74th PZM Rally Poland

[EstWRC]

look at this dude https://www.facebook.com/DoidosporRally/videos/1341381052625335/

better link https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/880792044880494592

[Simmi]

better link https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/880792044880494592

On ittttttt!

[Andre Oliveira]

Great job by Teemu!

[tolx]

Nice one from Sunninen, he deserves some more attention. Just hope he will keep it together.
But that clip with Tanak is insane...

[Essaj]

JML is like new born with Toyota, Lappi looking really good and now Suninen also super impressive! And we still have Rovanperä to come! Could we maybe get our crown back from the frenchmen? Atleast it's looking super bright!

[N.O.T]

JML is like new born with Toyota, Lappi looking really good and now Suninen also super impressive! And we still have Rovanperä to come! Could we maybe get our crown back from the frenchmen? Atleast it's looking super bright!

and that is what years of the French kicking finnish people in the head looks like...

[mknight]

If anything this lottery with conditions shows that we should not make judgements based on this leg.
Sunninen morning: 8-11 place, now stage win
Mikkelsen morning: 11-13 place, now 4th

[cali]

For first guys it's around 30-40 seconds slower than in the first pass. Nuff said

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[Mirek]

Lappi is out for today? Looked like minor suspension damage but he's not on the start order for the second half of today

No rule which would allow restart in mid-day service exists.

[KKS]

Latvala in trouble... only -0.5 form Ogier

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Wonder why they were saying Ogier was doing a rain-dance for Poland... the mud/water has done as much harm as sweeping the gravel !

[jparker]

Wonder why they were saying Ogier was doing a rain-dance for Poland... the mud/water has done as much harm as sweeping the gravel !
He's just playing safe. Conditions for Neuville are not much different.

[EstWRC]

Tänak into the leaaaddddd

TOP3 separated with just 1.7 seconds!

[tolx]

Time to start consuming wine, it's becoming stressful to watch :D

[jparker]

Tänak into the leaaaddddd

TOP3 separated with just 1.7 seconds!

Two in a row? You must like that

[Fast Eddie WRC]

He's just playing safe. Conditions for Neuville are not much different.

They are.

"Terrible. Undriveable. A lot of water in the ruts now. It's really, really hard."

[abxyz]

Mikkelsen fastest at first split

[tomhlord]

Wow, Craig Breen's end of stage interview...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen: 'Constantly afraid of crashing'... :(

[KKS]

"Constantly afraid" - very good explanation of C3 by Breen

[EstWRC]

man that was sad to hear from Breen, that car is just pure rubbish

[tomhlord]

man that was sad to hear from Breen, that car is just pure rubbish

Yeh, not cool.

Add that together with Mikkelsen's end of stage interview and it seems the Citroen drivers are now becoming more open about what they are going through.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How ridiculous is it the Breen has to suffer like that and Mikkelsen walks in and takes the upgraded car... :(

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDlArB0WsAIucmS.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Suninen to take out the Hyundai 1-2-3 ?? :D

3rd so split them ! ;)

[mknight]

How ridiculous is it the Breen has to suffer like that and Mikkelsen walks in and takes the upgraded car... :(


He did most of the testing of the new parts?

[rhm]

I just don't know what to make of the Citroen. Breen unhappy and lacking any confidence in the old car. Mikkelsen finding some confidence in the new car following some changes. Then Lefebvre goes and nearly matches Andreas time in the old car. All over the place.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Maybe driving the car with the broken driveshaft on this morning's loop has made Breen unsure of what he & the car are capable of now its 4WD again.

[René]

Mikkelsen: "When I don't get any surprises from the car, I get back to my normal driving again"

[KKS]

He did most of the testing of the new parts?
No. Breen just do few runs with new parts. Most of testing time of new car was done by Mikkelsen.

[mknight]

No. Breen just do few runs with new parts. Most of testing time of new car was done by Mikkelsen.

Exactly, which was my point.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sébastien Ogier @SebOgier
"This afternoon I've been on the limit & pushed as hard as I could. We have to analyse why but I can't go faster. I was hoping for better."

[itix]

Were there any more details on the Lappi retirement? All the pictures I see were with what seemed to be collapsed suspension but no other visible damage...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Exactly, which was my point.

But the story is that Meeke & Breen wanted similar changes and Matton wouldnt consider them. Then Mikkelsen comes in and gets them.

[EstWRC]

man so good to listen Tänak nowadays, night and day with his oldself....didnt even push and took it safe the last stages today (according to him in radio) and is just 1.5 secs from the lead.

