Official rally Finland thread

[Maui J.]

Just got back to NZ from a winter escape in Vanuatu.
Couldn't wait to turn the computer on to see what's happening in Finland. Wow! What a great battle up front. I wonder how long it will be before Malcolm Wilson tells them to hold position and not risk the points.

[Mauri A]

Marcus and Mikko after SS16: No team orders now nor later.

[Miika]

Marcus and Mikko after SS16: No team orders now nor later.

I´m sure Mikko is a true professional and realises not to try anything stupid. Especially since I think he already found his limits in that Ouninpohja 1.

[jonkka]

I´m sure Mikko is a true professional and realises not to try anything stupid. Especially since I think he already found his limits in that Ouninpohja 1.

Hopefully, it would be fool to develop a case of omnipotentia. "I got away with that, I can get away with anything". :eek:

Ford 1-2 is a way to go, Mikko's turn will come.

[Riitta]

Does someone knows what happened with Matti Rantanen in Ouninpohja? Therefor he was leader in Group N. Thanks in advance.

Matti retired because of technical failure - oil was leaking out from the engine. This was already before Ouninpohja....

[Wim_Impreza]

Matti retired because of technical failure - oil was leaking out from the engine. This was already before Ouninpohja....

Thank you very much.

[jonkka]

Rather slow in the forums and I thought this would be the rally to follow?

[White Sauron]

Rather slow in the forums and I thought this would be the rally to follow?

3 best drivers of the rally:

Gronholm, Hirvonen and Alen!

[jonkka]

I must say I've been positively surprised by Atko's performance. 4th overall and at times matching Loeb, very good.

[White Sauron]

I must say I've been positively surprised by Atko's performance. 4th overall and at times matching Loeb, very good.

Yes, i tend to agree... And not only in this particular rally. Atko beat Petteron asphalt of Monte Carlo and was faster than Solberg on some gravel events, including Finland... Solberg must be afraid to get in the shade of his younger team-mate...

[SubaruNorway]

Rather slow in the forums and I thought this would be the rally to follow?

I think everyones quite tired to be honest ive been awake for almost 9 hours and the clock is only 1440pm and still 3 hours to go :eek:

[klm-607]

Petter Solberg retires from Rally Finland
Finland - SS 15 - 21.20 km
[04/08/07 - 12:54]

The rally action continued with the contenders making their way through their single crossing of the Leustu stage, another 'classic' Finland offering which includes big jumps and fast drives before reaching a twisting forest trail where two particularly difficult crests await near the end.

Both works Ford drivers set themselves ahead of the pack once again, with Marcus Grönholm taking yet another stage. His best time of 10'12"6 was 2.4 seconds faster than Mikko Hirvonen's.

"I thought I could take a little more out of Mikko but he is so good," Grönholm complimented. "I want to try and widen that gap."

Hirvonen knows that to sign an overall victory, he will have to keep the pressure on his team mate and hope things go well despite the risks being taken. "I am still pushing hard but it is not easy against Marcus," he pointed out. "We cannot afford to make any mistakes or Loeb will catch us."

Sébastien Loeb was thinking along the same lines as he drove his works Citroën C4 into third place with a 5.2-second delay. "I shall continue to push," he declared. "I had a good drive so I will not give up."

Stobart Ford's Henning Solberg made it up to fourth place on this run, as he continues with the plan he elaborated at the start of the rally: gaining in confidence and in speed as things move along. "The speed is okay, they (the team) work hard with the car and have done a good job."

Chris Atkinson sailed his official Subaru Impreza into fifth place, 14.9 seconds slower than the stage leader. The Australian admitted that he took things easy for this round: "We backed off a bit because there is no pressure at the moment."

Urmo Aava followed behind at the wheel of his Mitsubishi with a similar gap, while Subaru's Xevi Pons crossed the line in seventh position, adding exactly 30 seconds to the stage's best time. "I am pushing very hard but it is not easy. The car is OK with no problems," Pons stated.

Guy Wilks took eighth place with his Ford Focus but did so in some pain after his car violently touched ground following a large jump.

The top ten concludes with two drivers making their first appearances on the list this week-end : Andreas Mikkel's Ford Focus took ninth place while Luis Perez Companc brought his Munchi's Ford into tenth.

It has been reported that Dani Sordo stopped his Citroën C4 on this stage after reporting a technical failure. He might return tomorrow under SupeRally rules.

