2010 IRC Rally Argentina

[RS]

Ok, so with Argentina only two weeks after Brazil, it's about time we started a thread for that event too.

According to the info here, the event will start with a spectator stage through the streets of Carlos Paz: http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=1541

S2000 entries for Argentina should be:

Meeke (207)
Magalhaes (207)
Oliveira (207)
Hanninen (Fabia)
Kopecky (Fabia)
Wilks (Fabia)
Al-Attiyah (Fabia)
Villagra (Fiesta)

Any big ones to add? Hoping to see Pozzo and Ligato too, but I suppose they will be in normal N4 cars?

[ZequeArgentina]

Pozzo will be there with Subaru N4, Ligato with Lancer Evo X.

Other quick drivers will be:
Menzi (Subaru)
Cancio (Evo X)
Madero (Evo X)
Marchetto (Evo X)
Bernardi (Evo X)

But no chance with the S2000.
I do nto know if Villagra has any test with the Fiesta prior to the rally, if not, difficutl to see him doing great.

[AndyRAC]

Personally, I think the decision not to run El Condor and only have 2 day Rally is a mistake. But I do wish the organisers well.

[RS]

Right, on to Argentina!

Should be a bit more entertaining than Brazil with the addition of Al Attiyah and Villagra in S2000s, plus Ligato & Pozzo in the normal N4 cars. If the stages are high altitude like in Mexico, maybe they can get quite close to the S2000s?

I would expect Meeke to fight for the win again, with Hanninen and maybe Wilks too now that he has a bit more experience of the car from Brazil.

Edit: Looking at last year's times from the WRC event, Cancio, Menzi and Madero should all be pretty quick too. Anyone else?

[CABAIO E'LONA]

Right, on to Argentina!

Should be a bit more entertaining than Brazil with the addition of Al Attiyah and Villagra in S2000s, plus Ligato & Pozzo in the normal N4 cars. If the stages are high altitude like in Mexico, maybe they can get quite close to the S2000s?

I would expect Meeke to fight for the win again, with Hanninen and maybe Wilks too now that he has a bit more experience of the car from Brazil.

Edit: Looking at last year's times from the WRC event, Cancio, Menzi and Madero should all be pretty quick too. Anyone else?

Marchetto, Baldoni, Bernardi, Cantón...

[tolis]

Here is a provisional entry list... http://www.rallyargentina.com/castellano/inscriptos.php

[ZequeArgentina]

Gustavo trelles and Jorge del Buono will also race in Argentina, after a long stopped he has turned back in Arg. Championshiop first round with decent times.

[Mirek]

Today is a closing date. There are 51 crews from which 39 with 4WD cars (8 S2000).

[ZequeArgentina]

Entries totalled 67 (maximun is 70) even closed mailed entries are still accepted (I doubt anyone interesting could come).

So who to watch/follow?

the 8 S2000:
Meeke Peugeot 207 S2000
Hanninen Skoda Fabia S2000
Kopecký Skoda Fabia S2000
Wilks Skoda Fabia S2000
Villagra Ford Fiesta S2000
Al Attiyah, Skoda Fabia S2000
Magalhaes, Peugeot 207 S2000
Oliveira Peugeot 207 S2000 (not so much to watch from him)

Fast locals who could fight for a top 5 (even a podium is almost reasonable):
Pozzo Subaru Impreza
Ligato Mitsubishi Evo X
Menzi, Subaru Impreza
Madero, Mitsubishi Evo X
Marchetto, Mitsubishi Evo X
Cancio Mitsubishi Evo X
Bernardi Mitsubishi Evo X

Others interesting:
Trelles, Gustavo/Del Buono, Jorge Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X
Dominguez Mitsubishi Evo X
Confetti,Subaru Impreza
Baldoni, Mitsubishi Evo X
Martínez, Subaru
Padilla Mitsubishi Evo X
Canton Mitsubishi Evo IX


In a group N 4 light (standard gearboxes, differentials and some other minor limitations to usual N4)
Campos Subaru Impreza
Bassi Mitsubishi Evo IX
Kovacevich Mitsubishi Evo IX
Cacopardo Subaru WRX STI
Elvira, Mitsubishi Evo IX

In the 2WD clases only interesting driver is Rafael Tulio, Brazilean, with a Peugeot 206.

[ZequeArgentina]

Fnally entiesreach max of 70.
Last tim entries are not of special interest to international viewers:
1 N4 Light (Gil de MArchi), 1 Clio N2 and 1 VW Gol A6.

[Luis Pacheco]

http://www.ircseries.com/html/uploadedFiles/PDF/201037191625.3.EntryList.pdf

[Mirek]

Luis, it's dated before the closing date of entries. Watch the link posted by Tolis: http://www.rallyargentina.com/castellano/inscriptos.php

[jbmarcus21]

The Google Earth Map of The Rally Argentina is now online : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[Luis Pacheco]

Any of our fellow Argentines know if any local radio station will cover the rallye that we can listen online?

[noel157]

Any of our fellow Argentines know if any local radio station will cover the rallye that we can listen online?

Zeque would know about local stations.

The usual Peugeot UK rally radio will be broadcasting. http://www.peugeot.co.uk/about-peugeot/sport/rally/rally-radio/

[noel157]

Don't know if you can get this online Luis -

Cadena 3 - 106.7 FM.

[ZequeArgentina]

Yep, usuallu cadena 3 gives on line coverage. http://www.cadena3.com
Not confirmed yet, but http://www.cadenaeco.com.ar would do it also.

