Rally Argentina 2015

**Antony Warmbold** · 26th April 2015, 12:00

The breakdowns arise when drivers fail to slow down over the rough stuff either because they forget about it or fail to mark it properly in the notes. They are so used to be just flat out everywhere that for some of them it's really hard to change the habits. And without splits some trigger happy drivers get even more nervous...

I really like this aspect of needing to use the brain and it's nice to have some events which are rough in the calendar.

**stefanvv** · 26th April 2015, 12:08

Exactly. The drivers must be aware what and when could break down in pieces. There isn't better teacher than the really tough events. Colin McRae won Safari with exactly such approach back in the years.

**AL14** · 26th April 2015, 12:18

Originally Posted by stefanvv

Completely agree. But that is also the consequence of current technics in WRC cars, they are not made for tough, endurance races. If the calendar had a Rally like Safari, situation should be quite different perhaps.

I quote this, since I am one of those who complain. I'm not against tough rallys themselves but not if the result is this. If we don't want to blame organizers then let's blame the FIA that made it impossible for WRC cars to attend such rallies. I don't find it enjoyable a rally where there are only 3 or 4 drivers on sunday (plus other two that are cruising) and everything is mainly due to mechanics issue.
The only good news of this rally is that Meeke is going to win it (I hope).
Mexico was tough but nobody complain because it was hard for drivers but adapted to the cars.

**noel157** · 26th April 2015, 12:20

Originally Posted by Fast Eddie WRC

1,000 Euro fines issued to Ogier, Sordo, Neuville & Prokop for deviating from route during SS2 at Rally Argentina.

No time penalties.

A time penalty in Australia, a cheap fine in Argentina. Seems fair and consistent....

**stefanvv** · 26th April 2015, 12:27

Originally Posted by AL14

I quote this, since I am one of those who complain. I'm not against though rallys themselfs but not if the result is this. If we don't want to blame organizers then let's blame the FIA that made it impossible for WRC cars to attend such rallys. I don't find it enjoyable a rally where there are only 3 or 4 drivers on sunday (plus other two that are cruising) and everything is mainly due to mechanics issue.

Some of the mechanic failures seem have nothing to do with that the event is tough. Mikkelsen drove with a puncture and pushed his suspension to the limit, Ogier had some mysterious injector problem, and Sordo seem to flooded his spark plugs, Argentina had always water splashes, this is nothing new. Also Tanak might be blamed a bit for his failure.
If we enjoy it or not is another matter. This is how it is, life is hard sometimes. If they were driving on a circuit with smooth asphalt, we would enjoy more close battles. But there are other sports for it.

**noel157** · 26th April 2015, 12:34

Paddon to do Rally 2 today. Or should that be Rally 3? : )

Good that he is willing and able to come out again after yesterday.

**stefanvv** · 26th April 2015, 12:50

Originally Posted by noel157

A time penalty in Australia, a cheap fine in Argentina. Seems fair and consistent....

Well in current situation a cheap fine would hurt more than some few minutes to his 35 already delay.

**tommeke_B** · 26th April 2015, 13:12

Originally Posted by noel157

A time penalty in Australia, a cheap fine in Argentina. Seems fair and consistent....

In Australia last year there was benefit from the cut, in this case the drivers lost time with choosing a different route. But anyway penalties for this are wrong. In my opinion it's up to the organizers to make it impossible to choose different routes.

**bluuford** · 26th April 2015, 13:48

Originally Posted by stefanvv

Also Tanak might be blamed a bit for his failure.

Tänak told that on the driver point of view there was nothing he could have done differently. You can watch this watercrossing from photographs and it looks very smooth outside, unfortuantely human is not able to see under the water too well. It was just down to pure bad luck. He was driving through the splash with 1st gear on.
Normally, this rally is not so destructive. There were huge floods including big landslides in February and the region is still recovering from this. So, we can blame weather. One cannot hope that minor roads will be rearied in couple of months.

**bluuford** · 26th April 2015, 13:51

Originally Posted by tommeke_B

In Australia last year there was benefit from the cut, in this case the drivers lost time with choosing a different route. But anyway penalties for this are wrong. In my opinion it's up to the organizers to make it impossible to choose different routes.

They did this mistake in recce already and nearly all drivers undersytood th correct route. It is just a big mistake by co-drivers. It is not the first time for Ogier te get lost on the stage ;-)