[WRC] Rally Italia Sardinia 2023

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1620763808942948352

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fn4cU5dXwAAWYjE?format=jpg&name=medium

- Rally base in Olbia again
- 49 km Monte Lerno!!!
- SS2 Tantariles not used since 2004
- Shakedown and Sunday stages same as 2021
- Same SSS as 2022

[Rallyest]

https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1620763808942948352

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fn4cU5dXwAAWYjE?format=jpg&name=medium

- Rally base in Olbia again
- 49 km Monte Lerno!!!
- SS2 Tantariles not used since 2004
- Shakedown and Sunday stages same as 2021
- Same SSS as 2022


334km total, not bad. if we had like 350-400km rallies it would be something

one 49km stage, its something but, if 1 or 2 more like 30-40km stages would be awesome

[DoN_cz]

The itinerary is not so spectator friendly like last year(s), where you could see 4 stages per day without any stress. 2023 seems like only 2 stages per day are possible with tons of free time between :(

[wyler]

The itinerary is not so spectator friendly like last year(s), where you could see 4 stages per day without any stress. 2023 seems like only 2 stages per day are possible with tons of free time between :(

i don't think so, knowing a bit the area, it's kinda easy have 4...there's enough of time...

ss2/5 + 4/7 quite close, 2h30m difference
ss9/11 + 13/15 a bit farther, but still 2h30m difference is enough for wrc+ some wrc2

[AnttiL]

The itinerary is not so spectator friendly like last year(s), where you could see 4 stages per day without any stress. 2023 seems like only 2 stages per day are possible with tons of free time between :(

Well, in that system you cannot have 50 km stages...


Here are the maps. All stages have minor or major updates except for Sunday and shakedown (like 2021) and SSS (like 2022)

https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-Italia-Sardegna-2023

[Sergiow]

Last year WRC Rally Italia Sardegna was a bit eventfull to say the least and raised some doubts about the quality of the organisation. This has now cleared up with the FIA Technical Report 2022. The document, which analyzes every aspect of the organization and management of the event from a technical and logistic point of view, has awarded the Italian round of the FIA World Rally Championship the highest score among the 2022 rounds, on par with the Secto Rally Finland.

https://rallyitaliasardegna.com/2023/02/17/the-fia-technical-report-awards-rally-italia-sardegna-as-the-best-round-of-2022/?lang=en

[Sergiow]

The itinerary is not so spectator friendly like last year(s), where you could see 4 stages per day without any stress. 2023 seems like only 2 stages per day are possible with tons of free time between :(

I agree with this, the 2023 SS 17+19 Power Stage is absolutely incomparable in spectator friendliness with the Argentiera Power Stage. Also when checking the Maps from Anttil, SS 11+15 - Tempio Pausania only can be accessed at the start/finish with tight bushes lining up almost the complete stage. Thus the stages in the north of Sardegna are not really attractive from a spectator point of view.

Everything seems to be centered around SS 3+6 - Monte Lerno, I have never been there but I heard it will take at least a 1 hours walk to access the stage

[NielsH]

Think the schedule and stages are oke. Found more than enough spots to spectate.

Looking forward to it, haven't been there since 2007.

[Sergiow]

Think the schedule and stages are oke. Found more than enough spots to spectate. Looking forward to it, haven't been there since 2007.

We will see. But with each year passing, I got more and more the feeling that they should switch from gravel to aspalt for WRC Rally Italia Sardegna.

For example the (Storico) Rally Costa Smeralda already have done that switch
https://www.rallyeslalom.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/banner-costa-smeralda.png

And in Sardegna they also have a rich history in Hill Climb courses, like the Scala Piccada, this year in its 61th edition, with Alghero in the background which is perfect for PowerStage duty
https://www.scalapiccada.it/wp-content/uploads/banner-sito-SP23.jpg

[AnttiL]

https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-Italia-Sardegna-2023

Terranova shortened, small changes on the end of Monte Lerno

[Sergiow]

It was a real bummer to see Neuville crashing out of the lead in Croatia, but at least he will have a favorable road position for Portugal and Sardinia. And Thierry probably could be joined in Sardinia by Ogier, see
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/sardinia-in-contention-to-join-ogiers-wrc-2023-programme/10460051/

[EstWRC]

so Ogier confirmed for Sardinia

what a long retirement the guy is having, missed ONE rally

[Hartusvuori]

so Ogier confirmed for Sardinia

what a long retirement the guy is having, missed ONE rally

By the time of Sardegna, he has missed two events, but yeah, driving more than many expected.

[Kenneth]

Well, even with two missed events he is still championship contender... Kalle is in a slump this year, Puma doesn't seem reliable enough for Ott, Neuville is... well, Neuville... Looks like Evans is picking up some pace again, but he have to prove that Croatia wasn't fluke.

So yeah, I'm not surprised that Ogier want to drive as much as possible this year.

