[WRC] Safari Rally Kenya 2023 (22-25 June 2023)

[J4MIE]

Couple of updates to the route for next year.


The Narasha competitive section of the Safari Rally route has now been replaced by Malewa.
The last 600 metres from the Kedong Stage has been removed and the start/finish maps adjusted to yield a new, 18-kilometre stage.
Also, the start of the Geothermal Stage has been moved to the Narasha Gate, extending the stage by a kilometre.

https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/motorsports/wrc-makes-changes-on-safari-rally-route-4038174

A bit disappointing as I really liked the Narasha stage this year. Kedong shortened a lot and reconfigured - no doubt to avoid the bad sandy bits that the top crews struggled with and caused those at the back to miss the stage both times :rolleyes:

[AnttiL]

A bit disappointing as I really liked the Narasha stage this year. Kedong shortened a lot and reconfigured - no doubt to avoid the bad sandy bits that the top crews struggled with and caused those at the back to miss the stage both times :rolleyes:

Meanwhile, I really liked Malewa in 2021, a more technical stage. (just posting to follow the thread :) )

[AnttiL]

https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/motorsports/equator-rally-cancelled-cloud-of-doubt-cast-over-safari-rally-4122864

Problems with funding and organization

[bomber21]

https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/motorsports/equator-rally-cancelled-cloud-of-doubt-cast-over-safari-rally-4122864

Problems with funding and organization

Should we inform Monza organisers to get prepared??? :D

[AnttiL]

Ypres is on the same weekend…

[J4MIE]

https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/motorsports/equator-rally-cancelled-cloud-of-doubt-cast-over-safari-rally-4122864

Problems with funding and organization

The Equator is going ahead (I’ll be doing it as prep for Safari), no issues for Safari (just some new organising team members I think).

[er88]

The Equator is going ahead (I’ll be doing it as prep for Safari), no issues for Safari (just some new organising team members I think).Great news, hope all goes well

[J4MIE]

Rally Guide 1
https://safarirally.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Rally-Guide-1-2023-WRC-Safari-Rally-Kenya.-v1.0.pdf

Prizes available for finding the most errors….. :p

[J4MIE]

Great news, hope all goes well

Well it seems my driver didn’t send the entry form in :dozey:

[J4MIE]

So a few thoughts:

Geothermal starting at the gate will be nice, long open square right off tarmac onto gravel, first few bends on the stage last time were very very slippery with big rocks in the cuts. Hopefully we don’t hit any animals this time… :uhoh:

Oserian is starting earlier, previous road section up the hill had a couple of severely rutted parts which I assume will be the same again. Then you get to the top of the hill where the start was previously, which then has really (really) rutted sections for a few km where Solberg got stuck and caused the stage to be cancelled, then it was totally avoided for the second run. Certainly a fantastic bit of stage and I’m already looking forward to missing out after another cancellation already :dozey:

[J4MIE]

Regulations published https://safarirally.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Safari-Rally-Kenya-Supplementary-Regulations.pdf

Sportity account - https://webapp.sportity.com/channel/SRK23

[Tom K]

Unofficialy: 34 crews, 10 Rally1 (Ogier and Serderidis), 13 Rally2: Kajetanowicz, Solberg, Munster, Prokop, Kremer best known.

[J4MIE]

Entry list due to be published tomorrow (Monday), but as the road books are a week late I’m not holding my breath…

[J4MIE]

Entry list published on time

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/28c8f772-5954-4c4f-886e-c44b25ca5a3c/6874c581-2173-4fb6-9fd1-d9c5324b3500_Entry%20List.pdf

[AnttiL]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxSaIfCWYAI_N4R?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FxSaIfwXoAERKII?format=jpg&name=large

Serderidis again entertaining us. Oliver in WRC2 but with Fabia Evo and not going for points, alongside Kajto, Munster and Prokop.

[Jarek Z]

Does M-Sport Ford have a new driver (#28)?

[Tom K]

Probably some kind of deal, not the first time in M-Sport. It's the only WRC 2 team in Kenya, so if Munster and Vasilakis finish, M-Sport will have 1-2 in points.

[AnttiL]

Probably some kind of deal, not the first time in M-Sport. It's the only WRC 2 team in Kenya, so if Munster and Vasilakis finish, M-Sport will have 1-2 in points.

Also, a WRC2 team must have two cars in order to score points.

[RS]

Solberg said thanks to Daniel Chwist for the entry, is he using a car of his? i note Chwist is using a new Fabia.

Kopecky tested a Fabia with a snorkel last week: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cilAHyziuSQ&pp=ygUKc2tvZGEgdGVzdA%3D%3D

[Andre Oliveira]

Amended 29.5.2023, as approved by the FIA
Entry of Competitor ARMIN KREMER was missing due to a clerical error and is now added as car No. 24.

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

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/80239-safari-rally-kenya-2023/

[J4MIE]

https://i.ibb.co/0Dd4pKS/efe6fefd-d2fe-427f-b249-58258b0372db.jpg

[becher]

https://i.ibb.co/0Dd4pKS/efe6fefd-d2fe-427f-b249-58258b0372db.jpg

Your car?

[EstWRC]

Nope. Kremer

[J4MIE]

Your car?

I wish lol :bounce:
Think Minesh picked up another Evo X at the weekend but don’t know much else…

[becher]

I wish lol :bounce:
Think Minesh picked up another Evo X at the weekend but don’t know much else…

Ah yes you mentioned the Evo before.

