[WRC] Ardeca Ypres Rally 2022

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FYApu01WIAItV3C?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

Oliver instead of Sordo?

[Eli]

Oliver instead of Sordo?

He said he wanted a long break and also he wasn’t there last year, it doesn’t matter as either the Hyundais will break down/crash/choose both.

[MentalParadox]

I'm going for sure. I live in Antwerp, I'd be crazy not to.

[mousti]

I expect and hope more WRC2 entries this year.. Last year was very dissapointing.

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[Andre Oliveira]

Entry list

https://twitter.com/ewrcresults/status/1552731428936376322?s=21&t=qgpq9AkNuNAdEQWVY5TImg

[Danny0405]

Surprising list in WRC-2 IMO:
- Risky choice from Mikkelsen to go on a Rallye he doesn’t know when we see what happened last year in Rally1; Spain would have sounded more cautious (if we assume Greece is no-brainer).
- no Kajto; could confirm the rumors he will do NZ and Japan (+ maybe Greece or Spain) or maybe he prefered to make Safari (a bit more expensive) but doing only 6 events.
- no Suninen and no Lindholm so they will have only a 6-rally program except if they are in NZ or Japan but would sound strange (maybe a bit more possible for Suninen)

[PLuto]

Surprising list in WRC-2 IMO:
- Risky choice from Mikkelsen to go on a Rallye he doesn’t know when we see what happened last year in Rally1; Spain would have sounded more cautious (if we assume Greece is no-brainer).
- no Kajto; could confirm the rumors he will do NZ and Japan (+ maybe Greece or Spain) or maybe he prefered to make Safari (a bit more expensive) but doing only 6 events.
- no Suninen and no Lindholm so they will have only a 6-rally program except if they are in NZ or Japan but would sound strange (maybe a bit more possible for Suninen)

Kajto never liked Ypres, like so many other drivers he was not able to found a formula how to drive there really fast and be competitive. So his choice to absent in Ypres, same for some other drivers, is clever and no surprise.

[mousti]

Kajto never liked Ypres, like so many other drivers he was not able to found a formula how to drive there really fast and be competitive. So his choice to absent in Ypres, same for some other drivers, is clever and no surprise.He concluded that fast from driving 1 stage here :D. But it doesnt surprise me, he avoided the rally already when he chased the European title some years ago.

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[bomber21]

Kajito won Acropolis rally three times (in the ERC years), so I assume he will drive it this year as well.

[Danny0405]

Kajto never liked Ypres, like so many other drivers he was not able to found a formula how to drive there really fast and be competitive. So his choice to absent in Ypres, same for some other drivers, is clever and no surprise.

I said it is surprising because he has competed 4 rounds so far and there are only 2 European rounds remaining after Ypres. So if he does not make at least one of the Pacific rallies, he will make only 6 rallies (whereas he could have done 7 which gives a better chance for the championship).
It was why I’m a bit surprised.
But maybe it is also for financial reason as he did Safari. Or he found some way of funding a NZ-Japan program?

[J4MIE]

I’d heard hire costs for a Rally2/R5 for Safari was around £100,000 :crazy:

[dupanton]

- no Kajto; could confirm the rumors he will do NZ and Japan (+ maybe Greece or Spain) or maybe he prefered to make Safari (a bit more expensive) but doing only 6 events.


He did Ypres 3 times in IRC times with mixed success ;)

[mknight]

Surprising list in WRC-2 IMO:
- Risky choice from Mikkelsen to go on a Rallye he doesn’t know when we see what happened last year in Rally1; Spain would have sounded more cautious (if we assume Greece is no-brainer).
- no Kajto; could confirm the rumors he will do NZ and Japan (+ maybe Greece or Spain) or maybe he prefered to make Safari (a bit more expensive) but doing only 6 events.
- no Suninen and no Lindholm so they will have only a 6-rally program except if they are in NZ or Japan but would sound strange (maybe a bit more possible for Suninen)


Agree that at least two of these are surprising
- Mikkelsen did it last in 2010-2012 but crashed 2 out of 3 starts. Spain with new car ("gentle" rally for reliability) looked much more likely, assuming no overseas starts, Greece with old car does seem certain. There can be a point in trying to counter Rossel. Other reason could be that Skoda or him want to be done with WRC2 season early. (For example for starts with the new Skoda).

- no Suninen is also surprising. It does seem that his main purpose is to showcase the car which now seems competetive and Ypres could work especially now that they upgraded the engine.

- Katjo is expected (his clear strategy now is to avoid competition), same for Lindholm (limited funds better used elsewhere)

[mousti]

Yeah many expect that Kajto will do the overhaul rallies same like Johnston I guess.

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[RS]

Best seven scores works ok in ERC as there only eight rounds but best six scores out of 7 rounds in a thirteen round championship is less good. Especially when it means some drivers could avoid asphalt altogether if they wished.

[PLuto]

Best seven scores works ok in ERC as there only eight rounds but best six scores out of 7 rounds in a thirteen round championship is less good. Especially when it means some drivers could avoid asphalt altogether if they wished.

Also for ERC should be (and was) better 6 of 8. But 7 of 13 is very bad. But I dont know how better it can be done in WRC with so many rounds...

[Danny0405]

Also for ERC should be (and was) better 6 of 8. But 7 of 13 is very bad. But I dont know how better it can be done in WRC with so many rounds...