I will have to take a look

[Luis Pacheco]

The usual Peugeot UK rally radio will be broadcasting. http://www.peugeot.co.uk/about-peugeot/sport/rally/rally-radio/

I know noel but I also know that argentines love motorsport and usually the radio transmitions are very enthusiastics.

And for me is easy to understand the castilian language. :D

[Luis Pacheco]

Yep, usuallu cadena 3 gives on line coverage. www.cadena3.com (http://www.cadena3.com)
Not confirmed yet, but www.cadenaeco.com.ar (http://www.cadenaeco.com.ar) would do it also.

I will have to take a look

Gracias Zeque.

Maybe from here we can also listen the radio online.
http://www.rallyargentino.org.ar/

[RS]

So there is a lot of talk that the traditional N4 cars could battle at the front here with the high altitudes, sandy stages and very good N4 drivers.

I'm not convinced about that till I see it but it will be great to see some different cars battling for the points positions on merit and not just attrition.

Anyone think they can make the podium?

[Mirek]

High altitude affects naturally aspirated engines more than turbo units, that's true and now with bigger restrictor gr.N cars really can be able to fight on top. We could see that already in Mexico.

[RS]

]High altitude affects naturally aspirated engines more than turbo units, that's true and now with bigger restrictor gr.N cars really can be able to fight on top. We could see that already in Mexico.

That is true, the top pWRC boys were very close to the sWRC drivers on some stages in Mexico, although Arujo's gap behind Pons at the end was still nearly three minutes. On the other hand, Mexico was a longer rally than Argentina will be and it is hard to tell the relevant speeds of the drivers from Mexico too.

I think in 'normal' conditions the S2000 cars are still a long way ahead of the N4s, bigger restrictors or not (for example see Sweden) but maybe these variables in Argentina will make it close.

[ZequeArgentina]

I do nto think there is a reallistic chance for a normal N4 agianst S2000.
High altitude (not that high in this year rally of Argentina), the usual visit to "traslasierra" with he typical El Condor, has not been chosen for he IRC round.

Faster, smoother roads this time.
I guess they were looking for les atrition with a weaker entry than in WRC.

May be this are better conditions for N4, but no way better than S2000.

It is possible a top 5, I said even a podium but with some delays o problems by top S2000.

Haninen already was on times of the locals with an Evo in his first visit, so I rate him high as the candidate.

I expect Pozzo to be the fastest local, and a 5th position, with some times in top 3 or 4.

[bluuford]

I do nto think there is a reallistic chance for a normal N4 agianst S2000.
High altitude (not that high in this year rally of Argentina), the usual visit to "traslasierra" with he typical El Condor, has not been chosen for he IRC round.

Faster, smoother roads this time.
I guess they were looking for les atrition with a weaker entry than in WRC.

May be this are better conditions for N4, but no way better than S2000.

It is possible a top 5, I said even a podium but with some delays o problems by top S2000.

Haninen already was on times of the locals with an Evo in his first visit, so I rate him high as the candidate.

I expect Pozzo to be the fastest local, and a 5th position, with some times in top 3 or 4.
Well, traditional GrN cars has higher top end speed and that seems to be positive factor in Argentina too (very fast rally). But we will see.

[RS]

Well, traditional GrN cars has higher top end speed and that seems to be positive factor in Argentina too (very fast rally). But we will see.

People said that before Sweden too and N4s were nowhere close to S2000s.

I could well imagine the strong locals to be ahead of Oliveira, Villagra and maybe Magalhaes though.

Looking forward to seeing Villagra's Fiesta. I guess it will be in Munchi's colours?

[Mirek]

Villagra was always strong in WRC Argentina, don't underestimate him ;)

[RICARDO75]

Tests in Argentina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TShCqnwTfXo&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-8hz61tmRE&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2cy_PsAWwjw&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4a8zSqLyWM&feature=player_embedded

[jbmarcus21]

Program, Entry List, Google Earth Map, Mobile Live Results : http://planetemarcus.free.fr/argentineirc10.htm

[ZequeArgentina]

Not much people interested in IRC Argentina. Little pickems, and not many comments here

[PLuto]

Design of Federico Villagra (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=10056)

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/48517c8290ba779959f0bfc517986e7f.jpg

[PLuto]

Not much people interested in IRC Argentina. Little pickems, and not many comments here

Actually 43 pickems isnt bad number...

[Luis Pacheco]

Not much people interested in IRC Argentina. Little pickems, and not many comments here

This year I´m seeing more pickems then last year.

[PLuto]

Despite they are activating them too late. Due to I missed pickems for Curitiba (I was returning from Rallye des Routes du Nord and missed deadline for two hours :( )

[PLuto]

Who is interested, photogallery from test Skoda Motorsport and Nasser Al Attiyah (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=10053)

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/a49e4f72fe5b2138672491778c147fad.jpghttp://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/1e7dcea9cc6f77719b632ff34b0f0f8a.jpg

[PLuto]

And, of course, official results of Rally Argentina (http://irc-results.com/2010/irc/argentina)

[RS]

Al-Attiyah and I guess Villagra will probably run Pirelli tyres, I wonder whether this will be an advantage or disadvantage in terms of performance and puncture-proofness?

[RS]

Shakedown 12pm-6pm CET, hopefully we'll get some news from that.

The superspecial stage this evening is being screened on Argentinean TV, anyone know if this tv station does live online streaming?

[RICARDO75]

And, of course, official results of Rally Argentina (http://irc-results.com/2010/irc/argentina)

Shakedown as started.

