2023 Rallying

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by cg7aa

ITV4, Tuesday 8pm

Thanks - the daily highlights are also on Red Bull TV so I've been watching there. Very unusual conditions for the Monte, mostly dry tarmac this year with only small spots of ice. Looks like there have been the usual Monte shenanigans though with 'fans' shovelling ice onto the stage ahead of Neuville coming through (footage available on social media). There's history for this over the years with the fans favouring the local drivers and chucking snow and ice in front of the other drivers, it doesn't sit well with me though.

Another win for Ogier though - from shakedown on Thursday it didn't look like anyone else had a chance did it? The Toyotas looked the quickest (as expected), the Pumas still aren't reliable enough with power steering issues across the weekend. Lappi looked like he didn't have much confidence in the Hyundai, he seemed strangely subdued all weekend.

[ArnageWRC]

Ogier wins, but Rovanpera wins the 'WRC title' class with a 2nd place, and PowerStage win......A good start to his title defence.
Tanak hamstrung by unreliability which isn't a great start. Neuville a decent 3rd, and Elfyn was right there before a puncture......

However, I thought it was a pretty uneventful rally....which doesn't bode well for the rest of the year.

[BertMk2]

Originally Posted by ArnageWRC

However, I thought it was a pretty uneventful rally....which doesn't bode well for the rest of the year.

Ogier dominated at the front and his lead was never really under threat. Behind him it was all a case of who had mechanical or tyre problems really wasn't it? I guess the conditions played into that slightly - usually the Monte is a real mixed bag and people can make a huge difference with tyre choice or just having 'feel' for the dodgy conditions. With it being mostly dry tarmac that element was missing.

[ArnageWRC]

What should be a great sport is continually hamstrung by poor promotion, uninspired events, and pretty average TV coverage.....

Nothing will change until those in charge do something different......

[tbtstt]

Originally Posted by ArnageWRC

However, I thought it was a pretty uneventful rally....which doesn't bode well for the rest of the year.

Yeah, did seem to be a fairly uneventful rally. I was hoping that Tanak could push harder, but issues for him. Hopefully his pace in the power stage is an indication that he (and M-Sport) can at least challenge for event wins this year.

Great form from Kalle and, perhaps unsurprisingly, a flawless drive from Ogier.