Rally News

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Moominpappa
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Re: Rally News

Post by Moominpappa » 11 Apr 2010, 13:23

Very bad luck :(
I miss a babysitter

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kracer
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Re: Rally News

Post by kracer » 11 Apr 2010, 13:35

What happened with that crash was very sad...

@Nikki - would you mind posting the predicitons of the other drivers about how well Kimi would do every rally so we can compare after the rally how close they were?

I'm interested in the predictions of the Jordan Rally and, of course, the upcoming ones.

I know those predictions were posted somewhere but I don't remember anymore.

Thanks!

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Re: Rally News

Post by Ice-Ludy » 11 Apr 2010, 16:05

Rally New Zealand route confirmed
10th April 2010
By Richard Rodgers

Rally New Zealand organisers have confirmed the route for the world championship qualifier from May 6-9 which includes a return to the all-asphalt Auckland Domain stage in the heart of the city.

The fifth round of this season’s WRC returns to an Auckland base, having spent the last three years running out of Hamilton, further south on the North Island. As expected, the confirmed itinerary takes crews back to the stages north of the City of Sails while incorporating the roads on the Tasman coast around Raglan on the final day. This means the total distance covered by the crews will be almost twice that of Rally Mexico, which runs one of the most compact routes in the sport.

Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen has praised the Rally New Zealand organisers for the longer route, which also includes an increase in the number of competitive kilometres from 353km in 2008 to 396km for this year.

“Rallying should be about endurance,” said Hirvonen. “It was a bit like this in Sweden earlier in the year: you need to see who can come off the long road sections, which have been a bit boring, and then turn it on for the stages. I’m looking forward to it, it’s always a great rally on great roads.”

The Auckland Domain stage is an all asphalt 1,500-metre blast through one of the city’s picturesque parks. The Friday evening stage will start at 1845hrs local time and run in the dark. This is the first time this stage has been used since 1990, when Carlos Sainz picked up the first of his four Rally New Zealand wins.
http://www.maxrally.com/news/entry/rall ... confirmed/
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Wolfie
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Re: Rally News

Post by Wolfie » 11 Apr 2010, 16:06

Thank you for the information about Kubica, Iceman! Kudos to Robert!
To be changed soon - rko281, where are you??? LOL

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Re: Rally News

Post by Ice-Ludy » 11 Apr 2010, 16:07

Moominpappa wrote:Very bad luck :(
Yes, it was!!! :(
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Wolfie
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Re: Rally News

Post by Wolfie » 11 Apr 2010, 16:19

Here Pauline :cool:

RÄIKKÖNEN's YEAR 2010 (VM paper edition)

Mikko Hirvonen and Jari-Matti Latvala comment on how they think Kimi will do this year rally by rally:

1/13: Sweden's WRC-rally 10.-14.2.2010

Driving surface: ice/snow

Hirvonen:
- Sweden is good and maybe even the best possible place for Kimi to start his WRC-season. The roads are fast and the snow banks forgive small errors - especially if there is enough of snow on the stage.
- 4-5 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Sweden will be a good start for Kimi. He will already have a fresh experience from Arctic rally. But Kimi has to go fast if he is going to do well. If he is about 1,0-1,5 seconds per kilometer behind the lead it is a very good result.
- 6 minutes behind the lead.

2/13: Mexico's WRC-rally 3.-7.3.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- Mexico might be the most difficult race for Kimi. If he dares to go fast, controls his car and makes it to the finish line without making mistakes it's a great result for a newbie.
- 6 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Mexico is probably the most difficult rally for Kimi. You need experience there.
- 10 minutes behind the lead.

3/13: Jordan's WRC-rally 31.3-4.4.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- Jordania might suit Kimi well because of the good grip. If his setups are in order you just brake and turn into the corner on Jordania's roads, that's why he could get very close to the lead there.
- 4 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- The route could be difficult for Kimi because of the way the tyres get worn out.
- 10-12 minutes behind the lead

4/13: Turkey's WRC-rally 14.-18.4.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- Because the area is new to everyone it also makes Kimi's chances better.
- 4 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Kimi is probably in a good speed in Turkey and gets closer to the lead.
- 8 minutes behind the lead.

