Iconic rally backdrops

[Simmi]

There's not a great deal going on on the forum so I thought I would try come up with something to talk about over the off season.

I came up with the iconic backdrops of rallying. Each rally has a corner or a jump that is unique to that rally. A spot you see and you know instantly what rally you are on. Probably the most obvious example being the Col du Turini on the Monte. Finland has the huge jump on Ouninpohja, and also for me the sequence of jumps in Ruuhimaki also make me instantly think of Finland.

There's the big spectator hairpin in El Priorat in Catalunya. Colin's Crest in Sweden. The crazy Monte Lerno jump in Sardinia. Then you have modern ones which aren't so great like the Walters Arena on Wales GB. These are the places the photographers/tv crews flock to - for better or worse.

I was just wondering what people's favourites were?
Have you ever spectated at these 'iconic' spots?

There are loads when you think about it. And with the WRC coming under a lot of criticism for dumping traditional events or moving - there are a lot of great spots that have been lost. The Fafe jumps spring to mind in Portugal. There are plenty to remember fondly. For me Chatsworth watersplash is a reminder of the goodtimes from the RAC.

There are also plenty of places I know and dont know the name of. When were they last used etc. One that springs to mind is in Portugal - a tarmac run up to a hairpin right onto gravel which always had thousands of spectators on the hillside.

Just thought it might be something to talk about...

[wotaguy]

this has got me thinking simmi, well i spectated at the Chatsworth watersplash in 95, for me i guess Germany,s Panzerplatte in 1983 and 2006 to see the quattro,s thrash around it was awesome, then all those years later the WRC boys fantastic.

also Calgary Bay on the Tour of Mull this year was breathtaking and Kielder on the Pirelli is up there too :D

far to many

[Simmi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swjSfdKx6wY

Just a little something to tie in with the anniversary. Four years today we lost Burnsy. Can't remember what stage the hairpin is at 0.18. Plenty of iconic back drops in there - Bunnings etc. And some great driving. RIP Richard.

[wotaguy]

i,d have loved to see bunnings, 4 years i cant believe its been that long, indeed

R.I.P Burnsie

[Viking]

Not sure what part, but I think this stage really "is" Rally Norway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOd4OGQaMFQ

[Juha_Koo]

Well, many places in Ouninpohja. When I went to watch Mikko's tests in the summer, I stopped to admire few legendary places. "The jump of the yellow house" is an iconic place. Bit before it, there's a fifth/sixth gear right hander that comes over a small stream and there are guardrails there. Just about three hundred meters after that place there's a long, bit slower right hander where Lindholm and Pons have crashed. I always remember those places, don't know why though. :) Plus many more.

On a legendary stage called Juupajoki there are few places too. "Kosti's corner", a tight left over a crest where Kosti Katajamäki had a huge roll in a national rally. In WRC, Stohl rolled his Xsara there. Juupajoki also has this very slow corner where there is a barn's roof (yes, a roof, it's difficult to explain) very close to the road. I guess I could continue the list on and on for other stages too. Ruuhimäki's jumps, Myhinpää's triple jump, Leustu's "the jump of Novikov" aka Visala jump, Harju's legendary city stage, Urria jump/drop and the subsequent flat right over a jump (Mikko's absolute favourite), just to name few. :p

In Germany there's that big jump on Panzerplatte. Australia has (had) Bunnings jumps. The surprise jump on Punta Pianedda in Sardinia that caught many drivers back in 2008. For some reason I always regonize a place on Aghii Theodori, a very bad bump on an otherwise fast section. Oh, and the Mountain stage of Rally Norway as pointed out above. :)

[wotaguy]

that mountain stage is like a giant crest run, awesome ))

[Simmi]

Well, many places in Ouninpohja. When I went to watch Mikko's tests in the summer, I stopped to admire few legendary places. "The jump of the yellow house" is an iconic place. Bit before it, there's a fifth/sixth gear right hander that comes over a small stream and there are guardrails there. Just about three hundred meters after that place there's a long, bit slower right hander where Lindholm and Pons have crashed. I always remember those places, don't know why though. :) Plus many more.

