[WRC] Tet Rally Latvia 2024

[drive]

Rally programme https://www.lvrally.com/en/tet-rally-latvia/rally-programme

Tet Rally Latvia Instagram where you can find 80% of Maps already available, if you look :) https://www.instagram.com/lvrally/

Some onboards already made (usual Latvia, some very fast places, some narrow) https://youtu.be/ok4-QPPIIaw (seems like over half stages done)

[Typ85]

https://www.instagram.com/p/C8hgCHoiQki/?igsh=NnR0OGZnZ3YycHY3

[TypeR]

Cool to see ARA National champion racing in WRC/Europe!
Hopefully something grows from that.. as he is Subaru US team driver..

[PLuto]

Cool to see ARA National champion racing in WRC/Europe!
Hopefully something grows from that.. as he is Subaru US team driver..

My bet is... ...he will crash.

[TypeR]

My bet is... ...he will crash.
Amazing prediction!

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQ6S3fcWIAAlObf?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GQ6S3fZXsAAOxB6?format=jpg&name=large

[WRCStan]

Why not nominate Sesks for manu points?

[WRCStan]

Is "co-driver" banned because he's Russian?

[drive]

Is "co-driver" banned because he's Russian? not sure, but Gryazin knows Malnieks very well... and he is local

[WRCStan]

Same with ERC Rally Estonia..

I recall Estonia had a fit at Russians entering the country, but that was before Gryazin was Bulgarian. Wondered if it was the same here.

[TypeR]

I recall Estonia had a fit at Russians entering the country, but that was before Gryazin was Bulgarian. Wondered if it was the same here.

Sorry, wanted to edit post, but it got deleted..

I think it is the same reason.

[Andre Oliveira]

40 is a shame for FIA.

About russian guy, i heard yes. Not allowed.

[Negaiss]

1. I advise you to download app - LVMGEO. It is Latvian map server with a lot of different background maps layers of objects - for example, You can see Government owned camping spots, which usualy has a restroom, some Firewood, tables, benches, sometimes even some canopy or shed.

2. It is allowed to camp, build tents and make fire in any public forest. It is also allowed to walk into private forests, unless owner has put on signs, which prohibits entering.

3. Not allowed to camp in protected areas, but it is hard to tell if You are in owne. app LVMGEO will help with this.

4. It is possible to pay with credit cards an phones almost everywhere. I am pretty sure it will be possible to do so in rally viewing areas too.

5. You are allowed to walk by any water body 4 m (small water bodies) to 10 m (larger water bodies) from the water line. For example - you are allowed to circle lakes or walk by rivers despite crossing private lands. But of course in lot of places this is phisycly impossible.

6. As everyone probably know, Latvia is EU member state and uses EURO for payments.

7. Where are plenty of speed cameras and average speed traps. Waze shows all of them.

8. Be extra careful of 2 lane roads with opposite traffic. Some Latvians are dangerous drivers and will attempt impossible overtakes. Lot of lethal crashes lately.


I am local in Latvia and check forum almost daily, so probably can answer some questions if where will be any.

[CeskyOndra]

I have just noticed that Thierry Neuville will face 100 kilometres of cleaning during Thursday and Friday. There are 6 stages with just 1 pass and 2 stages with 2 passes

[Backa]

I have just noticed that Thierry Neuville will face 100 kilometres of cleaning during Thursday and Friday. There are 6 stages with just 1 pass and 2 stages with 2 passes

Last year in ERC, some stages were very dusty so being first on road doesn't need to be that bad.

[PLuto]

Last year in ERC, some stages were very dusty so being first on road doesn't need to be that bad.

Exactly opposite. Last year it was dry on beginning, but started to rain. So first drivers had advantage that they were going on relatively dry surface, but others had it more and more wet. Especially in Latvia, if there is dry weather, starting order is very, very important...

[sindroms]

Spectators guide - https://www.lvrally.com/skatitajiem/skatitaju-celvedis
Direct download - button below it "LEJUPIELĀDĒT'

[ToKu]

Is there i possibility to buy tickets on gas stations? If not, where are the ticketpoints?

[Negaiss]

I am not sure. As it looks at the moment it is only possible to buy tickets only online here -

https://www.bilesuparadize.lv/en/custompage/3932?_gl=1%2agsca0g%2a_ga%2aOTU3ODEyNDgxLjE3MjAwMz g3NTQ.%2a_ga_50ZGWQHD34%2aMTcyMDAzODc1My4xLjEuMTcy MDAzODgyNS42MC4wLjA.

After buying digital ticket you will have to exchange it to a real whristband at exchange points. You can find exchange points here - https://www.lvrally.com/en/news/tet-rally-latvia-ticket-exchange-points

[Negaiss]

Sesks.

Sesks is not so common, but existing last name for Latvian people. Sesks is latvian for Ferret. You can find out what ferret is here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret

[Negaiss]

In someone has to know - It is only possible to buy Alcohol after 8:00 AM and it won't be sold to You after 22:00 here. Fuel prices at the moment is EUR 1,70 for 95 gasoline and EUR 1,60 for diesel approximately. If money is an issue, the cheapest grocery store is Maxima. Most simple beer for everyday people with kind of a good price/performace is Cēsu Premium un red 568 ml can. Every can and bottle is worth 10 cents. if you want to grill good quality meat, you will have to find it in local markets. If you are not from EU and neet mobile data, LMT provides the best coverage. A lot of stages are in forest - a lot of mosquitoes and other insects there.

