2008 Wales Rally GB - official thread

[Langdale Forest]

I want to watch the historical win for Loeb :)

Or a great return from JML! :D

[jonas_mcrae]

nooooo PG, Henning is going for it, I really like henning but it would've been soo good for Suzuki...

[Tom206wrc]

Loeb almost 10s faster on split 6... :)

[Buzz Lightyear]

JML 15secs slower than this morning?

[bt52b]

Loeb - jump start - 10s penalty

[N.O.T]

jump start penalty for loeb....

[Buzz Lightyear]

Loeb 10s penalty jump start

[jonkka]

How Loeb is +2,2s behind JML even if he was 9,2s faster?

[Koppomsbo]

jump start by loeb?

[alleskids]

YES 9,2 faster, 7,8 leading :)

[jonkka]

Ah-ha!

[MikeD]

Pffff looks like some marshalls are trying to give the win to Ford

Pathetic!

[GigiGalliNo1]

pentalty!? wow!!

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb is a cheat!

[N.O.T]

One last stand for the finish rally mafia....lets see if it pays off...

[jonkka]

Fight till the end!

[Langdale Forest]

Broken real wheel for Henning.

[dimviii]

wow!! what a finish for the last rally!
2,2 sec Latvala still on lead,after the 10sec penalty for Loeb
wish i was in last stage to watch this battle live :(

[bluuford]

Loen jump started stage 18 +10 sec that is why he was nearly 2 sec faster than anybody else

[Kamikaze]

Pffff looks like some marshalls are trying to give the win to Ford

Pathetic!

Pffff look like Loeb is a cheater and try to win by starting to early

Pathetic!

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb is the only driver that had jumped a start so far this rally.

[White Sauron]

I think Loeb will now pull back...

[Micke_VOC]

Nice end of this rally,
Should be live coverage from last stage like it was 2003...

[Tom206wrc]

False start and 10s penalty for Loeb...gosh !! :s

[SubaruNorway]

Pffff look like Loeb is a cheater and try to win by starting to early

Pathetic!

Lol the only place you don't get penalty for a jump start is on shakedown, how was he supposed to cheat by doing that??

[GigiGalliNo1]

live (video) stream link?

[noel157]

What time does SS19 start?

[Mirek]

Chetaer? Why? Jump start may happen to anyone if trying to start the fastest possible way. It happens in any such sport. Anyway there is photocell so that it can't be any advantage. If You have jump start, You get penalty. Nothing good to get from jum start, only another time lost.

[jonkka]

Lol the only place you don't get penalty for a jump start is on shakedown, how was he supposed to cheat by doing that??

That was sarcasm.

[jonkka]

What time does SS19 start?

12:18 local time, 13:18 CET and 14:18 EET

[Kamikaze]

It was an sarcastic Answer to MikeD :rolleyes:

[GigiGalliNo1]

why am i confused about Loeb getting a 10sec penalty on here?!

Wat!?

[noel157]

12:18 local time, 13:18 CET and 14:18 EET

Thanks Jonkka, you beat Bex by 15 secs.

[SubaruNorway]

It was an sarcastic Answer to MikeD :rolleyes:


Whoops, sorry saw it now :p

[bt52b]

Loeb, said no way, so will probably appeal.

[Mirek]

Kamikaze: Sorry ;)

[White Sauron]

Fingers crossed for Patrik

[bluuford]

I just looked overall classification and saw that Rossi might make it in top 10. Two group N cars are in striking distance and if he can beat those two he will be in 11th. And looking the current battle for the lead there is a huge possibility that one of the current 1, 2 wont finish this rally ;-)

[Sulland]

Flodin are responding to Sandell.

[Tom206wrc]

Flodin and Sandell are flying too with Pwrc victory in mind :D

[pino]

What a crap service we are getting from wrc.com, ok it's free...still is :down:

[Viking]

Flodin and Sandell are flying too with Pwrc victory in mind :D

And WRR is sending their reporter home :devil:

[Tom206wrc]

Sandell 4.8s slower than Flodin after split 4... :mark:


Edit: ouch now 6s gap after split 5... :(

[UKOG~Will]

Some of my video from Resolfen and Crychan yesterday:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=m8XubCZzM-c

[Ghostwalker]

10 sec penelty for Loeb after stage 18 otherwise he would have been in the lead according to wrr

[Micke_VOC]

Sandell 4.8s slower than Flodin after split 4... :mark:


Edit: ouch now 6s gap after split 5... :(

And 10.2 on the end of stage.

Flodin going for PWRC win !!!

[Sulland]

Flodin took 10 sek on Sandell in the swedish dogfight.

But for the championship Flodin does not have much to drive for, while Sandell can take 3rd - but for him it does not matter if he gets 1st or 2nd in GP since Hanninnen and Aigner is too much in front.

[A.F.F.]

Last stage of the year about to to happen....

[A.F.F.]

Obviously it's too much to ask that the splits would work :dozey:

[Daniel]

why am i confused about Loeb getting a 10sec penalty on here?!

Wat!?

I dunno, why are you confused?

[SubaruNorway]

Obviously it's too much to ask that the splits would work :dozey:


They do if you refresh like ten times...

[White Sauron]

So... the perfect showdown has started.

[A.F.F.]

Obviously it's too much to ask that the splits would work :dozey:

Yee !! They work. And the room was filled with much of rejoyment :mark:

[Ghostwalker]

GigiGalli, on WRR they said seb recieved a 10 sec penelty for jumpstart.

[Tom206wrc]

SS19 GOOOOO :bounce: :bounce:

[Sulland]

Will sandell push or will he think ahead. A good year for him in an old Renault in JWRC and the sole S2000 in PWRC - and not top teams serving him in either series.

He is a old-fashioned fighter Sandell - we need more of those !

[White Sauron]

Latvala's going slower than on the first pass...

[Langdale Forest]

No splits at all.

[Tom206wrc]

Loeb only 1s fastest on the two first splits ;)

[A.F.F.]

Phew.... Latvala still has 1,2 seconds to spare... which is a lightyear of course.

[jonas_mcrae]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! 2 secs

[Langdale Forest]

The most exiting final day of 2008 and with no splits.

[White Sauron]

0.2 between...