[er88]

Guessing Ogier will go to Kenya as well before having a summer break from the faster rallies. Wonder if he will take a break until the last two rounds? He has always enjoyed tackling a new event, and then Toyota will want him in Japan

[becher]

Well, even with two missed events he is still championship contender... Kalle is in a slump this year, Puma doesn't seem reliable enough for Ott, Neuville is... well, Neuville... Looks like Evans is picking up some pace again, but he have to prove that Croatia wasn't fluke.

So yeah, I'm not surprised that Ogier want to drive as much as possible this year.

I wouldn't write Rovanperä off, he had a better Monte than last year, opened the road in Mexico and Sweden and had a puncture in Croatia (were he was fastest on the second and third day). Even if is close at the moment and I might like someone else as champion I'd put my money on Rovanperä.

[Andre Oliveira]

Prokop in Fabia RS Rally2.

[Andre Oliveira]

Entry list is out: https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/80238-rally-italia-sardegna-2023/

[wwbroe]

If somebody has the pasword for documents Rally Italia Sardegna, would you please share it with me via PM?

[Andre Oliveira]

You mean this?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/sportity/80238-rally-italia-sardegna-2023/

[wwbroe]

You mean this?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/sportity/80238-rally-italia-sardegna-2023/

No Andre, that one is quite obvious. I mean the pasword for the documents like the roadbooks

[rallyfiend]

No Andre, that one is quite obvious. I mean the pasword for the documents like the roadbooks

The Sportity password is always in the first few pages of the Supp Regs that you can see on that link above...

[AnttiL]

Yes but Sportity password doesn't give access to roadbook. It's restricted for competitors only

[Alan]

Going out to watch first time in Sardinia. Are there places to watch and any suggestions. Have marshalled on rally gb many times. Staying near Olbia for holiday.

[Katvala]

For once I am up at 4am, only to realise that rally doesn't start before 10am. It's s long wait..

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[DoN_cz]

For once I am up at 4am, only to realise that rally doesn't start before 10am. It's s long wait..

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

and in 3 weeks time :D

[Katvala]

and in 3 weeks time :DAhhh I went to the wrong thread!

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[Sergiow]

Going out to watch first time in Sardinia. Are there places to watch and any suggestions. Have marshalled on rally gb many times. Staying near Olbia for holiday.

If you stay near Olbia, the SSS 1 OLBIA-CABU ABBAS in the city centre on Thursday evening, 01 June 2023 is a good start: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXFOjPGLlo4

And then on Friday, 2 June 2023 the Kitzbühel downhill on the SS 3/6 Terranova
https://rallyitaliasardegna.com/2023/02/23/the-famous-kitzbuhel-downhill-on-the-terranova-special-stage-is-back-to-the-2023-itinerary/?lang=en

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/pwgiAl48_cM

Best suggestion for WRC Rally Italia Sardegna is Jumping the Dust! Before claiming a place at the stage, first check the wind direction and best pick the side of the road with the wind in your back as to avoid as much dust as possible coming your way, but as a former marshall you probably already know that.

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2023/05/22/route-preview-rally-italia-sardegna-2023/

Route preview. All forest stages have changed, and the new sections on Friday (and Tempio on Saturday) have a lot of Safari-style roughness.

[AnttiL]

Rain forecasted for rally week

[CeskyOndra]

Where did you get this from? Can you share a link to weather forecast please?

[AnttiL]

Where did you get this from? Can you share a link to weather forecast please?

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-3174852/Italy/Sardinia/Province%20of%20Sassari/Monte%20Lerno

[CeskyOndra]

Wow okey. I was looking at the same page, but for Olbia service park. There is not that much rain in Olbia like in Monte Lerno. Lets see, its looking like a big advantage for front runners.

[CeskyOndra]

In the hills there might be more rain

[NielsH]

Looks like I won't need a lot of factor 50 sunscreen. Could spice things up, I like it.

[CeskyOndra]

I think that forecast will change in next days a lot. Even from yesterday there is now 30% of the rain, so we have to wait maybe until this Sunday. Then it will be more obvious.. But one think is sure, there won't be 30 degrees and fully sunshine all the weekend.

[Sergiow]

Wow okey. I was looking at the same page, but for Olbia service park. There is not that much rain in Olbia like in Monte Lerno. Lets see, its looking like a big advantage for front runners.

I think the coming rain will be good against the dust, that is always been the biggest problem during the WRC Rally Sardegna Italia, especially last year on the openings stages, Championship leader Kalle Rovanpera was the only driver unaffected, being first on the road, but behind his rivals were forced to back off in places to avoid accidents due to the dust.see https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/wrc-drivers-frustrated-by-dangerous-hanging-dust-in-sardinia/10315580/?utm_source=RSS&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=RSS-WRC&utm_term=News&utm_content=uk

But it is good to keep an eye on the weather forecasts, not for the rain but also for the temperatures. With forecasted temperatures in the mountains between 20/10 degress, the 'feels like' temperature might be even lower so you need to be prepared for that

[CeskyOndra]

Agree with u, dust has been a big problem all the years. It is going to be really interesting rally, weather forecast is still showing quite a lot of rain!