After arriving in 14th position, Petter Solberg retired when the Subaru team considered it was the best thing to do in view of the recurring mechanical problems that have plagued his Impreza. The decision therefore ends a difficult and frustrating week-end for the Norwegian driver.

"Nothing is better. The car is undriveable. I feel so bad to complain but I can only say the truth," Solberg had said upon arriving at the stage's end.

The OMV Kronos team believes that repairing Manfred Stohl's Citroën Xsara in time for tomorrow seems improbable, an evaluation which surely marks his retirement from Rally Finland after showing good pace since the start. The car went through a triple roll on SS 13.

The overall rankings show that Marcus Grönholm's lead has grown to 13.5 seconds on Mikko Hirvonen, while Sébastien Loeb's delay now stands at 35 seconds. Chris Atkinson is now safely in fourth place. Following the problems of Petter Solberg and Dani Sordo, Henning Solberg now fills the fifth spot 1'32"00 away from Atkinson.

The remaining pack will be making its second pass through the difficult and demanding Ouninpohja stage next.

Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International

[jonkka]

So far, Rally Finland has 8 fastest stage average speeds in top 10 of this season's statistics. Quite fast!

[White Sauron]

By the way... 6th place for Kopecky!!! And I'd like to say I'm not surprised with this result! This guy really has a potential! And deserves a good car! Mmm... If I were Suzuki's boss' I'd pick him as a driver!

[SubaruNorway]

Bad post

[White Sauron]

Bad post

why? :(

[Priorat]

[quote="White Sauron"]By the way... 6th place for Kopecky!!! And I'd like to say I'm not surprised with this result! This guy really has a potential! And deserves a good car!

Agree

[SubaruNorway]

I just miss read that Östberg was fighting with Pons and Aava he is figthing with Wilks, he was eighth tough not seventh in ss17
http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1084893,00.html

[Simmi]

Yeah Ostberg is a minute and a half behind 7th place. 8th is a real possibility though. Naturally I hope Guy can hold on but it doesn't look too good.

[White Sauron]

I just miss read that Östberg was fighting with Pons and Aava he figthing with Wilks, he was eighth tough not seventh in ss17
http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1084893,00.html

Ah, Ok, I just thought you were talking about my comment on Kopecky))

[jonkka]

Ah, Ok, I just thought you were talking about my comment on Kopecky))

To be honest, Kopecky has gained positions as leaders have faltered. He's good, but car isn't.

[SubaruNorway]

Is the radio droping out all the time with you guys

[White Sauron]

To be honest, Kopecky has gained positions as leaders have faltered. He's good, but car isn't.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about! When the road suits his crappy Skoda, he's really on a pace! This guy needs a better car.

[jonkka]

Loeb has given up but Mikko has not

[White Sauron]

Oh... guys, it's boring here...

[jonas_mcrae]

Nice to see Pons driving steadily, climbing up the leaderboard and making subaru not look that bad as some other drivers do sometimes...

[jonkka]

Indeed, before the rally I didn't expect much from formula Pons + Finland + Subaru but 6th overall and having a fight with Aava, that's pretty respectable. Although, he also has benefited from the problems leaders have had.

[malscar]

He is only that high due to others having problems. I would not be too happy being 3 minutes 30 odd seconds behind the other remaining Subie.

[gloomyDAY]

Anyone see the service park camera?

The man in charge is putting the zoom on the gals butts! Good man.
Damn, Finland, I'll see you in 2008.

Edit: These chicks are hot. I hope Finnish women like strong Mexican men.

[SubaruNorway]

Anyone see the service park camera?

The man in charge is putting the zoom on the gals butts! Good man.
Damn, Finland, I'll see you in 2008.

Edit: These chicks are hot. I hope Finnish women like strong Mexican men.

They sure are http://www.ewrc-media.com/images/fotky.php?co=221&a=mf&__utma=1.469055620.1181677909.1186229769.118623937 9.84&__utmb=1&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1181677909.1.1.utmccn%3D(direct)%7Cutmcsr %3D(direct)%7Cutmcmd%3D(none)&__utmv=-&__utmk=170675233

[Mauri A]

Edit: These chicks are hot. I hope Finnish women like strong Mexican men.[/QUOTE]
No way, their favorites are weak Finnish blokes!

[SubaruNorway]

Times all over the place now

[SubaruNorway]

Big fight betwene Mikkelsen and Wilson tomorow

[Miika]

So, Seb won´t win in Finland when Marcus is around. And seems that there is another Finn ready to take over after that.