[WRCStan]

Ogier is back at work and confirmed fit for Latvia.

[M3 Jambo]

Ogier at Goodwood FoS. Not driving to give his neck the maximum time to recover. Said if he's in contention for title at the end of the year he'll go for it.

[CeskyOndra]

https://www.yr.no/nb/v%C3%A6rvarsel/daglig-tabell/2-457954/Latvia/Liep%C4%81ja/Liep%C4%81ja/Liep%C4%81ja

Some storms might be coming up on Wednesday in Latvia. If they come, would it dry up until Friday? I mean the temperatures are not that high there.

[sindroms]

https://www.yr.no/nb/v%C3%A6rvarsel/daglig-tabell/2-457954/Latvia/Liep%C4%81ja/Liep%C4%81ja/Liep%C4%81ja

Some storms might be coming up on Wednesday in Latvia. If they come, would it dry up until Friday? I mean the temperatures are not that high there.

In these time of year storms are very local more often. Arrives quick and does not last long. I don't see that current weather forecast could be a problem neither for drivers nor spectators.

[saco0o]

ahhh no Pajari :/
but go Brandon! its going to be cool if he performs well! cheering for him!

[TypeR]

ahhh no Pajari :/
but go Brandon! its going to be cool if he performs well! cheering for him!
Why no Pajari?

[J4MIE]

In someone has to know - It is only possible to buy Alcohol after 8:00 AM and it won't be sold to You after 22:00 here. Fuel prices at the moment is EUR 1,70 for 95 gasoline and EUR 1,60 for diesel approximately. If money is an issue, the cheapest grocery store is Maxima. Most simple beer for everyday people with kind of a good price/performace is Cēsu Premium un red 568 ml can. Every can and bottle is worth 10 cents. if you want to grill good quality meat, you will have to find it in local markets. If you are not from EU and neet mobile data, LMT provides the best coverage. A lot of stages are in forest - a lot of mosquitoes and other insects there.

Very useful info for people travelling, would be handy to have this for other events too :)

[Morte66]

Why not nominate Sesks for manu points?

I think he would become ineligible for "WRC2 Challenger", which might matter to him.

[saco0o]

Why no Pajari?
ogier is doing this round. sam will do finland

[TypeR]

ogier is doing this round. sam will do finland
Duh, old news..
Pajari is still driving in wrc2.

[wwbroe]

Recce of the power stage (SS18-20) delayed due to damage because of the thunderstorm yesterday evening.

[Tauri_J]

20 stages and only 5 of them will be driven twice

[Fast Eddie WRC]

20 stages and only 5 of them will be driven twice

Harder for Neuville then...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-latvia-makes-neuvilles-job-even-harder/

[denkimi]

20 stages and only 5 of them will be driven twice
and with 132km on friday and only 168km on saturday and sunday combined, it seems specifically designed to make the front runners lose points.

Unless it rains, something technical goes wrong or he crashes, i don't see anyone challenging rovanpera here.

[Sulland]

Will be cool to see Sesks in a full hybrid car, same as the rest has. And to hear his backbrief on how much it matters.

The Ford deserves a real talented driver, and hopefully he keeps it on the road!

[Backa]

20 stages and only 5 of them will be driven twice

SS4 +SS7 share some roads, same with SS9+SS11 and SS13+SS15

[CeskyOndra]

and with 132km on friday and only 168km on saturday and sunday combined, it seems specifically designed to make the front runners lose points.

Unless it rains, something technical goes wrong or he crashes, i don't see anyone challenging rovanpera here.

Umm.. Tanak was unbeatable in Poland

[CeskyOndra]

and with 132km on friday and only 168km on saturday and sunday combined, it seems specifically designed to make the front runners lose points.

Unless it rains, something technical goes wrong or he crashes, i don't see anyone challenging rovanpera here.

There was a bit of rain here last night. But I dont know if it will affect the road

[becher]

Umm.. Tanak was unbeatable in Poland

Rovanperä grew up on these roads as far as I know ans he has a road position advantage.

[CeskyOndra]

Rovanperä grew up on these roads as far as I know ans he has a road position advantage.

Yeah okay, he will be quicker then.. I don't have any idea about Ogier's pace tbh.. Also Lappi.. Difficult one for Pickems tho.

[EstWRC]

Tänak has also contested in Latvia in the past and given what speed he showed in Poland he definitely is also one of the favorites.

It all depends how much damage limitation he can do on Friday against Kalle.

[saco0o]

Duh, old news..
Pajari is still driving in wrc2.

yeah but we were talking about Pajari's debut in Rally1, mate

[EstWRC]

Recce interviews by dirtfish

https://youtu.be/mlwZUcb2rLY?si=LlbWqYpqwIBFyrt5

[Andre Oliveira]

That is stupidy. The official M-Sport Ford not represented.

https://scontent.fopo5-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/451549470_1099983381626545_5610034533018226528_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=yNW3dmG1mLIQ7kNvgE18klM&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo5-2.fna&oh=00_AYCjqQe1JP-YqrVyhQTBWqrQDekn8zvjpe0PGck5_ee8tA&oe=669DD360

[Lead]

Recce interviews by dirtfish

https://youtu.be/mlwZUcb2rLY?si=LlbWqYpqwIBFyrt5
Suninen driving for Hyundai and recce doing with Yaris?
:)

EDIT: Lindholm also

[WRCStan]

That is stupidy. The official M-Sport Ford not represented.[/IMG]

Why? It is an official M-Sport Ford entry. ;)

[mousti]

Gryazin done with DG Sport? Entered with another teamname and his prep rally for Latvia was with C3 from PH Sport..

