2008 Rally Italia Sardegna - official thread

[Viking]

Maybe it is time for one of these.

Links:

Official site of the rally
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2008/gb/index_gb.htm

Entry list
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2008/pdf/iscritti.pdf

Rally Radio
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/wrr_pop.jsp

Results:
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=405&season=2008&rally_id=I
http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php
http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/

Split Times
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=409&season=2008&rally_id=I

Drivers Bloggs:
PG
http://pgandersson.blogspot.com/

Patrik Sandell
http://patriksandell.blogspot.com/

Henning Solberg
http://www.vgb.no/6339/

Petter Solberg
http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/index.php/category/blog/

[Raini]

Shakedown times
http://www.rallyitaliasardegna.com/2008/pdf/shakedown.pdf

[euskalteam]

If I don't make mistakes, those are the SD results
Galli 3.19.0
Loeb 3.19.8
Latvala 3.21.8
Sordo 3.21.8
P.Solberg 3.22.9
Hirvonen 3.25.5
Atkinson 3.26.3
H.Solberg 3.26.4
Gardemeister 3.27.4
Wilson 3.28.5
Aava 3.28.8
Ostberg 3.29.3
Mikelsen 3.30.3
Rautenbach 3.30.5
Al Qassimi 3.32.4
Andersson 3.32.5
Villagra 3.33.4

[White Sauron]

What's the reason for the works Fords doing so few runs through the shakedown stage?? Especially with Hirvonen having set so poor time.

[Gard]

What's the reason for the works Fords doing so few runs through the shakedown stage?? Especially with Hirvonen having set so poor time.

He probably felt ok and stopped for a coffee break ;)

[Viking]

Last minute change of co-driver for Mikkelsen

Andreas Mikkelsens co-driver Ola Fløene became sick on his way to Rally Italy and was sent to hospital in Rome.
Maria Anderson step in for Fløene, she is this year co-driving Anders Grøndal in Norway.

[pettersolberg29]

Looks like there is going to be a good battle beween Ostberg and Mikkelsen!

Anyone know why Atkinson had a time over 8 mins - was it a car fault or a crash?

One thing we can take from these results is that running first will be a major disadvantage - everyone struggled to go first run through, but set good times 2nd, 3rd and even 4th time for a couple of drivers.

[pettersolberg29]

Anyone know the stage times in English GMT?

[cosmicpanda]

Anyone know the stage times in English GMT?

look up the itinerary on the rally website, then find a time converter with google. This tip also works for all the rallies :)

[jonkka]

One thing we can take from these results is that running first will be a major disadvantage - everyone struggled to go first run through, but set good times 2nd, 3rd and even 4th time for a couple of drivers.

Only one driver can be first on the road, even on shakedown. Drivers' times improve on later runs because they are more familiar with the road and they have better set-up on their car, normal in shakedown.

[cosmicpanda]

Interesting comments from Phill Mills about the route...

http://www.swrt.com/news/latest_news.html?id=1480

He expects massive ruts from dried mud on stage 3/6, on SS8/11 the Monte Lerno jump is apparently even higher this year, animals on the road in the recce on SS13/15, and a very deep and long watersplash on SS14/16 that he expects someone to get stuck in. And apparently the final spectator stage isn't a spectator stage at all becase of the 10 foot elephant grass, which could be a bit tricky for the spectators. :)

[Viking]

Only one driver can be first on the road, even on shakedown. Drivers' times improve on later runs because they are more familiar with the road and they have better set-up on their car, normal in shakedown.

Until the stage deteriorate, and times get slower.

[Micke_VOC]

PG had gearbox problems on the shakedown. He did only 2 runs.

[Mirek]

Nice photos from shakedown:
http://www.frozentime.cz/2008/index.html?openfolder=2008/Rally%20Sardegna/Shakedown/

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ok so which thread?

[GigiGalliNo1]

oh this one! got it lol woops

[GigiGalliNo1]

]Nice photos from shakedown:
http://www.frozentime.cz/2008/index.html?openfolder=2008/Rally%20Sardegna/Shakedown/

Amazing photos ! ! ! !

[N.O.T]

What's the reason for the works Fords doing so few runs through the shakedown stage?? Especially with Hirvonen having set so poor time.

many teams decide on setup of the car in private tests and they use the shakedown just to confirm the setup rather than testing the car. Hirvonen and the ford team had a small test in italy a few days back.

[White Sauron]

many teams decide on setup of the car in private tests and they use the shakedown just to confirm the setup rather than testing the car. Hirvonen and the ford team had a small test in italy a few days back.

