Portugal

Well it seems like this is a bit of a farce so far. Many drivers are saying it is way too muddy to be run in some sections.

In NSW they have actually cancelled a rally due to similar conditions.

elephino, I must agree that it is absolutely ridiculous that an Aussie state rally series event was cancelled and yet a World Rally Championship race goes ahead, despite cries from both teams and drivers competing.

Tommi Makinen won, but I think - like Melbourne last weekend - his victory will be overshadowed by other events...

Aaargh...danielsun. I mean, yes it probably will be overshadowed.

Thanks for the - ah hem - welcome back, elephino... ARSE!!

If it's not gonna be Tommi, then I think it'll be Sainz. The rest - at this stage - look dead, especially Colin McRae. Oh dear...

I enjoyed watching Portugal more than I have for many a year. In an age when a World Championship rally is half the competitive length it was 20 years ago, the mud was a real leveller, and made it a tangible challenge once again.

With that and the intense snow for Sweden, I'm really starting to take notice of the WRC again. What next - plagues of frogs for the Safari?

Spot on Tim.

The drivers complained like hell about the mud, but surely that's all part of the fun?? If they want to run only on decent services, a touring car career calls...

Yes - and Matt Neal has often required a co-driver to navigate his way around Oulton Park...:D

It is nice to see a new challenge thrown up to the drivers; it does just add to the whole excitement of the WRC. The one thing that the Portugese Rally did show us is just how the drivers really do compare.

Tommi Makinen and Carlos Sainz were way in front of the rest. Richard Burns complained that his way was 'blocked' by the mud, but the conditions were the same (atrocious) for all the drivers competing in the event.

Roll on the Safari and Rally Australia!!:)

What a set of whingers. Its either too dry/wet, too hot/cold, too much snow(ice) or not enough. Thank god the FIA can't alter the weather. They've tried to make all the rallies alike, at least the weather still has the ability to throw a spanner in the works.