Archive für Januar 2009
SEBASTIEN OGIER WINS 77TH MONTE CARLO RALLY
24.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Reigning Junior World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier has won the 77th Monte Carlo Rally for the BFGoodrich Drivers’ Team: the first time that the programme - which chooses a different local driver from the five rounds of the IRC on which it operates - has resulted in a rally winner.
Peugeot Belgium’s Freddy Loix - the runner-up on last year’s IRC series - got his 2009 campaign off to a solid start by finishing in a fault-free second on the Monte Carlo Rally, ahead of the Peugeot Total 207 S2000 entry driven by Le Mans star Stephane Sarrazin. Thanks to a magical atmosphere, challenging stages and typical weather, this year’s Monte Carlo Rally well and truly lived up to its reputation as the oldest and most prestigious event in the sport.
Despite having no experience of Super 2000 machinery prior to a short test before his very first Monte Carlo Rally, Ogier took the lead at the end of the second day following a puncture for former rally leader Juho Hanninen. The Finn gave Skoda’s new Fabia S2000 a spectacular IRC competition debut by claiming the lead on the opening morning, which he extended to more than a minute and a half before SS9: the final stage of day two. Hanninen then picked up a front puncture just five kilometres into the stage but chose to drive to the end, losing two minutes and dropping to third. He was confident that he could make the time back up, but crashed out on the very first corner of SS10: the first stage of Friday.
The same stage also claimed Irishman Kris Meeke, making his IRC debut along with Peugeot UK. Having set fastest time on SS3, the Irishman dropped around a minute on the second day with a puncture sustained after hitting a hole. On Friday morning though he lost control of his 207 S2000 after it slid onto a patch of slush. The car left the road in fifth gear and rolled five times, demolishing part of a bridge, but both Meeke and co-driver Paul Nagle emerged uninjured. A dramatic early retirement was that of Peugeot Belgium driver and reigning IRC champion Nicolas Vouilloz, who broke a steering arm on SS7 after a small impact.
As always, tyre choice was the key to the Monte Carlo Rally. With most stages containing a very wide variety of conditions it was normally a question of just finding the best compromise. One of the best examples was the final four stages through the Col de Turini this evening, which formed a dramatical climax to the 77th Monte Carlo Rally. Peugeot driver Stephane Sarrazin, who ran as high as second overall on the opening day, lost more than five minutes with an off on SS4: the opening stage of Thursday. Nonetheless, he steadily recovered throughout the remainder of the event to climb up the order.
The Frenchman gambled on his choice of tyres for the first loop of Col de Turini stages, selecting normal rain tyres instead of the snow tyres favoured by most people. This enabled him to claim third place by just one second from the other factory Skoda of Jan Kopecky, which performed strongly despite intermittent power steering problems. A storming run on the penultimate stage of the rally enabled him to claim fastest time by half a minute from Kopecky and seal his podium place. World rally star Toni Gardemeister - who has twice finished second in Monte Carlo - was set for second place until the alternator broke on his privateer Abarth Grande Punto with only three stages to go.
The factory Abarth team of Giandomenico Basso, Anton Alen and Luca Rossetti suffered mixed fortunes. Rossetti was out on the very first stage after sliding into a snowbank. The same fate awaited the 1994 World Rally Champion Didier Auriol, who put his privateer Peugeot off within metres of Rossetti.
The IRC 2WD Cup was comfortably won by Fiat Punto S1600 driver Manuel Villa. Full end of leg report and driver quotes to follow tomorrow.
IRC RESULTS AFTER SS14, MONTE CARLO RALLY (MONACO)*
1Ogier/Ingrassia (Peugeot 207 S2000) 4h40m45.7s
2 Loix/Smets (Peugeot 207 S2000) +1m43.6s
3 Sarrazin/Renucci (Peugeot 207 S2000) +2m21.6s
4 Kopecky/Stary (Skoda Fabia S2000) +3m17.3s
5 Basso/Dotta (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) +4m28.0s
6 Alen/Alanne (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) +10m49.7s
7 Romeyer/Fournel (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) +20m30.0s
8 Burri/Gordon (Abarth Grande Punto S2000) +21m23.0s
9 Artru/Virieux (Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9) +9m51.4s
10 Cavallini/Zanella (Peugeot 207 S2000) +28m44.2s
Two-wheel drive winner: Manuel Villa (Fiat Punto S1600)
*All results subject to final confirmation.
