Rally Ireland Entry

[bf1_IRL]

:cool: Out tomorrow morning, expect a record amount of WRCs :D

[Jaanus]

Latest news is that Kris Meeke will drive Impreza S12 and Eugene Donnelly Impreza S11.

[Langdale Forest]

The entry list should have lots of WRC cars! :hot: :) :cool:

[ste898]

This will be a awesome entry....because Ire;and is now the only place to have proper championship as all others have ben ruined vy yawnnn group n

[Tomi]

How come if Ireland has the only proper championship, why has they not a single one international level driver?

[ste898]

Because of the stupid way the WRC is run now where most seats are pay as you go!!!

[SubaruNorway]

I tought the Irish had a lot of money. Norway's pretty god, at least 3
S10's, 07 Focus and several others yet to be confirmed for next year. Hope the group N cars will ditch the restrictors soon, like in open class in
Rally America

http://www.youtube.com/user/RallyAmericaSeries

[Tomi]

Because of the stupid way the WRC is run now where most seats are pay as you go!!!

Ahaa ok, i tought the guys had their own WRC cars.

[Tom206wrc]

:cool: Out tomorrow morning, expect a record amount of WRCs :D



Tons of Subarus and Fords I guess :p :

[bf1_IRL]

@ Tom206wrc.. There is a 206 WRC over here (as you probably know) :) and whispers about the Xsara that Dani Sordo used for Cork may have had been sold to stay here..

Tomi maybe your question is for another thread as that issue can be a can of worms...but the short answer is : Shaun Gallagher won the FiA Rookie award this year, Niall McShea won the PWRC back in 04.. and Kris Meeke hopefully will do well on RI.. Maybe not the answer you are looking for but thats the current situation.. no doubt about it the ITC is one of the most exciting championships (well at the fully supported events anyway..)

As for the lads in WRCs over here they mostly do it for fun and we have some 'ameteur professionals' (and I do not mean to offend anyone with that remark)
For example Eugene Donnelly was able to have a fight with Marcus in Galway when Marcus had no experience of those conditions and Mark Higgins led overnight in Donegal when Seb & the Citroen Team had no experience of the conditions that he experienced, but in Cork when they came back they ran away with it..but RI will be interesting no doubt because those stages will be also very different to what has come up so far.... ;)
(To the best of my knowledge anyway..)


As for this island producing a WRC star driver, that probably is for another thread another day..

:)

[cut the b.s.]

This will be a awesome entry....because Ire;and is now the only place to have proper championship as all others have ben ruined vy yawnnn group n



Hi ste ;-),
'only place to have proper championship'

How many drivers competed for the overall title?



'all others have been ruined by yawnnn group n'

Can you name me 2 championships that have been 'ruined' by Group N?

thanks

[Tomi]

@ Tom206wrc.. There is a 206 WRC over here (as you probably know) :) and whispers about the Xsara that Dani Sordo used for Cork may have had been sold to stay here..

Tomi maybe your question is for another thread as that issue can be a can of worms...but the short answer is : Shaun Gallagher won the FiA Rookie award this year, Niall McShea won the PWRC back in 04.. and Kris Meeke hopefully will do well on RI.. Maybe not the answer you are looking for but thats the current situation.. no doubt about it the ITC is one of the most exciting championships (well at the fully supported events anyway..)

As for the lads in WRCs over here they mostly do it for fun and we have some 'ameteur professionals' (and I do not mean to offend anyone with that remark)
For example Eugene Donnelly was able to have a fight with Marcus in Galway when Marcus had no experience of those conditions and Mark Higgins led overnight in Donegal when Seb & the Citroen Team had no experience of the conditions that he experienced, but in Cork when they came back they ran away with it..but RI will be interesting no doubt because those stages will be also very different to what has come up so far.... ;)
(To the best of my knowledge anyway..)


As for this island producing a WRC star driver, that probably is for another thread another day..

:)

ok thanks

[Tom206wrc]

At what time today is entrylist published ?? :confused:

[Josti]

This will be a awesome entry....because Ire;and is now the only place to have proper championship as all others have ben ruined vy yawnnn group n

We can't complain either. Ireland has quantity, not all is quality.

Maybe one Dutch WRC entry from Erik Wevers with the Fabia, though not sure of that. Again, v/d Heuvel and Weijs Jr. for Group N. Looking forward to the entry's, I hope to see some Corolla's on it :up:

[Tom206wrc]

So entrylist ??? :confused:

[farquar wrc]

Hi ste ;-),
'only place to have proper championship'

How many drivers competed for the overall title?



'all others have been ruined by yawnnn group n'

Can you name me 2 championships that have been 'ruined' by Group N?

thanks
From a spectators point of view,Britain,the N4 cars would send you to sleep,years ago people having problems sleeping counted sheep,nowadays they just have to think of a N4 car.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

[Tom206wrc]

OK here entrylist !!! :D

http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/Entries%20Final%2020071016.pdf



There's an MG S2000 on entry :eek:

[Darren Jones]

From a spectators point of view,Britain,the N4 cars would send you to sleep,years ago people having problems sleeping counted sheep,nowadays they just have to think of a N4 car.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ


Im sorry i disagree, if you go watch on a tight corner say a hairpin or square where the entrance speed is slow then a WRC blows a Group n away, if you go to a fast section where real driver talent is needed to carry the speed, then you will see how N4 can be really good to watch, if the BRC was an ideal world then you would have the driver quality of Wilks,Gwyndaf,Champion,Milner,Morrow ect accompanying Higgins in WRC cars which would look incredible but that wont happen because they cant afford WRC cars, when the BRC allowed WRC cars you had Mark Higgins leading to Wilson in the same car by minutes and then the Gentlemen drivers were even further back, now it can be a last stage fight for victory where you can really appreciate the speed and skill of the drivers, this year has been let down with the pirelli tyre deal though as almost everyone had a tyre deal and now most people are priced out of the BRC with tyre cost as they are a small fish in a big pond and have to pay full cost so they lost alot of people who would of entered this year but they are interested in supporting young drivers, start of 2006 pirelli rally i remeber waiting for the first stage time as you couldnt pick a winner in 9 competitors!

