[WRC] 91e Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo (16-22 January 2023)

[meh]

By voice - is Tänak actually sick or something?

This stage seems to be "the moment of truth" for tire-ware.

[wyler]

and evans too

probably a great tyres management from kalle, keep them and give it all on the last one...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans bad luck arrives... :(

[Kras]

and evans too

probably a great tyres management from kalle, keep them and give it all on the last one...

To make matters worse he punctured the soft tyre

[meh]

What the hell kalle did on this stage

Incredible time with the moment

Usual Kalle, take grip away from everyone and he will be fast.

[EstWRC]

By voice - is Tänak actually sick or something?

This stage seems to be "the moment of truth" for tire-ware.

It’s because he doesn’t take the helmet off

[Kras]

Tanak gonna Takamoto this to podium

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So fast and still saves the tyres... what a.genius Ogier is.

[EstWRC]

Ogier has this rally in the bag

Evans puncture opened up even more interesting battle for the podium places

[Rallyper]

Oliver is in Monte for one reson only, getting to know the new car. He will probably test different settings, to find the limit.

But it is always good with a stagewin under your belt!

Now two stagewins...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

FFS Loubet disaster !

[dimviii]

Ogier
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1616386395597115392

[Rallyper]

Loubet small off...

[Kras]

Loubet actualy didn't drop too much time qll things considered

[Galev62]

Loubet broken powersteering ?

[Kras]

Can Jourdan beat Loubet on this stage?

[wyler]

Loubet broken powersteering ?

yep, probably in the small off, hit a rock

[denkimi]

Can ogier win all stages?

[wyler]

ps: love lappi character! : )

[Fast Eddie WRC]

yep, probably in the small off, hit a rock

Or the failure caused the off.

[AnttiL]

no service so bad for Loubet

[Kras]

Can Jourdan beat Loubet on this stage?

It's close lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm6Ts_AWIAISA9f?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

Such a shame for Loubet. He was doing great so far


I hate that we don’t have the midday services

[wyler]

Or the failure caused the off.

he said in the interview he locked on braking and went wide then the steering broke.

[Rallyper]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm6Ts_AWIAISA9f?format=jpg&name=large

Oh, dear! :(

[meh]

I guess it makes to retire the day for Loubet. Otherwise there is risk to make bigger mistake AND kill own hands so much that he can not drive rest of the rally anyway.

edit: from media-zone "We will try to fix it or we got back tomorrow"

[doubled1978]

To me it looked like the problem caused the off, but of course it could be the other way round.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loubet Pierre-Louis
"Under braking, the car wouldn't turn at all. I don't know."

[Galev62]

Loubet Pierre-Louis
"Under braking, the car wouldn't turn at all. I don't know."
Same type failure as Huttunen in Jyväskylä ? Suddenly the powersteering failed and he nearly went off before a junction but managed to save it

[TypeR]

Incredible pace from Ogier,too bad he isn't doing full season tho..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loubet off from outside...

https://twitter.com/MundoRallyes/status/1616413581087576067?s=20&t=x-soRIYSQqp4lCetUKc6Bg

[focus206]

Kalle is fighting for 2nd place in one of his least favourite rallies... I struggle to think there will be a challenge this season.
Moreover he drives a Toyota and whoever doesn't drive one will have to face way more gremlins.

[Sal yet again]

Loubet off from outside...

https://twitter.com/MundoRallyes/status/1616413581087576067?s=20&t=x-soRIYSQqp4lCetUKc6Bg

Never leave your gear in an escape road...

[Kras]

We're back boys

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230120/2e41a8650941caf850d5c66cef61ba88.jpg

[meh]

Tänak with 5... (one spare)

[dimviii]

Loubet with snow? Keep the softs supersofts for tomorrow/Sunday,because he will be slow due to power steering probably.So doesnt matter and prefers to burn the snow ones that he will not use.
Tanak again only 5?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pierre-Louis Loubet @PL_Loubet

We lost the power steering in SS5. We don't know yet if it was before or after our little mistake. It's a shame because we had a good pace this morning.

Now, 3 stages to go without power steering. We will try.

[rp]

It´s a pity that there is no Loeb this year. With Ogier they are simply the best on these roads and no more fighting if Ogier is able to survive without the puncture.

[EstWRC]

Not bad Tänak. It’s coming slowly

Equal with Neuville who says he can not do much more

[EstWRC]

Jeez Toyota just seems on another level car again. 1-2-3-4 on this stage

Not that I’m surprised

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jeez Toyota just seems on another level car again. 1-2-3-4 on this stage

Not that I’m surprised

"The Yaris has undergone a series of technical tweaks, including engine upgrades to improve the delivery of both power and torque.'

[mknight]

Such a shame for Loubet. He was doing great so far



7th overall with 6th stagetime as best is not "great" for me.

He was doing well considering he has not driven the car on tarmac much, but that's about it.

[dimviii]

Ogier has confirmed the hybrid issue got the old reboot from a man with his laptop. Seems to be working for the moment, but there's doubts it will work for the whole afternoon

[EstWRC]

Sordo is baffled why he is so slow

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loubet will need some physio on his arms tonight.

[Kras]

EP emo interviews are getting old

[meh]

Loubet will need some physio on his arms tonight.

He has also now Red-Bull backing him, just need to drink more of it :)

[dimviii]

EP emo interviews are getting old

this comment is after 15 sec slower from winner at 18,3 km stage.
15 sec slower from him is Gryazin.Ok didnt expect to win stages,but not that slow.

