Rally Monte Carlo 2006 Highlights

[onewhippedpuppy]

If you're like me and suffering WRC withdrawl thanks to Speed TV being NASCAR's whore, here's a short teaser.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2626908880396010791&q=wrc

Search WRC on Google video, there's more highlights from last year.

[Mr Beau]

On a related note, has anyone got to a WRC event? It's one of those things on my 'list' that I'd like to cross of this year.

[450knotOffice]

Those guys have got to be the best overall drivers in the world. Wow! They have incredible car control, lightning quick reflexes, and nerves of steel.

Amazing to watch these guys.

[masraum]

I'm waiting for Pou's year end recap of the 2005 season. I have his other videos for 2001-2004. They kick butt.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Where do you get those from Steve?

[RallyJon]

I went to Acropolis in 2004. It was pretty amazing, but a lot of it had to do with how laid back the Greeks are. You can get quite close to the action unlike U.S. rallies where you have to stand in little pens.

[CurtEgerer]

Well, it's nearly 20 years after the OP and TV coverage in the US is no better Nonetheless, Rallye Monte Carlo 2025 is this weekend. Shakedown is live on YouTube now.

[Deschodt]

Guys.... It's been on Redbull TV FREE for years... still is.. add the app to your smart tv/cube/fire/roku, computer..

Intreresting season - hybrid was removed, and new tire is crap (hankook) that has not been tested. It's gonna be "interesting"

[CurtEgerer]

Redbull is nice but it's basically just highlights. The only way for full stage coverage is via a paid subscription to rally.tv or DAZN. Well, that and the pirate sites like Buffstreams (sports hub.stream).

WRC needs a shakeup. There's only 10 cars in the top category, 5 Toyotas, 3 Hyundais and 2 Fords. I guess maybe we've been spoiled by IMSA/WEC manufacturer participation.

[rcooled]

I enjoyed watching WRC events when they were broadcast regularly here and always thought the drivers were among the very best in motorsport.

How in the world is the navigator able to read those pace notes while being bounced around in the car like that? I'm barely able to read anything in a moving car...even on a smooth paved road. I guess that's why I'm not a rally navigator...

[masraum]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

Where do you get those from Steve?

LOL! I didn't see your question. I suspect you don't care any more. I think I mostly found them on YT, but since that was nearly 20 years ago, I could be wrong.

[masraum]

Another amazing fact about this nearly 20 yo thread, it wasn't bumped by a bot!

[Deschodt]

The 20y gap in this thread is all you need to know about the state of WRC.. I love the sport but it's getting boring...

The Sebs dominated for decades, and then when they retired, both came back here and there and immediately won and embarrassed full timers. The reigning champ himself took 1/2 a year off to see if he could have more fun elsewhere..

The rules went "hybrid" and that broke a lot, then got reversed... lots of $ wasted, a killer for smaller teams like Ford.

The point system was entirely stupid this year with a #2 finisher potentially scoring more than #1 !!

The start order influences championships, and is skewed against the best drivers, don;t love that.

IMO the cars are not THAT attractive, some of the drivers boring (the Estonian one takes the cake)... God I miss the era of Delecour, Sainz, McRae, Ragnotti !!! I attended regional rallyes, you see old M3s, 911s, people respond to these cars.. A yaris ? A hyundai I20 (or whatever it is), yawn ??? there are amazing to be sure but who dreams of owning a flared Hyundai? (Ok the corolla GR is pretty cool admittedly)

I also think they are so efficient now that the drive style means getting the car straight as quick as possible so it's less visually striking on asphalt or even slippery stuff - not saying bring back 2WD but bring back impressive slides... Promote it better, put it on TV free... rebuild ! (and extra championship points to any car with Martini racing colors, dammit, preferably a lancia)

These guys are the best drivers in the world - bar none - it's sad to see the state of the championship !

[onewhippedpuppy]

2006, time travel is real!!!

[CurtEgerer]

Steve Rimmer and Dirtfish are singlehandedly doing a great job to increase rally coverage and exposure in the US. Nice piece on their YT channel today with fantastic coverage of the cars and drivers pre-stage ....

[onewhippedpuppy]

I think most forms of pro racing boring compared to 20 years ago. F1 is like a bunch of vacuum cleaners making a parade lap. Sure they are faster but are they more exciting?

[Deschodt]

Bummer, RedbullTV did not have the usual 45 min daily summaries for the first time in a decade... Will keep looking to see if it's gone or just delayed. The 5 min daily summaries on youtube were "short" and the guy cannot even say "Ogier" (kept saying OJ - it's only 5 letters) !