[WRC] Rally Portugal 2023

[AnttiL]

Route is mostly same as last year, except:
- no opening shakedown
- new Friday evening street stage Figueira da Foz
- Vieira do Minho extended from the end (same as 2016 ending)
- Felgueiras and Lousada run now on Saturday
- Paredes is a new single-run stage on Sunday, but it's an extended version of the shakedown, also ending at the rallycross track
- Cabeceiras de Basto driven now on Saturday, only once, and reversed
- Montim stage dropped

https://www.rally-maps.com/Rally-de-Portugal-2023

No extra Rally1 cars, Sordo on third Hyundai, no Ogier. Good WRC2 entry with Mikkelsen opening his season in new Fabia RS, fighting for the win with Greensmith, Solberg, Gryazin (no WRC2 points), Suninen, Fourmaux and Rossel. Other WRC2 entries include Virves, Pajari, Joona, Marco Bulacia, Cais and the return of Armindo Araujo, after his ERC crash.

https://www.ewrc-results.com/entries/76758-vodafone-rally-de-portugal-2023/

[fastcar]

Thank you. I've been waiting for this.

Im staying in Coimbra Thur night and planning to get to two stages on Friday.

I've been advised to make sure I get to Arganil

Assuming this is sound advice which other stage would you suggest and in which order (am/pm)

Any other pointers ? from a spectating pov are appreciated. Walk in etc.

If your feeling generous with your pointers I'd happily take a steer for Sat and Sun.

many thanks

[AnttiL]

Route preview

https://itgetsfasternow.com/2023/05/02/route-preview-rally-portugal-2023/

[rage82]

Think that also Meeke will be there with I20 and hopefully the battle will be even more intense.

Sent from my M2101K7BNY using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

just handful of days remaining until the rally but untl that here is full Tänak onboard of the 2017 PS stage edition which he won https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXIRNd2ITDk

[Rallyper]

Think that also Meeke will be there with I20 and hopefully the battle will be even more intense.

Sent from my M2101K7BNY using Tapatalk

From where do you get that information?
I´ve not seen any official about that. (Thinking of Pickems entrylist...)

[rage82]

From where do you get that information?
I´ve not seen any official about that. (Thinking of Pickems entrylist...)Here's the article from dirtfish - https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fulton-returns-to-co-driving-alongside-meeke/.
And you can also see it in the entry list - number 68.

Sent from my M2101K7BNY using Tapatalk

[Eli]

From where do you get that information?
I´ve not seen any official about that. (Thinking of Pickems entrylist...)

Here you go: https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/meeke-to-enter-wrc2-in-portugal/

[Andre Oliveira]

From where do you get that information?
I´ve not seen any official about that. (Thinking of Pickems entrylist...)

A hardcore rally fan that doesn't use eWRC? :eek:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/70-kris-meeke/

[Rallyper]

A hardcore rally fan that doesn't use eWRC? :eek:

https://www.ewrc-results.com/profile/70-kris-meeke/

Actually I do. But use WRC.com (eg. entry list from organizer, via link on wrc.com) as the only source for Pickems. At no 68 says TBA. So I don´t find any official on Meeke to Portugal, yet. Sorry.

[AnttiL]

Actually I do. But use WRC.com (eg. entry list from organizer, via link on wrc.com) as the only source for Pickems. At no 68 says TBA. So I don´t find any official on Meeke to Portugal, yet. Sorry.

Using Sportity is always the best source for organizer's material (also accessible through ewrc-results). But it's true that the amended entry list isn't typically published until at the very last moment to allow all changes being changed at once, thus the current entry list still says TBA.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Actually I do. But use WRC.com (eg. entry list from organizer, via link on wrc.com) as the only source for Pickems. At no 68 says TBA. So I don´t find any official on Meeke to Portugal, yet. Sorry.

Its been widely reported that he's doing the Portuguese Championship in place of Breen and that he's entered the WRC Rally Portugal. The question is his road position as that could play a big part in his chance of competing with the regular WRC2 entrants.

[Rallyper]

Widely reporting is not enough for me. I´m not the one to see what speculations are true or just fake news. We´ve seen a lot of FN even in our sport. So I´ll wait for official entry list changes before I´ll change Pickems list.
But yes, as I´ve seen on Pickems some guys already did pick Meeke. It absolutely alright to do.

[CeskyOndra]

This rally will be really about punctures.
Last year on Friday Afternoon, there was 7 punctures for rally1 cars. Maybe a bit of advantage for the front runners.

[ouvreur]

Its been widely reported that he's doing the Portuguese Championship in place of Breen and that he's entered the WRC Rally Portugal. The question is his road position as that could play a big part in his chance of competing with the regular WRC2 entrants.

They'll put him in an appropriate place. The only reason that entry is at 68 is because, when entries closed, both driver and co-driver were TBA so it's at the very back of the WRC2 registered crews.

[Norm75]

Widely reporting is not enough for me. I´m not the one to see what speculations are true or just fake news. We´ve seen a lot of FN even in our sport. So I´ll wait for official entry list changes before I´ll change Pickems list.
But yes, as I´ve seen on Pickems some guys already did pick Meeke. It absolutely alright to do.
Well this was on wrc.com nearly a week ago
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/fulton-to-partner-meeke-at-vodafone-rally-de-portugal/

[Kenneth]

It was also confirmed on Hyundai Portugal Twitter a while ago.