[White Sauron]

So, Seb won´t win in Finland when Marcus is around. And seems that there is another Finn ready to take over after that.

Agree. Next year will be Hirvonen's

[jure dvorsek]

As a fan of Loeb I must admit, that Markus&Mikko are unique on this Finish gravel.They both deserve a win, Loeb must still learn a lot here. Also the new Focus is a step ahead compare to 06' model. Good news for Malcom!
Peter Solberg-again same story:a lot of optimismum, but in a race-tragedy !!
Same thing for almost two years.....
But, in two weeks situation will be all around-tarmac, thanks good, and Sordo&Duval will make life harder for Ford couple.

[White Sauron]

.


I found another interesting thing in your statistics!)

When Marcus wins this rally, it will be his first (!!!) 3-wins streak in career!

[kleisj]

By the way... 6th place for Kopecky!!! And I'd like to say I'm not surprised with this result! This guy really has a potential! And deserves a good car! Mmm... If I were Suzuki's boss' I'd pick him as a driver!

+1

Ι think he is really good. He could do the job in works car.
But even in a private Ford I think he could be in top 5...!

[SubaruNorway]

Haven't noticed the new rear wing http://www.vgb.no/6339/perma/229858

[jonkka]

I found another interesting thing in your statistics!)

When Marcus wins this rally, it will be his first (!!!) 3-wins streak in career!

That's correct. In addition, he will be the only driver that has won same (full-status) WRC event seven times.

[SanjayKumar]

Woo Woo! Go Mikko!!!

Sorry for this question, but I haven't been here for so long and unfortunately have lost touch...is WRC radio free anymore?

[Miika]

I guess you could call this a jump:


Wilks taking off in Leustu:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4346/still0804213753mg8.jpg

[jens]

Have to say that Atkinson's and Aava's strong performances make me quite satisfied with the current situation! ;)

[SanjayKumar]

I guess you could call this a jump:


Wilks taking off in Leustu:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4346/still0804213753mg8.jpg

I dunno...did he get enough air for it to be called a jump? haha

[jonas_mcrae]

anyone has seen this pics??
http://www.ewrc-media.com/images/fotky.php?co=221&a=mf

theyr quite good, in the last row you can see how mikko almost to rolled went off he was very lucky!!! and quite good driving to get out of that one!!
also anyone knows how Pons made that damage to his subaru??? hiting a tree backwards or what???

[SubaruNorway]

I guess you could call this a jump:


Wilks taking off in Leustu:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4346/still0804213753mg8.jpg

Nice one

[COD]

I guess you could call this a jump:


Wilks taking off in Leustu:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4346/still0804213753mg8.jpg

And that landing cost him to loose all hydraulics

[SubaruNorway]

And a sore back

[COD]

3 best drivers of the rally:

Gronholm, Hirvonen and Alen!

Sure, but I would also add the two Finnish JWRC wildcards, Nikara and Suominen on the list. Both on their first Rally Finland setting fastest stage times in JWRC. More impressive is that Nikara is on a Gr.N Honda and was third in JWRC before suffering a puncture.

[J.Lindstroem]

That's correct. In addition, he will be the only driver that has won same (full-status) WRC event seven times.

Stig Blomqvist has also won the Swedish Rally seven times.

(1971, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1984.)

Next year Marcus will break that record. :)

[Erki]

More impressive is that Nikara is on a Gr.N Honda and was third in JWRC before suffering a puncture.

Like Rantanen last year. :) (no puncture for him though).

What's got of Rantanen at all? Is he doing Finnish championship? How is he dong?

[COD]

Like Rantanen last year. :) (no puncture for him though).

What's got of Rantanen at all? Is he doing Finnish championship? How is he dong?


Rantanen finished third last year, but was more off the pace.

Rantanen is doing finnish championship in a Lancer, is currently sixth or so in the championship. Was leading Gr.N in Neste Rally before oil leak in the car.

[COD]

Also note the time of Jari Ketomaa driving a gr.N Mitsubishi in SS 17 Ehikki 1. 10th OVERALL! Quite many WRC-cars behind him. Great drive!

[WRXedUSA]

So Solberg basically is fed up with the car and retired, right?

[SubaruNorway]

No the team witdraw him, just saw todays coverage and the car was acting like a snake accelerating after a junction, never seen anything like it.

[J.Lindstroem]

No the team witdraw him, just saw todays coverage and the car was acting like a snake accelerating after a junction, never seen anything like it.

