Official 2007 Rallye Monte Carlo thread

[seph]

Sordo 5,7 to Gronholm in 2nd split

[WHITE WRC]

Do you fellow Finns know when the Citroen dealers shops open tomorrow?


HE HE it does seam that good, but ill stick to my WRC CELICA lol

[seph]

At the stage end, Marcus just 1 second ahead of Atkinson.

[Erki]

Doesn't Matthew "Willslow" sound better?!?

No, it doesn't.

[HaCo]

Loeb indeed is untouchable, unless he makes an off like last year. He already damaged the car on the last stage, was nevertheless fastest!

[seb_sh]

Loeb seems to be controlling the rally, and he's quick on the 2nd pass of the stages as usual, only a driving error or mechanical problem can stop him imo.

3.5 faster than Sordo on 2nd split.

[seph]

In this short stage, Seb's going to take other 10 secs to Marcus, aprox...

[seph]

At the end of the stage, Sordo's 6.1 secs faster than Marcus. Great!!!

[seph]

Oh!!! Loeb slowing down!!! Sordo's better than him on 3rd split!!!

[White Sauron]

Loeb in toruble!

[miksu]

Seems like its settling down... not big movements without retirements i guess

[I am evil Homer]

Loeb managing this still without 100% comfort or movement in his arm. The guy is amazing. I've got used to his brilliance, but still, his arm must hurt now!

[White Sauron]

Hope, it's not a spin, but mechanical proble.. First win for Sordo!!!!!!!!!

[WHITE WRC]

sordo faster than loeb on 3rd split

[seph]

Finally Sordo's the best of the stage. 1.1 secs ahead Seb.

[White Sauron]

Damn... Looking as if it was a spin...

[jonas_mcrae]

Dani fastest

[jonkka]

Do you fellow Finns know when the Citroen dealers shops open tomorrow?

You mean to torch the place? :eek:

[mcmarteau]

I have no experience of WRC+ but superspecial, even live, isn't worth a cent.

thanks a lot for your input jonkka!

[WHITE WRC]

You mean to torch the place? :eek:
lmao

[seph]

Standings right now:

1. 1 S. LOEB
2. 2 D. SORDO +22.6
3. 3 M. GRÖNHOLM +1:05.6
4. 8 C. ATKINSON +2:11.2
5. 4 M. HIRVONEN +2:32.5
6. 26 T. GARDEMEISTER +2:43.3
7. 7 P. SOLBERG +2:51.2
8. 18 J. KOPECKY +3:21.9
9. 5 M. STOHL +3:36.6
10. 9 J. LATVALA +3:51.8

[BeerBro]

the pace of the C4 is just whoaaaaa
can't wait for the gravel events.

[Donney]

Hopefully snow and gravel will be more difficult for the C4

[WHITE WRC]

ss8 started

[WHITE WRC]

wilson lost 18 secs on 1st split

[Donney]

Wilson is losing too much even by his standards

[Mauri A]

You mean to torch the place? :eek:
For that I wouldn´t ask the opening time. No, I´m trying to swap all my italian cars for an old 2CV and wait until Lancia or Fiat show Citroens right place, far far behind! Hope it won´t last long.

[WHITE WRC]

Wilson is losing too much even by his standards
might have problems

[HaCo]

Sordo-Loeb reminds me of Duval-Loeb 2 years ago... But that didn't end well!

[WHITE WRC]

wilson drops 28 secs reckon he got problems

[jonas_mcrae]

is there an other stage to go? after 8

[janneppi]

Wilson is losing too much even by his standards
He apparently lost a light pod in the bumber on a previous stage and didn't see properly on that side corners, took it easy because of that.

[seph]

Cuoq is at the moment the best at half stage... even better than Gardemeister.

[jonas_mcrae]

Cuoq is at the moment the best at half stage... even better than Gardemeister.

He lives 6km from there, LOL what did u expected

[seph]

At the end of the stage, Cuoq (11 secs better than Jari Matti) said that the stage is just 6 kms distance from his home. lol.

[seph]

Stohl losing other 21 secs at mid stage.

[seph]

At the stage end, Stohl lost more than 50 seconds to Cuoq.

Nobody can beat the flying local hero!!!

[jonkka]

is there an other stage to go? after 8

No, SS9 is tomorrow morning

[jonas_mcrae]

No, SS9 is tomorrow morning

Thanks, Cuoq is flying!!! good for him any pics of his wale?

[seph]

Half stage, Marcus is just 0.2 secs behind Cuoq!!!