Well, anyway, FIA and Promoter will have to find a solution if they want to increase the number of abroad events. If rumors about the calendar are correct, a driver next year could make a WRC-2 championship with no European event (or maybe only Cyprus) if no change in the regulations; for example, a Zaldivar or a guy like that. It could completely ruin the championship and European drivers not to come there after one or two years like this.
Mikkelsen is talking about mandatory events; well, maybe a bit complicated with conflict with National rounds. And forbidding abroad rallies is not the solution. Probably something mixed is the best solution: the contender must register in at least 4 or 5 events in a certain panel of rallies (for example, this season, I would have said at least 4 events among Portugal-Sardinia-Estonia-Finland-Greece-Catalunya or maybe 5 among the same list+ MonteCarlo). It lets a certain adaptability to drivers with letting a big fight in some rallies; and you can still do the events closer from your place for extra-European drivers (American rallies for South American drivers / Pacific rallies for NZ/Australian drivers)

[WRCStan]

If rumors about the calendar are correct, a driver next year could make a WRC-2 championship with no European event (or maybe only Cyprus) if no change in the regulations; for example, a Zaldivar or a guy like that. It could completely ruin the championship and European drivers not to come there after one or two years like this.

Heaven forbid it act and look like a global championship.

[focus206]

Heaven forbid it act and look like a global championship.

A WRC2 championship that has half events with 3-4-5 entries wouldn't look anything like a prestigious and global world championship, it would look like a joke.

[WRCStan]

A WRC2 championship that has half events with 3-4-5 entries wouldn't look anything like a prestigious and global world championship, it would look like a joke.

One reason why it's time is up.

[ernestcooke91]

Hi everyone,
I've managed to get the itinerary and the stage names for the rally but has anyone here seen or know where to get the maps for the rally?
I haven't seen anything yet on Rally-maps.com?

[Sergiow]

Hi everyone,
I've managed to get the itinerary and the stage names for the rally but has anyone here seen or know where to get the maps for the rally?
I haven't seen anything yet on Rally-maps.com?

I found some PDF maps on the French Rallye forum, see http://forum-rallye.com/index.php?/topic/5804-ypres-rally-2022-1821-ao%C3%BBt-wrc/.

Not sure if those are legit. At least I have some trouble to interpret them. Maybe some forum member can help out what the difference is between the yellow hexagonal and the with circle number symbols?

2297

[Jarek Z]

He did Ypres 3 times in IRC times with mixed success ;)

No, as far as I know Kajto competed in Ypres only once, in 2010, but his Subaru broke down already on the second stage:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entryinfo/565-belgium-geko-ypres-rally-2010/63565/

[dupanton]

No, as far as I know Kajto competed in Ypres only once, in 2010, but his Subaru broke down already on the second stage:
https://www.ewrc-results.com/entryinfo/565-belgium-geko-ypres-rally-2010/63565/

I was talking about Mikkelsen ;)

[dupanton]

I found some PDF maps on the French Rallye forum, see http://forum-rallye.com/index.php?/topic/5804-ypres-rally-2022-1821-ao%C3%BBt-wrc/.

Not sure if those are legit. At least I have some trouble to interpret them. Maybe some forum member can help out what the difference is between the yellow hexagonal and the with circle number symbols?

2297

Acces points

[TypeR]

Neuville's special livery helmet for home rally:
https://www.upload.ee/image/14398074/Screenshot_20220808-141154_Instagram.jpg
https://www.upload.ee/image/14398079/Screenshot_20220808-141144_Instagram.jpg

[Tauri_J]

Why only 280 km?

[WRCStan]

Why only 280 km?

Because you can only cover the same stretch of road twice.

[denkimi]

Because you can only cover the same stretch of road twice.
Oh, there are lots of roads that could be used. In the past they did that distance in just friday afternoon and saturday.

They just choose to make it as long as in the past, but they drag it over 3 full days.

[Sergiow]

Never been to the Ypres rally, probably going with a friend who has never been to Ypres rally neither but has seen WRC in Portugal and Catalunya. So we both lacking a profound stage knowledge of Ypres rally. But YouTube video are always good for online recce to find the most interesting places. Here is a very good one from last year. I guess the complete video is from the Kemmelberg stage? Especially the s-sweeping corners on 0:10 and the T-junction at 2:00 are hotpoints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X29CQ8dOuqk

[mknight]

Last year Ypres featured some of the most suicidally spectators. Katsuta almost mowed down a few even if those were in a spot that looked relatively safe.

So take care where you go.

[AnttiL]

To me it looked like spectators were mostly in good places, but crashes in a fast tarmac rally like Ypres can take the car far from the road, in any direction!

[mknight]

https://youtu.be/IM0rXlaW4xk

I count like 4 corners where the camera guy or others are on the outside of a fast tarmac corner. Often "protected" by corn only.

[Sergiow]

To me it looked like spectators were mostly in good places, but crashes in a fast tarmac rally like Ypres can take the car far from the road, in any direction!

That's right, just check this Bryan Bouffier @ Ypres Rally Shakedown Nieuwkerke 2018 video. The spectatorts are all at a safe distance (10m) and inside the corner but they were extremely lucky here, extremely lucky https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvPfwHAzDNc

Rule of the thumb I learned is that you always best position yourself at a higher ground and that is going to be difficult with the Ypres flatlands

[AnttiL]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/08/13/route-preview-ypres-rally-belgium-2022/

Difficult to write about this rally when all stages are almost the same but still need to find the differences. No Spa this year, and no Zonnebeke, so they've had to add three new stages. Vleteren wasn't used last year, Wijtchate was separated from Kemmelberg and Langemark was last year's shakedown.