Lappi Esapekka - Ferm Janne
"The car is feeling better and better all the time."

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm60u1AWYAYgyRa?format=jpg&name=900x900

[meh]

So far Toyota is dominating quite clearly - from all the stages at least 1-2.

Best non-Toyota - stage, driver, position, loss per km:
* SS1, Neuville, 3., 0.40s/km
* SS2, Tänak, 3., 0.27s/km
* SS3, Neuville, 4., 0.43s/km
* SS4, Neuville, 3., 0.25s/km
* SS5, Neuville, 3., 0.31s/km
* SS6, Neuville, 5., 0.23s/km

[dimviii]

Kalle moment at morning
https://twitter.com/MundoRallyes/status/1616410420033785856

Evans loosing the tyre
https://twitter.com/MundoRallyes/status/1616426989736587266

[EstWRC]

So far Toyota is dominating quite clearly - from all the stages at least 1-2.

Best non-Toyota - stage, driver, position, loss per km:
* SS1, Neuville, 3., 0.40s/km
* SS2, Tänak, 3., 0.27s/km
* SS3, Neuville, 4., 0.43s/km
* SS4, Neuville, 3., 0.25s/km
* SS5, Neuville, 3., 0.31s/km
* SS6, Neuville, 5., 0.23s/km

But if you take Ogier out of the results ?

[meh]

But if you take Ogier out of the results ?

Then Toyota driver still won all the stages, as at the moment they got 1-2. Loss per km is smaller, but also take into account, that Ogier drove 2 stages without Hybrid.

[EstWRC]

Then Toyota driver still won all the stages, as at the moment they got 1-2. Loss per km is smaller, but also take into account, that Ogier drove 2 stages without Hybrid.

Well that’s what I meant. The loss would be smaller but how much

[meh]

Well that’s what I meant. The loss would be smaller but how much

Sorry, too lazy to do this math manually. Pointing the trend out is enough here.

[RS]

this comment is after 15 sec slower from winner at 18,3 km stage.
15 sec slower from him is Gryazin.Ok didnt expect to win stages,but not that slow.

Lappi Esapekka - Ferm Janne
"The car is feeling better and better all the time."

And Solberg just went quicker than Gryazin.

[Rallyper]

Oliver wins also SS6.
Should be too good for WRC3... ;)

[EstWRC]

Sorry, too lazy to do this math manually. Pointing the trend out is enough here.

Yeah and we see it again on this stage

[Rallyper]

Can it be Toyota has lower final gear ratio? They have higher revs out of the hairpins.

[EstWRC]

We need Ogier puncture to make things interesting :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Poor Loubet, this is as painful to watch.

[cali]

Can it be Toyota has lower final gear ratio? They have higher revs out of the hairpins.
Toyota's engine is pulling from lower revs and as Tom Fowler mentioned the update was donw to improve driveability which means the engine pulls on every circumstances.

[seb_sh]

Toyota seems a step ahead. I think they had this update for a while but didn't need it last year so they had time to refine it. It's telling when the Hyundai drivers say everything is fine except for the time.

[AndersX]

Deja vu - VW dominance time - the rest could bring only water at the stage ends. If Ogier would kept driving, he would gotten several WDC more and beat Loeb.... boring

[EstWRC]

While I agree that Toyota is on another level at the moment it’s to soon to pack the things already and give up. Just a first rally and if you would take Ogier away from the lead the gaps would be close between top4

We all saw how things changed during last seasons second half

[Rallyest]

While I agree that Toyota is on another level at the moment it’s to soon to pack the things already and give up. Just a first rally and if you would take Ogier away from the lead the gaps would be close between top4

I agree, its really too soon to decide the winners

[denkimi]

Let's wait till the first gravel rally. But if things stay as they are it seems nobody will stop toyota. But the drivers championship might be interesting, if evans can take the fight to rovanpera.

[doubled1978]

While I agree that Toyota is on another level at the moment it’s to soon to pack the things already and give up. Just a first rally and if you would take Ogier away from the lead the gaps would be close between top4

Yes, in tarmac trim the Toyota looks really good, the balance looks the most neutral. The Ford is very twitchy, then understeer mid corner and the Hyundai the opposite, the rear starts to become loose.
It will be interesting to see if Tanak/MSport can develop the car to improve the balance and reduce the understeer. For sure MSport can’t hide behind the drivers now, if Tanak isn’t quick enough, it’s because of the car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to see Chris Ingram interviewed. He has battled so hard to get funding just to be here.

If anyone would like to contribute to the crowdfunding please go to:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/chris-ingram-wrc/

[Rallyper]

Oliver wins also SS6.
Should be too good for WRC3... ;)

And win on SS7 as well.

[ELPE]

Another stagewin for Oliver, great day for him!

[denkimi]

I just looked through the times and it seems ogier was faster without his hybrid this morning than he is now with it.

[RS]

And win on SS7 as well.

5.2 quicker than Gryazin, although i think Gryazin is using a couple of old tyres. Shame about last nights puncture, could have been a good fight.

[meh]

I just looked through the times and it seems ogier was faster without his hybrid this morning than he is now with it.

* No need to push that much, he has quite ok lead - we can call it smart driving
* Now carrying 2 spares compared 1 spare in the morning loop

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Difficult to judge Tanak in the Puma yet - very early days, a specialist rally and little testing (and his PET was mostly on dirty, icy roads).

