What is WRC?
What is rally racing?
World Rally Championship (WRC) is known to be the most
challenging motorsport championship in the world. This rallying series was
established in 1973 and is organized by FIA on a yearly basis. This awesome
sport is spread across 15 countries, accumulating more than 14 rallies with
tracks ranging from rocky-mountains to snow-jammed thick forests.
The 2018 FIA world rally championship is the latest addition
to the series, recognized as the best international rally. There are 13 events,
starting in January with Monte Carlo Rally and ending in November with Rally
Australia. (If you interested more about Monte Carlo Rally, you could check link). This addition has a lot to offer as Citroen, Hyundai, and Toyota
competing to defeat the current world champions, M-sports Ford.
This dynamic sports event is divided into three
categories: FIA WRC 2 (four-wheeled drivers), FIA WRC 3 (two-wheeled drivers)
and FIA Junior WRC where upcoming stars can showcase their talent. If you are coming driver and want to show your skills, then this is a great opportunity for you.
Procedure
WRC racing is a 13-day event comprising of two
championships: driver and manufacturer’s world championship. Each rally is
divided into sections, mostly between 15 and 25 stages which are run on closed
roads against the clock. The WRC car is driven by the main driver and a co-driver.
The co-driver consistently checks the pace and explains what is coming next.
The drivers compete for one at a time and fight to complete all stages in
minimum time.
The timing can be as low as 0.1 seconds. The
transition between stages is through public roads following traffic
regulations. The basic procedure is followed by most rallies. The first two
days, rally drivers do the test/practice runs where they familiarize themselves and
make pace notes about the routes, speed limit, and timing. This is known as
‘reconnaissance.’ Then comes the ‘shakedown’ part where drivers fight at top
speeds of their WRC car. The competition is at its peak for three days.
Rules
As rallies can go for some days, there are preset
service parks which drivers can visit for 10, 30 or 45 minutes. The time limit
is strictly followed. If there are any violations, i.e., you arrive or leave
late, then penalties are imposed. Same goes for check-points. After each
competitive day, WRC cars are placed away from the service park, only in the
reach of driver and co-driver.
Only they can perform work or repairs with on board
tools. The team the completes all the stages in the shortest time wins the
competition. The points awarded to top ten finishers are
25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. Five bonus points are awarded to winners of the power
stage. Only (2017+)-specifications rally cars are authorized to enter the 2018
WRC. Private drivers have to submit their entries through manufacturers.
Cost &
Prize money
WRC rally cars cost around US$ 1 million as they are
built around 1.6 liters four-cylinder tech and feature turbochargers, anti-lag
systems, four-wheel-drive, sequential gearboxes, aerodynamic parts and other
enhancements. Rally racing is a hobby and there usually no huge involved. Only
some regular professionals get paid.
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Taisiya Lavrova
Russian motorsport's journalist, a painter. I enjoy to motivate you by posts about bravest drivers and most beautiful autodromes. If you like it, follow me.
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