Im sorry but from a spectators point of view, a drivers and from being in the team of Gwyndaff and Stuart in the 2006 BRC, N4 machinery is not boring, its the guy behind the wheel

But anyway this discussion should be a different Thread, this is about Rally Ireland
Great entry

[Tom206wrc]

Darren look at previous message from me :rolleyes:

[Le NaRcX]

Where's Kopecky?

[Darren Jones]

Cheers Tom i was still writing when you posted it :)

[Roy]

Wow! 35 WRCars.

Ford Focus: 16 cars :bounce: An other record!
Subaru Impreza: 13 cars
Citroen: 3 or 4 cars (Duval is in, but no manu nominated, does he drive?)
Skoda Fabia: 2 (with Eugene Donnely) :eek:
Peugeot 206: 1

[Donney]

Nice!!!! I am going to enjoy this event very much!!!!

[MJW]

Some strange seeding.........Also I feel sorry for Eyvind Brynildsen down at 80 - he will be catching lots of cars in front of him. He is not well known in UK and Ireland but I am very impressed by this young driver.
When you analyse the entry it has a lot of IRL/GB entrants (gentlemen drivers from ITC) and not so many from other countries other than those committed to PCWRC.

[Iain]

I was hoping Eugene Donnelly would have an S12 Impreza, but I can't see him doing nearly as much in a Fabia. :(

[I am evil Homer]

Is Emma McKinstry the daughter of Kenny? Also surprised by Donnelly but his knowledge should make up for the Fabia's downside...although it's a better tarmac car than I think people credit it for.

[quicksilver]

Is Emma McKinstry the daughter of Kenny? Also surprised by Donnelly but his knowledge should make up for the Fabia's downside...although it's a better tarmac car than I think people credit it for.
Yes she is.

[Mirek]

Le Narcx: Kopecký has not Ireland in his programme.

[cut the b.s.]

Some strange seeding.........Also I feel sorry for Eyvind Brynildsen down at 80 - he will be catching lots of cars in front of him. He is not well known in UK and Ireland but I am very impressed by this young driver.
When you analyse the entry it has a lot of IRL/GB entrants (gentlemen drivers from ITC) and not so many from other countries other than those committed to PCWRC.



He should try and get a reseed, the guy at 79 will most likely be the slowest guy in the rally and its crazy that he is seeded so far up

[cut the b.s.]

From a spectators point of view,Britain,the N4 cars would send you to sleep,years ago people having problems sleeping counted sheep,nowadays they just have to think of a N4 car.ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

I'd dispute that GpN killed the BRC, I think it has just prolonged its death, but anyhow this is why I asked for 2 examples, I doubt Mr Ste know anything beyond his own locality about championships, but back to topic, heck of an entry, will be interesting to see how Irelands top GpN men do against the PWRC guys, Atko showed them up last year but they are entered in more strength now and Atko is a step up from most in the PWRC

[bennizw]

How come Donnelly isn't driving his S12? He has been using it all year, so can't see any point in driving the Fabia?

[quicksilver]

The S12 he was driving has been sold and Kris Meeke will be driving it in Rally Ireland

[Donney]

Didnit he drive the Skoda in Lurgan Park?

[Tom206wrc]

I can't wait for seeing the pace of the MG among the GrNs very interesting :)

[J4MIE]

How come Donnelly isn't driving his S12? He has been using it all year, so can't see any point in driving the Fabia?

$$$$$$$$$$$ and it isn't a round of the ITRC....

[J4MIE]

Entry looks good but it's still not enough to persuade me to attend, with the rumours of the spectator organisation...

[Le NaRcX]

]Le Narcx: Kopecký has not Ireland in his programme.

Then this is a mistaken election, I think Ireland is better for Jan and for the Skoda than Sardinia, Greece or Portugal.

He will run in Wales?

[J4MIE]

Then this is a mistaken election, I think Ireland is better for Jan and for the Skoda than Sardinia, Greece or Portugal.

Much more competition in Ireland and drivers that are on similar level of performance to him.

[MikeD]

Great entry-list.

Thank god for the Focus WRC car ;)

The list does raise some questions:

a.) Why is Boland back in the Focus? - He just drove the Impreza S12 i Corsika. And now in the WRC 06 version.

b.) Guy Wilks is now running an Impreza S12 instead of the Ramsport Focus WRC. Does anybody know what team is running that car?

c.) What team is running Kris Meeke? - and will it be in the yellow/red Pirelli colours?

d.) What team is running Andrew Nesbitt?


e.) Is Aaron McHale in the Austin/Gareth family? And will Aarons car be run byr Tom Gahan?

f.) What team is running Tim McNulty?

g.) Will Gareth Jones be back in his Rally Finland Focus - or in the Ramsport Focus?

h.) What team is running Ray Breen?


i.) What team is running Kevin Barrett?

====

Thanks in advance for your answers :)

[cut the b.s.]

Great entry-list.

