[WRC] Central European Rally 17-20.10.2024

[Eli]

Some information released yesterday about the second edition of the Central European Rally which will again include 18 Special Stages & 310kms of competitive action:
https://www.centraleuropeanrally.eu/post/second-staging-of-the-central-european-rally-promises-thrilling-rally-action

[Mirek]

The shakedown is going to be on Prague outskirts. Most likely on one stage known from Prague Rallysprint.

[greensky5]

Wich are the best Spectator spots?
thanks

[Duvel]

Hello,
anybody know if stageside camping is possible here or there?

Also would like to know the good spots to spectate!

[Danny0405]

Maybe it has been said elsewhere but 15 women have been selected for a training at M-Sport Poland next week: 3 of them will be selected to make a Rally3 drive in Central Europa Rally and in the end, one will be selected for a Junior WRC program next year.
https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/wrc-reveals-its-15-womens-driver-development-finalists/

Took a brief look at their results on ewrc as I knew only the name of 3 of them: sounds like Raftery has much more experience than the others (but limited potential).

Also a question mark about which male drivers will be there to have something to compare … probably Filip Kohn at least.

[kudy]

to Duvel

1. Yes, it's somehow tolerated during the rally, better if the owner agrees.

2. From each stage there will be onboard video soon. For now, you can watch last year's videos. However, not many of this year's stages were on itinerary in 2023. E.g. powerstage is 90% the same as the 2023 version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYGTkEgLnhc).


Shakedown - 100% new

SS1 - same as last year

SS 2/3/6 Klatovy - 90% is new, only the first kilometre of the stage is the same as before.

SS 4/7 Strasin- 100% new stage, approx. 15 km of the stage is in the opposite direction to last year's stage.

SS5/8 Sumavske Hostice - 80% of this stage was run last year, 20% is new.

SS 9/12 Granit und Wald - 100% new stage

SS10/13 Beyond Borders - 85% new stage, last 2km in the opposite direction, 15% same as last year,

SS11/14 Schardinger Innviertel - 100% new stage, last 5 km in the opposite direction

SS15/17 Hochwald - 100% new stage

SS16/18 Passauer Land - 90% same as last year, 10% new

[JTGANG]

Got my tickets today !!! Can't wait to be there....Hope the weather helps as well

[becher]

Last year this YT channel made "recce" videos for all the stages:

https://youtube.com/@ghrallyemotion?feature=shared

Maybe he is going to do it again this year, if not it is still worth looking at a few of them as not the whole route is new.

[philippebugalski]

to Duvel

1. Yes, it's somehow tolerated during the rally, better if the owner agrees.

2. From each stage there will be onboard video soon. For now, you can watch last year's videos. However, not many of this year's stages were on itinerary in 2023. E.g. powerstage is 90% the same as the 2023 version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYGTkEgLnhc).


Shakedown - 100% new

SS1 - same as last year

SS 2/3/6 Klatovy - 90% is new, only the first kilometre of the stage is the same as before.

SS 4/7 Strasin- 100% new stage, approx. 15 km of the stage is in the opposite direction to last year's stage.

SS5/8 Sumavske Hostice - 80% of this stage was run last year, 20% is new.

SS 9/12 Granit und Wald - 100% new stage

SS10/13 Beyond Borders - 85% new stage, last 2km in the opposite direction, 15% same as last year,

SS11/14 Schardinger Innviertel - 100% new stage, last 5 km in the opposite direction

SS15/17 Hochwald - 100% new stage

SS16/18 Passauer Land - 90% same as last year, 10% new


Any more info on stage onboard videos coming soon? Thanks in advance

[Danny0405]

https://x.com/OfficialWRC/status/1836491845540499871?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

The 3 winners of the Beyond Rally program with the prize drive in Central Europa in Fiesta Rally3.
A bit surprising not to see Raftery which was the most experienced.

Not an easy one for Schonborn to almost begin in straight rally with a WRC round (just one e-rally so far where she did rather good).

[PLuto]

https://x.com/OfficialWRC/status/1836491845540499871?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcam p%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet

The 3 winners of the Beyond Rally program with the prize drive in Central Europa in Fiesta Rally3.
A bit surprising not to see Raftery which was the most experienced.

Not an easy one for Schonborn to almost begin in straight rally with a WRC round (just one e-rally so far where she did rather good).

For me it is quite nonsense to send them directly to WRC round...

[Danny0405]

For me it is quite nonsense to send them directly to WRC round...

+ with a 4WD car.
Globally agree on that point, I’m skeptical about making such a big jump without a transition period with for exemple Rally4 car in ERC.

Baudet sounds in better situation for Central Europa with more experience on pure rallying and tarmac but still a big jump from Belgian championship RC5 drives (and e-rally cup).
Should be much harder for the Finnish one IMO.

Schonborn can be surprising on some stages with her hill experience but I doubt she can match on a full Rally all 3 days.

[Duvel]

to Duvel

1. Yes, it's somehow tolerated during the rally, better if the owner agrees.

2. From each stage there will be onboard video soon. For now, you can watch last year's videos. However, not many of this year's stages were on itinerary in 2023. E.g. powerstage is 90% the same as the 2023 version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYGTkEgLnhc).


Shakedown - 100% new

SS1 - same as last year

SS 2/3/6 Klatovy - 90% is new, only the first kilometre of the stage is the same as before.

SS 4/7 Strasin- 100% new stage, approx. 15 km of the stage is in the opposite direction to last year's stage.

SS5/8 Sumavske Hostice - 80% of this stage was run last year, 20% is new.

SS 9/12 Granit und Wald - 100% new stage

SS10/13 Beyond Borders - 85% new stage, last 2km in the opposite direction, 15% same as last year,

SS11/14 Schardinger Innviertel - 100% new stage, last 5 km in the opposite direction

SS15/17 Hochwald - 100% new stage

SS16/18 Passauer Land - 90% same as last year, 10% new


Thanks for the info, hope to be there!

[kudy]

i have info that GH brings onboards at the beginning of next week.

Anyway if you want here is onboard from SS2/3/6 Klatovy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNqdBWmFwQ8

[Co-driven]

For me it is quite nonsense to send them directly to WRC round...

And a complicated tarmac rally like CER.

[Andre Oliveira]

I expect around 40 entries only.

[becher]

I expect around 40 entries only.

In total?

[Andre Oliveira]

Yes :(

[JTGANG]

I think today they are published , correct ?

[Andre Oliveira]

Yes.

[Andre Oliveira]

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

[mknight]

Good to see Solberg (even outside WRC2) he definitely needs tarmac starts.

Will be interesting to see Pajari in Rally1 when he was nowhere near top in Rally2 last year.

[becher]

44 entries for a WRC round in the middle of europe is quit weak isn't it?

[mknight]

Yes, but "normal" these days. Poland had 42, Latvia 38. Croatia 67.

[wyler]

44 entries for a WRC round in the middle of europe is quit weak isn't it?

honestly, looks good to me. a decent number, all cars rally1/2/3 (and a rgt), good average quality of the drivers, an easy amount of car to be managed by the marshalls to avoid delays, and manageable also for spectator to have time to move between ss.

i think around 50 car from the top 3 classes is a good call for wrc round looking for an "elite" rally event.

[Jarek Z]

honestly, looks good to me. a decent number, all cars rally1/2/3 (and a rgt), good average quality of the drivers, an easy amount of car to be managed by the marshalls to avoid delays, and manageable also for spectator to have time to move between ss.

So poor entry list is now an advantage? You must be working at FIA ;)

[becher]

I mean I'm not really complaining, just surprised. Not so long ago you had 80-90 entries on european events and Mexico was considered a bit silly with only 38 entries for example.

