[WRC] Rally Sweden 2024

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEM1wKbXkAAZvun?format=jpg&name=large
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEM1wKaXoAAWDfT?format=jpg&name=large

[RS]

Incredible that was the first post in the Rally Sweden thread. I think this shows we need a major change in WRC!

Lindholm remains in Hyundai. Suninen absent.

[Rallyper]

Yeah. I just tried to watch the page ahead, but there wasn´t any... :(

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GENCxuvW8AA3D0e?format=jpg&name=large

[Negaiss]

No Suninen in Sweden ? Probably no deal and career is over for him. If he can deliver somewhere, then it is here - Sweden.

[Sulland]

56 cars in total in Sweden!!!
3 swedish crews, no norwegians, a few finns.

Exspensive periode, but still!!

[rallyfiend]

56 cars in total in Sweden!!!
3 swedish crews, no norwegians, a few finns.

Exspensive periode, but still!!

It's more than last year, and the year before that and the year before that....

[rp]

A bad Entry List! It shows everything of the current situation of the WRC.

Three Swedish and no norwgian drivers at all!

Very sad that Huttunen career is over and maybe Suninen also.

[Rallyper]

Regarding Huttunen and Suninen I must say, even though they are good, their chances have been so many. Without much success.
Now a new bunch of brilliant Finnish drivers are waiting for results. I believe strongly Finland will have a few more guys in Rally1 cars within a couple of years.

[Andre Oliveira]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GEOqajQX0AAg3cB?format=jpg&name=medium

[doubled1978]

I can’t help but feel that is a disappointing entry list, particularly Rally2.

[CeskyOndra]

Sweden is do specific rally that no many drivers want to be there. It is always like this

[Sulland]

Sweden is do specific rally that no many drivers want to be there. It is always like this

Agree that driving on snow and ice is for most people very special and rare.

But for many of us up here asphalt rally is about as cool as watching paint dry. Reason, we drive very few rallies on the black stuff, and most on snow and gravel.

Rally Sweden used to be the highlight for many locals. They worked on getting together the budget to drive our local world championship round. Swedes, Finns and Norwegians got more km in one rally than all the nationlal series in total.

Then it came more and more regulations on tyres, petrol, much higher entry fee and so on.
Now with european economies struggeling, less and less people have the possibility.
With few locals driving, you loose a lot of spectators wanting to watch a friend or one or more local boys and girls.

Maybe FIA need to cut entry fees for locals, so more local drivers can drive their rally!

[Steve Boyd]

Sweden is do specific rally that no many drivers want to be there. It is always like this
Back in the GpA days I chap I know drove from Liverpool to Sweden for the rally a couple of times because he enjoyed driving on snow with proper tyres even more than driving on gravel in the UK.

[Morte66]

Can anybody tell me what "authorised neutral athlete" (the asterisk) means?

[Myrvold]

Can anybody tell me what "authorised neutral athlete" (the asterisk) means?

"Russian that are allowed to compete without a flag".

[EstWRC]

Just checked the itinerary and nice long stages every day. Two times 28km on Friday and Saturday and two times 25km on Sunday.

[CeskyOndra]

Just checked the itinerary and nice long stages every day. Two times 28km on Friday and Saturday and two times 25km on Sunday.

And I have seen that on stage Brattby, there is #42 ... We all know why.. Nice gesture!

[Rallyest]

And I have seen that on stage Brattby, there is #42 ... We all know why.. Nice gesture!

That is nice, still gutted that the Mayor isnt with us anymore, cant believe its been almost a year

[Myrvold]

Rally Sweden used to be the highlight for many locals. They worked on getting together the budget to drive our local world championship round. Swedes, Finns and Norwegians got more km in one rally than all the nationlal series in total.
Then it came more and more regulations on tyres, petrol, much higher entry fee and so on.
Now with european economies struggeling, less and less people have the possibility.
With few locals driving, you loose a lot of spectators wanting to watch a friend or one or more local boys and girls.

Maybe FIA need to cut entry fees for locals, so more local drivers can drive their rally!

One thing is money and regulations, but you also see where the most Norwegian drivers are located. That's also where their sponsors were located. Doing Rally Sweden in Värmland&Norway, getting the biggest sponsors to their service park, VIP'ing them around (as VIP as you can make it as a Rally2/Rally3/Rally4 privateer), it gave the sponsors a reason to chip in a little bit extra. It was worth it. They could drive up after work on Friday, either do a full party on Saturday and sleep of the alcohol on Sunday, or watch rally and service on Saturday, go home again and sleep in their own bed on Saturday night. Perfect.

In Umeå... that's not the case. Solberg in WRC2, Johansson in JWRC. Then there is Reiersen as a one off. That's it with Norwegian-Swedes/Swedes (I claim both Solberg and Reiersen as Norwegians!). With 4 Finns (Manufacturer-drivers in Rally1 not included) it's not really much more Finns than usual either.
It's just not worth it. It takes a lot more time for everyone involved. It takes 12 hours to drive, in perfect conditions, with no stop from where I live and up to Umeå, and I live closer than many of the Norwegian privateers that have showed up now and again.

[SubaruNorway]

1550nok if you want a physical pass 1250 for e-ticket, that's crazy with the itinerary this year.

