Finnish rallying championship news

[Hartusvuori]

I think Finnish rallying championships deserve a thread of their own. I hope you think so too.

Entries for Finnish rally championship 2012 are open and so far a couple of dozen crews have entered. In 2012 there'll be titles for 4WD and 2WD drivers, though 2WD cars compete in two categories (FIN R3, FIA R3 and R2 and R1). Original plan was to divide 4WD cars in two categories too, but that idea was dropped.

Some entries so far:
- Juha Salo in Evo X R4
- Esapekka Lappi in Fiesta S2000
- Kari Hämäläinen in Fiesta S2000 (a gentleman driver more or less)
- Riku Tahko in Evo X (NORF 2011 PWRC wild card entrant)
- Jussi Tiippana in Evo IX
- Ville Hautamäki in Civic Type-R
- Jussi Vainionpää in Civic Type-R
- Andreas Amberg in Fiesta R2
- Pekka Vihma in DS3 R3 (this must be the first of its kind in Finland, a gentleman driver though)

No news yet on Lindroos, Rantanen, Nikara, Vihavainen, ... but there's time.

You can follow entries from Kiti: https://kiti.akk-motorsport.fi/
(Sarjat > Ralli SM 2012 1-ohjaajat > sarjaan ilmoittautuneet)

[HarriK]

New in R2 is Henri Haapamäki with Citroen C2R2Max. Car is from Poland I heard.
Really looking forward his speed.

Lappi's car is in rebuild in these days.

There is also rumours that more Subarus is coming in R4....

[pantealex]

There is also rumours that more Subarus is coming in R4....
I have heard this XXX rumour also. So, it´s probably true!

[Juha_Koo]

There is also rumours that more Subarus is coming in R4....

TMR or RDF? Or maybe both...

[OldF]

I once read in Vauhdin Maailma that some drivers left their car in garage because of the Pirelli deal. If that was the case let’s see if they will return to the field.

[Hartusvuori]

Lots of new entries for FRC. Biggest thing for sure is that Joonas Lindroos is returning to 2WD car, most likely a money issue. He has entered in Citroen C2 R2. It's good rally car but for sure I would've liked to see Joonas in 4WD. Kalle Pinomäki in Clio R3 and Jaro Kinnunen in Civic Type R are there too.

In 4WD entries one interesting name is Jukka Korhonen, but his machinery is TBA TBA. Same with Mikko Eskelinen. Ari Vihavainen is there too. Tommi Mäkinen's (first?) Impreza R4 entry is by Jouni Virtanen. So far 30 entries in 4WD which sounds good.

[pantealex]

There is only 1 Fiesta-R2 (and 7 C2-R2) in that list, but here in Finland we have 6-8 Fiesta-R2 cars. Lindroos C2 is Tomi Tukiainen´s car. We can´t forget that Pekka Koski (ex Mitsu ralliart Finland chief) is Citroen man now

There is still 4 S2000 without drive: Kimi´s punto, Laivola´s 207, RDF Fabia and TGM Fabia

Mikko Pajunen is most likely Jukka Korhonen´s team mate in that TBA TBA 4wd

+ there is still one fast former multichampion coming with EVO...

[Wim_Impreza]

+ there is still one fast former multichampion coming with EVO...

Sebastian Lindholm or Jarmo Kytölehto?

[pantealex]

Sebastian Lindholm or Jarmo Kytölehto?

No

[Hartusvuori]

In the latest Hanaa! magazine there was a short story on how Lindholm drove Michelin's Monte tyre test in Finland with Laivola's 207 S2000.

[Tom206wrc]

Would have prefered a DS3 R3 for Jonas Lindroos would have been better for the fight in 2WD :(

[Hartusvuori]

Esapekka Lappi testing Fiesta S2000, onboards from daylight and darkness.

EPL Pihtipudas Videos - Printsport Pictures (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2012/Pihtipudas-Test-2012/EPL-Pihtipudas-Videos/20785324_DMns2v#1649776752_w22VtWw)

[HarriK]

Esapekka drove today also tests. There were also 3 other drivers tests in same place.

[Juha_Koo]

In 4WD entries one interesting name is Jukka Korhonen, but his machinery is TBA TBA. Same with Mikko Eskelinen.

I think Eskelinen will continue with his Evo10. Jukka Korhonen also most likely with Evo...

[pantealex]

I think Eskelinen will continue with his Evo10. Jukka Korhonen also most likely with Evo...

1 maybe right, 1 totally wrong ;)

[Juha_Koo]

1 maybe right, 1 totally wrong ;)

Interesting to see what Eskelinen will do then... ;)

[HarriK]

And last day of the Riihimäki Rall entry is on it's way. ...

some notes for previous messages:
Korhonen Jukka NilUA Korhonen Mikael EspooUATeam Mitsubishi Ralliart Finland Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX (Printsport car i think so)
Eskelinen Mikko JyvUA Kapanen Arto PetUA Printsport Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

[pantealex]

I heard first time about month ago and about 10 times after that, last time yesterday:
AKK (Finlands motorsport federation) has rented 2 Subarus from TMR (Tommi Mäkinen Racing)
AKK academy has 3 drivers: Jukka Korhonen, Esa-Pekka Lappi and Mikko Pajunen
Lappi got Fiesta S2000 from Norway, so everybody says Korhonen and Pajunen will drive TMR Subarus, but now Korhonen is in with Ralliart Finland E9.
So, who will drive TMR Subaru? Pajunen and ?
Because when Lindroos was asking Subaru, TMR says they have no cars available, all cars rented.

[Hartusvuori]

Pajunen is now entered in TMR Impreza R4. Also Jukka Hiltunen in Fabia S2000.

Is Saku Vierimaa the returning champion or someone else...?

[HarriK]

I heard first time about month ago and about 10 times after that, last time yesterday:
AKK (Finlands motorsport federation) has rented 2 Subarus from TMR (Tommi Mäkinen Racing)

I think that this AKK-case is not anymore up to date, AKK won't rent any car.

[rp]

I think that this AKK-case is not anymore up to date, AKK won't rent any car.

Definitely AKK has no money or will to rent TMR`s Subaru.

Every driver or their supporters are paying the game. Behind Lappi is Even Rally and Cresta Management, Pajunen has been supported by Mattias Therman and Korhonen has many cooperation partners from Nilsiä region...

[Juha_Koo]

Korhonen will drive for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Finland (so his teammate will be Juha Salo), but the car comes and is serviced by Printsport (ex-Eskelinen Evo9). Rather interesting arragement...

Now that Kari Ali-Rantala has switched back to Mitsubishi, I believe that Jukka Hiltunen is going to use RDF's Fabia S2000 (used by Ali-Rantala last season). Does anyone know for sure?

[Jeppe]

Korhonen will drive for Team Mitsubishi Ralliart Finland (so his teammate will be Juha Salo), but the car comes and is serviced by Printsport (ex-Eskelinen Evo9). Rather interesting arragement...

I think this arrangement is best solution what J. Korhonen can have... for the moment. Good thing is that you don´t have to wait long for rallies which will tell how is it ;-)



Now that Kari Ali-Rantala has switched back to Mitsubishi, I believe that Jukka Hiltunen is going to use RDF's Fabia S2000 (used by Ali-Rantala last season). Does anyone know for sure?

Yes, it is ex-RDF Fabia with updated livery...

[Sulland]

This is why finish drivers are the best: Kalle Rovanpera at 8 years of age. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself (http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqpzdgoF4aMU&v=qpzdgoF4aMU&gl=USCool)


Now at 11 he just got a C2R2 Max to play with.


No wonder they are getting good !!

[OldF]

This is why finish drivers are the best: Kalle Rovanpera at 8 years of age. YouTube - Broadcast Yourself (http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DqpzdgoF4aMU&v=qpzdgoF4aMU&gl=USCool)

BTW, the link is not working. Here’s a working one Kalle Rovanpera - Future rally star? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyyWnUAgMQ4) This video has been on this forum earlier also. Many different versions of the same video with different music.


Now at 11 he just got a C2R2 Max to play with.

From where did you get that news? At the moment he’s driving the rally sprint / rally series in Estonia for young drivers.

http://www.motorsportforums.com/wrc/149689-how-become-world-rally-driver.html#post990156

[HarriK]

OldF:
second in news:
Out latest news - PrintSport.fi (http://www.printsport.fi/news.php)

[Hartusvuori]

http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2011/Joutsa-test-18112011/Joutsa-11-2011-Pictures/i-LkTJZwQ/0/L/IMG1934-L.jpg

:-)

[Sulland]

BTW, the link is not working. Here’s a working one Kalle Rovanpera - Future rally star? - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyyWnUAgMQ4) This video has been on this forum earlier also. Many different versions of the same video with different music.



From where did you get that news? At the moment he’s driving the rally sprint / rally series in Estonia for young drivers.

http://www.motorsportforums.com/wrc/149689-how-become-world-rally-driver.html#post990156

It is mentioned here: Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=no&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.norsk-rally.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26vie w%3Darticle%26id%3D8103%3Akalle-rovanperae11-ar-med-citroen-c2-r2-max&act=url)

[OldF]

OldF:
second in news:
Out latest news - PrintSport.fi (http://www.printsport.fi/news.php)


It is mentioned here: Google Translate (http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=no&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.norsk-rally.com%2Findex.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26vie w%3Darticle%26id%3D8103%3Akalle-rovanperae11-ar-med-citroen-c2-r2-max&act=url)

OK, thanks guys.

The news sounds so amazing, a 11 year old guy in a modern rally car. Lets see how the switch from RWD to FWD goes. :)

[Hartusvuori]

Some pictures from PrintSport's tests with Lappi (Fiesta S2000 - with livery) and Korhonen (Evo IX). It was snowing today, but we have not had proper frozen temperatures yet, so roads are rather fragile for upcoming rallies in January.

Printsport Pictures : Rally 2012 : Vanttauskoski test 1-2012 (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2012/Vanttauskoski-test-1-2012)

[Juha_Koo]

Some pictures from PrintSport's tests with Lappi (Fiesta S2000 - with livery) and Korhonen (Evo IX). It was snowing today, but we have not had proper frozen temperatures yet, so roads are rather fragile for upcoming rallies in January.

Printsport Pictures : Rally 2012 : Vanttauskoski test 1-2012 (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2012/Vanttauskoski-test-1-2012)

Heh, a small snow bank visit there too. :) I'm pondering should I go to Riihimäki, it would be nice because Jämsä Ralli was cancelled but it's kinda far away...

[Tom206wrc]

News Arctic Rally entrylist :confused:

[Micke_VOC]

News Arctic Rally entrylist :confused:

15 entries so far.