[J4MIE]

El Niño seems to be having a fairly big affect on the weather in Kenya at the moment. Naivasha has had heavy rain storms the last couple of days, and is forecast to be unsettled for the foreseeable future and possible further heavy rain.

Also been sent a photo of this road section…
https://i.ibb.co/wsdKJzF/cd168a56-50cb-49e9-ab7c-3edf27e06424.jpg

[Rallyper]

Pickems for Safari Rally now online in this forum.
I´d say those drivers in the list might be a bit short. Think at least one or two of the homedrivers might be top eight. But it´s up to you guys to choose others outside list.

[J4MIE]

https://i.ibb.co/6mm7dwt/aa221b38-b156-40f5-bd75-719dcedd6a13.jpg

[Paul Hudson]

https://i.ibb.co/6mm7dwt/aa221b38-b156-40f5-bd75-719dcedd6a13.jpg

Hope you got your Wellies Jamie,

[J4MIE]

Hope you got your Wellies Jamie,

Wellies are no good for black cotton - it’s like ice but sticks to everything.

[EstWRC]

Will the rally to ahead at all with this and rain predicted also?

https://twitter.com/kyularally1/status/1669752788220358659?s=20

[J4MIE]

Will the rally to ahead at all with this and rain predicted also?

https://twitter.com/kyularally1/status/1669752788220358659?s=20

Yes. They are a bit concerned about the river crossings, but otherwise should be passable with some intelligent driving ;)

[Tauri_J]

Man its gonna be one crazy rally to remember. Forecast still being very wet through the weekend.

Would love a rally2 car on the podium.

[bluuford]

Will the rally to ahead at all with this and rain predicted also?

https://twitter.com/kyularally1/status/1669752788220358659?s=20

I have done all the stages and seen nothing like this. Some muddy patches, couple of small puddles, rough sections. Remember, in this climate, drying is also very fast ;) More problematic is dust during the recce ;)

[EstWRC]

I have done all the stages and seen nothing like this. Some muddy patches, couple of small puddles, rough sections. Remember, in this climate, drying is also very fast ;) More problematic is dust during the recce ;)

thanks!

cant trust all posts at all nowadays

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yes. They are a bit concerned about the river crossings, but otherwise should be passable with some intelligent driving ;)

Seeing some cars couldn't cope in Sardinia I hope they have made some adaptations or the drivers use their brains this time.

[dimviii]

https://twitter.com/OttTanak/status/1670750145049243648

[seb_sh]

I don't want to upset anyone (honestly) but I'm asking myself if the Fords will make it. I've not put either in my pickems... :P

[EstWRC]

I don't want to upset anyone (honestly) but I'm asking myself if the Fords will make it. I've not put either in my pickems... :P

Based on this season so far I would be surprised if they do

They all had problems last year and there was six of them in the start list

[J4MIE]

Doesn’t seem to be widely reported but there was demonstrations against the rally in Naivasha this morning, complaining that promised jobs for the rally haven’t happened.
Police with teargas shifted them on.
2454

Still a lot of speculation that this will be the final WRC Safari.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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

[J4MIE]

Wait till you see the VVIP parking sign lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyota recce video
https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1671116088631865345?s=20

[J4MIE]

Toyota recce video
https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1671116088631865345?s=20

Shame they only showed smooth bits of road.

[EstWRC]

Recce interviews https://youtube.com/watch?v=rOeQGmbBR7o&feature=share7

[J4MIE]

Absolutely pouring with rain in Naivasha. Think it was waiting for recce to finish ;)

[EstWRC]

Dirtfish team interviews

https://youtube.com/watch?v=DIHXL9XZ51k&feature=share7

[meh]

If someone is looking for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVXbNtuDNYI

[Rallyper]

Big engine failure for Lappi?? Obviously not, think the noise disappeared after he pulled over.

[meh]

Lappi's car just broke down already (no detected hits)

[meh]

Ookei, seems that we will have active forum this time - Serdenidis is also driving.

[TypeR]

Ookei, seems that we will have active forum this time - Serdenidis is also driving.
Well, last year he beat Loeb by 2min :D

[Tauri_J]

Big engine failure for Lappi?? Obviously not, think the noise disappeared after he pulled over.

Gearbox or diff?

[Rallyper]

Gearbox or diff?

Likely yes.

[J4MIE]

Katsuta looks to have rolled, driving slowly out the stage. He was due to take the Kenyan President on the next run…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Katsuta looks to have rolled, driving slowly out the stage. He was due to take the Kenyan President on the next run…

https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1671451118751080452?s=20

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Propshaft failure for the Toyota of Lappi confirmed.

[meh]

Propshaft failure for the Toyota of Lappi confirmed.

Eem, Lappi and Toyota is not accurate combo anymore :)

[Rallyper]

https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1671451118751080452?s=20

Sad. He should know about that spot.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Eem, Lappi and Toyota is not accurate combo anymore :)

Sorry, he's had so many teams ! :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems the HYUNDAI fix didn't work...

Esapekka Lappi Rally @EsapekkaLappi

Problem continued, stopped on Shakedown. Next back to Service Park to solve it.

[meh]

Sorry, he's had so many teams ! :D

To be more precise - all of them.