[AnttiL]

Route preview video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb3r4d1M2MM

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport preview:

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/pumas-push-to-set-pace-on-punishing-stages-in-sardinia

[CeskyOndra]

Now there is rain all the weekend. Its probably going to be first proper wet rally of the season.

[salvadorpv]

How to get the beginning of the las stage? Is it posible to park on the road side?

[Sergiow]

How to get the beginning of the las stage? Is it posible to park on the road side?

las stage? Do you mean the last stage? (= 22/05/2023 - SS17-19 Sardegna / Live TV - Wolf PWS). In that case you can download the PDF map for passholders which indicates the reserved parking spots https://rallyitaliasardegna.com/download/ss17-19-sardegna-live-tv-wolf-pws-2/?wpdmdl=707&refresh=64732ce8ec3a21685269736

But regarding the free parking on the roadside, I do not have experience with this stage, but it depends from stage to stage. But my guess is since this is not a mountain stage, roadside parking will be fairly easy except for the start area ...

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxRrBUsWYAMYY5C?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

Still rain on the forecast for all week

[Rallyper]

Makes Pickems even harder to predict... just do it folks!

[CeskyOndra]

And there might be some fog, which is typical in these mountains

[Eli]

So the same conditions we had on Friday 2018 only instead of one day, all weekend? Hope the stages won’t get cancelled.

[NielsH]

Lots of difference between weather websites. YR.no seems to be the most pessimistic about the weather for the rally (unless you love rain, then its optimistic ;-) ).

We'll see!

[CeskyOndra]

On Friday 2018 there was just overnight rain, it wasn't raining on Friday, am I right? And im quite worried about cancelling second passes of the stages because of mud. But like NielsH said, we gonna see!

[wyler]

italian forecast says moderate rain in the late afternoon in the mountain, around 17-20h. sun in the service park area.

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/rallymaps/status/1663238315842076686?s=21&t=0BDo_UPdVieYgiTIVLvhig

Tempio Pausania stage shortened

[CeskyOndra]

What is the reason? Maybe too much rain in coming days?

[AnttiL]

Lots of difference between weather websites. YR.no seems to be the most pessimistic about the weather for the rally (unless you love rain, then its optimistic ;-) ).

We'll see!

Remember not to check the forecast for Olbia, there is more rain forecasted in the mountains where the stages are.

[NielsH]

Remember not to check the forecast for Olbia, there is more rain forecasted in the mountains where the stages are.

Yeah, big difference I use Ala dei Sardi on most sites. And the difference between ilmeteo, meteo.it, accuweather, yr.no and others is huge. Meteoblue shows a "Predictability" of their forecast which is only 45-55%.

Already got a warning not to drive a 2wd car past 9.5km on the Tempio stage.

[AnttiL]

Already got a warning not to drive a 2wd car past 9.5km on the Tempio stage.

Tempio is just 9 km long :D

[NielsH]

Tempio is just 9 km long :D

hahaha, indeed, nice advice!

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230530/b3e987ae5d0c44406b773a28cfd9b0f5.jpg

[Rallyest]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230530/b3e987ae5d0c44406b773a28cfd9b0f5.jpg


Safari rally Sardinia? :D

[CeskyOndra]

Wow, that will be crazy if it remains here! I saw some recce pictures from Solberg and it was completely dry, so it is probably just in places, but it is more tricky because of changing conditions.

[EstWRC]

Wow, that will be crazy if it remains here! I saw some recce pictures from Solberg and it was completely dry, so it is probably just in places, but it is more tricky because of changing conditions.

Yep. Seems it’s in parts

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230530/e50bd36fd2227b17473d848de40e312e.jpg

[CeskyOndra]

Fog has been added to Friday morning!
https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-3174852/Italy/Sardinia/Province%20of%20Sassari/Monte%20Lerno

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/adrienfourmaux/status/1663576536492961799?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[CeskyOndra]

https://youtu.be/Wra8oewbNhI

DirtFish team talk

[spyros]

Good morning how is the weather?

[EstWRC]

Good morning how is the weather?

At shakedown overcast but dry

[Tauri_J]

Good morning how is the weather?

Looks overcast. Seems like mornings could be mostly dry and most of the rain should fall afternoon. At least my forecast shows it that way.

Anyway excellent time by Tänak.

[EstWRC]

Suspension upgrade gives Tanak renewed WRC hope in Sardinia
Ott Tanak says a suspension upgrade trialled in a pre-event test has “definitely improved” his World Rally Championship M-Sport Ford Puma ahead of this weekend’s Rally Sardinia.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/suspension-upgrade-gives-tanak-renewed-wrc-hope-in-sardinia-/10476656/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Go Ott !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxiD8qXWAAAp34m?format=jpg&name=large

[AndersX]

Suspension upgrade gives Tanak renewed WRC hope in Sardinia
Ott Tanak says a suspension upgrade trialled in a pre-event test has “definitely improved” his World Rally Championship M-Sport Ford Puma ahead of this weekend’s Rally Sardinia.