Will Subie ever get that car right? They have had some time to do it now...

[Halvis]

No the team witdraw him, just saw todays coverage and the car was acting like a snake accelerating after a junction, never seen anything like it.

Just saw it myself, and it was just crazy - the car wobbling from one side to another. Looked very, very unsafe aswell.

[Christina]

I guess you could call this a jump:


Wilks taking off in Leustu:
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/4346/still0804213753mg8.jpg


That must be the jump they missed in the pace notes. Rally radio said that it was either mis-read or mis-heard. either way they sounded in quite a bit of pain at the end of the stage! hope they are okay!

[duff]

Itsd got to be said that Atkos performance has been very, very impressive here. That 3rd fastest on Ouninpohja wasw fantastic. only 0.7 off mikko when, and lets remember that hes still in that Subaru!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Will there be a Live Stage on WRC.com? SSS? Today? And what time? Local?

[Christina]

i think they're having a lazy day today. first stage isnt till 10.30am or somesuch.. and they're real stages.

[jonkka]

Stig Blomqvist has also won the Swedish Rally seven times.

(1971, 1972, 1973, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1984.)

Next year Marcus will break that record. :)

I wrote: full-status WRC event. Swedish 1971 and 1972 were not WRC events.

[SubaruNorway]

i think they're having a lazy day today. first stage isnt till 10.30am or somesuch.. and they're real stages.

Thank god for that, yestarday was a hard one, 12hours :eek:
Gues it's because of the F1 in Hungary today.

[Christina]

Yes, the F1 and the whole.. Podium finish thing.. I think they did a similar thing last year, we only had a morning of stages before going back to the service park for the podium.

[White Sauron]

Have to acknowledge that on video Mikko's off on Ouninpohja stage doesn't look so scary as in statics, on the photo... By the way, Solberg had a similar excursion in Japan 2005, only in a right-hander.

[SubaruNorway]

Have to acknowledge that on video Mikko's off on Ouninpohja stage doesn't look so scary as in statics, on the photo... By the way, Solberg had a similar excursion in Japan 2005, only in a right-hander.

Tought so to, it was quite slow and smoth actualy

[SubaruNorway]

Yes, the F1 and the whole.. Podium finish thing.. I think they did a similar thing last year, we only had a morning of stages before going back to the service park for the podium.

Yes they went straight to Germany the weekend after, was some trouble gething there in time i remember.

F1 is just about cheating anyway just look at what Alonso did to Hamilton.

[White Sauron]

And I know one another reason why Gronholm may choose to stay in WRC. Not only because that the new evolution turned out to be so good... I can hardly believe that now, with the real possibility of title, Gronholm can get rid of the idea to drive under #1 next year. he only did it twice in his career, and I'm sure, is eager to repeat this experience.

[N.O.T]

Stage has just started....Vilagra in in already.

[Christina]

Yay! stage underway!

[SubaruNorway]

Should be easier for Mikkelsen to catch Wilson today now when he's not first on the road

[SubaruNorway]

Kopecky stopped

[jonkka]

Should be easier for Mikkelsen to catch Wilson today now when he's not first on the road

Wilson is faster still... :eek:

[White Sauron]

Kopecky stopped

oh damn...(

[Miika]

So even if it is a short day it can still bring drama.. Kopecky rolled into a pile of wood.

[N.O.T]

No splits for Kopecky.... :( :( pity he had a great event so far

[jonkka]

Kopecky stopped

A pity...

[Miika]

..and Anton Alen and his team can´t get the car going in the service area..

[N.O.T]

hmmmm this morning i filled with drama then......

[N.O.T]

Pons seems to hold on to his lead over aava

[N.O.T]

and the splits stopped as well....

[jonkka]

..and Anton Alen and his team can´t get the car going in the service area..

Huh? :eek:

[Christina]

Is Kopecky okay? and his co-driver? rolling into a pile of wood does not sound so good..

[Miika]

Huh? :eek:

Engine is gone. End of his rally.

[Miika]

Is Kopecky okay? and his co-driver? rolling into a pile of wood does not sound so good..

Aava said they are OK.

[N.O.T]

Loeb fastest so far....lets see if we have ordoers in the Ford camp...which i think would be very wise....Gronholm proved he is king in his homeland and Hirvonen the one to succeed him

[N.O.T]

Gronholm and Hirvonen exactly the same 1st split...are they crazy?? :)

[White Sauron]

Gronholm and Hirvonen exactly the same 1st split...are they crazy?? :)

a little bit ;)

[Christina]

Phew! 0.1 sec! i'd say there are no team orders at ford. those boys are fighting!