[macebig]

Come on, Sébastien. Quit the excuses, please. In 35Ks Tanak was 25sec faster than you. No excuse for that. Get your head down and try to drive.

[steve.mandzij]

Crap, Latvala falls back to third now. The rally is still young though! What a tense battle!

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Tänak on his famous "Tänak" jump https://www.facebook.com/WRCNewsOfficial/videos/1549120008442262/?hc_ref=NEWSFEED

[mknight]

But the story is that Meeke & Breen wanted similar changes and Matton wouldnt consider them. Then Mikkelsen comes in and gets them.

How exactly it was internally is something we wont ever know for sure.

Facts are:
- Mikkelsen came with 2017 Polo and Hyundai experience
- said the car doesn't suit his driving style at all
- changes were made
- Mikkelsen tested them

After this if only one car should get them you'd give them to Breen only? Really?

[KKS]

M-Sport‏ @MSportLtd 4m ago

ℹ @GreensmithGus and @craigparry2 are stopped on SS8. Both are okay and more info to follow as we have it...

[EstWRC]

one tricky corner https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLVyRAt2cxbxuPA08t8r1gy2_Wi8uXdkLw&v=V0FAR0xW7lE

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How exactly it was internally is something we wont ever know for sure.

Facts are:
- Mikkelsen came with 2017 Polo and Hyundai experience
- said the car doesn't suit his driving style at all
- changes were made
- Mikkelsen tested them

After this if only one car should get them you'd give them to Breen only? Really?

If that was how it happened then fair enough. But I dont believe they had to wait for AM to tell them the car needed serious changes. Meeke has been made a scapegoat and Breen just treated like a kid even though he has done a great job all things considered.

[MrJan]

Mikkelsen: "When I don't get any surprises from the car, I get back to my normal driving again"

That's the C3 all over. It can be really quick but the drivers don't seem to have confidence that it will handle the same from one corner to the next.

Tanak is starting to finally show what a decent driver he is, Ogier is being left a bit red-faced :p:

[AnttiL]

Very happy with Suninen's performance. He could have made a second stage win on SS9 if it wasn't for overshooting a junction and having to reverse. With that, he was only as fast as Latvala. And throughout the day he's been half a minute faster than Østberg in the similar car and same brand tyres. And also faster than Hänninen, even without the 10 sec penalty. He's made some mistakes but it's good that he's exploring the limits of the WRC17 car. I'm expecting him to be really quick in Finland, although he's still prone for mistakes.

[EstWRC]

Suninens mistake on last stage https://twitter.com/KristapsUsvils/status/880818544258240512

cost him stage win IMO

[N.O.T]

Great battles ahead... Paddon just 4 behind Ogier and the battle for the win is open, lets see who makes a mistake tomorrow.

[mknight]

Very happy with Suninen's performance. He could have made a second stage win on SS9 if it wasn't for overshooting a junction and having to reverse. With that, he was only as fast as Latvala. And throughout the day he's been half a minute faster than Østberg in the similar car and same brand tyres. And also faster than Hänninen, even without the 10 sec penalty. He's made some mistakes but it's good that he's exploring the limits of the WRC17 car. I'm expecting him to be really quick in Finland, although he's still prone for mistakes.

I agree he did well, however the bolded part of your post is important by comparing him with drivers with same road position and over the whole day.

[Simmi]

I agree he did well, however the bolded part of your post is important by comparing him with drivers with same road position and over the whole day.

It's his first rally in a WRC with very little testing. I don't think we need to get too hung up on road position at this stage.

[spiderem]

one tricky corner https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLVyRAt2cxbxuPA08t8r1gy2_Wi8uXdkLw&v=V0FAR0xW7lE

It's like sweden! using the (snow) banks!
Surprisingly, the C3 looked the most tidy IMO...

[CoyoteVillagra]

live SS 10

http://v2.ustreamix.com/stream.php?id=tvp2-poland


http://cdn.livetvcdn.net/webplayer2.php?t=alieztv&c=52468&lang=es&eid=541897&lid=727214&ci=547&si=7

[MrJan]

It's like sweden! using the (snow) banks!
Surprisingly, the C3 looked the most tidy IMO...

Yeesh! That's so slippery it makes Rally GB look like it's held on a nicely rubbered in bit of tarmac :shock:

[racerx1979]

Breen again "very very petrified of crashing"
"Worst day of my career"

Mikkelsen on the other hand feeling good.

[Doon]

Thumbs up Craig Breen! The most honest stage end interview I've heard in a long time, maybe ever.

