27th Kennards Hire Rally Australia 2018 • 15-18 November

[KKS]

Still strange about Yaris gearbox. It could be not Ott mistake.

[er88]

still a lot to learn for him and Neuville to become a champion

I hope both can win at least one championship if not more. Tanak will start next year as favourite and rightly so considering his speed this year.

[Eli]

I was quite sleepy before this one, but my god what a stage, was more interesting than most of the rally... I think it just sums it up and Ogier has (even if he does bin it now I believe he still wins) just shown us a master class drive, I'll admit I really hated that mans gut a couple of years ago, but ever since he's at M-Sport he's shown everyone who ever doubted him, saying the Polo was a superior car, what an absolute champion he is, 2019 in Citroen? Bring it on!!!!

[able1]

so ogier can go flat out in the PS

ogier doesnt even have to finish this rally to get the title

[mknight]

I hope both can win at least one championship if not more. Tanak will start next year as favourite and rightly so considering his speed this year.

Neuville started this year as favorite.

[racerx1979]

Shshhhhh! D:

Just drive the power stage like Ogiers grandma, JML

[Oliverk]

High G force light was flashing so off prob.

[EstWRC]

Still strange about Yaris gearbox. It could be not Ott mistake.

im sure it was his mistake, it was the same corner where Breen, Evans went off

[smsgrafica]

In the rally that counted most, only one driver hasn't made a mistake. Thus a worthy Champ!

[itix]

I'm taking a deep breath and not relaxing for shit until the Power Stage is over!Huh?
Even if Ogier stops now he is the champion regardless.

None of his rivals will do the power stage.

He has won. 2018 champion for sure.

[Essaj]

Suninen is still standing near the end of the previous stage - doesn't really have any effect on overall results but he seems to have some kind of a problem.

[BigWorm]

Gutted as a Neuville fan but at the same time very happy to have witnessed such a fascinating season, a real classic!

[steve.mandzij]

Huh?
Even if Ogier stops now he is the champion regardless.

None of his rivals will do the power stage.

He has won. 2018 champion for sure.Holding my breath for JML

[Eli]

Suninen is still standing near the end of the previous stage - doesn't really have any effect on overall results but he seems to have some kind of a problem.

Didn't he finish this last stage?

[KKS]

In my wet dreams it must be 2 of 3 title contenders retire, and mostly on 3rd day... but not THIS.
When Neuville off I think: "OK. One off, need to another one, and title for Ott in a pocket"... ALL cars have a troubles in this stage, smaller or bigger and just one go without any. That rally gods just keep joking on us.

[itix]

What happens in the Manu championship now?
Does Lappi bag enough points to keep Toyota in the game?

[mknight]

In the rally that counted most, only one driver hasn't made a mistake. Thus a worthy Champ!

Also if people say he could just cruise it's not true at all. He had to do his best on Friday and did while both Neuville and Tanak made mistakes already then.

[able1]

Gutted as a Neuville fan but at the same time very happy to have witnessed such a fascinating season, a real classic!

Makes two of us . Rooted for Latvala aswell and really happy that he can taste victory during this season.

[itix]

Holding my breath for JMLOh right... Since you replied to Eddie I thought you were talking about Ogier and Msport ;)

[Rallyper]

Something like this happened in 2001. Gnight.

[mknight]

What happens in the Manu championship now?
Does Lappi bag enough points to keep Toyota in the game?

The only way for Toyota to loose is if Latvala retires without any points scored.

[spiderem]

ogier doesnt even have to finish this rally to get the title

Thats what i mean, he can bin it so what not drive fast for once this week end!

[Eli]

The only way for Toyota to loose is if Latvala retires without any points scored.

And then (oddly enough) Hyundai will take it(?) Fingers Crossed Jari!!! don't screw it up now!!!

[smsgrafica]

ALL cars have a troubles in this stage, smaller or bigger and just one go without any. That rally gods just keep joking on us.

Nope, not a single car has failed. The drivers have.

[itix]

The only way for Toyota to loose is if Latvala retires without any points scored.Right, so even with Paddon third and Mikkelsen 7th (or 6th or whatever it is Manu wise), they have enough points.

A lot riding on Latvala now.

[mknight]

Right, so even with Paddon third and Mikkelsen 7th (or 6th or whatever it is Manu wise), they have enough points.

A lot riding on Latvala now.

With 30s lead he can just cruise and will very likely be instructed to do so.

[Eli]

Nope, not a single car has failed. The drivers have.

True that.

[smsgrafica]

Latvala has more than 30" to manage in just under 8km. It shouldn't be a problem.

[able1]

Was it latvala who retired on PS last year .. or was it someone else?

[mknight]

Was it latvala who retired on PS last year .. or was it someone else?

Yeah but he was trying to chase Neuville for lead even though Neuville was 14s ahead..... kinda stupid.

[KKS]

TGR_WRC‏ @TGR_WRC (https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC) 9m9 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1063967820940070912)More



SS23 Sapphire 2 (19.27 km): A really dramatic penultimate stage with drama for most drivers, including sadly @OttTanak (https://twitter.com/OttTanak), who hit a tree and can go no further.

