[WRC] Rally Mexico 2023

[cali]

Ogier cruising to win and going to lead the WDC.

I bet he will be thinkibg doing whole series then :DWith him doing whole series he doesn't have such starting position advantage.

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[rp]

I don't think his seat is in danger in Hyundai for that mistake (if it was not technical failure or whatever).

... and if it is, then not because he was fighting with Ogier, but because he was faster than Neuville :)

Breen is there waiting and can take certain podiums.

[EstWRC]

I’m afraid the next one will be cancelled and they will go straight away to the final long stage

[cali]

Between our friends we predicted Lappi's off, but I was still surprised it came so fast.

He is not on a level of big boys and sometimes when he is speedwise close to them his risk level is higher. Seen it too many times. And to be clear I/we don't wish that, it's our experience talking

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[meh]

I’m afraid the next one will be cancelled and they will go straight away to the final long stage

At the moment does not seem so. Rally1 cars still waiting at the start of SS12 and Rally2+Rally3 cars are moving away via alternative route from SS11 start to SS12 direction.

[EstWRC]

This now hurt Tänak chances getting points even more cause rally2 cars will get nominal times where the loss is less than it would be actually

[steve.mandzij]

Between our friends we predicted Lappi's off, but I was still surprised it came so fast.

He is not on a level of big boys and sometimes when he is speedwise close to them his risk level is higher. Seen it too many times. And to be clear I/we don't wish that, it's our experience talking

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalkhe is definitely on the level of the big boys speed wise, it's just that he's not capable of managing that speed yet. it's concerning for a driver who's been in the championship for so long, even though his career hasn't been the easiest going or most consistent atmosphere-wise. reminds me a lot of Latvala for most of his career.

[meh]

Breen is there waiting and can take certain podiums.

For me, Lappi and Breen are a bit the same. They can shine from better road position and then they may loose the reality. On the next day, from more equal start-position, they "suddenly are not that fast" anymore, start pushing more, and... can not match actually Rovanperä-Neuville-Ogier-Tänak and/or crash out.

On the other hand I wait for their win/success, this is something the sport needs.

[cali]

he is definitely on the level of the big boys speed wise, it's just that he's not capable of managing that speed yet. it's concerning for a driver who's been in the championship for so long, even though his career hasn't been the easiest going or most consistent atmosphere-wise. reminds me a lot of Latvala for most of his career.That's why he is not on the level of the big boys speeewise bcs to keep this speed he takes more risks.

Also, don't count out that he is in this season one of the Friday heroes and continues to be so unless he starts to take serious points which means managing the whole rally.

Breen, Ogier, Lappi will be Friday's heroes every gravel rally but only one of these guys have the level to manage it during the whole rally. Craig showed promise in Sweden but time will tell. EP doesn't seem to be up for it, unfortunately. I'm happy if he proves me wrong though bcs this series needs it badly.

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[janneppi]

I'd like Lappi for a change to finish Mexico without setting the car on fire.

Sent from my Takapalk.

[steve.mandzij]

For me, Lappi and Breen are a bit the same. They can shine from better road position and then they may loose the reality. On the next day, from more equal start-position, they "suddenly are not that fast" anymore, start pushing more, and... can not match actually Rovanperä-Neuville-Ogier-Tänak and/or crash out.

On the other hand I wait for their win/success, this is something the sport needs.Ogier and Lappi had same road position yesterday and the speed was there, it's when he starts the day at the top that it immediately goes wrong with mistakes.

If he was overdriving then it's just stupid and it speaks of his inexperience with managing a lead, yesterday he said all day he was comfortable and driving clean and even so he was ahead of Ogier on equal road order. No need to push today.

[Rallyper]

For me, Lappi and Breen are a bit the same. They can shine from better road position and then they may loose the reality. On the next day, from more equal start-position, they "suddenly are not that fast" anymore, start pushing more, and... can not match actually Rovanperä-Neuville-Ogier-Tänak and/or crash out.

On the other hand I wait for their win/success, this is something the sport needs.

If they pass a win they´d be more consistent...

[mknight]

There is a reason I removed Lappi completely from my pickems for Mexico. (I think this is the first time I even did something like that.)

Lappi seems to do the same thing as when he came to Citroen in 2019 and when he returned to Toyota last year.
Goes way above his safe speed to try to take it all immediately.

Both at Citroen and Toyota he turned it down after a series of fails and "settled" for a level he could hold. To be seen what happens this year.

[meh]

Fourmaux and Greensmith drive back to start of SS11... and from there to SS12? They for sure can not reach there for their start time.

[Walach]

Ogier and Lappi had same road position yesterday and the speed was there, it's when he starts the day at the top that it immediately goes wrong with mistakes.

If he was overdriving then it's just stupid and it speaks of his inexperience with managing a lead, yesterday he said all day he was comfortable and driving clean and even so he was ahead of Ogier on equal road order. No need to push today.
He spoke about clean driving yet he was throwing the car all over the road all the time.
The writing was on the wall.

[EstWRC]

I’m amazed by the amount of Estonian flags on every stage.

Great job fans

[Essaj]

Fourmaux and Greensmith drive back to start of SS11... and from there to SS12? They for sure can not reach there for their start time.

Heard that they go straight to SS14

[Eli]

Why aren’t we seeing Ogier & Evans right now & seeing a rotating map instead?

