Rally RACC España Catalunya

[jbmarcus21]

Road program is out
Programme Rallye Wrc Espagne Catalogne 2013 ! (http://planetemarcus.com/programme-rallye-wrc-espagne-catalogne-2013/)

News from España this year night special stages, DAY3 gravel SS, and driver choice for DAY3 decided by overall saturday night ;)

[Fly_Half]

We're considering Catalunya this year, are the Tarmac stages interesting enough to make the visit worthwhile? If it was 2 days of Gravel we wouldn't think twice!

[Kielder]

We're considering Catalunya this year, are the Tarmac stages interesting enough to make the visit worthwhile? If it was 2 days of Gravel we wouldn't think twice!

I'm as expert on this rally as on Rally Sweden (you know ;) ). Everybody says it's one of the worst itineraries ever. You should better choose Alsace to see the last big battle. :)

[Fly_Half]

I'm as expert on this rally as on Rally Sweden (you know ;) ). Everybody says it's one of the worst itineraries ever. You should better choose Alsace to see the last big battle. :)

I already owe you a beer from the advice you gave me before Sweden ;)

That has sealed the fate for Catalunya! The last few Alsace events haven't really inspired me either, but we'll see.

[Kielder]

I already owe you a beer from the advice you gave me before Sweden ;)

That has sealed the fate for Catalunya! The last few Alsace events haven't really inspired me either, but we'll see.

:)

I wrote that it was one of the worst itineraries ever because people who have been watching the rally for many years think it. On Friday, it will be difficult to watch two stages. Moreover, the chosen stages aren't the best ones to run by night. Gravel stages on Sunday mean that there will be plenty of people there, being even more difficult to move between stages. In addition, you will need to walk for miles to arrive to the spectator zones.
I'm also not a fan of Alsace, but every rally without Loeb (fighting against Ogier) will be worse than the French event for a while.

[tommeke_B]

I'm also not a fan of Alsace, but every rally without Loeb (fighting against Ogier) will be worse than the French event for a while.
Believe me, Alsace would be easier without than with Loeb.

[Kielder]

Believe me, Alsace would be easier without than with Loeb.

Yes, I understand what you say. I mean that for some rallies onwards, in terms of spectacle, there won't be nothing similar to Loeb & Ogier pushing to the limit without thinking on the Championship. :)

[Atob WRC]

The Catalunya Rally is nearer every day.

Here I attach our video recorded from last year. Hope you enjoyed it!!

Any question about stages or from the video, don´t hesitate to ask.

Best regards!!!


http://youtu.be/5ZblX-_haus

[MartijnS]

Sorry, asked for something I already found now ;)

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map is out http://bit.ly/18kQ2x7

[harriswrc]

http://www.rallyracc.com/2013/descargas/inscritos.pdf

[pantealex]

http://www.rallyracc.com/2013/descargas/inscritos.pdf

13 x WRC ( 3 VW, 3 Citroen, 7 Ford )

14 x WRC-2 ( 6 R5, 2 RRC, 1 S2000 2.0, 5 N )

3 x WRC-3 (all DS3 R3T)

9 x JWRC

total 64 entries
1 R1
20 R2
3 R3
1 R4
8 R5
2 S2000 1.6T (RRC)
2 S2000 2.0
12 N

[ian123]

will there be any links for the coordinates to the stages? thanks

[miniwintz]

Here you go: http://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-de-España-2013

edit: link does not seem to work because of the "ñ", just copy paste it in the address bar.

[ian123]

ok many thanks for that

[dimviii]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/110460

[arko5]

In France they could started in reverse order, but in Spain not? What is that FIA?? ;)

[MartijnS]

Nice shakedown lol.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BWHsuz8CAAALuX2.jpg:large

We're arriving friday morning, because we already thought the shakedown would be like this, so good decision! :)

[mousti]

Easy job just removing gravel and now just a roundabout and a long straight with chicanes, Boring :D

[harriswrc]

Who will have no24 at Rally Catalunya? :-P

[Mirek]

I think Tomáš Kostka was rumored to be a late entry.

[Teme]

I think Tomáš Kostka was rumored to be a late entry.

Would make sense, as the car 24 is placed next to WRC3 Citroën drivers in service park map.

Also looking the map it seems Kruuda has withdrawn.

http://www.rallyracc.com/2013/descargas/service_park.pdf

[GigiGalliNo1]

Where are the Pickems for this event?

[makinen_fan]

Mikko Markkula back with Andreas in Spain

[BleAivano]

Where are the Pickems for this event?

viewtopic.php?f=98&t=159983 (http://www.motorsportforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=159983)

[kober]

Has it been decided in what order will they run on Sunday, i.e. on gravel?

P.S. Could a mod replace ñ with n in the subject of the thread, please?

[Tinke1979]

What about any national drivers taking part of the rally? Like in Rally Finland there was Vetomies-group.. Is there any such group driving on Rally RACC?

Btw we are coming to spectate this event :) eventhough some says that it is not so good rally whit bad itienary.. That does not matter! Rallying is always rallying and there is always something to see! ;)

[Karukera]

Has it been decided in what order will they run on Sunday, i.e. on gravel?

By current rules.

Old news, organisers asking for a Day 3 reverse starting order.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/110460

Sordo's take on the issue :
http://www.autonews-magazine.com/blog/?p=35035

Without significant rain we have a nice potential for a farcical event. :)

[dimviii]

why they choosed the reverse order at Sunday?

[kober]

why they choosed the reverse order at Sunday?
The organizers don't want the leader after leg two sweeping roads on day three (gravel). Nobody would want to lead at the end of Saturday.

[stefanvv]

Nobody would want to lead at the end of Saturday.
If it rains (like last year) it's going to be a masterplan :D

[dimviii]

why they choosed the reverse order at Sunday?
The organizers don't want the leader after leg two sweeping roads on day three (gravel). Nobody would want to lead at the end of Saturday.

yes i understand,but why fia denied?

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... h-Pbx-HIBI (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=wh-Pbx-HIBI)

[Jordib]

What about any national drivers taking part of the rally? Like in Rally Finland there was Vetomies-group.. Is there any such group driving on Rally RACC?

Btw we are coming to spectate this event :) eventhough some says that it is not so good rally whit bad itienary.. That does not matter! Rallying is always rallying and there is always something to see! ;)

There is no national or local rally running alongside the WRC in Rallyracc.

