[WRC] Delfi Rally Estonia 2025

[eib1]

https://www.rallyestonia.com/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GuIVVDxXwAAb-b4?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GuIVVDwWgAAL5lE?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So Sébastien Ogier wont compete in all of the remaining WRC rounds.

[Kras]

So Sébastien Ogier wont compete in all of the remaining WRC rounds.

It's easier to pad your win count with favourable starting positions and pretend like you would easily win WDC if you bothered to try

[meh]

There is a warm-up rally for Ott - South-Estonia Rally on 4 - 5 July.

https://lounaeestirally.ee/competitors/?lang=en

[Tauri_J]

Actually surprised that only Ott is starting there

[Corcaíoch]

Surprised Kalle in particular isn't going there given how unhappy he has been with the Hankook tyres on gravel so far

[saepuru]

I expect canarian level of performance from Kalle.

[Tauri_J]

I expect canarian level of performance from Kalle.

You're gonna be disappointed.

[flat_right]

You're gonna be disappointed.

But I bet he won't be so lost like in Greece. He likes fast rallies and usually you can do much better in rallies which suit you more.

[EstWRC]

Time will tell. Maybe he finds the click with the tyres and machine like he did on Canaries and dominates. But I personally highly doubt it cause he has been struggling a lot on the gravel and the performance has been so up and down even by stage by stage on rallies. Sardegna was a good example where he was very slow on some stages and then very very fast on some (power stage for example)

[CeskyOndra]

Kalle will be the one to beat in Estonia. Mark my words.

[focus206]

It could be that Kalle finds Hankook more to his liking on fast gravel, and it could be that Tanak won't find a good setup for fast gravel, like he was able to find it for slower gravel rallies. But on the other hand, it could also be that we will see a repeat of Portugal/Sardegna/Acropolis, no way of knowing right now.

[flat_right]

Tänak will have a proper preparation for Rally Estonia and Finland. Today he is testing in Finland, getting used to speed and this weekend he is doing a local rally in South of Estonia.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How much will (still) opening the road hinder Evans here ? I hope not so much as he's been tortured enough.

[CeskyOndra]

How much will (still) opening the road hinder Evans here ? I hope not so much as he's been tortured enough.

Looking back to previous editions, Kalle won there 2 times from starting 1st on the road. Yeah, but that was him in his prime.

[trykmann]

Looking back to previous editions, Kalle won there 2 times from starting 1st on the road. Yeah, but that was him in his prime.

Also 2022 Hyundai was nowhere with their car and 2023 Tänak already had a 5 minute penalty before the start.

[TypeR]

Solberg with rally1! Awesome!

[240RS]

Solberg speaks on Estonia drive:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-solbergs-ready-for-biggest-moment-of-my-life/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A well-deserved second chance for Oliver. I hope he has a great rally and sets some good times.

[Rallyper]

And he should have no pressure at all. Just have fun and learn.

[wyler]

being around pajari would be good enough.

[Dimitris]

My Rally Estonia route preview: https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2025/rally-estonia-2025-route-preview

Similar to previous years, with some mostly new stuff on Sunday.

[EstWRC]

Proper power stage, 24kms, has to be one of the longest if not the longest in the history?

[NoBudgetWRT]

Proper power stage, 24kms, has to be one of the longest if not the longest in the history?

Longest or not but still 41 cars. Is it the shortest entry list ever?

[EstWRC]

And your point is?

[rallyfiend]

Proper power stage, 24kms, has to be one of the longest if not the longest in the history?

23.37km just last weekend in Acropolis. So Estonia is not so special.

I think that's a lot more challenging than 24.20km in Estonia.... And of course with so few cars in the rally, the road condition will be even EASIER in Estonia for the second pass on the Power Stage!

[rallyfiend]

Proper power stage, 24kms, has to be one of the longest if not the longest in the history?

23.37km just last weekend in Acropolis. So this accomplishment in Estonia is not so special.

I think that's a lot more challenging in Greece than 24.20km in Estonia.... And of course with so few cars in the rally, the road condition will be even EASIER in Estonia for the second pass on the Power Stage!

Finland is 23.98km this year too.

[pedro16]

The longest power stage ever is probably Almodovar from Portugal 2013 - 52km
https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-de-Portugal-2013/Almodovar
Sunday had 150km of stages

[EstWRC]

Thanks. I meant more recent times not so far back but good info anyway.

But got the message from here, the entry list is too short (yeah like you follow all the 70+ cars on the other events) and the event is nothing special.

[EstWRC]

looking at the longer weather forecast then it seems it will rain the whole week now before the rally but then a nice estonian summer weather exactly in the time when the rally starts.

but this can change any time.

[Tauri_J]

looking at the longer weather forecast then it seems it will rain the whole week now before the rally but then a nice estonian summer weather exactly in the time when the rally starts.

but this can change any time.

Weather forecast is a mess right now. It changes constantly every day. Now it shows thunderous rain every day of the rally.

I'd rather take constant dry conditions or Kalle will run away with it or it will be a lottery who gets a downpour and who not.

[WRCStan]

Is Sesks likely to pull more travelling fans from Latvia?

[SubaruNorway]

I'm coming from Norway for Solberg at least, decided on Thursday to go :)
Bit warm for my liking but weather looks almost perfect
https://www.yr.no/nb/v%C3%A6rvarsel/daglig-tabell/2-588335/Estland/Tartu%20fylke/Tartu%20linn/Tartu

[TypeR]

from Estonian FB rally group - haven't won for some time, so multitalent Kalle is doing some workbite :D
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AkwGxgMUF/

[meh]

Weather forecast is a mess right now. It changes constantly every day. Now it shows thunderous rain every day of the rally.

