[WRC] Rally Sweden 2026

[Andre Oliveira]

Lappi instead Paddon
Chattilon, Jürgenson, Kolčák, Trentin and Wartique in RC2
Carlberg, Hakalehto and Rahill in RC3

[Rallyper]

https://rallysweden.com/

[M3 Jambo]

Does anyone know if Seb is doing Sweden this year. Hasn't generally competed in Sweden since he went part-time but I don't think it clashes with his son's school holidays.

[jcevc]

I think he will miss the Sweden and be present in Kenya - as two tarmac rounds are following and especially in Croatia starting place is pretty important.

[rp]

At least in RC2 Yuki Yamamoto, Lauri Joona & Fabio Schwarz. Shoud be also Roope Korhonen, Mikko Heikkilä, Mille Johansson & Isak Reiersen. Also Taylor Gill if able to secure the budget.

[satnav]

Looks like there's still problems in Sweden



https://rallyjournal.com/fresh-fierce-dispute-over-rally-sweden-sami-communities-brand-organisers-proposal-racist/

[AndersX]

Looks like there's still problems in Sweden



https://rallyjournal.com/fresh-fierce-dispute-over-rally-sweden-sami-communities-brand-organisers-proposal-racist/

In the meantime, I am now in Värmland, -12C, winter like from fairy tale. Pity they had to move it up north.

[Rallyper]

Looks like there's still problems in Sweden



https://rallyjournal.com/fresh-fierce-dispute-over-rally-sweden-sami-communities-brand-organisers-proposal-racist/

Well, when arguments fail, you use the racist card. It´s a shame, however we will for sure enjoy the rally this year as well. Samis don´t own the public roads, as they even not own the land they try to use as arguments.

[Krigen]

In the meantime, I am now in Värmland, -12C, winter like from fairy tale. Pity they had to move it up north.

That is the shame of all shames.

[AndersX]

...entries close today, 13.01. Still no news about Sesks. Pity, i am sure on his 2nd year in Sweden he could be rather fast. M-Sport is hinting that they have done some developments on the car.

If you follow Dakar, you can see how happy is Malcolm there - there is very high chance that Ford will win it all.

[Negaiss]

Last week Martins Sesks apeared on two podcasts in Latvian media. He did not say anything clear, because apearently nothing is sighned yet, but This is most interesting of what he said:

1. He told that we (latvian fans) should follow rally Entry lists, and we will se something;
2. That similar program to 2025 is probally minimum program- hinting, that he will probaly do more than 7 rounds.
3. He was asked how it is to become known in the world, what celebrity or popular people contacts he has on his phone now. He said: from last week now I have number of CEO (or CEO's son) of Porsche number.

[HarriK]

https://rallyjournal.com/now-its-official-teemu-suninen-returns-to-the-wrc-with-janni-hussi/

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-yQ6hSXUAAV5kf?format=jpg&name=large

[jcevc]

As expected, no Ogier in Sweden, Lappi in Hyundai instead of Paddon, Sesks in Puma Rally1 and Bertelli in Yaris Rally1.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-yaJ4lX0AA0q1b?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/G-yaJ5Kb0AAph1C?format=jpg&name=large

[Tom206wrc]

Only seven entries in Junior WRC :confused:

[denkimi]

As expected, no Ogier in Sweden, Lappi in Hyundai instead of Paddon, Sesks in Puma Rally1 and Bertelli in Yaris Rally1.
So toyota will sell their seats to privateers. Weird that sesks doesn't go there with his money instead of msport.

[wyler]

So toyota will sell their seats to privateers. Weird that sesks doesn't go there with his money instead of msport.

value. some prefers to use the same amount of money to do more than one round...

[Negaiss]

Yes, probably Toyota seat costs more, but mainly I think it is because pay toyota seat might be avaialble only on rounds Ogier is not starting.

[wyler]

i also think that prada logo on ogier overall tells a lot!

[pedro16]

And that seat is probably only available when Ogier skips a round.

[Dimitris]

My Rally Sweden Route Preview:

Not particularly interesting, basically the same as last year, just a few run in reverse + a couple of new roads

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2026/rally-sweden-2026-route-preview

[Dimitris]

My Rally Sweden Route Preview:

Not particularly interesting, basically the same as last year, just a few run in reverse + a couple of new roads

https://www.powerslideblog.com/wrc-route-previews/2026/rally-sweden-2026-route-preview

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jon Armstrong Rally gives his thoughts ahead of next week's Rally Sweden:

“I’m really looking forward to Rally Sweden. It’s the only full snow event on the calendar, so it’s always the ultimate playground for driving a rally car.

Hopefully we can have something a bit more consistent in terms of conditions compared to the first round of the season. We’ve also got our test with the Puma coming up this weekend, which will be important preparation.

I haven’t competed in Sweden since 2022, but I have great memories from the event - that was the year I won the Junior category. The stages have changed a bit since then, so there will be plenty of new notes to write during recce, but I’m really excited for the challenge ahead.”

[Eli]

Is it just me or the "new" rally Sweden that's been held since 2022 isn't all that interesting? Does anybody else here think that? Would you like to see it been held in Norway instead or god forbid Canada? Or you guys are content with the current format of Rally Sweden in Umeå? (and I don't mean to offend anyone here liking this rally).

[Krigen]

Is it just me or the "new" rally Sweden that's been held since 2022 isn't all that interesting? Does anybody else here think that? Would you like to see it been held in Norway instead or god forbid Canada? Or you guys are content with the current format of Rally Sweden in Umeå? (and I don't mean to offend anyone here liking this rally).

It`s not just you! The rally was far better in Varmland, stages much better and much more accesibble for spectators, which there where lots off back then(not so much this days). It was just the FIA s decison that they wanted guaranteed more snow on the stages(even the rally had in all history been driven in that area with various conditions),wich forced a move too Umeå...

[bluuford]

Is it just me or the "new" rally Sweden that's been held since 2022 isn't all that interesting? Does anybody else here think that? Would you like to see it been held in Norway instead or god forbid Canada? Or you guys are content with the current format of Rally Sweden in Umeå? (and I don't mean to offend anyone here liking this rally).

I prefer to have a stable rally, rather than doing forecast for organizers how to run the event and recce so that they do not have to cancel it. Regarding stages and access, its not that bad. If you have snow-mobile, access is way better. If only car, then still you have plenty of accesses, last year there were 53 accesses by car+ little walk (I also count start and finishes where its easy access+parking), this year is not so different.

