[WRC] Rallye Monte Carlo 2024

[meh]

Rally2 is going to be even more heated up, Rossel is on the blinder and probably back to the lead-fight

[Tauri_J]

Rossell on a mission

[Eli]

4th leg standings on EWRC a useful way of working out Sunday points I think. 0.7s between Evans and Tanak on Sunday standings heading to the power stage. All-live need to up their game regarding Sunday points and standings though, not helping clear anything up at the moment.

All-live need to up their game, period, complete amateurs at the moment.

[seb_sh]

Neuvile putting a wrench in Ogiers record padding is gonna be the highlight of this rally for me

again this silly argument... look at the history of rallying, according to you all the big champions were "record padding"

[EstWRC]

Tänak vs Evans vs Ogier Will be interesting on power stage. Who will get how many points today?

[denkimi]

Anyway, really dissapointed in Mikkelsen, i know he is getting used to the car, but getting his ass handed to him by Munster, who shouldnt even be near him yet. embarassing. Sad they didnt have trust in Teemu
At ss15 he was beaten by Rossel by almost 10 seconds.

It makes me wonder if he has some serious issue with the car that he won't talk about.

[seb_sh]

In the end the best fight is in WRC2 where there are no gimmicks.

[Kras]

again this silly argument... look at the history of rallying, according to you all the big champions were "record padding"

I just dont like it. I dont like it when Loeb does it either. Not everything was good back in the day

[Kras]

In the end the best fight is in WRC2 where there are no gimmicks.

Indeed. I bet they wont point it out on the broadcast

[Kras]

I think they will show it after this stage. Or I hope*

They didn't, LOL

[CeskyOndra]

They didn't, LOL

Someone has just forgotten to do it :D Atleast after PS..

[meh]

What is really nice is that everyone is still in the game, we have not lost anyone from top3 fight due to a crash or puncture. I hope everyone now can deliver and finalize their hard work through the weekend.

[Eli]

Where is our Sunday times standings from our beloved promoter?

[PLuto]

Where is our Sunday times standings from our beloved promoter?

From promoter nowhere. They are not interested in them, like most of the rally world...

[meh]

They didn't, LOL

Do you actually enjoy writing comments like this? Quite an attitude definition.

Feels like some yellow newspaper commentarium vibes here...

[seb_sh]

So the solution to the Sunday points is to ignore it except for when a driver says he is "pushing for Sunday points" with no context for the viewer. Indeed this has helped the show massively, I hope their servers can handle the milions of new fans rushing to pay 120 euros to watch a spinning map.

[Eli]

So the solution to the Sunday points is to ignore it except for when a driver says he is "pushing for Sunday points" with no context for the viewer. Indeed this has helped the show massively, I hope their servers can handle the milions of new fans rushing to pay 120 euros to watch a spinning map.

Best comment so far.

I’ll add, just look at all the manufacturers flocking in, getting in line to join the championship for 2025-2026.

[Corcaíoch]

It really is a failing for All-Live / the promoter to not have done a better job with the Sunday standings. 0.7s between Evans and Tanak is a very interesting battle, also 2.7s between Tanak and Ogier and 1.7s between Munster and Katsuta are all tight margins fans can get interested in. These types of battles were one of the reasons for the introduction of this system. However no mention of this in the coverage, unless I missed it at the very end?
On a different note though 3 stages is not enough to justify 7 extra points in my opinion, and not enough to make these fights as interesting as they could be.

[CeskyOndra]

I hope they will improve they job.

[doubled1978]

The 3 lads at the top of WRC2 have been mega, flat out the whole rally pretty much and only a few seconds in it. They are 4 minutes ahead of the rest.

Ogier was surprised at Neuvilles pace on the first stage today, and other people are right, he isn’t interested in the points for today.
I agree with others, what were Hyundai thinking putting Mikkelsen in for this rally instead of Sordo?
Let’s see how his season unfolds, but I can’t help thinking he would have been better having a full season in the Puma, despite it not being as good a car as the Hyundai. At least he would have had maximum seat time and good chance at some good results later in the season on gravel. Even if he goes well later in the year, he will be asked to step aside for the other guys surely?

[CeskyOndra]

The 3 lads at the top of WRC2 have been mega, flat out the whole rally pretty much and only a few seconds in it. They are 4 minutes ahead of the rest.

Ogier was surprised at Neuvilles pace on the first stage today, and other people are right, he isn’t interested in the points for today.
I agree with others, what were Hyundai thinking putting Mikkelsen in for this rally instead of Sordo?
Let’s see how his season unfolds, but I can’t help thinking he would have been better having a full season in the Puma, despite it not being as good a car as the Hyundai. At least he would have had maximum seat time and good chance at some good results later in the season on gravel. Even if he goes well later in the year, he will be asked to step aside for the other guys surely?

Maybe he will do some rough gravel If Sordo retires in Portugal

[Morte66]

For me just because a driver says at the end that he is pushing to get sunday points is a bit meaningless if I don't get the context, is he succeeding, is he fighting anybody?

I got the same sense.

I think the object of the change was to stop drivers coasting on Sunday morning, not to make the scoring system fun for viewers. I'm cautiously optimistic that it has had some success -- Tanak and Evans would probably have saved it for the power stage on the old system, but now they're going for "Sunday points". Of course, as you said earlier, we will need to see more rallies.

However, the law of unintended consequences has produced a mighty annoying system for serious fans trying to understand what's happening. I can't imagine it will suck in casual fans, either.

They need to sort out the data, graphics and commentary to present this in a way that makes the scoring system interesting instead of irritating. Sports like baseball can do this, so WRC should be able to.

