Pirelli Star Driver

[Maui J.]

The first qualifing round of the Asia-Pacific Pirelli Star Driver has just been held in NZ. The top two scorers at APRC Rally Whangerei, Hayden Paddon and Brad Ayling, each won a 5000 Euro assistance package to get them to Rally Malaysia in October. This will be the winner take all finale.

The Asia-Pacific winner will join a Middle Eastern, an African and 2 European drivers in six fully funded PWRC championship rounds next year in either a Group N or S2000 car.

Wondering from other forumers what are your regional events for Pirelli Star and what drivers are expected to be the front runners.

Also wondering from an Asia-Pacific perspective what drivers from your country are expected at Rally Malaysia.
Australia, Japan, China, Malaysia, India etc must have a lot of potential young drivers keen to clinch this amazing prize. Paddon and Ayling will possibly be joined by Mark Tapper also from NZ. Tapper was a front runner at Whangarei but missed out on one of the top two spots due to some mechanical issues during the rally.

[Leon]

Living in Cyprus I can give a bit of info about the Pirelli Star Driver competition regarding Middle East.

Three drivers are participating from this area, Nicos Thoma, Nick Georgiou and another Middle Eastern driver whom I cannot recall his name now.

Nicos Thoma from Cyprus is the island´s latest hope having almost all the ingredients for success. At only 20 years of age he is the overall winner of the recent Cyprus Rally (and subsequently the Pirelli Star Driver winner), which is a record for his age. He is spectacular although a very «down to earth» person, not making mistakes, he has the money and a strong team to support him plus his father/manager used to be a local champion so he can use all his experience. Also in the latest MERC round at Syria, his first ever desert rally, he was a sensational third overall finishing 5th due to a co-driver mistake but most important he was again the Pirelli Star Driver winner. In our small country/island we expect great things from him. His only negative is inexperience from fast rallies, as you all know about Cyprus kind of roads. However the signs are good since he won the only fast event to be held in Cyprus plus he fared well at Syrian desert.

Nick Georgiou is a London-based Lebanese driver with Greek roots. The only thing I Know about him is that his father Tony Georgiou had one of the most famous accidents in the Middle East during the group B area with his NISSAN 240 RS that can be found on a number of crash videos and of course at youtube.

[Mirek]

I don't know the condition in Europe at all. If someone knows more, please, tell me.

[Viking]

"Two competitors will be selected from the European region after a three-day ‘shoot-out’."


FIA Press release:

Pirelli ‘Star Driver’ 10/04/2008

In accordance with its agreement with Pirelli, the Italian tyre manufacturer designated by the FIA as the official tyre supplier to the FIA World Rally Championship, the World Motor Sport Council has ratified the proposal presented by the World Rally Championship Commission for the investment of funding in international rallying.


The intent is to invest in the growth of the sport worldwide and, in particular, help younger competitors reach World Championship level.



The Pirelli ‘Star Driver’ scheme is a worldwide search for five young rally drivers from the 2008 and 2009 FIA Regional Championships. The successful drivers from each year will then contest a series of six World Championship rallies the following season, driving identical Group N or Super 2000 cars supplied and serviced under an FIA contract with a specialist preparation company. The competitors must be under the age of 27 on 1st January in the year of the Regional Championship.



The programme will be structured through the four FIA Regional Championships, with one driver emerging from each of the Middle East, Asia-Pacific and Africa regions. Two competitors will be selected from the European region after a three-day ‘shoot-out’. It is also hoped to expand the programme into South America in 2009.

The FIA regions, working with all their National Sporting Authorities (ASNs), will be provided with development assistance to promote their Regional Championship and help competitors contest their events. The project will also provide funding for personal development, fitness and safety programmes, as well as additional promotional opportunities.



During 2008 and 2009, ways in which to develop the scheme - including the opportunity for the most successful Star Driver to be offered a test drive by a registered WRC team - will be studied.

[Mirek]

Here are the European rulles :)
http://www.rally-erc.com/article.php?cont=197

[Viking]

Sveinung Bieltvedt (22) is Norway’s entrant in the European shootout.

He is currently 2`nd in the Norwegian N4 championship driving a Subaru.

Who else will be there?

[Mirek]

Michal Kosciuszko from Poland. Keith Cronin from Ireland I think.

[WRC1]

the austrian representant will be andreas aigner!!!!!!!!!!

reg

wrc1

[Mirek]

What a useless choice. The same as in Poland and maybe in our country. This project should help young drivers to start their career. Aigner, Kosciuszko or Prokop are not the ones to choose. They have both experience and good team.

By the way how is it possible that Austria has a candidate? I thought candidates come from countries which has WRC or ERC event. Is it because Austria is the place where final shotout will be?

[urabus-denoS2000]

]I thought candidates come from countries which has WRC or ERC event


Croatia?


It is useless.Just as BF Goodrich gave their car to a up and coming young man called Patrick Snijers...

[Viking]

]By the way how is it possible that Austria has a candidate? I thought candidates come from countries which has WRC or ERC event. Is it because Austria is the place where final shotout will be?

You are right in your guessing.

"Entries
Each of the 18 European ASN´s that is organizing a WRC event or an ERC event and the host-ASN is entitled to enter one driver. Please note that the driver must be under the age of 27 at Jan 1st 2009."

[PLuto]

You are right in your guessing.

"Entries
Each of the 18 European ASN´s that is organizing a WRC event or an ERC event and the host-ASN is entitled to enter one driver. Please note that the driver must be under the age of 27 at Jan 1st 2009."

Yes - and thats why it is in Austria, because they needed to push Aigner...

[WRC1]

Yes - and thats why it is in Austria, because they needed to push Aigner...

do you really think austria has so much power in the fia to force this decission...???

if we had so much power, we can also have a round of wrc or erc in the future. 80))

austria is simply one of the few countries without wrc/erc round.

and the reason why austria choose aigner (poland/kosciuszko and czech rep./prokop) is very easy to understand, every country wants to win this shoout out, and thats why they send theire best available man!
sure many of them are in existing teams and they have/had already theire programs, but to "beat" 19 other young guns from all europe you need to send the best ones.

even if this decission fit´s not 100% into the real idea behind the pirelli programm.....to find a new talent.

maybe for the next time they should add an extra point in the regulations:

- only drivers wich never took part in a round of the wrc are able to take part in the shoot out.

reg


wrc1

[COD]

Finnish entry from what I have heard will be.....................

Jarkko Nikara

[Mirek]

Well done Finland, Norway and Ireland. At least not all countries try to ruin the original idea of supporting new talents!

[PLuto]

do you really think austria has so much power in the fia to force this decission...???

if we had so much power, we can also have a round of wrc or erc in the future. 80))

Yes, I know. Nobody wanted this shootout on Austria, but our people was able to find the right connections and make a good business from it.

[PLuto]

I think, in regulations is missing one important sentence - into Pirrelli shootout can be nominated only driver, who wasnt registered into JWRC or PCWRC in the past...

[Sulland]

What car type are they going to use ?

I guess thay all are going to use the same car type, is it Evo IX ?

[WRC1]

What car type are they going to use ?

I guess thay all are going to use the same car type, is it Evo IX ?

every driver may use "his" car, the car he uses in his normal career!

reg

wrc1

[Hallo]

GB - Adam Gould (21)

[Eyvind]

Spain - Yeray Lemes

[Micke_VOC]

From Sweden, Patrik Sandell

[cut the b.s.]