Thank god for the Focus WRC car ;)

The list does raise some questions:

a.) Why is Boland back in the Focus? - He just drove the Impreza S12 i Corsika. And now in the WRC 06 version.

b.) Guy Wilks is now running an Impreza S12 instead of the Ramsport Focus WRC. Does anybody know what team is running that car?

c.) What team is running Kris Meeke? - and will it be in the yellow/red Pirelli colours?

d.) What team is running Andrew Nesbitt?


e.) Is Aaron McHale in the Austin/Gareth family? And will Aarons car be run byr Tom Gahan?

f.) What team is running Tim McNulty?

g.) Will Gareth Jones be back in his Rally Finland Focus - or in the Ramsport Focus?

h.) What team is running Ray Breen?


i.) What team is running Kevin Barrett?

====

Thanks in advance for your answers :)

a, rumours connected Boland to a 06 Focus for a while, he seems to have good relations with both Ford and Subaru
b, S11 from DMG for Wilks I think(Higgins yellow ITC car)
c, DMG(Derek McGarrity) running Meeke in the S12 that Donnelly used to win the ITC, it was white last I knew and I havent heard for sure who will sponsor him but dont be surprised if it yellow
d, Nesbitts car run by McKinstry Motorsport(I think it will be Meekes Killarney winning S11)
e, Aaron, son of Austin, brother of Gareth
i, I think this will also be run by McKinstry

[noel157]

Great entry-list.

Thank god for the Focus WRC car ;)

The list does raise some questions:

a.) Why is Boland back in the Focus? - He just drove the Impreza S12 i Corsika. And now in the WRC 06 version. He likes Fords and owns Hertz and he drove the S12 in Catalunya. I believe he had ordered an 07 Focus and bought the S12 in the meantime. He will be using an 06 M-Sport car as the the 07 car is not ready in order to get some seat time on the new shape car.

b.) Guy Wilks is now running an Impreza S12 instead of the Ramsport Focus WRC. Does anybody know what team is running that car? Wilks is in an S11, the one Miggins drove, and is being run by DMG

c.) What team is running Kris Meeke? - and will it be in the yellow/red Pirelli colours? No idea on colours, S12 car that Donnelly ran and wll be ungraded by Prodrive to S12B spec. Run and owned by DMG

d.) What team is running Andrew Nesbitt? Presume McKinstry S11 car.


e.) Is Aaron McHale in the Austin/Gareth family? And will Aarons car be run byr Tom Gahan? Yes.

f.) What team is running Tim McNulty? Dom Buckley.

g.) Will Gareth Jones be back in his Rally Finland Focus - or in the Ramsport Focus? Don't know.

h.) What team is running Ray Breen? Don't know


i.) What team is running Kevin Barrett? Don't know (again)

====

Thanks in advance for your answers :)

..............

[jonas_mcrae]

what a nice entryl list!
I hope not so many stages get cancelled!

[RS]

Much more competition in Ireland and drivers that are on similar level of performance to him.

Above quote re: Jan Kopecky, I am also disappointed he is not going to Ireland as I think the roads would have suited him and the car very well.

Donnelly should do well providing the car has been prepared properly. You can see what Kopecky could do in Germany this year when that was the case.

As someone else said, the Fabia is a better tarmac car than given credit for. Kopecky finished in the points on Monte, Germany and Corsica and I am certain he would have in Catalunya too if he had not crashed out.

[Josti]

Some strange seeding.........Also I feel sorry for Eyvind Brynildsen down at 80 - he will be catching lots of cars in front of him. He is not well known in UK and Ireland but I am very impressed by this young driver.


Let alone Jasper v/d Heuvel with 93. He won Group N in Germany.

Nice entry. Great that Duval is driving :up:

[Langdale Forest]

Good entry list.

No WRC Mitsubishi in the rally though.

[jacko]

Much more competition in Ireland and drivers that are on similar level of performance to him.

shame on you.. Kopecky would beat guys like Meeke, Donnely or Wilks in the Fabia, even in Ireland. A pitty he's not in the entry-list.

[bennizw]

Hmm, they sold the S12? Is he going to attack the ITRC with a Fabia next year then? Too bad they sold it, he had got the hang of it.

[Buzz Lightyear]

shame on you.. Kopecky would beat guys like Meeke, Donnely or Wilks in the Fabia, even in Ireland. A pitty he's not in the entry-list.

we will never know.

[jacko]

At what time today is entrylist published ?? :confused:

my god.. you're really hungry for news :)

[jacko]

Great that Duval is driving :up:

At the moment there's not enough money to let him start in a Xsara or C4. It depends maybe on the results in Japan.

[Maui J.]

Wow! Great entry list. So many local WRC cars is fantastic.

This type of entry reminds me of events of the 70s. The 'works' teams would turn up, but there was a bunch of local drivers who would basically have the same kind of machinery. Something that's very rare these days.
The Factory Ford team would show up with Escort BDAs, but there were 10 or so local BDAs with the same spec. Local drivers with local knowledge, battling the World's best in similar machinery. It was great!

Looking forward to see how the Irish Focus's and Imprezas go against the factory supported outfits. Hopefully there will be a few surprises at the sharp end of the leader board. Can't wait.

[Josti]

I was hoping Eugene Donnelly would have an S12 Impreza, but I can't see him doing nearly as much in a Fabia. :(

This surprises me too. With the Subaru, I think he was one of the Irish drivers, who can really make a mark in this rally, though I doubt he will succeed in the Fabia. It seems Kopecky is the only one who's able to do something like that. Well, let's just see...

[MikeD]

At the moment there's not enough money to let him start in a Xsara or C4. It depends maybe on the results in Japan.

What results in Japan? (Duval is not doing Rally Japan.)

Are you refering to if Gronholm wins in Japan? - and then Loeb needs to win in Ireland and to have somebody else beat Gronholm as well?

[Tom206wrc]

What results in Japan? (Duval is not doing Rally Japan.)

Are you refering to if Gronholm wins in Japan? - and then Loeb needs to win in Ireland and to have somebody else beat Gronholm as well?



