Rally Sweden 2015

[dimviii]

[Fast Eddie WRC]

[KKS]

Might have missed this earlier in the thread, but what are people's thoughts on Protasov? Obviously not in terms of championship threat etc, but his pace looks like it is on the way up, and after a stage win in Sweden could a top 5 position be possible by the end of the year?

In Ukraine he was good driver but not the best. It's quite a surprise for us been to see him in world arena. But now I see different videos from this year Rally Sweden and I like his driving, he looks fast. Of course still too many things to learn, but it seems he knows what do with it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kubica - nose first ?

[KKS]

Interesting day ahead. Can TN hold out the VWs? Will we see team orders at VW creating a scandal? Will the fight between the VWs push both cars into making mistakes? Will Ostberg make a daring launch at the podium given there is only 45kms to go and he needs to gain that many seconds to get a spot?

I think if Andreas couldn't pass TN on first stage, he with a "magic" lose 2nd place to Ogier. And not push anymore.

[dimviii]

time penalty for Kubica

[jbmarcus21]

what's the problem ? with turbo?

[litifeta]

time penalty for Kubica

stereotypical of people in authority. Fail to manage their chain of responsibilities and pass their inefficiencies onto others. Kubica "had limited options" yet they still fine him instead of managing their obligations to the sport by taking it up with M-Sport's accreditation. Cowardly falling back on stupid "article 27.2.1" where a privateer is held captive by his suppliers.

[danon]

[Mk2 RS2000]

Paddon is pity once again. Even if he is strictly ordered to bring the car to the finish he can't be at the same pace as Prokop. My mistake to overrate him when driving in SWRC.

A couple of points that you make like to consider
1. Paddon is driving a car that was not set up for him and that he only had a half day test session in the car. He has reported in the NZ news media that the differentials are at a different setting than he is used to and because of that had had to change his driving style as he was experiencing difficulties getting the car to turn in and maintain corner speed and that he has had to be more aggressive in his style to overcome that.
2. Snow and/or ice is a new experience for him and by the end of this event he will have probably doubled the total distance that he has driven on it during his lifetime. He sure has a lot to learn about it for in NZ we don't experience European type winters, our snow is on the mountains and there are no roads there. If we do get an occasional snowfall at lower levels that is anymore than about 25mm it is regarded as a national disaster and close all highways that are affected.

I think that it is too early in the season to pass judgement on any driver for as the year progresses some will grow and some will fall by the wayside. We need to enjoy the moment and the skills they display, they are all special people with a bravery and a talent that we can only admire.