Rally Liepāja 2016

[sindroms]

Supplementary Regulations has been published - http://2016.lvrally.com/eng/documents

No major changes. 1st day around Kuldiga - 6 stages (3 unique stages), 2nd near to Liepāja (Aizpute region) - 6 stages (3 unique stages) and Liepāja city stage.

P.S. FIA rated "Rally Liepāja" as a best in 2015. 2nd place - Ypres Rally, 3rd - Rally Estonia.

[Reis Eduardo]

P.S. FIA rated "Rally Liepāja" as a best in 2015. 2nd place - Ypres Rally, 3rd - Rally Estonia.[/QUOTE]

Where was you get this information ?

[sindroms]

P.S. FIA rated "Rally Liepāja" as a best in 2015. 2nd place - Ypres Rally, 3rd - Rally Estonia.

Where was you get this information ?[/QUOTE]

"Rally Liepaja" organizers announced it in media.

[sindroms]

Let's start - who is going to start and who's not. Any rumors are welcome :)

As for now very decent line-up might come from Latvia. Sirmacis, N.Gryazin, Kisiels - all on Škoda R5.
Frank Tore Larsen from Norway on Fiesta R5.

[liposh]

Are you sure about N. Gryazin and Fabia R5? I thought JERC would be priority for him.

[Zigz]

Rumours Lukyanuk fiesta r5, Jeets fiesta r5.
Consani in ds3 R5 should do the hole series this year.

[Martins Tolks]

Also some rumors that most of classic stages will be done in opposite direction to last year.
And N. Gryazin in R5 could be possible, because home round.
Guess the most tricky part of event will be weather... we haven't had snow cover yet this winter, let's hope after new year it will be better.

[liposh]

N. Gryazin will compete in JERC. He confirmed it today. So IMHO he will drive all 6 rounds of JERC in Peugeot R2...and the rest is still open. (for sure start in R5 cost a money)

[RICARDO75]

Steve Rokland on Latvia
http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/news/erc/5297--rally-liepaja-piesakas-pirma-ekipaza-merkis-uzvara-erc-junioru-klase/

[sindroms]

Entries could be found here - http://2016.lvrally.com/eng/rally-liepaja/competitors/ec

[sindroms]

Lukyanuk are there! :)
With his usual co-driver Arnautov and on Fiesta R5.

[Simmi]

As if 14 WRC rounds in an R5 weren't enough Ptaszek is also entering Latvia.

[rp]

As if 14 WRC rounds in an R5 weren't enough Ptaszek is also entering Latvia.

It´s easy if you have enough money :)

[Jarek Z]

It´s easy if you have enough money :)

But can you buy talent? ;)

Anyway, Ptaszek is testing the car in Poland now:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.999979290059345.1073741937.593079960749282&type=3

[Jarek Z]

But can you buy talent? ;)

Anyway, Ptaszek is testing the car in Poland now:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.999979290059345.1073741937.593079960749282&type=3

We didn't have to wait long. He crashed already:
http://rajdy24.pl/testy-przed-monte-carlo-ptaszek-autor-mateusz-banas/#gallery/11d012bbda5f28166e2f2cbf397e20f0/16529/comments

I don't expect him on the finish line in Liepaja.

[Jarek Z]

We didn't have to wait long. He crashed already

I know it is hard to believe, but on Sunday Ptaszek crashed again, rolled and ended in hospital.

[LVrainman]

Last night we had a nice snowstorm. There are lots of snow. In Liepāja there is ~35cm. On Special stages I recon 40-50 cm with even deeper snowdrifts. Looks promising for the upcoming event. Let's think positive thoughts to have a weather like this untill the event is completed. http://www.motorsportforums.com/images/icons/icon14.png

[Jarek Z]

Entries could be found here - http://2016.lvrally.com/eng/rally-liepaja/competitors/ec

Italian Giacomo Costenaro has just sent his entry, this time in Peugeot 208 T16.

http://2016.lvrally.com/upload/images/fiaerc_rallyliepaja2016_costenaro_640.jpg

[Jarek Z]

Kajetanowicz, Jeets, Sirmacis, Della Casa, Kisiels and Tlustak have just joined the party.

[Fran2013]

So 37 crews ?

Of course island events are to blame.....

[Reis Eduardo]

So 37 crews ?

Of course island events are to blame.....

I don´t see why events on the islands are to blame, goes to rallies of the islands who wants nobody is required for all I know:confused:

[RS]

Anyone know if Kajto and Lukyanuk will have the new evo Fiesta in Latvia?

[PLuto]

Anyone know if Kajto and Lukyanuk will have the new evo Fiesta in Latvia?

I think yes. Same as Larsen.

[RS]

I think yes. Same as Larsen.

Thanks. Is Alex with the Czech team again this year?

[Jarek Z]

Raimonds Kisiels, who's going to drive Skoda Fabia R5 in Rally Liepaja, decided to try his new car in Rally Sarma, the first round of Latvian championship. Unfortunaltely Kisiels was humiliated by a 15-year-old kid! The kid is called Kalle Rovanpera, drove Skoda Fabia S2000, won 9 out of 10 stages and the whole rally! Congratulations!

Final results of Rally Sarma:
1. Kalle Rovanperä/Risto Pietiläinen (FIN) Skoda Fabia S2000 1:05.35,36
2. Raimonds Kisiels/Arnis Ronis (LV) Skoda Fabia R5 +20,40
3. Rainer Aus/Simo Koskinen (EE) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +1.06,23
4. Jānis Vorobjovs/Andris Mālnieks (LV) Mitsubishi Mirage Proto +1.48,17
5. Mārtiņš Svilis/Ivo Pūķis (LV) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +2.28,83
6. Egon Kaur/Erik Lepikson (EE) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX +3.13,51
7. Ranno Bundsen/Robert Loštšenikov (EE) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII +3.20,65
8. Aron Domżała/Szymon Gospodarczyk (PL) Subaru Impreza WRX STI +3.39,39
9. Gustav Kruuda/Ken Järveoja (EE) Ford Fiesta R2 +4.54,50
10. Mait Maarend/Mihkel Kapp (EE) Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X +4.58,68

Some videos are available here:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/news/kalle-bije-mezczyzn,65775

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good to Chris Ingram confirmed for ERC 2016 and a full season with Opel Motorsport. :)

[Xsara Fan]

Good news everyone! (c)
It seems that Rally Liepāja 2016 could be cancelled. The decision may be made after tomorrow's inspection. Reason for cancellation – temperature is above zero >> the bad situation with roads.

[RICARDO75]

Good news everyone! (c)
It seems that Rally Liepāja 2016 could be cancelled. The decision may be made after tomorrow's inspection. Reason for cancellation – temperature is above zero >> the bad situation with roads.

Is that good news?

