Rally-eMag September 2013 / Contents
A tear and a smile
This Month
Rallying is so much more than driving around tight roads in fast
cars. Its true beauty, like in all sports, is in the emotion that pushes
all drivers and co-drivers to travel the globe and fling themselves
though vineyards and wet forests. Walking the tight rope is what
these guys and girls do for a living. The margin for error, and with it
the difference between winning and losing, is so small that at some
point it becomes almost unimaginable.
Over the last month we have seen it all happen. While Sebastien
Ogier was in emphatic command all season long, he faltered at the
most unexpected moment. Volkswagen Motorsport rolled into Trier
to start their home rally as outright favourites. Ogier was in position
to, with a little luck, clinch his maiden world title. Doing so in Germany would make him the fastest champion ever, with four events
to spare. However Lady Luck was not on Volkswagen’s side. Mikkelsen could not even start due to an injury to his co-driver and
Ogier quickly threw away his shot at the title when he crashed into
a wall. Latvala took over but he too went off, missing out on what
would be his maiden tarmac victory. Starting as outright favourites,
Rally Germany proved that you can never take anything for granted
in rallying.
That was reiterated even stronger during the historic car intermezzo
at Rally Germany when one of the crews crashed after the Gina
jump, resulting in the death of both driver and co-driver. If anything,
let this be a strong reminder that motorsport can be dangerous and
we should always keep safety first, both as drivers and spectators
or media representatives.
ADAC Rallye
Deutschland
- Thriller in Trier
The inside view
Page 10
- Anna talking logistics
Page 20
Barum Czech
Rally Zlin
- Kopecky on top in Czech
Page 23
Ford fiesta st Mk2
- Driving like Thierry and Mads
Coates hire
rally australia
Page 30
Lotos Rally Poland
- Polish Powerplay
Page 44
- Ogier Thunders Down Under
Page 34
After the sadness over this tragic event on Saturday, Sunday would
bring tears of joy. The main beneficiary of Volkswagen’s demise
would be Dani Sordo who finally claimed his first WRC victory after 107 starts. What made it even sweeter was that just before the
event Sordo was told he would not start in Australia, Citroën opting to register Kris Meeke instead. The relieve this victory brought
was clear to see at the stage end, where an emotional Sordo family
awaited their son and brother.
7/52
Ogier’s confidence might have suffered a small dent, but after his
season so far, it will take a lot more to crack. In Australia he was
once again on target for the WRC title, going into the final stage far
ahead of the chasing pack and knowing that Hirvonen was in the
second place Neuville needed to stay within (theoretical) range of
him. All seemed well, but was it to be? Find out by reading our review of Rally Australia!
Enjoy reading!
Steven van Veenendaal / Editor
Who made it?
Publisher: Rally-eMag
Words: Steven van Veenendaal,
Harry van Veenendaal.
Photography: Bas Romeny, Steven van Veenendaal.
Who helped?
Who we thank!
How to reach us?
Logo design: Minse Blom
PR Photography from:
Peugeot Sport, Hyundai Motorsport, Citroen Racing, FIA ERC.
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rally-emag.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
emagrally
Twitter: @emagrally
Issuu: www.issuu.com/rally-emag
Distribution: Issuu.com
Columnists: Anna Louise Rudd,
Michael Jenkins.