Rallye Monte Carlo 2014

[makinen_fan]

The 2014 route for Monte Carlo is out:
http://www.irallylive.com/ir_news.htm?00004475&10

[Mirek]

Looks like a challenge. The route is completely changed compared to last years :)

[Mintexmemory]

Day 1 loop

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Or ... s&t=m&z=11 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Orpierre,+France&daddr=Sainte+Andre+de+Rosans,+France+to:Rosans,+Fr ance+to:Sainte-Marie,+France+to:La+Charce,+France+to:Montauban-sur-l'Ouv%C3%A8ze,+France+to:Laborel,+France&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sll=44.379821,5.549469&sspn=0.336168,0.485458&geocode=FcstpAIdMeBWAClXpQMQZ_7KEjHojMLJiOKuDA%3BF R0kpQId3yNUACmvSCooAfHKEjHh2HfBXKA5-A%3BFcpdpQIdKHdTACmpNHYaJPLKEjHaKw1DliXgug%3BFYyAp gIdgoxTAClBbPrmKezKEjEQopf9pRkIBA%3BFZ2RpgIdYi9TAC mxRj9pT-zKEjHrPAheUXh88Q%3BFTyQowIdyfFTACkjntSsI_bKEjHmLUG OmOvKqA%3BFXXZowIdX2BVAClbFCzGUPjKEjHNKSqjhJziSQ&oq=Laborel&mra=ls&t=m&z=11)

Day 2 & 3 1st stage

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=D4 ... +France+to (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=D420&daddr=Col+d'Espr%C3%A9aux,+05110+Esparron,+France+ to) :D 49+to :D 48+to :D 21&hl=en&ie=UTF8&sll=44.444075,5.863609&sspn=0.1679,0.242729&geocode=FewKpgId2rhaAA%3BFeOapgIdsNlZACmr1_azAhrLE jFa_vxERAOJog%3BFbHHpgIdrPhYAA%3BFYllpgIdnj1YAA%3B FZUipQIdsJNZAA&oq=Faye&mra=dme&mrsp=4&sz=12&t=m&z=12

[Mintexmemory]

Day 2
Selonnet – Col des Garcinets – Breziers
https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Se ... s&t=m&z=13 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Selonnet,+France&daddr=Col+des+Garcinets+to:Br%C3%A9ziers,+France&hl=en&ie=UTF8&ll=44.398835,6.256714&spn=0.084015,0.121365&sll=44.444075,5.863609&sspn=0.1679,0.242729&geocode=FaENpQIdsVBgACnFlrJjNnvLEjEArZf9pRkIBA%3BF Tx9pQIdCyRfACl13y_Zim_LEjEzzS3ejQotjg%3BFYbjpQIduZ heACntawUzBW_LEjFTnV2tNsmWdQ&oq=Bre&mra=ls&t=m&z=13)

Day 3
Sisteron – Col de Fontbelle - Thoard

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Si ... s&t=m&z=12 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Sisteron,+France&daddr=Col+de+Font+Belle,+Le+Castellard-Melan,+France+to:Thoard,+France&hl=en&ll=44.296333,5.925064&spn=0.168324,0.242729&sll=44.373441,6.231823&sspn=0.084051,0.121365&geocode=FZlbogIdl69aACnZxd5vT6bLEjGgrJf9pRkIBA%3BF aKrogIdrsxdACmLIiZVc57LEjFUEAoEOCOSOQ%3BFUStoQIdQt RdACnT4KAZOpnLEjFQrJf9pRkIBA&oq=Tho,+France&mra=ls&t=m&z=12)

Digne – Col de Corobin – Chaudon Norante

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Di ... s&t=m&z=12 (https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?saddr=Digne,+France&daddr=Col+de+Corobin,+Chaudon-Norante,+France+to:Chaudon-Norante,+France&hl=en&ll=44.031086,6.27903&spn=0.169083,0.242729&sll=44.296333,5.925064&sspn=0.168324,0.242729&geocode=FSHLoAIdSCdfACkLJb3tR4XLEjEAtJf9pRkIBA%3BF f6BnwId3W9gACnNiEmKso7LEjGV8c0TyXIjNQ%3BFQwWnwIdYF NgACmvUo3aB4zLEjHAtJf9pRkIBA&oq=Chau,+France&mra=ls&t=m&z=12)

Then it's the Saturday as last year

[Simorally86]

I try to design the first leg here https://www.google.it/maps/ms?msid=2078 ... 481a&msa=0 (https://www.google.it/maps/ms?msid=207811519345357265487.0004e116f2be5d6f6481 a&msa=0) Stages are not correct at 100%, i don't know the exact start and finish, but just to have a general wiew where the stages will be!

[Simorally86]

And here the second leg https://www.google.it/maps/ms?msid=2078 ... c375&msa=0 (https://www.google.it/maps/ms?msid=207811519345357265487.0004e1172ebe2bafac37 5&msa=0)

[bluuford]

It is time to pick up this thread. Maybe some Mod can change the title to Rally Monte Carlo 2014?

Entries close on 13th of December, next Friday.
What can we expect?
WRC
1. Ogier Polo WRC
2. Latvala Polo WRC
3. Mikkelsen Polo WRC
4. Neuville I20 WRC
5. Sordo? I20WRC
6. DS3WRC
7. DS3WRC
8. DS3WRC??
9. Hirvonen? Fiesta WRC
10. Ostberg? Fiesta WRC
11. Evans? Fiesta WRC???
12. Prokop? Fiesta WRC
13. Kubica? Fiesta WRC

Etc...

So, Citroen is going to announce their drivers 3 days after (after the weekend) the closing of Entry list:-)

[Mintexmemory]

Previous posts re route moved here. Let speculation commence.

Myself, 306 Cosworth, pettersolberg29 and Allyc85 are going to be spectating MC next month. Arriving at Nice -13/1, staying at Sigoyer near Gap for 4 nights. Following the rally south on the Friday night with accommodation in Menton overnight then one of the Saturday stages. We'll visit service in Monaco after the stages then back to Nice for the Sunday morning flight home.
Any advice form old Monte experts sought and happily received. Most importantly, how easy is it to use the non-competitive link sections or are these also closed to public traffic?
The route on ACdeM site has changed since the Summer but their detailed maps are due any day now

[vino_93]

Maurin - Fiesta WRC
Baud - FIesta WRC
confirmed MC is their first goal of the year.

[Mirek]

Previous posts re route moved here. Let speculation commence.

Myself, 306 Cosworth, pettersolberg29 and Allyc85 are going to be spectating MC next month. Arriving at Nice -13/1, staying at Sigoyer near Gap for 4 nights. Following the rally south on the Friday night with accommodation in Menton overnight then one of the Saturday stages. We'll visit service in Monaco after the stages then back to Nice for the Sunday morning flight home.
Any advice form old Monte experts sought and happily received. Most importantly, how easy is it to use the non-competitive link sections or are these also closed to public traffic?
The route on ACdeM site has changed since the Summer but their detailed maps are due any day now

The most important advice is to be everywhere very early. There are few roads in the mountains and they can easily get jammed. Especially for places like Col de Turini even 4 hours ahead might not be safe. Of course You can try to make as many stages as possible arriving last minute but it's a gamble. Also count with really low average speed on the mountain roads when You make planning, especially in case of snow.

What You mean by non-competitive link? The liaison routes between stages? Those are usually opened except last several kilometers before stage start/after stage finish.

Otherwise on stages it's pretty free where You stand and what You do except few crowded places such as the already mentioned Col de Turini. I recommend to take a walk for finding Your place. Good thing also is that there are no entry tickets, all rally is free for spectators.

[Mintexmemory]

The most important advice is to be everywhere very early. There are few roads in the mountains and they can easily get jammed. Especially for places like Col de Turini even 4 hours ahead might not be safe. Of course You can try to make as many stages as possible arriving last minute but it's a gamble. Also count with really low average speed on the mountain roads when You make planning, especially in case of snow.

What You mean by non-competitive link? The liaison routes between stages? Those are usually opened except last several kilometers before stage start/after stage finish.