Of course he means that ;)

In a case Loeb would "need help" of Dudu against Bosse in Ireland and RAC in the other case there would be no need... ;)

[Koppomsbo]

whos and what impreza is Wilks going to drive??

[MikeD]

whos and what impreza is Wilks going to drive??

Here is Noel157's answer:

"Wilks is in an S11, the one Miggins drove, and is being run by DMG"

[MikeD]

a, rumours connected Boland to a 06 Focus for a while, he seems to have good relations with both Ford and Subaru

I know that Dom Buckley ran his Focus and I pressume he will continue to do so, but was the Catalunta Impreza also run by Dom Buckley? (I saw a Dom Buckley truck there so I pressume it was for Boland)

[MikeD]

Of course he means that ;)

In a case Loeb would "need help" of Dudu against Bosse in Ireland and RAC in the other case there would be no need... ;)

Ahhh ok ;)

As I see it Loeb needs to win in Japan and in Ireland + he needs someone to be second in Ireland. That will give him 6 points more than Gronholm and allow him to be second to Gronholm in GB (Where I don't think Loeb can beat Gronholm).

If the above scenario doesn't happen, I am very sure Gronholm will be champion. (Unless of course he has "that" DNF coming his way)

[AndyRAC]

Wow! Great entry list. So many local WRC cars is fantastic.

This type of entry reminds me of events of the 70s. The 'works' teams would turn up, but there was a bunch of local drivers who would basically have the same kind of machinery. Something that's very rare these days.
The Factory Ford team would show up with Escort BDAs, but there were 10 or so local BDAs with the same spec. Local drivers with local knowledge, battling the World's best in similar machinery. It was great!

Looking forward to see how the Irish Focus's and Imprezas go against the factory supported outfits. Hopefully there will be a few surprises at the sharp end of the leader board. Can't wait.

Personally, that is what every WRC round should be like; works entries and 'local' drivers in similar spec machines. Unfortunately the modern cars are ridiculously expensive, and this is unlikely to happen except in Ireland were they have the most WRCars.

[Brother John]

I was hoping Eugene Donnelly would have an S12 Impreza, but I can't see him doing nearly as much in a Fabia. :(

Fabia Diesel TDI maybe? It´s not the first time!

http://www.roydempster.com/photo.asp?PhotoID=11537&AlbumID=764&Offset=22http://www.autosportforum.be/showthread.php?p=41561#post41561

[feresc13]

Very nice entry list!!!

But a few quastions, why Duval is not running with Kronos?
And what kind of car is a Fabia VRS?
Do you expect something positive from the MG?

[Tom206wrc]

Very nice entry list!!!

But a few quastions, why Duval is not running with Kronos?
And what kind of car is a Fabia VRS?
Do you expect something positive from the MG?



That MG will be the main car I'll follow :D

[alleskids]

Very nice entry list!!!

But a few quastions, why Duval is not running with Kronos?
?

Duval wants to have the oppertunity to drive a 2007 C4 WRC, and Kronos as a MT can only drive a 2006 or older Xsara WRC.

[rwssport]

The Fabia vRS is a front wheel drive Group A (not WRC) spec diesel...

[BDunnell]

Wow! Great entry list. So many local WRC cars is fantastic.

This type of entry reminds me of events of the 70s. The 'works' teams would turn up, but there was a bunch of local drivers who would basically have the same kind of machinery. Something that's very rare these days.
The Factory Ford team would show up with Escort BDAs, but there were 10 or so local BDAs with the same spec. Local drivers with local knowledge, battling the World's best in similar machinery. It was great!

Looking forward to see how the Irish Focus's and Imprezas go against the factory supported outfits. Hopefully there will be a few surprises at the sharp end of the leader board. Can't wait.

Me neither. I think it's (potentially) the best entry on a single event for a long time.

[feresc13]

Duval wants to have the oppertunity to drive a 2007 C4 WRC, and Kronos as a MT can only drive a 2006 or older Xsara WRC.

But he is in entrylist with a Xsara WRC.

Maybe is an Astra one? Then next year Toni and François will be the drivers of the Astra Team with the C4 WRC? Too many questions, isn't?

[feresc13]

The Fabia vRS is a front wheel drive Group A (not WRC) spec diesel...

Thanks

[alleskids]

But he is in entrylist with a Xsara WRC.

Maybe is an Astra one? Then next year Toni and François will be the drivers of the Astra Team with the C4 WRC? Too many questions, isn't?

If Duval will drive Rally Irleand it will be with Kronos Racing. He is entered outside the OMV Kronos Citroen WRT to be able to switch to a 2007 C4 WRC. He can drive any car he wants without permisison of the FIA, as long as it a A8 car. An entry is allowed to change one thing without permission of the FIA, so an other driver with the same co driver and car, or an other car with the same driver and co driver. (If I am right informded about the FIA regulations).

[Josti]

That MG will be the main car I'll follow :D

Not the 206? ;)

[gerrycrossey]

Very nice entry list!!!

But a few quastions, why Duval is not running with Kronos?
And what kind of car is a Fabia VRS?
Do you expect something positive from the MG?

If the car is competitive i would say that roy white will be ahead of the irish gp N drivers. Theres some sound off the MG!!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ4f0XF66b0

[A.F.F.]

That MG will be the main car I'll follow :D

I also sure hope they air some footage of the car :up:

[RS]

I also sure hope they air some footage of the car :up:

No chance, they didn't show Dani Sola in Corsica even though he won Grp N and came 10th overall!

[A.F.F.]

No chance, they didn't show Dani Sola in Corsica even though he won Grp N and came 10th overall!

