Wrc 2/3 2021

[mknight]

Wow, they basically kicked him for rest of season.
Also don't get the part that says he went to Portugal after testing positive when he wrote he tested negative on Monday.

As a related issue Mikkelsen just said he might not be allowed to go to Sardinia cause he might be testing positive for another few weeks after beeing cured from COVID.

[mknight]

Ah they mean he drove from Portugal to Spain after the Thursday test.

[PLuto]

Nobody cares about ERC ;)

Why you are saying this in WRC2/3 forum? Trying to offence?

[PLuto]

As a related issue Mikkelsen just said he might not be allowed to go to Sardinia cause he might be testing positive for another few weeks after beeing cured from COVID.

This is question of the health regulations, I think. Once you are positive, after 14 days you are counted as not-positive...

[mknight]

This is question of the health regulations, I think. Once you are positive, after 14 days you are counted as not-positive...

Yes, but FIA-rules demand a negative test before start. He says they are talking with FIA about that.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2Eva9ZWYAESjrn?format=jpg&name=large

[Andre Oliveira]

And Korsia too


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2E-MXtX0AAcA7b?format=jpg&name=large

[skarderud]

Veiby.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210523/b7055c1b801bcfb417c544581bfc6d8b.jpg

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[PLuto]

Yes, but FIA-rules demand a negative test before start. He says they are talking with FIA about that.

I know FIA rules, which are sometimes in clash with local regulations. Lets see...

[Jarek Z]

Kajto wins WRC3 again. Congratulations! :)
https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/amp/63vrZWbY/s6/kajetan-kajetanowicz-maciej-sz.jpg

[SubaruNorway]

I know FIA rules, which are sometimes in clash with local regulations. Lets see...

6 months seems strict if one of the reasons was a misunderstanding, why wasn't Evans penalized when people who had close to him only found out a week later?

[wyler]

This is question of the health regulations, I think. Once you are positive, after 14 days you are counted as not-positive...

actually 21 in Italy

[mknight]

6 months seems strict if one of the reasons was a misunderstanding, why wasn't Evans penalized when people who had close to him only found out a week later?

In this particular discussion with Pluto we were talking about Mikkelsen possibly not being allowed to enter Sardinia even though he is healed of COVID because FIA rules demand negative test and he might test positive on PCR test for multiple weeks afterward.

[Mirek]

6 months seems strict if one of the reasons was a misunderstanding, why wasn't Evans penalized when people who had close to him only found out a week later?

The stewards decision certainly doesn't look like it was misunderstanding. That is only Veiby's claim which doesn't fit with the stewards decision.

[SubaruNorway]

The stewards decision certainly doesn't look like it was misunderstanding. That is only Veiby's claim which doesn't fit with the stewards decision.

I guess they won't get anywhere with not having that phone call in writing.

Has there been anything like this happen in other sports with the same punishment?

[Rallyper]

Don´t understand...

Did both Veiby and Jonas go by own car, to Spain? And Jonas punished with 3 months suspended?

[AnttiL]

Don´t understand...

Did both Veiby and Jonas go by own car, to Spain? And Jonas punished with 3 months suspended?

It was against Portuguese quarantine restrictions to leave the country.

Why Veiby had a bigger punishment is that he also did not tell having been in the proximity of a person who was tested positive.

[Rallyper]

It was against Portuguese quarantine restrictions to leave the country.

Why Veiby had a bigger punishment is that he also did not tell having been in the proximity of a person who was tested positive.

Well, but his statement could be understood he also took a drive alone to Spain...

[AnttiL]

Well either they drove to Spain together or in their own cars, but both broke the restriction by leaving the country. It doesn't matter because they had been in the same car during the recce and shakedown so they didn't have to be in separate quarantines.

[Rallyper]

Well either they drove to Spain together or in their own cars, but both broke the restriction by leaving the country. It doesn't matter because they had been in the same car during the recce and shakedown so they didn't have to be in separate quarantines.

Maybe there´s a separate document for Veiby...

[AnttiL]

Maybe there´s a separate document for Veiby...

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E2Eu04dWQAAZW0U?format=jpg&name=medium

You mean this?

[Mirek]

Well, but his statement could be understood he also took a drive alone to Spain...

That is irrelevant. He was not allowed to leave the country unless given a permit for which he didn't even ask.

[mknight]

I don't know what he asked or did not ask apart of the official info.
Do you have anything that proves he is not speaking truth when he says he talked on the phone with someone from organizer COVID team who told them they could drive home to Spain?
(FIA decision doesn't actually contradict this)

I don't know about Portugal and Spain but I do see that in most countries these kinds of rules change almost every week and are close to impossible to follow. So I find that part a bit problematic.


The whole decision does look a lot like "pre-emptive" message to all others in WRC (hundreds?) cause FIA got scared about what possibly "could have been". Arguably it was a close call, say if he infected some of the TV crews on Thursday half of the field could get knocked out before Sardinia. That would totally not look good for FIA/promoter.

[Mirek]

I don't know what he asked or did not ask apart of the official info.
Do you have anything that proves he is not speaking truth when he says he talked on the phone with someone from organizer COVID team who told them they could drive home to Spain?
(FIA decision doesn't actually contradict this)

I don't know about Portugal and Spain but I do see that in most countries these kinds of rules change almost every week and are close to impossible to follow. So I find that part a bit problematic.

The stewards decision clearly states that he breached basically everything he could and considering his record of not respecting rules (his Škoda fuck-up namely) I really don't see why not to believe the official steward's decision.

[mknight]

As I have written and you have missed or ignored. The decision does not contradict what he says about talking to a member of the organizers COVID team.

Could have been that the organizer told them they can go but have to ask for permission and they didn't ask, could be that he didn't tell them cause he didn't know or thought they know that or could be they didn't talk with any official at all.

Anyway thanks for clarification that your comments is based on "I read the official decision and don't thrust Veiby".

[pantealex]

I see Mr Korsia as biggest criminal but everybody here only cares about Veiby.

[AnttiL]

I see Mr Korsia as biggest criminal but everybody here only cares about Veiby.

True, but Veiby has the biggest impact on WRC2

[Sulland]

The stewards decision clearly states that he breached basically everything he could and considering his record of not respecting rules (his Škoda fuck-up namely) I really don't see why not to believe the official steward's decision.

What was that Skoda fuck up again?

[mknight]

He took a picture during a Skoda internal business presentation where it explicitly said that it's not allowed to take pictures and posted it on social media (Instagram I think?)

On the picture you could see a not yet revealed Skoda model (Scala) and more importantly financial/growth goals for next few years. The second part is actually much more important as it has direct impact on the stock market. Someone could make or loose a lot of money based on that. In this particular case I think the growth was less than generally expected. (EDIT: There are no numbers on the scale, but the main point is that profit is much reduced due to WLTP, electrification and some plans in India)

After that he was basically kicked immediately. Hard to argue about that.

Hypothetically if someone he knew made a lot of money based on the info he could even have faced criminal charges. Personally I think he was just showing off (by showing the new Skoda model that was in front of the charts).

EDIT: Here's the pic:
https://auto-mania.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Ole-Christian-Veiby-spy-foto-nastupce-skoda-rapid.jpg

[Rallyper]

That is irrelevant. He was not allowed to leave the country unless given a permit for which he didn't even ask.

Stated he got permit, though.

[lmmjvss]

https://youtu.be/RzlmiMnJcZ8

So fun to watch the rally2 guys repairing their cars. Look at the talent of this class, jeeez. Mads, Lappi, Kajetan, Ingram, Suninem, Camili, Solberg... Wish Lukyanuk were there too

[Jarek Z]

This is how Kajto won WRC3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV672yiJu0s

[mknight]

Btw. talking about WRC3, Lindholm was second fastest R5/Rally2 in Portugal PowerStage, only 0.9s behind Lappi.

But he was also something like 25th car on the road (didn't check exact number) after all WRC and WRC2 cars while Lappi started 5th and Østberg 3rd.

[Jarek Z]

Lindholm must have been very desperate, because after a very bad rally Power Stage was his only chance for at least a couple of points in WRC3.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://youtu.be/RzlmiMnJcZ8

So fun to watch the rally2 guys repairing their cars. Look at the talent of this class, jeeez. Mads, Lappi, Kajetan, Ingram, Suninem, Camili, Solberg... Wish Lukyanuk were there too

Nice to see Kajto advising Ingram on their wheel.

[Sulland]

He took a picture during a Skoda internal business presentation where it explicitly said that it's not allowed to take pictures and posted it on social media (Instagram I think?)

On the picture you could see a not yet revealed Skoda model (Scala) and more importantly financial/growth goals for next few years. The second part is actually much more important as it has direct impact on the stock market. Someone could make or loose a lot of money based on that. In this particular case I think the growth was less than generally expected. (EDIT: There are no numbers on the scale, but the main point is that profit is much reduced due to WLTP, electrification and some plans in India)

After that he was basically kicked immediately. Hard to argue about that.

Hypothetically if someone he knew made a lot of money based on the info he could even have faced criminal charges. Personally I think he was just showing off (by showing the new Skoda model that was in front of the charts).

EDIT: Here's the pic:
https://auto-mania.cz/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Ole-Christian-Veiby-spy-foto-nastupce-skoda-rapid.jpg

this is what you can get hireing right out of kindergarten. ;-)
But a bit strange since his father is very much a businessman involved in motorsport.
So do not give them a mobilephone before the turn 20, and social media accounts turning 22.
:smash:

[Mirek]

Stated he got permit, though.

There is no such thing as a telephone permit exactly for the reason that it can not be proven. What would you show to the police if they decided to check you on the border?

[dimviii]

where is mknight when you need him?

Defending WRC2 Champion Mads Østberg believes Andreas Mikkelsen isn’t the biggest threat to his title defense with Citroën, despite the Toksport driver’s hopes of ‘dominating’ the series.

“It was nice to hear him say it because I was quite sure that wasn’t going to happen,” Østberg told DirtFish.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ostberg-mikkelsen-not-my-biggest-wrc2-rival/

[mknight]

As you certainly understand the main reason why Østberg is saying that is to put pressure on Mikkelsen. All the talk about "dominating" and "showing speed" has a clear goal of making him push too much.
Similarly your main reason for taking out just that one quote from the long article and post it here is to troll.


However there is some historic background there that is not clear for everyone.

Ever since the start of their careers Østberg has been especially negative to Mikkelsen for some reason (I don't know exactly why). It topped in 2008 Norwegian championship final round.
Østberg was the defending champion and had the upper hand in the start of the season but very soon Mikkelsen was the faster driver and got more wins. Before the last round "everyone" and especially Mikkelsen's team thought that Mikkelsen just had to finish 3rd to get the title. So he was driving safely and not pushing and finished 3rd.
"Everyone" was declaring him champion and Østberg supposedly congratulated him on the title on the phone after the last stage...
Then by the time they got to service someone read the rules in detail and found out that actually Østberg is champion (think it was because he won the first round or something like that). Østberg then went out and declared he knew that the whole rally. (contrast that with him congratulating on the title after last stage). Few people doubt that Mikkelsen could have driven faster and got the title by getting 2nd place in the rally if he knew it was needed (but off course he could have crashed too).