[jonkka]

Nay, they are simply keeping positions. No fight between them.

[White Sauron]

Nay, they are simply keeping positions. No fight between them.

yap, controlling the gap in style

[GigiGalliNo1]

hey split site again?

[jonkka]

Google can find it, incidentally...

[SubaruNorway]

Add it to your favorites would you :D

[GigiGalliNo1]

thanks haha yeh i always forget to. thanks.

[bt52b]

Search thread might be easier

[jonkka]

It looked like Wilson would be able to hold Mikkelsen off but last split doesn't look that way! :eek:

[GigiGalliNo1]

Search thread might be easier

through 30 pages?

[J.Lindstroem]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=9&stage=21&results=1&jwrc=

[GigiGalliNo1]

i got it thanks!!! :p

[GigiGalliNo1]

whats local time?

[SubaruNorway]

11:40

[SubaruNorway]

Mikkelsen catching Wilson, only 0,4 betwene them now

[GigiGalliNo1]

Thanks SN1 =)

[jonkka]

11:40

[J.Lindstroem]

Interesting fight between Mikkelsen and Wilson. I really thought that Andreas whould have been aster than Mathew, but apperantly not. I reckon he will learn...

[bt52b]

through 30 pages?

Near the top of the page you might find a Search This Thread button ;)

[bt52b]

Anyone who uses FireFox should check out the FoxClocks add-on. You can but different time zone clocks in the status bar. Can put in the rally time zone for example.

[bt52b]

On SS22 Bosse did it again. Last three splits of stage he took 6, 9 and 11 sec out of Mikko.

[malscar]

For you, about 5pm

[SubaruNorway]

Watch the webcam :D

[jonkka]

On SS22 Bosse did it again. Last three splits of stage he took 6, 9 and 11 sec out of Mikko.

Which rally are you following? :eek:

[jonkka]

Watch the webcam :D

Foxes on Fire? :eek:

[Finni]

Interesting fight between Mikkelsen and Wilson. I really thought that Andreas whould have been aster than Mathew, but apperantly not. I reckon he will learn...

Altough we should reckon that Matthew's car is significantly better than the old Focus + obviously easier to handle.

[SubaruNorway]

Should be hilarious at the podium finish 13:30 local

[J.Lindstroem]

Altough we should reckon that Matthew's car is significantly better than the old Focus + obviously easier to handle.

Oh, I forgot that Matthew has the 06 model and that Mikkelsen has the 05.

[SubaruNorway]

Mikkelsen stopped

[J.Lindstroem]

Mechanical problems?

[bt52b]

Which rally are you following? :eek:

S22
4M HIRVONEN 2:48.1 4:36.5+0:00.2+0:00.5+0:02.03M GRÖNHOLM +0:00.4+0:00.6 6:46.9 9:29.8 11:07.2

[Corny]

Wilson clocking a fourth time:O
What did he use this morning?

[jonkka]

S22
4M HIRVONEN 2:48.1 4:36.5+0:00.2+0:00.5+0:02.03M GRÖNHOLM +0:00.4+0:00.6 6:46.9 9:29.8 11:07.2

That is not taking 11secs out of Mikko but two secs.

[jonkka]

Mechanical problems?

Went straight on junction

[bt52b]

Mechanical problems?

Straight on and off at a junction :(

[J.Lindstroem]

And Östberg loosing time to Wilson... Not a great stage for norway!

[SubaruNorway]

Straight on and off at a junction :(

Maybe same place as Sordo last year where he went into the threes and got going again, junction 2 left

[SubaruNorway]

Yes! he did it

[bt52b]

Really stange having Pons bring home the bacon for Subaru in Finland :) Amazing to see Atko have a good run too.

Think Subaru should run the 2008 car on the last few rallies this year, if they are serious about 2008.

[GigiGalliNo1]

marcus on stage

[SubaruNorway]

Looks realy god fro Grönholm in the championship now, at this point last year Loeb was about 30points ahead

[HaCo]

Yep yep, Ford did it again, very good result! Hope the windows are thick enough!

[White Sauron]

Looks realy god fro Grönholm in the championship now, at this point last year Loeb was about 30points ahead

Congratulations Marcus and Mikko!!!

