APRC 2014

[kober]

The calendar, along with a nice brochure (http://fiaaprc.com/assets/2014/APRC-2014-Brochure-email-v4.pdf) is out:


12-13 Apr New Zealand APRC Pacific Junior
26-27 Apr India Asia
17-18 May New Caledonia APRC Pacific
21-22 Jun Australia APRC Pacific Junior
16-17 Aug Malaysia APRC Asia Junior
27-28 Sep Japan APRC Asia Junior
08-09 Nov China APRC Asia
13-14 Dec Thailand Asia

[Mirek]

According to press conference of Škoda held today Jan Kopecký will compete in APRC.

[Andre Oliveira]

Kopecky deserves WRC. He did very well with old Fabia WRC. Skoda have market on Asia?

[Mirek]

Kopecky deserves WRC. He did very well with old Fabia WRC. Skoda have market on Asia?

Yes, it has. It has even manufacturing plants in China and India.

[vino_93]

It's good for the championship to have a good driver as him. It can attract other good guys to fight with him.
If he is running with MRF, I hope Gill will be his teammate. He was pretty fast against Atkinson and Lappi, it could be an interesting opposition btw them.

[Mirek]

Yes, Škoda confirmed that Gill would stay with the team. So reigning APRC and ERC champion in one team :) Hopefully there will be some opposition also from other teams. I wonder how fast Jan can be on such unknown and almost all-gravel roads.

The swapping of faces between Škoda championships is obviously done for marketing reasons.

[vino_93]

new regulation for 2014 APRC :
cars built according G2 regulations in Australia will be allowed (similar to R3)
cars built under JN (Japan) regulations will be allowed too (for example some JN3 are Toyota GT86, Subaru BRZ, ...). The Toyota Vitz used by Young this year was a N car modified from JN2 regulation.
Example of JN cars : http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e ... shiro-2013 (http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=13452&t=Rally-Shinshiro-2013)

[Plan9]

Will Jan be in the MRF team?

[Rally Hokkaido]

Yes, according to rumours at Rally of Thailand, Gill and Kopecky will be in a pair of brand new Fabia S2000 cars for the MRF-Skoda Team.
The two 2012 MRF cars have been sold to a Belgium=based team.
In other news, APRC privateer Dermott Malley has just bought the Ford Fiesta R5 car that Andreas Aigner drove this year. I expect his son, Patrick will drive it in 2014 APRC.

[vino_93]

Great to see another big car there. We'll see if Patrick Malley is able to fight sometime with them ...

[Andre Oliveira]

Andreas Aigner drove Fiesta R5 :confused:

[Rally Hokkaido]

Andreas Aigner drove Fiesta R5 :confused: Sorry, my mistake. It is, of course a Peugeot 208 R5, which was run by Polish tuner, Dytko.

[Andre Oliveira]

Not R5 :laugh: 208 Proto

[Mihai]

I wonder how fast Jan can be on such unknown and almost all-gravel roads.


He survived Rally Sibiu and won last year. I expect Kopecky to do fine in Asia-Pacific, smashing the opposition.

Some years ago, Finland's Jarkko Miettinen ran a full season in Romania right after a less-than-glorious season in APRC. Needless to say that after recce in Sibiu he said that he never saw such rough gravel, not even in Asia-Pacific. But he won the rally eventually.

[Mirek]

I'm careful. I don't know who is going to drive APRC but at least Gill is a tough contender on those roads. Hell, he won the title over Lappi last year!

[Mihai]

Lappi is fast but immature / inconsistent. Kopecky is vastly experienced, with speed and consistency. I like Gurav Gill too, but he's no match to JK.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Not R5 :laugh: 208 Proto

Thanks for the second correction, Andre! I got that story very wrong, all based on one fb photo. Dermott has just confirmed that it is a Proto, so we are not likely to see it going head-to-head with the Fabias in APRC, unless FIA accept its homologation for regional rallies. It does suit the NZ National Regulations very nicely, though.