[meh]

More happening from shakedown:
https://twitter.com/eWRCresults/status/1671479486523506688/photo/1

[dimviii]

nice photo

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzJEid0WAAE3zQj?format=jpg&name=900x900

[MartijnS]

This one too:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzJWxqcaUAE88ub?format=jpg&name=large

[EstWRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FzJ0UGPXgAIsY3i?format=jpg&name=4096x4096

[Rallyper]

Pickems closing is tomorrow at 1300 hrs CEST. Just remember to make your own pick!!!

[J4MIE]

Huge rain in Nairobi at the moment, we are about 5km from Kasarani. It’ll be pretty slippery tomorrow, all depends how sunny it will be as the stage is mid afternoon.

[240RS]

Interesting watching the Rally 1 cars over bumps and jumps at the Shakedown. The rears of the Fords and Hyundais were lifting off massively when compared to the Toyotas. Can imagine this won't have escaped the suspension experts. Not sure whether it's the wheelbase or overhang causing this. This weekend will be enlightening.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

They're quick to recycle stuff in Africa ;)

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

[Myrvold]

I really like this super special. It's more like the ones that was used before. Good for spectators, but at the same time a bit more rally-like!

[Rally Hokkaido]

How's the weather there, today?

[Sal yet again]

They're quick to recycle stuff in Africa ;)

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


The world's most expensive Braai

[EstWRC]

Ogier and Tänak with some gap to other drivers on this short stage

[Myrvold]

Yey. Our J4MIE is on All Live :D

[EstWRC]

https://twitter.com/msportltd/status/1671930558707019776?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dirtfish coverage for Safari looks to be pretty impressive.

https://youtu.be/iDtblfcG-bA

[Rallyper]

Morning rallylovers. Anyone here?
First day of Safari rally coming up.

[Tauri_J]

I’m here :)

Tyre choices?

[Tanelv]

Hybrid not working for Ott already? Greyed out in the live coverage.

[jonkka]

Morning rallylovers. Anyone here?

Yup, I am here but... I apparently don't qualify as a rallylover. :(

[er88]

Tanak losing 5-7s due to zebras on the road

[Rallyper]

Yup, I am here but... I apparently don't qualify as a rallylover. :(

I´m sure you do... ;)

[Rallyper]

"Like driving through a zoo..." (Ott Tanak in SS2)

[EstWRC]

Tänak having a pig and zebras on the road. Had to lift two times

And Martin saying it’s shaking so bad he can’t see the numbers

[ferrial]

Tanak losing 5-7s due to zebras on the road bot only zebras. Does anyone know, will Tänak get time back or not due to slowing down?

[spyros]

Morning guys, seems that at msport they didnt learn their lessons............

[J4MIE]

bot only zebras. Does anyone know, will Tänak get time back or not due to slowing down?

Ha. No.

[er88]

Ogier on it

[J4MIE]

And Martin saying it’s shaking so bad he can’t see the numbers

Yes I printed my notes in extra large font this year as I had the same issue in 2022.

[Tauri_J]

bot only zebras. Does anyone know, will Tänak get time back or not due to slowing down?

You joking, right?

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230623/530b08bf85087501c8f5e9b4eb9329e7.jpg

[ferrial]

You joking, right? If I don't know the rules and ask answers from the forum, you don't have to be sarcastic.

[240RS]

Toyota 1-2-3-5 after first stage. Damn!

[er88]

No engine power for Loubet.

Didn't take long.......

[EstWRC]

If I don't know the rules and ask answers from the forum, you don't have to be sarcastic.

He doesn’t get it back, it’s part of the game with this rally.

Rally is still long but yeah he lost possible second place at the moment and time wise 7-9 secs but it is what it is

[Tauri_J]

If I don't know the rules and ask answers from the forum, you don't have to be sarcastic.

Sorry, no they dont get any time back if theres animals on road.

[Tauri_J]

No engine power for Loubet.

Didn't take long.......

Loubet has the worst luck in this sport.

[Rallyper]

If I don't know the rules and ask answers from the forum, you don't have to be sarcastic.

Meeting animals on the stage in Safari is the spirit of the rally. So no compensation.

[EstWRC]

Tänak and the zebras https://twitter.com/msportltd/status/1672116561908203520?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[ferrial]

Thank you for the answers. Long rally to go, hopefully Tänak will bounce back to fight for the win

[spyros]

what a time by Solberg, this is very fast.

[EstWRC]

Toyotas are so good, their party at the moment

Tänak saying the feeling still as same as previous rallies

[Tauri_J]

Ogier on another level again

[ferrial]

Happy for Lappi. Hopefully can keep up the speed

[Rallyper]

To me Safari looks like a sprint rally compared to what it was back in the day. Things change, I know, but the feeling is kind of divided. Safari should be much harder than this start, with cars having same speed as Finland or Estonia...
I know the rally just started and drivers caring of their rallycar might be crucial for surviving anyway. But...

[EstWRC]

Thierry had a puncture and just one spare. Must be careful on next one

[jonkka]

Toyota 1-2-3-5 after first stage. Damn!

And now it's 1-2-3-4.

[Rallyper]

Why are they wearing warm clothes in the SP? Is it cold in Kenya?

[Rallyper]

Ott stopped. Puncture.

