Official Rally New Zealand Thread

[N.O.T]

When Mikko finishes the stage, please listen if he has anything to say about the tyres. Unfortunately I cannot listen the radio here at work. :(

http://live.bfgoodrich.com/~bfg/WRC_2007_R11/cls02gb.php

you can check for stage quotes here....

[Roy]

When Mikko finishes the stage, please listen if he has anything to say about the tyres. Unfortunately I cannot listen the radio here at work. :(

I doubt it is the tyres. Everybody loose +/- 4 seconds each split.

[N.O.T]

the gap remains at 3.9 .... both drivers are pushing.....

[A.F.F.]

http://live.bfgoodrich.com/~bfg/WRC_2007_R11/cls02gb.php

you can check for stage quotes here....

Cheers but I have BFG open. There just ain't nada yet.

[jonkka]

Latvala missing a split... Seems to be a habit...

[A.F.F.]

Ok.... where's Latvala ?? :mad:

[SubaruNorway]

Funny picture http://www.ewrc-media.com/images/image_browse.php?fc=8&nc=8

[Roy]

Latvala missing a split... Seems to be a habit...

for Latvala

[N.O.T]

Loeb +5

[jonkka]

for Latvala

As well as to ISC tracking system...

[wrc_flipper]

When Mikko finishes the stage, please listen if he has anything to say about the tyres. Unfortunately I cannot listen the radio here at work. :(

Handy WRCRadio widget on Yahoo Widgets that gets around my companies web streaming software :p - but don't tell everyone - dow!
:arrows:

[A.F.F.]

Cheers but I have BFG open. There just ain't nada yet.


:laugh:

Which is amazing since they are still ON the stage.

Wouldn't it be cool if drivers gave comments during the stage :D

[White Sauron]

Duval won't participate in Catalonya

[jonkka]

Duval won't participate in Catalonya

Damn...

[Finni]

bit worried about Marcus' last split..

edit. no worry be happy :)

[jonkka]

I am more worried about Stohl Pons et al not having gotten to 3rd split

[A.F.F.]

Don't. Marcus just finished the stage.

[N.O.T]

Loeb lost another 7 secs......

[Brother John]

Wronge tyre for Loeb, and all the other drivers took the same as him. :D

[A.F.F.]

All right.... now the real battle begins. PWRC I mean :)

[Roy]

Loeb lost another 7 secs......

Loeb on soft tyres
Mikko not happy with tyre choise

[A.F.F.]

Does WRR got any comments ?

[DoN_cz]

mikko isnt happy with tyres

[dyfi1]

When Mikko finishes the stage, please listen if he has anything to say about the tyres. Unfortunately I cannot listen the radio here at work. :(

Mikko says..... "not happy with tyres... have to get the right compound"

[A.F.F.]

I frigging knew it :mad:

[Roy]

Latvala again off?

[A.F.F.]

Hänninen on excellent pace now. :up:

[Madeira]

not bad for P Solberg less than a minute to the first after 43KM... :(

[DonJippo]

Seems like Petter drives with the Subaru Viper again.

[duff]

Maybe so, but everyone is having a lot of trouble out there except for Gronholm.

[Finni]

Any comments from Loeb and the other drivers???

[N.O.T]

what is more discouraging for peter is that Atko ONCE MORE is faster than him.....

[Brother John]

Petter a top driver?? yeh 3 years ago maybe. :rolleyes:

[SubaruNorway]

what is more discouraging for peter is that Atko ONCE MORE is faster than him.....

Same problems as before

[jonkka]

Yippeee, Latvala is there!

[Finni]

what is more discouraging for peter is that Atko ONCE MORE is faster than him.....

and also Pons. is this good description of Petter we know? don't think so.
--------

Hänninen is massacring his opposition in the long one.

[Roy]

Latvala again off?

So he is not? :eek: :D

[Brother John]

Same problems as before

He is the problem!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Madeira]

and Latvala is alive....

[mdesign]

Araujo doing good :D

[Addicted]

Hänninen will catch Pozzo on stage, by driving. Cool

[A.F.F.]

Araujo doing good :D

Araujo is doing good but Hänninen is doing better. If he continues like that, he is going to have a crushing lead at PWRC :up:

[jonkka]

Hänninen will catch Pozzo on stage, by driving. Cool

Huh?

[Brother John]

Good night guys! :s nore: :angel: :burp:

[Roy]

Time to go bed! :wave:

This weekend no much time to follow. I speak you sunday night.

[ZequeArgentina]

Hänninen will catch Pozzo on stage, by driving. Cool


I do not know what is wrong with Pozzo, his pace is not was it used to be (past ocassions he was fastest group N driver in NZ).

Local Mason is doing great in pWRC also!!!

[GallardoGT]

Hi everyone,
Seems that we can have a lot of trust in Gronholms endurance, he is still young
and fresh

[A.F.F.]

Both Stohl and Henning did much better with 307s :s

[jonkka]

Both Stohl and Henning did much better with 307s :s

Shows either how much better car 307 would have been on Michelins or that customer Xsara is one kitten litter car.

[mdesign]

Araujo is doing good but Hänninen is doing better. If he continues like that, he is going to have a crushing lead at PWRC :up:
Sure Hanninen is doing great (he is indeed another flying fin - :P)

[A.F.F.]

No stagenotes, none what so ever :mark:

[buffalo]

what is more discouraging for peter is that Atko ONCE MORE is faster than him.....

Even Pons is faster than Petter !

[A.F.F.]

Hänninen finished the stage. Aroujo and Mason coming very fast too.

[Finni]

Lol, Hänninen finnished one second behind previous car..

[AndyRAC]

I see Wilson had an off on the first stage, mmmm...going too quickly possibly???

[Addicted]

Hänninen was right behind Pozzo.

[Madeira]

I'm very glad to see the performance of Armindo in his first attempt in NZ after the disaster which was the Rally of Portugal when he drove the (bad) Mistubishi WRC!!!

Good night guys!!