Talking about local drivers not competing on other WRC rallys for me the man to follow is Josep Mª Membrado, number 125. At least on tarmac he should be the fastest on GrN/R4 machinery.

[Tinke1979]

What about any national drivers taking part of the rally? Like in Rally Finland there was Vetomies-group.. Is there any such group driving on Rally RACC?

Btw we are coming to spectate this event :) eventhough some says that it is not so good rally whit bad itienary.. That does not matter! Rallying is always rallying and there is always something to see! ;)

There is no national or local rally running alongside the WRC in Rallyracc.

Talking about local drivers not competing on other WRC rallys for me the man to follow is Josep Mª Membrado, number 125. At least on tarmac he should be the fastest on GrN/R4 machinery.


Too bad that there is no alongside competition going with Rally RACC...

Ok so one add to my list of "one to watch" too :) number 125.

[dimviii]

:vader:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXHsKLFCYAAepbo.jpg

[Mintexmemory]

What about any national drivers taking part of the rally? Like in Rally Finland there was Vetomies-group.. Is there any such group driving on Rally RACC?

Btw we are coming to spectate this event :) eventhough some says that it is not so good rally whit bad itienary.. That does not matter! Rallying is always rallying and there is always something to see! ;)

There is no national or local rally running alongside the WRC in Rallyracc.

Talking about local drivers not competing on other WRC rallys for me the man to follow is Josep Mª Membrado, number 125. At least on tarmac he should be the fastest on GrN/R4 machinery.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/74mex/8188169475/
Membrado on El Priorat in 2012 - Maybe it was because there were many quick GrN / R4 drivers but Josep didn't stand out in the way that Lemes did. I recall he was very smooth but nothing to make me sit up and take notice in the way that Guerra, Trevino and Protasov did.

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-NMepuvaGg :vader:

[Micke_VOC]

Tomorrow my flight goes to Spain... First time for me visiting this rally, looking forward to it.

[litifeta]

Does anyone have any information on live streaming? The French streaming was awesome. I sat glued to the screen in Australia.

[rage82]

Does anyone have any information on live streaming? The French streaming was awesome. I sat glued to the screen in Australia.
No news about any livestreaming. The french rally was broadcasted by the french TV company Canal + and not by Redbull MediaHouse. We must wait for the next year to see what will happen as they are talking about 8 rallies to be streamed.

[dimviii]

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/classement-s ... agne-2013/ (http://www.rallye-sport.fr/classement-shakedown-rallye-despagne-2013/)

[dimviii]

2nd pass
Sordo (DS3 WRC) 1'23'0 - 2?? ?????
Ogier (Polo R WRC) 1'23'4 - 2?? ?????
Novikov (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'4 - 3? ????
Latvala (Polo R WRC) 1'25'5 - 2?? ?????
Mikkelsen (Polo R WRC) 1'26'4
Prokop (Fiesta WRC) 1'26'5 - 2?? ?????
Hirvonen (DS3 WRC) 1'26'6 - 2?? ?????
Neuville (Fiesta WRC) 1'27'1
Ostberg (Fiesta WRC) 1'27'2 - 2?? ?????
Al-Attiyah (Fiesta WRC) 1'27'3
Al-Qassimi (DS3 WRC) 1'27'6
Paddon (Fiesta WRC) 1'28'1
Al-Kuwari (Fiesta WRC) 1'29'7

[dimviii]

update
Sordo (DS3 WRC) 1'23'0 - 2?? ?????
Ogier (Polo R WRC) 1'23'4 - 2?? ?????
Novikov (Fiesta WRC) 1'24'2 - 5? ???????
Neuville (Fiesta WRC) 1'24'3 - 4? ???????
Latvala (Polo R WRC) 1'25'5 - 2?? ?????
Al-Attiyah (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'9 - 3? ????
Paddon (Fiesta WRC) 1'26'3 - 3? ????
Ostberg (Fiesta WRC) 1'26'7 - 3? ????
Mikkelsen (Polo R WRC) 1'26'4
Prokop (Fiesta WRC) 1'26'5 - 2?? ?????
Hirvonen (DS3 WRC) 1'26'6 - 2?? ?????
Al-Qassimi (DS3 WRC) 1'27'6
Al-Kuwari (Fiesta WRC) 1'27'9 - 3? ????

[dimviii]

update
Sordo (DS3 WRC) 1'22'7 - 4 ?????????
Ogier (Polo R WRC) 1'23'1 - 3 ?????????
Mikkelsen (Polo R WRC) 1'23'8 - 3 ?????????
Latvala (Polo R WRC) 1'23'9 - 4 ?????????
Novikov (Fiesta WRC) 1'24'3 - 5 ?????????
Neuville (Fiesta WRC) 1'24'3 - 4 ?????????
Al-Qassimi (DS3 WRC) 1'24'6 - 4 ?????????
Al-Attiyah (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'0 - 4 ?????????
Hirvonen (DS3 WRC) 1'25'5 - 4 ?????????
Paddon (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'6 - 5 ?????????
Prokop (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'9 - 4 ?????????
Ostberg (Fiesta WRC) 1'26'4 - 4 ?????????
Al-Kuwari (Fiesta WRC) 1'27'9 - 4 ?????????

[makinen_fan]

Lol!!
Al-Qassimi quicker than Mikko by a whole second

[Kalm]

Mikko is slow, but Ostberg... :rolleyes:

[dimviii]

edit wrong

[Mintexmemory]

Ultimately, these timings are immaterial - it doesn't matter for start order so there may be some experimenting taking place.
But it does look like Sordo is trying to make some sort of statement.

[makinen_fan]

Anyway this shakedown stage must be the least representative shakedown in the history of WRC, a straight with a couple roundabouts. I am not reading anything from the times, but still Mikko and Mads times are very slow.

[dimviii]

final

Sordo (DS3 WRC) 1'22'7 - 4 ?????????
Latvala (Polo R WRC) 1'22'9 - 5 ?????????
Ogier (Polo R WRC) 1'23'0 - 4 ?????????
Mikkelsen (Polo R WRC) 1'23'3 - 5 ?????????
Novikov (Fiesta WRC) 1'24'3 - 5 ?????????
Neuville (Fiesta WRC) 1'24'3 - 4 ?????????
Al-Qassimi (DS3 WRC) 1'24'6 - 4 ?????????
Al-Attiyah (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'0 - 4 ?????????
Hirvonen (DS3 WRC) 1'25'5 - 4 ?????????
Paddon (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'6 - 5 ?????????
Prokop (Fiesta WRC) 1'25'9 - 4 ?????????
Ostberg (Fiesta WRC) 1'26'4 - 4 ?????????
Al-Kuwari (Fiesta WRC) 1'27'9 - 4 ?????????

