Rallye du Valais 2014

I did, but Basel is £80 and Geneva is £200, and I'm used to a lot of driving (I have to drive 3 hours in the UK to get to the airport too!), so that's not a problem.

I like some of your suggestions thanks, in particular I saw lots of videos with cars travelling through grass fields with lots of tape, and this is the sort of area I try to avoid. Happy with long walks/drives into the hills to get a bit closer to the action.

On Saturday I will have to see the earliest stage at Champax-Lac to be able to get back to the airport in time.

RIV is the place for scenery ...

Chris Ingram ‏@1 ChrisIngram
Arrived at the team chalet for rallye du valais ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0UgKEACYAAVjFS.jpg:large

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Originally Posted by dodge33cymru

Much appreciated sir!

Just out of interest, am I being a moron not finding them on the official website?

Trying to make the decision between visiting Valais and Catalunya. Anyone been to this event that can tell me (a rallying novice) why it's special?

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It is very strange choice - between ERC/WRC and Valais/Catalunya. I must say that I was on both events and my choice is very simple, I am going to Valais because of ERC. Both events are very specific. Weather in Valais will be colder, there are tarmac stages with lot of different types (sometimes you are like on Monte, sometimes like on Deutschland, sometimes like on Barum, sometimes like on Madeira), amazing mountain scenery, good entry list, more friendly atmosphere. But prices are quite higher, two different service areas. And timetable isnt the best all the time (for example only one stage on Thursday). Catalunya on the other hand has gravel and tarmac stages. I have been there twice, if I am correct. Stages are not bad, but I liked much more stages near Lloret and Vic. Weather there will be much better, service area in adventure park is perfect also. Start list is not bad, but I dont like WRC events due to their format so much (it is more about reliability of the cars than racing for the time, especially in lower categories).

So, if I can do both, I will go to both. If I must choose, I prefer Valais (for me more beautiful stages and absolutely amazing nature). And more crews who can win :)

First snows have been fallen around region of Valais and on the PET Stage of Skoda Motorsport...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.n...7f9c8623ffbff4

Yay!

So is there a possibility for Monte-like conditions during the rally?

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Originally Posted by Juha_Koo

So is there a possibility for Monte-like conditions during the rally?

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There has always been ;) Actually there was snow in several occasions in last years (2012 mainly I think). The problem is that no studs were allowed so the snow caused quite a lot of troubles to the crews.

A question to someone knowing... is the stage high on the mountain ski slopes in the itinerary? I mean the one which was nearly undriveable in 2012.

Looking forward to this one!

Who had the bright idea of ERC/ WRC clashing events. Personally, I'd go to Valais. Remember 2008 when it was the first IRC event with Live coverage.

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Originally Posted by Mirek

There has always been ;) The problem is that no studs were allowed so the snow caused quite a lot of troubles to the crews.

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This stupid regulation is still in force?

I don't know. Have a look into supplementary regulations if You want to know.

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Originally Posted by AndyRAC

Who had the bright idea of ERC/ WRC clashing events. Personally, I'd go to Valais. Remember 2008 when it was the first IRC event with Live coverage.

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Who cares about the boring Rally de Catalunya? That is for sure the most boring event in the WRC for years in my opinion. The stages in the Rallye du Valais were much more better, there are more candidate winners, the scenery is fantastic, the weather is changeable and there can 3 marques win in the ERC, while in the WRC it is only Volkswagen. The win for Hyundai in Germany was very lucky and they don't have the speed to win another event this season.

Damn, no hire car being available anywhere in southern France (long story) has put paid to my attempts to get there, but now I'm very hyped up. Is the only coverage available for this the usual Eurosport 30 minute roundups?

Even no Europcar that can help you?

Yes, the only coverage on TV for Valais is the Eurosport 30 minute roundups and on Tuesday evening a review of the rally in 30 minutes. Of course there is also the ERC website.

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads8/544...valaissnow.jpg

Pic by Mats Gulba of MGRallyVideos.

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Originally Posted by Wim_Impreza

Even no Europcar that can help you?

Yes, the only coverage on TV for Valais is the Eurosport 30 minute roundups and on Tuesday evening a review of the rally in 30 minutes. Of course there is also the ERC website.

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Yep, not Europcar, not Hertz, not Sixth, not Avis and no one else either it seems. Pity, as it looks like it's going to be superb from these pictures, deserves more than half an hour of attention!

