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Yeah, but there's some sand on the gravel typically. I would say about 25-30% of the rally is now tarmac, but a bigger change is that almost 50% is slow super specials.Quote:
Originally Posted by tc10a
There could also be some tarmac patches on the forest stages, I'm not sure which parts of Argents Hill they would use.
Allens and Graces use the first 8-9km (approx.) of the former stage Argents Hills Reverse (both directions)Quote:
Originally Posted by AnttiL
I really struggle to see anything positive that could come out of running this event in any shape or form. On the other hand, in the worst case scenario it could end up becoming an unmitigated PR-disaster that will really damage the sport in a big way. Taking risks like this is the last thing that WRC should do in the current political climate. And also for me personally, even if everything goes smoothly, the proposed route of 99% super specials while the forests are in flames is just completely tasteless from every possible angle that I try to look at it.
I hope all short-term interests are put aside and a sensible decision is reached asap with cancelling the event altogether.
+10Quote:
Originally Posted by AnttiK7
Rally Australia organizer deserve all the support but the idea of running a 94 stage kms route on a 3 day full schedule as a WRC event seems totally inadequate and impossible to get FIA’s approval.
Once the teams are already in place and their safety wouldn’t be compromised on the SSS’s, maybe there’s room to arrange some sort of rally demonstration during the weekend, as a tribute and a fund raising event for the families affected by the fires.
I also think cancellation would be perfectly reasonable. Rallying is already drawing the attention of environment activists and to have a rally with burning forests and smoke in the background would be a terrible call. If only 1/3 of the points are available, nothing can change in the leaderboards. Mäkinen and maybe Ogier will complain, but the bigger picture is more important.
Postpone it for a week???
not a chance these days, and how's that gonna help? Next week will be bone dry alsoQuote:
Originally Posted by Winner
I like that idea of demo runs on SSS with proceeds to the emergency services. Good PR and something for fans.
Cancellation would also avoid any awkwardness for Tanak trying to beat his new team.
Why should Ogier complain? Well, more likely he will complain about how things are being done now. I would.Quote:
Originally Posted by ggg377
I think the only one who feels awkard is you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
Ogier voiced the intention to challenge the 2nd place of WDC in Australia. Well, with the shortened event and only 1/3 points available, it's over for both Ogier and Toyota. So the event will be pointless anyway.
These are tragic times for the local inhabitants of that area and their economy and environment. Going ahead with the event, even in a reduced form seems to me to be a major own goal in terms of negative PR for the event and the wider sport. Maybe the organisers have submitted their revised plans to the FIA in the hope that the FIA actually decline them which may have a bearing on how the event cancellation insurance policy kicks in - if it can be because of a regulatory issue rather than a weather issue?
If cancellation beckons or even if the event runs in this reduced format, from a rally perspective the one I feel most sorry for is Hayden Paddon. To have missed out on drives in a competitive WRC car in both Finland and now Australia could see his WRC dreams at an end.
Where? I don`t recall that he has said he is keen to get 2nd place in WDC...win in Australia he would like very much ofc.Quote:
Originally Posted by ggg377
He could use the budget he saves on this rally on some rally next year.Quote:
Originally Posted by greencroft
Half of budget was probably spend already to attend the rally. Could competitiors get back start fines if rally is cancelled?
I would also say that the organizers presented a close to ridiculous plan to FIA "hoping" it gets cancelled.
https://sport.delfi.ee/wrc/article.php?id=88019017Quote:
Originally Posted by Tarmop
Here it's said he would like to win and challenge the WDC second place and starting behind Tänak and Neuville will give him the chance. Source is cited as "press release". Nov 9.
Of course with the recent developments this is already out of the window (unless the shortened rally happens and Neuville gets 0 points and Ogier gets maximum).
This is Latvala's last chance to win a WRC rally this season. The last year he never won a WRC rally was 2007 !
And the last - and only - time Finns didn't win a single rally was in 1995. Mightily embarrassing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC
In addition the highest placed Finn is 7th in the championship.
Might this be the reason why Kalle gets so much hype and possibly drives full season as 3rd driver from the start?
I don't think it's THE reason, but it might play a part in it. While it's true the Finns (and the Finnish press) have been waiting for a new Mäkinen or Kankkunen for a while, Kalle (due to his unique story) would have always had that something that makes someone a household name.Quote:
Originally Posted by mknight
Not sure if it’s been shown
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...427068b027.jpg
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eli
The whole country isn’t
Coffs isn’t
Just west and south of the town.
Many people have committed and flown to Australia. Yes, I’d cancel it if every single stage was dangerous to drive to and from (for spectators) let along drive on for competitors.
Looks like it's burning just 5km from Argents Hill?
https://sentinel.ga.gov.au/#/
Use the bar at the bottom to see how fast it goes from day to day
https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov...ance_TrueColor
No way this is going ahead:
https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/1...-yet-cancelled
Here's the predicted fire spread for today. If the predictions do play out in reality then Coffs Harbour is basically isolated. I can't see how they could possibly run the rally, either physically or morally.
https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1194031586150211585
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/ass...ction-1000.pdf (higher res pdf version)
Cancelled
Binned. Right decision but at least a few days too late.
Now official https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-con...ision-1-vF.pdfQuote:
Originally Posted by er88
I like that WORLD rally championship trying to be more world, but I prefere another rally in safe Europe rather than this.
But anyway in this situation in Australia - it's good desicion, no doubts.
Official
This is from a few hours ago.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...78d4418d1b.jpg
So Catalunya became the final round of this season..
Sent from my Redmi 6 using Tapatalk
Orga till now: "This is fine. All gonna be OK"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oBx7Jg4m-o
It was definitely a right decision.
But for a rally fan... still a bit anticlimatic end to a fantastic season.
Too much hype about Kalle , while i dont have doubts about his talent it will still take several full seasons to make a event winner (if) out of him. And then several seasons to become wdc (if he ever gets there) . I remember all the hype about Suninen and Lappi all too clearly. Even JML was looking like a prodigy in his young days.....Quote:
Originally Posted by mknight
Hmm remember Lappi won in Finland in his first season and after only a few events (I cant remember the exact amount). And Makinen and a lot of rallying people believe Kalle has more natural talent than either Lappi, Suninen etc.Quote:
Originally Posted by able1
I believe Kalle will have a few events where he is really, really good and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to think he can win events in his first two years. But he will also have other events where he is quite a bit off the pace and gets a reality check, which should all be part of his development.