WRC Croatia Rally 2021

[jcevc]

It is getting more and more serious - Supplementary Regulations is online now, 302 km of tarmac special stages.

https://rally-croatia.com/en/competitors

Looks like it will be my first and probably last WRC start almost on home soil :)

[M3 Jambo]

Good luck with it :)

[Tom K]

The majority of the stages you can see via google street view and few photos are here:

https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wymagajace-asfalty-chorwacji/5471350/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6#gal-5471350-m0-rally-croatia-route-51916498

[EstWRC]

The majority of the stages you can see via google street view and few photos are here:

https://pl.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wymagajace-asfalty-chorwacji/5471350/?ic_source=home-page-widget&ic_medium=widget&ic_campaign=widget-6#gal-5471350-m0-rally-croatia-route-51916498

thank for the link. from those pics seems to be nice flowing roads.

cant wait for the rally to start, we havent had pure tarmac rally since Spain 2019

[jcevc]

http://https://youtu.be/cMEV1e9iPuY

This is the area and type of road which will be driven as powerstage. But we can say pretty different than friday and saturday stages, also second sunday stage is different configuration.

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Evz6fVqWYAUyzMw?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Evz6fVyXIAIXVBa?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Evz6fVxXcAAsna-?format=jpg&name=small
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Evz6fVxWQAEap9S?format=jpg&name=small


https://twitter.com/RallyingUK/status/1368245531919716356

[EstWRC]

Volim reli!

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EwDX-MhWEAYpYqp?format=jpg&name=medium

[Mirek]

Erik Cais will probably start with Fiesta Rally 2 Mk2.

[AnttiL]

thank for the link. from those pics seems to be nice flowing roads.

cant wait for the rally to start, we havent had pure tarmac rally since Spain 2019

Hehe, you made the same mistake as Colin Clark in Dirtfish's latest video (or Colin reads the forum). Spain was a mixed surface rally, the last completely pure tarmac rally was Germany 2019 :)

I've inspected the route through maps and a bit of street view and the roads seem quite fast especially on Friday and Saturday. At times it almost looks like 1000 Lakes Rally on tarmac, with bends going over crests in forest. Not many junction turns or hairpins. Hopefully they don't put a lot of chicanes onto the route. Maybe a bit of same as parts of Baumholder, where you also have fast-flowing roads over crests. Then there is one stage on Sunday with 20 hairpins and the power stage is a quite narrow road, could be from Monte or Germany's countryside stages.

[EstWRC]

Hehe, you made the same mistake as Colin Clark in Dirtfish's latest video (or Colin reads the forum). Spain was a mixed surface rally, the last completely pure tarmac rally was Germany 2019 :)

I've inspected the route through maps and a bit of street view and the roads seem quite fast especially on Friday and Saturday. At times it almost looks like 1000 Lakes Rally on tarmac, with bends going over crests in forest. Not many junction turns or hairpins. Hopefully they don't put a lot of chicanes onto the route. Maybe a bit of same as parts of Baumholder, where you also have fast-flowing roads over crests. Then there is one stage on Sunday with 20 hairpins and the power stage is a quite narrow road, could be from Monte or Germany's countryside stages.

what? that sounds amazing!

[AnttiL]

I would say here's a good example. Use the up arrow to "go over the crest".

https://www.google.fi/maps/@45.5458098,15.4104947,3a,75y,197.26h,90.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stOFyy65TK3Sx_5gIJe9wcA!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656

The character is also similar to Barum, which also has jumps on tarmac. Based on google street view the roads in Croatia look wider and smoother. However, the street view images are often 10 years old and roads deteriorate or get maybe repaired and it's difficult to estimate road width from different lenses.

[Pršljen]

However, the street view images are often 10 years old and roads deteriorate or get maybe repaired and it's difficult to estimate road width from different lenses.

Google street in Croatia is from 2013, I think. However, the region of Zumberak where friday and saturday stages are going to take place has extremely low population and density is one of the lowest in country. That's why I'm completely sure that there were no major changes on the roads. Maybe they deteriorated a bit but I assume that's all.

[Hartusvuori]

Google street in Croatia is from 2013, I think. However, the region of Zumberak where friday and saturday stages are going to take place has extremely low population and density is one of the lowest in country. That's why I'm completely sure that there were no major changes on the roads. Maybe they deteriorated a bit but I assume that's all.

Street view images have a time stamp nowadays on bottom right corner. Those roads Antti linked have been photographed in September 2011.

That section looks very nice. Very Zlin-like indeed. In a post-pandemic world this looks like a good choice for a rally journey.

[Pršljen]

Street view images have a time stamp nowadays on bottom right corner. Those roads Antti linked have been photographed in September 2011.

That section looks very nice. Very Zlin-like indeed. In a post-pandemic world this looks like a good choice for a rally journey.

Yes, close to the capital, easy accessible roads, pure natural environment...The only problem is COVID and I doubt that Croatia will allow spectators based on the current situation. We are currently on of the best in Europe but who knows what will happen in a month or so.

[Mirek]

I would say here's a good example. Use the up arrow to "go over the crest".

https://www.google.fi/maps/@45.5458098,15.4104947,3a,75y,197.26h,90.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1stOFyy65TK3Sx_5gIJe9wcA!2e0!7i1 3312!8i6656

The character is also similar to Barum, which also has jumps on tarmac. Based on google street view the roads in Croatia look wider and smoother. However, the street view images are often 10 years old and roads deteriorate or get maybe repaired and it's difficult to estimate road width from different lenses.

Croatian asphalts are usually smoother and more slippery than Czech ones (extremely slippery when wet). Also I think that Czech stages are usually more changeable in everything (asphalt, character of the road etc.). Croatia will be I think more fuent, flowing and rhytmical than Barum and probably slower and more technical.

