Wrc Rallye de France

[jbmarcus21]

WRC RALLYE DE FRANCE 2010
1-3 Octobre

=> http://planetemarcus.free.fr/france10.htm

PROGRAM
MOBILE LIVE RESULTS
ENTRYLIST -soon-
GOOGLE EARTH MAP -soon-

[jbmarcus21]

First News - WTCC Champion Yvan Muller confirmed to drive Petter Solberg car xsara WRC http://chevroletwtcc.com/news/2010/other-news/yvan-muller-to-join-the-world-rally-championship-for-the-rallye/

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus ;)

[6789]

Block is registered as an entrant for France, I guess this means there will be no Duval?

[Barreis]

Unfortunately..

[jbmarcus21]

Block is registered as an entrant for France, I guess this means there will be no Duval?

yes with Stobart and Wilson .... dont know for Duval ;)

[N.O.T]

Block is registered as an entrant for France, I guess this means there will be no Duval?

he was registered in germany as well.....Duval was getting Solbergs car...If duval brings the money he will be there no matter who else is registered.

[Blitzerflitzer]

Duval was getting Solbergs car

And in France Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team give Solbergs car to Block. How many Manufacturers' Championship-Points will they score? :)

[DonJippo]

And in France Stobart M-Sport Ford Rally Team give Solbergs car to Block. How many Manufacturers' Championship-Points will they score? :)

Most probably same as they scored with Duval in Germany.

[MikeD]

First News - WTCC Champion Yvan Muller confirmed to drive Petter Solberg car xsara WRC http://chevroletwtcc.com/news/2010/other-news/yvan-muller-to-join-the-world-rally-championship-for-the-rallye/

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus ;)

Excellent news - I am a huge Yvan Muller fan and I think he will do ok.

[Sulland]

Has Yvan Muller driven any rally before ?

[jbmarcus21]

yes regional rally ;)

[Mixa]

Has Yvan Muller driven any rally before ?

I´m not sure. Muller has still won the Andros Ice Race Trophy championship 10 times so I´m quite sure that he can do okey with the Xsara WRC,even when his RoC drives with the WRC didn´t never went so well.

edit: ok,thanks Jbmarcus21 for the info

[jbmarcus21]

he wins national Rallye de la Chataigne in France 2001
http://asamorvan.free.fr/site/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2&Itemid=6

[tolis]

Has Yvan Muller driven any rally before ?
http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=profile&driverid=14769 ;)

[RICARDO75]

Xsara for Yvan Muller
http://www.azo.net/Automeca/images/News/AMS_YvanMuller_01.jpg

[6789]

Most probably same as they scored with Duval in Germany.

Haha, the Ford panel beater doesn't want to work anymore overtime and thus Duval can't enter

[ShiftingGears]

Great livery. It'll be interesting to see how he goes. Also it'll be interesting to see how the new location compares to the neutered Tour de Corse of recent years.

[tolis]

Entry list: http://www.rallyedefrance.com/pdf/Liste%20prev_engages_WRC.pdf

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen with Fabia?

[pettersolberg29]

]Mikkelsen with Fabia?

AFAIK that's not correct, but I sincerely hope it is. Andreas believes (as we all do I think) that the Fabia S2000 is the best S2000 car based on his experiences last year at Rally Costa Brava, so it could be true. Look forward to finding out.

[Bobcat]

Andreas believes...
Can you cite your source on that? Thanks!

[ProRally]

No Duval ?

[pettersolberg29]

Can you cite your source on that? Thanks!

From the horses mouth at an airport in Belgium this year (on way back from Zlin).
The reason Andreas entered in a Fabia is simply because M-Sport is running too many Fiesta's already in France for SWRC so they couldn't offer him the service. It's still unknown whether or not Andreas will start in Alsace - they will decide soon.

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Rallye de France is online :
http://planetemarcus.free.fr/googleearthmap.htm

[Sulland]

From the horses mouth at an airport in Belgium this year (on way back from Zlin).
The reason Andreas entered in a Fabia is simply because M-Sport is running too many Fiesta's already in France for SWRC so they couldn't offer him the service. It's still unknown whether or not Andreas will start in Alsace - they will decide soon.

Do you know who he is renting from ?

[pettersolberg29]

Do you know who he is renting from ?

No - I would assume he would use the car from Czech RallySport, the same as he used for Bohemia and Costa Brava last year.

[Mirek]

No Duval ?

Didn't he suffered broken clavicle in German accident?


No - I would assume he would use the car from Czech RallySport, the same as he used for Bohemia and Costa Brava last year.

I don't think so. When Andres used it on Costa Brava the car was owned and run by Italian A-Style team. The car was sold to CZ later.

[Viking]

]
I don't think so. When Andres used it on Costa Brava the car was owned and run by Italian A-Style team. The car was sold to CZ later.

Evo2 from Skoda Rally Team Italy it is.

http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/andreas-mikkelsen-in-rallye-de-france/

[Mirek]

Thanks

[Sulland]

Evo2 from Skoda Rally Team Italy it is.

http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/andreas-mikkelsen-in-rallye-de-france/

At least the engine is an evo, but not sure if they have a wide body car ?
And are the newest called evo2, or just evo (from the original) ?

Will Andras use Hankook in France, or does he have to use Pirelli, even outside SWRC ?

[Mirek]

Officially there is no Evo in the name. It's just used by rally fans.

[Bobcat]

From the horses mouth at an airport in Belgium this year (on way back from Zlin).
The reason Andreas entered in a Fabia is simply because M-Sport is running too many Fiesta's already in France for SWRC so they couldn't offer him the service. It's still unknown whether or not Andreas will start in Alsace - they will decide soon.
You're lying. The truth is that:

His manager, Erik Veiby, said the run was part of long-term plan and suggested the Norwegian’s future lies away from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, which he is currently contesting in an M-Sport Fiesta with funding from tyre firm Hankook.

“We have a long-term plan with Andreas and this is one thing we want to do to bring him to an even higher level,” said Veiby. “Rallye de France is a new rally this year and it is important for Andreas and Ola [Floene, his co-driver] to gain experience in this rally.”

Veiby added that it was Mikkelsen’s preference to use a Fiesta on the event but a lack of available cars forced the switch to a Fabia, a car the 21-year-old has driven in the past.

“Of course we would prefer to use the Ford but Rallye de France was not on our programme and the M-Sport team will have so many cars in the rally so they could not offer us service,” said Veiby.
http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/mikkelsen_gets_skoda_for_wrc_return/

[Francis44]

You're lying. The truth is that:

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/mikkelsen_gets_skoda_for_wrc_return/

That dosen't mean the Fiesta is better car, perhaps he wanted to use it because he has much more miles under the car's belt than in a Skoda.

So he still might have said the Skoda is better.

[Mirek]

You're lying. The truth is that:

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/mikkelsen_gets_skoda_for_wrc_return/

PR managers loves to find someone who believes in press materials :s mokin:

I don't say that Andreas said A or B. I just want to point out that telling someone he's lying just because there is something else in PR materials is pretty much naive. You should also consider that You never know who is behind the nickname on forum. There are quite a lot of insiders around here...

