WRC Testing

[Rallyper]

That's obvious I know that, but you must have an extraordinary good rally climate to persuade sponsors with enough budgets to get started, all depends on popularity of Rally, what's the secret about that

True. That´s the second one. Big absence in Sweden. Rumours though says Fredrik Åhlin has got one big sponsor making him able to drive R5 in 2015 - and WRC2 in 2016. More to come.

[Eli]

does anybody know if Citroen has already done their testing for Monte or when will they do it?

[rage82]

does anybody know if Citroen has already done their testing for Monte or when will they do it?
I think that they doesn't have any tests yet. Unfornately don't know the exact dates on which they will test but probably it will be the week before the rally.

[Fly_Half]

You've got a bucket full of talents there in Estonia let alone WRC, what's your countries' secret??
You have to stay up whole season busy times ahead with Karl Kruuda , Sander Pärn and Ott Tanak!

Am I right in saying that in Estonia you can obtain a license for Rallying at a very young age? I know a few of the young Brits currently doing well went over to eastern Europe a few years ago and got some competitive experience before even getting a UK driving license...

[Franky]

Am I right in saying that in Estonia you can obtain a license for Rallying at a very young age? I know a few of the young Brits currently doing well went over to eastern Europe a few years ago and got some competitive experience before even getting a UK driving license...

You can get a "rookie" licence (no idea how to call it) at the age of 16, but when you drive with that licence you need to have a person with the normal driving licence in the car.

Don't know about Latvia.

[Coach 2]

You can get a "rookie" licence (no idea how to call it) at the age of 16, but when you drive with that licence you need to have a person with the normal driving licence in the car.

Don't know about Latvia.

The same in Scandinavia, but I do not know if it is open to foreigners.

[Franky]

That's obvious I know that, but you must have an extraordinary good rally climate to persuade sponsors with enough budgets to get started, all depends on popularity of Rally, what's the secret about that

The current generation is mostly the result of a program Urmo Aava and Kuldar Sikk ran with youngsters. Karl Kruuda, Martin Kangur and Sander Pärn were in that youth team.

Also the Estonian ASN and MM Motorsport ran a programme together between 2006 and 2009. For example Ott Tänak, Egon Kaur and Rainer Aus were part of it.

I'd say the current situation is result of work done years ago.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dumas 911 testing:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5yrKlgIYAAsT0r.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5yrKHAIQAEkvrF.jpg

[tommeke_B]

About the Estonian drivers license thing. You need to have a place of residence in Estonia to obtain a drivers license there and rallying license from Estonian ASN. It's possible to do any international event with Estonian license even if you are below 18, for example Belgian Pieter-Jan-Michiel Cracco drove in Portugal '13 under Estonian flag, while he wasn't 18 years old yet.

Many Estonian drivers lately, indeed. In contrary to the Finns, except for Esapekka Lappi nobody is really there... Are we out of Flying Finns?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B5yvrNDIEAEc9y7.jpg

[nafpaktos]

I was reading interviews from estonia drivers(i dont remember names)and they were saying that they have started rallying at 12 or 13 years old on small rallies.Under what kind of system they drive??

[nafpaktos]

You can get a "rookie" licence (no idea how to call it) at the age of 16, but when you drive with that licence you need to have a person with the normal driving licence in the car.

Don't know about Latvia.

the person with normal driving licence drives during liaison sections?

[Franky]

I was reading interviews from estonia drivers(i dont remember names)and they were saying that they have started rallying at 12 or 13 years old on small rallies.Under what kind of system they drive??

I haven't been paying much attention to the amateur and youth rallies for some time. So not very familiar with the current situation. I think youth rallies aren't taking place as separate events anymore.

The entry level is the amateur rally and amateur rally sprint. There are two different age categories for the juniors, until 16 and until 18. Guys who are 16 or younger are limited to cars with 1600cc, those who younger than 19 are limited to 2000cc.

Some years ago there were also so called youth rallies, which were pretty much proper rallies on smaller scale.

Also the ASN has been organising workshop type events for the youngsters. And there are two competition series, one for karting and the other seems to be like precision driving

But I'm not sure how fitting all this talk is under WRC testing.

[skarderud]

Here in norway the 16-u18 have a own class (class 20) and starting last in the rallies. They use mostly fiesta st, R2 is not allowed. Fun thing, maybe not for him, ole Christian veiby was faster than most of the guys in front of him (voc and debutants) and still managed to set top 15 times. He got 3rd place in his first rally of 18yrs age in a skoda s2000.
He will do wrc3 in a ds3 r3t next year, and did spain and wales this year. He is going to be fast, and have the right people around him. His father is the ovner of EVENrally, and manager for mikkelsen, tidemand, lappi and dennis olsen.

[Rallyper]

Here in norway the 16-u18 have a own class (class 20) and starting last in the rallies. They use mostly fiesta st, R2 is not allowed. Fun thing, maybe not for him, ole Christian veiby was faster than most of the guys in front of him (voc and debutants) and still managed to set top 15 times. He got 3rd place in his first rally of 18yrs age in a skoda s2000.
He will do wrc3 in a ds3 r3t next year, and did spain and wales this year. He is going to be fast, and have the right people around him. His father is the ovner of EVENrally, and manager for mikkelsen, tidemand, lappi and dennis olsen.

So less money for the other guys then ... ;(

[Coach 2]

Do not think you should look at this as a problem Rallyper. As long as EVEN-Rally choose to support talented drivers, it must also be allowed and support one of their own, especially when one is as talented as Ole C. is.

[Rallyper]

Didn´t say it is a problem. Just barely concluded the fact. Maybe more money comes in when having more drivers... I dont know.

[dimviii]

Fredrik Gustavsson ‏@F_Gustavsson
@krismeeke and @paulnagle1 begin @CitroenRacing's preparations for #RallyeMonteCarlo today #WRC photo @planetemarcus pic.twitter.com/CZGjlzNwuD

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6p_4sOCUAAdCEW.jpg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6qprUfIYAAG1WW.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6qprYYIYAERdh4.jpg

[dimviii]

love this sound of ds3 antilag

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htfZi9_XATg

[dimviii]

new paddle shift
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rBffMIcAEuyzo.jpg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rS782CYAAJDnK.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rS79XCYAAORYV.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rJouuIgAAsx-Z.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rJoyxIQAAy5Xu.jpg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rJo8TIcAA1YUm.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rJo4zIYAEfqF6.jpg

[makinen_fan]

Kris Meeke testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bdln20toMs

[dimviii]

very spectacular video.

