[WRC] Rallye Monte Carlo 2021

[AnttiL]

Rallye Monte-Carlo 2021 Itinerary

Thursday January 21

Shakedown 3.35km 09:01

SS1 St Disdier – Corps (20.58km) 19:08

SS2 St Maurice – St Bonnet (20.84km) 20:06

Gap 21:01



Friday January 22

SS3 Aspremont – La Bâtie-des-Fonts 1 (19.72km) 08:36

SS4 Chalancon – Gumiane 1 (21.69km) 09:54

SS5 Montauban-sur-l’Ouvèze – Villebois-les-Pins 1 (22.44km) 11:27

Gap 12:57

SS6 Aspremont – La Bâtie-des-Fonts 2 (19.72km) 14:58

SS7 Chalancon – Gumiane 2 (21.69km) 16:16

SS8 Montauban-sur-l’Ouvèze – Villebois-les-Pins 2 (22.44km) 17:59

Gap 19:29



Saturday January 23

SS9 St Clément – Freissinières 1 (20.68km) 10:38

SS10 St Apollinaire – Embrun 1 (21.43km) 12:15

SS11 St Clément – Freissinières 2 (20.68km) 14:08

Gap 15:28

SS12 La Bréole – Selonnet (18.37km)18:09

Parc Fermé Monaco 22:09



Sunday January 24

SS13 La Maīris – Moulinet 1 (16.70km) 08:42

SS14 Col St-Jean – Col de l’Orme 1 (13.10km) 09:38

SS15 La Maīris – Moulinet 2 (16.70km) 10:38

Regroup Sospel 11:23

SS16 Col St-Jean – Col de l’Orme 2 (13.10km) 12:18

My thoughts:
- Start is again at Gap (and thus also shakedown on Thursday morning)
- 85% new to last year
- Thursday night stages North of Gap instead of going to Gap from Monaco
- Four stages are driven just once (two on Thursday, two on Saturday)
- The longest stage is only 22 kilometres long
- Col de Turini is driven from South-West to East.

[AnttiL]

Also I'm quite surprised they have decided to include again the stage where Tänak crashed last year. Remember, it was a new stage for this year and that was a super hyper fast section, it seemed outrageous just from looking at recce videos.

In addition, the "Les Tourniquets" hairpin climb from Bayons-Breziers is gone, as is the bankment/tunnel section of La Bollene-Vesubie.

[AndyRAC]

A shame they no longer run the 'full fat'/classic version of La Bollene Vesubie - Moulinet - Sospel.....

[AnttiL]

A shame they no longer run the 'full fat'/classic version of La Bollene Vesubie - Moulinet - Sospel.....

No, should be the other direction

[Mirek]

In my opinion an itinerary where all stages are +/- 20 km long is a good one (not discussing the particular route now). Maybe not bringing some super excitement in terms of some monstrous stage where everything is decided but IMHO that is good. The rally shall not be about one stage where half of the field crashes out or catches a puncture and the other half doesn't drive it at all after it is canceled. In this case all stages may have similar impact on the results.

[PLuto]

In my opinion an itinerary where all stages are +/- 20 km long is a good one (not discussing the particular route now). Maybe not bringing some super excitement in terms of some monstrous stage where everything is decided but IMHO that is good. The rally shall not be about one stage where half of the field crashes out or catches a puncture and the other half doesn't drive it at all after it is canceled. In this case all stages may have similar impact on the results.

For me it is ok to have stages around 20 km, but at least one should be little bit longer - at least 25 km, better around 30 :)

[AnttiL]

Monte did almost the same thing last year - only one once driven stage was 25 km long.

My preference would be to have about half of the stages from 15 to 25 km, one fourth stages from 5 to 15 km and one fourth stages over 25 km. Variety is good.

[dimviii]

Planetemarcus

#WRC We know the first name of the entrylist of next #RallyeMonteCarlo 2021 !!! François Delecour confirmed his participation there with #Alpine A110 R-GT ► https://bit.ly/3hOkmIx

[Eli]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/revised-finale-announced-for-monte/

A change for the final day following Storm Alex that hit the area between the 30th of September & the 4th of October.

[denkimi]

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/season-2020/wrc/revised-finale-announced-for-monte/

A change for the final day following Storm Alex that hit the area between the 30th of September & the 4th of October.

I don't get it. They change the route because there is a storm 2 months before the rally?

[Tom K]

Did you see what this "storm" has caused? Here you have... https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2020/10/photos-flooding-southeastern-france/616629/

[Sulland]

Did you see what this "storm" has caused? Here you have... https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2020/10/photos-flooding-southeastern-france/616629/

WOW, water can be a strong enemy. How long ago since a similar flood in that area?

[Eli]

Did you see what this "storm" has caused? Here you have... https://www.theatlantic.com/photo/2020/10/photos-flooding-southeastern-france/616629/

Yes I have, looks horrendous, reminds me of Corsica's flooding back in 2015 (just a few days before the rally was held).

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_11_2020/post-2707-0-34589700-1605916959.jpg

[Got Mail]

Does anyone know if gravel crew are allowed in WRC3 for2021 Monte?

[pantealex]

Does anyone know if gravel crew are allowed in WRC3 for2021 Monte?

I don´t think we have general WRC2/3 rules for 2021

WRC2 concept didn´t work 2020, so rules could change.

[rallyfiend]

Does anyone know if gravel crew are allowed in WRC3 for2021 Monte?

For Rallye Monte Carlo, every competitor is allowed to use a Route Note Car.

It's a rule of the ACM.

[doubled1978]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_11_2020/post-2707-0-34589700-1605916959.jpg

I know it’s been similar for some years, but I find only 4 stages on Saturday so disappointing....I know it’s because of the night stages on Thursday, but this is Monte Carlo, they do whatever they like and the FIA lets them...��

[denkimi]

I know it’s been similar for some years, but I find only 4 stages on Saturday so disappointing....I know it’s because of the night stages on Thursday, but this is Monte Carlo, they do whatever they like and the FIA lets them...��
they could fit the program in 3 days instead of 4.

but for many years the rather seem to have a lot of days with little km's instead of a few longer days. i don't like it, but it's their choice.

[AnttiL]

I know it’s been similar for some years, but I find only 4 stages on Saturday so disappointing....I know it’s because of the night stages on Thursday, but this is Monte Carlo, they do whatever they like and the FIA lets them...��
It's not only because of the night stages, it's also because the crews have a long liaison to Monaco in the evening and it takes time, that's why you have only half a day for special stages. 2017-2018 they went back for a second run of Bayons-Breziers and came back to Gap for service before the liaison. It's also worth remembering that for 2019 the maximum overall length of a rally was decreased from 400 to 350 km. In addition to taking off that fifth Saturday stage, it took off all long stages.

In 2016 they did Sisteron on the way to Monaco, without a service in between. I kind of liked that approach better. Then if you go back to 2014, they only had 15 stages from Thursday to Saturday evening.

Anyway, point being that Monte has never had a high number of stages in the modern era. I like that they're doing things differently, but it comes with a price (the drivers don't like the long liaisons and the spectators don't like the long break that it creates).

[AnttiL]

How cool would it be if they would do one round of the Turini stages on Saturday evening, in the darkness, after the long liaison? Then maybe sleep later on Sunday morning and do the stages only once in the daylight?

[wyler]

It's not only because of the night stages, it's also because the crews have a long liaison to Monaco in the evening and it takes time, that's why you have only half a day for special stages. 2017-2018 they went back for a second run of Bayons-Breziers and came back to Gap for service before the liaison. It's also worth remembering that for 2019 the maximum overall length of a rally was decreased from 400 to 350 km. In addition to taking off that fifth Saturday stage, it took off all long stages.

In 2016 they did Sisteron on the way to Monaco, without a service in between. I kind of liked that approach better. Then if you go back to 2014, they only had 15 stages from Thursday to Saturday evening.

Anyway, point being that Monte has never had a high number of stages in the modern era. I like that they're doing things differently, but it comes with a price (the drivers don't like the long liaisons and the spectators don't like the long break that it creates).