From Sweden, Patrik Sandell

'The intent is to invest in the growth of the sport worldwide and, in particular, help younger competitors reach World Championship level.'


Go Sweden, well done to them for unearthing another new talent.
Great work by Austria, Poland, Czech and Sweden to mess up what should be the best prize on offer to young up and coming rally drivers ever. I really hope that somewhere in the judging there is room that the lesser known, experienced and backed drivers get a decent chance. My understanding is that this prize(great though it is) is only beer money to at least 1 of the above countries choices. They are 4 decent drivers but I have quoted Pirellis intent above, these 4 don't fill this in my book.

[Comal]

Asia Pacific area final should be good at Rally Malaysia, drivers I understand entered, feel free to confirm them
Aus - Eli Evans
Gaurav Gill - India
Hayden Paddon - NZ (just won NZ rally championship)
Patrick Malley - NZ
Kirsty Nelson - NZ
Mark Tapper - NZ

[Tomi]

'The intent is to invest in the growth of the sport worldwide and, in particular, help younger competitors reach World Championship level.'


Go Sweden, well done to them for unearthing another new talent.
Great work by Austria, Poland, Czech and Sweden to mess up what should be the best prize on offer to young up and coming rally drivers ever. I really hope that somewhere in the judging there is room that the lesser known, experienced and backed drivers get a decent chance. My understanding is that this prize(great though it is) is only beer money to at least 1 of the above countries choices. They are 4 decent drivers but I have quoted Pirellis intent above, these 4 don't fill this in my book.

Agree, also I wonder what theese drivers with quite much routine will gain if they beat total novices, maybe something to show for their sponsors?
All in all I would not put much weigth on this star driver thing.

[Dilek]

from Turkey,Emre Yurdakul :)

[Tom206wrc]

Great news from France !!! Guillaume Canivenq is candidate for Pirelli star driver and will contest the final with a 207 S2000(from Enjolras Sport team MES - which also import Pirelli tires in France)in Austria by end october !!!! :)

Good luck to him(he's strongly motivated to win the WRC09 events in PWRC) ;)

[ProRally]

Victor Galleano from Paraguay is selected as South American champion

[urabus-denoS2000]

Hermann Gassner Jr. has been selected from Germany

[urabus-denoS2000]

Still nothing in Croatia,nobody is even talking about that.I think that 95 percent of Croatian rally fans havent heard about this.

No one from Bulgaria also

[Rally Power]

Due to a shoulder surgery Bernardo Sousa will be replaced by António Rodrigues (25) former 206 cup winner, a very popular guy with little experience in N4 but lots of talent.

Good luck to him :champion:

[V.Gatev]

From Bulgaria will be Todor Slavov (24 years old) with Renault Clio R3. After 8 rounds of Bulgarian rally champ. he is 4-th in general classification after Iliev, Donchev and Popov with 24 points. This season one podium finish in Rally Sliven (coef.10), one 4-th place in Serbia Rally and 7-th in rally "Bulgaria" (ERC).
Season 2007 - 6-th in BGRC with Clio R3
3-rd in European Rally Cup - EAST with Clio R3
Season 2006 - 2-nd in class N3 (3 wins) with Clio Sport
Season 2005 - 3-rd in class N2 (1 win) with Corsa GSi
Debut in rally sport

[atsiotras79]

From Bulgaria will be Todor Slavov (24 years old) with Renault Clio R3. After 8 rounds of Bulgarian rally champ. he is 4-th in general classification after Iliev, Donchev and Popov with 24 points. This season one podium finish in Rally Sliven (coef.10), one 4-th place in Serbia Rally and 7-th in rally "Bulgaria" (ERC).
Season 2007 - 6-th in BGRC with Clio R3
3-rd in European Rally Cup - EAST with Clio R3
Season 2006 - 2-nd in class N3 (3 wins) with Clio Sport
Season 2005 - 3-rd in class N2 (1 win) with Corsa GSi
Debut in rally sport

I totally agree with that! Very fast guy and young! I saw him in Rally Bulgaria and he really impressed me!

[nannymuck]

Asia Pacific entrants is correct with a few other Asian drivers in the mix but I'd say Eli has the edge so long as he keeps it on the road.

GB is Adam Gould who will do well despite taking his 2WD R2 Clio to the shootout event in Austria where guys like Aigner and Sandell will have heavier machinery. It has also been announced that there is also going to be an entrant from Sth America and Central/North America thrown into the mix in Austria (Despite it being the European section). Hot on the list from North American pick is Travis Pastrana however no one has been chose yet.

NM

[ProRally]

Asia Pacific entrants is correct with a few other Asian drivers in the mix but I'd say Eli has the edge so long as he keeps it on the road.

GB is Adam Gould who will do well despite taking his 2WD R2 Clio to the shootout event in Austria where guys like Aigner and Sandell will have heavier machinery. It has also been announced that there is also going to be an entrant from Sth America and Central/North America thrown into the mix in Austria (Despite it being the European section). Hot on the list from North American pick is Travis Pastrana however no one has been chose yet.

NM

As said from South American, Victor Galleano but I don't know if North America could/would send one ?

[Wim_Impreza]

For Belgium, Thierry Neuville is present. He drives this year the Ford Fiesta Sporting Trophy here.

[Hallo]

http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/Pages/pirelli_euro.aspx

[Astra_26]

I wish a good luck to bulgarian competitor Todor Slavov.

http://astra26.hit.bg/TSlavov.jpg

[N.O.T]

In greece we didn't have any competiton to see who is worthy for the trophy our Motorsport organisation sent a driver they thought he was the best.

Lefteris Sotirchos is the Greek tarmac rally cup winner, he is young (24) and very talented indeed since he has no match on tarmac and wins every event with ease but his experience on gravel is zero....I wish him all the best since he is trully exeptional on tarmac and a very nice and moderate guy.

here is the announcement in greek for the millions of greek speaking people of this forum.

http://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&race_id=0&article_id=15291

and here is an incar of him from last year in his saxo kit car ( this year he drives an evo 9 )

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ch9Qhl6fZ_I

[ProRally]

Looking forward to the event, will be there from wednesday till sunday

[Rally Power]

A nice video staring Portugal's brave competitor! FORÇA Rodrigues :champion:

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

[TKM Jnr]

Planning on having a crack at it when its in Aus next year with Raybak navvin.

Will be 17yo/18yo depending on date that its run. Can't wait :D

[pantealex]

Pirelli star drivers will drive in Finland and Wales 2009.
Those two events are not in PWRC 2009, only JWRC events.
So only 4 PWRC-events for pirelli star drivers.

[StevieWonder]

according this article following info:
- 23rd-25th of october in freistadt, austria
- 2 special stages run 3 times:
no1: 75% gravel, 25% tarmac
no2: 100% tarmac

time schedule, maps and driver info:
http://www.motorline.cc/rallye/index.php/article=147556/=Rallye_-_Pirelli_Star_Driver_Shoot_Out_-_Die_Infos_zum_Shootout_in_Freistadt.htm

star driver will start at these events:
Portugal, Italy, Greece, Finland, Spain and Great Britain

[playmo]

From Mexico: Benito Guerra Jr. 2 times mexican champion and runner-up for the NACAM c'ship (north and central american).

I think that Aigner is there because all the support that he gets from Red Bull (proteg&#233 ;) , and the pirelli star driver programme is highly supported by RB isn't it?

Let's hope this doesn't get all spoiled like the BFG programme, altough sounds just the same.