[Essaj]

Was it latvala who retired on PS last year .. or was it someone else?

Yep it was him :/

[stefanvv]

In the rally that counted most, only one driver hasn't made a mistake. Thus a worthy Champ!

I have nothing more to add. Congrats to the champ! Deserved every single one of them being a smart driver!

[able1]

Yep it was him :/

well i hope he learned his lesson ... Stay safe there latvala !

[the sniper]

Lucky JML pushed in those first stages today, really helpful now!

Like Rally GB, somehow Sunday mornings have become his thing!

[EstWRC]

TGR_WRC‏ @TGR_WRC (https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC) 9m9 minutes ago (https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1063967820940070912)More



SS23 Sapphire 2 (19.27 km): A really dramatic penultimate stage with drama for most drivers, including sadly @OttTanak (https://twitter.com/OttTanak), who hit a tree and can go no further.


So he makes his biggest (single?) driving mistake this season on the last rally on penultimate stage. Although it doesn’t matter the title was gone anyway but not a good way to end

[macebig]

Quoting Jim Cornette :"Thank you, F@ck you, Bye, Frenchman"... Toyota and Ford totally level in WDCs and Constructor's with 4 each.

[smsgrafica]

If I'm not mistaken, Ogier's the only driver in history to win back-to-back Championships with 2 different manufacturers.

[the sniper]

Quoting Jim Cornette :"Thank you, F@ck you, Bye, Frenchman"... Toyota and Ford totally level in WDCs and Constructor's with 4 each.

Got to get some Ogier merch made up with that quote, with an 'Ogier face'! :D

[steve.mandzij]

Was it latvala who retired on PS last year .. or was it someone else?Also Latvala who retired to give Paddon his first win!

[able1]

If I'm not mistaken, Ogier's the only driver in history to win back-to-back Championships with 2 different manufacturers.

Kankkunen too lancia and peugot

[dimviii]

If I'm not mistaken, Ogier's the only driver in history to win back-to-back Championships with 2 different manufacturers.

KKK at 1986-1987 with 205t16 and Lancia

[Eli]

If I'm not mistaken, Ogier's the only driver in history to win back-to-back Championships with 2 different manufacturers.

A true great, Just checked, this season, despite more wins than last year, Ogier won this title with the least amount of points.

[KKS]

So he makes his biggest (single?) driving mistake this season on the last rally on penultimate stage. Although it doesn’t matter the title was gone anyway but not a good way to end
worst could be just if he crack's on JML pressure. Outside always calm, but seems inside it was a hurricane. Driver mistake under pressure of a team-mate it's not good at all.

[Ds3]

If I'm not mistaken, Ogier's the only driver in history to win back-to-back Championships with 2 different manufacturers.

they would have been three, Loeb fucked him in the citroеn ...

[smsgrafica]

Kankkunen too lancia and peugot


KKK at 1986-1987 with 205t16 and Lancia

No, he only won back-to-back once and it wasn't with the same manufacturer, where Ogier had 2: 4x with VW and 2x with Ford

[stefanvv]

1986

That's not a championship in my book.

[mknight]

Suninen still not moving

[mknight]

Well this pissed me off a bit.

Staying awake to see the last stage of the season and allive is not showing anything. No service park talk, no pictures or replays from Neuville or Tanak or even the 5 other drivers who had spins and issues. Just nothing.

[jonkka]

That's not a championship in my book.

Your diary isn't a book, to be precise.

[Mk2 RS2000]

That's not a championship in my book.

It sure was for those competing in it.

Mind you we didn't have the internet and play station in those days for people to measure their skill against those actually driving the cars in the stages

[mufcAleksi]

If Suninen doesn't make it Serderidis will get in the points! Who told he is a useless driver?

[rp]

That's not a championship in my book.

Why?

[stefanvv]

Your diary isn't a book, to be precise.

I don't have a diary

[itix]

Is Desborough seriously trying to pretend like he and we don't already know who the champion is?
**sigh**

[stefanvv]

Why?

Because there wasn't a competition from other teams

[mknight]

Man of the rally is Paddon for me.

Clearly best rally of the year and arguably the only one where he had podium-pace whole weekend. Could also say his pressure made Tanak crash securing 2nd place for Neuville.

Is it enough for full drive next year? I somehow doubt it, cause there are still 4 tarmac rallies. If anywhere then at MSport.

[steve.mandzij]

Man of the rally is Paddon for me.

Clearly best rally of the year and arguably the only one where he had podium-pace whole weekend. Could also say his pressure made Tanak crash securing 2nd place for Neuville.

Is it enough for full drive next year? I somehow doubt it, cause there are still 4 tarmac rallies. If anywhere then at MSport.I'd say the same for Jari Matti. Played the team role when needed, kept his cool, and even owned up to the ever dominant Tanak in the last rally.

[Ds3]

Congratulations to Ogier/ Ingrassia, Loeb to blow it ......

[Rally Power]

A French WRC champ for the 15th year in a row…it’s getting ridiculous.