[KiwiWRCfan]

Exciting changes to route for New Zealand round of APRC 2014 will see entire first day of event held on roads to north of host city Whangarei on roads not previously used.
Saturday evening will include 2 passes of Pohe Island Super Special in darkness.
Day 2 Sunday uses traditional stages, although some have variations within them.
http://www.rallywhangarei.co.nz/news/ch ... -whangarei (http://www.rallywhangarei.co.nz/news/challenging-new-format-for-international-rally-of-whangarei)

[KiwiWRCfan]

supplementary regulations for APRC 2014 round 1 International Rally of Whangarei, New Zealand are now on line http://www.rallywhangarei.co.nz/event-documents-2014

[Plan9]

I am very excited about APRC this year. It will be very exciting to see Kopecky and Gill go head to head in the latest spec s2000 Fabias. It amazes me that Jan and Gaurav have not been entered into WRC2 as they are proven winners in their respective regional championships. Hopefully they will make it there one day.

I will be spectating the NZ event this year so I will post some photos from the event on here.

[EightGear]

Kopecky in WRC2?

Are you serious? He's got nothing to look for there..

[Mirek]

For Kopecký it would be at least another trophy he could try to win but what can Škoda gain in WRC2? Nothing. They won it in the past but nobody cares about WRC2. There is no marketing value in it as it is just a "well hidden" subcategory of WRC event. The marketing value may be even negative. Common media often write about it as "Loeb in Citroën won Rally Finland while Hänninen with Škoda finished 10th". Average Joe (even average journalist) doesn't know Hänninen won a sub-category. They take the news as Škoda is some shit ten minutes slower than Citroën...

[Plan9]

Yes I do think that. I feel both drivers could make it in WRC2.

[Zeakiwi]

Skoda now sell about a quarter of the cars they make in China, so it is marketing to have a presence in the APRC.
Only ten days till entries close for Whangarei.

[vino_93]

so here is first entry list !
http://www.rallywhangarei.co.nz/media/2014/03/row-2014-entry-list-aprc-3.pdf

A third S2000 for Jun Xu : http://ewrc-results.com/profile.php?p=5549&t=Jun-Xu
But I wonder if it is real S2000 or the locally developt car in China ?

[Zeakiwi]

Plenty of S2000 Fabias have been made in Europe.
http://www.skoda-auto.com/en/news/2013-10-29-china-rally-preview (5 fabia s2000s were in Rally China last year)

[Mirek]

That's exactly what vino_93 was speaking about. Out of those five only two or three were real S2000 made in Škoda Motorsport. The rest were some domestic Chinese cars.

[Zeakiwi]

The MRF Skoda cars are run out of Perth with Race torque engineering but they will have others helping them according to the rally whangarei press.
The Skoda China cars can have a 1.6 turbo. http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/rivals-fall-to-help-niall-mcshea-net-chinese-takeaway-29726341.html

[liposh]

I thought when starting in APRC field it must be in compliance with FIA regulations. So do you think Yun Xu´s car could be fabia 1,6T? BTW: Can Skoda motorsport use Skoda China rally team somehow to test R5 cars during this year?

[Mirek]

If it has regional Asia-pacific homologation it can be used. I have no idea if it has or not.

[Zeakiwi]

Malley's car has turned up.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Team-Ralliart-New-Zealand/115800371880483

[vino_93]

That's exactly what vino_93 was speaking about. Out of those five only two or three were real S2000 made in Škoda Motorsport. The rest were some domestic Chinese cars.

well, when I talked with Marshall Clarke last year about these cars, he told me only one S2000 was in China. The one they used with Niall McShea.
Others were locally built.
That's why I wonder what is exactly the car used by the chinese here. It can be this S2000, but as on the entry list it appears a bit different than usual S2000, I wonder what it is.

