[WRC] Rallye Monte Carlo 2024

[Eli]

https://acm.mc/en/edition/92th-rallye-automobile-monte%E2%80%91carlo/event/presentation-of-the-event/

17 stages and 338.62kms will make up the 92nd edition of Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo.
As reported before, the rally base will go back to Gap in 2024, while the ceremonial start and finish will remain in Monaco.

[CeskyOndra]

https://acm.mc/en/edition/92th-rallye-automobile-monte%E2%80%91carlo/event/presentation-of-the-event/

17 stages and 338.62kms will make up the 92nd edition of Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo.
As reported before, the rally base will go back to Gap in 2024, while the ceremonial start and finish will remain in Monaco.

It could be more freezing this year, I heard that the stages are more in mountains, Am I right?

[Mirek]

From the ACM website.
https://acm.mc/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Parcours-Rallye-Monte-Carlo-2024-819x1024.webp

Yes, after a quick look it looks like the stages are located mostly pretty high in the mountains. Large part of the millage is upon 1000 meters. Two stages get upon 1500.

The power stage is a hill climb to Col de Turini. Actually why not :)

[CeskyOndra]

I did a bit of research and i found out that most of the stages were pretty tricky and icy in past years. We are going to a proper Monte!

[CeskyOndra]

From the ACM website.
https://acm.mc/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Parcours-Rallye-Monte-Carlo-2024-819x1024.webp

Yes, after a quick look it looks like the stages are located mostly pretty high in the mountains. Large part of the millage is upon 1000 meters. Two stages get upon 1500.

The power stage is a hill climb to Col de Turini. Actually why not :)

Which stages get over 1500? This is actually quite insane, for example it is like highest mountain in Czechia :D

[EstWRC]

yes, it should be interesting and icey/snowy again because they moved back to Gap. but you never know the climate

cant wait already

[CeskyOndra]

yes, it should be interesting and icey/snowy again because they moved back to gap. but you never know the climate

cant wait already

... I hate those Sunday's afternoons, when the rally or season is over. Because you just realize, that next rally is in 2 months.. I spent 4 hours searching for Monte stages and results :D And I will continue with this tomorrow hahhaha

[Mirek]

Which stages get over 1500? This is actually quite insane, for example it is like highest mountain in Czechia :D

Col de Turini is at 1609 meters. St Legér les Mélézes - La Batie Neuve goes to 1572 meters (probably) and Les Nonieres - Chichilianne up to 1460 meters.

[Priorat]

This year, col de la Couillole was 1678 m

[wwbroe]

https://planetemarcus.com/modification-du-parcours-wrc-monte-carlo-2024/

Organisers are forced to change itinary of Monte Carlo Rally because they didn't get any authorisation for one special stage

[wwbroe]

New itinary:
https://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-monte-carlo-2024/

[CeskyOndra]

New itinary:
https://planetemarcus.com/saison-wrc/wrc-rallye-monte-carlo-2024/

What was changed there?

[Priorat]

First stage on Saturday

[Eli]

When do the entries close?

[TypeR]

When do the entries close?
22nd Dec

[wwbroe]

Rallyguide 2 is available

[satnav]

Rallyguide 2 is available

Unfortunately you need a password to access it

[TypeR]

Unfortunately you need a password to access it
Visible in Sportity app, event code - RAMC2024

[Eli]

Entry list is out: https://app-cdn.sportity.com/e1d0647b-a654-4c1c-9441-d39672e1741c/0a2de834-57cf-4868-882c-43cd78677a2a_RAMC2024%20Entry%20List.pdf

Nothing new here, as expected, Ogier in the third Yaris.

[wyler]

Entry list is out: https://app-cdn.sportity.com/e1d0647b-a654-4c1c-9441-d39672e1741c/0a2de834-57cf-4868-882c-43cd78677a2a_RAMC2024%20Entry%20List.pdf

Nothing new here, as expected, Ogier in the third Yaris.

serderidis on a polo looks odd to me! : D

[RS]

Despite new Toyota invasion WRC2 list is dissappointing.. no M-Sport Fords, no official Hyundais (?), only one 'official' Skoda..

[Tom K]

This one official Skoda is not in WRC 2 anyway. Generaly I agree, WRC 2 is dissappointing.

[TypeR]

no Gus either..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Seems some drivers avoiding each other in WRC2 here, plus Solberg not entered for WRC2 points.

Five Renault Clio Rally3 vs just one Fiesta Rally3 also disappointing.

[Rallyper]

It´s kind of weird Solberg isn´t up for points in RMC. Last year, wasn´t he fast?

[RS]

It´s kind of weird Solberg isn´t up for points in RMC. Last year, wasn´t he fast?

He's fast everywhere, but MC can be a bit of a lottery. It's good to see he still turned up.

[CeskyOndra]

It's still early days, but right now weather forecast for Monte doesn't look good. High temperatures to come

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-11153074/France/Provence-Alpes-C%C3%B4te%20d'Azur/Alpes-Maritimes/Col%20de%20Turini

[Tauri_J]

It's still early days, but right now weather forecast for Monte doesn't look good. High temperatures to come

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-11153074/France/Provence-Alpes-C%C3%B4te%20d'Azur/Alpes-Maritimes/Col%20de%20Turini

Been checking weather too myself, looks like a big anticyclone setting up in central europe during rally weekend. Cold nights, warmer days but dry. Could change obviously.

But rather good news as an Ott fan, he is not the strongest in changing conditions.