[Kras]

Looking at these last 2 events, it seems that Yaris isn't really so much better than other cars. Too bad Msport breaks all the time

[eib1]

possible roll cage damage?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/80236_2023-03-18%20-%2016-49-40%20-%20home%20-%20twitter.jpg

[cali]

There is a reason I removed Lappi completely from my pickems for Mexico. (I think this is the first time I even did something like that.)

Lappi seems to do the same thing as when he came to Citroen in 2019 and when he returned to Toyota last year.
Goes way above his safe speed to try to take it all immediately.

Both at Citroen and Toyota he turned it down after a series of fails and "settled" for a level he could hold. To be seen what happens this year.Yeah I withdrew EP from our friends predictions as well after placing him inigially on the 3rd spot.

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[Rallyper]

possible roll cage damage?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/80236_2023-03-18%20-%2016-49-40%20-%20home%20-%20twitter.jpg

For sure no restart.

[Kras]

This now hurt Tänak chances getting points even more cause rally2 cars will get nominal times where the loss is less than it would be actually

Not only that, but EP basically gifted points to Rovanpera by crashing

[EstWRC]

Very bad stage from Tänak, something just doesn’t seem to click. Basically 1 sec per km

[rp]

Very bad stage from Tänak, something just doesn’t seem to click. Basically 1 sec per km

He is just cruising and waiting the Power Stage.

[Kras]

Very bad stage from Tänak, something just doesn’t seem to click. Basically 1 sec per km

I think hes in just in Katsuta mode. Cruising, hoping others crash

[TypeR]

What a mess of starting order and organizing because of one crashed car..

[Kras]

My man Jourdan on his way to red flag another stage

[SubaruNorway]

Looks like they are waiting for Gus and Fourmaux who are still 10-15min away from ss12, so we will probably miss seeing Rally2 on this stage also...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Very bad stage from Tänak, something just doesn’t seem to click. Basically 1 sec per km

Tanak could be trying all kinds of things and treating these stages like a giant test day. TBH he was only likely to be fighting for PS points here anyway.

[SubaruNorway]

What the heck is Gus and Fourmaux doing now? went the wrong way or.
This is more exiting to watch than the stage

[PLuto]

What the heck is Gus and Fourmaux doing now? went the wrong way or

INFORMATION ABOUT SS 12
Stage was cancelled for rest of the field following the issues on previous stage.

[TypeR]

Joke..

[EstWRC]

This is just ridiculous for rally2 class. They can’t even drive

[meh]

What the heck is Gus and Fourmaux doing now? went the wrong way or.
This is more exiting to watch than the stage

Are they in the service area? Re-fuel or something?

[SubaruNorway]

Are they in the service area? Re-fuel or something?

Sitting in a neighborhood or something, now they won't make ss13 in time either.
And the rest of them are not going through ss12

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meanwhile we watch Serderidis... :rolleyes:

[rp]

Completely joke! It seems that WRC2 & other drivers are not driving any stages during the morning except SS 14. Great Rally Mexico organization!

[Kras]

Tanak looks fast AF on this stage. Can't wait to see how he compares to top guys

[EstWRC]

Much better stage from Ott again. It seems the slower ones aren’t suiting Ford atm

[Rallyper]

Tanak not speaking same language as the car. Could it be the steering ratio or something like that?

[drive]

Tanak and Neuville missing drivers side mirror

[meh]

Unfortunately stages 11-13 have been cancelled for the WRC2 cars due to the accident at SS11. We start our day from SS14 Las Dunas Superspecial 2.

https://twitter.com/Emil_Lindholm/status/1637132569811591170

[Kras]

Tanak not speaking same language as the car. Could it be the steering ratio or something like that?

Im sure that drivers of this caliber adjust to steering ratios within minutes. Its probably something to do with the way car handles

[EstWRC]

Sordo thinks the cleaning effect is bigger today

[denkimi]

Unfortunately stages 11-13 have been cancelled for the WRC2 cars due to the accident at SS11. We start our day from SS14 Las Dunas Superspecial 2.

https://twitter.com/Emil_Lindholm/status/1637132569811591170
Ridiculous

[Fast Eddie WRC]

We have to remember that this is Tanak's first time driving the Puma in anger on gravel. He's got a lot to adapt to and he's not a million miles away given his road position.

[TypeR]

Tanak and Neuville missing drivers side mirror

+ Katsuta and Rovanpera damaged right side rear spoiler

[cosmin_sb]

with all happened, Tanak go slowly to the 10 position. He can reach this position today

[Kras]

Neuvilles pace must make Evans nervous

[meh]

Neuvilles pace must make Evans nervous

... and this is kind of only thing in this rally to be figure out, when Neuville cookes out Evans. Or himself.

[TypeR]

Rovanpera is surprisingly slow.. Neuville beating him all day this morning

[meh]

Rovanpera is surprisingly slow.. Neuville beating him all day this morning

Maybe we actually underestimate the disadvantage of the road position here for Rovanperä and Tänak?

[Kras]

Rovanpera is surprisingly slow.. Neuville beating him all day this morning

Rovanpera is a great driver, for his age even more so. But people seem to forget that stars really did align for him to win the chapionship last year. Hes not quite Ogier level, atleast not yet

[EstWRC]

with all happened, Tanak go slowly to the 10 position. He can reach this position today

How? The rally2 cars are getting nominal times with just 1 minute loss to Tänak (at least on ss11 they gave this amount) . He is 9 minutes down from 10th place. He can only hope for a lot retirements in front

[focus206]

Neuvilles pace must make Evans nervous

But only 1.2 s gained by Neuville in 40+ Km... hard to catch Evans on just speed

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's another thing to bear in mind... Tanak needs to finish and hope for retirements ahead. Its no good thrashing it around and going off or breaking the car.