On a legendary stage called Juupajoki there are few places too. "Kosti's corner", a tight left over a crest where Kosti Katajamäki had a huge roll in a national rally. In WRC, Stohl rolled his Xsara there. Juupajoki also has this very slow corner where there is a barn's roof (yes, a roof, it's difficult to explain) very close to the road. I guess I could continue the list on and on for other stages too. Ruuhimäki's jumps, Myhinpää's triple jump, Leustu's "the jump of Novikov" aka Visala jump, Harju's legendary city stage, Urria jump/drop and the subsequent flat right over a jump (Mikko's absolute favourite), just to name few. :p

In Germany there's that big jump on Panzerplatte. Australia has (had) Bunnings jumps. The surprise jump on Punta Pianedda in Sardinia that caught many drivers back in 2008. For some reason I always regonize a place on Aghii Theodori, a very bad bump on an otherwise fast section. Oh, and the Mountain stage of Rally Norway as pointed out above. :)

Someone should write a book about the Finnish stages and all the places people have been off over the years. I would truely love to have such an amazing home rally. When the WRC regains a bit of its strength (and I have money) I definately plan to go again. I loved every minute in 2005.

Also as jumps go - honourable mention:
http://www.tac.bz/fotonot/Colin-FocusWRC-jump.JPG

[Tomi]

hander that comes over a small stream and there are guardrails there. Just about three hundred meters after that place there's a long, bit slower right hander where Lindholm and Pons have crashed. :)

I was there when basti vent off, very easy place to drive, maybe his toughts was at the yellow house already.

[Simmi]

I was there when basti vent off, very easy place to drive, maybe his toughts was at the yellow house already.

Was that the year when he was in the third 307?

[Tomi]

Was that the year when he was in the third 307?

yes same year, he could have saved it, but there was a stone in the ditch.

[sal]

The mountain top monastery at Kalambaka in Greece (Acropolis Rally) Iconic image with Ari in the Rothamns Escort on opposite lock with the monsatery in the back ground.

[SubaruNorway]

Not sure what part, but I think this stage really "is" Rally Norway

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOd4OGQaMFQ

I've driven The Mountain stage in both winter and summer, pretty awesome indeed. I had a old woman sunbathing at 55sec yelling at me for some reason :p

And here it is from the start with Henning


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5pAAc7Zfmc

[Rally Power]

One that springs to mind is in Portugal - a tarmac run up to a hairpin right onto gravel which always had thousands of spectators on the hillside.

...

That hairpin it's called "confurco", and was part of the "Fafe-Lameirinha" stage, from witch also were the jumps you've mention.

Fafe, Arganil und previously Sintra were pilgrimage sites that Portuguese rally fans visited each year with enormous passion (sometimes a little to much…!). Almost everybody took a vacation week to follow the course, crossing up and down the north countryside.

Sadly, in order to cope with FIA directives, the new “Rali de Portugal” was relegated to a distant area (Algarve) from those iconic places, but we must admit that the south region also has great rally locations and year after year more and more fans joins it, restoring the “old” rally popular character!

[Simmi]

That hairpin it's called "confurco", and was part of the "Fafe-Lameirinha" stage, from witch also were the jumps you've mention.

Fafe, Arganil und previously Sintra were pilgrimage sites that Portuguese rally fans visited each year with enormous passion (sometimes a little to much…!). Almost everybody took a vacation week to follow the course, crossing up and down the north countryside.

Sadly, in order to cope with FIA directives, the new “Rali de Portugal” was relegated to a distant area (Algarve) from those iconic places, but we must admit that the south region also has great rally locations and year after year more and more fans joins it, restoring the “old” rally popular character!

Thank you Rally Power. I wonder in its hey day how many millions followed the rally. Great passion.