STANDINGS
Drivers
1 Ogier 10
2 Loix 8
3 Sarrazin 6
4 Kopecky 5
5 Basso 4
6 Alen 3
7 Romeyer 2
8 Burri 1
Manufacturers
1 Peugeot 18
2 Abarth 7
3 Skoda 5
4 Mitsubishi 2
Ogier claimed a spectacular debut IRC win in Monte Carlo: the oldest and most prestigious rally of them all
www.ircseries.com
PRIMERA JORNADA ENTRENAMIENTOS SUPERBIKES
24.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Superbike - Friday 1st
1 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1′59.151
2 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2′00.081
3 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2′00.521
4 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2′01.437
5 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 2′01.487
6 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 2′01.499
7 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 2′02.142
8 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 2′02.190
9 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 2′02.206
10 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 2′02.221
11 53 Polita A. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 2′02.255
12 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 2′02.291
13 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 2′03.913
14 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2′04.519
15 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 2′04.604
16 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2′05.292
17 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 2′05.626
18 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2′05.880
19 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 2′05.904
20 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 2′06.198
21 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 2′06.459
22 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 2′07.094
23 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 2′13.713
Superbike - Friday 2nd
1 67 Byrne S. (GBR) Ducati 1098R 1′44.265
2 84 Fabrizio M. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1′44.468
3 19 Spies B. (USA) Yamaha YZF R1 1′44.652
4 76 Neukirchner M. (GER) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1′44.931
5 41 Haga N. (JPN) Ducati 1098R 1′44.976
6 96 Smrz J. (CZE) Ducati 1098R 1′45.266
7 91 Haslam L. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1′45.323
8 65 Rea J. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1′45.329
9 7 Checa C. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1′45.373
10 71 Kagayama Y. (JPN) Suzuki GSX-R 1000 K9 1′45.448
11 66 Sykes T. (GBR) Yamaha YZF R1 1′45.558
12 55 Laconi R. (FRA) Ducati 1098R 1′45.914
13 53 Polita A. (ITA) Ducati 1098R 1′46.110
14 23 Parkes B. (AUS) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1′46.121
15 11 Corser T. (AUS) BMW S1000 RR 1′46.261
16 3 Biaggi M. (ITA) Aprilia RSV4 1′46.440
17 9 Kiyonari R. (JPN) Honda CBR1000RR 1′46.586
18 36 Lavilla G. (ESP) Honda CBR1000RR 1′46.948
19 100 Tamada M. (JPN) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1′46.957
20 111 Xaus R. (ESP) BMW S1000 RR 1′47.340
21 33 Hill T. (GBR) Honda CBR1000RR 1′47.639
22 24 Roberts B. (AUS) Ducati 1098R 1′47.699
23 56 Nakano S. (JPN) Aprilia RSV4 1′48.269
24 25 Salom D. (ESP) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1′48.274
25 99 Scassa L. (ITA) Kawasaki ZX 10R 1′49.800
26 77 Iannuzzo V. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1′50.187
27 44 Rolfo R. (ITA) Honda CBR1000RR 1′53.550
David Salom Departamento de Prensa Avenida 16 de Julio, 34 07009 Palma de Mallorca
Tel. +34 971 291 321 M. +34 616 99 26 87 prensa@davidsalom.com
Classic Rallye Triest-Wien 2009
24.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Der Startschuß für die Anmeldungen zur Classic Rallye Triest-Wien 2009 ist zur Jahreswende gefallen: die einzigartige Veranstaltung, die Regularity- und Race-Klasse kombiniert, geht in die 7. Runde. Die Jagd nach Hundertstel Sekunden in der Gleichmässigkeitsklasse und der Fight um die schnellsten Streckenzeiten in der Race Class ergeben ein spannendes Umfeld, das letztes Jahr selbst Rallye-Doppelweltmeister Walter Röhrl zur Teilnahme motiviert hat.
Alle Details und Informationen zur Veranstaltung finden Sie auf unserer Website www.wientriest.at. Dort können Sie auch das Reglement und die Anmeldung downloaden. Nur noch eine Woche gilt der Frühbucherbonus - der gesamte Ausschreibungszeitraum erstreckt sich vom 1.1. bis zum 30.6.2009. Die Liste der bereits eingetroffenen Anmeldungen wird Anfang Februar aktualisiert.
Spektakuläre Nennungen in der Race Class
In der Race Class haben uns bereits einige spektakuläre Nennungen erreicht.
Stichworte wie Ford GT 40 original Le Mans 1968, ein Ferrari 308 Gruppe 4 Michelotto und BMW 328 (Vorkrieg) lassen die Liebhaberherzen höher schlagen. Viele gute alte Bekannte und Freunde haben ihre Teilnahme bereits angekündigt.
Angesagt sind weiters spektakuläre Fahrzeuge wie Jaguar E (Rennversion), Porsche 928, Mercedes Benz SLS, SL Flügeltürer und viele mehr.
Aufgrund der großen Nachfrage rechnen wir dieses Jahr in beiden Klassen mit einem Starterfeld von zusammen rund 100 Fahrzeugen.
Infos & Downloads
Mehr Informationen zur Regularity Class (Gleichmässigkeit) und der Race Class (Rennen) finden Sie hier:
http://www.wientriest.at/wientriest/topics/2009_Anmeldung
Wir freuen uns auf August 2009!
Ihr Veranstalterteam der Trieste-Vienna
Formula Palmer Audi Championship
23.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Formula Palmer Audi Championship to cost just €69,950 in 2009 – drives still available
€55,000 Formula Two scholarship prize for 2009 FPA Champion
Places are still available for the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship (FPA), which now costs just €69,950 for a full season including vehicle damage cover.
As well as offering a cost-effective route into the highest tiers of motor racing, FPA’s scholarship prize with the revived FIA Formula Two Championship will benefit drivers through F2’s direct association with the AT&T Williams F1 team. The 2009 FPA Champion will be awarded a €55,000 scholarship towards a full season in the FIA Formula Two Championship, whilst the top three FPA finishers will also receive a full test in the F2 car.