Year after Mikkelsen ran out of money and they didn't really meet in direct competition so it seemed this calmed down. This year Østberg is for some reason going back towards this anti-Mikkelsen mentality. Recently he also declared in an interview how he "beat" Mikkelsen last time they were driving WRCs in 2018.


----------------------

But obviously for this kind of talk to work at all there has to be some truth in it. Which is:
- Lappi has indeed more points (59) from his 2 starts than Mikkelsen from any 2 starts (53), Østberg has 44 from his 2, Suninen 41
- In Portugal 3 drivers had same or better speed than Østberg (Lappi, Suninen and Gryazin), this was somewhat surprising tbh, I was expecting Østberg to fight with Lappi, while I certainly didn't expect him to be as good on tarmac in Croatia. Gryazin does not have high title chances though with one zero alreadly and 3+4th place. For some reason he also isn't entered for championship points in Sardinia.

- As is also pointed out in the article when Mikkelsen announced his aim to dominate every rally he starts in the only people who said they will enter WRC2 were Fourmaux and Solberg. And this was after Monza when Mikkelsen indeed did just "dominate" against Østberg (one running WRC3 and one WRC2 though)

[er88]

where is mknight when you need him?

Defending WRC2 Champion Mads Østberg believes Andreas Mikkelsen isn’t the biggest threat to his title defense with Citroën, despite the Toksport driver’s hopes of ‘dominating’ the series.

“It was nice to hear him say it because I was quite sure that wasn’t going to happen,” Østberg told DirtFish.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/ostberg-mikkelsen-not-my-biggest-wrc2-rival/Beep beep beep, Andreas is reversing.

[dupanton]

If you make such a bolt statement, you can expect some counters when it's not happening :)

[dimviii]

Similarly your main reason for taking out just that one quote from the long article and post it here is to troll.


i just wanted to be sure that you will read the whole article.

[Lead]

What a letdown by Mikkelsen, another rally and another early exit. I dont know whats the problem (I dont think its a car, maybe psychological?), but things clearly isnt going his way, he can forget a WRC seat if he cant keep it on the road. I dont think he had an actual pressure to perform in this rally (or also in Croatia), but given his experience, absolutely unnecessary and unforgivable early rally mistakes from him.

[mknight]

What a letdown by Mikkelsen, another rally and another early exit. I dont know whats the problem (I dont think its a car, maybe psychological?), but things clearly isnt going his way, he can forget a WRC seat if he cant keep it on the road. I dont think he had an actual pressure to perform in this rally (or also in Croatia), but given his experience, absolutely unnecessary and unforgivable early rally mistakes from him.

He had massive pressure here and also in Croatia... in Croatia due to obviously getting beaten by Lappi in Arctic and here cause Lappi got another good results in Portugal.

At the same time Østberg and Gryazin just drove a full rally that is similar and Østberg got new dampers based on Portugal experience flown in right into his test on Monday, testing to optimize tire wear.
Mikkelsen had half a day test with a car that he hasn't drive on gravel yet after sitting at home with COVID. Combined with Østbergs "mind games" he seemingly made small mistake.
Clearly it's hard to "rate" mistakes, but in best case that one could have ended with just a few secs lost, instead the car rolled even on the open road and then 0 points retirement with car that looked just fine from the outside. If he could continue 3rd place was quite likely even without other's issues.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, very bad rally for Mikkelsen:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khECiUSuUUw

But even worse for Fourmaux, who crashed already on SS2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BV5G5V_uIU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-qeA_yLAC4

[Lead]

He had massive pressure here and also in Croatia... in Croatia due to obviously getting beaten by Lappi in Arctic and here cause Lappi got another good results in Portugal.

At the same time Østberg and Gryazin just drove a full rally that is similar and Østberg got new dampers based on Portugal experience flown in right into his test on Monday, testing to optimize tire wear.
Mikkelsen had half a day test with a car that he hasn't drive on gravel yet after sitting at home with COVID. Combined with Østbergs "mind games" he seemingly made small mistake.
Clearly it's hard to "rate" mistakes, but in best case that one could have ended with just a few secs lost, instead the car rolled even on the open road and then 0 points retirement with car that looked just fine from the outside. If he could continue 3rd place was quite likely even without other's issues.
Sorry, but all this sounds like excuses. There is one main thing to remember - it is the pressure which he made on himself at the beginning of the season (not by his team, sponsors or fans).
Mistakes can happen sure, but these are not the mistakes (also in Croatia) experienced driver can do in the first day of the rally. I guess its all about professionalism.

P.S. I have nothing against Mikkelsen as a driver, I know he can be super fast. But he needs to get his head sorted out or we will always remember him as 3rd VW driver (or even forget him after couple years). I really wish him better results further in the season.

EDIT: At first I though he clipped inside of the corner and went off (as Meeke said in WRC+ broadcast), but after watching replay, its really strange accident. Have to wait for official announcement from Mikkelsen or team what happened there.

[er88]

Made a bit worse that his pace wasn't even looking good against his rival(s). Dominated by Lappi in Artic, crashed early in Croatia and now crashes here after being 16/18s down on Mads after just a couple of stages on the same tyre strategy.

And while Mads is a good driver, he is not a top top driver and is more of a Steady Eddie - rather than ever being blindingly fast.

Despite not having a full program lined up and having a lack of seat time, Lappi is currently coming out of the first half of this year in a stronger position for 22 compared to Andreas/Suninen etc. Two rallies entered and dominated for Esapekka, while Suninen is having a nightmare & Mikkelsen is far from his own claims of dominating every rally.

The saving grace for the likes of Suninen and Mikkelsen is that they could both maybe bring budget to Msport next year unlike Lappi (Mikkelsen has already mentioned he has money if needed), and also Msport can't get a top driver (Tanak/Ogier/Neuville and probably Evans too). Ostberg will probably not pay what Malcolm wants after their relationship deteriorated either.

Still a long way to go in the year so a lot can change, but pressure is now firmly on Mikkelsen & Suninen to sort themselves out asap. But so far, they've done nothing to suggest they can cope with the pressure.

It's still going to be a shame to see Greensmith in an Msport car over a better driver though

[mknight]

a) There was pressure, so I totally don't get how you can say there wasn't any. Sure there is pressure from the team to win WRC2 which he was hired for, similarly there totally is pressure from "others" to get WRC seat.

b) Experienced drivers don't make mistakes? Neuville just ripped a wheel off and rolled the car in Portugal when he had completely wrong pacenote/speed into corner.

[mknight]

...now crashes here after being 16/18s down on Mads after just a couple of stages on the same tyre strategy.


As confirmed by ALLlive Østberg had 2 softs + 4 hard and Mikkelsen 6 hard. Clearly SS1 vs SS3 performance showed that. Østbergs "exactly same tires" are at best misleading (might have been true for SS2).

[dimviii]

a) There was pressure, so I totally don't get how you can say there wasn't any. Sure there is pressure from the team to win WRC2 which he was hired for, similarly there totally is pressure from "others" to get WRC seat.
.

same pressure has Lappi and Ostberg.

[mknight]

same pressure has Lappi and Ostberg.

Lappi doesn't have pressure from the team cause he is paying himself and not the team paying him and he has no clear WRC2 title goal, just to get a drive.

But as they said on allive he is much more relaxed and is building a house instead of thinking rally all the time. Maybe a good idea. Then again it's hard to do much else when you sit at home with COVID.

[EstWRC]

Nice defensive speeches. You could be good lawyer

[dimviii]

Lappi doesn't have pressure from the team cause he is paying himself and not the team paying him and he has no clear WRC2 title goal, just to get a drive.
.

Lappi dont spent his money just to drive,he spents them to gain a wrc seat.So there is pressure.
Mikkelsens problem isnt what going to say manager of Tok sport,but what will say Adamo.Wilson,or Latvala.

[Jarek Z]

WRC3 leader Kajto slid off the road near the end of the last stage. There was no damage to the car, but without any spactators at this place he couldn't get back on the road. Kajto is going to re-start the rally tomorrow, but his good result is already wasted.

Also Lindholm retired on SS6, but I don't know what happened.

Yohan Rossel is the new leader in WRC3.

[dimviii]

Also Lindholm retired on SS6, but I don't know what happened.

.

water coolant hose failure.There is a photo at Sardegna topic.

[mknight]

Lappi dont spent his money just to drive,he spents them to gain a wrc seat.So there is pressure.
Mikkelsens problem isnt what going to say manager of Tok sport,but what will say Adamo.Wilson,or Latvala.

Lappi spends money "Just to get a (wrc) drive", which is obvious to everyone, even to you.

For Mikkelsen that's where the problem is. Tok Sport manager (or more Skoda manager since I believe they pay) would be very fine with him finishing 2nd or 3rd in rallies (they said that after Arctic). While Mikkelsen (and Wilson or Latvala) might be more concerned about speed and less interested in collecting places after everyone retires. Leading to certain conflict of interest, might be even more profound on Safari when just cruising automatically means 2nd place.

[cali]

Lappi spends money "Just to get a (wrc) drive", which is obvious to everyone, even to you.

For Mikkelsen that's where the problem is. Tok Sport manager (or more Skoda manager since I believe they pay) would be very fine with him finishing 2nd or 3rd in rallies (they said that after Arctic). While Mikkelsen (and Wilson or Latvala) might be more concerned about speed and less interested in collecting places after everyone retires. Leading to certain conflict of interest, might be even more profound on Safari when just cruising automatically means 2nd place.Well it's kinda very poor sign then when Mikkelsen is cracking under Toksport manager's pressure. That's a really bad for the big team bosses eyes... And here as well

Your made up excuses doesn't help him a single bit, only makes things worse if someone is starting to claim that a guy who aims to be one of the top drivers in the world can't handle the pressure (from a village team boss?)



Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[cali]

“I think pressure is part of this job, so if you can’t deal with it then that’s not our problem,” Rich Millener

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[dupanton]

A name that hasn't been mentioned yet, but deserves a lot of credit IMO: Yohan Rossel.
Great drive, 1st in WRC3 and not far from Huttunen and Ostberg.
Doing a lot better than Ingram...

[mknight]

Well it's kinda very poor sign then when Mikkelsen is cracking under Toksport manager's pressure. That's a really bad for the big team bosses eyes... And here as well

Your made up excuses doesn't help him a single bit, only makes things worse if someone is starting to claim that a guy who aims to be one of the top drivers in the world can't handle the pressure (from a village team boss?)