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[becher]

Yeah okay, he will be quicker then.. I don't have any idea about Ogier's pace tbh.. Also Lappi.. Difficult one for Pickems tho.

That's certainly not what I said, I just pointed out why he is seen as the favorite by many.

[denkimi]

Umm.. Tanak was unbeatable in Poland
Weird, what year are you talking about?

in 2024 he didn't finish a single stage on friday. 4th was his best stage result on saturday before retiring. And on sunday, when he was the only one who had nothing to lose, he won 2 stages out of 4 but not the powerstage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That is stupidy. The official M-Sport Ford not represented.

https://scontent.fopo5-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/451549470_1099983381626545_5610034533018226528_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=yNW3dmG1mLIQ7kNvgE18klM&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo5-2.fna&oh=00_AYCjqQe1JP-YqrVyhQTBWqrQDekn8zvjpe0PGck5_ee8tA&oe=669DD360

Probably the sponsor 11.lv on the Puma were crucial to Sesks entry. I'm sure M-Sport were agreed on the photoshoot.

[CeskyOndra]

Weird, what year are you talking about?

in 2024 he didn't finish a single stage on friday. 4th was his best stage result on saturday before retiring. And on sunday, when he was the only one who had nothing to lose, he won 2 stages out of 4 but not the powerstage.

He was 1st on the road on Sunday and still winning it. He definitely has rally-winning pace.

[CeskyOndra]

Weird, what year are you talking about?

in 2024 he didn't finish a single stage on friday. 4th was his best stage result on saturday before retiring. And on sunday, when he was the only one who had nothing to lose, he won 2 stages out of 4 but not the powerstage.

But yeah, "unbeatable" definitely wasn't right word to describe the situation. I would say "pretty fast"

[EstWRC]

Neuville almost off on the shakedown

Seems so slippery. Especially for Evans and Neuville

[Tauri_J]

Jesus I thought Estonia had lots of anticuts.

This is so silly

[EstWRC]

Neuville moment https://x.com/officialwrc/status/1813802071247974856?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Tauri_J]

Times look relatively close, yesterdays rain compressed the loose gravel and grip is better than expected.

[flat_right]

Jesus I thought Estonia had lots of anticuts.

This is so silly

And it seems like they are very easy to "remove". Ott said after the first pass to Martin that "Thrid car and half of the anti-cuts are already missing".

[rallyfiend]

That is stupidy. The official M-Sport Ford not represented.

https://scontent.fopo5-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/451549470_1099983381626545_5610034533018226528_n.j pg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=yNW3dmG1mLIQ7kNvgE18klM&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo5-2.fna&oh=00_AYCjqQe1JP-YqrVyhQTBWqrQDekn8zvjpe0PGck5_ee8tA&oe=669DD360

Geez. People go on and on about wanting more cars and more drivers and more privateers, and then when one gets included in a photoshoot it gets called 'stupid'.......

[AndersX]

And it seems like they are very easy to "remove". Ott said after the first pass to Martin that "Thrid car and half of the anti-cuts are already missing".
Rather strange choice of anticut device, however, i did not like those concrete or iron devices they use in Est and Fin either. Obviously this all was confirmed with FIA.

[CeskyOndra]

Good pace by Hyundais on Shakedown. I didn't expect Neuville to be that fast.

[TypeR]

These anti-cut fence poles seem indeed dangerous + flying off so easily also..
But oh well, FIA has approved them, so hopefully drivers keep away from them.

[Tauri_J]

They are lot safer for cars than those concrete blocks but makes it unfair for drivers when they are destroyed.

I have seen these poles used in south estonian rallies many many years with no problems.

[CeskyOndra]

This is definitely one of the most difficult rally to predict the TOP 3. Always when I wrote the TOP 3, some big names came to my mind and I had to rewrite it. Everybody in the start list except Munster can be on the podium.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any reason for the slow times by Fourmaux on SD ?

[RKTS40]

Any reason for the slow times by Fourmaux on SD ?

Followed virtual chicane maybe?

[EstWRC]

Shakedown

https://youtu.be/hb_ZB5_PNXM?si=WBQCp2YH3tNeELa2

[flat_right]

Followed virtual chicane maybe?

Yes, he was following it. Others didn't as it wasn't mandatory. As I understood then in Rally Finland SD it will be mandatory for all.

[Andre Oliveira]

Geez. People go on and on about wanting more cars and more drivers and more privateers, and then when one gets included in a photoshoot it gets called 'stupid'.......

Problem is not be included, that is right. Problem is retire the official car to that. Do you imagine doing like that with Toyota to show Bertelli?

[J4MIE]

Photoshoots are always done with a variety of competing interests.

[Typ85]

Can't compare Sesks and Bertelli.. one is fast, the other slow! It's simply logic to put the fastest car in the photo..

[Mart]

Can't compare Sesks and Bertelli.. one is fast, the other slow! It's simply logic to put the fastest car in the photo..

I don't think it's (just) about speed but rather that Bertelli chooses rounds he will personally enjoy & pays for out of his own wealth. Sesks on the other hand is very much an advertising platform for Latvia and his local sponsors on his home rally.

Having Sesks on any social media will be win-win for all this weekend as it will generate extraordinary levels of attention.

