Wrc RallyRACC Catalunya-Costa Daurada Rally de España 2012

[jbmarcus21]

Program Timetable Google Earth Map
Programme du Rallye Wrc d'Espagne-Catalogne 2012 (http://planetemarcus.free.fr/espagne12.htm)

[Mintexmemory]

Not long now!!! Just need pleasant weather for 4 days. Have itinerary sorted but if anyone with local knowledge can help with the viability of some approach roads (particularly north of La Bisbal de Falset) that would be much appreciated. Should be a good entry as all 3 sub-championships are included.

[bunnings]

My best of 2011 edition
6Ae9irem2ps

Similar stages this year.

[EightGear]

Hans Weijs in Nasser's DS3?

Hans Weijs jr. im Citroën WRC*:: rallye-magazin.de (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2012/10/11/hans-weijs-jr-im-citroen-wrc/index.html)


I believe it when it is confirmed...

[rage82]

Not long now!!! Just need pleasant weather for 4 days. Have itinerary sorted but if anyone with local knowledge can help with the viability of some approach roads (particularly north of La Bisbal de Falset) that would be much appreciated. Should be a good entry as all 3 sub-championships are included.
I've also booked flights and accomodation for Spain, and now I'm trying to sort out the itinerary for the stages. Which ones do you plan to visit, as it's my first rally of Spain any help would be much appreciated!

[Mintexmemory]

I've also booked flights and accomodation for Spain, and now I'm trying to sort out the itinerary for the stages. Which ones do you plan to visit, as it's my first rally of Spain any help would be much appreciated!
Shakedown and Service - Thursday morning
Not going to Barcelona for the official start as it will be a circus.
Friday - Terra Alta 1 (0915-1130) / Pesells 2 (1335-1450) / Salou (1640 - 1740) with an hour around service after
Saturday El Priorat stage all day returning to Service after second WRC run - looking at points near la Bisbal de Falset
Sunday - Santa Marina stage leaving for airport after second WRC run
I did El Priorat and Santa Marina in 2009 and want to go somewhere different this year but the locations from 2009 were good.
PM me with and specific questions, happy to help.

[Priorat]

My best of 2011 edition
6Ae9irem2ps

Similar stages this year.

Hi Bunnings, where is that place at the start of the video?

Thanks

[Mintexmemory]

Hi Bunnings, where is that place at the start of the video?

Thanks
Actually can you let us know all the different gravel locations?

[Nelly]

That stage is not been used this year unfortunately, the route is harder than last year to get more than 2 stages each day

[mousti]

That was stage Les Garrigues we were standing there too, the guy with the Ford WRT coat was one of our gang ;)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rLu2W2SViU

[Mintexmemory]

That stage is not been used this year unfortunately, the route is harder than last year to get more than 2 stages each day

Yep, just Friday is possible (early start to get to SS3 from our appartment at la Selva del Camp) to do several locations. I shall take a walk from my place on Saturday and Sunday to see a different perspective.

[Priorat]

Not long now!!! Just need pleasant weather for 4 days. Have itinerary sorted but if anyone with local knowledge can help with the viability of some approach roads (particularly north of La Bisbal de Falset) that would be much appreciated. Should be a good entry as all 3 sub-championships are included.

You have two options in the area of la Bisbal de Falset:

Option 1 41°16’45.49”N 0°43’19.76”E
At the village of La Bisbal de Falset. 90º left-hand intersection after crossing a bridge over river Montsant, coming from a very fast section. Good visibility.

Parking on the soccer filed of La Bisbal de Falset before midnight. If the parking area is full, the access will be closed at Margalef, located 3 km from the stage.


Option 2 41°17’24.16”N 0°42’58.23”E
Acces: Coming from Bellaguarda on the C-242, take a tarmac track to the right, 500 metres before the crossing with T-713 and before reaching PK-19 on this road.
Coming from the west on the C-242, 500 metres after the crossing with T-713 take the tarmac track to the left.
Once you arrive to a crossing that was a hairpin on 2007, follow the road to the right and you will reach the SS. Also good visibility.

Hope this can help you

[Mintexmemory]

You have two options in the area of la Bisbal de Falset:

Option 1 41°16’45.49”N 0°43’19.76”E
At the village of La Bisbal de Falset. 90º left-hand intersection after crossing a bridge over river Montsant, coming from a very fast section. Good visibility.

Parking on the soccer filed of La Bisbal de Falset before midnight. If the parking area is full, the access will be closed at Margalef, located 3 km from the stage.


Option 2 41°17’24.16”N 0°42’58.23”E
Acces: Coming from Bellaguarda on the C-242, take a tarmac track to the right, 500 metres before the crossing with T-713 and before reaching PK-19 on this road.
Coming from the west on the C-242, 500 metres after the crossing with T-713 take the tarmac track to the left.
Once you arrive to a crossing that was a hairpin on 2007, follow the road to the right and you will reach the SS. Also good visibility.

Hope this can help you
Many thanks P, you've confirmed the thoughts I had about Option 2, but as there is no streetview for that road I was worried, I should be ok in a Clio :) . The bend that is reached by that road has a high bank to watch from so I think that's where I'll be going. Any opinion on Colldejou section of the Santa Marina stage? It will be hopefully easiest to travel back to Reus airport for my Sunday afternoon flight from there and there seem to be some interesting road elements.
Again, many thanks

[Nelly]

The police stop spectators along way from the junction there leaving a long walk to the stage in case you are in a rush to leave, the junction is ok but there is some very good spots closer to and at the village but again requires a lot of walking

[tolis]

John Powell (http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=1046&t=John-Powell) from Trinidad and Tobago will drive a Ford Fiesta WRC in Catalunya.

Rally de España - Entries (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2012/Pages/wrc-entries-esp.aspx)

[EightGear]

One thing that cheers me up right now is that it seems Hans Weijs in the DS3 is a fact now.

[AP-Racing]

Evgeny Novikov: in Spain, with the support DMACK

ðÅÒÅ×ÏÄÞÉË Google (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=ru&sl=ru&tl=en&u=http://www.almrally.ru/)

[Mintexmemory]

One thing that cheers me up right now is that it seems Hans Weijs in the DS3 is a fact now.
Interesting to see how HW performs against Nikara in the Mini

[dimviii]

Interesting to see how HW performs against Nikara in the Mini
expecting Nikara much faster

[MartijnS]

I might be biased, but I doubt that he will be much faster.

[Mintexmemory]

Expecting you'll be wrong (and that doesn't happen much). :)

Watched JN in Wales last year and on the Pirelli earlier this year - He has amazing car control, very different style to Paddon who is very smooth. BUT the DS3 is simply a better car than the Mini and I expect Paddon to get a top 8. Nikara will be behind him - if he finishes.