Ok, yes, I see now, thanks for the reminder. Completely forgot of those tests.

[Ghostwalker]

Anyone know the stage times in English GMT?

Italy is 1 hour ahead of Britain.

[gloomyDAY]

Bring home the bacon Gigi!

[Helstar]

We all hope hrhrhr

[gloomyDAY]

Perfect conditions for Seb (http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=1137&desc=Weather%20change%20brings%20fresh%20challenge s%20in%20Sardinia).

He will probably win unchallenged a la Rally Argentina.

[cosmicpanda]

Perfect conditions for Seb (http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=1137&desc=Weather%20change%20brings%20fresh%20challenge s%20in%20Sardinia).

He will probably win unchallenged a la Rally Argentina.

Loeb wasn't unchalleneged. Mikko had a big lead before he crashed out.

[gloomyDAY]

Loeb wasn't unchalleneged. Mikko had a big lead before he crashed out.So, are you agreeing with me that Loeb won unchallenged? The next driver on podium was Chris over 2 minutes behind.

I'm not saying that Loeb is going to win by this kind of margin. I am saying that he's going be hard to beat in these tricky water-patched roads.

[Maui J.]

]Nice photos from shakedown:
http://www.frozentime.cz/2008/index.html?openfolder=2008/Rally%20Sardegna/Shakedown/

A good reminder of why rally is so great. Not just fast cars, but fast cars with great backdrops and landscapes.

[cosmicpanda]

So, are you agreeing with me that Loeb won unchallenged? The next driver on podium was Chris over 2 minutes behind.

I'm not saying that Loeb is going to win by this kind of margin. I am saying that he's going be hard to beat in these tricky water-patched roads.

Given that Loeb wasn't in the lead for the whole rally, I won't agree that he was unchallenged. Small technicality, I know.

[Viking]

Good morning rallyfans!
I see Henning has got a new T-shirt :laugh:

http://bilder.vgb.no/6471/4col/img_482ca784e60e1.jpg

[jonkka]

He-hee, Henning never takes anything seriously :)

[euskalteam]

I can't wait for the action!!! :bounce:

[grugsticles]

I was just looking at the start order for day 1.
http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=10 ... 20underway (http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=1148&desc=Rally%20d'Italia%20Sardegna%20is%20underway)
Assuming its been dry, I recon Petter is a good chance of being at least a podium - that is, assuming he stays on the road :)

[euskalteam]

Peter, Galli and Sordo will be fighting for the firsts positions today but tomorrow has to open the road... we will see...

[Xsara Fan]

Good morning rallyfans!
I see Henning has got a new T-shirt :laugh:

http://bilder.vgb.no/6471/4col/img_482ca784e60e1.jpg

It`s Petter`s t-shirt ;)

[euskalteam]

It`s Petter`s t-shirt ;)

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[darkstar]

hi there...ss1 should start now!

[Viking]

Start the rally you lazy Italians :D

[darkstar]

Start the rally you lazy Italians :D

hehe :D first splits are up, loeb´s already a little faster then mikko.

[[Madeira-Rally]]

As always.. split times doesn't work in WRC.com site :s

Edit: started to work.. :D

[euskalteam]

The open car in 3 wheels. :laugh:

[darkstar]

latvala is fast again :eek: he needs to win!

[jiipee64]

Jari-Matti seems to be flying

[jonkka]

Sordo faster than Seb at 3rd split? :eek:

[pucky54]

Petter fast at 3rd split

[A.F.F.]

Petter coming with decent pace :up:

[euskalteam]

And Wilson loosing a lot of time in the second one!!

[pucky54]

Petter losing time at the 4th one

[dimviii]

good morning to everybody :D

go Gigi go! :p :

[darkstar]

solbergs time is still ok i think. but latvala beats theyre asses :D

[euskalteam]

Where's Wilson?

[raybak]

Petter has damper problems again!!!!!!!

[jonkka]

Petter has damper problems again!!!!!!!

"I hope we will have no problems with dampers." :eek:

[pucky54]

Petter has damper problems again!!!!!!!

Okay wait for the next Subaru to compare ;)

[darkstar]

poor petter, im realye sorry for him. always its he who´s in problems...

[euskalteam]

Very good times for Mikelssen!!! :eek:

[Viking]

Mikkelsen is ok with new co-driver it seems :up:

[pucky54]

Mikkelsen is ok with new co-driver it seems :up:
okay isn't it Maria?

