Wales Rally GB 2010

[handbrakes&hairpins]

This week Wales Rally GB, one of the UK’s largest and most iconic motorsport events, launched its plans for the 2010 event which will run from 11th - 14th November.

Announcements included an all new special stage, which will run in Cardiff Bay and a welcome return to the classic stage in Radnor Forest, near Presteigne, Powys.* The event will be the 13th and final round of the World Rally Championship and a chance for British fans to get up close to the sport on their doorstep.

This year’s Wales Rally GB route provides fans, families and those who are new to the world of rallying with the perfect mix of old and new. For the first time, Cardiff Bay will play host to a special stage which will run twice, on the evenings of Thursday 11th and Saturday 13th November. The timed test of speed and driver skill will run on the Cardiff Bay barrage and into the dock area. It will be ideal for those who want to enjoy the event in Wales’ vibrant capital, particularly young families, as public transport and parking are easily accessible.

For fans who revel in soaking up the nostalgia of this event, the rally will return to Radnor Forest for the first time in 11 years. The ultra fast 15.1 km stage will run twice on Saturday the 13th and promises rally followers plenty of high speed entertainment.

To read the rest of this article, click here:
http://handbrakeshairpins.wordpress.com/2010/05/13/wales-rally-gb-plans-for-2010-released/

[AndyRAC]

£99 for a World Rally pass.... it's gone up....

This is minority/niche sport.......not F1, Football.....

[RicKT]

£99 for a World Rally pass.... it's gone up....

This is minority/niche sport.......not F1, Football.....


I agree, I used to love the WRC in the UK when it was the classic England stages, but paying £100 for a full access ticket is too much in my opinion, more so when you look at the costs of the hotels when the event is on, unless you go camping...

Rick

[Francis44]

Should be an awesome event.

[RicKT]

Should be an awesome event.


The event is still good if your watching it on TV, but try getting from stage to stage in Wales, it was a nightmare!! We only managed 2 stages one day due to the issues with getting blocked in, in the car park!

plus... the police are out in force with the speed traps!

[Motorsportfun]

£99 for a World Rally pass.... it's gone up....

This is minority/niche sport.......not F1, Football.....

Andy, the price is quite cheap... if you think that a paddock-pass for a F1 Grand Prix is about 2000 euros! (in the worst race) :D

No one gives something for free.

[MJW]

The event is still good if your watching it on TV, but try getting from stage to stage in Wales, it was a nightmare!! We only managed 2 stages one day due to the issues with getting blocked in, in the car park!

plus... the police are out in force with the speed traps!
Most rallies these days you will be hard pressed to catch more than 2 stages a day plus possibly a superspecial at the end of the day. Look at the iteniery for any WRC event, NZ for example its get in watch both runs of teh stage and thats the day.
Oh and dont forget to enjoy the speed and spectacle........watching live beats TV coverage by about a million%.

[raybak]

Rally NZ, the last time I went in as a spectator we saw 4 stages in the day.

Rally Oz last year I managed 3 stages but could have done 4 if I tried.

Ray

[AndyRAC]

Andy, the price is quite cheap... if you think that a paddock-pass for a F1 Grand Prix is about 2000 euros! (in the worst race) :D

No one gives something for free.

Cheap??? You surely can't be serious? You can't compare F1 to WRC - one is a global sport with massive media interest, on TV, Radio, newspapers, magazines.....that's why it's expensive. The other is a minority/niche sport ......comparable to MX, Enduro, etc Until they realise this, the event won't move on.

Saying that, watching it live is another world to on TV. But I'm not sure I can justify paying that much to watch 2 stages a day - works out at £33 a day, £16.50 a stage. Compare that with National events that use the same stages, normally £10 for the day.

[Mintexmemory]

Andy, the price is quite cheap... if you think that a paddock-pass for a F1 Grand Prix is about 2000 euros! (in the worst race) :D

No one gives something for free.

Actually some do.
Rally Catalunya and Rally Ireland were both free events last year. Those of us who have grown up seeing 'proper' rallying (5-day events) with no charges don't believe that comparisons with F1 (vastly over-priced in the modern era) are valid. Ultimately, why should the Rally Fan subsidise the Citroen and Ford advertising budget? It would be interesting to have a comparison chart of those events that do charge and what you get for your money.
Germany for bronze access is ca. 33% less than Wales

[Mintexmemory]

I note that Rally France is also 'free at the point of use' this weekend.
Already hotels in Wales are either full or charging £85 pppn -and thats Traverlodge and Premier :rolleyes: -so much for the advertising campaigns. Still no news about 2011 calendar after the FIA rejected the original proposals, or have I missed something.

[alexlake]

Same old story with Wales, silly prices, and every year I say I wont go again, and every year I do!. Found a cheap B&B and been staying there last few years. But it costs a lot even doing it as cheap as possible.

Still, cant wait! Spain and Wales for me, 2 rallies in 3 weeks.

How many cars will be entering this year roughly, as the National championship will be there too?

[Mirek]

Ketomaa needs 7 points more from Wales than Pons to be champion of SWRC. Fingers crossed for him because no-one deserves the tittle more this year.

[dimviii]

How is the points system?

[Mirek]

Same as WRC 25-18-15-12-10... So if Ketomaa wins, he is champion no matter how Pons finishes (Ketomaa has more wins).

Points now (Prokop already has maximum results): http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=41&sk=166

[dimviii]

]Same as WRC 25-18-15-12-10... So if Ketomaa wins, he is champion no matter how Pons finishes (Ketomaa has more wins).

Points now (Prokop already has maximum results): http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=41&sk=166

Thanks Mirek :)

[RICARDO75]

Patrik Sandell can also be champion. But I agree that the title deserves to be with Ketomaa

[Mintexmemory]

]Same as WRC 25-18-15-12-10... So if Ketomaa wins, he is champion no matter how Pons finishes (Ketomaa has more wins).