[EightGear]

Paddon or Weijs? :D

[vino_93]

John Powell (http://www.ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=1046&t=John-Powell) from Trinidad and Tobago will drive a Ford Fiesta WRC in Catalunya.

Rally de España - Entries (http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wrc/2012/Pages/wrc-entries-esp.aspx)
Nice to see him there :)

[rp]

There will be 74 entrants: 17 World Rally Cars, 12 Super 2000 (7 SWRC), 23 Production cars (14 PWRC), 22 2WD cars (8 WRC-A)...

[Mintexmemory]

Paddon or Weijs? :D
Oops big re-edit due to advancing senility
For Catalunya - Weijs or Neuville is the real question?
Thanks EG

[Nelly]

According to racc site paddon is entered in a skoda, do you know something I don't ?

[Mintexmemory]

No just very confused in all the excitement

[Nelly]

Haha can't wait my self, would be great to see him in a wrc car

[Cacatua]

I've got all these 14 WRC confirmed so far, any idea of who are the other 3?



LOEB


HIRVONEN


LATVALA


SOLBERG


TANAK


POWELL


OLIVEIRA


OSTBERG


ATKINSON


NOBRE


HANS WEIJS


SORDO


NIKARA


NOVIKOV

[Nelly]

Neuville , prokop and al zarqari in mini excuse the spelling

[Cacatua]

Who's this zarqari?

[Mirek]

Al Kuwari I guess

[Nelly]

He's from quatar he's not very good on Tarmac but he had a top ten on the acropolis this year

[Nelly]

Al Kuwari I guess

Yep I knew I got the spelling wrong

[rp]

Prokop and Neuville, but one is missing... Ketomaa changed his Rally GB plan to Catalunya, but it seems that Novikov is now driving the DMack´s Fiesta...

[Mintexmemory]

Prokop and Neuville, but one is missing... Ketomaa changed his Rally GB plan to Catalunya, but it seems that Novikov is now driving the DMack´s Fiesta...
That was the ALM story from yesterday, clearly bigger bucks from Powell for an M-Sport drive started a game of musical chairs

[Cacatua]

Yep it's confirmed there on the official website also confirms this big names are in: Sébastien Ogier, Per-Gunnar Andersson, Hayden Paddon, Andreas Mikkelsen, Enrique García-Ojeda.

Other drivers are: Llovera in the Punto for SWRC, Lemes and the multiple times Catalan champion Membrado in PWRC.

[Mirek]

Which cars for García-Ojeda and Lemes? S2000? No sign of Berti Hevia?

[Cacatua]

Garcia Ojeda a DS3 R3 and Lemes an EVO

[dimviii]

Expecting you'll be wrong (and that doesn't happen much). :)

lets see, even one is with best car,and the other with the worst. :D

[mousti]

On gravel Nikara could compensate it but the two days on asphalt is cleary for Hans I think although Nikara showed crazy pace on Barum :p , Hans is a asphalt specialist.

[Mintexmemory]

I'll second the 'smoothness' argument
Pictures of them both exiting 90 deg bends
Weijs
Hans Weijs Jr / Bjorn Degandt - Skoda Fabia S2000 - Dikkebus 2 - Rally Ypres 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/5887539953/)

Nikara
Nikara / Nikara - Lancer Evo IX - Great Orme - Day 1 - Wales Rally GB 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/6351198406/)
JN always sideways if it's possible!

Ok not a direct comparison (line through the same bend in similar cars required) but all the JWRC shots I have of HW in Spain and Germany show a smooth line at all times.

[dimviii]

You're probably underestimating Weijs because he didn't drive international yet this year... ;) And maybe you're overestimating Nikara after his amazing result in Barum? Remember that Catalunya is a completely different event than Barum... In Barum the roads are rather narrow and bumpy, in Catalunya it's more about the ideal line (especially when you have multiple corners in a row) and not pushing it too much...

Yes you are right at bold
At first sentence i really dont overestimate Nikara,but you can find stage times very impressive even for asphalt like Barum,a rally much more difficult than Catalunya and for his first time there.At gravel just impressive, is not the right word.
Lets hope to stay inside the road. :D

[dimviii]

I'll second the 'smoothness' argument
Pictures of them both exiting 90 deg bends
Weijs
Hans Weijs Jr / Bjorn Degandt - Skoda Fabia S2000 - Dikkebus 2 - Rally Ypres 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/5887539953/)

Nikara
Nikara / Nikara - Lancer Evo IX - Great Orme - Day 1 - Wales Rally GB 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/6351198406/)
JN always sideways if it's possible!

Ok not a direct comparison (line through the same bend in similar cars required) but all the JWRC shots I have of HW in Spain and Germany show a smooth line at all times.

as mousti said lets see a gravel rookie against an asphalt one.

[mousti]

Loeb – DS3 WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Hirvonen – DS3 WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Latvala – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Solberg – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Tänak – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Powell – Fiesta WRC (M-Sport)[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Weijs Jr. – DS3 WRC (Qatar World Rally Team)[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Neuville – DS3 WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Oliveira – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Ostberg – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Atkinson – Mini WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Nobre – Mini WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Sordo – Mini WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Nikara – Mini WRC (Prodrive)[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Prokop – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Novikov – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Al-Kuwari – Mini WRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Ogier – Fabia S2000[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Mikkelsen – Fabia S2000[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Breen – Fiesta S2000[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Andersson – Proton S2000[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Al-Rajhi – Fiesta RRC[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Paddon – Fabia S2000[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Llovera – Punto S2000[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Garcia-Ojeda – DS3 R3[/*:m:3a5174qu]
Chardonnet – DS3 R3[/*:m:3a5174qu]

[dimviii]

Also lets hope to have a test before rally to setup the car.

[noel157]

Loeb – DS3 WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Hirvonen – DS3 WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Latvala – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Solberg – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Tänak – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Powell – Fiesta WRC (M-Sport)[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Weijs Jr. – DS3 WRC (Qatar World Rally Team)[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Neuville – DS3 WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Oliveira – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Ostberg – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Atkinson – Mini WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Nobre – Mini WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Sordo – Mini WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Nikara – Mini WRC (Prodrive)[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Prokop – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Novikov – Fiesta WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Al-Kuwari – Mini WRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Ogier – Fabia S2000[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Mikkelsen – Fabia S2000[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Breen – Fiesta S2000[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Andersson – Proton S2000[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Al-Rajhi – Fiesta RRC[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Paddon – Fabia S2000[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Llovera – Punto S2000[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Garcia-Ojeda – DS3 R3[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]
Chardonnet – DS3 R3[/*:m:2zi9mcgy]

Is this Al-Kuwari's first run in a Mini WRC as opposed to his usual RRC/SPC car?

[tolis]

Is this Al-Kuwari's first run in a Mini WRC as opposed to his usual RRC/SPC car?
No, he did the Acropolis Rally in the WRC car and finished 10th in his first ever WRC appearance.