[Rallyper]

5.2 quicker than Gryazin, although i think Gryazin is using a couple of old tyres. Shame about last nights puncture, could have been a good fight.

He lost around 1 min 50 secs last night. Should be around 5 secs ahead of Gryazin by now, if if not were... :)

[meh]

Difficult to judge Tanak in the Puma yet - very early days, a specialist rally and little testing (and his PET was mostly on dirty, icy roads).

Yeah, compared to Toyota he seems quite far away. Compared to Hyundai things seems okeish, as he is driving new car but Neuville known car. Now there is question - is Toyota improved a lot or Hyundai underperforms.

[EstWRC]

Leg two https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/77787-rallye-automobile-monte-carlo-2023/?leg=2

[EstWRC]

Difficult to judge Tanak in the Puma yet - very early days, a specialist rally and little testing (and his PET was mostly on dirty, icy roads).

The morning loop today was okay and promising but afternoon the pace dropped

I guess it has also to do with the fact there wasn’t service and he couldn’t do changes to the car

I’ll judge more tomorrow now that he has 1.5 days data

[meh]

Leg two https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/77787-rallye-automobile-monte-carlo-2023/?leg=2

Nice job from Taka.

[rallyfiend]

He lost around 1 min 50 secs last night. Should be around 5 secs ahead of Gryazin by now, if if not were... :)

I wonder if he's starting to run out of new tyres. Might hurt him by Saturday afternoon.

He's not going to win, so probably throwing everything at it for stages wins to try to impress

[focus206]

Is anybody surprised that Toyota is dominating? Hyundai can improve as much as you want, but Toyota doesn't stand there waiting... it's hard to beat the fastest & most reliable car of the lot.

[dupanton]

Loubet with snow? Keep the softs supersofts for tomorrow/Sunday,because he will be slow due to power steering probably.So doesnt matter and prefers to burn the snow ones that he will not use.
Tanak again only 5?

Could it be that he used snows because it's easier to turn the wheel without powersteering with the snow tyres.

[Rallyper]

I wonder if he's starting to run out of new tyres. Might hurt him by Saturday afternoon.

He's not going to win, so probably throwing everything at it for stages wins to try to impress

I think he said the opposite. Learning to manage tyres…

[RS]

Solberg just beats Cais' time and jumps to 7th in RC2. Good job today.

[pajusalum]

I remember last season when Tänak was complaining about the Hyundai and how uncomfortable he feels in this car. Lappi made several comments that he thinks that Tänak is ''fooling'' everybody. Maybe the comments from Lappi were made in a friendly way and just to ''trash talk'' with Tänak. Before Monte Lappi said that there is very small difference between Toyota and Hyundai, I remember telling to myself - lets wait until Lappi starts to race against the time and the story will change. Today unfortunately Lappi is more close to Serderidis pace then Ogier pace. Maybe I am too harsh against Lappi but I think it will be really difficult season for Lappi.

[Eli]

I have to say while I'm glad to see the top crews all still running, I wouldn't mind seeing more snow/ice on the stages, perhaps next year they can travel further into Valance & the Ardèche region, could be a nice change of pace.

[WRC1]

I remember last season when Tänak was complaining about the Hyundai and how uncomfortable he feels in this car. Lappi made several comments that he thinks that Tänak is ''fooling'' everybody. Maybe the comments from Lappi were made in a friendly way and just to ''trash talk'' with Tänak. Before Monte Lappi said that there is very small difference between Toyota and Hyundai, I remember telling to myself - lets wait until Lappi starts to race against the time and the story will change. Today unfortunately Lappi is more close to Serderidis pace then Ogier pace. Maybe I am too harsh against Lappi but I think it will be really difficult season for Lappi.



i am also dissapointed by Lappi´s pace, but just dont forget that Monte is absolutly not Lappi´s favorit Rallye! I am sure he will do much better in Sweden!

....AND he is 2minutes behind Ogier....BUT 11 in Front of Serderidis... ;)

[Eli]

i am also dissapointed by Lappi´s pace, but just dont forget that Monte is absolutly not Lappi´s favorit Rallye! I am sure he will do much better in Sweden!

....AND he is 2minutes behind Ogier....BUT 11 in Front of Serderidis... ;)

And the last time he was here was 2020 where he finished 4th with the Fiesta, the year before he didn't get to finish with the C3, and 2018 was his first year here and he finished 7th.

[dimviii]

I remember last season when Tänak was complaining about the Hyundai and how uncomfortable he feels in this car. Lappi made several comments that he thinks that Tänak is ''fooling'' everybody. Maybe the comments from Lappi were made in a friendly way and just to ''trash talk'' with Tänak. Before Monte Lappi said that there is very small difference between Toyota and Hyundai, I remember telling to myself - lets wait until Lappi starts to race against the time and the story will change. Today unfortunately Lappi is more close to Serderidis pace then Ogier pace. Maybe I am too harsh against Lappi but I think it will be really difficult season for Lappi.

you are right,but we have to say that when he asked ''how is the Hyundai vs yaris'' he couldnt say that is not so good as yaris.

[becher]

you are right,but we have to say that when he asked ''how is the Hyundai vs yaris'' he couldnt say that is not so good as yaris.

Having a dig at your new employer is never a good idea so...i can understand it.

[dimviii]

5.2 quicker than Gryazin, although i think Gryazin is using a couple of old tyres. Shame about last nights puncture, could have been a good fight.

