[WRC] Rally Finland 2023

[meh]

So, another stage-win for Taka and to P3? Toyota 1-2-3?

edit: went wide a bit and lost 0.2 to Rovanperä.

edit 2: and Suninen also did not get his stage win, just 0.6sec lost to Rovanperä

[becher]

Lappi:
https://twitter.com/LemosMotorsport/status/1687393599577640962?t=t86whdKiaMxE0bW2BD6jJg&s=19
Thanks!

[240RS]

In terms of maturity, this must rank as Taka's best drive ever!

He hasn't put a foot wrong and kept tabs on the leaders, including trading blows with none other than Thierry Neuville. Difficult to fault his performance today.

[becher]

In terms of maturity, this must rank as Taka's best drive ever!

He hasn't put a foot wrong and kept tabs on the leaders, including trading blows with none other than Thierry Neuville. Difficult to fault his performance today.
Yeah, if he'd perform like this always his place in the team would be fully deserved regardless of his nationality.

[denkimi]

In terms of maturity, this must rank as Taka's best drive ever!

He hasn't put a foot wrong and kept tabs on the leaders, including trading blows with none other than Thierry Neuville. Difficult to fault his performance today.
To me it mostly shows the toyota is a lot better than the hyundai, and especially much easier and more predictable to drive.

But still great to see taka making some progress.

[meh]

Rovanperä off, car on the roof.

[er88]

Kalle out!! Big crash

[Eli]

The irony would be if he crashed out, and then the points situation would stay (pretty much) the same.

I called it!

[er88]

I wonder how many fans have tuned out for the day, thinking the writing was on the wall for another Kalle win :D

[EstWRC]

I wonder how many fans have tuned out for the day, thinking the writing was on the wall for another Kalle win :D

As I’m here then I can say many

Can’t believe he can’t win this rally in a Toyota

[meh]

4 of 9 Rally1 crews were finns but at the moment, no finns on the podium position.

... but again, the rally is not over yet.

[Eli]

As I’m here then I can say many

Can’t believe he can’t win this rally in a Toyota

There’s always next year and if Ott won't retire we’ll have one more chance to see them battle here.

[Katvala]

Latvala might end up on the podium at this rate

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[Eli]

Latvala might end up on the podium at this rate

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Assuming he won’t crash out himself.

[seb_sh]

Ouch bad crash for Kalle. Seems it's tricky conditions.

[Eli]

4 of 9 Rally1 crews were finns but at the moment, no finns on the podium position.

... but again, the rally is not over yet.

And 2 of them crashed out, hopefully at least one of them we’ll make it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So glad Kalle is ok. We couldn't cope with another tragedy.

[seb_sh]

Heheh enjoyed the Latvala interview

[Eli]

Heheh enjoyed the Latvala interview

Wish he’d be doing another event.

[meh]

Good thing is - Kalle is human after all.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2sUFnnWwAEysoZ?format=jpg&name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2sTtRPW0AEvBwG?format=jpg&name=large

[dimviii]

have you seen photo of Suninens moment? very close to a big tree...

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/80241_364220261_3487618208234373_21813385819389221 1_n.jpg

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/PeAChapaRacing/status/1687442611550797824


Suninen ss 6
https://twitter.com/MKiviaho/status/1687431558985113600

[EstWRC]

have you seen photo of Suninens moment? very close to a big tree...

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/80241_364220261_3487618208234373_21813385819389221 1_n.jpg

We were at this place. Evans wasn’t far either from the tree

[meh]

Wow, Mr Toyoda personally gives interview as team principle about Rovanperä's crash.

[dimviii]

Solberg spun lost 10 sec to Pajari
Mikkelsen not so fast,11,6 sec slower at general classification from Fourmaux


Greensmith
https://twitter.com/MKiviaho/status/1687433977940893696

[meh]

Meet the Crews: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fi0P_8gm_xw

So, it all makes Christian Loriaux as the Oracle a bit :)

[focus206]

I surely didn't expect Kalle's mistake, but well, even Loeb and Ogier sometimes made mistakes. Must have been tricked by the conditions, but good thing he's ok.
Now "only" 2 more DNFs from Kalle and the championship is open again, plausible yes? :D

[PLuto]

Until now it was quite boring event. But after crash of Rovanpera, it looks like it will be finally nice battle for the win :)

[meh]

Until now it was quite boring event. But after crash of Rovanpera, it looks like it will be finally nice battle for the win :)

Yes, Neuville promised to fight for it. And it is Neuville vs Evans again... has Evans ever won those battles against Neuville?

[becher]

Yes, Neuville promised to fight for it. And it is Neuville vs Evans again... has Evans ever won those battles against Neuville?

Don't think so, but this time it could be different.

[Lead]

Mikkelsen not so fast,11,6 sec slower at general classification from Fourmaux

He lost some time on SS4 with dumper issue.

[focus206]

Yes, Neuville promised to fight for it. And it is Neuville vs Evans again... has Evans ever won those battles against Neuville?

he did, few times... Catalunya some years ago, this year's Croatia after Neuville crashed.
Here Toyota seems quite better than Hyundai and it's Neuville's weakest rally, so Evans is the clear favourite

[Doon]

I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but not even 1 day of rallying in Finland, the most popular event on the calendar, and already WRC2 cars fill places 6 to 10. At this rate we will see one on the podium. That will be absolutely shocking for the sport.

[EstWRC]

I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but not even 1 day of rallying in Finland, the most popular event on the calendar, and already WRC2 cars fill places 6 to 10. At this rate we will see one on the podium. That will be absolutely shocking for the sport.

You’re not the only one

This sport is dead at the moment. We are here spectating and just to see 5 rally1 cars now, of which one isn’t full time driver even. So only 4 full time drivers. Ridiculous

[meh]

You’re not the only one

This sport is dead at the moment. We are here spectating and just to see 5 rally1 cars now, of which one isn’t full time driver even. So only 4 full time drivers. Ridiculous

Competition is not in good situation...

... but for all who are playing this "make Rally2 as main category" - this rally is the best example from spectating difference, Rally1 are just so far away from Rally2 cars.

[Eli]

You’re not the only one

This sport is dead at the moment. We are here spectating and just to see 5 rally1 cars now, of which one isn’t full time driver even. So only 4 full time drivers. Ridiculous

Could you believe you’d have said that back in Finland 2019?

[skarderud]

Competition is not in good situation...

... but for all who are playing this "make Rally2 as main category" - this rally is the best example from spectating difference, Rally1 are just so far away from Rally2 cars.But, they are obviously too fast, we have Gr.B crashes every rally, luckily the security is at an extreme level.

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[meh]

But, they are obviously too fast, we have Gr.B crashes every rally, luckily the security is at an extreme level.

Would be interesting to know how many top level drivers share your opinion.

Personally I would say we don't have too many crashes. I can remind you just last rally, Rally Estonia, everyone finished.