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/suspension-upgrade-gives-tanak-renewed-wrc-hope-in-sardinia-/10476656/

Lets assume Ott was playing hide and seek during the shakedown.....( looks, though, others were not invited to the game and they went fast...😬)

[meh]

Lets assume Ott was playing hide and seek during the shakedown.....( looks, though, others were not invited to the game and they went fast...��)

We never know with what goal they used shakedown - maybe they tested different setups etc. From 1st run Tänak's time was impressive, only Sordo was able to be faster from much better road position (check times to see how fast road conditions were improving).

But seems that Lappi matching with Hyundai well and has found good setup.

[Rallyper]

Pickems closing time is 1800hrs CEST. Less than three hours...

[EstWRC]

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-drivers-set-for-extreme-safari-rally-conditions-in-sardinia/10476737/

[CeskyOndra]

Storm will maybe arrive to SS1

[EstWRC]

shakedown https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KDcYAVLOpA

[seb_sh]

here we go, let's hope for a good one!

[EstWRC]

Tänak and Järveoja talked after the stage something about puncture at the end of the stage. Right rear but it’s his own fault jumping too sideways on that left hander where the right rear took quite a impact

[EstWRC]

And video proof of it https://twitter.com/alekslesk/status/1664315753267445773?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230602/2ea21d207965a774828a225f16dc6553.jpg

[TypeR]

Oh no, why would even think about 1 spare..

[meh]

Ok, rally-salves, here we go :)

tyro-choice is a bit.. "eeem, what?" but we'll figure it out soon I guess

[Tauri_J]

Oh no, why would even think about 1 spare..

Why not? Front runners should be in better position against punctures

[Rallyper]

Morning guys.

[EstWRC]

What a split by Ogier. 3 secs quicker than kalle and Ott

[meh]

Holy fck Ogier...

6.3sec faster already in 2nd split, 7.8 at the end (compared to Rovanperä)

[Tauri_J]

Ogier is crazy

[flat_right]

Someone pushes like he has a championship to win

[TypeR]

Ogier must be like, did u boys forget how to drive or what..?

[meh]

Someone pushes like he has a championship to win

... or exactly opposite - like he has not championship to loose

[EstWRC]

... or exactly opposite - like he has not championship to loose

This!

[EstWRC]

The surprise for me this season is how well Lappi is doing with the Hyundai

[meh]

Friday hero / road cleaning metric Loubet shows good time and the fact, that road is cleaning a lot in the first part of the stage.

[EstWRC]

Solberg just 2 secs slower than Tänak, Sordo and Evans

[seb_sh]

The surprise for me this season is how well Lappi is doing with the Hyundai

He has shown such speed in the past but it was usually not sustainable.

[dimviii]

Rossel seems lost again

[meh]

He has shown such speed in the past but it was usually not sustainable.

By visual, it was the case also now... but this is just me, and what I see from the screen... the truth comes on Sunday (latest)

[Rally Hokkaido]

What happened to Gryazin? Slow puncture or spin?

[meh]

When road goes from tarmac to gravel and there is the jump... people are not in the safe place there at all. Not sure but I think Tänak said something about it to Järveoja as well.

[EstWRC]

Second half very bad from Tänak. Seems the Ford still doesn’t like the rough parts

The first part was smooth and fast, the end was rough and rutted

[meh]

Second half very bad from Tänak. Seems the Ford still doesn’t like the rough parts

I agree with the first part but I would not jump to conclusions, it can be just one wrong line in the mud. But seems like 2sec lost in last split.

[jcevc]

When road goes from tarmac to gravel and there is the jump... people are not in the safe place there at all. Not sure but I think Tänak said something about it to Järveoja as well.

I have same concerns, it is true that is straight line over the jump but if someone miss the jump or something broke at landing for example consequences could be very bad...

[EstWRC]

Oh my. Lappi is so on the edge

[Dontcut]

When road goes from tarmac to gravel and there is the jump... people are not in the safe place there at all. Not sure but I think Tänak said something about it to Järveoja as well.

Yeah, that looks quite bad. All cars have had some jittering on the landing.

[bomber21]

Stage stopped

[Rallyper]

Is it our wise and very motivated discussion about safety on this forum?

[Rallyper]

Where is Mme Mouton? Didn´t she have her eyes on spectators at this jump?

[jonkka]

Where is Mme Mouton? Didn´t she have her eyes on spectators at this jump?

Seems someone had as stage is stopped for the moment.

[EstWRC]

This was right thing to do. Tänak almost jumped into one guy there, they also talked about it at the end of the stage with Martin

[Eli]

Pickems closing time is 1800hrs CEST. Less than three hours...

Can’t believe I forgot to put Rovanperä…🤦*♂️🤦*♂️

[EstWRC]

Stage win for Taka

[TypeR]

Solberg suspension thru fender
https://www.upload.ee/image/15296522/solbersuspension.jpg

[Rallyper]

So, will he try Monte Lerno? The wheel obviously in some way rolls... :)

[haris274]

Spring has just left the chat...

[Katvala]

Kalle narrowly avoided cows!

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[jcevc]

cows on road.....

