[WRC] EKO Acropolis Rally Greece 2024

[CeskyOndra]

Well this is it for me this year

if neuville's car breaks down, ogier is going to be equal in championship..

[dimviii]

Now Tanak with no spares for the rest of the day.

[denkimi]

Tanak pushing too much or just very unlucky?

[dimviii]

Virves with problems.
Not a good stage for Estonians

[EstWRC]

Virves with problems.
Not a good stage for Estonians

He was in Tänaks dust in the beginning

[EstWRC]

Tanak pushing too much or just very unlucky?

Pushing, was fastest in first split and I don’t get it at all why??? Like why?

[Rallyper]

It´s 3 minutes lost. o/a there´s still points to fight about.
However Tanak has the odds against him with no spares.
He needs to focus on Sunday now...

[cosmin_sb]

everything can happens, today is a long day without service only to change tyres at the middle of the day

[EstWRC]

Now Tanak with no spares for the rest of the day.

There’s a tire change at mid day?

[dimviii]

There’s a tire change at mid day?

yes there is.

[jonkka]

There’s a tire change at mid day?

Of course, no tyres can last whole day.

[EstWRC]

Praying now that anything doesn’t happen to Jütgenson

[Dontcut]

Hope that Tänak gets to tyre fitting zone with no spares. After that anything can happen.

Edit. Who wants to bet that R2 car gets into overall podium.

[Rallyper]

He needs to increase the tyrepressure for the two stages to come...

[EstWRC]

Looking at the loss of Virves and Pajari then they have to definitely get some time back

[mknight]

Feels totally like Turkey 2018 at the moment.

[CeskyOndra]

Feels totally like Turkey 2018 at the moment.

Please no, that would mean Neuville's retirement

[mknight]

Please no, that would mean Neuville's retirement
Obviously the names are turned around a bit.

Basically Toyota and Hyundai situations are swapped.

[Kras]

Punctures are the most boring thing in rallying. Just bring back runflats

[denkimi]

This is a pretty ridiculous itinerary. 2,5 hours between stages? They might as well go back to service after each stage.

[meh]

But we need to mark this somewhere - so far, the pressure is on this - so far - Tänak is the only Rally1 driver without technical dramas.

And it all was changed with the first few stage kilometers after that statement. (Although one can question, is the puncture technical drama, but let's generalize it to just "drama")

Tänak's season is kind of "ahah / wtf / cmon.. what's next?"

[CeskyOndra]

And it all was changed with the first few stage kilometers after that statement. (Although one can question, is the puncture technical drama, but let's generalize it to just "drama")

Tänak's season is kind of "ahah / wtf / cmon.. what's next?"

Winning in Chile after tough fight with Kalle.

[EstWRC]

And it all was changed with the first few stage kilometers after that statement. (Although one can question, is the puncture technical drama, but let's generalize it to just "drama")

Tänak's season is kind of "ahah / wtf / cmon.. what's next?"

It has been the story of every season since 2020. But this is what happens when you decide to leave the best team and car which suits you like a glove and chase for money

[trykmann]

It has been the story of every season since 2020. But this is what happens when you decide to leave the best team and car which suits you like a glove and chase for money

Can we please stop the constant moaning about Tänak leaving Toyota.

The decision was made in that current situation with the information available at that time. Tänak did not like the co-operation with Mäkinen and he didn't want to be teammates again with Ogier. I believe most of us have left our job because of a bad boss. Hyundai was improving rapidly in 2019 and Adamo was a charismatic leader. Tänak himself has pointed out the good relationship he had with Adamo. Unfortunately Covid hit Hyundai and M-Sport harder than Toyota and it was difficult to develop the car into the right direction. In 2021 Tänak was already a lot faster with it, but the reliability wasn't there anymore. We don't know what would have happened without the global pandemic.


Also you have to think about the future after you have finished your career, unfortunately money is important and a lot of decision are made because of that. After finishing rallying in top level, you are still ~40 years old and have 30+ years to live.

[EstWRC]

You don’t have to tell the story to me.

I know plenty about it and what were the reasons.

[denkimi]

Tanank isn't doing that bad this year. Without the deer he would be second in the standings. I doubt he would have done much better in a toyota.

[mknight]

Can we please stop the constant moaning about Tänak leaving Toyota.

The decision was made in that current situation with the information available at that time. Tänak did not like the co-operation with Mäkinen and he didn't want to be teammates again with Ogier.

Ogier was not going to Toyota until after Tanak left. Huge difference.

[Eli]

Was that smoke in Virves’ car?

[CeskyOndra]

Was that smoke in Virves’ car?

Wasn't it just a dust? Ofc commentators didn't notice..

[Eli]

Wasn't it just a dust? Ofc commentators didn't notice..

There was dust but for a moment it seemed as if smoke started to appear between the driver and co-driver, seeing it now again, seems you are right, mere dust.

[trykmann]

Ogier was not going to Toyota until after Tanak left. Huge difference.


Tänak wanted to sign the contract in summer 2019 with Toyota, but Mäkinen left him waiting and started discussions with Ogier, who was dissatisfied with Citroen.

[Rallyper]

Virves and Pajari seems to be quite same personalities. Calm and gently.

[trykmann]

Virves is doing really well considering the lack of seat time. Other top drivers in Rally2 have been driving a lot more.

[mknight]

Tänak wanted to sign the contract in summer 2019 with Toyota, but Mäkinen left him waiting and started discussions with Ogier, who was dissatisfied with Citroen.

Jouhki said it was Tanak(Martin) who didn't want to sign for a long time and in the end it was Tanak who "left" so in this case it sounds believable.