[grugsticles]

McRae in 1997? over the Bunnings jumps.
Thats what WRC is about!

[Josti]

In Germany there's that big jump on Panzerplatte.

"Dikke Bertha"!

Or "Big Bertha" in English, I guess. Mostly remember this from the ERC days with Kremer and Kahle, but indeed it was featured on the WRC stage too.

[Josti]

Thank you Rally Power. I wonder in its hey day how many millions followed the rally. Great passion.

Röhrl on the '85 event is still a mindblowing onboard. Bit odd they mixed it up with incorrect outside footage, but oh well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyVHj3sHVHQ

[Simmi]

McRae in 1997? over the Bunnings jumps.
Thats what WRC is about!

That would be first pick for my rally montage. Loved the in-car comments after the stage too.

[Rally Power]

Confurco at it best time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjYq_Dj31Ms

Still used in national series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InAs6eQzbFM

[anstis]

the safari rally (and 2 very dedicated fans):

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1352/532200609_369b5029cd_o.jpg

http://www.pistonheads.com/pics/news/20158/tn_Toy93Safari-L.jpg

[TheFlyingTuga]

Well, I now that it's not from WRC, but you have the final hairpins in the stage Rosario of Madeira Wine Rally!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3SapcQSebo
(Rosario begins in 1.31)

BTW, Madeira rally is one of the most beautifull rally's I ever seen! the best I seen live for shore!

Cheers

[Simmi]

Confurco at it best time: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjYq_Dj31Ms


That almost brings a tear to your eye. Only ten years ago - main European rallies had easily over 30+ WRC's. Plus good F2 under class. Such great support.

[bluuford]

My points are going to Argentina. Two most amazing things are coming to my mind. 1. El Condor stage and 2. water splash just after the jump. Cannot find the video or picture right now. And if we go outside WRC then definitely Dakar passing Elephant rocks and cars passing huge sand dunes in Chile.

oo I found that Argentina:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qUq49TuV3A
look from 1:20
and that watersplash from 4 minutes.. huge crowds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ygHonwCVY&feature=PlayList&p=XT4Cr7xU3rs

[Juha_Koo]

Someone should write a book about the Finnish stages and all the places people have been off over the years.

Not a bad idea at all...! :)

I guess this is ok to this thread.

To name few legendary offs. Burns in 2000 after the flying finish in Juupajoki. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPNwDE3JxS4)I always remember the commentary "Metsä raikaa ja Jyrki Kemppaiselle tulee kiire." which would literally translate to something like "The sounds or crashing echo through the woods and Jyrki Kemppainen is in a hurry." The corner itself really isn't any special, Burns just had bit too much speed there.

Juupajoki again. Or a part of Juupajoki, a stage in the same area has used some parts of Juupajoki. SS was/is called Talviainen. In the beginning, you have this place called the "house yard corner" where the road goes through a yard area. The crest/corner combination is very deceptive, there's always been some action. Juha Kankkunen in 2002. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhnhktuGt50) In 2007, before rolling heavily in Kosti's corner, Stohl visited the ditch in this place too (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTd8gjAmO6I). In history, there is lots of action in this place.

The last 10 minutes of Juupajoki onboard with Atkinson. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qClSV8MUSg) (Kosti's corner 0:30, close call 1:55, barn 07:25)

Gardemeister's/Sordo's place in Ouninpohja is legendary. There's now both of their names written on that rock. :)

[Simmi]

My points are going to Argentina. Two most amazing things are coming to my mind. 1. El Condor stage and 2. water splash just after the jump. Cannot find the video or picture right now. And if we go outside WRC then definitely Dakar passing Elephant rocks and cars passing huge sand dunes in Chile.

oo I found that Argentina:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qUq49TuV3A
look from 1:20
and that watersplash from 4 minutes.. huge crowds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-ygHonwCVY&feature=PlayList&p=XT4Cr7xU3rs

Yep good shout. They should probably rename that Petter's splash. The guy jumping up and down after getting soaked is classic!