[seb_sh]

unfortunately they chose the clueless combo to commentate this important stage, i'm sick of their useless babbling already

[Rallyest]

Did Tänak put on the hards for this one? didnt see his tyre choice

[Sulland]

unfortunately they chose the clueless combo to commentate this important stage, i'm sick of their useless babbling already

I do not speak spanish, but it is an option to choose is it not?
Maybe I will do that.....

If WRC.TV does not get x drivers in as expert commentators in for every rally, they will become a muted videofeed. Brits blahblahing is useless!

[jonkka]

Did Tänak put on the hards for this one? didnt see his tyre choice

Two hards, three softs.

[Rallyest]

Two hards, three softs.

I mean for this stage

[TypeR]

one hard, like Ogier

[TypeR]

massive difference between Tanak and Ogier.. considering they start after each other

[Rallyest]

massive difference between Tanak and Ogier.. considering they start after each other

Shows how dangerous Ogier Toyota combo is

[EstWRC]

Kalle and Ott have no chance.


They will get massive losses here. Tänak is too slow today

[Tauri_J]

Yeah, looks like upgrades not working

[Dontcut]

Yeah, looks like upgrades not working

Second on the road.

[Tauri_J]

Neuville still crashing but got lucky there

[EstWRC]

Yeah, looks like upgrades not working

Seems so. Barely faster than Kalle

[Tauri_J]

Second on the road.

What rally are you watching?

[Rallyest]

Hope Lappi can keep up this pace without making a mistake, fingers crossed he deserves a win

[Dontcut]

What rally are you watching?

With only road order, is massive loss regarding Ott and Kalle.

[seb_sh]

I do not speak spanish, but it is an option to choose is it not?
Maybe I will do that.....

If WRC.TV does not get x drivers in as expert commentators in for every rally, they will become a muted videofeed. Brits blahblahing is useless!

indeed I switched to german which i speak somewhat, it's just one commentator who doesn't feel the need to fill every microsecond. it requires a bit of concentration to follow him for now but maybe my german will get better :D

[EstWRC]

Oh my. What a Ogier masterpiece, starts right behind Tänak and 25 seconds faster

[TypeR]

Oh my. What a Ogier masterpiece, starts right behind Tänak and 25 seconds faster

35s faster at finish, oh well :D

[Lead]

What a time from Ogier.... wow
I guess he prepared to secure rally victory here.

[denkimi]

Oh my. What a Ogier masterpiece, starts right behind Tänak and 25 seconds faster
It mostly shows just how much better the toyota is.

Thank god we have at least ogier to stop kalle from winning another easy title this year.

[meh]

Lappi with is more aggressive driving style maybe have overcooked tires

edit: Lappi's car rear was also off the road similar to Neuville. Lucky to get away without damage. This luck will not stay too long with that style I guess.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Having by far the longest stage on Day 1 is harsh on those leading the Championship and so opening the road. They have no chance of the rally win already.

[meh]

It mostly shows just how much better the toyota is.

Thank god we have at least ogier to stop kalle from winning another easy title this year.

or exactly opposite - helping. If Rovanperä can not win here because of really bad road position, then his competitors for the title can not get larger points (for win), because Ogier takes them himself.

[EstWRC]

It mostly shows just how much better the toyota is.

Thank god we have at least ogier to stop kalle from winning another easy title this year.

Yeah there is definitely car difference, especially between Toyota and Ford but it can’t be only that

Although yeah Ott mentioned nothing isn’t working at the moment


#8
flag
Tänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
"It is a challenge. A massive struggle and a massive loss. Like driving a tow truck, such inertia in the rear."

[meh]

Yeah there is definitely car difference, especially between Toyota and Ford but it can’t be only that

Although yeah Ott mentioned nothing isn’t working at the moment


There is no reason to compare uncomparable situations. Ogier mastered it, that for sure.

But the road position (dis)advantage is huge - compare Tänak and Loubet.

[Tauri_J]

Only Weather lottery can save this rally.

Kinda stupid to have rally-deciding stages on friday but hey what do I know…

[J4MIE]

Having by far the longest stage on Day 1 is harsh on those leading the Championship and so opening the road. They have no chance of the rally win already.

There is always a chance, but it’s good and helps level things out.

[seb_sh]

Maybe the Toyota has an advantage but Ogier definitely just gave a lesson how to manage a long stage. Neuville and Lappi talking about pushing and having no grip... something tells me it's not just the car.

[seb_sh]

And Sordo fell off the road just to put the cherry on the cake for Hyundai.

[meh]

Sordo did some free falling

[Rallyest]

HE IS MOVING, wow fighter spirit

[seb_sh]

HE IS MOVING, wow fighter spirit

with so few Rally1 cars he could push it to the finish and still have a chance for points...

[meh]

Well, Hyundai is strong car at the end...

[seb_sh]

what a moment for Taka, he is a lucky lucky boy!

[meh]

Holy fuck, Toyota is tank. Taka had huge impact and still moving.

[Rallyper]

There are some more factors at this stage. Tyre choice for instance and number of spares played big role here at Monte Lerno.
But for sure: Ogier still the master.

