WRC 2017 : All Chat Here

[Graham]

I'm guessing everyone is listening to wrc live?

Yes

 

[Sam.]

Not bad for Breen in the DS3 WRC, quicker than Sordo and JML, only 6s down on Tanak.

 

[PaulYDP]

See lefebvre is stopped with a mechanical issue according to Citroën Racing.

 

[Gaza_r]

It's being reported that the guy is alive and in hospital.

Looks like he fell down the banking after Paddon hit it. But he was bloody lucky the car didn't roll on top of him.

There is footage of the accident on YouTube.

 

[KevM]

It's hard to believe that Neuville would be able to concentrate if the Paddon news is true. Either that or he's running on raw nerves

 

[Graham]

 

[DC.]

Think everyone wants to get through until the daylight stages. Monte Carlo is difficult enough without the added handicap of night driving.

 

[Graham]

It's hard to believe that Neuville would be able to concentrate if the Paddon news is true. Either that or he's running on raw nerves

These guys are programmed differently.

Breen and Evans have both been involved in fatal accidents and both are at the top level

 

[KevM]

Reported that the spectator was injured, suffered a heart attack & was airlifted to Nice hospital???

 

[Gaza_r]

Monte SS1: Stage cancelled - wrc.com

The Kiwi driver went off on a left-hand bend close to the end of the 21.25km Entrevaux - Ubraye test.

With the car blocking the asphalt road, the stage was initially stopped by the rally organisers, before then being red flagged. The Hyundai team confirmed that Paddon and co-driver John Kennard were uninjured.

Rally organisers have issued a statement confirming that emergency services were called to assist a spectator.

‘‘SS 1 has been cancelled due to the crash of Paddon and Kennard. The crew is unharmed. A spectator passed out. The emergency services have been called to rescue him," it read.

 

[PaulYDP]

So many conflicting reports flying about, just have to wait until official news from the WRC.

 

[DC.]

Top 4 positions held by 4 different manufacturers.

 

[KevM]

It's business as usual & mood is fine. My guess is the guy fell, had a heart attack & needed assistance. Everyone assumed the worst & social media went full retard as usual

 

[weeloaney]

It's business as usual & mood is fine. My guess is the guy fell, had a heart attack & needed assistance. Everyone assumed the worst & social media went full retard as usual

Going by the in car footage on YouTube it really does look like he was down on the ground or near enough that the car hit him.

Hopefully not but it seems that way.

 

[Graham]

Top 4 positions held by 4 different manufacturers.

Fantastic

 

[DC.]

Spectator dies after Monte Carlo WRC crash

 

[cauld1]

Awful news with the spectator death, but theres only so much organisers and marshals can do. I think a lot of people think it'll never happen to then and take a chance to get that perfect shot and this happens unfortunately. The concern is, as mentioned, when the mainstream press get hold of it and come to other conclusions when they normally wouldn't bat an eyelid about the sport.

Anyways, new cars are certainly interesting and good to see a bit of a mix of teams up so far.

 

[KevM]

The circumstances are still unclear, but I would imagine stage 2 would have been cancelled at very least, if Paddon had actually struck the spectator who passed away.

According to French news, he was the victim of a heart attack

 

[Graham]

STATEMENT FROM HYUNDAI MOTORSPORT

Gap, France

January 20, 2017

Hyundai Motorsport is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of a spectator during the opening stage of Rallye Monte-Carlo on Thursday evening.

The incident occurred at the same time as the #4 Hyundai i20 Coupe WRC of Hayden Paddon and John Kennard crashed into the mountainside, after the car hit a patch of black ice at the entry to a left-hand turn.

The team and crew have pledged their full support to the event organisers and authorities to understand the full details.

Hyundai Motorsport extends its condolences to the family, friends and individuals affected.

 

[Gaza_r]

Terrible news. My thoughts are with everyone involved.

 

[DC.]

Unsurprisingly Paddon will not compete on the remaining stages. R. I. P.

 

[Graham]

Right... what are the times for todays stages folks

 

[DC.]

SS3 starts at 9:11 UK Time.

SS3 Agnieres en Devoluy - Le Motty 1 24.63 km 10:11
SS4 Aspres les Corps - Chaillol 1 38.94 km 10:44
SS5 St Leger les Melezes - La Batie Neuve 1 16.83 km 11:47

Service C - Gap - 30 Min 13:02
SS6 Agnieres en Devoluy - Le Motty 2 24.63 km 14:28
SS7 Aspres les Corps - Chaillol 2 38.94 km 15:01
SS8 St Leger les Melezes - La Batie Neuve 2 16.83 km 16:04

 

[DC.]

SS4 & 7 look particularly tricky; full snow & ice, dry tarmac, black ice etc etc.

 

[Graham]

The 4G will be getting a hamering this morning going to belfast, lets hope this Suzuki SX-4 (non-wrc) S-Cross has bluetooth streaming for rally radio