Points now (Prokop already has maximum results): http://www.autosport.cz/souteze/bodovani.php?id=41&sk=166

All the top 4 placed drivers can still mathematically win the SWRC. I believe the rules are that each driver counts their best 7 finishes which means the following maxima are achievable
Driver Current points Max available points
Pons 108 133
Prokop 104 121
Ketomaa 101 126
Sandell 99 124

Ketomaa only deserves the title IMVHO if he beats Sandell in Wales. Conversely if Sandell wins the last event he will be a very worthy champ. Those are the guys who seem to be the real contest as far as I can see, my money's on Sandell.

[pantealex]

All the top 4 placed drivers can still mathematically win the SWRC. I believe the rules are that each driver counts their best 7 finishes which means the following maxima are achievable
Driver Current points Max available points
Pons 108 133
Prokop 104 121
Ketomaa 101 126
Sandell 99 124

Ketomaa only deserves the title IMVHO if he beats Sandell in Wales. Conversely if Sandell wins the last event he will be a very worthy champ. Those are the guys who seem to be the real contest as far as I can see, my money's on Sandell.

No, they have to choose their 7 races before, so Prokop is out!

[grugsticles]

Im tipping Petter to win Rally GB!

Its a rally he likes. He's in a car that is quick (enough). And its the last rally of the season so he doesnt have to preserve it for the next rally.

[Mintexmemory]

No, they have to choose their 7 races before, so Prokop is out!
Ah so, thanks for the clarification

Despite having been watching rallies(and competing on and off in road events) since 1977 I've never been to Wales for the GB (or RAC or whatever). I've decided to do this year's for the last chance to see the current cars after a great trip to Rally Deutschland and I have sorted out the most economical way of doing the event but the official web site is so bloody awful in terms of followable directions, so here are my questions to WRGB regulars.
a) Planning to do Crychan on the Saturday, sleeping in the car overnight on Friday. Views welcome on whether the forest or Dixies is the true Crychan vibe.
Can they both be done by moving between the morning and afternoon runnings?
b) Anyone got the OS 1:50000 ref for the entrance for the relevant car parks and good spectating points
c) Are portable BBQs allowed in the o/night car park
d) Doing Resolfen on Sunday, Car park entrance OS ref would be welcome and good speccy point advice.

[N.O.T]

the championship title is trivial in the PWRC SWRC and JWRC...at the end of the day if a manufacturer/satelite team choses a driver out of the bunch its going to be Ketomaa, not the champion, so the title doesn't mean much if anything.

[tolis]

Craig Breen has been entered as a wildcard in SWRC.

[alexlake]

Ah so, thanks for the clarification

Despite having been watching rallies(and competing on and off in road events) since 1977 I've never been to Wales for the GB (or RAC or whatever). I've decided to do this year's for the last chance to see the current cars after a great trip to Rally Deutschland and I have sorted out the most economical way of doing the event but the official web site is so bloody awful in terms of followable directions, so here are my questions to WRGB regulars.
a) Planning to do Crychan on the Saturday, sleeping in the car overnight on Friday. Views welcome on whether the forest or Dixies is the true Crychan vibe.
Can they both be done by moving between the morning and afternoon runnings?
b) Anyone got the OS 1:50000 ref for the entrance for the relevant car parks and good spectating points
c) Are portable BBQs allowed in the o/night car park
d) Doing Resolfen on Sunday, Car park entrance OS ref would be welcome and good speccy point advice.

they are pretty cool with bbq, just a no to fires, although some marshals turn a blind eye!

[Mintexmemory]

Cheers Alex, I've been given the info re Dixies corner car park and the options from there so its go for Halfway / Crychan all day Saturday. Just need some Resolfen info now.
Craig Breen could well throw a spanner in Ketomaa's works.

[mm1]

:) about Breen and Ketomaa, they aren`t even in the same universe in driving skills.

I`m also going to Walles Rally GB, so any info on best spectating points for Saturday are welcome.

[Doon]

Hi folks,

Does anyone have much info on the route through Radnor? I have been there for national events, so i'm wondering if the stage will be the same, and where it starts and ends? Any info will be much appreciated, a map even better ;)

Cheers

[Doon]

Also, were can carpark location information be found? I couldn't see anything on the WRGB website.

[rp]

Cheers Alex, I've been given the info re Dixies corner car park and the options from there so its go for Halfway / Crychan all day Saturday. Just need some Resolfen info now.
Craig Breen could well throw a spanner in Ketomaa's works.

Stealing his Fiesta or how on earth..? They are in totally different league...

[Mintexmemory]

Stealing his Fiesta or how on earth..? They are in totally different league...

True - Craig is actually good on tarmac too. :)

[mm1]

In closed enviroment, like BRC.

[cvhi]

When the entry list, today perhaps ?

[noel157]

True - Craig is actually good on tarmac too. :)

Not even sure about that. He's got time on his side so we'll see how he progresses but haven't seen anything too exciting so far.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Not really good on tarmac either - he's isnt much faster than GrN guys ;)

[Mintexmemory]

In closed enviroment, like BRC.
Actually I was thinking of his very strong performance in the R2 Fiesta in last year's Espana :) (-you had to be there :p )

[pettersolberg29]

Andreas Mikkelsen is going to be there so he could be a challenger for victory in S2000s.

[satnav]

The shakedown has been changed , it`s moved from Margem to the new Cardiff stage and its on Wednesday night not Thursday morning.
All to do with the tree disease !

[MJW]

Its the wednesday night thing that I cant understand, what will the crews do all day thursday?

[AndyRAC]

Its the wednesday night thing that I cant understand, what will the crews do all day thursday?

Maybe it's a trial for next year have the shakedown on Wednesday, and start the Rally on Thursday morning???? ;)

[MJW]

Its the wednesday night thing that I cant understand, what will the crews do all day thursday?
From RG2 shakedown is Thursday - location to be confirmed.