[Brother John]

Without Citroën It would be a nice rally. :D

[seph]

The dream is partly over for Jean Marie Cuoq... because at half stage, Sordo is 2.7 secs better than him.

[Mauri A]

Half stage, Marcus is just 0.2 secs behind Cuoq!!!

Otherway round, I guess.

[jonkka]

Without Citroën It would be a nice rally. :D

With Marcus in 1 min lead? Nah, it would be as boring but for different reason.

[seph]

And Loeb even better than Dani, again...

[seph]

At the stage end, Marcus didn't beat Cuoq!!!

[jonas_mcrae]

Cuoq rules! beat marcus

[Mauri A]

At the stage end, Marcus didn't beat Cuoq!!!
Maybe because his home is several thousand kms from the stage.

[xavier]

7.5 sec on on 12.81 between Dani and Marcus.. that's more than half a secon per km... They were closer last year!

[White Sauron]

Maybe because his home is several thousand kms from the stage.

yes, I'd like to see how much Cuoq will lose in Jyvaskyla

[Mauri A]

No retirements for the leading drivers! Are they too cautious?

[Mauri A]

yes, I'd like to see how much Cuoq will lose in Jyvaskyla
And you still have to remember that Bosse´s home lies several hundred kms from Jyväskylä.

[White Sauron]

And you still have to remember that Bosse´s home lies several hundred kms from Jyväskylä.

Sure! Anyway, I just hope we'll never have a rally, held 6 kms away from Loeb's house... 5 sec per km gap won't be a suprise other way...

[[WRCRR]]

No matter if he knows the road better than his own pockets, it's still a helluva achievement to drive a WRcar to 3rd best stage time at his age against the very best of the world...no matter what you guys might think. Go Cuoq! :)

[Madeira]

Unfortunately I guess all is decided on top three of rally!

[Woodeye]

Still two days to go.

Citroen still has a new car.

I know that i'm only dreaming.

[Corny]

Unfortunately I guess all is decided on top three of rally!
To be honest, it's already decided who will driver no1 in Monte 2008.. Of course, there's so much to happen, but if you're realistic, there's no one that can beat Loeb/Citroën..

[Donney]

Sadly yes, but it's up to the rest to catch up. I think Gronholm still can attack Sordo and provide us with a beautiful day tomorrow.

[Simmi]

To be honest, it's already decided who will driver no1 in Monte 2008.. Of course, there's so much to happen, but if you're realistic, there's no one that can beat Loeb/Citroën..


Too much to tell from 8 stages on tarmac. I see where you're coming from though it's looking all too familiar.

[aivan]

]No matter if he knows the road better than his own pockets, it's still a helluva achievement to drive a WRcar to 3rd best stage time at his age against the very best of the world...no matter what you guys might think. Go Cuoq! :)

:up: Fully agree... my repect for Cuoq.

[Corny]

Too much to tell from 8 stages on tarmac. I see where you're coming from though it's looking all too familiar.
I'm Dutch, not French! And I'm not a Loeb/Citroën fan at all..
Loeb/Citroën are simply the best, no one can beat them at the moment. There's worked more than a year on that C4, and as Citroën never failed to get their target, I'm afraid they'll go on winning in 2007..

[White Sauron]

I'm Dutch, not French! And I'm not a Loeb/Citroën fan at all..
Loeb/Citroën are simply the best, no one can beat them at the moment. There's worked more than a year on that C4, and as Citroën never failed to get their target, I'm afraid they'll go on winning in 2007..

You can't judge the whole season by Monte! Even 307 WRC and Lancer were fast there in right hands! I'm sure, Citroen won't be as fast in Sweden and gravel rallies, not dominant at all!

[Koppomsbo]

I think the fords will be dominant in Sweden. But if its the car or the drivers who do it i dont know,,

[xavier]

To be honest, it's already decided who will driver no1 in Monte 2008.. Of course, there's so much to happen, but if you're realistic, there's no one that can beat Loeb/Citroën..


It's far to early to tell... Right now we know that C4 is fast on Tarmac and that Loeb is back to his level after his injury, but that's all. Not until Mexico we'll know how the C4 fare on all terrain.

And anyway, as last season showed, anything can happen.

On the other hand, if I need to put money on a driver, I'd pick Seb.

[ZequeArgentina]

I completely agree, Mexico, will be first sight of how competitive the C4 is from the start. Obviously it could (and should) be further developed!!!

[J.Lindstroem]

How old is Jean-Marie Cuoq?