[WRCStevie]

Try to join Rally Croatia if Covid-regulations let me go 🤔

Moreover some 🇦🇹 Austrian pilots 🇦🇹 :

Hermann Neubauer - Fiesta WRC3
Luca Waldherr - Fiesta 2WD
Andreas Aigner - Fabia WRC3 (budget not yet clear)

and maybe some more coming 🤪

[WRC1]

Try to join Rally Croatia if Covid-regulations let me go ��

Moreover some ���� Austrian pilots ���� :

Hermann Neubauer - Fiesta WRC3
Luca Waldherr - Fiesta 2WD
Andreas Aigner - Fabia WRC3 (budget not yet clear)

and maybe some more coming ��

Johannes Keferböck - Skoda Fabia Rally2
Michael Kogler - Citroen DS3

[matija_1988]

https://youtu.be/Hq8_pTMoVkM
Some sections of this road will be included in the SS 20 and powerstage

[AnttiL]

And this is essentially SS19+21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf3RwhPmvfA

I'd say it's the only twisty mountainous stage of the whole rally. It has like 20 hairpins.

[jcevc]

And this is essentially SS19+21 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wf3RwhPmvfA

I'd say it's the only twisty mountainous stage of the whole rally. It has like 20 hairpins.

Yes, but the downhill part is different as on this link - the road is wider (for two way traffic, because uphil is narrow) with less turns and pretty steep on some parts - in opposite direction (uphill) is used for hillclimb races (link below), so some high speed sections are expected on this downhill.
http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psq85Y_Im8k

[EstWRC]

more of whats to come, short clips https://twitter.com/GregorPavsic/status/1373703095180480517?s=20
https://twitter.com/GregorPavsic/status/1373325205834186756?s=20


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ew7nSZNWEAcltGC?format=jpg&name=large


https://twitter.com/GregorPavsic/status/1373289246879064066?s=20

[EstWRC]

superspecial cancelled and numbers rising a little https://dirtfish.com/rally/rally-croatia-loses-opening-wrc-superspecial-stage/

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExJw7g3WUAERZce?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[er88]

Makes sense, as Sordo will definitely do the next two events after Croatia (maybe even 3 if he does Kenya).

Breen will do Estonia and Finland, (and I also reckon he will go to Ypres). Sordo will do Chile and Spain, and then we'll see what happens for Japan.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Will be interesting to see how Breen does on his first tarmac rally in the i20 WRC car.

Croatia's bumpy narrow tarmac should suit his Irish rallying background.

[Tom K]

Maps are online: https://rally-croatia.com/en/spectators/programme-and-maps

[mknight]

Will be interesting to see how Breen does on his first tarmac rally in the i20 WRC car.

Croatia's bumpy narrow tarmac should suit his Irish rallying background.

Indeed, it might be quite crucial for his future since he has no good result in any tarmac rally in WRC. (5th best). He needs to show he can do well on other rallies than fast gravel/snow. Tarmac is one step, slower gravel next.

The i20 certainly looks very different on tarmac than in 2018/2019 so he might have a decent chance to do well.

[AnttiL]

Maps are online: https://rally-croatia.com/en/spectators/programme-and-maps

https://www.rally-maps.com/Croatia-Rally-2021

[dimviii]

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

[EstWRC]

Onboards of all the stages https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxfOUJ-QAP2XHueAq4jSmQ/videos

[Rallyper]

Onboards of all the stages https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUxfOUJ-QAP2XHueAq4jSmQ/videos

Took a look at SD stage. Very fast. And no cutting looks possible. Will be a game for punctures. Big trees and ARMCO:s looking bad.

If rally looks like SD, it will be a real challenger...

[TypeR]

Recce starts today :D

[AnttiL]

Watched SS1-4. Very fast. Jumps. When the downforce disappears, it’s gonna be a big hit.

[Yugo_para_siempre]

I had a look to some of the stages.

They seem to be decent tarmac stages, fast, flowing and technical with a variety of corners.
Also I can see beautiful scenery with character.

I am really looking forward to enjoy rally Croatia.

[Kenneth]

Eric Cais will probably miss Croatia because of post-covid

[AnttiL]

SS10 is very twisty, SS9 has also more bends and the SS17 has all those hairpins, SS18 is very tricky narrow...interesting rally, although I think the Friday stages are too fast...

[Rallyper]

Over all it feels like a dangerous rally for the fast WRC cars/drivers.

[Florin]

Spectators allowed?something about ?Thank you

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2021/04/06/route-preview-croatia-rally-2021/

Route preview. Friday stages are mostly fast, Saturday and Sunday add more twisty sections in. There's resemblance to many established tarmac rallies but also unique features.

[AnttiL]

Over all it feels like a dangerous rally for the fast WRC cars/drivers.

I have always been afraid of these tarmac rallies driven on rough surfaces between the trees. Especially with these new cars, it will be super fast and when the downforce disappears, it's a big hit. They can't possibly put haybales in front of all dangerous trees...

[matija_1988]

Spectators allowed?something about ?Thank you
This will be known just before the start of the rally.
Situation with covid changes every day.A negative test is required to enter Croatia.

[AnttiL]

The road book has listed all anti-cut block locations, I added the information to the blog article. They don't feature on all roads or stages.

[matija_1988]

SS 17-19 Bliznec-Pila today :) https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/e9360ced61b6b05f9e55c7b6f312ca97.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/66ac89267048add0e15e55f44692af35.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/3a7602bb50daa4583f9be8f0c80f2a5f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210406/1691525660e4091ecabad06a87a8df89.jpg

Poslano sa mog M2007J17G koristei Tapatalk

[dupanton]

Belgian driver Sebastien Bedoret (Skoda Belgium Fabia Rally2) will also start Croatia. He is driving with the same team as Ingram does.