[MJW]

Despite what it says in RG2 here is the confirmation of a change.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/87552

[satnav]

I seen it in the Marshals Tarbard , heres a link
http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/Marshals_Newsletter_4_Oct_2010.pdf

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map of Wales 2010
http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[go mads]

does anyone know who and what will be at the rallyfest in north wales next week? also cant find rally gb entry list??? :confused:

[Mintexmemory]

Entry list isn't published yet, no surprise everything seems to be late with the web providers. The news of shakedown change was out several days before it was placed on the web(yesterday). After shakedown was moved to Wednesday evening the ticket sales were still selling Thursday passes without informing people of the change :rolleyes:

[Allyc85]

As Mum is hell bent on going to the Cardiff bay stage my Rally GB will be both runs through Radnor, Cardiff Bay and Resolfen on the Sunday.

I cant wait now, just need to get my ass in gear and sort some accommodation!

[go mads]

entry list on website now in competitors section. still no news on llandudno this weekend which strikes me that no one special will be there!!

[Roy]

http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2010_WRGB_List_of_Entries_Received_-_Approved_by_the_FIA_26-10-10.pdf

Craig Breen drives for Barwa and Mikkelsen for Czech ford National team in S2000. Tom Cave in Proton S2000
And some (old) Focus WRC's are back. Liu Chao Dong :\ drives the third Stobart car.

[Allyc85]

Very nice entry list with loads of S2000s and a fair few WRC as well! Has the entry list for the National event out yet?

With Radnor 2 hours'ish from cardiff we cant be bothered with a drive like that so we will be up on Epynt at Dixies corner me thinks :D

[Mirek]

Really nice entry list!

[Barreis]

Nice entry list..

[dimviii]

Also Semerad jr with evo X instead of IX.

[306 Cosworth]

entry list on website now in competitors section. still no news on llandudno this weekend which strikes me that no one special will be there!!

The Mini WRC will be in Llandudno, as well as M-Sport. More due to be confirmed very very soon.

[Daniel]

Hmmmm might go if the Mini is there.

[Josti]

It's an ok entry list, not that great imo.

Nice to see a Proton there along the S2000's. Liu Chao Dong for Stobart, who is he? Would've wished to see PG Andersson or maybe even Grönholm in that seat.

[Mintexmemory]

It's an ok entry list, not that great imo.

Nice to see a Proton there along the S2000's. Liu Chao Dong for Stobart, who is he? Would've wished to see PG Andersson or maybe even Grönholm in that seat.
Liu Chao has been China champ for last 3 years. So in the battle of the Dong's who's your money on Kimi or Liu? :)

[satnav]

Heres a bit of info about the Liu Chao Dong entry here
http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5221&Itemid=2

[djaychela]

Its the wednesday night thing that I cant understand, what will the crews do all day thursday?
Set up in the service area - we can't get in until Wednesday and we'll be out on recce, then documentation then scrutineering (busy day!), so Thursday will be time to set that up and then probably have a nice rest!

[Iskald]

Heres a bit of info about the Liu Chao Dong entry here
http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5221&Itemid=2

Talk about being thrown in at the (very!) deep end...! Anyway some colour added to the spectacle, but let`s just hope that his starting position doesn`t affect fast drivers behind him. It may be I am completely wrong, and this Dong guy turns out to be a real fast and competent driver, but I suspect he will struggle. A lot!

[muratgunarslan]

I wish Ketomaa to win the SWRC title.

[Viking]

I wish Ketomaa to win the SWRC title.

And I wish Czech Ford National Team will win the teams title ;)
not wery likely but.. Looking forward to the Ketomaa vs Mikkelsen fight :up:

[Tomi]

Looking forward to the Ketomaa vs Mikkelsen fight :up:

same here, but it can take some time to see it.

[Rallyper]

same here, but it can take some time to see it.

Not this year.... :p

It will be Sandell! :D

[Tomi]

Not this year.... :p

It will be Sandell! :D

Yes, Ketomaa vs Sandell thats the real fight this year, will be interesting to see what happens.

[muratgunarslan]

2010 FIA SWRC Drivers' Standings

Pons - 108
Prokop - 104 (no start at rally gb)
Ketooma - 101
Sandell - 99

go ketoomaa :D

[Viking]

same here, but it can take some time to see it.

Well Andreas is entered by Czech Ford National Team and they have given him start nr. 21 (SWRC).
He will for sure be eligible to score team points, not sure of driver points??

Anyway, he will be in a Fiesta, using the same tyres and driving under the same rules as Ketomaa so i will call it a fight :D

[Sulland]

Henning S also wanted to drive a Fiesta S2000 in GB, but had already decided long ago that he should drive the focus - he is in love with the Fiesta, and wanted to test it on gravel as well !

[Tomi]

Well Andreas is entered by Czech Ford National Team and they have given him start nr. 21 (SWRC).
He will for sure be eligible to score team points, not sure of driver points??

Anyway, he will be in a Fiesta, using the same tyres and driving under the same rules as Ketomaa so i will call it a fight :D

Maybe you dont understand that in this rally for those who drives for the championship the guy who to beat is not mikkelsen.

[cvhi]

When the entry list national B ?

[Eurotech]

No Steve Perez on the entry list...? I'm suprised he's not going given the advertising he could get for KICK energy drinks...

[alexlake]

Henning S also wanted to drive a Fiesta S2000 in GB, but had already decided long ago that he should drive the focus - he is in love with the Fiesta, and wanted to test it on gravel as well !

yeah we asked him at the start of ss2 in spain what car he prfered, he said "the fiesta all day long" :) ok he did say this after a panic of brake bleeding cause he had no front brakes from ss1. Love henning, such a nice guy.

[Allyc85]

No Steve Perez on the entry list...? I'm suprised he's not going given the advertising he could get for KICK energy drinks...

I expect he will be doing the National event. I hope he is as he and Andy Burton have had some great battles this year while the 306 has been working!

[StevoEvo]

Any Hyundai Accent WRC's entered in the nationals??

[Allyc85]

I think the entry list for the nationals cloeses tomorrow so we should know who has been accepted in the next few days :)

[MJW]

Any Hyundai Accent WRC's entered in the nationals??
Yes

[Iskald]

Maybe you dont understand that in this rally for those who drives for the championship the guy who to beat is not mikkelsen.