Gryazin is taking it easy.First pass 1,49 sec/km from stage winner,now 1,97 sec/km

[mknight]

You all remember that Lappi went to Hyundai on his own free will instead of staying at Toyota right?

Half a season on his best rallies with regular podium pace vs full season.......starting as slowest WRC of them all.

------
It's not like that's the first time he has done that either (Toyota 2018 -> Citroen 2019).

Neither is he the only driver who had big downwards change in pace when going to Hyundai (Tanak, Loeb and Mikkelsen previously).

----
My general conclusion is that just about all drivers are way too overconfident. Thinking it is so much in their hands and not that much about the car. While last 10 years or so it seems the opposite is the case.
But I guess you have to be a bit overconfident to drive rallycars at the speeds they are doing.

[mknight]

Solberg just beats Cais' time and jumps to 7th in RC2. Good job today.

What I like about today is that he was steadily there, no big gaps but most importantly no big drops either.

[becher]

You all remember that Lappi went to Hyundai on his own free will instead of staying at Toyota right?

Half a season on his best rallies with regular podium pace vs full season.......starting as slowest WRC of them all.

------
It's not like that's the first time he has done that either (Toyota 2018 -> Citroen 2019).

Neither is he the only driver who had big downwards change in pace when going to Hyundai (Tanak, Loeb and Mikkelsen previously).

----
My general conclusion is that just about all drivers are way too overconfident. Thinking it is so much in their hands and not that much about the car. While last 10 years or so it seems the opposite is the case.
But I guess you have to be a bit overconfident to drive rallycars at the speeds they are doing.

The last part is exactly how top drivers work, they think they are the best, otherwise one couldn't do such a thing.

[Humber]

Who is Lappi's car engineer and how long have Lappi and the engineer been working together compared to the other Rally1 driver/engineer combinations?

[Norm75]

Could it be that he used snows because it's easier to turn the wheel without powersteering with the snow tyres.that question was put to him at stage end and he said yes that was the reason.

[doubled1978]

What I like about today is that he was steadily there, no big gaps but most importantly no big drops either.

Solberg has been very good today, it’s just a shame about the puncture yesterday. I genuinely hope he continues without incident to the finish.

[dimviii]

My general conclusion is that just about all drivers are way too overconfident..

you forgot the money.

Yaris at different league.Worth to watch.
https://youtu.be/Ks-aAcvrwKI

[dimviii]

"I am satisfied with our performance in the car, I think we did a good job, assured Thierry Neuville at the microphone of Olivier Gaspard, the RTBF's special envoy to Monte-Carlo. We felt quite comfortable, but we realized during the afternoon, when our choice of tires was more or less the same as that of the Toyotas, that we couldn't compete with them and that we always took a few tenths, even a few seconds. We are not going to change our strategy, we are going to follow our plan in terms of tire management and we will take stock at the end of the weekend. My outing on Thursday evening? We know that in Monte Carlo people can throw snow on the road. But here there was not even any. We did not expect at all that people would wet the road and that it's freezing, and in the information we had, it was 100% dry, there was no risk of frost or anything. It almost cost us dearly, and it can be dangerous."

https://www.rtbf.be/article/thierry-neuville-en-bagarre-pour-la-deuxieme-place-du-monte-carlo-on-n-arrive-pas-a-rivaliser-avec-les-toyota-11139606?fbclid=IwAR1A-i8tpqy3_YkUsenkUhi2DYkmwasO3Bc4qq9cc_HWvrhVqVDHYse jju8

[doubled1978]

you forgot the money.

Yaris at different league.Worth to watch.
https://youtu.be/Ks-aAcvrwKI

Very impressive.

[meh]

Having a dig at your new employer is never a good idea so...i can understand it.

I remember Lappi as a quite wining guy from previous years so I wonder, does he have some certain clause in contract on the topic.

[EstWRC]

more vids of today https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BU-Ifa_iEZE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tahlHpARNc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yf3rIS4nflk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yxAgHEsKtI

The Toyota is just joy to watch, reacts so well to everything

[EstWRC]

Ott Tanak says his World Rally Championship M-Sport Ford Puma is lacking outright speed in Monte Carlo, but is confident its potential can be unlocked in time.

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/ott-tanak-msport-ford-puma-comfortable-but-not-racy-yet/10423108/

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm8VKFPXkAALBll?format=jpg&name=medium

https://www.facebook.com/rallypl/photos/a.748098781889067/6176167095748848/

Close call for Gryazin, and such a cool photo

[EstWRC]

What’s the reason for not having midday service today and tomorrow?

It’s getting a bit ridiculous. I get it you don’t have it on one day but not at all?

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fm8VKFPXkAALBll?format=jpg&name=medium

https://www.facebook.com/rallypl/photos/a.748098781889067/6176167095748848/

Close call for Gryazin, and such a cool photo

And video of it https://www.facebook.com/reel/715966510123446?fs=e&s=TIeQ9V

[dimviii]

Fourmaux
https://twitter.com/JakubHoreovsk/status/1616380336945905666

[AnttiL]

What’s the reason for not having midday service today and tomorrow?

It’s getting a bit ridiculous. I get it you don’t have it on one day but not at all?

Going to Monaco would take a long time, and the busy streets of the city would take even more time. They should move the service park to Nice or something.

[Eli]

Or perhaps return to Gap or Valance? then perhaps we'd be graced by more challenging conditions? then add service at least or Saturday which is usually the longest (in today's terms anyhow) day of the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Difficult to judge Tanak in the Puma yet - very early days, a specialist rally and little testing (and his PET was mostly on dirty, icy roads).