[AMSS]

Been checking weather too myself, looks like a big anticyclone setting up in central europe during rally weekend. Cold nights, warmer days but dry. Could change obviously.

But rather good news as an Ott fan, he is not the strongest in changing conditions.

Also good news to find out real pace of Toyota Rally 2

[CeskyOndra]

Been checking weather too myself, looks like a big anticyclone setting up in central europe during rally weekend. Cold nights, warmer days but dry. Could change obviously.

But rather good news as an Ott fan, he is not the strongest in changing conditions.

And as a Neuville's fan too, because he is able to bin it on Ice

[seb_sh]

And as a Neuville's fan too, because he is able to bin it on Ice

he can bin it anywhere to be honest :P

[CeskyOndra]

he can bin it anywhere to be honest :P

Last years he wasn't crashing so much rather than technical problems

[Rallyper]

Pickems is now online in this forum. Have nice season fellow rallyfans!

[seb_sh]

Last years he wasn't crashing so much rather than technical problems

That's true i was only teasing.

[fiscorpun]

Lets see if redbull will have stuff like that for wrc too this year
https://www.redbull.com/br-pt/episodes/in-the-dust-s1-e2

[spyros]

Do we have information about the weather?

[CeskyOndra]

Do we have information about the weather?

No snow and temperatures not droping under zero degrees, I would say

[EstWRC]

todays recce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj6dx3Yrewo

[CeskyOndra]

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2b5rXoMuP7/?igsh=MTdtZWl6czB0NWFjYg==

To be honest, I don't believe this.

[bomber21]

What you don’t believe?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WRT @TGR_WRC
· 18m

Temperatures have been rising since some of these shots were taken, so conditions will change before the rally - always part of the challenge on this event !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Up to date recce info and pics:

https://x.com/HartusvuoriWRC/status/1749731779341111631?s=20

[EstWRC]

Hyundais in service park https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6H2j1KeKEio

[Rallyper]

Soon less than 48h to make your Pickems in the most important and prestigeful guessing of the whole WRC championship...!

Just let it go. Be a part of it. Now starts 2024 Pickems.

Closing time Thursday at 2030 hrs CET.

[EstWRC]

Service park vibes

https://youtu.be/lW2f2AKIbPI?si=gai3jnQRbwe4TcH-

https://youtu.be/el3m_durF4A?si=uAUGXR05qsVVSjjr

[doubled1978]

The drivers flag on the roof scoops of the Toyotas I find very pleasing.

[Eli]

I'm aware it's not a problem but I still hate how they put the HY on the door-sides instead of the numbers, it's now the third season with these cars, I doubt anyone watching from the side doesn't notice the green light. It's also daft in my opinion the fact a third (ish) of their windscreen is covered by that Asahi Kasei, I'm aware they're official sponsors to the WRC but surely you can put it in a different location; yes I'm aware it's been like that for years but I still think it's stupid. Also I prefer Toyota's older liveries.

[CeskyOndra]

Is it just me or Hyundai looks super super agressive? And I still don't know what to think about Toyota's livery

[Eli]

Is it just me or Hyundai looks super super aggressive? And I still don't know what to think about Toyota's livery

Honestly it's one of their best liveries (would be the best if Hyundai had the door-handles in that baby blue colour); as for Toyota, not enough colour in that one, even Microsoft are reduced to mere white. As someone mentioned after they revealed it, it's just their GR hoody as a livery for their cars.

[SubaruNorway]

The drivers flag on the roof scoops of the Toyotas I find very pleasing.

About time, also numbers on the both lid.
Couldn't tell what car i was adding at one point when making my highlights video, even when skipping frames.

[fiscorpun]

I liked the hyundai colors for this year. It seems "whiter" than the regular gray. Msport is beautiful and the Toyotas are... They are cool, with the black, but reminds me poor privateers without sponsors hahaah which is ugly and cool at the same time.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rally1 cars on their way...

https://x.com/El_Risson/status/1750123477015597474?s=20

[PLuto]

This year I am missing on Rallye Monte Carlo and I am not on any other race, so after long time I will be following whole WRC event only through computer. But weather forecast doesnt looks good...

[PLuto]

Here will be live stream from shakedown, starting at 16:31 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-YSGPz_8vg

[seb_sh]

Here we go first official km of 2024!

The Hyundai light blue is so light for a moment I thought Neuville was driving a Toyota from last year :D

[RS]

Ogier commenting on lack of Rally1 cars.

[AndyRAC]

Ogier commenting on lack of Rally1 cars.

Yeah, and nothing from the commentators......I bet that went down well with them....

[dck1989]

Here we go first official km of 2024!

The Hyundai light blue is so light for a moment I thought Neuville was driving a Toyota from last year :D

Hyundai looks more Toyota, than Toyota do with that color scheme.

[meh]

This is proper validation, how different are Rally1 and Rally2 cars - if multi-champion Mikkelsen, also with previous top-level experience says, that is f*cking fast, it shows how much higher level and more advanced the Rally1 class is. The step-up from Rally2 to Rally1 is huge.

[meh]

... and something wrong with M-Sport car already :/

[er88]

LOL, Msport doing Msport things. Issues for Fourmaux, back to service

[RS]

This is proper validation, how different are Rally1 and Rally2 cars - if multi-champion Mikkelsen, also with previous top-level experience says, that is f*cking fast, it shows how much higher level and more advanced the Rally1 class is. The step-up from Rally2 to Rally1 is huge.

Too huge.

[EstWRC]

Tänak fastest on first run. Didn’t expect this

And Msport starting where they left off….

