[WRC] Kennards Hire Rally Australia 2019

[Andre Oliveira]

Mads / Torstein in (if Ogier / Ingrassia in title chase...)

https://scontent.fopo3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/72478892_2970238196338921_3548767739646574592_o.jp g?_nc_cat=103&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_oc=AQl2uQLiyTWiOFn5Dz_SGNyLdJeU8T8CBLRvs3yPz76 7AqQn9SrHKA8Ocj8TPy5zUvI&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-2.fna&oh=d8448939b81051f8d5d87aeacbb47363&oe=5E6152AA

[er88]

Sordo has had a great year and Hyundai should be laughing for Spain with Sordo and Loeb's road position, but I can't help but feel Breen would've been a better option for Australia. A fast flowing gravel event which Sordo hasn't even done in the last few years, plus Breen has shown he can be quite fast with the i20 (with road position advantage in Finland). He wasn't that far off the pace in Wales either.

[RS]

Rather surprised to see Kopecky on the list (and with Dresler?)

Is that just in case Skoda haven't wrapped up WRC2Pro manufacturers title?

[AnttiL]

Nice also that WRC2 isn't a free win for the driver who just enters.

I suppose Hyundai can still switch Sordo for Breen if Sordo wins in Catalynua and gets a good early start position

[pantealex]

Rather surprised to see Kopecky on the list (and with Dresler?)

Is that just in case Skoda haven't wrapped up WRC2Pro manufacturers title?

They didn´t know what MSport is going to do with entries.

Now Skoda is PRO Champion before Catalonia even starts.

I´m surprised if Kopecky starts.

[Allez Andruet]

Or maybe Skoda Motorsport just has some excess budget to spend before ceasing the factory team for good?

[Grundo Farb]

I am looking to go to this event as I will be in Sydney the week before but looking on the website the information on spectating is terrible - only 3 locations on the Friday (and they look bad). Is there any other information available about unofficial places to spectate?

Can't even find route maps anywhere. Any help would be appreciated!

[Eli]

Cant help but think Craig has burnt his bridge with Adamo already after his GB performance. He was supposed to be in a Hyundai at Rally Legend but ended up in a Subaru...

Yes, I agree, his performance in Wales didn't help his chances for Australia or even a partial seat in 2020.

[Oliverk]

I am looking to go to this event as I will be in Sydney the week before but looking on the website the information on spectating is terrible - only 3 locations on the Friday (and they look bad). Is there any other information available about unofficial places to spectate?

Can't even find route maps anywhere. Any help would be appreciated!
https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Rally-Australia-Rally-Guide-2-2019.pdf
Better than nothing. Route maps here.

[wrc2017]

Yes, I agree, his performance in Wales didn't help his chances for Australia or for even a partial seat in 2020.
Your either at the front, or you are an 'also ran'

[SubaruNorway]

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Rally-Australia-Rally-Guide-2-2019.pdf
Better than nothing. Route maps here.

Better maps https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-Australia-2019

[T16]

Your either at the front, or you are an 'also ran'

Or you’re just there to get the job done and collect manu points.

[RS]

Or maybe Skoda Motorsport just has some excess budget to spend before ceasing the factory team for good?

That’s not very Skodarey. They normally do what is necessary to win whatever championship and no more.

[raybak]

I'll be there, will be a spare seat in my car if anyone wants a lift around the event. Working on some unofficial spots at the moment. Will let people know what we find out. Ray

[KiwiWRCfan]

If Citroen send only 2 cars to Australia could it be Esapekka and Mads ?

[er88]

If Citroen send only 2 cars to Australia could it be Esapekka and Mads ?Depends what Ogier decides...

[AnttiL]

If Citroen send only 2 cars to Australia could it be Esapekka and Mads ?

Does Ogier care for the silver medal?

[er88]

Does Ogier care for the silver medal?Nope, and with Australia not being on the calendar next year I don't see a point for him to go at all. Unless Citroen were to run new parts - but it sounds like they can't until next year anyway?

[mknight]

Nope, and with Australia not being on the calendar next year I don't see a point for him to go at all. Unless Citroen were to run new parts - but it sounds like they can't until next year anyway?

Dampers don't need homologation changes, so it's possible even without jokers.

[AnttiL]

http://itgetsfasternow.com/2019/10/28/route-preview-rally-australia-2019/

Route preview. Same areas as last year but new stage configurations. Shakedown and three forest stages are driven in the same forest area, with them sharing pieces of road together. Saturday is again driven in South with wider and more flowing roads, Friday and Sunday is narrower but still often faster. 25 stages is the record of the year but five of them are super specials.

[mknight]

Clark talking about multiple possible (driver/entry) "changes". I fail to see any clear candidates tbh.

Sure Østberg with C3 is a possibility, but he is already entered.
A distant shot might be Rovanpera in 4th Yaris. Here it would somehow make sense that they didn't want to announce it before Skoda secured title.
Even more distant shot might be O. Solberg with WRC (Fiesta), but that would also have been announced earlier.

Some people would think about Hyundai, but that doesn't look likely to me at all as it's one of Mikkelsen's best rallies and he has shown good recent form and consistency. Similarly Sordo is the definition of consistency this year, while Breen has bad recent record and bad record in Australia in general. Loeb I think has not driven Australia at this location a single time and was very vocal about not doing more than 6 rallies.

[fredfush]

http://itgetsfasternow.com/2019/10/28/route-preview-rally-australia-2019/

Route preview. Same areas as last year but new stage configurations. Shakedown and three forest stages are driven in the same forest area, with them sharing pieces of road together. Saturday is again driven in South with wider and more flowing roads, Friday and Sunday is narrower but still often faster. 25 stages is the record of the year but five of them are super specials.

Re: 'At 15.4 km there’s a haybale chicane, the only one of the whole rally' Not used this year, it has been replaced by a deviation onto a small track for approx 100m.

[mknight]

Obviously they don't trust their tractor drivers any more.

[AnttiL]

Re: 'At 15.4 km there’s a haybale chicane, the only one of the whole rally' Not used this year, it has been replaced by a deviation onto a small track for approx 100m.

Thanks for the correction, I just assumed it's the same as last year, but a good reason to change it

[able1]

And wrc2pro Australia winner will be ................... Kopecky . No suprise there :P

[pantealex]

And wrc2pro Australia winner will be ................... Kopecky . No suprise there :P

Are you sure he is starting ?
and
If he starts, he must finish also for win ;)

[RS]

Are you sure he is starting ?
and
If he starts, he must finish also for win ;)

When was the last time Kopecky didn’t finish a rally?