[Xsara Fan]

Is that good news?

http://futurama.wikia.com/wiki/Good_news,_everyone!

[liposh]

And it is not possible to do Liepaja as wet gravel rally?

[sindroms]

No, it's impossible otherwise roads will be destroyed. There must be solid frozen ground at least. Everything was perfect untill everything started to melt in last weekend... Weather forecasts are not great at all...

[bluuford]

Roads get destroied, Currently forecast is really bad. However, long term prognoses is telling that it should get cold just before rally. But it is very, very risky.

[dimviii]

why roads wil be destroyed? are so different to Finland?

[bluuford]

why roads wil be destroyed? are so different to Finland?

Very.. Finland is based on crystalline bedrock, we have sand, gravel, pebble, cobble, stones, till, silt, etc. mostly very soft, when it rains for a week, it melts and with normal cars you can create ruts as deep as 20-30 cm, just by driving. It will be completely mud with rally cars and even road base gets destroied.

[Martins Tolks]

Very.. Finland is based on crystalline bedrock, we have sand, gravel, pebble, cobble, stones, till, silt, etc. mostly very soft, when it rains for a week, it melts and with normal cars you can create ruts as deep as 20-30 cm, just by driving. It will be completely mud with rally cars and even road base gets destroied.

Exactly. And yes, in western part of latvia, 30+cm cover of snow, present just a week ago has almost melted now and for next week, forecasts are still showing positive temperatures.
So, even in forests frozen gravel will become soft. Further forecasts are not really to be trusted, but still it's very unlikely that cold will return for more than a few days here and there.

[liposh]

Don´t be sad, guys. Organizers from Rally Sweden will face the exactly same problem just one week later. This winter is hot.

[tc10a]

Don´t be sad, guys. Organizers from Rally Sweden will face the exactly same problem just one week later. This winter is hot.

No i doubt. Situation for Sweden looks way better as the cold is coming back on the weekend and stays. The melted snow will form nice and deep ice covers.

[Jarek Z]

That would be sad if the rally was canceled. Many drivers invested a lot of money already to prepare their cars. Here some photos from the tests before the rally:
http://rajdy.autoklub.pl/gallery/show/id/1453217014

[Plhus]

http://www.lookr.com/lookout/1334752188-Kuld%C4%ABga#action-play-month

[Xsara Fan]

News about Rally Liepāja 2016 (google translate it): http://ru.motorsport.com/erc/news/pervyj-etap-erc-pod-ugrozoj-sryva-670240/

[garais22]

Unfortunately Nikolay Gryazin crashes in tests before ''Rally Liepāja''
VIDEO: http://www.go4speed.lv/lv/mustsee/erc/1176-video-grjazins-pirms-rally-liepaja-testos-piedzivo-avariju/

[br21]

Rally Liepaja will be canceled for ERC and Latvian champs. Official decision tomorrow.
Today Winter Rally in Lithuania also canceled probably. Many crews today already withdraw as almost impossible to pass roads during the recce.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/EddieFocus/rocks%202_zps1dlqffgk.jpg

This Winter rocks ? Not for rallying it doesn't ! :(

[WUff1]

Another backlash for an already weakening ERC.

[Jarek Z]

Another backlash for an already weakening ERC.

Yes, what kind of idiots rule this championship?

[Mirek]

Is Eurosport or FIA suddenly responsible also for the crazy weather in Europe?

[rp]

Is Eurosport or FIA suddenly responsible also for the crazy weather in Europe?


Not so easy nowadays. The weather has changed. It would be better to have a proper winter rally and the only place is in the northern Europe where the winter and snow is guaranteed!

[Mirek]

As far as I know there is no interest in ERC from the event organizations there.

[mousti]

No indeed, Arctic rally was long time candidate for it but I think they don't have the resources to do it. But anyways FIAERC is not responsible for this, I think Liepaja is always around this date?

[Martins Tolks]

Well, official statement will be tomorrow, around 15:00 local time.
At least they had some ideas today, still...
National event would be cancelled anyway, because of no participants (it's double event, not many have resources for it), only 29 crews had applied.
And yes, Liepaja was always this time, but because there was Jannerraly before it, in mid January. And usually february is coldest month here. At least it should be. Still, I guess next year there should be some timing changes to catch proper winter conditions. But yes, this year is very unfortunate - all january there was plenty of snow and stable temperatures around -10C, but this monday it all started to melt frantically.

[drive]

could you please dont blame ERC, organisers or what/whomever for this weather - used to be proper winters at this time in Baltic states, please ask NOT why weather has changed (as he knows everything :) )

[liposh]

Even when we don´t blame organizers the only one solution is to drop out Liepaja for next year. Global warming is fact , you can´t dispute it and having every second year of Rally Liepaja canceled doesn´t make any sense. It is like VHS videoshop business. It was nice, but it is past and those times won´t come back and simply nobody is responsible for that.

[WUff1]

No one is blaming ERC or Eurosport. But in ERC´s condition something like this is not very good too.

[Jarek Z]

Is Eurosport or FIA suddenly responsible also for the crazy weather in Europe?

No, but they are resposible for the calendar and rules. Firstly, they ruined Janner Rally with their stupid rules, now they chose a rally in Liepaja, that cannot be organized without snow. Are they serious?

[WUff1]

No, but they are resposible for the calendar and rules. Firstly, they ruined Janner Rally with their stupid rules, now they chose a rally in Liepaja, that cannot be organized without snow. Are they serious?

About Jänner Rallye you´re right, but about Rally Liepaja they couldn´t be blamed for the weather. Don´t forget it was OK in the years before.

[sindroms]

We are used to here in Latvia to quick weather changes. But this one was like a "blitzkrieg" - all snow was destroyed by plus temperature and rain within 3 days...

[Martins Tolks]

Rally Liepaja is some sort of gamble with those winter conditions we experience in last 15 years, but still it's well organized and prepared. Sometimes there are some things you can't control.

[Martins Tolks]

And yes, it's official now - rally is cancelled. There are plans for rescheduling it to some further dates, organizers will announce it as soon as possible.

[liposh]

Past is past. I expect these weather conditions repeating every 2 or 3 years from now on. (and I am not even pessimist) It is just not passable for future because of the surface. And I am not talking only about ERC but LRC aswell.

[PLuto]

About Jänner Rallye you´re right, but about Rally Liepaja they couldn´t be blamed for the weather. Don´t forget it was OK in the years before.

I dont agree that FIA or Eurosport ruined Jänner. There were different things behind...

[PLuto]

Past is past. I expect these weather conditions repeating every 2 or 3 years from now on. (and I am not even pessimist) It is just not passable for future because of the surface. And I am not talking only about ERC but LRC aswell.