Go to : Arctic Lapland Rally - Tunturiralli (http://www.arcticrally.fi/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=34&lang=en)

[Hartusvuori]

Vojtech Stajf there :-)

[Mirek]

Yes, he plans to do that instead of Monte this year. I think first event on long studs for him - just for fun.

[Juha_Koo]

2010 champions Salo and Salminen tested their new Evo10 R4 today. Quite good winter conditions, road base was icy and there was a constant snowfall. It looked really good, it was easy to see the difference compared to Gr.N, it looked light and agile. In the end I had the utmost pleasure to ride onboard with Salo and I can tell you that my mind was blown away - going over 170kph on snowy road over crests felt something like I've never experienced before - I'm still smiling. :D

(Very) small gallery HERE (http://juhake.kapsi.fi/mitsutesti/album/)

[dimviii]

2010 champions Salo and Salminen tested their new Evo10 R4 today. Quite good winter conditions, road base was icy and there was a constant snowfall. It looked really good, it was easy to see the difference compared to Gr.N, it looked light and agile. In the end I had the utmost pleasure to ride onboard with Salo and I can tell you that my mind was blown away - going over 170kph on snowy road over crests felt something like I've never experienced before - I'm still smiling. :D

(Very) small gallery HERE (http://juhake.kapsi.fi/mitsutesti/album/)
Juha what did he said about the r4 evo X compared to last year car?

[Juha_Koo]

Juha what did he said about the r4 evo X compared to last year car?

The new one is build with care and many things in the building process were thought longer and deeper than the previous one which was done in a very tight schedule with big hurry (because of the fire). Weight reduction and center of gravity enhancement were continued and also new tyres now because Pirelli deal with FRC is over. He said it feels like a proper rally car, only thing he would change would be to get sequential gearbox (not allowed by the rules IIRC).

[Tom206wrc]

Yes, he plans to do that instead of Monte this year. I think first event on long studs for him - just for fun.


And at the opposite, Finn Ari Laivola prefers to run Monte instead of Arctic ??? ;)

[pantealex]

Old name in serie: Jari Latvala in for points

He has entered Arctic Rally with Asko Sairanen in EVO III, I think it´s his own old Safari car.

[Juha_Koo]

Old name in serie: Jari Latvala in for points

He has entered Arctic Rally with Asko Sairanen in EVO III, I think it´s his own old Safari car.

AFAIK it's ex-Tommi Mäkinen factory car, totally rebuild lately. He did the 2001 Safari with Gr. N Evo4.

[Hartusvuori]

It is ex factory car. Evo III in full Gr. A 1996 spec. Rarity as such since Mitsubishi used to destroy all old factory cars.

[RICARDO75]

Entry list? I saw on the website Riimäki rally that are 80 cars but I can´t find the entry list

[tolis]

Entry list? I saw on the website Riimäki rally that are 80 cars but I can´t find the entry list
https://kiti.akk-motorsport.fi/modules/system/stdreq.aspx?P=1&VID=default&SID=877499116513050&A=open%3akiti%3aregistration_listclasses%3a325141% 2cset%3asession.l9%3aregistration_listclasses&S=2&C=62041

[RICARDO75]

Thanks Tolis

[Hartusvuori]

It will be interesting see in what condition roads stay as it hasn't been many cold days in the southern Finland yet. Now it's around zero, but from Friday afternoon it should get slightly colder, around -5 to -8 degrees with snow. That's barely first aid, so I think it'll be heavy conditions at places.

[HarriK]

It will be interesting see in what condition roads stay as it hasn't been many cold days in the southern Finland yet. Now it's around zero, but from Friday afternoon it should get slightly colder, around -5 to -8 degrees with snow. That's barely first aid, so I think it'll be heavy conditions at places.

Note that recce speed is limited to max 60kmh at the stages. Marshalls wish that this helps roads to stay good.

[rp]

Finnish Rally Championship 2012, Round 1
Riihimäki-ralli, 14.1.2012
List of Entries in seeded order:
SM XXXVIII Riihimäki ralli**** KILPAILUUN HYVÄKSYTYT (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/120114l.htm)

[Tom206wrc]

Interesting the number of C2 R2 Max this year ;)
Is there now a Citroën Racing Trophy in Finland :confused:

[Jeppe]

Interesting the number of C2 R2 Max this year ;)
Is there now a Citroën Racing Trophy in Finland :confused:

Sorry Tom ;) No there is not... It seems like unfortunately Citroen Finland does not want to support rallying in Finland. All in all it´s quite exceptional that 2012 there is plenty of C2 R2s in FRC and last year there was only a few. Fiesta was THE car in R2 category in Finland and now only one Fiesta in Riihimäki.

About the route in Riihimäki. Eventhough weather hasn´t been so cold and snowy until last week the route is in amazing condition, 100% covered by ice layer but it is quite thin and ruts can not be avoided in 2nd leg of stages. About snow depth, in some places there is even some banks to lean on. And temperature will be some 6-7 degrees below zero..

For the spectator point of view, It´s gonna be nice event to watch, because it´s only one day and best points goes to those who can give 101% from the stage 1 (SSS). I´m sure that there will be plenty of action in forest stages... ;)

[Juha_Koo]

There should be live internet stream from SSS 1, Riihimäki trotting track. Starting at 09:30 GMT, first car 10:01 GMT. Don't know if it's available abroad but links are:

Riihimäki-ralli 13.-14.1.2012 (http://riihimakiralli.tarjoaa.fi/)
Live Stream Finland (http://www.livestream.fi/)

[Juha_Koo]

The fight is on, on SS2 (running now) Esapekka Lappi at the moment fastest, 9,5 secs faster than Salo (2nd). There's a lot of loose snow on top, probably affecting the first car. Excellent start from EP...

[Juha_Koo]

Esapekka Lappi has done it! :up:

First rally in S2000 and first win! Salo second, +12,9 and Mikko Pajunen third +28,3.

[RICARDO75]

Kalle Pinomäki lost more than 5 minutes on last stage. Did he got stuck on the snow?

[Jeppe]

Yes, he just stuck on the snow bank in the final stage and lost solid lead. Clio was completely undamaged but driver was pretty much p*ssed off.. He finished 5th in SM2-Super 2-class. Class and 2WD overall winner was Jussi Vainionpää (from Oulu). This was first his victory in the FRC. Congratulations to Jussi / Mika and of course Esapekka / Janne.

Results can be found here (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)

[Viking]

Esapekka Lappi has done it! :up:

First rally in S2000 and first win! Salo second, +12,9 and Mikko Pajunen third +28,3.

Nice day for EvenRally (http://www.evenrally.com/) :)

[OldF]

A really good drive by Esapekka. Lets see if the fight continues on gravel also.

[Fly]

4wd newcomers Pajunen and Korhonen did a decent job but Lappi's drive was so good that few people will notice other drivers' performance.
PS: Lindroos also had a good one.

[bttmsport]

It is ex factory car. Evo III in full Gr. A 1996 spec. Rarity as such since Mitsubishi used to destroy all old factory cars.

The car Jari will drive in Arctic is an exact replica of ex works- evo3, a brand new car actually. Ex -Tommi car is staying in the garage, obviously one of 3 real ex works- cars with history, which are still "alive". New car is immaculate and did the first test without slightest problem. Built by Latvala motorsport themselves.

[HarriK]

Riihimäki stages with winner Esapekka Lappi:
http://esapekkalappi.kuvat.fi/kuvat/FRC+Riihim%E4ki+14.1.2012/

[donlorean]

126 entries in Arctic Lapland Rally. Including for example Italian Lucio Petrocco WRC Subaru S11 ;-)

Here is entry list:

https://kiti.akk-motorsport.fi/modules/system/stdreq.aspx?P=1&VID=default&SID=953046020915255&A=open%3akiti%3aregistration_listclasses%3a325147% 2cset%3asession.l9%3aregistration_listclasses&S=2&C=58028

[AP-Racing]

Jari Latvala on Evo 3 in entry list

[OldF]

Riihimäki stages with winner Esapekka Lappi:
http://esapekkalappi.kuvat.fi/kuvat/FRC+Riihim%E4ki+14.1.2012/

SS 5 & 7, very fast stage. Esapekka driving a lot with 6th gear.

[pantealex]

126 entries in Arctic Lapland Rally. Including for example Italian Lucio Petrocco WRC Subaru S11 ;-)

Here is entry list:

https://kiti.akk-motorsport.fi/modules/system/stdreq.aspx?P=1&VID=default&SID=953046020915255&A=open%3akiti%3aregistration_listclasses%3a325147% 2cset%3asession.l9%3aregistration_listclasses&S=2&C=58028

numbers and running order out now

[Susiraja]

I updated some pictures and text to the blog after the Riihimäki -rally. Not too much time before travelling to Rovaniemi to the Arctic Lapland Rally recce. Seems that there is even another Fiesta R2 to keep us company among the C2 R2s.

Rally Co-driver (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.com/)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwUBzZltxYM&context=C3635b24ADOEgsToPDskJHPvJiE3Em9plAf3QBTcw2

[HarriK]

FRC round2 Arctic Rally recce has started.
Quite and cold there: 10 day forecast Rovaniemi - Foreca.com (http://foreca.com/Finland/Rovaniemi?tenday)

I'm heading at wednesday to Rovaniemi.

[Jeppe]

2012 edition of Arctic Lapland Rally is about to start. Shakedown was held in very nice (and a bit frosty) weather near Mäntyvaara Service Park. Almost all top drivers took part of it but what differs from normal rally shakedowns organizer did not take any times. So there is only some very unofficial timings.

Results can be found from here (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/) starting tomorrow at 12.33 EET (CET +1)

Some nice pictures can be found from here (http://valokuu.com/photokorn/index.php?action=showgal&cat=387)

[johunn]

Edit: never mind me... should read first and then post :)

[dimviii]

Lappi is flying.Salo is ok without problems?
Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/7R12/01/2/)

[OldF]

Esapekka Lappi is leading the Artic Lapland rally by 17,5 sec to Juha Salo after the first day (Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/7R12/01/5/)). Seems like Salo made some mistakes because he was 6,7 sec slower than Esapekka on the last 3,7 km stage.

The rally continues tomorrow at 10.22 CET with stage 6. The last stage (SS10) is a real mega stage, 47 km.

Overall results easier to follow Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm).

Comments from drivers https://www.facebook.com/rallism. Only in Finnish of course but if you are using Google Chrome there should be an option to translate the page to your own language.

[bluuford]

Esapekka Lappi is leading the Artic Lapland rally by 17,5 sec to Juha Salo after the first day (Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/7R12/01/5/)). Seems like Salo made some mistakes because he was 6,7 sec slower than Esapekka on the last 3,7 km stage.

