[ERC] Rally di Roma Capitale 2024

[Jarek Z]

Rally di Roma Capitale will be round 5 of the 2024 European Rally Championship. The event will once again start with the well known Colosseum super special stage:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28134_Colosseum-stage-takes-ERC-back-to-the-heart-of-Italy-s-capital-city

Rally starts: July 27
Number of stages: 13
Total stage distance: 189.52 km

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS15TLeXIAA0HbU?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS15TLeXAAEWmn6?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS15TLdXUAEE5pt?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GS15TLfWAAEp2YL?format=jpg&name=large

[saco0o]

johansson and mcrae out? didnt found their names on the list (tho im at my phone, cant zoom that much)

[PLuto]

johansson and mcrae out? didnt found their names on the list (tho im at my phone, cant zoom that much)

Rally di Roma Capitale is not part of Junior championship, unfortunately

[fyldacz]

Will Lefebvre do more ERC rallyes this year?

[PLuto]

Will Lefebvre do more ERC rallyes this year?

Currently only one shot.

[AMSS]

Efren Llarena no longer team MRF?

[Sal yet again]

Yes the split was announced last week. The new livery is here:

https://automovilismocanario.com/2024/07/22/nueva-rotulacion-para-efren-llanera-y-sara-fernandez-en-roma/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It'll be interesting to see how Sesks gets on after all the praise for his Rally1 exploits.

I hope his car is better and there's no repeat of the pop-off issue, plus the MRF tyres are up to the job.

[AndersX]

It is noticeable that MS is not on the same page with Yaris as it was with Skoda; seems that some of these new Gen cars are very tricky and should really suite you to get good result. At the same time he jumped in the Puma at got along it immediately. Strange. Considering all above, MRF tires and specific, max lower top10 should be expected. He should be mentally exhausted also, considering all the pressure marathon during the past 8 weeks.

[Co-driven]

Sesks is not starting the rally.

[Peperoma]

What happened with him?
Cash, problems with MRF, mental breakdown?

[archie106]

My guess is that there is no point in him wasting budget when there is little chance of a good result. None of the MRF crews have been able to finish higher than 6th this year, and that was Sesks in Sweden, 1 minute 40 off the lead.

He has the pace, so better to do fewer rallies but with a competitive car/tyre package to show what he can do.

Very interested to see the pace of Llarena this weekend now he has switched away from MRF. If his pace is suddenly a lot better, it will strongly indicate that Sesks struggles have been tyre related.

[AndersX]

My guess is that there is no point in him wasting budget when there is little chance of a good result. None of the MRF crews have been able to finish higher than 6th this year, and that was Sesks in Sweden, 1 minute 40 off the lead.

He has the pace, so better to do fewer rallies but with a competitive car/tyre package to show what he can do.

Very interested to see the pace of Llarena this weekend now he has switched away from MRF. If his pace is suddenly a lot better, it will strongly indicate that Sesks struggles have been tyre related.

Good point!

[Jarek Z]

That's a shame about Sesks. But, on the other hand, his season is already wasted...

However, according to this article, MRF Tyres team will be represented by Mārtiņš Sesks, Andrea Mabellini, Paolo Andreucci and Amaury Molle:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28292_Legend-Andreucci-ready-to--give-it-our-all--on-ERC-return

[Jarek Z]

Lefebvre's car:

https://www.rallylink.it/cms23/images/2024_romacapitale/IMG-20240725-WA0017.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any reason why Lefebvre is doing this rally and why he's switched to the Hyundai recently ?

[RS]

My guess is that there is no point in him wasting budget when there is little chance of a good result. None of the MRF crews have been able to finish higher than 6th this year, and that was Sesks in Sweden, 1 minute 40 off the lead.

He has the pace, so better to do fewer rallies but with a competitive car/tyre package to show what he can do.

Very interested to see the pace of Llarena this weekend now he has switched away from MRF. If his pace is suddenly a lot better, it will strongly indicate that Sesks struggles have been tyre related.

My impression is that MRF have fallen back a bit in competitiveness this year. Last year Sesks was able to win with them. Maybe partly the car, but not that much.

[stavrosGDB]

It's me or more and more drivers switching to new michelin tarmac tires?Had a chance to talk with a rally driver who have tried both new michelin pilot sport A and pirelli RA and said that michelins gives better information on what the car is doing compared to pirelli,and is more puncture ressistant.

