2007 Rally Ireland - official thread

[Roy]

One week to go.

Exiting rally. maybe a conclusion in driver and manufacturer championship.
BP-Ford needs 3 points. I am curious about the local drivers. What can they do and maybe there is a surprise. This is a special rally with characteristic roads and beautiful scenery.


Some interest links for this rally:

Entry list and other doc's
http://www.rallyireland.org/competitors/competitor-documents

Itinerary and maps
http://www.rallyireland.org/spectators/maps

Results:
http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/

[Josti]

Yes, looking forward to the event. I think we might see some surprises. As for the locals, I expect some good coming from Eugene Donnelly.

What are the weather predictions? I assume rain at least. It's a pretty wet period for Northern-Europe at the moment.

[ITC55]

I can't wait! many forumers coming? i can't see too many locals putting any of the regulars under pressure, well maybe 1 or 2 stobarts and even at that i think it will only be Meeke and Donnelly, the top GrpN drivers are probably quicker than the majority of the WRC's in the rally. Also i think this could be a great rally for Wilks and Mikkelson, tail end of the points if they keep it on the road!
As for the weather, it's been mostly dry and cold here lately, we will no doubt have rain over the weekend though
There is a video on the Official site of the stormot superspecial, looks pretty different to all the usuals, could have been there for a while but i've never noticed

[MikeD]

I am also looking really forward to this event. For me the Tour De Corse and this rally is what I have been looking forward to since I am a tarmac fan.

But I also expect some shocking things to happen in Ireland as I don't expect Loeb and Gronholm to take the first two places. I have a feeling that one of them won't make it to the end.

Bring it on...

[Elgin Man]

http://www.rallyphotographer.com/?q=showevent&event=316

Some photos of Kris Meeke's car here.

Looks Brilliant

[Corny]

But I also expect some shocking things to happen in Ireland as I don't expect Loeb and Gronholm to take the first two places. I have a feeling that one of them won't make it to the end.


Let it be Sebastien then :p

I don't agree with you here, I think they will both make it to the end.. Well, they have to, otherwise both their championships are almost over

[Magnus]

I am afraid Ireland is a typical Bosse-error rally. narrow fast tar...
Hope I wont jinx him by being there...

[bf1_IRL]

I definitley will be there :D hopefully might be able to pick our spectating spots on the thursday :)

[jbmarcus21]

i come i so happy !! Go Marcus !

[ITC55]

Meeke's car looks great! thanks for the pics
I don't really agree with you Magnus, he can let loeb go flat out for the win and as long as he keeps Sordo at bay he should have no reason to be forced into a crash, but he is a rally driver...who likes to win, so anythings possible!

[Roy]

Link for weather forcast for Sligo

Next weekend no rally and I think Ford will be happy with that. Gronholm needs a dry rally.

http://www.weather-forecast.com/locations/Sligo/forecasts/latest

[bf1_IRL]

A couple of videos here http://www.rallyireland.org/videos

Rain according to this forecast :?: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/extended/EIXX0042

[jparker]

Just saw one of the videos from the official web site and Eddie Jordan talking about Rally Ireland. He mentioned that some stages are very close to the edge of cliffs with high vertical drops. Is that true? If yes, isn't that dangerous?

[Magnus]

Just saw one of the videos from the official web site and Eddie Jordan talking about Rally Ireland. He mentioned that some stages are very close to the edge of cliffs with high vertical drops. Is that true? If yes, isn't that dangerous?

Sounds like it used to be on Corse; wasn´t it Mäkinen who nearly slid of teh road down into some ravine?
From a drivers pow I don´t think it matters a lot. Having people by the roadside is more dangerous...allthough I get your point!

[A.F.F.]

I am afraid Ireland is a typical Bosse-error rally. narrow fast tar...
Hope I wont jinx him by being there...


I don't see why it wouldn't be a potential error-rally for others too ?

I'm REALLYREALLY looking forward Rally Ireland. :up:

[jiipee64]

I'll be there...

[Magnus]

I don't see why it wouldn't be a potential error-rally for others too ?

I'm REALLYREALLY looking forward Rally Ireland. :up:

Guess it´s just me being my normal pessimistical me :eek:

[janneppi]

I think every rally is a typical error-rally for Grönholm. :p :

Hope we get a good fight without too many retirements.

[Magnus]

On the other hand I could guess that Bosse will drive this rally on safety, I doubt he will try to catch Loeb if he starts to charge, after all he has got a 4 point lead. It all comes down to rally GB me thinks

[Donney]

I'll be there and definitely I'm looking forward to it.I expect it to be quite unpredictable but I reckon it'll be a Citroen 1-2.

[Corny]

On the other hand I could guess that Bosse will drive this rally on safety, I doubt he will try to catch Loeb if he starts to charge, after all he has got a 4 point lead. It all comes down to rally GB me thinks

I totally agree, Loeb will probably beat him here, so it will come down to rally GB.

[MYCROFT4]

[quote="jparker"]Just saw one of the videos from the official web site and Eddie Jordan talking about Rally Ireland. He mentioned that some stages are very close to the edge of cliffs with high vertical drops. Is that true? If yes, isn't that dangerous?[/QUOTE

It's only the 2.38km final stage that has these characteristics so don't panic.

[VFTS]

Henning Solberg will have a new co-driver for Rally Irland. Cato Menkerud will be back home in Norway because of birth of his second child.

The swede Göran Bergsten will replace Menkerud. Bergsten is normally co-driver for Thomas Schie

[Magnus]

WOOOOW. Finally a swedish guy in WRC... :rolleyes:

[padWRC]

Photos: Cars for Rally Ireland:

http://www.irish-rallying.com/article.php?article_id=071109/125827

[Roy]

An official song...'It is rally Ireland time' Funny and grazy. I listen the preview

http://www.7digital.com/stores/productDetail.aspx?shop=656&product=164607&sid=2737635&partner=355&re

[ITC55]

ha ha...God it sounds bad

[GigiGalliNo1]

is MEEKE allowd to have that Font on his window?