[RS]

They've put a camera in Gryazin's car now that he's Bulgarian.

[EstWRC]

Somebody throw a massive rock to Pajari?

[EstWRC]

First run

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240124/96f5d592e10a5dcf48f7cbe858f92109.jpg

[meh]

Tänak fastest on first run. Didn’t expect this

That is nice, probably only Ogier was 2sec slower than expected. Hard to imagine that anyone can be faster on 2nd or 3rd run on that mudfield.

[PLuto]

This is only shakedown. And with so much gravel on the road after cutting, it is absolutely not representative for the rally. So for most of competitors it will be mainly not to damage car here.

[RS]

It's actually good to see Sederidis step down to WRC2-Old people (where he should be) and use the big money to fund a young driver in Rally1.

[lmmjvss]

Me watching shakedown
Rally1 cas running: "Man, those Rally1 are BEASTS, we cannot go back to rally2 cars...."
Rally2 cars running: "Man, we need Rally2 to be the top class, look all of these names that would be competing for the win. Oliver, Lefevbre, Grazyn, Ingram.... Incredible. These cars are so cool"
I clearly dont know what I want for WRC anymore haha

[jcevc]

Somebody throw a massive rock to Pajari?

Yes, I checked in slow motion this event but I can`t upload a picture - it was a massive rock coming from left side of road. Unacceptable.

[denkimi]

This is proper validation, how different are Rally1 and Rally2 cars - if multi-champion Mikkelsen, also with previous top-level experience says, that is f*cking fast, it shows how much higher level and more advanced the Rally1 class is. The step-up from Rally2 to Rally1 is huge.
The step used to be from 2wd s1600 or kitcars to wrc. Then came s2000 who made it easier. And now we have r5 that is as close as support categories have ever been.

[Tauri_J]

Me watching shakedown
Rally1 cas running: "Man, those Rally1 are BEASTS, we cannot go back to rally2 cars...."
Rally2 cars running: "Man, we need Rally2 to be the top class, look all of these names that would be competing for the win. Oliver, Lefevbre, Grazyn, Ingram.... Incredible. These cars are so cool"
I clearly dont know what I want for WRC anymore haha

Them being on the top class doesnt mean they would be competing for a win. I mean pace wise.

[RS]

The step used to be from 2wd s1600 or kitcars to wrc. Then came s2000 who made it easier. And now we have r5 that is as close as support categories have ever been.

R5 was closer to the pre-2017 WRCars than they are now to Rally1 i think?

[CeskyOndra]

Elfyn Evans quite slow trough the second pass, while Ogier and Neuville pretty evenly matched

[PLuto]

Them being on the top class doesnt mean they would be competing for a win. I mean pace wise.

Depends on the cars also. If all top Rally1 and Rally2 drivers will be driving Rally1 cars, especially due to experience not so many Rally2 drivers will fight for win. But if all of them will drive Rally2 cars or something brand new (somewhere between Rally1 and Rally2), I am sure that also some Rally2 drivers should be able to fight for a win.

[TypeR]

Pajari's rock
https://www.upload.ee/image/16200931/Screenshot_20240124_184308_YouTube.jpg

[seb_sh]

Depends on the cars also. If all top Rally1 and Rally2 drivers will be driving Rally1 cars, especially due to experience not so many Rally2 drivers will fight for win. But if all of them will drive Rally2 cars or something brand new (somewhere between Rally1 and Rally2), I am sure that also some Rally2 drivers should be able to fight for a win.

In my opinion, that's the issue with an exclusive or elitist Rally1, the ones who are there already are always gaining experience so it's hard for someone new to come in. Usually they need 1-2 years to "grow into the car" even if its a super talented driver. Eventually this leads to periods of dominance.

[PLuto]

In my opinion, that's the issue with an exclusive or elitist Rally1, the ones who are there already are always gaining experience so it's hard for someone new to come in. Usually they need 1-2 years to "grow into the car" even if its a super talented driver. Eventually this leads to periods of dominance.

And I am afraid thats what manufacturers like. They want to be always in shine, fighting for top ten and be visible everywhere. They are not interested in privateers fighting for podium...

[lmmjvss]

Skoda's CEO throwing rocks at the new Yaris cuz they fear competition..... Haha just kidding.

[WRCStan]

Pajari's rock
[Img]

Was this after a cut left hand bend?

[EstWRC]

What happened with Ogier, Neuville and Katsuta on third run?

[denkimi]

R5 was closer to the pre-2017 WRCars than they are now to Rally1 i think?
The biggest difference seems to be getting used to the extra grip due to the big aero of wrc1 cars. So they could reduce rc1 aero, or they could increase the rc2 aero to make things easier to step up.

[TypeR]

What happened with Ogier, Neuville and Katsuta on third run?
Most likely show/vip-runs as from this season only two SD laps are mandatory..

[RS]

The biggest difference seems to be getting used to the extra grip due to the big aero of wrc1 cars. So they could reduce rc1 aero, or they could increase the rc2 aero to make things easier to step up.

If they don’t abolish Rally1 altogether I vote for reducing the aero on those - Rally shouldn’t become like F1. The aero is expensive to develop, and looks a bit silly too.

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/vt1mTHpE8K4?si=M4Qr_u7vYs1dZCx_

https://youtu.be/QivOVu89CIM?si=tHMmIxlktPQDJUKm

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240124/cab4877f29d3ae8680b38d255c981740.jpg

[Kenneth]

And I am afraid thats what manufacturers like. They want to be always in shine, fighting for top ten and be visible everywhere. They are not interested in privateers fighting for podium...

