IRC Rally Internacional de Curitiba

[RS]

So on to round 2 then folks!

The entry lists for Brazil and Argentina look like they will be better than expected and better than IRCs previous attempts at going outside Europe (China, Japan, Safari)

So for Brazil so far we have confirmed:

Meeke (207)
Kopecky (Fabia)
Hanninen (Fabia)
Wilks (Fabia)
Magalhaes (207)

Any more?

[Mirek]

Oliveira (207) is confirmed also, Mikkelsen (Fiesta?) or Villagra (Fiesta) are possible. Don't know about Al Attiyah (Fiesta), if he starts in Brazil or later in Argentina only...

[pettersolberg29]

Mikkelsen will definately be there. He hasn't decided between Fiesta and Fabia yet though. He's deciding after Sweden.

[Barreis]

It's bad it won't be live show 'cos of time difference..

[Luis Pacheco]

Official website:
http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/?locale=en_US

[alleskids]

Al Attiyah will start in Argentina, Curtiba is at the same time as the S-WRC round in Mexico, were Al attiyah is present.

[RS]

When does the boat leave for Brazil?

Eager to see if Skoda will show us the new wider facelifted Fabia before sending it to South America :)

[Karbonyl]

Yes, the American mission should be the first showcase of Fabia S2000 E2.

[Luis Pacheco]

New superspecial stage for Curitiba

Competitors on Rally Internacional de Curitiba are set for a spectacular finish to the Intercontinental Rally Challenge event when the series resumes in Brazil next month.

A new 3.38-kilometre superspecial stage is being built close to the Autodromo Internacional de Curitiba where the gravel rally will be based from 4-6 March. It will mark the 15th and final stage of the event, round two of the IRC.

Crews will tackle the stage in pairs and organisers hope that up to 15,000 spectators will turn up to watch.
Event promoter Marcos Marcola said: "There will be a bridge with a crossing point so we can have two cars side by side. The stage is close to the city of Curitiba and close to the service park so we hope it will make it easy for the fans to go and see. Everybody likes this kind of show and I think it will be very exciting for the rally and for the drivers."

IRC Press

[bluuford]

When does the boat leave for Brazil?

Eager to see if Skoda will show us the new wider facelifted Fabia before sending it to South America :)

it takes approximately 15 days (+ few days for possible delays) for ship to reach from Netherlands to Curtiba region. One day for loading and one for unloading one day for customs. So, the ship should leave in next few days if it is not left already or if it is not superfast ferry or if it is not leaving from Portugal.

[alleskids]

The WTCC boat left on 2 februari.

[VFTS]

Mikkelsen will definately be there. He hasn't decided between Fiesta and Fabia yet though. He's deciding after Sweden.

Sorry, but he will not start in Brazil.

[pettersolberg29]

How come? Has there been a change of plan? His manager Erik told me about 3 weeks ago directly he would be at Brazil and Argentina .

[Luis Pacheco]

Entry list so far:

http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/inscritos/

[ProRally]

Entry list so far:

http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/inscritos/

Pretty weak.....

[RS]

Pretty weak.....

Some more strong entries would be nice but I think that what is listed is all we can hope for.

Nevertheless it should be a good rally. Last year it was a nice event and I think all 5 of the European S2000 boys could fight for the win here.

[Mirek]

Pretty weak.....

There's 23 days to the closing date left.

[Tom206wrc]

Rafael Tulio winner of the 2009 Copa Peugeot will also drive a 207 S2000 at Curitiba :)

[Mirek]

He is entered with 2WD 207.

[Tom206wrc]

It seems the writer of the article I found had confusion between the two kinds of 207s :mark:

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Curitiba http://bit.ly/PAj5J

[kalkmann]

Follow from Wednesday (03/03) until Saturday (06/03) the live coverage of the Rally Internacional de Curitiba on Portal MundoRally:

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index.php/Cobertura-Rally-Internacional-de-Curitiba-Quarta/

- Real-time information
- Photos
- Video interviews
- Stage videos
- Live video from Service Park
- Live timing
- Maps

[Burak]

terrible entry list. :(

[RS]

terrible entry list. :(

It's not large but I'm still very much looking forward to the rally. I'm not too sure of what to expect from Oliveira, but I expect all of the other 5 S2000 drivers to be able to win stages.