[jonkka]

Very good times for Mikelssen!!! :eek:

5th overall :eek:

[Viking]

okay isn't it Maria?

Yes, Ola Fløene was sick so Maria join them on tuesday.

[darkstar]

wow, mikkelsen is realy fast there! i would like so see andersson in a focus or c4 wrc someday, the times he squeeze´s out of the (sadly) pretty slow sx4 are great!

edit: ss2 is already running!

[pucky54]

Yes, Ola Fløene was sick so Maria join them on tuesday.

as you see, great replacement

[pucky54]

Mads woke up after the 3rd split ;)

[Mk2_Escort_RS]

Does anyone have a better site for splits than wrc.com?

[jonkka]

Interesting splits on SS2

[pucky54]

Does anyone have a better site for splits than wrc.com?

hmmm, no working great for me

[Viking]

Loeb kick A** on SS2

[pettersolberg29]

Galli and JML have lost a little time...

[pettersolberg29]

JML has a puncture?

[pettersolberg29]

and Galli has a puncture?!

[MikeD]

Damn Loeb!

You make all others look ordinary on SS2!

[Fang]

Latvala in trouble

[White Sauron]

And Latvala is once again freaking...

[pettersolberg29]

Mikkelsen flying again.

[darkstar]

Galli and JML have lost a little time...

i think theyre loosing lots of time. punctures for shure i´d guess...

[pucky54]

Hmmm looks like Mikkelsen got extra strong coffee this morning :D

Fastest at split 2 at the moment

[ITC55]

Mikkelsen Fast in the second split!

[pettersolberg29]

Mikklesen could win the stage!

[kabouter]

Good morning everyone.

Somehow I doubt Mikkelsen can keep up this pace and keep it on the road, but so far he's very, very impressive!

And Loeb is fast again, so I'm sure that before the day is over several people will have declared the WRC dead... ;)

[pettersolberg29]

The WRC is dying in my opinion.....oh... ;) ^

[Fang]

WRC is dead!!!

[pettersolberg29]

BTW kabouter - congrats on your 5000th post!

[Roy]

And Latvala is once again freaking...

And again... maybe replace latvala for Mikkelsen?

[jonkka]

WRC is dead!!!

Looks pretty living to me...

[ITC55]

Mikkelsen rolled, oh dear....

[teufel]

And again... maybe replace latvala for Mikkelsen?

are you a bit strict to JML?

[Fang]

Mikklesen could win the stage!

He rolled the stage instead!!

[pettersolberg29]

How do you know before me!

[Viking]

[quote="kabouter"]Good morning everyone.

Somehow I doubt Mikkelsen can keep up this pace and keep it on the road, but so far he's very, very impressive!

QUOTE]

Well you were right :(

[kabouter]

Thanks for proving me right so soon ;) (edit: that wasn't meant to be about Mikkelsen, I'm a bit sad he rolled so soon...) Wow, 5000 posts already - maybe it is time I went and looked for a life out there...

The JWRC drivers have completed the first stage, and an excellent stage it was for Alessandro Bettega, beating all the S1600 cars with his Clio R3. Sandell is just one second behind though. Ogier in 5th will have some work to do over the next days to keep his 100% record :) Also very good in my opinion is the 7th place of young Dutchman Kevin Abbring, second of the R3's and very close behind Ogier and the much more experienced Mölder.

[Sulland]

Mikkelesen off ? No split.

Was Maria A too slow to ask him to calm down a tad !

[pucky54]

Mikkelsen rolled, oh dear....

The result of starting too fast

[pettersolberg29]

Van Merkstyn is quick!

[Fang]

Solberg is sulking already

[jonkka]

Wow, 5000 posts already - maybe it is time I went and looked for a life out there...

No comments... :rolleyes:

[dimviii]

just 2 stages and citroen already 1-2 with half minute diff :o

[Roy]

Van Merkstyn is quick!

No, he drive backwards. ;) Wrong times.

[pucky54]

why are there no splits for Ogier?

[darkstar]

Van Merkstyn is quick!

hehe, i think hes driving in a time machine, for a part mikko needs 50 seconds van mersteijn is already 1.57 seconds faster :D

[Fang]

Loeb 18 sec faster than the rest. Way too easy.

[Sulland]

The result of starting too fast

But that is the Latvala aproach, and I like that one - compared to the more wait and see, safe it a bit solution.

It is better to show that you have winning potential, than others that are more slow to get up to their top speed, like Henning that usually have a challenge on the first stages of these sprint rallies.