[EstWRC]

Damn that Toyota is a tank. Unbelievable

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230602/31d24c992ed6a9d146602cd89362d0fc.jpg

[meh]

To conclude this stage - Hyundai still moving after falling down few meters from a cliff, Toyota is completely ok after driving over and against a cliff, and Ford... Ford is loosing power when sees water.

edit: Sordo's car: https://twitter.com/DirtFishRally/status/1664568942751363072 , https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1664565239411515392

[seb_sh]

To conclude this stage - Hyundai still moving after falling down few meters from a cliff, Toyota is completely ok after driving over and against a cliff, and Ford... Ford is loosing power when sees water.

good that the Fords are finished with the stage already, seems it's raining now :P

[ouvreur]

Only Weather lottery can save this rally.

Kinda stupid to have rally-deciding stages on friday but hey what do I know…

I agree. They should have them every day.

[RS]

Eughh, why are we leaving SS4? Next stage is 3 hrs away.

[denkimi]

Maybe the Toyota has an advantage but Ogier definitely just gave a lesson how to manage a long stage. Neuville and Lappi talking about pushing and having no grip... something tells me it's not just the car.
All 3 drivers saying the same, no grip. If it's not the car then it's wrong tyre strategy.

[doubled1978]

Sensational from Ogier. He just keeps proving his class.
Intrigued to see how the afternoon loop pans out.

[TWRC]

All 3 drivers saying the same, no grip. If it's not the car then it's wrong tyre strategy.
Sordo and Neuville said putting on the hards was a mistake. Question is, would there be more grip for them with the softs? I guess we will see in the afternoon. But Neuville looks completely lost.

[Eli]

To conclude this stage - Hyundai still moving after falling down few meters from a cliff, Toyota is completely ok after driving over and against a cliff, and Ford... Ford is loosing power when sees water.

edit: Sordo's car: https://twitter.com/DirtFishRally/status/1664568942751363072 , https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/1664565239411515392

I wish there was a laughing emoji as a reaction instead of like so you'll just have to imagine I reacted with it instead of the like.

[EstWRC]

We praised the Toyota but Hyundai is also strong

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230602/82f90e7d14f8b3ba0d30837d63473343.jpg

[Sulland]

Eughh, why are we leaving SS4? Next stage is 3 hrs away.

The crew need an extended lunch!

[Sulland]

Solberg must have made some field repairs on the Skoda.

He has finished ss4, so maybe they can fix it in the servicearea, to continue on ss5.

[meh]

road positon | name | position after SS4, comments

1. Rovanperä - 8. by speed slowest Rally1
2. Tänak - 7. 2nd slowest
3. Ogier - 1. outperforming his road position, everyone must be lucky he is only 3rd on the road not 8th
4. Evans - 4. correlates with start position, Sordo and Takamoto made gifts
5. Neuville - 6. underperform road position
6. Lappi - 2. correlates with road position, outperforms a bit
7. Sordo - 9. (only Rally1 cars) underperformed SS2, correlated SS3, accident on SS4
8. Katsuta - 5. without mistake on SS4 correlates well with road position
9. Loubet - 3. correlates well with road position, some lost-power issues caused by waterspalhes

Road position correlation is clear and huge. Without weather or puncture lottery for Tänak and Rovanperä is hard to fight back and if they are again at the front tomorrow, it's just waiting the finish of rally for them.

[AnttiL]

Solberg must have made some field repairs on the Skoda.

He has finished ss4, so maybe they can fix it in the servicearea, to continue on ss5.

But he must be at service in time, or one minute late at max (was already 29 min late before SS4)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

There is always a chance, but it;s good and helps level things out.

I dont see how. 'Levelling out' here is too much with two runs of BY FAR the longest stage on Day 1.

[AnttiL]

I dont see how. 'Levelling out' here is too much with two runs of BY FAR the longest stage on Day 1.

Would it help if it was two 25 km stages? I doubt.

[J4MIE]

I dont see how. 'Levelling out' here is too much with two runs of BY FAR the longest stage on Day 1.

I mean it helps stop someone running away with the championship.

First on the road can be an advantage on some events, or if it’s extremely dusty. So people seem to moan but I think overall it’s fair. Someone has to go first.

[J4MIE]

But he must be at service in time, or one minute late at max (was already 29 min late before SS4)

Or max 1 more min late for the rest of the day.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's also gonna be super rough and rocky on the he second passes. Lets see how the Rally1 cars cope and the tyres.

[AnttiL]

But he must be at service in time, or one minute late at max (was already 29 min late before SS4)

He made it!

[Rallyper]

Reccon that Oliver will drive just for learning more from stages to come...

Or is it better to retire in the last stage today?

[AnttiL]

Reccon that Oliver will drive just for learning more from stages to come...

Or is it better to retire in the last stage today?

Realistically Oliver and many others are driving WRC2 to show to the team bosses they are worth of a top class seat. Oliver can still do that by making good stage times in the rest of the stages.

Why would it be better to retire?