Even if it went as you describe Citroen seemed to have clear plans with Ogier for next year, developing whole new aero package for a lot of money and then suddenly withdrawing when Ogier left. This seems to confirm that Citroen thought Ogier was staying (in his signed contract) until Tanak confirmed leaving.

Basically you are the first one that I ever heard from that Ogier was supposed to have signed for Toyota before Tanak left.

[linni]

Jouhki said it was Tanak(Martin) who didn't want to sign for a long time and in the end it was Tanak who "left" so in this case it sounds believable.

Everyone knows about Jouhki`s "love" against Märtin, so I consider related statements from Jouhki total BS. Not the first time.

[jonkka]

All that is perfectly normal negotiation tactics - everyone talks to everyone and all parties try to maximize their own deal, leading to someone being left unsatisfied. Who tells the truth or who even knows all the truth is pretty much unknown. Let it rest, fact remains that Tanak didn't resign for Toyota and rest is history.

[bandit12]

All that is perfectly normal negotiation tactics - everyone talks to everyone and all parties try to maximize their own deal, leading to someone being left unsatisfied. Who tells the truth or who even knows all the truth is pretty much unknown. Let it rest, fact remains that Tanak didn't resign for Toyota and rest is history.

Amen to that.

[jonkka]

Sordo in trouble or just switching places with Neuville? Next split will tell...

[jonkka]

If it's problems, it's very small. Not losing much.

[macebig]

Sordo in much trouble...

[stavrosGDB]

Lol Sordo surprised!

[denkimi]

So Neuville now leading from opening the road.

[becher]

Who was co-commenting on SS9? The voice seems familiar.

[stavrosGDB]

Who was co-commenting on SS9? The voice seems familiar.
I think Brynildsen.

[CeskyOndra]

Damage on Sordo's car looks like it is just cosmetics. No suspension damage I think

[denkimi]

Damage on Sordo's car looks like it is just cosmetics. No suspension damage I think
But there's a hole in the car, so dust will come in. And no service to fix it.
He better has enough ducttape.

[CeskyOndra]

But there's a hole in the car, so dust will come in. And no service to fix it.
He better has enough ducttape.

With just like 40kms to go he should be able to maintain 50 seconds gap

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Damage on Sordo's car looks like it is just cosmetics. No suspension damage I think

https://www.ewrc-results.com/quickp/85535_458689593_937965471700026_115789046991431482 9_n.jpg

[CeskyOndra]

Why is Ogier so arogant still? :D Is it really mind games or is he just frustrated now?

[focus206]

As I predicted, no way those 3 Hyundai would get through today without drama. Was Tanak pushing too much? Or unlucky with stones?
Golden chance for Neuville. He has to hope Sordo is able to keep Ogier behind, but most importantly he has to bring it home this afternoon and tomorrow... it's a long, rocky way to go still.

[becher]

Why is Ogier so arogant still? :D Is it really mind games or is he just frustrated now?
At the stage end when he had the turbo issue, one could see and hear the pain in his eyes and voice. After all these years he still can't deal with misfortune and vents his anger against something or someone.

But what do you expect from someone who spits in the face of his employer without hesitation.

[jonkka]

Where has everyone gone?

[EstWRC]

Away. The rally was killed this morning. Actually yesterday when Ogier got the turbo issues

[focus206]

According to the comments of the drivers from the first pass, next stage should be the roughest and with the most stones. Nothing left to fight on speed alone, but next stage can change everything.

[CeskyOndra]

Away. The rally was killed this morning. Actually yesterday when Ogier got the turbo issues

I'm nervous every single minute of it, I wouldn't say it was killed, it is just typical rough gravel rally

[saco0o]

https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/videos/1221962702591852/
Dani' car's side destroyed and leaking.

[CeskyOndra]

Evans rolled in hairpin, back on the wheels waiting for Ogier to pass probably

[Eli]

Game over over for Evans this year. Shame.

[saco0o]

this rally is looking like one of those nascar crashes at daytona, man haha

[stavrosGDB]

Evans same roll as Rossel in Acropolis 2022.

[macebig]

Dunno who told Evans that stopping on the road on a live stage was a good idea... Incredibly short sighted from someone who has spent his whole life around rallying...

[saco0o]

can seb catch dani today? 20 secs on this last stage

[CeskyOndra]

can seb catch dani today? 20 secs on this last stage

no, just street stage

[becher]

can seb catch dani today? 20 secs on this last stage

It's just the SSS left so shouldn't happen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak got some luck on Elfyn's corner.

[becher]

Tanäk almost rolled at the same place as Evans?

[AE1WRC]

Tanäk almost rolled at the same place as Evans?

Yes I believe so

[trykmann]

Yes I believe so

Ott's facial expression was priceless :D

[TypeR]

Amazing live.. some stages 0 wrc2 cars and now impressive TWO cars on allLive

[AE1WRC]

Ott's facial expression was priceless :D

Hahaha exactly that's some save. Martin was also laughing at stage end.

[NoBudgetWRT]

Amazing live.. some stages 0 wrc2 cars and now impressive TWO cars on allLive

Live continues

[AE1WRC]

We need to give Dani his credits btw. He came here to do a job and he's exactly doing it by taking some points from Seb. However rally is far from over and they need to stop Ogier grabbing full points from Sunday and Power Stage. Toyota would probably tell Elfyn and Taka to push for Sunday points to mix things up but their chance may be compromised due to their unfavorable road position.

[Eli]

I’d be pretty glad to see Dani on the podium again, but 28-29(?) seconds going into the final day isn’t a lot in a rally such as this. Also, something tells me we’ll be seeing him in the Canary Islands next year…pure speculation of course.