[EstWRC]

I agree with others, what were Hyundai thinking putting Mikkelsen in for this rally instead of Sordo?

what on earth is Hyundai thinking over all putting him only on tarmac rounds?

very weird decision. Next round for him now is Croatia in April and then he will have a 6 month gap basically until Central Europe. He wont develop or get used to the car at all with this rate

[jonkka]

what on earth is Hyundai thinking over all putting him only on tarmac rounds?

Because Lappi is better on gravel anyway and having four cars yields nothing pointswise, just little testing.

[Eli]

what on earth is Hyundai thinking over all putting him only on tarmac rounds?

very weird decision. Next round for him now is Croatia in April and then he will have a 6 month gap basically until Central Europe. He wont develop or get used to the car at all with this rate

Again, I’d change strategy and put him in Kenya instead, it isn’t a rally Sordo nor Lappi have enjoyed too much success since the event’s inception in ‘21. He’d also be benefiting from a lower starting order and since that’s a rally that’s more about endurance rather than speed, he could go along like he did here and still finish 5th~ (assuming he himself doesn’t run into technical or mechanical issues); after that let him have a go in Poland, which is a rally that he likes and after experiencing the car in Kenya, he’ll have a better understanding of it on gravel.

[EstWRC]

Agreed. I would definitely give him some gravel rounds

[deephouse]

About Mikkelsen. He isn't fighting for the drivers championship. Two best Hyundais are in front of him for the matter of manufacturer championship. And I think that he is only one with almost no seat time at all. Munster did it before and Adrien too. All other have few years already. We saw Evans yesterday without hybrid. He was slow as f***. He just needs to adapt to aero & hybrid. He is actual WRC2 champion and two time monte carlo winner in Rally2 category. And obviously wants to stay on the road. I'm very impressed with Adrien. Really down to earth. Neuville flying this weekend.

What I really like is their after stage commentary. First they ask about their feeling and then reveal splits. That way we see their real reactions and not pre-scripted (Evans' ''to be honest'') interviews.

[Kras]

Do you actually enjoy writing comments like this? Quite an attitude definition.

Feels like some yellow newspaper commentarium vibes here...

Do you actually enjoy being the grumpiest forum user?

[meh]

Do you actually enjoy being the grumpiest forum user?

A bit childish response, but ok, I answer for that.

Our style and view of the valuable content is different for sure. I get more and more, why guys like AnttiL left the forum and we lose valuable content when this happens.

Sometimes it feels like there is some blame competition - like who can say the more interesting way that all-live is a group of amateurs, or whatever. This is usually a symptom for a group of teenagers.

Yes, there is room for improvements, they don't cover the new points system in an understandable way, etc, but as you can see from different forum posts, it is possible to say it out in a different way.

[Mirek]

It would be interesting to know not only what tyre type each driver selected but also what is the state of them. At this moment everyone is using somewhat used tyres and what may look like someone's resignation on fight can also be his worn tyres. I have noticed only Lopéz commenting on his tyres being pretty worn and likely worse than those of Rossel but it may be similar for some of the big boys (and the statement can be also a psychological play from him of course).

[Eli]

It would be interesting to know not only what tyre type each driver selected but also what is the state of them. At this moment everyone is using somewhat used tyres and what may look like someone's resignation on fight can also be his worn tyres. I have noticed only Lopéz commenting on his tyres being pretty worn and likely worse than those of Rossel but it may be similar for some of the big boys (and the statement can be also a psychological play from him of course).

I know this is a bit unrelated but do the WRC2 crews also move to Hankook next year? Is it for all 4 wheel drive classes or only Rally1 has to use them?

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240128/f86631c7f2d8d82fc13345b41c8614d0.jpg

[Mirek]

I know this is a bit unrelated but do the WRC2 crews also move to Hankook next year? Is it for all 4 wheel drive classes or only Rally1 has to use them?

I guess both switch to Hankook but I don't know that for certain.

[doubled1978]

Maybe he will do some rough gravel If Sordo retires in Portugal

Maybe, but even if they do he will still be short of seat time and under pressure to be fast on day 1 when he has road position advantage. If he can’t go quick enough he will be early on the road on Saturday and event over.

[TypeR]

Hankook

The renowned global company will be responsible for providing tyres to the premier Rally1 vehicles as well as those in the WRC2, WRC3 and FIA Junior WRC support championships.

[Tauri_J]

It would be interesting to know not only what tyre type each driver selected but also what is the state of them. At this moment everyone is using somewhat used tyres and what may look like someone's resignation on fight can also be his worn tyres.

You are asking way too much from RallyTV. They cant even figure out basic things.

[RS]

But my biggest gripe is maybe following Fourmaux today, while Neuville and Ogier are absolutely on it in an intense battle.

Presume their must be an agreement all P1 drivers or teams get equal-ish coverage? Suppose that would be an attraction for sponsors when you can guarantee screen time no matter what position you are

You’re probably right, and it’s also easier than having to make tv direction decisions but I can’t think of any other motorsport broadcasting that works like that.

[Mirek]

You are asking way too much from RallyTV. They cant even figure out basic things.

I don't think that the teams (their customers) would be happy if they spied on such details. It was more of a rhetorical question from my side.

[Kras]

A bit childish response, but ok, I answer for that.

Our style and view of the valuable content is different for sure. I get more and more, why guys like AnttiL left the forum and we lose valuable content when this happens.

Sometimes it feels like there is some blame competition - like who can say the more interesting way that all-live is a group of amateurs, or whatever. This is usually a symptom for a group of teenagers.

