Official 2007 Rallye Monte Carlo thread

[A.F.F.]

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?

Ask Erki. He is available and desperately seeking for Susan.... or any girl for that matter :p :

[Koppomsbo]

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?

No, they get use to it ;)

[hemgul]

3 factory team Citroen, Ford and Subaru forms first six.

Plus mitsu and skoda...

A good starting mixture for 2007.

[malscar]

Is there a break now for 4 hours? jeeeeeeeeez!

BJ careful, you might miss the start as it is only 3 hours from now, 4 from start to start.

[jonas_mcrae]

anyone has pics of gardes mitsu? watched the highligts yesterday and didnt look that bad

[1LM1]

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

Any news about this oil leak ? Maybe I didn't understand well but I heard that the oil was coming from the exhaust pipe ?? Sounds really bad :(
Service or not. I hope it's not serious.

[Tom206wrc]

Any more news about Sordo engine problem ?? :confused:

[Simmi]

Anyone think the Eurosport coverage was a marked improvement?
Helicopters! More cameras! Less service park boredom! Less formulaic!
It's a start.

[Camelopard]

Any news about this oil leak ? Maybe I didn't understand well but I heard that the oil was coming from the exhaust pipe ?? Sounds really bad :(
Service or not. I hope it's not serious.

I do.......

Go Marcus........................ ;)

[Ranger]

Being a Citroen, I predict that its just perfect timing for an engine to how signs of weakness - right before the service.

I still think Sordo won't be affected by said problem.

Though there's a very slim chance that he might.

[Corny]

Anyone think the Eurosport coverage was a marked improvement?
Helicopters! More cameras! Less service park boredom! Less formulaic!
It's a start.

YEAH, YEAH!! :D
At least I wasn't looking at Loeb/Grönholm's face 25 minutes long, like I did last year..
It was good indeed!

[Erki]

As I said earlier, I wasn't impressed with ES coverage... Maybe I watched a wrong one.

[N.O.T]

The fact that Gronholm hasn't won a single stage so far is trully strange....when was the last time Gronholm hasn't won a single stage while the stage winners in a rally were more than 2 ???

[Simmi]

The fact that Gronholm hasn't won a single stage so far is trully strange....when was the last time Gronholm hasn't won a single stage while the stage winners in a rally were more than 2 ???

Mexico 2006

[janneppi]

The fact that Gronholm hasn't won a single stage so far is trully strange....when was the last time Gronholm hasn't won a single stage while the stage winners in a rally were more than 2 ???
I think he tried hard on yesterdays first stage, but when that didn't work, he's been driving 97% speed. His time difference is so big to Sordo there is very little point in risking a retirement.
Real driving starts from 4th place. :)

[Corny]

BTW, from what I saw yesterday on TV, this (new) stages look like Corsica's stages.. Who agrees with that?

[seph]

Henning on the road.

[SubaruNorway]

Yes it looked very the same. Boring realy, could have been bether with some snow but i hope they go back to the old region next year

[N.O.T]

ss12 is on...

[miksu]

Yes it looked very the same. Boring realy, could have been bether with some snow but i hope they go back to the old region next year

Yes, and definitely more kilometers than this year!

[N.O.T]

Mexico 2006

yes but he retired on ss4 so he didn't have anything to fight for...while now he is in contention...

[satukata]

Go Mikko and Go Toni. Finns fights Subarus ;)

[miksu]

I hope Toni got the brakes better, so he could challenge Petter on the fast one... i really hope so!!

[Fischer]

Hope Toni keeps the Lancer in one piece, he almost flew out of the corner in day 1!

[seph]

Cuoq has no splits!!! (Yesterday he had...).

Could he be on trouble?

[N.O.T]

no splits for Cuoq...

[N.O.T]

Henning Solberg on ss12

Ford "I am taking it much slower."

:D :D :D :D :D quote of the day

[seph]

Cuoq arrived.

He might have his GPS damaged.

[miksu]

Doesnt look good for Toni.... :(

[seph]

Petter's so fast.

[seph]

Jari Matti 1 second faster than Jan.

Toni should take care, because the Czech man is pressing him...

[Racing Ka]

Mikko coming fast

[seph]

Atkinson is a bit slower than his direct competitors, Mikko & Petter

[seph]

Sordo's 1st split is not as fast as it should.

[N.O.T]

according to BFG site Kopecky finished the stage in 1:05.3 averaging 1084.41 km/hr ....

[seph]

Mikko took almost 1 second to Petter at the stage end.

[mdesign]

nice effort from mikko!!!

[satukata]

Mikko is now 4th!!!

[seph]

Atkinson lost position to Hirvonen.

9.3 for the finn in the stage --> 0.4 in the overall stands

[jonkka]

It's Citroen - Citroen - Ford - Ford - Subaru - Subaru now!

[Simmi]

On reflection I dont really like this format with the leaders settling for postions by half way through saturday.

[satukata]

Petter have harder tyre than cris.. Petter can make 5th place?

[Racing Ka]

Marcus broke wheel

[jonkka]

On reflection I dont really like this format with the leaders settling for postions by half way through saturday.

But how to make competition tighter? If leader has big gap by half-way, for sure he settles down.

[Erki]

On reflection I dont really like this format with the leaders settling for postions by half way through saturday.

Today is effectably the last day of the rally, Monaco is just an MMS. ;)

[seph]

Marcus had some kind of trouble, but his time's not bad. Let's see if he can afford next stage...