[AE1WRC]

I’d be pretty glad to see Dani on the podium again, but 28-29(?) seconds going into the final day isn’t a lot in a rally such as this. Also, something tells me we’ll be seeing him in the Canary Islands next year…pure speculation of course.

If he does not retire at the end of this season, I think so as well we will see him in the same rallies that he usually enters (Sardegna, Portugal, Greece) and Canary Islands as well.

BTW even if he loses 2nd place to Ogier tomorrow he would still be in the podium so that would still be a solid result for him.

[Dontcut]

I will eat my hair if Ogier goes for Sordo tomorrow. Firstly, with these sort of conditions, it is max risk to push. Secondly, Toyota can't let in possible disaster if Ogi bins it, they just can't.

[focus206]

I will eat my hair if Ogier goes for Sordo tomorrow. Firstly, with these sort of conditions, it is max risk to push. Secondly, Toyota can't let in possible disaster if Ogi bins it, they just can't.

Ogier won't go for Sordo directly, there's no bonus in points if Ogier passes him. But Ogier will for sure push hard to get Sunday points and PS points over Neuville.

[saco0o]

seb will catch dani tomorrow, thats fun for the title fight,
BUT hes only getting the P3 points for this crappy point system. (fri-sat).
stupid point systems, jeezz

[CeskyOndra]

seb will catch dani tomorrow, thats fun for the title fight,
BUT hes only getting the P3 points for this crappy point system. (fri-sat).
stupid point systems, jeezz

Thanks to this points system he only looses 5 points to Neuville instead of 10 and he still has a chance to outscore him tomorrow... :)

[TypeR]

BREAKING NEWS!

1-minute penalty for Munster!

Instead of being 44 minutes off the lead it will now be 45 minutes for tomorrow..


(Munster's co-driver didn't have his belts properly tightened after wheel change and while starting again.)

[mousti]

Some banter from my countrymen on the Liasion :D

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jEvdgbtwFo1xRNF4/


Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[saco0o]

17 minutes of evans fixing the rolled car after the stage. super interesting imo when he opens part of the engine to fix haha improvising
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/videos/1725493784891778/

[becher]

Some banter from my countrymen on the Liasion :D

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/jEvdgbtwFo1xRNF4/


Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

Haha, that's a neat idea.

[saco0o]

just saw seb saying "he likes ott" yesterday when he heard ott had a wheel problem or something. but he said that kinda implying he doesnt like thierry....? haha whats going on with seb in this rally? lol
https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/videos/1035953014335183

[CeskyOndra]

17 minutes of evans fixing the rolled car after the stage. super interesting imo when he opens part of the engine to fix haha improvising
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/videos/1725493784891778/

His road position for tomorrow won't change, Am I right? Still infront of Ogier, basically improvement from today because of Munster's retirement.. Thats quite hillarious despite the fact of his retirement :D

[stavrosGDB]

Maybe drive to survive Wrc edition is coming?!

[saco0o]

Maybe drive to survive Wrc edition is coming?!

hmmm maybe they are "acting" like that for this new wrc series "more than machine"?? haha that'd be weird.
"The 8 time champion decide to return and face his old rival" haha

["Username"]

just saw seb saying "he likes ott" yesterday when he heard ott had a wheel problem or something. but he said that kinda implying he doesnt like thierry....? haha whats going on with seb in this rally? lol
https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/videos/1035953014335183

You're a little bit overthinking.

[NoBudgetWRT]

wtf! 2 cars on track

[TypeR]

what is this.. :D Katsuta doing stage and Fourmaux warming up on same place just after him.. :D

[manthey]

17 minutes of evans fixing the rolled car after the stage. super interesting imo when he opens part of the engine to fix haha improvising
https://www.facebook.com/DirtFishRally/videos/1725493784891778/

at which time?thanks

[Eli]

what is this.. :D Katsuta doing stage and Fourmaux warming up on same place just after him.. :D

This whole “stage” is something else and I think the commentators earlier said that they have 330(?) kms of road section after this…

[CeskyOndra]

This whole “stage” is something else and I think the commentators earlier said that they have 330(?) kms of road section after this…

It is 170kms, but still it is a lot. Atleast they already did meet the crews before the stage, all the media things and there isn't evening service, so it shouldn't be that as bad for them as it looks.

[Eli]

It is 170kms, but still it is a lot. Atleast they already did meet the crews before the stage, all the media things and there isn't evening service, so it shouldn't be that as bad for them as it looks.

Still harsh considering they didn’t have a mid-day service and it’s nearing 22:00 o’clock.

[becher]

just saw seb saying "he likes ott" yesterday when he heard ott had a wheel problem or something. but he said that kinda implying he doesnt like thierry....? haha whats going on with seb in this rally? lol
https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/videos/1035953014335183

That's basically how I understood it as well. The explicit way in which he said it was a message that he doesn't like a few others.

[CeskyOndra]

Still harsh considering they didn’t have a mid-day service and it’s nearing 22:00 o’clock.

Yeah its difficult, but I understand the point of organisators that they didn't want to withdraw stages around Loutraki - they are just too far from Lamia and it can't be done much differently I guess

[focus206]

3 x 18 Km stages tomorrow, still a long way to go with this type of road. For sure Ogier and Tanak will push to outscore Neuville. Evans will push too, nothing to lose. Katsuta and Fourmaux as well, but their road position doesn't help.
Question is what will Neuville do: push to not get outscored or play it safe? Being last on the road, the sweeping will be over but the stones will be out, it's risky to push. But finishing 1st on Saturday and getting outscored overall by the drivers who finished 3rd and 4th is a waste for the championship. He has to find a balance.
Any info on the roughness of tomorrow's stages?

