[WRC] Rally Saudi Arabia 2025

[CeskyOndra]

How rough is it tomorrow?

[BlueStrike]

Well, this rally has cured me of any lingering sadness over Ott‘s sabbatical/retirement.

We‘re in for a decade of this sh*t. (And realistically, because of money, probably a lot longer dependent on the existence of the championship).

[SubaruNorway]

What a shit show this event is

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How rough is it tomorrow?

Not as bad as the last stage today, more loose gravel.

Dirtfish info on the stages...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rally-saudi-arabia-a-look-at-the-stages/

[rallyfiend]

Christ everyone on here is a bunch of whingers, just like Ogier.

The WRC finally got more hardcore and interesting with new young guns coming through, and people bitch and moan.

Regardless of the puncture, Elf was getting comprehensively outdriven by Seb. Just as he has for the entire second half of the season.

One puncture doesn't make a season. 14 events makes a season and everyone knew going in to the season that this was a tough one, so best to make the most of the earlier season.

Seb is the one who chose to miss 3 events - no one else - he has made his bed, and now he needs to lie in it.

[CeskyOndra]

Having my 3 favourite drivers in TOP 3 is a dream but also a difficult question who to cheer for. Neuville is my all-time favourite but I would be very happy for Fourmaux to finally get his first win.. And then.. Then there is that sympatic Latvian with terrible M-Sport season behind.. That would be quite similar sensation as Solberg in Estonia.

[focus206]

Having my 3 favourite drivers in TOP 3 is a dream but also a difficult question who to cheer for. Neuville is my all-time favourite but I would be very happy for Fourmaux to finally get his first win.. And then.. Then there is that sympatic Latvian with terrible M-Sport season behind.. That would be quite similar sensation as Solberg in Estonia.

Neuville (1st win of the season as current champion) vs Fourmaux (1st career win) vs Sesks (1st career win + 1st M-Sport win of the season + one of the most unexpected wins ever).

I see Thierry having a balanced push like today, Fourmaux and Sesks more flat out. If nothing happens to him, I say Sesks is the favourite, his pace was great.

[WRCStan]

You're forgetting two are in a Hyundai, one in a Ford. Taka is Taka, and Rovanpera will get punctures and Seb always wins.

[CeskyOndra]

So Fourmaux gets a minute penalty for early check in

[focus206]

What? 1 minute penalty to Fourmaux for early check-in?
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1288508866645683&set=a.638466928316550

[TypeR]

Oh hesus.. what a mistake. After such a massive day of surviving you just ruin it by this.. rallying

[EstWRC]

This is a golden chance for Neuville to avoid now getting in the club where the defending champion doesn’t win a rally the next season

[prpr]

If the positions were to stay as they are, I think Ogier would take the title by one point, but that's not factoring in Super Sunday and Super Special points tomorrow. Ogier is likely to finish ahead of Evans in both, so Evans realistically needs punctures or other calamities to fall on Ogier.

[NoBudgetWRT]

Bad luck

[Morte66]

This is a golden chance for Neuville to avoid now getting in the club where the defending champion doesn’t win a rally the next season

Ouch. But funny.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Who said Saudi was going to be boring... or not the best fit in the calendar. What a rally!

[GigiGalliNo1]

A couple of my photos.

https://i.postimg.cc/HcVwsyXz/Fourmaux14KSA25mj126.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HcVwsyXz)

https://i.postimg.cc/7GdgCZN4/Pajari14KSA25mj082.jpg (https://postimg.cc/7GdgCZN4)

https://i.postimg.cc/k6zxVgvL/Pajari14KSA25mj178.jpg (https://postimg.cc/k6zxVgvL)

https://i.postimg.cc/KkwnK85S/Sesks14KSA25mj203-copy.jpg (https://postimg.cc/KkwnK85S)

https://i.postimg.cc/xJhKk13Z/Munster14KSA25mj083.jpg (https://postimg.cc/xJhKk13Z)

[GigiGalliNo1]

What a shit show this event is

Why? Too rough? Needs to be smooth and predictable?

But yes.. service park empty, partially... could be better.

[Negaiss]

No matter what the final result will be tomorrow, i think this rally has been already very good for Sesks. He showed clearly that natural speed is there and that is most important thing. I really hope this rally will get him some new sponsorship deals to drive full season at M-Sport or even a real team (Hyundai, or some secret future team) might offer something. These last two days was huge for Sesks - it was go Big or go home days, and he went BIG.

[deephouse]

Don't forget about Pajari. He did good for half the event. He is clearly right one for WRC as he will be the only finish driver in the field from next year.

Fourmaux also very very good. Neuville doesn't need that win as much as Adrien do. For Neuville it would not change nothing, but for Fourmaux probably a lot. He could become even better and more confident.

But hey, Sesks.. what a drive. I didn't expect this at all. I hope that he gets it. He needs it, the sport needs it and most importantly M-Sport needs it. What a story that would be. The "worst" car and on board youngster with not much experience/drive time winning over tank like Toyota and fragile Hyundai. Munster and McErlean, sorry guys, but he is direct replacement for Adrien.

