2011 Rallye de France , looking for info...

[userwave]

Hi all

Am starting to plan a trip to this years rally de France ,
Looking for info on accommodations , best stages to spectate etc.

Will be traveling from Canada so need to plan ahead a bit :)

Have been to multiple Wrc events before, but know nothing about Alscace since they have moved rally France from Corsica.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

[6789]

There's no google map yet bt keep an eye on http://planetemarcus.free.fr/france11.htm heaps of useful informations

[userwave]

Bump !

[Mintexmemory]

Apartments Homes Cottages B&B: Holiday Rentals in Spain Ibiza France Brittany Italy Tuscany for Summer (http://www.homelidays.co.uk) are one of many outlets for Gites in the area, but google 'self catering Alsace'

Rallye de France Alsace » Cartes (http://www.rallyedefrance.com/?page_id=167) Gives the maps for this year's stages (you can get the itinerary in the rally guide too) and it is possible to get accomodation right on the route of a stage. Anything north of Colmar is about mid-map so cuts down travel time and is central for day 2 I believe.
There are other options besides les gites but they might be TOO CHEAP for your budget ;-)
If you look at the routes you'll see that picking your access is vital if you want to move around on any particular day, many of the best locations will be difficult to exit once you're there.
Hoping to do it myself, BTW Sardinia was fantastic :-)

[userwave]

anyone from this forum attending this year?
Have hotel booked, and rental car

travelling from Toronto, Canada to attend !

this rally will be part of my honeymoon, anyone on here been to Alsace region or Strasbourg in particular that can recommend must see's or eat/drinks etc ? :)

[Viridian Black]

I went there last year for the Rally and recently this year for a holiday. A very beautiful area and I'd recommend seeing the cathedral in Strasbourg, its superb. Also if you have time, a trip down some of the Route du Vin meandering through pretty villages, stopping off to taste some wines. For the rally if its anything like last year pretty much every stage will be overflowing with spectators so get there early. Best stages for me were the Ballon stages oh and don't bother with the stage through Haguenau, way too busy.

[userwave]

thanks guys
tommeke_B I will pm you as we get closer to the rallye!

[hype]

We will be travelling to France too as it's even closer as Rallye Deutschland for us :-) (Stuttgart)

[danon]

A bird's eye view:

WRC 2011 Rallye de France Alsace ES03/07:Pays d'Ormont - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNuZW12KGh4)

WRC 2011 Rallye de France Alsace ES11/15: Vallée de Munster - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2Zxpp1CLlQ&feature=related)

WRC 2011 Rallye de France Alsace ES12/16: Grand Ballon - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZ_GDWuOsvg&feature=related)

[jbmarcus21]

There's no google map yet bt keep an eye on Programme du Rallye Wrc de France 2011 (http://planetemarcus.free.fr/france11.htm) heaps of useful informations

now is out
Google Earth Map Rallye Wrc de France-Alsace Programme du Rallye Wrc de France 2011 (http://bit.ly/pe0fkx)

[MK2 BDG]

Yep,, Thanks JB

We are going down again to compete,,Fiesta R2 this time rather than the S1600
Hopefully the organiser will have done something about the thick mud, that was on a few of the stages last year

[tolis]

Entry List published: http://www.rallyedefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Liste_des_Engag%C3%A9s_WRC_2011_approuv%C3%A9_par_ la_FIA_le_02.09.11.xls.pdf

[userwave]

getting excited :D

[RS]

VW are not doing France?

[tolis]

Entry List published: http://www.rallyedefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Liste_des_Engag%C3%A9s_WRC_2011_approuv%C3%A9_par_ la_FIA_le_02.09.11.xls.pdf
Only 1 Impreza N/4 and no Lancer's!

[bluuford]

Is there any parallel event for nationals?

[mousti]

VW are not doing France?

Nope a week or 2 ago I've seen a article about it here.

And yes there's a Grand National Rally also like last year, no entries online yet.

[hype]

Can someone tell me where the vineyards on Friday's and Saturday's stages are?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGlbEIk7axY&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CZWNPpbXuo&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGBzYjwWY-4&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a06ka6BKjiQ&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=630T4Qg8dfo&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qhm1cnLvB-Y&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjbCcN0oIko&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzWSmJin7n8&feature=player_detailpage

[driveace]

Talk than this rally goes past Loebs house ,is this true,and whereabouts does Loeb live ?

hello driveace

No true,Loeb live in Switzerland actually.

[Barreis]

Can't wait for action.

[darkstar]

startlist of the grand national at rallye de france: Liste des engagés Grand National 2011 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/liste-des-engages-grand-national-2011/)

[N.O.T]

very nice entry to accompany the WRCs..the battle of the ds3s is going to be nice.

[Francis44]

Well I see an old WRC car is probably going to win this, or are they doing some stages and not the whole rally?!

[N.O.T]

the drivers of the the old WRC cars are nothing compared to Loeb and Ogier..

plus the rally in estonia showed that the old wrc are not that faster than the new ones on gravel at least.

[Mirek]

Local guys with old WRC will set similar times to SWRC in my opinion. They are gentleman drivers (for example Snobeck is almost 70 years old).

[danon]

Tests Days Sébastien OGIER Citroën DS3 WRC [HD] Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHP6EyBLJx0)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrHHcw1LFiI&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rduatC1wv9M&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6zdj8JgjQM&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joeo011dAWE&feature=player_detailpage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ__fzbaSm4&feature=player_detailpage

[Mirek]

Videos from tests...

