competition is tight.

[SubaruNorway]

This is a pretty cool stage!

[Rallyper]

This is a pretty cool stage!

Well...

[EstWRC]

Puncture for kalle

[mousti]

Kalle Lucky there he didnt break anything


Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[satnav]

Kalle was off, hit the rock face, still going

[Rallyper]

If that is enough? Looked like a real smash on the rock...

[AnttiL]

Soon we have Taka on the podium...

[AnttiL]

This is a pretty cool stage!

Yes, great mix of fast and slow!

[PLuto]

Interesting spin of the facts. The Autohebdo article was written by Loic Rocci who is reporting directly from Japan so has access to the drivers. Here is another fine article about the curious Daihatsu Copen participating in the Japan WRC rally https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/rallye/wrc/curiosites-japonaises.html.

Regarding the timeline of the red flag, the Live updates section of the WRC website has a time line:
Fri 01:44 Breen - Tracking shows the M-Sport Ford driver stopped 9km into the stage. More news to follow...
Fri 01:47 More on Breen - We're hearing reports that he's gone off the road. Crew OK
Fri 01:55 Stage interrupted - The stage has been red-flagged. We'll let you know once we find out more

=> According to this time line it seems there are 11 minutes between reporting of the Breen crash and the actual red flag

After my live experience this year on the cancelled SS9 Sardegna WRC, the Live update of the cancellation of that stage was so quick that even the local stages marshals were unaware, so I tend to believe the WRC Live update time line as a credible source

My experience with WRC live update and informations is very bad. Except quotes (if they are not missing) and issues visible on all live all informations came too late and usually I have it from different sources. And despite I am not in Japan, I am in contact with some people which are there.

For your info, Breen crashed at 9:37 of local time, red flag was sent 9:47.

[EstWRC]

Neuville on another level here

[jonkka]

Neuville on another level here

Can he keep it on the road, though?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No damage to Kalle's car !

[EstWRC]

Evans even faster

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow go Elfyn !

[AnttiL]

Evans flying

[EstWRC]

Unbelievable performance from Evans

Especially last split

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Much better pictures today in the heavily wooden sections. What has changed ?

[dimviii]

Lindholm fastest and took the lead.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great onboard from Breen.

[AnttiL]

We have a nice fight between Ogier and Rovanperä

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Taka lucky there.

[Rallyper]

Are they wearing two spares? (Rovanpera for example) Or does Kalle suffer from the hit of the rock?

Edit: so we got the answer from the horses mouth himself: one spare only and some more hit at the front right wheel... Only cruising...

[Rallyper]

Pajari doesn´t keep up the speed from yesterday, it seems. He had good pace back then, but not on the last two stages.

[Sergiow]

Pajari doesn´t keep up the speed from yesterday, it seems. He had good pace back then, but not on the last two stages.

Wasn't that Pajari's very first appearance on WRC+? At least very very nice that WRC+ is giving play time to a lot of Rally2 cars on SS9. At least they are racing comparing to tourists like Gus and Katsuta

[Sergiow]

I am not really sure what you are trying to say.

It happens very often that a stage is red flagged quite a few mins later after a crash (first when stage commander gets enough info to make a decision), even though it is the only reason. Usually it takes long when crew is ok and pushes the OK button, but the car is stuck in a dangerous place. (See Lappi getting stuck in Mexico (in 2019?) for massive controversy with that).




My experience with WRC live update and informations is very bad. Except quotes (if they are not missing) and issues visible on all live all informations came too late and usually I have it from different sources. And despite I am not in Japan, I am in contact with some people which are there.

For your info, Breen crashed at 9:37 of local time, red flag was sent 9:47.

Ok thanks for the feedback. My experience is that WRC live updates are very usefull when you are live on stage but if you have other usefull sources then could you share?

[satnav]

Kalle has more problems before SS10

[EstWRC]

Second day in a row Tänak looks like he can’t wait this rally and season to end with Hyundai finally and be at home

[jonkka]

Seems to be first non-Toyota stage win if Tanak's time holds.

[EstWRC]

First stage win for Hyundai with Tänak

Interesting that now when the stage was a lot faster Evans and Neuville weren’t so good

[Rally Hokkaido]

Stage interrupted to replace the loose drain grates (covers).