[Mirek]

According to this source http://www.mediasport.cz/wrc/pirelli-star-driver-semerad-misto-prokopa.html FIA decided not to allow Prokop, Aigner, Sandell and Kosciuszko to fight for Pirelli Star Driver!

From Czech Republic Martin Semerád, 18 years old, will be there instead.

[teufel]

]According to this source http://www.mediasport.cz/wrc/pirelli-star-driver-semerad-misto-prokopa.html FIA decided not to allow Prokop, Aigner, Sandell and Kosciuszko to fight for Pirelli Star Driver!

From Czech Republic Martin Semerád, 18 years old, will be there instead.

Great choice! :up:

[Mirek]

Franz Wittmann junior should be new one from Austria.

[cut the b.s.]

]According to this source http://www.mediasport.cz/wrc/pirelli-star-driver-semerad-misto-prokopa.html FIA decided not to allow Prokop, Aigner, Sandell and Kosciuszko to fight for Pirelli Star Driver!

From Czech Republic Martin Semerád, 18 years old, will be there instead.

Its not often I get to say this, but here goes!
Well done to the FIA, a very good decision.
I've nothing against these 4 drivers but there inclusion would have been totally against the spirit of these competition.

[Mirek]

I fully agree.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Alright,now the competition looks like something!!!

[WRC1]

]I fully agree.

i agree also with the decision....

BUT i can not agree with the time this decission was made!!!

how stupid are the people at f....g F.A???

at the official pressconference two days ago nobody said one word against the entries, in the official pressrelease all the names (with theire carriere highlights!!!) are there, and now, only 2 weeks before the shootout starts, somebody decided NO; these 4 guys are not allowed to start!

this is simply not OK.

dont get me wrong, i said earlier that it would be better if they allowed only entries from people who never get points in wrc/pwrc/jwrc races, but this must be said before they accept the entries.

[noel157]

Anybody know who the judges will be?

[Sulland]

Who will replace Sandell for Sweden ?

And I fully agree that this came to late in the process.
For next time they need to define better what the criteria for drivers are !

[ProRally]

Its not often I get to say this, but here goes!
Well done to the FIA, a very good decision.
I've nothing against these 4 drivers but there inclusion would have been totally against the spirit of these competition.

I agree and this is good for the sport.

[Maui J.]

I can't confirm this but it looks as if NZer Mark Tapper will be the Pirelli Star Driver from the Asia-Pacific area. Tapper came third overall, and was the first Pirelli Star Driver home, on Rally Malaysia.
Most of the other leading contenders including fellow Kiwi Hayden Paddon, Aussie Eli Evans and Indian Gauvav Gil failed to finish.

The awarded doesn't automatically go to the best final overall result, but is awarded on a point basis on SS times. Even so, Tapper would have gained more points than his rivals due to the fact that majority of them DNFed.

Results can be seen at http://www.malaysianrally.com/aprc2008/results.asp

[Maui J.]

Just read some more from the Malaysian rally website to confirm my last posting.

The winner of the coveted Pirelli Star Driver competition was New Zealander, Mark Tapper. He was the fastest in three Stages yesterday and in four Stages today finishing in a total time of 3 hours, 2 minutes and 57 seconds. His consistent performance throughout the rally won him the chance to drive in the World Rally Championship in 2009.

“It was a battle to keep my mind on the job in the last few stages. I just stuck to a place where I felt comfortable and didn’t take any risks. It’s pretty hard to describe my feelings right now. But yeah… awesome!” said a visibly emotional Tapper.

His fellow Pirelli Star Driver competitors didn’t have such a dream run.

Kiwi, Hayden Paddon did some major damage to his car in Leg One after sliding into an oil palm and then lost a lot of time in the first Stage of Leg Two when his car had an electrical problem. “We regrouped after the first service stop but Mark was too far in front for us to even think about winning the Pirelli Star Driver competition.” Paddon said.

Australia’s Eli Evans went into today confidently having scored the most number of points in Leg One. But his hopes were crushed when he flew off the track in SS10 and did some major damage to his car.

Indian, Arjun Rao was consistent across the weekend and finished third in the Pirelli points table.

“We had a clean run and I am happy with my results. I have gained a lot of experience from this competition and it has made me a lot tougher. I can come back next year to contest the Pirelli again,” said Rao.

[Mirek]

Congrats to Mark Tapper!

[ProRally]

]Congrats to Mark Tapper!

Congrats to Mark Tapper !!!

Is he also comming to Freistadt ? Would be nice to see him again...

So he is the first one confirmed for the 5 seats.

"The Asia-Pacific winner will join a Middle Eastern, an African and 2 European drivers in six fully funded PWRC championship rounds next year in either a Group N or S2000 car."

Also Team Paraguay will have small shakedown in CZ tuesday, seat fitting etc.

[Mirek]

Do You know where the testing in Czech should take place?

[ProRally]

]Do You know where the testing in Czech should take place?

Not yet, we meet up with the team on monday afternoon.

[pantealex]

So he is the first one confirmed for the 5 seats.

"The Asia-Pacific winner will join a Middle Eastern, an African and 2 European drivers in six fully funded PWRC championship rounds next year in either a Group N or S2000 car."
African seat was confirmed about month ago, Jon Williams from South-Afrika, so Tapper is 2/5
http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2008/Pages/pirelli_africa.aspx

[Mirek]

Victor Galeano should use Lancer from Charouz Racing System (Kresta, Pech and Semerád family use their cars in Czech).

[Micke_VOC]

Jocke Nyman from Sweden (Ford Fiesta Driver in Swedish Champ. )

[Mirek]

Great vote! I was impressed very much by his driving on Rally Bohemia :)

[Tom206wrc]

A complete entrylist(with the cars they will all use)for next week qualifying event in Austria ??? :confused:

[WRC1]

A complete entrylist(with the cars they will all use)for next week qualifying event in Austria ??? :confused:


here you are:

Belgien Thierry Neuville Ford Fiesta ST
Bulgarien Todor Slavov Renault Clio R3
Codasur Zone Victor Galeano Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Deutschland Hermann Gassner Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Finnland Jarkko Nikara Ford Fiesta ST
Frankreich Guillaume Canivenq Peugeot 207 S2000
Griechenland Lefteris Sotirhos Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Irland Keith Cronin Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Italien Simone Campedelli Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Nacam Zone Benito Guerra Jr. Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Norwegen Sveinung Bielvedt Subaru Impreza N11
Österreich Franz Wittmann Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Polen
Portugal Antonio Rodrigues Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Schweden Jocke Nyman Ford Fiesta ST
Spanien Lemes Yeray Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Tschechische Rep Martin Semerad Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX
Türkei Emre Yurdakul Ford Fiesta ST
United Kingdom Adam Gould Renault Clio Ragnotti

taken from press release. still no news from poland??

reg

wrc1

[Tom206wrc]

Thanks WRC1 ;)


So few S2000s :(


Edit: but the drivers in Clio/Fiesta will never be able to fight with the GrNs !!!!! :s

[Mirek]

I wonder how they'll vote for winner. So much different cars...

WRC1: Maybe Typa from Poland?

[Micke_VOC]

Thanks WRC1 ;)


So few S2000s :(


Edit: but the drivers in Clio/Fiesta will never be able to fight with the GrNs !!!!! :s

I tought that all should use the same type of cars. .. ?

I think maybe the behavior beside the track its nr.1 ( Interviews and more)

[Sulland]

I tought that all should use the same type of cars. .. ?