Huge congrats to Ogier, Ingrassia and Mr. Wilson; these 2 years were a fantastic adventure for all of them and they totally deserve being champs.

Most likely it wouldn’t make a difference, but letting Latvala be in front of Tanak wasn’t a bright idea. Hopefully Toyota will still manus title; if so, hats off for Makinen and his staff.

Last season was great, this one was fabulous and the next one is looking to be even better; WRC Rocks!

[N.O.T]

Because there wasn't a competition from other teams

Lancia has won 4 events and peugeot 6

back to your garbage bin, you are nothing.

[KKS]

No Suninen on a startlist for PS

[N.O.T]

A French WRC champ for the 15th year in a row…it’s getting ridiculous.


It took 3 drivers from france to have 16 championships and 6 from the manager nobodies to have 13....

Lolzzzzzzz

[steve.mandzij]

Dull running order. We're gonna have to sit through national Skodas and Serderidis!

(Credit where credit's due, Serderidis' livery is beautiful)

[smsgrafica]

Is Mikkelsen the most disappointing driver of 2018?

[stefanvv]

Lancia has won 4 events and peugeot 6

back to your garbage bin, you are nothing.

Anything to say about Toivonen have you?

[mknight]

Is Mikkelsen the most disappointing driver of 2018?

I'd go with Evans for the season. Mikkelsen had good speed on gravel whole year.

Mikkelsen on tarmac clearly is the most disappointing driver+car combination by far.

[smsgrafica]

Evans never was thought to be a top driver, whereas Mikkelsen was...

[mknight]

Evans never was thought to be a top driver, whereas Mikkelsen was...

British journalists (Clark + Evans ) were saying after end of last year that Evans will fight for title no matter what car he drives this year.....
For a single number:
Evans stage wins last year:27 (more than Ogier!!!)
this year: 4.


Mikkelsen still is a top driver, just a quick look on number of rallies/stages in lead and how he led tells you that. The 4x technical retirement does make a difference.

[smsgrafica]

Evans stage wins last year:27 (more than Ogier!!!)

Dmack tires did the trick...

[spiderem]

The co driver of Jourdain is hot. He is a lucky man

[N.O.T]

He is a lucky man

why canada ?

[Eric]

Looks very slippy there, although to be fair, Breen was going to quickly. As for Neuville, I think you guys said anything that can be said about him and in my mind if he managed to lose this championship this season when he was leading for like almost half of it, can't see him doing any better next year. As for Ott, I think that with a bit more luck on his side next year (assuming he doesn't take it tonight/today) he'll be the man to beat in 2019. Oh btw, it's Toyota's second season and it looks like they're managing to do something Hyundai have tried and failed to do since 2014 with no luck....just goes to show, Hyundai need to do some changes to personal with the addition of Mikkelsen proving to be useless this year, he's lucky to have that 2 year contract. Anyhow, congrats to Ogier, he's earned it.

"Mikkelsen prvoing to be useless". Thats a pretty hard thing to say. He´s had a though year. No doubt, you can call i disaster year. But calling him useless is wrong. He´s a good driver, thats why Hyundai signed him for two years. They know he can be a top 3 driver. Give this guy a car that is good and he is one of the best. And with that said- some of his mechanics have been fired this year, just take a look at the Hyundai videos. After Portugal its some new faces. Its obvious they have had some trouble within the team. You can blame Mikkelsen for some of the rallies, but I do think Hyundai has to take to blame aswell. As a team they have been a disaster.
Lets hope they can turn tings around in 2019!

[the sniper]

No way... Breen's done himself no favours for 2019 this rally.

(Breen span)

[Essaj]

Breen come on! Stop this

[mknight]

Really need to do the count for spins/mistakes fro Breen.

[stefanvv]

Breen lost episode IV

[smsgrafica]

Breen keeps spinning...

[mknight]

I actually think Ogier will go for PS win.

[steve.mandzij]

I feel Breen Is going to go the way of Matthew Wilson... I hope not!

[the sniper]

Ogier pushing...

[N.O.T]

I feel Breen Is going to go the way of Matthew Wilson... I hope not!

no comparison...

[stefanvv]

:champion::champion::champion:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4PQgBW56G0&feature=youtu.be&t=87

[mknight]

Ogier "I hope I will not miss it (this car)" ... doubts starting? :D

[steve.mandzij]

I'm going to miss the Toyota village team... Farewell Lappi!

[Essaj]

That's decent drift by Lappi :eek:

[mknight]

While Østberg sharing car with Loeb at Citroen would certainly work I just don't see him going to MSport after all the history there.

[steve.mandzij]

While Østberg sharing car with Loeb at Citroen would certainly work I just don't see him going to MSport after all the history there.Tanak was in and out and in and out with M-Sport. You never know!

[mknight]

Ogier will win the stage.

[stefanvv]

Championship in the Champion's style:champion::champion::champion::champion::cham pion::champion:

[Essaj]

Against all the odds JML is safely through! :D Village team takes the manu title and Finland gets their sole win of 2018!

