[WRC] Central European Rally 17-20.10.2024

[TypeR]

New tarmac seems quite slippery..

[EstWRC]

Very very slippery out there.

Mikkelsen with a spin already

[trykmann]

And now Fourmaux, lucky escape for him.

[TypeR]

Fourmaux totally lost..

[EstWRC]

The ford is so understeery, especially Fourmaux car

[trykmann]

The ford is so understeery, especially Fourmaux car

Last year Tänak also wasn't fast with Puma, the stage times were quite awful.

[DrLill]

Wet tyres would be still not useful in these conditions, right?

[jonkka]

Please WRC promoter, whoever it’ll be, please replace Kiri from the WRC TV crew, I honestly can’t stand her at this point, only repeating what anyone is saying with her dumb smile and stupid hand gestures. No offence to anyone here who like her.

In my opinion, whole WRC media team is way too happy people. They spin positive thing to anything which is super annoying. When things are shit, they are shit even if sugarcoated.

[TypeR]

once again, just out of service and car has problems.. haven't seen before(too much) Fourmaux critisising the car so much..
(leaving the team, so it doesn't matter anymore? :D )

[deephouse]

once again, just out of service and car has problems.. haven't seen before(too much) Fourmaux critisising the car so much..
(leaving the team, so it doesn't matter anymore? :D )

I realize too he blame the car all the time. If it's true that he will go elsewhere, he should be careful what he says, because in a year he could be without any offer, even if he will shine next year.

[Eli]

In my opinion, whole WRC media team is way too happy people. They spin positive thing to anything which is super annoying. When things are shit, they are shit even if sugarcoated.

I’m pretty sure it’s orders from upstairs, I’ve said this before & I’ll say it again, I hate it when they treat their audience as if they’re in kindergarten.

[EstWRC]

Tänak fast with Hyundai in difficult conditions on tarmac?

That’s something new

[jonkka]

I’m pretty sure it’s orders from upstairs, I’ve said this before & I’ll say it again, I hate it when they treat their audience as if they’re in kindergarten.

I think you're right but it doesn't make their output any more palatable to know that. I keep my stream without audio as I can't stand most commentators and I only skim Live Updates feed.

[Dontcut]

Team orders time for Hyundai? Haha

[TypeR]

Tänak fast with Hyundai in difficult conditions on tarmac?

That’s something new
Like christmas morning :D

[Tauri_J]

Tyre choices anyone?

[Eli]

Tyre choices anyone?

Here you go: https://x.com/powerslidemedia/status/1847516946494820453?s=61

[EstWRC]

Tyre choices anyone?

Everybody with 5 and Toyotas with one hard. The others softs

[CeskyOndra]

Team orders time for Hyundai? Haha

Yeah surely to get Ogier trough..

[wwbroe]

Top 3 within 3,3 sec now

[wwbroe]

What happened to Rossel on this stage? Was faster then Gryazin on splits and suddenly almost two minutes slower?

[mknight]

Finally some nice comment about the rally. But just in my corners where I've been to today, All Toyotas were very nervous and sliding a lot (corners with lot of polution, so maybe you've seen corners with anticut?) especially Ogier and Pajari doing lot of corrections on the leaves or mud.

And Munster.. This guy doesn't know which line is the best basically, doing no sense braking in my opinion, he is just lost.. Poor guy.

Yes I mostly saw non or lightly poluted corners. So might be setting thing.

[TypeR]

Looks like Rossel gave the title away and now it's up to Pajari in Japan..

[EstWRC]

What on earth Rossel. Unbelievable

The pressure got him already since Thursday

[wwbroe]

Three off's is a little bit too much

[Eli]

What happened to Rossel on this stage? Was faster then Gryazin on splits and suddenly almost two minutes slower?

Probably puncture? Just guessing.

[TypeR]

Citroen also using same rear wheel turning as Mikkelsen's car yesterday..
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GaPGC5xXUAAomqL?format=jpg&name=small


E: very interesting to watch empty car live picture

[wwbroe]

Formaux went off

[jonkka]

Fourmaux took quite a long time with that tyre change.

[TypeR]

Tanak slow on this stage.. Neuville called Cyril.. ,,tell Tanak to stop bullying me''? :D

[Eli]

Tanak slow on this stage.. Neuville called Cyril.. ,,tell Tanak to stop bullying me''? :D

Tänak heard you and was quicker in the fourth split but Evans seem to have woken up, 9.2 faster than anyone else in the 7th split.

[EstWRC]

And Tänak back to his usual speed again

[wwbroe]

He says nothing at finish:D

[trykmann]

Tanak slow on this stage.. Neuville called Cyril.. ,,tell Tanak to stop bullying me''? :D

Maybe there is some truth behind that joke? :D

[EstWRC]

Seems that Ott indeed get the call judging by his look

[Dontcut]

Yeah surely to get Ogier trough..
Yes

[DrLill]

Seems that Ott indeed get the call judging by his look

What is the point of that from Hyundai manu points perspective if he drops behind Evans by being slower than he could?

[wwbroe]

Oliver with another small off, loosing again about 20 sec

[denkimi]

What is the point of that from Hyundai manu points perspective if he drops behind Evans by being slower than he could?

none. but some people like to believe crazy conspiracies.

[deephouse]

What is the point of that from Hyundai manu points perspective if he drops behind Evans by being slower than he could?

Do you know that Neuville is actually boss in that team. Maybe he will put pressure being in the middle of Evans and Ogier, and that way the risk of getting a mistake from them rise.