Should be a good watch too, the stages in Brazil are nice.

[RS]

Couple of questions:

- What is the time difference from Curitiba to central Europe?

- "Prologue stage" Super Prime Pinhais (3.38kms), looks like a superspecial stage that is not part of the main rally, but will run as the final stage as well. On Thursday is this stage a shakedown and/or being used to decide running order like they did on Monte?

[Tom206wrc]

No pics yet ???? :confused:

[Sulland]

Couple of questions:

- What is the time difference from Curitiba to central Europe?


http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/city.html?n=483

[noel157]

Couple of questions:

- What is the time difference from Curitiba to central Europe?

- "Prologue stage" Super Prime Pinhais (3.38kms), looks like a superspecial stage that is not part of the main rally, but will run as the final stage as well. On Thursday is this stage a shakedown and/or being used to decide running order like they did on Monte?

It'll be used to decide running order, fastest will start 10th, same as RMC.
SD? Would imagine so.

[RS]

It'll be used to decide running order, fastest will start 10th, same as RMC.
SD? Would imagine so.

That's good. It will give a little show to the spectators on Thursday night and it means that the stage times on Friday should not be affected too much for the leading crews, giving us a nice clear picture compared to the usual nonsense we have to put up with on gravel rallies!

[Luis Pacheco]

No pics yet ???? :confused:

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index.php?option=com_ponygallery&Itemid=123&func=viewcategory&catid=429

[Mirek]

Thanks, Skoda probably with Monte cars (according to the number plate on disassembled bumper) and Meeke with car of Yazeed Al Rahji.

[RS]

So Skoda didn't take the new car to South America after all...

[Tom206wrc]

]Thanks, Skoda probably with Monte cars (according to the number plate on disassembled bumper) and Meeke with car of Yazeed Al Rahji.


But Al Rajhi will run Rally Kuwait the same w-e :confused:

[Mirek]

He use two cars.

[RICARDO75]

Brazilian Rafael Tulio, switch to Volkswagen from Promacchina Team.
Rafael was invited by Maurício Neves (also driver and team boss of Promacchini), to race on is team in Rally Curitiba and in the rest of brazilian championship

[PLuto]

Brazilian Rafael Tulio, switch to Volkswagen from Promacchina Team.
Rafael was invited by Maurício Neves (also driver and team boss of Promacchini), to race on is team in Rally Curitiba and in the rest of brazilian championship

So no IRC?

[RICARDO75]

The Vw is just on the brazilian championship and in Curitiba.
He wil drive is Peugeot on Argentina and on the European rounds, should be with another 207.

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index2.php?option=com_ponygallery&func=watermark&id=17004&orig=0&no_html=1&Itemid=123

[PLuto]

Ok

[RS]

Here is how the running order system will actually work: http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=1557

Will the prologue stage be covered with live timing?

[jbmarcus21]

IRC Curitiba Brasil - Program, Mobile Live Results, Google Earth Map : http://bit.ly/ajERjo

[PLuto]

Here is how the running order system will actually work: http://www.ircseries.com/html/readNews.asp?id=1557

Will the prologue stage be covered with live timing?

I expect prologue will be with live timing...

[PLuto]

Official results here: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba

[Sulland]

Will you publish the shakedown times as well ? It has been going on for 1,5 hrs now.

Will they come online anywhere ?

[PLuto]

In online shakedown times I dont believe ;)

[Luis Pacheco]

The Shakedwon was canceled.

Organization problems (no ambulance, no doctors, no firemans :confused: )

[Luis Pacheco]

The prologue is also in doubt. Machines work on the track battered by rain and the organization will decide today if will carry on or not.

[Pinto]

is there IRC radio for this round ????

[Mirek]

Yes, there is Peugeot UK radio, You can find it on official website: http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/?locale=en_US

[Tom206wrc]

The prologue is also in doubt. Machines work on the track battered by rain and the organization will decide today if will carry on or not.