The rally continues tomorrow at 10.22 CET with stage 6. The last stage (SS10) is a real mega stage, 47 km.

Overall results easier to follow Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm).

Comments from drivers https://www.facebook.com/rallism. Only in Finnish of course but if you are using Google Chrome there should be an option to translate the page to your own language.

Is it counted as two different rallies in FRC again? like in 2011?

[OldF]

Is it counted as two different rallies in FRC again? like in 2011?

No, it’s one rally with 1,5 factor.

[bluuford]

No, it’s one rally with 1,5 factor.
Ok, Thanks! I think it is better like this :-) Less confusing for normal spectator:-)

[OldF]

Esapekka has won every stage today. One mega stage still to go.

[OldF]

Do you know what this language is? :)

Lapin Kansa (http://www.lapinkansa.fi/Sagat)

[bluuford]

Do you know what this language is? :)

Lapin Kansa (http://www.lapinkansa.fi/Sagat)

Sami?

[OldF]

This was too easy for you. But ten points and papukaijan merkki sulle. :bounce:

Esdapekka won the whole rally and margin on the last stage was 1,3 sec in favour of Juha. In average speed it means 0,1 km/h.

At least Esapekka proved that the top speed of a S2000 was enough to win a fast rally as Artic Lapland. Average speed on the stages was between 115 – 123 km/h.

[Juha_Koo]

EPL is one hell of guy, congrats! Big :up: Vetomies mikä vetomies.

[OldF]

From Ralli SM | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rallism)

Esapekka Lappi: It's getting easier all the time, the more I drive the car, the better it feels. I got to be a bit proud of myself, as I was able to beat Juha Salo on these fast roads, which were not supposed to be all that suitable for this car.

[tolis]

Jari Latvala flying in Arctic Lapland Rally!

http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2012/Arctic-Rally-2012/Race-Day-1-Topi-Pakarinen/i-FPQVk55/0/M/MG3673-M.jpg

[bluuford]

This was too easy for you. But ten points and papukaijan merkki sulle. :bounce:

ilosta hullunmylly!

[Ucci]

Congrats to young Lappi. But I'm a bit disappointed over other's drivers performance...Fiftht at the end and already more than six minutes behind...It sounds awful.

[A.F.F.]

What I was extremely happy about was that selfconfidence from Lappi. The young gentleman just noted that he was able to drive much faster if it was needed. Great great driving by him. If I was a teamboss, I'd put my eye on him already.

[Walach]

It´s still long way to the top, but he looks very, very promising.

[HarriK]

Esapekka Lappi is leading the Artic Lapland rally by 17,5 sec to Juha Salo after the first day (Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/7R12/01/5/)). Seems like Salo made some mistakes because he was 6,7 sec slower than Esapekka on the last 3,7 km stage.

The rally continues tomorrow at 10.22 CET with stage 6. The last stage (SS10) is a real mega stage, 47 km.

Overall results easier to follow Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm).

Comments from drivers https://www.facebook.com/rallism. Only in Finnish of course but if you are using Google Chrome there should be an option to translate the page to your own language.

I don't think so that Salo made mistakes at these 3.7km stages. This short stage was driven after 2 long forest stages, so Salo's evo X tyres were not so good than Lappi's because evo is heavier.

[Juha_Koo]

Onboard with Salo/Salminen, SS6 Jyrhämäjärvi. 2nd fastest, +1,50 sec to Lappi.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQRAYQf1E4g

[Susiraja]

I now updated my blog Rally Co-driver (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.com/) with our adventure in the Arctic Lapland Rally. With 233 stage kilometers anything can happen and at least our rally with the R2 Fiesta had its ups and downs.

[Hartusvuori]

Finnish Rally Championship continues this weekend in Mikkeli's Vaakunaralli. Third event of the series and at the same time last of the winter rallies.

Competion starts on Friday evening with a combination of super special stage and normal forest stage (11 km) and continues and finishes on Saturday with 4 special stages. Number of stages is little but the overall competetive distance is 113 kilometres.

Entries bare resemblance to earlier rallies this winter with most notable difference being the absence of Jukka Korhonen who is driving a BRC event the same weekend. Beforehand it's easy to predict that the podium will be occupied by same competitors as in Riihimäki and Rovaniemi - Lappi, Salo and Pajunen - but what will be the order remains to be decided.

Temperatures has been normally cold during the past 4-5 weeks or so, but at the moment it have dropped close to zero degrees. Forecast for the weekend in Mikkeli region promises temperatures between -4 to -6 degrees with a chance of snowing, so it should be proper winter rallying conditions.

Here's a music-infested review of last year's Vaakunaralli: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l51nbwDkjA4&feature=plcp&context=C34d9b49UDOEgsToPDskLwOePKSrSivHawH-c7Eg83
Here's FRC's YouTube page with several incar's from last year's event: http://www.youtube.com/user/autourheilu/videos?sort=dd&view=u&page=3

Here's entry list in a pdf link: http://www.mikua.fi/vaakunaralli/files/Lahtoluettelo_2012.pdf
English website of the rally: In English - SM Vaakuna-ralli (http://www.mikua.fi/vaakunaralli/?pg=english)
Results' service will appear here as usual: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)

[bluuford]

Finnish Rally Championship continues this weekend in Mikkeli's Vaakunaralli. Third event of the series and at the same time last of the winter rallies.

Competion starts on Friday evening with a combination of super special stage and normal forest stage (11 km) and continues and finishes on Saturday with 4 special stages. Number of stages is little but the overall competetive distance is 113 kilometres.

Entries bare resemblance to earlier rallies this winter with most notable difference being the absence of Jukka Korhonen who is driving a BRC event the same weekend. Beforehand it's easy to predict that the podium will be occupied by same competitors as in Riihimäki and Rovaniemi - Lappi, Salo and Pajunen - but what will be the order remains to be decided.

Temperatures has been normally cold during the past 4-5 weeks or so, but at the moment it have dropped close to zero degrees. Forecast for the weekend in Mikkeli region promises temperatures between -4 to -6 degrees with a chance of snowing, so it should be proper winter rallying conditions.

Here's a music-infested review of last year's Vaakunaralli: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l51nbwDkjA4&feature=plcp&context=C34d9b49UDOEgsToPDskLwOePKSrSivHawH-c7Eg83
Here's FRC's YouTube page with several incar's from last year's event: http://www.youtube.com/user/autourheilu/videos?sort=dd&view=u&page=3

Here's entry list in a pdf link: http://www.mikua.fi/vaakunaralli/files/Lahtoluettelo_2012.pdf
English website of the rally: In English - SM Vaakuna-ralli (http://www.mikua.fi/vaakunaralli/?pg=english)
Results' service will appear here as usual: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)

Is it the same Jani Paasonen that we know?

[Hartusvuori]

Is it the same Jani Paasonen that we know?

It's him. And this could very well be the first time for ages he's mentioned on the forum without the word "burger" in the post/thread... ooops.

Here are the stage lenghts too.

Friday
SS1 11 km 19.01 (Finnish time)

Saturday
SS2 28,9 km 10.49
service
SS3 23,9 km
SS4 13,17 km
SS5 30,67 km

[Hartusvuori]

Vaakuna-ralli 2012 (http://www.lansi-savo.fi/kampanjat/vaakunaralli-live.html)

Local newspaper in Mikkeli is providing (at least a link to) a video stream from tonight's special stage, the first part at the trotting track. I don't know if it works outside Finland.

[pantealex]

SS1 11km after first 15 cars
Lappi
Salo +5,3
Pajunen +7,7
Tiippana +16,4
Vihavainen +17,1

[Fiat-131-Abarth]

Lappi´s speed is incredible. Hope to see him also outside Finland this year.

[Hartusvuori]

After SS3 Lappi's lead is already 28,3 seconds over Salo. It looks like Salo is very much disarmed.

[Hartusvuori]

Esapekka Lappi wins FRC Mikkeli - too. A hat trick now. Podium remains the same: Lappi, Salo, Pajunen.

Next round: Lapua, June 9th.

[Mirek]

Lappi was pretty much on a league of his own today. Of course he has better car but still he's very impressive!

[Micke_VOC]

Impresive rally again from Lappi.
EVEN Rally youngsters has won 5 of 5 events overall this winter. Lappi three in FRC and Tidemand two in Swedish Championship..

[Fly]

And Salo was pushing like he always does http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZjtlkTHFO8 at 40"

[Juha_Koo]

And Salo was pushing like he always does http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ZjtlkTHFO8 at 40"

He indeed was pushing. Just check out this onboard from SS4, crazy-fast at times... Still, S2000 is faster even though I'd say that at the moment Salo is the world's fastest R4 driver.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFbB7l1RpTM

[cali]

He indeed was pushing. Just check out this onboard from SS4, crazy-fast at times... Still, S2000 is faster even though I'd say that at the moment Salo is the world's fastest R4 driver.
You stand corrected, he may be fastest R4 driver on loose surface ;) . Not sure about his tarmac skills :p

Edit: after I have watched the video, I can say that this is true crazy driving. Very good incar with fantastic driving.

[Juha_Koo]

If Salo was pushing, just look at Lappi on SS2... Sick! :up:

http://esapekkalappi.kuvat.fi/kuvat/FRC+Mikkeli+2012/EK+2.MOV

[wwbroe]

If Salo was pushing, just look at Lappi on SS2... Sick! :up:

http://esapekkalappi.kuvat.fi/kuvat/FRC+Mikkeli+2012/EK+2.MOV

Very nice onboard indeed, pushing like crazy but very smooth driving. :D

[Juha_Koo]

Check out this F-Cup carnage from Valkeala day 1... :eek:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoZLWOk34FA


In Finland we have this thing called "linjavika" :D

[br21]

very interesting place and nice movie, rally without pacenotes?

[Sulland]

Impresive rally again from Lappi.
EVEN Rally youngsters has won 5 of 5 events overall this winter. Lappi three in FRC and Tidemand two in Swedish Championship..

Mikkelsen have also taken a top spot, or two, or... ;)

Sø a good winter for EVEN !

[Juha_Koo]

very interesting place and nice movie, rally without pacenotes?

Yeah, in F-Cup there are no pacenotes. So called "blind rally". Competitors only have a roadbook in which there are junctions and very dangerous places marked. It really develops "road eye" and longer you drive blind the better you become in seeing all the clues that a bad place might be coming and analyzing in a split second where the road will go after a crest, etc.