[andre93]

well, when I talked with Marshall Clarke last year about these cars, he told me only one S2000 was in China. The one they used with Niall McShea.
Others were locally built.
That's why I wonder what is exactly the car used by the chinese here. It can be this S2000, but as on the entry list it appears a bit different than usual S2000, I wonder what it is.

Exactly,only the car used by McShea is a S2000 car(old car of Robert Barrable) but in China rally Xu Jun drive this S2000. The other skoda of Shanghai skoda motorsport were built in china and are 1.6 T!In china McShea used one of this 1.6 Car!

[Rally Hokkaido]

The latest I heard about so-called APRC regional homologation is that cars complying with Australian Ch'ship regs (basically R2, R3 type cars, eg Honda Jazz with Civic 2-litre engine, Mazda 2 with Mazda 6 engine, etc) and cars complying with Japan Ch'ship regs (basically GpN type cars without FIA homologation, like Toyota/Subaru 86/BRZ, Mazda 2, etc) can compete in 2014 APRC provided FIA safety regs are respected. It would be nice if the Chinese Ch'ship cars were also accepted. Besides those locally-built Skoda 1.6 turbos, there is also a Chinese brand car fitted with Evo X running gear competing successfully in the CRC!

[Rally Hokkaido]

Here is an article about Jun Xu's APRC entry. Is the Red Bull car a n/a S2000 or a turbo local version? I think the Chinese made one has different bonnet vents, but can't tell in this pic. http://aprc.tv/newsPage.php?Chinese-Skoda-Team-joins-APRC-735

[Mirek]

Pluto told me yesterday that all Fabias on Whangarei shall be proper S2000.

[andre93]

Pluto told me yesterday that all Fabias on Whangarei shall be proper S2000.

Yes Xu Jun used the sane car of China Rally(McShea S2000 car)

[vino_93]

Exactly,only the car used by McShea is a S2000 car(old car of Robert Barrable) but in China rally Xu Jun drive this S2000. The other skoda of Shanghai skoda motorsport were built in china and are 1.6 T!In china McShea used one of this 1.6 Car!


Are you sure Xu Jun drove the S2000 during China Rally ?

[andre93]

Are you sure Xu Jun drove the S2000 during China Rally ?


http://fabias2000.cz/2013/filtr/majitel-vozu/shanghai-volkswagen-skoda-red-bull-rally-team

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/motor-sport/rivals-fall-to-help-niall-mcshea-net-chinese-takeaway-29726341.html

Only for China rally Xu Jun used S2000 and McShea one of 1.6 T car!

[vino_93]

thank !

[sollitt]

Regardless of what they're driving, every one of the half a dozen entries in this farcical competition will be outclassed and given a driving lesson by the NZRC field.
This ridiculous championship serves only to promote the mediocre whilst draining resources that could be better utilised and directing attention away from, and disenfranchising, those with the real talent.
The sooner this nonsense is laid to rest the better.

[Zeakiwi]

It will depend on how much the MRF S2000s have been warmed up for this years APRC. I would expect only 3 or 4 of the NZRCs to be around the same or better times than Kopecky, Gill & Wilde.
This is the first year I have looked forward to the Aus V8SC at the rubbish Pukekohe track more than the 'International Rally'. I would have rather seen Paddon in his Skoda at Whangarei than the BDG/A at Otago.

I hope the South Island Targa and Silver Fern can pull some big names. I would not mind a week in the South Island for the Targa.

[tolis]

Sanjay Takale's livery for 2014 APRC
https://scontent-b-fra.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10001406_641437449261551_450636431_n.jpg

[Rally Hokkaido]

Pics courtesy of the sticker guru, Yoda-san.

[RS]

What regulations are the NZ rally cars running to which you talk of?

And can somebody in the know say whether the MRF tyres are actually any good?

[Mirek]

If I'm not mistaken last year NZRC production cars run 36 mm restrictor (my estimation 360-380 Hp), otherwise I think they were very similar to R4 but with locally produced parts.