[dimviii]

Fredrik Gustavsson @F_Gustavsson ·
GET READY!
2 weeks to #RallyeMonteCarlo Shakedown, Séb testing tomorrow

[makinen_fan]

Some amazing photos from Meeke's test
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.622341567891741.1073741860.440027316123168&type=1

[lewalcindor]

Another video of Meeke testing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXM1SKMfpF4

[jbmarcus21]

Citroen debuts test days MC15
http://planetemarcus.com/citroen-au-boulot-pour-le-wrc-monte-carlo-2015/ (photos+videos)

[dimviii]

Meeke
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF_NYhgtlxI&feature=youtu.be

[GallardoGT]

new paddle shift
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6rBffMIcAEuyzo.jpg
Is it allowed again in WRC?
(btw I saw onboards last year Molly Taylor in her Citroën DS3 R3T also with the righthand up/down flipper).

[N.O.T]

Is it allowed again in WRC?
(btw I saw onboards last year Molly Taylor in her Citroën DS3 R3T also with the righthand up/down flipper).

no it is not allowed, but they think they can get away with it...

[Mirek]

Besides that paddles doesn't mean that it's always same system. For example in some R3 cars it is pneumatic and last week I drove a VW Tiguan DSG with paddles... and the DSG has nothing to do with any recently used racing gearboxes.

[makinen_fan]

Kris Meeke testing for a second day
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF_NYhgtlxI&feature=youtu.be

[Coach 2]

no it is not allowed, but they think they can get away with it...

They cover it securely with a towel, and then they hope to get through scrutineering

[stefanvv]

They cover it securely with a towel, and then they hope to get through scrutineering

Escape variant - attach it to the gear stick. This way it looks it is just pneumatic device.

[dimviii]

Loeb
https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/s720x720/10295215_10152924495930733_1862392474279950697_o.j pg
https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/s720x720/10918930_10152924496000733_3068012701897776055_o.j pg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B61AptACUAAjIW6.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B61AquFCMAEuGro.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B60_PWECcAACYDI.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B60_PeZCcAA5asA.jpg

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM_rf-AZV_w

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B61tyUQCIAEoTAo.jpg

[N.O.T]

a top 5 would be a good result for him judging from the video.

[polo10]

a top 5 would be a good result for him judging from the video.

Kakakakakakaka...ironic

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B62OYYCCMAAs9zQ.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B62RHcRIAAEW2pw.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B62RHzTIYAAmSK4.jpg

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKsqPKsbkHE

[Co-driven]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B61AptACUAAjIW6.jpg



Citroen changed to Sparco overalls?

[Bartek]

Citroen sounds unbelievable, maybe it's just sound but it looks like a engine is very powerful

[makinen_fan]

Another video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tkgw-zgwbI

[dimviii]

Citroen changed to Sparco overalls?

seems like that.Meeke also was on sparco overalls.At the roof of the test car+ seat belts(at makinenfans video at first seconds) still Sabelt logos though,lol

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B63DtvgIcAMIeZC.jpg

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUFb6Tm5zbQ&feature=youtu.be

[Munkvy]

They still run Sabelt belts, ie its not a logo, it's their product... So seems logical that they would still have their logos too outside the car?


seems like that.Meeke also was on sparco overalls.At the roof of the test car+ seat belts(at makinenfans video at first seconds) still Sabelt logos though,lol

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B63DtvgIcAMIeZC.jpg

[jbmarcus21]

Full Gallery Photos Videos Loeb test days MC15
http://planetemarcus.com/citroen-au-boulot-pour-le-wrc-monte-carlo-2015/

[kiil]

Loeb looks like he didn't forget all of it yet :-)

[dimviii]

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/tests-citroen-mc-2015/img_2512.jpg
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/tests-citroen-mc-2015/img_4837.jpg
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/tests-citroen-mc-2015/img_2466.jpg
http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/tests-citroen-mc-2015/img_2710.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-essais-citroen-monte-carlo-2015/

[dimviii]

2nd day at snow/ice
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B663q25IIAAcXdU.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B663rc0IgAAFFf1.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B663sEBIQAArxCl.jpg

[dimviii]

Loeb out of road at tests
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B666nZfIYAA8TiQ.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B666o_FIAAAeGoa.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B666qF4IAAAL_64.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B6653ImCcAEYuYy.jpg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B67AYdOIcAAeu_L.jpg

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/1625635_10152927026450733_2882866486245757880_n.jp g?oh=aa492c4fdce9cd4473136a59dbfb6323&oe=553C5097&__gda__=1429514066_98685f6786cbe739bde0572fc0932d8 e
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10931532_10152927026560733_3564647012730938885_n.j pg?oh=3f5ae188dc27f76947bbe6cb1db5b6ef&oe=556B1A8C&__gda__=1430335130_e37076bd5a8aed78ed3fd556775b2cf a
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10917089_10152927026645733_629898887952571191_n.jp g?oh=399d85d02a1eeba8acd5cce4c04823de&oe=5537AC4C
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10489894_10152927026740733_5974733889497389390_n.j pg?oh=1968fcc5fca5bd7a98c9d1dc30cb1a52&oe=55381351&__gda__=1429391150_b397dec719b48d528659a9eceebd140 e

[Eli]

any videos from today?

[EstWRC]

from bestofrallylive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpEaSbC5R3Q

[N.O.T]

slow for Loeb standards.

[nafpaktos]

Another video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Tkgw-zgwbI
I dont know what he will do in the overall classification(because of a problem or an exit)but its sure he will set top 3 times.

[dimviii]

slow for Loeb standards.

some parts of videos are not Loeb standarts.Most they are.

lol
Krashbica ‏@krashbica
@Loeb_Seb1 trying my stile of #Rally #BinOrWin #Krashbica #RallyeMonteCarlo #WRC

BILLIOT Jérémie ‏@planetemarcus
#WRC zoom [PHOTO] @SebastienLoeb do not need to open his eyes to drive.. only flat out without to watch the road lol
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B67nzrzIcAAtpQz.jpg

[dimviii]

I dont know what he will do in the overall classification(because of a problem or an exit)but its sure he will set top 3 times.

something like that i expect too.