That is true :mark:

[Tom206wrc]

Not the 206? ;)




I don't expect it to be among the fastest WRC, so... :mark:

[MikeD]

a, rumours connected Boland to a 06 Focus for a while, he seems to have good relations with both Ford and Subaru
b, S11 from DMG for Wilks I think(Higgins yellow ITC car)
c, DMG(Derek McGarrity) running Meeke in the S12 that Donnelly used to win the ITC, it was white last I knew and I havent heard for sure who will sponsor him but dont be surprised if it yellow
d, Nesbitts car run by McKinstry Motorsport(I think it will be Meekes Killarney winning S11)
e, Aaron, son of Austin, brother of Gareth
i, I think this will also be run by McKinstry




a.) Why is Boland back in the Focus? - He just drove the Impreza S12 i Corsika. And now in the WRC 06 version. He likes Fords and owns Hertz and he drove the S12 in Catalunya. I believe he had ordered an 07 Focus and bought the S12 in the meantime. He will be using an 06 M-Sport car as the the 07 car is not ready in order to get some seat time on the new shape car.

b.) Guy Wilks is now running an Impreza S12 instead of the Ramsport Focus WRC. Does anybody know what team is running that car? Wilks is in an S11, the one Miggins drove, and is being run by DMG

c.) What team is running Kris Meeke? - and will it be in the yellow/red Pirelli colours? No idea on colours, S12 car that Donnelly ran and wll be ungraded by Prodrive to S12B spec. Run and owned by DMG

d.) What team is running Andrew Nesbitt? Presume McKinstry S11 car.


e.) Is Aaron McHale in the Austin/Gareth family? And will Aarons car be run byr Tom Gahan? Yes.

f.) What team is running Tim McNulty? Dom Buckley.

g.) Will Gareth Jones be back in his Rally Finland Focus - or in the Ramsport Focus? Don't know.

h.) What team is running Ray Breen? Don't know


i.) What team is running Kevin Barrett? Don't know (again)

@ noel157 & cut the b.s.

I can now confirm that the Focus of Ray Breen is being run by Tom Gahan.

I have also asked Kenny McKinstry what cas he will run and his reply was only the Subaru of Kevin Barrett but NOT Andrew Nesbitt. So I wonder who’s running his car?

[feresc13]

If Duval will drive Rally Irleand it will be with Kronos Racing. He is entered outside the OMV Kronos Citroen WRT to be able to switch to a 2007 C4 WRC. He can drive any car he wants without permisison of the FIA, as long as it a A8 car. An entry is allowed to change one thing without permission of the FIA, so an other driver with the same co driver and car, or an other car with the same driver and co driver. (If I am right informded about the FIA regulations).

OK!! Thanks for your explication, hope to see that switch!!

[alleskids]

It wil depend on the Rally Japan result. If Loeb wins, he is 4 points behind, and he has a very good change on the title if Sordo and Duval come between him and Gronholm in Ireland, and then maybe Citoren will pay for Duval's entry. If Gronholm wins Japan, Loeb is 8 points behind and he has not a good change of become world champion again in Wales.

[MikeD]

It wil depend on the Rally Japan result. If Loeb wins, he is 4 points behind, and he has a very good change on the title if Sordo and Duval come between him and Gronholm in Ireland, and then maybe Citoren will pay for Duval's entry. If Gronholm wins Japan, Loeb is 8 points behind and he has not a good change of become world champion again in Wales.

If Gronholm wins Japan and Loeb is second - then he will be 6 points behind (not 8 points)

[alleskids]

:dozey: My mistake. 4 points seperated now is even bettter for the championship. I stil think it depends on if Loeb wins in Japan if Citroen are willing to give a C4 WRC to Duval. Loeb has to be within 2 points of Gronholm when they start in Wales to really have a change..

[c4]

Duval unsure if will compete due to lack of money,according to Autosport.

In other related news DMG romoured to have two Xsaras for next years ITC.

[c4]

Some records for RI

34 WRC cars I believe the most entered for WRC or otherwise

16 Focuses entered

3 members of same family in WRC cars [MacHales]


Can someone confirm these records correct especially no. of WRCs entered.

Thanx from a new member living in N. Ireland.

[Roy]

Some records for RI
...
16 Focuses entered
...
Can someone confirm these records correct especially no. of WRCs entered.
Thanx from a new member living in N. Ireland.

Welcome! :wave:

16 focuses is a record evenso 16 cars from the same make.

[c4]

This being such a good entry particularly in current WRC climate can anyone think of other great entries to compare.I seem to recall Sanremo circa 98, RAC mid 70s-early 90s,70s Montes,Acropolis early-mid 90s,Finland last 15 years or so,British champ late 70s-mid 80s, etc, all having strong entries in terms of quality in depth.

[c4]

Mark Higgins may not take part due to broken collar bone as result of DIY accident.

[c4]

Doing bit of research and Rally Finland seems to have had most WRCs previously,32 in 2001.

Apologies for so many posts just excited RI on calendar and will prove to be a classic in coming years.

[BDunnell]

This being such a good entry particularly in current WRC climate can anyone think of other great entries to compare.I seem to recall Sanremo circa 98, RAC mid 70s-early 90s,70s Montes,Acropolis early-mid 90s,Finland last 15 years or so,British champ late 70s-mid 80s, etc, all having strong entries in terms of quality in depth.

The RAC always used to boast a brilliant entry because of the quality of the British championship — and, with the international debuts of the Delta S4 and Metro 6R4, 1985 was really something. The 1000 Lakes was another good one in terms of the line-up for a long time, and as for the British Open Championship — well, has there ever been a better domestic series?

[Tomi]

and as for the British Open Championship — well, has there ever been a better domestic series?