[steve.mandzij]

GET IN THERE JARIIIIIII :D

NOT, grace us with your village team bashing now!

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

Jesus Christ, Ott..

And well done Seb-O..

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

I feel Breen Is going to go the way of Matthew Wilson... I hope not!You mean as a GT team manager..?? :v

Sent from my A12 using Tapatalk

[janvanvurpa]

Because there wasn't a competition from other teams


In 86? Kankunens first crown..sure seemed like there was competition from where I was standing all 4 days.

[KKS]

Well deserved win for JML! Congratz! It was massive mind boost for Jari-Matti!

[stefanvv]

In 86? Kankunens first crown..sure seemed like there was competition from where I was standing all 4 days.

I'm not disregarding the spectators, no way!

[Mk2 RS2000]

Congratulations to JML and Mads and a special congratulations to Hayden for his controlled and well planned event. The work that he has done back home in personal preparation to get himself into the position of being a real contender showed in the results.

[Eli]

"Mikkelsen prvoing to be useless". Thats a pretty hard thing to say. He´s had a though year. No doubt, you can call i disaster year. But calling him useless is wrong. He´s a good driver, thats why Hyundai signed him for two years. They know he can be a top 3 driver. Give this guy a car that is good and he is one of the best. And with that said- some of his mechanics have been fired this year, just take a look at the Hyundai videos. After Portugal its some new faces. Its obvious they have had some trouble within the team. You can blame Mikkelsen for some of the rallies, but I do think Hyundai has to take to blame aswell. As a team they have been a disaster.
Lets hope they can turn tings around in 2019!

OK, perhaps I was a bit too harsh towards him, but I think if you look at Sordo and Paddon, they've done a great job considering they only did half a season. Hope Hyundai will do their homework for next year, looks like Toyota will be the team to beat in 2019.

[racerx1979]

Great drive by JML. After they found some good settings on the car he's been fast. Spain on gravel was fast for JML as well. He will have a good boost going into Monte

[er88]

Star of the rally?

Latvala, Paddon or Kiri Bloore and her legs.

Tough choice....

[KKS]

lol, Gill near faster as Mikkelen. keep that level as on 1st split all stage :)



13.
73
https://images.laola1.at/flaggen/3IND_18x12.pngG. GILL
https://www.wrc.com/fileadmin/images/manufactors/ford.pngTEAM MRF TYRES
RC2
+10.6
+10.0
4:38.4(+12.7)

[stefanvv]

Star of the rally?

Latvala, Paddon or Kiri Bloore and her legs.

Tough choice....

Well, if You put it this way....

[rp]

Star of the rally?

Latvala, Paddon or Kiri Bloore and her legs.

Tough choice....

Easy! Latvala...

[Lord_Shaitan]

Ogier, what a Champion! I cheered for him so much, another fully deserved championship. Almost nobody congratulate, but that's how things go here ..

[N.O.T]

GET IN THERE JARIIIIIII :D

NOT, grace us with your village team bashing now!

a village team of nobodies that was carried on an Estonians shoulders and their incompetence at everything unfortunately cost him the title...

[Mk2 RS2000]

a village team of nobodies that was carried on an Estonians shoulders and their incompetence at everything unfortunately cost him the title...

Toyota should not have planted that tree there in Australia 30 plus years ago. Total incompetence on their part

[EstWRC]

Tänak mistake https://m.postimees.ee/section/3337/6456316

[AnttiL]

What a closing day of the season. I'm speechless again.

[Mintexmemory]

Great drive by JML. After they found some good settings on the car he's been fast. Spain on gravel was fast for JML as well. He will have a good boost going into Monte

Monte is reserved for another win by the Champ - JML may get a podium though when Neuville and Tanak hit trouble.

[sonnybobiche]

Great rally, great year. Can't think of a better way to end the season.

So, getting back to the question of the GIANT TRACTOR ON A LIVE STAGE. It caused an accident on live TV, but the FIA didn't even bother red-flagging the stage or communicating with the following driver, and then they immediately suppressed all mention of the incident...

Are we ever going to hear about that again? Because it already seems to have been forgotten. I don't want to let it go. The unbelievable hypocrisy of the self-appointed safety fascists annoys me.

[AnttiL]

Tänak mistake https://m.postimees.ee/section/3337/6456316

https://twitter.com/active_diff/status/1064003733984559104

Was this fan footage already posted?

[skarderud]

Great rally, great year. Can't think of a better way to end the season.

So, getting back to the question of the GIANT TRACTOR ON A LIVE STAGE. It caused an accident on live TV, but the FIA didn't even bother red-flagging the stage or communicating with the following driver, and then they immediately suppressed all mention of the incident...

Are we ever going to hear about that again? Because it already seems to have been forgotten. I don't want to let it go. The unbelievable hypocrisy of the self-appointed safety fascists annoys me.It was undoubtly a big part of Mikkelsens off, wonder what happened behind the cameras...
It is, atleast, at the same level of scandal that the firetruck.

