WRC Catalunya Costa Daurada 2014

[nafpaktos]

Some friends of mine are thinking to follow the rally from close.i know that in france and germany the measures are really strict for spectators.you can not watch the rally from any place you want but just from <spectators points> defined by the organizers.i would like to know if things are the same for rally spain.here in greece spectators are free to go where they want with only very few limitations(exit of corners etc).thanks in advance!!

[Franky]

i know that in france and germany the measures are really strict for spectators.you can not watch the rally from any place you want but just from <spectators points> defined by the organizers

Correction about Germany. It is possible to go to your own location in Germany, just it in some places it's harder than at others.

[MartijnS]

You have enough freedom in Spain. Although it is a bit more strict than Greece ;)

[Priorat]

I see that threads for Wales and Sweden rallyes started even before the next rally in the championship. Not much expectation.
Anyway, all information is ready for those who want to attend it:

http://www.rallyracc.com/2014/en/

No surprises. For those who visit it every year we are running out of spots.

[Priorat]

rally guide

http://www.rallyracc.com/2014/en/guia_tramos.html

and entry list

http://www.rallyracc.com/2014/en/inscritos.html

[MartijnS]

No surprises. For those who visit it every year we are running out of spots.

Indeed, especially the tarmac stages, difficult to find some new spots :) However, still looking forward to it. 4th year in a row.

[Nelly]

Hoping there's some interesting spots on the Escaldai stage, does anyone know if there's access to the hairpins on the gandesa stage or do you have walk in from the finish?

[MartijnS]

You can get to the 'big one'. Not really a hairpin but we almost drove until there few years ago. If its wet, however very difficult to get or get away from that road.
More easy to take the access road to the right corner after that left hairpin. Few minutes from normal road and than walk back over the stage to the hairpins.

I like the look of the last part of Escaladei, tight road, not the typical Catalunya highway roads ;)

[Priorat]

last descend from Escaladei to the finish is the place to be. it is narrow, broken, dirty. that piece of road is as it was 15 years ago.
for the hairpins in Gandesa you can reach them by walking less than 800 metres from a gravel road acces.

[Atob WRC]

last descend from Escaladei to the finish is the place to be. it is narrow, broken, dirty. that piece of road is as it was 15 years ago.
for the hairpins in Gandesa you can reach them by walking less than 800 metres from a gravel road acces.

We will have to look for a dirty place!!!

Hope enjoy a good rally!

BR!

[dodge33cymru]

I'm considering making a last minute dash for this as I have some holidays to use, so Thursday and Friday possible.

Is the entry just those 74? No historics, no 'national' rally or anything? Long wait from first to second passes if not.

[MartijnS]

No the 74 cars are everything that drives there. Just switch between the stages, than you don't have to wait that long :) I think we'll do 4 stages on Friday, 4 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.

[Priorat]

I read somewhere that classic rally cars will pass between 2 runs on Saturday but not competitively

[MartijnS]

Ah yes, i missed that.

The historic vehicles are back at the RallyRACC
After pausing for two editions, a selection of historic cars will be again at the RallyRACC, to show the protagonists of the World Championship from a couple of decades ago, from Group B to Group 4 and Group 2 cars, some of them unique machines with the decoration and the names of the drivers that drove them back then. These vehicles, the list of which will be announced at a later date, will be exhibited on Friday next to the podium in Salou and on Saturday and Sunday will be covering all the stages between the two passages of the rally cars.

[MartijnS]

Anybody an idea where this jump is?

https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/v/t1.0-9/s720x720/576552_10151945797913641_1044567813_n.jpg?oh=28cda 29eba07fb760dc38878b2bb721c&oe=54B7E909&__gda__=1422155525_4d7f02c00bf71a29bb39518e0b880de 0

[Nelly]

Is that the section about 1 km before gravel meets the Tarmac on terra alta, looks like it! It's a very good section

[Priorat]

It can also be north part of Pesells. The photo is specially good because when you see a video of this area, it doesn't look that great.

[Priorat]

Some photos from tests for Catalunya:

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

[jonkka]

VW seems to have interesting gadgets on their front and rear bumpers on those testing pictures. Wonder what's their purpose...

[turves]

VW seems to have interesting gadgets on their front and rear bumpers on those testing pictures. Wonder what's their purpose...

i dont know what they are, but if you look carefully you can see they are shining a light on the ground. I dont think they are the latest in light-pod technology though!

[Mirek]

VW seems to have interesting gadgets on their front and rear bumpers on those testing pictures. Wonder what's their purpose...

It's optical device to measure speeds in different axes. It's common thing used in car development (both stock and competition), we even had it on the university to measure some dynamic properties (a bit different radar one). As it measures real speed it can for example be used to determine the wheelspin. It's very useful.

