2007 Rally Japan - official thread

[jonkka]

"Turha koittaa, Bosse voittaa"

Doesn't look like that, I am afraid...

[jparker]

Championship over

It's not over until it's over ;)

[N.O.T]

Gronholm lost 1 minute ??????????

[N.O.T]

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen "We are cool to concentrate. A very tricky rally"

Daniel Sordo
Citroen "The long stage I had a spin and I lost a little time. The next lap I think will be better"

Marcus Gronholm
Ford Finished stage with damage to the left hand side of the car.

Mikko Hirvonen
Ford "I made a bad mistake on that stage. It's so loose, it's very tricky"

Petter Solberg
Subaru "Its very very difficult. We are doing everything we can, we can't do anymore than that."

Chris Atkinson
Subaru "Normally those stages are very quick, but I can't do anything."

Henning Solberg
Ford "First time to do this stage and I am very very happy"

[N.O.T]

well it was too perfect so far this season for Marcus..it was bound to happen something like that.....Its a good thing this happened early...if he can continue i think he can be in second place with no problems

[ZequeArgentina]

Jari-Matti Latvala
Ford "It was a good morning, Unfortunately I just screw up on this short stage, I went wide in a couple of places."
And he was only 0,8 secs behind Sordo, he now leads the rally (helped by road position, but another solid and fast performance by Latvala.

[pejda]

If the rollcage is damaged, than its over.

[N.O.T]

next stage starts in about.....3 years....nice... nice....

[pantealex]

Doesn't look like that, I am afraid...
Kimi was 7p behind, Bosse in worst case only 6p... :)

[J4MIE]

Kimi was 7p behind, Bosse in worst case only 6p... :)

Yes well Kimi didn't have the best driver in history against him with his favoured tarmac surface next.

Still, the Irish know how to have a knees-up to celebrate his championship :up:

[duff]

I guess for the sake of an interesting championship we have to hope that J-M and mikko can keep up the pace enough to make Seb back off and take the lesser points.
Also there could be a mechanical failure, sure it never happens to seb but it has to happen one day...

[J4MIE]

Malcolm Wilson is saying on radio that the roll cage is damaged but they will have a look at it in service..... not looking good :(

[ZequeArgentina]

humm, this will make Marcus to be in a quite difficult position now. Seb should et out of Japan 6 or 4 points ahead. Not impossible, but difficult. Loeb could also make a mistake, o C4 broke........................also difficult but could happen.

[J4MIE]

Marcus definitely finished for the day....... so 60 minutes penalty. They are trying to see if they can get him back out tomorrow if they can fix it, but they don't carry spares for it...

:bigcry:

[duff]

:bigcry:

Ditto!!!

[CABAIO E'LONA]

that bad news!

[Magnus]

****! That was not what I wanted to se this early in the morning, I must just aswell go back to bed. The C4 wont break down, and Loeb, as beeing a cool guy, will as usual not make a mistake. Of course Bosse had to go flat out, but he has driven so flawlessly all season, it was bound to happen sooner o later... :(

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Loeb on stage...

Pawse Kamuy Reverse 2 (9,03km)

[jonkka]

Petter is surprisingly slow all the time

[jonkka]

Latvala wants to win?

[duff]

Good time for J-M!

[White Sauron]

Latvala wants to win?

Just an order from Wilson to push

[jonkka]

Wilson is primarily interested in of makes title and Latvala is eating into Ford's points tally as long as he's ahead of Mikko. Being ahead of Seb and Dani is understandably what Malcolm surely wants JML to do as that helps.

[Tom206wrc]

Simply incredible Bosse made that mistake :eek:

It wasn't the best moment for him to do that in the driver championship fight :s

[jparker]

Wilson is primarily interested in of makes title and Latvala is eating into Ford's points tally as long as he's ahead of Mikko. Being ahead of Seb and Dani is understandably what Malcolm surely wants JML to do as that helps.
Yep, Latvala has nothing to loose and a lot to win in this rally. That's means max attack, non stop. Hope he can make it.

[SubaruNorway]

Petter retired on road section with gear selection problems :(

[doodle]

Petter Retired on Road section before SS6 with Gear Selection Problems !!!!!!!

[janneppi]

Well isn' this nice...

[jonkka]

??

[duff]

Atko???

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen now leading.

[jonkka]

Yes.

[A.F.F.]

Oh what a nice way to wake up this morning :s

Marcus' dreams to end his career with championship are a bit harder to make true now.

