Rallye Monte Carlo 2015

[tommeke_B]

I agree with SubaruNorway on this one.

I went this year, seen only one proper snow-stage. 2 stages with conditions in between with some slush/snow. I enjoyed the "normal tarmac" conditions much more than snow. On Turini we were at a place with view of 4 corners, full snow and snow tyres. It was quite boring to watch IMO, the speed was too low to enjoy it, all driver took it quite cautious. Maybe it would be better if there is snow during the complete event, then they can't play it safe for the snowy stages like it was this year.

[PLuto]

I agree with SubaruNorway on this one.

I went this year, seen only one proper snow-stage. 2 stages with conditions in between with some slush/snow. I enjoyed the "normal tarmac" conditions much more than snow. On Turini we were at a place with view of 4 corners, full snow and snow tyres. It was quite boring to watch IMO, the speed was too low to enjoy it, all driver took it quite cautious. Maybe it would be better if there is snow during the complete event, then they can't play it safe for the snowy stages like it was this year.

I think the biggest problem was with the tyre limit. As they were very limited number of studded tyres, they must drive very safely to survive on the road.

[AndyRAC]

I have been four times to RMC (2009-2012) and I totally don't agree with You. Whenever there was snow it was much more fun to watch than pure asphalt. The snow or ice is boring if it's only few patches and they drive purely asphalt tyres but otherwise it's great fun. It's something completely different to Scandinavian winter rallies but that's why it's unique and fun for me. That's also why I enjoyed 2010 IRC edition the most and 2012 WRC edition the least. Without snow it's just another asphalt event. Also with the snow it's much more fun for spectators. You can build snowmen, fight with snowballs etc. When it's just cold or rain You just wait for hours...

I'd say the IRC Monte versions were the best; a much more level playing field. 2010 was what I'd call a 'proper' Monte, with plenty of snow, whereas 2011 was mainly dry, apart from the mad afternoon when it snowed, and turned eveything upside down.

[SubaruNorway]

Wasn't Col De Turini cancelled on the 2nd run 3 years ago because the conditions were to dangerous when it started to rain on the snow?
Certanly wouldn't have happened with narrow short studded tires.

I even find the wide Sweden tires boring to watch when theres a lot of snow on the road, bring back the good old days!
Doubt Henning would dare going this hard if he didn't know he would have grip in the loose
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtOrkw6MgHk
(Østberg and Mikko on wide tires was much neater here)

[Mirek]

It was not canceled due to the conditions but because of blocked roads. The stage was blocked by Melichárek who got stuck in the snow with gearbox problems and the road leading to the start was blocked by spectators. That's the problem of the classic stages in Alpe Maritimes. There are so few roads that in some points everybody must use same ones.

Anyway in the IRC it was possible to cut the wide tyres. In such conditions they cut them so extensively that they removed the middle line of rubber blocks completely and the side blocks were cut away every second one. It worked in these conditions.

[Ounin]

According some rumours say that Jipocar will enter 3 cars (Melicharek & Prokop & tba), D-Max 2 cars DS3 R5 ( Ré & Protasov?). Also Henning is confirmed in Fiesta WRC.

[EstWRC]

Well, the list will be published tomorrow, then we will know the truth

[Bartek]

According some rumours say that Jipocar will enter 3 cars (Melicharek & Prokop & tba), D-Max 2 cars DS3 R5 ( Ré & Protasov?). Also Henning is confirmed in Fiesta WRC.

I think D-Max will be in Monte with one WRC and one R5

[Simmi]

Nice testing onboard from Romain Dumas in the Porsche to get you in the Monte mood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAFF...ature=youtu.be

[Ucci]

Nice testing onboard from Romain Dumas in the Porsche to get you in the Monte mood - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAFF...ature=youtu.be

IMHO this looks quite boring.....it there will be a lot of stages covered with snow & ice, this will be disaster for 911 drivers....