Well it seems like one specific manufacturer wants it the most. The same one that wanted Global Race Engine in Rally1, possibly because it's a big obstacle for potential new competitors.

[Eli]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240124/cab4877f29d3ae8680b38d255c981740.jpg

Nice looking livery, hopefully they'll break the duck with that car and finally win a championship with it.

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/5Y5i0i8kTI8?si=1DiQi-MyLSv8Iqu5

https://youtu.be/1UhbGvGz3mU?si=JYg_Zar1Anmsq5VS

[WRC1]

after seeing the first Videos and the first pro Pics it is clear...Ford and Hyundai´s looks reallye nice, Toyota looks like a poor privat team, no Idea, no livery, just black car with stickers....wäääh...

normally my favorit driver is Seb Ogier, but this year i really hope that all 5 Hyundai´s end´s up in Front of this ugly Toyota´s

[EstWRC]

More good videos

https://youtu.be/XBY04o8x2c0?si=IJE8oChfrZXoqs9X

https://youtu.be/i8llV7AeUO0?si=5ECsJpS0Bg8DGb4W

[Kras]

Ugly, ugly Toyota

[Eli]

The Hyundai livery looks the best, after a decade of trying they finally done themselves right. Now I'm only missing a Peugeot 208 Rally1 (or whatever the top category will be decided), to add some french flair and a handful of full-time drivers.

[Kras]

Nice reminder of how Rossel patheticaly stole Gryazins win last year

[TypeR]

Nice reminder of how Rossel patheticaly stole Gryazins win last year
Lol, so sad.. but rules are rules and Rossel just used his right to make protest. He didn't make the penalty decision, stewards did.

[Kras]

Its not about the protest but about how calculated it was. He waited for the end to protest, because he knew Gryazin wont push if thes ahead. If he protested earlier, he'd probably still lose. Really dirty

[dimviii]

all these i doubt are Rossels acts.Its citroen acts.

[EstWRC]

Tänak onboard of shakedown

https://youtu.be/3KtMI6s-dvk?si=moWibkDQ7hQ1TPGL

[TypeR]

Its not about the protest but about how calculated it was. He waited for the end to protest, because he knew Gryazin wont push if thes ahead. If he protested earlier, he'd probably still lose. Really dirty
Read this article and understand that that's the way it goes under allowed rules. Toksport has also done the same.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/rossel-shouldnt-be-blamed-for-gryazins-mistake/
Suninen was also DSQ for too light/not homologated front bumper.. would he have been slower with correct one.. I doubt it. But again rules are rules.

[becher]

The Toyota livery looks like something you'd run as a one off if a team member died.

[becher]

Well it seems like one specific manufacturer wants it the most. The same one that wanted Global Race Engine in Rally1, possibly because it's a big obstacle for potential new competitors.

And that would be who?

[Morte66]

With the look of the weather, will/can there be any change to the tyres available this year? Or is it the same studded allocation as other years?

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/GlJ2ENmMvyY?si=Zo2hi-Hc9tbamqzt

https://youtu.be/bdLF9O9OwVU?si=LZbUAWE5IaNLknoG

https://youtu.be/e913cNXzGlE?si=wIO8kRWg8qg8mLz-

https://youtu.be/lJdscawHFlM?si=dZq4mtWg1mtzSy3l

[Tauri_J]

With the look of the weather, will/can there be any change to the tyres available this year? Or is it the same studded allocation as other years?

Why there would be a change? Tyres are allocated long before rally weekend.

[RS]

all these i doubt are Rossels acts.Its citroen acts.

Indeed Rossel himself said he would like to win it on the stages this year.

[PLuto]

Indeed Rossel himself said he would like to win it on the stages this year.

This was act of Citroen, but only as reaction to one of the similar acts by Skoda/Toksport before...

[fiscorpun]

From a distance and seeing it from the front, the black Toyota reminds the Polo that never saw the light of a stage in '17.

[wyler]

same impression here

[denkimi]

The Toyota livery looks like something you'd run as a one off if a team member died.

well they lost rovanpera.

[flat_right]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240124/cab4877f29d3ae8680b38d255c981740.jpg

Am I the only one who gets 2019 vibe with Tänak with this 2024 Hyundai livery?

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/news/main_image/ap-21c29nv192111_news_1.jpg

[Eli]

Am I the only one who gets 2019 vibe with Tänak with this 2024 Hyundai livery?

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/news/main_image/ap-21c29nv192111_news_1.jpg

Makes me miss the 2019 livery of that Toyota…

[flat_right]

Makes me miss the 2019 livery of that Toyota…

True... Would not have imagined that I would say that about Toyota's old livery but this black one is just soooo dull

[Raini]

Am I the only one who gets 2019 vibe with Tänak with this 2024 Hyundai livery?

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/news/main_image/ap-21c29nv192111_news_1.jpg

No, same thinking here...
I miss some huge unexpected split times as well Tanak did it with this Toyota...

[Eli]

True... Would not have imagined that I would say that about Toyota's old livery but this black one is just soooo dull

Maybe next year they’ll revert back to it? One can only hope…

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GErdhZKXMAA7bJt?format=jpg&name=large

[er88]

So a conventional tarmac rally then. Any chance of a randon snow shower at somepoint higher up, or is the most jeopardy we can hope for is a corner or two of potential ice.