[skarderud]

Would be interesting to know how many top level drivers share your opinion.

Personally I would say we don't have too many crashes. I can remind you just last rally, Rally Estonia, everyone finished.Yeah, the one rally.
In Finland its quite opposite, tomorrow afternon a Rally2 car is on podium?

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[Myrvold]

Competition is not in good situation...

... but for all who are playing this "make Rally2 as main category" - this rally is the best example from spectating difference, Rally1 are just so far away from Rally2 cars.

So what's the solution then? It's obvious that Rally1 is too expensive to be interesting for manufacturers compared to what they get out of it. It's also clear that it is way too expensive for privateers.

[Tauri_J]

But, they are obviously too fast, we have Gr.B crashes every rally, luckily the security is at an extreme level.

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No, these cars handle really well and are easy to drive.

Big shunts(I mean car destroyers) like we are getting these rally are rare in the last years. At least since Meeke retired.

[Tauri_J]

So what's the solution then? It's obvious that Rally1 is too expensive to be interesting for manufacturers compared to what they get out of it. It's also clear that it is way too expensive for privateers.

Rally2 with Rally1 power. Cheap solution and easily doable.

Manhandling these beasts would be difficult with no aero and worse suspension.

[denkimi]

so it seems neuville does have some extra speed, but he has just given up trying to fight kalle.

[Dontcut]

Neuville is in the "Win it or bin it" mode. Proper hound smelling blood.

[cali]

Rally2 with Rally1 power. Cheap solution and easily doable.

Manhandling these beasts would be difficult with no aero and worse suspension.Adding power will give enormous pressure to the mostly standard street car based Rally2 category cars. It doesn't work like that

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[Eli]

Neuville is in the "Win it or bin it" mode. Proper hound smelling blood.

I checked on ewrc-Results and saw the last time Evans won in a head to head was in Rally Turkey 2020. In any case, an interesting day in prospect.

[Norm75]

No, these cars handle really well and are easy to drive.

Big shunts(I mean car destroyers) like we are getting these rally are rare in the last years. At least since Meeke retired.

Kris hasn’t retired. Actually he has just had an accident in the rally he is currently competing in and had to go to hospital so that comment is maybe a little insensitive. Not a lot of damage to his car but as we saw with Breen, doesn’t need to be.
His big accidents were with a poor handling car, he had a few in the Toyota but not particularly bad. Evans has had big accident this year, I’m sure there are others but it’s par for the course driving on the limit most of the rally as they are nowadays more or less sprints, not endurance events they used to be.

[BleAivano]

So what's the solution then? It's obvious that Rally1 is too expensive to be interesting for manufacturers compared to what they get out of it. It's also clear that it is way too expensive for privateers.

Dont worry here is the solution, the latest in car technology
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uq7noaMwLfg&t=13s

[Eli]

Wish we had this sort of car: https://dirtfish.com/rally/ara/under-the-skin-of-subarus-latest-rally-car/

[Tauri_J]

Adding power will give enormous pressure to the mostly standard street car based Rally2 category cars. It doesn't work like that

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As always, drivers have to cope

[CeskyOndra]

Will Kalle restart tomorrow?

[TypeR]

Will Kalle restart tomorrow?
According to startlist he will restart, which is really surprise.. after seeing the car

[Nelly]

Will Kalle restart tomorrow?Yep

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[Eli]

Will Kalle restart tomorrow?

Him & Loubet will start; Lappi & Tänak unfortunately will have to sit out this one and wait until Acropolis :(

[cali]

As always, drivers have to copeNot a question about drivers but these cars are not built to withstand significantly bigger stresses

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[becher]

As always, drivers have to cope

Drivers can't cope with overstressed engines, diffs and gearboxes,....
So no its not a solution like this.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Will Kalle restart tomorrow?

Nope.

In the service of car #69 it was found that the damage to the chassis was too much to repair and we unfortunately have to retire it from the event.

[Yugo_para_siempre]

I really wish to have a good battle for the win until the end.

Rovanpera's crash shows that he still is a human.
OK he is not a human usually as we and his rivals facing in most of the cases but he can make mistakes.
Rally Finland is not fit him that much, he has a "must win mentality" especially due to home event.
He is pushing when he is not that comfortable.

In 2021 he made another mistake in his home rally, when Elfyn was flying with the previous Yaris that seemed to suit the Welshman so much.
I think the best win of Elfyn.

Neuville vs Elfyn is a classic.
Usually not that good for Elfyn...
It is not on topic, but for the recent years with the last WRC cars or the current Rally 1, I believe that the most frustrating lost win or battle of this era, in terms of one rally (not the whole championship) was the Tour de Corse 2019.
That beautiful last Fiesta, with its best livery, was an underdog before the event and after an incredible fight with Neuville, Elfyn and Fiesta were so close to what could have been the only win of the season...
But the last stage puncture destroyed these beautiful story.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pure speed... wow.

https://youtu.be/_i3a_4rumz4

[1988senna]

So did any event winner driver can do that without any retire in a single season in the history??

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Morning guys. I hope we have no more crashes and it's a great battle for the win.

Kalle crash:
https://twitter.com/IT_Puuseppa/status/1687547244520546304?s=20

[CeskyOndra]

Not that big as I expected

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great start by Evans taking back the time he lost to Neuville last night.

[RS]

Leading WRC2 crews less than 1 5s/km off the pace here.

[Eli]

How many kms into the Rapsula stage is the kakaristo junction?

[jonkka]

Taka set to lose third position for half-spin.

[Dontcut]

Latvala/Hänninen stand up duo is great

[seb_sh]

Latvala/Hänninen stand up duo is great

Indeed, the rally is still interesting to follow for the competition but the two Finns really brought joy to this rally, you can see they are enjoying themselves a lot!

[Rallyest]

So now that Rovanpera is out Evans steps up to the spot and dominates every stage? Neuville was giving it everything and still 3.4 off Elfyn

[CeskyOndra]

If Evans wins the rally and PS, gap to Rovanpera will be just 25 points with big cleaning effect in Greece ahead.

[CeskyOndra]

And Neuville with second place in the rally and second place in PS will be 36 points of the lead, which is quite touchable too.

[Eli]

And Neuville with second place in the rally and second place in PS will be 36 points of the lead, which is quite touchable too.

Still a long way to go but I hope they both get to the finish without mistakes and without punctures of course.

[skarderud]

Still a long way to go but I hope they both get to the finish without mistakes and without punctures of course.Isn't it a "classic" Neuville to bin it in this situation? Hope not, but he can start thinking of both win and 5p on PS.

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[240RS]

In all likelihood, the battle for first is probably done.

Thierry is unlikely to throw away 18 points plus those from the powerstage with only 6 Rally1 runners at best to feature. Evans has a good record in Finland and the Toyota does look the business this weekend. The real scrap will be for third. And Rally2 as well.