[EstWRC]

The season just keeeps getting worse with every rally

[Tauri_J]

Still early but yeah its getting worse with every rally

[Tauri_J]

Sonething wrong with the car? Lots of understeer

[EstWRC]

A puncture for Tänak and a power issue with the engine after that

[Lead]

And the puncture fest begins.

[EstWRC]

To me Safari looks like a sprint rally compared to what it was back in the day. Things change, I know, but the feeling is kind of divided. Safari should be much harder than this start, with cars having same speed as Finland or Estonia...
I know the rally just started and drivers caring of their rallycar might be crucial for surviving anyway. But...

Agreed. The last two stages today before midday service were like Finland or Estonia but with softer and more sandy surface

Too fast and easy for such a rally IMO.

[AndersX]

A puncture for Tänak and a power issue with the engine after that

Demotivated Tanak, team that can not make car working from start to finish, some lack of luck....nice story for M-Sport business. Lets suggest them to turn their attention to making Fiesta Rally 2 Great Again ( MFGA), that makes more sense.

[PLuto]

You joking, right?

Why he should be joking? With what is happening in WRC during last years and they are correcting times for almost everything, this is appropriate question (correction time for stopping at zebras).

[Kras]

Tanak should just take a break for the rest of the season and next year go to Toyota or Hyundai. MS is a joke and will never again be able to compete for rally1.

Sticking through this season will just burn him out. I think he'd get more enjoyment out of driving a couple of wrc2 and ERC rounds

[Rallyper]

Tanak should just take a break for the rest of the season and next year go to Toyota or Hyundai. MS is a joke and will never again be able to compete for rally1.

Sticking through this season will just burn him out. I think he'd get more enjoyment out of driving a couple of wrc2 and ERC rounds

Disagree.
All teams have their things. MS are for sure working hard. And will succeed again in the future. It´s a teamwork.
Tanak also will have his wins. Maybe also with MS.

[bandit12]

Tanak should just take a break for the rest of the season and next year go to Toyota or Hyundai...

Well, he burned those bridges properly.

[alwaysmzh]

Interesting to see there are white pipes above Toyota drivers and codrivers. Heard yesterday on All Live that it's used to prevent dust to come in the cars, is that correct? And is there any more detailed explaination of those pipes?

[J4MIE]

Interesting to see there are white pipes above Toyota drivers and codrivers. Heard yesterday on All Live that it's used to prevent dust to come in the cars, is that correct? And is there any more detailed explaination of those pipes?

Think it is so the dust doesn’t come through the aye vent straight onto the crew, but goes to the back of the car instead.

[EstWRC]

The rest are quite together and then comes Ogier who has nothing to lose and blitzes the field

[EstWRC]

Puncture for Loubet and Taka and Evans hit both animals

[NOT]

Its a pity that Fraudoyta does not have proper competition so they can be exposed...

What is your opinion on the type of coffin we should use to bury this sport for good ? I think its time because its corpse started to smell...

[TWRC]

Interesting to see there are white pipes above Toyota drivers and codrivers. Heard yesterday on All Live that it's used to prevent dust to come in the cars, is that correct? And is there any more detailed explaination of those pipes?
For me, they looked like extra cooling pipes for the Hybrid unit at first glance, but not sure if they are allowed to use such "internal" cooling.

[rallyfiend]

Its a pity that Fraudoyta does not have proper competition so they can be exposed...

What is your opinion on the type of coffin we should use to bury this sport for good ? I think its time because its corpse started to smell...

You do realise that Hyundai scored a one-two at the event just two weeks ago?!

[spyros]

Neuville stopped?

[Tauri_J]

Well first car out not being a Ford was a surprise.

[Rally Hokkaido]

Neuville suspension trouble - left front strut almost through the bonnet

[TypeR]

Neuville could (easily) be in top7 with +20min and no more troubles..

[EstWRC]

Neuville out of title game with this for me

Estonia and Finland are his weakest rallies and no big points from here

if Kalle doesn’t hit any trouble this weekend then he has one hand on the title already

[er88]

Neuville out of title game with this for me

Estonia and Finland are his weakest rallies and no big points from here

if Kalle doesn’t hit any trouble this weekend then he has one hand on the title alreadyYep I see it this way as well.

[focus206]

Kalle had to hit troubles to give others a chance for the title. But like last year, competitors hit troubles and he doesn't - another season of domination.

[1988senna]

why solberg not in WRC2 group this week? Can he compete for WRC1 with rally2 car?

[Rallyper]

I think Oliver wanted a fair competition if I had it right. Easy point in a way in Kenya if you wanted.

[NOT]

You mean the one where a semi retired driver of fraudyota was leading until he retired ?

I recommend womens tennis for you

[EstWRC]

Tänak with no speed at all for 3rd rally in a row and is smiling and says that’s our speed

Worrying and pretty catastrophic

[Katvala]

why solberg not in WRC2 group this week? Can he compete for WRC1 with rally2 car?WRC1 is sort of an open class. WRC2/3 are eligible for points here. Now with so few R1 cars, usually quite a few R2 cars get WRC points. The WRC points go to the top 10 overall. Theoretically an R2 driver can win the WRC overall.

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[Fast Eddie WRC]

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

[Kras]

Tänak with no speed at all for 3rd rally in a row and is smiling and says that’s our speed

Worrying and pretty catastrophic

He seems to have made peace with he fact that the car is shit and he can't compete. Honestly, that's a better mindset than getting pissed about things out of your control. At least from a mental health aspect.