[seph]

Sordo 3.3 slower than Marcus... but the finn will suffer on next stage.

[seph]

Loeb just 0.3 faster than his spanish team-mate. He has everything under control.

[HaCo]

They can replace the wheel maybe?

[HaCo]

It's nice to see the subbies are going VERY well!!

[Simmi]

BF Goodrich site is a tad mixed up. Has Kopecky down as winning the stage by over 9 minutes and leading the rally overall lol!

[N.O.T]

Sébastien Loeb
Citroen "Everything is ok. Good weather. Just trying to keep a good rythmn."

Daniel Sordo
Citroen "With Marcus (Gronholm) the time I finished is good."

Marcus Gronholm
Ford Finished stage with damage to the rear left, and a broken rear left wheel. Hit a bridge.

Manfred Stohl
Citroen "Seems to be ok right now, but I still not trust."

Chris Atkinson
Subaru "I struggled with the car moving too much. I couldn't push."

Henning Solberg
Ford "I am taking it much slower."

Matthew Wilson
Ford "Didn't exploit the grip as much as much as we could have, but wasn't bad at all."

Gareth MacHale
Ford "A little bit of gravel on the road, otherwise it's ok."

Jean-Marie Cuoq
Peugeot "We repaired it (brakes) in the service park. The car is ok."

Xavier Pons
Mitsubishi "The bridge, a little crash." Finished stage with some damage to the car.

[Lousada]

Anyone think the Eurosport coverage was a marked improvement?
Helicopters! More cameras! Less service park boredom! Less formulaic!
It's a start.

More camera's? They mainly showed the same uphill left hairpin. And for the second run of the stage, they showed the same combination but in a different position.... The helicopter was a big improvement though and the beautiful scenery helped.

[satukata]

I think this and many wrc rallys are too short. Half rally still to come but first 3cars can only drive slowly and finish in podium. I hope at least 3 day rally from morning to evening and 30-40 stages like it was in 1980-1990.

[Tom206wrc]

Bosse :s

[N.O.T]

well Gronholm will not have any problems if he can change the wheel before the stage start....

[Brother John]

:bounce: We have first snow here in the south east of Sweden at the moment!

[Mauri A]

:bounce: We have first snow here in the south east of Sweden at the moment!
But we have half a meter snow and -25C here in Rovaniemi!

[N.O.T]

Atko 3 secs fatser than Hirvonen on 1st split.....

[seph]

At 1st split, Atkinson would recover 4th position!!! Great fight!!!

[Perra71]

Brother John:
Lovely isn´t it, hasn´t started here in Stockholm yet but it is supposed to snow something like 20cm overnight.
My worries for the rally is gone, cause it will be very cold to in the coming week

[Mauri A]

Mikko perkele!

[seph]

Gronholm times are normal... It seems he changed the wheel.

[N.O.T]

Gronholm changed the damaged wheel....

Atkinson 4.4 faster than Mikko on split 2

[jonkka]

Brother John:
Lovely isn´t it, hasn´t started here in Stockholm yet but it is supposed to snow something like 20cm overnight.
My worries for the rally is gone, cause it will be very cold to in the coming week

You refer to Swedish Rally?

[Perra71]

Jonkka:
Yes

[seph]

Jari Matti almost 9 seconds faster than Kopecky. It will be a hard fight for the last point.

Kopecky's now 5.4 secs ahead of Latvala.

[miksu]

hehe... Hirvonen and Atkinson will race it tomorrow i think :D

[Simmi]

Nice to see Subaru's on the pace on tarmac. Bodes well for the season. Hope Mikko can pick it up a bit though!

[jonkka]

Latvala only 5.4s behind Kopecky now.

[seph]

Marcus slowing down!!! (8 secs slower than Atkinson at 2nd split)

[jonkka]

Jonkka:
Yes

Keep worrying, it's still some weeks away and weather can change fifty-two ways during that time. I keep fingers crossed for a good winter rally.

[Mauri A]

Marcus slowing down!!! (8 secs slower than Atkinson at 2nd split)
Team orders: Calma, calma!

[Brother John]

Brother John:
Lovely isn´t it, hasn´t started here in Stockholm yet but it is supposed to snow something like 20cm overnight.
My worries for the rally is gone, cause it will be very cold to in the coming week

It has to be cold the next 3 weeks!!!!!!! and mor snow!!!!!!!! ;)

[seph]

Right, no problem for Marcus. He's just controlling. Recovered another sec on 3rd split.

[seph]

Atkinson 8 secs faster than Mikko!!! wow!!!

[N.O.T]

Atkinson 7.6 seconds faster than Mikko !!!!! GREAT drive !!!!

[Brother John]

C´on Mikko !!! go go go .

[janneppi]

Damn you Mikko.

[seph]

Gronholm lost 15 secs to Atkinson at the stage end.

[janez l.]

What is happening to Henning? Taking it easy is one thing, but to have half an hour delay at the finish line is something completely different. A real disappointment....and without any technical glitches as far as I know.

I also expected Stohl to be a little bit higher, he has the experience and the car.

Citröen boys are just taking all the fun out of the WRC...., the speed of Loeb is just overwhelming. Nothing has changed.....

Nice drive from Atkinson and Kopecky!