Loeb: Tests Days Sébastien LOEB / Daniel ELENA Citroën DS3 WRC [HD] Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrOpPfep3VQ&feature=related)
Ogier: Tests Days Sébastien OGIER Citroën DS3 WRC [HD] Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHP6EyBLJx0&feature=related)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPX3sZ0rJ4I&feature=player_detailpage

[PuddleJumper]

Anyone seen the entry list in a text format that can be copied and pasted?

[Mintexmemory]

Anyone seen the entry list in a text format that can be copied and pasted?
Just the pdf at http://www.rallyedefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Liste-des-Engages-WRC-2011-approuvee-par-la-FIA-le-1609112.pdf

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ol76Z94F0I&feature=player_detailpage

[Mirek]

Prodrive testing: Tests Day Sordo / Meeke Mini JCW WRC for Rallye France Alsace [HD] Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvuOm52SKFk&feature=feedu)

To me it looks like a step ahead with the engine. But it's hard to judge from the video.

[dimviii]

Prodrive testing: Tests Day Sordo / Meeke Mini JCW WRC for Rallye France Alsace [HD] Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IvuOm52SKFk&feature=feedu)

To me it looks like a step ahead with the engine. But it's hard to judge from the video.

Mirek some part of this test is definetely the same as the Citroen tests you posted some posts above.The difference is amazing!!I am talking about the''S''on downhill which ends to a very tight right turn.

[Lundgaard]

Mirek some part of this test is definetely the same as the Citroen tests you posted some posts above.The difference is amazing!!I am talking about the''S''on downhill which ends to a very tight right turn.

Yep. The Minis have to break. Loeb is on the gas! Or maybe Loeb is just that good...

[MR666]

Latvala showed good pace at rally Deutschland so lets hope he can do that agin here and find some extra luck, would be great to see a Ford fighting for a win on a seal event.

[6789]

Tests Day Novikov / Al Qassimi Ford Fiesta RS WRC for Rallye de France Alsace HD Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFIurbYdTTU&feature=feedu)

Alot more testing from this user. Nivikov had a few moments even in testing lol

[tolis]

Rallye de France preview show: WRC 2011 - Preview Rally (http://www.woop.gr/content/41189/wrc-2011-preview-rally-gallias)

[bluuford]

Tests Day Novikov / Al Qassimi Ford Fiesta RS WRC for Rallye de France Alsace HD Rallye-Addict.com - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFIurbYdTTU&feature=feedu)

Alot more testing from this user. Novikov had a few moments even in testing lol

Better to have all the moments during the testing... Loeb, Ogier, Latvala all have crashed pretty many times during the testing. I red somewhere that Markko Märtin was also hired by Ford to make car faster on tarmac. Any news about that?

[userwave]

heading to the airport !
long intercontinental flight ,

see you in Strasbourg / Alsace
WRC here we come!!!! :)

[Diegotest]

On website TestRally.com (http://www.testrally.com) info about Aaron Burkart's testing in Italy ;-)

[MJW]

Change of co-driver for Eyvind Brynildsen in France, Timo Alanne is co-driver. Timo is ex Anton Alen co-driver and has in past few years on tarmac rallies been co-driving Simon Jean Joseph as Petter's gravel crew. posted here as well as news and rumours as I guess this will become the official Rally France thread, not just a request for info.

[darkstar]

On website TestRally.com (http://www.testrally.com) info about Aaron Burkart's testing in Italy ;-)

what is he testing for? surely not for france i would say. so, wrong thread?

[hype]

Does someone have any hints on Saturday's stages?
Last year we've been to Grand Ballon in the middle of the stage, but the road is quite wide there and not very spectacular.

[darkstar]

as a little (p)review for rallye de france:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJt07cy6VvU

[MartijnS]

At which stages were the first two shots?

[Juha_Koo]

Organizers putting up a fight against cutting this year. Nearly every single cuttable corner now riddled with steel poles.

Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mtv3.fi%2Furheilu%2Fralli%2Fuut iset.shtml%2F2011%2F09%2F1398828%2Fharjaterastolpa t-rallikuskien-uhkana-ranskassa&act=url)

[N.O.T]

stupid decision...

[Brother John]

stupid decision...

Yes very stupid decision, what will happen now?

[Mirek]

stupid decision...

For sure You know that every such decision has a reason. It's better to think about that before saying it's stupid. I know how it is here. Very often these anti-cutting obstacles are requested by local authorities to prevent road damage. Than You usually have just two choices - either to run the stage with anti-cutting obstacles or not to run the stage at all. Simple as that.

[N.O.T]

Than You usually have just two choices - either to run the stage with anti-cutting obstacles or not to run the stage at all. Simple as that.

3rd choice...repair the road afterwards (if it is needed)....

[Mirek]

If it is requested before the rally, what You could do after the rally is quite irrelevant (authorities needn't to trust Your promises that You would repair the road afterwards and very often prefer simple solution to prevent such problems at all). Also it's very expensive solution.

[N.O.T]

Main reason is that this was probably requested byt he teams to avoid punctures like in germany where there was severe cutting...

rest are just Bull fed to us by the organisers...

for 20+ years most tarmac rallies used no poles and minimal obstacles when it comes to cutting corners and it was encouraged by the authorities to leave stages are "pure" as possible in international events... suddenly the french decided to sterilise their event...maybe they add curbs next year or maybe Michelin RND department actually work harder and make a tyre that lasts instead of asking their fellowcountrymen to doo stupid things like that in order not to look like complete fools like in germany.

