Phils blog about the new car and Rally Mexico
It’s a case of mixed feelings after Rally Mexico. On one hand, our retirement on the opening leg was a massive disappointment, but on the other hand, we were leading the rally at the time and that’s a huge encouragement for myself, Petter and the entire Subaru World Rally Team.
We went to Mexico this rally with a new car, the Impreza WRC2007. Spotting the exterior differences isn’t easy, but don’t been fooled: it features some key revisions under the bonnet compared to the old car. The boys back at base have prioritised some of the weaknesses of the WRC2006 and set about improving those areas. Among the main changes are: a new radiator and intercooler pack, some suspension and damper tweaks, revised weight distribution and some changes to the airflow through the front end.
It didn’t take Petter and I very long to realise this car is a step in the right direction. A fortnight ago we had a positive test in Spain, and we’ve always gone well in the gravel stages of central America, with a win and a second-place to our name in 2005 and 2006 respectively.
The opening morning of the rally on Friday was one of those times when you realise everything is starting to click into place. If I say the first three stages of Rally Mexico were uneventful, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean to make it sound like we weren’t trying. It’s just that everything worked so well: stage one – fastest time. Stage two – fastest time. Stage three – fastest time. As easy as that. Sure, our road position helped slightly because the guys running in front of us were sweeping some of the slippery loose gravel off the road, but I always think you know you’re in with a shout when three stages go by without a hint of a problem.
It seems Lady Luck was saving up all our bad fortune for the afternoon. Towards the end of stage five, we began to get some warnings about the oil pressure. By the end of the stage, the pressure was zero. Soon after the end of the stage we pulled over on the road section after the stage and it was game over.
Nevertheless, it was a fantastic feeling to be back in there fighting with Sebastian Loeb – exactly where we should be. Looking at the pace of our rivals throughout the rest of the event, we could have been at least on the podium, if not the top step, by the end. Still, the most positive aspect of the weekend is that the new car has provided us with a solid platform. We need to do a bit more development with it, but I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction – and it’s great to be able to report that.
Regards,
Phil
Phil,
Thanks for the update! You look fantastic and encouraging with your beautiful smile in this picture!
It is also great to read that you all felt so positive until the oil pressure problem.
It seems like the new car is going to put you both on the podium soon, just not this time!
Best of luck in Portugal!
Love,
Viki
Great to hear your positive and opitimistic view about the new car! You and Petter are the ones driving the car and the people who really know what the car’s up to!
congrats! it was time to have competitive car eh hahahahahaha
Hi Phil, thanks for updating us, its always good to hear from you too. at least now we know what the car can do and look forward to the rest of the season… see you in Portugal…
Great news Phil. There is a great video, link somwhere in forum, of you and Petter talking in the car about how the 07 feels better compared to 06. Great to hear you so positive and up beat in the car. In 2006 i think we can all say it was always hard to keep in a good frame of mind. But this weekend was fantastic to see you winning stages, leading and being soo happy. More of this to see im sure!
Great work guys!
Great to hear Phil. Hwyl fawr!! Steff.
Hi Phil. great your positive about the car.
And very good that you and Petter has a winning mood into this rally,3 stage win thats very good .
Thanks for send us this report and we wish you good luck into Portugal.greetings Harold.
Hey Phil. Good to see you blogging on petter`s homepage. Nice to hear others also telling us a litle about whats happening in the rally`s. It seems that prodrive have done something right with the 2007 car. It was about time they listen to you and Petter.
Must also say that it was excelent to see you guys in norway.
Good luck for the rest of the season
Best regard Espen from Norway
I believe that this car dara many surprises I saw very fast the truth it that I enchant myself to see it, if towards noticing the difference with respect alos other cars, phil much luck with the other dates of wrc, and improving here. greetings from Mexico and we hope to return them to see next so you see 2009.
go petter and phil go
The thing is, OK, there are positive signs from the car, but this is what we hear for a very long time! And in the mean time, Petter has lost at least 2 competitive WRC years and the chance to become world champion again (allowing Loeb to become a hero).
I mean, until when will he sacrifice his unique driving talent (and his time) waiting for Subaru to built a competitive and reliable car???
Hi Phil, thank’s for that information.!!
I am from mexico, and i went to the 3 days of the rally.
I was very sad because in the first day of the rally in the morning you were very well, but in the afternon not so much. When i get home to see the results, i feel that something was wrong with the WRC PAGE, because it not show up to you and petter, i get to the school angrid for the bad luck that you have. Also, i spected that you and Glenn will be in the firm of subaru. My sister have an original subaru t-shirt that she winn in the competition of shakedown show in Germanny, but we don’t see you in all the rally and we stay without your firm.
I hope you and Petter be all rigth and i wishyou all the luck in the worl in the next Rally!!!
Dear Phil:
I feel the same like you about the car…we need time for know it!
Very nice your comments and always is wonderful see you here!
Many kisses.
Elda.
Hey Phil,
Cheers for what you sent me after Rally Wales GB…know it seems a long way off to be thinking about this years but hoping to get the time off to come to it this year. Will be great to see you and Petter again. It’s been too long.
Hope all is well. Good luck this season and with the new car.
Always here for you (just a little scary thought for you…in september I’ve known you 13 years )
Dear Phil
Hope U r OK, i ve a lot to tell u about, hope to get more time to speak to u on the net— at least–
happy to know that this blog exists now; lots of love & take care Laëtitia
Mr. Mills
Greetings!
I study the onboard cameras all the time, and I have to say, your pace notes are the only ones I can fully understand! HAHA. My image of the car tearing through the rally can never be complete without your lighting pacenote reading! It’s your very fast and effective rally-chant that makes Petter fly!
Good Luck and Congratulations in Portugal!
“Dduw Chwyrlïa a Buddugoliaeth Pawb ‘r Ffordd!”
- God Speed and Victory All the Way!
-S.SIEW
(A Fan from Malaysia)
I live in Argentina, and i’m looking fowart to the Santa Rosa – San Agustin stage because i’ll be there. I have been going to the rally since 1998 (i’m 16 years old) and i am a big big big fan of Subaru, Petter, and Phill. I was at the airport last saturday, and i think a saw you, but i’m not sure, i couldn’t get a good look. Anyway, good luck in Argentina!!!!
Nico (Fan From Argentina)
Hey P & P !!! How are u !! I ve a few minutes to surf on the net… Ireally liked the picture with u all MUDDY !! That s great to c that u r always the same !! i really hope to c u smwh why not in germany, we’ll c…Mum is still cleaning offices at night, and sister Nora is now driving a big Mercedes Actros, 1850, which is high and powerful. I still help mum and work here and there. Lots of love to u, and babies.Laëtitia, ever faithfull greens; XXXX
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The following time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as a lot as this one. I mean, I do know it was my choice to learn, but I actually thought youd have one thing interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you can repair for those who werent too busy looking for attention.