[Bobcat]

That dosen't mean the Fiesta is better car, perhaps he wanted to use it because he has much more miles under the car's belt than in a Skoda.

So he still might have said the Skoda is better.
You're sure he said the Skoda? I am not sure.

[FLO]

movies with special stages?another years or another rally.....thanks

[Mirek]

Some onboards:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcm71v_rallye-alsace-vosges-embarquee-gal_auto
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xcm6eh_alsace-vosges-embarquee-henry-2009_auto
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd9atm_eric-mauffrey-rallye-alsace-vosges_auto
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xd9b1t_eric-mauffrey-rallye-alsace-vosges_auto

[FLO]

ooo,great,thanks

[pettersolberg29]

You're lying. The truth is that:

http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/mikkelsen_gets_skoda_for_wrc_return/

I'm not lying, but I will let you believe what you want.


That dosen't mean the Fiesta is better car, perhaps he wanted to use it because he has much more miles under the car's belt than in a Skoda.

So he still might have said the Skoda is better.

Exactly - Andreas knows his best career prospects are with Ford due to his links with M-Sport, so obviously he wants as many miles with the Fiesta as possible to help his future. Just because the Skoda is faster for him, it doesn't mean its the best car for him and his future prospects.


]PR managers loves to find someone who believes in press materials :s mokin:

I don't say that Andreas said A or B. I just want to point out that telling someone he's lying just because there is something else in PR materials is pretty much naive. You should also consider that You never know who is behind the nickname on forum. There are quite a lot of insiders around here...

Thanks Mirek. The stories told to the press aren't always the truth, but instead what they want the general view to be. If he said the Skoda was better, how would M-Sport view that? They wouldn't be best pleased!

until more manufacturers enter cars and hire drivers and actually pay them to drive, drivers like Mikkelsen have almost no chance of stepping out of the pay-to-drive circle. I don't know what his goal is, I imagine he wants to be factory driver, but if he counts on M-Sport to hire him he can wait....maybe when Hirvonen retires....

[pettersolberg29]

until more manufacturers enter cars and hire drivers and actually pay them to drive, drivers like Mikkelsen have almost no chance of stepping out of the pay-to-drive circle. I don't know what his goal is, I imagine he wants to be factory driver, but if he counts on M-Sport to hire him he can wait....maybe when Hirvonen retires....

Not sure - maybe Mikkelsen can wait to take a Stobart seat from Henning or Wilson. Remember he's very, very young so still has a long time to evolve into a world champion. Not many drivers have the speed and experience that Andreas has at 21, and when the Loeb's, Solberg's and Hirvonen's of this world retire, then Mikkelsen will be the best young option availible in my opinion.

[Sulland]

Is a driver in a WRC rally allowed to use something else than Pirelli, if he is not registered in any of the 4 FIA championships ?

Just wondering if there are any chance for Mikkelsen to use Hankook on the Skoda in France. He is a NP driver, not competing in SWRC.

[N.O.T]

the entry list could be better...

[Barreis]

Turan again in 307 WRC.. It's too bad there's no PG Andersson in similar machinery that we can see who is better.. xd

[J.Lindstroem]

Turan again in 307 WRC.. It's too bad there's no PG Andersson in similar machinery that we can see who is better.. xd

I cant stop laughing at your posts. If you are serious, i feel sorry for you mate!

[Josti]

the entry list could be better...

Indeed, I actually expected several French drivers in WRC's (307's mainly). At least JM Cuoq should be driving this rally. When will the final list due, or is this it?

[N.O.T]

and giugu with twingo ..... baaah

[Barreis]

I cant stop laughing at your posts. If you are serious, i feel sorry for you mate!

I'm serious, Turan is a good driver..

[DonJippo]

Is a driver in a WRC rally allowed to use something else than Pirelli, if he is not registered in any of the 4 FIA championships ?

Just wondering if there are any chance for Mikkelsen to use Hankook on the Skoda in France. He is a NP driver, not competing in SWRC.

All 4WD drivers entered in a WRC event must use Pirelli tyres, so no Hankooks for Andreas.

[Sulland]

Found it myself in the FIA regs:

61. SINGLE TYRE SUPPLIER
61.1 THE SUPPLIER
All drivers entering a 4WD car must use the tyres specified by the FIA. Pirelli has been nominated by
the FIA as the single tyre supplier to distribute the tyres for the Championship.

Maybe next year...

[vino_93]

Indeed, I actually expected several French drivers in WRC's (307's mainly). At least JM Cuoq should be driving this rally. When will the final list due, or is this it?

There will be a National Championship Rally with the bests French drivers during this WRC Event. So Cuoq could be there, but i the "Grand National" (name of the event for french championship) :) But I have some doubts about this :/

[J.Lindstroem]

I'm serious, Turan is a good driver..

yeah sure

[Francis44]

yeah sure

Well he was able to beat PG with an 5 year old WRC car, so that might be enough to say with the experience of PG he would be much faster than him by now.

[Josti]

Well he was able to beat PG with an 5 year old WRC car, so that might be enough to say with the experience of PG he would be much faster than him by now.

I remember PG finished in front of Turan, not the other way around.

[Mirek]

Well he was able to beat PG with an 5 year old WRC car, so that might be enough to say with the experience of PG he would be much faster than him by now.


Peugeot 307 2007 spec. and Ford Focus 2008 spec. isn't 5 years difference by the way...

[Francis44]

I remember PG finished in front of Turan, not the other way around.

Well I was wrong, but he was still faster in some stages.

And btw Mirek, do you really believe the Focus, even in 2008 spec, isn't miles away performance wise of the 307, even if it's the 2007 spec?!

For me PG is the most overated driver in the sport at this time, much faster and younger guys out there like Nikara (he even beated PG in 2WD class) and Tannat.

[N.O.T]

For me PG is the most overated driver in the sport at this time

that is indeed the truth.

[Mirek]

And btw Mirek, do you really believe the Focus, even in 2008 spec, isn't miles away performance wise of the 307, even if it's the 2007 spec?!

Just wanted to say that You're exaggerating too much.

[Barreis]

Guys from M-sport are still dreamin' (and about great Gronholm's wins)..
http://www.m-sport.co.uk/index.php/motorsport/drivers/drivers/marcus-gronholm

[pettersolberg29]

For me PG is the most overated driver in the sport at this time, much faster and younger guys out there like Nikara (he even beated PG in 2WD class)...

I agree with you too. PG was quite good with the Suzuki, but he isn't anywhere near the speed of the top 6 of Mikko, JML, Loeb, Ogier, Sordo and Petter. There are many better options for teams like Mini and others who want a new driver.

[Josti]

I agree with you too. PG was quite good with the Suzuki, but he isn't anywhere near the speed of the top 6 of Mikko, JML, Loeb, Ogier, Sordo and Petter. There are many better options for teams like Mini and others who want a new driver.

Sure people base a lot of their judgement on one asphalt outing in, for him, both a new team and car.

