| WagonMonster | 05-06-2005 12:54 PM |
Rally Cyprus Starts Friday! [Official Thread]
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Current season standings:
1. S. LOEB (F) 35 Pts
2. P. SOLBERG (N) 34 Pts
3. M. M�RTIN (EE) 28 Pts
4. M. GR�NHOLM (FIN) 26 Pts
5. T. GARDEMEISTER (FIN) 24 Pts
6. H. ROVANPER� (FIN) 11 Pts
With his win in Corsica, Loeb has regained the points lead, but Petter, with his second place finish, is still only ONE point behind! This is turning out to be one of the most exciting fights for first since Burns won it all in 2001!
From WRC.com...
[quote]
[b]Loeb faces tough gravel test[/b]
Reigning champion and current drivers' title leader Sebastien Loeb has admitted that being first on the road in next weekend's Cyprus Rally could harm his chances of scoring a third win on the trot. The Frenchman will be forced to sweep the stages of loose gravel, which means he will lose significant time to his following rivals.
[/quote]
Let's hope this bodes well for Petter! :banana:
1. S. LOEB (F) 35 Pts
2. P. SOLBERG (N) 34 Pts
3. M. M�RTIN (EE) 28 Pts
4. M. GR�NHOLM (FIN) 26 Pts
5. T. GARDEMEISTER (FIN) 24 Pts
6. H. ROVANPER� (FIN) 11 Pts
With his win in Corsica, Loeb has regained the points lead, but Petter, with his second place finish, is still only ONE point behind! This is turning out to be one of the most exciting fights for first since Burns won it all in 2001!
From WRC.com...
[quote]
[b]Loeb faces tough gravel test[/b]
Reigning champion and current drivers' title leader Sebastien Loeb has admitted that being first on the road in next weekend's Cyprus Rally could harm his chances of scoring a third win on the trot. The Frenchman will be forced to sweep the stages of loose gravel, which means he will lose significant time to his following rivals.
[/quote]
Let's hope this bodes well for Petter! :banana:
| Rallycarperson | 05-06-2005 08:21 PM |
Wow already in Cyprus! I expect the trio Solberg, Loeb and Gronholm to be [i]as usuall [/i]in front. Loeb definitely looked fast in Sardinia, and since conditions are similar in Cyprus he will be the man to beat. Lets hope being the 'sweeper' slows him down. And lets pray it doen't rain the day before. :lol:
I predicted right in Sardinia, but Im starting to catch a little Solberg fever for this event. :D
My predictions:
1. Solberg
2. Loeb
3. Gronholm
-Mark
MAPmotors.com
I predicted right in Sardinia, but Im starting to catch a little Solberg fever for this event. :D
My predictions:
1. Solberg
2. Loeb
3. Gronholm
-Mark
MAPmotors.com
| alachua | 05-09-2005 01:24 AM |
It may be just me, but the last rally and the last half of the prior rally are really the first times I have been impressed with Loeb's driving. Typically, it is smooth and consistant, but doesn't have the all out speed that Gronholm and Solberg have, relying instead on the cars reliability, and errors on the behalfs of other drivers to win.
That being said, I am getting pretty tired of the same circle between every rally:
- some team manager dicusses potential series hopes from team with no real chance
- petter feels he won't be very fast in the next rally
- pierreli working on new compound for new rally
- gronholm/martin disappointed with season so far.
rinse lather repeat. At least now we are getting into the part of the season with rapid fire rallies, almost every other week.
-Cliff
That being said, I am getting pretty tired of the same circle between every rally:
- some team manager dicusses potential series hopes from team with no real chance
- petter feels he won't be very fast in the next rally
- pierreli working on new compound for new rally
- gronholm/martin disappointed with season so far.
rinse lather repeat. At least now we are getting into the part of the season with rapid fire rallies, almost every other week.
-Cliff
| WagonMonster | 05-09-2005 11:25 AM |
[QUOTE=alachua]- some team manager dicusses potential series hopes from team with no real chance
- petter feels he won't be very fast in the next rally
- pierreli working on new compound for new rally
- gronholm/martin disappointed with season so far.
rinse lather repeat. At least now we are getting into the part of the season with rapid fire rallies, almost every other week.
[/QUOTE]
So true! :lol:
But Skoda [i]could[/i] win! :lol:
- petter feels he won't be very fast in the next rally
- pierreli working on new compound for new rally
- gronholm/martin disappointed with season so far.
rinse lather repeat. At least now we are getting into the part of the season with rapid fire rallies, almost every other week.
[/QUOTE]
So true! :lol:
But Skoda [i]could[/i] win! :lol:
| wrrrx | 05-10-2005 12:00 AM |
[QUOTE=Rallycarperson]
I predicted right in Sardinia, but Im starting to catch a little Solberg fever for this event. :D
My predictions:
1. Solberg
2. Loeb
3. Gronholm
[/QUOTE]
I've been mmm... kinda pessimistic lately (and in full agreement w/ Cliff- we seem to be in a bit of a rut...)