If we are getting back to 4-6 day events, then endurance and tactics will come in, and not only "Allways flat out"

Ostberg is also quick, so lets hope he lasts !

[pucky54]

Good time for Toni

[darkstar]

But that is the Latvala aproach, and I like that one - compared to the more wait and see, safe it a bit solution.

It is better to show that you have winning potential, than others that are more slow to get up to their top speed, like Henning that usually have a challenge on the first stages of these sprint rallies.

If we are getting back to 4-6 day events, then endurance and tactics will come in, and not only "Allways flat out"

Ostberg is also quick, so lets hope he lasts !

defenetly a true word! latvala has the most speed of all junior drivers i think, same as duval for example. but now he needs to become more steady. thats a normal thing, look at atkinson, hes pretty fast now and steady. and think about how many cars he´s already crashed.

[Viking]

Østberg lost 30-40s on last split :mad:

[Halvis]

Mornin' guys!

Seems like the old story in Sardinia - Loeb going fast and steady, leaving the mistakes for the others.

Shame about Mikkelsen, who had a truly impressive pace - and Østberg too, he must have had a spin or something, he lost 25 secs on the last split.

Henning too slow again, wonder if he is going for the medium pace again, hoping others will crash out, or if he has confidence issues, or what?

[Leon]

Mikkelsen was impressive but not so much for me due to his starting position and for pushing too much with a new co/driver ending off the road

[euskalteam]

ss3 is live

[jonkka]

And Loeb continues to push...

[jonkka]

But JML is faster still... A clean fight between the two would be interesting to see...

[DuncanD]

Galli quickest on first split :-) but I can't see any more splits on WRC.com, the page won't load

[Fang]

Sordo quicker than Latvala at split 3. Citroen well and truly flexing their muscles!!

[jonkka]

Interesting to note that Galli is almost as fast as JML - without testing and on B-team...

[Sulland]

Østberg lost 30-40s on last split :mad:

Any news on why ?

[J4MIE]

No point in going so fast if you can't get to the finish :down:

Can anyone give a link to results pages?

[euskalteam]

http://www.ewrc-results.com/results_main.php?event=154&stage=3364&category=&group=

[Tazz]

I see on wrc.com that Garde has dropped 11 places to 7th overall

[Sulland]

With english driver comments : http://www.vysledky-rally.cz/vysledky/?rz=740&filtr=

[jonkka]

I see on wrc.com that Garde has dropped 11 places to 7th overall

Whaaaat?

[Viking]

Østberg has only RWD, hope they can fix it in service.

[Brother John]

I see on wrc.com that Garde has dropped 11 places to 7th overall

11 is his car number! :dozey: :s mokin:

[Tazz]

11 is his car number! :dozey: :s mokin:

Makes more sence now

[Sulland]

Van Merkstyn is quick!

A bit too quick, since he went out the same place as Mikkelsen, and actually right into Andreas' car !

Not sure what made the biggest damage, the off or the dutch ?

[Helstar]

The second SS has been half disaster for JML and Gigi, pity ...

Comment from Gigi at the end of third SS: "Good feeling is back. Trying to entertain spectators, we'll see"

Yay !

[turves]

I'm glad that all the presenters on WR.com radio are fine...

YAWN!

:arrows:


and to top it off, some bloke just predicted Petter to win :laugh:

[kabouter]

Note to people of vysledky-rally.cz: in your results are Citröens instead of Citroëns and a few Reanults... ;)

[jonkka]

Too much Renault cognac? :eek:

[jonkka]

http://www.cognacrenault.com/

[N.O.T]

At least when Gronholm was around Loeb ridiculed him within a day or two....now he he ridicules evryone within a stage or 2.....but the rally is long and you can never count out rautenbach.

[MartijnS]

Van Merksteijn hit Mikkelsen again just like Catalunya? That's pretty sick..

[mdesign]

Stage 4 is underway

[kabouter]

And all forum members are still having lunch, where are the people complaining about the splits not working? ;) Is something wrong?

[jonkka]

Maybe because splits are working... :)

[jonkka]

Or they drank too much Renault? :eek:

[kabouter]

Or they drank too much Renault? :eek:

I'm starting to get a bit worried about your Renault obsession ;)

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen and Loeb set exactly the same time...

[Helstar]

Hirvonen and Loeb set exactly the same time...
Loeb is already cruising xD

So boring ! lol

[jonkka]

I'm starting to get a bit worried about your Renault obsession ;)

Do not worry, there is enough for you too... :)

[N.O.T]

Galli is flying !!!!!