20 years back and so it was a great series, but what is it today? It does not attract drivers who aim to the top anymore, or if then only for only few events to get use to the roads.
What comes to good entrys, even there would be 50 wrc cars in the entry, it does not change the fact that guys who can drive those cars are limited.

[gerrycrossey]

The RAC always used to boast a brilliant entry because of the quality of the British championship — and, with the international debuts of the Delta S4 and Metro 6R4, 1985 was really something. The 1000 Lakes was another good one in terms of the line-up for a long time, and as for the British Open Championship — well, has there ever been a better domestic series?

I may be wrong but didnt Tony Pond debut the 6R4 on th Donegal international prior to the RAC? And as for the British championship, it was fantastic until the introduction of F2 back in the 90's, the current british series is unattractive but competitive.

[BDunnell]

20 years back and so it was a great series, but what is it today? It does not attract drivers who aim to the top anymore, or if then only for only few events to get use to the roads.

Yes, it's very sad.

[AndyRAC]

Yes, it's very sad.

Yeah, it's even sadder watching it, there's only a few really 'on it'.

[Simmi]

I wonder how many of this proposed entry list will pull out before the start line? In many Irish rallies you have to take the entry list with a pinch of salt which is a shame. Hopefully they will all be up for this one! Can't wait to attend.

[dcr22B]

I wonder how many of this proposed entry list will pull out before the start line? In many Irish rallies you have to take the entry list with a pinch of salt which is a shame. Hopefully they will all be up for this one! Can't wait to attend.

Simmi,

Unless something drastic occurs, I reckon there'll be very few/no dropouts.

[c4]

Andrew Nesbitt close to completing deal for Mitsibushi WRC in RI.

[Josti]

This surprises me too. With the Subaru, I think he was one of the Irish drivers, who can really make a mark in this rally, though I doubt he will succeed in the Fabia. It seems Kopecky is the only one who's able to do something like that. Well, let's just see...

It seems the Skoda is from Wevers Sport. Donnelly was already in talks with Erik Wevers at the end of 2006 for a Skoda, but Wevers opted him to drive another car until the Skoda's are more developed. Well, this is the time to do then.

Donnelly's Corolla was also from Wevers, so he could be in for a good result.

[MartijnS]

Yes, it's the Fabia, Wevers drove this year.

http://www.rallymedia.nl/images/2007/amsrs/Wevers%202.jpg

[c4]

Yes, it's the Fabia, Wevers drove this year.

http://www.rallymedia.nl/images/2007/amsrs/Wevers%202.jpg


Are you sure as Irish forums saying it is Kopeckys car from Corsica that Donnelly has bought with Wevers input.

[RS]

Are you sure as Irish forums saying it is Kopeckys car from Corsica that Donnelly has bought with Wevers input.

Other way around. Donnelly visited Kopecky in Corsica and was impressed with the result Jan got.

[c4]

Other way around. Donnelly visited Kopecky in Corsica and was impressed with the result Jan got.


Thanx for clearing that up. :)

[Pinto]

the skoda is in the country and will be in action in skibbereen this sunday it came from holland this week Derek McGeehan is running the car along with wevers,as well reiger are doing some suspension work on the car they are building new suspension struts,with a very slightly longer body, to give little more travel for the Irish tar

[MartijnS]

Wevers his engineer said it was this car.

[bf1_IRL]

The Fabia has arrived :cool: ...more pics on www.rally.ie (http://www.rally.ie) ;)





http://81.17.252.85/~rally00/photos/Donnelly_Fabia/6.jpg


http://81.17.252.85/~rally00/photos/Donnelly_Fabia/14.jpg

[A.F.F.]

Oh... gotta love the looks of that car :up:

[MikeD]

Has Boland withdrawn from Rally Ireland? - Anybody knows?

[c4]

Has Boland withdrawn from Rally Ireland? - Anybody knows?

Boland has withdrawn fom tomorrows Fastnet stages - car not ready.I am not aware though of him pulling out of RI.

Fastnet was to be shakedown for RI.

[c4]

Nesbitt will be in S11, and not Mitsubishi as story proved unfounded.

[MikeD]

Nesbitt will be in S11, and not Mitsubishi as story proved unfounded.

1.) So does that mean he is back with the McKinstry Motorsport?

2.) Do you know if Donnelly's Fabia will be on the Kumho tyres that Wevers Sport uses - or if he will be on BF Goodrich?

[bf1_IRL]

Apparently Donnelly is on Kumhos this weekend but as for RI, anyones guess but Reid Motorsport did have a deal with BFG...

[Josti]

Apparently Donnelly is on Kumhos this weekend but as for RI, anyones guess but Reid Motorsport did have a deal with BFG...

Kumho is one of Wevers main sponsors. Probably the reason.

[RS]

Oh... gotta love the looks of that car :up:

Yup, last proper WRCar.

Donnelly had a good run to finish 2nd on his first rally with the Fabia this weekend. Hope he will use BFG on Rally Ireland or else I fear he will struggle.

[c4]

[quote="MikeD"]1.) So does that mean he is back with the McKinstry Motorsport?

Yes he is.

[c4]

RI Updated entry out tomorrow.

Mikkleson won Fastnet rally ahead of Donnelly.

Eyvind Brynildson had good run until down on power engine held him back. Was in top 10 amongst top Gr N times.

Donnelly pleased with cars brakes and handling but gives power away at top end. Diffs need further mapping before RI.

[MikeD]

Apparently Donnelly is on Kumhos this weekend but as for RI, anyones guess but Reid Motorsport did have a deal with BFG...

It wont be Reid Motorsport who will run/prepare his car for RI (eventhough the entry list says so). It will now be McGeehan Motorsport with some help from Wevers Sport.