[mousti]

Loeb was committed though!

http://youtu.be/QlvasUE2HUo

[Francis44]

Loeb's off:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEzKfHalac

[dimviii]

http://www.mondial-rally.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_78341.jpg
http://www.mondial-rally.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_76021.jpg
http://www.mondial-rally.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_77731.jpg
http://www.mondial-rally.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSC_78801.jpg

http://www.mondial-rally.com/photos-saison-2015/test-mc-sebastien-loeb/

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B68QhOwIAAMqCI5.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B68Qhd_IQAADEtB.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B68QhvFIMAAij5W.jpg

[dimviii]

video with spectators pushing the car back to the road
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pam42Rkja8Y

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNewpxWcl_o

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIVHGFL1HPo

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10930904_475325535974281_6490239271555551748_n.jpg ?oh=b637914cee92d5d398b5f1871376ca21&oe=552478DB&__gda__=1428718343_3672abeed9dd85d57fd27803fb7cb7e 0
https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1526404_475324832641018_6844147361305769891_n.jpg? oh=2870ad021000ce4984ca5f766e5d8c67&oe=553906A3
https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10443491_475325382640963_4930221157291387965_n.jpg ?oh=67d3776a9256e51e47c83f5127de778e&oe=5527E2E5
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1506519_475325099307658_3883995973961671459_n.jpg? oh=03736f736ca5d3d8869611346dea2610&oe=5534E206&__gda__=1430209437_8dd5da2dbb63902acb50c62b0e31327 e

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10527338_475324995974335_2680891767180571311_n.jpg ?oh=e17448b51d507390e5a62734a9119c25&oe=55372639&__gda__=1429405832_3e898b0df628020f2c4526d7164110c b
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/16213_475325069307661_733920145153339346_n.jpg?oh= 18c53aa3d5cc48915bd4de693593c372&oe=5534B37B&__gda__=1429051298_569e347479a6212e062247a8215361b 0
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10906535_475325309307637_4281615475597179895_n.jpg ?oh=7d7ba7944775f7fc819048af0d93a725&oe=55208A7A&__gda__=1430107330_986477783c2004b8995ce4fb2f87d6f 3
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10891844_475325312640970_2631710140912325089_n.jpg ?oh=800d4b73a18772a805540edbcf16903f&oe=55287F24


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.475324782641023.1073741842.241407642699406&type=3

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKUsJ7sSr0A

[dimviii]

Loeb did some runs with Chardonnet
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10906502_790811154287765_262882648298951727_n.jpg? oh=38781347ee010d8cb37c256353647ae5&oe=553006B2&__gda__=1429884411_3728745163a685088b5ca08dd5c5584 7

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lc9rOZ6MyfM

[A FONDO]

I dont know what he will do in the overall classification(because of a problem or an exit)but its sure he will set top 3 times.

I wonder if he will roof it again or settle for sixth :rolleyes:

[N.O.T]

I dont know what he will do in the overall classification(because of a problem or an exit)but its sure he will set top 3 times.

with everyone on full attack he cannot do that.

Monte is a shitty event if the conditions are mixed then it is all about tyres rather than driving, he can even win if he gets his tyre choices right for every stage.

If conditions are somewhat predictable i think he will be slower than Ogier and Latvala for sure, and if Mikkelsen pushes then he is going to be slower than him as well.

Realistically Loebs opponents are his team-mates. His goal should be a top 5 finish and if retirements occur maybe a podium.

[dimviii]

I wonder if he will roof it again or settle for sixth :rolleyes:

Loebphobia at its best.
have you got enough pills for 4 days?

[polo10]

I think he Will be in Top 3 for sure...he always was clever in tyre choice,he always was good in tricky conditions, even if he is not at is best,because of retirement,i think he Will be in top 3, and in this event the advantage of the polo is not so big due to the conditions of the rally,And the Ds3 seems better in the vídeos than last year,the engine seems more powerful

[jacko]

with everyone on full attack he cannot do that.

Monte is a shitty event if the conditions are mixed then it is all about tyres rather than driving, he can even win if he gets his tyre choices right for every stage.

If conditions are somewhat predictable i think he will be slower than Ogier and Latvala for sure, and if Mikkelsen pushes then he is going to be slower than him as well.

Realistically Loebs opponents are his team-mates. His goal should be a top 5 finish and if retirements occur maybe a podium.

Rally Monte-Carlo is everything about driving. Sure it could depends on tyres if you win or not but most of the time they all have the same tyres and then the boys will be seperate from the men. It's a special and beautiful event wich will never dies. Just a perfect start of the season.

We will see how Loeb goes, it's just nice he's in the game one more time and maybe he could fight against the VW-boys. If not it's not the end of the world.

Looking forward to the event & year, think we will have a great season with a better Hyundai i20 coming up, both regular Citroën drivers will make a next step (Meeke for sure) and also i think M-Sport drivers (include Bouffier on the tarmac-rounds) could be a suprise on some events.

[EstWRC]

Heh, what retirement? i would call it retirement if he hadn't contest at all in recent years, like Schumacher who came back in 2010. im sure he will be still quick because he is the monte master and he has kept his hands warm in WTCC.

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9Q5xpJ29Pg

[denkimi]

with everyone on full attack he cannot do that.

Monte is a shitty event if the conditions are mixed then it is all about tyres rather than driving, he can even win if he gets his tyre choices right for every stage.

If conditions are somewhat predictable i think he will be slower than Ogier and Latvala for sure, and if Mikkelsen pushes then he is going to be slower than him as well.

Realistically Loebs opponents are his team-mates. His goal should be a top 5 finish and if retirements occur maybe a podium.
mikkelsen and latvala are most likely going to crash.

if loeb stays on the road, which he will probably do, he will be on the podium.

[dimviii]

Mads turn now
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7APHyUCAAAUFWR.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7APHx6CIAAscJn.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7APHxuCMAAlD4G.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7APHx3CIAEXlP-.jpg

[tommeke_B]

mikkelsen and latvala are most likely going to crash.

if loeb stays on the road, which he will probably do, he will be on the podium.
What a stupid assumption. Latvala crashed twice last year, and Mikkelsen also proved to become a very consistent driver. By the way, both reached the finish in Monte last year... ;)

[dimviii]

another one with Loeb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOMH8Ye1g90

[bluuford]

What a stupid assumption. Latvala crashed twice last year, and Mikkelsen also proved to become a very consistent driver. By the way, both reached the finish in Monte last year... ;)
Maybe he is looking the statistics. Latvala has crashed n 5 occasions and finished withouth crash only twice. Mikkelsen has crashed only 50% of occasions, however, he has done Monte only twice ;-)

[Eli]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhqgI-mSA-g official from Citroen Racing

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhqgI-mSA-g official from Citroen Racing

lol
"Sébastien Loeb is not normal, he is very special"

[dimviii]

another one with Loeb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnGwEo2TLpU&feature=youtu.be&list=UULhq2kgtJN3yESuvoq-q5mw

[litifeta]

Loeb has the look of the gentleman racer now. The focus is gone, he is sloppy. I hope he manages a top 10 finish. Latvala should continue with his plan from last year. He deliberately planned to finish Monte Carlo as his main aim as a way of collecting points. Just silly mistakes in Germany and Portugal and the end would have been different.

[Munkvy]

I can't see how the best rally driver in history would say yes to Citroen asking him to come back if he didn't think he could be competitive... He isn't stupid.

And Monte is one of those rallies where luck with weather and tyres is very important, which Loeb has a rather uncanny knack of getting right, almost everytime. I think a podium or a DNF is the only realistic result. And his stats speak for themselves, almost never DNFs. Ogier when pushed however... Gonna be a great start to the season regardless the outcome!

Good to see Chardonnet getting to experience Loeb, I hope he took his team mates out too as I imagine they could also learn a thing or two from him, especially Mads.