See for example: http://www.corrsys-datron.com/optical_sensors.htm

[MartijnS]

Block went off at test today :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1601156_10152552041818952_8103075714878415740_n.jp g?oh=61f61e6d2cd40cbc744cb58955cac195&oe=54B29DEA&__gda__=1425440353_94bf615b09fb8617810aab34f6760d7 3

[nafpaktos]

Flat out for andreas!
http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/flat-out-for-the-big-goal-in-all-or-nothing-mode-for-rally-spain/

[turves]

It's optical device to measure speeds in different axes. It's common thing used in car development (both stock and competition), we even had it on the university to measure some dynamic properties (a bit different radar one). As it measures real speed it can for example be used to determine the wheelspin. It's very useful.

See for example: http://www.corrsys-datron.com/optical_sensors.htm

When i was writing my post, I thought "I bet Mirek will know"!!!

[nafpaktos]

Block went off at test today :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1601156_10152552041818952_8103075714878415740_n.jp g?oh=61f61e6d2cd40cbc744cb58955cac195&oe=54B29DEA&__gda__=1425440353_94bf615b09fb8617810aab34f6760d7 3
And here is the video.
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=Djrg6LYOV1w

[manthey]

Block went off at test today :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1601156_10152552041818952_8103075714878415740_n.jp g?oh=61f61e6d2cd40cbc744cb58955cac195&oe=54B29DEA&__gda__=1425440353_94bf615b09fb8617810aab34f6760d7 3

seems the same that tested Kubica (PX60AUW) with the new facelifted front

[jonkka]

It's optical device to measure speeds in different axes.

Interesting, thanks. I wondered about similar light under Impreza back in the days when Burns was still with us but at that time nobody knew what it was (and very few noticed it). Perhaps it was similar contraption, after all - active tech was still legal those days.

[Rallyper]

seems the same that tested Kubica (PX60AUW) with the new facelifted front

Well, that wasn´t much of an off...

[janvanvurpa]

Block went off at test today :)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/1601156_10152552041818952_8103075714878415740_n.jp g?oh=61f61e6d2cd40cbc744cb58955cac195&oe=54B29DEA&__gda__=1425440353_94bf615b09fb8617810aab34f6760d7 3

America's Best Rally Superstar doing what he does best.
As I read somewhere "a rally God"....

[Todd Ortiz]

Greetings! My lady and I will be in Salou for the WRC Rally de Espana next weekend. If any other English speaking fans would like to meet up and assist a pair of rookie American spectators we would really appreciate it!

[RAS007]

Apparently, Ken Block is "one to watch" in Spain, according to WRC.com. Here are the opening sentences of the article:

SET THE CONTROLS TO GNARLY. KEN BLOCK, THE MOST STOKED DRIVER IN THE WRC....etc...etc...

Here is the rest, if you dare: http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october/ken-block/page/1862--12-12-.html

Wow. Just...wow. Words fail me.

[dodge33cymru]

In fairness, his quotes in there are perfectly reasonable.

[RAS007]

In fairness, his quotes in there are perfectly reasonable.

For sure, but he's hardly "one to watch".

[dodge33cymru]

I don't see why not, might as well watch him now whilst you have the chance to. If that column is only for potential winners then 'one to watch' would be Ogier or Latvala before every rally. Alternatively, watch Hirvonen in one of his last two WRC events ;)

[KKS]

Flat out for andreas!
http://www.andreasmikkelsen.no/news/flat-out-for-the-big-goal-in-all-or-nothing-mode-for-rally-spain/
If Andreas will be allowed to win, doeas this mean a drivers championship NOW is decided? Latvala not allowed to win a championship and doesn't need win rally's and in this case anyone allow to win a next two rally?

[KKS]

a little quiz from wrc backruners...

who will be faster on stages? 1) Protasov 2)Block
who will finish a rally higher? 1) Protasov 2)Block

I think 2) and 1) :)

[Hartusvuori]

If Andreas will be allowed to win, doeas this mean a drivers championship NOW is decided? Latvala not allowed to win a championship and doesn't need win rally's and in this case anyone allow to win a next two rally?

Where does it say Latvala is not allowed to win? I think Latvala and Ogier may not allow Mikkelsen to win... With manu title secured of course VW can let all of their drivers to fight for the event victories.

[N.O.T]

a little quiz from wrc backruners...

who will be faster on stages? 1) Protasov 2)Block
who will finish a rally higher? 1) Protasov 2)Block

I think 2) and 1) :)

the correct answer to these questions is...

nobody cares.

[RAS007]

the correct answer to these questions is...

nobody cares.

:rotflmao:

[KKS]

Where does it say Latvala is not allowed to win? I think Latvala and Ogier may not allow Mikkelsen to win... With manu title secured of course VW can let all of their drivers to fight for the event victories.
Look at standings. JML doesn't have too much chances too win a title by not winning a rally. If Mikkelsen is allowed by VW to win a rally it's mean that JML not win (simple) = not winning a title = Ogier two times champion. If Mikkelsen push a bit harder at France... we probably could see JML in a ditch.

