Official Ralllye Deutschland thread

[Josti]

Not much news, but let's get the thread starded already. Let's all just hope the Ford's can give good competition to Citroën, which I expect to happen. If Grönholm snatches the win, I´m pretty convinced he can settle for the title. A win of him here will set Loeb even more of gard I reckon.

[GigiGalliNo1]

I think for the next few rounds its Fords that will perform and hope Subaru can pick up their game, but all go for Ford!! :)

[jonkka]

Loeb already has five straight wins in Rally Deutschland and really, his worst enemy against sixth win is statistics. Sordo may be able to challenge Seb but won't be allowed to carry that flag to the end. And since Gronholm is Loeb's biggest real challenger and I don't see Marcus being able to really challenge him unless Alsace-man has some problems, the question is whether Marcus can outpace Sordo or not? Second overall keeps title hopes alive and would be an important result given that three more tarmac rallies are still to come after Deutschland.

[Simmi]

A little bit of non-starter news. It doesn't look like Gareth Jones will be able to take the start in his Focus after a quite heavy crash in Finland.

[GigiGalliNo1]

True about Loeb going for his 6th win.... but one time Gronholm nearly got him!

[Addicted]

A little bit of non-starter news. It doesn't look like Gareth Jones will be able to take the start in his Focus after a quite heavy crash in Finland.

Is there any pics of this accident or about the car after it?

[WRCfan]

Gutted to hear about Gareth crashing. Im guessing the crew were all ok which is good news. Really would like to see Gronholm sneak in front of Loeb this weekend. Highlight shows are made really boring when the clowns in editing show nothing except the red C4, and the phrase "rally leader Sebastien Loeb" is thrashed beyond belief!

[Brother John]

Duval in Deutschland.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/pics/16f95d78b2.jpg

[Jaanus]

Any news on PG Andersson, is he going to start or not?

[Viking]

Any news on PG Andersson, is he going to start or not?

PG is not starting according too:
http://www.vf.se/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vf.se%2Fvf%2Fdocs%2Fvisa.asp %3FnyhetsID%3Da749015366a78173227d84c733cd9a76

Suzuki enters the car with James Wosencroft as driver.

[Simmi]

PG is not starting according too:
http://www.vf.se/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vf.se%2Fvf%2Fdocs%2Fvisa.asp %3FnyhetsID%3Da749015366a78173227d84c733cd9a76

Suzuki enters the car with James Wosencroft as driver.

Oh wow that's a great opportunity for Wozie! Best of luck to him.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Duval in Deutschland.

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/pics/16f95d78b2.jpg

Looks good!!

[turves]

Looks good!!

until it gets crashed... :rotflmao:

[GigiGalliNo1]

until it gets crashed... :rotflmao:

LoL!!!!!!!!!!!!

[A.F.F.]

Now with Duval, there is going to be a strong top five until someone crashes indeed.

[White Sauron]

Well, with 4 strong Citroens and 2+1 (Latvala maybe) strong Fords there might be no space left for Subarus!!!

[Brother John]

Well, with 4 strong Citroens and 2+1 (Latvala maybe) strong Fords there might be no space left for Subarus!!!

And sordo will be the first crash........... :p : ;)

[alleskids]

http://www.pitstoptv.info/pitstop/?page_id=430 Duval;s test video

[Simmi]

I too think Sordo will struggle to recapture his form of last year. I was feeling optimistic about Ford's chances then I watched last years rally back. After one wet tarmac stage Loeb had decimated the rest of the field and the event was essentially over by the first day. Gronholm struggled in the wet and from what I can gather its going to rain a lot this year too.

I've done a little preview event in my new rally blog if anyone would like to have a look. Address is in my signature.

[White Sauron]

After one wet tarmac stage Loeb had decimated the rest of the field and the event was essentially over by the first day. Gronholm struggled in the wet and from what I can gather its going to rain a lot this year too.


Well... You're right in some way. But last year before rally Germany Ford didn't have wet tests at all. This time, as Marcus said, they had a typical changeable weather with rain on tests, so I suppose both Gronholm and Hirvonen are much more prepared for slippery conditions than it was last year.

[Simmi]

Well... You're right in some way. But last year before rally Germany Ford didn't have wet tests at all. This time, as Marcus said, they had a typical changeable weather with rain on tests, so I suppose both Gronholm and Hirvonen are much more prepared for slippery conditions than it was last year.

That is a very good point WS you are right. I still think Ford are more likely to make mistakes in their tyre choice as Loeb seems to be able to read the conditions better then others. It will be interesting!

Just like you I hope Ford are up there challenging this weekend.

[A.F.F.]

That's where you're right Simmi. Loeb's ability to choose the perfect tyre set is unbelieveble.

[RallyCat909]

Dumb question here, why is Loeb in the Xsara?

[GigiGalliNo1]

wat? he's in a c4 no?

[DonJippo]

Dumb question here, why is Loeb in the Xsara?

He is not.

[COD]

That's where you're right Simmi. Loeb's ability to choose the perfect tyre set is unbelieveble.


It is not only down to Loeb, but Citroen has very good weather crews (good in numbers and quality)

[Simmi]

I remember on Day 2 I think of the rally last year Marcus was in the car trying to answer why Loeb always knew about what the weather would do. It was as if Seb was getting completely different information then Ford.

The coverage also made me laugh because Petter had just signed the big new Subaru contract and was talking about how he was positive SWRT would help make him a champion again. I wonder what he would say to that question a year later?