[Rallyper]

Well this was on wrc.com nearly a week ago
https://www.wrc.com/en/news/2023/wrc2/fulton-to-partner-meeke-at-vodafone-rally-de-portugal/

Yes, but still he´s not confirmed by organizer on entry list (still today is 18.4 ver).
A bit stubborn here. Maybe it´s my age. Don´t know. ;)
But you all are free to pick him anyway.

[ouvreur]

I guess Kris and James are just doing the recce for a laugh this week then? :laugh:

[J4MIE]

I guess Kris and James are just doing the recce for a laugh this week then? :laugh:

Many competitors do recce only, its not proof anyone is doing the actual event.

Plus, as nobody knows what James’ situation is, could always be part of his recovery.

Have some patience, folks.

[TypeR]

Meeke really needs only recce :D

[spyros]

any news about recce?

[br21]

Meeke/Fulton are doing recce with #68, same with which they will start the rally

[ouvreur]

Many competitors do recce only, its not proof anyone is doing the actual event.

Plus, as nobody knows what James’ situation is, could always be part of his recovery.

Have some patience, folks.

They're doing the rally.

[J4MIE]

They're doing the rally.

I didn’t say they weren’t.

[AnttiL]

Amended entry list is out with Meeke/Fulton on it :)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Am I right that the Portuguese Championship does only the Day 1 stages ? If so, Meeke may push harder for this section of the event as he will want to win with doing the rest of the PRC season.

[Andre Oliveira]

Meeke doesn't need to push harder to win CPR section. ;)

[Norm75]

Meeke really needs only recce :D

What a wonderful comment.

Some people need to remember why he is doing this. They could also do with watching the tribute auto sport did for Craig on YouTube, with Kris.
He did mention every time a driver goes out he risks his life, for the enjoyment of fans, and they should try and remember this instead of taking to social media and posting negative comments about drivers competing in the sport.

[Rallyper]

Meeke added on Pickems list. ;)

[TypeR]

What a wonderful comment.

Some people need to remember why he is doing this. They could also do with watching the tribute auto sport did for Craig on YouTube, with Kris.
He did mention every time a driver goes out he risks his life, for the enjoyment of fans, and they should try and remember this instead of taking to social media and posting negative comments about drivers competing in the sport.
Wonderful comment indeed.

What I meant was that driver like Meeke(experience wise) doesn't need some extra recce(only) experience. If he is doing recce, then he is competing. (Ewrc had the information, wrc had article about it and there was an empty slot with the same team he just drove for.., only start list correction came a bit later)

[J4MIE]

Wonderful comment indeed.

What I meant was that driver like Meeke(experience wise) doesn't need some extra recce(only) experience. If he is doing recce, then he is competing. (Ewrc had the information, wrc had article about it and there was an empty slot with the same team he just drove for.., only start list correction came a bit later)

You’d be surprised at the number of times people do the recce, sometimes to get notes ready for a future attempt, sometimes to help teams (setup, tyres etc) or younger drivers and/or co-drivers.
Or even just for a bit of fun without the expense of competing.

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/345596119_563008492605143_2115789906522452535_n.jp g?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=EMaMwIWHX4UAX-x2xC_&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAE9eaexgn7Ez_SS6pXBx9gj211YILN6EUcspnymHS8 Qw&oe=6460A7F3
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/345592639_165992549468892_3568258231034734078_n.jp g?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=o80P-ZX-uO4AX8-Criu&_nc_oc=AQljJcOrch2gJHJ27w42uLGTrGTuGZyTarjXyIg5vd8 eruplgH51PveNHQpt1KICvn0&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfC5iJtP36_H9zUS2B15a6VH1bjpCtxCbuMIjc3CMf1B ow&oe=64612A6B
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/346259147_971320890662981_7532345829988847406_n.jp g?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=_hrsUZr_IzMAX8cxCYY&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAjV6h-7e2cSLIItCh4-oN8gfAqi8oXj0fDMv3zfP4Vvg&oe=64615667
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/345634157_1294822344576804_2901362535478447183_n.j pg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=R4q9yX7shiYAX8-ZIYh&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAGXzDzBM_Mb3LSCALAZIg-eacLd6RpNWz0FTLv6KpHWQ&oe=6460F65F
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/346040056_1172097313487647_3457733599739978337_n.j pg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=TBUg6ItA6XEAX95_6v8&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAj0dAK-5mZwIWcF8SyDhtf4q9aVlxKZ_vo_Nihj1HKtQ&oe=6461B367

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Driver interviews:

https://youtu.be/nata-LCdcno

[Rallyper]

Only 24 hrs left for making your Pickems, guys!
Closing tomorrow at 10.00 CEST.

[Rallyper]

Shakedown kicks off right now!!

[AnttiL]

You’d be surprised at the number of times people do the recce, sometimes to get notes ready for a future attempt, sometimes to help teams (setup, tyres etc) or younger drivers and/or co-drivers.
Or even just for a bit of fun without the expense of competing.

But in the case of Meeke, absolutely no reason to do recce only right now.

[AnttiL]

Shakedown kicks off right now!!

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

[EstWRC]

Very very close times on the first run of shakedown

[Rallyper]

Lappi with some smoke in the car at finish.

[EstWRC]

Ott fastest on first run but barely anything to separate all the drivers

[CeskyOndra]

What happened to Kris?