By now he must have had enough time to asses the potential of that car and i bet there isn't any

[Rallyper]

He seems to have made peace with he fact that the car is shit and he can't compete. Honestly, that's a better mindset than getting pissed about things out of your control. At least from a mental health aspect.

By now he must have had enough time to asses the potential of that car and i bet there isn't any

However, so far this year he had one win and one 2nd i WRC...

[Lead]

I was wondering how long will Solberg last.... almost made it at the end of the day...

[Kras]

However, so far this year he had one win and one 2nd i WRC...

He has a decent win, a 2nd place he managed by driving carefully and waiting for others to have problems. Other than that he has a 5th, 9th, 4th and 35th place.

Hes an extremely fast driver and yet he has so few stage wins
stage wins:
Kalle 30 in 6 starts
Ogier 24 in 4 starts
Neuville 22 in 6 starts
Tanak 11 in 6 starts

The car is slow as shit and breaks without even being pushed. It's an embarrassment

[1988senna]

no wonder from solberg, why he still run so fast with huge big gap from wrc2 guys,now game over

[Jarek Z]

Tänak with no speed at all for 3rd rally in a row and is smiling and says that’s our speed

Worrying and pretty catastrophic

Yes indeed, Tanak without speed this time, Loubet without speed as usual. Isn't it a great chance for the other Ford drivers - Serderidis and Vassilakis - to turn things around for Ford? If not now then when?!

[EstWRC]

After today

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230623/c3cf16e3744e2b427f11489377a8c1f1.jpg

[PLuto]

no wonder from solberg, why he still run so fast with huge big gap from wrc2 guys,now game over

Maybe gaining enough advantage in case of retirement ;)

[Jarek Z]

why solberg not in WRC2 group this week? Can he compete for WRC1 with rally2 car?

Are you new to rallying? In WRC2 category drivers can score points in 7 rounds only. But Solberg has such a big budget that he can compete in many more rounds. He actually competes in almost every rally. But he can score WRC2 points in only 7 of them. Safari is not a nominated rally for him.

[er88]

Hopefully this rally can become a bit more interesting tomorrow with choas caused by the rough roads and hopefully some heavy showers/rain.

[NOT]

Hopefully this rally can become a bit more interesting tomorrow with choas caused by the rough roads and hopefully some heavy showers/rain.

When a sport is so dead that you rely on the forces of nature and bad luck to make things interesting..... Lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Today has been really flat all round.

In terms of the rally competition just more Toyota domination and Neuville and Tanak already virtually out of it.

And the WRC+ coverage has been 90% onboards mostly just looking down a track, with little heli-camera or stage-side action. Also no views of the fans or the big wildlife to create the special Safari atmosphere. And unfortunately the weather has been completely cloudy and boring, not showing the countryside well at all.

Very disappointing as a rally and a spectacle.

[J4MIE]

Spoke to Aaron Johnston who confirmed the tubes on the roof is to take dust into the back rather than their faces.

[J4MIE]

Today has been really flat all round.

In terms of the rally competition just more Toyota domination and Neuville and Tanak already virtually out of it.

And the WRC+ coverage has been 90% onboards mostly just looking down a track, with little heli-camera or stage-side action. Also no views of the fans or the big wildlife to create the special Safari atmosphere. And unfortunately the weather has been completely cloudy and boring, not showing the countryside well at all.

Very disappointing as a rally and a spectacle.

I think you should come and visit, you won’t regret it at all.

[Rallyper]

no wonder from solberg, why he still run so fast with huge big gap from wrc2 guys,now game over

Wise of him not chosing Safari as pointscorer. Only building experience.
Most likely the worst event for cars to breakdown. I think puncture right front started it...

[Rallyper]

When a sport is so dead that you rely on the forces of nature and bad luck to make things interesting..... Lol

Disagree, because this i Safari, well known for its muddy and bad roads/stages. Has nothing to do with how the sport i dead or not.

You know about "Carlsson på taket" or Carlsson on the roof? He drove 3-cyl Saab Sport in Safari back in early 60´s. At one spot he got totally stuck in a mud hole with his fwd Saab.
he asked the native spectators to roll his car over on the roof so he could get out of the mudhole.

Think that is what some of the guys longing for tomorrow... ;) ;)

[mknight]

I was wondering how long will Solberg last.... almost made it at the end of the day...

It's worrying.
In Sweden it looked like he finally learned to drive a little bit slower for more reliability, then Croatia was back to issues every second stage, Portugal was good, but Sardinia was even more backwards and now he goes on.

[Jarek Z]

Also no views of the fans or the big wildlife to create the special Safari atmosphere.

Do you mean this? :)
https://www.facebook.com/KajetanKajetanowicz/posts/pfbid0CcLxP185hm9WTjRHfJHB4HxqZ32KKZvsepKduPi8UFGC 9qbudzQZ96q9F8Ho7m4ml

[becher]

Disagree, because this i Safari, well known for its muddy and bad roads/stages. Has nothing to do with how the sport i dead or not.

You know about "Carlsson på taket" or Carlsson on the roof? He drove 3-cyl Saab Sport in Safari back in early 60´s. At one spot he got totally stuck in a mud hole with his fwd Saab.
he asked the native spectators to roll his car over on the roof so he could get out of the mudhole.