[Kras]

But only 1.2 s gained by Neuville in 40+ Km... hard to catch Evans on just speed

Hes making him push hard to keep his position. At this pace its only a matter of time when one them makes a mistake

[drive]

WRC cars would get nice clean road for the second loop, without 'wrong' lines from WRC2 and other smaller cars

[Eli]

Rovanperä is a great driver, for his age even more so. But people seem to forget that stars really did align for him to win the championship last year. Hes not quite Ogier level, at least not yet

Don't forget it's only his third time here in Mexico, and his second in a WRC, also last time out the event was cut short, so he's still lacking experience, I'm guessing in Chile it won't be as noticeable as all the crews have been there once before.

[cosmin_sb]

according ewrc-results.com Tanak is at 4min from Solberg which is on 10 . He need one or 2 retirements from top 10.

[EstWRC]

according ewrc-results.com Tanak is at 4min from Solberg which is on 10 . He need one or 2 retirements from top 10.

Very weird nominal times for the other classes on ss12 and ss13. 5 minutes on one and then 1.53 on other but if that’s true then yeah Tänak is up to 14th and 4 minutes from Solberg

[dnb]

they got the same times as slowest WRC car

[TypeR]

2020 Mexico
2023 Mexico
Till this stage he was really on pace and too bad for that mistake..
https://www.upload.ee/image/15033377/IMG_20230318_192612.jpg

[EstWRC]

They have updated the times also on wrc site and indeed Tänak up to 13th and 4 minutes from Solberg

[dnb]

Lappi said he didnt push enough

[meh]

they got the same times as slowest WRC car

Good job, Serdenidis!

If usually Greensmith lost 2s/km, now they got nominal times around 5s/km. Really helpful for Tänak.

But if we take Tänak overall position out of that game, then it makes sense - all Rally2 cars are mostly fighting with each other and it does not change the game. Only takes away opportunities to gain (or loose) time.

[meh]

Lappi said he didnt push enough

More precisely he had philosophy that he lacked the flow which he has when he is in pushing rhythm.

[TypeR]

SS15 cancelled, ffs

[rp]

SS15 cancelled, ffs

Not showing WRC2 drivers and this would have been their 1st stage. Ridiculous WRC+! Luckily able to cancel the subscription tomorrow.

[EstWRC]

SS15 cancelled, ffs

https://twitter.com/hartusvuoriwrc/status/1637153303476699143?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[meh]

How many km'st Rally2 drivers drove to SS14 start? :)

[EstWRC]

Lappi about the accident https://youtu.be/d_zRyJ27a94

[COD]

SS15 cancelled, ffs

So stupid. They had several hours to clear the pole and get it riåunning. Manana Mexico pace of doing things I guess

[becher]

Rovanpera is a great driver, for his age even more so. But people seem to forget that stars really did align for him to win the chapionship last year. Hes not quite Ogier level, atleast not yet

Hu? How did the stars align for him?

[SubaruNorway]

Not showing WRC2 drivers and this would have been their 1st stage. Ridiculous WRC+! Luckily able to cancel the subscription tomorrow.

More important to give Pirelli exposure with another meaningless interview

[dnb]

So stupid. They had several hours to clear the pole and get it riåunning. Manana Mexico pace of doing things I guess

Hyundai will get their car first thing in monday morning :) It's a win already that the fire truck arrived in time

[denkimi]

Hu? How did the stars align for him?
Being in the best car and having no ogier or tanak in the team.

[SubaruNorway]

Rally2 have will only do about 67% if I'm not wrong?
Half points under 75%

[jcevc]

Yes, until now cca 88 km of special stages not racing for all WRC2 crews...

But maybe they will made excuse as stages were not cancelled, just not driven :D

[TypeR]

SS9 Solberg P3 overall, SS14 P2 :D

[becher]

Being in the best car and having no ogier or tanak in the team.
Oh like pretty much any other world champion? I see.

[J4MIE]

Good to see everyone getting annoyed about lost stage mileage. Interesting nobody even notices when the exact same thing happens regularly to non priority drivers.

Friday of Safari Rally 2022 we had 81.67km lost as it was a bit sandy for the WRC1/2 crews.

[J4MIE]

So stupid. They had several hours to clear the pole and get it riåunning. Manana Mexico pace of doing things I guess

Maybe it takes a bit longer when its a fairiy remote electric pole and none of us know exactly how much work is involved.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi was convinced his i20 N would become engulfed by flames and he would lose the car completely. Gus Greensmith saved it with his extinguisher...

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/lappi-crashing-from-wrc-rally-mexico-lead-difficult-to-swallow/10445586/

[Jarek Z]

Martini is back in WRC!
... at least for one rally ;)
https://vk.com/wall-901607_1177576?lang=en

Explanation for younger fans:

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/pordenone-w%C5%82ochy-lipca-r-zdj%C4%99cie-lancia-delta-evoluzione-martini-racing-driver-massimo-miki-biasion-178250166.jpg

https://v.wpimg.pl/MzViOC5qYhs3CzlwGgpvDnRTbSpcU2FYI0t1YRpJdUwuXXZ7Gh xjGyMdIChAHTlUJgVgLlYDLB97DyAxUVwrFTUcPG5CAy5XZlp2 dwBGKEljC3dtXwEqWCs

[seb_sh]

Been busy these past two days and I was finally able to catch up with the rally and I have to say I'm disappointed.