In 2016 we were near the start of Sisteron, then we had the very bad idea to follow the stage and the rally route till Monaco to go to Braus for Sunday. It was terrible. After a day in the snow, nearly 400 km of bad road, complete darkness, ice and big gaps just outside the roads. i totally understand why they use this kind of timing and itinerary!

btw: sisteron is amazing as a stage. it was a nightmare for us on that occasion! big admiration to anyone who completed it at rally pace! : )

[dimviii]

Gryazin testing for Monte with polo r5
https://youtu.be/i_KXIpOEI-4

[EstWRC]

A few weeks before the 2021 edition, last reconnaissance on the roads of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence.//

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EooNzaNXYAAIAiB?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EooNzaUXIAEYMva?format=jpg&name=medium



https://twitter.com/ACM_Media/status/1335962273165164544

[Andre Oliveira]

News soon

https://scontent.fopo2-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/fr/cp0/e15/q65/130247267_985979148558632_2912637150894423285_o.jp g?_nc_cat=101&ccb=2&_nc_sid=9e2e56&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_ohc=yf1DHVwLNecAX_XXkEN&_nc_ht=scontent.fopo2-2.fna&tp=14&oh=2d4e886d377f0413ffab47f5a4c98910&oe=5FF3E87C

[Tarmop]

What kind of news?

[Eli]

What kind of news?

Perhaps entry list? don't forget we finished the season some 3 weeks later than usual.

[mknight]

Any confirmation about Sordo driving anywhere? He is clearly the most obvious choice, especially now with Monza experience. Breen is next, but with 0 WRC rallies in the car on tarmac and only one Belgian one it's quite a big risk, which doesn't sound very Adamo-like.

If Sordo enters it will clarify any rumors both about him and co-driver.

[AnttiL]

Perhaps entry list? don't forget we finished the season some 3 weeks later than usual.

Way too early...

[Tom K]

Any confirmation about Sordo driving anywhere? He is clearly the most obvious choice, especially now with Monza experience. Breen is next, but with 0 WRC rallies in the car on tarmac and only one Belgian one it's quite a big risk, which doesn't sound very Adamo-like.

If Sordo enters it will clarify any rumors both about him and co-driver.

In Spanish Top Motor TV show he said "things are good", and if he renew it will be partial program again. According to Marca Sara Fernandez could seat next to him.

He added also, if he start in Monte, 95 % chances he will do it with del Barrio again.

[dimviii]

https://www.rally.it/2020/12/neubauer-al-rallye-monte-carlo-2021

[Andre Oliveira]

Alpine:

F. Delecour
M. Bonfils
E. Guigou
P. Baffoun
C. Robert

[dimviii]

Guigu at photo

https://www.rally.it/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/x131462204_1876084282546401_7975561587747938876_n-696x479.jpg.pagespeed.ic.2bKueEaOAJ.webp


edit video testing with Guigu
https://youtu.be/Sz9uOu-5AsM

[Mirek]

edit video testing with Guigu
https://youtu.be/Sz9uOu-5AsM

That's some seriously brutal driving. Would love to see it live!

[dimviii]

That's some seriously brutal driving. Would love to see it live!

yes it was very good driving.Wait him and Robert to impress at dry tarmac.

[Fredouye]

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2020/12/14/rallye-monte-carlo-suppression-shakedown-de-speciale-de-st-appo-parc-d-assistance-speciales-huis-1473028

Still rumors, but I guess it will soon be confirmed :
- no public allowed in special stages and service park
- shakedown is cancelled
- thursday’s night stages will take place at 3 PM
- SS 10 is cancelled.

[PLuto]

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2020/12/14/rallye-monte-carlo-suppression-shakedown-de-speciale-de-st-appo-parc-d-assistance-speciales-huis-1473028

Still rumors, but I guess it will soon be confirmed :
- no public allowed in special stages and service park
- shakedown is cancelled
- thursday’s night stages will take place at 3 PM
- SS 10 is cancelled.

We will see if they will be able to save the event or it will be cancelled also...

[masa90]

Sounds pretty depressing to be honest.

[T16]

I’m hoping that if they’ve come up with a solution, it’s because they are going to run.
Fingers crossed anyway.

[Lancia Stratos]

Sounds pretty depressing to be honest.

Not at all. Monte-Carlo organisers are very confident.

[dimviii]

Not at all. Monte-Carlo organisers are very confident.

you cant be confident with covid,the Christmas period and the 3rd wave.

[dimviii]

nice livery

https://scontent.fcdg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131890751_10158931770719313_6631910960720032041_n. jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=gTT1g6U4HzkAX_QZleY&_nc_ht=scontent.fcdg2-1.fna&oh=7870889e6a501454ee7b2ce0a6600d17&oe=5FFF167C
https://scontent.fcdg2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/131521616_231741941646739_5176715205875979925_o.jp g?_nc_cat=108&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=iX1fkAXhcKEAX-CQ0XW&_nc_ht=scontent.fcdg2-1.fna&oh=8a488d09bb33a24cc8538372d76437fc&oe=5FFFBF96

[wwbroe]

So, tomorrow is the deadline for inscriptions for Rallye Monte Carlo, what can we expect?;)

[mknight]

Ideally we could expect more clarification about MSport (Are they entering as manu? Who are their drivers?)

But I think I remember that we also expected that last year and all we got was "TBD" for their drivers due to some "special" arrangement and got to know about Lappi first in January.

[AnttiL]

The entries may close tomorrow, but don't expect the list to be released soon :D

[Andre Oliveira]

But expected M-Sport news...

[Lancia Stratos]

The entries may close tomorrow, but don't expect the list to be released soon :D

11 January is the date

[Andre Oliveira]

Principaux engagés (liste ACM)

WRC

#8 – Ott TANAK / Martin JARVEÖJA – HYUNDAI i20 WRC
#11 – Thierry NEUVILLE / Nicolas GILSOUL – HYUNDAI i20 WRC
#6 – Dani SORDO /Carlos DEL BARRIO – HYUNDAI i20 WRC
#1 – Sébastien OGIER / Julien INGRASSIA – TOYOTA YARIS WRC
#33 – Elfyn EVANS / Scott MARTIN – TOYOTA YARIS WRC
#69 – Kalle ROVANPERÄ / Jonne HALTTUNEN – TOYOTA YARIS WRC
#18 – Takamoto KATSUTA / Daniel BARRITT – TOYOTA YARIS WRC
X/X – FORD FIESTA WRC – Annonce début janvier
X/X – FORD FIESTA WRC – Annonce début janvier
Pierre-Louis LOUBET / Vincent LANDAIS – HYUNDAI i20 WRC

WRC2

#89 – Andreas MIKKELSEN / Anders JAEGER-AMLAND – SKODA FABIA
Marco BULACIA / Marcelo OHANNESIAN – SKODA FABIA
Sean JOHNSTON / Alex KIHURANI – CITROEN C3
Nicolay GRYAZIN / Konstantin ALEXANDROV – VW POLO
Oliver SOLBERG / Aaron JOHNSTON – HYUNDAI i20
Eric CAMILLI / François Xavier BURESI – CITROEN C3
X/X – FORD FIESTA – Annonce début janvier

WRC3

Fabrizio ARENGI BENTIVOGLIO / BOSI Massimiliano – SKODA FABIA
Giacomo Ernesto OGLIARI / Lorenzo GRANAI – CITROEN C3
Cedric DE CECCO / Jérome HUMBLET – SKODA FABIA
Cedric CHERAIN / Stéphane PREVOT – SKODA FABIA
Johannes KEFERBÖCK / Ilka MINOR – SKODA FABIA
Miguel DIAZ ABOITIZ / Diego SANJUAN – SKODA FABIA
Kevin ABBRING / Pieter TSJOEN – VW POLO
Nicolas CIAMIN / Yannick ROCHE – CITROEN C3
Tom WILLIAMS / Giorgia ASCALONE – FORD FIESTA

https://www.rallye-sport.fr/lacm-devoile-les-principaux-engages-du-monte-carlo/

[EstWRC]

So Ogier has chosen nr.1 after all.