Also mention Evans. He is absolutely nowhere, Ogier also behind pretty much... Like he never really drive slow and save tires... (he is everytime fast and still save tires).

This rally really proving again and again that managing tires is the most important thing here... Probably will won it by that one who will have the least punctures at the end. Or Ogier as usual ��

[denkimi]

I think this event also shows just how much experience matters on most rallies. It's totally new for everyone, and suddenly the new drivers aren't that far back anymore. Except for munster and josh, they still suck.

[AndersX]

I think this event also shows just how much experience matters on most rallies. It's totally new for everyone, and suddenly the new drivers aren't that far back anymore. Except for munster and josh, they still suck.

This. Therefore i do not understand those who say that Sesks underperformed in 6 rounds earlier this season. How much PET and seat time plus experience he had? For me Sweden and Finland were events that talked much more about him as a driver - no mistakes on these very specialized events, faster than teammates, without any experience with 4wd car. This rally shows that when experience makes no advantage, younger drivers are competitive right away.

I am sure, Sesks sooner or later will land a factory drive; future is good for WRC - Fourmaux, Pajari, Solberg, Sesks and I would even put McErlean in this line. He has speed, I noted him in ERC. You will see, his 2nd season will be much better.

[Kenneth]

This is a golden chance for Neuville to avoid now getting in the club where the defending champion doesn’t win a rally the next season

Who are the other champions in the club?

[EstWRC]

Who are the other champions in the club?

Blomqvist and Burns

[AnttiK7]

Blomqvist and Burns

Also Röhrl (1981), Vatanen (1982), Kankkunen (1988) and Sainz (1993).

[becher]

The Hyundai was weak this season, but much better than not having a drive (Röhrl and Vatanen also in 1982 if i remember correctly), joining Toyota while the GT Four was in it's infancy (Kankkunen) or joining Lancia/Jolly Club when Abarth really stopped all activity (Sainz).

Blomquists situation was kind of similar to Neuville, maybe even worse.

Burns is the only one who really didn't have any excuse, but i don't think anyone is silly enough to argue that he was a bad driver.

[focus206]

Rohrl and Vatanen I wouldn't really count, because they were basically having sabbatical years (willing or unwilling).

Blomqvist didn't do a bad season in 1985 and finished 2nd, Peugeot was just too good for Audi.

Kankkunen definitely had the worst current champion's season in 1988, with 5 retirements and one 5th place. They were developing the Celica GT-Four and he also had bad luck.

Sainz in 1993, even if Lancia was semi-works and run by Jolly Club, I'm sure he expected a bit more than what he achieved (8th).

Burns in 2002 drove the best car by far but achieved little, 5th and only 3 points better than Panizzi, who scored points almost only in asphalt rallies.

[eib1]

Ogier and Evans all in

https://hankook-recce.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Rally-Saudi-Arabia-2025-R1-Tyre-Choice-Section-78-SS15-SS17.jpg

[Dontcut]

That Evans' doubtful stage end interview doesn't look good for his WDC changes. He is not mentally ready to take it to the line.

[rallyfiend]

Seb has owned him for years, I'm afraid.

[TypeR]

Sesks has been really good, but Neuville can push more and risk everything for the win.. so hopefully Sedks keeps calm and takes the podium..

[EstWRC]

Cmon Sesks. Where the speed now when it’s most needed. All in!

[focus206]

Thierry in the lead by 2s, but damper issues again, lost 1.2s to Sesks in the last sector

[trykmann]

Sesks has been really good, but Neuville can push more and risk everything for the win.. so hopefully Sedks keeps calm and takes the podium..

The reasonable approach for Sesks would be to drive carefully and stay on the podium. It would be his best overall result and M-sport would also need a podium.

[CeskyOndra]

Next stage will probably decide championship.. Other's mistakes, someone's puncture and Ogier moving up, or just big time from Evans or Ogier

[240RS]

Taka-san is top Toyota this weekend. Strange event in VERY many ways. . . .

[TypeR]

Kalle giving Ogier overall place and title with that stage?

[Rallyper]

Man!! Kalle....

[TypeR]

Ogier will put that Kalle's tyre on the wall next to title trophies :D

[Rallyper]

That´s it folks. Now Breakfast instead of this mess...

[meh]

Ogier will put that Kalle's tyre on the wall next to title trophies :D

Well, it helps him, but he went to take it all himself, like a champ needs to do.

[CeskyOndra]

That's it, another robbery for Evans from Ogier

[NoBudgetWRT]

Sesks stopped?

[CeskyOndra]

Sesks stopped..

[CeskyOndra]

So Ogier ahead of Sesks, wow, can't this even get more into his hands

[CeskyOndra]

Katsuta crashed.. No words

[Dontcut]

Katsuta rolled

[CeskyOndra]

Ogier podium

[meh]

So Ogier on the podium already?