Otherwise on stages it's pretty free where You stand and what You do except few crowded places such as the already mentioned Col de Turini. I recommend to take a walk for finding Your place. Good thing also is that there are no entry tickets, all rally is free for spectators.

Thank M - we are definitely going to go for quality rather than quantity. Yes I meant liaison sections (the term blocked in my mind!) do they publish the locations of the block points anywhere? More questions I'm sure will occur to me over the next few weeks.

[Mirek]

Frankly I don't remember about the blocking points but I think they are not in the maps. Let's wait for them. For 2014 there are big changes in the route so there will be a lot of new even for experienced spectators :)

[wwbroe]

I agree with Mirek, will be a lot of new stages that are unknown by most spectators. I think it will be an edition that is not so easy to follow for spectators. On the maps of the stages that i have seen sofar, there are not many accessroads, so it wil be hard to find some decent spectatorpoints. Unless offcourse if you drive into stage in advance and stay there untill it will be reopened. But let's wait for ufficial maps to appear to decide what are the options. ;)

[Mintexmemory]

I agree with Mirek, will be a lot of new stages that are unknown by most spectators. I think it will be an edition that is not so easy to follow for spectators. On the maps of the stages that i have seen sofar, there are not many accessroads, so it wil be hard to find some decent spectatorpoints. Unless offcourse if you drive into stage in advance and stay there untill it will be reopened. But let's wait for ufficial maps to appear to decide what are the options. ;)
Thanks for the wise advice guys. The routes of the stages are clear enough from the information in the ACM 'Presentation accessibility to the stages is heavily dependent on where the start and finish points are exactly located. Looks like liaison between SS1/4 start - SS3/6 finish will be heavily populated on Day 1. The Clumanc - Lambruisse stage on Day 2 really is only accessible by being there before the road closure.

[tommeke_B]

According to Echappement (French magazine), Matthieu Margaillan will compete in a Fabia S2000. One of the many young talented drivers in France... :)

[tolis]

According to Echappement (French magazine), Matthieu Margaillan will compete in a Fabia S2000. One of the many young talented drivers in France... :)
He has ex-Cerny's Fabia!

[306 Cosworth]

Can't wait for my trip to MC! Hopefully I can get some good video and we have some nice snowy weather too ;)

[vino_93]

According to Echappement (French magazine), Matthieu Margaillan will compete in a Fabia S2000. One of the many young talented drivers in France... :)
and it looks like finally Maurin will start with Fiesta RRC for WRC 2 program !

[Allyc85]

Been excited about our trip to Monte since we first discussed it! Got my snow gear today so lets hope we get a good mix of conditions to shake things up a bit :bounce:

[306 Cosworth]

Think the only snow gear i'll need will be some thermal socks! Already got good boots, coats and ski trousers! I could always borrow some stuff from work too which we use in the -27c Freezer ;)

[pettersolberg29]

Been excited about our trip to Monte since we first discussed it! Got my snow gear today so lets hope we get a good mix of conditions to shake things up a bit :bounce:

Same! Another thing off the bucket list ;) not got any snowgear yet - you talking salopettes, snow boots and thermals?

[Mintexmemory]

Been excited about our trip to Monte since we first discussed it! Got my snow gear today so lets hope we get a good mix of conditions to shake things up a bit :bounce:

Same! Another thing off the bucket list ;) not got any snowgear yet - you talking salopettes, snow boots and thermals?

Yep and most importantly a wicking base layer! Been researching possible spots for Thursday and the double Friday run - looks like a recce drive indicated on the Tuesday! Will be in touch with some details by PM tomorrow night

[pettersolberg29]

Yep and most importantly a wicking base layer! Been researching possible spots for Thursday and the double Friday run - looks like a recce drive indicated on the Tuesday! Will be in touch with some details by PM tomorrow night

Excellent, cheers! Yeh sounds like a plan, get our bearings - you able to PM me the gite again too just so I can see the exact location? Nice, remember I still owe you some monies too!

[Mintexmemory]

Yep and most importantly a wicking base layer! Been researching possible spots for Thursday and the double Friday run - looks like a recce drive indicated on the Tuesday! Will be in touch with some details by PM tomorrow night

Excellent, cheers! Yeh sounds like a plan, get our bearings - you able to PM me the gite again too just so I can see the exact location? Nice, remember I still owe you some monies too!
You have a PM

[Andre Oliveira]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/1476493_130167867153827_1512472468_n.png

Manufacters entries

[N.O.T]

that was pretty informative...

[T.Maanteiden kuningas]

Is Qatar M-Sport sure?

[Andre Oliveira]

that was pretty informative...

At least someone replies to me ;)


Is Qatar M-Sport sure?

By the words of Nasser Al-Atiyahh: Yes.


The question is: Who will be number 5 and 6

[pettersolberg29]

[quote="N.O.T":1hs3aned]that was pretty informative...

At least someone replies to me ;)


Is Qatar M-Sport sure?

By the words of Nasser Al-Atiyahh: Yes.


The question is: Who will be number 5 and 6[/quote:1hs3aned]

Pretty sure Kubica will be in a Fiesta at Monte, just depends if he's a factory entry or not. Mikko is almost certain to be in a Fiesta, can't imagine he'll be out the WRC completely. Likewise Bouffier could be in a Fiesta, so could be interesting to see the announcement.

[Andre Oliveira]

I really enjoy the idea of Bouffier with Fiesta.

[pettersolberg29]

I really enjoy the idea of Bouffier with Fiesta.

Agreed - really feel Bouffier should have had more chances at the top level. Even if he gets a Fiesta for Monte expecting anything near a top 5 would be too much simply due to inexperience at this level.

[Mintexmemory]

I really enjoy the idea of Bouffier with Fiesta.

Agreed - really feel Bouffier should have had more chances at the top level. Even if he gets a Fiesta for Monte expecting anything near a top 5 would be too much simply due to inexperience at this level.
Must be hard being an inexperienced previous MC winner ;) (beat Loix)
This is the one place he's likely to go well after last year's taster. Main obstacle is the larger number of works cars.


So is Kubica still trying to decide between M-Sport and VW??

[Mirek]

I think he meant experience with the machinery. Bryan has ever did only one rally in WRC car - RMC 2013. He has never started in WRC even in national or local events.

[pettersolberg29]

Must be hard being an inexperienced previous MC winner ;) (beat Loix)
This is the one place he's likely to go well after last year's taster. Main obstacle is the larger number of works cars.


So is Kubica still trying to decide between M-Sport and VW??

Agreed that this will be his strongest chance, but still feel with the top level machinery (thanks Mirek ;)) that he's just not experienced enough. Which is unfortunate because I rate him highly.

I think Kubica is more deciding whether to do rallying or not to be honest. Believe he'll be in a Fiesta for RMC whatever though (DSTM!).

[Mintexmemory]

Must be hard being an inexperienced previous MC winner ;) (beat Loix)
This is the one place he's likely to go well after last year's taster. Main obstacle is the larger number of works cars.


So is Kubica still trying to decide between M-Sport and VW??

Agreed that this will be his strongest chance, but still feel with the top level machinery (thanks Mirek ;)) that he's just not experienced enough. Which is unfortunate because I rate him highly.

I think Kubica is more deciding whether to do rallying or not to be honest. Believe he'll be in a Fiesta for RMC whatever though (DSTM!).

:D I knew what you meant, just getting the banter going before we get cooped up in the alps with the other guys!!! The next month can't go quick enough! Got my polarising filters bought off ebay today so the pics won't glare-out (even for the Fuji bridge camera!)
So other forumers who else is going to MC besides our party ?

[satnav]

Stage maps are now on the ACM Site
http://www.acm.mc/page-document-rally.p ... ousmenu=24 (http://www.acm.mc/page-document-rally.php?id_menu=4&id_sousmenu=24)

[litifeta]

Bring it on. Starts on my birthday. Already practicing the stages on WRC4. Need to get RBR one day.

[wwbroe]

People who need Google Earth map or detailed maps for Monte Carlo 2014 can PM me. ;)

[Ralph-Mario]

A. Kremer Fiesta R5

http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm ... index.html (http://www.rallye-magazin.de/rallyes/wm/nachrichten/news-detail/d/2013/12/14/armin-kremer-im-fiesta-r5-zur-monte/index.html)

[noel157]

With entries closed when is the official list released?

