[WRC] Rally Estonia 2023

[dimviii]

Greensmith now 6,7 from Mikkelsen

[linni]

I couldn’t be more happy for all the Estonian Rally Jokers over there. 😂

Engine change and then regular whining. This is music to my ears. 🎶

Suksi kuuseen.

[seb_sh]

Pretty nice rally so far. Happy to see happy Lappi! And cool that Neuville found pace, but I would expect Rovanpera to make a gap tomorrow. Too bad for Stolberg, I'm not sure if the issue was really due to pushing as Mikkelsen claims or just bad luck...

[Rallyper]

Pretty nice rally so far. Happy to see happy Lappi! And cool that Neuville found pace, but I would expect Rovanpera to make a gap tomorrow. Too bad for Stolberg, I'm not sure if the issue was really due to pushing as Mikkelsen claims or just bad luck...

Only circumstances...

[linni]

Some darker notes also.

20 - 15 years ago Estonian championships were loaded with spectators.

Decided with friends to watch all the competitors on stage 3, including guys driving for Estonian championship. At the beginning of the stage there was appr. 1000+ spectators around us. At the end there were about 15 persons.

[Sulland]

What is the cost to get in to the stages, depot etc?

[EstWRC]

Back from a very long and exhausting day.

Was on SS2 in the morning on a flat out crest followed immediately by a mid-slow left hander. It was really interesting to see the difference between the drivers there. Suninen and Evans were most hairy over the crest, not the best landing. In the left hander Neuville was the most wide and Tänak was the worst, correcting 3-4 times during the corner but still fastest in the splits and on stage.

and in the afternoon super fast over crest with a jump. Kalle went bananas there and landed actually very badly to the right but nothing too major. Lappi, Loubet and Suninen jumped the furthest while Tänak the less. What I also noticed that on jumps and crests Toyotas nose goes up and lands on ass, Ford is front heavy and Hyundai the most balanced, landing very beautifully

Also interesting that Tänak says to Estonian media that Toyota and Hyundai have had engine upgrades while they haven’t dealt with that at all and he is surprised he can keep up with them

[Eli]

Lappi explaining the time incident on SS3: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-lappi-wasnt-penalized-for-starting-a-stage-late/

[bomber21]

Some darker notes also.

20 - 15 years ago Estonian championships were loaded with spectators.

Decided with friends to watch all the competitors on stage 3, including guys driving for Estonian championship. At the beginning of the stage there was appr. 1000+ spectators around us. At the end there were about 15 persons.

Almost noone cares for the national entries. It is the same everywhere.

[meh]

Some darker notes also.

20 - 15 years ago Estonian championships were loaded with spectators.

Decided with friends to watch all the competitors on stage 3, including guys driving for Estonian championship. At the beginning of the stage there was appr. 1000+ spectators around us. At the end there were about 15 persons.

Everyone go and watch what they are interested in. If you are interested in local championship, you watch them, if you are not, you don't. Simple as that and nothing bad in it.

[EstWRC]

Neuville explained: “Ott liked the car more very soft and crashing through all the time. For me it was like, frightening – giving me heart attacks.

“The difference from last year is mainly coming in the dampers – we worked on the dampers, a bit on the kinematics as well, but more slowly throughout the season. Compared to last year, the dampers are giving much more protection and much more confidence when it’s rough on the second pass.

“That’s more my driving style, and together with Esapekka, we are similar driving style and preferences, so we work in the same direction and that works quite well.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-reveals-how-hyundai-unlocked-its-speed/

[PLuto]

Lappi explaining the time incident on SS3: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-lappi-wasnt-penalized-for-starting-a-stage-late/

It can be described in two words - hybrid bullshit

[bomber21]

It is a real pity that the sport that produces action like this in this insane video, is not so popular. I do not know what to say but WRC deserves more.


https://twitter.com/officialwrc/status/1682434336614653970?s=46&t=yNxFeWBdbHw2KEL3YYchiQ

[skarderud]

It is a real pity that the sport that produces action like this in this insane video, is not so popular. I do not know what to say but WRC deserves more.


https://twitter.com/officialwrc/status/1682434336614653970?s=46&t=yNxFeWBdbHw2KEL3YYchiQYeah, the kids talk about drifting as the coolest thing. They hasn't seen rallying.

The rules, and shitty promoter/FIA, is the problem in wrc.
Cut the manu only homologate thing, thats a start.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[TypeR]

Neuville's speed really impressive on fast gravel rally..

[Eli]

Neuville's speed really impressive on fast gravel rally..

He did make it on the podium here a couple of years ago, no? It’s in Finland where we usually see him 6th/7th (apart from 2013).
In any case, glad at least he’s fighting for the top spot.

[Rallyper]

Calm morning even on this forum...

Stages today seems not be as demanding one would like to.

