[WRC] Rallye Monte Carlo 2022

[PLuto]

And Enni Mälkönen was the first co-driver to win in a Rally3 world championship.

And Sami Pajari was the first driver to win in a Rally3 world championship...

[PLuto]

It looks like Skoda are going with Stritesky who made some eye catching times in the Czech Championship early last year but at this stage Cais is definitely a more complete and impressive driver. I don't know if he wanted to not go the Skoda route or if Skoda wouldn't consider him because he drives with a Ford but it looks like a missed opportunity for them right now.. perhaps some Czech guys can fill us in?

For a long time Skoda was supporting mainly Kopecky and some northern drivers who brought the money. Then they have started with some dealers programme and last year support for few drivers was quite good, mainly in Czech championship. They have sent Dominik also to Catalunya, but this was way too early. Regarding Erik, there were not so many negotiations with Skoda. He is going through his career according to long-term plan, step by step. No need to have Skoda now...

[PLuto]

But most impressive for me was Cais’ consistency for a 1st time here. Even if he is too young for WRC-2 Open title (and too much-tarmac centered). Surprised to see best Czech prospect for a while against Skoda.

I am really happy with what Erik did in Monte. He was going exactly according to plan. Monte is not about to be fastest on the stages, but finish the rally. Always there is plenty of issues or crashes for other competitors. And his main target was to go through all stages and gain the experience. He was always doing his own speed concentrating on himself. On some stages where he believes they can suits him he was pushing little bit more and times were there. From the top of RC2 drivers he was only one who was without any troubles.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone hear the DF podcast about when Ogier swapped tyres on SS13 to all Softs to copy Loeb ?

If he had stuck with his original choice (2 studded/snow), like stage-winner Rovanpera used, he could've taken enough time there to win the rally...

[rallyfiend]

Anyone hear the DF podcast about when Ogier swapped tyres on SS13 to all Softs to copy Loeb ?

If he had stuck with his original choice (2 studded/snow), like stage-winner Rovanpera used, he could've taken enough time there to win the rally...

Also discussed here:

https://www.wrc.com/en/video/player/?videoId=1225749

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To be fair Ogier still took 21s out of Loeb on the same tyres. On the snow tyres he might've lost more on the long tarmac sections which he said he enjoyed a lot.

[gorganl2000]

Anyone hear the DF podcast about when Ogier swapped tyres on SS13 to all Softs to copy Loeb ?

If he had stuck with his original choice (2 studded/snow), like stage-winner Rovanpera used, he could've taken enough time there to win the rally...

i've heard it, and it makes for a speculative conversational piece. But a lot of "ifs" come into play in such situations, same as with his puncture, barrier contact, close to the slope edge, etc.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loeb changed no settings on the Puma during the the whole rally !

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-i...te-brilliance/

[Mirek]

M-Sport released full stage onboard of Erik Cais from Sisteron, a stage which Erik won among all Rally2 drivers.
https://www.facebook.com/10663206937...ist_video_list