I hope tomorrow stages will run properly with NO CANCELLATION :mark:

[Pinto]

]Yes, there is Peugeot UK radio, You can find it on official website: http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/?locale=en_US

cheers Mirek

[RICARDO75]

Despite the delay on the part of security teams, the shakedown took place with some pilots, including some S2000

[noel157]

Think most got a run including Meeke and the Skodas:

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index.php?option=com_ponygallery&func=viewcategory&catid=433&startpage=1&Itemid=123#category#category

[darkstar]

i would realy love to know some shakedown times... :(

[Luis Pacheco]

Thr promotion start is delayed because of heavy rain.

[dimviii]

http://www.rallybuzz.com/rally-brazil-shakedown-clip/

[PLuto]

Please, take it as absolutely unofficial info: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/30all.php

[Salist]

Please, take it as absolutely unofficial info: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/30all.php

What happend Meeke...no times.

[PLuto]

I think he wasnt starting on shakedown.

[Tom206wrc]

Please, take it as absolutely unofficial info: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/30all.php

But no time for Meeke :confused:


Edit: OK...

[Luis Pacheco]

The prologue was canceled. The track is full of water.

[Luis Pacheco]

What else will happen...

During the passage of cars on the ramp start in the center of Curitiba, there was a great move because of a threat followed a bomb blast at the Public Library (the building had been evacuated) from the city. The police and bomb squad blocked the access and competitors were scared.

[RS]

Oh, what a chaotic start to this rally!

It now means the Skoda crews will have to sweep on leg one. Hopefully it will not make too much difference if the stages are damp.

Hope there are no stage cancellations tomorrow!

[PLuto]

Please, take it as absolutely unofficial info: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/30all.php

I have put it to new address: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/shakedown.php

[Mirek]

Meeke was on shake, don't know if he started though...

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index2.php?option=com_ponygallery&func=watermark&id=17126&orig=0&no_html=1&Itemid=123

[Mirek]

It now means the Skoda crews will have to sweep on leg one. Hopefully it will not make too much difference if the stages are damp.

If it's wet it might be better to drive first ;)

[Sulland]

The top teams are all running on BFG, not sure what the 2 remaining 207s are running - but choice of rubber will have a role to play.
http://live.bfgoodrich.com/IRC_2010_R2/entgb.php

[noel157]

]Meeke was on shake, don't know if he started though...

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index2.php?option=com_ponygallery&func=watermark&id=17126&orig=0&no_html=1&Itemid=123

No he didn't do SD. Think it was delayed for so long he did something else.

[RICARDO75]

The security teams take 2h to get in the shakedown.
Kris Meeke didn't stay there. He was hoping the test the car in the Super Prime, that was canceled

[Luis Pacheco]

The first stage is underway at the moment.

I´m having problems to listen the rally radio uk.

[hari]

I´m having problems to listen the rally radio uk.

Do you have a link to the radio, I can't find it.

[Luis Pacheco]

http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/?locale=en_US

[Mirek]

Doesn't work to me though :(

[Sulland]

http://www.rallydecuritiba.com.br/?locale=en_US

Or; http://www.peugeot.co.uk/about-peugeot/sport/rally/rally-radio/

[Tom206wrc]

News SS1 :confused:

[noel157]

Or; http://www.peugeot.co.uk/about-peugeot/sport/rally/rally-radio/


Is is working? Can't hear a thing in Chrome or IE.

[Luis Pacheco]

No rally radio this time, i think.

They are the same of rally radio wrc, aren´t they?

[Sulland]

11 out on stage: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/1irc.php

[Sulland]

No rally radio this time, i think.

They are the same of rally radio wrc, aren´t they?

Good point, yes they are !!! ;)

[Ondra WRC]

11 out on stage: http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/1irc.php

what? :eek:

[Tom206wrc]

Problem with timing, Oliveira has his results but no one in front of him :mark:

[RS]

Maybe we'll get radio for Argentina...

[noel157]

Wilks fastest by 6 secs, just Meeke's time to come.
Hanninen lost a bucket load of time.