[Morte66]

Is it just me or the "new" rally Sweden that's been held since 2022 isn't all that interesting? Does anybody else here think that? Would you like to see it been held in Norway instead or god forbid Canada? Or you guys are content with the current format of Rally Sweden in Umeå? (and I don't mean to offend anyone here liking this rally).

For me a snow rally depends on what weather you get. Will it be "hard clean ice + spikes = tarmac" like Sweden last year (my favourite rally of last year)? Or will it be inches of snow to clean, like Sardinia in monochrome? Will it be "did the snow start ten minutes before Evans, or ten minutes after", i.e. a lottery? Will it be "muddy slush, not really snow, follow the lines", like Sweden down south was in the last few years?

The location, stages, etc are relatively unimportant except for how they affect the probable weather.

[Morte66]

Speaking of weather, my usual site for checking how miserable the rain will be in Britain today has a forecast for the start of the rally, cold with a chance of moderate snow:

https://weather.metoffice.gov.uk/forecast/u7q6vscqp#?date=2026-02-13

Can anybody suggest a better weather site for me?

[Rallyper]

I haven´t been to Umeå for Rally Sweden, but still can´t think of why it is questioned.

Having said that ddoesn´t mean the rally could move. Östersund should be the place or why not Falun? However we should be happy there´s still a Rally Sweden.

[PLuto]

During pre-event testing for Rally Sweden on Friday, Yuki Yamamoto and James Fulton went off the road. After medical checks, both were advised to rest and recover, and therefore they are unable to take part in the competition. We wish them a speedy recovery.

[Rallyper]

I noticed in the startlist there´s a spaniard named Nicolas Otto Boehringer in WRC3 #59.

In the 60´there was driver for the Mercedes team named Eugen Boehringer. I watched him live in the Midnight sun rally, as 8 yrs old fan...
Maybe no connection at all, but also possible the old man is grandgrandfather or so.
Just curiosity...

[BleAivano]

I haven´t been to Umeå for Rally Sweden, but still can´t think of why it is questioned.

Having said that ddoesn´t mean the rally could move. Östersund should be the place or why not Falun? However we should be happy there´s still a Rally Sweden.

Yeah, for a Swedish winter round in the WRC there aren't much choices if you want access to hotels, travels accessibility and etc and at the same time have a snow guarantee.

[WRCStan]

To Eli's point about it not being interesting, I agree. There's no points of interest or contribution to rally culture apart from the name Brattby and Craig quoting it. Maybe I am also wrong because I don't remember anything else about it after each year. That doesn't make it bad competition, bad host, must be moved, not worth having... it's just a little characterless apart from having snow.

Not to pick a fight but Estonia and Latvia is worse. The support is fantastic but the only thing I remember is the heras fencing outside that house. Maybe uninterestingness is a feature of fast rallies.

[Rallyper]

To Eli's point about it not being interesting, I agree. There's no points of interest or contribution to rally culture apart from the name Brattby and Craig quoting it. Maybe I am also wrong because I don't remember anything else about it after each year. That doesn't make it bad competition, bad host, must be moved, not worth having... it's just a little characterless apart from having snow.

Not to pick a fight but Estonia and Latvia is worse. The support is fantastic but the only thing I remember is the heras fencing outside that house. Maybe uninterestingness is a feature of fast rallies.

Well, they have the Red Barn Arena which is at least one place to recognize and remember. I guess you would love to have a new Colins Crest somewhere on the stages? That I can agree on.

[WRCStan]

Good point Per, I do remember the arena upon prompt, but I prefer a rally to have character in real, drivable roads also used outside of the rally. A rally should be a visitor to a location. Like the jumps added in Estonia and Ruuhhimaki in Finland etc, I'm not a big fan of manufactured routes to suit TV cameras - apart from super specials, because you can do that anywhere.

[hari]

Going to my 16th Rally Sweden this year (4th in Umea) this is my view:

For people from abroad it's definitely much easier now. With airport Umea just some kilometres outside of the city and with accomodation in Umea you have the shakedown, powerstage, evenings superstages, servicepark etc. everything in walking distance if you want.

Also the rest of the route is very compact. No comparison to the old days in Värmland with those neverending liaisons to Norway etc. The stages are similar easy to access. The amount of spectators is definitely less in the north, but that made everything also easier with parking etc. in the first years. It's visible growing each year.

The stages have a little bit other character and maybe miss some of those legendary places for now. But once out in the forest there is not much a different atmosphere.

The Umea Stage with its final kilometers at the Red Barn Arena is definitely much much better, than any Superstage in Karlstad ever was.

So If I would have to decide, I would now choose Umea. The legency can grow with more and more rallys driven there. But the nerve-wrecking waiting if it is cold enough in Värmland or not was just awful in the 2010s. But all the rallys there was also great.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sesks livery...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA5uZeqWEAAuF2c?format=jpg&name=small

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Recce interviews

https://youtu.be/74Vnb4U1gdc?si=8DCNsdNaLudzDNEy

[EstWRC]

Sesks livery...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA5uZeqWEAAuF2c?format=jpg&name=small

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18CviwHMdm/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[TypeR]

Sesks livery...

img]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA5uZeqWEAAuF2c?format=jpg&name=small[/img]

https://www.upload.ee/image/19068856/Mr_bean_copying_Meme.png

[Rallyper]

Here we go:
Shakedown, for Rally sweden 2026.
Says nothing, I would say, about what will happen on real stages, but still interesting.

[Rallyper]

Big moment for Oliver at 55 secs. Even Elfyn had dificulties at same spot...

[EstWRC]

Toyotas already showing their power

Take out Oliver’s mistake and they would be 1-2-3-4

[Rallyper]

Two Swedes at the startline and the broadcast ends...??? Shame, shame WRC NEP people!!!

It is Sweden, isn´t it??

EDIT: I guess there´s some seeding procedure. Reiersen and Mille hasn´t done first run yet...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Two Swedes at the startline and the broadcast ends...??? Shame, shame WRC NEP people!!!

It is Sweden, isn´t it??

Free You Tube broadcast only has limited time.

[PLuto]

Two Swedes at the startline and the broadcast ends...??? Shame, shame WRC NEP people!!!

It is Sweden, isn´t it??

