[IRC] Cyprus Rally 2011

[tolis]

Only one month before the last round of IRC, Cyprus Rally. It takes place on 4-5 November. Entries are now open for the rally. Any news about who is going to be there?


Official website: Cyprus Rally 2011 - Cyprus Rally 2011 IRC Official Website (http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/)
This year, there is also a Golden Stage on Sunday 6 November. More information : Cyprus Rally 2011 » Golden Stage (http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/golden-stage/)

Bryan Bouffier, Freddy Loix and Juho Hanninen (maybe) should be there.
Burcu Cetinkaya is also confirmed in a Skoda Fabia S2000.
Leader of 2WD Cup, Italian Stefano Albertini will drive his Renault Clio R3.

[mousti]

If Neuville does a nice result this weekend in Scotland he'll probably be there at Cyprus!

[Leon]

I read somewhere that the two german guys with the Skoda should be there also.

I m very curious about what will be Loix performance because even in his dark Mitsubishi days in the WRC he managed to set very good times during the Cyprus rally.

[wwbroe]

Does somebody have more info about the stages, are they the same as last year? If there is anybody out there that has some decent maps or Google Earth file, please let me know. (or you can send me PM). Thanks in advance.

[Mirek]

Kopecký will be there definitely. Maybe several other Czech crews...

[RS]

Again good to have a better entry list than last year, the co-efficients seem to do the job even if I don't like them.

[tolis]

Itinerary and Maps: Cyprus Rally 2011 - Itinerary and Maps | Have fun in Cyprus! (http://www.cyprusandmore.com/2011/09/cyprus-rally-2011-itinerary-and-maps/)

[wwbroe]

Itinerary and Maps: Cyprus Rally 2011 - Itinerary and Maps | Have fun in Cyprus! (http://www.cyprusandmore.com/2011/09/cyprus-rally-2011-itinerary-and-maps/)

Thanks Tolis, but that maps are on official website also, their quality is really very poor.

[tolis]

Nasser Al Attiyah told me in June that he is invited to do the rally.

[RS]

Wilks will not be there.

[Bence Magyar]

Laszlo Vizin will be there with a newly built Subaru Impreza R4 and Janos Puskadi also will be there with his Honda. Maybe one more Hungarian crew but it is not confirmed yet.

[Leon]

WEATHER

Last year we did not have any rain in Cyprus until mid December so the stages were very hard, dry and dusty.
This year, especially in the area of the rally there was and still is a lot of raining. If the weather continuous like that it may end up as the muddy2002 WRC event.

[Barreis]

It will be good rally.

[tolis]

Patrik Sandell will drive his Fabia S2000 in Cyprus.

[RS]

All works Skodas going to Cyprus: MaxRally | News | Full house for Skoda in Cyprus (http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/full_house_for_skoda_in_cyprus/)

[VFTS]

...and rumours say that not any of the Peugeots will appear.

[Mirek]

There might be even more than four works cars of Škoda. We'll see...

[tolis]

There might be even more than four works cars of Škoda. We'll see...
I am thinking of Tarabus...Maybe.

[pucky54]

Skoda Deutschland cars will be there as well

[tolis]

So far:

Skoda Fabia S2000
Hanninen
Kopecky
Loix
Mikkelsen
Kahle
Wallenwein
Sandell
Cetinkaya

Impreza R4
Vizin

Renault Clio R3
Albertini

Honda Civic Type R R3
Puskadi

Any news about Proton?

[mousti]

I expect Loix fully for the win, the BFO weren't quite happy about how they got handled for Scotland and getting no car.

[pucky54]

Any news about Proton?

They will do APRC China this weekend!

[RS]

I am thinking of Tarabus...Maybe.

Kresta I suppose.

Can't believe that Peugeot would not go even though they still have a chance of the drivers title. Bouffier and Neuville have to be there!

[RS]

I wonder whether Skoda Motorsport will also enter their drivers for the Golden Stage Rally and what they would do with the prize money? I think they should carry the logos of some charity and donate any winnings to them! Either that or leave the Golden Stage to true privateers.

[RS]

... or maybe give 4/5 young and poorly funded drivers their cars for Golden Stage?

[6789]

^ I think that's probably being a little generous of them

[noel157]

I expect Loix fully for the win, the BFO weren't quite happy about how they got handled for Scotland and getting no car.

Who decided Loix would not do Scotland? I thought the BFO budget did not cover Scotland. Or was it Skoda Belgium?

[Mirek]

I think that the main reason was combination of two factors - no Scotland in original plans + crash in Sanremo. That resulted in no available car in that time. But that's just my guessing.

[noel157]

I think that the main reason was combination of two factors - no Scotland in original plans + crash in Sanremo. That resulted in no available car in that time. But that's just my guessing.

Of course, factor in his San Remo crash and things become clearer. Thanks Mirek.

[mousti]

Budget was there, it was not in plans official but it was in the plans when Loix would be in involved in the title run still.. Some found it ridiculous there could be no car found and think that was just to have Kopecky (or maybe Juho) get the title easier because of his father who's a big shareholder of Skoda..

[Mirek]

Budget was there, it was not in plans official but it was in the plans when Loix would be in involved in the title run still.. Some found it ridiculous there could be no car found and think that was just to have Kopecky (or maybe Juho) get the title easier because of his father who's a big shareholder of Skoda..

