[WRC] Rally Sweden 2024

[EstWRC]

Only positive I can take out of this is that Ott doesnt have to sweep the road in a long long time.

I for another hand haven’t been so disappointed about him for such a long time.

Second mistake in a row together with Monte where he got stuck on a bank

Sweden is one of the rallies where you don’t expect him to make a mistake at all.

For some reason the season beginnings with Hyundai aren’t his best at all

[wwbroe]

Matulka fastest on stage 3 in JWRC, but top 10 in overall are relatively close together

[TypeR]

Friday lunch and we have rally2 drivers 6th-10th overall..

[flat_right]

Didn't they show a slow-mo from Lappi's car where they showed Kalle's car and it was just parked on the roadside? I think I saw it.

Yep, it was just parked: https://ibb.co/sPjQB9z

[Morte66]

It's a pity Munster went off. I was hoping to compare him to the top Rally2 driver at the end.

[CeskyOndra]

it was parked, but there was damaged snowbank on the right side aswell

[flat_right]

it was parked, but there was damaged snowbank on the right side aswell

Estonian media is reporting that he had damaged his Toyota's rear. Maybe this then.

[Tauri_J]

If three rally1 cars hit major trouble its gonna be a rally2 guy on podium.

[wwbroe]

It's a pity Munster went off. I was hoping to compare him to the top Rally2 driver at the end.

He din't went off, he had a puncture, had to change it on the stage, the electric tool didn't work, so they had to screw it by hand nad after that, because of wet clothing, the windschield was completely fogged up.

[AndersX]

Who will open tomorrow, Ott or Kalle? Should be Kalle, right, as he made less distance into the stage?

[wwbroe]

Estonian media is reporting that he had damaged his Toyota's rear. Maybe this then.
Still strange that there is no news about the incident

[AndersX]

Oh, no, it will be Ott, as Kalle was leading before this stage.

[flat_right]

Who will open tomorrow, Ott or Kalle? Should be Kalle, right, as he made less distance into the stage?

I think they don't look who drove more on the stage. It should be the position after last completed stage.

[CeskyOndra]

I think they don't look who drove more on the stage. It should be the position after last completed stage.

battle tomorrow for not being first on the road on Sunday

[Tauri_J]

Who will open tomorrow, Ott or Kalle? Should be Kalle, right, as he made less distance into the stage?

By position

[GigiGalliNo1]

Great to be back following WRC with Sweden. Monte was a great event to work at but now home and enjoying Sweden.

[EstWRC]

Tänaks mistake

https://x.com/hmsgofficial/status/1758447190958055891?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

Seems the grip just disappears from the rear or he turns too much to the right

[becher]

Ok. ;)

More exciting than ever...

I'm certainly not complaining. It's rally, there's always something that can happen, or the might not happen anything.

[er88]

For some reason the season beginnings with Hyundai aren’t his best at all

Maybe trying too hard to put in a few early season markers against Thierry. This morning could've been a monster crash, surprised he didn't have a big roll.

[EstWRC]

Maybe trying too hard to put in a few early season markers against Thierry. This morning could've been a monster crash, surprised he didn't have a big roll.

I don’t know. Didn’t seem that bad to me as you say, just a spin and got going

Autosport reports that Kalle also had crash

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240216/26af9a3b7a8915cce46f8a82e12678b5.jpg

[TypeR]

Leaked image of Hyundai's possible new livery if Tanak doesn't start getting big points..
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGdH0OsWkAAvubK?format=jpg&name=medium

[GigiGalliNo1]

I don't understand your post TypeR....

[EstWRC]

Me neither

[flat_right]

Tänaks mistake

https://x.com/hmsgofficial/status/1758447190958055891?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

Seems the grip just disappears from the rear or he turns too much to the right

In my opinion, grip disappears because of the small crest makes the rear light and with this the rear goes straight into the bank.

[flat_right]

I don't understand your post TypeR....

N (on the design) and then comes EU... NEUVILLE

[GigiGalliNo1]

Now I see it...

[Tauri_J]

In my opinion, grip disappears because of the small crest makes the rear light and with this the rear goes straight into the bank.

Just too fast, simple as that

[CeskyOndra]

Just too fast, simple as that

agree

[PLuto]

I think that non-championship contenders can come in, benefit road position and take the spotlight off the real contenders is a long term BS - if WRC allows this, they must implement qualification stage, as in ERC. Now, after brilliant ride in Monte, Terry is punished and everybody is admiring relaxed Kalle and Lappi. This must be changed! What would be result if both relaxing guys would start 1-2?

They have introduced this to WRC when both Sebs were dominating so much. So with bad starting position for them they were giving a chance for rest of the field to catch them...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Adrien FOURMAUX @AdrienFourmaux
Bring me new underwear at service park please @MSportLtd.