I think he can be valuable for Mini (is this still the Rally de France thread?).

[Barreis]

Not bad choice for the first year.. Remember Lindholm and that French clio JWRC driver at Suzuki team 2007. Time will show..

[Tomi]

I agree with you too. PG was quite good with the Suzuki, but he isn't anywhere near the speed of the top 6 of Mikko, JML, Loeb, Ogier, Sordo and Petter. There are many better options for teams like Mini and others who want a new driver.

Who for instance?

[pettersolberg29]

Who for instance?

Meeke for one. Also Atkinson, Gardemeister and Galli (if he ever returns). If you include contracted drivers outside the WRC, then Hanninen, Kopecky, Loix and Wilks are all better drivers. Then there are young drivers like Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen who have such potential that they would be much better choices for a team than PG.

This is just my opinion from what I've seen of PG in the last 5 years or so.

[Josti]

Meeke for one. Also Atkinson, Gardemeister and Galli (if he ever returns). If you include contracted drivers outside the WRC, then Hanninen, Kopecky, Loix and Wilks are all better drivers. Then there are young drivers like Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen who have such potential that they would be much better choices for a team than PG.

This is just my opinion from what I've seen of PG in the last 5 years or so.

Meeke, well, he'll probably be in a Mini next year, but don't forget that they were both JWRC drivers and PG got 2 titles to Meeke's zero. The rest of your list I'm not that convinced. Hanninen has great potential, but he should stick with Skoda and wait if the oppertunity arouses may VW enter WRC. Neuville and Mikkelsen are also promising, but I don't think they're suited at the moment. Ostberg is an option, but not necessarily better than PG.

PG experienced developing a new car back in 2008 with Suzuki and constantly proves he's one of the fastest drivers in SWRC, so IMO he's a good choise for next year at least.

[Tomi]

Meeke for one. Also Atkinson, Gardemeister and Galli (if he ever returns). If you include contracted drivers outside the WRC, then Hanninen, Kopecky, Loix and Wilks are all better drivers. Then there are young drivers like Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen who have such potential that they would be much better choices for a team than PG.

This is just my opinion from what I've seen of PG in the last 5 years or so.

Of theese you suggest, I would maybe only choose Atkinson before PG, can you explaine how a driver like Galli would be better for Prodrive than PG.
Lol, Östberg, Neuville, Mikkelsen, if they cant drive even close in the front in small series, what makes you think they can do it on the top?

[Wim_Impreza]

For me PG is the most overated driver in the sport at this time, much faster and younger guys out there like Nikara (he even beated PG in 2WD class) and Tannat.

Agree. Andersson crashed to much this year and he was much slower than Hänninen in NORF. Even Sandell was at his pace in NORF and Germany, that says it all.

[Mintexmemory]

Well on the basis of form this year Loix has got to be worth a seat with someone. PG looks to be trying hard but Prokop looks a better bet than him to my untutored eye.
Meeke, Weijs, Abbring, Hanninen and Atkinson would all be better than PG in a WRC 1600T. I can't see Gigi or Gardemeister getting a contract from anyone just occasional 'guest' rides

[pettersolberg29]

Of theese you suggest, I would maybe only choose Atkinson before PG, can you explaine how a driver like Galli would be better for Prodrive than PG.
Lol, Östberg, Neuville, Mikkelsen, if they cant drive even close in the front in small series, what makes you think they can do it on the top?

Because Galli was, before his accident, a very fast driver who got podiums in the WRC.
Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen aren't faster than PG yet, but they are champion-material. PG is just an average driver who will never get close to becoming a champion.

[Mirek]

PG actually IS double world champion ;)

[Tomi]

]PG actually IS double world champion ;)

True, and thats pretty much more, compaired to possible future champion material.

[pettersolberg29]

True, and thats pretty much more, compaired to possible future champion material.

But who would you say is most likely to win a World Championship (WRC) out of PG, Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen? I'd say PG is the least likely.

[Tomi]

But who would you say is most likely to win a World Championship (WRC) out of PG, Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen? I'd say PG is the least likely.

At the moment PG without any doubt.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Guys , remeber PGs performance in the Fabia WRC in Sweden ;) For me he is world-class material

[mm1]

But who would you say is most likely to win a World Championship (WRC) out of PG, Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen? I'd say PG is the least likely.
+ 1 PG would get my vote, followed by Mikkelsen, not so sure about Ostberg and even less about Neuville.

[Sulland]

+ 1 PG would get my vote, followed by Mikkelsen, not so sure about Ostberg and even less about Neuville.

Pity Neuville will not drive in France, then we could get a direct comparison !

From Norway Brynildsen (Skoda) and Grondal (Subaru N14) are also quick, but Brynildsen have been struggling a lot with the RGRS Skoda, and the Prodrive Subaru is not up to the level of S2000 cars, even if the 33 mm restrictor has helped.

[pantealex]

But who would you say is most likely to win a World Championship (WRC) out of PG, Ostberg, Neuville and Mikkelsen? I'd say PG is the least likely.
PG at the moment is most likely, others have got talent also

[JFL]

Mikkelsen... for sure....

[pantealex]

Back in subject:
48 (Uspenskiy Rally Tecnica) Dave Westin jnr. (IVB) Subaru
-is it Dave Weston jnr. (GBR) ?
-why Patrik Flodin is out ? He is second in PWRC at the moment and his name is in Japan WRC-rally entrylist.

[Mirek]

PG also won't start in France (he is second in SWRC).

[RICARDO75]

Thierry Neuville and PG Andersson are on the entry list.
Does anyone know the reasons why they will not start?

[Sulland]

Neuville will start, but in a S1600, so hard to compare...

[ProRally]

]PG also won't start in France (he is second in SWRC).

And from what I hear PG will go only over the start ramp in Japan tomorrow

[Mirek]

PG isn't even entered in Japan. There is Rufa Sport crew but only substitute ;)

[ProRally]

]PG isn't even entered in Japan. There is Rufa Sport crew but only substitute ;)

Correct, just saw entry not drivers names....

[pettersolberg29]

At the moment PG without any doubt.


+ 1 PG would get my vote, followed by Mikkelsen, not so sure about Ostberg and even less about Neuville.


PG at the moment is most likely, others have got talent also

Sorry for going a bit off-topic again.

You guys honestly believe PG is more likely to be a Champion than Mikkelsen? PG firstly isn't fast enough and will not improve in the future as he is past the peak in his career. He will never get a chance with a big team now, and will never come close to being a Champion. Mikkelsen is, in my opinion, only a bit slower than PG already - he has about 15 more years to improve, and he's already shown great pace in a WRC car when he was as young as 18.

[Tomi]

Sorry for going a bit off-topic again.

You guys honestly believe PG is more likely to be a Champion than Mikkelsen? PG firstly isn't fast enough and will not improve in the future as he is past the peak in his career. He will never get a chance with a big team now, and will never come close to being a Champion. Mikkelsen is, in my opinion, only a bit slower than PG already - he has about 15 more years to improve, and he's already shown great pace in a WRC car when he was as young as 18.