[noel157]

No, he did the Acropolis Rally in the WRC car and finished 10th in his first ever WRC appearance.

Thanks Tolis.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Sorry but just check entry list. Car number 6. M-Sport WRT John Powell (TTO) Michael Fennell (JAM)

Who is this? Who's seat have they taken?!

[mousti]

Novikov's number

Evgeny taking Ketomaa's number altough I don't think Ketomaa had a number..

[Wasted Talent]

Sorry but just check entry list. Car number 6. M-Sport WRT John Powell (TTO) Michael Fennell (JAM)

Who is this? Who's seat have they taken?!

Yes, Novikov is in the DMack entry....

WT

[Munkvy]

I'll second the 'smoothness' argument
Pictures of them both exiting 90 deg bends
Weijs
Hans Weijs Jr / Bjorn Degandt - Skoda Fabia S2000 - Dikkebus 2 - Rally Ypres 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/5887539953/)

Nikara
Nikara / Nikara - Lancer Evo IX - Great Orme - Day 1 - Wales Rally GB 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/6351198406/)
JN always sideways if it's possible!

Ok not a direct comparison (line through the same bend in similar cars required) but all the JWRC shots I have of HW in Spain and Germany show a smooth line at all times.

How can you compare the two? Hans is on tarmac in an S2000 and Nikara is doing a gravel rally on gravel tyres in a heavy pig of a Group N car, but that shot is from a tarmac mickey mouse stage...

On gravel tyres in a heavy, understeery car you have to throw it round to get it to turn on tarmac...

[dimviii]

+1, Making a real comparison between 2 drivers can only been done when they are doing the same event in same conditions... So in a few weeks it's the moment to keep an eye on both! :)

How many beers the bet? I will owe them at Acropolis :D

[gravelman]

Is this Al-Kuwari's first run in a Mini WRC as opposed to his usual RRC/SPC car?

Is killian Duffy navigating, or has his honeymoon taken priority?

[EightGear]

I'll second the 'smoothness' argument
Pictures of them both exiting 90 deg bends
Weijs
Hans Weijs Jr / Bjorn Degandt - Skoda Fabia S2000 - Dikkebus 2 - Rally Ypres 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/5887539953/)

Nikara
Nikara / Nikara - Lancer Evo IX - Great Orme - Day 1 - Wales Rally GB 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/6351198406/)
JN always sideways if it's possible!

Ok not a direct comparison (line through the same bend in similar cars required) but all the JWRC shots I have of HW in Spain and Germany show a smooth line at all times.

Weijs certainly knows how to go sideways as well:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5sr7msrRpQ&feature=channel&list=UL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOcluz2C0KI&feature=player_embedded

[Teme]

So how's driving the second Proton?

[dimviii]

I have to say Weijs will be faster at the end. :p
never mind who is faster at the end,stage times i want to see :p


Beers can be recovered in Ypres or another rally where we both are (I would like to come to Greece, but last years it never fits in my calendar because of school, when it fits I'll be there)... :D
Wherever you come i owe the beers,even if Nikara is faster. :D

[dimviii]

Also in stage-times I believe Weijs will be faster, at least on asphalt. But Bjorn told me that Hans made a good improvement on gravel in the South-African events this year. So we'll see... :)

so the bet is stage times.

[Mintexmemory]

How can you compare the two? Hans is on tarmac in an S2000 and Nikara is doing a gravel rally on gravel tyres in a heavy pig of a Group N car, but that shot is from a tarmac mickey mouse stage...

On gravel tyres in a heavy, understeery car you have to throw it round to get it to turn on tarmac...
All the Evos and Subs on Great Orme were heavy understeery cars - no one got it as sideways as JN, even Paddon who was very quick or Flodin didn't get out of shape as much. Allowing for the gravel tyres he was still wasting time in being less smooth than the best of his competition

[makinen_fan]

Yes, Novikov is in the DMack entry....

WT

DO we know if Evgeny will compete with DMack tires or is he running with Michelins and just sponsorship by DMack?

[rallye-vid]

Ketomma did it like i remember ;)

[stefanvv]

These kind of jokes happen in national championships (having tyre manufacturer as main sponsor/team but driving with other tyres), but I don't think they would ever do that in WRC... ;)

Wasn't Ketomaa riding Michelin in Acropolis at least (and Yokohama probably somewhere else), if I'm not mistaken?

[makinen_fan]

Thats why I ask, because if I remember correctly it happened again before this year (Acropolis maybe?)

[irish_tiger]

So how's driving the second Proton?
Herd a rumor of Alister Fisher ..... how true dont know

[rp]

Wasn't Ketomaa riding Michelin in Acropolis at least (and Yokohama probably somewhere else), if I'm not mistaken?

Ketomaa was driving Michelin in Portugal. No Yokohama...

[Mirek]

Wasn't Ketomaa riding Michelin in Acropolis at least (and Yokohama probably somewhere else), if I'm not mistaken?

Nikara used Yokohama in NORF.

[Nelly]

Entry list is out, Ali fisher entered for proton team!

[tolis]

Entry list is out, Ali fisher entered for proton team!
http://www.rallyracc.com/2012/descargas/inscritos.pdf

[noel157]

Is killian Duffy navigating, or has his honeymoon taken priority?

Nope (to the last question) :)

[noel157]

Herd a rumor of Alister Fisher ..... how true dont know


Naw, not true......... :) Good catch.

[Astro83]

I'll second the 'smoothness' argument
Pictures of them both exiting 90 deg bends
Weijs
Hans Weijs Jr / Bjorn Degandt - Skoda Fabia S2000 - Dikkebus 2 - Rally Ypres 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/5887539953/)

Nikara
Nikara / Nikara - Lancer Evo IX - Great Orme - Day 1 - Wales Rally GB 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/6351198406/)
JN always sideways if it's possible!

Ok not a direct comparison (line through the same bend in similar cars required) but all the JWRC shots I have of HW in Spain and Germany show a smooth line at all times.


Not a good comparison as you say! ;) Nikara uses gravel tyres on tarmac and it looks wet and then it's slippery as you already know?

Wijes JR uses tarmac tyres on dry tarmac....

Two different surfaces and tyres who get two different driving styles... ;)

[Astro83]

Then the big quest.... ;)

How is Sordo going to make it on his home turf???

I so very much hope that Sordos Mini will be fast so he can fight for a win or a podium!

[A FONDO]

Then the big quest.... ;)

How is Sordo going to make it on his home turf???

I so very much hope that Sordos Mini will be fast so he can fight for a win or a podium!

Sordo is slow on gravel so he would only cruise on the next days waiting for retirements.

[Astro83]

Gravel? The most of the rally drives on tarmac, right?! :S

[EightGear]

Yes day 1 is on gravel.