[TypeR]

Kalle got message to play it fair and let Evans pass by to change tyre? Nevermind :D

Oy oy oy what a drama with this stage

[meh]

Rovanperä "what a fucking shitshow"

[trykmann]

Fourmaux driving in the dust of Sesks.

[TypeR]

Really slow change for Sesks, 3min loss

[CeskyOndra]

Sesks broken wheel

[meh]

Sesks another change. If there is something to put under the car. Running out of tires is realistic.

[focus206]

Ogier even on the podium...

[meh]

Ogier is "one puncture away" (if Neuville gets it) from winning the rally. Just sayin'

[EstWRC]

im sorry but i cant like this rally, havent liked from the moment when it was announced it will be in the calendar for 10 years with their millions

Fake man made stages, no spectators at all, ridiculous 5km super special in the parking lot, punctures every second, drivers fighting to just survive

yeah nice scenery from heli shots but thats it

[TypeR]

At least 100k fine.


But less whining..

[Rallyper]

Well, you have to agree on Kalle. This is NOT what should decide either a single rally, nor a whole championship. NEVER!!!

[CeskyOndra]

Surprised by the reliability of Hyundai..

[TypeR]

Rovanperä "what a fucking shitshow"


im sorry but i cant like this rally, havent liked from the moment when it was announced it will be in the calendar for 10 years with their millions

Fake man made stages, no spectators at all, ridiculous 5km super special in the parking lot, punctures every second, drivers fighting to just survive

yeah nice scenery from heli shots but thats it

At least something new and interesting to follow..
Everybody knew for a year that it will be last rally.. turkey, greece etc has been also a tyre lottery

[Dontcut]

This rally is dramatically awesome but shouldn't be last in the season as decider

[EstWRC]

yeah when this is new and interesting to you then good

thats just my opinion and i know im the minority, most people seem to like it

[focus206]

Poor Sesks... dropped even behind Munster...

[SubaruNorway]

im sorry but i cant like this rally, havent liked from the moment when it was announced it will be in the calendar for 10 years with their millions

Fake man made stages, no spectators at all, ridiculous 5km super special in the parking lot, punctures every second, drivers fighting to just survive

yeah nice scenery from heli shots but thats it

I haven't even watched that 2nd run of the Super special

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sesks ffs.... and Katsuta!

[COD]

Poor Sesks... dropped even behind Munster...

And the car broken as well. It was not to be. But he has shown what the Puma can do in capable hands

[focus206]

Neuville can take it easy on the PS, but we know Hankook punctures can happen at random

[meh]

For those who like this rally because "all a sudden every kind of funny things, drama, and random events happen" instead of "boring and stable sport event which is correlated to actual performance," I recommend following some lottery show instead.

[CeskyOndra]

Sesks is where he should be, 8-9-10 between M-Sporters hahahaga

[Kenneth]

Surprised by the reliability of Hyundai..

More like Hyundais were able to stay on the road, although Tanak made some cuts that got the stones on the road too.

[Rallyper]

Only thing saving this event is double puncture for Ogier on PS...

[COD]

This rally is dramatically awesome but shouldn't be last in the season as decider

I agree, traditionally there has allways been these kinds of rallies as part of the championship (Greece, Safari, Cyprus, Turkey and previously Cote de Ivore, Morocco etc). But not a great last rally of the season

[1988senna]

Any news about Katsuta Can he continue??

[TypeR]

Waiting for Monte with stable performance with slicks on ice and snow, no tyre lottery and all equal racing. Or hyundais mega performance on canaries..


Ogier is taking what he deserves with better speed and wise driving. Seems thst Evans just left it for too late

[Dontcut]

Only thing saving this event is double puncture for Ogier on PS...

My money is also on Ogier retiring on PS.

[EstWRC]

Waiting for Monte with stable performance with slicks on ice and snow, no tyre lottery and all equal racing. Or hyundais mega performance on canaries..


Ogier is taking what he deserves with better speed and wise driving. Seems thst Evans just left it for too late

lol nice try but not comparable at all and you are talking about one of the most legendary rallies not some fake man made stages drama show

Anyway, won’t argue anymore. Like Estonian saying goes “kellele ema, kellele tütar”

[TypeR]

If Tanak and Rovanpera would be in top2 And could have avoided puncutres, then it would be an awesome rally :D

only 9 years to go with this rally, so no worries. Wrc can't decide what cars they will be running in 13 months time :D

[doubled1978]

My early enthusiasm for the rally I’ll admit has turned to a bit of frustration, this has become a lottery with the punctures.
In the modern WRC, this rally really needs Mousse Tyres to make any sense.

[AndersX]

I am disappointed. I was really hoping that Sesks would get at least podium. Obviously his aggressive driving style has bitten back as he has now 4 really nasty punctures.

[TypeR]

Fourmaux got 35s back from SS16:
from 16:23.2 to 15:48:0.