[Negaiss]

About Sesks - at this moment, because of great speed he was able to show in WRC Latvia, there is huge Hype about Sesks and his possible future. I would not be surprised, if Martins team and people behind him decided not to start, because starting in this rally would spoil this hype, would lower his currently high position in rally world - because there is no chance for him to have good result here. Starting would only make him look worse than some unknown local italian drivers. This of course is only my speculation.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

QS Times
https://www.ewrc-results.com/shake/86112-rally-di-roma-capitale-2024/

[AndersX]

Llarena is back on top 3 again - seems that MRF is having development issues this year and competitors with ambitions start to turn their backs to them.

[Jarek Z]

Franceschi (with new livery) wins the qualifying stage:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28322_Franceschi-flies-to-Roma-ERC-Qualifying-Stage-best

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Franceschi could be favourite for the ERC Title now with his strength on tarmac and the lack of improvements for the Hyundai i20 of Paddon.

[Jarek Z]

How do you like Simone Campedelli's new overalls? :)
https://www.facebook.com/RallyTroll/posts/pfbid0Ff41rrxMxwzXcwtPUBEMfXhaVw6dsNcKP3vsvQESevey PCuVvoxBCq1NUWtp7e8Vl

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sesks interviewed on the ERC live rally opening. Says he's here to spectate and plans to be back in ERC competing asap.

[saco0o]

MRF Tyre car on P5 during qualy. not that bad.

[Jarek Z]

MRF Tyre car on P5 during qualy. not that bad.

But after SS3 MRF drivers are 9th, 19th and 29th overall.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice and close between the Championship contenders Paddon & Franchesci after the first loop...just 1.3s.

[Jarek Z]

The guy who won the first stage crashed already on the second one:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entryinfo/86112-rally-di-roma-capitale-2024/4087573/

[dimviii]

Andrea Mabellini: a bit what it is, we struggled on the last one, too many corners, it goes well on the straight but then in the corners it goes badly. We cannot use the tires that we developed for the Italian. We have been stopped since January

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice free live coverage on ACI TV

https://www.acisport.it/it/aci-sport-tv

[saco0o]

the light posts are sooo close to the track. i dont remember that from last year.

[saco0o]

zero Polos in Rome?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

All to play for after day 1... only 10s covers the Top 6.

[Jarek Z]

zero Polos in Rome?

Not true. Alessandro Re is driving one:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entryinfo/86112-rally-di-roma-capitale-2024/4087572/

[Jarek Z]

Day 2 Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jALs-kr3HXQ

[saco0o]

i see the italian championship is also running. more than 20 cars added! nice, thats almost 100 cars haha.
tho i thought the italian championship drivers were able to be on ERC's general results. they are not. i know, lots of different classes AND the national R5s are normally 'slower' than the ERC but still. ahhh they are not doing all stages, right?
ah, what is this "NAT" class, with loads of toyotas/pirelli? never noticed that

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What was Ostberg's crash like, doesn't look so bad ?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTj3DMTWwAA5OYW?format=jpg&name=large

[mousti]

What was Ostberg's crash like, doesn't look so bad ?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTj3DMTWwAA5OYW?format=jpg&name=largePatrik Barth is very luck with that impact on his side.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice to see Jon Armstrong with 4th fastest on SS10, by far his best place of the rally.

[archie106]

https://x.com/mygalem21f4/status/1817473251280667015

Really nasty shunt for Ostberg/Barth

Glad crew are OK

[Humber]

Ostberg's crash looked worse than Bonato's recent crash that Bonato caused serious injury.

[Jarek Z]

Do you agree with Jon Armstrong's comment after SS9? :)

"Really beautiful stage, this is what makes rallying the best sport. A lot of people say circuit racing, but in rallying, every metre is different."

[erikli2]

Same corner as where Oliver went for a big attack in 2020:

https://youtu.be/O8k5TyXV8DQ?feature=shared

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://x.com/mygalem21f4/status/1817473251280667015

Really nasty shunt for Ostberg/Barth

Glad crew are OK

Especially for Barth, a big hit on the co-driver side.

E. This video shows the impact was more with the rear door.

https://x.com/rallyssimo/status/1817482633929965873

[Jarek Z]

Lefebvre excluded?

[Walach]

i see the italian championship is also running. more than 20 cars added! nice, thats almost 100 cars haha.
tho i thought the italian championship drivers were able to be on ERC's general results. they are not. i know, lots of different classes AND the national R5s are normally 'slower' than the ERC but still. ahhh they are not doing all stages, right?
ah, what is this "NAT" class, with loads of toyotas/pirelli? never noticed that

They run GR Yaris Cup in Italy.
https://www.toyota.it/mondo-toyota/toyota-gazoo-racing/gr-yaris-rally-cup

[archie106]

Yes, mistake by the team, Lefebvres car is not registered for the road in any country, therefore is illegal.