[TypeR]

1550nok if you want a physical pass 1250 for e-ticket, that's crazy with the itinerary this year.
Crazy price.. + seems that physical pass will be printed on gold paper :D

[AndersX]

The same with spectating: to drive from Stockholm - too long, to fly or train - too complicate on the place; roads are far far away from Varmlads and Nor border roller coasters. At the same time, just 2h drive from Stockholm, near Gavle is real winter wonderland this year. Umea has no USPs.

[Jewy46]

Do you need to buy the rally passes well in advance or can you purchase in petrol stations etc just before the rally, like Finland?

Strange the physical passes are so much more expensive

[Rallyper]

One thing is money and regulations, but you also see where the most Norwegian drivers are located. That's also where their sponsors were located. Doing Rally Sweden in Värmland&Norway, getting the biggest sponsors to their service park, VIP'ing them around (as VIP as you can make it as a Rally2/Rally3/Rally4 privateer), it gave the sponsors a reason to chip in a little bit extra. It was worth it. They could drive up after work on Friday, either do a full party on Saturday and sleep of the alcohol on Sunday, or watch rally and service on Saturday, go home again and sleep in their own bed on Saturday night. Perfect.

In Umeå... that's not the case. Solberg in WRC2, Johansson in JWRC. Then there is Reiersen as a one off. That's it with Norwegian-Swedes/Swedes (I claim both Solberg and Reiersen as Norwegians!). With 4 Finns (Manufacturer-drivers in Rally1 not included) it's not really much more Finns than usual either.
It's just not worth it. It takes a lot more time for everyone involved. It takes 12 hours to drive, in perfect conditions, with no stop from where I live and up to Umeå, and I live closer than many of the Norwegian privateers that have showed up now and again.

I´d say big sponsors fly to Umeå. Can be done in one day or at least only one night stay.

[SubaruNorway]

Do you need to buy the rally passes well in advance or can you purchase in petrol stations etc just before the rally, like Finland?

Strange the physical passes are so much more expensive

Seems like only e-ticket from today onwards, nothing at Coop this year.
You can still get the physical pass but they won't send by mail anymore, you order online and then pick it up at Rally HQ at Umeå Service Park Nolia it says on their FB.

I'Il just get an e-ticket and make myself a fake pass as a souvenir, i save all my passes.

[SubaruNorway]

The same with spectating: to drive from Stockholm - too long, to fly or train - too complicate on the place; roads are far far away from Varmlads and Nor border roller coasters. At the same time, just 2h drive from Stockholm, near Gavle is real winter wonderland this year. Umea has no USPs.

One problem is expensive rental cars, i don't know what people have been able to get but I don't dare driving a 2WD up there at least.
The Audi A4 quattro I've had the last two years was now 13.000kr, in 22 i was 6000kr. Saw a Volvo XC60 at 7000kr
Flight from Oslo-Stockholm-Umeå 3500kr.
So I'm driving 10-11 hours starting on Monday night, so had to take next Monday off also, 5 days off work.
(100 euro = 1135kr)

[NielsH]

One problem is expensive rental cars, i don't know what people have been able to get but I don't dare driving a 2WD up there at least.
The Audi A4 quattro I've had the last two years was now 13.000kr, in 22 i was 6000kr. Saw a Volvo XC60 at 7000kr
Flight from Oslo-Stockholm-Umeå 3500kr.
So I'm driving 10-11 hours starting on Monday night, so had to take next Monday off also, 5 days off work.
(100 euro = 1135kr)

I've rented a captur, so if you see a rental captur stuck please help me hahahaha

[AndersX]

You have to be creative: fly or take a train to, e.g., Luleå or Sundsvall, take a car there, 3:20 drive and you are in Umeå. I am sure that as these cities are not close to rally, prices have more sense.

[Lead]

So this year there wont be possibility to buy rally-pass at the gas stations or Umea service park? So i wont be able to attend stages if I want to pay in cash? Meanwhile they prefer ONLY cash for the parking? Confusing.
And I have to agree, price this year is really high...

EDIT: And how will they check those e-tickets at the stages? With scanners? I can imagine how long this process will take, for everyone to take out the mobile phone, find a wallet, open the file, scan it ... I think it that will undoubtedly create jams at stage entrencies.

[SubaruNorway]

So this year there wont be possibility to buy rally-pass at the gas stations or Umea service park? So i wont be able to attend stages if I want to pay in cash? Meanwhile they prefer ONLY cash for the parking? Confusing.
And I have to agree, price this year is really high...

EDIT: And how will they check those e-tickets at the stages? With scanners? I can imagine how long this process will take, for everyone to take out the mobile phone, find a wallet, open the file, scan it ... I think it that will undoubtedly create jams at stage entrencies.

I think you need the e-ticket either way yes. No reception and Swish only works for Swedish people.
I guess so, wasn't it scanners they had issues with at CER?

No magazine so all stage info is here btw
https://rallysweden.com/program/

[df93]

Is there anyway to get into the start of the Umea stage? Both the short and full version. Thanks 👍🏻 PM if easier

[Hartusvuori]

Quote from the Finnish forum. Organizer had listed these Coops when asked if the rally passes are available this year.


City Umeå, Stora Coop Tomtebo, Stora Coop Ersboda, Coop Haga, Coop Teg, Coop Ålidhem, Coop Mariehem, Coop Grisbacka, Coop Bjurholm, Coop Holmsund, Coop Hörnefors, Coop Lycksele, Coop Nordmaling, Coop Robertsfors, Coop Röbäck, Stora Coop Norrböle, Stora Coop Sörbole, Coop Vilhelmina, Coop Vindeln, Coop Vännäs, Coop Vännäsby, Stora Coop Örnsköldsvik

[Myrvold]

I´d say big sponsors fly to Umeå. Can be done in one day or at least only one night stay.