[dimviii]

Mads
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEhBhmXWDBM

[gorganl2000]

in my opinion, loeb looks pretty good for a guy that has been away from fulltime wrc for an extended period ( i'm not speaking of the odd event with his wife and demo shows). in the vids i've seen where the conditions are better he looks good. In the more treacherous conditions where caution is warranted he looks reasonably good too. i'm sure he's a bit rusty, but that is what testing will help with and hopefully he finds the limits during testing so as to avoid an exit during the rally itself. And the two "offs" i saw were soft offs with no damage
i saw a vid posted earlier where lavala went off trying to find some limits during testing also in tricky conditions, granted it was a bit more damage done

based on a lot of the vids i've watched of the various teams monte carlo testing over the last month i'd have to say its good for citroen that they did there testing late as the conditions have been very varied and tend to be more representative of monte carlo - dry, wet, snow, ice, slush, etc. this is good for the drivers, especially loeb who has been away as he's been thrown in at the deep end somewhat.

i hope he and elena have a good rally, has some fun, set some good times and keep it on the road

[N.O.T]

Loeb has the look of the gentleman racer now. The focus is gone, he is sloppy. I hope he manages a top 10 finish.

that sums up the average Oz rally fan...

[dimviii]

some nice photos
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/31/54/Citroen_Test_Monte_2015_AV_014_315416_54b264c67.jp g
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/31/54/Citroen_Test_Monte_2015_AV_001_315415_54b264c55.jp g
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/31/54/Citroen_Test_Monte_2015_AV_023_315458_54b264f47.jp g
http://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/31/54/Citroen_Test_Monte_2015_AV_022_315456_54b264f25.jp g

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?id=1767&tx_yag_pi1%5Brm%5D%5BalbumUid%5D=1261&tx_yag_pi1%5Brm%5D%5BgalleryUid%5D=732&tx_yag_pi1%5BitemListrm%5D%5BpagerCollection%5D%5B page%5D=1&tx_yag_pi1%5Baction%5D=list&tx_yag_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=ItemList&cHash=4f6c875cb571de160c3e8f39de93955e

[denkimi]

What a stupid assumption. Latvala crashed twice last year, and Mikkelsen also proved to become a very consistent driver. By the way, both reached the finish in Monte last year... ;)
loeb won 7 times. latvala or mikkelsen never had a podium.

remember, there's no super rally in monte.

[tommeke_B]

remember, there's no super rally in monte.
There is now SupeRally now. ;) Latvala and Mikkelsen never had a podium but remember that Monte was in IRC for a big part of their WRC career. ;) Also last year both drivers managed to become very consistent.

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen once tried in IRC too ;)

[dimviii]

Loeb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b08KBPNw1aY#t=14

[Munkvy]

There is now SupeRally now. ;) Latvala and Mikkelsen never had a podium but remember that Monte was in IRC for a big part of their WRC career. ;) Also last year both drivers managed to become very consistent.

It's been in the WRC for the last 3 years, which is the years where they have both improved... Yet Latvala only finished one out of those years and finished behind Ostberg, who is hardly a Monte expert... Mikklesen did it for the first time in a number of years last year and was a mile off the pace, infact he was behind Evans. So I wouldn't say either of them has the experience/ability to have a serious impact.

[dimviii]

Ostberg

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-26-0-56140800-1421012629.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-26-0-60949900-1421012739.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-26-0-76783400-1421012729.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-26-0-46888500-1421012674.jpg

[Karukera]

I dont know what he will do in the overall classification(because of a problem or an exit)but its sure he will set top 3 times.

And his unique consistency will be with him in the absence of split times.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Noticed Mads test was all on asphalt whereas Loeb was on snow a lot ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7JD0YNIEAAYxCB.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B663rc0IgAAFFf1.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Loeb on testing and the road conditions:

' The Monte Master faced a variety of wintry conditions on his test, which should stand him in good stead for the notoriously unpredictable event.

“It was very good conditions on the first day, dry with a little dampness in places but nothing special. The second day was much more difficult with ice and tricky conditions - especially in the morning. There was no real snow, but maybe we won’t have any in the race either.

“It’s always the same with Monte Carlo, you do the test in the conditions you have and you do the race in the conditions you find,” he added. '

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/january-2015/loeb-monte-test/page/2055--12-12-.html

[dimviii]

Noticed Mads test was all on asphalt whereas Loeb was on snow a lot ...

all citroen crews made 2 days of tests.First day at dry,and second day at snow-ice.Watch the videos at each day for each pilot.

[dimviii]

last test before Monte for Hyundai.At morning Sordo,and at evening Neuville

Traxx - WR is Free ‏@Traxx_WiF 31 λεπτάΠριν από 31 λεπτά
Derniers essais pour Hyundai avant le rallye de Monté-Carlo avec Dani Sordo ce matin, Thierry Neuville cet après-midi

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7KAIPUCUAAF5G0.jpg

[dimviii]

Chardonnet testing for Monte
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10896942_10205659339670633_7915940347672019453_n.j pg?oh=db8521d2f91687be65957502a0f3f3db&oe=5525090A&__gda__=1428834559_47c41d2e578645a3a49b4dbb6fbc7f1 3

[dimviii]

Meeke testing from borl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlsCUVtQMzI

[Fast Eddie WRC]

all citroen crews made 2 days of tests.First day at dry,and second day at snow-ice.Watch the videos at each day for each pilot.

Yes I watched them all... there's very many videos of Loeb on snow but few of Meeke & Ostberg. Maybe the video-makers just filmed Loeb up on the higher roads & didnt wait in the cold for the other two ;) !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sordo testing for MC now...

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/10924773_1009252385757945_5440830707159487411_n.jp g?oh=520c2eed94a098ae0ce4171292171344&oe=55361ED2

[EightGear]

So as expected only the works Citroens with the new evolutions? Chardonnet has the old rear spoiler.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chardonnet vid DS3WRC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRi8nC1XH5Y&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

Yes I watched them all... there's very many videos of Loeb on snow but few of Meeke & Ostberg. Maybe the video-makers just filmed Loeb up on the higher roads & didnt wait in the cold for the other two ;) !

Meeke-Loeb 2 days,Ostberg 1 day. I wrote wrong that all drivers had 2 days.

btw Hyundai 1,5 day for 3 drivers...

[Lundefaret]

So far during testing, from a driving technique standpoint:

Ogier: Very good, now also master of the "multiple V". But a little agressive.

Loeb (who will fight for the win): Very good, but a little exessive sideways movement on the rear on exits. This is details in the minute, so difficult to say how important it is, or why it is happening.
Theory one: The car has been taken in a certain direction set up wise with Loeb out of the team.
Theory two: Not yet full control of the set up after upgrades.
Theory three: Wantet movement to make the car handle easier.
Theory four: All theories above BS, things are just business as usual ;)

Meeke: Looks good, and fast, but same rear exit sideways movement as Loeb.