Sorry, but that is nonsense. Kopecký is no shareholder in Škoda. 100% owner of Škoda Auto is VW already for more than ten years. Josef Kopecký has much less influence in Škoda Motorsport than people think and the seat of his son is not granted at all.

[dimviii]

Sorry, but that is nonsense. Kopecký is no shareholder in Škoda. 100% owner of Škoda Auto is VW already more than ten years. Kopecký has much less influence in Škoda Motorsport than people think and the seat of his son is not granted at all.

Mirek whats the conection between father Kopecky and Skoda?

[Mirek]

I don't know exactly but officially just a technician of Jan's car (not main engineer who is Walter Illmer).

[dimviii]

I don't know exactly but officially just a technician of Jan's car (not main engineer who is Walter Illmer).
;) :D

[mousti]

Sorry, but that is nonsense. Kopecký is no shareholder in Škoda. 100% owner of Škoda Auto is VW already for more than ten years. Josef Kopecký has much less influence in Škoda Motorsport than people think and the seat of his son is not granted at all.
It's not me who told it :D

I didn't even had any bad feeling about this anyways, in East Belgian Rally some were complaining about Kopecky the Czech etc..(I understand them too also though) But there's nothing u can do about it anyways :-/ . U can't rewind the time :) . I hope Loix will do some impressive stuff in Cyprus go full throttle don't think on points because it's mathematically possible but very difficult. Loix knows how to drive on gravel like on Cyprus did the rally and drove Acropolis quite a few times. Now hoping that Neuville enters too would be ridiculous if not..

I'm always thinking positive, Mirek :D

[Barreis]

Old Kopecky is one of directors in Škoda Auto.

[Mirek]

Old Kopecky is one of directors in Škoda Auto.

No, he isn't. Why do You keep repeating such nonsense without at least a try to verify it? It's nothing secret...

[urabus-denoS2000]

People , you talk about stuff you don't know . Jan Kopecky didn't have a great season although he's fighting for the title , but that doesn't mean he suddenly became a "daddy driver"

[tolis]

Prize fund for Golden Stage revealed: IRC Intercontinental Rally Challenge (http://www.rally-irc.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3218)

[liposh]

Somebody was asking for good maps, so here are maps from Seppala´s websites: Cyprus Rally | Cyprus | Rally-Maps.com (http://www.rally-maps.com/country/Cyprus/rally/54/Cyprus-Rally)
Because the original maps were so **** nobody can quarantee the accuracy, but these maps are totally great anyway. ;) :)

[RS]

Al-Attiyah is going to Cyprus: http://www.rally-irc.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3219

[tolis]

So far:

Ford Fiesta S2000
Al Attiyah

Peugeot 207 S2000
T. Neuville
B.Bouffier?

Skoda Fabia S2000
Hanninen
Kopecky
Loix
Mikkelsen
Kahle
Wallenwein
Sandell
Cetinkaya

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
C.Tingirides
M.Posidias
R.Feghali?

Impreza R4
Vizin
Arai
Nutahara?

Renault Clio R3
Albertini

Honda Civic Type R R3
Puskadi

[mousti]

Neuville is indeed sure ! :)

[PLuto]

Karl Kruuda will be there too, car isnt sure yet.

[RS]

Live tv coverage for Cyprus: http://www.ircseries.com/html/readnews.asp?id=3223

Good to see IRC expanding their reach to more channels worldwide as well.

[havk]

According to http://www.autoklub.pl Bouffier will not start in Cyprus Rally.. For me it's absolutely strange, to leave last rally even there is still a chance for the title. And Bouffier was driving in Cyprus previous year which would give him some more chances. Absoulutely don't understand Peugeot decision. Pay for the whole season and just give up before the last rally it's really strange.. BTW The only drivers who have chances for the title and can score all points in Cyprus into final standings are Hanninen and Loix. They scored points in just 6 rallies.

[[Madeira-Rally]]

very strange decision by Peugeot... maybe it will be another mistake of Mr. Quesnel

[RS]

MaxRally also reports that Bouffier won't be there: http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/bouffier_ruled_out_of_irc_title_fight/

A bit of sulking from Quesnel probably.

[wwbroe]

Apparently Thierry Neuville will be the only top Peugeot driver that will be in Cyprus, another strange decision by Peugeot if you ask me. :(

[tolis]

So far:

Ford Fiesta S2000
Al Attiyah

Peugeot 207 S2000
T. Neuville

Skoda Fabia S2000
Hanninen
Kopecky
Loix
Mikkelsen
Kahle
Wallenwein
Sandell
Cetinkaya

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
C.Tingirides
P.Yiangou
S.Savva
D.Loucaides
M.Cavigioli

Impreza R4
L.Vizin
T.Arai

Renault Clio R3
Albertini
J-M. Raoux

Citroen DS3 R3T
H.Hunt

Honda Civic Type R R3
J.Puskadi
A.Charalambous
Z.Manoli

Suzuki Swift
D.Konstantinou

Do we expect any more Czechs?

[Mirek]

Looks like none more in the end...

I'll send You PM.

[mousti]

Wallenwein will not do Golden Stage , so I think that will be the same for Kahle too.

[Hartusvuori]

Tolis, is your list for a fact or those only that have been mentioned to go? Entries closed 21st, so I think should expect first draft on entry list soon.

[tolis]

@Hartusvuori
My list has names that are doing Rally Cyprus for sure. It's not official list and that doesn't mean that only 21 crews are going to appear. Also, don't expect very soon the entry list of the rally.