Just as a curiosity, Valkeala's route is designed by one guy called Toni Gardemeister. :)

[br21]

thanx for explanations, I know "blind rallies" just wasn't sure if this was one of them. looking forward for videos from 2nd days action.

[Mixxu]

Mikko Pajunen onboard in Mikkeli:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jq5JGZCY5qM

[Hartusvuori]

On last weekend's F-Cup Valkeala. In the finish top 10 was within 45 seconds, top 8 within 30 seconds. Winner was Krister Sjölund in Toyota Starlet. Two days, 10 stages, 116 stage kilometres in 1 hour 8 minutes 12 seconds mean an average speed of 102,05 km/h. That is relatively fast for a no-recce winter rally for 2WD car.

Fastest driver however was once again Toni Kuhanen who held an overnight lead of 48 seconds. However a roll on the first stage in Sunday and driveshaft problems on the last dropped him to sixth. Here's a thought-provoking image (http://womppiracing.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Ralli+ja+rallisprint/2012/ValUA+Talviralli/IMG_5638.JPG) and video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW-2_uNAXmo&feature=plcp&context=C31139ceUDOEgsToPDskJQyIqPFHx8pdaODnLrzZRH ) from Kuhanen's roll.

F-Cup Valkean talviralli - overall and stage results (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/120304y.htm)
F-cup - points after 3 winter events (http://www.f-cup.fi/tulokset-ja-tilastot/sarjatulokset/pistetilanne-2012/yleinen-2012/)

F-cup now falls into a summer hibernation only to wake up in the autumn for three more rallies. First of them is Autoglym-ralli near Tampere in September 8th.

[rawy]

Hi All

I'm going to be in Finland at the weekend (10th & 11th March) between Kuopio & Tampere, Are there any Rallies or Motorsport events on nearby I could go & watch?

Seems I just missed the F-Cup :-(

Cheers

Rawy

[rp]

Hi All

I'm going to be in Finland at the weekend (10th & 11th March) between Kuopio & Tampere, Are there any Rallies or Motorsport events on nearby I could go & watch?

Seems I just missed the F-Cup :-(

Cheers

Rawy

Yes. At least there is a local rallysprint in Keuruu (about 60 km from Jyväskylä to the west) on Sunday 11th March starting at 12 o´clock .

The event will celecrate it´s 20th anniversary this year and is located in Keuruu military area. Address: Unio Sarlinintie, Keuruu

The entry list:
XX KEURUUN RALLISPRINT (http://www.oopsware.org/Listat312/KeurUAspr1103lista.htm)

[Hartusvuori]

Finnish rallysprint is also rather spectator-friendly form of the sport. One compact stage run twice, best time decides. Cars coming in 30-second intervals so it's intense as well. And if you draw a line on the map between Kuopio and Tampere, Keuruu is not that far off...

[Juha_Koo]

There's also one quite good corner there. Right over crest into long uphill left. The track has been the same for many years but there's always some action on that corner. :)

[rawy]

Thanks for the info guys!

Could Juha - Could you give me any idea where that corner is, sounds good!

I have found this map on google?

Unio Sarlinintie, Keuruu, Suomi - Google Maps (http://www.google.co.uk/maps?q=Unio+Sarlinintie,+Keuruu,+Suomi&hl=en&ll=62.220476,24.662933&spn=0.012021,0.042272&sll=62.06788,24.75769&sspn=1.546509,5.410767&oq=Unio+SarlinintieKeuruu&hnear=Unio+Sarlinintie,+Finland&t=h&z=15)

Any other info appreciated, parking etc

Thanks

Rawy

[rawy]

I have also found this rally on the 10th - LÖYÄN-LOUKON RALLISPECIAL (http://www.oopsware.org/Listat312/zzKuortSpec1003lista.htm)

I am struggling understanding how it runs, it says 4 stages but only seems to have one stage map on the details?

The 10th would be a better day for me, so might try to get over to this one.

Cheers

Rawy

[Hartusvuori]

I have also found this rally on the 10th - LÖYÄN-LOUKON RALLISPECIAL (http://www.oopsware.org/Listat312/zzKuortSpec1003lista.htm)

I am struggling understanding how it runs, it says 4 stages but only seems to have one stage map on the details?

The 10th would be a better day for me, so might try to get over to this one.

Cheers

Rawy

It is what is called "rally special". One road divided into several stages, 30 second intervals.

[emk]

If you're near Tampere on 10th day, I would say the best choise is Neste Häijää Pienoisralli. Bit over 60 cars, three stages with 21 kilometers. I think they might use the same road for these stages? Not sure for that, route is published at the morning of the event. Should contain some great Finnish roads. Keuruu is also great event if it's better for your schedule.

Neste Häijää Pienoisralli:
Address: Kauppakuja 1, 38420 Sastamala (some 40km from Tampere)
Entry-list: http://mut-palvelu.fi/2012/ralli/ralli_kiikoinen/osanottajat.pdf

[Hartusvuori]

Esapekka Lappi won Snow Rally Sprint at Vanttauskoski (nearby Rovaniemi) on Sunday, driving an Evo X. Here's results (http://www.lapdatasystem.com/snowrally/html/y_loppu.htm).

Now Finnish drivers are waiting for frost to melt and roads to dry. Next competetive action is tarmac sprint in Tammisaari in late April. Next rally is Black Rocket Ralli in Janakkala in mid May.

[Hartusvuori]

An addition to Finnish rally calendar was made in form of national Ovisepät-Ralli. It'll be run in Saturday May 26th, rally HQ being in Joutsa, south of Jyväskylä, on the east side of Lake Päijänne. It's possible and likely that some of the stages are familiar to old 1000 Lakes goers.

What makes this rally more interesting is the fact that they allow recce in some classes. This makes it a perfect chance for FRC drivers to get some competetive action before first FRC gravel event, Lapua in June 9th. Entries opened on Monday, and so far Esapekka Lappi (Fiesta S2000), Juha Salo (Evo X R4), Mikko Lehessaari (Impreza WRX), Kari Hämäläinen (Fiesta S2000), Joonas Lindroos (Civic), Andreas Amberg (Fiesta R2), Jussi Vainionpää (Civic), Henri Haapamäki (C2 R2 Max), have entered. It looks it's turning into kind of extra FRC event :-)

The rally will include 4 stages of 55,7 stage kms. Recce in the morning, so rally will start at 14.01 and end at 19.01. Everyone should make in time for sauna and prepare for Eurovision Song Contest final...

[Hartusvuori]

Entries for Ovisepät-ralli closed at midnight. 207 entries, though 180 is mentioned to be the maximum. For a national rally some nice names on the list. Apart from the ones mentioned in my previous post also Mikko Pajunen (TMR R4), Jukka Hiltunen (Fabia S2000), Joni Nikko (Evo 9), Tomi Weurlander (Impreza WRX), Jaro Kinnunen (Civic), Kristian Kiviniemi (Civic), etc. Not many top F-Cup drivers, but Krister Sjölund (Starlet) who won the previous round is worth a mention. It'll be a proper start for the summer season :-)

[Juha_Koo]

Yeah, they will take 180. Eliminations are done from the blind classes. Very good entry, I can't wait for the rally...

And what I've heard - stages will be pure gold, some old legendary roads.

[Juha_Koo]

FRC guys have been doing some summer testing during the past few days. I have a small video coming up from a test session with Salo, Kinnunen, J. Grönholm, etc. from last Sunday as soon as I get some technical issues resolved.

There might be small changes coming to Ovisepät entries, we'll see during the next few days...

[Hartusvuori]

There might be small changes coming to Ovisepät entries, we'll see during the next few days...

That had an ominous ring to it...

Looks like Mikko Lehessaari (Impreza WRX) has withdrawn his entry already.

[pantealex]

That had an ominous ring to it...

Looks like Mikko Lehessaari (Impreza WRX) has withdrawn his entry already.

Lehessaari has entry for next event Lapua with Impreza R4

[Juha_Koo]

Finally here's my small video from last Sunday. Summer testing with Salo, Kinnunen, J. Grönholm, Hosike, etc.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwOOuoasLJ0

[Hartusvuori]

Looks like Salo has withdrawn his entry for Ovisepät Rallo. Or at least he didn't show up at SS1...

Nice weather and old 1000 Lakes stages. Not a bad way to spend Saturday afternoon.

[Hartusvuori]

Nothing new under the sun. Lappi won, Pajunen second. After SS2 Pajunen led by two scratch times, but on the second run of Lempää stage (20,7 km) Lappi was 0,5s/km faster and decided the rally for himself. Especially Lappi second run was promising fast and aggressive.

Shame that Salo didn't particate. For comparison we'll have to wait for FRC Lapua two weekends from now. Though there some high top speed sections should fall for Salo's favour. Also Lappi retired from the rally early last year.

In 2wd Lindroos won after good homestrech.

There were also two Fabia R2s on the event which was nice.

[Racing Ka]

Those Fabias were 1400cc cars, not R2.

[Hartusvuori]

Aha. Bodyshells were new thus mistaken. This way it makes more sense though.

[NikoP]

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss40/ralli1/nikko.jpg

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss40/ralli1/hiltunen.jpg

My pics from Ovisepät Ralli: nikop.kuvat.fi (http://nikop.kuvat.fi/kuvat/2012/Ovisep%E4t%20Ralli/)

Great stages, a good entry and sunshine, what else could you ask for?

[dimviii]

Great stages, a good entry and sunshine, what else could you ask for?

Holky. :D

[NikoP]

Holky. :D

Yes, of course :D But unfortunately we don't see a lot of holky in Finnish village rallies :(

[Hartusvuori]

Joonas Lindroos will use his old Honda Civic for the rest of FRC events, giving him better chance to fight for 2WD overall victories than with the C2R2 he was using for winter events.

[Hartusvuori]

Jarkko Nikara has entered next FRC event in Lapua. He'll drive an Evo IX.

[tolis]

Do we know the reason why Salo didn't start?

[Hartusvuori]

Do we know the reason why Salo didn't start?

He is saving his budget for Rally Finland, I think. Ovisepät-ralli was first and foremost a test event, and Salo ran a gravel test on the weekend before like pictured here.

[pantealex]

Jari-Matti Latvala with historic escort BDA for Lapua

[Hartusvuori]

Jari-Matti Latvala with historic escort BDA for Lapua

And now he is in with a competetive entry so we get to see his times. This is so good :-)

[janvanvurpa]

And now he is in with a competetive entry so we get to see his times. This is so good :-)

When is Lapua?

Does that other Finnish boy in that French car, does he have a nice car too? What's his name now...Here, no There-vanen, No Hirvonen? That would be fun to see them both in nice cars.



Against the guys normally in those same cars...ti hi ti hi!

