Coates Hire WRC Rally Australia 2014 11th-14th Sept

[noel157]

Thanks to KiwiWRCfan for posting entry list:

http://d2t24n70pdbj8s.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Rally-Australia-WRC-Entry-List.pdf

[journeyman racer]

The worst part about this event for an Australian, is that it comes and goes without any presence in the media :o I was intending to go this year. But it's become inconvenient. Not sure if Australia really deserves a WRC round, tbh.

[janvanvurpa]

30 entries? Is that all? Is there any Aus National classes run same days?

[arko5]

I've heard that Mikkelsen will not start in Australia.

[rage82]

I've heard that Mikkelsen will not start in Australia.
Why is that?

[Zeakiwi]

30 entries? Is that all? Is there any Aus National classes run same days?

Rally Australia is also round 5 of the Australian Rally Championship. www.rally.com.au

In the WRC event there are 10 Australian drivers listed in fia wrc legal cars, many places outside Europe would have difficulty matching that number.

[KiwiWRCfan]

I've heard that Mikkelsen will not start in Australia.

Mikkelsen was not on Manufacturer entry list that was originally released over a week ago, this will have caused possible confusion.

Mikkelsen will be in Ausratalia and talked about being in OZ when he was interviewed by Becs Williams during ADAC last week.

[KiwiWRCfan]

30 entries? Is that all? Is there any Aus National classes run same days?

Here are the entries in the other classes http://www.rally.com.au/images/stories/2014_Rally_Aust_National_Entry_List_final.pdf

[raybak]

We are car 92 in the Australian part of the field in an unrestricted EVO 9. Not a bad field for the Aussies but the majority are from NSW/ACT.

Ray

[makinen_fan]

Is the driver of No 75 Fiesta (Razvan Vlad) still posting here? We met through this forum some time ago... it's nice to see he competes regularly now!

[raybak]

Not sure if Raz is still on here, he competes quite a bit, recently winning the Modern Challenge category at Targa West. He is quite a quick driver in whatever he drives. Used to run a Charade GTti like I have.

Ray

[MAXYrally]

Is the driver of No 75 Fiesta (Razvan Vlad) still posting here? We met through this forum some time ago... it's nice to see he competes regularly now!

Yes, I'm still here - best place to keep up to date with what happens when a WRC round is on!

I have been competing regularly for the past few years, but mainly doing the events in Western Australia and the WRC round once a year. The trip across to the East coast is nearly 4500km (one way) so it is not something we can do very often, but as long as Australia has a WRC round and I have an FIA car we'll be there.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Yes, I'm still here - best place to keep up to date with what happens when a WRC round is on!

I have been competing regularly for the past few years, but mainly doing the events in Western Australia and the WRC round once a year. The trip across to the East coast is nearly 4500km (one way) so it is not something we can do very often, but as long as Australia has a WRC round and I have an FIA car we'll be there.

I'm from Perth!!

[wildboar]

A lesson in PR-speak from wrc.com:


Strong Australia entry confirmed: Seventy-nine crews will tackle the next round of the FIA World Rally Championship, Coates Hire Rally Australia, between 11th & 14th of September.

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/august/australia-entry-list/page/1721--12-12-.html
Oh great! 79 crews, that's lot! Let's look at the entry list: indeed, the numbers go all the way to 79. But wait, let's count: there are only 30 crews on the list.... so what happend to the other 49? :)

[rallyfiend]

A lesson in PR-speak from wrc.com:

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/august/australia-entry-list/page/1721--12-12-.html
Oh great! 79 crews, that's lot! Let's look at the entry list: indeed, the numbers go all the way to 79. But wait, let's count: there are only 30 crews on the list.... so what happend to the other 49? :)

Here's the full entry list...

http://www.rally.com.au/images/stories/RA_Complete_Entry_List.pdf

[wildboar]

Here's the full entry list...

Yes, yes, I could also guess that the other 49 crews are starting in the national events. But it is boderline dishonest to claim that 30 crews is a "strong entry" and then trying to hide it by just counting the national entries as well.

[Doon]

A lesson in PR-speak from wrc.com:

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/august/australia-entry-list/page/1721--12-12-.html
Oh great! 79 crews, that's lot! Let's look at the entry list: indeed, the numbers go all the way to 79. But wait, let's count: there are only 30 crews on the list.... so what happend to the other 49? :)

WRC.com hitting new lows buy manipulating figures to make the event look popular! 79 crews my a*se!

[rallyfiend]

WRC.com hitting new lows buy manipulating figures to make the event look popular! 79 crews my a*se!

What difference does it make? They still do the same itinerary - Australia, like most other non-European countries has moved to a national championship tech regs that mean most of the cars CAN'T enter the WRC event, not that they don't want to.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Here’s the schedule for LIVE coverage for Rally Australia 2014 in the UK.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BwjY7NDIQAEt3F_.png:large

[J4MIE]

What difference does it make? They still do the same itinerary - Australia, like most other non-European countries has moved to a national championship tech regs that mean most of the cars CAN'T enter the WRC event, not that they don't want to.