[Tom206wrc]

I thought the entrylist should have been published today 8th of april :confused:

[jcevc]

http://https://rally-croatia.com/en/competitors (http://rally-croatia.com/en/competitors)

Under tab Virtual notice board entry list is available.

[Tom206wrc]

Thanks Jcevc...

The absence of Eric Camilli is a pitty :(

[jcevc]

I was sure also Bonato will start as tarmac specialist but also missing...

[AnttiL]

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/67214-croatia-rally-2021/

[Jarek Z]

Audi back in WRC with no. 66! ;)

[the sniper]

Audi back in WRC with no. 66! ;)

The world is watching... :D

[PLuto]

I was sure also Bonato will start as tarmac specialist but also missing...

His priority is french championship and ERC.

[PLuto]

For me entry list (especially part of non-priority R5 drivers) looks like french open championship...

[matija_1988]

Witouth one hyundai r5

[pantealex]

Without hyundai r5

When did that happen last time in WRC level ??

[pantealex]

Audi back in WRC with no. 66! ;)

When was last time we had "Audi" in WRC ???

must be A/N-group time...

[rp]

When did that happen last time in WRC level ??

Not so long time. Turkey 2020

[rp]

When was last time we had "Audi" in WRC ???

must be A/N-group time...

Rudolf Stohl was one of the last privateers to use Audi Coupé S2 and competed in Safari Rally 1998. Not sure this was the last time for Audi...

[Jarek Z]

When was last time we had "Audi" in WRC ???

must be A/N-group time...

Could it be that it was over 20 years ago?

I found that Rudolf Stohl drove Audi Coupe S2 in Safari Rally 1998:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/138-safari-rally-kenya-1998/

and then Lecerf Gaël drove similar car in Rally New Zealand 1998:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/144-rally-new-zealand-1998/

Is Coupe S2 the last Audi in WRC?
http://tech-racingcars.wikidot.com/audi-coupe-b3-s2
Homologation start: 1/1/1993
Homologation end: 31/12/2000

[Jarek Z]

1994 is probably the last year when an Audi driver managed to score points in WRC, thanks to Austrian drivers Rudolf Stohl and Raphael Sperrer:
http://www.webcarstory.com/voiture.php?id=12039

Now everything is in the hands of Enrico Windisch. Can he change it? He is Austrian too, so... ;)

[Andre Oliveira]

It is a car with badge Audi, not one Audi.

[mknight]

Witouth one hyundai r5


When did that happen last time in WRC level ??

Well Turkey was kind of understandable since the car was never good on very rough gravel. But Croatia that seems relatively smooth tarmac (compared to Baumholder at least) is a bit surprising.
Especially Solberg missing completely. Why not even outside WRC2 like in Monte?

Does he stuggle/not like the current R5 so much? (guess we'll see a bit this weekend)
Or they don't believe in it and correspondingly have so much faith in the new one?

[pantealex]

i20 R5 has been very popular lately but in Croatia Rally it´s replaced by Fiesta Rally2/R5 which usually is unpopular.

[MYS]

Just checked the road book. Never seen so many cut protections...huge disappointment from spectator point of view.

[AnttiL]

Just checked the road book. Never seen so many cut protections...huge disappointment from spectator point of view.

not on all stages/roads though. I would say Rally Finland has had similar amount or even more.

[EstWRC]

so this means the guys from the back wont have so much disadvantage on first pass?

cause if i look at the pics so far and testing vids it could get pretty messy with cutting.

[AnttiL]

so this means the guys from the back wont have so much disadvantage on first pass?

cause if i look at the pics so far and testing vids it could get pretty messy with cutting.

Yes, it should reduce road pollution. There's also curbs or other obstacles in some corners, but maybe 50% of corners will still get dirty.

[Pršljen]

Rally will probably be held without spectators since the pandemic situation is worsening by each day. Handball championship is postponed for a month and a half and spectators on live events are nowehere near to happen. Too bad but at least the rally is gonna be held.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

M-Sport's Rich Millener says the upgraded Fiesta engine for Rally Croatia should help in the faster sections...

https://talkativebroadcasting.co.uk/motorsport/m-sport

[MYS]

Hey guys. Any news about the covid restrictions in Croatia? Still planned with spectators?

[Pršljen]

Stages are placed in three counties and the restrictions differ by the county. Organizers said that Zagreb county where most of the stages take place will allow spectators and the other two are yet to be determined. Hopefully and most likely, it will be allowed. After all, rally is held in the open and it's easy to keep distance between the spectators.

Croatia' covid measuers are usually very liberal compared to other European countries and it should remain so. Also, as I already mentioned, few poeple live in the area close to stages so that's another important factor.

[AnttiL]

https://toyotagazooracing.com/wrc/release/2021/rd03-preview.html

https://motorsport.hyundai.com/sights-set-on-croatian-victory/

https://www.m-sport.co.uk/single-post/ready-for-asphalt-action

[AnttiL]

Difficult to predict what happens. New rally, new tires, new drivers in new cars. Ogier is always strong in every rally, Neuville is good on tarmac. Tänak, Breen and Evans are more of question marks, although Tänak has won three times Rally Deutschland, Breen is an Irish rally champion and Evans is known to be good on tarmac. How do they fit in their new cars? Hyundai on tarmac for anyone else than Neuville and Sordo? And yeah, Kalle was able to beat Kopecky in Bohemia, and has the best start position, as the roads will likely get polluted.

