[ERC] Rally Serras de Fafe 2023

[Jarek Z]

Rally Serras de Fafe is going to open the new ERC season from 10 - 12 March.
It will feature 17 stages over a competitive distance of 180.29 kilometres.

Entry list:
open: 10 February
closed: 24 February
publication: 28 February.

The rally will count for ERC and Portuguese championship.

More details at:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/big-numbers-revealed-for-fafe---s-erc-opener/

[Jarek Z]

Expected entries:
Craig Breen - Hyundai i20 N Rally2
Ricardo Teodósio - Hyundai i20 N Rally2
Yoann Bonato - Citroen C3 Rally2

[Tom206wrc]

Another expected french entry: Manu Gascou :)

[peg306]

Pontus Tidemand - Ford Fiesta Rally2

[Andre Oliveira]

Another expected french entry: Manu Gascou :)

Manu Gascou and 2 other french will do TGR Iberian Cup.

[PLuto]

I expect at least 12-15 R5 cars capable to fight for podium.

[Jarek Z]

Another possible entry:
Alberto Battistolli - Skoda Fabia RS Rally 2
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/why-not-everything---s-staying-the-same-for-battistolli-in-erc/

[YerayEcoBoost]

Hubert Laskowski - ¿Fiesta Rallye3?

https://twitter.com/Motowizja/status/1624767786634321920?s=20&t=PkFrrhaZTYPEDMrZd6UMpQ

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I expect at least 12-15 R5 cars capable to fight for podium.

Breen should be the man to beat after this successful comeback in Sweden.

[Jarek Z]

Breen should be the man to beat after this successful comeback in Sweden.

But will he like Hyundai's Rally2 car?

[Jarek Z]

Another entry is Georg Linnamaee from Estonia who's going to drive Hyundai i20 N Rally2 from RedGrey Team:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/linnamaee-plots-fafe-erc-mission-with-an-eye-fixed-on-breen/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But will he like Hyundai's Rally2 car?

He's driven more R5/ Rally2 cars than anyone so I'm sure he'll adapt to it.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-Serras-de-Fafe-Felgueiras-Cabreira-e-Boticas-2023

Route maps, many same stages as in WRC Rally Portugal

[Jarek Z]

Robert Virves confirmed:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/strong-erc-competition-suits-virves-just-fine/

[PLuto]

Robert Virves confirmed:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/strong-erc-competition-suits-virves-just-fine/

Same like Linnamäe, he will do more races in ERC.

[Andre Oliveira]

Mistake. Hugo is from Fafe but not resident actually.

[Andre Oliveira]

Philip Allen in Hyundai i20 N Rally2.

[YerayEcoBoost]

Roberto Daprá - Peugeot 208 Rally4 (ACI Team Italy- Delta Rally)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Philip Allen in Hyundai i20 N Rally2.

A young rising-star who has been getting driving tuition from 3x BRC Champion Matt Edwards (on a Fafe PET).

[Tom206wrc]

Roberto Daprá - Peugeot 208 Rally4 (ACI Team Italy- Delta Rally)


Same for Mattia Zanin ;)

[Tom206wrc]

When is entrylist published :confused:

[Jarek Z]

See on the first page :)


Rally Serras de Fafe is going to open the new ERC season from 10 - 12 March.
It will feature 17 stages over a competitive distance of 180.29 kilometres.

Entry list:
open: 10 February
closed: 24 February
publication: 28 February.

The rally will count for ERC and Portuguese championship.

More details at:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/big-numbers-revealed-for-fafe---s-erc-opener/

[Tom206wrc]

Ok ;)

[Jarek Z]

Efren LLarena is testing his new car before Rally Fafe:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgSzN5caGoQ

[Tom206wrc]

By the way, do you know if Rachele Somaschini is also on the entrylist :confused:
She said she wants to run more ERC events this season...

[Negaiss]

Martins Sesks (ERC Latvia 2022 winner) confirmed on Latvian morning news today, that he has entered rally Fafe 2023 and will be running Skoda Fabia rally 2 (the new one)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It's amazing how many new Fabia RS Rally2 cars are coming to the market now. Very impressive work by Skoda Motorsport in difficult times for the car industry.

[PLuto]

It's amazing how many new Fabia RS Rally2 cars are coming to the market now. Very impressive work by Skoda Motorsport in difficult times for the car industry.

But question mark is regarding spare parts...

[RS]

Lukyanuk?

https://youtu.be/ILNfKfz6aik

[YerayEcoBoost]

Lukyanuk?

https://youtu.be/ILNfKfz6aikCoach service

Enviado desde mi S88Plus mediante Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lukyanuk?

https://youtu.be/ILNfKfz6aik

And https://youtu.be/ZA6MQ6gHcrU

If it is him he's probably just helping with some tuition.