In last years, there were not so big problems with weather and rally was always done without problems. Similar situation is with Halls Winter Rally in Lithuania - also they didnt cancelled their event in the past, but this terrible change of weather forced them to cancel the rally yesterday.

I think, this weather change is very similar to situation like flood in the region of stages. You cannot blame anyone for this...

[karl59]

I am sure that FIA and Eurosport killed Jänner Rallye. To pay 300.000,-- Euros to Eurosport (as I have heard only, I can´t prove this sum) and then be broadcasted at 11 p.m., when nowbody except Rallye Hardcore Fans watch! To have a really stupid tyre reglement, published 8 days or so before scrutineering, no local heroes to be seen on overall results list, local heroes not in Eurosport, or treated as 3rd world drivers - who else but FIA and Eurosport killed Jänner Rallye.

ERC and ERT are organized as Championships for professionals but there are only 3 professionals in each of these series. So these championships are not made to the demands of the majority of drivers - so they are bound to die!

[sindroms]

Official statement - http://2016.lvrally.com/eng/news/87

[PLuto]

I am sure that FIA and Eurosport killed Jänner Rallye. To pay 300.000,-- Euros to Eurosport (as I have heard only, I can´t prove this sum) and then be broadcasted at 11 p.m., when nowbody except Rallye Hardcore Fans watch! To have a really stupid tyre reglement, published 8 days or so before scrutineering, no local heroes to be seen on overall results list, local heroes not in Eurosport, or treated as 3rd world drivers - who else but FIA and Eurosport killed Jänner Rallye.

ERC and ERT are organized as Championships for professionals but there are only 3 professionals in each of these series. So these championships are not made to the demands of the majority of drivers - so they are bound to die!

Thats not true. Janner killed themselves. This things regarding payment was known before Janner joined ERC. If they decided to join the championship, they knew that it will cost lot of money. Regarding the tyres - what exactly do you mean? That it will not be possible to use in ERC narrow studded tyres? This was known more than year before race that it will happen...

As I told, Janner killed themselves. Because they were joining ERC (despite all risks with it was known) and because of "stupid" date which forced lot of national and mainly international crews to skip this event.

[WUff1]

Thats not true. Janner killed themselves. This things regarding payment was known before Janner joined ERC. If they decided to join the championship, they knew that it will cost lot of money. Regarding the tyres - what exactly do you mean? That it will not be possible to use in ERC narrow studded tyres? This was known more than year before race that it will happen...

As I told, Janner killed themselves. Because they were joining ERC (despite all risks with it was known) and because of "stupid" date which forced lot of national and mainly international crews to skip this event.

"Stupid" date as you call it already was from the beginning, some 30 years ago.
From an international point of view, all top crews (ok, except Skoda since 2014 and Peugeot ´till 2015, but e.g. Top 5 of final standings in 2015) were present, so I don´t agree about this, and also Mirek stated this when discussion arose around announcement of the end of the rally. The big difference to other ERC rallies was the dying local scene.

By the way, organizers

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally postponed to a later date in 2016... as what kind of rally, gravel ?

[Jarek Z]

Regarding the tyres - what exactly do you mean? That it will not be possible to use in ERC narrow studded tyres? This was known more than year before race that it will happen...

But does it change the fact that the rule was stupid?

[liposh]

I think they still want to organize snow event. (maybe at the end of February? who knows?) IMHO it is impossible to organize it as gravel rally. Rainy conditions would make damage to roads. Right?

[sindroms]

Rally postponed to a later date in 2016... as what kind of rally, gravel ?

"... we will have to organize new rally from scratch" ((c) Liepāja organizers). So it could be gravel rally only.

Maybe defect will turn to effect (for Latvian fans at least). Gravel is a natural rally surface for that region - last year "Rally Kurzeme" celebrated 50th anniversary and all of "Liepāja" stages are well known "Kurzeme" gravel stages.

[RS]

Regarding Janner, it now doesn't happen at all so that points to larger problems than those regarding ERC.

[Martins Tolks]

I think they still want to organize snow event. (maybe at the end of February? who knows?) IMHO it is impossible to organize it as gravel rally. Rainy conditions would make damage to roads. Right?

No real chance of snow rally this season, all long term forecasts says winter is over here.
Gravel rally it should be, just don't mix kinda flood situation (30cm of snow is a lot of water) with occasional rain in summer. In last years, summers tend to be too dry, not too wet.
But let's see the dates.

[Mirek]

No, but they are resposible for the calendar and rules. Firstly, they ruined Janner Rally with their stupid rules, now they chose a rally in Liepaja, that cannot be organized without snow. Are they serious?

Jänner Rally organizers ruined themselves when they decided to buy the place in the calendar.

Besides that what stupid rules do You speak about? You simply can't allow non-FIA cars or tires in FIA event. There's nothing idiotic about that.


No one is blaming ERC or Eurosport. But in ERC´s condition something like this is not very good too.

Some do and it's pathetic.

[Jarek Z]

Besides that what stupid rules do You speak about? You simply can't allow non-FIA cars or tires in FIA event. There's nothing idiotic about that.


So why did the drivers complain?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally Liepāja, the opening round of the 2016 FIA European Rally Championship, will not take place as scheduled because of unforeseen weather conditions.

A Q&A with Raimonds Strokšs, the Event Director, follows..

http://www.fiaerc.com/erc-qa-raimonds-strokss/

[Mirek]

So why did the drivers complain?

If the organizers wanted to do an event for everybody they shall have not opted for ERC and made rules themselves. However they did enter ERC and therefore they had to respect rules of ERC. Simple as that.

[sindroms]

"Early autumn" (September?)could be a new date for Rally Liepaja.

[PLuto]

"Stupid" date as you call it already was from the beginning, some 30 years ago.
From an international point of view, all top crews (ok, except Skoda since 2014 and Peugeot ´till 2015, but e.g. Top 5 of final standings in 2015) were present, so I don´t agree about this, and also Mirek stated this when discussion arose around announcement of the end of the rally. The big difference to other ERC rallies was the dying local scene.

By the way, organizers

Sorry, but also in last years there were missing 10-15 crews who were thinking about start, but in not so stupid date. And most of competitors doing ERC were unhappy with date of this event. It is one of the reasons why czech championship was going out of Janner and also why number and level of competitors were decreasing year by year. Sorry, this is fact. I am in contact with most of the teams competing/thinking about competition in ERC so I know a lot of things about this issue...

[PLuto]

Rally postponed to a later date in 2016... as what kind of rally, gravel ?

For sure it will not be winter rally, but gravel rally.

[Sulland]

No, but they are resposible for the calendar and rules. Firstly, they ruined Janner Rally with their stupid rules, now they chose a rally in Liepaja, that cannot be organized without snow. Are they serious?

Can of course be run, but if they do that they will have to repair the roads for hundred of thousands of euros, and that is not in the budget I guess!