But it will be quite interesting to se your new "world-beater" Ketooma being trashed by a driver ten years younger than him. ;-)

[ProRally]

But it will be quite interesting to se your new "world-beater" Ketooma being trashed by a driver ten years younger than him. ;-)

We will know in couple of weeks.... :D :D

[Tomi]

But it will be quite interesting to se your new "world-beater" Ketooma being trashed by a driver ten years younger than him. ;-)

"world-beater", lol, quite much said of a guy who just started his international carreer, I guess it depends how fast it's needed to drive for the championship, I belive the Championship is more important to the Chineese anyway, when try to get more sponsorship, you see in China nobody know who is mikkelson, but Championship they understand.
It will almost be as interesting to see if your predictions for once hit the spot too, from before they have not been so convincing.

[Pinto]

No Steve Perez on the entry list...? I'm suprised he's not going given the advertising he could get for KICK energy drinks...

sure VK Kick sponsor Craig Breen and with him getting to the WRC Acadamy he get far more exposure.

[306 Cosworth]

Well the national B entry is available

http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2010_WRGB_List_of_Entries_-_NATIONAL_29-10-10.pdf

I hope any foreign spectators stick around, just for car 201 let alone all the Mk2 Escorts!

Very good entry for the national rally with a Hyundai Coupe Kit Car, Swift S1600, Skoda Felicia Kit car, 306 RWD and a Focus Cosworth. It's a good showcase of the cars we have competing in GB :D

[Mixa]

Yes,the title fight will be really interesting. Pons vs Ketomaa vs Sandell. Then again there are guys like Mikkelsen,Brynildsen and Breen who are there just to make a result or a nice ending for the season and can mess up a bit the title fight. Those guys just don´t have anything to lose. Them can drive with bigger risk than title contenders a bit without beeing so cautious example on some places to gain a puncture or damage their car. I still expect Ketomaa to be quickest of all, if the Fiesta won´t broke down. Just noticed that the same in here has been said already with the shorter way but I don´t take it back anymore.

What comes to WRC. Quite normal there too. Atleast there we have the 2nd place fight and will Petter finally example win an event will be interesting to see. Also can Ford´s give a fight to Citroen? Somehow would love to see a close rally but I think it will be impossible.

On nationals,nice to hear that some Hyundai Accent´s will be running. I still kinda miss them a bit. Example liked the sounds very much at the past and them also looks great :) .

[306 Cosworth]

There are no Hyundai Accents on the national event.

[306 Cosworth]

Well the national B entry is available

http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2010_WRGB_List_of_Entries_-_NATIONAL_29-10-10.pdf

I hope any foreign spectators stick around, just for car 201 let alone all the Mk2 Escorts!

Very good entry for the national rally with a Hyundai Coupe Kit Car, Swift S1600, Skoda Felicia Kit car, 306 RWD and a Focus Cosworth. It's a good showcase of the cars we have competing in GB :D

Looks like the Skoda Kit Car has withdrawn there entry.

[AndyRAC]

That's a pretty good entry, a good mix of cars - obviously the highlight is the Pug, a lot of the 'once a year' speccies will be left speechless by it! Good to see Callum Black out in the Swift S1600 - that makes a noise!!

[306 Cosworth]

Yeah the once a year speccys and chavs will be wondering what the hell it is :D Just hope he does at least 3 stages!

[AndyRAC]

Yeah the once a year speccys and chavs will be wondering what the hell it is :D Just hope he does at least 3 stages!

I did wonder that, but didn't like saying. Let's hope it's reliable.

[Pinto]

Burton will be great to see not trying to be negative but theres not alot more to get excited about Gareth Lloyd would go well also, but its the real rock and a hard place alot of lads have their years rallying done and its not been a round of any championship and other historic men are holding out for the RAC.
but at least its a bit of variation and theres nothing better than looking at an escort sidways in the woods.

[Allyc85]

That's a pretty good entry, a good mix of cars - obviously the highlight is the Pug, a lot of the 'once a year' speccies will be left speechless by it! Good to see Callum Black out in the Swift S1600 - that makes a noise!!

Agreed, I cant wait to be up on Epynt now :D

[AndyRAC]

Burton will be great to see not trying to be negative but theres not alot more to get excited about Gareth Lloyd would go well also, but its the real rock and a hard place alot of lads have their years rallying done and its not been a round of any championship and other historic men are holding out for the RAC.
but at least its a bit of variation and theres nothing better than looking at an escort sidways in the woods.

The old RAC was always the yearly highlight for most of the clubmen/National drivers - it's a shame this aspect has been lost. But having a National category is a welcome addition. Let's hope more spaces are given next year.

[Pinto]

Andy what about if they were to run a round of the MSA gravel championship with double or bonous points as it would be the last round.

[tolis]

Karl Kruuda entered as well.
http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2010_WRGB_List_of_Entries_-_Approved_by_the_FIA_28-10-10.pdf

[whereschris]

Hi there,

a couple of years ago I watched the rally from the point in the video link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5OegAUJ4pE

Does anyone know which car park you need to use? I can't remember. It's either G, H or J.

Thanks for any help
Chris

[MartijnS]

Have been there too, dont know what carpark though. Pretty boring spot when we were there.

[whereschris]

Hi

Just out of interest why did you find it boring? Have you got any recommendations?

Cheers

[MartijnS]

Slow corner and it wasn't muddy when we were there :)
No recommendations, have been there only once and this year for the second time :)

[satnav]

Petter went off testing yesterday in Esgair Dafydd in Wales , from what i`ve heard both driver and co-driver were unhurt and car only sustained slight damage at the rear .

[Barreis]

Maybe the best event of WRC (when MC rally is out)..

[AndyRAC]

Maybe the best event of WRC (when MC rally is out)..

Hmm, not anymore - it was when it was a 4-5 day event.

Doesn't help this year clashing with the decider for the F1 Title - who's idea was that??? :dozey:

[Barreis]

Who cares?! Cannot watch WRC on TV (unhappy) but can watch F1 and follow results on web.. Hope that next year will be LIVE stages!!!

[alexlake]

whats Radnor like? never been to that stage before, and if its worth a look.

[Allyc85]

Has anyone here been to the remote service on the Friday and got any advice on traffic getting in and viewing etc?