In case you haven't been following, the reason to post the list of "pressure" areas ( one of which is likely those paying him (Skoda)) was a response to the post claiming he was under no pressure at all, which is simply wrong.
Sure he has to handle pressure wherever it comes from and yes he has to stop crashing (too often) if he wants to drive WRC. Also some other points being made are perfectly correct.

But there is quite a bit of a difference between peoples opinions or stating facts and writing things that are simply not true. I don't see why some people feel the need to "spice" the arguments with those, often seemingly on purpose to "prove their point".

Then the next level when proven wrong on lies is to go to personal attacks and direct trolling, some seem to enjoy to that as well.

[mknight]

“I think pressure is part of this job, so if you can’t deal with it then that’s not our problem,” Rich Millener



The most interesting part of this quote from Millener directed at Suninen is what Jouhki (Suninen's manager) said in a long interview some 1,5 years back when talking among others about Suninen.

Basically he said how to become "his driver", young drivers have to pass trough detailed psychological tests. Already then it sounded a bit funny considering he also managed Latvala, this brings it to another level.

[Jarek Z]

Brutal end of SS19 for Georg Linnamae:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/media/68112-rally-italia-sardegna-2021/3315/

[Jarek Z]

water coolant hose failure.There is a photo at Sardegna topic.

Thanks for the info. I don't follow the main topic very closely. Too many posts and too quick for me ;)

[dimviii]

Thanks for the info. I don't follow the main topic very closely. Too many posts and too quick for me ;)

plenty of info there,definetely worth to follow.

[dimviii]

MarquitoBulacia
@MarquitoBulacia
Flag of Czech Republic __WRC2 2021__ Thumbs up Happy and proud to have participated in two intense days at the @MotorsportSkoda
Headquarters in Mladá Boleslav - Czech Republic.

During Monday we worked on the mechanics of the Fabia Rally2 evo and today we had an official test of more than 120 kilometers!

We tested everything Wrench : Diffs , different tire compounds, suspension and bars.

Bomb But tomorrow… I have great news to share! #Staytuned

[mknight]

Looks like the test we talked about in R5 thread that was supposed to be cancelled just got delayed a few days. The distinct lack of pictures seems to support my idea that it's somehow related to new Fabia development.

[TypeR]

Maybe somebody put the Rally2/R5 thread also in this section..
Difficult to follow in two different categories(erc and wrc)..

[pantealex]

Maybe somebody put the Rally2/R5 thread also in this section..
Difficult to follow in two different categories(erc and wrc)..

NO, it will be more difficult to follow 2 threads for same cars ...
(btw. main use of Rally2 is National series, not WRC/ERC)

1 for each car type is enough.

[Sulland]

This is how I see it;
The thread in the ERC section is the main one for news on car class, since it is a carclass used in national, regional and at world levet.

The WRC2/3 thread here, where both uses rally2 cars, is meant for news and comments on issues for those championships, but not general tech issues for the cars.

[Jarek Z]

Alex Lukyanuk is going to compete in Estonia thanks to a rally philanthropist :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-champion-lukyanuk-all-set-to-fly-high-twice-in-the-baltics/

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Alex Lukyanuk is going to compete in Estonia thanks to a rally philanthropist :)
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-champion-lukyanuk-all-set-to-fly-high-twice-in-the-baltics/

Great news ! Cant wait to see his speed there.

[dimviii]

Pietarinen testing c3 r5
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1413052000510558211

[pantealex]

Pietarinen testing c3 r5
https://twitter.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1413052000510558211

it says Rally2 in side of car...

not old R5.

[Mirek]

it says Rally2 in side of car...

not old R5.

I bet it has written R5 in its homologation papers...

[dimviii]

Jari Huttunen
@HuttunenRacing
This week`s agenda: Testing a brand new Hyundai i20 N Rally2 in famous tarmac roads of Toscana Flag of Italy
Next week`s agenda: Pushing pedal to the metal in fast gravel roads of #RallyEstonia Flag of Estonia
#WRC2 #HMSGOfficial #Hyundai
https://youtu.be/4RMdD_xwUgA


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E52r-lpVkAAiR7M?format=jpg&name=small

[er88]

Oliver Solberg saying he won't be back in a wrc car this year. R5 from now on, which I guess we expected?

[Tom K]

I think he did not say this year as a whole, but the question was "will we see you in WRC car on our rally".

[Rallyper]

Oliver Solberg saying he won't be back in a wrc car this year. R5 from now on, which I guess we expected?

New Rally2 car needs to be introduced properly...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great news ! Cant wait to see his speed there.

Estonia speed is there - Lukyanuk was fastest on the first shakedown run for Rally2's and 2nd on the second.

[Sulland]

The RC2 fight is as always exiting, many times as exiting as in RC1.

Tip RC2 top 3 in Estonia.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No excuses for Mikkelsen - he needs to win in Estonia for his Ch'ship hopes and has just done the high speed Rally Liepeja.

[Sulland]

1. Østberg
2. Gryazin
3. Mikkelsen

[Lead]

1.Gryazin
2.Ostberg
3.Mikkelsen
4.Lukyanuk
5.Kaur

[Tauri_J]

Gryazin will not finish this rally without a major incident.

[TypeR]

Gryazin will not finish this rally without a major incident.

Very useful post.

[Lead]

Gryazin will not finish this rally without a major incident.

That would be shame because he knows this rally well + he won ERC Liepaja (similar roads) where he actually showed outstanding speed and later drove in safe mode to protect the win (sounds unreal, but thats what happened). And already in Liepaja he was talking about Estonia and some clever tyre strategy. Win in this rally would be huge boost for his future career plans. I actaully want him to suceed here and I'm sure he is capable to do it.

EDIT: And he will have almost ideal road position, not the first and not the too far back).

[mknight]

Østberg is clearly the biggest favourite beforehand.
He is best on this kind of rallies, has extensive experience from Estonia including last year in same car (only WRC2 driver except Huttunen om same car) and has done extensive testing/development for this rally.

Others have pros and cons with Gryazin and Mikkelsen being the closest on paper.

But as it's rally anything can happen.

WRC3 cars like Lukyanuk will surely benefit from start posistion on first pass (also shown last year), might suffer on second.

[pantealex]

Usually I´m wrong with these but I don´t see Østberg as fastest driver in Estonia.

We will see.

[seb_sh]

Østberg is clearly the biggest favourite beforehand.
He is best on this kind of rallies, has extensive experience from Estonia including last year in same car (only WRC2 driver except Huttunen om same car) and has done extensive testing/development for this rally.


Also according to Becs he brought his dampers in his luggage with him again. :p

[Tauri_J]

You dont have to be outright fastest to win a rally. We've seen it a lot lately.

[skarderud]

Østberg leads actually, waiting for solberg, gryazin, lucy etc

He actually brought 8 dampers in his luggage, he means business

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Sulland]

Puncture for Solberg on SS3?

Edit: jump, bæng, radiator, retirement.

[seb_sh]

Huttunen stopped and Solberg is marked as Super Rally on stage 4...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC3 - 23.9s lead for Lukyanuk after the first loop.

[er88]

WRC3 - 23.9s lead for Lukyanuk after the first loop.Does anyone really care? Just look at the R5 cars overall - and Lukyanuk leads that! Great drive so far.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Does anyone really care? Just look at the R5 cars overall - and Lukyanuk leads that! Great drive so far.

Just being factual.

His pace on these type of roads is awesome - and without all the backing and testing of the WRC2 driver's and in a different car than in ERC.

[Sulland]

Good pace by Luky today, lets see if he can keep it up tomorrow, when he starts at the same place in the field as the rest.

But it seems to love the Skoda!

[Tauri_J]

Gryazin will not finish this rally without a major incident.


Very useful post.

I think it was.

[Lead]

And there goes my dream of Gryazin winning in Estonia...
I'm not surprised he crashed, but just that the pace this weekend wasnt there for him (he sounded confused himself). Thats strange considering excellent pace and car setup in Liepaja 2 weeks ago.

[Got Mail]

And there goes my dream of Gryazin winning in Estonia...
I'm not surprised he crashed, but just that the pace this weekend wasnt there for him (he sounded confused himself). Thats strange considering excellent pace and car setup in Liepaja 2 weeks ago.

Agreed. Really bizarre lack of outright pace from NG. I thought he would just disappear into the distance like he did in Liepaja....

[mknight]

Mikkelsen won WRC2 taking maximum points against the best field of the year so far on a type of rally that's not his best. Controlling it since Friday evening. Looked like cat and mouse with Østberg. When Mikkelsen took it easy and lost some time, he would win next stage.

Østberg was fast, but with regards to punctures he had one here with Michelin last year as well and one when fighting for lead in Portugal this year.

Gryazin sadly didn't surprise with crash, but hasn't really had a single stage with top pace for some reason.

Hard to judge Lukyanuk, great drive for sure, but comparison with WrC2 is difficult.
Some 4 weeks ago on a similar rally in Poland Lukyanuk was 15th on the road, Gryazin 38 (23 cars later) and with cleaning led Luykanuk by 36s after first section.
Two weeks ago in Liepaja Luykanuk was number 10 on the road and got beaten in first leg by Breen with 13s at start position 21. (as well as Llarena from 25th). During that rally Lukyanuk was very vocal how unfair advantage that was.
Now come Estonia Luykanuk was starting 17 cars later than WRC2 top and led with 20s after first leg.

At that point obviously Mikkelsen just looked on Østbergs times and not on Lukyanuk who would still start 7 cars later the next day and didn't take any points off him.

I wrote this already in January when Mikkelsen said he wants to win every rally in Rally2 category. That I doubt he will push if he leads WRC2 easily and WRC3 is far ahead. With one 0 score in WRC2 already that's exactly what he did.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Classic Lukyanuk - never knows how to cruise to a win ! :roll:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E6lCJYZWUAEizrH?format=jpg&name=medium

[Sulland]

Did not see the roll of Luky, but i guess it was a soft one in the sand.
But he still managed to keep his RC2 win by 13,8 to Mikkelsen, and 8th total. Not bad, even with better starting position.

I would like to see that cars got starting positions based on result so far in the rally, and not just in your class, and classes are priority 1. At least inside a RC group.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://twitter.com/ewrcresults/status/1416748226779222020?s=21

[denkimi]

Did not see the roll of Luky, but i guess it was a soft one in the sand.
But he still managed to keep his RC2 win by 13,8 to Mikkelsen, and 8th total. Not bad, even with better starting position.

I would like to see that cars got starting positions based on result so far in the rally, and not just in your class, and classes are priority 1. At least inside a RC group.
I wouldn't call it soft. 😛

[dimviii]

Mikkelsen won WRC2 taking maximum points against the best field of the year so far on a type of rally that's not his best. Controlling it since Friday evening. Looked like cat and mouse with Østberg. When Mikkelsen took it easy and lost some time, he would win next stage.