About MRF tyres I have no clue but sure they are no Michelin...

[sollitt]

NZ championship runs a quite open formula for it's 4WD category. Cars are restricted by minimum weight and a 36mm restrictor. Most are slightly modified GrpN (R4) and there are a couple of cars complying with the new 'car of the future' format.
I think your estimation of hp would be a bit overstated in all but a couple of cases.
MRF tyres have been used to good effect in this region for some years.

[Zeakiwi]

Bits and pieces for the nz cars are from places like this. http://racefab.co.nz/

[Mirek]

I think your estimation of hp would be a bit overstated in all but a couple of cases.

I based my estimation on restrictor area and more or less known power for Gr.N cars with 32 and 33 mm restrictors. With a well tuned cars these values shall be possible. Dimviii can probably tell more because he has a lot of experience with Evos.

[dimviii]

yes these numbers are achievable with 36mm.

[sollitt]

yes these numbers are achievable with 36mm.

I'm not suggesting the power is not achievable, just that most cars in the NZ championship will not have tested the limits. Many will still be in GrpN trim.

[Zeakiwi]

First stage - mason,cox,Holder (Paddon protege),kopecky,gill http://chrissport.co.nz/
Kopecky and Gill sweeping but the nzrc behind West at 1 minute intervals.

[dimviii]

wtf 30sec the locals faster at 2nd (32km)stage.
Lets see at 2nd pass how much costs sweeping.

[dimviii]

again 20sec at 3rd (20km) stage.

[dimviii]

again at 2nd loop locals are lightly faster.

[dimviii]

so even at 2nd loop of stages,locals won with a small margin all stages again,even with no road position advantage.

[Mirek]

It has been same last year with Lappi... without both fields competing under same rules it can never be said for sure why. But I can ask Pavel Dresler when he is back.

[RS]

The difference on the swept stages was quite small.

I think if cars are not running to FIA regulations then it is irrelevant. I really don't like these "homemade" formulae that some countries run.

Day 1 review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y1iJhMqVvw&list=UUdNDUhAokaIuXJwIPcs1L6A

[Mirek]

I really don't like these "homemade" formulae that some countries run.

In most cases they run those "homemade" formulae because the FIA ones are too expensive for locals and ruling out old or locally built cars. In my opinion big part of the problem is on FIA side with rules protecting carmaker lobby.

[stefanvv]

Day 1 review: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Y1iJhMqVvw&list=UUdNDUhAokaIuXJwIPcs1L6A

Thank You. I was too lazy to search youtube for such marvelouz scenery video. And was thinking of this Proton the whole 2 days, but didn't realize how fast it is.

[Mirek]

Watching the video... how much I love these roads, one day I have to go to New Zealand :)

[stefanvv]

Not bad, not bad.

[leighton323]

so even at 2nd loop of stages,locals won with a small margin all stages again,even with no road position advantage.

I don't think anyone in NZ had doubts that this would happen. Like Sollitt said, APRC is a farce, and the calibre of the NZRC field is hugely underrated.

[Mirek]

Anybody knows what happened to Richard Mason?

[leighton323]

Anybody knows what happened to Richard Mason?

Lost his brakes in SS11
https://twitter.com/rallylivenz/status/455119968049188864/photo/1

[stefanvv]

I don't think anyone in NZ had doubts that this would happen. Like Sollitt said, APRC is a farce, and the calibre of the NZRC field is hugely underrated.

Well, last year I think it was much worse for APRC field. I missed Hawkeswood with his replica this year, but I knew he finished with it last year.
"When the audience doesn't appreciate achievements of some field, that speaks very well for the audience."