[Eli]

Am I the only one who gets 2019 vibe with Tänak with this 2024 Hyundai livery?

https://www.fia.com/sites/default/files/news/main_image/ap-21c29nv192111_news_1.jpg

Also makes me miss Rally Deutschland, glad I got to see it that year, little did I know what was waiting around the bend in 2020.

[seb_sh]

And I am afraid thats what manufacturers like. They want to be always in shine, fighting for top ten and be visible everywhere. They are not interested in privateers fighting for podium...

Not sure I buy this, privateers can challenge but they almost never come out on top, there is still a difference between a private team and a works team even if the equipment is the "same".

Also the extra teams could be manufacturer junior or satelite teams so even if they get a surprise win the brand is stil there.

[Rallyper]

Three hours to go for Pickems. Closing at 2030 hrs tonight.

[EstWRC]

so an hour left....

as i understand the conditions are pretty straight forward, completely dry.

i hope no one has any issues, punctures or something right away. Would like to see a pure fight

[WRCStan]

So a conventional tarmac rally then. Any chance of a randon snow shower at somepoint higher up, or is the most jeopardy we can hope for is a corner or two of potential ice.

Conventional tarmac rallies are still brilliant and there's not enough anyway. Nothing can be done about the weather, so sit back and enjoy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A tarmac rally yes, but there's the correct tyres to choose and/ or keep for later, plus pollution from cuts hurting those down the order. Still plenty of variables to make it almost as tricky as ever.

Bring it on !

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Adrien FOURMAUX @AdrienFourmaux

Monte-Carlo Day 1 - Let's go !

It's simple, longest stage of the rally is stage 2, by night ! We will start in a smart way, Monte-Carlo is long and everything can happen !

[focus206]

I think this has a potential to be a close season until the end... then again, most of us thought that 2 years ago after Ogier retired. To me, the ball is in Evans' court, but let's see if he holds on and what the Hyundai drivers can do.

[Paul Hudson]

https://dirtfish.com/live-center/monte-carlo-rally-2024-thursday/

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240125/b5a27a906f374e77cf9d31ee76084d27.jpg

[meh]

I was thinking previously, that this year I could kind of step away from WRC and win a lot of free time... but... here I am, waiting for the start like a little boy waiting for Christmas.

I hope the rally delivers, I hope the season delivers despite the lack of competitors.

Enjoy, fellow rally-addicters!

[WRCStan]

I was thinking previously, that this year I could kind of step away from WRC and win a lot of free time... but... here I am, waiting for the start like a little boy waiting for Christmas.

I hope the rally delivers, I hope the season delivers despite the lack of competitors.

Enjoy, fellow rally-addicters!

Despite Kalle missing, WRC+ price increases, points system... this thread is alive at least.

Enjoy.

[CeskyOndra]

Lets go for the most awaited moment of the year for lot of us here.

[erikli2]

A-2006 error code when trying to cast, how surprising.

[CeskyOndra]

I'm so nervous guys, as always.

[er88]

No live pictures yet the stage is live? Edit _ started now

[PLuto]

https://wrc.enhance.diagnal.com/resources/images/eyJrZXkiOiJodHRwczovL2VuaGFuY2Utc3RvcmFnZS1zdGFjay 1wcm9kLXdyY21lZGlhZmlsZXN0b3JhZ2UtZzN6MmhnM3Vyd2Zm LnMzLmFtYXpvbmF3cy5jb20vMzUwMjYyMmItNDQwYi00MjA0LW JmNTktMDUzMDYzYTE0Y2I2X3doYXRzYXBwLWltYWdlLTIwMjQt MDEtMjUtYXQtMjAuanBlZyIsInRpbWVzdGFtcCI6IjIwMjQtMD EtMjVUMTk6MzY6MDIuNzM1WiIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImV4dHJhY3Qi OnsibGVmdCI6MCwidG9wIjozODQsIndpZHRoIjoyMDQ4LCJoZW lnaHQiOjExNTJ9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk2MCwiaGVp Z2h0Ijo1NDB9LCJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjEwMH19fQ==/3502622b-440b-4204-bf59-053063a14cb6_whatsapp-image-2024-01-25-at-20.jpeg

[seb_sh]

https://wrc.enhance.diagnal.com/resources/images/eyJrZXkiOiJodHRwczovL2VuaGFuY2Utc3RvcmFnZS1zdGFjay 1wcm9kLXdyY21lZGlhZmlsZXN0b3JhZ2UtZzN6MmhnM3Vyd2Zm LnMzLmFtYXpvbmF3cy5jb20vMzUwMjYyMmItNDQwYi00MjA0LW JmNTktMDUzMDYzYTE0Y2I2X3doYXRzYXBwLWltYWdlLTIwMjQt MDEtMjUtYXQtMjAuanBlZyIsInRpbWVzdGFtcCI6IjIwMjQtMD EtMjVUMTk6MzY6MDIuNzM1WiIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImV4dHJhY3Qi OnsibGVmdCI6MCwidG9wIjozODQsIndpZHRoIjoyMDQ4LCJoZW lnaHQiOjExNTJ9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk2MCwiaGVp Z2h0Ijo1NDB9LCJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjEwMH19fQ==/3502622b-440b-4204-bf59-053063a14cb6_whatsapp-image-2024-01-25-at-20.jpeg

That's amazing, that's Monte!

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville already 3,5s down to Evans

[er88]

Love the in car camera position for Ott

[Rallyper]

Hi, guys. Anything special happened?

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Cracking start by Evans.