Formula Two already enjoys a close association with F1, as the Formula Two champion will receive a test drive with the AT&T Williams F1 team, whilst the top three finishers will qualify for an FIA Superlicence, required to compete in Formula One Grands Prix.
The 2009 Formula Palmer Audi championship will include 20 races at seven circuits throughout the UK including British Grand Prix venue Silverstone and two rounds on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit supporting the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport.
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of series organiser MSV, said: “There is simply no better place to prove your talent than in FPA, where every driver races for the winning team, at a reasonable cost, and in a high performance car. In these difficult economic times, the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship offers surely the best value for money of any formula in the world and with our unique Є55,000 scholarship prize towards F2 for the 2009 FPA champion – you could quickly be on the ladder to Formula One.”
Over the past 11 years, Formula Palmer Audi has established itself as a training ground for talented young drivers with nine series graduates, including inaugural champion Justin Wilson, progressing into Formula One. Other drivers have competed in major international championships such as DTM and the FIA World Touring Car Championship, including triple WTCC champion Andy Priaulx.
www.formula-palmer-audi.com
Patrick Head relishes the ‘engineering challenge’ of Formula Two
23.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Williams F1’s Director of Engineering discusses involvement in F2 project
Patrick Head, who has led a six-man team in the design of the new F2 car, has declared the project as both ‘exciting’ and a ‘serious engineering challenge’.
With just a few weeks until the car’s initial shakedown test, Williams F1’s Director of Engineering has spoken about his involvement in the project: “The F2 project is both exciting and very interesting,” said Head. “We have obviously known Jonathan Palmer for a very long time and we initially discussed creating a much higher spec Formula Palmer Audi. Then when the possibility of F2 came up, it became clear that we would have to significantly upgrade the whole operation because the car would have to pass the 2005 Formula One crash test rules, which is a serious engineering challenge.”
Head’s team faced the task of creating a highly technical and advanced single seater with a top speed that sits between that of an F3 and a Formula One car, while also maintaining Formula Two’s cost-effective philosophy: “Designing a high performance F2 car to a budget actually has many more complex issues to that of a Formula One project which has a much larger resource base,” commented Head. “There will be expectations from drivers who were maybe thinking of doing GP2 but have decided to do F2 and they would be disappointed if the car didn’t have a certain amount of sophistication to it. I think we have hit the right note with the F2 car.”
The Williams JPH1 F2 car features a 450bhp turbo engine, six speed paddle shift gearbox, ground effect aerodynamics and a sophisticated composite survival cell complying with 2005 Formula One safety regulations. Settings on the car that can be adjusted to change the mechanical balance include anti-roll bars, dampers, cambers, tracking spring pre-load and ride height. The front and rear wings can be adjusted to alter the aerodynamic balance of the car and drivers will even have the ability to make some of these adjustments via on-board controls - the F2 car features a cockpit-adjustable front anti-roll bar and a pioneering front wing adjuster on the steering wheel is being developed, which will be unique outside of Formula One in 2009.
Head has been impressed with the rapid progress of the championship’s development and the calibre of its 2009 drivers: “It is looking very positive. Of course, like all things the proof of the pudding is in the eating, but it is looking promising. Very often, when a driver comes from GP2 or F3 you are always wondering how much of their success is down to the team, the performance of the car and the race engineer. With Formula Two, we will know that the best driver will come out on top in the end, and that’s good when looking at their potential for Formula One,” Head concluded.
The winner of the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship will be awarded a full test with the AT&T Williams team.
www.formulatwo.com
SAULNIER RACING BECOMES OAK RACING
23.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Team Mazda France
After two seasons under the supervision of new owner Jacques Nicolet, and following
a string of impressive results in 2008, Saulnier Racing has changed its name to
become OAK Racing*.
The name change arrives in tandem with a change of sporting strategy, as OAK
Racing concentrates its focus on the LMP2 category in 2009 with a pair of Pescarolo-
Mazdas in the Le Mans Series. The Magny-Cours based team will also apply to the
Automobile Club de l’Ouest for an entry for these two cars at the Le Mans 24 Hours
in June.
OAK Racing will continue to run the Pescarolo LMP2 chassis, as in 2008, but will
also benefit from the know-how and experience of two major new partners in Mazda
and Dunlop. The team saw the Japanese constructor join their stable at the end of
last year and has just completed an agreement with the leading tyre manufacturer.
Jacques Nicolet, President of OAK Racing:
“The alliance with a top constructor and tyre manufacturer is very important for the
future of OAK Racing. We can approach the new season with great enthusiasm
knowing we will benefit from the experience of such renowned partners as Mazda
and Dunlop. We are very happy with this new partnership with Dunlop and the
developments we can expect to happen. There is a strong will within Dunlop to add
to their already extensive honours list, which most notably includes 34 wins at the Le
Mans 24 Hours. The choice of a new name always represents a change in the history
of a team. I hope that OAK Racing will follow this trend.”