And RallyZone.ru - the first web-site in the whole world to post the final victory news!!!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yep yep, Ford did it again, very good result! Hope the windows are thick enough!

lol

good event! :)

[N.O.T]

WELL done to Gronholm and Hirvonen...very good drive on the limit from start to finish.

Germany next.....

[jonkka]

Looks realy god fro Grönholm in the championship now, at this point last year Loeb was about 30points ahead

It all hinges on tarmac performances now. Marcus must be able to beat Sordo there.

[J.Lindstroem]

1. Grönholm - 75p
2. Loeb - 62p
3. Hirvonen - 57p
4. Solberg - 30p
5. Sordo - 28p
6. Solberg - 26p
7. Atkinson - 20p
8. Latvala - 12p

Marcus has a 13 points lead. In the four tarmarc rallies i'd say that Sebastien will make AT LEAST 8 points on him. (two on each round). Both drivers really have to push!

Great season!!

[bt52b]

Think Al Qassimi should run under Ramsport or Stobart colours. Not good to see a rent-a-drive works team car.

[J.Lindstroem]

Think Al Qassimi should run under Ramsport or Stobart colours. Not good to see a rent-a-drive works team car.

He has to drive under the "AbuDhabi" colors. After all, he is one of the reasons that this deal came true.

I think an all blue "AbuDhabi" car whould be good. :) Nice also...

[White Sauron]

In the four tarmarc rallies i'd say that Sebastien will make AT LEAST 8 points on him. !!

don't be so sure. Marcus said the speed of the Focus improved, on tarmac also

[J.Lindstroem]

don't be so sure. Marcus said the speed of the Focus improved, on tarmac also

I stick to my opinion. Seb is outstanding on tarmarc, he uses the lines of a true master. At least in germany, Spain and France Sebastien will win. Ireland maybe suits Marcus more, also he has some more experiance!

[SubaruNorway]

Loeb did Donnegal a few months ago Marcus last winter

[Finni]

Wthout Ford's Portugal mess Marcus' would now lead with more comfortable 17 points.

[J.Lindstroem]

Loeb did Donnegal a few months ago Marcus last winter

He did? Well thats great.. :D

[SubaruNorway]

He did? Well thats great.. :D


But Mikkelsen was only 14sec behind after the first day and Higgins was leading.

results
http://www.donegalinternationalrally.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=37

[White Sauron]

But Mikkelsen was only 14sec behind after the first day and Higgins was leading.

results
http://www.donegalinternationalrally.com/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=37

But they did lots of runs in the recce, while Loeb did only 2 passes, like in WRC.

[mdesign]

Great rally for ford! it's kinda funny to see that hirvonen it's Closer to loeb in the champ standing Than Loeb is to gronholm

[COD]

Look at the time of Nikara in FIA Juniors on SS22. 21,6 sec's faster than anyone else and that on a Gr.N Honda! :up:

[SubaruNorway]

Hope that bridge is bulidt for that many people

[White Sauron]

Wow... Last year the gap between Bosse and Sen 1:07.6, this time 1:09.9...
Again almost the same! Magic

[Halvis]

Congratulations to Marcus and Mikko. Also a very solid performance from Henning, he's 4th overall now! Ford 1, 3 and 4 overall - not too bad...

Incredibly dissapointing rally for Petter again, very good for Atko.

Also first wrc points for Østberg, guess he's very happy with that!

[Miika]

Wthout Ford's Portugal mess Marcus' would now lead with more comfortable 17 points.

17 would be so much better than the current 13. With 4 tarmac events, I think there´s one two many considering Marcus´chances. But of course they have to drive them first, one more mistake for Loeb and it might be game over for him. Good thing is we get some answers of the tarmac pace already next weekend.

[SubaruNorway]

Wow... Last year the gap between Bosse and Sen 1:07.6, this time 1:09.9...
Again almost the same! Magic

And 1:06,7 in 2005

http://www.wrc.com/page/StageTimes/0,,10111~200507,00.html

[White Sauron]

And 1:06,7 in 2005

http://www.wrc.com/page/StageTimes/0,,10111~200507,00.html

yeah, I know. That's why I said "again" almost the same time.

[noel157]

Yep yep, Ford did it again, very good result! Hope the windows are thick enough!


That's the first thing I thought when Latvala's window seal fell out................

Well done to Ford and NORF organisers.

[Finni]

And 1:06,7 in 2005

http://www.wrc.com/page/StageTimes/0,,10111~200507,00.html

Actually it was 1.06.7 both 2005 and 2006.