[noel157]

Matt, if not I'm sure they'll be changed.

Nice typical bright sunny day in Ireland at the service park today:

(photos by Martin1)

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p30/buckley1234/DSC00162.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p30/buckley1234/DSC00160.jpg

Kris Meeke S12B:

http://www.krismeeke.com/rallyireland2007.jpg

[ste898]

This will be a awesome event........a bit of excitement in a WRC that rarely excites now

[chrisc]

Some pics of donnellys car on John ONeills site

http://www.rallyphotographer.com/?q=showevent&event=317

[White Sauron]

Nice typical bright sunny day in Ireland at the service park today:



Why they came so early? Thought they usually arrive on monday morning.

[ITC55]

Yeah according to the schedule, service park doesn't open until 9:00 monday.
I was talking to one of the subaru truck drivers earlier, he said it takes 3 days to set up.... remember when the service wagons moved about from location to location, amazing cost for a wrc team to pay for alot of team personel to stay in Ireland for another 7-9 nights
Could the team not send one service truck and a transporter and some mechanics, just for the recce cars? they can't test in Ireland so there would be little point in having everyone over here so early

[eevoo]

Can anyone scan and post the stage maps when they come available this week? I know they are on the RallyIreland site, but I want to see something a bit more detailed if possible. You will be a hero to all of us!
Cheers!

[noel157]

Service park team arrival video from Flying Finn:

http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=nmBNhUanik4

[feresc13]

Anybody knows if François Duval will start the Rally? I heared some rumours that say no

[Josti]

Anybody knows if François Duval will start the Rally? I heared some rumours that say no

Rumours are true, he won't start unfortunetely.

[Jeppe]

It´s a pity if Duval is not in RI. He could really make some twist in top three!


Some pics of donnellys car on John ONeills site

http://www.rallyphotographer.com/?q=showevent&event=317

Definitely one of the nicest liveries in history of Fabia WRC.

Just 3 days and then to check out some nice Irish tarmac roads...

[ITC55]

Can anyone scan and post the stage maps when they come available this week? I know they are on the RallyIreland site, but I want to see something a bit more detailed if possible. You will be a hero to all of us!
Cheers!

There are much better maps on the website now, if you zoom in they are as detailed as you will get

[MikeD]

Some pics of donnellys car on John ONeills site

http://www.rallyphotographer.com/?q=showevent&event=317

So despite the test on Kumho tyres, Donnelly opted for BF Goodrich instead. Weird descesion. But thanks for the pictures :)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Definitely one of the nicest liveries in history of Fabia WRC.



Ummm..... i still love the Red Bull one! :D

[Iskald]

Henning Solberg will have a new co-driver for Rally Irland. Cato Menkerud will be back home in Norway because of birth of his second child.

The swede Göran Bergsten will replace Menkerud. Bergsten is normally co-driver for Thomas Schie

What a wimp Cato Menkerud is...;-) Using a mere child birth as an excuse for not participating in Ireland!

I remember Cato even used his marriage as an excuse back in 2001, when Henning had to find a replacement for Østfoldrally, the final norwegian championship round. Funnily enough he ended up with a guy named Henning - as himself - and the pair of Hennings duly went on to win the event (and the championship for Henning S.).

H. Iskald
ex-replacement codriver

[Donney]

Nice one Iskald.

[A.F.F.]

What a wimp Cato Menkerud is...;-) Using a mere child birth as an excuse for not participating in Ireland!

I remember Cato even used his marriage as an excuse back in 2001, when Henning had to find a replacement for Østfoldrally, the final norwegian championship round. Funnily enough he ended up with a guy named Henning - as himself - and the pair of Hennings duly went on to win the event (and the championship for Henning S.).

H. Iskald
ex-replacement codriver


I know. If Cato don't want to rally, why won't he just say so and make up those petty excuses.

[jiipee64]

>>What a wimp Cato Menkerud is...;-)
>>Using a mere child birth as an excuse for not participating in Ireland!

Wimp???
I rather go to Ouninpohja in an Audi S1 with Mikkola (or Petter) blindfolded on the wheel in than face to face with a woman about to give birth...
Been there three times.

[bt52b]

belfast telegraph : rally-ireland / sammy hamill - loads of articles
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rally-ireland/

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motorsport/

Rally Ireland in Depth
http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~1164578,00.html

Sunday Business Post : - Profile - David Marren, chief executive of Rally Ireland
http://www.thepost.ie/post/pages/p/story.aspx-qqqt=NEWS+FEATURES-qqqm=nav-qqqid=28138-qqqx=1.asp

Hands across the divide
http://www.independent.ie/sport/motor-sport/hands-across-the-divide-1216717.html

Jordan's rallying call for WRC's Irish extravaganza
http://www.independent.ie/sport/motor-sport/jordans-rallying-call-for-wrcs-irish-extravaganza-1216308.html

RTE : Rally Ireland
http://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/wrc_index.html

Michael Lyster's Rally Ireland Preview
http://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2007/1108/michaellyster1.html

John Kenny's Rally Ireland Preview
http://www.rte.ie/sport/motorsport/2007/1108/johnkenny1.html

Driving ambition to stay with pace
http://www.independent.ie/sport/motor-sport/driving-ambition-to-stay-with-pace-1217163.html

Rally Ireland: Moving up a pace
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?xml=/motoring/2007/10/27/mfrally27.xml

[Donney]

Is there any radio covering the rally? I'd like to listen to it as I'll have no internet to follow the stage times and news.

