[WRC] Rally Italia Sardegna 13th-16th June 2019

[dimviii]

Suninen with a similar issue LOL. Drivers and co drivers having to do a bit of extra fitness work at the end of the day

https://twitter.com/RafaMSport/status/1139579059271323648

[RS]

Seems to be more a setup issue.

Anyway by raw speed Ostberg was by far the fastest R5 driver today.

Yes he was.. the C3 R5 seems to be pretty quick now, although we should bear in mind he has nothing to lose after this morning’s problem.

But definitely something wrong with Rovanpera’s car or it’s setup. Kopecky quicker on five out of seven stages today, which on gravel is not normal.

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9CcK9MXYAEL-hv.jpg

[doubled1978]

If I was Citroen, I would run Seb after Ott to push him 1 place away from Sordo/Sunninen on the road. Not sure how much difference it will make as Ott has shown he is well capable of negating the cleaning effect of a few places, but it will at least give Seb a decent road position to test from. In theory Toyota can place both JML and Hanninen in front of Ott to disadvantage Neuville.
While it’s clearly within the rules, I think this could get messy as the season goes on. If you have an event where loads of guys suffer on day 1, the messing about of positions could get stupid throughout the event.

Actually, it could get worse, Citroen could then also move Lappi as if they assume that Toyota will move their cars then he would be first on the road anyway and unlikely to improve his position on pace so it wouldn’t make any difference points wise, and would hinder both Tanak and Neuville. Neuville could easily end up 1st on the road tomorrow rather than 5th as it would be now.

[er88]

Yep it wouldn't surprise me if Neuville starts first tbh - a can of worms has long since been opened. Could get messy

[TypeR]

Cirque de Soleil in Rally Sardinia way.. really thight top3 fight and they give everybody else same time as Tänak?! Except they had fresh tires for rest of the stages.. sounds good!

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9CvQV1X4AAXayw.jpg

[stefanvv]

imo they should've give them Evans' time as last on the stage.

[TypeR]

imo they should've give them Evans' time as last on the stage.

I would have given them at least Neuville's time and a set of brand new tires. poor things

[Tarmop]

No times at all would be as fair as it could be...

[stefanvv]

I would have given them at least Neuville's time and a set of brand new tires. poor things

he's a level up

[dimviii]

Jari-Matti Latvala
‏Verified account @JariMattiWRC


As you know we had to retire on the last stage... �� What happened? Accelerating out of a hairpin, the steering locked to the left and we went off the road and couldn’t continue. It’s difficult to take at the moment but hopefully we can come back and enjoy it tomorrow.”

[denkimi]

No times at all would be as fair as it could be...
Letting 3 cars destroy their tyres and potentially their car and then punishing them by taking away their hard earned times? How is that fair?

The only way to make this fair was restarting the stage, everything else negatively affects someone.

[Allez Andruet]

Lappi's interview on Finnish TV at the end of the leg:

Interviewer: You obviously got the speed and also feel confident about the car...
Lappi: ...well, atleast I've got the speed...

In all fairness Lappi continued by saying that the car "was ok", but atleast I got the impression from the body language that he's missing the Yaris.

[Tarmop]

Letting 3 cars destroy their tyres and potentially their car and then punishing them by taking away their hard earned times? How is that fair?

The only way to make this fair was restarting the stage, everything else negatively affects someone.

Yes, because punishing is letting them " destroy their tyres and potentially their car"....and award others with the exact same/better time for not driving it.

[dimviii]

Neuvilles spin
https://twitter.com/WorldRallyFans/status/1139620154856431616

[Katvala]

Wish they could just introduce a non commentary option. But no matter how many times you email them or post on social media, they don't change it.

So at least bring in some new commentators...., but no they don't do that eitherThey did bring in Mikko for a few stages which was great
I agree it gets a bit too much sometimes with Becks, Julian and John. John and Julian is the worst together however, I prefer the non TV stages (regular all live)
But it is what it is, I rather watch it like this than not at all

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[olemann]

They did bring in Mikko for a few stages which was great
I agree it gets a bit too much sometimes with Becks, Julian and John. John and Julian is the worst together however, I prefer the non TV stages (regular all live)
But it is what it is, I rather watch it like this than not at all

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Anyway, I have to listen to them and I like it. Much better than looking at Split time without information.

[doubled1978]

They did bring in Mikko for a few stages which was great
I agree it gets a bit too much sometimes with Becks, Julian and John. John and Julian is the worst together however, I prefer the non TV stages (regular all live)
But it is what it is, I rather watch it like this than not at all

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

I think the Becks & Julian combo is ok, decent balance...but I agree it’s good when you get a guest like Mikko today.
It could be a lot worse, I love Le Mans, but the Eurosport commentary in the Uk is borderline incompetent. Poor Sam Hancock (who is good) is left floundering in a sea of complete idiots who can’t even follow the pictures on the screen.