[miksu]

Does anyone know the weather for tomorrow?

[Koppomsbo]

How old is Jean-Marie Cuoq?

http://www.rallye-info.com/driverprofile.asp?driverid=1795

[titi88]

How old is Jean-Marie Cuoq?

Cuoq is 38 years old

[A.F.F.]

Very surprised to see Atkinson up there :up:

Also, Latvala doing a good run.

Good positions for tomorrow.

[kabouter]

http://www.rallye-info.com/driverprofile.asp?driverid=1795

Please be warned that on that site all drivers for which no birthday is known are listed as being born 11 November 1950...

[titi88]

http://www.rallye-info.com/driverprofile.asp?driverid=1795

The birth date is wrong, as I said before, Jean Marie Cuoq is 38 years old ;)

[Sulland]

A bit sad really that Citroen C4 is so quick so early in the season, would have been more exiting if not......

[White Sauron]

A bit sad really that Citroen C4 is so quick so early in the season, would have been more exiting if not......

Marcus' tyres were just always softer than needed. Otherwise he would have been close to Citroens he says.

[miksu]

Marcus' tyres were just always softer than needed. Otherwise he would have been close to Citroens he says.

yep, its not because they made bad choises before specials, but they made bad choise when they had to choose the rubbers for monte. They simply dont have the right rubbers to put!

[White Sauron]

yep, its not because they made bad choises before specials, but they made bad choise when they had to choose the rubbers for monte. They simply dont have the right rubbers to put!


Yap, I meant just this. 3 types of rubbers are allowed to nominate before the round starts. Ford made a costly mistake. So, nothing to judge by, I repeat. Monte is always down to driver, tyres and luck.

By the way, how do you all prefer to write: tyre or tire? One is american variant, another is english... but which is better for WRC?)

[Simmi]

Tyre's obviously lol!

[miksu]

"Ari Vatanen flew to the village of Antraigues with a helicopter to teach the younger generation some traditions, eating an apple pie to be more exact.

Over 30 years old tradition is, that after crossing the finish line of the stage, cheff from the best restaurant of the town serves driver and co-pilot a piece of pie. Vatanen him self got one piece back in 1979.

-I Like to cherish the traditions and teach the local customs to younger drivers, who couldnt possible have known about it, because there hasnt been rallying for more than ten years, Vatanen told with Michele Mouton."

Nice from him! At least some traditions are kept alive, and personally I like such stuff...

[White Sauron]

Just watched the review on Eurosport... Flashes of the Focus' exhausts in the dark are just magnificent!!! I love it! Only these flashes are 5 times more beautiful then the whole Citroen C4.

[Peugeot206WRC]

By the way, how do you all prefer to write: tyre or tire? One is american variant, another is english... but which is better for WRC?)

In AMERICAN ofcourse!
Actually, I hate the english dialiect of the language english... Just listen to John Cleese, its so daaaaaamn ugly.. But its good humour =)


let Loeb win this rally, but the rest will be won by the scandalnavians =)

[ST205GT4]

Well what a pleasant surprise to wake up to this morning here in sunny Perth. Atko still in 4th place and actually managing to fight for the position in the last two stages yesterday. I'm impressed.

Now the question is can he stay on the road till the end of the rally?

[ST205GT4]

Oh and someone needs to sneak onto the Citroen team bus at night and break both of Loeb's arms. It's the only way we'll see some compeition this year!

[Peugeot206WRC]

Now the question is can he stay on the road till the end of the rally?

Ofcourse he can.. Its about time he get rid of the bad luck

[Incrimn8r]

Atkinsons performance is very pleasing, I doubt that he would hold the seat in 2008 if he doesn't perform this year.

Go Chris, may 2007 be your year.

[Ranger]

Well what a pleasant surprise to wake up to this morning here in sunny Perth. Atko still in 4th place and actually managing to fight for the position in the last two stages yesterday. I'm impressed.

Now the question is can he stay on the road till the end of the rally?

He did so last year on his debut Monte Carlo run, so I say yes he can.

A better question would be:

Can both Subaru's last until the end of the rally?

Because I think that will affect his result more than his driving here, as he seems steady, dunno about the car though.

[cosmicpanda]

I'm impressed with the remote service, which lets drivers change their tyres if they've made a disastrous choice in the morning.

The night stages are good as well - neat to see the exhausts and headlamps. I wouldn't want to have to watch too many, though, since the exhausts and headlamps are just about all you can see. Two is a good number.