I think maybe the behavior beside the track its nr.1 ( Interviews and more)

It usually that, but also they are looking for potential and most improved, being able to respond to changes and so on, but I agree it would be easier to judge with equal cars. On the other hand now they are used to their equipment !

Anyway - good luck to all of them !
(And especially Bieltvedt !)

[COD]

I tought that all should use the same type of cars. .. ?

I think maybe the behavior beside the track its nr.1 ( Interviews and more)


That is one. But I imagine they also look at consistancy etc. Bet they have taken into account that drivers will have different cars. Otherwise they should have provided the cars by the organiser

[jonas_mcrae]

Benito Guerra! yeeeees hope everything goes allright for him, he is by far the best driver in Mexico (even north America) I would even dare to say he could beat Pastrana... for those of you who don't know he is doing the Spanish gravel championship...

[Tom206wrc]

That is one. But I imagine they also look at consistancy etc. Bet they have taken into account that drivers will have different cars. Otherwise they should have provided the cars by the organiser




Concerning Canivenq it's 100% sure HE WILL use the Enjolras 207 S2000 for this "rally"...so I don't think organizers provide the cars :s

Maybe GrNs and S2000s will be the sole cars allowed :confused:

[COD]

Concerning Canivenq it's 100% sure HE WILL use the Enjolras 207 S2000 for this "rally"...so I don't think organizers provide the cars :s

Maybe GrNs and S2000s will be the sole cars allowed :confused:

What I meant was, that they SHOULD provide the cars IF they would want everybody on equal machines. This would of course be very hard to do, so I think the assesment will take into account the difference in cars used

[Mirek]

Everyone uses his own car. For example Victor Geleano is using Czech Chraouz Racing System Lancer Evo 9 (usual customers Kresta, Pech and Semerád).

[Rally Power]

Portuguese driver, António Rodrigues, will have in his car a thankful message for Bernardo Sousa, because Bernardo’s family is providing (totally for free!) the car und technical structure to Rodrigues participation.

A nice and rare gesture that deserves our applause!!!

Força Rodrigues :champion:

[ProRally]

I heard Thiery Neuville will bring a C2R2 instead of the Fiesta ST

[Tom206wrc]

Is there a website to follow the event and having all news about this competition??? :confused:

[WRC1]

Is there a website to follow the event and having all news about this competition??? :confused:

here you are:

http://www.rallye-stardriver.eu/deutsch.html

reg

wrc1

[pino]

Thanks WRC1 :up:

[Tom206wrc]

here you are:

http://www.rallye-stardriver.eu/deutsch.html

reg

wrc1



Thanks :up:

[Mirek]

So, it is Radoslav Typa for Poland :)

[pino]

So Guys, any predictions of whom will be choosen ? :D

[wwbroe]

here you are:

http://www.rallye-stardriver.eu/deutsch.html

reg

wrc1

Thank you for that, WRC1 :D

[COD]

So Guys, any predictions of whom will be choosen ? :D

IF they want a really fast and talented driver, Nikara will be the other!

A bit hard to understand why the event is held mostly on tarmac, as PWRC is mostly (or totally) gravel.

[Mirek]

Since it is mostly on tarmac and on Jänner Rally stages I think local Wittman Jr. will be the fastest. But since they have very different machinery it needn't to be enough...

[PLuto]

Is there a website to follow the event and having all news about this competition??? :confused:

And also here:

http://www.rally-erc.com/rally_cover.php?sec=11

[PLuto]

Complete entry list to Pirelli Shootout: http://www.rally-erc.com/article.php?cont=330

[PLuto]

Profiles of drivers: http://www.rally-erc.com/article.php?cont=333

[Tom206wrc]

Complete entry list to Pirelli Shootout: http://www.rally-erc.com/article.php?cont=330



Is it starting order ??? :confused:

[Livewireshock]

Is it starting order ??? :confused:

It is obviously only in alphabetical order by country/zone.

Starting order would be interesting given the mix of cars on offer. Especially for a rally that is very unorthodox in how it will be run and how the 2 star drivers will be picked.

[N.O.T]

the driver with the best connections to pirelli or the one that has the best sponsor will win....i doubt the decisions taken on such a competitons are be 100% crystal clear.

[Mirek]

N.O.T: Better the drivers from the biggest county-market for Pirelli ;)

[N.O.T]

i don;t mean to be negative about the whole idea which i think is superb but i remember a few years back when the OMV hosted a similar competiton the decision was very very strange.

[Mirek]

Walter Röhl and Michèle Mouton are said to be part of the decision comitee.

[Tomi]

amusing things theese shootout competitions, it will be interesting to see where the winners are after 5 years.

[N.O.T]

home i guess....

[ProRally]

Victor Galeano had good shakedown with the car here in CZ, near Cekov.
His first time on tarmac.... :-)

[PLuto]

Todor Slavov had first test on gravel: http://fotogalerie.autosport.cz/thumbnails.php?album=52

http://fotogalerie.autosport.cz/albums/userpics/10002/thumb_Slavov_test_2008a.jpghttp://fotogalerie.autosport.cz/albums/userpics/10002/thumb_Slavov_test_2008b.jpg
http://fotogalerie.autosport.cz/albums/userpics/10002/thumb_Slavov_test_2008c.jpghttp://fotogalerie.autosport.cz/albums/userpics/10002/thumb_Slavov_test_2008d.jpg

[Tom206wrc]

]Walter Röhl and Michèle Mouton are said to be part of the decision comitee.



I hope Michelle Mouton will focus on Guillaume Canivenq :cool:

[N.O.T]

Ususally what comes out of those competitions are C level drivers at best....the best drivers win sponsors and not competitions.

[PLuto]

List of six people, which are in jury of Pirelli Shootout: http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=7514

[Tom206wrc]

Bad rumour of forfeit for Canivenq and the unclear reason would imply Pirelli risponsibles...(I can't find the reason anywhere, as for 90% of the rumours anyway) ;(

[Addicted]

Campedelli, Nikara and Bieltveld are only options if they want drivers who can drive fast. And since they also want some results and finishing rallies, they will drop Nikara out.

[Mirek]

Addicted: I wonder how much You know about the others...

[urabus-denoS2000]

Martin Semerad and Todor Slavov my favourites

[pino]

Campedelli has great chances to get 1 seat ;)

[atsiotras79]

I agree with pino! I like him very much but I would not like him to get the seat just because of Pirelli.

From the others I would love to see Sotirchos taking one place because he is a nice fella and Greek and very very fast in tarmac (he might be the surprize if there will be one)
Some interesting info about him: A couple of weeks ago, he did his first event on gravel, a rally sprint. He did not finish the second run, but on the first run (ss 10km) he was 14 sec faster than Papadimitriou! Not bad at all!!!

I think that Nikara and Bietvelt have good chances! Slavov is extremely fast on tarmac but I do not know his potential in gravel!

[Addicted]

Mirek: Don`t know all of these rising stars yet but those three guys are the ones I expect to be on top this weekend. Yurdakul and Semerad might are also fast and potential guys.

How about your view?

[c4]

What about Adam Gould who has been raved about by Malcolm Wilson and Marcus Gronholm.

They both state he has got the talent to go all the way.

He's quick, smooth and consistent

[Mirek]

Addicted: My bet on Wittmann Jr. :) He is local, familiar with Lancer and fast as well. To tell the truth I don't expect that much from Martin Semerád. He is very young and needs some more experience. But who knows how they'll vote. The fact he's youngest may be his advantage in that...