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

About the tractor, it's obvious that it was there because Latvala rammed through the chicane before Mikkelsen. It would have also been bad if the haybales were at the middle of the road, but then again, a tractor on the road is a lot worse...it seems the WRC promoter keeps a line of not mentioning or even actively hiding any unpleasant incidents in rallying, but All Live lets some of it through.

[mknight]

Tänak mistake https://m.postimees.ee/section/3337/6456316

Remember how I wrote after first stage today that he was the only one crashing trough all the way to the sumpguard on bumps.
Well this was second loop so they could changed the setup but same problem.

GB there were similar issues visible on many vids and also had part in the retirement.

Did not have the issue in Turkey on the roughest rally but then the speed wasn't there. Does the car need too soft setup/springs to have top speed?

[AL14]

For NOT

https://i.imgur.com/RG8JlWU.png

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Was last night a dream... NO it was real !!

Unbelievable.. a second drivers title for M-Sport and another for Seb Ogier. :champion:

Thanks to him and the whole M-Sport team their fans dream came true again.

https://i.imgur.com/YwcbI5i.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsRAUfmW0AAMrvq.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsREpxgU4AAlaxi.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsREqYqV4AAP84q.jpg

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

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsREtELV4AAnSwX.jpg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

@SebOgier
"We had a fantastic team behind us. They gave us everything. Thanks to @MSportLtd and especially to Malcolm. We had an amazing adventure together, we realized something very special during those two years. I'm very proud of my team. You're the best! "

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DsQnKFiVAAIv22D.jpg:large

[deephouse]

How could he say that the team give him everything when he constantly whine about the car, how it's not the polo, lack of money and then leaving the team when C3 showed potential and Fiesta stay behind in development... Typical

[Eli]

How could he say that the team give him everything when he constantly whine about the car, how it's not the polo, lack of money and then leaving the team when C3 showed potential and Fiesta stay behind in development... Typical

Because the team itself, M-Sport, really did do the best they can so Ogier can take the title, if you want to be pissed off about someone it should be Ford America which couldn't be bothered with the WRC.

[SubaruNorway]

Great rally, great year. Can't think of a better way to end the season.

So, getting back to the question of the GIANT TRACTOR ON A LIVE STAGE. It caused an accident on live TV, but the FIA didn't even bother red-flagging the stage or communicating with the following driver, and then they immediately suppressed all mention of the incident...

Are we ever going to hear about that again? Because it already seems to have been forgotten. I don't want to let it go. The unbelievable hypocrisy of the self-appointed safety fascists annoys me.

I'm pretty sure they had a marshall with radio there since they knew quite early that the guy had chosen to drive the tractor out without permission from the organizers, probably a farmer helping out setting up the chicane that just didn't know better

[jparker]

....... You can blame Mikkelsen for some of the rallies, but I do think Hyundai has to take to blame aswell. As a team they have been a disaster.
Lets hope they can turn tings around in 2019!
True. Team with such potential, but they were not able to capitalise on that. In contrast M-sport were able to squeeze 100% on what they have.

[jparker]

About the tractor, it's obvious that it was there because Latvala rammed through the chicane before Mikkelsen. It would have also been bad if the haybales were at the middle of the road, but then again, a tractor on the road is a lot worse...it seems the WRC promoter keeps a line of not mentioning or even actively hiding any unpleasant incidents in rallying, but All Live lets some of it through.
That's why I don't like haybales on stages. At least they have to find a way to secure them properly.

[Barreis]

Ogier is still the best (results say it all), Toyota has the best car and Neuville can go home to Belgium (or MC) :D

[jparker]

Ogier is still the best (results say it all), Toyota has the best car and Neuville can go home to Belgium (or MC) :D

You know, luck of respect is sign of stupidity.

[Barreis]

what lack of respect?! he had it all and lost it. and you are insulting with that comment

[bomber21]

Nice end to a great season! Although it is not good for any sport someone to win 6 consecutive championships, WRC is growing. It has impressive new cars, drivers having close fights, an all live service that fans appreciate (most times), 4 manufacturers involved and a driver becoming a championship contender (Tanak).

Hyundai has to change something, things seem to not getting better, they need something new. Maybe new drivers? Neuville is a big dissapointment, he will never become champion...

Next year I wonder how Ogier-Citroen co-operation will work, what drivers will M-Sport have, how Toyota trio will work and if Hyundai is going to recover.

I will try to visit Turkey in September as I did this year!

[mmm]

Hyundai has to change something, things seem to not getting better, they need something new. Maybe new drivers? Neuville is a big dissapointment, he will never become champion...

Hyundai has been too passive in the driver market. The fact that Toyota took a title before them will not please the folks in Seoul - probably some changes to come.

[Sulland]

About the tractor, it's obvious that it was there because Latvala rammed through the chicane before Mikkelsen. It would have also been bad if the haybales were at the middle of the road, but then again, a tractor on the road is a lot worse...it seems the WRC promoter keeps a line of not mentioning or even actively hiding any unpleasant incidents in rallying, but All Live lets some of it through.