And there's no traffic problems either! So I'm already giving this year's Monte a big :up:

[tribefiend]

All I can do is wait for the coverage to hit the internet. No way to see the exhaust in the dark or glowing brakes here in the U.S. right now.

And I'll be calling them "Tires."

Good to see Chris and a Subaru in the 4th spot. Hope he keeps it up!

[Camelopard]

In AMERICAN ofcourse!
Actually, I hate the english dialiect of the language english... Just listen to John Cleese, its so daaaaaamn ugly.. But its good humour =)
)

English English of course, American English is just too coarse and bl**dy ugly to listen to.

I'm married to a west coast Canadian and her accent is nice and easy on the ears unlike most of those from below the Canadian border, grating is not the word!!!
Mind you there are some pretty ugly Australian accents as well, although with the number of Kiwis living here, we'll all end up speaking with shortened vowels....... and saying 'fush and chups' and 'sux' instead of 'fish and chips' and 'six'. Whoops, didn't mean to side track.

Come on Marcus, pull your finger out!!!!!

[cosmicpanda]

http://www.wrc.com/motorsport/wrcApplet/0,,10111,00.html

are non WRC+ subscribers able to see the splits here?

[White Sauron]

It's go!

[White Sauron]

Wake up, mates! Look, what an action! Wilslow is just 10 seconds slower than Stohl on first split.

[GruppoB]

American vs British, they both have there good sides, I think American would be a bit easier to learn than British. All those superfluous letters hark back to days of yore which at least in my opinion give a sense of comfort in tradition.

EDIT: Canadians sound ridiculous to most of U.S. using the word Eh at the end of each sentence and there drawn out languishing speech is akin to that of Minnesotans. I can see you being critical of New Englanders nasaly talk and how the letter R doesn't exist there. Or even the southern drawls but western American English is made the standard on all emergency lines and government services for a reason, its the easiest to understand without any regional inhibitions. And my bias is I speak it. I'm a bit of a cook when it comes to linguistics. I highly recommend you watch this http://www.pbs.org/speak/




Back to the topic at hand. I'm thoroughly disappointed in the C4's stellar performance, was really hoping for some battles this year but only time will tell.

[A.F.F.]

How's the weather up there? Dry as yesterday?

[N.O.T]

Henning lost a lot in the last 2 splits...

[cosmicpanda]

apparently on SS10, I think, there's about half a kilometre of ice.

[A.F.F.]

Petter striking hard this morning. Let's see how Garde, Mikko and Chris can answer.

[N.O.T]

Slow start by Atko.....Hirvonen could take advantage of it.

[A.F.F.]

Petter and Mikko going hand to hand. Garde and Atkinson not awake this morning. Also, Latvala a bit slow at the first stage.

[A.F.F.]

Oh, good morning Greg. :) I'm at work, what's your excuse of being wake so early ? ;)

[N.O.T]

hmmmm...maybe i had an early night....

maybe....

:D

[White Sauron]

Hm.. don't like the way 2nd day starts...

[Camelopard]

EDIT: Canadians sound ridiculous to most of U.S. using the word Eh at the end of each sentence and there drawn out languishing speech is akin to that of Minnesotans.

That is a trait of Kiwis as well as Queenslanders! Although in defence of my wife she doesn't say 'eh' very much, or not that I notice anyway... :p :

And once more, pull your finger out Marcus!!!!!

[A.F.F.]

Petter +10,5 behind Mikko who is +11,4 behind Atkinson. This is going to be fierce :D

[malscar]

Petter +10,5 behind Mikko who is +11,4 behind Atkinson. This is going to be fierce :D

Petter 6.6 behind Toni who is 10.5 behind Mikko. So who will sneeze first?

[tribefiend]

Petter +10,5 behind Mikko who is +11,4 behind Atkinson. This is going to be fierce :D

And exciting!

[N.O.T]

Another stage win for sordo....

[N.O.T]

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen "I was driving like I feel, not pushing too hard, but keeping a good rythem. Dani (Sordo) didn't try very hard"

Marcus Gronholm
Ford "it's ok, trying to finish"

Chris Atkinson
Subaru "We had a good run, but slowed on a corner, and lost time."

[Donney]

Good morning

:wave:

[A.F.F.]

Petter 6.6 behind Toni who is 10.5 behind Mikko. So who will sneeze first?

Yep. My bad :up:

My guess is Mikko ;) But Petter will.

[malscar]

Another stage win for sordo....

?????

[N.O.T]

oooops....