[RS]

The superspecial stage this evening is being screened on Argentinean TV, anyone know if this tv station does live online streaming?

To answer my own question, looks like it does!:

http://www.livestation.com/account/streams/5709036-canal_12_cordoba

[ProRally]

Just read that BIG thunderstorm last night and Service park almost floating towards the lake.... :)
Like we had in 2007, we had 35cm of water in the SP :D :D

[RS]

Just read that BIG thunderstorm last night and Service park almost floating towards the lake.... :)
Like we had in 2007, we had 35cm of water in the SP :D :D

Hope that doesn't mean stage cancellations or other problems like we had in Brazil :(

[noel157]

Meeke and Wilks have both stopped on the SD stage. Broken suspension, now repaired and ready for another pass. Must be bad.

This from another stage:

http://blog.krismeeke.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/p_2048_1536_3FA3AE9D-6207-4343-B821-D49ACC4126AF.jpeg

[Mirek]

That photo is from El Condor according to Kris's blog. This stage is not part of the rally this year.

[noel157]

]That photo is from El Condor according to Kris's blog. This stage is not part of the rally this year.

I know Mirek, it was meant to be an example of the flood damage caused to the older WRC stages, and according to a text this morning some of weekend's stages are badly rutted due to the rain with exposed rocks etc..
I should have worded it better.

[noel157]

Some SD times from Meeke blog:

Nasser 5m32
Hanninen 5m16
Kopecy 5m24
Villagra 5m28

[Mirek]

Thanks Noel

[Wim_Impreza]

]That photo is from El Condor according to Kris's blog. This stage is not part of the rally this year.

That is really a shame, it is a classic stage in this rally.

[Mirek]

They run the stage in Rally Mina Clevero two weeks a go I think.

[RICARDO75]

new photos from Kris Meeke shakedown
http://blog.krismeeke.com/2010/03/shakedown-5/

[noel157]

Right, I'm on the ball now :) :

From recce:

http://blog.krismeeke.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/p_2048_1536_FC6911CE-0A30-4CCA-B9BC-22DC7D7C33FB.jpeg

Other pictures and more SD times:

http://blog.krismeeke.com/

[fmcv]

First things first. just arrived to the forum so I must greet everyone, specially my friend Luis Pacheco. We haven't meet for a long time and now I found you here!

About the rally, I strongly believe that good (or bad) luck will play a decisive role in what concerns finding the winner in Argentina. To be quick will just not be enough.

[RS]

About the rally, I strongly believe that good (or bad) luck will play a decisive role in what concerns finding the winner in Argentina. To be quick will just not be enough.

I agree... 2 suspension breakages in shakedown already, bad weather and potential of punctures on very rough roads. It's gonna be tough!

[RICARDO75]

Today's super special stage

http://www.rallyargentino.org.ar/foto_noti/Super_Especial_WEB.jpg

[Luis Pacheco]

Welcome Francisco, my friend.

Nice to see you here too. Another IRC round this weekend and is party time over here. :D

[Luis Pacheco]

Today's super special stage

http://www.rallyargentino.org.ar/foto_noti/Super_Especial_WEB.jpg

Is not only in Portuguese super special stages that roundabouts are in fashion. :D

[Mirek]

Shakedown photos: http://www.rallyargentina.com/castellano/amplia_cate.php?categoria=57&Submit=Ampliar

[Luis Pacheco]

Hanninen was the fastest in the Shakedown. (5m16,9)

Translation of the news from www.rallyreportnews.com.ar (http://www.rallyreportnews.com.ar)

Juho Hanninen Mikko was extremely fast with the Skoda Fabia Super 2000 took the best record in the qualifying stage tuning, testing the Bicentenary of the IRC Rally Argentina 2010, dominating at length with a total time of 5m 16, 9 sec surpassing teammate Czech Jan Kopecky, using the backup car for the Skoda team, because the problem happened in court yesterday with the car owner, having the directors of Skoda Motorsport Michael Hrabanek and Pavel Hortek very upset with the situation, and lost many chances to take the car to the next race of the IRC in the Canary Islands in Spain.
As for the English pilots Kris Meeke (Peugeot 207 Super 2000 / Team Kronos) and Guy Wilks (Skoda Fabia Super 2000 / Team Skoda UK) had technical drawbacks in their units and were left behind in the scoring 26 times 5m , 5 sec, the UK and the Czech manufacturer's protected Flying Scotsman Colin McRae remembered, ended in fifth place with a time of 5m 28, 7 seconds, ahead of Nasser Al Attiyah, the crowd favorite with his Skoda Cordova Rene Georges Rally Sport.
Federico Villagra While the new Ford Fiesta Super 2000 Ford WRT Munchies, finished in sixth position, with a steady rhythm, using Pirelli tires, leaving more than 10 seconds Hanninen, the fastest of today's shakedown .
The best ranked Argentine Luciano Bernardi was the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X VRS beating the Portuguese Bruno Magalhaes with another car of the compa French lion, with attention in the subsidiary Lusitanian track.
Another fact of importance was the founding act of the Colin McRae Vision with the presence of Alison McRae, wife of unforgettable Mcrash, who gave important elements for the public hospital in Villa Carlos Paz.
on the other hand within hours the real action begins with the completion of the Rally Super Special in the coastal tourist town, a small path with asphalt floor, which is very refreshing to rally our nation, anxiously awaiting the release of same with the Qatari Nasser Al Attiyah opened the competition with the Fabia S2000 RGRS of Belgium.