[Hartusvuori]

When is Lapua?

Lapua is Saturday June 9th. 115 entries altogether.

Hirvonen does have a proper MkII Escort as well, but I've never seen or heard about any competetive action with that. Seems to be more of an museum item with a cool Rothmans livery and all.

Last year Latvala ran that Escort in Lapua as a zero car, but he could do only one clean stage because of clutch problems. Father Latvala is also entered in Lapua with that replica Gr. A Lancer Evo3.

[pantealex]

Lapua is Saturday June 9th. 115 entries altogether.
KITI system has 117 entries for Lapua

[janvanvurpa]

Lapua is Saturday June 9th. 115 entries altogether.

Hirvonen does have a proper MkII Escort as well, but I've never seen or heard about any competetive action with that. Seems to be more of an museum item with a cool Rothmans livery and all.

Last year Latvala ran that Escort in Lapua as a zero car, but he could do only one clean stage because of clutch problems. Father Latvala is also entered in Lapua with that replica Gr. A Lancer Evo3.

Well perhaps there's a way to "convince" him to meet the challenge? Something between 'utmaning' and 'utpressning' (whatever the hall that is på finska)... Maybe a "Press Campaign"...

Know any reporters? We could start a rumor, totally groundless that "Hirvonen accepts the challenge thrown down by Latvala" (see? I just started the rumor---tricky!) and the reporter could ask pointed questions "How are your plans progressing to meet the challenge JML threw down to meet in Escorts at dawn?"
With a cooperative reporter the questions could get progressively more, well, pressuring if he claims he can't drag his Escort out " Is it true your service van was seen near that elementary school with the words "free candy" spray painted on the side?"
And "It would really be a shame if these photographs were to come into the wrong hands, people misunderstand these things so easily. I'm sure there's an explanations for......."

So who knows a cooperative reporter?

[Juha_Koo]

Ovisepät was a nice small rally, I hope we get these kind of rallies more. Organization was working very well, only a small 20 minute delay after the midpoint break. There was live internet coverage from the stages. Route was very nice, especially the SS 4 with the last five kilometres on tarmac...was interesting. Very nice atmosphere on the stages, I even got free sausages when leaving SS4. :D

Lappi was rather conservative in the beginning, I was bit surprised that Pajunen was leading the rally after SS2. But clearly Lappi gained confidence and the display on SS3 was great. No notable retirements except Jussi Vainionpää in FWD class due to a off on SS4 tarmac section. Small surprise in group-F where Vesa Hirvonen won in front of Mikko Kauppinen by a huge margin of 0,6 secs. :)


Do we know the reason why Salo didn't start?

Salo didn't start because he wanted to conserve his budget. After three days of gravel tests the car felt good and no additional testing was required, therefore they decided not to run.


Lappi's onboards: Ovisepät Rally 2012 - Esapekka Lappi Media (http://esapekkalappi.kuvat.fi/kuvat/Ovisep%E4t+Rally+2012/)

My video from the rally, in the end couple small moments:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afsVbhds-zg

[Hartusvuori]

Seeded entries for next weekend FRC Lapua: http://www.lapuanua.fi/@Bin/124666/L%C3%A4ht%C3%B6luettelo+2012.pdf

Would've hoped to see JML higher in the order, because this rally has easy schedule for seeing three out of four stages for top 40-50 cars, but now if and while waiting for Latvala pretty sure one stage must be ruled out or at least miss the top runners. Also, stages are rather long ones, so if JML gets 2 minute gap, he would need more. But all in all, it's nice entry and I have nice spots looked up, so now all it requires is a proper weather. Last year it was above 30 celcius, that much we don't need...

[Hartusvuori]

FRC Lapua will start tomorrow, first stage around 12.19 Finnish time.

Several withrawn entries, most notably Jukka Hiltunen - Fabia S2000.

You can see results here: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)

Jari-Matti Latvala in class 10.

Finnish speaking people can see end-of-stage comments via RalliSM Facebook and Twitter.

[Hartusvuori]

Esapekka Lappi wins again. This time Jarkko Nikara gave quite strong opposition, loosing only +1,8 seconds. Juha Salo was disarmed and fell +40s behind, but because Nikara isn't running FRC, Salo takes second best points. Joonas Lindroos wins 2WD SM2-class.

Mikko Pajunen rolled quite heavily on SS1, around midstage.

[Juha_Koo]

Rather remarkable rally from Nikara, nearly beating Lappi with old N4 Evo9. Ofcourse Nikara's running position, as he was seeded right behind the fastest FRC guys, helped him to some extent because there were sections with lots of loose gravel but still, excellent showcase of his speed.

FRC dreams are basically over for Salo, I was expecting him to be closer but the difference was about the same as in the winter. On SS1, I was on a really fast place and had a long view - R4's lack of power was clear, the difference was very clear even to the naked eye. Pajunen's crash was a surprise to me, nothing special in it though, just a bit too fast into some "basic" corner, rear hit something and over they went. Picture of the car: http://mikkopajunen.net/files/jpeg_content/2657/LapuaRalliSM%5FMikko%5FPajunen%5Fcrash.jpeg

My video from the event coming later...

JML and Asko Sairanen in action (actually they spun there, but this looks nice... apologies for the horrible colours and editing, done super quickly on a laptop with Preview) :

http://juhake.kapsi.fi/motorsport/lapua12/jml_lapua12.jpg

[Hartusvuori]

^ Obviously should've stayed that extra minute at that corner :-) But we saw him running past us at high speed section prior to this. Nice :-)

[Juha_Koo]

^ Obviously should've stayed that extra minute at that corner :-) But we saw him running past us at high speed section prior to this. Nice :-)

Haha, yeah... ;) Not an everyday situation to see him spin - live I mean. :D

[rp]

Very sensible drive from Lappi. No mistakes and 5th Fiesta S2000 win in the row (4 FRC events and 1 national).

Somehow disappointed, because Nikara was the star of the show and would have deserved the win. Driving the old evo 9 to the limit and he lost at least 3-5 seconds, because he had to slow down on the SS 2 (I saw the situation), when Vihavainen´s Evo 10 was out of the road and the back of the car was on the road. It was only possible to overtake the car driving slowly. Nikara´s aim in this event was to test Yokohama´s new gravel tyres, but the delivery was late from GB to Finland and he had to use his last season´s Pirellis and had only three new tires for this rally...

Salo had nothing chances against Nikara or Lappi. What a pity that Pajunen rolled already on the SS 1. It was sunny and dusty day in the western Finland and really great to see also JML behind the wheel of the Escort RS 1800..!

Pictures:
POPPankki-ralli 9.6.12 (http://www.rallism.fi/kuvagalleria/2012/poppankkiralli9612/default.html)

and more pictures and also videos (maybe much more is coming..):
Ralli.net - POPPankki SM-Ralli 8.-9.6.2012 Lapuan UA, kuvat ja videot - Ralli.net (http://www.ralli.net/foorumit/kuvat-ja-videot/14384)

[Fly]

21 year old Frenchman Steven Bossard had a tough day at work learning Mäkinen's Subaru and the Finnish fast gravel road.
He's usually competing in the Junior and Twingo R1 championships in France.

[Juha_Koo]

Onboard from Pajunen's crash:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlrLJHAkX7A

[dimviii]

Onboard from Pajunen's crash:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlrLJHAkX7A



mistake at right corner and at next corner(right too) went wide and rolled ...strange.Car was ok? Maybe flat tyre(rear left) from first right corner he went wide and bit out of road?

[Juha_Koo]

mistake at right corner and at next corner(right too) went wide and rolled ...strange.Car was ok? Maybe flat tyre(rear left) from first right corner he went wide and bit out of road?

Car was okay, just a bit too much speed and slippery surface. In the close call at 5:50 they had "Medium right minus gradual, bale inside" and Pajunen says to take the "gradual" off from the notes. Gradual is not a good word to describe the Finnish word used in the notes, but it means an opposite of "tight".

Then in the crash corner they have "medium right plus, camber" and MP says "[Change] This to medium!" but unfortunately the rear gets a bit too deep. Taking the positives, atleast he is trying hard...which is a very good thing.

[Juha_Koo]

My video from Lapua, contrast in locations: high speed from SS1 and very tight junction from SS3.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sR9tk9iDIpM

[Jeppe]

Juha_Koo you got PM.

[rp]

POPPankki SM-Ralli, Lapua/Finland 9.6.2012. Jarkko Nikara/Petri Nikara, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9, SS 4 Incar:
Lapua SM Ralli 2012 EK4 J.Nikara - P.Nikara - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW6NZrm541c&feature=plcp)

[vino_93]

21 year old Frenchman Steven Bossard had a tough day at work learning Mäkinen's Subaru and the Finnish fast gravel road.
He's usually competing in the Junior and Twingo R1 championships in France.
He was European Rallycross Champion in S1600 Class ;) Interesting to see him with Mäkinen Racing ... Does it mean something about races with Mäkinen Racing's Subaru ?

[Hartusvuori]

Mattias Therman entered next FRC event in Kouvola in Printsport-run Fiesta S2000.

[Susiraja]

Elfyn Evans and Nil Solans have entered to Kouvola with Fiestas. Going to be interesting to see their speed before NORF.

[Juha_Koo]

Great test onboard from Lappi on a small road... :)

Esapekka Incar - Printsport Pictures (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2012/Test-Terrijarventie-2862012/Esapekka-Incar/23859627_3M9jJS#%21i=1934603175&k=Q9vzrw6)

[pantealex]

Mattias Therman entered next FRC event in Kouvola in Printsport-run Fiesta S2000.
It´s "new" car, so they have now 3 of them in Printsport garage.

[tolis]

So, we expect him in NORF in a S2000 car this year?

[Hartusvuori]

The rally of the day had a nice ring to its name: 1000 Lakes Rally. It was of course a national event, some 50/50 historic and gr.F cars. It was also of course Jyväskylä-based and stages had roads familiar from the history of The 1000 Lakes.

Fastest - and pretty much most spectacular - was Veli-Matti Saarelainen in his Ascona. We remember Saarelainen for his victory in last years Lahti Historic ERC. F-Cup favourite Toni Kuhanen finished second.

We saw the first and last stage. Two offs and two spins on the first stage - and so much dust that I don't remember when I was that dirty the last time. Great day altogether.

[Allar]

where i can see Kouvola entrys?