[TypeR]

Gaps are small and should be interesting.. ɓut to me somehow isn't too much..
It's nice to see cars flying and jumping tho :)

[Eli]

Calm morning even on this forum...

Stages today seems not be as demanding one would like to.

We’re all waiting to see how it pans out ;)

[dimviii]

LOUBET HIT BY TIME PENALTY
Pierre-Louis Loubet has been dealt a five-second time penalty for being in breach of hybrid strategy rules. He remains sixth overall but now has just 9.8sec in hand over Takamoto Katsuta.

[Esko]

Calm morning even on this forum...
Stages today seems not be as demanding one would like to.
Network at the stages typically don’t work, except currently here at Otepää it’s working even though lot of people next to big jump. By the way parking is organized very well in Rally Estonia, you can park really close to stages and parking is included in rally pass (4 days 85 euros). However there were very few cars at overnight parking last night, propably due to good parking space and less than 50 km from Tartu.

[linni]

Everyone go and watch what they are interested in. If you are interested in local championship, you watch them, if you are not, you don't. Simple as that and nothing bad in it.

Too simple answer. At the days the competition was harder, there was huge interest to spectate.
Nowadays only money talks, few can afford, and this has lead to the almost zero interest to local competitions.

[RS]

This sound-delay when streaming by chromecast is driving me nuts. Used to be able to cure it by stopping and reststarting the stream but that doesn't seem to work now. Any tips?

Will have to watch on ipad instead i think but i'd rather have it on the big screen.

[Eli]

This sound-delay when streaming by chromecast is driving me nuts. Used to be able to cure it by stopping and reststarting the stream but that doesn't seem to work now. Any tips?

Will have to watch on ipad instead i think but i'd rather have it on the big screen.

It might have some lag but if you’re using your iPad, try airplaying it to the big screen.

[BleAivano]

Too simple answer. At the days the competition was harder, there was huge interest to spectate.
Nowadays only money talks, few can afford, and this has lead to the almost zero interest to local competitions.

IMO it doesnt have anything to do with no interest in the local competitors, but rather a matter of trying to see as much as possible. There are only 4x2 stages/day so if you want to see the WRC cars more than twice you don't have time to watch all cars (except for your last stage of the day).

[skarderud]

Too simple answer. At the days the competition was harder, there was huge interest to spectate.
Nowadays only money talks, few can afford, and this has lead to the almost zero interest to local competitions.Yeah, we need local heroes, and todays ruleset don't alow that.
Its way to expensive, and even the most talented drivers can't get a seat in the topclass. If a Rally2 based WRCampionship comes next, the manuteams will aleays have the edge, but it will always be some local heroes to shake things up in all 3 classes and make this way more interessting.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[240RS]

Yeah, we need local heroes, and todays ruleset don't alow that.
Its way to expensive, and even the most talented drivers can't get a seat in the topclass. If a Rally2 based WRCampionship comes next, the manuteams will aleays have the edge, but it will always be some local heroes to shake things up in all 3 classes and make this way more interessting.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

Spot on!

With that goes the local money and generation of local publicity.

And I could add that the visual spectacle of a Rally1 is so much more exciting that it c
kind of underplays well-driven Rally2, Rally3 and Rally4 entries.

[Tauri_J]

He did make it on the podium here a couple of years ago, no? It’s in Finland where we usually see him 6th/7th (apart from 2013).
In any case, glad at least he’s fighting for the top spot.

People seem to forget what Neuville did when we had Rally Poland. Always wondered why he’s so slow here. Good to see that he is back. But I still think he struggles in Finland.

[Eli]

People seem to forget what Neuville did when we had Rally Poland. Always wondered why he’s so slow here. Good to see that he is back. But I still think he struggles in Finland.

True, he even won there back in ‘17, if he’ll manage to get out of his head and do it here & in Finland it will be great.

[Dontcut]

Heavy rain on Elva stage atm.

[Rallyper]

Lappi fast. "Löysä Salonen" mode, I saw Hartusvuori mentioned. Does it mean he´s doing good but waves it away in psychical play to confuse Evans?

[jonkka]

Neuville slipping down, difference to Lappi just 6,7 seconds. And Lappi can't slow down with Evans so close behind...

[Tauri_J]

Think its done now

[Eli]

Neuville slipping down, difference to Lappi just 6,7 seconds. And Lappi can't slow down with Evans so close behind...

Slow front(?) right puncture for Thierry.

[Rallyper]

Neuville slipping down, difference to Lappi just 6,7 seconds. And Lappi can't slow down with Evans so close behind...

Slow puncture.

[TypeR]

Biggest action so far, Neuville had slow puncture :D


But overall it seems done yup..

[meh]

Think its done now

For the win it have been done from the start.

It's getting more interesting battle if Neuville is part of Lappi-Evans fight and there again - if Lappi wants to get 2nd place, he need to have Evans on 3rd.