* OAK Racing was chosen as the Oak tree is a symbol of force, consistency and
measure – all qualities demanded by Endurance racing. In addition, choosing the
name of a tree for a motor racing team acknowledges that an environmental
conscience must accompany the development of the sport.
www.lemans-series.com
ATS Formel-3-Cup 2009 - Kompakt, kraftvoll, schnell
23.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Neun Veranstaltungen und 18 Rennen
Mit den drei Schlagworten kompakt, kraftvoll, schnell lässt sich die anstehende Saison des ATS Formel-3-Cup treffend beschreiben. 18 Sprintrennen verteilt auf neun Veranstaltungs-Wochenenden, das ist der ATS Formel-3-Cup 2009. Dabei ist die schnellste deutsche Formel-Rennserie auf allen permanenten Rennstrecken in Deutschland und zudem auf dem TT Circuit im niederländischen Assen zu Gast.
Die Basis für den ATS Formel-3-Cup bildet das neue Veranstaltungspaket, das den Namen ‚ADAC Masters Weekends’ trägt. Bärenstarke GT-Fahrzeuge, schnelle Formelklassen und publikumsnahe Tourenwagen bilden dabei einen spektakulären Mix, der für jeden Rennfan attraktiv sein wird. Fahrern und Teams des ATS Formel-3-Cup steht künftig nicht nur ein freies Training von jeweils 60 Minuten, sondern auch eine auf 30 Minuten ausgedehnte Renndistanz zur Verfügung. Die beiden Qualifyings für die Rennen eins und zwei bleiben unverändert auf 30 Minuten begrenzt.
Der Saisonstart am Oster-Wochenende und auch das Saisonfinale Mitte Oktober finden in der Motorsportarena Oschersleben statt. Auf dem anspruchsvollen Kurs in der Magdeburger Börde ist man 2009 ein drittes Mal unterwegs: im Juni trägt die Formel 3 dort ihre Meisterschaftsläufe sieben und acht im Rahmen der FIA GT Weltmeisterschaft aus.
Eines der Saison-Highlights ist bereits im Mai in der Eifel zu erleben, wenn das 24-Stunden-Rennen dem ATS Formel-3-Cup eine bewährte Plattform bietet. Traditionell startet man in Assen beim Rizla Race Day, den alljährlich über 40.000 Niederländer besuchen. Ein weiteres Highlight der neuen Saison findet im September auf dem Sachsenring statt. Fahrerisch äußerst anspruchsvoll mit schnellen Passagen und deutlichen Höhenunterschieden fordert die Piste in der Nähe von Zwickau das ganze Potenzial.
Der Rennkalender der aktuellen Saison 2009 wurde demnach mit viel Bedacht gewählt. Zwischen dem 13. April und dem 18. Oktober finden die Rennen statt, nie direkt aufeinander folgend, sondern immer mit einem Abstand von mindestens einem freien Wochenende. Zudem wurden Überschneidungen mit anderen nationalen Rennserien möglichst vermieden.
ATS Formel-3-Cup 2009
09. - 13. April
Oschersleben
ADAC Masters Weekend
21. - 23. Mai
Nürburgring
24h-Rennen
05. - 07. Juni
Hockenheim
ADAC Masters Weekend
19. - 21. Juni
Oschersleben
FIA GT Championchip
03. - 05. Juli
EuroSpeedway
10. ADAC Masters Weekend
07. - 09. August
Assen/NL
Rizla Race Day
21. - 23. August
Nürburgring
Int. 1000km-Rennen
18. - 20. September 
Sachsenring
ADAC Masters Weekend
16. - 18. Oktober
Oschersleben
ADAC Masters Weekend
www.formel3.de
GALA DE CAMPEONES 2008.
23.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
EL SÁBADO 31 DE ENERO SE PROCEDERÁ EN EL RECINTO (MAR SALADA) DEL CLUB DE MAR, A LA ENTREGA DE TROFEOS DEL CAMPEONATO FBEA DE CIRCUITO 2008.
EL EVENTO TENDRÁ SU INICIO A LAS 21,30 HORAS, Y LA ENTREGA DE TROFEOS CORRERÁ A CARGO DE DISTINTAS AUTORIDADES DEL DEPORTE BALEAR, ASÍ COMO DE DESTACADOS DEPORTISTAS.
LA ENTRADA ES LIBRE PARA TODOS LOS AFICIONADOS Y PILOTOS QUE QUIERAN ACOMPAÑARNOS EN ESTE DÍA DE FIESTA DEPORTIVA.
El sábado 31 de enero a las 21,30 horas, la FBEA verá culminado su objetivo deportivo, con la entrega de trofeos a todos los ganadores de las distintas modalidades y categorías del Campeonato de Circuito FBEA, en el espléndido recinto Mar Salada, ubicado en el interior del Club de Mar.
Se procederá a la entrega de trofeos a los 10 primeros clasificados de cada una de las categorías en la modalidad de velocidad, y a los 3 primeros clasificados de todas las categorías de la modalidad de persecución así como los 3 primeros de habilidad.
En la misma ceremonia se harán entrega de trofeos a todos los participantes del evento llamado PISTA LIBRE, también organizado por la FBEA.
Autor: FBEA
OGIER TAKES MONTE CARLO RALLY LEAD AT THE LAST MINUTE
22.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Although Juho Hanninen and the Skoda team maintained their comfortable pace at the head of the field throughout most of the second day, it is the reigning Junior World Rally Champion Sebastien Ogier who returns to parc ferme in Valence in the lead of the 77th Monte Carlo Rally.