[Mirek]

As in last couple of years :)

[Astro83]

Yea I know how the last years of rally Spain look like but I got confusied when Slowson wrote that. I took that as the whole rally was on gravel!! ;) ;) And that could not be right.. Hehe.

I think that Sordo is going to be very fast as usual if the car gets better then last time!

[Mintexmemory]

Yea I know how the last years of rally Spain look like but I got confusied when Slowson wrote that. I took that as the whole rally was on gravel!! ;) ;) And that could not be right.. Hehe.

I think that Sordo is going to be very fast as usual if the car gets better then last time!
I think he will have too much to make up after day 1 and the Mini isn't likely to be any quicker / reliable than in France!! I hope he does well but can't see it happening

[Mintexmemory]

Not a good comparison as you say! ;) Nikara uses gravel tyres on tarmac and it looks wet and then it's slippery as you already know?

Wijes JR uses tarmac tyres on dry tarmac....



Two different surfaces and tyres who get two different driving styles... ;)


No Nikara was on bone dry tarmac, the shine on the road is the low sun!! The warmest November day I've ever known and certainly warmer than Dikkebus stage at 1900 hrs!

[Astro83]

Mintexmemory: I belive you! :)

But anyway on gravel tyres in a GrN Evo. ;)

As some one sad, It needs to be on the same stage, same type of tyres and if it's going to be exactly then they most be in a similar car.

But I understand what you mean and I think that Nikara has an more gravel type of driving style ofcourse...


And yea, there is a risk that the Mini not is develop enogh to tackle the Ford and the Citroens sadly but I really hope that Prodrive has make it better since France!

[mousti]

Sordo got already screwed last year with alot of dust, almost no wind last year..

[Juha_Koo]

Sordo got already screwed last year with alot of dust, almost no wind last year..

"Now, I don't say that Matthew is slow, but..."

:)

[Mintexmemory]

Nikara, whether its 4wd Gp N or 2wd R3 has one style. It looks great and I'm pleased I'm going to be on the spot to witness it. However, in Spain he will lose valuable time sideways when it isn't necessary. HWjr to challenge the Blister Kid in the DS3 Jr Cup (imvho). Jarko will be lucky if the Mini holds together.

[Langdale Forest]

The PWRC can still be won by 6 drivers and the SWRC by 3, is that a record for the most amount of drivers able to win a WRC championship at the last round?

[ZequeArgentina]

The PWRC can still be won by 6 drivers and the SWRC by 3, is that a record for the most amount of drivers able to win a WRC championship at the last round?

that would be a really intereresting event to watch, only for PWRC and SWRC world title fight, but unfortunately nobody cares of this 2 series nowadays.
Only a little PR in the wrc.com

[Langdale Forest]

It is a shame that everyone has forgot about those support championships, but then it is a shame that TV has forgotten about the main WRC.

[rallyfiend]

It is a shame that everyone has forgot about those support championships, but then it is a shame that TV has forgotten about the main WRC.

The TV is pretty good here in Australia.

Are you classifying 'England' as 'TV'?

[Mirek]

Martin Prokop will drive the DMack car instead of his own which is in M-Sport for maintenance.

[dimviii]

Martin Prokop will drive the DMack car instead of his own which is in M-Sport for maintenance.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/527335_378681112210577_1834818794_n.jpg

[Astro83]

Looks good! :)

[Mintexmemory]

Martin Prokop will drive the DMack car instead of his own which is in M-Sport for maintenance.
So which car is Novikov driving, I thought he had use of the DMack car - are there 2? Or will he have an ALM painted one as in 2011

[Nelly]

So which car is Novikov driving, I thought he had use of the DMack car - are there 2? Or will he have an ALM painted one as in 2011

Hopefully he will be Michelin shod, he has a chance of a good result on them

[Prisoner Monkeys]

Nope, he'll be in a second DMACK car:

Evgeny Novikov to switch to DMACK tyres for Rally Catalunya - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/103746)

[Mintexmemory]

Nope, he'll be in a second DMACK car:

Evgeny Novikov to switch to DMACK tyres for Rally Catalunya - WRC news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/103746)


Oh well time to edit the pickem to take EN out of the reckoning!

[Priorat]

There is an spectator guide on the Ral·li Catalunya site now:

RallyRACC (http://www.rallyracc.com/2012/ingles/guia_tramos.html)

[Priorat]

And some maps to see where are the spectator areas:

ralliaire (http://ralliaire.blogspot.com.es/)

[MartijnS]

Question, just to make sure ;)
As we dont have a really lot of time to move from stage 1, Gandesa to 3, Terra Alta. The part until Vilalba dels Arcs is all gravel? :) Should be easy to get there in time, especially to this part only about 15 mins drive. Gandesa, Province of Tarragona, Spain to Unknown road - Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/tZnOU)

[Priorat]

Question, just to make sure ;)
As we dont have a really lot of time to move from stage 1, Gandesa to 3, Terra Alta. The part until Vilalba dels Arcs is all gravel? :) Should be easy to get there in time, especially to this part only about 15 mins drive. Gandesa, Province of Tarragona, Spain to Unknown road - Google Maps (http://goo.gl/maps/tZnOU)

From the start of the stage until Vilalba is all gravel, but the hairpin in the village is on concrete. The part you show is gravel and from the road TV-7333 to the stage is 300 m on gravel.

[MartijnS]

Thanks, thats where we go than I guess! ;)

[Mintexmemory]

https://maps.google.nl/maps?saddr=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&daddr=TV-7231&hl=en&ll=41.132933,0.404263&spn=0.009018,0.013797&sll=41.134129,0.421257&sspn=0.036072,0.055189&geocode=FSRzcwIdUjoGACkr9-qrAs-gEjEAY6Uh4PoABA%3BFWKHcwId1hkGAA&oq=Vilal&t=h&mra=ls&z=16

I'm going to park here and walk about 500m further north, looks like all the MSF posters are going to Vilalba del Arcs. Also Pessells 2 and back to Vilalba for second WRC / SWRC. Dont know if Salou is going to be worthwhile because of the number of tourists that will be in position early. Might just go direct to service. Terra Alta 1 has to be my first visit of the day because my girlfriend wants to go out in Tarragona on Thursday night to tango.

[tommeke_B]

Just a tip, try to seek some asphalt part for the gravel day, you will be surprised how spectacular it is to see a car with gravel setup drive on asphalt roads! Especially if you can find some combination of fast corners, it's great to see... ;)

[6789]

Where's the best part of shakedown to go to? The gravel section is towards the end of the shake stage isn't it? Cheers for the help.

[Nelly]

Where's the best part of shakedown to go to? The gravel section is towards the end of the shake stage isn't it? Cheers for the help.

No the gravel section is at the start and it's pretty good, last year we went on to the Tarmac sections towards the finish and it's very fast and spectacular especially some of the braking sones on gravel tyres!