Yes, there is room for improvements, they don't cover the new points system in an understandable way, etc, but as you can see from different forum posts, it is possible to say it out in a different way.

I get what you're saying, but we're just having a laugh. Also i don't believe we're too being to harsh to the promoter, as we are paying decent money for a service that is really subpar. I get that providing an continous live video feed from a rally event is a a technical feat, but the post production side of the broadcast is tragic to say the least. Most of the community ran gaming tournaments on twitch have better production value. Not showing the relevant standings, not talking about close fights for sunday points. What is that if not being an amatuer at your job. If it was a free broadcast, most people wouldnt complain.

[RS]

About Mikkelsen. He isn't fighting for the drivers championship. Two best Hyundais are in front of him for the matter of manufacturer championship. And I think that he is only one with almost no seat time at all. Munster did it before and Adrien too. All other have few years already. We saw Evans yesterday without hybrid. He was slow as f***. He just needs to adapt to aero & hybrid.

It would be a good idea if FIA allowed a handful of extra test days per year for drivers with zero Rally1 starts so drivers like Mikkelsen can get up to speed or to develop/assess young drivers.

[Rallyper]

Seems many of you guys concentraded more on points scoring than watching the fastest rallycars in the world in the most iconic rally since decades.

I´m not giving pointscoring system a s**t, while watching. That will be analysed after. In the mean time I saw AnttiL clearifying what seems to be the outcome of the new system. That´s enough for me atm

Now I´m concentrating on PS. RMC 2024 is going to history in many ways. I´ve been enjoying it very much so far, without caring about points.

Adding to that I´d say the promoter now gives us better ways to watch a stage after live broadcast. They divided broadcasts stagewise. (Or was it even before?)

[deephouse]

A bit childish response, but ok, I answer for that.

Our style and view of the valuable content is different for sure. I get more and more, why guys like AnttiL left the forum and we lose valuable content when this happens.

Sometimes it feels like there is some blame competition - like who can say the more interesting way that all-live is a group of amateurs, or whatever. This is usually a symptom for a group of teenagers.

Yes, there is room for improvements, they don't cover the new points system in an understandable way, etc, but as you can see from different forum posts, it is possible to say it out in a different way.

Actualy first they need to FIX basic issues with service, like lagging, login-off, crashing, non-friendly user-face (menus), non-working cast, spread or make app for tv (still majority of systems don't have it, like android/google tv), speed, live timing tables (there are no splits).. And one more thing (I don't know it's this possible), times did actualy come in pretty faster than video footage and not simultaneously. In 2024, we have this service for 6 years already, but basics are so bad, that it's hard to ignore. No excuses for that.

[meh]

Actualy first they need to FIX basic issues with service, like lagging, login-off, crashing, non-friendly user-face (menus), non-working cast, spread or make app for tv (still majority of systems don't have it, like android/google tv), speed, live timing tables (there are no splits).. And one more thing (I don't know it's this possible), times did actualy come in pretty faster than video footage and not simultaneously. In 2024, we have this service for 6 years already, but basics are so bad, that it's hard to ignore. No excuses for that.

I agree with all that, previously only the way how to deliver your mis-satisfaction was the topic.

About the streaming delay - I think it has been always like that. It is for situations when something dramatic happens "on live", then the live stream will be cut. We have seen it happening last year with heavy crashes (but I don't remember the examples to list right now)

[jcevc]

what on earth is Hyundai thinking over all putting him only on tarmac rounds?

very weird decision. Next round for him now is Croatia in April and then he will have a 6 month gap basically until Central Europe. He wont develop or get used to the car at all with this rate

What IF they want he also compete in WRC2 for them - only thing we know about Hyundai and WRC2 officially is that Lindholm begin campaign and team CHL will operate this program?

[deephouse]

It would be a good idea if FIA allowed a handful of extra test days per year for drivers with zero Rally1 starts so drivers like Mikkelsen can get up to speed or to develop/assess young drivers.

I think that they bypass that rule by sending them to some local rallies. He will show his speed. If not, it's his last season. Except ''IF'' rally2 cars become thetop and Skoda, Citroen join the grid. Than there's chance. But it's the big IF

[er88]

Mikkelsen still competing in wrc2 by the looks of things.
He will be lucky to get his 4 rally1 drives at this rate, Cyrll will just put Lappi or Sordo in the car instead

[Mirek]

Nice words from the Hyundai team principal. He said something like: "The best way to win the rally is with a win on power stage."

[RS]

Have they put a camera in Lopez’ car today?

[philippebugalski]

Seems many of you guys concentraded more on points scoring than watching the fastest rallycars in the world in the most iconic rally since decades.

I´m not giving pointscoring system a s**t, while watching. That will be analysed after. In the mean time I saw AnttiL clearifying what seems to be the outcome of the new system. That´s enough for me atm

Now I´m concentrating on PS. RMC 2024 is going to history in many ways. I´ve been enjoying it very much so far, without caring about points.

Adding to that I´d say the promoter now gives us better ways to watch a stage after live broadcast. They divided broadcasts stagewise. (Or was it even before?)

Spot on comment, 100% would agree. RMC2024 delivered on every note and majority of people bashing about scoring system. Enjoy the race folks!

[Mirek]

Have they put a camera in Lopez’ car today?

Yes. In previous stages there was a footage from him. Yesterday as well.

[Mirek]

So they run the Turini as pure hillclimb. I'd prefer to run it over the Col with some downhill as well.

[PLuto]

Col de Turini should be done in night and in proper length to Mulinet or Peira Cava. Finishing before famous top of Turini is really strange...

[Eli]

So they run the Turini as pure hillclimb. I'd prefer to run it over the Col with some downhill as well.

