2007 Rally Ireland - official thread

[HaCo]

Sordo also slower!

[Josti]

Hmm, Marcus really fast. Could be the tyres? Or Loeb just under pressure.

[MartijnS]

Everybody is losing massive time to Marcus. He is really fast :)

[jonkka]

No split for Petter but no worries yet...

[A.F.F.]

We can only guess xD (..... for now !)

Mean people can also hope ;)

[jonkka]

By split 2, Marcus has taken the lead. Will it last?

[euskalteam]

Where's Marcus!!!

[Halvis]

Mikko loosing, no splits for Petter, Henning back to his usually slow tarmac pace.

Most important, Marcus, very, very fast, also faster than Sordo!

[jonkka]

No final time for Marcus?

[Helstar]

Maybe he just activated a 007 kind of trick on the Ford ... releasing MASSIVE AMOUNT of mud all over the road xD (kidding eh ?)

[Finni]

is marcus out?

[HaCo]

Ugh, where is Marcus? :( :( :(

[euskalteam]

Marcus Stopped!!!!

[Josti]

No last split for Marcus so far...

[René]

Rear suspension broken for Seb !

[luca]

gronholm rolled, info from M-Sport

[Halvis]

As soon as I wrote it and sent, it seems as Marcus is off?

[jonkka]

Sordo will take lead now

[muscrae]

marcus stopped...

[jonas_mcrae]

Sh1t

[kleisj]

Where is Marcus??????

[Finni]

****

[Finni]

****

[René]

Marcus stoped in the stage 2 km before the end !

New Link for split time !

[janneppi]

gronholm rolled, info from M-Sport
Classic Grönholm. :p :
:(

[Finni]

it was bloody mistake to try to win this rally. As I said he should have played it safe. ****. I quit.

[Corny]

Noho!

[René]

Marcus stoped in the stage 2 km before the end !

New Link for split time !http://www.pjea.com/live/index.php?stage=4&link=0

[Helstar]

Oh well, two consecutive times already.....no good

[Wim_Impreza]

Marcus. :(

[MartijnS]

Damn! :(

[Halvis]

Disaster for Marcus - and for the championship battle maybe?

Petter finished, a little bit better on this stage, but still way back.

[Josti]

He wasn't able to continue?

[A.F.F.]

Apparently Marcus wants the championship with challenge :s

[WRC1]

marcus stopped...

fu..!! why why why why.....???

loeb want make the same mistake as in japan again? will he??

reg

wrc1

[Halvis]

it was bloody mistake to try to win this rally. As I said he should have played it safe. ****. I quit.

I guess you're absolutely correct - it would have been wiser to go for 3rd place.

[Camelopard]

Sh1t
bugger!

[PMM]

Marcus is out... how nice.

Back to work then ->

[muscrae]

any news about marcus???

will he go on????

[Camelopard]

Repeat of last year when he rolled in Perth. OK, I can only hope that seb has does not finish either. Atko has stopped as well, double bugger.............

[KF1800]

don't tell me Atko has done it again...

[Halvis]

Atko and Stohl out aswell?

[René]

The stage 4 is hard for Marcus, Atkinson, and Pons all of three stoped in the stage ????????????

[teufel]

Pity for Marcus :(

[muscrae]

Atko and Stohl out aswell?
yes, unfortunately...

By the way, yhe reason for retirement of Marcus is that he's tumbled..

[Josti]

I expect team orders from Citroën. Seems Mikko isn't really able to keep up the pace. Let's hope for a Rally Ireland surprise now.

[Corny]

OK, I can only hope that seb has does not finish either.

same here, but I don't see that luck happen twice! Too bad, but I'm afraid Seb will be the champ again..

[Brother John]

This is stupid of Grönholm. He would not have had go for the victory in Ireland, 2nd or 3rd place had been also well! http://www.autosportforum.be/images/smilies/confused.gif

[AlfaWRC]

Mikko has to bring home to manufacturers title now. Nothing more to do for him in ireland.

now we have to hope & pray for wales

[WRC1]

Atko and Stohl out aswell?

stohl is there!

[jonkka]

now we have to hope & pray for wales

1998 all over again?

[muscrae]

stohl is there!

Atko and Pons stopped.. not stohl...

[N.O.T]

Marcus is doing everything possible to ruin a fantastic season for him....Remains to be seen if Loeb will follow him as in Japan.

[DonJippo]

This is stupid of Grönholm.

So you know for sure it was his mistake? Most propably was but still...

[Josti]

1998 all over again?

Hoping for everything but that. I just wish Marcus will keep the car on track this time...

[muscrae]

So you know for sure it was his mistake? Most propably was but still...
?????????

[René]

Marcus Gronholm went off the road taking down both driver side wheels.

[Tomi]

bosses both tyres off from the driverside

[Wim_Impreza]

What has happened with Matthew Wilson on SS4?