[Rallyper]

He took it easy deliberately. But why??

[Rallyest]

He took it easy deliberately. But why??

Maybe think about it for a second What James has been through and what emotions it can bring out for him if Kris decided to go Flat out immediately

[Rallyest]

heard Ott say to Martin after the stage that the car is like an wooden horse

[Rallyper]

Maybe think about it for a second What James has been through and what emotions it can bring out for him if Kris decided to go Flat out immediately

So that´s the reason for all the recce talks, then...
When will he go flat out?

[er88]

He went slow to save tyres I imagine? Molly asked him about the slow time as the interview cut away, Meeke said if they make stupid rules that's what happens

[lankey555]

That must of been Kris Meekes slowest shakedown stage ever 🤣

[TypeR]

Ewrc has wrong time for Meeke. I thought something happened as the time is 10.00min there, but actually it was 3.35.8 +40s to Tanak.

[EstWRC]

heard Ott say to Martin after the stage that the car is like an wooden horse

Lol but still fastest on first and second run so far

[EstWRC]

Maybe think about it for a second What James has been through and what emotions it can bring out for him if Kris decided to go Flat out immediately

+ Meeke hasn’t been competing for years and we saw couple of guys making mistakes on shakedown

[Rallyest]

Tänak fastest on second run also, Neuville and Kalle to come though, good time from Katsuta

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Lappi with some smoke in the car at finish.

He's done 3 runs now so all must be ok.

[ouvreur]

I would say Kris was saving tyres. I think this is about article 13-2-5 of the sporting regs, where you get 4 extra 'other compound' tyres if you use that compound for shakedown.

In this case, it's the hards - since they're expecting a dry rally, it makes sense to have as many good hard tyres as possible available. By doing your first run of shakedown on hards, you are allowed 4 more for the rally.

I guess what Kris is referring to by 'stupid rules' is the fact that you are allowed more first-choice tyres (in Rally2 the maximum you can use in total is 26 here in Portugal, so 12x can be hard, 14x must be soft) which wouldn't really be anyone's first choice...

[PLuto]

I would say Kris was saving tyres. I think this is about article 13-2-5 of the sporting regs, where you get 4 extra 'other compound' tyres if you use that compound for shakedown.

In this case, it's the hards - since they're expecting a dry rally, it makes sense to have as many good hard tyres as possible available. By doing your first run of shakedown on hards, you are allowed 4 more for the rally.

I guess what Kris is referring to by 'stupid rules' is the fact that you are allowed more first-choice tyres (in Rally2 the maximum you can use in total is 26 here in Portugal, so 12x can be hard, 14x must be soft) which wouldn't really be anyone's first choice...

Rules are different this year. This 4 extra tyres for shakedown is "quite" nonsense when there is new rule that each P2 participant must do shakedown at least once. And as the total number of tyres for the whole event is counted WITH shakedown, it has no sense to destroy the tyres on shakedown and it is better to save them for race. I am saying for longer time - keep the tyres for shakedown out of limit for the race. Then it has sense...

[AnttiL]

Yeah, that's why many WRC2 drivers opt to do just one run of shakedown, to save the tyres.

[er88]

And we've seen punctures for Gus, Fourmaux and Zalvidar....
Meeke drove at a snails pace because of the current rules

[meh]

Mikkelsen, Solberg, Greensmith, Suninen, Fourmaux, Meeke ...

What has been the longest list of ex-WRC-drivers competing in a WRC event but not in the main category?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

More interviews including Meeke / Fulton at the end...

https://youtu.be/-vOn9vFteKw

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Yeah, that's why many WRC2 drivers opt to do just one run of shakedown, to save the tyres.

Most have done two runs now.

[meh]

Yes, I know that I should not get excited from shakedown results, but Virves is showing matching pace with Fourmaux (both Ford Fiesta Rally2)

[PLuto]

Still Friday will be mainly about surviving...

[er88]

Yes, I fear Friday especially for rally2 and the lower classes will be carnage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Kalle Rovanpera

Shakedown done and dusted ! 7th fastest in the end.
We saved our tyres on the 2 final runs as we will need them later on this weekend!
Friday is going to be interesting.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Still Friday will be mainly about surviving...

Ironic how WRC are basically sprint events now so everyone goes flat out, but at the same time they stopped mid-day service...

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/MiqX36fk1HM

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Meeke doesn't need to push harder to win CPR section. ;)

Pre-Event Press Conference.

Meeke: “I will concentrate mainly on the first day, because I race for Hyundai Portugal and the Portuguese championship is only on Friday”.

[EstWRC]

more shakedown vids including Evans onboard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmhBKRaKyWk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuLE2qbOipM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9h6LgDDh1-0

[er88]

I wouldn't expect many heroics from Meeke. Not just due to the circumstances and how close Kris and James were to Craig and the Breen family, but then you have the fact Meeke hasn't had a competitive outing at a good level since 2019. It's a new car and new Co driver, while all the other drivers are match fit and/or are used to their cars.

It's still great to see him back, but I can't see past Mikkelsen or Solberg for the rally2 honours. Solberg has shown some real strong pace, but still not sure he can manage a rally like Andreas can. Hopefully Suninen can be involved at the front as well, he has gone well in Portugal in the past and he will be wanting to make up for last years power stage drama. And it's also Greensmiths favourite rally, so it's all set for an intriguing battle.