I'm disappointed Lappi couldn't keep it on the road to at least give Ogier something to think about.
I'm disappointed MSport can not build a proper car anymore.
I'm disappointed WRC2 is barely running.

Ogier fighting hard not to smile when he heard that Lappi crashed says it all...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak
We are halfway through Saturday. The car is better than yesterday afternoon and we are improving stage by stage. 🌵🇲🇽

#WRC #RallyMexico #goOtt #TanakFanArmy #rallying #OttTanak #MartinJarveoja

[dnb]

Ogier fighting hard not to smile when he heard that Lappi crashed says it all...

Neuville and Rovanpera had their smiles yesterday

[SubaruNorway]

Martini is back in WRC!
... at least for one rally ;)
https://vk.com/wall-901607_1177576?lang=en

Explanation for younger fans:

https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/pordenone-w%C5%82ochy-lipca-r-zdj%C4%99cie-lancia-delta-evoluzione-martini-racing-driver-massimo-miki-biasion-178250166.jpg

https://v.wpimg.pl/MzViOC5qYhs3CzlwGgpvDnRTbSpcU2FYI0t1YRpJdUwuXXZ7Gh xjGyMdIChAHTlUJgVgLlYDLB97DyAxUVwrFTUcPG5CAy5XZlp2 dwBGKEljC3dtXwEqWCs

https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/80236-rally-guanajuato-mexico-2023/3915/

[rp]

Not a surprise, but Lappi will not continue & zero points.

Tomi Tuominen said that bad luck, but just like in Sardegna last year mistake on the Saturday´s first stage, when leading. Maybe something in Italy, but unfortunately nothing to do with the luck this time.

[seb_sh]

Neuville and Rovanpera had their smiles yesterday

what are you implying?

[Rallyper]

Good to see everyone getting annoyed about lost stage mileage. Interesting nobody even notices when the exact same thing happens regularly to non priority drivers.

Friday of Safari Rally 2022 we had 81.67km lost as it was a bit sandy for the WRC1/2 crews.

Yeah. And nobody wants Safari back either.

[SubaruNorway]

Good to see everyone getting annoyed about lost stage mileage. Interesting nobody even notices when the exact same thing happens regularly to non priority drivers.

Friday of Safari Rally 2022 we had 81.67km lost as it was a bit sandy for the WRC1/2 crews.

Non priority drivers are not fighting for a world championship, why would one be interested

[PLuto]

This is one of the reasons why I dont like WRC. Everything is focused only to manufacturers and WRC/Rally1 cars. Nobody takes care about the rest...

[Rallyper]

Actually ERC last weekend was much more exciting.

[rp]

Actually ERC last weekend was much more exciting.

Much, much more! WRC is almost dead.

[EstWRC]

Huge progress from Tänak on this stage compared to morning where he lost 20 secs to Thierry. At the moment loosing 2 secs in second split to Thierry

[Eli]

This is one of the reasons why I dont like WRC. Everything is focused only to manufacturers and WRC/Rally1 cars. Nobody takes care about the rest...

Perhaps they should’ve let go of all the WRC2 & beyond (WRC3, etc.) championships and just hand that to the ERC, then we’d have perhaps a more direct link between the ERC & WRC. Just some food for thought.

[EstWRC]

Much, much more! WRC is almost dead.

Did you guys really expected a interesting fight here on this rally?

It’s always like that with harsh rallies. We just had Sweden 3 weeks ago where there were close fights

[Eli]

Did you guys really expected a interesting fight here on this rally?

It’s always like that with harsh rallies. We just had Sweden 3 weeks ago where there were close fights

I think the main issue (beyond the usual stuff) is the fact that Ogier is mucking about, instead of doing a full season; so his win here (assuming he will win) is pretty pointless to us, drivers’ championship wise. I think we can all agree the championship would be much more interesting if we had Ogier, Tänak, Neuville, Rovanperä all fighting for the title.

[meh]

Ogier shows what he has to offer, without the actual need. 7.5 faster than Neuville at split 3. Phuuf.

edit: 8.1sec at the end

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier just here to break another record.

[EstWRC]

What a time by Ogier out of nowhere

[Jarek Z]

Perhaps they should’ve let go of all the WRC2 & beyond (WRC3, etc.) championships and just hand that to the ERC, then we’d have perhaps a more direct link between the ERC & WRC. Just some food for thought.

It could be a good idea about WRC3 being moved to ERC. Nobod follows it in WRC anyway.

But if they removed WRC2 Rally Mexico would only have 18 competitors...

[rp]

I think the main issue (beyond the usual stuff) is the fact that Ogier is mucking about, instead of doing a full season; so his win here (assuming he will win) is pretty pointless to us, drivers’ championship wise. I think we can all agree the championship would be much more interesting if we had Ogier, Tänak, Neuville, Rovanperä all fighting for the title.

If Ogier would be doing full season, he would take the title easily this year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No WRC2 shown either most of the time.

[Eli]

Ogier just here to break another record.

They (the FIA) should honestly stop it, either let him retire or do a full season, yes it’s nice to see him back but Imho it bears less meaning when he’s not doing it full time. Yes I realise we get more drivers when we do that but perhaps a part-time driver can’t be a former world champion, sorry Loeb fans.

[EstWRC]

If Ogier would be doing full season, he would take the title easily this year.

If my grandma had wheels she would be a bus

[Kras]

Perhaps they should’ve let go of all the WRC2 & beyond (WRC3, etc.) championships and just hand that to the ERC, then we’d have perhaps a more direct link between the ERC & WRC. Just some food for thought.