[Josti]

Marcus Gronholm went off the road taking down both driver side wheels.

So Super Rally is doubtfull :\

[GigiGalliNo1]

soooooooo Loeb to go off next? does this mean Loeb will win the champs? wat about citroen and manu's? someone just tell me lol i cant be bothered finding out looking at the tally. :) :p

[MartijnS]

So if Loeb wins here, Marcus has to win Wales and Loeb has to finish at least 4th there. That will be tough..

[Halvis]

So you know for sure it was his mistake? Most propably was but still...

Whether it was a driver mistake or not is not important - the mistake was to go for the victory.

[Helstar]

4th Loeb in UK ? mhhhh ..... let's face it, either another Elena wrong note or Loeb will win the 4th consecutive title ! :p

[euskalteam]

The stage is blocked or something??

[René]

So Super Rally is doubtfull :\

Super rally with + 35 mn penalty :confused: it will be not easy to come back in the point tomorow on the weet road ?????????

[Wim_Impreza]

Super rally with + 35 mn penalty :confused: it will be not easy to come back in the point tomorow on the weet road ?????????

I say it is impossible to come back in points for Marcus. I think he won't use SupeRally tomorrow.

[Josti]

4th Loeb in UK ? mhhhh ..... let's face it, either another Elena wrong note or Loeb will win the 4th consecutive title ! :p

Let's bet on JM Latvala's talent then.

[Halvis]

Stage must be blocked by Pons or something, only new split is Mikkelsen, with +21.45.6. Notional times will be given?

[Halvis]

Mikkelsen going slowly through the stage.

[Leon]

Where is Meeke

[alleskids]

Let's bet on JM Latvala's talent then.

Indeed lets not forget that Latvalla has had good days too and came so close to Loeb in Japan that Loeb and Elena had to go flatout and made their mistake. Other wise, Loed could have gone on cruise control and take a easy 2nd. So passing Sordo is neccessary for a comfortable Wales rally.

[ZequeArgentina]

Very good time for Pozzo in SS2, faster than Higgins!

Yep, Pozzo is doing quite better than I expected till SS3, it may also be so much mud in the road which helkps him (not much experienced in tarmac).

Higgins lost a lot of time in SS2 but did an amazing time in SS3, and got the lead.

Pozzo is just 10 seconds from the 2nd psoition (what he needs to still have title hopes), but he is only 6th.

Positions are very close!!

[KF1800]

Would love to know what has happened out there. Atko finished the stage eventually and Pons stopped but why....

[MikeD]

Apparantly it was quite a big accident and Marcus is currently suffering from memory problems (he is currently in the hospital). I think we can rule out him running tomorrow under the super rally rules.

Now Loeb just has to finish in top 2 and I will have a good chance to celebrate a 4th consectutive championship with 4-5 other fans in here ;)

[Josti]

Apparantly it was quite a big accident and Marcus is currently suffering from memory problems (he is currently in the hospital). I think we can rule out him running tomorrow under the super rally rules.


Well, he was really flying on that stage I have to say. I hope he's ok!

[MHjerpe]

Hi! is there any Radio stream that works ? WRC's stream don't work for me ?

[Brother John]

So you know for sure it was his mistake? Most propably was but still...

Don´t know for sure, i am just not happy with this mistake. :(

[Wim_Impreza]

Yep, Pozzo is doing quite better than I expected till SS3, it may also be so much mud in the road which helkps him (not much experienced in tarmac).

Higgins lost a lot of time in SS2 but did an amazing time in SS3, and got the lead.

Pozzo is just 10 seconds from the 2nd psoition (what he needs to still have title hopes), but he is only 6th.

Positions are very close!!

Indeed. I hope Pozzo can follow Higgins in the SS this afternoon, but I doubt it. Hopefully he can catch back on McShea. The Dutch driver Hans Weijs jr. is also very fast in Group N, second time in SS3.

[barazal]

Pons hit a pole and got no oil in the engine.
Atkinson burned de clutch trying to go off a ditch

[KF1800]

Pons hit a pole and got no oil in the engine.
Atkinson burned de clutch trying to go off a ditch

Thanks, where did you hear that?

[euskalteam]

Hope that Bosse were OK.

Go Bosse!!!

[Scrap_Iron]

Paul Howarth of Subaru is :mad: with Atkinson

[barazal]

Thanks, where did you hear that?

someone from the Subaru team on the WRC Radio

[KF1800]

Paul Howarth of Subaru is :mad: with Atkinson

What did they say?

[dyfi1]

Paul Howarth of Subaru is :mad: with Atkinson

Yeah, I heard it too.... I got no doubt in my mind who Howarth blames. Still, if Chris was only to drive at 70% to get solid result then who can blame him?

[DonJippo]

mistake was to go for the victory.

Intresting concept for an athlete...not trying to reach for the victory.

[1LM1]

Where can we find a proper classification after SS4?