[trykmann]

What is the point of that from Hyundai manu points perspective if he drops behind Evans by being slower than he could?

Not to put pressure on Neuville, so that both will finish the rally.

[wwbroe]

Rossel is still in the rally, car seems to be ok

[dupanton]

Oliver Solberg is like a small child with his "karma is a bitch" comments... I mean, the stewards took a decision, it's not Rossel his fault.

[DrLill]

Not to put pressure on Neuville, so that both will finish the rally.

Alright. Well, people can have different opinions. For me, it seemed that the first and second stage had a bit different characteristics. First one was also a bit more tough with the conditions. I just think that Neuville was a bit more careful than Ott, but on the second one had gained more confidence and could also push a bit more since it was easier than the first one.

Also, somehow remember that Ott said that if the profile of the stage is more towarda circuit racing style, he struggles more.

Of course, it can be that he got the call, but it just seems stupid...Thierry has a quite a big margin with the points and even if he drops a couple to Ott, I do not think he will be quite annoyed..but lets see on the third one.

[trykmann]

Alright. Well, people can have different opinions. For me, it seemed that the first and second stage had a bit different characteristics. First one was also a bit more tough with the conditions. I just think that Neuville was a bit more careful than Ott, but on the second one had gained more confidence and could also push a bit more since it was easier than the first one.

Also, somehow remember that Ott said that if the profile of the stage is more towarda circuit racing style, he struggles more.

Of course, it can be that he got the call, but it just seems stupid...Thierry has a quite a big margin with the points and even if he drops a couple to Ott, I do not think he will be quite annoyed..but lets see on the third one.

I appreciate your polite argumentation skills (no sarcasm)

Your explanation does seem logical and realistic. Having seen quite a lot of Ott's stage end interview, then this situation makes me just a little bit suspicious. Usually when he is off the speed compared to the other, then he talks about the feeling in the car or setups etc. When he has a small grin and tells you everything is OK, then there is something behind it. Usually it seems to have been a technical error, which they don't want to expose to their competitors.

[becher]

Oliver Solberg is like a small child with his "karma is a bitch" comments... I mean, the stewards took a decision, it's not Rossel his fault.

That is Ogier behavior. Just plain stupid to come out with bs like this twice in a weekend.

[EstWRC]

I appreciate your polite argumentation skills (no sarcasm)

Your explanation does seem logical and realistic. Having seen quite a lot of Ott's stage end interview, then this situation makes me just a little bit suspicious. Usually when he is off the speed compared to the other, then he talks about the feeling in the car or setups etc. When he has a small grin and tells you everything is OK, then there is something behind it. Usually it seems to have been a technical error, which they don't want to expose to their competitors.

Exactly. It was this strange behavior suddenly, he has been quite talkative compared to Tanaks standard this week and cheerful.

Now suddenly this ironic grin and not wanting to talk much.

And people here acting like this hasn’t happened before. Remember Greece 2022 when Tänak got the message from Korean boss himself and back then Thierry wasn’t even driving for the title.

[CeskyOndra]

What the hell? Why would they do team orders in second stage of the day??? Still lot of kms to go, lot of things can happen.. If Thierry goes off, Tanak cant be behind Toyota.. Doesn't make sense...

[becher]

Exactly. It was this strange behavior suddenly, he has been quite talkative compared to Tanaks standard this week and cheerful.

Now suddenly this ironic grin and not wanting to talk much.

And people here acting like this hasn’t happened before. Remember Greece 2022 when Tänak got the message from Korean boss himself and back then Thierry wasn’t even driving for the title.

In Greece their was no sense to fight each other, and the three Hyundais had a decent enough lead. Here it would be stupid as the Toyotas are right there with them.

[deephouse]

As I said, Neuville is a real boss in that team

[becher]

I'm a bit confused, Rossel went off in SS9 and broke the suspension but fixed it again and got through SS10?

[wwbroe]

I'm a bit confused, Rossel went off in SS9 and broke the suspension but fixed it again and got through SS10?
I think he just went off, but broke nothing

[jonkka]

In far-away aerial shots, Pajari's white Yaris looks surprisingly similar to early white Polo WRC.

[jonkka]

Uuf, it's slippery. Katsuta went straight on braking, into field and skidded his way around back to road... :)

[Rallyper]

Taka out in the grass, losing around 16 secs.

[jonkka]

Is it just me or is Tanak's going a little wobbly at the moment, like he's correcting all the time, even when going straight?

[Danny0405]

Difficult rally for the Beyond Rally women for the moment:
- Schönborn was forced to retire for the day yesterday (even if it sounds technical stuff from what I understand)
- Sounds Baudet is forced to retire in SS10, at least for the day
- Jyrkainen is quite off the pace and is even slower than Mireille Vidueira, also in Fiesta Rally3 (Swiss women who was French women champion last year but very far of high level)

A bit the worst scenario for organizers

[jonkka]

And there it is, Neuville spun and that's gotta cost the lead.

[jonkka]

And now he's gone off again!

[Rallyper]

And again!!!!

[Rallyper]

Neuville now have to handle his head and focus...

[EstWRC]

Classic Neuville

Was pushing when there was no need

[jonkka]

For a moment it seemed he'd stay there, with no grip to get out - but no, he got out... Waiting for the third off now...