[Hartusvuori]

@Hartusvuori
My list has names that are doing Rally Cyprus for sure. It's not official list and that doesn't mean that only 21 crews are going to appear. Also, don't expect very soon the entry list of the rally.

Thanks. As one can guess, all I need to know with a degree of confidence is that Hänninen is there.

[tolis]

Thanks. As one can guess, all I need to know with a degree of confidence is that Hänninen is there.
According to a press release from the organisers, Juho will be there.
http://www.caa.com.cy/el/2011/10/20/irc-cyprus-rally-entries/

[focus206]

Apparently Thierry Neuville will be the only top Peugeot driver that will be in Cyprus, another strange decision by Peugeot if you ask me. :(

I really hoped to see Bouffier in Cyprus. I mean, even if his chances to win the championship are slim, he should be there! Peugeot really disappointed me this time.

[tolis]

Around 35 crews will start. Entry list will be published on Friday.

[tolis]

41 entries from 18 different countries. 16 crews from Cyprus. Entry list is supposed to be announced tomorrow.

So far:

Ford Fiesta S2000
Al Attiyah

Peugeot 207 S2000
T. Neuville
D.Loucaides

Skoda Fabia S2000
Hanninen
Kopecky
Loix
Mikkelsen
Kahle
Wallenwein
Sandell
Cetinkaya

Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
C.Tingirides
P.Yiangou
S.Savva
M.Cavigioli
N.Thomas
M.Patroklou


Impreza R4
L.Vizin
T.Arai

Renault Clio R3
Albertini
J-M. Raoux

Citroen DS3 R3T
H.Hunt

Honda Civic Type R R3
J.Puskadi
A.Charalambous
Z.Manoli

Suzuki Swift
D.Konstantinou

[tolis]

35 entries. Unseeded entry list published: http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/cyprus-rally-2011-list-of-entries.pdf

[makinen_fan]

if you use facebook, add as friend Caa Rally Championship | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000701250474) , the organizers of Cyprus rally. they have some nice shots from rally cars arriving at Limassol port today

[sete]

according to IRC radio isnt start of J.Hanninen to Cyprus rally sure.

[6789]

iRally is talking about Juho having a flight to Cyprus but not a guranteed car yet, even though he's on the entry list. Maybe some mind games.

Edit - Just saw the post above, wasn't on my phone earlier. They would be crazy not to send Juho

[focus206]

Oh come on, Juho MUST be there!

[Walach]

iRally is talking about Juho having a flight to Cyprus but not a guranteed car yet, even though he's on the entry list. Maybe some mind games.

Edit - Just saw the post above, wasn't on my phone earlier. They would be crazy not to send Juho

Not sure if it is stupid or just Skoda Motorsport... hope it is only rumour!

[mousti]

Wow then I really even more hope that Neuville wins, because Skoda is now also acting stupid if they really do not send Juho. Instead of teamorders they don't want to Juho to start? :p haha

This comment is only valuable if it's really true they don't want to send him :D

[Barreis]

Manu Chao: Mentira - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-XHkDojhpU)

[Mirek]

Jan Kopecký will start with Pavel Dresler. Petr Starý is ill. I think it's no issue because Jan and Pavel did most of this years testing together.

[Mirek]

According to my info Juho is going to start.

[makinen_fan]

yes he will. i have seen some photos of his car at least from the service park

[Mirek]

Kopecký confirmed for Czech media that he will compete in Golden Stage.

[mousti]

yes he will. i have seen some photos of his car at least from the service park
He even already tested but still it was unsure, quite ridiculous..

[Mirek]

Who said it was unsure?

[mousti]

IRC Rally Radio said there would be a presser about this from Skoda today.. And with knowing they've quite reliable sources on this, I didn't doubt it could be true..

[Mirek]

I was just asking because I haven't seen any other source for that.

[pettersolberg29]

Juho confirmed to start 100%, just as expected.

[mousti]

Mirek u have to get facebook :p

The waiting is over, Skoda have announced that Juho Hanninen WILL drive in Cyprus! They just released this, so like u already said some hours ago he'll start finally atleast! :)

[tolis]

Gooooooooo Juho!!! :)

[Mirek]

Mirek u have to get facebook :p

Noo... :)

[makinen_fan]

Mirek u have to get facebook :p

The waiting is over, Skoda have announced that Juho Hanninen WILL drive in Cyprus! They just released this, so like u already said some hours ago he'll start finally atleast! :)


who posted that? skoda? i want to follow it in fb

[mousti]

IRC Rally Radio :)

@Mirek: it's the future :D social media is getting better and better and is for me already better than media on Paper :D

[Mirek]

I actually enjoy living in the past in this case ;)

Sorry everyone for off topic...

[focus206]

Mirek u have to get facebook :p

The waiting is over, Skoda have announced that Juho Hanninen WILL drive in Cyprus! They just released this, so like u already said some hours ago he'll start finally atleast! :)


YES!!! Great news :)

[mousti]

Haha Mirek, I respect your choice in that :) .

So Juho main favorite for title, or do u think if it's able to get Kopecky the title with teamorders, they'll do it or not? :)

[gtimad73]

great news. we'll get a true champion and not a manufacture champion. as long as skoda don't pull team orders

[Hartusvuori]

great news. we'll get a true champion and not a manufacture champion. as long as skoda don't pull team orders

If Skoda would've pulled the plug for Juho, I would have said that Mikkelsen is the main title contender. But now it'll be decided by racing. I wish the main competitors would run trouble-free.

