[WRC] News & rumours (part II)

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Originally Posted by serial jeff

Indeed, it appears that excluding SS1 Atko was only a few seconds behind McRae... pretty good for being new to the car.

Are S2000s better on faster rallies? I thought it would be the opposite, since I was under the impression that group N cars had significantly more power.

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On the other hand the S2000s do not have the torque for dragging themselves out of slow corners. It's tricky to say actually since they are such different types of cars and there are pros and cons in all areas. Overall a good S2000 should be faster everywhere, although I think the gap has closed a little with the latest big restrictors on the N4s.

The Malaysian Rally finished today and unfortunately Alister McRae retired on SS11 after dominating the morning stages due to engine failure from a broken radiator sustained after a jump.

Atkinson was a little slower today (maybe technical problem?) but it's good he finished and got some miles under his belt with his new car.

The gap has closed a lot IMHO. Look at the Wallonie, how close Romain in the Evo X is to Loix. Ok, Loix is getting used to the car, but still good performance of the Evo X (also of Van Den Heuvel). In an interview Baumschlager told that the cars (S2K & N4) were more or less equal.

HaCo, when average speed is almost 140 km/h (SS5/9/13 Crupet) than it's sure that S2000 loses a lot on straights and understandable that Romain was sometimes infront of Loix there. Today he wasn't close, maybe he had some troubles. I don't know roads of Rally Wallonie very well (except Naninne) but I supose they look similar like those of Condroz and there are lots of rpm limiter parts ;)

The biggest problem for S2000 cars is the top speed, which is about 165 km/h (depends on the gear ratios used but if they use ratios that gives higher top speed, the acceleration is not good enough due to lack of torque). If the stages are smooth and fast the N-group cards has an advantage but on slower and twisty stages IMO the S2000 is faster because they’re lighter and more agile compared to the group-N cars.

Speaking about gravel bigger problem is very narrow road with first gear corners (in worst scenario uphill) where they have problem with traction. Of course they loose on too long straights but usually not that much as people think.

The best for S2000 are fast wide roads from corner to corner without straights or long descents. Generally fast stages are better untill thy are too fast on top speed. It's because less weight and better suspension which allows them to keep much higher speed in fast corners and much more effective braking in corners. ;)

By the way top speed 165 is case of older Sadev Abarths only. Fabia has 171 km/h or less used 182 km/h (events like Sweden). Peugeot usually uses top speed 175 km/h. Fiesta and newer Abarths has also around 170-175 km/h.

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Originally Posted by pucky54

Atkinson is already on same level as McRae when you watch the stage times

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True but to be fair Alastair is a bit of a gentleman driver these days - fast and reliable but not spending very much time behind the wheel

WT

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Originally Posted by Wasted Talent

True but to be fair Alastair is a bit of a gentleman driver these days - fast and reliable but not spending very much time behind the wheel

WT

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I don't think that Alister is the definition of a gentleman driver but I had expected Atkinson to be faster straight away... but actually McRae has more recent driving experience than Chris.

PG will do some testing at Ford on Tuesday according to swedish newspaper.
He will help the Ford team to sort out some new parts on the Focus WRC.

PG: s comment is that this is only a test and he knows nothing what the future will bring.

http://www.vf.se/Sport/Varmland/Rall...ns-100426.aspx

Would be great if PG could get some WRC-events this year.

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Originally Posted by julkki

Would be great if PG could get some WRC-events this year.

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That would come from absolute nowhere. Crazy thought, get out of my head!