[Andre Oliveira]

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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.motoradiario.com/rallyes/item/9296-alexey-lukyanuk-reaparece

[YerayEcoBoost]

Fau Zaldivar ( Hyundai i20 N Rally2)

Enviado desde mi S88Plus mediante Tapatalk

[Tom206wrc]

Only three days left before the entrylist publication :cool:

[Jarek Z]

Miko Marczyk announced his programme for this year. He will continue to compete in WRC2, but his first rally of the season will be Rally Serras de Fafe.

New livery:
https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/amp/0ZRMGJb0/s1200/mikolaj-marczyk-szymon-gospoda.webp

[Tom206wrc]

Can't wait for tomorrow entrylist :bounce:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

One-off Rally3 entry for Jon Armstrong...

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/giant-killing-armstrong-to-drive-fiesta-rally3-in-fafe/

[PLuto]

One-off Rally3 entry for Jon Armstrong...

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/giant-killing-armstrong-to-drive-fiesta-rally3-in-fafe/

Too early. Renault will start the campaign later...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Too early. Renault will start the campaign later...

Any more Rally3's in Fafe ?

[Andre Oliveira]

Breen, McErlean and O'Brien heading to Portugal for FIA European Rally Championship opener

https://www.motorsportireland.com/Public/MI_News/2023/2023-ERC.aspx

[Tom206wrc]

Breen, McErlean and O'Brien heading to Portugal for FIA European Rally Championship opener

https://www.motorsportireland.com/Public/MI_News/2023/2023-ERC.aspx

In the article they write the entrylist is for today(monday)...I thought it was for tomorrow(tuesday 28) :confused:

[PLuto]

In the article they write the entrylist is for today(monday)...I thought it was for tomorrow(tuesday 28) :confused:

In original regulations it was written Monday 28th :)

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fp_tP1XWwAoqkrV?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fp_tP1aWcAcSbAS?format=jpg&name=large

[PLuto]

For me it looks like they drew the numbers from a hat...

[jcevc]

For me it looks like they drew the numbers from a hat...

This entry list is insult for rallying from the point of view how they classified some of the drivers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/huge-entry-list-confirmed-for-season-opener/

[Jarek Z]

For me it looks like they drew the numbers from a hat...

Yeah... Miko Marczyk #29 and Pontus Tidemand #33? :)

And who is Pierre Ragues #6?

But over 40 Rally2 cars looks good :)

[Andre Oliveira]

Ragues has FIA priority as he is 2021 FIA RGT Cup.

[PLuto]

Ragues has FIA priority as he is 2021 FIA RGT Cup.

Yes, he has FIA priority. But it doesnt mean he must have number 6...

[mknight]

On dry and hot gravel MRF tires seemed to be competitive.

Therefore I rate favorites as Østberg - Breen - Paddon.

[Tom206wrc]

A bit disappointed by the number of Rally4s(2WD) though, more names were expected/among the news or rumours :(

[PLuto]

A bit disappointed by the number of Rally4s(2WD) though, more names were expected/among the news or rumours :(

Lot of the names were juniors. And junior championship starts from Poland.

[Tom206wrc]

Alright thanks Pluto, I didn't know that ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

Unfortunately Portugal never have Junior. I think that is a point to change in future (first events deserve junior).

[PLuto]

Unfortunately Portugal never have Junior. I think that is a point to change in future (first events deserve junior).

Thats the question. First events were usually Azores and Canarias, which were more expensive than mainland races, so thats why at least one of that events always missed in junior championship. Later start of the season also give the competitors opportunity to collect the budget for the season.

[Andre Oliveira]

I know and understand, but now Portugal is on mainland too.

[Reis Eduardo]

Azores had junior championship until 2019.

[Tom206wrc]

By the way, where's the entrylist of national(portuguese)rally(should have been released today) :confused:

[Andre Oliveira]

Friday. March 3rd.

[Andre Oliveira]

Ragues will score points or not?

[Tom206wrc]

Friday. March 3rd.

Thanks, I've read 1st march before... ;)

[TheFlyingTuga]

Thanks, I've read 1st march before... ;)

That was the registration finish date. In theory they'll have to publish the entry list until tomorrow at 9pm.

[Jarek Z]

Chris Ingram's old car is back in ERC:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/o---brien-calls-on-ingram-and-erc-all-live-for-fafe-tips/

[Jarek Z]

Former Portuguese champion, Bernardo Sousa, wins the Portuguese editition of Big Brother and returns to rallying :D

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/big-brother-and-back--why-erc-returnee-sousa-plans-to----keep-it-really-cool----in-fafe/

https://portugal.postsen.com/entertainment/68916/Big-Brother-Bernardo-Sousa-regrets-It-didn%E2%80%99t-go-as-I-would-have-liked.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwqn1g3Sfi8&t=3s

[AMSS]

Weather forecast says rain all week so looks like it will be a mud bath

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Weather forecast says rain all week so looks like it will be a mud bath

And the weather has been bad in Portugal for a while already, with even some snow. The testing many will have done wont be very relevant.