Everyone show good pace and no big events happened so far. Neuville's puncture was kind of first event which causes time-loss in Rally1 field and even here we talk about max 6-8 seconds I guess.

[meh]

Lappi vs Evans - after SS12 - the largest diff between them so far was after SS3 and it was 2.5sec.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville
"On the jumps I could take more risks, but I don't know if I should."

He looked to be doing the biggest and most spectacular jumps already. Maybe this shows it's not the fastest way. One landing could also have led to the puncture. Also Kalle was much more controlled and tidy but faster.

[dimviii]

Neuville
https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1682710726337523712

Kalle
https://twitter.com/paddocknews/status/1682710666983948288

[meh]

Ok, now "the rally started", Evans is pushing nose touching the windscreen and Lappi is faster in 1st split.

[Hüttünen]

Ok, now "the rally started", Evans is pushing nose touching the windscreen and Lappi is faster in 1st split.

”Rally started” and these poor guys are pushing like hell and then comes Kalle who is driving safely and seconds faster 🤣🤣🤣

[Dontcut]

Neuville's car had massive clutch smell on Elva stage end bit.

[denkimi]

this rally is just like ypres but on gravel. small differences on every stage, nowhere to make up much time.

[meh]

this rally is just like ypres but on gravel. small differences on every stage, nowhere to make up much time.

... but still there is tension as you can loose a lot everywhere, if there is off it will be proper one.


and now Linnamäe just proved it.

[Esko]

Kalle basically nailed the win by sneezing second by second with safe driving.

BTW I praised stage parking too early. It was a 2 hours chaos to get out from Otepää which continued with major traffick jams on following stages.

[PLuto]

Kalle basically nailed the win by sneezing second by second with safe driving.

BTW I praised stage parking too early. It was a 2 hours chaos to get out from Otepää which continued with major traffick jams on following stages.

Maybe because it is Saturday?

[cali]

Kalle basically nailed the win by sneezing second by second with safe driving.

BTW I praised stage parking too early. It was a 2 hours chaos to get out from Otepää which continued with major traffick jams on following stages.Yeah I haven't seen traffic jams on any other WRC rallyes...just about everywhere I have been hehe

Sent from my CPH2493 using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Such a shame that we've been robbed of a great Tanak vs Rovanpera battle here. We cant even see them fighting for just the fastest stage times with one or other opening the road on either days.

And now with Rovanpera heading for another win the WRC Championship battle is pretty much done again halfway through the year. A season that promised so much has turned to boredom.

[denkimi]

I don't think tanak would be able to take on rovanpera here. At least not in the puma.

[meh]

I don't think tanak would be able to take on rovanpera here. At least not in the puma.

Everyone thought the same last year before Finland I guess.

We don't know it. But at the moment it seems that Rovanperä's "driving safe" speed is light-years away from others best and risky performance.

[Lead]

Everyone behind Rovenpara pushes.... he still wins all the stages :cool:

[rp]

Kalle is taking easy, because no need to push.

[PLuto]

Everyone behind Rovenpara pushes.... he still wins all the stages :cool:

Ott was winning stages yesterday, today he has no chance because of starting position, so Kalle is winning. No one other can be on same speed on these roads.

[Lead]

Ott was winning stages yesterday, today he has no chance because of starting position, so Kalle is winning. No one other can be on same speed on these roads.

Sure. I was reflecting on fight behind between Neuville, Evans and Lappi.

[EstWRC]

Awesome this Kanepi stage

[Corcaíoch]

Given how hard fought their battle has been all day that 1.7s seems like a big win for Lappi / loss for Evans.

On a different note surely theres a better time to discuss the JWRC standings than talking over Rovanpera mid stage:mad:

[EstWRC]

Ott was winning stages yesterday, today he has no chance because of starting position, so Kalle is winning. No one other can be on same speed on these roads.

I really hope Ott goes to Toyota for next year

want to him vs Kalle in a equal car

[rp]

I really hope Ott goes to Toyota for next year


No need there to change the drivers.

[Tauri_J]

https://www.instagram.com/p/CvAb9A-I-03/?igshid=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng==

[meh]

https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120218631/delfi-video-ott-tanak-homme-voib-vihmalugu-paris-keeruline-olla

From Tänak - tomorrow's weather can be rainy. bluuford comments? :)

[focus206]

I really hope Ott goes to Toyota for next year

want to him vs Kalle in a equal car

I'd prefer to see Kalle in a Puma, now that would make the championship interesting. Too bad it's fairytales

[seb_sh]

Today there was no doubt who will win but it was a nice fight between Lappi and Evans. I think Lappi's move to Hyundai has been an inspired one both for him and for the team. Also interesting that Neuville acknowledged Lappi's good contribution to the car setup after saying he couldn't drive Tanak's dampers, turns out it wasn't Neuville deciding everything ;)

Also ironically for Tanak so far this was the rally with the fewest Rally1 problems, but fair play to him he drove hard and did some good times even for the road position, it's actually encouraging for Finland.