Two nights stay if you want to watch 1 day of rally/service etc. Travel up on Friday, mid-day, and back home mid-day Sunday.
It's a lot higher cost, and while one can say "big sponsors". It's not really that much big sponsors around on the local drivers here. I think it's quite telling that neither Johan Kristofferson or OC Veiby are bothering.

[CeskyOndra]

A bit of snow in the forecast for Sweden

https://www.yr.no/en/forecast/daily-table/2-602150/Sweden/V%C3%A4sterbotten/Ume%C3%A5%20Kommun/Ume%C3%A5

In that case, Late runners will have a lot of advantage

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240210/dff7cf12c3666678a7ed4875b8a1b64c.jpg

[Tauri_J]

Yeah, good luck Thierry.

But pretty sure its gonna change. Forecast been fluctuating from one side to another lately.

https://i.postimg.cc/hvRwxPgc/08-CD28-B5-073-A-408-D-A19-D-D69430-B80799.jpg (https://postimg.cc/YG8bB7hs)

[CeskyOndra]

That will needs to be rolled up by a roll, can forecast change too much in 5 days? I don't think so..

[SubaruNorway]

Only 10-15cm from Wednesday to Friday morning on Yr, it's usually correct, less on the northern stages, depends how close they manage to plow the snow on Friday morning before stage start

[PLuto]

It is funny, same like last year - really low temperatures in the weekend before and during rally week the temperature is almost around zero...

[CeskyOndra]

Only 10-15cm from Wednesday to Friday morning on Yr, it's usually correct, less on the northern stages, depends how close they manage to plow the snow on Friday morning before stage start

Plowed or unplowed, cleaning effect will be worse than in gravel rallies in both cases.

[SubaruNorway]

Plowed or unplowed, cleaning effect will be worse than in gravel rallies in both cases.

Lets see, I'm hearing the base of Brattby is much better than last year at least, it was crazy how big the ruts and dips in the road became after 2nd run last year

[BleAivano]

A drive through on some of stages with description of road conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQZyqc-GATw

[Rallyper]

A drive through on some of stages with description of road conditions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qQZyqc-GATw

Thanks Jörgen.
Will be tricky anyway for the drivers.Very narrow in places. Not many rear bumpers will survive. ;)

[CeskyOndra]

Not a lot of snow this year so far

[BleAivano]

Not a lot of snow this year so far

What do you mean "not a lot of snow"? There is tons of snow, between 50 and 80 cm.

[Myrvold]

What do you mean "not a lot of snow"? There is tons of snow, between 50 and 80 cm.

Indeed. Even if one by mistake had looked at where Rally Sweden used to be, there has been plenty of snow, this from a national sprint-rally using one of the stages that was used for years in Rally Sweden(In Norway) a couple of weeks ago: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llUzR-7oMK8&t=1s
And now it's forecasted more snow down here as well, just like up north.

It's in general been a nice amount of snow this winter.

[spyros]

Cant wait to see the fight between Kalle vs Ott.

[Rallyper]

Cant wait to see the fight between Kalle vs Ott.

I guess Kalle will smash everyone. Good starting position, well done pre event in Arctic...

[Tauri_J]

That will needs to be rolled up by a roll, can forecast change too much in 5 days? I don't think so..

5 days is a very long time. Latest forecast shows No snow for friday.

[CeskyOndra]

Cant wait to see the fight between Kalle vs Ott.

I hope that Esapekka will be there too. I think, he could be even quicker than Ott considering his start position.

[CeskyOndra]

5 days is a very long time. Latest forecast shows No snow for friday.

I can see a lot of overnight snow from Thursday to Friday on Yr.

[CeskyOndra]

But I don't know if Yr is trustful source

[TypeR]

I hope that Esapekka will be there too. I think, he could be even quicker than Ott considering his start position.
From Hyundai's side Lappi has to push on Friday to get in top as he is starting after Kalle..

[CeskyOndra]

I can see a lot of overnight snow from Thursday to Friday on Yr.

Now it has completely changed and there is no snow for Friday

[linni]

That will needs to be rolled up by a roll, can forecast change too much in 5 days? I don't think so..

It was about 6 - 7 years ago during Karlstadt days, when the forecast promised +5 degrees on Thursday for the Friday morning and Friday morning we woke up in a cabin wondering the -25 temperature outside.

[mknight]

But I don't know if Yr is trustful source

The main met model is a cooperation between NOR, SWE and FIN met offices so it's the best there is for the area.

[CeskyOndra]

There is snow again on Friday afternoon/evening... Lets see.. I don't believe the forecast more than 3 days before, lol. Or is it just because of this location, there are so so many changes in weather?

[BleAivano]

There is snow again on Friday afternoon/evening... Lets see.. I don't believe the forecast more than 3 days before, lol. Or is it just because of this location, there are so so many changes in weather?

Weather in Scandinavia is generally very difficult to forecast due it's very unpredictable nature, just the way it is.

[Rallyper]

Less than 48 hrs to make your Pickems for Rally Sweden. Closing time Thursday 1900 CET.