[EstWRC]

Evans in another world

[er88]

Thierry starting as Thierry always does, slow!

[meh]

Evans made some season-opening statement here I guess

[Tauri_J]

Sticky throttle for Tänak, Thats Why he was fast in the end in superfast part lol

[Rallyper]

Ogier is getting old. The darkness plays him down...

[meh]

Nice split for Fourmaux, please keep it on the road now.

[EstWRC]

Not a bad start at all from Tänak

Especially the second part of the stage where he was even with Evans

[Tauri_J]

Katsuta really slow

[dimviii]

Katsuta really slow

Mikkelsen slower

[CeskyOndra]

Katsuta 4th year behind the rally 1 wheel and still this

[Tauri_J]

Mikkelsen slower

Well he’s basically a rookie

[CeskyOndra]

Happy for Fourmaux

[EstWRC]

Mikkelsen with the same problem as Tänak. Throttle still on when lifting it

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Good run by Fourmaux especially considering the road pollution.

[meh]

Huge differences in times for Rally2, Pepe Lopez with blinder for split1.

[RS]

Rossel made most of his time in the first split. Lopez coming quickly.

[Rallyper]

Was it really a jumpstart for Ingram?

[dimviii]

Promising start for Pajari/yaris

[EstWRC]

Great time from Pajari

[CeskyOndra]

Lopez?? How?

[dimviii]

Lopez almost 10 sec faster from Rossel

[RS]

Quite surprised Pajari seems quicker than Lefebvre so far.. i expected latter to be fastest Toyota driver.

[EstWRC]

Where the hell Lopez came from

Incredible time

[dimviii]

Quite surprised Pajari seems quicker than Lefebvre so far.. i expected latter to be fastest Toyota driver.

me too

[Mirek]

Mikkelsen with the same problem as Tänak. Throttle still on when lifting it

Too much anti-lag?

[PLuto]

Where the hell Lopez came from

Incredible time

Only Gryazin and Lopez completely five softs, all others different mix of soft and supersoft. The most opposite tyre choice is Ciamin - two soft and four supersoft.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Only Gryazin and Lopez completely five softs, all others different mix of soft and supersoft. The most opposite tyre choice is Ciamin - two soft and four supersoft.

Lopez took massive advantage though.

[PLuto]

Lopez took massive advantage though.

We will see on second stage. There are some damp parts and temperature is only slightly above zero. Also Ciamin told that he is sacrificing everything to SS 2.

[CeskyOndra]

Elfyn changed notes, maybe some ice?

[meh]

dooh, delay. Disadvantage for Evans, as tires are getting cool and can not heat them up anymore before the start.

[PLuto]

dooh, delay. Disadvantage for Evans, as tires are getting cool and can not heat them up anymore before the start.

It will be same for everybody...

[CeskyOndra]

I'm worried that it will be cancelled

[ELPE]

dooh, delay. Disadvantage for Evans, as tires are getting cool and can not heat them up anymore before the start.

Whats the problem?

[PLuto]

Whats the problem?

SS 2 delayed

[CeskyOndra]

22:15 new start time, just lot of fans here

[jcevc]

Big delay, 22:15 new start time

[EstWRC]

That’s quite a delay but better than cancelling

[dimviii]

from French forum

According to the channel, a spectator injured his hand.

[CeskyOndra]

from French forum

According to the channel, a spectator injured his hand.

There must be a lot of fireworks

[Tauri_J]

Crazy, Group B vibes

[Mirek]

Just wow

[CeskyOndra]

That is great!!

[Mirek]

That is great!!

But if it was any other event the stage would be canceled.

[becher]

This road in the night with all the people, thats were it's at.

[bearclaw]

...new Turini

[PLuto]

I must say I am surprised they didnt cancelled it. Especially when I see the onboards...

[CeskyOndra]

Hapoy that more people than last year. Wrc isn't that much dead

[ipe]

Stages like this give hope for the future.

[bearclaw]

...no more onboards from the hairpins...�� too much group b vibes...

[er88]

Superb start from Evans.

[EstWRC]

As a Tänak fan I’m really fed up after 2019.

It’s like he has been cursed after that. The year changes but still all the time problems with the cars

Sometimes I just wish he would retire

[Kras]

Crazy crowd, damn.

Tanak having some kind of rev hang problem?

[CeskyOndra]

Same problem as mikkelsen maybe, Neuville said he had some problem too

[PLuto]

Crazy crowd, damn.

Tanak having some kind of rev hang problem?

I think all Hyundais has similar problem...

[er88]

There's slow, and then there's this from Mikkelsen.
Hope for his sake he improves a lot over the weekend

[focus206]

As a Tänak fan I’m really fed up after 2019.

It’s like he has been cursed after that. The year changes but still all the time problems with the cars

Sometimes I just wish he would retire

It's not Tanak who is cursed. After the title he went to Hyundai, a car with clear worse reliability than Toyota, then to Ford which was even worse, now back to Hyundai. The truth is that the Yaris is almost bulletproof, while the other cars are more fragile and have more gremlins, no matter who drives.

[Rallyper]

There's slow, and then there's this from Mikkelsen.
Hope for his sake he improves a lot over the weekend

Well, I guess you´re too fast to judge him. He definitely needs some more stages to adapt. You just don´t do that in the dark.

[denkimi]

Same problem as mikkelsen maybe, Neuville said he had some problem too
Very weird that they suddenly all have a problem and none had that same problem on shakedown.
Too agressive with the mapping?