[rp]

Also ironically for Tanak so far this was the rally with the fewest Rally1 problems, but fair play to him he drove hard and did some good times even for the road position, it's actually encouraging for Finland.

Yes, Tänak is the favorite for the win in Finland if the Puma is working. He has already won there three times and it´s not Kalle´s best event like Estonia.

[Steve Boyd]

The results on EWRC show car #67 Uger/Uger with a 7 minute penalty after SS6 by Stewards' decision but there is no posting of the decision on Sportity. Anybody know the reason? Must be serious for such a large penalty.

[PLuto]

The results on EWRC show car #67 Uger/Uger with a 7 minute penalty after SS6 by Stewards' decision but there is no posting of the decision on Sportity. Anybody know the reason? Must be serious for such a large penalty.

Stewards penalty is not correct reason. See here - https://rally-base.com/2023/rally-estonia-2023/penalty/

[jcevc]

Anyone knows if someone in modern history (lets say TV era) already won all stages on proper day of rallying in WRC (friday or saturday)? Thanks.

Edit: found for example Loeb in Germany 2008, 13 stages in a row from the start, but the lead was not so big, 43 seconds ahead of Sordo.

[dimviii]

Anyone knows if someone in modern history (lets say TV era) already won all stages on proper day of rallying in WRC (friday or saturday)? Thanks.

Edit: found for example Loeb in Germany 2008, 13 stages in a row from the start, but the lead was not so big, 43 seconds ahead of Sordo.

Loeb at Corsica won all stages of the rally.(2005)

[Sulland]

What happened to Solberg on ss18?

[Corcaíoch]

"If you're worried by my time on SS18 then don't be! 😉 There's only one aim today - Powerstage points - so just driving through and looking after the tyres in that one 👍"
From Solberg's Twitter

[Lead]

So Friday it was Solberg's mistake or car simply broke down in the ruts?

[Rallyper]

So Friday it was Solberg's mistake or car simply broke down in the ruts?

Some different thoughts about that.

I can´t see there was his error. Car must´ve hit smth in the ruts with right rear, and it broke. It can hardly be judged from TV.

[Rallyper]

Really happy for Lappi. Seems the Hyundai is really improved for gravel.

[Dontcut]

Biblical rain shower in Otepää atm

[240RS]

No doubt one of Kalle Rovanpera's best drives ever. Fastest times on a Sunday when 2nd,3rd and 4th are not settled is exceptional. Take a bow man!

[meh]

The only good thing for others is starting order, that they don't get slapped to the face right after their ultimate push that "good job, but Rovanperä was 3 to 5 sec faster with safe driving".

[meh]

https://www.ilmateenistus.ee/ilm/ilmavaatlused/radar/#layers/precipitation,thunder

Weather lottery comes in - small local-shower clouds with risks that some will get heavy rain and others not. It makes it more interesting to spectate, but from sport perspective I don't like that some external-parameter makes it unequal or ruin 3-days long effort for someone.

[becher]

Anyone knows if someone in modern history (lets say TV era) already won all stages on proper day of rallying in WRC (friday or saturday)? Thanks.

Edit: found for example Loeb in Germany 2008, 13 stages in a row from the start, but the lead was not so big, 43 seconds ahead of Sordo.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/when-rovanperas-clean-sweep-was-last-achieved/

[TypeR]

Starting order for PS?

[Lead]

Will Ott goes for it or Rovanpera will remain untouchable?

[Eli]

Planet Marcus just posted on twitter, it's the first rally for a long long time that Hyundai hasn't won a stage. does anyone here recall when was the last time this has happened?

[rp]

Planet Marcus just posted on twitter, it's the first rally for a long long time that Hyundai hasn't won a stage. does anyone here recall when was the last time this has happened?

Finland 2018

[Kras]

When was the last time that no rally1 driver binned it during the weekend?

Both Loubet and Taka finished all stages, incredible.

Tanak cant catch a break lol

[meh]

Will Ott goes for it or Rovanpera will remain untouchable?

Yes, and yes. Tänak go fot it for sure but this time "the go" may mean 5th place. Can not see anyone touching Rovanperä, I think we may have proper humiliation by Rovanperä at the end we finally push a bit.

[denkimi]

When was the last time that no rally1 driver binned it during the weekend?

Both Loubet and Taka finished all stages, incredible.

Tanak cant catch a break lol
It puts the "pushing" from other in perspective. No mistakes, no incidents, only clean drives, that only means nobody is really pushing.

[NoBudgetWRT]

WTF we are watching? Oliver on the stage allready

[Eli]

WTF we are watching? Oliver on the stage allready

Mikkelsen eluded to it in the stage prior.

[Rallyper]

Good show from Oliver at the end!

[Eli]

Smoke coming out of Tänak’s car at the start line…can’t catch a break.