[Addicted]

Does anyone know why Kristian Sohlberg is not competing there?

[A.F.F.]

Maybe he ruined his budget in Jyväskylä ?

[A.F.F.]

Has something happened to Flodin because Mason was right on Hänninen's tail at last split and in the finish he is way behind? Did Flodin slow him like Pozzo did to Hänninen ;)

[SubaruNorway]

Has something happened to Flodin because Mason was right on Hänninen's tail at last split and in the finish he is way behind? Did Flodin slow him like Pozzo did to Hänninen ;)

had a 15 sec spin 30m from the finish

[Addicted]

Mason did pass Flodin earlier on stage, I believe

[A.F.F.]

had a 15 sec spin 30m from the finish

Aaah... that's gotta suck.

Flodin's splits came up and he has had problems earlier on the stage.

[Fiorio]

Armindo Araujo, second of PWRC... :eek: very good!

[mdesign]

Manson and araujo very close. I going to sleep now! A good night/day for all :)

[raybak]

No times for Pedder? What's the story

[noel157]

Is the chopper still grounded / got comms problems? Spilts are so slow too.
Time to hit the hay.

[Fiorio]

1. 36 J. HÄNNINEN
2. 46 A. Araujo 10.1
3. 38 R. MASON 10.4
4. 31 T. ARAI 19.6
5. 53 N. MCSHEA 40.7
6. 42 E. VERTUNOV 1:00.0
7. 54 G. POZZO 1:17.5
8. 51 M. RAUAM 1:29.5
9. 60 E. GILMOUR 1:41.5

[rp]

Kristian Sohlberg stopped his PCWRC program and Richard Mason is driving in his place, Syms Rally Team, number 38. Mason or someone else driver competes in Japan (Syms Rally Team´s 6th and the last event this year)

[Addicted]

Thanks rp. Very expected news

[buffalo]

No times for Pedder? What's the story

Yeah I noticed that too ... maybe he isn;t in the top 30 yet as that seems to be where the results stop ( or at least the ones I am looking at ! ) ... Emma Gilmour is up there ..

[klm-607]

Grönholm sends a message
New Zealand - SS 1 - 18.31 km *(GO MARCUS!!!!)
[31/08/07 - 00:22]

Broadcasting loud and clear...

The first stage of Rally New Zealed has been named Pirongia West, which is quite apt since its layout crosses a section of the Pirongia Forest Park situated to the southwest of the Hamilton base.

After a quick short stretch, the trail narrows down and becomes very twisty. Much rain fell overnight, leaving the top soil damp and making things slightly easier for the front runners who had to sweep the roads.

For this first test, Marcus Grönholm has started out very strongly despite being the first one on the road to clear the path. His works Ford Focus finished its run with a time of 13'40"5, thereby sending an immense message to title rival Sébastien Loeb, whose Citroën Sport C4 took second place a full 7.2 seconds behind.

Mikko Hirvonen came next into third position, over a dozen seconds slower than his Ford team mate. Chris Atkinson took fourth position aboard one of the official Subaru Imprezas, followed by Jari-Matti Latvala and his Stobart Ford car in fifth.

Dani Sordo drove his works Citroën into sixth. Subaru team mates Petter Solberg and Xevi Pons came next after a close battle, separated by only 0'00"6 in positions seven and eight.

Manfred Stohl of the OMV Kronos Citroën team was the first to make his way through this opening stage with a half-minute delay on the leader. Finishing off the top ten was Stobart's Henning Solberg.

This being the inaugural run of Rally New Zealand's 2007 edition, the leaderboard is identical to the stage results.

The next trail will be the longest of the rally. At over forty kilometres in length, Phil Mills of the Subaru team has deemed it to be a "monster": Waitomo 1.

Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International

[bt52b]

didn't get the start, who is in the studio?

Probably was David Evans from Autosport and Richard Rodgers from Motorsport News.

[Addicted]

Turbo failure for Flodin.

[kleisj]

....hmmm . Gronholm after ss2 looks as he is driving in a different race comparing his pace to the others. Lets hope that he continues this way.
I would expect Hirvonen to be closer to Seb. Long rally though in front of us.

[GigiGalliNo1]

damn did i miss out on the eye in the sky?

[SubaruNorway]

damn did i miss out on the eye in the sky?

no it wasen't working properly

[bt52b]

Funny picture http://www.ewrc-media.com/images/image_browse.php?fc=8&nc=8

Doesn't work for me :confused:

[GigiGalliNo1]

thanks SN1!

i just woke up too :p off to work!

[SubaruNorway]

Doesn't work for me :confused:

The one of Henning
http://ewrc.windows1.explorer.cz/2006/hypermain.asp

[sollitt]

No times for Pedder? What's the story

Stopped 13k into 1st stage. Don't know why.

[GigiGalliNo1]

links to splits sorry. i'm at work!

[N.O.T]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=11&stage=3&results=1&jwrc=

[Lalo]

Hey there!
Here it's 11:07pm so it's pretty late. Great start from Marcus! He's in a different rally compared that the other drivers. Too bad for Petter and Perez Companc, delayed by bad handling and an off respectively.

One thing is clear here guys: keep an eye on Jari-Matti! :D

[SubaruNorway]

So annoying with the eye in the sky just stoping all the time

[ZequeArgentina]

Loeb starting his attack, second loop he matched Marcus paced and first stege win, this is getting interesting.

Solberg still off the pace. I expected much more from the subarus this rally........

Sthol is really much slower than expected, I consider NZ as "his" rally, but seems it is not his year!!

[Minke]

any info from the service park as to why the subaru's were so slow? what is petter complaining about now?

[N.O.T]

Hmmm Loeb will not give up as it seems....the big one should be interesting now that both have proper tyres.....

[N.O.T]

Pons seems to be out of the rally.....

[SubaruNorway]

Pons seems to be out of the rally.....

No the car didn't look damaged, just slid of the road.