[TypeR]

New Hyundai livery in Sweden
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGPUanDXgAAcbBv?format=jpg&name=medium


what a surprise.. no orange/red wheels once again :O

Although.. white rims with that big N(euville) decal would match nice in Sweden.

[TanaKa]

Creo que es mas bonito que los anteriores y las llantas en naranja no le vienen bien,,asi como esta,,me gusta,,por cierto la ''N'',,vale para TaNak,,tambien...

[EstWRC]

New Hyundai livery in Sweden
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGPUanDXgAAcbBv?format=jpg&name=medium


what a surprise.. no orange/red wheels once again :O

Although.. white rims with that big N(euville) decal would match nice in Sweden.

OMG from beautiful to absolutely hideous, at least on this pic but the picture isnt the best with a lot flash.

it was a bad livery reveal overall today, in F1 Ferrari revealed their car and looks worse than previous and in MotoGP Repsol Honda revealed theirs and is ugly as well.

[Rallyest]

New Hyundai livery in Sweden
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGPUanDXgAAcbBv?format=jpg&name=medium


what a surprise.. no orange/red wheels once again :O

Although.. white rims with that big N(euville) decal would match nice in Sweden.

I mean, in my opinion it looks a little better without those red/orange wheels. Dont get me wrong it is still uglier than monte livery, but it helps a little

[Rallyper]

Seems like there´s gonna be a shiny sunny weekend with some degrees below zero. Good for spectators and the rally.

[CeskyOndra]

Seems like there´s gonna be a shiny sunny weekend with some degrees below zero. Good for spectators and the rally.

Except Friday afternoon, it will be tricky

[Tauri_J]

Except Friday afternoon, it will be tricky

Yeah, heavy wet snow between the loops. Disaster for front runners.

[CeskyOndra]

hah, yr is now showing rain and snow mixed on Friday 6AM.. Im predicting Neuville loosing 2 minutes after Friday

[EstWRC]

How are the conditions on shakedown stage for tomorrow?

[EstWRC]

https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/422692562_804058818197120_9178393450882279902_n.jp g?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a73e89&_nc_ohc=HWmDBgY6jn8AX83cpvY&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfCm_20PYQPmock6CTwn2BIZQv9jj9G_dPEHb5Od2nrH 8g&oe=65D161A5
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/422619646_804058681530467_7721263202172022076_n.jp g?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=a73e89&_nc_ohc=mHgT4G5PE4EAX-2Jh_N&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfBjJBmga42EeYLEB_U_2_H4VE5m3EJf8q3TbgCI3hhu SQ&oe=65D1C5C9
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGUAGrGXcAAHKP9?format=jpg&name=medium
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/422092990_802394185257156_758865728037634958_n.jpg ?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=qjOfhmwxZhQAX-VI_lb&_nc_oc=AQlfJ-gC3P-iRwDhK8XBPxRlGp1LzRrd_DHG6FiWLr_rENV9rRAoYMsrG3P1Z c0uLAQ&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfAlFKzhrm7XAbm6cqCwh0qudjX-lXozpD-vm1vdleOvwg&oe=65D233C2
https://scontent.ftll2-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/425254257_802394178590490_5982059717058132124_n.jp g?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=CTc3GA3uvcIAX8RwuWL&_nc_ht=scontent.ftll2-1.fna&oh=00_AfDovXe4TkvGZq9KJiv71-_nT3-Sal4X3vGh0ErKFyG88Q&oe=65D2F2AB

[EstWRC]

But on the other side of the Hyundai garage, and of the snow plow debate, is Esapekka Lappi. He’ll start the first full day of Rally Sweden action from eighth on the road and if conditions remain the same, will get the benefit of a perfectly swept road on which to make a flying return to WRC.

“If it’s not plowed too much that would be a very big advantage on Friday,” he confirmed during the recce. “So let’s hope it stays as it is. I will not push [for it to be plowed] at all, I will stay silent.”


https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/the-sweden-condition-factor-on-every-wrc-drivers-mind/

Recce interviews https://youtu.be/NfOKCN8vNM0?si=ajuQYJrSPAl9p-Zq

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Contradictory from others...

Potentially mirroring last year, the cars will quickly wear through the gravel beneath with their tungsten-tipped studded Pirelli tires. And in some areas, the ice is already gone.

“There’s a lot of gravel,” Toyota’s Elfyn Evans told DirtFish. “I’m not sure how long the roads have been open but there’s not so much ice about the place.”

[EstWRC]

Shakedown link

https://www.youtube.com/live/3xJbDZbt-pY?si=yZKJMr9e9SRL2rov

[Rallyper]

Morning guys. Here we go!! Let´s have a wonderful exciting weekend!

[EstWRC]

Wow haven’t seen such a wintery conditions in years

[Tauri_J]

Looks so loose, nightmare weekend for Thierry I bet

[Rallyper]

Looks so loose, nightmare weekend for Thierry I bet

I´m not sure but should say last part of SD is driven on road not used much. make the surface loose and mostly non ice under the snow. So hopefully stages are more icy and also a bit wider.
But still, hard work for Thierry on Friday...

[Tauri_J]

Lol 5 seconds

[Tauri_J]

We all know who’s gonna win this one, barring any issues.

[flat_right]

We all know who’s gonna win this one, barring any issues.

yes, pickems going to be easy

[EstWRC]

Yeah it’s faster from behind but you could also see some gravel already and I remind you that the last stage tomorrow is 28km

It can also play a big game

[spyros]

What a time by Oliver, impresive.