I knew it.

[AnttiL]

So Ogier has chosen nr.1 after all.

I knew it.

I think most champions would choose it.

[TypeR]

So Ogier has chosen nr.1 after all.

I knew it.
That's the attitude!
Why would you use some random number, if you are World Champion..
(my opinion for many years)

Even if you think about PR..
There are a lot of people/,,fans to be,, who understand, that #1 on a car means the best/fastest..

[mknight]

News from that:
- only 2 Fiesta WRCs, Rally2 fiesta without announced driver

-Fourmaux not listed, so it is not sure whether he runs in Rally2 or WRC

- no Østberg in C3 ( but he can also pick other rallies)

-Mikkelsen in Fabia (so unlikely to be involved with MSport, at least at start of 2021)

[AnttiL]

Also interesting that Gryazin is in WRC2 with the VW Polo, what team? Possibly down to the regulations on WRC3?

[mknight]

Likely, but Abbring is in WRC3, so wonder what the rules really are.

[Andre Oliveira]

Also interesting that Gryazin is in WRC2 with the VW Polo, what team? Possibly down to the regulations on WRC3?

SRT bought 2 Polo GTI R5

[Andre Oliveira]

News from that:
- only 2 Fiesta WRCs, Rally2 fiesta without announced driver

-Fourmaux not listed, so it is not sure whether he runs in Rally2 or WRC

- no Østberg in C3 ( but he can also pick other rallies)

-Mikkelsen in Fabia (so unlikely to be involved with MSport, at least at start of 2021)

Gus and Fourmaux in WRC
Big question is the Rally2... maybe Pedro?

[AnttiL]

SRT bought 2 Polo GTI R5

So SRT has entered WRC2 as a team then.

Also, what team for Mikkelsen and Bulacia? Toksport?

Also worth mentioning that Huttunen is not on the entry list.

[the sniper]

Gus and Fourmaux in WRC
Big question is the Rally2... maybe Pedro?

So you think FFSA were bluffing for a better price? Rally2 could be Yates?

[er88]

I'd (somewhat unfortunately) guess it's only Suninen and Gus in WRC for this year. Fourmaux wrc2.

Suninen isn't convincing or kicking on lately, but if Msport lineup with Fourmaux and Gus as their two WRC drivers, it goes from a slightly disappointing lineup to a disaster. And confirms Msport would be taking a year off (only wise aslong as they go big on the 22 car development, and then employ proper drivers for 22).

[meh]

... and then employ proper drivers for 22).

which proper driver wants to drive a car which is not developed by proper driver? Only those "propers" who are without seat otherwise.

[AnttiL]

which proper driver wants to drive a car which is not developed by proper driver? Only those "propers" who are without seat otherwise.

Ogier in 2017?

[mknight]

Well he got to test it, after testing the Toyota and after developing the 2017 Polo. So he has pretty good idea about how 2017 cars should drive.

Anyway you could also list Gronholm in 2006. But they showed the car vs competition in 2005 Australia and it was clearly very fast.

[371]

SRT- Sports Racing Technologies is owend by Gryzin family located in Rīga Latvia. SRT is/was the official skoda r5 importer in Baltics. In wrc2 you can name any team you want just pay the entry fee. Diffenece between wrc2/3 is that in wrc2 you can have 10 mechanic per car vs 5 in wrc3

[AnttiL]

SRT- Sports Racing Technologies is owend by Gryzin family located in Rīga Latvia. SRT is/was the official skoda r5 importer in Baltics. In wrc2 you can name any team you want just pay the entry fee. Diffenece between wrc2/3 is that in wrc2 you can have 10 mechanic per car vs 5 in wrc3

Yes, I know. Just thinking that in 2019 there were three teams in WRC2Pro and in 2020 4 teams in WRC2. It seemed a very expensive thing, I remember how Skoda had to pay 100 000 euros to enter in 2019 whereas M-Sport and Citroen got in for free since they participated in the main WRC championship.

[371]

Yes, I know. Just thinking that in 2019 there were three teams in WRC2Pro and in 2020 4 teams in WRC2. It seemed a very expensive thing, I remember how Skoda had to pay 100 000 euros to enter in 2019 whereas M-Sport and Citroen got in for free since they participated in the main WRC championship.

How else Fia earns the money?

[br21]

SRT- Sports Racing Technologies is owend by Gryzin family located in Rīga Latvia. SRT is/was the official skoda r5 importer in Baltics. In wrc2 you can name any team you want just pay the entry fee. Diffenece between wrc2/3 is that in wrc2 you can have 10 mechanic per car vs 5 in wrc3

from where you took that team personnel limits?

[371]

From another wrc2 team competing this year

[AnttiL]

How else Fia earns the money?

Or the WRC promoter? ;)

[371]

Yes they all want money. And I heard that Monte is canceled. Round in Finland in doupt

[br21]

From another wrc2 team competing this year

so it's not true.
you need to choose your sources better.

[371]

so it's not true.
you need to choose your sources better.
Word from a guy who worked in Hyundai. I agree he might bullshit but for me it make sense.

[Andre Oliveira]

News from that:
- only 2 Fiesta WRCs, Rally2 fiesta without announced driver

-Fourmaux not listed, so it is not sure whether he runs in Rally2 or WRC

- no Østberg in C3 ( but he can also pick other rallies)

-Mikkelsen in Fabia (so unlikely to be involved with MSport, at least at start of 2021)


Solans in Rally2?

[Andre Oliveira]

Davy Vanneste - Kris D'Alleine with Citroën C3 Rally2 in WRC3 field

[m-ast]

Yes they all want money. And I heard that Monte is canceled. Round in Finland in doupt

I don't think if Monte was clearly not looking like going on they start spreading the entries like they have done today, but who knows what's happening in the ACM

[Rallyper]

I'd (somewhat unfortunately) guess it's only Suninen and Gus in WRC for this year. Fourmaux wrc2.

Suninen isn't convincing or kicking on lately, but if Msport lineup with Fourmaux and Gus as their two WRC drivers, it goes from a slightly disappointing lineup to a disaster. And confirms Msport would be taking a year off (only wise aslong as they go big on the 22 car development, and then employ proper drivers for 22).

At least no pay-check costs...

[Lancia Stratos]

I don't think if Monte was clearly not looking like going on they start spreading the entries like they have done today, but who knows what's happening in the ACM

Monte is most definitely not cancelled.

[EstWRC]

FIA "quite confident" 2021 WRC opener in Monte Carlo will go ahead

https://www.autosport.com/wrc/news/154344/fia-quite-confident-rally-monte-carlo-will-go-ahead

[dimviii]

Planetemarcus
@planetemarcus
French government will publish a list of departments where curfew will be advanced at 6pm from January 2. The region of Gap would be in the list (not yet official). Changes to #RallyeMonteCarlo schedules will take place in this case #WRC
Here the project #COVID19 #coronavirus

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EqbxUKHXYAIaQmF?format=jpg&name=small

[dupanton]

After studying the itinerary, I don't see how they can fit their days in the 6am - 6pm time range. It just seems impossible, unless they drop a couple of stages every day. Or they should get an exception for everyone involved in the rally...

[EstWRC]

i hope they make exceptions, otherwise im afraid it would be cancelled

[Tom206wrc]

News from that:
- only 2 Fiesta WRCs, Rally2 fiesta without announced driver

-Fourmaux not listed, so it is not sure whether he runs in Rally2 or WRC

- no Østberg in C3 ( but he can also pick other rallies)

-Mikkelsen in Fabia (so unlikely to be involved with MSport, at least at start of 2021)


Oh no I was hoping for the presence of Mads Östberg(he could do well on the Monte roads) :(

[rallyfiend]

i hope they make exceptions, otherwise im afraid it would be cancelled

You can still go to and from work, and actually work.

[EstWRC]

And we start the year with shit news.