EDIT: I guess there´s some seeding procedure. Reiersen and Mille hasn´t done first run yet...

Yes, it is about schedule. First group was according to start list (https://app-cdn.sportity.com/3b4955bc-7370-43db-a870-7c95fc5208df/197db6a2-ceb7-4b60-baa5-640e3072f389_Start%20List%20for%20Shakedown.pdf). Then there was another group with Rally1 + juniors + non-priority. And WRC2 drivers are this time only in last group from 13:00.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More from Jon Armstrong on the demands of Rally Sweden:

“I have very good memories of Rally Sweden. Winning the Junior WRC event back in 2022 was a special result for me. I’m really looking forward to going back, even though there are quite a few new stages this time, so in many ways it feels almost like starting from a fresh page with new notes.

“Driving on pure snow with the studded, narrow tyres is one of the ultimate driving experiences in rallying, and to be doing it now in a Rally1 car is really exciting.”

“After the test, we should have a good idea of how the car behaves on snow, what it’s capable of, and how to approach the pacenotes,” he said. “From there, it’s about translating that into a solid recce and seeing how the conditions develop, because Sweden can still throw a few surprises depending on the weather.”

“The previous experience definitely helps, but it’s still very different in a Rally1 car. The stages are extremely fast, so the aero is going to play a big role, especially on the high-speed sections. Trusting the downforce and really committing to it is going to be a key focus for me."

“On snow, it’s all about committing early - pitching the car in, trusting the studs to bite, and fighting the tyre against the surface. Using the snowbanks can also be really effective if they’re solid, but that depends a lot on the weather and how well frozen they are. It’s something you have to read carefully as the rally unfolds.”

“We will try to understand where our pace is and improve over the course of the event,” he said. “Sweden is incredibly fast and a bucket-list rallying experience, so you also have to enjoy it. From my side, the focus is on eliminating those small hesitations - moments where you come out of a corner and think you could have stayed flat but didn’t quite trust it. If I can reduce those moments, I’ll enjoy the rally more, and the stage times should come naturally. We’re really looking forward to it - it should be a class event.”

[TypeR]

Live maps seems to be available for free now..

https://www.wrc.com/en/events/wrc-rally-sweden-2026/wrc-live-maps

[Krigen]

Seeing how little snowbanks there is, i think we can see a more interresting and even spectacular rally. Drivers using more of the road, creating other lines and even cutting :)

[deephouse]

https://www.upload.ee/image/19068856/Mr_bean_copying_Meme.png

Kinda remind me of DMACK and Elfyn with Fiesta back in the day.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Thierry Neuville set the pace on Rally Sweden’s Umeå City shakedown stage ahead of Hyundai team-mate Adrien Fourmaux.

Elfyn Evans was the quickest of the Toyotas, which all did no more than three runs as opposed to the Hyundai drivers who took five.

Unusually, the Rally1 cars entered shakedown after the Rally2 and Rally3 runners, meaning crews were immediately faced with second-pass conditions and unsuitable lines.

That caught out a few, with Lappi the highest-profile casualty as he struggled for grip under braking and nudged into the snow.

“I hope it will not be going like that all the time!” Lappi remarked. “There is no grip on the braking at all with loose snow, but it doesn’t matter. We go again.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/neuville-fastest-from-fourmaux-at-sweden-shakedown/

[PLuto]

Starting order for tonight - https://rally-base.com/2026/rally-sweden-2026/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=1787

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Windscreens fogging up on the M-Sports and Armstrong hit a snowbank into a tight corner.

[becher]

For a hobbyist Bertelli compares well to the M sport guys.

[wwbroe]

Korhonen stalled at start

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jon Armstrong:

'A trip to the bank on SS1 and we deposited a bit of time and horsepower due to snow in the air filter.

No damage done, so it’s all go tomorrow !'

[PLuto]

Adam Grahn on SS 1

https://i.imgur.com/KSMqWR3l.jpeg

[WRCStan]

"Content not viewable in your region".

Thanks Keith, ALL our problems have been solved. :rolleyes:

[Sulland]

Windscreens fogging up on the M-Sports and Armstrong hit a snowbank into a tight corner.

Does not the fords have a heater/fan thing, electrical or waterbased?
if yes, they need to turn it up so it wirks in -25 C!

[MentalParadox]

Promising start for Oliver

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/kKy9XabKZsc

[Rallyper]

Adam Grahn on SS 1

https://i.imgur.com/KSMqWR3l.jpeg

Adams surname is Grahn which is swedish name for spruce (gran). adam Spruce hit a spruce... : )

[Rallyper]

Now it gets starting for real...!!

[wwbroe]

Really beautifull images in daylight.

[CeskyOndra]

Will be hard to beat Evans.

[becher]

Looks like another Toyota show

[CeskyOndra]

Hyundai nowhere again.. Will be same all year

[trykmann]

Hyundai nowhere again.. Will be same all year

Seems that Tänak made a good decision.

[becher]

So what is the nicer road, SS3 or SS4? I can't watch both.

[becher]

So Sesks is running such low pressure that he knocked the tyres of the rim?

[Negaiss]

Sesks off. aparenty both front tyres puncured. Trying to change. Hopefully will continue

[TypeR]

Sesks continuing his pattern.. managed to get puncture in Sweden on second stage..

Good result gone again

[EstWRC]

Hyundai nowhere again.. Will be same all year

Tänak made one of the best decisions of his career 3 months ago

Waiting for that clown Andrew to give an interview again how the car is fast and good like he said during Monte interview before power stage while his drivers were 6 minutes down and saying all weekend they are struggling. He also promised to win both championships this year

[Negaiss]

Meh. Sad. It is only 2nd stage and looks like things are already clear. Toyota fast, Hyundai not that fast. Ford a lot slower. Even if Sesks did not had puncures, the best He could do would be to be first behind all remaining Toyota an Hyundai drivers. Sad.

[Morte66]

Sesks' windscreen looks like a worry.

[CeskyOndra]

What tires M-Sport run??

[TypeR]

What tires M-Sport run??
Airless :D

[TypeR]

What, broken toyota? :D Bertelli limping thru

[Morte66]

Bertelli is taking it very easy.

[CeskyOndra]

Punctures will decide Rally Sweden. Welcome to Hankook World Rally Championship

[TypeR]

Punctures will decide Rally Sweden. Welcome to Hankook World Rally Championship

More like don't use too low pressure?