Hopefully AllLive let's us follow the rally2 action properly, and the rally isn't ruined by puncture after puncture

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/e78b9095aef8ca708508445b16dc1f3c.jpg

[meh]

I wouldn't expect many heroics from Meeke. Not just due to the circumstances and how close Kris and James were to Craig and the Breen family, but then you have the fact Meeke hasn't had a competitive outing at a good level since 2019. It's a new car and new Co driver, while all the other drivers are match fit and/or are used to their cars.

It's still great to see him back, but I can't see past Mikkelsen or Solberg for the rally2 honours. Solberg has shown some real strong pace, but still not sure he can manage a rally like Andreas can. Hopefully Suninen can be involved at the front as well, he has gone well in Portugal in the past and he will be wanting to make up for last years power stage drama. And it's also Greensmiths favourite rally, so it's all set for an intriguing battle.

Hopefully AllLive let's us follow the rally2 action properly, and the rally isn't ruined by puncture after puncture

Meeke just 2 weeks ago: https://www.ewrc-results.com/eventstats/80489-rali-terras-daboboreira-2023/

With (ex)WRC level guys, they don't forget how to drive overnight. This rally requires some experience how to survive on rough situations and it's not for pure speed. I don't expect any heroics from him as well, but I don't count him down before the rally starts. He is competitor (it's a diagnose :))

[meh]

(tryechoice image)

... everyone talked how much they are afraid of punctures and now most of them go with 1 spare.

[EstWRC]

... everyone talked how much they are afraid of punctures and now most of them go with 1 spare.

The talk was about second passes when it gets very rough

IMO it’s logical to go with one spare for the first pass. Especially first runners, Sordo starts from far back and we can see he has taken 2 spares

[Rallyper]

Here we go, mates.
(don´t be scared, but one Toyota already retired...) :) :)

[seb_sh]

here we go, looking forward to the WRC2 fightmaybe more than WRC.

Only Sordo going with 2 spares out of Rally 1 it seems.

[Lead]

WRC2 should be epic.

[meh]

here we go indeed, another 3 days of rally-slavery :)

[meh]

4min gaps but still a bit dust issue, maybe more problematic for Rally2 guys

[EstWRC]

Very tight gaps so far like yesterday on shakedown

[meh]

I was already thinking that cleaning effect is not that bad this time, but now looking Sordo and Loubet, it's proper friday heroes day :)

[seb_sh]

lol @ Sordo: "what they do the kids, the others?"

[meh]

whoa, stage win for Loubet :) (and leading the rally)

[EstWRC]

Nice one Loubet! Although the gap should be bigger

[CeskyOndra]

Taka has some problem with alternator, lets hope that its not any serious.

[Rallyper]

Rossel had smoth and very good lines.

[ouvreur]

Fourmaux on a mission looking at the splits... either that or M-Sport have made a big step with the Fiesta Rally2...

[AnttiL]

Suninen with a great time

[Lead]

All new Skodas behind Citroen, Ford and Hyundai :D

[AnttiL]

Meeke 10s down

[meh]

First impressions from Rally2 field:
* top3 with different cars and no Skodas in top3
* a bit surprised that Mikkelsen is a bit away from pace, but maybe needs some warm-up after long competition pause
* Virves lost 50sec...

[JRodrigues]

kudos to the heli guys.. proper footage!!!

[Lead]

I think Mikkelsen is playing it safe, he has enough experience here to know where and when to push. Only thing for him to do is to control the gap to lead pack (specially Suninen).

EDIT: Bulacia wth the great time on SS1

[meh]

kudos to the heli guys.. proper footage!!!

Yeah, what a view. Already thinking that need to go there just for watching around and making pictures.

Seems stage for "pilots" as well (Rovanperä, Tänak, Lappi)

[NielsH]

kudos to the heli guys.. proper footage!!!

Indeed, superb!

[ouvreur]

Góis looks similar to last year, the cleaning effect isn't as pronounced as Lousã. Arganil should be the same as this one. I hope Loubet can keep it up, and Evans can avoid too much time (and confidence) loss...

Ott is on a huge push in here!

[EstWRC]

Tänak!

[Rallyper]

Góis is a stage where men are separated from boys. Max speed on 6th and slipping through those fast corners demands full confidence...

[meh]

Góis is a stage where men are separated from boys. Max speed on 6th and slipping through those fast corners demands full confidence...

That is what I referred as "pilots" stage.

Seems that Tänak made proper statement here.

[Rallyest]

That is what I referred as "pilots" stage.

Seems that Tänak made proper statement here.

And that is while he was struggling with rhythm a little

[ouvreur]

And that is while he was struggling with rhythm little

It seems that he's got a wooden racehorse at least, and not a wooden donkey :laugh:

[RS]

I think Mikkelsen is playing it safe, he has enough experience here to know where and when to push. Only thing for him to do is to control the gap to lead pack (specially Suninen).

EDIT: Bulacia wth the great time on SS1

Looks like later Rally2 cars have a slight advantage as first ones have to re-sweep after the Rally1s. Mikkelsen's time not too bad compared to Solberg. Maybe expect better times from the Skodas on SS2 which looks faster.

[Rallyest]

It seems that he's got a wooden racehorse at least, and not a wooden donkey :laugh:

Wooden horse on steroids

[Lead]

Fourmaux with superb time!