[wyler]

So poor entry list is now an advantage? You must be working at FIA ;)


mate, why don't you focus on the arguments instead of making cheap irony...

there's a lot people here complaining that the sport is dying but never gets where the return of interest everybody seeks is.

i don't think short=poor. in this case poor is very wrong wording: There's only rally1/2/3 cars (top tiers, all awd). the average quality of drivers is high (wrc, wrc2, erc contender. good regional player, manus backed drivers in the lower tiers (i.e clio rally3). that's very marketable for the promoter.

event wise in handling world tier event lower number + high quality is the best case. (almost all world championships are limited, being team sport or individual -take olympics as example -).

we can pretend is not true, but a vast majority of people attending wrc race live moves to other ss after 10/15 cars, generating quite some management and safety issues.

for logistic of marshalls and course director, is the same: more cars=more running time, more crash/delaying issue probability, less time to set up and restore the ss and arrange the spectators. like it or not, focus of wrc event is on top 1/2 tiers. all the activities prioritize wrc/wrc2.

shorter run time also means shorter road closure (not only for ss, but regroup, media zone, tyre fitting, etc) getting less fuss from residents and local administration, as well as with space logistics in towns to host service areas, parc fermè. (also smaller parc fermè can be installed in iconic places/landmarks in town, generating pr/marketing value)

and so on, there's more...

point is: promoting-wise, it's the quality that makes the roi, not the number. a smaller event is more manageable and way more marketable IF quality is high.

[Andre Oliveira]

44 entries in 3 coutries with so much rally history can't be good. Say what you want. It is bad, very bad. WRC is dying.

In Saudi Arabia we will have 9 cars and 2 camels?

[rallyfiend]

I don't think this entry list is a reflection on the WRC - and I think that's a harsh comparison. The entry list for WRC2 and WRC3 throughout the season is at a record high (or close to). The elite level is doing well.

I think this entry list is a clear reflection on this event and the complexity, cost and ballache that it creates. It's a nightmare to move constantly for recce, then for the event too.

Competitors have clearly voted with their feet and decided this event is just not worth it. It's a failed experiment in format. I'd be surprised if it continues - or is allowed to continue....

[Backa]

44 entries in 3 coutries with so much rally history can't be good. Say what you want. It is bad, very bad. WRC is dying.

Is it possible small amount of entries is done on purpose? Poland and Latvia had quite decent amount of entries in ERC in 2023 and much smaller in WRC in 2024. Maybe WRC wants to avoid organizational issues and push their entry fee higher to limit it.

WRC events brings more spectators and many of them are interested only in Rally1 and Rally2.

[EstWRC]

I don't think this entry list is a reflection on the WRC - and I think that's a harsh comparison. The entry list for WRC2 and WRC3 throughout the season is at a record high (or close to). The elite level is doing well.

I think this entry list is a clear reflection on this event and the complexity, cost and ballache that it creates. It's a nightmare to move constantly for recce, then for the event too.

Competitors have clearly voted with their feet and decided this event is just not worth it. It's a failed experiment in format. I'd be surprised if it continues - or is allowed to continue....

And I agree.

Ditch this one and bring back Croatia.

Was a nice experiment indeed

[mknight]

And I agree.

Ditch this one and bring back Croatia.

Was a nice experiment indeed

As I wrote a page ago Poland had 42 entries Latvia 38.

So if you want to start ditching for sub 50 entries in Europe you have quite a few rallies to ditch.

[rallyfiend]

As I wrote a page ago Poland had 42 entries Latvia 38.

So if you want to start ditching for sub 50 entries in Europe you have quite a few rallies to ditch.

Entry numbers should not be the entire basis for determining the success of a rally.

In the case of CER, it's clear that it's just not working as a concept.

[wyler]

44 entries in 3 coutries with so much rally history can't be good. Say what you want. It is bad, very bad. WRC is dying.

In Saudi Arabia we will have 9 cars and 2 camels?

rally1 rally2 and rally3 entrys tell the opposite. i think people here are too stuck in the past and into that kind of mentality that is "it's always been like this, so has to be good". time are changing and the needs for those who finance the sport too. i ll not be surprised if this kind of entry list will become somewhat the standard (ignore it or not, we had already a lot of rounds like this in recent times, from Mexico to Latvia, maybe even with lesser quality).
And somehow is not so strange or even a bad thing that a wrc round is too complex for sunday drivers... think at montecarlo - the most historical estate in wrc - for them is normal to ditch the bottom of the classification for the last day...

another little thing about return of interest in wrc event promotion (but also apply to erc): most of the drivers in the long list are quite invisible on social media, and I'm talking about fan footage, not official reportage. this has to be taken into account. interest is in top 20 - maybe less - cars.

[mknight]

Entry numbers should not be the entire basis for determining the success of a rally.

In the case of CER, it's clear that it's just not working as a concept.

If it is not entry numbers I don't get what is "clear". Especially after it was only run once.

From my side the part which is stupid is starting in Prague and the location of the service park in relation to the stages.
The locations of the (normal) stages, the stages themselves and the idea of rally in 3 countries next to each other I see no "clear" problems with.

[denkimi]

If there are not enough entries that only means it is too expensive for most.

[wyler]

If there are not enough entries that only means it is too expensive for most.

true, but world-level sport events (including wrc rallies) are not aiming at them.

[Jarek Z]

mate, why don't you focus on the arguments instead of making cheap irony...

Mate, I didn't want to offend you. Don't take it personally, please :)


there's a lot people here complaining that the sport is dying but never gets where the return of interest everybody seeks is.

i don't think short=poor.

So what do you think? That short = good? How come? Everyone complains about decreasing number of entries in WRC, but you say it is a good trend? When I started watching rallies an event with entry list below 60 crews was considered a flop. This rally has 44 entries and you consider it a good quality event? 44 entries in the middle of Europe, the hotbed of rally sport?

You say that "short is good", but even Rally1 manufacturers want more entries:

"it’s clear that we need more brands, we need more cars, we need more drivers, we need more show" - Cyril Abiteboul from Hyundai

"As a Toyota car manufacturer, I hope that this would give some sort of message to other car manufacturers to take part in WRC" - Jari-Matti Latvala from Toyota

[mknight]

There is a difference between what types of extra entries.

2 top category cars are infinitely more important than 20 extra Rally 3/4 cars.

[denkimi]

There is a difference between what types of extra entries.

2 top category cars are infinitely more important than 20 extra Rally 3/4 cars.
2 top drivers are more important, no matter what car they drive. Having another serderidis has no value.

[mknight]

I'd say having Serderidis opening the road and getting tons of time on allive actually has negative value. Doesn't look like much of a "top" sport.

[meh]

What is going on with Evans? Crashed into first corner? (or the Maps failing to show up-to-date info). No split times as well.

edit: seems to be moving again...

edit 2: ok, going through in road-mode and it is the same for others. Stage cancelled.

[Jarek Z]

What is going on with Evans? Crashed into first corner? (or the Maps failing to show up-to-date info). No split times as well.

edit: seems to be moving again...

edit 2: ok, going through in road-mode and it is the same for others. Stage cancelled.

That's a wrong thread. This rally hasn't started yet :)

[Backa]

I'd say having Serderidis opening the road and getting tons of time on allive actually has negative value. Doesn't look like much of a "top" sport.

Some of that negative value is due broadcast direction decisions than due to pay-driver, who also has some positive value, helping M-Sport be more safe financially. It's ok to show Serderidis a little but broadcast should give him less air-time, especially when more competitive drivers are already on stage.

[mknight]

Agree

That he is allowed to enter is perfectly fine.