Very nice to follow two youngsters though. Latvala has really grown up this season :up:

[Tom206wrc]

Where's Atko in SS6 ??? :confused:

[Magnus]

well, if Bosse returns for super-rally every retirement is good for him, allthough it is not a very nice way of looking at it. In a odd way it is fair though; Loeb had his moment in the ditch when leading prev. this year... In monte loeb managed second 06 thanks to superrally.

[Tom206wrc]

The long SS7 is running...

I expect Loeb to set a stunning time and take the lead :D :bounce:

[Magnus]

Sounds all to reasonable Tom206WRC... :s :

[janneppi]

Latvala is doing well today, until of course a squirrel drops in his lap through the air went causing him to hit a tree.

[jparker]

Atko didn't finish SS6, but still no info why
BTW, Sordo vs. H. Solberg battle is back :)

[Tom206wrc]

No third split for Loeb !!! :eek: :confused:



EDIT: OK Loeb has a 4th split :D

[duff]

Split for Loeb???

[Magnus]

The computers fail, not Loeb...Or?

[Woodeye]

What a great way to start the morning.. :(

So much for Bosse's chance to with the WC. It's almost certain that Loeb will take it now.

Great drive from J-M but that really doesn't help with this disappointment.

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen fastest on the splits.

[Tom206wrc]

I see Hirvonen is regularly faster than Loeb on the different splits of SS7 :mark:

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala = with Loeb on first split.

[Tom206wrc]

Stohl and Sordo seem quite off the pace here on that stage :s



Sordo penultimate split seem to be quite fast finally :confused:

[duff]

So many gaps in the splits!

[Langdale Forest]

Hirvonen finished the stage, 5.5 seconds faster than Loeb.

[jonkka]

Japan is in GPS shade...

[Langdale Forest]

H Solberg and Latvala are faster thabn Loeb on 4th split.

[jonkka]

Yes but it seems that Loeb started to push from split 5

[Tom206wrc]

What happens with Sordo ?? :confused:

[jonkka]

No time for Sordo?

[Tom206wrc]

Retirement for Sordo ?? :(

[jonkka]

If Dani is out, it's already fourth top driver in seven stages

[Halvis]

Henning's also doing great, I think this is his first Rally Japan. As usual, he looses a bit towards the end of stage (I wonder why?) but still very competetive times.

[Langdale Forest]

Atkinson is out.

[Sulland]

If Latvala continues like this, I think his job application is accepted !!

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala is only 0.9 seconds ahead of Loeb now.

Henning Solberg in 4th.

[Tom206wrc]

Sordo is here no problem :D

[spudrsca]

When I think that some were worried that Ford may have chosen the wrong tires for this rally.

[jonkka]

When I think that some were worried that Ford may have chosen the wrong tires for this rally.

So, you think and? Come to what conclusion?

[jonkka]

Hanninen and Arai have no time nor splits beyond split 3

[spudrsca]

So, you think and? Come to what conclusion?

That till now, the tires seem to work very well when we see the times of Hirvonen, Latvala and even Henning Solberg.

[jonkka]

That till now, the tires seem to work very well when we see the times of Hirvonen, Latvala and even Henning Solberg.

Of course they use the most suitable tires first but if they don't have enough - the problems begin.

[jonkka]

SS8 should have started?

[jonkka]

On cue... :)

[AGA]

SS8 should have started?
Yes SS is in progress, waiting for results

[Langdale Forest]

Sordo fastest so far on SS8.

[A.F.F.]

I see my pickems failing Cutthroat Island in box office :mark:

[J4MIE]

GUTTED for Marcus, not even my lime marmalade can cheer me up this morning ;( ;( ;(

[farquar wrc]

Hanninen and Arai have no time nor splits beyond split 3

Both off on the same corner

[mdesign]

sad news to start my day... I was really hoping on a win for marcus

[euskalteam]

Now Marcus is on Mikko and Latvala's hands.... They have to try to keep Loeb behind them... not any easy!!

[mdesign]

Without gronholm the situation does not look good for Ford in the manu championship. Citroen can easily put the two cars on the podium.

[MikeD]

With both Subarus out, and the possibility of the Stobart team scoring good points, we might see the Stobart Ford beat the Subarus in the Manu title. That would be quite an embaressement for Prodrive and David Richards.

[tmx]

Without gronholm the situation does not look good for Ford in the manu championship. Citroen can easily put the two cars on the podium.

doesnt look like it to me, i think henning can pass sordo.

this is sad news, i hope mikko and latvala will finnish 1-2 to help marcus.


absolutely disapointed with the subarus.