Edit - 20th I think.

[noel157]

With entries closed when is the official list released?

[EightGear]

20th I believe.

[satnav]

Yea according to the regs the entry list is published on the 20th

[Mintexmemory]

Question - the ZP locations, mandatory or recommended? -if mandatory there'll be too few places for the public to spread out. Some advice lifted from Forum-Rallye - get there early and walk a long way (to avoid les flics)

[wwbroe]

Question - the ZP locations, mandatory or recommended? -if mandatory there'll be too few places for the public to spread out. Some advice lifted from Forum-Rallye - get there early and walk a long way (to avoid les flics)

Those places are not mandatory, only recomended, but you can choose your own spot. It will surely help if you arrive on time, if you want to be at a place "locked up" in the stage i advice you to go a long time in advance. ;)

[Mirek]

Yes, in RMC in most cases spectators enjoy absolute freedom. There are places where You don't meet a marshal for 1-2 km but on the other hand the most crowded places are guarded strictly by gendarmerie and marshals. So it may happen that You arrive to a crowded place and they won't let You cross the road one hour before start but if You walk along few hundred meters You can do whatever You want...

[Mintexmemory]

Question - the ZP locations, mandatory or recommended? -if mandatory there'll be too few places for the public to spread out. Some advice lifted from Forum-Rallye - get there early and walk a long way (to avoid les flics)

Those places are not mandatory, only recomended, but you can choose your own spot. It will surely help if you arrive on time, if you want to be at a place "locked up" in the stage i advice you to go a long time in advance. ;)
Thanks, WW, we will be early but accessing from open roads as we want some timetable flexibility. Got to say the length of the Saturday stages is not great but I imagine that is to avoid some of last year's problems

[kornes]

Hi, this is the first time I'm going to the Monte Carlo rally, and I will rent a car at the airport of Marseille, but I'm not catching chains,that you think? A friends who were repeatedly told me they were not necessary but to relocate I'm not sure.
Any recommendations for the cold?
How are the specials less a month away?
Thaks and sorry for my English

[wwbroe]

Kornes, your English is fine. Most of the time you don't really need chains on your rental car. But you have to know that it is mandatory to have chains with you to access certain roads. If you take rental car it is advisable that you have winter tyres on it. It depends ofcourse of weather conditions, but with normal tyres you most probably will get stuck somewhere. ;)

By the way, you have private message.

[Mirek]

I entered all roads without chains (but with winter tyres) but I admit I got stuck once some 2 km from Col St. Jean of SS Moutauban in 2009 when the overnight snow calamity came in :D In fact a majority of French drivers had summer tyres combined with chains what made me sometimes furious because in condition where You can normally drive with winter tyres they were incredibly slow :) Anyway it might be problem to get winter tyres on the rental car in Marseilles or Nice, or am I wrong?

[Oppositelock]

Biggest problem could be - weather depending - that car rental companies in Nice never heard of snow tyres. It happend to me, that I made reservations for snow chains, and when I arrived in Nice "sorry, we don't have" was the answer . . .

[CWJ]

My advice: Make sure you have winter tyres and chains or 4x4. Call directly to your rental station in advance. Last year police stopped all cars without winter equipment in the morning at village exit Sospel 12km before Moulinet... :)

[big_sw2000]

Working at a Volvo dealership, we are under the understanding that chains or snow socks are mandatory under French law in the Alps

Steve

[wwbroe]

The problem is that car rental companies in Nice or Marseille mostly don't offer the option to have winter tyres. If you can fly to Grenoble that is another matter, there almost all rental cars are equiped with winter tyres. My advice is to contact your rental agency well in advance and ask about it. ;)

[Mintexmemory]

Do any of our Czech members know if Prokop and Kostka are entered for MC?
Similarly Polish info on Kosciuszko and Solowow welcome

[Mirek]

Prokop yes, with two cars (second car for Slovak Melichárek). I have no idea about Kostka but I guess he is not going to start.

[kornes]

Is not easy, I spoke with my rental car company and they said they did not have chains, which is thought to catch them at a nearby gas station, because winter tires also have them.

[Mintexmemory]

Is not easy, I spoke with my rental car company and they said they did not have chains, which is thought to catch them at a nearby gas station, because winter tires also have them.

Norauto are the French tyre suppliers who also stock chains. Own brand Peugeot 206-fitting chains cost 29.90 euro - cheaper than the hire company will charge I'm sure. Look up the Marseille outlet and make that you first stop. We are doing that when we arrive at Nice.

[tolis]

A secret driver will drive a Balbosca Peugeot 207 S2000 in Rallye Monte Carlo. Nicola Arena was the co-driver. Tests today...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575727_634376803270741_90909879_n.jpg

[Mintexmemory]

[quote="tolis"]A secret driver will drive a Balbosca Peugeot 207 S2000 in Rallye Monte Carlo. Nicola Arena was the co-driver. Tests today...


Gigi? - has to be an Italian.

Rumour from the French media - Bouffier and Delecour in Fiesta WRCs - That would be very nice!

[pettersolberg29]

Bouffier is a cert for Monte, 99% chance it'll be a Fiesta. Would love to see Delecour again too!

[jacko]

Delecour confirms Monte return:

Former world rally star Francois Delecour will return to the Monte Carlo Rally next year, two years since he last contested the event. Delecour, 51-year-old, will drive an M-Sport Fiesta RS WRC, with backing from Romania’s tourist board (like 2012), in the Monte Carlo Rally next month.

On that previous occasion the Frenchman finished sixth – ahead of a number of rising stars – and this time his aim is to go one better, co-driven as always by Dominique Savignoni: who actually drove the final stage of the rally in 2012.

“Being realistic, I’m going to aim for fifth – and even that will be a very big challenge,” Delecour said. “But at least we can take Sebastien Loeb out of the equation, so that’s already a place gained for me! I also think it’s asking a lot from Hyundai to be competitive on their first Monte. So we know who our direct rivals will be and if things go well for us, we could be fifth. Whatever happens, I’m going to really enjoy it. I love this rally and I’m looking forward to driving there already.”

Delecour will test the Fiesta RS WRC in early January, prior to his 98th WRC start and his 17th in the Principality.

[Allyc85]

Great to see Francois out again :)

Whats the best thing to do about mobile internet down there? Im guessing buying a pre-paid sim from a local company (Recomendations?) is the way forwards?

[Tom206wrc]

A secret driver will drive a Balbosca Peugeot 207 S2000 in Rallye Monte Carlo. Nicola Arena was the co-driver. Tests today...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575727_634376803270741_90909879_n.jpg


It was Matteo Gamba ;)

[edmundas]

It is the first time I am going to the Monte Carlo Rally. And I was wondering about road conditions in the special stages. Are there any stages which are usually covered with snow or ice on Thursday, Friday and Saturday? If not, for which stages are the biggest possibility to be covered with snow or ice? Because I would prefer to watch the rally cars on snowy roads.

[kornes]

How far in advance closed sections? It would be possible to go to the ES1 going through the 3rd ES?

[bluuford]

Great to see Francois out again :)

Whats the best thing to do about mobile internet down there? Im guessing buying a pre-paid sim from a local company (Recomendations?) is the way forwards?

From my experince with some people on the stage giving weather data.. quite often, there is no coverage on the mountains.. not even mobile connection. back-up is always radio.

[Mirek]

It is the first time I am going to the Monte Carlo Rally. And I was wondering about road conditions in the special stages. Are there any stages which are usually covered with snow or ice on Thursday, Friday and Saturday? If not, for which stages are the biggest possibility to be covered with snow or ice? Because I would prefer to watch the rally cars on snowy roads.

This edition is from majority new compared to last years. The rally center of first days was moved from Valence to Gap and majority of the stages were not used for ages. As far as I know the area shall have generally more snow than Valence region but with RMC You never know. I was there four times and the weather was varying very much. SS3/6 was used in IRC years (in longer variant) and usually was covered by snow. In 2009 and 2010 it was awesome one but I admit I have always been in the part which is cut away for 2014.