[N.O.T]

plus poles are not very safe...

Into the ass of timo - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAGbrM-MMRk)

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rally_de_france_alsace_2011_edb0925411.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rally_de_france_alsace_2011_fa90214d6c.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rally_de_france_alsace_2011_aefd749a3e.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rally_de_france_alsace_2011_b1bb79105b.jpg

More photos from service HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=939&fseason=2011)

[Mirek]

Main reason is that this was probably requested byt he teams to avoid punctures like in germany where there was severe cutting...

Sorry, but I don't believe in that for a second. Just stop inventing some imaginary reasons why something could look plain stupid.

I don't know how exactly it is in France but I know how it is here in CZ, in Hungary, Slovakia etc. and there are anti-cutting poles, tyres etc. in every single asphalt rally at least in some places. And the reason is purely in fact that without them rallying on those roads wouldn't be allowed.

[Mirek]

Test Juho Hänninen on stage of Valašská Rally. On those WRC tyres it's much more spectacular than normally on slicks :)

Test HÄNNINEN - (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vn1mcPaUJ4&feature=feedu)

[N.O.T]

Sorry, but I don't believe in that for a second. Just stop inventing some imaginary reasons why something could look plain stupid.

I don't know how exactly it is in France but I know how it is here in CZ, in Hungary, Slovakia etc. and there are anti-cutting poles, tyres etc. in every single asphalt rally at least in some places. And the reason is purely in fact that without them rallying on those roads wouldn't be allowed.

and why didn't they used these poles last year ?? Alsace-vosges rally was run for quite some time....and french championship used and uses WRC cars so why did not used them last year ??

[focus206]

Talking about poles... seems like Ogier hit one of them during recce in the Mitsubishi Lancer, damaging the radiator.

[Mirek]

and why didn't they used these poles last year ?? Alsace-vosges rally was run for quite some time....and french championship used and uses WRC cars so why did not used them last year ??

Last year they used them also. Only less of them but they were used.

[N.O.T]

i did not see any in the coverage of WRC

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Rewind 2010: France (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-rewind-2010-france/?vid=1935)

...neither in the amateur footage through the internet....

or in any of the incar footage i have of whole stages.

so either the french relised that the roads are destroyed after 30 years of rallying in these roads (i doubt they are that slow)

or something else happens.

[Mirek]

i did not see any in the coverage of WRC

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Rewind 2010: France (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-rewind-2010-france/?vid=1935)

...neither in the amateur footage through the internet....

or in any of the incar footage i have of whole stages.

so either the french relised that the roads are destroyed after 30 years of rallying in these roads (i doubt they are that slow)

or something else happens.

How many of let's say 180 km unique kms did You see? If You go through youtube Barum 2011 videos, You would hardly find any anti-cutting poles although there were hundreds of them. It's better to ask people who did recce of all French stages personally. They would tell You those poles were used a lot but not in all stages.

Anyway, in French championship there are very few 4WD cars which could damage the road and a lot of them is driven by old gentlemen who don't like to cut anyway. 2WD drivers don't cut unless they have to (because of dirt from WD cars). Remember the Irish complaining about cutting of foreign drivers in 2007? It was quite new for them even though they drove those stages for ages.

[dimviii]

Ogier damages car in Rally de France recce - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94890)

[tfp]

Woops!

[bluuford]

i did not see any in the coverage of WRC

World Rally Championship - Video - Browse All - Rally Rewind 2010: France (http://www.wrc.com/video/browse-all/video-rally-rewind-2010-france/?vid=1935)

...neither in the amateur footage through the internet....

or in any of the incar footage i have of whole stages.

so either the french relised that the roads are destroyed after 30 years of rallying in these roads (i doubt they are that slow)

or something else happens.

Thy were there but less:
WRC - Rallye De France 2010 [HD] - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U2m1azJ3xM)
at 10 seconds, I think that in 3:02 is anotherone
Here: WRC France 2010: P. Solberg Onboard - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L9lq3FFvbg)
in 2:42 you can see at least 4 of them

another Video: WRC Onboards: France 2010 - Petter Solberg SS18 Requested by WetC87 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM0s_2pTQM0&feature=related)
2:40 five of them
4:56 two of them
And you can see more of them after Solberg off, on the side of footage.
So, thy were there, but less. WRC cars driven by WRC drivers tend to cut more and last years weather and nearly 150 cars long list made the cuts look pretty bad, so, they are trying to avoid it.

[P1ter]

This is my first time at rally de france and I was wondering if anyone can recommend some good places to go and watch? Thanks

[N.O.T]

Thy were there but less:
WRC - Rallye De France 2010 [HD] - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U2m1azJ3xM)
at 10 seconds, I think that in 3:02 is anotherone
Here: WRC France 2010: P. Solberg Onboard - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_L9lq3FFvbg)
in 2:42 you can see at least 4 of them

another Video: WRC Onboards: France 2010 - Petter Solberg SS18 Requested by WetC87 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WM0s_2pTQM0&feature=related)
2:40 five of them
4:56 two of them
And you can see more of them after Solberg off, on the side of footage.
So, thy were there, but less. WRC cars driven by WRC drivers tend to cut more and last years weather and nearly 150 cars long list made the cuts look pretty bad, so, they are trying to avoid it.

well in a 20km stage to have 10-20 of them i do not think it has any meaning....considering most stages have an average of 10 corners per Km...of course we still have to see what the situation is this year...because the story might be inflated by the media. so we have to wait and see....