[RICARDO75]

Wilks faster and Hanninen lost more than 1 minute

[Mirek]

Those times look very strange but maybe Hänninen did some mistake...

[Buzz Lightyear]

Meeke faster and Hanninen lost more than 1 minute

where is meeke?

[Tom206wrc]

No Meeke ??? :rolleyes:

[Luis Pacheco]

Bad time for Hanninen.

[Buzz Lightyear]

where is meeke?

Excellent from Meeke!!

[noel157]

Meeke fastest by 0.6.

[RS]

Meeke through, fastest.

[noel157]

]Those times look very strange but maybe Hänninen did some mistake...

Think he had to have had a minor off or something.

[RS]

Meeke fastest by 0.6.

Per km!

[RICARDO75]

11,4s faster

[Tom206wrc]

Go Meeke beat Skoda :bounce:

[Sulland]

No info on Hanninen; spin, damage, tyres ???

[Luis Pacheco]

I´m listening the oficial rally radio from curitiba but I only listen music... :mad:

[Buzz Lightyear]

Got Meeke's text service just now. Hanninen rear puncture.

[Sulland]

Go Meeke beat Skoda :bounce:

:hot:

[noel157]

11,4s faster


Can't read!!! Fastest by 11.4, way to go.

[noel157]

Per km!

Ooops, canny read.

[noel157]

Rally radio just came on.

http://www.peugeot.co.uk/about-peugeot/sport/rally/rally-radio/

[RICARDO75]

something happened?
times stopped a few minutes ago

[RICARDO75]

Paulo Nobre stop on stage

[Luis Pacheco]

Stage 2 is underway.

[RICARDO75]

3 cars rolled on stage 1

[Sulland]

Radio and results are not in sync ?

3 completed stage, hanninen fastest so far

[Mirek]

Are You guys having problems with radio? It works for few seconds, than stops, than works again to me...

Anyway SS2 so far Hänninen, Wilks +0,2, Kopecký +5

[RICARDO75]

Yes.
Radio is not working well

[Mirek]

Meeke fastest by 1,4 sec.

[Luis Pacheco]

Rally radio is only giving music. They are all at Mexico.

[noel157]

]Are You guys having problems with radio? It works for few seconds, than stops, than works again to me...

Anyway SS2 so far Hänninen, Wilks +0,2, Kopecký +5

Yep, stop / starting, off as I type.

[Buzz Lightyear]

Meeke's Blog give times for SS2 already?!
http://blog.krismeeke.com/2010/03/ss2-4/

[Mirek]

They are same as they said on the radio ;)

[Buzz Lightyear]

]They are same as they said on the radio ;)

ah ok! no radio for me.

[Mirek]

I already gave up with the radio also :D

[Luis Pacheco]

To much time with the times from stage 2!

[noel157]

Meeke's Blog give times for SS2 already?!
http://blog.krismeeke.com/2010/03/ss2-4/

Kris's brother was at the end of the stage with his iPhone.

[Sulland]

seems like the organizers are struggeling to get times out ??

[RS]

Bad Brazillian internet connections causing radio and results problems?

Meeke going extremely well, Wilks also impressive. Unless the others have problems Hanninen is out of the running for the win already.

[Luis Pacheco]

I give up. I have to go lunch.

[Mirek]

Now! Times from SS2 started comming from the organization :D

[Tom206wrc]

Difficult live timing :mark:

Is Brazil a wilderness ???? :p :

[RICARDO75]

Meeke faster on stage 3 again

[Mirek]

Meeke again clearly fastest on SS3.

[Luis Pacheco]

Like Monte Carlo, Magalhães is again out of pace.

[RS]

Like Monte Carlo, Magalhães is again out of pace.

I really rate Magalhaes, but I guess he is struggling with this wet surface. I think he would be much faster if it were dry.

I was expecting a bit more from Hanninen. Meeke is dominating so far.

[Wim_Impreza]

Still this rally is clearly much more interesting then Mexico.

[Luis Pacheco]

The pace of Magalhães is not a suprise for me. Is running what I expect since the start. Many people expected much from him in Brazil. Some even expected a great result or well ahead from Wilks. Wilks is flying!