Think that is what some of the guys longing for tomorrow... ;) ;)
Wait a minute, I always thought the "Carlsson on the roof" thing came because he was a bit of a lunatic behind the wheel and crashed/rolled his car quite often?

[AndersX]

I admit, i have watched just few mins of anothe wrc rally on row via wrc+ - this time it was heli-shoot from Kalle going on long streight, then breaking and going another long streight. Then came other things to do and I even forgot anout this rally. This worries me bcs I have been following wrc for long and had never had so little interest.... I even have somewhere those glancy WRC magazine copies from early 2000th.... I hope Est and Fin events would rise some wrc rally passion again.

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230624/436a1ceb3205cc5fd840b58757b60426.jpg

[jonkka]

Wait a minute, I always thought the "Carlsson on the roof" thing came because he was a bit of a lunatic behind the wheel and crashed/rolled his car quite often?

That is correct, this Safari thing was just another addition to that legend and was more about the round shape of 90-series Saabs rather than a source for Erik's nickname.

[EstWRC]

And we have a little rain and it’s so slippery right away

Neuville missing every second corner

[J4MIE]

Is that fit SS8?

[EstWRC]

Evans stopped after water splash and lost 40 seconds

Lappi now in third and he is going for a 4th straight podium already this season.

[TypeR]

Ogier once again showing youngsters how to drive fast..

and Evans didn't learn from Sardegna water splash.. same mistake here

[EstWRC]

Ott seems to have lost all the motivation to drive

[bandit12]

I think he will pull the plug after this season...

[Rallyper]

Wait a minute, I always thought the "Carlsson on the roof" thing came because he was a bit of a lunatic behind the wheel and crashed/rolled his car quite often?

Well, not lunatic, but he got the name from a SSS in the Swedish Midnight Sun Rally in 63´I think. he rolled his car and a famous radioreporter gave him the name from that.
The story of the mud hole was just another happening in his career.

[Hüttünen]

Loubet drives like a legend. Easy to predict that 2040 WRC will be a great battle between Loubet, Serderidis and Huttunen. 🤩🤩🤩

[Tauri_J]

I wonder how long does it take for Ott to burn bridges with Wilson/Millener?

Seems inevitable

[EstWRC]

I wonder how long does it take for Ott to burn bridges with Wilson/Millener?

Seems inevitable

Joke of a car

Wipers not working for Loubet and washing fluid not coming for Tänak

[meh]

Joke of a car

Wipers not working for Loubet and washing fluid not coming for Tänak

because it was just empty.

... I don't get the "ranting competition" here.

[jonkka]

and washing fluid not coming for Tänak

It's not a malfunction as he apparently used all fluid up.

[EstWRC]

because it was just empty.

... I don't get the "ranting competition" here.

Sorry. My bad then, heard incorrectly

But we should praise the car then which has no speed and smaller and bigger problems almost every stage?

Actually I give credit to them making it so far

[Tauri_J]

Urgh safety reasons thrown in again

[EstWRC]

Urgh safety reasons thrown in again

Shame for Solberg

[seb_sh]

I was away and just got caught up with the rally. Toyota builds strong cars, positively impressed by Lappi.

I see we are having Estonian therapy session again. Maybe we need a thread especially for bashing Ford, predicting Tanaks retirement and declaring the championship over. :p

[EstWRC]

Ok clear. Will also leave

I wrote he has no motivation and the other guy wrote he predicts he will retire and it’s bashing and therapy right away although I wrote also some other things yesterday and also today to keep this place alive cause it’s dead as f**k

[Corcaíoch]

Stage started again, Kajetanowicz into WRC2 lead and another puncture for Solberg it seems

[skarderud]

Why did they stop the stage?
It was just safarirally, wasn't it?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[skarderud]

I really don't understand the constant bashing of Ford/M-sport from some, they trying to keep 3 teams in the WRC, should they just quit?
I hope not.

But its clear that Rally1 is dead, this set of rules isn't doing any good for the sport.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[seb_sh]

Ok clear. Will also leave

I wrote he has no motivation and the other guy wrote he predicts he will retire and it’s bashing and therapy right away although I wrote also some other things yesterday and also today to keep this place alive cause it’s dead as f**k

It was a joke...

[Kras]

I really don't understand the constant bashing of Ford/M-sport from some, they trying to keep 3 teams in the WRC, should they just quit?
I hope not.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

I hope they quit. That would finally kill the stupid rally1 class. By staying in with an uncompetitive car and no resources to catch up, they are just letting Toyota collect titles without much hassle

[skarderud]

I hope they quit. That would finally kill the stupid rally1 class. By staying in with an uncompetitive car and no resources to catch up, they are just letting Toyota collect titles without much hassleWe all agree that this Rally1 class is dead, but i hope the people in charge understand that before M-sport quit.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[elmerim]

Why did they stop the stage?
It was just safarirally, wasn't it?

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

Pretty sure it was spectators causing it, some could be seen on live images on muddy straight very close to the road, on a place with high possibility of car doing anything random.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Puncture for Tanak.

[er88]

Problem for the old man, the Puma sounds terrible.

It even breaks when driven at the speed of a tractor

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The helicopter camera makes such a difference to the viewing experience.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Problem for the old man, the Puma sounds terrible.

It even breaks when driven at the speed of a tractor

Caused by the water splash. They can even affect the Toyotas like in Sardinia.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi off too after the water.