A PET today showing the more likely conditions...
https://youtu.be/Ms8K7dqdLGU

.

[Jarek Z]

New livery on Llarena's car:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/in-pictures-llarena-reveals-skoda-for-erc-title-defence/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen's PET shows how wet it could be... :uhoh:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FquJjxKXoAAZn9T?format=jpg&name=900x900

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/xvGTeppUU9Q

[Jarek Z]

Breen's PET shows how wet it could be... :uhoh:

There is one guy who likes it:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/ara--jo-hoping-to-gain-in-the-rain-when-new-erc-season-begins/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

MRF test...

https://youtu.be/hwq472qYUMI

[AnttiL]

https://youtu.be/CZJobJF2lQA

Route preview video

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fq3C3cgXgAAlIyF?format=jpg&name=medium

Breen fastest in free practice...

https://www.ewrc-results.com/shake/79047-rally-serras-de-fafe-felgueiras-boticas-vieira-do-minho-e-cabeceiras-de-basto-2023/

QS coming up.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Qualification Stage times...

https://m.rally-base.com/2023/rally-serras-de-fafe-2023/?ssGroupId=2

[AnttiL]

Surprisingly good pace from Heikkilä and Franceschi

[AnttiL]

Cais rolled https://fb.watch/ja_n9Ur0Ri/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fq3az_PWYAExhBi?format=jpg&name=large
https://www.facebook.com/joaoriosphoto

[AMSS]

Yes, the ones that should be in front are Breen and Ostberg, but the rest some surprises especially as you say Franceschi looks really fast. Do you know if Cais rolled in shakedown or in QS ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I wonder if the stages have dried out as much as the QS ?

https://scontent.fman4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/335481179_1850351822017024_5821751951236508470_n.j pg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=muPxKMjVT1QAX_yl6Uw&_nc_ht=scontent.fman4-2.fna&oh=00_AfAIbetHko-SoPbXR4cZ4kOXgcCtiqAK-VS1I-SsZ5bhEg&oe=640F7161

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/watch-cais-rolls-in-fafe-qualifying-stage/

Is Cais all smiles after his roll...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fq3rPcfXsAAsAOm?format=jpg&name=360x360

[Jarek Z]

Rachele Somaschini after her roll:
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1357079825023859&set=gm.8843166735755149&idorvanity=1912655605472998

[Sal yet again]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lR2QacGhsc

Rolls captured here. Stage rutting quite badly

[RS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lR2QacGhsc

Rolls captured here. Stage rutting quite badly

Not surprising if it's already been used for several FP runs.

[Kras]

Can't eait for it to finally start 😭

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SD & QS
https://youtu.be/l7e7mkjfSpE

[Jarek Z]

After SS1 the fastest MRF car is down in the 12th position.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fans videos... way better than SSS and ERC+ :

QS
https://youtu.be/aGuzlpowEFE

SD
https://youtu.be/zNV8LIyYJoY

The number of cars is insane !
https://youtu.be/bmri6pXm0NQ

[Rallyper]

Does Live stream work for you, guys?

Edit: Works here now.

[TypeR]

Cool (but tricky ofcourse) muddy conditions!
Mads fastest so far.

Would like to see such WRC guys also battle on such wet roads..

[EstWRC]

What’s the starting order for today?

[rp]

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/d4842175-30e3-4a3f-9de0-c77b1664976c/3c9170b3-074a-49a0-9eda-9cd6e49289e9_Start%20List%20for%20Section%202%20-%20TC1B.pdf

[TypeR]

Seems like MRF tyres are working well in these conditions, Sesks only 2.5 slower than Mads..

[Rallyper]

Is it drying up?

[Sulland]

Quite slippery, and seems like all tyrebrands and cars are working well.

Eivind Brynildsen doing well as a expert commentator i think. He can be quite funny, but need to warm up I guess.

[EstWRC]

Not a bad time for Virves. The only ford again?

[rp]

Not a bad time for Virves. The only ford again?

Tidemand was 1 s faster.

[meh]

Not a bad time for Virves. The only ford again?

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/79047-rally-serras-de-fafe-felgueiras-boticas-vieira-do-minho-e-cabeceiras-de-basto-2023/

You can count:
4x Ford Fiesta Rally2
3x Ford Fiesta Rally3

[rp]

Very good start for Heikkilä and now leading. Puncture for Virves and lost over 3 minutes.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What is Breen complaining about all the time ?

[Eli]

What is Breen complaining about all the time ?

Regarding his pick of his road position.

[meh]

Regarding his pick of his road position.

Can not shine as usual "friday hero", because does not have road position advantage :) (recall rally sweden)

[er88]

Decent time on the previous stage though

[SubaruNorway]

Cancel because of fog or what did Sousa mean? Looks ok to me.