[kabouter]

Galli is flying !!!!!

He'll probably be disqualified then, I'm sure a standard Focus is not able to fly.

(Who put that Renault in my coffee???)

[N.O.T]

Sordo going strong on the repeated stages as well !!!!! nice !!!!

[N.O.T]

Galli is going to eat everyone alive !!!!!

[jonkka]

Who put that coffee into my Renault?

[jonkka]

And Galli wins the stage...

[N.O.T]

Petter is going fast as well...the battle for second will be fierce !!!!

[Helstar]

Galli is going to eat everyone alive !!!!!
Pity for the puncture on the second stage, notice he wouldn't ever talk bad against Pirelli and said "oh it happens, and anyway I lost only 1 min !!" XD

[kabouter]

Quick calculation: Galli was 9 seconds faster than Loeb. He's 67 seconds behind Loeb in the overall classification. There's 13 stages still to go. So Galli will easily catch Seb and win the rally and WRC will stay alive for at least another two weeks. Simple, isn't it?

[jonkka]

I love mathematics!

[Halvis]

Finally a decent stage for Petter aswell -passing Atko and getting very close to Hirvonen. Henning also showing a little more speed.

[N.O.T]

the next stage is going to be the decider of the day ....

[John V]

Note to people of vysledky-rally.cz: in your results are Citröens instead of Citroëns and a few Reanults... ;)
Thanks, I repaired it. Somebody feeded database in hurry ... ;)

[jonkka]

Quick question about Mikkelsen and Maria A. Is it the Swedish Maria Andersson or someone else (ie. Norwegian Maria Anderson with no WRC starts)?

[jonkka]

Found the answer already, she is the Swedish one...

[kabouter]

Ogier reported to have stopped on stage. A chance for the other JWRC competitors to catch up in the championship.

[jonkka]

Ouch, not three out of three then...

[kabouter]

Mikko is much faster on the second run of Crastazza compared to this morning: 23.33,2 instead of 24.17,0 (Loeb fastest this morning with 23.56,1).

But of course Loeb is quicker still...

[jonkka]

But still Loeb is almost 12secs faster than Mikko...

[MikeD]

Loeb is really impressive today. And now people can't complain that he's just quick due to being on speciel french rubber...

He's kicking ass on the Pirelli's too...

[N.O.T]

pity for ogier :(

Loeb seems that he will win the stage...

[Helstar]

Seems there are problems for Gigi, losing water ... it sounds like 2006 when a stone hit the radiator ... damn

[N.O.T]

Solberg takes 3rd

[gloomyDAY]

Solberg takes 3rdYeah, but the Citroen boys are running away with this rally. Someone better catch up fast!

[tmx]

Loeb is really impressive today. And now people can't complain that he's just quick due to being on speciel french rubber...

He's kicking ass on the Pirelli's too...

I still think he has a much better car.

[Brother John]

Yeah, but the Citroen boys are running away with this rally. Someone better catch up fast!

We must wait till to morrow as Loeb must start as a first on the stages. :D
The Fords must , however, remain complete! Next Stage already can change a lot, but that´s rally. :s mokin:

[I am evil Homer]

I still think he has a much better car.

Than the Focus on gravel? Sorry just can't agree with that.

[gloomyDAY]

We must wait till to morrow as Loeb must start as a first on the stages. :D
The Fords must , however, remain complete! Next Stage already can change a lot, but that´s rally. :s mokin:When does the next stage start? I have to be at work soon!

[Brother John]

Than the Focus on gravel? Sorry just can't agree with that.

Why not, at the moment the Citroën is faster an was faster in Jordanie?

[Daniel]

Any bets on when Petter will retire and how? I say a strut through the bonnet sometime tomorrow.

[Brother John]

Any bets on when Petter will retire and how? I say a strut through the bonnet sometime tomorrow.

At the next stage! :eek: :p : :s mokin:

[grugsticles]

Any bets on when Petter will retire and how? I say a strut through the bonnet sometime tomorrow.

Hmm, yeah. Im thinking more on day 3 - that way no Super rally.

[Viking]

Any bets on when Petter will retire and how? I say a strut through the bonnet sometime tomorrow.

If I bet on him to retire he will most likely do just fine. Hmm... running to the bookies :D

[Viking]

Ok then, last stage, hitting a stray squirrel making two of his dampers and his gearbox explode.