[jonkka]

0.2s in JML's favour and he was faster towards the end of the stage in the first pass...

[Ghostwalker]

Loeb going for the win 4,5 sec faster at the last split

[Langdale Forest]

He could still go off!

[jonkka]

Latvala at the end...

[White Sauron]

OMG... To be or not to beer

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb wins!

[MikeD]

Yeeeeeeeeeeees!

[Buzz Lightyear]

France is the new Finland!

[Ghostwalker]

Seb won

[GigiGalliNo1]

Seb won?

Interesting... how close was it?

What rally has Loeb NOT won yet? :)

[Langdale Forest]

Loeb has won every rally on the calender now.

[jonkka]

Loeb has won every rally on the calender now.

Except Jordan

[Micke_VOC]

Loeb has won every rally on the calender now.

Not Norway.

[White Sauron]

Congratulations, Seb! Latvala sux, he's once again proved it.

[Tom206wrc]

-4.5s for Seb on penultimate split :bounce:

[Viking]

Well I thinks it is just the car ;)

[jonkka]

2.7s final difference, tied 4th closest win ever

[Ghostwalker]

Very good job from all three guys in the top 3, Seb, Jari-Matti and Sordo

[Sulland]

Congrats Loeb, I am impressed !!!!

And Citroen taking the crone from Ford !

This years looser is WRC.com s split services. Not reliable on WRC.com and blocking all others to improve their service !

[J4MIE]

Well done Seb :D :up:

[dimviii]

congrats to Loeb and Latvala!

[John V]

Great fight, congrats to Seb and JML as well, they managed keep nice battle till the end!

[Ghostwalker]

I think they mean that Seb has now won all the classic rallies. Norway and Jordan have only had 1 edition each.

[Tom206wrc]

FANTASTIC win by Seb :cool:


Isn't it Ste898 ??? :p :

[Brother John]

Well I thinks it is just the car ;)

Yes I agree, it would be very good as we see new rules with entirely other WRC cars in 2010! :s mokin:

[Wim_Impreza]

I think they mean that Seb has now won all the classic rallies. Norway and Jordan have only had 1 edition each.

He hasn't won the Safari too.

[A.F.F.]

Congrats Sebasttien and Elena. It's good to be a king :up:


Thank god this year of WRC has ended. I'm anxious to see if next year is even s h i t t i e r than this year.

[Sir V Tec]

Well done Seb, did Petter get through the last stage?

[J4MIE]

He hasn't won the Safari too.

I'm sure he would have ;)

[mjh]

.... and well done to PG bringing a Suzuki in 5th :eek:

[Viking]

I think they mean that Seb has now won all the classic rallies. Norway and Jordan have only had 1 edition each.

Not Safari Rally :s mash:

[Ghostwalker]

He hasn't won the Safari too.

well its not on the calender anymore...

[Daniel]

Congrats Sebasttien and Elena. It's good to be a king :up:


Thank god this year of WRC has ended. I'm anxious to see if next year is even s h i t t i e r than this year.
Yup.

What a performance from Seb.

Congrats to Seb and Citroen on taking both titles. So for all of Malcolm's tactics and ignoring safety with cuts and so on Ford have been left with sod all to show and that's the way I like it *does his anti-Malcolm Wilson dance*

Latvala and Hirvonen pushed all year but were just not consistent enough in the end. It's only because of the lack of competition and silly points system that it ended up this close.

Can't wait for next year, I hope there are lots of moronic things to criticise in the off season as I can't bear not having anything to bitch about till next year. Roll on the Monte!!!!! Oh wait..... :rolleyes:

[Micke_VOC]

Fantastic end of the rally. Congrats to Seb and all other !!!

Specially PG for his impressing fifth place again.
Cross my fingers for that he drive the championship next year to !!

Now i waiting for the end of the swedish battle in PWRC =)

[rp]

I am really waiting the WRC season 2010! Hopefully then the competition is tighter than nowadays. Next year Loeb has one aim to achieve. To break his this years 11 event win record and to take the WRC title with the maximum points winning every round of the series. Very, very interesting season is coming...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Nice words Daniel. :)

[Tom206wrc]

Sandell 1s faster than Flodin on split one... :)

[Ghostwalker]

Sandell have stopped :( :( :(

[Micke_VOC]

No no no.... Sandell stopped in stage )=

[Tom206wrc]

;(


Off or mechanical ???

[N.O.T]

nice end to the season...quite appropriate....

[Viking]

so that is also FIA-galla tickets taken from Sandell?

[m.lowe]

Get in Loeb and Elena to take the rally win and the championship
Your'e the best
Well done


Well done to the Suzuki squad on an excellent result for the SX4 WRC Team
Hopefully they will continue to get better next year

[pino]

Feel sad for Latvala but Loeb once again proved he's from another planet...congrats to him :up:

[Micke_VOC]

Congratulations for Flodin !!!! and Aigner for the total PWRC win !!!

[MikeD]

Yup.

What a performance from Seb.

Congrats to Seb and Citroen on taking both titles. So for all of Malcolm's tactics and ignoring safety with cuts and so on Ford have been left with sod all to show and that's the way I like it *does his anti-Malcolm Wilson dance*


+2

...thank god those pathetic tactics didn't give them any titles.

[Sulland]

What happened to Sandell. did he try to hard ? Or did the Pug give up ?

[Micke_VOC]

Engine failure for Sandell ... according to flodins site.

[MikeD]

Congratulations for Flodin !!!! and Aigner for the total PWRC win !!!

Yes, congratulations to Aigner. Never thought that BBR would be able to win a title.

I wonder if there will be any Red Bull money for hin in a WRC car next year.

[White Sauron]

Congratulations to Patrik Flodin!!! A masterful drive from him - and the first victory for the N14 Impreza!!

[Barreis]

Finns?! Whooo?!

[AlfaWRC]

Yippppiiiiieeeeee! AIGNER WORLD CHAMPION. Sounds fantastic....

[Sulland]

What is the link to flodins site ?

[Ghostwalker]

http://www.patrikflodin.com/

[ProRally]

Well done for Seb, new record 11 wins in 1 season

But even a much bigger congratulations to Patrick Flodin, a win with the new shape Impreza made/build by URT !!!!!