Generally when the weather is not clear for snow and ice I would choose high altitude places in the shadow of the mountains or under the trees. You can have completely dry southern slopes while northern ones are covered by snow in the same time. On the other hand if You choose one two hundred meters long icy patch of two dry stages You would only see a slow motion rallying so always think about which tyres they could use for Your loop before choosing place. Also if it starts raining on a thick ice it's usually very boring to watch. They drive very slowly in the ruts. I would also choose uphill sections if I knew they are on wrong tyres.

[Mirek]

From my experince with some people on the stage giving weather data.. quite often, there is no coverage on the mountains.. not even mobile connection. back-up is always radio.

I can confirm as I tried to inform Bluuford myself :D For example in 2011 the famous tyre disaster... I was there and we all saw how it looked there but there was no GSM signal anywhere around.

[tommeke_B]

http://www.inforoute05.fr/wir3/document ... C_2014.pdf (http://www.inforoute05.fr/wir3/documents/WRC_RMC_2014.pdf)

Some info concerning stages (and shakedown) near gap, with road closure times etc. ;)

[RICARDO75]

A secret driver will drive a Balbosca Peugeot 207 S2000 in Rallye Monte Carlo. Nicola Arena was the co-driver. Tests today...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/575727_634376803270741_90909879_n.jpg


It was Matteo Gamba ;)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hviDgSOlVkU&feature=em-uploademail

[Mintexmemory]

http://www.inforoute05.fr/wir3/documents/WRC_RMC_2014.pdf

Some info concerning stages (and shakedown) near gap, with road closure times etc. ;)

Link for Road closures from official site

http://www.acm.mc/documents/4/ANNEXE%20 ... ROUTES.xls (http://www.acm.mc/documents/4/ANNEXE%20A4%20-%20FERMETURE%20DES%20ROUTES.xls)

[jbmarcus21]

Google Earth Map Monte Carlo is out http://bit.ly/H4VScy

[mousti]

Entry list is out!

http://www.acm.mc/documents/4/LISTE%20D ... IORITE.pdf (http://www.acm.mc/documents/4/LISTE%20DES%20ENGAGES%20PAR%20LISTE%20DE%20PRIORIT E.pdf)

No real surprises besides that Marc Duez is entered in a Porsche!

[Mirek]

Almost 100 cars. Nice!

[Mintexmemory]

...and published to the deadline!!! Things are looking good. Can't grumble at 14 WRC cars!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke & Evans.. Brits are back ! :)

[Dug83]

Meeke & Evans.. Brits are back ! :)

And Paul Nagle has turned French!

[tolis]

Almost 100 cars. Nice!
Actually 71 cars! ;)

[pantealex]

Almost 100 cars. Nice!
Actually 71 cars! ;)

Rare mistake from you Mirek ;)

[Mirek]

Actually 71 cars! ;)

1:0 for You :smokin:

[noel157]

You should be ashamed of yourself Mirek :)

Veselé Vánoce

[Mirek]

Thanks, Merry Christmas for You too!

[Allyc85]

Very nice lookig entry, and to have 2 Brits and a 911 tops its off extreamly nicely :D :bounce:

[Mintexmemory]

Very nice lookig entry, and to have 2 Brits and a 911 tops its off extreamly nicely :D :bounce:

Are you going to be saying 'Are we there yet?' all the way from Nice to Sigoyer?

[tommeke_B]

Nice to see Duez-Porsche on the list!

Duez drove a Porsche 996 GT3 once in snowy conditions, see video below. :) This is the very "basic" GT3 rallycar, should be very close (if not legal) to the FIA GT rules.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRj8OEkkHfA

[Allyc85]

Very nice lookig entry, and to have 2 Brits and a 911 tops its off extreamly nicely :D :bounce:

Are you going to be saying 'Are we there yet?' all the way from Nice to Sigoyer?

Depends if we take the scenic route up the Route Napoleon north of Grasse!

[Mintexmemory]

I shall indulge in several Ricards after the days work is done.

Route des Alpes as we are avoiding tolls and have the time

[kornes]

Any recommendation for second day? Is there any fast zone with snow that has easy access?
What time the Shakedown start? At 08:00 for P1-P2 Drivers?
Thanks

[Mintexmemory]

Any recommendation for second day? Is there any fast zone with snow that has easy access?
What time the Shakedown start? At 08:00 for P1-P2 Drivers?
Thanks

Programme is in RG2 on the ACM website
Recommended points can be found in the french Forum Rallye site in their MC Guide pdf download. At the moment Day 2 snow isn't predicable, but I think as Mirek has already said look for northfacing shadowed roads at higher altitude for the best chance.

[Mintexmemory]

No snow forecast for next 5 days :( This time next week we'll be in the gite, eating cassoulet, drinking cote du rhone and 1664, pouring over the maps. Bluford can you offer any hope?

[mousti]

GoPro footage of Bouffier's test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQmIqN2mZMA

[Andre Oliveira]

Already posted on WRC testing thread.

[kolin]

GoPro footage of Bouffier's test

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQmIqN2mZMA


Very poor video. There's nothing to see. Viewing only the snowdrifts

[bluuford]

No snow forecast for next 5 days :( This time next week we'll be in the gite, eating cassoulet, drinking cote du rhone and 1664, pouring over the maps. Bluford can you offer any hope?
Cold air from the N and NE comes to Europe starting from this weekend.. It is likely that some of it reaches to Alps as well (by the end of next week). But it is too far to say anything about this region.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Any chance of some live TV or internet stream coverage ?

[dimviii]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1604960_565013050250881_1453129093_n.jpg

[mousti]

Test for Robert Kubica is cancelled today.

An interview with Robert about it..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=70 ... eam_ref=10 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=706534346032231&stream_ref=10)

Can any of our Polish members translate this? :)

[Simorally86]

Hi guys!
Start cerimony will be on Monday 13 at 20:15, as written on the homepage of the acm, or on Tuesday 14 in the afternoon as written in Rally Guide 1?

[mousti]

Test for Robert Kubica is cancelled today.

An interview with Robert about it..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=70 ... eam_ref=10 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=706534346032231&stream_ref=10)

Can any of our Polish members translate this? :)
Seems the MSport truck broke down between Jänner and France, so today no test but normally tomorrow he will test the Fiesta WRC.

[Barreis]

That's because the truck was too heavy, Qatar stickers wasn't removed down...:D

[SubaruNorway]

Hi guys!
Start cerimony will be on Monday 13 at 20:15, as written on the homepage of the acm, or on Tuesday 14 in the afternoon as written in Rally Guide 1?


Says monday in rally guide 2, they sure are good at dragging things out in Monte Carlo.

[newfrank]

Hi. Someone knows the best places in the SS2 Rosans, SS8 Selonnet, and SS10 Clumanc? This year will be our first Montecarlo and we need help. Thankyou all.

[Mintexmemory]

Hi guys!
Start cerimony will be on Monday 13 at 20:15, as written on the homepage of the acm, or on Tuesday 14 in the afternoon as written in Rally Guide 1?


Says monday in rally guide 2, they sure are good at dragging things out in Monte Carlo.

Its Monday evening, they are in the area as Monday is the last 2 stages recce day. Back to service park on Tuesday ready for shakedown on Wednesday.
@ newfrank - the Rally Guide on Forum-Rallye.com gives the guide to all the stages and has been very useful. However your choices look to be stages where you have to 'lock in' to get to the best places. Hope we all have a great time.

[newfrank]

@Mintexmemory Thanks. I will see this rally guide.

[uranium]

Test for Robert Kubica is cancelled today.

An interview with Robert about it..

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=70 ... eam_ref=10 (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=706534346032231&stream_ref=10)

Can any of our Polish members translate this? :)

In two words what is important - They planned two days testing, but truck was broken on the way from Jänner Rallye and Robert has one day testing only. Anyway car was rebuild to WRC spec. He is disappointed a bit, but hopes it will go well with the car.

If you need detailed translation, just le me know :)

[mousti]

In two words what is important - They planned two days testing, but truck was broken on the way from Jänner Rallye and Robert has one day testing only. Anyway car was rebuild to WRC spec. He is disappointed a bit, but hopes it will go well with the car.