[spyros]

What a time by Oliver, impressive.

[CeskyOndra]

Tyre management will be crucial all the weekend. Thierry will be definitelly struggling, lets see how much he can minimalize the lost.

[meh]

What a time by Oliver, impressive.

We can assume from the 2nd pass, that road for Rally1 cars is around 8 seconds faster. So keep the handicap in mind. Time is good but not some out-of-space better than other Rally2 drivers.

[EstWRC]

Looking at the second pass times then it seems it will be Kalle and then Tänak fighting with the other Toyotas.

But again. Just a shakedown

[CeskyOndra]

Looking at the second pass times then it seems it will be Kalle and then Tänak fighting with the other Toyotas.

But again. Just a shakedown

It is the second run of shakedown, conditions same for everyone.. In rally it will be different, I think that Katsuta will be ahead Evans and Tanak maybe on Friday

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville now clearly 2nd fastest. Shame he is first on the road

[drive]

Lappi third run 10 min??

[TypeR]

,,Show/vip'' run probably

[EstWRC]

it showed 2.47.9 for Lappi intitially and then was changed to 10 minutes

[TypeR]

Bulacia crashed on SD, will see if they manage to repair it..

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGX9vhOXIAAT8zs?format=jpg&name=medium

[spyros]

Lappi fastest at 4th run.

[RKTS40]

Rovanpera 10:00.00? Can see those "show/vip" run times aswell somewhere?

[Tauri_J]

Maybe an unpopular opinion but I dont like these roads. Varmland was much better. Flowing and and nice ice base.

Umea consists just roads which are public and then those that are smaller and narrower. First ones have ice base but they are literally straights. Those small roads have no base and gigantic snowbanks arent helping imo. Making the road even narrower where cars cant really go sideways.

[PLuto]

Rovanpera 10:00.00? Can see those "show/vip" run times aswell somewhere?

Yes, if the crew is doing VIP run, they are giving them 10 minutes time.

[PLuto]

BTW, Rovanperä did his fastest time in his VIP run

[RKTS40]

BTW, Rovanperä did his fastest time in his VIP run

Can this time be recognized somewhere? :D

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/gNuu9cpXpRw?si=LT8OHoFg42LKt2AP

[PLuto]

Can this time be recognized somewhere? :D

https://rally-base.com/2024/rally-sweden-2024/?ssId=8019&ssGroupId=3 in the text below

[Eli]

https://youtu.be/gNuu9cpXpRw?si=LT8OHoFg42LKt2AP

The Hyundai looks like their rally2 car, but somehow worse, still don't understand why they didn't think of the 'N' branding sooner before they had to go out & ruin a beautiful (imho) livery.

[Rallyest]

The Hyundai looks like their rally2 car, but somehow worse, still don't understand why they didn't think of the 'N' branding sooner before they had to go out & ruin a beautiful (imho) livery.


You took the words out of my mouth, i was just thinking by myself that the car now looks like rally2, especially from the back

[Zoli]

They wanted a bigger 'N'... :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0wIFFY1pek

[EstWRC]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wIfNu5IRNE

[ouvreur]

They wanted a bigger 'N'... :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0wIFFY1pek

I like how their PR department has suddenly developed a personality! More please.

[Rallyper]

Less than three hours to decide your top eight drivers in Pickems... Closing at 1900 CET.

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/OOJJhVgpLPg?si=MoLkFEIhpGeLxx6b

[Eli]

A nice tribute to Craig Breen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDVZ1tu0Db0

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Champ is back !
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGYqmKMb0AEEcWN?format=jpg&name=large

[TypeR]

A nice tribute to Craig Breen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDVZ1tu0Db0

Really nice video put together!

Oh.. if only he had gotten that maiden win last year..

[EstWRC]

Watching the videos and seeing the pics the Hyundai looks just plain awful now.

Like someone ate or drank something orange and vomit on it

I don’t get this one off livery decision at all

[TypeR]

Opening ceremony here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/A6DUwla7XBk?si=L9yeMgAK1M849Jwq

Dirtfish FB:

❌ Out before Rally Sweden has even begun

FIA Junior WRC runner Bruno Bulacia rolled his Ford Fiesta Rally3 after clipping a snowbank. The damage is sufficient that he won't be starting the rally ����

[EstWRC]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240215/ac3eaec09c55c3c377acba7845aa4196.jpg

[TypeR]

I doubt, but it would be really nice, if they put it out for sale to all the fansalso and the money went to this fund they created last year for young Irish rallydrivers..

I'm sure there would be a loot of fans biying these beanies..

[Eli]

Posted it in the wrong thread, a nice tribute to Craig Breen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDVZ1tu0Db0

[CeskyOndra]

slippy slippy and slippy

[TypeR]

,,up to Timo's assh*le'' style comment from Tanak :D
,,on the first braking nut got on the other side of the seatbelt and it felt strange/bad..'' :D

[EstWRC]

Poor second half of the stage from Tänak

[meh]

Fourmaux and Taka are a bit better than expected, and Lappi a bit worse than expected..

[TypeR]

seems like Yaris rally2 cars landing a lot on nose..?

[Morte66]

Damn, I need another stage or two this evening.

[Eli]

Damn, I need another stage or two this evening.

Like I said a few times now, more night stages (proper ones) in Sweden please.