It would be shitty to go watch a rally live and see only 10 cars

[Eli]

It could be a good idea about WRC3 being moved to ERC. Nobod follows it in WRC anyway.

But if they removed WRC2 Rally Mexico would only have 18 competitors...

Who knows, if they’d primarily focus on the top category the next time we’d visit Mexico it would might bare fruits.

[Jarek Z]

They (the FIA) should honestly stop it, either let him retire or do a full season, yes it’s nice to see him back but Imho it bears less meaning when he’s not doing it full time. Yes I realise we get more drivers when we do that but perhaps a part-time driver can’t be a former world champion, sorry Loeb fans.

People complain that there is too few factory drivers/teams and you want to kick out even the ones who are still there? :)

[Eli]

It would be shitty to go watch a rally live and see only 10 cars

People watch 20 cars in F1 & let’s be honest, only 10 of them are actually of interest to anyone & I’m sugar coating it.

[Eli]

People complain that there is too few factory drivers/teams and you want to kick out even the ones who are still there? :)

When it’s Loeb & Ogier; yes, or bring them back full time, you think the’d still complain? (if we’d manage to bring them back)

[Kras]

Its easy for FIA to discourage part time gigs without banning them. Make teams register 3 drivers for manufacturer points for the whole season

[seb_sh]

They (the FIA) should honestly stop it, either let him retire or do a full season, yes it’s nice to see him back but Imho it bears less meaning when he’s not doing it full time. Yes I realise we get more drivers when we do that but perhaps a part-time driver can’t be a former world champion, sorry Loeb fans.

You're looking at the solution from the wrong side. Instead of banning or punishing talent maybe you should think of a way to get more better young drivers so that pensioners can't come in and dominate so easily.

[Rallyper]

So no WRC2 cars showing on SS16? Shame on you WRC+ All Live, whatever you call yourself!!!

This isn´t all live... right?

[Kras]

People watch 20 cars in F1 & let’s be honest, only 10 of them are actually of interest to anyone & I’m sugar coating it.

Yes but in f1 you see those cars pass your corner 50 times. I WRC you see them once. Who would climb rocks to see 10 cars

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally records should also show if a driver was doing a full Championship or not. There's no pressure if you're not so a win isn't really as hard.

[focus206]

If Ogier would be doing full season, he would take the title easily this year.

Easily? I wouldn't be so sure. Easy is for a multi time champion performing well with good road position, but last year he wasn't up to his standards even with that rocket of the Yaris.

[J4MIE]

Non priority drivers are not fighting for a world championship, why would one be interested

Ah nice one. So you aren’t interested in Ogier, or the other Rally1 crews that aren’t and will never fight for a world championship.

Would be much easier to have WRC rallies that only have 6 cars allowed, would save everyone a lot of hassle.

[Eli]

If Ogier would be doing full season, he would take the title easily this year.

No he wouldn’t with all due respect to mighty Ogier, he wouldn't've had the road position benefit he has now, & I don't think either of the current championship contenders would’ve made his life easy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith looks to have gone well again.

[Eli]

Yes but in f1 you see those cars pass your corner 50 times. I WRC you see them once. Who would climb rocks to see 10 cars

You could ask the same question now yet still many people do, and lets face it, in a formula 1 race you barely see them for a second cause they go by so fast, so you end up looking at a big screen. Rallying isn’t for the faint of heart, yes it’s demanding but a) no one is forcing you to go and b) you’d have the ERC and would probably be cheaper and hey if it makes it popular and eventually kills the WRC, so be it.

[rp]

Easily? I wouldn't be so sure. Easy is for a multi time champion performing well with good road position, but last year he wasn't up to his standards even with that rocket of the Yaris.

Last year Kalle was doing so great that it would have been difficult or even impossible for Ogier to beat him, but at the end of the season Ogier found something with the Yaris Rally1 and can handle it now.

[Jarek Z]

Yes but in f1 you see those cars pass your corner 50 times. I WRC you see them once. Who would climb rocks to see 10 cars

Yes, how difficult is it to understand? :)

[EstWRC]

Easily? I wouldn't be so sure. Easy is for a multi time champion performing well with good road position, but last year he wasn't up to his standards even with that rocket of the Yaris.

Agreed.

And he is a Mexico specialist winning it 6 times , he even won with the shitty Citroen here back in 2019

Like you said, last year he didn’t look impressive on gravel rallies

He didn’t pick the rallies he wants to do for no reason. Monte and Mexico so far this year

[seb_sh]

You could ask the same question now yet still many people do, and lets face it, in a formula 1 race you barely see them for a second cause they go by so fast, so you end up looking at a big screen. Rallying isn’t for the faint of heart, yes it’s demanding but a) no one is forcing you to go and b) you’d have the ERC and would probably be cheaper and hey if it makes it popular and eventually kills the WRC, so be it.

this argument has no logic, maybe it's time for bed

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
"It's a bit of progress, but it's a good step."

[Eli]

You're looking at the solution from the wrong side. Instead of banning or punishing talent maybe you should think of a way to get more better young drivers so that pensioners can't come in and dominate so easily.

What do you suggest?

[Kras]

What do you suggest?

I suggest making rally2 the main class and so do many others. That way way more people will get to compete with the big guys

[SubaruNorway]

Ah nice one. So you aren’t interested in Ogier, or the other Rally1 crews that aren’t and will never fight for a world championship.

Would be much easier to have WRC rallies that only have 6 cars allowed, would save everyone a lot of hassle.