[A.F.F.]

Conflict with Loeb now. Should he take risks and push more to catch and pass Mikko and Jari-Matti or settle with secure points and take the lead in championship....

[Tom206wrc]

Without gronholm the situation does not look good for Ford in the manu championship. Citroen can easily put the two cars on the podium.




I thought Citroën couldn't reach Ford anymore in the constructor championship :confused:

[Tom206wrc]

With both Subarus out, and the possibility of the Stobart team scoring good points, we might see the Stobart Ford beat the Subarus in the Manu title. That would be quite an embaressement for Prodrive and David Richards.



And Wilslow could also end in points :p :

[COD]

Sh*t, I finally get to follow the rally and Marcus is out! Why did the mistake had to come now :bigcry:

Well, he had been alarmingly safe whole year....

[AndyRAC]

And Wilslow could also end in points :p :

Blimey!! What a day..!!

[A.F.F.]

Blimey!! What a day..!!


I know. I'm so angry I'm gonna say darn.

[MikeD]

And Wilslow could also end in points :p :

That would give him 3 points earned over 2 years in a very good rally car. A driver for the future? - I think not :D

(Uhh I can feel a lot of critism coming my way)

[MikeD]

I know. I'm so angry I'm gonna say darn.

After having seen the F1 race in Brazil, then everything can happen. It ain't over till the fat lady sings .... or as they say in the McLaren camp. It ain't over until Norbert sings :D

(Have been celebrating Ferrari and Raikkonen for several days. Not easy to follow Rally Japan with hangovers)

[PuddleJumper]

I know. I'm so angry I'm gonna say darn.
Double darn.

Go Mikko and Jari-Matti!! :burnout:

[Xsara Fan]

Is it 'Ford forum' now??? ;) Where are all Citroen fan`s?
Seb currently at 2 position and it is a great opportunity for him to made a step to third title in a row. What a great start of the rally!

[J4MIE]

Is it 'Ford forum' now??? ;) Where are all Citroen fan`s?

I don't think anyone would like to see Marcus retire without winning the title again.

Seb will win many more times in years to come.... so this year it doesn't matter too much.

[Doon]

Is it 'Ford forum' now??? ;) Where are all Citroen fan`s?
Seb currently at 2 position and it is a great opportunity for him to made a step to third title in a row. What a great start of the rally!

It will be 4th in a row! 2004-2007.

Has Armindo really won SS10? That must be the first Gp.N stage winner ever??

[ttiirika]

Is it 'Ford forum' now??? ;) Where are all Citroen fan`s?
Seb currently at 2 position and it is a great opportunity for him to made a step to third title in a row. What a great start of the rally!

Hey come on!! It would be his 4th title in a row. I am very very sad for Marcus, but to me he is one of the Great Legends of Rally anyway and always.

[Camelopard]

Is it 'Ford forum' now??? ;) Where are all Citroen fan`s?
Seb currently at 2 position and it is a great opportunity for him to made a step to third title in a row. What a great start of the rally!

Well, they would all be on French speaking forums, wouldn't they? :D

[COD]

Is it 'Ford forum' now??? ;) Where are all Citroen fan`s?
Seb currently at 2 position and it is a great opportunity for him to made a step to third title in a row. What a great start of the rally!

You are all here :D

[J4MIE]

Loeb ahead of Latvala after SS10, now he can control from splits for rest of event :down:

[euskalteam]

Is the first stage win for Xevi Pons ever??

[JAM]

Pons won a stage? but is a WRC car so is not new... but Armindo won the SS9 with a group N Mitsubishi. That is really something :eek: :D

[Tom206wrc]

I don't think anyone would like to see Marcus retire without winning the title again.

Seb will win many more times in years to come.... so this year it doesn't matter too much.



But in another way, that would be fair Ford team don't get all the championships, either the manufacturer or the driver, not both... :mark:

[Vilkavainen]

Is the first stage win for Xevi Pons ever??

Pons also won the SS16 and 17 last year in New Zealand.

[Wim_Impreza]

Has Armindo really won SS10? That must be the first Gp.N stage winner ever??

He is not the first Gp.N stage winner ever. That was Hermann Gaßner in the Monte-Carlo 2001 with a Proton Pert in the second stage. ;)

[N.O.T]

I doubt Loeb will chase Hirvonen....maybe he will apply a bit of pressure and see what happens....