Mads: Very straight exits, but a little stereotypical on the hairpins. But looked surprisingly good :)

[makinen_fan]

Thierry crashed today, as with his usual way he knocked a wheel off the car

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7OXFnrIYAEerfu.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7OXFj1IEAEKK0Y.jpg

[EstWRC]

So far during testing, from a driving technique standpoint:

Ogier: Very good, now also master of the "multiple V". But a little agressive.

Loeb (who will fight for the win): Very good, but a little exessive sideways movement on the rear on exits. This is details in the minute, so difficult to say how important it is, or why it is happening.
Theory one: The car has been taken in a certain direction set up wise with Loeb out of the team.
Theory two: Not yet full control of the set up after upgrades.
Theory three: Wantet movement to make the car handle easier.
Theory four: All theories above BS, things are just business as usual ;)

Meeke: Looks good, and fast, but same rear exit sideways movement as Loeb.

Mads: Very straight exits, but a little stereotypical on the hairpins. But looked surprisingly good :)

thanks a lot! Mads looked surprisingly good to me too. There are also some good vids about Latvala, Tänak and Evans, what about them ?

[makinen_fan]

Onboard video with Loeb during testing:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153077545259973&set=vb.68262729972&type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

[Lundefaret]

thanks a lot! Mads looked surprisingly good to me too. There are also some good vids about Latvala, Tänak and Evans, what about them ?

Hello EstWRC :)

Latvala: Overly agressive. I think testing for Monte-Carlo should be about finding the right sustainable speed, taking in account variyng conditions etc, and not the max speed on a well nown test road.
Was a bit funny this, because watching the videos I was thinking that this cant go on a whole rally. On the next page in this thread it was pictures of his offs, wich i have learned he had two of. So I was not totally out off the ballpark.

Tänak: First tought, is that for me it looks like the whole car has an excessive amount off roll from side to side, maybe running very soft anti roll bars?
I dont know if this is something that has come now, or been there all along, but for me the car seems to roll too much.
The uppsides would be:
- A car that is less dependet on the driver to create grip.
- A car that feels safer to the driver with a less sudden treshold of grip/working scope of chassis.
The downsides:
- A car that is theoretically slower because it will bottom out earlier.
- A car that takes longer to be planted for acceleration.
The driving of Tänak looked good but inconsistent, but it was not easy to judge because the set up and the lack of technical stuff.

Evans: Didnt get a good look.

Mikkelsen: Some VERY good driving in hairpins. Mikkelsen was a master of going slow to be fast, and this shows some of his former magic :)
Exiting some of the hairpins he is on very low revs searching for grip, where others would be one gear lower and powersliding sideways.
Other than that it was some a bit early entries leading to some exit oversteer, but nothing symptomatic. Clean, good and very fast driving.
Mikkelsens challenge is to make pacenotes good enough for him to drive to the max of his abilities. In my opinion he has a little way to go in this respect, but it could be achieved with rather small adjustments.

[makinen_fan]

Thierry-Sordo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMB35_rUcBw&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

Onboard video with Loeb during testing:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153077545259973&set=vb.68262729972&type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

at 2,51 to 3,02 from outside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlvasUE2HUo&feature=youtu.be

[manthey]

So as expected only the works Citroens with the new evolutions? Chardonnet has the old rear spoiler.

Ostberg from vids and pics had the "plain" rear spoiler as Chardo

[dimviii]

Chardonnet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyprEcqcXGM&feature=youtu.be


about the nervous rear of ds3 i noticed it too.At slippery surfaces and tight corners ok its normal to happen,but i noticed it also on dry parts.Maybe tyres,maybe different rear differential locking? we will see at the rally if its happening the same.

[dimviii]

Neuville
http://cdn4.rally.it/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/image49.jpg

Neuville
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gl1GmSOQ-zQ

[dimviii]

Latvala testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IytZt0v-4jc

[Ucci]

When will Kubica have a test??

[dimviii]

Jari-Matti Latvala ‏@JariMattiWRC
Hello! How are you? Do you want to see some pics about our testing day? Check out my new Instagram account

http://instagram.com/p/xzmXGxCpli/?modal=true

https://www.facebook.com/JariMattiLatvala/photos/a.825418750826274.1073741861.104976889537134/914706551897493/?type=1

[jd_89]

When will Kubica have a test??

His co-driver said, they'll have test right before recce, so it should be done this weekend (or maybe earlier).

[mousti]

Great onboard from Loeb's test with the right camera position!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZmp7fOSDhY

[Franky]

Great onboard from Loeb's test with the right camera position!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZmp7fOSDhY

And no wide angle lens distortion ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jari-Matti Latvala :
I'm happy! We did 220kms on snow today. Car worked well & now I've seen all the conditions (snow, ice, wet, dry...! ) Ready for the Rally!

[Roy]

I know M-Sort had all ready a test. But i didn't see if they testes on snow/ice. I saw only (dry) tarmac. Have i missed some pics and vids?

I read a tweet of a dutch weatherman: next week a big change of snow in south of the alps.

[dimviii]

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2eo6rd_essai-neuville-latvala-monte-carlo-2015_auto

[Lundefaret]

at 2,51 to 3,02 from outside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlvasUE2HUo&feature=youtu.be

Yes, this is one of the stretches that shows this rear movement.
Loeb drives beautifully, and You do want some degree of handling ability in the car, but exsessive movement in the rear will result in oversteer on acceleration, and then it will hamper acceleration somewhat.
Its difficult to say, out of some short testing videos, how important/uniportant this "discovery" is, but it is exsiting that it is possible to see differences between the drivers and the team - like the roll in the Fiestas.

[dimviii]

Hyundai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGGMk1HmQMs

watch the massive understeer how quickly moves to oversteer at slow corners exit.

[Lundefaret]

Hyundai
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGGMk1HmQMs

watch the massive understeer how quickly moves to oversteer at slow corners exit.

This also shows a car wich seems on the soft side, bot on sideways roll, but also on dampers.
Probably some logic behind the set up choice, but for me it looks a little strange.
The outer front is loaded heavily, and above maximum grip level.
Dont think the exit oversteer is too bad.
(exessive understeer will more often than not lead to oversteer, as You probably know.)

Neither Dani Sordo or the Hyundai team are amateurs, so there is probably some logic behind this "wierd" set up, and it would be very cool to know about the strategy behind it. So if someone has any contacts, please enlighten me :)

[stefanvv]

This looks more like tarmac set-up, than anything else.

[makinen_fan]

This seems to be a problem that cannot be solved with the current homologated chassis/suspension. After 1.5 years of testing the car, they should have found a way to solve the problem, it was there from the very beginning. Lets hope they have learned something, and their new car does not suffer from it.