[Mintexmemory]

So who is going?
Me
Rage82
6789
Priorat
MartijnS
Nelly (I presume)
Please add to the list in quote edit if you are attending.

Bar in Salou early Friday evening anyone, say 1900hrs (by which time the drivers will have been interviewed and gone to their hotels)? Open to suggestions but,
Robin Hood Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra, 19, 43840 Salou.was fine in 2009. Will bow to local knowledge, however.

[Nelly]

So who is going?
Me
Rage82
6789
Priorat
MartijnS
Nelly (I presume)
Please add to the list in quote edit if you are attending.

Bar in Salou early Friday evening anyone, say 1900hrs (by which time the drivers will have been interviewed and gone to their hotels)? Open to suggestions but,
Robin Hood Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra, 19, 43840 Salou.was fine in 2009. Will bow to local knowledge, however.

Yep I'll be there

[Mintexmemory]

So who is going?
Me
Rage82
6789
Priorat
MartijnS
Nelly
Please add to the list in quote edit if you are attending.

Bar in Salou early Friday evening anyone, say 1900hrs (by which time the drivers will have been interviewed and gone to their hotels)? Open to suggestions but,
Robin Hood Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra, 19, 43840 Salou.was fine in 2009. Will bow to local knowledge, however.
Updated on Nelly confirmation

[CWJ]

+Me


So who is going?
Me
Rage82
6789
Priorat
MartijnS
Nelly
CWJ
Please add to the list in quote edit if you are attending.

Bar in Salou early Friday evening anyone, say 1900hrs (by which time the drivers will have been interviewed and gone to their hotels)? Open to suggestions but,
Robin Hood Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra, 19, 43840 Salou.was fine in 2009. Will bow to local knowledge, however.

[MartijnS]

Im in Salou, but don't know yet if ill be there to meet you guys. I'm with a couple of other guys too, so maybe I'll show up, maybe not ;)

[Mintexmemory]

Im in Salou, but don't know yet if ill be there to meet you guys. I'm with a couple of other guys too, so maybe I'll show up, maybe not ;)
Just an idea at the moment M - if there's interest I'll put up an invitation on this thread before I travel next Tuesday evening. Have you got your flag ready for HW jr ?

[Rallyper]

You guys should meet up in Spain. I met some really nice fellows (Dimviii, atsotrias79..) in Greece this year. Pity it wasn´t more guys showing up at Waves...

[tolis]

You guys should meet up in Spain. I met some really nice fellows (Dimviii, atsiotras79..) in Greece this year. Pity it wasn´t more guys showing up at Waves...
We couldn't come then. We met later in the SP! :) Hope to see you also next year Rallyper! ;)

[tolis]

John Powell's livery

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553997_544835118875517_1269557622_n.jpg

[MartijnS]

Just an idea at the moment M - if there's interest I'll put up an invitation on this thread before I travel next Tuesday evening. Have you got your flag ready for HW jr ?

Didn't think of it, but we could take one with us indeed! ;)

[6789]

I'm just in Sydney about to leave for Barca, hopefully I can get some wifi over there and we can meet up :) . We're going on the Hayden Paddon tour, so we might have other arrangements with the team. If I don't get net access, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable rally.. And a victory for JML!

[Prisoner Monkeys]

John Powell's livery

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553997_544835118875517_1269557622_n.jpg
Ooooh, pretty ...

[Priorat]

I'll be a bit busy on rally days because I will also have to work, but if you say a place to meet, I'll try to be there.

[Mintexmemory]

I'm just in Sydney about to leave for Barca, hopefully I can get some wifi over there and we can meet up :) . We're going on the Hayden Paddon tour, so we might have other arrangements with the team. If I don't get net access, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable rally.. And a victory for JML!

McDonalds (couple of restaurants in Salou and one in Cambrils) have free wifi. Safe journey and hope to see you sometime

[Carlo]

I'm just in Sydney about to leave for Barca, hopefully I can get some wifi over there and we can meet up :) . We're going on the Hayden Paddon tour, so we might have other arrangements with the team. If I don't get net access, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable rally.. And a victory for JML!

Last year we found that wifi was available down on the waterfront area around the car park areas of Salou, there are signposts indicating where it is available.

[Griff]

+Me

Hi All, I'll there on Friday too with my son and brother in law

[Griff]

So who is going?
Me
Rage82
6789
Priorat
MartijnS
Nelly (I presume)
Griff
Please add to the list in quote edit if you are attending.

Bar in Salou early Friday evening anyone, say 1900hrs (by which time the drivers will have been interviewed and gone to their hotels)? Open to suggestions but,
Robin Hood Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra, 19, 43840 Salou.was fine in 2009. Will bow to local knowledge, however.

Just added me to the list :)

[Mintexmemory]

Ok firming up on the Robin Hood, Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra 19. for a meet as it's just up the road from the finish of SS6. 1900hrs on Friday will be 29 mins after the last car has been through SS6. I'll be wearing an Ypres Rally Cap
I'll be here (hairpin)
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&hl=en&ll=41.14557,0.435333&spn=0.072132,0.110378&sll=51.505582,-0.140545&sspn=0.059622,0.110378&oq=vil&hnear=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Province+of+Tarragona,+Ca talonia,+Spain&t=h&z=13
for SS3 and here
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&hl=en&ll=41.128181,0.440569&spn=0.036075,0.055189&sll=51.505582,-0.140545&sspn=0.059622,0.110378&oq=vil&hnear=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Province+of+Tarragona,+Ca talonia,+Spain&t=h&z=14
for SS5
Say hello if you're in the vicinity.

[had_zachau]

Michal Ernst will replace Zdenek Hruza as Prokops codriver

[Mintexmemory]

Michal Ernst will replace Zdenek Hruza as Prokops codriver
Previously Semerad's co-driver?

[Mirek]

Michal was co-driving many drivers, also in Dakar. It's not permanent change. Zdeněk Hrůza can't take part in the recce for personal reasons and therefore will be replaced in this event. He will be in Spain during the rally working as gravel crew though.

[Mintexmemory]

Michal was co-driving many drivers, also in Dakar. It's not permanent change. Zdeněk Hrůza can't take part in the recce for personal reasons and therefore will be replaced in this event. He will be in Spain during the rally working as gravel crew though.

Thanks

[Mintexmemory]

Does anyone know where the regroup zone in Salou before the start of SS6 will be located?