I’d prefer seeing it in it’s entirety ;)

[PLuto]

So they run the Turini as pure hillclimb. I'd prefer to run it over the Col with some downhill as well.

Same thoughts in same time :)

[meh]

Short version of the stage is probably for being PS and TV-friendly

[becher]

Rossels first split is looking promising.

[Mirek]

Short version of the stage is probably for being PS and TV-friendly

But a twisty uphill between armcos is probably the least spectacular option for a live broadcast :confused:

[Tauri_J]

Rooting for Pepe, but I Think Rossell takes it

[PLuto]

Short version of the stage is probably for being PS and TV-friendly

Of course it is easier for PS and TV. And to have final podium directly on the Turini. But I still prefer sporting side over promotional.

[meh]

I'm not aware - do they use the same set of tires for the entire day? If yes, then Grayzin complained about over-cooked tires already after the previous stage (as the main reason for the time loss)

[CeskyOndra]

There will be nice podium at the top of the Col at least

[Mirek]

I'm not aware - do they use the same set of tires for the entire day? If yes, then Grayzin complained about over-cooked tires already after the previous stage (as the main reason for the time loss)

I think Gryazin also prefers fast crazy roads from such a twisty road like here on the Turini. That shall be and clearly is Rossel's playground.

[RS]

The downhill would be much more entertaining to watch as the powerstage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This stage is finally a proper traditional Monte road. So many of the others have been like a winter Rally Spain with wide fast open roads.

[PLuto]

I'm not aware - do they use the same set of tires for the entire day? If yes, then Grayzin complained about over-cooked tires already after the previous stage (as the main reason for the time loss)

Yes, same set of tyres for whole day. Rossel purely saved best tyres for today.

[seb_sh]

Amazing battle in WRC2 in the whole rally and great show Rossel coming back from 3rd to win! No gimmicks required.

[Mirek]

That was an epic battle in WRC2 and congratulations to Rossel!

[EstWRC]

What gimmick you’re talking about all the time?

[PLuto]

Amazing battle in WRC2 in the whole rally and great show Rossel coming back from 3rd to win! No gimmicks required.

No "Sunday leg points" and no powerstage required...

[RS]

Congrats to Rossel and Citroen, but Lopez definitely man of the rally for me (maybe not just in WRC2)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Congratulations to Rossell... he wins it fair and square and on the proper twisty RMC stage.

[Rallyper]

Top three guys in WRC2 have done a good performance.

[Mirek]

Congrats to Rossel and Citroen, but Lopez definitely man of the rally for me (maybe not just in WRC2)

Yes, I definitely didn't expect him to fight for the victory till the last kilometer.

[bearclaw]

This stage is finally a proper traditional Monte road. So many of the others have been like a winter Rally Spain with wide fast open roads.

...check and compare on rally-maps some of the other stages were traditional as well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good rally by Munster really and nice to hear the Puma was perfect.

[Eli]

Huge congrats to both Rossel & Lopez, honestly didn’t see it coming; both Lopez fighting for a win and Rossel snatching the win on the last day considering he was 6.5 seconds behind at the end of yesterday.

[deephouse]

All drivers do smile more and are positive this weekend. Atmosphere is incredible. This is what should be always.

[Mirek]

...check and compare on rally-maps some of the other stages were traditional as well.

On the previous stage the record time till today was held by Lancia Stratos (they said on RallyTV) :)

[Corcaíoch]

Fantastic drive by Rossel today but hats off to Lopez, drive of the weekend for me, along with Neuville.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Well done Adrien Fourmaux & M-Sport, mission accomplished.

[jonkka]

On the previous stage the record time till today was held by Lancia Stratos (they said on RallyTV) :)

On Digne? Did they say from which year? Sounds very dubious and quick look doesn't conform with that info.

[RS]

Yes, I definitely didn't expect him to fight for the victory till the last kilometer.

I thought there would only be one Škoda driver fighting for the RC2 win this weekend, i just got the wrong one.

[CeskyOndra]

Taka really surprised us

[Rallyper]

Taka tactics may work...

[meh]

Seems that Tänak can not match Toyotas here, pure power-tarmac-stage. But quite close to Mikkelsen's time, which at least good sign for Mikkelsen.

[Mirek]

On Digne? Did they say from which year? Sounds very dubious and quick look doesn't conform with that info.

To be honest I am not sure on which one of the two it was. I forgot to set the alarm clock and watched the two re-live just before the power stage and they said that somewhere in the footage like a side note without any specification. Maybe it was a wrong info.

[EstWRC]

Tänak slow

[jonkka]

To be honest I am not sure on which one of the two it was. I forgot to set the alarm clock and watched the two re-live just before the power stage and they said that somewhere in the footage like a side note without any specification. Maybe it was a wrong info.

SS15 La Breole - Selonnet hasn't been used during Stratos years, at least not with that name.

SS16 Digne-les-Bains - Chaudon-Norante was used in 1977 Monte where Raffaele Pinto won it with Stratos with time of 14 minutes (against Thierry's time of 11m this year). Stage length almost identical but no knowing how road has changed.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rarely a good rally for Ott so cant really judge him and the i20 on this.

[EstWRC]

Tänak slow

Actually Katsuta has made an great stage

[Eli]

Rarely a good rally for Ott so cant really judge him and the i20 on this.

Well it’s the first time he finishes with Hyundai so that’s a feat in itself.

[Kras]

Seb robs Tanak

[EstWRC]

And Tänak loses Sunday points with 0.1 to Ogier

[Rallyper]

What was Sebs private problem? Didn´t hear.