5/13: New Zealand's WRC-rally 5.-9.5.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- If Kimi drives the rally I'm sure he will enjoy the experience.
- 4 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- If Kimi drives the rally I'm sure he will enjoy the experience.
- 10 minutes behind the lead.

6/13: Portugal's WRC-rally 27.-20.5.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- I think that by Portugal Kimi has learned how to drive on gravel.
- 3-4 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- This could be a very difficult race for Kimi. Kimi has a top co-driver and his significance will be highlighted in Portugal.
- 10 minutes behind the lead.

7/13: Bulgaria's WRC-rally 7.-10.7.2010

Driving surface: tarmac

Hirvonen:
- I expect a good result from Kimi in Bulgaria because we are all on the same line (new race).
- 4 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Bulgaria could be one of the best races for Kimi because nobody has any earlier experience from there and I'm sure Kimi drives well on tarmac.
- 5 minutes behind the lead.

8/13: Finland's WRC-rally 29.-31.7.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- Finland's rally can be difficult for Kimi although he has some experience from it. It's difficult to drive a WRC-car on Mid-Finland's superfast gravel roads really fast. The car has to be perfectly set-up and he has to be able to trust it 100%, otherwise the difference to the lead grows by minutes.
- 5 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Finland's rally will be Kimi's second but it's not easy to succeed in Mid-Finland with a WRC-car.
- 6 minutes behind the lead.

9/13: Germany's WRC-rally 18.-22.8.2010

Driving surface: tarmac

Hirvonen:
- Second tarmac-rally for Kimi. If it doesn't rain the result can be good but if it rains it's interesting to see how Kimi controls the constant traction changes.
- 4 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- It could be a difficult race for Kimi although the surface is tarmac. Audi's DTM-champion Mattias Ekström drove there a couple of years ago and he was in great troubles because of the constantly changing traction.
- 9 minutes behind the lead.

10/13: Japan's WRC-rally 8.-12.9.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- Japan might be the best gravel rally of the season for Kimi. When he has got some experience I believe that he will make a good result there.
- 4-5 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Japan might be a good race for Kimi. Although he has no experience of this race it doesn't necessarily matter much.
- 7 minutes behind the lead.

11/13: France WRC-rally 29.9.-3.10.2010

Driving surface: tarmac

Hirvonen:
- This race could be the best race of the season for Kimi. He already has experience in driving and making pace notes so he could even drive for the podium.
- 2-3 minutes behind the lead (podium)

Latvala:
- Kimi will improve here after Germany's race but he will still be minutes behind the lead.
- 9 minutes behind the lead

12/13: Spain's WRC-rally 20.-24.10.2010

Driving surface: tarmac

Hirvonen:
- I believe that Kimi feels at home on Catalonia's tarmac where he can drive on the line and boldly cut.
- 2-3 minutes behind the lead (he will fight for the podium)

Latvala:
- Last year the stage was precisely the same as it was the year before and if this trend continues it will bring difficulties for Kimi because others know the stage almost by memory.
- 8 minutes behind the lead.

13/13: Britain's WRC-rally 10.-14.11.2010

Driving surface: gravel

Hirvonen:
- Wales can be more difficult for Kimi because here you need experience in order to succeed.
- 6 minutes behind the lead.

Latvala:
- Because of the difficult driving conditions I predict that Wales isn't any easy rally for Kimi. It's more than slippery.
- 8 minutes behind the lead.
To be changed soon - rko281, where are you??? LOL

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Kinga
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Re: Rally News

Post by Kinga » 11 Apr 2010, 16:22

@Pauline, here you go:
RÄIKKÖNEN's YEAR 2010 (VM paper edition)

Mikko Hirvonen (MH) and Jari-Matti Latvala (J-ML) comment on how they think Kimi will do this year rally by rally:

1/13: Sweden's WRC-rally
10.-14.2.
Driving surface: ice/snow

MH:
- Sweden is good and maybe even the best possible place for Kimi to start his WRC-season. The roads are fast and the snow benches forgive small errors - especially if there is enough of snow on the stage.
- 4-5 minutes behind the lead. (5th in 2008)