[Lundefaret]

This seems to be a problem that cannot be solved with the current homologated chassis/suspension. After 1.5 years of testing the car, they should have found a way to solve the problem, it was there from the very beginning. Lets hope they have learned something, and their new car does not suffer from it.

For me it looks like they should stiffen it up, maybe the Anti Roll Bars, and maybe start at the rear? But very difficult to say just out of a video, and I am no set up engineer.

[AdvEvo]

They should call me to set up the car:)

Tarmac rally with understeer is loosing lots of time!

[stefanvv]

If anyone know how to setup for asphalt, that should be Sordo. Perhaps Hyunday's construction doesn't allow more "precise" setup for asphalt. Or perhaps they're preparing for some more "loose" setup for changeable conditions with snow/ice. But I'm only guessing:)

[dimviii]

Latvala
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReLSgCzJlAE

[dimviii]

Giordano
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HEGUvKbnYo

[Negaiss]

Here is the question - Why do some test white cars, but others test racing livery cars?

[maciotacio]

Maybe because VW hasn't showed their new livery yet
And Ford always do testing with white cars

[Andre Oliveira]

Better to replace danified pieces ;)

[makinen_fan]

My bad, old video

[dimviii]

nice pass at 1,35!

[Mariusz]

These tests took place before Monte 2014.

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen testing
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-253-0-59584300-1421274204.jpg

[makinen_fan]

These tests took place before Monte 2014.
oops i didnt see the title in the video, and I thought I remember this road from last year...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bouffier testing with official new M-Sport livery ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7YhcjwCAAAljmi.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7YhcVkCcAAO5ai.jpg

[tommeke_B]

He would have been a perfect 2nd official driver for Monte...

[EstWRC]

Bouffier

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7YV76BCYAELwAH.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7YV8nECMAA-N26.jpg

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7ZSz3_CIAAvkXs.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7ZSz-GCYAALzUA.jpg

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2er1hz_essai-mikkelsen-monte-carlo-2015_auto#from=embediframe

[EstWRC]

Bouffier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg1FUQZBsb4&feature=youtu.be

[Lundefaret]

Mikkelsen
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2er1hz_essai-mikkelsen-monte-carlo-2015_auto#from=embediframe

I am Norwegian, so heavily biased, but If Mikkelsen can get together a useful set of pace notes, and drive something like he does in these testing videos, he should be able to deliver a very respectable result.
But Monte has its challenges, and You really need the whole package.

[EstWRC]

Bouffier yesterday

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7a4G4oIQAAcBSy.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7a4GrzIQAA89fE.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7a4GnEIMAAGhIw.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7a4G97IYAAkqPR.jpg

[thuGG]

Kubica is testing today and tomorrow:
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nZgXAsQ5ago/VLjGlWSHtWI/AAAAAAAAS58/UuLhkxsRlDs/s1600/B7dMFg4IIAE3EwC.jpg

[AdvEvo]

Does kubica now have a good engine from msport? Equal engine power as the msport drivers?

Prokop once said he does not get the engines with the same power as msport team have for themself.

[focus206]

Does kubica now have a good engine from msport? Equal engine power as the msport drivers?


How could he? He's now a privateer, he wanted to leave M-Sport...

[N.O.T]

Does kubica now have a good engine from msport? Equal engine power as the msport drivers?

Prokop once said he does not get the engines with the same power as msport team have for themself.

when you are a privateer you always can use the "less power" excuse to justify your incompetence so this will serve both hamburger boy Prokop and kubica right when they fail.

[Mirek]

when you are a privateer you always can use the "less power" excuse to justify your incompetence so this will serve both hamburger boy Prokop and kubica right when they fail.

As far as I remember Prokop said that there is very little difference between his car and those of works team. In his interviews he usually praises M-Sport for perfect cooperation. Of course the works cars are always a little bit ahead, that's natural but I don't think he uses that as an excuse. I do remember he was complaining about other stuff - for example that the proper WRC tyres are not always available for privateers to test with. The biggest problem for him used to be Monte Carlo where was given different tyres only before shakedown without having a chance to test them before.

[N.O.T]

to be fair Prokop never really complains about anything, he is just there for the fun and the catering i guess.

But Kubicas followers are going to have a party this year so they warm up pre-season...

[Ucci]

As far as I remember Prokop said that there is very little difference between his car and those of works team. In his interviews he usually praises M-Sport for perfect cooperation. Of course the works cars are always a little bit ahead, that's natural but I don't think he uses that as an excuse. I do remember he was complaining about other stuff - for example that the proper WRC tyres are not always available for privateers to test with. The biggest problem for him used to be Monte Carlo where was given different tyres only before shakedown without having a chance to test them before.

Exactly as Mirek said. Prokop said, that his Fiesta was as least 95% equal as Works Fiesta....He never complained about let say the lack of power.....

[rage82]

Short video of Kubica testing today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZak39Rme_w&sns=tw

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/q81/p180x540/10410381_648479025258489_1744781350905544269_n.jpg ?oh=4df9c6856fa02ff077f1697ebc714553&oe=556A128C
https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/p180x540/1463914_648479055258486_4629958152066971722_n.jpg? oh=b7a92dba2530abaf79a60b648733d96c&oe=55333930

[rage82]

And Delecour also today:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZak39Rme_w&sns=tw

[thuGG]

That's Kubica.

[dimviii]

That's Kubica.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IU-X_Gw3tVE

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Longer Kubica test video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdOz_sLJjz8&list=PLVyRAt2cxbxsXY3FnRKASR0GZZy_Jm1_g

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bouffier test - looks quick:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an4Uv8RPCH0

[N.O.T]

I doubt he needs a co-driver for monte.

[Mirek]

He isn't some kind of Monte specialist. He did the rally 5x and only once with WRC car. That's not that much. Also the route of RMC changes a lot every year. For example last year there was maybe one half of all stages which were not used in last twenty years.

[EightGear]

He did the rally 5x and only once with WRC car.

Twice with a WRC, actually. ;)

[dimviii]

Loeb
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-253-0-00612500-1421425763.jpg

Μikkelsen
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2015/post-253-0-15368200-1421427309.jpg

Delecour
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4sj4letECY

[dimviii]

Sébastien Ogier in the Champsaur Friday morning: the double world rally champion WRC is driven on the roads of his childhood. Driving his Volkswagen Polo, he performed several tests on a complicated route, combining both frozen portions and snowiest portions. On this course about 3 kilometers from the place called Archinard Orcières and Serre Eyraud. Many spectators were present on the edges of the road, sometimes too close, even since the tests were slightly delayed because the technicians had to ask the audience to step back.

http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/454680ogiers.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/773002ogier.jpg
http://img11.hostingpics.net/pics/636049ogiere.jpg
http://www.dici.fr/actu/2015/01/16/sebastien-ogier-retrouve-les-routes-de-son-enfance-pour-les-essais-dans-le-champsaur-551438

[dimviii]

Ogier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlSSnnY_56s

[dimviii]

Οgier
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/t31.0-8/s720x720/10321048_10152760322658952_1537462554495675552_o.j pg

[stefanvv]

Mikkelsen - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5TB8Q5IH5g
Ogier - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML6sQMGNXRs

[N.O.T]

He isn't some kind of Monte specialist. He did the rally 5x and only once with WRC car. That's not that much. Also the route of RMC changes a lot every year. For example last year there was maybe one half of all stages which were not used in last twenty years.