[Helstar]

Now that the tyres are all the same, it's not difficult to see which car is better. And the response is: I really dunno :D

I think that C4 has a better engine so better acceleration and speed but talking about gravel rallies the Focus is very agile on slow corners and got a little better grip overall.

All in all I would choose a Focus as the best WRC car on gravel/snow. But it's really close, and when you have Loeb and Sordo, even closer xD

[pettersolberg29]

I have to agree with Viking's suggestion!

Good result today for Petter - although staying fifth but still in touch may have been better for road position.

I can see Petter losing time and slipping to about 7th tomorrow in the first loop due to position. Could I be right?

[greencroft]

We must wait till to morrow as Loeb must start as a first on the stages. :D
The Fords must , however, remain complete! Next Stage already can change a lot, but that´s rally. :s mokin:


Clearly the Fords have just been playing the game for road position tomorrow! Their plan is working as Loeb is lulled into a false sense of security borne out of utter car & driver superiority.

[dumb]

What a nice performance by Vytautas Baranauskas.He is leader after the first day in Fiesta ST cup 1min13sec ahead Yurdakul.I hope he will control the situation and he will be on the finish at Sunday.

[Helstar]

Did you see the Latvala video on wrc.com ? Unbelievable risk !!! He was very lucky to avoid a roll ...

[COD]

Latvala showing clearly who is the fastest Ford driver

[White Sauron]

Latvala showing clearly who is the fastest Ford driver

As for me, he's just showing inability to control his speed...

[A.F.F.]

Did you guys hear that sound at stage two today ???

That was the sound of my pickems crash :s

[Helstar]

Mikkelsen roll... I think he didn't understand a note, before rolling he says something (maybe 'what ?' or some correction to the co-driver.... can any norvegians here confirm ?)

[tmx]

Now that the tyres are all the same, it's not difficult to see which car is better. And the response is: I really dunno :D

I think that C4 has a better engine so better acceleration and speed but talking about gravel rallies the Focus is very agile on slow corners and got a little better grip overall.

All in all I would choose a Focus as the best WRC car on gravel/snow. But it's really close, and when you have Loeb and Sordo, even closer xD

I'm sorry but I can't agree to the fact that Dani Sordo is a better gravel driver than Hirvonen at the current state, but I do agree the two cars performance are much closer than it was last year.


Mikkelsen roll... I think he didn't understand a note, before rolling he says something (maybe 'what ?' or some correction to the co-driver.... can any norvegians here confirm ?) Yeah I was really amazed at his speed in the video, setting top 5 time on first stage. Maybe he should back off a bit.

[Buzz Lightyear]

day one notes

mikkelson showing good speed... till he crashed. i.e. anyone can do that... dirve fast and crash.

mikko is not driving well at all, the incar footage confirms this.

I think mikko is a beaten man. deep down he knows JML is faster. on the interviews he never blames the car, he just has no answer to loeb or JML.

either sordo is getting better, or the C4 has regained the performance advantage over Ford. I presume the latter, as Dani still can nowhere match loebs speed, and the gap to his mentor remains the same.

JML... will he ever learn to stopped pushing 120% ?? sometimes 105% is enough. again, the incar was showing massive risks.


Petter being interview said the engineers need to think more about the dampers and suspension. i am getting tired listening to petter. chris atko will out drivie and out pysch him, and be ahead come day 3.

better performance from suzuki, but the pace is simply not there.

galli is going good. I think there is a bigger picture will gigi. if he can keep slowing improving, he could replace mikko next year... maybe.

good to see ogier is human, and not another loeb. one loeb is quite enough for now.

wilsons pace is absolutely diabolical.

[MikeD]

God morning to all.

So, who can we expect to be good in wet gravel and who will fail?

[noel157]

SS7 start and end are close together........................................

[jonkka]

SS7 start and end are close together........hope not a repeat of Jordan.............

(chuckle)

[jonkka]

Communications airplane is grounded so no splits...

http://www.wrc.com/jsp/index.jsp?lnk=101&id=1198&desc=Split%20times%20update%20-%20Saturday

[MikeD]

There are no splits on SS7.

Loeb sets first time - 11.40.9

[MikeD]

Sordo has set a time of 11.41.9 - 1 sec slower

[jonkka]

Petter has problems

[jonkka]

Mikko fast enough to reach 2nd overall but to win?

[jonkka]

Wow, JML does it again...

[Xsara Fan]

Wow, JML does it again...

Crashed again? ;)

[jonkka]

Not yet... first the incredible stage time and then... :eek:

[Mk2_Escort_RS]

Forum still asleep?