Edit: okay at the end.

[TypeR]

Rally1 car soon almost at PS finish, but better don't show it.. ffs

[meh]

So, Mikkelsen approach delivered for him well at the end :)

[PLuto]

When was the last time that no rally1 driver binned it during the weekend?

Both Loubet and Taka finished all stages, incredible.

Tanak cant catch a break lol

It must be really easy rally and not so big push from drivers that nobody from Rally1 drivers didnt retired :D

[Rallyper]

Good job from Tanak. Nice see him flying.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great job Ott, couldn't have done any more.

[Lead]

Fast and clever driving from Mikkelsen all weekend long. But I want to see him push a bit more to compare his pace with Solberg. Maybe in Finland...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice push by Loubet !

[Corcaíoch]

Rarely been so glued to a battle for 6th :D

[Kras]

Inb4 Dirfish driver score for Estonia:

Takamoto Katsuta (9/10)
He once again proved to be a consistent driver, showing good pace at times

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lovely words from Teemu. Craig would be proud of your drive.

[Kras]

Road is cleaning, or Puma is just that much slower

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Road is cleaning, or Puma is just that much slower

Tanak won 6 stages when he wasn't road sweeping.

[Rallyper]

Well done from Kalle. Our new "Seb"...

[TypeR]

Nice comments from Kalle!
Full send it is!

[mknight]

Fast and clever driving from Mikkelsen all weekend long. But I want to see him push a bit more to compare his pace with Solberg. Maybe in Finland...

Quite sure he won't push in Finland for lots of reasons. (Championship standings, possibly only 6 starts, not in Finland in Rally2 before and not for last 4 years, lots of other fast drivers (ex. Huttunen)).

Kinda shame, some people then believe he can't push, but for last 3 years it has been his style to control a gap once he gets one. Every now and then when he pushes (mostly on PS) the speed is still there. A bit like watching Ogier in his last few full seasons.

[Eli]

Really good rally, very enjoyable, a shame the rally won’t come back next year, hope to see it in ‘25 though. Well done to Kalle & Jonne, shame for Ott, hope he’ll have a trouble free run in the next one. Bring on Finland!

[meh]

https://kuku.pleier.ee/ralliraadio - rally-radio in Estonian, but you can hear late-runner stage-end interviews.

[mknight]

Greensmith broke rear right wheel on PS.

[meh]

Fight for 6th:
in Rally1 - 0.3sec Loubet over Katsuta
in Rally2 - 0.4sec Virves over Kaur

[Andre Oliveira]

Why M-Sport didn’t penalized Loubet in order to get more points to Ott?

[TypeR]

Why M-Sport didn’t penalized Loubet in order to get more points to Ott?

Was thinking the same thing..
Some points here-there doesn't change anything for Loubet or M-Sport, but for Tanak they could.. Otherwise why even push on PS..

[PLuto]

Why M-Sport didn’t penalized Loubet in order to get more points to Ott?

How you would like to do it?

[focus206]

Why M-Sport didn’t penalized Loubet in order to get more points to Ott?

Make Loubet drop 2 places to give Ott +4 points in championship that is not possible to win? I don't even think Ott would ask for that...

[Andre Oliveira]

How you would like to do it?

4 min early in TC.

[TypeR]

Greensmith broke rear right wheel on PS.
Rolled

[PLuto]

4 min early in TC.

Ahh, in general classification. Primary I thought about power stage points :)

[Kras]

How you would like to do it?

Change his engine 🤣

[meh]

Next year we don't have Rally Estonia, which is sad. Seems, that drivers enjoyed it, it's not survival rally for cars, it's not lottery rally for tires/punctures - just be a man and fly, and Kalle did.

So..

hats of for Rally Estonia organisers, you made "seems to be impossible" to be possible for 4 years. Thank you!

hats of for Kalle Rovanperä, in a way he made rally boring, but to witness this level of talent is also something. Keep going!

[Eli]

Next year we don't have Rally Estonia, which is sad. Seems, that drivers enjoyed it, it's not survival rally for cars, it's not lottery rally for tires/punctures - just be a man and fly, and Kalle did.

So..

hats of for Rally Estonia organisers, you made "seems to be impossible" to be possible for 3 years. Thank you!

hats of for Kalle Rovanperä, in a way he made rally boring, but to witness this level of talent is also something. Keep going!

Hopefully rally Latvia will deliver and be as nice as this has been. Thanks Estonia for getting us out of Covid and being with us for the past 3 years, hope we see it back sooner rather than later.

[TypeR]

4 years..
2020 - Tanak
2021-2023 - Rovanpera

[cali]

Hopefully rally Latvia will deliver and be as nice as this has been. Thanks Estonia for getting us out of Covid and being with us for the past 3 years, hope we see it back sooner rather than later.I'm sure our Latvian friends as an organization will deliver, I have no doubt about that.
But the roads in Liepaja... I have huuuuge doubts

Sent from my CPH2493 using Tapatalk

[focus206]

But the roads in Liepaja... I have huuuuge doubts


About what? That the roads will get very rutted?