[RS]

Still this rally is clearly much more interesting then Mexico.

Yes. Partly because of the wet surface the running order is not such an issue (and if it was dry at least they tried something to fix the issue in Brazil)

As somebody said on the WRC forum "in Mexico, we have 2 days of tactics and one day of rallying"

It is hard work being a rally fan this weekend, I have 2 laptops going and about six IE windows running :D

[Krigen]

Still this rally is clearly much more interesting then Mexico.

øhhh

[darkstar]

where´s meekes time?

edit: there it is...puh ;)

[Luis Pacheco]

It is hard work being a rally fan this weekend, I have 2 laptops going and about six IE windows running :D

What are you complaining about? I have one more rallye to follow! The portuguese championship starts this evening! :D

[RS]

He's through. Fastest again.

[Buzz Lightyear]

I really rate Magalhaes, but I guess he is struggling with this wet surface. I think he would be much faster if it were dry.

I was expecting a bit more from Hanninen. Meeke is dominating so far.

Magalhaes is only super quick on his home ground.

[Luis Pacheco]

But not fast enough to win also at home. Was close last year in Madeira...

[RS]

But not fast enough to win also at home. Was close last year in Madeira...

But there are some superfast tarmac drivers in IRC.

Most drivers are quicker on their home events until they have some international experience.

Bruno is doing the right thing to be driving in IRC to develop himself as a driver insead of staying at home to win more titles. Maybe with the practice of being up against these guys every event he will have a bit extra for Madeira this year?

[PLuto]

Yes, problem for Magalhaes was that he was doing only home events. He needs improve, he needs more experiences abroad.

[Luis Pacheco]

He don´t have competitive pace, i agread. And in Ypres and Barum the decalage will be even greater.

[RS]

He don´t have competitive pace, i agread. And in Ypres and Barum the decalage will be even greater.

So you don't rate him?

I thought he had things pretty easy at home. From what I have seen he is much much better than Sousa for example.

[Luis Pacheco]

We cannot make comparisons between Sousa and Magalhães. The first is still young, makes many mistakes, and is not a constant presence in the portuguese championship.

Like I said the portuguese drivers don´t have much competitive pace. Look what happen to Armindo. Only at the third year he won the championship whit only a rally win so far.

[RS]

We cannot make comparisons between Sousa and Magalhães. The first is still young, makes many mistakes, and is not a constant presence in the portuguese championship.

Like I said the portuguese drivers don´t have much competitive pace. Look what happen to Armindo. Only at the third year he won the championship whit only a rally win so far.

But Sousa has been on the international scene for a few years now. Last year he did a couple of events in IRC (ok, it was in a Punto) and he was a looonnggg way off the pace.

I'm not arguing, because I am sure you know a lot more about the Portuguese rally scene than I do, but I am interested to hear your opinions :)

[Luis Pacheco]

Many portuguese fans placed high hopes in Magalhães. Much in the style of what happened with Armindo Araujo at the start in the PWRC. Araújo won several times the portuguese championship and by wide margin over the other competitors. He even won with 2WD cars against 4x4 cars. He was nicknamed alien and many predict international wins easy like in Portugal. But the reality was very different. I´m not telling that Magalhães or Armindo are bad drivers. Only the lack of pace is very evident in Magalhães like it was with Armindo three years ago. Sousa is a fast driver but makes many mistakes. Let´s give time to the boy...

[RICARDO75]

Brake problems for Oswaldo Sheer. He will be back tomorrow

[John V]

But still I think that Magalhaes can play a good role on tarmac. To be honest, I was impressed by his performance on Monte, without major mistakes. Spoke to him several times during event, he tried to clean run and was really happy at the end of rally.

[RICARDO75]

Bruno said he will make changes to the setup and spent a long time without driving in gravel.
He also driving a car from 2007...

[Luis Pacheco]

:)

[Sulland]

Meeke seems to be in control after 4 ss's. Wilks also running well !

[Wittmanello]

Wow look at the average speed on those 2 stages over 130 kph!!!
This will be the fastest stage without doubt this year in the IRC...

[RS]

Wow look at the average speed on those 2 stages over 130 kph!!!
This will be the fastest stage without doubt this year in the IRC...