Obviously a pretty tough, even scary, morning in the conditions and you need to have the very best road position.

[Morte66]

On this page https://www.wrc.com/c/calender/ANhw?liveTimingMenu=overall_livetiming&stage=6194&eligibility=Eligibility Solburg's eligibility is "WRC2 (D/C)" and Pajari's is "WRC2 (DC/CC)"

Could some kind person explain the difference to me?

[focus206]

Quite surprising start of the event with Kalle and Ott off. Could make it for an interesting battle for the win, though: Katsuta for his first win, Lappi for Hyundai, Evans for the championship... impressed by Fourmaux too, so far. Neuville is almost in no man's land being 1st on the road, he should bring it home and hope for mistakes of others, hard to catch anybody on speed.

[PLuto]

On this page https://www.wrc.com/c/calender/ANhw?liveTimingMenu=overall_livetiming&stage=6194&eligibility=Eligibility Solburg's eligibility is "WRC2 (D/C)" and Pajari's is "WRC2 (DC/CC)"

Could some kind person explain the difference to me?

Solberg fighting for WRC2 drivers championship, Pajari for WRC2 Drivers and WRC2 Challenger.

[Morte66]

Solberg fighting for WRC2 drivers championship, Pajari for WRC2 Drivers and WRC2 Challenger.

Ah hah. Thanks.

[I had never heard of WRC2 Challenger, but I found it on Wikipedia.]

[macebig]

Katsuta can very really win this. He needs to maintain or grow his gap to Lappi first, though. Fourmaux is somehow 3rd on the road now and won't trouble them much. Neuville has no chance. Evans has a window, but I can't see him risking a lot.

[Morte66]

Katsuta can very really win this. He needs to maintain or grow his gap to Lappi first, though. Fourmaux is somehow 3rd on the road now and won't trouble them much. Neuville has no chance. Evans has a window, but I can't see him risking a lot.

Well, if the day finished now, then tomorrow Evans would be one or two places different from Katsuta/Lappi and at a much smaller road position disadvantage than today. It's hard to see Katsuta holding him off without the big advantage he had today from cleaning. Lappi, now, he's pretty good on his day.

[EstWRC]

Can see from maps that Tänaks car has been towed now out of the stage while Rovanperäs is still at the same place

[1988senna]

can anyone know why neuville so slow today?

[rp]

can anyone know why neuville so slow today?

1st on the road.

[CeskyOndra]

can anyone know why neuville so slow today?

if you are new to the sport, he is opening the road which means he is cleaning the line for the others.

[CeskyOndra]

in rallies like this when lot of cars retires on first day then i think new points system is better than the old

[Rallyper]

I have to laugh now at myself when I remember the moment I said that pickems for this rally will be easy :D

But it was easy, until recently...

[Rallyper]

Broken radiator for Kalle...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I guess we're lucky Evans didn't go out too with that 360 degree spin.

[EstWRC]

Neuville 38 seconds slower in first split than in the morning

And 1 minute slower in second split

[wwbroe]

Great opening split by Taka, hope he keeps it on the road

[EstWRC]

Crazy differences. Tänak wouldn’t have had chance even without retirement

[CeskyOndra]

neuville a bit losing but nothing big :D taka is going for the win

[er88]

Taka flying, bit of a moment. Hopefully he isnt over the limit, lets see what lappi can do. Impressed by how measured Fourmaux is, sensible and good drive

[GigiGalliNo1]

32 seconds in the lead... can only build on that...

[Rallyper]

Remembering Taka winning WRC2 in Rally Sweden some ten years ago... Surprisingly back then. Now he repeats it. Everything goes his way atm.

[wwbroe]

Taka was lucky there, hit the snowbank but got away with it.

[wwbroe]

What a opening split by Lappi

[jonkka]

32 seconds in the lead... can only build on that...

Lappi is yet to come... and he's coming fast!

[CeskyOndra]

lappi and tanak after today minute lead and fight over tomorrow, please god

[CeskyOndra]

lappi and tanak after today minute lead and fight over tomorrow, please god

taka*

[wwbroe]

Lappi 6,1 faster

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sorry, 5.3 second.

[er88]

Bertelli with a hero time for him :D.
These ruts make it like a safari rally on snow

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Remembering Taka winning WRC2 in Rally Sweden some ten years ago... Surprisingly back then. Now he repeats it. Everything goes his way atm.

Yeah, even Munster ruining the line for Lappi behind!