[cosmicpanda]

Aren't stages on tarmac supposed to have an average speed of less than 110 k/h? I guess we won't be seeing those stages that had a 122 k/h average again.

[malscar]

My guess is Mikko ;) But Petter will.

I was thinking Chris although I hope not.

[GruppoB]

Thank god rally radio plays good music (most of the time)

[Donney]

BTW another good time by Cuoq on stage 9. :up:

[Jaanus]

Aren't stages on tarmac supposed to have an average speed of less than 110 k/h? I guess we won't be seeing those stages that had a 122 k/h average again.

The FIA changed the rules for this year. The is no more maximum average speed limit, each possibly dangerous stage will be evaluated individually by the FIA WRC commission. That is why we will also have the legendary Ouninpohja stage in one go and not split to half.

[jonkka]

Thank god rally radio plays good music (most of the time)

Depends. I've never heard one good song in there.

[satukata]

what is happening in ss 10? henning lost much? slowson faster than stohl!

[ST205GT4]

Afternoon gents. Looks like some interesting battles for 4th to 6th ahead of us today.

[Donney]

Apparently Solberg has had some problem he has lost 45 secs to Wilson in 1 split.

[satukata]

Afternoon gents. Looks like some interesting battles for 4th to 6th ahead of us today.

Petter is in attack!

[satukata]

Great time for Latvala

[ST205GT4]

Depends. I've never heard one good song in there.

Hey they are playing A-Ha's "Take on Me" right now. I used to love that in my younger days. Actually I'm ashamed to admit I still have it on my i-Pod....

[jonkka]

Hey they are playing A-Ha's "Take on Me" right now. I used to love that in my younger days. Actually I'm ashamed to admit I still have it on my i-Pod....

Now that is good. I've only heard them play some newer stuff which is horrible without exception.

[ST205GT4]

Apparently Atkinson has pulled 4 secs on Hirvonnen on the last split. Interesting times...

[A.F.F.]

Latvala made a wake-up call :eek: Good time.

[jonkka]

Petter got past Toni.

[White Sauron]

Haha) I twould be amazing, if only Atkinson can break Citroen' domination on stage wins))

[A.F.F.]

And Petter passed Garde already :mark:

[White Sauron]

Wow! Atko won 6 sec to Latvala in ONE split!

[jonkka]

Haha) I twould be amazing, if only Atkinson can break Citroen' domination on stage wins))

Loeb's pride can't stand that so no chance but Atko made very good time nevertheless.

[ST205GT4]

Well that's defintely helped Chris's battle with Hirv. 8 seconds back.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Chris provisionally fastest!
He seems a little slower at start of stages.
Is it him or haqrder compound tyres, I wonder/

[ST205GT4]

**** he might win the stage.

[Donney]

That would be very nice.

[tribefiend]

Go Chris Go!

[A.F.F.]

Tyre choise may be the answer for Chris' good pace.

[M3_E30]

please be true

[ST205GT4]

I bet you're both right. He's gone a harder tyre and is picking up the benefit on the longer stage.

[A.F.F.]

Latvala isn't actually too far behind Kopecky anymore. :eek:

[KF1800]

Tyre choise may be the answer for Chris' good pace.

...either or he's just a legend..... :)

sorry, getting a little excited!

[ST205GT4]

For god's sake refresh damn you!

[tribefiend]

There it is...He's done it.

[ST205GT4]

Oh yes my pretty :) Well done Chris.

[Donney]

And he did it :up:

[M3_E30]

yeaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! me happy

[satukata]

Great to see fastest stage time for Subaru and Atkinsson. And it´s on tarmac!
Subaru is much faster this year at least on tarmac...bfg so much better than Pirelli?

[Rally Hokkaido]

Yes!!!!!!
And Seb is +15secs
What happened in his last split?

[spudrsca]

Mystake by Loeb? He lost 10+ seconds on the last split.

[jonkka]

What happened, Loeb lost a lot? :eek:

[tribefiend]

All hail BFG. Subaru can win a stage on the hard stuff.

[ST205GT4]

I think the tyres are making a huge difference.

You only need to think back to Sarrazin's performance on one of the tarmac rounds a couple years back when he was on the michelin's and swrt were still on pirellis.

[spudrsca]

Great to see fastest stage time for Subaru and Atkinsson. And it´s on tarmac!
Subaru is much faster this year at least on tarmac...bfg so much better than Pirelli?

Yes but Petter is still not very very good on tarmac.

[KF1800]

What a great effort. I'm one of the biggest Atko fans going around but I never really held any hope for him on tarmac..... What a huge effort. Sure, tyres maybe played a part..... but still.....