[DonJippo]

It is not only down to Loeb, but Citroen has very good weather crews (good in numbers and quality)

I think the ratio is like 1 to 10 in terms of numbers...and the quality looks like to be about the same Citroen gets 10 times more accurate info about the coming weather than Ford...

[Salist]

Hi,

Somebody has a useful map from the German special stages?

Thnx.

[Le NaRcX]

You can find rally maps here:
http://www.rallye-deutschland.de/v2/images/teilnehmer/rally_guide_2_2007/rg2-gb-appendix_2_102197372.pdf

[jonkka]

Does anyone know who will co-drive Wozencroft?

[MJW]

Does anyone know who will co-drive Wozencroft?
Jonas Andersson - its is changing 1 element of the entry, car & co-driver remains the same, he is taking over PG's role.

[jonkka]

Has Jonas read english pace notes before?

EDIT: Or do they use swedish ones? :eek:

[COD]

Has Jonas read english pace notes before?

EDIT: Or do they use swedish ones? :eek:

I think he read notes at least once for Kris Meeke in Ireland this year.

[René]

Video inboard of shakedown 2007 Deutchland Adac Rally


http://rapidshare.com/files/35781798/SHAKEDOWN_RALLYE_DEUTSCHLAND_2007.mpg.html

[Tony Simpson]

http://rapidshare.com/files/35781798..._2007.mpg.html

This appears to be dead link?

[SubaruNorway]

I think he read notes at least once for Kris Meeke in Ireland this year.

Yes he has, awsome inboards by the way. Why doesen't this guy have a wrc seat?

http://www.krismeeke.com/content/videos_2007_no1.asp

missing some numbers in that link

[Xeroid]

When did Duval last drive seriously? He's good on tarmac but could be a bit rusty. Nice to see him back any way, always entertaining, could upset a few placings. All we need now is a drive for Galli.

[JAM]

Is my problem or the official site is only available in German? I choose "english" but after the first click everything appear again in German...

[Minke]

I think the subaru will be up there... they have completed tarmac testing over the break and should be dialed in for it.

Atko may not be top 5, but I certainly think he'll post a few stage times in the top five.

Petter needs some confidence boosting stage times, so will be out to prove that the revised 07 subaru can cut it on the tar.

but then again, maybe I'm hoping for too much.


As a side note : was is rally of Germany where Seb won every stage a few years ago? or was it another tarmac event?

cheers

[SubaruNorway]

Remember Atko outpaced Mikko in Monte to take fourth

[SubaruNorway]

Sorry double post

[Dingardo]

As a side note : was is rally of Germany where Seb won every stage a few years ago? or was it another tarmac event?

nah that was France(Corsica) 05 i think..

[GigiGalliNo1]

heyy dingardo!! sorry bout not making NZ this year and helping out with yur camera :p

[GigiGalliNo1]

last years results:

1st S LOEB CITROËN Xsara WRC 03:28:34.1
2nd D SORDO CITROËN Xsara WRC 03:29:07.9
3rd M GRÖNHOLM FORD Focus RS WRC 03:30:53.3
4th T GARDEMEISTER CITROEN Xsara WRC 03:31:07.9
5th M STOHL PEUGEOT 307 WRC 03:33:00.0
6th A AIGNER SKODA Fabia WRC 03:34:16.7
7th J KOPECKY SKODA Fabia WRC 03:34:19.9

[Minke]

Remember Atko outpaced Mikko in Monte to take fourth

Mikko had issues?

[jonkka]

nah that was France(Corsica) 05 i think..

Yes, that's correct.

[White Sauron]

Yes, that's correct.

Yeah, and Latavala won all stages in GroupN... I expect a strong performance from this guy too.

[jonkka]

Yeah, and Latavala won all stages in GroupN... I expect a strong performance from this guy too.

In Germany? Last year he crashed in the first stage and broke down completely mentally.

[White Sauron]

In Germany? Last year he crashed in the first stage and broke down completely mentally.

No, In France 2005.

[jonkka]

No, In France 2005.

You expect a strong performance of him in France 2005? Wow... :eek:

It seems I was not clear enough, I did not refer to his GrN stage wins but your great expectations.
That's why I pointed out that he crashed last year and I think that's going to affect him, especially
since he's had misfortunes this year also. Having said that, Latvala made some pretty decent stage
times last year (in Germany), so who knows.

[HaCo]

So, no news from shakedown yet?

[cut the b.s.]