Estonia is small, but it is still a lottery, which area gets some rain and which does not. There has been some interesting weather during the last few days (read: thunderstorms).


Is Sesks likely to pull more travelling fans from Latvia?

Sure. The rally location is so close to Latvia, that for most of latvians it is at least the same easy to go to watch the rally as estonians.


I'm coming from Norway for Solberg at least, decided on Thursday to go :)

I have been postponing the decision because too lazy to organize - but if the guys from Norway already show up and the weather looks promising, I'm losing arguments why not to go.

If anyone else needs "a decider", then watch a video from 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAlI3H1DGQU

[SubaruNorway]

Is there no map with all access roads to the stages for this event? Just to get a quick overlook, hassle looking through all google map links

[SubaruNorway]

I have been postponing the decision because too lazy to organize - but if the guys from Norway already show up and the weather looks promising, I'm losing arguments why not to go.

If anyone else needs "a decider", then watch a video from 2023: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAlI3H1DGQU

It was a bit tricky, but found some direct Norwegian flight to Riga late on Tuesday night, so should park up near SS19 around 3am and sleep in the car first night.
Rental from Easycars at 282€ included 40€ border crossing and airbnb near train station in Tartu, so hopefully everything works out, only been on a weekend trip to Tallin before.
First loop on Friday is not great for spectating with the tight forest though but lets see what i can do, need to buy a saw at least!

[SubaruNorway]

Someone has sendt a message but Dm's are down (Database error) so post it to me on insta or any other place you know me from!
Tor Andre

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is Sesks likely to pull more travelling fans from Latvia?

Sesks new livery with the Latvian flag colours...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/sesks-new-livery-for-estonia-revealed/

[Dontcut]

Basically every day it is raining. Is Tänak in grips with the car on rainy conditions. Usually they are struggling when grip is low. And I don't know if they tested in rainy conditions. Same time, Kalle adores these muddy conditions.

[Tauri_J]

Yeah Toyota obviously better in mud and wet.

Today again raining heavily. Tomorrow a slight chance for a rain but then should be dry till saturday.
Knock on wood :laugh:
https://i.postimg.cc/4yxzzNWP/ilm.png (https://postimg.cc/62F2KwJ4)

Its been a ridicilously wet summer. I wouldnt park on fields unless you want to get stuck.

[SubaruNorway]

Again i get DM notification but not able to open, database error, who was it?
Is there a magazine somewhere maybe?

[SubaruNorway]

Maps with specator areas and closed roads for 1€, monthly sub.
Guess closed on most of them means open road just closed near the stage?

https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120389384/interaktiivne-kaart-abivahend-delfi-rally-estoniaks-koik-kiiruskatsed-koos-pealtvaatamisaladega

[EstWRC]

Maps with specator areas and closed roads for 1€, monthly sub.
Guess closed on most of them means open road just closed near the stage?

https://sport.delfi.ee/artikkel/120389384/interaktiivne-kaart-abivahend-delfi-rally-estoniaks-koik-kiiruskatsed-koos-pealtvaatamisaladega

spectator areas you can also find on their own site https://www.rallyestonia.com/en/spectators/general-information/spectator-areas/

[SubaruNorway]

spectator areas you can also find on their own site https://www.rallyestonia.com/en/spectators/general-information/spectator-areas/

Yeah, but it took so long clicking through all the links, i just want to see what areas to avoid because of people hehe

[TypeR]

Startlist even shorter now - 37 cars only (4 withdrawn - Bulacia, Mauro, Kogure, Soylu)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle: fast rallies = fast look

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Gv6kkWlXAAAAmbG?format=jpg&name=900x900

[EstWRC]

Recce interviews

https://youtu.be/RbO6rkLZCL8?si=lMh91VKfoyg9advN

[TypeR]

So far Solberg fastest, Neuville 2nd!
Solberg +34kmh
Neuville +18kmh


edit: Zaldivar fastest +42kmh


(all over speedlimit in 30kmh zone on recce :D )

[EstWRC]

Shakedown is at 9 or 11 local time?

YouTube link and official WRC has posted 11 local time but everywhere else it is 9 local time

[rallyfiend]

Seems P2’s run first here.

Then the P1 group from 11. Maybe they have scrutineering in the morning

[satnav]

This explains the different times for shakedown, P1 cars are being scrutineered in the morning.

Thursday 17 July
07:00 - 09:30 Sealing for Rally1 cars Team service area in Service Park
09:01 - 10:45 Shakedown P2 Uniküla
09:30 - 10:00 Weights scales for Rally1 cars Scrutineering tent in Service Park
09:30 - 10:00 Re-check for P2, P3 and non-priority cars Scrutineering tent in Service Park
11:01 - 13:00 Shakedown P1 and invited drivers Uniküla
13:01 - 15:00 Shakedown P2 + P3 + non-priority drivers Uniküla
14:00 - 15:30 FIA WRC Media Pen Dedicated area in Service Park
15:30 Publication of Start List for Ceremonial Start

[SubaruNorway]

Thanks for the heads up! Luckily i only have ss2 and 3 left to recce, but had planned on leaving around 11

[satnav]

The Sportity code for Estonia is WRCEST25

Always a good idea to have this as any updates will always be on there.

