Mid Wales Stages - 2016

[Sulland]

We are getting closer to kick-off of the 2016 BRC season.
Entries close tomorrow it seems.

Info: http://msabrc.com/?post_type=rallies&p=60

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Full guide: http://www.midwalesstages.co.uk/downloads/Rally_Guide_10.PDF

There are 18 R5 entries by my count ... amazing ! :)

Colin Clark ‏@voiceofrally
'For me the @MSA_BRC will give us the true indication of the best R5 car. Great drivers, great stages, great cars. May the best car win!'

[Fly_Half]

Seeded entry list is being released this evening.

[Allyc85]

Here it is..

https://www.rallies.info/webentry/2016/midwalesnata/entries.php?type=s&combined=1

[Fly_Half]

Top 15 seeded:

1. Elfyn Evans - Fiesta R5
2. Keith Cronin - DS3 R5
3. David Bogie - Fabia R5
4. Tom Cave - Fiesta R5
5. Fredrik Ahlin - Fiesta R5
6. Euan Thorburn - 208 R5
7. Max Vatanen - Fiesta R5
8. Jamie Anderson - Fiesta R5
9. Josh Moffett - Fiesta R5
10. Jonny Greer - DS3 R5
11. Sam Moffett - Fiesta R5
12. Martin McCormack - Fabia S2000
14. Rhys Yates - Fiesta R5
15. Hugh HUnter - Fiesta R5
16. Matt Edwards - tbc

Pretty impressive.

[AndyRAC]

A very nice entry - looking forward to it. ����

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neil Simpson test and interview

https://youtu.be/SWpGEs7m8Ss

Jonny Greer & Keith Cronin testing their Ciroen DS3's

https://youtu.be/kQbDWdfIrjU

[MrJan]

A guy local to me has just taken delivery of a new DS3 R3T which I assume he'll be using for this event. He's previously used a Fiesta MS1 and has designs on being a top tier rally driver. His heart is in the right place, but sadly his right foot often isn't and he also seems to have suffered a lot of mechanical issues. Whether that's down to M-Sport or his driving remains to be seen.

[Fly_Half]

A guy local to me has just taken delivery of a new DS3 R3T which I assume he'll be using for this event. He's previously used a Fiesta MS1 and has designs on being a top tier rally driver. His heart is in the right place, but sadly his right foot often isn't and he also seems to have suffered a lot of mechanical issues. Whether that's down to M-Sport or his driving remains to be seen.

Deluded is the word you're after. Myself and a few others are of the opinion he's chosen an R3 car for the BRC as there's virtually no competition in that class.

[MrJan]

They're certainly investing a lot of money it, and as you say seems a bit strange to end up in a class that doesn't have that many others in it, but I don't know the reasons behind getting the new car or how it was selected. I do know that M-Sport parts are very expensive and they went through a few of them (driveshafts in particular kept breaking).

[MrJan]

Info (of sorts) out
http://www.midwalesstages.co.uk/downloads/Basic%20Spectator%20Information.PDF

[Simmi]

Will be there at Pikes Peak on the Sunday. Setting off at some ungodly hour. Will be interesting to see crowd sizes, spectator pen situation and the like. Spectators don't appear to be a priority on this event.

[MrJan]

Will be there at Pikes Peak on the Sunday. Setting off at some ungodly hour. Will be interesting to see crowd sizes, spectator pen situation and the like. Spectators don't appear to be a priority on this event.

The MSA are generally on a drive to get rid of the human element of motorsport, be it marshals, competitors or spectators. They do it in a bit of a weird way but seems to be having some effect.

Apparently a bit more detail will follow later in the week.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wintery weather is now forecast by some.. just to add to the excitement ! :)

[AndyRAC]

The MSA are generally on a drive to get rid of the human element of motorsport, be it marshals, competitors or spectators. They do it in a bit of a weird way but seems to be having some effect.

Apparently a bit more detail will follow later in the week.

The BTCC sees itself as an entertainment series, for fans and TV viewers - as a result, it's a popular series. Surely the BRC should be trying to compete with not only the BTCC, but BSB, British GT and British RX.

Not much good having great action on the stages if very few know or are watching.

I'd like to go to Pikes Peak on Saturday evening and Sunday morning - but wait to see full info. I imagine there's no overnight parking - looks like a lay by on the A44 for the night.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Spencer Sport report Tom Cave's R5 Fiesta is repaired and ready for the BRC.. :)

[MrJan]

Spencer Sport report Tom Cave's R5 Fiesta is repaired and ready for the BRC.. :)

:up:

Think a few people have been out testing today, including Chris Harris in the GT86. Looking forward to seeing that, if only because it's something a bit different.

[Fly_Half]

Spectator info seems pretty relaxed in comparison with other recent events. Plenty of scope to go for a wander up at the windfarms on Myherin and down to the Pikes Peak hairpins.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wintery weather is now forecast by some.. just to add to the excitement ! :)

Recce today

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

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcsqTk8W0AAzdGw.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CcsqYiCW4AA0Jcs.jpg

Forecast is better for the weekend though.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Myherin, an hour after the first recce run, snow about 3 to 4" deep...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CctM5UkWwAExfr5.jpg:large

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

[Simmi]

I'm guessing there's not much ice so not a risk of cancellation and tyre issues. Will keep an eye on the forecast and conditions before deciding whether to head down. Hopefully the roads will be clear be still snow on the hills.

[AndyRAC]

With spectator safety being a priority - I wonder if they will grit the access roads.... ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bogie Skoda R5 livery

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cctj_vwW0AAmVTc.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Elfyn Evans ‏@ElfynEvans 2 minutes ago
Snow still falling this afternoon at @MidWalesStages recce

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

[Simmi]

With spectator safety being a priority - I wonder if they will grit the access roads.... ;)

Haha nice. There's spectator safety and then there's spectator safety.

[MrJan]

Might pop up the Exeter dryslope and see if they'll let me borrow a set of skis for the weekend :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Elfyn Evans is playing his 'Joker' on this event... he will score double points here.

[MrJan]

Elfyn Evans is playing his 'Joker' on this event... he will score double points here.

Probably not a bad idea for him, get it in before other drivers get used to their new cars :D

[rallyfun]

Am I right that out of 6 stages there are only 3 spectator zones, one stage with no access? On rally website there's barely map of one stage, how about the rest? Is this some kind of private club rally and organisers do their best to put spectators off, not mentioned "spectator program" published just one day before the rally. Looks like there is no point of going few hundreds miles to see two three stages. Can some explain what is going on?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

'Detailed Spectator information programmes will be available to download from the club website later during this week'... cant see it anywhere. :(

'Or to buy from Rally HQ (Coleg Powys/The Hafren) where Signing On will be taking place from 11.00 until 16.45 on Saturday 5th March.

It will also be available from both Pike's Peak and Sweet Lamb Spectator Area’s at a cost of £3.00.'

[Simmi]

"As long as you've got a compass and an O-S map you can pick up detailed spectator info if you find the stage."

Okay have just a few spectator points if you want but at least give people a chance. So much hype generated but who is it for? More for the benefit of the series and its competitors I think.

[rallyfun]

So I can't be bothered then. Just wondering how sponsors would feel to see empty stages...

[MrJan]

'Detailed Spectator information programmes will be available to download from the club website later during this week'... cant see it anywhere. :(

It's cleverly hidden in the Spectator section under the name 'Spectator Programme ;)

http://www.midwalesstages.co.uk/downloads/Spectator%20Programme%202016.PDF


So I can't be bothered then. Just wondering how sponsors would feel to see empty stages...

They probably don't care, most of the 'sponsors' are just the companies of the drivers or their dad, the others are paying for the TV exposure. 2-3 stages is about normal though, unless it's a tight packed event like on Epynt. At a push I've managed 4 in a day at Wyedean, but that involved missing the 1400s on some stages. Also managed 4 on the WRC in Greece but that involved 2-3hr drives. I can't remember a rally, other than an SV, where I've been able to see more than 4 stages.

[Simmi]

Interesting to note the huge amount of red prohibited area on the Pikes Peak stage. Does anyone with experience of the section still think it's worth it?

http://www.midwalesstages.co.uk/downloads/Spectator%20Programme%202016.PDF

[MrJan]

Rallying actually gets an easy ride compared to some other sports. Take autocross for example "any spectator enclosures should not be less than 30m from the course where there is no barrier designed to halt a competing car travelling between these enclosures and the course. Where there is a barrier, the distance should not be less than 25m all the way round corners, and 20m alongside straights. The minimum acceptable barrier will be two rows of straw bales or equivalent, placed approximately half way between the course and the enclosures"

If that was applied to rallying then you pretty much couldn't watch at any event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Woodside's Fiesta R5 looking mean !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ccu28uSWIAAFFC6.jpg

[rallyfun]

It's cleverly hidden in the Spectator section under the name 'Spectator Programme ;)

http://www.midwalesstages.co.uk/downloads/Spectator%20Programme%202016.PDF



They probably don't care, most of the 'sponsors' are just the companies of the drivers or their dad, the others are paying for the TV exposure. 2-3 stages is about normal though, unless it's a tight packed event like on Epynt. At a push I've managed 4 in a day at Wyedean, but that involved missing the 1400s on some stages. Also managed 4 on the WRC in Greece but that involved 2-3hr drives. I can't remember a rally, other than an SV, where I've been able to see more than 4 stages.

When you're talking about proper 3-4 days event like WRC 2-3 stages a day is ok, thats's 6-9 a rally, top cars, top drivers, and load of good stuff in lower classes. In case of 1.5 day event drive hundreds of miles just to see the same hairpin twice it's a joke. No maps of other stages in so called "detailed program", no mention of access to other stages than Pike's Peak. Looks like spectators are unnecessary addition to BRC.

[MrJan]

Looks like spectators are unnecessary addition to BRC.

Not just the BRC, as I've said many times. Spectators are causing a huge headache for organisers and the deaths over the last few years have put the sport in a bad position. The Wyedean last year caused a major shake up because of where spectators are stood and the Blue Book has had a number of clauses put in regarding safety.

I agree that the mileage isn't much, but there aren't exactly people queuing up with forests that they want people to race around. Also don't know what you consider to be 'mention of access' but giving a map reference to a car park with catering and a toilet for Hafren/Sweet Lamb couldn't be much more detail. As for everything else, they give stage times, MR, pictures of the spectator areas (and restricted parts). Stages 3 & 4 don't have any detail but it's increasingly common for land owners not to allow spectators...not to mention the ball ache it is for the organisers (who for the most part are volunteers). I can only assume that you don't get too involved in organising events, if you do then I'm surprised that you don't appreciate what most rally organisers are up against these days.

Edit: btw there are only 6 stages anyway, 2 on the Saturday and 4 on the Sunday, that is something to get used to too. Events now will be super short if they have any lengthy stages in them. Total for the event is less than 70 miles and 25 of that is covered in the night.

[Martin Liddle]

Live Results for the Mid-Wales Stages Rally will be available from the BRC web site and from the TCS web site. The BRC web site will carry a summary aimed at the general public and TCS will provide more detailed information for those that require it. The results links are:

Link to Results on British Championship web site (http://msabrc.com/rallyresults/)

Mid-Wales Stages National A (BRC) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=419)

Mid-Wales Stages National B (BRC National Cup and Defender Challenge) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=420)

Mid-Wales Stages National A & B Combined(Unofficial) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=422)

Viking Motorsport/Links Electrical Mid-Wales Clubmans Stages (Welsh National and Clubman's, HRCR) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=421)

BRC Championship results (will appear after event results are final which should be 18:00 on Sunday) (http://msabrc.com/champresults/)

The National A event and the National B for the BRC National Cup and Defender Challenge start on Saturday evening; the Clubmans event will join them on Sunday morning. The three (two on Saturday) events will run intermingled as a single field in order of anticipated performance. There is a passage control after each stage and times from SS1 are expected at about 7:40 pm on Saturday evening and from SS3 (first Sunday stage) at about 9:50 am on Sunday morning. The first car is due back at the finish in Newtown at 3pm on Sunday afternoon.

This event is running to what are essentially FIA timing regulations with road sections running from stage start to next arrival (or time control) and with all lateness penalised. Hence expect more road penalties than usual.

As always comments on the event and suggestions for improvements to the results system are welcome.

[rallyfun]

Also don't know what you consider to be 'mention of access' but giving a map reference to a car park with catering and a toilet for Hafren/Sweet Lamb couldn't be much more detail. As for everything else, they give stage times, MR, pictures of the spectator areas (and restricted parts). Stages 3 & 4 don't have any detail but it's increasingly common for land owners not to allow spectators...not to mention the ball ache it is for the organisers (who for the most part are volunteers).
You just emphasized my points of many nonsense with this rally. If you're one of those Sunday drivers spectator then you can't complain going to Sweet Lamb just to eat sausage and do your business in the toilet while watching rally cars. But spectating rally is not about sausage and annoying PA system if you know what I mean. Also what's the point of running stages with no access to them? I've done few dozens of WRC rallies and planning is one of the important parts of spectating, with British and Irish rallies you just can't do that if you're not local as they give you nothing on websites. Look at the websites of WRC rallies with detailed maps, access roads to stages, GPS location, pictures, often short clips etc. How do they want to make this sport popular? They were bombarding social media last few weeks and blown this balloon of expectations as if it was bigger than WRC, and just few hours before the start of the season they published map of one stage! What to appreciate? The message is simple, they don't need me, they don't want my money and they don't want this sport and this rally to be popular. There hundreds or thousands like me, multiply that by £5.
This is BRC not some local club fun drive where you can excuse volunteer organisers.

[MrJan]

How do they want to make this sport popular?

Honestly? I think they want to make it popular for armchair viewers. The hassle and risk from having people stood in a stage is getting too great. That letter which is included in the spectator info (the letter from MSA chief exec) is no joke, the Forestry Commission were seriously not amused and I know of a local enduro which was called off at the 11th hour the day following the Wyedean last year.


This is BRC not some local club fun drive where you can excuse volunteer organisers.

Who do you think actually organises the event? It IS some 'local club' here's their website http://www.newtown-mc.co.uk/

The BRC will sell the event but it's Newton MC that actually organise it. Sure there will be some involvement from someone at BRC, but the majority of the input will be from Newton MC. If you look through the regs you'll see that most of the organising team are the NADMC committee members http://www.midwalesstages.co.uk/downloads/2016%20MWS.PDF

[irish_tiger]

Guys any report of what the weather is like there this morning ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Guys any report of what the weather is like there this morning ?

Sunshine.

[Allyc85]

I've seen pictures from Sweet Lamb of the snow melting, but they themselves have uploaded pictures of the top of Pikes Peak covered in snow!

Well I'm packed and ready to go. To all those attending have a safe journey and rally!

[AndyRAC]

You just emphasized my points of many nonsense with this rally. If you're one of those Sunday drivers spectator then you can't complain going to Sweet Lamb just to eat sausage and do your business in the toilet while watching rally cars. But spectating rally is not about sausage and annoying PA system if you know what I mean. Also what's the point of running stages with no access to them? I've done few dozens of WRC rallies and planning is one of the important parts of spectating, with British and Irish rallies you just can't do that if you're not local as they give you nothing on websites. Look at the websites of WRC rallies with detailed maps, access roads to stages, GPS location, pictures, often short clips etc. How do they want to make this sport popular? They were bombarding social media last few weeks and blown this balloon of expectations as if it was bigger than WRC, and just few hours before the start of the season they published map of one stage! What to appreciate? The message is simple, they don't need me, they don't want my money and they don't want this sport and this rally to be popular. There hundreds or thousands like me, multiply that by £5.
This is BRC not some local club fun drive where you can excuse volunteer organisers.


I think you're being a little harsh. But I generally agree with your sentiment.

As its the first year, and first event of the new BRC you have to give people time to get used to running/ organising events.

However, if the BRC wants to become like its circuit racing counterparts, it has to be promoted and run far better. That is what IMS are for, is it not?
Having volunteers for club, BTRDA events is expected, but at BRC level you expect IMS to take over, with input from the local club/ clubs. Reading about a volunteer uploading the speccy information at silly o'clock 1 day before the event makes me wonder what IMS are actually doing. That should be their job.

They managed to get plenty of coverage in MNews, and even Autosport has taken an interest in the BRC again; now the weekly/monthly car mags need to start taking an interest; as its become obvious, that rallying is no longer popular with your average petrolhead.

I think trying to make the sport popular again is a thankless task; but they'll give it a good go.


Was was thinking of setting off tonight, but will go early tomorrow morning to watch the runs at Pikes Peak.
Enjoy!!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rallying is still popular - the recent move of Wales Rally GB to the north proved that with excellent fan numbers.

Given that most of these stages have been used on Rally GB many times, wont fans that want to spectate on this event have been on them before and know their way around ?

[Sulland]

Is it a way to get the Spencer Mirages in on the same resultlist as the other R5s?

[AndyRAC]

Rallying is still popular - the recent move of Wales Rally GB to the north proved that with excellent fan numbers.


I have to disagree. It's miles behind F1, BTCC, GT/ Sportscars, WEC, Motorbikes et al......
Go on any of the popular Motorsport forums/ websites ( Pistonheads, Autosport, TenTenths, crash.net) - and rallying gets the least amount of comments. Decent crowds on RallyGB doesn't make it popular.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Decent crowds on RallyGB doesn't make it popular.

Considering the lack of British success for 20 years and poor media coverage it is...

Just because the other motor sports are more popular doesnt mean rallying isnt.

Rally GB shows the fans are still there they just need the right product & promotion.

[satnav]

For anyone interested the road book is available to download , this includes full stage maps , its in Bulletin 2 there are also other bulletins available as well with good info .

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Leg 1

SS1 Hafren/Sweet Lamb 25.57 km 19:10 [5. 3. 20:10 GMT+1]

SS2 Pike’s Peak/Myherin 15.76 km 19:57 [5. 3. 20:57 GMT+1]

Entry

http://ewrc-results.com/startlist.php?e=27434&t=Mid-Wales-Stages-2016

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Full info. :)


Live Results for the Mid-Wales Stages Rally will be available from the BRC web site and from the TCS web site. The BRC web site will carry a summary aimed at the general public and TCS will provide more detailed information for those that require it. The results links are:

Link to Results on British Championship web site (http://msabrc.com/rallyresults/)

Mid-Wales Stages National A (BRC) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=419)

Mid-Wales Stages National B (BRC National Cup and Defender Challenge) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=420)

Mid-Wales Stages National A & B Combined(Unofficial) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=422)

Viking Motorsport/Links Electrical Mid-Wales Clubmans Stages (Welsh National and Clubman's, HRCR) (http://results.djames.org.uk/results/?e=421)

BRC Championship results (will appear after event results are final which should be 18:00 on Sunday) (http://msabrc.com/champresults/)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CczzCu6WwAAEtRc.jpg:large

Evans through SS1 but everyone complaining and/or having issues...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS1: @RhysYatesRally "Flat rear left mid way through the stage so decided to nurse the car to the end. Still here.."

SS1: @JonnyG_Rally "That was ok,very difficult stage to start the rally and the championship".

SS1: @OsianPryce "Struggling with the throttle pedal, seems to be all or nothing. Won't be doing anything silly"

SS1: @CombiliftRally "Had a few hairy moments in there but all ok so far".

SS1: @maxvatanenrally "Issue with the temperature, tricky first stage."
*look at number plate position!!!*

SS1: @EuanThorburnRT "Very slippery in there, hit a bank around 3/4 of the way in, but car feels ok."

Mid Wales Stages ‏@MidWalesStages 7m7 minutes ago
SS1: @FredrikAahlin "Not happy at all. The cars just not right"


SS1: @tomcaverally "Had a problem at the start with the steering, overcame that and seems ok. Felt good at the end"

SS1: @D_Bogie "Just a little off early on in the stage". * slight bumper damage*

SS1: @KeithC_Rally "No comment"..*not happy*

SS1: @ElfynEvans
"Car was skidding all over the place. Really difficult conditions in there. Can't judge grip."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stage 1 Times

1 1 Elfyn Evans 16:19.2
2 5 Fredrik Ahlin 16:37.4 0:18.2 0:18.2
3 4 Tom Cave 16:43.3 0:05.9 0:24.1
4 3 David Bogie 16:56.5 0:13.2 0:37.3
5 9 Josh Moffett 17:06.5 0:10.0 0:47.3
6 6 Euan Thorburn 17:22.2 0:15.7 1:03.0
7 2 Keith Cronin 17:27.2 0:05.0 1:08.0
8 7 Max Vatanen 17:38.2 0:11.0 1:19.0
9 15 Hugh Hunter 18:19.5 0:41.3 2:00.3

[Simmi]

I wonder what issue Cronin has? Marty McCormack already out. Diff broke on way to stage one.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Matt Edwards leads BRC2 and sits in 9th overall. While Gus Greensmiths leads DMACK Junior BRC.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Osian Pryce through in 4th.. :eek:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ccz4e8FWoAARLU1.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I wonder what issue Cronin has?

No info coming. Shame if its something bad as he's a genuine challenger for Evans.

[Simmi]

Not seeing any times for Greer, Neil Simpson, Woodside, Windus and Chris Harris...

[EightGear]

Those are some massive gaps.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ahlin goes quicker than Evans on the final stage tonight !

But only by one second. Lead is now down to 17.2 seconds.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Not seeing any times for Greer, Neil Simpson, Woodside, Windus and Chris Harris...

Shakedown ‏@ShakedownMag
Unfortunately timing on #BRC is having some issues and we’re unable to bring any updates for #MidWales.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Jenny ‏@jeninishka 2m2 minutes ago Wales, United Kingdom
Problems for Cronin? SS1 Sweet Lamb.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ccz_8F9XEAAXllV.jpg

???

[Simmi]

Shakedown ‏@ShakedownMag
Unfortunately timing on #BRC is having some issues and we’re unable to bring any updates for #MidWales.

I think that was in reference to no information coming through at the start. Definitely some timing issue for Greer who was pictured at the end of SS1. And has a slow time listed for SS2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stage 2 Times

1 5 Fredrik Ahlin 9:30.2
2 1 Elfyn Evans 9:31.2 0:01.0 0:01.0
3 3 David Bogie 9:46.5 0:15.3 0:16.3
4 16 Matt Edwards 9:55.0 0:08.5 0:24.8
5 14 Rhys Yates 9:58.6 0:03.6 0:28.4
6 6 Euan Thorburn 10:02.2 0:03.6 0:32.0
7 4 Tom Cave 10:02.4 0:00.2 0:32.2
8 2 Keith Cronin 10:05.0 0:02.6 0:34.8
9 7 Max Vatanen 10:09.4 0:04.4 0:39.2
10 8 Jamie Anderson 10:13.6 0:04.2 0:43.4
11 17 Desi Henry 10:22.1 0:08.5 0:51.9
12 15 Hugh Hunter 10:26.4 0:04.3 0:56.2
13 9 Josh Moffett 10:33.2 0:06.8 1:03.0
14 11 Sam Moffett 10:38.7 0:05.5 1:08.5
15 19 Phillip Morrow 11:08.9 0:30.2 1:38.7
16 22 Damian Cole 11:43.0 0:34.1 2:12.8
17 24 Roland Llewellin 11:55.7 0:12.7 2:25.5
18 10 Jonathan Greer 17:25.9 5:30.2 7:55.7

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Overall Results as of Stage 2

1 1 Elfyn Evans 0:25:50.4
2 5 Fredrik Ahlin 0:26:07.6 0:00:17.2 0:00:17.2
3 3 David Bogie 0:26:43.0 0:00:35.4 0:00:52.6
4 4 Tom Cave 0:26:45.7 0:00:02.7 0:00:55.3
5 6 Euan Thorburn 0:27:24.4 0:00:38.7 0:01:34.0
6 2 Keith Cronin 0:27:32.2 0:00:07.8 0:01:41.8
7 9 Josh Moffett 0:27:39.7 0:00:07.5 0:01:49.3
8 16 Matt Edwards 0:27:41.8 0:00:02.1 0:01:51.4
9 7 Max Vatanen 0:27:47.6 0:00:05.8 0:01:57.2
10 17 Desi Henry 0:28:20.3 0:00:32.7 0:02:29.9
11 14 Rhys Yates 0:28:22.7 0:00:02.4 0:02:32.3
12 15 Hugh Hunter 0:28:45.9 0:00:23.2 0:02:55.5
13 19 Phillip Morrow 0:29:06.7 0:00:20.8 0:03:16.3
14 22 Damian Cole 0:32:01.3 0:02:54.6 0:06:10.9
15 24 Roland Llewellin 0:32:14.3 0:00:13.0 0:06:23.9
16 11 Sam Moffett 0:32:28.9 0:00:14.6 0:06:38.5
17 8 Jamie Anderson 0:36:25.0 0:03:56.1 0:10:34.6

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A disastrous start to the event for Sam Moffett, a puncture on stage 1 and no lights on stage 2.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Simpson & Woodside still a mystery... :(

Osian Pryce's times put him third overall in the Mirage R5. :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/EddieFocus/times_zpsxadscp5n.jpg

[Sulland]

Using this link we see also the Nat B class with the A class.

http://results.djames.org.uk/results/overall.php?EventID=422&StageID=2&selection=all&button=Fetch+Overall+Positions&e=422

How much experience does Jamie Jukes have?
Blomberg has for some reason gotten a 1 min penalty.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

An early bath for Neil Simpson as the FIA Pop Off valve explodes on the start line of SS1 :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc0IYGvWIAASxOB.jpg

[Simmi]

Piecing together most of the info now. Throttle position problem put Woodside out. He says they will super rally tomorrow - which is good news as I didn't know whether that was in the regs.

Electrical issue for Chris Harris - hopefully they can get back out too.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Quotes from day one



BRC1 and Mid Wales Stages Leader: Elfyn Evans

“It’s been a good day, I took no risks on the second stage. It was very difficult to be the first car on the road and to make out where the grip was. The roads looked fine initially and then I started to come into a bit of snow and had some big slides!

“There was a lot of grip in some places, but it took me a while to get that confidence. Happy to be leading, but tomorrow we are really going to go for it and extract more!”



BRC1 Second Place: Fredrik Ahlin

“We were happy on the second stage but the first stage was not good and it was inconsistent and we did not feel comfortable and the rhythm was not there. Even with the snow in that last one I drove a lot better and we were a lot more precise. We are just going to continue tomorrow, we lost a little bit too much to Elfyn in the first one but tomorrow we need to keep the pressure on. I want to be up there with him. I was happy with the second stage and mentally it is good for tomorrow.”



BRC1 Third Place: David Bogie

“It was difficult, we got through them and we are happy enough to be honest, just needed to get a bit more heat in the tyres, but we will work on that for tomorrow. The grip levels were horrible and I am still learning the car and with it being slippery as it is, it is very easy to make a mistake. We will certainly up the pace for tomorrow and, if the temperature increases, it should make things easier.”



National Rally Cup Leader and Third Overall: Osian Pryce

“We had a steady run on the first stage and we settled in, but it was unbelievably slippery. It was like polished Tarmac and thought is was me driving badly! It was so hard to judge the snow and the shinny bits and I am pleased to be at the end of it. I love the dark, there is something special about it, and there is no other feeling. Same again for tomorrow and looking forward to it!”

[stefanvv]

I hope some good videos come out from this event

[dimviii]

Osian Pryces steering wheel

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc2AcPOWwAEdTPj.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans lost the lead after SS4.. possible car problem.

Ahlin now ahead by 3.5 sec.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If correct an awesome time by Bogie to win SS4 !

[N.O.T]

Nice attack by Ahlin.

[EstWRC]

So Evans getting the taste of dmack's eh?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bogie's time corrected ans was 2nd on SS4.

Evans lost time due to opening the road and snow.

[makinen_fan]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc3CFKSWAAAkZ_I.jpg:large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Everyone saying the road conditions were no better as cars go through... probably getting worse with snow getting dragged onto the road.

Evans not with a valid excuse for the slow times then.

Regroup Evans: "Patches of snow in SS3 & ice in 4 so need to make changes in service.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS4
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc26zgPWoAASJfq.jpg:large

O/A
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc27ZOYW8AAVuj7.jpg:large

[Mirek]

That's in stage not after ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans needs to push for the win this afternoon - he's played his Joker remember, so scoring double points ....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc3T1ovWAAAQlDa.jpg:large

[Sulland]

Winterish conditions today.
Team Åhlin/Abrahamsen are having a good rally so far.

Impressed by Pryce/Furniss. The Mirage is matching the best.

How did Jukes manage to roll, do anyone know?

[focus206]

Nice rally by Ahlin so far! Maybe winter conditions are an advantage for him?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans retakes the lead by 12.9 sec after SS5.

[N.O.T]

very nice start to the BRC, the Nicky Grist stages will be a must to spectate.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

SS5:
1 Evans 15m57s;
2 Bogie +16.2s;
3 Ahlin +16.4s;
4 Cave +27.9s;
5 Thorburn +48.8s

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Overall after SS5:
1 Evans 1h0m39.3s;
2 Ahlin +12.9s;
3 Cave +1m18.9s;
4 Bogie +1m23.4s;
5 Thorburn +2m27s

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans clip https://www.instagram.com/p/BCm7EnuMRK4/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Night clip https://www.instagram.com/p/BCld2OwsRFs/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans wins ! :bounce:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc3vjgTWoAAayv-.jpg

Ahlin comes through with a 7:39.2 and takes second.

Cave fends off Bogie and holds third at the end of the event.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cc3vi_vXIAARdS2.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

DMACK Tyres ‏@DMACK_Tyres
What an effort from the boys today! The joker also played off… :)

M-Sport ‏@MSportLtd
Congrats @ElfynEvans, @FredrikAahlin and @tomcaverally - a fantastic 1-2-3 for the Fiesta R5 Evo on the opening round of the BRC !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ist Evans interview: https://www.periscope.tv/w/1eaJbZZqkWeJX

[Andre Oliveira]

Ford Fiesta R5 1-2-3
DMACK - Pirelli - Michelin

[Rally Power]

Congrats to Evans/Parry and DMack. Nice fight from Ahlin and great perf from Pryce in the little Mirage.

[Simmi]

Great day at Pikes Peak spectating. Will try and get some pictures up tomorrow!

[MrJan]

Great event, really enjoyed it. The new car regs are a huge boost for what was effectively a dead series. Okay it's a bit Ford heavy but at least it's proper rally cars. Most impressive thing was the Adam's though, sound great and driven hard too. See also the 3 cylinder Fiestas.

There will be photos and short videos but at the minute I'm in Merthyr and heading out on my mountain bike tomorrow, so will be a day or two.

[the sniper]

It was a really good rally, I can't wait to see the highlights on TV now!

I'm not sure if it was mentioned but the car parks were shut on Pike’s Peak/Myherin on Saturday evening due to the snow, luckily there was plenty of road side parking space and a lay-by which seemingly accommodated most people who wanted to get into the lower car park though at least. It was a bit silly really, as the car park was completely clear and people still walked in anyway, but I appreciate it took the liability off the event if anybody had a problem. It was lucky they had this excuse though to turn some casual spectators away, as the official spectator access path was not clear at all in the dark, it was poorly signposted and not well represented on the official maps. Numerous people ended up scrambling up a hill, lost in the dark, rather than just being allowed to walk 5 minutes up the stage to the official spectator area, this over an hour before the first car was due to arrive... Compliance over common sense is definitely the key to safety in this new era! But this was a small issue on what was a nice event.

If they can get the numbers to add up for it next year, I'd really like them to be ambitious and add Aberhirnant and Dyfnant to this year's itinerary (both were used by this rally in the 1980's), so ideally late on the Saturday morning/early afternoon. It's probably not doable, but I just think this event would become great if it was a bit longer and a bit more varied. I wouldn't like those additions to come at the cost of the night running of Myherin and Hafren though, which bring great character to this rally. Sadly there probably won't be enough marshals to do both.

On the rally itself, I've got to agree with MrJan that the Adams were a nice surprise, I'd heard good things about them on here but they really do sound and look good. The Mirage looked good too. It was cool to have it so close at the top, hopefully it'll be like that for the rest of the season! I'm really looking forward to getting out on future rounds now.

[Simmi]

My photos from the rally here if anyone is interested. Well worth the trip and some nice wintry conditions thrown in.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157665444017681

[tolis]

What's the joker?

[N.O.T]

you choose 1 event and you get double the points of your position.

Also in the final event of the series everyone gets double points.

[focus206]

Hmm if someone chooses the final event as joker he gets 4x points?

[stefanvv]

Hmm if someone chooses the final event as joker he gets 4x points?

seems more like 3x to me

[the sniper]

I'm not a great fan of the championship joker card, mainly because it disadvantages some guys more than others. Most guys will use it on their home round, but someone like Fredrik Ahlin is disadvantaged as he doesn't have a home round that he knows like the back of his hand. For this reason though I'm really surprised Ahlin didn't use his joker on the Mid Wales, as those stages were the only ones this BRC season that he would have experienced before, on his two previous Rally GB outings. Surely he's made a mistake there?

[Andre Oliveira]

The joker can't be used in final round.

[focus206]

The joker can't be used in final round.

Good, it would have been quite ridicolous otherwise

[MrJan]

It was a really good rally, I can't wait to see the highlights on TV now!

I'm not sure if it was mentioned but the car parks were shut on Pike’s Peak/Myherin on Saturday evening due to the snow, luckily there was plenty of road side parking space and a lay-by which seemingly accommodated most people who wanted to get into the lower car park though at least. It was a bit silly really, as the car park was completely clear and people still walked in anyway.

The car park we were in on Sunday was still snowy/icy from about halfway up. I think it would have been a complete s**t show in the dark with people getting stuck or struggling to turn around. We were disappointed on Saturday that we had to make a late dash into Sweet Lamb, but ultimately I think it was the right call.

Edit: Oh finally found out when the BT coverage is, 3:30am Sunday morning! Okay for anyone with a set top box, not so good for those of us that can only watch online.

[Nornbugger]

I'm not a great fan of the championship joker card, mainly because it disadvantages some guys more than others. Most guys will use it on their home round, but someone like Fredrik Ahlin is disadvantaged as he doesn't have a home round that he knows like the back of his hand. For this reason though I'm really surprised Ahlin didn't use his joker on the Mid Wales, as those stages were the only ones this BRC season that he would have experienced before, on his two previous Rally GB outings. Surely he's made a mistake there?


Who all played their joker cards on this event? Evans did as expected, I would also have expected Ahlin to do so given the terrain to be as familiar as any will be this season for him and also that he has a lot of experience in the R5 Fiesta whereas several other quick guys were on their 1st proper event in new cars or their 1st gravel event in them.

[the sniper]

The car park we were in on Sunday was still snowy/icy from about halfway up. I think it would have been a complete s**t show in the dark with people getting stuck or struggling to turn around. We were disappointed on Saturday that we had to make a late dash into Sweet Lamb, but ultimately I think it was the right call.

Oh yeah no doubt, I avoided the top car park for the whole event as imagined it might be a bit precarious. The lower car park was fine on the Saturday though, completely clear of snow, but they were probably more worried about the risk of ice so closed it too. There was no ice in the end but you can understand their caution. Plus as I say no one was really put out too badly down there in the end as there was plenty of roadside parking space.


Edit: Oh finally found out when the BT coverage is, 3:30am Sunday morning! Okay for anyone with a set top box, not so good for those of us that can only watch online.

It's seemingly going to be repeated at 0815 on Sunday on BT Sport 1 and on Monday night at 2230 on BT Sport 2, which is a bit more sociable for those watching 'live'.

Channel 4 highlights will go out at 0730 on Saturday, but obviously are only 26 minutes long.

[the sniper]

Who all played their joker cards on this event?

Elfyn Evans, Norwegian Sindre Furuseth (who came second in the Juniors but now leads that championship), Josh Cornwell (finished 4th in Juniors) and Osian Pryce in the R5 Mirage (who won the National category).

According to BRC's Facebook page, Sindre Furuseth used the joker on this round as although he never rallied in the UK, he'd watched the stage onboards from Rally GB on WRC+ and thought that these stages were similar to the ones he'd rallied in Norway.

[MrJan]

Oh yeah no doubt, I avoided the top car park for the whole event as imagined it might be a bit precarious.
It wasn't too bad on Sunday. We got stopped by a marshal about halfway up and told to park up, but there were quite a few spaces beyond us and it seemed okay. In the break between stages I moved the car and got right up to the stage with no issues (in a 1.6 diesel Focus with 3 people + gear + 1 mountain bike)


It's seemingly going to be repeated at 0815 on Sunday on BT Sport 1 and on Monday night at 2230 on BT Sport 2, which is a bit more sociable for those watching 'live'.

Channel 4 highlights will go out at 0730 on Saturday, but obviously are only 26 minutes long.
Nice, the Monday one works a bit better for me (8am is no time to be up on a Sunday). Am happy to watch the C4 highlights on Demand, but as you say it's a lot shorter and I'm interested in the extended coverage of the Juniors because those guys were super committed.

[the sniper]

Chris Harris' rally will feature on his You Tube channel, which will seemingly be promoted on the Top Gear website: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/cars/top-gear/chris-harris-films-rally-drive-for-top-gear-website/

Nice to see rallying talked about by a mainstream media outlet at a time other than when someone has died... Even if it is only another Top Gear-mania cash in article! I was glad to see Harris get to the end though, as he hasn't had much luck in this game.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Couple of good videos:

https://youtu.be/sAD2TYNgBkM

https://youtu.be/4S8rRi-qmbI

Plenty of great sounding cars, esp the 208 & DS3. :)

I love the pure sound... wont get that on the TV show with Desborough talking non-stop. :(

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CdCT15fWoAEbgbx.jpg:large

[photo622]

Couple of photos on www.photo622.com
908909910911

[Martin Liddle]

Full Championship points are now available from the BRC web site at http://msabrc.com/champresults/. Only the summary points were available on Monday and I am not sure when the full points appeared. The BRC web site developer is working on improving the update process so that on future rounds the points should appear shortly after we supply them (which on Sunday was at about 18:20).

[pettersolberg29]

My first event with a proper DSLR camera, so here's some of the photos if anyone wants a look! https://www.flickr.com/photos/140835060@N03/albums/72157663339861234

The rally itself was great - the views and conditions upon Myherin/Pikes Peak were among the best I've seen, and the level of competition was impressive. Even the Group N Subaru's of drivers like Mr Utting drove spectacularly which made the whole field exciting to watch. Already looking forward to the NG Stages.

[Allyc85]

Great stuff Ian!

Basically my view on the event is the same as Jan's and Ian's, roll on the NG Stages!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1502/25533265542_3bfc8063a3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EUhEhf)BRC Mid Wales Stages 2016 (https://flic.kr/p/EUhEhf) by Alastair Cummins (https://www.flickr.com/photos/allyc85/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1460/25626129686_240d817057_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F3uByb)BRC Mid Wales Stages 2016 (https://flic.kr/p/F3uByb) by Alastair Cummins (https://www.flickr.com/photos/allyc85/), on Flickr

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1449/25652398865_25ab4e8f63_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F5Pft4)BRC Mid Wales Stages 2016 (https://flic.kr/p/F5Pft4) by Alastair Cummins (https://www.flickr.com/photos/allyc85/), on Flickr

[MrJan]

My first event with a proper DSLR camera, so here's some of the photos if anyone wants a look! https://www.flickr.com/photos/140835060@N03/albums/72157663339861234

The rally itself was great - the views and conditions upon Myherin/Pikes Peak were among the best I've seen, and the level of competition was impressive. Even the Group N Subaru's of drivers like Mr Utting drove spectacularly which made the whole field exciting to watch. Already looking forward to the NG Stages.

Nice pics, looks like you've got to grips with the camera pretty quick.

My shoddy collection can now been seen, not even sure there's one that stands out from the crowd so bit disappointed really
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrjanyeo/albums/72157663359389293

[Fly_Half]

A little late but here are my pics from a fantastic event:

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1619/25682996825_2b671b5978_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1529/25052467804_eb2694020f_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1449/25052474104_6f14ac6239_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1669/25683007155_9846ef0386_z.jpg

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1687/25056243193_8379c9643c_z.jpg

Cheers,

Rhod

[MrJan]

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1529/25052467804_eb2694020f_z.jpg


That's me slap bang in the middle of shot, wearing hi vis and standing out like a pleb :D

NIce shots by the way, 4th one is great

[Fly_Half]

That's me slap bang in the middle of shot, wearing hi vis and standing out like a pleb :D

NIce shots by the way, 4th one is great

Ruined my shot!! Thanks, fantastic spot for spectating up there, has to be one of the best stages in the UK.

[ploco]

Awesome pics !! First time wth the DLSR? I wouldn't have said that ever!! I do have a DLSR also (Sony cannotrememberthemodel) but I don't have a clue how to use it....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans SS1

Bumper cam but better than nothing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Srg3kCDHTGc&feature=youtu.be