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With respect, not much of the 'world' that isn't already covered by WRC has sufficient resource (trained marshals) and experience in what it takes to run an international rally, safely. Shoe-horning a WRC round into China (for example) is an invitation for a debacle. Hell, some existing, traditional long-standing rounds have less than acceptable standards. Fine while it all works but watch the brown stuff fly if there were to be a serious incident.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisa Statham
I will tell you a dream that I had last night: A major manufacturer from some European country gets a driver to drive with full program, with a sponsorship from a petroleum company that is also the sponsor of a rally in the 2014 program that happens to take place in the country of this driver. Anyway, it was just a dream, so I could not see the names. We 'll talk again at the end of the year. Maybe then I will have another dream in which I will be able to see the names.Quote:
Originally Posted by NxOxT
In Germany we did recce of the following stages on thursday, before the event: Sauertal, Mittelmosel, Veldenz and Dhrontal. About the "crashing places" I found, on Sauertal nothing. On Mittelmosel we stopped to have a look at where Ogier finally crashed (quite interesting, completely blind with very sharp crest and you didn't see how the corner ended at all), but 500m later we found the fast right corner with the huge bump from water draining, and decided to go there in stead, as it would be interesting on how drivers approach it and how the car/driver responds to the bump. We've seen the crash of Campedelli there, some other had big moments, few other crashed but when we weren't there anymore. On Dhrontal we stopped at the corner where Neuville crashed, but to be honest I didn't expect such an epic crash would happen there, just thought it would be a nice place (blind left don't cut into right big cut into blind left). Just left from it, if you walked some 50m, there was a gravel road. We tried all access roads to that gravel road, but all were undriveable... It varies, but from stage to stage, you can find sometimes only one, sometimes dozens of tricky places. In the last 6 WRC events I've always seen a crash, although I'm never really looking after it. Last year in France we found the corner where Solberg would crash tricky, and went there. Same for the place where Loeb went off in Sardinia (drivers were in a good rythm with corner after corner on a very wide flat gravel road, that left one was also very fast but the road became only half as wide, several group N drivers had close calls there).Quote:
Originally Posted by rallyfun
I'm not searching for real crashing-places, but for another reason these places attract me, because on these places you can see the biggest difference between the good drivers, the great drivers, top drivers, and the sick dogs (to put it in NOT's words).
But back on topic (as far as you can call this thing one topic). :)
+1Quote:
Originally Posted by tommeke_B
the same manufacturer uses (almost) the same scheme this year... but it has not affected the calendar. There were 14 events to drop in favour of poland (which by the way is an amazing rally) Greece was the weakest link... simple as that.Quote:
Originally Posted by scn
There were always dark alliances and sponsorship driven decisions in every motorsport, it is not something new... the goal is to avoid being the weakest link and Acropolis rally was the weakest link from every point of view you look at it.
do not try to argue with people who go to rallies to watch hairpins and handbrake turns... they are the same who save Ken Blocks videos in their hard drives...you are better than that.Quote:
Originally Posted by tommeke_B
Please list these "points of view".Quote:
Originally Posted by NxOxT
I will not... i do not trust Greeks.
Thank you for informing me about your feelings.Quote:
Originally Posted by NxOxT
So the discussion ends with the general statement "every point of view".
since this is a thread of which rally should be added to the calendar, my thoughts were to Rally Ireland, it was great back in 2007 & 2009, so why is it not back?
Money matters and besides that I rate it as the worst rally in WRC calendar to watch as a spectator.Quote:
Originally Posted by Eli
Agreed! I didn't enjoy watching the rally compared with others. Standing in a field trying to peer over the hedge isn't exactly great viewing.Quote:
Originally Posted by rallyfun
Why so?Quote:
Originally Posted by rallyfun
I went to both runnings and got soaked both times. These links show some of the places I went where the spectating was the equal of Germany or Spain and the roads a very different challenge.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/4129538798/in/set-72157622864009376
Arigna 2009 -A brilliant Sunday morning after the previous day's rain. Unfortunately I'd run out of film and batteries by the time we got to the Donegal stage later on but that was also a great place.
[font=Arial][size=7][color=#800080]http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/4128769577/in/set-72157622864009376
Sloughan Glen 2009 - This shows why if Ireland had the late September date instead of France it would generate more cash for the local economy. Remember the rally was free both times. Lots of travellers were put off by a) the winter conditions, b) proximity to WRGB in 2007. Not the worse rain I've ever endured on a stage but I was so thankful to have a warm bath that night!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/4124919603
Tempo 2007 - fantastic downhill jump where you could see just who was committed
Yes there were 'pens' but with a bit of planning it was easy to find good spots. Certainly in 2009 I benefitted from the 2007 experience
Just wish I had learned more about photography back then, my kit and ability has improved since then so I really would like to see an autumn Rally Ireland
Irish roads are hair-raising on a normal day, let alone as a special stage. It would make an excellent tarmac round.