[TypeR]

Driving thru afternoon stages looks like only point..
Timewise it doesn't matter anyway( superrally would have been +40min, now he lost some 30+ minutes).

or maybe the towtruck would have taken more time to get there :D

Although, got to learn some repairing skills

[denkimi]

I mean it helps stop someone running away with the championship.

First on the road can be an advantage on some events, or if it’s extremely dusty. So people seem to moan but I think overall it’s fair. Someone has to go first.
If it rained or will rain being first would probably have been an advantage.

The cleaning of stages is unfortunate, but it can't be avoided. Yet, if there was some wrc car driving as zero car, the worst of it could be avoided, making it more equal.

[AnttiL]

Although, got to learn some repairing skills

Yes, and it was a good "show-off" also to prove you can fix the car on the road and make it to service.

[Paul Hudson]

I Expect a Big Fine and maybe a time penalty for Loubet, Codriver did not have his helmet fastened on SS4, The stewards will be looking at the incar.

[J4MIE]

Yet, if there was some wrc car driving as zero car, the worst of it could be avoided, making it more equal.

The zero car has a safety job to do and shouldn’t be there to sweep the stages. Equally, nobody wants a number of “rally sweeper cars” to go first as they could cause an issue and block/cancel stages.

It’s fine as it is.

[J4MIE]

I Expect a Big Fine and maybe a time penalty for Loubet, Codriver did not have his helmet fastened on SS4, The stewards will be looking at the incar.

They’ll have watched it on WRC+ so will be waiting for him, presumably at the end of the day.

[AnttiL]

Yet, if there was some wrc car driving as zero car, the worst of it could be avoided, making it more equal.

Who would pay for this? Also, putting in Serderidis/Bertelli/etc would not create ideal lines for the top cars.

[meh]

Taka and Sordo made their mechanics lunch interesting, quite intense services :)

[Rallyest]

Dani over service time, and a penalty coming for not using electric leaving service i guess? not sure but think it is regulaed

[seb_sh]

The zero car has a safety job to do and shouldn’t be there to sweep the stages. Equally, nobody wants a number of “rally sweeper cars” to go first as they could cause an issue and block/cancel stages.

It’s fine as it is.

I think this was discussed some time ago either on this forum or some other but the point was also that in order to sweep the car must be driven by a competent driver otherwise the lines are useless. Even if you add a sweeper car, not necessarily replacing the 0 car but in addition and it runs out of competition with a good enough driver such as Ostberg or Meeke there are still issues. If that car breaks down or Meeke does his thing then you as leading driver have no sweeper so it can become unfair due to luck.

Add in weather complications and it's really really hard to make a system that improves the situation without adding more downside than upside. 1 day sweeping for the champ leader is ok, what would make things better is if there were more top cars so that if you lose time on day 1 you would not be almost guaranteed to sweep day 2 as well. Seems this (more Rally1 cars) is my go-to line but it really would fix a lot of issues. Not saying more manufacturers necessarily just more cars. Would help youngsters get more experience in top cars as well and so on. But anyway....

[meh]

Dani over service time, and a penalty coming for not using electric leaving service i guess? not sure but think it is regulaed

I think there can be exception in case of hybrid does not work or something.

[Katvala]

The ones requesting ex drivers commentating earlier.. this stage got Phil Mills commentating!

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[Tauri_J]

Raining heavier for Seb?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak & Rovanpera with the same time Ogier did on the first pass...

[EstWRC]

Tänak only has good first splits and fades away

Okay this time it could be hard tires in the second part where it’s more muddy

[240RS]

Interestingly, Rovanpera's time matched the stage-winning time first time round.

Seems like the road surface damage won't slow things down. At least for now.

[Rallyper]

I must say I think Thierry going wide in almost every corner, sliding, drifting. His rear end is swinging back and forth...

[meh]

Lappi went to attack? A bit worry involved...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The ones requesting ex drivers commentating earlier.. this stage got Phil Mills commentating!



A blessed relief.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

FFS Loubet.... just gets such bad luck. :(

[Tauri_J]

Hats off if Lappi finishes the rally with this pace

[EstWRC]

Burn this Puma

[Tauri_J]

M sport reliability strikes again

[CeskyOndra]

Where is Dani? Should be in the stage before Loubet?

[jonkka]

Where is Dani? Should be in the stage before Loubet?

Late out of service, wasn't he?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cancelled ?

[Rallyper]

Why stage stopped??

Edit: Rumour says safety reasons...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Safety reasons...

[RallyFan13]

What happened ?

[Rallyest]

What i noticed was that 1 dude at the end of stage at red flags who was always on track before a car, not sure if it is connected, but reached my eye, sure im not the only one

[EstWRC]

Why the hell the people can’t behave there

And yea that one dude at the finish constantly being on the road was idiot too

[meh]

Seems that Loubet also got to move and going to next stage but his fight for the position is ruined already...

[TypeR]

that last part of the stage looks really uncomfortable to drive..

[Rallyper]

Who´s doing comments beside Becsy?

[meh]

Who´s doing comments beside Becsy?