[leighton323]

"When the audience doesn't appreciate achievements of some field, that speaks very well for the audience."
Could you explain more literally.. Haha ;)

[stefanvv]

Could you explain more literally.. Haha ;)

Imagine some course of students, listening to lection of a professor and asuming the material through their very limited point of view. I'm sorry can't be much more specific, it's secret;)

[Mirek]

Lost his brakes in SS11
https://twitter.com/rallylivenz/status/455119968049188864/photo/1

WRC wing on the car?

[leighton323]

Imagine some course of students, listening to lection of a professor and asuming the material through their very limited point of view. I'm sorry can't be much more specific, it's secret;)

Oh being biased... Yeah ok, I will admit that that could be the case ;)

[leighton323]

WRC wing on the car?

Similar yes.. https://www.facebook.com/bntmasonmotorsport/photos/pb.354316714707898.-2207520000.1397351788./369338203205749/?type=3&theater
Lance Williams as well
https://twitter.com/rallylivenz/status/455144116255326208/photo/1

Mainly just for looks though, makes the car look better ;)

[sollitt]

Well, last year I think it was much worse for APRC field. Last year there were a dozen, not seven as this year, and the field was headed by Lappi.


I missed Hawkeswood with his replica this year, but I knew he finished with it last year.
Different car this year.

[sollitt]

I think if cars are not running to FIA regulations then it is irrelevant. I really don't like these "homemade" formulae that some countries run. Whatever the formula, the cars don't steer themselves. The local competitors still have to front up & do the business.
But as it happens, the local formula here is nothing particularly special. Group N cars with the allowance to run a 36mm restrictor & some non homologated parts to reduce cost (i.e. AP brakes instead of the hugely expensive STI equivalent). Hardly world beating stuff and nothing that ought despatch a well driven S2000 to also ran status.

[stefanvv]

Oh being biased... Yeah ok, I will admit that that could be the case ;)

Don't worry, it could happen to anyone. Anyway, I like NZ roads, very fast, similar to Finland and I think good drivers could come out there, Paddon is "real" talent for me.

[Zeakiwi]

Gill's total time 2 hr 11min 39.7, Mason 2hr 11' 50.5, (after brake time loss), Kopecky 2hr 11'51.6

Drivers from NZ will be a development/ funding issue. Tapper was before Paddon in the Pirelli Scholarship. Hopefully Paddon will pass on a few lessons so the next people get quicker sooner. I suspect Paddon has done so already with the pace of Holder in hist first 4wd event.

[dimviii]

I suspect Paddon has done so already with the pace of Holder in hist first 4wd event.

Holder was his first 4wd rally?????????????????????http://www.4tforum.gr/phpBB3/images/smilies/yikes.gif

where can we see some photos from locals?

[leighton323]

Holder was his first 4wd rally?????????????????????http://www.4tforum.gr/phpBB3/images/smilies/yikes.gif

where can we see some photos from locals?

Few photos here and there and a few FB pages of the drivers

Rally Whangarei FB page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.748896345143208.1073741830.182079691824879&type=3

Dave Holder's Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holder-Brothers-Racing/358636160829964
And a video of his Day2: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=508152545955909&set=vb.124800777624423&type=2&theater

Some photos: https://www.facebook.com/ALittleBitSideways

[Mirek]

Similar yes..

Mainly just for looks though, makes the car look better ;)

Well, it's not just for looks. It has a function on high speeds (technically it must have some function, You can not make a wing with no function). I don't try to make some excuses for APRC drivers, I'm just curious about local cars.

Anyway considering Kopecký has never been a top dog on gravel and he has never driven anything close to 10000 km from NZ the result doesn't look that strange. I bet in Barum Mason would be off the pace too ;)

[dimviii]

Few photos here and there and a few FB pages of the drivers

Rally Whangarei FB page: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.748896345143208.1073741830.182079691824879&type=3

Dave Holder's Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Holder-Brothers-Racing/358636160829964
And a video of his Day2: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=508152545955909&set=vb.124800777624423&type=2&theater

Some photos: https://www.facebook.com/ALittleBitSideways

thanks mate!