[jonkka]

Questions about entries:

Anyone know co-drivers for #18 Meeke, #19 Gareth MacHale, #61 Sean Devine?
What's real first name of #72 JJ Flemming?

What's the story behind #61 Sean Devine and #73 Seamus Devine, both in Impreza WRCs, are they brothers or father and son or what?

Thanks.

[Roy]

Questions about entries:

Anyone know co-drivers for #18 Meeke, #19 Gareth MacHale, #61 Sean Devine?
What's real first name of #72 JJ Flemming?

What's the story behind #61 Sean Devine and #73 Seamus Devine, both in Impreza WRCs, are they brothers or father and son or what?

Thanks.

Renewd entrylist, with co-drivers and without John Joe Fleming.
http://www.rallyireland.org/competitors/entry-list

[Jaanus]

Allan Harryman sitting with Gareth MacHale
Paul Nagle sitting with Kris Meeke

JJ Fleming is John Joe Fleming

That's all I can answer and I hope someone else helps with other questions :)

[quicksilver]

EDIT Already said, computer slow to load, sorry

[bt52b]

Is there any radio covering the rally? I'd like to listen to it as I'll have no internet to follow the stage times and news.

Sir V Tec found this in Rally Guide 2

Expected Radio Coverage

Downtown radio / Cool FM (N. Ire) - 96.6MHz, 97.4MHz, 1026AM
Hourly rally reports at 3 mins past the hour throughout the event

Highland Radio - 103.3MHz, 95.2MHz, 94.7MHz, 104.7MHz, 104.5MHz
Hourly rally reports throughout event, spectator traffic & travel info.

Ocean FM - 94.7MHz, 102.5MHz, 103.0MHz & 105.0MHz
Hourly rally reports throughout event, spectator traffic & travel info.

Today FM - 100 - 102MHz
Hourly rally reports at 3 mins past the hour throughout the event

RTE Radio - 88.2MHz, RTE 2FM - 90.4MHz
RTE Radio will be providing regular updates throughout the event

Most of these have internet streams and RTE is available on the Sky platform

[jonkka]

Renewd entrylist, with co-drivers and without John Joe Fleming.
http://www.rallyireland.org/competitors/entry-list

Thanks FocusChampion, Rally Ireland organisation got something to learn about website design. They still have an old version online without mention about the newer version:
http://www.rallyireland.org/competitors/competitor-documents

[Blitzerflitzer]

more :

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

[SubaruNorway]

Andreas Mikkelsen is reporting of extremely fast stages and has been told tomorows stages will be even faster and nothing like the classic stages with blind corners and bushes hanging over the road. :(

http://www.norsk-rally.com/modules/module_123/proxy.aspx?D=2&C=2&I=5006

[ITC55]

Most of Ireland will be cheering Andreas on this weekend, so good luck to him. Anyone agree with the possibility of top Norwegian?

[SubaruNorway]

Shakedown today? http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=pcBqIAGasJw

[Doon]

Yeh i think Mikkelsen will destroy Petter and Henning, Irish roads need experience. They are a different kettle of fish. So excited, will be supporting every driver as usual, but especially Gronholm, Hirvonen, Meeke and Miggins!

[ITC55]

He should destroy Henning anyway but i think petter could be pretty quick until he starts complaining about the handling of his car, I hope he has a good rally but he just seems to be going through the motions to finish the year

[SubaruNorway]

It was only the PWRC test yesterday http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=pcBqIAGasJw

[cut the b.s.]

Yeh i think Mikkelsen will destroy Petter and Henning, Irish roads need experience. They are a different kettle of fish. !

Have you forgot Sordo in Cork or Atko in the GpN Impreza last year?

I think the 2 Citroens will have an small edge on 2 Focuses, then Atko will have an edge over Petter, and after that its going to be damned close, for sure on the 1st day I think the guys with Irish experience(Wilks,Meeke,Mikkelson,wee Matty) should be able to equal and occasionally better the times of Henning,Pons and Stohl.
Latvala will be hard to predict, not been on Irish tar since 03, and had mixed fortunes then but has learned a whole lot since, he should be in about Atko/Petters pace

Not long till we see for real :-) cant wait, most exciting addition to the calendar till they bring the safari back!!

[Tomi]

Much fait you guys have in Mikkelsen, my guess is that the result will be much like in earlier tarmac events, only a little bit more retirements, maybe some local in top 8 if he get a clean problem free drive. Lets hope the arragements will go smoothly.

[Donney]

Sir V Tec found this in Rally Guide 2

Expected Radio Coverage

Downtown radio / Cool FM (N. Ire) - 96.6MHz, 97.4MHz, 1026AM
Hourly rally reports at 3 mins past the hour throughout the event

Highland Radio - 103.3MHz, 95.2MHz, 94.7MHz, 104.7MHz, 104.5MHz
Hourly rally reports throughout event, spectator traffic & travel info.

Ocean FM - 94.7MHz, 102.5MHz, 103.0MHz & 105.0MHz
Hourly rally reports throughout event, spectator traffic & travel info.

Today FM - 100 - 102MHz
Hourly rally reports at 3 mins past the hour throughout the event

RTE Radio - 88.2MHz, RTE 2FM - 90.4MHz
RTE Radio will be providing regular updates throughout the event

Most of these have internet streams and RTE is available on the Sky platform

Thanks a lot!

[Magnus]

Looking at the forecast it seems it will rain saturday, quite a lot too...

[Halvis]

I'm pretty sure Mikkelsen will be faster than Henning, but about Petter - I don't think so. Mikkelsen had a great tarmac Fastnet rally in Ireland a couple of weeks ago, winning every stage but one, beating the experienced Donnoly (Donnoly drove the Fabia for the first time, though) and the rest of the local drivers - but this field is a different cup.