[euskalteam]

Herman Gassner won a stage in Montecarlo 2001.
http://www.acm.mc/ramc/2001/redac_classement_es_et_cumul_2001.php?param=02

[Wim_Impreza]

But in another way, that would be fair Ford team don't get all the championships, either the manufacturer or the driver, not both... :mark:

Citroën has already both titles in 2004 and 2005 and driver title in 2006...

[Brother John]

Loeb is doing good and sorry for Grönholm but About Japan.
Is this #WRC, 5,5km for SS8+SS9+SS10! :confused:

[Doon]

Herman Gassner won a stage in Montecarlo 2001.
http://www.acm.mc/ramc/2001/redac_classement_es_et_cumul_2001.php?param=02

Yes, but he never really won the stage as it was cancelled and not all of the cars ran. The stage was not run at competition pace, I seem to remember a spectator problem? I i'm pretty sure we can say Armindo's is the first against WR Car competion on a completed stage.

[MikeD]

I don't think anyone would like to see Marcus retire without winning the title again.

Many in here might agree with you, but I don't. I hope Loeb will win the title this year, because I think he's the better rally driver of the two. Simple as that.

[JAM]

Alain Oreiile won the Cote D'Ivoire rally in 1986 with a Grp N R5 GT Turbo.

[A.F.F.]

Many in here might agree with you, but I don't. I hope Loeb will win the title this year, because I think he's the better rally driver of the two. Simple as that.


God for bid opinions are like assholes. Everybody got one :)


I simply suck everybody and say, they're both GREAT rally drivers, both earned their place among the legends already.

[GigiGalliNo1]

this rally sucks!

[GigiGalliNo1]

sorry an out burst lol
but our telling out of 8 stages...only a few are accessable? pft! i want to go home... maybe wait for day two?

[Josti]

Alain Oreiile won the Cote D'Ivoire rally in 1986 with a Grp N R5 GT Turbo.

That was 1989.

[Corny]

I could start crying when I saw this morning that Marcus was out!
Championship is over, Loeb will win it again

[GigiGalliNo1]

haha i got marcus's bumper!!! :D :D i ran onto the stage haha and japanese marshals yelling at me! everyone in shock! haha

[mdesign]

Sad for gronholm, but I'm very happy to see Araujo win a stage. It's an historical moment lol. Hope mitsubishi boss enjoyed it, sure no one expected a stage victory in home ground :D

[Roy]

Marcus out. No restart for Gronholm.
http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/156461-0/official_marcus_out_for_good.html

Hope Hirvonen and Latvala hold Loeb off.

[Brother John]

I could start crying when I saw this morning that Marcus was out!
Championship is over, Loeb will win it again

Championship is not over, Loeb has an extra possibility to become champion.
+ Rally Japan is not over yet.

[ste898]

Once again Gronholm throws away the championship..........same as in Australia 2006!!!

[Addicted]

Any pics available anywhere?

[Magnus]

Well: congrats to GigiGallino1 who has his trophy, but i would rather se that Bosse had it. But he on the other hand would probably not put it on his wall, at least wilson would probably think of it as being a strange initiative... :D

[Sardalense]

He is not the first Gp.N stage winner ever. That was Hermann Gaßner in the Monte-Carlo 2001 with a Proton Pert in the second stage. ;)

Gustavo Trelles, driving a Group N Mitsubishi Lancer, won the last stage of Rally of Portugal 1997.

[N.O.T]

Once again Gronholm throws away the championship..........same as in Australia 2006!!!

its called the " Has Been" syndrome...... I think everyone with a logic above normal expected that Marcus would retire at least once this year....he isn't a guy who actually keeps cool under pressure...

The rally is still lonf though and if Latvala and Hirvonen continue to push then Loeb will also be under pressure and everything can happen.

[GigiGalliNo1]

you never kno......something might happen to Loeb... still two days to go!

[Magnus]

I think that is wrong NOT, is frustration over the Whale gave him many DNF :s , but with the 206 and with the Ford he has been doing very well in my opinion, just look at New Zealand! I think Loeb is a bit cooler though, but how does one measure that? Kelvin?

[User]

Atkinson on (and beyond) the limit. http://i22.tinypic.com/2aj6zwx.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

far out thats a shot! what happened there? whole side/back and roll cage!! :S

[ZequeArgentina]

Does anyone has information about Arai? Is he restarting in Superally?

Why is that everywere they mention only Higgins as only possible PWRC champion besides Arai, while Pozzo is still mathematically possible champion?

