[WRC] FORUM8 Rally Japan 2024

[AE1WRC]

If Kalle will be on the same form as he was in Poland this year, he’ll be the one to beat.

Facts. That mf came with zero prep to Poland for the first time and smoked everyone. As much as I want excitement unfortunately on the pace alone nobody ain't beating him except Ogier. However I believe he will change his approach next year(similar to 2023) since he is returning full time.

On Tarmac he is still IMO better than Ott. Thierry and Seb in some tarmac rounds have been better than him only so that makes him still top 3 on Tarmac as well.

[philippebugalski]

Well they just signed until 2028…so at least 3 more…

Yeah I know...
Let's be realistic, we all know that it is impossible for promoter to bash them out as it is a huge market and a home to the manufacturer that is currently keeping WRC alive - but they create a bad and completely wrong image tolerating this type of security breaches.

[meh]

If he gets a DNF, Tanak will need only 7 points out of Sunday.

To get 7 points from Sunday is quite a task this time:
* Toyota drivers have nothing to lose, they can go all in
* Fourmaux can also be in the mix
* Tänak has the worst road position, you need to take even Mikkelsen into account as he has the best road position.

Ironically, the most hated thing - the point-scoring system is/was - is the decider on the last rally, on the last day, and probably on the last stage. And this is valid for every title.

[focus206]

To get 7 points from Sunday is quite a task this time:
* Toyota drivers have nothing to lose, they can go all in
* Fourmaux can also be in the mix
* Tänak has the worst road position, you need to take even Mikkelsen into account as he has the best road position.

Ironically, the most hated thing - the point-scoring system is/was - is the decider on the last rally, on the last day, and probably on the last stage. And this is valid for every title.

I think that if Tanak wants, he can get 7 points out of 12 on Sunday. 3rd for Sunday + 3rd on PS should mathematically do the trick, am I right?

I've read that Toyota is 11 points behind Hyundai right now. So, what do they need to win the title? 1st-2nd on Sunday points + Hyundai scoring max 1 point? I ask because Hyundai might ask Tanak and Neuville to only push for a couple of points and bring both cars home with the title.

[denkimi]

Facts. That mf came with zero prep to Poland for the first time and smoked everyone. As much as I want excitement unfortunately on the pace alone nobody ain't beating him except Ogier. However I believe he will change his approach next year(similar to 2023) since he is returning full time.

On Tarmac he is still IMO better than Ott. Thierry and Seb in some tarmac rounds have been better than him only so that makes him still top 3 on Tarmac as well.

Rovanpera did 7 rallies while having the best road position and crashed 3 times. He will have to do better next year if he wants to be champion again.

[AE1WRC]

Rovanpera did 7 rallies while having the best road position and crashed 3 times. He will have to do better next year if he wants to be champion again.

I agree with you that he needs to do better but better at keeping the car on the road only.

1)Finland accident was inevitable. If the best driver on the world couldn't avoid that rock than no one would have. I agree about the Sweden and especially Portugal.

2) Y'all realize that Kalle never "really" utilised his road position advantage except Safari (well also sweden but he damaged his radiator early on Friday). There were times I told myself that Bro could have done a better job from first on the road (Portugal he was really struggling. Finland and Latvia were not perfect as well on Friday). He became unbeatable on Saturdays. So I don't wanna hear this road position "advantage". He proved last 2 years in most rallies he can be in front from 1st on the road.

3) I believe he had a weird season. We agree that he needs to do better and despite he won 4. This by itself alone shows how great the bro is.

[Jarek Z]

It's good to see a rally car again on the official page of Castrol:
https://www.facebook.com/castrol/pos...1ArhUnLKPY1o2l

[AE1WRC]

It's good to see a rally car again on the official page of Castrol:
https://www.facebook.com/castrol/pos...1ArhUnLKPY1o2l

Reminding me the Corolla WRC in the late 90s.

[AE1WRC]

I think that if Tanak wants, he can get 7 points out of 12 on Sunday. 3rd for Sunday + 3rd on PS should mathematically do the trick, am I right?

I've read that Toyota is 11 points behind Hyundai right now. So, what do they need to win the title? 1st-2nd on Sunday points + Hyundai scoring max 1 point? I ask because Hyundai might ask Tanak and Neuville to only push for a couple of points and bring both cars home with the title.

It is a tricky situation. Only thing I know is that in rally it is never over until it is fully over.

[deephouse]

Even if Mikkelsen have the best road position, he will probably either be slow as hell or bin it completely. I try to convice myself otherwise but everytime he prove it just the way I first mention. That car just don't suit him.

That event should be moved in summer time, when there is more beautiful scenery, but I think manufacturer wants to that it's "the great finale". And probably in a warm weather the event wouldn't provide any real challenge, I think. That's why CER, Japan and Croatia are held in a time when there is a high chance of rain or some surprise of snow. But having 4 tarmac events with almost same conditions it just give us really bad impression. Catalunya and Tour de Corse actualy looked great in a warm weather.