RACC Rally Catalunya 2018

[dodge33cymru]

Really enjoyed it this year, currently sat in Barcelona airport waiting to fly back.

Including 4 in Shakedown, 11 passes of WRCs over three days, without going to the Barca street stage, can't complain at that. Numerous stages beginning just outside towns means you get a lovely atmosphere around the start of several stages, similar to Ypres in that way, was good to see Petter and Henning in town before SS2 on top form.

Obviously you've all seen what's going on at the front better than me, but some WRC2 observations:

- Was surprised that the Polo looked so stable on gravel on its first outing for some reason. Crucially it sounds better than the Fabia, but will be interesting to see how it goes in private hands next year. I hope it's not a class killer.

- C3s were all over the place when being pushed, but especially Veiby. His chances of progressing must be hanging by a thread. Nice to see four of them out though; Lopez's livery is nice at least...

- Hyundais looked fast, surprised at the progress Huttenen has made towards the end of the year and he and Loubet seemed fairly quick. Hopefully Hyundai continue this programme next year, but I gather the car was a bit unreliable? I don't think all three came pastime very often. Suarez seemed quick in bursts.

- Nils Solans is driving superbly, on both surfaces. Compared to Kaetanowicz' relatively cautious approach, Solans has been using all the road without looking like going over the edge when I've seen him. I thought my stopwatch was lying seeing his times compared to the works Skodas. Hopefully he can get a full year with M-Sport or a WRC2 Pro team next year.

- Kalle Rovanpera; what can you say?



Also, I think I have a new favourite viewing spot, on the way into town at Terra Alta, I hope they run the stage the same way next year.


OK, flight's boarding...

[Jarek Z]

- Hyundais looked fast, surprised at the progress Huttenen has made towards the end of the year and he and Loubet seemed fairly quick.

Stage times say something else

[dodge33cymru]

Stage times say something else

I was in fairly fast sections mainly, possible it's just strong in a straight line?

[Jarek Z]

I was in fairly fast sections mainly, possible it's just strong in a straight line?

Hard to say. I only see stage times, you see the actual rally. In stage times the fastest Hyundai (Loubet) is currently in the 7th position, over 4 minutes behind the leader of WRC2. It is very far behind Skodas, Fords and Volkswagens.

Thanks for sharing your impressions from the "trenches" of the rally!

[Mirek]

Hard to say. I only see stage times, you see the actual rally. In stage times the fastest Hyundai (Loubet) is currently in the 7th position, over 4 minutes behind the leader of WRC2. It is very far behind Skodas, Fords and Volkswagens.

Stage times and overall leg times is something different.

Can You do this with a slow car? I don't think so.
https://rally-base.com/2018/rally-ca...61&ssGroupId=1
https://rally-base.com/2018/rally-ca...61&ssGroupId=1
https://rally-base.com/2018/rally-ca...61&ssGroupId=1

[AnttiL]

Stage times say something else

At least the Hyundais were constantly faster than the Citroens today, yesterday Huttunen managed one stage win, as well as P2 and P3 stage times.

[Mirek]

Stage times say something else

Stage times say that Huttunen was third fastest driver of Friday except for one puncture.