You have a point here, be very curious, will we see in 2008 much difference? Will Loeb still will make less mistakes!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomi
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You have a point here, be very curious, will we see in 2008 much difference? Will Loeb still will make less mistakes!Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomi
Having been fortunate enough to spectate on all 3 of these new events I would rank them as follows:-
1 - Norway
2 - Portugal
3 - Ireland
All three events were superbly organised.
Norway was spectacular and it was great to see a second snow rally on the calendar. The only downside was the extremely heavy traffic on the Hamar - Elverum road on Saturday. You were charged for spectating and parking (can't remember the cost). Good range of Rally Norway merchandise.
I saw:-
Thursday - shakedown, service park & ceremonial start
Friday - 3 stages
Saturday - 2 stages & service park
Sunday - 2 stages & podium
Portugal offered some great, well thought out spectator areas with the cars visible for some distance and a fantastic super special (not to everyone's taste I know). There was a reluctance to move between stages, probably something carried over from the 'Old' Rally Portugal where spectator numbers were extremely high. With the exception of the Super Special the stages were free. Lots of the Rally Portugal merchandise sold out on Thursday, range wasn't very good.
I saw:-
Friday - 2 stages & service park
Saturday - 2 stages
Sunday - 2 stages & super special
Ireland was well organised with very helpful marshals and police. The nature of the area meant that good views were only allowed from a ling distance away. High hedges and fences prevented good close views. Super Special was too far away and not very good. Some park & rides charged EUR20:00 to drop at the stages then did not return later for collection meaning some huge walks. Stages were free, Service Park cost EUR10:00, the was some car parking and P&R provided by local communities. The programme was simply the best on I've ever seen. Good range of Rally Ireland merchandise too. Route meant only 1 stage possible on Sunday.
I saw:-
Thursday - Shakedown & Service Park
Friday - 3 stages & Service Park
Saturday - 2 stages
Sunday - 1 stage
All three deserve a regular slot in the new 12 round rotational calendar, and a number of existing WRC regular events could learn things from all three.
Tought all events were charging spectators? From what i've heard Rally Norway was half the price of GB. The parking lots this year was briliant, don't think i walked for more than 2km all three days to get to stage.
Norway. Fantastic stages and even better results.
I think having Sweden and Norway rallies close to one another was a bad idea. Anyone else think those 2 events should have been spaced out?
Well, there isn't snow in Norway all year long I guess. I for one think it was the most logic way to place them after eachother. Not only for the snow, but also transportation wise, since their neighbour countries.Quote:
Originally Posted by killincommies
I can't argue against that logic.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josti
Some people on this forum were critical of Norway because it brought the same crowds from Sweden. Apparently, that meant Rally Norway had less attention because most people were not willing to see another event in the snow and in the same region.
Any thoughts? Norway should definitely stay. Great rally!
The way things looks now Sweden and Norway will have an event every other year so i think that will make for even better events when the organisation from each country work togheter on wichever event has the wrc that year.
I've ben to Norway and Ireland. Both had awesome landscapes that made for good pictures, and in both, local people, marshals, police and organisation were very helpful and friendly.
Norway was very easy to follow with good parking and good chance to see lots of stages.
Ireland was a bit more difficult due to the nature of access roads.
But if I have to choose one , I go for Norway. Just because snow rallys always brings dramattic spots whatever corner or spectating spot you go whereas Ireland, being tarmac, it is about lucky if the spot you choose brings something.
I think and there are rumours that 2 the organisations go cooperate together to organise every year a winter rally!Quote:
Originally Posted by SUBARUNORWAY1
They have said that on the radio here in Sweden.
I went to Ireland and I must say I was impressed with the organisers on getting it all running smoothly. I was aprehensive before going expecting stage cancelations and things. I dont think they actually got as many speccys as they were expecting but they coped admirably. Id agree with some of the access roads being a bit sketchy in places but nothing too bad. Nice to not have to pay the earth for the viewing of stages either after being used to Wales in the past.
I enjoyed Norway a lot too though I hope they both get a regular slot.