2N.O.T - don't watch a rally, come 17 November and find out who champion

[Hartusvuori]

Look at standings. JML doesn't have too much chances too win a title by not winning a rally. If Mikkelsen is allowed by VW to win a rally it's mean that JML not win (simple) = not winning a title = Ogier two times champion. If Mikkelsen push a bit harder at France... we probably could see JML in a ditch.

2N.O.T - don't watch a rally, come 17 November and find out who champion

Why would VW handicap Mikkelsen in favour of Latvala? Manu title is settled, so they let all three drivers push as hard as they will. Fair play. Latvala's chances for title are purely theoretical anyway. It's possible, but very unlikely.

[skarderud]

it could be a scenario there ogier is of the road again, latvala wins, ogier takes 3p on ps, then they are equal.
I dont know if mikkelsen is potensial to push much more without a mistake, but hopefully he can put some pressure on the two other guys.
Maybe the first real mesurment on the actual speed between the VW boys?

[stefanvv]

the correct answer to these questions is...

nobody cares.

:DWell, apparently someone does. I wonder something else though, these 2 drivers are very, very different in character. Block is competing only for the show, while this is not the case with Protasov.

[bluuford]

Weather forecast:

Basically nothing to say. It looks extremely boring. temperature close to +20 (little less in the morning and little more in the afternoon. Absolutely no rain in forecast and only problem can be some dust during the first morning. But it is too early to say that.

So, we can expect Ogier loose some time, Latvala little less and Mikkelsen even less and I put my money on Meeke to have solid lead after day 1.
This year has been very dry fro tarmac rallies. We have had only 1.5 properly wet stages for WR Cars in Germany and that is all.

[EightGear]

Sordo is in a good position as well, quite far down the starting list on the gravel stages.

[Priorat]

Dust can turn into advantage for Ogier if it reduces visibility for drivers behind.It has happened before.

[makinen_fan]

Yazeed withdraws from the rally:
http://instagram.com/p/uauBZWMzPh/

[Criterium]

All the course is available in 3D animation on RallyVista:
http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/15/38/23/21/presrv21.jpg (http://servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=1117&u=15382321)

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

[thuGG]

Shakedown results:
http://kibicrajdowy.pl/files/111czas.jpg

[Rally Hokkaido]

It must have been a boring shakedown - so many times close and Kris Meeke not even bothered to drive fast?

[Mk2 RS2000]

It must have been a boring shakedown - so many times close and Kris Meeke not even bothered to drive fast?

Seen some footage that looked like once around a roundabout then down a skinny straight road with three tyre bundle chicanes to a 90 degree left and finish. Pretty damn pointless unless you wear your cap backwards and think that the fast and the furious is real life.

[fordbda]

Anyone who knows if there is a Rally spectator bus from Salou(Port Aventura) to Friday stages?
It looks like there is a 70 km distance between Salou and the stages.
This will not be cheap with taxi :0

[MartijnS]

Dont know but you better rent a car! ;)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1455928_796037730439622_6454302701473413204_n.jpg? oh=1a13f092ecaafab239cccc170579aae2&oe=54EDFF2D&__gda__=1424770899_a301865953a19dd00f99329baf862f0 3

[KiwiWRCfan]

It must have been a boring shakedown - so many times close and Kris Meeke not even bothered to drive fast?

Crews have a set allocation of tires which needs to cover Shakedown, SS1 in Barcelona and all of gravel stages on Friday. Meeke maybe playing a very smart tire preservation game. Look very closely at Kris's early splits on SS2, I will not be surprised to see an immediate push.

[MartijnS]

https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10593097_725547800866525_8327304518255699354_n.jpg ?oh=2f8defd5d9fe92114281507eb941916b&oe=54AD6BC5&__gda__=1424932527_21e2746c5e53a8403e5e57372818dfa 1

https://scontent-a-mad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10514479_725547604199878_7554850102018954268_n.jpg ?oh=44d922fd94f2310a1abc35c9e04474d7&oe=54B49A8D

https://scontent-b-mad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/1622852_725547520866553_6672888851842700722_n.jpg? oh=4f3d12335065404b0749e0ea0b710fa5&oe=54AE1939



Some more at http://facebook.com/rallymedia !

[pantealex]

There is NO Citroen stickers in DS 3 WRC´s (sidepanels. rearspoiler and frontglass), because DS is not citroen anymore. Car is officially DS 3 or DS Spirit depending on market. (not DS3)
DS is own PSA brand like Lexus/Toyota.
I went to Paris autoexpo and there were DS cars without citroen wings in front grill.

[makinen_fan]

There is NO Citroen stickers in DS 3 WRC´s (sidepanels. rearspoiler and frontglass), because DS is not citroen anymore. Car is officially DS 3 or DS Spirit depending on market. (not DS3)
DS is own PSA brand like Lexus/Toyota.
I went to Paris autoexpo and there were DS cars without citroen wings in front grill.