[PLuto]

Everything depends on judge. It isnt important, who will be fastest...

[ProRally]

Bad rumour of forfeit for Canivenq and the unclear reason would imply Pirelli risponsibles...(I can't find the reason anywhere, as for 90% of the rumours anyway) ;(

You are correct, here at the event his name is crossed out from the entry list , so no S2000 starting.

Also Neuville had to start with his Ford instead of the C2R2 , Ford had a problem him driving a Citroën at this event.

Today recce (only 2 passes on 2 stages so quickly done), scruteneering and the crews are "interviewed" by the "judges".

Like said here in this thread, speed will NOT be the most important. The organisers are not even shure they will publish the stagetimes. They will have a meeting this morning about it.

Lets hope they put at least something on the website.

[Tomi]

Everything depends on judge. It isnt important, who will be fastest...

Sounds like a "Danish" way to choose drivers, the one with nicest livery is best and diversity counts more than skill :)

[PLuto]

You are correct, here at the event his name is crossed out from the entry list , so no S2000 starting.

Also Neuville had to start with his Ford instead of the C2R2 , Ford had a problem him driving a Citroën at this event.

Today recce (only 2 passes on 2 stages so quickly done), scruteneering and the crews are "interviewed" by the "judges".

Like said here in this thread, speed will NOT be the most important. The organisers are not even shure they will publish the stagetimes. They will have a meeting this morning about it.

Lets hope they put at least something on the website.

We are prepared to publish results: www.rally-erc.com/pirelli-driver (http://www.rally-erc.com/pirelli-driver/). But as was said, organisers will decide today, if stagetimes will be published.

[pino]

Sounds like a "Danish" way to choose drivers, the one with nicest livery is best and diversity counts more than skill :)

Are you afraid that your driver won't be selected ? :p

[Daniel]

At least the Danish way is better than the Italian way which is to choose the guy who crashes the most :p

Only joking Pino ;)

[Tomi]

Are you afraid that your driver won't be selected ? :p

I dont have a driver there, the whole thing sounds pathetic, like a lottery.

[PLuto]

It looks no times. They want only publish how faster is driver in second and third loop of stage against his first run, but I think this is stupid idea.

[pino]

I dont have a driver there, the whole thing sounds pathetic, like a lottery.

Never change paisá ? same old song from you, you don't like new things because you're so conservative...that's sad :(

[pantealex]

One of judges is from Tommi Mäkinen Racing, is this clue/hint for next years Pirelli Star team/vehicle choice?

[Mirek]

pantealex: I don't think they'll use uniform cars. I think they'll just get 60 tousand Euro per rally and have to use large Pirelli banners.

[Buzz Lightyear]

It looks no times. They want only publish how faster is driver in second and third loop of stage against his first run, but I think this is stupid idea.
Brilliant. Pick a driver that cant read pacenotes.

[Tomi]

Never change paisá ? same old song from you, you don't like new things because you're so conservative...that's sad :(

So you think its better to choose a suitable guy in stead of the best driver?

[pino]

So you think its better to choose a suitable guy in stead of the best driver?
I didn't say that and I would choose the best driver anyday, was talking about you always being pessimistic about new ideas like this by Pirelli ;)

[Tomi]

I didn't say that and I would choose the best driver anyday, was talking about you always being pessimistic about new ideas like this by Pirelli ;)

The idea it self very good, but when everyone is driving different cars its impossible to say who is the best one.

[Viking]

]pantealex: I don't think they'll use uniform cars. I think they'll just get 60 tousand Euro per rally and have to use large Pirelli banners.

Hmmm...

"The successful drivers from each year will then contest a series of six World Championship rallies the following season, driving identical Group N or Super 2000 cars supplied and serviced under an FIA contract with a specialist preparation company."

[pino]

The idea it self very good, but when everyone is driving different cars its impossible to say who is the best one.

Don't you think the judges are good enough to see who has skills and who hasn't no matter what car they are driving ? ;)

[COD]

It looks no times. They want only publish how faster is driver in second and third loop of stage against his first run, but I think this is stupid idea.


If the criteria is who improves most, then that sounds like a veru idiotic idea. So you drive very slowly first time and then make a big improvement and that makes you better than the one who can go fast from the word go. What a bunch of BS!

[Tomi]

Don't you think the judges are good enough to see who has skills and who hasn't no matter what car they are driving ? ;)

yes and no, they can for sure see who can drive but not who is the best, only the clock tells that in case they drive with the same cars.

[PLuto]

Times from Pirelli Shootout will be missing, jury would like to have them secret.

[N.O.T]

here are the times of the competiton according to rally.gr after the first gravel stage (run 3 times), acordin to the article the most spectacular was semerad, gassner had on off in thew first pass and campedelli also going very good. In a few hours they are going to run through the tarmac stage.

http://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&race_id=0&article_id=15452

[Filip]

Thanks for the precious information! :)

[ProRally]

We just finnished the driving part, Victor Galeano did a best time and a 2nd time on gravel and improuved a lot on tarmac (this being his first event on tarmac)

Now in few hours we know what judges decide....

[sp0+]

Tarmac results? Anyone?

[N.O.T]

the overall times (both tarmac-gravel) are here

http://www.rally.gr/default.asp?menu_code=wrc-news-article&race_id=0&article_id=15460

Cronin was fastest on the tarmac and campedelli and gassner followed....however according to the artcle nikara also impressed everyone with his driving despite the car.

[VFTS]

The norwegian Bieltvedt had a puncture after 400meters on ss1 and lost a lot of time on that stage.

He improved on the tarmac stages but had an small off where he also lost some seconds.

[V.Gatev]

Jarko Nikara and Semerad Jr. wins the Pirelli Star Driver 2008 Europe

[COD]

Jarko Nikara and Semerad Jr. wins the Pirelli Star Driver 2008 Europe


Great news. I told you so (the Nikara part) :laugh:

[urabus-denoS2000]

So Czech republic has 2 young talents in the JWRC!
Congratulations to Jarko and Martin!!!

[PLuto]

http://www.rally-erc.com/article.php?cont=337

[PLuto]

So Czech republic has 2 young talents in the JWRC!
Congratulations to Jarko and Martin!!!

I dont think Martin will continue in JWRC.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Sorry,I meant PWRC

[hari]

Some fotos from today: http://www.ir7.at/fotosstardriver2008.html

[c4]

In-car Semerad SS4
http://rallybuzz.stagetimes.com/nikara-semerad-win-pirelli-driver/

[N.O.T]

wow very fast stage....good choice by pirelli...

[Livewireshock]

It must have been interesting during the selection process. I would have liked to have been a fly on the wall over this one.

Ford Fiesta ST driver getting in proved that talent and not outright speed was factored in.

[pino]

yes and no, they can for sure see who can drive but not who is the best, only the clock tells that in case they drive with the same cars.

Paisá one of your countryman got one seat, so what you think now...did the judges make a good job ? :p :

[Tomi]

Paisá one of your countryman got one seat, so what you think now...did the judges make a good job ? :p :

You dont seem to understand the whole issue, the idea is good but the way its done not so good, who got choosed does not change that.
More transparency and driving with same cars would be better.

[Livewireshock]

A junior Race of Champions style event is called for, obviously not in super-special mode though. It would be more open and clear to see who is chosen and for what reasons.

The interviews and panel judging can still be done, however they can be included into the overall program. It could even be televised, unlike the "I got a stupid talent" quest shows that exist everywhere.