[wrc2017]

Is it possible Ogier might not go to OZ. Mads in his place.

[skarderud]

Is it possible Ogier might not go to OZ. Mads in his place.He don't want the silver?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[er88]

He don't want the silver?

Sent fra min SM-G950F via TapatalkOfcourse he doesn't, he's a 6 time world champion.

Still doesn't mean he won't be there though, and be aiming to win the event (while trying some things on the C3)

[skarderud]

No Mads to Australia, just Ogier and Lappi.

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[BigWorm]

No Kopecký either because of securing the Manu title in Catalunya

[Andre Oliveira]

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/75328577_3001479719881435_8820142957869924352_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQm6u7AmPRRdd6ED5tugyE_UShFYt0HDrpGBUoCOmIF Kqc7H9x5J6Q_S1e7CleiAxQM&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&oh=8c910444aad98d98acbb7ae1a854d095&oe=5E649491

[Katvala]

At Hyundai perhaps?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[wrc2017]

https://scontent.fopo3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/75328577_3001479719881435_8820142957869924352_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&_nc_oc=AQm6u7AmPRRdd6ED5tugyE_UShFYt0HDrpGBUoCOmIF Kqc7H9x5J6Q_S1e7CleiAxQM&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo3-1.fna&oh=8c910444aad98d98acbb7ae1a854d095&oe=5E649491

Still think there is a possibility Ogier will not go.

[wrc2017]

Or if Mikkelsen is out at year end, Then Breen gets the nod, as his starting position is better than Mikkelsen, and his job is to finish 4th.

[steve.mandzij]

Is Paddon starting with M-Sport in the end?

[Grutz]

Is Paddon starting with M-Sport in the end?

As far as his website, twitter and facebook say. There is nothing saying plans have changed for M-Sport. A podium finish could get him into the silly season talk with Toyota or M-Sport for next year especially with NZ rally returning to the calendar!

[harriswrc]

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RA19-Entrylist_FIA-approved-15102019-Amended-011119.pdf
Official: Breen in, Mikkelsen out

[wrc2017]

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RA19-Entrylist_FIA-approved-15102019-Amended-011119.pdf
Official: Breen in, Mikkelsen out

Well... That's Mikkelsen out of Hyundai then...

[RS]

Kopecky still on the list with Ernst as co-driver?

[raybak]

Going to be dusty and smoky. Lots of bushfires around the area. With warm weather it could be an issue.

Ray

[TypeR]

How come Breen nr 18 now? In Wales and Finland he had nr 42..

[Eli]

How come Breen nr 18 now? In Wales and Finland he had nr 42..

A WRC2 R5 car took that number (42).

[Rallyper]

Well... That's Mikkelsen out of Hyundai then...

For sure. Back to Citroen then. Not a bad driver. Glimses now and then.

[ggg377]

Hyundai is running Breen because he will get a significantly better starting position on Friday.

[skarderud]

Hyundai is running Breen because he will get a significantly better starting position on Friday.Mikkelsen would beat Breen in Australia, whatever startingposition.

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[Mirek]

Mikkelsen would beat Breen in Australia, whatever startingposition.

That is a very bold statement because nobody can state that for a fact.

[mknight]

Adamo on Catalunya post-event conference:

Q:
Can you tell us your driver line-up for Australia?
AA:
We had Thierry and Nicolas and Dani and Carlos and we have Andreas and Ole down to do the rally. I firmly believe that we should support the team that has supported us all season. The goal is the Manufacturers’ Championship.

Adamo says he makes decisions "immediately". So I don't think he would change his mind about starting positions after 4 days. Something has quite likely changed

Imo two options:

a) Mikkelsen signed for another team and they either don't want him to start (Toyota) or Adamo got pissed about him signing elsewhere and changed to Breen as he is likely to run some events for them next season

b) Mikkelsen said he is not interested in doing 3-4 rallies with Hyundai next season, without actually being signed by someone yet, Adamo got pissed and changed to Breen for same reason as above

[SubaruNorway]

Andreas and Ole...? Does he not know Mikkelsen's co driver is Anders Jæger? :erm:

[Andre Oliveira]

Andreas: 6th, 3rd, 4th, 1st, 13th, 11th

Breen: rolled, 7th


Australia rally records

[mknight]

Mikkelsen retired with double-puncture from 1st in 2017 and crashed on SS3 after meeting a tractor last year.

Breen was 3rd last year when he first got some throttle issues and then crashed on next stage.

[GravelBen]

Double puncture from going off the road isn't much different to a crash retirement though really, it just makes it sound better. ;)

[SubaruNorway]

Double puncture from going off the road isn't much different to a crash retirement though really, it just makes it sound better. ;)

He wasn't really off the road, just slightly touched a bank with very low tyre pressure early in the stage and knocked the air out

[mknight]

Double puncture from going off the road isn't much different to a crash retirement though really, it just makes it sound better. ;)

When you have a double puncture and nothing else is wrong you can continue if you have two spares, when you crash and the car is undrivable it is not possible under any circumstances. If you don't have spares the resulting effect is the same.

Just like crash on pre-event test or on shakedown doesn't automatically mean you retire from event, if there is an extra car available or the team manages to fix it. If there isn't extra car or enough time to repair the effect is the same.

[GravelBen]

He wasn't really off the road, just slightly touched a bank with very low tyre pressure early in the stage and knocked the air out

I couldn't remember and just checked the highlights vid which mentioned 'an off-road excursion' but didn't show it.

[sinepikohv]

Imo two options:

a) Mikkelsen signed for another team and they either don't want him to start (Toyota) or Adamo got pissed about him signing elsewhere and changed to Breen as he is likely to run some events for them next season

Thierry and Ott will do full seasons, Dani 7 rallies and Loeb 6. So we have one event left over, unless they enter 4 cars but that seems unreal and illogical anyway. So in all honesty, what would Mikkelsen do in Hyundai next season? Adamo can't be pissed about anything.

Leaving Andreas out of Australia means just one thing IMO – he's out of Hyundai. Adamo said that after signing Ott they're still negotiating with Craig and Andreas. Preferring Breen to Mikkelsen means that Adamo has set his sights on Craig and it's logical that Breen would take pretty much whatever is thrown at him. His whole 2019 season has been like that.

[Japé]

Actually looking forward this rally pretty eagerly. Rally is driven in so spectacular landscape and usually drivers have been here more relaxed in pre-event activities and giving out more in interviews. And then when rally starts most will drive flat out since there is not much to hold back in this season finale.

[Eli]

I know this has less to do with this year's rally, but I was wondering, how come Perth left the WRC scene after 2006, was it because of them trying to be environmental friendly? Also, does anyone know/has an idea where to next for Rally Australia after this year's edition?