[wwbroe]

Oliver with fastest opening splits of all

[AMSS]

Looks like we might see a fastest SS time by a Rally 2 car here

[EstWRC]

And Oliver has passed Neuville virtually in overall

[Rallyper]

Oliver... I think I go away for a while...

[rp]

Looks like we might see a fastest SS time by a Rally 2 car here

This is ridiculous!

[wwbroe]

Besttime for Oliver

[Rallyper]

Oliver... I think I go away for a while...
Edit: Fastest!

[TypeR]

Solberg passed Neuville overall..

Might be sweet moment haha :D

[CeskyOndra]

joona faster?

[EstWRC]

Kalle about his retirement. Sounds exactly like Tänaks

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/rovanpera-explains-crash-from-wrc-rally-sweden-lead/10576548/

[GigiGalliNo1]

Little silly for the WRC with second class winning a stage? Funny if leads a rally!

[RS]

I'm not watching live.. how come Rally2 so fast and neuville/evans slow?

[denkimi]

This is ridiculous!
Indeed, this is not wrc worthy. How good someone drives makes no difference whatsover.

[CeskyOndra]

im not surprised.. it makes sense that they are much much faster

[Tauri_J]

OMG Linnamäe please take a stage win here

[wwbroe]

Linnemae coming even faster, that says it all about the conditions, isn't it?

[1988senna]

when and who is the last time that rally2 drive win the stage ?? 2012 ogier in Italy?

[TypeR]

Conditions or not.. it is a proper long forest stage and rally2 cars are beating rally1 overall leaders..

[EstWRC]

Linnemae coming even faster, that says it all about the conditions, isn't it?

Evans vs Neuville said everything about conditions already

[Tauri_J]

Linnamäe fastest !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm not watching live.. how come Rally2 so fast and neuville/evans slow?

Massive cleaning.

[wwbroe]

Evans vs Neuville said everything about conditions already
That is certainly true

[EstWRC]

So for you all who wanted wrc2 as main class

Enjoy this stage :D

[cosmin_sb]

top 3 in this stage are RC2 cars

[denkimi]

Evans vs Neuville said everything about conditions already
Rally2 cars being 5 seconds per km faster than rally1 shows that this should not be used for rallying in these conditions.

[AMSS]

when and who is the last time that rally2 drive win the stage ?? 2012 ogier in Italy?

I think Jari Huttunen in Sweden as well some years ago

[Tauri_J]

might have a 4th estonian stage winner here

[EstWRC]

Interview with Tänak. Said the note was just too optimistic at that place and actually fixed the issue and got through the stage itself. Continues tomorrow

[Rallyper]

Rally2 cars being 5 seconds per km faster than rally1 shows that this should not be used for rallying in these conditions.

Why not? This IS rallying.

[Rallyper]

Now, let´s give Taka the victory. Should be sensational but well deserved.

[wwbroe]

Eight Rally2 cars in top 10 of this stage

[CeskyOndra]

Rally2 cars being 5 seconds per km faster than rally1 shows that this should not be used for rallying in these conditions.

this is rally.. not f1

[CeskyOndra]

Now, let´s give Taka the victory. Should be sensational but well deserved.

I would be happy for both Lappi and Taka to win

[GigiGalliNo1]

‪GR Yaris Rally2 first stage win! ‬

[Tauri_J]

Rally2 cars being 5 seconds per km faster than rally1 shows that this should not be used for rallying in these conditions.

lol this is not the first time and will not be the last that lower class has won overall stage. This is what makes rallying so exciting.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Funny interview with Taka and Aaron. :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Noooo Thierry cant start it !

[wwbroe]

Shit

[GigiGalliNo1]

Woah! Neuville!

[CeskyOndra]

has started now?

[AndersX]

Rally2 cars being 5 seconds per km faster than rally1 shows that this should not be used for rallying in these conditions.

Why? This is rally, not F1 or racing series. Obstacles are as they are. It will even out in one moment.

[TypeR]

Neuville takes penalty to start later..?

[Eli]

Oh no, Thierry’s Hyundai not starting…
I think this is the first time in 6 years we’ve had proper snowy winter wonderland event.

[CeskyOndra]

he will get penalty but hopefully he will continue

[dupanton]

Neuville takes penalty to start later..?

I suspect it's tactical as well. Losing 30" to gain more, certtainly on the long stage.

[CeskyOndra]

he will be fifth, no matter there will be penalty.. cruicial it that he is running

[wwbroe]

Mzaybe some kind of tactical manouver?

[CeskyOndra]

I suspect it's tactical as well. Losing 30" to gain more, certtainly on the long stage.

there was footage of engine not starting, are u serious?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tactics ? Hmmm.