[itix]

"I do a good day"
Only you think so Lefebvre... Only you.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Watching the live stage Ogier's suspension looked extremely soft and the car wallowing in the corners. All the other cars had much better body control.

I guess it was set up so soft to improve grip and traction but he must be losing time in every corner with the car like that...

[CoyoteVillagra]

Some press photos

http://i.imgur.com/J940TTY.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/Z7KfWBQ.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/vsKrz9Z.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/OVU4P81.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/cmueHxA.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/hOl2KhF.jpg



http://i.imgur.com/voJiHq2.jpg

[Rally Power]

Hats off! It’s unbelievable how these guys can go so fast in such tricky conditions. Amazing job from the top 3 and the brave Suninen. Bad luck for Breen, Lappi and Greensmith. Nice work from Veiby in WRC2 and Solans in JWRC. It’s been a heck of a rally!

[Integrale]

So it's Breen and Mikkelsen opening the road tomorrow?

[mknight]

So it's Breen and Mikkelsen opening the road tomorrow?

Yes, whether that's an advantage or disadvantage is pretty much a lottery atm.

[COD]

I hate when rallydrivers complain about conditions! That should be rreserved to F1 ballerinas.

Positively surprised by Suninen, good job boy! Nice to see Tanak again in top fightd Ogiers almost slowest Ford, strange! Interseting saturday ahead.

[mknight]

Ogier is 2nd fastest Ford out of 5 and he is almost slowest?

[KKS]

Suninen off very similar to Mikkelsen. But huge difference with a result of it.

[RS]

"I do a good day"
Only you think so Lefebvre... Only you.

Leading Citroen at the end of leg one and fastest of the three on four out of seven proper stages today, not too bad I think.

[dimviii]

Colin McMaster‏*@colmcklein
Did an evening recce of #WRC @rajdpolski SS11 [1st up on Saturday morning] - it's slippery as all Hell in the forest. Should be interesting.


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

[itix]

Leading Citroen at the end of leg one and fastest of the three on four out of seven proper stages today, not too bad I think.
Given the fact that he has loads more experience than Mikkelsen and a very favorable road position, he should really have been able to do more.

His best stage time, not counting the super special was 7th and his average would be around 9th. Breen had 2wd and Mikkelsen hit a tree. He beat his team mates only because they had problems on at least two of those stages.

[dimviii]

Ptaszek

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDlBqSHXYAAtC9W.jpg

[AnttiL]

I agree he did well, however the bolded part of your post is important by comparing him with drivers with same road position and over the whole day.

And on purpose I omitted Evans, Breen and Mikkelsen. Well Lefebvre I could have mentioned, he didn't complain about his car.

[dimviii]

https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19510653_1399038826842682_319629652593634577_n.jpg ?oh=1436e17de52ff6bf5f42e9268e991a45&oe=59D479E1
https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19601125_1399038836842681_3537242506316675038_n.jp g?oh=0a722c9798d999a1bee4412b1358df00&oe=59C7814D
https://scontent-mxp1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19598768_1399038890176009_6238825925567276538_n.jp g?oh=6a1fef0426feef948de7172fbfa40c2f&oe=59C6C0E5
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDk4-wJXgAA5qn2.jpg

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/nicolasgilsoul/status/880823663653560320


Michelin video day 1
https://youtu.be/_sWkLq83Q5E

[Essaj]

what the fk, Lappi can't restart tomorrow? Didn't he have small suspension damage?

[dimviii]

Lappi will not restart.Why?

TGR_WRC‏*@TGR_WRC
We'll continue tomorrow #10 Latvala​ on pos 3 and #11 Hänninen on pos 8. #12 Lappi​ is unfortunately not restarting.

[dimviii]

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19575098_1400782436626573_8908187913984267448_o.jp g?oh=7c4dcff35903ef8e1a461f5a8640199e&oe=59C8F0AE
https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/19575147_1400782426626574_3247462710963728193_o.jp g?oh=23ae44b544c4d482911f9aeaf5cc6fa8&oe=5A0BA16B

[KKS]

Some explanations by Esapekka itself
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=383838285351696&id=201043293631197&refid=28&_ft_=qid.6437524913678132886%3Amf_story_key.-907222113323991234%3Atop_level_post_id.38383828535 1696%3Apage_id.201043293631197

[dimviii]

perfect pass from Ott at 1,30
https://youtu.be/xZpZu5l5qic

[dimviii]

Some explanations by Esapekka itself
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=383838285351696&id=201043293631197&refid=28&_ft_=qid.6437524913678132886%3Amf_story_key.-907222113323991234%3Atop_level_post_id.38383828535 1696%3Apage_id.201043293631197

what is the explanation?