[eppel]

http://patriksandell.com/6623.mms_blogg.html

[Mirek]

Congratulation to Loeb and Latvala for great battle and to Aigner for PWRC title! Pitty for Sandell but that's the way it goes on such hard events, only few PWRC finished without superally.

I also wants to congratulate Jaromir Tarabus for fifth place in PWRC. He was driving as careful as possible to reach the finish at all cost but it was his first ever gravel rally, moreover in such hard conditions. And it was also his first ever big international event (except IRC Barum of course)!

Also congratulation to Flodin and Russian URT team for having deserved first N14 victory!

[dimviii]

Congrats to Aigner too!

[Sulland]

]Congratulation to Loeb and Latvala for great battle and to Aigner for PWRC title! Pitty for Sandell but that's the way it goes on such hard events, only few PWRC finished without superally.

I also wants to congratulate Jaromir Tarabus for fifth place in PWRC. He was driving as careful as possible to reach the finish at all cost but it was his first ever gravel rally, moreover in such hard conditions. And it was also his first ever big international event (except IRC Barum of course)!

Also congratulation to Flodin and Russian URT team for having deserved first N14 victory!

Is Tarabus planning to do either P-WRC or IRC in 09 ?

[Mirek]

Some events for sure (probably Monte as the first) ;)

[Tom206wrc]

http://patriksandell.com/6623.mms_blogg.html



Engine gone in the worse moment !!!! ;(

[ProRally]

Even Mr Pavlides in the PWRC points !!! Only 25min behind Flodin.

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Even Mr Pavlides in the PWRC points !!! Only 25min behind Flodin.

:D

[Anti-Lag-Rocks]

Congrats to Seb on this one, although I did want JML to win. Citroen have been nearly untouchable this year, so well done to them too.

Bring on 2009, let's hope I can get to more than one event (Monte) and one super-special (GB) next year...!

[GigiGalliNo1]

They took away Loebs penalty.....


what the?

[TMorel]

GG#1
Is your incredulousness based upon your viewing of Sebs appeal, the video footage and the telemetry, or just ooooh the FIA favour Seb and his magic tyres?

[ste898]

Congrats to Suzuki on another excellent team building result to follow on from Japan.....also Flodin on the 1st win for new shape impreza.

[ste898]

[quote="Daniel"]Yup.

What a performance from Seb.

Congrats to Seb and Citroen on taking both titles. So for all of Malcolm's tactics and ignoring safety with cuts and so on Ford have been left with sod all to show and that's the way I like it *does his anti-Malcolm Wilson dance*

Latvala and Hirvonen pushed all year but were just not consistent enough in the end. It's only because of the lack of competition and silly points system that it ended up this close.

Can't wait for next year, I hope there are lots of moronic things to criticise in the off season as I can't bear not having anything to bitch about till next year. Roll on the Monte!!!!! Oh wait..... :rolleyes: [/QUOTE

Suprise suprise another rant from Daniel........

[noel157]

They took away Loebs penalty.....


what the?

Maybe the organisers just did it for a laugh, certainly spiced up things for the final stage.
Well done to Seb and Daniel, Citroen Sport etc. Fantastic debut by Ogier, not sure he's the next Seb but a good future ahead of him. Latvala did his best but he's young. Another good showing from P-G, just hope he's got a programme for 09. Petter and Subaru? Signs of a good season in 09? I think so.

Happy for Paddy Flodin and Andy Aigner, unfortunate Sandell's engine failed.

On a negative note I think this rally showed just how much the renta drivers in WRC are not up to the task, aspiring to mediocrity and yet in the best cars when there are so many better drivers around but that's the way of the world I guess.

[Barreis]

Finns, start to asphalt your roads!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ste898]

Hey !

http://pix.nofrag.com/a/f/f/5ab402dc9d88cfcd830b6ec1757c6.jpg

Awesome that car....hopefully he will be back with Ford in 2009!!!

Anyone got more pics?

[MikeD]

They took away Loebs penalty.....


what the?


Both loeb and Elena said there was no way they had jumped that start. They actually made the slowest start possible on that SS, so they knew something must have been wrong.

I find it extremely problematic, because it smells of somebody having done it on purpose. What if Loeb had gone of the road on the final stage in his persude of Latvala????

[Buzz Lightyear]

and another question.. how quickly are jump start penalties usually applied? this one took about 10 mins... its usually about an hour.. no?

[John V]

and another question.. how quickly are jump start penalties usually applied? this one took about 10 mins... its usually about an hour.. no?
No, normally jump start is reported directly to race control (we do it like this), but still it's bit strange. I got information organisers said it was mistake caused by electronics ...

[MikeD]

No, normally jump start is reported directly to race control (we do it like this), but still it's bit strange. I got information organisers said it was mistake caused by electronics ...

This is the part I don't buy (not aimed at you :) ). The use of electronics are there because you want to avoid mistakes. If there was a mistake in the electronics then all drivers would have been affected when they left the start line.

FIA really should look into this (IMO).

[MG Rally]

Congratulations to all the finishers - especially the No 75 MG S2000 SPORT of Peter Stephenson / Kim Baker who finished 39th Overall & 18th in Class N4 after restarting on Saturday under Super Rally rules.

This is possibly the most distance any MG S2000 has covered on an event - but I'm happy to be proven wrong if that is the case. First outing in the car for Peter, first outing with Kim sat alongside, and first event since 2007 Rally GB - not bad at all.

Can I remind everyone that I am after any photographs of the MG S2000 from this event for my forum please - http://www.mgs2000.co.uk - there are already some loaded!

You can upload them yourself, or email them to me and I'll be happy to upload them for you on your behalf, complete with a credit and a link to your website by way of a thank you. I'm especially after any from the Myherin Ford - which I gather the MG was one of the cars that stopped within it?

Please email them to admin @ mgs2000.co.uk (closing the gaps before sending!). Many thanks.

[ste898]

Both loeb and Elena said there was no way they had jumped that start. They actually made the slowest start possible on that SS, so they knew something must have been wrong.

I find it extremely problematic, because it smells of somebody having done it on purpose. What if Loeb had gone of the road on the final stage in his persude of Latvala????