[dimviii]

Kalle crash from another angle
https://twitter.com/voiceofrally/status/1687697121028231168

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some nice weather at last...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/F2xJTkvWsAAB5Qb?format=jpg&name=medium

[becher]

Evans is ending any discussion here.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Huge time by Evans to start the afternoon !!

[seb_sh]

This is Evans' to lose now, good drive so far. And Katsuta seems to have the edge over Suninen but he's going to be under pressure to get the podium on the "home" rally for him and the team.

[Eli]

Isn't it a "classic" Neuville to bin it in this situation? Hope not, but he can start thinking of both win and 5p on PS.

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If he were leading, probably, but he isn’t, so…

[Eli]

This is Evans' to lose now, good drive so far. And Katsuta seems to have the edge over Suninen but he's going to be under pressure to get the podium on the "home" rally for him and the team.

Toyota’s to lose, if anything Hyundai haven’t got anything to lose, might as well go flat out.

[seb_sh]

Richard Millener just said on wrclive that the promoter and FIA are working hard to have more P1 cars. Finally they are listening to us! I'm joking of course but I think it's the first time someone involved says this explicitly.

[Andre Oliveira]

They said that every year.

[jonkka]

Richard Millener just said on wrclive that the promoter and FIA are working hard to have more P1 cars. Finally they are listening to us! I'm joking of course but I think it's the first time someone involved says this explicitly.

Somewhat hilarious piece. On one hand, M-Sport should work getting Ford officially involved and thus their own budget sorted out. And on other hand, talk about new manufacturers is as old as the series, of course everyone would welcome more but there haven't been joiners. Unless of course "more P1 cars" means something else than more manufacturers.

[Eli]

I wonder if they'll replace the Fiesta Rally2 car with the Puma? I'm guessing now that the fiesta is no longer in production it's days in rally 2 are numbered.

[seb_sh]

They talked about more manufacturers but now he said more cars. I suppose they realize there's no chance of a new manu until the next rules cycle so are trying to get more from the existing 3. For me that's a difference but we'll see.

[Eli]

Millener probably relieved Greensmith isn't in their team.

[mknight]

Just came back after being away all day.

That corner where Greensmith rolled. Massively different approach from all top Rally2 crews with onboard.

[TypeR]

Millener probably relieved Greensmith isn't in their team.
I'm quite sure Greensmith thinks the same :D

[Doon]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but there aren’t any manufacturers currently serious about joining the WRC. That means if they can attract one it’ll be at least 2025 (more realistically 2026) until they are ready to start a rally. If one manufacturer joins, that’s 2 or 3 cars at best. Hardly fixing the problem.

The WRC has never been able to sustain more than 3 manufacturers, even during the late 90s early 2000’s when there were up to 7 teams, this was very short lived. What rallying can do is create more affordable classes, which always made the good events more interesting because we had satellite teams running quality drives who could push the works teams. How many genuine privateers have we had in Rally 1 cars, hiring from the works teams, 2? Berttelli and Sedaridis? Fair play to them for making up the numbers, but neither of them could challenge for a top 10 in WRC2 on a good day, so don’t bring much to the party apart from a few quid to M-Sport.

[Eli]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but there aren’t any manufacturers currently serious about joining the WRC. That means if they can attract one it’ll be at least 2025 (more realistically 2026) until they are ready to start a rally. If one manufacturer joins, that’s 2 or 3 cars at best. Hardly fixing the problem.

The WRC has never been able to sustain more than 3 manufacturers, even during the late 90s early 2000’s when there were up to 7 teams, this was very short lived. What rallying can do is create more affordable classes, which always made the good events more interesting because we had satellite teams running quality drives who could push the works teams. How many genuine privateers have we had in Rally 1 cars, hiring from the works teams, 2? Berttelli and Sedaridis? Fair play to them for making up the numbers, but neither of them could challenge for a top 10 in WRC2 on a good day, so don’t bring much to the party apart from a few quid to M-Sport.

We did have 4 manufacturers for... 6 seasons? 2014-2019 but for the most part since 2005, it has been 3 manufacturers.

[TypeR]

Taka: ,,Kalle has tough me with condirions like this''
Interviewer: ,,What has Kalle's advice been?''
Taka: ,,Just angle and flat-out!''

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC was kind of unlucky to lose VW (dieselgate), and then also Citroen (C3 failed Ogier). Imagine if they had both stayed.

[jonkka]

WRC was kind of unlucky to lose VW (dieselgate), and then also Citroen (C3 failed Ogier). Imagine if they had both stayed.

If you start on that road, you can add to that list likes of Peugeot, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mini, Suzuki, Seat, Skoda and few more if you go further back in time.

[BleAivano]

Correct me if I’m wrong, but there aren’t any manufacturers currently serious about joining the WRC. That means if they can attract one it’ll be at least 2025 (more realistically 2026) until they are ready to start a rally. If one manufacturer joins, that’s 2 or 3 cars at best. Hardly fixing the problem.

The WRC has never been able to sustain more than 3 manufacturers, even during the late 90s early 2000’s when there were up to 7 teams, this was very short lived. What rallying can do is create more affordable classes, which always made the good events more interesting because we had satellite teams running quality drives who could push the works teams. How many genuine privateers have we had in Rally 1 cars, hiring from the works teams, 2? Berttelli and Sedaridis? Fair play to them for making up the numbers, but neither of them could challenge for a top 10 in WRC2 on a good day, so don’t bring much to the party apart from a few quid to M-Sport.

The problem is that motorsport is very expensive regardless of how much cost saving and affordability one tries to enforce. There have already been lots of cost sving rules and changes. Dont really think there is any more cost saving that can be done and evidentially all the cost saving done so far haven't really made manufacturers flock to WRC.

[skarderud]

The problem is that motorsport is very expensive regardless of how much cost saving and affordability one tries to enforce. There have already been lots of cost sving rules and changes. Dont really think there is any more cost saving that can be done and evidentially all the cost saving done so far haven't really made manufacturers flock to WRC.If the manufacturers isn't interested in motorsport/rally anymore, why keep that rule that they have to homologate the cars?

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[AndyRAC]

The problem is that motorsport is very expensive regardless of how much cost saving and affordability one tries to enforce. There have already been lots of cost sving rules and changes. Don't really think there is any more cost saving that can be done and evidentially all the cost saving done so far haven't really made manufacturers flock to WRC.

Yes, motorsport is expensive, however it hasn't stopped other series attracting manufacturers - so they're doing something right. Sadly, the WRC isn't......cutting costs is one thing, but you need to offer value - again, the WRC doesn't offer value.

[RS]

Nobody talking about the actual rally? At least the fight in Rally2 has been quite good although a lot of accidents, problems and punctures there too.