[Kras]

Huge choke by Neuville, omg

[Rallyper]

"Good news for us" (Ogier)

So, now let´s hear from the critics... ;)

[dupanton]

Sounds like Ogier had a big moment as well

[deephouse]

He got those offs and offpaced times the whole season, but he climb up everytime again and again, so I don't see a reason he couldn't do it again.

[Eli]

Really like doing his Croatia off, Neuville, doesn’t he?

[deephouse]

Looks like we will all buy RallyTV subscription for the last round

[becher]

I think he just went off, but broke nothing
Hmm one picture here and ewrc claim otherwise but who knows.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wowza that that was so lucky to get back on the road.

[DrLill]

What do you guys think, can Ott catch Ogier with the next three?

[Rallyper]

Olivers car seems undriveable...

Edit: Now Oliver says the car went much better on this stage (SS11) after some massive changes in the settings before the stage.

[becher]

Classic Neuville

Was pushing when there was no need
2,2 seconds isn't exactly a save margin is it?

[Kras]

2,2 seconds isn't exactly a save margin is it?

Its not like he had to fight Ogier with such a point margin between them

[CeskyOndra]

Classic Neuville

Was pushing when there was no need

Do you know how fast are they going?? If u ease off a bit, you are 4th suddenly..

[Rallyper]

Looks like we will all buy RallyTV subscription for the last round

Haven´t we all a Rally TV subscription?

[Morte66]

I think you're right but it doesn't make their output any more palatable to know that. I keep my stream without audio as I can't stand most commentators and I only skim Live Updates feed.

I watch with the Japanese audio sometimes. That is just one guy talking, and he has a mild voice, and you can hear the car/crew a bit. [I don't speak Japanese at all.]

[wwbroe]

2,2 seconds isn't exactly a save margin is it?
Exactly, they are all pushing like hell. First small off was just little spin, second one was pacenote that was too optimistic. Mikkelsen allready said that some places was like ice and we saw a lot of small offs. Also Ogier said he had a really hot moment.

[Morte66]

Looks like we will all buy RallyTV subscription for the last round

I will be subscribing to see if Pajari can win WRC2, yes. :)

[Morte66]

Haven´t we all a Rally TV subscription?

This year I just buy one month at a time for the tarmac rallies. Lucky for them I've been enjoying ERC.

[EstWRC]

Do you know how fast are they going?? If u ease off a bit, you are 4th suddenly..

better to be 4th and lose some points to Tänak than crash and get no points, which he was very close

he doesnt have to take the title here

[Integrale]

There's a German word for this: Schadenfreude.

A shot of dopamine when Thierry makes a mistake.

[DrLill]

Estonian commentators discussing whether Ogier will let Tänak, his good friend, past him so he can take more points compared to Neuville. This is even crazier theory than team orders between Tänak and Neuville on the second stage of today 😄

[meh]

I will be subscribing to see if Pajari can win WRC2, yes. :)

This is a bit risky, you never know how much they cover WRC2 part :)

[Rallyest]

Estonian commentators discussing whether Ogier will let Tänak, his good friend, past him so he can take more points compared to Neuville. This is even crazier theory than team orders between Tänak and Neuville on the second stage of today 😄

I doubt it too, when the helmet is on they are competitors, and they also are from different teams

[CeskyOndra]

better to be 4th and lose some points to Tänak than crash and get no points, which he was very close

he doesnt have to take the title here

From the manufacturer title side, it would be 1000x better for the team to let Neuville and Tanak push fully in Japan... I wouldnt be surprised if Tanak and Neuville swap 3rd and 4th at the end of the day tho.

[CeskyOndra]

Because If Neuville has to cruise trough Japan to get minimum points to become WDC, Hyundai's title is away.. Simple as that

[macebig]

Constructor's is going Toyota's way regardless as things stand. There is no way Hyundai can outscore Ogier/Evans and Rovanpera in Japan...

[becher]

Estonian commentators discussing whether Ogier will let Tänak, his good friend, past him so he can take more points compared to Neuville. This is even crazier theory than team orders between Tänak and Neuville on the second stage of today 😄
That's just crazy.

[Peperoma]

Hi everybody
Did someone know or have experience with servis place at CER?
I want to know, if it's free or is controlled?

[Jarek Z]

There's a German word for this: Schadenfreude.

A shot of dopamine when Thierry makes a mistake.

Is it true that Germany is the only country that has this word? For example, here in Poland we don't have it.

[becher]

Is it true that Germany is the only country that has this word? For example, here in Poland we don't have it.

Other german speaking countries use it as well, so Neuville surly knows it.

[Jarek Z]

I think you're right but it doesn't make their output any more palatable to know that. I keep my stream without audio as I can't stand most commentators and I only skim Live Updates feed.


I watch with the Japanese audio sometimes. That is just one guy talking, and he has a mild voice, and you can hear the car/crew a bit. [I don't speak Japanese at all.]

I understand you so much guys! I do the same also for football. I either mute the sound or keep it at a minimum level, just to hear who scored. I can't stand modern commentators, their endless pointless chatter and fake enthusiasm. During ERC Rally Silesia they were even talking during all onboards, where the only thing I was interested in was the engine sound and the voice of a co-driver.

[Integrale]

Is it true that Germany is the only country that has this word? For example, here in Poland we don't have it.
No, in Dutch it's 'leedvermaak'. Don't know about other languages, but not a lot have it indeed.

[TypeR]

Tanak in media zone.. Cyrill didn't like the pace on first one and we started getting messages.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I understand you so much guys! I do the same also for football. I either mute the sound or keep it at a minimum level, just to hear who scored. I can't stand modern commentators, their endless pointless chatter and fake enthusiasm. During ERC Rally Silesia they were even talking during all onboards, where the only thing I was interested in was the engine sound and the voice of a co-driver.

