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What is WRC? Introduction to rally racing

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rally racing
WRC official

What is rally racing?

The World Rally Championship (WRC) is the first thing that comes to mind, when it comes to rally racing. It is known to be the most demanding motorsport championship in the world. Founded in 1973 and held annually by the FIA, this breathtaking sport is spread across 15 countries and gathers more than 14 rallies with tracks ranging from rocky- mountains to snow-covered dense forests.

The 2018 FIA World Rally Championship is the latest addition to the series, which is recognized as the best international rally. There are 13 events, starting in January with the Rally of Monte Carlo and ending in November with the Rally of Australia. This addition has a lot to offer, as Citroen, Hyundai, and Toyota compete for victory against reigning world champion M-Sports Ford.

This dynamic sporting event is divided into three categories: FIA WRC 2 (four-wheeler, FIA WRC 3 two-wheeler and FIA Junior WRC, where rising stars can show off their talents. If you arrive as a driver and want to show your skills, then this is a great opportunity.

Procedure

WRC racing is a 13-day event consisting of two championships: Drivers and Manufacturers”World Championships. Each rally is divided into sections, usually between 15 and 25 stages, which are driven against the clock on closed roads. WRC cars are driven by the main driver and a co-driver. The co-driver rigorously controls the pace and explains what comes next.

The drivers compete for all stages in the shortest time. Timing can be up to 0.1 seconds. On the first two days, the rally drivers complete the test/ practice runs, during which they familiarize themselves with the track, speed limit, and timing, known as “exploration,” followed by the “shakedown” section, in which the drivers compete at the top speed of their WRC car.

 

rally racing
Rally Racing by WRC Official

Rules of Racing

Since rallies can last for several days, there are pre-set service parks that drivers can visit for 10, 30 or 45 minutes. Time restrictions are strictly adhered to. If there are violations, i.e. you arrive or leave too late, penalties will be imposed, as well as checkpoints. After each day of competition, the WRC cars will be placed away from the service park, only within reach of the drivers.

Only they can carry out work or repair work with vehicle tools. The team that completes all stages in the shortest time wins the competition. The points for the top ten are 25-18-15-12-10-8-6-4-2-1. Five bonus points are awarded to winners of the Power Stage. Only rally cars with 2017 + specification are allowed to participate in the 2018 World Cup. Private drivers must submit their entries via the manufacturers.

rally racing
WRC Official

 

Cost, Prize, and money

WRC rally cars cost around a million US dollars, as they are equipped with 1.6-litre four-cylinder technology, turbochargers, anti-lag systems, all-wheel drive, sequential transmissions, aerodynamic parts and other improvements. Rally racing is a hobby in which it usually does not play a major role.

Only some regular pros are paid. M-sport announced this year that the best team in the FIA Junior WRC 2018 will get a Ford Fiesta R5 rally car. The main purpose is to help the new driver pursue his career in the WRC 2 championship.