[EstWRC]

This is tactics not a problem

[wwbroe]

The car was not firing up on images

[CeskyOndra]

they were in a hurry, that can't be tactics bmo

[dupanton]

You can easily sabotage your own car so it doesn't start. It got very suddenly solved once Elfyn passed them.
He lost 1,5 s/km on the previous stage. With 45km to go this loop, it's better to take 30" penalty

[EstWRC]

they were in a hurry, that can't be tactics bmo

Ok maybe not but seemed really weird

[Rallyper]

And now the bonnet!

[JRodrigues]

He didn't close the hood properly!

[dupanton]

If it were tactics, Karma is there already. Bonnet is not properly shut....

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ouch!

[JRodrigues]

Well, if that was tactical... this just proves God doesn't sleep

[GigiGalliNo1]

All this and it's only Friday!

[CeskyOndra]

40s penalty and physical stress.. cant paid off

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans is suspicious.

[CeskyOndra]

will he catch eally2 cars tomorrow?

[erikli2]

Imagine if Evans would suffer from a short electrical failure before the next stage :rolleyes:

[EstWRC]

Didn’t win much with this

[dupanton]

Thierry said he already had the problem after the refuel.

[jonkka]

Evans is suspicious.

But wisely diplomatic enough, I am impressed. Stiff upper lip. :)

[wwbroe]

Apparently Neuville's Hyundai din't fire up on the refuelling as well and Evans was there watching this

[CeskyOndra]

I trust Thierry tbh, no sense to do this at the moment.. Yes, next stage will be hard for Evans, but still..

[CeskyOndra]

But anyways.. This day is pure rally and I like it a lot

[CeskyOndra]

Adrien with a big chance for the podium now, he has to be quick on the next stage

[GigiGalliNo1]

Lappi will make a silly mistake tomorrow is my prediction.

[wwbroe]

EP coming fast

[wwbroe]

5 sec faster as Taka

[Rallyper]

Next stage will be crucial again...

[EstWRC]

But anyways.. This day is pure rally and I like it a lot

Well for me it isn’t pure because of the really unequal conditions.

Massive differences now

I mean it’s fun to watch but not pure rallying in that sense

[JRodrigues]

Well for me it isn’t pure because of the really unequal conditions.

Massive differences now

I mean it’s fun to watch but not pure rallying in that sense

That's why it is rallying. If it was raining, it would be the other way around. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

[CeskyOndra]

yes but I understand EstWRC's feelings too. there can be many points of view

[CeskyOndra]

Next stage will be crucial again...

Absolutely! Lets see if Neuville won't drop too much to Rally2. If he will, Im not sure if he would be able to bring it back tomorrow

[CeskyOndra]

Adrien and Elfyn might drop behind Oliver too during next stage. Rally2 car on the podium after today?

[wwbroe]

Another good opening split for Linnemae

[EstWRC]

Neuville over a minute down from Solberg and now the long stage. The gap could be pretty big for tomorrow

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville over a minute down from Solberg and now the long stage. The gap could be pretty big for tomorrow

Lets see how the cleaning will be tomorrow. If it will be quite the same, then he has no chance to catch him

[wwbroe]

Another great time for Linnemae, fastest Rally 2 again

[wwbroe]

What about starting order for tomorrow, are Rally 2 cars starting between the Rally 1 cars?

[CeskyOndra]

What about starting order for tomorrow, are Rally 2 cars starting between the Rally 1 cars?

I dont think so, but I might be wrong

[EstWRC]

What about starting order for tomorrow, are Rally 2 cars starting between the Rally 1 cars?

Nope. Rally1 and then Rally2

[RS]

There's an advantage for the later rally 2s vs the early ones too.. eg Zaldivar 4th oa on ss6.

[wwbroe]

There's an advantage for the later rally 2s vs the early ones too.. eg Zaldivar 4th oa on ss6.
That is for sure

[wwbroe]

Depending on the weather conditions tomorrow we could see some bright perfromances for Rally 2's then.

[CeskyOndra]

thats horrible for evans

[wwbroe]

And in the dark it is even more difficult

[GigiGalliNo1]

We might see the Rally2 cars winning a lot more stages tomorrow!

[JRodrigues]

Neuville gained just 25s on Evans. Don't think the penalty was wise, if made on purpose.

[jonkka]

We might see the Rally2 cars winning a lot more stages tomorrow!

How's that? They still run after Rally1 cars and if both Ott and Kalle rejoin as expected, leaders will have nicely cleaned road.

[jonkka]

Neuville gained just 25s on Evans. Don't think the penalty was wise, if made on purpose.

Not necessarily beneficial if Neuville meant to gain more than he lost on penalty - but on the other hand, Evans lost position to Fourmaux and if that holds, Evans may score few points less and in that sense Neuville does gain championship-wise. My 2c is that problem can be genuine.