[seb_sh]

Somebody wrote on twitter that Ogier lost his uncle who supported him in his motorsport career. I think this is who he is referring to. A difficult rally for him for sure.

[Jarek Z]

Top three guys in WRC2 have done a good performance.

Definitely! Rossel, Lopez and Gryazin were MVP's of this rally for me!

And, like someone said before me, you don't need artificial improvements, like additional Power Stage points, to make rallies interesting.

[Mirek]

What was Sebs private problem? Didn´t hear.

He said a person, who brought him to the rallysport and bought him the first rally car, passed away suddenly on Monday just before the rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a rally by Neuville... a quite brilliant show of speed, skill and bravery.

[Integrale]

Whoa Thierry. Apart from that spin, didn't put a wheel wrong the whole weekend. Very strong head this rally! Let's go 2024.

[Rallyper]

Big congrats to Thierry and Vincent!!

[Tauri_J]

And Tänak loses Sunday points with 0.1 to Ogier

Oh shit, didnt even notice that

[Rallyper]

He said a person, who brought him to the rallysport and bought him the first rally car, passed away suddenly on Monday just before the rally.

Aaahhh. Thanks Mirek.

[EstWRC]

Congrats Neuville

one of his best wins IMO and first blood to Hyundai this season against Toyota

[Tauri_J]

If Neuville is as fast on fast rallies like he was last year, I Think he’s the favourite to win it all.

[Rallyper]

I propose we turn to Twitter (I still call it so) and AnttiL to get full points presented. :)

[meh]

Neuville found "the zone". If he can keep it, soon Tänak needs to work for him and we can just miss Rovanperä and Ogier to be full-time drivers to enjoy epic battles.

After the next rally, it all can be completely different, but those emotions are for sure important "fuel" for the future of Neuville and Hyundai.

[Kras]

Does anyone have a stangings ss? provisional standings on the site are not working

[EstWRC]

i wouldnt make big conclusions based on this rally as who is the favourite for the title already

Neuville is always good in Monte, Evans so so and its definitely Tänaks worst rally in the calendar.

But indeed, if Thierry can show the same speed on fast gravel rallies like last year, then he is the favourite.

[meh]

I propose we turn to Twitter (I still call it so) and AnttiL to get full points presented. :)

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1751579274039935149

[satnav]

Final Sunday standings; don't think they'll change

[Morte66]

Well, now that I seem to be an Evans fan...

21 points, 8 of them today, not bad for a guy who lost hybrid for a while.

9 behind the lead in the WDC.

[Obligatory spin control] And of course, if it snows in Sweden, you wouldn't want to be first on the grid. ;) [/spin]

[Kras]

https://twitter.com/AnttiL_WRC/status/1751579274039935149

New meta for Takamoto. Cruise till sunday

[CeskyOndra]

How much of a disadvantage is going first in Sweden instead of going for. ex. third? I don't think it's much, second pass is always so rutted.

[meh]

What I like is that we did not have any retirement due to technical issues and I would say nothing was decided due to technical issues. Tänak carried an engine issue, but even without that, he did not match the top 3. Evans did not have a hybrid, but even without that he could not match top 2.

[Corcaíoch]

A great start to the 2024 season, fantastic rally with closes battles up to the end of both Rally 1 and Rally 2. A rally where just about all Rally 1 crews can take some positives.
Neuville - one of his best wins
Evans - good points in the bag and a slightly better road position in Sweden :p
Tanak - could have been slightly better but its still a better start than recent years
Katsuta - a dissappointing weekend but excellent Power Stage
Fourmaux - did exactly the job needed, would have liked to see a push on the Power Stage but needed to show he could have a smart controlled drive so mission accomplished
Munster - got one 3rd fastest time. I, and probably most people expected him to be slowest Rally 1 on just about every stage but he certainly performed better than expected
Mikkelsen - harder to find the positives other than he got 320km worth of experience with the car and was very close to the pace on the Power Stage
Roll on Sweden!! :D

[Morte66]

How much of a disadvantage is going first in Sweden instead of going for. ex. third? I don't think it's much, second pass is always so rutted.

Depends on the weather. If it's snowing when the stage starts, I think it's awful for first on the road. Otherwise, not a huge difference.

[Dontcut]

Tänak gave a hint that their overall setup for this rally was off, they didn't expect clean tarmac.
Third starting pos is good in Sweden.

[meh]

How much of a disadvantage is going first in Sweden instead of going for. ex. third? I don't think it's much, second pass is always so rutted.

It really depends on the weather, if there is a layer of fresh snow and you start 1st on the road, you have a hard time matching pace. Sweden is always been for "Friday heroes" for using their good start position.

Also, it is (maybe even more) problematic for 2nd pass, as lower class cars carry snow to the road which is not Rally1 can driving line and you need to clean it up again.

And who has having good road position - Rovanperä.

[rallyfiend]

I think that's the shot in the arm the WRC needed with quite a lot of negativity around.

When you have such competition at the pointy end, the depth of field becomes less obvious.

And WRC2 with so many 'factory-supported' teams seems like it will be a cracker again. Non-stop battles.

Roll on Sweden.

[Kras]

It really depends on the weather, if there is a layer of fresh snow and you start 1st on the road, you have a hard time matching pace. Sweden is always been for "Friday heroes" for using their good start position.

Also, it is (maybe even more) problematic for 2nd pass, as lower class cars carry snow to the road which is not Rally1 can driving line and you need to clean it up again.

And who has having good road position - Rovanperä.