[Jarek Z]

Problems for Martins Sesks on SS3. But despite that, he still manages to stay in top 10:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/watch-close-call-for-sesks-in-ss3/

[AnttiL]

SS5 canceled

https://twitter.com/fiaerc/status/1634511126388940802?s=21&t=8mklVOWGqRi7LLxBLCj5dA

[Sulland]

Are the condition in SS5 much worse than in 4?

[Jarek Z]

Did you see how the rally ended for Filip Mares?
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/watch-mares-bows-out-of-fafe-erc-battle/

[Kras]

Just imagine having so many entries in WRC. Make rally2 the top class

[Kras]

Classic Breen...

[Sulland]

Classic Breen...


Did he bing 2 spares.
He might have 2 punctures on this one?

[Kras]

Did he bing 2 spares.
He might have 2 punctures on this one?

We'll find out soon enough

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hopefully this makes for a straight fight between the ERC-registered guys for the points.

[Sulland]

We'll find out soon enough

Oui

:p

[erikli2]

SS 7 red flagged, anyone knows why?

Edit: Seems like Araujo crashed, Sousa stopped at the site. Hope they're OK.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

'Cancelled because @Armindo_Araujo bonnet and it must not be well' ???

[AnttiL]

It seems they used the safety buffer of the broadcast, cutting it abruptly. Hopefully nothing serious.

[Kras]

Thers info, don't know how reliable, that the car was on fire.

[wyler]

controversial infos from twitter:

- there is an ambulance on the track, the car should have been on fire according to my information

- They should be OK, engine out of car

update: Armindo was taken to hospital

[Rallyper]

Oh dear!! :( :(

[COD]

Got a bad feeling when they did that and heard the stage was red flagged. Hope nothing serious

[wyler]

At least another cars has now passed Araujo and are going for next stage. (twitter)

[Andre Oliveira]

Araújo lost wheel and crashed into tree. Codriver ok, he had some difficulties to leave the car and now gone to hospital to check.

It looks the car get some fire after crash.

[JRodrigues]

Both are "ok" but going to hospital. I've seen photos of the crash ad it was quite heavy, engine out of the car.

[Sulland]

Good to hear both out of the car, and taken care of by medics.

[SubaruNorway]

Strange, where the car is stopped it's pretty much just a straight just before a small jump after 10min if you look at ss3 onboard

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hope all are ok...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fq9BESrXwAAkBHu?format=jpg&name=medium

[Sulland]

Wow, that has been many G's for the people inside. Rally cars safety never stops to amaze!

[JRodrigues]

I've also seen pictures of interior and the steering wheel is bent, and the place where co-drivers rests his feet are well into the cockpit.

[Rallyper]

Man! That´s a heavy one.

[AnttiL]

SS8 also cancelled, the day is done

https://twitter.com/fiaerc/status/1634602668726394881?s=21&t=rUqdN5cyqPs9t5gIa7qkcg

[rp]

SS7 will not be resumed. The crew involved in the incident have been taken to hospital for further examination.

SS8 has been cancelled for safety reasons unrelated to the incident.

[WRC1]

what a Farce....4 stages for most of the Crews....it would have been better to stay at the Acores

[Sulland]

SS8 as well cancelled.
Why, is it not normal to give reasons, with a bit more meat than "safety reasons"?

33% cancelations seems a bit too much.

[pedro16]

Hope its all ok with Araújo. The whole rally is giving WRC Portugal 2001 vibes. There are better places in Portugal to run a gravel rally at this time of the year, or if you want to stick it around the same area just turn it into a tarmac rally like in 2020. I'm speaking against myself but i'm not a fan of running a lot of stages in both the ERC and WRC either.

[pedro16]

SS8 as well cancelled.
Why, is it not normal to give reasons, with a bit more meat than "safety reasons"?

33% cancelations seems a bit too much.

Probably in case a crash happens the emergency vehicles cannot get there because of the road condition. That's my guess.

[Kras]

SS9 too

[Rallyper]

Southern Portugal at Albufeira area this time of the year is of course much more better place. Was at the wrc event in 2011 there.

[SubaruNorway]

So happy i stayed at home today, no onboard with Mads 2nd loop and i have driven roads much worse than this in a Fiat Panda...

[JRodrigues]

Araújo punctured (at least air came out of the tire) right front just before the crash, already seen a video of it and it's quite clear.

[pedro16]

Southern Portugal at Albufeira area this time of the year is of course much more better place. Was at the wrc event in 2011 there.

And after many years the Portuguese championship is finally running there on gravel again at the end of the month also. If we cant have Azores in the ERC it would be a nice alternative even though i probably wouldn't be able to attend it.

[SubaruNorway]

Araújo punctured (at least air came out of the tire) right front just before the crash, already seen a video of it and it's quite clear.

Feel free to share

Pics of the bent steering wheel and floor
https://twitter.com/TorAndreBorrese/status/1634601628874469378?s=20

[dimviii]

Araújo punctured (at least air came out of the tire) right front just before the crash, already seen a video of it and it's quite clear.

why you dont post it here?