[dimviii]

Ziggysony video
https://youtu.be/QYCaLSAZ1vI

[mknight]

perfect pass from Ott at 1,30
https://youtu.be/xZpZu5l5qic

The spectators at 0:38, the photographers? at 1:23. Rallywatching in Poland at its best.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDmN4h2XgAUw5qg?format=jpg&name=large

[tc10a]

The spectators at 0:38, the photographers? at 1:23. Rallywatching in Poland at its best.

Completely retarded. Good when this event is hopefully finished without any major accident and Rally Poland is done in WRC.

[SPKen]

SS9 Stare Juchy 2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKRSUDzuxac

[MrJan]

The spectators at 0:38, the photographers? at 1:23. Rallywatching in Poland at its best.

I'm genuinely worried that we won't make it through the event without injury. At least the bad conditions are slowing things down.

[dimviii]

no explanation from press release either about why Lappi will not restart
http://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2017/wrc/rd08-day2.html

[Francis44]

Maybe they do not have enough spare parts.

[macebig]

Maybe chassis damage for Lappi?

[dimviii]

Maybe chassis damage for Lappi?

usually they announce it.Its strange,because i have the feeling ,that Lappi would like to restart from his talking at press release.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwKbukO-Qrc&feature=youtu.be

[racerx1979]

no explanation from press release either about why Lappi will not restart
http://toyotagazooracing.com/release/2017/wrc/rd08-day2.html

WRC.com states Lappi had engine oil system damage which is preventing him from starting today. That sucks!! I'm sure he needed this weekends rally as a warm up for fast roads in Finland.

[dimviii]

Sat 08:08 - SS11: Delay
Breen was due to start at 0808hrs but we are hearing there will be a small delay. More to follow.

[mknight]

Makes it quite bad rally for Lappi. 2x 5th place in front of Hanninen is ok, but he has shown speed in Sardinia, now he could really use more experience. Well it looked a bit like bad luck (the WRC+ onboard had water on the screen so couldn't see much). It's also not like he crashed 4 times in a row ;)

[Negaiss]

Good morning ! Stage is live !

[dimviii]

Gus Greensmith‏*@GreensmithGus
"I don't have an explanation for what happened on SS8. But I do know the speed was good & I aim to do the same again tomorrow"


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDmFaHrXUAA9QmI.jpg

[raybak]

Looks like zero car is still on the start line.

[EstWRC]

first stage already delayed....

[itix]

I bet it is spectators in the wrong places.

[dimviii]

Ptaszek onboard crash
https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/880914958082551809

[dimviii]

Rally Poland‏*@rajdpolski
Replying to @rajdpolski @Craig_Breen
New start for the SS11 at 8.21 #RallyPoland #WRC

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDoRuv5XYAAQatj.jpg


Michelin Motorsport‏
#Tyre info - Day 2 morning loop: all Michelin @OfficialWRC drivers with 5 Michelin LTX Force S5 #RallyPoland

[mknight]

Nitpick for the BritishJurnos topic.

Mikkelsen ends with exactly same time. And the very first thing they talk about is that it's advantage Breen cause Mikkelsen has new parts. Really guys? a) short stage and no difference at all, b) damp/wet road so later cars seem to be loosing (see splits).

But yeah hear what they pick first.

[dimviii]

Ogier not so fast

[EstWRC]

typical Tänak morning with the wrong setup, car too soft, damn

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good start Latvala... hope he keeps it up today.

M-Sports still not got their set-ups right.

[A FONDO]

Can they drive the whole rally with soft tyres only?

[KKS]

Can they drive the whole rally with soft tyres only?
yes.
Total amount of tyres for rally - 28
And available tyres: 28- soft, 16-hard

[dimviii]

again stage delayed

eWRC-results‏*@eWRCresults
Jaroslaw Koltun had a road accident #RallyPoland @Becsywecsy


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

[dimviii]

Another stage delay. Breen was due to start at 0835hrs. Spectator safety issues mean this time has come and gone. More when we get it.

[dimviii]

half hour later and stage haven't started...

[mknight]

In 5 mins it's either started or cancelled.

[raybak]

Stage now started!!!

[Simmi]

I don't love seeing it at rallies but maybe Poland organisers will need to bring in the police force if they want to ensure the spectators actually do move, and the rally continues in the future.