No. Entrant Driver Nat Vehicle Run Time Km/h Sec/Km

1 CITROËN TOTAL WORLD RALLY TE LOEB F CITROËN C4 WRC 1 3:43.6
1 CITROËN TOTAL WORLD RALLY TE LOEB F CITROËN C4 WRC 2 3:47.9
2 CITROËN TOTAL WORLD RALLY TE SORDO E CITROËN C4 WRC 1 3:44.9
3 BP FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM GRÖNHOLM FIN Focus RS WRC 07 1 3:48.6
4 BP FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM HIRVONEN FIN Focus RS WRC 07 1 3:52.0
4 BP FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM HIRVONEN FIN Focus RS WRC 07 2 3:48.8
5 OMV KRONOS CITROËN WORLD RASTOHL A CITROËN Xsara WRC 1 3:56.8
5 OMV KRONOS CITROËN WORLD RASTOHL A CITROËN Xsara WRC 2 3:55.1
5 OMV KRONOS CITROËN WORLD RASTOHL A CITROËN Xsara WRC 3 3:48.1
6 OMV KRONOS CITROËN WORLD RADUVAL B CITROËN Xsara WRC 1 3:49.6
6 OMV KRONOS CITROËN WORLD RADUVAL B CITROËN Xsara WRC 2 3:43.8
7 SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM SOLBERG N Impreza WRC 2006 1 3:47.7
7 SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM SOLBERG N Impreza WRC 2006 2 3:48.5
8 SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM ATKINSON AUS Impreza WRC 2006 1 4:00.3
8 SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM ATKINSON AUS Impreza WRC 2006 2 3:48.8
9 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLLATVALA FIN Focus RS WRC 06 1 4:00.7
9 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLLATVALA FIN Focus RS WRC 06 2 3:53.3
10 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLSOLBERG N Focus RS WRC 06 1 4:05.0
10 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLSOLBERG N Focus RS WRC 06 2 3:57.6
14 ASTRA RACING GARDEMEISTER FIN CITROËN Xsara WRC 1 3:50.3
14 ASTRA RACING GARDEMEISTER FIN CITROËN Xsara WRC 2 3:55.3
15 CZECH RALLY TEAM KOPECKY KOPECKÝ CZ SKODA Fabia WRC 05 1 3:47.2
15 CZECH RALLY TEAM KOPECKY KOPECKÝ CZ SKODA Fabia WRC 05 2 3:52.5
15 CZECH RALLY TEAM KOPECKY KOPECKÝ CZ SKODA Fabia WRC 05 3 3:56.0
16 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLWILSON GB Focus RS WRC 06 1 4:00.8
16 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLWILSON GB Focus RS WRC 06 2 4:04.6
16 STOBART VK M-SPORT FORD RALLWILSON GB Focus RS WRC 06 3 4:07.0
17 RAMSPORT WILKS GB FORD Focus WRC 05 1 3:53.5
17 RAMSPORT WILKS GB FORD Focus WRC 05 2 3:57.5
18 RAMSPORT MIKKELSEN N FORD Focus WRC 05 1 4:01.4
18 RAMSPORT MIKKELSEN N FORD Focus WRC 05 2 3:58.9
19 THOMAS SCHIE SCHIE N FORD Focus RS WRC 05 1 4:13.4
19 THOMAS SCHIE SCHIE N FORD Focus RS WRC 05 2 4:03.5
20 SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM PONS E SUBARU Impreza WRC 2006 1 3:55.5
20 SUBARU WORLD RALLY TEAM PONS E SUBARU Impreza WRC 2006 2 3:53.2
21 BP FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM AL QASSIMI UAE Focus RS WRC 06 1 4:03.6
21 BP FORD WORLD RALLY TEAM AL QASSIMI UAE Focus RS WRC 06 2 4:06.6


Good shakedown pace from Duval, hope he can carry it over to the next 3 days!

[White Sauron]

Seems Ford crews are just relaxed... Or doing what Audi did with Peugeot in leMans during the qulifying session.

[Halvard]

Willson should have ended after his first run. Not going the right way for him.

Mikkelsen did good.... I think

[White Sauron]

What was the length of the stage?

[User]

1. Sebastien Loeb Citroën C4 WRC 3:43.6
2. Francois Duval Citroën Xsara WRC 3:43.8
3. Dani Sordo Citroën C4 WRC 3:44.9
4. Jan Kopecký Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:47.2
5. Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:47.7
6. Sebastien Loeb Citroën C4 WRC 3:47.9
7. Manfred Stohl Citroën Xsara WRC 3:48.1
8. Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:48.5
9. Marcus Grönholm Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:48.6
10. Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:48.8
11. Chris Atkinson Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:48.8
12. Francois Duval Citroën Xsara WRC 3:49.6
13. Toni Gardemeister Citroën Xsara WRC 3:50.3
14. Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:52.0
15. Jan Kopecký Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:52.5

Duval won the shakedown last year, to bad he didn't this year.

[HaCo]

It's just shakedown, doesn't mean a lot, but good to see Duval in such a good pace. If he could be faster than Loeb this weekend, I bet Citroen will reprogram his car... :)

[pino]

Duval won the shakedown last year, to bad he didn't this year.

It's important to win the race not the shakedown ;) Good luck to him :up:

[stanis]

What was the length of the stage?
5,58 km

[stanis]

1. Sebastien Loeb Citroën C4 WRC 3:43.6
2. Francois Duval Citroën Xsara WRC 3:43.8
3. Dani Sordo Citroën C4 WRC 3:44.9
4. Jan Kopecký Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:47.2
5. Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:47.7
6. Sebastien Loeb Citroën C4 WRC 3:47.9
7. Manfred Stohl Citroën Xsara WRC 3:48.1
8. Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:48.5
9. Marcus Grönholm Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:48.6
10. Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:48.8
11. Chris Atkinson Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:48.8
12. Francois Duval Citroën Xsara WRC 3:49.6
13. Toni Gardemeister Citroën Xsara WRC 3:50.3
14. Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:52.0
15. Jan Kopecký Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:52.5

Duval won the shakedown last year, to bad he didn't this year.
You copied it from eWRC.cz? There are results from here :-)

[Buzz Lightyear]

1. Sebastien Loeb Citroën C4 WRC 3:43.6
2. Francois Duval Citroën Xsara WRC 3:43.8
3. Dani Sordo Citroën C4 WRC 3:44.9
4. Jan Kopecký Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:47.2
5. Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:47.7
6. Sebastien Loeb Citroën C4 WRC 3:47.9
7. Manfred Stohl Citroën Xsara WRC 3:48.1
8. Petter Solberg Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:48.5
9. Marcus Grönholm Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:48.6
10. Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:48.8
11. Chris Atkinson Subaru Impreza WRC 07 3:48.8
12. Francois Duval Citroën Xsara WRC 3:49.6
13. Toni Gardemeister Citroën Xsara WRC 3:50.3
14. Mikko Hirvonen Ford Focus RS WRC 07 3:52.0
15. Jan Kopecký Škoda Fabia WRC 05 3:52.5

Duval won the shakedown last year, to bad he didn't this year.