I've been complaining about this for years. Comms talking over a car sound and co-driver is so annoying I mute it and just listen to the stage end interviews.

[EstWRC]

Tanak in media zone.. Cyrill didn't like the pace on first one and we started getting messages.

Told ya

[DrLill]

Tanak in media zone.. Cyrill didn't like the pace on first one and we started getting messages.

....nothing to say really..i was wishfully thinking that perhaps they do not do it, but I guess it is Hyundai = Neuville

[Rallyper]

Tanak in media zone.. Cyrill didn't like the pace on first one and we started getting messages.

Really??

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A nightmare rally for Fourmaux. He had a PET and seat time at Rally Legend so his set-up shouldn't have been so bad. If Hyundai have signed him they cant be impressed.

[focus206]

Nothing left for Neuville today, should just cruise in 4th place. Even if Tanak drops into 3rd, I doubt Hyundai would swap their places.

[meh]

Really??

Yes, it's from here (in Estonian, but just linking the source): https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120330299/delfi-video-ott-tanak-ise-naeme-et-voiksime-voidu-soita-aga-meeskond-tahab-meid-tagasi-hoida

Tänak complained many times that "we can see that we would like to fight for the win, but the team suggests holding back."

[TypeR]

Service interview video is also on WRC youtube channel

[Integrale]

So with teamboss Neuville out of the battle for the lead, Tänak will be told by secretary Abiteboul to hunt down Ogier.

No?

[Morte66]

Is it true that Germany is the only country that has this word? For example, here in Poland we don't have it.

We sometimes use it in England as if it were part of English, although we know it isn't. The same is true for other foreign terms like "double entendre," "déjà vu," and "blitzkrieg."

[meh]

Service interview video is also on WRC youtube channel

helping out with this link as well:
https://www.youtube.com/live/wu60-7tqmjo?feature=shared&t=502

[focus206]

So with teamboss Neuville out of the battle for the lead, Tänak will be told by secretary Abiteboul to hunt down Ogier.

No?

If Neuville is the team boss, he'll order Tanak to slow down to 4th and let him get 3rd. If Abiteboul is the team boss, he'll tell Tanak to attack Ogier. Guess which one will happen.

[Tauri_J]

Tanak in media zone.. Cyrill didn't like the pace on first one and we started getting messages.

oof....shameful, we want a real fight

[Integrale]

If Neuville is the team boss, he'll order Tanak to slow down to 4th and let him get 3rd. If Abiteboul is the team boss, he'll tell Tanak to attack Ogier. Guess which one will happen.

I think he just wants 2 cars at the finish now.

[focus206]

I think he just wants 2 cars at the finish now.

Evans is only 4 seconds behind Tanak... if Abiteboul tells Tanak to hold back, Toyota will be 1st and 2nd almost surely.

[Rallyest]

I think he just wants 2 cars at the finish now.

2 cars in finish doesnt help the team title in my opinion, if toyota will be 1-2. Only logical move would be to let Tänak attack Ogier and Neuville Evans, but 1 and 4 is better than 3 and 4, its a long shot but of they are 3-4 the manu title is gone, no way toyota humiliates themselves in Japan

[meh]

So far 11 stages have been done and no one has won 2 stages in a row.

[Morte66]

I had the impression, without really going back to check the results, that some stages suit Toyota and some suit Hyundai.

[Tauri_J]

Some stages suit for team orders, some not

[Eli]

Saw somewhere on twitter just a minute ago, that Martijn Widagje was using his(?) phone during the stage, can't seem to find the post rn, if anyone picks up on it, that'll be great.

[Tauri_J]

Whats wrong with that? Have seen co-drivers do that all the time

[Eli]

Whats wrong with that? Have seen co-drivers do that all the time

They added (the one who posted) that the regulation (18.5.1?) states that it’s not allowed to receive information during the stage or something like that, while highlighting the phone.

[MartijnS]

Here: https://x.com/Pynski/status/1847564079402987583

[TypeR]

I posted it here also yesterday that his phone screen activatea from time to tome.. which is weird.

[deephouse]

Maybe his girlfriend send 10 messages about her day instead of one big. I have the same case. And then the phone rings constantly. Seems here you all want to report Neuville. This is just evil.

[CeskyOndra]

You guys really dont know how to get rid of Neuville hahaha

[Tauri_J]

FIA is monitoring it, so if they are passing something that is not legal, they'll deal with it. But changing information is allowed.

[deephouse]

Yes but internet is on fire because of that phone. I bet that someone is indeed reported that already. People are novadays like that.

[Eli]

You guys really dont know how to get rid of Neuville hahaha

No, honestly it would be nice if Neuville wouldn’t muck it up for once even discarding this.

[becher]

Abitebul probably told them to don't risk it to much. Which Tänak interprets as bias against him I guess.

[jonkka]

We sometimes use it in England as if it were part of English, although we know it isn't. The same is true for other foreign terms like "double entendre," "déjà vu," and "blitzkrieg."

And many names in cuisine. It's quite common practice, known as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loanword

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I think he just wants 2 cars at the finish now.

This. Tanak hasn't shown he was fastest yesterday and his pace on this morning's first stage scared Abiteboul in case he was taking too much risk. Hyundai need both Tanak and Neuville to finish or it's a disaster.