[becher]

Never been to the Ypres rally, probably going with a friend who has never been to Ypres rally neither but has seen WRC in Portugal and Catalunya. So we both lacking a profound stage knowledge of Ypres rally. But YouTube video are always good for online recce to find the most interesting places. Here is a very good one from last year. I guess the complete video is from the Kemmelberg stage? Especially the s-sweeping corners on 0:10 and the T-junction at 2:00 are hotpoints

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X29CQ8dOuqk


I'd say do your homework. It was my first WRC event last year (first rally in flat area as well) and I was underwhelmed. I didn't find the best spots for sure as Ypres seemingly demands experience of the stages to find good places. Also bring something to stand on, the fields are often lower than the road and on the few hills close to the road the marshalls would't let you stay there.

[mknight]

Weather forecast starts to look interesting.

Let's hope partly wet conditions happen so that the rally is not utterly boring.

Last year I gave up both friday and saturday after a few cars on each stage. Only Sunday was interesting but they dropped those stages for this year.

[wrcvojta]

Hi, do anybody know, what they mean by the last sentence?: "The special stages will only be accessible via a ticket point with a correct wristband and at a specific time. Outside these times, there is no access to the special stages."

[MartijnS]

Bulacia rolled this morning at the first stage of a local rally where Toksport is testing today.

[mknight]

Bulacia rolled this morning at the first stage of a local rally where Toksport is testing today.

What a nightmare year for him.

[MartijnS]

Munster crashed too, probably not starting the rally.

[MartijnS]

Burri and Gryazin went off too!

[Sergiow]

I'd say do your homework. It was my first WRC event last year (first rally in flat area as well) and I was underwhelmed. I didn't find the best spots for sure as Ypres seemingly demands experience of the stages to find good places. Also bring something to stand on, the fields are often lower than the road and on the few hills close to the road the marshalls would't let you stay there.

There is some guy on YouTube who has cut out my homework by providing personal recce videos of all the WRC Ypres 2022 stages: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCze4M8jZNiJYyoAhjBxBwYw :)

[Sergiow]

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2022/08/13/route-preview-ypres-rally-belgium-2022/

Difficult to write about this rally when all stages are almost the same but still need to find the differences. No Spa this year, and no Zonnebeke, so they've had to add three new stages. Vleteren wasn't used last year, Wijtchate was separated from Kemmelberg and Langemark was last year's shakedown.

Thanks for your WRC Ypres 2022. Those previews are always a work of art. No doubt about it that the stages all look the same, but Tänak has a differenct point of (drivers) view and predicts a difficult weekend in Belgium. The rain could significantly increase the difficulty:

"Ypres is a very unique asphalt rally, one that on paper seems simple, with many straights, intersections and curves of a similar nature, but which is actually very complicated. The cuts and crossings are different and can be very demanding, especially if the weather conditions are changeable."

The Estonian agrees with his teammates that, to aspire to the places of honor in Ypres, you must find a suitable configuration for the singularities of the Belgian asphalt, although he also highlights the influence of power: "You need confidence in the cuts and a stable car. Power will also be very important with acceleration in the slower corners. We will try follow suit like in Finland."

https://www.revistascratch.com/wrc/noticia/ott-tanak-decidido-a-aprovechar-el-impulso-moral-de-su-victoria-en-finlandia-66105

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Bulacia rolled this morning at the first stage of a local rally where Toksport is testing today.

Times from that WRC2 test event here:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/results/74648-rally-van-staden-priority-2022/?s=380881

[AnttiL]

https://www.rally-maps.com/Ypres-Rally-Belgium-2022

[wrcvojta]

Where is the parking for service park for spectators?

[Eli]

Is it going to rain the whole weekend or mostly just on Friday?

[Sergiow]

Is it going to rain the whole weekend or mostly just on Friday? The National Weather service RNI is forecasting light showers during friday. Same on Accuweather and BBC Weather so we might estimate for sure some light showers on friday. But be warned, those forecasts are usually not accurate, I rather would check the Weather radar on friday morning to be sure ;)

https://www.meteo.be/en/ieper (https://www.meteo.be/en/ieper)

https://www.accuweather.com/en/be/ieper/31800/daily-weather-forecast/31800 (https://www.accuweather.com/en/be/ieper/31800/daily-weather-forecast/31800)

https://www.bbc.com/weather/2795100

[AnttiL]

I'm expecting Neuville to be strong, but I believe Rovanperä could also be in the fight if he only is going for a win or just consolidating the title. Tänak end Evans could also be up there, and why not Breen, but Breen has disappointed so often this season I don't want to expect much in advance. Sadly the rest will have a hard time catching this top four/five.

[focus206]

I say there are more chances Neuville won't win, even if he's the favourite. Hyundai village team has had too good reliability in the last couple of rallies... wouldn't be surprised if Kalle wins in Ypres as well.

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298927143_10159172805285678_8410428874220717147_n. jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rROpgsVU35AAX_XbjT2&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT_Dwz7azDJjQ3JpgcCdv__3mYlBScaawb5v4jwrBoGy Tw&oe=6301F186
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298883219_10159172805170678_8175170875610356708_n. jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=jL2qiIU6zxkAX_YAQTr&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT89rvyi5PLBZT4wqYk3ay7fN8Mj3nycA5QWF_nRVAS6 KA&oe=6301E655
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298980262_10159172805305678_7269021323620357643_n. jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=JVqz6DLcZZkAX_iK5wH&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT-xCC-UM0T0g27UBbH3zoSlxOJueLr1GsxdnRhhDdYP8g&oe=630172DC
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298877564_10159172805280678_8518147345890254530_n. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=4fkahRNQGbwAX9uW0sh&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT_dinU9zWBsZ_ruEFxYpglIyQXAcpC2EHMBlcgKr2ig Kw&oe=63028107
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298938306_10159172805290678_327739784482834366_n.j pg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rVfI9hE6-4gAX_BYbSC&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT9pNb77NAmyK-21HNXM2UgfxYdj7BlLydaxPJwYVwtaoA&oe=63025BF9
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaW1tO0WIAIHNbE?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaW1tLMWQAAeFRL?format=jpg&name=large

[mknight]

Dirtfish says that it will be a surprise if Breen isn't fighting on podium and expect Greensmith to get into top5.