There are 2 Sebastian Loebs!!!!

Citroen will try anything to win the championship :)

[stanis]

There are 2 Sebastian Loebs!!!!

Citroen will try anything to win the championship :)
I sorted it by times... ;)

[Brother John]

You copied it from eWRC.cz? There are results from here :-)

So we have
2 Sebastin loeb´s
2 Petter Solberg´s
2 Jan Kopecký ´s
2 Mikko Hirvonen´s
2 Jan Kopecký´s
and 2 Francois Duval ´s

A lot of wrc cars in Deutschland. :D ;) :s mokin:

[User]

You copied it from eWRC.cz? There are results from here :-)
Yes I did (it should have mentioned the source of course) ;)

[Brother John]

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2007/08/16/loeb-setzt-erstes-achtungszeichen/index.html
has other times, are they still sleeping! :p :

[User]

It looks like rallye-magazin is using the time of the first runs.

[A.F.F.]

There are 2 Sebastian Loebs!!!!

Citroen will try anything to win the championship :)

:laugh:

Cheaters.

[Brother John]

http://rapidshare.com/files/35781798/SHAKEDOWN_RALLYE_DEUTSCHLAND_2007.mpg.html

[White Sauron]

5,58 km

thanks!

[Salist]

Thank you for it this already is. I thought of an one with a right quality at this.

[Corny]

BTW it's a new shakedown, so the first run of the guys have maybe given a real view on results!

[GigiGalliNo1]

any results? :D

[Brother John]

any results? :D

Here, but i don´t see D. Sordo in it!
It´s not official times!

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/d/n/d/2007/08/16/loeb-setzt-erstes-achtungszeichen/index.html

[GigiGalliNo1]

Thanks for the shakedown vid bro john! :D

[Brother John]

any results? :D

This one is better-source pitstop.tv
http://www.pitstoptv.info/pitstop/?p=2525

1. Loeb Citroën M 3:43.6
2. Duval Citroën MT 3:43.8
3. Sordo Citroën M 3:44.9
4. Kopecky Skoda 3:47.2
5. Solberg Subaru M 3:47.7
6. Stohl Citroën MT 3:48.1
7. Grönholm Ford M 3:48.6
8. Hirvonen Ford M 3:48.8
9. Atkinson Subaru M 3:48.8
10. Gardemeister Citroën 3:50.3
11. Latvala Ford MT 4:00.7
12. Solberg Ford MT 4:05.0

[GigiGalliNo1]

Dudu!!! and Kopeky!!!!!!!

[Patwrc]

I bet that Duval will be the man to outpace the C4s. (Hopefully...)

[White Sauron]

I bet that Duval will be the man to outpace the C4s. (Hopefully...)

Wow... Two Citroens behind Duval and Ford crews would be a great result!

[J.Lindstroem]

I whould love to see Kopecky in a real car!

It whould be nice if he could get a deal with a Citroen or something...

[rus]

I bet that Duval will be the man to outpace the C4s. (Hopefully...)

If that would be the case, he'll have to wait on the last stages so Loeb and Sordo can take over and gain more points than Ford/Gronholm. Otherwise no second rallye on the Xsara for Dudu i can imagine...

[GigiGalliNo1]

If that would be the case, he'll have to wait on the last stages so Loeb and Sordo can take over and gain more points than Ford/Gronholm. Otherwise no second rallye on the Xsara for Dudu i can imagine...

haha! true! what is kopecky driving again? i'm guessing a skoda? well heard nothing else so i think so. is he coming to NZ?

[ZequeArgentina]

Don´t you prefer to wait at least until the rally begins to start with conclussion over Duval, Kopecky and so on...............................
It is only a shakedown.

[GigiGalliNo1]

yeh ok thats also true sorry but hey ok :p

[White Sauron]

Don´t you prefer to wait at least until the rally begins to start with conclussion over Duval, Kopecky and......

...and slow Fords... Hm...

[Mirek]

Are there any shakedown results for junior drivers?

[AGA]

What's wrong with official site? Does anybody could read it? I don't.

[jacko]

If that would be the case, he'll have to wait on the last stages so Loeb and Sordo can take over and gain more points than Ford/Gronholm. Otherwise no second rallye on the Xsara for Dudu i can imagine...

let's wait it see, this rally is the only one i think a privateer could be close to the top and i think Duval is the man to do it. OMV is the main sponsor about this deal, so if there's a chance Duval for the win i think he will grab it. Next year for sure Citroen is using Sordo again so Duval could also doing a good job for Ford if he wants and hopes for...

[White Sauron]

let's wait it see, this rally is the only one i think a privateer could be close to the top and i think Duval is the man to do it. OMV is the main sponsor about this deal, so if there's a chance Duval for the win i think he will grab it. Next year for sure Citroen is using Sordo again so Duval could also doing a good job for Ford if he wants and hopes for...