[rage82]

Ok firming up on the Robin Hood, Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra 19. for a meet as it's just up the road from the finish of SS6. 1900hrs on Friday will be 29 mins after the last car has been through SS6. I'll be wearing an Ypres Rally Cap
I'll be here (hairpin)
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&hl=en&ll=41.14557,0.435333&spn=0.072132,0.110378&sll=51.505582,-0.140545&sspn=0.059622,0.110378&oq=vil&hnear=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Province+of+Tarragona,+Ca talonia,+Spain&t=h&z=13
for SS3 and here
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&hl=en&ll=41.128181,0.440569&spn=0.036075,0.055189&sll=51.505582,-0.140545&sspn=0.059622,0.110378&oq=vil&hnear=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Province+of+Tarragona,+Ca talonia,+Spain&t=h&z=14
for SS5
Say hello if you're in the vicinity.

Sounds good! We will try to catch the press conference in the service park and after that we will come for couple of beers!

[MartijnS]

http://sphotos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/521752_465125776873330_1811594270_n.jpg

[MartijnS]

Haha ;)

[Mintexmemory]

It will be good to see how HW goes, I've followed his career since Rally Ireland 07
Hope he gets a top 8

[Cacatua]

Several privateers have been testing this Monday on one of the old Catalunya Costa Brava stages.

[Cacatua]

Anyone knows who's the crazy one that drives the Fiesta S2000 in minute 1:20?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PKetGj0jgk

[sollitt]

Oleksowicz?

[Mintexmemory]

Oleksowicz?

Spot on, unless someone is pretending to be him!
Not crazy, just unnecessarily out of line and always ready to spin ;)
Oleksowicz / Obrebowski - Fiesta S2000 - Dikkebus 2 -Rally Ypres 2011 | Flickr - Photo Sharing! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/5888108156/in/set-72157627057445714)
The photo shows him just coming to rest on the outside of a standard 90 left!!

[satnav]

McDonalds (couple of restaurants in Salou and one in Cambrils) have free wifi. Safe journey and hope to see you sometime

Burger King have free wifi as well and have a cpl of places in Salou

[Mintexmemory]

Burger King have free wifi as well and have a cpl of places in Salou
Good man yersel -ta muchly for the info
Update on the Friday Robin Hood Bar for anyone hoping to show up, if you don't spot my Ypres Rally cap then look for my girlfriend who will have her French tricolore draped around her shoulders.

[Spud]

John Powell's livery

http://sphotos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/553997_544835118875517_1269557622_n.jpg

Just want to wish my fellow Jamaicans a great rally!! Yes I know John Powell's nationality is listed as 'Trinidadian' but he was born here in Jamaica and moved to Trinidad. Big up!!! John and Mike!!!!


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/Spudrin/Car%20Stuff/John_Mike.jpg

[spiderem]

Just want to wish my fellow Jamaicans a great rally!! Yes I know John Powell's nationality is listed as 'Trinidadian' but he was born here in Jamaica and moved to Trinidad. Big up!!! John and Mike!!!!


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/Spudrin/Car%20Stuff/John_Mike.jpg
very nice livery. No sponsors at all? must be fully loaded that man

[spiderem]

Petter Solberg prepared for RallyRACC-Rally Espana with a 'best test of the year' last week - and now he plans to use the knowledge gained to push flat out for victory on the mixed-surface contest.

Once again ford are saying that they have improved the car and that nobody will be able to challenge them... But then they will ruin all this hard work by a wrong tyre choice, or wrong starting order, or wrong set up! shame...

Lets hope we have a nice final rally for this year.

[6789]

Ok firming up on the Robin Hood, Avenida Del Principat D'Andorra 19. for a meet as it's just up the road from the finish of SS6. 1900hrs on Friday will be 29 mins after the last car has been through SS6. I'll be wearing an Ypres Rally Cap
I'll be here (hairpin)
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&hl=en&ll=41.14557,0.435333&spn=0.072132,0.110378&sll=51.505582,-0.140545&sspn=0.059622,0.110378&oq=vil&hnear=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Province+of+Tarragona,+Ca talonia,+Spain&t=h&z=13
for SS3 and here
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Spain&hl=en&ll=41.128181,0.440569&spn=0.036075,0.055189&sll=51.505582,-0.140545&sspn=0.059622,0.110378&oq=vil&hnear=Vilalba+dels+Arcs,+Province+of+Tarragona,+Ca talonia,+Spain&t=h&z=14
for SS5
Say hello if you're in the vicinity.

Hi M

We have a debrief with Hayden Paddon at 7 on Friday, so will try and make it after that. I'm not sure what hat ill be wearing (forgot my normal one at home) buy my Dad will have a NORF 2010 hat on. Cheers

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M0hYmL_Xl5Q

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_30e3302d84.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_fe91ff4edc.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_649dd2dae8.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_dc52aab25c.jpg



More photos from service before start HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1104)

[Hartusvuori]

Honza, or anyone getting closer access to Nikara's car, please share a picture with closer look to the roof design with all the 100 euros names. I'm ashamed to admit my contribution isn't there, but I'm still interested to see how it was executed. And - a free tip Jarkko - put up those pictures for your Facebook and website asap. The interest is at you right now.

[MartijnS]

Just came past the Robin Hood and its closed ;)

[Priorat]

Does anybody know if they will start every 2 or every 3 minutes for Friday stages?. Last year it was 3 minutes because of the dust but this year the stages are far more wet.

[Gard]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=M0hYmL_Xl5Q

so Mikko meets up with his team mates for 2013 :D

[stefanvv]

so Mikko meets up with his team mates for 2013 :D

Can you imagine his face if there was.... Loeb :D

[OldF]

Jarkko Nikara was interviewed last Saturday in the motorsport program and he told the budget come from very small pieces and his supporters was among other things collecting scrap metal to get few euros to his budget. It was also mentioned that his budget for Spain is 100.000 euros.

He’s really giving it all for this rally or as we say it: putting everything on one card (all the eggs in one basket).

[makinen_fan]

Any news on Mikkelsen swapping co-drivers? In the starting list he is with Ola, and Colin Clark just twitted that he will be racing with Ola.

[pettersolberg29]

Ola did the recce with Andreas as far as I know, which suggests he's doing the rally too. Maybe they kicked up a fuss with VW or whoever the outside source was who chose Markkula to replace Floene.

[rage82]

Does anybody know if they will start every 2 or every 3 minutes for Friday stages?. Last year it was 3 minutes because of the dust but this year the stages are far more wet.

On friday first 20 cars will start on 3 minutes intervals, all others on 2 min. For saturday and sunday stages priority drivers on 2 min. all others on 1 min.

[mousti]

Ola did the recce with Andreas as far as I know, which suggests he's doing the rally too. Maybe they kicked up a fuss with VW or whoever the outside source was who chose Markkula to replace Floene.

Mikko is sick, that's why.

[pettersolberg29]

Mikko is sick, that's why.

Cheers - wonder if Mikkelsen will enter a couple of regional rallies after Spain to familiarise himself with Mikko now that he doesn't have this rally to do it.

[stefanvv]

Cheers - wonder if Mikkelsen will enter a couple of regional rallies after Spain to familiarise himself with Mikko now that he doesn't have this rally to do it.