[doubled1978]

Like I said a few times now, more night stages (proper ones) in Sweden please.

Even my wife who doesn’t really pay any attention to rally, watched the footage from tonight and said it was really cool with the night stage in the snow.

[BleAivano]

More snow on it's way: https://www.smhi.se/vader/radar-och-satellit/radar-blixt/q/sverige/plats/Ume%C3%A5/602150

[Rallyper]

Now Rally Sweden starts for real.

[CeskyOndra]

it is again hereeeeee

[wwbroe]

Difficult conditions, no snow but seems like some fine rain

[Rallyper]

Just below zero though.

[Tauri_J]

Bets on who Will visit snowbanks first?

I’d say Taka

[Tauri_J]

Difficult conditions, no snow but seems like some fine rain

Snow will arrive later

[wwbroe]

Good start for Taka

[wwbroe]

Best first split for Kalle

Edit: but only 0,2 faster than Ott, so very good job by Ott

[wwbroe]

Kalle running away now, ,2,1 faster at second split

[EstWRC]

Great beginning of stage from Tänak again but then doesn’t process so much further in the stage

[wwbroe]

Joint second time for EP

[CeskyOndra]

bertelli is going quite well

[becher]

Bertelli in works colours? Wierd.

[Tauri_J]

Bertelli in works colours? Wierd.

Why? Its already black like he wants

[AndersX]

I think that non-championship contenders can come in, benefit road position and take the spotlight off the real contenders is a long term BS - if WRC allows this, they must implement qualification stage, as in ERC. Now, after brilliant ride in Monte, Terry is punished and everybody is admiring relaxed Kalle and Lappi. This must be changed! What would be result if both relaxing guys would start 1-2?

[wwbroe]

The battle in WRC2 will be nice, Solberg and Pajari both very fast on splits

[flat_right]

I think that non-championship contenders can come in, benefit road position and take the spotlight off the real contenders is a long term BS - if WRC allows this, they must implement qualification stage, as in ERC. Now, after brilliant ride in Monte, Terry is punished and everybody is admiring relaxed Kalle and Lappi. This must be changed! What would be result if both relaxing guys would start 1-2?

Now imagine this. Kalle is driving full season. Wins in Monte, comes to Sweden, wins qualification stage, starts on the best road position. Easily beats everybody (like this year). We will go on gravel... again he will win qualification stage, wins the rally. This would create the most boring championship ever. If you are not as good as Kalle or your car is not Toyota, basically you have no chance to win. For me, it creates some excitement to see if half season drives can keep up the tempo on the next days also. And theoretically, you only have to survive the first loop of the first day. Later, it is harder for everybody (if there are ruts etc).

[spyros]

It will be very difficult for Ott to catch Kalle.

[AndersX]

Now imagine this. Kalle is driving full season. Wins in Monte, comes to Sweden, wins qualification stage, starts on the best road position. Easily beats everybody (like this year). We will go on gravel... again he will win qualification stage, wins the rally. This would create the most boring championship ever. If you are not as good as Kalle or your car is not Toyota, basically you have no chance to win. For me, it creates some excitement to see if half season drives can keep up the tempo on the next days also. And theoretically, you only have to survive the first loop of the first day. Later, it is harder for everybody (if there are ruts etc).

There are pros and cons; ERC runs Q for enough long time to make/read some satistical pattern.

[Tauri_J]

I think that non-championship contenders can come in, benefit road position and take the spotlight off the real contenders is a long term BS - if WRC allows this, they must implement qualification stage, as in ERC. Now, after brilliant ride in Monte, Terry is punished and everybody is admiring relaxed Kalle and Lappi. This must be changed! What would be result if both relaxing guys would start 1-2?

Not good for championship. So, No thank you.

[Doon]

I know it's the way of the world, but it's such a shame seeing two WRC1 cars being completely wasted when there are so few in the championship, and when Solberg could be fighting at the sharp end in one in Sweden.

I also noticed on WRC TV, Mike Chen said "if Rovenpara was struggling in that stage, then we have a problem on our hands", Kiri said, "well, we'll have an exciting weekend on our hands". I can see Rovenpara winning every stage at this rate, not exciting, very boring weekend. The fact that Rovenpara will come in and win events with ease totally devalues this year's championship.

[spyros]

How is the conditions at Norrby?

[Tauri_J]

I know it's the way of the world, but it's such a shame seeing two WRC1 cars being completely wasted when there are so few in the championship, and when Solberg could be fighting at the sharp end in one in Sweden.

I also noticed on WRC TV, Mike Chen said "if Rovenpara was struggling in that stage, then we have a problem on our hands", Kiri said, "well, we'll have an exciting weekend on our hands". I can see Rovenpara winning every stage at this rate, not exciting, very boring weekend. The fact that Rovenpara will come in and win events with ease totally devalues this year's championship.
Like he wasnt winning events with ease last year.

[Morte66]

I think that non-championship contenders can come in, benefit road position and take the spotlight off the real contenders is a long term BS - if WRC allows this, they must implement qualification stage, as in ERC. Now, after brilliant ride in Monte, Terry is punished and everybody is admiring relaxed Kalle and Lappi. This must be changed! What would be result if both relaxing guys would start 1-2?