[CeskyOndra]

Do we have tyre choices somewhere please?

[EstWRC]

The hard is totally wrong choice here.

What were they thinking

[EstWRC]

Lappi, Tänak, Fourmaux and Munster with hard tires

[er88]

Hard tyre a disaster.

[PLuto]

Interesting and quite long first SSS. But it is not good stage for beginning for Sesks, he will loose lot of time on beginning...

[er88]

Lappi basically f*cked his rally before it's even begun

[TypeR]

How could allmost everybody pick only hard tyres..? You have most tarmac parts in shade (at 8 o'clock in the evening) and gravel parts also..

What a shame

[EstWRC]

This can be a rally deciding stage. lol

[CeskyOndra]

Its just 10 seconds. If you are fast, you will get this back. Not ideal, but still playable.

[EstWRC]

I can’t believe Tänak made this choice

What a fail. Valuable seconds already lost to Rovanperä

[er88]

On a super fast rally that could be decided by tenths, you can't just gift Kalle a headstart (on top of his favourable road position)

[bandit12]

I can’t believe Tänak made this choice

What a fail. Valuable seconds already lost to Rovanperä

Could you please calm down?

[dimviii]

1-2-3-4 for toyota
lets see if Neuville can split them

[CeskyOndra]

Im sure there will be lot of accidents on this rally and you are just finishing it after first stage

[EstWRC]

Could you please calm down?

Nope cause I just can’t believe this stupidity

Totally tarmac stage and you take hard tires. Where is the logic?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Interesting But it is not good stage for beginning for Sesks, he will lose lot of time on beginning...

No, he's up there being on soft tyres.

[er88]

Interesting and quite long first SSS. But it is not good stage for beginning for Sesks, he will loose lot of time on beginning...

He has done a very good job, in terms of driving and tyre choice. I am amazed at the drivers who took hards

["Username"]

The road order for tomorrow will be decided today or...?

E: Nevermind

[CeskyOndra]

The road order for tomorrow will be decided today or...?

Road order for Friday is always decided by order in the Championship. Neuville go first.

[PLuto]

The road order for tomorrow will be decided today or...?

It was decided - https://rally-base.com/2024/tet-rally-latvia-2024/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=1598

[er88]

Solberg just smashed Sami

[PLuto]

He has done a very good job, in terms of driving and tyre choice. I am amazed at the drivers who took hards

I must say he surprised me a lot. We will see tomorrow on more suitable roads for him.

[J4MIE]

Nope cause I just can’t believe this stupidity

Totally tarmac stage and you take hard tires. Where is the logic?

Calm down. Sometimes tactics come into tyre choices for the rest of the event. No point using up softs now when they might be more needed for multiple stages later in the event. Tonight is only a single stage and if others are choosing the same, you’d think that they can’t all just randomly get it wrong.

[flat_right]

Calm down. Sometimes tactics come into tyre choices for the rest of the event. No point using up softs now when they might be more needed for multiple stages later in the event. Tonight is only a single stage and if others are choosing the same, you’d think that they can’t all just randomly get it wrong.

I couldn't confirm this info but in our local WRC broadcast one presenter said that as the main compound is soft you can have all 28 tyres soft so you don't need to choose the hard at all.

And about Tänak's choice then yes it was risky but this time it didn't pay out. I think all of them said that they didn't know what would be the better one here. I think the logic was that the soft would overheat and there would be massive gains but the tarmac was already too cold.

[satnav]

I couldn't confirm this info but in our local WRC broadcast one presenter said that as the main compound is soft you can have all 28 tyres soft so you don't need to choose the hard at all.

And about Tänak's choice then yes it was risky but this time it didn't pay out. I think all of them said that they didn't know what would be the better one here. I think the logic was that the soft would overheat and there would be massive gains but the tarmac was already too cold.

The tyre allocation this weekend ;

[saco0o]

2543
awesome to see a packed stands like that! (from a dirtfish video with colin clark and hollie mcrae > https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/videos/3759119241003859/ )

not a good first stage for Brandon, eh

[flat_right]

The tyre allocation this weekend ;

Okay, thanks. Then it is true that they can have all soft tyres and no hards.

[Tauri_J]

I like this short stage for starters. Can see every driver from start to finish

[Rallyper]

Morning guys. Let´s hope for an exciting rally as always.

[EstWRC]

Tänak not confident at all and the time shows

[spyros]

Kalle on another level, what a time!

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville has no chance today

[EstWRC]

The Hyundais seems to struggle on this stage?

Lappi also slow

[Rallyper]

I think this rally goes according to presumptions. No sensations in that case. So far.

[Dontcut]

It doesn't look good for Tänak or Hyundai but let's wait for first proper stage.

[mknight]

I think this rally goes according to presumptions. No sensations in that case. So far.
Lappi should be in front of Katsuta at minimum.

Then again the fast "soft" rallies (Estonia) don't suit him as much as Finland.

[CeskyOndra]

With this cleaning effect I have seen, Lappi is only chance for the win for Hyundai I would say.. He has to speed up

[denkimi]

Lappi should be in front of Katsuta at minimum.

Then again the fast "soft" rallies (Estonia) don't suit him as much as Finland.
and in front of sesks.

[CeskyOndra]

So Neuville lost exactly 1s per km on this stage, so he should loose 27 seconds on the longest one

[flat_right]

Looks like massive cleaning in SS3 also. Neuville's road is full of loose gravel.