[Katvala]

Yeah for sure, it's much better than when we just had the splits to follow. I watch every stage every rally, and I am happy with it. But it could use some improvements regarding the commentators for sure. It's very noticeable when there's a guest commentator like Mikko today.

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[Katvala]

What's really annoying is the final video of the day always cuts off before its finished, like now right in the middle of Lappi's interview

Not sure if it is so when watching live. I usually watch a couple hours later than live to avoid the live issues.

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[olemann]

I think they have understood it.

[Mirek]

The only way to make this fair was restarting the stage, everything else negatively affects someone.

I don't know exact WRC rules but in virtually every rally championship there is given maximum possible delay and than the stage must be canceled.

It's for many practical reasons. It's extremely difficult to keep spectator safety after let's say one hour delay. It also completely destroyes the schedule for next stages. Often the allowed road closure period can be exceeded etc.

[dimviii]

https://youtu.be/obkvehbVYDc

https://youtu.be/193xC8Bb5e0

[KKS]

I don't know exact WRC rules but in virtually every rally championship there is given maximum possible delay and than the stage must be canceled.

It's for many practical reasons. It's extremely difficult to keep spectator safety after let's say one hour delay. It also completely destroyes the schedule for next stages. Often the allowed road closure period can be exceeded etc.
it's impossible to restart, cuz rally got own planed route and make new route by 10min its impossible.
other way it cause massive delay and cars may not get into a service park at reasonably time. It's not last day, it's another day tomorrow and crew planned own time and rest.
And WRC problem - they planned TV production stages, heli and plane flying time it's impossible to change in a minute

[KKS]

Marshals compensate Gryazin time for SS2 when he lost a minute behind Veiby dust. Now he 2nd in WRC2

[dimviii]

so Ogier is starting

https://nsa40.casimages.com/img/2019/06/14/190614111316602739.jpg

[RS]

Has anyone looked at tomorrow’s schedule? 6 hour lunch break between loops! I know it’s Italy but...

[Katvala]

Well it's just 3 stages per loop, today we had 4
As well as rally totaling at just ~310km

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[mknight]

interesting if Toyota will use some tactics tomorrow, i mean Hänninen and Latvala are both starting before Neuville at the moment

but knowing their story im sure they wont, they havent used any tactics in past two years
Latvala was running out of order as last WRC instead of cleaning the road in Mexico this year. Dunno if it was his decision or teams.

[Rally Power]

Little time to follow but it’s great to see Sordo and Suninen on the top of the list. Gutted for Ogier and Latvala. Maybe Neuville will manage to recover some places, but Tanak seems to be on a key moment of his title hunt. Fingers crossed.

[KiwiWRCfan]

crews left service park this morning just over 2 hours ahead of their SS10 start time. This gives an indication of distance they are traveling to reach today's loop of stages.
Think ahead to middle of day. Need 20 minutes to do SS12 then 2 and a bit hours to drive back to service pack, + Regroup / media zone + 40 minutes service + 2 and a bit hours to return to stages. That is the 6 hours between SS12 and SS13

[wrc2017]

Dud ogier restart?

[EstWRC]

Morning guys

yes Ogier is starting

Michelin is so busy this weekend with motogp and mostly lemans that they dont care about WRC and the tyre choices.

Citroen posted their own choices which is: @SebOgier: 3 @Michelin_Sport M6 & 2 H4
@EsapekkaLappi: 5 H4

[EstWRC]

finally

Evans/Suninen/Mikkelsen/Sordo/Neuville/Lappi/Hanninen avec 5 durs, Ogier/Meeke/Tanak avec 3 mediums et 2 durs, Latvala avec 2 mediums 3 durs.

[TypeR]

seems like no tactics from TGR.. or Ogier

[EstWRC]

seems like no tactics from TGR.. or Ogier

doesnt surprise me at all, especially TGR


Ogier is making tactics, Latvala goes first


i cant believe TGR....Adamo is having a laugh

[dimviii]

haha the moaning Ogier about tactics.....

[EstWRC]

Ogier started now, before Lappi

[EstWRC]

the hards arent working like with Tänak last year?


the guys losing a lot to Ogier who is with 3 mediums

[KKS]

Good 1st split for Mikkelsen on hards

[Lead]

Superb time from Tanak, but lets see how will the tyre choice affect him on later stages.