My point was that it IS a stupid decision to sterilise a stage like that. Excuses for destruction of roads (LOL) are just that.... excuses to hide some other things....

[wildsir]

Sure just charge for entry to stages. Who is going to pay for damage to road? Not NOT... I'm sure.

I heard it cost €65k euro to clean roads and repair, whereas €35k to fit poles, and can obviously reuse year after year.

Also is more level playing field.

Look, every rally has to be different, otherwise why not do the same homogenised rally every week. North One would love that...

[N.O.T]

Sure just charge for entry to stages. Who is going to pay for damage to road? Not NOT... I'm sure.



wake up..

the rally was run in the area for years and only this year they decided to do that with the poles... i doubt they payed that amount (which you just made up) each year for the last 40 years.

Wake up...

or change sport.

[rallyfiend]

Sure just charge for entry to stages. Who is going to pay for damage to road? Not NOT... I'm sure.

I heard it cost €65k euro to clean roads and repair, whereas €35k to fit poles, and can obviously reuse year after year.

Also is more level playing field.

Look, every rally has to be different, otherwise why not do the same homogenised rally every week. North One would love that...


I'd heard that it was illegal to charge to access the stages in France, as they are public 'right of ways' so you can't charge to access public areas.

[clem126]

I'd heard that it was illegal to charge to access the stages in France, as they are public 'right of ways' so you can't charge to access public areas.

You heard right!

Oh and this year, ecologists were particularly annoying! They did everything they could to try and stop the rally from happening! Organizers had to accept some of the tree huggers' requests. I wouldnt be surprise if the pole were one of those requests "it stops the cars from transporting tree-killing bacteria from a contamined spot to a clean one"...

[noel157]

well in a 20km stage to have 10-20 of them i do not think it has any meaning....considering most stages have an average of 10 corners per Km...of course we still have to see what the situation is this year...because the story might be inflated by the media. so we have to wait and see....

My point was that it IS a stupid decision to sterilise a stage like that. Excuses for destruction of roads (LOL) are just that.... excuses to hide some other things....

Poles are different from last year:

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/7057/photocof.jpg

[noel157]

Mini testing with Meeke and Sordo:


http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlcmsj_essais-pre-france-2011-sordo-del-barrio-meeke-nagle-mini-wrc_sport

[N.O.T]

those poles very dangerous, and stupid...but the french tyre supplier must not look bad for the second time in a row on home soil, or citroen wants to have a safe run and win without any problems like in Germany and Oz. But it is definitely not because of road destruction...if you want to think otherwise there is only one solution.... WAKE UP.

tree huggers are the same everywhere....they have not grasped the meaning of human existence yet and they never going to....they are better off dead in the bottom of the ocean serving as coral riffs.

[mm1]

That`s not the best anticutting solution, somebody from the drivers will pull them out and then it could become much more dangerous than cutting, I mean if it flies through the window for example.

[6789]

Or flies off the car and hits a spectator

[focus206]

Yes, they looks quite dangerous... and certainly someone is going to hit one of them during the rally.

[wildsir]

wake up..

the rally was run in the area for years and only this year they decided to do that with the poles... i doubt they payed that amount (which you just made up) each year for the last 40 years.

Wake up...

or change sport.
Not made up
simple reason
Amateur driver don't cut like the pro's

[r199]

that is a nice little pole, Whas it not a pole like that a cople of years ago that came tru the bothem of a wrc hitting a Co???

this is how thay are doing it over here, en the netherlands

http://94.100.114.58/1415850001-1415900000/1415874601-1415874700/1415874676_6__HkW.jpeg :D

or this way
http://94.100.115.142/1181450001-1181500000/1181475201-1181475300/1181475275_6_3pca.jpeg :D

[Mirek]

those poles very dangerous, and stupid...but the french tyre supplier must not look bad for the second time in a row on home soil, or citroen wants to have a safe run and win without any problems like in Germany and Oz. But it is definitely not because of road destruction...if you want to think otherwise there is only one solution.... WAKE UP.

tree huggers are the same everywhere....they have not grasped the meaning of human existence yet and they never going to....they are better off dead in the bottom of the ocean serving as coral riffs.

Your Michelin conspiracy theory behind those anti-cutting poles is one of the most ridiculous things I saw here for years.

[6789]

That was a pole up into Gronholms co drivers ass? Lol. Any times from shakedown?

[N.O.T]

Amateur driver don't cut like the pro's

they do...

[Mirek]

they do...

Small number of amateurs cut if they don't need. 2WD drivers don't cut at all (it's useless) if they are not forced to do that by 4WD drivers. This is fundamental difference between French national and WRC event. In French national there are let's say 100 2WD cars and only few 4WD ones from which only several drivers used to cut. The rest don't like to do that.

In our championship it is different because we have much larger percentage of 4WD cars than they have in France. And this is also a reason why there isn't a single event without anti-cutting obstacles existing in CZ...