There's been a few fines for speeding on recce already

[satnav]

The start list for shakedown ;

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/df10ff55-0f1e-4319-bd4e-e850b47f2886/0b4908c9-ad7d-4ecb-8e51-eb5c75a47c23_Start%20List%20for%20Shakedown.pdf

[Steve Boyd]

The Sportity code for Estonia is WRCEST25For those without the app, or who wish to access with a PC you can use this link:
https://webapp.sportity.com/channel/WRCEST25

[Andre Oliveira]

Or acess via eWRC. Every rally has a tab for that: https://www.ewrc-results.com/sportity/90023-delfi-rally-estonia-2025/

[Rallyper]

It´s 11.00 local time, 10.00 CEST.
Must say it´s been confusing about SD. Itinerary showed only SD starts 08.01. Nothing more. The usual thing is Rally1 goes out first. I never saw anything else, although Pantealex said it´s been done before...

[Lead]

Virves wont do even a single shakedown run?

[Dontcut]

Few days has passed and looks like we get completely dry rally. Roads are wet and moist but they also drying every hour. Still, not so much road cleaning to suffer for Evans and others.

[meh]

Few days has passed and looks like we get completely dry rally. Roads are wet and moist but they also drying every hour. Still, not so much road cleaning to suffer for Evans and others.

Just the surface will get dry, but I think when first cars dig through, the packed and moist part comes out.

[jiipee64]

Pajari, Katsuta, Solberg
I have a feeling that at least one of those guys will be on podium

[meh]

Nice one from Solberg, 4th fastest for the 1st shakedown run.

[EstWRC]

Yep. Great time from Oliver

[flat_right]

So happy for for Oliver. Glad he got his chance with a very good car.

And going to be a very nervous weekend for Ott fan. God this is fast.

[meh]

Gentlemen, I will soon hit the road to Tartu and will most likely be in read-only mode for this weekend from the forum. If anyone wants to say hi during some evening and have some rally talks we can figure it out.

I sincerely hope that everyone is doing well for the rally, and we will have an epic speed-fest.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg 3rd fastest on Run 2 !
If he can show this pace on the rally he will shame some of his fellow TGR drivers and many Rally1 regulars.

[Tauri_J]

What a shitty quality SD stream had. If you want to attract new fans then Thats not the way to do it.

[meh]

Solberg 3rd fastest on Run 2 !
If he can show this pace on the rally he will shame some of his fellow TGR drivers and many Rally1 regulars.

I really hope he will do. It will be a proper kick to the ego for Pajari and Taka first, and for sure for Evans if Solberg happens to be faster.

But, early days, first runs in Shakedown do not say how much anyone is pushing, and many are just getting used to the speed if they lack test-days. Saying that, it does not take anything away from Solberg's good times - those are better than expected.

[meh]

What a shitty quality SD stream had. If you want to attract new fans then Thats not the way to do it.

Yes, I was surprised as well. Estonia does not have any mountains, there are no weather reasons, so it was underperformance for sure. Hopefully, it was an alarm to get it fixed for the rally itself.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a shitty quality SD stream had. If you want to attract new fans then Thats not the way to do it.

Totally agree, a literal turn off for new fans.

Ok the trees do affect the signal from the cars onboards, but they couldve had some stage-side cameras but there were none.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rovanpera the man to beat after SD..

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rovanpera-clear-at-estonia-shakedown/

[Dontcut]

Tänak already commenting that it's not best feeling in the car and also something was broke on SD 1st run which they managed to fix by replacing many parts. Is it real or playing down their expectations?

[Tauri_J]

Tänak already commenting that it's not best feeling in the car and also something was broke on SD 1st run which they managed to fix by replacing many parts. Is it real or playing down their expectations?

https://i.postimg.cc/Hnrb63v0/IMG-5513.jpg (https://postimg.cc/zH1LBwr3)

[B group]

I don't want to believe that a reservation is being prepared for a potential loss against Toyota.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak writes off home victory chances !

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-writes-off-his-estonia-victory-chances/

[EstWRC]

For sure mind games. The shakedown times were good

[EstWRC]

Shakedown

https://youtu.be/_g4JO2qShb8?si=cspt8O2UEYMaz-fS

https://youtu.be/hUU8z_KI_5o?si=q4eFmAD_ks0hgecQ

[CeskyOndra]

Any translations from the ceremonial start?

[TypeR]

Tanak writes off home victory chances !

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-writes-off-his-estonia-victory-chances/
Joke story..

Shouldn't say that before his home event with tens of thousands of fans coming to see him..

[Corcaíoch]

Much nicer to see a gravel rally start with a gravel SSS than a street stage.

[Dontcut]

"All crews are strongly reminded to comply with all traffic rules and regulations, especially to
respect the speed limits.
The police will be monitoring driving behaviour and speeds throughout the rally.
The police may stop a car that is driven at excessive speed and hold the car for 45 minutes for
the driver to 'cool down'."

[NoBudgetWRT]

"All crews are strongly reminded to comply with all traffic rules and regulations, especially to
respect the speed limits.
The police will be monitoring driving behaviour and speeds throughout the rally.
The police may stop a car that is driven at excessive speed and hold the car for 45 minutes for
the driver to 'cool down'."

Is that really a thing according to the law or just scare tactics?

[archie106]

Solberg certainly attacking SSS1, hopefully he keeps it on the road tomorrow...

[Tauri_J]

Is that really a thing according to the law or just scare tactics?

It is. But No way they do that for rally drivers. Isnt that a retirement? How long can one be late to a time control?