What are the car regulations in Australia, I see they allow FIA spec cars, do most not? Too expensive?

[raybak]

What are the car regulations in Australia, I see they allow FIA spec cars, do most not? Too expensive?
Australian Championship is 2wd with some in class G2 and the rest running FIA spec. Class G2 is like R3 on steriods, G2 is also allowed in Asia Pacific championship. There are 11 cars in the ARC field who do the same itinery as the WRC field, the rest of us in the National 4wd series and Classics have a bit shorter rally with the 4wd's basically losing a stage each day and the Classics losing half a day each day. This is to combat the issues from last year when the dust problems arose.

Hopefully next year the ARC will have 4wd's back as there have been some very small fields this year with only 2wd allowed. There is talk of NZ and Australia having the same rules which would work out good for both.

I'm hope to do a twitter post regularly during Rally Oz, my twitter name is @raybak101.

Cheers

Ray

[janvanvurpa]

We are car 92 in the Australian part of the field in an unrestricted EVO 9. Not a bad field for the Aussies but the majority are from NSW/ACT.

Ray


Howzat working with the unrestricted cars down there? Have you guys killed hundreds of speccies and the notorious Oz Press been sneaky and covered it all up?
I've pointed out several times to the various "Technical Ex-spurts" here in USA and Canada about the study way back when the federation realsied the who FIA N4 thing was stupid expensive and the back to back tests showing virtually no difference tween the "full GpN car with FIA fuel" and the no restrictor but 98 RON pump petrol

I mean in light of the 30 car entry, and the similar numbers in many places its clear something is up and I reckon its just too dear for most humans taste, only "1% ers", so when you guys implemented the "no restrictor but pump fuel" I thought there was a ray of sunshine for once somewhere in the world..

So hows that go? And hows the car feel...?

And did everybody faint when the Federation did something that made sense?

[Zeakiwi]

There have been a few 'closed road' motorsport deaths and serious injuries in recent years in the Australasia area. It has usually been more about trees, power poles and other roadside obstacles impacting the vehicle when the vehicle has left the road. - turbo engine and non turbo engine.
e.g http://cooberpedyregionaltimes.wordpress.com/2012/08/25/tragic-death-of-oodnadatta-roadhouse-owner-in-car-race/
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/rally-death-on-final-day-of-sunshine-coast-competition-20130714-2pxsq.html
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/rally-crash-leaves-driver-amputee-4922503

[raybak]

Howzat working with the unrestricted cars down there? Have you guys killed hundreds of speccies and the notorious Oz Press been sneaky and covered it all up?
I've pointed out several times to the various "Technical Ex-spurts" here in USA and Canada about the study way back when the federation realsied the who FIA N4 thing was stupid expensive and the back to back tests showing virtually no difference tween the "full GpN car with FIA fuel" and the no restrictor but 98 RON pump petrol

I mean in light of the 30 car entry, and the similar numbers in many places its clear something is up and I reckon its just too dear for most humans taste, only "1% ers", so when you guys implemented the "no restrictor but pump fuel" I thought there was a ray of sunshine for once somewhere in the world..

So hows that go? And hows the car feel...?

And did everybody faint when the Federation did something that made sense?

Yes the unrestricted cars a are a bit faster, but you chew through more tyres. They are much more fun though. Stage times haven't really changed too much. We found in the Evo 5 that we would chew out front left tyres very quickly even with different setups, not so in the Evo 9 with all the electronics.

The big thing for me is that my mate who has a standard road evo 6 now can't say why is this rally car slower than my road car. To the general public they think it's crazy that we go and restrict a car and then spend $$$$ to get it back to where it was.

The days of big FIA spec cars are changing, they are just too dear for the performance you get. I know my 23yr old Daihatsu Charade GTti which is worth $5000 is as quick as a DS3 R3T on gravel, this is because of the weight advantage and no restrictor on the turbo.

Anyway while on here, our team release -

“Busy weeks ahead for the Fibertech Rally team”

The next three weeks is going to be very busy for the Fibertech team, with driver Gerald Schofield and Codriver Ray Baker participating in both the World Rally Championship event at Coffs Harbour and following straight into the Australasian Safari in Western Australia.

The duo will be campaigning the Mitsubishi Evo 9 in the 4wd National series at Coffs Harbour, trying to gain back a few points after a DNF in Rally QLD. The car has been thoroughly gone over by the team engineer Scott Preston and is in top shape to take on the fantastic roads around Coffs Harbour. Schofield and Baker will be aiming to fight for position with Mike Bailey and Matt Harriot who they have had some good battles in the past. Hopefully with a good finish at the event the Championship will still be alive going into Rally Victoria.

The following week the now V8 engined Dmax will be fighting it out through the outback of Western Australia, Schofield and Baker had a 7th place finish last year in the Safari and are looking at a good result this year. The team shookdown the new engine a few ago and were quite impressed with newfound speed. “The Australasian Safari is a tough event, you need to have your wits about you all times” said Baker, “you may have 10km between calls but you are reading the road, making sure that you are actually on the right track. It can be very easy to wrong road and lose 30 mins or so in the process."