[sollitt]

Don't worry, it could happen to anyone. Anyway, I like NZ roads, very fast, similar to Finland and I think good drivers could come out there, Paddon is "real" talent for me.Yes, stefanvv, it is a great shame that some on this forum continue to hold onto the notion that only European drivers are worthy of note and will refer to the book of excuses whenever they are beaten by 'outsiders'. But that is the world we live in!

[sollitt]

I bet in Barum Mason would be off the pace too ;)That's not a bet I'd be prepared to make!

[vino_93]

Xu Jun car : http://rallynz.smugmug.com/Sports/VINZ-International-Rally-of/i-3L5gfM5/0/O/WD4E5094_JXu.jpg

does anyone know from where it come ? Is it new plates for new Skoda S2000 just built ?

[andre93]

information abuot Xu Jun and Jan Kopecky car??chassis??old plate?thanks

[Mirek]

Sorry for off topic but I will make Your life a bit more difficult :D

One amateur hillclimb last weekend (it was real S2000)

http://home-fotoclub.cz/new/upload/clanky_galerie/KRUS_POHAR_BILINA_KANKOV_12_4_2014/bilina_067.jpg
http://home-fotoclub.cz/new/upload/clanky_galerie/KRUS_POHAR_BILINA_KANKOV_12_4_2014/bilina_090.jpg

Don't ask me about details of the car. I don't follow any chassis numbers anymore.

[Plan9]

My photos have been uploaded of the Whangarei event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/plan9rally/

[KiwiWRCfan]

Each video comprises footage of a single driver with pieces from several stages. Includes footage of Jan Kopecky, Gurav Gill and many others
https://m.youtube.com/user/anthony851/videos?sort=dd&view=0&shelf_id=1

[RS]

That's not a bet I'd be prepared to make!

Check out Paddon's times from Ypres last year and reconsider...

[Mirek]

Was this here? Full-stage onboard of Kopecký from SS6 including telemetry data:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuSxU_8BLRA&list=PLvU8NlBTh8tPPzexeo2I4S7kXdxynyyXw

[sollitt]

Check out Paddon's times from Ypres last year and reconsider... I fail to see the relevance. No reconsideration necessary.

[dimviii]

http://www.rallye-nc.net/v3/common/results/crew.php?ral_id=43&&etape=1&&int=int&&spe=&&restart=NO&&aprcregis=&&natregis=&&bothregis=&&oth=&&speg=&&tri=&&ch=


stage by stage
http://www.rallye-nc.net/v3/common/results/results_int14.php?ral_id=43

[focus206]

if I understand correctly, after first day Kopecky is more than 5 minutes faster than Gill, anything happened?

[Mirek]

Gill was faster but was hit by some troubles on last two stages. According to a friend he hit a tree.

[focus206]

Gill was faster but was hit by some troubles on last two stages. According to a friend he hit a tree.

I see, thanks. Jan should get a comfortable victory if nothing happens tomorrow :)

[vino_93]

Make caution, New Caledonia is a difficult rally. All can happen.

[Zeakiwi]

Kopecky - first, Gill - second, Young - third
http://fiaaprc.com/2014/05/tough-test-new-caledonia/

[Mirek]

It's all strange. As far as I understand Škoda crews didn't want to run some stage because they considered it undrivable for emergency service (plenty of other stages were canceled due to bad weather). As a result they were penalized first by 33 minutes. After some time the penalty was changed to 18 minutes which granted them to win anyway.

[focus206]

It's all strange. As far as I understand Škoda crews didn't want to run some stage because they considered it undrivable for emergency service (plenty of other stages were canceled due to bad weather). As a result they were penalized first by 33 minutes. After some time the penalty was changed to 18 minutes which granted them to win anyway.
That's weird indeed, I hope to read something about that :s

[vino_93]

It's win for APRC registered crews, but official results give Guigou winner of the rally.
http://www.ewrc-results.com/final.php?e=14454&t=Rallye-de-Nouvelle-Caledonie-2014

[Mirek]

Yes, the APRC was a farce because only three crews finished....