[Rallyper]

Kalle losing bunches of time on first split!

EDIT: must be error in timing...
EDIT 2: corrected now.

[flat_right]

Strange time for Kalle?

OK splits are just messing.

[CeskyOndra]

Kalle losing bunches of time on first split!

Just a mistake

[EstWRC]

Great stage from Tänak

[flat_right]

Ott back at it thankfully.

[flat_right]

Sesks coming pretty fast

[EstWRC]

Sesks absolutely crazy in the middle of the stage. 1.8 faster than Kalle

[CeskyOndra]

Bro will take the lead

[flat_right]

About 5 years ago at some WRC event, I was talking with some drunk Latvian and he explained me how good Sesks is and will be. Didn't believe him then. Sorry! :D

[Rallyper]

We are all happy for Sesks, now!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Unbelievable Sesks, what a star !

[archie106]

Lovely committed driving by Sesks, would love to see him take a win/podium this weekend!

[spyros]

ouao Sesks............

[spyros]

this is a masive stage win.

[CeskyOndra]

I'm getting tired by Solberg's stage ends comments. Always complaining when being quickest.

[Sal yet again]

Wasnt so long ago that drivers having their first drives in a top level car would go for a points finish rather than to show pace but obviously Sesks taking the opposite approach and hope it doesnt end up with him in the undergrowth..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Worth saving for the future... the first of many ?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS1jUdpWwAAMz0M?format=jpg&name=900x900

[Rallyper]

I'm getting tired by Solberg's stage ends comments. Always complaining when being quickest.

Maybe annoying for some, but knowing how the feeling should be is only the driver to express. Not you. Not me.
Looking at Olivers lines it´s very precise and no oversliding on the live spots.

[EstWRC]

That wrong tire choice for Tänak yesterday is proving to be already very costly.

[jonkka]

That wrong tire choice for Tänak yesterday is proving to be already very costly.

In what way?

[Tauri_J]

What is going on with Lappi?

[TypeR]

What is going on with Lappi?
in comparison w Mikkelsen, Lappi is very slow atm..

[jonkka]

What is going on with Lappi?

Complains lack of grip and subsequent lack of confidence.

[spyros]

Sesks again.

[EstWRC]

In what way?

Cause out of the 13.7 loss he has at the moment to Kalle 5.9 came from that stage. Almost half.

[jonkka]

Cause out of the 13.7 loss he has at the moment to Kalle 5.9 came from that stage. Almost half.

That loss is meaningless as long as Kalle is going faster than him. Even without that loss, Ott would be behind and that's what counts.

[denkimi]

I sure hope the team managers are already on the phone with the manager of sesks.

[doubled1978]

Wasnt so long ago that drivers having their first drives in a top level car would go for a points finish rather than to show pace but obviously Sesks taking the opposite approach and hope it doesnt end up with him in the undergrowth..

I agree, it was great to see him push in Poland and now again here. If it ends in a tree or ditch, then so be it, he’s done enough for people to know he has something about him.
I hope he gets another opportunity this year in the car, I assume it would either be Finland or Greece if so. They would be a good next step in that he would still have a good road position, but not have a road knowledge advantage.

[flat_right]

I agree, it was great to see him push in Poland and now again here. If it ends in a tree or ditch, then so be it, he’s done enough for people to know he has something about him.
I hope he gets another opportunity this year in the car, I assume it would either be Finland or Greece if so. They would be a good next step in that he would still have a good road position, but not have a road knowledge advantage.

Rally Finland registration ended the day after Poland or somewhere there, so it is sadly late for that. I don't know how it is with super late entries (not replacements as Rovanperä replaced Ogier) but if it is possible, would be really awesome to see him there too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

As ever it's about money to get him more WRC entries, but Sesks has given his backers and sponsors great coverage by winning stages.

[doubled1978]

Rally Finland registration ended the day after Poland or somewhere there, so it is sadly late for that. I don't know how it is with super late entries (not replacements as Rovanperä replaced Ogier) but if it is possible, would be really awesome to see him there too.

I didn’t think of that with regards to Finland, however, I would be surprised if they turned down an entry for another competitive R1 car, even at this late stage.

[ipe]

Is Sesks still driving with no hybrid power? Very impressive times.

[flat_right]

Is Sesks still driving with no hybrid power? Very impressive times.

This time he has hybrid. But very impressive nevertheless.

[EstWRC]

This short stage suits Toyota so well

[Sulland]

Is Sesks still driving with no hybrid power? Very impressive times.

Good to know that the Ford is competitive, if you get the right man behind the steering!
Also seems Foumaux see that it is possible...

[EstWRC]

Tyre choice https://x.com/rallyesport/status/1814264835565137989?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Tauri_J]

Neuville really needs to step on it, otherwise he'll be first on the road tomorrow too

[Tauri_J]

Sesks really pushing it

[denkimi]

Neuville really needs to step on it, otherwise he'll be first on the road tomorrow too
I don't think there's anything he can do here. once again the results are basically just the starting order reversed.

[erikli2]

"Why did your co-driver say" don't" in one corner?"

Jesus christ, these reporters don't know shit sometimes.

[focus206]

If nobody does any mistake or have any trouble, there's not much Neuville can do for tomorrow's starting order, unless they ask Lappi to slow down, since he seems out of the fight anyway. To win titles, you need luck as well.