I am sure he did the rally far more than 5x

[Quad]

Kubica testing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJtE0pPBDK8

[dimviii]

very nice!

[dimviii]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u44an_IcYiI

Ogier
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10382868_828661430523844_9150592374625621865_n.jpg ?oh=8bfbd68a82c1d3b766bb59bb745d03d4&oe=5566F11C
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10906525_828661100523877_8798474523862264805_n.jpg ?oh=4fab806876d9ed778dcfa4147099575f&oe=556B22DE&__gda__=1432730626_01a9b508fa0a1f64d98d84387b54864 9
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10403298_828661123857208_702062506033159477_n.jpg? oh=500bc7636bf85d97dd5ccffa10d88d04&oe=5520B769&__gda__=1432795304_fab6508288aaa4161e1c9aaff2cb3ac 8

[dimviii]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zxe9XzJYac

[dimviii]

Ogier lol @ ,24
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_MVDciMPOU

[jbmarcus21]

TEST Days Kubica Day1 Full Gallery Photos+Videos http://planetemarcus.com/robert-kubica-devoile-sa-ford-fiesta-wrc-2015/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone got the weather forecast for the rally, seems to be plenty of snow already on many of the test roads ?

[AdvEvo]

Kubica is just great to watch!!!

[EstWRC]

Bertelli, looks bad ass with black rims

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7jD4kMIMAA6lyn.jpg

[tommeke_B]

Very spectacular footage from Kubica. Looking forward to see what times he can set with the Pirelli's, before he goes off... :p

[Mad cat jnr]

A lot of snow fell last night in the space of 30 minutes on the m-sport test area, saw some images on Facebook from the guys on the test.

[EightGear]

Yes, this is from Bertelli's twitter:

http://www.imgdumper.nl/uploads8/54ba5b6e348f1/54ba5b6e302a4-bertellitest.jpg

"This road looks better for Sweden rally PET instead of Montecarlo!"

[Andre Oliveira]

I am sure he did the rally far more than 5x

http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=1537&t=Bryan-Bouffier

[N.O.T]

http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=1537&t=Bryan-Bouffier

not very smart.... ok.

[Mirek]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Zxe9XzJYac

Yeah, great to watch definitely and crazy fast but for how long?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kubica is so quick on that test but doesnt look safe at all... you can only get away with that style for so long.

The only time he has done so for a whole event was when winning last years Janner Rally.

[Quad]

Kubica is so quick on that test but doesnt look safe at all... you can only get away with that style for so long.




I don't know how driving WRC car on limit on such roads can look safe at all :spin: For me this looks like driving on the limit with full control.
Actually Loeb test video looked for me shaky in driving in some places and uncontroled, but it is understandable as he was year of from rallying

[Mintexmemory]

I am sure he did the rally far more than 5x

2007 was his JWRC season but he didn't compete on the Monte
2008 &9 he was Polish Rally championship centred and didn't compete on the Monte
First Monte was 2010 in an Impreza -IRC
2011 he won
2012/13/14 he's competed 3 in a row only 2 of which in full WRC (DS3 then Fiesta)

[tommeke_B]

N.O.T. is referring to illegal recce I think, no need to pull out your statistics...



https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/14909_10152943091575733_4909918499655041238_n.jpg? oh=77da66a27154b31442d3d3033346f6b1&oe=552D2FF8

Protasov testing, also with Pirelli apparently.

[dimviii]

Koci
https://scontent-a-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/1956923_10204949640652497_7339470064595874724_o.jp g

Gilbert
https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/q85/s720x720/10522557_10203514494529647_343457759880728012_n.jp g?oh=c2958e452cc625d722638231d76334a9&oe=555FD53F

Kubica
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10885163_783961855009125_6050419397340134729_n.jpg ?oh=4d399692e0efa4974cc5f7de26230799&oe=556D097E&__gda__=1429556983_bfc2720a7eaf1ca16c1d7beefa39a6e a

more
https://www.facebook.com/PageSudRallye/photos_stream

[dimviii]

Bouffier
watch how early he pulls the handbrake at ''U'' corners vs other drivers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B5McH3z4q0

[N.O.T]

2007 was his JWRC season but he didn't compete on the Monte
2008 &9 he was Polish Rally championship centred and didn't compete on the Monte
First Monte was 2010 in an Impreza -IRC
2011 he won
2012/13/14 he's competed 3 in a row only 2 of which in full WRC (DS3 then Fiesta)

hey look another one... but he is a regular...

[Mintexmemory]

[QUOTE=tommeke_B;1033590]N.O.T. is referring to illegal recce I think, no need to pull out your statistics...

It's very hard sometimes to know what N.O.T is referring to!! I wasn't aware Bouffier had been charged with illegal recce, when was this?

[N.O.T]

are you doing this one purpose ?

[RAS007]

[QUOTE=tommeke_B;1033590]N.O.T. is referring to illegal recce I think, no need to pull out your statistics...

It's very hard sometimes to know what N.O.T is referring to!! I wasn't aware Bouffier had been charged with illegal recce, when was this?

I didn't know that about Bouffier either. In fact, I don't remember hearing anything much at all about illegal recce, since the era of cheat supremo Gilles Pannizzi, who raised illegal recceing to an art form.

[N.O.T]

your memory is short then... puras, campos, delecour all did it.

[tommeke_B]

It's not because they are not caught that it doesn't happen... I'm sure it happens on every level, WRC, ERC, national and regional...

[N.O.T]

It's not because they are not caught that it doesn't happen... I'm sure it happens on every level, WRC, ERC, national and regional...

They are not waking up you know... they are like that from birth so no point trying... just have fun with them.

[stefanvv]

Of course it happens a lot on each level. Local drivers always have the upper hand

[tommeke_B]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wvnJhxL4ak&feature=player_embedded

Video of Quentin Gilbert testing for Monte Carlo, with a great sounding DS3 R3 Max. :)

[rallyfun]

Kubica is so quick on that test but doesnt look safe at all... you can only get away with that style for so long.

The only time he has done so for a whole event was when winning last years Janner Rally.

What about Sweden, Argentina, Germany, Wales and many more in WRC2?