#WRC It’s now official ! Department of Gap city (Hautes-Alpes) goes for curfew at 6PM from tomorrow...

Then that new measure will impact timetable of #RallyeMonteCarlo

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1345029461855662081?s=21

[dupanton]

Decision on the running or cancellation of the rally is expected on friday

[Eli]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/monte-carlo-rally-decision-on-thursday/ Here they claim the decision will be taken on Thursday (7.1.21)

[Ucci]

And we start the year with shit news.

#WRC It’s now official ! Department of Gap city (Hautes-Alpes) goes for curfew at 6PM from tomorrow...

Then that new measure will impact timetable of #RallyeMonteCarlo

https://twitter.com/planetemarcus/status/1345029461855662081?s=21

I thought that just our government is so stupid (we have a curfew already from the end of October), but now I see there are also other idiot#** imposing restrictions to ordinary people....

[Fast Eddie WRC]

I thought that just our government is so stupid (we have a curfew already from the end of October), but now I see there are also other idiot#** imposing restrictions to ordinary people....

Greater restrictions are happening everywhere with new-variant Covid infections rising rapidly. But they are mostly required because idiot people wont abide by the existing instructions to stay safe.

And the curfew wont stop the RMC, it will just be further adapted.

[the sniper]

What is the supposed benefit of the time curfew method of restriction though? Doesn't it just mean more people are out for the few hours in the day they're allowed out, rather than spread out through the day/evening?

[Mirek]

Here they said it was to prevent people hanging together and drinking but in the winter it makes little sense when it's cold outside and the pubs are closed anyway. But to be honest little of what is being done makes sense. Small shops where few people come are forcefully closed, meanwhile large supermarkets are kept opened etc.

[Francis44]

Anddddd more encouraging news!

New 6 week national lockdown in the UK, will M-Sport even be able to travel if the rally goes ahead?!

What a f*ckfest.

[M3 Jambo]

They should be ok as elite sports are exempt, for now, I believe.

[mknight]

My crystal ball says that Monte will likely be run, probably with some more itinerary changes.

However there are quite a few related issues:

- Evans and COVID. How is he doing? Hopefully fine.
- If so when will he test? Will he even get to test? Last resort is Sunday-Monday before rally I guess. Not trying the new tires at all would be a big problem
- MSport and testing, with restrictions for UK and the timing they also maybe won't have time to test at all, or just right before.

- other crews (Rally2) also for sure wanted to test, but for them there is mostly no big changes so they should be ok, especially if they did Monza, only big difference is Solberg switch

[T16]

Regarding Evans: he was out in the nice Welsh countryside in his MTB recently, so hopefully all’s well there.

I’d still be astonished if the Monte runs this year, but I guess elite sports are allowed to continue under lockdown, so it wouldn’t be totally bucking a trend.

It all feels a bit shit again, here in the UK right now, so the thought of opening the lap top and watching the heli-shots of the cars on the Monte in a couple of weeks is tantalising. Really hope we all get to see it.

[Ucci]

Greater restrictions are happening everywhere with new-variant Covid infections rising rapidly. But they are mostly required because idiot people wont abide by the existing instructions to stay safe.


Speaking for Slovenia: if strict measures ( restrictions on movement, curfew, bars & restaurants are closed, all shops and malls are closed — the exception of the grocery stores, vehicle sales is prohibited...) are in place already for third month and there is almost no improvement in the number of infected, than it is not "idiots" fault but the government's because they have taken the wrong measures. In our country sars-cov-19 virus is mostly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, so few "idiots" who violate the measures are not to blame for infected population in these institutions. Obviously the government failed to prevent spread of the virus in these institutions.

[EstWRC]

Tänak preparing for Monte https://www.instagram.com/p/CJq9H8GnAWA/?igshid=1v6kjmw6kwgw7

[TypeR]

Tänak preparing for Monte https://www.instagram.com/p/CJq9H8GnAWA/?igshid=1v6kjmw6kwgw7
🚜🏆

[abcrally]

Hard to see they could run Monte.
Maybe they will soon send service stuff to Lapland, Finland.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Speaking for Slovenia: if strict measures ( restrictions on movement, curfew, bars & restaurants are closed, all shops and malls are closed — the exception of the grocery stores, vehicle sales is prohibited...) are in place already for third month and there is almost no improvement in the number of infected, than it is not "idiots" fault but the government's because they have taken the wrong measures. In our country sars-cov-19 virus is mostly spreading in hospitals and nursing homes, so few "idiots" who violate the measures are not to blame for infected population in these institutions. Obviously the government failed to prevent spread of the virus in these institutions.

In the UK we've had areas in various levels of similar restrictions (Tiers) for months now - but in the last few weeks the infections have still shot up (now a record 60,000 a day). These numbers cant possibly be in care homes or hospitals.

We are now in Lockdown 3, but if many people didnt act correctly in the Tier system, will they now ? And its not the Govts fault then.

[the sniper]

In the UK we've had areas in various levels of similar restrictions (Tiers) for months now - but in the last few weeks the infections have still shot up (now a record 60,000 a day). These numbers cant possibly be in care homes or hospitals.

We are now in Lockdown 3, but if many people didnt act correctly in the Tier system, will they now ? And its not the Govts fault then.

The care homes aren't so bad here in the UK this time around as they got so badly hit in the first wave and learnt the lessons the hard way, thus were better prepared ahead of this wave. The vaccines are also starting to help.

I think the public messaging is better under lockdown, clearer. Plus, people aren't so fussed about staying in during January/February as they are in December, particularly up to/over Christmas. The narrative under the Tiers was all over the place, London went to a higher tier too late anyway as Boris wanted to save Christmas. Herefordshire was dropped to tier 1 (lowest) as the rural areas were relatively Covid free, while Hereford itself at the county's centre was starting to blow up... All sorts of random factors, big and small. The Government was not blameless. But admittedly, most of the public knew a lockdown was coming after Christmas, so many didn't exactly voluntarily lock themselves away beforehand.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux confirms he is driving the Fiesta Rally2 car on Monte with M-Sport, so Suninen & Greensmith in the WRC cars.

[dimviii]

Camilli testing
https://twitter.com/DaniLoebinen/status/1346833869409021953

[Tom K]

French driver, testing with French car on French roads... Should be positive sign before Monte announcement:cool:

[dimviii]

Camilli
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF88hebaRbs&feature=youtu.be

[Francis44]

The local authorities have given the go ahead to the event, according to Dirtfish.

Lets get excited for our season opener!!

[EstWRC]

The local authorities have given the go ahead to the event, according to Dirtfish.

Lets get excited for our season opener!!

i got excited as well until this in the article

The source local to Gap told DirtFish: “We know there will be another decision coming from the health defense council on January 13 and this is the one which I guess we have to wait for and listen for.

“The French government and [French Prime Minister Jean] Castex can change everything then.”

Castex is expected to defer decisions on the re-opening of ski areas in the Hautes-Alpes region, in which Gap sits, and other areas in the French Alps until that January 13 meeting.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/monte-carlo-rally-edges-closer-to-getting-green-light/

[Lancia Stratos]

The local authorities have given the go ahead to the event, according to Dirtfish.

Lets get excited for our season opener!!

The meeting is 100 per cent today. It hasn't taken place yet........

[dimviii]

Βοnato testing for Monte
https://youtu.be/0A3OxjZSOpg

[rallyfiend]

The meeting is 100 per cent today. It hasn't taken place yet........

Yes.

DirtFish talking out of their asses....

Again...

[scn]

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2021/01/07/rallye-monte-carlo-avis-favorable-de-commission-de-securite-decision-mains-de-l-ars-1481569

Good news so far. The Safety Commission says yes, but with no spectators. Let's hope that the Health Agency will approve Commission's proposal and the championship will start.

[Lead]

I soooo hope they dont cancel the event. At least something to follow in these "super fun" times...