[steve.mandzij]

Seems to me like Elfyn is overdriving a bit now, it always goes like this when he's in the lead this season.

[TypeR]

Looks fast(most likely is too)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FhV7TCvWYAA9INy?format=jpg&name=medium


Front cooling so big, probably going to eat Fiesta, I20 and C3 rally2 cars for breakfast


SS13 delayed a lot..

Can SS13,14 be cancelled? Soon half an hour delay already..

[Rally Hokkaido]

It is 4:20pm and Craig is getting ready to start

[Rally Hokkaido]

It is already dark in Hokkaido, sun will be quite low in Toyota City.

[TypeR]

SS13 cancelled, only SS14 to be driven..
Big joke organizing

[Rally Hokkaido]

SS13 is cancelled, cars will just do one run of SSS.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Half gravel stage on tarmac tyres, that is something different!

[Humber]

Ford Fiesta is being discontinued a Rally 2 Ford Puma might be in the future.

[EstWRC]

So we have Corsica 2019 again

I for sure hope different outcome for Evans this time

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/japan-organizer-deemed-negligent-in-ss4-incident/

Regarding the public car entering in SS4.

[WRCStan]

STEWARDS DECISION No. 5 (https://app-cdn.sportity.com/768fe443-c340-4885-ae5e-5ea6b4587e90/5d917e26-4baa-481d-8d52-36dd678e3ef1_Stewards%20Decision%205.pdf)

"Facts SS4 (Shitara Town R 1) was interrupted due to a public vehicle entering a live stage through an unmanned un-taped junction, driving in the opposite direction of the rally, and disrupting the running of Car 22 (Competitor HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT N) and Car 23 (Competitor TOKSPORT WRT) on the stage."

CTRL+F 'Breen' or '42' or 'red flag': 0 results.

But it was made clear to DF the stage was interrupted after an incident involving car #42, immediately before the car came on stage.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-to-investigate-serious-breach-of-safety/

Ok, FIA is different people and we don't know which individuals said what from which positions, but when it was suggested the FIA said 'don't say anything', I remain highly sceptical and suspicious and think somebody/ies is trying to bollocks us all. Which I absolutely fickung despise.

[mknight]

We now have detailed description of what exactly happened to the point of showing that not only wasn't a Marshall there but they also forgot to place the tape over the road.

Which indeed is a big messup.

I have no idea what the process was up to this, but right now FIA is certainly not covering anything up .

[WRCStan]

We now have detailed description of what exactly happened to the point of showing that not only wasn't a Marshall there but they also forgot to place the tape over the road.

Which indeed is a big messup.

I have no idea what the process was up to this, but right now FIA is certainly not covering anything up .

They've now realised they need to CYA - cover your ass.

If what you say goes, Rallit.fi and DirtFish need to make public apologies.

[Rallyper]

Mistakes can easily be made. But this one indicates there were only a single person (marshall) on the spot.
I would say having at least two marshalls on sight would have prevented the big fail...

[Hartusvuori]

If what you say goes, Rallit.fi and DirtFish need to make public apologies.

What do you mean?

[Sulland]

We now have detailed description of what exactly happened to the point of showing that not only wasn't a Marshall there but they also forgot to place the tape over the road.
Which indeed is a big messup.
I have no idea what the process was up to this, but right now FIA is certainly not covering anything up .

What are the safety plan check procedures in a WRC round

- safety recce, noting down where you need marshalls, physical blocking, tape, bales, shicane and so on.

- Safety team makes safetyplan based on recce.
- Safety chief and XO drives through veryfying the plan, adding, deducting based on his/her experience.
- identifying needs and gathering people, equipment, trucks with cranes and so on.
- 2 days before start, put everything in place of heavy equipmemt
- day before, inspection of safety chief
- rally day: train, and get out all marshalls.

- First 0 car has a responsibility to check that safety plan, and take action if something is missing.

[WRCStan]

What do you mean?

If


FIA is certainly not covering anything up .

makes

"Apparently, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) had asked Finnish drivers to shut their mouths on the matter." Rallit.fi (https://www.rallit.fi/mita-ihmetta-suomalaiskuskeilla-vaarallinen-tilanne-mm-rallissa-fia-kaski-sulkemaan-suut/)

"the FIA told DirtFish: “Following an accident involving car 42 (Craig Breen/James Fulton), the stage was red flagged. Very quickly after the red flag, a [civilian] car was identified on the stage." Dirtfish (https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-to-investigate-serious-breach-of-safety/)

either lies, misunderstanding or irresponsibility

[Sergiow]

It is going to be a long long night. There will be the battle for the lead, the battle with the weather, and it seems according to a new Autohebdo article, 'Under (FIA) surveillance, the Rally of Japan could not go to the end!