[satukata]

what´s wrong with seb?? 8th fastest +15s?

[tribefiend]

what´s wrong with seb?? 8th fastest +15s?

He must of spun?

[M3_E30]

lets hope he dosnt try to push the subaru any harder than that, so he can actually finish in the points

[A.F.F.]

Loeb maybe spun or stalled in a hairpin.

[Koppomsbo]

What a great effort. I'm one of the biggest Atko fans going around but I never really held any hope for him on tarmac..... What a huge effort. Sure, tyres maybe played a part..... but still.....

Gday Mate! Concrats to u and Atko, lets hope for some more from him :D

By the way, how is "Donk" ;)

[Tom206wrc]

Great times by Cuoq today !! :up:

Henning and Matt have even been slower than regional driver Romeyer in SS9...no comment :laugh:

Manfred Stohl should have run with Bozian whale again this year :mad:
The "Xsara Kronos is the car which made Loeb win the WRC06" was a trap for him, as only Loeb can do great things with it, every other drivers failed... :rolleyes:

[WHITE WRC]

Morning all watched the highlights of the 1st day on eurosport last night that C4 is bloody quick

[tribefiend]

Hey they are playing A-Ha's "Take on Me" right now. I used to love that in my younger days. Actually I'm ashamed to admit I still have it on my i-Pod....

Becks just read my email regarding playing A-Ha. Yeah.

[ST205GT4]

Heh :) She read my congratulations email to Chris on his stage win as well :) I'm "Ben in Sunny Perth". Look ma, I'm famous!

She also read my email yesterday with my prediction that it would be Citroen/Loeb for Manufacturers/WDC. She didn't read the part where I said Ford was lucky last year though. Chicken!

[tribefiend]

I think that was right after mine.

[satukata]

Marcus wasn´t afraid of C4´s speed. He said that gap was much bigger last year and we will see the right speed on sweden.
Loeb and Sordo are so much better driver´s on tarmac than marcus

[GigiGalliNo1]

Just watching the WRC review from Monte on WRC+, not bad

[GigiGalliNo1]

She said happy Birthday to me on the radio!!!

[ST205GT4]

Happy birthday Matt.

[Tom206wrc]

Marcus wasn´t afraid of C4´s speed. He said that gap was much bigger last year and we will see the right speed on sweden.
Loeb and Sordo are so much better driver´s on tarmac than marcus



Yes, but don't forget Sordo's experience in WRC car is far from Bosse's experience...being so fast so early could make Marcus feel a little bit more worried :mark:

[GigiGalliNo1]

Happy birthday Matt.

Cheers!

[Donney]

Nah don-t think so Gronholm knows he is faster than Sordo on snow and gravel

[tribefiend]

Yes, but don't forget Sordo's experience in WRC car is far from Bosse's experience...being so fast so early could make Marcus feel a little bit more worried :mark:

I doubt Bosse is worried about Sordo being faster on tarmac. He knows that he'll hand him his a** on all the gravel events this year.

[Wim_Impreza]

Retirement for Andreas Aigner with mechanical problems in SS9.

[kubiczech]

Morning all watched the highlights of the 1st day on eurosport last night that C4 is bloody quick

Agreed. I saw it yesterday. That car is unbeliveably stable, its more like train. I am afraid its even harder to beat than Xsara. Lets hope it will have some flaws on gravel - otherwise we will celebrate just rare stage wins of nonC4 drivers, like now

[N.O.T]

Great pace by Atkinson...and could all the people please see Solbergs times when the impreza was competitive a few years back ??? Solberg is VERY fast on tarmac dry or wet....stop having a goldfish memory please......

[N.O.T]

I doubt Bosse is worried about Sordo being faster on tarmac. He knows that he'll hand him his a** on all the gravel events this year.

the thing is that if sordo is that fast on tarmac gronholm can only reach 3rd place on tarmac events...while on gravel loeb can be second on the gravel ones(if the C4 proves to be fast there as well) making the championship even more difficult for Gronholm.

[WHITE WRC]

atkinson is flying!!!! wonder if he will be able to wittle away at marcus,s times

[A.F.F.]

Both Ford drivers, Marcus and Mikko are familiar why they are off the pace with Citroen. They do not have the same compaund tyres than Citroen. So they go as they can.

[ST205GT4]

Is that true? Preferential supply to one team? I thought everyone had access to the same tyres this year?