I would like to know who is out and who isn't.
What about Meeke ? Atkinson ? I saw that atkinson reached the end of the stage eventually (20 minutes late of course). But don't now if he can continue.

[Scrap_Iron]

What did they say?
http://www.wrc.com/page/RallyRadio/0,,10111,00.html
Howarth told Atkinson that 70% would be enough

[KF1800]

http://www.wrc.com/page/RallyRadio/0,,10111,00.html
Howarth told Atkinson that 70% would be enough

Thanks, my speakers are not working and I am dying to hear the details..

[Fang]

Paul Howarth of Subaru is :mad: with Atkinson

I heard that interview. Atko may have stuffed up but a bit harsh of Howarth given the conditions IMO. Sure the gravel crews gave Chris notes about stage conditions (as Paul explained) but those were before the cars went through and threw mud all over the road.

[ZequeArgentina]

wow, just hope Marcus and Timo are ok!!

[Leon]

Big mess at Subaru. Results are not coming but crashes. Team blames drivers and vise versa. DR promised in public to be tough, bang heads etc... Lets see how it ends up. Hope for better days. WRC cannot afford to loose more teams.

I´ m curious about what the Japanese Subaru boss told DR during rally japan.

[Tomi]

both bosse and timo are ok, they just had to go for a check to the hospital.

[dyfi1]

I heard that interview. Atko may have stuffed up but a bit harsh of Howarth given the conditions IMO. Sure the gravel crews gave Chris notes about stage conditions (as Paul explained) but those were before the cars went through and threw mud all over the road.


Pons coming to grief on the same stage compounded Howarths` situation.... little wonder he came over as a little sharp ;)

[Tom206wrc]

What a start of Rally Ireland !!! :s

[Whinlatter]

could someone explain to me why the irish drivers are soooo slow??

they loose on stage 1 more than 5 sec/km to the top?? and dont tell because of the mud, the fastest grN drivers are just seconds slower than the fastest irish drivers..??

reg

wrc1

I think only Meeke and Donnelly were expected to get anywhere near the WRC regulars - and Donnelly has only had one run in the Fabia before this rally so he won't be so fast yet.

Nesbitt has done very few rallies this year so is down on practice, Gareth MacHale is still getting over his accident in Sardinia (I think?), McNulty, Boland, Aaron MacHale etc are just not as fast as the others - in fact I wouldn't expect them to be near the pace of Wilson or Mikkelson to be honest, never mind the regular points scorers.

[Fang]

Big mess at Subaru. Results are not coming but crashes. Team blames drivers and vise versa. DR promised in public to be tough, bang heads etc... Lets see how it ends up. Hope for better days. WRC cannot afford to loose more teams.

I´ m curious about what the Japanese Subaru boss told DR during rally japan.

From an outsiders perspective three experienced drivers struggling with the car doesn't look good for the team.

[dyfi1]

Mark Higgins to Becs at rally radio..... "The correct choice of tyre would have been gravel."

[euskalteam]

Mark Higgins to Becs at rally radio..... "The correct choice of tyre would have been gravel."

So wait to the second round for them!!! :s

[Corny]

ah I would liked soo much for Ford, that they would finally got the drivers title again.. But I'm afraid that won't be the fact, again.

Next to that, Seb will get Mäkinens record, 4 in a row.. Ah, I don't like that :p

[MikeD]

when will ss5 start?

[Corny]

in 10 minutes

[euskalteam]

Has been delayed?

[Halvis]

Intresting concept for an athlete...not trying to reach for the victory.

I still can't think you mean that is was wise to go that flat out for a victory in Ireland - the overall title is much, much more important - and going for 2nd or 3rd would probably been enough to be on top after GB.

My point is, not going for victory here, would mean going for victory overall.

[KF1800]

Hi, does anyone know what's happening with timing etc?

[barazal]

19 minutes of delay

[euskalteam]

Thanks!!! ;)

[Halvis]

What happened to SS4, it was stopped? I see that Mikkelsen time is gone from the BFG page, notional times given?

[pino]

both bosse and timo are ok, they just had to go for a check to the hospital.

Thanks God, that's the most important thing :)

[John V]

What happened to SS4, it was stopped? I see that Mikkelsen time is gone from the BFG page, notional times given?
stage was stopped, ambulance run to Gronholm's accident

[KF1800]

Petter Solberg: “The conditions are incredibly difficult out there but the main problem we had was a misfire from the engine. I noticed it before the first stage; the engine was missing quite a lot, so I couldn’t push as hard as I wanted to. Apart from that it’s been okay, our tyre choice was good and we won’t be making any big set-up changes for the afternoon. You can see from the problems other drivers are having how tricky it is already, and it’ll be worse for the repeat loop. When it’s as bad as this there’s no option but to drive like my grandmother.”

Additional information: In service A the cause of Petter’s engine problem was traced to a faulty sensor.