But as someone has told me on the forums...
Ireland can only run a rally at WRC spec one time of the year!!!! Due to weather, rain and flooding.. Shame...
Also. It would be great to have a Tarmac rally with 80% chance of raining and being wet! Challenge to the max!
How many ITC or national events have been canceled in recent years due to the weather? I don't think it was any significant number.Quote:
Originally Posted by GigiGalliNo1
anyways is still doesn't appear on the calendar
I think the time period they'd like to hold the event would also be more profitable/better for the organizers/locals.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mirek
In both the Rally Ireland editions stages were cancelled due to quantity of water on the road. It doesn't just rain in Ireland - as my partner's Galway cousin says " It isn't the vegetation that's green, its corrosion!"Quote:
Originally Posted by Franky
Holding Rally Ireland in January or November didn't really do them any favours. Ideally, any time from May - July would be best.
is there any chance we'll see Rally Australia back in Perth in years to come???
Highly doubtful that Perth will ever be back. The Coffs Harbour event has substantial government backing and the reason Perth was cancelled was due to no government funding. See how Coffs goes this year, it's a new event which is developing. Consecutive years will really be a big benefit.
I am probably going to get eaten alive here by suggesting this, but why does France have essentially 2 rounds? All of Monte Carlo's stages are in France, and the start is in Valence. I understand Corsica had great historical value for the WRC but Alsace I'm not a fan of.
There are 2 rallies I'd like to see on the calendar, USA and Japan.
Rim of the World - Los Angeles, CA
Have done some research into the region. The roads look amazing from videos, a bit rough, and narrow. The old Rim of the World was based in the Mountains north of Los Angeles. Great sweeping views of the city too, and great scope for stages within the city in Stadiums, reserves and parks. Also a very good service park available close to the stages and major linking highways in the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Would be great exposure for the WRC. Far better option than Mexico.
"Initial D - Touge" Rally Japan
Wouldn't be bad seeing a new Tarmac rally on the calendar, and one with distinct character. the twists of Gunma, the hazardous drains... The roads are around the far outskirts of Tokyo (1.5 hrs away) which also gives access to a high population base. Certainly preferred over China by me at the moment.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mitch555
No it's been said before Mitch (cmon keep up) even les contibutuers Francais have said the French rally can go (if they can't return to Tour de Corse)
Ok so Monte actually now starts in Gap but all the competitive mileage is in France. The ACM should have tried to do a deal with the Italian controlling body to get a day's use of Sanremo stages.
Ok Japan has some motorsport history and marshalling of circuit racing experience, has to be a reason why the previous Rally Japan got dropped though?
As for the States - clearly some great roads, but even as you outlined I think the local interest would be zip.
Gap is France too.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mintexmemory
All stages are in France, Monaco hosts Service Park and Finish.Quote:
Originally Posted by EightGear
I know (I have my gite booked already for January). I was correcting Mitch's impression that the start was Valence (also in France ;) )Quote:
Originally Posted by wrc1600
seriously, how do you want to do a rally run only in Monaco ? In fact, this is called GP de Monaco :D
But as I said before, I totally agree that Rally de France must disappear. No interest in WRC when important countries are missing, or when Acropolis leaves ...
unless they put it back Tour de Course
I'll not arrive in the years coming.
I think Tour de Corse is happy with ERC, and local government too, as they don't want to put money.
just saw rally Poland yesterday on eurosport, great rally should be run in September, rain-mud. It's a shame they have to take away the acropolis though...
so this weekend we'll have both ERC's and WRC's Calendars published right?
https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/...78311231_n.jpg
For me this is great news! :)
hard to understand what it say... is it about Italian round staying in Sardinia?Quote:
Originally Posted by tommeke_B
"The WRC circus does not abandon the Island (Sardinia)."
so it looks like Acropolis will be announced out officialy this weekend, and Poland will replace it, such a shame we can't have both and have 14 rounds in the calendar for a change.
Sardinia is confirmed!!!!!!!!!!!!!
only a matter of formallity when they confirm next year's calendar tommorow-looks like Acropolis Out, Poland in and everything else stays pretty much as it were.
Eli, have not you been on summer vacation yet?