I think the best Mikkelsen can do is to sneak into 8th place or so, if there is some retirements.

Petter has gotten ill again, a severe cold, he reported yesterday that he had problems hearing Phil on the intercom. Hopefully, he will recover and be fit for Friday.

[MYCROFT4]

First Stage on Saturday "Sloughan Glen" has had to be shortened.

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

Correct move I believe.

[COD]

Lets hope the arragements will go smoothly.

Of course they will, they have employed a Finn to run things:

http://www.rallyireland.org/about/Contacts

[bt52b]

Tiny piece by Bob Montgomery in the Irish Times. Good, but tiny.
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/motors/2007/1114/1194550276074.html

Some of the other Bob Montgomery RI articles
http://www.ireland.com/search/?rm=listresults&filter=datedesc&keywords=Bob+Montgomery&submit=Search

A stage by stage guide to Rally Ireland
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/motors/2007/1031/1193444186499.html

[ZequeArgentina]

Afterwatching footage of Irish rally, and what is known about drivers and cars, my idea of who could be fastest in RI is:
WRC:
Sppedwise my guess is:
1-Loeb
2- Sordo & Gronholm
3- Hirvonen
4- Atkinson, Latvala and Solberg
5- Pons
6- Irish regulars (including Mikkelssen, Donelly, McHale, Nesbit and Jones)


Regarding PWRC (also may define champ in RI)
1- Higgins and Stuart Jones)
2- Murphy, McShea, Aigner
3- Araujo, Pozzo, Votech

This is my opinion speedwise, then problems, offs, and technical fails, may appear and final classification will be something very different.

[cut the b.s.]

http://www.rallyphotographer.com/?q=showevent&event=316

Some photos of Kris Meeke's car here.

Looks Brilliant


Any WRC car with his name on it looks good to me :-)

[Scrap_Iron]

Hi, I'm new on here. Big fan of Irish Tarmac Rallies and been looking forward to this week end for months.
I read that Eugene Donnelly has tipped Kris Meeke for a good showing and I will be following Andreas Mikkelson with interest.

[bt52b]

RTE 6.1 News : RTE Sports @ 3m30s - Eileen Magnier, North-West Correspondent, reports from the Service Area
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/1114/6news_av.html?2309003,null,230

[Corny]

Afterwatching footage of Irish rally, and what is known about drivers and cars, my idea of who could be fastest in RI is:
WRC:
Sppedwise my guess is:
1-Loeb
2- Sordo & Gronholm
3- Hirvonen
4- Atkinson, Latvala and Solberg
5- Pons
6- Irish regulars (including Mikkelssen, Donelly, McHale, Nesbit and Jones)

Well, it has been like this all year :D

[White Sauron]

Afterwatching footage of Irish rally, and what is known about drivers and cars, my idea of who could be fastest in RI is:
WRC:
Sppedwise my guess is:
1-Loeb
2- Sordo & Gronholm
3- Hirvonen
4- Atkinson, Latvala and Solberg
5- Pons
6- Irish regulars (including Mikkelssen, Donelly, McHale, Nesbit and Jones)


Regarding PWRC (also may define champ in RI)
1- Higgins and Stuart Jones)
2- Murphy, McShea, Aigner
3- Araujo, Pozzo, Votech

This is my opinion speedwise, then problems, offs, and technical fails, may appear and final classification will be something very different.

Overall I agree, but I suppose local drivers, even Donnely in a Fabia, can beat works Subarus at least...

[ITC55]

ha ha with the way they have been running recently....Meeke/Wilks top Subarus anyone?

[tannat]

Looking at the forecast it seems it will rain saturday, quite a lot too...

Hope everyone is fast, but careful in light of such.

I'm not certain what it is but I am more excited about his rally than I have for any rally in a long time.....

To me the UK is the spiritual home of rallying, and it is fitting that it hosts both a superb gavel event and tarmac event

[cannyboy]

The "UK" eh?

May I suggest http://maps.google.com/ and some homework :')

Do a search on ireland.... It's a small little island full of lepruchans and stuff like that...
Someone said they are holding a rally there this weekend, but I'd know nothing about that
Unless Sligo was over ran over the night, it's time for some geography lessons...

[Scrap_Iron]

ha ha with the way they have been running recently....Meeke/Wilks top Subarus anyone?
Eugene Donnelly seems to think so..................
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rally-ireland/article3155369.ece

[Buzz Lightyear]

i think shakedown started 1 hour ago...

[Catiocha7]

i think shakedown started 1 hour ago...
Is there any link give us shakedown results ? :confused:

[ITC55]

i think its split into two shakedown runs for the top crews, its doesn't end until around 12

[Catiocha7]

any results of shakedown ???

[cut the b.s.]

The "UK" eh?

May I suggest http://maps.google.com/ and some homework :')

Do a search on ireland.... It's a small little island full of lepruchans and stuff like that...
Someone said they are holding a rally there this weekend, but I'd know nothing about that
Unless Sligo was over ran over the night, it's time for some geography lessons...

The event starts in part of the UK at 7 tonight, it is a cross border effort, I think you need attitude lessons more than tannat needs geograph lessons :-)

[ITC55]

Just been on RTE news that seb was quickest in shakedown, anyone confirm any results?