[GigiGalliNo1]

How's that? They still run after Rally1 cars and if both Ott and Kalle rejoin as expected, leaders will have nicely cleaned road.

Oh... my bad.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bonkers speed in those conditions.

[denkimi]

Neuville gained just 25s on Evans. Don't think the penalty was wise, if made on purpose.
He would have lost 25 being first, so the penalty has already paid off.

Still utterly ridiculous and unworthy conditions for a wrc rally.

[wwbroe]

He would have lost 25 being first, so the penalty has already paid off.

Still utterly ridiculous and unworthy conditions for a wrc rally.
What of a comment is that, the conditions are what they are, just deal with it

[JRodrigues]

He would have lost 25 being first, so the penalty has already paid off.

Still utterly ridiculous and unworthy conditions for a wrc rally.

The penalty was 40s.

[JAM]

Its not very smart to think that Neuville had a penalty on purpose.

WRC drivers are smarter than that. To have a 40s penalty at one stage to go?!?!

Please wake up guys

[wwbroe]

EP taking the overall mead

[wwbroe]

EP taking the overall lead

[JRodrigues]

Its not very smart to think that Neuville had a penalty on purpose.

WRC drivers are smarter than that. To have a 40s penalty at one stage to go?!?!

Please wake up guys

It worked for Sainz on the Dakar. And it was a 30minute penalty.

[CeskyOndra]

It worked for Sainz on the Dakar. And it was a 30minute penalty.

you cant compare dakar and wrc

[EstWRC]

Solberg passed also Evans and Fourmaux in overall

He is 3rd at the moment

[JAM]

It worked for Sainz on the Dakar. And it was a 30minute penalty.

Is also not very smart to compare the situations.

[ik1911]

Solberg lead Neuville by 1,30 Min before tomorrow! Very interesting!

[CeskyOndra]

Solberg lead Neuville by 1,30 Min before tomorrow! Very interesting!

Neuville must be on the flier tomorrow

[JAM]

Solberg passed also Evans and Fourmaux in overall

He is 3rd at the moment

There's a real chance of a WRC2 Win in Sweden. If the conditions tomorrow mantain like this afternoon.

[CeskyOndra]

There's a real chance of a WRC2 Win in Sweden. If the conditions tomorrow mantain like this afternoon.

There wont be that much difference in road position between Fourmaux and Solberg for example, just 2 cars

[Tauri_J]

Too bad it wont snow all weekend

[denkimi]

The penalty was 40s.
Losing 25 or winning 25 makes 50 seconds difference.

[EstWRC]

Too bad it wont snow all weekend

What’s the forecast for tomorrow?

[denkimi]

What of a comment is that, the conditions are what they are, just deal with it
Indeed, they are what they are and at this point they have very little to do with what rallying is supposed to be about.

This is no longer adapting or being the best in difficult situations, this is just about having the best road position. You don't need a good driver or good car, just be a late starter.

[wwbroe]

Indeed, they are what they are and at this point they have very little to do with what rallying is supposed to be about.

This is no longer adapting or being the best in difficult situations, this is just about having the best road position. You don't need a good driver or good car, just be a late starter.

That is fault of nature, you cannot blame anyone else for that.

[Tauri_J]

What’s the forecast for tomorrow?

Dry

[Doon]

Is this the first time we’ve had more RC2 cars in the top 10 than RC1? Rally 1 is becoming quite shameful. People keep banging on about making it exciting for the casual viewer (I don’t believe there are many), well having a second tier car on the provisional podium won’t confuse them at all.

[Andre Oliveira]

We asked more snow all the years before. Now we complain?

[EstWRC]

We asked more snow all the years before. Now we complain?

There’s a difference in that and you know it very well

And what’s happened to you lately. Coming here just to write an arrogant comment and that’s it

[AndersX]

I am also saying: stop complaining - this is real rally. If RC2 wins bcs of snowfallls - what is bad with that? I like this mess - smth interesting; i have been my self in the situation where the sky opens and all the potential leaders would fall back far far away due to the rain and mud. I also know the case where the sky closed, dried and 1300 car gets into top 3 of the stage. That is all normal. What would help in this situation - proper 0, 00 and 000 cars with some fast drivers at the wheel.

[CeskyOndra]

please dont ruin the rally with those comments. it was the same story in 2018 and many years before

[ELPE]

Rally2 cars being 5 seconds per km faster than rally1 shows that this should not be used for rallying in these conditions.

Then We have to make rally to a indoor sport, not for me!

[Mirek]

Come on, guys, many of us have been crying all year long for more action, thrill and surprises and when the nature brings some it's suddenly wrong? Why? For me it's all fine and fun. If a Rally2 wins after all, why not? Isn't that a great story? Why searching for negatives in everything?