[deephouse]

This. Tanak hasn't shown he was fastest yesterday and his pace on this morning's first stage scared Abiteboul in case he was taking too much risk. Hyundai need both Tanak and Neuville to finish or it's a disaster.

Indeed. This year Tanak prove more than once that he is incosistent when pushing. More than Neuville, but still people here are teling it's not fair.

[Rallyper]

I can´t see Tanak holding back right now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak not holding back at all.

[Eli]

This (Ogier vs Tänak) feels very 2019 albeit Tänak isn’t in that Toyota tank ;)

[TypeR]

Will Neuville get a message after this one? I doubt it. Cyril's phone is empty..

Why push so much? Fastest on splits atm..

[Rallyper]

Gryazin isn´t on the splits...?

[meh]

Gryazin isn´t on the splits...?

but based on maps he is moving at least

[deephouse]

He reported GPS issues at previous stage at the virtual chicane section, if it's having any connection at all

[Rallyper]

Alright then.

[CeskyOndra]

Will Neuville get a message after this one? I doubt it. Cyril's phone is empty..

Why push so much? Fastest on splits atm..

Just chill bro.

[TypeR]

Just chill bro.
I am chill, just this joke situation is controversial..
One minute Cyril says that they can fight as they want and then tells not to.. lead driver goes off the road from 1st to 4th place(30sec off the podium and nobody behind) and still goes for fast times and is allowed to risk it..
But let's watch now, there are stages to go still.

E: just to add that I wouldn't like it even if this was vice versa.

[Kras]

That cut in Takas corner is becoming pretty illegal. I swear Pajari had 4 wheels of tarmac

[EstWRC]

Really good day from Munster IMO

[Rallyper]

That cut in Takas corner is becoming pretty illegal. I swear Pajari had 4 wheels of tarmac

Not the only spot. Let´s hope the result of this rally will not be affected by those rules.

[Kras]

That onboard in Tanaks car is the single best thing the promoter did this year. Fucking insane angle. I can't believe they aren't using it on any of the other cars

[EstWRC]

Great to see Tänak finally showing pace with the Hyundai on tarmac. I don’t know if it’s this rally specific or what’s the reason

And if the “new” car suits him better then that bodes well for next year

[Kras]

Gryazin just cut it deep. Would be funny if Škoda reported him now :D

[Morte66]

Damn, is that the end of the day? I feel like somebody owes me another stage.

[Morte66]

That onboard in Tanaks car is the single best thing the promoter did this year. Fucking insane angle. I can't believe they aren't using it on any of the other cars

Personally, I think the M-Sport bumper cam can't be beaten. But Tanak-cam ain't bad.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Advantage Toyota after Day 2 with 1st & 3rd places and deservedly so with 4 cars in the Top 6.

[deephouse]

Gryazin just cut it deep. Would be funny if Škoda reported him now :D

He get penalty already I think two years ago. In Monte. And guess from who. His teammate Rossel.

[becher]

Somehow I can't believe it, Neuville was fast enough to win each tarmac rally since Croatia last year, yet he only won three of them. It's disappointing.

[deephouse]

Somehow I can't believe it, Neuville was fast enough for to win each tarmac rally since Croatia last year, yet he only won three of them. It's disappointing.

Remember that there is still 12 points to grab. Surely he will take some more out of that. Even if the rally would end right now he would still having decent lead for the last round. Having Ogier better than Tanak right now is helping him even more.

[becher]

Remember that there is still 12 points to grab. Surely he will take some more out of that. Even if the rally would end right now he would still having decent lead for the last round. Having Ogier better than Tanak right now is helping him even more.
Yeah Championship is fine but still if he could turn it down a little bit he could have at least 3 more wins on tarmac.

For someone who is this fast on tarmac his strike rate is not helping his reputation.

[meh]

Kaito was close to having a shitty evening.

[focus206]

Ogier should be still in the fight for the title for Japan, unless he has problems tomorrow and/or Neuville beats him for Super Sunday.
Neuville the only one of the top 4 who made a mistake so far, bad recce job.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville's mistakes were due to too fast pacenotes. Surely he should've been erring on the side of caution with the notes (and in the conditions.)

[CeskyOndra]

Ogier should be still in the fight for the title for Japan, unless he has problems tomorrow and/or Neuville beats him for Super Sunday.
Neuville the only one of the top 4 who made a mistake so far, bad recce job.

Is there more drama to come? If Tanak has 5 points from Sunday points (is behind Neuville and Ogier realisticly, or even 4, behind Evans) and having bad PS with 0 or 1 point, Neuville is still WDC If he outscores Ogier tomorrow

[focus206]

Is there more drama to come? If Tanak has 5 points from Sunday points (is behind Neuville and Ogier realisticly, or even 4, behind Evans) and having bad PS with 0 or 1 point, Neuville is still WDC If he outscores Ogier tomorrow

Realistically, Neuville would need Tanak to retire or have problems tomorrow, while also pushing hard to beat Ogier. Which is not very realistic.

[Rallyper]

Neuville's mistakes were due to too fast pacenotes. Surely he should've been erring on the side of caution with the notes (and in the conditions.)

However he didn´t blame others. Just himself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-clarifies-tanak-text-message-strategy-comments/

As I said previously, Abiteboul just told Tanak to consider the risk factor after Mikkelsen had gone out.