Hanninen enjoyed a hard-earned advantage of a minute and a half until the final stage, when he picked up a front left puncture after about five kilometres. The crew took the decision to continue for the remaining 15 or so kilometres with the flat tyre, but more than two minutes were lost over the course of the stage.
As a result, Peugeot 207 S2000 driver Sebastien Ogier, who was selected for the BFGoodrich Drivers’ Team seat, leads the Monte Carlo Rally by 32.4 seconds with one day and five more stages remaining. The reigning Junior World Rally Champion, making his Super 2000 debut, had no major problems throughout the day but he is locked in a close battle with Peugeot Belgium driver Freddy Loix, who currently occupies second place. Hanninen is now third after his unfortunate puncture, just five seconds behind Loix. Like most people, Ogier found it hard to judge just how much grip was available on the icy stages and it proved impossible for everyone to predict how the weather conditions would evolve.
However, Hanninen was not the only person to encounter problems. Irishman Kris Meeke dropped some time as the result of an off-road excursion in the morning but is still firmly in contention for a podium place. The situation was considerably worse for reigning IRC champion Nicolas Vouilloz. The Frenchman’s title defence has got off to an unfortunate start after he hit a rock on SS7 and damaged the steering of his Peugeot Belgium 207 S2000 - forcing him into instant retirement.
One of the first upsets of the day was an off for Le Mans star Stephane Sarrazin, who put his factory Peugeot off the road on the opening stage of the day and lost five minutes. Once more, tyre choice was the main issue of the day, with the route containing a wide mixture of conditions including ice, grease, damp and snow. The factory Abarth team of Giandomenico Basso and Anton Alen both felt that they had not always made the correct tyre choices throughout the day, with Alen’s rally being further complicated by a fire that broke out in the footwell of his Grande Punto during the final stage. He also lost time after being stuck behind another competitor who encountered problems.
For those who made the correct choices or took some lucky gambles, there were several important gains to be had. Toni Gardemeister (Abarth) and Jan Kopecky (Skoda) both set impressive times throughout the day after choosing the right tyres for the conditions. The eighth stage, the epic St Bonnet le Froid test, was particularly momentous for Skoda, as the Czech team set first and second fastest times thanks to Hanninen and Kopecky.
It was another good day for the young Franz Wittman Junior in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 run by Stohl Racing. The Austrian ends the second day of his first Monte Carlo Rally in 10th overall, having found the right compromise between speed and safety in the treacherous conditions.
The IRC 2WD Cup continues to be led comfortably by Italian driver Manuel Villa, in a Fiat Punto S1600. Local man Guy Mottard, in a Peugeot 206 RC , is second while Englishman Nick West is third in a Volkswagen Polo.
IRC RESULTS AFTER SS9, RALLYE AUTOMOBILE MONTE CARLO (MONACO)
1Ogier/Ingrassia Peugeot 207 S2000 2h35m09.8s
2 Loix/Smets Peugeot 207 S2000 +32.4s
3 Hanninen/Markkula Skoda Fabia S2000 +54.8s
4 Meeke/Nagle Peugeot 207 S2000 +59.2s
5 Gardemeister/Tuominen Abarth Grande Punto S2000 +1m40.7s
6 Sarrazin/Renucci Peugeot 207 S2000 +3m42.6s
7 Kopecky/Stary Skoda Fabia S2000 +4m10.6s
8 Basso/Dotta Abarth Grande Punto S2000 +4m17.8s
9 Alen/Alanne Abarth Grande Punto S2000 +8m12.8s
10 Wittmann/Ettel Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 +10m01.8s
Two-wheel drive leader: Manuel Villa (Fiat Punto S1600)
QUOTES
"It’s been another good day but the biggest difficulty we consistently had was predicting how much grip was available. Everything is constantly changing and it’s impossible to have the information to cover every single possibility. We have already seen that this rally is completely unpredictable, and while I am obviously happy to be in the lead, there is no guarantee that this situation will last. I’m very aware of my own inexperience, both with the car and this event."
-Sebastien Ogier, BFGoodrich Drivers Team
"I’ve got some experience of the Monte Carlo Rally from the past but actually it doesn’t help me so much as every Monte Carlo is really different. This one is no exception. It’s not been such a bad day for us but the conditions have been very tricky indeed and it’s been hard to make the correct tyre choices. Tomorrow we have the Turini stages at night, which are sure to be a very big challenge, so the surprises are by no means over yet. We’ve got a good chance so we will push if the conditions suit us."
-Freddy Loix, Peugeot Belgium driver
"It was a good day for us but a very disappointing way to end it. We picked up a front puncture not long after the start of the stage but we decided not to stop and change it. That was actually the right decision, as we lost less time by continuing but of course it made the handling really unpredictable. We just drove carefully through the stage and back to service but although two minutes were lost everything is not over yet and we still have a chance so we will be pushing hard tomorrow. We have shown that our car has a competitive speed even in these really difficult conditions"
-Juho Hanninen, Skoda driver
THE ROUTE TOMORROW
Tomorrow’s action sees the rally build up to a spectacular climax with two dramatic runs through the famous Col de Turini stages near Monte Carlo, which take place at night. Before then, the crews will tackle a 30-kilometre stage close to Valence in the morning as they make their way back to Monaco. In total there will be five stages on Friday, making up 134.80 competitive kilometres. The long day starts at 06:30, when the cars enter the service park in Valence for the final time. They arrive in Monaco at 14:08 and are later serviced again at the harbourside before the first run through the Turini loop at 19:40.