[Mintexmemory]

Anyway this shakedown stage must be the least representative shakedown in the history of WRC, a straight with a couple roundabouts. I am not reading anything from the times, but still Mikko and Mads times are very slow.
Absolutely, the gravel section just before this year's start is the only interesting section. Mind you they still include the bank where Iceman rolled it :)

What's the weather like in Salou - This time last year I was lying on the beach after the qualifying and lunch.

Just noticed this from the spectator guide to tomorrow's stages.
Spectator Area-4
It is the finish of the stage, a place which is not really recommendable as there is little space and little visibility, but it is close to Sant Jaume del Domenys, where there are parking facilities.
Says it all, really !

[rage82]

Ultimately, these timings are immaterial - it doesn't matter for start order so there may be some experimenting taking place.
But it does look like Sordo is trying to make some sort of statement.

I don't think that Sordo can manage it. He will be very fast on tarmac the first two days without any doubt, but Ogier, Latvalla and Neuville will be very close for sure or even a little faster. And the final day we have 138,54 km on gravel and the trio is much faster on that surface than Sordo. Anyway hope for 4 way battle for the win!

[rallyesport]

Shakedown Update -> http://www.rallye-sport.fr/photos-rallye-despagne-2013/

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Espagne-1.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Espagne-2.jpg

http://www.rallye-sport.fr/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Espagne-3.jpg

[Jafry]

Photos from shake: http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1211

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTCTWaDgd2w

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrallylive/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kT-79zJ5Exc

[Andre Oliveira]

eWRC photos (http://ewrc-results.com/foto.php?e=6542&t=Rally-RACC-Catalunya-Costa-Daurada-2013)

[PLuto]

Start list to first leg - http://rally-base.com/2013/rally-catalu ... TypeId=391 (http://rally-base.com/2013/rally-catalunya-2013/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=391)

[Mirek]

Anyway this shakedown stage must be the least representative shakedown in the history of WRC, a straight with a couple roundabouts. I am not reading anything from the times, but still Mikko and Mads times are very slow.

Remember gravel rally Japan with shakedown on the asphalt SSS? :)

[Timole]

http://timoanis.eu/gallery/season-2013/ ... de-espana/ (http://timoanis.eu/gallery/season-2013/wrc-rally-de-espana/) photos from thursday!

[makinen_fan]

Anyway this shakedown stage must be the least representative shakedown in the history of WRC, a straight with a couple roundabouts. I am not reading anything from the times, but still Mikko and Mads times are very slow.

Remember gravel rally Japan with shakedown on the asphalt SSS? :)

I cant really recall, was it the one in the stadium? That was worse then!

[Mirek]

Yes, that one :)

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA7Bsp5uCp4

[A FONDO]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA7Bsp5uCp4
great job by this guy. even at such stupid shakedown there are good places to watch

[Doon]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA7Bsp5uCp4

From this video, it doesn't look that terrible. Better than the one in France, around a carpark. NZ had one round a car park a few years ago.....on gravel tyres. As for the one in Japan.....shocking!!

[dimviii]

if you know where to watch,you can find spectacular places.Kudos to the guy with Spain shakedown!

[Doon]

So, are there any live feed for this weekends stages online anywhere? Looking forward for it to get underway, it's actually nice to have it start after work on a Friday.

Cheers

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cant find any streams listed for tonight...

I dont think its likely there will be any this rally.. unless anyone from Spain knows of any live tv ?

[satukata]

Hope to see GREAT RALLY!!

Good luck for all drivers!! :angryfire

[satukata]

Any other following this page?

[dimviii]

:bounce:

[PLuto]

We are going to start...

[makinen_fan]

Can you guys listen to the radio? I just heard Thierry briefly and then stopped

[OnlyRally]

:bounce:
:crazy:

[OnlyRally]

Can you guys listen to the radio? I just heard Thierry briefly and then stopped
same here

[Rallyper]

Seems to be some problems hearing WRC-radio?

However - friends - let´s go! :colour: :colour:

[drewbud]

Can you guys listen to the radio? I just heard Thierry briefly and then stopped

Me too..... :hmph:

[stefanvv]

Ogier has not been joking, going for the win :D

[satukata]

I hope good rally for Finish drivers :D

[PLuto]

It will be easy win for Ogier...

[satukata]

:devil: Ogier and VW looks too fast for others!

[Mintexmemory]

Ogier has not been joking, going for the win :D
Seriously quick on the splits thus far!! So those saying it's already a foregone conclusion - will Seb be so far ahead first on the road for Sunday won't matter?

[sollitt]

NZ had one round a car park a few years ago.....on gravel tyres.
NZ has never run a shakedown "round a car park". They ran a shakedown on a tarmac road that ran through and around a central city garden park. It's called bringing the sport to the people and was very successful.

[Francis44]

People throwing stones to Latvala's car. How about some crowd control in Spain?!

[Mirek]

NZ has never run a shakedown "round a car park". They ran a shakedown on a tarmac road that ran through and around a central city garden park. It's called bringing the sport to the people and was very successful.

Are You joking? Do You actually know what is the meaning of shakedown? If they want to run a stage through the town they can do it as regular stage or as a prologue with no times measured (as some IRC/ERC events had). Shakedown is for something else...

[satukata]

rallyradio working for you?

[dimviii]

NZ had one round a car park a few years ago.....on gravel tyres.
NZ has never run a shakedown "round a car park". They ran a shakedown on a tarmac road that ran through and around a central city garden park. It's called bringing the sport to the people and was very successful.

edit your post because i never wrote something like this. ;)

[OnlyRally]

rallyradio working for you?
sometimes ;)

[Mintexmemory]

People throwing stones to Latvala's car. How about some crowd control in Spain?!

The organisers don't understand the first thing about crowd control and how to marshal rallies. The teenager spectators have a high percentage of 'stoners' (no pun intended) who will be taking their Sordo enthusiasm too far!! From personal experience nice scenery / crap organisation

[satukata]

:bounce: Good start for Mikko! only 0,2s from Neuvilles time. Mikko hope to stay near 2 days and attack on gravel

[dimviii]

wtf????????????