I think he will stay on Kumho tyres for RI, because that's the tyre brand that Wevers Sport has experience with, so switching tyre brand would be a risk.

Maybe C4 knows more?

[c4]

It wont be Reid Motorsport who will run/prepare his car for RI (eventhough the entry list says so). It will now be McGeehan Motorsport with some help from Wevers Sport.

I think he will stay on Kumho tyres for RI, because that's the tyre brand that Wevers Sport has experience with, so switching tyre brand would be a risk.

Maybe C4 knows more?

AFAIK yes he will use Kumho tyres which IMHO are more effective in wet conditions.

[Paul.G]

Awsome pics, roll on the next round !!
Always wanted to watch a tarmac round........and counting

[gerrycrossey]

Kumho is one of Wevers main sponsors. Probably the reason.
Donnelly also won his first 3 titles in the corolla on Kumhos, and were a major sponsor of his until he switched to the Reid motorsport team and hes on record as saying that he found it hard to adjust to the BFG's in the Subaru

[MikeD]

RI Updated entry out tomorrow.



Hey c4,

Have you seen the updated entry? On the RI web-site it's still the "old" entry list.

[c4]

Hey c4,

Have you seen the updated entry? On the RI web-site it's still the "old" entry list.

No I haven't yet, but expect it to be released soon.

[ZequeArgentina]

I ve got some question for the experts in Ireland to help see what can we expect of PWR there this year:

For Irish drivers:
What can we expect from C.Murphy and Alan Ring (both nominated as guests for PWRC)? Are them fast enought to beat regulars in PWRC?

For English drivers:
How much excperience do Nial McShea and Mark Higgins have on Irish tarmac?
Should I expect them to be faster than the two locals I mentiones before?

In my point of view both Pozo and Higgins have very difficult task:
Higgins needs to win both RI and UK
Pozzo needs one 2nd ad one win (2nd in Ireland and win in UK??)

Pozo has no experience in both rallies, and in tarmac he has only done 2 rallies in his life.

[ITC55]

Higgins would most certainly be favorite to win if he didn't have the problem with his colarbone, he has loads of experience in Ireland and if he had the chance in a WRC car would probably be a bet for a point.

[c4]

Murphy would be bet for top 6 PWRC if he keeps it on the island. Alan Ring had bad accident on Fastnet and car badly damaged,so race against time, otherwise would be good for top 6.

McShea could win as originally hails from the area, knows the pace needed, and hungary after New Zealand.

Higgins very experienced on Irish tar and will be favourite. Is the fastest for this event out of PWRC runners, arm will be factor, as well as luck, which we know has deserted him a number of times.

Look out for Philip Morrow run by Team Jordan, will be fast but want a good finish after a great season.Top 4 a possibility.

Pozzo may struggle and 2nd is too much imo but you never know.

[c4]

Has Boland withdrawn from Rally Ireland? - Anybody knows?

Update on Boland, car will be ready for RI. Problem getting right brackets and had to make adjustments as first 06 RHD conversion.

[MJW]

Update on Boland, car will be ready for RI. Problem getting right brackets and had to make adjustments as first 06 RHD conversion.
Why do so many Irish drivers convert WRC cars from left hand drive? Austin Mac Hale did so, or tried to do so with the Corolla and failed homologation, then it was only when Gareth MacHale got teh 06 Focus that he started to drive LHD cars. I understand that Ireland drives on the left , like UK, but it seems that more of the WRC cars and top Group N runners in UK stick with a LHD rally car.

[ZequeArgentina]

Thanks C4 and ITC, so we can statehat:
Higgins would be best bet (if no physical problems)
Mc Shea
I will put Aigner as third
Murphy

this would put Pozzo only to rely on a big DNF´s for his championship dream.

Hi guys and girls,

Found a great site called http://www.independentmotoringnews.com its world and Irish rallying is really good. It also reports on new cars and rates them on first drives.

PS Have you seen that there's a single out called 'It's Rally Ireland Time' on Friday Nov 2. Get a copy as it would be great to knock Westlife off number one spot in Ireland. It's a catchy wee tune as well, you'll all be humming it on the stages.

[c4]

Updated list available - though not on official site yet.
All the big names still there although I hear Duval may not start.

Withdrawals - S Leonard EVO9, not happy at not being a seed.
Sean Devine Subaru WRC
JJ Fleming Focus WRC

Replacements Ml Cummins EVO9
BP Doherty Feista
Toni Kelly Civic

Allan Harryman will sit with G McHale. Paul Nagle with K Meeke.
Paddy White appears to be in a McKinstry Subara WRC as opposed to Focus.

[noel157]

Hi guys and girls,

Found a great site called http://www.independentmotoringnews.com its world and Irish rallying is really good. It also reports on new cars and rates them on first drives.

PS Have you seen that there's a single out called 'It's Rally Ireland Time' on Friday Nov 2. Get a copy as it would be great to knock Westlife off number one spot in Ireland. It's a catchy wee tune as well, you'll all be humming it on the stages.


Spam.

[c4]

Why do so many Irish drivers convert WRC cars from left hand drive? Austin Mac Hale did so, or tried to do so with the Corolla and failed homologation, then it was only when Gareth MacHale got teh 06 Focus that he started to drive LHD cars. I understand that Ireland drives on the left , like UK, but it seems that more of the WRC cars and top Group N runners in UK stick with a LHD rally car.

It is perhaps in the psyche. Also as most events over here on closed roads, drivers have more confidence with what they are used to. Though most young drivers with aspirations go LHD now. It is mostly our gentleman drivers who opt for LHD these days.

[c4]

It is perhaps in the psyche. Also as most events over here on closed roads, drivers have more confidence with what they are used to. Though most young drivers with aspirations go LHD now. It is mostly our gentleman drivers who opt for LHD these days.