[bluuford]

Wheatherwise. This winter has been extremely cold in Baltics. We had many days more than -30 degrees in many places and Northern Estonia got a lot of snow (also coastal areas in Latvia). However, one very extreme strom hit us a few days ago when windspeed reached over 30 m/s near to Tallinn (last night), it is very unusual. Very strong wind, very heavy rain and more than +5 took all the snow. Well, actually the amount of snow was not too big as it was falled with very low temperatures, that means it was not dense and that snow melts quickly.
So, Liepaja organizers are doing very good job but as I have said it before, it is organized in wrong location. It is too close to the coast. All recent years have been very near of cancelling the rally. In ideal world, this rally should take place near Estonian-Russina border, in NE Latvia. But this is not the place where the money is. Money is in Liepaja and Ventspils harbour and in this region, so, rally is there. This winter has been so extreme that I must say that if this rally would have have taken place in NE Latvia, it might have been cancelled as well (very big risk), but in most years, it would have been very safe. So, let me remind you, we are not living in ideal world..
Rally Sweden, looks very safe right now. Cyclones are mostly passing it from the south and west and temperature vareis between a few plus degrees and a lot of minus degrees, that means, we should have almost ideal conditions for rally (very solid ice-base for the roads). Maybe less snow and snowbanks but ice layer should be much thicker than during very cold winters.

[COD]

If they want a sure and proper winter rally in ERC, it should be the Arctic Rally

[Mirek]

If they want a sure and proper winter rally in ERC, it should be the Arctic Rally

First Arctic must want to be part of ERC and I though it was not the case.

[rp]

First Arctic must want to be part of ERC and I though it was not the case.

Yes, but it has been too much money what the Promoter has wanted...

[COD]

First Arctic must want to be part of ERC and I though it was not the case.

True, because cost is too high. But does it really serv the interest of the promoter, to make decisions based only on money? F1 has lost iconic races and gotten boring dessert races instead.

[AndyRAC]

True, because cost is too high. But does it really serv the interest of the promoter, to make decisions based only on money? F1 has lost iconic races and gotten boring dessert races instead.

Whatever F1 does, all the other series copy. Problem is, it doesn't work for the lower formulae/ series. It certainly doesn't work in rallying.
And, what exactly is the promoter doing to with this money to promote the sport?

[Mirek]

True, because cost is too high. But does it really serv the interest of the promoter, to make decisions based only on money? F1 has lost iconic races and gotten boring dessert races instead.

No, it doesn't. The question is if Eurosport can afford that. I have the feeling that they simply don't have the money to run the series without that. It's a vicious circle. You can't make the series something better without investments (mainly into the coverage) but You can't make more money out of it without making it bigger. Eurosport used the opportunity when WRC was in a deep trouble but now I think they only run the series of inertia without much of real interest.

[Wim_Impreza]

Even when we don´t blame organizers the only one solution is to drop out Liepaja for next year. Global warming is fact , you can´t dispute it and having every second year of Rally Liepaja canceled doesn´t make any sense. It is like VHS videoshop business. It was nice, but it is past and those times won´t come back and simply nobody is responsible for that.

I completely agree with this opinion. There will be no real winters anymore in the future. This 'winter', there were a lot of cancelled events in sports, look at the ski resorts how long there was no snow. There were World Cups cancelled due to lack of snow and even the 4 Hills Tournament in ski jumping was in danger due to lack of snow.

2014 was the warmest year ever on this planete, 2015 even warmer and 2016 and the years after will be warm again.

I really want that the Rally Liepaja will take place in the future, but later in the year on gravel.

[Martins Tolks]

Ermm... actually, 2016 and next years are forecasted to be colder than 2 previous, because El Nino maximum is over and winters should become like before. But of course it's not guaranteed by any means.

[bluuford]

I completely agree with this opinion. There will be no real winters anymore in the future. This 'winter', there were a lot of cancelled events in sports, look at the ski resorts how long there was no snow. There were World Cups cancelled due to lack of snow and even the 4 Hills Tournament in ski jumping was in danger due to lack of snow.

2014 was the warmest year ever on this planete, 2015 even warmer and 2016 and the years after will be warm again.

I really want that the Rally Liepaja will take place in the future, but later in the year on gravel.

Do not worry guys, we are on the edge of the ice age:
Those who do not read russian, use google translate, does quite OK job;)
http://www.ridus.ru/news/201653

[stefanvv]

Do not worry guys, we are on the edge of the ice age:
Those who do not read russian, use google translate, does quite OK job;)
http://www.ridus.ru/news/201653

60 years? I read somewhere it'll be only 30....

[bluuford]

60 years? I read somewhere it'll be only 30....

Russia is a big country and numbers are bigger as well ;)

[liposh]

Liposh 28th january 10:26: Don´t be sad, guys. Organizers from Rally Sweden will face the exactly same problem just one week later. This winter is hot.

tc10a: No i doubt. Situation for Sweden looks way better as the cold is coming back on the weekend and stays. The melted snow will form nice and deep ice covers.

Once again I repeat: I am the best meteorologist in this forum. I am not flaunting, it is fact. Don´t listen to forecasts from other members. Listen only to me. It is quite important to remember this fact for future.

[Munkvy]

Once again I repeat: I am the best meteorologist in this forum. I am not flaunting, it is fact. Don´t listen to forecasts from other members. Listen only to me. It is quite important to remember this fact for future.
Don't forget mentioning how modest you are too...

[sindroms]

"Rally Liepāja" - 16.-18. September - http://2016.lvrally.com/eng/news/90

[Jarek Z]

As we all know, Rally Liepāja was moved to September 16 - 18. It's still over one month to the rally, but 3 Polish drivers have already announced their appearance in Latvia:

Kajetan Kajetanowicz - Ford Fiesta R5
Lukasz Habaj - Ford Fiesta R5
Wojciech Chuchala - Subaru Impreza

[Micke_VOC]

As we all know, Rally Liepāja was moved to September 16 - 18. It's still over one month to the rally, but 3 Polish drivers have already announced their appearance in Latvia:

Kajetan Kajetanowicz - Ford Fiesta R5
Lukasz Habaj - Ford Fiesta R5
Wojciech Chuchala - Subaru Impreza

Also Frank Tore Larsen, Fiesta R5 announced today that they will drive there.
http://web.larsenmotorsport.com/index.php/nyheter/279-larsen-kjorer-ny-vm-runde

[tolx]

18 days till rally. Who's coming?

[RS]

Sirmacis and Kajto should be there I think.

[tolx]

that's for sure, but I also thought about forum members.

[dimviii]

Rally Liepāja ‏@LVRally

Ahaa, as we were long waiting, @AlexeyLukyanuk #RomanKapustin enter #RallyLiepāja w/ #EvoX! #CompleteTop3 📷@FIAERC

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CrRP58bWcAAB5IK.jpg

[RS]

Great news that Lukyanuk will be there.. I suppose the Mitsu won't be such a disadvantage on this rally in his hands, but I thought he sold it?

