Rallye Wrc Monte-Carlo 2013

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Originally Posted by Wasted Talent

I think for an event like Ypres for most top Belgian drivers the notes are only a little vaue, as Snijers, Loix, Thiry etc will know all the stages from memory, they are usually the same each year. I agree - much more important for Corsica etc.

I think it was Mikkola who said that 9 out of 10 corners are actually quicker than you would expect - but you have to know the 1 that isn't.

WT

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I didn't want to go into discussion about home Belgian drivers in regard to Ypres. Unfortunately Belgium is famous for illegal recce and it was even worse in the past.

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Originally Posted by Wasted Talent

I think for an event like Ypres for most top Belgian drivers the notes are only a little vaue, as Snijers, Loix, Thiry etc will know all the stages from memory, they are usually the same each year. I agree - much more important for Corsica etc.

I think it was Mikkola who said that 9 out of 10 corners are actually quicker than you would expect - but you have to know the 1 that isn't.

WT

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Loix his notes are for sure very precise for Ypres..

The notes in Ypres are in fact at least as, if not more crucial than in other events. In mountain rallies or when driving in forest you have the mountains or trees to guide you. Even with big crests like in Finland you have the trees to know where you (should be) going. In Ypres everything is flat and there are no trees, and many corners look the same, the grass is often high so you can't really estimate how sharp a corner is. In some corners you must cut, in some corners you can cut, in some corners you can not cut, the asphalt changes of grip several times... If you don't have good notes, you're out. And yes, drivers as Snijers and Loix know the stages more, but the stages change 30% every year for the last few years (next year also), you can't remember everything.

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

... Even with big crests like in Finland you have the trees to know where you (should be) going...

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This can be illusive sometimes, ask Atkinson :)

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

you can't remember everything.

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Actually some of the best guys can! Vic Elford was reknowned for his photographic memory, once he'd driven a stage he 'knew' it. He memorised every bend on the Picolo Madonie circuit of the Targa Florio. I'm sure that those that have this ability don't publicise the fact or there would be attempts to change the stage routes every edition.

I think all top drivers back in the day knew all corners of the Targa Florio..

Didn't they drive it again and again weeks before the race start?

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Originally Posted by Mirek

Didn't they drive it again and again weeks before the race start?

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Just during the week before and then in standard road cars, as they had full schedules in those days, Elford driving F1, Sports Prototypes, Saloons and Rallies in 68, dropping the rallying in 69. Only the locals knew it really well (Vaccarella) but the other top Sportscar drivers were mixed in their ability to remember (or otherwise) EACH bend - Brian Redman is very entertaining on the subject.

Kosciuszko will he there with a MINI.