[RS]

Taka: ,,Kalle has tough me with condirions like this''
Interviewer: ,,What has Kalle's advice been?''
Taka: ,,Just angle and flat-out!''

This sums up the Rally1 style in general, at least on loose surfaces.

[skarderud]

Nobody talking about the actual rally? At least the fight in Rally2 has been quite good although a lot of accidents, problems and punctures there too.Yes, rally2 class is much more interesting, sadly enough.
Its sad to say, i don't care about the Rally1's anymore, i'm fed up. I really don't care if Hyundai, Toyota and M-sport just pull the plug.
I'm not the only one, obviously.

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[Fast Eddie WRC]

If you start on that road, you can add to that list likes of Peugeot, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Mini, Suzuki, Seat, Skoda and few more if you go further back in time.

But the VW & Citroen withdrawals weren't purely due to high WRC costs.

[BleAivano]

Yes, motorsport is expensive, however it hasn't stopped other series attracting manufacturers - so they're doing something right. Sadly, the WRC isn't......cutting costs is one thing, but you need to offer value - again, the WRC doesn't offer value.

Yes, that is the point. If the costs of doing WRC isn't the cause for manufacturers staying away then perhaps doing more costs saves isn't the solution.

[becher]

Nobody talking about the actual rally? At least the fight in Rally2 has been quite good although a lot of accidents, problems and punctures there too.

What happened to Huttunen?

[Humber]

Jari Huttunen social media "It was not the engine. It was a bad hit on a rock in a groove, which caused the lower control arm bolt to come off, which messed up the suspension and lost the drive shaft."

[KertR]

Yesterday was super from Evans, i hoped and thought Neuville will go flat out and pass Evans, but no, Evans showed the speed of Toyota in Finland. Bit sad, i hoped Neuville can fight...
Champ. gets a bit more intresting, sad Tänaks Puma again with engine failure... was it his fault or not, such a same...

[jonkka]

But the VW & Citroen withdrawals weren't purely due to high WRC costs.

Neither were those that I quoted - most left as their results didn't match their expectations or past performance. Cost is not an issue if you're successful. Besides, WRC budgets are a drop in ocean for big manus.

[TypeR]

Just out of service..


Loubet Pierre-Louis
"Unfortunately we had to drive in road mode. We have an engine issue."

There must be some big error with the engine build or smth as they wear out faster than tyres in last couple of weeks..

[Eli]

Regarding manufacturers, I’m sorry but if you’re a manufacturer and see what we’re seeing on WRC+ All Live, would you want to promote your product through this discipline?

[er88]

Just out of service..



There must be some big error with the engine build or smth as they wear out faster than tyres in last couple of weeks..This is catastrophic for msport.

[bomber21]

Regarding manufacturers, I’m sorry but if you’re a manufacturer and see what we’re seeing on WRC+ All Live, would you want to promote your product through this discipline?
The problem with WRC+ is that we do not see the product which is the car. We see some trees and roads through the onboard camera.
And this is boring even for a passionate fan like me.
WE MUST SEE THE CAR, promoter must find a way how to do it.

[skarderud]

The problem with WRC+ is that we do not see the product which is the car. We see some trees and roads through the onboard camera.
And this is boring even for a passionate fan like me.
WE MUST SEE THE CAR, promoter must find a way how to do it.Yes, more outside cameras is needed, is also good to see the wrc2 coverage this weekend, sad its just due to few Rally1 cars, it should be like this all rallies.

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[becher]

I seem to remember that a few years ago minimum weight was with one spare wheel, did this change with Rally1 or even before?

[Norm75]

Neither were those that I quoted - most left as their results didn't match their expectations or past performance. Cost is not an issue if you're successful. Besides, WRC budgets are a drop in ocean for big manus.
BMW pulled the plug on the prodrive mini wrc program down to money.
Subaru pulled the plug on the WRC when there was a recession and down to money. Mitsubishi never really developed their car to WRC spec and was just a glorified grp A car so that was down to competitiveness but what did they expect.
PSA ran Peugeot and Citroen so pointless competing against themselves, so one team made way for the other. As is the case with Seat and Skoda, different brands under same owners so pointless running two teams, Seat giving way to Skoda for a while but then stopped in top category to concentrate on lower category and domination (while another brand under the same ownership developed a WRC car that went on to dominate)

[seb_sh]

BMW pulled the plug on the prodrive mini wrc program down to money.
Subaru pulled the plug on the WRC when there was a recession and down to money. Mitsubishi never really developed their car to WRC spec and was just a glorified grp A car so that was down to competitiveness but what did they expect.
PSA ran Peugeot and Citroen so pointless competing against themselves, so one team made way for the other. As is the case with Seat and Skoda, different brands under same owners so pointless running two teams, Seat giving way to Skoda for a while but then stopped in top category to concentrate on lower category and domination (while another brand under the same ownership developed a WRC car that went on to dominate)

Indeed it is also my impression that the "they were not winning so they pulled out" was the WRC being in denial and blaming the manufacturers for leaving instead of looking at themselves and where they went wrong. Subaru and Suzuki somewhat concided with the global financial crysis and both companies were in deep trouble at the time so spending even a few milion on something 'frivolous' like the WRC must have been frowned upon in the board room.

Besides that I think a critical point was when the WRC Promoter, then headed by David Richards, insisted to hold 16 rallies instead of 14. The motivation was purely financial to get more TV revenue if i remember correctly. Then I remember all the teams moaning about costs and to counter balance that the rules changed from 3 nominated cars to 2. A side effect to this was losing McRae from full time driving. Of course things are more complex but for me that's the first time the WRC shot itself in the foot quite badly. This is all from memory so I am happy to be corrected if someone knows better, but this blaming of manufacturers "pulling out because they can't win" seems like a cheap excuse from people who didn't do a good enough job organising the championship.

[rp]

Only 25 points separating Rovanperä & Evans if Elfyn is able to win also the Power Stage.

The Championship is open again. Elfyn found finally the right settings to his car and there is now a lot of pressure for Kalle.

[skarderud]

Yes, good for the championship that kalle has a DNF.
But is Evans able/alloved to fight kalle for the championship the last rallies?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[TypeR]

The downhill section is very nice to watch, especially that tricky downhill jump turning left

[becher]

Only 25 points separating Rovanperä & Evans if Elfyn is able to win also the Power Stage.

The Championship is open again. Elfyn found finally the right settings to his car and there is now a lot of pressure for Kalle.
Still huge gap with only four rounds remaining. Especially considering that Evans is unlikely to beat Rovanperä in a straight fight.

[becher]

The downhill section is very nice to watch, especially that tricky downhill jump turning left

The camera work there is quite good for once as well.

[seb_sh]

Indeed the Power Stage is quite good. Also it's different from the usual stages so gives a chance to have a different order.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The problem with WRC+ is that we do not see the product which is the car. We see some trees and roads through the onboard camera.
And this is boring even for a passionate fan like me.
WE MUST SEE THE CAR, promoter must find a way how to do it.