[focus206]

Fourmaux got some time back. He's now 2nd, 54s behind Neuville. Ogier is 3rd, 16s behind Fourmaux.

Thierry will take it easy for sure. Only punctures / problems can take the win away, and with this rally and Hankook you never know.
Ogier can also take it easy for the title (although Katsuta's car is in shambles, and something could happen to Pajari, which would bring Evans right behind Ogier)

[240RS]

Fourmaux got 35s back from SS16:
from 16:23.2 to 15:48:0.

That nominal time has serious implications for Sunday points. The power stage will be a real shoot-out now.

[Sulland]

Who will be WDC if it stays as now?

[EstWRC]

If Neuville doesn’t win PS STAGE then he will win the rally without winning a stage

[Eli]

https://x.com/powerslidemedia/status/1994691644667695472?s=61
Says it all I think…

[CeskyOndra]

https://x.com/powerslidemedia/status/1994691644667695472?s=61
Says it all I think…

Not about Arabia, its about f*cking Hankooks lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Goodbye to Ott and Martin and thanks for all the years, especially your time at M-Sport.

[becher]

https://x.com/powerslidemedia/status/1994691644667695472?s=61
Says it all I think…
I kind of can't believe this, but i'm to lazy to check the 2017 season....

[Dontcut]

That final corner looks gnarly, good to roll there and retire.

[CeskyOndra]

Cmon, Elfyn Evans

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bye Kalle, hope you're back soon.

[CeskyOndra]

Katsuta took away Evans's title with his mistake..

[CeskyOndra]

Evans possibly still in the game if Ogier finishes 8s behind on PS and someone slots between them

[Fast Eddie WRC]

7.2s is enough.

[CeskyOndra]

Its enough.. Just if Katsuta hasn't rolled or retired..

[Eli]

Congrats to Ogier and Landais, well deserved, hopefully next year they’ll get a nice livery to match the number one on the car.

[Humber]

Sesks retired on road section

[EstWRC]

And Neuville didn’t win a single stage. Lol

Congrats to Ogier, he has been utterly amazing this year and well deserved.

[NoBudgetWRT]

Like winning on paper

[CeskyOndra]

Single stage win and winning by 54.7 seconds, when 5 stages before the end he was in fifth is quite phenomenal

[CeskyOndra]

Single stage win and winning by 54.7 seconds, when 5 stages before the end he was in fifth is quite phenomenal

Edit: 0 stage wins

[CeskyOndra]

Is Ogier going for 10th?

[EstWRC]

Is Ogier going for 10th?

Definitely, the competition is even weaker next year

[becher]

Is Ogier going for 10th?
He is going for half a season and if the results are in his favour he will "suddenly and surpassingly" go for the title.

[becher]

He is going for half a season and if the results are in his favour he will "suddenly and surprisingly" go for the title.

edit

[deephouse]

That should be illegal. For the title being valid the rule should be, that the driver needs to praticiapte in every round, except if some uncontrollable things happen, like ilness or crash and recovery.

[CeskyOndra]

Yeah, so next year fight Evans-Ogier-Neuville-Fourmaux?

[trykmann]

I think it is even more astonishing to win a championship with a part-time season. Without contesting in 3 events he gave away potential 105 points.

[focus206]

Congrats to Ogier, almost perfect season, like in his prime. After last 3 years, I thought he didn't have it anymore, but he does. Part time season win is great, but let's not forget about road position advantage and how this year Hyundai was nowhere and Kalle was already checking out. Not Ogier's fault of course, he still deserves it and no doubt he'll go for 10 next year with the same strategy.

Too bad for Evans. When was the last time a top, full season driver never super-rallied or DNF and scored points in every round? Worst result was 6th. Amazing consistency, but he missed pace just few too many times.

Nice win for Thierry to avoid getting in the "club". Like Acropolis last year, he stayed out of trouble while others had problems.

What a shame for Fourmaux and Sesks...

Goodbye to Tanak and Kalle, super fast champions, we'll miss them.

Utter dominance from Toyota this season, but they didn't manage to do better than the 12 season wins record by VW.

[Odd]

I think its not astonishing because it was almost an advantage. It wasnt like he took a few spontaneous vacations. They were rallies that wouldve gone sideways for him peobably anyway. He not only avoided the stress of cleaning roads, but always gained better starting positions for gravel events.

I think that this should not be allowed anymore. If you want to do hobby rallying in highest category then it should be outside the points completely.

[CeskyOndra]

So when are we gonna know who is driving for Hyundai

[trykmann]

I think its not astonishing because it was almost an advantage. It wasnt like he took a few spontaneous vacations. They were rallies that wouldve gone sideways for him peobably anyway. He not only avoided the stress of cleaning roads, but always gained better starting positions for gravel events.

I think that this should not be allowed anymore. If you want to do hobby rallying in highest category then it should be outside the points completely.

He started in top4 in most of the events.

[Morte66]

Congratulations to Ogier.