[Shacki]

http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php?id=7211

Marcus Gronholm quickest

[Halvis]

http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php?id=7211

Marcus Gronholm quickest

1 Gronholm-Rautiainen Ford Focus RS WRC '07 1:37.3
2 Atkinson-Prevot Subaru Impreza WRC '07 1:38.3
3 Hirvonen-Lehtinen Ford Focus RS WRC '07 1:38.7
4 Mikkelsen-Floene Ford Focus RS WRC '04 1:39.2
5 Loeb-Elena Citroen C4 WRC 1:39.6
6 Sordo-Marti Citroen C4 WRC 1:40.0
7 Solberg-Mills Subaru Impreza WRC '07 1:40.3
8 Wilson-Orr Ford Focus RS WRC '06 1:40.7
9 Wilks-Pugh Subaru Impreza WRC '05 1:40.9
10 H. Solberg-Bergsten Ford Focus RS WRC '06 1:41.1
11 Latvala-Antilla Ford Focus RS WRC '06 1:41.4
12 McNulty-O'Donell Subaru Impreza WRC '06 1:42.6
13 Stohl-Minor Citroen Xsara WRC '06 1:42.7
14 Pons-Amigo Subaru Impreza WRC '07 1:42.9
15 Meeke-Nagle Subaru Impreza WRC '06 1:44.0
16 Donnelly-Kiely Škoda Fabia WRC '05 1:44.6
17 McHale-Harryman Ford Focus RS WRC '06 1:45.1
18 Jones-Moynihan Ford Focus RS WRC '04 1:45.2
19 Boland-Regan Subaru Impreza WRC '05 1:46.0
20 Breen-Purcell Ford Focus RS WRC '04 1:46.5
21 A. McHale-Duffy Ford Focus RS WRC '03 1:46.9
22 Nesbitt-O'Brien Subaru Impreza WRC '05 1:47.7
23 Al Qassimi-Beech Ford Focus RS WRC '07 1:48.8
24 Barrett-Goodman Subaru Impreza WRC '05 1:51.3

Seb taking it easy, as always, on SD.

Encouraging time from Mikkelsen, even if it's only SD.

[bt52b]

Meeke broke a propshaft on the shakedown startline :eek:

[gerrycrossey]

Meeke broke a propshaft on the shakedown startline :eek:
Got it all fixed and the car is aon the trailer for the super special. Not a great start though, hope that all the gremlins are out now!! :rolleyes:

[HaCo]

Better in shakedown than in rally... ;)

[Roy]

...
4 Mikkelsen-Floene Ford Focus RS WRC '04 1:39.2 :up:
...
8 Wilson-Orr Ford Focus RS WRC '06 1:40.7 :eek:
...
19 Boland-Regan Subaru Impreza WRC '05 1:46.0 That's must be a Focus for 100%
...

Good result of the young ones

[Magnus]

sitting here on an internetcafe in Dublin... have just picked up our car and our now headed to the north. Hope rain keeps away for some time...
Nice with Bosses sd, but that might be his best result in this rally I am afraid. I will cheer for him though, with my swedish hat... Hmm, these nationalities...

[cannyboy]

The event starts in part of the UK at 7 tonight, it is a cross border effort, I think you need attitude lessons more than tannat needs geograph lessons :-)


Listen, not to be a pain, but people do have an issue with rally ireland being called a uk event, for the very reason that it is a cross border initiative.
It's not attitude, just education.

French people always make this mistake, i mean people from the uk.

Anyway, should be a great event, and really looking forward to it.

Hope the weather is as bad as expected - wouldn't be a proper rally without it.

[havk]

Does somebody know the results of PCWRC shakedown? http://www.rallyireland.org/news.aspx?article=171

[MYCROFT4]

sitting here on an internetcafe in Dublin... have just picked up our car and our now headed to the north. Hope rain keeps away for some time...
Nice with Bosses sd, but that might be his best result in this rally I am afraid. I will cheer for him though, with my swedish hat... Hmm, these nationalities...

Welcome to Ireland Magnus. Hope you and all our other visitors have a great event. Really do hope the event runs well for everyone involved. Its been a steep learning curve and I guess we'll all know just how much we've really learned at 8:05 tomorrow morning.
Weather for tomorrow looks OK.... no major ammounts of rain.
Saturday ...wet gear definitely required.
Sunday .... rain shower hopefully not too bad.

[MYCROFT4]

Does somebody know the results of PCWRC shakedown? http://www.rallyireland.org/news.aspx?article=171

Heard only about seven cars took part. No results i'm afraid.

[Langdale Forest]

10 H. Solberg-Bergsten Ford Focus RS WRC '06 1:41.1


Why has Henning Solberg got a new co-driver?

[VFTS]

Cato Menkerud became father for his second child some days ago. He will be back for Wales Rally GB

[HaCo]

Any pictures of the MG Super 2000? :D :D :D

[White Sauron]

Why Meeke has a special font of his name?

[pucky54]

has somebody a free link to the live-stream of the SSS later this evening?

[gloomyDAY]

Any pictures of the MG Super 2000? :D :D :D
HAHAHA!

I hope that Gronholm makes the best of this rally because I'm sure Loeb will not falter. Time to get the ball rolling!

[ITC55]

has somebody a free link to the live-stream of the SSS later this evening?

Try this it is on live at 18:30 GMT at http://www.rte.ie/live/
It may only work if you are inside Ireland though, lucky i am but you guys will have to test it and see if it works outside

Enjoy!

[pucky54]

I don't think it works but thanks....some other links?

[User]

The RTE feed works here, but its still the news, so, I don't know yet if rally footage will work.

[pucky54]

No, doesn't work

[User]

http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/live/ngb/rte1-225.asx

'Open URL' in MediaPlayer. It's works for me in Belgium. (for now, still the news ...)

[Karbonyl]

Martin Prokop didn't pass the scruteneering. Does anyody know what was wrong with Evo IX?

[edacurf]

http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/live/ngb/rte1-225.asx

'Open URL' in MediaPlayer. It's works for me in Belgium. (for now, still the news ...)

also in austria (go mani stohl......)