This is not the case with drivers overalls though

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0o3c-OIcAAQW6V.jpg

[makinen_fan]

Link for the SSS live at BT Sport 2:
http://www.stream2watch.me/live-tv/bt-sport-2-live-stream

Now the preview show is on

[Tom206wrc]

SSS running ;)

[SubaruNorway]

Didn't Novikov get excluded for running too worn tarmac tires in Spain a few years ago?

Not sure if gravel tires are under the same rules...

Meeke not impressed by the VW's anyway.

[bluuford]

Yeah.. Mikkelsen had complete slicks by the end of the stage.. this is pretty clear advantage on that stage apart from one corner.

[Mirek]

Didn't Novikov get excluded for running too worn tarmac tires in Spain a few years ago?

Not sure if gravel tires are under the same rules...

Meeke not impressed by the VW's anyway.

Not sure about Novikov but Škoda Italia works driver Scandola was excluded for exactly same thing this year in Italian championship (the rules basically say that the pattern must be all the time road-legal). It was on city stage of San Marino.

This rule is very controversial because if it shall be really applied than plenty of drivers would be excluded on every rally with too worn tyres. Now it's like random picking of somebody to punish with a random penalty. I hate it. Why Loeb got away with it on Cyprus and some others shall not? Who says who can breach the rule and who not?

[AndyRAC]

Either have the rule, and strictly enforce it; or don't. At the moment it's a grey area - and not fair.

[bluuford]

For such mistake there should be financial penalty. Philosophically you waste your tyres and it has impact to environment. So, when you have all four tires too worned then you get 5000 eur penalty during your first breach, when it happens for the second time, then you get 25 000 EUR, third time in a year is exclusion. There is another question. How was it possible that you worned them on the public roads? is it allowed to drive like this?

[A FONDO]

Philosophically you waste your tyres and it has impact to environment.

Yes and the fastest driver also spent more fuel so he must also pay for damaging the environment http://www.democraticunderground.com/emoticons/facepalm.gif

[Andre Oliveira]

Photos here (http://ewrc-results.com/foto.php?e=13902&t=Rally-RACC-Catalunya-Costa-Daurada-2014)

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rally_racc_rally_de_espa_241_a_2014/rol_img_1144.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rally_racc_rally_de_espa_241_a_2014/rol_img_1219.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2014/photos/rally_racc_rally_de_espa_241_a_2014/rol_img_1185.jpg

[bluuford]

Yes and the fastest driver also spent more fuel so he must also pay for damaging the environment http://www.democraticunderground.com/emoticons/facepalm.gif
I think it is not the case on the stage but the case while he was trying to make his tires slick. He spent less time for sliding on the stage;-)

[nafpaktos]

any video from the first stage?dont tell me wrcplus.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Re VW tyres 'slick-trick' - what was to stop every driver doing this, unless the rest all thought it was illegal.. ?

[Mirek]

Re VW tyres 'slick-trick' - what was to stop every driver doing this, unless the rest all thought it was illegal.. ?

It IS illegal.

The only problem is that it's very rarely punished (and the more weird such cases are). Don't get me wrong. It was used in the past (for example by Loeb on Cyprus) but also from time to time somebody is picked to by excluded.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0pZ4nACQAEAZwt.jpg:large

[dimviii]

http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_10_2014/post-26-0-42728700-1414081197.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_10_2014/post-26-0-88122100-1414081268.jpg
http://www.forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_10_2014/post-26-0-48997900-1414081203.jpg

[dimviii]

http://www.rally-mania.cz/photogallery.php?id=1309

[dimviii]

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

[KKS]

and we re-start 1st day... SS2 is Live

[rage82]

Rally is on, let's see who is going to be the fastest man on gravel. Fingers crossed for Kris:)

[makinen_fan]

Splits in Citroen website working this time:
http://www.citroenracing.com/en/live-results/?id=7421&idEpr=SS2&typf=split&car=1

[jonkka]

Mikkelsen still fastest VW

[KKS]

Good performance from Huyndai. Hope Sordo will make good gap from gravel stages today

[litifeta]

Something wrong with Latvala? missing from WRC+

[litifeta]

nah. back

[satukata]

Something wrong with Latvala? missing from WRC+

nothing wrong, only GPS off

[HarriK]

Max Vatanen's time is not correct on SS1 ? Or he has take short cut somewhere...

[noel157]

Dust finally coming into contention?

[wwbroe]

Something wrong with Kris on SS3; loosing quite a lot of time on second split?

[jonkka]

Something wrong with Kris on SS3; loosing quite a lot of time on second split?

Yeah, hopefully just a spin or like, not a puncture...

[noel157]

Meeke dropping big time.

[wwbroe]

Loosing even more on third split, not looking good:(

[noel157]

Puncture maybe, hope so.

[wwbroe]

Meeke stopped in stage

[noel157]

Do people think dust is unfair or just part of the game?