[Rallyest]

So far so good for all the m-sport guys, lets hope it stays that way

[meh]

SS2:
* Tänak with proper statement
* A bit surprised that Neuville and Lappi are not on pace compared to similar starting position
* Sordo delivered again, probably made good decision with 2 spares
* Katsuta drives well but seems to carry some problems (run fast away from both stage ends)

Rally2:
* Epic time from Fourmaux
* Mikkelsen found speed as well

[meh]

Katsuta has not started the stage and based on map he is not at the start line.

* https://twitter.com/DirtFishRally/status/1656970981376704512

[jcevc]

Shame for Katsuta, delay on time control/not started on time.

[Rallyest]

"Better morning than expected", not complaining but so unusual to see Tänak so positive :D

[EstWRC]

I expected Neuville and Lappi to rule today and am surprised they are that slow

[meh]

"Better morning than expected", not complaining but so unusual to see Tänak so positive :D

but right after finishline he said to Martin that something is really disturbing (häiriv).

[seb_sh]

Lappi again doesn't know why the time is bad. Did they get the car setup wrong again?

[CeskyOndra]

Afternoon will be amazing. Last year was difference between first and fifth place just 5,7s after morning loop, but in the Afternoon it was more than a minute.. So let's see!

[Rallyest]

I expected Neuville and Lappi to rule today and am surprised they are that slow

Same, really surprised, Neuville was so confident before the rally talking about winning it to redeem the Croatia crash, but cant see that happening right now, still a long way to go though

[meh]

SS3:
* Rovanperä found improvement from setup and won the stage from 2nd on the road
* Quite good run from Evans as well
* Surprised than Neuville and especially Lappi are so lost - and they feel they did well and got surprised at the stage end how much they lost
* Sordo doing his job well - but he is not fully using his road position or Rovanperä and Tänak just doing superb job
* Sad that Taka retired (for today), show'd some good times
* Loubet seems to have something on fire

[EstWRC]

One Ford down, one remaining

[CeskyOndra]

I dont think that this is rally end for him

[Rallyest]

What is on behind the right rear wheel? i dont understand what were they cooling or estinguisining, no visible smoke or fire

[CeskyOndra]

I think that there is exhaust somewhere, or maybe cooling breaks. I dont know, I hope its going to be okay

[meh]

Loubet still at the stage end. Would be quite bad to loose 2 of 8 WRC cars with first 3 stages for technical reasons.

edit: Loubet moving away!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great morning in performance terms for M-Sport, leading WRC & WRC2 ! :)

Poor Friday for Neuville with a deficit to make up. Nothing changes.

Problem for Katsuta but no-one is jumping on Toyota for being unreliable...

[AnttiL]

Munster SS1

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fv7Jaj5WwAEbp39?format=jpg&name=large

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Takamoto Katsuta

We stopped before SS3, due to technical issue on the car since SS1. Huge disappointment but tomorrow is coming anyway.

[TWRC]

Great morning in performance terms for M-Sport, leading WRC & WRC2 ! :)

Poor Friday for Neuville with a deficit to make up. Nothing changes.

Problem for Katsuta but no-one is jumping on Toyota for being unreliable...

Goerge Donaldson pointed our re:Neuville, that he always seems to loose time on friday morning, and then from there fights back/finds his way into the rally.
And unfortunately again, Munster crashed out.

[dimviii]

Goerge Donaldson pointed our re:Neuville, that he always seems to loose time on friday morning, and then from there fights back/finds his way into the rally.
And unfortunately again, Munster crashed out.
We have mention this years ago in this forum

[EstWRC]

Tänaks explaining wooden horse feeling https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/tanak-explains-puma-wooden-horse-comparison/


I find Thierry’s excuse funny in the article , Ott starts just ahead of him and Sordo from back with the same machine can go fast but for him the road gets worse

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Greeks used a wooden horse to fool the Trojans and win the battle...

[wwbroe]

Kalle already 5,3 sec faster as Ott on first split

[wwbroe]

Great first stage of the loop for Kalle, 5 sec faster as Evans

Edit: puncture for Tanak

[EstWRC]

Big loss for Tänak in first split, 5.6 seconds

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tyre off the rim.

[meh]

So, Rovanperä solo it will be then...

Tänak lost 50sec to Rovanperä, 54sec to Lappi. Sh*tty thing is that most likely (by pure speed) he is the 2nd on the road tomorrow and it's harder to fight back from this position. But, others are not in the finish as well.

[240RS]

Amazingly similar differences in splits between Rovanpera and Evans on Lousa 1/4

[Fast Eddie WRC]

'Quite a weak product...'

[wwbroe]

Only 50 sec lost for Tanak, considering it happened near the start, that is not so big loss. Ofcourse unfortunate for him, but is not over yet.

[EstWRC]

So, Rovanperä solo it will be then...

Tänak lost 50sec

Exactly. Can’t see anyone else beat Kalle

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At least the tyre stayed on and didn't seem to damage the car.

[meh]

Only 50 sec lost for Tanak, considering it happened near the start, that is not so big loss. Ofcourse unfortunate for him, but is not over yet.

He managed it well, but it's a big loss.

[TypeR]

1 spare?