Wish you were there Franz? :)

[Wittmanello]

Wish you were there Franz? :)
I wished I would be there too

[RS]

On to the afternoon stages in 50 minutes time. Looks like Meeke has this one under control really, unless he hits problems.

After recovering from his puncture, I expected a little more from Hanninen. Maybe he will make some changes in service and run better this afternoon?

[Luis Pacheco]

Rally radio is now on.

[dimviii]

Seems that Meeke is going to have? an easy weekend

[PLuto]

SS 5 started

[RS]

This is the fast stage, maybe even faster this time through.

[Mirek]

138,64 km/h!

[dimviii]

This is the fast stage, maybe even faster this time through.

138,64 average for Juho :eek:

[RS]

SS6 live.

Juho says he isn't going to give up. It makes sense for him to keep pushing I guess so he is ready to pounce if the others hit problems.

[bluuford]

It seems that first on the road does not help him either.

[RS]

And the third run through this stage Juho is quicker than the best times from the previous 2 runs.

[RS]

Wilks quickest so far!

[dimviii]

Again Meeke!!

[atsiotras79]

last year in SS2 Meeke reached 144km/h average speed and on SS6 reached 146,6 km/h!

[RS]

The gaps on the individual stages are not huge but Meeke is just so consistent.

On fast gravel stages I really expected Hanninen to have an advanage, so I suppose this shows how good the drivers at the top of IRC are. Meeke, Wilks and even Kopecky are not separated by that much.

[noel157]

Rally radio is now on.


And now off :(

[Mirek]

No, it works, Noel. Now Kopecký online from SS finish.

[polo10]

What happened with bruno magalhaes?

[Mirek]

He is there without major problems.

Meeke's hard tyres were definitely good choice.

[noel157]

]No, it works, Noel. Now Kopecký online from SS finish.

Got it back, changed browsers. Thanks Mirek.

[polo10]

]He is there without major problems.

Meeke's hard tyres were definitely good choice.

Ok i see now, he was not appearin here in my net, net problems...i expected a litlle more from him, he is too far from the others...meeke is doing a very good rally, but he is yhe only one who made the rally before, that is an advantage

[dimviii]

where is Wilks :confused:

[Ondra WRC]

Wilks has problems? :confused:

[dimviii]

Nobody knows any about Wilks? :confused:

[polo10]

and bruno...again net problems???????????

[Mirek]

Be patient, it's probably only missing time.

[Francis44]

Sorry, but WRC Mexico is being way more interesting.

Meeke is already pulling away, and in the WRC event the fight is close on the top 5.

[Luis Pacheco]

Some nice jumps at high speed.

http://www.mundorally.com.br/index.php/Cobertura-Rally-Internacional-de-Curitiba-Sexta/

[RS]

Sorry, but WRC Mexico is being way more interesting.

Meeke is already pulling away, and in the WRC event the fight is close on the top 5.

Mexico actually is interesting, makes a refreshing change for WRC :D

I didn't expect Meeke to have it so easy here. Maybe he won't in Argentina....

[Mirek]

The big mess with delayed results also doesn't make it better in Brazil...

[RS]

I shall probably enjoy watching Brazil more on the tv this evening though, with the S2000 cars on these nice fast stages :)

[noel157]

O/A after day one:


1 Meeke 49.17.2
2 Wilks + 34.1
3 Kopecky + 1.00.1
4 Hanninen + 1.42.7

[pejda]

Some pictures from Brazil can be found here (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=959&fotograf=2&all=1).

[Mirek]

For those who missed Eurosport report, watch videos here:

http://videos.eurosport.com/irc/meeke-in-charge_vid128659/irc-player.shtml

[PLuto]

Starting list into day 2 (http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/2etapa.php)

[RS]

Starting list into day 2 (http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/2etapa.php)

Thanks.

Anyone know what the conditions are like out there?

Maybe the Skodas can close up a little on Meeke today if he has to sweep the roads.

[noel157]

Thanks.

Anyone know what the conditions are like out there?

Maybe the Skodas can close up a little on Meeke today if he has to sweep the roads.