[Racing Ka]

SM O.K.Auto-ralli******************* Kilpailuun hyvksytyt (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/120713l.htm)

[tolis]

Kaisanlahti had a really nasty off, went off and hit a tree stump, 100+ kph to 0 in less than a second, engine came into cabin etc.
Kaisanlahti's off: SM O.K. Auto-ralli, Kouvola 14.7.2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qymy2lSdvc8)

[Xsara Fan]

Another video, another crashes... O.K. AUTO SM RALLI Kouvola 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZkjDq86qhU)

[Juha_Koo]

FRC Kouvola was very eventful, lots of bad crashes and jumps. Not so nice to hear many times during the day that ambulance is on stage...

On SS3 there was a bad jump, first Korhonens went off (onboard: Kouvola Sm-ralli 2012 Jukka Korhonen big jump crash - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E-xM6eLVKU) ). There was somesort of a mixup with the warning, apparently such a bad one that no one warned Annala and therefore he came maximum to the jump, rolling over badly. Luckily the car took a bit different route as Korhonens and some spectators were still in the forest. Exterior video of the events: O.K. AUTO SM RALLI Kouvola 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZkjDq86qhU&feature=player_detailpage#t=130s) There was also ambulance needed when Juolahti had a bad jump and both crewmembers hurt their backs. I'm not 100% sure where this jump happened. Tolis posted the video of Kaisanlahti's very bad off. It was a "place" and for some reason he didn't lift at all. Everyone thought that the car will roll far, but a new big stump stopped the car badly. Luckily there shouldn't be any really serious injuries, but the car is destroyed, rollcage damaged, engine in the cabin.

SM1 top guys had a real fight, Lappi had engine problems for a while so Salo was able to challenge him. In the end, Lappi was able to get back the lost time and won. Salo second and Jussi Tiippana third. Tiippana told that this was his best ever FRC rally, for once without problems. Check out this crazy onboard of Salo/Salminen, maximum attack all the time on SS3 with a big moment in the end: Kouvola O.K AUTO SM-Ralli 2012, ss3, Juha Salo Evo X R4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTjLuFfDL_o) (Two more, SS2 & SS8, can be found from the same channel.)

In 2WD, SM2 it was pretty much average rally, Lindroos won as usual, Kinnunen second (he posted some really good stagetimes during the rally) and Hautamäki third. In SM3 Amberg had managed to overcome problems with the car seen in Lapua and now had a really good rally. He won, Evans was second (very promising performance by him, driving looked very good) and Kiviniemi third. Shame that Korhonen crashed.

I have a small video coming later today.

[dimviii]

moment in the end: Kouvola O.K AUTO SM-Ralli 2012, ss3, Juha Salo Evo X R4 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTjLuFfDL_o) (Two more, SS2 & SS8, can be found from the same channel.

very big moment :eek: what did they said after ss flying? :D

[Jeppe]

very big moment :eek: what did they said after ss flying? :D

Something like this..
Co-driver: O-oh, It was almost a moment (laughing / making joke)
Driver: Holy sh*t, Took almost my breath away. Now our luck is used (for today)..

I could almost see that Juha´s hands were shaking after the finish line. Got to be one hell of a feeling after the stage.

[Juha_Koo]

very big moment :eek: what did they said after ss flying? :D

JS: Ohhoh!
MS: We'll that was almost a moment...
JS: F*ck! Took oxygen really like a... Whuuh! (in Finnish rally slang "oxygen place" means a really tight place with a close call, therefore driver having to gasp air because of the tight situation :D )
MS: Well now we have pretty much used all of our luck.

[Juha_Koo]

My video from Kouvola.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3g0UKHXfwM

[cali]

I actually like another part when they cross the bridge and Salo says "Nyt osuu" (we are gonna hit the bridge), but the codriver does not even bother and just calmly continues with his pacenotes :p

Nice driving from Salo

[HarriK]

My video from Kouvola.





Juha you got me in action! :)

[Fly]

VALOKUU.COM - Powered by photokorn (http://www.valokuu.com/photokorn/pic.php?id=61924)

[Susiraja]

Our rally in Kouvola went well. First class win for me and Andreas in the smaller 2wd category. A rally report can be found from my blog Rally Co-driver: heinäkuu 2012 (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.fi/2012_07_01_archive.html)
Some change to the normal faces were the foreign competitors. I spent some time chatting with Elfyn Evans and his co-driver. It was nice to get their thoughts about our local roads. Now only three weeks to go until Neste Oil Rally Finland. Never thought as a kid that I would also be able to participate there as a competitor.

[Juha_Koo]

Our rally in Kouvola went well. First class win for me and Andreas in the smaller 2wd category. A rally report can be found from my blog Rally Co-driver: heinäkuu 2012 (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.fi/2012_07_01_archive.html)
Some change to the normal faces were the foreign competitors. I spent some time chatting with Elfyn Evans and his co-driver. It was nice to get their thoughts about our local roads. Now only three weeks to go until Neste Oil Rally Finland. Never thought as a kid that I would also be able to participate there as a competitor.

By the way what was up with your name stickers in back windows in Kouvola? They were, well, personal... :D

[janvanvurpa]

Our rally in Kouvola went well. First class win for me and Andreas in the smaller 2wd category. A rally report can be found from my blog Rally Co-driver: heinäkuu 2012 (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.fi/2012_07_01_archive.html)
Some change to the normal faces were the foreign competitors. I spent some time chatting with Elfyn Evans and his co-driver. It was nice to get their thoughts about our local roads. Now only three weeks to go until Neste Oil Rally Finland. Never thought as a kid that I would also be able to participate there as a competitor.


Nåååå, what did he say about local roads, tell us! Inquiring minds want to know!

[Susiraja]

@ Juha_Koo: :D Well we haven't had the co-driver's name in the car during the whole season. During the scrutineering our mechanics heard when the organizers gave feedback to some other crew about a missing name. So they quickly improvised the name, before it was our car's turn. 10 points for quick thinking for our guys :)
@ janvanvurpa: Not a great surprise, but they said the roads were really fast and challenging :) It wasn't Elfyn's first time in Finland so he knew what to expect. He showed really good pace especially since his car was on WRC Academy settings.

[pantealex]

Intersting pair in next race:
Jyrki Piira - Mikko Pajunen with Mini WRC

[Hartusvuori]

Intersting pair in next race:
Jyrki Piira - Mikko Pajunen with Mini WRC

Does FRC rules allow co-driver to drive as well?

Other entries include Esapekka Lappi, Juha Salo, Ari Vihavainen, Jussi Tiippana, Joni Nikko, Riku Tahko, et al. Some serious fight expected in 2WD as Lindroos faces opposition from Hautamäki, Kumpumäki, Mänty, Kinnunen and Pinomäki.

[Mirek]

I don't see a reason why in Finland it would be different? Usually driver and co-driver both have same license and they can swap as they want. No problem to change after each stage.

[Hartusvuori]

Other entries include Esapekka Lappi, Juha Salo, Ari Vihavainen, Jussi Tiippana, Joni Nikko, Riku Tahko, et al. Some serious fight expected in 2WD as Lindroos faces opposition from Hautamäki, Kumpumäki, Mänty, Kinnunen and Pinomäki.

And one name I forgot (!): Jarkko Nikara.

[rp]

And one name I forgot (!): Jarkko Nikara.

I was adding Nikara, but you were faster to correct your mistake :-)

Interesting to see if Jarkko is able to beat Esapekka this time. In Lapua he lost only 1,8 seconds, so it will be very tight fight...

[tolis]

Intersting pair in next race:
Jyrki Piira - Mikko Pajunen with Mini WRC
Who is Jyrki Piira?

[rp]

Who is Jyrki Piira?

Some kind of business man who has had rallying as a hobby. He and his brothers and also Mattias Therman has supported Mikko Pajunen since 2010, but I have a doubt what is the situation nowadays, because Pajunen was not able to compete at all in Rally Finland and he has pullet out from the Finnish Rally Championship series (crashed his Subaru in Lapua and was not in Kouvola). And the reason was the missing budget.

But maybe there is still something going on, because Pajunen is Piira´s codriver in the next round and codriver is allowed to drive also in Finnish rallying. Who knows...?

[Jeppe]

Mirek is right - rules are the same in Finland... And I´m sure that there will be some announcement to come, don´t worry ;)

...just follow Mikko´s Funclub page in Mikko Pajunen Racing - Fun Club - Athlète - Jyväskylä, Finland | Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MikkoPajunenRacing)

[Hartusvuori]

One slightly interesting addition to entries for FRC Satamoto-ralli is Tamrazov in his Fiesta. Altogether more than 90 drivers entered (31 in 4WD). Also the youngest son of Ari Vatanen, Max Vatanen in Clio 16V.

Also worth a notion is that last stage of the rally is no less than 47 kms in lenght! All of the five stages are run only once.

[Hartusvuori]

Lahti Historic ERC started this morning. After SS4 Jari-Matti Latvala leads by almost a minute. SS1 was cancelled.

Results: Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm)


GENERAL CLASSIFICATION time diff 1st diff prev.
1.( 1)Jari-Matti Latvala 3-D3 24:31,1
2.( 2)Veli-Matti Saarelainen 3-D4 25:26,9 0:55,8 0:55,8
3.( 9)Ilkka Rantala 3-D3 26:21,4 1:50,3 0:54,5
4.( 3)Valter Chr. Jensen(#) 4-E4 26:23,4 1:52,3 0:02,0
5.( 4)Mika Turkki 3-D4 26:23,9 1:52,8 0:00,5

[Hartusvuori]

Here's some beautiful BDA driving from JML:

On board from Lahti Historic Rally - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWBOKD6fGu0&feature=channel&list=UL)

His efforts to win the rally ended on the first stage of the day. Technical failure. This meant Veli-Matti Saarelainen in his Asconan renewed his victory from last year.

[Hartusvuori]

Lahti, Historic Rally SS7 comes to a fiery end - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpYLfujO2NY&feature=youtu.be)


"A small fire on the air filter and the car and crew are stopped in stage SS7, sadly their day is over. Fortunately the fire was extinguished and the car will be fine with some minor repairs. Crew and Car OK"

[Juha_Koo]

I visited a small test (Pinomäki with Clio R3 and Jonasson with historic Starlet) yesterday and happened to have camera with me so small video --> Testipäivä - Test Day 15.8.2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHmwm8PjLp8)

FRC Merikarvia next Saturday, notable cancellations: Tamrazov, Hämäläinen, Lehessaari.

Jaro Kinnunen will be codriven by Tuukka Shemeikka, usually codriver to Annala but his season is over after the jump crash in Kouvola.

[Hartusvuori]

Also, a thinh worth mentioning about tomorrow's FRC event is the last, 5th stage. It's 44 kms long. Perhaps someone with more thorough knowledge of Finnish rallying could comfirm, but is this the longest stage ever on gravel (=summer) in Finland? I remember Moksi-Leustu in NORF some years back was over 40 kms, but not this much, and then of course Arctic Rally's stages, but that's in winter.