He has plenty of time until Portugal, probably he will...

[rage82]

We are on our way to Salou. Have an enjoyable rally everyone! Hope to see some of you on friday afternoon.

[Spud]

very nice livery. No sponsors at all? must be fully loaded that man

Lolol..I dunno but I hope so...rallying at this level aint cheap ;) ....here is a pic of them beside the car...Mike Fennell is on the left and John Powell on the right...

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/Spudrin/Car%20Stuff/John_Mike2.jpg

[logic]

Mike is standing like a good little soldier boy!! LOL

[Spud]

Lolololol....hey logic!!! Whappen bredrin???

[logic]

I kool you? Wishing i could be over there to support the boys but got some testing this weekend :(

[Spud]

Man I wish I was there also.....wha kinda testing iya? Mi kool man, well, kinda excited but Im good!!

[logic]

Some testing for next year with a Nissan :D

[Spud]

Circuit or rally???

[logic]

Circuit, trying to get out of the rally work now.

[Hartusvuori]

Practice runs have started. Let's wait for the times.

[HarriK]

ONline shake-timing:

RallyRACC (http://www.rallyracc.com/2012/espanol/online.html)

[tommeke_B]

Weijs only 0,1s slower than Nikara on first run. @Dimvii, prepare to loose a bet :D

[tommeke_B]

Solberg fastest so far on shake... :) Latvala, Novikov and Sordo all same time. Weijs 1,7s faster than Nikara now... :cool:

[leighton323]

To be honest, I think it's only the MINI that's letting him down..

[HarriK]

Novikov quite an fast with Dmack!
gotta remember though that shake stage is short one...

[AMSS]

Novikov quite an fast with Dmack!
gotta remember though that shake stage is short one...

Sorry if this been posted before, but what surface is the shakedown driven on?

[makinen_fan]

Gravel pressumably, cars are with gravel setup from photos posted

[AMSS]

OK, haven`t seen any pictures...

[makinen_fan]

Wow, Novikov 2nd with DMack behind only Loeb!

[bluuford]

Surface is mixed in shakedown, and very narrow. Tarmac will be filled with gravel anyway :-)

[makinen_fan]

OK, haven`t seen any pictures...

http://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522314_547615418597487_1475559469_n.jpg

[rallye-sport]

Shakedown + Qualif -> http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-despagne-2012/


http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/espagne-2012/Vialatte_Aurelien_14.jpg


http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/espagne-2012/Vialatte_Aurelien_27.jpg


http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/gallery/espagne-2012/Vialatte_Aurelien_23.jpg

[Jafry]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_50afd2896c.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_9501897e08.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_f71e101d53.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_48a12b9368.jpg



http://www.rally-mania.cz/fotogalerie/2012/1104/1104_rally_racc_catalunya_-_costa_daurada_2012_007d5b12da.jpg



More photos from QS stage and shake HERE (http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1104)

[Rom1]

First pics :

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/534676_462209797154708_2115973282_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/550164_462209877154700_562218442_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/3425_462210170488004_1398356673_n.jpg

Full album is here (https://www.facebook.com/eyesofrally)

[dimviii]

Weijs only 0,1s slower than Nikara on first run. @Dimvii, prepare to loose a bet :D

Too early for :beer:

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=BvULjVknsiM

[tolis]

It seems that the 2 girls (Cook, Carlsson) won't start :(
http://www.rallyracc.com/2012/online/tablon/documentos/Start_List_Ceremonial.pdf

[dimviii]

from Colins twitter
Simon Jean Joseph not able to do gravel notes for Petter Solberg this weekend - replaced for this event by Kris Meeke

[tolis]

Nice video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJuHAAv7jFk

[dimviii]

Solberg fastest so far on shake... :) Latvala, Novikov and Sordo all same time. Weijs 1,7s faster than Nikara now... :cool:

till now best photo from Nikara
eWRC.cz - po všech stránkách rally… (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=100685)
Weijs faster cause he moved the tyres
eWRC.cz - po všech stránkách rally… (http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/image_browse.php?id=100682)

so till now you own me a bee,r for best photo,and a second beer, for Weijs ''cutting'' :D



some more photos
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=3502&fotograf=245

[tommeke_B]

That escalated quickly... :D

[Mintexmemory]

.Robin Hood Bar closed (thanks Martijn). So relocated to O'Briens at the Titanic - on the other side of the circus at the end of Avenida Principat Andorra at the start of the road that leads to Service. Hope you all get the message great day at shakedown some good pics and loads of my previous stuff autographed - very happy bunny!

[stefanvv]

That escalated quickly... :D

In my contry for example we like to say You can live without a drink, but you cannot with only one :D

[EightGear]

Why are Alkuwari, Powell and Nobre placed behind Loeb? Why didn't they pick the positions themselves?

[tommeke_B]

I bet that Dimvii will blame the starting position if Nikara is slightly slower tomorrow... :p (I would do it)

[pucky54]

Why are Alkuwari, Powell and Nobre placed behind Loeb? Why didn't they pick the positions themselves?

http://www.rallyracc.com/2012/online/tablon/documentos/COC_Decision_No1.pdf

[uranium]

Why are Alkuwari, Powell and Nobre placed behind Loeb? Why didn't they pick the positions themselves?

Because of their speed. Or you want them to run in front of Loeb and keep him? ;)

[stefanvv]

Does anyone have statistics from this year QS winners vs. Rally winners?

[dimviii]

I bet that Dimvii will blame the starting position if Nikara is slightly slower tomorrow... :p (I would do it)

Start save money for beers. :vader:

expect to have near starting positions. :D

[uranium]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/530842_502461576455328_781962005_n.jpg

[stefanvv]

"...Loeb and co-driver Daniel Elena will receive a special trophy in recognition of their achievements in Spain. They made their WRC debut in the country in 1999 and have won the event seven times. RACC president Sebastia Salvado will make the presentation outside Barcelona cathedral...."

It ends where it all began...

[satnav]

Does anyone know if there are any shows planned for spanish tv

[Donney]

I am pretty sure (and sad as well) there won't be.

[satnav]

I am pretty sure (and sad as well) there won't be.

Thanks for getting back so quickly , i've been having a search and thats what i've come up with as well , nothing !!

[EightGear]

Because of their speed. Or you want them to run in front of Loeb and keep him? ;)

I expected that, but usually guys like Nobre are first on the road because they are the last ones to choose their positions.

[pucky54]

I expected that, but usually guys like Nobre are first on the road because they are the last ones to choose their positions.

See post #190

[stefanvv]

I expected that, but usually guys like Nobre are first on the road because they are the last ones to choose their positions.

The organizers don't want Nobre 1st in any respect :confused:

EDIT: But of course there is 44km "Terra Alta" tomorrow running twice which can cause lot of trouble with (very) slow drivers in front.

