New Zealand
Fairly easy and
open, but with some tighter corners that can deceive, so stay
alert. Watch for changes in track surface, especially in the
wet.
FIRST
SECTION :
Stage 1 (Wellsford) and Stage 2 (Okahu)
Both are dry stages and similar in layout. Alter gear ratio
to BALANCED if you find the car "revs out" on the
faster parts.
DRY GROOVES 
MEDIUM 
EVEN 
MEDIUM
GOOD
SECOND
SECTION :
Stage 3 (Makaru) & Stage 4 (Glenbrook).
Here we have to compromise as stage 3 is wet, and 4 is dry,
but grip in the wet takes priority. REAR brake balance helps
on these twistier sections and stiffer suspension aids
handling. Gears can go to BALANCED if over revving.
WET GROOVES STIFF REAR
MEDIUM GOOD
THIRD
SECTION :
Stage 5 (Thames) & Stage 6 (Waihl). Stage 5 is
wet and 6 is 30% mud so we opt for wet grooved tires. GOOD
acceleration suits stage 6 better but EVEN brakes are safer
on wet stage 5.
WET GROOVES MEDIUM EVEN
MEDIUM GOOD
Greece
Bumpy, twisting
mountain roads, but at least the track is wide in most
places. Watch for blind hairpin turns over crests and avoid
hitting the walls too hard.
FIRST
SECTION :
Stage 1 (Stanos) & Stage 2 (Stagira). Both are
dry stages and similar in design. Stage 1 is quite bumpy but
medium suspension is a better bet for the 2nd stage. Watch
for walls and fences.
DRY GROOVES MEDIUM REAR
MEDIUM GOOD
SECOND
SECTION :
Stage 3 (Embesos) 4 (Kariani) & 5 (Avli). Here
we have three stages that have to be "averaged out"
for set-up. All are dry, but MAX Acceleration best suits
Stages 3 & 4 more than 5, where the car may "rev
out" on the second half of the stage.
DRY GROOVES MEDIUM EVEN
MEDIUM MAX ACC
THIRD
SECTION :
Stage 6 (Krinides). This stage stands alone, and can
be tailored to suit the track conditions. STIFF suspension
for precise handling, GOOD acceleration to get out of the
tight sections. You may have to make up time here for the
whole rally, so drive hard.
DRY GROOVES STIFF EVEN
MEDIUM GOOD
FOURTH
SECTION :
Super Special Stage. Another stand alone stage.
Super specials are a godsend as if you are good you can make
up several places over the whole field. Practice them often,
and drive hard.
DRY GROOVES SOFT
EVEN MEDIUM GOOD
Monte Carlo
Snow on narrow
winding mountain tracks that descend into dry hills and
picturesque townships. Includes a night stage to really test
your mettle. Good car control required.
FIRST
SECTION :
Stage 1 (Charols) & Stage 2 (Pradelle). The
opening stages are similar in that one set-up will handle
both stages well. The rest is up to the driver - namely not
hitting the barriers and walls too hard. Watch for sudden
hairpins on these mountain roads.
WET GROOVES MEDIUM EVEN
MEDIUM GOOD
SECOND
SECTION : Stage 3
(Serres) & Stage 4 (Sisteron, at NIGHT). Now the
choices get tougher - we have an open daytime stage on wet
tarmac and snow, and a twisting night stage on dry tar. Wet
tires for stage 3, stiff suspension for precise handling on
the tarmac in both, max acceleration favours stage 4 more.
Best tip for night driving - turn up the TV screen or monitor
brightness.
WET GROOVES STIFF EVEN
MEDIUM MAX ACC
THIRD
SECTION : Stage 5
(Riez) & Stage 6 (Broves). Tire choice here is a
compromise - dry tarmac stage 5 demands slicks, but snow on
stage 6 means wets. Always opt for the best grip in the wet.
Other than the rest of the choices suit both. Stage 5 should
be really attacked and driven hard. Take care with the
opening series of hairpins on stage 6.
WET GROOVES MEDIUM REAR
MEDIUM GOOD
More To Come...
Australia
Sweden
Corsica
United
Kingdom