[CeskyOndra]

3 x 18 Km stages tomorrow, still a long way to go with this type of road. For sure Ogier and Tanak will push to outscore Neuville. Evans will push too, nothing to lose. Katsuta and Fourmaux as well, but their road position doesn't help.
Question is what will Neuville do: push to not get outscored or play it safe? Being last on the road, the sweeping will be over but the stones will be out, it's risky to push. But finishing 1st on Saturday and getting outscored overall by the drivers who finished 3rd and 4th is a waste for the championship. He has to find a balance.
Any info on the roughness of tomorrow's stages?

It's rough in places, some narrow sections especially in the first stage, but PS is probably the fastest stage of the rally. Thierry was fastest on the splits when there was no roughness in the sector, so if he will do a decent push with looking after the car in the worst sections, he can bring some good points too tho. Even though he gets same amount of points as Ogier and Tanak, it will be very good weekend for his championship. Let's see, still a long way to go.

[becher]

3 x 18 Km stages tomorrow, still a long way to go with this type of road. For sure Ogier and Tanak will push to outscore Neuville. Evans will push too, nothing to lose. Katsuta and Fourmaux as well, but their road position doesn't help.
Question is what will Neuville do: push to not get outscored or play it safe? Being last on the road, the sweeping will be over but the stones will be out, it's risky to push. But finishing 1st on Saturday and getting outscored overall by the drivers who finished 3rd and 4th is a waste for the championship. He has to find a balance.
Any info on the roughness of tomorrow's stages?

I think he will take it relatively easy and finish the sunday classification behind Tanäk, Ogier and Evans and then go for a push on the Powerstage.

[denkimi]

I doubt Neuville will push, but he will still end 3th tomorrow due to either evans, ogier or Tanak having problems.

[CeskyOndra]

https://www.instagram.com/stories/danisordorallye/3452058774201212436?igsh=MXdqMnBtY2Npb3BqZA==

Dani Sordo added on his Instagram stories a video from road section to Lamia - a huge storm! Will that affect tomorrow's stages?

[CeskyOndra]

https://www.instagram.com/stories/danisordorallye/3452062838305832939?igsh=a3M1NjIzNWg1MHA0

Thats very close to stages

[CeskyOndra]

I checked the radar and it is actually very much in Power Stage location. Not sure if it affects SS13, but Power Stage might be wet

["Username"]

What happened to Gill Taylor on stage 11? I missed it.

[WRCStan]

What happened to Gill Taylor on stage 11? I missed it.

She went back to teaching geography to year 8.

[hari]

Some images from Saturday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_acropolis_rallye_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis4/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis4/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis4/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis4/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis4/9.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis4/7.jpg

[focus206]

I think he will take it relatively easy and finish the sunday classification behind Tanäk, Ogier and Evans and then go for a push on the Powerstage.

Probably. I still think he should be leaning on the "take it easy" side. A similar score to Ogier and Tanak over the weekend is okay, a 0 would mean being already caught by your rivals. We'll see...

[CeskyOndra]

https://www.instagram.com/stories/adrienfourmaux/3452108862431712923?igsh=MW5weGViM2wzM3JoZw==

A bit of rain in service park

[saco0o]

loeb just won a rally in france in a gt+ against the R5s. i dont know what a gt+ is tbh, it doesnt seems to be the same thing as erc's rgt class. are these gt+ faster than R5s or is just Loeb being way too good?

[stavrosGDB]

No way that Alpine is faster than R5 car class,i think is just Goat Loeb thing.

[mknight]

330hp 1080kg, anti-lag, LSD, big aero

Sure Loeb is great but another Alpine was just 22s behind and already won a rally vs Rally2 earlier.

[dimviii]

+ paddle shift for the Alpine

This rally was with very smooth asphalt

[NoBudgetWRT]

Amazing live coverage

[CeskyOndra]

They showed 6 hards for Neuville but Becs is saying 6 softs.. I dont know

[CeskyOndra]

Looks like the slowest stage of the rally, so twisty and narrow

[COD]

So they didn’t bother to send Munster out there today? Not even to clean the stage for Fourmaux?

[CeskyOndra]

So they didn’t bother to send Munster out there today? Not even to clean the stage for Fourmaux?

They said he had roll cage damage

[EstWRC]

Tänak with some engine troubles. Can’t get the max points also today then

The rally just goes worse and worse with every day for him

[Rallyper]

I think there´s a mindgame going on here from Tanak.

[trykmann]

Tänak with some engine troubles. Can’t get the max points also today then

The rally just goes worse and worse with every day for him

It seems the point, where Tänak has to support Neuville, is not far

[Dontcut]

I will eat my hair if Ogier goes for Sordo tomorrow. Firstly, with these sort of conditions, it is max risk to push. Secondly, Toyota can't let in possible disaster if Ogi bins it, they just can't.
Okay... What is Ogier trying to prove.

[Rallyper]

Strategy for Sordo is to finish. No way he should fight Ogier.
At worst just getting the points for 4 th place (Tanak then 3rd)

[EstWRC]

I think there´s a mindgame going on here from Tanak.

Nope. He said at the end of the stage to Martin something like “it’s not normal”

[Rallyper]

Nope. He said at the end of the stage to Martin something like “it’s not normal”

While knowing microphone still on...

[EstWRC]

While knowing microphone still on...

In Estonian….

What mind games he has to play today when you have to take maximum points?

[CeskyOndra]

This stage is the worst possible for car saving

[Rallyper]

In Estonian….