[Cacatua]

Nobre could do it just fine as sag wagon. There's the start list for tomorrow

http://www.rallyracc.com/2012/online/tablon/documentos/Start_List_Section1.pdf

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=4OtQBm5WSRw

[bluuford]

Interesting start positions.. Prety heavy rain is expected in the night and early in the morning. The first rain to the morning stages should arrive in 10-20 minutes.

[stefanvv]

Interesting start positions.. Prety heavy rain is expected in the night and early in the morning. The first rain to the morning stages should arrive in 10-20 minutes.

The frog in Citroen forecast crew is sleepy today...

[Astro83]

If the rain will come, it's going to be intresting to see how much time Loeb will loose to for example Sordo who start 9 cars in front of Loeb!

But it's wierd that Loeb pick last position if Citroen knows that the rain will come and if it's going to rain a lot? Very wierd...

Then a last thing! GO PG GO!!!!!!
Get the SWRC title back to Sweden!! :D

But the Proton is **** sadly. I would love to see PG in a Ford or Skoda insted, then would Breen not have a chans.... ;)

[Spud]

Everyone knows by now that my caribbean team has qualified 16th overall. Not bad considering its their first foray into rallying at this level. Anyways, here they are on the shakedown stages today....Go Jamaica/Trinidad!!!!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/Spudrin/Car%20Stuff/63868_464216346954756_1090722972_n.jpg

[nr7wave]

According to Colin Clark, it started to rain half an hour ago. It will be exciting to see how much it will effect the roads.

"@voiceofrally: Early start this morning to get to SS1. Cold, dark and just beginning to rain in Salou. Looking forward to a big day - when I wake up!!!"

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[bluuford]

According to Colin Clark, it started to rain half an hour ago. It will be exciting to see how much it will effect the roads.

"@voiceofrally: Early start this morning to get to SS1. Cold, dark and just beginning to rain in Salou. Looking forward to a big day - when I wake up!!!"

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

It rained all night on the stages (rainshowers), last shower just ended approximately 10 minutes ago. More to come.

[Hartusvuori]

Rally is live!

[Astro83]

yepp :) and a good opening pace from Nikara! Looks good!

And COME ON SORDO!!!! Set a really good time now on SS 1. Really hope for a great opening stage from him! :p :

[Hartusvuori]

Sorry Tom, but in this game in with Team Dimvii. :-)

1. Nikara,

Weijs +16,5s

[skarderud]

Everyone knows by now that my caribbean team has qualified 16th overall. Not bad considering its their first foray into rallying at this level. Anyways, here they are on the shakedown stages today....Go Jamaica/Trinidad!!!!

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c216/Spudrin/Car%20Stuff/63868_464216346954756_1090722972_n.jpg


Sorry the OT, but i've know couple of the Jamaican bobsledteam :) they had coach from norway 10yrs ago, i've also used a x-Jamaica "one love" bobsled a couple of yrs, in Jamaican coulors of course :)

back to topic: exiting morning, The weather and tyres Can really mix things up here!

[spiderem]

Nikara 10s faster than Atkinson! :dozey:

[rp]

Great speed by Nikara! Remember that he has never driven World Rally Car on gravel. 70 km testing was on tarmac. Yes, he drove yestarday mixed surface shakedown stage 2,94 km three times...

[skarderud]

Once again Ford ****'ed up the tyres. Hard was wrong according to atko, softs for loeb, hards for Ford.....

[skarderud]

Hopefully the hards is better on the long one. Hopefully.....

[Adler]

Neuville found a shortcut? is this time possible??

[Medved]

SS1 - Weijs made a spin

[Astro83]

Hopefully the hards is better on the long one. Hopefully.....

It's alot of rain today and it's rain on SS 2 so I dont think so but the only good things for Ford is that Loeb is starting last and then driving in the mud...

I dont understand why no one choose the first starting position when they know that the rain would come...

But in the splits on SS1 the Soft compound dont seems to be faster... Latvala has better splits then Hirvonen...

[bluuford]

Next stages will be more awful.. the rain will last at least on hour and it will be very heavy, almost like in Portugal

[Astro83]

Latvala take the stage!!! Very good pace!! Glad for him! :)

[Astro83]

Sordo drops time on SS 2 in the splits... :/ ****.. He can't lose so much time if he is gonna have a chance to a great position

[wwbroe]

Weys is one minute slower as Nikara on second stage :eek:

[Astro83]

Weys is one minute slower as Nikara on second stage :eek:

The car didnt feel well

[wwbroe]

Prokop went off after flying finish and damaged wheel.

[Astro83]

PG is 3,5 sec faster then Breen!! on SS 1 :P

[Adler]

Weys is one minute slower as Nikara on second stage :eek:

might be because of starting position ;)

[mm1]

Solberg stoped?

[Astro83]

Petter has stop on SS 2... so typical

[wwbroe]

might be because of starting position ;)

Weys and Nikara are just behind each other in starting positions, aren't they?

[Astro83]

Weijs was NOT happy with his car, that's why! ;) ;) Listnen to WRC LIVE ;)

[wwbroe]

What the f...k, what is this with Petter this end of season?

[stefanvv]

First 2 drivers out in SS2 (Neuville, Solberg). We can expect really hard Rally...

[mm1]

What the f...k, what is this with Petter this end of season?

Or end of career?

[stefanvv]

Solberg is moving again?

EDIT: Probably his last split came little late...

[Astro83]

Solberg needs to snap up! I'm not sure that he will drive in WRC next year... I dont understand his problems just about now...

[wwbroe]

So we lost three drivers on this stage allready, Solberg, Neuville and Prokop

[rp]

Or end of career?

This was Solberg´s 7th retirement during the season and it shows that it is time to stop...

[stefanvv]

Hirvonen also stopped?!? This is going to be disaster...

[wwbroe]

Tanak will be in the lead of the rally after this one

[Adler]

Weys and Nikara are just behind each other in starting positions, aren't they?
yes, was a joke, somebody mentioned yesterday this might be an excuse for weijs/tommeke ;)

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen also stopped?!? This is going to be disaster...

He is in finish if i am not mistaken?

[stefanvv]

He is in finish if i am not mistaken?

Yes, wrong info from wrr

[wwbroe]

yes, was a joke, somebody mentioned yesterday this might be an excuse for weijs/tommeke ;)

Ok :D :eek: :D

[tommeke_B]

Looks like I may have lost a bet... Good there's only one day on gravel... :D

[wwbroe]

Looks like I may have lost a bet... Good there's only one day on gravel... :D

When will be this beer-sharing? :D

[tommeke_B]

When will be this beer-sharing? :D

Good question! I'll keep you updated.. :)

[Adler]

Looks like I may have lost a bet... Good there's only one day on gravel... :D
I wish i am wrong, but i would bet Nikara will have an off :/