Østberg was fast, but with regards to punctures he had one here with Michelin last year as well and one when fighting for lead in Portugal this year.

Gryazin sadly didn't surprise with crash, but hasn't really had a single stage with top pace for some reason.

Hard to judge Lukyanuk, great drive for sure, but comparison with WrC2 is difficult.
Some 4 weeks ago on a similar rally in Poland Lukyanuk was 15th on the road, Gryazin 38 (23 cars later) and with cleaning led Luykanuk by 36s after first section.
Two weeks ago in Liepaja Luykanuk was number 10 on the road and got beaten in first leg by Breen with 13s at start position 21. (as well as Llarena from 25th). During that rally Lukyanuk was very vocal how unfair advantage that was.
Now come Estonia Luykanuk was starting 17 cars later than WRC2 top and led with 20s after first leg.

At that point obviously Mikkelsen just looked on Østbergs times and not on Lukyanuk who would still start 7 cars later the next day and didn't take any points off him.

I wrote this already in January when Mikkelsen said he wants to win every rally in Rally2 category. That I doubt he will push if he leads WRC2 easily and WRC3 is far ahead. With one 0 score in WRC2 already that's exactly what he did.

first we had the slow outdated fabia at fast rallies.
Now we have the starting position.
The truth is that the aged Russian was faster this weekend,with a new car,from a new team,and new co driver.

[mknight]

first we had the slow outdated fabia at fast rallies.
Now we have the starting position.
The truth is that the aged Russian was faster this weekend,with a new car,from a new team,and new co driver.

Lukyanuk himself says a startposition like this is a big advantage and accused Breen of cheating in Liepaja.

At that same rally Lukyanuk was slower than Mikkelsen when they both have the same starting position whole weekend. (Lukyanuk with different car, Mikkelsen with different tires).

Around here nobody had Mikkelsen as main favourite for WRC2, not in this thread, not in Estonia thread and not in pickems. He beat them all in WRC2, got full points and won all powerstages he started this year.

Yet for you he is as always the biggest disappointment of the whole rally. Cause he didn't try to charge the non-scoring guy that he just beat two weeks before.... at this point you are just down to "hate no matter what" levels.

Sadly the aged Russian has also just shown on PS why he never made it to WRC. There was no chance he would would win the rutted Powerstage from that startposition, yet he tried and only luck made him not retire few kms from finish.

[dimviii]

Lukyanuk himself says a startposition like this is a big advantage and accused Breen of cheating in Liepaja.

At that same rally Lukyanuk was slower than Mikkelsen when they both have the same starting position whole weekend. (Lukyanuk with different car, Mikkelsen with different tires).

Around here nobody had Mikkelsen as main favourite for WRC2, not in this thread, not in Estonia thread and not in pickems. He beat them all in WRC2, got full points and won all powerstages he started this year.

Yet for you he is as always the biggest disappointment of the whole rally. Cause he didn't try to charge the non-scoring guy that he just beat two weeks before.... at this point you are just down to "hate no matter what" levels.

Sadly the aged Russian has also just shown on PS why he never made it to WRC. There was no chance he would would win the rutted Powerstage from that startposition, yet he tried and only luck made him not retire few kms from finish.

about the slow fabia at fast rallies any news?

[mknight]

about the slow fabia at fast rallies any news?

With a proper driver (Mikkelsen) and good setup it can obviously beat other cars. Either C3 (driven by Lukyanuk and Østberg), or Polo (driven by Gryazin). Lukyanuk had basically only Fabias in his category with same starting position in Estonia.

For comparison you can check how many fast international gravel rallies it won in 2020.

[dimviii]

With a proper driver (Mikkelsen) and good setup it can obviously beat other cars. Either C3 (driven by Lukyanuk and Østberg), or Polo (driven by Gryazin). Lukyanuk had basically only Fabias in his category with same starting position in Estonia.

For comparison you can check how many fast international gravel rallies it won in 2020.

so we are not sure yet if fabia is fast at fast ralllies.

Man its a pleasure to read your posts.

[mknight]

so we are not sure yet if fabia is fast at fast ralllies.

Man its a pleasure to read your posts.

No, one won rally by Mikkelsen is not much of a statistics. What numbers are there to tell that Lukyanuk would do worse in C3 from that startposition?

Fast gravel rallies results from last years are not in favor of Fabia. But maybe all those drivers that finance their starts are stupid in using Polos. You go tell them.

Make sure you also tell them that nobody watches onboards to learn the stages while you at it.

[dimviii]

No, one won rally by Mikkelsen is not much of a statistics. What numbers are there to tell that Lukyanuk would do worse in C3 from that startposition?

Fast gravel rallies results from last years are not in favor of Fabia. But maybe all those drivers that finance their starts are stupid in using Polos. You go tell them.

Make sure you also tell them that nobody watches onboards to learn the stages while you at it.

so fabia is still slow at fast rallies.Polo is the faster.

[tommeke_B]

so fabia is still slow at fast rallies.Polo is the faster.

The faster is usually the one Mikkelsen isn't driving.

[Andre Oliveira]

Lukyanuk won in Fiesta. I think he would won with current Fiesta too. He won in Lancer EVO X. He is very good driver.

[er88]

With the massive ruts, some of the advantage of any leftover cleaning Lukyanuk got, will have been negated a bit in other stages that cut up badly.

To be a proper paid wrc driver again, instead of someone who brings budget, Mikkelsen isn't doing enough this year. Look at Ostberg, Mads just simply winning WRC2 "class" isn't going to get him employed by a WRC team again if he is slogging it out with younger up-and-coming drivers, who are far from their peak. When Lappi has stepped back he has shown a better level and that's maybe helped him supposedly get another chance at Toyota.

Andreas has already had 5yrs at rally and championship winning teams. Maybe to you, people are seeming harsh/ hard on him, but that's because the expectation was he was using this year to prove he was "cut above" the likes of Ostberg, Gryazin, Breen, Lukyanuk and younger guys like Solberg and Fourmaux etc.

And let's not change the goalposts now Andreas is failing to deliver on what he said......; " I have one aim next year: that is to dominate every rally that I am doing,” he said. “That means winning every ERC round and winning every WRC round as well. I have the car to do it – Skoda has the best R5 car. For me, there is no question about that. I love the car and getting the chance to spend even more time in it I will perform even better than I did in 2020".

So far the only domination I've seen is against Mikkelsen. Lappi dominated Andreas in Artic, Lukyanuk comfortably beat him in Poland from same road position, and Gryazin was faster in Liepaja to win there. And now the aging Russian, in a new (equal) car with new co driver and same tyres, has taken the domination to a whole new level. Even rolling his car and still having enough time in hand to limp over the line and beat Mikkelsen.

A distant 2nd in R5 and a wrc2 class win is better than crashing like in Croatia and Sardinia, or being beaten in the ERC, but it's still hardly a result that's going to enhance his reputation or wow team bosses which was his season aim. People on here including me (and Mikkelsen himself) clearly expected more. That's why he gets criticised, and because of his seemingly arrogant comments.

[mknight]

With the massive ruts, some of the advantage of any leftover cleaning Lukyanuk got, will have been negated a bit in other stages that cut up badly.


Friday stages didn't get rutted up. Saturday is something else. Mikkelsen never tried to chase Lukyanuk on Saturday for very good reasons.

I find it totally funny when Poland and Liepaja shows how road cleaning works for Rally2 cars on these stages, drivers are all vocal about it and then suddenly in Estonia it doesn't matter, because forum experts know better.





...just simply winning WRC2 "class" isn't going to get him employed by a WRC team again if he is slogging it out with younger up-and-coming drivers, who are far from their peak. When Lappi has stepped back he has shown a better level



In Portugal Lappi was at same time as Suninen and 2s ahead of Gryazin after Friday. (Slogging it out with up and coming drivers?) That's after Østberg already got a puncture. Gryazin then got engine issues first stage in the morning. Suninen got a puncture while 16s behind.
Somehow I don't see how that is clearly better level.

You say Mikkelsen has not shown any domination in 2021, seems you must have forgotten Monte or winning 4 out of 4 powerstages, including also over Lappi.




... That's why he gets criticised, and because of his seemingly arrogant comments.

After dominating 2/3 starts in 2020 and not getting a WRC drive for 2021 (only place was MSport) he said his aim was to dominate every rally.
That's the only single "arrogant" comment. ("aim", not that he will do it)
What would you suggest his aim for this year should have been in Rally2? Participate and see how it goes? Obviously not.

Clearly when you get a zero score in WRC2 and are paid by the team to win WRC2 the aims might get in conflict.

[Franky]

[...] because forum experts know better.


I hope you understand that you are exactly in the same "category" and this debate is forum expert vs forum expert (or experts).

[mknight]

I hope you understand that you are exactly in the same "category" and this debate is forum expert vs forum expert (or experts).

Indeed,
which is why I try to separate my opinion from what drivers say and do and what results show.

I have no idea how much roadcleaning actually matters. But both me and anyone else can see Poland/Liepaja/Estonia results of the same drivers with different relative road positions and hear their comments. That should matter more than mine or anyone elses opinion here.

[Franky]

I haven't been to Rally Estonia stages for ages now but roads detoriate. And the modern WRCars are known for destroying the road a lot. So it's impossible to compare Poland & Liepaja with Estonia as there were no WRCars.

As I wasn't there and don't have the time to prove one or the other, then I'll stop here.

[lmmjvss]

Missed the rally so I was watching the 3 day highlights thing (1:30 hours combined, right?)... I think they metioned Luyanuk only one time. Why? He just beat the top wrc2 cars... Not a big fan of WRC's coverage (highlights) not caring about the privateers tbh.
Cool to see Kajetan on the podium too! Totally ERC vibes.

[cali]

Missed the rally so I was watching the 3 day highlights thing (1:30 hours combined, right?)... I think they metioned Luyanuk only one time. Why? He just beat the top wrc2 cars... Not a big fan of WRC's coverage (highlights) not caring about the privateers tbh.
Cool to see Kajetan on the podium too! Totally ERC vibes.WRC2 is basically RC2 with enhanced (read PAID) TV coverage

Sent from my GM1913 using Tapatalk

[mknight]

Since he started from 40 mins later (Friday) to 15 ish (Sunday), than last WRC/first WRC2 car he basically never made it to Alllive coverage.

Neither do WRC3 crews get onboard kits afaik (not even all WRC2 sometimes get them).

So only vid you have is from stageside cameras if they (still) record. Similar issue with Monza last year with Mikkelsen and Solberg in WRC3 even when they were running as high as 3rd overall.

[Tom K]

Hyundai confirmed Huttunen & Solberg line-up for Ypres. So both should get a new car.

[Jarek Z]

Did not see the roll of Luky, but i guess it was a soft one in the sand.