[meh]

Toyota top4 it is again.

.. but they are not in the finish either.

[elmerim]

Lappi off too after the water.

Seemed like nothing to do with the water though.

[er88]

Hyundai have been a joke, this rally always exposes them.

Same problem as shakedown ffs lol

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Propshaft again like in SD.

[er88]

Feel sorry for Lappi - he's having a decent season

[Corcaíoch]

Gutted for Lappi, he's been doing a far better job this season than his results are showing. Hopefully Estonia and Finland will bring better luck for him

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Toyota 1-2-3-4 (again).

[CeskyOndra]

I have no words guys

[focus206]

In Safari we had 1st major technical trouble of the season for Lappi (excluding shakedown) and 2nd for Neuville. It's better than how Hyundai was doing last season, but not good enough against Toyota.
As for M-Sport, it's gremlin after trouble after gremlin etc.

[Tauri_J]

Prigozhin‘s coup a lot more interesting. Keeps me at the edge of my seat.

Havent even paying attention whats going on in Kenya. Havent missed much though I see. Tänak’s in trouble again, Lappi retiring again on saturday. Toyotas at front.

[er88]

Tanak now having to nurse a damper issue. Just about getting the car through sleeping warrior

[meh]

Rovanperä and Ogier both slower than Taka. Some common sense or team orders in place?

[mousti]

Serderidis retired on the liasion

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[meh]

Whoa, what a rain for Neuville, like driving in the river bed

[er88]

Huge rain for Neuville towards the end!!

[er88]

Brief stop for Taka

[Tauri_J]

Nice weather. Picked the right stage to watch live

[Tauri_J]

Anyone knows if rain moving away or coming closer to the start of the stage?

[meh]

I wonder is Rovanperä go for it now, seems his conditions

[Myrvold]

Seems like the conditions are rapidly improving now? Advantage later starters.

[Tauri_J]

Yup Neuville was straight Aquaplaning. Ground has taken the water like a sponge

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Typical that the Toyota's also get the best of the weather conditions on top of their superiority :rolleyes:

[J4MIE]

Anyone know what is happening on the road section? Looks like Vasilakis has had an accident and air ambulance has landed. Traffic chaos.

[NOT]

The sport is dead... i think they should just cancel the rest of the season and think what it must be done...

we have part time driver that is above manufacturer drivers in the championship standings...

my wish is hyundai and msport withdraw from the sport at the end of the season.... both teams are crap.

even the drivers themselves do not have any kind of interest in this sport... the retire and they are all smiles.

let fraudyota run by themselves celebrating fraud titles like they did all these years in WEC.

this is my last post in here... i will not even post in the acropolis one.

fuck the WRC

[Katvala]

The sport is dead... i think they should just cancel the rest of the season and think what it must be done...

we have part time driver that is above manufacturer drivers in the championship standings...

my wish is hyundai and msport withdraw from the sport at the end of the season.... both teams are crap.

even the drivers themselves do not have any kind of interest in this sport... the retire and they are all smiles.

let fraudyota run by themselves celebrating fraud titles like they did all these years in WEC.

this is my last post in here... i will not even post in the acropolis one.

fuck the WRCSee you again in Estonia

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[AnttiK7]

this is my last post in here

https://media.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExYnFwbWF0dWRvNm8yYzA2bmZ0bWZqMzF teTNsbXZheXVnYjU5d2FxaSZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfY nlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/K9b3So5eZ77iCxIxtB/giphy.gif

[Rallyper]

The sport is dead... i think they should just cancel the rest of the season and think what it must be done...

we have part time driver that is above manufacturer drivers in the championship standings...

my wish is hyundai and msport withdraw from the sport at the end of the season.... both teams are crap.

even the drivers themselves do not have any kind of interest in this sport... the retire and they are all smiles.

let fraudyota run by themselves celebrating fraud titles like they did all these years in WEC.

this is my last post in here... i will not even post in the acropolis one.

fuck the WRC

I´m very, very surprised you got supporters on that one.
No real rally fans there.

[seb_sh]

I´m very, very surprised you got supporters on that one.
No real rally fans there.

I only liked the post because of the last post part ;)

EDIT: I don't believe he will keep his word but I can hope.

[Tauri_J]

I liked it because of first sentence. It really is and even drivers know it.

[AndyRAC]

You're not a real fan if you can't be critical of your team, sport, etc That's just being a sycophant.


NOT, as ever has gone a bit OTT, but his sentiments aren't a million miles away from the truth.

[denkimi]

Hyundai and msport quitting wouldn't even be such a bad thing if we could get toyota to bring more cars. Having neuville and tanak in the same car as ogier and rovanpera seems like the best thing that could happen.

[J4MIE]

Let’s see if anything can happen in the morning. Utter gridlock on the roads, we have done 10km in last 6 hours. Deadline for getting car into parc ferme for restart was 30 mins ago. We’re still 18km away from service and still need the car fixed.

But this gridlock won’t be sorted out by the morning. Hopefully can reroute along south lake road up to Malewa, but I suspect that road will now be full of traffic too.

Karibu Kenya…

[Hüttünen]

Kalle is in attack mode, Estonians here in panic mode. This is great! 🍒

[meh]

Kalle is in attack mode, Estonians here in panic mode. This is great! ��

I'm Estonian, not panicing. What is here to panic? I'm enjoying Rovanperä's performance, at least some fight for position and it is for the lead.