[N.O.T]

Your Michelin conspiracy theory behind those anti-cutting poles is one of the most ridiculous things I saw here for years.

the michelin thing is a bit far fetched i admit it, but sure far less ridiculous than "damage the roads" excuse especially for an event which is run for years and years....

if its not the tyre company that pushed the organisers to do it then its the teams....

[N.O.T]

Small number of amateurs cut if they don't need. 2WD drivers don't cut at all (it's useless) if they are not forced to do that by 4WD drivers. This is fundamental difference between French national and WRC event. In French national there are let's say 100 2WD cars and only few 4WD ones from which only several drivers used to cut. The rest don't like to do that.

In our championship it is different because we have much larger percentage of 4WD cars than they have in France. And this is also a reason why there isn't a single event without anti-cutting obstacles existing in CZ...

this video disagrees with you... i see the same cutting in 2wd and 4wd.

Rallye Alsace Vosges 2005 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1axt4uGjp34)

generally i agree that 2wd cars are less risky....but the differences in cutting are not that big to make such a difference between a wrc event and a national one. maybe in a stage 20 corners out or 200.

now i am bored with this discussion...so i just wait for shakedown results.

[Mirek]

The road damage is fact discussed personally thousand times with organizers of many different events.

[N.O.T]

The road damage is fact discussed personally thousand times with organizers of many different events.

mostly on gravel events...

[Mirek]

mostly on gravel events...

Sorry, we have no gravel event in CZ. All are asphalt and all use anti-cutting obstacles because they have to.

[Leon]

Mirek, I am amazed by your patience....

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rallye_de_france_alsace_2011_da200c107a.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rallye_de_france_alsace_2011_1cdc3e3063.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rallye_de_france_alsace_2011_47c3e955a7.jpg

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2011/939/939_rallye_de_france_alsace_2011_4151d97185.jpg

More photos from shakedown HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=939&fseason=2011)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Love that new black Fiesta livery !!

BTW, what were the shakedown times ?

[Aquagen]

BTW, what were the shakedown times ?Lockerz.com : BILLIOT Jérémie's Photo (http://lockerz.com/s/142914438)

[N.O.T]

meh...very short stage.

[Zeakiwi]

On the shakedown screen times. Wilson faster than Hirvonen ? - I need aspirin....

[bluuford]

http://www.rallyedefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Stewards-decision-N%C2%B0-11.pdf
Victor Henriksson excluded from WRC Academy

[6789]

Here's some betting odds - Win and podium

Sportingbet Australia - Online Betting, Horse Racing & Sports Odds (http://www.sportingbet.com.au/#&&s=Sports-Motor+Sport-WRC+Rally+France-2528152)

[bluuford]

http://www.rallyedefrance.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Stewards-decision-N%C2%B0-11.pdf
Victor Henriksson excluded from WRC Academy

Also Baldoni was penalized with -25 points due to missing his first event. When missing second event, he will be DSQ. He has 1 point left now.

Llovera was apologized for the second time with medical reasons. He will not compete in France.

[Fri]

My pics from shakedown:
rallysport.hu - Rally de France - teszt (http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/10_francia/01_fri_teszt/index.htm)

it was really boring :(

[sp0+]

Shakedown times
Loeb, Citroën 1.47,1
Ogier, Citroën 1.47,3
Sordo, Mini 1.47,3
Latvala, Ford 1.47,9
Petter, Citroën 1.48,1
Meeke, Mini 1.48,2
Henning, Ford 1.48,3
Räikkönen, Citroën 1.48,5
Wilson, Ford 1.48,6
Hirvonen, Ford 1.48,9
Østberg, Ford 1.49,0


[Fast Eddie WRC]

1. Loeb, Citroen 1.47,1
2. Ogier, Citroen 1.47,3
-. Sordo, Mini 1.47,3
4. Latvala, Ford 1.47,9
5. P. Solberg, Citroen 1.48,1
6. Meeke, Mini 1.48,2
7. H. Solberg, Ford 1.48,3
8. Raikkönen, Citroen 1.48,5
9. Wilson, Ford 1.48,6
10. Hirvonen, Ford 1.48,9

S-WRC
1. Tanak, Ford 1.53,8
2. Hanninen, Skoda 1.54,1
3. Brynildsen, Skoda 1.56,9
4. Turán, Ford 1.58,3[/size][/font]


Pretty normal order but for Mikko... and the Mini's seem to be right on the pace now. :)

[sp0+]

Indeed. I am expecting a very strong performance from Dani in France....Let's see.... :)

[Xsara Fan]

My pics from shakedown:
rallysport.hu - Rally de France - teszt (http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/photo/wrc/10_francia/01_fri_teszt/index.htm)

it was really boring :(

Novikov said to me after shakedown: 'This shakedown was useless...' :)

[dimviii]

nice photo
eWRC.cz - po všech stránkách rally… (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=71326)

more
eWRC.cz - Fotogalerie Rallye de France 2011 (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=1240&fotograf=35&all=1)

[Voice of Rally]

Guys,

I’ve been out to have a look at those metal poles. Here’s what i think!

Colin Clark previews Rally France - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN0zF9Oyt-Q)

[cali]

These poles aren't gonna stop drivers from cutting corners. Absolutely useless IMHO. First one who touches them and poles are thrown away.

[Hartusvuori]

These poles aren't gonna stop drivers from cutting corners. Absolutely useless IMHO. First one who touches them and poles are thrown away.