[rp]

Very interesting to see if Nikara is able to beat Lappi. In Lapua he lost only 1,8 seconds, but it took at least 4-5 seconds when he had to slow down, when Vihavainen was out of the road. And we know what kind of speed Nikara and Lappi were able to show in Rally Finland so now they can continue their performance...

[Hartusvuori]

Rally is live. Lappi made scratch time for SS1, surprisingly by over 7 s. Nikara second and at least at our place, a fast over crest - heavy braking into tight fast right, he was definitely fastest.

Lindroos and Mänty shared fastest time on SS1. It'll be great battle :-)

[Hartusvuori]

SS2 - same story. Lappi, Nikara and Salo. Notably in 2WD Lindroos and Mänty 4th and 5th fastest with 0,3 s between them. Leaves no excuses for rest of the field 4WD drivers...

[Addicted]

Worlds greatest national championshipserie... Two fast guys, then Salo.

And Lindroos battling with group-n Civic for a place on a podium

[Hartusvuori]

I hope you were sarcastic.

Lindroos vs. Mänty battle sure is great. Gap widened, but let's see what Joonas can do on the monster stage with fresh set of tyres.

We found few nice places at the end of the stage. Perhaps someone will reach this far :-) Annoyingly lot of mosquitos still, but no spectators has passed this point in 30 minutes. They know something we don't know? Not that many people on the route elsewhere either.

[Fly]

Lappi 1 min faster than Salo on the last stage.

Nikara went off... Brave heart! But that was crazy to go for the win!

[Fly]

Amberg has been fast all day too.

[Juha_Koo]

I had an awesome rally day, great atmosphere, nice people, compact route and no hurry - really pleasurable, made me remember why I love this sport so much. :) Only minus was some camera troubles, damn battery somehow failed! Luckily I managed to DIY-repair it. Really embarrasing moment to film video with my sister's Canon Ixus... Can't help laughing to it now though. :D

Car number 101... Marko Mänty, with an "old" Civic seriously kicking ass - 3rd overall, that's insane! In 4WD, pretty much the usual story. Lappi and Ferm secured their first championship win with a great performance. Check out this big moment (and the reactions ;) ) on the final stage: EPL Incar Merikarvia 2012 - Printsport Pictures (http://printsport.smugmug.com/Rally2012/Merikarvia-SM-2012/EPL-Incar-Merikarvia-2012/24830253_ZW4bXK#%21i=2032489325&k=jMFBctD) Salo ran into small technical problems as driveshaft failed on the last stage, losing about half a minute. Nikaras once again showed great speed but on SS5 the road wasn't enough, going off, first hitting rocks and the head on to a tree, quite bad damage to the car.

In 2WD, Mänty's speed was incredible. Jaro Kinnunen with new codriver, for some reason, lost a lot, not at his usual level, I don't know what was the main reason. In smaller FWD category SM3 Amberg/Heikkinen were dominant, no real threat from anyone else during the rally.

My (improvised :P) video coming tomorrow.

[Adler]

could somebody post a link to the results please? thx

[rp]

could somebody post a link to the results please? thx

Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi)

Maybe better one from tenab:
Merikievari SM-Ralli********************************* SM1 (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/120818s1.htm)
Merikievari SM-Ralli********************************* SM2 (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/120818s2.htm)
Merikievari SM-Ralli********************************* SM3 (http://www.tenab.net/v2012/120818s3.htm)

[Juha_Koo]

My video from Merikarvia:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTVN-89TxDk

[PMM]

My photos from Merikievari SM-Ralli:

Merikievari SM-Ralli Gallery (http://www.rallikuvat.net/2012/merikarvia/index.php)

CAUTION! If you are crash sensitive, don't open that link ;)

[COD]

There are sadly only two top drivers in 4wd championship ( + Nikara outside of the championship) after Pajunen ran out of money. Sad to see such great championship being in as bad state as the WRC.

[janvanvurpa]

There are sadly only two top drivers in 4wd championship ( + Nikara outside of the championship) after Pajunen ran out of money. Sad to see such great championship being in as bad state as the WRC.

Isn't it as simple as the requirement for Homologated car and homologated parts makes them too expensive to keep running?

How is F Cup doing?

[rp]

There are sadly only two top drivers in 4wd championship ( + Nikara outside of the championship) after Pajunen ran out of money. Sad to see such great championship being in as bad state as the WRC.

After that Tiippana and Nikko have some speed and also veteran Vihavainen (by the way 2nd Finnish Junior Championship 1987 driving the Opel Ascona 400) is still able to show great driving, but others are like tourists...

But have to remember that there is tight fight also in the 2wd front-wheel drive series. Despite the fact that Lindroos lost his chance at VW last year he is one of the fastest 2wd drivers and won the title easily. Also Mänty, Korhonen, Amberg, Hautamäki, Vainionpää, Kinnunen and Pinomäki would be the top ten 2wd drivers in every national series...

[COD]

Isn't it as simple as the requirement for Homologated car and homologated parts makes them too expensive to keep running?

How is F Cup doing?

Not as simple as that, as homologation requirements have been significantly eased in last years. Mistakes in promotion etc have had effect and general lack of interest...

F-cup is F-cup, great as such, but doesn't alone produce any WRC-class talents.

[janvanvurpa]

Not as simple as that, as homologation requirements have been significantly eased in last years. Mistakes in promotion etc have had effect and general lack of interest...

F-cup is F-cup, great as such, but doesn't alone produce any WRC-class talents.

Joooo I know, but at least you have F cup. I think it functions as a good base or "grund", and can be a great end in itself, but I understand the need for something inline, more or less, with "Hinter-national" rules for those who think they want to go see the outside rule...


Tell me abouut the promotion...I can't follow that because you Finnish speaking Finns oppress the almost invisible minority of Swedish speaking Finns and don't print every rally magazine in both languages... and therefore, even all this was over here, I suffer from your cruelty to your Swedish speaking brothers.....and can read nothing of the 'in-house' stuff. (sniffle---snof)
:bigcry:

[Hartusvuori]

Entries for the last FRC event in Kerava (September 14.-15.) closed earlier this week. Lappi will use his last chance to drive as first car on the route for many years, as he says, but Salo is of course missing due to Proton commitments.

In 2WD Lindroos is back to C2 now that he secured his title, and also Kristian Sohlberg who debuted in DS3 R3T as a co-driver in Germany takes the driver's seat now.

Also, if the information transfers correctly from my eyes to my brains, Jari Ketomaa in historic VW Golf GTi. On the date he was supposed to start in WRC Wales...

[Jeppe]

Also, if the information transfers correctly from my eyes to my brains, Jari Ketomaa in historic VW Golf GTi. On the date he was supposed to start in WRC Wales...

Yes, you´re right don´t worry ;)

Jari is on the entries with Janne Lindberg´s Golf GTi. He used to drive that kind of Golf in the rallysprint youth class and early rallies... Jari Ketomaa | Jari Ketomaa (http://ketomaa.com/info/jari-ketomaa/)

[Juha_Koo]

F-Cup continued today with Autoglym Ralli after a very long pause. I did a small spectating journey, nothing special in our places. Rally was won by Jaska Nuorala, 2nd Nevanpää (+29,3) and 3rd Kallio (+31,6). Cup-leader Timo Jaakonsaari had problems and was sixth.

Good moment from SS1: :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2ummKgA3cA

[rp]

F-Cup continued today with Autoglym Ralli after a very long pause. I did a small spectating journey, nothing special in our places. Rally was won by Jaska Nuorala, 2nd Nevanpää (+29,3) and 3rd Kallio (+31,6). Cup-leader Timo Jaakonsaari had problems and was sixth.

Good moment from SS1: :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2ummKgA3cA

And some actions from the SS 2:
Auto-Glym ralli 2012_ek2 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6wrz3LhZYs&)

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[rallye-vid]

You must have a lot of spare parts there ;)

[janvanvurpa]

F-Cup continued today with Autoglym Ralli after a very long pause. I did a small spectating journey, nothing special in our places. Rally was won by Jaska Nuorala, 2nd Nevanpää (+29,3) and 3rd Kallio (+31,6). Cup-leader Timo Jaakonsaari had problems and was sixth.

Good moment from SS1: :D https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2ummKgA3cA

Oi! Oi! Oi! OI!
Guess those guys will need to buy new Nomex :eek:

That doesn't wash out!

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[Co-FIN]

Found this from facebook

"Thousand lakes rally Finland 1985, golden age of groub B, Notes, 4wd, Peugeot, Lancia etc..

SS 43 Sarvana. Lenght 6.49km.

1. H.Toivonen 4.04
2. TSalonen 4.07
3. S.Blomqvist 4.09
4. K.Grundel 4.10
5. P.Eklund 4.11
6. M.Alen 4.15

Year 2012 Autoglym rally F-Cup. Blind rally so no notes, 2wd, No turbo. Golf, Corolla, Volvo..

SS 5 Sarvana Lenght 6.50km
According to spectator quide the stage is exactly the same as 1985 in Thousand lakes rally.

1. Timo Jaakonsaari 4:02,7
2. Jere Rekola 4:05,1
3. Jari Huuhka 4:05,2
4. Toni Kuhanen 4:07,0
5. Kimmo Nevanpää 4:07,1

;)

[NICK2255]

I've filmed these extremely loud sounding Porsches 911 964 SC Rally Special during the 2012 Rally Ronde Gomitolo di Lana!

Porsche 911 SC Rally Special INSANE SOUND! - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n6HB0AgS3U)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1n6HB0AgS3U

[Coach 2]

Found this from facebook

"Thousand lakes rally Finland 1985, golden age of groub B, Notes, 4wd, Peugeot, Lancia etc..

SS 43 Sarvana. Lenght 6.49km.

1. H.Toivonen 4.04
2. TSalonen 4.07
3. S.Blomqvist 4.09
4. K.Grundel 4.10
5. P.Eklund 4.11
6. M.Alen 4.15

Year 2012 Autoglym rally F-Cup. Blind rally so no notes, 2wd, No turbo. Golf, Corolla, Volvo..

SS 5 Sarvana Lenght 6.50km
According to spectator quide the stage is exactly the same as 1985 in Thousand lakes rally.

1. Timo Jaakonsaari 4:02,7
2. Jere Rekola 4:05,1
3. Jari Huuhka 4:05,2
4. Toni Kuhanen 4:07,0
5. Kimmo Nevanpää 4:07,1

;)
But wasn't the Lancia's of Toivonen and Alen 2WD (Lancia Rally 037).