[GigiGalliNo1]

least we can see some live action :D

[fatboymotorsport]

anyone else having trouble with eye in the sky it works for a few seconds then hangs and then comes back.

i have a 25meg connection over a lan and can look at any streaming media with out issue

tried contacting wrc.com but no reply

is it me or will i take a hammer to this pc

thanks

[SubaruNorway]

least we can see some live action :D

is it working properly for you?

[jonkka]

anyone else having trouble with eye in the sky it works for a few seconds then hangs and then comes back.

i have a 25meg connection over a lan and can look at any streaming media with out issue

tried contacting wrc.com but no reply

is it me or will i take a hammer to this pc

thanks

It's the feed, we all have the same problem.

[fatboymotorsport]

thanks for that i was starting to pull my hair out the bit i have left :mad:

[GigiGalliNo1]

tru tis the feed :( but still haha

[A.F.F.]

Good morning :wave:

Nice quartet of battles in both classes. Atkinson, Latvala, Sordo and Solberg jr in WRC and Hänninen, Mason, Aroujo and Arai in PWRC.

Marcus and Loeb pulling steadily away from Hirvonen.

[GigiGalliNo1]

gronholm live on video

[A.F.F.]

Pons gone off :eek:

[jonkka]

Marcus is unable to increase the gap :eek:

[SubaruNorway]

Pons gone off :eek:

just slid of the road and coulden't get it back on

[jonkka]

Oh, I was wrong...

[A.F.F.]

Out of the quartet I mentioned, Sordo started fairly good. How Atkinson and Latvala will answer. Petter loosing again...

[jparker]

Oh, I was wrong...

How about that Sordo boy? :)

[jonkka]

But... I was right? :eek:

[A.F.F.]

Oh my, Loeb quicker than Marcus ....

[A.F.F.]

Latvala going to catch Atkinson :up:

[jonkka]

If he can keep it together, always a tricky thing with JM

[jparker]

Why Atkinson is always starting strong, and then fading away?!

[jonkka]

Atko might lose two places, even

[GigiGalliNo1]

blahh atkinson

[jonkka]

Aava missing a split there...

[jonkka]

Atko might lose two places, even

Nah, he's is pacing up

[A.F.F.]

Hänninen made a killertime on first loop this stage. Now the start doesn't look as good.

[White Sauron]

I'm pissed off with Solberg comments. Why can't he acknowledge that he just can't drive fast????

[jparker]

I'm pissed off with Solberg comments. Why can't he acknowledge that he just can't drive fast????

He can, but he crashes if he does :)

[duff]

Good comeback from Atko at the end of the stage!

[A.F.F.]

Hänninen, Aroujo and Mason fighting fiercely. Same does Atkinson, Sordo and Latvala :) Nice to see these guys are rallying.

[GigiGalliNo1]

i envy the members in NZ right now!! look its beautiful! :(

[jonkka]

That much about Hanninen's charge, it's over...

[A.F.F.]

That much about Hanninen's charge, it's over...

:(

Well, it was fun to look as long as it lasted.

[sollitt]

That's a shame. It could have been a good battle between him & Mason. Anybody know what happened?

[A.F.F.]

How far back will Hänninen eventually drop ?

[A.F.F.]

Whoops. Something happened with Arai also.

[ZequeArgentina]

and now with Pozzo also (even Mason has 1 split missing). Too hard stage for group N cars?

[jonkka]

Three out of top-4 of GrN decimated, leaving Araujo in the lead

[A.F.F.]

Congrats to our Portugese members :)

[A.F.F.]

Well well well.... If there's not huge damage in Hänninen's and Mason's cars, with their pace they have plenty of time to catch others up. Only Aroujo seem to be too far ahead. :)

[Tomi]

good morning, situation still the same, 30min left then there is live stage on tv.

[Stalks]

All three had punctures (hanninen, arai & mason).

[Koz]

I just got back from Myster Creek... :D
I was disappointed with the ammount of people there.
Everyone was either at the Ford or Subaru area. There were maybe 5 people who even looked at Stolh car :(
But its kind of sad, there were extreamly few people for Citroen maybe 1/4 of the people that were either at subaru or ford. Loeb is the most dominant rally driver in history... And no one cares?
There were more people at munchies ford than at citroen. Is it like this everywhere? :(

[GigiGalliNo1]

I hope not!

[White Sauron]

http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1102844,00.html

what the **** are they writing about??? Are they in the same world as we?

[SubaruNorway]

http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1102844,00.html

what the **** are they writing about??? Are they in the same world as we?

whats wrong?

[White Sauron]

whats wrong?

Well... Solberg fourth, few seconds behind Hirvonen)) iS it normal?

[GigiGalliNo1]

is it naturally pausing on the live feed? or just my work internet?

[SubaruNorway]

is it naturally pausing on the live feed? or just my work internet?

the sss working great

[GigiGalliNo1]

i'm just happy to see this live!!! :D haha

[GigiGalliNo1]

wait a minute.... is WRC Fly in the Sky free?

[fatboymotorsport]

the superspecial is working 100% apart from the locals doing commentry the are a bit hard to listen to.

hope the get there act together tommorow and it works better for the stages

[Woodeye]

Morning. :z

I almost sh*tted my self when I took the first look at the estonian page. Matt Wilson 5th?! Those were the stage results from SSS however...

Nothing new under the stars I see. Top three just the way it has been for the whole season.

[Timole]

Interesting first day. There was a rock on the 4-th stage which introduced itself to Hänninen, Arai and Pozzo. Martin and Kristo are doing very well aswell!

[Dingardo]

But its kind of sad, there were extreamly few people for Citroen maybe 1/4 of the people that were either at subaru or ford. Loeb is the most dominant rally driver in history... And no one cares?
There were more people at munchies ford than at citroen. Is it like this everywhere? :(

wanna know why? simple answer. loeb is a dick.

the ford and subaru drivers actually enjoy what they do and enjoy socialising with the fans. Thats why people like them. They arent arrogant like Loeb

[Madeira]

Congrats to our Portugese members :)

Thank you A.F.F! :up: . I woke up right now and I'm seeing the latest news. Fantastic what Armindo is doing until now. Pitty what's happened with Haninnen and the other guys. I hope he can keep this pace and show how fast he can be among with this top drivers.. ;)

[Tomi]

They arent arrogant like Loeb

In what way arrogant?