Also, can our new forum-friend tell us why he is not in the co-driver's seat on this occasion?

[tolx]

As i understood, he mortaged mitsu for budget.
But yes, roads are similar to estonia, but a bit flatter, so mitsu could gain on strigh speed.

[Lehus]

Great news that Lukyanuk will be there.. I suppose the Mitsu won't be such a disadvantage on this rally in his hands, but I thought he sold it?

Also, can our new forum-friend tell us why he is not in the co-driver's seat on this occasion?
our sponsor found money, so we've kept it.

I am busy at my main work, regretfully. It is a bit tough to ask my boss to give me vacations every two weeks :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great to have Luky here ... hopefully the EvoX will be Lucky again, like in Estonia ! ;)

https://www.fiaerc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Luk-on-two-wheels.jpg

http://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/11703318_722097957916796_2060626175730910245_n.jpg

[RS]

our sponsor found money, so we've kept it.

I am busy at my main work, regretfully. It is a bit tough to ask my boss to give me vacations every two weeks :)

Thanks for the explanation and I hope we see you back in the car on Cyprus, and next year too :)

[Jarek Z]

Unseeded entry list can be found at https://www.fiaerc.com/super-strength-in-depth-among-erc-rally-liepaja-entries/

[sindroms]

Unseeded entry list can be found at https://www.fiaerc.com/super-strength-in-depth-among-erc-rally-liepaja-entries/

... or here - http://lrc.lv/?m=21&l=2

[Jarek Z]

Seeded entry list:
http://2016.lvrally.com/eng/rally-liepaja/competitors/ec

[br21]

anyone attending official PET on Wednesday?

[Jarek Z]

Can a group N car win this rally?

[PLuto]

Can a group N car win this rally?

Of course yes.

[mousti]

Can a group N car win this rally?

Lukyanuk can

[liposh]

Can a group N car win this rally?
I was asking myself the same question today when making pickems at ewrc . Well, Lukyanuk is not there to be "just" on podium. He must trust himself that he is able to win. So YES.

[tolx]

Stage maps are available to start planning.
Overall, nothing really new, but some places are used in opposite directions
Haven't yet looked how much is possible to see on each day.

[PLuto]

I was asking myself the same question today when making pickems at ewrc . Well, Lukyanuk is not there to be "just" on podium. He must trust himself that he is able to win. So YES.

Why you are not making pickems also here?

[tolx]

New livery for Sirmacis: http://pic.twitter.com/W2eVeHNxrW

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Does being in a Gp N car affect qualifying for Lukyanuk ?

[pantealex]

Does being in a Gp N car affect qualifying for Lukyanuk ?

There has been N cars in qualifying this year...
so NO

[Fly]

No Cherain. Will do EBR and Condroz in Belgium.
That shouldn't affect the top leaderboard in Liepāja.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Junior battle is what I'm looking forward to most here.

https://www.fiaerc.com/winner-takes-all-in-liepaja-erc-junior-battle/

[EightGear]

No Cherain. Will do EBR and Condroz in Belgium.
That shouldn't affect the top leaderboard in Liepja.
Finally some common sense.

[PLuto]

Can a group N car win this rally?

I am not sure. It depends if I will successfully arrive to Liepaja (as I am bringing helmet and steering wheel of Lucas ;) )

[tolx]

Maybe some forum user gathering or something?
Took a look at maps and timetable - looks not so spectacular. But needs more research tho...

[Lehus]

I am not sure. It depends if I will successfully arrive to Liepaja (as I am bringing helmet and steering wheel of Lucas ;) )

Go straight. Don't talk to strangers :)

[Kestask]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKXfEKoBz6n/?taken-by=lukyanuk Lucas recce car :)

[electroliquid]

Can a group N car win this rally?

It's possible, but also there is possibility, that rally winner will be not ERC competitor, as K.Rovanpera participate at national class. Good chance to compare his speed with ERC regulars.

[liposh]

Well, yes, the fastest one could be someone from national field, but anyway regulations are different, those two fields won´t be mixed together and also results won´t be together.

[electroliquid]

Well, yes, the fastest one could be someone from national field, but anyway regulations are different, those two fields won´t be mixed together and also results won´t be together.

Yeah, results will be separate, but it's easy to compare times. Of course ERC awards goes only to those who registered in ERC event. I'm curious about Rovanpera's speed, as he already showed he's capable to compete against Tidemand. What can he show against Lukyanuk and Sirmacis.

[Essaj]

Regulations are different but Kalle is driving normal R5 like rest of the field so we might see interesting race between Kalle and ERC guys ;)

[dupanton]

Can he use different tyres? There must be a reason why he is in the national rally ;)

[pantealex]

Can he use different tyres? There must be a reason why he is not in the national rally ;)

He is 15y
and he will use Pirelli´s with no cuts.

[Essaj]

Not sure what tyres ERC guys will use but Kalle is using Pirelli's without cuts so there shouldnt be any advantages.

[electroliquid]

Can he use different tyres? There must be a reason why he is not in the national rally ;)

Kalle in national rally because he is too young to be in ERC

[electroliquid]

It only could be disadvantage due to start position, but I think he wont' complain about it.

[Lehus]

Not sure what tyres ERC guys will use but Kalle is using Pirelli's without cuts so there shouldnt be any advantages.

Unless the tyre quantity. ERC has 18 tyres limitation. not sure if he will have the same

[tolx]

Rovanpera could be in top3, but i doubt about win. It' s still difficult.

[Essaj]

Rovanpera could be in top3, but i doubt about win. It' s still difficult.
Tbh I would bet big money for Kalle :)

[RS]

It only could be disadvantage due to start position, but I think he wont' complain about it.

Will national rally run after the main event? Wouldn't it be an advantage to run on swept roads, unless they break up a lot?

I would expect him to be at or very close to the front.. he has probably the best car for this event and we already know he is very fast.

[Essaj]

National rally will run straight after, so since there is 43 ERC drivers Kalle will most likely be the 44th car on the road. Also you can't say that he has the best car, there is like 10 other R5s with few on them being skodas aswell. What I have heard is that Kalle would have wanted to participate to ERC but wasnt allowed.

[dimviii]

for sure Kalle will be fast,but i dont think that he is on par with Luky in terms of speed. Of course we will compare times.
i am more curious if Sirmacis will be on par with Luky at well known surface.

[RS]

for sure Kalle will be fast,but i dont think that he is on par with Luky in terms of speed. Of course we will compare times.
i am more curious if Sirmacis will be on par with Luky at well known surface.

Wasn't Estonia a better measure of that when they were both in an R5 car?