If you need detailed translation, just le me know :)
Thank you :-)

[dimviii]

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/9223/hzgk.png
https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q71/s720x720/1098251_580757752004284_781421518_n.jpg

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 281256.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-4604-0-68419700-1389281256.jpg)

[Jordib]

Any chance of some live TV or internet stream coverage ?

YES!! At least in Spain's Canal+ there are 3 live stages scheduled: Vitrolles-Faye 2 on friday and Sospel-Breouil s/Royans 1 & 2 on saturday:

http://www.plus.es/guia/busqueda-simple ... lo&x=0&y=0 (http://www.plus.es/guia/busqueda-simple?term=Rally+de+Monte+Carlo&x=0&y=0)

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ok9vQ1MAAkY#t=414

[litifeta]

Good to see Jari speak in those terms. Yes, just get some points on the board first, and then apply pressure in the rallies you feel comfortable in.

[bluuford]

Long term prognoses are interesting for Monte weather (usually such long prognoses are still pretty unreliable). If my calculations are correct the a lot of rain on the lower elevations and up to 40 cm of snow on the higher elevations

[noel157]

Long term prognoses are interesting for Monte weather (usually such long prognoses are still pretty unreliable). If my calculations are correct the a lot of rain on the lower elevations and up to 40 cm of snow on the higher elevations

That'll be good, typical RMC conditions.

[amilk]

Long term prognoses are interesting for Monte weather (usually such long prognoses are still pretty unreliable). If my calculations are correct the a lot of rain on the lower elevations and up to 40 cm of snow on the higher elevations

Thanks and looks not bad. What can be the freezing level (snow)?

[bluuford]

Not very reliable to tell right now, current data indicates that it should be between 800 and 1000 meters

[stefanvv]

Any chance of some live TV or internet stream coverage ?

YES!! At least in Spain's Canal+ there are 3 live stages scheduled: Vitrolles-Faye 2 on friday and Sospel-Breouil s/Royans 1 & 2 on saturday:

http://www.plus.es/guia/busqueda-simple ... lo&x=0&y=0 (http://www.plus.es/guia/busqueda-simple?term=Rally+de+Monte+Carlo&x=0&y=0)
That's great, I hope there will be online stream.

[Jordib]

Any chance of some live TV or internet stream coverage ?

YES!! At least in Spain's Canal+ there are 3 live stages scheduled: Vitrolles-Faye 2 on friday and Sospel-Breouil s/Royans 1 & 2 on saturday:

http://www.plus.es/guia/busqueda-simple ... lo&x=0&y=0 (http://www.plus.es/guia/busqueda-simple?term=Rally+de+Monte+Carlo&x=0&y=0)
That's great, I hope there will be online stream.

Of course, here for example: http://tvenganchado.com/canalplus/deportesop2.php

I also think there will be plenty of broadcasters worldwide showing these live stages, C+ only buys the promotor images. Maybe we can see the live streaming on the new website?

[dimviii]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmuK51EOX2M

[mousti]

Kubica testing for Monte Carlo + Interview

http://www.autosport.cz/clanek.php?cl=15991

[dimviii]

Hyundai
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdnt8EDCYAAnFqK.jpg

[Mirek]

Isn't that some supermarket? :D

[Motorsportfun]

Italian WRC-2 contender Max Rendina met Pope Francis in Rome for a benediction:
http://www.rallyemotion.it/8165_wrc-2-m ... -benedice/ (http://www.rallyemotion.it/8165_wrc-2-max-rendina-incontra-il-papa-che-lo-benedice/)

[dimviii]

Isn't that some supermarket? :D

looks huge!

[Motorsportfun]

New pics shows big glass facade... hope it will be kind of Press Center of 2012 Eurovision!

http://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/new ... .az_70.jpg (http://www.eurovision.tv/img/upload/news/2012/Baku/Arena/Photographer_Vugar_Ibadoveurovision.az_70.jpg)

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3415-0-29772400-1389378608.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 378473.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-4604-0-32349000-1389378473.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 378511.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-4604-0-85163300-1389378511.jpg)

[RS]

Now I see where Hyundai's 80 million Euros went :D

Is that just a hospitality area or is it also the "service tent"?

[kolin]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3415-0-29772400-1389378608.jpg


whose livery it is?

[dimviii]

Barrable,sorry the forum doesn t show all the photo,if you open it in a new page you will see it.
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 378608.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3415-0-29772400-1389378608.jpg)

[Mintexmemory]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3415-0-29772400-1389378608.jpg


whose livery it is?

It' Robbie Barrable's late entry. Much greater prominence for Tunnocks than at WRGB. For those that don't know, a Tunnocks caramel wafer biscuit is an essential part of every Scottish kid's school lunch box and is as stereotypically scots as deep fried mars bars and haggis!

[mousti]

BMW's are going to be used as recce car for Hyundai Motorsport...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdsSz-pCMAArthy.jpg:large

[pettersolberg29]

Barrable's is a great looking livery! Love Tunnocks, love Fiestas so it's win win.

[RS]

BMW's are going to be used as recce car for Hyundai Motorsport...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdsSz-pCMAArthy.jpg:large

That's great advertising for Hyundai :rolleyes:

[306 Cosworth]

BMW's are going to be used as recce car for Hyundai Motorsport...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdsSz-pCMAArthy.jpg:large

That's great advertising for Hyundai :rolleyes:

No different to M-Sport/Ford using Volvo's and Citroen using Mitsubishi Evos?

[RS]

Volvo at least used to be part of the same group as Ford, Citroen I can kind of understand as I don't think they have any 4wd in their range?

I just think it shows a lack of confidence in your own brand!

Are they allowed studs on recce cars? Otherwise the Hyundai boys are going to struggle if there is snow and ice.

[tommeke_B]

BMW 1 series with Xdrive? ;) It's important that in recce you have a car on which you feel the road well. It wouldn't be the first time a driver complains his notes are not good because he had a car that did not suit the road or match the car they compete in. Hyundai's only 4WD cars are SUV's, they are not really suited for doing recce for a rally. And I guess Mitsubishi or Subaru would be too much direct competitors on the car market? ;) I think the choice makes sense...

[GigiGalliNo1]

Makes sense if you can buy a german car in Germany very cheaply!

[Mirek]

Makes sense if you can buy a german car in Germany very cheaply!

Sorry, but the last thing important for Hyundai is to save few thousand Euro on recce cars...

[RICARDO75]

Volvo at least used to be part of the same group as Ford, Citroen I can kind of understand as I don't think they have any 4wd in their range?

I just think it shows a lack of confidence in your own brand!

Are they allowed studs on recce cars? Otherwise the Hyundai boys are going to struggle if there is snow and ice.


And the PSA Group has a partnership with Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi ASX/ Citroën C4 Aircross)

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/q71/1601492_10152128575565733_84011077_n.jpg

[Rallyper]

BMW 1 series with Xdrive? ;) It's important that in recce you have a car on which you feel the road well. It wouldn't be the first time a driver complains his notes are not good because he had a car that did not suit the road or match the car they compete in. Hyundai's only 4WD cars are SUV's, they are not really suited for doing recce for a rally. And I guess Mitsubishi or Subaru would be too much direct competitors on the car market? ;) I think the choice makes sense...

Very good choice I would say. :)

[rage82]

Does any of you guys have some photos from the day 1 of the recce?

[dimviii]

Does any of you guys have some photos from the day 1 of the recce?

with 2 beers i am ok.

[dimviii]

ok 1 beer?

[dimviii]

there are the photos.No beers? :(
http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/635 ... en-ogier-3 (http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/6358/essais-prives-sebastien-ogier-3)

[stefanvv]

Only wine in winter, beers in the summer :D

[Allyc85]

Well im pretty much packed and ready to go! Bit of a drive up to Gatwick from Devon tomorrow ready for mondays flight, but it will so, so be worth it :D

[rage82]

there are the photos.No beers? :(
http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/635 ... en-ogier-3 (http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/6358/essais-prives-sebastien-ogier-3)
There are only photos from the pre event testing and not from recce day 1. So no beers for you
:) :) :)

[manthey]

BMW 1 series with Xdrive? ;) It's important that in recce you have a car on which you feel the road well. It wouldn't be the first time a driver complains his notes are not good because he had a car that did not suit the road or match the car they compete in. Hyundai's only 4WD cars are SUV's, they are not really suited for doing recce for a rally. And I guess Mitsubishi or Subaru would be too much direct competitors on the car market? ;) I think the choice makes sense...