[EstWRC]

I have to say I’m really surprised by Ogiers pace so far

[denkimi]

I have to say I’m really surprised by Ogiers pace so far
Why? He's exactly where one would expect him based on the starting position, after rovanpera and before tanak.

[EstWRC]

Doesn’t seem a huge difference between hard and soft tire when comparing Tänak and Ogier

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to know that the Ford is competitive, if you get the right man behind the steering!
Also seems Foumaux see that it is possible...

Sesks giving Fourmaux a nice bit of competition at M-SPORT. Just what he needs to keep him pushing on after a good first half of the season.

[240RS]

Find it interesting that Thierry Neuville's second pass through Tukums stage is 0.2sec slower than Martins Sesks on his first run through.

The Latvian lad maybe needs a bit more praise.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Find it interesting that Thierry Neuville's second pass through Tukums stage is 0.2sec slower than Martins Sesks on his first run through.

The Latvian lad maybe needs a bit more praise.

The road was more messy for Neuville after all the smaller cars and no clear line.

[Rallyper]

Should be clear Lappi have had some kind of orders for this afternoon. We will probably see him start ahead of Neuville morrow...

[denkimi]

Should be clear Lappi have had some kind of orders for this afternoon. We will probably see him start ahead of Neuville morrow...
if only they had the cleverness to start more cars, they could have had 2 or 3 cars in front of him. Toyota has 4 cars at least.

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville is pushing so so hard guys and still he cant do anything I think..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

if only they had the cleverness to start more cars, they could have had 2 or 3 cars in front of him. Toyota has 4 cars at least.

Pay for extra cars and drivers just to be Neuville road-sweepers ? I dont think so.

[EstWRC]

Seems Tänak made a wrong tire choice second day in a row

[jonkka]

Seems Tänak made a wrong tire choice second day in a row

Seems you're unhappy not matter what he does - despite the fact that he's best placed out of the three championship hopefuls and can do wonders tomorrow when running order is reversed.

[EstWRC]

Seems you're unhappy not matter what he does - despite the fact that he's best placed out of the three championship hopefuls and can do wonders tomorrow when running order is reversed.

You can compare him straightaway with Ogier who is starting right behind him and has 3 softs compared to his 3 hards and look at the loss here.

[jonkka]

You can compare him straightaway with Ogier who is starting right behind him and has 3 softs compared to his 3 hards and look at the loss here.

Tanak also lost brakes on this stage, don't forget that with your comparisons.

[EstWRC]

What a stage end by Kalle. Amazing

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I like Fourmaux's ambition but I think he has too much to do to pass the two ahead of him.

[jonkka]

I like Fourmaux's ambition but I think he has too much to do to pass the two ahead of him.

Don't say, he was three seconds faster than Katsuta on this one and only 1.6s remains. Difference of 4.5s to Tanak is likely too much for today but tomorrow is a new day.

[TypeR]

Lappi totally lost guy..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good run by Munster !

[Sulland]

We are following a world championship.

It is pretty obvious to me that drivers have way to little in car seat time. They dont get their settings correct, issues with cars are not found before the rally, and so on.

In seat practice for drivers competing at this level, need to be increased a lot. Both from a safety perspective, but also from a fair competition perspective.

[EstWRC]

Lappi totally lost guy..

That but it also seems to me that Hyundai in general is struggling here compared to Poland or just that Toyota has done a better job preparing for this rally

[CeskyOndra]

Thats interesting that we havent seen any bigger mistakes from Rally1 guys so far. Will they come? Unlucky Neuville, no one making mistakes on Friday.

[CeskyOndra]

Seems you're unhappy not matter what he does - despite the fact that he's best placed out of the three championship hopefuls and can do wonders tomorrow when running order is reversed.

He is the best placed from our TOP 3, but I think that it really depends on road position. Podium is quite far from him and fourth place isn't enough for championship. But rally is still long, many things will happen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That but it also seems to me that Hyundai in general is struggling here compared to Poland or just that Toyota has done a better job preparing for this rally


We are following a world championship.

It is pretty obvious to me that drivers have way to little in car seat time. They dont get their settings correct, issues with cars are not found before the rally, and so on.

In seat practice for drivers competing at this level, need to be increased a lot. Both from a safety perspective, but also from a fair competition perspective.

Tanaks huge early crash early at Rally Estonia and then no rally for Neuville didnt help them prepare.

And Lappi can test as much as required on roads near the Hyundai base, plus he had a National rally last week too. There's no excuses for being so 'lost' here.

[rp]

And Lappi can test as much as required on roads near the Hyundai base, plus he had a National rally last week too. There's no excuses for being so 'lost' here.

Lappi had no test in Finland at all. There has been only two days (Tänak & Mikkelsen) testing during the whole summer. Why not testing there is a big question?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville going for it desperately trying pass Munster for tomorrow's road sweeping ?

E. Yes says so.

[focus206]

Let's see if Hyundai will drop Lappi behind Neuville or if they'll shoot themselves in the foot again...

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux past Tänak

Katsuta can do the same

This hurts

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great stuff from Fourmaux.

[er88]

Brilliant from Fourmaux

[EstWRC]

So Tänak loses 2 places with one stage.

Starts 5th instead of 7th instead tomorrow

[er88]

Taka gonna get Tanak as well, mini disaster for Ott

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle killed it.

[TypeR]

Lappi got some team orders..?

[JAM]

Taka gonna get Tanak as well, mini disaster for Ott

Still a smaller disaster than Neuville.