Current positions:
Arai 39 points (only Japan as remaining event)
Higgins 15 points (JP, Ireland and UKremaining)
Pozzo 12 pints (JP, Ireland, UK remaining)

He is now 2nd, if he wins and Arai do not collect points (much possible) he will finish with 22 points. He will still need to win both in GB and Ireland (he will struggle there, as he has almost no experience in tarmac). It is a tought work, but I have seen Kimi Champion(luckily was right therein Brazil), why not Pozzo?

[User]

far out thats a shot! what happened there? whole side/back and roll cage!! :S

He went wide, down a ditch, and touched a tree with the roof. They were very lucky. ;)

[ste898]

Another class event for Subaru......what a embarassment on their home event!!

[pettersolberg29]

Perhaps the wrong thread, but I hope Subaru do better next year after Marcus retires, Atkinson gets more experience and Petter might actually either get a good Impreza, or even an incy bit of luck.

[tmx]

haha i got marcus's bumper!!! :D :D i ran onto the stage haha and japanese marshals yelling at me! everyone in shock! haha

nice!

[pettersolberg29]

haha i got marcus's bumper!!! :D :D i ran onto the stage haha and japanese marshals yelling at me! everyone in shock! haha


Ebay?!? :)

[Tom206wrc]

Perhaps the wrong thread, but I hope Subaru do better next year after Marcus retires, Atkinson gets more experience and Petter might actually either get a good Impreza, or even an incy bit of luck.



If you want to see the Sub battling in front you don't have to retire only Bosse I think !! :laugh:

[pettersolberg29]

I don't know!
On gravel and the two snow rallies Solberg can get podiums, with only Loeb and Hirvonen better.On tarmac he still needs to improve, but only Loeb, Sordo, Hirvonen and maybe Duval/Latvala are better.
Petter for third in next years Championship!

[Langdale Forest]

Latvala is 3rd after day 1, if he finishes as he is it will be his first podium.
It will also be his 5th rally in a row where he has scored points.

[c4]

Latvala is 3rd after day 1, if he finishes as he is it will be his first podium.
It will also be his 5th rally in a row where he has scored points.

And I predict A good finish on RI, third or fourth.

[Roy]

Any pics available anywhere?

http://www.rallyjapan.jp/e/photo/

and start list Leg 2. Latavala starts after Loeb! Why not the posistion after SSS?
http://planning-for.sakura.ne.jp/2007_startlist/Leg2StartList.pdf

[Langdale Forest]

I think he will come 5th but it is a new rally so it will be intresting.

[ZequeArgentina]

Arai and Haninen are at the Leg 2 startlist. Some more DNF in pWRC and still Arai can get the crown in Japan.

[COD]

and start list Leg 2. Latavala starts after Loeb! Why not the posistion after SSS?


The regulations says that start positions are decided before SSS. To avoid slowing down on SSS to get better starting positions

[Halvis]

When does next SS start? Anyone?

[White Sauron]

When does next SS start? Anyone?

In 50 minutes, 1:13 Finland time

[Halvis]

In 50 minutes, 1:13 Finland time

Thanks!

[SubaruNorway]

10 min to ss 11

[N.O.T]

ss is on....Solberg fastest so far.....not impressive though

[SubaruNorway]

Petter doing some testing for next year when the leader of day 1 will be first on the road on day 2 :D

[Maui J.]

Wow! Congrats to Armindo! He's the man....and he backed it up with a 5th in the next stage beating out 5 WRC cars.
Sure this was only a seriously short stage, but all the same, very impressive.
Give this man a WRC car now someone please.

Bad luck to Marcus... but the championship has still 8 days to go yet, anything can happen.

[A.F.F.]

Next stage has a proper lenght in it. Let's see if Latvala can contniue on putting pressure over Loeb or will Loeb just cruise away?

[Halvis]

Next stage has a proper lenght in it. Let's see if Latvala can contniue on putting pressure over Loeb or will Loeb just cruise away?

Sorry for being lazy, but when is next SS? Anyone?

[ZequeArgentina]

Live now!. This stage is important.

[Addicted]

Sorry for being lazy, but when is next SS? Anyone?

Started already

[Halvis]

Sorry for being lazy, but when is next SS? Anyone?

I'll quote myself, he-he - it's started and it's a monster stage. Hows wheather? Disadvantage or advantage for Petter? He did very well first on the short one.

[N.O.T]

sordo faster than Loeb on split 1...

[A.F.F.]

Latvala next, then Mikko.

[A.F.F.]