If you want to have fight and dead forum after that, then attacking nations is way to go. But it's pure stupidity.

[steve.mandzij]

Looks like propshaft issues again for EP.

Quality is amazing.

[TypeR]

From Ogier's impression and comment it seemed like there were some different talks yesterday evening than Kalle being 1s per km faster in the morning and going for the win..

[meh]

Ogier went for it, was faster in 1st split and no tailgate.

And now got even more angry and shows some crazy times.

Dafaq - Ogier took 8.6sec out of Rovanperä with 2 last split without rear spoiler. Epic. Went to all-or-nothing mode I guess.

[TypeR]

What aero? :D

Take that, 8.6s taken back from Kalle

[Tauri_J]

Kalle is in attack mode, Estonians here in panic mode. This is great! ��

I think Estonians aren’t even watching. Our main rallyforum is ghosttown.

[er88]

Unreal from Ogier

[ik1911]

WRC Is Not Dead!

[1988senna]

what's the weight of the trunk lid? can ogier benefit from that?����

[jonkka]

what's the weight of the trunk lid? can ogier benefit from that?����

Sure, a little, just like having less drag with missing wing. But also no downforce on the rear which forces him to take corners with care and less speed. All in all, wings should improve the overall performance, otherwise they wouldn't have them.

[Co-FIN]

Sure, a little, just like having less drag with missing wing. But also no downforce on the rear which forces him to take corners with care and less speed. All in all, wings should improve the overall performance, otherwise they wouldn't have them.

Wing helps on corners +100kph. This stage it could actually be advantage with all long straights though.

[meh]

No powersteering for Sordo. Quite some amount of reliability issues for Hyundai.

[meh]

No hybrid for Taka for last 2 stages.

[meh]

WRC Is Not Dead!

We are lucky to have this fight, but there is clearly lack of competition in every class.

We are one puncture or one team-order away to have very boring morning.

In other words - thank you Toyota / Toyoda / Latvala to have something to follow.

[Franky]

I think Estonians aren’t even watching. Our main rallyforum is ghosttown.

It started turning into a ghost town because new members couldn't join and old members didn't get along, bickered and one by one they left. Plus some have just lost interest.

Just wait till Tänak retires, then most "fans" will disappear.

[er88]

Hopefully Estonians stick with the WRC when Tanak leaves/retires, it's a huge rallying fanbase.
I got into rallying watching my dad's old VHS tapes from the 80s and early 90s, and as a Scot naturally followed McRae (probably wouldve anyway due to his driving style and character).
When McRae and Burns left us, I still followed the WRC but post 2003, the WRC steadily went downhill with a lack of seats and manufacturers pulling out every season. Didn't pick up again until just before the '17 cars.
Things are a mess now and it's seeming like post 2004/05 again. You can have a bad rally and still get 3rd or 4th due to the lack of cars and good drivers in seats. Add to that, Msport have a tinpot car that is driving Tanak into retirement, and Hyundai still have a world of problems on certain events. Kalle is cruising to the title - again

[meh]

Kalle is cruising to the title - again

I would not call it cruising for sure. Kalle collecting "hard points" this year, 3 4th places in row when he want to fight for the win, but he keeps his head cools and bringing points home (instead of over-driving).

If all finishes like this or he get the win here, it will be huge boost for the title. Pilot rallys (fast flowing-flying) ahead, like Estonia and Finland, it's hard to beat him there. I'm sure Tänak-Lappi-Evans do their best, it's hard to repeat last-years miracle from Rally Finland.

[meh]

Hopefully Estonians stick with the WRC when Tanak leaves/retires, it's a huge rallying fanbase.

Fanbase is good but for sure it's huge difference do you have "your own guy" in the game or not. At the moment Tänak's fanbase is also momentum from Märtin's fanbase. And it's a small country effect as well - you don't have too many world level sportsmens to follow and if you have one, he/she is really popular one.

In general about fanbase, there was movie previously to describe, how it has build up for generations now. I made related post in other thread: https://www.motorsportforums.com/showthread.php?28506-Ott-T%E4nak-Future-champion&p=1324714&viewfull=1#post1324714

[meh]

First run on the powerstage was quite weird - Tänak and Neuville were really fast there, in other stages Rovanperä beat them "by calendar".

[becher]

Sure, a little, just like having less drag with missing wing. But also no downforce on the rear which forces him to take corners with care and less speed. All in all, wings should improve the overall performance, otherwise they wouldn't have them.

No tailgate surly doesn't decrease the cd coefficient. Yes no wing, but f**** messy airflow in the rear.

[becher]

Wing helps on corners +100kph. This stage it could actually be advantage with all long straights though.

Top speed is limited by gearing not cd with these cars.

[becher]

First run on the powerstage was quite weird - Tänak and Neuville were really fast there, in other stages Rovanperä beat them "by calendar".
Rovanperä is always on it, the other two are trundling around until the high speed recce for the powerstage begins and than the powerstage it self. Nothing unusual here?

[Jarek Z]

It started turning into a ghost town because new members couldn't join and old members didn't get along, bickered and one by one they left.

Why can't new members join the forum?

[TypeR]

Toyotas having problems.. Evans, Kalle, Ogier lack of power..

[Dontcut]

Sad we hadn 't more sand or fesh-fesh