[MartijnS]

Some snow during Ford tests yesterday.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44783934@N03/

[pettersolberg29]

Blimey - that I wasn't expecting. Better pack another couple of hats and scarves!
I heard the weather was meant to be warm and dry - at least relative to Wales - this weekend. Maybe these tests wont be very representative of the final stage conditon.

[Juha_Koo]

Some snow during Ford tests yesterday.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/44783934@N03/

Ken Block seems to have made rather close inspection of the Forrest Commission's goods... :D

[ryland.j]

Has anyone here been to the remote service on the Friday and got any advice on traffic getting in and viewing etc?

went last year,parking no problem and you could see plenty of the cars in the sheds

[ProRally]

Anybody went to the test on monday for PWRC drivers ?

[bluuford]

Blimey - that I wasn't expecting. Better pack another couple of hats and scarves!
I heard the weather was meant to be warm and dry - at least relative to Wales - this weekend. Maybe these tests wont be very representative of the final stage conditon.

Nice terms in Wales ;-)

At the moment it looks like very big rainstorm for Wales For tomorrow (Thursday). It starts a few hours after midnight, eases off little bit in the morning. During the day there will be very frequent rainshowers (mostly light rain). Those continue all night and currently it looks like by Friday morning the weather improves a little, but the next cyclone is queued to reach in Wales after the midday, so very typical, muddy, rainy, very windy (wind speeds are between 13 and 20 m/s for most of the weekend), but not so cold weather (It will be cold until Thursday midnight and after that the temperature should be near 10 degrees in Celsius).

[6789]

So who's quick is super slippery conditions? Latvala?

[skarderud]

thats a weather for petter!
perfekt with slippery and wet conditions for him, maybe latvala to, and actually henning. maybe loeb, but i think the guys with little experience in wales will met big difficulties!

[tolis]

Video from the recce:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-nm0XrPrUg

[pettersolberg29]

Anyone know of any good text service for rally updates from Rally GB as I will be in the middle of a forest with no computer and no radio so wont have a clue what's going on! I remember someone telling me a good one last year but forgotten it..

[wrc_flipper]

Anyone know of any good text service for rally updates from Rally GB as I will be in the middle of a forest with no computer and no radio so wont have a clue what's going on! I remember someone telling me a good one last year but forgotten it..

Stagetimes are good http://www.stagetimes.com/signup_wrc.asp
£5 for the event.

[pettersolberg29]

Cheers - I assume its just a one-off 5 quid payment and there is no way that I will be charged more? I've been very suspicious of these services since last year when I got them for WRC in Norway and I got charged 25p for every text and the service kept texting a load of rubbish so it cost me over 25 quid for just one event!

[Pinto]

Cheers - I assume its just a one-off 5 quid payment and there is no way that I will be charged more? I've been very suspicious of these services since last year when I got them for WRC in Norway and I got charged 25p for every text and the service kept texting a load of rubbish so it cost me over 25 quid for just one event!

barry had to gather a few quid to keep his brother Kris going in the IRC this year :)

[Allyc85]

went last year,parking no problem and you could see plenty of the cars in the sheds


Ideal, cheers :D

[Iskald]

Video from the recce:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-nm0XrPrUg

For the absolutely and totally dedicated rallynerds among us! A bit like train- or planespotting, really...

[MartijnS]

First photos of the shakedown at http://www.rallymedia.nl !
Not very spectacular but its a start ;)

http://www.rallymedia.nl/images/stories/Wales/Shakedown/Shakedown4a.jpg

http://www.rallymedia.nl/images/stories/Wales/Shakedown/Shakedown2a.jpg

Probably a update every evening!

[userwave]

Ken Block seems to have made rather close inspection of the Forrest Commission's goods... :D

it's getting to the point where it's hardly even safe letting Ken Block on the stages, prior and during the event!

[6789]

Any times from Shake? They probably don't mean alot but

[Valets]

Any times from Shake? They probably don't mean alot but
1,7 km tarmac - stage
Ogier 1.14,2
Loeb 1.14,3
Petter 1.15,7
Hirvonen 1.16,7
Latvala 1.16,7
Wilson 1.16,7
Sordo 1.16,9
Raikkonen 1.17,3
Henning 1.19,4

[ProRally]

Traveling to the event now, will be at the service park by midday. Last WRC of the season....
Last event for this generation WRCars....
Who will be world champion, oh wait, it is Loeb again.... :D :D :D

[jbmarcus21]

Program - Entrylist - Google Earth Map - Mobile Live Results
=> http://planetemarcus.free.fr/grandebretagne10.htm

[bassist]

Unfortunate that Margam couldnt be used for this years shakedown, but totally understandable why. Cardiff Barrage stage was not representitive of the conditions that will be faced this weekend, but none the less a bloody good watch yesterday evening. After the usual aclimateisation runs , everyone appeared to be `on it`, and frightingly quick! A most rewarding evening, even though it was `brass monkeys`. Oh and, thanks to Alison (WRC Tog from London)- very nice company indeed. ;)

[AndyRAC]

Travelling down to Hafren tonight - should be good. If you're going, have a good and safe one!!

What's the atmosphere like down in Cardiff/Swansea? Been having a trawl through the net, and there isn't much about the event - even less than normal. Sad,...used to get national recognition, now very little. Well done to the FiA....

[MJW]

Travelling down to Hafren tonight - should be good. If you're going, have a good and safe one!!

What's the atmosphere like down in Cardiff/Swansea? Been having a trawl through the net, and there isn't much about the event - even less than normal. Sad,...used to get national recognition, now very little. Well done to the FiA....
Dont quite know how to put it really, but Swansea isn't figuring this year so I have need need to go there. Cardiff was OK last night for S/D but a little; quiet. I think we are all getting used to the WRC format, and having S/D on a wednesday (again) threw people and not everyone had arrived. The location for main teams service is good, for SWRC / Privateers its still some 100 metres away, but come the weekend it should be buzzing, with all those restaurants round the service area, right by Cardiff Bay. Certainly not the farmers mart at Dolgellau or Mach.