What mind games he has to play today when you have to take maximum points?

Against some other mindgamer.

But it´s only me speculating.

[CeskyOndra]

Showing Serderidis for 5 minutes is next level of stupidity

[mknight]

Strategy for Sordo is to finish. No way he should fight Ogier.
At worst just getting the points for 4 th place (Tanak then 3rd)

What?

Are we in September and you are still thinking in terms of last years point system?

Sordo gets points for 2nd place for Saturday, for todays points both Neuville and Tanak are much better suited and placed.

[Eli]

Tänak with some engine troubles. Can’t get the max points also today then

The rally just goes worse and worse with every day for him

Unless Neuville has a dnf, Ott can set his mind for 2025, this year seems to be 2018, Neuville vs. Ogier.

[Rallyper]

What?

Are we in September and you are still thinking in terms of last years point system?

Sordo gets points for 2nd place for Saturday, for todays points both Neuville and Tanak are much better suited and placed.

Yeah. Might do that. Excuse me.
However hoping Sordo to go for Sunday top points is still not a good thought.

[CeskyOndra]

Unless Neuville has a dnf, Ott can set his mind for 2025, this year seems to be 2018, Neuville vs. Ogier.

This stage is terrific soo nothing is finished

[Eli]

This stage is terrific soo nothing is finished

Hence the ‘unless’ lol.

[CeskyOndra]

Hence the ‘unless’ lol.

Yeah just saying for myself basically :D

[becher]

330hp 1080kg, anti-lag, LSD, big aero

Sure Loeb is great but another Alpine was just 22s behind and already won a rally vs Rally2 earlier.
The normal RGT has an LSD as well right?

[focus206]

Everyone saying the road is destroyed for the PS. Ogier seems the only one confident about it, he'll win it. Neuville will probably just try to bring it home and get 1 or 2 points, pushing a lot would be a huge risk.

[CeskyOndra]

Everyone saying the road is destroyed for the PS. Ogier seems the only one confident about it, he'll win it. Neuville will probably just try to bring it home and get 1 or 2 points, pushing a lot would be a huge risk.

Yeah but Ogier might also take more points from the weekend than Neuville which I dont know if Thierry really wants to happen

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Super Sunday positions:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/leg/85535-eko-acropolis-rally-2024/?leg=3

[240RS]

Hyundai have a problem whenever a tyre delamination takes off the rear bodywork.

Strange, though, that a solution to reduce dust infiltration hasn't been worked out. There, ideally, should be a bubble-like covering at the rear by now, I would expect. Much better than drivers having to drive a whole afternoon battling external elements.
Otherwise, well done Hyundai.

[TypeR]

Kajto paid for extra coverage :D

[dimviii]

Everyone saying the road is destroyed for the PS. Ogier seems the only one confident about it, he'll win it..

he is trusting his beloved Pirellis

[NoBudgetWRT]

Stage interrupted?

[EstWRC]

Ogier with 5 hard tires

https://x.com/rallyesport/status/1832726523528224875?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kajto paid for extra coverage :D

Lovely guy, always smiling.

[CeskyOndra]

Ogier with 5 hard tires

https://x.com/rallyesport/status/1832726523528224875?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

Now this is interesting? Did he ran out of soft tires or are hards just better in his opinion?

[Rallyper]

Now this is interesting? Did he ran out of soft tires or are hards just better in his opinion?

Shouldn´t be, unless soft is out of thread already...

[EstWRC]

Superb job Virves!

Remember this rally was founded by fans and companies to make it happen

[becher]

he is trusting his beloved Pirellis

Ahahahaha

[CeskyOndra]

Wow, pajari got it

[EstWRC]

What a finish for rally2 !!!

[CeskyOndra]

Katsuta puncture?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans roll yesterday. Lucky the fans were there to put it back on its wheels.

https://x.com/Dimi_WRC/status/1832654540648198411

[TypeR]

Maybe that's why Ogier took all hards.. they are stronger

[CeskyOndra]

What a time by Fourmaux I think

[CeskyOndra]

You can be miles ahead If you take the risk here

[NoBudgetWRT]

Interrupted again

[Rallyper]

Maybe that's why Ogier took all hards.. they are stronger

Stronger? In what way?

[TypeR]

Stronger? In what way?
Stronger sidewalls..? Remember smth like that

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nerve-wracking wait for the crews.

[jcevc]

again spectators incident

[TypeR]

from WRC instagram
https://www.upload.ee/image/17073840/Screenshot_20240908_140140_Instagram.jpg

[EstWRC]

again spectators incident

Not surprised. Some guys were really close to the road at the end of the stage and these huge rocks flying

[Rallyper]

Stronger sidewalls..? Remember smth like that

Don´t think so. Only thread differs in compound, me thinking.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not surprised. Some guys were really close to the road at the end of the stage and these huge rocks flying

Seems a medical issue.

[Managarium]

ambulance just went through.

[TypeR]

https://www.upload.ee/image/17073853/IMG_20240908_141043.jpg

[Tauri_J]

Nah, already contracted

[240RS]

Interesting to see the body language of all the drivers as they wait. Thierry and Seb: no eye contact, not surprisingly 🙂. . .but there is no noticeable animosity. Good that.

[Eli]

https://www.upload.ee/image/17073853/IMG_20240908_141043.jpg

Wishful thinking lol, side thought, god they made both i20 & Yaris so ugly this year.

[macebig]

Ogier off?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow Ogier rolled !!

[CeskyOndra]

And the Acropolis doesn't stop

[Rallyper]

And I had Ogier second in Pickems...