With all comms they have in WRCars today, it has to be possible to gps track all wehicles by organizer, so if a slow car/tractor is in one Ss it has to show up to drivers/codrivers to warn them off.
Cant be that hard to make a system for this.

[dimviii]

Ott Tanak having also given up, Thierry Neuville has awarded for the fourth time in his career the honorary title of vice-World Champion after those of 2013, 2016 and 2017.

"After our puncture on Friday, we knew that we had lost a lot of chances of being titled this weekend," said Thierry Neuville at the microphone of Olivier Gaspard, RTBF's special correspondent in Australia. let go, we continued to attack, even if we had a lot of trouble to stay in touch on Saturday because of the sweep.Today, the rain settled, and it was our last little chance to try to go looking for the fifty seconds we were missing from Sébastien, we tried everything, it was close in the morning, and it was not spent the afternoon! We went to block in the special hoping to resume at least ten seconds, in fifteen kilometers, in delicate conditions.But quickly, it was done by a spin: when I left, I was not concentrated, I slipped a little in the mud and we hit a stump. "

Leader of the World Championship during long months in 2018, the Saint-Vithois has opened the road, swept many times and learned a lot this season. He will return to play the win, if the level of performance of his Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC allows, in 2019.

"We have sometimes been too nice this season in terms of strategy," said the Belgian driver, "M-Sport and Sébastien have used the strategy to the full, in all situations we have not often had the opportunity to to do with my teammates.These are also small details that made the difference, such as the shock absorber in Turkey, where we could have taken thirty points I think.But without the puncture here, we could do the job. has clearly seen an increase in the performance of the Toyota since five or six rallies, it is the only thing for which we can be worried now, and it will be necessary to react.The team is aware of it, and they will do everything so that we let's be better at the start of next season. "

"The sweep being first on the road I was much less sorry than Sébastien Ogier !," concluded Thierry Neuville.I did my job, knowing that it would not be easy. in the second half of the season, he was paid dearly, being almost unable to fight for the podium, and when we were, it was when we did a great job. I repeat, I think that without the puncture, we could have won the title.We have progressed as a team this year, and we know that in 2019, it will play tactically at the beginning of the season. even before congratulating Sébastien Ogier and his co-driver Julien Ingrassia, we were three crews to earn the title, but they were the ones who worked well and in the end won. "

https://www.rtbf.be/sport/moteurs/rallye/wrc/detail_le-titre-manque-la-strategie-la-performance-de-toyota-neuville-se-projette-deja-vers-2019?id=10075886&fbclid=IwAR0nUjdmpbMVY-cRyWeliDtco-rVvOZJYvDT9DuvYGuKA0t4CO8QPLYXFM4

[denkimi]

Hyundai has been too passive in the driver market. The fact that Toyota took a title before them will not please the folks in Seoul - probably some changes to come.
They are to arrogant. They should have hired ogier, they have had several chances.

[EstWRC]

They also offered a part time deal for Tänak two years ago.

[dodge33cymru]

What a superb year that's been, both for the sport and for the coverage with WRC All Live.

I was a fully paid up member of the 'anyone but Ogier' fan club until this year, but honestly I was cheering for him for the second half of this season because it's clear that he's doing it in an inferior car to the Hyundai and Toyota and to me he's really proven his status as a legend of the sport this year; an absolute example of how to manage a championship and win a title due to having the best mentality rather than outright speed. To me this was his first real year as underdog and for that reason I'm glad to see him win.*

Delighted for Malcolm Wilson too, this was likely his last chance for a while so to achieve this with a private team is up there and arguably more impressive than Vatanen's in 1981. Now time to go focus on the new R5 for a bit...

[AL14]

They are to arrogant. They should have hired ogier, they have had several chances.

Exactly. When Volkswagen left leaving Ogier alone manufacturers almost ignored him. He asked to try their car before decide and only M-Sport and Toyota let him try it. Look at who has won championships until then.
What is better? Not let an external driver try your car? The balance among your lineup? Or winning championships?
I said this several time back then and a lot of people replied that Citroen and Hyundai were right not to do everything they could to take Ogier, because they already had contract with their drivers and it could have been a problem for the balance in the team... But at the end I was right. Citroen and Hyundai have a lot of balance in their teams but 0 titles. Others have titles.

[deephouse]

Now Malcolm need to appreciate Evans too, without him stepping back on few ocassions maybe the picture would be completely different.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/RallitFi/status/1064149043209736192

[AL14]

https://twitter.com/RallitFi/status/1064149043209736192

NOT you will appreciate this, please watch it

[Barreis]

they would win a $hit without Tanak

[lnvs]

they would win a $hit without Tanak
And what would M-Sport win without Ogier or Hyundai without Neuville?

In case you didn't notice Latvala and Lappi both have +40 points more than 2nd best Hyundai or M-Sport driver. :rolleyes:

[N.O.T]

What is the biggest lead a driver blew in championship to lose it ?

Did that useless potato nothing just broke a record ?

[Barreis]

hyundai is a loser of the season (when we look from the bigger perspective). we won't count citroen with their poor choice of leading drivers

[mknight]

We have progressed as a team this year, and we know that in 2019, it will play tactically at the beginning of the season..