[KKS]

Interesting how Breens performance here react on his Germany news

[raybak]

2 minute gaps now.

[dimviii]

this is a long one.lets see if somebody can make the difference.

[TWRC]

Interesting how Breens performance here react on his Germany news
I think he knew very well before this weekend he was the one replaced.

[dimviii]

Tanak
https://twitter.com/EpicRallyTribe/status/881055670652555265

[TWRC]

Meanwhile, Mikkelsen is down almost 6s from Breen at split 2

[dimviii]

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19510239_10154775247545678_1387655621892635363_n.p ng?oh=18c13a1ec4ba4417ad9a688ae177f4a4&oe=59D5AB6C

[René]

Michele Mouton: In a couple of places, spectators wanted be be in unsafe places where they are not permitted to be. They should respect what the organisers have done, and use only the safe zones. This cannot continue. Safety is the priority.

[dimviii]

Οgier again not fast

[AL14]

Good morning all and good rally weekend to everyone guys. Very nice three car battle ahead!

[raybak]

Paddons time impressive.

[itix]

Paddon will overtake Ogier at this pace

[abxyz]

Ogier with damage

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier been off. :(

[AL14]

When put under pressure even the master makes mistakes.

[itix]

Is Ogier time correct? That's a huge time loss...
Edit nvm.

[KKS]

Ogier off at last sector

[AL14]

Is Ogier time correct? That's a huge time loss...

It ix

[mknight]

Ogier (even before off) and Neuville slowest of the top 5, that's some surprise.

[KKS]

And Tanak will jump into a lead

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Up to Tanak now to fight for the win and take points off Neuville.

[dimviii]

Tanak is flying,Neuville not good at splits!

[EstWRC]

Tänak on attack again

[KKS]

Oh ... we miss Latvala comments and looks like miss Tanak comment aswell. Instead we hearing Fiesta engine :(

[Eli]

Jesus, I wasn't here for like half an hour and this happens, most tense season for a very long time...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak was also off !

[EstWRC]

Tänak went off and had a spin and still 5 secs faster than Neuville? what the hell?

[Eli]

Tanak was also off !

Off to a field and he still is faster in the last split.

[mknight]

Pretty stupid to go chase Ogier when he has damage with questions like "did you hit something?". No shit, when one wheel is destroyed.

[Zeakiwi]

Paddon will overtake Ogier at this pace

or find something to crash into (hopefully this will not happen)

[itix]

Off to a field and he still is faster in the last split.

Likely same place as Mikkelsen...

Edit. nope, Mikkelsen was of in the beginning. This ain't my morning.

[itix]

Any reports on Ogier? Tyre or worse? Can he continue?

[dimviii]

Neuville didn't comment at stage stop?

[Andre Oliveira]

Puncture to Ogier

[Sub_Skoda]

Any reports on Ogier? Tyre or worse? Can he continue?

According to MSport twitter account, just a puncture.

[dimviii]

Sat 10:33 - SS12: Ogier update
Wheel changed, Seb sets off for the next stage. In the overall standings he drops behind Paddon to a precarious fifth, with Sordo just 1sec behind.

[KKS]

Go Teemu, you can get it :)

[racerx1979]

Strange... no comments from Neuville and he was off the pace. Tanak was flying.

[KKS]

Strange... no comments from Neuville and he was off the pace. Tanak was flying.
no stage-end reporter at stop position at that moment. It was more interesting to watch how Ogier changing tyre :/

[dimviii]

this is a big chance for Neuville to minimize the points gap to Ogier.
Its clearly that Ogier is not comfortable with his car at this rally.

[racerx1979]

Exactly. Live wrc text with 4 messages about Ogiers tire issue. No love for Neuville or JML

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Exactly. Live wrc text with 4 messages about Ogiers tire issue. No love for Neuville or JML

No reporter so how can they report their comments..

Off and damage to Ogier's car was clearly the story to follow.

[Eli]

Don't know how Becs can be so happy when we just heard Craig is out from Rallye Deutschland....and how come they haven't heard of it?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Sounds like Citroen didnt like Breen's comments yesterday about being scared of crashing their wayward car...

[KKS]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLyvo7YgRX8
Ogier mistake

[Eli]

Sounds like Citroen didnt like Breen's comments yesterday about being scared of crashing their wayward car...

Sounds like Citroen are trying to silence the truth (which is- the car is horrendous) and their drivers are paying for it, honestly how come Matton hasn't been sacked yet?

[itix]

Sounds like Citroen are trying to silence the truth (which is- the car is horrendous) and their drivers are paying for it, honestly how come Matton hasn't been sacked yet?