Car number 8
Chris Atkinson: “It’s very disappointing. The accident happened at the 15km point of SS4, on a very slippery right hand bend. It was a fourth gear corner and I was going too fast, and the car under-steered straight on into a fence and a mud bank. That’s about it. We were stuck there for a while, whilst we changed a wheel and made some repairs, but we were able to get going again and get the car back to service. The conditions out there are unreal.”

[jonkka]

No results...grr...

[Josti]

And I thought rain was expected for the upcoming day, so conditions will be even more worse. I guess it's Loeb vs Rally Ireland from now on.

Let's hope the locals can get some profit from this.

[White Sauron]

Results appeared... And it seems to be the rally is finished before even started(((

[DonJippo]

I still can't think you mean that is was wise to go that flat out for a victory in Ireland - the overall title is much, much more important - and going for 2nd or 3rd would probably been enough to be on top after GB.

My point is, not going for victory here, would mean going for victory overall.

You are right ofcourse but at the same time don't you think it's intresting concept for an athlete to go for the victory by not trying to win ;)

[jonkka]

You are right ofcourse but at the same time don't you think it's intresting concept for an athlete to go for the victory by not trying to win ;)

Rather, by avoiding overly high risks.

[alleskids]

Loeb is setting things straith in ss5. 6.6 sec over Sordo and 11.9 sec over Hirvonen

[mdesign]

So Sad... guess gronholm will end his career with a second place.
Hirvonen must play it safe to get the points Ford needs to settle the manu championship

[N.O.T]

Ireland is very very tricky....i wouldn't start calling champions after just 5 stages....

[jonkka]

Sordo putting a challenge forward... :eek:

[jonkka]

Then again, not...

[N.O.T]

Sordo losing 0.3 at second split.....Loeb is not alone here !!!

[Halvis]

Henning seems to have found some more speed on tarmac, I wonder if it can be because of the co-driver?

[MikeD]

There are 15 stages left. Let's not call the winner yet. (Strage how quickly people forgot what happend in Japan...)

[Corny]

There are 15 stages left. Let's not call the winner yet. (Strage how quickly people forgot what happend in Japan...)

Japan was gravel eh!

[Whinlatter]

Bollocks! Kris Meeke dropped a minute in there...... :(

[jonkka]

There are 15 stages left. Let's not call the winner yet. (Strage how quickly people forgot what happend in Japan...)

You know the proverb about lightning striking twice?

[Tom206wrc]

Latvala could pass Hirvonen after SS6 :mark:

[jonkka]

Yeah, Mikko is taking it really easy now. Ford needs those points.

[alleskids]

Only Latvalla seems to have the same speed as the Citroen boys, atleast he tries to match Sordo. Hirvonen is on a cruise control mission, and the rest is not fast enough, not even the local drivers.

[jonkka]

Latvala's first podium if he can keep it together...

[AlfaWRC]

Incredible time of Andy Aigner on SS5!!!! Yeahhhh

[COD]

**** . Work prevents me from following the rally, and when I return, Marcus has done it again. NOOOOOOOO.

Also, the rally for lead seems to be over, Sordo slowing down enough to let Seb win it and Mikko must bring hope the manu points. And nobody else can do anything. Henning has been the positive surprise, maybe he should keep his new co-driver? The Irish driver have been disapointing, but good that the level of WRC-regulars is higher that local, it gives the series credibility.

[Josti]

Incredible time of Andy Aigner on SS5!!!! Yeahhhh

Great time indeed. Bit surprised the Group N drivers can follow so well. Though, it's been quite hectic in the early stages . So far v/d Heuvel is coming along pretty well too.

[Sami]

How about G.Wilks?

Superb drive again in an unfamiliar car!

I have been wondering since his Puma years why everyone is speaking about Meeke but not the faster and more consistent driver, Wilks.

Wilks has been my favourite for a long time, anyone know what he's doing in 2008?

[AlfaWRC]

The competition & the level in GroupN seem to be really high this time. Really good

[Corny]

Too bad Duval's not starting here, muddy roads are just like Condroz..

[N.O.T]

I think sordos pace is good enough here...it would be difficult for marcus to challenge him i think.....

[ZequeArgentina]

Pozzo is speeding up inSS6, gaining 3 seconds over Higgins, & Aigner in first split 6 seconds over Higgins on second.
A very nice surprise hs performances till now.

[MikeD]

How about G.Wilks?

Superb drive again in an unfamiliar car!

I have been wondering since his Puma years why everyone is speaking about Meeke but not the faster and more consistent driver, Wilks.

Wilks has been my favourite for a long time, anyone know what he's doing in 2008?

I think all depends on the Mobil 1 sponsorship. A point or two this weekend, would help though (together with his 2x9th places).

But i think there is a good chance mobil 1 will continue with a sponsorship. We already have BP/Ultimate, Total/Elf and next year Shell (with Suzuki), so there is every reason for Mobil 1 to continue.

