Rallye Deutschland 2014

[Lundefaret]

Quick and very informal analyzing of the drivers based on the footage of the testing:

I have given scores based on speed and risk level, where a 10/10 would be the perfect score.
The speed would indicate the possible pace, and the risk the possibility for keeping up that speed during the whole event.

First: A lot of very good driving. So the fight for the second place could be a close one Of course limited footage, so this is only based on what was available, but could give a reasonable prediction.

VW:
- Ogier in a class of his own. He is a VERY strong favorite for the win. Especially if the weather turns wet. 9.0/8
- Latvala looks on the pace, but not as precise as Ogier. But clearly on a mission. The trick, as always, for Latvala is what has the win in Finland done for his psyche, will this be good or bad? Could fight for second. 8.7/7
- Mikkelsen. Looks very good, should be in the fight for the podium. 8.0/6

Citroën:
- Meeke should be strong, but can equally end up in the wine ranks. So its a fight for the podium, or taking the extended tour 8.5/5
- Østberg surprisingly good, although limited footage, and only dry weather. But I don't think I have seen him so Loeb-ish on tarmac before - could we be in for a surprise? 8.0/9

Hyundai - I think Hyundai could make a very positive result.
- Sordo, looks very good. Has been a little unprecice at a previous tarmac test, but looked better now. But the footage was not the best to make the call. But could be in for a podium fight. 8.7/7
- Neuville. Looks very strong, but a bit to eager. Will have to pace him self on the second run trough in the dry, and always in the wet. 8.0/5
- Bouffier. Tough very good, nothing is to be expected. A difficult rally, and every sound progression will be a victory in it self.

Ford:
- Hirvonen, looks surprisingly good, and precise. Could also fight above what have become expected of him this season. 8.0/9
- Evans. Have a very high risk of understeering off on the second runs, or in the wet. 7.0/3
- Kubica. Sometimes fast, but also unprecice and high risk. Will be quick in the dry, but quick and unsafe in the wet. 8.0/3

Speed ranking:
9.0:
Ogier

8.7:
Latvala
Sordo

8.5:
Neuville*
Meeke*

8.0:
Mikkelsen
Østberg
Hirvonen
Kubica*

7.0
Evans*

*High Risk

Listed Neuville as "High Risk" after watching testing footage. But did not expect him to go off this soon.
Bad for Hyundai and the rally if he is not able to start.