[Dontcut]

I will eat my hair if Ogier goes for Sordo tomorrow. Firstly, with these sort of conditions, it is max risk to push. Secondly, Toyota can't let in possible disaster if Ogi bins it, they just can't.

Binned it .

[CeskyOndra]

I had him for the win.....

[Rallyper]

That makes Hyundai 1, 2, 3..

[TypeR]

Could the parked car have interrupted him?

[Eli]

WTF?!?!?!
So much for doing the rest of the season….nice sportsmanship from Ott. Wish Molly would send the news to our commentators and not being in the dark like that, seems like it’s Neuville’s to lose (the title of course).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If he cant restart Neuville will be laughing.

[Eli]

I had him for the win.....

You and me both…

[Tauri_J]

One more off and Pajari on podium

[CeskyOndra]

Could the parked car have interrupted him?

No, he was just too fast into the corner I think

[cosmin_sb]

this year is neuville year, no one else can win the title only he can lose it

[Rallyper]

I had him for the win.....

I have Neuville for win...

[EstWRC]

this year is neuville year, no one else can win the title only he can lose it

This!!!!!!

It would be a new world miracle if Neuville manages now to loose the title

[CeskyOndra]

Will Ogier get it to the finish? If not, I feel like the season is over for him

[macebig]

He will still do CER (because asphalt) and Japan (because Toyota). Under the new circumstances, he may skip Chile,but that's it.

[EstWRC]

Wishful thinking lol, side thought, god they made both i20 & Yaris so ugly this year.

Maybe not so wishful thinking after the recent Toyota struggles? ;)

[becher]

Not so sure, Toyota might need Rovanperä and Ogier on the remaining events for the manufacturers championship.

[becher]

Ah I would've found it funny if he got the championship by winning only on tarmac.

[macebig]

Ogier is trying to salvage the points from yesterday it seems.

[satnav]

Ogier is moving again

[CeskyOndra]

In what time does he need to get to the finish?

[Humber]

Have ask what the point of Rally1 is, when Rally2 can get a 4th place finish.

[becher]

...and blocking a Rally2.

[EstWRC]

What a warrior!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Incredible rally.

[CeskyOndra]

What a rally.. didnt expect this result at alk

[Corcaíoch]

I understand they have to show the podium, but a picture in picture of Ogier like they do with stage end interviews would be great

[Eli]

Maybe not so wishful thinking after the recent Toyota struggles? ;)

Don’t forget Kalle is still there, unless they would swap places which would make it much more cool ;)

Also, seems like Ogier will still take those 13 points from yesterday.

[CeskyOndra]

There must be some kind of time limit in these situations, isn't it +10mins from stage winner?

[rallyfiend]

Seems he's a fan of the new points system now...

Can still take 13.

[NoBudgetWRT]

I think it's 30min. Didn't Fourmaux said it on Friday?

[meh]

2 Estonians in the top 5. As Linnamäe crashed, then there is no "3 Estonians in the top 10" to provide anymore.

[CeskyOndra]

Seems he's a fan of the new points system now...

Can still take 13.

Yeah he takes 13 points.. Still 38 points loosing to Thierry now, that's quite a lot, but nothing is over yet

[denkimi]

Anyone has the standing now?

[EstWRC]

Anyone has the standing now?

Neuville 192
Tänak 158
Ogier 154
Evans 140

[WRCStan]

I wonder what the extent of blocking Solans and Dapra was. Any punishment for Ogier is probably irrelevant, but doing it is disrespectful to the other crews. He's let himself down there - again.

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville 192
Tänak 158
Ogier 154
Evans 140

Neuville has now guaranted 1st place on the road in CER

[focus206]

Neuville 192
Tänak 158
Ogier 154
Evans 140

Good advantage for Neuville. If he makes 0 mistakes and has 0 technical troubles then yes, hard to catch him. But with 34 points on the 2nd, it's literally 1 mistake or 1 car problem and they're back almost square. One trouble in 3 rallies is not difficult to imagine, and if the trouble happens on Sunday - 0 points.

[CeskyOndra]

Good advantage for Neuville. If he makes 0 mistakes and has 0 technical troubles then yes, hard to catch him. But with 34 points on the 2nd, it's literally 1 mistake or 1 car problem and they're back almost square. One trouble in 3 rallies is not difficult to imagine, and if the trouble happens on Sunday - 0 points.

I'm feeling some accident on CER or Japan, he is too much of a favourite here, which always isn't so good. Let's see then.. Ofcourse it is 1 bad weekend, but not forget that it is also 1 perfect weekend for Tanak which is likely to happen only in Chile.

[AE1WRC]

Guys Ogier rolled exactly in the same place where Solberg had a huge moment in 2011 after a late pacenote delivery by Patterson. Do you remember ?

[focus206]

I'm feeling some accident on CER or Japan, he is too much of a favourite here, which always isn't so good. Let's see then.. Ofcourse it is 1 bad weekend, but not forget that it is also 1 perfect weekend for Tanak which is likely to happen only in Chile.

Yes, Tanak is not super confident on asphalt. But in CER and Japan, who can stop Ogier from collecting 30 points if Neuville retires? Neuville has to hope everything will go smooth for him... and possibly some more delaying for his opponents to prevent perfect weekends.

[CeskyOndra]

Yes, Tanak is not super confident on asphalt. But in CER and Japan, who can stop Ogier from collecting 30 points if Neuville retires? Neuville has to hope everything will go smooth for him... and possibly some more delaying for his opponents to prevent perfect weekends.