[Rallyper]

@Becs:
Andersvattnet: "the waters of Anders"

[Morte66]

Solberg's luck has not deserted him.

[EstWRC]

Oliver has been so all over the place since shakedown

[COD]

Oliver must be the luckiest driver ever, twice got off and back on the road

[CeskyOndra]

Impossible luck

[Morte66]

Solberg's luck has not deserted him.

Tyre pressure alert after, though. I wonder about stage 3.

[TypeR]

New sports to olympics - Snow diving :D

[Morte66]

Oliver has been so all over the place since shakedown

He's "taking advantage of the low snowbanks this year".

[COD]

But will his head stay together now? First time in WRC1 Toyota that he is not leading but chasing

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Luck of a (future) Champion ?!

[Eli]

It is a real shame it’s been a Toyota championship ever since Citroën left…not that they didn’t win back then but at least we got to see some competition, I sincerely hope that who ever does eventually decide to enter this championship full time gives them a run for their money.

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville was also lucky, but his windscreen said no

[Morte66]

Shame, he was back and forth with Fourmaux so far, the Hyundai battle was starting to look interesting.

[TypeR]

Neuville also snow diving from one ditch to other but managed to get to the end +1min20

[CeskyOndra]

Toyota's just lucky

[archie106]

Neuville / Taka corner is definitely going to claim other victims, looks like a really awkward corner and has a lot of loose snow on the road now

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville became new Tanak.

[TypeR]

Sesks done for today? Another puncture alert

[archie106]

Two rear punctures for McErlean and a front puncture for Sesks, what on earth is happening with MSport today?

[EstWRC]

Seems these super cold temperatures aren’t for Hankook or they are driving with too low pressures

[TypeR]

song for M-Sport
Danzel - Pump It Up
https://youtu.be/0HtyF0jux2Q?si=MzX6Q8xhCR17R9oe

[Kenneth]

So.. any explanation? Last year wasn't so bad, did Hankook bring a new compound? Is it Hankook who says how much pressure will the wheel have? Is there any other possible explanation?

[Morte66]

song for M-Sport
https://youtu.be/0HtyF0jux2Q?si=MzX6Q8xhCR17R9oe

I have not clicked on the link, but I am going to guess that this is Queen's "Under Pressure". Let's see...

Edit: showing my age.

[EstWRC]

So.. any explanation? Last year wasn't so bad, did Hankook bring a new compound? Is it Hankook who says how much pressure will the wheel have? Is there any other possible explanation?

It wasn’t as cold as this year

For me it seems the drivers are just driving with too low pressure to have more grip with this cold with the very hard base

[becher]

There is for sure a minimum pressure specified by Hankook. Either M Sport is running even lower or Hankook got their calculations wrong and specified a too low pressure to begin with. It wouldn't be the first time in motorsport that teams are not adhering to the specifications and than run into trouble.

[Morte66]

So, Lappi just needs to manage his lead over the other Hyundai's.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Strange tyre issues for M-Sport. I'd think a good pressure would press the studs into the ice more.

[denkimi]

Ander after the first stage of the day, I would have suspected them to have inflated the tyres a bit more to avoid risk.

[becher]

Strange tyre issues for M-Sport. I'd think a good pressure would press the studs into the ice more.

That's not how tyres work, not at all.

High pressure means the tyre can not "adjust" to the road surface in a malleable manner but rather looses contact to the surface here and there.

Try it with a bicycle and take a bumpy corner with different tyres.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's not how tyres work, not at all.

High pressure means the tyre can not "adjust" to the road surface in a malleable manner but rather looses contact to the surface here and there.

Try it with a bicycle and take a bumpy corner with different tyres.

Spiked ice tyres must be different.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bertelli
After 8kms, a delaminated tyre on the straight out of nowhere, I was cruising without pushing...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sesks is still moving to start SS4.

[becher]

Spiked ice tyres must be different.

Not in the way you are thinking. The car and therefore the four tyres are pressed into the ground by gravitational force, if that force is applied to a soft object (low tyre pressure) or hard object (high tyre pressure) doesn't change the force with which the spikes are pressed into the surface. Of course this is a static thought experiment only and dynamically (movement through corners) things are different.

[Rallyper]

Maybe MSport has faulty gauges?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Glad for Sesks he got through.

[drive]

Milner confirmed in the interview that they had low pressure, which worked fine during tests... and now they would 'rethink'...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

There is cold-induced contraction which had to be factored in for the tyre pressures.

Maybe its colder at the rally than at M-Sport's test. Or when testing the tyres were warmer due to more short runs and less waiting before starting the runs.

[PLuto]

Sesks retired after regrouping (after SS 4)

[Rallyper]

Oliver need to be calm and focused now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Scare near the start might make him back off a bit. Evans 4.5s up already.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville found his speed now ?!

Or maybe its cleaning ...

[Negaiss]

Neuville found his speed now ?!

Not Likely ! Probably road conditions improving for Rally1

[Morte66]

It does seem to be cleaning, at least the first part. Katsuta was up too. Edit: and Pajari.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not Likely ! Probably road conditions improving for Rally1

Yep, still lost with the car and miles off the Toyotas.

[EstWRC]

Thierry massively disappointed

You could see he wanted to say much but didn’t

Hyundai is even more lost after Toyota has also used their jokers and development between seasons

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Taka took advantage and looks like him vs Elfyn like last year.

[Morte66]

Taka took advantage and looks like him vs Elfyn like last year.

Yeah. I'm suddenly thinking very hard about conditions on the remaining stages today.

[Negaiss]

Takamoto Katsuta, please do that You have to do. I took a season destroying risk picking you for the win on Pickems everywhere.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Armstrong was faster than Neuville and Fourmaux on the splits. Seems to have lost the intercom now though.

[TypeR]

Good stage from Armstrong!

[denkimi]

seems like m-sport has finally found some talent with armstrong.

[TypeR]

seems like m-sport has finally found some talent with armstrong.
More like driving rally2 with good speed and amount of rallies before big car is the key
McErlean or Munster hasn't really done too good with rally2..

[240RS]

seems like m-sport has finally found some talent with armstrong.

Unfortunately for Josh McErlean (and to some extent Greg Munster), this doesn't flatter him. Armstrong's pace in only his second Rally1 event may lead to a serious inquisition at Motorsport Ireland.