It wasn't as soft as you think. You can see some photos from Lukyanuk's crash here:
https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/photos/?filters%5Bevent%5D%5B0%5D=269565

[Jarek Z]

Missed the rally so I was watching the 3 day highlights thing (1:30 hours combined, right?)... I think they metioned Luyanuk only one time. Why? He just beat the top wrc2 cars... Not a big fan of WRC's coverage (highlights) not caring about the privateers tbh.
Cool to see Kajetan on the podium too! Totally ERC vibes.

You can see some WRC3 highlights here (not much, but better than nothing):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nX-9H5r1Uxw

[mknight]

It wasn't as soft as you think. You can see some photos from Lukyanuk's crash here:
https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/photos/?filters%5Bevent%5D%5B0%5D=269565

On the other hand I saw onboard of Huttunens crash and that looked quite innocent. Medium speed corner where he slowly went too wide and rolled relatively slowly in the ditch.

Didn't look rally-ending, unless rollcage got damaged. Any explanation of why he didn't restart? (in WRC2 just going to finish would give him a few points which he needs with 0 from Arctic).

[Jarek Z]

Look at the panic of the marshal when she sees Lukyanuk :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=se2cB1trnlc

[Jarek Z]

I don't know if it was posted here or not, but I found an interesting footage from Sean Johnston's terrifying crash in Rally Estonia. He rolled his car I can't even count how many times (must be more than 10?), but both him and his co-driver are quite OK. Johnston explains what happend and what he was thinking during the crash. Also, have a look at what happened to his eyes at 1:00. This is quite scary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCm7t1osluM

[Tume88]

On the other hand I saw onboard of Huttunens crash and that looked quite innocent. Medium speed corner where he slowly went too wide and rolled relatively slowly in the ditch.

Didn't look rally-ending, unless rollcage got damaged. Any explanation of why he didn't restart? (in WRC2 just going to finish would give him a few points which he needs with 0 from Arctic).

Huttunen said in Finnish interview that car was basicly okay unless radiator was broken, but "they" decide to retire rally. Sound pretty strange, maybe no spare parts?

[mknight]

Huttunen said in Finnish interview that car was basicly okay unless radiator was broken, but "they" decide to retire rally. Sound pretty strange, maybe no spare parts?

That was my worry, that they just retired to "save money". As I mentioned with the low amount of cars in WRC2 he would still get decent points just by finishing and he needs them after engine failure at Arctic.

Basically sounds like Hyundai continues to threat him like thrash. After winning WRC3 in Monza as privateer Adamo was so positive how he and Solberg will progress together etc.

Huttunen is so far the only one delivering anything in WRC2 for Hyundai this year, with the win in Sardinia (sure lots of retirements and issues but still he won). Other than that Hyundai campaign this year is a massive disaster (Solberg last scoring WRC2 driver, Veiby (=money) banned). Yet afaik Huttunen still runs in private KOWAX team with likely limited Hyundai support and basically no testing before rallies and very few starts.

Solberg gets WRC starts and testing rallies yet didn't manage to drive further than 2-3 stages the last two rallies and also crashed early in his R5 testing rally. (Solberg seriously need some coaching imo. His parents sound more like a fanclub, which is understandable but they should seek out someone to "guide" Oliver. I don't think Adamo is the one for that).

[Tauri_J]

Dont know how many spares Huttunen had, but he had a puncture after his roll. Maybe even multiple punctures...cant really tell from the pictures.

[AnttiL]

That was my worry, that they just retired to "save money". As I mentioned with the low amount of cars in WRC2 he would still get decent points just by finishing and he needs them after engine failure at Arctic.

Basically sounds like Hyundai continues to threat him like thrash. After winning WRC3 in Monza as privateer Adamo was so positive how he and Solberg will progress together etc.

Huttunen is so far the only one delivering anything in WRC2 for Hyundai this year, with the win in Sardinia (sure lots of retirements and issues but still he won). Other than that Hyundai campaign this year is a massive disaster (Solberg last scoring WRC2 driver, Veiby (=money) banned). Yet afaik Huttunen still runs in private KOWAX team with likely limited Hyundai support and basically no testing before rallies and very few starts.

Solberg gets WRC starts and testing rallies yet didn't manage to drive further than 2-3 stages the last two rallies and also crashed early in his R5 testing rally. (Solberg seriously need some coaching imo. His parents sound more like a fanclub, which is understandable but they should seek out someone to "guide" Oliver. I don't think Adamo is the one for that).

One word: money.

[pantealex]

Hyundai is last in WRC2 Teams championship and they were biggest favourite to win it.

Both car and drivers have failed.

[AnttiL]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joK5cZuCaZw

Jari Huttunen was interviewed by Krisse Sohlberg. Huttunen tells how his 2018 season was ruined by Sarrazin Motorsport who kept failing at simple things, parts were constantly too old. BRC Motorsport took over at the end of the year and it improved things but for 2019 BRC stopped all rallying completely. In 2019 Huttunen was expecting something to happen since he was having some WRC test drives. And he still hasn't understood why it ended. His only guess is Portugal 2019 when he had a bad rally and crashed out. In Finland when he lost to Katsuta in the WRC car, the team had said "if you make a scratch on the car or lose a bumper, you won't drive ever with us". Right now the support from the factory team is minimal, one engineer is working with them, but no fresh spare parts or engine mappings or anything.

[Jarek Z]

What a poor guy! Nearly no support from Hyundai at all...
...and now also this - Kristian Sohlberg can't even spell his name correctly - Jari Huttusen?! Come on! ;)

For such stories we need a "dislike" button!

P.S. Thanks for your translation :)

[AnttiL]

...and now also this - Kristian Sohlberg can't even spell his name correctly - Jari Huttusen?! Come on! ;)

Finnish language is complicated, we modify the tails of words instead of addings small modifier words.

Jari Huttusen haastattelu = Jari Huttunen's interview

So it's completely correctly spelled.

[Jarek Z]

Finnish language is complicated, we modify the tails of words instead of addings small modifier words.

Jari Huttusen haastattelu = Jari Huttunen's interview

So it's completely correctly spelled.

Thanks for the correction. We also modify tails of words, but I didn't know that it also happens in Finnish.

Good luck to Jari!

[mknight]

I said it multiple times before that Huttunen had his career basically destroyed by Hyundai and they keep continuing with that even though Adamo tried to sound different after Monza.
(If you recall in 2019 Hyundai also on purpose didn't let him drive WRC rally in WRC car to get around testing rules, even admitting that)

Winning that Hyundai talent competition in 2017? was actually really bad for him in many ways. Instead he could have been picked by Skoda or MSport...

Only hope is that the new Rally2 car is fast and maybe more importantly doesn't have engine/wastegate or other issues all the time.

[Sulland]

WRC2: Good first loop from Suninen, and also Kristenson.

The two new Rally2 Hyundais are getting used to their new tool on asphalt.
Gryazin off road, but moving again after a while.

[Tom K]

Toksport announced Ingram for Greece and Spain (WRC 3) + full season 2022 in WRC 2

https://twitter.com/toksportwrt/status/1427611335542595585

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toksport announced Ingram for Greece and Spain (WRC 3) + full season 2022 in WRC 2

https://twitter.com/toksportwrt/status/1427611335542595585

Maybe explains why he didnt do Ypres with that Belgian team he was with...

[mknight]

Who's going to pay the 2022 season? (After hearing for ages how Ingram has no money)

[macebig]

New Fabia for car?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Who's going to pay the 2022 season? (After hearing for ages how Ingram has no money)

He has a few good sponsors now and has also sold 'shares' in himself. I guess Toksport will also give him some assistance like they did in the ERC-winning season.

[Lead]

Is there any info who is the new co-driver for Mikkelsen?

[AnttiL]

He has a few good sponsors now and has also sold 'shares' in himself.

What do you get in return for these shares?

[skarderud]

Is there any info who is the new co-driver for Mikkelsen?Jonas Andersson will join him in barum, he wan't to test different co-drivers.
He had 3 or 4 at hand, Veronika Engan is also a possibility, already in Toksport too:)

Sent fra min SM-G950F via Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What do you get in return for these shares?

His website just says:
This investment opportunity is only available to sophisticated or high net worth investors. Minimum Investment size: £10,000. This content is protected.

[AnttiL]

https://www.rallit.fi/suomalaiskuskin-osallistuminen-mm-ralliin-peruttiin-yllattaen-he-eivat-kertoneet-miksi-nain-kavi/?fbclid=IwAR3ZKaut6qpJmMktPHJFFuO0RCOMEwZo7Y3rQy3Z y9MQl4EvRP6Y1e-5ssE

Huttunen has no idea why he was dropped from Acropolis. He says the power steering problem "is not a reason not to drive in Greece" but in the next comment adds "There's nothing we can do about it at this phase of the season", so does it mean they need a homologation joker to fix it?

[SubaruNorway]

Adamo states they never saw the power steering hose problem before and i guess the parc fermé retirement was just a forgotten master switch? Easy to do after a long rough day.

[rp]

Huttunen has no idea why he was dropped from Acropolis. He says the power steering problem "is not a reason not to drive in Greece" but in the next comment adds "There's nothing we can do about it at this phase of the season", so does it mean they need a homologation joker to fix it?

Must be. Very bad for Hyundai if there never was the same problem before and they were testing a lot, but not enough. Hyundai is not paying a lot of the costs of Huttunen´s program, so there is no sense for GRX Team to compete in Greece if the car is not reliable. Maybe they can not drive WRC events with the old car anymore, because Hyundai is trying to sell already new Rally2 car...

Huttunen´s treatment by Hyundai and Adamo shows that the best thing for Huttunen would be to drive something else than Hyundai. Solberg is Adamo´s golden boy and there is no future for Jari in any case. But it´s not yet sure at all that Oliver is good enough to be Rally1 manufacturers’ works driver...

[mknight]

https://www.rallit.fi/suomalaiskuskin-osallistuminen-mm-ralliin-peruttiin-yllattaen-he-eivat-kertoneet-miksi-nain-kavi/?fbclid=IwAR3ZKaut6qpJmMktPHJFFuO0RCOMEwZo7Y3rQy3Z y9MQl4EvRP6Y1e-5ssE

Huttunen has no idea why he was dropped from Acropolis. He says the power steering problem "is not a reason not to drive in Greece" but in the next comment adds "There's nothing we can do about it at this phase of the season", so does it mean they need a homologation joker to fix it?

When I think Hyundai couldn't handle Huttunen any worse they always top it .........

The reason could be that they fear the car will break on the rough Acropolis + there is a tough entry list and he has one extra round over Solberg, so can skip one.
Therefore they send him to Spain instead, even though he maybe isn't so far on that surface, the car should handle it better and there will be few entries to fight with.

But all this is just speculation. Kinda interesting he even goes public that he wasn't told.


Adamo states they never saw the power steering hose problem before and i guess the parc fermé retirement was just a forgotten master switch? Easy to do after a long rough day.