[Daniel]

wanna know why? simple answer. loeb is a dick.

the ford and subaru drivers actually enjoy what they do and enjoy socialising with the fans. Thats why people like them. They arent arrogant like Loeb
Someone's got a chip on their shoulder :rolleyes: Loeb isn't a "dick" as you say. He's never been anything more than professional when I've seen him.

[mdesign]

Congrats to our Portugese members :)

LOL. thanks! Today I'm a proud Portuguese :)

[Mihai]

Did Stohl went off-road or something? How messed up is the car ?

[White Sauron]

Someone has the photos of #42 (Evgeny Vertunov), who is currently third in PWRC?

[Tomi]

Someone's got a chip on their shoulder :rolleyes: Loeb isn't a "dick" as you say. He's never been anything more than professional when I've seen him.

I think the same, he always has been a fair sportsman, it surprises to hear stuff like that.

[Artep]

wanna know why? simple answer. loeb is a dick.

the ford and subaru drivers actually enjoy what they do and enjoy socialising with the fans. Thats why people like them. They arent arrogant like Loeb

uh in no way is Loeb a dick or arrogant. He is one of the nicest drivers who does spend time with fans, will sign autographs and will talk to people with whatever time he can give.

There are certain other drivers who people seem to think are uber friendly and generous who are actual dicks in real life.

Reason for Ford and SUbaru to have mor epeople? Because they're more popular cars down under than Citroen.

[Daniel]

uh in no way is Loeb a dick or arrogant. He is one of the nicest drivers who does spend time with fans, will sign autographs and will talk to people with whatever time he can give.

There are certain other drivers who people seem to think are uber friendly and generous who are actual dicks in real life.

Reason for Ford and SUbaru to have mor epeople? Because they're more popular cars down under than Citroen.
Exactly.

There's also the fact that he has a job to do. He's not a frigging autograph machine and he has a schedule to work to as well. I bet Loeb signed 100 autographs but didn't sign Dingardo's little brother's hat or something..... :rolleyes:

[René]

wanna know why? simple answer. loeb is a dick.

the ford and subaru drivers actually enjoy what they do and enjoy socialising with the fans. Thats why people like them. They arent arrogant like Loeb


How much time did you remain with Loeb?
How much time did you speak with Loeb?

Who are you to judge somebody whom you know only by what you imagine?
It’s preferable to be respectful and discrete as Loeb while being that stupid as you who don’t know when you must keep silent yourself!
Not to be fan of Loeb or another person is your most strict right; you are not obliged to justify yourself with stupidities and arrogances.

That of which I am certain, it is that you do not know Sebastien Loeb and nothings about the sport fair attitude.

Have a nice and peaceful rally,

And that the best driver wins

[Dingardo]

OK maybe I came across a bit wrong.. like I am sure he is a decent person.. but like.. he just isnt as.. approachable as the others.. if you get what I mean..
He is usually always lowkey compaired to say Gronholm or Solberg.. thats probably why those two are more popular here.

perhaps it is just different cultures.

Btw I am not saying I don't like him, as I think he is a brilliant driver. He just lacks what Gronholm and Solberg have when it comes to character.

[Dingardo]

Ok before this gets out of hand and turns into a big flame fest.. just let me explain.. sure I dont know the guy, nor have any right to say things like that about him cause of that reason.. but take this for example, this kid in a wheelchair was brought around the WRC teams yesterday at Shakedown.. Solberg, Gronholm, Hirvonen etc were being nice and putting their arm around him and chatting to him.. Loeb just stood beside him.
Thats the kind of thing I am getting at..

However I bet you go to France and Germany etc and Loeb would probably get the most attention. Just different cultures.

Anyways I apologise if I offended anyone with my comments

[Dingardo]

Exactly.

There's also the fact that he has a job to do. He's not a frigging autograph machine and he has a schedule to work to as well. I bet Loeb signed 100 autographs but didn't sign Dingardo's little brother's hat or something..... :rolleyes:

Actually I have yet to see any of the drivers give out signatures at the service park..

[Daniel]

OK maybe I came across a bit wrong.. like I am sure he is a decent person.. but like.. he just isnt as.. approachable as the others.. if you get what I mean..
He is usually always lowkey compaired to say Gronholm or Solberg.. thats probably why those two are more popular here.

perhaps it is just different cultures.

Btw I am not saying I don't like him, as I think he is a brilliant driver. He just lacks what Gronholm and Solberg have when it comes to character.
Wow how horrible.....

[Tomi]

perhaps it is just different cultures.

Maori and French is not that different, anyway i hope Loeb did not upset you too much, and that you sleep well anyway. :)

[Dingardo]

Maori and French is not that different, anyway i hope Loeb did not upset you too much, and that you sleep well anyway. :)

there is quite a difference.. plus not all NZers are brought up with a maori culture. Like for me, the only maori culture I experienced was at high school.

Anyways Loeb never upsets me :P i was just stating an opnion.. not saying that I hate Loeb or anything

[Elen]

Hi, I'm new to this forum, Fan from NZ as well..
While I might not be as extreme as Dingardo's view about Loeb as a Dick, but I just don't quite like Loeb to what I have seen and heard.
he was really distance and cold while I saw him last year ( Ok maybe due to his shoulder injury) but there are stories I heard from my European friends they experience themselves that puts me off even more.
While Looking at Petter and Marcus, they interact with the fans more, Timo actually took time out and had a short chat with me and listen to what I want to say. I just hope Loeb will take the same effort too.

[Tomi]

there is quite a difference.. plus not all NZers are brought up with a maori culture. Like for me, the only maori culture I experienced was at high school.