During the WRC and when we have phone reception in Safari we will be active on Twitter with stage and event updates, follow us @raybak101 or you can check out our facebook page, Fibertech Medical Australia Rally Team.


Ray

[6789]

Hopefully it is dry for the event - make it easier to get around.

[janvanvurpa]

Yes the unrestricted cars a are a bit faster, but you chew through more tyres. They are much more fun though. Stage times haven't really changed too much. We found in the Evo 5 that we would chew out front left tyres very quickly even with different setups, not so in the Evo 9 with all the electronics.

The big thing for me is that my mate who has a standard road evo 6 now can't say why is this rally car slower than my road car. To the general public they think it's crazy that we go and restrict a car and then spend $$$$ to get it back to where it was.

The days of big FIA spec cars are changing, they are just too dear for the performance you get. I know my 23yr old Daihatsu Charade GTti which is worth $5000 is as quick as a DS3 R3T on gravel, this is because of the weight advantage and no restrictor on the turbo.


Ray


So I guess you Aussie know sumpin we don't up here...humans can drive 2 liter rally cars in the woods without restrictors and not massacre hundreds of speccies, not mow 'em down like picket fences..
Amazing...
See up here they say we have to ape after FIA 34, 32, 33mm stuff cause "it slows the cars down" and "what would our defence be in a court when somebody is killed and they show we were not following "Best Practices?"

Oh what I'd give to get you and some of your class mates to visit our little forum and tell us in all the gruesome detail of the Battle of the Restrictors, and how truth, justice and the Australian Way of Life triumphed..

That is when you've recovered from your coming adventures.
Good luck. Shiny side up, eh!

[GigiGalliNo1]

Rain for rally aus!! :d

[bluuford]

Rain for rally aus!! :d

Current long-term prognosis are telling that the whole rally will be completely dry. Sometimes without any wind and sometimes pretty cold in the morning.. +5..+6 degrees. Still long time to go

[litifeta]

@janvanvurpa. What most people fail to understand is that Australia in geographic size is as big as the USA. It is however largely a desert island. While New Zealand (nearby) is largely a beautiful green country with a stable rainfall, Oz is a land of droughts and floods. The net effect of the meteorology on the geology is the land under which roads are built in many areas is very hard which decomposes to a surface that is like driving on pathway of glass balls. Yes the European rallies are much technically tougher, the issue with Australia is the road will lull you into a false sense of security. The trees are hardwood and unforgiving. You go off the road at high speed in Australia and generally you die.

[raybak]

@janvanvurpa. What most people fail to understand is that Australia in geographic size is as big as the USA. It is however largely a desert island. While New Zealand (nearby) is largely a beautiful green country with a stable rainfall, Oz is a land of droughts and floods. The net effect of the meteorology on the geology is the land under which roads are built in many areas is very hard which decomposes to a surface that is like driving on pathway of glass balls. Yes the European rallies are much technically tougher, the issue with Australia is the road will lull you into a false sense of security. The trees are hardwood and unforgiving. You go off the road at high speed in Australia and generally you die.

I don't think the trees in other countries are less forgiving. I have still had some bad hits in Softwood forests. A lot of our rallies especially in ACT/NSW are in softwood forests on logging roads. In the ACT that is all we have to run in. Roads do vary a lot here, from nice flowing coastal roads to fast shire roads like in South Australia.

Yes we had a few deaths last year in Australian Rallying, they were all due to different factors and different drivers skill levels.

Looking forward to being mostly dry for Rally Oz, dust is a major factor at the event, last year on the 48km Nambucca we lost the event stuck in dust, coming to a complete standstill a few times.

I'm going to attempt to livestream the superspecial incar each night, hopefully it will work. Will put the details up here.

Cheers

Ray

[Doon]

I know my 23yr old Daihatsu Charade GTti which is worth $5000 is as quick as a DS3 R3T on gravel, this is because of the weight advantage and no restrictor on the turbo.



I really, really doubt this! What is the power output and what suspension do you run in a car worth a total of $5K?

[raybak]

I really, really doubt this! What is the power output and what suspension do you run in a car worth a total of $5K?

Approx 240hp and 900kg. Currently on Bilstein suspension. The worth of the car is what someone would pay for it, but if you added up what it cost to build it's a hell of a lot more than that over the years. The car is very highly developed and is soon to have a sequential box added to it.

[Zeakiwi]

Approx 240hp and 900kg. Currently on Bilstein suspension. The worth of the car is what someone would pay for it, but if you added up what it cost to build it's a hell of a lot more than that over the years. The car is very highly developed and is soon to have a sequential box added to it.
Can you please let us know how the sequential transmission goes?

[janvanvurpa]

Can you please let us know how the sequential transmission goes?

I think they mainly go back and forth...