[KKS]

This man is alien

[EstWRC]

Superb time from Tanak, but lets see how will the tyre choice affect him on later stages.

last year he was with full hards on the morning loop and he lost a lot, thats why im surprised that so many went with full hards this morning

[stefanvv]

Good time for Suninen. He must forget Tanak and fight with Sordo

[EstWRC]

Gryazin stopped

[EstWRC]

Ogier making tactics again, starts after Neuville

[stefanvv]

plays a lot

[dimviii]

Nikolay Gryazin/Yaroslav Fedorov/Porky
‏
Unfortunately, our second day of Rally Sardinia went to a premature end. About 10 km after the start, we cut, hit the rock and completely tore off the right front wheel.
more on http://en.nikolay-gryazin.com/live #Gryazin @sparcoofficial @Rally_d_Italia #Skoda

[EstWRC]

it sems Ogier is starting after Tänak

[stefanvv]

that's probably more of a mind game.

[dimviii]

that's probably more of a mind game.

more probably a clown game

[EstWRC]

Neuville not showing good speed, level with Latvala in split 3

[dimviii]

Neuville not showing good speed, level with Latvala in split 3

yeap while Ogier has a catastrophic rally,misses the oportunity to close the gap at points,and letting Tanak to wide the gap.
of course we have plenty of stage kms ...

[er88]

Meeke just shutting the door on Neuville this morning. In terms of pace. Ofcourse mistakes or technical troubles could have a say though...

[KKS]

Neuville not showing good speed, level with Latvala in split 3
Seems road getting slower. Lappi also drops time

[stefanvv]

what a 2nd part of the stage Latvala has done.

[EstWRC]

Ogier stopped

[KKS]

My God, thoose splits... wow

[stefanvv]

Ogier pushing hard, don't get it

[Tauri_J]

Ogier pushing with Tänaks speed and crashed lol

[EstWRC]

Ogier going now, puncture

[Tauri_J]

Ogier moving now

[KKS]

Ogier stopped
Every cheater will be punished! :)

[EstWRC]

stopped again

[Tauri_J]

letting teemu pass

[EstWRC]

rear wheel damage

[dimviii]

broken rear left

[EstWRC]

Sordo just 0.5 slower in first split from Tänak

[KKS]

Hats off Ott! It's a champion drive!!!

[EstWRC]

awesome pace by Sordo, just 1.7 down in third split


the hard maybe actually the right choice, one long one to go

[cosmin_sb]

it is sure that ogier will be one of the first cars on power stage so weak chances to take points

[EstWRC]

SUninen only gave 1 sec away in final split, the hards working better in the end

[Mirek]

Greensmith stopped

[er88]

Suninen not on top 2 pace but still doing well and consolidating 3rd. Road cleaning sweet spot is definitely around those guys, and all 3 are taking advantage with brilliant drives

[EstWRC]

man im really worried now for Tänaks choice for next stage

[Mirek]

Sordo not giving up easily. Nice.

[KKS]

Top battle!

[EstWRC]

a little mistake from Sordo in the end, pushing really hard

[er88]

Sordo doing brilliant with that i20 this season. Strengthening his position in Adamo's mind I bet.

[erikli2]

Amazing performance by Sordo, especially since Thierry doesn't seem to be able to find a good feeling in the i20.

[EstWRC]

Sordo doing brilliant with that i20 this season. Strengthening his position in Adamo's mind I bet.

i hope he will be in TGR next year, Tänak wanted him already for this year

[KKS]

Ogier on move

[dimviii]

Veiby stopped

[Tauri_J]

Veiby stopped

lol 3rd time

[KKS]

without fire I hope?

[EstWRC]

Neuville again slower in first split than Latvala

[wrc2017]

Sordo and Tanak etc must be getting right down the hard road.. they are quick but not that much quicker than evans, mikkelsen etc.

[Mirek]

Greensmith's reason for being stopped is damaged suspension.

[KKS]

All splits - red. Latvala first on a road and fastest

[EstWRC]

Latvala sayin the tyres were worn after the tarmac pass, he has the same choice basically as Ott

[er88]

Surprised Neuville has no answer to Meeke's pace at all, he said he was targeting a podium going into today but everyone ahead of him in the classification is much faster (Meeke, and then Evans and Mikkelsen who are slightly faster than Meeke as well)....

Good for Tanak and the championship

[wrc2017]

the road is cleaning with every car, neuville will not catch meeke. Meeke doing well to stay level with Mikkelsen and Evans.

[EstWRC]

Tänak stalled!