[RS]

What is Craig referring to here?

Speaking at the stage end, Breen said it was something that could have been “very easily avoided”.

“All hell broke loose. I had a dodgy nut gun which didn’t help either,” he explained.

“I was thinking there would be more people who’d get punctures on that stage. Every time I drive an R5 car I seem to have problems like that, and it’s through no fault of Pirelli.

“It could’ve been very easily avoided to be honest with you, but that’s how it is.”

[SubaruNorway]

I remember Mikkelsen's co-driver mention in a podcast the reason they got a double puncture in Australia 17 was because Hyundai didn't send the updated rims with bigger inner "lip" to hold the tire on the rim, also low pressure didn't help. Maybe something like that?

[Sulland]

What is Craig referring to here?

Speaking at the stage end, Breen said it was something that could have been “very easily avoided”.

“All hell broke loose. I had a dodgy nut gun which didn’t help either,” he explained.

“I was thinking there would be more people who’d get punctures on that stage. Every time I drive an R5 car I seem to have problems like that, and it’s through no fault of Pirelli.

“It could’ve been very easily avoided to be honest with you, but that’s how it is.”


I dont think Breen is very impressed with Pirelli.
Could he choose Michelin or others for ERC, or is he bound by some deal?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What is Craig referring to here?

Speaking at the stage end, Breen said it was something that could have been “very easily avoided”.

“All hell broke loose. I had a dodgy nut gun which didn’t help either,” he explained.

“I was thinking there would be more people who’d get punctures on that stage. Every time I drive an R5 car I seem to have problems like that, and it’s through no fault of Pirelli.

“It could’ve been very easily avoided to be honest with you, but that’s how it is.”


This is what I was wondering when I asked earlier...


What is Breen complaining about all the time ?

[RS]

I dont think Breen is very impressed with Pirelli.
Could he choose Michelin or others for ERC, or is he bound by some deal?

He specifically says though ‘it’s through no fault of Pirelli’

I don’t think he’s doing the full ERC season, just Portuguese Championship which overlaps here.

[Jarek Z]

Highlights from day 2:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/video/player/?videoId=1579728

[JRodrigues]

Feel free to share

Pics of the bent steering wheel and floor
https://twitter.com/TorAndreBorrese/status/1634601628874469378?s=20

they were sent by whatsapp. Let's see if I can upload it somewhere.

https://imgur.com/enfHM4N

[Jarek Z]

I dont think Breen is very impressed with Pirelli.
Could he choose Michelin or others for ERC, or is he bound by some deal?

He drives for Hyundai Portugal. Perheps they have a deal with Pirelli:
https://twitter.com/HMSGOfficial/status/1618913092787933184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1618913092787933184%7Ctwgr% 5Ed2cfc3f7ed68c800a7865369855063cf5f4b9a4b%7Ctwcon %5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fdirtfish.com%2Frally%2Fwrc%2 Fbreen-to-contest-2023-portuguese-championship%2F

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Day 2 top fan video...

https://youtu.be/tex4kSa5fvc

[Andre Oliveira]

Vieira do Minho very foggy today. And Cabeceiras de Basto would run in mix of fog, mud and night to last crews. The weather are not helping this time. I was in SS3 and good weather. I had luck.

[htr]

What happened Cais? Accurate info?

[dimviii]

What happened Cais? Accurate info?

SS10: CAIS
Cais got lost on the way to the stage, which is the reason for their delay. But they are now "calm" in the car.

[Rallyper]

What? They got lost on liasion?

Edit: Thought it had to do with his retirement... ;) which it hadn´t.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon's nearly caught Ostberg for 2nd place. Nice battle.

[Sulland]

That looked like a yellow (Pirelli) stage.

And the Fiesta on dry gravel is not doing Tidemand any favors, and combined with MRF that also show signe to struggle more on that surface, he is far off.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon very happy with the i20 Rally2 - the best he's ever felt in the car.

Ostberg 0.1s slower.

Heikkila lost a load of time. Game on.

[Rallyper]

4,6 secs between top three after first leg today. Exciting. Heikkila without experience on Lameirinha lost almost 10 secs...

[Jarek Z]

4,6 secs between top three after first leg today. Exciting. Heikkila without experience on Lameirinha lost almost 10 secs...

Yes, the surprising leader still leads, but can he stand the pressure? 4 stages to go.

[AnttiL]

4,6 secs between top three after first leg today. Exciting. Heikkila without experience on Lameirinha lost almost 10 secs...

And bent steering

[Rallyper]

And bent steering

Is it confirmed? Nothing visual could be seen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is it confirmed? Nothing visual could be seen.

"something is bended from the steering to the level so we had to be very careful."

[Rallyper]

Wasn´t any visible at last stage.

[Rallyper]

Anyway. Hekkila is a real finnish "sisudriver". Will be a big star if he continues like this.