Marcus to the finnish channel: "I don't believe Citroen will allow Sordo to win even if he's faster than Loeb. We didn't have any team orders in Finland, and Mikko pushed me almost till the finish line"

This clearly shows that if there're any connections between Citroen and Duval, he won't be allowed to win neither...((

[Josti]

Just came back from Shakedown. Loeb was the fastest (by eye) and Al Qasimi was the most spectaculair :eek:

[jacko]

Don´t you prefer to wait at least until the rally begins to start with conclussion over Duval, Kopecky and so on...............................
It is only a shakedown.

only a shakedown.. yes and no, this time the track was wet and only the top 4 was pushing here and showing there class and wilness.. Others were on a steady pace, checking and hoping for a dry tarmac day tommorow wich i think will be the case and with the rally starts on 10:00 the SS1,2 and 3 will be dry from the beginning. It's now up to the tyre choice for those first 3 SS's.

The shakedown today is showing more gaps in times than other rounds and it was not only the 5.3 km's that made this happen...

On a dry event this could be a thrilling battle between the Citroen's C4, Ford top drivers, the 3 Subaru's and i think Duval is the one who wring's hisselfs into these guys :)

[Brother John]

let's wait it see, this rally is the only one i think a privateer could be close to the top and i think Duval is the man to do it. OMV is the main sponsor about this deal, so if there's a chance Duval for the win i think he will grab it. Next year for sure Citroen is using Sordo again so Duval could also doing a good job for Ford if he wants and hopes for...

If Duval has now seat in wrc next year, i see him in the Kronos IRC team together with Stohl with sponsor OMV. :s mokin:

[jacko]

Marcus to the finnish channel: "I don't believe Citroen will allow Sordo to win even if he's faster than Loeb. We didn't have any team orders in Finland, and Mikko pushed me almost till the finish line"

This clearly shows that if there're any connections between Citroen and Duval, he won't be allowed to win neither...((

It showing complete nothing what you are saying.. If Marcus tells this story it's the case.. Come on, wake up.. Ford don't needed team orders because it wasn't needed in Fi and you must not forget that Hirvonen still is in compition for the drivers title! For sure there's a connection between Citroen and Duval, Kronos offcorse, Duval tested with the PH-Citroen team for Pirelli but the main sponsor for the back-in-action Duval is OMV, something really different as the situation for Sordo! Yes, Sordo will be holding back for Loeb, but he's the only one..

[jacko]

not the most big news but entry Rene Kuipers – Mombaerts will be riding a Subaru Impreza WRC06 (instead the Skoda Fabia 05), same car like Mark van Eldik, latest client version by Subaru. He did only a few km's with the car, so this rally will be more like a test..

[White Sauron]

Yes, Sordo will be holding back for Loeb, but he's the only one..

No one with Citroen connections will be allowed to win with Loeb still in contention. Neither Sordo nor Duval.

[White Sauron]

Martin Holmes
(Martin Holmes Rallying, UK)

Q:
In shakedown this morning, the Fords were beaten by both C4s, both OMV-Xsaras and Petter Solberg’s Subaru. Does that make Ford worried?

MH:
In Greece last year, I didn’t do the shakedown and I was leading the rally, so I am not worried.

[SubaruNorway]

Mikkelsen hit a deer in 150kph in the shakedown :eek:

[Addicted]

No one with Citroen connections will be allowed to win with Loeb still in contention. Neither Sordo nor Duval.

Do you have some source for this or is this just your personal opinion?

Duval has nothing to loose, so why wouldn`t he give pressure to Loeb.

[Brother John]

Shakedown fotos from
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/galerien/2007/rallye-deutschland/index.html?tx_gooffotoboek_pi1%5Bfid%5D=1&cHash=9bc29eaf85

[Addicted]

Mikkelsen hit a deer in 150kph in the shakedown :eek:


Do you know more of that incident? Was his car damaged badly?

[Tomi]

Come on guys, for worksdrivers the shakedown is only to see if the car works, nothing else. no way Citroen is going to let Sordo or Duval win Loeb long as he has chance for the drivers title, not that I belive he could do it either.

[Brother John]

Do you know more of that incident? Was his car damaged badly?

You can see it on the fotos that he hit something!

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/galerien/2007/rallye-deutschland/index.html?tx_gooffotoboek_pi1%5Bfid%5D=1&cHash=9bc29eaf85

[jacko]

No one with Citroen connections will be allowed to win with Loeb still in contention. Neither Sordo nor Duval.

first: don't think the situation will happen with a privateer Citroen driver, but if.. i think the privat team/ driver wil make their own options..

[Addicted]

You can see it on the fotos that he hit something!

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/r/wm/galerien/2007/rallye-deutschland/index.html?tx_gooffotoboek_pi1%5Bfid%5D=1&cHash=9bc29eaf85

Luckily Mikkelsen`s car looks ok in those pics. But I believe that the deer is out for this years rally.

[Tom206wrc]

I hope Citroën will make Ford eat the dust in Germany to revenge the bad Finland rally they had :p :

[padWRC]

FOTOS:
http://www.zi-ka-racing.de/bilder/deutsch07_shakedown.php

[A.F.F.]

Do you have some source for this or is this just your personal opinion?

Duval has nothing to loose, so why wouldn`t he give pressure to Loeb.

If the big Guy tells him not to, my guess is he won't. It might be good for Duval's future.

[Josti]

FOTOS:
http://www.zi-ka-racing.de/bilder/deutsch07_shakedown.php

Thanks, I see Kleinjan (Fabia) did do the Shakedown, I already left back then. Shame van Merksteijn didn't show his Focus, considering he's a priority 2 driver. BTW, I seriously think likes as van Eldik and Wevers can give good competition to Henning, Wilson, Mikkelsen etc.

[Minke]

subaru's are 1 sec / k off the pace... :( not a good omen..

[Christina]

I'm so happy to see Francois back in a competitive car. i hope he keeps it on the road this weekend and gets a good result!