Or they'll be easily removed by spectators. If they'll stay on the corner put badly they can easily damage the car running behind, remember Valousek in Jänner this year, similar damage and that's if lucky. I understand why they have to do something, the world around rallying world have changed during last 20 years or so, even if everyone doesn't realize that, but anticutting poles should be done so that they prevent drivers from cutting.

[N.O.T]

Road preservation uber alles...

LOL....

i wonder why they do not use them in spain, monte ects...and why only this year in france...

WAKE UP people and see the big picture....its the only solution.

[JTGANG]

Really like the colours of Fiesta !!!!!

[dimviii]

These poles aren't gonna stop drivers from cutting corners. Absolutely useless IMHO. First one who touches them and poles are thrown away.

Loeb damages car in Rally de France recce - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94890)

[Co-driven]

Also Baldoni was penalized with -25 points due to missing his first event. When missing second event, he will be DSQ. He has 1 point left now.

You know what happened to Baldoni? He just didn't show for the rally??

I think it's a bit strange...last weekend he won his home event on the Argentine Championship.

[dimviii]

:dozey:
Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen will start Rally de France with his Ford Fiesta RS WRC in its most aggressive asphalt trim yet as he attempts to end Citroen's domination of its home round of the World Rally Championship.

Hirvonen to start Rally de France with aggressive asphalt trim - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94908)

[N.O.T]

is lobotomy the standard procedure to become a British rally reporter nowadays ??

[dimviii]

is lobotomy the standard procedure to become a British rally reporter nowadays ??

i think yes
"It is back to basics for me," said Wilson. "We've gone a few steps backwards on the dampers, nearly to the start of how the car was. I knew how the car feels on those dampers, I did testing and I have driven the car in this specification.

Wilson 'back to basics' with Fiesta - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94894)

[dimviii]

About the poles,its not safe to attack them with a car.
Loeb hit 4-5 poles and immediately had a leak from the oil cooler of his recce evo9.

Loeb damages car in Rally de France recce - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94890)

[N.O.T]

Slowson is the biggest disgrace the sport has ever seen..

[dimviii]

Ken Blocks gravel crew is Hayden Paddon for France

Q & A with Ken Block - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/94895)

[N.O.T]

i really hope that chinless American means financial help when he refers to help Paddon progress...

[Fri]

short video from sd
: : RallySport.hu - Rallye de France Shakedown : : (http://www.rallysport.hu/images/2011/video/059-rshu_wrc_rallye_de_france_test.htm)

[N.O.T]

meh...looked more than exhibition show rather than shakedown.

[dimviii]

At 13,00 on Friday we are going to be live at wrc,but today the videos don t play for me.
Are they playing for other mates?

[N.O.T]

they work fine for me..at least this one i tested right now

World Rally Championship - Video - Onboards - France 2011: Sordo quick again for MINI (http://www.wrc.com/video/onboards/france-2011-sordo-quick-again-for-mini/?vid=2325)

you have to wait a few seconds (like 10-20) but they play fine.

Maybe you should update things like flash players ects.

[dimviii]

Thanks NOT .i ll try but i have waited way more seconds without success

[Rallyper]

Guys,

I’ve been out to have a look at those metal poles. Here’s what i think!

Colin Clark previews Rally France - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN0zF9Oyt-Q)

Thank you Colin for that teaser of rally France!

Will listen to you and Becsy the whole weekend. Where did I put my name to win the bag of rally France?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I would love it if one of the Ford's could finally be faster than the Sebs on tarmac... people would be so freaked :lol:

[rallye-sport]

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/alsace-2011-arno/imgp5682.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/alsace-2011-arno/28.jpg

More pictures of the first day : Photos Rallye de France 2011 (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-de-france-2011/)

[Fomchenkov Andrey]

See my gallery from Rally France (http://www.worldrally.ru/gallery.php?album=174)

http://www.worldrally.ru/newwr/uploads/albums/big/wrc_fra2011d.jpg

[tfp]

Guys,

I’ve been out to have a look at those metal poles. Here’s what i think!

Colin Clark previews Rally France - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN0zF9Oyt-Q)

"Fine beer!" :D Yes!

[janvanvurpa]

I would love it if one of the Ford's could finally be faster than the Sebs on tarmac... people would be so freaked :lol:

The time difference at the end of the last stage totals less than 1%, so they're for all intents and purposes, same.
The rules are strict and govern virtually everything, so its not surprising they're effectively the same speed.

Its down to Team and drivers.

[mousti]

Main reason is that this was probably requested byt he teams to avoid punctures like in germany where there was severe cutting...

rest are just Bull fed to us by the organisers...

for 20+ years most tarmac rallies used no poles and minimal obstacles when it comes to cutting corners and it was encouraged by the authorities to leave stages are "pure" as possible in international events... suddenly the french decided to sterilise their event...maybe they add curbs next year or maybe Michelin RND department actually work harder and make a tyre that lasts instead of asking their fellowcountrymen to doo stupid things like that in order not to look like complete fools like in germany.
There are rallies in Holland and Belgium who're doing it and like Mirek said u do it or u don't run stage, promising to repair it? U know for sure that Rally Organisations aren't super rich with hundred thousands of euros in budget so those bills to repair roads are frigging high and could kill organisation and trust me it really would. Have been alot of discussion around years ago about that. It's not cool and nice to see but if the authoritities of the city where stage is been done are not want to work very friendly with u but instead make it more difficult u can't do anything against besides obeying what they want.