Totally agree.

I now record the live stages and fast-forward through most of the onboard pictures and watch the stage-side camera shots, heli views and stage-end interviews.

[seb_sh]

Totally agree.

I now record the live stages and fast-forward through most of the onboard pictures and watch the stage-side camera shots and stage-end interviews.

What if instead of doing all stages so-so they would do some stages onboard only, no commentary and put all the cameras and reporters on one or two stages every day? I feel the same, onboards get boring after a while.

[RS]

Congratulations to Pajari on the WRC2 win. Great job by Formaux.. no spectacular times but super consistent means he doesn't finish far off.

Looks like Gryazin and Mikkelsen went the wrong way on setup yesterday because they were pretty quick today.

[TypeR]

Happy for Latvala! Clean rally and they gave some excitement to a little dull rally..
1 PS point also in the pocket.
Should have jumped on the roof :D

[seb_sh]

Happy for Latvala! Clean rally and they gave some excitement to a little dull rally..
1 PS point also in the pocket.
Should have jumped on the roof :D

Agree, Latvalas enjoyment was contagious!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well done Suninen. A very good job again given his lack of Rally1 car experience compared to the others.

[denkimi]

Yes, good for the championship that kalle has a DNF.
But is Evans able/alloved to fight kalle for the championship the last rallies?
Why wouldn't he? Whether its evans or rovanpera, it's a toyota that will win. And they will take the manufacturers title anyway too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes Elfyn !! A brilliant win and maximum points !!

[seb_sh]

Great drive from Elfyn, 2 time winner of Rally Finland! Great job on the Power Stage as well! And utter domination of his old foil Neuville as well. Kalle is still the favourite for the title but Elfyn will keep him honest.

[mknight]

Well done Suninen. A very good job again given his lack of Rally1 car experience compared to the others.

He was supposed to be going for the win according to some people and at least for podium according to himself. Had Estonia and a test rally in Rally1, won here in Rally2 last two years.

Ended as last professional WRC. On the rally that according to himself is his best in the calendar and surviving two big moments on pure luck.

That can be called all sorts of things, very good job is not one of them.

[mknight]

My congratulations to Solberg. Not so much for the "win" or stagetimes. But more to the approach. Specially on Friday. When he was a little bit slower than Pajari and Huttunen he didn't go crazy speed and crash on next stage. Just keeping decent pace and being in the mix.

[skarderud]

Congratulations to Pajari on the WRC2 win. Great job by Formaux.. no spectacular times but super consistent means he doesn't finish far off.

Looks like Gryazin and Mikkelsen went the wrong way on setup yesterday because they were pretty quick today.Yes, they had a new setup for this rally that didn't worked, they go back to older setup on saturday morning, with adjustments to todays stages. I don't know why they/toksport did this mistake?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[mknight]

Yes, they had a new setup for this rally that didn't worked, they go back to older setup on saturday morning, with adjustments to todays stages. I don't know why they/toksport did this mistake?

Greensmith complained about the same.

But this happens, specially with relatively new car. Solberg had setup issues whole Croatia for example.

[rp]

Solberg and Pajari were also Toksport drivers. It´s not team´s mistake if Mikkelsen, Greensmith and Gryazin took wrong settings. Andreas is always blaming something if he is not able to win.

[mknight]

Solberg and Pajari were also Toksport drivers. It´s not team´s mistake if Mikkelsen, Greensmith and Gryazin took wrong settings. Andreas is always blaming something if he is not able to win.
Mikkelsen said live at the end of the stage it was his own mistake to pick the setup.

[Eli]

Huge congrats to Evans & Scott, well deserved, yes Rovanperä was faster but as the saying goes, to finish first, first you must finish. Overall a nice rally, shame we didn't get a fight like 2022, also I have to admit, I missed not having Breen do the rally, he might've crashed or challenged Evans for the win and in any case it would've been nice seeing him in his favourite rally (especially after his performance in Sweden).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He was supposed to be going for the win according to some people and at least for podium according to himself. Had Estonia and a test rally in Rally1, won here in Rally2 last two years.

Ended as last professional WRC. On the rally that according to himself is his best in the calendar and surviving two big moments on pure luck.

That can be called all sorts of things, very good job is not one of them.

Salty. Let's see what Hyundai bosses say.

[Eli]

Salty. Let's see what Hyundai bosses say.

Cyril didn't seem to impressed at the end, 7 wins to 1 in the manu. title doesn't bode well for them.

[TWRC]

What a strange rally after Estonia, almost the polar opposite. Kudos to Evans, he was clearly growing in confidence as the rally went on. Neuville tried, but still did well to finish 2nd after so many problems in Finland. Well done also to Taka, good performance and solid drive.
I loved Latvala and Hänninen the most, I think they both had a blast. Juho is so underrated, not only a great driver, but also a great co-driver and coach! :D Such versatility is very rare IMO.

[mknight]

Salty. Let's see what Hyundai bosses say.

According to rumors he got some drives already before the rally. Great job from Jouhki in that case. Let's see if the deals are as flexible as in Adamos times.

[Sulland]

Amazing to first see the rally2 cars suspension in the downhill places in the latter part of the powerstage, and then see the difference to the rally1 cars.
An ocean of difference! The R1 cars swallow all that it is thrown on it, the R2 cars get much more of the bumpy road transferred into the body.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think Suninen's 5th & 4th places in his first two events in a Rally1 car aren't bad at all. They are very different and take a lot to get used to. He was never going to challenge for a win or even a podium vs the guys who have been in the cars for 18 months. Pushing Katsuta was good considering Taka is also very experienced in Finland and loves the rally.

BTW, how did golden boy Mikkelsen get on ? 5th in Rally2 Class, getting his set-up wrong in a car he helped develop...

[doubled1978]

I actually enjoyed this rally surprisingly given the attrition rate, the deep and competitive Rally2 field helps a lot I suppose, but that it is no way to hide the painfully thin Rally1 field.
I enjoyed listening to the extra co-drivers in the commentary box, Kennard, Ingrassia, Millener, good to hear different peoples perspectives. It was particularly interesting listening to Millener try not to say too much when they discussed the regs moving forward. I just hope someone sees sense and whatever they do it’s an affordable formula that entices manufacturers and allows genuine privateers to be competitive with good cars.

[becher]

He was supposed to be going for the win according to some people and at least for podium according to himself. Had Estonia and a test rally in Rally1, won here in Rally2 last two years.

Ended as last professional WRC. On the rally that according to himself is his best in the calendar and surviving two big moments on pure luck.

That can be called all sorts of things, very good job is not one of them.
As a thought experiment, what would be your reaction if Mikkelsen finished 4th and 5th respectively?