If this penalty had been given to anyone else but the damn Loeb there would'nt have been a word said......what a sad sad state rallying is in!!!

[cut the b.s.]

If this penalty had been given to anyone else but the damn Loeb there would'nt have been a word said......what a sad sad state rallying is in!!!

Come on Mr/Mrs/Ms ste, just congratulate Seb for once! The penalty wouldnt have had a bearing on the result anyhow

[alleskids]

If this penalty had been given to anyone else but the damn Loeb there would'nt have been a word said......what a sad sad state rallying is in!!!

The same reaction people had when Ayrton Senna made a very uncharistic, very unique mistake, or even when he got killed, because people know/knew Senna and Loeb are the kind of motorsport atlethices that drive beyond the normal people, they have full control of their car, their team, their moves. They do not often make mistakes, so it is the normal reaction that it is not normal, so there has to be an other explanation.

[Allyc85]

Got back a couple hours ago from a great Rally GB :D

Sweet Lamb on friday was great but very wet and cold! We could see the cars coming for over a mile and saw Hirvonen roll his Focus WRC and Leob get his C4 so sideways at high speed it wasnt even funny!! We then went to go to Walters Arena but the traffic was so bad (due to the cancelled stage I think) that we dint make it in time. Whilst we were on our way to the hotel we drove past a petrol station with Valentino Rossi's Focus parked on the forcourt! I quickly parked the car up (blocking some blokes drive :blush: ) and got into the petrol station to get Rossi's autograph and to take a good look around his car. Fair play top him cos he looked like he wanted to get away but he signed loads of autographs and happily stood for photos with the kids. Whilst we were there I also met David Higgins and Gareth Jones, bpth happy to have a quick chat and to sign me programme.

On saturday we watched both passes of the Resolven stage. Beautiful weather and a spot by a 90 left after a long straight made it a great spot, Sordo in a C4 WRc was so much faster and sideways through the corner than anyone else. Unfortunatly the second run was extreamly close to be cancelled. There was lots of foreigners that were mocking and ignoring the stewards requests to move from the inside of the bend, any longer and the radio conversasions the stewards were having would have been to stop the stage :aha: In the evening we went to the Millenium stadium stage which was a laugh and fooking loud with the roof shut :D

Then today we went to both runs through the Port Talbot stage watching from a down hill, 90 right with a steep drop on the exit. Some cars were soooo slow through there but others like Hirvonen and Floodin in his Group N Impreza were righ on the edge, love it :D Also the Land Rovers running at the back of the field were brilliant to watch, loads of body roll and under steer plus a blast on the horn as they drove past.

Well done to Loeb for winning his first Rally GB, but being a Ford man I was gutted that Jari couldnt hold on for the win!

[Kamikaze]

What if Loeb had gone of the road on the final stage in his persude of Latvala????

Then Latvala wins.....

[Roy]

Great battle for manufacturer this year. Pity Hirvonen can't fight this rally.
Congrats to Citroen!

For 2009 I hope Ford fight and win again :D Depends on tarmac drive and more other wins.

[c4]

Videos and photos
http://www.rallybuzz.com/wales-rally-gb-loeb-wins/

http://www.rallybuzz.com/suzuki-photos-rally-gb-3/

[urabus-denoS2000]

If this penalty had been given to anyone else but the damn Loeb there would'nt have been a word said......what a sad sad state rallying is in!!!

Oh did you watch it?I saw it and it clearly wasnt a jump start,he started after all the lights were clearly off.
Even with the penalty he pushed and won.He beated Latvala on every stage of the final day and by a lot

Congratulations to Loeb and Elena!

[bowler]

If this penalty had been given to anyone else but the damn Loeb there would'nt have been a word said......what a sad sad state rallying is in!!!

I disagree, but in any event the penalty was incorrectly applied, and then removed.

Any driver at Loeb's level would have been aware if the penalty was incorrect, and would have got exactly the same result.

Loeb has incredible ability, and should be congratulated, not criticised for it ste.

[pino]

I've just watched an in-car of him on stage 16 :eek: I can now understand why none can beat him...

[dumb]

Deividas Jocius finished the rally in 35 position. First day it was good and he finished stages in 2x positions. Superspecials was finished in 15 and 17 places. But in second day he dropped to ditch. He was there 7 minutes. In the next stage he was out of fuel. Super rally. Third day one transmision problem and punsture but overall 35 place isn't so bad I think.

[Zes]

I've just watched an in-car of him on stage 16 :eek: I can now understand why none can beat him...

Maybe JML would have beaten him, if Seb would have been sweeping the road for two days...

[urabus-denoS2000]

Maybe JML would have beaten him, if Seb would have been sweeping the road for two days...

No he wouldnt.









Loeb took 14 seconds of Latvala on the last 2 stages which were run for the 2nd time and were cleaned.
That is a lot especialy because they were both pushing for the victory.
In these situations Loeb shows just how great he is

[Niels H]

Also pics on my website.

http://www.rally-photo.net/slides/Jones-2.jpg

[Ghostwalker]

nice picture Niels

[noel157]

Great pictures as usual Niels.

[bluuford]

That was good rally! Nice fight till the end. I found very nice way to follow the rally about 5 rallies ago. On Friday I am listening rally radio to hear all news and interviews and since Saturday morning I have only three Firefox tab-s opened: rallyforum, wrc.com splits and http://www.vysledky-rally.cz for the results and comments. And that is just great. Do not need to waste my time for rallyradio and I can think about different things.

Just game to my mind that this win was the greatest tactical job by Citroen and Loeb and it was done so well that it was almost impossible to understand.
The idea came to my mind while I was reading the interview with Citroen boss and he said that they are now using all the tactical possibilities they can because the most important thing for the team is to win.
So what was the tactics?
Loeb had to be first on the road on Friday and was definitely handicapped. Then they managed to force the organizers to shorten the Friday distance to the minimum. Looking the overall conditions on Friday then it can be said that they were not much worse than those on Saturday or Sunday morning. That was good move behind the shield of safety (of course it was more safer not to drive stages). In some aspects those stages were more safer because they were nearly fully covered by ice and therefore drivers would have taken those stages in much slower speeds. It is much more dangerous when only a few parts are frozen and you don't know which parts.