Latvala slower than Loeb...

[N.O.T]

Sordo is setting the pace....Latvala slower by 2.2 also

[ZequeArgentina]

looks like Pons is in trouble (splits seems to be working OK), otherwise just GPS problems.

[jonkka]

Interesting that Sordo is faster than Henning. I kinda expected tighter between them.

[N.O.T]

hirvonen also slower than sordo and loeb...

[Addicted]

Nice start for Sordo so far.

[dimviii]

hirvonen faster!

[ZequeArgentina]

Sordo is actually faster than Loeb, Lataval and Hirvonene also!!!

[A.F.F.]

Hirvonen getting faster...

[Addicted]

What happened to Flodin yesterday?

[dimviii]

still no splits for Pons...any news??

[N.O.T]

I think its going to be a great success for Latvala to be on podium....so i think it would be stupid to get carried away by Loebs/Hirvonens pace.

Seems that Loeb lowered his standards to compete with hirvonen.....he is forced to go at sordos pace to keep things interesting :)

[N.O.T]

Latvala already 8 seconds slower than Loeb....

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Sordo faster than Henning

[A.F.F.]

I think its going to be a great success for Latvala to be on podium....so i think it would be stupid to get carried away by Loebs/Hirvonens pace.

Seems that Loeb lowered his standards to compete with hirvonen.....he is forced to go at sordos pace to keep things interesting :)

Hirvonen is doing great but Loeb is clearly pushing faster towards the end of the stage. Remains to see if Mikko can answer that.

[ZequeArgentina]

In PWRC Araujo had some trouble (lost over 2 minutes to other PWRCs) and Pozzo is speeding up (looking for the championship points??), cutting 15 seconds over Nutahara mid SS12 (the long one)

[dimviii]

really true A.F.F !!!! just 1 sec now!!

[A.F.F.]

Phew....0.4 on behalf Mikko :)

[N.O.T]

hirvonen faster by 0.4 sec

[N.O.T]

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen "Very tricky this morning a lot of grip change. Difficult to go faster without taking risks."

Daniel Sordo
Citroen Feels he could go faster

Mikko Hirvonen
Ford "He's (Loeb) fighting back"

Manfred Stohl
Citroen "I had a little problem with my wipers and sometimes I could not see."

Petter Solberg
Subaru "Very slippery, just do the best we can"

Jari-Matti Latvala
Ford "The gearbox broke and very difficult to get gears"

Henning Solberg
Ford "I'm struggling with the washer on the windscreen."

Luis Perez Companc
Ford Had a spin and stalled at a junction

Federico Villagra
Ford "Slippery in some parts, a very tricky stage"

Matthew Wilson
Ford "It was okay in there. The conditions were really difficult, a little bit of standing water."

[Addicted]

Latvala in trouble with gearbox. Hopefully he can fix it and keep fighting against Sordo.

[Doon]

For the last two seasons i've thought Mikko has been held back to score points for Ford.....

Now Malcolm and Marcus need him to step up!....Mikko's answer?

Catch me Loeb!!!

''I can better you, and you ain't taking the win from me or the championship from Marcus!'' I love Seb, but Mikko is the next him!

When i was at Rally Finland in 2004, Mikko was in the Subaru and my mate said that is the end of Hirvonen when he crashed on the Killeri SS. I said NO...this is the start!

Mikko will be world champion in 2008. He is a legend in the making. Loeb and Gronholm are legends. Bring on the new breed! Mikko Hirvonen....friendly, chatty, down to earth guy too....

[SubaruNorway]

Loeb stoped !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jonkka]

It's rallying!

[jonkka]

JML stopped too

[SubaruNorway]

Latvala stoped

[A.F.F.]

No split for Loeb ???

[dimviii]

stopped or split problems?????

[jonkka]

Stopped, WRR confirms that

[N.O.T]

radio doesn't say anything....

[A.F.F.]

How com everybody's stopping ??? There's a rally going on. Doesn't nobody want to win it ??

[ZequeArgentina]

wht happened? out?? mechanical? No WRR at home

[jonkka]

No news yet. JML's probs likely are connected to gearbox with which he had problems in previous stage.

[N.O.T]

radio reports that somethign hasppened to Loeb....don't know what though...

[dimviii]

the championship starts again :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Doon]

I feel so sorry for Miggins. One of the best drivers on earth and i had no doubt in my mind that if Arai retired from japan he would win PWRC. He could win Japan and Ireland and Gb will be a walk in the park. He can still do it..............GO MARK!!!!!!