[SS1] Jari-Matti Latvala (Volkswagen) 11:26.7 "It was a good start, a good feeling with the car. The spectators were throwing stones at the windscreen of the car, fortunately there is not much damage. I don't like these things, people need to remember that there are people in the car when they throw the stones."

[stefanvv]

Not good :hmph:

[kober]

Ostberg lost 1.11 s/km, slower than Paddon - not impressive.

[satukata]

Good start for paddon!!

[rage82]

Paddon faster than Mads in his first proper ss in WRC car! Let's see how is he doing on the next stages.
And Kubica with RRC is much faster against his only rival for the WRC-2 title who is driving this rally with WRC car.

[stefanvv]

[SS1] Hayden Paddon (Ford) 11:45.2 " Struggling with the braking points, a lot of understeer in the corners which is a little un-nerving. Just trying to get a feeling for it all."

Looks like there is more to come

[PLuto]

It is nice comparison of two leaders of WRC-2 - both Kubica and Al-Kuwari in WRC and Kubica is much faster :dork:

[pantealex]

Kubica faster than all 3 Al-Moneybacks

[Mirek]

It is nice comparison of two leaders of WRC-2 - both Kubica and Al-Kuwari in WRC and Kubica is much faster :dork:

Kubica is in RRC. It actually shows again that rules of WRC2 are weird when Al Kuwari can fight for the title...

[satukata]

Neuville looks slow?

[Gregor-y]

rallyradio working for you?
Radio seems to be cutting in and out.

[jonkka]

How much night driving experience Thierry has?

[Doon]

NZ had one round a car park a few years ago.....on gravel tyres.
NZ has never run a shakedown "round a car park". They ran a shakedown on a tarmac road that ran through and around a central city garden park. It's called bringing the sport to the people and was very successful.

Ok, car park or around a park, it still doesn't represent the stages, so where is the point? I always thought Shakedown was to do any final adjustments to the setup of the cars? How can this be done on tarmac for a gravel rally?

Take the sport to the people with a Super Special/ Mickey mouse stage through a town, but not on shakedown, otherwise it makes itself pointless by running in the first place.

[rage82]

rallyradio working for you?
Radio seems to be cutting in and out.
Anyway the splits are working quiet OK for the moment

[Mirek]

How much night driving experience Thierry has?

Quite a lot, night stages have been common part of IRC/ERC and Belgian championship as well.

[jonkka]

I always thought Shakedown was to do any final adjustments to the setup of the cars?

Emphasis on the past tense. As rules stand now - drivers are required to do minimum of four passes - shakedown is mainly first action shot photo opportunity for the media.

[dimviii]

Novikovs glowing disc after ss1
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXcbeFLIMAA8wX7.jpg:large

[jonkka]

Quite a lot, night stages have been common part of IRC/ERC and Belgian championship as well.

Ah, mister Mirek, we meet again. :D

So lack of experience doesn't explain Thierry's lack of pace. What does, then?

[pantealex]

Al-Mutawaa with DS3 R3 is faster than any of the WRC-2 Mitsubishi drivers!

[Rallyper]

Yes, radio cutting all the time... :mad:

[rage82]

How much night driving experience Thierry has?
Not much I think. In Monte 2012 the route has night stages but Thierry was already out, in Portugal same year when Loeb has his off the stage was also in darkness. I can't really remember many other night stages excluding the sss in Mexico.
PS. I mean WRC rallys

[Mirek]

Emphasis on the past tense. As rules stand now - drivers are required to do minimum of four passes - shakedown is mainly first action shot photo opportunity for the media.

Which is fundamentally wrong. The factory teams who can afford their own testing are only a fraction of the event entries. Without the rest the event could not be held in most of cases but nobody cares about them too often. Many of those private teams need shakedown to set the car or at least to get the right feeling from driving after a long pause. What is most important most of private teams can not test with proper WRC tyres before shakedown. It's a case of even big private teams. For example last year in Monte Carlo co-driver of Prokop told me they were given right WRC tyres only before shakedown! Nobody gave them the tyres for testing, they gave them only to works teams...

[Mirek]

Not much I think. In Monte 2012 the route has night stages but Thierry was already out, in Portugal same year when Loeb has his off the stage was also in darkness. I can't really remember many other night stages excluding the sss in Mexico.

You are wrong. Unlike WRC the IRC and Belgian championship had run night stages as a quite common thing.

[Doon]

I always thought Shakedown was to do any final adjustments to the setup of the cars?

Emphasis on the past tense. As rules stand now - drivers are required to do minimum of four passes - shakedown is mainly first action shot photo opportunity for the media.

Doesn't that come from the rally itself.....action shots? Ironically, if they are looking for action shots they should run the shakedown on a proper stage, with proper scenery! Not round a car park/town park/stadium. Can't be long before there is a shakedown on a racing circuit at this rate! Rally GB at Oulton Park for 2014, take it back to the people lol.

[stefanvv]

[SS2] Thierry Neuville (Ford) 12:49.2 Through next, 8.8-seconds down on Ogier "Its not working at all, I have done it once before in 2009 but not in WRC (car). They all know the stage quite well, I struggle in the dark, I struggle with the settings, I cannot do more."

[rage82]

Not much I think. In Monte 2012 the route has night stages but Thierry was already out, in Portugal same year when Loeb has his off the stage was also in darkness. I can't really remember many other night stages excluding the sss in Mexico.

You are wrong. Unlike WRC the IRC and Belgian championship had run night stages as a quite common thing.
Yes, I mean WRC rallys doesn't speak about IRC and Belgian championship.

[jonkka]

Doesn't that come from the rally itself.....action shots?

If you follow how teams' media sites cumulate pictures, you'll note that first (action) pictures are from shakedown. As these are used to illustrate the news stories, average joe doesn't notice the difference from actual rally. Indeed, he even doesn't wonder how they have action shots before rally has started.

[Mirek]

[Yes, I mean WRC rallys doesn't speak about IRC and Belgian championship.

And what is the difference? The talk was about night driving. Is the night in WRC events darker? :)

[Doon]

Kubica is on another level. He's taking the p*ss in WRC2 again. Why after half a season Citroen didn't just put him in a WRC i'll never know.

[jonkka]

[SS2] Thierry Neuville (Ford) 12:49.2 Through next, 8.8-seconds down on Ogier "Its not working at all, I have done it once before in 2009 but not in WRC (car). They all know the stage quite well, I struggle in the dark, I struggle with the settings, I cannot do more."

So darkness does play a factor after all. Thought so...