[er88]

i hope he will be in TGR next year, Tänak wanted him already for this yearAgreed, and because he wouldn't want to do Sweden, Finland, GB and possibly Chile, that could be an opportunity to put Kalle in the car for 3/4 events?

However i just don't think he's a driver Tommi Makinen would go for - although I could be wrong. Maybe Tanak's say will have a lot of weight in Toyotas thinking...

[er88]

Sordo and Tanak now both made slight errors

[wrc2017]

at this pace meeke could take mikkelsen

[EstWRC]

and Tänak still fastest, how can that be, he lost 5 secs there with the stall

[er88]

at this pace meeke could take mikkelsenNo Meeke's tyres have gone judging by the splits


Lost a lot at the end

[wrc2017]

he lost 2secs max
meek tyres seems to go offer near end

[stefanvv]

what is Ogier doing

[EstWRC]

Ogier stopped

[er88]

Ogier going in before Sordo/suninen is madness from his POV

[rhm]

Tanak has had enough of games - time to check out just before lunch

[Mirek]

what is Ogier doing

Maybe KKS could tell us why Ogier tries to repair and continue...

[wrc2017]

Do all drivers have the same allocation of hard and medium?
for the guys running hards in the morning... will they run out of hards before the end of the event?

[er88]

Mikkelsen ffs

[rhm]

Andreas!!!

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen hit a wall, continues but likely with steering damage!

[stefanvv]

Maybe KKS could tell us why Ogier tries to repair and continue...

??? Sorry I don't follow all comments.

[EstWRC]

Ogier stopped and letting Sordo through

[er88]

Tanak going to storm into the lead here

[KKS]

Maybe KKS could tell us why Ogier tries to repair and continue...
Good try, but I get an answer ;)

[Mirek]

??? Sorry I don't follow all comments.

He was moaning all the time yesterday that Ogier had no rallying spirit and never tried to repair and continue.

[wrc2017]

Tanak's pace is unbelivable. I just cant believe it all Tanak, Sordo times sort of confirm that.


sordo 6.7 down split3

[stefanvv]

That was it the fight for 1st. It was fun.

[EstWRC]

Tanak's pace is unbelivable. I just cant believe it all Tanak, Sordo times sort of confirm that.


sordo 6.7 down split3

yes, its only the car, we get it already, Tänak himself is like 5-6th man in the series by the speed.

[wrc2017]

Yes, Tanak is defiantly on fire, but till now, Sordo has only lost 8s. It will interesting in the 2nd loop. Ogier was on Tanaks pace before he clipped something... when he slotted in behind him

[rhm]

Tanak's pace is unbelivable. I just cant believe it all Tanak, Sordo times sort of confirm that.


sordo 6.7 down split3

Well, yeah, it's Sordo - considering the running order yesterday, Tanak's pace IS unbelivably fast

[er88]

Shouldn't have expected Sordo to be able to hold out - this was always likely. He's driven brilliantly but let's not forget Sordo and Mikkelsen etc had superb road position compared to the others guys on the first day - particularly Tanak

[rhm]

Suninen is man of the rally so far for me

[KKS]

clever move by Sordo, cuz that pace could be painful.

[wrc2017]

Shouldn't have expected Sordo to be able to hold out - this was always likely. He's driven brilliantly but let's not forget Sordo and Mikkelsen etc had superb road position compared to the others guys on the first day - particularly Tanak

yes, sordo usually falls away at this stage... especially as he has just lost the lead. will be interesting to see this afternoon

[EstWRC]

Ogier again sayin he hit a rock that he didnt have in the notes


getting old ?

[RS]

Today Kopecky struggling with rear grip as did Kalle yesterday, seems they haven’t got the new car set up perfectly yet.

[rhm]

very unusual for Ogier - I wonder if he has something on his mind this weekend - I can't remember ever having a rally this bad

[RS]

Ogier again sayin he hit a rock that he didnt have in the notes


getting old ?


I guess they use a different vehicle for recce, but during the rally itself I can imagine it’s pretty difficult to see stuff over that humongous bulky bonnet on the Citroen.

[Tauri_J]

Yes, Tanak is defiantly on fire, but till now, Sordo has only lost 8s. It will interesting in the 2nd loop. Ogier was on Tanaks pace before he clipped something... when he slotted in behind him

only one split and then went off lol

[dimviii]

Ogier again sayin he hit a rock that he didnt have in the notes


getting old ?

at every day ,even from shakedown has crashes.Today twice.
Trying to crash Meekes record.

[wrc2017]

at every day ,even from shakedown has crashes.Today twice.
Trying to crash Meekes record.