"I would say we were definitely not prepared for this condition."

[AnttiL]

Going back to Gap would also ensure more snowy conditions

[EstWRC]

Going back to Gap would also ensure more snowy conditions

This!

And the shakedown was also a lot better there

[J4MIE]

The teams wanted the service for the whole event to be in Monaco. So here we are. How many didn’t survive small problems that a service would have sorted?

[NOT]

very boring rally... monte must be the worst rally in the calendar without snow.

ok with snowy conditions its more about luck than driving... but still this is ridiculously boring.

the only thing i enjoy is that in none of the videos we have footage of that sack of fat serderidis... he does not deserve the slightest credit, he is a disgrace, the WRC always had clowns parading their money... but he is on a different level... disgraceful to the point of disgust with the sport that allows someone like him near a WRC car.

[J4MIE]

He is a proud Greek driver, you should cheer him on NOT ;)

[NOT]

He is a proud Greek driver, you should cheer him on NOT ;)

the sport is dead for some time now, that is evident...

but having "people" like him driving a wrc car gives a new meaning to the word "dead"

[J4MIE]

You can also ignore him if you want….rallying isn’t about one person.

[denkimi]

the sport is dead for some time now, that is evident...

but having "people" like him driving a wrc car gives a new meaning to the word "dead"
If it wasn't for you whining about him i would hardly have noticed he is even there.

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230121/679d77ad744105c6719edd899bcdbedb.jpg

[dimviii]

https://www.facebook.com/rigostyle.fr/videos/1918471375163815/?extid=NS-UNK-UNK-UNK-AN_GK0T-GK1C&mibextid=2Rb1fB

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/MundoRallyes/status/1616565205139587073

[Tauri_J]

Loubet done

[EstWRC]

Seems Lappi has found something

[Rallyper]

Loubet done

Because of icemakers? Or own fault?

[Tauri_J]

Because of icemakers? Or own fault?

Hit a bridge with no spectators in sight

[Sulland]

Because of icemakers? Or own fault?

Ice on a bridge, I guess he did not have that in his notes. But the frenchspeaking need to verify.

[Rallyper]

Hit a bridge with no spectators in sight

Yeah. Got it. Icemakers were on Thursday night only icy corner.

[EstWRC]

Let the Toyota solo show begin….

[Kras]

Now that there's no Gus/Solberg/Formaux, Loubet has much better drivers to compare to. Hope he doesn't break under pressure

[dimviii]

MORE ON LOUBET
His day is over. While the Frenchman is able to change the damaged rear link arm, his Puma's hub bracket is also broken.

[Rallyper]

The new Skoda must be way ahead of the Citroen C3. Rossel and Lefebvre are faster...

[dimviii]

Gryazin +4,9 from Sordo.

[doubled1978]

The Puma doesn’t look nice to drive, but Loubet needs to watch Tanak’s onboards and how he is much calmer with his inputs. He (Loubet) is making so many small inputs that are upsetting the car, whereas Tanak is just accepting that it understeers mid corner but carves a much smoother turn in with minimal inputs. Tanak knows it’s slow, but isn’t trying to fight it.
The Puma in tarmac spec reminds me a bit of the 2017 spec Hyundai to watch.

[Kras]

The Puma doesn’t look nice to drive, but Loubet needs to watch Tanak’s onboards and how he is much calmer with his inputs. He (Loubet) is making so many small inputs that are upsetting the car, whereas Tanak is just accepting that it understeers mid corner but carves a much smoother turn in with minimal inputs. Tanak knows it’s slow, but isn’t trying to fight it.
The Puma in tarmac spec reminds me a bit of the 2017 spec Hyundai to watch.

It's amazing how a 2023. spaceframe car can understeer so much. What the hell are they doing at M-sport?

[Rallyper]

Gryazin +4,9 from Sordo.

A bit early but seems Huyndai´s long term strategy is failing...

[doubled1978]

It's amazing how a 2023. spaceframe car can understeer so much. What the hell are they doing at M-sport?

The only thing I can think of is that the 2017 spec Fiesta was the opposite, very unstable at the rear and you could always see the drivers fighting it, and they tried to make sure the Puma was not like that, but have gone too far.

[Galev62]

The new Skoda must be way ahead of the Citroen C3. Rossel and Lefebvre are faster...
Does anyone know if there is still jokers left to update the C3 or have they used all of them?

[cali]

The Puma doesn’t look nice to drive, but Loubet needs to watch Tanak’s onboards and how he is much calmer with his inputs. He (Loubet) is making so many small inputs that are upsetting the car, whereas Tanak is just accepting that it understeers mid corner but carves a much smoother turn in with minimal inputs. Tanak knows it’s slow, but isn’t trying to fight it.<br>
The Puma in tarmac spec reminds me a bit of the 2017 spec Hyundai to watch.<br>Yep, mid corner understeer is present everywhere.

[TWRC]

Does anyone know if there is still jokers left to update the C3 or have they used all of them?
I think they should have one or two left, but if that will be enough is a good question. Car is at its peak or a little over it, and not much performance can be gained I think, compared to a completely new car (the Fabia). Obviously there are also updates that don't require a joker in addition to that. Rossel said that there should be updates in the spring, and they already had development tests this year.