[hari]

Some images from Friday / Saturday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_central_european_rallye_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central3/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central3/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central3/5.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central2/976xNx1.jpg.pagespeed.ic.10iAAsBBCT.webphttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central3/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central2/3.jpg

[Integrale]

Sounds like Ogier had a big moment as well

Same spot as Neuville, went wide and chose a hit to the bank instead of opening to the field. Seems like the right choice now.

Katsuta's onboard is unavailable from SS11. I'm guessing he did the same because someone already hit that bank when Evans went through (debris and a lot of dirt after the corner) and it wasn't there when Pajari passed.

Munster went into the grass a couple of corners after that. Tricky section on a very wide road.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville feeling the pressure gives Toyota a chance, says Latvala...

https://rallyjournal.com/jari-matti-latvala-had-a-cheeky-dig-at-thierry-neuville-thierry-grew-horns-on-his-forehead/

[TypeR]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/hyundai-clarifies-tanak-text-message-strategy-comments/

As I said previously, Abiteboul just told Tanak to consider the risk factor after Mikkelsen had gone out.

Still.. Neuville was allowed to push and fight for ,,team points'', but when teammate came too close, then messages flew and ,,you better think about risk-reward''.. these things are spoken during meetings.. not during stages.

No orders for lead-driver after losing 1st place and very valuable points like he says. Joker Cyril.

[focus206]

No orders for lead-driver after losing 1st place and very valuable points like he says. Joker Cyril.

How do you know that Cyril didn't say anything to Neuville and that Neuville pushed hard in the afternoon stages? Neuville was 4th fastest on SS12 and SS14.

[Integrale]

Still.. Neuville was allowed to push and fight for ,,team points'', but when teammate came too close, then messages flew and ,,you better think about risk-reward''.. these things are spoken during meetings.. not during stages.

No orders for lead-driver after losing 1st place and very valuable points like he says. Joker Cyril.

Don't attribute to malice what is adequately explained by incompetence.

[mknight]

Was on SS11 and 13 today.

On 11 I was in visual distance to a large Hyundai tent with 30+ Hyundai ppl. First sign of trouble was they all ran to the screen there. Would have been nice spot but ruined completely by anticuts on apexes of corners. I think 4 Rally1s lost a mirror on them, including Serderidis and Pajari. Would have been more but most cars were close to mirror-less already (last section of last stage of the loop).

On 13 I was in the area with the super-low heli passes. Here the anti-cuts were at start and exit of corners which worked quite well, everyone cut, but only with 1/3 of the car. Ogier was by far best to watch with handbrake into the junction and power-oversteer in cut in next corner, Tanak and Neuville surprisingly tidy, Mikkelsen exactly same power-oversteer as Ogier later. Evans weird wiggle in the long braking turn. Katsuta seemed to dive much more than other Toyotas in the front.
From Rally2s C3s were really tidy and on the edge of understeer. Greensmith very ragged without looking fast.

[CeskyOndra]

Still.. Neuville was allowed to push and fight for ,,team points'', but when teammate came too close, then messages flew and ,,you better think about risk-reward''.. these things are spoken during meetings.. not during stages.

No orders for lead-driver after losing 1st place and very valuable points like he says. Joker Cyril.

You acting like you know all the inside info going on in Hyundai's office... You know like 0.01% of the things that are being said in the team

[TypeR]

You acting like you know all the inside info going on in Hyundai's office... You know like 0.01% of the things that are being said in the team
No, I don't know everything and even Cyril's number, otherwise I would have called him.

It isn't my first rally to follow.. there have been some and some years, even way back before Tanak..

It all just is so see-thru..

[Backa]

No, I don't know everything and even Cyril's number, otherwise I would have called him.

It isn't my first rally to follow.. there have been some and some years, even way back before Tanak..

It all just is so see-thru..

Or confirmation bias.

[Steve Boyd]

And many names in cuisine. It's quite common practice, known as https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanwordWe English might be hopeless at learning other peoples' languages but we have always been very very good at stealing words from them. :)

[TypeR]

https://www.upload.ee/image/17283066/Screenshot_20241020_093212_Messenger.jpg

[EstWRC]

That’s interesting, quite a differences.

Tänak to attack it seems with just one hard

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville and Tanak to push probably, Mikkelsen's choice is interesting

[EstWRC]

Hard at the moment isn’t the right choice. Mikkelsen was all over the place

[Rallyper]

Hard at the moment isn’t the right choice. Mikkelsen was all over the place

And puncture...

[deephouse]

And puncture...

That guy really can't get a break in that car.

[meh]

Pajari tested the limits, roll.

[Rallyper]

Pajari rolled.

[Mirek]

Pajari rolled :(

[Morte66]

Well, sod it. Pajari off and looks like that's his morning.

[EstWRC]

I’m telling ya the hard doesn’t work

[meh]

Seems that Fourmaux got the Ford working finally.

edit: based on Neuville's comments and later-runner times, the road is getting really dirty.

[Mirek]

Ogier slightly off

[meh]

Ogier had one excursion to the field, lost 10s in first split

[meh]

Fourmaux-Evans-Katsuta maybe was not the top3 prediction for the Sunday points before the day started. Only 1 stage done, but still.

[wwbroe]

Ogier had one excursion to the field, lost 10s in first split

He was very lucky once again

[macebig]

God, why did M-Sport had to fumble the set up so badly on Friday? Fourmaux would have definitely been with the leaders... Shame for Pajari, though. He was doing alright until that mistake. Third mistake in a row from Ogier under pressure,btw...You wouldn't see that in the Polo and Fiesta days...