The competitors return to service in Monaco harbour at 22:00, before entering the final loop of Turini stages at 23:15. At the end of the loop the first car returns to service in Monaco at 01:20 before entering parc ferme at 01:30.
The ceremonial finish and prize-giving will take place on Saturday morning.
TV TIMES
Eurosport will broadcast the Monte Carlo Rally regularly, with uninterrupted live coverage from the Turini stages, and it is also possible to watch the rally live on www.rally-irc.com, and the Yahoo Eurosport platform thanks to Eurosport’s live streaming system. To watch, simply log onto the website and click on the ‘watch live streaming’ message in the flash news banner. Alternatively, click on the flag of your preferred language in the Yahoo Eurosport box. All times listed below are Central European Times. At the end of each leg, there will be on-demand video highlights posted in the ‘video highlights’ section.
Thursday 22 January
00:00-00:15 Leg two highlights Eurosport & Eurosport Asia Pacific
Friday 23 January
19:30-21:15 LIVE SS11/SS12 Eurosport 2 & Eurosport Asia Pacific & Internet
23:00-01:00 LIVE SS13/SS14 Eurosport & Eurosport Asia Pacific & Internet
Sebastien Ogier, driving a BFGoodrich-backed Peugeot, is the surprise leader at the end of day two
www.rally-irc.com
Bridgestone Motorsport Portimão Test Summary
22.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Bridgestone Motorsport, the Official Tyre Supplier to the FIA Formula One World Championship, has completed its first group test of 2009 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve near Portimão, Portugal, where two compounds of 2009 specification slick tyres were used as well as current specification wet and extreme wet tyres. Five teams were present over four days of testing between 19-22 January. Despite the Algarve location of the circuit being famed for its good weather, the test was affected by wet and windy weather, with even hailstones falling on the track during the course of the four days. Whilst Bridgestone’s soft and super soft compound slick tyres were available for use, teams predominantly made use of the wet and extreme wet tyres. Adding to the difficulty of the wet weather, the ambient temperature was also much cooler than is expected to be experienced at races this season, with meaningful data being hard to obtain. The circuit is relatively new, meaning that the surface was very slippery from the new surface itself as well as the rainfall. Bridgestone’s Potenza Formula One tyres will next been seen in use in Jerez on February 10-13, where six teams are scheduled to test, and in Bahrain on the same dates, where three teams are scheduled to test. Q&A with Tetsuro Kobayashi – Technical Manager, Bridgestone Motorsport: What was learnt from this test? “This was a difficult test because of the weather and we learnt that the Algarve does not always live up to its reputation of good conditions. The rain, and even hailstones, seriously hampered progress during the week. The conditions compounded the difficulty of running on a new track surface as the oils come out from the tarmac, making the surface very slippery, even when we did have dry running.” With limited testing in 2009, how does this affect developments ahead of the season start? “For Bridgestone we are confident that there will be sufficient testing for teams before the season starts to enable good, safe, racing. Of course, any test days lost means that teams have not been able to test their new cars and continue learning about our slick tyres, however we will see several more tests before we visit Albert Park in Australia for the first race of the season.” What are your thoughts of the Portimão track? “The Portimão track is certainly an impressive facility and a challenging circuit to learn for teams and drivers. The track surface is very smooth, just as you would expect of a new facility. At this test the rain did not help with the grip levels, so in terms of gaining data for us to evaluate, we were at a disadvantage.”
Bridgestone Motorsport F1
DAVID SALOM PARTE A SU PRIMER ENTRENAMIENTO OFICIAL
22.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
El piloto mallorquín parte esta mañana hacia Portugal donde probará la moto con la que participará en el
Campeonato del Mundo de Superbikes junto al equipo Pedercini.
Algunos patrocinadores están confirmando en estas semanas su compromiso con David Salom para esta temporada, esta misma semana se cerró el acuerdo con la prestigiosa marca LEVIOR que con la colaboración de BIKERS “vestirán” a David esta temporada y que ha proporcionado ya el mono de pretemporada con el que rodará en los entrenamientos oficiales de Portimao estos días.
Esta misma tarde se celebrará la presentación oficial del Campeonato del Mundo de Superbikes en Portugal y mañana viernes será el día de estreno para David con la Kawsaki del Team Pedercini.
David Salom Departamento de Prensa Avenida 16 de Julio, 34 07009 Palma de Mallorca
Tel. +34 971 291 321 M. +34 616 99 26 87 prensa@davidsalom.com
HANNINEN LEADS FOR SKODA ON THE FABIA S2000′S MONTE CARLO DEBUT
21.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Flying Finn Juho Hanninen has given the brand new Skoda Fabia S2000 the lead of the Monte Carlo Rally on the Czech machine’s debut. The 26-year-old, who finished runner-up in last year’s Production Car World Rally Championship, confirmed the excellent reliability of the Fabia seen in pre-season testing. He made the correct tyre choices all day in mixed conditions to end the opening three stages 11.9 seconds ahead of Stephane Sarrazin in the factory Peugeot 207 S2000. Even more impressively, Hanninen is the only one of the top three not to have contested the legendary Monte Carlo Rally previously.