For me Lappi is the one to watch closely. Perhaps most difficult rally of his season. Wasn't there last year and has bad tarmac record with basically any car. Then there are the increasing Katsuta rumors for next year ..

[Eli]

Dirtfish says that it will be a surprise if Breen isn't fighting on podium and expect Greensmith to get into top5.

For me Lappi is the one to watch closely. Perhaps most difficult rally of his season. Wasn't there last year and has bad tarmac record with basically any car. Then there are the increasing Katsuta rumors for next year ..

I don't think Lappi can get a podium here, he's on the backfoot like you said & he lacks the time in the car on Tarmac, he should just keep his nose clean, gain the experience (of the car on tarmac) and see where he is in Sunday. Last year only 6 WRC drivers finished the event without super rallying, survival will be the name of the game, especially if it's wet.

[MentalParadox]

Hi, do anybody know, what they mean by the last sentence?: "The special stages will only be accessible via a ticket point with a correct wristband and at a specific time. Outside these times, there is no access to the special stages."

You're supposed to go to a specific location in the region, where there's a kind of shop (the Rally Shop) where you can exchange your digital ticket for a wrist band. No wrist band = no access to the stages. Do this as soon as possible.

Adress of the Rally Shop: Kruiskalsijdestraat 4, 8900 Ieper

https://www.instagram.com/p/ChFi5sqIpm-/?hl=en

[Duvel]

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298927143_10159172805285678_8410428874220717147_n. jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rROpgsVU35AAX_XbjT2&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT_Dwz7azDJjQ3JpgcCdv__3mYlBScaawb5v4jwrBoGy Tw&oe=6301F186
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298883219_10159172805170678_8175170875610356708_n. jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=jL2qiIU6zxkAX_YAQTr&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT89rvyi5PLBZT4wqYk3ay7fN8Mj3nycA5QWF_nRVAS6 KA&oe=6301E655
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298980262_10159172805305678_7269021323620357643_n. jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=JVqz6DLcZZkAX_iK5wH&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT-xCC-UM0T0g27UBbH3zoSlxOJueLr1GsxdnRhhDdYP8g&oe=630172DC
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298877564_10159172805280678_8518147345890254530_n. jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=4fkahRNQGbwAX9uW0sh&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT_dinU9zWBsZ_ruEFxYpglIyQXAcpC2EHMBlcgKr2ig Kw&oe=63028107
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/298938306_10159172805290678_327739784482834366_n.j pg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=rVfI9hE6-4gAX_BYbSC&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AT9pNb77NAmyK-21HNXM2UgfxYdj7BlLydaxPJwYVwtaoA&oe=63025BF9
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaW1tO0WIAIHNbE?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaW1tLMWQAAeFRL?format=jpg&name=large

Second and fifth picture, you know the stage and kms of those places? Thanks

[Duvel]

Wil BRC drivers only drive after whole wrc field for the whole weekend?

[svstock]

Vote now! https://strawpoll.com/polls/GPgV34pEkZa Your pick! OVERALL
vote closing 19.08.2022 / 10:00 (EEST)

Vote now! https://strawpoll.com/polls/xVg7d5X9OZr Your pick! POWER STAGE
21.08.2022 / 14:00

[Integrale]

Second and fifth picture, you know the stage and kms of those places? Thanks
Second picture looks like Hollebeke or Wijtschate, not really sure.

Fifth picture you see the Kosmos on the Rodeberg in the background. It's the Roodkruisstraat (SS Westouter Boeschepe).

[denkimi]

Wil BRC drivers only drive after whole wrc field for the whole weekend?
Only friday and saturday, not on sunday.

[EstWRC]

Interviews with drivers and team principals form yesterday https://youtu.be/RFui4mrK0ZQ

[flat_right]

Noticed that Ypres has quite long SD (7.34 km), last year's was even longer (9.81). Does anyone know, has there been even longer SD in the past in any other WRC event?

[AnttiL]

For example Sweden this year. and Monte in early 00's were longer than this year. But last year's shakedown was likely the longest shakedown ever.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nice civilised time for the SD for a change. ;)

Also mixed conditions to help them get used to it for the rally.

[EstWRC]

Neuville showing right away who’s the boss here

[logic]

Neuville showing right away who’s the boss here

its only shakedown and that stage claims wa more people so they´re right to be cautious.

[TypeR]

Neuville showing right away who’s the boss here

Was he on hards or softs?

If softs, then would seem more logical..

[EstWRC]

Was he on hards or softs?

If softs, then would seem more logical..

Hards. Only Oliver on softs

[flat_right]

If Hyundai holds together, wouldn't bet against Neuville in this rally.

[TypeR]

Hards. Only Oliver on softs

Okay, then just fast :)

[pantealex]

Kalle was biggest favorite in Finland but Ott did Win, so maybe Elfyn wins Ypres ?

[AnttiL]

Nice civilised time for the SD for a change. ;)

Ypres tradition to have it on Thursday evening, from the days when the rally started on Friday evening

[AnttiL]

All Fords seem slow.