[Simmi]

Henning and Stohl have both had problems with brakes. Both off the pace though in new cars. Apparently Stohl says the Xsara is massively different to the older version he drove. Henning's biggest problem is he hasn't learnt how to drive fast on tarmac yet.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Also Latvala posting some impressive times. 3rd fastest on SS13. Atkinson will soon be overshadowing Solberg. OK, maybe Citroen are light years ahead, but maybe the Subaru is not so bad, maybe its Solberg is the problem! As for Wilson.. he really should consider his future. This display is abismal. I do actually believe he is getting slower... I really dont know where he is going to find 2 seconds per kilometer.

[janez l.]

Henning and Stohl have both had problems with brakes. Both off the pace though in new cars. Apparently Stohl says the Xsara is massively different to the older version he drove. Henning's biggest problem is he hasn't learnt how to drive fast on tarmac yet.

Learning:OK, but the delays are just too big by any standards.

[janez l.]

Henning and Stohl have both had problems with brakes. Both off the pace though in new cars. Apparently Stohl says the Xsara is massively different to the older version he drove. Henning's biggest problem is he hasn't learnt how to drive fast on tarmac yet.

Learning:OK, but the delays are just too big by any standards. That is if you wanna be a real contender some day.....

[Simmi]

A couple of good battles remaining:
Hirvonen is 7.2 behind Atkinson
Latvala is 5.4 behind Kopecky in the battle for the final point.

Hirvonen won the coming stage first time around so it should be interesting.

[Brother John]

Why has Kronos brake problems? becouse It´s now a privat team and have not enough parts to change! :laugh: Last year they changed all on every service. I will look at certainly once at Kronos in Sweden! :D

http://www.wrc.com/page/News/BreakingNewsDetail/0,,10111~968079,00.html

[Simmi]

Learning:OK, but the delays are just too big by any standards. That is if you wanna be a real contender some day.....

He isnt ever going to be a contender on tarmac I think we all know that. On Gravel/Snow on the other hand then he should be constant top 8.

[janez l.]

He isnt ever going to be a contender on tarmac I think we all know that. On Gravel/Snow on the other hand then he should be constant top 8.

We will see. This year is proving to be very competitive, lots of private entries.

[Brother John]

[quote="Buzz Lightyear"] Atkinson will soon be overshadowing Solberg. OK, maybe Citroen are light years ahead, but maybe the Subaru is not so bad, maybe its Solberg is the problem! quote]

Yes I say that already more than one year! Petter is the problem! :p
bla bla bla bla bla and that´s it! New car in Mexico will not help much more for him! :dozey:

[jonas_mcrae]

last proper stage on the way

[AndyRAC]

last proper stage on the way

Which is a shame, there should be more, it's only mid afternoon.

Remember the final night over the Col de Turini?

Ah, memories!!

[RJL25]

if atko holds this 4th position i say its easily the best performance of his career even tho its not his highest place finnish. Who's gonna agree?

[seph]

Jan is beating Jari Matti at the 1st split by 0.8.

Remember that the gap between them before this stage was of 5.4 secs, so now it's 6.2.

[miksu]

JM lost it

[Wim_Impreza]

if atko holds this 4th position i say its easily the best performance of his career even tho its not his highest place finnish. Who's gonna agree?

Atkinson was last year second after day 1 and 5th at the end in his debut in Monte-Carlo. That was really good too.

[Miika]

Problems for Jari-Matti.

[seph]

Oh, Jari Matti in big trouble!!!

[Simmi]

Must be a spin or something for JML. Shame. Well done to Kopecky though in a much older car. If he was in a top car he could be fighting for a top place.

[RJL25]

Atkinson was last year second after day 1 and 5th at the end in his debut in Monte-Carlo. That was really good too.

yep, clearly theres something about this rally which he likes. But i still maintain it will be his best rally of his career. Theres just something so wonderfully gritty about this performance! Winning stages to fend off the more experienced hirvonen whos in a superior car

[seph]

JM's gonna lose more than 2 minutes. What a pity for him!!!

[Wim_Impreza]

yep, clearly theres something about this rally which he likes. But i still maintain it will be his best rally of his career. Theres just something so wonderfully gritty about this performance! Winning stages to fend off the more experienced hirvonen whos in a superior car

It is probably his best rally ever indeed. Beating Solberg and the best performer after the Citroëns is great.

[seph]

Mikko almost 1 second faster than Atko in 1st split.

This battle could be solved tomorrow...

[seph]

2nd split:

Mikko --> 2.6 --> Atko



Overall at this point:

Atko --> 4.6 --> Mikko

[Miika]

JM blew it again. Pity.

[Simmi]

Mikko is pushing. 2.6 ahead now

[seph]

Oh! Sordo losing time!!!

[pino makinen]

Oh! Sordo losing time!!!

Morning guys!

Oil problems again? Somebody knows?

[seph]

3rd split:

Mikko --> 4.4 --> Atko


Overall at this point

Atko --> 2.8 --> Mikko

[jonkka]

Mikko needs 2.8s more from Atko to be dead level.

[Erki]

It's just 13 seconds. For Citroen boys, 13 seconds is "just" ;)

[seph]

Well, Sordo seems not to have any big problem. Maybe just driving safely. He lost 6 seconds to Marcus (9 to Mikko) in 1st split. But in 2nd he drove in normal times.

[jonkka]

Tomorrow's SSS will be decisive.