Snow and gravel rallies really do depend greatly on road possition. If a fast driver is first on the road on friday, he has a great chance of having a great road position again tomorrow. It's the biggest gripe I have with parttimers like Ogier, Sordo, Loeb. Its easy mode most of the time and is punishing fulltimers

[deephouse]

One question guys. It's more technical one. And mabe don't belong here. Why do all Rally2 drivers shift they gears immediately and don't rev up to the full. Like they immediately had in 4th and 5th gear. Isn't that make car slower?

[Eli]

It really depends on the weather, if there is a layer of fresh snow and you start 1st on the road, you have a hard time matching pace. Sweden is always been for "Friday heroes" for using their good start position.

Also, it is (maybe even more) problematic for 2nd pass, as lower class cars carry snow to the road which is not Rally1 can driving line and you need to clean it up again.

And who has having good road position - Rovanperä.

Rovanperä & Lappi, but only one is in a Toyota…

[EstWRC]

Tänak gave a hint that their overall setup for this rally was off, they didn't expect clean tarmac.
Third starting pos is good in Sweden.

What? bluuuford made an mistake ? ;)

[focus206]

Great rally by Neuville, one of his best but we already know he can be fast, he misses consistency. Let's see in Sweden if he can get another podium.
Good enough job from Tanak and Evans in my opinion, there was no beating Thierry this weekend, they got the points.
More Tanak favourable rallies will come and Evans can count on Toyota's better reliability (I doubt without that hybrid problem much would have changed), so the championship is as open as ever.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Final Sunday standings; don't think they'll change

TBH I dont see the point of the PS now there are points for your Sunday position.

[Kras]

One question guys. It's more technical one. And mabe don't belong here. Why do all Rally2 drivers shift they gears immediately and don't rev up to the full. Like they immediately had in 4th and 5th gear. Isn't that make car slower?

Optimal shift point is where the at the same speed you have more HP in the next gear. Some cars have their peek power output at lower RPM than others, also not all cars are geared the same. Say for example at 150 kph you are at 7k RPM in 4th hear and the output is 300hp, and at 150kph in 5th youre at 5.8k and the output is 310hp. You want to upshift

[eib1]

2023 points system vs 2024
Seems that Mikkelsen was the only one in Rally1, who lost points, others gained or got the same

https://www.upload.ee/image/16214848/points.jpg

[PLuto]

What is funny, both Gryazin and Lopez score in general classification more points than WRC2 winner Rossel...

[Kras]

Also manufacturers: toyota +6, MS +2, Hyundai +0.

Will be interesting to see in a few more rounds how this develops

[Mirek]

One question guys. It's more technical one. And mabe don't belong here. Why do all Rally2 drivers shift they gears immediately and don't rev up to the full. Like they immediately had in 4th and 5th gear. Isn't that make car slower?

Rally2 cars have smaller turbo restrictor compared to the Rally1 cars. Since both have the same turbo boost the location of the peak power on the RPM scale is largely determined by the restrictor size. Simply said there is a point where more RPM can't bring more power because there is not enough air for that. While the engine power remains close to constant for the rest of the RPM band (again limited by the restrictor), the frictional losses grow exponentially with the RPM, i.e. the power on wheels is decreasing with the RPM. Hence why the extra RPM range in a Rally2 car (up to 7500) is basically used only for the top speed on the top gear.

[PLuto]

BTW, while WRC3 was boring, did you follow also fight for the fastest Rally3 car? It was also really beautiful close fight between Černý and young (for me before race noname) Matteo Chattilón - https://rally-base.com/2024/rallye-monte-carlo-2024/?ssId=7999&cupId=210&ssGroupId=1

[Mirek]

What is funny, both Gryazin and Lopez score in general classification more points than WRC2 winner Rossel...

That's what I find fundamentally wrong about the scoring system.

[WRCStan]

That's what I find fundamentally wrong about the scoring system.

Or having two scoring systems for guys entered into two championships. I see it as WRC points are more a side effect of having few Rally1s, they concentrate on WRC2 for sure.

[Myrvold]

That's what I find fundamentally wrong about the scoring system.

This is something that will really bug me as well.
And the fact that you get nothing for winning a rally, unless the championship is a dead heat, and it's decided on most wins.

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240128/2b704c917f40a4502d0acbe09f2edf2d.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

2023 points system vs 2024
Seems that Mikkelsen was the only one in Rally1, who lost points, others gained or got the same

https://www.upload.ee/image/16214848/points.jpg

Gryazin was ahead López.
So Gryazin 2, López 1 in first collum.

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/BDYYf7cM6Fw?si=0k1oQtdGBfTj8puF

https://youtu.be/JUyNsDLwS1g?si=vZYejFY7LQFAkhD8

https://youtu.be/xu8FktypK_Y?si=DUy6Euboev9CT_ws

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/zKSvgZtvGkY

[er88]

Statement win for Neuville. Think he needed that with Tanaks return.

Lovely battle in wrc and wrc2. Lopez my driver of the weekend (Thierry a close 2nd). Hopefully the Citroens are as competitive on all surfaces to compete with the Skoda and Toyota army.

Thoughts with Seb Ogier and his family/friends who have lost someone. You could tell he was hurting the whole rally.

[manthey]

best of only flat out

https://youtu.be/8jmtG39_crs?si=V5atFYL3B6ufnNAd

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What happened to Chris Ingram...

Rallye Monte Carlo is over for another year, I’ll be back and one day I will make my mark on this amazing event.

It stings to have had a technical issue in Monte yet again. We will investigate together with Skoda to find out why this happened.

We had a chaotic start to the rally, but I was loving driving on those iconic stages. I’d hoped a strong run through Stage 5 would be the turning point as I started to gel with the new car.