[tolis]

It seems that Spyros Pavlides won't start the event.

[RS]

Mikkelsen will drive a Fabia and not a Fiesta this weekend.

[bluuford]

1,7 km tarmac - stage
Ogier 1.14,2
Loeb 1.14,3
Petter 1.15,7
Hirvonen 1.16,7
Latvala 1.16,7
Wilson 1.16,7
Sordo 1.16,9
Raikkonen 1.17,3
Henning 1.19,4

Final and correct shakedown times:
http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2010_Shakedown_Time_Order.pdf

So, Mikkelsen is collecting points for Czech National Ford Team and is driving with Fabia?
Cute ;-)

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/810/810_wales_rally_f220015c7b.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/810/810_wales_rally_52729d0994.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/810/810_wales_rally_4258196ded.jpg

Photos from Wales before start HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=810&fseason=2010) ;)

[Viking]

So, Mikkelsen is collecting points for Czech National Ford Team and is driving with Fabia?
Cute ;-)

Well kept secret from Mikkel!, well the car is Czech anyway but run by an Italian team :-)

There goes my hope seing him in the same car as Ketomaa.. but what the hey :-)

http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/skoda-uk-signs-andreas-mikkelsen-for-2011-irc/

[zajic]

Some more photos from service park are HERE:
http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=811&startpos=0&fseason=&fcat=&fauthor=&ftxt=

[GigiGalliNo1]

More photos of that original Focus in the Ford service park please?!?!?!



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/810/810_wales_rally_f220015c7b.jpg

[Viking]

More photos of that original Focus in the Ford service park please?!?!?!

"Saffy" first Focus to win a wrc rally :up:

[Tom206wrc]

Start SSS in about two hours...

Let's hope it'll be a great rally for the tribute of current WRC era :)

[Barreis]

Nice photos..

[GigiGalliNo1]

I wish the rally wouldn't start so late... Nearly 2 am for me!!

[pettersolberg29]

Any pictures of Mikkelsen on SD? I assume he drove the Fiesta on SD and has changed overnight? If so, surely it will create some problems regarding lack of testing and scrutineering?

[MJW]

I'm told the superspecial is a sell out tonight with no tickets left.

[MJW]

Any pictures of Mikkelsen on SD? I assume he drove the Fiesta on SD and has changed overnight? If so, surely it will create some problems regarding lack of testing and scrutineering?
Andreas was in the Fabia last night on shakedown.

[pettersolberg29]

Andreas was in the Fabia last night on shakedown.

Cheers.

[Walach]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/810/810_wales_rally_a6282adb26.jpg

[Zeakiwi]

"Saffy" first Focus to win a wrc rally :up:

My first thought was the Focus was yet another back up for Mr Block and M-Sport had been down to the museum to find him something to drive.

[harriswrc]

It seems that Spyros Pavlides won't start the event.Other non-startes according to official startlist are Albert Llovera (Punto S2000), Giovanni Manfrinato (Lancer Evo), Karl Kruuda (Swift S1600).

Steve Lancaster will drive the Impreza at the start ramp instead of Spyros Pavlides and Al Shamsi will drive the Abu Dhabi Fiesta R2 instead of Al Jabri.

[J.Lindstroem]

My first thought was the Focus was yet another back up for Mr Block and M-Sport had been down to the museum to find him something to drive.

Ken Block behind the wheel of THAT car would have been disgraceful!

[Barreis]

Again Loeb..

[VFTS]

Again Loeb..

Its tarmac today so thats normal.....not sure if he will be that dominant in wet and muddy gravel tomorrow.

[Barreis]

We'll see..

[rage82]

Litlle problem for Brynildsen with the chicane

[nr7wave]

Andreas off to a good start in his new Skoda :)

[pettersolberg29]

Andreas off to a good start in his new Skoda :)

I like it. If he finishes then I think he should win the S2000 category which will put a spanner in the works of Ketomaa and Pons!

[N.O.T]

I like it. If he finishes then I think he should win the S2000 category which will put a spanner in the works of Ketomaa and Pons!

pons has nothing to offer and showed nothing the whole year... bye bye...

If mikkelsen manages to be close to ketomaas times then thats a very good indication that he actually has a real future in this sport...and i mean in the sports reality not the one that norwegians live in.

[VFTS]

If mikkelsen manages to be close to ketomaas times then thats a very good indication that he actually has a real future in this sport...and i mean in the sports reality not the one that norwegians live in.


???

[J.Lindstroem]

???

YUP YOU HEARD HIM! THE REALITY THE NORWEIGANS LIVE IN! IT'S ANOTHER REALITY THAN THE SPORTS REALITY!!!!!! ALL NORWEIGANS START FACING THE REAL REALITY INSTEAD OF THE REALITY YOU ARE LIVING IN IN NORWAY!

(sigh :rolleyes: )

[harriswrc]

Other non-startes according to official startlist are Albert Llovera (Punto S2000), Giovanni Manfrinato (Lancer Evo), Karl Kruuda (Swift S1600).
Kruuda is on the rally. My mistake.

[N.O.T]

YUP YOU HEARD HIM! THE REALITY THE NORWEIGANS LIVE IN! IT'S ANOTHER REALITY THAN THE SPORTS REALITY!!!!!! ALL NORWEIGANS START FACING THE REAL REALITY INSTEAD OF THE REALITY YOU ARE LIVING IN IN NORWAY!

(sigh :rolleyes: )

yes, that sums it up pretty good...

[SubaruNorway]

Not sure if it's been posted already, but here's video of Block loosing it in testing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlbFDe6-K2I

[nr7wave]

Well, since us norwegians live in our special kind of reality, I will shear with you the what will be the podium on sunday in s2000: 1. Mikkelsen 2. Brynhildsen(his disqualification last year still bugs me) 3. whoever!(I dont care who it is, because it's my norwegian reality)
:)

[J.Lindstroem]

Well, since us norwegians live in our special kind of reality, I will shear with you the what will be the podium on sunday in s2000: 1. Mikkelsen 2. Brynhildsen(his disqualification last year still bugs me) 3. whoever!(I dont care who it is, because it's my norwegian reality)
:)
the norweigan reality cant be so different from the swedish one, or can it?