[AnttiL]

Lefebvre with a great time

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lefebvre with a great time

No surprise, seen him show great speed in the BRC this season.

[Rallyper]

Pickems closing is 10.00 CEST Friday.

[Eli]

If Hyundai holds together, wouldn't bet against Neuville in this rally.

/he doesn't make a stupid mistake/weather goes his way.

[EstWRC]

Evans full 10 seconds faster on second pass than on first one

E: Kalle almost 12 secs faster

[Sergiow]

If Hyundai holds together, wouldn't bet against Neuville in this rally.

Interesting comments from Toyota technical director Tom Fowler about Neuville:

“I mean Thierry obviously knew all the tricks of Ypres last year,” he told DirtFish. “That was clear that he had a few tricks when we analyzed what he was up to during the race.” But when pushed about what ‘tricks’ Neuville was able to pull off exactly, Fowler confessed the nature of the rally makes it difficult to master, something the Hyundai driver was able to figure out better than his rivals.

“I think one of the things is it looks very same-y as a rally, and it’s easy to be drawn into ‘ah every corner’s the same’, which it is from a TV point-of-view,” he said.

“But when you look into the detail technically, what you need to do stage by stage, there’s more to it than that actually.

“And Thierry knew that and of course told some of his team that.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/should-neuville-be-feared-in-ypres/ (https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/should-neuville-be-feared-in-ypres/)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans full 10 seconds faster on second pass than on first one

E: Kalle almost 12 secs faster

Probably the road drying.

[Manuel01]

Second and fifth picture, you know the stage and kms of those places? Thanks
Second picture is SS Wijschate. Roadname "vierstraat".

[Sergiow]

Bring the noise :snore:
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1560262709794336769?cxt=HHwWgsCj2d-qlacrAAAA

[MentalParadox]

Bring the noise :snore:
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1560262709794336769?cxt=HHwWgsCj2d-qlacrAAAA

Utterly depressing... The smell of street food, people talking, big engines roaring in the background, it's all part of the motorsport experience. It's what makes a weekend special, and part of the reason why I drive there from Antwerp to watch. But I guess I'm just another bitter fossil that needs to eat the bugs and live in the pod

[Corcaíoch]

For all the doom and gloom by some for the last few years about the chage to Rally1 regulations today was my first time seeing Rally1 cars live in action and they were very impressive, every bit as impressive as the WRCs on tarmac, in my opinion.
Rovanpera, Neuville and Evans especially looked very quick. Solberg while quick seemed very ragged and untidy, would make you apprehensive about his chances of surviving the weekend.
Lefebvre the most impressive of the WRC2s.
Roll on tomorrow!

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/tf-HjfwaKEA

[Sergiow]

Utterly depressing... The smell of street food, people talking, big engines roaring in the background, it's all part of the motorsport experience. It's what makes a weekend special, and part of the reason why I drive there from Antwerp to watch. But I guess I'm just another bitter fossil that needs to eat the bugs and live in the pod

My post of this video was just tongue in cheeck (check the sleeping smiley) as this was without a doubt also the underlying sense of the creator, M-Sport. It's called British humour ...

[MentalParadox]

My post of this video was just tongue in cheeck (check the sleeping smiley) as this was without a doubt also the underlying sense of the creator, M-Sport. It's called British humour ...

Good for you and good for them, I however was not kidding. Anyway... looking forward to leaving for the stages tomorrow morning. Still not entirely sure which stages I'll do. I really want to see the final power stage podium, assuming there is one, as there's a chance Kalle becomes champion this weekend.

[AnttiL]

Good for you and good for them, I however was not kidding. Anyway... looking forward to leaving for the stages tomorrow morning. Still not entirely sure which stages I'll do. I really want to see the final power stage podium, assuming there is one, as there's a chance Kalle becomes champion this weekend.

Very theoretical chance, let's try to forget that.

[Integrale]

Drizzle

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Becs Williams on Insta says rain looks imminent.

[MartijnS]

We’re close to stage 1 and sun in shining.

[dimviii]

Good morning guys

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaghMpNUUAEAt7L?format=jpg&name=small

[EstWRC]

Good to have you back dimviii

[EstWRC]

Good morning guys

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaghMpNUUAEAt7L?format=jpg&name=small

Becs says in Twitter this was shakedown tyre info

[er88]

Yeah surely no way you'd have that many out on hards

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220819/7e5da5de38d18145c8963abe5765e5f7.jpg

[dimviii]

yes its wrong,sorry guys,thats the right one

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaglixaXwAUClI1?format=jpg&name=360x360

[subarurally]

This WRC live stream gonna start or what?

[dimviii]

Kalle the only one with 5 tyres.

[er88]

Well it looks like all the teams are confident in their tyre strategy. Only Kalle trying something different, while Evans and Lappi are the same. All Hyundais on 2H + 4soft, and the Ford's 4H + 2S.

[Sergiow]

Becs Williams on Insta says rain looks imminent.

Early morning on the weather radar it looked like showers were coming from over the channel to Ypres, but current forecast is no rain at all for today ... https://www.meteo.be/en/ieper

[Eli]

yes its wrong,sorry guys,thats the right one

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FaglixaXwAUClI1?format=jpg&name=360x360

Looks really risky by the M-Sport boys…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle the only one with 5 tyres.

Nope 2 + 2 + 2 acc to WRC+...

[TypeR]

Nope 2 + 2 + 2 acc to WRC+...

If stages are dry, then nothing to do with wets..

[dimviii]

Nope 2 + 2 + 2 acc to WRC+...

it was an obvious risky one to take just 5 tyres.