[wwbroe]

First stage of the day is going to be live soon. I hear Coin is ready for the action, what about you guys?

[wwbroe]

Miko is loosing allready more then 5 sec compared to Seb

[jonkka]

Yeh

[Mintexmemory]

First 2 stages before work :( Loeb up on Og and Hirv at 1st split :(

[wwbroe]

Very good start for Seb1, running with two spares in the back.

[Mintexmemory]

Make that on stage time - this seems familiar! WRC site times are slow in appearing! Doesn't bode well for the video!

[wwbroe]

Ogier is faster as Loeb on last split on stage 2, is he going to attack Seb1 once more?

[wwbroe]

Ogier now just 0.1 sec behind Loeb in overall standings, they are going to fight each other?

[Mintexmemory]

Ogier now just 0.1 sec behind Loeb in overall standings, they are going to fight each other?
They're French in France - what do you think!

[jonkka]

Mini again faster than Ford

[Raini]

Tänak faster than Hänninen on SS1

[Hartusvuori]

Mini again faster than Ford

Again for the first time in this rally - but ain't that what we want, fight for the 3rd place.

[Leon]

Sordo 2nd on second ss

[Raini]

Sordo won huge time from the end of SS2.

[hari]

SWRC: Al-Attiyah and Turan already out in SS1?

[wwbroe]

Really great time by Juho Hanninen on second stage. Looking forward now to the longest stage of this rally with 36 competitive kms.

[Raini]

Really great time by Juho Hanninen on second stage. Looking forward now to the longest stage of this rally with 36 competitive kms.

Tänak must have a some kind of small problem form the 2nd stage end, he was on last split faster.

[Hartusvuori]

Tänak must have a some kind of small problem form the 2nd stage end, he was on last split faster.

Livetext should work better, or some kind of info route for this kind of situation. It doens't need much to loose that 8 seconds. Battle rages on :-)

SS3 delayed?

[Hartusvuori]

Mikko loosing more than 10s on split 2.

[wwbroe]

Problems with Hirvonen?

[noel157]

Problem for Wilson? 15th place after SS2, nearly 2 secs/km of the pace.

[Hartusvuori]

SWRC: Al-Attiyah and Turan already out in SS1?

WRR: Al-Attiyah slid off the road into a ditch. Out for the day.

[Hartusvuori]

Mikko 20s down on 3rd split - game over if it ever was on.

[wwbroe]

Problem for Wilson? 15th place after SS2, nearly 2 secs/km of the pace.

Why should he have a problem, we are used to times like this for Slowson, aren't we?

[wwbroe]

Latvalla fastest on first split sofar.

[Hartusvuori]

Latvalla fastest on first split sofar.

JML only with soft compound - stage end decides.

[6789]

Latvala 2.3 quicker faster at 2nd split, hope the soft tyres last :)

[gregwrc]

problems for hirvonen ...????

[noel157]

Why should he have a problem, we are used to times like this for Slowson, aren't we?

I'm not that interested but worse times than usual.

[noel157]

Petter on a flyer? Hirvonen's rally over?

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen loosing more then 30 sec allready.

[Hartusvuori]

problems for hirvonen ...????

Hirvonen more than 30s down now.

[Leon]

what is the case with the new french hope Campana? is he really so bad as his times show?

[wwbroe]

oeb stopped in stage

[Hartusvuori]

Loeb stopped!

[6789]

Loeb stopped?? OMG!

[rage82]

Loeb stopped in the stage

[Francis44]

Loeb stopped OMG this is Germany all over gain.

[wwbroe]

What is going on in this rally

[Hartusvuori]

They are talking about mechanical problem.

[6789]

Mechanical? Wow

[jonkka]

I must be dreaming...

[wwbroe]

How many ages is that ago that a Citroen had mlechanical problems?

[Francis44]

Still not confirmed if mechanical or crash, let's wait.

[focus206]

I can't believe this! SS3 and already Mikko and Seb on problems! Exciting!

[noel157]

Ogier may just have a smile on his face.

[Hartusvuori]

Mark this day to your calendars - it's historical. Crazy stage.

[Hartusvuori]

JML stopped!

Off the road...

[jonkka]

Ogier missing 6th split as well

[rage82]

ohh, and JML off the road. Crazy stage and crazy rally

[hari]

Latvala stopped as well!
Not far from Loeb

[Hartusvuori]

JML on the move again.

Hirvonen in the finish. He's been off too. Few k's from the start - mud on the wheel, hard to drive.

[focus206]

JML :( Now Sordo have a great chance here.

[bluuford]

Loeb rolled and then broke clutch

[focus206]

Ogier finished, 50s faster than Mikko...

[wwbroe]

What the hell is going on in this stage, so Loeb rolled, is that comfirmed.

[Leon]

whats the deal with Loeb? in three rallies he faced more problems than what he did in the last 7 years

[AndyRAC]

Loeb rolled and then broke clutch

W h a t.....can you repeat that please.......

What's going on.....???

[Mirek]

whats the deal with Loeb? in three rallies he faced more problems than what he did in the last 7 years

I think Loeb's problem is Ogier.

[focus206]

Loeb rolled, but the 2 Ford are far behind now. Mikko and Jari-Matti must regain time without making mistakes.

[MR666]

Should have live TV going now, so many rallys has had stuff happen early on the first day.

[6789]

W h a t.....can you repeat that please.......