"While new, less serious and non-safety incidents still plagued the event, the college of commissioners decided to place the organizers under the threat of a definitive stoppage of the rally if another problem were to occur on Sunday."

Check and spell it out in French here https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/rallye/wrc/sous-surveillance-le-rallye-du-japon-pourrait-ne-pas-aller-au-bout.html

[Hartusvuori]

It is going to be a long long night. There will be the battle for the lead, the battle with the weather, and it seems according to a new Autohebdo article, 'Under (FIA) surveillance, the Rally of Japan could not go to the end!

"While new, less serious and non-safety incidents still plagued the event, the college of commissioners decided to place the organizers under the threat of a definitive stoppage of the rally if another problem were to occur on Sunday."

Check and spell it out in French here https://www.autohebdo.fr/actualites/rallye/wrc/sous-surveillance-le-rallye-du-japon-pourrait-ne-pas-aller-au-bout.html

This is written on that Stewards Decision of course, but well worded interpretation from Autohebdo.

[Hartusvuori]

If



makes

"Apparently, the International Automobile Federation (FIA) had asked Finnish drivers to shut their mouths on the matter." Rallit.fi (https://www.rallit.fi/mita-ihmetta-suomalaiskuskeilla-vaarallinen-tilanne-mm-rallissa-fia-kaski-sulkemaan-suut/)

"the FIA told DirtFish: “Following an accident involving car 42 (Craig Breen/James Fulton), the stage was red flagged. Very quickly after the red flag, a [civilian] car was identified on the stage." Dirtfish (https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fia-to-investigate-serious-breach-of-safety/)

either lies, misunderstanding or irresponsibility

I still don't understand why rallit.fi or DF should apologize.

[bomber21]

Weird how Japanese people who are so hard working and well organized, organized this mess.

[WRCStan]

I still don't understand why rallit.fi or DF should apologize.

I don't think they should either and I'm not calling for them to. I said if they were making quotes up in people's name, they should apologise.

The FIA Steward's report clearly shows that what Dirtfish said that the FIA said, cannot possibly be true: "Very quickly after the red flag, a [civilian] car was identified on the stage."

We could be open to these two events are not related because sequentially it's true, but why say it.: "Following an accident involving car 42 (Craig Breen/James Fulton), the stage was red flagged."

Either the FIA attempted to cover this civvy car up early on before realising they couldn't, something was lost in understanding through various people at the FIA, something was lost in understanding with media, or something is lost on me.

[dimviii]

Weird how Japanese people who are so hard working and well organized, organized this mess.

Organizing a world wrc rally(or another world class event) is very different thing.
See Greece with Olympics and Acropolis.

[mknight]

I don't think they should either and I'm not calling for them to. I said if they were making quotes up in people's name, they should apologise.

The FIA Steward's report clearly shows that what Dirtfish said that the FIA said, cannot possibly be true: "Very quickly after the red flag, a [civilian] car was identified on the stage."

We could be open to these two events are not related because sequentially it's true, but why say it.: "Following an accident involving car 42 (Craig Breen/James Fulton), the stage was red flagged."

Either the FIA attempted to cover this civvy car up early on before realising they couldn't, something was lost in understanding through various people at the FIA, something was lost in understanding with media, or something is lost on me.

In any human endeavour the first reports/articles almost never describe exact sequenece of events.

It is only lately that many people think it's because of some conspiracy.

Many years ago media wouldn't release any info until everything is confirmed. These days people write anything they heard first and (sometimes) correct afterwards.

[focus206]

Weird how Japanese people who are so hard working and well organized, organized this mess.

Maybe it's a sign that stereotypes are, you know, stereotypes. It's not enough to be a country considered well organized to automatically be able to organize a certain event.

[jcevc]

As it looks in service parc and on radar for Aichi no rain in at least next 2 hours... But we will see how things develope - I keep fingers crossed for first Elfyn's win in this 'new' cars and momentum rising up before next season for Welsh.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Big day for Elfyn Evans. A win for Toyota on their home rally would be huge for them and cement his place in the team.