Pablo MACHI
www.rallyreportnews.com.ar (http://www.rallyreportnews.com.ar)

[Mirek]

What exactly is the problem with Skoda second car? I don't get it...

[Luis Pacheco]

The argentine press talks about a "problema judicial" with the car on the scrutineering yesterday. A customs issue maybe.

[Mirek]

Thanks

Shakedown results:

1 Juho Hänninen 5m16.9s
2 Jan Kopecký 5m24.3s
3 Guy Wilks 5m26.5s
4 Kris Meeke 5m28.7s
5 Federico Villagra 5m28.8s
6 Nasser Al-Attiyah 5m32.1s
7 Bruno Magalhaes 5m33.2s
8 Luciano Bernardi 5m35.5s
9 Daniel Oliveira 5m44.3s
10 Geronimo Padilla 5m46.8s

[noel157]

Good thing Skoda took 3 cars out, lucky. Must have been a paperwork problem about temporary importation as mentioned, not good for rally publicity.

Nothing on the Czech sites about it?

[Barreis]

]Thanks

Shakedown results:

1 Juho Hänninen 5m16.9s
2 Jan Kopecký 5m24.3s
3 Guy Wilks 5m26.5s
4 Kris Meeke 5m28.7s
5 Federico Villagra 5m28.8s
6 Nasser Al-Attiyah 5m32.1s
7 Bruno Magalhaes 5m33.2s
8 Luciano Bernardi 5m35.5s
9 Daniel Oliveira 5m44.3s
10 Geronimo Padilla 5m46.8s

Finn was flying..

[Salist]

Somewhere given online the SS1?

[RS]

It is on Canal12 Cordoba, I had an address for a live stream at livestation.com but it is not working. It is on Rally Radio, and times are here: http://irc-results.com/2010/irc/argentina/1irc.php

[fmcv]

I tryed to find canal12 cordoba in another online tv server but I couldn't find any ono working

[noel157]

Can't get the link to work either. Pity, sounds like a fun stage.

Anybody else got a link?

[Luis Pacheco]

I tried some links but they are all offline.

[noel157]

Thanks Luis.

[dimviii]

this site also has good info :)
http://www.rallyargentino.org.ar/index.php

[Salist]

only radio... :(

[Salist]

Kris the fastest... :)

[noel157]

Is it reverse top 10 in the morning or do the crews start as per results of SS1?

[Mirek]

Another small fire for Fiesta...

[dimviii]

it is not a ss to compare but first turbo n4 has lost 8,4sec @ 4km. :(
2sec/km is a lot.

[m.lowe]

]Another small fire for Fiesta...
Hope its not the same problem like in South Africa Mirek

[Mirek]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JP8YXpc2y8

Shakedown ;)

[m.lowe]

Thanks Mirek
Good footage

[Salist]

Mirek: You are very quick... :) :)

[noel157]

Mirek: You are very quick... :) :)


So I hear.... :)

[alleskids]

Villagra was on fire, even before he started the rally :) ?

[Ondra WRC]

What is weather in Argentina?

[Mirek]

Villagra was on fire, even before he started the rally :) ?

http://www.rallyargentino.org.ar/ampliar_noticia.php?id_noti=2771

Onboard camera cables took fire from exhaust according to this article.

[wwbroe]

First stage should be live now, isn't it? Is there any site that gives some live covery? :)

[wwbroe]

Anybody has any idea about starting order today?

[Sulland]

Anybody has any idea about starting order today?
http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=1623

[RS]

Anybody has any idea about starting order today?

1 Nasser Al-Attiyah
2 Juho Hänninen
3 Guy Wilks
4 Federico Villagra
5 Kris Meeke
6 Gabriel Pozzo
7 Claudio Menzi
8 Jan Kopecký
9 Nicolás Madero
10 Marcos Ligato

[Luis Pacheco]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ke5aSLFKFGg

Yesterday stage onboard.

[Luis Pacheco]

Best time for Hanninen. Wilks more 7.1s

[RS]

N4s still seem to be 1s/km off the pace of the s2000s on this stage.

[wwbroe]

Meeke about 5 sec slower as Hanninen.

[fmcv]

1 mm is not enough for the N4s. In Spain they have a larger restrictor and they continue to buy S2000's...

[Luis Pacheco]

I´m listen argentine radio. They told one of the stages was cut in about 8 kms.

The comentary are absoluty fantastic. Are like from a football match :D

[fmcv]

Bruno Magalhães keeps off the pace... Or something has happened...

[Luis Pacheco]

Ligato with 10s of penalty.

[fmcv]

Luís, give us the link for that radio station. Rally Radio just left us when the 2nd was about to arrive...

[wwbroe]

Yes, it isn't such a great time by Bruno, maybe he had some issue?

[RS]

Bruno Magalhães keeps off the pace... Or something has happened...

Bruno not so bad compared to the guys who have a lot of experience here, but a long way off the top IRC guys. I think some points here would be a good result for Bruno.

[fmcv]

Bruno not so bad compared to the guys who have a lot of experience here, but a long way off the top IRC guys. I think some points here would be a good result for Bruno.

Absolutely. But it's too much time lost. more than 1sec/km...

[Luis Pacheco]

Is the real pace of Magalhães. Nothing that we didn´t see in MC and in Brazil.

http://www.cadena3.com/multimedia.asp?programacion=LV3 – AM 70

[Madeira]

I´m listen argentine radio. They told one of the stages was cut in about 8 kms.

The comentary are absoluty fantastic. Are like from a football match :D

What a crazy broadcast!!!! :D Which car are Maradona driving?