[Jarek Z]

And yeah, Kalle was able to beat Kopecky in Barum, and has the best start position, as the roads will likely get polluted.

Has Kalle ever competed in Barum Rally? You probably mean Bohemia?
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/55769-rally-bohemia-2019/

[AnttiL]

Has Kalle ever competed in Barum Rally? You probably mean Bohemia?
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/55769-rally-bohemia-2019/

Yes, my bad, that's what I meant :)

[PLuto]

Has Kalle ever competed in Barum Rally?

No, never. Skoda Motorsport didnt wanted to send him.

[EstWRC]

Difficult to predict what happens. New rally, new tires, new drivers in new cars. Ogier is always strong in every rally, Neuville is good on tarmac. Tänak, Breen and Evans are more of question marks, although Tänak has won three times Rally Deutschland, Breen is an Irish rally champion and Evans is known to be good on tarmac. How do they fit in their new cars? Hyundai on tarmac for anyone else than Neuville and Sordo? And yeah, Kalle was able to beat Kopecky in Bohemia, and has the best start position, as the roads will likely get polluted.

yeah, very hard to predict and thats actually a good thing. Based on the last two tarmacish events (Monza and Monte), Ogier and Toyota seems TO ME the strongest combo on the tarmac, followed by all the others in no particular order. Breen starts quite far back on first day so that might hamper him a little bit and also the fact that he hasnt competed on this level on tarmac with this machine. According to Neuville they have now fixed the intercom issues and he is always very fast on tarmac events. Kalle has the best starting position and the fact that its a completely new rally also plays into his hands.

So yeah, promises to be a very interesting rally.

And Croatia being a totally new rally in the calendar, an interesting fact that theres been 5 new rallies in the calendar since 2017 and Tänak has won 4 of them and has been second on fifth one. It seems something clicks for him with the new ones but we will see this time.

[AnttiL]

an interesting fact that theres been 5 new rallies in the calendar since 2017 and Tänak has won 4 of them and has been second on fifth one. It seems something clicks for him with the new ones but we will see this time.

Good one! Do you mind if I tweet that?

[EstWRC]

of course not :D

[Mirek]

Has Kalle ever competed in Barum Rally? You probably mean Bohemia?
https://www.ewrc-results.com/final/55769-rally-bohemia-2019/


Yes, my bad, that's what I meant :)

Croatia is somewhat closer to Bohemia in the character than to Barum anyway :)

[Pršljen]

No Niko Pulić, he was supposed to drive a R1 Ford but is now in hospital with serious Covid. He is Croatian motorsport legend who knows the roads excellent and it would've been great to have someone from Croatia driving in a top category in first historic Rally Croatia but unfortunately, that probably won't happen. It's hard to expect him to recover by then.

[Andre Oliveira]

He would drive the Fiesta WRC.

R1 is the weakest car of FIA Pyramid.

[Pršljen]

Of course, *rc1, lapsus.

He probably won't drive anything, that was my point.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux interview pre-Croatia: https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/how-cool-fourmaux-can-reignite-m-sports-season

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/175299315_1558467741030603_6922914227220392489_n.j pg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=JiF9MLG0BGEAX9tQktW&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=d77a10a9de4ceea1be67ff3b494d2c9c&oe=60A10A60
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/175540550_1558468014363909_7002772275735950364_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=wQuqTSZGpvgAX99ngGw&_nc_oc=AQkjNo2198xrz93cK3GN4aKTspRhETGR3FUhR7LQTJT V6HlNMqYI4UzGVS42iu89agE&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=cf4eb6d309e906836df9626005433ec5&oe=60A1337C
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/174501173_1558300161047361_7491941936693832618_n.j pg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=XIDvQCmnUt8AX_qjDiA&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=ef0e841793e6827e5676ad738ef591f4&oe=609FB8B8
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/175085337_1558300491047328_6143338347786393448_n.j pg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=0debeb&_nc_ohc=RYl6tfMVVkUAX8seEaq&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=53f9d24a852e9396bd4e9461a7f8054a&oe=60A06B0A



https://www.facebook.com/WRCcroatiaRally

[dimviii]

some nice passes from Neubauer testing for Croatia
https://youtu.be/ant2-BBUG5U

[abcrally]

On the last photo^ that is legendary Finn Seppo Kopra on aluminium step ladders.

[EstWRC]

Looking the weather in zagreb region it shows rain every day until saturday but maybe some locals in this forum can give us better insights?

[AnttiL]

Friday and Saturday are driven around these towns

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-3345300/Croatia/Karlova%C4%8Dka/Grad%20Karlovac/Karlovac
https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-3191316/Croatia/Zagreba%C4%8Dka/Grad%20Samobor/Samobor

and Sunday power stage

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-3196954/Croatia/Krapinsko-Zagorska/Kumrovec/Kumrovec

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looking the weather in zagreb region it shows rain every day until saturday but maybe some locals in this forum can give us better insights?

My weather app shows dry with sunny intervals from Wed and no rain...

[Winner]

Looking the weather in zagreb region it shows rain every day until saturday but maybe some locals in this forum can give us better insights?

Rain expected Friday, unknown after that I have been told.

[PLuto]

No matter if there will be rain or not, tarmac will be very slippery in any case :)

[pantealex]

On the last photo^ that is legendary Finn Seppo Kopra on aluminium step ladders.

Yep, no more Keksa Eerola in charge, it´s NastySepi now leading.

[tc10a]

So spectators now finally offically forbidden in Croatia? http://planetemarcus.com/spectateurs-interdits-au-rallye-wrc-croatie/

[tommeke_B]

So spectators now finally offically forbidden in Croatia? http://planetemarcus.com/spectateurs-interdits-au-rallye-wrc-croatie/

It depends on your interpretation, I don't think it's forbidden to be along the stages.

https://rally-croatia.com/en/spectators

This is only on their website since yesterday or today I think.