The common denominator is the C3

[wrc2017]

only one split and then went off lol well... it is a C3

[racerx1979]

Meeke just shutting the door on Neuville this morning. In terms of pace. Ofcourse mistakes or technical troubles could have a say though...

Neuville way off pace. His only option is to hang in there, play it safe and hope people ahead will have issues. We can almost guarantee 2 people ahead of him will have an issue... so his best option is 5th. Maybe he will be even or slightly ahead of Ogier while Tanak just keeps building on his lead. Tanak can easily win in Finland where Neuville will have no chance. If Tanak goes ahead by 40-50 points at one point I think he can play it safe and win this year.

[krissucool]

Come on Toyota. Just hold up.

[EstWRC]

Nueville way off pace. His only option is to hang in there, play it safe and hope people ahead will have issues. We can almost guarantee 2 people ahead of him will have an issue... so his best option is 5th. Maybe he will be even or slightly ahead of Ogier while Tanak just keeps building on his lead. Tanak can easily win in Finaland and Nueville will have no chance.


whats the deal with you typing Nueville every time instead of Neuville :D

[racerx1979]

Fixed... Bad habit.. My cousins name is Nuevarte... so the NUE is stuck in my damn head

[racerx1979]

Come on Toyota. Just hold up.

You cursed it...

Maybe Drake can come out and hang with Toyota to break the curse. Not sure if everyone will get this joke, but well known issue in the US of A.

[wrc2017]

I honestly think the is a tipping point for Ogier. He done this before in Finland where he slotted in behind Meeke when he was setting fastest times, and then he seen Tanaks time from first stage this morning, and said, i want some of that, and went off trying.

Ogier has been able to hide the deficiencies of the C3 till now..(while Lappi cleared hasnt), but the mistake are starting to slip in. Ogier and Lappi are having the same type of mistakes Meeke was having when he tried to push.. clipping a rear wheel.. take a wheel off... stupid stuff.

Ogier now cannot go to Finland with any sort of confidence... he could be 6th quickest driver there.. after all Toyota drivers, Sunninen maybe Evans. I know we are a long way away, but if Ogier cant win the championship with Citroen, and doesnt see a substanial improvement coming for next year... will he stick about?

[Raini]

Neuville has lost over 1sec/km to Tänak in these morning stages SS10-12

[atsiotras79]

Thumbs up for Loubet, mixing it with the Pro’s in WRC2... Great effort, hope he keeps it together till the end...

[krissucool]

Neuville has lost over 1sec/km to Tänak in these morning stages SS10-12

Was not able to follow the morning but just wanted to ask, what is up with Neuville today?

[Morte66]

I'm sorry to say that I don't like this rally. It seems that driving and cars hardly matter compared to running order. [OK, except Tanak.]

[Indreq]

I wonder how much TGR had to pay to get wrc+ studio in front of their building, so that they have their brand on the background for all studio parts?

[Norm75]

I honestly think the is a tipping point for Ogier. He done this before in Finland where he slotted in behind Meeke when he was setting fastest times, and then he seen Tanaks time from first stage this morning, and said, i want some of that, and went off trying.

Ogier has been able to hide the deficiencies of the C3 till now..(while Lappi cleared hasnt), but the mistake are starting to slip in. Ogier and Lappi are having the same type of mistakes Meeke was having when he tried to push.. clipping a rear wheel.. take a wheel off... stupid stuff.

Ogier now cannot go to Finland with any sort of confidence... he could be 6th quickest driver there.. after all Toyota drivers, Sunninen maybe Evans. I know we are a long way away, but if Ogier cant win the championship with Citroen, and doesnt see a substanial improvement coming for next year... will he stick about?

While I agree Ogier has hidden some of the c3's shortcomings, I'm sure his confidence won't have been dented that much. He is a 6 time world champion, and Mads showed last year the c3 is actually quite capable in Finland

[dimviii]

Gryazin

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/D9GJ4JlU4AAZpb-.jpg

[Pršljen]

I'm sorry to say that I don't like this rally. It seems that driving and cars hardly matter compared to running order. [OK, except Tanak.]

Agree 100%. Sardinia needs to go from the calendar. We need new Italian venue and something different after Portugal, not almost completely the same rally.

[Katvala]

I like the rally, and it's usually interesting to watch. But yeah as you say it's very similar. In fact when looking back at rallies, memory of Portugal and Sardinia kinda blends in as one

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[gorganl2000]

i think Neuville is doing well given the situation, a more calculated and mature drive with the championship in mind. If he's realises that he's close to the limit and the times are not there, then it makes little sense to push harder and crash out and lose all points when he can gather up some points from his current position and possibly more if any of the others in front drop out. As well there is always the power stage where he can try for more if the opportunity arises. He already missed out on points this season with his massive crash another such occurrence would be terrible for this championship.