What's going on.....???
Rally radio was talking about a roll and boken cluth in Norway one year, they haven't mentioned that from what I have heard.

[Rallyper]

So all those 98% who picked Loeb on first place, is wrong now, or...

Me myself had Petter on first - not so bad when all comes around. Just waiting for the other Seb to move out...

[focus206]

Raikkonen also retired... reason?

[jonkka]

Difficult stage, so many drivers retiring, going off or having other problems... Loeb, Mikko, JML, Kimi, Ostberg...

[rp]

Raikkonen also retired... reason?

He has not started the SS 3, but finished SS 2. Not know the reason...

[bluuford]

W h a t.....can you repeat that please.......

What's going on.....???

No, I cannot. Maybe I misheard from rally radio.

[Rallyper]

Everyone cut the corners says Sordo. No meaning with those fences then.

[pete c]

Go Sordo!!!!!!

[rp]

And Loeb definetely not rolled or damaged his clutch! The reason was engine problems... The team will check if he can restart with SupeRally tomorrow

[rage82]

I also think that the roll and the clutc problem was related to the last mechanical failure for citroen

[Hartusvuori]

https://twitter.com/#!/citroenracing

"LOEB. Loeb retires from #rallyedefrance (https://twitter.com/#%21/search?q=%23rallyedefrance) with an engine problem. The team will check if he can restart with SupeRally tomorrow."

[Sulland]

When is all this live streaming going to happen ?

[focus206]

What a crazy start of the rally!

[Brother John]

:s mokin: This is now what the Rally of France and the FIA ​​deserve.
Too many rules in their own interest and for the French team, yes but I can not talk about it here on the forum. :rolleyes:

[MR666]

When is all this live streaming going to happen ?

1pm rally time.

[MikeD]

Loeb did NOT roll. He just stopped with an electric failure in the engine

[wwbroe]

Raikkonen went off the road warming up his tyres before start of stage 3, how stupid can you be?

[Viking]

Strange that the other drivers did not see him, has Citroen got a garage in the stage?? :D

[MikeD]

:s mokin: This is now what the Rally of France and the FIA ​​deserve.
Too many rules in their own interest and for the French team, yes but I can not talk about it here on the forum. :rolleyes:

...because nobody wants to listen to your BS and xenophobic crap!

[MR666]

Raikkonen also retired... reason?

Put it off the road warming up the tyres before stage 3.

very funny

[Julle69]

Raikkonen went off while warming up tyres for SS3, from RallyRadio

[pete c]

Kimi had an off warming tyres before the stage and did not start!!!!

[wwbroe]

Strange that the other drivers did not see him, has Citroen got a garage in the stage?? :D

Hirvonen saw him, but starting with Ogier they didn't see him anymore, maybe they pulled it of away from stage?

[MR666]

Strange that the other drivers did not see him, has Citroen got a garage in the stage?? :D

The amount of money they spend could be already airlifted out lol

[focus206]

Put it off the road warming up the tyres before stage 3.

very funny

:D :D :D
Seems he doesn't like asphalt rallies at all.

[Viking]

Put it off the road warming up the tyres before stage 3.

very funny

That is an epic one! Hope there is video of it :D

[Hartusvuori]

Strange that the other drivers did not see him, has Citroen got a garage in the stage?? :D

Mikko did say Loeb was in a junction, so away from the stage, out of sight, I'd say.

[wwbroe]

Meeke blaming organisers for those pole's, saying they should come with him trough the stage to see how bloody dangerous it is. He is saying it is a disgrace.

[Hartusvuori]

Meeke said what was expected from the anti-cutting poles: "I'd like to have some of the organizers sit here with me in the car. Some of the poles are pointing 45 degrees towards the car and if I hit them 100 mph, they'll come through the cockpit and God knows what'll happen then."

[Mintexmemory]

That is an epic one! Hope there is video of it :D

Can't believe that NOT isn't all over this one like a rash! Kimi's final indignity?

[KKS]

Rally Radio works fine?

[Hartusvuori]

Hänninen stopped. "Perfect stage". I'll get me coat.

[wwbroe]

Damn, Hanninen stopped in stage too, what a f.....cking stage this is.

[Viking]

Anti-cutting poles getting some...stick

[Mintexmemory]

Rally Radio works fine?

But not the on screen info!! What was Meeke's time anyone?

[Mintexmemory]

Anti-cutting poles getting some...stick

Bdum- tish!

[wwbroe]

But not the on screen info!! What was Meeke's time anyone?

19.44.2

[noel157]

But not the on screen info!! What was Meeke's time anyone?

19.42.2. 4th fastest on stage.

[wwbroe]

Novikov is trough with a puncture

[Hartusvuori]

Hänninen back on the move, but of course has lost a lot.

[Mintexmemory]

Disaster for my fantasy rally prediction, although with super rally anything could happen now!

[wwbroe]

Hanninen moving again, thank god

[Mintexmemory]

Go Kris!!! (thanks guys)

[Hartusvuori]

SS4 running.

[focus206]

Let's see if the "Ogier's syndrome" will strike again :D

[Hartusvuori]

Juho changed tyre midstage. Ott had puncture on SS2 stage end, no spare for SS3 and SS4.

[noel157]

Disaster for my fantasy rally prediction, although with super rally anything could happen now!

I bet when Seb Loeb stopped his first thought was: "Damn, I've messed up the forum guy's pick 'ems" :)