Phil Mills, Petter Solberg's co-driver

[Fredouye]

This morning in Monte Lerno

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230602/0c51e46c5be47e367918d8528d67dfb3.jpg

[Rallyper]

Phil Mills, Petter Solberg's co-driver

So he came back then? Didn´t seem like that when she thanked him after the stage before...

[Sulland]

Safety reasons...

safety for cars, crew or public/fans?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice run Thierry !

[J4MIE]

safety for cars, crew or public/fans?

People have to be off the stage 30 mins before first car, and keep off the road. Why people don’t understand this I’ve no idea.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loubet is back... hope he benefits from the stage cancellation.

[EstWRC]

so Loubet didnt get any penalty for not being able to start the previous stage?

wasnt there a new rule that if you cant get away from start line in 10 secs you will get a 1 minute penalty or smth?

[denkimi]

so Loubet didnt get any penalty for not being able to start the previous stage?
Weird. He should be disqualified if we do it by the rules.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No Gus !

[dimviii]

GREENSMITH
He's rolled 5.6km into the stage. Both Gus and co-driver Jonas Andersson are OK but will not continue.

[meh]

Red flag. RC2 cars have cruising day

[J4MIE]

so Loubet didnt get any penalty for not being able to start the previous stage?

wasnt there a new rule that if you cant get away from start line in 10 secs you will get a 1 minute penalty or smth?

If he didn’t get to the start line then he can’t get a penalty for not starting.

However, you’d have to think there may be a penalty for working on the car inside the time control.

But yes, he might have got lucky and can drive to next stage.

[EstWRC]

If he didn’t get to the start line then he can’t get a penalty for not starting.

However, you’d have to think there may be a penalty for working on the car inside the time control.

But yes, he might have got lucky and can drive to next stage.

really? you dont start the stage and no penalty?

i have hard time believing this or you mean the red flag saved him, atlhough the stage wasnt red flagged when he couldnt start

[dimviii]

Sordo roll
https://twitter.com/rallyemag/status/1664591760134160385

[meh]

2447

I guess Gus? needs ambulance or something

How do you set size for the uploaded file?

[seb_sh]

Uh I think that was Gus lying on the dirt there, didn't look ok to me...

Edit: Jonas pointed to his lower back when talking to the people in the next car

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No Loubet on the official classification. Penalty may still come.

[denkimi]

really? you dont start the stage and no penalty?

i have hard time believing this or you mean the red flag saved him?
The red flag was way after he should have started.

I assume he will get at least a 10 minutes penalty.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Twitter saying
Gus was lying on the floor as Sunninen pulled up and it looked like Jonas was signalling his back was hurt, hope he's ok.

[J4MIE]

really? you dont start the stage and no penalty?

i have hard time believing this or you mean the red flag saved him, atlhough the stage wasnt red flagged when he couldnt start

I never said that.

If the codriver hadn’t been given the start time on their time card, then they had the issue and didn’t reach the start line, then I can’t see they didn’t/refused to start as they’ve not been given a start time.

Depends what happened.

Like I say, maybe an issue if they did any work on the car, unless the problem they had resolved itself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fxn5_oaWYAI-J-0?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

3 minute penalty for Loubet https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/loubet-avoids-sardinia-retirement-but-incurs-penalty/

[J4MIE]

3 minute penalty for Loubet https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/loubet-avoids-sardinia-retirement-but-incurs-penalty/

And might still also be looked at by the stewards.

[meh]

So, it's raining and Rovanperä is fastest on the stage so far

rally-god exists.

[meh]

Tänak has lost time, 14sec down. Moment or puncture?

correction: rally-god does not exists.

[linni]

correction: rally-god does not exists.

If he does, he is very selective.

[linni]

Tänak losing time in every split. Puncture or technical.

[EstWRC]

Ott is just so lost this weekend

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith OK just getting hospital check.

[TypeR]

If own mistake, well okay.. but if technical again, then nothing to say..

[meh]

Tänak has lost time, 14sec down. Moment or puncture?

correction: rally-god does not exists.

... or just this Ford is not very good submarine and engine lost power or something. WRC+ team checked the data and reported that there have not been any stop.

... or windscreen cleaning does not work

... or some other classical Ford stuff

[meh]

It will be proper suffle on the leader-board, Ogier now losing also time and Lappi comes fast.

[denkimi]

Ott is just so lost this weekend
He was lost the moment he decided to leave toyota. The most stupid decision of his carreer.

He won't get the title being in that Ford or hyundai.

[linni]

Seems no puncture for Ott.
So, the same old s.it for Ford.

[linni]

He was lost the moment he decided to leave toyota. The most stupid decision of his carreer.



I have been working under a despotic management once. By finns (no offence!). Nothing compares leaving it.

[linni]

Tänak: We lost water pump.

[Tauri_J]

Lol Ott was not disappointed. He was happy that he got to the end. Very lucky

[TypeR]

Quality is amazing :D

Ffs

[EstWRC]

The last time we had such a shitty car was Toyota in 2017 when they came back to the series.

This one might be even worse.

[dimviii]

maybe Lappi took the lead

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle still 46s down on Ogier despite a bit of weather benefit.