[nr7wave]

the norweigan reality cant be so different from the swedish one, or can it?

I don't know, you tell me. What's your reality?

[J.Lindstroem]

I don't know, you tell me. What's your reality?

Wow, thats an existensial question!

[MJW]

Litlle problem for Brynildsen with the chicane

Did he hit it? Ogier was very close last night in S/D, and also Pons "kissed" the straw bale in S/D.

[Juha_Koo]

Thread is getting philosophical... I like it. :s mokin:

While searching the true Scandinavian reality, also please think:

Does rallying have a moral justification? It's bad for the nature, dangerous (people can even die), it's a waste of our natural resources and it doesn't serve the human kind in any way.

BUT then again, it gives pleasure to individuals - and who can condemn hedonism as a moral principal? It also fulfills man's desire to compete. Would man be complete with desires left unfulfilled? Plus the competition makes engineers to invent new things - which can be transferred to standard cars atleast in some level - faster (think about the Cold War and Space Race and the scientific effects of it).


;)

[Mirek]

Thread is getting philosophical... I like it. :s mokin:

While searching the true Scandinavian reality, also please think:

Does rallying have a moral justification? It's bad for the nature, dangerous (people can even die), it's a waste of our natural resources and it doesn't serve the human kind in any way.

BUT then again, it gives pleasure to individuals - and who can condemn hedonism as a moral principal? It also fulfills man's desire to compete. Would man be complete with desires left unfulfilled? Plus the competition makes engineers to invent new things - which can be transferred to standard cars atleast in some level - faster (think about the Cold War and Space Race and the scientific effects of it).


;)

Unfortunately every new set of rules is more and more strict and there isn't much new to invent since almost everything is forbidden.

[nr7wave]

Wow, thats an existensial question!

Swedish existensialism: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8RmsENh8SQ

:D

[Hartusvuori]

Does rallying have a moral justification? It's bad for the nature, dangerous (people can even die), it's a waste of our natural resources and it doesn't serve the human kind in any way.

BUT then again, it gives pleasure to individuals - and who can condemn hedonism as a moral principal? It also fulfills man's desire to compete.

Rallying as any other sport someone follows enthusiastically has its importance in its ability to renew and refresh individuals ability to work and thus it makes is societal justification. A person who goes to watch a hockey game most likely gets taken away and forgets all about his everyday problems and comes back a stronger person. Same goes with rallying though the ritual is different.

Of course the problem can be that we spend too much time on this what is nothing really but its own reality apart from the real world - which also makes its so easy to jump into, if say Mikkelsen or Ketomaa retires on this morning's 1st stage, it'll hurt either Norwegians or Finns, but still its safe, your life goes on. At its best, from fan's point of view, rallying is pure escapism, it has its life imitating characteristics, huge drama, sense of fulfillment and loss. All you can ask.

So, to return to the question what is Norwegian reality or The True Scandinavian Reality (TSR), I would say in both cases it is escape from it - reality.

And btw - Latvala will beat P.Solberg and Ketomaa will do the same to Mikkelssen. How can that even be questioned? (See - in this reality I can say so, but tonight on the grill queue after midnight, no chance.)

[Sulland]

Is it starting 08.38 CET ?

[6789]

Is it starting 08.38 CET ?
9:38am GMT

http://www.google.com/search?q=welsh+time&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB :o fficial&client=firefox-a#sclient=psy&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=HQU&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB%3Aofficial&source=hp&q=wales+time&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&pbx=1&fp=1&cad=b

Sorry, its 10:38 CET?

http://www.google.com/search?q=paris+itme&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB :o fficial&client=firefox-a#hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=CTU&pwst=1&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB :o fficial&sa=X&ei=a_HcTJSkHc3IcdWK2b8L&ved=0CBYQvwUoAQ&q=paris+time&spell=1&fp=10fa48930cd2b7df

Edit: I'm not the best with Eu timezones, but 9:38am local time is the forst car to SS2

[whereschris]

Does anyone know much about Radnor? Is it a good stage? Was thinking of going there but don't want to be disappointed as we usually go to Crychan.

Cheers

[wwbroe]

So, good morning, first stage of the day will be live in about 15 mins?

[Viking]

From Petters page.
"Right now we have heavy rain in the service-park and it is quite windy. Everything is strapped, but still it feels like our tent is leaving us in the gusts."

cosy :)

[Viking]

So, good morning, first stage of the day will be live in about 15 mins?

1hour 5mins methinks

[Salist]

Good Morning guys!

[wwbroe]

1hour 5mins methinks

You are right, my mistake. They will start 10h38 CET.

[spyros]

Good morning from greece,we also have heavy rain now.

[AP-Racing]

Buenos dias

[6789]

Sounds like perfect rally weather!! Lol

[Viking]

Good morning from greece,we also have heavy rain now.

Snow is falling down in Norway, 10cm of the white stuff outside my office window.

[AP-Racing]

Snow is falling down in Norway, 10cm of the white stuff outside my office window.

Wow...in Moscow sunny and +14'C

[noel157]

Bit like Eurovision voting, every country calling in... :)
Good morning.
38 mins to go to a typical RGB. Should be good and just the way Petter likes it.

[6789]

It's 8pm at night here. 25 degrees plus tomorrow :) .

[René]

Good morning to all, here 16 ° blowy and we have an alert of Meteo-France for this morning in Brittany very strong wind and waves will be able to attain the 6 - 7 meters high at coast.
Have nice day ;)

http://i67.servimg.com/u/f67/11/47/50/08/uk_13h10.jpg (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=370&u=11475008)

[wwbroe]

In Belgium no rain for the moment, but we had a lot of it during past days. Now we have very havy wind or even stormwind. ;)

[rage82]

Did he hit it? Ogier was very close last night in S/D, and also Pons "kissed" the straw bale in S/D.

Yes, I think that he hit the chicane but nothing serious with the car, just lost couple of seconds.