[Jarek Z]

Sisu driver? :)
https://st.mascus.com/imagetilewm/product/0662770c/sisu-rock-ck16m-625-10x4,cb90b388-1.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

0.1s between Paddon and Ostberg again. Amazing.

[Rallyper]

Sisu driver? :)
https://st.mascus.com/imagetilewm/product/0662770c/sisu-rock-ck16m-625-10x4,cb90b388-1.jpg

:) :) Maybe not literally... (you know the say "sisu" in Finland, don´t you?)

[Jarek Z]

(you know the say "sisu" in Finland, don´t you?)

No, I have never heard it. I have just looked this word up on Wikipedia. I didn't know that the truck manufacturer Sisu has any meaning :)

[Rallyper]

No, I have never heard it. I have just looked this word up on Wikipedia. I didn't know that the truck manufacturer Sisu has any meaning :)

Great. You never stop learning. ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Luck of the Irish for Breen ! He could've thrown away the Portuguese Championship win there.

[Sulland]

Sisu is a mental state the finns have https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisu

[EstWRC]

Good times from Virves today

[drive]

Breen https://www.facebook.com/agostinho.barbosa.31/videos/169532782605480/?idorvanity=160102020856810

[rp]

Good times from Virves today

Fiesta Rally2 & Stage win!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great time by Heikkila & holding the lead !

[rp]

It´s a surprise that Heikkilä is able to fight for the win, because he is driving first time in Portugal. Paddon and Østberg have a huge advantage on the last stage, because that Fafe stage is every year in the WRC event.

Heikkilä´s speed is not a surprise, because Mikko was beating reigning WRC2 Champion Emil Lindholm last year in the Finnish Championship. The battle was very tight during the whole season. Heikkilä was 0,4 s faster than Lindholm on the last event and won the title.

[meh]

Guys fighting for the win, then there is WRC driver Breen, and then there is rookie Virves with Ford taking 2nd stage win in row. Epic!

Only leg 2, before PS:
1. Breen
2. Paddon +5.6
3. Virves +10.2
4. Heikkilä +20.0
5. Ostberg +23.5

[meh]

If Heikkilä is going to win the rally (I hope so) but without winning powerstage, he is going to "do Tänak" (from rally sweden) - winning the rally with winning only one stage during the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What an improvement in his times today. Pity we didn't hear from him to see why. Maybe he just got the set-up right.

[cali]

That looked like a yellow (Pirelli) stage.

And the Fiesta on dry gravel is not doing Tidemand any favors, and combined with MRF that also show signe to struggle more on that surface, he is far off.Robert Virves - hold my beer....

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ostberg just settled for 3rd.

[rp]

Traditional Finnish luck!

[EstWRC]

How were the splits before the puncture?

[rp]

How were the splits before the puncture?

1st split 0,7s behind Paddon

[meh]

How were the splits before the puncture?

0.7 from Paddon on Split1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's so cruel.

[meh]

Huge respect for Heikkilä for the interview. Keeping it calm and together like a proper Finn.

[meh]

And Virves stole point from Sesks and Ostberg with 4th time on PS (at the moment).

Conclusion is - ERC is actually nice to follow with so competitive line-up.

[Negaiss]

Nice Rally! :

1. Why did HeikkilĀ change tyre so close to finish ? Definetly would have lost less in would have continued.

2. Very happy to see my countryman Martins Sesks being capable to set top times - it shows that he has real speed an has future potential.

3. ERC has grown so much and this season will be so interesting.

4. I predict some more big names to appear for selected events.

5. Ford Fiesta rally 2 is crap, but Virves shows otherwise - - or if not, then Virves is megatalentated future superstar , which I do not believe.

6. Pontus Tidemand career is over. No sighns of something coming. He ad everything - huge expierence, ok car - and results are just not there.

7. ERC look very very good at he moment. I predict Loeb in Ford rally2 appear in ERC.

8. Very excited for Paddon - speed is still there.

9. Heikkilā - definetly some good results in the future are coming.

10. New Skoda kinnda the same as old skoda - not much better. maybe on tarmac, let's wait and see.

[EstWRC]

Superb day from Virves!

[Mk2 RS2000]

Not a bad effort from Hayden and JK. This being their first event since the APRC final round in Australia last year A lot of happy people in NZ just waking up to the news

[mknight]

Nice Rally! :

10. New Skoda kinnda the same as old skoda - not much better. maybe on tarmac, let's wait and see.

The new Skoda is by design made to be better than old one one fast gravel/snow and smooth tarmac. It has shown as much in Monte and Sweden.

The big question is if then is worse on medium/slow gravel and different tarmac types.

Imo this is the first rally that could give some answers and my read is same as yours. It is not significantly faster (yet?). Which is good for the competition.