Quite much you have faith in Mikkelsen, does it not worrie you at all that every year comes faster drivers to WRC than what he is, after all the seats are limited, even if new teams are coming, I belive that his chanses to ever get a work-seat is around 30/70.

[pettersolberg29]

Quite much you have faith in Mikkelsen, does it not worrie you at all that every year comes faster drivers to WRC than what he is, after all the seats are limited, even if new teams are coming, I belive that his chanses to ever get a work-seat is around 30/70.

Really? I would have thought he's about 70/30 likely to join Ford in the next few years as Wilson has admired him and supported him for years. He's trusted with the M-Sport Fiesta S2000 in the IRC and is developing it in testing. When Ogier starts dominating the Championship as Citroen's 'youngster', Wilson will have to look for an equivalent for his team. Currently Mikkelsen is the only option in my opinion.

[Josti]

Really? I would have thought he's about 70/30 likely to join Ford in the next few years as Wilson has admired him and supported him for years. He's trusted with the M-Sport Fiesta S2000 in the IRC and is developing it in testing. When Ogier starts dominating the Championship as Citroen's 'youngster', Wilson will have to look for an equivalent for his team. Currently Mikkelsen is the only option in my opinion.

But weren't we originally discussing if PG would be suited for the Mini drive? It doesn't matter if PG isn't championship material, because neither will Mini be, at least for the next two years. He's a good driver, quick on gravel/snow, and most important he experienced developing an entirely new car before.

[pettersolberg29]

But weren't we originally discussing if PG would be suited for the Mini drive? It doesn't matter if PG isn't championship material, because neither will Mini be, at least for the next two years. He's a good driver, quick on gravel/snow, and most important he experienced developing an entirely new car before.

For Mini, PG would be the 3rd best choice I think, after Atko and Gronholm. However Sordo or Petter would also be better options if they didn't have anything for next year.

But you are right - for Mini he is a good option.

[N.O.T]

To end the discussion...mikkelsen shows nothing as of now that justifies he can drive a wrc car competitively...he can not even post decent times constanty in the IRC where LOIX is one of the best...that for anyone with logic is enough.

PG is a solid choice and although overrated he can deliver in the wrc with a new team...he will never be champion and probably will never win a rally, but his experience and speed make him a far better candidate for a works team. He is a good standard for any driver with ambition to compare against, i think if meeke can win against him on constant basis is ready to make the next step and aim for bigger things.

and to stay on topic since this is a france thread and not "support your favourite or local nobody" i really would like to see ketomaas pace on tarmac...if he manages and be fast here then i think the future could involve something in the big league for him, otherwise he can follow the career of the usual finish tomato cans presented as champions like rovanpera, paaaaaaasonen and some more...but since i do believe he actually is a guy who can drive i really hope he can deliver and be an option for a manufacturer one day.

[Sulland]

They have chosen the best UK driver on the market for a UK based team.

I would have chosen Gronholms experience if he is available.

[pettersolberg29]

and to stay on topic since this is a france thread and not "support your favourite or local nobody" i really would like to see ketomaas pace on tarmac

Nice - you make a couple of good points, then undermine your discussion by suggesting Ketomaa is anything but average! If anyone is a local nobody, then Ketomaa is. His pace on gravel is average at best, and he crashes more often than a broken old laptop. One OK result in Finland last year doesn't constitute potential - he still lost to Rantanen.
(in fact, for a little private bet I wager my signature against yours that Mikkelsen will beat Ketomaa in France ;) )

But I agree that PG is a viable option for Mini due to his experience, but for Mini to compete properly they have to look beyond him.

Back to France- very much looking forward to seeing if Petter can actually challenge Sordo over a whole rally on tarmac. Loeb should be in a world of his own bearing in mind the stages are in his own back garden, however the Sordo v. Petter battle could be an interesting one.

[N.O.T]

They have chosen the best UK driver on the market for a UK based team.

I would have chosen Gronholms experience if he is available.

Gronholm has nothing to offer to the sport from a driver perspective... he got ridiculed by Loeb all these years it would be sad to see him getting ridiculed by hirvonen, Latvala, Ogier and sordo and maybe some others...Gronholm is perfect for tester and hopefully he can help mini do some nice work.

Nostalgia is nice but when it becomes the truth is really really sad and ugly.

[Hartusvuori]

If anyone is a local nobody, then Ketomaa is. His pace on gravel is average at best..

PS29, weren't you at Finland this year? Perhaps Ketomaa passed you so quickly you didn't notice. Yeah sure, he retired, but until then he was clearly fastest of the S2000 lot. Victories in Portugal and NZ meant nothing? Also, remember in 2009 his outing in old Subaru was his first ever rally in a WRC car. Like NOT said, it'll be interesting to see how Ketomaa paces on tarmac because it's a bit strange surface for him.

[rp]

Nice - you make a couple of good points, then undermine your discussion by suggesting Ketomaa is anything but average! If anyone is a local nobody, then Ketomaa is. His pace on gravel is average at best, and he crashes more often than a broken old laptop. One OK result in Finland last year doesn't constitute potential - he still lost to Rantanen.
(in fact, for a little private bet I wager my signature against yours that Mikkelsen will beat Ketomaa in France ;) )


It seems that you have not followed Ketomaa´s career and driving in the S-WRC during this year. His pace is better than P-G´s behind the wheel of the S2000 and he was leading Hänninen in Finland before mechanical problems. After that he made a mistake, but game was already over because he lost so much time. If someone is able to attack, he really can. Last year he was driving his first World Rally Car event and you cannot compare Impreza WRC2007 to the Rantanen´s Focus. Yes, his pace on tarmac is unknown and he has not competed on this surface, so I doubt that he is able to beat the top guys, but he will be quicker and quicker...

[ARF]

Well, you gotta admit, it takes some talent to crash in the parking house, where the parc ferme was :)

[Barreis]

Who did that? Latvala?

[Mirek]

Ketomaa had a small accident in parc ferme. But that doesn't change anything on the fact he was virtually the only Fiesta driver in fight for victory and even leading by few seconds from Hänninen.

[bluuford]

Well, you gotta admit, it takes some talent to crash in the parking house, where the parc ferme was :)
Well, one WRC World Champion has done it before as well ;-)

[pettersolberg29]

PS29, weren't you at Finland this year? Perhaps Ketomaa passed you so quickly you didn't notice. Yeah sure, he retired, but until then he was clearly fastest of the S2000 lot. Victories in Portugal and NZ meant nothing? Also, remember in 2009 his outing in old Subaru was his first ever rally in a WRC car. Like NOT said, it'll be interesting to see how Ketomaa paces on tarmac because it's a bit strange surface for him.


It seems that you have not followed Ketomaa´s career and driving in the S-WRC during this year. His pace is better than P-G´s behind the wheel of the S2000 and he was leading Hänninen in Finland before mechanical problems. After that he made a mistake, but game was already over because he lost so much time. If someone is able to attack, he really can. Last year he was driving his first World Rally Car event and you cannot compare Impreza WRC2007 to the Rantanen´s Focus. Yes, his pace on tarmac is unknown and he has not competed on this surface, so I doubt that he is able to beat the top guys, but he will be quicker and quicker...