I would add also that Bmw 1 has 50:50 weight's balance, so it can match better what you find in a wrc

[Mintexmemory]

Vino or Tom (or any other french member). Lots of debate regarding ZP on Forum Rallye. Is it published (in writing) anywhere that the public can't go anywhere but these zones? I specifically asked the roads dept of Hautes Alpes council if a road to ES7 would be closed and received a reply assuring me that it would be open. So it doesn't look as though people will be prevented from approaching the route. Any help appreciated.

[WRC1]

Long term prognoses are interesting for Monte weather (usually such long prognoses are still pretty unreliable). If my calculations are correct the a lot of rain on the lower elevations and up to 40 cm of snow on the higher elevations

bluuford: any update, or any changes in weather predictions? as we are only 4 days before the start?

[Mirek]

Vino or Tom (or any other french member). Lots of debate regarding ZP on Forum Rallye. Is it published (in writing) anywhere that the public can't go anywhere but these zones? I specifically asked the roads dept of Hautes Alpes council if a road to ES7 would be closed and received a reply assuring me that it would be open. So it doesn't look as though people will be prevented from approaching the route. Any help appreciated.

From my experience I wouldn't worry at all. There used to be so few marshals on the stages and they were "guarding" only the most known spectator points. Everywhere else there has always been absolute freedom for spectators. I doubt they would change the approach so radically.

[Rallyper]

Vino or Tom (or any other french member). Lots of debate regarding ZP on Forum Rallye. Is it published (in writing) anywhere that the public can't go anywhere but these zones? I specifically asked the roads dept of Hautes Alpes council if a road to ES7 would be closed and received a reply assuring me that it would be open. So it doesn't look as though people will be prevented from approaching the route. Any help appreciated.

From my experience I wouldn't worry at all. There used to be so few marshals on the stages and they were "guarding" only the most known spectator points. Everywhere else there has always been absolute freedom for spectators. I doubt they would change the approach so radically.

You´re probably right, but putting same pressure as they do to organizers like Sweden and Finland would make them increase safety quite a lot.

[Mirek]

You know the stages of RMC have very few access points so I personally expect them to make gendarmerie maneuvers at those points. In the past in some points it was like that too (for example on Saint Bonnet when You came from the "arena"). At certain point we had to sneak around them but since then in next two-three kilometers we didn't meet a single marshal.

[Mintexmemory]

Thanks for the advice Mirek, my fear is that there is a change of strategy and that the same problems people reported from Alsace will be repeated here. There are almost none of the classic Monte epingles listed as ZP but the viewpoint for many of these is a perfectly safe high bank

[vino_93]

Vino or Tom (or any other french member). Lots of debate regarding ZP on Forum Rallye. Is it published (in writing) anywhere that the public can't go anywhere but these zones? I specifically asked the roads dept of Hautes Alpes council if a road to ES7 would be closed and received a reply assuring me that it would be open. So it doesn't look as though people will be prevented from approaching the route. Any help appreciated.


well in fact people in France are effraid by new regulations for spectators which says people can't stay out of spectator zone. If it's not the case, organizers had to cancel the stage.
In the fact, I'm quite sceptical. Each year in "moutain rallies", marshall can't control people.
So the regulation is new for 2014, and it'll be the first rally with it ... I can't say you how it'll be. I suppose gendarmerie will try to stricter than they are usually.

[Mintexmemory]

Vino or Tom (or any other french member). Lots of debate regarding ZP on Forum Rallye. Is it published (in writing) anywhere that the public can't go anywhere but these zones? I specifically asked the roads dept of Hautes Alpes council if a road to ES7 would be closed and received a reply assuring me that it would be open. So it doesn't look as though people will be prevented from approaching the route. Any help appreciated.


well in fact people in France are effraid by new regulations for spectators which says people can't stay out of spectator zone. If it's not the case, organizers had to cancel the stage.
In the fact, I'm quite sceptical. Each year in "moutain rallies", marshall can't control people.
So the regulation is new for 2014, and it'll be the first rally with it ... I can't say you how it'll be. I suppose gendarmerie will try to stricter than they are usually.

My french isn't good enough to argue with les flics! Reco on Tuesday will need to take account of evasion routes ;). Zut alors, putain, merde!!!

[Mirek]

well in fact people in France are effraid by new regulations for spectators which says people can't stay out of spectator zone. If it's not the case, organizers had to cancel the stage.
In the fact, I'm quite sceptical. Each year in "moutain rallies", marshall can't control people.
So the regulation is new for 2014, and it'll be the first rally with it ... I can't say you how it'll be. I suppose gendarmerie will try to stricter than they are usually.

Aha, I didn't know. That sounds bad but frankly I can not imagine how they are going to enforce that. They would have to cancel all stages...

[Franky]

well in fact people in France are effraid by new regulations for spectators which says people can't stay out of spectator zone. If it's not the case, organizers had to cancel the stage.
In the fact, I'm quite sceptical. Each year in "moutain rallies", marshall can't control people.
So the regulation is new for 2014, and it'll be the first rally with it ... I can't say you how it'll be. I suppose gendarmerie will try to stricter than they are usually.

Aha, I didn't know. That sounds bad but frankly I can not imagine how they are going to enforce that. They would have to cancel all stages...

Or all the spectators out of the zones will start wearing military style camouflage suits

[dimviii]

Delecour
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/ ... 3652_o.jpg (https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1602163_566095600151967_864063652_o.jpg)

Barrable
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 4915_n.jpg (https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/q83/s720x720/1505182_582131608533565_1361754915_n.jpg)

Hyundai
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 4610_n.jpg (https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1551711_722303484461141_111194610_n.jpg)

Melicharek
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 2103_n.jpg (https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q74/s720x720/1545556_483048711801522_1553212103_n.jpg)

[dimviii]

there are the photos.No beers? :(
http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/635 ... en-ogier-3 (http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/6358/essais-prives-sebastien-ogier-3)
There are only photos from the pre event testing and not from recce day 1. So no beers for you
:) :) :)
my beers please
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 521521.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-91559700-1389521521.jpg)

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 521555.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-97653100-1389521555.jpg)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport drivers views on the Monte:

Mikko Hirvonen said:

"I'm really excited to be back with the team and back in the Fiesta [RS WRC]. As soon as we got back behind the wheel we had a good feeling with the car and it is that kind of thing that can really help. Of course there is always room for more testing and it would have been nice to have a few more days after two years away, but I feel as though we are ready for the challenge.

"Monte-Carlo is a difficult event. The conditions can be so changeable and you often have to make compromises with the tyres. We didn't have much snow for our test and it was actually quite mild, so if the weather stays like that I would be quite happy.

"We need to see what happens, but a podium will definitely be in my mind. This season will be a little different, and I think we can look to take a few risks in the beginning. We need to see what happens, but I am here to be competitive and if we can secure a podium finish it would be a very good result for us."

http://www.qatarmsportwrt.com/media/k2/items/cache/7f2cd38b7681e6e2ef83b5a7a5385264_M.jpg

Elfyn Evans said:

"Our approach for this event will be to gain as much knowledge as we can. There is no doubting that it will be a difficult start to the year, but I am really looking forward to the challenge. We're here to learn and to make the most of this opportunity for the years to come.

"Monte is known to be a bit of a lottery. The conditions can be really unpredictable and it will also be the first time that I have had to work with an ice note crew, so that might take some getting used to. We started testing earlier this week. We had some really tricky conditions on the first day, but we were able to run a lot of different variations with the tyres which should hopefully see us well prepared for anything the Monte has to offer.

"Of course we all understand how unforgiving this event can be. I've only ever driven the Fiesta RS WRC on gravel in competition, so our main objective will be to make it to the finish ramp with as much experience as possible."

Robert Kubica said:

"As a new chapter in my rally career begins, I am really looking forward to next week's Rallye Monte-Carlo. It is a big challenge that should never be underestimated. My priority is to gain priceless experience while I participate there for the first time."

