[ERC] Geko Ypres Rally (19. -21.06. 2014)

[Mirek]

Breen used to drive same brutal way with 207 S2000 or Fiesta S2000 whenever I saw him live. In my opinion it is his way of driving. It's extremely spectacular but it has a downside too.

[RS]

At the end I can't help myself not to write something about PSA R5 cars. What a joke! Four cars on the start and all of them with major issues. The only reason why Tsjoen finished was a change of engine after QS. Comparing that to seven Škodas S2000 or five Fiestas R5 which all had not a single technical defect it's just a farce. Also the speed wasn't really superior. It was only Abbring who was faster than Loix and Rossetti and it's possible that the main reason was his skills. Now imagine they homologated this while there are only one or two jokers for three years long period! WTF...

The 208 looks 'weird' to me. It's not un-entertaining, but kind of raw in all respects. On the other hand the Fiesta R5 appears very much similar in behaviour to the RRC and WRC, and even the un-homologated Fabia test mule seems more polished.

Abbring is very promising, but I doubt he is a better driver on Ypres yet than Loix. I guess his main advantage on these stages came from the higher top speed?

[mousti]

Breen used to drive same brutal way with 207 S2000 or Fiesta S2000 whenever I saw him live. In my opinion it is his way of driving. It's extremely spectacular but it has a downside too.

Yep if I remember well that costed him the win too in Corsica, last year..

@RS: 24 seconds u don't gain on the first day only by the top speed. But it was indeed an advantage, on Reninge we heard all the cars on the limiter besides the 208 R5's and the Gr N's/R4 cars.

[Mirek]

IMO the biggest advantage of 208 R5 over S2000 was the acceleration from slow corners thanks to reasonably higher torque. Also on very high speeds the R5 seemed to accelerate better but it could have been just my feeling. On the other hand the 208 looked relatively unstable in heavy braking.

[HaCo]

During the rally Loix never commented on the radio about the 208 R5, but only about new upcoming talent. Wonder if he was honest or if it was more "commercial" strategic comment.

[Mirek]

According to Peugeot press release it was unspecified engine problem what stopped Abbring. Does anyone know more?

[dimviii]

According to Peugeot press release it was unspecified engine problem what stopped Abbring. Does anyone know more?

unspecified= we lost the engine,but we dont want to tell more open.

[WRC1]

my Ypres Pictures!

http://www.rallyepics.at/wp/?page_id...m=9&gallery=76

all in all it was a nice race, even if i am not used to stay away in slow corners soooo far...in the other hand, we where in extremly fast places, flat out - 6th gear also 10meters from the road...i dont understand the system, but ok, the rally itself, the stages, the people are nice!

my hero´s of the race where abbring, wiegand, chenin and for sure fast freddy

[Mirek]

Great video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1IrIMdyjdY

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I cant say I've ever noticed Breen's driving to be any more 'brutal' than anyone else and his flamboyant style has has served him well winning the WRC Academy championship in 2011 & WRC S2000 title in 2012...
Also I cant see Peugeot supporting him as they have if they had any doubts about his driving either in terms of raw speed or his 'mechanical sympathy'.

As for his Ypres performance, he was punished by the puncture (which could just have been bad luck not any mistake) and the car again having numerous technical problems. He was clearly extremely frustrated which may have led to some 'brutal' driving but the car may also have made it appear brutal with the fact that there were many issues with the brakes (and diff) making the rears lock up.

Also, as has been stated by others, the 208 does not flatter the driver and can appear quite crude and raw itself...