[becher]

About what? That the roads will get very rutted?
I've never followed the event but I understand the roads are very "straight to junction".

[Tauri_J]

And lots of artificial chicanes

[mknight]

In the end Marczyk got the last point scoring PS position by under 0.05s (couldn't find the exact time). Pajari won by 0.085s. Difference from 1st to 4th was around 0.6s.

Marczyk was running something like 20 cars and 1,5 hour later. Which again highlights the issue with splitting the WRC2 field and "random" starting positions as decided by promoter.

Recently this splitting led to cancelling out the PS points completely in Sardinia (cause later runners couldn't start).

Here in Estonia they moved Greensmith down (wasn't nominated for driver points) and Solberg up. That turned out to be a slight disadvantage (certainly vs Marczyk), but it also could have been a big advantage if it started to rain. (The rain was only a few drops during Neuville's run). Last year Mikkelsen was put to start first because they didn't have enough remaining cars with onboard cameras and it was a massive advantage due to rain, even though it first looked like a disadvantage.

As written previously, good that FIA reduced max. WRC2 PS points from 5 to 3 since there is no simple solution with so many competitive WRC2 crews. Sounds almost like a luxury problem.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jumps Festival :D

https://youtu.be/BFElRwXsJXc

[paddocknews]

WRC Rally Estonia 2023 | FLAT OUT & BIG JUMPS
https://youtu.be/xFLmjVcbYtc

[cali]

About what? That the roads will get very rutted?Long straights, haybale chicanes, straight, 90 degree junctions, long straight...

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[sindroms]

Long straights, haybale chicanes, straight, 90 degree junctions, long straight...

Sent from my CPH2493 using Tapatalk

Stop talking complete nonsense. That's all what I have to say for now.

[cali]

Stop talking complete nonsense. That's all what I have to say for now.Hopefully you're right but this was what I heard from guys who have been there as competitors ans spectators and also ERC footage confirms this.

Need a big change from the current format.
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[TypeR]

Post-race conference

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc/press-conference-live/

Becs: What do you need to do to try and catch him(Kalle)?
Lappi: We need to make him as a father..

:D :D

[PGrally]

WRC Rally Estonia 2023 Mistakes, Jumps, Moments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu5-2X6g9WE

[flat_right]

Tanak won 6 stages when he wasn't road sweeping.

Tänak said this that thanks to the rally he did prior to Rally Estonia, he could go 100% from the start. He found a nice set up and was able to push. When others finally woke up and got used to the speed and fine tuned the set up, he had no chance.

[janneppi]

A Finnish newspaper has a story that FIA's Andrew Wheatley had asked both Toyota and Hyundai to take 5 minute penalties for their drivers to allow Tanak to figth for the win...

If that's true FIA is really channeling the spirit of Max Mosley

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[Rallyest]

Tänak said this that thanks to the rally he did prior to Rally Estonia, he could go 100% from the start. He found a nice set up and was able to push. When others finally woke up and got used to the speed and fine tuned the set up, he had no chance.


TBH i think Ott is a little too hard on himself, though we know he is very critical about everything and searching for perfection in everything, but times are not that bad when you compare him sweeping vs Kalle sweeping on friday.

Friday's Kalle first loop times compared to tänak:

SS2+9.1
SS3+2.5
SS4+4.5

Vs Saturday first Loop Tänak vs Kalle

SS9 +7.3
SS10 +6.9
SS11 +3.5
SS12 +7.0

Kalle was a little bit faster, but im pretty sure Tänak was letting of the Gas a little by saturday morning, but Kalle had to catch Neuville and if you compare Tänak for example with Neuville who had a similar road position with Kalle, times from first on the road were not so bad.
4-5 seconds lost to sweeping i think are safe to deduct in Estonia

SS9 +5.7 to Neuville
SS10 +4.9 to Neuville
SS11 +0.7 to Neuville
SS12 -0.9 to Neuville


Also i used only first loops for comparison, since we know Puma has problems in ruts so we know Fords lose alot on second passes, and ruts wont be much of a problem in Finland unlike in estonia because of the hard roadbase.

So i dont think they are as out of the podium fight for Finland like Tänak says, sure Rovanperä will be tricky, or even impossible regarding he doesnt have a finland win and surely it is in his this year bucket list, but we know how it ended in 2021 for him, but Evans and Lappi are fightable.

[EstWRC]

A Finnish newspaper has a story that FIA's Andrew Wheatley had asked both Toyota and Hyundai to take 5 minute penalties for their drivers to allow Tanak to figth for the win...

If that's true FIA is really channeling the spirit of Max Mosley

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But is any other country besides Finland writing about this?