[dimviii]

i expect Mikkelsen to be faster crew in Cyprus.

[mousti]

Faster maybe but without problems at the finish line too?

[Hartusvuori]

i expect Mikkelsen to be faster crew in Cyprus.

Concidering his late performances, that could be the case very well. Still, Juho could settle for third if Mikkelsen wins and still take the title. But it's a rough event, not a joyride.

[Barreis]

Expect Kopecky will go for it.

[dimviii]

Faster maybe but without problems at the finish line too?

Difficult in Cyprus.Traditionally has a lot of retirements this rally.Lets hope to have fight till last stage.

[dimviii]

Expect Kopecky will go for it.
Expect to be slower from Neuville.

[Hartusvuori]

Just a reminder, but here's the points table (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m1Xsl7HBFb8/TpKdIvdy7PI/AAAAAAAAAAs/yQ3eQds5SaU/s1280/Pre-Cyprus%252520IRC%2525202011-1.jpg) I made few weeks back with how each drivers would score after Cyprus. If you see any mistakes, notify me.

[Honza H.]

Jan Kopecký will start with Pavel Dresler. Petr Starý is ill. I think it's no issue because Jan and Pavel did most of this years testing together.

What do you mean Mirek - have Jan and Pavel been testing throughout the whole season or just now before Cyprus?

[PLuto]

Whole season...

[liposh]

Is there somebody from the really top drivers who wouldn´t compete on Sunday on Golden stage? The organizers haven´t published the entry list yet.

[makinen_fan]

DOKIMASTIKA 1 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35QyTPkqvh0&feature=uploademail)

some footage from testing in cyprus. skoda testing towards the end of the vid

[tolis]

Patrik Sandell will also do Golden Stage. Harry Hunt won't take part in Golden Stage, because he has to fly back to GB in order to prepare for Wales Rally.
Don't forget the rally starts today with LTV SSS (3.20 km)
Itinerary dat 1 here:http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/CYPRUS_RALLY_2011_Itinerary_Day_1.pdf

[liposh]

Hey, Cyprus boys, is it possible to see LTV1 live stream (free) somewhere on the net? ;-) Many thanks in advance

[makinen_fan]

yes they do but unfortunately the show only football games :(
isn't shown live in eurosport as well?

[liposh]

I mean today ceremonial start and SS1, it would be at 18:45 on LTV1...and then at 22:00 on LTV sport

[Sulland]

Is it shakedown in Cyprus?

[OldF]

Looking at the itinerary (http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Cyprus-Rally-2011-itinerary.pdf) it’s almost 50/50 gravel (51,6% = 96,74 km) and tarmac (48,4% = 90,84 km). This favour all surface drivers.

[makinen_fan]

Is it shakedown in Cyprus?

as far as i know, there is not. does are rounds of irc have one?

[makinen_fan]

I mean today ceremonial start and SS1, it would be at 18:45 on LTV1...and then at 22:00 on LTV sport

yes you are correct, only LTV will show it. i know someone that intents to record it and post it on youtube. if he does i ll post the link here

[Mirek]

as far as i know, there is not. does are rounds of irc have one?

It's up to organizers, some rallies have it, some not.

[PLuto]

as far as i know, there is not. does are rounds of irc have one?

It is not compulsory to have shakedown, but most of the events has it. Rally Cyprus is without shakedown.

[mousti]

Looking at the itinerary (http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Cyprus-Rally-2011-itinerary.pdf) it’s almost 50/50 gravel (51,6% = 96,74 km) and tarmac (48,4% = 90,84 km). This favour all surface drivers.
It will be also a strategy play to do good with the tires, they'll use probably the whole rally with gravel tires so these tires will have a hard job to do on all those tarmac roads. Would there be crews that would put some sort of tarmac tires as a spare in the car? So they can use it in stages where tarmac is most superior? Or just 2 spare gravel tyres?

[Blesk]

Maybe there will be a TV broadcast but it is still offline. Lumiere TV - Cyprus Television | TV Online - Watch TV Live & Free Channels Broadcasting on the Internet (http://www.tv14.net/lumiere-tv/)

[PLuto]

Start list into leg one - Cyprus Rally 2011 - Start order - leg 1 - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2011/cyprus-rally-2011/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=167)

[wwbroe]

So, first stage of the rally should be live, no?

[wwbroe]

Nasser is trough and setting a reference time off 3.01.0

[wwbroe]

Wowh, Kopecky is 8.8 faster trough as Nasser, some pace from Jan.

[wwbroe]

Juho fastest trough untill now. ;) (0.2 faster as Jan)

[hari]

They could use asphalt tires on a stage completely on asphalt. But if there's even only 1% gravel, they need gravel tyres... Cyprus is too rough, I think everyone will drive on gravel tyres. The question about strategy is more about who will save their tyres on the asphalt parts/stages to start the gravel parts/stages in a better condition...

According to Bulletin No.1 the use of tarmac tires is not allowed.
http://www.cyprusrally.com.cy/2011/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/bulletin-no-1.pdf

[wwbroe]

That is exactly what i was thinking also, but i guess they did some donuts to wear them a little bit. (i mean the gravel tyres)

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen taking besttime away from Hanninen, another 3,1 sec faster.

[wwbroe]

Actually Mikkelsen is being a complete second a kilometer faster as all the rest. That is one hell of an opening time i must say.