SO, because I've been getting superstititious I'll not pick the order I [B]want[/B], merely how I'm afraid it'll play out;
1. Loeb
2. Martin
3. Gronholm (remember when he seemed unbeatable? LOL!)
Here's hoping I'm wrong,
Russ R
I predicted right in Sardinia, but Im starting to catch a little Solberg fever for this event. :D
My predictions:
1. Solberg
2. Loeb
3. Gronholm
[/QUOTE]
I've been mmm... kinda pessimistic lately (and in full agreement w/ Cliff- we seem to be in a bit of a rut...)
SO, because I've been getting superstititious I'll not pick the order I [B]want[/B], merely how I'm afraid it'll play out;
1. Loeb
2. Martin
3. Gronholm (remember when he seemed unbeatable? LOL!)
Here's hoping I'm wrong,
Russ R
| akuhner | 05-10-2005 08:45 AM |
My predictions:
1) Whom ever drives a perfect event.
2) Guy who drives an almost perfect event, but can't keep up with #1.
3) Dude who comes from behind after a bad start, posts good times, but can't take #2.
WHO those people will be is pointless to speculate on. ;)
1) Whom ever drives a perfect event.
2) Guy who drives an almost perfect event, but can't keep up with #1.
3) Dude who comes from behind after a bad start, posts good times, but can't take #2.
WHO those people will be is pointless to speculate on. ;)
| fuzzy13 | 05-10-2005 11:10 AM |
I think this rally will be a lot closer as Pirelli will not have given its drivers tires that are too soft for the expected temperature - everyone knows Cyprus will be hot.
| speedyHAM | 05-10-2005 11:19 AM |
My best guess-
1. Martin- will have a good drive as always, and will finally be comfortable with the car
2. Gronholm- will be out to prove something, but will make a mistake and lose #1
3. Solberg- will make a mistake and drop, then come back
4. Loeb- just not quite fast enough
Should be a good rally in any case.
1. Martin- will have a good drive as always, and will finally be comfortable with the car
2. Gronholm- will be out to prove something, but will make a mistake and lose #1
3. Solberg- will make a mistake and drop, then come back
4. Loeb- just not quite fast enough
Should be a good rally in any case.
| Anibalz | 05-10-2005 03:55 PM |
I'm going to put my bets on marcus for this one, with petter close in second if he doesn't make any mistakes and Sebastien, Markko and Harri for the top 5, if cars are relaible. I think ford will finish in the points but dont know if in the Top 5. Duval, Atkinson and Galli might be fast but I smell some breakdowns. I think Skoda will get some points, but not really sure or maybe some privateers.
| wrrrx | 05-10-2005 07:50 PM |
[QUOTE=Car #187]WHO those people will be is pointless to speculate on. ;)[/QUOTE]
Pointless indeed- but still fun! :banana:
Personally, I'm praying for more broken Citroen sumps! :lol: Something's gotta slow up Loeb...
Russ R
Pointless indeed- but still fun! :banana:
Personally, I'm praying for more broken Citroen sumps! :lol: Something's gotta slow up Loeb...
Russ R
| akuhner | 05-10-2005 11:06 PM |
[QUOTE=wrrrx]Personally, I'm praying for more broken Citroen sumps! :lol: Something's gotta slow up Loeb...[/QUOTE]
Well then I'll be canceling out your prayers by hoping for the opposite! Ha! ;) :lol:
Not that I have to, Loeb and the Citroen will dominate the year again. He won't win, or even place, in every rally, but he won't have to.
Well then I'll be canceling out your prayers by hoping for the opposite! Ha! ;) :lol:
Not that I have to, Loeb and the Citroen will dominate the year again. He won't win, or even place, in every rally, but he won't have to.
| leaknoil | 05-12-2005 01:58 PM |
Rally Cyprus shakedown times:
Pos Driver Make Time
1. Gronholm (Peugeot) 1:15.6
2. Solberg (Subaru) 1:17.8
3. Rovanpera (Mitsubishi) 1:19.0
4. Tuohino (Skoda) 1:19.4
5. Carlsson (Peugeot) 1:19.8*
6. Schwarz (Skoda) 1:20.0
7. Atkinson (Subaru) 1:20.3
8. Panizzi (Mitsubishi) 1:20.7
9. Duval (Citroen) 1:20.8
10. Martin (Peugeot) 1:21.1
11. Kresta (Ford) 1:21.3
12. Gardemeister (Ford) 1:21.6
13. Loeb (Citroen) 1:21.9
14. H Solberg (Ford) 1:22.0*
15. Warmbold (Ford) 1:23.4*
16. Stohl (Citroen) 1:23.6*
17. Benik (Ford) 1:25.4*
* Privateer
Pos Driver Make Time
1. Gronholm (Peugeot) 1:15.6
2. Solberg (Subaru) 1:17.8
3. Rovanpera (Mitsubishi) 1:19.0
4. Tuohino (Skoda) 1:19.4
5. Carlsson (Peugeot) 1:19.8*
6. Schwarz (Skoda) 1:20.0
7. Atkinson (Subaru) 1:20.3
8. Panizzi (Mitsubishi) 1:20.7
9. Duval (Citroen) 1:20.8
10. Martin (Peugeot) 1:21.1
11. Kresta (Ford) 1:21.3
12. Gardemeister (Ford) 1:21.6
13. Loeb (Citroen) 1:21.9
14. H Solberg (Ford) 1:22.0*
15. Warmbold (Ford) 1:23.4*
16. Stohl (Citroen) 1:23.6*
17. Benik (Ford) 1:25.4*
* Privateer
| datageek | 05-13-2005 03:33 AM |
Yoik! One stage not even done and we already have massive carnage.