[jcevc]

Interesting tyre choice - H's with 2 2 2 mix, Toyota without rain tyres, except Taka with 1 rain tyre. Kalle 5 hard :D
Msport clearly expecting rain.

[WRCStan]

Seb slammed Pirelli again in morning service. Said they're an absolute joke and it's a shame nobody will have the conversation because they're the sponsor and he's glad he's not fighting for the championship.

[Sergiow]

Seems a big day for Hyundai too. A victory would not only mean beating Toyota on home soil but also the highly symbolically victory of being Asian's number one. And maybe a victory here might cement Hyundai stay in WRC if there might be some doubt about it as already voiced by that Solberg kid

[SubaruNorway]

When you look at windy.com it says a little rain for the whole region 1-3mm but up to 7-10mm just as around SS17 when it starts

[satnav]

Tyre choice for Sunday

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice start to the day by Elfyn... game on !

[jonkka]

Interesting gamble. If rain doesn't come, Hyundai will lose the game. If rain comes, will it be plentiful enough and on time? And will their soft wet tyres have enough rubber left to make any difference, given those will wear a lot more than hards that Toyotas carry.

EDIT: The last sentence is a brain fart, of course wets stay in the boot until they are needed and thus will be brand new by that time.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

5 Hards for Rovanpera is interesting and confirms it's a test session so keeping the tyres consistent while making other changes.

[dimviii]

Old good Ogier
https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1591580329139224576

[Danny0405]

Breen going slower than Mauro Miele... clearly sounds like he doesn’t care anymore (ok he has a special tyre choice but cannot explain it that much). A sign of an exit to Hyundai?

[jonkka]

Breen going slower than Mauro Miele... clearly sounds like he doesn’t care anymore. A sign of an exit to Hyundai?

That would be very unprofessional. If one is paid to do a job, one does it until the end no matter what next day will bring. Therefore, I rather believe Craig has problems - or he's conserving tyres.

[steve.mandzij]

That would be very unprofessional. If one is paid to do a job, one does it until the end no matter what next day will bring. Therefore, I rather believe Craig has problems - or he's conserving tyres.he was hired to do a job he was incapable of doing anyway: challenging for the title (at least, if you ask Dirtfish)

[Sergiow]

Evans stopped, He stopped 9.9km into the stage - presumably to change a wheel. Back underway now but any victory hopes have well and truly been dashed.
Poker game about the weather has ended more sooner than predicted

[jonkka]

And it's over, Evans in trouble.

[Eli]

Puncture for Evans, 13.9 seconds off the podium, Katsuta now third, was so disappointed for Evans. A Hyundai 1-2 for now.

[becher]

So we have Corsica 2019 again

I for sure hope different outcome for Evans this time

FFS you called it!

[Danny0405]

Hard season for Evans from the beginning to the end.
A bit of a big blow for Toyota to see Hyundai in 1-2 position in their home rally; some team orders to come from the brand to secure Katsuta 3rd spot and hide the failure with some marketing?

[becher]

Old good Ogier
https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1591580329139224576

So many titles yet so unprofessional.

[Danny0405]

That would be very unprofessional. If one is paid to do a job, one does it until the end no matter what next day will bring. Therefore, I rather believe Craig has problems - or he's conserving tyres.

No problem with the car considering what he is saying... conserving tyres for rain? ... well maybe but his times are totally terrible... even Evans with a puncture did 30+ seconds faster in SS16; he might even not finished in top-20 or top-25 of this stage.

[Eli]

FFS you called it!

Nothing new with Evans unfortunately, Monza 2020 also comes to mind. He did say the pace-notes weren't quite early enough.

[speederbee]

Perhaps Breen is just following a team order to be as safe as possible to get the car home in one piece? After all, he's not going to get a decent result here no matter how fast he goes, and I doubt the team cares about evaluating his performance. So from the team's point of view, why risk flushing money down the drain by having him pointlessly destroy another car?

[Danny0405]

Perhaps Breen is just following a team order to be as safe as possible to get the car home in one piece? After all, he's not going to get a decent result here no matter how fast he goes, and I doubt the team cares about evaluating his performance. So from the team's point of view, why risk flushing money down the drain by having him pointlessly destroy another car?