[Mirek]

I expect Andreas to be fastest on most stages. I don't know if he can make it till the winning finish but let's see.

[focus206]

(8 - Sandell Patrik / Parmander Staffan): The stage was OK, but I was driving like sh*t. I didn't find the rhytm today.

:D

[mousti]

I expect Andreas to be fastest on most stages. I don't know if he can make it till the winning finish but let's see.
Same thought.

[focus206]

I see nice time by Arai on SS1 :)

Question: who would be the "virtual" champion with the classification of SS1?

[pablichor]

I see nice time by Arai on SS1 :)

Question: who would be the "virtual" champion with the classification of SS1?

Hänninen wins automatically if he ends 1st or 2nd (if Kopecký not win, but his pace on gravel... :dozey :) , from there begin the combinations

[focus206]

Hänninen wins automatically if he ends 1st or 2nd (if Kopecký not win, but his pace on gravel... :dozey :) , from there begin the combinations

Thanks :)

[mousti]

Calculated by a friend :

1 Hanninen 161
2 Mikkelsen 153.5
3 Kopecky 146
4 Neuville and Loix 127

[tolis]

Some pics from SSS:
View image: IMG 2161 (http://postimage.org/image/xfd1uy8p7/)
View image: IMG 2199 (http://postimage.org/image/n9e0nodyv/)
View image: IMG 2211 (http://postimage.org/image/m28w2prpn/)
View image: IMG 2222 (http://postimage.org/image/skio455nt/)
Also here: http://www.rally-irc.com/html/Gallery_Details.asp?nome=Cyprus%20Rally%202011&id=42

[mousti]

Great video from Colin Clark at the Recce ! :)

[Voice of Rally]

Thanks Mousti, glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the link for anyone else that has a spare 19mins today!

IRC Cyprus 2011 - iRally meets the drivers at recce - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQUYatPu8NA&feature=channel_video_title)

[Hartusvuori]

So it's less than hour until first proper stage starts. I'll keep my fingers tightly crossed for a certain farmer's son from an outbound Eastern Finland town.

[dyfi1]

Great video from Colin Clark at the Recce ! :)


:up: :up: :up:

[wwbroe]

First real "proper" stage of the rally will be live soon, i am waiting with patience to see what the time differences will be.

[wwbroe]

Neuville started the stage two extra minutes after his frontrunner, so i guess he takes 20 sec penalty?

[wwbroe]

Hanninen rolled ? :confused: :eek: :confused:

[RS]

Great video from Colin Clark at the Recce ! :)

Indeed, nice to see the drivers in a bit more relaxed state.

Noticed only people using their own brand as recce cars were the Skoda boys :)

[hari]

On the Tracking Website Hänninen is shown on the map as stopped about 400m into the stage.

[RS]

It sounds as if Juho is indeed out... hope the crew is ok. That will certainly mix up the championship battle.

[wwbroe]

Yes, apparently he rolled in second corner of the stage.

[6789]

Team confirmed that Hanninen is out, second corner of the stage

[wwbroe]

Good time for Neuville, he started two minutes later because they saw the roll of Juho and officials hold him at startline.

[Mirek]

What a stupid end of season for Juho... :(

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen fastest trough now, another 3.5 sec faster as Thierry.

[dimviii]

(4 - Neuville Thierry / Gilsoul Nicolas): Juho went off in the second corner, no chance to get back on the road. I'm sorry for him. For us the stage was OK.

Hanninens suicide. Tragic error for his level...

[pete c]

oops.......

[RS]

What a stupid end of season for Juho... :(

He has been a little error prone this year. He impressed me more in 2010 despite his sWRC win this year. Hope they can fix the car for Golden Stage.

[mm1]

Super disapointed, I think it might have an effect on his possible future works seat.

[wwbroe]

What a stupid end of season for Juho... :(

For sure that is true, in same time it puts now a lot of pressure on Kopecky.

[wwbroe]

Very poor time for Freddy i must say. :(

[focus206]

Too bad for Hanninen, it would have been a great battle :(

[Hartusvuori]

Gutted.

I'm quite sure that Mikkelsen when crashing on the barrier 20 seconds into Monte Carlo didn't believe his going to take the title. But then again, it's apparently better to crash on the first event than on the last. I'm hugely dissappointed for Juho, but also happy if Mikkelsen takes this home, he has shown huge progress and potential on the latter half of the season. I hope however that this isn't the last of Juho we see, even if he's already grumpy old man, he should have future in the sport.

[6789]

Andreas wins the rally and he should win the championship?

[Mirek]

That itself is not enough. It depends also on Kopecký I think.

[RS]

I hope however that this isn't the last of Juho we see, even if he's already grumpy old man, he should have future in the sport.

I agree. I still think he has more potential than Hirvonen even if Juho is old man relatively speaking...

[VFTS]

That itself is not enough. It depends also on Kopecký I think.

Kopecky must win the event, he cant be second in the event if Mikkelsen wins.

[Hartusvuori]

That itself is not enough. It depends also on Kopecký I think.

If Mikkelsen wins, he takes the title. If Kopecky comes second, he looses the title by 1,5 points. See (https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m1Xsl7HBFb8/TpKdIvdy7PI/AAAAAAAAAAs/yQ3eQds5SaU/s1280/Pre-Cyprus%252520IRC%2525202011-1.jpg).