Markko damaged the rear wheel, and lost a ton of time. Since there are two more stages and a long transit before service, he will probably have to retire.
Marcus and Gilles Panizzi both stopped on stage. Marcus broke a cam belt.
Sebastien has a problem where the car stalls whenever he pulls the handbrake.
Petter had serious overheating problems at the end of the stage, which slowed his pace -- though he is also still leading the rally at the moment.
Markko damaged the rear wheel, and lost a ton of time. Since there are two more stages and a long transit before service, he will probably have to retire.
Marcus and Gilles Panizzi both stopped on stage. Marcus broke a cam belt.
Sebastien has a problem where the car stalls whenever he pulls the handbrake.
Petter had serious overheating problems at the end of the stage, which slowed his pace -- though he is also still leading the rally at the moment.
| leaknoil | 05-13-2005 03:41 AM |
Looks like Petter has stage 1. The Peugeots are dying hard.
| datageek | 05-13-2005 03:50 AM |
Correction: Markko had a severe puncture. The tire shreading caused some bodywork damage. But he should be able to change tires and be okay after that.
| leaknoil | 05-13-2005 04:11 AM |
Loeb beat Petter on stage 2 by 9 seconds. Gronhom retired =(
| datageek | 05-13-2005 10:40 AM |
End of Day 1:
1. S. LOEB
2. M. STOHL +2:04.2
3. H. SOLBERG +57.6
4. M. M�RTIN +15.0
5. A. WARMBOLD +27.5
6. F. DUVAL +1:03.4
7. H. ROVANPER� +17.0
8. T. GARDEMEISTER +22.0
That's Henning Solberg (Petter's older brother) in third place. Petter retired after the end of the last stage of the day with a blown turbo and clutch problems. Chris Atkinson also retired earlier in the day with clutch failure, so I wonder if there is a flaw in the Impreza's design -- or if it's just that the rally is just that rough.
Folks who like watching lots of broken cars will be very happy with this rally, as pretty much none of the top contenders got through the day without problems.
1. S. LOEB
2. M. STOHL +2:04.2
3. H. SOLBERG +57.6
4. M. M�RTIN +15.0
5. A. WARMBOLD +27.5
6. F. DUVAL +1:03.4
7. H. ROVANPER� +17.0
8. T. GARDEMEISTER +22.0
That's Henning Solberg (Petter's older brother) in third place. Petter retired after the end of the last stage of the day with a blown turbo and clutch problems. Chris Atkinson also retired earlier in the day with clutch failure, so I wonder if there is a flaw in the Impreza's design -- or if it's just that the rally is just that rough.
Folks who like watching lots of broken cars will be very happy with this rally, as pretty much none of the top contenders got through the day without problems.
| SlideWRX | 05-13-2005 10:47 AM |
[QUOTE=datageek]
Petter retired after the end of the last stage of the day with a blown turbo and clutch problems. Chris Atkinson also retired earlier in the day with clutch failure, so I wonder if there is a flaw in the Impreza's design -- or if it's just that the rally is just that rough.
[/QUOTE]
DOH!!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:
Tom
Petter retired after the end of the last stage of the day with a blown turbo and clutch problems. Chris Atkinson also retired earlier in the day with clutch failure, so I wonder if there is a flaw in the Impreza's design -- or if it's just that the rally is just that rough.
[/QUOTE]
DOH!!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:
Tom
| SlideWRX | 05-13-2005 10:52 AM |
wrc.com says solberg dropped the last stage of day one, but with Loeb's run time and five minute penalty as his stage time, that puts Solberg in 10th place, near points contention of he can get the problems sorted.
Tom
Tom
| AdvanSTI | 05-13-2005 11:53 AM |
i think this will be the result
1. Gronholm - last years TRUE winner.
2. Solberg
3. loeb
its a tough rally, i think we'll see lots of DNF's in this rally. Gronholm won last year but got disqualified after the rally for.... i can't remember. i have a feeling gronholm or petter is going to take first place.
lets just hope its a good rally and none of the top guys crash or break something to get a DNF. i would like to see a good solid rally with a constant battle for first. GO SOLBERG!
------------------------------------
i just checked wrc.com "Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm will not be rejoining this weekend's Cyprus Rally after suffering what turned out to be a terminal engine failure on the opening test of the event. The double world champion pulled to a stop in the first 38.32km run between Lagoudera and Silia when his cam belt broke and was unable to get going again."
hah so much for my thoughts on the result.... lets see if loeb breaks something, petter needs to push hard but i think a podium finish is within grasp for him.