[Hartusvuori]

But wasn't the Lancia's of Toivonen and Alen 2WD (Lancia Rally 037).

Of course. But so are F-Cup cars too. Of course there are many factors in this, but it makes a nice myth. :-)

[OldF]

The technical regulations in F-Cup is quite free and if they’re using more advanced components compared to the 1985 ones (example dampers) so maybe the handling of even an elder car makes them faster.

TimoJaakonsaari VW 19 Golf GTi 16V
Jere Rekola M-B 2.3 16V
Jari Huuhka BMW M3
Toni Kuhanen Toyota Corolla 1600 GT
Kimmo Nevanpää BMW 325i

[Juha_Koo]

Not to talk how much the road can change in those years - a lot...

[stefanvv]

Not to talk how much the road can change in those years - a lot...

Speaking of road conditions, are you sure it wasn't raining heavily back in 85?

[Hartusvuori]

Speaking of road conditions, are you sure it wasn't raining heavily back in 85?

There's been talk on the subject in Finnish forums and the heritage says the road was wet in 1985 (at least morning dew, but it was raining last Saturday) and the stage started at 6.15 AM in late August so some of the dusk have been left. It was also one of the last stages, fight for victory was over and also at that point in the rally the drivers have driven more or less 36 hours straight without much of a sleep. Still, it was 1985, heyday of group B, teams doing recce on the stages ad nauseum, Toivonen, Alen, Blomqvist, Salonen, etc. Like it've been pointed, suspension, tyres, etc. have developed a lot. Also the road must've changed - that I could later check from a relative living by that stage.

But like said, makes a nice myth - and also means that the top drivers, not just the few of them, in F-Cup drive very fast and respectfully.

[Hartusvuori]

Last event of Finnish rallying championship is under way in Kerava at the moment. Top drivers are already through SS5, and of course, Esapekka Lappi is leading. It's interesting however that at the same time his early season opponents are driving elsewhere, Juha Salo with Proton in APRC Japan and Mikko Pajunen with Ford in IRC Yalta. Thus young Jussi Tiippana is currently second in close battle with Joni Nikko in third.

In 2WD after SS4 Ville Hautamäki and Jaro Kinnunen are fighting for the win. Joonas Lindroos switched backed to C2 for this rally and he is leading the SM3 class, but having a close battle with Andreas Amberg.

Historic rally driver Jari Ketomaa retired on SS2 as technical problems hit his VW Golf GTi.

Last stage starts 16.59 Finnish time. Results here: Tulossivu (http://tulossivu.autourheilu.fi/)

[veegog]

How is Kristian Sohlberg doing ?

[Hartusvuori]

How is Kristian Sohlberg doing ?

Retired after SS4. Technical reason. At the time he was second in class, 2,9 seconds behind Hautamäki.

Here's another link for results: Online1 valikko (http://www.tenab.net/online.htm)

[Hartusvuori]

And Lappi wins it. I'd say first driver ever to win all rounds of Finnish championship. Time for him to move on.

[veegog]

I absolutelly agree that he must move on ! International program for 2013 will be a must !

[EightGear]

I absolutelly agree that he must move on ! International program for 2013 will be a must !

I don't think that will be much of a problem for him since he has the same management as Andreas Mikkelsen.

[RS]

I don't think that will be much of a problem for him since he has the same management as Andreas Mikkelsen.

There's a Skoda UK Motorsport drive going spare next year I guess.

[tolis]

There's a Skoda UK Motorsport drive going spare next year I guess.
Skoda Motorsport gave him a drive for Rally Poland. That means that their cooperation may continue the next year(s). Pity that it's again a Fabia S2000 and not another car (Peugeot or Fiesta).

[janvanvurpa]

TLike it've been pointed, suspension, tyres, etc. have developed a lot.

But like said, makes a nice myth - and also means that the top drivers, not just the few of them, in F-Cup drive very fast and respectfully.

Everybody says "suspension and tires must have improved a lot since...last week 10 years---GpB days...whatever" But I kknow what the GpB cars then for suspension, and I know the top modern cars have bigger and longer travel struts, but I believe the average F-cup guy has very similar suspenders to what then GpB guy had---not better.. (40mm inverted struts and about 200-210mm travel). Tires same, more people now had what was then the top stuff. What do you think?

[Mirek]

Skoda Motorsport gave him a drive for Rally Poland. That means that their cooperation may continue the next year(s). Pity that it's again a Fabia S2000 and not another car (Peugeot or Fiesta).

Others could do that as well ;)

[Susiraja]

The last championship round in Kerava was a lot of fun. Some of the stages weren't very challenging, but the close fight with Lindroos and Korhonen was a lot of fun. More about the rally in my blog Rally Co-driver: Talotekniikka10 ralli 15th of September 2012, Kerava (http://finnishcodriver.blogspot.fi/2012/09/talotekniikka10-ralli-15th-of-september.html)

[Co-FIN]

And Lappi wins it. I'd say first driver ever to win all rounds of Finnish championship. Time for him to move on.

I Think Pasi Hagstrom did it also in 1999 with WRC Corolla, so not the first ever. But nevertheless a great job from young champion :)

[Juha_Koo]

Yes, Hagström did the same trick in 1999. I initially thought that he didn't drive the final rally back then, but to my knowledge, he did.

My video from Kerava is coming later this week, unfortunately I'm having a hard flu. :/

Few onboards:
Max Vatanen (son of Ari): Max Vatanen Onboard Kerava SM 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdU4dRXiS80)
Jukka Korhonen: Jukka Korhonen - Kerava SM-Ralli 2012 SS3 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh0pUt4hFsU)
Matias Kauppinen (nice action with a bit older Opel Astra): Talotekniikka 10 SM-Ralli EK4 IN-CAR - Matias Kauppinen & Jonne Halttunen Opel Astra GSi 16v - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2umwqbIvA)
Henri Tuomisto (good stuff with Fiesta R1): Talotekniikka 10 SM-ralli Ford Fiesta R1 ek7 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rcIS5wr4Ls)

[janvanvurpa]

Yes, Hagström did the same trick in 1999. I initially thought that he didn't drive the final rally back then, but to my knowledge, he did.

My video from Kerava is coming later this week, unfortunately I'm having a hard flu. :/

Few onboards:
Max Vatanen (son of Ari): Max Vatanen Onboard Kerava SM 2012 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdU4dRXiS80)
Jukka Korhonen: Jukka Korhonen - Kerava SM-Ralli 2012 SS3 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh0pUt4hFsU)
Matias Kauppinen (nice action with a bit older Opel Astra): Talotekniikka 10 SM-Ralli EK4 IN-CAR - Matias Kauppinen & Jonne Halttunen Opel Astra GSi 16v - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM2umwqbIvA)
Henri Tuomisto (good stuff with Fiesta R1): Talotekniikka 10 SM-ralli Ford Fiesta R1 ek7 - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4rcIS5wr4Ls)

Juha, if you didn't have nasty flu I would give you big wet kiss. :love:
Looking at Kaupinen now in the great Astra (is it really Astra or Kadett?) Damn it send chills up the spine. :eek: How I wish boys over here could see and understand that car and that driving.......it's in a different world (compared to over here).... :hot:

[Jeppe]

Looking at Kaupinen now in the great Astra (is it really Astra or Kadett?) Damn it send chills up the spine. :eek: How I wish boys over here could see and understand that car and that driving.......it's in a different world (compared to over here).... :hot:

It is Opel Astra here in Finland and I think that Co-FIN knows exactly what it feels like inside that Astra ;) ;)

Congrats also for the nice victory for Matias and Jonne!! You did what I asked ;)

[janvanvurpa]

It is Opel Astra here in Finland and I think that Co-FIN knows exactly what it feels like inside that Astra ;) ;)

Congrats also for the nice victory for Matias and Jonne!! You did what I asked ;)

Okej I knew the called Kadett E "Kadett" in some places, and Astra in UK, and (really) Pontiac LeMans here in USA, something else in Canada... THEN called everything Astra everywhere....whatever the case it was a bad-ass car when they were built right---and here in U-land of Rally virtually unheard of except those that I know---always blabbing about how good they are Me "Guys, it's fanatastic this car, why its a worthy successor to the mighty Saab 96, and that says something!"

So Co-Finn sits on the other side?

HEJ! Co-Fin, you're a braver man than me! :crazy :( Now after old age I been co-driving for guys now 4 times and go again co-drive in 240 Volvo in a month---this week I am service crew!)

[Hartusvuori]

Entries for the next F-Cup event Pohjanmaa-ralli (Seinäjoki, Sept. 29th) just closed and 170 crews are named at the moment. In extra classes, Jukka Ketomäki in Evo X and Joni Nikko in Evo IX.

[Co-FIN]

..

[janvanvurpa]

In Finland it´s called Astra F and actually its this car (on sale) Opel Astra Kilpa-ajoneuvo Kilpa-ajoneuvo 1994 - Vaihtoauto - Nettiauto (http://www.nettiauto.com/opel/astra/5087610)

Here´s some more footage from Matias @ last FRC round, if interested
SS8
Talotekniikka 10 SM-Ralli EK8 IN-CAR - Matias Kauppinen & Jonne Halttunen Opel Astra GSi 16v - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdrtwJTpeiw&feature=plcp)
SS10
Talotekniikka 10 SM-Ralli EK10 IN-CAR - Matias Kauppinen & Jonne Halttunen Opel Astra GSi 16v - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47cbTDTnVgQ)
SS2
Talotekniikka 10 SM-Ralli EK2 IN-CAR - Matias Kauppinen & Jonne Halttunen Opel Astra GSi 16v - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2aYSN950vA)

I dont think i´m braver than you, maybe just more stupid? :D

Thanks Jeppe, it went like it was supposed :P

No I'm just a bad passenger! In my old---but mighty!--- Saab I'm way faster than these guys I've been "kartis" for...but if you spend a whole life from 14 years to -50 years old being driver, I think anybody would get big BIG eyes!

Yeah that's an Astra Astra... We never got those in any form in Norte America, last was Kadett E and only very very few with 8v 2 liter... Only one person ---a guy I work with and who was lifetime Saab V4 madman--like me---ever showed interest, and picked up one.....and i found him piles of 2 liter motors, gaskets , cranks, millions of pistons, all at the piston ring maker "Total Seal" after they had gotten contract to develop the ring package for the 8v 2 liter.. 2 big van loads of Opel parts for $400..

What's the plan if the nice Opel sells?

[Co-FIN]

..

[Juha_Koo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DA1DW2S7ek

[OldF]

Damn, I forgot it was on MTV3 today.