[Sulland]

What happened to Petter this time ?

[Buzz Lightyear]

What happened to Petter this time ? no doubt petter will blame the dampers.

[Brother John]

no doubt petter will blame the dampers.

He is on his usual place. :rolleyes: already said last week 2 fast times is not enough. :p :

[pettersolberg29]

Apparently a brake problem for Petter.

Will have a bad effect on Monte Lerno - 2nd longest stage.

And SS9 is a 'test of brakes' according to swrt.com, so doesnt look good for Petter there either.

[Brother John]

Apparently a brake problem for Petter.

Will have a bad effect on Monte Lerno - 2nd longest stage.

And SS9 is a 'test of brakes' according to swrt.com, so doesnt look good for Petter there either.

I continue to say that the cause for the problems is the driving style from Petter. :o

[MikeD]

Auch, Sordo lost 11.2 sec to loeb on SS8

Dammit now Mikko is gunning for second overall :(

[pettersolberg29]

Petter retired?

[Brother John]

Petter retired?

Is he crying again? :rolleyes:

[pettersolberg29]

I'm going to have to support someone else - Petter is too unlucky and/or bad!

[pettersolberg29]

Petter hasnt retired - but as good as...

[jonkka]

Don't, Petter deserves support too

[Brother John]

I'm going to have to support someone else - Petter is too unlucky and/or bad!

Tip. Choose a car brant, not a driver!!!! :s mokin:

[pettersolberg29]

You've twisted my arm jonkka ;)

GO PETTER GO!

[pettersolberg29]

Also a good suggestion BJ

[jonkka]

I support the sport so no matter who wins, I'm happy...

[Mickey T]

I continue to say that the cause for the problems is the driving style from Petter. :o

based upon what?

[Buzz Lightyear]

I support the sport so no matter who wins, I'm happy...

even wilson?!

[luca]

SS8 Petter Solberg stopped to change puncture

[Mk2_Escort_RS]

based upon what?

Atko seems to be able to get the car to the finish...

[jonkka]

even wilson?!

Aye. Except that Wilson (Mat, you mean) won't win so I don't need to worry.

[Brother John]

based upon what?

Brakes, Suspension, Cutting corners and, and, and........He can go to Rallycross and do a couple heats on Sunday. :p :

[jonkka]

Loeb led Mikko by 58,9 seconds in the morning, now it's down to 42,0 seconds. On second run Mikko can't take that much, if at all, and tomorrow is half shorter than this day so it's pretty much settled...

[Buzz Lightyear]

maybe loeb relays too much on splits?

[jonkka]

How so?

[Brother John]

maybe loeb relays too much on splits?


Yes that we know already longer, it is much improve as the splits would disappear in the cars. :s mokin:

[paddocknews]

SOLBERG P. / MILLS P. Cracked windscreen

[ste898]

Loeb led Mikko by 58,9 seconds in the morning, now it's down to 42,0 seconds. On second run Mikko can't take that much, if at all, and tomorrow is half shorter than this day so it's pretty much settled...


Yes the fantastic WRC of today........3/4 stages in the morning and then the same 3/4 in the afternoon......a word comes to mind ****e!!!

[buffalo]

Guys - what happened to Atkinson ?? - from the look of it he has lost about a minute and is now back in 6th after SS9 ???

[Brother John]

Yes the fantastic WRC of today........3/4 stages in the morning and then the same 3/4 in the afternoon......a word comes to mind ****e!!!

Yes they have a nine to five job, ridiculously WRC of today. :dozey:

[A.F.F.]

Hey, nice surprise. The fastest man of the rally is now third :up:

[Corny]

my expectations on this afternoon:

Loeb will drive 3 scratches this afternoon, and when Latvala sees he can't follow he will crash or make a puncture..

[Helstar]

Loeb will drive 3 scratches this afternoon, and when Latvala sees he can't follow he will crash or make a puncture..
Loeb was sweeping the road so there is no way he could do much better than that ... yes now the roads should be 'clean', but tomorrow it will be very hard for him if the Fords are closer enough at the end of this day.

It seems spectators are throwing stones to the cars, this is a shame ... I believed certain things could happen only in Mexico.... shame !