[jonkka]

Neuville takes lead by 0,1s :eek:

[wwbroe]

Or is still moving, but at very low speed, dust playing some role for Ostberg now?

[jonkka]

Do people think dust is unfair or just part of the game?

A little bit of both, I'd rather not have it though as it's so frustrating to drivers

[noel157]

Can be dangerous as well I guess. Agree, rather not have it.

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Meeke

[noel157]

Double puncture.

[noel157]

Presume Ostberg can't lend Meeke a wheel?

[6789]

Is there any reason why Jari-Matti is slow this morning?

[noel157]

Rhythm will be mentioned : )

[wwbroe]

Very good pace by Paddon

[wwbroe]

Besttime for Hayden, taking third overall !!!

[noel157]

Meeke out for the day?

[Eli]

Meeke out for the day?

ouf of contention thats for sure...

[wwbroe]

Meeke out for the day?

Citroen seems to have comfirmed that:(

[noel157]

Retired for the day. Shame, could've been a good event for him and us. :(

[Eli]

Retired for the day. Shame, could've been a good event for him.

like so many events this year-(mexico,portugal,poland,italy)....unlucky

[rallyfiend]

like so many events this year-(mexico,portugal,poland,italy)....unlucky

Perhaps not so 'unlucky'.

The tyres don't traditionally get too many punctures these days without some sort of 'encouragement' from a wall or similar.

Lets see.

[Eli]

Perhaps not so 'unlucky'.

The tyres don't traditionally get too many punctures these days without some sort of 'encouragement' from a wall or similar.

Lets see.

true true, well we'll see at the end of the day.

[EightGear]

Paddon, very nice.

[Eli]

seems Jari has stopped on SS4...at least that's what i see in WRC+ Edit:
Sorry my WRC+ bad.

[wwbroe]

Sousa doesn't have time on stage 3, what happened with him? Nasser quickest trough in WRC2

[Eli]

Sousa doesn't have time on stage 3, what happened with him? Nasser quickest trough in WRC2

Sousa Stopped

[jonkka]

Sousa doesn't have time on stage 3, what happened with him? Nasser quickest trough in WRC2

From WRC.com live text:

FRI 10:02 - SS3: SOUSA STOPPED
That's a disaster for the WRC2 title contender. Puncture?

[wwbroe]

It isn't Nasser with besttime on SS3, it is Carl Kruuda, my mistake;)

[Eli]

It isn't Nasser with besttime on SS3, it is Carl Kruuda, my mistake;)

Karl Kruda ;)

[Mintexmemory]

Ostberg with a 4 minute gap and swept road should set a decent time now, if ever! Really looking forward to Paddon's run

[makinen_fan]

Ostberg with a 4 minute gap and swept road should set a decent time now, if ever! Really looking forward to Paddon's run

6 minute gap

[arko5]

WRC+ today is disaster...

[Eli]

WRC+ today is disaster...
that's an understatment

[wwbroe]

Bad time for Latvalla

[makinen_fan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0stJazCAAAbJe_.jpg

[wwbroe]

WRC+ today is disaster...

I must agree, dots are jumping around like in a circus. I am going to get rid of it if it doesnt become better

[Eli]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0stJazCAAAbJe_.jpg
ouch

[Mintexmemory]

6 minute gap

Wow, ok - too early in the morning for my brain to compute! Even more of an opportunity

[jonkka]

Bad time for Latvalla

Yeah, that's no way to challenge for the title...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Noooooooo ... last night Breen in the ERC, this morning Meeke ! :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0suwT5CQAIp_Qg.jpg:large

[wwbroe]

Puncture for Mikkelsen

[wwbroe]

Ogier is doing very good at this long stage, especially by the end of the stage.

[wwbroe]

Neuville complaining about incredible dusty sections

[arko5]

Paddon stopped

[wwbroe]

In WRC+ Meeke is still running on stage 4, what a farce is this. Was working quite ok in previous rally's, but now just not working at all:(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Paddon off !! :(

[wwbroe]

Strange situation between splits 3 and 4, Ogier is loosing time to Neuville and Ostberg, and then suddenly he is much faster, must be really very dusty section over there.

[raybak]

These guys don't know what dust is compared to what we run in Summer here in Australia. I've been car 2 in a rally here and booked in 3 min early so I wouldn't have any dust. 38km stage and we won it with the 3 min penalty included.

Ray

[wwbroe]

Paddon off !! :(
He was maybe a little bit over enthousiast?

[arko5]

Paddon moving again. Propably puncture

[Rallyper]

Changing a wheel. Going again.

[raybak]

Between splits 3 and 4 Ogier is the master, picking up huge time on everyone else.

[wwbroe]

Changing a wheel. Going again.

Good, so he din't went off after all;)

[A FONDO]

Ogi put many boys in silence again :D

[wwbroe]

Xavi Pons has beated time of Kruda on stage 3, very close fight in WRC2

[Rallyper]

Between splits 3 and 4 Ogier is the master, picking up huge time on everyone else.

