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Post by Roo on Jan 5, 2009 3:56:55 GMT
Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo 2009 Although the official entry list has yet to be finalised, this is a list of drivers and teams that have been confirmed so far: Abarth Fiat Punto S2000Giandomenico Basso (Abarth Team) Anton Alen (Abarth Team) Luca Rossetti (Abarth Team) Toni Gardemeister (Astra Racing) Peugeot 207 S2000Nicolas Vouilloz (Kronos) Freddy Loix (Kronos) Kris Meeke (Kronos / Peugeot UK) Stephane Sarrazin (Peugeot Sport France) Didier Auriol (Grifone) Skoda Fabia S2000Jan Kopecky (Skoda Motorsport) Juho Hanninen (Skoda Motorsport)
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Post by Vivski on Jan 5, 2009 8:44:51 GMT
I was watching the Eurosport coverage of Rally China the other day. While none of the IRC teams sent their drivers, I spotted a familiar face. None other than Nick Rowland! Haven't heard from him for a while.
If they actually get some snow and ice this year, Monte Carlo could be the best rally of the year.
So... who's going to win it?
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Post by Will on Jan 5, 2009 9:32:13 GMT
I reckon Sarrazin could pose a threat, being good at tarmac and being French etc
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Post by Roo on Jan 5, 2009 11:02:27 GMT
Kronos Peugeot drivers Nicolas Vouilloz and Freddy Loix will start as favourites. Vouilloz because he is the defending champion, and Loix because of his previous event experience. Kris Meeke's first JWRC victory was on this rally back in 2005, and his first podium finish was the year before that. There is no doubt he will also be quick. Gardemeister has had good results on the Monte, as has Auriol and Kopecky. The Pugs are said to be the quickest S2000 car at the moment. But during the off-season, Abarth have done a lot of work with the Punto S2000, namely new transmission. So the new Puntos that will be driven by Gian Basso and Anton Alen should be a lot more competitive. And if this video is anything to go by, the Fabia will be literally flying. www.dailymotion.com/relevance/search/irc/video/x6kl8n_rallye-barum-irc-2008_auto(Compare the hairpin bend in the first few seconds with the other competitors. Unless you have supa-duppa internet, turn off the HD at the bottom.) Who am I tipping for the win? I'll wait until the entry list is released first. (Which means I dunno, can't decide. )
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 5, 2009 12:22:11 GMT
Stunning video there Roo It is also said that Per-Gunnar Andersson will compete in a Proton Satria Neo S2000!
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 5, 2009 18:30:52 GMT
Awesome! That's how all course cars should be driven! I also want to spectate on that rally, it looks great fun! I still haven't specated on a tarmac event, for me the BRC rounds with the Gp.N is too boring!
That clip with Abarth on the limiter coming down the hill sounds amazing! If S2000 with turbo is the future of WRC, then from the "sounds" of it - I'm right to be excited!
EDIT: The Lancer on the cross roads! Those speccies were lucky!
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 5, 2009 21:05:25 GMT
If you ask me, the IRC will be much more interesting than the WRC in 2009?
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Post by Roo on Jan 6, 2009 0:03:26 GMT
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Post by Nick McRae on Jan 6, 2009 19:49:53 GMT
I showed that first video to my college class mates today with proper speaks, the Abarth's bouncing off the limiter sounded amazing.
Incidently a class of 10 non-rally fans absoluately loved it...
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sarah
Chief Marshall
Posts: 79
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Post by sarah on Jan 6, 2009 23:03:58 GMT
Awesome videos! In the first one that Fabia looks quick as!
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Post by Mixa on Jan 9, 2009 20:59:45 GMT
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Post by Vivski on Jan 10, 2009 3:44:36 GMT
Thanks Mikko, I've updated the top post with your link. Just having another look at that list. This is going to be a really interesting rally! It's a mix of some drivers from different backgrounds. Shame not to see Francois Duval in there. And a pity that Dani Sola has withdrawn.
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 10, 2009 16:07:33 GMT
I know that Duval doesn't have a co-driver at the moment. Denis Giraudet is co-driving Didier Auriol of course. It's very quiet around Duval. No news to be seen anywhere.. I've found some pictures of Jan Kopecky testing for Monte Carlo, in the liveried Skoda Fabia S2000 ;D www.johnfoto.wz.cz/fabiamonte/Beautiful
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Post by Hurricane on Jan 10, 2009 23:41:41 GMT
Sébastien Ogier has been selected for the BF Goodrich Drivers Team and thus he will drive the third Kronos-run Peugeot 207 S2000.
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Post by Roo on Jan 11, 2009 1:06:25 GMT
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