[jonkka]

Manfred too? Who's left at the end?!?

[A.F.F.]

Is Loeb or Latvala blocking the stage because Mikko lost a lot of time there ??

[bt52b]

Stohl big prob's

[ZequeArgentina]

It even gets more difficult to Loeb, one less rally to reduce the gap from Marcus

[jonkka]

Possibly but no matter, as long as he gets through.

[Addicted]

Hirvonen many seconds on split2

[dimviii]

hirvo must be informed about Loeb cause is late through last split

[A.F.F.]

Manfred too? Who's left at the end?!?

If Wilson jr drives on podium as he seem to at this retirement rate, I change to F1. Just kidding, I would NEVER change to F1.

Hopefully there isn't any accident involved with Loeb.

[SubaruNorway]

Hirvonen many seconds on split2

but Sordo is almost 1min behind

[jonkka]

Podium will look rather different from what we've accustomed to, come Sunday

[SubaruNorway]

damit now my pickems are all wrong :D

[bt52b]

At this rate Petter might win if everyone in front retires :D

[dimviii]

Pons out of road twice :eek: :eek: :eek:

[A.F.F.]

If Loeb get to continue, he will have no problem to get on points again.

[N.O.T]

the championship is on fire once again :) :)

[N.O.T]

If Loeb get to continue, he will have no problem to get on points again.

hmmm he would get aroung 40 min in penalties.....i doubt he can be that fast....

[jonkka]

AFF is just overly pessimistic in order not to be disappointed in the end

[A.F.F.]

What happened to him anyway ?? Does anyone know?

[bt52b]

Loeb stuck in a ditch. Prob can super rally

[SubaruNorway]

What happened to him anyway ?? Does anyone know?

Just stuck in a ditch

[A.F.F.]

Ditch can be a bitch sometimes.

[Addicted]

Wondering where are all those who said yesterday that Grönholm lost the title here?

[Halvis]

Just stuck in a ditch

Pity for Seb, but as expressed by others, good for the championship.

Suddenly, Henning is on the posium, and not far behind Sordo either. Can I hope for a charge in loop 2? This is hennings first Rally Japan, and he usually is considerably faster in the afternoon.

[ZequeArgentina]

no splits on SS14, or stage delayed for some reason?

[N.O.T]

Unfortunatelly this rally has nothing to offer anymore.....everyone will cruise from now on....

So if loeb wins ireland and gronholm is second and if loeb wins GB as well he will equal gronholm on points but he will be champ because he is going to have 1 win more than gronholm...is that how it goes ??

[dimviii]

stohl has gear-box problems and Latvala out of road

[jonkka]

Unfortunatelly this rally has nothing to offer anymore.....everyone will cruise from now on....

So if loeb wins ireland and gronholm is second and if loeb wins GB as well he will equal gronholm on points but he will be champ because he is going to have 1 win more than gronholm...is that how it goes ??

Rule-wise yes (if your calculations about points and wins is correct, don't have time to doublecheck).

[Maui J.]

the championship starts again :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:
Let the games begin...again!


Podium will look rather different from what we've accustomed to, come Sunday
Change is good!


the championship is on fire once again :) :)
Fight to the very last stage of GB maybe!


Wondering where are all those who said yesterday that Grönholm lost the title here?
Wasn't me! Can't rule anything out. Remember Sainz on last stage of GB in '99.

Shame for Loeb. Very uncommon mistake by him. Good on Mikko for keeping the pressure on.
By the way I like this multiple quote thing. A first for me.

Hey GG1, any photos of Mason & Gilmour? Mason struggling a bit it looks like in what he described on his website as a very 'standard' car. Not really up to the spec of his NZ car or a PWRC regular.

[mdesign]

I shouldn't say this, but... I'm happy that loeb got problems :P The championship is on!!!

[dimviii]

what happens with ss14???

[Addicted]

One retirement more and WRC will have totally new winner.

[SubaruNorway]

what happens with ss14???

WRR also not gething proper splits

[bt52b]

One retirement more and WRC will have totally new winner.

Manfred or Henning ;)

[jparker]

Wondering where are all those who said yesterday that Grönholm lost the title here?

How can one predict the unpredictable? :)

[Buzz Lightyear]

wilson might quadruple his point haul for the season!

[jonkka]

Hi Maui!


Wasn't me! Can't rule anything out. Remember Sainz on last stage of GB in '99.

1998, in fact.


Shame for Loeb. Very uncommon mistake by him.

Believe it or not but before the rally I was thinking about Norway and bad visibility of the corners from C4 with tilted windscreen & bonnet and driver position so far back. Bearing in mind how Loeb got stuck in snowbank (twice) in Norway and how vegetation covered ditches of Japan are similarly treacherous.

[White Sauron]

I bet Wilson wins this rally.

[bt52b]

How can one predict the unpredictable? :)



"Reports that say something hasn't happened are interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns — the ones we don't know we don't know." Rumsfeld.

[jonkka]

Would that be Donald?

[kleisj]

Well... for those who said Marcus couldn't avoid the mistake and pressure got him finally...! It seems the same can happen to Seb as well....!

[Addicted]

How can one predict the unpredictable? :)

Easy thing with my imagenation!

[bt52b]

Would that be Donald?

Yes, he won awards for that gem :D

[Halvis]

Hirvonen also out? Isn't there 2 minutes between cars? Stohl in +2.23 but no sign of Hirvonen?

[jparker]

Hi Maui!



1998, in fact.



Believe it or not but before the rally I was thinking about Norway and bad visibility of the corners from C4 with tilted windscreen & bonnet and driver position so far back. Bearing in mind how Loeb got stuck in snowbank (twice) in Norway and how vegetation covered ditches of Japan are similarly treacherous.

Yes, remember Carlos, Network Q 1998. That ditch was really nasty bitch :)

[Halvis]

Hirvonen also out? Isn't there 2 minutes between cars? Stohl in +2.23 but no sign of Hirvonen?

No there he is, +6 from Petter.

[jparker]

Good news for Higgins, Nutahara stopped on stage.

[Addicted]

Where`s Nutahara?

[bt52b]

Obviously Loeb didn't have a 10m Pentti Rope™ in the boot

[SubaruNorway]

Hirvonen also out? Isn't there 2 minutes between cars? Stohl in +2.23 but no sign of Hirvonen?

Hirvonene has finished the stage, missing two cars betwene there you know.

[dimviii]

hirvonen lost 6,6 from petter
sordo 10,9 from petter

everybody calm down

[Halvis]

OK, I'll call it the night - I wonder if there will be more surprises when I log in again in a few hours!

[SubaruNorway]

OK, I'll call it the night - I wonder if there will be more surprises when I log in again in a few hours!

jeep better go and get some sleep to, going to Bjerke tomorow to watch PG Andersson driving the wrc Focus

[bt52b]

Where`s Nutahara?
Stopped before first split on ss14

[pantealex]

There is now 3 Argentine´s in top 8!

[pentti]

Obviously Loeb didn't have a 10m Pentti Rope™ in the bootHow do know my rope?

[Maui J.]

Hi Maui!



1998, in fact.

Believe it or not but before the rally I was thinking about Norway and bad visibility of the corners from C4 with tilted windscreen & bonnet and driver position so far back. Bearing in mind how Loeb got stuck in snowbank (twice) in Norway and how vegetation covered ditches of Japan are similarly treacherous.

Thanks. I knew was either '98 or '99. Couldn't quite remember without doing a search. Vivid memories of Carlos throwing his helmet down on the Corolla in disappointment though.
Never count your chooks before they hatch!

[kleisj]

Yes, remember Carlos, Network Q 1998. That ditch was really nasty bitch :)

The ditch was a bitch on 94 for Carlos. Actually Network Q was a nasty bitch for Carlos if you remember 94,95 and 98....! He lost the title 3 times there.

[bt52b]

How do know my rope?

Think you mentioned it before, maybe you should mention it to Seb too ;)

[Doon]

Like i said i love Loeb but he will not catch Gronholm on GB! I'll be watch in the dark(oh yes,can't wait) on Halfway 2! Bring it on!! GO MIKKO

[jparker]

The ditch was a bitch on 94 for Carlos. Actually Network Q was a nasty bitch for Carlos if you remember 94,95 and 98....! He lost the title 3 times there.

Well, I guess we mixed up the years a bit. Yes, your are right, 94 Carlos with Subaru.

[kleisj]

Yes, remember Carlos, Network Q 1998. That ditch was really nasty bitch :)
Engine failure 300m from the end on 98(the engine was the bitch at the time)
Ditch was bitch on 94
Colin's superiority on his home event was on 95

[jparker]

Like i said i love Loeb but he will not catch Gronholm on GB! I'll be watch in the dark(oh yes,can't wait) on Halfway 2! Bring it on!! GO MIKKO

So, you can predict the unknown unknown?