Sarrazin, who is usually a star of Peugeot’s Le Mans programme, enjoyed a different type of challenge throughout the day, winning the second stage of the rally (La Motte Chalancon-St Nazaire le Desert) by an impressive 13 seconds. This enabled him to climb up to second place: a position he maintained until the end of the day.
In third after the first three stages is reigning IRC champion Nicolas Vouilloz, who won the opening stage near Monaco (Tourette du Chateau-St Antonin). The Peugeot Belgium driver also steered clear of problems to end up firmly in touch with the battle for the lead.
The first day of the 77th Monte Carlo Rally contained everything the epic event is famous for: mixed conditions that ranged from heavy snow to dry asphalt, and plenty of surprises. The first stage included a number of icy corners while stage two was drier and the final test of the day was run in heavy snow. This meant that drivers were forced to constantly look for the right compromise in terms of tyre choice.
Hanninen decided not to take studded tyres for any of the stages, and although this slowed him in some areas, meaning that he did not win a stage today, it was generally the best overall decision. Sarrazin opted differently; taking studs only for the last stage, while Vouilloz chose them only for stage one.
As always in these marginal conditions, plenty of drivers were caught out by a sudden lack of grip. Abarth’s new signing Luca Rossetti and the 1994 World Rally Champion Didier Auriol (Peugeot) hit problems within metres of each other towards the beginning of the icy opening stage. Giandomenico Basso (Abarth) felt that his tyre choice over the course of the day was not ideal, with a couple of spins on stage one, while his Finnish team mate Anton Alen got off to an excellent start by setting fourth-fastest time on stage one with studded tyres. However, all this good work was undone by an unfortunate puncture on SS2, which cost him the chance of a top result on the opening day.
The privately-entered Abarth of World Rally Championship star Toni Gardemeister also showed promise by running third after the opening stage, but later dropped time due to transmission problems. Meanwhile, the second factory Skoda of Jan Kopecky struggled with a power steering problem but rounds off the top 10 in Valence tonight.
With Vouilloz winning the first stage and Sarrazin claiming stage two, the final stage win went to another Peugeot: this time driven by Kris Meeke. The Irishman, making his IRC debut, quickly got to grips with his Peugeot UK-entered car and ends the day in the top six. Also worthy of note was a solid performance from Mitsubishi driver Franz Wittmann, another IRC debutant, who ends the day a creditable ninth.
The IRC 2WD Cup is currently led comfortably by Italian driver Manuel Villa, driving a Fiat Punto S1600 in 39th overall. He has more than a two-minute advantage over local man Guy Mottard, driving a Peugeot 206 RC.
IRC RESULTS AFTER SS3, RALLYE AUTOMOBILE MONTE CARLO (MONACO)
1Hanninen/Markkula Skoda Fabia S2000 56m32.8s
2 Sarrazin/Renucci Peugeot 207 S2000 +11.9s
3 Vouilloz/Klinger Peugeot 207 S2000 +33.9s
4 Ogier/Ingrassia Peugeot 207 S2000 +49.3s
5 Loix/Smets Peugeot 207 S2000 +54.6s
6 Meeke/Nagle Peugeot 207 S2000 +1m01.3s
7 Basso/Dotta Abarth Grande Punto S2000 +1m29.8s
8 Gardemeister/Tuominen Abarth Grande Punto S2000 +1m35.5s
9 Wittmann/Ettel Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 +3m31.2s
10 Kopecky/Stary Skoda Fabia S2000 +4m30.0s
Two-wheel drive leader: Manuel Villa (Fiat Punto S1600)
QUOTES
"I’m very, very pleased with the way that things have gone today: I would honestly have not expected to be in the lead. If I have managed it, this is also thanks to our gravel crew who have done an excellent job, so I would like to thank them especially. Even though the conditions have been very mixed, their information gave me the confidence to put the power down even where there was some snow, as I knew that I would have grip. I was deliberately trying to stay safe today and not choose any radical options with tyres and settings, and it seems that this is the way forward. But tomorrow is a different day, so let’s see what it will bring. Certainly this is the best possible way to start my career with Skoda!"
-Juho Hanninen, Skoda driver
"I’m happy but today has been even more difficult than my previous experience of the Monte Carlo Rally. The first stage was a really big wake-up call for us; we were on slick tyres and I nearly went off on every corner. For the second stage we had the perfect choice, and it went much better; the last stage was good for us too. The main thing is that we are still firmly in the fight for the lead and there is a long way to go. I think the stages tomorrow should be drier so hopefully it will be a bit easier then, but the thing about Monte Carlo is that it is completely unpredictable and that is something we have already seen today."
-Stephane Sarrazin, Peugeot Total driver
"We had no real problems although it’s been a tiring day. On the third stage we hit a rock slightly and that gave us a slow puncture at the front-right, meaning that the car understeered more as the stage went on. The easiest stage today was probably the second one; the others were extremely tough. Once more though we’ve got a reliable car and we’ve also had some good information from our gravel crews and tyre engineers. To be on the provisional podium is a good start; now we have to try and continue in this way."