[er88]

While I agree Ogier has hidden some of the c3's shortcomings, I'm sure his confidence won't have been dented that much. He is a 6 time world champion, and Mads showed last year the c3 is actually quite capable in FinlandOstbergs performance last year in Finland after the C3s upgrades was one of the reasons why Ogier decided to go back to Citroen imo, while he and Ford struggled so badly there. Obviously the c3 still has difficulties and that's clear from Lappi, and also Ogier over driving this year.

However i think Ogier will go to Finland already mentally beaten because of not just the C3s continued flaws, but because Tanak is just so fast generally and the Toyota will be on home soil. Neuville will be in the same boat as Ogier, if not even worse off.

If Tanak has another two great performances in Finland and Germany (we know he can win both, car permitting), the championship will be massively in his control.

The worries for Tanak would be lack of pace in Turkey from Toyota if they think more in terms of reliability like last year + puncture worries on the tarmac of Germany and Spain.

I really think Tanak will win the championship if he wins here and has strong results in Finland and Germany...., Ogier and Neuville will be sweating...

[Ucci]

Let's face it-Yaris is by far best car and Tanak is simply taking advantage of it-he is a 2019 champion. Tanak can still regreat that he didn't take the opportunity already in 2018, when he was the fastest..
Ogier does not have even the slightest chance in his C3. Pure fact.

[Pršljen]

The rally is only half way through and Tanak is officially still 2 points behind Ogier. But Tanak is in great position now but so was Neuville after last year Sardinia...Let's just enjoy this great season, no point in proclaiming anyone winner or loser now

[Tauri_J]

Let's face it-Yaris is by far best car and Tanak is simply taking advantage of it-he is a 2019 champion. Tanak can still regreat that he didn't take the opportunity already in 2018, when he was the fastest..
Ogier does not have even the slightest chance in his C3. Pure fact.

Yaris is so dominant that Meeke and Latvala are right behind Ott in standings...:rolleyes:

[Allez Andruet]

Ogier does not have even the slightest chance in his C3. Pure fact.

Last time I checked he was leading the championship.

[Mirek]

Ogier does not have even the slightest chance in his C3. Pure fact.

Pure fact looks like this:


Last time I checked he was leading the championship.

[rhm]

In terms of raw pace, Tanak, Ogier and Neuville are ahead of the rest of the field. It's rare for the other drivers to get into that elusive group on a given rally which is why retirements and mistakes are/will be such a factor in this championship. Between the three of them they've been on the podium 16/21 times.

Interestingly, Power Stage points to date are very close:
Ogier: 16
Tanak: 16
Neuville: 17

Anything can happen and this championship will go down to the wire.

[Katvala]

And we're live again, with a black screen lol

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Morte66]

Has there been a rally when All Live just worked?

[Rallyper]

Hello, I´m back.

Think C3 is way after in performance. Ogier maybe not will tell the world about it, or he will after Sardegna...

[Katvala]

Back again now.
I'm happy with the coverage, it's not as bad as many like to say. But these blackouts are a bit annoying, they could've at least have mentioned it. Buut it's alright :)

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[the sniper]

The worst thing about the black outs is that they don't originate from the source, as BT Sport doesn't have the black outs. The bit you'd envisage as the difficult part, filming, producing and broadcasting the feed out from Sardinia, is obviously being done properly. The feed is being dropped due to something wrong with the streaming side/WRC+, which shouldn't be this problematic in this day and age and isn't so forgivable...

[Katvala]

Indeed. I'm sure they have someone looking on it

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[KKS]

Indeed. I'm sure they have someone looking on it

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Why? You will pay anyway!

[wrc2017]

Is meeke doing a tanak??

[Katvala]

Why? You will pay anyway!Why what?

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[EstWRC]

Meeke on a awesome pace

[Essaj]

If you're planning to get drunk today I suggest this new drinking game I just came up with, take a drink everytime Julian says either "You know what I mean" or "things like that" I can guarantee that you will be wasted before the rally day ends :p

[Katvala]

Yeah compared to those in the back, we will see once the top 3 come in

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[wrc2017]

Well 5 up on Evans

[Ucci]

Last time I checked he was leading the championship.

Check it tomorrow....game over for Ogier & Co

[rhm]

From Meeke's perspective, with road position so critical this weekend, a big push this afternoon to try and get ahead of Evans, Mikkelsen, or both would give him a nice advantage on tomorrows stages.