[rage82]

Dry and sunny with 14 degrees in Varna, Bulgaria ;)

[garais22]

In Latvia now +5 and light rain
P.S. Viking (http://www.motorsportforums.com/forums/member.php?u=77369), can You forward some 5 cm snow to Latvia? :D

[J.Lindstroem]

God Morgon Wales! This is Sweden calling!!

[6789]

Rally Gb is GOOOOO!!

[6789]

Porblem for Ogier/?

[wwbroe]

First splits coming in, looks good for Loeb. ;)
Ogier in trouble allready?

[rage82]

oh, Ogier may have a problem, but still moving on the tracking system and Peter is fastest on first split :)

[wwbroe]

Sordo opening's splits doesn't look very brillant either.

[Viking]

oh, Ogier may have a problem, but still moving on the tracking system and Peter is fastest on first split :)

Dont show in the splits this "problem"...

[HaCo]

Latvale good in splits. Solberg even better.

I hope for Petter this rally, he deserves it!

[wwbroe]

Dont show in the splits this "problem"...

yes, it looks like it was false information, splits are looking fine.

[N.O.T]

Hirvonen is a disgrace to himself and the sport....

[6789]

Hirvonen is 4 secs down on 2nd split, not good

[Viking]

Hirvonen given up already??

[6789]

Wats Sordo then? lol

Petter and Latvala on the pace

[wwbroe]

JML and Petter are both flying now. ;)

[6789]

Latvala 4.1 up at split 6

[N.O.T]

Latvala and Solberg will have a nice battle...nice.

[Hartusvuori]

Hirvonen is a disgrace to himself and the sport....

Judging from first three splits: :up:

[N.O.T]

Latvala lost some time on the last spit...

[wwbroe]

Besttime for JML, 4,2 sec faster as Seb.

[N.O.T]

Judging from first three splits: :up:

yes.

[N.O.T]

who is going to visit the scenery first ? Raikonen or Block ?

[Salist]

who is going to visit the scenery first ? Raikonen or Block ?

:)

[GigiGalliNo1]

who is going to visit the scenery first ? Raikonen or Block ?

Rainkonen

hahahah

[wwbroe]

Very poor times for both Sordo and Hirvonen. :(

[6789]

Hirvonen "Thats ok"

[Priorat]

Snow is falling down in Norway, 10cm of the white stuff outside my office window.

So, we can already start the typical "snow conditions for Swedish Rally" thread

[wwbroe]

And Hirvonen is saying it was fine, no problems, just taking it easy. :( :confused:

[Halvis]

And Hirvonen is saying it was fine, no problems, just taking it easy. :( :confused:

I think Mikko has misunderstood his job a little...

[Leon]

who is going to visit the scenery first ? Raikonen or Block ?

the chinese with the focus

[wwbroe]

Wilson is "only" loosing about a minute compared to JML. ;)

[N.O.T]

Wilson 56 seconds off the pace from the leader...in his home event....

[N.O.T]

that dong guy i think doesn't even have a driving licence....

[N.O.T]

ketomaas splits stopped....

[Leon]

Wilson is "only" loosing about a minute compared to JML. ;)

don't worry it is also part of the x-years plan

[GigiGalliNo1]

that dong guy i think doesn't even have a driving licence....

HAHAHAHAHAAH

[Halvis]

Pretty good times from Østberg in the old Impreza.

Mikkelsen fastest of the S2000-boys aswell!

[rage82]

Everebody says that's very slippery

[wwbroe]

ketomaas splits stopped....

Don't worry, they are back on, Mikkelsen seems to be fastest on first couple of splits.

[N.O.T]

mikkelsen very nice splits so far....faster than ketomaa so far...

[MR666]

Thank god Ford has one driver going fast..... have no idea what Hirvonen is up to but he so needs to speed up.

[6789]

SS3 starts in 2 mins

[Halvis]

Wilson Jr. Need I say more.

[rp]

ketomaas splits stopped....

Some gps problems.. Will be tight with Mikkelsen...

[tolis]

No splits available for Pons? :confused:

[wwbroe]

No splits available for Pons? :confused:

I don't think he will be able to match times of Mikkelsen or Ketomaa. ;)

[GigiGalliNo1]

How will Ostberg go with Water Splashes and Subaru?

[6789]

Pretty good times from Østberg in the old Impreza.

Mikkelsen fastest of the S2000-boys aswell!
Mads had an engine issue too

[tolis]

Ketomaa faster than Pons, around 25 sec!

[N.O.T]

very nice times by Mikkelsen...good start.

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen about 5 sec in front of Ketooma now, but i guess the latter is thinking also about the championship, so difficult to compare.

[rp]

Also Craig Breen´s speed has been good. Faster than Brynildsen and Kosciuszko, so at least some potential guys from Ireland...

[Viking]

will Mikkel beat Kimi?..

[JTGANG]

I think that in Mikkelsen - Ketomaa comparison we must not forget that Mikkelsen is only trying to show he deserves the Skoda UK seat he just got when Ketomaa is fighting for the title so must stay on road and wins on the same time against Sandell & Pons so his main concern is these two guys and not Mikkelsen....

[tolis]

Loeb first overall. Petter just 0.2 sec behind him!

[Salist]

JML lost 4,2s on SS3. :(

[wwbroe]

Loeb back in front now, setting amazing time on short third stage. :eek:

[N.O.T]

water in engine for latvla...that explains it...

[6789]

JML lost 4,2s on SS3. :(
Water splash issue

[Hartusvuori]

Latvala having problems in a ford.

Nice start from Mikkelsen.

[muscrae]

Mikkelsen is so fast, I hope he can keep the pace without a DNF...

[Halvis]

Loeb back in front now, setting amazing time on short third stage. :eek:

Starting position today is best, no real surprise really - even if he has secured the championship. The one starting first tomorrow will probably win in the end...

[muscrae]

Citroen bids farewell to the 2nd most successful rally car of all times...

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2135/aatmos13gb10e003.jpg

[Sulland]

Loeb is on fire on 4 !

[Salist]

SS4 has started...

[Halvis]

Loeb is on fire on 4 !

Yep, seems like he's putting in some extra effort on this one!