2022 Rallying

[NaBUru38]

ESPN's rally announcers pablo Scilacci and Raúl Barceló just said that Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Paraguay are trying to get a WRC round in the next years.


Interview with the Paraguayan Automobile Club director:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoGse0MTHe0

[Alex Langheck]

Well they can't all get in; Mexico & Argentina need to return once things return to normal.

[BertMk2]

Wel Croatia was pretty brutal! Great event I thought, the roads were tricky and technical - then throw in the rain and fog and it made it really difficult. A good challenge for the crews. Rovanpera kept it clean all weekend and took the win - a case of 'what might have been' for Neuville though, without the penalties he'd have been right up there and could have won. Stupid to pick up a penalty for speeding on a road section - and it's not the first time either, the other penalties were unfortunate. Tanak had a strong event, Breen comfortably the best Ford - another poor event for Evans, he's surely out of the title hunt already.

[Alex Langheck]

156km/h in an 80km/h zone is appalling; and not his first speeding offence. Fines aren't working; penalise points, and event bans. The FiA Road Safety campaign looks useless if their own drivers can't abide by road traffic laws.

However, I think Croatia has been a good addition; Rovanpera dominated, but lost time on the penultimate stage to lose the lead; then drove 10Tenths, and over to win. Tanak pushed, but wanted to finish, and needed the points, and duly got them.

I still think M-Sport need a regular top driver alongside Breen; Fourmaux keeps throwing at the scenery, and Greensmith is still learning, so they're relying on Breen for points.

Evans got an early puncture, and was out of contention, and had another puncture later on - it's looking like an uphill struggle, and his pace doesn't seem quite there.

[ArnageWRC]

If Rovanpera keeps his head, he can win the title; he has the speed, it's about maturity, and event management - picking up points when he/the car isn't quite on the pace.

[Anyopenroad]

The latest ‘Craig Breen is awesome’ moment:

“I'm happy just to get to the end of that. They were the worst conditions I've seen in my life and I could see absolutely nothing. I enjoyed it though!”

[cg7aa]

Originally Posted by BertMk2

Wel Croatia was pretty brutal! ....

You can say that again! I caught the highlights a couple of days ago and almost got cramp watching the Friday action! I was that tense without realising it. Those stages looked incredibly tough. What rotten luck for Evans (again!), EPL and likewise Neuville (even if some was self-inflicted); you can't fault his tenacity to keep getting back up. Many would have given up the ghost

As for Kalle, wow! I think Latvala summed it up best when he said 'he is a miracle' or words to that effect. Just faultless in such tricky conditions. Incredible feel for the conditions and such maturity. He will need the points lead though, the next several rallies are all on the loose stuff. Being first on the road is going to be really tough. The gravel rallies might be Evans' last chance saloon if he's to mount a credible challenge this season.

[cg7aa]

Originally Posted by Alex Langheck

Fourmaux keeps throwing at the scenery...

Sadly the case, maybe he's trying too hard to prove something. I had high hopes for the fella this season.

[justracing]

Great fightback from Elfyn in Portugal but once again Rovanpera reigns supreme, the youngster possesses an innate talent in car control at high speed, a champion in the making if ever there was one. Being totally partisan, i'm really hoping for good results from Elfyn in Sardinia and the safari in Kenya, who doesn't love an African rally!

[S griffin]

Both Sebs really hit trouble in that event. Not great on the 50th anniversary of the WRC. Rovanpera once again on top, he's looking good for the title, but Elfyn won't give up

[justracing]

Gutted for Elfyn Evans winning the first stage and then retiring for the day with a major water leakafter landing heavily. Tanak back on a charge taking the win and Craig Breen looking very comfortable with the Ford Puma finishing a solid second, major problems also for Neuville suffering transmission issues - hardly surprising over such a rough and bumpy terrain! Can't wait for Kenya!

[BertMk2]

From what I saw it looked a good event, there still seems to be a fairly high attrition rate with these new generation cars though doesn't there? Good to see Breen doing well and I still love his enthusiasm at the stage end interviews - it's nice to see someone who's clearly enjoying themselves.

[S griffin]

Great win for Tanak, it's been too long. Hopefully this is the start of Hyundai's challenge for the season

[ArnageWRC]

Donegal international & Kielder ( formerly the Pirelli) Forest Rally over the last weekend.

This weekend sees Argyll Stages, plus the Sweetlamb Rally Time Trial.

[BertMk2]

Rally Kenya this weeked - it may not be the event it once was but it's still looking spectacular. There are 100% going to be some great photos from this weekend. Hopefully I'll catch some of the coverage over the weekend too.