Anyways Loeb never upsets me :P i was just stating an opnion.. not saying that I hate Loeb or anything

that maori thing was just a joke, but i think it's easy to understand that different people act different ways and has nothing to do with culture, if Loeb wants to focus on what he is there for in his way, instead of signing autographs or answering stupid questions I think is ok.

[Woodeye]

Could it just be that Loeb is a bit shy? Sigh.

[A.F.F.]

I think Loeb is a rare example how humble can a guy be after the amount of great success he already has. Throughout the years in WRC, I can name a bunch of way arrogant drivers than he. He for one seem to be sincerely worried if Marcus retires because he fisrtly, enjoy racing against him and secondly, the championship has more value when Marcus is still in a game.

Some might secretly hope otherwise.

Plus, what i've seen from the footage, our finnish reporters have always got their comment from Loeb. That is something even Finnish drivers fail to do sometimes.

[pejda]

We have some pictures from friday - http://www.ewrc-media.com/images/fotky.php?co=223&a=da

[Dingardo]

I certainly agree with what all of yous have said, like Loeb is a decent guy.. its just when it comes to their character, Gronholm and Solberg etc are just more likeable ?
I guess my original comment was a bit too harsh, I didnt really think it through much as I had just got home from todays action and was editting some photos.


Anyways bed time for me, have to be up early tomorrow to make sure I get a good spectating point for tomorrows stages.

[Livewireshock]

Regardless of if Loeb is a dick or not, I drove into the service park & in front of me as I parked was Solberg trying to take a sneeky leak between cars.

LOL

Plus I had to stop a Citroen team guy from steeping into a sheep carcass at SS2. It has been a fun day.

[Maui J.]

Wow! Another long day. 570km round trip today, from Auckland to the stages and back. I'm knackered!

Managed to see the first 4 stages quite easily. Leaving SS1 after the Munchis and arriving at SS2 with a few minutes to spare. Same goes for SS3 & 4.
Man, it was cold at SS1 this morning (I can now hear the Norwegians, Swedes and Finns saying 'you don't what cold is'), but honestly I can't remember a Rally NZ stage that cold ever. And I have been to a lot over the years. Basically it the wind chill factor that made it so so cold.

Looking at the roads, they didn't seemed to be cutting up too badly, but not exactly swept either. It was almost a combo of both at various spots. There was muddy chopped up places, especially at the apexes of some chambered corners, but also smooth swept lines on other parts.

Highlight of the day was Mason's amazing recovery on SS4. It was on a fast long left hander around 150 - 200m. In the middle was a farmers driveway with a culvert. Everyone seemed to edge it a little, but Mason must have dropped a wheel into it. The next moment his car was sideways in the air about 300mm off the ground. It landed basically perpendicular to the road. Somehow he straightened it up and without any loss of momentum roared away as if nothing had happened. To me it looked as if it was about to roll. It got the crowd excited.

Didn't bother with SS5 at Mystery Creek. All in all a great day, although a bit too much driving.

[Livewireshock]

Wow! Another long day. 570km round trip today, from Auckland to the stages and back. I'm knackered!

Managed to see the first 4 stages quite easily. Leaving SS1 after the Munchis and arriving at SS2 with a few minutes to spare. Same goes for SS3 & 4.
Man, it was cold at SS1 this morning (I can now hear the Norwegians, Swedes and Finns saying 'you don't what cold is'), but honestly I can't remember a Rally NZ stage that cold ever. And I have been to a lot over the years. Basically it the wind chill factor that made it so so cold.

It was bitterly cold. You could really feel it coming off the snow at Mt Ruapehu.

[mdesign]

This Loeb's discussion it's funny. I guess no one here knows him. My opinion is that he is a great guy, despite all his achievements he seams to be humble. statistics could well prove he is the best rally driver Ever, but you can find some praise to other drivers in most of his interviews.

[Maui J.]

Oh yeah, I forgot to say, I spoke with Ken Block again today. Really friendly guy.
It was at the start of SS2, he was out of the car milling about, killing time, before it was his turn to check into control. I asked him about his plans regarding the PWRC for 2008. He said he wasn't ready yet, as he was still learning to drive with pace notes. In the US they drive with route books only. He said he was planning to come back here next year and do more rounds of the NZRC, plus some rounds of the Canadian RC. He's looking at 2009 for a start in the PWRC.

Now here's the good bit... he basically confirmed that Travis Prastana is doing the PWRC in 2008. That should bring a smile to our US of A forumers.

[A.F.F.]

Sounds like you have had a fun time Maui J. :up:

[White Sauron]

PWRC crews, photos, anybody?.. Pleeease))

[janvanvurpa]

Oh yeah, I forgot to say, I spoke with Ken Block again today. Really friendly guy.

Yeah. At least superficially. Reading the silly comments about how Loeb is "arrogant" I can't help think of Block's comments on the US rallyforum Specialstage.com where many expericed people were discussing just what sort of value if any the recent made-for-TV so called reality show the X-games will do for the perennially small-time status that Rally in USA suffers from.



I asked him about his plans regarding the PWRC for 2008. He said he wasn't ready yet, as he was still learning to drive with pace notes. In the US they drive with route books only.

Something is fishy here. If he actually said that, and I have no reason to doubt that you heard correctly, then something is badly amiss
US events in the old SCCA Championship and the current two private corpoations having "Championships" and most local events have been done using the Swedish "Jemba" note system for at least the last 7 years, and some events have introduced 1 or even 2 pass recce in the last couple of years--(which makes me shake my head as I can't see why 98.5% need Jemba notes when they drive so painfully slow)
.
So Block has been using "Notes" since the first event he entered.
So maybe you heard wrong.
Or maybe Block was simply lying and scrambling to make excuses for his cracking under pressure and rolling on the first or second stage of nearly every foreign event he's started: Mexico, NZ Championship earlier this year, and now this event.