[Rallyper]

Kubica is on another level. He's taking the p*ss in WRC2 again. Why after half a season Citroen didn't just put him in a WRC i'll never know.

He will. In GB.

[rage82]

[Yes, I mean WRC rallys doesn't speak about IRC and Belgian championship.

And what is the difference? The talk was about night driving. Is the night in WRC events darker? :)
Of course not :) I just forget his previous experience from IRC and Belgium, stupid me!

[satukata]

Kubica deservs WRC car!. Why Khalid didnt give his citroen to kubica in spain....

[rage82]

Kubica deservs WRC car!. Why Khalid didnt give his citroen to kubica in spain....
Kubica wants to secure his WRC-2 title on tarmac, his stronger surface I guess that's why he's driving RRC in Spain and will be given a WRC in GB after the goal for this year is done!

[danon]

Quite a lot, night stages have been common part of IRC/ERC and Belgian championship as well.

Ah, mister Mirek, we meet again. :D

So lack of experience doesn't explain Thierry's lack of pace. What does, then?
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8747/m5nz.png

[makinen_fan]

Is this the first time Kubica drives in the dark? His pace is impressive considering that darkness requires to rely much more on pacenotes

[Mirek]

Ah, mister Mirek, we meet again. :D

So lack of experience doesn't explain Thierry's lack of pace. What does, then?

I don't know but all Fords are slow, not only Thierry. All also complaining about setup/understeering.

[Mirek]

Is this the first time Kubica drives in the dark? His pace is impressive considering that darkness requires to rely much more on pacenotes

I guess he did some night stages with Clio S1600 in Italy and maybe in Antibes before his accident but for this season You are probably right. I only recall the heavy fog in Acores which is not exactly same thing but he was struggling with pacenotes a lot there (also because there was heavy fog also during the recce).

[PLuto]

Kubica is on another level. He's taking the p*ss in WRC2 again. Why after half a season Citroen didn't just put him in a WRC i'll never know.

He will. In GB.

And next year also :)

[PLuto]

Is this the first time Kubica drives in the dark? His pace is impressive considering that darkness requires to rely much more on pacenotes

I guess he did some night stages with Clio S1600 in Italy and maybe in Antibes before his accident but for this season You are probably right. I only recall the heavy fog in Acores which is not exactly same thing but he was struggling with pacenotes a lot there (also because there was heavy fog also during the recce).

Robert has experience with night stages.

[NxOxT]

Kubica is on another level. He's taking the p*ss in WRC2 again. Why after half a season Citroen didn't just put him in a WRC i'll never know.

because WRC2 level of competition is a bad joke.

[Mirek]

Robert has experience with night stages.

Few stages of Mille Miglia and Antibes or two kilometers of qualification stage in Monte Carlo. All before his accident...

[tfp]

I know it's only the second stage but, errrr...... Mads?

[dimviii]

Lemes take a small difference at ss2 from Suarez and Tidemand

[danon]

Spectacles and lenses distort the night vision, hence the result.
Neuville is not an exception obviously.

Simple!

[bluuford]

These first two stages were not used last years, so others have more experience on these stages. That is another reason.

[stefanvv]

[SS2] Sepp Wiegand (Skoda) 13:37.8 "Robert (Kubica) was really fast, every stage we catch Nicolas Fuchs, he is really slow, but he lets us past, that is really nice, thank you Nicolas."

[danon]

These first two stages were not used last years, so others have more experience on these stages. That is another reason.
Watch closely Neuville's night stage results in all future night events!

[Tom206wrc]

Last(and shorter)stage of the evening/night running ;)

[Doon]

Kubica is on another level. He's taking the p*ss in WRC2 again. Why after half a season Citroen didn't just put him in a WRC i'll never know.

because WRC2 level of competition is a bad joke.

Very true. Elfyn Evans hasn't much WRC experience, and very little 4wd experience, and even he is much quicker than the 'others', the gentlemen and wannabies.

[dimviii]

SS3] Dani Sordo (Citroen) 10:41.9 - Has lost time to position himself on the road tomorrow behind Jari-Matti Latvala - "I want to be at the back of Jari-Matti."

.

[Rallyper]

So Mads does have only the long gear ratio available? How about Novikov then?

[jonkka]

1-2-3 for VW on SS3 :eek:

[stefanvv]

SS3] Dani Sordo (Citroen) 10:41.9 - Has lost time to position himself on the road tomorrow behind Jari-Matti Latvala - "I want to be at the back of Jari-Matti."

.
I wonder how that helps him :confused:

[Doon]

What has happen to Mikko this year? Maybe he feels lost without Loeb. Think he needs a move, back to M-Sport to brighten his spirits.

[Mirek]

I wonder how that helps him :confused:

Splits...

[A FONDO]

What has happen to Mikko this year? Maybe he feels lost without Loeb. Think he needs a move, back to M-Sport to brighten his spirits.
when he was not slow on tarmac?

[dimviii]

SS3] Dani Sordo (Citroen) 10:41.9 - Has lost time to position himself on the road tomorrow behind Jari-Matti Latvala - "I want to be at the back of Jari-Matti."

.
I wonder how that helps him :confused:

when he is back of Latvala he can react faster at Latvala splits.If he is in front of him he reacts late.
Probably he understands that position No1 is out of his target.

[kirungi okwogera]

[SS1] Hayden Paddon (Ford) 11:45.2 " Struggling with the braking points, a lot of understeer in the corners which is a little un-nerving. Just trying to get a feeling for it all."

Looks like there is more to come

You're right, I think, that Paddon will get faster, but keep in mind that the NZer way (and especially Paddon's way) is to understate anything positive - he can be winning a NZ national rally by minutes and do a post stage interview saying "we're really struggling with the setup, nothing feels right" etc. etc. Sometimes in NZ he was doing half a day or more of a rally avoiding learning his own times - while leading! So he'd do these really negative interviews while trouncing every other driver because he didn't know how far ahead he was, or even that he was in the lead.

So even if he's talking about setup and so on I certainly hope he is happy or satisfied with understeer and setup tweaking as opposed to minutes off the pace, crashing out, etc. that many first timer WRC drivers run into. He's one of a couple drivers I feel are now more deserving of a chance to face Ogier's dominance next year than most of the current regulars. Keep in mind Ogier spent much of his first WRC outing in 8th place before crashing out...