As my signature says, this weekend i am an unashamed Francois Duval fan. Go Frankie!!! If i had a belgian flag, i'd be waving it.

[GigiGalliNo1]

haha tina nice sig :p

[Woodeye]

Could someone please post the link(s) for live stage times?

The only link I have is the BFGoodrich.

[N.O.T]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/index.php

[GigiGalliNo1]

are we live already!? !

[jonkka]

No, in one hour approx.

[DonJippo]

are we live already!? !

No.

[Woodeye]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/index.php

Cheers, N.O.T! :up:

[GigiGalliNo1]

ok good haha i got worried for a minute. wat is local time? i'm going home. so i have my firefox clocks on there =)

[Brother John]

Good morning Rally freaks :D
Local time is about 9:35 ;)

10u13 SS Ruwertal. Go Mikko Go!

[HaCo]

First time since 2001 I'm not there, first time I follow this event on the net.

Anything on the weatherforecast?

[rus]

I'm so happy to see Francois back in a competitive car. i hope he keeps it on the road this weekend and gets a good result!

As my signature says, this weekend i am an unashamed Francois Duval fan. Go Frankie!!! If i had a belgian flag, i'd be waving it.

Here you are Christina. Wave as much as you can!

[J.Lindstroem]

Marcus should be close to the start now! Or am i wrong?

[kleisj]

Goodmorning all!
Waiting eagerly for SS1!

[Brother John]

Marcus should be close to the start now! Or am i wrong?


10u13 met KP Ruwertal.

[A.F.F.]

Good morning everyone :wave:

[J.Lindstroem]

Okay. Can we expect Seb to go flat from the beginning or do you think he will take it a little bit easy in the beginning like precious years?

[SubaruNorway]

Good morning, great with the late start :D
Love this intro

[White Sauron]

Good morning all. Waiting for an interesting rally! Hopefully

[bennizw]

This will be interesting to follow! I think I'll watch a bit of 20 years with rally Finnskog first ;)

[sp0+]

Good morning all. Waiting for an interesting rally! Hopefully

We all do!!!!!!!

[HaCo]

It's looking to be dry in Trier:
http://www.wetter.com/v2/?SID=&LANG=DE&LOC=7000&LOCFROM=0202&type=WORLD&id=22434

[teufel]

morning all! let's see how seb plays with the others

[Brother John]

It's looking to be dry in Trier:
http://www.wetter.com/v2/?SID=&LANG=DE&LOC=7000&LOCFROM=0202&type=WORLD&id=22434

Now rain for Ford :cool: Looks good! ;)

[N.O.T]

Gronholm is in the stage

[teufel]

Marcus is on ss1

[HaCo]

First car running!!!

[Brother John]

morning all! let's see how seb plays with the others

He has to work, play time is over for him! :p :

[Halvard]

Good morning

[HaCo]

radio in on too...

[HaCo]

http://www.harmonieconcordia.be/images/Pic%20Belgian%20Flag.JPG

[A.F.F.]

Duval is on stage after ...?

[Brother John]

3:54.1 on 5.8 km for bosse on split 1

[jonkka]

Five seconds on first split, it's a massacre...

[Halvard]

+ 5. thats alot

[Brother John]

Duval is on stage after ...?

Number 6

[A.F.F.]

Loeb is definately on a mission here.... again.

[PMM]

+7,7 already :S

[Miika]

Split one - and the fight is over.

[N.O.T]

Wow....i think marcus must have spun or something.....

[HaCo]

if it's a litle wet, marcus lacks a lot of confident...

[A.F.F.]

Number 6


Kiitos Jussi.

[N.O.T]

Its dry.....

[A.F.F.]

Mikko faster than Grönholm on split 1.

[jonkka]

Number 6

Yes, it is his competition number but he has no points hence he can start only after Matthew.

[HaCo]

Its dry.....

No wet spots under trees? If u see shakedown yesterday...

[Brother John]

I´l wait for the fight Hirvonen - Duval!!! :D

[N.O.T]

Sordo second fastest so far....I still cannot believe the pace of Loeb....

[mdesign]

Guess we won't see a great battle for victory this weekend :( I was really hopping for a great ford performance with the new car

[teufel]

Sordo second fastest so far....I still cannot believe the pace of Loeb....

It's always the same story in Deutshland...

[White Sauron]

Guess we won't see a great battle for victory this weekend :( I was really hopping for a great ford performance with the new car

Me too... After the words of "great progress" on asphalt I was expecting much more to come from Fords. But now it looks even worse than it was in Monte...

[Brother John]

Guess we won't see a great battle for victory this weekend :( I was really hopping for a great ford performance with the new car

Marcus result on second place this weekend is oke for the championship! ;)

[sp0+]

Waiting for Francois.....

[N.O.T]

Radio said that Rautianen is calling the team back in service......

[J.Lindstroem]

Something is not right in that Ford...

[bennizw]

Petter fast though!

[jonkka]

Waiting for Francois.....

Only after Matthew

[Halvard]

great 1st split by Petter. But....

[SubaruNorway]

Come on petter

[J.Lindstroem]

Petter is great in sector one! Awsome!

[N.O.T]

Solberg off to a good start...lets how how long it will last....

[White Sauron]

Maybe wrong tyres for Fords? Even Subarus are faster.

[mdesign]

Something is not right in that Ford...
Hope is something easy to solve, and could explain a loss of half a second per KM to the C4.

[Miika]

Marcus result on second place this weekend is oke for the championship! ;)

..but with this pace, if there isn´t a problem with the car, he won´t make it to the podium.