[ProRally]

SS3 live

[fmcv]

GOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL :laugh:

[WRC1]

villagra again faster than nasser!! that surprises me ....

sure it is villagras home ground, but i rated nasser much higher as driver...

[fmcv]

villagra again faster than nasser!! that surprises me ....

sure it is villagras home ground, but i rated nasser much higher as driver...

He's opening the road...

[wwbroe]

Hanninen again faster as Meeke, but only for 1 second after 20 Kms of stage :)

[Wim_Impreza]

villagra again faster than nasser!! that surprises me ....

sure it is villagras home ground, but i rated nasser much higher as driver...

I don't have Nasser in my pickems, I think that says enough? ;) I had no high expectations and the local guys are fast as we know.

[Mirek]

Oliveira off road.

[fmcv]

No punctures yet. I'm quite surprised...

[alleskids]

I expected more of Al Attuyah, expecialy having the most experience in Argentina. His dream of taking 4 title's (SWRC-IRC-MERC-Rally raids) in 2010 is becoming a real challange. He should have sticked to the Ford Fiesta S2000, then he would have an advance over the Peugeot and the Skoda I think.

[WRC1]

]Oliveira off road.


any info about damages on the car?

[Mirek]

He just finished. Spectators helped them to get back on the road. Only cosmetic damage.

[RS]

I expected more of Al Attuyah, expecialy having the most experience in Argentina. His dream of taking 4 title's (SWRC-IRC-MERC-Rally raids) in 2010 is becoming a real challange. He should have sticked to the Ford Fiesta S2000, then he would have an advance over the Peugeot and the Skoda I think.

Do you think so?

A Skoda is leading this rally...

Nasser is good, but he doesn't have much experience with S2000 cars and the guys at ther front of IRC are very fast.

[Mirek]

I expected more of Al Attuyah, expecialy having the most experience in Argentina. His dream of taking 4 title's (SWRC-IRC-MERC-Rally raids) in 2010 is becoming a real challange. He should have sticked to the Ford Fiesta S2000, then he would have an advance over the Peugeot and the Skoda I think.

He is VW works driver and there are all other Skodas infront of him ;)

[WRC1]

I expected more of Al Attuyah, expecialy having the most experience in Argentina. His dream of taking 4 title's (SWRC-IRC-MERC-Rally raids) in 2010 is becoming a real challange. He should have sticked to the Ford Fiesta S2000, then he would have an advance over the Peugeot and the Skoda I think.


after brasilia and the first two stages here he should forget the IRC and SWRC titels...also MERC will be difficult against AlQuassimi in Fiesta, only real chance is in rally raid :)

[WRC1]

]He just finished. Spectators helped them to get back on the road. Only cosmetic damage.

thx!

[wwbroe]

Stage four allready on it's way, see if Meeke can strike back. :)

[alleskids]

Do you think so?

A Skoda is leading this rally...

Nasser is good, but he doesn't have much experience with S2000 cars and the guys at ther front of IRC are very fast.

How hard is it to adapt from group N (turbo, 4wd, 2.0l) to S2000 (2.0l 4wd)? Even with the experience Al Attiyah has?

[RS]

after brasilia and the first two stages here he should forget the IRC and SWRC titels...also MERC will be difficult against AlQuassimi in Fiesta, only real chance is in rally raid :)

I think Nasser is better than AlCashMachine but I think sWRC and IRC will be hard for him, especially IRC asphalt rounds.

[ProRally]

Turbo you drive with torque

In Mexico had LONG talk to him, he said looking at the data .... at start of stage he shifts ok (high rpm) but once stage is longer he 'drops' back to turbo mode and shifts too early. These S2000 need really high rpm shifting to keep the power on.
He will get there, needs to adapt a bit more

In Rally Raid he has 2 turbo's on the Touareg :D :D

[WRC1]

I think Nasser is better than AlCashMachine but I think sWRC and IRC will be hard for him, especially IRC asphalt rounds.

if he can do all rounds in MERC i would agree...but due to his international program he skipped already 1 rally and now it is not enough to beat alquassimi in the remaining races, he must hope for some bad luck....

[RS]

Stage win for Wilks on SS4, he takes 3.5s out of Meeke.

[Mirek]

Looks like a battle of three on top. Nice start :)

[wwbroe]

Stage 5 is live now, i think this stage is the one that has been shortened by 8 kms?

[RS]

Stage 5 is live now, i think this stage is the one that has been shortened by 8 kms?

Yes, on the results page it now says 8.46km instead of 16.46km.

[wwbroe]

Hanninen fastest again sofar, beating Wilks by 4 sec.

[wwbroe]

Wilks is coming very close to Meeke in overall standings for second place, being only 0.2 sec behind Chris.

[PLuto]

Yes, on the results page it now says 8.46km instead of 16.46km.

It is only my tip ;-) I know they have shortened it about around 8 kms, but I dont know exact length.

[alleskids]

Al Attiyah will do 6 out of 8 MERC, missing Kuwait (were Al Qassimi won) and Saudi Arabia. Al Qassimi will do 7 out of 8. He drove the first, but failed to finish. Both have 10 points.

[ZequeArgentina]

As I expected, noral N4 had no chance over S2000, and Pozzo is the best so far rounding the 6 or 7th positions, likely the bestbe can expect except atrition help him up (but he is also having his own problemswith the Subaru so far).

I really donto understand Nasser performance,Villagra (who is amuch better dirver than he shows in the Focus WRC) adapated much faster, and I expect after service to see him even beter.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Is Meeke's engine losing power? I can't understand comment after SS5 on ewrc-results

[Mirek]

No, only his cut-off shift doesn't work so I presume he had to use clutch when shifting.