[Lead]

Βοnato testing for Monte
https://youtu.be/0A3OxjZSOpg

Snow conditions much better than our winter rally last year :D

[Co-driven]

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2021/01/07/rallye-monte-carlo-avis-favorable-de-commission-de-securite-decision-mains-de-l-ars-1481569

Good news so far. The Safety Commission says yes, but with no spectators. Let's hope that the Health Agency will approve Commission's proposal and the championship will start.

From this thread (https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?41031-WRC-News-amp-Rumours-2021&p=1260736&viewfull=1#post1260736), Ypres should replace Safari.

[scn]

Ypres should replace Safari.

It already replaced UK.

[the sniper]

Could Greece be ready in time to replace the Safari?

[dimviii]

Test Monte Carlo 2021 - Alpine R-GT & New 208 R4 Team CHL - Snow & Mistakes - RallyeChrono

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9XZ5MGhu-M&feature=emb_logo

[Tom206wrc]

Βοnato testing for Monte
https://youtu.be/0A3OxjZSOpg

Is it an Opel Corsa Rally4 near Bonato's car :confused:

[scn]

Could Greece be ready in time to replace the Safari?

Greece has the personnel to organize Acropolis in less than two months, exactly as Finland does in Rovaniemi. BUT, the organizer has only about 20.000 euros in the bank accounts. So, if the government does not give the whole amount, there cannot be any Acropolis. Personally, I don't think there are many chances for such a "donation", despite the fact that the Minister of Sports sat on the right seat of Sebastien Loeb during testing in September.

[Co-driven]

It already replaced UK.

No, Dirtfish reports that it will replace GB Rally, but so far no official confirmation...

[flykas]

Test Monte Carlo 2021 - Alpine R-GT & New 208 R4 Team CHL - Snow & Mistakes - RallyeChrono

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9XZ5MGhu-M&feature=emb_logo
Oh how great it would be to see GT class on Wrc live

[bomber21]

Greece has the personnel to organize Acropolis in less than two months, exactly as Finland does in Rovaniemi. BUT, the organizer has only about 20.000 euros in the bank accounts. So, if the government does not give the whole amount, there cannot be any Acropolis. Personally, I don't think there are many chances for such a "donation", despite the fact that the Minister of Sports sat on the right seat of Sebastien Loeb during testing in September.
If a WRC Acropolis Rally will (ever) happen, the budget will come from the government.
There is a new official announcement about that from the Minister of Sports, released in December.

[Tom206wrc]

It's so long to wait after an official announcement if Monte-Carlo is running or not(should have been this morning)... :mark:

And on next monday it's normally time for the official entrylist... :s

[Tom K]

The "first" green light was indeed given yesterday, but it seems that somebody else has final word.

https://www.dici.fr/actu/2021/01/07/laisse-penser-rallye-monte-carlo-s-oraganiser-de-bonnes-conditions-1481611

[rallyfiend]

It's so long to wait after an official announcement if Monte-Carlo is running or not(should have been this morning)... :mark:

And on next monday it's normally time for the official entrylist... :s

Well, at the moment there is no 'red light' to say it's NOT running.

I wouldn't expect them to say 'it's definitely on' because has there ever been an official statement to say that it's at risk?

[scn]

If a WRC Acropolis Rally will (ever) happen, the budget will come from the government.
There is a new official announcement about that from the Minister of Sports, released in December.

I am sorry, the last announcement says something different. It says that there is a search for sponsors, not that the government will be the sponsor. Please read the last paragraph.
https://www.autoliveris.gr/2020/12/i-epitropi-michanokinitoy-analamvane/

[Tom206wrc]

Latest news smell very very bad for the Monte-Carlo :mark:

In Monaco everything coming from UK could be banned now... :(

[Mirek]

In Monaco everything coming from UK could be banned now... :(

What? Monaco is going to declare war on UK?

[Tom206wrc]

No...because of their Covid19 mutant of course... :s

[EstWRC]

So revised route to meet the curfew. Sunday stays the same, thursday and Friday stages moved to earlier and fridays last stage cancelled. Very early start on Friday for the crews.
https://twitter.com/rallyesport/status/1348254713305853952?s=21

[Tom206wrc]

Looks like M-Sport forfait, after several mechanics to be hit by Covid19 :confused:

[T16]

withdraw?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hope this isnt true...

ANL AUTO:
Bad news for the #RallyeMonteCarlo, @MSportLtd cancelled their pre Monte-Carlo tests due to covid in the team and they are not sure to move to #moncao and #Gap because of the measures in England.

[M3 Jambo]

The French rugby authorities have banned British teams from playing ties in France due to Covid. Suspect MSport may also have issues with travelling now the transition period is over. Would they be deemed as essential travellers.

[mknight]

Evans is from UK and is right now testing in France.

[Mirek]

Evans is from UK and is right now testing in France.

Usually the travel restrictions are not based on the nationalities but on the country you travel from and to. Also Evans could have stayed in quarantine in France or whatever rule they have.

[Tom206wrc]

Looks like it was false rumour about the forfait of M-Sport :confused:

[Fast Eddie WRC]

ANL AUTO Update
Finally the M-Sport trucks would be on their way for the tests in Ardèche! And so for the rally ! With the covid, the information changes from hour to hour.

[mknight]

Usually the travel restrictions are not based on the nationalities but on the country you travel from and to. Also Evans could have stayed in quarantine in France or whatever rule they have.

It was posted here like a week ago that Evans was biking in Wales.

Anyway so far as long as you have negative test and eventually test on arrival, just about all countries get you trough. The problem is mostly that the flights are cancelled.

[denkimi]

So revised route to meet the curfew. Sunday stays the same, thursday and Friday stages moved to earlier and fridays last stage cancelled. Very early start on Friday for the crews.
https://twitter.com/rallyesport/status/1348254713305853952?s=21

i wonder how that will work. the later cars will never make it back to parc ferme before the 18h curfew, so unless they get an exception from the government, how will they go back to their hotel?

[dimviii]

written at French forum
-------------------------------------------

Good evening, I allow myself to put a message, the tests will go well just as M-Sport will indeed be at the start of Monté Carlo.

I also relayed the information, I do not publish a link in agreement with the administrator but I deviate from the rules but as Adrien Fourmaux was kind enough to respond to the rumor, I allow myself to put his answer.

[rallyfiend]

i wonder how that will work. the later cars will never make it back to parc ferme before the 18h curfew, so unless they get an exception from the government, how will they go back to their hotel?

You can still travel and move around for the purposes of work.

You just must have filled in the travel document.

No different to everyone else in France.

The curfew does not stop people who have to work!

[dimviii]

Millener dismisses speculation M-Sport will miss Monte Carlo

Team principal reaffirms M-Sport's plans for the first WRC round as travel becomes more difficult

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/millener-dismisses-speculation-m-sport-will-miss-monte-carlo/

[pantealex]

i wonder how that will work. the later cars will never make it back to parc ferme before the 18h curfew, so unless they get an exception from the government, how will they go back to their hotel?

-Monaco isn´t part of France
-Driving car isn´t staying outside
-People in France must go from work to home and from home to work

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErcdrMYXMAA9chX?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErcdrMXXEAAizNx?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErcdrMcXcAAKqba?format=jpg&name=medium

[dimviii]

Mikko Markkula co driver of Suninen

[Tom K]

Abbring "downgraded" from WRC 3 to non-priority.

[Mirek]

Also Bonato as non priority. Pity for both.

[Andre Oliveira]

Carlos del Barrio with Sordo.

[mknight]

Also Bonato as non priority. Pity for both.

As non-priority they should not be subject to restrictions on tire amount (amount of tires of specific type).

[AnttiL]

Carlos del Barrio with Sordo.

I think this was announced earlier, that it's their last event together.

[AnttiL]

Abbring "downgraded" from WRC 3 to non-priority.

Also Bonato as non priority. Pity for both.