[Xsara Fan]

Wow... Last year the gap between Bosse and Sen 1:07.6, this time 1:09.9...
Again almost the same! Magic

Great. Let`s see...

OMV ADAC Rallye Deutschland 2006
1. Loeb
2. Sordo
3. Gronholm +2.19,2
9. Hirvonen +8.25,7

Rally RACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada 2006
1. Loeb
2. Sordo
3. Gronholm +1.45,8
9. Hirvonen +5.01,6

Tour de Corse - Rallye de France 2006
1. Loeb
2. Gronholm +29,0
3. Sordo
4. Hirvonen +1.59,2

Hmm... I like this situation! :) Hope this year the situation will be the same!

[White Sauron]

Great. Let`s see...

OMV ADAC Rallye Deutschland 2006
1. Loeb
2. Sordo
3. Gronholm +2.19,2
9. Hirvonen +8.25,7

Rally RACC Catalunya - Costa Daurada 2006
1. Loeb
2. Sordo
3. Gronholm +1.45,8
9. Hirvonen +5.01,6

Tour de Corse - Rallye de France 2006
1. Loeb
2. Gronholm +29,0
3. Sordo
4. Hirvonen +1.59,2

Hmm... I like this situation! :) Hope this year the situation will be the same!

Leha, you forgot that in Spain Marcus ws leading and fell to third only cause of tech problems... No, he fell even futher, but drove so well that made it to the podium. Plus, the speed and acceleration of the new Focus is better as you could see in Finland. I don't know why you like the situatuion, as it's clearly in Gronholm's favour...

[Finni]

Great. Let`s see...
Hmm... I like this situation! :) Hope this year the situation will be the same!

I bet it won't.. Last year Marcus was near in Spain and relatively near in Corsica. New Focus might help Marcus because its benefits has said to be most obvious on asphalt surface - altough C4 seemed very strong in Monte.

[harriswrc]

Just a question about final classification. Both wrc.com and official rally Finland site have Mikkelsen in 12th position. Mikkelsen retired on last stage of the rally and he should have a 10mins penalty because of that. But both sites give him a 5mins penalty. The same one for one JRC competitor Vilius Rozukas.
Is something change to regulations or is it a mistake???

[jonkka]

Just a question about final classification. Both wrc.com and official rally Finland site have Mikkelsen in 12th position. Mikkelsen retired on last stage of the rally and he should have a 10mins penalty because of that. But both sites give him a 5mins penalty. The same one for one JRC competitor Vilius Rozukas.
Is something change to regulations or is it a mistake???

Isn't it five minutes per stage not completed?

[SubaruNorway]

That 10min thing didn't happen, you can finish on superrally the last day

[harriswrc]

That is the regulation:
For every stage or super special missed: 5
minutes.
However, should the first time a special stage or
super special stage that is missed be the last
stage of a Leg, the penalty will be 10 minutes.
This 10 minute penalty can be applied only once in
a Rally.

With that, Mikkelsen and Rozukas should be penalised by 10mins.

[SubaruNorway]

Your right actualy, read it myself never heard of that

http://www.fia.com/resources/documents/1948515195__WRC_reg.pdf
Page 4 articel 3.5.4.3

[puntopower]

May you address me where to find some photos of this round? I'm namely looking for pictures of Anton Alen in action at Rally Finland with the Abarth car.

[Woodeye]

Hi Guys!

Back from NORF (and holiday) to comment a bit. First of all, great rally from Marcus and Mikko.Especially Mikko's performance was promising. Also J-M could be fast if he only would stay on the road.

Then the millionaires: Munchi's and Al Quassimi. I really don't understad why to rally if you cannot drive. It's really a skill to drive that slow. To lose to group N -cars with WRC -car should tell something.

S2000 Punto and Alen looked quite good on the stage, but to replace WRC with S2000? Please. :rolleyes:

And finally, it was a great rally again. Unfortunately due to missing a driver, I couldn't meet the forumers this time. Maybe next year. It would be the 24th time for me then in 1000 lakes... :)

[Brother John]

Hi everybody.

I saw a nice rally in Finland and had a great time with som forum members.
Thanks guys for the nice boat trip and the meeting at that nice restaurant. :s mokin:

[TheDogBox]

Hey everyone, if you're into podcasts, the latest ep of TheDogBox (http://www.thedogbox.info), covering Rally Finland, is now up at http://www.thedogbox.info (http://www.thedogbox.info/)

Cheers, Bruce. :)

[turves]

That is the regulation:
For every stage or super special missed: 5
minutes.
However, should the first time a special stage or
super special stage that is missed be the last
stage of a Leg, the penalty will be 10 minutes.
This 10 minute penalty can be applied only once in
a Rally.