[Japé]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rally_Australia

"The 2006 rally held on 26 to 29 October was the final one staged in Western Australia. It was cancelled by the holders of the rally contract, the Western Australia Tourism Commission after the then ruling Australian Labor Party decided to withdraw funding, despite widespread support for the rally, the largest annual international event held in Perth, to continue."

[denkimi]

He wasn't really off the road, just slightly touched a bank with very low tyre pressure early in the stage and knocked the air out
Did he hit something that he was not supposed to hit and did that caused those punctures or not?

Just like his crash last year was not due to the tractor. It was due to him coming in the next corner way too fast.

Both times it was his fault and his fault only.

[Katvala]

One might argue that the tractor was a factor that contributed to him crashing by distraction

But in the end yeah, it's still his fault for crashing

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[SubaruNorway]

Did he hit something that he was not supposed to hit and did that caused those punctures or not?

Just like his crash last year was not due to the tractor. It was due to him coming in the next corner way too fast.

Both times it was his fault and his fault only.

Forward facing onboard is not there anymore but he did hit the bank lightly, i think it's the one at 7sec in on SS10 and he mentioned the puncture at 2:05min. His fault, I'm just saying he was not offroad like it was said.

[EstWRC]

Paddon livery

https://scontent.fhen1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/74358012_2601517116574600_6671532696998510592_o.jp g?_nc_cat=111&_nc_oc=AQkt_mfoTeuAUicsHobfVcIl91zibQXzO_Ri5N0aYDI NMhFtUx8MIfUJCAWGO9XEpAA&_nc_ht=scontent.fhen1-1.fna&oh=15f7fe41d05f48654503ed2cc07577bc&oe=5E60C286

[raybak]

Snowing down at Targa High country down south and still bushfires around the Coffs Area. I'm hoping the highway isn't closed for my drive up to Coffs.

[raybak]

Just through opn the news. Highway is closed on the Central Coast. High Temps over 35C and in Victoria they are having snow storms. Some big extremes today and only 900km apart.

[Zeakiwi2]

Could put an overlay of the fire map on the rally area.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me

Someone wrote on the fb that the State Forests are closed to public access in parts of NSW??

Does that mean potentially no recce or only farm area stages or no rally if the conditions do not change? (Almost always rains for part of the rally at coffs?)

Coast only 3mm of rain forecast before recce, more rain inland??
https://rainfall.willyweather.com.au/nsw/mid-north-coast/coffs-harbour.html

VOR today in some quite different conditions at targa high country, vic (Run a winter rally in Aus in November instead?)
https://youtu.be/6rQyDaU1qpc

[pantealex]

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RA19-Entrylist_FIA-approved-15102019-Amended-071119.pdf

22 cars left, Kopecky is officially out :(

only 17 FIA-cars, must be near modern times lowest number ???

[meh]

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RA19-Entrylist_FIA-approved-15102019-Amended-071119.pdf

22 cars left, Kopecky is officially out :(

only 17 FIA-cars, must be near modern times lowest number ???

Correlates with amount of spectators?

[raybak]

A lot of NSW crews were planning on leaving today or tomorrow to head up including me. If the highway is closed that won't be happening. Ray

[raybak]

At least one stage is affected at the moment. A stage commander let me know and will keep on updates.

[Zeakiwi2]

Conditions are expected to be worse on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. With Australian liability laws, think everyone is more likely to be in a hotel swimming pool next week than out doing recce. (quite some 'in-car' video)

https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/hairraising-video-shows-firefighters-responding-to-nsw-inferno/news-story/9f767ceffa809f28fb60b8895619d399

[EstWRC]

Will it go ahead after all?

[Zeakiwi2]

Extract from article below.
“We are seeing situations in NSW (november 2019)with these fires we have not seen before and of course concerns remain mainly around the Glen Innes area and also Port Macquarie and Taree regions and the townships around those communities.”


https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/news/multiple-homes-destroyed-as-fires-burn-out-of-control-across-nsw/news-story/0eb834fd17ea93199faa7919606a9832

[Zeakiwi2]

Mr VOR (canny scot figured out which event to go to) in Vic, Aus - targa high country day 2. (Would have been cool to have had a Formula Libre wrc aus event, wrc cars being chased on tarmac by dodge vipers.
https://youtu.be/Xn9tRs3Folo

Usually pretty bad if 'out of state' fire personnel are moved in. ACT fire people go to nsw
https://www.portnews.com.au/story/6483428/act-queanbeyan-firefighters-lend-a-much-appreciated-hand/?cs=257&fbclid=IwAR3cmzfbdQczX9oNK4vghTgX-QWA7xzldvGwEUZJK8CAVG2Qg3x_7L9Rscw

Road closures
https://www.news.com.au/national/full-list-of-road-closures-affected-by-fires-in-queensland-new-south-wales/news-story/d5aca6f95e16e62ffee63545fd04c094

[CahunaKiwi]

Bulletin issued last night to the national competitors, the National competition running behind the WRC field has been cancelled due to the fires. The WRC competition will continue.

https://i.redd.it/fgwp9s2arnx31.jpg

Earlier, another bulletin was issued outlining changes to the itinerary which would make the event a 2-day event (Saturday/Sunday only), potentially using some different roads. This was issued for the National competitors but I would imagine also applies to the WRC side of things:

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-National-Communique-2-for-publication.pdf

(source for both updates are from https://www.reddit.com/user/BengalDamian/ on Reddit)

EDIT: from another person close to the event: "We have been told rally will be cancelled totally if fires are still bad this week as they cannot run with fire and emergency services committed to fire"

[the sniper]

Obviously sorry for the people there, but thank goodness the Drivers Championship was sorted in Spain at least...

[wrc2017]

Obviously sorry for the people there, but thank goodness the Drivers Championship was sorted in Spain at least...

Very true.

Also the PR of a Rally taking place against the background, doesn't look good for anyone.

[AnttiL]

So sad for Paddon if the rally is cancelled...

Some reports say the Saturday stages are mostly affected, so the alternate two-day itinerary could have Friday stages moved to Saturday.

[the sniper]

So sad for Paddon if the rally is cancelled...

Yeah, almost unbelievable unlucky.

[doubled1978]

Yeah, almost unbelievable unlucky.

I came to post this exact thing, if the event gets canned I don’t know what he has to do....poor bloke.
let’s hope that things can work out for the event, and mostly for the locals affected by the fires of course.