[Kras]

Fucking tragic for Tanak

[wwbroe]

Great time by Lappi, 4 sec faster as Kalle

[focus206]

I would have been surprised not seeing Kalle bounce back in this rally, with good starting position. In my opinion he's doing all he needs to win another title, grabbing good points even when he's not confident.
Rally is still long but let's see.

[Rallyest]

Does Tänak have 1 or 2 spares?

[Tauri_J]

2 spares, now 1

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Puncture lottery now.

[Tauri_J]

Why is Mikkelsen changing lol??

[meh]

Why is Mikkelsen changing lol??

Rally is long, keep the car in one piece I guess.

[EstWRC]

Starting position wise Ott is also messed for tomorrow


Ouh well.

[Lead]

Ok, Mikkelsen out of contention... too sad.

[denkimi]

Exactly. Can’t see anyone else beat Kalle
Everybody needs to get to the end first. And preferably without punctures.

[meh]

Gryazin and Zaldivar stopped

[EstWRC]

Everybody needs to get to the end first. And preferably without punctures.

I’m taking about speed wise. Not counting for others to have different problems including Kalle

[Fast Eddie WRC]

At least Tanak didn't lose enough to drop behind the top WRC2 guys...

[wwbroe]

No second split for Meeke?

Edit: and Marczyk, who started after him already in finish

[Norm75]

Meeke stopped damper issue

[Lead]

First stage in afternoon loop and its already wreckage in WRC2 field...

[wwbroe]

Another good first split for Kalle

[wwbroe]

Evans loosing a lot of time in opening the road

[wwbroe]

Kalle will take the lead after this one

[TypeR]

So 1 spare after all.. stupid decision. Again.

[EstWRC]

Kalle will take the lead after this one

Really?

[wwbroe]

Neuville only 0.4 sec slower as Kalle at the end

[EstWRC]

So 1 spare after all.. stupid decision. Again.

IMO every decision after winning the title has been stupid :D (except going back to msport)

Although I didn’t get what he meant that he doesn’t have tires anymore

[Tauri_J]

So 1 spare after all.. stupid decision. Again.

Who?

[TypeR]

Who?

Tanak, as he said no tires left..

[wwbroe]

Really?
Altough Dani is giving it a fight
But Kalle in the lead after all

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/1adace0afb2da3f0b7499f17c0b21572.jpg

[seb_sh]

Hyundais are looking better on the 2nd run, but Rovanpera now just has to get to the end of the day and he made a big step towards the win already. Tanak all or nothing strategy will never change :) WRC2 quite good so far except for the punctures.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Tanak, as he said no tires left..

I think he still has a spare, and meant he doesn't have a different compound of tyre left to try.

[Tauri_J]

Tanak, as he said no tires left..

No he took 6

[wwbroe]

Fourmaux stopped?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

FFS Fourmaux now had a stop.

[EstWRC]

Hyundais are looking better on the 2nd run, but Rovanpera now just has to get to the end of the day and he made a big step towards the win already. Tanak all or nothing strategy will never change :) WRC2 quite good so far except for the punctures.

What you mean with all or nothing?

[EstWRC]

No he took 6

You have the info? I still haven’t seen the afternoon choice

[wwbroe]

More than 2 min lost for Fourmaux

[TypeR]

No he took 6
If so then why not drive faster :D

[meh]

Tanak all or nothing strategy will never change :)

I really don't share the opinion like Tänak has all or nothing "strategy".

Even last stage he used safe-driving to be able to collect at least some points from this rally.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Gutted for Fourmaux.

Both MSport drivers getting punctures when leading their Class.

[Lead]

Mikkelsen and Fourmaux will have their own battle now.

[RS]

Maybe time for Pirelli to make a stronger tyre at least for WRC2. They have no competition so no need to focus on performance.

[EstWRC]

Gutted for Fourmaux.

Both MSport drivers getting punctures when leading their Class.

Seems the story for the team this year. Morning heroes and afternoon zeroes

[Tauri_J]

You have the info? I still haven’t seen the afternoon choice

Saw it on twitter, only loubet took 5.

[Tauri_J]

Maybe time for Pirelli to make a stronger tyre at least for WRC2. They have no competition so no need to focus on performance.

Tyre foam needs to return. Noone could take back Lost time with these short rallies.

[seb_sh]

What you mean with all or nothing?


I really don't share the opinion like Tänak has all or nothing "strategy".

Even last stage he used safe-driving to be able to collect at least some points from this rally.

it was under the assumption he had only 5 tires as he said in the stage end interview "i have no tyres left"

of course now he is going safe after he had punctures, say what you will i think his mindset is more black and white compared to someone like Ogier or Evans.

[EstWRC]

it was under the assumption he had only 5 tires as he said in the stage end interview "i have no tyres left"

of course now he is going safe after he had punctures, say what you will i think his mindset is more black and white compared to someone like Ogier or Evans.


People have short memories, he took safe also in Croatia and Monte when the car wasn’t working like he wants and in Sweden had brilliant tactics for the win waiting for his chances

But no. All or nothing

[denkimi]

it was under the assumption he had only 5 tires as he said in the stage end interview "i have no tyres left".

Didn't he just meant that he his tyres are pretty worn?

[meh]

it was under the assumption he had only 5 tires as he said in the stage end interview "i have no tyres left"

of course now he is going safe after he had punctures, say what you will i think his mindset is more black and white compared to someone like Ogier or Evans.