[ST205GT4]

atkinson is flying!!!! wonder if he will be able to wittle away at marcus,s times

Doubt it. It will take a mistake for Atko to move up from here.

[Koppomsbo]

Is that true? Preferential supply to one team? I thought everyone had access to the same tyres this year?

Same brand....

[tribefiend]

the thing is that if sordo is that fast on tarmac gronholm can only reach 3rd place on tarmac events...while on gravel loeb can be second on the gravel ones(if the C4 proves to be fast there as well) making the championship even more difficult for Gronholm.

True. However, unless Loeb retires, the championship is going to be difficult for everyone else.

[White Sauron]

Both Ford drivers, Marcus and Mikko are familiar why they are off the pace with Citroen. They do not have the same compaund tyres than Citroen. So they go as they can.

Agree. Such difference is only in Monte. And Sordo is helped a lot in tyre choice.

[WHITE WRC]

Is that true? Preferential supply to one team? I thought everyone had access to the same tyres this year?
Thats what id read somewhere!!!!

[ST205GT4]

Same brand....

Hmm I see. Well can't say I like that much.

[White Sauron]

Is that true? Preferential supply to one team? I thought everyone had access to the same tyres this year?

No, Ford just didn't nominate hard-compound tyres. they supposed it to be more slippery in Monte...

[WHITE WRC]

No, Ford just didn't nominate hard-compound tyres. they supposed it to be more slippery in Monte...

Marcus did say this when being interviewed on eurosport last night

[A.F.F.]

Is that true? Preferential supply to one team? I thought everyone had access to the same tyres this year?

They had to choose the tyre sets last monday. Apparently Ford took all tarmac set too soft compaund to this condition. Citroen made perfect choise with harder compound. So, basicly on longer stages, Ford-boys' tyres melt under :mark: And they loose a lot of time.

[janneppi]

Is that true? Preferential supply to one team? I thought everyone had access to the same tyres this year?
It's more likely a mistake from Ford team, they propably anticipated a colder weather and didn't choose a hard enough compound.

[ST205GT4]

Ah. I see.

Anyway stage 11 is on.

[tribefiend]

Is this the last day of RMC? I don't see anything stages for Sunday?

[A.F.F.]

Ah. I see.

Anyway stage 11 is on.


Polite way to say eight answers to one question is way enough :D ;)

[1LM1]

Hmm I see. Well can't say I like that much.

Actually, each team select their tires package days before the start of the rally. The luck plays a too big part but no team is favoured by BFG.

[jonkka]

Actually, each team select their tires package days before the start of the rally. The luck plays a too big part but no team is favoured by BFG.

Says you.

[Brother John]

As I said already a lot of times before, I doubt Petter still belonged at the top 3 drivers in wrc. Maybe he had just luck in 2003?
Also the two brothers speak only concerning Norway and Sweden at the moment, they think that´s their rally, but that is just two rallies in the hole championship!!!
Anyway it´s good to see the young drivers doing very well at the moment! :up:

[satukata]

poor split´s for cuoq?

[WHITE WRC]

blimey wilson beat solberg on that stage

[Erki]

I thought with only one tyre supplier, the tyre lottery bs would have ended but looks like some thing neve change. :s

Also, does anyone agree with me that yesterday's Eurosport coverage was ell...crap? Loeb, Grönholm, C4 got all the airtime and everyone else had something like 3 seconds each...

[Brother John]

About the tyres I have also my objections!
Nobody can Controle that Michelin (BFG) produced special tyres for Citroën!

[WHITE WRC]

I thought with only one tyre supplier, the tyre lottery bs would have ended but looks like some thing neve change. :s

Also, does anyone agree with me that yesterday's Eurosport coverage was ell...crap? Loeb, Grönholm, C4 got all the airtime and everyone else had something like 3 seconds each...
was good to see some of the rally but in the half hour coverage no won out of the top 6 was seen and not even a glimer of a fabia !! very poor coverage

[farquar wrc]

blimey wilson beat solberg on that stage

And Mchale whipped both there asses in a 3 year old car

[Wim_Impreza]

I thought with only one tyre supplier, the tyre lottery bs would have ended but looks like some thing neve change. :s

Also, does anyone agree with me that yesterday's Eurosport coverage was ell...crap? Loeb, Grönholm, C4 got all the airtime and everyone else had something like 3 seconds each...

The coverage was indeed poor.