[Criterium]

After the actors, I propose to disconer the "stage set" of this Rally Australia:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/15/38/23/21/presrv16.jpg

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

[6789]

Heading off to Coffs Harbour tomorrow. I'll endeavour to post daily updates, should be a fantastic event.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Hyundai's are still in Quarantine.... They might not be out until Thursday!!

[GigiGalliNo1]

285

286

287

[raybak]

Day one of Recce today. We did all the Sunday stages, Bucca is just full of humps, some quite sharp. Shipmans has had a new bit added at the end which is crap, used to be nice and flowing now veers off into a goat track then is downhill for the last 5kms with some big drops, will be interesting to see how the brakes go:)

Early start Wednesday with a full day ahead of us. We have to do 60kmh in recce versus the WRC guys can do 80kmh.

Ray

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Some late nights/early mornings needed to follow live back in Europe ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxHjdHCIUAAd5he.png:large

[Lundefaret]

Day one of Recce today. We did all the Sunday stages, Bucca is just full of humps, some quite sharp. Shipmans has had a new bit added at the end which is crap, used to be nice and flowing now veers off into a goat track then is downhill for the last 5kms with some big drops, will be interesting to see how the brakes go:)

Early start Wednesday with a full day ahead of us. We have to do 60kmh in recce versus the WRC guys can do 80kmh.

Ray

Great info!

[raybak]

Finished recce except for the Super Special which we do tonight. Stage 1 is new and uses bits of Tuckers Knob from last year, quite rough for 4km then on. Stages 2 and 3 are the same as last year, stage 3 having severe humps/jumps near the major speccy point which there will be some carnage.

Nambucca 4km stage is great except the section after about 29 km where it links in through some real rough private land. Valla stage is very short compared to previous years, still good though and very smooth surface.

Car has been through scrutiny, all good. Shakedown in the morning, then rally show tomorrow night.

Time to go and tidy my notes now.

Ray

[litifeta]

Good luck Ray. Hope it is fun. Could not make it, stuck in Brisbane with a shocking influenza

[GigiGalliNo1]

Drove shakedown and four other stages... Oh man it's gonna be a good rally.

Hyundai's in service

292

[litifeta]

pic.twitter.com/M8im7HfZB7

[noel157]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/australia/shake.jpg

[Toyoda]

Not bad from Mr Paddon


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[litifeta]

Little bit of rain, nothing major. Might be some fog with the variation in temperature.

http://www.bom.gov.au/nsw/forecasts/midnorth.shtml

[GigiGalliNo1]

ugh... i had a bit of bad luck with stage positioning today and getting snaps... and got hit on the side of my head by a rock! I was way off the stage too...

[KiwiWRCfan]

Video of today's pre rally media conference http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0In4_QbYoI&feature=youtu.be

[dimviii]

Hyundai video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=cGQ7qrbgOtc

Citroen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DirV3M3UOWI

vw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QNj7Uix6-nI

[dimviii]

borl video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=5wn1gBNUi3c

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-1592-0-12046500-1410423164.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-1592-0-55674500-1410426459.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-1592-0-05043600-1410429246.jpg

[dimviii]

nice photos from borl
https://www.flickr.com/photos/bestofrallylive/

[stefanvv]

:D

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Australien/Berichterstattung/2014/20140909/PR_Day/886x498px_Rally-Aust-Media-Ops-114.CR2.jpg

[Juha_Koo]

Where are all the spectators? Couldn't see nearly any spectators in WRC shakedown footage... Or is Australia one of those countries where the majority of spectators visit service park and liason sections (a bit like Japan)...

[gorganl2000]

Video of today's pre rally media conference http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0In4_QbYoI&feature=youtu.be

somehow i can't hear anything on this clip, but i can see the video
anyone else has this problem?

[MartijnS]

Where are all the spectators? Couldn't see nearly any spectators in WRC shakedown footage... Or is Australia one of those countries where the majority of spectators visit service park and liason sections (a bit like Japan)...

Very strict spectator management I believe. Not sure though ;)

[tommeke_B]

Where are all the spectators? Couldn't see nearly any spectators in WRC shakedown footage... Or is Australia one of those countries where the majority of spectators visit service park and liason sections (a bit like Japan)...

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/t31.0-8/10636532_708956552505598_6513928655490418213_o.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/t31.0-8/10679741_708957342505519_837071859475584490_o.jpg

https://scontent-a-cdg.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10662022_709137909154129_7688280442010811468_o.jpg

Here they are... :)

[tommeke_B]

:D

http://www.volkswagen-motorsport.com/fileadmin/user_upload/Fans_Friends/1%20WRC/Rallye/Australien/Berichterstattung/2014/20140909/PR_Day/886x498px_Rally-Aust-Media-Ops-114.CR2.jpg

Am I the only one wondering where the hand (holding the snake) comes from? :D

[stefanvv]

Am I the only one wondering where the hand (holding the snake) comes from? :D

nope:D

[dimviii]

http://instagram.com/p/syMRHiEfvg/

[dimviii]

Colins crash lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l3eW9KgE08

[PLuto]

Start list to the first leg of Rally Australia - http://rally-base.com/2014/coates-hire-rally-australia-2014/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=487

[PLuto]

Only 27 crews at the start. And top crews with 3 minutes gaps! Poor spectators...