[RS]

National rally will run straight after, so since there is 43 ERC drivers Kalle will most likely be the 44th car on the road. Also you can't say that he has the best car, there is like 10 other R5s with few on them being skodas aswell. What I have heard is that Kalle would have wanted to participate to ERC but wasnt allowed.

I meant specifically the Skoda as I think this will be a fast rally and the Fabia has the highest top speed.

[Lehus]

Don't forget that Lucas will drive N4. The comparisone won't be correct

[dimviii]

Wasn't Estonia a better measure of that when they were both in an R5 car?
yeap,but now we will see how much Sirmacis has progressed at familiar surface.

[Jarek Z]

Kajto's pre-event test session in a video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dipfa2CM2NI

[tolx]

yeap,but now we will see how much Sirmacis has progressed at familiar surface.
Surface might be the same but these roads are more familiar than estonian to sirmacis.

[electroliquid]

Just looked at stages maps, Latvia rally seems will be faster than Estonia, more straights after junctions, and I think Sirmacis say after Estonia, that he predicts faster stages in Latvia. So there will be two crews battle once again.

[br21]

Very important will be also tire choice and management. We've tested on Wednesday in the rally area and tire wear was very high, I've done plenty of events in that area in the past, but generally in local events you have less SS kms in loop and also no tires limit. Here it might be crucial, as tires which give most grip will wear out very quickly, so you need to find some compromise.
Also a lot depends on weather, where is our Estonian weather friend!!!????

[tolx]

Yes, i need a forecast too

[Jarek Z]

Lukyanuk and his new car:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-rally-liepaja-recce-underway/

[br21]

Any source for Free Practice results?

[tolx]

Autorally.lv maybe?
Spot taken for qualifying
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/a5fcd44dc87a67fa5cee04fcdf805546.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Luky beats Kajto on Qualy by 0.751sec !


Lukyanuk after QS: "Really nice to be in this Mitsubishi. The feeling is getting back. It’s like driving a bicycle." :D

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Csexu0vXEAA6YYN.jpg:large

[sindroms]

Any source for Free Practice results?

Best one site for results - http://www.autorally.lv/?l=2&m=41 or http://m.autorally.lv/en/r135 via mobile phone

[br21]

Yes, that I know very well, but nowhere results from Free Practice

[tolx]

Non traditional way to choose starting positions
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/8105b021d91437cf26a568bfb7af757c.jpg

[tolx]

And also press conference.
Still a bit cold tho, but at least not subzero.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/3d065e69e86f82b0e62186f26813a8e2.jpg

[Rallyper]

Yes, that I know very well, but nowhere results from Free Practice

MAybe it´s embarrasing publishing. Kalle might be faster than most of the ERC field (except for Lucky and some other).

[br21]

MAybe it´s embarrasing publishing. Kalle might be faster than most of the ERC field (except for Lucky and some other).

Kalle didn't take part in Free Practice or Shakedown. But results of FP would be interesting as they can show a little bit about tire strategy, etc

[tolx]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160916/ce77cd552e266bd82c7bf9e9c0aa983c.jpg

[RS]

MAybe it´s embarrasing publishing. Kalle might be faster than most of the ERC field (except for Lucky and some other).

He was faster than Tidemand when they met too, so quite possibly.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsfuJ1XWEAAP2Ps.jpg:large

[liposh]

Guys, lot of you speaking about Kalle, but imho we won´t receive enough useful info about him during whole weekend, so stop thinking about him for now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Should get the times for Kalle in the LRC here: http://autorally.lv/?r=135&m=42

NB. No less than 45 cars will be through before he hits the stages. Take this into consideration when comparing, roads could be pretty rough...

[tolx]

Definetly there will be ruts, as roads are quite soft here. Softer than estonia. 2nd pass will be even more difficult.

[tolx]

Ss1 underway. After first 15 cars will move to ss3 finish

[Essaj]

https://twitter.com/KalleRovanpera/status/777052021669130240?s=09

Just as I thought.

[EightGear]

When exactly can Kalle start to enter international events? When he's 18? If so, it would be ridiculous we cant see him for real for 3 more years.

[tolx]

Rovanpera fastest in ss1

[br21]

Will see on second loop, as now road possibly more clean for Kalle than top ERC cars. But anyway pace impressive, like always.

[RS]

SS3 and Sirmacis 'ran a few km on the limiter'.. very fast rally.

[EstWRC]

Rovanpera lost 2 minutes on second stage? what happened?

[Jarek Z]

Just 3 stages and already so many technical problems with the cars?

Kajetanowicz Kajetan / Baran Jarosław: We have a problem with power and water temperature.
Vorobjovs Jānis / Mālnieks Andris: We couldn't fix the car, it's quite scary. I hope we can fix it in the service.
Kołtun Jarosław / Pleskot Ireneusz out: technical problem - brakes before SS 3
Kasperczyk Tomasz / Syty Damian: We have problems with the car. The time is not good, now we go to service and hopefully guys can repair the car.
Scattolon Giacomo / Zanini Paolo: I hope we can repair the car in the service.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

High speeds must be tough on some engines and hard on brakes...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great start by Junior Chris Ingram, leading team-mate Griebel by 8.8s. Also Griebel is down in 4th so far and needs to win to deny Ingram the Junior title.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Impressive start by Sirmacis after 3 stages...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Csi4AG0XYAA5Vtd.jpg:large

BTW, anyone using the ERC App ? The Live Timings now look identical to Rally-Base ?

[Jarek Z]

Gryazin rolled his car in his home rally already on SS3!

[br21]

Just 3 stages and already so many technical problems with the cars?

Kajetanowicz Kajetan / Baran Jarosław: We have a problem with power and water temperature.
Vorobjovs Jānis / Mālnieks Andris: We couldn't fix the car, it's quite scary. I hope we can fix it in the service.
Kołtun Jarosław / Pleskot Ireneusz out: technical problem - brakes before SS 3
Kasperczyk Tomasz / Syty Damian: We have problems with the car. The time is not good, now we go to service and hopefully guys can repair the car.
Scattolon Giacomo / Zanini Paolo: I hope we can repair the car in the service.

Kajto is something with the engine, possibly because he blocked radiator/intercooler air intake with some debris.
Vorobjovs damaged exhaust due to hitting something
Koltun and Kasperczyk same team...
Scattolon gearbox

Rovanpera on SS2 hit some pole and damaged power steering

[Fast Eddie WRC]

BTW, anyone using the ERC App ? The Live Timings now look identical to Rally-Base ?

This explains it... see 'Rally-Base' at the bottom of the screen.

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

'New system but same live timing link for this weekend’s #FIAERC round @LVRally' https://t.co/9Fhg4jEmOE https://t.co/phBKREYpDb

[TWRC]

Gryazin rolled his car in his home rally already on SS3!
Well, that's not quite surprising, I think he haven't had a rally this year without at least one big moment...

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsjE78wW8AAeWzC.jpg

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

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Csi-QX0WEAAB-MF.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsjMmluW8AA7Umh.jpg

[Jarek Z]

I don't know if Kajto is going to finish this rally:
We are trying, but it's amazing, we have another problem. Now with powersteering, we had to stop in the stage and reset the car.

[RS]

Sirmacis really bossing this rally at the moment, impressed.

Any more times from Rovanpera?

[KKS]

Does anyone know if there is overall timing ERC + LRC anywhere?

[Jarek Z]

Koltun

https://scontent-waw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/t31.0-8/14289851_1298089103535444_1702132695658738022_o.jp g

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Does anyone know if there is overall timing ERC + LRC anywhere?

Sirmacis is in the LRC so can be compared to Rovanpera.. but he lost time after SS2 with a steering fault.

EDIT - Rovanpera fastest O/A on SS4, 2nd on SS5...

[dimviii]

Luky mistake
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rpIb6shVeA

[TWRC]

Meanwhile, Griebel is only 0.4s from Ingram

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jeets car after roll on SS5...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Csjx5xsWIAENgSh.jpg:large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Csjyg3SW8AAER2w.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsjyhYOW8AAbmJ1.jpg

[Mirek]

Sirmacis is in the LRC so can be compared to Rovanpera.. but he lost time after SS2 with a steering fault.

EDIT - Rovanpera fastest O/A on SS4, 2nd on SS5...

He is entered to LRC but he runs under ERC rules. ERC drivers have less and different tyres for example.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He is entered to LRC but he runs under ERC rules. ERC drivers have less and different tyres for example.

I know, I was just letting KKS know that you can compare times on one website (http://autorally.lv/?r=135&m=42&l=2) ...

[tolx]

Sirmacis looks on maximum attack mode on stages. Luky on the other hand very calm and precise but admits that cant go any faster

[Essaj]

What are you guys talking about, Kalle is on the same tires as anyone else. Also im pretty sure they havent allowed any more tires to national guys than ERC guys.

[dimviii]

Teemu / Rallirinki ‏@HartusvuoriWRC

After service @KalleRovanpera again fastest driver on SS4. He's on Pirelli's, no cuts. True measurement of his speed. @FIAERC

[Mirek]

What are you guys talking about, Kalle is on the same tires as anyone else. Also im pretty sure they havent allowed any more tires to national guys than ERC guys.

About the rules which are different. If Kalle uses some advantage or not is not possible to say from my home but the point was that he can.

[Jarek Z]

Guys, if I'm doing my maths correctly, today Kajto wins European Rally Championship for the second time in his career. Congratulations!

[tolx]

Because of day points?

[BicioWrc]

Guys, if I'm doing my maths correctly, today Kajto wins European Rally Championship for the second time in his career. Congratulations!

Congratulation of course!, also if don't know how much he can feel satisfied for real. with 2 mains opponents that had to fight for find budget for continue the championship and had always to fight with many problems. To me of this european champ, i will remember the wonderful on-boards and performance of Luky and the surprise to find a young fast guy as Sirmacis. of course Kajto made good job,and he completed the target that their give to him for this merit all the respect, and also considering the mistakes of the opponents he deserve for the win.

[tolx]

Kajto said that he's not yet champion.

[Rallyper]

About the rules which are different. If Kalle uses some advantage or not is not possible to say from my home but the point was that he can.

If he uses advantage, which I strongly believe he isn´t, would rule out the edge of his current abilities in all talks on forums like this.
And we are the experts, are´nt we? ;)

[Mirek]

Of course not but it is a difference if You change tyres in every sertvice or not. Whether it is the case or not is not possible to safely say therefore it is good to be careful about the conclusions.

[tolx]

At least on ss4 he was really the most spectacular driver. I should dig out regulations for national championship about tires tho.

[PLuto]

What are you guys talking about, Kalle is on the same tires as anyone else. Also im pretty sure they havent allowed any more tires to national guys than ERC guys.

I was on the start of SS 6/7 and Kalle for sure didnt used tyres with FIA Barcode. Which means we cannot say in sure what compound he used, if it is according to ERC regulations, how many new tyres he use for whole race etc...

[PLuto]

Guys, if I'm doing my maths correctly, today Kajto wins European Rally Championship for the second time in his career. Congratulations!

No, he is not champion yet.

[drive]

Who cares about compounds etc, he is only 16 for godsake

[PLuto]

Who cares about compounds etc, he is only 16 for godsake

He is not 16 yet ;)

[dimviii]

for sure his pace is incredible,whatever tyre he is using.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That's the thing with rallying... whatever time a driver does, someone always has a reason to praise/explain/criticise/dismiss it ...

[Mirek]

Who cares about compounds etc, he is only 16 for godsake


for sure his pace is incredible,whatever tyre he is using.


That's the thing with rallying... whatever time a driver does, someone always has a reason to praise/explain/criticise/dismiss it ...

He is possibly the greatest talent around, no doubts about that, but it's still often missleading to ignore details. Who has been on this forum for some years must know that I am always very careful and somewhat critical about rising supertalents. We've had number of those who never ever managed to get anywhere despite being very promissing at some stage. There were exceptions and I do admit that I wasn't cheering them that much at their beginnings, i.e. Paddon, but on the other hand people used to be overexcited about many who nobody remembers anymore.

[Jarek Z]

No, he is not champion yet.

Isn't he? Before the rally he needed 3 points to be the champion. He scored 5 points for the first leg. Is it not enough?

[Jarek Z]

Giacomo Scattolon withdrew after gearbox problems so... Wojciech Chuchala is ERC2 champion! C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201609/news20160917_70695h.jpg

[KKS]

Teams video with unofficial shoots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKiLtTVSFv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvb-mXR5pQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9ND3OMqSko

[tolx]

Good morning, rallyfans!

[Ucci]

Giacomo Scattolon withdrew after gearbox problems so... Wojciech Chuchala is ERC2 champion! C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201609/news20160917_70695h.jpg
Congrats from my side!

[tolx]

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160918/8f3de055ca2394cbd14f3f915601d0c9.jpg
Ss10

[Simmi]

Giacomo Scattolon withdrew after gearbox problems so... Wojciech Chuchala is ERC2 champion! C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !!!

http://www.autoklub.pl/news/foto/201609/news20160917_70695h.jpg

Need to get this guy some competition next season. Not sure what his chances are of moving up to R5?

[Mirek]

Again technical problems for Kajto. His team has had a lot of problems lately. Also again problems with Botka's Citroën. That was a "kauf"...

[Jarek Z]

So many problems this morning...

Kajto - We couldn't restart the engine. We don't know why it stopped. (but he still continues the rally)
Botka - We had a problem with engine after previous stage.
Larsen - In previous stage we had a first big moment in the rally and we rolled. I'm sorry for the team. (but he continues the rally)
Habaj - We had a really huge moment and almost rolled. I lost my concentration and then I saw Larsen, I'm happy to be here.
Ingram - We went off, we had a dust between the trees. He drops down to the 4th position in JERC
Muradian - On the second stage the rear door opened, we didn't know what happened. In this stage we went off the road, but we managed to get back on the road.
Brož - accident - rolled in SS 9
Pieniążek - technical problem - engine in SS 9

[sindroms]

Hello from the field!
SS9 today was cherry picking for whole rally. Tricky place known from local events and from winterLiepaja (where Tamrazov had a spin and Botka went off). Theree were only hardcore rall fans including Toni Gardemaister :) Larsen (who is doing great btw) went a little too fast and wide , hit a bank and that caused losing right line for him and a roll as a result. We throwed back him within a minute, right in time to see Habaj's (?) close call. He didn't hit a bank so luckily escaped from roll. After that there were some minors close calls, Tannert escaped thanks to flooring till the end. There was no chance for Brož. Too fast, roll over nose almost, damaged wheel. There must be shot from heli for Larsen roll.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Shame what happened to Ingram in the Juniors.. heavy dust in the trees and went off. :(

[Jarek Z]

Shame what happened to Ingram in the Juniors.. heavy dust in the trees and went off. :(

But he still has a chance to win, doesn't he? He's just 10 seconds back and there are still 3 stages to go. I wish him good luck!

[dimviii]

Kalle stage 1 incar
https://youtu.be/kwA2QswKpe4



Teemu / Rallirinki ‏@HartusvuoriWRC

Fastest times keep coming - @KalleRovanpera fastest on first two stages of @LVRally today. 4,4 s faster than @sirmacis_simins over 27,3 km.

[Jarek Z]

Teams video with unofficial shoots
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKiLtTVSFv8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGvb-mXR5pQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9ND3OMqSko

Thanks for the unofficial shots, very nice of you.

Here two good videos - one from Kajto's team and one from ERC2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3HKiuL21iw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cWfzWb2Z18

[N.O.T]

That's the thing with rallying... whatever time a driver does, someone always has a reason to praise/explain/criticise/dismiss it ...

that is the thing with life kid.

[Jarek Z]

There were only hardcore rally fans including Toni Gardemaister :)

Speaking of famous names - here's some info about Kalle Rovanpera's performance:
https://www.fiaerc.com/teen-rovanpera-is-a-hit-on-the-big-stage-with-the-erc/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But he still has a chance to win, doesn't he? He's just 10 seconds back and there are still 3 stages to go. I wish him good luck!

Yes, or if Griebel doesnt win..

[RS]

Kalle stage 1 incar
https://youtu.be/kwA2QswKpe4



Teemu / Rallirinki ‏@HartusvuoriWRC

Fastest times keep coming - @KalleRovanpera fastest on first two stages of @LVRally today. 4,4 s faster than @sirmacis_simins over 27,3 km.

Sirmacis hits back on SS10, current 6-4 to Sirmacis on stage wins v. Rovanpera.

Bit hard to compare them directly though when their starting position is so far apart and Sirmacis has his eyes on the ERC opposition too.

[KKS]

Ingram on trouble at SS11 :(

[KKS]

And Ingram out with techincal issue

[RS]

So does Griebel still have to win this event in order to win the championship?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So does Griebel still have to win this event in order to win the championship?

Yes as Ingram has more 2nd places.

[Mirek]

Chuchala stopped.

[dimviii]

Chuchala stopped at stage.(accident)

[TWRC]

Chuchala out on the last stage after crashing.

[dimviii]

Habaj crashed too

[RS]

Looking good for Griebel with one stage to go. Shame it came down to a technical problem for Ingram.

[Jarek Z]

So now it's official. Kajto wins ERC for the second time in a row. Congratulations!!!

Says Kajto : It's amazing, I think I have the best team in the world. It's great, we worked very hard to make this result, it's great day for me and for all people who believed in me. This year we had many many problems, that's why we are deserved, it's ubeliavable. Thanks to my family, to my sponsors, they are all great.

http://kajto.pl/galerie/309/20160917194936.png

[Jarek Z]

Superfast Ralfs Sirmacis wins he rally.

Very good feeling, but we almost crashed two corners before finish. We won our home event, it's great result. Next year we will do all ERC gravel events. Today no party, tomorrow is working day.

It means that Lukyanuk's second position in the ERC is now in danger, so he plans to go to Cyprus:

I'm happy with our weekend, we had consistent pace. It's first finish without any problem after very long time. Thanks to my team and to my sponsors. I'd like to claim to second position in the championship, we will do Cyprus.

[RS]

Good, consistent season by Kajto. Maybe it was partly the plan, but for me Sirmacis and Luky have impressed more this year.

Could have been a tougher fight if Sirmacis had a bigger programme or MSport put stronger steering arms in the Fiesta.

I hope Kajto will stay in ERC next year (two car team with Chuchula?) and defend his title against Sirmacis and Luky again.

Great performance by Sirmacis this weekend. I expected him to win tbh but it was pretty easy for him.

[RS]

Superfast Ralfs Sirmacis wins he rally.

Very good feeling, but we almost crashed two corners before finish. We won our home event, it's great result. Next year we will do all ERC gravel events. Today no party, tomorrow is working day.


Sirmacis has a 'proper' job as well?

Next year he needs to do more tarmac.. he has done all of the loose surface events this year already. IMO Skoda Motorsport should sign him (at least to have an 'option' on him for the future), and help fund a full ERC programme next year.

[Mirek]

Habaj crashed on the last stage second time in a row...

Third victory for Sirmacis in the season. Who would expect that?

[dimviii]

Griebel won.

[RS]

Griebel won.

Whose car will he drive in Cyprus? PSA doesn't seem like a good idea there..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gutted for Ingram but it has been a great first season in the Opel team.

Griebel's experience just told in the end.

[KKS]

Rovanpera drive after SS12 to service? Missed SS13?

[Andre Oliveira]

Habaj crashed on the last stage second time in a row...

Third victory for Sirmacis in the season. Who would expect that?

Yes, very surprised with Sirmacis this year.

[Essaj]

Stage 13 was cancelled due to a big crash.

[Hartusvuori]

Rovanpera drive after SS12 to service? Missed SS13?

Seems like the stage was cancelled before Kalle started.

[dimviii]

Stage 13 was cancelled due to a big crash.

this crash?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsozqzBWcAAm-tG.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsozryIWYAALqhj.jpg
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CsozsyTWEAAtb2-.jpg

[Essaj]

Yeah I think so