1. Gronholm - last years TRUE winner.
2. Solberg
3. loeb
its a tough rally, i think we'll see lots of DNF's in this rally. Gronholm won last year but got disqualified after the rally for.... i can't remember. i have a feeling gronholm or petter is going to take first place.
lets just hope its a good rally and none of the top guys crash or break something to get a DNF. i would like to see a good solid rally with a constant battle for first. GO SOLBERG!
------------------------------------
i just checked wrc.com "Peugeot's Marcus Gronholm will not be rejoining this weekend's Cyprus Rally after suffering what turned out to be a terminal engine failure on the opening test of the event. The double world champion pulled to a stop in the first 38.32km run between Lagoudera and Silia when his cam belt broke and was unable to get going again."
hah so much for my thoughts on the result.... lets see if loeb breaks something, petter needs to push hard but i think a podium finish is within grasp for him.
| datageek | 05-13-2005 01:35 PM |
[QUOTE=AdvanSTI]
its a tough rally, i think we'll see lots of DNF's in this rally. Gronholm won last year but got disqualified after the rally for.... i can't remember. i have a feeling gronholm or petter is going to take first place.
[/QUOTE]
It was an improper propeller in the water pump.
its a tough rally, i think we'll see lots of DNF's in this rally. Gronholm won last year but got disqualified after the rally for.... i can't remember. i have a feeling gronholm or petter is going to take first place.
[/QUOTE]
It was an improper propeller in the water pump.
| leaknoil | 05-13-2005 03:26 PM |
They should just award Loeb the drivers championship now. Running the rest of the year is just going to hurt people's feelings.
| datageek | 05-14-2005 01:51 AM |
Petter is not re-starting today. The engine was clogged with dust, and it was decided to conserve it, since this engine has to run in Greece* as well. If I understand the rules (which would be a major miracle, since they are completely insane at the moment), if Petter does not finish this rally then he can re-start Greece with a brand new engine and no time penalty.
(*Yes, logically the same engine should be used for Sardinia and Cyprus, since they run one after the other on the calendar. Apparently the engine paring is actually Sardinia-Turkey and Cyprus-Greece. So everyone is starting this event with a new engine, and the next two rallies will be run with used engines.)
(*Yes, logically the same engine should be used for Sardinia and Cyprus, since they run one after the other on the calendar. Apparently the engine paring is actually Sardinia-Turkey and Cyprus-Greece. So everyone is starting this event with a new engine, and the next two rallies will be run with used engines.)
| AdvanSTI | 05-14-2005 07:02 AM |
[QUOTE=leaknoil]They should just award Loeb the drivers championship now. Running the rest of the year is just going to hurt people's feelings.[/QUOTE]
no way.. tommi makinen was down and out.... and made a come back by winning 5 or 6 rallies straight to take the drivers campionship before. i know no one in todays wrc can compair to tommi makinen... but its still possible to come back after all seems lost.
no way.. tommi makinen was down and out.... and made a come back by winning 5 or 6 rallies straight to take the drivers campionship before. i know no one in todays wrc can compair to tommi makinen... but its still possible to come back after all seems lost.
| HomerJay | 05-14-2005 11:56 AM |
[QUOTE=leaknoil]They should just award Loeb the drivers championship now. Running the rest of the year is just going to hurt people's feelings.[/QUOTE]
A little early for that, but Loeb is the best most consistant driver. Wonder who he'll be driving for next year?
A little early for that, but Loeb is the best most consistant driver. Wonder who he'll be driving for next year?
| WRXedUSA | 05-14-2005 01:31 PM |
Errr.
Tough rally. I'm glad for Manfred Stohl and Henning though. Warmbold aint doing to bad either.
In other news....
Brice Tiribassi in a GroupN STi is leading the classification. Arai looks to be slow despite taking 2 stage wins today.
Tough rally. I'm glad for Manfred Stohl and Henning though. Warmbold aint doing to bad either.
In other news....
Brice Tiribassi in a GroupN STi is leading the classification. Arai looks to be slow despite taking 2 stage wins today.
| datageek | 05-15-2005 01:20 AM |
[QUOTE=leaknoil]They should just award Loeb the drivers championship now. Running the rest of the year is just going to hurt people's feelings.[/QUOTE]
:lol:
I'm hoping that we'll at least get to see some nice drives from Petter as he tries to catch up from this. But I agree that this event pretty much locked down the Driver's title for Seb for this year, barring lots of unexpected bad things happening to Seb and Citreon.