[seph]

Stage end:

Mikko --> 8.0 --> Atko



Overall standings

Mikko --> 0.8 --> Atko

[pino makinen]

It's just 13 seconds. For Citroen boys, 13 seconds is "just" ;)

Thanks, thought it was more than "just".

[jonkka]

Mikko 0.8s ahead...

[Simmi]

Nice time by Mikko -8.0

[Erki]

Mikko is in front by .8 of a second now.

[jonkka]

Just but nor fair.

[miksu]

hehe, i knew it!! its gonna be decided tomorrows tiny stage :D

[hemgul]

wonderfull 4th place competition.

[Mauri A]

As I wrote before, Mikko perkele!

[seph]

hehe, i knew it!! its gonna be decided tomorrows tiny stage :D

It's relatively easy to have any trouble on that stage...

Both of them must risk... but any little mistake could cost them more than this little battle for 1 point...

It's going to be a really exciting fight!!!

[Simmi]

Hopefully the organisers can move it around so that Mikko and Chris run against each other.

[RJL25]

Mikko almost 1 second faster than Atko in 1st split.

This battle could be solved tomorrow...

tomorrow is the super special over the grand prix track right?

[seph]

Finally, Sordo lost 25 secs to Mikko (wow, 25 secs!!!), but just 5.7 to Marcus. Everything's all right for the Spaniard.

[RJL25]

god damn why can't they run the last stage today! lol

[SubaruNorway]

Would be very late at night if they where

[Erki]

Hopefully the organisers can move it around so that Mikko and Chris run against each other.

It's not the typical side by side track. It's more like New Zealand had last year.

[cut the b.s.]

Hopefully the organisers can move it around so that Mikko and Chris run against each other.


would be good if they can, nice that tomorrows stage has some meaning and is now not just a rally car parade :-)

[Simmi]

It's not the typical side by side track. It's more like New Zealand had last year.


Thats better IMO I just thought I had read somewhere it was some type of 2 car sprint. I prefer watching them one at a time so you can concentrate on each car.

[Brother John]

Would be very late at night if they where

They should have the Col de Turinni also tomorow, just before the SSS :confused: !

[miksu]

Its all about nerves tomorrow, right? I think with both of the drivers, that hasnt been their best side these last years, though they have grown a lot mentally. What do you think? I'm a pessimist i think Atko will take it. But i will be happy if it's the other way around...

[Corny]

how long's that special?

[miksu]

how long's that special?

less than 3 km

[Corny]

They should have the Col de Turinni also tomorow, just before the SSS :confused: !

That there's no snow, is the punish they get for not taking Turini in the event :D

[Jaanus]

What a battle! The pressure is definitely on Mikko to beat Atko. Malcolm needs the manufacturer points as Ford is eager to repeat the title this year. Subaru is not really interested in the Manufacturer title so Atko has free hands to push maximum.

[alleskids]

It's relatively easy to have any trouble on that stage...

Both of them must risk... but any little mistake could cost them more than this little battle for 1 point...

It's going to be a really exciting fight!!!


Hirvonen (reading BP Ford Team RS) has more to loose in the 4th place battle than Atkkinson/Subaru. So Wilson could force Hirvone to drive steadily. Especially with a Citroen 1-2, 18 points lead.

[Brother John]

My old car!

[White Sauron]

I also think that Citroens were a bit lucky with remote service back... maybe if they had to run 3 stages in a row without any service, there would have been problems for Citroens...

[AndyRAC]

I'm waiting for snowy, thrilling rally which hopefully offer wider competition than just Marcus vs. Sebastien. Interested to see if Petter can fight against them. Also, how our boys Mikko, Jari-Matti and Toni will do :)

So, AFF, how do you feel now with 1 stage left, disappointed?

To be honest ,I do!

[Corny]

Is there someone who's got a map or pictures of the SS tomorrow?

[White Sauron]

The Finn said: "After the first day we never had a chance to battle the Citroens here, but we can beat them on the snow in Sweden and Norway."

Marcus Gronholm isn't Solberg. He wouldn't have said such words without strong confidence that he can prove them. Gronholm understands it's not the C4 very fast, but Loeb. ...and wrong nominated tyres for the Ford...

[A.F.F.]

So, AFF, how do you feel now with 1 stage left, disappointed?

To be honest ,I do!


;)

Well, rally sure wasn't snowy. Thrilling for some parts, yes but not because top three. Citroen+tyre domination was so crushing it killed the competition right from the start but there is nothing new in that ;)

Good thing is that Subaru has been there. The battle between Hirvonen and Atkinson has been thrilling, honestly :up:

But the lack of even remotely good TV footage is really pissing me off.

So, overall, I'm a bit disappointed.

Fortunately the entry list for Sweden and Norway seem very good so there we got something to wait.

[AndyRAC]

;)

Well, rally sure wasn't snowy. Thrilling for some parts, yes but not because top three. Citroen+tyre domination was so crushing it killed the competition right from the start but there is nothing new in that ;)

Good thing is that Subaru has been there. The battle between Hirvonen and Atkinson has been thrilling, honestly :up:

But the lack of even remotely good TV footage is really pissing me off.

So, overall, I'm a bit disappointed.

Fortunately the entry list for Sweden and Norway seem very good so there we got something to wait.

Not having seen any TV coverage I can't comment, as I live in UK and it has been dropped from ITV. Have to wait until Thursday to watch Ralio, on S4C.
About the Rally, the time differences seem to be a lot, and why the early finish today, and only one Mickey Mouse stage tomorrow? Disappointing!