"Due to the current pandemic and in line with the Decision of the Civil Protection Headquarters of the Republic of Croatia on necessary epidemiological measures, tickets for spectators are not for sale.

It is imperative to abide by the COVID-19 regulations issued by the Croatian Government and the Croatian Institute of Public Health, including but not limited to maintaining a proper social distance of at least 1,5m outdoors, wearing a medical-grade face mask and the ban of gatherings of more than 25 people at one location."

[jcevc]

We made entry with car in Croatia from Slovenia today without any word about PcR, tests and such stuff. Officials on border asked where we go and let us in less than minute.

Verification done, tomorrow 7:00 starts recce - keep fingers crossed for #63 :)

[Ucci]

We made entry with car in Croatia from Slovenia today without any word about PcR, tests and such stuff. Officials on border asked where we go and let us in less than minute.

Verification done, tomorrow 7:00 starts recce - keep fingers crossed for #63 :)

Jaka, in the moment it is easy to enter Croatia, but what will you show to the police when returning back to Slovenia?
Anyway, I wish you luck & and same for all Slovenian crews.

[EstWRC]

Hopes of Rally Croatia becoming the first World Rally Championship round since last September’s Rally Estonia to welcome fans have been dashed, with the event organizer outlawing spectators from all stages.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/spectators-banned-from-rally-croatia/

[Ucci]

Hopes of Rally Croatia becoming the first World Rally Championship round since last September’s Rally Estonia to welcome fans have been dashed, with the event organizer outlawing spectators from all stages.

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/spectators-banned-from-rally-croatia/

Ok, as I understand (I've read in Croatian language) it is allowed gathering up to 25 people on one location (and wearing face masks).
This is mostly enough for spectators watching event along the stages.

[jcevc]

Jaka, in the moment it is easy to enter Croatia, but what will you show to the police when returning back to Slovenia?
Anyway, I wish you luck & and same for all Slovenian crews.

I had C19 in February so have paper for free pass of border.
What will be in sunday after rally for many slovenian spectators returning home I don't know - I think pretty much depends on officials who will be in job ATM.
Thanks :)

[PLuto]

I dont think it is only about officials on borders. It will be also about government of your country. They will know you were abroad, somewhere it is necessary to go under quarantine without any exception etc.

[dimviii]

M-Sport’s mission for Suninen in Croatia

M-Sport's team principal wants the Finn to prove the Fiesta Rally2's potential, and that means winning

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/milleners-mission-for-suninen-in-croatia/

[PLuto]

M-Sport’s mission for Suninen in Croatia

M-Sport's team principal wants the Finn to prove the Fiesta Rally2's potential, and that means winning

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/milleners-mission-for-suninen-in-croatia/

Combination Suninen + R5 car + Croatia is not winning combination for me...

[dimviii]

who is your choice?

[mknight]

Yeah Suninen has terrible recent R5 record and terrible tarmac record in general.

For me if it's mostly dry it will be between Mikkelsen and Gryazin. If mixed/wet then Mikkelsen and Østberg.

[PLuto]

who is your choice?

Almost anyone else. With exception of Rally Estonia, Teemu was not competing in R5 car for more than three years. And also before he was not superstar, especially on tarmac.

[AnttiL]

Also Fiesta Rally2 is really not the best car in its class. Millener is putting a lot of pressure on Teemu if he expects him to pull off something that Lappi did in Rovaniemi.

[PLuto]

Also Fiesta Rally2 is really not the best car in its class. Millener is putting a lot of pressure on Teemu if he expects him to pull off something that Lappi did in Rovaniemi.

If they want to show speed of Fiesta R5 on tarmac, they should put Fourmaux in it...

[EstWRC]

Roads already like this during the recce, some places already quite polluted. i have a feeling we will see many punctures and a tyre lottery. Our JWRC driver Virves said he even had a moment during the recce with 50km/h cause its so dirty and slippery.

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/176357917_10159645630009973_8901729397294659315_n. jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=2MiU2qNdJ0IAX8JElTj&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=94296e640fef855c2eeebb42f0f7eb23&oe=60A68CA9
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/175974166_10159645630289973_333364663877146843_n.j pg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=Qusi5McPaygAX87P859&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=e54e874d6dfde83abc9f9810bd93da73&oe=60A57C32
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/176361198_10159645630324973_9072023090185439498_n. jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=IIzYGmB62F8AX_Hze4J&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=b38a098ee39902fe3703bc64ee19997b&oe=60A72FFA
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/176425625_10159645630389973_7346913956087180407_n. jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=wa562lTSqwIAX-6btTJ&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=0013df4a305cb74f3400b316167ab6a1&oe=60A6AD9D
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/176340084_10159645630484973_8522075952360292748_n. jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=9x9JhApTGVYAX9zcFw-&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=dcc32a440c76f221c17a9df73f519ab4&oe=60A6E6B9



source https://www.facebook.com/rallyemag/photos/pcb.10159645631589973/10159645630004973

[Rallyper]

Don´t forget Pickems, guys.

Closing time is 0800 CEST Friday morning. I.e. 40 mins before first SS.

[SPKen]

Some statistics before Croatia. Which WRC Driver Does the Best in New Rallies?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYQcHRQ25gg

[EstWRC]

nice vid and very good statistics!

lookin at the pics of the stages from the recce and listening to Virves, it will be very very difficult rally and wins the one who drivers very smartly and takes risks in right places.

take a big risk in the wrong place and you can be out or you will have a puncture or whatever. Wouldnt surprise me if we see quite big gaps on many stages.

one is for sure! it will be very interesting!