J-ML:
- Sweden will be a good start for Kimi. He will already have a fresh experience from Arctic rally. But Kimi has to go fast if he is going to do well. If he is about 1,0-1,5 seconds per kilometer behind the lead it is a very good result.
- 6 minutes behind the lead. (6th in 2008)

2/13: Mexico's WRC-rally
3.-7.3.
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- Mexico might be the most difficult race for Kimi. If he dares to go fast, controls his car and makes it to the finish line without making mistakes it's a great result for a newbie.
- 6 minutes behind the lead. (6th in 2008)

J-ML:
- Mexico is probably the most difficult rally for Kimi. You need experience there.
- 10 minutes behind the lead. (7th in 2008)

3/13: Jordania's WRC-rally
31.3-4.4
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- Jordania might suit Kimi well because of the good grip. If his setups are in order you just brake and turn into the corner on Jordania's roads, that's why he could get very close to the lead there.
- 4 minutes behind the lead. (3rd in 2008)

J-ML:
- The route could be difficult for Kimi because of the way the tyres get worn out.
- 10-12 minutes behind the lead (5th in 2008)

4/13: Turkey's WRC-rally
14.-18.4
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- Because the area is new to everyone it also makes Kimi's chances better.
- 4 minutes behind the lead (8th in 2008)

J-ML:
- Kimi is probably in a good speed in Turkey and gets closer to the lead.
- 8 minutes behind the lead (8th in 2008)

5/13: New Zealand's WRC-rally
5.-9.5
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- If Kimi drives the rally I'm sure he will enjoy the experience.
- 4 minutes behind the lead (6th in 2008)

J-ML:
- If Kimi drives the rally I'm sure he will enjoy the experience.
- 10 minutes behind the lead (10th in 2008)

6/13: Portugal's WRC-rally
27.-20.5.
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- I think that by Portugal Kimi has learned how to drive on gravel.
- 3-4 minutes behind the lead (5th in 2009)

J-ML:
- This could be a very difficult race for Kimi. Kimi has a top co-driver and his significance will be highlighted in Portugal.
- 10 minutes behind the lead (7th in 2009)

7/13: Bulgaria's WRC-rally
7.-10.7
Driving surface: tarmac

MH:
- I expect a good result from Kimi in Bulgaria because we are all on the same line (new race).
- 4 minutes behind the lead (4th)

J-ML:
- Bulgaria could be one of the best races for Kimi because nobody has any earlier experience from there and I'm sure Kimi drives well on tarmac.
- 5 minutes behind the lead (5th)

8/13: Finland's WRC-rally
29.-31.7
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- Finland's rally can be difficult for Kimi although he has some experience from it. It's difficult to drive a WRC-car on Mid-Finland's superfast gravel roads really fast. The car has to be perfectly set-up and he has to be able to trust it 100%, otherwise the difference to the lead grows by minutes.
- 5 minutes behind the lead (7th in 2009)

J-ML:
- Finland's rally will be Kimi's second but it's not easy to succeed in Mid-Finland with a WRC-car.
- 6 minutes behind the lead (8th in 2009)

9/13: Germany's WRC-rally
18.-22.8
Driving surface: tarmac

MH:
- Second tarmac-rally for Kimi. If it doesn't rain the result can be good but if it rains it's interesting to see how Kimi controls the constant traction changes.
- 4 minutes behind the lead (6th in 2008)

J-ML:
- It could be a difficult race for Kimi although the surface is tarmac. Audi's DTM-champion Mattias Ekström drove there a couple of years ago and he was in great troubles because of the constantly changing traction.
- 9 minutes behind the lead (13th in 2008)

10/13: Japan's WRC-rally
8.-12.9
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- Japan might be the best gravel rally of the season for Kimi. When he has got some experience I believe that he will make a good result there.
- 4-5 minutes behind the lead (5th in 2008)

J-ML:
- Japan might be a good race for Kimi. Although he has no experience of this race it doesn't necessarily matter much.
- 7 minutes behind the lead (7th in 2008)

11/13: France WRC-rally
29.9.-3.10
Driving surface: tarmac

MH:
- This race could be the best race of the season for Kimi. He already has experience in driving and making pace notes so he could even drive for the podium.
- 2-3 minutes behind the lead (podium)