[Zoli]

Video proof of SS2 icemaking...

https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1616693560010543104?s=20&t=LcLJtVoHvbD-pAPUKTFp_w

[Kras]

Stream dead again

[Galev62]

I think they should have one or two left, but if that will be enough is a good question. Car is at its peak or a little over it, and not much performance can be gained I think, compared to a completely new car (the Fabia). Obviously there are also updates that don't require a joker in addition to that. Rossel said that there should be updates in the spring, and they already had development tests this year.

Lets hope that the other Rally 2s use their jokers well and gain some performance because if not it will be a Skoda cup until the Gr Yaris Rally 2 is ready

[Lead]

Have to admit that bone dry Monte isnt exactly the most entertaining event to watch :)

[Kras]

Toyota seems to be outright faster than others. Gaining do much on straight parts of stages

[Kras]

Have to admit that bone dry Monte isnt exactly the most entertaining event to watch :)

Quite shitty actually

[jonkka]

Now that there's no Gus/Solberg/Formaux, Loubet has much better drivers to compare to. Hope he doesn't break under pressure

And he hits bridge, retiring for the day.

[Lead]

Surprised about Sordo's pace on dry tarmac. No excuses.

[EstWRC]

Tänak seems to go backwards rather than progress

[Lead]

Tanak without powersteering

[meh]

Tänak lost powersteering after 3km, and said after finish line "how hard it is" (in Estonian language we need beep-machine for the phrase)

Need to say that quite impressive time without powersteering.

[Kras]

Powersteering, like all new technology, can be a little tricky to do right. I'm sure Ford can sort it out by mid-season

[EstWRC]

Someone still saying that we don’t need midday service?

Fourth year in a row 0 points from Monte

[rp]

It will be very long, long season for Tänak! It´s a pity that M-Sport is so bad.

[Kras]

Someone still saying that we don’t need midday service?

Fourth year in a row 0 points from Monte

I mean Fords powersteering going out 10 times in last 2 seasons... They kinda deserve no points. Sucks for Ott tho

[cali]

Someone still saying that we don’t need midday service?

Fourth year in a row 0 points from Monte
Yep, never liked the idea and the more I don't like it now 😀

[EstWRC]

Have to admit that bone dry Monte isnt exactly the most entertaining event to watch :)

The most boring in recent years

[Lead]

The most boring in recent years

Sure is. We have been spoiled :)

[rp]

Unfortunately it will be very boring season. Kalle will win almost every events if Ogier is not driving. Toyota is much better than last year.

[flat_right]

If they can't repair it I think Ott will retire. Losing 3min per stage (like Loubet) will drop him around 20th place.

[EstWRC]

Unfortunately it will be very boring season. Kalle will win almost every events if Ogier is not driving. Toyota is much better than last year.

The same was written last year after Croatia. Did he win almost all events? Far from it

Tänak stopped briefly after the stage but continued already when Ogier passed him

Maybe they got it solved. I really hope

[Tauri_J]

No service again? Rubbish

[Sulland]

The most boring in recent years


Both the rally and F1 round in Monaco is long past their sellby dates. Cut them from the calendars!

[meh]

The trends is to Toyota 1-2-3.

If Tänak drives without powersteering, I think he will be still faster than Serdenidis.

[Eli]

No service again? Rubbish

That and they're based it Monaco... really hope they bring back mid-day service next year, at least for one day and bring Valance or any other place high in the alps use as rally base.

[meh]

Both the rally and F1 round in Monaco is long past their sellby dates. Cut them from the calendars!

I don't agree with that. Just we need midday service in the beginning of the season, when test-days are really limited and team-changers come basically without any setup and experience and they need to make changes. Without this possibility no-team-changers have quite huge advantage. This all just increases the current situation when Toyota is dominating.

[Kras]

The trends is to Toyota 1-2-3.

If Tänak drives without powersteering, I think he will be still faster than Serdenidis.

It would be 1-2-3-4 if anyone but Katsuta was in that car. Looking really bad for the season :(

[Sulland]

Powersteering, like all new technology, can be a little tricky to do right. I'm sure Ford can sort it out by mid-season

New tech?

Are they using hydraulic or electric supported steeringa?

[EstWRC]

Tänak heading to the next stage but the road which leads to the stage also leads to Monaco service park. So we will see if he actually goes to the stage or comes to service park

I personally think he will try to survive the next stage and maybe to fix it somehow at tyre change area

[Kras]

New tech?

Are they using hydraulic or electric supported steeringa?

I wasn't being serious

[seb_sh]

Bad show from MSPort, I lost count how many times they had issues with power steering, windshield wipers, defogger...

As for the rally they should have the base and stages somewere else, Thursday night Monaco start and a couple night stages sure, then Sunday PS and ceremonial finish back to Monaco, Friday and Saturday can be in some better place for sure.

[jonkka]

New tech?

Are they using hydraulic or electric supported steeringa?

Sarcasm is a delicate art. /s -tag helps.

[Kras]

If in the end it turns out that Hyundai can't fight Toyota without Ott and Ott can fight Toyota in a Ford, then having M-sport in Rally1 is net negative

[EstWRC]

Tänak heading to the next stage but the road which leads to the stage also leads to Monaco service park. So we will see if he actually goes to the stage or comes to service park

I personally think he will try to survive the next stage and maybe to fix it somehow at tyre change area

Update.

Tänak is heading to the stage.