I didn't go to Finland, but I followed the rally in detail from home, and although he showed 'encouraging' pace, it certainly didn't stand out as extraordinary to me, and as you say, he didn't finish (I know it was a technical issue) and then made a bad mistake.
I'm sorry if I don't rate Ketomaa as highly as others do, but I just feel that a few good performances do not justify rating him very highly. Winning in the SWRC isn't that great as the competition is very weak - Pons, Sandell and PG aren't that great so beating them isn't the achievement you make it sound. He needs to test himself against quality S2000 drivers like Meeke and Kopecky regularly before he can have any future at the top level of rallying.

[Tomi]

I'm sorry if I don't rate Ketomaa as highly as others do, but I just feel that a few good performances do not justify rating him very highly.

LOL, if theese are your criterias, how come you then rate mikkelsen so high, or do you have different criterias for different drivers?

[Josti]

He needs to test himself against quality S2000 drivers like Meeke and Kopecky regularly before he can have any future at the top level of rallying.

What makes you think IRC is at such higher level?

[Mirek]

Ketomaa was a litle bit faster than Hänninen both in Portugal and Finland which makes him very likely fastest gravel S2000 driver in the world in the moment (moreover because Skodas were clearly faster in Finland). On tarmac it will be probably different story thanks to very limited experience of Ketomaa.

[pettersolberg29]

LOL, if theese are your criterias, how come you then rate mikkelsen so high, or do you have different criterias for different drivers?

Because Mikkelsen got several top 10s in a WRC car before he reached 19 years of age, becoming the youngest points scorer in the WRC ever, he has won rounds of the Norwegian Championship in a Subaru Cup Car beating WRC cars driven by the likes of Ostberg and Grondal, very encouraging pace in the IRC this year in only 4 appearances in the Fiesta with two fifths and a 4th on Hankook tyres which are still being developed and on his weaker surface of tarmac, his incredible speed in the BRC when he was only 17 and beating veterans of British rallying and his much better consistency. I've probably missed a few too.


What makes you think IRC is at such higher level?

Because drivers like Sousa who have competed in both always get better results in the SWRC. Mikkelsen was the fastest S2000 car in Sweden, but in the IRC he finishes nearer 4th and 5th. Many more competitors in the IRC who are very talented e.g. locals like Andreucci and Pech. We know from looking back on his career that Pons is hardly a great driver yet he leads the SWRC.


]Ketomaa was a litle bit faster than Hänninen both in Portugal and Finland which makes him very likely fastest gravel S2000 driver in the world in the moment (moreover because Skodas were clearly faster in Finland). On tarmac it will be probably different story thanks to very limited experience of Ketomaa.

Maybe I have underestimated Ketomaa's raw pace, but I certainly don't think he is one of the best S2000 drivers due to his love of crashing, and as you say his lack of experience on all surfaces.

[Francis44]

Mikkelsen needs more experience before getting a factory seat in WRC. I believe he has the mojo but to enter WRC right now would be a blow to his career, better stay in IRC one more year and who knows maybe a finish in top 3, right now he isn't even close to Kopecky or Hanninen.

And Ketomaa is better than him in my opinion, i've seen him in Portugal and he was just out of this World regarding S-WRC class, although Hanninen was faster than him before the problem with his car, but in terms of driving Ketomaa was just WOW.

[pettersolberg29]

Mikkelsen needs more experience before getting a factory seat in WRC. I believe he has the mojo but to enter WRC right now would be a blow to his career, better stay in IRC one more year and who knows maybe a finish in top 3, right now he isn't even close to Kopecky or Hanninen.

And Ketomaa is better than him in my opinion, i've seen him in Portugal and he was just out of this World regarding S-WRC class, although Hanninen was faster than him before the problem with his car, but in terms of driving Ketomaa was just WOW.

I agree with you r.e. Mikkelsen needing experience. I disagree that he's nowhere near Kopecky and Hanninen though - on gravel he is far less than 0.2s/km off their pace, and on tarmac he was within 0.5s/km in Barum. That's not so bad for someone young in his first few IRC events.

Ketomaa is perhaps quicker at the moment, but he's 31/32? and has shown very little in his career so far. Maybe he'll turn out to be an OK S2000 driver, but his lack of tarmac experience and the fact he's nearer the end of his career than the beginning age-wise tells me that he'll never be anything other than OK.

Lets just agree to disagree guys because we have hijacked this thread now!

[tolis]

Yvan Muller with C4 WRC? http://www.rallyedefrance.com/pdf/engages_wrc.pdf

[N.O.T]

His battle with kimi is going to be good.....its going to be a nice indication if kimi learned anything. Also lets see who crashes first.

[Rallyper]

His battle with kimi is going to be good.....its going to be a nice indication if kimi learned anything. Also lets see who crashes first.

You have to be consequent. Now you´ll compare Kimi with an experienced man who´d driven 4WD in competitions since 20 years or more.

How fair is that?

[Roy]

I planned a trip to Rally France. I understand it is free. I can go without paying to the stages and see the cars?
Have some of you any ideas where to stand for a good view? Thnx!

[N.O.T]

You have to be consequent. Now you´ll compare Kimi with an experienced man who´d driven 4WD in competitions since 20 years or more.

How fair is that?

and how many rallies yvan has contested in a proper rally car ??

If you think track experience in a 4wd RACE car...even remotely compares doing a rally in a 4wd RALLY car....your brain is wrong it needs tickling....

[Mirek]

I think that Yvan did altogether two rallies many years a go - as co-driver :)

[tolis]

]I think that Yvan did altogether two rallies many years a go - as co-driver :)
Also 3 rallies in 2003 as a driver in France...
http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=profile&driverid=14769

[Mirek]

Guys, if You have tip for accommodation for some of my friends on Saturday night, please, send me PM. Thanks



Also 3 rallies in 2003 as a driver in France...
http://www.rallybase.nl/index.php?type=profile&driverid=14769

Aha, thanks

[Mintexmemory]

As a matter of interest, and as I haven't followed Seb Ogier's career pre-WRC, just how much experience does he have of the Alsace ashphalt?
(My pickem depends on good information regarding the relative merits of Sordo / Ogier)

[muscrae]

Yvan Muller with C4 WRC? http://www.rallyedefrance.com/pdf/engages_wrc.pdf

I think a mistake in entry list, because he is announced to drive the Xsara that Petter used last season...

[Mirek]

As a matter of interest, and as I haven't followed Seb Ogier's career pre-WRC, just how much experience does he have of the Alsace ashphalt?
(My pickem depends on good information regarding the relative merits of Sordo / Ogier)

He drove one season of French Peugeot 206XS Cup in 2007 but I think that's all.