By incorporating it into a set format, a development camp scenario, it would be clearer than the objective opinions with (almost) irrelevant stage times in run-what-you-brung cars. I think it would be good television and would encourage youngsters around the world to try their best in future years.

There has been a series on TV here in Australia about such a selection process for an American race series, with the winner gaining a year racing for a works team. It was entertaining and I could see it cross over well, especially considering the international flavour of it all.

[cut the b.s.]

Ford Fiesta ST driver getting in proved that talent and not outright speed was factored in.


or nationality ;)
good luck to the winners, but the whole process smells some, I can see now why the organisers had wanted to hide the times

[Sulland]

Have the jury come out with their evaluation of why these two won ?

And what the criteria were ?

[PLuto]

Have the jury come out with their evaluation of why these two won ?

And what the criteria were ?

They had specific system of points for everything (language, driving in car, speaking etc.). As I know, this system was very precise. But I think all results are top secret, but I will try to find at least final results :)

[Tomi]

They had specific system of points for everything (language, driving in car, speaking etc.). As I know, this system was very precise. But I think all results are top secret, but I will try to find at least final results :)

When criterias like, speaking, language etc... counts, it gives too much space for "arranging" the results.
About Nikara, I think he had advantage that he did drive the Fiesta, if the times on the greek page are correct it seems that the other Fiesta drivers was only on a tourist trip.

[pino]

I agree with you Tomi, all this was a joke ;)

[hari]

A 10 minutes Video of yesterdays action around Freistadt: http://www.ir7.at/newsstardriver08n.html#video

[Jafry]

Fotos from Pirelli Driver Shootout Europe HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=449&au=0)

[N.O.T]

nice video...the guys were REALLY trying !!!!

[Mirek]

What to say... I was all weekend out from internet on a big party with my friends (including Vsetin Rallysprint spectating). I'm shocked and happy for Martin Semerád! Congratulation to Jarkko Nikara as well! :)

Another photos here: http://www.rally-mania.cz/med.php?g=449&au=0
More onboards: http://www.mediasport.cz/rally-cz/videa

Great video, Hari!

By the way Galeano and Semerád had practicaly identical cars from same team. Galeano was driving that car Kresta won Czech title with.

[dimviii]

amazing video!! plenty of flat out passings!!

[Mirek]

Another photos: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=668&fotograf=16&all=1

[Mirek]

Another long video (13 minutes): http://www.rallyvidea.com/?ref=1&id=8&video=2008/eWRC_video_pireli_star_driver_vft_08.avi

Photos: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=668&fotograf=43&all=1

[jure dvorsek]

Unbelivable, very atractive stages, a lot of sideways, drivers drove flat out....

[Viking]

They had specific system of points for everything (language, driving in car, speaking etc.). As I know, this system was very precise. But I think all results are top secret, but I will try to find at least final results :)

Results

http://bilder.vgb.no/28756/3col/img_490370e855078.jpg

[N.O.T]

damn the place of sotirchos is very dissapointing....in greece he is considered the best greece has to offer on tarmac....nice.

[Woodeye]

damn the place of sotirchos is very dissapointing....in greece he is considered the best greece has to offer on tarmac....nice.

So he is a sick dog and a scared little boy who has been ridiculed?

[ProRally]

damn the place of sotirchos is very dissapointing....in greece he is considered the best greece has to offer on tarmac....nice.

The judges said BEFORE the event speed will not be the main factor.
Some drivers did not speak good or very little english and it reflected in the scores. The driving and speed was just small part.
He drove well on tarmac and he did more then his best on gravel

The driver(s) who where in time the quickest where not even close to the top in the points.

[Tomi]

Some drivers did not speak good or very little english and it reflected in the scores.

What about the english guy, did they give him the advantage, or did they inerview in some other language or did they give him some kind of average result?

[jonas_mcrae]

I've been watching some of the videos and specially on the on boards you can see that drivers where catching with each other and even passing each other, if you watch Guerra's on board he catches up with a Fiesta and then on a hairpin it slides off the road, how much time was given between each car? (this sucks for both drivers as the one behind looses time catching up with a slower car and for the slower car, loosing concentration thus spining) Also does anyone know why Guerra was even slower than some Fiestas? he spun at least once (seen in the video) but his on board didn't look that slow....

by the way, after this shoot out, whats next?

[ProRally]

What about the english guy, did they give him the advantage, or did they inerview in some other language or did they give him some kind of average result?

True the English and Irish guy had a kind of advantage (big one) compared to those who had lot of gravel experience but no English.....

But in these days the answer a la Kankunnen, Juha how are your tyres ? "Round and black" don't work anymore.

In the old days driving was more important than talking, now you need to do both...

[ProRally]

I've been watching some of the videos and specially on the on boards you can see that drivers where catching with each other and even passing each other, if you watch Guerra's on board he catches up with a Fiesta and then on a hairpin it slides off the road, how much time was given between each car? (this sucks for both drivers as the one behind looses time catching up with a slower car and for the slower car, loosing concentration thus spining) Also does anyone know why Guerra was even slower than some Fiestas? he spun at least once (seen in the video) but his on board didn't look that slow....

by the way, after this shoot out, whats next?

Benito drove very fine, according to me, but yes he had to overtake some 2wd cars , but again time was not the most important.

What is next, the 5 drivers will get 6 PWRC rounds in S2000 or Gr N car ...
Nice gift in worth of at least 500.000 euro !!!

[Tomi]

True the English and Irish guy had a kind of advantage (big one) compared to those who had lot of gravel experience but no English.....

But in these days the answer a la Kankunnen, Juha how are your tyres ? "Round and black" don't work anymore.

In the old days driving was more important than talking, now you need to do both...

I know i was only joking, maybe they next year understand to send a guy who atlest can talk ;)

[ProRally]

I know i was only joking, maybe they next year understand to send a guy who atlest can talk ;)

The Finnish 'team' had AKK coach Risto Mannisenmaki and Risto Laine with them.

But the English guy had Robert Reid there with him.

Let see what they organise next year :)

[Tomi]

The Finnish 'team' had AKK coach Risto Mannisenmaki and Risto Laine with them.

But the English guy had Robert Reid there with him.

Let see what they organise next year :)

Yes, it's a good idea how to help flatten the way to the top of rally, maybe it only needs a bit of development.
It will also be interesting to see how theese choosen ones will do against the other PWRC drivers and each other too.

[WRC1]

my pictures from the shoot out

http://www.rallyepics.at/bilder/rallye2008/35pirelli/

congratulation for the winners, for me 80% of the competitors would have deserved to win! the level was extremly high and i am a little bit proud (as i am austian;o) that the event was very well organised and i only heard positive comments about the stages and the event!!

reg

wrc1

[Leon]

This weekend the penultimate round of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) the Troodos Rally will be held in Cyprus. If Nick Georgiou(Lancer IX) beats Nicos Thoma (also Evo IX) then he will be the MERC representative for the pirelli star driver in 2009. If Thoma beats Georgiou then the selected driver will be decided after the last MERC round in Dubai on the 27th of November.

[Leon]

This weekend the penultimate round of the Middle East Rally Championship (MERC) the Troodos Rally will be held in Cyprus. If Nick Georgiou(Lancer IX) beats Nicos Thoma (also Evo IX) then he will be the MERC representative for the pirelli star driver in 2009. If Thoma beats Georgiou then the selected driver will be decided after the last MERC round in Dubai on the 27th of November.