Guess that was the dustiest part then. Lucky man.

[KKS]

Between splits 3 and 4 Ogier is the master, picking up huge time on everyone else.

SS4 Terra Alta 1 (gravel & asphalt)

Probably tarmac secton begin on that splits

[wwbroe]

Paddon loosing about 5min+ to Ogier

[raybak]

Guess that was the dustiest part then. Lucky man.

I wreckon it could have been a tarmac section, Kubica was the one who lost the least amount of time.

[wwbroe]

Karl Kruda went off the road:(

[JTGANG]

Where is Lefevbre ????

[bluuford]

Paddon went off (spin and then hit the bank) on the first corner and got two puntures as a result

[wwbroe]

Where is Lefevbre ????
He went off as well

[N.O.T]

It is a pity that driving doesn't matter that much for the first 3 stages.

[wwbroe]

Gilbert Quentin is taking quite big lead in WRC4

[Mintexmemory]

Gotta love Kruuda's spirit - any points at all if he can keep going will keep WRC2 fight open for WRGB with Ketomaa and Kruuda playing catch up behind Nasser! Meanwhile, Nasser now looks to have this one in the bag after 4 stages!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good, so he din't went off after all;)


Paddon went off (spin and then hit the bank) on the first corner and got two puntures as a result

So he DID go off ...

[wwbroe]

So he DID go off ...
Apparently he went off in one of first corners, later on he had puncture, so not good result for him.:(

[HarriK]

Kruuda's car:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0tLPKAIUAAtB7G.jpg
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0tLPKAIUAAtB7G.jpg)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

FRI 11:45 - SS4: KRUUDA LIVES!
His car reaches the stop control in terrible shape; its rear windows are gone, the front is smashed in, but after twice retiring on the opening day in Spain, the Estonian is determined to keep going "There was a big dip in the road, and I guess I didn't brake enough," he explained. "The car did a nose dive, I couldn't turn and we slid into ditch. But we try to keep going. There was no way in hell I was going to retire three times in a f***ing row. :D

[noel157]

FRI 11:45 - SS4: KRUUDA LIVES!
His car reaches the stop control in terrible shape; its rear windows are gone, the front is smashed in, but after twice retiring on the opening day in Spain, the Estonian is determined to keep going "There was a big dip in the road, and I guess I didn't brake enough," he explained. "The car did a nose dive, I couldn't turn and we slid into ditch. But we try to keep going. There was no way in hell I was going to retire three times in a f***ing row. :D

Fighting talk! Only way to go.

[HarriK]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0tTPvWIMAAjBh_.jpg:large

[HarriK]

If Kruuda would retire this day, his penalty would be 8min less than this +22min ...

[wwbroe]

Sousa's car looking really bad

[wwbroe]

Stage 5 will be live soon, let's see if it can bring some excitement;)

[KKS]

Gotta love Kruuda's spirit - any points at all if he can keep going will keep WRC2 fight open for WRGB with Ketomaa and Kruuda playing catch up behind Nasser! Meanwhile, Nasser now looks to have this one in the bag after 4 stages!
He lost at one stahe MORE then he get a SupeRally penalty (only 20min). He lose 21min and don't know how much loose aon 2nd loop

[wwbroe]

Splits not working once more on WRC.com:(

[Eli]

Stage 5 will be live soon, let's see if it can bring some excitement;)

live where as BT Sport or did you just mean live as gonna start soon?

[wwbroe]

live where as BT Sport or did you just mean live as gonna start soon?
I meant live as gonna start soon.:D

[Eli]

I meant live as gonna start soon.:D
ok,shame it's not live like the last rally...

[wwbroe]

Evans went off??

[arko5]

He is going

[wwbroe]

Loosing about a minute in the adventure

[makinen_fan]

That's a LOT of dust

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10675599_10204689931238870_8777535347911010279_n.j pg?oh=1b7c4a30705c8679f12f8bc432bf24f7&oe=54AB52F0&__gda__=1424152741_f60e6623af343d83d8927435dc92278 9

[jonkka]

And no results whatsoever...

[wwbroe]

Best time for Neuville sofar

[Rallyper]

HAve wrc.com forgot SS6 split times???!!!!

[makinen_fan]

HAve wrc.com forgot SS6 split times???!!!!
check here, everything works fine
http://www.citroenracing.com/en/live-results/?id=7421&idEpr=SS6&typf=split&car=1

[wwbroe]

HAve wrc.com forgot SS6 split times???!!!!
They forget a lot of things:D

[EightGear]

Don't know, splits are working fine on the app though.

[wwbroe]

Evans off again???

[arko5]

now definitly

[Rallyper]

check here, everything works fine
http://www.citroenracing.com/en/live-results/?id=7421&idEpr=SS6&typf=split&car=1

Thanks! Looks good!