I disagree. Matton has had many fantastic seasons. Just because of half a failed season you don't sack the head. If the failure is not corrected for next season though, that is when the question should be raised. It's a new season for everyone.

Kneejerk reactions never solved anything.

[Simmi]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLyvo7YgRX8
Ogier mistake

Reports were that the front splitter had broken and had lifted above the bonnet somehow. So certainly some front end damage beyond the puncture.

[Mintexmemory]

I disagree. Matton has had many fantastic seasons. Just because of half a failed season you don't sack the head. If the failure is not corrected for next season though, that is when the question should be raised. It's a new season for everyone.

Kneejerk reactions never solved anything.
Matton has had 5 seasons (not counting the part competing in 2016) - the first was the Loeb finale, nothing to do with Matton. Since then he has chosen so so drivers or failed to back the right horse. I'd say he's been an absolute failure, even given the financial and technical superiority of VW.

[itix]

Matton has had 5 seasons (not counting the part competing in 2016) - the first was the Loeb finale, nothing to do with Matton. Since then he has chosen so so drivers or failed to back the right horse. I'd say he's been an absolute failure, even given the financial and technical superiority of VW.

He inherited the Ogier situation from Quesnel (I think) and after that there wasn't much choice other than maybe Tänak or Neuville that really could have made an impact. We all would probably have chosen Hirvonen since he was Loebs closest challenger for ages. Meeke seemed a pretty clear choice as well and there were plenty of people here upset that he didn't have a drive. After last season we all would have extended his contract as well, I'm sure.

In my opinion, blaming Matton is a bit ham handed.

[KKS]

Juho start to lose time on every stage :(

[Mintexmemory]

after that there wasn't much choice other than maybe Tänak or Neuville that really could have made an impact. We all would probably have chosen Hirvonen. Meeke seemed a pretty clear choice as well

In my opinion, blaming Matton is a bit ham handed.

He had Neuville and let him go. It was apparent very quickly that Hirvonen had lost his mojo. Meeke has been chosen as the best bet available (given Tanak was an unknown quantity) but always seems not to be given full backing (which he defintely needs to perform well). Sorry these are all Matton decisions. The only excuse I'll make for him is the diversion of money for the WTCC Loeb vanity project.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLyvo7YgRX8
Ogier mistake

this is from yesterday

[EightGear]

Slow first split for Ogier.

[KKS]

and Sordo didn't try gain some time over Ogier

[Integrale]

Neuville in a difficult position now. Attack or consolidate?

[macebig]

Consolidate. Its 2nd at worst for him under normal conditions. Get the points.

[Integrale]

Ouch Latvala, oil leaking...

[itix]

Stage times from the citroens seem to hold up all of a sudden. Conditions in their favor?

[itix]

Ouch Latvala, oil leaking...

He has one more stage to go before service. Would it (in theory) be legal to stop at a petrol station and buy more?

[KKS]

it's damper oil

[Integrale]

On rally radio they said oil could be leaking from a damper.

[EstWRC]

what a fight still!

[itix]

it's damper oil

Ah... that's difficult to fill up.

[raybak]

Stage win for Paddon:)

[HaCo]

Nice one from Paddon, nice he finds his speed back. Now he has to keep it on the road.

[KKS]

Latvala a bit away of lead battle. It's a smart pace management or just lack of it?

[abxyz]

Oil on Latvala's car:

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

[dimviii]

is he farting c3?

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

[dimviii]

DMACK Tyres‏*@DMACK_Tyres
SS14 Kruklanki is going to be tough, the conditions were very soft on the recce, there’s a section which goes right through a field!

[macebig]

"Damn, if I concentrate hard enough that red junk will turn into my beloved Polo..."

[itix]

DMACK Tyres‏*@DMACK_Tyres
SS14 Kruklanki is going to be tough, the conditions were very soft on the recce, there’s a section which goes right through a field!

Oh wow... I hope they don't mean literally through a field. I've seen enough videos of east european rallies through fields where the driver spins out and ends up colliding the spectators.

[dimviii]

eWRC-results‏*@eWRCresults
. @Andolfifabio blocked road SS12 #RallyPoland @rajdpolski

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDo9dJoXkAAHj6o.jpg

[KKS]

another stage delay?
SS14 should start 3 min ago

[itix]

Breen is in the stage.