Apparently 80% chance of rain but they also said that yesterday and it didn't happen. No idea if it rained overnight so hard to know what the stages are like.
Humidity is 94% at the moment so that might mean rain at some stage.

[Luis Pacheco]

Watching yesterday Eurosport report I get the impression of more spectators this year on the stages.

[Luis Pacheco]

The last stage, the super special Pinhais will not count for the classification. And they not no if the stage will be in conditions to be run even.

[Mirek]

Colin said on the radio that it was raining during the night and that stages are leading through rain forrests today.

[Mirek]

SS9 canceled because of flooded road.

[RS]

]SS9 canceled because of flooded road.

Shame, I presume that means SS12 is cancelled too? :(

[noel157]

Shame, I presume that means SS12 is cancelled too? :(

They'll check SS12 in an hour. Unlikely to run I'd say.

[Luis Pacheco]

Kopecky and Meeke had a puncture on stage 8.

In the same stage some spectators put a barrier with stones and rocks in the middle of the road after a jump.

[Barreis]

They were just joking.. xd

[RS]

Some great photos from Brazil here: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=959&fotograf=2&all=1

[noel157]

Was out for while, anybody hear if SS12 is on or off?

[noel157]

Day one Peugeot podcast, no Bex, Greg Strange instead:

http://blog.krismeeke.com/2010/03/day-one-podcast/

[Mirek]

It seems that there are some sabotages against the rally. On SS8 there was a stone wall on the road and now on SS11 later crews report fallen pole and tree near the finish.

[Luis Pacheco]

Again problems with the spectators. Now in the final of the stage the drivers found a tree and an electric post blocking the road. :rolleyes:

[Luis Pacheco]

Mirek was fasten then me! :D

[Mirek]

Now thy changed the info that the pole was hit by car No.42...

[RS]

SS12 is cancelled so only 2 more to go, 13&14.

[anto-t]

Why are there protests? Is it because the roads are closed or are they green ers?

[RS]

Only one stage to go. Should be fairly easy for everyone to hold positions, although it is a longer stage.

[noel157]

Well done, Ireland's finest wins again. Great rally.

[RS]

Kris has won it. Congratulations for a flawless drive.

Decent result for Skoda for them to head both championships now, but hopefully the first win of 2010 will come soon :)

Must say this rally was a little boring to follow, partly because of Hanninen's day one puncture and a bit of a weak entry list. Not normally a criticsm for IRC.

Argentina should be better!

[noel157]

Agree, Argentina will be very interesting and a very good result from Wilks today.

[dimviii]

Congrats to Meeke!!
seems same way as last year! :D

[Mirek]

Complete times from last stage are finally online. Local timing provider Chronosat had some server problems...

http://irc-results.com/2010/irc/curitiba/14all.php

[Micke_VOC]

Meeke deserves a drive in wrc...

[bluuford]

I think it classified to the most boring IRC event ever position. Well I didn't follow Safari last year, so I leave it out. Now there is only one way. To improve!

[Buzz Lightyear]

I think it classified to the most boring IRC event ever position. Well I didn't follow Safari last year, so I leave it out. Now there is only one way. To improve!

I think Curibita doesnt really work. Its a very undescript city with no history, or hertiage to rallying. argentina will be much better.

[RS]

I think Curibita doesnt really work. Its a very undescript city with no history, or hertiage to rallying.

I don't agree. The stages and scenery are really nice and quite unique.

The biggest problem is that it is logistically difficult for the European privateer crews with maybe only one car, and that the local scene is not so strong - that is what will make the difference in Argentina.

I've just watched the day 2 highlights on Eurosport, much better programme than yesterday with some really nice footage :up:

[bluuford]

Yeah, agree! Second day was much better on TV. First day was so bad that I almost fell in sleep again when I tried to watch it for second time (first time I managed to stay awake only about 5 minutes):-)

[gravelman]

Kris Meeke to introduce a new Alpinestars racesuit for the rest of his IRC campaign. The new suit will feature new larger pockets, with holes for improved ventilation for the breathing requirements of Guy Wilks.