[raybak]

Only 27 crews at the start. And top crews with 3 minutes gaps! Poor spectators...

Still us national teams to follow though. Go to rally.com.au to follow us. We are car 92.

[PLuto]

Yes, there is lot of national cars. But it is primary mistake of FIA, that there must be cars with only national homologation. And big problem for me as a fan (if I should stay at the stage) are three minutes gaps, this is too much to enjoy rallying...

[raybak]

Very dry here today. Going to be very dusty.

[makinen_fan]

Is WRC radio working for you guys? (if anyone awake...)

Now is on

[Silverbullet050]

Just now

[jonkka]

..and the first split is on!

[jonkka]

Oh my, how much faster JML is?!?

[jonkka]

Just a glitch it seems

[dominik_r]

a little strange times on SS1. Ogier drove off instead of wasting time.

[jonkka]

Yeah - everyone is complaining about lack of grip

[jonkka]

Europe seems to be still at sleep? :)

[Micke_VOC]

Europe seems to be still at sleep? :)

Not everyone =)
Will be awake for first three stages then sleep...

[jonkka]

Hello Sweden...

[arko5]

So, after SS1 Ogier is out of the range...

[PLuto]

I am here also, but it looks like it will be boring again...

[dominik_r]

It's possible that SS1 was cleaner because of shakedown drove there yesterday.

[arko5]

On SS2 gaps is not so big :)

[dominik_r]

Lets wait for Neuville or Meeke...

[jonkka]

wrc.com results service does not disappoint... it's as bad as usually...

[arko5]

Mikko is very quick.

[makinen_fan]

It's possible that SS1 was cleaner because of shakedown drove there yesterday.

at least thats what Meeke said at the end of SS1

[dominik_r]

Normal road cleaning on SS2. Good split for Meeke :)

[dimviii]

Meeke faster at 1st split

[makinen_fan]

Tanak lost 15s in SS1

[arko5]

Meeke quickest.

[jonkka]

After SS3 Meeke will be leading, it seems...

[noel157]

Ostberg a bit slow? Thought he was all excited to be back on gravel.

Edit- he doesn't like bumps apparently and under steered off on SS1.

[dominik_r]

Meeke will flat out on SS3? Hope he will not push to much..

[jonkka]

Not even a bit slow, a lot slower if compared to team mate who's about to take the lead. Ostberg is at the other end of the spectrum and I am very surprised at that.

[Micke_VOC]

Östberg loosing time on first three splits against Ogier, all others taking

[dominik_r]

Neuville flies :) Nice to see hyundai making top stage times

[makinen_fan]

Mads sadly continues the trend of the last couple of rallies

[makinen_fan]

Tanak lost 15s in SS1

Ott Tanak broken front diff SS1 continues two wheel Drive.

[noel157]

Are the Citroen site splits any quicker?

[jonkka]

A little faster

[makinen_fan]

Are the Citroen site splits any quicker?

Yep
http://www.citroenracing.com/en/live-results/?id=7419&idEpr=SS3&typf=split&car=1

[noel157]

About a car quicker. WRC.com useless as ever.

[dominik_r]

What's with Evans? Slow splits for him on SS2.

[jonkka]

Not that much faster on SS3 either

[noel157]

About a car quicker. WRC.com useless as ever.

More like 2/3 cars quicker.

[noel157]

Citroen live
S. OGIER 00:02:29.4 00:05:47.5 00:08:31.7 00:11:31.0 14:56 26
J. LATVALA -0.9 -0.1 -2.2 -4.9 14:49 25
A. MIKKELSEN -0.4 -1.2 -3.4 -6.6 14:47 23
M. OSTBERG +1.3 +1.8 +2.0 +1.1 14:57 27
T. NEUVILLE -1.2 -3.4 -4.4 -5.9 14:47 24
M. HIRVONEN -0.6 -2.3 -5.0
E. EVANS +3.7 +6.0 +9.8
K. MEEKE -0.5 -2.7 -5.8
R. KUBICA +1.3
H. PADDON +0.4

WRC.com
. 1 FRAS. OGIER M 00:02:29.4 00:05:47.5 00:08:31.7 00:11:31.0 14:56.7
2. 2 FINJ. LATVALA M -0.9 -0.1 -2.2 -4.9 14:49.6
3. 9 NORA. MIKKELSEN -0.4 -1.2 -3.4 -6.6 14:47.6
4. 4 NORM. OSTBERG M +1.3 +1.8 +2.0 +1.1 14:57.8
5. 7 BELT. NEUVILLE M -1.2 -3.4 -4.4 -5.9 14:47.8
5 FINM. HIRVONEN M -0.6 -2.3 -5.0
6 GBRE. EVANS M +3.7 +6.0 +9.8
3 GBRK. MEEKE M -0.5 -2.7
10 POLR. KUBICA T +1.3
20 NZLH. PADDON T
8 AUSC. ATKINSON M
37 ITAL. BERTELLI WRC2
34 ESTO. TANAK WRC2
32 UKRY. PROTASOV WRC2

[jonkka]

Ogier seems to drop to 4th...