Maybe last time when your statement was kind of valid was 2018... Even then it was not "all or nothing", but it probably were situations when takeing it easy should save him from some technical issues. And even this one is "being smart after".

[JRodrigues]

Slower times in 2nd runs.

[seb_sh]

What you mean with all or nothing?


I really don't share the opinion like Tänak has all or nothing "strategy".

Even last stage he used safe-driving to be able to collect at least some points from this rally.


People have short memories, he took safe also in Croatia and Monte when the car wasn’t working like he wants and in Sweden had brilliant tactics for the win waiting for his chances

But no. All or nothing


Maybe last time when your statement was kind of valid was 2018... Even then it was not "all or nothing", but it probably were situations when takeing it easy should save him from some technical issues. And even this one is "being smart after".

I think there were some more examples since then, especially with tyres. We'll see how it goes but the fact you feel the need to defend it maybe shows there is something there, maybe he got wiser this year, we'll see.


Didn't he just meant that he his tyres are pretty worn?
then i misunderstood

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Made no sense for Tanak to push once he lost time with the puncture.

And I think he's played the long game more this season than ever.

[meh]

Next stage there is chance for Sordo to catch the lead back - it's first pass with (potential) cleaning effect.

[Kras]

Next stage there is chance for Sordo to catch the lead back - it's first pass with (potential) cleaning effect.

It would be funny if Sordo wins this rally

[Lead]

So Suninen next...?

[rp]

Pirelli is killing the WRC. It´s pure lottery!

[meh]

It would be funny if Sordo wins this rally

I don't mind, but tomorrow he will not have road position advantage for 1st pass anymore, I think without punctures/problem Rovanperä goes his own way. Although, Hyundai seems to be more competitive on 2nd pass.

[meh]

So Suninen next...?

Next is Fourmaux vol 2 (stopped too long time just for Puncture), and Greensmith

edit: Fourmaux moving

[rp]

Gus was saying the truth.

[Galev62]

Tyre foam needs to return. Noone could take back Lost time with these short rallies.
Agree this is not nice to watch anymore because it ruins all competition.

[meh]

Greensmith want to be also the same cool guy like Ogier and "sending his greetings towards Pirelli"

[seb_sh]

Probably the most exciting WRC2 entry killed by the puncture lottery, such a shame.

[Lead]

Its just seems too much now...

[Lead]

Probably the most exciting WRC2 entry killed by the puncture lottery, such a shame.

Exactly.

[meh]

and now Pajari...

I don't blame Pirelli there, maybe it makes sense to not drive stages where 50% of competitors will have technical issues.

[RS]

and now Pajari...

I don't blame Pirelli there, maybe it makes sense to not drive stages where 50% of competitors will have technical issues.

The entire field has been through once and the Rally1 cars twice by the time the Rally2 cars do the second loop, so unless they're gonna stop doing repeat stages on rough gravel rallies..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

This situation isn't doing Pirelli or WRC any favours.

Maybe they should split it - Pirelli for tarmac and Michelin for gravel.

[Eli]

This situation isn't doing Pirelli or WRC any favours.

Maybe they should split it - Pirelli for tarmac and Michelin for gravel.

Or just leave their tires to Formula 1, only.

[er88]

Such a shame for Tanak, had real good pace this morning.

Pirelli have absolutely killed wrc2, even with drivers taking it easy it's impossible to avoid every rock. The tyres are too brittle

Pity we didn't get to see Meeke on it due to his progressive damper issue.

[EstWRC]

Only 3 guys haven’t had punctures in rally2 class

Solberg, Rossel and Bulacia

[Katvala]

Evans stopped on stage

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[jcevc]

Evans staying on SS7

[dimviii]

Pirelli is killing the WRC. It´s pure lottery!

Lappi Esapekka - Ferm Janne
"There are 10 million rocks and I don't know which one I hit!"


Rovanperä Kalle - Halttunen Jonne
"The stage is in much worse condition than I was expecting, much rougher than last year."

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans miserable day is complete.

[Katvala]

This stage is really rough in places!

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Rear axle also for Tänak on this stage

The car just can’t hold together for a full day

[Katvala]

Rovanperä at stage end: "the others will be faster"

So far nobody is faster

Sent from my M2012K11G using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

Lappi Esapekka - Ferm Janne
"There are 10 million rocks and I don't know which one I hit!"


Rovanperä Kalle - Halttunen Jonne
"The stage is in much worse condition than I was expecting, much rougher than last year."

I admire you dimvii always protecting Pirelli but I don’t remember so much puncture and dramas with tires on Michelin days

Maybe because it wasn’t talk as much

[meh]

I admire you dimvii always protecting Pirelli but I don’t remember so much puncture and drama with tires on Michelin days

Maybe because it wasn’t talk as much

We don't have any stats to back our "feelings" on the topic, it may be that you don't remember puncture dramas from previous/Michelin years because we did not have any coverage from that era.

[dimviii]

I admire you dimvii always protecting Pirelli

i dont always protect pirelli.I just want to know more info before jump into conclusions.
Of course maybe its pirelli false,but we need some evidence.
Rovanpera said that is rougher than last year,and Lappi that there are so many rocks he didnt know which hit.

[EstWRC]

We don't have any stats to back our "feelings" on the topic, it may be that you don't remember puncture dramas from previous/Michelin years because we did not have any coverage from that era.