[WHITE WRC]

latvala and kopecky are going for it same 3rd split times

[Erki]

was good to see some of the rally but in the half hour coverage no won out of the top 6 was seen and not even a glimer of a fabia !! very poor coverage

One had to have a very good concentration and reaction to spot that Fabia in telecast - it was there! They showed it basically forever - 2.003 seconds. Is it a new record or what? :s mokin:

[White Sauron]

Seems to be a good stage for the Fords...

[Ranger]

Henning Solberg is freakin' slow. :\ I don't buy his statement that "he's just getting used to the car" at all.

[A.F.F.]

Mikko striking back again. Faster than Atkinson.

[jonkka]

Latvala didn't take time out of Kopecky, afterall. Bloody quick Skoda that is.

[ST205GT4]

Indeed. Mikko has the wick up now.

[jonkka]

Mikko striking back again. Faster than Atkinson.

He gotta, lost that much in previous stage.

[White Sauron]

Latvala didn't take time out of Kopecky, afterall. Bloody quick Skoda that is.

And also bloody fast Copecky, isn't it?

[WHITE WRC]

why has Mchale not shown for split times only in stage results ?

[jonkka]

And Garde has turned deficit to Petter around and is faster now.

[A.F.F.]

He gotta, lost that much in previous stage.

Soutamista ja huopaamista. Looking at their stage times. :)

[jonkka]

And also bloody fast Copecky, isn't it?

Namely that!

[janneppi]

Mikko striking back again. Faster than Atkinson.
Mikko needs to step up big time, he can't be satisfied with being behind Atko.

[WHITE WRC]

HIRVY 3 fastest splits

[A.F.F.]

Mikko needs to step up big time, he can't be satisfied with being behind Atko.

None can ;)

[ST205GT4]

Looks like he's going to pull about 10secs back in this one stage though.

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen strikes back....

[Koppomsbo]

come on henning... is his car in "active" or "passive" mode in the computer.. :o hplease:

[ST205GT4]

Ouch 11 secs!

[A.F.F.]

Citroen-duo has clearly settled with taking easy. Hirvonen on the other is not :D

[Brother John]

Citroen-duo has clearly settled with taking easy. Hirvonen on the other is not :D

Why Citroën would still push?! They only watch Marcus split times! :dozey:

[Koppomsbo]

Loebs on it again !!

[WHITE WRC]

hirvy beat marcus on that stage !!!

[ST205GT4]

Chris's times are pretty variable. Bad-Good-Bad. I suspect he'll finish 5th.

[N.O.T]

The speed of Mr Loeb is disturbing......

[Koppomsbo]

Chris's times are pretty variable. Bad-Good-Bad. I suspect he'll finish 5th.

Still ahead of Petter then :up: ;)

[satukata]

Mikko FASTEST!!!

[N.O.T]

stage win for hirvonen

[WHITE WRC]

Loeb won the stage !!!

[animrallye]

Is this the last day of RMC? I don't see anything stages for Sunday?
No, only a 2.8 km MMS tomorrow morning in Monte-Carlo.

[Koppomsbo]

AH!! Hirvonen fighted back on the last split :D

[ST205GT4]

Well done Hirvonnen. Nice stage win.

[White Sauron]

Yeah!!! Hirvi is great!

[animrallye]

First Ford's best time !

[WHITE WRC]

sorry bad typing lol jumped the gun SORRY

[mdesign]

i'm happy a ford won a stage :)

[janneppi]

And Loeb being a gratious winner letting others get fastest times too. :)

[A.F.F.]

Why Citroën would still push?! They only watch Marcus split times! :dozey:


That's what I said.

[Brother John]

And Loeb being a gratious winner letting others get fastest times too. :)

Good point! :laugh:

[mdesign]

on the radio they were saying that sordo's C4 was losing oil. Guess it's no problem since he's going to service now

[A.F.F.]

Mikko only +8,9 seconds behind Atkinson. The afternoon is going to be tight. :bounce: Go Mikko GO!!!!!!!!!

[ST205GT4]

Mikko only +8,9 seconds behind Atkinson. The afternoon is going to be tight. :bounce: Go Atko GO!!!!!!!!!

Fixed it for you ;)

[6thgear]

I wonder if

[Brother John]

Is there a break now for 4 hours? jeeeeeeeeez!

[Wim_Impreza]

Great time for Kopecký

[ST205GT4]

I wonder if listening to a rally round on the internet will be grounds for my girlfriend to find another boyfriend if I tell her I'm busy tonight?

[6thgear]

I wonder if Skoda`s bosses even bother to take a look at Kopecky`s times..
Or would it make any difference in order to think over returning with official WRC program ?