Fourmaux certainly look at Sesks and say "How can he do that?!?!" And decided to try too and made a great stage :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is like a power stage, all are giving it everything to get the best position for tomorrow

[CeskyOndra]

Lappi team orders probably? Would be smart from Hyundai.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi wont admit it...

[TypeR]

and tomorrow we will hear bad mood Lappi all day :D

[Managarium]

Did M-Sport nominated Sesks for manufacturer points?

[EstWRC]

None of the Hyundais in TOP5 after the first day and also zero stage wins for them.

[jonkka]

Did M-Sport nominated Sesks for manufacturer points?

No.

[Rallyper]

Should be clear Lappi have had some kind of orders for this afternoon. We will probably see him start ahead of Neuville morrow...

I´d say it´s confirmed the way Lappi stated after SS8

[CeskyOndra]

None of the Hyundais in TOP5 after the first day and also zero stage wins for them.

Sad. Lappi no speed and Tanak+Neuville start position with no chance.

[focus206]

Huge cleaning effect as expected. Top 3 in the championship are 9th, 7th and 6th.
Not counting problems or mistakes, Neuville should be able to take Munster tomorrow, but that's it. He has to hope for others' mistakes.
Tanak should get Fourmaux and Katsuta on speed. Evans could try doing the same, don't know if Fourmaux will be fast enough to keep him behind with only 2 spots better in road position.

[CeskyOndra]

Huge cleaning effect as expected. Top 3 in the championship are 9th, 7th and 6th.
Not counting problems or mistakes, Neuville should be able to take Munster tomorrow, but that's it. He has to hope for others' mistakes.
Tanak should get Fourmaux and Katsuta on speed. Evans could try doing the same, don't know if Fourmaux will be fast enough to keep him behind with only 2 spots better in road position.

I think that both Fourmaux and Katsuta can challenge Tanak and Evans on speed based on road position. Question is If Katsuta will bin it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I´d say it´s confirmed the way Lappi stated after SS8

It makes perfect sense. It's not as if he was challenging for a good result anyway.

[Rallyper]

Huge cleaning effect as expected. Top 3 in the championship are 9th, 7th and 6th.
Not counting problems or mistakes, Neuville should be able to take Munster tomorrow, but that's it. He has to hope for others' mistakes.
Tanak should get Fourmaux and Katsuta on speed. Evans could try doing the same, don't know if Fourmaux will be fast enough to keep him behind with only 2 spots better in road position.

But then comes Super Sunday. And turns points up and down. We´ll wait until Sunday afternoon and the scorings...

[becher]

How do you lot like these roads? I've only seen one stage today, can't say I was impressed.

[TypeR]

was looking about tomorrow's stages.. and afternoon loop is a funny :D only 32km

[Rallyper]

Seems quite boring, but as for the drivers they are probably nice…
I’d say Rally Finland stages are much more demanding.

[Morte66]

How do you lot like these roads? I've only seen one stage today, can't say I was impressed.

Admittedly I am more of a tarmac fan, but I didn't think it was so great for a gravel rally.

[Tauri_J]

Pretty boring with so many chicanes and anticuts. Dont understand why they have to use them so much. Average speed is only 115kmh with fastest stage at 125kmh.

[EstWRC]

Let’s see if the Hyundais can find something now after a day full of data. They were clearly struggling today IMO.

Wanna see the Tänak we have see on fast rallies.

[WRCStan]

Pretty boring with so many chicanes and anticuts. Dont understand why they have to use them so much. Average speed is only 115kmh with fastest stage at 125kmh.

Might be a Latvian rule that 120 is the maximum average.

[AndersX]

So, no discussions after all the "talks" by drivers yesterday? Neuville talk about part-time drivers and advantages made some sparks, Tones are up compare to regular complaints. also, in the Dirtfish mid-day cut Fourmaux says that Sesks is not sharing info as much as he does...interesting and unusual comment. We are getting some "live" action.

[trykmann]

So, no discussions after all the "talks" by drivers yesterday? Neuville talk about part-time drivers and advantages made some sparks, Tones are up compare to regular complaints. also, in the Dirtfish mid-day cut Fourmaux says that Sesks is not sharing info as much as he does...interesting and unusual comment. We are getting some "live" action.

Typical Neuville. If the rules are against him, then he is always quite vocal about if. In Poland it was the same until Sunday, when Tänak was able to show better times with the same starting position.

[EstWRC]

So, no discussions after all the "talks" by drivers yesterday? Neuville talk about part-time drivers and advantages made some sparks, Tones are up compare to regular complaints. also, in the Dirtfish mid-day cut Fourmaux says that Sesks is not sharing info as much as he does...interesting and unusual comment. We are getting some "live" action.

If someone doesn’t know what you’re talking about

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/toyota-drivers-unimpressed-with-neuvilles-road-order-ire/

[Tauri_J]

Weird that we havent seen someone off or even with a proper mistake

[Rallyper]

I´d say it´s confirmed the way Lappi stated after SS8

Told ya.

[EstWRC]

Still amazed by Ogier so far. We know he wasn’t the best on fast rallies and he hasn’t done one for ages but very good stage times so far.

[Rallyper]

Maybe ot:

The hybrit seems not to have contributed anything for the sport.
Can you put it this way: the hybrit unit addition was a total failure for the WRC?

[jonkka]

Can you put it this way: the hybrit unit addition was a total failure for the WRC?

Of course you can but is it true? And how does one define "failure"? If it kept one manufacturer in, as I've heard, it hardly is a failure.