It was a good fight at the front but not really interested in Ogier no, i was looking forward to see how far Oliver could climb back up, that's why it sucks loosing stages.

[Eli]

this argument has no logic, maybe it's time for bed

It has no logic perhaps but all the time I hear people saying here that rally2 cars should be top dogs, so how is that (massively) different from what I’ve suggested?

[seb_sh]

What do you suggest?

in short, I think a big part of the reason why the two ex champions can come in and embarass the others is a lack of new top drivers coming in over the years. In that way current drivers have an advantage that only grows over time, they keep driving and gaining experience so it's harder and harder for new talent to get a foot in the door. So I think there need to be more top level cars, if the solution is Rally2 or Rally2+ or something else I can't say but they need to find a way to have more drivers in top cars to have a healthier competition.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

First proper stage for WRC2 drivers and 'All Live' cuts away. Not good enough for them or the fans.

[Eli]

in short, I think a big part of the reason why the two ex champions can come in and embarass the others is a lack of new top drivers coming in over the years. In that way current drivers have an advantage that only grows over time, they keep driving and gaining experience so it's harder and harder for new talent to get a foot in the door. So I think there need to be more top level cars, if the solution is Rally2 or Rally2+ or something else I can't say but they need to find a way to have more drivers in top cars to have a healthier competition.

To be clear, I don’t think you’re wrong but it takes away from the championship when these two guys come at will when one of them clearly should do a full season but can’t be bothered with cleaning the roads or finding the snowbanks in Sweden.

[Tauri_J]

Loubet just cant stop crashing

[Rallyper]

Loubet again...

[seb_sh]

To be clear, I don’t think you’re wrong but it takes away from the championship when these two guys come at will when one of them clearly should do a full season but can’t be bothered with cleaning the roads or finding the snowbanks in Sweden.

fair enough but i don't think banning the two biggest stars in rally will help the championship

[meh]

Should Loubet show "ok" sign to Taka now? And if they don't, they will get some ticket again?

[Sulland]

Loubet need to practice more in Wrc2. He is not ready for this speed yet, at least not on gravel.

[seb_sh]

Did Loubet actually hit something? I only saw him stopped but not what actually happened.

[Tauri_J]

Did Loubet actually hit something? I only saw him stopped but not what actually happened.

It was a hard hit, harder than friday

[Kras]

Did Loubet actually hit something? I only saw him stopped but not what actually happened.

Ran wide and hit his rear right wheel on a rock in a ditch

[meh]

Rovenperä 12 lost at split1

[Kras]

Tanak destroying the stage 🤣

[becher]

Agreed.

And he is a Mexico specialist winning it 6 times , he even won with the shitty Citroen here back in 2019

Like you said, last year he didn’t look impressive on gravel rallies

He didn’t pick the rallies he wants to do for no reason. Monte and Mexico so far this year
The "shitty" Citroen won Mexico 2 out of 3 times and could have easily won in 18 as well, so go figure how shitty the C3 was.

[Eli]

fair enough but i don't think banning the two biggest stars in rally will help the championship

Well with all due respect to both I don’t think the short term gain is worth the long term loss (no new youngish drivers).

[EstWRC]

So the only technical failure we have had so far is Tänaks turbo

[denkimi]

The "shitty" Citroen won Mexico 2 out of 3 times and could have easily won in 18 as well, so go figure how shitty the C3 was.
It was shitty enough to make 6 times champion ogier run away from it as fast as he could.

[EstWRC]

The "shitty" Citroen won Mexico 2 out of 3 times and could have easily won in 18 as well, so go figure how shitty the C3 was.

Go figure yourself. It’s the only time I have heard Ogier saying “I can’t drive this car”

The fact it did well on one rally doesn’t change a thing. It was a shit car overall

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC2... finally !

[Rallyper]

Where´s Oliver?

Edit: Sorry. My bad... Thought he was ahead of Kajto...

[Kras]

Thank god ERC is on all live, so i get to see more than 5 min of r5 action

[becher]

Go figure yourself. It’s the only time I have heard Ogier saying “I can’t drive this car”

The fact it did well on one rally doesn’t change a thing. It was a shit car overall

Even yesterday he was whinging because Lappi had a slightly better start position, so I don't really care what he complains about.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

BTW, how come WRC2 cars dont run in reverse position order ?

[rp]

Argh! A couple of minutes more and would have seen Oliver.

[AnttiL]

BTW, how come WRC2 cars dont run in reverse position order ?

Because Rally1 cars do the road sweeping

[meh]

By speed Tänak can reach to 10th tomorrow. Rest can come only from dramas.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hybrid systems seem to be coping very well so far given the conditions.


Tanak
"I think this will be among the most demanding conditions for the hybrid. First, there is the temperature, and then there is the bad compressions and g-forces that the hybrid is normally not so happy about, and we will face all these things together here. It is a good challenge for the hybrid I would say."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stage win for Tanak ! :)

[meh]

Stage win for Tanak ! :)

Wait wait, Solberg has been so far both times faster than Tänak on this one. And first run Solberg was 3rd, second time 2nd, now it's third time...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wait wait, Solberg has been so far both times faster than Tänak on this one. And first run Solberg was 3rd, second time 2nd, now it's third time...

Not this time...

Ott Tänak @OttTanak

⏱️SS18 Las Dunas SSS 3 (3,70 km):
STAGE WIN !