[wrc2017]

Yes.. he said 1st time in 4 years for these stages?

[wrc2017]

Gaps going to be much closer this afternoon

[Katvala]

Mikkelsen at least have been doing better than in Chile

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[EstWRC]

others bettering their time almost by 20 secs, Tänak ath the moment only like 6 secs

[krissucool]

Mikkelsen driving like a WRC driver again. Really surprised and impressed.

[Katvala]

Yeah and he's complaining about the car again so we'll see

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[er88]

others bettering their time almost by 20 secs, Tänak ath the moment only like 6 secsHe'd have to start flying to do much better ;)

[EstWRC]

He'd have to start flying to do much better ;)

in the end 9 secs, others like 12-14 secs, Meeke almost 20 secs

[er88]

in the end 9 secs, others like 12-14 secs, Meeke almost 20 secsMeeke making big differences from first to second passes, makes sense considering he's missed this event 2 out of the last 3 yrs.

[Katvala]

Tänak now leading with 10,6s

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[dimviii]

in the end 9 secs, others like 12-14 secs, Meeke almost 20 secs

not so big advantage from road position now

[Mirek]

Seems like works Škodas got faster after the service. Now basically level with Ostberg and reasonably faster than Loubet. Let's see on the long stages.

[Morte66]

If you're planning to get drunk today I suggest this new drinking game I just came up with, take a drink everytime Julian says either "You know what I mean" or "things like that" I can guarantee that you will be wasted before the rally day ends :p

Last night I opened a bottle of Krohn Quinto Do Retiro Novo Vintage 2011 Port. This stuff goes off quickly, I need to finish it today or use it for cooking, so I will test your theory.

[Francis44]

Honestly I believe Ogier signed his demise when he decided to run for Citroen, no matter how much work they put on the car it seems they are never comfortable. Lappi was faster last year with the Yaris. Only real threath to Tanak is the Yaris's reliability imo.

[er88]

Quite a light hearted interview with Adamo here in the studio for a change - funny nonetheless. Says he needs Mikkelsen to step up and defend from Meeke though....

[Lead]

Meeke on the push

[er88]

Mikkelsen has heard Adamo! Good pace

[KKS]

Meeke on the push
fair say that gap is too big for one stage battle. Maybe even for two stages too. Getting more closely - yes, but not too much chance to change a position

[wrc2017]

3 up on Evans

[wrc2017]

Yes, and road postion ofr tomorrow, it make it easier

[Katvala]

Mikkelsen has heard Adamo! Good paceWell he's down on the splits now

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[rhm]

fair say that gap is too big for one stage battle. Maybe even for two stages too. Getting more closely - yes, but not too much chance to change a position

Going to be close...

[racerx1979]

I know the announcers usually suck, but why are they so down today??? Is it because Ogier is out? Or because Tanak is destroying everyone??

Seriously they seem deflated for some reason

[racerx1979]

Last night I opened a bottle of Krohn Quinto Do Retiro Novo Vintage 2011 Port. This stuff goes off quickly, I need to finish it today or use it for cooking, so I will test your theory.

Nobody knows what that is.... Time to switch to scotch. Rally and wine don't mix.

[Katvala]

Well, Tänak is Tänak-ing like usual, Ogier is out, Neuville is quite far down
@racerxt

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[Rallyper]

Tomorrow will be exciting again... I think.

[er88]

Ogier on same pace as Meeke this afternoon. He can't compete with Tanak's times despite starting behind him

[TypeR]

Ogier on same pace as Meeke this afternoon. He can't compete with Tanak's times despite starting behind him

+ Ogier doesn't have anything to risk with..

[Legendaarne]

Is carlos del barrio saying kirraa, like finnish co-drivers do??

[wrc2017]

Ogier on same pace as Meeke this afternoon. He can't compete with Tanak's times despite starting behind him

Thats bad for his ego. That the only reason he is running alongside tanak in road order to compare his pace. He has also nothing to lose and tanak has the rally to lose.

[KKS]

Battle for 1st - end. Ott should back-off a little for safety reason, cuz that pace is crazy huge

[Katvala]

Is carlos del barrio saying kirraa, like finnish co-drivers do??Yep, Sordo likes it better.

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[Mirek]

Loubet lost nearly two minutes to Kopecký on SS14 dropping down...

[dimviii]

ss11
https://www.ewrc-results.com/video/29348-wrc-rally-italia-sardegna-2019-day2-ss11/

[Mise]

Is carlos del barrio saying kirraa, like finnish co-drivers do??