[NoBudgetWRT]

It is. But No way they do that for rally drivers. Isnt that a retirement? How long can one be late to a time control?

Maybe 17min?

[PLuto]

Maybe 17min?

No, it is 30 min.

[fantastic.priit]

Joke story..

Shouldn't say that before his home event with tens of thousands of fans coming to see him..
It's better to be honest than to create an illusion for the fans.

[dimviii]

Virves with 5h overall time

[EstWRC]

And Linnamae 8th. So three Estonians in top10

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The second group of WRC2 drivers gained quite a lot of time with the cleaner road. It was harsh on the first guys, especially Romet Jürgenson.

[Tauri_J]

Seems like a crazy push already, hard to watch lol

[CeskyOndra]

Pajari being beaten by Solberg by probably 20 seconds will be hard pillow to swallow for him in the first stage..

[BlueStrike]

Well, this weekend ought to be a lot of fun if Oliver can keep this up.

[Mackie]

How is he doing this? I mean, is he killing the tires, almost crashing every turn? 21,5 seconds...

[jonkka]

How is he doing this? I mean, is he killing the tires, almost crashing every turn? 21,5 seconds...

Which 21,5 seconds?

[archie106]

Great stage by Oliver, helped by road position but looked like really nice committed driving from the onboard! 21.5 faster than Pajari is insane

[Mackie]

Which 21,5 seconds?

Difference between Pajari and Solberg on the stage. I see Pajari says the car is not alright.

[denkimi]

Solberg will crash.

[CeskyOndra]

Solberg wasn't on the edge. He looked very comfortable and under control.. Just great driving style, preparing the car well before the corner.

[240RS]

Road position is definitely helping where Solberg is concerned, but its worrying that the MSport cars directly behind him are already nearly a second a kilometre off his pace!!!

[spyros]

WTF Oliver, beating Kalle and Ott is something big, hope stays like this.

[Mackie]

Solberg wasn't on the edge. He looked very comfortable and under control.. Just great driving style, preparing the car well before the corner.

Thank you, what I was hoping for, but couldn't quite belive...

[CeskyOndra]

Also Neuville really surprised me with his time there, being on the same pace as Kalle.

[jonkka]

Road position is definitely helping where Solberg is concerned, but its worrying that the MSport cars directly behind him are already nearly a second a kilometre off his pace!!!

How is that worrying? M-Sport has been serious backmarker for quite some time now.

[240RS]

How is that worrying? M-Sport has been serious backmarker for quite some time now.

I had high hopes that Sesks, in particular, would bridge the gap to the Toyotas and Hyundais this weekend. But it does appear the lack of comparative development is starting to show.

[Tauri_J]

Road position is definitely helping where Solberg is concerned, but its worrying that the MSport cars directly behind him are already nearly a second a kilometre off his pace!!!

Munster is embarrasing. Virves is as fast as him with slower car

[Tauri_J]

Also Neuville really surprised me with his time there, being on the same pace as Kalle.

He figured out fast gravel already last year

[Rallyper]

Oliver had advantage of position against front runners. But he smashed the guys around him, and it looked very controlled driving.

[Mackie]

Pajari reporting power loss.

[Rallyper]

SS3 spectator medical issue. Stage stopped.

[jcevc]

Stage 3 continues now.

[Mackie]

Now Munster is looking really silly. Is his car having trouble?

[Mackie]

I see now that he overshoot a junction. And Sesks had a spin. So they are pushing?

[240RS]

Whats with the 5 min time gaps??

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The M-Sport drivers didnt have a PET so they didnt get any practice on these super fast roads. They are bound to be slower and make some mistakes trying to find the limit.

[CeskyOndra]

Whats with the 5 min time gaps??

Probably just trying to eliminate the gap after interruption of stage 3

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lets see how Solberg does with more level road conditions...

[Rallyest]

The M-Sport drivers didnt have a PET so they didnt get any practice on these super fast roads. They are bound to be slower and make some mistakes trying to find the limit.


Not true, they tested in finland

[Corcaíoch]

Real shame for Pajari, bad luck 2 rallies in a row, hope things come together for him in Finland!

[Mackie]

Real shame for Pajari, bad luck 2 rallies in a row, hope things come together for him in Finland!

Engine?

[Kras]

I hope Solberg won't be just a friday hero. It's Like to see a 4 way fight for 1st

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lets see how Solberg does with more level road conditions...

Wow, fair play, fastest again !

[Rallyper]

I hope Solberg won't be just a friday hero. It's Like to see a 4 way fight for 1st

Friday hero? Why do think he should be? He isn´t even in Estonia to win...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not true, they tested in finland

Have you any confirmation, theres no videos or mentions on their social media ?

[spyros]

Cmon Oliver............fastest so far.

[spyros]

Friday hero? Why do think he should be? He isn´t even in Estonia to win...

I didnt get this.

[CeskyOndra]

Too early, but I just have to wonder what would even happen if Oliver won this event..

[Rallyest]

Have you any confirmation, theres no videos or mentions on their social media ?


There was a instagram story from Munster

[Dontcut]

Stream quality is lagging badly :(

[CeskyOndra]

I have to say that I'm a bit scared running onboard with Tanak today

[denkimi]

I expected more from sesks

[Corcaíoch]

Engine?

Repeated power loss during stages, some splits are good but then loses lots of time. Hopefully he can show good pace after service but his hopes of a good result are gone.