Also congratulations to my man Elfyn. He did what I was after at the start of the season -- beat Neuville and Fourmaux -- and also beat Rovanpera which was not on my horizon. Keep at it next year, mate.

[Morte66]

I think its not astonishing because it was almost an advantage. It wasnt like he took a few spontaneous vacations. They were rallies that wouldve gone sideways for him peobably anyway. He not only avoided the stress of cleaning roads, but always gained better starting positions for gravel events.

I think that this should not be allowed anymore. If you want to do hobby rallying in highest category then it should be outside the points completely.

I'm pretty sure I saw people complaining half way through the season that Ogier was cheating and gaining an unfair advantage by skipping rounds.

I'm more inclined to say: "gravel rallies so punish the leaders that the championship lead is self-defeating".

Unless we're going to do something like switch order every lunchtime, which would presumably have huge negative consequences, I don't see what can be done.

I haven't really watched the gravel rallies this year, but I watched this one because it's the finale and I thought Evans had an outside chance. I liked the scenery, and I liked watching some of the driving without thinking about the times, but the rally as a contest just didn't seem worth following. Next year I think I'll stop watching WRC after Japan, unless maybe there's rain.

Anyhow... See you at the RMC thread guys, and have a good end of year. :)

[doubled1978]

Congratulations to Ogier, he has been fantastic in the rallies he drove, but I can’t help feeling this is a bad thing for the series in the modern era that a guy won by not doing the full championship.
Evans can feel a bit sore on that one. Nobody would deny that when the chips are down, Ogier is better than Evans, that’s just the truth and he will always be a bit exposed when he comes into a direct fight with the very best.
I hope that this situation can be avoided in the future.

[mknight]

For me this season diminishes Rovanperas status quite a lot.

Before the start everyone was saying how he will dominate. Instead he got beaten by both teammates even when one of them drove part time.

The main reason being his lack of gravel pace with Hankook, especially during the first half. I do not see how this was in any way caused by his lack of motivation, rather the opposite. The struggles were likely one of the reasons why he left.

Obviously this does not mean he couldn't win again next year if he tried, but he is nowhere near "greatest ever" class at this point.

[mknight]

Congratulations to Ogier, he has been fantastic in the rallies he drove, but I can’t help feeling this is a bad thing for the series in the modern era that a guy won by not doing the full championship.

Loeb did as well, but not by choice.

[Kras]

Kalle and Tanak retiring, Evans losing the title to "part-time" Ogier... Next season Ogier will stat pad some more in a dead series before retiring.

It looks grim and I wonder if I'll even be able to force myself to watch any of it

[CeskyOndra]

Kalle and Tanak retiring, Evans losing the title to "part-time" Ogier... Next season Ogier will stat pad some more in a dead series before retiring.

It looks grim and I wonder if I'll even be able to force myself to watch any of it

Have any opinion on me, but I believe in Hyundai next year.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Of course Ogier deserved the Championship but he was fortunate again on this rally with the massive sweeping done by his opponent (Evans) ruining his chances from the start.

Plus only getting one puncture (and that only a low pressure near the end of a stage) no stops to change a wheel like so many did.

[AnttiK7]

When was the last time a top, full season driver never super-rallied or DNF and scored points in every round?

Loeb in 2010. Hirvonen also managed it in 2008 (despite the final event roll).

[denkimi]

For me this season diminishes Rovanperas status quite a lot.

Before the start everyone was saying how he will dominate. Instead he got beaten by both teammates even when one of them drove part time.

The main reason being his lack of gravel pace with Hankook, especially during the first half. I do not see how this was in any way caused by his lack of motivation, rather the opposite. The struggles were likely one of the reasons why he left.

Obviously this does not mean he couldn't win again next year if he tried, but he is nowhere near "greatest ever" class at this point.
Just as with tanak, i feel the reason rovanpera was able to become champion was a superior car and no superior teammates.
Oli think ogier would have won all those titles if he has in the toyota doing a full season.

[TypeR]

Ogier will do 10 rallies next year. So he gives other one extra round handigap :D
Haters can continue :D

[flat_right]

Ogier will do 10 rallies next year. So he gives other one extra round handigap :D
Haters can continue :D

At least he said it this in advance this year.

Congrats to Ogier. Although I rooted for Tänak and here in Saudi for Elfyn, then this championship is a deserved one. If you can win with less rounds, being always there, avoiding all the trouble it means you are a worthy champ.

About Saudi rally, then I like it. It gives WRC championship another dimension. We just need to have some extra strong tires for this event. If manus need to build their cars so that they can handle all the conditions, I think this responsibility applies also to the tire manufacturer. Formula 1 has 6 dry weather compounds. Rally, where the conditions are even worse, we have only 2. Okay, we have snow and asphalt also but the majority of the rallies are driven on gravel so I we need to do more. Hankook guys, I know you can do it!

