47. Neste Rally Finland 1997
29. 8. – 31. 8. 1997, Jyväskylä • gravel 381.55 km • total distance including road sections - 1171.79 km • Other years
Info
SS22
We changed the suspension setup after the three first stages and the handling was improved
Our wide car has no traction on loose gravel, but otherwise we had no problems
I'm not satisfied in my driving as whole because only today it was like it should have been
We lost on pure driving. I couldn't get that "killing feeling" going on
I'm never pleased when I lose. However, it's positive that we can keep up with the pace of the others.
It wasn't an easy stage. It's much easier to play it safe on tarmac. We were flat out throughout the rally except for this final stage.
SS21
I don't think Juha can catch us on the last stage
SS20
3-4 km before the finish I noticed that the fuel level is low. I turned down the boost and finished the stage carefully.
SS18
Rear steering arm bolt disconnected, fastened with duct tape
SS17
Car didn't restart at the service park time control, crew had to push
Power steering failure
The rear got stuck in the sand and then it hit a tree on the driver side. The front wheels went toe-out so I thought the chassis is bent.
SS16
spin
[On the rallycross tarmac section] I was supposed to make a round line as far on the outside as possible, but I hit the fence instantly [since they were added after recce].
We lost active diff oil pressure. The traction disappeared at the beginning of the stage and I went off a bit.
SS15
It didn't go so well. You can notice the difference [in road position]. And I wasn't pushing!
Refuses to give stage end comment
It's OK, no worries, went all nicely, we can only wait and see what the guys will do. [First on the road] is not that bad, there's a bit of gravel on the road but we have only these three stages and then two shorter ones.
Active diff leaking oil
SS14
We have made good times on fast-flowing roads. The Escort with mechanical diffs is clumsy. I don't think the factory cars would otherwise use active diffs.
The slide went wide behind the tower. The steering was at max but the line went wide, and we went through the flowers.
Every stage after the half point it feels like we lose some power. I'm not completely satisfied with my driving. Maybe the start position also makes some difference.
Rose petals on front grille
We played tactics to be third. The small roads are poison for us.
It was difficult to slow down enough. I had to stop and restart.
No more tactics, flat out all the time
SS13
Rolled
SS12
There was so much stones on the insides of corners on the small road that the lines had to go wide
I guess we need to practice this stage sitting in Tommi's car next year.
We changed the turbo and it made the car go faster but still not perfectly.
SS11
The gearbox cover cracked, the part which was driven for the second time was in such bad condition.
We had a terrible jump. I don't even know what I thought when I heard the pace note. At the bottom there was a lot of hassle.
SS9
The car is front wheel drive only. If the problem is in the diff, we have to wait until the morning. Earlier today the turbo water pipe broke.
It's difficult to make the tyre choice. The soft tyres make slides and too hard tyres don't have traction.
It is slippery. That's why we lose as much as we have.
SS8
It's difficult to make big differences. We've come as fast as we can but it's slippery. For example this stage was much more slippery than last year. I'm not surprised about the tough competition at the top. We are using the same chassis setup as yesterday.
SS7
We lost too much. I was avoiding head-sized stones because we don't have a single mousse tyre. On the small roads the Celica is way too wide. It's just grinding.
We stalled and lost about eight seconds. The exhaust is dented so it could affect that.
Car smoking and leaking oil. Co-driver forgot to give time card at the time control and had to run back.
SS5
I made a mistake with the gears. I don't know if I had fourth or second gear. The anti-roll bars have been tight and the car has went sideways on loose gravel. I don't have experience with anti-roll bars, maybe I should loosen them up now.
Hit a stone, tyre punctured and filled by mousse
Stalled
SS4
Before the rally our target was to be in the top five
We changed the front diff and the handling improved. I solved the problem by myself. I don't need Grönholm's help with that. I have tested the car a lot by myself. The new stages are difficult. For example if the pace note is very long left, I turn in too early. Tomorrow it will be even more difficult.
Tactical road penalty
The position we have is good.
I finished the stage in first gear. I haven't taken any risks yet. There is no panic, because leading now is not good.
MIka Sohlberg was showing split times but I didn't notice him
I don't know if it's wise to be first on the road tomorrow. But I have never lead a WRC event before so I shouldn't slow down.
SS3
We stalled in a junction. The engine restarted only on the fourth try.
There has been loose gravel on these two stages.
It has started to go better. We installed a gear change light so I know how to use the correct revs. The best range in Celica was 5000-5500 while Corolla has 6300 for gear change. I have been careful on the junctions. Also I have to watch the gear number display.
SS1
The driving was not good. I jumped so heavily that the front wheel angles went toed in.
The small road was difficult for me because it was in such bad condition. I drove this car for the first time yesterday so I'm learning all the time. The setup of the rear were in Juha's settings but we're changing to what "Kalle" (Sainz) has made. The front settings I have made by myself.