:lol:
I'm hoping that we'll at least get to see some nice drives from Petter as he tries to catch up from this. But I agree that this event pretty much locked down the Driver's title for Seb for this year, barring lots of unexpected bad things happening to Seb and Citreon.
| leaknoil | 05-15-2005 07:06 AM |
On their best days they have a close race. Seriously, I think Loeb is as good as there has ever been. Yell at me all you want. He is just amazing to watch.
| Mopho | 05-15-2005 09:53 AM |
[QUOTE=datageek]:lol:
I'm hoping that we'll at least get to see some nice drives from Petter as he tries to catch up from this. But I agree that this event pretty much locked down the Driver's title for Seb for this year, barring lots of unexpected bad things happening to Seb and Citreon.[/QUOTE]
:rolleyes: This is only the 6th rally out of [b]16![/b] Nothing is locked down in rally until it is mathematically impossible to beat the leading driver. Anything can happen
I'm hoping that we'll at least get to see some nice drives from Petter as he tries to catch up from this. But I agree that this event pretty much locked down the Driver's title for Seb for this year, barring lots of unexpected bad things happening to Seb and Citreon.[/QUOTE]
:rolleyes: This is only the 6th rally out of [b]16![/b] Nothing is locked down in rally until it is mathematically impossible to beat the leading driver. Anything can happen
| WRXedUSA | 05-15-2005 02:46 PM |
Wow. What an eventful rally! Stohl Finished second overall in a private Xsara.
Apparently Duval told Stephane Prevot to take a hike. The 'rumor' is (and you know how bad WRC rumors are) is that Duval *could* be replaced on the Citroen team due to his lack of performance.
Subaru took the first 5 PWRC places with Tirabassi winning the event in a Spec-C.
Apparently Duval told Stephane Prevot to take a hike. The 'rumor' is (and you know how bad WRC rumors are) is that Duval *could* be replaced on the Citroen team due to his lack of performance.
Subaru took the first 5 PWRC places with Tirabassi winning the event in a Spec-C.
| datageek | 05-15-2005 04:16 PM |
[QUOTE=WRXedUSA]Apparently Duval told Stephane Prevot to take a hike. The 'rumor' is (and you know how bad WRC rumors are) is that Duval *could* be replaced on the Citroen team due to his lack of performance.
[/QUOTE]
Heh... According to Guy Frequelin, Citreon's team boss, it's the other way around. Stephane Prevot came to him and said he would not work with Francois any more. Though given the way things have been going, I think at this point it's certainly a mutually agreed split.
Perhaps changing codrivers will be a positive thing for Duval. Prevot was very obviously not happy with his driver after the accident in Monte Carlo. Perhaps a negative in-car relationship has been a major factor in Duval's weak performances this year.
At this point I'm expecting that Duval will not be the points nominated driver for at least a few events. Citreon is not pleased with their latest recruit, and I think they are about to show their displeasure publicly.
[/QUOTE]
Heh... According to Guy Frequelin, Citreon's team boss, it's the other way around. Stephane Prevot came to him and said he would not work with Francois any more. Though given the way things have been going, I think at this point it's certainly a mutually agreed split.
Perhaps changing codrivers will be a positive thing for Duval. Prevot was very obviously not happy with his driver after the accident in Monte Carlo. Perhaps a negative in-car relationship has been a major factor in Duval's weak performances this year.
At this point I'm expecting that Duval will not be the points nominated driver for at least a few events. Citreon is not pleased with their latest recruit, and I think they are about to show their displeasure publicly.
| leaknoil | 05-15-2005 05:04 PM |
[QUOTE=datageek]Heh... According to Guy Frequelin, Citreon's team boss, it's the other way around. Stephane Prevot came to him and said he would not work with Francois any more. Though given the way things have been going, I think at this point it's certainly a mutually agreed split.
[/QUOTE]
Probably out of concern for his own safety ;)
[/QUOTE]
Probably out of concern for his own safety ;)
| WRXedUSA | 05-15-2005 06:38 PM |
Sad part is that Duval, I feel, is a good driver. I just think the English news propaganda machine is just pushing to put Sainz or McRae back in a seat.
Still no word on if Colin will be racing the Prodrive Ferrari in June for the 24hr du Mans.
Still no word on if Colin will be racing the Prodrive Ferrari in June for the 24hr du Mans.
| leaknoil | 05-15-2005 08:20 PM |
Duval has crashed out of five of the six rallies this year. Not sure you can call that good driving no matter what the media is saying.
| WRXedUSA | 05-15-2005 09:47 PM |
The codriver plays plenty in the mind control department. Look at Colin McRae before him and Nicky fell out. Look how well Phil Mills keeps the exuberant Solberg in check. Look at Francois Delecour and Daniel Grataloup in Austraila 2002 with their failure as a working partnership in Wales GB. McRae-Ringer 1997, on and on.
If the environment in the car is not right, the driver cannot concentrate, and thus makes errors.
Duval had excellent finishes and concentrated drives with Ford (Mexico, Germany for example) It's clear something has changed, inside the car.
Lets see what Nicky has to say....
If the environment in the car is not right, the driver cannot concentrate, and thus makes errors.
Duval had excellent finishes and concentrated drives with Ford (Mexico, Germany for example) It's clear something has changed, inside the car.
Lets see what Nicky has to say....
| leaknoil | 05-15-2005 10:06 PM |
Here's what Autosport has to say:
Citroen are set to drop Francois Duval for the Rally of Turkey, Autosport-Atlas has learned.
Duval has crashed out of five of this year's six rallies for the French manufacturer and the final straw appears to have came when Duval hit a tree during this weekend's Rally Cyprus.
Co-driver Stephane Prevot has told the French manufacturer that he will not co-drive for Duval again.
Team principle Guy Frequelin has declined to comment on who will drive the team's second car on the seventh round of the WRC in three weeks time.
Frequelin said: "Nothing has been decided but Francois has been a big disappointment here. For sure I expected more. We will decide about the second crew for Turkey tomorrow."
Citroen have until midnight tomorrow night to register their entries for the Rally Turkey.
Speculation has linked Team OMV drivers Manfred Stohl and Juuso Pykalisto. Other options include Simon Jean-Joseph or convincing Carlos Sainz to come out of retirement with the drive.
Citroen are set to drop Francois Duval for the Rally of Turkey, Autosport-Atlas has learned.
Duval has crashed out of five of this year's six rallies for the French manufacturer and the final straw appears to have came when Duval hit a tree during this weekend's Rally Cyprus.
Co-driver Stephane Prevot has told the French manufacturer that he will not co-drive for Duval again.
Team principle Guy Frequelin has declined to comment on who will drive the team's second car on the seventh round of the WRC in three weeks time.
Frequelin said: "Nothing has been decided but Francois has been a big disappointment here. For sure I expected more. We will decide about the second crew for Turkey tomorrow."
Citroen have until midnight tomorrow night to register their entries for the Rally Turkey.
Speculation has linked Team OMV drivers Manfred Stohl and Juuso Pykalisto. Other options include Simon Jean-Joseph or convincing Carlos Sainz to come out of retirement with the drive.
| AdvanSTI | 05-16-2005 01:41 AM |
am i the only one that thought this rally sucked? i really dont like loeb even tho he is a good driver. my two drivers i cheer on is petter S. and markus G. so after their cars were done i stopped watching most of the rally. the only reason why martin and petters' brother got a podium finish was because of those two DNFs
| bemani | 05-16-2005 01:46 AM |
[QUOTE=AdvanSTI]petters' brother got a podium finish was because of those two DNFs[/QUOTE]
Who got disqualified? Loeb or Stohl?
Who got disqualified? Loeb or Stohl?
| WRXedUSA | 05-16-2005 02:06 AM |
I think Stohl for excessive ride height according the rallyforum.com.
I'm searching for info right now.
I'm searching for info right now.
| datageek | 05-16-2005 12:27 PM |
[QUOTE=Mopho]:rolleyes: This is only the 6th rally out of [b]16![/b] Nothing is locked down in rally until it is mathematically impossible to beat the leading driver. Anything can happen[/QUOTE]
True enough. And rallying is a good deal like the stock market: past results are no gurantee of future performances. But at the moment no one is showing the pace, consistency and reliability of Loeb and his Xsara. Without that, no one is in a position to mount a challenge, and particularly not now that Loeb has such a large lead versus his closest rivals.
True enough. And rallying is a good deal like the stock market: past results are no gurantee of future performances. But at the moment no one is showing the pace, consistency and reliability of Loeb and his Xsara. Without that, no one is in a position to mount a challenge, and particularly not now that Loeb has such a large lead versus his closest rivals.
| datageek | 05-16-2005 12:36 PM |
[QUOTE=AdvanSTI]am i the only one that thought this rally sucked? [/QUOTE]
From a personaly perspective, yeah, it wasn't that great. But I think it's really cool that a privateer got onto the podium, and we had a really great fight for third. With so many of the top runners out of the fight early on we got a chance to see other people really shine.
[QUOTE=AdvanSTI]the only reason why martin and petters' brother got a podium finish was because of those two DNFs[/QUOTE]
And yet Petter's brother didn't get a podium finish -- he came in fourth. Henning and Markko and particularly Manfred Stohl did fabulous work. They all stayed up at the top through two tough days of rallying. It's not like they inherited their positions when someone retired on the last day.
From a personaly perspective, yeah, it wasn't that great. But I think it's really cool that a privateer got onto the podium, and we had a really great fight for third. With so many of the top runners out of the fight early on we got a chance to see other people really shine.
[QUOTE=AdvanSTI]the only reason why martin and petters' brother got a podium finish was because of those two DNFs[/QUOTE]
And yet Petter's brother didn't get a podium finish -- he came in fourth. Henning and Markko and particularly Manfred Stohl did fabulous work. They all stayed up at the top through two tough days of rallying. It's not like they inherited their positions when someone retired on the last day.
| Mopho | 05-16-2005 12:55 PM |
[QUOTE=datageek] and particularly not now that Loeb has such a large lead versus his closest rivals.[/QUOTE]
His lead is not that large. One rally could completely change that
I would not put any nails in the coffin until Loeb's lead is insurmountable.
