Rally Discussion and Bar Talk Thread

**seb_sh** · 21st February 2024, 05:49

Originally Posted by PLuto

He was asked not to challenge him...

I suppose there were team orders on tarmac but on gravel he was usually behind, so for the championship in that era he couldn't really challenge him. So in that way for the championship it makes sense what they did.

**TypeR** · 26th February 2024, 15:48

Happy 50th birthday Maestro Loeb!

**dimviii** · 26th February 2024, 17:23

Originally Posted by PLuto

He was asked not to challenge him...

you really believe that Sordo he could beat him?

**PLuto** · 26th February 2024, 18:05

Originally Posted by dimviii

you really believe that Sordo he could beat him?

I have never told it...

**denkimi** · 27th February 2024, 07:22

Originally Posted by dimviii

you really believe that Sordo he could beat him?

on some occasions, yes. he could have had a few more wins than he has now.

But sordo was smart enough to not do that, and that's how he managed to stay in the wrc for 18 years.

**focus206** · 27th February 2024, 11:08

The only instances I could find in which Citroen could have asked Sordo not to challenge Loeb are Catalunya 2007 and Catalunya 2009. Maybe New Zealand 2008, but was a particular case, as Hirvonen and Latvala threw the rally away at the penultimate stage while they were 1st and 2nd.

**seb_sh** · 27th February 2024, 12:13

Originally Posted by focus206

The only instances I could find in which Citroen could have asked Sordo not to challenge Loeb are Catalunya 2007 and Catalunya 2009. Maybe New Zealand 2008, but was a particular case, as Hirvonen and Latvala threw the rally away at the penultimate stage while they were 1st and 2nd.

I think he was sometimes close on tarmac and that would create some pressure, except both would know that they will hold position. Anyway overall he was under control and never a danger to Loeb in the championship.

**focus206** · 27th February 2024, 12:19

Originally Posted by seb_sh

I think he was sometimes close on tarmac and that would create some pressure, except both would know that they will hold position. Anyway overall he was under control and never a danger to Loeb in the championship.

The times Sordo was close on tarmac are the ones I wrote, all the other times he was behind Loeb, Sordo was 30+ seconds back pretty soon.
Another time they were close was Ireland 2007, but then Sordo made a mistake and dropped back. Maybe someone can provide other examples, if they exist.

**fiscorpun** · 27th February 2024, 18:42

This is just incredible.... and Im NOT a F1 fan.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq72S36dJqw
Crazy to think that THESE GUYS are WRC promoters........................... but........ eh......... why bother doing cool stuff with their own series

**saco0o** · 28th February 2024, 18:14

long time reader. decided to create an account to comment too.
just wanted to share this weird thing i do. im not into f1 anymore since drs.
but i love watching the qualifying. i almost see it as a rallying event to be honest.
try that if you are also not into f1. the qualys are really fun to watch. like rally sprint.