That he runs before Rally2s and even more importantly as first car on Saturday/Sunday is questionable.

That he is shown on all live (onboard) for basically any amount of time is directly damaging the series.

The last point can be addressed directly ( not showing him) or indirectly by running him after WRC2.

[Mary Mary]

Agree

That he is allowed to enter is perfectly fine.

That he runs before Rally2s and even more importantly as first car on Saturday/Sunday is questionable.

That he is shown on all live (onboard) for basically any amount of time is directly damaging the series.

The last point can be addressed directly ( not showing him) or indirectly by running him after WRC2.

Just as long as you're not in the "Rally2 with privateers as top class" camp.

[Mirek]

I am from Prague and this event brings the WRC to my home city but as others stated before I can see that this concept proved itself to be overambitious and far too expensive. The original meaning of the word rally is to gather the motorsport enthusiasts together to race against each other. In that sense Barum managed to rally them, CER clearly not. There are nearly 200 competitors in Barum every year with far majority being locals and then there is CER with 5 Czech crews. That comparison is absolutely brutal. While Barum managed to establish itself as a sort of festival where everyone tries to be every year the CER WRC event combines huge cost with no tradition and it doesn't work. You might say that these local competitors are not needed in a WRC event but I say they are because they are the reflection of the general popularity of the said event and of course they bring money to the organization.

[mknight]

While I get what you are saying and agree with parts I really doubt "WRC Barum" would get higher interest than CER if it was ran at end of October with similar starting fees.

Lots of crews "run out of money" by the end of the year and/or have nothing to compete for. The starting fees are probably for the most part necessary to handle large number of spectators and closed/damaged roads in populated areas. They could probably be lower if they dropped the whole "Prague" part.

The "tradition" part is off course true. But some CER Friday stages are the "traditional" ones from Sumava Rally. But Sumava doesn't really have any name outside of CZ and stages like the "circuit" are at best mediocre.

[wyler]

Mate, I didn't want to offend you. Don't take it personally, please :)



So what do you think? That short = good? How come? Everyone complains about decreasing number of entries in WRC, but you say it is a good trend? When I started watching rallies an event with entry list below 60 crews was considered a flop. This rally has 44 entries and you consider it a good quality event? 44 entries in the middle of Europe, the hotbed of rally sport?

You say that "short is good", but even Rally1 manufacturers want more entries:

"it’s clear that we need more brands, we need more cars, we need more drivers, we need more show" - Cyril Abiteboul from Hyundai

"As a Toyota car manufacturer, I hope that this would give some sort of message to other car manufacturers to take part in WRC" - Jari-Matti Latvala from Toyota

mate, just read above. i've already explained my point in the same post you quoted and another, and will be happy to argument it more, if there's interest and respect of other's opinions.

[kudy]

Hello,
anybody know if stageside camping is possible here or there?

Also would like to know the good spots to spectate!


According to the latest information, camping will not be possible on the Czech stages. 24 hours before all access roads will be closed.

https://www.pamk.cz/cer2024/

[kudy]

here is what you can expect on Strašín stage. Section from the start to Kváskovice by Václav Pech (time 2:38 until 8:33). Unfortunately, today's asphalt surface is much better.



https://youtu.be/Mhd0dzZqSyM?si=Ldvh4Fx-_uHC4gjq&t=158

[hari]

Thierry Neuville is going to compete at Herbst Rallye in Austria next week with Rally1 in preparation for WRC CER 2024.

➡️ https://www.herbstrallye.at/2024/news_2024_02.html

Last year Tanak won the event in Puma Rally1.

[GlennM]

Hi all!

Does anyone know if there'll be something to see in the Karpfham service park on Thursday? I guess it'll be pretty dead untill friday evening.
Is the main service park in Karpfham or in Klatovy?

[TypeR]

Thierry Neuville is going to compete at Herbst Rallye in Austria next week with Rally1 in preparation for WRC CER 2024.

➡️ https://www.herbstrallye.at/2024/news_2024_02.html

Last year Tanak won the event in Puma Rally1.
Like he doesn't know how to drive the car on tarmac :D

[PLuto]

Hi all!

Does anyone know if there'll be something to see in the Karpfham service park on Thursday? I guess it'll be pretty dead untill friday evening.
Is the main service park in Karpfham or in Klatovy?

Main service park is in Karpfham. Everybody will be there on Wednesday for scrutineering. Later that day (or next day very early in the morning) everybody will move to Prague to Velka Chuchle, where will be remote service during Thursday. On Thursday afternoon everybody will move to Janovice, where will be remote service during Friday. On Friday afternoon/evening everybody will move to Karpfham, where will be night service. And everybody will stay there until Sunday.

[GlennM]

Working on Google Maps stages. Will post link when finished.

2565

[Mirek]

Onboards from stages.
https://www.youtube.com/@GHrallyemotion/videos

[GlennM]

Stages on Google Maps:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?hl=nl&mid=1QtADt_4BJs4346TIU87WLkYVcDHCx1M&ll=49.27707379651569%2C14.332269673540985&z=9

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Dont think this has been posted...
Why Rovanpera hasn't been asked to do CER:

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/why-rovanpera-hasnt-been-asked-to-do-cer/

[Rallyper]

No matter how beautiful this rally is looked upon, I don´t like it.
High speed, tarmac, rain. bumpy stages... I enjoy watching it from home, but have a serious feeling safety margins is zero, whatever it means for drivers, spectators etz.

[Mirek]

No matter how beautiful this rally is looked upon, I don´t like it.
High speed, tarmac, rain. bumpy stages... I enjoy watching it from home, but have a serious feeling safety margins is zero, whatever it means for drivers, spectators etz.

This rally is far less bumpy than Barum. In our standards it's not bumpy at all except several short sections on Friday and Thursday night.

The Friday stages are partially same with Historic rally Vltava which has been very popular among Swedish or Finnish crews. You might ask some of them why they like it. Some are even here on the forum with us.

[Rallyper]

This rally is far less bumpy than Barum. In our standards it's not bumpy at all except several short sections on Friday and Thursday night.

The Friday stages are partially same with Historic rally Vltava which has been very popular among Swedish or Finnish crews. You might ask some of them why they like it. Some are even here on the forum with us.

I don´t have to ask other persons opinions, when formulating my own. Let´s erase the word bumpy then. Doesn´t make the rally so much safer in my eyes.
Having said that I´m looking forward watching CER from home pc.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

A PET just to get you in the mood... and this is the slowest Rally1 driver ! :disturb:

https://youtu.be/jQShTfVscwc?si=MVodYIF2tNwTUgSb

[mknight]

Pretty sure Serderidis will be slowest Rally1.

Apart from him I think it is quite possible that Munster will be faster than Pajari.

[Walach]

When they met head to head on tarmac last year in Croatia, Pajari was significantly faster than Munster in RC2. Think it will be interesting comparison between two of them at CER.

[CeskyOndra]

Is there someone visiting CER this weekend? Are u planning to visit Shakedown? It seems really different from the proper stages and also quite boring.

[satnav]

There are now recce videos of the stages on Rally-maps for anyone thats going.

https://x.com/RallyMaps/status/1846248270168773035

https://www.rally-maps.com/Central-European-Rally-2024

[spyros]

Any news about wheather there?

[Zoli]

Forecast says sunny and warm, but there has been some rain in Southern Germany and Czech Republic over the weekend, so it might stay muddy next to the road in the forest areas.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

FIA World Rally Championship
@OfficialWRC

Stages (and weather forecast) are looking amazing !

[Rallyper]

Less than 22 hrs left for doing the Pickems for CER...
Closing time is 1455 hrs CEST Thursday. That´s tomorrow...