[RS]

Is Meeke's engine losing power? I can't understand comment after SS5 on ewrc-results

There is a problem with the cut off on the gear change (engine normally cuts power on gear change automatically so the driver doesn't have to lift off the throttle) It should be an easy fix in service.

[PLuto]

Is Meeke's engine losing power? I can't understand comment after SS5 on ewrc-results

Why you are watching comments on ewrc-results? On official result pages it is in english...

[RS]

They have just talked to Nasser on the radio and he thinks that running first on the road has not been good for him, so we will see what happens this afternoon. He also says he needs to adapt better to the S2000 cars and also to change the setup of the car a little.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Why you are watching comments on ewrc-results? On official result pages it is in english...

OK, thanks.

[PLuto]

Starting list into first leg-section two (http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/argentina/2etapa.php) (today morning)

[Mirek]

Great photos from Petr Lusk: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=960&fotograf=2&all=1

[WRC1]

]Great photos from Petr Lusk: http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=960&fotograf=2&all=1

these pictures are indeed GREAT!!!!

wow!

[HaCo]

Yep, very nice!

[Luis Pacheco]

The Rallye Argentina´s official sponsor has a very nice contest to choose the queen of the rallye. :eek: :D

http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2010/03/20/49267.asp

[Luis Pacheco]

Stage 6 has started.

[wwbroe]

Those pictures look great indeed, very, very nice. :)

[ZequeArgentina]

The Rallye Argentina´s official sponsor has a very nice contest to choose the queen of the rallye. :eek: :D

http://www.cadena3.com/contenido/2010/03/20/49267.asp

In your same "line of interest" whach here: http://mundod.lavoz.com.ar/?q=content/las-mejores-curvas-del-rally-3

[Barreis]

:)

[Mirek]

Double puncture for Nasser :(

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Nasser, loosing 1,5 minutes to Juho. :(

[wwbroe]

Juho had to pass Nasser on the stage, so maybe he lost a bit of time there. He is still faster then Wilks tough, let's wait for the time of Meeke.

[ZequeArgentina]

Pass Nasser? don´t they start every 2 minutes? Nasser did not lost that much

[Mirek]

Yes, they are starting in 2 minutes intervals.

[WRC1]

meeke wrong tires, double lead for SKODA!!

dont understand why hänninen had to pass nasser?? 2 min startintervall??

[ZequeArgentina]

Pluto, for irc-results.com
Pozzo hada broken differnetial cassing which was fixed in service, but was late to time control, was penalized 10 secs.

[PLuto]

Pluto, for irc-results.com
Pozzo hada broken differnetial cassing which was fixed in service, but was late to time control, was penalized 10 secs.

Thanks.

[WRC1]

where is villagra????

juho is in fantastic form!

sorry villagra is there!

[RS]

Puncture for Kris on the last 2km of SS8, dropped 20s so Guy is a bit more comfortable on 2nd now.

[fmcv]

Those are really bad news. I was expecting a big fight from the two brits...

[Mirek]

It's still possible.

[WRC1]

Those are really bad news. I was expecting a big fight from the two brits...

agree!! the fight of the brits today was very nice, now kris is to far behind wilks for a real fight...

[RS]

agree!! the fight of the brits today was very nice, now kris is to far behind wilks for a real fight...

18.8s is not that much, I'm sure Meeke won't give up!

[wwbroe]

I think we can still see nice fight between Wilks and Meeke tomorrow. I am surprised by Wilk's speed to be honoust but good for the title fight. Juho was really too strong today, only some problem can take away victory from him, but i really hope he will keep the lead till the end. :)

[RS]

Nice footage from Eurosport this evening, much better than the stuff from Brazil.

[PLuto]

Starting order into second leg (http://www.irc-results.com/2010/irc/argentina/3etapa.php)

[Luis Pacheco]

Claudio Menzi and his codriver did wake up late and penalized 50s at the start of today´s leg. Good news for Magalhães.

[Luis Pacheco]

Argentine radio is saying the weather is good today and at the moment there is no fog at the top of the stages.

[Luis Pacheco]

Good time for Pozzo.

[Mirek]

Big gaps in this stage. It's the highest stage I think.

[RS]

Problems for Villagra on SS9? The gap is huge, 3s/km...

[PLuto]

Problems for Villagra on SS9? The gap is huge, 3s/km...

He isnt satisfied with engine power...

[bt52b]

Meeke lost loads of time on SS9 and SS10 with an engine sensor problem. Will be lucky no to lose at least another 30secs on the next two stages at this rate.

[RS]

He isnt satisfied with engine power...

I would tend to agree with the guys on the radio - that he is not committed enough in the corners and not keeping the engine on song. He has been quite slow all rally. Maybe underestimated the competition a little, like Al-Attiyah.

[RS]

Meeke lost loads of time on SS9 and SS10 with an engine sensor problem. Will be lucky no to lose at least another 30secs on the next two stages at this rate.

He only has to worry about Kopecky, who is not fast enough to close the gap I think...

[fmcv]

Yesterday on argentinian radio they were saying that it was shame the Fiesta S2000 could not pair the commitment of Villagra... Different aproaches ;)

[Mirek]

Nasser is missing...

[fmcv]

Nasser had a problem in a water crossing. He stoped but is on the run again.

[fmcv]

Nasser retired

[RS]

Anyone else having problems viewing videos on the IRC official site? I am getting the message "Get the Flash Player to see the video" but I already have it!