[Kras]

Lol Mikkelsen having the same problem. Did they leave the stupid stock i20 throttle delay for lowering emmisions? :D

[EstWRC]

Cyril:”we want to beat Toyota this year”

All three cars having issue on first two stages ….

[seb_sh]

That's it! Evans WDC, pack it in boys. Joking but still doesn't look great for Hyundai.

[Kras]

That's it! Evans WDC, pack it in boys. Joking but still doesn't look great for Hyundai.

Evans gonna bin it before noon tomorrow

[dimviii]

Gryazin faster from Rossel at this stage

Lopez again with fastest first split

[EstWRC]

So they will already change the starting order for tomorrow?

Cause we had already 10% of the route today

[deephouse]

What if all three bin it before noon tomorrow. I mean all three are still prone to crashes, no matter of experience and seat time.

[er88]

Two Citroens looking pretty strong. Solberg losing a bit

[EstWRC]

I have to say that was quite a stunner from Evans today to show he means serious business for the title.

Yes Hyundais had their problems but even Ogier couldn’t do anything

[Kras]

What if all three bin it before noon tomorrow. I mean all three are still prone to crashes, no matter of experience and seat time.

Anything could happen

[Gonek]

Interesting - where Tanak appears, the problems occur…

[Tauri_J]

So they will already change the starting order for tomorrow?

Cause we had already 10% of the route today
No idea what they were mumbling

[CeskyOndra]

Road is changing a lot with each car, but yes, Elfyn was pretty good today. Lets see tomorrow, should be some ice maybe.

[Kras]

Emo Solberg so boring. Someone tell him it got old a year ago. Gyazin is boss of monte im wrc2 it seems

[Tauri_J]

Interesting - where Tanak appears, the problems occur…

He drives those cars way too hard

Jk

[Kras]

Interesting - where Tanak appears, the problems occur…

Is he a saboteur for Toyota? :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Solid start by the M-Sport's and especially Fourmaux being 'best of the rest' in 5th.

[dimviii]

Lopez same split No 4 as Gryazin

[EstWRC]

He drives those cars way too hard

Jk

All 3 Hyundais had this issue . Can’t see how it’s his fault here

[seb_sh]

All 3 Hyundais had this issue . Can’t see how it’s his fault here

he drove all 3 cars obviously

[Eli]

As a Tänak fan I’m really fed up after 2019.

It’s like he has been cursed after that. The year changes but still all the time problems with the cars

Sometimes I just wish he would retire

Be Careful for what you wish for, imagine next year you'll miss him (& his stage-end comments).

[Fast Eddie WRC]

What happened with Solberg, no time showing ?

[PLuto]

What happened with Solberg, no time showing ?

His time is normally in results - https://rally-base.com/2024/rallye-monte-carlo-2024/

[jcevc]

What happened with Solberg, no time showing ?

Be aware, he is not in wrc2 for this race...better to check rc2 ;)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Be aware, he is not in wrc2 for this race...better to check rc2 ;)

Yeah my bad.

[EstWRC]

Be Careful for what you wish for, imagine next year you'll miss him (& his stage-end comments).

I’m quite sure he will retire after this year if it turns out shit again

[jcevc]

Is Pepe Lopez showing what type of surprises we can expect if rally2 will become top tier?

[PLuto]

Is Pepe Lopez showing what type of surprises we can expect if rally2 will become top tier?

Last year he was third on Monte behind Rossel and Gryazin. So his speed on Monte is not a surprise. And as also second stage shown, both Lopez and Gryazin had good tyre choice.

[seb_sh]

I’m quite sure he will retire after this year if it turns out shit again

Sorry for teasing EstWRC, but this has to be a record for how soon in the season somebody is saying Tanak will retire.

[CeskyOndra]

Hah , you are lucky that you are not reading the Czech rally forum. There is already 2024 title decided :D

[EstWRC]

Tänak quite upbeat actually in the media zone. Says the feeling over all was good, the balance was good and the car was easy to drive. Just have to get rid of the issue and see where they really are

[er88]

Lets not cry too much about Tanak. He always reports issue when not topping times, but a lot of the time these issues can be small. Look at the two hyundais, in the ballpark with Monte master Ogier who said he couldn't go faster without a lot of risk. So while it's not ideal for the Hyundais, its not like its ruined the weekend or cost them a shedload of time. Evans was just supreme, but then again we don't know if he was maybe taking a fair few more risks than others (he mentioned 2or3 slides in 2nd stage)

[Morte66]

https://wrc.enhance.diagnal.com/resources/images/eyJrZXkiOiJodHRwczovL2VuaGFuY2Utc3RvcmFnZS1zdGFjay 1wcm9kLXdyY21lZGlhZmlsZXN0b3JhZ2UtZzN6MmhnM3Vyd2Zm LnMzLmFtYXpvbmF3cy5jb20vMzUwMjYyMmItNDQwYi00MjA0LW JmNTktMDUzMDYzYTE0Y2I2X3doYXRzYXBwLWltYWdlLTIwMjQt MDEtMjUtYXQtMjAuanBlZyIsInRpbWVzdGFtcCI6IjIwMjQtMD EtMjVUMTk6MzY6MDIuNzM1WiIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImV4dHJhY3Qi OnsibGVmdCI6MCwidG9wIjozODQsIndpZHRoIjoyMDQ4LCJoZW lnaHQiOjExNTJ9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk2MCwiaGVp Z2h0Ijo1NDB9LCJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjEwMH19fQ==/3502622b-440b-4204-bf59-053063a14cb6_whatsapp-image-2024-01-25-at-20.jpeg

I do like a night stage. When I was a kid, about 50 years ago, I was allowed to stay up late for them. :) The fireworks are a bonus.