Read: Neuville demands that no other Hyundai driver ever takes any points from him. Joy.
Means they will be forbidden to push on PS as well?

Anyway I find it funny when people say their biggest mistanke was not getting Ogier. Cause you could say exactly the same thing about Toyota! At end of 2016 Tommi didn't really want him to join, just set the test cause Japan wanted it and put it on the test when the car was on wet tarmac for very first time (why not Finland where the car was driving all the time?, Tommi said it was cause he had the Spain test planned, that's really trying hard).

Then again mid 2017 they signed Tänak instead of Ogier and now they signed Meeke instead Ogier again. So 3 chances.

Hyundais main fail this year is imo not that they don't have Ogier, but that the car struggles in quite a few rallies (Finland, tarmac).

[Ucci]

https://twitter.com/RallitFi/status/1064149043209736192
To be honest-this manu title is a very poor consolation. Toyota with xxx-more €€€ budget and by far superior car&driver has blown driver title against driver from private team. And that hurts.....

[EstWRC]

Tänak onboard SS14 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjhZBvO9TqY&t=

[Tarmop]

To be honest-this manu title is a very poor consolation. Toyota with xxx-more €€€ budget and by far superior car&driver has blown driver title against driver from private team. And that hurts.....

Well, not so sure...from day one the Japanese have been going on about the manuf. title.

[Ucci]

Well, not so sure...from day one the Japanese have been going on about the manuf. title.
Can be, but for normal rally fans the drivers title counts...and looking this video I see normal fans. Not a manufacture representatives.

[Rallyper]

To be honest-this manu title is a very poor consolation. Toyota with xxx-more €€€ budget and by far superior car&driver has blown driver title against driver from private team. And that hurts.....

At some point, regardless of how much xxx-Euros you put in, it´s up to the drivers to drive the manu-title home. So your stat is not worth anything. Toyota had the best drivers to gain the title.

[Finne]

Few perspectives from the season and anticipations about following season:

I disagree with some forumers assesments about current car performance levels. Citroen is the most underestimated car because there is no good hands behind the weel (except Loeb).

My estimation goes as follows:

1. Citroen and Toyota.

some space...

3. Ford and Hyundai

My assesment of Citroen´s speed is very simple: Loeb was perhaps fastest driver in Corsica and won in Catalunya. Östberg has been faster than ever with anything. Breen has been also suprisingly fast. Östberg and Breen are not expected to fight stage wins without very fast car. With Citroen Mikkelsen finished in Germany 30 seconds off winner (2017). How slow he was with Hyundai in comparison.. with more tests even. Meeke was generally dissappointment but showed extreme speed in Catalunya 2017. It´s quite safe to say that Citroen is the fastest car on tarmac (maybe Toyota could currently match it). It´s fundamentally very sound car. They had some initial problems on gravel and on wet tarmac but they are fixed by now. Next year Ogier and Citroen will be formidable combination. The title will be decided between Ogier and Tänak.

Tänak gave interesting comment when he said that they should win title in this year because he don´t know if they have chance next year. He is exaggerating but what he is clearly thinking is Citroen and Ogier combination.

Hyundai has lost most in competition. I consider Hyundai even slower than Ford generally. On twisty and rough gravel Huyndai and Neuville are impressive. However, on tarmac they are slow as hell and on fast gravel they are not anywhere. Sordo and Mikkelsen would be very near to top with good tarmac car (as showed in Germany 2017). The way Neuville drags the car to slide is impressive but also tells about problems with car. There is good footage from Catalunya showing Neuville doing controlled sliding in mid-speed corners. I was slightly pitying for Neuville as he was looking slow in comparison to Loeb in every rally. I am quite sure that Citroen is 1 or 2 minutes faster in rally length on tarmac compared to Hyundai. Even Ford is probably half of minute faster in rally length on tarmac.

Rating drivers it´s very difficult to make any speed difference between Ogier, Tänak and Neuville. We know that Tänak should be par with Ogier. However, I wouldn´t rank Neuville´s speed lower level at all. The way how Neuville manhandles Hyundai on gravel is always impressive (one good memory Sardinia power stage). Neuville also beats his team mates with huge margins. It would be difficult to imagine that anyone would drive Hyundai better than Neuville is doing.

Technical notion about forum: I lost my text because quick reply just caused logging out.. Fortunately copy paste was made.

[Ds3]

I think that Ogier does not have to go to the Citroen who has betrayed him several times and took him a title. He had to beat them with competing brands all their lives.