[Simon Speichert]

Is the super special the whole grand prix circuit? I can't wait for the drivers to show those F1 guys how to take the Grand Hotel hairpin!

Has anyone else heard any more about spectators throwing stones at Wilson?

[SubaruNorway]

it only uses the part around the pool, pit and start/finish straight. Would have been awsome if they had used the whole circuit so we could compare the WRC cars to the F1

[SubaruNorway]

There was some damage to Latvalas rollcage on the last stage wonder what the FIA will do about it

http://www.vgb.no/6339/perma/152493

[White Sauron]

Wonder if Sordo can repeat his Rally Cyprus' superspecial performance. lol)

[Koppomsbo]

There was some damage to Latvalas rollcage on the last stage wonder what the FIA will do about it

http://www.vgb.no/6339/perma/152493

Auch, bad hit on Latvala,s car... :s

[AndyRAC]

it only uses the part around the pool, pit and start/finish straight. Would have been awsome if they had used the whole circuit so we could compare the WRC cars to the F1

Why didn't they use the whole circuit, seems a bit pointless going there and only using part of it. Imagine they used the whole circuit in the dark, now that would 've been a spectacle!!

[miksu]

According to finnish page, mtv3, tomorrow's stage will be driven with winter tyres without spikes...is this true? they say it is to make it look more spectacular when cars are sliding :)

[N]

that's silly cause it's a tarmac event and they use the tarmac tyres.

[Erki]

I thought it was rally, not a drifting competition. :confused:

[SubaruNorway]

Don't think they have more of the slick tyres left anyway, it's not like they are using the same tyres as in Sweden and Norway

[SubaruNorway]

sorry double post

[Jaanus]

From the official Stobart team press release:

Latvala slid wide on some loose gravel hitting a stone wall damaging the front right and rear of his car, loosing two minutes on the stage. Because of damage to the cars safety roll cage Latvala will not be able to continue tomorrow.

[miksu]

It was so sad to see Latvala hitting it...You could just see the pure dissapointment and disbelief as he covered his face with hands...poor guy. Well, in the next rally. I'm glad we will see many more from him this season. And many years to come.

[m.lowe]

Fords and Bridges go together as one goes under the other lol

Vive La Citroen, that C4 is showing the way first time out with its drivers
It looks nice on tarmac too

[Josti]

Well, rally sure wasn't snowy. Thrilling for some parts, yes but not because top three. Citroen+tyre domination was so crushing it killed the competition right from the start but there is nothing new in that ;)

Good thing is that Subaru has been there. The battle between Hirvonen and Atkinson has been thrilling, honestly :up:

So, overall, I'm a bit disappointed.



It proves that a snowless Monte Carlo Rally is almost worthless. Pretty ironic if you realize that they moved to Ardéche area for more snow. But ok, weather is weather...you can´t change it.

It´s obvious Grönholm was frustrated from stage 1. By then, I already knew he wasn´t going to win this one. The Citroën dominance was expected, but I tried to ignore it before the start. However, I reckon tighter fights in Sweden and Norway. Probably with Subaru also more up front.

[ST205GT4]

I for one will be very interested to see if Subaru's improved pace will be repeated on the loose stuff. I know the car isn't as good as the rest of the other manufacturer's machines, but it seems as though the Pirelli's really have been hindering the car in recent seasons.

Rest of the year should be interesting.

[LazioCenturion]

Obviously the rally is not over yet, but I love the battle for 4th.

I told my wife that its my guy, Mikko Hirvonen, against her guy Chris Atkinson. She actually doesn't really care, but its fun to make it that way.

I am honestly, and pleasantly suprised by the performance of Jean-Marie Cuoq in the Peugeot 307 WRC. Currently 9th and had a top 3 stage time, can't remember which stage it was though.

What is your pick for "Surprise of the Rally?"

[cosmicpanda]

It proves that a snowless Monte Carlo Rally is almost worthless.

What, almost as worthless as Corsica, Catalunya, Germany and Ireland?

When there's snow, people complain about the snow. When there's no snow, people complain about there not being any.

It's not like it's the first time the rally's not had any snow. Apparently in 1968 even the Turini was dry and they used slicks quite happily.

My only criticism about this year's rally is that they haven't managed to use the Turini. There's no traffic problems, they've returned to classic stages and night stages, and there've been no actual stages canceled, so I think it's been pretty good.

[jso1985]

worthless? without snow is still of of the most thrilling tarmac events!

Anyway I expected more from Ford, I know the tyres let them down but still I expected things to be harder for the C4 in its debut.

[ShiftingGears]

How long until the final stage?

[cosmicpanda]

three hours or so

[GigiGalliNo1]

1hr 1min left

[Mauri A]

1hr 1min left
According to Finnish MTV the start has been postponed by half an hour.

[Livewireshock]

Has there been any link yet posted for the live coverage on WRC+????

Was meant to begin at 8:30am?

[Livewireshock]

Sorry my mistake. It is starting at 9:30am local time. I have another hour to go....

Was looking at GMT timing! DOH!

[buffalo]

Does anyone know where on the net I can find a map showing the route of the Superspecial Stage in Monaco ?

Thanks
Bill

[GigiGalliNo1]

Arggg. i called to work saying I'll be in half hour later. now it sucks and I wanted to watch the WRC+ live but don't even know where. Post if someone know's a link!