J-ML:
- Kimi will improve here after Germany's race but he will still be minutes behind the lead.
- 9 minutes behind the lead

12/13: Spain's WRC-rally
20.-24.10
Driving surface: tarmac

MH:
- I believe that Kimi feels at home on Catalonia's tarmac where he can drive on the line and boldly cut.
- 2-3 minutes behind the lead (he will fight for the podium)

J-ML:
- Last year the stage was precisely the same as it was the year before and if this trend continues it will bring difficulties for Kimi because others know the stage almost by memory.
- 8 minutes behind the lead (8th in 2009)

13/13: Britain's WRC-rally
10.-14.11
Driving surface: gravel

MH:
- Wales can be more difficult for Kimi because here you need experience in order to succeed.
- 6 minutes behind the lead (5th in 2009)

J-ML:
- Because of the difficult driving conditions I predict that Wales isn't any easy rally for Kimi. It's more than slippery.
- 8 minutes behind the lead (7th in 2009)
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Re: Rally News

Post by Ice-Ludy » 11 Apr 2010, 16:34

Sorry if it was already posted...

Courtesy of Ladora (KRS Forum)
Heat, Dust and a Little Ice Please
By LadySnowcat

Madness comes in many forms, not least when on a whim I decided to pay a trip at Easter time to some truly biblical sites in the heat and dust of Jordan. Oh, and there was a rally on at the same time. I did not need asking twice, and no sooner had the possibility of the trip come up than I had checked the flights out of Heathrow and started to buy a more suitable wardrobe than the snowboots and thermals dictated by rally watching in Sweden.

Flying out of a grey and damp London into the warm and breezy sunshine of Amman was no hardship. The hotels on the banks of the Dead Sea are new and large, and in the week before Easter were littered with team personnel as the Service Park is only a few yards from these self contained resorts.

This Service Park was a slightly weird contrast to the icy cold airfield in Sweden, as they watered the rocky, gravelly surface to keep the dust down on an area sitting above a dual carriageway. And it was hot... very hot.

But, as with my visit to Sweden, everyone was charmingly hospitable. It seemed that all you need is enthusiasm and a smile and nothing is too much trouble. And if the truth be told following trips to Abu Dhabi (hot), Malaysia and Singapore (steamy), Bahrain (very, very hot and dusty) and even sunburn in Barcelona on occasions, perhaps the F1 circuit prepares you better for Jordan than for Sweden.

It’s great to see the relaxed nature of the drivers here. When waiting for Shakedown they queue up on the road after the S2000 class starts at 10am (the big names have been striving for a good set up since 8am and are still trying stuff out) and get out and chat amongst each other whilst waiting for their turn. And yes, in case you were wondering, that includes a certain F1 champ too. They all seem a pretty sociable bunch.

The TV doesn’t do justice to the spectacular scenery of Jordan. Two particular spots remain etched in my mind.

The first, late on the first day, when just below Mount Nebo (the burial place of Moses) and a short walk from the end of the stage. You pick your way over the rocky ground to the top of a steep hill to find a panoramic view in the warm evening light. The Dead Sea slips into sight in the distance and far to the left a car makes its way over the hills, lines of dust demarking its progress as the topography first hides and then reveals and then hides it again. A zig-zag progress towards you builds the anticipation as it growls ever closer. Only when it comes directly below your perch can you see that progress is anything but smooth over the terrain, and it drifts into a right turn fighting to gain grip before launching up a small hill towards the flying finish down on your right.

You feel like you could stay there forever.

The second was on the ferociously long Jordan valley stage. You take a track across a flat plain and suddenly find a number of other SUVs parked, some looking a little precarious, at the edge of a precipitous drop to a flat valley floor. This is a rift valley and whilst the Jordan side is a steep descent, on the Israeli side matching white cliffs rise from the sea of green, which on closer inspection show as a carpet of scrub, brush type trees and shrubs. From this greenery a puff of dust explodes like a fuse burning quickly, leaving a trail of rising pink grit rather than smoke. Occasional glimpses of bright colour or silver reflection are the car setting light to the track.