[PLuto]

Anyone else having problems viewing videos on the IRC official site? I am getting the message "Get the Flash Player to see the video" but I already have it!

Same problem for me.

[noel157]

Looks like Skoda UK will decide if they'll commit more money and do Gran Canaria according to RR. This season is going to be very competitive.

[ZequeArgentina]

SS12, best stage for Pozzo so far, 6 seconds after motre than 19 km.
He may be ableto catch Villagra (even after his penalty yesterday) and get the win for the local championship.

A comment, Villagra is using Pirellis admitted in National Championship, not the ones the M-Sport usually use, in ordet to get points for local champ., i do not know how much difference they can give.

[Mirek]

There are some problems with timing. In the moment we don't get more times. Please be patient. We don't know if there is some problem with Villagra or only his time is missing.

[Luis Pacheco]

http://www.okin.com.ar/tiempos/2010/carrera02/GRAL_PE12.HTM

[RS]

Villagra through but drops behind Pozzo.

[PLuto]

http://www.okin.com.ar/tiempos/2010/carrera02/GRAL_PE12.HTM

This wasnt working too. We have direct line with results from organisers. If it isnt working, it is the same here and also on official IRC results.

[PLuto]

Daniel Oliveira crashed on SS 11

[Catiocha7]

Nasser retired

Why ? :(

[RS]

Why ? :(

Water in the engine at a river crossing, they decided to stop to not damage the engine further as they were out of the points anyway.

[PLuto]

Why ? :(

Engine problems after watersplash.

[Catiocha7]

Thanks Ron & Pluto
:)

[Madeira]

It has been a great rally for Skoda, showing his power over their contenders....specially the engine built by Oreca. I´m wrong?

[RS]

It has been a great rally for Skoda, showing his power over their contenders....specially the engine built by Oreca. I´m wrong?

I agree. I think the engine and suspension are the best bits of the Fabia, and it has shown here well. It's not over yet though!

[bt52b]

Anyone else having problems viewing videos on the IRC official site? I am getting the message "Get the Flash Player to see the video" but I already have it!


Same problem for me.

Have you tried uninstalling flash and doing a fresh install of the latest version. Might work.

[fmcv]

Somo problems with people walking through the stages. Organizers say that they might cancel the stages. Not sure but I think this is happening on SS14.

[ZequeArgentina]

Sometimes the organizers send those rumours through the radio to make spctators (listening to the radio) to shout other spectators (wrongly placed) t get better locationsso as not to make the stage cacelled. hopefully that is the case.

[RS]

SS13 running, Juho and Wilks through.

[RS]

Nice time by JK, slow again by Villagra - let's see if Pozzo can stay ahead.

[WRC1]

Federico Villagra (2): There are no improvements on the car.

me thinks that car is ok, at least hirvonen showed this in monte...improvements should be made behind steering wheel ;)

[Luis Pacheco]

One policeman at the radio told the spectators were walking on the middle of the road making hard they work. But is normal this kind of situation and the spectators are many today suprising the organizers.

[fmcv]

Everything is ok now with the spectators.

[Mirek]

Federico Villagra (2): There are no improvements on the car.

me thinks that car is ok, at least hirvonen showed this in monte...improvements should be made behind steering wheel ;)

Colin said on the radio that his car sounds very rough.

[RS]

]Colin said on the radio that his car sounds very rough.

But as you know, S2000s sound rough on idle anyway. Is it really that likely that the car has had an engine problem for the whole rally but one that neither can be fixed, nor is terminal?

Villagra's gap in s/km to the leaders is actually bigger this year than in the WRC event last year.

[RS]

Juho and Wilks through the last proper stage :up:

[RS]

Meeke problem, Skoda 1-2-3!

[Mirek]

Ou, that's shocking news!

[fmcv]

Meeke? what kind of problem?

Storm approaching the rally area...

[Madeira]

Kris Meeke something happened very bad time or time error...

[PLuto]

Kris Meeke something happened very bad time or time error...

It looks not time error, Kopecky was in finish earlier than Kris.

[fmcv]

Hail storm in Vila Carlos Paz... Those 3km could have some drama.

[RS]

There is a big gap for the next times to come through, it could be an error on the times for Kris...

[Madeira]

It looks not time error, Kopecky was in finish earlier than Kris.
Thank you, so Meeke could be in big troubles to reach the finish line....
Maybe a puncture....

[noel157]

Meeke has broken suspension, front strut I think.

[Madeira]

Mechanical failure...for Meeke!! (steering)

[RS]

They say steering link on the radio.

[Mirek]

Steering tight on previous stage then suspension broke without warning on last stage. Long road section to finish could be a problem.

From Kris's blog. That's really bad for him.

[fmcv]

The official site says broken suspension

[White Sauron]

Villagra's gap in s/km to the leaders is actually bigger this year than in the WRC event last year.

The same was with Rautenbach when he competed in one IRC round last year...S2000 cars are more difficult to drive...

[noel157]

This is Yazeed Al-Rajhi's MERC car isn't it?

[Mirek]

Yes, it should be one of two cars used by Al Rahji. Both were always serviced by Kronos.

[Madeira]

This is Yazeed Al-Rajhi's MERC car isn't it?

According S2000 database yes! and the same Pug that Kris used in Curitiba...

[WRC1]

skoda 1-2-3

gratulujem!!!! velmi dobre ;)

poor kris, this rally was not good to him :(

[Luis Pacheco]

In Argentina like in Portugal the radio cut off the rallye coverage before the finish to bring the football matches! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

[fmcv]

"Technical problems with results transfer".
This might be the storm producing its effects...