[Dontcut]

Repeated power loss during stages, some splits are good but then loses lots of time. Hopefully he can show good pace after service but his hopes of a good result are gone.
Is there any hard evidents that there is really some technical error? Or just feeling isn't there in difficult conditions

[Rallyper]

I didnt get this.

First he´s better than just Friday hero. 2nd, he proved more than that. And yes, everyone love more drivers to fight for 1st, but don´t count Oliver in yet. He is in Estonia to learn...

[Corcaíoch]

Is there any hard evidents that there is really some technical error? Or just feeling isn't there in difficult conditions

Hard evidence? You think he's lying and actually just on similar pace to McErlean?

[Dontcut]

Hard evidence? You think he's lying and actually just on similar pace to McErlean?
Car is losing power only when road goes tighter and technical?

[Kras]

Friday hero? Why do think he should be? He isn´t even in Estonia to win...

I'm not saying je owes it to me, I'd just like to see it

[Rallyper]

Olivers emotions after SS2 was really understandable. When you achieved something BIG, in your own eyes, emotions should come. Otherwise you have smth wrong.
Nice from stage end though giving Oliver credit on behalf of all the rallyfans for this whole morning.

[Kras]

Oliver showing great form, but also makes me suspect more than ever that Toyota is so much faster then the rest of the field and that Rovanpera is completely out of form

[becher]

Car is losing power only when road goes tighter and technical?

More time is lost in the tight parts than in the fast bits because the car is constantly accelerating out of slow corners. If you lack power there it is going to hurt.

[Morte66]

Are the thunderstorms happening?

[EstWRC]

What thunderstorm?

It’s clear skies and no rain today

[denkimi]

Oliver showing great form, but also makes me suspect more than ever that Toyota is so much faster then the rest of the field and that Rovanpera is completely out of form
The toyota is miles ahead, rovanpera is out of form and ogier isn't here.

[focus206]

Wow, surprised by Solberg. If he keeps it on the road, I say he will get a Rally1 contract for next year. Maybe even if he doesn't keep it on the road.
As expected, Tanak is capable of fighting for the win, no matter what he said yesterday.

[EstWRC]

Yep Toyota is ahead, maybe not miles but ahead. Whoever sits there he is fast right away.

Would like to see what Tänak and Neuville could do with it

[satnav]

Really nice to see Oliver setting those times today even with his road position and he looks to be nicely in control as well not taking any risks. He has said he's not here for a win so the rest of the weekend will be interesting.

I've a lot going on this weekend, the British Open golf is 4 mls up the road and i have two local rallys this weekend so busy is an understatement ....

[Doon]

I’ve just noticed how brilliantly Rally Estonia’s itinerary is schedule. Should be pretty straightforward to see at least 4 stage a day on Friday and Saturday. Why don’t more events do this? The old format doesn’t work for many people, my mates always moaned about 5 hour waits between stages at rally GB

[becher]

Very impressive by Solberg, reminds me of his great performance at Arctic in 2020 (or was it 21?).

In a way Pajari, Sesks and no Solberg all were super impressive in their first outing but the former two struggled to continuously be at the front. I'd like to see Solberg do a few more this season.

[Tauri_J]

Are the thunderstorms happening?

Tomorrow evening maybe

[rallyfiend]

I’ve just noticed how brilliantly Rally Estonia’s itinerary is schedule. Should be pretty straightforward to see at least 4 stage a day on Friday and Saturday. Why don’t more events do this? The old format doesn’t work for many people, my mates always moaned about 5 hour waits between stages at rally GB

It's easy when you only have 37 cars in the rally.

Harder to quickly repeat stages when you have 80 cars like most events.....

[Rallyper]

Now, let´s hope Oliver got message to let Kalle and Ott fight for the win. Oliver should only stay in mode for getting to finish...

[Tauri_J]

Split are very jumpy for such a fast rally.

Neuville somehow gains 2 seconds then loses it and other drivers too

[spyros]

This one is cleaning a lot.

[CeskyOndra]

Lot of cleaning but still what a stage by Fourmaux

[Tauri_J]

Evans is in big trouble. Less cleaners for tmrw. Fourmax passed him

[CeskyOndra]

Evans is in big trouble. Less cleaners for tmrw. Fourmax passed him

Looks like he has to settle for 7th place speed wise..

[jcevc]

dust wise we are following Rally Acropolis visit Estonia...

[CeskyOndra]

What thunderstorm?

It’s clear skies and no rain today

I have just seen a few drops on heli-cam

[spyros]

Ouaou Andrien, what a time!

[spyros]

Also Martins a very good time here.

[EstWRC]

Massive cleaning on this one

Tänak absolutely bonkers at our place. Much faster than Evans even visually

[Tauri_J]

I have just seen a few drops on heli-cam

Weather radar

https://www.ilmateenistus.ee/ilm/ilmavaatlused/radar/#layers/precipitation,thunder

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lot of cleaning but still what a stage by Fourmaux

Indeed. So good to see a driver and team change a car so much for the better in service.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stunning onboards, wow !

[CeskyOndra]

There is just one split that is glitching IMO.. somewhere around 16kms

[CeskyOndra]

There is just one split that is glitching IMO.. somewhere around 16kms

Or idk maybe not but it was strange in the first pass with Neuville and again big swing, maybe someone noticed that too

[Dontcut]

There is just one split that is glitching IMO.. somewhere around 16kms

Yes, looks like some random bloke is using stopwatch to get these times.