-Nicolas Vouilloz, Peugeot Belgium driver
THE ROUTE TOMORROW
Thursday’s action sees the crews complete a total of six stages, making up 145.78 competitive kilometres. The day starts at 08:15, followed by a loop of three stages that includes the famous 25.30-kilometre St Bonnet le Froid test to the north-west of Valence. The cars then return for a 20-minute service at the Polygone in Valence at 13:28.
This service halt is followed by a repeat of the morning’s three stages. The cars return to service at Valence for the second time at 18:26, before entering parc ferme at 19:11.
TV TIMES
Eurosport will broadcast the Monte Carlo Rally regularly, with live coverage from the stages, and it is also possible to watch the rally live on www.rally-irc.com, and the Yahoo Eurosport platform thanks to Eurosport’s live streaming system. To watch, simply log onto the website and click on the ‘watch live streaming’ message in the flash news banner. Alternatively, click on the flag of your preferred language in the Yahoo Eurosport box. All times listed below are Central European Times. At the end of each leg, there will be on-demand video highlights posted in the ‘video highlights’ section.
Wednesday 21 January
00:00-00:15 Leg one highlights Eurosport & Eurosport Asia Pacific
Thursday 22 January
10:30-11:15 LIVE SS5 Eurosport 2 & Eurosport Asia Pacific & Internet
15:45-16:30 LIVE SS8 Eurosport & Eurosport Asia Pacific & Internet
00:00-00:15 Leg two highlights Eurosport & Eurosport Asia Pacific
Friday 23 January
19:30-21:15 LIVE SS11/SS12 Eurosport 2 & Eurosport Asia Pacific & Internet
23:00-01:00 LIVE SS13/SS14 Eurosport & Eurosport Asia Pacific & Internet
Juho Hanninen stormed into the lead of the Monte Carlo Rally, on the competition debut of the Skoda Fabia S2000
www.rally-irc.com
Andy Soucek confirms his place on the 2009 grid
21.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Andy Soucek has become the first Spanish driver to confirm his participation in the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship season.
Soucek joins F2 after two seasons competing in GP2 where he scored four podium finishes, including a third place at the Circuit de Valencia - where F2 will commence at the end of May: "I am very happy to be racing in F2," said Soucek. "It is a category with a long history and tradition, where many famous drivers have progressed into Formula One."
The Madrid-born racer graduated to GP2 after challenging for the World Series by Renault title in 2006 and he won the Spanish F3 championship in 2005. This success led to a test drive with the Panasonic Toyota F1 team: "My target is still F1 and I am convinced through the FIA and Jonathan Palmer’s MSV organisation, F2 will provide a fantastic championship where the finest drivers can achieve their dream," commented Soucek.
Soucek has already competed against some of the confirmed F2 drivers during his career, most notably Russia’s Mikhail Aleshin. The pair raced together in World Series by Renault and GP2 in 2006 and 2007 respectively: "Some of the F2 drivers have previously been my rivals in other series, but many others I do not know so well," added Soucek. "I am sure there will be more than one surprise but I am convinced that I have the experience to fight for the F2 title. This is my goal, as the Superlicence and official Williams F1 test drive are both attractive awards."
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: “Andy is another fabulous addition to the 2009 Formula Two line-up. As recently as last November he was demonstrating his pace by topping the times in a World Series by Renault test. He is an international race winner and has already tested F1 machinery, so Andy will clearly be a serious contender for the championship. Having already achieved a podium at Valencia in GP2, he will certainly be one to watch when the season gets underway at the same circuit in May."
www.formulatwo.com
Brazil’s Carlos Iaconelli moves from GP2 to F2
21.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
Formula Two grid expands into South America
Brazilian driver Carlos Iaconelli has become the first South American racer to sign up to the 2009 FIA Formula Two Championship.
Iaconelli joins F2 following 13 races in the 2008 GP2 Series and a further two outings in the 2008/2009 GP2 Asia Series. He also participated in selected rounds of last year’s International Formula Master Championship and scored a podium position in Italian Formula Master.
Prior to GP2 the 21 year-old driver competed in the 2007 Formula Renault 3.5 Championship, racing against fellow F2 drivers Rob Wickens, Julien Jousse and Mikhail Aleshin. His strong single seater racing background also includes experience in Spanish Formula 3, Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, Formula Renault 2.0 Italy, and the Brazilian Formula Renault and Formula 3 championships.
Carlos Iaconelli said: "I am really delighted to be racing in F2 in 2009; it will be a fantastic challenge. The championship will visit beautiful circuits, with competitive drivers and a powerful car - it seems to be a great combination. The prize of an F1 test drive with Williams for the F2 champion represents something all young drivers have dreamt of since a young age and I will work very hard to make my dream come true. I would like to take this moment to thank Mr. Palmer and all of the Formula Two team for this fantastic opportunity."
Jonathan Palmer, Chief Executive of championship organiser MotorSport Vision, said: "I’m delighted to add an exciting South American driver to the F2 line-up. Talented Brazilian drivers have always been a feature in my own career, particularly Nelson Piquet and Raul Boesel, and I’m sure Carlos will use all his experience to challenge for the championship in 2009. With just a few spaces remaining and an extraordinary level of interest from drivers all over the world, it will be fascinating to see who completes the grid for the first season of the FIA Formula Two Championship!"
www.formulatwo.com
20.1.2009 von Wolfgang.