[pucky54]

yes the news are working but the rally coverage not

[Koppomsbo]

http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/live/ngb/rte1-225.asx

'Open URL' in MediaPlayer. It's works for me in Belgium. (for now, still the news ...)

It works, but only horse racing, not enough horsepowers for me ;)

[User]

And indeed, coverage doesn't work :(

[SubaruNorway]

Martin Prokop didn't pass the scruteneering. Does anyody know what was wrong with Evo IX?

Is it upgraded from an EVO8?

[Karbonyl]

Is it upgraded from an EVO8?No, he had this probem in Sweden, but after that his team built a pure brand new Evo IX...

[User]

And indeed, coverage doesn't work :(
And due to bad wheater, almost no coverage works. Eurosport 2 and WRC live+ both lost their feed.

[Tomi]

now it works atleast from tv

[gloomyDAY]

This is ridiculous! I have no idea what's going on right now.

Can anyone post some links?

[AndyRAC]

World Rally Radio are just playing music, what a shambles the WRC is, whatever ou think of F1, at least it comes across as professional. The SS should've been live on the internet free, WRC isn't big enough for silly regulations.

[DoN_cz]

http://mfile.akamai.com/20546/live/reflector:52752.asx?bkup=52846

[John V]

http://mfile.akamai.com/20546/live/reflector:56197.asx?bkup=57047

is this one OK with you? :)

[RS]

What a disaster, first no pictures, now no sound, no times and the entry list doesn't match the drivers on stage.

[Tom206wrc]

Is George Tracey running in a 206 or a Focus ?? :confused:

[gloomyDAY]

http://mfile.akamai.com/20546/live/reflector:52752.asx?bkup=52846
Works! Thank you.

[ZequeArgentina]

Keep cool, real rally will start tomorrow.

Today SS is only to keep al us "internet-anxious-rally-fans-demanding 10 splits per stage" like, desesperate looking fo information.
wrc.com free results page is already showing times (no works WRC car on stage yet).

Best regards

[John V]

Is George Tracey running in a 206 or a Focus ?? :confused:

question is if you believe your own eyes or subtitles :)
I saw Focus but PEugeot on subtitle

[giangino]

Photos Shakedown http://www.avetowrc.com/Index/Index2.htm

[Josti]

Grönholm takes 1st stage :up:

+0.9 on Loeb and 1 second on Meeke!

[edacurf]

Photos Shakedown http://www.avetowrc.com/Index/Index2.htm

and also pictures from the OMV team

http://www.mcklein-imagedatabase.com/imagedatabase/index.php?index=12&idb_cmd=show_collection&idb_collection_id=3406&idb_page=1

[White Sauron]

Great effort by Marcus!!!

[MikeD]

Great with these local specialists. Great time by Meeke and Wilks (both on Pirelli tyres)

[MikeD]

Boland is in the Subaru WRC and not in the new Ford 06. Does anybody know what has happend with his new Focus?

Here he is in the Subaru WRC
http://www.avetowrc.com/Foto/Wrc/Irlanda2007/IMG%20(14).jpg

[Langdale Forest]

Just watched the superspecial on wrc+. Meeke is 3rd and is the leading Subaru driver.

[John V]

Great with these local specialists. Great time by Meeke and Wilks (both on Pirelli tyres)

We run in Ireland in 2005 and spent two days to find optimal setup for local bumpy tarmac. Then I discussed with guys from M-Sport during race and they confirmed that on this surface locals have very big advantage. The suspension setup was completely "crazy", but it worked well and we beat with S1600 some WRC cars :)

[nightracer]

Boland is in the Subaru WRC and not in the new Ford 06. Does anybody know what has happend with his new Focus?

Here he is in the Subaru WRC
http://www.avetowrc.com/Foto/Wrc/Irlanda2007/IMG%20(14).jpg

Boland tested the 06 Focus alongside the Gronholm/Hirvonen test on the Isle of Man last week, but he aborted it after a day when he really struggled.

He has switched back to the S12 due to shortage of time, but hopes to have the Focus sorted for the Monte from what I'm told.

[jonas_mcrae]

Hope Meeke stays somewhere around the top

[nightracer]

We run in Ireland in 2005 and spent two days to find optimal setup for local bumpy tarmac. Then I discussed with guys from M-Sport during race and they confirmed that on this surface locals have very big advantage. The suspension setup was completely "crazy", but it worked well and we beat with S1600 some WRC cars :)

Most Irish tarmac crews run a set-up that is more like a forest set-up than WRC tarmac - Corsica, Catalunya & Deutschland are like driving on a motorway for 3 days - Ireland is probably rougher than many forest rounds.

Some of these teams who haven't been before will spend all 3 days just trying to get the right set-up - the locals have a big advantage and the results could be a bit different.

To my mind that's no bad thing, but not at the end of the year with ch'ships on the line.

[Langdale Forest]

I think Loeb will win the rally but the local drivers will be very fast tomorrow.

[Corny]

Corsica, Catalunya & Deutschland are like driving on a motorway for 3 days - Ireland is probably rougher than many forest rounds.

Germany is different in here! Ever seen the Baumholder stages?

[Roy]

Entry list version 3

http://www.wrc.com/page/EntryList/

[Wim_Impreza]

I think Loeb will win the rally but the local drivers will be very fast tomorrow.

I think the same. It should be very nice when some Irish drivers can fight with the factory teams.

[Corny]

I think Loeb will win the rally but the local drivers will be very fast tomorrow.

+2, maybe we will see a surprising leader after the first boucle of stages, but after that it'll be Loeb on 1.
1 Loeb
2 Grönholm
3 Hirvonen

[nightracer]

Germany is different in here! Ever seen the Baumholder stages?

Yes, but that's one day of an otherwise fairly smoth vinyard rally - this is all three days of rough and tumble!!!