[EstWRC]

Oh boy that Tänak onboard. Crazy

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh boy that Tänak onboard. Crazy

Oliver watched it too and was inspired to have a push. :)

[philippebugalski]

Watched Tanak onboard for a few stages today and man it does look like 50/50 for every second corner :lips:. Personally I expected Oliver to score high and show some good speed but he showed today that he is more than ready to fight 3 world champions!
Huge props also to Thierry, seems like speed and confidence upgrade for him with his ''fast rally'' struggles, quite impressed.

[EstWRC]

Yeah Oliver and Thierry impressed the most today.

[CeskyOndra]

Also Kalle impresed, but in the other way unfortunately. Let's see what he can do tomorrow

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is Kalle's speed with the feeling (tyres) he has now...

"I think that was pretty much the maximum what we are able to do with this car and this feeling. No mistakes, clean driving and I try to push, but this is it"

[EstWRC]

What the hell has Thierry eaten. Takes even 0.7 seconds on super special from Tänak

[CeskyOndra]

What the hell has Thierry eaten. Takes even 0.7 seconds on super special from Tänak

He won't be a threat for Tanak tomorrow anyway, he knows that his job will he about keeping Rovanpera behind

[Dontcut]

Saw Toyota boys before Elva. Taka properly worried about his driving and admitting using handbrake too much.

[focus206]

No major mistakes nor trouble for Rally1 cars today. Great showing by Solberg.
Seems like Thierry finds the Hankook hybridless car more to his liking on fast gravel rallies. Kalle, not so much, even though we can't call him slow by no means.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Today has been perfect for Solberg - no expectations, a good road position and comfortable in the car. He's done a brilliant job to capitalize.

I wonder if things will change as the rally progresses and he feels some pressure. He has the chance of a first WRC win and the Toyota team hopes that he can take points off Tanak and Hyundai...

[WRCStan]

Today has been perfect for Solberg - no expectations, a good road position and comfortable in the car. He's done a brilliant job to capitalize.

I wonder if things will change as the rally progresses and he feels some pressure. He has the chance of a first WRC win and the Toyota team hopes that he can take points off Tanak and Hyundai...

Not so much Hyundai, max points for them currently with or without Solberg.

I reckon Solberg will do it.

[EstWRC]

Tänak is ahead of his main rivals at the moment so all good.

[doubled1978]

Today has been perfect for Solberg - no expectations, a good road position and comfortable in the car. He's done a brilliant job to capitalize.

I wonder if things will change as the rally progresses and he feels some pressure. He has the chance of a first WRC win and the Toyota team hopes that he can take points off Tanak and Hyundai...

He has been brilliant, a little scrappy in the super special this evening, but overall a spectacular debut for Toyota. Now Tanak will have a comparable road position, it’s a big ask for Oliver to keep him at bay but I suspect his mentality will be to try. I just hope he doesn’t bin it in the process, although he has probably done enough for his career even if he does.
Tanak has been very good, a car not too his liking and bad road position.
Neuville has done well, in the fight, but he sounds like he doesn’t expect to be able to keep up with Tanak tomorrow.
I’m still baffled by Rovanpera, can it really just be the tyres?
Evans did ok, difficult to really know if he is getting the most out of it or not.
Fourmaux sorted it out this afternoon, very good speed. Will be impossible to gain back what he lost this morning though.
Taka anonymous
Pajari unlucky with the issue
The best that can be said about the MSport guys is they are there as roadsweepers for the Toyota and Hyundai cars tomorrow so nobody quick has to go first on the road.

[focus206]

I’m still baffled by Rovanpera, can it really just be the tyres?


Tyres + hybridless car, probably. Remember that both titles of Kalle were in the hybrid seasons. I don't buy the "no motivation" reason because of how he dominated Canarias, even compared to the other Toyota. Clearly he likes the car on asphalt, but he misses something on gravel.

[focus206]

Will be interesting to see if Solberg can keep it up tomorrow and fight for the win. I think Tanak will go for it and he's the favourite for the win.

[doubled1978]

Tyres + hybridless car, probably. Remember that both titles of Kalle were in the hybrid seasons. I don't buy the "no motivation" reason because of how he dominated Canarias, even compared to the other Toyota. Clearly he likes the car on asphalt, but he misses something on gravel.

Yes, I suppose it could be that simple. Evans is a bit the reverse, he didn’t seem to gel with the hybrid car, but looks back to his pre-hybrid level now its gone. Only Kalle knows if he is motivated or not, he has a laid back demeanour so it would be easy to mistake that as lack of motivation.
That picture with his shirt off and newly shaved head, he looked like he was motivated to and go and have a tear up at the football!

[CeskyOndra]

Is there a chance of rain tomorrow?

[Tauri_J]

Is there a chance of rain tomorrow?

Rain chance has diminished for tomorrow but some hit or miss showers expected

Also sunday looked to be very wet yesterday but now it looks much better.

[SubaruNorway]

There was forecasted some thunder storm near Sunday stages today, looked very dark, not sure if anything came?

[Sulland]

Very close to a perfect day for OliverS! He gelled with the car from the start, and drove as he has been doing in Rally2, at the front of the list.

Will be interestimg to see how he tackles the different starting position for tomorrow. He will need to learn that aspect as well.
but him and rest of the Solberg Clan will celebrait him as a coming Rally1 winner anyway!