[hari]

Some pictures from Servicepark in Karpfham: https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos_bestof_wrc_central_european_rallye_2024.html

https://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/1.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/2.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/3.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/4.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/5.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/10.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/23.jpghttps://www.ir7.at/content/fotos/2024/central/37.jpg

[EstWRC]

Recce interviews by dirtfish

https://youtu.be/U6y5203--ws?si=aC0VTB45CwAGnXtW

[Managarium]

https://i.postimg.cc/Bn9qJVjD/pirelli.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

https://i.postimg.cc/XYfnqk5P/pirelli2.jpg (https://postimages.org/)

[CeskyOndra]

What a time by Pajari? Almost 4sec faster on 2kms than Munster.. haha..

[mknight]

Yes, quite some surprise. Looked so much smoother and planted than a lot of others who had oversteer both under braking and out of corners.

Makes you wonder how good the Yaris really is vs others on tarmac.

[CeskyOndra]

Yes, quite some surprise. Looked so much smoother and planted than a lot of others who had oversteer both under braking and out of corners.

Makes you wonder how good the Yaris really is vs others on tarmac.

Yeah... Ogier slower in the same car as a guy who is driving it for the first time. But yeah just a single minute run, nothing to judge from.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Maybe its bit more important as its a remote shakedown with no chance to visit the service park before the start of the first stage.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

this is the slowest Rally1 driver ! :disturb:



As I said, Munster the slowest of the (factory) drivers. Slower than some Rally2's on SD !

[wwbroe]

As I said, Munster the slowest of the (factory) drivers. Slower than some Rally2's on SD !

Nothing to gain from this shakedown, as said above you can only loose as there is no service anymore before the stage.

[mknight]

Maybe its bit more important as its a remote shakedown with no chance to visit the service park before the start of the first stage.

The way I read it there is also no chance to change setup until the evening after both SSS and first proper stage.

[denkimi]

Nothing to gain from this shakedown, as said above you can only loose as there is no service anymore before the stage.
So another useless shakedown.

It's like the FIA does everything it can to kill shakedowns.

[EstWRC]

https://youtu.be/97V3miGKrAU?si=am-fSLYn1dTpUS4U

Massive difference between Ogier and Mikkelsen in the beginning of the vid

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Nothing to gain from this shakedown, as said above you can only loose as there is no service anymore before the stage.

It's the same for everyone but the others were happy to be fast compared to Munster.

[focus206]

Most important rally of Neuville's career. We know he's fast on asphalt, but he has to keep it on the road and hope for no problems.

With the new points system it's more complicated, but more or less Thierry has to:
- finish in front of Tanak
- finish at least 2nd
If Thierry finishes 3rd, it will depend who's 1st and how Sunday will go, it might not be enough. But of course, to finish 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc. first you have to finish.

[CeskyOndra]

I heard that Hyundai and Ford left tyre fitting zone with dry tires and Toyota with wet tires for the upcoming stages. Just a rumour, nothing official.

[mknight]

I heard that Hyundai and Ford left tyre fitting zone with dry tires and Toyota with wet tires for the upcoming stages. Just a rumour, nothing official.

You can see it on the vid frorm ceremonial start. So it is confirmed.

Guess they have some other meteorologists for the evening stage, maybe Marcus :)

[CeskyOndra]

You can see it on the vid frorm ceremonial start. So it is confirmed.

Guess they have some other meteorologists for the evening stage, maybe Marcus :)

Thats so so weird decision, we are on the Friday stages rn and they are mostly dry, just some forests are a bit slippy. Klatovy is a stage which is located between fields and not so many trees here, so sounds weird.. And rain? I can't see any.

[wwbroe]

Super special stage live now

[TypeR]

Neuville already lost front right fender on SS1.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ogier straight on it.

[EstWRC]

Hyundais slow

[wwbroe]

Hyundais slow

Mikkelsen fastest Hyundai

[TypeR]

Windows open for girl-project car..
Sad that they show these and never? showed jwrc winners etc..

Should be practicing more before letting them to such big rally..

[ReRe]

My photos from shakedown:
https://eu.zonerama.com/TomasR/Album/12300328

[wwbroe]

Marczyk with besttime in Rally 2

[CeskyOndra]

Mikkelsen fastest Hyundai

There was a bit of cleaning in the chicane and on the start with the gravel.

[EstWRC]

lol Rossel saying in the end he doesnt know what happened when he almost ended his rally in one corner

he really thought they dont find the place from the camera?

[Morte66]

Well, Mikkelsen looks happier than I've seen in a long time.

[archie106]

Rossel had better hope he hasn't caused suspension/brake damage on that rear corner, only a remote service tonight.

[meh]

Well, Mikkelsen looks happier than I've seen in a long time.

So, the long learning ("I'm still learning the car" responses a few years ago) ended with a result!

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Damaged front aero all day for Neuville tomorrow is far from ideal. But if tonight is anything to go by he'll manage it ok !

[becher]

lol Rossel saying in the end he doesnt know what happened when he almost ended his rally in one corner

he really thought they dont find the place from the camera?
I wasn't able to watch, what happend?

[TypeR]

I wasn't able to watch, what happend?
Went into a bank with rear right, almost rolled. At the end he was almost driving on brake disc, but didn't seem ,,retiring serious issue''.


Edit: Firtfish reported that suspension damage also for Rossel
https://www.upload.ee/image/17270602/received_906682961350823.png

Edit2: Tanak managed to break his rim..
https://www.upload.ee/image/17270631/Screenshot_20241017_212027_Instagram.jpg
Does remote service ibclude new tyres also?

[Krigen]

So, the long learning ("I'm still learning the car" responses a few years ago) ended with a result!

A few years ago he was driving a Skoda. Meh :o

[Fast Eddie WRC]

WRCWings

The loss of the front right wing of Neuville's Hyundai during SS1 means that no load is generated on that side, causing an inbalance at the front & rear, as airflow to rear wing on that side is also perturbed.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GaHNay1XUAEaZcU?format=jpg&name=medium

[EstWRC]

To be honest I was so surprised that Thierry pushed so much today. You could clearly see it

No need for it

[skarderud]

I'm afraid Thierry going to bin it this weekend. He is his own worst competitor.

Sent fra min SM-S901B via Tapatalk

[CeskyOndra]

Im also afraid :D But I hope that he is really feeling great and doesnt go over the limit. On shake, he was clean and tidy but fast.

[deephouse]

The comments here regarding Neuville are like you all really cheer hard for him to bin it completely.

[focus206]

Neuville said this after SS1: "The gameplan is to get through the rally on a decent rhythm and enjoy it. We all hope to claim the title this weekend, but we have to see how the weekend goes."
He's the only one of the 4 title contenders who didn't say he's going to push hard for the win. But I didn't see today's stages, did it look like he was going flat out?

[satnav]

Rossel had better hope he hasn't caused suspension/brake damage on that rear corner, only a remote service tonight.

Looks like he has damage going by the shape of the wheel

[TypeR]

Personally.. (as much I don't like it, but it is rallying) if I were in Neuville's situation, the only thing I would care about, would be finishing the rslly in front of Tanak.

Blablabla about manu's title.. maybe a million? +-2 would be in the game. But Ffs I wouldn't sacrifice my own WDC for some pointless trophy (sry, but the wrc manu trophy is pointless).

[focus206]

Personally.. (as much I don't like it, but it is rallying) if I were in Neuville's situation, the only thing I would care about, would be finishing the rslly in front of Tanak.

Blablabla about manu's title.. maybe a million? +-2 would be in the game. But Ffs I wouldn't sacrifice my own WDC for some pointless trophy (sry, but the wrc manu trophy is pointless).

I would imagine that's his thinking as well. Hopefully he won't be talked into pushing and taking many risks for the manufacturer title. Beating Tanak is already not a walk in the park and will require some pace.

[mknight]

It looks like it's the 3rd WRC2 title chance in a row that Rossel loses with crash on last or second last outing:
2022 - Greece
2023 - CER
2024- CER

Strange since he very rarely crashes otherwise.

[Mirek]

Interesting comment from Mikkelsen about finally finding confidence and fun in the car after abandoning attempts to copy Neuville's or Tänak's setups.

[EstWRC]

Rossel moment https://x.com/diegotesimracer/status/1847045508138676445?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

[Eli]

Rossel moment https://x.com/diegotesimracer/status/1847045508138676445?s=46&t=AWria8OgC1kV5QC61vX5Xg

Very lucky to escaped the way he did, could’ve been a DNF right there and then.

[TypeR]

How did that thing keep driving.. masssive hit to the bank/fence.. From onboard it didn't look half as hard..

[CeskyOndra]

Can someone send there tyre choice when its available? Stages are wet, fog is falling down.

[Morte66]

We are having some technical difficulties with our plane.

[jonkka]

But Ffs I wouldn't sacrifice my own WDC for some pointless trophy (sry, but the wrc manu trophy is pointless).

In practice, manufacturers' title is very pointless indeed, I do agree with that. But the important thing is that manufacturers do care about it more than anything else, for completely illogical reasons. And they call the shots in the team so if driver doesn't respect that, they can be without a seat very soon.

[TypeR]

Awful drone footage.. + very bad live overall

[EstWRC]

How come Tänak looks unusually happy so far

Maybe he also got to test the new car?

But the speed is usual on tarmac from him with the Hyundai.

[Eli]

How come Tänak looks unusually happy so far

Maybe he also got to test the new car?

But the speed is usual on tarmac from him with the Hyundai.

Finished 4th twice on the black stuff this year and was 3rd here last year (after Evans crashing in the barn), so if he manages to repeat that feat that’s good but again, realistically, it’s Neuville’s (as it’s been most season) to lose.

[EstWRC]

Can someone send there tyre choice when its available? Stages are wet, fog is falling down.

Everyone with 5 softs

[Lead]

Awful coverage

[EstWRC]

Srederidis please don’t take tarmac rallies into your calendar

[Rallyper]

Srederidis please don’t take tarmac rallies into your calendar

Yeah. He shouldn´t have any WRC calendar.

I can´t understand what he´s trying to prove of himself.

Just let the car to a young driver instead!

[meh]

Haha @ Solberg's interview at the end of SS3 - FIA turned the "fine printer" on I guess. It was not too different from the scandal "Ogier honesty".

[Mackie]

Pajari was quick in this one, until he lost hybrid apparently.

[meh]

Good that Serdenidis started, you have something to talk about :)

What one older man does with his money should not be anyone's business to comment? He does not take anyone's place away, he already pays for Munster and still such comments. The problem here is not that Serdenidis driving a Rally1 car, the problem is that it gets a bit too much coverage.

[becher]

Wait, Rossel is goning again today?

[EstWRC]

Good that Serdenidis started, you have something to talk about :)

What one older man does with his money should not be anyone's business to comment? He does not take anyone's place away, he already pays for Munster and still such comments. The problem here is not that Serdenidis driving a Rally1 car, the problem is that it gets a bit too much coverage.

I have nothing against him driving but only on gravel

Look at this loss here with 11 kms

[meh]

Wait, Rossel is goning again today?

He did not brake the car yesterday, just a broken wheel.

[denkimi]

Seems like the toyota's are working best here for the moment.

[TypeR]

Hahaha.. and now they punish Rossel :D

2000 euro fine for passing cars over double lines and red light.. :D

[meh]

SS4 - 26.7km in humid and moist conditions, going to be interesting I guess.

[jonkka]

The problem here is not that Serdenidis driving a Rally1 car, the problem is that it gets a bit too much coverage.

Exactly. His ugly, bloated face should not be shown anywhere.

[EstWRC]

Ogier and Tänak both lost to Thierry in the end a little bit

[Rallyper]

Good that Serdenidis started, you have something to talk about :)

What one older man does with his money should not be anyone's business to comment? He does not take anyone's place away, he already pays for Munster and still such comments. The problem here is not that Serdenidis driving a Rally1 car, the problem is that it gets a bit too much coverage.

He could have paid two youngsters then... :)

[Rallyper]

Fourmaux in trouble? Hard landing moments ago.

[EstWRC]

I think he lost the hybrid after that landing

[Eli]

God this stage is good, really beautiful and really tricky, would’ve love to see this stage at night time. I know you guys like this rally less & the entries aren’t good but I’m really enjoying it, absolutely beautiful, only complaint? Add more kms and stages please, end it on a Sunday Night or Evening maybe?

[EstWRC]

Pajari, Mikkelsen and Fourmaux without hybrid

Let’s get loose of that useless shitbox

[Morte66]

God this stage is good, really beautiful and really tricky, would’ve love to see this stage at night time. I know you guys like this rally less & the entries aren’t good but I’m really enjoying it, absolutely beautiful, only complaint? Add more kms and stages please, end it on a Sunday Night or Evening maybe?

Yeah. I like this one so far. I liked the night stage yesterday, and I agree this one would be nice to watch at night.

I would like more people driving for points in WRC2 and fewer hybrid failures, but neither of those are problems with this rally.

[Eli]

Pajari, Mikkelsen and Fourmaux without hybrid

Let’s get loose of that useless shitbox

WMSC last night and they didn’t publish anything regarding it or anything much besides implementing remote services for next year.

[Rallyper]

Gryazin puncture?

Edit: Split two, wrong time presented.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Pajari, Mikkelsen and Fourmaux without hybrid

Let’s get loose of that useless shitbox

Munster too. WTF is going on after nearly 3 years. How is the hybrid being lost, is it just the battery connection or what ?

[becher]

He did not brake the car yesterday, just a broken wheel.

I thought the car was crabbing in the Dirtfish video?

[Morte66]

Munster too. WTF is going on after nearly 3 years. How is the hybrid being lost, is it just the battery connection or what ?

A couple of them seem to have lost it on that jump, so perhaps it's self-inflicted, but Pajari's was already gone.

The thing does seem more prone to failure than is appropriate for a rally car.

Did you see the thing where M-Sport said they can't afford to continue in WRC1 if it needs to be sent back for rebuilding, at a cost of a couple of million a year?
https://www.motorsport.com/wrc/news/wrc-teams-weigh-in-on-possible-hybrid-power-u-turn-for-2025/10663454/

[TypeR]

Wydaeghes phone screen activates from time to time.. just noticed :D

[Rallyper]

Thierry pushing hard.

[COD]

Hybrid manufacturer not really making a good case forthemselves regarding next year with half of the field out of hybrid by now

[Mackie]

The hybrid unit is prone to shutting down when it is exposed to high g-forces, I think.

[EstWRC]

Thierry pushing hard.

i dont get it why he is pushing so much, just ridiculous from him

[Rallyper]

i dont get it why he is pushing so much, just ridiculous from him

Well, that´s what we think.

If you as a driver are feeling good with the speed, just let it go. It´s maybe safer than holding back. (my own experience as well, from annu datzumal) ;)

[becher]

Well, that´s what we think.

If you as a driver are feeling good with the speed, just let it go. It´s maybe safer than holding back. (my own experience as well, from annu datzumal) ;)

This! People tend to lose their rhythm when they back of, and cruising through could backfire in Japan.

(annu datzumal is swedish?)

[Morte66]

Oh Andreas...

[Rallyper]

mikkelsen off. Steam from cooler, hit poles. End of the day for Mikkelsen.

Edit: Stage red flagged. Half of stage is blocked by front of the car.

[eib1]

https://scontent-cdg4-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/462558054_1975788519528908_2897049729481133735_n.p ng?stp=dst-png_s2048x2048&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=9f807c&_nc_ohc=_YCyp6nB_CoQ7kNvgGRImO4&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-cdg4-2.xx&_nc_gid=AsNl4IZlnxxpUD2JSgPqTRY&oh=03_Q7cD1QGpvygMaX_2D_rW1el_JJNAIes6wf15xEhtt067 TKnVkg&oe=6739B51E

[Eli]

Gotta love these near winter conditions, definitely need more rallies in this time of year. Also, Mikkelsen showing why he’s not going to get a seat in 2025, if Lancia or Skoda were in the championship maybe, but even then, why not invest in the youngsters or try and steal Pajari or Fourmaux.

[Morte66]

So, does anybody know... What do we have in the way of lunchtime service, and can it fix a hybrid?

[wyler]

So, does anybody know... What do we have in the way of lunchtime service, and can it fix a hybrid?

technically u can't repair it.
they can reset it and see if it gets going (most of the time works), or change it, but there's no service today, so no change.

[becher]

I thought there was a remote service? Or is it just a tyre fitting zone?

[Eli]

I thought there was a remote service? Or is it just a tyre fitting zone?

Remote service after the next stage but they are limited in what they can do in the car.

[486]

The hybrid unit is prone to shutting down when it is exposed to high g-forces, I think.

Yes, probably a safety feature. An automatic disconnection in case of accident to avoid a fire or a hazardous electric discharge, I believe. Just think the mediatic impact of such a catastrophic event. I think they are playing on the safe side, with plenty of margins, to avoid bad publicity, and potential impact into manufacturers.

[Rallyper]

Yes, probably a safety feature. An automatic disconnection in case of accident to avoid a fire or a hazardous electric discharge, I believe. Just think the mediatic impact of such a catastrophic event. I think they are playing on the safe side, with plenty of margins, to avoid bad publicity, and potential impact into manufacturers.

Probably root cause here, yes.

[dupanton]

Neuville has to beat Tanak to get the title this weekend and is just 3.8s ahead of him. So not really pushing that hard.

[trykmann]

Neuville has to beat Tanak to get the title this weekend and is just 3.8s ahead of him. So not really pushing that hard.

I think all the top 4 drivers are currently on the limit.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Rossel last night near roll...

https://x.com/ma_ipp/status/1847169371560346008

[wwbroe]

Stage 6 delayed?

Edit: apparantly 10 mins delay

[Morte66]

nevermind

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen explains plus photos...

https://dirtfish.com/rally/wrc/mikkelsen-explains-rally-ending-cer-crash/

[deephouse]

How the heck can a hybrid unit repair costs could be 1million? That thing as I understood costs 150.000. Even if you take 3 out, they are still not even near that high number.. What garbage product are they supply to the teams.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Ha, Ogier just wont accept Neuville is faster.. :D

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Great stage Taka !

[stavrosGDB]

Taka-san mode ON.

[meh]

Taka-san mode ON.

statistically, it may mean he will be off soon.

[COD]

The hybrid unit is prone to shutting down when it is exposed to high g-forces, I think.

Yes, but with plans to ditch them because of high repair costs, this just justifies dumping hybrid even more

[denkimi]

How the heck can a hybrid unit repair costs could be 1million? That thing as I understood costs 150.000. Even if you take 3 out, they are still not even near that high number.. What garbage product are they supply to the teams.
If you have to replace them after every rally, or even during rallies the cost gets very high very quickly.

But the main issue is that it adds nothing. It's just stuff that costs way too much and breaks all the time, without making the cars faster.

[Morte66]

statistically, it may mean he will be off soon.

I've been watching with Japanese commentary. When Katsuta got the stage win, well, there was no need to understand Japanese to know how they felt about it.

[denkimi]

Mikkelsen's crash
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/sY7Pww71uZAYzxiG/

[deephouse]

If the hybrid unit needs to be replaced after every rally, it's clearly bad garbage product. And losing it after one small jump really adds to it, it is very bad thing. And after 2-3 years of using it, they are now concerned for safety and need to be rebuild and costs are higher than the product.

To me it smells like it's just excuse that they want to grab as much as money as they can, since they will be out of contract soon.

FIA should drop it immediately and put balast on cars, that thing work well and keep that until the end of 2026.

[focus206]

For not being very comfortable with car, Tanak is being fast. Only 6 seconds from Neuville and 3 seconds from Ogier. Shows that if Neuville wants to beat him, he can't really ease off.

[jonkka]

But the main issue is that it adds nothing. It's just stuff that costs way too much and breaks all the time, without making the cars faster.

It adds green image and argument for sustainability of the sport. Hybrid was never an engineering or sporting decision, it is all about PR. Do not pretend otherwise.

[denkimi]

It adds green image and argument for sustainability of the sport. Hybrid was never an engineering or sporting decision, it is all about PR. Do not pretend otherwise.
I know. But they could get the same effect by using something way smaller and cheaper since it's only purpose is to be able to use the term "hybrid".

They could even get rid of it and just keep the hybrid name. Those that are green enough to care aren't interested enough in rallying to know it couldn't be real.

[becher]

For not being very comfortable with car, Tanak is being fast. Only 6 seconds from Neuville and 3 seconds from Ogier. Shows that if Neuville wants to beat him, he can't really ease off.
Well that's the usual thing with Tänak, "set up issues" but right on the pace or even winning.

[deephouse]

Well that's the usual thing with Tänak, "set up issues" but right on the pace or even winning.

No, according to most comments here, Neuville will bin it, like usual (and get no points), and Tanak (who never do that) will dominate. #beingsarcastic

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Mikkelsen's crash
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/sY7Pww71uZAYzxiG/

Never like to see cars hitting fence posts after what happened to poor Craig Breen.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

But the main issue is that it adds nothing. It's just stuff that costs way too much and breaks all the time, without making the cars faster.

Not true, the extra 100bhp does make them faster - cost and being unreliable are the main reasons to remove it.

[becher]

No, according to most comments here, Neuville will bin it, like usual (and get no points), and Tanak (who never do that) will dominate. #beingsarcastic

Oh well that's wishful thinking by some. The Internet is anti Neuville or in general against crews with french notes. Just look at the dirtfished Solberg fanboy crowd wishing ill to Rossel.

[becher]

Not true, the extra 100bhp does make them faster - cost and being unreliable are the main reasons to remove it.
The extra 100kw give something, but not a whole lot as it can only be deployed for very short bursts.

Remove the 100kw strong MGU, don't fit ballast in place of it and you have a faster car immediately.

[meh]

Oh well that's wishful thinking by some. The Internet is anti Neuville or in general against crews with french notes. Just look at the dirtfished Solberg fanboy crowd wishing ill to Rossel.

Quite a silly conclusion I would say. Does everyone hate Loeb, Ogier, Fourmaux, <who else>?

Fan base is more of a question of personality-(mis)match, not based on the language used for pace notes.

[denkimi]

Not true, the extra 100bhp does make them faster - cost and being unreliable are the main reasons to remove it.
Just the weight of removing the hybrid compensates the lost power.

[CeskyOndra]

Oh well that's wishful thinking by some. The Internet is anti Neuville or in general against crews with french notes. Just look at the dirtfished Solberg fanboy crowd wishing ill to Rossel.

I think that some of us are just scared of him crashing (me), that we wrote a wish that he won't bin it :D Sometimes, when he is in the lead after Friday, Saturday doesn't end well. We have to hope. I'm a big fan of him and I just hope for the title after 13 years.

[becher]

Quite a silly conclusion I would say. Does everyone hate Loeb, Ogier, Fourmaux, <who else>?

Fan base is more of a question of personality-(mis)match, not based on the language used for pace notes.
Come on, it was obviously not a scientific analysis, but rather a bit of a joke.

What cannot be denied is that people often claim Loeb, Neuville, Rossel or Ogier (recently also with Fourmaux) are arrogant.

When you actually listen to how and what these drivers have to say there is only one of them that could be considered arrogant.

Also correlation=! causality.

[Backa]

Oh well that's wishful thinking by some. The Internet is anti Neuville or in general against crews with french notes.

Not sure about French-speaking crews in general but I also see some underappreciation of Neuville. I think it's more about Belgian fanbase not being as big and vocal as Nordic/Estonian/British so general narrative is more harsh on him than it should be.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Just the weight of removing the hybrid compensates the lost power.

But the car balance is designed for the weight so it cant just be removed.

[becher]

But the car balance is designed for the weight so it cant just be removed.
Things can be changed and adjusted you know? A car is not a fixed block of metal.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Things can be changed and adjusted you know? A car is not a fixed block of metal.

It's not that easy, hence why the ballast is used currently.

[TypeR]

The extra 100kw give something, but not a whole lot as it can only be deployed for very short bursts.

Remove the 100kw strong MGU, don't fit ballast in place of it and you have a faster car immediately.


Things can be changed and adjusted you know? A car is not a fixed block of metal.
The whole car is desinged for that duracell.. 3rd year going and Hyundai hasn't managed to get the car good, because it was wrong from the beginning.
Rally1 needs that extra 100kg there in the back of the car..

[deephouse]

What if they know the car would be faster and then they put ballast in it to handicap it a little bit to show that it's worst without HyUnit. What a story would that be to the green people and PR at FIA if a non-hybrid car would beat hybrid ones by seconds. Theyy would be so embarassed.

[jonkka]

What cannot be denied is that people often claim Loeb, Neuville, Rossel or Ogier (recently also with Fourmaux) are arrogant.


Point me to a person who has ever said that Loeb is arrogant? Loeb is the humblest and most down-to-earth driver of recent years, I can't even begin to describe what calling him arrogant is.

[jonkka]

What if they know the car would be faster and then they put ballast in it to handicap it a little bit to show that it's worst without HyUnit. What a story would that be to the green people and PR at FIA if a non-hybrid car would beat hybrid ones by seconds. Theyy would be so embarassed.

Remember what Sesks did in Latvia?

[deephouse]

Yes but he have ballasted car. I'm thinking if the thing was taken out completely and not replaced by any non necessary bricks or weights. We all know it would be really bad to the whole picture (I mean to those who really push that stupid technology) if the car without ballast and hybrid would be up there or even faster.

What I'm thinkg also is, I think that that hybrid burts are taking some concentration from drivers, that's why some of them are still struggling to adapt to them. They are just focusing too much to deploy them at the perfect time and then mistakes came.

[jonkka]

We don't need to make scientific tests to prove that water is wet. If car with ballast can be fast, then one without ballast will be faster still (provided that weight distribution issue noted earlier is solved). So what is your point here or did I miss something?

[deephouse]

We don't need to make scientific tests to prove that water is wet. If car with ballast can be fast, then one without ballast will be faster still (provided that weight distribution issue noted earlier is solved). So what is your point here or did I miss something?

Justify that this technology is useless as many of people already knew that, and I think that teams also and those ones who want that thing being part of rallying.

And of course annoy you :P

[jonkka]

And of course annoy you :P

The current sad state of WRC annoys me much more than you or somewhat pointless hybrid discussion ever will. And I did note the sarcasm there.

[trykmann]

It seems the small rally before this one has helped Neuville to get a better feeling in the car.

[deephouse]

Wow Pajari shaved some bushes out there

[Eli]

I’m aware I’m jinxing it here but from the outside Pajari looks much more experienced on Tarmac with the Rally1 car.

[Fast Eddie WRC]

The Regs show the complication...

12.1.3 RALLY1 CARS WITHOUT HYBRID UNIT

Rally1 type cars without hybrid unit are accepted under the following conditions:
– These cars cannot be nominated for scoring manufacturers’ points.
– These cars must be in compliance with article 262 / Appendix J and their Ra1 homologation form except for the points mentioned below:
– Hybrid unit must be replaced by a dummy hybrid unit complying with one of the following options:
1) Repurposing the existing carbon housing with no internals + Ballasts (location TBC)
2) Dummy HPS with identical size and dimensions / dimensions and material (TBC)
– Location, position and minimum weight of the dummy hybrid unit:
a) Location and Position: in compliance with Ra1 Homologation form
b) Center of gravity / height: must be equal or higher to the one of hybrid unit.
c) Minimum mass (90kg for the dummy HPS + 1 ballast of 10kg to be added on the car)
– Hybrid unit supports must be complying with Ra1 Homologation form.
– Cooling system for ES & MGUK: not applicable / may be removed.
– Safety Indicator and status light must be complying with Ra1 Homologation form.
– Sound module: not applicable
– Shaft between hybrid system and rear differential: may be removed. No other modification permitted on rear differential except cover plate or bung required when hybrid shaft removed.
– ECU Software: Must use be homologated for Rally1 HY / see Ra1 Homologation form.
– Sensors: only sensors linked to hybrid cooling may be removed.
– Actuators only actuators linked to hybrid cooling may be removed.
– Opening for accessing electrical connections for the hybrid system: must be closed / steel panel compulsory.
– Bodywork: Battery (ES) cooling – Ducts & MGUK and inverter cooling – Ducts may be removed (Appendix J) => the resulting openings must be closed
– Bodywork: The homologated trim for cooling the hybrid system (Battery ES / MGUK and inverter) may be replaced by body panels with a continuous surface.
– FIA data logging system: no modification allowed.

[EstWRC]

It seems the small rally before this one has helped Neuville to get a better feeling in the car.

Agreed

[becher]

Point me to a person who has ever said that Loeb is arrogant? Loeb is the humblest and most down-to-earth driver of recent years, I can't even begin to describe what calling him arrogant is.

I absolutely agree with you, but believe it or not, I've read comments calling him arrogant. (Not on this forum though)

[Fast Eddie WRC]

Fourmaux:
"No hybrid. Beginning of the season we were able to reset it but the rules have changed."

Now this is stupid.

[becher]

Wait the FIA calls it the "Hybrid Unit" in the regulations?

Ohh my......

This hobby horse discussion about a Rally1 being faster if it's lighter or it being undrivable without 100kg of ballast in the back is a bit pointless.

Physics give the answer, engineering makes sure that it is drivable.

What's the weight of two gravel spares 40-50kg? They are positioned even further back in the car, often on the rear axle or even slightly behind it, but if you remove both the car isn't suddenly undrivable.

Is Hybrid in motorsport a gimmick? Yes apart from the old LMP1, a lighter car is always faster and power from an ICE is never a problem these days.

But Hybrid can be beneficial in road cars.

[becher]

Fourmaux:
"No hybrid. Beginning of the season we were able to reset it but the rules have changed."

Now this is stupid.
So the anti reset rule is already a thing?

[Morte66]

It doesn't look like Fourmaux or Pajari got their hybrid back. Fourmaux said something at the stage end like "they changed the rules so we can't reset it now".

[CeskyOndra]

Cmon guys lets talk about 3 drivers separated by 0.8s, thats really uncommon for that tricky tarmac rally!

[deephouse]

So the anti reset rule is already a thing?

Compact Dynamics are probably counting money in their heads already. It would be funny if the FIA would scrap hybrid even before the last round of 2024 championship.

[CeskyOndra]

According to the radar there is a chance for a small shower for later runners

[Eli]

So the anti reset rule is already a thing?

I think it was mentioned somewhere they took the decision back in Greece.

[becher]

Thanks, I thought it would only come in from next season.

[wwbroe]

Good day for Thierry, last besttime goes to Ogier, Evans loosig too much on this one.

[Eli]

As long as Thierry doesn’t do a Deutschland or Catalunya 2017 or Deutschland 2019, he should take it.

[deephouse]

Does Katsuta also lost Hybrid power?

[jonkka]

As long as Thierry doesn’t do a Deutschland or Catalunya 2017 or Deutschland 2019, he should take it.

Don't say that yet. Tomorrow is longer day than today and with reversed running order so Neuville will have worst position to run in.

[becher]

As long as Thierry doesn’t do a Deutschland or Catalunya 2017 or Deutschland 2019, he should take it.
Or a Croatia. It's funny how he was more or less box-office there each year but never got it properly over the line

[Eli]

Don't say that yet. Tomorrow is longer day than today and with reversed running order so Neuville will have worst position to run in.

You’re right I forgot Monte-Carlo 2017 when he was fastest and binned it, but honestly, by pace alone, he’s good to go, he only needs to stay ahead of Ott.

[denkimi]

Don't say that yet. Tomorrow is longer day than today and with reversed running order so Neuville will have worst position to run in.
Etappe 1: 124,97km
Etappe 2: 123,46km

[Morte66]

Pajari has been creeping ahead of Fourmaux today but lost most of his lead there.

But I think he had one or two more stages without hybrid, so that's not a bad day for him overall.

[denkimi]

What happened to evans, katsuta, fourmaux? Caught out by rain?

[jonkka]

Etappe 1: 114,97km
Etappe 2: 123,46km

Like I said, tomorrow is longer day... Except today's stages were just 110,64 km...

[focus206]

Top 3 in only 7,8 seconds, very tight. Evans is not far behind in 4th. I'm mostly surprised by Tanak, basically as fast as Ogier today. The big question is: how much is Neuville pushing? Is he taking many risks or is he managing to a certain degree?

How are tomorrow stages looking? Smoother roads?

[Eli]

Top 3 in only 7,8 seconds, very tight. Evans is not far behind in 4th. I'm mostly surprised by Tanak, basically as fast as Ogier today. The big question is: how much is Neuville pushing? Is he taking many risks or is he managing to a certain degree?

How are tomorrow stages looking? Smoother roads?

Smoother roads, yes, I think it will all fall around the weather because it’s again a relatively early start so if it stays 14°c degrees and foggy like today, it’ll be tricky.

[Morte66]

What happened to evans, katsuta, fourmaux? Caught out by rain?

Evans said he thought it was a good stage and he was a bit surprised by the time, despite a minor brake problem near the end.

I think Katsuta has decided he wants to finish.

Fourmaux, I didn't notice anything, except he gained on Pajari (or Pajari lost time to him).

[TypeR]

BREAKING NEWS!
Rally ain't over till it's over.

10-second time penalty!

Car no 19 did not negotiate correctly the chicane on SS7.

[Morte66]

BREAKING NEWS!
Rally ain't over till it's over.

10-second time penalty!

Car no 19 did not negotiate correctly the chicane on SS7.

Serderidis.

You tease.

[CeskyOndra]

You’re right I forgot Monte-Carlo 2017 when he was fastest and binned it, but honestly, by pace alone, he’s good to go, he only needs to stay ahead of Ott.

And I cant forgot Belgium 2022.. :D If Ogier is behind him by few seconds and Tanak is far away, he won't give up the victory because its Ogier

[Eli]

Please WRC promoter, whoever it’ll be, please replace Kiri from the WRC TV crew, I honestly can’t stand her at this point, only repeating what anyone is saying with her dumb smile and stupid hand gestures. No offence to anyone here who like her.

[focus206]

And I cant forgot Belgium 2022.. :D If Ogier is behind him by few seconds and Tanak is far away, he won't give up the victory because its Ogier

if Ogier is faster tomorrow, Neuville better let him pass. He has to focus on Tanak and keep up a good rhythm, too risky battling Ogier. But so far, not much pace difference between Ogier and Tanak.

[TypeR]

Mikkelsen starting tomorrow and swiping road for Serderidis :D

[CeskyOndra]

Mikkelsen might be a good chance for Hyundai to bring Sunday points with good starting position. If I remember well, Pasauer Land was quite dirty last year.

[EstWRC]

Please WRC promoter, whoever it’ll be, please replace Kiri from the WRC TV crew, I honestly can’t stand her at this point, only repeating what anyone is saying with her dumb smile and stupid hand gestures. No offence to anyone here who like her.

She is still working there?

I agree with you. She is plain horrible. Couldn’t stand her at all back in the day when I was still using WRC+

[Eli]

She is still working there?

I agree with you. She is plain horrible. Couldn’t stand her at all back in the day when I was still using WRC+

Yes she is, I think it’s 5(?) years strong now, I remember her interviewing Andrea Adamo back at the end of Wales Rally GB 2019, and you could tell by the look on his face he wanted to her gone from his face.

[mknight]

Back from stages, got to Mikkelsen before they loaded the car, just in time to see Colin buzz around and exchange a few words with Andreas.

He looked a bit down but was nice as always and managed a smile on a pic with my son.

Takeaways:
- really easy to see and hear who has working hybrid out of slow corners, unlike on RallyTV, even with stageside cameras.
- Fourmaux looked really hesitant in mid to fast corners, more than Pajari. Fast section where Ogier was flat out through 3 corners Fourmaux lift off on two.
- All Hyundais semi-sideways exit our of every mid-speed corner (saw 3 different), Toyotas on rails, (two) Pumas understeer-ish entries then stable. All respect to Neuville and Tanak for the times they are posting.
- First time I saw Serderidis live and it is even worse than om RallyTV. The Fiesta Rally2 safety car (00) looks faster than him.

[CeskyOndra]

Back from stages, got to Mikkelsen before they loaded the car, just in time to see Colin buzz around and exchange a few words with Andreas.

He looked a bit down but was nice as always and managed a smile on a pic with my son.

Takeaways:
- really easy to see and hear who has working hybrid out of slow corners, unlike on RallyTV, even with stageside cameras.
- Fourmaux looked really hesitant in mid to fast corners, more than Pajari. Fast section where Ogier was flat out through 3 corners Fourmaux lift off on two.
- All Hyundais semi-sideways exit our of every mid-speed corner (saw 3 different), Toyotas on rails, (two) Pumas understeer-ish entries then stable. All respect to Neuville and Tanak for the times they are posting.
- First time I saw Serderidis live and it is even worse than om RallyTV. The Fiesta Rally2 safety car (00) looks faster than him.

Finally some nice comment about the rally. But just in my corners where I've been to today, All Toyotas were very nervous and sliding a lot (corners with lot of polution, so maybe you've seen corners with anticut?) especially Ogier and Pajari doing lot of corrections on the leaves or mud.

And Munster.. This guy doesn't know which line is the best basically, doing no sense braking in my opinion, he is just lost.. Poor guy.

[Eli]

Good Morning everyone, a very nice stage to begin with, some very heavy fog.