I think I read somewhere that Solberg actually started driving the roadsection before retiring.

[Danny0405]

The choice of not taking Huttunen in Greece is not that bad in my opinion.
As Hyundai is registered as a manufacturer, its drivers could only make 6 rallies in Europe + 1 outside. And they could only register with 2 cars in 6 European Rallies.

Currently, Huttunen has made 4 rallies and Solberg 3. And Hyundai has already 4 European rallies as a manufacturer.
Theoretically, Huttunen and Solberg will both make Finland. So we can imagine that they will also make Spain; not a bad choice considering that Toksport will not be in Spain (but a Japan cancellation could change the championship rules).

But from a global perspective, yes, Hyundai’s management of Huttunen is quite awful. Apparently, he will stay with them last year, not a good pick.

[mknight]

I think Hyundai only has 3 rallies as manufacturer tbh. (here it says 2: https://www.wrc.com/en/results-standings/championship-standings/seasons/championship-standings/season-2021/wrc2/)

In Arctic they had two cars so that should be 3rd, but the points aren't listed.
In Sardinia due to Veiby and Scandola not starting it was just one car and therefore it didn't count. Monte was without points as Solberg wasn't nominated for points.

But yes the choice itself isn't terribly bad, but seemingly not telling Huttunen sounds bad.

[Co-driven]

Sorry, but how does the entries regulations work? Can a team simply withdraw from one event after the entries are closed and entry list is published?
As far as I know, only on force majeure situations the FIA allows this...

If this is possible, everybody will send entries to events, and after entry list is published and they see who will be competing at that event, they will withdraw without any further problem.

[bomber21]

It would be interesting to see if Solberg can be faster than local Athanassoulas with the same car…

[mknight]

Sorry, but how does the entries regulations work? Can a team simply withdraw from one event after the entries are closed and entry list is published?
As far as I know, only on force majeure situations the FIA allows this...

If this is possible, everybody will send entries to events, and after entry list is published and they see who will be competing at that event, they will withdraw without any further problem.

No idea.

The only clear thing is that Hyundai "scored" as manu in Portugal since Veiby even drove Shakedown.

Yet they didn't score in Sardinia even though they were on entry list with Veiby (and even Scandola), cause both couldn't start because of COVID. This example likely qualifies as force majeure.

[Lancia Stratos]

I think Hyundai only has 3 rallies as manufacturer tbh. (here it says 2: https://www.wrc.com/en/results-standings/championship-standings/seasons/championship-standings/season-2021/wrc2/)

In Arctic they had two cars so that should be 3rd, but the points aren't listed.


They had two cars but they weren't nominated for teams points.

[dimviii]

It would be interesting to see if Solberg can be faster than local Athanassoulas with the same car…

Without problems Solberg will be faster.Lambros is a fast driver,but not at same level as Solberg,specially with so many years without enough drives with wrc2 cars

[bomber21]

Without problems Solberg will be faster.Lambros is a fast driver,but not at same level as Solberg,specially with so many years without enough drives with wrc2 cars
Yes but Lambros is local and knows these SS very well and he has proven he can be equal with the ERC guys at least in the past. Besides this, in the recent Rally Corinth he used a Mitsubishi Evo and was faster than some R5 guys…

[dimviii]

After driving a Hyundai i20 R5 and Skoda Fabia in recent years, Gryazin stepped into a Polo this season.

“We have reached the point where we have to decide which direction to go in 2022 and further years,” Gryazin told wrc.com. “Since the Polo is not developing, we decided to change it for the upcoming years. One of our options is to continue with Fiesta.

“I have really liked the performance of the Fiesta on gravel (and on Tarmac as well) this year and I would like to drive it to see for myself. M-Sport will provide the car for us. We will be under their wings in Greece but still as a competitor of Movisport.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fiesta-time-for-gryazin-in-greece/

[RS]

After driving a Hyundai i20 R5 and Skoda Fabia in recent years, Gryazin stepped into a Polo this season.

“We have reached the point where we have to decide which direction to go in 2022 and further years,” Gryazin told wrc.com. “Since the Polo is not developing, we decided to change it for the upcoming years. One of our options is to continue with Fiesta.

“I have really liked the performance of the Fiesta on gravel (and on Tarmac as well) this year and I would like to drive it to see for myself. M-Sport will provide the car for us. We will be under their wings in Greece but still as a competitor of Movisport.

https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2021/wrc/fiesta-time-for-gryazin-in-greece/

That will be very interesting. Gryazin is one of the fastest drivers in RC2 so this should give us a clear picture of where the Fiesta stands.

I guess this is also a way to get a foot in the door at MSport and possibly into a Rally1 car in the future.

[mknight]

From what Suninen and others say Fiesta is best on high-grip surfaces and struggles when there is low grip.
No idea how much grip there is in Acropolis this year.

Other than that as I already commented elsewhere Polo has had more upgrades this year so far than Fiesta, but it's "final" upgrades with no more development. So while there is no doubt it's competitive this year, it might be less so in the future. So as you say it's a way to get foot in the door.

[AnttiL]

From what Suninen and others say Fiesta is best on high-grip surfaces and struggles when there is low grip.
No idea how much grip there is in Acropolis this year.


Greensmith had a pretty good run in Turkey 2019, where he won the RC2 class against the likes of Rovanperä, Kopecky, Henning and Kajto. And not just winning because of others having issues or mistakes, but also fastest stage times.

[mknight]

Yes I remember that, but I assumed that Turkey is mostly high-grip/stones, specially after WRC cars passed. Unlikely say Sardinia which has some quite sandy stages.

[Jarek Z]

Kajto's short video from the city stage:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3JA3LNqe2U

[Sulland]

Too bad for Østberg to have the front diff go on the first proper stage. Guessing he is now in a BMW M3, enjoying his wide slides!

Impressive by the two youngsters Bulacia and Solberg so far.
But the older and maybe wiser crews are taking it slow so far.

Acropolis is an attrition rally, so lets see what tactics prevails!

[macebig]

Both new i20s didn't make it to midday on their first tough rally... Work is still needed.

[bomber21]

Another disastrous rally for Oliver Solberg…

[Got Mail]

Another disastrous rally for Oliver Solberg…


Dirtfish will be on suicide watch...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chris Ingram on his return to Toksport for his WRC bid:
https://www.fiaerc.com/erc-dream-team-reunited-for-world-bid/

[Jarek Z]

How many Toksport cars can you see in one rally? :)

https://scontent.fktw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/241430960_4191059487638710_8786535565478618231_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=9FW-ujkhOToAX_Pg3PJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw1-1.fna&oh=765be97036d9d5ea1152bae1d3599221&oe=6162D838

[pantealex]

How many Toksport cars can you see in one rally? :)

https://scontent.fktw1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/241430960_4191059487638710_8786535565478618231_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-5&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=9FW-ujkhOToAX_Pg3PJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fktw1-1.fna&oh=765be97036d9d5ea1152bae1d3599221&oe=6162D838

and Fernandez (WRC3) did cancel his entry, so could have been one more...

[EstWRC]

Both new i20s didn't make it to midday on their first tough rally... Work is still needed.

both of them hit stuff, thats why

[Jarek Z]

WRC3 Highlights from Day 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EakFjG2Q0II

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Chris Ingram won the first stage of day 3 to extend his lead, but then finished 3rd & 4th fastest on the next two stages and has lost the lead of WRC3 to Rossel.
Bad tyre choices ?

https://www.ewrc.cz/images/2021/photos/eko-acropolis-rally-of-gods_2021/hfr_dsc_9412.jpg

Edit: Said they overheated over-pressured the tyres.

[mknight]

Total control by Mikkelsen (like in Estonia).

Driving safely in rough stages and gaining 10+ secs per stage when Bulacia closed up. Yet getting massive gaps to all other Rally2s. All this with new codriver in different language.

That's the kind of driving that brings titles but not a lot of stagewins. So it will be called a disappointment here.

[Mirek]

Total control by Mikkelsen (like in Estonia).

Driving safely in rough stages and gaining 10+ secs per stage when Bulacia closed up. Yet getting massive gaps to all other Rally2s. All this with new codriver in different language.

That's the kind of driving that brings titles but not a lot of stagewins. So it will be called a disappointment here.

It was not disappointing. Here in Greece he did exactly what he promissed before the season.

[Danny0405]

Good Rallye for Rossel but 5 points short of clinching the title. His improvement margin on a last rally is quite low (8 points only) and he is not sure to go to Spain (budget).
However, Kajto would need almost two perfect performances to win the title (at least, 56 or 57 out of 60 in his last two rallies) so I would bet on Rossel still, especially because the last rallies include a lot of high-level local competitors.

On WRC-2, Mikkelsen is now in a good situation; even if Ostberg gets 30 points in Finland, he could only tie Mikkelsen (with the latter still leading the championship with more wins) and Mikkelsen would have a better improvement margin on the last Rallye. So whatever are Ostberg’s results, a 22-point performance (2nd overall + 2nd in PS) would be enough for Mikkelsen.
I wonder if Bulacia let him pass today? (Not convinced personnally because Bulacia is a client)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Amazing difference from Acropolis Day 3 for Rossel. Seems he then got his set-up right and showed the impressive speed he's had all season.

Consistent pace by Kajto as usual but Day 3 ruined Ingram's chances (tyres) although a WRC3 podium is still a fine result.

[Jarek Z]

Good Rallye for Rossel but 5 points short of clinching the title. His improvement margin on a last rally is quite low (8 points only) and he is not sure to go to Spain (budget).
However, Kajto would need almost two perfect performances to win the title (at least, 56 or 57 out of 60 in his last two rallies) so I would bet on Rossel still, especially because the last rallies include a lot of high-level local competitors.

The situation in WRC3 has changed dramatically. Yohan Rossel was disqualified from the Acropolis Rally (car not in conformity with homologation):
https://twitter.com/anttil_wrc/status/1437136177086205952?s=21

So the new winner is Kajto, with Ingram second and Lindholm third.

[Jarek Z]

As far as the WRC3 standings are concerned, it probably looks like this (not sure if it is correct):
1. Rossel - 127
2. Kajto - 112.

They are both missing Rally Finland, so the title will be decided either in Spain or in Italy.

[Danny0405]

Harsh for Rossel, especially considering how hard he finances this year (and maybe his last chance because he said that without an official support, from Citroen in WRC- 2 for example, he will not follow next year, at least at international level). Apparently, second time Sainteloc makes such a mistake this year which explains the disqualification this time.