EDIT: I also remember one year Burnsy sliding out and hitting the bank on the fast left hander before the big splash. Might have been when he was fighting with Juha. Didn't slow him down much!

[Simmi]

Love the great local knowledge Juha_Koo!

Finland could be a thread all to itself.

[smokin'joe]

Whaanga coast at rally NZ
Mineshaft drop in Aussie

[bluuford]

We have forgot Safarai!
Full of very characteristic views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ail1aNZAwk4&feature=PlayList&p=405F27F1693F9379&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=31

[Sardalense]

There are also plenty of places I know and dont know the name of. When were they last used etc. One that springs to mind is in Portugal - a tarmac run up to a hairpin right onto gravel which always had thousands of spectators on the hillside.

You are talking about the Fafe/Lameirinha stage. The stage was introduced in 1984, and since then the last 7/8 km were always used by Rally of Portugal.

The junction that you refer was at km 12,90 of 99´s stage (I have the road book in front of me), the famous Fafe jump was at km 14.6.

The most famous version of that stage was introduced in 1996, and until 2001 its lenght was always around 15.1 km.

Nowadays the stage is used by Rally FCPorto, a round of the portuguese rally championship, and these year for the first time ever the direction was reversed.

The stage has now 21.93 and its surroundings are full of wind towers.

Some videos from Confurco (km 12.90 of Fafe/Lameirinha stage):
1999 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjYq_Dj31Ms
2007 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYAsZoKE6xo
2008 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoFCJM8yrq4
2009 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJpiD3qzSl0 (starts @ 4:33)

[sal]

Downhill hairpins coming out of the fortified town of Volterra in Tuscany.Used in mid 80s San Remo rallies. Sideways Lancia 037s sliding towards enthusiastic Italian fans.

[Simmi]

When I think of the 037 I always think of this hairpin for some reason. Probably because I dont think it was designed to go around a corner this tight. See 0.22 onwards from Corsica 1983. Funny to see all those 3-point turns!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RNG_Y5vRs0

[Sardalense]

When I think of the 037 I always think of this hairpin for some reason. Probably because I dont think it was designed to go around a corner this tight. See 0.22 onwards from Corsica 1983. Funny to see all those 3-point turns!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RNG_Y5vRs0

Here is the "Albitreccia Harpin":

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=41.86593,8.929669&spn=0.001914,0.005493&t=k&z=18

[Simmi]

Here is the "Albitreccia Harpin":

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=41.86593,8.929669&spn=0.001914,0.005493&t=k&z=18

Thanks that's cool to see it from above. Very tight corner.

This is turning into a good thread with all the photos and videos.

[wotaguy]

i forgot the mineshaft jump.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5IsbO_LLIs

i also wanted to add two irish stages Molls Gap and Knockalla, are special, Mcrae incrar on Molls is brilliant

[Josti]

Certaintly Simmi!

I'm curious about this well known corner/hairpin at the old Sanremo Rally. Had to do with some screenshots btw, but it pretty much covers every angle.

1985:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1992/voorb1u.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/voorb1u.jpg/)

1988:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6389/voorb2.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/voorb2.jpg/)

1996:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/6885/voorb3.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/voorb3.jpg/)

Where is this corner? what town? and is there any photo material of this corner nowadays?

[wotaguy]

just wanted to thank smoking joe for mentioning mineshaft , also found Macrae Molls Gap in car http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kli07_qcaOM(we drove it before road closed but not as fast !!!)

[Simmi]

I'm currently imagining what would happen if Novikov attempted the mineshaft! Might go something like this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWdPpHj07g0&NR=1&feature=fvwp

[wotaguy]

haha definatly)))
whats that road on the Monte, i think its used on the Antibes as well, sort of snakes around a mountain ? very twisty , i love that stage

[Simmi]

Cool Sanremo video I found. Has another famous jump (made famous by Colin) at 0.01. Also another great surface change hairpin at 0.17.