[flykas]

Great rally. Of course the punctures introduced some randomness, but maybe it turned out even more exciting. Just really shame for the Fourmaux timing error. Also for Sesks, punctures today, really was rooting for him this rally. Would love to see him competing full time and kind of would be interesting to see him do that in Ford.

And Ogier.. man, that is some drive this year. It looks like he was on another level. I mean, to do this by without competing in all the rounds, its amazing. It is a nice addition his other trophies, like wining with three different manufacturers.

I think Evans did good this year. He wasn't very fast, but was very consistent and did stick to it. And when others had problems, he was allways there to take the points. I like this because it shows other dimensions of rallying.

[doubled1978]

Loeb did as well, but not by choice.

Yeah, completely different scenario. I can’t feeling that this was a more calculated approach from Ogier than is being let on and if it didn’t work out, nobody would have been the wiser.

[Kras]

Yeah, completely different scenario. I can’t feeling that this was a more calculated approach from Ogier than is being let on and if it didn’t work out, nobody would have been the wiser.

That's what's wrong with it, it's dishonest. "I didn't even study", when you ace the test energy

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This rally has been a change, something different and very dramatic due to the puncture lottery. And it's kind of got away this this as Ogier won this lottery.

He's a great driver, but can you just imagine the crying by Ogier if a (proper) puncture had happened to him and 'cost him the Championship' ....

[AndersX]

This rally slot is in early March, or right after Monte, when temps are somehow bearable, then from April till Oktober it is too hot. But, not as the last round. Or, they need tires of different construction.

[becher]

This rally has been a change, something different and very dramatic due to the puncture lottery. And it's kind of got away this this as Ogier won this lottery.

He's a great driver, but can you just imagine the crying by Ogier if a (proper) puncture had happened to him and 'cost him the Championship' ....

It would have been the tantrum pf all tantrums hahaha.

[becher]

Yeah, completely different scenario. I can’t feeling that this was a more calculated approach from Ogier than is being let on and if it didn’t work out, nobody would have been the wiser.

Of course it was calculated. Ogier has a huge ego and this way he can't loose only win.

[rallyfiend]

All the Rally1 drivers use 80-90% the soft tyre for the entire rally. The Hard tyres were barely touched.

Surely this us because they will make a choice for speed and performance at all costs and accept the risks.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

All the Rally1 drivers use 80-90% the soft tyre for the entire rally. The Hard tyres were barely touched.

Surely this us because they will make a choice for speed and performance at all costs and accept the risks.

Didnt I hear the commentators say there wasnt much difference in puncture resistance and the hards were more prone to delaminating ?

[doubled1978]

All the Rally1 drivers use 80-90% the soft tyre for the entire rally. The Hard tyres were barely touched.

Surely this us because they will make a choice for speed and performance at all costs and accept the risks.

The hard tyre with Hankook seems to have a problem with delaminating, so might not be about speed. We saw quite a few delamination with the hard this rally.

[deephouse]

Part of his greatness was always managing the tires throught the event. I think that nobody out of the whole current field still didn't learn that. Maybe just Evans a little this year, when there were clearly more punctures and destroyed tires (Hankook).

That event should be either removed or moved way before on the calendar. Or cleaned of those big rocks deadly rocks. If they got money to bribe Promoter to get record 10-year deal without any experience they should also apend some to make it less a lottery.

[Ds3]

Congratulations to Ogier (the greatest), and the best thing is that Loeb will be driving next year. This will certainly be a great year.

[deephouse]

Well if that would really happen, I hope he (Loeb) will skip more rounds than Ogier and won a title easily, so we could see some whining again, that the rules should be changed to not let retired drivers compete again.

[WRCStan]

Of course it was calculated. Ogier has a huge ego and this way he can't loose only win.

He's been part time for a few years. You guys have gone mad.

[Tauri_J]

So when are we gonna know who is driving for Hyundai

Think that is pretty easy. Lappi + Sordo and maybe some wild card entries

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_11_2025/post-1272-0-76743700-1764447113.jpg

[becher]

He's been part time for a few years. You guys have gone mad.

Yes and since his Le Mans dream went down the drain he started competing more again and has been basically full time for the last two seasons. In both those seasons he could hardly hide how much he was after another championship even though he said otherwise plenty of times.

[WRCStan]

Yes and since his Le Mans dream went down the drain he started competing more again and has been basically full time for the last two seasons. In both those seasons he could hardly hide how much he was after another championship even though he said otherwise plenty of times.

So he calculated a plan before the season not to do some rallies so that he could win the title by 4 points on the final day of the 14th and final rally which he earned through attrition. And the purpose of the missed rallies is so that people won't think he cares about competing for the titles.

OK.

[CeskyOndra]

So he calculated a plan before the season not to do some rallies so that he could win the title by 4 points on the final day of the 14th and final rally which he earned through attrition. And the purpose of the missed rallies is so that people won't think he cares about competing for the titles.

OK.

Yeah, it is. He misses a few rallies so he is not "responsible" for not winning the championship later.