[denkimi]

More like driving rally2 with good speed and amount of rallies before big car is the key
McErlean or Munster hasn't really done too good with rally2..
armstrong has done 22 rallies in a rc2 or r5 car, munster has done 59, mclearlean 51.

experience counts a lot, but if you don't have the talent you can't make it work.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Unfortunately for Josh McErlean (and to some extent Greg Munster), this doesn't flatter him. Armstrong's pace in only his second Rally1 event may lead to a serious inquisition at Motorsport Ireland.

I never understood why Motorsport Ireland chose McErlean for the Rally1 opportunity last year. He's never impressed much previously and there are other Irish talents.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dont know what Solberg is talking about with his tyres, but even the Hyundai's are faster on this one.

Or maybe its still the cleaning.

[COD]

Sometimes it is hard to understand rally.tv choises. Why on this penultimate stage they don’t show the WRC2 cars? Next stage still over 30mins away, day ending (no rush to get the tv crew to next place) etc.

[COD]

Sometimes it is hard to understand rally.tv choises. Why on this penultimate stage they don’t show the WRC2 cars? Next stage still over 30mins away, day ending (no rush to get the tv crew to next place) etc.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jon Armstrong with some good splits are a tiny bit of positive for M-Sport on a horrible Friday 13th.

[Eli]

If Ott’s choice to move from Toyota was his worst career choice, then leaving Hyundai has got to be his best, I’m sure watching at home from the sidelines he has a sigh of relief that he doesn’t need to manhandle that car another year, and who knows, maybe with some rest he’ll come back for the ‘27 regulations…assuming he’ll find a car he likes.

[flat_right]

Watching stages now as didn’t have time during the day. Sesks was disqualified because he filled tires in gas station which is not allowed.

And M-Sport came out with too low pressure. The pressure was 1.2 but they filled with warmer air and when the air cools down, the pressure drops so it could be that the pressure was 1 or even lower. This could be seen also from the display yesterday. So they should actually put more to have 1.2 during the stage.

[deephouse]

I never understood why Motorsport Ireland chose McErlean for the Rally1 opportunity last year. He's never impressed much previously and there are other Irish talents.

I always thought they would pick Armstrong or Creighton over McErlean, but they choose him first. Also don't know how M-Sport did so wrong after how many years of experience in WRC, 20-30?

And yet again we saw Hyundai nowhere. They seem to improve but so did Toyota and it seems they are always one step behind.

Taka and Pajari needs to do it right this time.

[Morte66]

Katsuta has done well to lead. But he did have helpful running order and a bit of cleaning, which only put him a couple of seconds ahead. Today he will be adjacent to Evans and both will be on well-travelled roads, so I wonder whether he can keep the lead.

Solberg is no longer opening the road, but he's running five or six places earlier and 50 seconds behind. I could see him challenging for a podium.

Of course, there will be punctures and offs, though hopefully less than yesterday as people learn the lessons.

And it might not clean like yesterday.

Well, we'll find out soon.

[deephouse]

Katsuta has done well to lead. But he did have helpful running order and a bit of cleaning, which only put him a couple of seconds ahead. Today he will be adjacent to Evans and both will be on well-travelled roads, so I wonder whether he can keep the lead.

Or he will screw it up once again. I honestly want him to win already but consistency isn't his best friend.

[TypeR]

I predict Solberg on 3rd place after first loop.. Katsuta and Evans are to far and fast to catch without mistakes, but podium is doable

[EstWRC]

Oliver will eat the Hyundais with the fist stage I predict

Jürgenson finally showed the speed I expected from him yesterday afternoon. Also got a stage win

Yesterday morning he was slow

[Rallyper]

Anyone thought more about Olivers save yesterday, when car disappeared in a snowbank in a cloud of snoww meters from the road?

For tens of a second I thought "this is it..." and suddenly he popped up on the road again, like a boxer on the legs at nine and counting...

The save of the century I think I heard the commentators said...

[trykmann]

Oliver will eat the Hyundais with the fist stage I predict

Jürgenson finally showed the speed I expected from him yesterday afternoon. Also got a stage win

Yesterday morning he was slow

Mille was a surprise to me. He had the same speed as Jürgenson in the morning.

[wwbroe]

Sesks first on the road today?

[EstWRC]

I know I am the minority here but I really like this years Toyota livery, with the white snow in Monte and now here in Sweden it looks beautiful

Hyundai on the other hand decided to do a change once in 10 years and did it so wrong. Looks like a warehouse stock car for employees. Moves also like one.

Msport looks good like always

[dimviii]

Sesks first on the road today?

https://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_02_2026/post-157-0-65917800-1771058957.jpeg

[fredfush]

Mille was a surprise to me. He had the same speed as Jürgenson in the morning.

Gill was quicker than both of them in the morning and ended up being fastest non-Finn for the day

[Rallyper]

Not a bad time from Bertelli, being a gentleman driver with money.

[WRCStan]

This is the Gronholm show.

Yep.

[eddy707]

This is the Gronholm show.

Yep.
We already had Brynildsen, I heard Munster was about to feature on one stage(I missed it though) and now the Legend himself. So much better when we can listen to drivers commentating.

[EstWRC]

And Toyota 1-2-3-4 it’s now in overall

[Morte66]

Evans back in the lead. This is what we (well, I) want to see. :)

[TypeR]

Let's start late, leave no space between stages and don't show wrc2, good plan

[MTA]

Let's start late, leave no space between stages and don't show wrc2, good plan

And just like in Finland, 5 hours between the stages go the second time...

[eddy707]

Good to Sesks putting in solid times from first on the road, after the very slow SS1 and horrorshow of yesterday...

[Morte66]

Once more, snowy Sweden looks gorgeous in the morning sun.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great stage side cameras on this one giving a real view of the speed of these guys. But still the comms talk all over it spoiling the sound. :(

[Rallyper]

There´s a lot talking about "sweetspots" now.

Seems starting first isn´t that bad today. Sesks doing good times.

[becher]

Watching stages now as didn’t have time during the day. Sesks was disqualified because he filled tires in gas station which is not allowed.

And M-Sport came out with too low pressure. The pressure was 1.2 but they filled with warmer air and when the air cools down, the pressure drops so it could be that the pressure was 1 or even lower. This could be seen also from the display yesterday. So they should actually put more to have 1.2 during the stage.
I suspected something like that, but that is really an amateurish error.