And finally all three works Subaru's through the corner Josti refers to from 1.23. The entry to the corner is what makes it I think. Spectacular.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDydS2ag4_s

[sal]

Think you will find those San Remo shots are as per my previous post....

[Josti]

Downhill hairpins coming out of the fortified town of Volterra in Tuscany.Used in mid 80s San Remo rallies. Sideways Lancia 037s sliding towards enthusiastic Italian fans.


Think you will find those San Remo shots are as per my previous post....

Jeez, oversaw that one. Thanks Sal!

But as you can see, the corner was used up until the last mixed surface San Remo in '96.

[sal]

Wasnt there for the rallies but have driven it as have friends who live locally!

[sal]

The mountain top monastery at Kalambaka in Greece (Acropolis Rally) Iconic image with Ari in the Rothamns Escort on opposite lock with the monsatery in the back ground.


http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/237312/Acropole80Vatanen.JPG

This is what I meant!

[Daniel]

Australia had Bunnings, Muresk and York Railway

[WRCfan]

Smokin joe has already mentioned the Whaanga Coast for us Kiwis. The dipping and dancing look the cars have on that stretch of road is fantastic.
However lets not forget the Motu, and Mangaturoto forest (sp).

Any photo where there is nothing but rolling green paddocks will = New Zealand.

[macksrallye]

Australia had Bunnings, Muresk and York Railway

& Murray Pines (Colin's crash in '99 was jump over junction then about 400m to a tight hairpin left up onto another road)

& Stirling Dam (Over crest downhill then uphill with a lefthander at the top where the log ran underneath road right on the junction, Burnsie rolled the Winfield Evo5 there while leading in I think 1998).

[Daniel]

& Murray Pines (Colin's crash in '99 was jump over junction then about 400m to a tight hairpin left up onto another road)

& Stirling Dam (Over crest downhill then uphill with a lefthander at the top where the log ran underneath road right on the junction, Burnsie rolled the Winfield Evo5 there while leading in I think 1998).
The ones I mentioned are far more iconic though and when people think of when they think of Australia. I still remember fondly standing at the media point near the end of York Railway where the cars get spat out of the corner inbetween the trees :)

[Rally Power]

http://images.forum-auto.com/mesimages/237312/Acropole80Vatanen.JPG

This is what I meant!

That one I've never forgot since my youth, but only today, with your precious information, I've looked for that place! An absolut must to be seen, even without rally cars!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHhhXExPJRM

[Simmi]

We have forgot Safarai!
Full of very characteristic views: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ail1aNZAwk4&feature=PlayList&p=405F27F1693F9379&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=31

Such a great video. This rally is just as classic and iconic as they come. I would feel instantly better about the WRC if they can get this event reinstated. It's been 7 long years without it. It needs to be included when the championship regains strength. I think if it was on next years calendar they would be lucky to get 30 entries.

For me the Castrol Celica's ploughing through the deep brown water is really something I will always remember. On a side note what an advertisement for a car that is. To have it really tested in the toughest conditions in the world. That is what rallying used to be.

[JFL]

Such a great video. This rally is just as classic and iconic as they come. I would feel instantly better about the WRC if they can get this event reinstated. It's been 7 long years without it. It needs to be included when the championship regains strength. I think if it was on next years calendar they would be lucky to get 30 entries.

For me the Castrol Celica's ploughing through the deep brown water is really something I will always remember. On a side note what an advertisement for a car that is. To have it really tested in the toughest conditions in the world. That is what rallying used to be.

Good thing that we all have different opinions.. I feel that a wrc car should go on fast surfaces, maybe with a few rocks and watersplashes, and leave the climbing over huge rocks, diving into a "lake", and climbing up steep tracks to the cars that are ment to do it..(dakar, offroad, +++)

[Simmi]

Good thing that we all have different opinions.. I feel that a wrc car should go on fast surfaces, maybe with a few rocks and watersplashes, and leave the climbing over huge rocks, diving into a "lake", and climbing up steep tracks to the cars that are ment to do it..(dakar, offroad, +++)

I know what you mean and yes, differing opinions are what makes us human.