I'm telling myself the current times don't mean so much unless you mentally adjust them for the different tires used, but I think I'm too old for all the complexity.

Ogier doesn't look right. For a moment, at the end of stage 2, he seemed like he didn't want to take his helmet off for the interview. And he was just talking about being tired.

I was previously a Breen fan, and kind of took a break most of last year. This morning I decided I had to pick a driver for this year and went with Elfyn Evans. Well, that's working out. :)

Whilst I was at it I picked Pajari for WRC2 because I like the sound of his name. Not bad either.

[EstWRC]

Sorry for teasing EstWRC, but this has to be a record for how soon in the season somebody is saying Tanak will retire.

He isn’t the youngest driver anymore and I really think if the year goes as the previous years with Hyundai then even he has had enough finally.

As I understand the contract is 1+1

[Eli]

Honestly tonight just shows Night stages should be mandatory on tarmac rallies, yes I know it's tricky to run, but it's such a spectacle, even watching it on TV, also some night stages at rally Sweden would be nice, it's so special.

[CeskyOndra]

I do like a night stage. When I was a kid, about 50 years ago, I was allowed to stay up late for them. :) The fireworks are a bonus.

I'm telling myself the current times don't mean so much unless you mentally adjust them for the different tires used, but I think I'm too old for all the complexity.

Ogier doesn't look right. For a moment, at the end of stage 2, he seemed like he didn't want to take his helmet off for the interview. And he was just talking about being tired.

I was previously a Breen fan, and kind of took a break most of last year. This morning I decided I had to pick a driver for this year and went with Elfyn Evans. Well, that's working out. :)

Whilst I was at it I picked Pajari for WRC2 because I like the sound of his name. Not bad either.

Ogier is angry about lot of polution on the road, when he was doing full championship, he always had the best position. And when he is angry and not pretty happy, then the times don't come. Lets see tomorrow, we have to mention that he is already quite old and in the dark you have to be pretty much on it.

[EstWRC]

I have to say Pepe Lopez is a nice surprise. How many of us expected to see him leading the class?

And what’s the issue with Solberg? Way to slow at the moment

[EstWRC]

Neuville in media zone: "We had a problem that seems similar to that of my teammates. I don't know what's going on. I don't want to tell you. We have to work on it, the guys know what they should do."

[Morte66]

It's also nice to see several manus doing alright in WRC2 so far, including Toyota. Hopefully, this will continue and it will be a good year for WRC2.

[Tauri_J]

Hah , you are lucky that you are not reading the Czech rally forum. There is already 2024 title decided :D

Who’s the champ?

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240125/715f0fedf6e772253e85f7b9a6759b02.jpg

[Sulland]

With a few adjustments overnight, most drivers will be more happy in the daylight tomorrow!

Hope Hyundai find their issue with the powerpedal. Strange fault, but first rally of the year,

[CeskyOndra]

Who’s the champ?

It is definitely not Neuville, because he lost 8s on the first stage :D

[EstWRC]

Sponsored by Pirelli but riding with Michelin

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240125/0a519fb9ec79bba6f6fd82bda17bac1f.jpg

[Steve Boyd]

Ogier is angry about lot of polution on the road, when he was doing full championship, he always had the best position. And when he is angry and not pretty happy, then the times don't come. Lets see tomorrow, we have to mention that he is already quite old and in the dark you have to be pretty much on it.
One of Ogier's talents was picking the right tyres when conditions were mixed ice/snow/dry. With all dry he hasn't had that advantage on the first leg. I think that's added to his road position disadvantage.

[PLuto]

For me, "Night of the long knives" should be at the end of rally, as a highlight of the event. Not first two stages on Thursday night...

[the sniper]

Hah , you are lucky that you are not reading the Czech rally forum. There is already 2024 title decided :D


Who’s the champ?

I don't know, but I'd like to imagine they believe it should be Jan Kopecky!

[Hartusvuori]

For me, "Knight of the long knives" should be at the end of rally, as a highlight of the event. Not first two stages on Thursday night...

This absolutely the best way to kick off a new season and the event. I wouldn't have it any other way. Also, I wouldn't use the reference you used (with a mistake or on purpose on the first word) in this context.

[Hartusvuori]

also some night stages at rally Sweden would be nice, it's so special.

The last forest stages of Friday and Saturday in Umeå will be in the dusk/darkness. Also the city stage on Thursday and Friday evening will be in the dark, and the first stage on Sunday starts at dusk.

[RS]

I have to say Pepe Lopez is a nice surprise. How many of us expected to see him leading the class?

And what’s the issue with Solberg? Way to slow at the moment

Gryazin, Rossel and Pajari all did Rally Du Devoluy as a warm up so possibly a bit nore dialled in than Solberg.. not an excuse against Lopez though!

[EstWRC]

One of Ogier's talents was picking the right tyres when conditions were mixed ice/snow/dry. With all dry he hasn't had that advantage on the first leg. I think that's added to his road position disadvantage.

Last year was also dry and Ogier won the first five stages and rally comfortably without any tire gamble.

Maybe it just takes some time for old man to warm up but yesterday it seemed like he even didn’t want to be there.

Let’s see what day2 brings then, please no technical gremlins for any competitor.

[CeskyOndra]

Do we have tyre choices?

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240126/4165753fc77cdc90d8c7e58e681c5562.jpg