[RS]

That itself is not enough. It depends also on Kopecký I think.

I think it is... Juho would be the only one who could stop him if Andreas wins. He would have 153.5 points and if Jan came second he would have 152.

[focus206]

If I'm right, whoever wins the rally (Mikkelsen, Kopecky or Neuville) takes the title, no matter what the other 2 do. Someone can confirm it?

[tolis]

Don't forget the live stage now!
MyPremium.TV (http://mypremium.tv/) and click on Eurosport in the right.

[tolis]

also here: Watch Live IRC Rally Cyprus Online Video IRC Rally - Motorsports (http://www.sportlemon.tv/v-2/12/48/v-324806.html)

[wwbroe]

I am going to watch the live coverage of stage 3 on Eurosport now. :D

[RS]

If I'm right, whoever wins the rally (Mikkelsen, Kopecky or Neuville) takes the title, no matter what the other 2 do. Someone can confirm it?

That is correct. And you can add Loix to this list. That sets up the battle pretty well!

[Mirek]

I think it is... Juho would be the only one who could stop him if Andreas wins. He would have 153.5 points and if Jan came second he would have 152.

I stand corrected, thanks.

[mm1]

Superb shots on live TV

[RS]

Nice driving by Sandell. Shame Juho is out, he is great in conditions with questionable grip (Monte)

[MartijnS]

Woooow, big moment of Mikkelsen!

[Hartusvuori]

Mikkelsen spun. No drama. That must've been a call for "take it easy now".

[focus206]

Incredible Mikkelsen! Big risk! :eek: :D

[MartijnS]

Hehe, nice interview with Kruuda :D

[uranium]

Live streaming without sound? Or it is just me so lucky ;)

[RS]

So it looks like the championship battle will be between Mikkelsen and Neuville, and Kopecky will win it if those two run into trouble!

[wwbroe]

Great time for Neuville, Mikkelsen was loosing about 10 secs with his off i suppose, so should be pretty close between those two.

[focus206]

Which stages are under live coverage?

[wwbroe]

Which stages are under live coverage?

Today it is second and fourth stage of today. Also tomorrow they show two stages live and on sunday they will show golden stage also live.

[rage82]

The 5-th stage Salamiou 2 will be live on TV at 15:10 CET

[HaCo]

Big smile on my face :D

[focus206]

Today it is second and fourth stage of today. Also tomorrow they show two stages live and on sunday they will show golden stage also live.

Thanks :)

[tolis]

Service Park video: 2011 Cyprus Rally Service Park - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyj2M-eeKrw)
SSS video:Cyprus Rally IRC 2011.wmv - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alnpTmFa6IU)

[Tom206wrc]

Mmmmh...glad to see Neuville in the lead !!! :)
I admit I didn't expect that from him on this rough event...

[Tom206wrc]

If I'm right, whoever wins the rally (Mikkelsen, Kopecky or Neuville) takes the title, no matter what the other 2 do. Someone can confirm it?


So go Thierry, GOOOOOO :bounce:

[Hartusvuori]

SS4 is live.

Has anyone seen any pictures or video material on Hänninen's off?

I still feel gutted, but this is motorsport - better get used to it.

[wwbroe]

Looks like Arai is in trouble, being overtaken by two other cars.

[PLuto]

Looks like Arai is in trouble, being overtaken by two other cars.

Dont be afraid, GPS tracking system is only without signal...

[wwbroe]

Dont be afraid, GPS tracking system is only without signal...

Ok, thanks Pluto for the info ;)

[RS]

Juho will restart tomorrow under superrally.

[Hartusvuori]

Hänninen on rally radio
- too optimistic with grip and too fast on the first proper corner
- rear arm broken

[noel157]

Can't see Neuville holding off Mikkelsen on the gravel. Long way to go.

[pucky54]

Can't see Neuville holding off Mikkelsen on the gravel. Long way to go.

But on the tarmac ;)

[Hartusvuori]

But on the tarmac ;)

Mikkelsen isn't exactly slow on tarmac. Hope it'll be fair.

Neuville stopped or yet again signal prob?

[PLuto]

Thierry stopped...

[wwbroe]

Problem for Neuville???

[Hartusvuori]

Seems this rally is over before it properly began. Shame for Thierry's effort. Now let's see if Mikkelsen can hold it. Cyprus stages are rough as expected.

[wwbroe]

What the f..ck is going on with the gps-dots?

[makinen_fan]

is Neuville out or just gps prob?

[PLuto]

If it will be GPS problem, I will write it is GPS problem ;)

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen trough with the booth open?

[Hartusvuori]

Mikkelsen trough with the booth open?

He's been biting the dust.

[wwbroe]

What a time for Andreas, he is really flying, he is probably using the open booth as an extra spoiler to get some more ground force.... :D

[PLuto]

But Thierry continues now, I think maybe puncture?

[makinen_fan]

Thierry is in the stage, car ok

[wwbroe]

Great time also for Nasser, he is only 18 sec behind Andreas overall, so if hecan play some role in the decision for the championship?

[Hartusvuori]

Nasser is Mikkelsen's biggest threat. If Nasser wins, Kopecky got to be only 4th to take the title by 0,5 points.

[focus206]

Puncture for Neuville... too bad :mad: :(

[ZequeArgentina]

Nasser is doing reallu well, more if we consider he said he has been havin problems with one driveshaflt in SS2 and 3 and only now is repaired!