But I would argue that the Safari was a once a year treat. A real test that offered something different for drivers and teams.

The really bad water such as in 1993 was a product of the rainy season coming early. In years since routes have been diverted due to huge amounts of water such as that. There are rough roads but it is a test of a driver that can pace himself and look after the car. It is a sign to me of a well rounded driver. And Safari's always throw up intrigue and random results which you cant say about most generic rallies these days. I think a modern Safari would be a more tame affair - but crucially still a test.

And as for your point about speed - I might be wrong but a lot of Safari rallies have had such long stretches and fast roads that the speeds there were higher than on any other round in the championship.

The only things against it IMO (apart from travel) is the broken parts and the one-off modifications to the cars. But like I said in my previous post if the WRC was in a better place hopefully in the future this would not be an issue.

I know Simon Long/ISC have the ambition to bring back the Safari sometime in the next decade. I hope they manage it.

[Daniel]

I know what you mean and yes, differing opinions are what makes us human.

But I would argue that the Safari was a once a year treat. A real test that offered something different for drivers and teams.

The really bad water such as in 1993 was a product of the rainy season coming early. In years since routes have been diverted due to huge amounts of water such as that. There are rough roads but it is a test of a driver that can pace himself and look after the car. It is a sign to me of a well rounded driver. And Safari's always throw up intrigue and random results which you cant say about most generic rallies these days. I think a modern Safari would be a more tame affair - but crucially still a test.

And as for your point about speed - I might be wrong but a lot of Safari rallies have had such long stretches and fast roads that the speeds there were higher than on any other round in the championship.

The only things against it IMO (apart from travel) is the broken parts and the one-off modifications to the cars. But like I said in my previous post if the WRC was in a better place hopefully in the future this would not be an issue.

I know Simon Long/ISC have the ambition to bring back the Safari sometime in the next decade. I hope they manage it.
I agree. The Safari was part of the WRC just like other events like Finland were.

[Priorat]

Les Clues d'Aiglun in Monte-Carlo (that narrow road in a mountain wall). The stage has had different names like Col de Bleine, etc...

[wotaguy]

thank you Priorat, yes thats it amazing road, am i right do they use it on the Antibes as well? i found this pic

[RallyCat909]

[quote="anstis"]the safari rally (and 2 very dedicated fans):

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1352/532200609_369b5029cd_o.jpg

I read somewhere that this particular pic was (forgive the pun) staged by Toyota as a publicity shot during testing that year. Nevertheless, it certainly is an iconic image of rallying.

[Langdale Forest]

The Safari would be my iconic rally backdrop.

[stepunk]

Certaintly Simmi!

I'm curious about this well known corner/hairpin at the old Sanremo Rally. Had to do with some screenshots btw, but it pretty much covers every angle.

1985:
http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/1992/voorb1u.jpg (http://img502.imageshack.us/i/voorb1u.jpg/)


Where is this corner? what town? and is there any photo material of this corner nowadays?

This corner is in the town of Chiusdino, Tuscany!

[ToughMac]

McRae in 1997? over the Bunnings jumps.
Thats what WRC is about!

Absolutely, will always remember Colins face when he finished the stage. The interviewer asked him had he done enough to beat Tommi and Colin's only reply was 'if he beats that he deserves it, thats all i can say', for me that has to be one of the highlights of the 1997 championship. Colin at a disadvantage sweeping the road ahead of Tommi on the final morning and under serious pressure as he had to win to keep his championship alive to bring a showdown on the next and final round, the RAC. Got a poster in 1998 of Colin going over the bunnings jumps out of the old motoring news (motorsport news) and have it up on the wall. It is still up there to-day and is a brilliant reminder of when our sport used to be great.

[6789]

Norway does look amazing.. Alittle different to the Australian rally, just paddocks lol