[bandit12]

Come on, guys, many of us have been crying all year long for more action, thrill and surprises and when the nature brings some it's suddenly wrong? Why? For me it's all fine and fun. If a Rally2 wins after all, why not? Isn't that a great story? Why searching for negatives in everything?

Amen to that.

[seb_sh]

Sometimes weird things happen in rally because of the weather, it's not dangerous or anything like that, plus there are still two legs to go. Enjoy the show!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Totally agree and I love the surprise and the drama with the extra snow. Plus its tested even the best drivers and found out Tanak & Rovanpera.

Also remember that its only the 2nd rally of the WRC season and whatever happens here isnt going to decide anything.

[Sal yet again]

People need to stop being so partisan and embrace the fact that rallies like this up unpredictable results. Just because your favourite driver has had a nightmare rally doesnt make it any less of a challenge

[wwbroe]

EP again with great first split

[wwbroe]

Extending his lead to 3,2 seconds

[wwbroe]

Solans dind't start the stage?

[Morte66]

Pajari didn't seem happy the last couple of stages, I thought he was taking it a bit easy in the onboard.

Still, I think he was smart to drive his own rally and not try to battle Linnamae who was way down the running order.

[Mirek]

Pajari didn't seem happy the last couple of stages, I thought he was taking it a bit easy in the onboard..

For me the onboard looked quite messy, like he was completely out of rhytm.

[Morte66]

For me the onboard looked quite messy, like he was completely out of rhytm.

Now I think about it more, perhaps you are right.

[Doon]

I like the surprises and the adverse weather conditions, the problem for me is the fact we have 4 top tier cars in the top 10. It’s not complaining for the sake of it, no matter how much it’s dressed up as “only because of weather conditions”, the same thing will happen again during the season.

[CeskyOndra]

im sorry guys that i will come back to the topic of neuville's issue but something just came into my mind.. If there was really some strategy, then why they didn't get a penalty before brattby? Everyone knew that it will be a big struggle.. then they would benefit even more.

[Duvel]

Nice rally so far! I to like the fact that the rally2's are in the mix for podium spots!
Dealing whit the car you have, and with the condition of the roads given, proper rally action!

Nice 2 way battle stil in the front! lets hope Taka can keep the fight up!

Is there any snow expected for tomorrow again?

[Morte66]

So... end of Friday. Not the sort of Rally Sweden I was hoping for, but here we are.

I read earlier the forecast is dry, so can we figure we can expect cleaning but not nearly as much as this afternoon? Do any pundits want to predict that?

Taka and EP are about a minute clear, with a moderate road position advantage. They should stay 1/2, my money's on Lappi.

It's nice for Oliver to be third, but I don't think he'll stay top 4 in normal weather.

I reckon Evans + Yaris can beat Fourmaux + Puma and get to third tomorrow. They're good enough to overcome the time/order disadvantage. Then Evans can think about Sunday points.

Neuville should probably set out to overhaul the WRC2 guys and otherwise think about Sunday.

Will Pajari be adjacent to Linnamae in the road order, or are they somehow in different categories?

[Sulland]

He would have lost 25 being first, so the penalty has already paid off.

Still utterly ridiculous and unworthy conditions for a wrc rally.

what about the conditions is unworthy?
Different conditions will always happen in sports that happens outside, part of the deal.

[becher]

im sorry guys that i will come back to the topic of neuville's issue but something just came into my mind.. If there was really some strategy, then why they didn't get a penalty before brattby? Everyone knew that it will be a big struggle.. then they would benefit even more.

I think if the names where reversed, nobody would accuse Evans of "dirty" tactics.

[denkimi]

what about the conditions is unworthy?
Different conditions will always happen in sports that happens outside, part of the deal.
Whats the point of even having a competition if the results are only depending on the starting position of the competitior? Why even race if drivers or cars have hardly any influence on how fast they go?

I've seen many rallies and they are hardly ever fair. I have seen the occasional backmarker making a great tire gamble and getting way up front.
But i have never seen results like these, where there is no connection between the skill of the driver and the times they put on the board.

Once bertelli goes faster than Evans and neuville, it's just not a competition anymore. A spectacle, sure. Lots of drama, great to see for some, like american wrestling. But when it's not about the skill of the competitior it's not a serious sport.

[focus206]

I don't like this disparity of conditions either, but as something exceptional and not the rule, I can accept it. It's a natural condition of the road, at least not something created for artificial entertainment. Who would have thought Lappi, Katsuta and Oliver with a Rally2 in the top 3 after Day 1.
I highly doubt Neuville/Hyundai would deploy unsportmanlike tactics for such a small gain in the second round of the championship, bonnet or no bonnet. Neuville is still in no man's land and will have to think about the Rally2 cars tomorrow.