[SPKen]

Gravel crew/notes car guys have looong days and short nights and probably some headache in this rally.

[EstWRC]

Toyota will use the new aero on this rally

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ezgm8kTUYAUK0Gt?format=jpg&name=900x900


https://twitter.com/ChristianWRC1/status/1384899713372147714/photo/1

[TypeR]

It's getting funny and ridiculous at the same time.. :D

[mknight]

You haven't seen much F1 aero during some specific periods?

[TypeR]

You haven't seen much F1 aero during some specific periods?
Yes, I have.
Can't compare them tho.. Even with all the aero, same lap conditions and stuff, F1 times may differ 0-2s per lap.. whereas in rallying fast and aero demanding stages are won without bumpers and other aero pieces..
250+km rallies are finished with less than 10 or 5secs.
Such really small(yet expensive) fin aeros could work only in perfect/,,tunnel'' conditions..
But engineering to the max! :)

[Franky]

You haven't seen much F1 aero during some specific periods?

I've had a feeling since beginning of this generation that it's like off-road version of DTM.

[Kaps]

The ceremonial start is tomorrow at 18:30, and the start of SS1 is on Friday morning, at 08:39.

So, I presume they go from the ceremonial start ramp straight back to the service park?

[mknight]

Yes, I have.
Can't compare them tho.. Even with all the aero, same lap conditions and stuff, F1 times may differ 0-2s per lap.. whereas in rallying fast and aero demanding stages are won without bumpers and other aero pieces..
250+km rallies are finished with less than 10 or 5secs.
Such really small(yet expensive) fin aeros could work only in perfect/,,tunnel'' conditions..
But engineering to the max! :)

Your post:
a) Aero doesn't matter/makes only tiny difference
b) Rallies are won by tiny differences

See the issue?

[Mirek]

Gallery from the stages and the countryside:
https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/67214-croatia-rally-2021/515/
https://www.ewrc.cz/foto/67214-croatia-rally-2021/573/

[denkimi]

the roads look a lot like what we have in belgium. some sort of combo of ypres, EBR and condroz.

[EstWRC]

dirtfish about the stages https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJJZ9LbdvIk

[EstWRC]

shakedown live https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjYLsI_opHA

[Rallyper]

This first pass is very interesting. Similar to Friday leg...?

[EstWRC]

Tänak and Martin chatted something about some noise but i didnt understand completely

[KKS]

Kalle's run was so breathtaking

[EstWRC]

good time from Formaux

[AnttiL]

This first pass is very interesting. Similar to Friday leg...?

The shakedown is more twisty than the Friday stages in general. Friday stages are wider and straighter. More of this stuff on Saturday and Sunday.

[AnttiL]

Toyotas seem to be working better than Hyundais? New Fiesta engine also convincing?

[Got Mail]

Sorry if I've missed the news - but why no Oliver Solberg for this event?

[Rallyper]

The shakedown is more twisty than the Friday stages in general. Friday stages are wider and straighter. More of this stuff on Saturday and Sunday.

Thinking more of starting order and how it will affect drivers down the line.

[AnttiL]

Gryazin was really on the limit!

[EstWRC]

Thinking more of starting order and how it will affect drivers down the line.

Ogier was third, and the road was already completely different in places than for Kalle.

[Rallyper]

Ogier was third, and the road was already completely different in places than for Kalle.

Yep. That´s what I think might happen on Friday...

[AnttiL]

Yes, and the starting order here is same as tomorrow.

[pantealex]

Sorry if I've missed the news - but why no Oliver Solberg for this event?

There are 0 Hyundai R5 in Croatia.

New Rally2 is coming...

[bomber21]

Sorry if I've missed the news - but why no Oliver Solberg for this event?
Rally Croatia was not in his plans, at least this is what he said.

[EstWRC]

Hyundais dont even get near the Toyota times.

[bomber21]

Let’s hope that Fourmaux will perform well because M-Sport obviously cannot rely on Greensmith...

[EstWRC]

again a very good time Formaux on second pass

[EstWRC]

Finally a decent time from Tänak

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyotas looking really strong here already.

Good runs for Fourmaux and Greensmith later.

Breen surprisingly slow and only one run for Neuville. Is he saving tyres ?

Edit - two more runs done by Neuville and now he's second fastest.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Suninen now fastest WRC2 on his 3rd run.

[AnttiL]

Breen surprisingly slow and only one run for Neuville. Is he saving tyres ?

Everyone needs to do three runs. If you want to save tyres, you can just cruise through.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No external cameras other than the start?

There was one other mid-stage.

BTW, any SD times fot Kajto and Ingram anywhere ?

[AnttiL]

There was one other mid-stage.

BTW, any SD times fot Kajto and Ingram anywhere ?

non-prio crews just started their shakedown slot. Lindholm made a decent time.

[PLuto]

There was one other mid-stage.

BTW, any SD times fot Kajto and Ingram anywhere ?

https://rally-base.com/2021/croatia-rally-2021/?ssId=6116&ssGroupId=3

[AnttiL]

Interesting, quite a bit of times missing from ewrc-results...

[Rally Hokkaido]

Arai went off. I can't see how bad the damage is from the photos posted in Ewrc.

[EstWRC]

so TOP4 covered by 1.5 secs.

i know it was just a shakedown and cant make any conclusions but which was interesting that Toyotas were very fast straight out of from the box but didnt improve their times as much as others on second and third runs, and Hyundai was vice versa.

Cant wait it to start it already, it will be very interesting.