[AnttiL]

1. Why did HeikkilĀ change tyre so close to finish ? Definetly would have lost less in would have continued.

All rubber was gone, he was driving already on just the rim

[Rallyper]

Nice Rally! :

1. Why did HeikkilĀ change tyre so close to finish ? Definetly would have lost less in would have continued.

2. Very happy to see my countryman Martins Sesks being capable to set top times - it shows that he has real speed an has future potential.

3. ERC has grown so much and this season will be so interesting.

4. I predict some more big names to appear for selected events.

5. Ford Fiesta rally 2 is crap, but Virves shows otherwise - - or if not, then Virves is megatalentated future superstar , which I do not believe.

6. Pontus Tidemand career is over. No sighns of something coming. He ad everything - huge expierence, ok car - and results are just not there.

7. ERC look very very good at he moment. I predict Loeb in Ford rally2 appear in ERC.

8. Very excited for Paddon - speed is still there.

9. Heikkilā - definetly some good results in the future are coming.

10. New Skoda kinnda the same as old skoda - not much better. maybe on tarmac, let's wait and see.

5 and 6 are contradictory or discrepant. Crap car never give you bonus. At this stage in his career, I never say he will be top contender, but give him a break.

[Rallyper]

Paddon doing very well, more than expected, but driver of the rally is Heikkilä. No doubt. Cool, mature, that special finnish accent/voice talking Alénenglish.

It´s all settled for an interesting career.

[dimviii]

All rubber was gone, he was driving already on just the rim

i just imagine if that happened with pirelli what we would read here.

[COD]

Conclusion is - ERC is actually nice to follow with so competitive line-up.

Different cars, different tyres, close competition. I would say beats WRC. if only they had adopted the R5 route for WRC as well

[meh]

2. Very happy to see my countryman Martins Sesks being capable to set top times - it shows that he has real speed an has future potential.

5. Ford Fiesta rally 2 is crap, but Virves shows otherwise - - or if not, then Virves is megatalentated future superstar , which I do not believe.


* Sesks, won 1 stage - "has a real speed and future potential"
* Virves, won 2 stages - "I don't believe he is talented"

Logic is... where?

I hope to see bright future for both of them.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, a very interesting event!

Man of the rally was Heikkila, of course. I'm sure we will see big things from this "sisu driver" this year :)

But Paddon had a very good rally, too. He seems to regain the speed that was missing last year.
It must be the first time in the history when an Aussie wins a ERC event! Congratulations! :)

Silent heroes were for me Georg Linnamae and Miko Marczyk. Both not the fastest, but still fast enough and very consistent to get the 3rd and 4th positions.

Disappointments:
Llarena - no speed throughout the whole rally

Big disappointments:
Tidemand and Wagner - no speed at all throughout the whole rally

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The new Skoda is by design made to be better than old one one fast gravel/snow and smooth tarmac. It has shown as much in Monte and Sweden.

The big question is if then is worse on medium/slow gravel and different tarmac types.

Imo this is the first rally that could give some answers and my read is same as yours. It is not significantly faster (yet?). Which is good for the competition.

Maybe we should be happy that the new Skoda is not totally dominant. A chance for all drivers in all cars is the dream.

Ditto with tyres, and in ERC it's good that MRF has thrown a lot at it but hasn't taken over with results.

[Jarek Z]

Great. You never stop learning. ;)


Sisu is a mental state the finns have https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisu

Thank you guys! One is never too old to learn :)

[Negaiss]

* Sesks, won 1 stage - "has a real speed and future potential"
* Virves, won 2 stages - "I don't believe he is talented"

Logic is... where?

I hope to see bright future for both of them.

I mean - if Fiesta rally 2 is the worst car but Virves wins stages against Breen, Otsberg and Paddon with 10 times less expierence, then he must be the best of all drivers ever. What I actually mean is that Fiesta Rally 2 might not be that bad.

Yes I agree, I would like to see Sesks and Virves succseed. I just hope more for Sesks , because he is Latvian

[cali]

* Sesks, won 1 stage - "has a real speed and future potential"
* Virves, won 2 stages - "I don't believe he is talented"

Logic is... where?

I hope to see bright future for both of them.Yes, and Virves was in a Fiesta while Sesks was in the (almost) best car possible. We can debate of which Fabia is better, but Fiesta being the slowest seems to be unilateral.

Still, I'm rooting for both of them and actually Sesks disappointed me. Virves too, until today.

But what a rally guys! Wow

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[sidrun]

Yes, a very interesting event!

But Paddon had a very good rally, too. He seems to regain the speed that was missing last year.
It must be the first time in the history when an Aussie wins a ERC event! Congratulations! :)

I believe he’s very proud Kiwi not Aussie😉

[Jarek Z]

I believe he’s very proud Kiwi not Aussie😉

Sorry! Of course a Kiwi!