[WRCStan]

:crazy:

[dimviii]

from French forum

Coria's early check-in was due to the team's mistake. They mistakenly informed him that early check-in was permitted, as is often the case when returning to the service parks at the end of a stage.

He asked the marshal to verify, who confirmed it was allowed. He then asked a second person who was unwilling (or unable) to provide an answer.

He checked in 5-10 seconds before the base minute... but in the end, early check-in wasn't allowed.

This was due to the team's erroneous message, sent unintentionally, not Coria's.

Hyundai's appeal was rejected, the penalty was upheld... and the €1000 penalty wasn't returned

[TypeR]

Stupid situation..
But why even bother checking in like 1minute or less before..
It's not like 10-15min earlier to go to sleep..

But maybe the result may have been different if Hyundai/Neuville hadn't won the rally..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He checked in 5-10 seconds before the base minute... but in the end, early check-in wasn't allowed.

10-15 seconds !!

Why not just wait and be safe ?

[giu canbera]

Who would have thought that a rally in Saudi Arabia would be so thrilling.
Sesks leading, the title fight happening further back, Nasser Al Athyia entering the event.
But I would still rather have the finale in Europe

[PLuto]

from French forum

Coria's early check-in was due to the team's mistake. They mistakenly informed him that early check-in was permitted, as is often the case when returning to the service parks at the end of a stage.

He asked the marshal to verify, who confirmed it was allowed. He then asked a second person who was unwilling (or unable) to provide an answer.

He checked in 5-10 seconds before the base minute... but in the end, early check-in wasn't allowed.

This was due to the team's erroneous message, sent unintentionally, not Coria's.

Hyundai's appeal was rejected, the penalty was upheld... and the €1000 penalty wasn't returned

Responsible for giving time card to timekeeper in correct time is codriver. Timekeeper is on site only to mark the time, not to provide any informaiton (and this is strictly written in regulations). Early check-in allowance in specific time controls is described in supplementary regulations, in itinerary and also in time card! Of course it is mistake by team sending them message that early check-in is allowed, but that is the problem of current dates, when there is plenty of people in one team and people rely on others. And as codriver had this timecard in his hand, it is not so difficult to look at that timecard and see if early check-in is allowed or not. So pure mistake by codriver.

I absolutely dont understand this protest from Hyundai. From regulations point it is very clear and no chance for any other decision (despite we had an opportunity to see very strange decisions in WRC in last months/years).

[deephouse]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/ogier-wrc-rules-too-generous-to-guest-drivers-like-loeb-5285691/5285691/

Well what we have here. Ogier complaining that the "guest drivers" should be driving first in 2018. Funny that he is doing exactly this... Oh wait. He is doing that to win the title(s).

[Typ85]

Maybe the Loeb factor... :D In these years also the starting order had changed, maybe the first years when the champoinship leader opens the road.. i remember Ogier wining about the road cleaning, when the rules changed... its all up to the starting order.. maybe something must be changed there.. qualification stage before the rally (like ERC) would be the solution i guess...

[deephouse]

Or break gravel rallies with tarmac or mixed ones (those are completely missing out of calendar, don't count Monte)

[Steve Boyd]

from French forum

Coria's early check-in was due to the team's mistake.
This is the problem with many modern co-drivers, they think the job is all about reading pace notes and everything else is somebody else's responsibility. Proper "old school" co-drivers studied the FIA prescriptions, event regulations, road books and bulletins in detail to make sure they understood all of the requirements. It was even more important in those days as every event was different in the way it operated. These days with everything running to the same system, there's no excuse.

[GigiGalliNo1]

So my question is, from someone who went to the rally; what do you fans really think of the event? People here say it was bad.. but why? Did you not see the action? Was it not entertaining enough for you? I didn’t notice that one driver who became champion just dominate the event like at other events where you know they’d win. Have to say, new event, brought something and excitement! Sandy dunes, rough stages, new sights. Really enjoyed being in Saudi for the first time. Yes the event could have been put together better but it’ll grow.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/ogier-wrc-rules-too-generous-to-guest-drivers-like-loeb-5285691/5285691/

Well what have we here. Ogier complaining that the "guest drivers" should be driving first in 2018. Funny that he is doing exactly this... Oh wait. He is doing that to win the title(s).

Good find !.Someone should show him this old quote and see what he says.

[WRCStan]

So my question is, from someone who went to the rally; what do you fans really think of the event?

I enjoyed it more than any other event for some years.

[WRCStan]

Good find !.Someone should show him this old quote and see what he says.

I think he'd stand by it and make the someone look the fool.

[Skunner]

lol nice try but not comparable at all and you are talking about one of the most legendary rallies not some fake man made stages drama show

Anyway, won’t argue anymore. Like Estonian saying goes “kellele ema, kellele tütar”

None of these roads were any more ‘fake man made’ than any other rally road. These were all existing gravel tracks that were developed for the event.

If you want ‘fake man made’ go to Safari. And there are no complaints about them. Nor should there be!