Thanks.

[amberie]

Finally! The link is up--go to the news article on the upper right column, and there's a link at the bottom of the article.

[GigiGalliNo1]

listen to radio now!

[GigiGalliNo1]

WRC.com, story on the right "Coverage for superspecials" click that then read to last line of story and click "If you have WRC+ you can click here to watch the stage."

=)

[GigiGalliNo1]

It's started!! I'm watching some coverage now! :D

[Corny]

WRC.com, story on the right "Coverage for superspecials" click that then read to last line of story and click "If you have WRC+ you can click here to watch the stage."

=)

You have a WRC+ account?

[Corny]

Could someone please explain me how to watch that stage without paying for it :D ?

[malscar]

With the times these guys are doing, this must almost be a motorkhana style stage. Very, very tight.

[cosmicpanda]

Very slow average speed for the cars so far :eek:

23.71 k/h? Seven minutes to complete a three kilometre circuit? Wow.

[aivan]

GigiGalliNo1.. can you describe how the SSS is?

Thanks..

[KF1800]

I'm watching WRC plus. Can anyone actually see the live footage yet? They are just showing highlights of legs 1 and 2 so far?????

[GigiGalliNo1]

yeh a sec ago it was showing the Privateer cars and PWRC, it's amazing!!! The stage is just WOW and they're on SNOW tyers on tarmac and the cars that drove, Clio's, Evo's, 206RC's and STi's sliding on each corner! can't wait to see the WRC control! Yeh I have an account, the stage start Lives on WRC+ again at 9:50am GMT+1 soon. So just the review is being played now, no sound just visual with Radio sound, commentating!

[cosmicpanda]

The circuit's the lower half of the F1 circuit, with a tight hairpin, at least as tight as the grand hotel hairpin, and an extra chicane somewhere, not sure where. Apparently it's 13 degrees.

[GigiGalliNo1]

http://www.wrc.com/page/sub/WRC/LiveStream

See if that works.......?

[aivan]

Thanks GigiGalliNo1!!!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Henning is on stage! Camera's are LIVE

[GigiGalliNo1]

They just said What cars I like on the radio!! Yay yesterday it was my birthday, got it said on radio as well as other things and today this!!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Thanks GigiGalliNo1!!!

Does it work?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Solberg 1:53.3

[GigiGalliNo1]

I have the WRC+ on my labtop screen and this forum in another monitor on my desk!! :D haha

Wilson on Stage, Live vid.

[N.O.T]

Does it work?

No...but thanx for trying

[malscar]

Does it work?

If we had your logon and password it would.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Enjoy guys! I'm off to work and cannot even watch it anymore but amazing!!

[aivan]

What's up with the live times?

[cosmicpanda]

Kopecky's amazing :eek:

edit:

And Hirvonen and Petter doing donuts :D

[aivan]

Solberg did a donut on stage???

:bounce: Great Petter :bounce:

[M3_E30]

Im getting no Stage times???

[Donney]

Does it work?

No, but thank you very much!

[Koppomsbo]

the live splits doesnt work that great.. :(

[Donney]

Atko 1:49.9 he's done it!!!

[N.O.T]

Atko Gets 4th !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[janneppi]

Good job Atko!

[aivan]

Atko did it!!! just 0.2 infront of Mikko.. wooooww

[M3_E30]

chris get it!!!!

[Koppomsbo]

Well done Atko :up:

[A.F.F.]

Wow... Both guys really were pushing last day. Good job Atkinson. :up: Good job Mikko too :)

[Maui J.]

Great result for Atko. Will be very interesting to see him on the first gravel rally of the year. Can he shine above Petter? He needed a good result like this at the beginning of the year for his confidence.
Subaru must be happy with that result.

[malscar]

A great drive by both Mikko and Chris, I just hope they keep doing this sort of pressure rallying throughout the year.

[alleskids]

YESSS !! Citroen 1- 2 :UP: Loeb and Sordo make it a nice start of the season :) .

[Peugeot206WRC]

Congrats to seb, chris and citroen...
Just hope Loeb dont win mostly of the rallies like last year :)

[Livewireshock]

Wow, what a sight! The coverage was brilliant to see. Congrats to Chris.....3 stage wins plus 4th overall.

[Livewireshock]

The final address from Becs on WRC Radio was very dour. Looks like the coverage is under threat again with her saying that Sweden is only a maybe & thanking listeners for all the years of listening!?!

[ST205GT4]

Well bugger me. Well done Chris. Have to say logging in and seeing the results on the estonian timing site was a pleasant surprise.

Here's hoping he can get some good results on the loose now. Be nice if he and Mikko could fight all year like they did in this rally. At least there would be some interest!

[maevad]

Very nice time in Superstage by Martin Prokop (C2 S1600) - 10th place absolutely!!!

[pino]

1-2 for Citroen and I am not surprised at all, now for the sake of the Champ, let's hope Ford and Marcus will be more competitive from the next event ;) The surprise of the event was Atkinson, 4th overall and ahead of his Team-mate...Bravo :up: It's also great to see Garde finishing in points :)

[janneppi]

After watching the last stage on tv, i must say Atkinson was more agressive than Mikko.
Was it really the case they had to use winter tyres for the sss?

[Ranger]

Of course the title interest looks minimal again with C4 domination.