[mknight]

Suninen expectations:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/david-evans-my-advice-to-teemu-suninen/

Reality... slowest WRC bar a hobby driver 4 years out.

4th as a result doesn't sound bad. Until you look on who was running.

Suninen was hired to do a better job than Sordo. In Estonia he did that. In Finland it is rather debatable.

[mknight]

As a thought experiment, what would be your reaction if Mikkelsen finished 4th and 5th respectively?

It is really funny how some people troll me with Mikkelsen no matter what the topic is.

But w/e:

I wrote in Estonia that Suninen did good job ending "just as expected" (and commented that the 8/10 he got from Clark was spot on). If Mikkelsen did that there I would comment the same.

Finland was different. As in Suninens own words it is supposed to be his best rally. His pace went downwards from Estonia. For Mikkelsen Finland is historically his worst rally (no podium) that he last drove in 2019. So ending like Suninen did would be about as expected.

[Eli]

It is really funny how some people troll me with Mikkelsen no matter what the topic is.

But w/e:

I wrote in Estonia that Suninen did good job ending "just as expected" (and commented that the 8/10 he got from Clark was spot on). If Mikkelsen did that there I would comment the same.

Finland was different. As in Suninens own words it is supposed to be his best rally. His pace went downwards from Estonia. For Mikkelsen Finland is historically his worst rally (no podium) that he last drove in 2019. So ending like Suninen did would be about as expected.

I know he’s been even longer away from the top category, but I’m curious how Paddon would’ve managed both rallies.

[Eli]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBnlOP2doT8

Post-Event Press Conference

[trykmann]

It is really funny how some people troll me with Mikkelsen no matter what the topic is.

But w/e:

I wrote in Estonia that Suninen did good job ending "just as expected" (and commented that the 8/10 he got from Clark was spot on). If Mikkelsen did that there I would comment the same.

Finland was different. As in Suninens own words it is supposed to be his best rally. His pace went downwards from Estonia. For Mikkelsen Finland is historically his worst rally (no podium) that he last drove in 2019. So ending like Suninen did would be about as expected.

You have to consider the fact he got to the end without any serious problems, while Lappi and Rovanperä crashed.

His speed wasn't as good as many of us hoped, but still he did a clean rally and was able to compete with Katsuta, who has a lot more experience with Rally1 and probably a better car.

If he would have had similar pave as Loubet, then it would have been a dead end.

Sent from my SM-A705FN using Tapatalk

[becher]

It is really funny how some people troll me with Mikkelsen no matter what the topic is.

But w/e:

I wrote in Estonia that Suninen did good job ending "just as expected" (and commented that the 8/10 he got from Clark was spot on). If Mikkelsen did that there I would comment the same.

Finland was different. As in Suninens own words it is supposed to be his best rally. His pace went downwards from Estonia. For Mikkelsen Finland is historically his worst rally (no podium) that he last drove in 2019. So ending like Suninen did would be about as expected.
Well I thought who else you would have seen as a driver for these events and answered the question myself, but of course I can be wrong. Who would you have offered the drive? I'm actually curious who people think could drop in and do better than either Mikkelsen or Suninen.

[mknight]

I don't think anyone currently available was better choice than one of those two.

Based on both past and recent results Mikkelsen was seemingly as good choice for Estonia (which off course doesn't mean he would do better).
But Suninen was seemingly better choice for Finland.

In the end I would rank Suninens results as 8/10 in Estonia and 4/10 in Finland.

Then the already asked question is whether Sordo or Mikkelsen would do worse. Sordo would definitely do worse in Estonia but for Finland I don't think either of them would do worse.

Whats the point of getting Suninen when at his two best events (again his words) he does barely better than what could be expected from the two others.

CA's words were that he wasn't looking for replacement just for the two events but for a longer term solution. Suninen didn't exactly confirm he is one. And funnily enough Hyundai announced Sordo for Greece within an hour after end of the rally, while these kinds of announcements usually come 2-3 days after.

No I don't expect CA to call Mikkelsen for next season at all. I expect him to try to get Ogier really hard an use Suninen as "fill" for those relatively few events Ogier won't do.

[Norm75]

Suninen expectations:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/david-evans-my-advice-to-teemu-suninen/

Reality... slowest WRC bar a hobby driver 4 years out.

4th as a result doesn't sound bad. Until you look on who was running.

Suninen was hired to do a better job than Sordo. In Estonia he did that. In Finland it is rather debatable.
Sunninen was hired to drive in some of the rallies Sordo won’t do. He will do better job regardless.

[doubled1978]

Personally I think Sunninen did ok, I suspect had it been a dry rally he would have been somewhere nearer the pace and in front of Taka. Lack of seat time and that loose rear end of the Hyundai in the high speed, coupled with the wet conditions…..I think his pace is understandable, and as others have said, I don’t suppose anyone else would have done better. He didn’t bin it and he scored points.

[SubaruNorway]

My video from Rally Finland, bit depressing with so many retiring but pretty good event in the end anyway!
https://youtu.be/8q9LNWyfzow

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Takamoto Katsuta @TakamotoKatsuta

It was really big fight with Teemu Suninen during Rally Finland.

I enjoyed a lot but I never ever felt 0.1sec is so big.

Big respect for him, he was fast and this was only 2 rallies with Rally1.

[TypeR]

Is it really so, that if you don't race for points, then no trophies for drivers?

I mean Solberg's post in Instagram, where they showered their own champagne and jumped into lake :D

Doesn't matter it's Solberg this time, let it be whoever, but if you are fastest in your class and win it, then it is a shame not being given a trophy for that..

Racing for pointa should only be for formalities, but if you race fair n square in certain class and win it, then it should also be awarded.

[bomber21]

I fully agree. Another joke from modern WRC.

Promoter and President should be changed, I do not see any other alternative.

[Eli]

My video from Rally Finland, bit depressing with so many retiring but pretty good event in the end anyway!
https://youtu.be/8q9LNWyfzow

Looking at this and the video from 2019, the Hyundai i20 Coupe seems a bit less tail happy than the i20 Hybrid Rally1, comparing them side by side.

[Jarek Z]

Is it really so, that if you don't race for points, then no trophies for drivers?

I mean Solberg's post in Instagram, where they showered their own champagne and jumped into lake :D

Doesn't matter it's Solberg this time, let it be whoever, but if you are fastest in your class and win it, then it is a shame not being given a trophy for that..

Racing for pointa should only be for formalities, but if you race fair n square in certain class and win it, then it should also be awarded.

No, there is no trophy for winning RC2 class and never was. There is a trophy for winning WRC2. Everything is fine here. Pajari is the winner, not Solberg.

[Devillersvideo]

Again a super weekend in Finland :D Here is my video

https://youtu.be/vmzf9mPrOaY

[doubled1978]

Looking at this and the video from 2019, the Hyundai i20 Coupe seems a bit less tail happy than the i20 Hybrid Rally1, comparing them side by side.