It’s even less risky not to repair the car and retire for the rest of the rally in that case for almost the same result.

[SubaruNorway]

Nothing to gain with power stage points for Breen either so wouldn't it be better to just do some testing...

[TypeR]

Oh.. started raining and SS18 delayed.. ffs

[Eli]

Oh.. started raining and SS18 delayed.. ffs

Went to sleep for less than an hour, woke up specifically for the longest stage of the day…

Edit: they started after 10 minutes.

[EstWRC]

Evans is a lost man this season

Wrong tyre choice would have lost the win for him anyway today

[Danny0405]

Wow, Munster and Kovalainen flying in WRC-2 and a spin for Lindholm; some changes to come in the RC2 classification before the end of the rallye.
Else no big drama except Evans completly lost with his 2 hards

[Danny0405]

Well, in WRC, no big battle for the last stage of the season but let’s see if rain can make some surprises: we can assume Toyota will ask Ogier to go easy to help Katsuta to reach home podium (and even though with rain, 23s in 7km sounds a lot). Maybe a battle for 5th position between Evans and Greensmith.

Big changes in WRC-2: Munster takes the lead with a huge performance in this one (probably also thanks to a very good tyre strategy)
And Suninen has also closed a lot from Lindholm (who spun) with rain coming in last one: but Lindholm can take it very easy to clinch the driver title (finishing 5th is enough) and it should be enough also for team title with Zaldivar far away (as Miele and Bulacia score points for 2nd team also).
Also to notice Kovalainen good job in this rally, probably top 5 and maybe even better.

[Tauri_J]

Who the hell is Toyota's weatherman?

Every site predicted this rain Even before weekend.

[TypeR]

WRC2 champion faster than WRC champion :D

[EstWRC]

Did I hear correct that Breen said “I don’t know” when Molly asked him if he will drive next year in the team?

[steve.mandzij]

Who the hell is Toyota's weatherman?

Every site predicted this rain Even before weekend.yeah, a frankly disastrous call (and on WRC+ they were giving credit for the local knowledge :D) for not much real advantage

[EstWRC]

Ogier ranting about pirelli again

[Tauri_J]

Ogier ranting about pirelli again

Broken record. I remember lots of punctures during Michelin era too. His own fault he cant adjust to Pirelli tyres.

[EstWRC]

Hyundai won both Toyota home races this year

Really happy for Taka for getting podium

[SubaruNorway]

Little roll https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMF56draU/

[Tauri_J]

Looked like some random village rally's ceremony

[Sergiow]

Munster wins WRC2: "I wouldn't have done this without my co-driver next to me! It was the most difficult event for the two of us and he did an amazing job"

Exactly, all praise to the co-drivers, that was one hell of a rally

[AnttiL]

Did I hear correct that Breen said “I don’t know” when Molly asked him if he will drive next year in the team?

yes.

[EstWRC]

Ogier ranting about pirelli again

https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1591680705473695744?s=46&t=L_Mt7Ykfrbuix_vt2HLr2Q

[bandit12]

And mr Toyoda can't spray Tanak with champagne as he promised...

[dimviii]

wow Hyundai 1-2 inside Japan at rc1 and rc2.
Congrats to Neuville.

[jiipee64]

Kovalainen got 1 point.

Not many F1 drivers have points from rally too

[cali]

Like I said before the rally - Neuville likes twisty roads

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

It's amusing to see Korean manufacturer wins in Japan

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

[mousti]

Did I hear correct that Breen said “I don’t know” when Molly asked him if he will drive next year in the team?Parttime at Hyundai

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[TypeR]

Car #11 won the rally by 1min 11.1s

[focus206]

I wonder if a Hyundai 1-2 in Japan could convince Toyoda and Latvala that Kalle "alone" is not enough and they need Ott as well...
Good job to the Hyundai drivers, didn't make any mistakes and avoided punctures. The team should worry for what happened to Sordo though.

[Eli]

I wonder if a Hyundai 1-2 in Japan could convince Toyoda and Latvala that Kalle "alone" is not enough and they need Ott as well...
Good job to the Hyundai drivers, didn't make any mistakes and avoided punctures. The team should worry for what happened to Sordo though.