[Daniel]

It was incredible!

[sp0+]

Yes, good speed for Subaru!!!

[J.Lindstroem]

It will be interesting to see Duval... Maybe he can match Loeb?

[A.F.F.]

Marcus will find the pace.

[N.O.T]

I think the fords will improve their pace....but Loeb and Sordo are out of the question and maybe Duval.

[White Sauron]

It will be interesting to see Duval... Maybe he can match Loeb?

doubt that... The track will be to dirty by that time.

[White Sauron]

Well, looking at Stobarts pace, we can say the new Focus improved its performance on asphalt... lol)

[Halvard]

I didn`t expect much from Henning, but isn`t Latvala quit good on tarmac... Slower than henning

[stmoto]

It will be interesting to see Duval... Maybe he can match Loeb?

Would be interesting to know the tyre choices drivers have taken, because they make a big difference!!

Its not normal that Marcus is not commenting after a stage! Lets hope nothing big is wrong.

[J.Lindstroem]

Latvala must have had a moment on the first sector... :) Loosing much time...

[N.O.T]

Atko once again faster than his team mate....

[HaCo]

I didn`t expect much from Henning, but isn`t Latvala quit good on tarmac... Slower than henning

Maybe he got some clear instructions from the team boss... :)

[stmoto]

I didn`t expect much from Henning, but isn`t Latvala quit good on tarmac... Slower than henning

This is the stage were Latvala went of last year!!!

[SubaruNorway]

Wasen't this the stage were Latvala started to cry

[Buzz Lightyear]

Atko once again faster than his team mate....

My thoughts exactly...

[N.O.T]

Great time by Atko.....

[stmoto]

Wasen't this the stage were Latvala started to cry

Yes!

[Brother John]

Wasen't this the stage were Latvala started to cry

Who will be cry this weekend? ;)

[A.F.F.]

Latvala said that in Germany he won't be pushing, especially from the start. The reason is clear from what happened in Finland.

[J.Lindstroem]

Latvala maybe taking it a little bit easy. He can't have many more crashes this year now. He has to start finnish!

[Miika]

Atko once again faster than his team mate....

Once again I´m impressed. If he keeps this up AND stays on the road that is. But great start.

[SubaruNorway]

Who will be cry this weekend? ;)

Marcus by the looks of it

[A.F.F.]

Garde apparently chose not to attack on first stage :mark:

[J.Lindstroem]

The Subaru seems to be great to begin with!

[mdesign]

All fords are making crappy times... must be an explanation for that. :/
Atko did very well, he was second fastest after split 1

[J.Lindstroem]

Oh. Kopecky might have stopped on the stage. :(

[N.O.T]

No splits Kopecky....Pons faster than Marcus....Wilks is going slowly through the stage.....

[A.F.F.]

I lost the radio ?? Anyone else facing the same problem ?

[Miika]

I lost the radio ?? Anyone else facing the same problem ?

Yes.

[SubaruNorway]

jepp back now tough

[Finni]

Fords are in trouble. They have to pick up some speed even in order to catch Subarus. Atkinson's pace was amazing - despite first split he was almost par with Seb.

[N.O.T]

radio back again....

[A.F.F.]

Oh, got it. Back on air again.

[White Sauron]

E. Duval?)

[Brother John]

Radio has gone here!

[N.O.T]

The dark horse of the event is finally at the start....

[Daniel]

Great time by Atko.....
This is the Atkinson who used to drive in the ARC and not the can opener who was driving with SWRT for the last few years. I do think thatnow that he's sorted things out (getting rid of his old co-driver?) that it's starting to come together for him. No excuses for Petter now! :)

[Woodeye]

Already at this point it is clear that Seb will win this if nothing extraordinary happens.

[A.F.F.]

This is the Atkinson who used to drive in the ARC and not the can opener who was driving with SWRT for the last few years. I do think thatnow that he's sorted things out (getting rid of his old co-driver?) that it's starting to come together for him. No excuses for Petter now! :)

What, are you saying that Hobbits won't make good co-drivers ? :D

[raybak]

Working for me

[Brother John]

No excuses for Petter now! :)

:D Excuses will com in the afternoon! ;)

[turves]

Man, it looks as though Marcus is going to have his work cut out this weekend if SS1 is anything to go by. I hope SWRT have sorted the Subarus and they can stay up there all weekend

[N.O.T]

Duval is good...2.1 slower....

[N.O.T]

Duval 3rd fastest so far....

[Finni]

Dudu well on the pace..

[Brother John]

Duval is good...2.1 slower....

E- eeeeeeeee Duval gone pas T Shie and G.Wilks!!!!! :rolleyes:

[SubaruNorway]

Why is Duval so far behind, should atlest have been infront of Wilks

[A.F.F.]

Duval is in danger to pass Schie on longer stages.

[N.O.T]

Yes.....Its a pity that a driver like duval is such a crap person to work with because the guy really knows how to drive.

[jonkka]

Why is Duval so far behind, should atlest have been infront of Wilks

No, Duval's only result from this year is retirement from Acropolis while Wilks was 9th in Finland. That puts Wilks ahead of Duval.

[mdesign]

Nice pace from Duval! He's right on the pace :) How many stages till he crashes?

[N.O.T]

Duval 2nd fastest !!!!!

[A.F.F.]

Duval second fastest.

[Miika]

Uuuu splendid stuff from Duval.

[SubaruNorway]

No, Duval's only result from this year is retirement from Acropolis while Wilks was 9th in Finland. That puts Wilks ahead of Duval.