Meant to say gentleman drivers opt for RHD these days.

[c4]

Paddy White appears to be in a McKinstry Subara WRC as opposed to Focus.[/quote]

Paddy White will be in Focus

[N.O.T]

I really want to see Meeke on this event......he may be a challenge for a good place among works crews given he gets a proper car.

[c4]

Confirmed that Duval has withdrawn - a real pity.

[A.F.F.]

I really want to see Meeke on this event......he may be a challenge for a good place among works crews given he gets a proper car.

Brilliant. Should he not succeed, you can always blame the car :up:

[Buzz Lightyear]

Brilliant. Should he not succeed, you can always blame the car :up:

and if he does?

[A.F.F.]

and if he does?


A win-win situation...

[Buzz Lightyear]

A win-win situation...

If the car is not good he still 'wins'? ok.

[GigiGalliNo1]

:(

"Francois Duval has cancelled his private entry for Rally Ireland (November 16-18) after failing to secure a competitive drive for the event.

He also confirmed he had no plans to contest Wales Rally GB at the end of this month.

Duval has played an important role in Citroen Total World Rally Team's effort to bolster Sebastien Loeb's campaign to retain the FIA World Rally Championship title by competing in a Xsara World Rally car on three events in the latter part of this season. Citroen hoped he could finish each rally higher than Marcus Gronholm and thereby reduce the number of championship points Gronholm could earn.

He managed to pull off the plan in Germany, but failed to repeat the result in Spain and Corsica. Instead, Duval will compete this weekend in his home country on the Condroz Rally, where he makes his debut at the wheel of a Fiat Grande Punto S2000 car."

[alleskids]

The last sentece sounds like Citroen has not enough confidence in him that he can beat Marcus, to pay for his entrance in Ireland :( .

[René]

The last sentece sounds like Citroen has not enough confidence in him that he can beat Marcus, to pay for his entrance in Ireland :( .

Include if Duval was front Marcus for Irish rally, Loeb must also win 2 times !

[Brother John]

Include if Duval was front Marcus for Irish rally, Loeb must also win 2 times !

Maybe they are afraid that Duval will win on the Irich rally?
Duval like that kind of roads and is very good on it. Look at the Condroz rally in Belgium today!

[René]

Maybe they are afraid that Duval will win on the Irich rally?
Duval like that kind of roads and is very good on it. Look at the Condroz rally in Belgium today!



Yep BJ ! :p

If citroën sport are affraid by Duval it's could be more by the eventual crash That another thing :laugh:

After having made disqualify Fredy Loix yesterday in doubtful circumstances it finally will won a rally this year!

Good driver Duval but not very great sportsman ! :down:

[Vatanen]

Any one know when programs go on sale? I want to start planning my trip. I hear that there are going to be major restriction on access to the stages rally Ireland site only brief stage descriptions
For example stage 2 and 3 run Parallel to one another with a sizeable time gap between them. Logic is saying it’s too good to be true. Is there parking restrictions in operation or park in ride, which was mentioned previously?
Hoping the guys up North will have a clearer pitcher

[MYCROFT4]

Only Park & Ride is for the Super Special in Belfast.
I think there will be some oneway systems in operation as local roads are narrow.
28 mins. betwee SS2 & SS3... Dont even think about it!!!!!!!
My Idea says go to any of the first three on friday and stay for the second run and then get one in the afternoon.Dont think anything else will be possible.

[Elgin Man]

Best of Luck to Toni Kelly in her first WRC Event

[gerrycrossey]

Any one know when programs go on sale? I want to start planning my trip. I hear that there are going to be major restriction on access to the stages rally Ireland site only brief stage descriptions
For example stage 2 and 3 run Parallel to one another with a sizeable time gap between them. Logic is saying it’s too good to be true. Is there parking restrictions in operation or park in ride, which was mentioned previously?
Hoping the guys up North will have a clearer pitcher


Seemingly the programs arent going on sale until wednesday or thursday and only in service and a few select outlets, its reported that there are only 2500 being printed.

[c4]

Seemingly the programs arent going on sale until wednesday or thursday and only in service and a few select outlets, its reported that there are only 2500 being printed. The media guide looks to have a good bit a stuff in it though I found it on another forum. It has maps of the stages and specting areas hope this helps :)

http://www.rallyireland.org/pdfs/Media-Safety-guide/Rally-Ireland-Media-Safety-Guide-PDF.pdf

Media guide not available as not meant to be released to public.

[bt52b]

Why do so many Irish drivers convert WRC cars from left hand drive? Austin Mac Hale did so, or tried to do so with the Corolla and failed homologation, then it was only when Gareth MacHale got teh 06 Focus that he started to drive LHD cars. I understand that Ireland drives on the left , like UK, but it seems that more of the WRC cars and top Group N runners in UK stick with a LHD rally car.

Its what they are used to. Thru' the years their road cars and rally cars have mainly been RHD, rarely driving LHD. They feel more at ease in RHD. Flat in 6th, 200k+, there is not much room for doubt. If you have LHD rally car, you also need to run a LHD recce car.

Think Genie's road car is LHD, which is a pain RHD roads.

[Simmi]

I'm just wondering if anybody still has a link to the overview map of all the stages of the rally that was on the site a week or so ago. It has now been removed and replaced with smaller individual stage maps. It would be nice to have something with all the stages on the same sheet so if anyone could post it I would much appreciate it.

[gerrycrossey]

I'm just wondering if anybody still has a link to the overview map of all the stages of the rally that was on the site a week or so ago. It has now been removed and replaced with smaller individual stage maps. It would be nice to have something with all the stages on the same sheet so if anyone could post it I would much appreciate it.
PM me your email I mite have something for you