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/rallyemag/status/1683445007238193152

[Corcaíoch]

Article behind a paywall unfortunately, is it actually as simple/naive as he asked for all drivers to have a 5 minute penalty to give Tanak a chance or is there any more said in the article? Surely someone in his position is smarter than that?? Is the journalist/newspaper generally considered a reputable source? If so its surprising the story hasn't gained more attention yet

[WRCfi]

I'd say the journalist and newspaper in question are reliable sources.

"Wheatley told Keskisuomalainen that he wanted to inquire whether Toyota and Hyundai could show the same empathy and solidarity as in Croatia in April."

Unbelievable stuff...

[EstWRC]

“It’s what I consider a rally where it’s actually wanted, where we seem to have more and more of these slots on the calendar going places where there’s very little interest.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-would-be-stupid-to-lose-rally-estonia-tanak/

[Scaha]

So i dont think they are as out of the podium fight for Finland like Tänak says, sure Rovanperä will be tricky, or even impossible regarding he doesnt have a finland win and surely it is in his this year bucket list, but we know how it ended in 2021 for him, but Evans and Lappi are fightable.

For sure Kalle would like to win at Finland but also he don’t want to take any unnecessary risks to loose any major points there.
At Estonia he were at his comfort zone as we saw. I would love to see a proper fight between Kalle and Ott but I’m not expecting that.

[Scaha]

And who knows what we’ll see from Lappi and Neauville. I think EP will be hungry and fast there and if Neauville keeps the same speed what he showed at Estonia there could be a proper fight between many.

[kauri95]

My video from Rally Estonia.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrPomPP_-s

[AndersX]

“It’s what I consider a rally where it’s actually wanted, where we seem to have more and more of these slots on the calendar going places where there’s very little interest.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-would-be-stupid-to-lose-rally-estonia-tanak/

According to public info, the problem with Est and 2024 was budget and commitment from the government. WRC promoter said ...show me your money, then we talk or - nothing personal, just business. I am very sure that EST will be back 2025. In fact, i think that rotating most of rallies is kinda good idea; bi-annual budget might be easier to many organizers ( possibly I am wrong here). Also championship would be less predictable.

[Rallyest]

Here we go, Clarks Ratings are out

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/colin-clarks-2023-rally-estonia-driver-ratings/?fbclid=IwAR0s8sNUVyDaqLpwXBHkYsqsoWp_0QQyfrbDo5y2 QRntCZBtCFujVueY9EE


Otherwise pretty decent, but i dont understand the 8/10 for Suninen??? First outing with the car, showed promising times and finished 5th overall.
Also 9/10 for Thierry should be 10/10 in my opinion, havent seen fast gravel pace like this from him for a long time. 8/10 for Tänak is also debatable, what more could he have done?

[cali]

Here we go, Clarks Ratings are out

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/colin-clarks-2023-rally-estonia-driver-ratings/?fbclid=IwAR0s8sNUVyDaqLpwXBHkYsqsoWp_0QQyfrbDo5y2 QRntCZBtCFujVueY9EE


Otherwise pretty decent, but i dont understand the 8/10 for Suninen??? First outing with the car, showed promising times and finished 5th overall.
Also 9/10 for Thierry should be 10/10 in my opinion, havent seen fast gravel pace like this from him for a long time. 8/10 for Tänak is also debatable, what more could he have done?Other than Loubet I'm fine with these ratings. I think PLL should have gotten 7/10.
He was quite bad at first, braking sometimes 2-3 times to the corner but later in the rally he was as smooth as others so he improved a lot.

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[cali]

According to public info, the problem with Est and 2024 was budget and commitment from the government. WRC promoter said ...show me your money, then we talk or - nothing personal, just business. I am very sure that EST will be back 2025. In fact, i think that rotating most of rallies is kinda good idea; bi-annual budget might be easier to many organizers ( possibly I am wrong here). Also championship would be less predictable.In his interview to the rally radio Urmo Aava confirmed this funding issue as well but said that they have time until the end of August to solve this issue and they can be in the calendar in 2024.
Personally I don't think RE will be in the 2024 calendar since our economy has plummeted and the gvmnt is adding new taxes to cover up deficit in annual budget (approx 5 billion euros).

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[ToKu]

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

My favourite rally since my first visit back in candidate days before COVID. Saturday stages format (2xSS in the morning 2xdiff SS in the evening) is good for spectators.

Only thing that really p**** me off was the fact that safety was moving people, not because of safety reasons, but because of WRC tv crew wishes. To be clear, we were in the far background, not with our butts in front of camera. (WRC+ event highlights spectators 19:38-19:41).

Really, really, really hope Rally will make it in 2024 and 2025 and 2026 and so on....