You can see Abbringhas been "downgraded", since the starting number is still 26. Meanwhile, Bonato seems to have just entered with no priority (and he would be eligible for WRC3)

[EstWRC]

oh man this sounds really bad again https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-lobbies-france-over-uk-travel-restrictions/

i was already quite confident it will go ahead

[Fast Eddie WRC]

oh man this sounds really bad again https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-lobbies-france-over-uk-travel-restrictions/

i was already quite confident it will go ahead

After Rich Millener said they would be there and there was no truth in the rumours...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The French rugby authorities have banned British teams from playing ties in France due to Covid. Suspect MSport may also have issues with travelling now the transition period is over. Would they be deemed as essential travellers.

Looks like this was spot-on.

How can a UK rally team be treated differently to the UK rugby teams ?

[Tom206wrc]

You can see Abbringhas been "downgraded", since the starting number is still 26. Meanwhile, Bonato seems to have just entered with no priority (and he would be eligible for WRC3)


Yep, Bonato is just running Monte-Carlo, because his aim for 2021 is ERC + french tarmac championship ;)

Will he be allowed to use Michelin tyres :confused:

[pantealex]

Yep, Bonato

Will he be allowed to use Michelin tyres :confused:

NO, every 4wd car must use Pirelli.
-WRC
-RC2 (Rally2/R5)
-RC3 (Rally3)

[bwallace]

Does there is some information about spectator restriction , and what about does need quarantine if arrive from other country ?

[T16]

oh man this sounds really bad again https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-lobbies-france-over-uk-travel-restrictions/

i was already quite confident it will go ahead

I don’t get why M-Sport dropping out may mean the rally not happening. Any ideas as to why?

[rallyfiend]

I don’t get why M-Sport dropping out may mean the rally not happening. Any ideas as to why?

If one of the main competitors is prevented from attending, the event couldn't run with World Championship status.

[M3 Jambo]

It's not about MSport dropping out, it's MSport being precluded from competing and also the other UK residents who would work on the event potentially being unable to travel.

[EstWRC]

If one of the main competitors is prevented from attending, the event couldn't run with World Championship status.

so lets say M-sport cant come to a certain rally because of force majeure but the other teams can be there, it would also mean not running an event?

or when m-sport itself decides it doesnt compete on certain rally for whatever the reason.

[T16]

It's not about MSport dropping out, it's MSport being precluded from competing and also the other UK residents who would work on the event potentially being unable to travel.

Yeah - I see. at first read it seems that it was more about M-Sport not attending, rather than the personnel.

[bwallace]

Might some one have information links ?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/a-moral-dilemma-should-the-wrc-go-to-monte-carlo

[AndyRAC]

When other sports have been stopped, you really have to ask is "it the most sensible idea to be running the Monte?" It doesn't look good to the outside world.

[M3 Jambo]

Not sure the dilemma will have gone for the WRC Arctic Rally Finland next month.

[bwallace]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/a-moral-dilemma-should-the-wrc-go-to-monte-carlo

Thanks!!

[EstWRC]

When other sports have been stopped, you really have to ask is "it the most sensible idea to be running the Monte?" It doesn't look good to the outside world.

what other sports besides that Rugby match were stopped?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Greensmith's co-driver Elliott Edmondson posted on Insta this morning he's on a flight from Heathrow...

[dimviii]

Elfyn Evans says Pirelli’s range of Monte Carlo Rally tires has the potential to be quicker than last year’s Michelins in certain conditions.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-cars-could-be-faster-in-places-on-pirellis-monte-tires/

[Tom K]

F1 has postponed only 1 round due to Australian restrictions. Bahrain is on schedule. China (third round) asked for another date itself.

[TypeR]

what bad PR would it do..
Bad PR would be if WRC and FIA ouldn't once again make rallies happen.

Football, basketball, tennis, Dakar, Arctic rally etc happening all over the world..

[T16]

I'm not totally up to speed, so what's the current status regarding hospital beds and emergency services being over stretched in that part of the world?
I understand there's a curfew in that part of France at the moment.
What I can't understand is why the argument for an event like this putting an unnecessary strain on the emergency services hasn't stopped the event already?
Even just looking at the pic from Ogier's test crash this morning makes the whole thing look totally unnecessary, whether we're all missing the action or not.
I'd be gutted if it didn't run.
Run smooth - ok, fine - we got away with it.
Any big accidents or injuries and the sport will look back and ask itself why we had to go there.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/monte-wouldnt-seem-fair-if-one-team-cant-travel-tanak

[EstWRC]

did Rally Estonia and Rally Monza made negative PR or publicity for the WRC last year?

IMO not as far as i know.

[T16]

There wasn't this new strain then though.

[EstWRC]

There wasn't this new strain then though.

but the same questions were raised also back then i remember (should they run or not), especially with Monza when we had the second wave.

[T16]

but the same questions were raised also back then i remember (should they run or not), especially with Monza when we had the second wave.

Again, things just seem worse now. Especially given France's curfew.

[scn]

I haven't seen anyone having bad thoughts because basketball and football teams continue doing their job in national and european level. I don't see any reason why another sport should be different.

[scn]

I haven't seen anyone having bad thoughts because basketball and football teams continue doing their job in national and european level. On the contrary, most of the people are very happy because they have something that attracts their interest and presents some aliveness in these gloomy times. I don't see any reason why another sport should be different.

[T16]

I haven't seen anyone having bad thoughts because basketball and football teams continue doing their job in national and european level. On the contrary, most of the people are very happy because they have something that attracts their interest and presents some aliveness in these gloomy times. I don't see any reason why another sport should be different.

In the UK there is most certainly a lot of questions being asked about the football continuing at the moment. Not sure about anywhere else though.

[scn]

In the UK there is most certainly a lot of questions being asked about the football continuing at the moment. Not sure about anywhere else though.

In Greece there is not a single reaction. It is quite the opposite.
And I think that it should be like this, even if there were people that objected to it. In these bad times, anything that can give some kind of pleasure and feeling of aliveness to people without affecting the NHSs should be promoted, not stopped. And according to the Health Commitees, the empty stages of one rally or an empty basketball court do not affect any NHS.

[rallyfiend]

Lets not waste too much time comparing a sport that happens in a closed, controllable stadium with a WRc event.

How many people are involved in running a football or basketball game? A few hundred?

There would be quite a few thousand involved in the running a WRC event.
- on public roads
- using police
- using ambulances
- using medical helicopter
- using marshals
- bringing people from all over the world

etc etc

You can't compare the scale of one to another.....

[DocMS]

Sent from my CLT-L09 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

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

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErnVraRWMAItK6I?format=jpg&name=900x900

[EstWRC]

oh man thats been a huge one, the car looks kinda like when Evans had his crash at South-Estonian rally.

[T16]

Lets not waste too much time comparing a sport that happens in a closed, controllable stadium with a WRc event.

How many people are involved in running a football or basketball game? A few hundred?

There would be quite a few thousand involved in the running a WRC event.
- on public roads
- using police
- using ambulances
- using medical helicopter
- using marshals
- bringing people from all over the world

etc etc

You can't compare the scale of one to another.....

You’ve just said let’s not waste time comparing, only to go on and compare. How does that work??

[T16]

In Greece there is not a single reaction. It is quite the opposite.
And I think that it should be like this, even if there were people that objected to it. In these bad times, anything that can give some kind of pleasure and feeling of aliveness to people without affecting the NHSs should be promoted, not stopped. And according to the Health Commitees, the empty stages of one rally or an empty basketball court do not affect any NHS.

But that’s the point exactly... just how pushed are the emergency services and hospitals in that area and would even one emergency repose be a piss take at the moment?
I think it would.

[Rallyper]

Lets not waste too much time comparing a sport that happens in a closed, controllable stadium with a WRc event.

How many people are involved in running a football or basketball game? A few hundred?

There would be quite a few thousand involved in the running a WRC event.
- on public roads
- using police
- using ambulances
- using medical helicopter
- using marshals
- bringing people from all over the world

etc etc

You can't compare the scale of one to another.....

Not on the same spot though...

[Tom K]

The green light was given by Alpes-Hautes "Road Safety Comission", with representatives of the emergency services included, so...