[driverA]

omg is really really bad situation with safety.... Not only with spectators :eek:
https://youtu.be/K2xlNFZ8cJU

[dimviii]

watch what happened to Andolfi at ss 11...unbelievable...

https://youtu.be/K2xlNFZ8cJU

[EstWRC]

watch what happened to Andolfi at ss 11...unbelievable...

https://youtu.be/K2xlNFZ8cJU

what the hell? lol...like watching benny hill

[itix]

omg is really really bad situation with safety.... Not only with spectators :eek:
https://youtu.be/K2xlNFZ8cJU

Oh for god's sake -_-

[BigWorm]

is he farting c3?

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

Keeps the car from rolling

[Fast Eddie WRC]

That must be the end for Poland as a WRC rally.

[EstWRC]

everybody having a moment on SS14 so far

[dimviii]

Lucky guy this Mikkelsen,2nd time(or 3rd?) out of road without hitting something.

btw wtf electric fence??????

Sat 12:26 - SS14: Mikkelsen
Quickest so far but he's been off. There is a smile on his face. "I lifted in a section I had been practicing so much on video! I missed a junction, went into a field and through an electric fence." His car looks okay.

[BigWorm]

That must be the end for Poland as a WRC rally.

Yup, FIA was skeptical prior to this rally so they would probably not be impressed now.

[driverA]

That must be the end for Poland as a WRC rally.

I think will be give a break after this years, a like after 2009.

[Eli]

Yup, FIA was skeptical prior to this rally so they would probably not be impressed now.

So they'll bring Croatia instead & add NZ?

[KKS]

uhh Latvala on a charge!

[HaCo]

Lucky guy this Mikkelsen,2nd time(or 3rd?) out of road without hitting something.

btw wtf electric fence??????

Sat 12:26 - SS14: Mikkelsen
Quickest so far but he's been off. There is a smile on his face. "I lifted in a section I had been practicing so much on video! I missed a junction, went into a field and through an electric fence." His car looks okay.

This is an electric fence :-)
http://stuff4petz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Strip_Grazing_at_Merrivale_Farm_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_158315.jpg

[dimviii]

Neuville fastest at 1 st split till now

[dimviii]

This is an electric fence :-)
http://stuff4petz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Strip_Grazing_at_Merrivale_Farm_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_158315.jpg

to prevent animals from getting away?

[BigWorm]

So they'll bring Croatia instead & add NZ?

Who knows. NZ would be great.

[HaCo]

Yes :-)

[HaCo]

I miss images from the cars at the finish, like Ogiers and Mikkelsens car.

[Eli]

Who knows. NZ would be great.

Agreed.

[itix]

This is an electric fence :-)
http://stuff4petz.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Strip_Grazing_at_Merrivale_Farm_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_158315.jpg

Like HaCo said. Not one of those prison ones... a small electric fence for livestock or horses. My parents have it. It outputs a couple of 1000's of volt for a milisecond with an intervall of a few seconds. Completely harmless but hurt like a b%#@.

[itix]

Yup, FIA was skeptical prior to this rally so they would probably not be impressed now.

If they are back next year, some FIA members wallet has gotten substantially thicker. This has to be the end of Poland, surely.

[dimviii]

I miss images from the cars at the finish, like Ogiers and Mikkelsens car.

I ve said plenty of times that all these people are useless.

[BigWorm]

Back in the lead!

[EstWRC]

haha the gap back to 1.3 secs between Neuville and Tänak like in the morning

[KKS]

And biggest lead on a rally so far had Latvala +4.5 over Neuville after SS5

[Eli]

What a fight we have on our hands, I bet Tanak is more than motivated to win this rally as not only it benefits him, it does some damage limitations...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I miss images from the cars at the finish, like Ogiers and Mikkelsens car.

In the ERC the radio guys tweet photos from the stage ends. But not on WRC.. :(

[EightGear]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/c3c1e8028700b4206e293202694a889a.jpg

[tolx]

Yeah, organization level is somehow deteriorating this year, but I will still miss this rally if they remove it. Cheapest wrc event to attend, by far, also closest one for me.

[HaCo]

Ogier: "There were a couple of jumps & we were completely flying, I had no control. In these moments you realise how big the influence of aero is"


Interesting!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pretty brave tackling these yumpy roads in a '17 car with no front aero !

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170701/c3c1e8028700b4206e293202694a889a.jpg


http://imgh.us/IMG_0841_1.png

[EstWRC]

this is incredible

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDpPrA0VoAAL_7Z.jpg

[Simmi]

this is incredible

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDpPrA0VoAAL_7Z.jpg

Yep awesome show this year in WRC. Encouraging for Paddon too to been up there on pace.