So, on Saturday Loeb took it really safely when it was slippery and Latvala pushed like hell.. the result - Loeb in almost ideal position. And suddenly Loebs split times disappeared from the screens :-)
And on Sunday it was push to the limits by Loeb from better road position. So, in my mind, it was the greatest tactical win I have ever seen. To win like that you need very good driver, like Loeb, and very good team, like Citroen. It shows how good they are, they have the best car, the best team, the best driver and so good tactics that You cannot even notice :-)
Congratulations for Seb, Dani and Citroen

[Zes]

Loeb took 14 seconds of Latvala on the last 2 stages which were run for the 2nd time and were cleaned.
That is a lot especialy because they were both pushing for the victory.
In these situations Loeb shows just how great he is

So why didn't Seb outpace JML in saturday? Because he didn't want to be first on route in Sunday and lose the win to JML... Great tactics from Citroen. Although some people could call it "scared dogs behaviour" :p

[kakus]

So why didn't Seb outpace JML in saturday? Because he didn't want to be first on route in Sunday and lose the win to JML... Great tactics from Citroen. Although some people could call it "scared dogs behaviour" :p

No :

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/72373

[Brother John]

Just game to my mind that this win was the greatest tactical job by Citroen and Loeb and it was done so well that it was almost impossible to understand.
The idea came to my mind while I was reading the interview with Citroen boss and he said that they are now using all the tactical possibilities they can because the most important thing for the team is to win.
So what was the tactics?
Loeb had to be first on the road on Friday and was definitely handicapped. Then they managed to force the organizers to shorten the Friday distance to the minimum. Looking the overall conditions on Friday then it can be said that they were not much worse than those on Saturday or Sunday morning. That was good move behind the shield of safety (of course it was more safer not to drive stages). In some aspects those stages were more safer because they were nearly fully covered by ice and therefore drivers would have taken those stages in much slower speeds. It is much more dangerous when only a few parts are frozen and you don't know which parts.

So, on Saturday Loeb took it really safely when it was slippery and Latvala pushed like hell.. the result - Loeb in almost ideal position. And suddenly Loebs split times disappeared from the screens :-)
And on Sunday it was push to the limits by Loeb from better road position. So, in my mind, it was the greatest tactical win I have ever seen. To win like that you need very good driver, like Loeb, and very good team, like Citroen. It shows how good they are, they have the best car, the best team, the best driver and so good tactics that You cannot even notice :-)
Congratulations for Seb, Dani and Citroen

This is what i read on a Belgium forum about tactical job from Citroën at wales!!! According to me that, however, is able to be truth! :s mokin:
........................................
During the Wales rally Great Britain, or before was rather demonstrated by Citroën!. A certain group shouted assassination and fire were concerning the state (black ice) of the roads, and not adapted Tyres.
This happened by the team management of Citroën with the aim of not letting drive a number of stages, especially the first stages!!!
With the support of D. Richards a compromise was reached, two thirds of the SS to drive it was crossed out. Nothing going one you think, but a stronge piece of tactical job.
Loeb had only to drive 50km on the stages on Friday as first on the road instead of 150km! Possible gain of time 30 a 40 sec the results could have looked complete differently, although this is also not certain!
For the start of the last day there was no protest of them, detect although the circumstances were not better on Sunday! :rolleyes:

[Kamikaze]

Great Tactics, or like our Mister Mousefart would say: "scared Dogs" :p :p

[jbanbury]

I've uploaded a few photos if anyone fancies a look ...

http://www.rally-shots.com

[turves]

I've uploaded a few photos if anyone fancies a look ...

http://www.rally-shots.com

That first picture is frickin awesome.

I like the Psycho Petter pic too...

[Buzz Lightyear]

That first picture is frickin awesome.

I like the Psycho Petter pic too...

i like the 5th one...after he looks at the time sheets.

[TMorel]

I've also heard rumours that Seb has elevated metachlorian levels? Can anyone shed any light on this?

[Daniel]

I've also heard rumours that Seb has elevated metachlorian levels? Can anyone shed any light on this?
:rotflmao:

[Viking]

I've also heard rumours that Seb has elevated metachlorian levels? Can anyone shed any light on this?

Have to wait for B-samples, but the force is strong with this one!

[urabus-denoS2000]

Look,lets leave tactics for a second...When it came to the last 2 stages,the road was clean and Loeb shown he is the better man.He beated JML when both of them were pushing for the victory....That proves who is better

[Barreis]

Right words!!
Hirvonen/Latvala didn't show anything this season (11 victories for Seb!!!)...
Bring back Marcus! For manufacturers points if not something else... If Finn cannot win in Finland then is no good Finns!

[urabus-denoS2000]

If Finn cannot win in Finland then is no good Finns!

Or there is just 1 superior French ;) ;) ;) ;)

[Allyc85]

Look,lets leave tactics for a second...When it came to the last 2 stages,the road was clean and Loeb shown he is the better man.He beated JML when both of them were pushing for the victory....That proves who is better

When Jari got out the car after the last stage he was good enough to say that the best man will win :)

[ste898]

This is what i read on a Belgium forum about tactical job from Citroën at wales!!! According to me that, however, is able to be truth! :s mokin:
........................................
During the Wales rally Great Britain, or before was rather demonstrated by Citroën!. A certain group shouted assassination and fire were concerning the state (black ice) of the roads, and not adapted Tyres.
This happened by the team management of Citroën with the aim of not letting drive a number of stages, especially the first stages!!!
With the support of D. Richards a compromise was reached, two thirds of the SS to drive it was crossed out. Nothing going one you think, but a stronge piece of tactical job.
Loeb had only to drive 50km on the stages on Friday as first on the road instead of 150km! Possible gain of time 30 a 40 sec the results could have looked complete differently, although this is also not certain!
For the start of the last day there was no protest of them, detect although the circumstances were not better on Sunday! :rolleyes:


There should be far more ice rallies brought in and the Citroen GIRLS should be MADE to compete every KM

Disgraceful that when Citroen cry they get their way!!!!

[MJW]

There should be far more ice rallies brought in and the Citroen GIRLS should be MADE to compete every KM

Disgraceful that when Citroen cry they get their way!!!!

