Monte Carlo Winner?

Mark F1 · 10 Jan 2002, 21:23 (Ref:196770)

With only 8 more day's until the start of the Monte, Who do you think will win the season opening event?

For me, I think it will be Gronholm, I personally can't see the Peugeot's being beaten (The only thing that can beat them is reliability!!)

I think that Ford will be the nearest challengers to Peugeot because Richard Burns, Tommi Makinen and the Mitsubishi drivers will be just trying to settle into their new cars and finish the rally.

AndyF · 10 Jan 2002, 21:38 (Ref:196777)

My vote goes for Sainz. Like Gronholm he hasn't changed teams over the winter. Monte has never been kind to Peugoet - both the cars were out on the first day last year.

SJ Spode · 11 Jan 2002, 09:32 (Ref:196924)

If I remember rightly Peugeot were debuting their latest evolution of the 206 this time last year, so I don't see reliability as that much of a problem this time.

Driver-wise if there's little/no snow and ice then I think that Gilles Panizzi could well be a strong contender, and with wins on the last three Montes you can't rule out Tommi M if the Impreza is hooked up to his liking. Also remember that Colin McRae was going well until his mechanical failure / car-kicking incident last year, so with the added motivation of seeing the No.1 on Burns' door, then he could get the year off to a perfect start.

Liz · 16 Jan 2002, 11:58 (Ref:199446)

Hari Rovanpara. This will be his year to shine! Tommi has a different guy for co-driver and I think that with the new car will let him out. Burns and McRae are already sniping at each other and both will be trying too hard. And Grunholm is going to be trying to outdo Burns and that could be his undoing.

Hari for WRC!

R · 16 Jan 2002, 15:51 (Ref:199548)

My vote goes for Panizzi. Just a hunch! I hope Petter Solberg can finish in the points and get a good start to the season...

domaza · 16 Jan 2002, 16:49 (Ref:199582)

I hope Markko takes it

I wish him all the best - everyone here in Estonia is with him

Arska · 17 Jan 2002, 07:47 (Ref:199994)

Quote:

Originally posted by Liz
Hari Rovanpara. This will be his year to shine! Tommi has a different guy for co-driver and I think that with the new car will let him out. Burns and McRae are already sniping at each other and both will be trying too hard. And Grunholm is going to be trying to outdo Burns and that could be his undoing.

Hari for WRC!

Yep, it's now Harri's turn.

Could you believe that I and my driver (I was the co-driver) once have beaten Harri in a rally? OK, it was year '90 or '91, but anyway...

AndyF · 17 Jan 2002, 08:52 (Ref:200005)

I think Harri has an outside chance of the title, but I think is more likely to claim a couple of victories. Losing the manufacturer car on all the asphalt events could hit his challenge hard (though he is not that impressive on Tarmac). However, Burns won the title with 44pts, and if Harri wins four events!?

GasMan · 17 Jan 2002, 11:04 (Ref:200037)

I reckon McRae will have the bit between his teeth now that Burns is the Champ. He'll be putting in all the stops to get this seasons championship. Having said that the Peugots do look strong now.

Liz · 17 Jan 2002, 11:41 (Ref:200054)

Colin will be trying TOO hard, IMO; with the new cameras placed everywhere in the car, his yearly roll down the mountainside should be spectacular and I really hope no one gets hurt.

Do tell about the time you beat Hari in a rally! I love first-person stories and if you'd like I'll copy it for the newsletter.

Hari for WRC!

Old Hairpin · 19 Jan 2002, 17:25 (Ref:201237)

Tommi will win the title this year. He is the best all-round driver in a decent car again. At time of writing TOmmi is closing in on Loeb for the lead of the Monte Rally, when he gets his normal co-driver back and gets the car to his liking and gets used to it etc he will really start to kick some bottom.

LucaBadoer · 19 Jan 2002, 17:44 (Ref:201244)

My prediction: Loeb

- I feel a bit of a cheat waiting until the rally is 2 days old before making my prediction...

Speedworx · 19 Jan 2002, 19:07 (Ref:201311)

I agree with Luca. Loeb looks liekly win to the rally. Leading after Day 1 and day 2.

Makinen looks to be second.

Old Hairpin · 20 Jan 2002, 10:22 (Ref:201607)

Talking of "CHEATING" Loeb has been given a TWO MINUTE penalty for illegally changing tyres in a fuelling area only place. Tommi will inherit the lead now and WINNNNN!!!!!!!!!

Marcel ten Caat · 20 Jan 2002, 10:30 (Ref:201613)

That is to see...Loeb is running under appeal and will keep the lead.

Stupid thing is that Citroen asked if the tyre changing was allowed, got the answer that it wasn't....and changed the tyres.

So this might end up at a FIA hearing with some stupid jury to decide it...so Monaco result might be known in November or sth

R · 20 Jan 2002, 10:45 (Ref:201617)

Quote:

Originally posted by Stranger
Stupid thing is that Citroen asked if the tyre changing was allowed, got the answer that it wasn't....and changed the tyres.

Oh dear... that's a Screw-up with a capital S. In that case, I must say they deserve the penalty, though it's really sad from a sporting point of view.

View Poll Results: Who will win the Monte Carlo Rally?
Richard Burns	1	6.67%
Marcus Gronholm	3	20.00%
Gilles Panizzi	2	13.33%
Colin Mcrae	3	20.00%
Carlos Sainz	1	6.67%
Tommi Makinen	2	13.33%
Petter Solberg	0	0%
Francois Delecour	0	0%
Alister Mcrae	0	0%
Other	3	20.00%
Voters: 15. You may not vote on this poll

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
If it wasn't the Monte Carlo Rally .....	SJ Spode	Rallying & Rallycross	9	30 Jan 2003 00:38
Monte Carlo - Who's Gonna win?	O'Schumacher	Rallying & Rallycross	19	23 Jan 2003 08:07
monte carlo tips.....	gomick	Rallying & Rallycross	4	16 Jan 2001 10:16