But since Tänak isn't in Hyundai you don't have that threat anymore, so taking him out of the equation makes it easier for Toyota, as apart from Ogier, no one can realistically replace him there full time, with no offense to the other drivers.

[mknight]

I wonder if a Hyundai 1-2 in Japan could convince Toyoda and Latvala that Kalle "alone" is not enough and they need Ott as well....

I thought about that as well, that it might "push" Toyota into this "series destroying" move.

Interestingly Latvala was not present for the interviews around PS time with K. Lindstrøm doing them instead. (yet Latvala was visible in the stream).

Lets hope not and Hyundai 1-2 in both categories convinced Korean bosses to give more funding.

[becher]

Broken record. I remember lots of punctures during Michelin era too. His own fault he cant adjust to Pirelli tyres.
Exactly! Just compare Monte 2021 and Monza 2020. Ogiers comments at the powerstage are a disgrace.

[WRCStan]

It's amusing to see Korean manufacturer wins in Japan

Sent from my M2010J19CG using Tapatalk

It's amusing because this rally was demanded by Toyota
Organised by Toyota Motorsports Club
Hosted by Toyota Stadium
In Toyota City

[mknight]

It's amusing because this rally was demanded by Toyota
Organised by Toyota Motorsports Club
Hosted by Toyota Stadium
In Toyota City

Yeah I think that for both Toyota and Hyundai company leadership (not rally team leadership), this rally means more than at least one of the titles.

Having a Japanese driver on podium helps a lot though.

[seb_sh]

I liked the stages but the organisers need to improve a lot to be at WRC level. I expect they will and this rally will stay for a long while anyway. It's a different challenge.

As for the competition itself this seemed like a Neuville or Ogier kind of rally and I think the puncture robbed us of a battle between the two. Good for Evans stepping up the pace but it seems he is still not comfortable with the new Toyota. Tanak was not in his element and was never a contender on this rally. MSport more of the same...

[Eli]

Transcript of the post-event FIA press conference: https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-t-neuville-stressful-day-until-very-last-stage

[meh]

after experiencing rally Japan, I need to say that I feel sorry and also respect for rally fans outside of Europe. Killing your daily schedule is not that easy from some age :)

[MentalParadox]

after experiencing rally Japan, I need to say that I feel sorry and also respect for rally fans outside of Europe. Killing your daily schedule is not that easy from some age :)

No one says you have to watch All-Live live.

[Myrvold]

We almost got a crushing new "oldest stage winner" record. Only some rain tyres for Breen who stopped that.

What's the oldest point scorer in a WRC-event though? While it's not due to rally position, Miele got 4 points in Japan, 66years and 10 months old. That must be quite high up on that list.

[AnttiL]

We almost got a crushing new "oldest stage winner" record. Only some rain tyres for Breen who stopped that.

What's the oldest point scorer in a WRC-event though? While it's not due to rally position, Miele got 4 points in Japan, 66years and 10 months old. That must be quite high up on that list.

Yes, according to ewrc Miele is now the oldest WRC points scorer.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/champs/1-wrc/?x=14

[Matti]

Big Fire Destroys Sordo’s Hyundai | WRC Rally Japan 2022

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Il1iik8VE4&ab_channel=Carmovie

2330

[J4MIE]

Is it just me? I haven’t been able to get any results on ewrc-results for a few days over the rally, and only final results now.

Have to say I found this rally quite difficult to follow.

[Myrvold]

Yes, according to ewrc Miele is now the oldest WRC points scorer.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/champs/1-wrc/?x=14

I did actually look for the stat at EWRC, somehow I missed the scorer stat. Thank you! :)

[Hartusvuori]

Is it just me? I haven’t been able to get any results on ewrc-results for a few days over the rally, and only final results now.

Have to say I found this rally quite difficult to follow.

Works normal here.

[Rallyper]

Is it just me? I haven’t been able to get any results on ewrc-results for a few days over the rally, and only final results now.

Have to say I found this rally quite difficult to follow.

Must be just you. ;)

[Sergiow]

Ogier ranting about pirelli again

And Pirelli strikes back!

