WRC-Neste Oil Rally Finland 2012

Thanks AFF, your are probably right; after looking at the actual distances it's not going to happen. I think SS8 is out of the question but it sounds like trying to make SS4 and 6 might be tight too? The only reason we decided to drive back to SS3 is because originally we planned to hit SS1 on the way north to Helsinki on the way to Laukaa but didn't realize how much later SS1 started (as we get into Helsinki on the ferry shortly after 6am). We then decided me might drive to our hotel and spend some time there - maybe catch a nap before heading out to the night stage. Seems like we might be doing lots of traveling that night though - how much time (each way) to drive from Laukaa to SS3?

It sounds like it might be a better idea for us to hang out in Helsinki a bit in the morning before heading north to SS1 - would you estimate that taking approx 1.5 hours? After SS1 we can travel on to our hotel in Laukaa with the possibility of getting there by 20:00? Maybe later? I guess we'll have to decide how much sleep we want.

Pardon my ignorance with how the rally runs and spectating works, I am used to US Rallys which are much less spectated and spectating areas are usually at the finish or start so everyone is parked up the road at start or finish and that is it. You can hike into the woods a bit but certain stages are not even open to spectators so it is harder for me to wrap my head around how this works but I,m sure I can just follow the crowds :-) Is there a good spectating map I can pick up when I arrive in Finland?

BTW..I made this post today and got home and my two Rally passes were in the mail!

First of all, summer here in Finland means that the sun won't go down until very late for a short period of time. So, even the stages start late in the evening doesn't mean that they will be driven in the dark. You only drive back to your hotel dark :)

You have estimated the times pretty well. From Helsinki to SS1 it'll take about 1,5hrs depending the traffic as well as from your hotel to SS 3. That probably take a little bit more because many travelling from north will take the same route as you will.

You may buy an official rally guide from Neste Oil gas stations in which are very good stage guides, including parking and spectating directions. Don't worry, there are about a million of NESTE stations all over Finland. After you have parked you car, you may find a way to the official spectating point or you may follow the stage in the woods and find yourself a better spot ;) There will be marshalls who moderate the stage, some of them are friendly, some of them are not. Don't worry, none of them carry a gun :D . As long as your own spectating point is in a safe place, the marshalls probably won't say anything. The stage is closed an hour before the stage starts and after that you must hike in the woods, not on the stage. This is the reason I recommend a flexible timetable. When you reach the stage and have parked your car, it is very good if you have time to locate a perfect spectating point of your own. At official spectating areas there are services, tents where they sell MAKKARA, sausages, coffee etc.

Your plan to get SS4 and SS6 seem realistic unless you want to see all the cars. If you skip the latter part of the cars, you can make it easily from SS 4 to SS6.

One good hint is to listen the rally radio where there are directions and news conserning the rally, trafficjams, parking jams also in english. It's usefull when you have a plan to find a certain parking area and it's allready full. They usually warn that in the rally radio.

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

Thanks for the info. Is it really not allowed to walk on the stage from 1 hour before the stage starts? Even just quickly crossing the stage for example is forbidden?

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Depends on the location and marshall. In a crowded place it's a nightmare.

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Originally Posted by tommeke_B

Thanks for the info. Is it really not allowed to walk on the stage from 1 hour before the stage starts? Even just quickly crossing the stage for example is forbidden?

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Yes it is. But of course folks use the stage, especially if the marshalls won't see. The use of common sense is highly recommenned. They send zero cars before the first WRC, when those pass you by, it's better to be on the spot already. It's not only your own safety but if the marshalls see that spectators are not in proper places, the stage might be in jeopardy. The official spectating points are usually very crowded so IMO it's better to find a place of your own.

Oh and btw.... there are two different rally guides on sale. The official is Tuulilasi magazine and the unofficial is VM magazine which used to be official many year. I haven't seen Tuulilasi edition but VM is very good. YOu can find them for instance Neste Stations. ( Neste should give me free diesel for year for this promotion ;) )

VM (vauhdin maailma) Rally Guide is out today, last 20years this has been the official one.
This year Tuulilasi Rally Guide is the official one and it will be out tomorrow 18.7

Both cost about 8€, so get them both

They sell them everywhere, gas stations, food stores and also in Helsinki Airport and Ferries to Finland

You will Find all the info you need in those magazines, written in English also.

Rally HQ and servicepark are easy to visit we and thu, little bit harder fri and sat.
There is many parkinghouses near servicepark, max 10min walking.

Could someone tell me, where is this turn of the SS Ruuhimaki?
Neste Oil Rally Finland 2011 Shakedown - YouTube
Many thanks.

Nearly end of the stage, very easy to get there.

Thanks HarriK.
Maybe here is a TEBOIL petrol station near the 9 road.

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Originally Posted by HarriK

Nearly end of the stage, very easy to get there.

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After a quick glance, the VM guide looks good. Stagemaps are precise "orienteering maps" and it also has a big complete rally route map. Though it feels that VM is completely pointed to Finnish spectators as it doesn't contain anything in English... Some nice fill stories e.g. big Ouninpohja story and some interviews.

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Originally Posted by Salist

Thanks HarriK.
Maybe here is a TEBOIL petrol station near the 9 road.

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Yes, the place is easy to reach from that junction. But ofcourse there is going to be lots of people, so possibly car has to be parked a bit further away.