[Mirek]

I've seen many rallies and they are hardly ever fair. I have seen the occasional backmarker making a great tire gamble and getting way up front.
But i have never seen results like these, where there is no connection between the skill of the driver and the times they put on the board.

Obviously you didn't see many rallies. Ogier was fourth overall in Monte Carlo driving a Fabia S2000 before he crashed. Prokop (!) in S2000 won a stage in Sweden. Ogier finished 5th overall in S2000 in Sardinia (and won a stage overall). Those are just several examples. If you check that Monte Carlo 2012 you can see that in stages like Burzet a 4th car was about a minute down in stage in both passes. Things like that keep happening all the time through the history of rallying.

You know the Jänner Rallye in Austria? It used to be part of ERC for few years. Everytime there was snow some local guys with historic Evo III or similar cars were winning the first stages simply because they were starting an hour after the top guys. And you now what? It's normal there.

[Morte66]

Will Pajari be adjacent to Linnamae in the road order, or are they somehow in different categories?

Found it, they're adjacent. https://www.wrc.com/c/calender/ANhw?liveTimingMenu=startlists_livetiming&stage=6197&eligibility=Eligibility&tab=32ade665-ebb0-5656-b5aa-0bc750952fce

That could be a good battle.

[dimviii]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/was-neuvilles-technical-problem-real-or-a-tactical-ploy/

[Corcaíoch]

What a first (proper) day of a rally! I know there are mixed views on just how much the conditions should play a role in a rally but you can’t say it’s not interesting or exciting. I probably would have prefered a Rovanpera v Tanak battle over the weekend but it certainly has opened the door to many other interesting possibilities

I don’t post here often so apologies for the incoming (very long) rant but I was buzzing watching the rally today but hadn’t much time for reading posts here or other coverage online. I’ve been reading and watching back some coverage of today and reading back over some stuff I missed here and I’m left somewhat flat to be honest.

It’s repeatedly said that the WRC needs more excitement, more interesting “stories” to tell and more variety to help attract more viewers and new fans. Well today alone we had:
• 2 World Champions crashing out on the same stage
• One driver in contention for his first ever win
• One driver in contention for his second ever win
• At least one driver in contention for his first ever podium
• Solberg, by far the most social media savy rally driver out there, currently on the podium, in his home rally, in a Rally 2 car – this alone is a “giant-killing” story worthy of attracting attention. (if you wanted to look at it that way)
• Linnamae, a relatively unknown driver to your average WRC fan (not to those on here obviously) winning the Brattby stage in a Rally 2 car
• Neuville maybe playing dirty to try to gain an advantage
• “Proper snow” and winter conditions that many people have been criticising the lack of in recent years
• Korhonen 8th overall on what I think I read online was only his 3rd time competing in a Rally 2 car on a WRC event (open to correction on that)
• And probably a number of other stories worth telling too

Granted, today was an exceptionally different day, but I think it again shows the problem isn’t necassarily the lack of stories to tell, lack of excitement or lack of variety but far more the failure of the promoter and the sport’s media to properly showcase and tell these stories. Also in spite of all this some people seem almost determined to focus almost solely on the negatives.

Rovanpera comfortably leading, Tanak in 2nd a Lappi 3rd would have been a far more predictable and “normal” rally but with regards promoting the sport “The Solberg Story” – can he hold on, can he fight off the Rally 1s, how high can he finish, etc. is a story that would attract lots of attention in my opinion. I understand not all serious WRC fans would appreciate the story but this is the sort of media spin and push that draws attention and would help more to draw new viewers than the more predictable rally that some others would have hoped to see.

[COD]

Conditions yes, but without rally1 cars, who would really care or know about the difference if all of them were in Rally2 cars…

[Jarek Z]

People have been complaining that modern rallying is boring. But when finally something exciting and unexpected is going on, they... still complain! Can one explain it?

I agree with Mirek and Corcaíoch. Thank you for your posts, guys.

[bearclaw]

Obviously you didn't see many rallies. Ogier was fourth overall in Monte Carlo driving a Fabia S2000 before he crashed. Prokop (!) in S2000 won a stage in Sweden. Ogier finished 5th overall in S2000 in Sardinia (and won a stage overall). Those are just several examples. If you check that Monte Carlo 2012 you can see that in stages like Burzet a 4th car was about a minute down in stage in both passes. Things like that keep happening all the time through the history of rallying.