[wrc2017]

Bush Fire map

https://www.unorthodox.com.au/fire/#?p=-29.8892,151.825,-28.0167,152.9903&z=9&s=ct&t=1573332413&v=1

[raybak]

Well I won't be going now. Will be helping fight fires. Ray

[wrc2017]

Well I won't be going now. Will be helping fight fires. Ray

Seen some videos on news from fire fighters... Scary stuff. Keep safe.

[the sniper]

Well I won't be going now. Will be helping fight fires. Ray

Sorry to hear that mate, all the best out there.

[Zeakiwi2]

Twitter forecast fire ratings for Tuesday. for NSW.

https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1193411145203212288/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.abc.net.au%2Fnews%2F2019-11-10%2Fnsw-weather-conditions-ease-but-high-risk-fires-expected%2F11690080

[KiwiWRCfan]

Just posted by Rally Australia Media Manager
https://rallyaustralia.com.au/rally-australia-hopes-wrc-event-will-go-ahead/

[pantealex]

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/RA19-Entrylist_FIA-approved-15102019-Amended-071119.pdf

22 cars left, Kopecky is officially out :(

only 17 FIA-cars, must be near modern times lowest number ???

only 21 cars, #72 Molly Taylor withdrawn
since National event was cancelled, probably more will come, because no national points in offer.

[wrc2017]

The rally will be reduced to super specials.. I can't see them going into the forest now

[AnttiL]

If the rally runs in less than 75% of planned distance, points are halved. Hyundai would get closer to the title straight away

[mknight]

If points are halved it would be basically impossible for Hyundai to loose the title. Even with Toyota 1-2 they'd only need 6 points.
When you finish as last two manu cars you get 3+2=5 points (with half points being handed out). So even with two cars in superrally and one completely out they would still have very good chance.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJBkheqXkAAx3iE?format=jpg&name=medium

[skarderud]

Is this rally really going to take place?
It is a catastrophe warning out the coming week, with above 30 degrees, and strong wind incoming.
80 wildfires in NSW, all of firefighters is out in the forrests, no emergencyforces is "free" to attend the rally.


Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[tommeke_B]

It's also an ethical question. Should you be using those emergency people to hold a rally, while they could be helping citizens who's lives and homes are threatened because of these fires?

[Eli]

I would just straight up cancel the event, with all due respect to the WRC, these bush fires are way more a pressing matter at the moment, and NSW should be focusing that imho.

[mknight]

Well imagine it doesn't get cancelled and you get tv pictures of cars driving trough burn-out forests overlapping with tv coverage of people who lost their homes.

Great PR for all involved.

(Note: I have little idea how the situation actually looks like, just listing the worst case)

[doubled1978]

Well imagine it doesn't get cancelled and you get tv pictures of cars driving trough burn-out forests overlapping with tv coverage of people who lost their homes.

Great PR for all involved.

(Note: I have little idea how the situation actually looks like, just listing the worst case)

Yeah on the face of it, there doesn’t seem to be much of a case for running the rally.
I saw a map of the known bushfires now and Coffs Harbour is basically surrounded, so even if some of the specific sections the rally is using are thus far unaffected, it doesn’t really seem right to hold an international sporting event in the middle of all of this.

[Grundo Farb]

Cancelled my car booking to drive from Sydney to coffs yesterday as the main road to drive there is closed because of the fires, I then booked flights to coffs instead. Then last night after I read more of the reports I have changed my flights to go on holiday somewhere else completely instead, this rally is done unfortunately. I have pretty much made every effort to go as I was very keen to attend but A) it’s not safe and B) won’t be much to spectate...

Can’t see many people causally going along to it.

[EstWRC]

this is whats left of it at the moment. waiting for FIA approval

https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CoC-Communication-3.pdf


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJEtyw-UwAEDPnI?format=jpg&name=small

[AnttiL]

That is just one forest stage, half of Argents Hill, driven three times in both directions (Graces and Allens). The rest are super specials.

Both super specials are also made longer than they were supposed to be, possibly just added more laps.

The organizers probably lose a lot of money if they don't run any rally at all. I try to understand the situation in all aspects.

[EstWRC]

So with that Hyundai basically confirmed as manu champs because only half the points awarded?

[er88]

What a joke

[Allez Andruet]

What a joke

The circumstances are far from joke.

But thank god the drivers' title was decided in Catalunya.

[er88]

Just bin the event. I feel sorry the families affected by the fires, we should respect their struggles and how stretched the emergency services are.

There were only about 5 folk who attended the event anyway so it's no great loss to area as a whole (sorry to our aussie faithful). Scrap the event as it's nothing in the grand scheme of what's going on, and running super specials is a fucking pisstake anyway. The event has never worked and at least New Zealand will bring back classic roads, even if it again won't be very well attended. But it has the heritage.

Would like to see Australia back in another capacity at a later date, a WRC event should be able to work over there but hasn't really in Coffs if we looks at exposure etc.

[er88]

The circumstances are far from joke.

But thank god the drivers' title was decided in Catalunya.I know. But the itinerary is the definition of a joke. They should have more respect - one, for the people suffering and the emergency services that have been pushed to the absolute limit ( as well as all the volunteers etc).

And secondly, have some respect to the rallying community instead of putting on a procession of super specials padded out over 3 days ffs. Rallying means nothing in these circumstances, especially when the drivers title has been wrapped up as you mentioned.

[meh]

I can not see the logic how this rally could take place in current situation. To take whatever amount of rescue service away from fighting with wild fires is not acceptable.

In general there is quite big risk that some rally car / spectator / whatever-rally-related may start new fire. If new fire starts, even if it's not started or related with WRC event, fingers start pointing to WRC event and it's easy to use it as "anti-campaign" against non-nature-friendly sport activity.

[AndyRAC]

Just pull it; in the grand scheme of things, it is not important. It could become a PR disaster (for the event, and the sport) , so be proactive and cancel the event. All resources are needed to help fight the fires - not if a car goes off and goes up in flames.

[T16]

Agree 100% with all the posts about it being cancelled. Those in charge will see it the same way. Only a matter of time before they can it, hopefully.

[Katvala]

Well it challenges the typical statement of "you can't win in it on a Super special, but you sure can lose it" when almost the whole rally is set on super specials

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Doon]

Imagine a situation similar to Portugal 2016 where Tanak and Paddon's accidents caused fires. I agree with other sentiments, rallying is not important in a situation this drastic.

[Rallyper]

Just cancel. Just do it.

Agree to wise words here. NSW is not the place to hold a WRC rally atm.

[denkimi]

There's no point in running such a short rally on sss anyway.