[noel157]

Meeke wins and goes into the lead.

[makinen_fan]

Really nice performance from Kris. Hope he does not bin it this time

[J.Lindstroem]

This reminds me of the Australian rally 2006 when Chris Atkinson was in the lead after three stages. In 2014 i hope that Kris Meeke kan keep it together and settle his first win.

[Lundefaret]

Latvala speaking of driving style, and needing to adjust that, instead of set up/technical changes.
This is very positive, and when a fast driver like Latvala has this focus, we should se that translated in good stage times.

[Robbo]

Away again, suppose our European friends will be tucked up in bed until about the super specials

[wwbroe]

Ogier fastest trough sofar, beating teammate JML by half a second and Neuville 3,1 seconds

[jonkka]

Away again, suppose our European friends will be tucked up in bed until about the super specials

Nay, just woke up after 3hrs of sleep. A bit groggy so excuse if I ramble incoherently.

[wwbroe]

Nay, just woke up after 3hrs of sleep. A bit groggy so excuse if I ramble incoherently.

You're exused if you had only three hours nof sleep.:D

[makinen_fan]

Nay, just woke up after 3hrs of sleep. A bit groggy so excuse if I ramble incoherently.

exactly same here! :p time for strong coffee!

Seb again back on it in this stage.

[wwbroe]

Meeke liottle bit slower as Ogier ons plit

[dimviii]

Latvala bleed brakes before ss4
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxTgQOFCQAAFxUK.jpg:large

[jonkka]

With a can of Castrol... :)

[wwbroe]

Meeke is loosing 3,7 seconds compared to Ogier

[jonkka]

I also see that Michelin prints Michelin Man on the tyres thesedays, not just Michelin name...

[makinen_fan]

Mads "Time not so good but an improvement from this morning, we had a problem with the rear diff, better."

Even Elfyn is faster than him here... he is the disappointment of the rally so far

[Mk2 RS2000]

Just imagine what us Kiwi's go through following WRC and F1 live tv broadcasts

[wwbroe]

Also Kubica is faster then Mads

[jonkka]

Just imagine what us Kiwi's go through following WRC and F1 live tv broadcasts

F1 sure is an agony.

[wwbroe]

Really disappointed by Atkinson as well, i expected him faster on home soil.

[jonkka]

Atko must have a persistent problem of some kind, he can't be that slow solely on driving

[Robbo]

Agree, shows just how much Hayden is improving. But I am biased

[wwbroe]

Agree, shows just how much Hayden is improving. But I am biased

I intend to agree with you, Haydon is really on good pace, as he was the previous rally's he did. We don't have to forget that he didn't have that many rally's in WRC car. He surely deserves more opportunities to show his pace.

[wwbroe]

Bellingen II will go live in about a minute

[wwbroe]

What happened with Ott Tanak that he is so far behind in overall classification?:(

[makinen_fan]

What happened with Ott Tanak that he is so far behind in overall classification?:(

Front diff problem, he was RWD all the way so far. SS4 he is back on top of WRC2

[wwbroe]

Ogier is trough in 6.16.4, about 10 sec faster as Meeke in first run

[wwbroe]

Front diff problem, he was RWD all the way so far. SS4 he is back on top of WRC2

Ok, thanks for the info;)

[wwbroe]

JML is faster: 6.15.9

[dimviii]

SS4 Atkinson sets 6 minutes 33.4secs "I had a good rhythm in there and was happy with pace...."

[wwbroe]

SS4 Atkinson sets 6 minutes 33.4secs "I had a good rhythm in there and was happy with pace...."
But unfortunally you don't see that in the time......

[wwbroe]

Mads is slow on splits again

[wwbroe]

Neuville stopped?

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-4664-0-11837300-1410501159.png
http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/703374BxKGwPeCcAAGuzKjpglarge.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxTnFZXIQAAjF11.jpg

[wwbroe]

Apparently broken rear suspension for Thierry

[wwbroe]

Neuville is loosing about two minutes on the stage

[Robbo]

Very slow at first split...

[Robbo]

Neville has a long way to go with damaged car. Let's hope he can do some repairs before next stage

[wwbroe]

JML about a second slower as Ogier on first split on the long one.

[litifeta]

Speaking of Australia, I have one of these nesting in the park behind my house. Very cute to start with, but a little annoying at 4am since he has decided he is a train, a plane, a car siren, earth moving equipment, and likes to make sneezing sounds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeQjkQpeJwY

[wwbroe]

Ogier on a charge, now 1,4 sec faster on second split

[wwbroe]

JML is striking back, only 0.3 of the pace on split 3

[wwbroe]

Ogier is trough in 14.23.8, wich is 23 sec faster as Meeke in first run, very clear that road is much cleaner now.

[wwbroe]

JML faster by 0.7 sec on last split

[wwbroe]

Neuville started on time on long stage, wonder if he could do some repairs?