But if Mikko and Chris go hammer and tongs at it all year, I won't have to worry! Brilliant driving, both of them. :up:

I hope Subaru are closer to the ball for the rest of the year to allow such battles to take place.

I also hope Ford lift it or the C4 shows some weaknesses! We don't want another 2005/2006! :\

Good job Monte. Now I shall wait until I can see the highlights in a fortnights time! :\

[ShiftingGears]

YEAH! Go Chris! Go you good thing! I hope he keeps it up through the whole season, he drove superbly.

[306 Cosworth]

If Citroen do this for the whole of the season it's going to be very boring

[pentti]

Very much better than F1 in Monaco.To force to use gravel type tyres was brilliant. Maybe they should use similar tyres in F1 as well. Studded tyres?
It just show that speed does not matter.

[Mickey T]

Indeed, Pentti. i think we were both (along with others) arguing for this last year.

bring us a control tyre that lets the flamboyant drivers show off with big slip angles at no expense to their stage times.

that - and the fact that the cars physically resemble what they buy in the showrooms (unlike f1) - is what people love about rallying.

very mature drive by atko. i think, mentally, there's a new chris atkinson in town this year.

[janneppi]

Yes, why not use gravel tyres on tarmac rallies and slicks in gravel and snow, in all stages. that'll bring more show...

[miksu]

Marcus after Monaco SSS with soft tyres:

"That was fun!! The car was sliding just enough!"

[N.O.T]

Overall i think it was a good start for the season......we didn't have much drama or snow but the battle between Atkinson and Hirvonen kept the interest high...The C4 as expected is both fast and reliable...the gravel performance is still to be seen but i don't expect big differences there as well.

I was dissapointed by 2 things....Gronholm seemed like he changed his attitude...he didn't even win a single special stage and he was massively outclassed by a very inexperienced Sordo...The second dissapointment was Solberg who just underperformed without any obvious reason...Atkinson showed that to be on pace with the second drivers of the works teams is feasible yet Solberg wasn't even close.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Anybody else thought that WRC+ was worth it? As in watching the stage live? and reviews of each leg? I'm waiting for some more features but still bloody happy with the coverage! Great stuff!

[jens]

Surprising about the rally was that we had minimal losses at the top and all the six factory cars made it to finish and in first six positions. If they continue being so reliable, I wonder whether good finishing percentage will be the pattern for the whole season?

[cosmicpanda]

all the same, next year I hope for snowbanks :p :

[J.Lindstroem]

I was dissapointed by 2 things....Gronholm seemed like he changed his attitude...he didn't even win a single special stage and he was massively outclassed by a very inexperienced Sordo.

Yes i agree, but every year Marcus has been driving slowly trough the stages in the Monte Carlo Rally, saying that the championship isnt starting before Sweden!

[Barry_]

any one got links for pics??

[snwbrdr]

any one got links for pics??

I've got mine online: http://www.rallypics.nl/foto.asp

And Niels Hollander @ http://www.rally-photo.net

Enjoy!

[Brother John]

Very much better than F1 in Monaco.To force to use gravel type tyres was brilliant. Maybe they should use similar tyres in F1 as well. Studded tyres?
It just show that speed does not matter.

:up: Nowbody believe me when I say that speed does no matter. :mark:
Is It just we, "the elderly" that understand these? :)

[Donney]

:up: Nowbody believe me when I say that speed does no matter. :mark:
Is It just we, "the elderly" that understand these? :)


I agree 100% with that idea and almost got into a forum fight over the necessity of S2000 because of speed issues when compared to WRC's.

[janneppi]

Only one i saw worth watching in the SSS was Atkinson, Hirvonen was too cautious and others were there basically just playing around, maybe next rally they can drive in the centre of Stockholm with cars on fire. ;)
Now i realize i may be in the minority, but i don't care about showboating, i want to see the cars driven in anger, Monaco track is good for that, you see the difference when a F1 car goes 100% and when it's just cruising, same can be applied to WRC cars. It's a bad day for me when there is a bloody circus going on when two people actually are still driving for a point position.
As Mr. Horse said on Ren & Stimpy, No sir, i don't like.

[René]

Marcus bridge choc !

[René]

Jari Matti Latvala off road !

[Simmi]

Only one i saw worth watching in the SSS was Atkinson, Hirvonen was too cautious and others were there basically just playing around, maybe next rally they can drive in the centre of Stockholm with cars on fire. ;)
Now i realize i may be in the minority, but i don't care about showboating, i want to see the cars driven in anger, Monaco track is good for that, you see the difference when a F1 car goes 100% and when it's just cruising, same can be applied to WRC cars. It's a bad day for me when there is a bloody circus going on when two people actually are still driving for a point position.
As Mr. Horse said on Ren & Stimpy, No sir, i don't like.

It wasn't going to be anything else the way the rally was structured. They arent going to risk anything when they are driving past the finish ramp.

[SubaruNorway]

Wow! would like to see the video from the guy in the ditch

[jure dvorsek]

End of first race in 2007 and yust small changes in the results-Mr.Loeb is with his new car ages away from others, Gronholm has now even one problem more-Dani Sordo is clearley faster on tarmac than him, so Markus will push even more on gravel&snow rallyes. Surprise of MC 2007 is Chris Atkinson, but his team mate P.Solberg must think, what is wrong with him personaly and not yust with impreza!!
I am affraid, that Loeb will take a clear win also in Sweden, Norway, Mexico.....Time for Markus to think, what will bring future for him-not much of champain....