[OldF]

As a matter of interest, and as I haven't followed Seb Ogier's career pre-WRC, just how much experience does he have of the Alsace ashphalt?
(My pickem depends on good information regarding the relative merits of Sordo / Ogier)

He drove the seasons 2006 and 2007 in the Peugeot Cup and won it in 2007. In 2005 he had won a talent search competition organised by the French ASN (FFSA). The French ASN paid his 2006 and 2007 seasons. It was Loeb himself that introduced Ogier to Citroen and Loeb had also recommended him to Guy Frequelin. After meeting with Frequelin they (Citroen and French ASN) decided to establish the Citroen Junior team for JWRC and pay the cost together. In 2008 he won the JWRC championship.

He’s a real natural talent because I think there’s not a single driver who has won a WRC event in his overall fifth rally season. Before his rally career he was an alpine ski teacher and his education is an auto mechanic, same as Loeb.

[Mirek]

Campana won't start (money) :(

[Mirek]

Does anyone know how long before start they close stages?

[MartijnS]

Block went off at test today.

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=157944164224783

[jbmarcus21]

I was to Muller Test today with Xsara WRC ..

just 3 pics to wait my video ;)

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/1azerty.jpg

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/2azerty.jpg

http://forum.rallyeforce.free.fr/files/3azerty.jpg

[MJW]

Last minute change of co-driver for Henning. Unfortunately Ilka Minor was injured in a crash whilst competing with Manfred Stohl yesterday. Ilka suffered an injury to a vertebrae and may need an operation, she is likely to miss the rest of the season.

[wwbroe]

Last minute change of co-driver for Henning. Unfortunately Ilka Minor was injured in a crash whilst competing with Manfred Stohl yesterday. Ilka suffered an injury to a vertebrae and may need an operation, she is likely to miss the rest of the season.

Yes, apparently Henning Solberg will drive in France with Stephane Prévot as codriver. He certainly has the necessary experience. ;)

[ProRally]

Yes, apparently Henning Solberg will drive in France with Stephane Prévot as codriver. He certainly has the necessary experience. ;)

Even more chance to stop at Burger King or McDonalds now :bounce:

[Bobcat]

http://www.only-rally.com/index.php?option=com_igallery&view=gallery&id=32&Itemid=149

[dimviii]

:) Amazing photos!

[jbmarcus21]

Yesterday i was to Test Rallye de France :

- Ken Block with Ford Focus Wrc
- Yvan Muller with Xsara Wrc

Here my video :
=> http://planetemarcus.free.fr/testdaysmullerblockfrance10.htm

[Dejan]

Why did you fasten up the video?

[ProRally]

http://www.only-rally.com/index.php?option=com_igallery&view=gallery&id=32&Itemid=149

Nice photo's .... some special ones, but nice !!

[jbmarcus21]

Why did you fasten up the video?

fasten up ??

[bowler]

does he mean speed up?

[Mintexmemory]

Even more chance to stop at Burger King or McDonalds now :bounce:
Why is Stephane addicted to junk food?, Henning carries a supply of Snickers in the spare wheel well so he doesn't have to stop.
Hey hom, there goes all his weight saving strategy - Stephane must be 32kg more than Ilka

[noel157]

Why is Stephane addicted to junk food?, Henning carries a supply of Snickers in the spare wheel well so he doesn't have to stop.
Hey hom, there goes all his weight saving strategy - Stephane must be 32kg more than Ilka

So Henning has to stop, take off his belts, open the door, get out of the car, open the boot, take the straps off the spare wheel, remove the spare wheel, grab a Snickers, put the spare wheel back, secure the straps, shut the boot, get back into the car, shut the door, put his belts on and then he can eat his chocolate? Are you sure? Keeping his supply of Snickers in the glove box would be easier or stop at a drive thru :)

[jbmarcus21]

does he mean speed up?

not ;)

[Viking]

So Henning has to stop, take off his belts, open the door, get out of the car, open the boot, take the straps off the spare wheel, remove the spare wheel, grab a Snickers, put the spare wheel back, secure the straps, shut the boot, get back into the car, shut the door, put his belts on and then he can eat his chocolate? Are you sure? Keeping his supply of Snickers in the glove box would be easier or stop at a drive thru :)

Yes, and the spare wheel is mounted under the car and close to the exhaust system! Not an ideal place for chocolate at all. I am sure it is Loriaux that told him to put it there :D

[Mirek]

Test of S2000, Gr.N and 2WD cars: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw0we3UJ7-g&feature=player_embedded

[Mintexmemory]

So Henning has to stop, take off his belts, open the door, get out of the car, open the boot, take the straps off the spare wheel, remove the spare wheel, grab a Snickers, put the spare wheel back, secure the straps, shut the boot, get back into the car, shut the door, put his belts on and then he can eat his chocolate? Are you sure? Keeping his supply of Snickers in the glove box would be easier or stop at a drive thru :)

Swear to God that's the routine he goes through at the end of each stage ;) Who said there's a spare wheel in the boot? I know where he keeps it....
(Bales out of potentially slanderous statement). Has to get his execise somehow. Still having parted company with Cato for a new (lighter) co-driver the plan seems to have been scuppered. Get well soon Ilka you'll be needed for the Fiesta :D

[Mirek]

Another test video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2aO7KWglqE

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_12e1437cf6.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_ad1399e6bb.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_ae17c03989.jpg

Photos from France before start (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=790&fseason=2010) ;)

[Karukera]

Great pictures, as always, Thanks !

Weather forecast anyone ?

Just looked at a few websites and sounds like there's a high chance of rain there. Probability of rain from 60 to 75% .

-Friday : Cloudy, foggy and windy on mountainous stages. Rain 60%
-Saturday : partly foggy then sunny. Rain probability 60%
-Sunday : high chance of rain, 75% and sunny again, for the podium ?

A handful of C° in the morning, small ice patches not discounted. Above 20° at lunch.

[Roy]

I found some spectator maps and info about Rally France.

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/programme-rallye-france-alsace-2010-wrc/

[V.Gatev]

Thanks, the site is superb. Anyone knows times from shakedown?

[Aquagen]

Thanks, the site is superb. Anyone knows times from shakedown?http://www.dna.fr/fr/rallye-actu/info/3887048-Resultats-Les-chronos-du-shakedown

[mm1]

Nice times by Petter and Turan.

[wwbroe]

They surely look extremely fast if you compare to Loeb for example. :eek:

[Viking]

And Yvan!

Petter 1.53,4
Turan 1.57,7
Yvan 1.58,8
Loeb 2.02,2
Ogier 2.02,2
Sordo 2.02,7
Raikkonen 2.02,9
Latvala 2.03,6
Villagra 2.05,2
Hirvonen 2.06,4
Wilson 2.14,2

http://www.pettersolberg.com/html/

[mm1]

How long was the stage?

[hari]

How long was the stage?
It was a 2.4 km stage in Strassbourg and has not really much in common with the rally's stages.

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/plan-shakedown.jpg

[mm1]

20sec. diference between Petter and Wilslow :)

[Boudica]

They surely look extremely fast if you compare to Loeb for example. :eek:

Some did their runs in the wet and some did their runs in the dry.