1⃣ TÄNAK 3:13.6
2⃣ Rovanperä +0.1
3⃣ Neuville +0.3
4⃣ Sordo +0.7
5⃣ Evans +1.4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lucky Adrien !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FrimVxQWcAE2uRV?format=jpg&name=large

[meh]

Solberg 0.4 slower from Tänak this time. Still mighty impressive with Rally2.

[EstWRC]

Ridiculous stage


I’m sorry but I wouldn’t mind this rally dropping out again. Didn’t miss it at all

[dnb]

Tanak is the Miki Mouse specialist

[meh]

So, 4 stage wins for Tänak, with TOTAL length 7.08km (1.12 + 1.12 + 3.53 + 1.30)

[meh]

From Media Zone interview, Neuville states that he got puncture on SS18.

[Jarek Z]

I’m sorry but I wouldn’t mind this rally dropping out again. Didn’t miss it at all

Yes. Awful rally.

[EstWRC]

I know a lot of people are saying here it’s boring and dead and etc but look at the current table. 5 drivers separated by 10 points and if you take Ogier out then 9 points

Not bad eh?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230319/4d954f6bc32b420764c3fca41417bc2a.jpg

[RS]

First proper stage for WRC2 drivers and 'All Live' cuts away. Not good enough for them or the fans.

Especially when those cars are occupying positions 6-10.

[EstWRC]

Yestedays leg https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/80236-rally-guanajuato-mexico-2023/?leg=2

[meh]

I know a lot of people are saying here it’s boring and dead and etc but look at the current table. 5 drivers separated by 10 points and if you take Ogier out then 9 points

Not bad eh?

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230319/4d954f6bc32b420764c3fca41417bc2a.jpg

Well, maybe it's less boring, but why it is? Because strong ones are punished with not equal condition via crap start position, they don't have practical chance to fight for the win without others having huge dramas.

[TypeR]

Well, at the moment Ogier can't be blamed.. if he had retired in Sweden, he would have started from same position..

Winning 2 of 3 first rallies shows class. He is Monte and Mexico master.

I bet he will go to Croatia also(starting first for the win)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greemsmith leads WRC2 despite trying new set-ups after little useful testing in the new Fabia...

WRC.com
"The Brit could afford to relax and opted to trial different set-ups on his new car during the afternoon. While the tweaks didn't have the impact he'd hoped for, Greensmith still managed to strengthen his advantage over Fourmaux, ending the day 31.6sec in front going into Sunday's four-stage finale.

With a depleted Rally1 field ahead of him, Greensmith is on track to replicate the sixth-place overall finish he achieved at last year's FORUM8 Rally Japan - his most recent WRC outing.

"It's been okay," he said. "We tried a new set-up and perhaps, in the situation we're in, we didn't really need to try that. It made the afternoon very difficult and I couldn't match the pace I was on yesterday, but we know we can go back to the original set-up tomorrow and the pace will be there again."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

GG International (Rally) Rescue :D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Frh8MD-WYAE036b?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi aftermath with Dirtfish...

https://youtu.be/tbai9m-Y3Sc

[EstWRC]

About Ogier retirement. I agree it’s kinda ridiculous, out of last 6 rallies he has only missed one and that’s Sweden.

It doesn’t feel like a retirement at all to me

Seems the decision came to early and he actually wants still compete

[seb_sh]

About Ogier retirement. I agree it’s kinda ridiculous, out of last 6 rallies he has only missed one and that’s Sweden.

It doesn’t feel like a retirement at all to me

Seems the decision came to early and he actually wants still compete

I think he thought he could be competitive at Le Mans and would get a Toyota Hypercar seat but that plan didn't work out so now he's having fun in rally. Not sure that he wants to do a full season, maybe even he isn't sure. In his career he complained a lot about being first on the road, remember that for a while he had to do 2 days as first on the road so maybe now he is getting "revenge" for that doing his favourite rallies from a good start position.

[focus206]

Seems like only the battle for 2nd is on, but there's a 35 Km stage today, that could change some things...

[cosmin_sb]

the last day is started

[EstWRC]

Lol Tänaks answer

[wwbroe]

Serderidis went off again?

[wwbroe]

Strong time by Lindholm on this stage, coming close to Fourmaux

[Negaiss]

One of the longest stages of the year next. Small chance for Greensmith to get on the podium with rally2 car.

[meh]

One of the longest stages of the year next. Small chance for Greensmith to get on the podium with rally2 car.

Well, is micro also small? Chance that 3 Rally1 cars retire exists, but is really tiny. They can change punctures as many times they have tires and they are still ahead of Greensmith.

[Negaiss]

If it would be possible to bet on, how much Serderidis will lose to winning car on next stage (Otates 35,6 km), my bet would be - - - 2 minutes 33 seconds. That is mistakes or punctures excluded.

[COD]

Strong time by Lindholm on this stage, coming close to Fourmaux

2,4 secs, hope he gets it

[Kras]

If it would be possible to bet on, how much Serderidis will lose to winning car on next stage (Otates 35,6 km), my bet would be - - - 2 minutes 33 seconds. That is mistakes or punctures excluded.

Theres a big possibility for him to fuck upbthis stage for someone behind him

[EstWRC]

Why 6 minute gap between Loubet and Serderidis?

[Kras]

So Tanak in tyre saving mode already

[wwbroe]

Why 6 minute gap between Loubet and Serderidis?

They were afraid that Serderidis would catch Loubet:D

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Loubet?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak 40s faster for a cruise !