[tannat]

Latvala's first podium if he can keep it together...


:up:

Latvala's got it!

[N.O.T]

Latvala and mikko also have a fight for 3rd.....

[Tomi]

Wilks has been my favourite for a long time, anyone know what he's doing in 2008?

rumour says, some rallies in Suzuki.

[JCarlosPP]

At least PWRC looks interesting....

[Finni]

I have been wondering since his Puma years why everyone is speaking about Meeke but not the faster and more consistent driver, Wilks.

If you watch Meeke's stage times in Wales two years ago you can notice that they were in the same level with Wilks' best gravel stage times during this year. And that was Meeke's first wrc-rally.

As to this rally Meeke told that his car top-speed was 50 miles in hour in ss. 5. Before this problem he was ahead of Wilks.

[Finni]

Latvala and mikko also have a fight for 3rd.....

Mikko is just cruising in order to take important points for manufacturer. Latvala is maybe pushing but I wonder if he got team order before previous ss.

Overally this rally is no more going by major parts. Loeb is just cruising and Sordo is deliberately driving for second place.

[Frozzy]

anyone know how eugene getting on?
his fabia looking tidy hopefully he'll use it for a full campaign next season

[Whinlatter]

anyone know how eugene getting on?
his fabia looking tidy hopefully he'll use it for a full campaign next season
Only lasted one stage before he retired..... :(

[Roy]

Latvala and mikko also have a fight for 3rd.....

Fight? Ford most important goal is 3 points for BP-Ford. Bonus is 3rd place for stobart. If Latvala finished in front of Hirvonen. Stobart make a good chance.

[Josti]

Only lasted one stage before he retired..... :(

He retired after SS5 if I'm correct.

[Frozzy]

thats a shame i was hoping that Eugene would have a strong performance in the Fabia

[Brother John]

Some fotos of Grönholm and the car.
http://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2007/1116/rallyireland.html

Fortunately nothing seriously wrong with Grönholm! :up:

[Wim_Impreza]

Very fast time for Higgins in SS7.

[John V]

Aigner crashed on SS7? Seem all the guys stopped there and he is only one not continue ...

[yosssi]

here video http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=M6bwb_sZoRA

[Wim_Impreza]

Is it right that Meeke has losing 36 minutes in SS7? :(

[MikeD]

It's raining heavely now!

[Josti]

here video http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=M6bwb_sZoRA

Well, he didn't rolled that's for sure :\

[John V]

Is it right that Meeke has losing 36 minutes in SS7? :(
yes, he went to ditch and spectators bring the car back to road

[MikeD]

here video http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=M6bwb_sZoRA

Thanks yosssi,

I actually thought he rolled with the car (like they said on WRR).

[Mirek]

Very strange accident... :(

[feresc13]

Thank you very much yosssi!!

It doesn't seem to be an important crash! But the car and Marcus were very damaged!

[pucky54]

yes, very strange....he didn't even try to keep the car off the wall with handbrake and throttle...

[Frozzy]

it didn't seem to be a very high speed impact but if you think when the focus hit the wall there
would be quite a bit of whiplash i would imagine

[FAlonso]

What´s going on with the PWRC times on SS7? Does anybody know if these times will stand? I'm not aware of what caused these delays with most drivers. I wasn't able to tune in to WRC radio for while.

[Lousada]

here video http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=M6bwb_sZoRA



That steward has a nice hat.

[Whinlatter]

I think zone.ee has gone mad - only shows Donnelly completing two stages. Also, after ss5 Colm Murphy (top Irish Gp.N driver) is only 4.5 minutes down and 27th overall - on ss6 he is faster than Higgins and top 20 overall, but drops 7 minutes on overall standings and is 51st overall? Either he has major road penalties or their times are wrong.....

[Mirek]

I think almost all PWRC are late due to Aigner's crash or something like that. I'm sure the times will be changed by stewards.

[FAlonso]

]I think almost all PWRC are late due to Aigner's crash or something like that. I'm sure the times will be changed by stewards.

Thx mate!

[Wim_Impreza]

yes, he went to ditch and spectators bring the car back to road

It's a pity for him, thanks for this answer.

[HaCo]

Has anyone seen pics of the tarmac version of the MG Super 2000 that participates in Ireland? White is allready 8 minutes behind on first PWRC car!

[WRC1]

here video http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=M6bwb_sZoRA


oh my god...?? is it icy there or what???

sorry to say that, but i would expect such a mistake from wilson but not from bosse....with this driving he deserves the 2nd place in the championship.

reg

wrc1

[turves]

No Henning in overall times on SS8...

Any news?

[rp]

oh my god...?? is it icy there or what???

sorry to say that, but i would expect such a mistake from wilson but not from bosse....with this driving he deserves the 2nd place in the championship.

reg

wrc1

Have to say the same... If Loeb will take the title, he deserves it. Gronholm had the upper hand, but two mistakes in a row is of course too much. Sad that he may lost his third title, but life is...