Suddenly it is close below you, negotiating a hairpin, and covering those that have clambered to the valley floor with a dusty cloud. Then it is sprinting away again, twisting and turning like a gazelle trying to shake a cheetah on its tracks. You watch mesmerised as the spurts of dust show the track being taken to a point far to the left. Then you realise that there is another player charging in from the right, and start to guess the times from the distance the previous car has travelled before the new player arrived on the stage.

The view and the cars - just sublime.

A sense of déjà vu intervenes at the start of the final day when team tactics lead to a switch in running order to ensure Mr Loeb does not run first. Instead his Junior team colleague, who looks like he surely must get a WDC championship one day, Sebastien (do most decent French drivers have this name?) Ogier ends up running first and with a hat load of penalties. The element of controversy makes me think of F1, I can’t think why!

Trying to keep abreast of the results via Blackberry and helpful stewards I have the usual feeling of dread and anticipation when the Kimster takes part. Big relief at the end of each successfully navigated stage and happy cheers when he finishes in a creditable 8th on this tough rally.

So we find ourselves, all too soon, at the closing ceremony. A tad chaotic, but also fun. Loud cheers for the top three finishers but, of the WRC runners, the loudest shout is saved for the rookie in the bunch. He emerges from his car on the podium with a grin and, like a few notable times in the past, is greeted warmly and hugged by a certain Mr Jean Todt.

Meanwhile the teams follow F1 protocol and are disassembling the little village. The ceremonies continue for the various classes and types of car and the local heroes get their chance of acclaim. Gradually the crowd dissipates and you can take a look at the knocks and scrapes on the bodywork of the cars in the Park Ferme. Rallying is a tough but enjoyable business.

In the fading heat of the afternoon a relaxed slim blond figure in dark blue racing overalls smiles a farewell and skips over the remaining power cables, heading towards Turkey, and the next chapter in his new adventure.
http://sidepodcast.com/2010/04/10/heat- ... ce-please/
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“Even a small star shines in the darkness”

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Re: Rally News

Post by iceman1 » 11 Apr 2010, 17:11

Wolfie wrote:Thank you for the information about Kubica, Iceman! Kudos to Robert!
yeah this is a pretty tragic incident, all those that were in the plane were top commanders and plenty of parliament members :(

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Re: Rally News

Post by Kinga » 11 Apr 2010, 17:20

Wolfie wrote: It's a 80% chance that Kimi will go to New Zealand. Here's hoping he would also go :pray:
Really? I've read somewhere that it's 80% that Kimi won't go to New Zealand! :blink: Would be fantastic if he could go!!!!


awww poor Polish people... it's tragic! :(
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Re: Rally News

Post by Wolfie » 11 Apr 2010, 17:26

Kinga wrote:
Wolfie wrote: It's a 80% chance that Kimi will go to New Zealand. Here's hoping he would also go :pray:
Really? I've read somewhere that it's 80% that Kimi won't go to New Zealand! :blink: Would be fantastic if he could go!!!!

awww poor Polish people... it's tragic! :(
Oi, my error :fear:

Kinga is right, it's a 20 % chance he will go, sorry :blush:

Sad and tragic incident in Poland :(
To be changed soon - rko281, where are you??? LOL

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Re: Rally News

Post by Kinga » 11 Apr 2010, 17:30

Wolfie wrote: Kinga is right, it's a 20 % chance he will go, sorry :blush:
Oh, it's okay. Before we would be too hyped about it. :D
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Re: Rally News

Post by Kriss » 11 Apr 2010, 17:34

Kinga wrote:
Wolfie wrote: Kinga is right, it's a 20 % chance he will go, sorry :blush:
Oh, it's okay. Before we would be too hyped about it. :D
:( :( I was hyped, just a lttle :O

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Re: Rally News

Post by dindi » 12 Apr 2010, 14:40

Obrigada, Ludy (and thanks to Ladora)! That was lovely :) Some writing chops that LadySnowcat person's got there!

Commiserations to the Poles :(

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Re: Rally News

Post by kracer » 12 Apr 2010, 15:14

Thanks so much, Nikki and Kinga! :hug:

I hope they're predictions are going to be very close to what Kimi achieves this weekend. :pray:

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