After the final round of the MERC which ended today, Cypriot driver Nicos Thoma will be the representative of the Middle East in the pirelli star driver!

[Leon]

There is a rumour circulating in Cyprus that Cypriot driver Nicos Thoma will NOT be the representative of the Middle East in the pirelli star driver due to a "mistake" from the FIA. Nick Georgiou will take his place.

Anybody has any news or info about what really happened?

[Leon]

Today the FIA will decide for the representative of the Middle East in the pirelli star driver between Cypriot Nicos Thomas and Libanese Nick Georgiou

[atsiotras79]

Today the FIA will decide for the representative of the Middle East in the pirelli star driver between Cypriot Nicos Thomas and Libanese Nick Georgiou


Nicos Thomas will be the representative for MiddleEast!
Good luck to him!

cypriot motorsport site reported today that nicos thomas is finally the Middle East representative

[Micke_VOC]

"Five (5) best drivers from the Northern European Pirelli Shoot out qualifying event will be selected for the European Region final to Austria on 18 – 19 September 2009."

The shoot out was today in Finland, and the five are:
http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/images/2009-07-30T18-13_-1295487468_294.jpg

Ott Tänak,Viktor Henriksson, Vytautas Svedas, Maris Neiksans and Anders Kjaer

Right ?? Im sure on Kjaer and Henriksson on the photo.

Do anyone now the individual standing between them ?

[VFTS]

"Five (5) best drivers from the Northern European Pirelli Shoot out qualifying event will be selected for the European Region final to Austria on 18 – 19 September 2009."

The shoot out was today in Finland, and the five are:
http://www.nesteoilrallyfinland.fi/images/2009-07-30T18-13_-1295487468_294.jpg

Ott Tänak,Viktor Henriksson, Vytautas Svedas, Maris Neiksans and Anders Kjaer

Right ?? Im sure on Kjaer and Henriksson on the photo.

Do anyone now the individual standing between them ?


I dont know the standings, but the jury did a good job.
The norwegian Anders Kjaer lost his turbo early on ss1 and drove ss1 and ss2 with no turbo on his Subaru. They didnt manage to fix everything on service so he had to drive ss3 and ss4 with just some small power in his turbo.

[VFTS]

The finn Joonas Lindros went off the road. I dont know how bad the car was damaged.

[Micke_VOC]

The finn Joonas Lindros went off the road. I dont know how bad the car was damaged.

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

[rallyemotions]

Pictures from Pirelli Star Driver Shoot Out North Europe 2009. (http://www.rallyemotions.net/psd_norf_09)

[Micke_VOC]

Maybe Fiat S2000 car for the Pirelli stars drivers in 2010....

Much better choice than the slow? Mitsubishi EVO X

[smokin'joe]

Maybe Fiat S2000 car for the Pirelli stars drivers in 2010....

Much better choice than the slow? Mitsubishi EVO Xi still find it hard to believe they used an unproven car for the Star Drivers. unless it was an evil plan to find the 'most mechanically sympathetic driver'??
i understand it's the current model, but a proven E9 would make for a fairer competition.

[tolis]

Maybe Fiat S2000 car for the Pirelli stars drivers in 2010....

Much better choice than the slow? Mitsubishi EVO X
Why not a Skoda Fabia S2000?????

[Micke_VOC]

Why not a Skoda Fabia S2000?????

I think Fiat + Pirelli its a better deal.
Both Italian companies.

[tolis]

Yes, but why not a Skoda from A-Style (Italian team), for example?

[Motorsportfun]

Yes, but why not a Skoda from A-Style (Italian team), for example?

Maybe because they have a small structure to manage a programme like this? :D

Anyway, Pirelli Star Drivers I think is good thing about a "GP2-style" series.

They could think to a proper one-make series, instead of JWRC (they had just a few entries this year), in order to use same cars. I'm thinking to M-Sport's "Fiesta Club", an S2000 Fiesta cheaper than the "base" for the WRCar.

I was thinking about PWRC, but it could not fit my idea! There are also Gp.N cars and too much gentleman drivers...

[Mirek]

Yes, but why not a Skoda from A-Style (Italian team), for example?

Skoda has a loooot of cars ordered and no free ones.

[rallyemotions]

PSD Shootout Europe will start on Friday. Here's more: http://www.rallye-stardriver.eu/

[Mirek]

I'll be there :)

[modri dirkac]

Let's us know what is happening ... ;)

[urabus-denoS2000]

Mirek,you won't be in Pribram?

[noel157]

Who was the Italian crew that withdrew / cancelled? No 5 on the entrant's list.
http://www.rallye-stardriver.eu/uploads/media/Entrylist2009.pdf

Anders Kjaer to do well?

[tolis]

@noel157: Davide di Benedetto

[Mirek]

Mirek,you won't be in Pribram?

No, I decided to go to Freistadt (it's only 3 hours by car).

[noel157]

@noel157: Davide di Benedetto

Thanks Tolis, any reason why? And no replacement, such as the crew that came behind him on the local shootout?

[Mirek]

Just returned. A lot of action and spectacle. It was clear that there was a lot to fight for. All crews were pushing hard and even zero cars were very nice to watch, especialy mad driving of Gigi Galli :D

If I should vote for just one driver, I would name Maris Neiksans. I don't know times, it's just my impression. From 2WD probably Marko Jeram...

Montalto had a huge roll. The car was completely destoyed. I heard that fortunately the crew suffered only some bruises. Also Svedas crashed twice (both broken intercooler, but second one was his end). Marchetta and Porcisteanu also crashed but were able to continue.

[Mirek]

PSD drivers for Europe are

Alex Raschi

Ott Tänak

Gongratulations!

http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=cs&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.autosport.cz%2Fclanek.php%3Fcl% 3D9184&sl=auto&tl=en&history_state0=

[rallyemotions]

News from Austria: Ott Tanak from Estonia and Alex Raschi from San Marino are two lucky guys. Our Maris Neiksans unfortunately didn't get through...

[urabus-denoS2000]

Mirek: How did Marko Jeram do in your opinion?

[hari]

Congratulations to Tanak and Raschi.
It was a great event.

http://www.ir7.at/newsimg/stardriver091.jpg
http://www.ir7.at/newsimg/stardriver092.jpg

[Mirek]

Mirek: How did Marko Jeram do in your opinion?

I liked his driving a lot :)

[dimviii]

any videos from the Psd?

[Fiat-131-Abarth]

Mirek: How did Marko Jeram do in your opinion?

Jeram did quite a good job. Unfortunatley he had a puncture on SS 5.

It was really great event and we have winners that deserve it to drive six rounds of WRC next year.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

The argentine is Marchetto (not "Marchetta")

Marchetto finished second in the PWRC Argentina after leading the Rally for a many SS beating many more experienced drivers ...

Pirelli lost a great driver... ;)

[Mirek]

Thanks for correction, I took the name from official entry list...

Don't know if it works to You but onboards:

Marchetto crash SS4: http://www.mediasport.cz/multimedia-download/videa/wrc/pirelli_star_marchetto_rz4.wmv

Wollinger SS3: http://www.mediasport.cz/multimedia-download/videa/wrc/pirelli_star_wollinger_rz3.wmv

Černý SS1: http://www.mediasport.cz/multimedia-download/videa/wrc/pirelli_star_cerny_rz1.wmv

[hari]

Some images from the Shoot Out can be found here:

http://www.ir7.at/fotosstardriver2009.html

http://www.ir7.at/newsimg/stardriver093.jpg

Video will follow.