Anyway some onboards
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2141tsL8EpQ

[vino_93]

I don't like these championships where you need to register ...

[Mirek]

There was an interview with Kopecký today in Czech press in which he told his version of how it was with the penalty in New Caledonia. He said it was a misunderstanding. He said that this particular stage was run both days, always in another direction. First day it was canceled due to bad weather so when they arrived there on second day they asked how it is but there was nobody speaking English there. So they thought the agreement was to see if zero car goes through and than run. He said they did the stage without problems but than found they were disqualified, than penalized and than after a protest penalized again but with smaller penalty. He said the final version of 18 minutes penalty was counted from time of zero car.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Gill has crashed in SS4 at APRC Rd3, Rally of Queensland. That should make it an easy win for Kopecky, as no other real competitors in the event. I'm unsure as to the damage to Gill's car and whether he will restart tomorrow to chase Day2 points.

[Zeakiwi]

Day 1 - RoQ - Aprc
http://youtu.be/kDDdSiQQ_rg

http://www.rallyqueensland.com.au/ (Pedder with the Clio seems to have ok speed for day2)

http://www.rallysportmag.com.au/home/other-news/8750-czech-kopecky-wins-rally-of-queensland

[Mirek]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKdr5-BTs_o
Onboards of Škoda including funny moment with cows.

[Juha_Koo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKdr5-BTs_o
Onboards of Škoda including funny moment with cows.

Someone should tell Skoda media guys that they should revert back to the old habit of uploading full stage onboards instead of 3 minute compilation clips...

[nafpaktos]

one irrelevant question.where is the base of the factory skoda team that competes in the aprc?

[Mirek]

I think it's Australian-based team sponsored by Indian tyre factory.

[Munkvy]

I am sure I saw something on arpc.tv at the beginning of the season about how it's an Australian team running the cars, with Skoda support and they were based in somewhere like Sydney?

This sorta covers the fact that it is a factory Skoda supported team, with MRF. But can't see who actually runs the cars in Australia:

http://www.rallywhangarei.co.nz/news/skoda-back-two-car-team-entered-to-international-rally-of-whangarei

[Munkvy]

Found it:

http://www.weeklyvoice.com/cat6/team-mrf-hope-to-score-with-skoda/

Race Torque, in Perth run the cars.

[Zeakiwi]

A few Australian rally drivers are picking up a few international drives.
http://www.rally.com.au/arc-news/ecb-arc-continues-to-open-international-doors

[Zeakiwi]

Kopecky is 2014 APRC title winner.
http://aprc.tv/newsPage.php?Kopecky-takes-title-with-win-in-Japan-801

[Rally Hokkaido]

I'd be interested to learn the details of how Gill threw away the rally win and this year's title, too. IIRC, he had a 20sec lead, was running behind his rival on the road and was midway through the 2nd running of the stage! One report says he 'understeered off on a right curve' ?????

[RS]

I was impressed with Gill's speed this year but Kopecky knows how to win rallies and titles..

Would be interesting to see Gill on an ERC round or two.

[liposh]

IMHO I don´t think Gill is somehow superfast. He would be beaten by all european top drivers good on gravel (talking about Kajto , Breen etc.). It is very difficult when you don´t have the quality and you have to risk all the time. (see onboards from Gill´s various offs during the season) On other hand Kopecky did it clever , shame on Lappi he didn´t use same tactics last year instead of trying to beat Gill on every single stage...but Lappi is young, so small excuse for him. Now we will see how clever Lappi could be in ERC when both rivals are slower on tarmac plus he has more points.

[vino_93]

Yes Gill is really fast. I would like to see him one with a WRC in Rally Australia, or doing so ERC round. He could really improve popularity of rally in India.