[wwbroe]

Neuville stopped in stage again now?

Edit: he is moving again, so false alarm

[wwbroe]

JML is trough, 1.1 sec faster as Seb

[jonkka]

Hopefully Neuville or his dust won't disadvantage Mikko

[jonkka]

Judging by Neuville's first split he's done remarkable repairs :eek:

[Robbo]

That is some catch up by JML

[wwbroe]

Judging by Neuville's first split he's done remarkable repairs :eek:

Yes, it is quite incredible, so he fixed the broken suspension?

[jonkka]

Looks that way, yeah

[makinen_fan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxT7vNxCYAA1sDR.jpg

[wwbroe]

Third time for Thierry, what a repair he did!!

[Robbo]

Thierry showing he can drive a less than perfect car, important abilities

[wwbroe]

Meeke looking good on splits

[wwbroe]

Ostberg is saying that rythm in good, but times are not, so he wants his engineer to tell him what is going on...

[jonkka]

Meeke looking good on splits

Yeah, he may keep his lead...

[wwbroe]

Meeke trough, thrid fastest at 14.24.2

[wwbroe]

Keeping his lead, with Latvalla second and Ogier third

[RallyNZ]

Looks like VW made some pretty handy setup changes at service.

[Maui J.]

Great to be following (and listening) to a WRC rally at a normal time of the day!
Go Hayden!!!

[makinen_fan]

Surprisingly good performance from Yazeed here

[Doon]

Ostberg is saying that rythm in good, but times are not, so he wants his engineer to tell him what is going on...

He doesn't need an engineer to tell him what's going on.....

[Doon]

Looks like VW made some pretty handy setup changes at service.

I imagine the increase in pace is due to the stage having been swept.

[RallyNZ]

Good point. And I can't even blame 3hrs sleep on that over sight.

[Robbo]

Bit of a wait now. Time to catch up on tonight's rugby games

[andyone]

Keeping his lead, with Latvalla second and Ogier third

that could easily lead to a crash

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good times by Meeke again in this rally, but JML & Ogier are coming strong now the stages are cleaner..

Hope Meeke just stays with them.

[wwbroe]

that could easily lead to a crash

All three of them ??:D Like in Germany....

[wwbroe]

What is the reason Atko is loosing 1,5 minutes on last stage?

[stefanvv]

What is the reason Atko is loosing 1,5 minutes on last stage?

SS6: Atko in the wars
He loses another 1m29s to the leaders. "We had to take it easy in there. There's a strange feeling in the rear, something’s not right and at the front the sump guard is still hanging down because we haven't had the time to put it back on."

[noel157]

What is the reason Atko is loosing 1,5 minutes on last stage?

He said at stage end that something was moving at the back of the car so didn't take any risks.

[wwbroe]

Thank you guys for the info;)

[Robbo]

Apparently Hayden complaining of loose brake pedal and lots of warning lights distracted him in last stage. Hope nothing serious

[litifeta]

Just watched Meeke WRC + onboards. He has balls.

[wwbroe]

Spectator stage is going live, let's see if Meeke can keep his lead.

[litifeta]

live where? not on wrc +

[wwbroe]

Atkinson running first and trough in 1.41.5

[wwbroe]

live where? not on wrc +

Yes, it is, at least on my screen:p

[wwbroe]

Paddon 1.39.9

[litifeta]

Yes, it is, at least on my screen:p what maps? got no streaming

[wwbroe]

what maps? got no streaming
On live-maps it is showing on my pc

[wwbroe]

Atkinson now on second run trough the stage

[wwbroe]

Atkinson 1.39.4 in second run

[wwbroe]

Kubica 1.40.7 in first run

[wwbroe]

Meeke now in first run trough

[wwbroe]

Meeke 1.40.6 first run

[wwbroe]

Evans 1.42.0 first run

[wwbroe]

Paddon 1.38.5 second run

[wwbroe]

Kubica 1.38.9 second run

[wwbroe]

Meeke 1.38.9 second run

[wwbroe]

Evans 1.40.2 second run

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen 1.39.8, besttime on first run

[wwbroe]

Neuville 1.40.2 first run

[wwbroe]

Ostberg 1.40.6 first run

[thuGG]

Why do you posting this? There is live timing (sort of).

[wwbroe]

Hirvonen 1.137.9, fastest trough sofar in second run

[wwbroe]

Why do you posting this? There is live timing (sort of).

Ok, i tought it didn't show on screen, i will stop then:)

[wwbroe]

Latvalla more then 3 sec faster as Meeke on first run, taking the lead now

[Robbo]

Thanks for the times, were certainly faster that WRC.COM. I appreciated them

[wwbroe]

Ogier another 0.1 faster as JML; really close fighting now.