And in addition to that, Coria makes Finland with Fourmaux (not a definitive pick however).
Clearly, the situation is not favourable for him now but still a hope if he can go to Monza (or Spain) because I’m pretty confident Kajto will not make two wins in a row, considering the competition (and with the 5 out of 7 rules, his margin of improvement is not that much, even if greater than Rossel for sure)

[denkimi]

Harsh for Rossel, especially considering how hard he finances this year (and maybe his last chance because he said that without an official support, from Citroen in WRC- 2 for example, he will not follow next year, at least at international level). Apparently, second time Sainteloc makes such a mistake this year which explains the disqualification this time.
the mistake is not with sainteloc. They don't make the parts, they just buy the from Citroën.

Which makes it even more weird as a decision from the fia. You buy a part, have it checked and found to be correct, only to have someone find the same part incorrect the next rally. Either rossel or his team has tampered with the part, but i wouldn't see why they would do that, or the fia's measurings system is crooked.

[Tom K]

The did not check it.

After Rally Italia Sardegna 2021 the competitor had carefully checked all their subframes and
three of them were found not to comply and sent back to the supplier. Subframe No. 99 was
not checked, as the competitor relied on the weight measured at the final scrutineering in
Rally Italia Sardegna 2021.
The non-complying subframe used in EKO Acropolis Rally 2021 was already in the
possession of the competitor at the time of Rally Italia Sardegna 2021.

[PLuto]

The did not check it.

After Rally Italia Sardegna 2021 the competitor had carefully checked all their subframes and
three of them were found not to comply and sent back to the supplier. Subframe No. 99 was
not checked, as the competitor relied on the weight measured at the final scrutineering in
Rally Italia Sardegna 2021.
The non-complying subframe used in EKO Acropolis Rally 2021 was already in the
possession of the competitor at the time of Rally Italia Sardegna 2021.

It was checked. On scurtineering by FIA at Sardegna.

[denkimi]

The did not check it.

After Rally Italia Sardegna 2021 the competitor had carefully checked all their subframes and
three of them were found not to comply and sent back to the supplier. Subframe No. 99 was
not checked, as the competitor relied on the weight measured at the final scrutineering in
Rally Italia Sardegna 2021.
The non-complying subframe used in EKO Acropolis Rally 2021 was already in the
possession of the competitor at the time of Rally Italia Sardegna 2021.
As pluto said. In sardegna the fia checked it and found it to be legal. Only to have it checked by the fia again the next rally and now found to be overweight.

So either they have changed something on the subframe between those rallies that has made it heavier, or the scales of the fia don't work as they should.

[Jarek Z]

According to the article at https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/tygodnie-niepewnosci/6671940/ Rossel/Sainteloc appealed against the disqualification. The final decision regarding the Acropolis Rally results is to be made in November.

[Tom K]

As pluto said. In sardegna the fia checked it and found it to be legal. Only to have it checked by the fia again the next rally and now found to be overweight.

So either they have changed something on the subframe between those rallies that has made it heavier, or the scales of the fia don't work as they should.

They were told to check all their spares they have. They weighed and found that three more are not correct. Being them I would check all I have, especially that no 99 was closer to limit than to proper weight.

This does not explain why the results from Sardinia and Greece were different. Document says that in Greece all parties agreed that weighing process was correct. ~ 250 grams its not what you have to weigh with NASA equipment :)

[denkimi]

They were told to check all their spares they have. They weighed and found that three more are not correct. Being them I would check all I have, especially that no 99 was closer to limit than to proper weight.

This does not explain why the results from Sardinia and Greece were different. Document says that in Greece all parties agreed that weighing process was correct. ~ 250 grams its not what you have to weigh with NASA equipment :)
Why would they need to check something again after it has just been checked by the officials of the fia and found to be legal?
If it was illegal now, it should have been just as illegal in sardinia.

But the main issue is that, besides if sainteloc made the part heavier between 2 rallies for some reason, this means that the measurements of the fia cannot be trusted.

If they are wrong now, how often were they wrong in the past?

[Kenneth]

Dominik Stříteský will drive in Spain with Toksport.

[mknight]

Dominik Stříteský will drive in Spain with Toksport.

Nice, off course that means it's paid by Skoda, just branded differently.

-edited-

[Tom K]

Skoda Motorsport's presser gives more info. Stritesky will score in WRC 3.

[mknight]

Well at the moment it's a bit confusing.
The news I read says that Stritesky starts alongside Bulacia. But the official Skoda one say only that Stritesky starts.

So waiting for clarification of what happens in WRC2.

[Kenneth]

Czech press release says that Bulacia will start too. Maybe he just won't compete for points.

[kure91]

Yeah, in Czech PR they are stating that Bulacia will start. But comparing Czech and Engish version of that press release it seem, that one of these is quite buffled, as part about Toksport drivers in English has completle different meaning that Czech... So we will see.

[Got Mail]

Czech press release says that Bulacia will start too. Maybe he just won't compete for points.

That is the correct position.

[PLuto]

Problem was that there were some plans, but with Monza date there were discussion which version of entries to remaining events will happen. Thats also maybe why czech version and english version was little bit different as they were made in different status of entry...

[mknight]

With regards to Monza change there is a funny thing in the rules...

they have not been altered so they still say that to win WRC2 teams you need to enter a rally outside of Europe.

Since nobody entered Safari (with 2 cars), right now nobody can be WRC2 teams champion.

[Lancia Stratos]

With regards to Monza change there is a funny thing in the rules...

they have not been altered so they still say that to win WRC2 teams you need to enter a rally outside of Europe.

Since nobody entered Safari (with 2 cars), right now nobody can be WRC2 teams champion.

That will be changed by the FIA during Spain.

[Got Mail]

Gryazin also with a Toksport SKODA for Spain.

[mknight]

Gryazin also with a Toksport SKODA for Spain.

Really?

That's kind of weird, some points:

- Sports-wise sure Polo is good on that kind of tarmac, though he might have doubts after ERC Roma.
- Why not own Fabia? Doesn't he have some as SRT? (maybe none available since Marczyk is going from Fafe to Hungary)

- "Future" wise he is complaining that Polo is not getting developed, but this Fabia is getting replaced in 6 months, likely not much development either
- If not Polo why not Fiesta, tarmac seems by far its best surface. But maybe no point to go for it just for "one" surface if it's really bad on gravel.

[Tom K]

- If not Polo why not Fiesta, tarmac seems by far its best surface. But maybe no point to go for it just for "one" surface if it's really bad on gravel.

Diplomatically speaking, he wasn't impressed by M-Sport during Acropolis.

[rallyfiend]

Really?

That's kind of weird, some points:

- Sports-wise sure Polo is good on that kind of tarmac, though he might have doubts after ERC Roma.
- Why not own Fabia? Doesn't he have some as SRT? (maybe none available since Marczyk is going from Fafe to Hungary)

- "Future" wise he is complaining that Polo is not getting developed, but this Fabia is getting replaced in 6 months, likely not much development either
- If not Polo why not Fiesta, tarmac seems by far its best surface. But maybe no point to go for it just for "one" surface if it's really bad on gravel.

He is probably on the 'shopping list' for Skoda to place at TokSport next year.

So why not try the team and see it's dynamic, atmosphere etc first?

I assume that's what he did with M-Sport.

Try before you buy!

[mknight]

- His own team has a Fabia Evo
- He says he wants to go away from Polo cause it's not getting developed any more, the current Fabia shouldn't really be getting developed either.

[Mirek]

He is probably on the 'shopping list' for Skoda to place at TokSport next year.

IMHO this. Toksport is basically a works Škoda affiliate and there will be a free space there after Mikkelsen. Driving for works/semi-works Škoda has been proven to be the best way to get into WRC seat. While there is certain interest of Škoda in Kris Meeke driving the car next year, Gryazin is much younger and fits much better in Škoda operational scheme of last years. He is also more interesting from marketing point of view. IMHO it is a realistic option.

The fact that Fabia is old and will be replaced mid-season next year don't change much. The car is still able of winning and there is no reason to expect it to get helplessly slow in just couple of months from today and after that there is the new car. Also if he is successful he can continue driving the car beyond next season. It's not granted at all that the seat will be free by this time next year.

[mousti]

Said some weeks ago already that he would switch to Skoda.. And like Mirek says he gets almost factory support by going to Toksport. He will get the same treatment like Mikkelsen gets.

Verstuurd vanaf mijn M2007J3SG met Tapatalk

[Jarek Z]

- Why not own Fabia? Doesn't he have some as SRT? (maybe none available since Marczyk is going from Fafe to Hungary)

One week before Rally Hungary Marczyk is also going to compete in Rally Kosice in Slovakia (October 16-17). Despite being second in ERC he is also leading Polish championship and it is the last round. Maybe it plays a role here.

[Sulland]

- His own team has a Fabia Evo
- He says he wants to go away from Polo cause it's not getting developed any more, the current Fabia shouldn't really be getting developed either.

This has to more about team and setup capability than cartype.

[seb_sh]

It's a bit weird to me that people are talking and avoiding the VW. Sure it got it's last update this year but it seems to be one of the top cars, possibly the best choice on some rallies plus it's now reliable. If you have been with it for some time you know it and can extract maximum from it. If you switch to a new car it's not guaranteed it will be at 100% and could also have reliability issues at first, see Hyundai for example or Citroen that had quite some issues at first, not to mention Ford... Even for next year I think VW could be a good choice if you know it well but I may be wrong.

To me it looks more like that Toksport seat is the closest to a works WRC2 drive in a good all round car with proper testing except maybe for Mads' role with Citroen so that's probably why people want it.

[mknight]

Is Gryazin actually entered in Spain as WRC2 and scoring points?
(it seems so on the entry list)
I see him as already doing 7 "driver scoring" events, which should mean that he is not able to score points here.

Any explanation?

[Danny0405]

Is Gryazin actually entered in Spain as WRC2 and scoring points?
(it seems so on the entry list)
I see him as already doing 7 "driver scoring" events, which should mean that he is not able to score points here.

Any explanation?

Was wondering the same thing but I have no answer.

Other point that interests me if someone has the answer: Toksport has hired Ingram for the WRC-2 run next year. So if the team rules remain the same, they may have to choose between Mikkelsen and Bulacia for the second car which would be a difficult pick (except if one find another team before which is not sure or if Mikkelsen do ERC only). Some news on that?

[AnttiL]

Also note that WRC3 next year is run with Rally3 cars, so most current WRC3 drivers are likely ”upgrading” to WRC2

[Tom K]

According to Gryazin - maybe it is still possible to swap driver and co-driver. Look, what Lindholm and Hamalainen did (also Toksport). Maybe Aleksandrov "will be driver" just to try to take points from Ostberg.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Other point that interests me if someone has the answer: Toksport has hired Ingram for the WRC-2 run next year. So if the team rules remain the same, they may have to choose between Mikkelsen and Bulacia for the second car which would be a difficult pick (except if one find another team before which is not sure or if Mikkelsen do ERC only). Some news on that?

No news as such yet as it all depends on Mikkelsen. He has probably done all he can to impress WRC teams but there just arent enough seats unless he brings big budget.