Sorta makes you wonder about the friendly thing, friendly yeah but is he trustworthy? Honest? Can he stop the hype for a second?
I prefer Loebs behaviour, and what I see there is he's simply shy because of his bad English. Seems animated, friendly and engaging in French.
.





He said he was planning to come back here next year and do more rounds of the NZRC, plus some rounds of the Canadian RC. He's looking at 2009 for a start in the PWRC.
I really fail to see why he bothers.
If he wanted to prove something then I think he should rent a car and do some Group F events in Finland.
But I have a strong suspicion that he would have results more or less here he was most of yesterday if he didn't have a works spec car.


Now here's the good bit... he basically confirmed that Travis Prastana is doing the PWRC in 2008. That should bring a smile to our US of A forumers.

Well there I can say OK, good for him, he's proven in his previous life as a top level US National series moto-cross guy that he knows how to drive, knows what his job is. He's devoted his life since he was a teenager to motorsports and makes an excellent contrast to his team-mate.

The downside is that then we will have to endure more air-headed wannabe's all say "Wow golly! Pastrana in the WRC proves the USA has finally arrived on the world scene!!!! Yeaaaah!!!!!"
When seriously, probably 2/3 of the cars at any GroupF or Swedish GruppH event would beat all the cars here in North America.

It's bad enough seeing people say the sport in North America is doing anything, when the only real thing that has changed is the amount of on-line hype.

[Tomi]

If he wanted to prove something then I think he should rent a car and do some Group F events in Finland.

I dont understand why foreign guys dont do it, I think cheap way to learn to drive, it would be difficult to get to top 50, but who cares.

[janvanvurpa]

I dont understand why foreign guys dont do it, I think cheap way to learn to drive, it would be difficult to get to top 50, but who cares.

Well Tomi, I push strongly for people to look at and study what is going on in GpF to the guys I help build cars and get started, and lots of them do. Many US and Canadian rally people now know what a bunch of lunatics your country is full of, and what hard competition looks like thanks to all the Videos and You-tube.

but as to why people don't come to Finland to rent a car, for they guys I deal with in my business, its just cost, they're building cars here they're younger so they're not independently wealthy and they're worried about getting dragged away into the woods by platoons of cute Finnish girls who will rob them of the honor (so many have married too soon, so they don't want anything naughty happening---and they know they couldn't resist)

And those guys who can afford the cost and time can also afford to just buy a essentially works spec car and do events where they can be certain of a high result and brag about that.
I say that tendency---going for the easy result by buying ultimate equipment--a real honest top God American character trait--- and not seeking out the hardest competition you know---is why American rally as a whole will always be at best "B license" level.

I say its no surprise that there always seem to be another squad of Finns ready to keep the record of winning 50% or more of WRC events since the series exsisted just because there is such hard and dep fields that they learn the craft in.

[playmo]

I just got back from Myster Creek... :D
I was disappointed with the ammount of people there.
Everyone was either at the Ford or Subaru area. There were maybe 5 people who even looked at Stolh car :(
But its kind of sad, there were extreamly few people for Citroen maybe 1/4 of the people that were either at subaru or ford. Loeb is the most dominant rally driver in history... And no one cares?
There were more people at munchies ford than at citroen. Is it like this everywhere? :(

Hello to everyone.
Funny thing!, over here in Mexico, Loeb is somewhat a Super-Star, much like Petter. In Service there was always a lot of people in Cit, double than Ford and almost Subaru. Stohl, Henning, McHale had something like 4 people watching them.

[Tomi]

Well Tomi, I push strongly for people to look at and study what is going on in GpF to the guys I help build cars and get started, and lots of them do. Many US and Canadian rally people now know what a bunch of lunatics your country is full of, and what hard competition looks like thanks to all the Videos and You-tube.

but as to why people don't come to Finland to rent a car, for they guys I deal with in my business, its just cost, they're building cars here they're younger so they're not independently wealthy and they're worried about getting dragged away into the woods by platoons of cute Finnish girls who will rob them of the honor (so many have married too soon, so they don't want anything naughty happening---and they know they couldn't resist)

And those guys who can afford the cost and time can also afford to just buy a essentially works spec car and do events where they can be certain of a high result and brag about that.
I say that tendency---going for the easy result by buying ultimate equipment--a real honest top God American character trait--- and not seeking out the hardest competition you know---is why American rally as a whole will always be at best "B license" level.

I say its no surprise that there always seem to be another squad of Finns ready to keep the record of winning 50% or more of WRC events since the series exsisted just because there is such hard and dep fields that they learn the craft in.

I think group F is a good way to start rallying, driving that 1-2 years you see if there is any talent, if there is no idea to try to reach to international level, then it can be a nice hobby anyway, it would be good if you could start something simular there too, here its normal that in events is more than 100 cars in the entry, nice fun to watch too even that everyone is not so good driver.

[Halvard]

when does ss6 start... norwegian time if possible.

[White Sauron]

when does ss6 start... norwegian time if possible.

23:03 it seems...

[Corny]

Hello to everyone.
Funny thing!, over here in Mexico, Loeb is somewhat a Super-Star, much like Petter. In Service there was always a lot of people in Cit, double than Ford and almost Subaru. Stohl, Henning, McHale had something like 4 people watching them.

In Germany (the rally of course :D ) everybody is more liked than Marcus..

[Tigger9232]

In Germany (the rally of course :D ) everybody is more liked than Marcus..


That´s wrong. :D
Most People here love Marcus and are fans of him.
Next are the Petter fans.

Take a look in german Rallye Mag and you can see it.


bye
Stefanie

PS. I hate my nick with this number! ;( *laugh*

[Corny]

That´s wrong. :D
Most People here love Marcus and are fans of him.
Next are the Petter fans.

Take a look in german Rallye Mag and you can see it.


bye
Stefanie

PS. I hate my nick with this number! ;( *laugh*
I think you were not on Friday's stages at Deutschland Rally..?

