The OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally Team had to give up the fight for WRC-points at the Rally Ireland on the 13th special stage. After the OMV pair Stohl/Minor had already lost almost seven minutes due to a slip on SS 11 the end came two special stages later. The reason was a pace notes error.

Crest full was crest right
The beginning of the second day of the penultimate run to the FIA World Rally Championship was anything but optimal for the OMV Kronos Citroen World Rally Team. About one third into the 27 kilometres long first stage Manfred Stohl slipped off the road at top speed.

Spectators helped him to get back on the road again but he lost almost seven minutes. This caused the 35-year-old OMV driver to drop out of scoring ranks.

The next and final mishap took place only two special stages later. Stohl: “Our writ was `crest full – 60 metres – crest into right three´. That unfortunately was much too fast, the right turn proved impossible to take.” The Citroen Xsara WRC broke through a gate and was heavily damaged when hitting a concrete pole.

Stohl. “That was the end of the rally. I am extremely sad for the team. The fault was in the notes and definitely not in the reading.

I did have troubles writing the notes in the first place since, like many other drivers, I judged things much faster than they can actually be driven.

Now all that could help us salvage a rather modest season would be an absolute top result in Wales. And I will definitely try my very best.”