He has nothing more to prove in Rally2 cars and I dont see him doing another season at that level unless its just for fun.

Bulacia should continue and has a good future and one that Toksport would be sensible to keep in the team.

[Jarek Z]

Reeta Hamalainen proves that she is a far better tarmac driver than Emil Lindholm and wins WRC3 category in Rally Catalunya ;)

Kajto is second and takes the lead in the championship:

WRC3 standings with all rounds taken into account:
1. Kajto 135
2. Rossel 127
3. Lindholm 73

WRC3 standings with 5 best out of 7 rounds taken into account:
1. Kajto 127
2. Rossel 127
3. Lindholm 73

Full standings:
https://www.wrc.com/en/results-standings/championship-standings/seasons/championship-standings/season-2021/wrc3/


The title will be decided in Rally Monza. Both drivers should be there.

[Got Mail]

No news as such yet as it all depends on Mikkelsen. He has probably done all he can to impress WRC teams but there just arent enough seats unless he brings big budget.

He has nothing more to prove in Rally2 cars and I dont see him doing another season at that level unless its just for fun.

Bulacia should continue and has a good future and one that Toksport would be sensible to keep in the team.

There will be a minimum of 2 Toksport run teams next year in WRC2. One may not be branded as Toksport.

[Danny0405]

WRC3 standings with 5 best out of 7 rounds taken into account:
1. Kajto 127
2. Rossel 127
The title will be decided in Rally Monza. Both drivers should be there.

If I have calculated well, in Monza:

- if one wins the WRC3 overall, he wins the championship whatever happens in the Power Stage

- if Rossel is third or lower, Kajto is champion

- if Rossel is second (and Kajto not first), it will depend on the Power Stage results (at the very least, Rossel would need 4th to take back the tiebreaker if Kajto lower than 3rd) but Kajto should probably be at least 3rd overall because he could not improve his total if lower.

The other entries may have an impact on the fight, especially Lindholm who did pretty well last year and could make the same Catalunya tricky entry.
Maybe some help from Škoda for one driver to make the entry as it is Rossel who must score absolutely because of the current tiebreaker.

[Jarek Z]

It's already complicated and what happens when Rossel wins Acropolis?

[Danny0405]

It's already complicated and what happens when Rossel wins Acropolis?

Kajto cannot win the championship anymore if Rossel victory in Acropolis is validated.

Best 5 results possible with a 30-point win in Monza for Kajto: 28 + 28 + 30 + 23 + 23 = 132

Best 5 results for Rossel if his win in Acropolis is validated: 28 + 28 + 29 + 28 + 22 = 135

[Sulland]

That will be changed by the FIA during Spain.

Was it?

[mknight]

No, rules still same. So nobody can win WRC2 team champs. I guess they will change at some point.

Anyway almost nobody bare the team bosses vare about them and they became extremely messy lately with Gryazin scoring for Movisport while driving MSports Fiesta and now while driving Toksports Fabia.

Still it's kind of funny that nobody even cares about rules.

[seb_sh]

Indeed seems they don't care, which is a shame because we had great battles this year. I think it's a missed opportunity to generate attention for awarding the world WRC2/3/Junior.

Also the choice of rounds is stupid as are all the loopholes. Instead there could be an alternative choice or two in the first part of the season (eg Monte or Sweden and Portugal or Italy) and the rest 4-5 should be fixed. Have WRC3 end in Spain and WRC2 end in Japan. That could build some interest as you are guaranteed at least two winners in the first rounds but then it should be a direct competition. Also do a rally or 2 or 3 where there is WRC3 and no WRC2, that could allow WRC3 to get some TV.

[Lancia Stratos]

No, rules still same. So nobody can win WRC2 team champs. I guess they will change at some point.

Anyway almost nobody bare the team bosses vare about them and they became extremely messy lately with Gryazin scoring for Movisport while driving MSports Fiesta and now while driving Toksports Fabia.

Still it's kind of funny that nobody even cares about rules.

Not true. They have been changed.

[mknight]

Not true. They have been changed.

Not on the FIA official site here:

https://www.fia.com/regulation/category/119

So do tell where we can see the changes.

[TypeR]

Not on the FIA official site here:

https://www.fia.com/regulation/category/119

So do tell where we can see the changes.
I'm sure all the participants have been informed how everything works.

Japan isn't happening and so impossible to do, then it's logical that this rule would be excluded/changed.

[Lancia Stratos]

I'm sure all the participants have been informed how everything works.

Japan isn't happening and so impossible to do, then it's logical that this rule would be excluded/changed.

Correct. And it has. And the teams were well aware it would be changed as soon as it became clear that Japan would be cancelled.

[mknight]

Correct. And it has. And the teams were well aware it would be changed as soon as it became clear that Japan would be cancelled.

Where can we see the changes?

[Lancia Stratos]

Where can we see the changes?

No idea. As far as I know it's a simple change to say that the requirement for teams to compete in an overseas round has been removed.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FCVFto3WUAAHbIZ?format=jpg&name=medium

[Andre Oliveira]

Rossel appeal rejected

https://www.fia.com/news/wrc-3-ica-decision-hearing-09-11-21-yohan-rossel

[Co-driven]

And I think Szczepaniak is already Champion co-driver.

[Jarek Z]

Yes, that's true. Congratulations!

[Jarek Z]

After years of competition with many different drivers in WRC he finally made it! :)

https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/ZMHk9kqTURBXy9mODA4YmQ4MjZmMjhkMjAwYzE5NmI2Nzg5MTY yZjJlMy5qcGVnk5UDABnNDrHNCESVAs0DBwDDw5MJpjJiMzE4Z AaBoTAB/robert-kubica-maciej-szczepaniak.jpg

[Jarek Z]

https://bi.im-g.pl/im/60/7d/14/z21484640Q,Maciej-Szczepaniak--pilot-Huberta-Ptaszka.jpg

[Jarek Z]

https://ocdn.eu/pulscms-transforms/1/ErEk9kpTURBXy83MzhlOTdlYjcyNTc5ZDZmY2E1ZmQzOWM5ZTd kZTU0MS5qcGeTlQMAHc0H0M0EZZMFzQMUzQG8kwmmMjkxMzAwB oGhMAE/nowy-samochod-michala-kosciuszko.jpg

[Jarek Z]

https://kajto.pl/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/017.png

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.wrc.com/?proxy=redaktion/Season-2021-NEWS/WRC2/November/winner-WRC2-16_9_MONZA.jpg

[Danny0405]

1st win for M-Sport in either WRC-2 Pro, WRC-2 or WRC-3 since Turkey 2019. But still quite far from RC2 class win.
Shows how far is the Fiesta Rally2 currently. The only positive is probably tarmac with Fourmaux in Canarias last year and Cais in Barum this year

[Mirek]

Cais was leading also in Hungary before his puncture. All the named cases are anyway connected with slippery/wet/dirty asphalt. The car seems to struggle especially on gravel.

[AnttiL]

This win was mostly due to Mikkelsen's puncture and Bulacia's off, and otherwise short WRC2 entry list.

[ictus]

This win was mostly due to Mikkelsen's puncture and Bulacia's off, and otherwise short WRC2 entry list.

A win is a win!!... there are no if's, buts etc. ;)

[Mirek]

A win is a win!!... there are no if's, buts etc. ;)

See the context. The discussion was about the speed of Fiesta Mk.II. Even here in Monza the speed wasn't there.

[RS]

1st win for M-Sport in either WRC-2 Pro, WRC-2 or WRC-3 since Turkey 2019. But still quite far from RC2 class win.
Shows how far is the Fiesta Rally2 currently. The only positive is probably tarmac with Fourmaux in Canarias last year and Cais in Barum this year

Cais was also quick on Catalunya.

[Jarek Z]

Very nice video of Yohan Rossel on the finish line of Rally Monza. He has just won WRC3 World Championship. Congratulations!
https://www.facebook.com/YohanRossel/videos/954912801899388/

[AnttiL]

Ingram lost 3rd overall in WRC3 due to the time penalty, Lindholm takes it instead.

We could also speculate that Kajto could have won, had not Lindholm done the co-driver-swap-trickery in Spain (they took the highest points which Kajto would have otherwise gotten)

[Danny0405]

Ingram lost 3rd overall in WRC3 due to the time penalty, Lindholm takes it instead.

We could also speculate that Kajto could have won, had not Lindholm done the co-driver-swap-trickery in Spain (they took the highest points which Kajto would have otherwise gotten)

Not a fan of the «*what if*» in general because it could change a lot of things in the approach by the drivers, the risks taken (Rossel may have taken a lot more risks if win was needed in Monza), ...
In the what if category, there are also:
- What of Lopez engine did not broke in Spain?
- What if Rossel took a smaller penalty in Greece?
In the end, Rossel’s disqualification in Greece gives Kajto an advantage (having 7 rounds scoring possibilities instead of 6 for Rossel in the 5 out of 7 rule), Kajto was dominated in the «*real rally*» part of Monza and still has a chance thanks to the circuit: but he lost the fight in proper way in the last one where both had their chances (which was the only interest of this last stage).

Even if, on another point, I agree the driver rule should be precised to avoid that type of situation in the future (could have sense in the past but not anymore nowadays).

[mknight]

I'd say Monza was first really good rally for the new Hyundai, sure Crugnola is Monza expert and Mikkelsen was faster without the timeloss on puncture, but only by some 10s.

Too bad there doesn't seem to be onboard for Rossel (because he is WRC3 ?) from the PS.

Huttunen and Fiesta were quite disappointing.

Gryazin also seemed to struggle a lot on the circuit.

[Jarek Z]

Ingram lost 3rd overall in WRC3 due to the time penalty, Lindholm takes it instead.

Yes, a very unfortunate rally for Chris Ingram. First he got a 1-minute penalty (I don't know why) and then he also got a 6-minute penalty for using too many tires:
https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?42035-WRC-Rally-Monza-2021&p=1287292&viewfull=1#post1287292

But still, 4th place overall in WRC3 is not bad:
https://www.wrc.com/en/results-standings/championship-standings/seasons/championship-standings/season-2021/wrc3/?mobile

[Jarek Z]

We could also speculate that Kajto could have won, had not Lindholm done the co-driver-swap-trickery in Spain (they took the highest points which Kajto would have otherwise gotten)

I have just read Kajto's press release. He says only positive things about the season, but it must be a typical PR bullshit. I think he must be very disappointed with the final result:

This year’s World Rally Championship is coming to an end. This has been our best season since we started to compete among the fastest rally crews in the world. Three rally victories, six podium finishes in seven outings brought us this second place in the championship! Although the main goal was very close, I can return to Poland with my head held high.

source:
https://kajto.pl/en/2021/11/21/kajetan-kajetanowicz-second-position-in-the-world-rally-championship-another-wrc-podium-for-the-polish-crew/