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux-Evans-Katsuta maybe was not the top3 prediction for the Sunday points before the day started. Only 1 stage done, but still.

Yeah but they are gaining a lot because of the more clean road

[deephouse]

God, why did M-Sport had to fumble the set up so badly on Friday? Fourmaux would have definitely been with the leaders... Shame for Pajari, though. He was doing alright until that mistake. Third mistake in a row from Ogier under pressure,btw...You wouldn't see that in the Polo and Fiesta days...

He is getting older and clearly have issues of admitting superiority of others.

[meh]

How much it is Fourmaux feat Frod and how much it is about the clean road, we probably will understand with the 2nd pass.

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen having technical problems before the stage start.

[meh]

Mikkelsen having technical problems before the stage start.

Seems some shit with the hybrid, as by the rules they were not allowed to drive it and needed to pushed it away.

[Mirek]

And now he broke through a chicane.

[deephouse]

Mikkelsen should stop and retire, since he will crash surely. He really isn't the right one.

[meh]

I'm not saying that Mikkelsen is a candidate to fight with Ogier-Evans-Tänak-Neuville-Rovanperä, but here it is a bit hard to expect immediate delivery of a good result after being without seat-time. I would point fingers here towards Hyundai's decision to use Mikkelsen on tarmac rallies.

[deephouse]

I'm not saying that Mikkelsen is a candidate to fight with Ogier-Evans-Tänak-Neuville-Rovanperä, but here it is a bit hard to expect immediate delivery of a good result after being without seat-time. I would point fingers here towards Hyundai's decision to use Mikkelsen on tarmac rallies.

True. They should share 3rd seat between 2 drivers. One each round. Sordo could do 2 rounds and take one event from each drivers. That way they wouldn't be longe before another drive. But he was sitting in many cars at the top level already. Surely have many WRC starts, plenty of knowledge and experience and still do mistakes like he was in the start of the career. Not excuse, sorry.

[Integrale]

No one really cares about the overall win anymore.

Tanak is racing Katsuta and Fourmaux, not Ogier.

[EstWRC]

No one really cares about the overall win anymore.

They do. They are saying they don’t but they do

Ogier and Tänak were even from 4km until end. 0.4 gap all the time

[deephouse]

Not true. Katsuta and Fourmaux do care. Their next goal is to win an event. (sure here isn't possible anymore)

[wwbroe]

Taka is doing really well untill now, if he can produce same speed in Japan as last year they will have to deal with him

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No one really cares about the overall win anymore.

Tanak is racing Katsuta and Fourmaux, not Ogier.

The drivers do and Ogier certainly does, for his legacy.

But the new system really spoils it with such a mixture of points scoring opportunities.

[deephouse]

*After SS16 things stay like this.

Neuville 207+10+3=220
Tanak 178+15+5=198
Ogier 166+18+2=186
Evans 161+13+4=178

*not finished

[meh]

First impression of changed road conditions.

Fourmaux:
Stage | SS15 | SS17
Split 1 | 1:14.8 | 1.16.6
Split 2 | 2:44.7 | 2:46.3
Split 3 | 3:47.1 | 3:50.2

Stage time 1st pass 6:09.2, 2nd pass 6:13.5

[rallyfiend]

No one really cares about the overall win anymore.

Tanak is racing Katsuta and Fourmaux, not Ogier.

With significant 6-figure financial bonuses on the table, I can assure you they certainly do care about the win and podium places....

They would all have bonuses for the manufacturers championship as well.

[Mirek]

No hybrid for Mikkelsen to add some salt to the injury.

[deephouse]

Was last year at that time also so many issues with hybrid units or it's now due to needing complete rebuild/repair.

[deephouse]

Neuville quite fast

[Integrale]

,
No one really cares about the overall win anymore.

Tanak is racing Katsuta and Fourmaux, not Ogier.

All your arguments are true. Overall win is still important for drivers. Legacy, money ... All rational. But is it for you guys now? I wish it were for me, but it isn't.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wow Ogier off !!

[meh]

Ogier off.

[Rallyper]

Ogier off!!!!

[Mirek]

Ogier off!

[macebig]

Mega disaster for Ogier and Toyota.

[EstWRC]

He is clearly getting old

[jonkka]

Story of Toyota this season, off on final or penultimate stage and so many points lost for those incidents.

[Eli]

Should’ve known better than to pick Ogier for the win….wanted to put someone else but was too scared.

[deephouse]

He should be hired by Hyundai for a third driver. Still less incidents than all of the rest available.

[Morte66]

I feel like I am watching the changing of an era.

[logic]

He is clearly getting old

Shut up

[Integrale]

Haven't seen Ogier like that. Just too fast. Probably frustrated with his mistake on first stage as well.

[Mirek]

Shut up

Keep it civil

[macebig]

Don't think Ogier's suspension has survived that... Gift wrapping the Constructor's to Hyundai. And an opening for Tanak...

[meh]

Meanwhile - the Saturday points top4 are in 1.2 seconds. Quite important points to collect.

[Rallyper]

I feel like I am watching the changing of an era.

You sure do. Must be.

[EstWRC]

Sunday standings will be also decided by power stage

Just 1.2 seconds covering the top4 at the moment

[doubled1978]

Amazing…like others have said, seeing this many errors from Seb in successive rallies is so unusual. To say it’s surprising is an understatement.

Another thing you can see clearly in this stage is that the last sector is just 0.6km of flat out road, and the Ford’s are losing 3 or 4 tenths in both passes in just that sector. It highlights what they are missing from the engine, tough to make up for that.