Unfortunately he just can not handle the pressure. So many times during his career has happened the same thing...

[luca]

No Henning in overall times on SS8...

Any news?

crashed into a tree

[Scrap_Iron]

No Henning in overall times on SS8...

Any news?
He went off the road. No injuries, stage not blocked (well off the road:rolleyes :)

[AlfaWRC]

It seems that some boys are risking a bit too much today...
Hopefully Mikko just stays on the road.

[White Sauron]

Seems Pozzo can also behave like Loeb and comfortably cruise to the victory...

[Scrap_Iron]

It seems that some boys are risking a bit too much today...
Hopefully Mikko just stays on the road.
TBH I think conditions are just catching them out.
There is a junction in SS8 that virtually everybody has overshot so far.

[FAlonso]

PWRC times on ss7 still stand...

[luca]

many local drivers complained about foreigners cutting too much so lot of mud is coming into the road
i think british drivers are used to drive clean and neatly while others are used to do big cuts like in spain or corsica

[DaniV]

I think they don´t have to complain about the cutting...if the roads make it possible...just use it like everybody

[bryst]

rumour says, some rallies in Suzuki.

Let's hope so he deseves a works drive. Anyone know if he's entered for rally GB.

[MikeD]

Sordo takes 7.4 on Loeb. Impressive!

[Wim_Impreza]

Sordo takes 7.4 on Loeb. Impressive!

Yes, but unfortunately, there will follow teamorders.

[bryst]

oh my god...?? is it icy there or what???

sorry to say that, but i would expect such a mistake from wilson but not from bosse....with this driving he deserves the 2nd place in the championship.

reg

wrc1
I wish people would stop knocking Wilson He's doing very well lately,give the kid a break.

[edacurf]

no time for loeb ?????????

sorry there it is

[Burak]

What happend Loeb?

[MikeD]

I wish people would stop knocking Wilson He's doing very well lately,give the kid a break.

Beg to differ. I don't think he is doing well considering the competetiveness of the car and how many rallies he has been doing now. I don't think he has made any improvement since he begun.

[MikeD]

What happend Loeb?

I see a time for Loeb. Loeb is fastest on SS10.

[M5]

Who is R White driving the MG, and does he have tech gremlins ?

[Langdale Forest]

Sthol finished the stage.

[DonJippo]

Unfortunately he just can not handle the pressure. So many times during his career has happened the same thing...

Yes his 30 wins in WRC truly shows how poorly he can handle the pressure... :rolleyes:

[edacurf]

stohl lost 22sec on ss10, thats 3sec/km on loeb....

[Langdale Forest]

Al Quassimi almost a miniute slower than Loeb.

[A.F.F.]

Very weird accident.. it just got out of hand :confused:

I hate to see this kind of finale for the season. The championship is not in Marcus' hands anymore. He'll need a lot help from others, including Sebastien.

Oh well....

[rp]

Yes his 30 wins in WRC truly shows how poorly he can handle the pressure... :rolleyes:

Of course he is great driver, 30 wins and two titles, but single wins are different story. He has done too many times mistakes, when the pressure has been the biggest.. Starting from the 1988 in the Finnish Junior Championship, last event rolled his Ascona, but despite that won the title, because Kalliomaa dropped also. Last year in Australia the accident was the reason that he was not able to catch Loeb in the series and now in Japan and Ireland..

[SubaruNorway]

The reason Henning went off was because the wiper and the "sprayer" jamed and after 4k they coulden't see the road hit a rock and damaged the steering

[Langdale Forest]

. Last year in Australia the accident was the reason that he was not able to catch Loeb in the series and now in Japan and Ireland..

He also rolled in Mexico last year so that Australia mistake was not the only reason why he lost the championship.

[TMorel]

Out of interest, can anyone remember how many forumers used to complain about how Richard Burns just "drove for the championship" and always "settled" for a safe result as opposed to pushing for the win at all costs?

[Wim_Impreza]

Who is R White driving the MG, and does he have tech gremlins ?

Usually Roy White drives a Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 in the Irish rallies.

[Wasted Talent]

Let's hope so he deseves a works drive. Anyone know if he's entered for rally GB.

Yes Wilks is doing Wales Rally GB, but in Group N Mitsubishi, as the last part of the British Championship

WT

[jonkka]

He has done too many times mistakes, when the pressure has been the biggest.. Starting from the 1988 in the Finnish Junior Championship, last event rolled his Ascona, but despite that won the title, because Kalliomaa dropped also. Last year in Australia the accident was the reason that he was not able to catch Loeb in the series and now in Japan and Ireland..

There is always a reason why runner-up didn't score enough points to be the championship winner. All that is hind-sight however. Everyone makes mistakes.