The year Petter won the championship, it looked like he had no chance, then it all turned around and the battle went to the very last rally.
That said, I hope Loeb does not walk away with it, I want him to have to fight for it.
There has been plenty of seasons where one driver or another seemed to dominate- Makinen, and Gronholm used to win everything - it seems that sometimes everything comes together just right for some teams
It seems Petter likes a good fight...
[IMG]http://www.morgansegal.com/Petter.jpg[/IMG]
His lead is not that large. One rally could completely change that
I would not put any nails in the coffin until Loeb's lead is insurmountable.
The year Petter won the championship, it looked like he had no chance, then it all turned around and the battle went to the very last rally.
That said, I hope Loeb does not walk away with it, I want him to have to fight for it.
There has been plenty of seasons where one driver or another seemed to dominate- Makinen, and Gronholm used to win everything - it seems that sometimes everything comes together just right for some teams
It seems Petter likes a good fight...
[IMG]http://www.morgansegal.com/Petter.jpg[/IMG]
| SlideWRX | 05-16-2005 01:31 PM |
[QUOTE=datageek]Petter is not re-starting today. The engine was clogged with dust, and it was decided to conserve it, since this engine has to run in Greece* as well. If I understand the rules (which would be a major miracle, since they are completely insane at the moment), if Petter does not finish this rally then he can re-start Greece with a brand new engine and no time penalty.
(*Yes, logically the same engine should be used for Sardinia and Cyprus, since they run one after the other on the calendar. Apparently the engine paring is actually Sardinia-Turkey and Cyprus-Greece. So everyone is starting this event with a new engine, and the next two rallies will be run with used engines.)[/QUOTE]
I think this is because the rally teams don't use the same car two rallies in a row. The car used in any given rally is shipped home, torn down and rebuilt for a rally two or three events down the road. The cars for the next event have already been built up and probably tested a fair amount (good for transitioning from a gravel rally to tarmac rally; two different setups). The FIA knows this, and it just makes sense (financial and otherwise) to go with the flow. Expecially when the rallies are two or three weeks apart like it is right now, shiping from one venue to the next would have to be fast and expensive.
Tom
(*Yes, logically the same engine should be used for Sardinia and Cyprus, since they run one after the other on the calendar. Apparently the engine paring is actually Sardinia-Turkey and Cyprus-Greece. So everyone is starting this event with a new engine, and the next two rallies will be run with used engines.)[/QUOTE]
I think this is because the rally teams don't use the same car two rallies in a row. The car used in any given rally is shipped home, torn down and rebuilt for a rally two or three events down the road. The cars for the next event have already been built up and probably tested a fair amount (good for transitioning from a gravel rally to tarmac rally; two different setups). The FIA knows this, and it just makes sense (financial and otherwise) to go with the flow. Expecially when the rallies are two or three weeks apart like it is right now, shiping from one venue to the next would have to be fast and expensive.
Tom
| leaknoil | 05-16-2005 02:13 PM |
[QUOTE=WRXedUSA]I think Stohl for excessive ride height according the rallyforum.com.
I'm searching for info right now.[/QUOTE]
I haven't heard anything about any changes to the results. Think it would make big enough news to get some coverage out there. Everyone still lists the results as they were sunday.
I'm searching for info right now.[/QUOTE]
I haven't heard anything about any changes to the results. Think it would make big enough news to get some coverage out there. Everyone still lists the results as they were sunday.
| SparkysJDMSpeedWagon | 05-16-2005 02:26 PM |
[QUOTE=datageek]But at the moment no one is showing the pace, consistency and reliability of Loeb and his Xsara.[/QUOTE]
I think that it wasn't neccessarily anything to do with the reliability of the car. Loeb intentionally set a slower pace by braking earlier and accelerating through the turn. This had less wear on the car, which left more strength in the car after each pace. Early apexing is more appropriate for low-speed courses like Cyprus (ask the autocross geeks), which is something that Loeb and Stohl were some of the few drivers to catch onto during the event.
I think that it wasn't neccessarily anything to do with the reliability of the car. Loeb intentionally set a slower pace by braking earlier and accelerating through the turn. This had less wear on the car, which left more strength in the car after each pace. Early apexing is more appropriate for low-speed courses like Cyprus (ask the autocross geeks), which is something that Loeb and Stohl were some of the few drivers to catch onto during the event.
| porque | 05-16-2005 02:40 PM |
Well that was a pretty brutal rally. But as the WRC is heating up the WRC dream boat competition is red hot.
Ofcourse the two main competitors are the Frenchman Loeb and the Norwegan Solberg:
[img]http://gfx.dagbladet.no/sport/2004/01/20/solberg03.jpg[/img] Check out Petter with his very fashionable blonde highlights
[img]http://www.motorsportavisen.no/Bilder/Nyhetsbilder/Loeb-4-150.jpg[/img] And Loeb with his rugged good looks.
[img]http://www.teamdan.com/people/markko%20martin.jpg[/img] Markko Martin, the wild boy. Who could resist a grin like that?