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_8dc4de954c.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_ba5dc4d387.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_36fcbe2e8d.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2010/790/790_francouzska_rally_57024bb0a4.jpg

More photos from shake and Turan crash HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=790&fseason=2010) ;)

[V.Gatev]

Anybody to know the full shakedown times with J-WRC, PC-WRC and S-WRC? I can not find anything in official site of FFSA and the rally :(

[pettersolberg29]

That's a pretty huge cut 3rd picture down!

[Hartusvuori]

Anybody to know the full shakedown times with J-WRC, PC-WRC and S-WRC? I can not find anything in official site of FFSA and the rally :(


The stage was not especially representative of the conditions that the competitors will face over the next three days, and the times were taken by hand as the specialised equipment had already left for the first stage.

Perhaps they're still writing them down from the notes...

[bluuford]

That's a pretty huge cut 3rd picture down!
Photo nr 8 is much better :-)

http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=790&fseason=2010#

[wwbroe]

Apparently Mikkelsen put down an amazing 1.56.8, so second best time, in his Skoda Fabia S2000 from Skoda Italy. :eek:

[Mirek]

Don't get this "shakedown" too serious ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wdaq0fm2mi4

[wwbroe]

Yes, it is better NOT to take it seriously, looks like they are searching for a parking spot. :D

[dimviii]

Ken Block recce Rally France 201:p :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buuDgLRWCps

[pettersolberg29]

I've never seen such weird SD times before - odds on the final top 8 being the same as the top 8 in SD?! ;)

[Hipo1990]

So what is official shakedown times with swrc pwrc and jwrc?

[sp0+]

The shakedown special stage was really "Ken Block style", wasn't it? :)

[John V]

Hi friends,

we are facing big problems with comments on vysledky-rally.cz this Saturday (Sunday too maybe) as too many races and other duties. If someone can (and want) help, contact our colleague Jakub 'Karbonyl' (kubik.h@seznam.cz) please. Thanks, Jan.

[VFTS]

I've never seen such weird SD times before - odds on the final top 8 being the same as the top 8 in SD?! ;)


Petter drove fantastic, but all the manufacturer-cars had to use hard tyres on the shakedown. Petter and the other private teams used soft tyres.

Its lack of tyres, thats why the manufactures had to use hard tyres today.

All the S2000 also used soft tyres.

[pettersolberg29]

Thanks VFTS - is that why Mikkelsen had such a good time too?

[pantealex]

Apparently Mikkelsen put down an amazing 1.56.8, so second best time, in his Skoda Fabia S2000 from Skoda Italy. :eek:
He will be last car on the road friday. There is running order in rallysite and also in wrc.com

[Mirek]

That's terrible joke...

[VFTS]

He will be last car on the road friday. There is running order in rallysite and also in wrc.com

They have done everything to explain the organizer that they have to have a better start-position but so far they have to start as last car.

He has FIA-B licence and will start behind private guys that just are having fun.

Lets hope that the organizer in the friday morning understand their big mistake and put them forward in the field.

[6789]

Nearly time for stage 1, i think Loeb will run away with the rally, but I still have a feeling he might have some kind of problem. Thats a joke for Mikkelsen, so he will be running behind 2WD Renaults ect?

[Retlub Ecaps]

Does the start order matter that much on tarmac?

[Rally Hokkaido]

I think it depends on the event. In his blog PSD driver, Hayden Paddon said he expects a lot of mud to be dragged on to the road by those in front, if the weather forecast for Rallye de France is accurate.

[6789]

Does the start order matter that much on tarmac?
Looking at the pictures of the cras from shakedown there looks to be a lot of mud around. Being down the order would be a disadvantage, as rocks and mud can get pulled onto the road from cutting. Around 2 hours now!

[Brother John]

They have done everything to explain the organizer that they have to have a better start-position but so far they have to start as last car.

He has FIA-B licence and will start behind private guys that just are having fun.

Lets hope that the organizer in the friday morning understand their big mistake and put them forward in the field.

The orgnizer is French that meant already enough. :s mokin:

[wwbroe]

Soon first stage will be live. Good morning guys, let's see if Seb Loeb will get away with this one. ;)

[wwbroe]

Loeb is trough first stage 5.18.0

[Mirek]

Does the start order matter that much on tarmac?

On these roads yes, as people said there will be a lot of mud around. Bigger problem for Mikkelsen is that there are slow cars in front of him. Although Barral isn't bad driver, in 2WD he will be much slower on wet road and Mikkelsen will catch him.

Results for French nationals on same stages (including Bouffier for example):
http://www.ffsa.org/res_rallye.php?id=1316&catCourse=ral
http://www.patricksoft.fr/ -> direct

[wwbroe]

]On these roads yes, as people said there will be a lot of mud around. Bigger problem for Mikkelsen is that there are slow cars in front of him. Although Barral isn't bad driver, in 2WD he will be much slower on wet road and Mikkelsen will catch him.

I completely agree with you Mirek, it is really crazy to let Mikkelsen start behind all those guys. :(

[wwbroe]

Drivers allready complaining of mud on the road, so for Mikkelsen it will be very difficult. :(

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen looks very, very slow trough first stage, he is loosing more then a sec a km compared to Loeb.

[Viking]

Fords having a good start...

[Viking]

Wilslow 34sec down in 9.9km

[rage82]

Not a bad at all result fot Kimi, only 8 sec. behind mikko and much faster than wilson and villagra

[rage82]

Delay for the second stage, because of spectators

[wwbroe]

So, that is reason why i don't have any splits for second stage. :(

[rage82]

Unbelievable time for Brynildsen with the Skoda, faster than Muller in the Xsara :) ) I think we gonna see a great battle in S-wrc. And what about Ostebrg and Hening - what a pace they have.

[wwbroe]

So, they still didn't start stage 2? Good time for Brynildssen in SWRC.

[wwbroe]

Ostberg and Henning are even faster then Brynildssen, so very decent start for them. :)

[rage82]

Stage 2 is now on

[wwbroe]

First split for Loeb on stage 2 is in, so i guess they have started the stage with about 20 mins delay.

[Sulland]

Is Mikkelsen still going to go off last, or has the organizer seen his FIA Seeding now ?

[Viking]

I like the swrc/s2000 results so far, just waiting for Mikkelsen :)

[rage82]

Think that Mikkelsen will start last, what a shame indeed

[rage82]

Peter is in action 1 sec. faster than Ogier

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen really slow again, even loosing lot of time compared to teammate JML. It looks like Fords will have very hard time once more.

[MikeD]

How on earth can Ford make a tarmac test and still be this slow on this surface. That's just not good enough. They really need to try and get a proper tarmac driver, because they haven't got a clue on how to be fast on these events.