[Tomi]

Starting from the 1988 in the Finnish Junior Championship, last event rolled his Ascona, but despite that won the title, because Kalliomaa dropped also.
Im not so sure you can compaire theese things, Mikko was in a much better car then, both about on same level as drivers, only thing Bosse could do was to take mega risks to achive something.

[Roy]

Wilks does a realy good job! With the Focus he was fast and now with the Subaru. Pitty he sponsored with Mobil. No doors open for him by Stobart (Ford is with BP). Private cars or a work seat without money (opr money from a different company) is possible for him.

Wilks is :up: for me.
Do some (fins) more about the accident of Gronholm? Icy, car broke, driver or co-driver faillure? What is the mai reason of this stupid off? Its looks so silly. :down:

Hirvonen drives easy, I hope he finished in front of Petter, so Stobart can catch Subaru in the manu table. Ford 1st and 3rd is nice. A drivers Chamionship is important, nice, but the Manu title is good enough for me.

Go Stobart to 3 :D

[Tomi]

Its always easy to be clever afterwards, but before stage 4 Grönholm knew Loeb had problems, that was absolutely the right place to attack, now it ended in the stonewall, thats it.

[N]

I've looked at the video and to me it doesn't look that he did anything wrong, he wasn't going that fast, the car just slid of the road.

[TuncaCeleste]

where's the video? :o

Edit: Nevermind...

[edacurf]

Why is guy Wilks now on the 6th position?

[Corny]

I agree with some people here: Marcus has always been making mistakes during his career.. That will cost him 3 titles: 2003, 2006 and 2007.
But so what? It's one of the greatest personalities in the sport, and one of the fastest also.
Even though he will probably not win the championship, he has been making this championship interesting, and has put Seb on some real pressure.
Second or first in the championship, I don't care; Marcus is one of my all time favourites, he's been making me laugh so many times with his comments, and he's got probably more pure speed than any other driver in the championship..

[MJW]

[quote="Corny"]
Very true - Marcus truly is a great - sure Loeb wins more championships but as a charcter and personality Bosse in my opinion is a true champion.

[John V]

Did you try to hear sound of Gronholm's car during accident? OK, road was VERY slippery, but it's more than strange that Marcus didn't fight with this problem and simply slip off the road, without pushing throttle ... :confused:

[Roy]

Bosse speaks:

http://www.crash.net/motorsport/wrc/news/157251-0/gronholm_it_was_a_big_big_impact.html

[Tomi]

yes true, he has done a reasonable carreer, there is not too many 2 time (sofar) worldchampions around in the world, also his fight to become a worksdriver in the first place is a story for it self, but time goes by for all drivers, the good thing about rally is that there always comes faster guys sooner or later.

[kobefly]

Tarmac is Loeb's, everybody knows that, however, Gronholm managed to keep really close to Seb in the last 2 asphalt events, I'm sure he must be pushing and taking extra-risks to do that.
Bad luck, I'm not fan of any of the 2 contenders but I'd like a close end.

[Roy]

Why is guy Wilks now on the 6th position?

Why not? He is very fast...

[1LM1]

I have just seen some images on French Television. And it's very good: the WRC cars sliding on such tricky and narrow roads is just awesome. I like that.

Rally Ireland is definitely a great event. Looks like a mix between a gravel and a wet tarmac rally from the outside. I mean the way the cars behave on the road.

[Corny]

Did you try to hear sound of Gronholm's car during accident? OK, road was VERY slippery, but it's more than strange that Marcus didn't fight with this problem and simply slip off the road, without pushing throttle ... :confused:
Would you push the throttle when going 20KM too fast? C'mon man, he's one of the best drivers in the world, he knows better what to do in such a moment than you and me together!

[John V]

Would you push the throttle when going 20KM too fast? C'mon man, he's one of the best drivers in the world, he knows better what to do in such a moment than you and me together!

OK, no way to have any doubts about his driving abilities and experience, just trying to understand what exactly happened to him ;) Maybe the road was bit icy and then is impossible to steer on surface like this on slicks (I tried this only once with our old gr. A car and was really scared :eek: )

[White Sauron]

I'll say one thing. No matter if Marcus wins this championship or not, for me he will always be the best driver in the world. Some people, who don't understand the nature of rallying or have never attaned any, will insist on calling Loeb the best ever - thanks to the numerous wins and titles, and Gronholm - his runner-up, "always the bridemaid, never the bride". But for those who FEEL rallying... For those people Bosse will always be Number1! None of his victories was easy, he always fought till the end. Thank you, Marcus! Even if you don't beat Loeb ON POINTS this year, you'll beat him in our hearts.

[RallyfanNZ]

yes, very strange....he didn't even try to keep the car off the wall with handbrake and throttle...

Its pretty hard to bring the back end around when the car is in a massive under steer. But I was a little surprised that he didn't try it. But the car just looked like it hit ice by the way it kind of just took off.