[Rallyper]

Of course you can but is it true? And how does one define "failure"? If it kept one manufacturer in, as I've heard, it hardly is a failure.

But still you need to have two thoughts in mind at the same time. I was talking about technical contribution. Sesks speed shows there´s no need for hybrit.

Or what more gizmos needs to be invented to keep manufacturers to the WRC?

[spyros]

Kalle very fast at 1st stage of the day.

[jonkka]

But still you need to have two thoughts in mind at the same time. I was talking about technical contribution. Sesks speed shows there´s no need for hybrit.

That's somewhat pointless discussion if it's true that hybrid was added not for technological but sporting and image reasons.

[mknight]

That's somewhat pointless discussion if it's true that hybrid was added not for technological but sporting and image reasons.

Why are people still wondering about that? It was even stated directly when they started using them.

Hybrid was not added to make the car faster and more precisely the hybrid rules were made specifically to make the car behavior as similar as a non-hybrid rally car.

But that should not confused with a hybrid solution not being able to make the car faster. Even with the current one they could just remove the artificial "energy use" limits per stage or the regen/boost criteria.

[Dontcut]

In these fast rallies the hybrid's effect is lower but in other rallies we can see all over again that non working hybrid costs 5-7 seconds per stage.

[Tauri_J]

In these fast rallies the hybrid's effect is lower but in other rallies we can see all over again that non working hybrid costs 5-7 seconds per stage.

Exactly. Especially on slow tarmac and even on slow gravel

[Rallyper]

Whatever. I just throwed in a torch to get people going on this forum... :) ;)

[TypeR]

Saturday points locked after SS15? as last stage is super special(SSS16)..?

[jonkka]

Saturday points locked after SS15? as last stage is super special(SSS16)..?

Running order for next Day is locked before SSS but saturday points are based on classification after final stage, including penalties accrued.

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux, the loss is coming because today the starting position is more equal now

[Morte66]

Pajari is gaining on second place in WRC2, and I'm hoping he'll bag that today, but it's a long way to Solberg after that.

Maybe Evans could gain a place if Fourmaux stays off the boil.

Sesks vs Ogier looks interesting(!).

Tanak doing pretty OK for the circumstances.

Difficult rally for Neuville. But I think of all the times he benefitted from Ogier opening the road over the years, and I shrug.

Rovanpera is the boss.

[Rallyper]

No torch here, but using same stages or parts of them over and over again ( more than two times), isn´t that making it even more boring...?

Good for spectators live, but...

[jonkka]

No torch here, but using same stages or parts of them over and over again ( more than two times), isn´t that making it even more boring...?

Good for spectators live, but...

Repeated stages makes it significantly easier for the organisers, they need to find and close less roads and need fewer marshals (latter is important in rallies where marshals are volunteers and in short supply, like in Finland). Also competitors need less recce but suffer from broken up roads on re-runs.

[EstWRC]

Tänak saying after the stage end that brakes again starting to go and says “how can it be so bad/weak”

[1988senna]

why sesks not as fast as yesterday what happened, because of the Ford?

[jonkka]

why sesks not as fast as yesterday what happened, because of the Ford?

He no longer has road position advantage he used to have, with more even situation the more experienced drivers with better cars are faster.

[trykmann]

Tänak saying after the stage end that brakes again starting to go and says “how can it be so bad/weak”

He yesterday told to Estonian media the brake pads are weak. He yesterday was able to change them on only one side.

[TypeR]

Ogier lucky once again :D

[Tauri_J]

Finally someone made a mistake

[Rallyper]

Repeated stages makes it significantly easier for the organisers, they need to find and close less roads and need fewer marshals (latter is important in rallies where marshals are volunteers and in short supply, like in Finland). Also competitors need less recce but suffer from broken up roads on re-runs.

For sure. I understand why, but doesn´t it make the event much more boring?

[CeskyOndra]

Will Tanak catch 2nd place?

[jonkka]

For sure. I understand why, but doesn´t it make the event much more boring?

Potentially yes, depends on nature of the roads.

I also forgot to mention that the driver who's gotta sweep the road clean will appreciate the repeated stages too.

[trykmann]

Will Tanak catch 2nd place?

I hope so, but 3rd place seems to be more realistic.

[EstWRC]

I hope so, but 3rd place seems to be more realistic.

Not so sure about that either. Not so many kms left

[becher]

Anybody noticed that eWRC stopped showing the stage end comments?

[Mirek]

This stage is really nice.

Taka without powersteering.

[erikli2]

Aaaand there's the mistake from Taka.

[EstWRC]

Amazing stage this ss12

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great time by Sesks, keeping the pressure on Ogier.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anybody noticed that eWRC stopped showing the stage end comments?

Yes, I miss them. If you dont watch a stage the comments tell the story.

[EstWRC]

9.6 second to catch for Tänak to get Sesks.

Will be very difficult with just 32kms left.

Damn that wrong tire choice on Thursday. I said it will pay in the end

[Fast Eddie WRC]

9.6 second to catch for Tänak to get Sesks.

Will be very difficult with just 32kms left.

Damn that wrong tire choice on Thursday. I said it will pay in the end

He lost that time in just 11km...

[becher]

Yes, I miss them. If you dont watch a stage the comments tell the story.

This! The forum with the eWRC stage end comments and little info about punctures/crashes is perfect to follow.

[mknight]

Today is the first day that Suninen did some decent stage times this year.