[dimviii]

Aigner-AlAttiyah-Higgins first three pwrc

results now from wrc.com

[A.F.F.]

Any pictures of the MG Super 2000? :D :D :D

I second that :up:

[MJW]

Does anyone know why Eyvind Brynildsen is not on the start list? -

[bennizw]

His engine gave up under Fastnet, and they haven't had time to repair it in time.

[jonas_mcrae]

Hope the MG is not in that 90's livery haha

[Helstar]

Starting in 1 hour right ? ^^

[White Sauron]

Starting in 1 hour right ? ^^

already in half an hour

[Finni]

I am eager to see how Meeke will perform. Let's not forget that his car is perhaps inferior even to current Impreza not to mention Focus or C4. In any case I expect much from Meeke. His wrc debyt few years ago in wales was amazing.

If I was Suzuki's team boss I would perhaps consider Meeke as my first option.

[Tomi]

If I was Suzuki's team boss I would perhaps consider Meeke as my first option.

the first option is desided already and the second car will be split with several drivers.

[Finni]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=15&stage=2&results=1&jwrc=

Have anyone link to other split site???
-------

Tomi, is that driver Gardemaister?

[Tomi]

[url]Tomi, is that driver Gardemaister?

yes

[Finni]

yes

Ah, renewal of old Skoda thing..

[Leon]

Ah, renewal of old Skoda thing..

and SEAT...

[Jaanus]

the first option is desided already and the second car will be split with several drivers.

With several drivers who have sponsor money.

[jonkka]

Waiting for splits...

[Finni]

I suspect Marcus is done the stage by now but no splits..

[Tomi]

With several drivers who have sponsor money.

yes, the normal thing for second driver.

[jonas_mcrae]

whats up wit splits!

[Koppomsbo]

go morning all, when will the fun start today :)

[Finni]

With several drivers who have sponsor money.

I wonder who is willing to spend much money for driving such crap as there is proper cars available with money.

[J4MIE]

Stage late starting, Marcus is off now. On slicks apparently :s

[Tomi]

I wonder who is willing to spend much money for driving such crap as there is proper cars available with money.

propably someone who wants a works seat.

[Finni]

Stage was little bit delayed. Marcus's splits now available.

[jonkka]

Finally!

[White Sauron]

whats up wit splits!

Working! http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=15&stage=2&results=1&jwrc=

[MartijnS]

Loeb 1.5 seconds faster at first split.

[Brother John]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=15&stage=2&results=1&jwrc=

Have anyone link to other split site???
-------

Tomi, is that driver Gardemaister?

Good morning all here.

That split is working perfect for me at the moment!

[Helstar]

There they are ... not looking very good for Bosse already, but it's just the first one :)

[MartijnS]

Loeb is flying, 4.5 @ second split.

[White Sauron]

Hoho... Loeb: victory or nothing...

[jonkka]

The most important man is 4th on the road...

[jonkka]

And he is about as quick as Bosse

[White Sauron]

Suspension oproblems for Loeb!

[mdesign]

6 seconds already. well, not really a surprise

[Helstar]

Suspension oproblems for Loeb!
Oh yes I can see that !?

[Brother John]

2 stages to go with problems for Loeb!

[White Sauron]

Oh yes I can see that !?

What do you mean? I heard it on the radio... They're in doubt he can make it to the service.

[mdesign]

funny times: 4 places separated by 3.0 seconds each.

[Finni]

propably someone who wants a works seat.


Nah, I would rather drive stobart's Focus than crap works car.
---------

By the wau Henning's first split is his first competitive asphalt split - at least what I have seen.

[Helstar]

What do you mean? I heard it on the radio... They're in doubt he can make it to the service.
I mean he was fast anyway ... but instead it seems a serious thing ?! Maybe he had the problems in the very last part of the SS...

[alleskids]

What do you mean? I heard it on the radio... They're in doubt he can make it to the service.

Is there a radio online on internet?

[White Sauron]

Is there a radio online on internet?

yeah, free radio on wrc.com

[Brother John]

Again the same question. Is the probem Solberg or the Subaru? :rolleyes:

[John V]

Again the same question. Is the probem Solberg or the Subaru? :rolleyes:

Petter reported engine misfire at start of stage nr. 2

[Halvis]

Nah, I would rather drive stobart's Focus than crap works car.
---------

By the wau Henning's first split is his first competitive asphalt split - at least what I have seen.

Absolutely correct, not a bad start for Henning. Way down from the top 4, but on pace with the others. New co-driver, could it be that?

[malscar]

Again the same question. Is the probem Solberg or the Subaru? :rolleyes:

Apparently engine from the start of stage.

[MartijnS]

Not so good time for Latvala.

[White Sauron]

And very bad time for Pons. I expected more from him.

[KF1800]

cars must be dragging alot of mud onto the road making it slower for cars further down the order

[Halvis]

Petter had the flu yesterday, don't know if he's better today.

Is Pons in the Impreza? If so, very slow from him, I would have expected a much faster time.

[Finni]

Again the same question. Is the probem Solberg or the Subaru? :rolleyes:

Subaru sucks.. In Germany Atkinson proved that he can deliver ultimate pace on tarmac if everything is working. It seems that he is also unable to deliver likewise Pons. But what will Meeke do? Is he miracle worker?

[John V]

cars must be dragging alot of mud onto the road making it slower for cars further down the order
according radio report, cars are completely covered with mud, including bonnet and roof

[Koppomsbo]

cars must be dragging alot of mud onto the road making it slower for cars further down the order



Hey, how are u mate :)

[euskalteam]

SS3 is live!!!

[jonkka]

No Loeb in SS3?

[Wim_Impreza]

Not so good time for Wilks in SS2.