The car died on us on the road section, then again in service, and the then unknown electrical gremlin was not found until we were 30 minutes late, which resulted in us receiving a 5-minute time penalty.

I will come back stronger and more determined with some huge opportunities on the horizon.

A sincere thanks to my sponsors, my supporters, my co-driver Hannah Mckillop Davison, The Racing Factory team, our engineer Paolo Piras, and our ice note crew Simone Campedelli and Nicolò Gonella.

[Mirek]

best of only flat out

https://youtu.be/8jmtG39_crs?si=V5atFYL3B6ufnNAd

The speedgun numbers don't fit the telemetry speeds shown on the onboards. The top speed of Toyotas at RPM limiter was around 195 km/h on all live.

[EstWRC]

Great vid

https://youtu.be/NbFbSHtaDUk?si=X3dAFDyVNg68SlHF

[eib1]

Gryazin was ahead López.
So Gryazin 2, López 1 in first collum.

Lopez P9 = 2 pts
Gryazin P10 = 1 pt

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Reason behind Evans' slow down...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-reasons-behind-evans-monte-shocker/

[CeskyOndra]

He has to find good setup for Croatia, it is always muddy

[Jarek Z]

Explanation from Ogier:
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/posts/pfbid02yVGgc1uN6scufyL8aiWr8QhD56vWVp92Nw5ZpByRKZD ZiV8BY42CqrvAeqkwCR39l

[PLuto]

Reason behind Evans' slow down...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-reasons-behind-evans-monte-shocker/

So mainly it was in his head...

[PLuto]

Explanation from Ogier:
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/posts/pfbid02yVGgc1uN6scufyL8aiWr8QhD56vWVp92Nw5ZpByRKZD ZiV8BY42CqrvAeqkwCR39l

It is rewriting of his words he told at the finish line of last stage.

[PLuto]

https://i.imgur.com/LXxWC6xl.jpeg

[rallyfiend]

What happened to Chris Ingram...

Rallye Monte Carlo is over for another year, I’ll be back and one day I will make my mark on this amazing event.

It stings to have had a technical issue in Monte yet again. We will investigate together with Skoda to find out why this happened.

We had a chaotic start to the rally, but I was loving driving on those iconic stages. I’d hoped a strong run through Stage 5 would be the turning point as I started to gel with the new car.

The car died on us on the road section, then again in service, and the then unknown electrical gremlin was not found until we were 30 minutes late, which resulted in us receiving a 5-minute time penalty.

I will come back stronger and more determined with some huge opportunities on the horizon.

A sincere thanks to my sponsors, my supporters, my co-driver Hannah Mckillop Davison, The Racing Factory team, our engineer Paolo Piras, and our ice note crew Simone Campedelli and Nicolò Gonella.

He kind of glosses over being quite slow all the time here....

[Sergiow]

How much of a disadvantage is going first in Sweden instead of going for. ex. third? I don't think it's much, second pass is always so rutted.

source rtbf.be
"With this success, Thierry Neuville will have the difficult task of opening the road in Sweden. "And we all know that if the snow in Sweden is bad, we risk losing a lot of points against those who go further away. So we're crossing our fingers that there will be good snow in Sweden and that we can achieve a good result, even when paving the road."

[Sergiow]

Source rtbf.be
"Co-pilot Wydaeghe underlines the importance of the whole team in this victory, and especially the work of the openers. "They did an extraordinary job. This gives Thierry the confidence to attack more. In the last special on Saturday, we were really in Power Stage mode. And when the notes really correspond to the state of the road, we can attack much stronger."

[fiscorpun]

Ahhh, what a GREAT Rally that was. I hope Tierry wins this year. Hes been there for waaay too long. He needs this title.
Thats my pick for 2024. Enough of Toyota haha

[gaudino69]

back from this magnificent Monte Carlo 2024 rally with drivers hungry for tarmac
fasten your seatbelts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqa9XHhtL0I

[CeskyOndra]

source rtbf.be
"With this success, Thierry Neuville will have the difficult task of opening the road in Sweden. "And we all know that if the snow in Sweden is bad, we risk losing a lot of points against those who go further away. So we're crossing our fingers that there will be good snow in Sweden and that we can achieve a good result, even when paving the road."

If there will be really cold weather and no fresh snow, Neuville will benefit. His studded tires will have better grip on the hard freezed snow, which will be getting so loose for the late runners.

[hari]

Some pictures: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_rallye_monte_carlo_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/5.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/6.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/7.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/monte/10.jpg

[EstWRC]

Seems that Tänak joining the team boosts Neuville motivation :D

He won Monte when Ott joined in 2020 and won now 4 years later when Tänak rejoined the team

[meh]

Seems that Tänak joining the team boosts Neuville motivation :D

He won Monte when Ott joined in 2020 and won now 4 years later when Tänak rejoined the team

Jokes aside, there is some truth as well - it is openly said that Neuville and Tänak are free to fight for the title, and the situation is monitored and rechecked around the middle of the season. In other words, after that may come team orders and one needs to start support-working for the other (in case there is a need for that). So, it is logical that Neuville and Tänak both want to be The One who gets support for the title.

Neuville made really impressive opening round, if he can carry this as momentum to other rallies, it will be difficult for Tänak to match him. It means that for Tänak it is critical to deliver in Sweden, otherwise, the point difference has grown a bit too big already.

[focus206]

Neuville made really impressive opening round, if he can carry this as momentum to other rallies, it will be difficult for Tänak to match him. It means that for Tänak it is critical to deliver in Sweden, otherwise, the point difference has grown a bit too big already.