[wwbroe]

We could very well see a VW 1,2,3 after these two spectator stages:(

[Mk2 RS2000]

Thanks for the times, were certainly faster that WRC.COM. I appreciated them

http://www.citroenracing.com/en/live-results/?id=7419&idEpr=SS8&typf=both

Citroen are quicker with results Robbo

[wwbroe]

Mikkelsen is indeed past Chris Meeke in overall standings

[wwbroe]

http://www.citroenracing.com/en/live-results/?id=7419&idEpr=SS8&typf=both

Citroen are quicker with results Robbo

They sure are, but no tenths of seconds over there

[wwbroe]

So, it will be VW 1,2,3 but in what order?

[EightGear]

Meeke losing 6 seconds to Mikkelsen on 3 KMs.

[wwbroe]

It is Ogier? Latvalla , Mikkelsen overall !!!

[MEGASinK]

few videos. but sorry for not good quality
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmUycCoEV1x0nKLoKmcL-sLcBVceRkYAC

[N.O.T]

Nice pace by paddon, otherwise no big surprises.

[litifeta]

Saturday 13 September
Cloudy. Patchy fog early in the morning, chiefly on the ranges. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms inland during the afternoon and evening. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 22.

[focus206]

glad to see also Mikko managing to don't lose much after first day :) first 5 crews in 8 seconds, huge gap after them

[Rally Hokkaido]

Saturday 13 September
Cloudy. Patchy fog early in the morning, chiefly on the ranges. Scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms inland during the afternoon and evening. Light winds. Overnight temperatures falling to between 8 and 13 with daytime temperatures reaching between 16 and 22.

It looks like a storm has just passed through the Service Park.

[raybak]

Had a storm hit about 15 mins before our first run of the super special. It was like being on ice but with rain pelting down. We weren't too quick but made it and are in 5th in 4wd after day 1.

Looking forward to the Shire roads tomorrow.

Ray

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_09_2014/post-2088-0-25983900-1410532334.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to see Meeke on the pace again after his Germany disappointment.

Shame he lost some time on the last two stages, but at least he's still last on the road on tomorrow's loop due to the positions being taken after SS6...

It would be great if he could stay with the VW's right to the end.

[Eli]

Good to see Meeke on the pace again after his Germany disappointment.

Shame he lost some time on the last two stages, but at least he's still last on the road on tomorrow's loop due to the positions being taken after SS6...

It would be great if he could stay with the VW's right to the end.

and this time after the finish line please ;)

[Gregor-y]

Granted it's only day one but Hirvonen eight seconds off the lead is nice. Kubica within a minute of the lead is good, too, for now...

[Eli]

Granted it's only day one but Hirvonen eight seconds off the lead is nice. Kubica within a minute of the lead is good, too, for now...

is it the first time he didn't crash on the first day on a gravel rally?

[skarderud]

Østberg says in a newsclip that he had slightly too hard setup, thats the reason he couldnt commit and looses time.
Isn't that a bit to common mistake to do?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Driver interviews and cars being prepped on the live stream now :)

http://www.wrc.com/live-ticker/live_popup_stream.html

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wet and muddy at the SP this morning ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BxXKM7MCQAA7FDb.jpg

[dominik_r]

puddles in service area :) anyone know if stages are wet?

[wwbroe]

Just had a look at day 1 highlights, looks like some incredible nice stages. Like the video i must say.;)
Don't have any idea about the weather for the moment?

[dimviii]

The Pole is about 8km from the start of Nabucca but has radioed in a gear shift problem. M-Sport are talking him through a temporary fix. Sounds like a different, and less serious, problem than the one that took him out of Rallye Deustchand

[wwbroe]

They will soon kick of into day 2, starting with the monster stage of nearly 50kms. Could give quite big differences after this one.

[wwbroe]

Atkinson first on the road, he will kick of now

[dimviii]

start list

http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/9430148711.jpg

[wwbroe]

Looks like Kubica will make it in time to start of stage, i don't know if he is in manual gear changing mode tough.

[dimviii]

Atko and Neuville already at citroen splits
http://www.citroenracing.com/live-results?id=7288&idEpr=SS9&typf=split&car=1

[wwbroe]

Atko and Neuville already at citroen splits
http://www.citroenracing.com/live-results?id=7288&idEpr=SS9&typf=split&car=1

Yes, i have seen it, for the moment Neuville quicker, but Evans on par with him on first split.

[wwbroe]

Evans quickest on second split sofar

[jonkka]

Yawn - a little sleep and then little bit of WRC... These midnight rallies sure have a different character to 'em...

[wwbroe]

Looks like there isn't too much rain in that stage, i mean it hasn't rained much like in service. Clearly times are getting quicker as cars running later on the road.

[wwbroe]

Ostberg looking way better then yesterday, at least on split times;)

[wwbroe]

Great opening split for Andreas:eek:

[wwbroe]

Atkinson is trough

[N.O.T]

did kubica bin it again ?

[wwbroe]

Why? He is still moving on the stage

[N.O.T]

no splits on WRC.com

[jonkka]

Not posting any splits though...

[wwbroe]

Evans loosing 7,4 to Neuville

[wwbroe]

no splits on WRC.com

Ok, i've noticed that also:D

[wwbroe]

JML fastest on first split