[Katvala]

Well, it is something for those who shows up for the super specials anyway.
But this means... It's primarily a tarmac rally now?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[AnttiL]

Well, it is something for those who shows up for the super specials anyway.
But this means... It's primarily a tarmac rally now?

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

Still half of the length are gravel forest stages and the super specials are mixed surface

[Fast Eddie WRC]

If not a cancellation, maybe just run the SSS for the fans as a demonstration. Be a pity to do nothing after travelling all that way.

[meh]

If not a cancellation, maybe just run the SSS for the fans as a demonstration. Be a pity to do nothing after travelling all that way.

For fans... this is another part of the problem. As I understood (and sorry if I misunderstood) then road from Sydney is closed due to bush-fires, then how fans are going there? More fans, higher risk, more pressure for rescue service.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ERC Hungary affected by biblical rain yesterday... now WRC Australia by wildfires.... maybe it really is the climate-change end of days for rally ! :(

[tc10a]

Still half of the length are gravel forest stages and the super specials are mixed surface

Destination NSW is nearly complete tarmac.
Raleigh approx 50%

[doubled1978]

Sadly this is one of those horrible situations where whatever the organisation does will be wrong...
I guess my view is that if they can run that schedule safely without compromising any local requirements then that is the best of a bad set of options. Whether it should actually be a considered a WRC event however is another matter...

[Eli]

Just cancel the event, for both the safety of the crews and to attend the fires which are way more important at this point of time, as previously mentioned, they pretty much wrapped the championship back in Spain, I honestly don't know how can you run such an event when your country is literally on fire.

[AnttiL]

Destination NSW is nearly complete tarmac.

Yeah, but there's some sand on the gravel typically. I would say about 25-30% of the rally is now tarmac, but a bigger change is that almost 50% is slow super specials.

There could also be some tarmac patches on the forest stages, I'm not sure which parts of Argents Hill they would use.

[tc10a]

I'm not sure which parts of Argents Hill they would use.

Allens and Graces use the first 8-9km (approx.) of the former stage Argents Hills Reverse (both directions)

[AnttiK7]

I really struggle to see anything positive that could come out of running this event in any shape or form. On the other hand, in the worst case scenario it could end up becoming an unmitigated PR-disaster that will really damage the sport in a big way. Taking risks like this is the last thing that WRC should do in the current political climate. And also for me personally, even if everything goes smoothly, the proposed route of 99% super specials while the forests are in flames is just completely tasteless from every possible angle that I try to look at it.

I hope all short-term interests are put aside and a sensible decision is reached asap with cancelling the event altogether.

[Rallyper]

I really struggle to see anything positive that could come out of running this event in any shape or form. On the other hand, in the worst case scenario it could end up becoming an unmitigated PR-disaster that will really damage the sport in a big way. Taking risks like this is the last thing that WRC should do in the current political climate. And also for me personally, even if everything goes smoothly, the proposed route of 99% super specials while the forests are in flames is just completely tasteless from every possible angle that I try to look at it.

I hope all short-term interests are put aside and a sensible decision is reached asap with cancelling the event altogether.

+10

[Rally Power]

Rally Australia organizer deserve all the support but the idea of running a 94 stage kms route on a 3 day full schedule as a WRC event seems totally inadequate and impossible to get FIA’s approval.

Once the teams are already in place and their safety wouldn’t be compromised on the SSS’s, maybe there’s room to arrange some sort of rally demonstration during the weekend, as a tribute and a fund raising event for the families affected by the fires.

[ggg377]

I also think cancellation would be perfectly reasonable. Rallying is already drawing the attention of environment activists and to have a rally with burning forests and smoke in the background would be a terrible call. If only 1/3 of the points are available, nothing can change in the leaderboards. Mäkinen and maybe Ogier will complain, but the bigger picture is more important.

[Winner]

Postpone it for a week???

[Tauri_J]

Postpone it for a week???

not a chance these days, and how's that gonna help? Next week will be bone dry also

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I like that idea of demo runs on SSS with proceeds to the emergency services. Good PR and something for fans.

Cancellation would also avoid any awkwardness for Tanak trying to beat his new team.

[Tarmop]

I also think cancellation would be perfectly reasonable. Rallying is already drawing the attention of environment activists and to have a rally with burning forests and smoke in the background would be a terrible call. If only 1/3 of the points are available, nothing can change in the leaderboards. Mäkinen and maybe Ogier will complain, but the bigger picture is more important.

Why should Ogier complain? Well, more likely he will complain about how things are being done now. I would.

[Tauri_J]

Cancellation would also avoid any awkwardness for Tanak trying to beat his new team.

I think the only one who feels awkard is you.

[ggg377]

Ogier voiced the intention to challenge the 2nd place of WDC in Australia. Well, with the shortened event and only 1/3 points available, it's over for both Ogier and Toyota. So the event will be pointless anyway.

[greencroft]

These are tragic times for the local inhabitants of that area and their economy and environment. Going ahead with the event, even in a reduced form seems to me to be a major own goal in terms of negative PR for the event and the wider sport. Maybe the organisers have submitted their revised plans to the FIA in the hope that the FIA actually decline them which may have a bearing on how the event cancellation insurance policy kicks in - if it can be because of a regulatory issue rather than a weather issue?

If cancellation beckons or even if the event runs in this reduced format, from a rally perspective the one I feel most sorry for is Hayden Paddon. To have missed out on drives in a competitive WRC car in both Finland and now Australia could see his WRC dreams at an end.

[Tarmop]

Ogier voiced the intention to challenge the 2nd place of WDC in Australia. Well, with the shortened event and only 1/3 points available, it's over for both Ogier and Toyota. So the event will be pointless anyway.

Where? I don`t recall that he has said he is keen to get 2nd place in WDC...win in Australia he would like very much ofc.

[denkimi]

If cancellation beckons or even if the event runs in this reduced format, from a rally perspective the one I feel most sorry for is Hayden Paddon. To have missed out on drives in a competitive WRC car in both Finland and now Australia could see his WRC dreams at an end.
He could use the budget he saves on this rally on some rally next year.

[deephouse]

Half of budget was probably spend already to attend the rally. Could competitiors get back start fines if rally is cancelled?

[mknight]

I would also say that the organizers presented a close to ridiculous plan to FIA "hoping" it gets cancelled.

[ggg377]

Where? I don`t recall that he has said he is keen to get 2nd place in WDC...win in Australia he would like very much ofc.

https://sport.delfi.ee/wrc/article.php?id=88019017

Here it's said he would like to win and challenge the WDC second place and starting behind Tänak and Neuville will give him the chance. Source is cited as "press release". Nov 9.