[Steve Boyd]

There was forecasted some thunder storm near Sunday stages today, looked very dark, not sure if anything came?You can track thunderstorms in real time here:
https://www.lightningmaps.org

[Coach 2]

He has been brilliant, a little scrappy in the super special this evening, but overall a spectacular debut for Toyota. Now Tanak will have a comparable road position, it’s a big ask for Oliver to keep him at bay but I suspect his mentality will be to try. I just hope he doesn’t bin it in the process, although he has probably done enough for his career even if he does.
Tanak has been very good, a car not too his liking and bad road position.
Neuville has done well, in the fight, but he sounds like he doesn’t expect to be able to keep up with Tanak tomorrow.
I’m still baffled by Rovanpera, can it really just be the tyres?
Evans did ok, difficult to really know if he is getting the most out of it or not.
Fourmaux sorted it out this afternoon, very good speed. Will be impossible to gain back what he lost this morning though.
Taka anonymous
Pajari unlucky with the issue
The best that can be said about the MSport guys is they are there as roadsweepers for the Toyota and Hyundai cars tomorrow so nobody quick has to go first on the road.

I have always admired his ability to communicate with his engineer, and thus create maximum feeling with the surface and what he can thus allow himself of speed in different combinations, but if you lose the feeling with the surface, the speed will be reduced and may be the reason why you may go off the road.
Tires my well be the reason why you lose this good feeling with the surface and also make it difficult to have good communication with the engineer.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Regarding Kalle, it really is the tyres.

[Rallyper]

Kalle showing pace now...

[Rallyper]

Kalle showing good pace now...

[jonkka]

Tanak has bad split 4...

[jonkka]

Back on speed on split 5 so it's not a big problem, thankfully.

[Rallyper]

Missed a chicane

[Tauri_J]

I have a feeling Solberg's gonna win it

obviously early days but 20 seconds is a huge lead here

[EstWRC]

Rookie mistakes from Tänak.

Unbelievable. Should concentrate taking second now

[Dontcut]

We are on on equal road positions and Solberg still has the pace. Without mistake, Tänak would have taken the stage with 0,1secs, only. Oliver is now uncatchable with clean drive.

[flykas]

Why is Sesks so slow? Is the car so uncompetitive this year or he decided that he just needs a clean rally in this one?

[jonkka]

Why is Sesks so slow? Is the car so uncompetitive this year or he decided that he just needs a clean rally in this one?

Slow? He's fastest of the M-Sport squad and they simply do not compare with other teams, unfortunately.

[Doon]

He’s been slow all year. Mix of being a fast only on events he knows well, and the car being off the pace.

[Tauri_J]

Sesks been a dissapointment imo

Anyway I hope Ott wont go into full flatout mode to get that time back. Should just settle for podium.

[trykmann]

Sesks been a dissapointment imo

Anyway I hope Ott wont go into full flatout mode to get that time back. Should just settle for podium.

Hope the same. Only half of the rally is completed and there is a long way till the end, but second position would be good. All the other championship contenders are behind and with good Sunday points the overall outcome would not be bad at all.

Edit: Neuville as been suprisingly good on this rally.

[EstWRC]

We are on on equal road positions and Solberg still has the pace. Without mistake, Tänak would have taken the stage with 0,1secs, only. Oliver is now uncatchable with clean drive.

Would have been more. He lost about 10 seconds there

[EstWRC]

Amazing Oliver.

Just to manage now please

[Rallyper]

Oliver has the feeling for the car, maybe more than most of the top drivers. He told reporter that he should do any more changes because the car balanced between under and overstear, related to the stages surface.

That´s I would say a very wise approach.

[Rallyper]

shouldn´t

[macebig]

Sesks is doing pretty ok at the moment. Miles ahead of Mcelrean and Munster and keeping touch with Pajari. If he keeps it up it will be a much needed positive result for him.

[flykas]

Yeah probably, I just expected something amazing like last year

[Dontcut]

Let's fast forward to Sunday, could Thierry ordered to give position to Tänak?

[jonkka]

Let's fast forward to Sunday, could Thierry ordered to give position to Tänak?

Why?

[Dontcut]

Why?
Neuville doesn't have real shot on Championship, meanwhile Ott is hot favourite.

[CeskyOndra]

I just hope Hyundai won't bin it because they are 1-2 in manufacturers points rn and have bright future for Sunday points..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another disappointing loop by Evans. He really doesn't look like he can fight for better points overall or on Super Sunday.

[BleAivano]

Neuville doesn't have real shot on Championship, meanwhile Ott is hot favourite.

Well, Ott is in second place now so kind of a non question at the moment.

[CeskyOndra]

Tanak is looking very solid for the championship this year. His favourite event coming up, Chile in the queue also, just the tarmac rounds are a bit worrying compared to Kalle and Elfyn (or just Toyota.....), but Ott improved on tarmac recently, so let's see..

[CeskyOndra]

Tanak is looking very solid for the championship this year. His favourite event coming up, Chile in the queue also, just the tarmac rounds are a bit worrying compared to Kalle and Elfyn (or just Toyota.....), but Ott improved on tarmac recently, so let's see..

Ffs I forget about "part time" Ogier :D

[WRCStan]

I wonder if the podium organisers have a cassette player for their Sweden national anthem tape

[becher]

I wonder if the podium organisers have a cassette player for their Sweden national anthem tape
They could get a drunk guy with a trumpet to play happy birthday in that case.

[Dontcut]

I wonder if the podium organisers have a cassette player for their Sweden national anthem tape

Anthem is easily found. But on the same note, do they have Luxembourg or Irish flag ready for the podium in case of Puma podium? :D

[ELPE]

I wonder if the podium organisers have a cassette player for their Sweden national anthem tape

It’s 28 years since Kenneth Eriksson take the win in WRC1 for Sweden!