[noel157]

Just a quick comment on Loeb. On his recent visit to Ireland I could see the hassle and pressure he had at every service. Literally hundreds of fans wanting to see his face, more flash bulbs than a 70s disco. Kids and adults forcing pens and paper in his face. Sure this is the price of fame but it can't be easy. Met him again at a re-group at the start of a stage away from the crowds and he was much more friendly.
Later on in the day passing parc ferme he saw our car and pointed to the door. Me thinks - Seb wants a lift, shall I let him in? Only joking.....
Anyway he gets in the our car and waits for Daniel to come and we give him a lift back to his hotel. Maybe 10 min drive. But he said it is extremley hard work to be a fan's friend every minute of the day but he does his best. Away from the fans and the paparazzi he is a good bloke and very down to earth. He's a nice guy, and Daniel too. And I guess being so far from home in NZ with his wife expecting it can't be easy.

[Tigger9232]

I think you were not on Friday's stages at Deutschland Rally..?


oh sure I was.
Hey this rallye ( Wineyards ) is... only 40 km far from me. Service park only 500m far from me. How could I stay at home if I know Rallye is here? I would Die! ;D

All I know is germans are standing on the stages and ...... nothing.
Sorry, I´m a bit more crazy, with horns from Finland and my big finnish Flag.
Between czech and french I feel comfortable too.
That´s what I love on Rallye too. No matter who you are fan of, it is a peaceful side by side.
This year we where a group from Marcus Fans from mgr.fi Forum .

Only saturday I saw some Seb Fans.... hahahaha.... sitting like nacked birds in trees and screaming a " Alez seb " ( is it written right ?)


Stefanie

[Corny]

well, at least at the places I was standing, Grönholm wasn't supported.. Even; on SS1 the crowd went wild when he was losing quit a lot time on Seb..

[Tigger9232]

well, at least at the places I was standing, Grönholm wasn't supported.. Even; on SS1 the crowd went wild when he was losing quit a lot time on Seb..

Friday I was on stage 3 and 6
Schönes Moselland.

Yes, that´s what I ment.
Germans like marcus and support him, but cheer...??
They do it most of time deep inside and quiet! :D :D

Stefanie

[MJW]

Regarding the lack of fans gathered around Citroen compared to Subaru and Ford, I reckon it may be because of the following or combination of:-
a) Frequelin has said on many times he doesn't think NZ should be in the WRC as it is of no interest marketing wise to Citroen for selling cars.
b) France and NZ have a "history at rugby" - NZ's national sport.
c) French secret service carried out operations in NZ in the mid 1980's against anti nuclear protestors who were against French nuclear tests in the islands in the south Pacific. Actually if what the French did in Auckland harbour today was between say Iran and US we would have missiles flying by now.
I think Seb is a superb driver and an OK guy, just his and Citreoen presence is not as popular as Ford & Nordic drivers with the locals.

[bt52b]

Only saturday I saw some Seb Fans.... hahahaha.... sitting like nacked birds in trees and screaming a " Alez seb " ( is it written right ?)

Stefanie

Allez Seb

I think is how it should be written, but then again I don't speak French ;)

[bt52b]

Regarding the lack of fans gathered around Citroen compared to Subaru and Ford, I reckon it may be because of the following or combination of:-


Probably more to do with a bigger marketing effort by Subaru and Ford.

...anyway wasn't it in NZ that they sank the Greenpeace ship....

[SubaruNorway]

ahh for gods sake the feed is still stoping all the time

[SubaruNorway]

stage 6 on in 4min

[A.F.F.]

PS. I hate my nick with this number! ;( *laugh*

What does it stand for ?

[Timole]

hey.
hope it will be a good day and good battles.

[harriswrc]

hey.
hope it will be a good day and good battles.
Hope it will be a good night for us in Europe! :-)

[fatboymotorsport]

when will the fix eye in the sky its so annoying

[SubaruNorway]

seems like they got my mails then

[N.O.T]

stage shoudl have started 2 mins ago....still no splts.....

[SubaruNorway]

Pons on the stage atleast

[Madeira]

Hope it will be a good night for us in Europe! :-)

And I hope that Armindo Araújo can keep their position in the PWRC standings....

[sp0+]

Still no splits..........

[sollitt]

Regarding the lack of fans gathered around Citroen compared to Subaru and Ford, I reckon it may be because of the following or combination of:-
a) Frequelin has said on many times he doesn't think NZ should be in the WRC as it is of no interest marketing wise to Citroen for selling cars.
b) France and NZ have a "history at rugby" - NZ's national sport.
c) French secret service carried out operations in NZ in the mid 1980's against anti nuclear protestors who were against French nuclear tests in the islands in the south Pacific. Actually if what the French did in Auckland harbour today was between say Iran and US we would have missiles flying by now.
I think Seb is a superb driver and an OK guy, just his and Citreoen presence is not as popular as Ford & Nordic drivers with the locals.

I think you poeople think too much!
The average Kiwi rally fan wouldn't remember the Rainbow Warrior bombing, wouldn't have heard of Guy Frequelin & the only 'rugby history' we have with France is snotting them on a regular basis.

If there's more people at the Subaru & Ford tents than Citroen it's simply because Subaru has a huge following in this country (no small thanks to Possum Bourne), Petter is a showman, Chris is the nearest thing we have to a local in the WRC, and Marcus is the exciting act at the moment.
Contrast that with Citroen's almost non existent market share, it's image as a boring and ugly car for old fuddy duddies, and it's slightly reclusive world champion.

[A.F.F.]

And I hope that Armindo Araújo can keep their position in the PWRC standings....

Don't worry, he has quite solid lead and if he don't face misfortune, he'll be all right. However, interesting to see how Hänninen, Mason and Arai will push today. Along with Aroujo, those four were clearly the fastest yesterday.

[Timole]

Don't worry, he has quite solid lead and if he don't face misfortune, he'll be all right. However, interesting to see how Hänninen, Mason and Arai will push today. Along with Aroujo, those four were clearly the fastest yesterday.
Don´t forget Martin!