[Eli]

Sunday standings will be also decided by power stage

Just 1.2 seconds covering the top4 at the moment

Next stage will be tasty, I’m sure now Neuville is doing the math if he can wrap it here and now; Honestly annoyed at the fact the last round will be on the other side of the world, with 1.2 viewers at 3am. This easily could’ve been the final round or at the very least, give us a european round to end the season with.

[Integrale]

So everybody wins a place on the Saturday points. But difference Tanak and Neuville stays 5 points there.

Big incentive for Tanak to go full attack on Power Stage. He can grab back 4 points on Neuville if he catches Katsuta (Super Sunday) plus the points difference for the Power Stage points itself.

From 29 points difference before CER to probably about 17 - 19 points before Japan. Very good rally from Tanak.

[wwbroe]

Ogier crashing in all last three rallies he participated, getting old or can't handle the pressure. Karma hitting him after his harsh words on Neuville.

[deephouse]

*After SS17 things stand like this:

Neuville 207+13+3=223
Tanak 178+18+6=202
Evans 161+15+4=180
Ogier 166+0+0 =166

And if Ogier finishes rally:

Neuville 207+10+3=220
Tanak 178+15+6=199
Ogier 166+18+0=184
Evans 161+13+4=178

*not finished

[macebig]

Think Evans and Katsuta will be ordered to bring the cars home after that and won't go 100%. Unless Fourmaux pulls something out, Tanak may well be on course for the full 30 points here.

[meh]

How the Saturday points thing works.

If Ogier will not finish today, will Tänak get 1st place points for Saturday or just Ogier will not get his Saturday points?

[Kras]

Tanak will get 18. Everyone will be bumped up a place

[Kras]

Tanak is looking like the likely winner of this rally, but Neuville is the one counting his blessings. Ogier retired after a simple mistake, Neuville went off twice and survived without any damage

[focus206]

Tanak is looking like the likely winner of this rally, but Neuville is the one counting his blessings. Ogier retired after a simple mistake, Neuville went off twice and survived without any damage

Ogier went off yesterday in the same spot as Neuville, survived with no damage. Today Ogier went off twice. Three times in total.

[deephouse]

Tanak is looking like the likely winner of this rally, but Neuville is the one counting his blessings. Ogier retired after a simple mistake, Neuville went off twice and survived without any damage

It is the case the whole season with Neuville. He always crawled back and take maximum out of bad situations. That's why he will probably win the championship.

[meh]

Oh well, from 2nd to 1st and from 4th to 3rd both gains 3 more points and Ogier retirement does not change the situation between Tänak and Neuville.
18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

These Ogier mistakes I dont believe would've happened if he was 100% convinced he was able to win the Title. The concentration and determination just hasn't been the same as if he was full-time.

[wwbroe]

Oh well, from 2nd to 1st and from 4th to 3rd both gains 3 more points and Ogier retirement does not change the situation between Tänak and Neuville.
18-15-13-10-8-6-4-3-2-1

Isn't it 12 points for third?

Edit: nope, seems to be 13?

[deephouse]

Maybe he is 100% on it, but now he have proper challenge from many guys behind. Drivers becoming now more competitive, less differences in times and the risk of overpush getting higher and costly mistakes happen. I like it that way, I like that it will go on the wire on the last round, I like it to be more harder. Right now, it's very good for the championship. When Seb ''retired full time'' I was like, oh yeah... He will do that because the guys behind are closing on him and it clearly shows this year how frustrating he is.

[Kras]

I wasnt saying that Ogier is terribly unlucky, It's just that offs usually don't end that well

[EstWRC]

start time, CER times

13h15 : Gryazin
13h19 : Solberg
13h23 : Mares
13h27 : Kajetanowicz
13h31 : Marczyk
13h35 : Fourmaux
13h39 : Mikkelsen
13h43 : Serderidis
13h47 : Munster
13h51 : Katsuta
13h55 : Neuville
13h59 : Evans
14h03 : Tänak

[Integrale]

I wasnt saying that Ogier is terribly unlucky, It's just that offs usually don't end that well

It used to be different. Ogier getting away with it most of the times. Maybe he likes it more when he's the one being chased than the one who is doing the chasing. With Neuville it seems it's the complete opposite.

Manufacturers championship not over I think?

[Lead]

Say what you wanna say but this new point system is something else...
As a long time WRC follower I couldnt explain it to casual fan so he gets it :D

[Tauri_J]

This whole season Ogier has been over the limit. I remember so many moments from him that he has gotten away with.

Guess his luck is finally running out

[Integrale]

Say what you wanna say but this new point system is something else...
As a long time WRC follower I couldnt explain it to casual fan so he gets it :D

Oh yes. I don't like mathematics and look at me using Excel. It's Sunday man.

[rallyfiend]

Countdown to Seb blaming no gravel crews in that stage in 10, 9, 8, 7, 6........

If he mentions the FIA, he might have to pay that 30k fine!

[Tauri_J]

Btw Why no gravel crews on last stage?

[meh]

Oh yes. I don't like mathematics and look at me using Excel. It's Sunday man.

Haha, we can start calling rally week Sundays "The Excel Day" :)

[flykas]

Yeah, though the same. He used to be slower and trying to get as many points as he can while being careful. Now he seems faster than before, but also crashing. Maybe its also because of being part time from the start, not really thinking about whole championship so seriously.