[EstWRC]

teams arriving https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=https://www.dici.fr/actu/2021/01/13/hautes-alpes-rallye-monte-carlo-premiers-poids-lourds-arrives-futur-parc-d-assistance-1483675

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Others are also asking for a ban...

https://www.ledauphine.com/culture-loisirs/2021/01/13/les-ecologistes-demandent-a-olivier-veran-et-barbara-pompili-d-empecher-le-rallye-monte-carlo

[Francis44]

Others are also asking for a ban...

https://www.ledauphine.com/culture-loisirs/2021/01/13/les-ecologistes-demandent-a-olivier-veran-et-barbara-pompili-d-empecher-le-rallye-monte-carlo

They do this every year. In Australia it was also common for many years.

However this year the arguments are different and very understandable.

[dupanton]

I will be at Monte Carlo as ice-note crew. I will try to put updates before every stage about the conditions, on our facebook page (search for Benoit Verlinde Rallydriver).

[EstWRC]

so you confirm now it will go ahead 100%?

[PLuto]

so you confirm now it will go ahead 100%?

Nobody can confirm it now. For sure also Dupanton :)

[dupanton]

so you confirm now it will go ahead 100%?

For now, no indication by the organisers it wouldn't go ahead.
But as PLuto says, it's not me who decides :D It's not even ACM I guess...

[dupanton]

French government just announced even more severe rules (curfew at 1800 in all off France, quarantine for all travellers from outside EU...).
It's looking worse and worse honestly...

[Lancia Stratos]

French government just announced even more severe rules (curfew at 1800 in all off France, quarantine for all travellers from outside EU...).
It's looking worse and worse honestly...

The curfew extension was expected. That is no surprise and will have no effect.

Can't find anything about the quarantine restrictions.

[dupanton]

The curfew extension was expected. That is no surprise and will have no effect.

Can't find anything about the quarantine restrictions.

In theory, it doesn't change anything no. But is makes the pressure on the organizers bit heavier again I think.

[EstWRC]

Meh.

Tomorrow is already Friday, the recce starts on Monday.

I guess we are smarter tomorrow.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErtWiybW4AALlHB?format=jpg&name=large


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WRC1]

ACM canceld the Historic Monte (30.january-2.february) just 1 hour ago

https://www.facebook.com/automobileclubmonacoMC

no sign of any action to cancel "modern" Monte!

[PLuto]

ACM canceld the Historic Monte (30.january-2.february) just 1 hour ago

https://www.facebook.com/automobileclubmonacoMC

no sign of any action to cancel "modern" Monte!

I think historic RMC was cancelled yesterday. Regarding modern one, still lot of questionmarks...

[EstWRC]

Antti have you made your preview yet?

[AnttiL]

Antti have you made your preview yet?

The route isn't public yet so I haven't been able to make it ;)

[dimviii]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erwd4PQXAAEzEqp?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erwd4PQXAAA09X9?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erwd4PJXYAEyHY6?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Erwd4PJW4AQU0IO?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

Bulletin nr.3 https://acm.mc/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/BULLETIN-3-final-2-14.01.202123654.pdf

[masa90]

Man atleast the weather looks set for amazing Monte!

[djip]

Man atleast the weather looks set for amazing Monte!

not that great. The week-end will be cold and snowy but mild weather (5°, rain) is expected for mid-week so all snow on road will melt. Maybe, maybe, snow is back on sazturday or sunday ... IUt all depends how you trust 1 week-ahead forecast (in the mountains a few hours ahead is already a stretch ...)

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2021/post-1272-0-56060600-1610711253.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2021/post-1272-0-47356500-1610711258.jpg
http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2021/post-1272-0-48159800-1610711268.jpg

[Fredouye]

The route isn't public yet so I haven't been able to make it ;)

Do you want the maps ? ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

RMC seems to be a reality - the team trucks have arrived and the Service Park was under construction this afternoon.

[dupanton]

RMC seems to be a reality - the team trucks have arrived and the Service Park was under construction this afternoon.

Yes, I am quite confident now it will go ahead.
They changed a few things. Only Ice note crews of P1/P2/P3 and RGT drivers can leave before 6am, other's INC's can't. So that means they will miss 1 or 2 stages on friday and saturday...
For that reason, Bonato changed to WRC3.
Abbring is staying as privateer but will have other advantages (running later can clear some of the snow, less stages in the dark...)

[dimviii]

Βulacia

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_01_2021/post-1181-0-41556400-1610742663.jpg

[AnttiL]

Planetemarcus says Monte has been given green light to run by the authorities

[EstWRC]

Planetemarcus says Monte has been given green light to run by the authorities

Yes and official statement if you speak French.

https://bit.ly/3qBTLDt

[Tom K]

Most important info for local fans - Rally Pass costs 135 euro :D

[pantealex]

Most important info for local fans - Rally Pass costs 135 euro :D

What do you get with it ?

Is it way to help rally organization ?

[rallyfiend]

What do you get with it ?

Is it way to help rally organization ?

You get a nice piece of paper from a policeman with 135e written at the bottom of it!

Tom K made quite a good joke!

[Portimao]

Are there current photos of the conditions on the stages?

[dimviii]

https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/139480101_830951710795683_2765116344544801462_n.jp g?_nc_cat=108&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=5I64MmSzZrIAX_Rx8uN&_nc_ht=scontent-bru2-1.xx&oh=d142f55740d19be222db6c568836a512&oe=60285924
https://scontent-bru2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/139527465_830951720795682_7898442134328317940_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&ccb=2&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=3h8pogRR94MAX_bIlkB&_nc_ht=scontent-bru2-1.xx&oh=0581e063eaf98c7fdf8030339d298dc3&oe=6027A934

[Fast Eddie WRC]

So there were many many guys out videoing all the PET's for the Monte.

Will they and other fans really stay away and/or be successfully prevented from attending the rally ? It would be sickening to have some or all of the stages cancelled due to fans after all the trouble to get it on.

[SubaruNorway]

You get a nice piece of paper from a policeman with 135e written at the bottom of it!

Tom K made quite a good joke!

What would they be fined for?
You can't get fined for going into the forest in Norway at least

[masa90]

The new corona regulations and breaking the curfew?

[Fredouye]

Breaking the curfew (from 6PM to 6AM) and attending special stages are two different things...I may have more informations tomorrow, I’ll be in SS13/15 recce.

[T16]

Breaking the curfew (from 6PM to 6AM) and attending special stages are two different things...I may have more informations tomorrow, I’ll be in SS13/15 recce.

Are spectators allowed into the stages for recce?

[Fredouye]

Roads are open, they’re closed usually the day before / early in the morning.

[T16]

Roads are open, they’re closed usually the day before / early in the morning.

Never knew that! I always assumed they were closed for recce too. Learn something everyday.

[Fredouye]

Maps are publicly available : https://www.dici.fr/actu/2021/01/16/details-speciales-de-89eme-rallye-monte-carlo-1484883

[tommeke_B]

Maps are publicly available : https://www.dici.fr/actu/2021/01/16/details-speciales-de-89eme-rallye-monte-carlo-1484883

I wouldn't say that's what the organizer intended, and it will definitely not help them... Looks like this website got hold of the competitors password. ;)

[Fredouye]

I won’t say anything without my lawyer ;)

[pantealex]

Never knew that! I always assumed they were closed for recce too. Learn something everyday.

Really ?

You have believed that roads are closed for 3-4 days ?

[Fredouye]

There is an exception with Monte, shakedown road is usually closed 2 days before, except for locals.