[RS]

More results in; Pozzo should be good for 4th. Kris down to 6th but sounds as if he may have problems to get to the finish...

[RS]

Meeke out :(

Shame, but at least Peugeot UK have budget for the whole season.

[Mirek]

If I heard Greg on the radio well, Kris Meeke retired.

[noel157]

First mechanical retirement ever for Meeke in the 207 I think, no?

[RS]

So the rally is pretty much finished...

+ Perfect drive by Juho
+ Great weekend for Skoda
+ Very solid performance by Wilks
+ Great job by Pozzo to beat an S2000 car
+ Great to have three different drivers and three different cars win the first 3 events of 2010!

- Villagra & Al Attiyah slower than expected
- Reliability problems for Peugeot on rough surface

[ZequeArgentina]

I do nto think there is a reallistic chance for a normal N4 agianst S2000.
High altitude (not that high in this year rally of Argentina), the usual visit to "traslasierra" with he typical El Condor, has not been chosen for he IRC round.

Faster, smoother roads this time.
I guess they were looking for les atrition with a weaker entry than in WRC.

May be this are better conditions for N4, but no way better than S2000.

It is possible a top 5, I said even a podium but with some delays o problems by top S2000.

Haninen already was on times of the locals with an Evo in his first visit, so I rate him high as the candidate.

I expect Pozzo to be the fastest local, and a 5th position, with some times in top 3 or 4.

This was my post on March 17th.
Normal group N did exactly what I expected, Pozzo is finally 4th, after problems from Meeke, so quite what expected!

Pitty for Meeke and the championship.
Haninne is very strong right there!

[Mirek]

It's still no big problem for Meeke. Best 7 of 12 are counted.

[ZequeArgentina]

But Meeke has already 2 DNF, and Haninen very good results.
Kopecky already commented they are seeing if it is possible to go to Canarias

[RS]

But Meeke has already 2 DNF, and Haninen very good results.
Kopecky already commented they are seeing if it is possible to go to Canarias

True, but as I wrote to RallyRadio, Hanninen needed this start to the year with lots of tarmac coming up. He is good on tarmac too, but there should be lots of fast guys on the tarmac rounds, especially when Abarth join in. It should be a very interesting championship, and Mikkelsen is coming too!

[GTA]

Water in the engine at a river crossing, they decided to stop to not damage the engine further as they were out of the points anyway.

Not Water IN Engine.... Water caused Electrical system to mal function... thats why he had to retire.

[Catiocha7]

Skooooooooooda ...

The greatest

:)

[RS]

Skooooooooooda ...

The greatest

:)

:up:

Only one stage the whole weekend was not won by a Skoda :)

[ZequeArgentina]

And Meeke´s win was only first superspecial, not a proper stage

[Sulland]

Skoda Uk have done a scoop with Wilks !

[Wim_Impreza]

Congratulations to Škoda and the drivers. Only Al-Attiyah wasn't on the pace, but I expected this.

A shame for Meeke, but that is rally.

Is there already more known about the program of Vouilloz?

Cristian Confetti was in the begin of the rally Italian and now he is Argentinean. :D

[bluuford]

Well, I just watched Eurosport coverage in Argentina. It was so much better than Curtiba. Well, there was not too many close fights but they really managed to give me an impression that there was areal rally in Argentina. So, I assume that when they do two events in one weekend they have just 50% less staff and time for both events. I really expect that they will not arrange rally and WTCC at the same weekend ijn the future. Maybe the solution will be one week apart. Those "eco" coverages are not much better than nothing.

[RS]

Well, I just watched Eurosport coverage in Argentina. It was so much better than Curtiba. Well, there was not too many close fights but they really managed to give me an impression that there was areal rally in Argentina. So, I assume that when they do two events in one weekend they have just 50% less staff and time for both events. I really expect that they will not arrange rally and WTCC at the same weekend ijn the future. Maybe the solution will be one week apart. Those "eco" coverages are not much better than nothing.

You are absolutely right Bluuford. Here in the UK the commentary was a bit disjointed from the pictures at times, but the footage itself was actually great. Big improvement :up:

[ZequeArgentina]

Cristian Confetti was in the begin of the rally Italian and now he is Argentinean. :D


Confetti was born in italy, and has Italian nationality.
He lives and works in Argentina since long ago, and his rally carreer (and license) has been made in Argentina. This is all a fact.
He may also have Argentinean nationality.

[Wim_Impreza]

OK, thank you.

[PLuto]

Confetti was born in italy, and has Italian nationality.
He lives and works in Argentina since long ago, and his rally carreer (and license) has been made in Argentina. This is all a fact.
He may also have Argentinean nationality.

On entry list he was italian, on start list argentinian...

Maybe the reason - he has italian nationality, but his sporting licence is from Argentina. And in the results, there is is important nationality of licence...

[RS]

Have you tried uninstalling flash and doing a fresh install of the latest version. Might work.

(Re: rally-irc.com videos)

Thanks for the tip, it worked :)

[PLuto]

(Re: rally-irc.com videos)

Thanks for the tip, it worked :)

Problem was on side of Eurosport, now it is working also without reinstalling ;)

[Mirek]

Some action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuccFvyQtwY

[RS]

]Some action: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuccFvyQtwY

Good video, looks like a nice event to spectate at that.

Ok, it is only one corner but you could really see the difference between the styles and commitment of the top guys vs. Villagra in that video, although even the slower guys in the S2000s look good!