Originally Posted by
Lundefaret
Quick and very informal analyzing of the drivers based on the footage of the testing:
I have given scores based on speed and risk level, where a 10/10 would be the perfect score.
The speed would indicate the possible pace, and the risk the possibility for keeping up that speed during the whole event.
First: A lot of very good driving. So the fight for the second place could be a close one;) Of course limited footage, so this is only based on what was available, but could give a reasonable prediction.
VW:
- Ogier in a class of his own. He is a VERY strong favorite for the win. Especially if the weather turns wet. 9.0/8
- Latvala looks on the pace, but not as precise as Ogier. But clearly on a mission. The trick, as always, for Latvala is what has the win in Finland done for his psyche, will this be good or bad? Could fight for second. 8.7/7
- Mikkelsen. Looks very good, should be in the fight for the podium. 8.0/6
Citroën:
- Meeke should be strong, but can equally end up in the wine ranks. So its a fight for the podium, or taking the extended tour;) 8.5/5
- Østberg surprisingly good, although limited footage, and only dry weather. But I don't think I have seen him so Loeb-ish on tarmac before - could we be in for a surprise? 8.0/9
Hyundai - I think Hyundai could make a very positive result.
- Sordo, looks very good. Has been a little unprecice at a previous tarmac test, but looked better now. But the footage was not the best to make the call. But could be in for a podium fight. 8.7/7
- Neuville. Looks very strong, but a bit to eager. Will have to pace him self on the second run trough in the dry, and always in the wet. 8.0/5
- Bouffier. Tough very good, nothing is to be expected. A difficult rally, and every sound progression will be a victory in it self.
Ford:
- Hirvonen, looks surprisingly good, and precise. Could also fight above what have become expected of him this season. 8.0/9
- Evans. Have a very high risk of understeering off on the second runs, or in the wet. 7.0/3
- Kubica. Sometimes fast, but also unprecice and high risk. Will be quick in the dry, but quick and unsafe in the wet. 8.0/3
Speed ranking:
9.0:
Ogier
8.7:
Latvala
Sordo
8.5:
Neuville*
Meeke*
8.0:
Mikkelsen
Østberg
Hirvonen
Kubica*
7.0
Evans*
*High Risk