[6789]

Great to see Solberg up there, Seb Loeb still running away with the rally already. Hirvonen 30 secs down already

[Julle69]

Also wondering Hirvonen's time. Is it something with the car or is he just lost it to Latvala? IS there any info of that? Kimi is clearly fastest of the second class but also Block is driving surprisingly good times

[Sulland]

How on earth can Ford make a tarmac test and still be this slow on this surface. That's just not good enough. They really need to try and get a proper tarmac driver, because they haven't got a clue on how to be fast on these events.

It is not the drivers (only), it is the car !

[MikeD]

It is not the drivers (only), it is the car !

Sorry I don't buy that. I am absolutely sure that if Ford e.g. got Sordo in their team for tarmac tests and events he would show Ford how to setup and run the car properly for tarmac.

[Brother John]

It is not the drivers (only), it is the car !

Yes, why would they invest still money in the Ford Focus? :|

[rage82]

Brynildsen is again faster among the s-wrc competitors, really a good surprise, hope that he can keep his pace

[wwbroe]

But Henning Solberg is still faster in the Fiesta, but he is not in SWRC officially.

[Mirek]

Ostberg and Maurin missing?

[wwbroe]

]Ostberg and Maurin missing?

Looks like that, but no further info? :(


Edit: Maurin is there

[aykutbilir]

Block is driving surprisingly good times

Im sure Kenny crash somewhere close with his suprising speed soon :)
Check how he damage at test run.

[wwbroe]

Arzeno is leading the Juniors after first stage. Neuville is third and Abbring fourth.

[Viking]

Østberg looses 5min...

[wwbroe]

What's up with stage 3, still more delay or what is going on?

[wwbroe]

Østberg looses 5min...

What is the reason, did he have a puncture or was he off?

[Mirek]

SuperRally time :(

[GigiGalliNo1]

Is there a problem with the broadcast of WRR or is that just me?

My iPhone 4 keeps pausing and making a snow noise as if there is no reception on tv? and on my computer WRR goes off after 10 mins....

[rage82]

Everything is Ok with the rally radio on my pc. See the time of Weis i think it must be a mistake :)

[6789]

Is there a problem with the broadcast of WRR or is that just me?

My iPhone 4 keeps pausing and making a snow noise as if there is no reception on tv? and on my computer WRR goes off after 10 mins....
Same problem here in Aus

[N.O.T]

Normal pace by everyone...Muller way lower than my expectations..kimi fighting with the block once more. lets see who crashes first.

Ketomaa is very very slow....hope he improves on second run because if not then we can welcome him into the Finnish tomato can gravel specialist club...ok no future for him at the top if he continues like that.

we have a 20min delay..anyone knows the reason?

[GigiGalliNo1]

Same problem here in Aus

amen

[wwbroe]

I don't know, but when i am refreshing any other page on my computer, Becks sounds like she has Parkinson. I haven't had this problem before. :D

[rage82]

The delay was on stage 2 cause of spectators

[pettersolberg29]

WRR is rubbish for me too - keeps stopping and starting again.

[Julle69]

H Weijs Jr?!?!

[Karukera]

I don't know, but when i am refreshing any other page on my computer, Becks sounds like she has Parkinson. I haven't had this problem before. :D

I don't know if she has contracted Parkinson but she has an awful voice. I would way prefer a Finn speaking english instead, at least he'd know what he's talking about.

[Mirek]

H Weijs Jr?!?!

He is there in 3rd JWRC time on SS2 ;)

[wwbroe]

H Weijs Jr?!?!

He is there, just loosing some time. Again Arzeno fastest before Neuville. Kevin Abbring loosing quite a lot on stage 2.
What is going on for stage 3, did they start allready???

[mm1]

Have you opened up the rally radio in a pop up window? If so the original window is also playing somehow, that`s why it sound wrong.

About Ketoma - this is his first ever tarmac rally (not WRC, but ever), so we can give him time till the end of this event to see if he`s a fast learner or NOT

[N.O.T]

ss03 underway....

[aykutbilir]

What is going on for stage 3, did they start allready???

Check spilt times 4 cars on road now

[wwbroe]

Have you opened up the rally radio in a pop up window? If so the original window is also playing somehow, that`s why it sound wrong.

About Ketoma - this is his first ever tarmac rally (not WRC, but ever), so we can give him time till the end of this event to see if he`s a fast learner or NOT

I didn't open it in pop-up window, so that can't be the reason why it sounds so awfull. Maybe i have to switch it off, because they are just talking rubbish and almost no info about the rally. :(

[GigiGalliNo1]

Ogier will win ;) haha

Thanks Becs.

[muscrae]

Petter is fastest in 1st split...

Nope: It's Sordo now... :)

[Hartusvuori]

Mikkelsen through SS1 - 8,7s down on Östberg.

And give some leash on Ketomaa, really. What can you expect from a Finn on his first ever tarmac rally? So far he's done just fine.

[Sulland]

Mikkelsen has done SS1 as 5th in N4, 8,7 behind Mads - not bad from dead last !

[wwbroe]

Petter is flying, faster then the Sebs on splits.

[6789]

Ogier will win ;) haha

Thanks Becs.
Where abouts are you in Aus? I'm in Armidale NSW, about 2 hours west of Coffs. Petter and Sordo quicker than Loeb on the splits in SS3

[muscrae]

Petter lost 2.6s in split 4...

[Viking]

Mikkelsen has done SS1 as 5th in N4, 8,7 behind Mads - not bad from dead last !

Mikkel seems to been lucky, the 2wd driver in front of him seems to be fastest of the lot :)

[N.O.T]

there is a 45 minut delay now....hope they fix things after service.

[Mirek]

Mikkel seems to been lucky, the 2wd driver in front of him seems to be fastest of the lot :)

Thomas Barral is last year's winner of Citroën Racing Trophy in France so he's not bad ;)

[6789]

Petter lost 2.6s in split 4...
Sordo slower as well, Loeb probably floored it after seeing the splits

[Julle69]

About Weijs, WRC.com results say he was sixth fastest on SS2, between Latvala and Hirvonen. Is that right?

[rage82]

Solberg ahead Ogier overall :)

[N.O.T]

my brain hurts to see wilson after so many years of experience to drive that slow.....

[wwbroe]

About Weijs, WRC.com results say he was sixth fastest on SS2, between Latvala and Hirvonen. Is that right?

No, that is not right, he was 3th fastest in JWRC after Arzeno and Neuville :D

[N.O.T]

Ostberg crashed.

[N.O.T]

and ss02 stopped because another rally car hit ostbergs one.

[wwbroe]

Is it just me, or are WRR really late with comments, they say Latvalla is at split 4, while he has reached finish long time allready.

[N.O.T]

Nice battle between the 3 citroens for 2nd place.

[Karukera]

Stage delay partly due to someone fainting in the crowd. Had to be evacuated, ambulance...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Is it just me, or are WRR really late with comments, they say Latvalla is at split 4, while he has reached finish long time allready.

depending it sometimes might be a bit behind.
I've done iPhone 4 at the same time as computer browser and it was off by 10-30 seconds.

[rage82]

Haha! Dani is now on the rally radio and Wilson has finished already. Obviously we have a delay. Is that true about the ambulance. I didn't hear anything on the radio?