[Doon]

What has happen to Mikko this year? Maybe he feels lost without Loeb. Think he needs a move, back to M-Sport to brighten his spirits.
when he was not slow on tarmac?

Well his first podium was on tarmac, in Spain, in a 2 year old car so he can't be all bad. Just saying he had 'fighting sprit' in 2005, and generally in the Ford, but he seems to have given up with the Citroen.

[dimviii]

where is Not when you need him? :laugh:

[dimviii]

. Just saying he had 'fighting sprit' in 2005, and generally in the Ford, but he seems to have given up with the Citroen.

we have 2013....
very few drivers can stay at top for so long.Mikko is not one of them. ;)

[Doon]

I see you are trying to make me look like an unknowledgeable idiot. Please post Mikko's final championship standings from the last 8 years......;)

It's sad how people look at drivers and judge them on their results in such a short period. For 6 years he was the only hope of a challenge to Loeb, and if the god of rallying was never discovered, Mikko would have been a 4 time WRC champion

[NxOxT]

Loeb broke Mikko in 2009... he broke his spirit and changed him during rally GB...from then on he is a lost soul...

[litifeta]

What has happen to Mikko this year? Maybe he feels lost without Loeb. Think he needs a move, back to M-Sport to brighten his spirits.

I hope he can get his mojo back. I remember 2011 he could have had it. Silly mistake cost him the championship.

Happens to lots of people. Continually looking back at what might have been if they had not made bad choices. Needs to forgive himself and get on with it.

But I agree with others, M Sport would be a better option. The Citroen seems to be a Loeb car and nobody else can drive it.

[litifeta]

These first two stages were not used last years, so others have more experience on these stages. That is another reason.
Watch closely Neuville's night stage results in all future night events!

Neuville did ok on the second pass through GALLURA in Sardenga in the dark.

Mind you Ogier would really have a spring in his step now and believe his is the greatest. Confidence in an arrogant personality like that is very hard to beat.

[dimviii]

I see you are trying to make me look like an unknowledgeable idiot. Please post Mikko's final championship standings from the last 8 years......;)

It's sad how people look at drivers and judge them on their results in such a short period. For 6 years he was the only hope of a challenge to Loeb, and if the god of rallying was never discovered, Mikko would have been a 4 time WRC champion

i am not trying mate to make you look like unknowledgeable idiot.
Mikko last 2 years is not at the same level as when he was battling for championships.And 2 years is not a short period.

[dimviii]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrall ... 488029623/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrallylive/with/10488029623/)

[jonkka]

What has happen to Mikko this year? Maybe he feels lost without Loeb. Think he needs a move, back to M-Sport to brighten his spirits.

Mikko had similar disastrous season in 2010 when he was sixth in the championship (having been second two years before that and would be two years after that).

[jonkka]

I wonder how that helps him :confused:

He wants to be able to slow down at the end of the day so that he'll start to Day 3 behind the Volkswagens.

[dimviii]

Sordo very fast. :eek:

[jonkka]

But no third split for him...

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Hanaaaa Jari-Matti!!! Maksimit täysille....max attack!

[Mintexmemory]

These first two stages were not used last years, so others have more experience on these stages. That is another reason.
Watch closely Neuville's night stage results in all future night events!

Neuville did ok on the second pass through GALLURA in Sardenga in the dark.

Mind you Ogier would really have a spring in his step now and believe his is the greatest. Confidence in an arrogant personality like that is very hard to beat.
Mmm 7 posts in and I've already got to add you to the list of detractors of le nouveau Seb!! Do you understand the difference between 'self-assured' and 'arogant'? If you want arogance watch Kimi Raikonnen! I shall be watching your input ( to be read with overtones of menace and impending doom ;))

[HarriK]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 5857_n.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1395247_10202186426042799_1203655857_n.jpg)

[dimviii]

where can i read comments from drivers right after ss except bestofrallylive? seems that doesn t work.

[jonkka]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1395247_10202186426042799_1203655857_n.jpg

At first I thought it was action shot of the accident but it's being hoisted out of the woods... :D

[HarriK]

Mikkelssen slow left and off to ditch and broke suspension. Continues to the end of stage

[jonkka]

where can i read comments from drivers right after ss except bestofrallylive? seems that doesn t work.

http://www.ewrc-results.com/results.php ... urada-2013 (http://www.ewrc-results.com/results.php?e=6542&Rally-RACC-Catalunya-Costa-Daurada-2013)

[HarriK]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1395247_10202186426042799_1203655857_n.jpg

At first I thought it was action shot of the accident but it's being hoisted out of the woods... :D

same was my first impressions :)

[dimviii]

thanks mate!

[dimviii]

today morning 1st stage was Riudecanyes 2,which was the same last night stage.
10,35,9 for yesterday at dark for Ogier
10,26,2 for winner Sordo and Latvala this morning

[Mintexmemory]

today morning 1st stage was Riudecanyes 2,which was the same last night stage.
10,35,9 for yesterday at dark for Ogier
10,26,2 for winner Sordo and Latvala this morning

Combination of dew on the road and driver confidence I suppose. JML has had a great pair of stages there - normal service about to be resumed?

[makinen_fan]

TN was 5s slower than Ogier, last light he was 4s. So probably darkness was not his main problem after all

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXfRi5kIEAAciXi.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXfRcQlIgAAWoJb.jpg:large

[Mintexmemory]

TN was 5s slower than Ogier, last light he was 4s. So probably darkness was not his main problem after all
Which is of course much slower than the stage winners this morning!

[HaCo]

Could it be that TN signed Hyundai and that Ford left him with a bad car? Or the other way around, not happy with car so he wil sign Hyundai.
Anyway: hope he finds his rythm!

[HaCo]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXfRi5kIEAAciXi.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXfRcQlIgAAWoJb.jpg:large

Nice shots of broken suspension :o

[Mintexmemory]

Could it be that TN signed Hyundai and that Ford left him with a bad car? Or the other way around, not happy with car so he wil sign Hyundai.
Anyway: hope he finds his rythm!

I'm sure Malc would like a second place in WDC but I think we're seeing a repeat of Latvala doing enough at the end of the season to secure second! I note that there are showers around on El Priorat today! Bluford any prediction?

[dimviii]

Nice shots of broken suspension :o

:confused:

[HaCo]

Nice shots of broken suspension :o

:confused:

It's cut in 2, you don't see it?

[Jeppe]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1395247_10202186426042799_1203655857_n.jpg

But what is the most important thing - both drivers are alright except some bruises and muscular pain... :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Mintexmemory]

Nice shots of broken suspension :o

:confused:

It's cut in 2, you don't see it?

I think he was indicating that the statement was an oxymoron!

[jonkka]

I'm sure Malc would like a second place in WDC but I think we're seeing a repeat of Latvala doing enough at the end of the season to secure second!

Neuville is 18 points ahead of JML with two rallies to go. That's rather tall order for JML to rein in unless he can win (or unless Thierry totally collapses).

[A FONDO]

Ostberg must quit rallying on international level. Right now!

[HaCo]

I think he was indicating that the statement was an oxymoron!

Still I think it's a nice shot of a broken -and try to fix- suspension. :)

[dimviii]

Nice shots of broken suspension :o

:confused:

It's cut in 2, you don't see it?

yes i saw it,your emoticon didn t understand.Never mind :)

[HaCo]

Fingerd crossed for Sordo!

[jonkka]

Still I think it's a nice shot of a broken -and try to fix- suspension. :)

I think it's an largely uninteresting bunch of car parts - except that I noticed that VW got bolted on lower cap on their shock absorber.

[dimviii]

Colin Clark ?@voiceofrally 2?
A flying @AMikkelsenRally just passed me on road section 3kms from end of SS4. Will be late into SS5 - if he makes it before going OTL

[makinen_fan]

deleted, dimvii fraction quicker than me :p

[Mintexmemory]

Wow I thought Dani was meant to be holding back!

[dimviii]

Sordo 2,9 quicker,and now 0,5 sec in front of Latvala.

[jonkka]

Neuville unusually slow, even Mikko is a fraction faster. Wassup, I wonder.

[dimviii]

Wow I thought Dani was meant to be holding back!

at the end of Saturday,not from morning stages.

[HaCo]

These standings don't mean anything with the gravel stages of tomorrow in mind. :(

[jonkka]

These standings don't mean anything with the gravel stages of tomorrow in mind. :(

Standings do not but time lost is still time lost. If, at the end of the day, leaders juggle with just several seconds, Neuville will be tens of seconds behind. If leaders start to slow down a lot, that's different but since later runners can always slow down more to stay behind them, I don't think Neuville has a good position for tomorrow as it stands now.

But remember that last (proper) stage of today is power stage. If someone intends to win it, they can't slow down for tomorrow. Then again, winning rally is bigger prize than power stage win. What to do, what to do...

[Mintexmemory]

These standings don't mean anything with the gravel stages of tomorrow in mind. :(

Standings do not but time lost is still time lost. If, at the end of the day, leaders juggle with just several seconds, Neuville will be tens of seconds behind. If leaders start to slow down a lot, that's different but since later runners can always slow down more to stay behind them, I don't think Neuville has a good position for tomorrow as it stands now.

But remember that last (proper) stage of today is power stage. If someone intends to win it, they can't slow down for tomorrow. Then again, winning rally is bigger prize than power stage win. What to do, what to do...
Great point, you would have to say the power stage top 3 will be Seb, JML and Dani (in no particular order). TN is currently being caught by Mikko, if he doesn't get it together JML can take a big chunk out of his championship position, especially as Ogier has already won the championship. If Dani is looking like the winner tomorrow expect JML to be second ;)

[jonkka]

I'd put my money on number of unusual drivers on top-3 of power stage today.

Usually, Ogier would be leading with handsome margin enough to power through to power stage win AND overall win tomorrow despite sweeping. The way it looks like now, it'll probably be tactics.

[Mirek]

Neuville unusually slow, even Mikko is a fraction faster. Wassup, I wonder.

In my opinion a lot must be in the car. All Fords are unusually slow.

I always found strange the big and clearly visible weight shift of Fiesta body when braking or accelerating. On these circuit-like roads I can imagine it's not helping.

[jonkka]

I'd put my money on number of unusual drivers on top-3 of power stage today.

Gotta answer to myself. From Ogier's point of view, if he slows then those behind him slow too. So he can't gain anything by going slow on PS so he might want to win it anyhow. Who are the other two on PS is the interesting Q.

[bluuford]

Could it be that TN signed Hyundai and that Ford left him with a bad car? Or the other way around, not happy with car so he wil sign Hyundai.
Anyway: hope he finds his rythm!

I'm sure Malc would like a second place in WDC but I think we're seeing a repeat of Latvala doing enough at the end of the season to secure second! I note that there are showers around on El Priorat today! Bluford any prediction?

Should be bone dry until the end of rally.

[AndyRAC]

Don't understand why they didn't run the gravel on the first day, then use the night stages on the Saturday, with a short final 3rd day. Putting the gravel leg last is asking for 'trouble'.

Looking at the splits, I personally think that the RRC/R5 cars aren't fast enough.

A shame about Mikkelsen, but another silly mistake - and the Fords seem off the pace.

[Mintexmemory]

Thanks Blu'
Mirek -makes JML's performance in the Fiesta last year look pretty good. JML has to push on the Power stage he has to take the certain points and hope for the best.

[Mirek]

Also Wiegand is really slow. During Barum rally I had a feeling that he finally found the speed (it was not perfect but not bad either) but here he is completely off the pace. Maybe it was because he used works car in Barum but still...

[Tom206wrc]

Both leader and 3rd in JWRC retired on SS5(Suarez and Tidemand) :s

[dimviii]

leader was Lemes Tom ;)

[Tom206wrc]

SS6 running now ;)

[jonkka]

Ogier? Genuine problem or trying to drop down early enough so that others may not follow his suit? Or different tactics for each VW driver?

[HaCo]

Yes, Neuville on a charge!!!

[Mintexmemory]

Looks genuine!!

[HaCo]

WRC is awesome these days :D :D

[jonkka]

Looks genuine!!

What picture you're looking at?

[HaCo]

Ogier 1 min slower????

[HaCo]

Punctured!!!

[bluuford]

Punctured!!!
Ogier cut too much and broke a wheel.

[jonkka]

How convenient... He'll drop to around 6th which is an excellent start position for tomorrow. This makes tactics harder for others.

[Mintexmemory]

Punctured!!!
Ogier cut too much and broke a wheel.
Fortunate it happened now! He can max attack all afternoon and probably pull a lot of time back as the others slow down on the Power stage ;) I just remembered - there is a 5km limit in the Salou stage - what's the betting they cruise round like grannies on Sunday!

[HaCo]

Look at top 2! :D

[wwbroe]

Latvalla ans Sordo on equal time, Ogier now in ideal position.

[HaCo]

Latvalla ans Sordo on equal time, Ogier now in ideal position.

Don't think so, his confidence will not be that good. Not being fastest all morning and breaking a wheel.

[litifeta]

Does anyone have any information on the weather? Would not want to be too far down the starting order if it rains.

[Munkvy]

This could be very interesting. Will JML or Sordo go for broke and, well, break something? I can't see this being a plan by Ogier, just potentially really good timing to break something.

But I guess Sordo and JML still have the advantage as they can drop time based on Ogiers splits in the last stage of the day.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC.com: 'Latvala had been warning his team mate about the cuts...'

Looks like JML is finally making use of his experience and his performance on tarmac is much improved these days... :)

He could be the man now, with the gravel to come.. great battle ahead with Sordo. :crazy:

[Tom206wrc]

So many things happened in just one stage :eek:

[jonkka]

Day is not over yet and changes will happen before night.

[bluuford]

Day is not over yet and changes will happen before night.
there will be no rain..most likely until the end of rally.

[Tom206wrc]

Problems for Barrable and Protasov ??? They seem not to be at start of SS6(normally they start just behind Ojeda) :confused:

[Mintexmemory]

Does anyone have any information on the weather? Would not want to be too far down the starting order if it rains.
viewtopic.php?f=98&t=158708&start=200 (http://www.motorsportforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=158708&start=200) #201 - Come on keep up, Bluford is the resident meteorologist and can always be relied upon - much you have to learn

[Mintexmemory]

Does anyone have any information on the weather? Would not want to be too far down the starting order if it rains.
viewtopic.php?f=98&t=158708&start=200 (http://www.motorsportforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=98&t=158708&start=200) #201 - Come on keep up, Bluford is the resident meteorologist and can always be relied upon - much you have to learn

Sorry missed a 'u' out - B ;)

Latvala in whatever position relative to Sordo by less than 10 sec at the end of today, will win. The Catalan gravel is not typical and sweeping is not a critical as gravel driving ability for tomorrow imvho

Just looked at comparable stage times for the last gravel rally they took part in, Finland. Although JML was 3rd on the road (first quick guy) he was 1 sec per km quicker than Dani (6th on the road) for both 1st and 2nd runs

[noel157]

Problems for Barrable and Protasov ??? They seem not to be at start of SS6(normally they start just behind Ojeda) :confused:

Barrable broke a drive shaft, hopes to get to service with 2 WD.

[jonkka]

Latvala in whatever position relative to Sordo by less than 10 sec at the end of today, will win. The Catalan gravel is not typical and sweeping is not a critical as gravel driving ability for tomorrow imvho

Sordo is local and judging by his pre-event comments he seems to disagree about the sweeping effect. After two stages we are wiser.

[Mintexmemory]

Latvala in whatever position relative to Sordo by less than 10 sec at the end of today, will win. The Catalan gravel is not typical and sweeping is not a critical as gravel driving ability for tomorrow imvho

Sordo is local and judging by his pre-event comments he seems to disagree about the sweeping effect. In three stages we are wiser.
See my edit above - JML knows he has the drop on Dani, Dani has to have JML sweeping and then pray

[Mirek]

Latvalla ans Sordo on equal time, Ogier now in ideal position.

I would not call being 46 seconds down as ideal position but it makes things sure interesting for us :)

[dimviii]

lololol

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 4564_o.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1402934_729623183719100_1183164564_o.jpg)

[dimviii]

Ogier
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXf1vV7IEAE_01V.jpg:large

[bluuford]

lololol

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 4564_o.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1402934_729623183719100_1183164564_o.jpg)

Paddon also hit a "mountain" at the end of last stage. Hopefully they can reach to service and fix it:
https://twitter.com/The_Rally_Guru/stat ... to/1/large (https://twitter.com/The_Rally_Guru/status/394052146787672066/photo/1/large)

[jonkka]

I would not call being 46 seconds down as ideal position but it makes things sure interesting for us :)

You mean Ogier can't take 0,33 sec per km from leader when he's five positions behind in running order?

[dimviii]

lololol

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 4564_o.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1402934_729623183719100_1183164564_o.jpg)

Paddon also hit a "mountain" at the end of last stage. Hopefully they can reach to service and fix it:
https://twitter.com/The_Rally_Guru/stat ... to/1/large (https://twitter.com/The_Rally_Guru/status/394052146787672066/photo/1/large)

wow completely broken rim!! :eek:

[dimviii]

I would not call being 46 seconds down as ideal position but it makes things sure interesting for us :)

You mean Ogier can't take 0,33 sec per km from leader when he's five positions behind in running order?

from Latvala and Neuville? not so sure.Depents how good he feels,and how good they feel with setup Latvala and Neuville.
its possible,but not easy.Lets see the dfference at the end of Saturday,maybe is not 46 sec but more.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BXfz7hFCcAAo0cO.jpg

[Mirek]

You mean Ogier can't take 0,33 sec per km from leader when he's five positions behind in running order?

0,33 sec is huge difference among top drivers. I don't say it's impossible. I say it's far from being ideal.

[NxOxT]

By driving Ogier cannot take 40 seconds against latvala on gravel... so other things have to come into play to win.

[txl]

What will be the starting order tomorrow, isn't it reversed?

[Mintexmemory]

What will be the starting order tomorrow, isn't it reversed?
No. FIA declared it's a tarmac rally so finishing order today is start tomorrow!

[pantealex]

What will be the starting order tomorrow, isn't it reversed?
No. FIA declared it's a tarmac rally so finishing order today is start tomorrow!

No. Finishing order after SS 8 (powerstage) is starting order for tomorrow
SS9 Salou 2km does not effect starting order

[dimviii]

At next stages if Latvala dont push,Sordo will follow his splits and dont push too.In this case is not difficult for Ogier to climb back easy way till night.Lets see!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC.com - 'Joint leader Dani Sordo insists he has not decided whether to implement tactics this afternoon to engineer a better road position for tomorrow. If the time gaps stay close, the Spaniard could slow to force Jari-Matti Latvala to open the road and sweep the loose surface stones. But Sordo said he would wait and see what the standings are before the penultimate stage, after which tomorrow’s start order is calculated.'

Looks like tactics are as important as outright speed this afternoon ... :rolleyes:

[dimviii]

stage 7 live.

[jonkka]

Ogi starts strong but then it fluctuates a bit...