Of course with the recent developments this is already out of the window (unless the shortened rally happens and Neuville gets 0 points and Ogier gets maximum).

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJEjttbUYAEJj7T?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJEjttXUYAAA5rq?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJEjtteU0AEiV_n?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This is Latvala's last chance to win a WRC rally this season. The last year he never won a WRC rally was 2007 !

[Allez Andruet]

This is Latvala's last chance to win a WRC rally this season. The last year he never won a WRC rally was 2007 !

And the last - and only - time Finns didn't win a single rally was in 1995. Mightily embarrassing.

[mknight]

In addition the highest placed Finn is 7th in the championship.

Might this be the reason why Kalle gets so much hype and possibly drives full season as 3rd driver from the start?

[Allez Andruet]

In addition the highest placed Finn is 7th in the championship.

Might this be the reason why Kalle gets so much hype and possibly drives full season as 3rd driver from the start?

I don't think it's THE reason, but it might play a part in it. While it's true the Finns (and the Finnish press) have been waiting for a new Mäkinen or Kankkunen for a while, Kalle (due to his unique story) would have always had that something that makes someone a household name.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Not sure if it’s been shown

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191111/4a2ad1744cb8e7f517f041427068b027.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

Also
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191111/dd21c7649c43a26291f20925e203a3e6.jpg

[GigiGalliNo1]

Just cancel the event, for both the safety of the crews and to attend the fires which are way more important at this point of time, as previously mentioned, they pretty much wrapped the championship back in Spain, I honestly don't know how can you run such an event when your country is literally on fire.


The whole country isn’t

Coffs isn’t

Just west and south of the town.

Many people have committed and flown to Australia. Yes, I’d cancel it if every single stage was dangerous to drive to and from (for spectators) let along drive on for competitors.

[SubaruNorway]

Looks like it's burning just 5km from Argents Hill?
https://sentinel.ga.gov.au/#/

Use the bar at the bottom to see how fast it goes from day to day
https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/?v=150.52620117104678,-32.17960017829172,154.65604765614543,-29.982751284135063&t=2019-11-11-T22%3A00%3A00Z&l=Reference_Labels,Reference_Features,Coastlines,V IIRS_SNPP_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor(hidden),M ODIS_Aqua_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor,MODIS_Ter ra_CorrectedReflectance_TrueColor

[T16]

No way this is going ahead:

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147097/wrc-teams-angry-rally-australia-not-yet-cancelled

[CahunaKiwi]

Here's the predicted fire spread for today. If the predictions do play out in reality then Coffs Harbour is basically isolated. I can't see how they could possibly run the rally, either physically or morally.

https://twitter.com/NSWRFS/status/1194031586150211585
http://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/121595/North-East-Fires-Prediction-1000.pdf (higher res pdf version)

[Andre Oliveira]

Cancelled

[CahunaKiwi]

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147098/wrc-finale-cancelled-due-to-fires-in-australia

[er88]

Binned. Right decision but at least a few days too late.

[fredfush]

Binned. Right decision but at least a few days too late.

Now official https://rallyaustralia.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/CoC-Decision-1-vF.pdf

[KKS]

I like that WORLD rally championship trying to be more world, but I prefere another rally in safe Europe rather than this.
But anyway in this situation in Australia - it's good desicion, no doubts.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Official

This is from a few hours ago.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191112/c355d7291be556099a2edd78d4418d1b.jpg

[Arnold Triyudho Wardono]

So Catalunya became the final round of this season..

Sent from my Redmi 6 using Tapatalk

[KKS]

Orga till now: "This is fine. All gonna be OK"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oBx7Jg4m-o

[robertr]

It was definitely a right decision.

But for a rally fan... still a bit anticlimatic end to a fantastic season.

[able1]

In addition the highest placed Finn is 7th in the championship.

Might this be the reason why Kalle gets so much hype and possibly drives full season as 3rd driver from the start?

Too much hype about Kalle , while i dont have doubts about his talent it will still take several full seasons to make a event winner (if) out of him. And then several seasons to become wdc (if he ever gets there) . I remember all the hype about Suninen and Lappi all too clearly. Even JML was looking like a prodigy in his young days.....

[er88]

Too much hype about Kalle , while i dont have doubts about his talent it will still take several full seasons to make a event winner (if) out of him. And then several seasons to become wdc (if he ever gets there) . I remember all the hype about Suninen and Lappi all too clearly. Even JML was looking like a prodigy in his young days.....Hmm remember Lappi won in Finland in his first season and after only a few events (I cant remember the exact amount). And Makinen and a lot of rallying people believe Kalle has more natural talent than either Lappi, Suninen etc.

I believe Kalle will have a few events where he is really, really good and I don't think it's too much of a stretch to think he can win events in his first two years. But he will also have other events where he is quite a bit off the pace and gets a reality check, which should all be part of his development.

[mknight]

Lappi won his 4th WRC rally yes (due to Latvala ECU issue) ... and then hasn't won since. Turkey this year was first time he had a chance, 2 years later.

Suninen won a stage on his first WRC rally and first 2 years later in Sardinia he got one 2nd place.

So both are more a confirmation that you can't be champion/regular podium contender out of the box.

[ggg377]

Good call. Bummed for Australia and the drivers, but it was the only viable choice.

[EstWRC]

No way this is going ahead:

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147097/wrc-teams-angry-rally-australia-not-yet-cancelled

"Travel to Coffs Harbour is increasingly difficult with flights out of Sydney delayed amid speculation the airport in Coffs will be closed."

so i guess its just matter of time if the teams get out there or not? I dont get why the decision took so long, it was clear to see its not going to happen. The fire didnt come just overnight, i read reports already last week from twitter.

E: just read from estonian media that they are trapped, there are no flights because of smoke

[meh]

The one and only decision to take.

Only feeling a bit for Paddon.

As "the job interview" is cancelled (Breen, Paddon, Latvala, Meeke, Evans, Suninen, Mikkelsen, ..who-else-is-without-announced-contract..), we can continue with intence Silly Season :)

[Co-FIN]

..

[KKS]

"Travel to Coffs Harbour is increasingly difficult with flights out of Sydney delayed amid speculation the airport in Coffs will be closed."

so i guess its just matter of time if the teams get out there or not? I dont get why the decision took so long, it was clear to see its not going to happen. The fire didnt come just overnight, i read reports already last week from twitter.

E: just read from estonian media that they are trapped, there are no flights because of smoke
It could be a water transport as it's a ocean coast ;)
To be honest big fire came from nowhere, and I suppose that org didn't expect that small area of small fire lead to something bigger

[Grutz]

Cancelling rally was only real option. Decision should have been made on Sunday. Gutted for Paddon. Here is financial input into 2 rallies where he did not even reach start line this year! NZ$600,000 = $350,000 Euro!