Also do they never carry a small compressor to refill tyres them self?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stage win for Sesks, so happy for him after yesterday.

[Morte66]

Great stage side cameras on this one giving a real view of the speed of these guys. But still the comms talk all over it spoiling the sound. :(

I am still enjoying the "international audio" with no commentators on rally.tv.

[TypeR]

Katsuta totally lost this morning..

[GigiGalliNo1]

Great stage side cameras on this one giving a real view of the speed of these guys. But still the comms talk all over it spoiling the sound. :(

You can opt for NO commentary you know!!

[Morte66]

Stage win for Sesks, so happy for him after yesterday.

Yep. Meanwhile, Katsuta has some mystery setup problem.

[TypeR]

Yep. Meanwhile, Katsuta has some mystery setup problem.
Said didn't change anything than tyres overnight..

Listened to Latvala too much :D

[Rallyper]

Completely different surface today I guess. Organizer watered the stages, didn´t they? Maybe smth with that?

[TypeR]

Completely different surface today I guess. Organizer watered the stages, didn´t they? Maybe smth with that?

I understood they water the Umea stage, but plowed today stages after recce?

[Eli]

I know I am the minority here but I really like this years Toyota livery, with the white snow in Monte and now here in Sweden it looks beautiful

Hyundai on the other hand decided to do a change once in 10 years and did it so wrong. Looks like a warehouse stock car for employees. Moves also like one.

Msport looks good like always

I agree with you regarding Toyota’s livery, it does look nice with all the snow, as for Hyundai, that black stripe reminds me of the black wristband you put after someone passed away, like a reminder that Craig Breen died on their watch.

[fredfush]

Gill was quicker than both of them in the morning and ended up being fastest non-Finn for the day

same again today

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I am still enjoying the "international audio" with no commentators on rally.tv.

Sadly I dont have Discovery+ anymore (which also had this option) after cancelling TNT Sport.

I might get Rally TV when ERC starts again. For now I have a free stream (with comms) :(

Fortunately every clip from the drivers/teams has pure sound... :D

https://x.com/MSportLtd/status/2022654431310024844?s=20

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yep. Meanwhile, Katsuta has some mystery setup problem.

A shame for Taka. I hope he sorts it for the afternoon loop or the battle could be over.

[Krigen]

Let's start late, leave no space between stages and don't show wrc2, good plan

Yes and show us 10 minutes of preview when the stage is live

[Rallyper]

Yes and show us 10 minutes of preview when the stage is live

15:10

[Morte66]

Could this be a stage win for Pajari?

[Morte66]

Evans looking a bit sedate.

Edit: but not so bad.

[Morte66]

Pajari has been looking quietly competent, this rally. Same for Lappi, who closed on Solberg a bit there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And just like in Finland, 5 hours between the stages go the second time...

They want to final stages to run in the dark.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solberg cant catch Pajari and Lappi is gaining on him !

[Krigen]

The stage has been live for over 6 minutes and i am still watcing review of the rally so far. now the drivers will tell me about how the stage is.. for the second time today

[MTA]

They want to final stages to run in the dark.

In Finland too where it's light until 22?

When it was in Värmland, the the organizer wanted to avoid this and almost no stages in the forest went for the front runners in dark.
And the reason was because a possible rescue operation would be much more difficult in dark.
And everything else would be more difficult as well.

This is about the FIA ​​wanting to extend the day

[Fast Eddie WRC]

In Finland too where it's light until 22?

When it was in Värmland, the the organizer wanted to avoid this and almost no stages in the forest went for the front runners in dark.
And the reason was because a possible rescue operation would be much more difficult in dark.
And everything else would be more difficult as well.

This is about the FIA ​​wanting to extend the day

I read somewhere that for this rally they want to have more night driving.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great run Jon Armstrong ! :bounce:

[MTA]

Maybe promoter but definitely not the organizer.
It was quite difficult to get hold of marshalls who could imagine being in the forest until it was almost dark.
Now they have to be in place at 05-19 at for example Vännäs, and get back on the day after to see that they dont missed something.

And as I said, safety was a huge deciding factor.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cool views with the heli up at dusk. :cool:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Katsuta sorted his set-up, but still lost time to Evans. I think he's lost too time much to catch him now.

[Morte66]

I don't know about the organisation side, but I have really enjoyed watching the dusk/night stages.

If any Rally Sweden marshals read this, I want to say thanks for standing out there in the cold and dark so we can enjoy it on TV!

[240RS]

Toyota: 1-2-3-4 Hyundai: 5-6-7 M-sport Ford: 8-9

Numbers don't lie. . . . This event has laid bare the plain truth. No vanish here.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyota: 1-2-3-4 Hyundai: 5-6-7 M-sport Ford: 8-9

Numbers don't lie. . . . This event has laid bare the plain truth. No vanish here.

Nothing new... it's been like this many times over the previous 12 months.

[Morte66]

The stage has been live for over 6 minutes and i am still watcing review of the rally so far. now the drivers will tell me about how the stage is.. for the second time today

It's barely "live coverage" these days.

I think what is happening is that they are delaying the start of the broadcast so that they can gather some footage before. That way, when there is nothing to show from the first car or two cars because the signal breaks down, they can play other footage.

[deephouse]

It's barely "live coverage" these days.

I think what is happening is that they are delaying the start of the broadcast so that they can gather some footage before. That way, when there is nothing to show from the first car or two cars because the signal breaks down, they can play other footage.

But it seems more and more that they just want to get as much as money and don't offer nothing or at least minimal to fans.

I mean in Monte there was some footage from Solberg, when he spun on hairpin and it says fan footage. So it's possible to adapt fans shots, if "the camera crew" is too expensive and too complex to involve.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville has breached the regulations for not having properly secured his helmet.

He got a 1 minute time penalty and fined €1,500.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hyundai drivers' went radical trying everything to gain some grip and speed...

https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-sweden-what-happened-to-the-hyundais/10797782/

[Negaiss]

Morning ! Watching Sesk live onboard from stage 16/ Crazy, narrow fasts. Everything is totaly white. Crazy sage. Somone will do a bigg mistake - very narrow someplaces.

[Rallyper]

Neuville has breached the regulations for not having properly secured his helmet.

He got a 1 minute time penalty and fined €1,500.