Slightly strange situation, the stewards decision document is in the sportity, can access through EWRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mads says Patrick lost consciousness and was bleeding but is ok.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C999m6SoNy7/?igsh=am1la3Z0dHQ0bHY1

[dimviii]

Crugnola finally won.
Larena 3rd Campedelli 2nd.
Pirelli 1-2 at the hot Italian asphalt against the new michelins.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Franceschi didnt gain much on Paddon in the Championship race.

[Doon]

The Ostberg/Barth accident could have been far more serious, but why the hell was there a bail protecting the car from every tree, apart from the one the cars were most likely to hit?? There’s even a bail on the inside/exit of the corner. I’m still baffled.

[Sulland]

Rallycars need more protection for sideways impacts!
Had the tree impact been more on the co-drivers door, he would have been seriously indured or worse.
He was bleeding from the head, and knocked out, you can see om Mads` reaction that this was a big one.

Not easy to get more steel into the cage in the micky mouse size cars they use thses days, maybe we need one size up?

[dimviii]

https://x.com/rallyssimo/status/1817482633929965873

[Jarek Z]

Very interested to see the pace of Llarena this weekend now he has switched away from MRF. If his pace is suddenly a lot better, it will strongly indicate that Sesks struggles have been tyre related.

I think we have an answer what was wrong with Llarena's results this year. After his switch to Michelin tyres he suddenly makes several top 3 stage times and finishes the rally in a strong 3rd position.

[Jarek Z]

why the hell was there a bail protecting the car from every tree, apart from the one the cars were most likely to hit?? There’s even a bail on the inside/exit of the corner. I’m still baffled.

You are right! How stupid is that?!

[Jarek Z]

Final Day Highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le_pE5ojjrQ

[Sulland]

From Mads' Facebook

Update ⚠️ We are still in hospital after our accident in Rally Di Roma. @patrikbarth has got a broken jaw and a broken hip, and will have to undergo surgery. For the moment we don’t know if it will be here in Italy, or if we can bring him home for the surgery there. But he remains positive as always❤️
I’ve been lucky and only broke one rib.


Thanks for all the messages and support ❤️❤️ it means a lot to both of us!

[Mirek]

Rallycars need more protection for sideways impacts!
Had the tree impact been more on the co-drivers door, he would have been seriously indured or worse.
He was bleeding from the head, and knocked out, you can see om Mads` reaction that this was a big one.

Not easy to get more steel into the cage in the micky mouse size cars they use thses days, maybe we need one size up?

Sulland, this is a common misconception. Larger car =/= safer car. I can tell you for sure that had this car been a much larger Impreza gr.N it would end worse than with the C3.

Larger heavier cars are usually better when you collide frontally with another car but when you crash into something solid it is pretty different because all your energy is spent only on your car, it doesn't split on two cars. Therefore first and foremost you need to have least possible energy, i.e. if the speed is same, you need least possible weight. Larger cars usually weight more. That's why pick-ups and SUVs generally have worse passive safety than smaller cars when impacting a solid obstacle.

When it comes to side impact like this one the major factor is the moment of inertia. Take one 20 cm long wooden stick and another one which has 40 cm and try to break both by hitting an edge of a table. The longer the stick the easier it brakes and the very same physics apply to cars. Long car with a lot of weight distributed far from the center of gravity bends around a tree easier than a short one. For the side impact the best car is therefore as short as possible with as much weight as possible placed in the middle (mid-engine ideally). That's why I wrote that Impreza would cope with this accident worse. It has a heavy engine placed in front of the front axle, i.e. as far from the center of gravity as possible. The moment of inertia grows with a square of the distance from the CoG, i.e. the situation is not linear but it gets worse exponentially as the car grows in length.

Only after that comes what you can mitigate by crash zones. In the side impact there isn't much more you can do. Today's Rally2 cars have actually pretty wide bodyshells. This C3 has 20 mm wider bodyshell than the "big fat" Octavia WRC which once was considered to be a tank. Modern cars are not narrow. Using bodyshells of larger cars would bring more negatives than possitives because you would get dozens of negatives for winning something like 1-2 cm on each side which would have close to zero impact on the safety.

The best way to make rallycars safer for the side impact is to use the spaceframe prototypes like Rally1 because there you can place the crew closer to each other and win a space for special super deep door pannels. But I guess you don't like the Rally 1 concept.

[Jarek Z]

After 13 months without a podium finish, Efren Llarena is happy again:
https://www.fiaerc.com/a/news/w28348_Roma-podium-signals-Llarena-s-return-to-form-in-ERC