[Brother John]

Is the link for eye in the sky changed?

[jonkka]

c) French secret service carried out operations in NZ in the mid 1980's against anti nuclear protestors who were against French nuclear tests in the islands in the south Pacific. Actually if what the French did in Auckland harbour today was between say Iran and US we would have missiles flying by now.

Incidentally, their bombing of Rainbow Warrior was the reason why I boycotted all french products for 15 years and only lifted the ban in honour of Seb's second world title.

[A.F.F.]

Don´t forget Martin!

I'm sorry but Martin sure wasn't at the level of these guys.

[Brother John]

eye in the sky link please! :(

[SubaruNorway]

Is the link for eye in the sky changed?

it's all black now so i gues they are working on it

[Brother John]

it's all black now so i gues they are working on it

Last year they changed every day! :(

[N.O.T]

still no splits......

[sp0+]

Am i the only one here that gets no splits??????????

[Timole]

I'm sorry but Martin sure wasn't at the level of these guys.
It´s his first season and he has done very good job until now. Hope they will find some extra speed for today´s stages.

[harriswrc]

We should have first results now... But nothing. On any site.

[amberie]

I fiddled around with the Eye in the Sky URL and got it:
http://mfile.akamai.com/20547/live/reflector:41773.asx?bkup=44584

[fatboymotorsport]

no splits or eye in the sky how is becks on rally radio looking at it and no one else can

i have wrc plus and its not working on it either

[fatboymotorsport]

that link works but is still stalling every few seconds



I fiddled around with the Eye in the Sky URL and got it:
http://mfile.akamai.com/20547/live/reflector:41773.asx?bkup=44584

[A.F.F.]

Latvala woken up this morning I hear :up: Faster than Atkinson

[Brother John]

Yes no splits here and eye in the sky stalling every few seconds ! :mad:

[dyfi1]

I fiddled around with the Eye in the Sky URL and got it:
http://mfile.akamai.com/20547/live/reflector:41773.asx?bkup=44584



:up: :up: :up: thanks!

[Luckin]

Well, at least we have got stage end results.

[bennizw]

Great stuff! Too bad it isn't stable enough:S

[dyfi1]

Latvala overhauled Atkinson. RallyRadio report.

[sp0+]

Well, at least we have got stage end results.

Which site?

[Luckin]

Which site?

http://www.ewrc-results.com/results/results_main.php?event=27&stage=2151

[jonkka]

BFG's got some, missing some too though

[amberie]

There are some stage times on the BFGoodrich WRC site.
http://www.bfgoodrich.com/racing/en/index_wrc.html

[N.O.T]

SS6 - PORT WAIKATO REMARKS

Manfred Stohl
Citroen "Emjoying the rally, enjoying the stages and have fun. There is a lot of loose gravel and it is difficult to stay in the line"

Petter Solberg
Subaru "Things are worse than yesterday, they try to do something, but it got worse."

Henning Solberg
Ford "Its very well I am happy. I really try to push, its so slippery. Now I am starting more in the front, I hope for rain."

Luis Perez Companc
Ford "It started pretty good it was a pretty good stage. I try to push harder I want to be closer to the 10"

Urmo Aava
Mitsubishi "Try to go faster and faster every stage. Okay its not so easy."

Matthew Wilson
Ford "There's hardly any moisture on the road and its really really loose. Next stage will hopefully be a little damp and a little bit clearner"

[N.O.T]

Loeb took 3.5 secs from the leader....we have a battle !!!!!!!

[WRXedUSA]

Anyone have any news about my man Block?

I hear he went off and got tangled on barbed wire on SS2, but other than that, setting decent times.

[sollitt]

where is marcus?

[SubaruNorway]

Chris: did you catch anything.
colin: No
Chris: well done
:D

[A.F.F.]

Latvala commentated yesterday that first stage is fast, second and third much slower. Let's see how he copes to those slower ones.

[Luckin]

where is marcus?

Right there, 3.1s slower than Loeb. Perfect start for Sebastien. The Franklin stage will be interesting...

[N.O.T]

Marcus finished 3.1 secs behind loeb ....

[Luckin]

And the splits are working, all hail Estonia :)

[Madeira]

seems we will have splits from SS7....

[N.O.T]

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen

"We tried really, really hard in the first stage. I am happy with the car the feeling is really, really good. We have this time a bit harder tyre than Marcus (Gronholm)."

[A.F.F.]

:bounce:

Hänninen started the chase. 10 seconds off from Aroujo :up:

[scooby girl]

Live Splits sort of working on
http://www.nuclear.pri.ee/rally/index.php?by=&stage=6&rally=New%20Zealand

[Madeira]

Hanninen almost 10 secs faster than Armindo....

[A.F.F.]

Arai and Mason both on the move too :eek:

Too bad Aroujo got so far ahead yesterday but everybody else are just a prey for them :D

[noel157]

Think the chopper pictures are stalling for everybody. Looks like a loose plug cap.....................

[A.F.F.]

Wow :eek:

Matthew Wilson make Villagra look like Matthew Wilson :D

[Madeira]

Arai and Mason both on the move too :eek:

Too bad Aroujo got so far ahead yesterday but everybody else are just a prey for them :D

with this gaps and in normal conditions, of course Hanninen remains the most dangerous man in race to the portuguese...

[WRXedUSA]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/6972141.stm

Atkinson makes today's Day in Pictures on the BBC

[Addicted]

Perez Companc did well on 7th stage, 2secs from Stohl.

[A.F.F.]

with this gaps and in normal conditions, of course Hanninen remains the most dangerous man in race to the portuguese...

Hänninen said yesterday that everybody else but Aroujo is catchable. So, you may feel safe :)

[mdesign]

Only problem is that Araujo's pace on ss6 was not very god comparing to the rest of the field! hope he speeds up abit

[A.F.F.]

Latvala faster than Atkinson ...

And the music WRR is airing is just horrible.

[SubaruNorway]

If they just could have used the same feed as they had on the helicopter during the sss