[arko5]

Sordo loosing lots of time

[Mirek]

Sordo loosing lots of time

He lost all at the first split. His speed is ok.

[wwbroe]

If i understood correctly, Sordo started the stage too late, he tought he had another minute but his time was running allready?

[KKS]

correct.

Mistake from co-driver

[makinen_fan]

Never heard something like this in the past

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Morning video with Meeke trouble and some having moments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdiw4cNBcCU&feature=youtu.be

[EightGear]

What's the name of the new stage end reporter on WRC Live? He's quite good.

[Rallyper]

Morning video with Meeke trouble and some having moments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdiw4cNBcCU&feature=youtu.be

No wonder he´s out having that massive push!

[makinen_fan]

What's the name of the new stage end reporter on WRC Live? He's quite good.

It's Howard Davies, ex-co driver and TV presenter in Ralio+ (wales tv program)
http://www.ewrc-results.com/coprofile.php?p=2080&t=Howard-Davies

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What's the name of the new stage end reporter on WRC Live? He's quite good.

Sounds like Howard Davies - Welsh TV guy... easier to understand than the Scots, George & Colin. :)

http://www.retro-speed.co.uk/CMS-Images/m_4090001_Rallyday2014-Howard%20Davies%20interviews%20Elfyn%20Evans%20on% 20the%20start%20of%20the%20rally%20stage.JPG

[EightGear]

Thanks guys.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans retired.. :(

Elfyn ran wide on SS6 and went off the road. With damage to the radiator of his Fiesta, the Welshman will unfortunately go no further today.

[N.O.T]

pretty stupid location to hold a gravel event...

[HarriK]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0tv3GtIAAAEyMb.jpg:large

[JTGANG]

Ken Block still survives !!!!!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bad day for the Brits - and they have missed a chance for more gravel miles today ahead of Rally GB.

Rally 2 for them on tarmac not much help...

[Eli]

Ken Block still survives !!!!!!

who do you think will crash first kubica or block? honestly if Block would compete for a full season you could do a pickems for it.

[Eli]

Bad day for the Brits - and they have missed a chance for more gravel miles today ahead of Rally GB.

Rally 2 for them on tarmac not much help...

yeah they'll have a lack of experince next year,,,

[Fast Eddie WRC]

JML losing time to Ogier on the splits...

[wwbroe]

Latvalla loosing time on splits

[jonkka]

It's not Latvala's rally... :)

[Mintexmemory]

Bad day for the Brits - and they have missed a chance for more gravel miles today ahead of Rally GB.

Rally 2 for them on tarmac not much help...

Sad for them to be on super rally but as for losing gravel time, meh! These stages (especially Terra Alta mixed surface) are definitely not useful / transferable experience for WRGB. If they were wet (as in 2012 it might be a different matter.

[wwbroe]

It's not Latvala's rally... :)
It definitely isn't his rally for the moment, not looking too bright for his championship chances, but i guess those were gone after Deutschland.

[wwbroe]

Neuville suddenly 5s slower as Ogier at 2th split, he was faster on 1st split.:confused:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sad for them to be on super rally but as for losing gravel time, meh! These stages (especially Terra Alta mixed surface) are definitely not useful / transferable experience for WRGB. If they were wet (as in 2012 it might be a different matter.

Its all time behind the wheel on a loose surface. And maybe WRGB will be dry (!)... ;)

[wwbroe]

Ogier is a massive 40 sec faster as first run trough, he went off at finishline, but is in stopfinish.:eek:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville reported stopped by @HyundaiWRC !

[wwbroe]

Something definitely wrong with Neuville, loosing even more time now

[Eli]

Ogier is a massive 40 sec faster as first run trough, he went off at finishline, but is in stopfinish.:eek:

too bad it didn't happen in the stage :(

[Eli]

latvala needs to move to Toyota badly...

[jonkka]

How come Hirvonen is faster than both JML and Mikkelsen? I thought he was due to retire (or be fired) for lack of pace...

[smsgrafica]

too bad it didn't happen in the stage :(

What a nice sportsman we have here...

[N.O.T]

latvala needs to move to Toyota badly...

I agree, they have a championship winning car...

[wwbroe]

How come Hirvonen is faster than both JML and Mikkelsen? I thought he was due to retire (or be fired) for lack of pace...
Well, he is slower in this one, but i must admit that i am also surprised by his pace...;)

[N.O.T]

Well, he is slower in this one, but i must admit that i am also surprised by his pace...;)

the surprising thing is the pace of mikkelsen and latvala not Hirvonens.

[AndyRAC]

I agree, they have a championship winning car...

Yeah, shame it's not a Rallycar though..... ;)

[wwbroe]

the surprising thing is the pace of mikkelsen and latvala not Hirvonens.
He is doing quite ok, if you compare to latest rally's, where he wasn't even a traith to his teammate Evans:D

[N.O.T]

He is doing quite ok, if you compare to latest rally's, where he wasn't even a traith to his teammate Evans:D

last rally was on tarmac... he was faster than Evans on gravel so far this season.