[tommeke_B]

https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 2088_n.jpg (https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1546452_10202465165006935_1636242088_n.jpg) Duez his GT3 :)

[Kielder]

Hyundai's cars have already arrived in Gap:

http://i44.tinypic.com/2mi5cnn.jpg

[Lord_Shaitan]

Volkswagens on place too:
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdya0-kCIAAX2Xb.jpg:large

[wrchirek]

Hyundai builds a showroom at the port of Monte Carlo as well, and there was their test car and other two WRC as well. As I see, they have a quite large budget. Prokop, Maurin, and some other crews/cars was there today noon as well. Some pics:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/826/kjih.jpg

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/854/t6l6.jpg

Bad news, that SIT will do the timing this year again, I hope much better than in 2013.

[Criterium]

Hello,
I'm a French raIly and cartography fan. I would like to propose another way to make your recce. We created RallyVista an application which make the stages "alive" running a car through it. This program was launched last year for the Rallye International du Valais and we extended it to Monte-Carlo Rally.
http://i56.servimg.com/u/f56/15/38/23/21/presrv12.jpg

To have a look on our site:
http://www.interacti...ali/rallyvista/

You can give me your feedback.

(we also have a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook...497685080344289 )

[Kielder]

http://i43.tinypic.com/dfy2om.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdy_xr1CcAA3IzW.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/q71/1521863_10151935712062987_1286357459_n.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q75/s720x720/1531771_10151802251765404_245063253_n.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1503994_582258631854196_1697973650_n.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/q71/s720x720/1497664_10151964708328952_1483967939_n.jpg

[Andre Oliveira]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/1609881_10151964627768952_680470128_n.jpg

[dimviii]

?urini yesterday evening
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BduM7wqCYAAex0p.jpg
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/BdxlK0FCEAAOTXN.jpg
http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdx2ELcCcAA5g-g.jpg

[WRC1]

?urini yesterday evening

http://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bdx2ELcCcAA5g-g.jpg

do you know if this (last) picture is also from turini or somewhere else??

[pettersolberg29]

The last picture is from Sisteron - the only place with snow so far according to Julian

[Andre Oliveira]

Tyre roullete, weather changes, great drivers, great cars, new cars, beautifull decos,... Monte Carlo are coming :bounce: :bounce:

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p200x200/1609646_10151964799383952_1528477585_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p200x200/1510934_10151964800253952_1403036721_n.jpg

[dimviii]

Tyre roullete, weather changes, great drivers, great cars, new cars, beautifull decos,... Monte Carlo are coming :bounce: :bounce:

cant wait!!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:


http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 553114.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-57316700-1389553114.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 553208.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-31977400-1389553208.jpg)

[Kielder]

Video of Polo & i20 today in Monaco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIgsHkPEHus

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/9102_472352029543133_678073949_n.jpg

[wwbroe]

Hello,
I'm a French raIly and cartography fan. I would like to propose another way to make your recce. We created RallyVista an application which make the stages "alive" running a car through it. This program was launched last year for the Rallye International du Valais and we extended it to Monte-Carlo Rally.

To have a look on our site:
http://www.interacti...ali/rallyvista/

You can give me your feedback.

(we also have a Facebook page:
https://www.facebook...497685080344289 )

The link to your website that you are giving doesn't seem to work for me :(

[KKS]

The link to your website that you are giving doesn't seem to work for me :(
http://www.interactiveinfluence.com/tec ... t=monaco14 (http://www.interactiveinfluence.com/techali/rallyvista/rally/monaco14.html?target=monaco14)

[KKS]

https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p200x200/1609646_10151964799383952_1528477585_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p200x200/1510934_10151964800253952_1403036721_n.jpg
Looks like Protasov car livery so popular :)

[wwbroe]

The link to your website that you are giving doesn't seem to work for me :(
http://www.interactiveinfluence.com/tec ... t=monaco14 (http://www.interactiveinfluence.com/techali/rallyvista/rally/monaco14.html?target=monaco14)

Ok, thanks KKS, now it is working just fine, intresting option to take a look at the stages. :)

[Criterium]

Sorry, I did not see that it gave a cut link.
Here are the right links:

http://www.interactiveinfluence.com/techali/rallyvista/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rally-Vi ... 5080344289 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rally-Vista/497685080344289)

Enjoy the simulation !

[mousti]

Good that they changed the rule about the names on rear window, now it's again how it should be :)

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen checking notes
http://distilleryimage3.ak.instagram.com/c8ec26307bac11e38d9212ba281a7a4b_8.jpg

[EightGear]

Good that they changed the rule about the names on rear window, now it's again how it should be :)

How do you mean?

[Andre Oliveira]

Good that they changed the rule about the names on rear window, now it's again how it should be :)

Hope, one day, see big white square as number like in past

[mousti]

List of tyres allowed in Monte Carlo

http://www.acm.mc/documents/4/BULLETIN_3.pdf

[pettersolberg29]

Up bright and early, and on my way to Monte Carlo - 2014 starts now!

[HarriK]

some day...some day... I will be in MC rally also as spectator. But not in this year yet... :/

[litifeta]

Thanks KKS. I can see you have done a lot of work on the project. It has heaps of potential.

[thuGG]

http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaemb ... iginal.jpg (http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/786/7296/original.jpg)

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 602009.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-23034200-1389602009.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 602263.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-19689000-1389602263.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 602917.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-71771900-1389602917.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 604602.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-64890000-1389604602.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 605392.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-95802500-1389605392.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 605463.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-35155200-1389605463.jpg)

[tommeke_B]

Any updates regarding the weather? When I'm looking on the website of Meteo France it looks like it's going to be a normal tarmac rally? Most likely some rain but too warm for snowy conditions?

[newfrank]

Snowy weather on Thursday and Friday? Or a normal tarmac rally? :(

[V.Gatev]

Some information about live stages on Laola1.tv?

[rage82]

Good that they changed the rule about the names on rear window, now it's again how it should be :)

How do you mean?
I think he means that on both rear windows driver's name is first.

[KKS]

Thanks KKS. I can see you have done a lot of work on the project. It has heaps of potential.
It's not my project :). I was interested with this idea and just googled correct link. And share with others correct link :)

[rage82]

there are the photos.No beers? :(
http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/635 ... en-ogier-3 (http://www.notryaphotos.com/rallyes/6358/essais-prives-sebastien-ogier-3)
There are only photos from the pre event testing and not from recce day 1. So no beers for you
:) :) :)
my beers please
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 521521.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-91559700-1389521521.jpg)

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 521555.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-97653100-1389521555.jpg)
Deal! When we meet someday in Acropolis:)

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 610126.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-37742800-1389610126.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 610099.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-68629500-1389610099.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 610057.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-98217800-1389610057.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 609749.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-24613600-1389609749.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 609494.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-97283100-1389609494.jpg)

[dimviii]

turini photos from Colin today
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd2-m5pIAAAD486.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd29Y_yIYAAnThR.jpg

[RICARDO75]

http://static.blogs.sudinfo.be/media/114/941076747.jpg

http://static.blogs.sudinfo.be/media/114/2573997738.jpg

[RICARDO75]

I think m-sport should switch the black livery to a lighter color after the winter or so, the crews will be cooked inside the Fiesta in the hottest rallies

[bluuford]

Sry. I am a bit too busy with all kind of everyday work. It will be extremely wet rally. Huge amounts of rain is expected and currently it looks like a few stages on the higher elevations should get some snow as well. However, snow is not expected to fall in less than 1000-1200 meters. But when it falls as a snow, then according to the precipitation amount prognosis.. it can be between 0.5-1m of snow for this weekend!

[tommeke_B]

Thanks for the info bluuford, I really appreciate it. Time to find my "Thierry Neuville" umbrella. :p

[noel157]

Any info on gravel/ice crews for VW/Citroen/MS Sport/Hyundai etc?
Presume Evans has his father and somebody working for him.