[mknight]

Here we go, Clarks Ratings are out

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/colin-clarks-2023-rally-estonia-driver-ratings/?fbclid=IwAR0s8sNUVyDaqLpwXBHkYsqsoWp_0QQyfrbDo5y2 QRntCZBtCFujVueY9EE


Otherwise pretty decent, but i dont understand the 8/10 for Suninen??? First outing with the car, showed promising times and finished 5th overall.
Also 9/10 for Thierry should be 10/10 in my opinion, havent seen fast gravel pace like this from him for a long time. 8/10 for Tänak is also debatable, what more could he have done?

Suninen did exactly as expected (exactly where I put him in pickems). Not worse, not better. Maybe could have expected 1-2 very good stage times when he had roadposition advantage. He seemed to have good time to prepare with test rally and testing even before Sardinia. So the rating is ok for me. (Compare with Breens first start in Hyundai in Finland 2019).

Estonia was the weaker of his two confirmed starts so Finland will be the big decider for him. Numerous people including himself aluding he should be able to fight for podium. I am not so sure, but only beating off-form Katsuta and Loubet is not enough for more than temporary seat fill.

Else I think Loubet got too high score. By now he has had quite many WRC starts and the progress is lacking. That he didn't crash is not enough.

[Scaha]

Suninen did exactly as expected (exactly where I put him in pickems). Not worse, not better. Maybe could have expected 1-2 very good stage times when he had roadposition advantage. He seemed to have good time to prepare with test rally and testing even before Sardinia. So the rating is ok for me. (Compare with Breens first start in Hyundai in Finland 2019).

Estonia was the weaker of his two confirmed starts so Finland will be the big decider for him. Numerous people including himself aluding he should be able to fight for podium. I am not so sure, but only beating off-form Katsuta and Loubet is not enough for more than temporary seat fill.

Else I think Loubet got too high score. By now he has had quite many WRC starts and the progress is lacking. That he didn't crash is not enough.

I think he meant that Suninen could have a better score than 8.

[mknight]

I think he meant that Suninen could have a better score than 8.

I get it, but disagree. He did well but not great, so 8 is fine.

[EstWRC]

very nice words from David Evans, thank you

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/david-evans-estonia-proved-me-wrong-over-the-years/

[Scaha]

very nice words from David Evans, thank you

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/david-evans-estonia-proved-me-wrong-over-the-years/

It is really a shame if Estonia is out the calendar cause everyone seems to like it from drivers to viewers.

[Eli]

It is really a shame if Estonia is out the calendar cause everyone seems to like it from drivers to viewers.

I really hope it's a one year hiatus and in 24 months time we'll disicuss how Hyundai finally won their first rally Estonia.

[TypeR]

I really hope it's a one year hiatus and in 24 months time we'll disicuss how Hyundai finally won their first rally Estonia.
buuuttt.. What about 2020..?

[Eli]

buuuttt.. What about 2020..?

Sorry my bad lol, how Neuville has finally won his first rally Estonia ;)

[EstWRC]

Superb video https://youtube.com/watch?v=PhcAV5f9BEE&feature=sharea

[EstWRC]

like always, fantastic vid from J-records https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAlI3H1DGQU

[Rallyper]

like always, fantastic vid from J-records https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAlI3H1DGQU

Spectacular. But to me it looks the cars been too fast... or maybe too good suspension... Coming down in speed here and there wouldn´t hurt.

(yeah I know: I´m a bit old...)

[Scaha]

Awesome video!! I showed this to my collegue whois F1 -fan. He ordered wrc live after this 😂

[skarderud]

Spectacular. But to me it looks the cars been too fast... or maybe too good suspension... Coming down in speed here and there wouldn´t hurt.

(yeah I know: I´m a bit old...)Maybe you have a good point there, these suspension is not wery cheap, how much more cost this suspension vs a suspension that have, lets say, 100mm shorter travel?

And, would wrc become more spectacular with shorter travel, and how much slower?

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[mknight]

Maybe you have a good point there, these suspension is not wery cheap, how much more cost this suspension vs a suspension that have, lets say, 100mm shorter travel?

And, would wrc become more spectacular with shorter travel, and how much slower?

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Well they just did that when going from WRC to Rally1. (not sure how many mm though)

Even though some drivers whined about this before the season I don't see much difference.

[skarderud]

Well they just did that when going from WRC to Rally1. (not sure how many mm though)

Even though some drivers whined about this before the season I don't see much difference.Yes, think it was 20mm shorter?



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[Ide]

Rally Estonia was a nice experience. I managed to see 8 special stages and the podium ceremony. Here is my photo gallery about the trip:
Rally Estonia 2023 (https://www.ilkansivu.net/en/photos/motorsport/wrc/rally-estonia-2023)

[becher]

Well they just did that when going from WRC to Rally1. (not sure how many mm though)

Even though some drivers whined about this before the season I don't see much difference.
At the beginning it was easy to spot, the cars looked a bit clumsy like Group A cars, but they improved a lot since then.