How you say so?

We had also coverage on those days. Wrc plus came in 2015 if I remember correct

[wwbroe]

Suninen way off the pace now

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230512/d02752b34f411563d44ee27f3cd8e0b6.jpg

[cali]

Easy guys, more punctures expected so it's a lottery for everyone. 2 days to go with this lottery.

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

[EstWRC]

weird that we didnt get any footage of Evans crash, not even onboard

the guys are OKAY, which is good

[Lead]

Rossel 40sec penalty

[wwbroe]

Rossel, also something to do with the tires

[Kras]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-crashes-out-of-rally-of-portugal/

Evans properly destroyed the car. I'll be surprised if thats fixable

[EstWRC]

Wow that’s massive

[Lead]

Could someone even image that after Day1 in this superb tight WRC2 field, one driver has to take it home safe now?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-crashes-out-of-rally-of-portugal/

Evans properly destroyed the car. I'll be surprised if thats fixable

Fair play to DF getting to the car and providing the pictures but without making a big fuss about how they did so.

[EstWRC]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-crashes-out-of-rally-of-portugal/

Evans properly destroyed the car. I'll be surprised if thats fixable

vid too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCQNRMkioUY

[doubled1978]

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/evans-crashes-out-of-rally-of-portugal/

Evans properly destroyed the car. I'll be surprised if thats fixable

Blimey, that’s properly bent. Glad the boys are ok…

[doubled1978]

Easy guys, more punctures expected so it's a lottery for everyone. 2 days to go with this lottery.

Sent from my DN2103 using Tapatalk

Yes, literally anyone can get a puncture here and Tanak only losing 50 odd seconds might be ok if others have to stop and change.
That said, with the way rallying is now such a sprint, a puncture has such a disproportionate affect on the result that I still find it weird we don’t have EMI tyres back. We only have 8 cars, so having a few of them taken out of the fight by a flat tyre seems madness to me from the promotion of the sport perspective.

[Kras]

Interesting that a tarmac sss is at the end of the day. I suspect that he who has the worst tyres will have the easyest time there

[meh]

Interesting that a tarmac sss is at the end of the day. I suspect that he who has the worst tyres will have the easyest time there

This stage seems like good opportunity to get rid of some wheels...

[EstWRC]

Reading between the lines of Tänak it seems there were many issues during the day

I just can’t understand this, the car can’t even take a full rally day without problems

[meh]

Reading between the lines of Tänak it seems there were many issues during the day

I just can’t understand this, the car can’t even take a full rally day without problems

I was wondering why he was relatively ok and smilyng after puncture or stage later. If puncture was not his largest problem then what was it.

[dimviii]

Tänak Ott - Järveoja Martin
"We were not so sure if we would make it through this afternoon and in the end we made it."

[Eli]

Rear axle also for Tänak on this stage

The car just can’t hold together for a full day

Don't wanna think about how it will handle Sardegna, Kenya & Greece later this year.

[Eli]

How you say so?

We had also coverage on those days. Wrc plus came in 2015 if I remember correct

2014 to be precise, so a tiny bit longer, really hope we'll get Michelin & any other manufacturer come 2025.

[er88]

Both Msport cars can't last a day without niggly issues. Reminds me of the Peugeot 307 at this point. Fingers crossed Msport can try and get on top of things before the next two rough events......

Ominous performance from Kalle so far

[EstWRC]

Ott Tänak has revealed he was carrying a water pump problem throughout Friday’s leg of Rally of Portugal, and only sterling work from M-Sport’s mechanics in the remote tire fitting zone kept him in the rally.

“We were getting some water pump issues, but still on the tire fitting [zone] the mechanics did a bit of magic and some good massage to the water pump.

“So we never expected to survive, but actually it survived all afternoon. So did quite well but yeah obviously the main issues this afternoon were the punctures.

“We got one quite early on the stage and then we damaged the second one as well so we basically had no spare tires. We just had to come through, we couldn’t really risk anything anymore.”

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-hidden-problem-that-nearly-caused-tanak-to-retire/

[Tauri_J]

Just like estonian commentators speculated. He damaged the 2nd spare wheel too. Thats why he said he had no tyres left.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRC highlights clip shows a fire in Evans crashed car. Lucky it didn't get burnt out.

https://youtu.be/_f6Jxgr8ozM

[AnttiL]

Evans not restarting

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230513/1cf64874844778b58d96f714d37287dd.jpg

[EstWRC]

lets see how long the Fords last today, my bet is they fall apart after 37km Amarante

[Mise]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230513/1cf64874844778b58d96f714d37287dd.jpg

The tyre choise of the day:

6 flat Puncturellis

[Rallyper]

So this tyre discussion; what is differnce between the brands (Michelin - Pirelli) technically? They have been in rallying since ages. Why would Pirelli be a weaker tyre? Anyone?

[wwbroe]

What is the reason Thierry is third on the road today, whilst he was in third place yesterday evening?

[jonkka]

What is the reason Thierry is third on the road today, whilst he was in third place yesterday evening?

Running order is usually based on overall positions excluding SSS's (so that drivers can put up a show on SSS instead of doing road position juggling in front of huge crowds).

[wwbroe]

Running order is usually based on overall positions excluding SSS's (so that drivers can put up a show on SSS instead of doing road position juggling in front of huge crowds).
Ok, thanks