[Mirek]

Pluto posted on autosport.cz this:

+ Seb Ogier - Nicolas Vouilloz
+ JM Latvala - Toni Gardemeister
+ Andreas Mikkelsen - David Doppelreiter

+ Kris Meeke - Mark Higgins
+ Mads Ostberg - Morten Ostberg

+ Elyfn Evans - Gwyndaf Evans 6 Phil Mills
+ Mikko Hirvonen - Timo Kankkunen

+ Thierry Neuville - Bruno Thiry
+ Dani Sordo - Enrique Garcia Ojeda

[Karukera]

Arrived last week when it was sunny and hot in direct sunlight.
Today's cloudy, 13°C at sea level. Recced Turini with friends, mostly dry up there as per pictures show.
Downhills from usual tricky solid ice patches on some corners, shaded areas, north portions, including muddy snow, some wet to bone dry sections.
Local weather forecast : wet on Saturday improving on Sunday, light or melted snow not ruled out on Turini from today to Saturday.
Met and had a couple of beers with a bunch'a fans from various European countries. Fever's rising.

[KKS]

Any info on gravel/ice crews for VW/Citroen/MS Sport/Hyundai etc?
Presume Evans has his father and somebody working for him.
An addition to Mirek post
For ukrainian driver Yuri Protasov (Darnitsa Fiesta R5) have ice crew - E. Novikov

[WUff1]

I think m-sport should switch the black livery to a lighter color after the winter or so, the crews will be cooked inside the Fiesta in the hottest rallies

Yeah, I remember Skoda drivers complaining 2012 about their dark roofes.

[thuGG]

Pluto posted on autosport.cz this:

+ Seb Ogier - Nicolas Vouilloz
+ JM Latvala - Toni Gardemeister
+ Andreas Mikkelsen - David Doppelreiter

+ Kris Meeke - Mark Higgins
+ Mads Ostberg - Morten Ostberg

+ Elyfn Evans - Gwyndaf Evans 6 Phil Mills
+ Mikko Hirvonen - Timo Kankkunen

+ Thierry Neuville - Bruno Thiry
+ Dani Sordo - Enrique Garcia Ojeda

Kubica - Kuchar as far as I know

[noel157]

Good quality of support for the teams.
Thanks Mirek (and Pluto) & Thugg.

[A FONDO]

+ Protasov - Novikov & Sikk

[Juha_Koo]

Sikk not codriving Protasov because he's riding with Tänak this season?

[RICARDO75]

http://club.caradisiac.com/ee110/rallye-39852/photo/dsc_0797-3850840.html

http://club.caradisiac.com/ee110/rallye-39852/photo/dsc_0746-3850822.html

[Kalm]

Sikk not codriving Protasov because he's riding with Tänak this season?


No, Sikk is not driving with Tänak this season... He is not co-driving Protasov because Protasov`s sponsors liked to support ukrainians, Sikk is there to help them with the notes.

[jliivak]

Sikk not codriving Protasov because he's riding with Tänak this season?

No Tänak codriver will be Mõlder, as war as remeber from press conferense and the reason why Sikk isn't driving with Prostasov, is what I heard, that sponsors wanted to have a Ukrain codriver in the car, instead of Sikk.

Edit: Kalm was faster :)

[dimviii]

Arrived last week when it was sunny and hot in direct sunlight.
Today's cloudy, 13°C at sea level. Recced Turini with friends, mostly dry up there as per pictures show.
Downhills from usual tricky solid ice patches on some corners, shaded areas, north portions, including muddy snow, some wet to bone dry sections.
Local weather forecast : wet on Saturday improving on Sunday, light or melted snow not ruled out on Turini from today to Saturday.
Met and had a couple of beers with a bunch'a fans from various European countries. Fever's rising.

hope you dont forget us with live news from stages. :D
Have a nice rally with your friends.

https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hph ... 2045_n.jpg (https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q73/s720x720/1535631_263509787137877_682262045_n.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622636.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-60569700-1389622636.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622657.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-68549600-1389622657.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622680.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-71112100-1389622680.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622715.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-3165-0-02427400-1389622715.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622258.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-54711100-1389622258.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622310.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-93138900-1389622310.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622403.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-29646400-1389622403.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622476.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-87093900-1389622476.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622527.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-29883400-1389622527.jpg)
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/mon ... 622718.jpg (http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-1946-0-03662900-1389622718.jpg)

[Juha_Koo]

No, Sikk is not driving with Tänak this season... He is not co-driving Protasov because Protasov`s sponsors liked to support ukrainians, Sikk is there to help them with the notes.

No Tänak codriver will be Mõlder, as war as remeber from press conferense and the reason why Sikk isn't driving with Prostasov, is what I heard, that sponsors wanted to have a Ukrain codriver in the car, instead of Sikk.

Edit: Kalm was faster :)

Okay, thanks for the info! :)

[dimviii]

https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1484089_10152132870175733_1827114608_n.jpg

[Karukera]

hope you dont forget us with live news from stages. :D
Have a nice rally with your friends.

Thanks Dim. You should be there to enjoy the action, good beverages and i'm sure you'd have a good talk with one of the guys who's driving a Black Evo IX which he calls the best Evo of all :D

[Jordib]

Dani Sordo has Enrique Garcia Ojeda as ice/tarmac crew and for all the 2014 campaign. In Montecarlo he has Pablo Marcos in his right side, he is the new codriver for 'Cohete' Suarez also.

[dimviii]

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/17/zjv1.png

[A FONDO]

I never knew that TN is so tall

[Frostmourne]

I did not expect Ostberg to be that short!

[A FONDO]

So you missed to see last year's M-sport presentation :D

[megadrive]

Did anyone see wrc pikem monte carlo topic? It is 4 pages left and only 8 persons didnt think that Ogier win this race :)
WRC is getting boring...

[N.O.T]

Did anyone see wrc pikem monte carlo topic? It is 4 pages left and only 8 persons didnt think that Ogier win this race :)
WRC is getting boring...

don't watch it then... nobody forces you to do so.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd4tT1OCUAAUOQi.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd4x52TIEAAYlfr.jpg

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd4irXfIgAEp6rz.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd4mnQ4CEAAgXnU.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-748-0-07516300-1389646916.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-9-0-40920500-1389648960.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-90-0-48754000-1389650729.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-90-0-86205500-1389650808.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-90-0-27359600-1389650821.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2014/post-90-0-08494800-1389650872.jpg

[A FONDO]

I do not want to know why you posted the 2nd and 4th picture

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bd5HKVdIAAAvcQu.jpg

[dimviii]

I do not want to know why you posted the 2nd and 4th picture

for the 4th photo i can understant,for the 2nd photo whats the problem?

[pettersolberg29]

Well it's snowing up near our accommodation - 1200m up but it's a start!

[tolis]

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

[Juha_Koo]

Chardonnet with DS3 R3T Max? Wasn't it supposed to be homologated around March? Or just promoting stickers?

[mousti]

Chardonnet with DS3 R3T Max? Wasn't it supposed to be homologated around March? Or just promoting stickers?
Just asked the same question in R3 topic :p

[Puyan]

I do not want to know why you posted the 2nd and 4th picture

On the 4th piture , it's jean Ragnotti ;)

[pettersolberg29]

Short summary - snowy up near Sigoyer. Sun burning it off quite quickly but looked spectacular at first!

[dimviii]

if you zoom at the map there are plenty of live cameras
http://www.inforoute05.fr/wir3/cameras.html

[litifeta]

how cool are those live cameras? are they on the course?

[KKS]

how cool are those live cameras? are they on the course?
Day1 dry
start day2 - wet and snow at roadside

[Simorally86]

Some pics from Monte Carlo, starting cerimony of the 2014 season!
https://www.facebook.com/csrallyphotos

[Bartek]

Can somebody tell me which stage will be live on TV? I have exams right now and can't search info about that, my professor isn't rally fan :(

[dimviii]

Some pics from Monte Carlo, starting cerimony of the 2014 season!
https://www.facebook.com/csrallyphotos
some nice photos at your page.
We wait live photos from stages and news.Every 10 photos 1 beer.

[sp0+]

Some pics from Monte Carlo, starting cerimony of the 2014 season!
https://www.facebook.com/csrallyphotos
some nice photos at your page.
We wait live photos from stages and news.Every 10 photos 1 beer.


plus 1 beer every ten photos from me too!!! :bounce: :bounce: