Rally Monte Carlo
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Early this morning the cars left Valence and the servicepark at 6am. First car was not due on stage 9 before 0731, so this was a long roadsection to go. In complete darkness, up and down twisty roads with temperatures between 0 and 5 degrees C. They were almost driving in a convoy with rallycars, mobilehomes and local frenchs. Bruno Berglund and the safetycrew started their job before 0400 this morning, to make sure the stages matches Phils info.
Todays first leg was about 20k’s, and Petter said after that he didn’t feel he had the right tyres for this stage, but for the next two the tyre would be perfect. And he was going in a great pace until 3 k’s before the stage end, then the car understeared on the wet conditions, and they went of the road and damaged the left front wheel. Petter ended 5 on this stage, only 7,7 seconds behind stagewinner Chris. Both tyre and rim were damaged, and it cost Petter about 12 sec.
Chris set the best time on stage 10, but was struggeling with a loose driveshaft. Both Chris and Glen were working on it after the stage and they managed to fix it.
When handing over the gravelnotes for stage 11, Bruno told us that he knew from earlier years that it would be wet on the place were Petter lost the grip. He wrote a warning, WET, in Phils notes, and said that this might saved them from setting of into the forest. Petters average speed on this stage were 124km/h.
The cars are now about to start on the 2nd loop of the same 3 stages, and Petters due on Stage 12 at 1321.
| 1 | Loeb, Citroen |
| 2 | Sordo, Citroen +29,6 |
| 3 | Grønholm, Ford +1.18,8 |
| 4 | Chris, Subaru +2.46,027,2 |
| 5 |  Hirvonen, Ford +2.54,9 |
| 6 | Petter, Subaru +3.20,5 |
| 7 | Gardemeister, Mitsubishi +3.23,7 |
| 15 | Henning, Ford +12.25,7 |
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We are trying to follow Petter on the roadsection between SS9 og SS10. We new he had to stop for refuel on his way, and that we might catch up with him there. But this rear was all we saw
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Bruno gives Petter and Phil the latest information before stage 10
FX checking for damage on the left front wheel Petter went of on stage 9
Petter and Oliver having lunch during service
well done Petter!!!!stay there!!!
Oliver has grown up a lot!!!He has the same smile as his mother.
GOGO PETTER!!!!
Petter,
What a fantastic picture of you and Oliver! He has grown up so much since I saw him in Japan in 2005. He is as adorable as ever and will be breaking the girls hearts soon, if not already there at the kindergarten! You are so blessed to have a beautiful and wonderful family!
Petter, thanks again for your message today on Rally Radio. I admit I cried a long time and when I think about it again I start to cry. That was not your intention I know but I think it helps me to cry a bit too. Sometimes crying relieves stress and I haven’t cried in awhile. I’ve felt more frustrated, helpless and even angry at the situation and the crying helped me today. I can’t believe you could think of me during the rally when so much is going on, that means the world to me, that you care and sent me the message. Thank you!
All the best for you tomorrow!
Love,
Viki