[pantealex]

https://acm.mc/wp-content/themes/acm/dwldoc.php?doc=9525888&lg=en

12.9 How do you understand it ?

"12.9 Sections 6, 7 and 8
Only the 50 first competitors classified at the end of the section 5 will be authorized to take the start of sections 6, 7 and 8, on Sunday, 24th January 2021, at TC 12B.
If more than 50 competitors are classified at the end of section 5, the rule below will apply for any competitor classified 51st and above and the following:
To be eligible for the provisional and final classifications, all these those competitors must remain in the Parc Fermé from the end of section 5 until the Stewards authorize the opening of the Parc Fermé at the end of the rally.
- For each special stage running on Sunday, 24th January 2021, all those competitors will be allocated a notional time which will be calculated using the slowest time achieved in each special stage plus 2 minutes per special stage.
After the end of Section 8 they will be reclassified behind the last competitor still in race"



It´s normal in Monte that not all can start on Sunday
but
This time those who keep their car in parc-ferme will get times from sundays stages.
-can they score WRC2/3 or RGT points ?
-what about WRC2 Powerstage points (remember that there is only 6 WRC2 entries so this could be realism)
-WRC2 Teams points (only 2 Teams entered, so if you finish you get good points)

[Co-driven]

https://acm.mc/wp-content/themes/acm/dwldoc.php?doc=9525888&lg=en

12.9 How do you understand it ?

"12.9 Sections 6, 7 and 8
Only the 50 first competitors classified at the end of the section 5 will be authorized to take the start of sections 6, 7 and 8, on Sunday, 24th January 2021, at TC 12B.
If more than 50 competitors are classified at the end of section 5, the rule below will apply for any competitor classified 51st and above and the following:
To be eligible for the provisional and final classifications, all these those competitors must remain in the Parc Fermé from the end of section 5 until the Stewards authorize the opening of the Parc Fermé at the end of the rally.
- For each special stage running on Sunday, 24th January 2021, all those competitors will be allocated a notional time which will be calculated using the slowest time achieved in each special stage plus 2 minutes per special stage.
After the end of Section 8 they will be reclassified behind the last competitor still in race"



It´s normal in Monte that not all can start on Sunday
but
This time those who keep their car in parc-ferme will get times from sundays stages.
-can they score WRC2/3 or RGT points ?
-what about WRC2 Powerstage points (remember that there is only 6 WRC2 entries so this could be realism)
-WRC2 Teams points (only 2 Teams entered, so if you finish you get good points)

You can score points in WRC2/3. Last year this happened in WRC3. Also think that Teams points will be awarded "normally".

As for Power Stage points, I think only those that start the stage can be awarded points, but it isn't 100% clear to me.

[T16]

Really ?

You have believed that roads are closed for 3-4 days ?

It never crossed my mind, but I would have guessed at least they’re closed whilst the recce is using them, then open again.
Guessing also this is the case for all tarmac rally’s?

[ictus]

It never crossed my mind, but I would have guessed at least they’re closed whilst the recce is using them, then open again.
Guessing also this is the case for all tarmac rally’s?

No matter the surface, the recce goes on in normal traffic.

[dupanton]

https://acm.mc/wp-content/themes/acm/dwldoc.php?doc=9525888&lg=en

12.9 How do you understand it ?

"12.9 Sections 6, 7 and 8
Only the 50 first competitors classified at the end of the section 5 will be authorized to take the start of sections 6, 7 and 8, on Sunday, 24th January 2021, at TC 12B.
If more than 50 competitors are classified at the end of section 5, the rule below will apply for any competitor classified 51st and above and the following:
To be eligible for the provisional and final classifications, all these those competitors must remain in the Parc Fermé from the end of section 5 until the Stewards authorize the opening of the Parc Fermé at the end of the rally.
- For each special stage running on Sunday, 24th January 2021, all those competitors will be allocated a notional time which will be calculated using the slowest time achieved in each special stage plus 2 minutes per special stage.
After the end of Section 8 they will be reclassified behind the last competitor still in race"



It´s normal in Monte that not all can start on Sunday
but
This time those who keep their car in parc-ferme will get times from sundays stages.
-can they score WRC2/3 or RGT points ?
-what about WRC2 Powerstage points (remember that there is only 6 WRC2 entries so this could be realism)
-WRC2 Teams points (only 2 Teams entered, so if you finish you get good points)

Exactly. Car has to be in parc ferme from saturday evening till the end of the rally to get classified. From P51 onwards you can't go on the stages but you will get a notional time on every stage.
As you will be in the final classification, you will get points in wrc2/3 etc.
Don't know about power stage points.

[SubaruNorway]

Is it really that hard finding parking space for more than 50 cars in Monaco?

[AnttiL]

No matter the surface, the recce goes on in normal traffic.

Yes. This was the case even in the group B days when they were allowed to use rally cars in recce, as many recce rounds as they wanted. Usually they drove at night to be able to use more speed...in Finnish they even called it ”practicing”. Crazy days.

And someone from Belgium probably can tell about Ypres and the big crowds spectating the recce.

And of course, Safari was even competed on open roads!

[dupanton]

Is it really that hard finding parking space for more than 50 cars in Monaco?

I think the problem is the time shedule. They stages are quite far away from Monaco. If they want to do 4 stages and have the powerstage at noon, they can't put more cars on the stages. Even Ice Note Crews can't pass over the stages before the 2nd pass.

[Rallyper]

Don´t forget Pickems thread. Make your Picks. Closing Thursday only minutes before 1st scheduled stage. 1400h CET.

[dimviii]

Loubet final aero package

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Er9a3mBW4AA9lwI?format=jpg&name=medium
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Er9a3yFWMAQzkWm?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Er9a3_vXEAMeq89?format=jpg&name=large

[petrolhead49]

Yes. This was the case even in the group B days when they were allowed to use rally cars in recce, as many recce rounds as they wanted. Usually they drove at night to be able to use more speed...in Finnish they even called it ”practicing”. Crazy days.

And someone from Belgium probably can tell about Ypres and the big crowds spectating the recce.

And of course, Safari was even competed on open roads!

This went well into the 90s, I don’t know exactly when recce restrictions were introduced, but I know some crazy stories from Delecour about Monte. He said they were doing it day and night for two weeks before the rally. They even had catering vans meet them along the route and using equivalent cars with rollbars and everything. And he said they knew beforehand who was going to win, they would ocasionally sit to watch a few corners to see how fast the others were. Those were crazy times, but traffic was nothing like today.

There is an urban legend about Vatanen doing the recce for 1000 lakes, I read this in a book. He would do it by night also to avoid police speedtraps and he knew the pacenotes by heart, speaking as he drove. And the legend part is he would dip the headlights from time to time while driving flat out to “check” his notes.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[TypeR]

307 WRC being prepared at the back? :O

[ictus]

This went well into the 90s, I don’t know exactly when recce restrictions were introduced,


As I recall it was the same time they introduced service areas, because back in the days crews would do their services on the road ections between stages (the road section times were a bit longer to allow servicing)

[wyler]

Yes. This was the case even in the group B days when they were allowed to use rally cars in recce, as many recce rounds as they wanted. Usually they drove at night to be able to use more speed...in Finnish they even called it ”practicing”. Crazy days.

And someone from Belgium probably can tell about Ypres and the big crowds spectating the recce.

And of course, Safari was even competed on open roads!

italy was like this even at national rally. couple of weeks before, every night...

[dimviii]

italy was like this even at national rally. couple of weeks before, every night...

all countries were like that.
At Greece at late 80s Greek multichampion Kirkos had admitted that a difficult long downhill asphalt stage(Fteri) at rally Achaios,
he had tested 42 times for one year.
plenty of accidents also.Somebody stopped to correct,or to pass another time at a difficult corner,and the other was coming at full speed for example.

[scn]

all countries were like that.
At Greece at late 80s Greek multichampion Kirkos had admitted that a difficult long downhill asphalt stage(Fteri) at rally Achaios,
he had tested 42 times for one year.
plenty of accidents also.Somebody stopped to correct,or to pass another time at a difficult corner,and the other was coming at full speed for example.

Greece is still like that. I will not mention names, but one driver recently did 35 times the SS Agios Merkourios and another driver did 29 times the SS Grammatiko. Very few drivers do less than 5 passes in SSs. Accidents still happen, they just do not get publicity.
And not only Greeks do these things. I have seen with my own eyes an ERC champion doing recce for many days, three weeks before ERC Acropolis. Which, of course, is against ERC regulations.