Now imagine this. Kalle is driving full season. Wins in Monte, comes to Sweden, wins qualification stage, starts on the best road position. Easily beats everybody (like this year). We will go on gravel... again he will win qualification stage, wins the rally. This would create the most boring championship ever. If you are not as good as Kalle or your car is not Toyota, basically you have no chance to win. For me, it creates some excitement to see if half season drives can keep up the tempo on the next days also. And theoretically, you only have to survive the first loop of the first day. Later, it is harder for everybody (if there are ruts etc).

I think you're both right, simultaneously, and it's a huge fundamental problem with rallying as a sport.

This is why I usually buy WRC/rallytv for a month before Monte/Sweden, and maybe two more times for tarmac rallies I like throughout the year. But I mostly skip the all-gravel part in the summer, because frankly the running order matters more than the cars and drivers.

[CeskyOndra]

elfyn quite lucky

[Negaiss]

wow, nice 360 for Evans. Did it non stop, lost probably 2 seconds only. Hope there will be video from outside.

[wwbroe]

Great splits for Ott

[Rallyper]

How is the conditions at Norrby?

Rain is getting heavvier. Says Pantealex.

[Rallyper]

Great time for Tanak.

[Morte66]

Man, Tanak is driving well.

[wwbroe]

Fourmaux not doing bad either

[EstWRC]

Good middle split from Fourmaux only 1.6 lost to Tänak

And Taka faster than Tänak in first split

It will be very difficult for Tänak to fight with Kalle with these conditions

[jonkka]

Katsuta coming at a pace which I fear will lead into bank sooner or later.

[wwbroe]

Same split for Kalle and Taka

[wwbroe]

But in the end Kalle besttime after all

[Tauri_J]

Interesting, I expected Kalle to be faster.

2nd loop will be a lot more telling. Think Taka will fall back.

[TypeR]

Kalle: ,,driving was embarrassing, I was shit''

[EstWRC]

Interesting, I expected Kalle to be faster.

2nd loop will be a lot more telling. Think Taka will fall back.

I also expected him to be faster

Tänaks tempo from last split to finish is fastest but his split between 1st and 2st split wasn’t good where Taka and Kalle took 1.7 second from him and Fourmaux was just 1.6 slower than Tänak there

[becher]

Three stages in, worst rally ever. New record?

[Rallyper]

Yeah. Next stage Kalle will be 15 secs faster than everyone else...

[Rallyper]

Three stages in, worst rally ever. New record?

Meaning what?

[spyros]

Lappi did it.

[EstWRC]

Funny how Lappi always say it was clean stage and so on while from cameras I can see he is all over the place and having small moments often :D

[Morte66]

Three stages in, worst rally ever. New record?

Better (or less bad) than the mud and rain rally Swedens they were getting in the last years down south, I think.

Is it so different from the average rally Sardinia for cleaning?

[flat_right]

Funny how Lappi always say it was clean stage and so on while from cameras I can see he is all over the place and having small moments often :D

I always feel the same thing with Lappi. So-so anxious to watch him.

[Morte66]

Pajari not so close to Solberg/Grysazin on that one, but he said was nursing it. C'mon Sami.

[wwbroe]

Mille Johansson fastest in Juniors on stage 2

[EstWRC]

Lindholm has been disappointing since he won the title

[Tauri_J]

Wow Linnamäe, please keep it on the road

[wwbroe]

Linnemae second fastest in this stage in Rally 2

[EstWRC]

Great time from Linnamäe!

He has found something with the Toyota. Showed also good speed on Arctic rally

[wwbroe]

Good splits for Korhonen as well

[Rallyper]

One advance with Toyota Rally2 must be the smaller size of the car, compared to the others, isn´t it?

[wwbroe]

Third time in Rally2 for Korhonen, Toy's are doing well in Sweden

[TypeR]

One advance with Toyota Rally2 must be the smaller size of the car, compared to the others, isn´t it?

Yaris is 4mm shorter than Skoda.

[wwbroe]

This stage is extremely fast

[JAM]

Today i read repeatedly "good split for Tanak", "good time for Tanak", "great split for Tanak" and in the end Tanak is behind Takamoto Katsuta...

Can't understand...

[CeskyOndra]

evans seems to be really on the limit

[wwbroe]

130 km/h average speed

[trykmann]

Today i read repeatedly "good split for Tanak", "good time for Tanak", "great split for Tanak" and in the end Tanak is behind Takamoto Katsuta...

Can't understand...

Compare it with Evans. He is just driving after him.

[CeskyOndra]

ott off

[CeskyOndra]

spin

[Tauri_J]

Lol this is it

[wwbroe]

oh Tanak

[Tauri_J]

Oh Ott Ott, disaster

[spyros]

oh Tanak No

[EstWRC]

Disaster of beginning of season again

[CeskyOndra]

thats the end..radiator damage

[spyros]

did he recover?

[CeskyOndra]

he is going ev mode

[TypeR]

Today i read repeatedly "good split for Tanak", "good time for Tanak", "great split for Tanak" and in the end Tanak is behind Takamoto Katsuta...

Can't understand...

No more good split posts :D

[Morte66]

God damn, he was doing so well. Even if he's "the enemy" (I'm an Evans fan) that sucks.

Well, this is the first time I've been glad they have an EV mode. Hope he gets to a service which can fix it.

Edit: me and my big mouth.

[CeskyOndra]

fourmaux behind ott now?

[CeskyOndra]

ohh fuck, my heart stopped

[CeskyOndra]

he was just super fast, quite a big mistake from ott unfortunately

[wwbroe]

Munster stopped as well?