Yhea but Duval has won a wrc event so that should have gothen him higher i think

[mdesign]

Faster than Sordo wow! If he keeps like this, will citroen slow him down to not take points from sordo? manu championship is the most important for citroen

[turves]

Wilks has had a problem, 10 + minutes. Any news?

[N.O.T]

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen "Its looking better than after the first stage in Finland. A little bit of understeering but nothing much"

Daniel Sordo
Citroen "I don't have a lot of confidence with the car, a lot of understeer."

Marcus Gronholm
Ford No comment from Gronholm at the finish of the stage

Mikko Hirvonen
Ford "Not too bad, but Sebastien was very fast. It was very difficult to find any rythmn. This time I stayed on the road all the time, a better start." - Last year Hirvonen was off the road on this stage.

Manfred Stohl
Citroen "I have alot of problems with the brakes, I'm not sure, it is very difficult for me on the brakes."

Petter Solberg
Subaru "I think that is the best time I've done on a stage in the last 3-years. A little bit softer tyre, but overall I'm very happy."

Chris Atkinson
Subaru "I'm not happy with how I drove, I was taking it too easy. I picked up my pace towards the end. We're exceeding our expectations already so we just keep chipping away."

Jari-Matti Latvala
Ford "A confident start, okay, I'm confident with the braking points and at least we are the end of the first stage."

Henning Solberg
Ford "Its not bad, I'm quite happy, I'm here. This is my first proper tarmac stage ever."

Matthew Wilson
Ford Had a half spin on a hairpin - "When its open and wide then we're okay, in the narrower places it is difficult to find the grip."

Guy Wilks
Ford Has stopped on the stage

Andreas Mikkelsen
Ford "Now I have some problems with the car, it seems that we have back wheel drive only. We will see how we go."

Thomas Schie
Ford Dropped fluid from under the car on the start line - "I had some high rear diff temperature."

[N.O.T]

Quotes after 1st stage

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen "Its looking better than after the first stage in Finland. A little bit of understeering but nothing much"

Daniel Sordo
Citroen "I don't have a lot of confidence with the car, a lot of understeer."

Marcus Gronholm
Ford No comment from Gronholm at the finish of the stage

Mikko Hirvonen
Ford "Not too bad, but Sebastien was very fast. It was very difficult to find any rythmn. This time I stayed on the road all the time, a better start." - Last year Hirvonen was off the road on this stage.

Manfred Stohl
Citroen "I have alot of problems with the brakes, I'm not sure, it is very difficult for me on the brakes."

Petter Solberg
Subaru "I think that is the best time I've done on a stage in the last 3-years. A little bit softer tyre, but overall I'm very happy."

Chris Atkinson
Subaru "I'm not happy with how I drove, I was taking it too easy. I picked up my pace towards the end. We're exceeding our expectations already so we just keep chipping away."

Jari-Matti Latvala
Ford "A confident start, okay, I'm confident with the braking points and at least we are the end of the first stage."

Henning Solberg
Ford "Its not bad, I'm quite happy, I'm here. This is my first proper tarmac stage ever."

Matthew Wilson
Ford Had a half spin on a hairpin - "When its open and wide then we're okay, in the narrower places it is difficult to find the grip."

Guy Wilks
Ford Has stopped on the stage

Andreas Mikkelsen
Ford "Now I have some problems with the car, it seems that we have back wheel drive only. We will see how we go."

Thomas Schie
Ford Dropped fluid from under the car on the start line - "I had some high rear diff temperature."

[sp0+]

Impressive work from Duval...All the Citroens seem to be flying in Germany.

[Halvis]

Especially impressive from Duval, knowing that he certainly had worse conditions on stage!

Also good start from Subaru, hope they can keep it up!

[Brother John]

Wilks has had a problem, 10 + minutes. Any news?

Lost a lot of oil!

[A.F.F.]

Impressive work from Duval...All the Citroens seem to be flying in Germany.

Not all. Unfortunately Garde's and Stohl's aren't.

[jonkka]

Yhea but Duval has won a wrc event so that should have gothen him higher i think

Only in a first rally of the season, after that running order is based on championship order and results in championship events of the current season.

[SubaruNorway]

turbo?

[turves]

Sébastien Loeb
Chris Atkinson
Subaru "I'm not happy with how I drove, I was taking it too easy. I picked up my pace towards the end. We're exceeding our expectations already so we just keep chipping away."

Sounds promising...

[turves]

Lost a lot of oil!

Thanks

[sp0+]

Not all. Unfortunately Garde's and Stohl's aren't.

But still close to the new Fords...

[Daniel]

What, are you saying that Hobbits won't make good co-drivers ? :D
Basically yes. His way of delivering notes wasn't very flowing in my opinion. Am I the only one who thought that he was a crap co-driver?

[Halvard]

when is ss2

[HaCo]

Greaaaaat Time For Dudu!!!!!

[Daniel]

Yhea but Duval has won a wrc event so that should have gothen him higher i think
That's not how seeding works :)

[MHjerpe]

Wich car is Duval using ? Carlssons old ?
a new one ?
Was stohls car fixed after the last crash ? stohl using Carlssons old car ?

Hmmm... (it's going to fast)

[A.F.F.]

Basically yes. His way of delivering notes wasn't very flowing in my opinion. Am I the only one who thought that he was a crap co-driver?

Am I the only who thought he looked like a hobbit?

[A.F.F.]

when is ss2

In about 15 minutes.

[Daniel]

Probably AFF! :D

[Donney]

INteresting start of the rally, Slow Fords, fast Subarus, flying Citroens and Duval trying to make a point.

Nice!