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/hayden-paddon-concedes-wrc-career-all-but-over-after-rally-australia-cancelled?auto=6102812389001

[Tarmop]

He didn't use the car so it's intact and done 0 SS km...there is testing, logistics, fees and that kind of stuff, but for sure a lot less than 175k (350:2).

[Eli]

So Catalunya became the final round of this season..

Sent from my Redmi 6 using Tapatalk

Just like in 2012.

[rallyfiend]

Cancelling rally was only real option. Decision should have been made on Sunday. Gutted for Paddon. Here is financial input into 2 rallies where he did not even reach start line this year! NZ$600,000 = $350,000 Euro!

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/sport/motorsport/hayden-paddon-concedes-wrc-career-all-but-over-after-rally-australia-cancelled?auto=6102812389001

Why should they have cancelled on Sunday? This is a government financed event. It's not the sort of thing you just unilaterally decide to cancel.

And what's the benefit of cancelling on Sunday versus trying everything to run an event and cancel on Tuesday. After all, It's only Tuesday of rally week.

All the people and equipment would have already been there.

[Rallyper]

Rally GB should´ve been last in calendar. Rally Aus in september is much better option.

[Eli]

Rally GB should've been last in calendar. Rally Australia in September is much better option.

I agree but Australia organizers were very keen after 2015 to be the closing rally of the season so they did exactly that for 3 years.

[Katvala]

Could make rally Australia a snow rally next time it's on the calendar ;)

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Camelopard]

Rally GB should´ve been last in calendar. Rally Aus in september is much better option.

Long time no talk, but I have been reading over the years and of course attending rallies, so glad that the greek is no longer part of things

When the rally was last run in Sept, the commentators at Wedding Bells said it was hoped that the rally would move to Nov. I thought it was a terrible decision and said to them that bush fires could become an issue, unfortunately my worst fears have been realised.

We got to Buladelah, just south of Taree, all roads north were cut. So turned around and are heading home.

Feel gutted for Hayden, what does the poor bloke have to do? Anyway the rally is better off in NZ and I'll be there next year.

The news currently says there are 70 fires burning in NSW alone, 9 critical, with a third out of control and 5 people have been charged for lighting fires!

[EstWRC]

World Rally Championship teams will distribute unused food to the local Coffs Harbour community before returning to Europe following the cancellation of Rally Australia.

The event was cancelled on Tuesday due to bush fires spreading through New South Wales, having initially had its route dramatically shortened in a bit to to hold the event.

The rally organiser and WRC Promoter have put together a series of opportunities for the crews to give something back to some of the people who have been affected by the fires.

WRC Promoter managing director Oliver Ciesla told Autosport: "Our first thoughts are for all of the people who have had their lives touched and impacted by the events which have unfolded in the Coffs Harbour and wider New South Wales areas.

"It's a terrible situation which has been very, very difficult for people locally.

"Since they arrived in Australia, the crews have been very aware of this situation and the position the local people have been put in by the fires.

"They wanted to give something back to a community which has always welcomed them, the rally and the championship."

The crews will gather to meet local fans at a signing session in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday before heading to a Red Cross Evacuation Centre on the outskirts of the city where the team's unused food - bought in preparation for the next week - will be distributed.

Ciesla added: "So many people have lost so much in the last week, so many people have been evacuated from their homes and left with nothing.

"This is something we can do, a way of helping in a very small way."

Autosport understands the vast majority of the refunded entry fees have been donated to the Rural Fire Service.

The WRC's gala evening in Sydney, planned for Monday night, has also been cancelled.


https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147105/wrc-teams-to-donate-rally-australia-food

[T16]

World Rally Championship teams will distribute unused food to the local Coffs Harbour community before returning to Europe following the cancellation of Rally Australia.

The event was cancelled on Tuesday due to bush fires spreading through New South Wales, having initially had its route dramatically shortened in a bit to to hold the event.

The rally organiser and WRC Promoter have put together a series of opportunities for the crews to give something back to some of the people who have been affected by the fires.

WRC Promoter managing director Oliver Ciesla told Autosport: "Our first thoughts are for all of the people who have had their lives touched and impacted by the events which have unfolded in the Coffs Harbour and wider New South Wales areas.

"It's a terrible situation which has been very, very difficult for people locally.

"Since they arrived in Australia, the crews have been very aware of this situation and the position the local people have been put in by the fires.

"They wanted to give something back to a community which has always welcomed them, the rally and the championship."

The crews will gather to meet local fans at a signing session in Coffs Harbour on Wednesday before heading to a Red Cross Evacuation Centre on the outskirts of the city where the team's unused food - bought in preparation for the next week - will be distributed.

Ciesla added: "So many people have lost so much in the last week, so many people have been evacuated from their homes and left with nothing.

"This is something we can do, a way of helping in a very small way."

Autosport understands the vast majority of the refunded entry fees have been donated to the Rural Fire Service.

The WRC's gala evening in Sydney, planned for Monday night, has also been cancelled.


https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/147105/wrc-teams-to-donate-rally-australia-food

Now that’s how to do it. Chapeau.

[Rallyper]

Long time no talk, but I have been reading over the years and of course attending rallies, so glad that the greek is no longer part of things

When the rally was last run in Sept, the commentators at Wedding Bells said it was hoped that the rally would move to Nov. I thought it was a terrible decision and said to them that bush fires could become an issue, unfortunately my worst fears have been realised.

We got to Buladelah, just south of Taree, all roads north were cut. So turned around and are heading home.

Feel gutted for Hayden, what does the poor bloke have to do? Anyway the rally is better off in NZ and I'll be there next year.

The news currently says there are 70 fires burning in NSW alone, 9 critical, with a third out of control and 5 people have been charged for lighting fires!

Yeah. Long time. In Porto Service Park 2017 I reccon. Glad to hear from you and that you are alright. I´ll DM you in a minute or so.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Flights out of Coffs were cancelled today.

I couldn’t leave Sydney as flights to Coffs were cancelled.

Australian Rally Teams and Australian media drove out of Coffs in Convoy.

International WRC media left Coffs in the early afternoon as air quality decreased and they became sick.

Due to road closures they had to Micky Mouse on roads and highways, fires jumped across roads so both sides became dangerous.

Later finding out that some towns they drove through and past to drive south towards Sydney were destroyed by the fires! Also blocked and closed hence having to drive backwards and then around...

Weather overnight, which is now; is changing to cooler winds but the direction changes too which is not great because now the fires will move faster.