[dimviii]

https://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/51/57/Rallye-Australien-2018-056_515758_5bf02db6b.jpg
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/51/57/Rallye-Australien-2018-080_515740_5bf02db52.jpg
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/51/56/Rallye-Australien-2018-048_515602_5bee9d4cb.jpg
https://www.rallye-magazin.de/typo3temp/yag-galleries/51/55/Rallye-Australien-2018-027_515565_5bed22cbd.jpg

[flykas]

Congrats to Seb!!! the Master! I really wanted him to win though some people say it is boring to cheer for the same world champion, but it just impressive to watch a driver who not only has incredible skill behind the wheel, but is also very intelligent driver. Always thought that he deserves to be a champ once again. Also very tight and interesting season which was decided on almost the last stage of last rally. Also it seems that very interesting season is coming up because of Ogier with a new car and speeds that Ott showed this year. Also thanks to all the members of this board, I rarely post anything, but constantly read it especially during the rally, you guys are great, what a year we had!

[Barreis]

it's not good that we have the same winner every year but the best won again

[Ucci]

At some point, regardless of how much xxx-Euros you put in, it´s up to the drivers to drive the manu-title home. So your stat is not worth anything. Toyota had the best drivers to gain the title.
Tell this to Tanak....and you will see how worth is your statement.

[the sniper]

Now Malcolm need to appreciate Evans too, without him stepping back on few ocassions maybe the picture would be completely different.

I think he's got a job for life there if he wants it, but probably not a regular WRC drive...

[GravelBen]

Hyundai has lost most in competition. I consider Hyundai even slower than Ford generally. On twisty and rough gravel Huyndai and Neuville are impressive. However, on tarmac they are slow as hell and on fast gravel they are not anywhere.

Paddon makes the Hyundai competitive on fast gravel though - maybe Neuville isn't good at setting a car up for those rallies?

[steve.mandzij]

Paddon makes the Hyundai competitive on fast gravel though - maybe Neuville isn't good at setting a car up for those rallies?Or maybe the team isn't working together to give everyone a setup they feel comfortable with? Even though he's got a wildly different style, maybe intra team communication is failing there.

[KKS]

when he constantly whine about the car, how it's not the polo, lack of money a
he always do that about a car, road position, weather and everything else

[KKS]

That's why I don't like haybales on stages. At least they have to find a way to secure them properly.
properly secured bales it's a steal post!

And all of you mentioned that stage should be red-flaged because... a haybales chicane had not same configuration? are you serious?

[Rallyper]

Tell this to Tanak....and you will see how worth is your statement.

The topic was Manu title.

[dimviii]

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/styles/gallery_full/public/01118014_217.jpg?itok=1vEkPUss

[EstWRC]

his face looks like the car has just farted

[Barreis]

his face shows he doesn't know what he's doing :D

[SubaruNorway]

his face shows he doesn't know what he's doing :D

I was not impressed by the way he tried to take the bolt out of the upright in Turkey, so yes he could do with some training ;)

[KKS]

Magnificent set of photos

https://scontent.fiev13-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46510684_2175742412457718_8370841970859311104_n.jp g?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ht=scontent.fiev13-1.fna&oh=2a8cf5f2f31253f7bec5a93eeb80d0ea&oe=5CAFB9B2

https://scontent.fiev13-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/46463509_2175741962457763_3241883908211474432_n.jp g?_nc_cat=100&_nc_ht=scontent.fiev13-1.fna&oh=399be7a9d7e59b1f65bbf8ed2570205c&oe=5C7AC3E4

https://www.facebook.com/www.jree.ee/posts/2175742235791069?__tn__=-R
PS Still can't back into a normal rhythm, it's a 4AM local and I'm still don't sleep.

[sonnybobiche]

properly secured bales it's a steal post!

And all of you mentioned that stage should be red-flaged because... a haybales chicane had not same configuration? are you serious?


No, I could give a damn about the chicane. The more they get knocked out of the way, the better, in my view. I meant the stage should have been red-flagged when the organizers saw a tractor moving down the road on live TV.

But apparently that wasn't considered dangerous enough by our fearless leaders. No, the "safety" mainly comes up when there's another country that wants to take your place on the calendar. Then your rally is considered dangerous.

[GravelBen]

Of course it could be that when the organisers saw the tractor they called the marshalls who said "its ok, the tractor is off the road now and won't be coming back" and made the sensible decision that it would be stupid to red flag a stage for something that has already been dealt with.

[SubaruNorway]

Of course it could be that when the organisers saw the tractor they called the marshalls who said "its ok, the tractor is off the road now and won't be coming back" and made the sensible decision that it would be stupid to red flag a stage for something that has already been dealt with.

I already tried to mention this, but it seems hard to understand.
Marshall at the chicane will have radio for sure.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/Craig_Breen/status/1064755445758230529

[KiwiWRCfan]

external view of Ott Tanak's rally ending crash on SS23 Sapphire II https://www.facebook.com/phillip.casper.1/videos/2185132985034008/
Check out rest of Phillip Casper's videos on Facebook for lots of action from the same corner including what caused Dan Barritt to hold door closed for final part of SS23

[AL14]

external view of Ott Tanak's rally ending crash on SS23 Sapphire II https://www.facebook.com/phillip.casper.1/videos/2185132985034008/
Check out rest of Phillip Casper's videos on Facebook for lots of action from the same corner including what caused Dan Barritt to hold door closed for final part of SS23

"Oooooh shit" :D
I love how he keep the video going but went there soon to give help at the same time.