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Originally Posted by Mirek

A question to someone knowing... is the stage high on the mountain ski slopes in the itinerary? I mean the one which was nearly undriveable in 2012.

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no

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Originally Posted by Wim_Impreza

Even no Europcar that can help you?

Yes, the only coverage on TV for Valais is the Eurosport 30 minute roundups and on Tuesday evening a review of the rally in 30 minutes. Of course there is also the ERC website.

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Every year there is also lot of coverage on Swiss TV. I think this year it will be the same...

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Originally Posted by dodge33cymru

Yep, not Europcar, not Hertz, not Sixth, not Avis and no one else either it seems. Pity, as it looks like it's going to be superb from these pictures, deserves more than half an hour of attention!

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It is really strange. Why you are not going directly to Swiss? There is no problem to rent the cars here in Swiss. And I was just in contact with Avis and there is no problem to rent a car in Lyon...

I had a little time to check the weather forecast and it looks like it is currently snowing on some stages (starting from elevation 900 m). today in the afternoon the temperature drops and it can be as low as -5..-6 on Friday morning at some stages. After that it becomes much warmer (+10..+15) and there should be no snow left by Friday afternoon. And it will be all sunny until the end of rally.

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Originally Posted by PLuto

It is really strange. Why you are not going directly to Swiss? There is no problem to rent the cars here in Swiss. And I was just in contact with Avis and there is no problem to rent a car in Lyon...

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Entirely my own fault: left it too late to book somewhere due to issues at work (didn't know what time off I could take) and the only place I can (afford to) fly to is Montpellier, arriving late Thursday night. Too late to get to Lyon before the middle of Friday. I appreciate the information though.

Not to worry, will plan early for next year and hopefully be able to this one for the same low cost as Sweden and Ypres this year!

Local weather forecast is same as Bluuford told. Actually there is snowing in 1500 m and according to informations there is 6 kms of snow on SS 2.

I don't know where exactly this photo was taken, but this is Skoda's test session before Rallye du Valais. Looks nice, doesn't it? Take your winter jackets with you guys! :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.n...94c419ff1ec15e

Here is how the new 208 T16 looks like in the snow ;) Both photos were taken by Marek Pleha.

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/...1d&oe=54F4C63C

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Originally Posted by PLuto

Local weather forecast is same as Bluuford told. Actually there is snowing in 1500 m and according to informations there is 6 kms of snow on SS 2.

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Now I just discovered that three stages will be held today:-) Currently it looks like major parts of SS2 and SS3 might be nearly undriveable with unproper tires on that time. I hope I am wrong this time:-) I expect very difficult conditions for SS4 and SS5 as well.

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Originally Posted by PLuto

Local weather forecast is same as Bluuford told. Actually there is snowing in 1500 m and according to informations there is 6 kms of snow on SS 2.

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Are studs allowed?

ERC standings before Rallye du Valais :)

http://d3jw5gs1mh13h6.cloudfront.net...four221014.jpg

I think only slicks allowed?

Finally it seems that the situation is not so bad as the snow that was falling on the lower elevation melted immediately. It is visible that snow should be from around the elevation 1350 m.

Live results from QS: http://www.fiaerc.com/events/live/id/24

Bad news for Kajto on the qualification stage:
"I like this tarmac, but now we had a problem with the electric because the engine was stop in the middle of the stage, maybe 7 or 10 seconds in the middle of the stage. Bad news..."

Breen fastest on QS & chooses to be second on the road.. hope thats the right choice !

Few answers "en vrac":
- Pictures of (canceled) tests with snow were taken on the slopes of Saint-Bernard pass.
- Verbier stage of 2012 held among ski slopes is not held this year. 2014 Verbier stage is the former "Val de Bagnes" lengthened to Verbier.
- Weather is sunny today on the Valais but were snowy yesterday above 1000m. As result SS2 is shortened to 4.2km (Aminona)

I forgot one thing: Studs are not allowed.

Thank You

Nice move
http://s14.postimg.org/4fx6uvfdd/jules.jpg
free pic

Official info: following SS shortening, no "partial" ERC points will be given today.
In addition, no change for starting order tomorrow.

erratum: �Skoda had tests on the snow yesterday.

Lappi + Wiegand onboards on QS.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e48wqEJ3u38

Can't wait for the start of the event :)

Magalhaes has a problem already after 1 KM. No more cars started the stage after him so far.