If Neuville doesn't retire on Sunday, he can still grab 12 points because of road position advantage. 38 points is for me just too much on 3 events.. since he is leading from monte and doing a consistent season

[EstWRC]

Jürgenson is JWRC champ!

What a story. Great rally overall for Estonians

[macebig]

It's Neuville's to lose now. Tanak can't beat him in a straight fight on tarmac with the i20 and Ogier needs something like 80+ points in 3 events to win the title.

[focus206]

If Neuville doesn't retire on Sunday, he can still grab 12 points because of road position advantage. 38 points is for me just too much on 3 events.. since he is leading from monte and doing a consistent season

I'm not sure... Hyundai has been reliable this season, but it wouldn't be super surprising a turbo failure, or a propshaft failure, or a fuel pump failure...
Best thing Thierry can do now is to keep if clean in Chile, all the other rivals will push hard for the win. And Kalle, who should be faster than Thierry if everything goes right, will probably be asked to give his position to Ogier and Evans.

[CeskyOndra]

Imagine the situation in Chile - Kalle leading ahead of Ogier, Ogier needs points :D Drama at Toyota!

[CeskyOndra]

I'm not sure... Hyundai has been reliable this season, but it wouldn't be super surprising a turbo failure, or a propshaft failure, or a fuel pump failure...
Best thing Thierry can do now is to keep if clean in Chile, all the other rivals will push hard for the win.

Just as they did it in Greece. Problem for him is that there are 10 Rally1 cars and too many fast drivers. So he still has to push a bit on Friday.

[saco0o]

what a crazy rally, man! nice

[focus206]

Imagine the situation in Chile - Kalle leading ahead of Ogier, Ogier needs points :D Drama at Toyota!

Yes, that's what I was thinking as well. I think they would ask Kalle to give up the position and I'm pretty sure he would comply. He's 2 times world champion, I doubt he cares about a single win that much.

[focus206]

It's Neuville's to lose now. Tanak can't beat him in a straight fight on tarmac with the i20 and Ogier needs something like 80+ points in 3 events to win the title.

Tanak could still take advantage on weather unpredictability in CER and Japan to beat Thierry. But yes, they would need one bad rally from Neuville.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

DirtFish.@DirtFishRally

Ogier has reached the finish of the Acropolis Rally powerstage to clinch the 13 points he scored yesterday

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville replies to Ogier's comments...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GW9HRW_XcAAeISl?format=jpg&name=medium

[saco0o]

sordo saying stuff like "sorry for seb, he will come back stronger" was ironic? haha tho they are mates, eh

[saco0o]

man, seb must be really stressed about what he was saying about thierry on friday haha
i mean, hes a 8 time champ and 'whatever, he is an 8 time champ", but eh, its like when you tell somebody something and the reverse happens, it always gets you inside your own mind

[saco0o]

pajari and virves tied with the same time, thats crazy. last week in formula 2 two fellas crossed the line at the same time, in P8 (1 point for that position). f2 SPLITTED the points between the two guys. each got 0.5 instead of 1 point. non sense

[focus206]

Am I correct in saying that all Rally1 drivers (okay, they're not many) had some trouble this weekend, except for Neuville... and Serderidis?

[TypeR]

,,World Champions 2024'' shirts have sent to print now and taken to Chile :D

[WRCStan]

Am I correct in saying that all Rally1 drivers (okay, they're not many) had some trouble this weekend, except for Neuville... and Serderidis?

Was Neuville a cylinder down at one point or was that just him crying about opening the road?

[Duvel]

man, seb must be really stressed about what he was saying about thierry on Friday haha
i mean, hes a 8 time champ and 'whatever, he is an 8 time champ", but eh, its like when you tell somebody something and the reverse happens, it always gets you inside your own mind

Wow, i wasn't following the power stage live, but what a turnaround! Good job by Neuville you have to say. Keeping calm al weekend, and a bit of luck on the side. (not braking the car is also drive style imo).

As for Ogier, kids call this karma i think,.. Was suprised by his comments about Neuville on friday. Ogier is a big champion, always reachable for the fans, but this was imo below his level.
(i can remember him whining about road opening in the past to,..)

Hope Chili goes wel for Thierry, and than become world champion in CER! Small Belgian party at the finish there would be nice!

[CeskyOndra]

If I do remember well, there is quite a big cleaning effect in Chile, isn't it? I remember Kalle struggling last year. Is there any chance of rain by this time of the year?

[AE1WRC]

Man, that's why I love rally. It's never finished until it is fully finished. Strange times for Toyota. Two best drivers on the world crashing out at the very end of last 2 events is tough to take. This proves that they are human after all. Great job by Neuville also keeping his cool against Ogier's words and taking care of his business. Hopefully, he can use his advantage to become a World Champion. If he loses his advantage, well I don't know what to say for that scenario.

Question for you: If Thierry wins it this year, would you guys say he won because Ogier and Kalle were not participating full season (In other words "weak" championship) or not ?

[AE1WRC]

If I do remember well, there is quite a big cleaning effect in Chile, isn't it? I remember Kalle struggling last year. Is there any chance of rain by this time of the year?

Yes Kalle struggled to open the road and at the moment we can't predict anything about the weather since we still have 3 weeks to the rally

[focus206]

Question for you: If Thierry wins it this year, would you guys say he won because Ogier and Kalle were not participating full season (In other words "weak" championship) or not ?

Ogier's season to me is basically equivalent to a full season. If he had taken part in all rounds, then in plenty of other rounds he would have had a worse road position. Kalle... I think it would have been a very good chance for him to get a 3rd title if he tried. On the other hand, he crashed on 3 rallies out of 6, so far.
IF Neuville wins the title, which is still a big if, I can't really say much against his win, as he would have led the championship from start to finish.
It's the same thing I was wondering when Evans was about to win the super short 2020 season.