Thats just an incredible post. A lot of hard work went into getting those classic stages back in to the rally. Nobody WANTED them cancelled, it was worse than it looked on TV or internet, - no disrespects to anyone but if you werent there you shouldnt comment on teh conditions of teh stages. The real problem was that the current tyre rules lost us probably the best days rallying of the event. As a circumstance if that Loeb was lucky enough not to have to be first on the road. But I refuse to believe it was a conspiracy. If you want to see what the conditions were like check out the video and interview with Chris Atkinson after he destroyed a £500k rally car on ice.

[MJW]

The cost saving of not having gravel (safety) crews and savings in not having tyre technicians not cutting tyres will have to be in place for a very long time to recoup the cost of that S14 Impreza.

[cosmicpanda]

If they don't give the Hafren, Sweet Lamb etc stages another go next time then they're idiots. It was the best day of the event, despite the lack of kms.

[Ghostwalker]

ste898 you do know that Seb has won the Swedish Winter rally? this was a year when there actually was snow on the roads.

[MJW]

I think those forests will be in next year when the event runs in October. Those roads match NZ and Finland for being 'drivers roads'

[AndyRAC]

I think those forests will be in next year when the event runs in October. Those roads match NZ and Finland for being 'drivers roads'


If they have any sense those roads will remain - pity about it being in October - whose idea was that? All we need now are the Dyfi stages, Dyfnant, etc then allow overnight hosts away from the host town/city - yes I'm dreaming.

[MJW]

There is a rumour that the event could be "flipped" and based in North Wales.................
something to do with the coalition Welsh Assembly deputy first minister coming from North Wales
somehow I cant see that happening, but the rumours had started even when planning for the 2008 event so we will have to wait and see.

[ste898]

Thats just an incredible post. A lot of hard work went into getting those classic stages back in to the rally. Nobody WANTED them cancelled, it was worse than it looked on TV or internet, - no disrespects to anyone but if you werent there you shouldnt comment on teh conditions of teh stages. The real problem was that the current tyre rules lost us probably the best days rallying of the event. As a circumstance if that Loeb was lucky enough not to have to be first on the road. But I refuse to believe it was a conspiracy. If you want to see what the conditions were like check out the video and interview with Chris Atkinson after he destroyed a £500k rally car on ice.



Citroen were the only team crying that is the point I am making!!

All the other teams know that rallying is about all weathers and sufaces.......or it used to be!!!

I cannot believe you are supporting the citroen girls and their tears!!!

[cosmicpanda]

I cannot believe you are supporting the citroen girls and their tears!!!

Be quiet. You're obviously a Ford supporter, but take the loss like a man...

[Ghostwalker]

c'mon now cry-baby ste your just upset coz' YOUR girls got their asses kicked by Seb.

What makes you think a sole team can decide which stages to run and which not to run? Also if you didnt know there where a crisis meeting held at friday evening where ALL team pricipals agreed on that they wanted an emergency tires for the rest of the rallies. They were however no such tyre available.

[Daniel]

Citroen were the only team crying that is the point I am making!!

All the other teams know that rallying is about all weathers and sufaces.......or it used to be!!!

I cannot believe you are supporting the citroen girls and their tears!!!
Stop being a crybaby and accept that yet again Ford have lost.

[Ghostwalker]

just want add one thing. That is that the organizers must be 100%certain that all vehicles can pass the stage without problems.
Even if the WRC cars can go through the stage it doesnt mean that the stage still can be run as usual.

You have to have in mind that there are allot of support vehicles like ambulances and the race doctors car which isnt rally cars and
those cars dont have the mobility of a WRC rally car.

What if the Organizers decides to run the stages that got cancelled and a severe accident happened and what if someone dies because
the rescue vehicles could not get to the site of the accident because of the conditions of the roads?

[bluuford]

just want add one thing. That is that the organizers must be 100%certain that all vehicles can pass the stage without problems.
Even if the WRC cars can go through the stage it doesnt mean that the stage still can be run as usual.

You have to have in mind that there are allot of support vehicles like ambulances and the race doctors car which isnt rally cars and
those cars dont have the mobility of a WRC rally car.

What if the Organizers decides to run the stages that got cancelled and a severe accident happened and what if someone dies because
the rescue vehicles could not get to the site of the accident because of the conditions of the roads?

Dont blame rescue vehicles! They must be prepared for such kind of conditions. One of my friend is working for ambulance in Wales and he said that this talk is BS that the stage is canceled because they cannot access. They are prepared to reach to those places all year long and in all conditions. U know different kind o accidents can happen all year long and these conditions were not unusual for Wales. So, do what U want but don't blame rescue vehicles!

[Brother John]

What if the Organizers decides to run the stages that got cancelled and a severe accident happened and what if someone dies because
the rescue vehicles could not get to the site of the accident because of the conditions of the roads?

Same conditions of the roads on Sunday stages.
Ok Loeb won the rally, no problem for me, but the question is
why don't take the F.I.A. risk on Friday but do it on Sunday?
Because they are stupid?
Or do they stand under press of some teams?
Do you think all that everything always works according to the rules?
Wake up then and look what happened at present here in this world!

[MartijnS]

This was probably the best rally i've ever been to. We did 6 stages, twice Myherin on Friday, we walked almost the entire stage.. :eek:
On saturday we did Crychan and Halfway and finally two times Port Talbot on Sunday.
With 2 jumps, a splash and some nice corners, we had everything we wanted!

http://i35.tinypic.com/28u22jq.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2d8gb2g.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/n539jd.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2v8slk8.jpg

More @ http://www.rallymedia.nl !

[turves]

There is a rumour that the event could be "flipped" and based in North Wales.................
something to do with the coalition Welsh Assembly deputy first minister coming from North Wales
somehow I cant see that happening, but the rumours had started even when planning for the 2008 event so we will have to wait and see.

That would be awesome, bring back Penmachno, Clockaenog etc, plus the mid Wales stages around Machynlleth, thats proper rallying territory...

[Doon]

No way will they go back to North Wales, the surrounding roads are not big enough for the amount of traffic. Also there is no City to base it in, except maybe Chester.....and no way will they go near England,lol! However i'd love that, much closer and Dyfnant is my fav!!