[makinen_fan]

remember that nasser knows these roads really well, he has won the troodos rally several times (8,9 i think) and the last two year it uses these roads. so everybody has to count him as a real threat to andreas

[dimviii]

Kopecky ultra lucky this year(till now)

[makinen_fan]

Neuville out of the rally on road the section between stage 4 and 5!!!! With electric problems.

in facebook by irally

[RS]

Neuville out of the rally on road the section between stage 4 and 5!!!! With electric problems.

in facebook by irally

Altenator seems to be a weak point on the 207.

[pettersolberg29]

Neuville and Hanninen with problems - the heavens are desperate for Mikkelsen to win this! Come on Andreas! :)

[pucky54]

Altenator seems to be a weak point on the 207.

For years already!!!!

[dimviii]

Neuville and Hanninen with problems - the heavens are desperate for Mikkelsen to win this! Come on Andreas! :)

Don t underestimate Kopeckys luck.lol

[skarderud]

Go Andreas!!!!!

[noel157]

Eurosport, buy or rent a decent chopper.

[ZequeArgentina]

Even Loix can win this title!!!

[noel157]

Found some fuel for it, good news.

[focus206]

So with Hanninen and Neuville out... now we have Andreas in 1st, Kopecky in 3rd and Loix in 4th to fight for the title. But we have Al Attiyah in 2nd as a dangerous outsider, it's going to be interesting.

[mousti]

Indeed, nice to see the drivers in a bit more relaxed state.

Noticed only people using their own brand as recce cars were the Skoda boys :)
Yes indeed. The whole season they drive with that station wagon for recce. By PSA no problem it seems, Neuville in the Impreza and I think he uses that for every rally, in the WRC it are Lancers.

This sucks! Neuville :(

But I think with the pace he showed here Peugeot Belux must be very satisfied now and probably give him a nice season package for next year! And maybe like Mikkelsen this year he can learn in French Gravel Championship?

[focus206]

Spin for Kruuda without damage...

[RS]

Eurosport, buy or rent a decent chopper.

What is wrong with it?

[noel157]

What is wrong with it?

It wouldn't start. They finally got it going, maybe 15 mins late so not too bad.

[RS]

It wouldn't start. They finally got it going, maybe 15 mins late so not too bad.

Maybe it is running a Peugeot electrical system..

[MartijnS]

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/thierryneuville/status/132463734215032832)

[pete c]

Twitter (http://twitter.com/#!/thierryneuville/status/132463734215032832)


about says it all really......

[RS]

Don t underestimate Kopeckys luck.lol

Kopecky doesn't quite have the 'bite' of Mikkelsen, Hanninen or Neuville but he is a decent rally driver. It's not like he is running rallies minutes off the pace and lucking into podiums and wins.

[I am evil Homer]

Unlucky for Neuville...the 207 is approaching the end of it's useful life it seems.

[RS]

Unlucky for Neuville...the 207 is approaching the end of it's useful life it seems.

The car is still fast enough; I don't think this retirement has anything to do with the age of the car.

[dimviii]

Nasser is doing reallu well, more if we consider he said he has been havin problems with one driveshaflt in SS2 and 3 and only now is repaired!

finally it wasn t driveshaft,but changed the preload at front diff.

[dimviii]

Kopecky doesn't quite have the 'bite' of Mikkelsen, Hanninen or Neuville but he is a decent rally driver. It's not like he is running rallies minutes off the pace and lucking into podiums and wins.
he is decent in tarmac.In gravel he needs work.

[RS]

he is decent in tarmac.In gravel he needs work.

Indeed, but you are comparing against some of the quickest young gravel drivers (Mikkelsen&Hanninen) who have driven many more miles on gravel this year. Neuville is kind of exceptional and I am sure will fight for the title again next year.

Jan's times have been muich better here than in Scotland.

[dimviii]

Indeed, but you are comparing against some of the quickest young gravel drivers (Mikkelsen&Hanninen) who have driven many more miles on gravel this year. Neuville is kind of exceptional and I am sure will fight for the title again next year.

Jan's times have been muich better here than in Scotland.

Kopecky is a works driver,and a championship contenter.We HAVE to compare against Neuville,Hanninen,Mikkelsen.Neuville is not the only exception.Look at Mikkelsens pace at asphalt where he is not familiar.Look at Juhos pace at asphalt.I don t mention Tanaks pace in asphalt cause in wrc.
As you see there are plenty of drivers that while there are not faliliar with tarmac/gravel they are fast out of the box in a ''new'' surface,and without the thousants of km testing(and unlimited budget) of a factory driver.

[Mirek]

Kopecký virtually achieved his maximum already few years a go and since then he only keeps on same level. He isn't bad but he can't get better. The other mentioned guys still have a space for improvement and that makes them better although more accident prone.

[Mirek]

Juho will restart tomorrow.

[dimviii]

Kopecký virtually achieved his maximum already few years a go and since then he only keeps on same level. He isn't bad but he can't get better. The other mentioned guys still have a space for improvement and that makes them better although more accident prone.

Agree.Same situation as Prokop.You can t see any progress.

[RS]

Jan is a bit like IRCs version of Mikko Hirvonen. Capable but not really champion material under "normal" circumstances. Now we find the same situation heading into the WRC finale, although I would find it a bit more extreme if Mikko were to win that one.