[img]http://svt.se/content/1/c6/21/55/61/marcus_gronholm_webb.jpg[/img]Marcus Gronholm, stay away girls! He's married!
The competition sure is stiff, but Petter will always be #1 in my heart. :banana:
[img]http://www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1068329485304_2003/11/10/240petter_solberg,0.jpg[/img]
Ofcourse the two main competitors are the Frenchman Loeb and the Norwegan Solberg:
[img]http://gfx.dagbladet.no/sport/2004/01/20/solberg03.jpg[/img] Check out Petter with his very fashionable blonde highlights
[img]http://www.motorsportavisen.no/Bilder/Nyhetsbilder/Loeb-4-150.jpg[/img] And Loeb with his rugged good looks.
[img]http://www.teamdan.com/people/markko%20martin.jpg[/img] Markko Martin, the wild boy. Who could resist a grin like that?
[img]http://svt.se/content/1/c6/21/55/61/marcus_gronholm_webb.jpg[/img]Marcus Gronholm, stay away girls! He's married!
The competition sure is stiff, but Petter will always be #1 in my heart. :banana:
[img]http://www.smh.com.au/ffxImage/urlpicture_id_1068329485304_2003/11/10/240petter_solberg,0.jpg[/img]
| leaknoil | 05-16-2005 03:10 PM |
"Markko Martin, the wild boy. Who could resist a grin like that?"
You're kidding right ?
You're kidding right ?
| WRXedUSA | 05-16-2005 03:49 PM |
[url]http://www.marca.es/edicion/noticia/0,2458,632151,00.html[/url]
Sainz is in for teh Turkey.
Sainz is in for teh Turkey.
| leaknoil | 05-16-2005 04:32 PM |
Citroen has tempted double World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz back out of retirement to replace troubled young gun Francois Duval in next month's Rally Turkey.
The Spaniard, who has won 26 WRC events during his career, has accepted the French manufacturer's request but said this will be a one-off participation.
"It's been seven months since I last drove a Xsara WRC, but considering the current situation, I want to help Citroen if they judge it's necessary," Sainz said in a statement.
"It's clear that my participation is depending on extraordinary circumstances and doesn't mean I will come back to world rallying. With this temporary measure I hope to contribute to the team's success. It was also normal to give a favour back to Citroen who helped me a lot in 2003."
Securing Sainz's services is a major coup for Citroen Sport team boss Guy Frequelin, who had wanted to keep the star as part of his team for this season.
"The results of Citroen in the Manufacturers' Championship aren't matching our goals," Frequelin commented. "To give ourselves more time to think about the strategy we will adopt for the rest of the season, and considering Carlos' record and his consistent performance during the past two years, I've asked him if he could drive for us in Turkey."
Sainz announced his retirement at the end of last year, stating that he was not prepared to commit to all 16 rounds of the series. But he is a previous winner in Turkey and has extensive knowledge of the Xsara WRC - and a reputation for finishing rallies and scoring points, an area where Duval has struggled so far this year.
Duval's position at Citroen had been in doubt since he crashed out of the Cyprus Rally last Saturday. His co-driver Stephane Prevot has already announced that he will not navigate for the Belgian again.
It is not yet known if the one-off nature of Sainz's outing is designed to give Duval a break, or to allow Citroen to find a more permanent replacement.
The Spaniard, who has won 26 WRC events during his career, has accepted the French manufacturer's request but said this will be a one-off participation.
"It's been seven months since I last drove a Xsara WRC, but considering the current situation, I want to help Citroen if they judge it's necessary," Sainz said in a statement.
"It's clear that my participation is depending on extraordinary circumstances and doesn't mean I will come back to world rallying. With this temporary measure I hope to contribute to the team's success. It was also normal to give a favour back to Citroen who helped me a lot in 2003."
Securing Sainz's services is a major coup for Citroen Sport team boss Guy Frequelin, who had wanted to keep the star as part of his team for this season.
"The results of Citroen in the Manufacturers' Championship aren't matching our goals," Frequelin commented. "To give ourselves more time to think about the strategy we will adopt for the rest of the season, and considering Carlos' record and his consistent performance during the past two years, I've asked him if he could drive for us in Turkey."
Sainz announced his retirement at the end of last year, stating that he was not prepared to commit to all 16 rounds of the series. But he is a previous winner in Turkey and has extensive knowledge of the Xsara WRC - and a reputation for finishing rallies and scoring points, an area where Duval has struggled so far this year.
Duval's position at Citroen had been in doubt since he crashed out of the Cyprus Rally last Saturday. His co-driver Stephane Prevot has already announced that he will not navigate for the Belgian again.
It is not yet known if the one-off nature of Sainz's outing is designed to give Duval a break, or to allow Citroen to find a more permanent replacement.
| porque | 05-16-2005 11:08 PM |
[QUOTE=leaknoil]"Markko Martin, the wild boy. Who could resist a grin like that?"
You're kidding right ?[/QUOTE]
No I am 100% serious :D
You're kidding right ?[/QUOTE]
No I am 100% serious :D
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