Correct, the old car had a solid rear end and struggled with the front, actually that trait goes back through the 2016 car and the one previous. It’s only this one that is the opposite.
I suspect, that it’s why Neuville became so adept at the handbrake driving style to help the car turn….maybe.

[seb_sh]

Correct, the old car had a solid rear end and struggled with the front, actually that trait goes back through the 2016 car and the one previous. It’s only this one that is the opposite.
I suspect, that it’s why Neuville became so adept at the handbrake driving style to help the car turn….maybe.

he was asked in Estonia in one of the intermediate press conferences about the handbrake thing, he said it's not his style but it's needed to get the car to turn

[becher]

he was asked in Estonia in one of the intermediate press conferences about the handbrake thing, he said it's not his style but it's needed to get the car to turn
Shows the state of rallying journalism, this was known years ago.

[paddocknews]

WRC Rally Finland 2023 | FLAT OUT, PURE SOUND & BIG JUMPS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJFj3K7fC_8

[mknight]

No, there is no trophy for winning RC2 class and never was. There is a trophy for winning WRC2. Everything is fine here. Pajari is the winner, not Solberg.

Yep, Pajari had little to gain from trying to fight Solberg from mid-saturday.
Comparably Solberg had nothing to lose by crashing, in terms of points.

Solberg did a great job, but they were not really in the same competition.

[mknight]

Correct, the old car had a solid rear end and struggled with the front, actually that trait goes back through the 2016 car and the one previous. It’s only this one that is the opposite.
I suspect, that it’s why Neuville became so adept at the handbrake driving style to help the car turn….maybe.

This year in Finland Neuville seemed to drive with much less handbrake and sideways than Suninen and much less than he used to be with the old car.

There was also a detailed comparison between Suninen and Katsuta on Alllive where they showed how Suninen used handbrake and scandi flick a lot. Can be the car, the settings or his style. Remember Suninen got even openly criticized by Malcolm for driving too sideways (think it was after Sweden, not sure if 2020 or 2021?).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is it really so, that if you don't race for points, then no trophies for drivers?

I mean Solberg's post in Instagram, where they showered their own champagne and jumped into lake :D

Doesn't matter it's Solberg this time, let it be whoever, but if you are fastest in your class and win it, then it is a shame not being given a trophy for that..

Racing for pointa should only be for formalities, but if you race fair n square in certain class and win it, then it should also be awarded.

It was Solberg's own fault for not registering for WRC2.

That is the competition to win here and if you want points and a trophy. Just driving for fun with no pressure is not the same.


As he admitted at the end of the rally, he f**ked up.


.

[doubled1978]

This year in Finland Neuville seemed to drive with much less handbrake and sideways than Suninen and much less than he used to be with the old car.

There was also a detailed comparison between Suninen and Katsuta on Alllive where they showed how Suninen used handbrake and scandi flick a lot. Can be the car, the settings or his style. Remember Suninen got even openly criticized by Malcolm for driving too sideways (think it was after Sweden, not sure if 2020 or 2021?).

Yeah, this years car wouldn’t want to be unsettled by using the handbrake as its natural tendency is to do that by itself, but it’s too much and they don’t trust it.
Sordo speaks about it a lot at stage ends.

[drive]

Nice Speed... https://youtu.be/5t-rggQAtQo

[Yugo_para_siempre]

Nice rally from Elfyn.

I think he would have challenged for the win,
even if Rovanpera was competing the whole rally.
They were very close and Kalle was pushing very much.

I still believe that 2021 was even better performance.
Tanak was pushing closely all the rally.
Rovanpera was clearly behind before his crash.
Ogier was miles away...

It seems, he was very happy with this car for the first time.

Previous Yaris made a good pair with Elfyn from the beginning.
This one not and in many rallies not at all.

[rp]

It seems, he was very happy with this car for the first time.


Yes, that´s true. Not sure that Kalle would have been able to beat Evans, because Elfyn had so good speed during the Saturday and Finland is one of the Kalle´s worst events in the WRC.

[janneppi]

I don't understand this whole "Finland is not a good rally for Kalle."
He's driven there three times in a top tier car. Last year was second and this year crashed in p1 while not really doing anything crazy.

1000 Lakes is not an easy rally and requires experience, but he's not exactly struggling there.

Sent from my CPH2399 using Tapatalk

[Berke]

Interesting stat: There's only three Finnish winners in Rally Finland for the last 12 years. (Lappi once and Latvala twice)

[Yugo_para_siempre]

I don't understand this whole "Finland is not a good rally for Kalle."
He's driven there three times in a top tier car. Last year was second and this year crashed in p1 while not really doing anything crazy.

1000 Lakes is not an easy rally and requires experience, but he's not exactly struggling there.

Sent from my CPH2399 using Tapatalk

I rate Kalle as a great champion and possibly a future multiple world champion (bad for the sport especially after the two Sebs). He is fantastic most of the times.

But let's be honest.
Until these days, he is not as good in Finland as in other rallies.
In 2021 he crashed when already around 19" behind Elfyn with the same car.
In 2022 Tanak won with a car that was not supposed to win and Kalle was 2nd. Generally a decent rally compared to his teammates, but as said Elfyn likely was struggling with this car very often last year.
In 2023 he crashed again. OK from 1st, but he was very close to Elfyn who was building his speed maybe the first time that felt so comfortable with this car.

In Estonia he just seems to have the speed, so easily, so effortlessly, so naturally.
If he had the same ability in Finland it would have been very easy to identify it. But he does not.

[janneppi]

In 2021 Evans placed higher in the standings than Kalle in order of 7/5
In 2022 Kalle placed higher than Evans 11/2.

In 2021 Kalle was basically a student driver.
In 2022 he was aiming for the WDC and couldn't risk it as much as Tänäk.

I think what i'm saying is that it's too soon to tell if he's struggling in Finland.

Sent from my CPH2399 using Tapatalk

[meh]

Make Rally GB out of fast gravel/snow rally and Evans is good at it.

* Rally Sweden 2020 - it was a bit wet rally for winter rally
* Rally Finland 2021 - was in September, already proper autumn in Finland
* Rally Finland 2023 - mud fest, Evans is good again

If we add here Ralyl GB win from 2017, then 4 of 7 wins are from fast slippy stuff.

All we know, he was clearly faster than Neuville. Sadly we can not compare speed wise with Tänak-Lappi-Rovanperä, as all dropped out quite early.

[Yugo_para_siempre]

In 2021 Evans placed higher in the standings than Kalle in order of 7/5
In 2022 Kalle placed higher than Evans 11/2.

In 2021 Kalle was basically a student driver.
In 2022 he was aiming for the WDC and couldn't risk it as much as Tänäk.

I think what i'm saying is that it's too soon to tell if he's struggling in Finland.