[Rallyper]

None of these roads were any more ‘fake man made’ than any other rally road. These were all existing gravel tracks that were developed for the event.

If you want ‘fake man made’ go to Safari. And there are no complaints about them. Nor should there be!

I doubt what you say is true.

[WRCStan]

All roads are man-made and gravel stages need preventative/reparative care, but for man-made drama-show look no further than the jumps in the Baltic Sea area.

[AndersX]

From TV and Video perspective - it looked very good. I had my doubts, but this rally has a real perspective; spectacular views. just they need to fix special tires. Saudi should invest in new-gen gravel tire, specially developed for rough environment - Hankook Desert Version.

You will see, next year we will have much more fans, as i doubt they have so tough limitations with spectator zones as in Europe.

[COD]

Maybe the Loeb factor... :D In these years also the starting order had changed, maybe the first years when the champoinship leader opens the road.. i remember Ogier wining about the road cleaning, when the rules changed... its all up to the starting order.. maybe something must be changed there.. qualification stage before the rally (like ERC) would be the solution i guess...

I don’t really understand why the quali stage has nit been introduced to WRC as well

[Skunner]

I doubt what you say is true.
Having been involved from the start in both events, this is one occasion where I would be 110% certain in my facts….

[mknight]

The stages I watched online looked good (1 on first day, two on both of the next two days).

"Normal" gravel roads, some pretty spectacular like the descent on the stage where multiple drivers took the wrong junction. Also looked like there weren't any massive cutting issues like in the Qatar rally.

Find it funny that "artificial" roads get mentioned when most gravel rallies in Europe added fully purpose made sections or stages the last few years and Safari is run on made up roads in a closed park.

Yes there were many punctures, but drivers simply should adopt their style, like they did in Turkey a few years ago.

The one major change I would do is not run the event as the final round of the season.

[WRCStan]

I don’t really understand why the quali stage has nit been introduced to WRC as well

In theory the elites would be forming a runaway group after day 1 already. It'd be the same script most rallies but for weather. Choosing their start position could be marginally more entertaining.

:D Take it that's Iain been biting his tongue here for 9 years. Hope you post more.

[PLuto]

I don’t really understand why the quali stage has nit been introduced to WRC as well

And with lovely "synchronisation" mode between WRC and ERC they were trying to kill qualifying also in ERC few years ago. Thanks god they didnt succeeded...

[Kenneth]

Yes there were many punctures, but drivers simply should adopt their style, like they did in Turkey a few years ago.

Yeah imo people totally ignore this. When I've watched the Saturday's puncture drama, most of it was drivers' mistakes. They were cutting even when there were big stones, which also led to throwing the stones into the road.

[Steve Boyd]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/ogier-wrc-rules-too-generous-to-guest-drivers-like-loeb-5285691/5285691/

Well what we have here. Ogier complaining that the "guest drivers" should be driving first in 2018. Funny that he is doing exactly this... Oh wait. He is doing that to win the title(s).


Good find !.Someone should show him this old quote and see what he says.

Why?

He called the FIA out on the rule and they didn't change it so why shouldn't he use it to his advantage now when he feels he's been disadvantaged by it in the past?

[jcevc]

Maybe a little bit crazy idea, but...

What if we `sacrifice´ rally2 drivers to start first on Friday - there are no TV broadcasts on Friday usually - the starting list would look like this:
reverse order of the WRC2 starting list, followed by rally1 cars - a matter of debate, whether the first starts rally1 driver who leads the championship or the last place rally1 based on points.

Of course, this only applies to the gravel rally on Fridays to stop this never ending moaning, Saturday and Sunday should go as until now.

[deephouse]

I think that this would create new problems such as, WRC drivers then complaining that the lines are everywhere and is undriveable... WRC2 field would probably shrink, Lancia wouldn't want that as their stakes will be high from next season... Ogier can do it, he called guest drivers to do that, and he is guest driver �� He have always luck on his side, so I don't see a reason why don't he do that job and still won. Oh right, people here will attack me that he is so superior that he doesn't need luck, so again.. He will take good results anyway.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Was Rally Saudi Arabia too extreme for WRC?

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/was-rally-saudi-arabia-too-extreme-for-wrc/10781561/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why?

He called the FIA out on the rule and they didn't change it so why shouldn't he use it to his advantage now when he feels he's been disadvantaged by it in the past?

Previous 'guest drivers' were placed in the chosen events to gain advantage and score points for the Manufacturer, not to gain an advantage over rivals for the Drivers Championship.

[WRC1]

there is only one difference: yes everybody is moaning about startposition on gravel (or snow) rallyes, but Ogier and Rovanpäre still where able to win from first Position on Friday...Evans just moans and take 6th place...

[Dimitris]

My 2025 WRC Season review, with loads of stats for each Rally1 driver for each rally:

https://www.powerslideblog.com/powerslide-stats-centre/2025-the-wrc-season-in-numbers