"Motorsport.com managed to get a photo of Sébastien Ogier's damaged tire on PS2. As can be seen from the image we publish and which you can find below, there is a cut that starts from the shoulder, passes through the edge and reaches the tread. This suggests not so much a puncture resulting from an external body, but a possible impact of significant entity against one of the many curbs that delimited the special narrows of the Rally of Japan."

https://cdn-3.motorsport.com/images/mgl/6D1QMmK0/s8/la-gomma-forata-da-sebastien-o-1.jpg

"Ogier complained that he saw no damage to the rim, but from the photograph it is clear which part of the tire he collided with, creating an almost 20cm groove in the tire which led to deflation."

https://it.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-caso-ogier-ecco-la-foto-che-spiega-cosa-e-successo/10400026/

[dimviii]

And Pirelli strikes back!

"Motorsport.com managed to get a photo of Sébastien Ogier's damaged tire on PS2. As can be seen from the image we publish and which you can find below, there is a cut that starts from the shoulder, passes through the edge and reaches the tread. This suggests not so much a puncture resulting from an external body, but a possible impact of significant entity against one of the many curbs that delimited the special narrows of the Rally of Japan."

https://cdn-3.motorsport.com/images/mgl/6D1QMmK0/s8/la-gomma-forata-da-sebastien-o-1.jpg

"Ogier complained that he saw no damage to the rim, but from the photograph it is clear which part of the tire he collided with, creating an almost 20cm groove in the tire which led to deflation."

https://it.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-caso-ogier-ecco-la-foto-che-spiega-cosa-e-successo/10400026/

The top 3 in the world rankings, therefore Kalle Rovanpera, Ott Tanak and Thierry Neuville, despite having taken part in all 13 rallies of the season, had almost half of the punctures suffered by Ogier in just 6 events. A curious fact, which however suggests a more problematic adaptation of Sébastien to Italian roofing than his colleagues and direct rivals.

[jiipee64]

Is it just me? I haven’t been able to get any results on ewrc-results for a few days over the rally, and only final results now.

Have to say I found this rally quite difficult to follow.

I can't open the pictures.

[EstWRC]

im not protecting Ogier here, but Estonian rally podcast made a calculation about the punctures.

total of 69 punctures this year, Gus had the most with 12, Tänak and Rovanperä 6 for example.

Last full season with Michelin in 2019, there was 44 punctures, so quite a difference i would say, 2 punctures per rally less.

The worst rally was Croatia with 15 punctures this year, in 2019 worst was Turkey with 7 punctures.

[mknight]

Quite a difference between the cars as well. Much more hp/torque and car weight.

At safari they said one team had 50!! broken rims (tires obviously stronger than rims).

If you want to compare with Michelin you need to use 2021.Still it won't be quite fair when it was Pirellis first season since ages.

[er88]

Ogier is correct, it's not good enough from Pirelli. Especially on tarmac.

Just because some don't like his moaning or attitude/general personality, doesn't take away from that fact.

[dimviii]

im not protecting Ogier here, but Estonian rally podcast made a calculation about the punctures.

total of 69 punctures this year, Gus had the most with 12, Tänak and Rovanperä 6 for example.

Last full season with Michelin in 2019, there was 44 punctures, so quite a difference i would say, 2 punctures per rally less.

The worst rally was Croatia with 15 punctures this year, in 2019 worst was Turkey with 7 punctures.

imho the right compare must be with each driver,and not the total punctures.
Maybe for example 2 drivers have the 50% of punctures,and all the other drivers have a usual ammount of punctures.

[dimviii]

Ogier is correct, it's not good enough from Pirelli. Especially on tarmac.

Just because some don't like his moaning or attitude/general personality, doesn't take away from that fact.

not good enough? a michelin would cope with this hit?

https://cdn-3.motorsport.com/images/mgl/6D1QMmK0/s8/la-gomma-forata-da-sebastien-o-1.jpg

[Managarium]

Solution is a two tire manufacturers. Then there will be competition. If you have only one manufacturer you got what you get with tires. Pirelli can make any tire they want.

[SubaruNorway]

Typical that Ogier's onboard is not up for that stage, saw Evans hook into one of the drains and it pulled the car quite violent

[dimviii]

Fowler about the tyre startegy at Sunday
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/lack-of-wet-tires-unlikely-to-have-cost-evans-japan-victory/

[manthey]

Fowler about the tyre startegy at Sunday
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/lack-of-wet-tires-unlikely-to-have-cost-evans-japan-victory/

So did evans and ogier drove with 3 softs and 1 hard for various stages?