Sent from my CPH2399 using Tapatalk

With 2 crashes in 3 years (from a driver that is not crashing too often) and a speed that was never as dominant as in other rallies.
It is fair to say that until now he is struggling in Finland.
This can change in the future, but we are not speaking about the future.
In any case, we have different opinion about this.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dirtfish verdict on Suninen 8/10

Another quality drive from Suninen.

He seems more than a little disappointed not to have passed Katsuta to claim that last podium spot, but he really shouldn’t be disappointed with his performances over the last two events.

With very limited testing, Teemu has delivered more than the team could have expected. OK, we know he has pace on fast gravel, but to deliver in such controlled style, under such testing circumstances surely must put the Finn in pole position for more regular outings in the i20 N Rally1.

[mknight]

Dirtfish verdict on Suninen 8/10

Another quality drive from Suninen.

He seems more than a little disappointed not to have passed Katsuta to claim that last podium spot, but he really shouldn’t be disappointed with his performances over the last two events.

With very limited testing, Teemu has delivered more than the team could have expected. OK, we know he has pace on fast gravel, but to deliver in such controlled style, under such testing circumstances surely must put the Finn in pole position for more regular outings in the i20 N Rally1.

Hilarous

D. Evans before event ( https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/david-evans-my-advice-to-teemu-suninen/ ):
"Can you win? Quite possibly. Let’s see what the weather does and how the competition plays out, but I’d certainly be backing you for a top-three."

C. Clark after Estonia: (https://dirtfish.com/rally/colin-clarks-2023-rally-estonia-driver-ratings/):
"Consolidation and validation is the key to success though – let’s hope he can do exactly that in Finland."

Ref1: No podium even with 3 top drivers retired
Ref2: In Estonia he clearly beat Loubet and Katsuta. In Finland he was equal with Loubet when he retired and lost to Katsuta. Consolidation and validation it isnt.

For once I agree they are clowns.

[samzon100]

Pictures Secto Ralli 02-06.08.2023
Shakedown. EK3, EK8, EK13, EK17 ja EK22

https://samzon.kuvat.fi/kuvat/MM-Secto+Ralli+08.23/

[tommeke_B]

Seen a great event once again. Thankfully the WRC2-level is very high this year... In Rally1 something must change, some crashes and there's nothing left... It gives me the feeling of 2009-2010 again, when they were were running cars nobody could afford anymore.

A few photos from Evans, well deserved winner:

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/366304026_746250054176527_3965481206498242410_n.jp g?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=-M8cBVvsMHEAX_PB9Qb&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=00_AfA78JF8o05zgqX7ZLJ535IYjQ8HvYSfx1oQel9ZxMxU UA&oe=64D8BF14

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/366369135_746249847509881_8357409512201744921_n.jp g?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0bb214&_nc_ohc=QrFqEMpBmJgAX8gPl5b&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDYhg9AGqZZV8gIOuEp14unjWyJsIDxMsxyIOdIvhsW QQ&oe=64D9A07E

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/366239247_746248874176645_7636032009326522869_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=2_x0AfNG5WYAX_9YrwZ&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAMpkOl-WYQW1W9V5rWoncCwc1g1ktPjfbaLNk5Tvwhvg&oe=64D8D382

https://scontent.fbru2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/366253578_746249314176601_8691265856404820586_n.jp g?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=C4_kWYi9dMIAX-7yIPB&_nc_ht=scontent.fbru2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAS5F9anhBmS0KTrqijYMvTsGXvFKEgab3yWp4curQL Qg&oe=64D97D36

Small album: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=rallyimage&set=a.746253944176138

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hilarous

D. Evans before event ( https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/david-evans-my-advice-to-teemu-suninen/ ):
"Can you win? Quite possibly. Let’s see what the weather does and how the competition plays out, but I’d certainly be backing you for a top-three."

C. Clark after Estonia: (https://dirtfish.com/rally/colin-clarks-2023-rally-estonia-driver-ratings/):
"Consolidation and validation is the key to success though – let’s hope he can do exactly that in Finland."

Ref1: No podium even with 3 top drivers retired
Ref2: In Estonia he clearly beat Loubet and Katsuta. In Finland he was equal with Loubet when he retired and lost to Katsuta. Consolidation and validation it isnt.

For once I agree they are clowns.

In terms of pre-event I agree. There was no way he should've been expected to win or even podium.

After the rally DF have right though.And Teemu made it clear why he lost time.

“The expectations get higher and the goals change quite fast when we have a chance for better results. I really felt that we had the pace for P3, but I just wasn’t ready when the conditions changed,” he said, referencing the wet conditions faced on Saturday.

“I didn’t know what I needed from the car and I didn’t know how to adapt with the driving, and that’s why we lost some easy seconds in the tricky conditions.”

[dimviii]

Τom amazing photos as always.

[Jarek Z]

Yeah, how did you take the first one? Were you lying in a ditch? :)

[Ide]

Here's my Rally Finland 2023 gallery. Photos from 5 special stages.
Secto Rally Finland 2023 (https://www.ilkansivu.net/en/photos/motorsport/wrc/secto-rally-finland-2023)

[Hartusvuori]

Yeah, how did you take the first one? Were you lying in a ditch? :)

You can see a remote camera on one of the other photos.

[satnav]

Great pictures Tom, fantastic use of a remote, top class

[satnav]

Here's my Rally Finland 2023 gallery. Photos from 5 special stages.
Secto Rally Finland 2023 (https://www.ilkansivu.net/en/photos/motorsport/wrc/secto-rally-finland-2023)

Some nice photos there, you were opposite us on the power stage for i remember you taking the picture of the group who were beside the big radio Mic

[MTA]

A post a while after the competition when you have thought about it.

Something has to be done so that there will be more cars in WRC1 (or the topclass) as the air ran out of the competition completely after 3 possible winners already had to retire on day 1.

Sunday felt very lazy as there were basically only 3 cars driving at (full) speed.

Such a fast and extreme competition, you notice a very big difference compared to WRC2, so even if they drive fast as hell, you don't experience them as fascinating as you do at a local competition or ERC, for example, where they are top class.

We also had bad luck with officials who were completely unreasonable and had to take long detours in the forest even though it was over 1 hour before the stage was to start, argue for only being allowed to cross the road even though the last car had passed and other incidents.
Feels like it has unfortunately become more of that in recent years, at the same time you understand it when you see how idiotic some visitors behave and it's not local ones or countries that are nearby...

Despite this, it is a fantastic race and the whole experience is wonderful.

Some of our photos can be found at https://www.facebook.com/rallyfoto.se

[satnav]

Finally got round to getting some photos up from a fantastic Rally Finland, the album is here if you want a look https://www.flickr.com/photos/188461406@N08/albums/72177720310741430/with/53142970845/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo praises team-mate Suninen...

https://www.wrc.com/a/news/w26598_Sordopraisesteam-mateSuninen