I guess he's been away from the European rally scene for too long :)

[Jarek Z]

Haden Paddon writes history. It is the first ever win for a Hyundai car in the history of European Rally Championship.
Congratulations! :)

https://www.fiaerc.com/images/redaktion/ERC/2023-News/March/120323_Paddon_Header_35b2c_f_1400x788.png

[Sardalense]

Just a small historic comparison. The Lameirinha stage from today was very similar comparing with the WRC stage from Rally Portugal 2000. Today's stage started 100m earlier and ended maybe 300m before. The surface was wet and in 2000 was dry. Now the stage has 2 km in tarmac comparing to 2000.

Best Time in 2000 - Colin McRae (Focus WRC) - 9m52s
Best Time in 2023 - Craig Breen (i20 N Rally2) - 9m23s

[Mk2 RS2000]

Sorry! Of course a Kiwi!

I guess he's been away from the European rally scene for too long :)

18,000 km and a couple of years away A very serious effort made by Hayden to overcome that

[Jarek Z]

Final Day Highlights from the official channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ljGPECm6Zg

[Sulland]

How is the medical situation of Araujo and Ramalho after their crash?

[pedro16]

How is the medical situation of Araujo and Ramalho after their crash?

From autosport.pt

Visibly weakened, Armindo Araújo published a video on his social networks to account for the physical injuries that resulted from the violent accident suffered during the special 7 of the Rally Serras de Fafe, Felgueiras, Boticas, Vieira do Minho and Cabeceiras de Basto, the first race of the Portugal Rally Championship and also the European Championship, the approximately 15 kilometers from Boticas/Senhor do Monte 2.
In the video, before leaving the hospital where he received medical care after the accident, Araújo wanted to “thank you for all the calls and contacts I have had. I haven't had time to respond to anyone yet." The reigning Portuguese Rally champion explained that “as you know, this accident was something violent, with physical consequences for me and Luís [Ramalho]. For my part, I broke a hand, fractured my spine, and broke a few ribs. Luís broke a foot and fractured some ribs. So we're going to have a recovery phase, but we're fine. I want everyone to relax about this. We were treated very well by all the support teams, whom I thank in advance. Now I'm going to have two surgeries next week, one on the spine and one on the hand, to be ready as soon as possible, to get back to the stages and to get back to doing what we like”. Armindo Araújo also wanted to thank him again for the “support, see you again in the next race”.

[Humber]

Sorry! Of course a Kiwi!

I guess he's been away from the European rally scene for too long :)

Even the respective countries' politicians mix up the flags of Australia and NZ. At one ceremony the Australian picked up the NZ flag in error and took it to the flag pole to be hoisted.

Paddon was in Europe in 2022 for Di Alba, Liepaja, Estonia (covid dnf), Finland (3rd after Suninen's exclusion), Ceredigion (Wales), and (Terra Sarda)Sardinia. Paddon (in my opinion) probably did not get a better understanding of a comfortable setup (for himself) of the Rally 2 Hyundai until his team did the preparation of his own Rally 2 before Rally New Zealand (late September 2022)

[Jarek Z]

Why did HeikkilĀ change tyre so close to finish ? Definetly would have lost less in would have continued.

The answer is here:
"I tried to drive with the flat tyre, but I saw it came out of the rim and I didn’t want to break the car because it’s €10,000 to fix the corner and I didn’t want to do that."

It seems that he is not only fast, but thinks about the economy too ;)

source:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc/news/erc/2023/heikkila-looks-ahead-after-fafe-erc-heartbreak/

[Jarek Z]

There is still a discussion about it on YouTube :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=am7Jba8hH3U

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another nice video and the fans really enjoying the action on Day 3...

https://youtu.be/Sg6Uz1ddsgk

[PLuto]

Nice Rally! :

1. Why did HeikkilĀ change tyre so close to finish ? Definetly would have lost less in would have continued.


It was not possible to continue on puncture, something was blocked and wheel was not rotating properly.

[PLuto]

The new Skoda is by design made to be better than old one one fast gravel/snow and smooth tarmac. It has shown as much in Monte and Sweden.

The big question is if then is worse on medium/slow gravel and different tarmac types.

Imo this is the first rally that could give some answers and my read is same as yours. It is not significantly faster (yet?). Which is good for the competition.

Dont forget also that drivers needs to adapt to the new car, which is completely different than old Skoda. Also they need to find proper setup. Drivers in WRC had plenty of tests before Monte and Sweden to get used to it...

[PLuto]

I mean - if Fiesta rally 2 is the worst car but Virves wins stages against Breen, Otsberg and Paddon with 10 times less expierence, then he must be the best of all drivers ever. What I actually mean is that Fiesta Rally 2 might not be that bad.

Yes I agree, I would like to see Sesks and Virves succseed. I just hope more for Sesks , because he is Latvian

Robert has advantage with starting position, when the stages became more dry. Same like last year power stage win for Ken Torn.

[Neige]

A short talk with Martins Sesks about Fafe. He says, that the new Fabia suits him better than the old one.

http://rally-week.com/m-sesks-r-francis-rally-serras-de-fafe-23/

I'm planing to do these interviews after each ERC round :)