You know the Jänner Rallye in Austria? It used to be part of ERC for few years. Everytime there was snow some local guys with historic Evo III or similar cars were winning the first stages simply because they were starting an hour after the top guys. And you now what? It's normal there.

...or Hermann Gassner sen. won a 30km stage at Monte 2001 in a Group N Proton ahead of the WRC. It was a crazy stage. And as you said, it's sometimes normal and logical in rallying...

[Myrvold]

Whats the point of even having a competition if the results are only depending on the starting position of the competitior? Why even race if drivers or cars have hardly any influence on how fast they go?

I've seen many rallies and they are hardly ever fair. I have seen the occasional backmarker making a great tire gamble and getting way up front.
But i have never seen results like these, where there is no connection between the skill of the driver and the times they put on the board.

Once bertelli goes faster than Evans and neuville, it's just not a competition anymore. A spectacle, sure. Lots of drama, great to see for some, like american wrestling. But when it's not about the skill of the competitior it's not a serious sport.

No point in doing rally then, because no matter what you do, you will never have equal conditions, and there will be advantages/disadvantages based on road position.

Or rather, no point in watching I guess ;)

[Myrvold]

Though. I do hope there will be challenges tomorrow as well, not as much, but still some. So we might keep Solberg in top 5, and other rally2 cars well in the points as well. So the split Saturday and Sunday points get to have a proper impact on the championship, but not the way that was intended.

[erikli2]

The camera position in Ott's car should be the standard one for all cars, it's really great

[wwbroe]

Good morning guys, seems like better conditions then yesterday.

[Rallyper]

Is Tanak doing proper speed?

[wwbroe]

Is Tanak doing proper speed?

Seems so, faster as Kalle

[COD]

The irony: Kalle was exited to have better road position for not driving in Monte, and now 2nd car on the road..

[Rallyper]

Seems so, faster as Kalle

Is Kalle doing proper speed? ;)

[wwbroe]

Is Kalle doing proper speed? ;)

Who knows:D

[CeskyOndra]

they are battling for not being first on the road tomorrow

[Rallyper]

Is Kalle doing proper speed? ;)

Seems both did...

[EstWRC]

they are battling for not being first on the road tomorrow

Exactly. The gap is just 5 now between them

Although I’m not sure if Kalle really wants any points if he doesn’t win

[jonkka]

Although I’m not sure if Kalle really wants any points if he doesn’t win

But Toyota wants.

[spyros]

I realy want Taka to win.

[EstWRC]

This is a great time from Tänak from first on the road

[wwbroe]

Seems like today the road condition becomes worse for the later runners

[spyros]

Fingers crossed about Ott,we saw what hapened yesterday.

[wwbroe]

Rally 2 cars loosing much more time now, looking at the splits

[wwbroe]

Great battle between Taka and EP, difference only 0,9 now

[TypeR]

Very good live coverage! Don't even show wrc2 top3 guys.

[wwbroe]

Very good live coverage! Don't even show wrc2 top3 guys.

They prefer to show some old images from the past:(

[wwbroe]

And now Tanak is allready 4 minutes live on stage and they don't even show

[wwbroe]

Kalle didn't start the stage yet?

[wwbroe]

Kalle didn't start the stage yet?

Edit: he started 6 minutes behind Tanak

[Mirek]

Beautiful conditions now.

[wwbroe]

Seems like Tanak started three minutes too early?

[Rallyper]

Kalle didn't start the stage yet?

Edit: he started 6 minutes behind Tanak

Why?

[Rallyper]

Kalle didn't start the stage yet?

Edit: he started 6 minutes behind Tanak

Why?
Confusing.

[wwbroe]

Why?

I have no idea

[EstWRC]

Tänak not satisfied with the helicopter guy

[EstWRC]

I’m surprised Kalle is faster, he is all over the place in many corners compared to Tänak who drove very straight

[wwbroe]

Anybody knows why there was a 6 minutes gap between Ott and Kalle?

[TypeR]

Anybody knows why there was a 6 minutes gap between Ott and Kalle?
probably organizing error letting Tanak start too early..

[EstWRC]

That’s a great time from Munster if he really didn’t have hybrid working like he said or now it’s cleaning again so much

[Eli]

I’m still confused at to why yesterday Neuville started after Evans, okay the first stage he had the engine that wouldn’t start but why did they continue in that starting order?

[wwbroe]

I’m still confused at to why yesterday Neuville started after Evans, okay the first stage he had the engine that wouldn’t start but why did they continue in that starting order?
That is normal, once you take the penalty, it stays like that

[wwbroe]

ooh no Taka

[CeskyOndra]

it is here. katsuta just useless..

[CeskyOndra]

what about toyota's points? 2 retired cars

[jonkka]

Did I predict this or what...