[Tauri_J]

Rally of thousand junctions or rally of thousand cuts?

[AnttiL]

Jonne said to Kalle "listen to the pace notes"

[Eli]

Rovanperä’s Yaris looks a bit all over the place, looks a bit too tale happy.

[EstWRC]

What the hell was that ending Ott. 1.4 secs with 2 kilometers

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Scruffy stage by Neuville.

[EstWRC]

Stage getting a lot slipper with every car

[er88]

Not a great start by Neuville whatsoever

[Tauri_J]

Yeah but fastest, I mean Kalle

[EstWRC]

Great stage end from Evans. Didn’t loose any time to Kalle

[denkimi]

Not a great start by Neuville whatsoever
Unless he had a spin or someting like that, that's a horrible start. Last year he never lost more than 5 seconds to the stage winner.

[Eli]

Looks like it’s going to be mega difficult to anyone after Kalle if there’s no rain.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen didnt need that.

[TypeR]

People so close to road on Breen's place..

[er88]

Breen is having a shit season

[jonkka]

Unless he had a spin or someting like that, that's a horrible start.

Overshot a junction as car went straight under braking.

[er88]

Rossel thought Mikkelsen had an issue due to such a slow time

[AnttiL]

Unless he had a spin or someting like that, that's a horrible start. Last year he never lost more than 5 seconds to the stage winner.

Overshoot

[denkimi]

Unless he had a spin or someting like that, that's a horrible start. Last year he never lost more than 5 seconds to the stage winner.
It seems rovanpera is very lucky we have had the rain here this week. A a few days earlier or later and the cuts would have been bone dry, leaving almost no dirt on the road.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What a time by Ingram on SS1 !! :)

[EstWRC]

What the hell is happening now

[er88]

Jesus christ what's going on.

[EstWRC]

Jonne should calm down

[er88]

Keep the head Kalle

[er88]

2 mini moments already for Kalle.

[Eli]

If he keeps it like this he won’t keep it on the road.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Off wow Kalle !!

[erikli2]

Omg big roll for Kalle

[er88]

Keep the head KalleWell he didn't. Huge off

[jcevc]

Off...

[Fast Eddie WRC]

They look ok though.

[AndyRAC]

That wasn't part of the plan; didn't listen to his co-driver's advice...

[Eli]

What did Just say a minute before? Thought he was in Finland.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Delay must've lost his concentration.

[er88]

Delay must've lost his concentration.Harder to stay calm when your Co driver is screaming like a loony

[Tauri_J]

Delay must've lost his concentration.
First delay in his life? He pushed way too much imo

[EstWRC]

Tänak having problems with turbo

Martin saying bars

[EstWRC]

Tänak having problems with turbo

Martin saying bars

Sorry. It was about tyres

Puncture 6km from the end

[Tauri_J]

Please for the love of god someone tell becs that she should be quiet when drivers finish the stage and talk with each other

[Tauri_J]

Tänak's spare tyre had a puncture or what lol

[EstWRC]

Can’t be a big puncture for Ott when Thierry only a sec faster

[Tauri_J]

How many spares Ott has?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

First delay in his life? He pushed way too much imo

Got wound up by being given no info. He is human after all ! ;)

[EstWRC]

How many spares Ott has?

All of them had 2 except Kalle

[Tauri_J]

Kalle had 6, so two spares too

[EstWRC]

Kalle had 6, so two spares too

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220819/3eebed38b4c44bc706b8c61040a3a618.jpg

[TypeR]

Wrc+ said 2 spares tho.. and would make sense as Kalle said they prepared for every condition..

[Tauri_J]

WRC+ said 2 wets

[bomber21]

Why was Jonne screaming before the crash?

[seb_sh]

Kalle is human! Good that they are both ok.

[wyler]

raining!

[EstWRC]

Raining a little now

[wyler]

Why was Jonne screaming before the crash?

they were delayed on the start line, i guess there was some lack of info...

[denkimi]

Kalle is human! Good that they are both ok.
No room for errors in ypres.

[bomber21]

I feel Kalle’s recent domination made him overestimate himself…

[AnttiL]

Yeah, we could see Jonne was really frustrated at the start and Kalle was overdriving. A point to learn, to keep calm in these situations

[Eli]

If it were Germany, they’d hit a hinkelstein now, good thing it’s ‘just’ Ypres.

[rallyfiend]

Jonne really failed there.

Yelling and screaming for a small delay does not help keep his driver calm and concentrated.

[Sergiow]

If it were Germany, they’d hit a hinkelstein now, good thing it’s ‘just’ Ypres.

they'd hit clearly something with the right front wheel which is damaged https://www.wrc.com/?proxy=redaktion/Season-2022-News/WRC/August/Ypres-Live-Text/kalle-roll-2.png. Since they had to evacuate through the front window, roll cage might be damaged impeding the normal opening of the doors

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

[rallyfiend]

they'd hit clearly something with the right front wheel which is damaged

You mean OTHER than the bank that he ploughed in to with that wheel at 140km/h?!

[TypeR]

Neuville little mistake again, must be quite a pressure on him..

[EstWRC]

Neuville little mistake again, must be quite a pressure on him..

Was wondering the same.

On the roads he knows well

[Eli]

Neuville little mistake again, must be quite a pressure on him..

Looks like that rear end is really snappy.

[Eli]

they'd hit clearly something with the right front wheel which is damaged https://www.wrc.com/?proxy=redaktion/Season-2022-News/WRC/August/Ypres-Live-Text/kalle-roll-2.png. Since they had to evacuate through the front window, roll cage might be damaged impeding the normal opening of the doors

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

I’m not saying they haven’t, I’m saying if it were in Germany the consequences would be much worse.