[Mirek]

Me and my friend with the flag :)

http://www.ir7.at/fotos/2009/stardriver2/g/h122.jpg

[dimviii]

thanks Hari & Mirek!

[cali]

Good job from Ott Tänak! First proper asphalt rally/tests for him and a clear victory. Nice, very nice! :)

[noel157]

Good job from Ott Tänak! First proper asphalt rally/tests for him and a clear victory. Nice, very nice! :)

Isn't Ott Tanak one of Markko Martin's "students"?

[cali]

Isn't Ott Tanak one of Markko Martin's "students"?

Yes

[4Regioni]

Congratulation Alex Raschi

[CABAIO E'LONA]

I have no doubt that all participants are young and very talented drivers ..

[hari]

A 12 minutes video from yesterdays shoot out can be found here:
http://www.ir7.at/newsstardriver09n.html#video

http://www.ir7.at/newsimg/starvid09.jpg

[Mirek]

Another onboards (if someone has troubles to download them, send me PM):

Tänak SS6: http://www.mediasport.cz/multimedia-download/videa/wrc/pirelli_star_tanak_rz6.wmv

Raschi SS4: http://www.mediasport.cz/multimedia-download/videa/wrc/pirelli_star_raschi_rz4.wmv

Černý SS5: http://www.mediasport.cz/multimedia-download/videa/wrc/pirelli_star_cerny_rz5.wmv

[bluuford]

I have no doubt that all participants are young and very talented drivers ..

Does anyone knows the final stagetimes of the minirally? I read somewhere that Tänak won that rally by 29 sek and Neiksans was second?. So, he did the same he has done in Estonia.. that means winning all the rallies in Group N by at least 1 minute (in approximately 100km). One newspaper even wrote that he won our winter rally with is Impreza WRC ;-)

[pettersolberg29]

I may have been misinformed, but I heard Kjaer came third behind Tanak and someone else in the rally, but was let down in the other categories.

[Mirek]

That's possible because other 4WD drivers who could fight with them had mostly some troubles (Černý puncture, Porcisteanu crash + puncture, Marchetto crash, Montalto crash, Svedas 2x crash). Only two of them retired but all of them lost a lot of time. All the rest used small 2WD cars and couldn't attack absolute top times.

However times weren't the only thing which was classified and moreover tarmac and gravel had it's separate classification.

[WRC1]

my pictures from the pirelli drivers search final

http://www.rallyepics.at/bilder/rallye2009/32pirelli/

reg

wrc1

[urabus-denoS2000]

Wow the young guns are really driving extremely well!!!

[VFTS]

I may have been misinformed, but I heard Kjaer came third behind Tanak and someone else in the rally, but was let down in the other categories.


Kjaer came third on the driving section. He had problems with his turbo on the tarmacsection. He also drove a Impreza N14-cup car which is downgraded compared to other N4-cars.

[Mirek]

Yes, it was very easy to see the difference between the cars. It was for sure a handicap for him but I think that cars weren't that important for jury.

[JFL]

Kjaer came third on the driving section. He had problems with his turbo on the tarmacsection. He also drove a Impreza N14-cup car which is downgraded compared to other N4-cars.

I also think he won the physical test in Finland and scored pretty high(if not highest in Austria?)

[pettersolberg29]

Kjaer has a great future in rallying even without winning this. The two winners wouldn't have got too much recognition from abroad without this win, whereas Kjaer as a Norwegian/Scandinavian will always get more coverage IMO.

[ARF]

In hands of Mikkelsen, the cup car is always been faster than the other group N's. So it's pretty much up the driver.

[Mirek]

Well, that just says that he is much quicker than others because the car itself isn't ;)

[cali]

Kjaer has a great future in rallying even without winning this. The two winners wouldn't have got too much recognition from abroad without this win, whereas Kjaer as a Norwegian/Scandinavian will always get more coverage IMO.

Are you sure about it? Tänak would have got the recognition anyways, just now financially things took a better turn to him. Believe me, this guy is fast and fast drivers will always get recognition even if they are from Albania for example (no offence albanians :) ).

[pettersolberg29]

I dont doubt he's fast, but its true that people from those 'less famous' countries have less drivers make the top level. Only Markko Martin in recent times from my recollection is outside of Scandinavia/UK/big EU countries like Spain and France.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Kjaer has experience in a WRC (Norwayn 07)...

[cali]

I dont doubt he's fast, but its true that people from those 'less famous' countries have less drivers make the top level. Only Markko Martin in recent times from my recollection is outside of Scandinavia/UK/big EU countries like Spain and France.

And why did Märtin got the recognition? Cause he was bloody fast. Simple :) Same case with Chris Atkinson.

[pettersolberg29]

Yeah but I'm sure there were some pretty rapid drivers who didn't get noticed at the same time due to their nationality and exposure.

[dimviii]

I dont doubt he's fast, but its true that people from those 'less famous' countries have less drivers make the top level. Only Markko Martin in recent times from my recollection is outside of Scandinavia/UK/big EU countries like Spain and France.
+Αava

[cali]

Yeah but I'm sure there were some pretty rapid drivers who didn't get noticed at the same time due to their nationality and exposure.

Yes ofcourse, but as you recall even Norway was not very well known as a rally country before P.Solberg and i'm pretty sure that some of your rapid drivers have not made breakthrough to international scenes due to miscellaneous obstacles in their way.

[pettersolberg29]

dimvii - well remembered even if it undermines my point!

cali - I do see what you mean but I also believe it is harder to get exposure in the aforementioned countries than in Scandinavia etc. One reason may be the lack of a WRC event in Estonia/Latvia/Georgia etc. And you're right about the drivers in GB who haven't had the breaks - although most of their obstacles are financial/ability rather than exposure/fame.

[Mirek]

Another video: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/show.php?id=12338&title=ewrc-video-z-pirelli-star-driver-shoot-out-tomas-nesrovnal

[Carlo]

Why are the cars being used this year such unreliable rubbish?

[Rally Hokkaido]

-$

[ProRally]

Why are the cars being used this year such unreliable rubbish?

This is what you get when there is a tender and they award it to the 'cheapest' to run the program.

It cost what it cost and when 'cheap' enters the picture, savings are made somewhere to 'make' it cheap.

Sad very sad, especially for the drivers as this is once of a lifetime chance... but what to do if you can not even finnish Leg 1 of a event because of engine blows.... gearbox explodes.... etc

[bowler]

how many cars have "exploded" today?

at least 2

[dimviii]

The strange is that evo X from other rally teams can finish rallies,and a lot of times win.
Villagra in Argentina
Salo in Finland
Van de Heuvel in Holland
Gasper in Germany
BRR in Austria.

Only ralliart Italys evo X seems to don t finish even leg 1. :rolleyes:

[ProRally]

how many cars have "exploded" today?

at least 2

Of which unfortunately 1 is your fellow countryman. Was surprised to see him that early in the lobby of the hotel here, and he told me what happened.... and he was leading at the time. Bugger....

2 had engine 'explode'

1 had gearbox 'explode' at least that one can do SupeRally :D

[Mirek]

Semerad said that he had brake failure at first, than engine stucked in very high rpm and finaly gearbox exploded during leg 1...

[Juha_Koo]

Does anyone know if the future Pirelli Star Drivers will utilize the same Ralliart Italy run Evo 10s?

I hope not...