[stefanvv]

Kubica again - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBTCheud2IM


Kubica is so quick on that test but doesnt look safe at all... you can only get away with that style for so long.

Yeah, it is easy to go flat out on the well known test "circuit", Kubica should know well from his circuit experience. Not so easy the whole Rally, cut off the "flat" and the only what is left is "out".
I think Makinen's approach to testing with 80% of full speed would be lot more useful for him.

[dimviii]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBTCheud2IM

[Quad]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBTCheud2IM


His braking skill is awesome

[AdvEvo]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBTCheud2IM

That is a joy to watch!

[dimviii]

His braking skill is awesome

yes in a well known environment like a 2-3km test stage.The bad thing is he is trying to copy it at 200km stages in an environment its not so well known like the test stage.
But to be fair all drivers at tests do the same.

[stefanvv]

.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMlxZKH230M

[stefanvv]

yes in a well known environment like a 2-3km test stage.The bad thing is he is trying to copy it at 200km stages in an environment its not so well known like the test stage.
But to be fair all drivers at tests do the same.

at tests most of them, but only small part continue like this on the race

[AdvEvo]

.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMlxZKH230M

Awesome!

[Quad]

and this... o.O https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZQKepbGKiI

[Rallyper]

Kubica should be more rewarded in his driving skills having done some slush driving instead.

[EstWRC]

lol, this is so crazy, for sure he will be out if he is driving like this next week.

[denkimi]

.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMlxZKH230M

i'll put my money on a crash the first day of monte.

[stefanvv]

i'll put my money on a crash the first day of monte.

I am not betting against You:)

[dimviii]

Last 2 videos are crazy.

[Rallyper]

Kubica for sure know how to handle four wheels in 150 km/h, but how will he manage heavy slush on slicks?

[stefanvv]

Kubica for sure know how to handle four wheels in 150 km/h, but how will he manage heavy slush on slicks?

the slush wasn't his problem last year, but he had good tyres after all, not slicks. IMO he must learn how to drive safely when conditions change, no doubt sometimes he is spectacular.

[Rallyper]

the slush wasn't his problem last year, but he had good tyres after all, not slicks. IMO he must learn how to drive safely when conditions change, no doubt sometimes he is spectacular.

Yeah, spectacular and stunning handling in those vids. Hope he´ll get to the finish in RMC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What about Sweden, Argentina, Germany, Wales and many more in WRC2?

I didnt see Kubica drive like on todays test in these events.

[eib1]

that`s what happens when f1 driver has a test drive on a 2 km long test track. Spectacular, but nothing to do with WRC

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kubica's new livery for Monte Carlo... ;)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7bC9f0IEAEb7Qw.jpg

[bassist]

Awesome!

Good to watch though!

[Mariusz]

I didnt see Kubica drive like on todays test in these events.
You seem to be reasonable, but why would you expect anybody to drive like this during wrc events? He was testing last 2 days and we don't know what exactly was he testing on these videos. It could be tires and Kubica was maybe trying to find grip limits. The driving looked fast but it doesn't mean a lot for the rally. Kubica was fast on tests before Sweden too and later he was pretty slow on stages.

[latek]

Kubica will either win Monte Carlo or he will crash. Those Pirellis.... what a grip!

[mousti]

Kubica is testing again today. Very intensive test, 3 days in a row.

[N.O.T]

Kubica's new livery for Monte Carlo... ;)

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7bC9f0IEAEb7Qw.jpg

naughty boy...

[dimviii]

Protasov
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOt_9iY38pM

[dimviii]

Kubica
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x05SxPqWMLc

[dimviii]

from today
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7n13gwCcAA1Ea0.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7n13hOCMAAxfSa.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7n13hpCAAAGvGM.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7n13g0CcAASSGw.jpg

[jacko]

naughty boy...
Words say enough, you and some others here not really true rally-lovers. Is this your fun?, do you laugh if he's rolling again on some event. Is that the moment you are happy behind your computerscreen with a smile on your face.. Pathetic negative members...
But i'm glad that here on the forum there are still true dedicated rally-lovers, hope you will be posting your video's, comments and other stuff to share your passion with enough people like your self. Let the negatives get a life...

Robert Kubica is a unique talent, he's doing his very best to become a world-class rallydriver and true he's driving to the edge and sometimes more than that. But that's the way if you want find your limits and of the car & tyres. That's the way up in let's not forget after only two full seasons in the WRC (as the first one in the WRC2).
It's fantastic that Kubica is part of the WRC and even he will not get a podium this year, he's already showing last year good speed and watching the video's preparing him for MC you can see that he has beside the will of winning, some superb skills, skills most of you only can dream about.

Go Robert, have fun outthere, even if you not winning a WRC-round in future, already glad if been watching you live and seen on many video's. You're spectacular driver, fast and commited, that's what i like about you.

[N.O.T]

Don't cry little hippie... life is cruel sometimes.

[Franky]

Guys, take it easy. Only half a week to go.

[Lundefaret]

Kubica is a stunning driver, but rally is extremly difficult, especially when You come from a circuit background. It is actually working against You. Kubica has one major point that should be improved, and these videos shows it, and that is speed and timing of entry. He is to fast to early. This leads to a very high risk level.

[jacko]

Don't cry little hippie... life is cruel sometimes.
How suprised your reaction.. I don't think there will be a moment you will ask yourself your contribution here on the forum, but in general it has nothing to do with rally, it's that you came here on some day but you can put your comments in every forum on the planet. From you very first post till now it's really zero, no content/volume of all. You're always was critical on i think every driver that was come (and go) in the WRC.
But please continu, most of the time i'm laughing on your (and your simaler friends) predictable negative comments...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

You seem to be reasonable, but why would you expect anybody to drive like this during wrc events? He was testing last 2 days and we don't know what exactly was he testing on these videos. It could be tires and Kubica was maybe trying to find grip limits. The driving looked fast but it doesn't mean a lot for the rally. Kubica was fast on tests before Sweden too and later he was pretty slow on stages.

I was just saying that I saw him drive crazy like this on the 2014 Janner Rally and get away with it to win the event.

I like RK and wish him the best but I'm not sure testing like this is that useful, even if great for us to watch.

[N.O.T]

How suprised your reaction.. I don't think there will be a moment you will ask yourself your contribution here on the forum, but in general it has nothing to do with rally, it's that you came here on some day but you can put your comments in every forum on the planet. From you very first post till now it's really zero, no content/volume of all. You're always was critical on i think every driver that was come (and go) in the WRC.
But please continu, most of the time i'm laughing on your (and your simaler friends) predictable negative comments...

Why you think the entertainment business is making that much money ???

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's happy today..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7nrCRdIYAEfcdL.jpg

But this is coming...

https://twitter.com/OfficialWRC/status/556741512865009665

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B7oEAjeIUAAWntD.jpg:large

[Quad]

color of the car looks great live, with this orange parts