[RS]

Kris Meeke to introduce a new Alpinestars racesuit for the rest of his IRC campaign. The new suit will feature new larger pockets, with holes for improved ventilation for the breathing requirements of Guy Wilks.

Cruel! Kris drove great but so did Guy.

[Barreis]

I agree..

[pettersolberg29]

I didn't follow this rally as Mexico consumed me, but hats off to Wilks. I didn't think he had it in him to dominate Kopecky, and stay on the road. Great drive by him

[Allyc85]

Brilliant win by Meeke and its so good to see Wilks show how good he really is after a difficult Monte!

[Barreis]

Bad coverage for IRC Curitiba right now on Eurosport.. xd

[Mirek]

Nice video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozVN2159QM

[HaCo]

The Polo in the video, which class was that?

[Mirek]

It was VW Gol in class A6.

[RS]

]Nice video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mozVN2159QM

Great link, thanks!

Looks like professional footage for a local station, better than some of the stuff Eurosport showed!

I love how these S2000s cars handle on gravel too.

[Barreis]

Meeke sideways jump at high speed was great to watch..

[Alceu Nascimento]

Hey guys,
I read some complains about the event and how dull it was.
That's really not true.
Curitiba has a great tradition in brazilian rally.
This rally dates back to the 80's.
It used to be the best rally in south america. The original format was 3 day event, starting with some night stages in the sea shore, followed by an 20km up hill stage in very slippery a cobblestone road, climbing almost 3.000 feet with lots of hairpins.
Sadly, environmental state agency banned the rally 'cause it COULD harm the animals mating habits (what a joke, right?).
Well, after this the organizers shortened the event for two, only around Curitiba country side.
Even though, rally in Curitiba still hot. The host the WV factory team for years with a Ibiza Kit Car and know they are back with A6 cars. Besides, we have several private teams, two of them the biggest in the country with excellent drivers, like Rafael Tulio and Maurício Neves (drove a Touareg las Dakar).
The only factory team is not here in Curitiba is GM.
As for the event itself, I heard from Meeke mouth, right after the first day in 2009, that this was the best rally he even ran. I asked if it was like Finland. He said it was like Finland if ten times more grip.
The stages are short, but they are fast and challenging, really. You can see by the average speed of the S2000.
If we don't have a huge grid with 4x4 it's an economic problem with tha country, and not the lack of enthusiasm or skill of the drivers ands teams.
Last year, our event was considered the best of the season, perfect organization. Right, we have some flaws this year, but we try the best and we will try to don't make the same mistakes next year.
We hope the IRC is coming for good.
I'd like to invite you guys to plan a vacation to match our event and see a great race and a great city.
As the problems with the rocks, yes, we have some problems with one or two guys who have their weekend cottage and think they don't need to wait an hour to go out, just because some silly guys are racing in their front yard. Sadly, but some guys don't like cars ! They probably had dolls when they were kids.
Try to check some footage on youtube, you will find nice pieces. Try "Tulio Valandro on board" "Maurício Neves", etc.

Regards,

Alceu Nascimento
Zettel Sports - co-driver

[RS]

Hello Alceu,

I don't think the complaints here were related to the event itself. In my opinion the road & scenery are very nice.

I think it was only preceived as boring because there weren't too many battles at the front, due to Hanninen's puncture and not very many S2000 cars visiting from Europe.

I think Curitiba deserves it's place in IRC and sharing a boat with the WTCC crews is a good idea to keep costs down.

[bluuford]

Hello Alceu,

I don't think the complaints here were related to the event itself. In my opinion the road & scenery are very nice.

I think it was only preceived as boring because there weren't too many battles at the front, due to Hanninen's puncture and not very many S2000 cars visiting from Europe.

I think Curitiba deserves it's place in IRC and sharing a boat with the WTCC crews is a good idea to keep costs down.

I think the biggest failure was Eurosport who was not able to show us this great event properly. Always when they try to put WTCC and IRC on the same weekend on the same country it is bad for IRC (I have noticed). Recenlty I have been little bit dissapointed in Eurosport coverage in general. they try to show too many things and at the end everything is like semi nice :-(