With that, Mikkelsen and Rozukas should be penalised by 10mins.

Could it be that because they actually started the stage they are penalised 5 minutes. The stage wasn't missed because they crossed the start line?

[pino]

Hi everybody.

I saw a nice rally in Finland and had a great time with som forum members.
Thanks guys for the nice boat trip and the meeting at that nice restaurant. :s mokin:

Same here, as this time I've enjoyed both the rally, the company, and the food :up: :eek: ;) Was great to meet you again BJ :s mokin:

[Brother John]

Same here, as this time I've enjoyed both the rally, the company, and the food :up: :eek: ;) Was great to meet you again BJ :s mokin:

Next time again in Sweden Pino, there is only 1 problem! Where to find good food in Sweden? :D

[Tomi]

Hi everybody.

I saw a nice rally in Finland and had a great time with som forum members.
Thanks guys for the nice boat trip and the meeting at that nice restaurant. :s mokin:

yes, thanks for nice company, both you and your wife too. :)

[Mickey T]

Promise to keep it secret because some hard-core rally fans despise me for that. There are many reasons why I always follow WRC rallies from computer (being pedantic and narrow-minded accountant, I always want to know the exact results after each stage which is impossible in forest, I also dislike drunken and dim-witted John Does who mistake Sebastien Loeb's car for Kristian Sohlberg et cetera). I have a habit of making my annual pilgrimage to rally on thursday's shakedown but I come back to follow the rally from the comforts of my living room.

so just use a helicopter and take a laptop. like i did...

[jonkka]

so just use a helicopter and take a laptop. like i did...

If you pay, sure! And my site would benefit from rich sponsor too.

[Tomi]

If you pay, sure! And my site would benefit from rich sponsor too.

Have you asked, Hannu Mikkola or Mika Häkkinen, sure they would be happy to sponsor your site.

[Viktory]

You were at the Vanha Mylly restaurant? I was there on the Saturday too. I didn't see anyone that looked like they could be from the forum. I was sitting outside, maybe you guys were inside? I left at about 20:00 so I might have been a bit early too. Very nice restaurant though.

[Tomi]

You were at the Vanha Mylly restaurant? I was there on the Saturday too. I didn't see anyone that looked like they could be from the forum. I was sitting outside, maybe you guys were inside? I left at about 20:00 so I might have been a bit early too. Very nice restaurant though.

I guess you left a little early, we came around 20:30, but Brother John propably was there with his wife already the same time you where.

[Viktory]

ah right, that's a shame. We wanted to buy some breakfast and get up to Valkola to pitch the tent before it went dark though :p

[Tomi]

ah right, that's a shame. We wanted to buy some breakfast and get up to Valkola to pitch the tent before it went dark though :p

ok new try next year then.

[jonkka]

Have you asked, Hannu Mikkola or Mika Häkkinen, sure they would be happy to sponsor your site.

Why would Mika want to do that? :eek:

I voted for Hannu in MTV3's "Suomalainen Rallisankari" -competition, incidentally.

[Mickey T]

If you pay, sure! And my site would benefit from rich sponsor too.

some things are worth opening your own wallet for...

..and i drove Oununpoyja on sunday, too! only at 70 or 80, but it's an awesome road.

[DonJippo]

..and i drove Oununpoyja on sunday, too! only at 70 or 80, but it's an awesome road.

Doing the same mid-winter when it's all snow and icy will raise the experience even higher... ;)

[Viktory]

Does anyone know how start number 49, Milos Komljenovic, is doing? He stopped just a few hundred meters after this huge jump on SS4 which landed heavily on the nose: http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/ViktorL/?action=view&current=NesteOilRallyFinland2007037.jpg

I saw him getting carefully lifted out of the car with what looked like a possible broken back. I haven't been able to find any info on his current condition.

[PuddleJumper]

Can anyone tell me the first names of Poranen & Ahonen that were driving the "00" car?

[COD]

Can anyone tell me the first names of Poranen & Ahonen that were driving the "00" car?


Heikki Poranen (also known ans Mr. Arctic Rally! )

Aulis Ahonen

[PuddleJumper]

Thank you, COD. :up: