Wales Rally GB 2016

[EstWRC]

Ogier and Tänak class of their own http://www.ewrc-results.com/leg.php?e=27499&s=122778&leg=2&t=Dayinsure-Wales-Rally-GB-2016

it will be interesting tomorrow in the sense that they will have the same starting position.

[KKS]

whats going on?
1107

http://www.motorsportforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1107&d=1477752834

[KKS]

Ogier and Tänak class of their own http://www.ewrc-results.com/leg.php?e=27499&s=122778&leg=2&t=Dayinsure-Wales-Rally-GB-2016

it will be interesting tomorrow in the sense that they will have the same starting position.
but only 50km, half of today stages

[KKS]

autograph session? Hold on, we must waiting a low running cars while they are signed some piece of papers?
Agrrr!

[BigWorm]

You’re right. Neither Meeke should be criticized on this rally and neither Ogier on all the others events he was undermined by a stupid rule created to slow him down.

Let’s hope FIA will get a sensible solution for the start order issue, in order to see all these great drivers focused on what really matters: being fast.

Bring back qualifying!

[dimviii]

Michelin video leg 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwMw6EAqEWo

[cali]

You’re right. Neither Meeke should be criticized on this rally and neither Ogier on all the others events he was undermined by a stupid rule created to slow him down.

Let’s hope FIA will get a sensible solution for the start order issue, in order to see all these great drivers focused on what really matters: being fast.

Btw, what happened to Pryce? He was doing nice times in a close battle with Aansen for 5th (and best non Skoda), but now he’s over 3m behind.

In rallying it's almost impossible, someone always benefits from the starting order.

[dimviii]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy_yHk2CY4M

[Simmi]

Still muddy in parts today, especially down the order..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv8Y43gXYAA3oMu.jpg:large

Cheers for the photo credit Eddie ;)

[dodge33cymru]

Btw, what happened to Pryce? He was doing nice times in a close battle with Aansen for 5th (and best non Skoda), but now he’s over 3m behind.

Never seems to have much luck in R5s doesn't Osian; had a very frustrated looking David Bogie stuck behind him near the end of Dyfi.

Looking forward to seeing him get a few shots in the DMack R5 next year, he's clearly got some pace.

What's up with Latvala by the way, is there any reason he's so far down or just a continuation of his current slump?

[kure91]

ad Latvala, problem with transmissions (I believe that broken driveshaft) at SS7 and therefore also at SS8, where he hadn´t 4WD

[car]

wtf?

at 12:49 - SS14: Østberg –
Drama for the Norwegian and his co-driver, Ole Floene. "It's okay. It's very slippery and I have absolutely no grip. I think Ole has been bitten by a snake, as well."

Is there any truth in the snake story? Pretty creepy if true!

[EstWRC]

Lol, Tänak at press conf


The more slippy the roads the more I started to push and we managed to get some time back but sometimes Seb is a bit of a pain in the ass - the more you push him the faster he starts to go and he's quite good at driving fast. What can I say?

http://www.walesrallygb.com/mobile/media/3745.php

[A FONDO]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iy_yHk2CY4M

Fantastic action mate, why can't everyone just shoot and cut/merge clips like that!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another quality vid... next best thing to being there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsSPPpl-450

[Fast Eddie WRC]

autograph session? Hold on, we must waiting a low running cars while they are signed some piece of papers?
Agrrr!

The WRC stars going around the stage again together then stopping at the VIP area for spoilt brats to get autographs, while those lower down the order wait. :(
Never seen anything like that before !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv81r-0WAAAIs9K.jpg

Also glad I didnt go to Cholmondeley judging by this view...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv9ZQ4NW8AATJZM.jpg

Many complaints also about the traffic entry and farce exiting... they never learn ...

[SubaruNorway]

The WRC stars going around the stage again together then stopping at the VIP area, while those lower down the order wait. Never seen anything like that before !

Glad I didnt bother going to Cholmondeley judging by this view...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv9ZQ4NW8AATJZM.jpg

I don't get how they manage to make these so little interesting, when it's this dull they could at least make a proper man made jump and watersplash. Something like Margam park and Chatsworth is ok

[EightGear]

Is there any truth in the snake story? Pretty creepy if true!
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/floene-snake/page/4033--12-12-.html


Very strange!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/floene-snake/page/4033--12-12-.html


Very strange!

Ostberg's best 'excuse' ever.. ;)

[N.O.T]

I don't get how they manage to make these so little interesting, when it's this dull they could at least make a proper man made jump and watersplash. Something like Margam park and Chatsworth is ok

The British are the masters of autism when it comes to safety. You can see it in here in the forum even the fans justify things like Bogey times and other stupid retarded rules for legless dogs.

They just cannot help it, the British are problem solvers but also dead stupid from birth so they will find a solution to the problem but its going to be a stupid one, on the contrary the southern europeans are smart but they do not solve the problem so they come up with brilliant solutions but the problem remains.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I don't get how they manage to make these so little interesting, when it's this dull they could at least make a proper man made jump and watersplash. Something like Margam park and Chatsworth is ok

Looks like the whole interest there was everyone gathered around a tyre donut !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv9NRtfWYAAShCW.jpg:large

Fans kept away from the only other decent part..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv9qWNrXYAASwdx.jpg:large

[rallyfun]

Looks like the whole interest there was everyone gathered around a tyre donut !

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv9NRtfWYAAShCW.jpg:large

Fans kept away from the only other decent part..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cv9qWNrXYAASwdx.jpg:large

Are you really surprised? If they managed to run stage with no access for spectators then ... Over last 4 years this rally getting worse and worse

[KKS]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/floene-snake/page/4033--12-12-.html


Very strange!
I thought that was a joke from Mads O_o. Here, in Ukraine, all snakes are come to winter sleeping deeply in a ground at the end of September. Are Welsh snakes didn't sleep at winter time?

[SubaruNorway]

I'm putting on my own show on Dirt Rally live on the Special Wales event that runs this weekend if anyone's bothered ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqoLRnbF4iM

[EstWRC]

Press conference in video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fWe4rMdPeg

Great atmosphere :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I thought that was a joke from Mads O_o. Here, in Ukraine, all snakes are come to winter sleeping deeply in a ground at the end of September. Are Welsh snakes didn't sleep at winter time?

He put his hand in a stone wall getting a rock and the creature was hiding in there.. and its still too warm to sleep yet in the UK.

[bowler]

They just cannot help it, the British are problem solvers but also dead stupid from birth so they will find a solution to the problem but its going to be a stupid one, on the contrary the southern europeans are smart but they do not solve the problem so they come up with brilliant solutions but the problem remains.

Just wanted to make sure I understood you NOT:

The British are stupid, but they solve the problem, while the Southern Europeans (presume you mean Greeks) are smart but they don't solve the problem.

If this is true then Stupid is best, and with that mentality Greece is surely doomed.

Now I understand you much better.

[car]

http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/floene-snake/page/4033--12-12-.html


Very strange!

crazy shizer!!

[AL14]

The British are the masters of autism when it comes to safety. You can see it in here in the forum even the fans justify things like Bogey times and other stupid retarded rules for legless dogs.

They just cannot help it, the British are problem solvers but also dead stupid from birth so they will find a solution to the problem but its going to be a stupid one, on the contrary the southern europeans are smart but they do not solve the problem so they come up with brilliant solutions but the problem remains.

It's a simplicistic theory but LOL Brexit and Italy's huge public debt prove the truthfulness of this theory. :D

[danon]

http://i67.tinypic.com/11ukua9.jpg

[mousti]

Peugeot WRC2 nightmare continues after another ditch experience from Suarez…his compatriot Lopez is doing a better job in WRC3, still a long way from Koci and Tempestini.
That's obvious R2 vs R3t, quite a difference, you can't compare them

[Grundo Farb]

Another quality vid... next best thing to being there.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsSPPpl-450

Just watching that it seemed very apparent watching Ogier, Neuville, Paddon and Tanak that Tanak has a lot more grip. Much less sliding when he puts his foot down.

[dimviii]

Michelin Motorsport ‏@Michelin_Sport · 10s11 seconds ago

#tyre info: all Michelin @WRC drivers with 5 Michelin LTX Force S except Lefebvre with 6S #WRC #WRGB

[KKS]

SS18 starts in 7min and live-stream on wrc+ didn't start yet.

[BigWorm]

Any ideas why Breen hasn't restarted? I thought the roll didn't look too bad.

[dodge33cymru]

SS18 starts in 7min and live-stream on wrc+ didn't start yet.
Still same for everyone? Says "starts in 0 seconds" for me.

[KKS]

SS18 starts in 7min and live-stream on wrc+ didn't start yet.

And he LIVE :)

[KKS]

Any ideas why Breen hasn't restarted? I thought the roll didn't look too bad.
I guess that related to Citroen situation in 2016, they didn't compete in full strength - so they save money for repairing Breens car that can give them nothing

[dimviii]

Tidemand 7 sec from Suninen now

[RS]

Haven't been following this thread so apologies if this has been covered but is it feasible the DMacks are actually better than the Michelin in these conditions or is Tanak just mega?

I mean the Fiesta is not as slow as Ostberg and Camilli show it but I doubt it is a match for the Polo..

[RS]

Tidemand 7 sec from Suninen now

Very nice time by Tidemand! Faster than the works Fords.

[Augury]

Meeke's complaints about the starting position very strange considering Tänak's and Ogier's times at stage 17. Pathetic really.

[KKS]

Meeke's complaints about the starting position very strange considering Tänak's and Ogier's times at stage 17. Pathetic really.
We have now new word - "limitation", if this didn't work - u must be beaten by a snake :D

[KKS]

:D Funny comments from Mads :D

[dimviii]

Abbring faster wrc 2 at ss17

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

[RS]

Abbring faster wrc 2 at ss17

Excellent time.. Probably at least as quick as he would have been with the old WRCar.

[BigWorm]

I guess that related to Citroen situation in 2016, they didn't compete in full strength - so they save money for repairing Breens car that can give them nothing

Makes sense, because it looked like a roll that previous people have restarted from. The rollcage must have been fine?

[KKS]

Looks like Suninen now in big trouble. Another +1.3 to Tidemand

[dimviii]

Tidemand now 5,8 sec from Suninen

[Franky]

Haven't been following this thread so apologies if this has been covered but is it feasible the DMacks are actually better than the Michelin in these conditions or is Tanak just mega?

I mean the Fiesta is not as slow as Ostberg and Camilli show it but I doubt it is a match for the Polo..

Malcolm would put it simple "Fiesta is a Polo killer". Dmacks are just softer than Michelins and that's where part of the advantage comes. They are better in some conditions, hopeless in other.

[dimviii]

Abbring again 4 sec faster from Tidemand at ss 18.Pitty that he wasn't present at whole rally.

[RS]

Looks like Suninen now in big trouble. Another +1.3 to Tidemand

Doesn't Sunninen have to win here to be in with a chance of the title anyway?

Lappi has been very impressive here, but I guess he benefits a bit from having a works team engine map too.

[er88]

Yeah the dmacks are better in these conditions. One of the few rallies where Tanak has an advantage

Sent from my SM-G920F using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Doesn't Sunninen have to win here to be in with a chance of the title anyway?

Lappi has been very impressive here, but I guess he benefits a bit from having a works team engine map too.
In some cases - no. Suninen current 2nd place could be enough if Lappi doesn't win Australia. But he doesn't have a competitor in Australia - if he run without mistakes - he win it. But if something happend - Suninen will win a title (more 2nd places)

[dimviii]

Tidemand now 4,8 sec from Suninen.

[dupanton]

Abbring 7nd overall in SS18, faster than Sordo, Meeke, Mikkelsen etc

[dimviii]

Abbring again faster at ss 19

[itix]

Haven't been following this thread so apologies if this has been covered but is it feasible the DMacks are actually better than the Michelin in these conditions or is Tanak just mega?

I mean the Fiesta is not as slow as Ostberg and Camilli show it but I doubt it is a match for the Polo..

Well it has been mentioned more than once that Dmack actually developed their tires for the UK gravel, but to me it seems that their gravel tire is better in certain conditions.

I think a driver and tire combo is keeping Ott in (kind of) contention.

[EstWRC]

Both are mega, both....not just the tyres and not just Tänak, both...like itix says, its the combo

[itix]

...Also three stage wins for the Hyundai R5 is pretty impressive. I think we need more than one trouble free day to have a complete picture but that is not too shabby!
Fast but fragile car perhaps?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

D-Mack's are pretty special here to allow Tanak to set the times he has from that road position on Days 1 & 2.

But he has also shown great courage to drive so fast in the conditions, especially the fog.

And today he's fastest on the first 3 stages and not even flat-out !
"It’s crazy. The roads are really slippery in the first two stages, very tricky conditions,” he said. “I have no interest to push at the maximum, I don’t want to make any mistakes."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Classic @World ...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwAloNVWAAAm6DO.jpg:large

[itix]

...why is Mikkelsen so damn slow?
Didn't VW have enough spare transmission parts so he's 2wd also today or what?

[tc10a]

Abbring does what he has to deliver against opponents driving their third day and looking for results and even championship decisions with their rest sets of tyres available. Do you really think in normal circumstances there will be a fight between sordo in wrc and abbring in R5 Hyundai.

[Epik]

...why is Mikkelsen so damn slow?
Didn't VW have enough spare transmission parts so he's 2wd also today or what?
probably saving tires for power stage

[itix]

probably saving tires for power stage

Sounds reasonable!


Abbring does what he has to deliver against opponents driving their third day and looking for results and even championship decisions with their rest sets of tyres available. Do you really think in normal circumstances there will be a fight between sordo in wrc and abbring in R5 Hyundai.

Well the fact that he manages to be in that position does hint that the car is not P208t16 level shit at least...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good run by Meeke... fastest so far on SS20. :)

Tanak faster now though...

[WUff1]

Interesting fight for podium between arch enemies Neuville and Paddon, already since yesterday morning.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier time loss !!!???

[WUff1]

And obviously problems for Tidemand.

[b3637853]

What happened to Ogier? Time shows he has dropped 2 minutes on ss20

[KKS]

Ogier +2min? O_o

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Is this time right ????

[BigWorm]

Timing error I would think, it's 2m 2.9s so I would guess he's just 2.9s behind.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No its true !!

[BicioWrc]

:D seems no errors!

[sete]

defect?

[onemanband]

fixed now.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ah no, it is timing.

[sete]

god damn it.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

4/4 for Tanak.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke 2nd fastest, maybe showing what might have been...

[KKS]

Tidemand -2.8 and now only 2.0 sec from Suninen O/A .....Ohhhhh

[dodge33cymru]

...Also three stage wins for the Hyundai R5 is pretty impressive. I think we need more than one trouble free day to have a complete picture but that is not too shabby!
Fast but fragile car perhaps?
Surprised it's still there; I saw four passes over two days and never saw that car once!

[itix]

And obviously problems for Tidemand.

Why problems for tidemand?

[EightGear]

Surprised it's still there; I saw four passes over two days and never saw that car once!
Well it are the first stages of the whole rally for that car.. Lol.

[Mirek]

Meeke 2nd fastest, maybe showing what might have been...

Today's times from the top say very little since the postions are pretty much settled.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Today's times from the top say very little since the postions are pretty much settled.

But Meeke a lot closer to multi-stage winner Tanak on that one.

[RS]

In some cases - no. Suninen current 2nd place could be enough if Lappi doesn't win Australia. But he doesn't have a competitor in Australia - if he run without mistakes - he win it. But if something happend - Suninen will win a title (more 2nd places)

So if Tidemand jumps Suninen it's all over for Teemu?

[EstWRC]

But Meeke a lot closer to multi-stage winner Tanak on that one.

because Tänak isnt pushing and Meeke is starting on a cleaner road than Ogier and Tänak today.

[Danny0405]

So if Tidemand jumps Suninen it's all over for Teemu?

I think so because i think Evans would still be 1st (before Australia) if Suninen is only 3rd.

Because Both Evans and Suninen would have 3 1st, 1 2nd, 1 3rd and one 4th.
However, in the worst of their 7 rallyes (Portugal for both), Evans was 14th and Suninen 16th.
In that case, Lappi would only need a 2nd position in Australia to win the championship (a 3rd would not be enough).

[KKS]

So if Tidemand jumps Suninen it's all over for Teemu?
yes, if Suninen 3rd it will be equal with Evans (points, 1st places, 2nd, 3rd and 4th - all are equal) but Evans have his 7th "bad" result better 14th. So it turns to Evans-Lappi battle. And Lappi still must be at least 2nd at Australia

[Fast Eddie WRC]

because Tänak isnt pushing and Meeke is starting on a cleaner road than Ogier and Tänak today.

Road position partly equalising Tanak's tyre advantage. .. a big advantage when winning stages & not pushing.

[RS]

Thanks guys.. how I hate dropped scores!

[car]

Anyone have any video of Jose Suarez being pulled out of the ditch on SS4?
My brother and I were there and it was a fine effort from all involved to get hime back on the road as the car was well off.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak smashing it this morning.

Meeke: 'I don't need points so I'll not risk it on the Power Stage. Looking forward to next year..'

[Augury]

Will it be a clean sweep of stage wins for Tänak today? Very impressive.

[KKS]

Anyone have any video of Jose Suarez being pulled out of the ditch on SS4?
My brother and I were there and it was a fine effort from all involved to get hime back on the road as the car was well off.
https://www.facebook.com/WorldRally/videos/10154066189615678/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Oh noooooo... Jon Desborough is also on the Uk Channel 5 coverage. What happened to Nicky Grist ?? :(

[car]

Cheers... any link to the recovery effort?

[dimviii]

lolol quote of the year


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwA53nEWYAAlFIS.jpg

[RS]

lolol quote of the year


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwA53nEWYAAlFIS.jpg

Must have a 'problem' with the car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen pushed there !

[MartijnS]

Yes, some good spots at the end of the stage!

[dimviii]

at ss21 Suninen same time with Abbring 1,1 sec faster from Tidemand.Gap now 3,1 sec for the last stage

[jacko]

Abbring does what he has to deliver against opponents driving their third day and looking for results and even championship decisions with their rest sets of tyres available. Do you really think in normal circumstances there will be a fight between sordo in wrc and abbring in R5 Hyundai.

The WRC-boys are just driving (still fast), but in the WRC2 there's a big battle going on, Abbring's times (in compare) are very good, simple as that.

[Thousandlakes]

3,1 between Suninen and Tidemand. Still 8 km to go. Tight battle. Go Teemu go!

[KKS]

And if Hyundai build a normal car from metal rather then from crap - Suninen now can back to 4th place.

[jacko]

D-Mack's are pretty special here to allow Tanak to set the times he has from that road position on Days 1 & 2.

But he has also shown great courage to drive so fast in the conditions, especially the fog.

And today he's fastest on the first 3 stages and not even flat-out !
"It’s crazy. The roads are really slippery in the first two stages, very tricky conditions,” he said. “I have no interest to push at the maximum, I don’t want to make any mistakes."

D-Mack's are good here (like in Poland and Finland), but the tyres are not magic... It's the braveness of Ott 'no fear' Tanak in combination with the tyres and with a very good (fast) car. He's the best next to Ogier, very very impressive (again).
Really strange Citroën or Toyota (or even Hyundai) didn't get him, think he most be some special inside information about the situation at M-Sport and to stay there, think some positve info, think he got a good contract and in 2017 on the pay-roll from Ford Europe, count on that.

[Mirek]

And if Hyundai build a normal car from metal rather then from crap - Suninen now can back to 4th place.

No, if Abbring didn't end in a ditch already on first stage maybe he would be in the battle...

[Rallyper]

Tanak biggest surprice for me. Very brilliant performance.

[dimviii]

Tidemand with an amazing time( 6th overall) gains 2nd place!!!

[dimviii]

BILLIOT Jérémie ‏@planetemarcus · 42s42 seconds ago

#WRC With 12 fastest times in special stages @OttTanak is the most BEST Performer in one Rally this year ➡️ http://bit.ly/XL8nl9

[itix]

That's a fantastic time for Tidemand! O_O

[dupanton]

Suninen lost 2nd and all hopes to be champion... A pity, I feel he deserved it!

[dimviii]

omg Abbring stopped

[RS]

Suninen lost 2nd and all hopes to be champion... A pity, I feel he deserved it!

Yes, his performance against works team was excellent.

[smsgrafica]

http://mediaevent.michelin.com/albums/PRESS/03_COMPETITION/competition-auto/FIA%20WRC/2016/13_Rally_WalesGB/20160133908_OSTBERG.JPG

http://mediaevent.michelin.com/albums/PRESS/03_COMPETITION/competition-auto/FIA%20WRC/2016/13_Rally_WalesGB/20160134585_FORD.JPG

http://mediaevent.michelin.com/albums/PRESS/03_COMPETITION/competition-auto/FIA%20WRC/2016/13_Rally_WalesGB/20160133457_PADDON.jpg

http://mediaevent.michelin.com/albums/PRESS/03_COMPETITION/competition-auto/FIA%20WRC/2016/13_Rally_WalesGB/20160133587_LATVALA.JPG

http://mediaevent.michelin.com/albums/PRESS/03_COMPETITION/competition-auto/FIA%20WRC/2016/13_Rally_WalesGB/20160132548_LAPPI.JPG

http://mediaevent.michelin.com/albums/PRESS/03_COMPETITION/competition-auto/FIA%20WRC/2016/13_Rally_WalesGB/20160131605_MEEKE.JPG

[KKS]

No, if Abbring didn't end in a ditch already on first stage maybe he would be in the battle...
2nd day issue with drive-shaft too Abbring problem? Think no... and now he are stop at SS22.
And at Corsica this cars a brokes.... so it's too early to rallying on this piece of...

[smsgrafica]

It's way easier to make a fast car reliable, than it is making a reliable car fast. ;)

[KKS]

A pity, I feel he deserved it!
Agree!
Evans or Lappi will have good future no worry for them.... but WRC2 title for Suninen could make a big boost for his career

[Mirek]

2nd day issue with drive-shaft too Abbring problem? Think no... and now he are stop at SS22.
And at Corsica this cars a brokes.... so it's too early to rallying on this piece of...

I don't know what You're trying to say because the simple fact he went off on first stage prevented him from having any impact on the leaderboard. Simple as that. What happened on second or third day is for Suninen/Lappi battle completely irrelevant.

[dimviii]

reason of Abbrings retirement at power stage?

[eib1]

Hyundai Motorsport ‏@HMSGOfficial · 11m11 minutes ago

Car #42 went off in the Powerstage. Both @KevinAbbring and @sebmarshall are OK.

[RS]

Hyundai Motorsport ‏@HMSGOfficial · 11m11 minutes ago

Car #42 went off in the Powerstage. Both @KevinAbbring and @sebmarshall are OK.

Going for powerstage points? :D

Suninen could still take the title if Lappi has problems in Australia?

[bugwrx]

Funny to see and hear Meeke whining all weekend over his starting position, when Tänak basicly had the same position.

Also, in finland he basicly told Ogier to shut his mouth ..

[Danny0405]

Suninen could still take the title if Lappi has problems in Australia?

No because Evans remains 1st after Wales, only Evans or Lappi can win the championship.

In WRC-3, Tempestini secured the title (because Fabre's 8th position in MC would be dropped if he competes in Australia).

[dimviii]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMKXXNnDiHy/

[Franky]

Funny to see and hear Meeke whining all weekend over his starting position, when Tänak basicly had the same position.

He did sound like a broken record but I wouldn't read that much into it. Rather be honest and state the obvious fact that the road conditions aren't good (for Michelins) than to opt for Østberg's style.

[dupanton]

In WRC-3, Tempestini secured the title (because Fabre's 8th position in MC would be dropped if he competes in Australia).

Luckely he did... Because as Fabre is the only WRC3 driver in Australia he would have taken the title because he was alone in WRC3 in 4 rallies he started...

[KKS]

I don't know what You're trying to say because the simple fact he went off on first stage prevented him from having any impact on the leaderboard. Simple as that. What happened on second or third day is for Suninen/Lappi battle completely irrelevant.


Corsica:
Car #42 - water leak
Car #83 - not good pace, and crash
Car #86 - very slow pace, but finish


GB:
Day1 - off, yes it's not a car problem, but we never know what happend on next stages
Day2 - couldn't get into a stage
Day3 - finally cars works well and deliver good times but crash or something broke at final stage.


So Abbring now inconsistent, but car was not good enough at this moment

[Rallyper]

Saying Fiesta isn´t as good as VW and Huyndai was proven wrong on PS today.

[Morte66]

Saying Fiesta isn´t as good as VW and Huyndai was proven wrong on PS today.

I think saying "Fiesta on Michelin tyres isn't as good as VW and Hyundai on Michelin tyres" might still stand. With a side of "certain conditions suit Dmack tyres better than Michelin".

[Nikey]

No because Evans remains 1st after Wales, only Evans or Lappi can win the championship.


Is this confirmed somewhere? This is from the series regulations (I've bolded some parts):

10. DEAD HEAT IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP
10.1 DRIVERS AND CO-DRIVERS
For drawing up the final classification of a Championship, the rule for deciding between drivers and co-drivers who have scored exactly the same points total shall be:
10.1.1 According to the greater number of first places, then second places, then third places, etc., achieved in the final classifications on their respective Championship, counting only those rallies which have served to make up their points total;
10.1.2 According to the greater number of highest places achieved in the final classifications on their respective Championship, counting only those rallies in which each of the drivers and co-drivers concerned have taken part, one 11th place being worth more than any number of 12th places, one 12th place being worth more than any number of 13rd places, and so on.
10.1.3 In the event of a further tie, the FIA itself will decide the winner and decide between any other tying drivers and co-drivers, on the basis of whatever other considerations it thinks appropriate.

I understand that as they both have same six results that count in 10.1.1, it comes down to those 3 rallies they both drove. And Suninen has a better record on those (1st, 2nd and 16th vs 2nd, 3rd and 14th).

[jacko]

Saying Fiesta isn´t as good as VW and Huyndai was proven wrong on PS today.

Yep, D-Mack tyres were good but it's not only that and Tanak himself, it's also the car, it has the speed Tanak already was proven in Poland and Finland (and even Kubiva last year). What you can say also is that Ogier is by far the best and Latvala is looking every year less fast, a very good number two driver where it looked a few years ago he was a potential worldchampion. But he has not 1% chance as long Ogier is in the game. Think next year the thread for Ogier will be comming from Meeke and Neuville.

[COD]

Maybe it is just me, but current WRC just gives me yawns. So boring. Shame for a great rally like Wales

[big_sw2000]

Maybe it is just me, but current WRC just gives me yawns. So boring. Shame for a great rally like Wales
But why.
It has backing from 3 manufacturers. Next year 4 + ford.
To watch an event live is just as exciting. It can't be helped that one team one driver is better than the rest. Yeah I agree if your name is Sebastian you can win anything. But seriously what is wrong with the sport. It can only get better with the new cars next year.
Gone are the days of 5 day rallies that cover the country. But what we have as a spectacular sport about driving fast on all surfaces is still pretty spot on.

Steve

[christy but]

so whats peoples taughts on the 2016 rally in terms of stages..viewing points..service ...etc etc

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Funny to see and hear Meeke whining all weekend over his starting position, when Tänak basicly had the same position.

Also, in finland he basicly told Ogier to shut his mouth ..

Meeke whining on one event... that's hardly the same as Ogier, who is whining all season, even winning the title. THAT's whining.

Plus Meeke's bad road position here was not his fault, but due to a part-programme this year.

And Tanak had a huge advantage over Meeke with the special super-soft DMacks here.

[Mirek]

Plus Meeke's bad road position here was not his fault, but due to a part-programme this year.

So it's Ogier's fault that he is the best? That was quite weird statement from you.


And Tanak had a huge advantage over Meeke with the special super-soft DMacks here.

How do you know how big advatage it was? You put it like a fact when it is not.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pack it in Mirek.

1. I didnt say that.

2. Tanak said his tyres were a big advantage and his times prove it.

[stefanvv]

And Tanak had a huge advantage over Meeke with the special super-soft DMacks here.

They aren't special, D-Mack tyres are just softer than Michelins, be it hard or soft compound. But to say it is huge advantage, hardly.

[dimviii]

Michelin video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=6&v=jELmHNJ8UXk

[MartijnS]

Nice pass of Abbring!

https://instagram.com/p/BMMexGbgq5j/

[RS]

When Abbring wasn't crashing his times were more impressive than with the old Hyundai World Rally Car.. maybe because he was the test driver for the R5 he is more comfortable with it.

[EstWRC]

Yeeehuuuuu! What an amazing weekend, just a shame about those little problems on friday but other than that superb weekend, especially today when Tänak won all stages.

Expected a lot more from Meeke to be honest and really really good to see old Neuville back in the second half of the season. Paddon again admitted that he has work to do because his style is just so flamboyant for these kind conditions but he wasnt far away from podium.

Another rally to forget for main m-sport guys and you barely noticed Sordo.

[AndyRAC]

Maybe it is just me, but current WRC just gives me yawns. So boring. Shame for a great rally like Wales

I don't think it's just you. As far as the UK is concerned, it's a common them on many motorsport websites & forums; WRC just isn't getting much interest as it once did. WRC is miles behind F1, BTCC, MotoGP/WSBK/BSB, WEC/Sportscars - even the boring Formula E gets more interest. Our 'flagship' event this weekend is pretty much invisible, which doesn't help.

10-13 identikit events is not what made the WRC the great series it once was. What we now have we're stuck with.

[dimviii]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/35/43/Wales_Rally_GB_2016_RM_003_354359_5815b3a4c.jpg
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/35/44/Wales_Rally_GB_2016_RM_032_354415_5815b3acb.jpg

more
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/index.php?id=4589&tx_yag_pi1%5Brm%5D%5BalbumUid%5D=1884&tx_yag_pi1%5Brm%5D%5BgalleryUid%5D=1045&tx_yag_pi1%5BitemListrm%5D%5BpagerCollection%5D%5B page%5D=4&tx_yag_pi1%5Baction%5D=index&tx_yag_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=Gallery&cHash=d08abb996dcbc1ef8010e7c772eb1256

[dimviii]

When Abbring wasn't crashing his times were more impressive than with the old Hyundai World Rally Car.. maybe because he was the test driver for the R5 he is more comfortable with it.

no just wrc cars are at a very different level.Abbring always was fast with r5 cars.Actually I don't remember any rally that he was slow with r5 car.

[christy but]

bring on wales 2017 and bring back night stages

[dimviii]

nice pace from Tanak.For sure tyres helped,but imho with Michelins wouldn't be so different.
Ogier master,well deserved win,no mistakes.
Meeke,ok he hadn't got good starting position,ds3 maybe isn't among best cars at GB mud,but his pace was slow.Didnt wait that he would be out of podium reach/fight.
Neuville,another rally with good pace,seems that he is steadily fast and no mistakes.Thats good,we need top players.
Paddon ,a good rally,he was pushing ,he avoided mistakes at difficult circumstances.
Sordo,didnt surprise me,expecting pace.
Ostberg,what to say...
Mikkelsen,not fast,waiting more at this surface.
Latvala.As a mate said,year by year seems slower and out of pace.
Camilli,not progress,but I will wait for his second year.
Breen.nice pace for the 4 stages he was into the rally.Acceptable mistake for me.
Lappi excellent rally,he made difference and controlled easily after.Third rally win in a row.
Abbring,to many mistakes.Pitty,he could give us a nice fight with the other 3 top contenters.



Wales Rally GB ‏@WalesRallyGB ·

Congratulations to car 221. A WRGB finish is normally special enough, but this is the icing on the cake. Jubilee clip ring! �� �� #WRGB #WRC


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

[br21]

Looks like already water leak and suspension components failure problems are solved by Hyundai in their R5 cars.
Off on SS1 in GB wasn't the fault of Abbring, it was unlucky tire valve which broke.
Second day was total disaster with propshaft failure before first stage of the day.
3rd day was good at the beginning, then small off and broken suspension on last stage.
His earlier performance this year in WRC car is hard to judge speed wise, as car was often in some "strange" specs.

[RS]

Would love to have seen Tidemand's power stage, presume it wasn't shown?

[dimviii]

Second day was total disaster with propshaft failure before first stage of the day.


propshaft?! probably because of off from 1st day?

[EstWRC]

Tänak style https://www.facebook.com/mccrashmedia/videos/10155377930654377/

[br21]

propshaft?! probably because of off from 1st day?

Don't think so honestly... strange failure.

[Mirek]

When Abbring wasn't crashing his times were more impressive than with the old Hyundai World Rally Car.. maybe because he was the test driver for the R5 he is more comfortable with it.

What if that's why he crashed again after just few short stages?

[Mirek]

Don't think so honestly... strange failure.

I remember quite a few broken propshafts from Fabia S2000 (in 2010) with way less torque and several from Pech's Mini RRC so while it's not so common issue it still happens from time to time. Likely material issue.

[GravelBen]

The team said they thought it failed because it was damaged from trying to get out of the ditch on ss1 didn't they? They probably have more idea about it than us.

[dimviii]

I remember quite a few broken propshafts from Fabia S2000 (in 2010) with way less torque and several from Pech's Mini RRC so while it's not so common issue it still happens from time to time. Likely material issue.

propshafts or halfshafts Mirek?

[Mirek]

Propshafts, there was a time when Škoda had quite many issues with them (around 2010 but afaik they never retired because of that). I believe they were from X-Trac that time. Pech broke one or two on Mini too.

I think that with these cars without central differential there is quite a high strain on propshaft.

[OnlyRally]

Pack it in Mirek.

1. I didnt say that.

2. Tanak said his tyres were a big advantage and his times prove it.

He said "some advantage"


Skickat från min iPhone med Tapatalk

[br21]

Don't always trust press releases in 100%, remember that they write what's good for them.
Propshafts are under high stress in those cars, like Mirek wrote, but that was not an issue in this case.
In Fiesta it's not happening (propshaft is based on standard part) in PSA cars also not an issue if everything aligned well (and propshaft there completely custom part - straight big diameter pipe without any joints)

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

[RS]

What if that's why he crashed again after just few short stages?

So why do you think he is relatively quicker with R5 than WRC?

And you are all over the place.. the other day you were facepalming someone for criticising Abbring for crashing too much.

[rallyfiend]

Hmmm. Lappi and Suninen cars under investigation, apparently.

Could the WRC2 title about to be decided by FIA Stewards?

[Mirek]

Don't always trust press releases in 100%, remember that they write what's good for them.
Propshafts are under high stress in those cars, like Mirek wrote, but that was not an issue in this case.
In Fiesta it's not happening (propshaft is based on standard part) in PSA cars also not an issue if everything aligned well (and propshaft there completely custom part - straight big diameter pipe without any joints)

I don't think that Škoda ever wrote anything about their problems with propsahft on public so it's not from press release. I know for sure they had them even with works cars. For example Valoušek on Rally Šumava 2010.

[Mirek]

And you are all over the place.. the other day you were facepalming someone for criticising Abbring for crashing too much.

I didn't. He said something different. He said the cars are falling apart under Abbring's hands because of his driving not that he is crashing too much. He keeps repeating it also on Czech forums, that's why I reacted maybe too harsh.

Anyway in my post I didn't critize Abbring for going off but rather saying that what he showed on several short stages is hardly an evidence of anything. Especially when he went off quickly.

[COD]

But why.
It has backing from 3 manufacturers. Next year 4 + ford.
To watch an event live is just as exciting. It can't be helped that one team one driver is better than the rest. Yeah I agree if your name is Sebastian you can win anything. But seriously what is wrong with the sport. It can only get better with the new cars next year.
Gone are the days of 5 day rallies that cover the country. But what we have as a spectacular sport about driving fast on all surfaces is still pretty spot on.

Steve

Backing from WV and Hyundai this year. M-Sport and D-Mack doing full season as "teams", Citroen selected events.

Next year Toyota backed privateer, same Ford maybe. Citroen maybe as full factory.

I remember the times, when you had to fight to get to to 10, now just to have WRC car is enough for that. And no fights for lead in many of teh evnts. That's why I think it is boring

[KKS]

Nice pass of Abbring!

https://instagram.com/p/BMMexGbgq5j/
He was bitten by a Galli :D

[hari]

Stewarts decision on Lappi - 10.000 € fine for Skoda:
http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2.10_Stewards_Decision_No_7.pdf


Stewarts decision on Suninen - 1.000 € fine for Team Oreca:
http://www.walesrallygb.com/documents/2.11_Stewards_Decision_No_8_(yellow).pdf

[KKS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P0s7aWAmgg
"Wales Rally GB Day3 Alwen" by Elwyn R

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I'm just putting my input on the shakedown.

I think the top 3 come sunday afternoon will not include any top 3 drivers from today.

So the top SD driver was 2nd O/A with the most stage wins and all from a bad road position..

[BigWorm]

So the top SD driver was 2nd O/A with the most stage wins and all from a bad road position..

Heh, you will never drop this

But I don't regret what I said, though. I underestimated Tänak's pace and fair play to him, he was outstanding this rally and I think if he was 4th in SD it wouldn't have changed anything. But where were the other 2 from the top 3 in SD? Not on the podium, that's for sure ;)

[EightGear]

I didn't. He said something different. He said the cars are falling apart under Abbring's hands because of his driving not that he is crashing too much. He keeps repeating it also on Czech forums, that's why I reacted maybe too harsh.

Anyway in my post I didn't critize Abbring for going off but rather saying that what he showed on several short stages is hardly an evidence of anything. Especially when he went off quickly.
He went off after trying to avoid a rock coming out of a corner, he hit a bank which broke the suspension. Doesn't seem as a result from pushing too hard or something.

[BigWorm]

Are we still discussing what's going on with the Fiestas??

Östberg's just not fast and Camilli isn't either(yet, he's still learning). Tänak is just so much better and that's why he's on the pace and the others aren't.

Östberg couldn't beat Fabian Kreim for that matter...

[Rally Power]

Congrats to Ogier and Lappi but also to Tanak and DMack! Surprising stage times from Abbring. Nice win for Koci and 2nd title for Tempestini, well done!


That's obvious R2 vs R3t, quite a difference, you can't compare them

Why not? Both are eligible’s for WRC3 and besides Andolfi many other drivers in ERC or national series proved that R2 cars can get quite close to R3’s, even if in theory they’re inferior. Anyway, my goal was to mention Lopez nice performance in a WRC event after his brilliant win in 208 French Cup.

[Grundo Farb]

They aren't special, D-Mack tyres are just softer than Michelins, be it hard or soft compound. But to say it is huge advantage, hardly.

Watch a video of the cars going through the same set of corners. The DMACK car does not slide nearly as much as the michelins. It's not one driver, Meeke, Paddon, Neuville all look the same whereas Tanak could drive a much straighter line.

[br21]

The team said they thought it failed because it was damaged from trying to get out of the ditch on ss1 didn't they? They probably have more idea about it than us.

Sorry Mirek, I was thinking about it when I was writing that not always press release is saying thruth.

[Simmi]

so whats peoples taughts on the 2016 rally in terms of stages..viewing points..service ...etc etc

Not sure what people experienced on other stages, but it definitely seemed to me that the organisers had taped a lot more areas around the spectator entrances. So places that in the last few years you could stand and 'roam free' you were now taped in. Certainly on shakedown there was plenty more tape. More on Gartheiniog too.

Despite all that I still enjoyed it and managed to get roughly where I wanted to go. Pics to follow later this week.

[Mintexmemory]

Impressions of my weekend:
Shakedown. First time I'd done Cloc' and what a great morning. Tanak was visibly on form and such a thrilling series of runs. Ogier on his first run demonstrated why he has less problems than other drivers, smooth lines and very little sideways movement. We found a good untaped spot and we're able to walk down the stage to the well-known video location and then out through the official car park back to where we'd left our car. Service park was a waste of time as we didn't get there until 2pm when all WRC cars had been carted off to the Start event. Less to see compared to last year and the Network Q stand not even manned!
We went to the Start venue but found it packed with locals out for a free spectacle. Also the cars were only accessible to the VIP pass holders. We rapidly came to the conclusion that a pint was far more attractive a proposition so walked into town to find a pub. Purple Moose elderflower ale is wonderful!
So -Shakedown good stage and only sensible marshalling encountered. Service and start - don't bother! More later (maybe the odd photo too).

[Franky]

Mintex, I already thought that you didn't get any further than the pub. "Impressions of my weekend [...] shakedown [...] pub [...] more later"

[Mintexmemory]

Mintex, I already thought that you didn't get any further than the pub. "Impressions of my weekend [...] shakedown [...] pub [...] more later"
Well we did visit a number of pubs - the most pleasant and one all rally fans should visit is the Slater's Arms in Corris - It is the pub where Colin McRae played pool on the morning of his championship winning run.
I did the first report on the tube to work. I'll do further posts for each day later. This year was particularly brilliant as all 4 days were FOC thanks to Bing OS maps and 2 feet discount!

[stefanvv]

Watch a video of the cars going through the same set of corners. The DMACK car does not slide nearly as much as the michelins. It's not one driver, Meeke, Paddon, Neuville all look the same whereas Tanak could drive a much straighter line.

So did Ogier. But You are right - he struggled to keep the car straight sometimes, while Tanak not.

[dimviii]

Volkswagen engineers suspected the cause of the driveshaft problems were related to a new seal that was tested successfully before the penultimate round of the season but didn’t work in the unique conditions that have to be overcome at Rally GB.

Team boss Sven Smeets confirmed an investigation is underway: “The parts are on the way to Hannover. We have an idea but we’re not sure yet. We have to get to the bottom of this before Australia,” he said.
http://www.wrc.com/en/wrc/news/october-2016/ogier-fears/page/4041--12-12-.html

[dimviii]

watch clip of Sordo and the bale
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/dInOnaaY9r0

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I underestimated Tänak's pace and fair play to him, he was outstanding this rally and I think if he was 4th in SD it wouldn't have changed anything. But where were the other 2 from the top 3 in SD? Not on the podium, that's for sure ;)

You say I cant let it go, well it was you who said the Shakedown wouldn't be reflected at the end of the rally, so I can answer that now the rally is over.

All I was saying, was that sometimes Shakedown CAN give an indication of rally pace. I never claimed that it provides the exact rally result.

And you cant predict crashes, punctures etc (like for Breen & Meeke) as well as the 1000 other factors that affect the speed of the car or attitude of the driver in the event.

If Breen hadn't rolled who knows what times he might have set later in the rally. Or if Meeke had needed a higher place for points, like when he was 2nd here last year...


Impressions of my weekend:
Shakedown... what a great morning. Tanak was visibly on form and such a thrilling series of runs..

But SD means nothing. ;)

[dimviii]

nice small clip with Meeke
https://twitter.com/taagnew

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Atmospheric photo from Chris Ingram

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwG6nOsWYAAMsNx.jpg:large

[BigWorm]

You say I cant let it go, well it was you who said the Shakedown wouldn't be reflected at the end of the rally, so I can answer that now the rally is over.

All I was saying, was that sometimes Shakedown CAN give an indication of rally pace. I never claimed that it provides the exact rally result.

And you cant predict crashes, punctures etc (like for Breen & Meeke) as well as the 1000 other factors that affect the speed of the car or attitude of the driver in the event.

If Breen hadn't rolled who knows what times he might have set later in the rally. Or if Meeke had needed a higher place for points, like when he was 2nd here last year...

But then you gotta factor in that drivers like JM and Andreas had a troublesome rally, even more troubled than Meeke. They were looking stronger in terms of pace too. All we can stick to now is what we know and that's only one driver from the top 3 in SD was on the pace. I predicted none but that's the way of life, you win some you lose some.

[Simorally86]

Second time in Wales for me, what to say...in my opinion the best wrc event on gravel! Stages are awsome, fast, muddy and full of very demanding sections! Some pictures of the event in the link below, enjoy ;)

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.686597031494341.1073741872.253244108162971&type=1&l=4b70e3e83d

[dimviii]

nice photos mate!^^

[dimviii]

amazing photo from Ogier.

http://d24ftq11lp1zg6.cloudfront.net/hrs.php/dir/wrcwalesrallygb2016/image/l_fdfafa57fbf4cd74192b4ec77bdbb72e-4
http://d24ftq11lp1zg6.cloudfront.net/hrs.php/dir/wrcwalesrallygb2016/image/l_02d51478d196989ab7c67e45f592e202-4
http://www.autosport.com/gallery/index.php/id/3573

[Morte66]

Second time in Wales for me, what to say...in my opinion the best wrc event on gravel! Stages are awsome, fast, muddy and full of very demanding sections!

I'm new to rallying, this is my first year watching WRC (on the internet), but I think Wales has been my favourite rally of the year. It could have used a night stage or two, and Sweden might win in a year with more snow, but all told I think Wales takes it this time around. Since I live in England, I suppose I could even think about going to see it in person next year.

edit thanks for all the pictures, youtube links and so on everybody.

[gianni123]

my video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bFzly9c4va0

[itix]

I'm new to rallying, this is my first year watching WRC (on the internet), but I think Wales has been my favourite rally of the year. It could have used a night stage or two, and Sweden might win in a year with more snow, but all told I think Wales takes it this time around. Since I live in England, I suppose I could even think about going to see it in person next year.

edit thanks for all the pictures, youtube links and so on everybody.

Welcome to the best sport in the world! :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But then you gotta factor in that drivers like JM and Andreas had a troublesome rally, even more troubled than Meeke. They were looking stronger in terms of pace too. All we can stick to now is what we know and that's only one driver from the top 3 in SD was on the pace. I predicted none but that's the way of life, you win some you lose some.

Exactly, you cant predict the rally result from the Shakedown and I never said you could. But you can see if someone has real, unexpected and significant pace.
All the drivers and teams comment on their shakedown times... and so will I, where I think its relevant.

[dodge33cymru]

I'm new to rallying, this is my first year watching WRC (on the internet), but I think Wales has been my favourite rally of the year. It could have used a night stage or two, and Sweden might win in a year with more snow, but all told I think Wales takes it this time around. Since I live in England, I suppose I could even think about going to see it in person next year.

edit thanks for all the pictures, youtube links and so on everybody.
Hope you stick around and get involved; it's a fun sport to watch by footage, but nothing compares to it in person.

The UK is a great place to live for rallying, the historic scene is great, the national championship is resurgent and there are great international events close by, not just in Wales but, depending on where you live, Sweden, Spain and Germany (despite the idiots voting to leave the EU making these rounds a bit more expensive now!).

Whereabouts in England are you based?

[GravelBen]

All the drivers and teams comment on their shakedown times... and so will I, where I think its relevant.

Sometimes their comment is that shakedown is different to the rally and doesn't mean very much. ;)

[Mintexmemory]

Part 2
Friday was the most leisurely start to the day as Dyfnant was the last stage of the morning loop. On arrival at our usual hairpin it was noticeable how many of the marshals were huddled together rather than spread out along a section. Throughout the event it was clear that the 'once a year' marshals were there to get a good viewpoint rather than actually contribute to safety, often they had an obviously under age kid or their sig oth with them, wearing a tabard but performing no useful function. The experienced marshals we met were friendly and relaxed as they could quite clearly see we were in safe positions. The 000 car thanked us a number of times.
Anyway, at Dyfnant 00 car had to stop to tell the marshals to move away from the red taped area on the outside of the hairpin. They didn't, which resulted in the radio controller having to come from his location to ensure they did. Just as well! Sunninen got it entirely wrong and almost went the way of Kruuda a few years ago. As it was he demolished the tape posts and came to rest against a tree - lucky for him and lucky for the marshals! Ogier, Tanak and Neuville were all smooth and quick through the hairpin but it was interesting how many WRC drivers were taking poor lines, particularly the 2 works Citroens. I have a pic of Meeke's line I'm thinking of sending him. Interesting how the nose end first approach was worth at least a second on this single bend.
The top 4 WRC2 competitors all looked to be trying very hard - we thought Lappi and Sunninen would both suffer more damage and we're quite surprised to see them both in contention on Sunday morning.
Moved to a different corner for the Nationals and the pm run. With delays the light was quickly fading by the start of SS6 so we got the spectacle of light pods and glowing brake disks - just magic.
A long drive to Borth followed - arriving in time to get an Indian take away and a hostel-sold beer.

[dimviii]

. On arrival at our usual hairpin .

NOT likes it.

[the sniper]

Anyway, at Dyfnant 00 car had to stop to tell the marshals to move away from the red taped area on the outside of the hairpin. They didn't, which resulted in the radio controller having to come from his location to ensure they did.

It was even worse than that mate, remember, the 0 Car stopped to warn them too! I can't ever remember seeing a 0 Car stop on rally to ask people to move, let alone Marshals!


NOT likes it.

Haha, I was with Mintexmemory on Dyfnant and I did mention at some point that NOT wouldn't approve! :D

It was a great weekend. I spent Friday with Mintex and his crew and crossed paths with him on two other days, so with them and various other friendly like-minded rally fanatics about it made for an even more enjoyable weekend. The weather was relatively kind to us too, the temperatures were ideal.

As for observations, I think my main one would be my surprise that José Antonio Suárez managed to get his 208 R5 to the end of the rally! That must be the strongest 208 going... He was one of the most exciting guys to watch, in most places I saw him he was either going massively sideways or entering a corner way too quickly, or both! On the first run of Alwen on Sunday he had a huge moment, coming down a hill way too fast into a quick left and right flick he ended up off line, bounced off (and took a chunk out of) the embankment on the outside which threw the back of the car nearly a metre off the ground. This must have been at about 80kph. He'd already done something to the front before he got here, but how he got away with this I don't know! Looking at various videos online he seems to have been pretty wild everywhere. As much as I enjoyed his antics, I think he could do with a bit of help from Lundefaret...

[Mintexmemory]

Regarding Suarez we were surprised that there was no damage to the car as he approached the finish of Clocaenog 1. He'd remedied that by the second run!!

[Morte66]

Hope you stick around and get involved; it's a fun sport to watch by footage, but nothing compares to it in person.

The UK is a great place to live for rallying, the historic scene is great, the national championship is resurgent and there are great international events close by, not just in Wales but, depending on where you live, Sweden, Spain and Germany (despite the idiots voting to leave the EU making these rounds a bit more expensive now!).

Whereabouts in England are you based?

Surrey. I'll look into it after Xmas.

[MrJan]

A long drive to Borth followed - arriving in time to get an Indian take away and a hostel-sold beer.

It was a longer drive for some though, almost bob on 200 miles...worth it for the drive and the curry alone :D


As for observations, I think my main one would be my surprise that José Antonio Suárez managed to get his 208 R5 to the end of the rally! That must be the strongest 208 going... He was one of the most exciting guys to watch, in most places I saw him he was either going massively sideways or entering a corner way too quickly, or both!

Yes!! Probably my favourite driver of the weekend, always seemed to be completely thrashing the nuts off the thing and shedding panels!

[dimviii]

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2016/photos/dayinsure_wales_rally_gb_2016/grr_gb14.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2016/photos/dayinsure_wales_rally_gb_2016/grr_gb21.jpg
http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2016/photos/dayinsure_wales_rally_gb_2016/grr_gb15.jpg

http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=27499&fotograf=100

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CwNvCJQWcAA5cpP.jpg

[dimviii]

cup from GB

http://www.ewrc.cz/images/2016/photos/dayinsure_wales_rally_gb_2016/dwi_16-13wrgb_atmosphere1010.jpg
more
http://www.ewrc.cz/ewrc/fotogalery.php?events=27499&fotograf=335

[Jasper]

Had a great weekend in Wales. My first WRC gravel event. We did 11 stages, thanks to our great rally-guide (Tommeke_b) :).
A couple of pics (more => https://www.facebook.com/pg/rallyimage/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1476357295709485 )

http://i68.tinypic.com/5jwqh5.jpg

http://i66.tinypic.com/2vwyziu.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/nzo8w1.jpg

http://i64.tinypic.com/2nsc0mw.jpg

http://i65.tinypic.com/2j287kg.jpg

http://i68.tinypic.com/2qmos35.jpg

[Simmi]

Nice pics Jasper.

Also here are my photos from the four days if people are interested - https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/albums/72157676046353535/with/30434249830/

https://c7.staticflickr.com/6/5336/30434249830_fdf2054353_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nnnuam)10 (https://flic.kr/p/Nnnuam) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5544/30102600724_81b2105708_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/MS4Grj)2 (https://flic.kr/p/MS4Grj) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5823/30434367970_b9ab738be6_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Nno6hf)3 (https://flic.kr/p/Nno6hf) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5617/30434325720_ff5c8deecb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NnnSHN)5 (https://flic.kr/p/NnnSHN) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5632/30698051096_201a756eca_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/NLFx63)4 (https://flic.kr/p/NLFx63) by Richard Simpson (https://www.flickr.com/photos/94998505@N03/), on Flickr

[Allyc85]

Strung together a few clips I filmed over the weekend, including a small mistake by the champ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOYte1ieSsU

[N.O.T]

Strung together a few clips I filmed over the weekend, including a small mistake by the champ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOYte1ieSsU

How much did they pay you to put you on these fantastic spots ?

[dodge33cymru]

Strung together a few clips I filmed over the weekend, including a small mistake by the champ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOYte1ieSsU
Appreciated thanks, nice to have some shots of those lower down the order too.

[pettersolberg29]

Very late to the party, but a few more photos from Rally GB (if anyone's interested after the last week's events!) https://flic.kr/s/aHskKRX6o2

[A FONDO]

It's never too late for some classy shots like these