Rally Bohemia 2012

[Mirek]

When I'm looking into the entry lists I think it deserves to make separate thread for this event this year. Many many Scandinavian, Polish, German and other crews on the lists.

The rally takes place next weekend on a large area from Mladá Boleslav north to Liberec. It's stages are considered to be the best of the Czech championship (more for drivers than for spectators though). They are not so rough and more technical than usual especially in the north.

Let's start with the international event. There we can expect huge battle between Hänninen, Ostberg, Kopecký with other fast guys like Kresta, Pech, Tarabus, Valoušek, Barrable... Gr.N is pretty much standard for Czech events (very good standard I would say) with few additions like Swiss Urs Huzinker. But a big battle can be expected in 2WD with names Černý, Chentre, Tidemand, Brynda, Triner, Peták, Canal-Robles, Vrkoslav, Smékal, Kristiansen...

Full entry list is here: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs...ry_List_EP.pdf
Timetable here: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs...m_EN_CZ_DE.pdf
Maps in google earth and videos: RALLY BOHEMIA 2012 - Maps, Google Earth
List of road closures: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs...losures_EN.pdf
Supplementary regulations: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs...lations_EN.pdf

Only 16 crews are entered under Deutsche rally series but still something to watch with Maik Stolzel in Porsche or Karel Trněný in Fabia WRC.

Entry list: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs...y_List_DRS.pdf

During first leg after the main entry field there will be a Historic show which means a lot of historic cars going through without timekeeping. Here we can find many interesting names and cars like Harald Demuth (Audi 80 Quattro), Jimmy McRae (Kadett GT-E Coupé 16V), Jiří Navrátil (Sierra Cosworth) and many others.

Full entry list: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs...ry_List_HS.pdf

During the second leg there is another addition called Rally Bohemia Open which is held on same stages but even WRC or outdated cars can start there. Here we can find Tomáš Kostka (don't know why he's doing only one leg), Jiří Navrátil (to continue with historic Sierra even second day under another competition which allows his car).

Full list: http://www.rallybohemia.cz/2012/docs..._List_OPEN.pdf

Live results will be available on Rally-Base.

[hsmed]

Thanks for the post, Mirek. I am going to Rally Bohemia this year and all the links are very useful. You write, that the stages are more for the drivers than for spectators. Why? Is it hard to get to the stages - or is it difficult to find good spots?

[Mirek]

I meant in comparison with other Czech events. There are generally less access points due to more difficult terrain and also more strict organization. But sure You can find nice places. I have to admit I haven't started my planning yet...

[hsmed]

Having watched some of the videos from the Czech championship I am really looking forward to the rally. Is there any 'must-see' stages/places?

[Mirek]

The most famous place of the rally is Návarov valley with its narrow bridge with wooden floor. The only problem is that it's not so easy to reach. Either by walking from nearest crossroads or by little train stopping directly down the valley

You can have a look on the street view. It's for hairpin lowers but not bad at all even though I prefer opposite direction.
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=N%C3%...ublic&t=m&z=17

Later I will post some video but now I'm at work with no access to youtube...

By the way use google street view to check roads around possible access roads. Since last year google made a huge work and now covers a lot of roads here. It's very very useful!

[hsmed]

Thank you very much. I have watched some of the stages onboard at the Bohemian Rally homepage and I have also noticed the many hairpins. I will try to see if the Navarov can fit into our plans - using a train to access a rally stage will be a new adventure in itself

[Mirek]

Weather forecast says we will have a difficult rally for tyres. Seems like it will be around 20 degrees all rally, mostly cloudy with some showers especially during Saturday.

[PLuto]

Results from rally will be here - Rally Bohemia 2012 - Results - Rally-Base

[PLuto]

Ostberg crashed on shakedown.

[PLuto]

Photo from crash is here - www.AutoSport.CZ