I never got to Coffs Harbour only seeing the sky from above. This was over the bush fires and across Sydney and NSW.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20191112/4745c2294dc1cecb71c4eb3d7134a8db.jpg

[jparker]

I don't remember WRC rally cancelled in the past. Is that the first one?

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[Fredouye]

I don't remember WRC rally cancelled in the past. Is that the first one?

Sent from my SM-N950F using TapatalkIt's the 9th cancelled event : https://www.rallye-sport.fr/les-annulations-en-wrc-depuis-sa-creation-en-1973/

[Katvala]

I remember well China getting cancelled due to weather

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[racerx1979]

I remember well China getting cancelled due to weather

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

China was canceled due to Chinese politics. Hence why WRC never gave them a second chance, but I'm glad it went that way. Anyways, we have NZ on the calendar which will be great along with JP. I heard the JP stages were pretty amazing from an insider Finn crew at TGR so that is great.

[jparker]

China was canceled due to Chinese politics. Hence why WRC never gave them a second chance, but I'm glad it went that way. Anyways, we have NZ on the calendar which will be great along with JP. I heard the JP stages were pretty amazing from an insider Finn crew at TGR so that is great.They are so close to NZ right now .....

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Jamie Ackland
@ktuluz
·
38m
its great to see @thierryneuville and @OttTanak out doing community meets etc today.. i mean really they could have just went home? thanks for the kind words and just meeting people and putting a smile on their face.. good work everyone!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJOphoMU8AMIO4t?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJOphoNUUAAqVg2?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJOr867UEAAq0sI?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJNkm5lUUAAEQO1?format=jpg&name=large

[Rallyper]

I don't remember WRC rally cancelled in the past. Is that the first one?

Sent from my SM-N950F using Tapatalk

Rally Sweden 1990. Due to lack of cold and snow.

However not this close before rally.

[turves]

Jamie Ackland
@ktuluz
·
38m
its great to see @thierryneuville and @OttTanak out doing community meets etc today.. i mean really they could have just went home? thanks for the kind words and just meeting people and putting a smile on their face.. good work everyone!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJOphoMU8AMIO4t?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJOphoNUUAAqVg2?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJOr867UEAAq0sI?format=jpg&name=4096x4096
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJNkm5lUUAAEQO1?format=jpg&name=large

I'm guessing they have the Gala night in Sydney on Monday again, so probably hanging around for that. But its good they are out and about spending time with people. Its an important thing to do

[Hartusvuori]

I'm guessing they have the Gala night in Sydney on Monday again, so probably hanging around for that. But its good they are out and about spending time with people. Its an important thing to do

It was announced yesterday that the Gala night is cancelled as well.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Teams are doing a fine job in showing support for the firefighters and the affected families & communities.

Makinen:
"To cancel the rally was absolutely the correct decision and one that we support entirely. Of course, the team originally came to Australia to try and fight for a championship but in these terrible circumstances we have not been thinking about that at all.

Our thoughts have only been with the people that have been affected by what has happened: This is far more important than any rally, so we really did not wish for it to go ahead.

“We want to help the situation in whatever way we can, and hope that people's lives can return to some level of normality as soon as possible.”

[GigiGalliNo1]

Gala cancelled

Awards for best photo, best lover, driver etc possibly at Autosport Launch in 2020.

[SubaruNorway]

I guess they did it over water maybe, but incredible that they put on a firework show in Sydney last night... https://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/twenty-minute-firework-display-on-sydney-harbour-during-total-fire-ban-leaves-locals-stunned-just-a-day-after-city-was-hit-by-catastrophic-blaze-conditions/ar-BBWHAoa?ocid=st

[EstWRC]

Gary Boyd
@KiwiWRCfan
·
10m
Coffs Advocate newspaper reports that 6 times World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier has pledged a big donation to the bushfire appeal. 2019 #WRC champion Ott Tanak has donated to the NSW Rural Fire Service.

https://twitter.com/KiwiWRCfan/status/1194683658809925632?s=20

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBUx2NfIhm0

[racerx1979]

This proves why rallies and rally people are generally nice and laid back crowd. Awesome to see the support. F1 guys would have flown back home in their choppers. Unless you're Ayrton Senna.... But he's the exception to the rule

[meh]

I just leave it here: https://twitter.com/WeatherNation/status/1193685775109410818
(video, how firefighters drive through the blazes)

[GigiGalliNo1]

Gala cancelled

Awards for best photo, best lover, driver etc possibly at Autosport Launch in 2020.

Livery! Not Lover haha

[robertr]

Livery! Not Lover haha

"And the title of Best Lover in WRC goes to Jari-Matti Latvala!"

Too soon?

[spark13]

Livery! Not Lover haha

I thought it was Latvala pin intended
Lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gary Boyd @KiwiWRCfan

Coffs Advocate newspaper reports that 6 times World Rally Champion Sébastien Ogier has pledged a big donation to the bushfire appeal.



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EJSLTdCUwAAJ6ms?format=jpg&name=900x900

[turves]

It was announced yesterday that the Gala night is cancelled as well.

Apologies, I missed that

[Lancia Stratos]

Later finding out that some towns they drove through and past to drive south towards Sydney were destroyed by the fires! ]

Completely and utterly untrue. Conditions were bad buit it wasn't the Armageddon that you try to make out.

[GigiGalliNo1]

Completely and utterly untrue. Conditions were bad buit it wasn't the Armageddon that you try to make out.

Ah... yes. So two colleagues drove from Coffs to Sydney and had plentiful of de-tours and didn’t drive past any fires on the side of the highways let alone through towns such as this one:


https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6104791174001

You’d be surprised what these fires can do!

More hectares of land were and still are on fire compared to the recent Amazon fires and California.

Luckily I couldn’t get on my flight to Coffs as they were cancelled in and out.

[Lancia Stratos]

I am perfectly aware of what these fires can do - and did.

Was the road from Sydney to Coffs closed in places? Yes.

Were their fires alongside the road. Yes.

Were flights into Coffs cancelled? Yes.

Were residents advised to leave their homes and stay in evacuation centres. Yes.

Did some residents very sadly lose their homes to the flames. Yes.

Were 'some towns they drove through and past to drive south towards Sydney destroyed by the fires'? No. Thankfully.

[Mk2 RS2000]

We live on the east coast of the South Island of NZ, about 2500 - 3000km away from the bush fire area of Australia. We are separated by just under 2000km of sea and the Southern Alps of NZ. This morning our sky is full of smoke and you can smell the burnt Bluegum smell in the air. Those fires are still burning wild.