Somehow I knew Ireland was going to have plenty of carnage. Just hoped Bosse was not one of the victims.

[mdesign]

I know it migth be because I'm Portuguese, but, I Think Araujo is doing very well :)

[jparker]

Out of interest, can anyone remember how many forumers used to complain about how Richard Burns just "drove for the championship" and always "settled" for a safe result as opposed to pushing for the win at all costs?
I remember. Unfortunately many people judge based on their feelings.
I bet if Loeb retires tomorrow, all Marcus supporters will start jumping on his grave like in Japan, and Gronholm will be back the best of the best, and what happened today will be very fast forgoten. Anyway, that's just the way it is.
I just don't know what Marcus was hoping to happen by keeping his foot on the brakes on that slippery section?!?!?!

[Dingardo]

there wasnt really much he could do once the car started sliding like that.. he did not have the angle of the car nor the room to be able to power out of it or position the car for a impact that wouldnt severly damage it.
sure it could have been avoided, however when you get into a slide like that where the car is sliding sideways, there is not much you could do in terms of powering out of it.. the wheels had already lost complete traction.

What I would like to see is Loeb dropping down to 5th place.. nothing better than two drivers equal on points at the top going into the final round :)

[A.F.F.]

I know it migth be because I'm Portuguese, but, I Think Araujo is doing very well :)

I'm being nowhere near to Portugese and I think Araujo is doing very well too :up: :)

[SubaruNorway]

I thought it looked a bit strange to, you hear from the engine reving down so it coulden't be that slippy. Mikkelsen had marked it shiny tarmac though so it was slippy, maybe he thought the runoff was enaugh to stopp the car instead of going into a massive powerslide.

Anyone gething splits?

[Kamikaze]

I'll say one thing. No matter if Marcus wins this championship or not, for me he will always be the best driver in the world. Some people, who don't understand the nature of rallying or have never attaned any, will insist on calling Loeb the best ever - thanks to the numerous wins and titles, and Gronholm - his runner-up, "always the bridemaid, never the bride". But for those who FEEL rallying... For those people Bosse will always be Number1! None of his victories was easy, he always fought till the end. Thank you, Marcus! Even if you don't beat Loeb ON POINTS this year, you'll beat him in our hearts.

Could not say it better, thank you !!! :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

quick question. is this a tarmac or gravel rally? :D Just not following it that closely and and and ... not eve a day 1 highlights clip on wrc.com..... and i'm not downloading it either might go over my net limit! eek!

[HaCo]

Stohl went off again... :S

[SubaruNorway]

anyone got times?

[Brother John]

Stohl went off again... :S

:D Top driver? :rotflmao:

[dimviii]

Here mate ;)

www.ewrc.cz (http://www.ewrc.cz)

loeb till now has an average of 118,7 km/h :eek:

[HaCo]

anyone got times?

Check the BFGoodrich site...

[dyfi1]

anyone got times?

http://www.nuclear.pri.ee/rally/index.php?by=&stage=11&rally=Ireland

Bfgoodrich.com result

Loeb speed average of 143.24 km/h:S in ss11

[Dilek]

bfgoodrich.com result

Loeb avarage speed 143.24 km/h in 11ss(27.76 km)

[dimviii]

at ewrc.cz shows an average of 108,1 km/h which seems more real :rolleyes:

[matSLO]

It looks like rally Ireland is tarmac version of rally Finland...I hope there will be onboards from this stage available lately.

[Corny]

what was Loeb's comment on this stage, 'everything is ok' ? :p

[John V]

Check the BFGoodrich site...

have you seen this one:
http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/statistiky/?id=31
or this
http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/statistiky-graf/?id=31

[satukata]

It looks like rally Ireland is tarmac version of rally Finland...I hope there will be onboards from this stage available lately.
143km/h! crazy fast in slippy conditions!

[jonkka]

That's the stage that was shortened from 27km to 21km, BFG has calculated the average speed with wrong stage length and hence the amazing result. Correct average is 108,10 kph.

[matSLO]

There are two lenghts for same SS (20,95 on czech site and 27,76 on bfgoodrich). Which is correct?

[Wim_Impreza]

143km/h! crazy fast in slippy conditions!

No, 108.1 km/h. Please look at this: http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=31&stage=2504&category=&group=

I always follow the WRC results on this excellent Czech site.

[MikeD]

Is Ray Breen out?

[dimviii]

@ Wim Impreza +1

best site for results...serious good work from cz bravo!!!

[Dilek]

in offical ıtenary this stage 27 km

http://http://www.rallyireland.org/spectators/itinerary

[jonkka]

in offical ıtenary this stage 27 km

Read the news:
http://www.rallyireland.org/news.aspx?article=173

[Wim_Impreza]

It seems Tim McNulty, who was on the 9th place with an Impreza WRC, has retired on SS12.