Tanak will have Poland-Latvia-Finland later in the year in which he's faster than Neuville. He can afford to "just" score points in his worst rallies, but indeed we'll see how Sweden goes.

[Tauri_J]

If there will be really cold weather and no fresh snow, Neuville will benefit. His studded tires will have better grip on the hard freezed snow, which will be getting so loose for the late runners.

If you meant ice as hard freezed snow, then yes. Spikes need ice.

[trykmann]

Tanak will have Poland-Latvia-Finland later in the year in which he's faster than Neuville. He can afford to "just" score points in his worst rallies, but indeed we'll see how Sweden goes.

After Finland could be the correct point, where the team orders might come into play.

[CeskyOndra]

Let's see how he will deal with rough gravel rallies, where the reliability of the car and driving style is always a key. To be honest, I think that Evans with Toyota will be championship leader after Kenya.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So mainly it was in his head...

I dont see how you make that conclusion.

Evans did well on his cleaner roads of Thu/Fri, but then struggled on the dirtier roads on Sat when he was running last. Unsurprisingly this affected his times and then it wasn't worth risking everything to try to get it back.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He kind of glosses over being quite slow all the time here....

It took Ingram a bit of time to get a rhythm but he did set two 4th fastest times in WRC2. He could well have improved further as the event went on but for the car issue.

[EstWRC]

I dont see how you make that conclusion.

it literally says so in the article

[er88]

It took Ingram a bit of time to get a rhythm but he did set two 4th fastest times in WRC2. He could well have improved further as the event went on but for the car issue.

Has Ingram ever shown "real" speed?!

[Mirek]

back from this magnificent Monte Carlo 2024 rally with drivers hungry for tarmac
fasten your seatbelts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqa9XHhtL0I

That Evans's monent at 0:32!

[Franky]

Back from my first Monte and I have a question. Has the organizational side that one sees as a spectator always been so, politely put, whatever?

[Negaiss]

Has Ingram ever shown "real" speed?!

In my opinion the answer is NO. Yes, his is 2019 ERC Title holder, but he got the title because other drivers chrashed or did not participate. He is just not fast enought for world level. I think Mads Otsberg is kind of similar -always in a mix, but just not fast enoughts if others are around.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

it literally says so in the article

Lack of confidence isnt just 'in his head' if it's got a real cause ie. a big change in the road conditions faced due to starting last (on Sat) after starting first (on Thu/Fri) ...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In my opinion the answer is NO. Yes, his is 2019 ERC Title holder, but he got the title because other drivers chrashed or did not participate. He is just not fast enought for world level. I think Mads Otsberg is kind of similar -always in a mix, but just not fast enoughts if others are around.

The problem is that he's never had the funding to allow him to drive near to flat-out. Every rally, going back to 2019, could be his last if he crashes the car. Even this year, with the backing from a Monte Carlo sponsor, might not be for more than a rally or two.

I dont claim he is the fastest but he could show much more speed than he's being able to.

[denkimi]

Has Ingram ever shown "real" speed?!
Well, sorta. He's never had the luxury to be able to drive all the time like solberg or gryazin, so it's difficult to compare his speed to those rich guys.

But he most likely is not world class level. He could be multiple local champion, and be even pretty close to the absolute top in erc and wrc2. But he's not going to be world champion.

[Mirek]

Back from my first Monte and I have a question. Has the organizational side that one sees as a spectator always been so, politely put, whatever?

Monte has always been a mess from organization point of view.

[Franky]

Monte has always been a mess from organization point of view.

Which is a pity

[drive]

what are these strange things on front bumper?

[Co-driven]

what are these strange things on front bumper?

Sensors to gather information of the road surface.

[Rallyper]

The problem is that he's never had the funding to allow him to drive near to flat-out. Every rally, going back to 2019, could be his last if he crashes the car. Even this year, with the backing from a Monte Carlo sponsor, might not be for more than a rally or two.

I dont claim he is the fastest but he could show much more speed than he's being able to.

This is same as Emil Bergkvist in 2017. And Tidemand. No funding, no top speed. Few rallies, no learning.
It´s all about money or proper funding. And then also comes talent, of course.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I just listened to the Dirtfish podcast ft. Andrea Adamo.

He said Evans wont win the WDC due to facing two opponents at Hyundai. And Toyota having no team orders isnt how to win.

In Monte, he would've told Ogier to drop behind Evans as every point could be crucial.

[Mirek]

I just listened to the Dirtfish podcast ft. Andrea Adamo.

He said Evans wont win the WDC due to facing two opponents at Hyundai. And Toyota having no team orders isnt how to win.

In Monte, he would've told Ogier to drop behind Evans as every point could be crucial.

Remind me please how many titles did Adamo win when he was competing against Toyota? :)

[ictus]

Remind me please how many titles did Adamo win when he was competing against Toyota? :)

'19 & '20 manu champion is not enough for you?
Guy knows a thing or two about this things...
When Ogier drives part time it only maters for him if he wins... if he is in second, he might as well be 13th...

[focus206]

I think towards the end of the year Kalle and Seb will give their positions to Evans, if he needs help. And if nothing changed from last year, Neuville and Tanak will have their car acting up in at least 2 or 3 rallies more than the Toyota, so to me Evans is still the favourite for the title - if he holds up mentally.

[Mirek]

'19 & '20 manu champion is not enough for you?

The post I quoted was all about the driver title.

[CeskyOndra]

Adamo also said, that Evans is not as consistent as Neuville and Tanak. I don't know what exactly he meant by this, but he really knows something about rallying.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Things are different this year with Toyota only having one contender for the WDC, so it's more important that he gets the support. That was the context and why Adamo said they should use team orders which they've never needed before.