[luca]

new inmarsat aeroplane in the air so splits working again

[Helstar]

Loeb has improved his time on Punta Pianedda SS of 22 sec compared to this morning, not looking good for Fords

[luca]

now both fords on "green" splits, looks promising

[jonkka]

now both fords on "green" splits, looks promising

Too little, too late I am afraid

[JCarlosPP]

Latvala is flying.... :eek:

[luca]

if jari-matti manage to stay on the road he will win this rally

[jonkka]

Aye, where Mikko can't catch Loeb JML just might if keeps that speed up... :eek:

[dimviii]

If Loeb hadn t so big difference from yesterday, it would be in trouble today.
the difference is big, for catching him Latvala i think. :)

[John V]

If Loeb hadn t so big difference from yesterday, it would be in trouble today.
the difference is big, for catching him Latvala i think. :)

JML reduced gap to Seb of 45.8 s on four stages today, no comment necessary I think.

[Sulland]

Did Petter get the windshield smashed by a rock thrown by a spectator on ss8 ? Saw that another place, can anyone confirm ?

[jonkka]

JML reduced gap to Seb of 45.8 s on four stages today, no comment necessary I think.

Quite the contrary, comment is very much necessary. That's still over 45 seconds to take the 1st position and we've seen it so many times how Loeb has reserves when he comes under fire. I think JML has a shot at it but whether he can do it is entirely another matter.

[Tomi]

If Loeb dont have any problems the gap I think is too big, the starting position for JM tomorrow will not be so good as today either, but nice drive sofar.

[dimviii]

@johnV
the 45 secs were maid cause Loeb at first 3 stages was cleaning the road.
now the stages are clean cause they repeat the morning 3 stages.Lets see how many secs Latvala is going to gain from Loeb at the afternoon ''clean'' stages. ;)
i think that Loeb is waiting for Latvalas puncture /mistake?


ps.i don t want to happen that :p :

[jonkka]

Over supposedly "clean" SS10 Latvala was almost 10 seconds faster than Loeb. If he can keep up such pace...

[John V]

Quite the contrary, comment is very much necessary. That's still over 45 seconds to take the 1st position and we've seen it so many times how Loeb has reserves when he comes under fire. I think JML has a shot at it but whether he can do it is entirely another matter.
Of course, question is how much can Seb increase the pace, but still I think he's is driving on safe limit now, without any extra risk. But anyway, as Seb told yesterday also, he preffer to have some comfortable lead to each leg. And tomorrow will be first on the road again, 3rd place should be more suitable for JML from this point of view. Beside of it all, I fully respect Seb as probably best WRC driver now, but think time for Jari is coming and he deserve attention.

[DuncanD]

Galli may even pass Sordo with his time this stage :-) good man.

I don't think JML can catch loeb too few stages, too short a rally and Loeb with the splits in his car

[Helstar]

Galli may even pass Sordo with his time this stage :-) good man.

It's such a pity that he got that slow puncture on SS2, without that minute lost he would be quite near Loeb ;)

[dimviii]

if Latvala do faster than 19,20 is going to be very fast time

everybody seems to be about 20-25 secs faster than 1st loop

[John V]

It's such a pity that he got that slow puncture on SS2, without that minute lost he would be quite near Loeb ;)
Any stages similar or used in past for Trofeo Terra? I spent only one season in this championship, two races on Sardegna.

[jonkka]

if Latvala do faster than 19,20 is going to be very fast time

He heard you: 19:19.9 :eek:

[John V]

if Latvala do faster than 19,20 is going to be very fast time

everybody seems to be about 20-25 secs faster than 1st loop
19:19.9 :)

[DuncanD]

It's such a pity that he got that slow puncture on SS2, without that minute lost he would be quite near Loeb ;)

True, but it was his fault if you saw the incar clip, same corner as Mikkelsson's off and he was VERY lucky. Also would loeb perhaps have stepped it up a bit more??? Nonetheless this is one of Galli's best performances for a long time and i think things will only get better through the season. He is pretty much on the pace of the works fords with no testing

He's passed Sordo too :-)

Vai Gigi!

[dimviii]

from ewrc i can t see the time yet,but if he did this time is going to be very close to Hirvo!

go Latvala go!!! :D

[dimviii]

agree with DuncanD
impressive pace from Gigi,even without tests,and out from rallying for a long period.

[Helstar]

Seems that Ford guys are really pushing now ! And Latvala in "flying mode" !


True, but it was his fault if you saw the incar clip, same corner as Mikkelsson's off and he was VERY lucky.
Holy crap I haven't seen it, now I understand why he said "ok no problem a puncture can happen" it was his fault actually LOL

[DuncanD]

Gardemeister stopped in stage? It was almost too good to be true for Suzuki!