[Sergiow]

You mean OTHER than the bank that he ploughed in to with that wheel at 140km/h?!

checking the video again, it very much looks like he hit the end of bank with the right front wheel because the bank is there no more when the car started rolling ...

[EstWRC]

Everybody lacking confidence by their words

[Sergiow]

I’m not saying they haven’t, I’m saying if it were in Germany the consequences would be much worse.

What the hinkelstein are for Germany are the electricity poles in Ypres, both absolutely to avoid hitting at speed ;)

[jonkka]

What the hinkelstein are for Germany are the electricity poles in Ypres, both absolutely to avoid hitting at speed ;)

At high speed, one wants to avoid hitting anything at all.

[EstWRC]

Fourmaux doing really great so far

I hope I didn’t jinx him

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Anyone know why Ingram stopped on SS2 for 10s ?

[Sergiow]

Bring the noise :snore:
https://twitter.com/MSportLtd/status/1560262709794336769?cxt=HHwWgsCj2d-qlacrAAAA

Judging what happened to Katsuta on SS3 now we now why Rally 1 cars can go fully electric :D

[drive]

Katsuta is moving on the live maps, wonder what was an issue... but electric drive helped to finish...

[Deutschexpat]

2301

[EstWRC]

Nothing to separate the top3

Amazingly close

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good morning for Evans - fast but very solid and no moments.

[Integrale]

Katsuta stuck in a gear

[mousti]

It's raining on some sections of Langemark

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[Integrale]

It's raining on some sections of Langemark

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met TapatalkMust be very local, dry here

[Fast Eddie WRC]

No luck for Breen getting the rain.

[WRC1]

No luck for Breen getting the rain.

Lappi who is absolutly no tarmac specialist and is faster with the same rain.....it is not just bad luck for Breen, he is simply not fast enough...(and this is one of his favorit events)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi who is absolutly no tarmac specialist and is faster with the same rain.....it is not just bad luck for Breen, he is simply not fast enough...(and this is one of his favorit events)

Just mentioned it as he got it first. Plus he has no confidence already.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gus really was unlucky with heavy rain.

[EstWRC]

And I jinxed Fourmaux with the weather!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

And I jinxed Fourmaux with the weather!

Yep. :(

[flat_right]

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

Rovanperä's crash from a fan cam.

[doubled1978]

Such a shame, his rally had started well and through no fault of his own it’s basically over unless he happens to get lucky with the weather somewhere else.

[PLuto]

And I jinxed Fourmaux with the weather!

Thats the problem of 3 min gaps between the cars. If the weather is changeable, drivers can have very different conditions.

[WRC1]

PLEASE Mr. Wilson....call Mr. Mikkelsen...this is really sad how the Ford drivers struggle :(

[er88]

Thierry basically lost all his time on the 1st stage and could end up chasing it back all day (maybe even further into the rally). However if he can find a better set up, it sounds like he has another gear to go....

[TypeR]

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

Rovanperä's crash from a fan cam.
Only 1 guy running right after crash to see if they were ok, other guys just standing and yelling something..

but seems like rollcage damage..? They couldn't open either door

[dimviii]

but seems like rollcage damage..? They couldn't open either door
worrying that couldnt opened the doors,cage doesnt seem so damaged.
Just thinking if they had fell in a river.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FahWnYDWQAAVD_9?format=jpg&name=small

[meh]

worrying that couldnt opened the doors,cage doesnt seem so damaged.
Just thinking if they had fell in a river.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FahWnYDWQAAVD_9?format=jpg&name=small

was thinking the same, but with fire situation

[EstWRC]

Thierry basically lost all his time on the 1st stage and could end up chasing it back all day (maybe even further into the rally). However if he can find a better set up, it sounds like he has another gear to go....

Evans also saying at the service break he has more to give

Don’t know, didn’t seem so to me from his onboards but then again, it’s just the way he drives

[Fast Eddie WRC]

worrying that couldnt opened the doors,cage doesnt seem so damaged.
Just thinking if they had fell in a river.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FahWnYDWQAAVD_9?format=jpg&name=small

Bit strange as previous crashes saw the opposite with the doors coming off easily.

[flat_right]

I wonder if Ott will have the worst conditions for the second loop? First car on the road after all the lower categories.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

BTW, nice WRC+ coverage here so far with the heli shots and a several stage-side cameras.

[doubled1978]

Quite funny, but with the crazy weather Jos Verstappen was 10th fastest on that stage!

[EstWRC]

I wonder if Ott will have the worst conditions for the second loop? First car on the road after all the lower categories.

Was wondering the same. I guess it depends how much dirt there is on the road

Was looking Ogiers times from last year and it didn’t seem that bad

[AnttiL]

BTW, nice WRC+ coverage here so far with the heli shots and a several stage-side cameras.

To me it's the same as always. Just the heli cannot always fly if the weather is bad.

[AnttiL]

Was wondering the same. I guess it depends how much dirt there is on the road

Was looking Ogiers times from last year and it didn’t seem that bad

Last year it was dry

[EstWRC]

Last year it was dry

It’s wet now?

[AnttiL]

It’s wet now?

Well there was big rain on SS4, I assumed it affected the other stages as well

[EstWRC]

All Hyundai drivers with 2 hards, 2 softs and 2 wets

[Corcaíoch]

At SS5 now, road completely dry

[Fast Eddie WRC]

To me it's the same as always. Just the heli cannot always fly if the weather is bad.