[wwbroe]

Must have been a puncture for Neuville, i think he changed the wheel on the stage.

[wwbroe]

Neuville is saying he hit something, afterwards he had puncture that he changed on tarmac section. Two and a half minutes lost.

[Rallyper]

Kubica is flying. We have crucial moments for him towards finish of stage... Let´s hope he turns up unhurt..

[thuGG]

Kubica is flying. We have crucial moments for him towards finish of stage... Let´s hope he turns up unhurt..

On Citroen site I see missing 3rd split for him, I fear for the worst.

EDIT:False alarm.

[KKS]

Paddon in trouble again

[Rallyper]

uuuh, lost 10-15 secs on last splits. But now reached the finish. Puuh.

had a spin...

[pantealex]

Neuville off and puncture, lost 2.25

[Sulland]

the surprising thing is the pace of mikkelsen and latvala not Hirvonens.

Lets start a good conspiracy theory !! :-)

[wwbroe]

What happened with Quentin Gilbert, Tom Cave in the lead in WRC4 now?

[KKS]

Gorban from WRC2 starting SS6 a far back after all RC4 drivers

edit: oops he's retired at SS5

[makinen_fan]

*RC4
Yes Gilbert retired. Under what circumstances Tom Cave can win the DMack trophy?

[bluuford]

*RC4
Yes Gilbert retired. Under what circumstances Tom Cave can win the DMack trophy?
He needs to win all remaining stages and Pärn should finish 6th or lower.

[Mintexmemory]

He needs to win all remaining stages and Pärn should finish 6th or lower.
In that the Craig Breen / Egon Kaur situation from 2011 being repeated?

[Sch17]

Mads was very unlucky today. I hope that he will stay at the top three and show his talents. He stayed 2 times in the dust its just very sad. (Meeke and Neuville) Lost lots of seconds

[Mintexmemory]

How many times on the first morning of tarmac route has Ogier hit problems? 3 from the last 5 events (2 Germany 1 France) by my reckoning, unlikely to be any moisture on the road early tomorrow though, still this has been a year of leaders binning it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Live stream interviews & watch cars converted to tarmac-spec:

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

[Fast Eddie WRC]

These stages.. are definitely not useful / transferable experience for WRGB.

Interview with Malcolm Wilson confirmed Evans off was a gravel pace-note issue. He is struggling to adapt back to gravel pace-notes after 2 asphalt rallies.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What's the name of the new stage end reporter on WRC Live? He's quite good.

Can other fans tweet WRR ( @becsywecsy) and say how much they liked Howard Davies ? I think his knowledge, manner and accent make him a much better voice to listen to compared to Colin Clark. Cheers.

[EightGear]

Don't agree, I don't have any problems listening to Colin. :)

[Eli]

is there any way to watch the end of the day press conference?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Don't agree, I don't have any problems listening to Colin. :)

I hate the Scots accent especially on a crackly radio link. He doesnt strike me as a pro either, never serious, always with the 'banter'. Annoying.

[Milan]

Hello,
I am very new here, howmdoesmit work?.

[Sch17]

I think Colin is great. He is funny and natural. Sometimes its hard to understand because his accent but i think its not a big problem.

[stefanvv]

Don't agree, I don't have any problems listening to Colin. :)

I also like his "scenery" descriptions, well sometimes exagarated a bit:D, but it really feels "You are there" part of the Rally

[dimviii]

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

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=L5eEL_eOcYw

[KKS]

and fresh vid from citro
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeZDZux1JTw

[stefanvv]

and fresh vid from citro
www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeZDZux1JTw

So Ostberg is in good position for tomorrow:). I think he managed to squeeze the most from this Rally for him. On tarmac he won't have advantage

[KKS]

all thought how much Ogier lose on gravel part, and he gave - 40 sec advantage. Tomorrow, good gap, tarmac stages... probably will see "sunday driving" on Saturday ...

[KKS]

So Ostberg is in good position for tomorrow:). I think he managed to squeeze the most from this Rally for him. On tarmac he won't have advantage
And hard surface is not favorite for him.
I think tomorrow we see nordic drivers go down, and polish/spain drivers try to get up. I think two first places already freeze

[stefanvv]

Too difficult for Latvala to try to catch Ogier on the tarmac, his best bet is Ogier to be unlucky like last year with a puncture. I have no idea why he was so slow today, didn't notice any "dust complains"

[eib1]

Kruuda crash

http://www.ruutu.fi/ohjelmat/rallin-mm-sarja/espanjan-mm-ralli-kruuda-hyppyyn-aivan-liian-lujaa

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/B0u81oKCYAAOOFH.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/532901_729781423765635_3955036665218009805_n.jpg?o h=a43831a7d894fbc8f84294812341f312&oe=54AC73B0&__gda__=1425155890_e9ffd16fefe412968c27437511f99fe 0