[mousti]

Kopecky is a works driver,and a championship contenter.We HAVE to compare against Neuville,Hanninen,Mikkelsen.Neuville is not the only exception.Look at Mikkelsens pace at asphalt where he is not familiar.Look at Juhos pace at asphalt.I don t mention Tanaks pace in asphalt cause in wrc.
As you see there are plenty of drivers that while there are not faliliar with tarmac/gravel they are fast out of the box in a ''new'' surface,and without the thousants of km testing(and unlimited budget) of a factory driver.
Mikkelsen has done alot of Asphalt this year, Neuville didn't have any mileage this year on gravel.

[makinen_fan]

a friend told me that he has seen neuville returning to the Pafos service driving the 207, presumably he was able to fix it, such a shame he is out already...

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen has done alot of Asphalt this year, Neuville didn't have any mileage this year on gravel.

So Mikkelsen wasn t fast at his first tarmac event?

[mousti]

Mikkelsen experience on asphalt before this year is quite more then Neuville had gravel experience before this year. Btw he crashed his first tarmac event this year :p after a KM or so . Mikkelsen has a longer career then Neuville already, so comparing experience is a bit difficult. But that doesn't take away he's still a young gun like Thierry :)

Makinen_fan: He even finished the stage, probably not good enough to do another full throttle I think :(

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen experience on asphalt before this year is quite more then Neuville had gravel experience before this year. Btw he crashed his first tarmac event this year :p after a KM or so . Mikkelsen has a longer career then Neuville already, so comparing experience is a bit difficult. But that doesn't take away he's still a young gun like Thierry :)

Makinen_fan: He even finished the stage, probably not good enough to do another full throttle I think :(

i didn t say if Mikkelsen in tarmac had more experience than from Neuville in gravel.I said that mikkelsen was fast in new surface out of the box.Something Kopecky lacks in gravel.

[mousti]

I wasn't talking about Kopecky :p . But I think that our oppinions are a bit different but have the same thought though :) . And Can't wait for the Golden stage maybe a battle between Mikkelsen and Neuville. Thierry will probably get some more rhythm on gravel tomorrow :)

[Sulland]

Altenator seems to be a weak point on the 207.

What seems to be the problem with them, and why?

[Hartusvuori]

Mikkelsen wasn't fast driver on any surface out of the box. This is his more or less 5th or 6th season on international level. He has always shown the promise, but to my opinion not until this last half of the IRC season has he come to a level where he can keep the winning speed and win with it. He still makes odd mistake here and there, but it's less frequently.

What's good about Mikkelsen's speed could be said about Neuville's tarmac pace too: very quick, very promising, but a bit more accident prone. The little what I've seen of him live last year and this year, there's monumental change. Last year he was more all over the place, now far more focused and faster. There's still a lot of potential in Neuville, and hopefully well-supported seasons ahead.

[PLuto]

Starting list into second leg - Cyprus Rally 2011 - Start order - leg 2 - Rally-Base (http://rally-base.com/2011/cyprus-rally-2011/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=168)

[PLuto]

Photos from Cyprus Rally - Autosport (http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=12954)

http://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/0758679f95d60463d648cb78d0533605.jpghttp://www.autosport.cz/img/clanky/c1072ce9210bcd2b4f522eb96fd2c15a.jpg

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen wasn't fast driver on any surface out of the box. This is his more or less 5th or 6th season on international level. He has always shown the promise, but to my opinion not until this last half of the IRC season has he come to a level where he can keep the winning speed and win with it. He still makes odd mistake here and there, but it's less frequently.
.
he was fast at gravel ,snow even at 16 years old with a wrc car at rallies with good competition.At tarmac he wasn t at the same level,but i straggle to find a faster one, at his age with a wrc.Can you find a faster?

[mousti]

About struggling to find a faster one with a wrc at that age is very difficult because only a few a very few got his chances at that age. :D No superrally for Neuville all for Golden Stage!

[RS]

I wasn't talking about Kopecky :p . But I think that our oppinions are a bit different but have the same thought though :) . And Can't wait for the Golden stage maybe a battle between Mikkelsen and Neuville. Thierry will probably get some more rhythm on gravel tomorrow :)

Don't forget Juho for the golden stage, or Nasser!

I was thinking about Juho's accident and what makes this so stupid is that he didn't even need to go flat out and win this one to take the title.

[Hartusvuori]

he was fast at gravel ,snow even at 16 years old with a wrc car at rallies with good competition.At tarmac he wasn t at the same level,but i straggle to find a faster one, at his age with a wrc.Can you find a faster?

Like Mousti mentioned it's hard to find another young driver to compare to as there propably aren't any. Yes, Mikkelsen did score some good times in 2007, but still he's overall performance was only a scratch on a surface as compared to today.

[Micke_VOC]

Hanninen Crash Cyprus IRC 2011 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCGv2t5Ij0U) Video of Hänninen crash. bad angle from camera.

Btw, Were did Grönholm rolled on the other side on the road ? Was it cyprus , the place look the same

[dimviii]

Like Mousti mentioned it's hard to find another young driver to compare to as there propably aren't any..
ok find somebody at the age of 20-22 with a wrc to be faster on tarmac.

[Hartusvuori]

ok find somebody at the age of 20-22 with a wrc to be faster on tarmac.

I got lost. What are we/you trying to prove with this?

[dimviii]

I got lost. What are we/you trying to prove with this?
i am trying to find a faster driver than Mikkelsen at young age with a wrc in tarmac.because he was very young as you said i am trying to find somebody at 20-22 years old.