[EstWRC]

Arai went off. I can't see how bad the damage is from the photos posted in Ewrc.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzkgshWXoAAhz9o?format=jpg&name=large



https://twitter.com/marcinrybakpho1/status/1385174338480099328/photo/1

[Rally Hokkaido]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzkgshWXoAAhz9o?format=jpg&name=large



https://twitter.com/marcinrybakpho1/status/1385174338480099328/photo/1

Yes, that's the photo on Ewrc that I mentioned. It doesn't show the damaged side of the car.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WbFc1s-dM90

[AnttiL]

Yes, that's the photo on Ewrc that I mentioned. It doesn't show the damaged side of the car.

https://rallypl.com/video/video-arai-crash-on-shakedown-rally-croatia-2021/

Car wasn't damaged and they already managed to complete two runs of the shakedown.

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMjWs3PK6cU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iqs8811ENo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe7-JwoOLn0

[Pršljen]

There are some fans out there but bear in mind that the shakedown is very close to Zagreb and easy approachable for anyone. Same goes for powerstage on Sunday.

I expect much less people on other stages, especially tomorrow on the hills of Žumberak.

[urabus-denoS2000]

Dear friends from Motorsport Forums, hello from Zagreb :) The forecast looks good, only slight rain possible tonight, but the mornings are quite sunny these days so I think it won't be an issue.

Can't wait for the weekend! The stages are amazing and everyone will be in for a treat.

[PLuto]

Can anyone describe me the key which was used for making starting order of non-priority drivers?

https://rally-base.com/2021/croatia-rally-2021/start-list/?startTimeTypeId=1168

[PLuto]

Dear friends from Motorsport Forums, hello from Zagreb :) The forecast looks good, only slight rain possible tonight, but the mornings are quite sunny these days so I think it won't be an issue.

Can't wait for the weekend! The stages are amazing and everyone will be in for a treat.

Welcome back after 6 years ;) It is sad we will not meet again...

[Rallyper]

Pickems folks!

Not closing until tomorrow morning at 0800 CEST.

[lmmjvss]

More than 570k views on the shakedown livestream on WRC's facebook page!! This is amazing.
Do you guys have a number for "how many people pay for the WRC+"??

[TypeR]

Tänak, Neuville and Breen all have brand new cars for this rally

[flat_right]

I watched shakedown and during this Becks and whoever was commenting with her, they mentioned some new Toyota aero that they really like. Has there been any info/pics about it?

[dimviii]

I watched shakedown and during this Becks and whoever was commenting with her, they mentioned some new Toyota aero that they really like. Has there been any info/pics about it?

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_04_2021/post-1812-0-83126300-1619033849.jpg

[psychemedia]

Looking forward to this one..

I've been poking around the route map KML files on the WRC website and had a go at generating some some route stats based on them at https://rallydatajunkie.com/croatia_2021_route/.

Comments welcome. The reviews include a simple speed prediction model inspired by the To See the Invisible pacenotes system.

--tony

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsAnmTe5q9Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liyXw7ceIkc

[Pršljen]

It started raining during the opening ceremony, there was some concern to be seen among the competitors. The morning stages will most probably get extremely slippery and tricky.

[dimviii]

Αrai crash
https://rallypl.com/video/video-arai-crash-on-shakedown-rally-croatia-2021/

[ik1911]

Shakedown Photos :

https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_rc/albums/72157719049645095

[satnav]

I watched shakedown and during this Becks and whoever was commenting with her, they mentioned some new Toyota aero that they really like. Has there been any info/pics about it?

Pics on post 114

[Kaps]

WRC in my backyard!!!
Never thought I'll live to see the day!
Sorry guys, just needed to get this off my chest.

[Rally Hokkaido]

WRC in my backyard!!!
Never thought I'll live to see the day!
Sorry guys, just needed to get this off my chest.

Congratulations! I know what it takes to organise a first ever WRC round. I am excited to see how it goes for Croatia and, of course, how the battle on mostly unknown stages goes. I'm sure all here share my sentiments. Bring it on!

[EstWRC]

WRC in my backyard!!!
Never thought I'll live to see the day!
Sorry guys, just needed to get this off my chest.

i know what you feel :)

Congrats and Enjoy man!

[EstWRC]

Ott doesnt want to learn it seems

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ezo09tMWYAA3y_O?format=jpg&name=small

[AnttiL]

Tänak again with only one spare, and only one with all hards, interesting.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Morning all.

Dirtfish:
Overnight rain but clear skies and cool temperatures this morning would seem to favour the soft compound tyres.

[AnttiL]

WRC in my backyard!!!
Never thought I'll live to see the day!
Sorry guys, just needed to get this off my chest.

Happy for you, enjoy (and stay safe) :)

[EstWRC]

Tänak again with only one spare, and only one with all hards, interesting.

im not surprised about the one sprare, but all hards?


then again, he said to EE media that they got to test all the tyres durin Sanremo so maybe he knows something what others doesnt, Neuville also with 4 hards

[Integrale]

i know what you feel :)

Congrats and Enjoy man!
I hope I can experience the same feeling from 13 to 15 august! 🤟 Enjoy the weekend Croatian friends.

[Tauri_J]

He'll lose time in the 1st stage but after that should be better.

[Rallyper]

Morning guys.

If I´d known Ott would go with only one spare I´d bet on Neuville instead... (Pickems)

[AnttiL]

im not surprised about the one sprare, but all hards?

Well, there's a limited amount of the compounds so maybe he thinks he'll need the softs later?

[Rallyper]

Kalle off!!!!

[Tauri_J]

wtf I cant see shit lol

[Rallyper]

Big one!!

[Rallyper]

Will stage be stopped?