[ZequeArgentina]

Very much better than F1 in Monaco.To force to use gravel type tyres was brilliant. Maybe they should use similar tyres in F1 as well. Studded tyres?
It just show that speed does not matter.

Or you can even use wheels without the tires!!!! That would be great, cars sliding, sparks coming form the underpart of the car, and so on.

I used to think rally was still more sport than show..............................

[Josti]

Very much better than F1 in Monaco.To force to use gravel type tyres was brilliant. Maybe they should use similar tyres in F1 as well. Studded tyres?
It just show that speed does not matter.

Brilliant or desperite. Pretty sad they have to make the sport spectaculair in this way. Wasn't it more fun if Mikko and Atko fought it out on a normal stage. I'd rather wanted to see that. I think the special stage was pretty dull, and one little mistake made the difference. To be honest, I wouldn't miss it if they cut it from next year's edition. I say a return to Col de Turini next year and please more stages!

[A.F.F.]

I completely agree with N.O.T. and jure dvorsek. It's finally time for Marcus to realize it's all over for him and he has nothing more to offer. I think the wisest thing for him would be to retire before Sweden with glory. Nobody wants to see fallen stars. :up:

































:rolleyes:

[ZequeArgentina]

End of first race in 2007 and yust small changes in the results-Mr.Loeb is with his new car ages away from others, Gronholm has now even one problem more-Dani Sordo is clearley faster on tarmac than him, so Markus will push even more on gravel&snow rallyes. Surprise of MC 2007 is Chris Atkinson, but his team mate P.Solberg must think, what is wrong with him personaly and not yust with impreza!!
I am affraid, that Loeb will take a clear win also in Sweden, Norway, Mexico.....Time for Markus to think, what will bring future for him-not much of champain....


I think taht Gronholm will shine in Sweden and Norway.
I even think Solberg could chase Gronholm even more than Loeb.
Lets wait and see.

[JAM]

Any videos from de Monte Carlo SS?

[cut the b.s.]

Any videos from de Monte Carlo SS?



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKWongz0frE

not a great video but its all I know of so far, looks like heavy traffic at times :-)

[René]

Loeb comment after Monte-Carlo arrived !

Automatic translation from http://www.sebastienloeb.com

21 January, arrived!

Today, I especially droved while am being fixed on the rhythm of Dani. With 24 " of delay, he did not have to come to seek me, even if the positions were not fixed by the team, the instruction was clear: to bring back the two cars to Monaco. I did not take risks either.

C4 went well, but this morning I made a choice of gums a little too hard, which explains the large variations. I sometimes droved too slowly, of the blow the tires lost the good temperature and I did not manage any more to find a good rhythm. Each time I wanted to release a little, I lost much! Moreover, we received a message from the team saying that the last three kilometers would be very tricky and I slowed down even more. Openers WRC had announced white frost that our openers had not seen a few hours earlier. I do not have anything considering either! Finally for the first rally of the year, I do not see how we could have better done!

I also learne from new lesson on the behavior of my C4. We knew it fast, but what would it give in condition of race? Will I be at ease at his wheel? The tests do not make it possible to know the car from this point of view well, for one always passes and passes by again on the same kilometers. There are no traps, possible surprises, therefore not of improvisation. In race, on the stages ones that one does not know, it is the opposite and I noted that C4, in addition to being stable, is easy to lead, not especially under steer in the slow one, balanced well... I am at ease inside, I quickly took confidence on my C4. I liked this rally. The stages are nice. I appreciated much the long one, Saint Pierreville - Antraigues, and the two tests of night which seemed to me too fast in recognition, but which appeared pleasant. I find that this Monte-Carlo was very well organized. There were many people, a very good environment, but we were never constrained to reach special or the assistance. The witnesses seemed disciplined enough. It was felt that they were happy that the rally returns on their premises and wished that all occurred well. There was a true public of passionate, much of supporters, that given pleasure to see. Cheer and thank you too them!

To begin the season with a victory, I like it. It pleases really to me and it is well for all the team to start again with a success. On another side it is also reassuring, with a new car which works and me which am not badly after 4 months without to have run.

A great regards at all,

Seb,

[JAM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKWongz0frE

not a great video but its all I know of so far, looks like heavy traffic at times :-)

Well this SS was a litle confusing. Anyone kowns explain how did it worked? What was the scheme to see the cars running laps and more laps?

These in car videos didn't help to understand:

Hirvonen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyKfCpOBtrA&eurl=

Sordo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5FU5rdq0Is&eurl=
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vleEC4TdyYU&eurl=

Loeb
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6-uVH3qrWg&eurl=

Atkiston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOwI5olJleg&eurl=

Gardemeister
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQOrdJ5GQj0&eurl=

[SubaruNorway]

You didn't see it on TV? ok They started at each end of the track at the same time and did to laps so the finish was where they started

[jso1985]

Didn't like much the SSS, ok it looked spectacular with the tyres they used but didn't it turn WRC into a show rather than a sport? as many pointed out what's next? wheels only and the car on fire?.
I'd rather have another "normal" stage

[cosmicpanda]

what about the tarmac stage at the Acropolis? They have to use gravel tyres for that, yet people don't complain.

I'm not sure how they managed to make it compulsary to use snow tyres. Perhaps the teams just ran out of slicks. I'm pretty sure that Atko and Mikko would've used slicks if they could have.