[KF1800]

Hey, how are u mate :)

Good, when are you coming to Melbourne!!!

[jonas_mcrae]

No Loeb in SS3?

!!!!!!

[A.F.F.]

Good morning everyone :wave:

How are the conditions there ?

[Koppomsbo]

Petter reported engine misfire at start of stage nr. 2

Someone at subaru soon have to tell Petter that the "bangs" isnt misfire .. is from the respons system ;)

[jonas_mcrae]

oh there he is...

[jonkka]

Loeb is in there, splits prob

[Koppomsbo]

No Loeb in SS3?

i have him in the splits and he is faster then markus

[MartijnS]

He is still driving faster than Marcus..

[White Sauron]

Ah, Loeb as usual lying about problems

[COD]

Looking bad, Sordo also really flying...

[jonas_mcrae]

look at dani!

[KF1800]

look at dani!

...and H Solberg!

[MartijnS]

Even Henning is faster at the first split.

[MartijnS]

Wow. Loeb seriously slowed down at the end of the stage!!

[Halvis]

Henning is really a surprise here! 2nd fastest on split 1, I didn't see that coming. He has a bad habit of loosing time towards the end of stages, but still, as Finni said, his first good times on tarmac.

[Brother John]

And what now with Petter? first split are oke and second split show the real P. Solberg. :p :

[Finni]

Good time by Meeke to ss 1 especially considering his road position.

[COD]

Even Henning is faster at the first split.

Maybe there are no corners before split 1 ? :laugh:

[MartijnS]

It looks like Marcus did a really good last part of the stage :)

[KF1800]

Wow. Loeb seriously slowed down at the end of the stage!!

I think Marcus just really sped up looking at times compared to Hirvonen aswell

[Finni]

Also Sordo loosing massively toward the end. I think that different tyre choices has now effect. Next stage could be good for Ford with current tendency.

[COD]

Also Sordo loosing massively toward the end. I think that different tyre choices has now effect. Next stage could be good for Ford with current tendency.


What? Sordo won a second between last split and finish

[MartijnS]

Yes ok, but he was 6 faster before the last 2.. ;)

[A.F.F.]

Latvala getting decent times :up:

But how are the road conditions ?? Damp ?

[Wim_Impreza]

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

[Halvis]

Latvala getting decent times :up:

But how are the road conditions ?? Damp ?

It's reported to be very muddy - especially for the late runners.

[Halvis]

Mikkelsen with problems...

[Finni]

Donnelly said he has never seen so much mud in the stage. Meeke was only backrunner who got decent time.

[A.F.F.]

Thanks you Halvis.

I can't wait for the evening to see some footage over there.

[jonkka]

I can't wait for the evening to see some footage over there.

Me too, looks very interesting setting and event

[LP]

Donnelly said he has never seen so much mud in the stage. Meeke was only backrunner who got decent time.

that's because he always runs first on the stage :)

[Roy]

Henning is really a surprise here! 2nd fastest on split 1, I didn't see that coming. He has a bad habit of loosing time towards the end of stages, but still, as Finni said, his first good times on tarmac.

Cato can stay at home in Norway :D

[HaCo]

Sordo has won the stage in the first split...

[Finni]

If Marcus would think tactically he could already start to think taking it easy. At the end it's too likely that Loeb will take win that it doesn't matter if Marcus is second or third. In the case of Loeb's win the title is anyway decided by Wales' win.

[Finni]

Me too, looks very interesting setting and event

Ireland certainly has more exciting character than other asphalt rallies (except Monte) in the calendar.

[Halvis]

When is next stage? Have problems with internet today, this is one of the few pages that runs...

[A.F.F.]

I think Marcus should definately keep the pressure on. There seem to be absolutely no room for errors. Both Citroen drivers are the targets now.

It's just too bad Marcus is on his own. No help from Mikko :mark:

[Roy]

Ireland certainly has more exciting character than other asphalt rallies (except Monte) in the calendar.

Monte without snow and ice is nothing. Its is a race track, like Spain.

[WRC1]

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

[Tomi]

could someone explain to me why the irish drivers are soooo slow?? wrc1

its because they are slow.

[jonkka]

It's just too bad Marcus is on his own. No help from Mikko :mark:

Mikko is making sure of those three points Ford needs for makes crown. That way he'll have free reins in Rally GB.

[HaCo]

Gronholm is on SS4!!

[Halvis]

Maybe Bosse's tyre choise pays, Loeb 3.9 secs slower on split 1 on this stage.

[Josti]

Great split from Marcus so far.

[Finni]

Loeb is now loosing a lot!

[A.F.F.]

Mikko is making sure of those three points Ford needs for makes crown. That way he'll have free reins in Rally GB.


Point taken. GB is a rally where both, Mikko and Jari-Matti are able to help Marcus.... if they have a good weekend, not just a good day... or stage ;)

[janneppi]

Grönholm 3,9 faster than loeb in the first split
Is ss4 dry or is Loeb's car beginning to act up? Or both? :)

[muscrae]

Any site that I can see split times????

[Halvis]

Grönholm 3,9 faster than loeb in the first split
Is ss4 dry or is Loeb's car beginning to act up? Or both? :)

Probaly Seb's car that has a proble, Mikko is +3, and that is normal. We'll know as soon Sordo gets there.

[Helstar]

Grönholm 3,9 faster than loeb in the first split
Is ss4 dry or is Loeb's car beginning to act up? Or both? :)
We can only guess xD (..... for now !)

[Halvis]

Any site that I can see split times????

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=15&stage=4&results=1

[jonas_mcrae]

oh Loeb loosing time...

[muscrae]

http://www.zone.ee/wrcmasters/analyzer.php?rally=15&stage=4&results=1
thanks...