[EstWRC]

So Tänak zero points. Damper broken

[Kras]

Broken damper for Tanak. PS points look unlikely now

[Kras]

Sordo cant comprehend how shit Takamoto and Loubet are 🤣

[wwbroe]

Evans holding up against Neuville halfway trough the stage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bummer for Tanak after going through all these kms just for a chance of PS points. :(

[cosmin_sb]

Evans better that Neuville at the last split +0.5

[dnb]

Bummer for Tanak after going through all these kms just for a chance of PS points. :(

10th place is still possible

[EstWRC]

Yeah Evans. Get in

[wwbroe]

Evans with besttime, 1,7 faster as Neuville

[wwbroe]

Fourmaux loosing some time on splits, Lindholm will pass in front

[Kras]

2 technical problems for WRC1 class, both on Tanaks car...

The curse is permanent it seems

[wwbroe]

Oliver half a minute faster as Fourmaux on split 3:eek:

[wwbroe]

No fourth split for Fourmaux?

[meh]

10th place is still possible

As Fourmaux stopped on the stage, 10th is for sure if he can himself reach to finish. Probably Kaito will loose enough to give him 9th.

[TypeR]

as Tanak has damper problem, M-Sport used teamorders again and told Fourmaux to change a wheel on stage :D

[EstWRC]

So Tänak up to 10th anyway. Seems he won’t catch Kajito with this stage yet

[Kras]

Taka 14s slower than Greensmith, Loubet even worse.

Embarrasing lol

[meh]

Taka 14s slower than Greensmith, Loubet even worse.

Embarrasing lol

The cleaning effect ise huge on the second part. Logical.

[EstWRC]

2 technical problems for WRC1 class, both on Tanaks car...

The curse is permanent it seems

Yeah it’s his destiny.

In a way it’s isn’t a huge loss, the maximum he would have got from this rally is 5th so 12 points lost

[Galev62]

Oliver coming 20 sec faster than Lindholm and Greensmith? Maybe they had to slow down because of Fourmaux

[RS]

Solberg same time as Tanak.

[Kras]

The cleaning effect ise huge on the second part. Logical.

Ye, logical that Tanak with a roken damper did 42 sec better time with an almost identical road position

[TypeR]

Solberg with massive stage time! 26s faster than Lindholm and same as Tanak

[Kras]

Solberg same time as Tanak.

Really sick run

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pirelli guy explains ! :D

[meh]

Pirelli guy on live "Oliver was fucking fast on the last part"

[meh]

Getting close call for Tänak to get Kaito at the end.

37.3sec to go with 22.2km = 1.7s/km needed.

[Kras]

S lot of a stona, easy to geta di punture

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pirelli guy on live "Oliver was fucking fast on the last part"

With his rear Soft tyres.

[Danny0405]

With Fourmaux out, Tanak is back in points.
Could take 9th in the 2 last stages against Kajto

Evans takes a bit more margin against Neuville in this one but should be still a big fight in the last 2
And maybe a fight between Solberg and Lindholm for 2nd position in WRC-2 now

[EstWRC]

Tänak was joking? 5 seconds faster than Loubet with broken damper?

[meh]

Tänak was joking? 5 seconds faster than Loubet with broken damper?

I don't think he was joking. He said it to Järveoja after crossing the finish line.

[Kras]

Tänak was joking? 5 seconds faster than Loubet with broken damper?

He said damaged, not broken. Lets wait for Sordos split so we can compare him to a serious driver

[Kras]

He sorted the damper. Nice

[meh]

. o O ( can't they just filter the "whistle" noise out when streaming sound from Hyundais? )

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A 'troubly' run... Tanak is the master of unclear stage ends.

[EstWRC]

Ok he got it sorted somehow as I understand.

Some hope from PS stage

[rp]

Tänak was joking? 5 seconds faster than Loubet with broken damper?

Jari Ketomaa said that M-Sport´s dampers can feel that kind of when there is a high temperature. Definitely not broken.

[Kras]

. o O ( can't they just filter the "whistle" noise out when streaming sound from Hyundais? )

Yes what even is that? Sounds like a really bad electrical instalation job

[SubaruNorway]

Yes what even is that? Sounds like a really bad electrical instalation job

Electrical noise from a hybrid fan i think, it's constant so

[EstWRC]

Nice stage from Tänak, just 1.5 from Thierry who is pushing as hell

[Kras]

Electrical noise from a hybrid fan i think, it's constant so

Thx

[Kras]

Go go Evans

[Kras]

Evans looks like he took too much 🤣

[dnb]

Evans looks like he took too much ��

adrenaline?

[meh]

Seems, that Fourmaux was able to finish last stage and already driving on this one.

[dnb]

Formaux lost 17 min

[Kras]

Lindholm has the angriest co-driver

[dimviii]

SS22: NEUVILLE
His split times look good in comparison to Evans. The fight for second place is going to go right down to the Wolf Power Stage.


"I continue pushing. We won't give up. Elfyn has been fixing his car - he touched something and damaged his suspension in the previous stage. He is going to have to be brave to go flat out and risk everything."

[SubaruNorway]

Solberg on 3 sylinders... i think?

[meh]

Solberg on 3 sylinders... i think

Maybe just the overshoot?

Edit: You are right. Probably I'm just behind with my stream :)

[Kras]

Why atćre they not showing remaining cars????

[SubaruNorway]

Maybe just the overshoot?

Edit: You are right. Probably I'm just behind with my stream :)

You could hear it even before the replay of that, hopefully just a broken spark plugg if it happened when they hit the rock

[EstWRC]

Tänak up to 9th now