[seb_sh]

https://i.imgflip.com/7899l8.jpg

[dimviii]

@eWRCresults
#RallyeMonteCarlo VW Polo GTI R5 (Hirschi) on fire SS9


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

[dimviii]

from Dirtfish
Our team snapped Ott Tanak and Martin Jarveoja working on their wounded Ford Puma Rally1 - can they do the unthinkable and make a repair?

https://livecenterimagesnorth.azureedge.net/lc-images-2021/lcimg-a7b033dd-b6b6-4b5b-bdb4-4af74a59e2d8.jpeg

[Kras]

from Dirtfish
Our team snapped Ott Tanak and Martin Jarveoja working on their wounded Ford Puma Rally1 - can they do the unthinkable and make a repair?

https://livecenterimagesnorth.azureedge.net/lc-images-2021/lcimg-a7b033dd-b6b6-4b5b-bdb4-4af74a59e2d8.jpeg

If any crew can, it's them

[dimviii]

Lefebvre
https://twitter.com/MundoRallyes/status/1616746406605197312

[EstWRC]

Tänak 1.6 slower in spl1

[TypeR]

2017 vs 2023
Last time the repairing paid off, hopefully this time also.
https://www.upload.ee/image/14855461/IMG_20230121_132912.jpg

[dimviii]

Loubet crash
https://youtu.be/5y01yQltZGs

[Eli]

Sordo who has done this rally now for the 12th time is slower than Lappi today, okay he had some issues this stage but even without it he’s slower, I’m sorry but it’s time for him to retire and let someone else drive the car.

[Lead]

As Sordo is nowhere, maybe Breen would have been a better choice here.

[Kras]

Comentators saying Tanak showing good pace while being considerably slower than Evans. As if hes Greensmith

[EstWRC]

So Tänak still has it somehow but is able to manage it

[Kras]

Maybe MS should pack a bigger steering wheel in the trunk from now on. Just in case

[meh]

Comentators saying Tanak showing good pace while being considerably slower than Evans. As if hes Greensmith

Taking into account new team, M-Sport known to be slower than Toyota, not correctly working powersteering, then I actually agree with this "good pace". But for sure he want to show way better pace.

[meh]

Kalle "The King of Slippy Road" Rovanperä does it again - first part of the stage is slippy and he is clearly faster than others.

[EstWRC]

Kalle "The King of Slippy Road" Rovanperä does it again - first part of the stage is slippy and he is clearly faster than others.

Yep i have noticed this also. When the grip is bad then he is really good

[Eli]

Dirtfish catching up with Ott before the latest stage: https://youtu.be/SUkCFu_p8cw

[dimviii]

#23
flag
Solberg Oliver - Edmondson Elliott
rear left damaged, going slow

[dimviii]

Kalle on limiter
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1616766532121395200

[dimviii]

Solberg
https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1616771851589505026?t=frWJpXadl1ok2d0lYTgaKQ&s=19

[dimviii]

Cais 1,5 sec from Gryazin at stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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

[Managarium]

So nothing new this season for Solberg :D

[meh]

Solberg
https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1616771851589505026?t=frWJpXadl1ok2d0lYTgaKQ&s=19

Watched it 20 times or something, epic! :)

[Rallyper]

Watched it 20 times or something, epic! :)

He should be in WRC3, yes?

[EstWRC]

Tänak said in the media zone that it’s a shame the problem came cause he started to feel better with the car before it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tänak said in the media zone that it’s a shame the problem came cause he started to feel better with the car before it.

That's the big pity, not just is he losing time and points but also useful seat-time improving his feeling with the car in full rally conditions.

[Eli]

That's the big pity, not just is he losing time and points but also useful seat-time improving his feeling with the car in full rally conditions.

Especially with here being more like Croatia, sort of (In terms of dry tarmac).

[meh]

Pirelli guy said that now there is more danger for puncture, Lappi picked one.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak fairly positive he can manage the steering issue:
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1616790054554173450?s=20&t=qj1wdkT16cPUQFeXSkIODw

[meh]

According to working - not working - working - maybe working hybrid system in Sordo's car... does he use some previous Tänak's car? :)

[Eli]

According to working - not working - working - maybe working hybrid system in Sordo's car... does he use some previous Tänak's car? :)

That would be Lappi’s ;) well at least the steering wheel looks exactly the same as Tänak's last year.

[EstWRC]

Nice going from Tänak until last split.

Lost a lot with the end again

Ok he explained it. When it gets twisty then it’s worse with the power steering and the last part was twisty

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Decent time by Tanak given it's a twisty stage.

[Kras]

Tanak with that cranked up force feedback

[EstWRC]

I’m afraid of this Neuville and Evans fight :D

[meh]

I’m afraid of this Neuville and Evans fight :D

There is no fight yet, some chasing by Evans, but can not get enough closer.

We will get the first non-Toyota stage win by Neuville.

[EstWRC]

Great job Thierry!

First non Toyota stage win

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Only bcs Ogier is cruising.

[RS]

Solberg back on the attack and Cais getting comfortable with his new car too.

[becher]

Solberg back on the attack and Cais getting comfortable with his new car too.
I thought Solberg is out?

[Rallyper]

I thought Solberg is out?

Only hopes from the mockers.

Only one link damaged. He fixed it at tyre fitting zone.

[EstWRC]

Such a shame that can’t see the real picture of Tänak but in the fast parts where he said it doesn’t affect him much he has pretty encouraging split times against Evans today

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Weird Tanak saying that was the worse stage when the last one looked twistier.

[EstWRC]

Weird Tanak saying that was the worse stage when the last one looked twistier.