[Simmi]

Anyone know whether they will be able to get the schedule back on track ahead of the TV stage after service? Doesn't look good to keep delaying it.

[dimviii]

do we know at what time will start the second loop?

[abxyz]

WRC+ says 14:30 local (in 1:15h)

[dimviii]

Sat 13:12 - Up next: Service
Crews are en route to Mikolajki for the midpoint 30-minute service. Organisers are taking steps to lose the itinerary delay before cars check in. You can watch teams re-prep the cars in service via our live stream cameras. You'll find a link in the LIVE CENTRE

[Rally Power]

Great cars, fantastic drivers, epic fights: WRC '17 rules!!! Hope Latvala closes the gap on 2nd loop to keep a 3 crews battle till the end. Veiby still resisting to Tidemand in WRC2 and big changes in JWRC: now it's Lindholm leading, just 0.7s ahead of Folb. What a rally!

[dimviii]

new time for ss 15

Sat 13:34 - Next stage: 1419hrs
That's Breen's start time for SS15 now organisers have reduced some of this morning's delay. Don't forget, this stage will be streamed live on WRC+. We will take a quick live text break until then. Bye for now.

[itix]

this is incredible

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDpPrA0VoAAL_7Z.jpg

What's most amazing is that Ogier is in 12th place if we count only today. He has not had the day of his career to say the least.

[BigWorm]

What's most amazing is that Ogier is in 12th place if we count only today. He has not had the day of his career to say the least.

A puncture and no front aero are doing him no favours though.

[Eli]

Still making the rally as interesting as possible.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

this is incredible

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DDpPrA0VoAAL_7Z.jpg

I am sure he means Citroen at 5th (with off) and 6th as incredible ;)

[Eli]

https://www.redbull.tv/live/AP-1Q84GRTZD1W11/fia-world-rally-championship
for anyone who can't be bothered with Jon.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Who's the co-commentator on Red Bull ?

[Integrale]

Michal Kosciuszko, Polish rally driver.

[Simmi]

You get the feeling Suninen won't crack a smile until he's world champion. One serious guy.

[Integrale]

Paddon really on a mission here.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Latvala wow !

[GravelBen]

Latvala wow !

Bit of a hairy moment there!

[Eli]

Latvala wow !
Wow indeed!!!

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

[AL14]

What the hell did I just saw! Massive control of the car by Latvala!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes Ott, great run !

[N.O.T]

Hyundai looks and seems like an effortless fast car... hats off to them....

[tolx]

Neuville still tries to play cool, we will see for how long.

[USER47]

Neuville is crazy fast. Unless he screws up and bins it, he's going to win.

And I must say, this is a pretty good rally for Lefebvre. Fastest Citroen, 8th place overall, no big mistakes along the way...

[EstWRC]

it seems Tänak just doesnt have a answer at the moment

[steve.mandzij]

Neuville is crazy fast. Unless he screws up and bins it, he's going to win.

And I must say, this is a pretty good rally for Lefebvre. Fastest Citroen, 8th place overall, no big mistakes along the way...
Ever since his crash in Germany I feel he lost a bit of the pace he had. It's good to see him being more competitive again!

What a heart in mouth moment from Latvala too! It's unfortunate that the gap to Neuville is now 13.3, it's a tough hurdle to clear.

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Eli]

Neuville is crazy fast. Unless he screws up and bins it, he's going to win.

And I must say, this is a pretty good rally for Lefebvre. Fastest Citroen, 8th place overall, no big mistakes along the way...

A good rally from him at last...and has come at a good time for Citroen. Well done.

[Eli]

Only 3 tenths of a second between Ogier and Sordo, would be handy for Thierry if Dani can keep the champ at bay although I doubt he'll be able to do that.

[EstWRC]

well im correcting myself, it seems the Ford just doesnt have a answer at the moment :p

[KKS]

it seems Tänak just doesnt have a answer at the moment
At yesterday it was: "it's just Friday". So today is: "it's just Saturday".

In that competitive times it's no time to hold horses at any of day.

[ZequeArgentina]

I did not see the live stage, what is the weather like now?

Great battle so far!!

[satukata]

Teemu Suninen is showing great speed. Only little testing and so fast in first rally in wrc car

[tolx]

I did not see the live stage, what is the weather like now?

Great battle so far!!

Sunny and dry, road has dried all over.

[bluuford]

Sunny and dry, road has dried all over.

With a lot of muddy patches;) and cloudy as hell on the other stages.. hopefully raindcloud stays in Russia ;)