[AndersX]

Unfortunately, this must be the result of jumping arround the new cars every year, how can you build continuous feeling? Then there will be complaining by the end of year with speculations of retiring....

[logic]

Disaster of beginning of season again

??

[Rallyper]

Two 360´s. One failed...

[CeskyOndra]

??

isnt it disaster?

[seb_sh]

Longest stage making the difference it seems. It's still early days but it's looking good for Kalle already.

[Rallyper]

Think Fourmaux lost some time before overtaking Tanak

[Tauri_J]

Driving on EV mode at live stage should be banned

[jonkka]

isnt it disaster?

Depends if they can continue tomorrow, Saturday points aren't everything these days.

[CeskyOndra]

Depends if they can continue tomorrow, Saturday points aren't everything these days.

still 15 points binned

[EstWRC]

I totally understand Fourmaux. Tänak was stupid driving there

[CeskyOndra]

kalle stopped???

[Rallyest]

Rovanperä stopped on map

[Rallyper]

kalle stopped as well...!

[seb_sh]

I spoke too soon! It's all going on now.

[Tauri_J]

still 15 points binned

Probably crumbs on sunday. Has to start first

[CeskyOndra]

this is the lappi's moment.

[Tauri_J]

Damn this stage, half the drivers stopping

[becher]

Meaning what?

The reaction of the forum to the rally. Immediate complaining about Kalle cruising to a win and that it will be a boring rally.

[Rallyper]

Why no camera in Kalles car?

[CeskyOndra]

how did he get in there bro

[Rallyper]

The reaction of the forum to the rally. Immediate complaining about Kalle cruising to a win and that it will be a boring rally.

Ok. ;)

More exciting than ever...

[EstWRC]

Tänak still fastest till 3rd split so far

He must have gone very fast

[er88]

Kalle has either had a massive shunt or has parked up

[wwbroe]

Taka will take the lead after this stage

[Tauri_J]

The reaction of the forum to the rally. Immediate complaining about Kalle cruising to a win and that it will be a boring rally.

It Will be boring with half the competing field out in the first Loop lol

[er88]

On a betting site here in the uk, katsuta was 100/1 for the win

[CeskyOndra]

On a betting site here in the uk, katsuta was 100/1 for the win

I dont think he can bring this to the finish still :D

[CeskyOndra]

betting on evans now

[JAM]

Compare it with Evans. He is just driving after him.

Evans was faster on the spin.

I didn't saw a sign of something really good from Tanak this morning that deserves so many comments of "good" or "great".

By the way, Takamoto is leading.

[Morte66]

Lappi is good value in the end-of-stage interviews, as ever.

[Rallyper]

This opens for Neuville as well...

[Humber]

I watched the Rally Sweden preview video? and had the backgrounder on Katsuta. In the interview was going on about Finland being his home, driving on snow and ice every year since the TMR days etc.

[cosmin_sb]

only four users had picked another driver to win this rally outside Tanak and Rovanpera. No one picked Katsuta

[CeskyOndra]

This opens for Neuville as well...

he will be a lot behind the 4 drivers

[RS]

Driving on EV mode at live stage should be banned

Should be used only to move car into a safe position.

[Rallyper]

he will be a lot behind the 4 drivers

Maybe not Sunday afternoon. Podium at least.

[EstWRC]

This is all good water for Neuville again.

Much better starting position for tomorrow and compared to Tänak he can gain a lot of points again cause it will be very difficult for Tänak get anything also on Sunday starting first

[CeskyOndra]

This is all good water for Neuville again.

Much better starting position for tomorrow and compared to Tänak he can gain a lot of points again cause it will be very difficult for Tänak get anything also on Sunday starting first

Who would have expected Kalle and Ott's retirement.. Cant believe it

[wwbroe]

Not much news about reason of Kalle's retirement, did he went off or had some isuue and parked up?

[flat_right]

Not much news about reason of Kalle's retirement, did he went off or had some isuue and parked up?

Lost motivation after Tänak's off. /s

[er88]

This opens for Neuville as well...

Championship wise it's great for him with Tanak in trouble, but rallywise he will be cleaning the 2nd loop will be even worse than the 1st pass due to messy lines and ruts.

[EstWRC]

Not much news about reason of Kalle's retirement, did he went off or had some isuue and parked up?

Yeah that’s weird. No replays or anything about it

[wwbroe]

Big time for Oliver

[CeskyOndra]

Lost motivation after Tänak's off. /s

best comment of the day

[Tauri_J]

Only positive I can take out of this is that Ott doesnt have to sweep the road in a long long time.

[Negaiss]

Yeah that’s weird. No replays or anything about it
hmm, yes, weird. Hope, there are no spectators envolved. Of course they will not show replay, if spectator is hit or something.

[CeskyOndra]

hmm, yes, weird. Hope, there are no spectators envolved. Of course they will not show replay, if spectator is hit or something.

onboard was broken since the last stage so thats maybe the reason

[jonkka]

hmm, yes, weird. Hope, there are no spectators envolved. Of course they will not show replay, if spectator is hit or something.

Not very intelligent speculation. Had that happened, stage would have been stopped right away.

[CeskyOndra]

I have to laugh now at myself when I remember the moment I said that pickems for this rally will be easy :D

[flat_right]

Didn't they show a slow-mo from Lappi's car where they showed Kalle's car and it was just parked on the roadside? I think I saw it.