Is this reasonable? I really don´t think timepenalty is fair.

[Negaiss]

Sesks onboard looked very fast, very good stage, very brave also. I do not believe either other Ford can beat this.

[wwbroe]

But Oliver can, 10.5 faster, Taka even faster on splits

[240RS]

Sesks onboard looked very fast, very good stage, very brave also. I do not believe either other Ford can beat this.

Forget the Fords, he has gone quicker than all the Hyundais;)

Don't know what to make of him beating all the Korean cars from FIRST on the road :o

[Morte66]

Whaddya mean the stage was an hour ago and I missed it? It's been starting at a civilised time the last couple of days. Mumble, grumble.

[EstWRC]

Hyundais now on Msport level. Lol

[Eli]

Hyundais now on Msport level. Lol

They seem to have taken Citroën‘s absence very seriously and show the same level of competitiveness…

[Morte66]

That was a pretty good stage from Sesks. It took a Toyota running about seven stages later to beat him.

[WRCStan]

Is this reasonable? I really don´t think timepenalty is fair.

Some people have more money than sense and will pay the fines to do what they want. A time penalty reiterates that safety measures are not optional.

[Rallyper]

Some people have more money than sense and will pay the fines to do what they want. A time penalty reiterates that safety measures are not optional.

I do not think Neuville was on a cheating tour...

[WRCStan]

I do not think Neuville was on a cheating tour...

I didn't see it if you mean the severity of it didn't warrant any punishment. I read that you thought only cash penalty IS fair.

[Rallyper]

I didn't see it if you mean the severity of it didn't warrant any punishment. I read that you thought only cash penalty IS fair.

I mean cash penalty would be enough for this. Not being a decider of the whole rally.

[WRCStan]

I mean cash penalty would be enough for this. Not being a decider of the whole rally.

I disagree, you're given the rules, you follow the rules and you take safety elements seriously. It's part of the game same as hitting chicanes, late check in.... Cash only fines gives rich people license to do what they want.

Like, to most people, a sign saying 'NO PARKING - €300 FINE' is a deterrent not to park there. Rich people read 'PARKING €300' and park there. Unless there is wheel-clamping there is no difference in those signs.

Edit: If Neuville broke the code, he gets the punishment else no point having the rule.

[Morte66]

But it seems more and more that they just want to get as much as money and don't offer nothing or at least minimal to fans.

I mean in Monte there was some footage from Solberg, when he spun on hairpin and it says fan footage. So it's possible to adapt fans shots, if "the camera crew" is too expensive and too complex to involve.

I also get a sense of cost-cutting in Rally.tv these last few years.

If there is a gap in the coverage from the first two cars, they could tackle it with more cameras and radio relays. Instead they have less coverage and hide it by starting later.

I'm not sure that I mind the delayed start personally, because I just watch the stage on rally.tv, so in a way they are editing out the "dead air" for me. But if I was also looking at live timing or something like that, this would be infuriating. And rally.tv is the product for the most committed fans, people who watch the whole of the stages not just the highlights, so they are relatively likely to do that.

[Rallyper]

I disagree, you're given the rules, you follow the rules and you take safety elements seriously. It's part of the game same as hitting chicanes, late check in.... Cash only fines gives rich people license to do what they want.

Like, to most people, a sign saying 'NO PARKING - €300 FINE' is a deterrent not to park there. Rich people read 'PARKING €300' and park there. Unless there is wheel-clamping there is no difference in those signs.

Edit: If Neuville broke the code, he gets the punishment else no point having the rule.

Disagree totally to that. The bottom of your relative talk is everyone want to break safety rules. This was not about getting the best parking spot in a city by just paying fines. You need to haver better perspective than that.

[rallyfiend]

I mean cash penalty would be enough for this. Not being a decider of the whole rally.

Not doing your helmet up is stupid, and deserves a penalty that can mean you can lose a rally.

[WRCStan]

I mean in Monte there was some footage from Solberg, when he spun on hairpin and it says fan footage. So it's possible to adapt fans shots, if "the camera crew" is too expensive and too complex to involve.

I doubt you'd have seen fan footage in that stage's live show. Maybe hours afterwards or in highlights?

[WRCStan]

You need to haver better perspective than that.

Actually, you're right. They can make the sport a lot simpler and cheaper then and get rid of helmets altogether. Balaclavas, HANS too. They're just opportunities for stupid penalties.

[wwbroe]

Not doing your helmet up is stupid, and deserves a penalty that can mean you can lose a rally.
It is only Ogier who always gets away with things like this

[wwbroe]

Greg Munster doing great job at stage end intervieuw's:p

[TypeR]

Pajari all in this stage?

[focus206]

It is only Ogier who always gets away with things like this

After Croatia of few years ago, every time penalty as punishment seems silly. Ogier ran a red light, was partially at fault for a crash on road section and disobeyed police orders to stop, pushed away a policemen with his car... no time penalty.

[WRCStan]

Kaizen, Katsuta.

[Rallyper]

Actually, you're right. They can make the sport a lot simpler and cheaper then and get rid of helmets altogether. Balaclavas, HANS too. They're just opportunities for stupid penalties.

Now your arguments are totally insane.
I agree we are disagreed. End to that discussion.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A good time by Armstrong this time in the Puma, beating 2 Hyundai and his 2 teammates.

[Morte66]

Evans has 0.7 lead over Katsuta for Sunday points, and Solberg is 1.8 ahead of Pajari. Other gaps look too big to change without an off.

Evans has not been quick on Red Barn so far.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally-Journal:

Lappi conserved his studded tyres on the long Västervik stage and lost well over 20 seconds to the fastest time. At the same time, team-mate Adrien Fourmaux slipped past him into fifth place. Part-time driver Lappi does not need the points, so the Finn effectively handed an advantage to the Frenchman, who is targeting the world title.

“There were no team orders. I was just too slow. I probably didn’t push enough,” Lappi smiled at the stage finish.

[EstWRC]

Talking generally then Thierry must be very happy he managed to win that title two years ago, the only chance he had and took it

It’s like he is totally different drivers since then, last year and also this year so far. Seems so lost

[deephouse]

The car is bad. Seems that hybridless i20 and Hankook tyres combination do even worse on stages. I thought they build a new car, when Demaison did say the car Hyundai Motorsport build was fundamentaly wrong. But it seems that they build it even worse or what. Or update it and failed completely. I really don't see they can manage to improve their Rally2 challenger if they can't even manage to sort this car out. Maybe let go Neuville, because he may be too long in the team? Or Cyril, he clearly can't manage the team...

["Username"]

Hyundai doesn't need to quit from WRC, soon nobody will want to drive it.

[becher]

Talking generally then Thierry must be very happy he managed to win that title two years ago, the only chance he had and took it

It’s like he is totally different drivers since then, last year and also this year so far. Seems so lost
He lost his hunger I think.

[wwbroe]

Korhonen takes Rally2 victory, Suninen second and Joona third

[Fast Eddie WRC]

It’s like he is totally different drivers since then, last year and also this year so far. Seems so lost

It's ironic that Neuville has been there all along, everything has been built around him and yet he now has the worst struggles with the car.

If he continues like this I can see him retiring and Hyundai (if they stay) giving the Rally2 car to Paddon (who won ERC x2 with it) .

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Very solid rally by Jon Armstrong showing good pace and quick learning how to adjust and apply improvements to the car.

[Morte66]

It's ironic that Neuville has been there all along, everything has been built around him and yet he now has the worst struggles with the car.

If he continues like this I can see him retiring and Hyundai (if they stay) giving the Rally2 car to Paddon (who won ERC x2 with it) .

He's been a top driver for years, he could probably have managed a move to Toyota at some point if he wanted, but he didn't.

I did once look up where Neuville lived, and it was about a two hour drive from Hyundai according to Google Maps. Maybe that's it.

[deephouse]

What are the chances he will move to Prospeed since the team is belgian and they building WRC27 car and Hyundai won't.

[wwbroe]

Not a bad time on powerstage for an almost retired man:D

Even not bad at all, winning the powerstage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What are the chances he will move to Prospeed since the team is belgian and they building WRC27 car and Hyundai won't.

I dont see that Porsche/Skoda mash-up with village-team aero being any more competitive vs a factory Toyota (or even the existing Rally2 cars).

[EstWRC]

Hyundai finally comes alive with the last stage

Or they just have better tires than Toyota drivers

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sad for Taka, what the hell happened yesterday morning.

[WRCStan]

Recommended reading for/from Kaizen Katsuta

https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DGdg2qQkL._SY445_SX342_ML2_.jpg

[240RS]

Thierry Neuville must have wrung every last ounce from that i20.

He probably doesn't get enough credit for the effort he puts when his back is up the wall.

[Morte66]

I wrote this before the PS. I did think about posting it before to see how big a fool I could be, but decided to keep my powder dry.


Evans did the business.

Katsuta very good. I’d be sorry for his tyre problems, or whatever they were, if I wasn’t an Evans fan. I never really took him seriously, but I'm coming to think he could win Sweden one year when the stars align.

Neuville, Fourmaux were fine in the circumstances.

Lappi finished the rally without issues in a decent position, looking quietly competent, which is exactly what the team wants from a third driver. Why couldn’t he do this when he was full time?

Pajari looking better than he has. But no “Pajari, future champion?” thread based on this.

Enni Malkonen nearly beat Pajari. Maybe she’s a good influence, and Sami should get her back? He went downhill after they parted, you know…

Armstrong showed real speed and stayed on the road. Right now he looks like he could have a career like Neuville, or a career like Lappi. We will see.

Solberg… Was fast at the start, but went off so maybe he was too fast, but got back on. After that, not so different from the rest of Toyota overall but with more risk. Still an unknown quantity.

Sesks did some fast stages. But after bad luck happens too many times, one starts to wonder whether it’s luck.


I feel like Solberg could be the next Tanak and Sesks could be the next Meeke, but it could also be the other way round.


I don’t think championship points matter much right now. Whoever leads the championship after Japan will be punished for leading it. Championship race starts around Chile.


Have you noticed how Evans hasn’t been putting a hat on before talking in stage end interviews? No sponsorship, I guess?

[wwbroe]

Does anyone have calculated championship points?

[deephouse]

The driver of the weekend is clearly Pajari. I think his first win can come sooner than later. Maybe before Katsuta or Fourmaux will snatch it. Who knows.

The one thing about championships is clear, even if we are so early in season. Toyota will be manufacturer champion and Toyota driver will win driver's championship.

Regarding Sesks. He is fast but sadly uncosistent still. But what can we expect, he doesn't even have opportunity to contest full time, so he is trying to impress. If we compare him to McErlean, it so obvious he should be sitting it that car and McErlean in 3rd.

Solberg have so many off this weekend and if that boy wasn't the luckiest one.

[doubled1978]

Evans looks like he means business this year, very good drive again.
Katsuta, weird with yesterday morning issues, but otherwise very good, not really any 'moments' either.
Pajari, good recovery much needed after MC. Needs to put a full rally at top pace together though.
Fourmaux, pretty good once they changed the car and best Hyundai again.
Lappi, really good job after a while away. Let's see how he goes on the other rallies he does. He's a good guy and a positive for the series.
Neuville, bit anonymous but a great power stage. Needs a good Safari.
Armstrong, looks more at home at WRC pace than either McErlean or Munster straight away. He has something about him.
McErlean, I think it's becoming clear that WRC pace is a bit beyond him sadly. He really needs to maximise some of the gravel rallies where he will have a good start position on Friday to show us otherwise.
Sesks, The lad clearly has some pace, but the bad luck is following him around like a bad smell. I hope he gets a few good runs in during the summer as I think he could win rallies with his speed.

[Morte66]

Does anyone have calculated championship points?

https://www.wrc.com/en/results-and-standings/championship-standings

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great job by Elfyn, never put a wheel wrong. He's now a 3x Sweden winner which is a fine achievement.

He leads the Championship now and so will have to road sweep in Safari. Ogier will be happy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

DirtFish @DirtFishRally

Toyota has repeated a feat only Audi has previously achieved: locking out the podium in the first two rounds of a WRC season.

[focus206]

The gap between Toyota and Hyundai seems even bigger this year. I bet Thierry can't wait to stop driving this iteration of the i20. If to retire or to try the 2027 cars I don't know. Fourmaux must be disappointed too. Unless the car has amazing pace on gravel (it won't), good luck fighting for titles with it.

Seems that Evans understood that consistency alone isn't going to cut it, he needs this kind of speed as well. Let's see if this year he'll make it against Ogier and Solberg.