[Dontcut]

Why they don't show Alaküla jump from stationary camera from land?

[CeskyOndra]

Munster loosing 2s per km in rally Estonia is just nothing more than a simple joke

[BlueStrike]

Ott not finishing 3.0s ahead on the last split was very disappointing for a tiny part of my brain.

Was exactly 0.5s quicker on every split until then.

[EstWRC]

To be honest I think that Ott wouldn’t have had answers to Oliver today even without the error. Not with the tools he has

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville sounded like he's settled for 3rd and a Hyundai 1-2 in the Manufacturers.

[trykmann]

Neuville sounded like he's settled for 3rd and a Hyundai 1-2 in the Manufacturers.

I wonder if there are already some team orders involved.

[Rallyper]

Nice lines for Neuville at the end of SS15...

[Eli]

Even if he bins it (& I don’t want him to, as much as I want Ott to win), he’s been most impressive, hats off to Oliver, really want to see him in that Yaris for Finland. The 3 years since the Hyundai stint have really paid off.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The onboard from Solberg was awesome. How he's beating the best in the world is incredible.

[CeskyOndra]

Sesks is not doing bad compared to Pajari with his rocketship

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ha ha Ott ! :D

[EstWRC]

What a statement day from Solberg today

[erikli2]

Of course Ott couldn't say that he's impressed with Olivers performance. No surprise from that guy.

[Doon]

Solberg is just awesome. Tanak is obviously frustrated, but he could have acknowledged how amazing solberg has been. I'm sure Ogier would have been complimentary.

[Rallyper]

I guess the community of top rallydrivers all have had the knowledge of Solbergs capacity. Now he just did prove what have been a truth for long time.

[CeskyOndra]

Yeah Ott getting really frustrated to me, even recently, not just here in Estonia

[Kras]

Good day today, top entartainment. Sick drive from Oliver, great battle od the Hyundais. Toyota loses all it's edge on slower stages it seems

[Corcaíoch]

Extremely impressive two days from Solberg, seemed very cool under pressure today so hopefully can keep it like that tomorrow. Neuville very impressive too. Looking forward to the battle for Sunday points, hopefully Rovanpera can find a little more too.

[flykas]

Oliver shuold be over the moon today. Not just because he is doing so well overall, but also that he is beating Kale like that. I mean because he probably was so disapointed after his failure at Hyundai, being in similar situation to Kale as a son of a famuos rally driver and of similar age, but he learned well and came back prepared.

[doubled1978]

Whatever happens tomorrow, Oliver has been awesome. For his sake I hope it’s dry and he can just drive normally to take the win.
You could sense that Tanak was pissed off that he can’t seem to take much time off him or Neuville. I expected him to get himself into the position Oliver is in tonight before the day started. He is noticeably fast in the narrow sections however, particularly on first passes he seems to gain a chunk of time in the narrow.

[CeskyOndra]

End of day 3 and we have zero retirements from the TOP category and basically zero major mistakes. Is tomorrow going to be a killer day?

[focus206]

One (half) day left to reach glory for Oliver. If he wins, it will be remembered as one of the most unexpected wins in WRC.
I think it has been one of the best rallies of Neuville's career so far, considering it's fast gravel, putting up such a fight to Tanak in Estonia. But he might get just a 3rd place to show for it...

[Dontcut]

Yes, Thierry's rally is good as Solberg in terms of execution. Let me put this way, if positions stay this way, Neuville gets 9-10 and Tänak 8pts on Dirtfish rankings.

If I were charge in Hyundai plan for Sunday would be freeze situation with top drivers (still to keep up reasonable tempo to score points) and order Fourmaux to go full attack because he is out of team points atm.

Tomorrow we might see rain on powerstage.

[CeskyOndra]

One (half) day left to reach glory for Oliver. If he wins, it will be remembered as one of the most unexpected wins in WRC.
I think it has been one of the best rallies of Neuville's career so far, considering it's fast gravel, putting up such a fight to Tanak in Estonia. But he might get just a 3rd place to show for it...

Neuville wants that 2nd place for the championship.. He would be 40 points behind with that result, considering Sunday, than maybe 35 or smth behind Evans or Tanak.. That is still an okey gap? Lot of rallies left, Paraguay and Saudi rounds very unexpectable and tarmac which suits him.. I wouldn't write him off yet this year..

[focus206]

Neuville wants that 2nd place for the championship.. He would be 40 points behind with that result, considering Sunday, than maybe 35 or smth behind Evans or Tanak.. That is still an okey gap? Lot of rallies left, Paraguay and Saudi rounds very unexpectable and tarmac which suits him.. I wouldn't write him off yet this year..

He's not out of the title fight yet because there's nobody dominating, unless Tanak starts doing so. But I think Thierry won't go crazy for that 2nd place, he knows that taking 4 seconds from Ott in 3 SS of Rally Estonia requires massive risk. On the other hand, Neuville has to push for Sunday and PS points, and so does Tanak, so you never know.

[denkimi]

I didn’t expect solberg to keep his lead, but i'm glad i was wrong. Any team looking at the future should try and sign him.

[EstWRC]

So Tänak had all these years to slow down or held the position. Wasn’t even allowed to win in Greece 2022 with title chances but Thierry can fight whenever he wants

And cmon guys. That Tänak sentence was with a joke and he is his own biggest critic and he was pissed about himself not Oliver.