[EstWRC]

Neuville soon reaching the same spot

[Mirek]

Fuck, that was fast :(

[wwbroe]

Went wide and into the hole

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a start. Gutted for Kalle. :(

[KKS]

Looks like a pacenote mistake for Kalle (

[erikli2]

Maybe a pacenote error or something, looked a bit strange from the onboard.

[Rallyper]

Yeah. Must´ve. Too fast in that righthander.

[dimviii]

Now clean road for Neuville

[EstWRC]

Ogier mistake?

[dimviii]

Ogier almost 1 sec per km slower

[EstWRC]

pucnture for Ogier

[Mirek]

Ogier with a puncture.

[AnttiL]

Big off for Kalle, I was kinda expecting someone to have a big off in this rally, but luckily they are OK.

[Rallyper]

Punctures will decide this rally...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://twitter.com/GregorPavsic/status/1385486126916554754?s=20

[EstWRC]

everybody losoing massively time to Neuville with the last kilometre 3-4 seconds

[MartijnS]

A lot of spectators!

[MartijnS]

Kalle: https://twitter.com/RallySolo/status/1385485028088549378

[KKS]

everybody losoing massively time to Neuville with the last kilometre 3-4 seconds
very muddy corners and all of this pulled into a road. All tree covered section will be very good for front runners

[EstWRC]

very muddy corners and all of this pulled into a road. All tree covered section will be very good for front runners

yeah saw now from the pictures as well the ending part, one corner covered basically with mud int he end there

[Thousandlakes]

In kalles onboard looks like he has some kind of error in pacenotes or just misunderstood or forget notes?? Brake and then accelerating just before that corner.

[Jarek Z]

Some photos from the rally from Photobriano:
http://www.rallylink.it/cms20/index.php/news/le-immagini-dello-shakedown-del-croazia

[AnttiL]

https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1385495835199393792/photo/1

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzpFGVIX0AE77Pf?format=jpg&name=small

Kalle's car is binned

[erikli2]

Impressive time from Kristensson

[RS]

Fiesta WRCs with two rookie drivers barely quicker than leading WRC2 crews.

[Rally Hokkaido]

https://twitter.com/RallyeSport/status/1385495835199393792/photo/1

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzpFGVIX0AE77Pf?format=jpg&name=small

Kalle's car is binned

Not that it probably matters, but recovery won't be easy - it is a long way down the hill!

[Rallyper]

Will that car compete tomorrow? Doubt it.

[EstWRC]

seems Neuville go on his own way on the first passages

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EzpH33jX0AA_Vnz?format=jpg&name=small

Good times.

[Mirek]

This is an awesome stage. I love it.

[EstWRC]

Ogier +5.7 in the end to Neuville, Tänak loses already 4.7 in the middle of the stage

[MartijnS]

Yes! Loved the onboard part of Ogier after interview Neuville.

[EstWRC]

what tyres Thierry had for this stage?

[TypeR]

seems like totally wrong tyre choice for Tänak..

[KKS]

Craig got a broken rim on a landing in a jump O_o

[Rallyper]

Wrong tyrechoice for Ott...

[KKS]

Any got source of live splits? wrc.com not working for me at SS2

[EstWRC]

seems like totally wrong tyre choice for Tänak..

seems so

[Rallyper]

Any got source of live splits? wrc.com not working for me at SS2

Not here either

[EstWRC]

Gus 2 secs faster than Breen in the middle of the stage

[KKS]

Gus 2 secs faster than Breen in the middle of the stage

And at the end things goes in right direction )

[flat_right]

If I understood correctly then Tänak and Neuville had the same tire choice.

[EstWRC]

If I understood correctly then Tänak and Neuville had the same tire choice.

Thierry had also 2 softs, thats why i asked what he had on for this stage...it can make a difference plus cleaner road but Tänaks time was bad anyway compared to Evans and Ogier too

[Katvala]

Can anyone turn off commentary? I don't see this option anymore

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

[Mirek]

Broken rear wheel for Mikkelsen?

[Rallyper]

Should be. Typical for him.

[mknight]

Should be. Typical for him.

Last time he had any damage in a rally is 16 rallies ago...

[Rallyper]

Yeah. Quite typical... ;)

[Mirek]

That smile of Bulacia in the finish :)

[wwbroe]

Suninen doing great on this stage

[MartijnS]

Ogier his moment: https://rallypl.com/video/video-sebastien-ogier-mocne-ratowanie-na-os1/?fbclid=IwAR3Dz8kxfuo-2LsY__cJfQIypTmcer9xLOgpQzkz9UU6Je2vZVo23uyoP6Q

Wow..

[wwbroe]

Very lucky escape for Ogier, same place as Kalle?

[jonkka]

Very lucky escape for Ogier, same place as Kalle?

Either I am imagining things but seems to be as there are tracks going straight off the bank.

[wwbroe]

Poor performance by Ingram

[EstWRC]

quite a wobble there for Neuville between the tight corners

[Mirek]

Another stage I like a lot :)

[Rallyper]

Still no splits on WRC.com

[Tauri_J]

Either I am imagining things but seems to be as there are tracks going straight off the bank.

Kalle

[EstWRC]

Ogier just +0.2 in spl2

[EstWRC]

there must be some issue for Tänak +4 already in split 1

[Oliverk]

there must be some issue for Tänak +4 already in split 1
Prob just very stupid tire choice and no confidence.

[KKS]

Again only Neuville Hyundai goes fast. Only he can't handle and seem like that understeer all time

[EstWRC]

Prob just very stupid tire choice and no confidence.

seems so or he just isnt saying again whats the issue, the first stage was good and also the first split of second stage, after that has started to loose a lot.

dont get why he only took hards