[Iskald]

Dont blame rescue vehicles! They must be prepared for such kind of conditions. One of my friend is working for ambulance in Wales and he said that this talk is BS that the stage is canceled because they cannot access. They are prepared to reach to those places all year long and in all conditions. U know different kind o accidents can happen all year long and these conditions were not unusual for Wales. So, do what U want but don't blame rescue vehicles!

You are of course absolutely correct. Rescue vehicles in Wales or other places where snow and ice is a common occurence during wintertime should in any case be mandatory and properly equipped with snowchains.

I had an interesting chat with Mads Østberg yesterday and he said that conditions were actually more difficult on the saturday than on the friday. The problem on friday was not ice, but 5-10 cms of snow on the parts of stages that eventually was cancelled. Saturday stages was initially wet gravel and mud, but it froze during the night and ended up as very icy gravel on several stages. From the TV coverage it was clear that drivers sought grip on roadshoulders and partly in the ditches because the "cleaner" tyre tracks was polished and icy.

It was not at all undriveable, said Mads, but of course very difficult and treacherously slippery in parts.

But then again, this is supposed to be rallying, isn`t it?

[BDunnell]

You are of course absolutely correct. Rescue vehicles in Wales or other places where snow and ice is a common occurence during wintertime should in any case be mandatory and properly equipped with snowchains.

I had an interesting chat with Mads Østberg yesterday and he said that conditions were actually more difficult on the saturday than on the friday. The problem on friday was not ice, but 5-10 cms of snow on the parts of stages that eventually was cancelled. Saturday stages was initially wet gravel and mud, but it froze during the night and ended up as very icy gravel on several stages. From the TV coverage it was clear that drivers sought grip on roadshoulders and partly in the ditches because the "cleaner" tyre tracks was polished and icy.

It was not at all undriveable, said Mads, but of course very difficult and treacherously slippery in parts.

But then again, this is supposed to be rallying, isn`t it?

Yes, but I also think that rallying should involve having a proper choice of tyres.

[Daniel]

Yes, but I also think that rallying should involve having a proper choice of tyres.
Listen buddy. If I catch you posting one of your properly thought through posts again I'm going to ask Pino to ban you. This forum doesn't take kindly to people who poke holes in people's half arsed arguments :p

[hari]

I've uploaded a few photos if anyone fancies a look ...

http://www.rally-shots.com

On which stage was that awesome jump?

[MartijnS]

The jump is at Port Talbot, mentioned in the official magazine as a spectator zone, so easy to find.

[Tomi]

From the TV coverage it was clear that drivers sought grip on roadshoulders and partly in the ditches because the "cleaner" tyre tracks was polished and icy.

It was not at all undriveable, said Mads, but of course very difficult and treacherously slippery in parts.

But then again, this is supposed to be rallying, isn`t it?

Yes many did, I was wondering a bit why the guy in citroen in (post #603) this tread dont use the road properly, the road is wide but the car is on the part with no grip, on ice actually.

[AndyRAC]

Listen buddy. If I catch you posting one of your properly thought through posts again I'm going to ask Pino to ban you. This forum doesn't take kindly to people who poke holes in people's half arsed arguments :p

Ha ha, if a lot of us on this forum can see what was wrong and the only solution - what on earth are the FIA doing? Yes, costs have to be cut, but not in the places they say. It's actually false economy/ and dangerous. Bring back Gravel/Ice crews please, and proper tyre options. Dear me, a Rally in December, there must me a good chance of 'wintry' weather. What must it have looked like to 'Joe Public'? I can't really believe the people in charge of this sport.

[Karukera]

Great photos MartijnS ! the special Welsh lights were accurately seized on the Suzuki picture.

Congrats to Loeb and Citroën, 2008 World Champions.
It must be of some very refined taste for them to win on Ford's lands and terrain.
The blue oval is left with the bones they asked for.

Thrilling end to the season thanks to JML and the dumb electronic marshall.
Well done Sordo and PGA. Encouraging start by Ogier.

[AndyRAC]

No way will they go back to North Wales, the surrounding roads are not big enough for the amount of traffic. Also there is no City to base it in, except maybe Chester.....and no way will they go near England,lol! However i'd love that, much closer and Dyfnant is my fav!!

While you may have a point - what did they do when they were last used, and the crowds were far bigger. Really, the event needs a change, yes Wales have done a good job, but look at the bigger picture. The media coverage the past weekend wasn't particularly good, as it's still portrayed as a 'Welsh' event.

[Daniel]

No way will they go back to North Wales, the surrounding roads are not big enough for the amount of traffic. Also there is no City to base it in, except maybe Chester.....and no way will they go near England,lol! However i'd love that, much closer and Dyfnant is my fav!!

Silly post :)

Now I know the actual stage is a bit further but 30 miles is nothing when it comes to liaison mileage and definitely a lot closer than the Mid Wales stages were to Cardiff.


http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=d&saddr=clocaenog&daddr=chester&hl=en&geocode=&mra=ls&sll=53.19287,-2.872925&sspn=1.151894,2.460937&ie=UTF8&ll=53.143476,-3.13591&spn=0.298186,0.615234&t=h&z=11

It's only another 20 miles to Penmachno as well. Sure the roads around here aren't that great but from my experience last year the roads around the south aren't that much better.

I though Cardiff was losing the rally soonish anyway?

[Daniel]

Ha ha, if a lot of us on this forum can see what was wrong and the only solution - what on earth are the FIA doing? Yes, costs have to be cut, but not in the places they say. It's actually false economy/ and dangerous. Bring back Gravel/Ice crews please, and proper tyre options. Dear me, a Rally in December, there must me a good chance of 'wintry' weather. What must it have looked like to 'Joe Public'? I can't really believe the people in charge of this sport.


Hey hey hey! The FIA are committed to doing their bit for global warming. Because of global warming you're not going to get cold weather this early in winter. What you saw on the coverage was faked, just like the moon landings were. Plus we all know the heat from tyre irons and the CO2 released in powering them would be detrimental to the environment.

