[WRC] Croatia Rally 2024

[deephouse]

How do people watch that and say there's too many/no need for tarmac rallies? Crazy.

Is it sped up footage?

I see the problem this year with Latvia and Poland. There should be at least one tarmac event. We are missing one mixed surface too. Don't know why Italians don't rather bring rally back to San Remo.

[TypeR]

Second stage already and still no expected rain..

[SubaruNorway]

This - https://www.facebook.com/share/v/AjHQZtT7oMSkYxZG/?mibextid=WC7FNe ?

No, he braked late at the finish because he knew it was an exit there

[Morte66]

Second stage already and still no expected rain..

The rainiest forecast I can find is for the fourth stage: https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/pecurkovo

Others have less

[CeskyOndra]

Morning should be dry but afternoon mainly RZ 14 will be hell

[Tom206wrc]

Really nice drive by Matteo Fontana in the 2WDs ;)

[Eli]

When it’s like this, I wish we’d had a double header, back to back tarmac events, here this weekend, and next weekend in Corsica…

[RS]

Brynildsen has set some surprisingly good times given that he's out of practice, doesn't know the car and it's tarmac.

[jonkka]

I don't miss Corsica, their itinerary was uninteresting. Two long stages in the morning, repeated in the afternoon.

[Morte66]

Nice stage this #11.

Greensmith certainly put on a show.

[Humber]

Has this rally been one of the closest battles in recent years?

Croatia Rally and then Canaries Rally two or three weeks later?

[Morte66]

Has this rally been one of the closest battles in recent years?

It feels tighter than usual. Plus nobody's lost minutes for punctures/crashes, so all five heavyweight WRC1 drivers are within about a minute.

[TypeR]

Nice very long live coverage from SS11!

[Sulland]

Brynildsen has set some surprisingly good times given that he's out of practice, doesn't know the car and it's tarmac.

Agreed, and putting in that he has not driven on asphalt the last 11 years, and also first rally in the RS model.
His aim for today was to get close to the podium he said on his Facebook.

[philippebugalski]

Forum seems quite dead in this topic. Very interesting and close rally (as every year in Croatia) top 3 exchanging times stage to stage and I'm enjoying every second of it.
Thierry on a mission but we all know that him driving under pressure as the time leader can lead to ''quick exit''.

Either everybody are on stages or people are not so interested :D

Let's if toyotas can catch him before afternoon loop

[deephouse]

Forum seems quite dead in this topic. Very interesting and close rally (as every year in Croatia) top 3 exchanging times stage to stage and I'm enjoying every second of it.
Thierry on a mission but we all know that him driving under pressure as the time leader can lead to ''quick exit''.

Either everybody are on stages or people are not so interested :D

Let's if toyotas can catch him before afternoon loop

He drasticaly improved last couple of rallies for that. Remember that, he beat Evans many times before by smallest margins.

[jonkka]

Either everybody are on stages or people are not so interested :D


It's just that situation is same stage after stage, nothing's happening, gaps are small but steady. It could be exciting but... it just isn't.

[Rallyper]

Well, I´m here and enjoying. Even though I don´t like tarmac rallies. I admit this is a good version of the surface.

[Eli]

Forum seems quite dead in this topic. Very interesting and close rally (as every year in Croatia) top 3 exchanging times stage to stage and I'm enjoying every second of it.
Thierry on a mission but we all know that him driving under pressure as the time leader can lead to ''quick exit''.

Either everybody are on stages or people are not so interested :D

Let's if toyotas can catch him before afternoon loop

Seems quite dead, ‘cause we’re enjoying the rally, whether on the stages, or through our TV’s (or screens).

[TypeR]

Ogier using 3 different compound tyres :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Another very good loop by Fourmaux and didnt lose much to Tanak on the last stage despite being down on power with an engine misfire.

[deephouse]

It's just that situation is same stage after stage, nothing's happening, gaps are small but steady. It could be exciting but... it just isn't.

Well, I rather have tight battles, no big dramas, than marathone stages where the gaps are then measured in minutes. Believe me, the drivers then don't do everything on stage, and it shows here, where everyone at the end of stage interview are sweaty and exausted

[jonkka]

Well, I rather have tight battles, no big dramas, than marathone stages where the gaps are then measured in minutes. Believe me, the drivers then don't do everything on stage, and it shows here, where everyone at the end of stage interview are sweaty and exausted

I like battles too but when gaps move only in one direction, it's not a battle, it's procession. Last night when Evans suddenly got momentary lead and Ogier had that big push, that was interesting. This morning has been steady and dull despite small gaps.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Stunning last stage by Neuville, massive commitment and beating the other top guys by 2.9s who were on virtually the same time !

[Rallyper]

Not boring when following Neuville on this stage. Stunning time. Outclass even the master.

[philippebugalski]

Thierry Thierry Thierry!!!! what a stage and what a drive

[240RS]

This event can only be described as rivetting.

Top 5 are trading times and finishing very closely bunched up. Hard to see how this can be boring

[Morte66]

Damn, Rossel in some sort of mechanical trouble.

[Morte66]

Suddenly the punctures are coming.

Don't hit the same rock Sami!

[becher]

Croatia is nice in TV, but for the fans it isnt so great. Waking up at 2:30 to watch just 2 passes of SS9, cuz there is just NO entrance to the stage

hmm I found it great to watch two years ago.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GLmRWaEW4AA5q-V?format=jpg&name=medium

[CeskyOndra]

hmm I found it great to watch two years ago.

Yea same but now Samobor is closed cuz the stage is starting here. So you have to be closed all day here

[CeskyOndra]

But anyways, nice competition here, even juniors are nice here

[Morte66]

OK, let's see if I can embarrass myself in front of bluuford:

I just typed the opening name for each stage into my usual weather site for vacation travel.

SS13 Smerovišće - Grdanjci 2 overcast https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/smerovisce
SS14 Stojdraga - Gornja Vas 2 overcast with hint of rain https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/Stojdraga
SS15 Vinski Vrh - Duga Resa 2 light rain showers all afternoon https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/Vinski_Vrh
SS16 Pećurkovo Brdo - Mrežnički Novaki 2 light rain showers all afternoon https://www.xcweather.co.uk/forecast/Pe%C4%87urkovo_Brdo

The forecast keeps changing, it's not very certain.

No heavy rain forecast, so soft vs wet tyres will be an interesting choice.

Four softs with two wets in the back, anyone?

[dupanton]

Tom Resonnet, P2 in JWRC out with mechanical issues...

[jcevc]

Radar of our national meteo agency shows the rain is only 2-3 air distance km`s away from first two stages in the loop and going in the direction of the stages...

[TypeR]

seems like Hyundai once again wrong tyre choice..
Tanak yesterday morning, today morning and afternoon..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville getting the wettest road and using 2 hard tyres.

[Morte66]

Four softs with two wets in the back, anyone?

So far, so good.

[philippebugalski]

seems like Hyundai once again wrong tyre choice..
Tanak yesterday morning, today morning and afternoon..

Still game on, if it doesn't rain on the next 2 stages they have better tires than Toyota.

[Lead]

Rossel took back 20sec from Gryazin in this one

[Rallyper]

Linnamae technical?

[Rallyper]

Something in the drivetrain is stuck?

[TypeR]

Seems like rain tyres get VIP-drives all day long :D

Neuville on full attack mode..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Neuville just going for it whatever the tyres or road conditions.

[Morte66]

Solid stage for Evans but hats off to Neuville, he really stormed through that.

[Eli]

Gotta say, really enjoying the rally, shame we’ve got to wait until October until the next tarmac event. Also, I really wish tomorrow at this time we’d still be rallying, so much fun, the best(!) motorsport imho.

[KKS]

Looks like rain finally arrive at next stage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Looks like rain finally arrive at next stage.

It's bone dry and dusty.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux faster than Taka on the mixed tyres.

[philippebugalski]

If Thierry keeps it on the road tyre choice is on his side for the last 2 of the loop.
Will be interesting to see, hell of a battle

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Hard tyres paying off for Neuville.

[TypeR]

Weather predictors should maybe find other hobbies :D

[Morte66]

Well, as a Porsche fanboy, I don't mind that so much.

[Morte66]

Weather predictors should maybe find other hobbies :D

I predict biblical flooding tomorrow.

[WRCStan]

I don't want to spark 'what ifs' about other rallies, but in the context of this rally, did the new points system give us those drives? I've only seen bits of Croatia so far but Thierry on this last stage was mental. Worth a watch if you missed it.

[COD]

Just curious, did Toyota use all their softs and others have more left for sunday points?

[becher]

That drive by Neuville was awesome.

[becher]

I don't want to spark 'what ifs' about other rallies, but in the context of this rally, did the new points system give us those drives? I've only seen bits of Croatia so far but Thierry on this last stage was mental. Worth a watch if you missed it.

Don't think so. The gap(s) at the front are so small that you can't but push all the time as you wouldn't be able to make up the lost time on tomorrows stages. Every second you gained today you won't have to fight for tomorrow, regardless of the split points or not.

[focus206]

Great afternoon by Neuville, now he needs to bring it home tomorrow. Evans is fast and can still outscore him.
I have the feeling the championship will take a clear turn after a Sunday DNF by one of the main contenders, sooner or later.

[eib1]

Ogier moment:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=embed_video&v=452760173944073

[WRCStan]

Don't think so. The gap(s) at the front are so small that you can't but push all the time as you wouldn't be able to make up the lost time on tomorrows stages. Every second you gained today you won't have to fight for tomorrow, regardless of the split points or not.

It was said in commentary and I can see comments at various places that this stage was even more of a mad drive than the rest of the rally. Looking at TN/MW reaction at the end suggests there's something in the new rules.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The new points system has to make some difference when there's 3 pts to gain and so a '6 point swing' on Saturday between 1st and 2nd (if you finish the rally tomorrow)

[WRCStan]

Ogier moment:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=embed_video&v=452760173944073

And another: https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1781734023645057515

[dimviii]

And another: https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1781734023645057515

from outside
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=7&v=VvhDtM15IaQ&embeds_referring_euri=http%3A%2F%2Fforum-rallye.com%2F&source_ve_path=Mjg2NjY&feature=emb_logo

[philippebugalski]

Seb's got quite a few of those moments today, all together it has been a great day of rallying.
Today's stages were exceptional, and both Thierry and Elfyn put up a show.

Bring on Sunday!

[denkimi]

Ogier moment:

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=embed_video&v=452760173944073

he still has the luck of the champion.

[becher]

Seb's got quite a few of those moments today, all together it has been a great day of rallying.
Today's stages were exceptional, and both Thierry and Elfyn put up a show.

Bring on Sunday!


Maybe this Rally is his Grönholm moment?

[hari]

Some pictures from Saturday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_croatia_rallye_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia4/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia4/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia4/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia4/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia4/5.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia4/6.jpg

[CeskyOndra]

And another: https://twitter.com/TGR_WRC/status/1781734023645057515

This could've ended up tragicly with the fences..

[TypeR]

Taka stagewin and Evans faster than Neuville, gap to lead 2.6sec

[philippebugalski]

Basically it is made for Croatia that the winner is decided on Powerstage, looks like it again this year
Tire strategy will be key for today.

[CeskyOndra]

Expected Evans to drop time here in the morning but it didnt happen, so I dont know how the tires works

[meh]

It is Sunday, 17 stages done and 3 to go, and so far:

* No one has any big (more than 10sec) technical impact or driving mistake to crash the car. Some lucky escapes due to the clean road-sides.
* Stage winners: Neuville, Ogier, Evans, Fourmaux, Katsuta. Tänak is not among them.
* The largest cap between the 1st and the 2nd place was 10.1sec, after SS5.

Pure competition rally :)

[dimviii]

http://forum-rallye.com/uploads/monthly_04_2024/post-157-0-08283200-1713681907.jpg

[erikli2]

Noooo Adrien =(

[meh]

It is Sunday, 17 stages done and 3 to go, and so far:

* No one has any big (more than 10sec) technical impact or driving mistake to crash the car. Some lucky escapes due to the clean road-sides.
* Stage winners: Neuville, Ogier, Evans, Fourmaux, Katsuta. Tänak is not among them.
* The largest cap between the 1st and the 2nd place was 10.1sec, after SS5.

Pure competition rally :)

Was not my intention to call it.

Fourmaux hit the anti-cut pole. Now I hope the parts of it on the road do not cause problems (punctures) for others. Fourmaux leaped to the stage finish and can collect Saturday points.

+ Big moment for Tänak

+ Time loss for Evans.

+ Time loss for Neuville. Quite some off, lucky to continue.

... and Tänak got the stage win.

[jonkka]

Problems for Evans too, +14,4s at split 3?

[jonkka]

And Neuville, momentary stop. Will Ogier move to lead?!?

[jonkka]

Evans hit bank, half-spun.

[Morte66]

My heart, it stopped. Twice.

[philippebugalski]

Speechless..
Thierry did it again

[jonkka]

Neuville is missing upper half of his rear wing and with no service, that's gonna cost him some.

[CeskyOndra]

Neuville probably mistake in pacenotes?

[Lead]

All goes into Ogier's hands :)

[Morte66]

Neuville probably mistake in pacenotes?

I think he said "late".

[philippebugalski]

By his interview he hinted is at marthijn's mistake?

Has he known that Evans spun that wouldn't happen. As a Thierry fan this is disappointing.
How to screw up the perfect weekend, still new point scoring system backs him up.

[Morte66]

I've noticed Pajari having a few too many sideways moments when he hit loose gravel on the tarmac corners. Well, that's what the no-points practice run is for...

[CeskyOndra]

Anywas both of them were super super lucky, Evans will climb back to 4th on Sunday whereas Neuville has damaged wing

[Eli]

As much as this stage disrupted my pickems, I do hope Evans manages to capitalize on the situation and decrease Neuville’s lead in the championship.

[doubled1978]

CARNAGE!!!

4 of them off…Tanak as well said he was very lucky.
To be honest, with the pace at the front all rally, it’s not a surprise something happened.

[Morte66]

I think perhaps the honeymoon is over for Fourmaux, but he is still married.

[CeskyOndra]

Evans big moment in Neuville's place , he pulled so much dirt here for him

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6A7uLEtw7r/?igsh=enN2NjhqdGR5Zm5i

[Morte66]

Ogier said at the stage end that he was being a little careful in that stage because it was so risky. And the other 4 top drivers had some sort of incident.

Not for the first time, I note that Ogier is not just fast he's wise. I hope we still see him involved in WRC, commentating or managing when he retires from driving.

[CeskyOndra]

Ogier said at the stage end that he was being a little careful in that stage because it was so risky. And the other 4 top drivers had some sort of incident.

Not for the first time, I note that Ogier is not just fast he's wise. I hope we still see him involved in WRC, commentating or managing when he retires from driving.

He had like 5 big moments during the rally

[archie106]

The big question is how much time will Thierry lose from the rear wing damage?

On the splits, Thierry was only able to match pace with Munster from his off until the end of the stage. Whilst Elfyn was about on pace with Tanak/Ogier after his spin.

If that continues over the last pair of stages, Thierry may struggle to get points in the power stage.

[CeskyOndra]

The big question is how much time will Thierry lose from the rear wing damage?

On the splits, Thierry was only able to match pace with Munster from his off until the end of the stage. Whilst Elfyn was about on pace with Tanak/Ogier after his spin.

If that continues over the last pair of stages, Thierry may struggle to get points in the power stage.

Thierry will get 1 point from Today, Evans probably 4 + PS

[philippebugalski]

Thierry will get 1 point from Today, Evans probably 4 + PS

Still early too predict anything, how eager could Evans be on PS after what happened on first pass?
Big question how much time Neuville will lose on this stage.

[CeskyOndra]

Still early too predict anything, how eager could Evans be on PS after what happened on first pass?
Big question how much time Neuville will lose on this stage.

A lot

[Lead]

No progress for Mikkelsen. Speed wise barely ahead of Munster but otherwise well off the pace. And when is his next outing? In October?
He should call it a day and move back to Rally2 machinery. He could be good mark to see how good is Hyundai Rally 2 car.

[rallyfiend]

'Any chance to give this one to Elfyn'

'If he pay a lot'.

There you go. Joke or not, these part time drivers end up driving for their win bonuses.... They are genuinely interfering in Championship ambitions here...

[jonkka]

'Any chance to give this one to Elfyn'

'If he pay a lot'.

There you go. Joke or not, these part time drivers end up driving for their win bonuses.... There is no team effort here.

One thing where new points system makes things more fair is this. Under old scoring system Elfyn would gain a lot more points if Ogier allowed him to win. With new system, difference is just one point for Sunday (and currently Evans is quite low in Sunday times thanks to drama on previous stage). Therefore, Ogier can win without making any meaningful dent on Evans' championship hopes.

[Rallyper]

Ogier lucky again on this stage (19). Understeering and up on the sidebank. No obsticle. Else it would´ve been end for Ogier....

[Rallyper]

Pajari learning well. Next finnish star. Already is...

[becher]

'Any chance to give this one to Elfyn'

'If he pay a lot'.

There you go. Joke or not, these part time drivers end up driving for their win bonuses.... They are genuinely interfering in Championship ambitions here...

Well someone forgot who helped him in the past.

[becher]

Any footage of Tänak and Neuvilles moments?

[denkimi]

Ogier lucky again on this stage (19). Understeering and up on the sidebank. No obsticle. Else it would´ve been end for Ogier....
As i said, he still has the luck of a champion. His mistakes could have ended his rally a few times, but he got away with it every single time.

[Simmi]

One thing where new points system makes things more fair is this. Under old scoring system Elfyn would gain a lot more points if Ogier allowed him to win. With new system, difference is just one point for Sunday (and currently Evans is quite low in Sunday times thanks to drama on previous stage). Therefore, Ogier can win without making any meaningful dent on Evans' championship hopes.

Seb would actually have to drop a lot more time than just letting Elfyn by. He'd have to drop behind Andreas too for the Sunday points. I'm assuming Elfyn will overcome Munster during the PS. Probably best strategy is that Seb makes sure he doesn't beat Elfyn in the PS.

I'd agree that this is one unintended good consequence of the new points system. Although I'm still not a fan of it overall.

[jonkka]

I'd agree that this is one unintended good consequence of the new points system. Although I'm still not a fan of it overall.

Me neither, it makes points calculation helluva lot more difficult and speculations almost impossible.

[EstWRC]

Any footage of Tänak and Neuvilles moments?

Pic of Tänaks

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240421/e198e0b65a384fceb461b5ad170a6932.jpg

[skarderud]

No progress for Mikkelsen. Speed wise barely ahead of Munster but otherwise well off the pace. And when is his next outing? In October?
He should call it a day and move back to Rally2 machinery. He could be good mark to see how good is Hyundai Rally 2 car.No progress? Witch rally are you looking at?
Its quite a big diffence between friday morning stages and yesterday evening stages s/km wice.

He struggled with nervous rear on friday, and got more grip in rear and understanded the aerodynamics better thru saturday.



Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[becher]

Pic of Tänaks

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20240421/e198e0b65a384fceb461b5ad170a6932.jpg

Thanks, found one from Neuville:

https://m.youtube.com/shorts/okiEB-uh1Bs

[240RS]

The new points system has created very interesting scenarios each and every time.

On this event, the biggest beneficiary might be the strangely subdued Ott Tanak. With a health dose of Sunday points almost assured, he just needs a mega power stage and less so for his main rivals, and we might just see him walk away with the most points overall.

Strange times, indeed.

[doubled1978]

I think Fourmaux can count himself a but unlucky, of the five guys who had incidents, his was actually the smallest mistake and yet he has paid by far the biggest price for it.
From what we have seen, the other 4 have been extremely lucky to still all be here given they have all properly gone off into banks, trees etc at decent speeds.

[focus206]

I think Fourmaux can count himself a but unlucky, of the five guys who had incidents, his was actually the smallest mistake and yet he has paid by far the biggest price for it.
From what we have seen, the other 4 have been extremely lucky to still all be here given they have all properly gone off into banks, trees etc at decent speeds.

Motorsport is not a fair sport... sometimes big mistakes = no time loss, small mistakes = DNF...

[denkimi]

https://x.com/HMSGOfficial/status/1781982457778340193?t=1K48Do7kD3Pu59mPum2FnA&s=09
Tanak incident

[focus206]

Mikkelsen and Neuville could swap rear wing to give Thierry a chance at PS points :D Of course joke suggestion, but I wonder if it would even be legal, to get a car piece from a teammate? I'd guess not, it would count as illegal service... only Dakar allows it :D

[denkimi]

I wouldn't be supprised if neuville still manages to get some powerstage points.

[mousti]

Any footage of Tänak and Neuvilles moments?https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8x736y

Here you go

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

[Tauri_J]

I think Fourmaux can count himself a but unlucky, of the five guys who had incidents, his was actually the smallest mistake and yet he has paid by far the biggest price for it.
From what we have seen, the other 4 have been extremely lucky to still all be here given they have all properly gone off into banks, trees etc at decent speeds.

But by far the stupidest mistake

[flat_right]

From Ott Tänak’s social: We've managed to secure additional 6 points from the first part of Super Sunday here at Rally Croatia. But there's another 5 available on the Power Stage, so it's a Game On!

So… I’ve understood that Super Sunday means all the Sunday stages or not?

[CeskyOndra]

From Ott Tänak’s social: We've managed to secure additional 6 points from the first part of Super Sunday here at Rally Croatia. But there's another 5 available on the Power Stage, so it's a Game On!

So… I’ve understood that Super Sunday means all the Sunday stages or not?

Its for all the stages, it is mistake from his manager

[Fast Eddie WRC]

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8x72u6

Fourmaux replay. Quite a strange one as the anti-cut placement was hardly a corner at all.

[becher]

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8x736y

Here you go

Verstuurd vanaf mijn 2201123G met Tapatalk

Thanks

[meh]

If it could not be some proper luck day, we top4 retired already. And Taka for the win.

[mknight]

But by far the stupidest mistake

Exactly. Fourmaux has a history of stupid mistakes on Sunday when nothing is at stake...and then does exactly the same thing again.

[Morte66]

Yay, Pajari beats Greensmith

[denkimi]

But by far the stupidest mistake
Indeed. Not like losing the car or getting caught out on the braking, just driving into a clearly visible anti-cutting device.

[Kras]

Gryazin RBR legend

[Morte66]

Fourmaux did look a bit rapid. But maybe the road is getting warmer/faster.

[meh]

Fourmaux did look a bit rapid. But maybe the road is getting warmer/faster.

Fourmaux time is 10sec faster than Tänak's best on the 1st run.

[TypeR]

If Evans go past Munster and Mikkelsen, will Hyundai tell him to drop positions for Neuville's extra 1 sunday point?

[denkimi]

If Evans go past Munster and Mikkelsen, will Hyundai tell him to drop positions for Neuville's extra 1 sunday point?
I assume so.

[becher]

Well this is gonna be close.

[Lead]

Mikkelsen with another poor result. He had a full rally test on tarmac and still "feeling is not there".

[meh]

So, most likely Fourmaux wins the PowerStage, and Taka wins the Super Sunday. At the same time - the top 3 is Ogier-Evans-Neuville.

Evans in "safe mode", slower than Mikkelsen in splits.

[Rallyper]

The points scoring system looks to benefit those guys who can´t hold out to the finish. Like TN getting 18 points. 2023 he would have got less.

[denkimi]

So i gues neuville just gave up and took it slow. Even with half a spoiler he should have been faster than the rc2 cars.

["Username"]

Rear left suspension seemed like.

[meh]

Tänak is getting "The Sunday Master".

Total points from the rally:
* Neuville 19 points
* Evans 19 points
* Tänak 20 points

[Kras]

New points system once again providing hilarious outcomes

[Morte66]

Evans matches Neuville for points.

Good for Tanak I guess. Top points of the full-timers, and he looked good from Friday afternoon onwards. Hopefully, this is the beginning of better times.

Not so bad for Formaux in the end. He got right back on the horse, converted his Saturday points, and showed real speed on the PS. I think Fourmaux's year is about proving his value and he's doing very well so far.

Nice non-scoring rally for Pajari.

Very good for Gryazin. Good for Citroen too, brought two cars and got P1 + P2.

And it was a pleasure to have Julian Ingrassia commentating.

Great rally all-round.

[denkimi]

Evans was given the chance to close in on neuville in the standings on a golden platter, but he didn't take it.

[denkimi]

Tänak is getting "The Sunday Master".

Total points from the rally:
* Neuville 19 points
* Evans 19 points
* Tänak 20 points
Ogier 21 points

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Why couldn't Evans get the PS win, was the car damaged or his tyres totally gone ?

[focus206]

In the end, both Neuville and Evans wasted opportunities to gain on the other. Evans seemingly got away from his mistake in better shape than Neuville, but then only 1 point on the power stage. Thierry wasted the point advantage he had after saturday.
Neuville was unable to increase the gap in a weekend in which Hyundai had no troubles and he'll have to open the road in Portugal, so everything keeps playing in Evans' hands... he just needs to wait for the day Hyundais will fall apart...

[TypeR]

Today Evans lost many possible points due to driving error and Kenya's Sunday wasn't best either..
+ in Portuga there will be Kalle and Ogier, who are also kind of racing against him, because they drive for victories. I don't see too much falling in his hands right now :D although points-wise all good at the moment.

[Morte66]

Why couldn't Evans get the PS win, was the car damaged or his tyres totally gone ?

He did not look like he was really going for it, to me.

When he had the spin in the first run he said it was because a hard tyre didn't grip. Maybe he decided he didn't need to do too much because Neuville was slow too.

And the road was getting dirtier. I think there were only 1 or 2 PS points on the table for a big push.

[focus206]

Today Evans lost many possible points due to driving error and Kenya's Sunday wasn't best either..
+ in Portuga there will be Kalle and Ogier, who are also kind of racing against him, because they drive for victories. I don't see too much falling in his hands right now :D although points-wise all good at the moment.

Kalle and Seb will still help Evans if they can't win, I'm sure... but the main point to me is, if Neuville doesn't make up a big point gap from Evans then he can't win the title, because the i20 WILL fail eventually... the Yaris, not so sure.

[Sulland]

In Wrc3 Matteo Chatillon "won" the powerstage in his Clio, and 2nd place overall! Well done!

And that car sounds so much better than the fiestas, the 4 cyl engine sings a better tune in my ears!

[Managarium]

This year was modest.
Only SS 17 and 19.

Start of SS17, it was -2°C
SS17 start on Trakošćan, and SS19 about 1,5 km from start.


But guys, Toyota GR Yaris Rally1 smells the worst. So much fuel in exhaust wehen lounch control is activated, that Trabant is field of flowers.

https://i.postimg.cc/02jh7qQh/20240421-065613.jpg (https://postimg.cc/crqDN2fc)

https://i.postimg.cc/4N0q5FHy/20240421-070651.jpg (https://postimg.cc/N51dGD4v)

https://i.postimg.cc/Gt7N6XMM/20240421-070832.jpg (https://postimg.cc/dZC4yjcd)

https://i.postimg.cc/rsF3hB90/20240421-072034.jpg (https://postimg.cc/CBXc56XS)

https://i.postimg.cc/v83p1mQW/20240421-075836.jpg (https://postimg.cc/py504R5T)

https://i.postimg.cc/13NTYcDH/20240421-102707.jpg (https://postimg.cc/TKfCKb7L)

[CeskyOndra]

What a rally!

Championship is now really close with Neuville advantage but difficult role of cleaning in Portugal.

Is rain in Portugal possible in this time of the year, or is it just 100% probability of dry weather?

[eib1]

New vs old points system in numbers:

https://i.ibb.co/kxkwyGB/points-croatia.jpg

[pedro16]

What a rally!

Championship is now really close with Neuville advantage but difficult role of cleaning in Portugal.

Is rain in Portugal possible in this time of the year, or is it just 100% probability of dry weather?

It is 100% possible, but not the most likely scenario. Rain on this time of the year usually comes in the form of thunderstorms that aren't really predictable. We will have to wait for the rally week to be sure.

Weather forecast points that we will have some proper rain next weekend though. That will affect the next round of the portuguese championsgip where Sordo and a few WRC2 drivers will be present. Maybe some PET of the Rally1 teams will be affected too, but I have no clue on their schedule.

[mknight]

Mikkelsen with another poor result. He had a full rally test on tarmac and still "feeling is not there".

Not very good result, at the same time it basically perfectly matches Suninens CER last year. Just like his result in Monte was a copy of Lappi's 2023 there.

Mikkelsen had a rally in Italy with quite different tarmac and no actual test day for the rally.

For some perspective, Tanak hasn't yet managed a podium in the car and is also talking about feeling on tarmac.

[philippebugalski]

Incredible and very competitive 3 days are behind us, what a rally and what a weekend. Seems like Seb's still got that champion luck and more mature drive in some moments that Evans and Thierry so he comes out on top.

Still nothing to take out of Thierry, drove the perfect 17 stages and then got punished for mistake.

Long season still to go, but with ''gravel season'' starting it's going to be much harder for Thierry and Hyundai to match Evans and Toyota.

P.S. what do you guys think, should Croatia get regular spot on calendar?

[TypeR]

Not very good result, at the same time it basically perfectly matches Suninens CER last year. Just like his result in Monte was a copy of Lappi's 2023 there.

Mikkelsen had a rally in Italy with quite different tarmac and no actual test day for the rally.

For some perspective, Tanak hasn't yet managed a podium in the car and is also talking about feeling on tarmac.
Lappi 2023 Croatia - 1 stage win, couple of top3 stages time and P3 O/A.
Yes, Lappi had also Sweden and Mexico before it, but it doesn't help any way on Croatia tarmac..

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Evans did not look like he was really going for it, to me.

When he had the spin in the first run he said it was because a hard tyre didn't grip. Maybe he decided he didn't need to do too much because Neuville was slow too.

And the road was getting dirtier. I think there were only 1 or 2 PS points on the table for a big push.

I think you're right. And it ended with a fair result (points wise equal with Neuville) as Evans was really lucky not to do big damage or even retire with his off.

[Integrale]

The onboards from today are online. Watched these:

- SS18 Tanak: That big moment is a sign to cool down for any normal person. But Ott's not a normal person. Impressive stage and the best camera angle.

- SS18 Evans: Got away with it at Neuville's spot. The spin came from out of nowhere.

- SS18 Neuville: He was surprised at the corner, carried much speed, total emergency brake. Couldn't hear any audio from inside the car until that moment, but while they're sliding you clearly hear 'Martijn!'

- SS20 Fourmaux: He's the real deal. Ran wide on a bank at one spot. Afterwards he says 'That's a stage, right? The hardest one of the year.'

Beautiful stage and rally! It is a bit like Finland on tarmac at times. I enjoyed the fight, it's a miracle everybody finished on these kinds of roads and that amount of pressure.

[hari]

Some pictures from Sunday: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_croatia_rallye_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/5.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/6.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/croatia5/7.jpg

[meh]

I understood, that this time it was the co-driver, not Neuville's mistake. As Neuville said, drivers can make mistakes, co-drivers can make mistakes. Those were quite intensive and fast-paced non-stop talking days.

This time it was not a clear driving mistake, but more communication/timing/decision mistake in the driver + co-driver team.

[eib1]

Tänak off fan cam:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/rallirahvas/permalink/2505793446269392/

[AndersX]

New vs old points system in numbers:
https://i.ibb.co/kxkwyGB/points-croatia.jpg

If the new point system is not one big flopp........ the guy who takes a chill, drives constantly around 4th position, even risks to fall to 5th, has won 1 ps, in the result gets just 1 point less than rally winner, and more than actual 2nd and 3rd place - what a f... is this? It is like in swedish child football - everybody gets a medal to keep all kids happy, but winners get nothing (also the same meddal). And all the teams, brands and sponsors are sort of happy about this?

[J4MIE]

Mikkelsen and Neuville could swap rear wing to give Thierry a chance at PS points :D Of course joke suggestion, but I wonder if it would even be legal, to get a car piece from a teammate? I'd guess not, it would count as illegal service... only Dakar allows it :D

Just to clarify, this is covered under WRC regulations:

17.9 SPARE PARTS INSTALLED INSIDE RALLY CARS For each manufacturer car:
– Any spare part installed inside rally car must be declared to the FIA Technical Delegate at pre-rally scrutineering. A detailed list (including photos) must be provided by e-mail (wrc-technical@fia.com).
– This list may be modified during the rally but any change must be notified to the FIA Technical Delegate by e-mail while the car is located at the service park.
– Parts listed for a specific car may not be used for another car.
– Any spare part installed inside the car during servicing must reach the next service park. No additional spare part may be loaded on or taken off the car elsewhere than in the service parks.

56.1.2 The crew, using solely the equipment on board and with no external physical assistance, may perform service on the car at any time, other than where this is specifically prohibited.

[focus206]

I understood, that this time it was the co-driver, not Neuville's mistake. As Neuville said, drivers can make mistakes, co-drivers can make mistakes. Those were quite intensive and fast-paced non-stop talking days.

This time it was not a clear driving mistake, but more communication/timing/decision mistake in the driver + co-driver team.

As someone mentioned earlier, you can hear Thierry saying "Martijn!" during the spin, so yes...

[steve.mandzij]

The context of the championship right now maybe makes things less exciting, but I think this was one of the best rallies in a while. A superb battle with nothing between rivals, Sunday drama, and another skillful and hard-fought win from a legend of the sport in the end.

[philippebugalski]

The context of the championship right now maybe makes things less exciting, but I think this was one of the best rallies in a while. A superb battle with nothing between rivals, Sunday drama, and another skillful and hard-fought win from a legend of the sport in the end.

Glad to hear that, as a Croatian guy i may not be found objective but honestly if you look into all 4 WRC Croatia events in the past 4 years they've all been thrilling and competitive from start to finish while offering completely different tarmac type from Corsica, Ypres, Spain or Japan or Monte and people love it.

Rumours are that there is 3 year extension contract in offer for Croatian event, crossed fingers we enjoy it for many years to come.

[J4MIE]

Glad to hear that, as a Croatian guy i may not be found objective but honestly if you look into all 4 WRC Croatia events in the past 4 years they've all been thrilling and competitive from start to finish while offering completely different tarmac type from Corsica, Ypres, Spain or Japan or Monte and people love it.

Rumours are that there is 3 year extension contract in offer for Croatian event, crossed fingers we enjoy it for many years to come.

Did they not just sign a.3 year deal? Or maybe extend that by another 3 years?

[deephouse]

I guess they are still discussing. But I think it's high possibility it will be there, especialy now when Ireland fell out. Maybe they could spice things up and mix some stages with gravel. And finaly bring mixed events back.

[Eli]

If Croatia stays, & Canary is added, does this mean we’ll get to see 5 tarmac events on the calendar again? (Fingers crossed CER keeps it’s spot).

[philippebugalski]

Did they not just sign a.3 year deal? Or maybe extend that by another 3 years?

From my info when we first emerged on the calendar in 2021 (Covid year) we’ve signed 1 year deal, after that there was a new 3 year extension (2+1) for 2022,2023 and 2024.
And from my intel a new 3 year contract for 2025,2026 and 2027 was signed this morning.

Still waiting for official statement from Rally Croatia organizers.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux on the PS win – “One of the best stages of my life”

https://rallyjournal.com/wrc-sensation-takes-big-scalps-one-of-the-best-stages-of-my-life/

Also on his mistake:

“It was a really small mistake for us with big consequences. Some other drivers made a lot of mistakes and it was okay for them, but for us it’s been different.”

Fourmaux did not fully blame himself for the error.

“The concrete pole came a bit earlier than I expected. The issue in Croatia is that they don’t place the concrete poles during the recce. You can only trust your gravel crew, but you can’t say exactly where it is. Sometimes you get surprises,” Fourmaux explained.

[J4MIE]

Fourmaux on the PS win – “One of the best stages of my life”

https://rallyjournal.com/wrc-sensation-takes-big-scalps-one-of-the-best-stages-of-my-life/

Also on his mistake:

“It was a really small mistake for us with big consequences. Some other drivers made a lot of mistakes and it was okay for them, but for us it’s been different.”

Fourmaux did not fully blame himself for the error.

“The concrete pole came a bit earlier than I expected. The issue in Croatia is that they don’t place the concrete poles during the recce. You can only trust your gravel crew, but you can’t say exactly where it is. Sometimes you get surprises,” Fourmaux explained.

Hmmm not sure that’s an excuse really. They paint the spot where it’ll be and that’s where it appears on the day…

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/7ac530d3-28af-44d2-9706-5a7c4dba509f/d77193e6-da6a-4aaa-81fe-a9079f0ce2a6_COC%20Communication%202%20-%20ERRATUM.pdf

[flat_right]

Hmmm not sure that’s an excuse really. They paint the spot where it’ll be and that’s where it appears on the day…

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/7ac530d3-28af-44d2-9706-5a7c4dba509f/d77193e6-da6a-4aaa-81fe-a9079f0ce2a6_COC%20Communication%202%20-%20ERRATUM.pdf

You are right! This can be seen in this video: https://youtu.be/Wq-kCgR-ln8?si=C7KgWOEQIadGn2Lk&t=48 there is a yellow mark and this pole is totally off the tarmac.

https://ibb.co/X31cVGM

[denkimi]

Fourmaux has nobody to blame but himself. It was nothing but a stupid driver error.

[Morte66]

If Croatia stays, & Canary is added, does this mean we’ll get to see 5 tarmac events on the calendar again? (Fingers crossed CER keeps it’s spot).

I sure hope so. [/tarmac fan]

[SubaruNorway]

You see this on the onboard, suddenly turns in more when he hits the dip, easy thing to do as you need to keep close to it to not jump off the road.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/fourmauxs-anti-cut-pole-collision-explained/

[EstWRC]

Like always, an amazing vid from J-records

https://youtu.be/wLujPkLPAtE?si=MfMNEbRsiUhr24SU

[Fast Eddie WRC]

TBH I dont get why some places have anti-cut devices when other identical kind of places allow huge cutting and the throwing of dirt all over the road.

[CeskyOndra]

TBH I dont get why some places have anti-cut devices when other identical kind of places allow huge cutting and the throwing of dirt all over the road.

Most of anticuts were absolutely needed in places, because of brutal cuts. In videos or onboards you can't see these places, it looks different than it really is

[Sulland]

TBH I dont get why some places have anti-cut devices when other identical kind of places allow huge cutting and the throwing of dirt all over the road.

Might be because the local road owners in some places have insisted? Not sure of the road ownership rules in Croatia.

[AlanaFord]

Hmmm not sure that’s an excuse really. They paint the spot where it’ll be and that’s where it appears on the day…

https://app-cdn.sportity.com/7ac530d3-28af-44d2-9706-5a7c4dba509f/d77193e6-da6a-4aaa-81fe-a9079f0ce2a6_COC%20Communication%202%20-%20ERRATUM.pdf
Even Ingrassia said on friday that the spots of anticut devices was marked on recce so the crew know exactly place where they will be

[WRC1]

this anticut devices are the reason why i dont like tarmac rallyes....this is not rallying, this is circuit racing, corner cutting is a part of rallying, there are rallyes where cutting is almost not possible (tour de corse) but where it is possible it should be allowed.

[WRCStan]

this anticut devices are the reason why i dont like tarmac rallyes....this is not rallying, this is circuit racing, corner cutting is a part of rallying, there are rallyes where cutting is almost not possible (tour de corse) but where it is possible it should be allowed.

Rallying is about following the route, if the route says go round a pole, you go round the pole. If you want to carve you're own path, go cross-country rallying (https://www.facebook.com/reel/1224552831336814) or something.

[denkimi]

this anticut devices are the reason why i dont like tarmac rallyes....this is not rallying, this is circuit racing, corner cutting is a part of rallying, there are rallyes where cutting is almost not possible (tour de corse) but where it is possible it should be allowed.
I assume it is to make either some local people living near or the local government happy.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

George Donaldson on the Dirtfish podcast said Fourmaux was unlucky as the Puma reacted to a compression which turned the car in too much and clipped the anti-cut. Ogier's car did the same in another place and he went off the road but luckily got away with no damage.

[ReRe]

Here are my pictures from Rally Croatia 2024: https://eu.zonerama.com/TomasR/Album/11337241

[manthey]

absolutely nuts! what a stage and drive!!!

power stage by fourmaux

https://youtu.be/LFOapoeM9s8?si=GMDYwVU3gQ4sfSxb

[kirungi okwogera]

absolutely nuts! what a stage and drive!!!

power stage by fourmaux

https://youtu.be/LFOapoeM9s8?si=GMDYwVU3gQ4sfSxb

uhhhhhh wow, it's been a while since i watched a WRC onboard, so maybe I've forgotten how fast top cars are, but this one is insane. it reminds me of that super-wide-angle one of vatanen in the ascona 400 on the manx rally. great stage.