[AE1WRC]

Ogier's season to me is basically equivalent to a full season. If he had taken part in all rounds, then in plenty of other rounds he would have had a worse road position. Kalle... I think it would have been a very good chance for him to get a 3rd title if he tried. On the other hand, he crashed on 3 rallies out of 6, so far.
IF Neuville wins the title, which is still a big if, I can't really say much against his win, as he would have led the championship from start to finish.
It's the same thing I was wondering when Evans was about to win the super short 2020 season.

The reason that Kalle has 3 crashes I think is because he is a part-time driver this season and maybe he is too relaxed and not focused enough (since he also does plenty of other motorsports this year) ? Kalle is a driver that rarely do mistakes but this year it's like Mcrae style Win or bin it. Finland accident is straight out of pure bad luck though

[Backa]

Question for you: If Thierry wins it this year, would you guys say he won because Ogier and Kalle were not participating full season (In other words "weak" championship) or not ?

Championships don't have asterisks. If anything, Kalle and Seb should be called "too weak" to drive full-time.

[saco0o]

Question for you: If Thierry wins it this year, would you guys say he won because Ogier and Kalle were not participating full season (In other words "weak" championship) or not ?

i personally dont like that argument and we saw it poping around these last years way to many times: "ott only won in 2019 because seb was in a crappy car. kalle won 22 and 23 because seb was not there. seb isnt retiring in 21 because winning the 20's championship was lame because covid and a smaller calendar". i think a championship title is the ultimate goal no matter what. like when ingram won the ERC title in '19, without a single win. who cares, he did what he had to do to win a title, thats the goal. so imo no, if thierry wins this year its going to be just an incredible thing for him, he's been fighting for years for that.

[becher]

I wonder what the extent of blocking Solans and Dapra was. Any punishment for Ogier is probably irrelevant, but doing it is disrespectful to the other crews. He's let himself down there - again.

It's just poor behavior.

[stavrosGDB]

Not Neuville fan,but will be well deserved if will win the championship.

[Eli]

Wrote a whole reply to the question on my phone, wanted to edit it since the english was iffy, did the editing, came back to the thread....good as gone, I remember you guys telling me something about it but I was so focused on editing it I forgot...:(

[AE1WRC]

I am also a guy that don't talk about "if" and look at the reality. Neuville has been having a really good and consistent season even though he is not the fastest guy this year.

[hari]

Some images from Sunday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_acropolis_rallye_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/5.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/6.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/7.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/acropolis5/16.jpg

[Sergiow]

https://www.rtbf.be/article/wrc-grece-ogier-revient-sur-son-tacle-envers-neuville-il-faut-mettre-un-peu-d-ambiance-sinon-on-s-emmerde-11431442 (https://www.rtbf.be/article/wrc-grece-ogier-revient-sur-son-tacle-envers-neuville-il-faut-mettre-un-peu-d-ambiance-sinon-on-s-emmerde-11431442)

"It's quite simple," Ogier explains. "We had a puncture right at the start and I couldn't stop in time on the next corner. It was my fault, I didn't anticipate enough. And I ended up on my roof."

"On Friday evening, the French driver had tackled Thierry Neuville in an interview. He returned to his remarks on Olivier Gaspard's microphone. "It's part of all sports, that's obvious. Congratulations to him for his safe race. He's the only one who didn't have any problems this weekend and that's often what makes the difference in such difficult rallies. There's a lot of respect between the two of us. But it's always good to create a bit of atmosphere, otherwise we get bored," he concluded with a smile."

[satnav]

The stewards are busy atm, a lot of decisions being made;

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/14107ed3-6d69-4bc9-8bb0-e04aabac2ce1/4ee43e5f-c7e2-47dd-a892-ac838c9165be_Stewards%20Decision%2019.pdf

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Props to Neuville as he's driven very well, and to extend your lead after a load of gravel rallies is remarkable. But all of the other Rally1 drivers have had a total disaster with multiple crashes, technical issues and punctures which have been even more remarkable.

[macebig]

Ah, the classic "bringing the Sport into disrepute". WRC has much more pressing issues than chastising Ogier for badmouthing the organisers...

[focus206]

I am also a guy that don't talk about "if" and look at the reality. Neuville has been having a really good and consistent season even though he is not the fastest guy this year.

Well, he was the fastest in Monte and Croatia, while everywhere else he opened the road on gravel. He has the most PS wins of the season, I believe? Apart from the fast gravel rallies, I can't really ask for more speed from Neuville.

[focus206]

The stewards are busy atm, a lot of decisions being made;

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/14107ed3-6d69-4bc9-8bb0-e04aabac2ce1/4ee43e5f-c7e2-47dd-a892-ac838c9165be_Stewards%20Decision%2019.pdf

You mean a lot of decisions about a lot of drivers? Or just Ogier?

[AE1WRC]

Well, he was the fastest in Monte and Croatia, while everywhere else he opened the road on gravel. He has the most PS wins of the season, I believe? Apart from the fast gravel rallies, I can't really ask for more speed from Neuville.

True. In my opinion Thierry is the best Tarmac driver at the moment along with Ogier. That's why he needs to use his advantage in CER in terms of both his road position and his specialty on Tarmac.

[satnav]

You mean a lot of decisions about a lot of drivers? Or just Ogier?

So far there's now been 20 decisions maybe not finished yet, I just used Ogiers as his was the latest one ;

https://www.ewrc-results.com/sportity/85535-eko-acropolis-rally-2024/