This really is a double whammy. Hardcore fans are pissed off because the cars can't drive in difficult conditions which is when you see great driving and Joe public must be wondering what the hell was going on? The way rallying or world rally as Dave claims the sport is called is presented it's like a totally omfg wtf EXTREME to the max sport that covers all terrains and so on. Well Malcolm (No not Max) and the FIA had their own ideas on what the sport should be like and all conditions just wasn't in their vision.

[Iskald]

Yes, but I also think that rallying should involve having a proper choice of tyres.

Yes of course, exactly as I pointed ut very early in this thread. ;-)

[Daniel]

Yes of course, exactly as I pointed ut very early in this thread. ;-)
With that in mind, your post that BDunnell replied to was fundamentally flawed.

[AndyRAC]

Hey hey hey! The FIA are committed to doing their bit for global warming. Because of global warming you're not going to get cold weather this early in winter. What you saw on the coverage was faked, just like the moon landings were. Plus we all know the heat from tyre irons and the CO2 released in powering them would be detrimental to the environment.

This really is a double whammy. Hardcore fans are pissed off because the cars can't drive in difficult conditions which is when you see great driving and Joe public must be wondering what the hell was going on? The way rallying or world rally as Dave claims the sport is called is presented it's like a totally omfg wtf EXTREME to the max sport that covers all terrains and so on. Well Malcolm (No not Max) and the FIA had their own ideas on what the sport should be like and all conditions just wasn't in their vision.

I haven't yet seen the coverage, however I was at Hafren, and what the conditions were like - and after the anger had passed I could see the reasons foe cancellation. However, in Rallying, it always used to be, " drive to the conditions and equipment" - if that meant driving through the stage at 2, 10, 30mph - so be it. In any case, they had to come past the spectator point anyway - and nearly all gave it as bootful as the came round the hairpin - were they asked by the organisers to "entertain the crowd"?

[Doon]

It's only another 20 miles to Penmachno as well. Sure the roads around here aren't that great but from my experience last year the roads around the south aren't that much better.

I don't understand why it was such a silly post.....ITS NEVER GOING TO HAPPEN!!!!

yes they are! M4??? straight from London....

The dual carriage way from the M4, up the Neath valley...

[Kaps]

Does anyone know what happened with Urmo Aava?

I think he DNS the Wales rally GB?

[cali]

Does anyone know what happened with Urmo Aava?

I think he DNS the Wales rally GB?

Due to financial reasons he did not start in Wales.

[Iskald]

With that in mind, your post that BDunnell replied to was fundamentally flawed.

Fundamentally flawed? You`re policing this forum, or what?

Ideally there should have been regulations giving drivers access to a wider tyre choice, which actually would have made it possible to have a full day of proper rallying also during the friday in Wales. When so wasn`t the case, it turned out that they could drive (with some caution) on icecovered surface with the wide gravel tyres. On hindsight it could be that it was actually uneccessary to shorten or cancel stages on the friday.

[Daniel]

Fundamentally flawed? You`re policing this forum, or what?

Ideally there should have been regulations giving drivers access to a wider tyre choice, which actually would have made it possible to have a full day of proper rallying also during the friday in Wales. When so wasn`t the case, it turned out that they could drive (with some caution) on icecovered surface with the wide gravel tyres. On hindsight it could be that it was actually uneccessary to shorten or cancel stages on the friday.

I'm not "policing" the forums. It's called commenting on your post.

[Kaps]

Due to financial reasons he did not start in Wales.


Thanks cali!

[cali]

Thanks cali!

You're welcome :)

[pettersolberg29]

This was probably the best rally i've ever been to. We did 6 stages, twice Myherin on Friday, we walked almost the entire stage.. :eek:
On saturday we did Crychan and Halfway and finally two times Port Talbot on Sunday.
With 2 jumps, a splash and some nice corners, we had everything we wanted!

http://i35.tinypic.com/28u22jq.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2d8gb2g.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/n539jd.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2v8slk8.jpg

More @ http://www.rallymedia.nl !

Great pictures!

What a coincidence - I also went to Myherin, Halfway and Port Talbot, and you've got me in dozens of your photos! Someone is following me...!

[ryland.j]

That Car is trashed!!!

Has anyone got footage of the accident?
i saw the crash,very spectacular,glad to see that they are both ok,unfortunatly no footage :(

[Allyc85]

Not at the level of the others on here but my heres a link to my pics http://s436.photobucket.com/albums/qq85/Allyc_85/Wales%20Rally%20GB%2008/?start=0

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq85/Allyc_85/Wales%20Rally%20GB%2008/DSC_8389.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq85/Allyc_85/Wales%20Rally%20GB%2008/DSC_8421.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq85/Allyc_85/Wales%20Rally%20GB%2008/DSC_8675.jpg

http://i436.photobucket.com/albums/qq85/Allyc_85/Wales%20Rally%20GB%2008/DSC_8663.jpg

[306 Cosworth]

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL MARSHALS TRAINING VIDEO FOR NEXT YEARS RALLY GB - HOW TO DEAL WITH A ROLLED CAR (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2fd3l3OEs&fmt=6)

[Micke_VOC]

THIS IS THE OFFICIAL MARSHALS TRAINING VIDEO FOR NEXT YEARS RALLY GB - HOW TO DEAL WITH A ROLLED CAR (http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=G-2fd3l3OEs&fmt=6)

=)
Have that happened in Sweden or Finland , Hirvonen had lost at most 30 seconds.

[noel157]

Or Ireland.

[MG Rally]

I am interested in receiving photographic contributions of the No 75 MG S2000 SPORT of Peter Stephenson from the 2008 Wales Rally GB - in scrutineering, in service and in action!

Please upload them to my forum - http://www.mgs2000.co.uk (http://www.mgs2000.co.uk/) - in the appropriate gallery once you have registered, or alternatively please email 750 pixel (minimum size) images to me at admin @ mgs2000.co.uk (removing gaps before sending of course), and I will be happy to upload them on your behalf.

In return you will receive an acknowledgement, and a link to your website by way of a thank you.

Many thanks in anticipation!

[306 Cosworth]

=)
Have that happened in Sweden or Finland , Hirvonen had lost at most 30 seconds.

It would've been the same here had all the spectators been allowed to help straight away!