Because this one has more cuts and he said it’s the worst there cause then the steering is the hardest and kicks back

[Kras]

Weird Tanak saying that was the worse stage when the last one looked twistier.

Cuts must be the worst thing with a stiff wheel

[wyler]

so hiunday is a gravel car! :D

[meh]

so hiunday is a gravel car! :D

No, just Neuville likes rough and twisty stuff

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnAbDuKXwAEhYq4?format=jpg&name=large

[wyler]

No, just Neuville likes rough and twisty stuff

the smile is there for a reason...

[Rallyper]

So nothing new this season for Solberg :D

The new is he´s dominating the WRC2 in a rally he even doesn´t count.

[steve.mandzij]

i can't stand Ingram, we get it that you're out of the car for a while but everything he says comes across as fake humble to me

[Galev62]

The new is he´s dominating the WRC2 in a rally he even doesn´t count.
Yes the times are great but still prone to mistakes.
Also only one you can compare him is Gryazin. Gryazin has kept him behind without making any mistakes. So wouldnt say dominating because also Gryazin has to drive safely and Oliver is free to push because he has nothing to lose. Lets see in Sweden when there is Veiby, Pajari, Huttunen, Lindholm and Suninen. If he manages to beat all of these guys then he is dominating.

[mknight]

The new is he´s dominating the WRC2 in a rally he even doesn´t count.

"Dominating" a rally where he was never better than 5th overall.

The new part was yesterday when he had top times in all stages without mistakes for one whole day. Started to look like the 2nd stage was just a odd occurrence.

But today it's back to exactly same like 2 years ago, great stage times then crash, then great stage time again. Great, but doesn't win rallies, let alone championships.

[Rallyper]

Hehe... you poor guys.

[AndrewTate]

i can't stand Ingram, we get it that you're out of the car for a while but everything he says comes across as fake humble to me

Ooooh, I agree with you. Before the rally Ingram promises to wipe floor with all the other contenders. Can’t see that happening so why boast…

Now all he is about at is “being away from WRC for such a long time” and “being in a older car….”

Well he only missed the last 3 rounds of last year as did many others and also the car he uses was the best choice around still one month ago so it can’t be that outdated.

[dimviii]

Kalle hot moment
https://www.facebook.com/RallyeTechnic/videos/541075118051084/

[Rallyper]

Kalle hot moment
https://www.facebook.com/RallyeTechnic/videos/541075118051084/

Narrow margins, really.

[RS]

Ooooh, I agree with you. Before the rally Ingram promises to wipe floor with all the other contenders. Can’t see that happening so why boast…

Now all he is about at is “being away from WRC for such a long time” and “being in a older car….”

Well he only missed the last 3 rounds of last year as did many others and also the car he uses was the best choice around still one month ago so it can’t be that outdated.

I don't think he quite promised to wipe the floor with the opposition but was perhaps overconfident because of his solid performance here last year.

To be fair the competition is pretty tough here. The C3 was probably slightly better than the old Skoda on this type of event, the new Skoda seems to be a fair bit quicker than the old one. Formaux is in a Fiesta but on it's best surface and he's a fast tarmac driver. Surprise of RC2 for me is Lopez in the Hyundai.

[mknight]

To be fair the competition is pretty tough here. The C3 was probably slightly better than the old Skoda on this type of event, the new Skoda seems to be a fair bit quicker than the old one. Formaux is in a Fiesta but on it's best surface and he's a fast tarmac driver. Surprise of RC2 for me is Lopez in the Hyundai.

Agree with all.

This is first time we can genuinely say that there is proof new Fabia is faster. But for sure this is on basically smooth and clean tarmac in stable conditions, does not mean it is faster also in different conditions. It is also on this kind of surface that the previous one was weakest (as well as on very fast gravel).

For me Lopez is also biggest surprise of the weekend. Though the stable conditions likely help.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FnAb_jJXoAE8qL-?format=jpg&name=large

[doubled1978]

Agree with all.

This is first time we can genuinely say that there is proof new Fabia is faster. But for sure this is on basically smooth and clean tarmac in stable conditions, does not mean it is faster also in different conditions. It is also on this kind of surface that the previous one was weakest (as well as on very fast gravel).

For me Lopez is also biggest surprise of the weekend. Though the stable conditions likely help.

New Skoda certainly looks very good, not just one driver setting fast times.
The Ford must be very disheartening, it doesn’t even look bad, it’s just slow….
I agree on Lopez, good effort.

[jcevc]

Will Lappi catch Serderidis on this one?

[Lead]

Lappi will catch Serderidis

EDIT: He didnt, but almost 2min faster

[denkimi]

Has sordo some kind of problem?

[Lead]

Has sordo some kind of problem?

Hybrid system isnt working 100%, but i dont think that the main problem anyway. He looks completely lost this weekend.

[jcevc]

Has sordo some kind of problem?

Also night lights were quite 'short'?

[EstWRC]

Tänak finally finished monte Saturday after three years !!!

[dimviii]

Kalle again big push

[Eli]

Would be nice if we’d haven’t lost the signal :(

[Tauri_J]

Thats some crazy pace

[EstWRC]

Kalle is just epic, unbelivable

[TypeR]

That 25s lead isn't enough..
Ogier giving away bit too much..

[mknight]

Tbh this starts to look pretty depressing for the season.

Kalle doing great even here.
4th Toyota one minute faster than 2nd Hyundai.
Lappi and Sordo both lost.
Tanak not on pace and with technical issues all the time.
Loubet not on pace and crashing.