Was asking that in the last rally. It kinda sounds like spanish lol

[Indreq]

Talking about excitement potential of "battles":
1. Battle for rally win
2. Battle for championship points - between top dogs
3. Battle between other guys for other places below 1st.

Seems first 2 really are over since 1st 2 stages today, only 3rd is left...

[Indreq]

What do you think of Sordo cutting (47 sec into vid) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-U8yu7KzPE

[Rallyper]

Yep, Sordo likes it better.

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Yeah. Heard him also.

[EstWRC]

meeke stopped

[Tauri_J]

Meeke stopped

[Katvala]

What do you think of Sordo cutting (47 sec into vid) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-U8yu7KzPEAbsolutely fine, others were doing it also. Had it on notes as well "stay on gravel". Probably according to road book
Although I believe there is a rule in place that the car can't cut by going off road with all four wheels...but this one is all fine

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[KKS]

Oh it was scary entry into a watersplash by Latvala... hyh

[Mirek]

Meeke stopped. OMG...

[Tauri_J]

shocker...

[Rallyper]

Meeke stopped!

[KKS]

puncture?

[EstWRC]

yep pucnture

[rhm]

puncture?

if it is it makes sense to stop and change it to save the car for tomorrow

[Mise]

Evans is pretty close to Meeke. Might loose some time

[stefanvv]

by the time lost looks a puncture

[wrc2017]

Fucking hell. Has meeke no luck whatsoever

[Tauri_J]

Why would he change it? he was pretty far on the stage

Guess it was front puncture and went flat really fast

[Katvala]

He certainly does get a lot more punctures than most....

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[Rallyper]

I think I saw him hit something in the beginning of satge. Maybe it was a slow puncture but had to be changed for obvious resons.

[EstWRC]

Evans really going for it

[Katvala]

Mikkelsen drops a fair bit of time, Evans widening the gap between them

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[stefanvv]

Evans already losing time.

[spiderem]

would be quite nice to see Lethinen on the podium for his return...

[EstWRC]

it seems the beginning is now getting worse for back starters, Ogier and Tänak slower there

[dimviii]

it seems the beginning is now getting worse for back starters, Ogier and Tänak slower there

Tanak fastest at 2nd split

[Katvala]

Evans getting a lot of dust from Meeke

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[surdna]

Mikkelsen can now let Neuville pass

[stefanvv]

roller-coaster.

[EstWRC]

Tanak fastest at 2nd split

i meant first split

[racerx1979]

Mikkelsen can now let Neuville pass

Yup, he will.... and I think they said he was already told to do so by tomorrow. We shall see.

[EstWRC]

Yup, he will.... and I think they said he was already told to do so by tomorrow. We shall see.

that really sucks....

[Mise]

Mikkelsen can now let Neuville pass

According to the splits that is the case

[Katvala]

Would be stupid to do that now, still 4 stages tomorrow

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[Katvala]

Yup, he will.... and I think they said he was already told to do so by tomorrow. We shall see.Where? I've missed that

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[rhm]

Jesus Mikkelsen!!

[wrc2017]

No impact for meeke. Shit.. he could have been 4th given evans and mikkelsen pace

[rhm]

Bit of luck for Andreas there - could have easily taken the wheel off

[Katvala]

Bit of luck for Andreas there - could have easily taken the wheel offYep, second time on that stage today.
Reminds me of his Monte Carlo accident. Hit the wall right at the stage end and took the wheel off

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[Mise]

Jesus Mikkelsen!!

I think it's Andreas ;)

[EstWRC]

perfeeeccccttttt daaaaaayyyyyyy


thanks Ott and Martin

[stefanvv]

all settled then

[Mintexmemory]

Would be stupid to do that now, still 4 stages tomorrow

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They may have wanted that to happen for manufacturer points but now it doesn’t matter and Mikkelsen is closer to Evans

[spiderem]

so the only real battle tomorrow is Mikkelsen / Evans, and PS...

[Indreq]

They may have wanted that to happen for manufacturer points but now it doesn’t matter and Mikkelsen is closer to Evans

I think they will absolutely swap places tomorrow as it doesnt threaten anything in manu points and Neuville is pulling his 1st driver card to get this small point advantage.

Edit: it probably happens before PS if Mikkelsen is behind Evans by 5 sec or more.

[Mirek]

Loubet continues slowly even in this stage.

[dimviii]

Nikolay Gryazin
‏ @nikolay_gryazin


Rally Sardinia finally ended for us today. We are not going to the final day by Rally 2 because of damaged engine: in our accident at the SS10, the driveshaft made a hole in the engine block.
https://twitter.com/nikolay_gryazin/status/1139945004456185857