Seems more stage-side cameras here and they're not the TV stages.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

According to the forecast its dry until maybe 18.00 and the last stage.

[TypeR]

Possibly that is the maximum speed pushed out of these i20s..

Last three stages Tänak and Neuville
0.1, 0.2 and 0.0 time differences :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Useless WRC+ stage end asking Neuville about the weather when we want to know if his car set-up feels any better after service.

[Eli]

Useless WRC+ stage end asking Neuville about the weather when we want to know if his car set-up feels any better after service.

When are they not useless?

[flat_right]

Useless WRC+ stage end asking Neuville about the weather when we want to know if his car set-up feels any better after service.

Same for Ott, would have liked to know if they managed to make it better. Road being slippery is a no-brainer.

[Eli]

Anyone has their tyre choices for the afternoon loop?

[bandit12]

Anyone has their tyre choices for the afternoon loop?
https://photo.24liveblog.com/3121151551891517820/20220819131131_541707.jpeg

[Sergiow]

According to the forecast its dry until maybe 18.00 and the last stage.

Who'll stop the rain? I do not make any weather predictions anymore. We're in for a long afternoon

[Sergiow]

Jonne said to Kalle "listen to the pace notes"Optimistic pace note caused Rovanpera's Ypres Rally retirement. "There was a few corners and the second one of them I just had a bit of an optimistic pace note," said Rovanpera, who had won the day's opening asphalt stage to lead the rally. It was too short a corner on the notes and I went early and I couldn't get out on the right line and hit the ditch. It [the impact] was quite big surprisingly big in the car but we seem fine."

When asked if the timing mix up affecting his mindset, he said: "For sure it was disturbing in the beginning but I think at halfway into the stage it shouldn't affect us anymore. They had a big mess there with the time control trying to send us on the stage when there were three seconds on the clock. It was two times like this, it was a big mess. I don't know what they were doing, but for sure it was not good."
https://us.motorsport.com/wrc/news/optimistic-pace-note-caused-rovanperas-ypres-rally-retirement/10354828/

[AnttiL]

Seems more stage-side cameras here and they're not the TV stages.

At least Rally Finland had the same. I remember from Rally Finland, there was cameras on SS2 Laukaa at the fast crossing of tarmac road and then the "lossinmutka" uphill right, and at the same time three cameras on SS3 Lankamaa on the farm into the beginning of the esker section. And now we've had three cameras on two stages as well?

[EstWRC]

Neuville coming with a mega time

[er88]

Here's the Neuville charge

[er88]

Superb time.

[EstWRC]

Evans also taking chunks of time back from Tänak at the end

[er88]

From listening to Neuville there, and seeing Tanaks moment, Hyundai still a bit unpredictable in the rear of the car.
Good to see they have the pace though

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville tells hes happier this afternoon with the car.

[jonkka]

Breen 1st split? Just a glitch?

EDIT: Ah, yes, it's now been corrected.

[EstWRC]

Evans took 2.7 out of Tänak with second half and Thierry 5 seconds

[Sproaks]

Drinking a shot every time a driver says 'to be honest' would be a nice drinking game, wouldn't it? :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Breen's just nowhere near. Confidence looks totally shot.

[Eli]

Breen's just nowhere near. Confidence looks totally shot.

Good thing he has a 2 year contract, his season reminds me of his 2018 season with the only difference being he has a podium in Monte Carlo.

[Lead]

Lefebvre really enjoying these stages. You can see he has drove them a lot this year.
Why they are completely ignoring Gryazin?

[dimviii]

some more photos from Kalles yaris

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FahmkdOVEAAtGNX?format=jpg&name=900x900
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fahmk0TUUAEH3xp?format=jpg&name=large

[Rally Hokkaido]

Lefebvre really enjoying these stages.
Why they are completely ignoring Gryazin?

Strange? Is he running out of road order?

[Lead]

Strange? Is he running out of road order?

It seems so. Isnt he starting after Rossel? (championships order?).

[Rally Hokkaido]

It seems so. Isnt he starting after Rossel? (championships order?).

I didn't check the WRC2 split times, today. Check in next SS to see his starting position.

[pantealex]

Lefebvre really enjoying these stages. You can see he has drove them a lot this year.
Why they are completely ignoring Gryazin?

Gryazin is only P2 driver, not in for WRC2 points.

(Linnamäe is also NOT WRC2)

[EstWRC]

What a split by Thierry again

Seems he has found the sweet spot now

Tänak loosing a lot of time on fast sections and the bad news him is that the next stage is the fastest

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville leads !

[TypeR]

How are they so wrong with weather prediction..?

[dimviii]

hot moment for Kalle before his crash
https://twitter.com/DirtFishRally/status/1560645189924016128

[EstWRC]

Top3 covered by 0.7 seconds!

[Sergiow]

Top3 covered by 0.7 seconds!
Game on! Did not expect this for a Rally with a boring reputation

[Fast Eddie WRC]

How are they so wrong with weather prediction..?

Weird... all the forecasts said rain late on in the day.

[Eli]

Weird... all the forecasts said rain late on in the day.

Maybe since it’s so localised here.

[Tauri_J]

Formaoux harvesting some crops.

[WRC1]

everyone is faster than "give me a seat for a whole season" Breen....time to say good bye

[Lead]

everyone is faster than "give me a seat for a whole season" Breen....time to say good bye

I think its wrong tyre choice form him this afternoon.

[MartijnS]

Few drops now

[EstWRC]

Neuville with the same rhythm as last year

Starts to smash others after morning loop

Took 9 seconds out of Tänak with afternoon